PMID- 25110536
TI  - Effect of sitagliptin on lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal studies have demonstrated that an inhibition of DPP-4 has an
      impact on the secretion of cholesterol and apoB by the small intestine. However,
      there is no consensus about the changes of the lipid profile following
      administration of sitagliptin. METHODS: Accordingly, we treated patients who had
      type 2 diabetes complicated by dyslipidemia with sitagliptin and evaluated its
      effects on the profile of lipid parameters. A total of 248 outpatients with type
      2 diabetes complicated by dyslipidemia were treated with sitagliptin at a daily
      dose of 50 mg. The levels and percent changes of lipid and glucose metabolism
      markers were measured at baseline and at 12 weeks after the initiation of
      treatment. RESULTS: Both plasma glucose and HbA1c were significantly decreased.
      Among the lipid parameters, total cholesterol (TC) and non-high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) showed a significant decrease (TC 3.6+/
      15.6%, non-HDL-C 2.9+/-19.7%; P < 0.05). Stratified analysis revealed a
      significant decrease of TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non
      HDL-C in the high triglyceride (TG) group (>= 150 mg/dL) (P < 0.05). Analysis
      stratified by demographic factors demonstrated significant differences in the
      changes of TC, LDL-C and non-HDL-C. Multivariate analysis showed a significant
      decrease of the TC, LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels in the high TG group (>= 150
      mg/dL), as well as a significant decrease of TC and LDL-C in patients using
      strong statins. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that sitagliptin caused a
      significant decrease of TC, LDL-C and non-HDL-C, particularly in patients with
      high baseline TG levels and those using strong statins.

PMID- 25110537
TI  - Psychological distress, personality traits and functional disability in patients
      with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate personality traits,
      psychological distress and functional disability in patients with non-traumatic
      osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). METHODS: Sixty-seven patients
      participated in the study, 48 males and 19 females. The mean age was 37.6 years
      (SD: 10.92, range: 15 - 61). Seventy-five healthy individuals, age and sex
      matched, served as controls. Socio-demographic information and clinical data were
      collected. The following instruments were used: the General Health Questionnaire
      (GHQ-28), the Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ) and the World Health Organization
      Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHO-DAS II). RESULTS: Patients suffering from
      ONFH presented higher scores at the GHQ-28 compared to healthy controls (P <
      0.001). Duration of disease (P < 0.047) and age (P < 0.023) were the main factors
      associated with psychological distress (P < 0.003). Personality traits such as
      image distorting (P < 0.025) and self-sacrificing (P < 0.029) were identified in
      patients with ONFH compared to healthy controls. Functional disability was
      associated with high scores at GHQ-28 scale (P < 0.001). The "adaptive
      personality structure", as measured by DSQ was negatively associated with
      functional impairment (P < 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ONFH more commonly
      present symptoms of psychological distress associated with distinct functional
      clinical parameters. The present study also reveals the role of personality
      traits. Further investigation could specify the possible influence of
      psychopathology and personality traits or coping strategies on the course of
      disease.

PMID- 25110538
TI  - Risk factors for subclavian vein thrombosis in cancer patients with total
      parenteral nutrition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few reports on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and its
      possible prothrombotic effect. The purpose of this study was to identify risk
      factors for subclavian vein thrombosis (SVT) in patients receiving TPN. METHOD:
      Cancer patients with indwelling subclavian catheters and TPN were followed in a
      cohort study. Doppler ultrasound examination was performed 8 and 30 days after
      catheter placement. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one patients were included, with
      a mean of 61 (+/- 11.8) years of age. We detected 36 SVT events at day 8 (29.8%)
      and 47 (38.8%) at day 30 after central catheter placement. Mean length of
      subclavian catheterization was 17.2 (+/- 8.2) days. Fifty-three point three
      percent of patients receiving >= 3,050 mOsm TPN in 24 hours developed SVT
      (relative risk (RR) = 2.01, 95% CI, 1.14 - 3.57; P = 0.016) at day 8 and 60% (RR
      = 1.67, 95% CI, 1.30 - 2.71; P = 0.038) at day 30 post-catheter placement.
      Protein administration of > 97.5 g/day was shown to be a risk factor for early
      thrombosis with a mean of 16.88 days for the development of SVT (95% CI, 10 -
      23.7) versus 27.8 days (95% CI, 25.8 - 29.9) in the group with nutritional
      protein content < 97.5 g/day (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: High-osmolarity and high
      protein nutrition formulas were shown to be risk factors for SVT in cancer
      patients receiving TPN.

PMID- 25110539
TI  - Effect of statins on endothelial function in patients with acute coronary
      syndrome: a prospective study using adhesion molecules and flow-mediated
      dilatation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammatory mechanisms play a
      central role in the development, progression and outcome of atherosclerosis.
      Recent evidence suggests that statins improve anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic
      and endothelial functions, along with their lipid-decreasing effects. We examined
      the effect of statins on endothelial function using biochemical markers of
      endothelial dysfunction and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD).
      METHODS: Thirty male patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and
      26 age-matched healthy control subjects aged 40 - 60 years who were not on any
      medication were enrolled in the study. The patient group was started on
      atorvastatin (40 mg/day) without consideration of their low-density lipoprotein
      (LDL)-cholesterol levels. Endothelin, sICAM and E-selectin from stored serum
      samples were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbant
      assays (ELISAs). Endothelial function was assessed using brachial artery FMD.
      RESULTS: Prior to statin treatment, E-selectin, sICAM and endothelin levels,
      endothelial dysfunction markers, were 99.74 +/- 34.67 ng/mL, 568.8 +/- 149.0
      ng/mL and 0.62 +/- 0.33 fmol/mL, respectively in the patient group. E-selectin
      and sICAM levels were significantly higher in the patients than in the control
      subjects (P < 0.001); however, endothelin levels were not significantly different
      between groups. Statin treatment significantly reduced E-selectin and sICAM
      levels (P < 0.001); however, the decrease in endothelin levels was not
      statistically significant. %FMD values were significantly increased after statin
      treatment (P = 0.005), and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation
      marker, were significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that statins
      play an important role in treatment endothelial dysfunction by reducing adhesion
      of inflammatory cells.

PMID- 25110540
TI  - Quality of life of patients after an acute coronary event: hospital discharge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has a high morbi-mortality rate,
      including physical deficiencies and functional limitations with impact on quality
      of life. Cardiovascular rehabilitation 1 (CVR1) should begin as early as
      possible, to enable improvement in functional capacity and quality of life.
      Previous studies have shown association of cardiovascular diseases with quality
      of life, in which depression and anxiety are the domains most altered. The aim of
      the study is to verify the impact of an acute coronary event on quality of life
      at the moment of hospital discharge. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional
      study, with ACS patients hospitalized in ICU of a private hospital in the city of
      Salvador, Brazil, submitted to CVR1. The quality of life questionnaire Euroqol-5D
      was applied on discharge from hospital. Patients included in the study were those
      with ACV, who had medical permission to walk, had not been submitted to acute
      surgical treatment, were time and space oriented, and over the age of 18 years.
      Patients excluded from the study were those with cognitive, orthopedic and
      neurological problems, who used orthesis on a lower limb, and were in any
      condition of risk at the time of beginning with CVR1. Data were collected by a
      previously trained ICU team. RESULTS: Data were collected of 63 patients who
      revealed compromise in the domains of pain/feeling ill (20.63%) and
      anxiety/depression (38.09%). Statistical significance was observed in the
      association between sex and pain/feeling ill (P < 0.01), sex and
      anxiety/depression (P < 0.01), diabetes and mobility (P < 0.01), hereditary
      factors and anxiety/depression (p < 0.01), BMI and pain/feeling ill (P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: In this sample of patients, on discharge from hospital after ACS, the
      pain/feeling ill and anxiety/depression domains were shown to be compromised.

PMID- 25110541
TI  - Accuracy of unstimulated Basal serum thyroglobulin levels in assessing the
      completeness of thyroidectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complete excision is important for proper surgical treatment of
      thyroid disorders. Functional thyroid tissue can be identified based on the level
      of serum thyroglobulin (Tg), which is produced only by the thyroid follicular
      cells, and nuclear scan. METHODS: Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free
      thyroxin (FT4), basal (unstimulated) Tg and anti-Tg antibody (anti-Tg ab) were
      measured at the sixth postoperative month in 100 patients with benign thyroid
      disorders treated by total thyroidectomy. Thyroid nuclear scan was obtained to
      identify functional remnant of the thyroid gland. The sensitivity, specificity,
      accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of
      the Tg levels in assessing thyroid remnant were calculated. RESULTS: Positive
      scan showed thyroid remnant in 23 patients, among whom 16 were Tg positive (true
      positive) and seven were Tg negative (< 0.5 ng/mL) (false negative). In these
      patients, the nuclear scan revealed pyramidal lobe remnants. In 77 patients with
      negative scan, the Tg levels were also negative (true negative), and the PPV,
      NPV, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the Tg levels were 100%, 92%, 70%,
      100% and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The positive basal Tg (> 0.5 ng/mL)
      level accurately indicated the functional thyroid remnant after total
      thyroidectomy. The negative Tg (< 0.5 ng/mL) level supported complete excision of
      the thyroid gland. The surgical completeness of total thyroidectomy was
      accurately evaluated based on the serum Tg levels. Therefore, serum Tg levels
      should be measured in postoperative follow-up to determine the completeness of
      total thyroidectomy.

PMID- 25110542
TI  - Validation of the edinburgh postpartum depression scale in a population of adult
      pregnant women in Mexico.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) is useful for
      screening depression in puerperal women as well as women during pregnancy.
      However, such instrument should be validated in a given language before it can be
      used. There is not validated Mexican version of the EPDS for use in adult
      pregnant women. Therefore, we sought to validate a Spanish translated Mexican
      version of the EPDS in a population of adult pregnant women. METHODS: One hundred
      fifty-eight adult women (mean age: 28 +/- 6.8 years; range: 18 - 45 years) within
      their 2 - 9 months of pregnancy attending routine prenatal consultations in a
      public hospital in Durango City, Mexico were studied. All pregnant women
      submitted a Spanish translated Mexican version of the EPDS. In addition,
      participants were assessed for major and minor depression by using the DSM-IV
      criteria. RESULTS: Of the 158 pregnant women studied, 11 had major depression and
      26 had minor depression by the DSM-IV criteria. The best EPDS score for screening
      combined major and minor depression in adult pregnant women was 9/10. This
      threshold showed a sensitivity of 75.7%, a specificity of 74.4%, a positive
      predictive value of 50.8%, a negative predictive value of 94.7% and an area under
      the curve of 0.89 (95% confidence interval: 0.71 - 1.06). CONCLUSION: The Mexican
      version of the EPDS can be considered for screening depression in Mexican adult
      pregnant women whenever a cut-off score of 9/10 is used.

PMID- 25110543
TI  - Chronic subdural hematoma in patients over 90 years old in a super-aged society.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common diseases
      in neurosurgical practice, particularly among aged patients. With the continuing
      increase in the aged population, further increases in incidence are expected.
      However, few studies have focused on CSDH in super-aged patients over 90 years
      old. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records for 20 consecutive
      patients over 90 years old with CSDH treated in our department between 2007 and
      2013. The diagnosis of CSDH was confirmed by computed tomography (CT). Patients
      were divided into a surgery group and a conservative group. Surgical procedures
      included burr-hole surgery followed by insertion of a subdural drain under local
      anesthesia. Clinical data were compared and analyzed. Neurological status was
      evaluated according to the modified Rankin Scale at three time points: before
      suffering from CSDH; at the time of referral or admission to our department; and
      at discharge or 1 month after the first referral. Statistical tests were used to
      analyze data and values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Mean
      age for the 20 cases was 92.6 years (range, 90 - 96 years). The leading symptoms
      in this population were hemiparesis and gait disturbance, followed by disturbance
      of consciousness and speech disturbance. Twelve patients underwent burr-hole
      surgery. Mean maximum thickness of subdural hematoma as measured on CT was
      significantly higher in the surgery group (28.2 +/- 5.4 mm) than in the
      conservative group (17.0 +/- 3.8 mm; P < 0.01). Postoperatively, mean
      neurological status was significantly improved in the surgery group (P < 0.01).
      After surgery, 66.7% of patients could return home directly from hospital. No
      significant perioperative complications directly related to surgery were
      encountered in the surgery group, except for transient postoperative restlessness
      and bruising of extremities due to falls. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for CSDH is safe
      and positively recommended even in super-aged patients over 90 years old if the
      patient's physical status is fair. Pre-illness status is the most important
      factor for considering operative indications and represents a limiting factor for
      postoperative outcomes in this age population.

PMID- 25110544
TI  - Does modification to the approach to contacting potential participants improve
      recruitment to clinical trials?
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is critical that clinical trial researchers ensure efficient and
      successful patient recruitment. Recruitment is often slower than expected and
      required sample sizes not obtained within initial funding deadlines. There is
      little rigorous evidence supporting ways to improve recruitment. We hypothesized
      making telephone contact with subjects prior to hospital attendance would improve
      recruitment rates into clinical trials. METHODS: Retrospective post hoc analysis
      of recruitment rates in an on-going clinical trial was undertaken. Two hundred
      twelve consecutive patients were recruited over 6 months. During the first 3
      months, patients received a telephone call from the research team and also
      received an information sheet by post prior to clinic attendance (group 1). The
      study was discussed on telephone and any issues were re-addressed at the
      patient's clinic appointment when they were formally invited to participate in
      the study. After 3 months, the investigators stopped telephoning the patients
      (group 2); patients were invited to participate in the study by post and were
      first spoken to directly by an investigator in clinic. The study protocol and
      investigators did not change between groups. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference in baseline demographics between the two groups. There was a
      significant improvement in recruitment rate in group 1 compared to group 2 (77.7%
      vs. 45.0%, P < 0.0001). An improvement in clinic attendance rate in group 1 was
      observed, although this was not significant (did not attend rate: 2.9% vs. 7.8%,
      P = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Telephone contact between researchers and potential
      participants prior to clinic attendance can greatly improve study recruitment
      rates. This information may benefit the design of all clinical studies.

PMID- 25110545
TI  - Recurrent arterial and venous thromboemboli as initial presentation of acute
      promyelocytic leukemia.
AB  - We report a case of a 52-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with a synchronic
      arterial and venous thrombosis as an initial presentation of an acute
      promyelocytic leukemia (APL). After the diagnosis, the patient was treated with
      all trans-retinoic acid and arsenic chemotherapy concomitant to systemic
      anticoagulation. This treatment regimen led to a complete remission and absence
      of relapse of the thrombosis or APL during the follow-up. To our knowledge, this
      presentation is the second case in the literature. We use this opportunity to
      emphasize the importance of performing a complete medical evaluation in cases of
      unusual thromboembolic events. 

PMID- 25110546
TI  - Potential biomarker for human uterine leiomyosarcoma.

PMID- 25110547
TI  - Secondary polycythemia and the risk of venous thromboembolism.

PMID- 25110548
TI  - Behavioral Attention: A Longitudinal Study of Whether and How It Influences the
      Development of Word Reading and Reading Comprehension among At-Risk Readers.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which teacher ratings of
      behavioral attention predicted responsiveness to word reading instruction in
      first grade and third-grade reading comprehension performance. Participants were
      110 first grade students identified as at-risk for reading difficulties who
      received 20 weeks of intensive reading intervention in combination with classroom
      reading instruction. Path analysis indicated that teacher ratings of student
      attention significantly predicted students' word reading growth in first grade
      even when they were competed against other relevant predictors (phonological
      awareness, nonword reading, sight word efficiency, vocabulary, listening
      comprehension, hyperactivity, nonverbal reasoning, and short term memory). Also,
      student attention demonstrated a significant indirect effect on third grade
      reading comprehension via word reading, but not via listening comprehension.
      Results suggest that student attention (indexed by teacher ratings) is an
      important predictor of at-risk readers' responsiveness to reading instruction in
      first grade and that first-grade reading growth mediates the relationship between
      students' attention and their future level of reading comprehension. The
      importance of considering ways to manage and improve behavioral attention when
      implementing reading instruction is discussed.

PMID- 25110549
TI  - Atorvastatin represses the angiotensin 2-induced oxidative stress and
      inflammatory response in dendritic cells via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf 2 pathway.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs), which are highly proficient antigen-presenting cells, play
      a complex role in both the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. We
      tested the hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of
      atorvastatin may be partly mediated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein
      kinase B/transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2
      (PI3K/Akt/Nrf 2) pathway via the attenuation of DC maturation, thus reducing the
      inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. This study showed that angiotensin 2
      (Ang 2) induced the maturation of DCs, stimulated CD83, CD40, CD80, and CD86
      expression, and increased the secretion of IL-12p70, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. These
      effects were suppressed by atorvastatin. Atorvastatin also lowered the levels of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), counteracting their
      initial increases in response to Ang 2 stimulation. Atorvastatin activated Nrf 2
      via the PI3K/Akt pathway and thereby promoted Nrf 2 translocation from the
      cytoplasm to the nucleus in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), a
      process that was reversed by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Therefore, the
      regulation of Nrf 2 expression by the PI3K/Akt pathway plays an important role in
      the regulation of the statin-mediated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses
      in DCs. 

PMID- 25110550
TI  - Oxidative stresses and mitochondrial dysfunction in age-related hearing loss.
AB  - Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), the progressive loss of hearing associated with
      aging, is the most common sensory disorder in the elderly population. The
      pathology of ARHL includes the hair cells of the organ of Corti, stria
      vascularis, and afferent spiral ganglion neurons as well as the central auditory
      pathways. Many studies have suggested that the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA
      damage, the production of reactive oxygen species, and decreased antioxidant
      function are associated with subsequent cochlear senescence in response to aging
      stress. Mitochondria play a crucial role in the induction of intrinsic apoptosis
      in cochlear cells. ARHL can be prevented in laboratory animals by certain
      interventions, such as caloric restriction and supplementation with antioxidants.
      In this review, we will focus on previous research concerning the role of the
      oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathology of ARHL in both
      animal models and humans and introduce concepts that have recently emerged
      regarding the mechanisms of the development of ARHL. 

PMID- 25110551
TI  - Bovine beta-lactoglobulin/fatty acid complexes: binding, structural, and
      biological properties.
AB  - Ligand-binding properties of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-lg) are well documented,
      but the subsequent biological functions are still unclear. Focusing on fatty
      acids/beta-lg complexes, the structure-function relationships are reviewed in the
      light of the structural state of the protein (native versus non-native aggregated
      proteins). After a brief description of beta-lg native structure, the review
      takes an interest in the binding properties of native beta-lg (localization of
      binding sites, stoichiometry, and affinity) and the way the interaction affects
      the biological properties of the protein and the ligand. The binding properties
      of non-native aggregated forms of beta-lg that are classically generated during
      industrial processing are also related. Structural changes modify the
      stoichiometry and the affinity of beta-lg for fatty acids and consequently the
      biological functions of the complex. Finally, the fatty acid-binding properties
      of other whey proteins (alpha-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin) and some
      biological properties of the complexes are also addressed. These proteins affect
      beta-lg/fatty acids complex in whey given their competition with beta-lg for
      fatty acids.

PMID- 25110552
TI  - Communicating clinical research to reduce cancer risk through diet: Walnuts as a
      case example.
AB  - Inflammation is one mechanism through which cancer is initiated and progresses,
      and is implicated in the etiology of other conditions that affect cancer risk and
      prognosis, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and visceral obesity.
      Emerging human evidence, primarily epidemiological, suggests that walnuts impact
      risk of these chronic diseases via inflammation. The published literature
      documents associations between walnut consumption and reduced risk of cancer, and
      mortality from cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, particularly within
      the context of the Mediterranean Diet. While encouraging, follow-up in human
      intervention trials is needed to better elucidate any potential cancer prevention
      effect of walnuts, per se. In humans, the far-reaching positive effects of a
      plant-based diet that includes walnuts may be the most critical message for the
      public. Indeed, appropriate translation of nutrition research is essential for
      facilitating healthful consumer dietary behavior. This paper will explore the
      translation and application of human evidence regarding connections with cancer
      and biomarkers of inflammation to the development of dietary guidance for the
      public and individualized dietary advice. Strategies for encouraging dietary
      patterns that may reduce cancer risk will be explored. 

PMID- 25110553
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effect of methanol extract from Erigeron Canadensis L. may be
      involved with upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 expression and suppression of
      NFkappaB and MAPKs activation in macrophages.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In this study, we determined the anti-inflammatory
      activities and the underlying molecular mechanisms of the methanol extract from
      Erigeron Canadensis L. (ECM) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells.
      MATERIALS/METHODS: The potential anti-inflammatory properties of ECM were
      investigated by using RAW264.7 macrophages. We used western blot assays and real
      time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect protein and mRNA
      expression, respectively. Luciferase assays were performed to determine the
      transactivity of transcription factors. RESULTS: ECM significantly inhibited
      inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-derived NO and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
      derived PGE2 production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. These inhibitory
      effects of ECM were accompanied by decreases in LPS-induced nuclear
      translocations and transactivities of NFkappaB. Moreover, phosphorylation of
      mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) including extracellular signal-related
      kinase (ERK1/2), p38, and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was significantly
      suppressed by ECM in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Further studies
      demonstrated that ECM by itself induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein
      expression at the protein levels in dose-dependent manner. However, zinc
      protoporphyrin (ZnPP), a selective HO-1 inhibitor, abolished the ECM-induced
      suppression of NO production. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that ECM
      induced HO-1 expression was partly responsible for the resulting anti
      inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that ECM exerts anti-inflammatory
      actions and help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the potential therapeutic
      values of Erigeron Canadensis L.

PMID- 25110554
TI  - The effect of long-term supplementation with different dietary omega-6/omega-3
      ratios on mineral content and ex vivo prostaglandin E2 release in bone of growing
      rabbits.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to study the different long
      term effects of consumption of dietary oil sources with varying omega-6/omega-3
      (omega-6/omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ratios on bone marrow fatty
      acid level, ex vivo prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release, and mineral content of bone
      in rabbits. MATERIALS/METHODS: For this purpose, weaning and female New Zealand
      white rabbits were purchased and randomly divided into five groups and offered ad
      libitum diets containing 70 g/kg of added oil for 100 days. The dietary lipid
      treatments were formulated to provide the following ratios of omega-6/omega-3
      fatty acids: 8.68 soy bean oil (SBO control), 21.75 sesame oil (SO), 0.39 fish
      oil (FO), 0.63 algae oil (DHA), and 0.68 algae oils (DHA/ARA). DHA and ARA are
      two types of marine microalgae of the genus Crypthecodinium cohnii. RESULTS: The
      dietary treatments had significant effects on the bone marrow fatty acids of
      rabbits. Rabbits fed the FO diet, containing the highest omega-3 PUFA
      concentration, and those fed the SBO diet showed the highest omega-6 PUFA. On the
      other hand, a positive correlation was observed between Ex vivo PGE2 level and
      the omega-6/omega-3 dietary ratio. Significant effects of dietary treatment on
      femur Ca, P, Mg, and Zn contents were observed in both genders. CONCLUSIONS:
      Findings of the current study clearly demonstrated that dietary PUFA,
      particularly omega-6/omega-3 and ARA/EPA ratios are important factors in
      determining bone marrow fatty acid profile, and this in turn determines the
      capacity of bone for synthesis of PGE2, thereby reducing bone resorption and
      improving bone mass during growth.

PMID- 25110555
TI  - Effects of lycopene on number and function of human peripheral blood endothelial
      progenitor cells cultivated with high glucose.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the
      effects of lycopene on the migration, adhesion, tube formation capacity, and p38
      mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activity of endothelial progenitor
      cells (EPCs) cultivated with high glucose (HG) and as well as explore the
      mechanism behind the protective effects of lycopene on peripheral blood EPCs.
      MATERIALS/METHODS: Mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood by
      Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. EPCs were identified after induction of
      cellular differentiation. Third generation EPCs were incubated with HG (33
      mmol/L) or 10, 30, and 50 ug/mL of lycopene plus HG. MTT assay and flow cytometry
      were performed to assess proliferation and apoptosis of EPCs. EPC migration was
      assessed by MTT assay with a modified boyden chamber. Adhesion assay was
      performed by replating EPCs on fibronectin-coated dishes, after which adherent
      cells were counted. In vitro vasculogenesis activity was assayed by Madrigal
      network formation assay. Western blotting was performed to analyze protein
      expression of both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated p38 MAPK. RESULTS: The
      proliferation, migration, adhesion, and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity of EPCs
      treated with 10, 30, and 50 ug/mL of lycopene plus HG were all significantly
      higher comapred to the HG group (P < 0.05). Rates of apoptosis were also
      significantly lower than that of the HG group. Moreover, lycopene blocked
      phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in EPCs (P < 0.05). To confirm the causal
      relationship between MAPK inhibition and the protective effects of lycopene
      against HG-induced cellular injury, we treated cells with SB203580, a
      phosphorylation inhibitor. The inhibitor significantly inhibited HG-induced EPC
      injury. CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene promotes proliferation, migration, adhesion, and in
      vitro vasculogenesis capacity as well as reduces apoptosis of EPCs. Further, the
      underlying molecular mechanism of the protective effects of lycopene against HG
      induced EPC injury may involve the p38 MAPK signal transduction pathway.
      Specifically, lycopene was shown to inhibit HG-induced EPC injury by inhibiting
      p38 MAPKs.

PMID- 25110556
TI  - Anti-proliferative and angio-suppressive effect of Stoechospermum marginatum (C.
      Agardh) Kutzing extract using various experimental models.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Abundant consumption of seaweeds in the diet is
      epidemiologically linked to the reduction in risk of developing cancer. In larger
      cases, however, identification of particular seaweeds that are accountable for
      these effects is still lacking, hindering the recognition of competent dietary
      based chemo preventive approaches. The aim of this research was to establish the
      antiproliferative potency and angiosuppressive mode of action of Stoechospermum
      marginatum seaweed methanolic extract using various experimental models.
      MATERIALS/METHODS: Among the 15 seaweeds screened for antiproliferative activity
      against Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cell line, Stoechospermum marginatum extract
      (SME) was found to be the most promising. Therefore, it was further investigated
      for its anti-proliferative activity in-vitro against choriocarcinoma (BeWo) and
      non-transformed Human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells, and for its anti
      migratory/tube formation activity against HUVEC cells in-vitro. Subsequently, the
      angiosuppressive activity of S. marginatum was established by inhibition of
      angiogenesis in in-vivo (peritoneal angiogenesis and chorioallantoic membrane
      assay) and ex-vivo (rat cornea assay) models. RESULTS: Most brown seaweed
      extracts inhibited the proliferation of EAT cells, while green and red seaweed
      extracts were much less effective. According to the results, SME selectively
      inhibited proliferation of BeWo cells in-vitro in a dose-dependent manner, but
      had a lesser effect on HEK 293 cells. SME also suppressed the migration and tube
      formation of HUVEC cells in-vitro. In addition, SME was able to suppress VEGF
      induced angiogenesis in the chorio allantoic membrane, rat cornea, and tumor
      induced angiogenesis in the peritoneum of EAT bearing mice. A decrease in the
      microvessel density count and CD31 antigen staining of treated mice peritoneum
      provided further evidence of its angiosuppressive activity. CONCLUSIONS:
      Altogether, the data underline that VEGF mediated angiogenesis is the target for
      the angiosuppressive action of SME and could potentially be useful in cancer
      prevention or treatment involving stimulated angiogenesis.

PMID- 25110557
TI  - Protective effects of Acanthopanax divaricatus extract in mouse models of
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acanthopanax divaricatus var. albeofructus (ADA) extract has been
      reported to have anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-mutagenic activity.
      MATERIALS/METHODS: We investigated the effects of ADA extract on two mouse models
      of Alzheimer's disease (AD); intracerebroventricular injection of beta-amyloid
      peptide (Abeta) and amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1)-transgenic
      mice. RESULTS: Intra-gastric administration of ADA stem extract (0.25 g/kg, every
      12 hrs started from one day prior to injection of Abeta1-42 until evaluation)
      effectively blocked Abeta1-42-induced impairment in passive avoidance
      performance, and Abeta1-42-induced increase in immunoreactivities of glial
      fibrillary acidic protein and interleukin (IL)-1alpha in the hippocampus. In
      addition, it alleviated the Abeta1-42-induced decrease in acetylcholine and
      increase in malondialdehyde levels in the cortex. In APP/PS1-transgenic mice,
      chronic oral administration of ADA stem extract (0.1 or 0.5 g/kg/day for six
      months from the age of six to 12 months) resulted in significantly enhanced
      performance of the novel-object recognition task, and reduced amyloid deposition
      and IL-1beta in the brain. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that
      ADA stem extract may be useful for prevention and treatment of AD.

PMID- 25110558
TI  - Apple pectin, a dietary fiber, ameliorates myocardial injury by inhibiting
      apoptosis in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Myocardial cell death due to occlusion of the coronary
      arteries leads to myocardial infarction, a subset of coronary heart disease
      (CHD). Dietary fiber is known to be associated with a reduced risk of CHD, the
      underlying mechanisms of which were suggested to delay the onset of occlusion by
      ameliorating risk factors. In this study, we tested a hypothesis that a
      beneficial role of dietary fiber could arise from protection of myocardial cells
      against ischemic injury, manifested after occlusion of the arteries.
      MATERIALS/METHODS: Three days after rats were fed apple pectin (AP) (with 10, 40,
      100, and 400 mg/kg/day), myocardial ischemic injury was induced by 30 min
      ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by 3 hr
      reperfusion. The area at risk and infarct area were evaluated using Evans blue
      dye and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, respectively. DNA
      nicks reflecting the extent of myocardial apoptosis were assessed by TUNEL assay.
      Levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax were assessed by
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Supplementation of AP (with 100 and 400 mg/kg/day)
      resulted in significantly attenuated infarct size (IS) (ratio of infarct area to
      area at risk) by 21.9 and 22.4%, respectively, in the AP-treated group, compared
      with that in the control group. This attenuation in IS showed correlation with
      improvement in biomarkers involved in the apoptotic cascades: reduction of
      apoptotic cells, inhibition of conversion of procaspase-3 to caspase-3, and
      increase of Bcl-2/Bax ratio, a determinant of cell fate. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings indicate that supplementation of AP results in amelioration of
      myocardial infarction by inhibition of apoptosis. Thus, the current study
      suggests that intake of dietary fiber reduces the risk of CHD, not only by
      blocking steps leading to occlusion, but also by protecting against ischemic
      injury caused by occlusion of the arteries.

PMID- 25110559
TI  - Protective effect of the standardized green tea seed extract on UVB-induced skin
      photoaging in hairless mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on skin can induce
      production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause expression of matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMPs) and collagen degradation. Thus, chronic exposure of
      skin to UVB irradiation leads to histological changes consistent with aging, such
      as wrinkling, abnormal pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. We investigated the
      protective effect of the standardized green tea seed extract (GSE) on UVB-induced
      skin photoaging in hairless mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Skin photoaging was induced
      by UVB irradiation on the back of Skh-1 hairless mice three times per week and
      UVB irradiation was performed for 10 weeks. Mice were divided into six groups;
      normal control, UVB irradiated control group, positive control (UVB + dietary
      supplement of vitamin C 100 mg/kg), GSE 10 mg/kg (UVB + dietary supplement of GSE
      10 mg/kg), GSE 100 mg/kg (UVB + dietary supplement of GSE 100 mg/kg), and GSE 200
      mg/kg (UVB + dietary supplement of GSE 200 mg/kg). RESULTS: The dietary
      supplement GSE attenuated UVB irradiation-induced wrinkle formation and the
      decrease in density of dermal collagen fiber. In addition, results of the
      antioxidant analysis showed that GSE induced a significant increase in
      antioxidant enzyme activity compared with the UVB irradiation control group.
      Dietary supplementation with GSE 200 mg/kg resulted in a significant decrease in
      expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 and an increase in expression of TIMP and
      type-1 collagen. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study suggest that dietary
      supplement GSE could be useful in attenuation of UVB irradiation-induced skin
      photoaging and wrinkle formation due to regulation of antioxidant defense systems
      and MMPs expression.

PMID- 25110560
TI  - Effect of Hominis Placenta on cutaneous wound healing in normal and diabetic
      mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The number of diabetic patients has recently shown a rapid
      increase, and delayed wound healing is a major clinical complication in diabetes.
      In this study, the wound healing effect of Hominis placenta (HP) treatment was
      investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.
      MATERIALS/METHODS: Four full thickness wounds were created using a 4 mm biopsy
      punch on the dorsum. HP was injected subcutaneously at the middle region of the
      upper and lower wounds. Wounds were digitally photographed and wound size was
      measured every other day until the 14th day. Wound closure rate was analyzed
      using CANVAS 7SE software. Wound tissues were collected on days 2, 6, and 14
      after wounding for H/E, immunohistochemistry for FGF2, and Masson's trichrome
      staining for collagen study. RESULTS: Significantly faster wound closure rates
      were observed in the HP treated group than in normal and diabetes control mice on
      days 6 and 8. Treatment with HP resulted in reduced localization of inflammatory
      cells in wounded skin at day 6 in normal mice and at day 14 in diabetic mice (P <
      0.01). Expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 showed a significant
      increase in the HP treated group on day 14 in both normal (P < 0.01) and diabetic
      mice (P < 0.05). In addition, HP treated groups showed a thicker collagen layer
      than no treatment groups, which was remarkable on the last day, day 14, in both
      normal and diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, HP treatment has a
      beneficial effect on acceleration of cutaneous wound healing via regulation of
      the entire wound healing process, including inflammation, proliferation, and
      remodeling.

PMID- 25110561
TI  - Improvement in metabolic parameters in obese subjects after 16 weeks on a
      Brazilian-staple calorie-restricted diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The standard pattern of Brazilian food consumption is
      based on the combination of rice and beans served together in the main meals.
      This study assessed the effects of Brazilian-staple calorie-restricted (BS-diet)
      dietary advice, with brown rice and beans, on metabolic parameters, body
      composition, and food intake in overweight/obese subjects. SUBJECTS/METHODS:
      Twentyseven subjects were randomly assigned to a conventional-type calorie
      restricted diet (CT-diet) (n = 13) or a BS-diet (n = 14). Glucose metabolism,
      lipid profile, anthropometric and body composition parameters, and food intake
      were measured before and after 16 weeks. Paired t-tests/Wilcoxon tests were used
      for comparison of differences from baseline and unpaired t-tests/Mann-Whitney
      tests were used for comparison of differences between the groups. RESULTS: After
      16 weeks, both groups showed reductions in weight and waist circumference (P <
      0.02), and the BS-diet group showed a decrease in body fat (P = 0.0001), and
      significant improvement in glucose metabolism (fasting plasma glucose, glucose
      and insulin areas under the curve, Cederholm index, and HOMA2-%beta) (P <= 0.04)
      and lipid profile (cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL-c, VLDL-c, and
      cholesterol/HDL-c ratio) (P <= 0.05). In addition, the BS-diet group showed
      significant improvement in HOMA2-%beta, compared to the CT-diet group (P = 0.03).
      The BS-diet group also showed a significant reduction in energy, lipids,
      carbohydrate, and cholesterol intake (P <= 0.04) and an increase in fiber intake
      (P <= 0.001), while the CT-diet group showed a significant reduction in intake of
      energy, macronutrients, PUFA, and cholesterol (P <= 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: These
      results demonstrate the benefits of the BS-diet on metabolic parameters in obese
      subjects.

PMID- 25110562
TI  - Plasma adipocytokines and antioxidants-status in Korean overweight and obese
      females with dyslipidemia.
AB  - BACKGROUD/OBEJECTIVES: It is hypothesized that obese people with dyslipidemia is
      more likely to have increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant status,
      in comparison with the controls who were obese without dyslipidemia. Thus, the
      aims of the present study were to determine the dietary intakes, plasma
      adipokines, and antioxidative systems between obese with dyslipidemia and obese
      without dyslipidemia were investigated. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Female subjects who
      were between 20 and 55 years old, and whose BMI was 23 or greater were recruited.
      Subjects who met the criteria of BMI >= 23, total cholesterol >= 200 mg/dL, LDL
      cholesterol >= 130 mg/dL, and TG >= 110 mg/dL were categorized Obese with
      dyslipidemia. Anthropometric measurements and blood biochemical tests were
      conducted. The diet survey was conducted by a trained dietitian using two days of
      24 hour dietary recall. The lipid peroxidation, the plasma total antioxidant
      capacity (TAC), the activities of antioxidantive enzymes, and various
      antioxidantive vitamins levels were determined. RESULTS: Plasma adiponectin and
      leptin levels were also determined. There were no significant differences for
      age, Body Mass index (BMI), and body fat (%), waist-size between two groups.
      Obese with dyslipidemia had significantly high levels of total cholesterol,
      triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, the ratio of total cholesterol/HDL-C, and the
      ratio of HDL-C/LDL-C, respectively. Blood alkaline phosphatase level was
      statistically different between the two groups (P < 0.05). No statistical
      significance in dietary intake between two groups was shown. In case of obese
      with dyslipidemia group, the levels of GSH-Px (P < 0.05) and catalase (P < 0.05)
      as well as adjusted blood retinol (P < 0.05) and tocopherol level (P < 0.05) were
      significantly low. However, the plasma concentration of leptin was significantly
      high (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity with dyslipidemia was shown to have high
      arthtrogenic index, depleted antioxidant status, and higher blood leptin levels
      which suggest higher risks of oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 25110563
TI  - Factors contributing to participation in food assistance programs in the elderly
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The study objectives were to examine the participation
      rate in food assistance programs and explore the factors that contribute to such
      participation among the Korean elderly population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study
      sample comprised 3,932 respondents aged 65 years or older who were selected from
      a secondary data set, the fourth Korean Welfare Panel Study (KoWePS). The
      factors, related to participation in programs were examined based on the
      predisposing, enabling and need factors of the help-seeking behavior model.
      Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to select the best contributors
      among the factors related to program participation. RESULTS: The predisposing
      rate in food assistance programs was 8.5% (7.1% for men and 10.4% for women).
      When all variables were included in the model, living without spouse, no formal
      education, low income, having social security benefits and food insecurity in
      elderly men, and age, low income, having social security benefits and feeling
      poor in elderly women were significantly related to a higher tendency to program
      participation. CONCLUSIONS: The predisposing and need factors, such as living
      without spouse, low education level, food insecurity and feeling poor were
      important for program participation, as well as enabling factors, such as
      household income and social security benefits. A comprehensive approach
      considering these factors to identify the target population for food assistance
      programs is needed to increase the effectiveness and target population
      penetration of these programs.

PMID- 25110564
TI  - Structural relations of late night snacking choice attributes and health
      promotion behaviors according to dietary style of industrial workers.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This research was conducted to develop a construct model
      regarding the dietary style, late night snacking choice attributes and health
      promotion behaviors of industrial workers. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The surveys were
      collected during the period between January and February 2013. A statistical
      analysis of 888 industrial workers was conducted using SPSS 12.0 for Windows and
      SEM (Structural Equation Model) using AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structure) 5.0
      statistics package. RESULTS: The results of the correlations between all
      variables showed significant positive correlations (P < 0.05). Results of factors
      analysis on dietary styles were categorized into five factors and health
      promotion behaviors were categorized into four. The reliability of these findings
      was supported by a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.6 and higher for all other
      factors. After obtaining the factors from processing an exploratory factor
      analysis and the end results supported the validity. In an attempt to study the
      late night snacking choice attributes in accordance to dietary styles and the
      health promotion behaviors of industrial workers, a structural equation model was
      constructed and analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: All tests proved the model satisfied the
      recommended levels of the goodness on fit index, and thus, the overall research
      model was proved to be appropriate.

PMID- 25110565
TI  - Analysis of micromineral contents of school meals.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Korean ordinary diets are referred to be good for human
      health in worldwide. However it is uncertain whether they provide microminerals
      enough for growth and health of teenagers. A main purpose of this study was to
      identify micromineral contents in school meals. MATERIALS/METHODS: The fifty
      cuisines were collected from elementary schools and middle schools in Gyeongnam
      area. The contents of Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn among microminerals were analyzed by
      using ICP-OES method. Data were expressed as mean, standard deviation and range
      value and linear regression analysis performed. RESULTS: Fe level of
      Pangibuseotpaprika-salad was the highest among side-dishes (average 346.6 ug) and
      Zn level of Sullung-tang was highest among soups (average 229.1 ug). Cu level of
      Buchu-kimchi was the highest among kimchies (average 217.5 ug) and Mn level of
      Gumeunkongyangnyum-gui was highest among side-dishes (average 198.4 ug).
      Generally cooked-rices as main dish had relative smaller amounts of microminerals
      than the other cuisines. The results showed that the ratio of Cu : Fe : Zn was
      approximately 12 : 4 : 1 and the relationship between Fe versus Zn or Fe versus
      Cu was significantly positive. CONCLUSION: Comparing to Korean Dietary
      Recommended Intakes (KDRI) level, school meals provided not sufficient amount
      (<25% DRI) of Fe, Zn or Mn, while they did excessive amount (>125% DRI) of Cu.

PMID- 25110566
TI  - Association between high sensitivity C-reactive protein and dietary intake in
      Vietnamese young women.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a strong
      independent predictor of future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We evaluated
      the relationship between hsCRP and dietary intake in apparently healthy young
      women living in southern Vietnam. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Serum hsCRP was measured and
      dietary intake data were obtained using the 1-day 24-hour recall method in women
      (n = 956; mean age, 25.0 +/- 5.7 years) who participated in the International
      Collaboration Study for the Construction of Asian Cohort of the Korean Genome and
      Epidemiology Study (KoGES) in 2011. RESULTS: Women in the high risk group (> 3
      mg/L) consumed fewer fruits and vegetables, total plant food, potassium, and
      folate than those in the low risk group (< 1 mg/L). A multiple regression
      analysis after adjusting for covariates revealed a significant negative
      association between hsCRP and fruit and vegetable consumption. A logistic
      regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) of having a high hsCRP level
      in women with the highest quartiles of consumption of fruits and vegetables [OR,
      0.391; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.190-0.807], potassium [OR, 0.425; 95% CI,
      0.192-0.939] and folate [OR, 0.490; 95% CI, 0.249-0.964] were significantly lower
      than those in the lowest quartiles. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, in
      young Vietnamese women, an increased consumption of fruit and vegetables might be
      beneficial for serum hsCRP, a risk factor for future CVD events.

PMID- 25110567
TI  - The relationship of dietary sodium, potassium, fruits, and vegetables intake with
      blood pressure among Korean adults aged 40 and older.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The inverse relationships of combined fruits and
      vegetables intake with blood pressure have been reported. However, whether there
      are such relationships with salty vegetables has rarely been investigated in
      epidemiologic studies. We evaluated the relation of combined and separate intake
      of fruits, vegetable intakes, and salty vegetables, as well as sodium and
      potassium, with blood pressure among the middle-aged and elderly populations.
      SUBJECTS/METHODS: The present cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort
      baseline survey was performed with 6,283 subjects (2,443 men and 3,840 women) and
      free of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Dietary data
      were collected by trained interviewers using food frequency questionnaire.
      RESULTS: The significantly inverse linear trend of diastolic blood pressure (DBP)
      was found in fruits and non-pickled vegetables (81.2 mmHg in the lowest quintile
      vs 79.0 mmHg in the highest quintile, P for trend = 0.0040) and fruits only (80.9
      mmHg in the lowest quintile vs 79.4 mmHg in the highest quintile, P for trend =
      0.0430) among men. In contrast, sodium and sodium to potassium ratio were
      positively related with blood pressure among men (DBP, 78.8 mmHg in the lowest
      quintile vs 80.6 mmHg in the highest quintile, P for trend = 0.0079 for sodium;
      DBP, 79.0 mmHg in the lowest quintile vs 80.7 mmHg in the highest quintile, P for
      trend = 0.0199 and SBP, 123.8 mmHg in the lowest quintile vs 125.9 mmHg in the
      highest quintile for sodium/potassium). Kimchies consumption was positively
      related to DBP for men (78.2 mmHg in the lowest quintile vs 80.9 mmHg in the
      highest quintile for DBP, P for trend = 0.0003). Among women, these relations
      were not found. CONCLUSION: Fruits and/or non-pickled vegetables may be
      inversely, but sodium, sodium to potassium, and Kimchies may be positively
      related to blood pressure among men.

PMID- 25110568
TI  - Association between family structure and food group intake in children.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS/OBJECTOVES: Family has an impact on dietary intake of children as a
      proximal food environment and family structures are changing and becoming more
      diverse. This study was performed to identify the association between family
      structure and food group intake of children aged 3-18 years in Korea.
      SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 3,217 children with complete data on variables for
      household information, dietary intake and sampling weights were obtained from
      2010-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Children's
      family structure was classified into 3 groups (Living with both parents, Living
      with one parent and Living without parents). To evaluate children's food group
      intake, scores of individual food groups ('Grains', 'Meat, Fish, Eggs and Beans',
      'Vegetables', 'Fruits' and 'Milk and Dairy products') was calculated from percent
      adherence to the recommended servings of the Korean Food Guidance System (KFGS).
      'Food group mean score' was obtained by calculating the average of five food
      group scores. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, sex, number of family members,
      and household income, children living with both parents had higher scores in
      'Fruits' (P < 0.01), 'Milk and Dairy products' (P < 0.05), and mean score of
      individual food group score (P < 0.001) compared to children living with one
      parent. Individual food group scores and mean scores of individual food group
      scores were associated with different socio-demographic factors in study
      children. Family structure was associated with 'Fruits,' 'Milk and Dairy
      products' score and mean scores of food group scores. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggested that different approach might be required to solve nutrition problem in
      children depending on their family structure and other socio-demographic factors.

PMID- 25110569
TI  - Moderate diet-induced weight loss is associated with improved insulin sensitivity
      in middle-aged healthy obese Korean women.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to investigate the
      effects of moderate caloric restriction on beta-cell function and insulin
      sensitivity in middle-aged obese Korean women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Fifty-seven
      obese pre-menopausal Korean women participated in a 12-week calorie restriction
      program. Data on total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and
      fasting serum levels of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, blood pressure, leptin and
      anthropometrics were collected. A dietary intake assessment was based on three
      days of food recording. Additionally, beta-cell function [homeostasis model
      assessment of beta-cell (HOMA-beta), insulinogenic index (ISI), C-peptide:glucose
      ratio, and area under curve insulin/glucose (AUCins/glu)] and insulin sensitivity
      [homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), Quantitative
      insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and Matsuda index (MI)] were recorded.
      RESULTS: When calories were reduced by an average of 422 kcal/day for 12 weeks,
      BMI (-2.7%), body fat mass (-10.2%), and waist circumference (-5%) all decreased
      significantly (P < 0.05). After calorie restriction, weight, body fat percentage,
      hip circumference, BP, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, plasma glucose at fasting, insulin at
      fasting and 120 min, AUCglu and the insulin area under the curve all decreased
      significantly (all P < 0.05), while insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR, QUICKI and
      Matsuda index) measured by OGTT improved significantly (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Moderate weight loss due to caloric restriction with reduction in insulin
      resistance improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in middle-aged
      obese women and thereby may help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes
      mellitus.

PMID- 25110570
TI  - Relationships of adolescent's dietary habits with personality traits and food
      neophobia according to family meal frequency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A higher frequency of family meals is associated with good dietary
      habits in young people. This study focused on the relationships of family meal
      frequency with food neophobia and personality traits in adolescents.
      SUBJECTS/METHOD: For this purpose, we administered a survey to 495 middle school
      students in Seoul metropolitan city, after which the data were analyzed using the
      SPSS (18.0) program. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationships
      among dietary habits, personality traits, and food neophobia according to
      frequency of family meals. RESULTS: Dietary habits, personality traits, and food
      neophobia all showed significant differences according to the frequency of family
      meals. Further, eating regular family meals was associated with good dietary
      habits (P < 0.001) and was linked with improved extraversion, agreeableness,
      conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness/intellect (P < 0.001). On
      the other hand, it showed a negative relationship with food neophobia (P <
      0.001). The relationship between dietary habits and food neophobia showed a
      negative correlation (P < 0.01). The relationship between dietary habits and
      personality traits showed a positive correlation (P < 0.01). Lastly, the
      relationship between personality traits and food neophobia showed a negative
      correlation (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the study, the
      frequency of family meals affects dietary habits, personality traits, and food
      neophobia in adolescents.

PMID- 25110571
TI  - Antifungal Amphiphilic Aminoglycosides.
AB  - The attachment of alkyl and other hydrophobic groups to traditional antibacterial
      kanamycins and neomycins creates amphiphilic aminoglycosides with altered
      antimicrobial properties. In this review, we summarize the discovery of
      amphiphilic kanamycins that are antifungal, but not antibacterial, and that
      inhibit the growth of fungi by perturbation of plasma membrane functions. With
      low toxicities against plant and mammalian cells, they appear to specifically
      target the fungal plasma membrane. These new antifungal agents offer new options
      for fighting fungal pathogens and are examples of reviving old drugs to confront
      new therapeutic challenges.

PMID- 25110572
TI  - Nebulin interactions with actin and tropomyosin are altered by disease-causing
      mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a rare genetic muscle disorder, but one of
      the most common among the congenital myopathies. NM is caused by mutations in at
      least nine genes: Nebulin (NEB), alpha-actin (ACTA1), alpha-tropomyosin (TPM3),
      beta-tropomyosin (TPM2), troponin T (TNNT1), cofilin-2 (CFL2), Kelch repeat and
      BTB (POZ) domain-containing 13 (KBTBD13), and Kelch-like family members 40 and 41
      (KLHL40 and KLHL41). Nebulin is a giant (600 to 900 kDa) filamentous protein
      constituting part of the skeletal muscle thin filament. Around 90% of the primary
      structure of nebulin is composed of approximately 35-residue alpha-helical
      domains, which form super repeats that bind actin with high affinity. Each super
      repeat has been proposed to harbor one tropomyosin-binding site. METHODS: We
      produced four wild-type (WT) nebulin super repeats (S9, S14, S18, and S22), 283
      to 347 amino acids long, and five corresponding repeats with a patient mutation
      included: three missense mutations (p.Glu2431Lys, p.Ser6366Ile, and p.Thr7382Pro)
      and two in-frame deletions (p.Arg2478_Asp2512del and p.Val3924_Asn3929del). We
      performed F-actin and tropomyosin-binding experiments for the nebulin super
      repeats, using co-sedimentation and GST (glutathione-S-transferase) pull-down
      assays. We also used the GST pull-down assay to test the affinity of WT nebulin
      super repeats for WT alpha- and beta-tropomyosin, and for beta-tropomyosin with
      six patient mutations: p.Lys7del, p.Glu41Lys, p.Lys49del, p.Glu117Lys,
      p.Glu139del and p.Gln147Pro. RESULTS: WT nebulin was shown to interact with actin
      and tropomyosin. Both the nebulin super repeats containing the p.Glu2431Lys
      mutation and nebulin super repeats lacking exon 55 (p.Arg2478_Asp2512del) showed
      weak affinity for F-actin compared with WT fragments. Super repeats containing
      the p.Ser6366Ile mutation showed strong affinity for actin. When tested for
      tropomyosin affinity, super repeats containing the p.Glu2431Lys mutation showed
      stronger binding than WT proteins to tropomyosin, and the super repeat containing
      the p.Thr7382Pro mutation showed weaker binding than WT proteins to tropomyosin.
      Super repeats containing the deletion p.Val3924_Asn3929del showed similar
      affinity for actin and tropomyosin as that seen with WT super repeats. Of the
      tropomyosin mutations, only p.Glu41Lys showed weaker affinity for nebulin (super
      repeat 18). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate for the first time the existence of
      direct tropomyosin-nebulin interactions in vitro, and show that nebulin
      interactions with actin and tropomyosin are altered by disease-causing mutations
      in nebulin and tropomyosin.

PMID- 25110573
TI  - Seizure evoked regulation of LIM-HD genes and co-factors in the postnatal and
      adult hippocampus.
AB  - The LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) family of transcription factors is well known for
      its functions during several developmental processes including cell fate
      specification, cell migration and axon guidance, and its members play fundamental
      roles in hippocampal development. The hippocampus is a structure that displays
      striking activity dependent plasticity.  We examined whether LIM-HD genes and
      their co-factors are regulated during kainic acid induced seizure in the adult
      rat hippocampus as well as in early postnatal rats, when the hippocampal
      circuitry is not fully developed.  We report a distinct and field-specific
      regulation of LIM-HD genes Lhx1, Lhx2, and Lhx9, LIM-only gene Lmo4, and cofactor
      Clim1a in the adult hippocampus after seizure induction. In contrast none of
      these genes displayed altered levels upon induction of seizure in postnatal
      animals.  Our results provide evidence of temporal and spatial seizure mediated
      regulation of LIM-HD family members and suggest that LIM-HD gene function may be
      involved in activity dependent plasticity in the adult hippocampus. 

PMID- 25110574
TI  - Prism adaptation does not alter configural processing of faces.
AB  - Patients with hemispatial neglect ('neglect') following a brain lesion show
      difficulty responding or orienting to objects and events on the left side of
      space. Substantial evidence supports the use of a sensorimotor training technique
      called prism adaptation as a treatment for neglect. Reaching for visual targets
      viewed through prismatic lenses that induce a rightward shift in the visual image
      results in a leftward recalibration of reaching movements that is accompanied by
      a reduction of symptoms in patients with neglect. The understanding of prism
      adaptation has also been advanced through studies of healthy participants, in
      whom adaptation to leftward prismatic shifts results in temporary neglect-like
      performance. Interestingly, prism adaptation can also alter aspects of non
      lateralised spatial attention. We previously demonstrated that prism adaptation
      alters the extent to which neglect patients and healthy participants process
      local features versus global configurations of visual stimuli. Since deficits in
      non-lateralised spatial attention are thought to contribute to the severity of
      neglect symptoms, it is possible that the effect of prism adaptation on these
      deficits contributes to its efficacy. This study examines the pervasiveness of
      the effects of prism adaptation on perception by examining the effect of prism
      adaptation on configural face processing using a composite face task. The
      composite face task is a persuasive demonstration of the automatic global-level
      processing of faces: the top and bottom halves of two familiar faces form a
      seemingly new, unknown face when viewed together. Participants identified the top
      or bottom halves of composite faces before and after prism adaptation.
      Sensorimotor adaptation was confirmed by significant pointing aftereffect,
      however there was no significant change in the extent to which the irrelevant
      face half interfered with processing. The results support the proposal that the
      therapeutic effects of prism adaptation are limited to dorsal stream processing. 

PMID- 25110575
TI  - Nasal decongestant and chronic headache: a case of naphazoline overuse headache?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic headache is an incapacitating condition afflicting patients
      at least for 15 days per month. In the most cases it is developed as a
      consequence of an excessive use of symptomatic drugs. CASE: Here we report the
      case of a 34 year-old man suffering from chronic headache possibly related to the
      overuse of naphazoline nitrate nasal decongestant, used to treat a supposed
      chronic sinusitis. However, the patient did not suffer from sinusitis, but from a
      medication overuse headache (ICHD-II 8.3; ICD-10 44.41) that appeared to be due
      to excessive use of naphazoline. CONCLUSION: The use of naphazoline nitrate may
      result in an analgesic effect upon first use, through activation of adrenergic
      and opioidergic systems, followed by a pro-migraine effect via a late induction
      of an inflammatory cascade, modulated by nitric oxide and arachidonic acid. The
      observation that naphazoline detoxification relieved the patient's headache,
      indicates that prolonged use of naphazoline may cause chronic headaches.
      Therefore, physicians should ask for details on the use of nasal decongestants in
      patients complaining of chronic headache, as they could potentially be suffering
      from a medication-overuse headache.

PMID- 25110576
TI  - Functional characterization of Candida albicans Hos2 histone deacetylase.
AB  - Candida albicans is a mucosal commensal organism in normal individuals, but is a
      major pathogen causing systemic and mucosal infections in immunocompromised
      individuals. Azoles have been very effective anti-fungal agents and the mainstay
      in treating opportunistic mold and yeast infections. Azole resistant strains have
      emerged compromising the utility of this class of drugs. It has been shown that
      azole resistance can be reversed by the co-administration of a histone
      deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, suggesting that resistance is mediated by
      epigenetic mechanisms possibly involving Hos2, a fungal deacetylase. We report
      here the cloning and functional characterization of HOS2 (High Osmolarity
      Sensitive) , a gene coding for fungal histone deacetylase from C. albicans.
      Inhibition studies showed that Hos2 is susceptible to pan inhibitors such as
      trichostatin A (TSA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), but is not
      inhibited by class I inhibitors such MS-275. Purified Hos2 protein consistently
      deacetylated tubulins, rather than histones from TSA-treated cells. This in vitro
      enzymatic assay, which is amenable to high throughput could be used for screening
      potent fungal Hos2 inhibitors that could be a potential anti-fungal adjuvant.
      Hos2 has been reported to be a putative NAD+ dependent histone deacetylase, a
      feature of sirtuins. We assayed for sirtuin activation with resveratrol and
      purified Hos2 protein and did not find any sirtuin activity. 

PMID- 25110577
TI  - Accumulation of oocytes and/or embryos by vitrification: a new strategy for
      managing poor responder patients undergoing pre implantation diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low (or poor) responder patients are women who require large doses of
      stimulation medications and produce less than an optimal number of oocytes during
      IVF cycles. Low responder patients produce few oocytes and embryos, which
      significantly reduces their chances for success in a preimplantation genetic
      diagnosis (PGD) cycle. Accumulation of vitrified oocytes or embryos before the
      actual PGD cycle is a possible strategy that might increase patient's chances for
      a healthy pregnancy. AIM OF THE STUDY: This retrospective study evaluates the
      efficacy of a PGD program in low responder patients after repeated ovarian
      stimulation cycles with cumulative vitrification of oocytes and embryos. METHODS:
      Over a period of 30 months, 13 patients entering the PGD program were identified
      as poor responders after their first ovarian stimulation. These patients started
      a PGD cycle for one of the following indications: history of recurrent
      implantation failure (n=1), cystic fibrosis (n=1), X-linked microtubular myopathy
      (n=1), recurrent miscarriages (n=5), Duchene muscular dystrophy (n=1),
      chromosomal translocation (n=1) and high sperm aneuploidy (n=1).  After multiple
      ovarian hormonal stimulations patients had either all mature oocytes (Group A; 3
      patients) or all of their day 2 embryos vitrified (group B; 10 patients). Mean
      total number of oocyte collections per patient was 2.3 (range: 2 - 5 cycles).
      RESULTS: In the actual PGD cycle, all vitrified oocytes from group A patients
      were warmed and underwent intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) followed by
      culture up to day 3. For group B patients all vitrified day 2 embryos were warmed
      and cultured overnight. On day 3 of culture, all embryos from Group A and B had
      blastomere biopsy followed by genetic analysis. In group A, 20 embryos were found
      suitable for biopsy and genetic analysis; at least one healthy embryo was
      available for transfer for each patient.  For group B, 72 embryos in total were
      available for biopsy and PGD.  All patients, except one, had at least one healthy
      day 5 embryo for transfer (mean number of 2.1 embryos per transfer). Nine
      patients had a clinical pregnancy; 7 patients delivered a healthy baby.
      CONCLUSION: Low responder patients entering a PGD program might increase their
      chances for a healthy pregnancy by repeat ovarian stimulation in combination with
      cumulative oocyte or embryo vitrification.

PMID- 25110578
TI  - C-Sibelia: an easy-to-use and highly accurate tool for bacterial genome
      comparison.
AB  - We present C-Sibelia, a highly accurate and easy-to-use software tool for
      comparing two closely related bacterial genomes, which can be presented as either
      finished sequences or fragmented assemblies. C-Sibelia takes as input two FASTA
      files and produces: (1) a VCF file containing all identified single nucleotide
      variations and indels; (2) an XMFA file containing alignment information. The
      software also produces Circos diagrams visualizing high level genomic
      architecture for rearrangement analyses. C-Sibelia is a part of the Sibelia
      comparative genomics suite, which is freely available under the GNU GPL v.2
      license at http://sourceforge.net/projects/sibelia-bio. C-Sibelia is compatible
      with Unix-like operating systems. A web-based version of the software is
      available at http://etool.me/software/csibelia. 

PMID- 25110579
TI  - Ten things to get right for marine conservation planning in the Coral Triangle.
AB  - Systematic conservation planning increasingly underpins the conservation and
      management of marine and coastal ecosystems worldwide. Amongst other benefits,
      conservation planning provides transparency in decision-making, efficiency in the
      use of limited resources, the ability to minimise conflict between diverse
      objectives, and to guide strategic expansion of local actions to maximise their
      cumulative impact. The Coral Triangle has long been recognised as a global marine
      conservation priority, and has been the subject of huge investment in
      conservation during the last five years through the Coral Triangle Initiative on
      Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security. Yet conservation planning has had
      relatively little influence in this region. To explore why this is the case, we
      identify and discuss 10 challenges that must be resolved if conservation planning
      is to effectively inform management actions in the Coral Triangle. These are:
      making conservation planning accessible; integrating with other planning
      processes; building local capacity for conservation planning; institutionalising
      conservation planning within governments; integrating plans across governance
      levels; planning across governance boundaries; planning for multiple tools and
      objectives; understanding limitations of data; developing better measures of
      progress and effectiveness; and making a long term commitment. Most important is
      a conceptual shift from conservation planning undertaken as a project, to
      planning undertaken as a process, with dedicated financial and human resources
      committed to long-term engagement. 

PMID- 25110580
TI  - Positioning a proned patient with cauda equina syndrome who presents at 15 weeks
      gestation: a case report.
AB  - Cauda equina syndrome is a neurosurgical emergency that requires prompt
      intervention to prevent irreversible spinal cord paralysis. This article
      describes how we managed a case of an obese pregnant patient who was placed in
      the prone position for surgery. We discuss the evidence behind the management
      options and choice of operating tables available. 

PMID- 25110581
TI  - Factors that contribute to social media influence within an Internal Medicine
      Twitter learning community.
AB  - Medical societies, faculty, and trainees use Twitter to learn from and educate
      other social media users. These social media communities bring together
      individuals with various levels of experience. It is not known if experienced
      individuals are also the most influential members. We hypothesize that
      participants with the greatest experience would be the most influential members
      of a Twitter community. We analyzed the 2013 Association of Program Directors in
      Internal Medicine Twitter community. We measured the number of tweets authored by
      each participant and the number of amplified tweets (re-tweets). We developed a
      multivariate linear regression model to identify any relationship to social media
      influence, measured by the PageRank. Faculty (from academic institutions)
      comprised 19% of the 132 participants in the learning community (p < 0.0001).
      Faculty authored 49% of all 867 tweets (p < 0.0001). Their tweets were the most
      likely to be amplified (52%, p < 0.01). Faculty had the greatest influence
      amongst all participants (mean 1.99, p < 0.0001). Being a faculty member had no
      predictive effect on influence (beta = 0.068, p = 0.6). The only factors that
      predicted influence (higher PageRank) were the number of tweets authored (p <
      0.0001) and number of tweets amplified (p < 0.0001) The status of "faculty
      member" did not confer a greater influence. Any participant who was able to
      author the greatest number of tweets or have more of his/her tweets amplified
      could wield a greater influence on the participants, regardless of his/her
      authority. 

PMID- 25110582
TI  - Tooth eruption sequence and dental crowding: a case-control study.
AB  - When cases of dental crowding are identified and diagnosed promptly, interceptive
      orthodontics is particularly successful. AIM: To assess the differences in the
      eruption sequence of the mandibular canine and first premolar teeth in children
      with and without dental crowding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children who attended
      the Shiraz Dental School's orthodontic clinic (Iran) from September to December
      2012 were enrolled in this case-control study. Tooth size arch length discrepancy
      (TSALD) of all 8-10 year olds was calculated from patients' dental models. Thirty
      six children were randomly selected from those with TSALD of equal or less than
      4mm (those with crowding). Each selected case was matched for sex and age with
      another child (as control) with TSALD>-4mm attending the same clinic, in the same
      time period. The existing panoramic radiographs were traced and the eruption
      percentages were measured for mandibular canine and first premolar teeth. The
      mean difference between canine and first premolar eruption percentages was
      compared between the case and control groups using the SPSS (version PASW 18)
      software and a paired sample t-test. RESULTS: Canine and first premolar eruption
      percentages in the case group were 65.82+/-13.00 and 78.92+/-10.15 percent,
      respectively. The mean eruption percentages for canines and first premolars of
      the control group were 74.12+/-14.55 and 75.47+/-11.60 percent, respectively.
      There was a significant difference in pre-eruptive positions of canine and first
      premolar teeth in those with moderate to severe crowding when compared to the
      control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings may improve the early
      diagnosis of children with high risk of developing moderate to severe crowding
      during mixed dentition.

PMID- 25110583
TI  - Vitellogenin family gene expression does not increase Drosophila lifespan or
      fecundity.
AB  - One of the most striking patterns in comparative biology is the negative
      correlation between lifespan and fecundity observed in comparisons among species.
      This pattern is consistent with the idea that organisms need to allocate a fixed
      energy budget among competing demands of growth, development, reproduction and
      somatic maintenance. However, exceptions to this pattern have been observed in
      many social insects, including ants, bees, and termites.  In honey bees ( Apis
      mellifera), Vitellogenin ( Vg), a yolk protein precursor, has been implicated in
      mediating the long lifespan and high fecundity of queen bees. To determine if Vg
      like proteins can regulate lifespan in insects generally, we examined the effects
      of expression of Apis Vg and Drosophila CG31150 (a Vg-like gene recently
      identified as cv-d) on Drosophila melanogaster lifespan and fecundity using the
      RU486-inducible GeneSwitch system. For all genotypes tested, overexpression of Vg
      and CG31150 decreased Drosophila lifespan and did not affect total or age
      specific fecundity. We also detected an apparent effect of the GeneSwitch system
      itself, wherein RU486 exposure (or the GAL4 expression it induces) led to a
      significant increase in longevity and decrease in fecundity in our fly strains.
      This result is consistent with the pattern reported in a recent meta-analysis of
      Drosophila aging studies, where transgenic constructs of the UAS/GAL4 expression
      system that should have no effect (e.g. an uninduced GeneSwitch) significantly
      extended lifespan in some genetic backgrounds. Our results suggest that Vg-family
      genes are not major regulators of Drosophila life history traits, and highlight
      the importance of using appropriate controls in aging studies. 

PMID- 25110584
TI  - BridgeDb app: unifying identifier mapping services for Cytoscape.
AB  - The BridgeDb app for Cytoscape allows users to map and annotate identifiers of
      genes, proteins and metabolites in the context of biological networks. The app
      greatly simplifies the identifier mapping process in Cytoscape by providing a
      unified interface to different mapping resources and services. The app also
      provides a programming interface via Cytoscape Commands that can be utilized for
      identifier mapping by other Cytoscape apps. In this article we provide a
      technical guide to the BridgeDb app for mapping identifiers in Cytoscape. 

PMID- 25110585
TI  - Global burden, distribution, and interventions for infectious diseases of
      poverty.
AB  - Infectious diseases of poverty (IDoP) disproportionately affect the poorest
      population in the world and contribute to a cycle of poverty as a result of
      decreased productivity ensuing from long-term illness, disability, and social
      stigma. In 2010, the global deaths from HIV/AIDS have increased to 1.5 million
      and malaria mortality rose to 1.17 million. Mortality from neglected tropical
      diseases rose to 152,000, while tuberculosis killed 1.2 million people that same
      year. Substantial regional variations exist in the distribution of these diseases
      as they are primarily concentrated in rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia,
      and Latin America, with geographic overlap and high levels of co-infection.
      Evidence-based interventions exist to prevent and control these diseases,
      however, the coverage still remains low with an emerging challenge of
      antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, community-based delivery platforms are
      increasingly being advocated to ensure sustainability and combat co-infections.
      Because of the high morbidity and mortality burden of these diseases, especially
      in resource-poor settings, it is imperative to conduct a systematic review to
      identify strategies to prevent and control these diseases. Therefore, we
      attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of one of these strategies, that is
      community-based delivery for the prevention and treatment of IDoP. In this paper,
      we describe the burden, epidemiology, and potential interventions for IDoP. In
      subsequent papers of this series, we describe the analytical framework and the
      methodology used to guide the systematic reviews, and report the findings and
      interpretations of our analyses of the impact of community-based strategies on
      individual IDoPs. 

PMID- 25110586
TI  - Likelihoods for fixed rank nomination networks.
AB  - Many studies that gather social network data use survey methods that lead to
      censored, missing, or otherwise incomplete information. For example, the popular
      fixed rank nomination (FRN) scheme, often used in studies of schools and
      businesses, asks study participants to nominate and rank at most a small number
      of contacts or friends, leaving the existence of other relations uncertain.
      However, most statistical models are formulated in terms of completely observed
      binary networks. Statistical analyses of FRN data with such models ignore the
      censored and ranked nature of the data and could potentially result in misleading
      statistical inference. To investigate this possibility, we compare Bayesian
      parameter estimates obtained from a likelihood for complete binary networks with
      those obtained from likelihoods that are derived from the FRN scheme, and
      therefore accommodate the ranked and censored nature of the data. We show
      analytically and via simulation that the binary likelihood can provide misleading
      inference, particularly for certain model parameters that relate network ties to
      characteristics of individuals and pairs of individuals. We also compare these
      different likelihoods in a data analysis of several adolescent social networks.
      For some of these networks, the parameter estimates from the binary and FRN
      likelihoods lead to different conclusions, indicating the importance of analyzing
      FRN data with a method that accounts for the FRN survey design.

PMID- 25110587
TI  - Aqueous interleukin-6 levels are superior to vascular endothelial growth factor
      in predicting therapeutic response to bevacizumab in age-related macular
      degeneration.
AB  - Objective. To prospectively evaluate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab on
      aqueous levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and
      correlate clinical outcomes with cytokine levels. Methods. 30 eyes of 30 patients
      with exudative AMD underwent intravitreal injection of bevacizumab three times at
      monthly intervals. The aqueous samples prior to the 1st injection (baseline) and
      3rd injection were analyzed for VEGF and IL-6 levels. Subjects were subgrouped
      based upon change in the central subfield (CSF) macular thickness on SD-OCT at 8
      weeks. Group 1 included patients (n = 14) with a decrease in CSF thickness
      greater than 10% from the baseline (improved group). Group 2 included patients (n
      = 16) who had a decrease in CSF thickness 10% or less (treatment-resistant).
      Results. In subgroup analysis, in both groups 1 and 2 patients, compared to
      aqueous VEGF, aqueous IL-6 levels showed a better correlation with CSF thickness
      on SD-OCT (r = 0.72 and 0.71, resp.). Conclusions. Aqueous IL-6 may be an
      important marker of treatment response or resistance in wet macular degeneration.
      Future therapeutic strategies may include targeted treatment against both VEGF
      and IL-6, in patients who do not respond to anti-VEGF treatment alone. 

PMID- 25110588
TI  - Construct validity and reliability of the adult rejection sensitivity
      questionnaire: a comparison of three factor models.
AB  - Objectives and Methods. The aim of the study was to investigate the construct
      validity of the ARSQ. Methods. The ARSQ and self-report measures of depression,
      anxiety, and hopelessness were administered to 774 Italian adults, aged 18 to 64
      years. Results. Structural equation modeling indicated that the factor structure
      of the ARSQ can be represented by a bifactor model: a general rejection
      sensitivity factor and two group factors, expectancy of rejection and rejection
      anxiety. Reliability of observed scores was not satisfactory: only 44% of
      variance in observed total scores was due to the common factors. The analyses
      also indicated different correlates for the general factor and the group factors.
      Limitations. We administered an Italian version of the ARSQ to a nonclinical
      sample of adults, so that studies which use clinical populations or the original
      version of the ARSQ could obtain different results from those presented here.
      Conclusion. Our results suggest that the construct validity of the ARSQ is
      disputable and that rejection anxiety and expectancy could bias individuals to
      readily perceive and strongly react to cues of rejection in different ways. 

PMID- 25110589
TI  - Antifungal susceptibility patterns, in vitro production of virulence factors, and
      evaluation of diagnostic modalities for the speciation of pathogenic Candida from
      blood stream infections and vulvovaginal candidiasis.
AB  - Candida spp. have emerged as successful pathogens in both invasive and mucosal
      infections. Varied virulence factors and growing resistance to antifungal agents
      have contributed to their pathogenicity. We studied diagnostic accuracy of
      HiCrome Candida Differential Agar and Vitek 2 Compact system for identification
      of Candida spp. in comparison with species-specific PCR on 110 clinical isolates
      of Candida from blood stream infections (54, 49%) and vulvovaginal candidiasis
      (56, 51%). C. albicans (61%) was the leading pathogen in VVC, while C. tropicalis
      (46%) was prominent among BSIs. HiCrome Agar and Vitek 2 Compact had good
      measures of agreement (kappa) 0.826 and 0.895, respectively, in comparison with
      PCR. We also tested these isolates for in vitro production of proteinase,
      esterase, phospholipases, and biofilms. Proteinase production was more among
      invasive isolates (P = 0.017), while phospholipase production was more among
      noninvasive isolates (P = 0.001). There was an overall increase in the production
      of virulence factors among non-albicans Candida. Identification of clinical
      isolates of Candida up to species level either by chromogenic agar or by Vitek 2
      Compact system should be routinely done to choose appropriate therapy. 

PMID- 25110590
TI  - External rotator sparing with posterior acetabular fracture surgery: does it
      change outcome?
AB  - This study analyses the results of the treatment with external rotator sparing
      approach in acetabular fractures to determine whether muscle sparing has a
      positive impact on functional outcome. 20 patients with a mean age of 45.9 years
      (range: 26-64) that had been treated for displaced acetabular fractures were
      included in this series. Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA)
      questionnaire and hip muscle strength measurement were done at the 24-month of
      follow-up period. The radiographic results at the final followup were excellent
      in 9 hips (45%), good in 6 hips (30%), fair in 4 hips (20%), and poor in one hip
      (5%) according to the criteria developed by Matta. The average SMFA score for all
      of the patients was 18.3 (range: 0-55.4). The mean dysfunctional and bother
      indexes were 17.2 and 20.6, respectively. The overall muscle strength deficit was
      11.8%. The greatest loss of strength was in internal rotation. In patients with
      better postoperative reduction quality of acetabular fracture, peak torque, and
      maximum work of hip flexion, extension and also internal rotation maximum work
      deficit were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Accurate initial reduction and
      longer postoperative muscle strengthening exercise programs seem critical to
      decrease postoperative hip muscle weakness after acetabular fractures. 

PMID- 25110591
TI  - Partial facetectomy for lumbar foraminal stenosis.
AB  - Background. Several different techniques exist to address the pain and disability
      caused by isolated nerve root impingement. Failure to adequately decompress the
      lumbar foramen may lead to failed back surgery syndrome. However, aggressive
      treatment often causes spinal instability or may require fusion for satisfactory
      results. We describe a novel technique for decompression of the lumbar nerve root
      and demonstrate its effectiveness in relief of radicular symptoms. Methods.
      Partial facetectomy was performed by removal of the medial portion of the
      superior facet in patients with lumbar foraminal stenosis. 47 patients underwent
      the procedure from 2001 to 2010. Those who demonstrated neurogenic claudication
      without spinal instability or central canal stenosis and failed conservative
      management were eligible for the procedure. Functional level was recorded for
      each patient. These patients were followed for an average of 3.9 years to
      evaluate outcomes. Results. 27 of 47 patients (57%) reported no back pain and no
      functional limitations. Eight of 47 patients (17%) reported moderate pain, but
      had no limitations. Six of 47 patients (13%) continued to experience degenerative
      symptoms. Five of 47 patients (11%) required additional surgery. Conclusions.
      Partial facetectomy is an effective means to decompress the lumbar nerve root
      foramen without causing spinal instability. 

PMID- 25110594
TI  - Myocardial Rupture following Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
AB  - We present the first case of severe cardiotoxicity of carbon monoxide leading to
      myocardial rupture and fatal outcome. 83-year-old woman was hospitalized 4 hours
      after the fire in her house with no respiratory or cardiac symptoms. After two
      days, she has suffered sudden collapse leading to cardiac arrest. Postmortem
      examination revealed intramural haemorrhage with myocardial rupture at the apex
      of the left ventricle. Minimal stenosis was noted in the proximal coronary
      arteries with no evidence of distal occlusion or any other long-standing heart
      disease. This case supports recommendations for targeted cardiovascular
      investigations in cases of CO poisoning. 

PMID- 25110595
TI  - Informed consent in otolaryngologic surgery: case scenario from a nigerian
      specialist hospital.
AB  - Informed consent is a foundational concept necessary for ethical conduct of
      clinical research and practice. It is a technical tool that shifts the autonomy
      to decide whether a medical procedure should be performed-from the doctor to the
      patient. However there is an ongoing discussion in bioethical circles on the
      level of comprehension of the informed consent process by the patients and
      research participants. We present this case vignette and the discussion
      afterwards to explore the question of to what extent a patient comprehends the
      information given to him/her before a surgical procedure is carried out. In other
      words, the question being asked here is how informed is informed consent in the
      context of oto-laryngological practice. 

PMID- 25110592
TI  - Behavioral improvement and regulation of molecules related to neuroplasticity in
      ischemic rat spinal cord treated with PEDF.
AB  - Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) exerts trophic actions to motoneurons
      and modulates nonneuronal restorative events, but its effects on neuroplasticity
      responses after spinal cord (SC) injury are unknown. Rats received a low thoracic
      SC photothrombotic ischemia and local injection of PEDF and were evaluated
      behaviorally six weeks later. PEDF actions were detailed in SC ventral horn
      (motor) in the levels of the lumbar central pattern generator (CPG), far from the
      injury site. Molecules related to neuroplasticity (MAP-2), those that are able to
      modulate such event, for instance, neurotrophic factors (NT-3, GDNF, BDNF, and
      FGF-2), chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG), and those associated with
      angiogenesis and antiapoptosis (laminin and Bcl-2) and Eph (receptor)/ephrin
      system were evaluated at cellular or molecular levels. PEDF injection improved
      motor behavioral performance and increased MAP-2 levels and dendritic processes
      in the region of lumbar CPG. Treatment also elevated GDNF and decreased NT-3,
      laminin, and CSPG. Injury elevated EphA4 and ephrin-B1 levels, and PEDF treatment
      increased ephrin A2 and ephrins B1, B2, and B3. Eph receptors and ephrins were
      found in specific populations of neurons and astrocytes. PEDF treatment to SC
      injury triggered neuroplasticity in lumbar CPG and regulation of neurotrophic
      factors, extracellular matrix molecules, and ephrins. 

PMID- 25110596
TI  - Axillary metastasis from an occult tubal serous carcinoma in a patient with
      ipsilateral breast carcinoma: a potential diagnostic pitfall.
AB  - Axillary nodal metastasis from a nonmammary neoplasia is much rarer than diseases
      associated with a primary breast carcinoma. However, this has to be considered in
      the differential diagnosis of nodal disease in patients with a history of breast
      cancer. Here, we report the case of a 73-year-old female with a past medical
      history of breast cancer, presenting with an ipsilateral axillary metastatic
      carcinoma. The immunohistochemical profile of the metastatic lesion was
      consistent with a high grade serous carcinoma. After undergoing a total abdominal
      hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy, thorough pathological examination
      revealed two microscopic foci of serous carcinoma in the right fallopian tube,
      not detectable by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. In this context, the
      poorly differentiated appearance of the metastatic tumor and positive staining
      for estrogen receptor, might lead to a misdiagnosis of metastatic breast
      carcinoma. As the therapeutic implications differ, it is important for the
      pathologist to critically assess axillary lymph node metastases, even in patients
      with a past history of ipsilateral breast carcinoma and no other known primary
      tumors. 

PMID- 25110593
TI  - Adult hippocampal neurogenesis in Parkinson's disease: impact on neuronal
      survival and plasticity.
AB  - In Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies, chronic
      neurodegeneration occurs within different areas of the central nervous system
      leading to progressive motor and nonmotor symptoms. The symptomatic treatment
      options that are currently available do not slow or halt disease progression.
      This highlights the need of a better understanding of disease mechanisms and
      disease models. The generation of newborn neurons in the adult hippocampus and in
      the subventricular zone/olfactory bulb system is affected by many different
      regulators and possibly involved in memory processing, depression, and olfaction,
      symptoms which commonly occur in PD. The pathology of the adult neurogenic niches
      in human PD patients is still mostly elusive, but different preclinical models
      have shown profound alterations of adult neurogenesis. Alterations in stem cell
      proliferation, differentiation, and survival as well as neurite outgrowth and
      spine formation have been related to different aspects in PD pathogenesis.
      Therefore, neurogenesis in the adult brain provides an ideal model to study
      disease mechanisms and compounds. In addition, adult newborn neurons have been
      proposed as a source of endogenous repair. Herein, we review current knowledge
      about the adult neurogenic niches in PD and highlight areas of future research. 

PMID- 25110597
TI  - Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma versus T-Cell/Histiocyte-Rich
      Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Diagnostic Challenge.
AB  - Lymphomas with overlapping histological features of two distinct entities cause
      difficulty in classification. Their classification is of particular significance
      when the two alternatives require different treatment modalities. We present a
      diagnostically challenging case of a nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin
      lymphoma (NLPHL) with features of T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma
      (THRLBCL). Our patient is a 39-year-old woman who presented with painless
      subclavicular and axillary lymphadenopathy. The biopsied lymph node showed
      diffuse architectural effacement and scattered large neoplastic cells with large
      irregular nuclei and prominent nucleoli. These cells were positive for CD20 and
      Bcl-6 and negative for CD15, CD30, IgD, and Bcl-2. The background cells were
      predominantly T lymphocytes, whereas B cells were markedly depleted. The lymph
      node was interpreted as NLPHL, consistent with THRLBCL-like variant. NLPHL,
      especially THRLBC-like variant, and de novo THRLBCL are characterized by
      significant morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap. Our case demonstrates a
      rare predominance of background T-cells in NLPHL and emphasizes the importance of
      thorough evaluation of multiple morphologic and immunophenotypic features as an
      essential approach for arriving at the correct diagnosis. 

PMID- 25110598
TI  - Sarcoidosis incidentally diagnosed: a case report.
AB  - Sarcoidosis is a chronic, granulomatous condition with unknown cause. Because
      most of the patients are free of clinical symptoms, sarcoidosis should be
      considered in differential diagnosis if noncaseous granuloma is noted in
      biopsies, performed for other reasons. With no clinical symptoms, our patient was
      diagnosed with sarcoidosis upon identifying noncaseous granuloma in the lymph
      node biopsy material collected during the laparoscopic operation, performed for
      gallbladder polyp. 

PMID- 25110599
TI  - Rapidly destructive inflammatory arthritis of the hip.
AB  - Rapidly destructive coxarthrosis (RDC) is a rare syndrome that involves
      aggressive hip joint destruction within 6-12 months of symptom onset with no
      single diagnostic laboratory, pathological, or radiographic finding. We report an
      original case of RDC as an initial presentation of seronegative rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) in a 57-year-old Caucasian woman presenting with 6 months of
      progressive right groin pain and no preceding trauma or chronic steroid use. Over
      5 months, she was unable to ambulate and plain films showed complete resorption
      of the right femoral head and erosion of the acetabulum. There were inflammatory
      features seen on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      She required a right total hip arthroplasty, but arthritis in other joints showed
      improvement with triple disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) therapy and
      almost complete remission with the addition of adalimumab. We contrast our case
      of RDC as an initial presentation of RA to 8 RDC case reports of patients with
      established RA. Furthermore, this case highlights the importance of obtaining
      serial imaging to evaluate a patient with persistent hip symptoms and rapid
      functional deterioration. 

PMID- 25110600
TI  - Treatment resistant severe digital ischemia associated with antiphospholipid
      syndrome in a male patient with systemic sclerosis.
AB  - We report the case of a male patient with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis
      (SSc) that was complicated with severe digital ischemia, resistant to medical
      treatment. Due to the lack of treatment response, further laboratory and imaging
      studies were conducted. Findings were compatible with antiphospholipid syndrome
      and oral warfarin was added to the treatment regimen. After successful
      anticoagulation no further recurrences of digital ischemia were seen. An
      underlying etiology in SSc patients with treatment resistant digital ischemic
      necrosis should be suspected for accompanying antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). 

PMID- 25110601
TI  - Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy in an Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Patient
      without Removal of the PD Catheter: A Case Report.
AB  - Introduction. Laparotomy in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated
      with an increased risk of morbidity. Furthermore, standard protocol recommends
      removal of the PD catheter when surgery on the intestine is required. As far as
      we are aware, this is the first case report of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy
      in a patient on automated PD where the PD catheter was left in situ. Case Report.
      A 61-year-old man man on APD who presented with a caecal carcinoma was stabilised
      on temporary haemodialysis (HD) prior to undergoing a laparoscopic right
      hemicolectomy without removal of the PD catheter. He made an uneventful recovery
      and APD was resumed successfully 2 weeks after surgery. Discussion. PD patients
      undergoing intra-abdominal surgery are at increased risk of complications. While
      the benefits of laparoscopic surgery in the standard surgical population are well
      established, there is limited experience of the technique in PD patients.
      Possible advantages could theoretically be early resumption of PD as well as less
      PD failure due to the formation of adhesions. Conclusion. Our experience with
      this case indicates that laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in a background of PD
      can be undertaken without removal of the PD catheter and is associated with early
      resumption of PD. 

PMID- 25110602
TI  - Incidental Phaeochromocytoma on Staging PET-CT in a Patient with a Sigmoid Tumour
      and Situs Inversalis Totalis.
AB  - An adrenal "incidentaloma" is defined as an unexpected finding on radiological
      imaging performed for unrelated indications. Improvements in radiological
      technology have seen a dramatic increase in this phenomenon. We report the unique
      case of a 60-year-old female presenting with a 6-month history of abdominal pain,
      altered bowel habit, and rectal bleeding. Her past medical history included situs
      inversus totalis and a patent ductus arteriosus. Colonoscopy revealed an
      ulcerated tumour in her sigmoid colon. Staging PET-CT confirmed a sigmoid tumour
      and also identified a large heterogenous enhancing FDG-avid right adrenal mass.
      Biochemical testing/MIBG imaging confirmed a right adrenal phaeochromocytoma.
      Hypertension was controlled and excision was performed via a transperitoneal
      laparoscopic adrenalectomy, in the left lateral decubitus position. Uniquely,
      liver retraction was not required due to its position in the left hypochondrium.
      Histology confirmed a benign 46 mm phaeochromocytoma. Subsequent uncomplicated
      sigmoid colectomy/right salpingo-oophorectomy for a locally advanced colonic
      tumour was performed with adjuvant chemotherapy. This case highlights the
      importance of accurately identifying functioning adrenal tumours before elective
      surgery as undiagnosed phaeochromocytomas carry significant intraoperative
      morbidity/mortality. Right adrenalectomy was made easier in this patient by the
      liver's unique position. Uncomplicated colorectal resection was made possible by
      combined preoperative functional/anatomical imaging. 

PMID- 25110603
TI  - Recurrent volvulus of an ileal pouch requiring repeat pouchopexy: a lesson
      learnt.
AB  - Introduction. Restorative surgery for ulcerative colitis with ileal pouch anal
      anastomosis (IPAA) is frequently accompanied by complications. Volvulus of the
      ileal pouch is one of the most rarely reported late complications and to our
      knowledge no report exists on reoperative surgery for this condition. Case
      Report. A 58-year-old woman who previously had undergone restorative
      proctocolectomy due to ulcerative colitis with an IPAA presented with volvulus of
      the pouch. She was operated with a single row pouchopexy to the presacral fascia.
      Two months later she returned with a recurrent volvulus. At reoperation, the
      pouch was found to have become completely detached from the fascia. A new pexy
      was made by firmly anchoring the pouch with two rows of sutures to the presacral
      fascia as well as with sutures to the lateral pelvic walls. At follow-up after
      five months she was free of symptoms. Conclusion. This first report ever on
      reoperative surgery for volvulus of a pelvic pouch indicates that a single row
      pouchopexy might be insufficient for preventing retwisting. Several rows seem to
      be needed. 

PMID- 25110604
TI  - Laparoscopic-assisted resection of jejunojejunal intussusception caused by a
      juvenile polyp in an adult.
AB  - Most bowel intussusceptions in adults have a leading point. However, there have
      been few reports of jejunojejunal intussusception secondary to a solitary
      juvenile polyp in adult. We report herein the case of a 19-year-old female with a
      solitary juvenile polyp in the jejunum causing intussusception. Laparoscopic
      assisted reduction and segmental resection of the jejunum were successfully done
      for the patient. 

PMID- 25110605
TI  - Successful management of repetitive urinary obstruction and anuria caused by
      double j stent calculi formation after renal transplantation.
AB  - This report firstly describes an extremely rare case of repetitive double J stent
      calculi formation after renal transplantation caused by the
      antihyperparathyroidism (HPT) drug calcitriol. In 2012, a woman initially
      presented to our hospital for anuria with lower abdominal pain. She was diagnosed
      with allograft hydronephrosis and double J stents obstruction by calculi
      formation after transplantation and treated with triplicate stents replacements
      in another hospital without clinical manifestations improvements. Through
      detailed exploration of medical history, we conclude that the abnormal calculi
      formation is due to the calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) administration, a
      drug which can increase renal tubular reabsorption of calcium for treating
      posttransplant HPT bone disease. After discontinuing calcitriol, the patient was
      stone-free and had a good recovery without severe complications during the 9
      month follow-up. Our novel findings may provide an important clue and approach to
      managing formidable repetitive double J stent calculi formation in the clinical
      trial. 

PMID- 25110606
TI  - Iatrogenic salt water drowning and the hazards of a high central venous pressure.
AB  - Current teaching and guidelines suggest that aggressive fluid resuscitation is
      the best initial approach to the patient with hemodynamic instability. The source
      of this wisdom is difficult to discern, however, Early Goal Directed therapy
      (EGDT) as championed by Rivers et al. and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign
      Guidelines appears to have established this as the irrefutable truth. However,
      over the last decade it has become clear that aggressive fluid resuscitation
      leading to fluid overload is associated with increased morbidity and mortality
      across a diverse group of patients, including patients with severe sepsis as well
      as elective surgical and trauma patients and those with pancreatitis. Excessive
      fluid administration results in increased interstitial fluid in vital organs
      leading to impaired renal, hepatic and cardiac function. Increased extra-vascular
      lung water (EVLW) is particularly lethal, leading to iatrogenic salt water
      drowning. EGDT and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines recommend targeting a
      central venous pressure (CVP) > 8 mmHg. A CVP > 8 mmHg has been demonstrated to
      decrease microcirculatory flow, as well as renal blood flow and is associated
      with an increased risk of renal failure and death. Normal saline (0.9% salt
      solution) as compared to balanced electrolyte solutions is associated with a
      greater risk of acute kidney injury and death. This paper reviews the adverse
      effects of large volume resuscitation, a high CVP and the excessive use of normal
      saline. 

PMID- 25110607
TI  - Managing sarcopenia and its related-fractures to improve quality of life in
      geriatric populations.
AB  - Sarcopenia, an aging-induced generalized decrease in muscle mass, strength, and
      function, is known to affect elderly individuals by decreasing mobile function
      and increasing frailty and imbalance that lead to falls and fragile fractures.
      Sarcopenia is a known risk factor for osteoporotic fractures, infections, and
      early death in some specific situations. The number of patients with sarcopenia
      is estimated to increase to 500 million people in the year 2050. Sarcopenia is
      believed to be caused by multiple factors such as disuse, malnutrition, age
      related cellular changes, apoptosis, and genetic predisposition; however, this
      remains to be determined. Various methods have been developed, but no safe or
      effective treatment has been found to date. This paper is a review on the
      association between sarcopenia and its related-fractures and their diagnoses and
      management methods to prevent fractures. 

PMID- 25110609
TI  - Accelerated aging in schizophrenia patients: the potential role of oxidative
      stress.
AB  - Several lines of evidence suggest that schizophrenia, a severe mental illness
      characterized by delusions, hallucinations and thought disorder is associated
      with accelerated aging. The free radical (oxidative stress) theory of aging
      assumes that aging occurs as a result of damage to cell constituents and
      connective tissues by free radicals arising from oxygen-associated reactions.
      Schizophrenia has been associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation,
      both of which also appear to reciprocally induce each other in a positive
      feedback manner. The buildup of damaged macromolecules due to increased oxidative
      stress and failure of protein repair and maintenance systems is an indicator of
      aging both at the cellular and organismal level. When compared with age-matched
      healthy controls, schizophrenia patients have higher levels of markers of
      oxidative cellular damage such as protein carbonyls, products of lipid
      peroxidation and DNA hydroxylation. Potential confounders such as antipsychotic
      medication, smoking, socio-economic status and unhealthy lifestyle make it
      impossible to solely attribute the earlier onset of aging-related changes or
      oxidative stress to having a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Regardless of whether
      oxidative stress can be attributed solely to a diagnosis of schizophrenia or
      whether it is due to other factors associated with schizophrenia, the available
      evidence is in support of increased oxidative stress-induced cellular damage of
      macromolecules which may play a role in the phenomenon of accelerated aging
      presumed to be associated with schizophrenia. 

PMID- 25110610
TI  - mTOR Signaling from Cellular Senescence to Organismal Aging.
AB  - The TOR (target of rapamycin) pathway has been convincingly shown to promote
      aging in various model organisms. In mice, inhibiting mTOR (mammalian TOR) by
      rapamycin treatment later in life can significantly extend lifespan and mitigate
      multiple age-related diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly
      understood. Cellular senescence is strongly correlated to organismal aging
      therefore providing an attractive model to examine the mechanisms by which mTOR
      inhibition contributes to longevity and delaying the onset of related diseases.
      In this review, we examine the connections between mTOR and cellular senescence
      and discuss how understanding cellular senescence on the aspect of mTOR signaling
      may help to fully appreciate its role in the organismal aging. We also highlight
      the opposing roles of senescence in various human diseases and discuss the
      caveats in interpreting the emerging experimental data. 

PMID- 25110611
TI  - Effects of living at higher altitudes on mortality: a narrative review.
AB  - Beside genetic and life-style characteristics environmental factors may
      profoundly influence mortality and life expectancy. The high altitude climate
      comprises a set of conditions bearing the potential of modifying morbidity and
      mortality of approximately 400 million people who are permanently residing at
      elevations above 1500 meters. However, epidemiological data on the effects of
      high altitude living on mortality from major diseases are inconsistent probably
      due to differences in ethnicity, behavioral factors and the complex interactions
      with environmental conditions. The available data indicate that residency at
      higher altitudes are associated with lower mortality from cardiovascular
      diseases, stroke and certain types of cancer. In contrast mortality from COPD and
      probably also from lower respiratory tract infections is rather elevated. It may
      be argued that moderate altitudes are more protective than high or even very high
      altitudes. Whereas living at higher elevations may frequently protect from
      development of diseases, it could adversely affect mortality when diseases
      progress. Corroborating and expanding these findings would be helpful for
      optimization of medical care and disease management in the aging residents of
      higher altitudes. 

PMID- 25110608
TI  - Metabolic disturbances in diseases with neurological involvement.
AB  - Degeneration of specific neuronal populations and progressive nervous system
      dysfunction characterize neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's
      disease and Parkinson's disease. These findings are also reported in inherited
      diseases such as phenylketonuria and glutaric aciduria type I. The involvement of
      mitochondrial dysfunction in these diseases was reported, elicited by genetic
      alterations, exogenous toxins or buildup of toxic metabolites. In this review we
      shall discuss some metabolic alterations related to the pathophysiology of
      diseases with neurological involvement and aging process. These findings may help
      identifying early disease biomarkers and lead to more effective therapies to
      improve the quality of life of the patients affected by these devastating
      illnesses. 

PMID- 25110612
TI  - Nothobranchius as a model for aging studies. A review.
AB  - In recent decades, the increase in human longevity has made it increasingly
      important to expand our knowledge on aging. To accomplish this, the use of animal
      models is essential, with the most common being mouse (phylogenetically similar
      to humans, and a model with a long life expectancy) and Caenorhabditis elegans
      (an invertebrate with a short life span, but quite removed from us in
      evolutionary terms). However, some sort of model is needed to bridge the
      differences between those mentioned above, achieving a balance between
      phylogenetic distance and life span. Fish of the genus Nothobranchius were
      suggested 10 years ago as a possible alternative for the study of the aging
      process. In the meantime, numerous studies have been conducted at different
      levels: behavioral (including the study of the rest-activity rhythm),
      populational, histochemical, biochemical and genetic, among others, with very
      positive results. This review compiles what we know about Nothobranchius to date,
      and examines its future prospects as a true alternative to the classic models for
      studies on aging. 

PMID- 25110613
TI  - Estimation of Heterogeneity in Diagnostic Parameters of Age-related Diseases.
AB  - The heterogeneity of parameters is a ubiquitous biological phenomenon, with
      critical implications for biological systems functioning in normal and diseased
      states. We developed a method to estimate the level of objects set heterogeneity
      with reference to particular parameters and applied it to type II diabetes and
      heart disease, as examples of age-related systemic dysfunctions. The Friedman
      test was used to establish the existence of heterogeneity. The Newman-Keuls
      multiple comparison method was used to determine clusters. The normalized Shannon
      entropy was used to provide the quantitative evaluation of heterogeneity. There
      was obtained an estimate for the heterogeneity of the diagnostic parameters in
      healthy subjects, as well as in heart disease and type II diabetes patients,
      which was strongly related to their age. With aging, as with the diseases, the
      level of heterogeneity (entropy) was reduced, indicating a formal analogy between
      these phenomena. The similarity of the patterns in aging and disease suggested a
      kind of "early aging" of the diseased subjects, or alternatively a "disease-like"
      aging process, with reference to these particular parameters. The proposed method
      and its validation on the chronic age-related disease samples may support a way
      toward a formal mathematical relation between aging and chronic diseases and a
      formal definition of aging and disease, as determined by particular heterogeneity
      (entropy) changes. 

PMID- 25110614
TI  - Beyond IC50s: Towards Robust Statistical Methods for in vitro Association
      Studies.
AB  - Cell line cytotoxicity assays have become increasingly popular approaches for
      genetic and genomic studies of differential cytotoxic response. There are an
      increasing number of success stories, but relatively little evaluation of the
      statistical approaches used in such studies. In the vast majority of these
      studies, concentration response is summarized using curve-fitting approaches, and
      then summary measure(s) are used as the phenotype in subsequent genetic
      association studies. The curve is usually summarized by a single parameter such
      as the curve's inflection point (e.g. the EC/IC50). Such modeling makes major
      assumptions and has statistical limitations that should be considered. In the
      current review, we discuss the limitations of the EC/IC50 as a phenotype in
      association studies, and highlight some potential limitations with a simulation
      experiment. Finally, we discuss some alternative analysis approaches that have
      been shown to be more robust.

PMID- 25110616
TI  - Creating a safe space to learn: The significant role of graduate students in
      fostering educational engagement and aspirations among urban youth.

PMID- 25110615
TI  - Vitamin C Transporters, Recycling and the Bystander Effect in the Nervous System:
      SVCT2 versus Gluts.
AB  - Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient in the human diet; its deficiency leads
      to a number of symptoms and ultimately death. After entry into cells within the
      central nervous system (CNS) through sodium vitamin C transporters (SVCTs) and
      facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs), vitamin C functions as a
      neuromodulator, enzymatic cofactor, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger;
      it also stimulates differentiation. In this review, we will compare the molecular
      and structural aspects of vitamin C and glucose transporters and their expression
      in endothelial or choroid plexus cells, which form part of the blood-brain
      barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier, respectively. Additionally,
      we will describe SVCT and GLUT expression in different cells of the brain as well
      as SVCT2 distribution in tanycytes and astrocytes of the hypothalamic region.
      Finally, we will describe vitamin C recycling in the brain, which is mediated by
      a metabolic interaction between astrocytes and neurons, and the role of the
      "bystander effect" in the recycling mechanism of vitamin C in both normal and
      pathological conditions.

PMID- 25110618
TI  - Tuberculous meningitis: Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
AB  - Neurologists are often the first medical providers to evaluate patients with
      possible infectious meningitis. Knowledge of the clinical presentations and
      cerebrospinal fluid, microbiologic, and neuroimaging findings for different
      etiologies is essential to make a prompt diagnosis and initiate appropriate
      treatment. Tuberculosis is a common cause of meningitis in developing countries
      with a high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis. However, tuberculosis affects
      populations in every country and all neurologists need to be vigilant for
      possible cases of tuberculous meningitis presenting to their medical facilities.
      This article discusses the challenges of diagnosing and treating tuberculous
      meningitis and highlights recent advances in diagnostic technology.

PMID- 25110617
TI  - Fertility Preservation for Prepubertal Girls: Update and Current Challenges.
AB  - With increasing rates of diagnosis of childhood cancers and the evolution of more
      effective treatment options resulting in prolonged life spans, fertility
      preservation counseling is an integral component of the discussion at the time of
      diagnosis of childhood cancers. The primary fertility preservation option that
      exists for prepubertal girls is ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Although ovarian
      tissue cryopreservation is still considered to be experimental in nature, live
      births have resulted from orthotopic tissue transplantation. Fertility
      preservation should be offered to all prepubertal girls at high-risk for
      premature ovarian failure as a result of gonadotoxic treatment. Ethical and legal
      questions surrounding these issues must be considered as more and more pediatric
      patients pursue fertility preservation.

PMID- 25110619
TI  - Diagnosis and management of acute encephalitis: A practical approach.
AB  - Encephalitis results in considerable morbidity and mortality in the United States
      and worldwide. Neurologists are often consulted or directly care for patients
      with encephalitis admitted to the hospital and must be able to discriminate
      between encephalitis and the many conditions that mimic it. Moreover,
      neurologists must be familiar with the myriad causes of encephalitis in order to
      develop a practical approach to diagnostic testing and treatment. An
      understanding of recent advances in management, particularly with respect to
      autoimmune etiologies and critical care approaches, is equally important. Here,
      we summarize a general approach to the care of adult patients with encephalitis.

PMID- 25110620
TI  - Dementia in MS complicated by coexistent Alzheimer disease: Diagnosis premortem
      and postmortem.
AB  - Distinguishing dementia due to multiple sclerosis (MS) from that of an
      accompanying neurodegenerative dementia coexisting with MS has been difficult.
      The recent introduction of Alzheimer disease (AD) biomarkers of amyloid-beta and
      neuronal degeneration has improved diagnosis of AD premortem. We describe 3
      patients with MS with coexisting AD, 1 diagnosed at autopsy before AD biomarkers
      were available and 2 diagnosed premortem by decreased CSF amyloid-beta1-42/tau
      index, MRI, and 18F-flourodeoxyglucose-PET patterns. AD biomarkers may be of
      diagnostic value in selected patients with severe dementia and MS.

PMID- 25110621
TI  - Neurology goes global: Opportunities in international health.
AB  - In recent years, the need for additional neurologists and neurologic expertise in
      many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) has become more apparent. Many
      organizations are committed to this unmet need, but the scope of the problem
      remains mostly underappreciated. Neurologists may be skeptical about their value
      in resource-limited settings, yet we are critically needed and can have a marked
      effect. International experiences, however, must be carried out in ethical,
      informed, and sustainable ways in tandem with local health care providers when
      possible. We present a brief overview of critical issues in global neurology, the
      importance of focusing on benefits to the LMIC, and options for volunteer
      opportunities in clinical service, education, research, and disaster relief.
      Finally, we offer practical pointers and resources for planning these
      experiences.

PMID- 25110622
TI  - State neurologic societies and the AAN: Strengthening neurology for the future.
AB  - This report considers the recommendations of the State Society Task Force (SSTF),
      which evaluated how the relationship between the American Academy of Neurology
      (AAN) and neurologic societies of individual states can foster the care of
      patients with neurologic diseases. The task force also evaluated the role of
      state neurosociety and state medical society interactions in supporting the
      profession of neurology. The SSTF recommended that the AAN expand current support
      services to state neurosocieties and foster additional neurosociety development.
      Specific services to be considered by the AAN include online combined AAN/state
      neurosociety dues payment and enhanced Web support. The role of the AAN as a
      liaison between state neurosocieties and state medical societies is important to
      facilitate state level advocacy for neurology.

PMID- 25110623
TI  - Acute HIV infection presenting as fulminant meningoencephalitis with massive CSF
      viral replication.
AB  - A 22-year-old man presented to the emergency department with 10 days of malaise,
      generalized rash, sore throat, oral ulcers, headache, nausea, and vomiting. On
      examination he had fever (101.5 degrees F), hepatosplenomegaly, generalized
      maculopapular rash, and lymphadenopathy. He rapidly became obtunded, requiring
      intubation. Initial laboratory studies showed mild transaminitis, increased
      lactate dehydrogenase, and 4,600 leukocytes per MUL with 61% bands and 18%
      lymphocytes. Bacterial and fungal blood cultures were negative as well as a rapid
      HIV test, additional serologies (including rapid plasma reagin and Treponema
      pallidum particle agglutination), quantitative PCRs (for viruses other than HIV),
      and urine and blood toxicology. CSF, on hospital day 4, showed a lymphocytic
      pleocytosis (total leukocytes: 100), high protein, borderline hypoglycorrhachia,
      and negative Gram stain and culture. Brain MRI revealed no meningeal enhancement
      or masses. EEG revealed no epileptiform activity. Flow cytometry on bone marrow
      biopsy and CSF found no evidence of malignancy; neither did an excisional lymph
      node biopsy (figure 1). An immunofluorescent assay test for HIV returned
      inconclusive and a Western blot detected HIV gp120/gp160 bands. Quantitative HIV
      RNA PCR was 1.4 * 106 copies/mL in plasma and in CSF exceeded the upper limit of
      quantitation (107 copies/mL) (figure 2).

PMID- 25110624
TI  - Applications of Brain-Machine Interface Systems in Stroke Recovery and
      Rehabilitation.
AB  - Stroke is a leading cause of disability, significantly impacting the quality of
      life (QOL) in survivors, and rehabilitation remains the mainstay of treatment in
      these patients. Recent engineering and technological advances such as brain
      machine interfaces (BMI) and robotic rehabilitative devices are promising to
      enhance stroke neu-rorehabilitation, to accelerate functional recovery and
      improve QOL. This review discusses the recent applications of BMI and robotic
      assisted rehabilitation in stroke patients. We present the framework for
      integrated BMI and robotic-assisted therapies, and discuss their potential
      therapeutic, assistive and diagnostic functions in stroke rehabilitation.
      Finally, we conclude with an outlook on the potential challenges and future
      directions of these neurotechnologies, and their impact on clinical
      rehabilitation.

PMID- 25110625
TI  - The Immune System and AMD.
AB  - Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex, multifactorial disease that
      has yet to be completely understood. Significant efforts in the basic and
      clinical sciences have unveiled numerous areas which appear to be critical in the
      pathogenesis of this disease. The alternative complement pathway, immune cell
      activation, and autoimmunity are all emerging as important themes to the
      suspected immunologic origins of this disease. Advancement toward a complete
      understanding of these processes is important in development of new techniques
      for disease monitoring and treatment.

PMID- 25110626
TI  - Habitual exercise plus dietary supplementation with milk fat globule membrane
      improves muscle function deficits via neuromuscular development in senescence
      accelerated mice.
AB  - We examined the effects of habitual exercise plus nutritional intervention
      through consumption of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), a milk component, on
      aging-related deficits in muscle mass and function in senescence-accelerated P1
      mice. Combining wheel-running and MFGM (MFGMEx) intake significantly attenuated
      age-related declines in quadriceps muscle mass (control: 318 +/- 6 mg; MFGMEx:
      356 +/- 9 mg; P < 0.05) and in contractile force (1.4-fold and 1.5-fold higher in
      the soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles, respectively). Microarray
      analysis of genes in the quadriceps muscle revealed that MFGMEx stimulated
      neuromuscular development; this was supported by significantly increased docking
      protein-7 (Dok-7) and myogenin mRNA expression. Treatment of differentiating
      myoblasts with MFGM-derived phospholipid or sphingolipid fractions plus
      mechanical stretching also significantly increased Dok-7 mRNA expression. These
      findings suggest that habitual exercise plus dietary MFGM improves muscle
      function deficits through neuromuscular development, and that phospholipid and
      sphingolipid in MFGM contribute to its physiological actions. 

PMID- 25110627
TI  - Effects of a pre-and post-workout protein-carbohydrate supplement in trained
      crossfit individuals.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose was to assess effects of a pre- and a post-workout protein
      carbohydrate supplement on CrossFit-specific performance and body composition.
      METHODS: In an open label randomized study, 13 male and 16 female trained
      Crossfit participants (mean +/- SD; age: 31.87 +/- 7.61 yrs, weight: 78.68 +/-
      16.45 kg, percent body fat: 21.97 +/- 9.02) were assessed at 0 and 6 weeks for
      body composition, VO2max, Wingate peak (WPP) and mean power (WMP), in addition to
      sport-specific workouts (WOD1: 500 m row, 40 wall balls, 30 push-ups, 20 box
      jumps, 10 thrusters for time; WOD2: 15 minutes to complete an 800 m run "buy in",
      followed by as many rounds as possible (AMRAP) of 5 burpees, 10 Kettlebell
      swings, 15 air squats). The supplement (SUP) group consisted of 19 g of a pre
      workout drink (extracts of pomegranate, tart cherry, green and black tea) taken
      30 minutes before and a post-workout protein (females: 20 g; males: 40 g) and
      carbohydrate (females: 40 g; males: 80 g) supplement consumed immediately after
      each workout. The control (CTL) group consumed only water one hour before or
      after workouts. Participants completed three (minimum) varied workouts per week
      at a CrossFit gym as typical to habitual training throughout the six week study.
      Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA (p <0 .05), 95% Confidence
      Intervals, and Magnitude Inferences. RESULTS: There were no time * group
      interactions for body composition, WMP, or WOD1 based on ANOVA statistics.
      VO2MAX, WPP, and WOD2 results revealed that the pre/post supplements were likely
      beneficial after 95% Confidence Intervals and Magnitude Inferences analysis.
      CONCLUSION: The combination of proprietary supplements taken for 6 weeks may
      provide benefits during certain sport-specific performance in trained CrossFit
      athletes but not others.

PMID- 25110628
TI  - Approaches for the design of reduced toxicant emission cigarettes.
AB  - Cigarette smoking causes serious diseases through frequent and prolonged exposure
      to toxicants. Technologies are being developed to reduce smokers' toxicant
      exposure, including filter adsorbents, tobacco treatments and substitutes. This
      study examined the effect of modifications to filter ventilation, variations in
      cigarette circumference and active charcoal filter length and loading, as well as
      combinations of these features in a reduced-toxicant prototype (RTP) cigarette,
      on the yields of toxicants in cigarette smoke. An air-dilution mechanism, called
      split-tipping, was developed in which a band of porous paper in the centre of the
      filter tipping functions to minimise the loss of effective filter ventilation
      that occurs at the high flow rates encountered during human-smoking, and to
      facilitate the diffusional loss of volatile toxicants. As compared with
      conventional filter ventilation cigarettes, split-tipping reduced tar and
      volatile smoke constituent emissions under high flow rate machine-smoking
      conditions, most notably for products with a 1-mg ISO tar yield. Furthermore,
      mouth level exposure (MLE) to tar and nicotine was reduced among smokers of 1-mg
      ISO tar cigarettes in comparison to smokers of cigarettes with traditional filter
      ventilation. For higher ISO tar level cigarettes, however, there were no
      significant reductions in MLE. Smaller cigarette circumferences reduced
      sidestream toxicant yields and modified the balance of mainstream smoke chemistry
      with reduced levels of aromatic amines and benzo[a]pyrene but increased yields of
      formaldehyde. Smaller circumference cigarettes also had lower mainstream yields
      of volatile toxicants. Longer cigarette filters containing increased levels of
      high-activity carbon (HAC) showed reduced machine-smoking yields of volatile
      toxicants: with up to 97% removal for some volatile toxicants at higher HAC
      loadings. Split-tipping was combined with optimal filter length and cigarette
      circumference in an RTP cigarette that gave significantly lower mainstream (up to
      ~90%) and sidestream (predominately 20%-60%) smoke yields of numerous toxicants
      as compared with a commercial comparator cigarette under machine-smoking
      conditions. Significantly lower mainstream and sidestream smoke toxicant yields
      were observed for an RTP cigarette comprising several toxicant reducing
      technologies; these observations warrant further evaluation in clinical studies
      where real-world relevance can be tested using biomarkers of exposure and
      physiological effect. 

PMID- 25110629
TI  - Pigeonpea genotypes influence parasitization preference and survival and
      development of the Helicoverpa armigera larval parasitoid, Campoletis chlorideae.
AB  - Studies were undertaken to identify pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh and
      the wild relative of pigeonpea, Cajanus scarabaeoides (L.) (accession ICPW 125,)
      genotypes that are hospitable to the pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)
      (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larval parasitoid, Campoletis chlorideae Uchida
      (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) for the management of this pest in pigeonpea based
      cropping systems. Percentage parasitization of the H. armigera larvae by the C.
      chlorideae females was greater under no-choice conditions than under multi-choice
      conditions because of forced parasitization under no-choice conditions. Lowest
      parasitization was recorded on the wild relative, ICPW 125, which may be due to
      long nonglandular hairs and low survival of H. armigera larvae. Parasitization of
      H. armigera larvae was greater under no-choice, dual-choice and/or multi-choice
      conditions on ICPL 87, ICPL 87119 and ICPL 87091, which are susceptible to H.
      armigera, than on the pod borer-resistant genotypes ICPL 332WR, ICPL 84060 and
      ICPB 2042; while survival and development of the parasitoid was better on H.
      armigera larvae fed on ICPL 87, ICPL 87119, LRG 41, ICP 7035 and ICPL 87091 than
      on ICPL 332WR, ICPL 84060, ICPB 2042 and ICPW 125. The genotypes ICPL 87, ICPL
      87119, LRG 42 and ICPL 87091 that are hospitable to C. chloridae, are better
      suited for use in integrated pest management to minimize the losses due to H.
      armigera in pigeonpea. 

PMID- 25110630
TI  - Isolation and enzyme bioprospection of endophytic bacteria associated with plants
      of Brazilian mangrove ecosystem.
AB  - The mangrove ecosystem is a coastal tropical biome located in the transition zone
      between land and sea that is characterized by periodic flooding, which confers
      unique and specific environmental conditions on this biome. In these ecosystems,
      the vegetation is dominated by a particular group of plant species that provide a
      unique environment harboring diverse groups of microorganisms, including the
      endophytic microorganisms that are the focus of this study. Because of their
      intimate association with plants, endophytic microorganisms could be explored for
      biotechnologically significant products, such as enzymes, proteins, antibiotics
      and others. Here, we isolated endophytic microorganisms from two mangrove
      species, Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia nitida, that are found in streams in two
      mangrove systems in Bertioga and Cananeia, Brazil. Bacillus was the most
      frequently isolated genus, comprising 42% of the species isolated from Cananeia
      and 28% of the species from Bertioga. However, other common endophytic genera
      such as Pantoea, Curtobacterium and Enterobacter were also found. After
      identifying the isolates, the bacterial communities were evaluated for enzyme
      production. Protease activity was observed in 75% of the isolates, while
      endoglucanase activity occurred in 62% of the isolates. Bacillus showed the
      highest activity rates for amylase and esterase and endoglucanase. To our
      knowledge, this is the first reported diversity analysis performed on endophytic
      bacteria obtained from the branches of mangrove trees and the first overview of
      the specific enzymes produced by different bacterial genera. This work
      contributes to our knowledge of the microorganisms and enzymes present in
      mangrove ecosystems. 

PMID- 25110631
TI  - Different pioneer plant species select specific rhizosphere bacterial communities
      in a high mountain environment.
AB  - The rhizobacterial communities of 29 pioneer plants belonging to 12 species were
      investigated in an alpine ecosystem to assess if plants from different species
      could select for specific rhizobacterial communities. Rhizospheres and
      unvegetated soils were collected from a floristic pioneer stage plot at 2,400 m
      a.s.l. in the forefield of Weisskugel Glacier (Matsch Valley, South Tyrol,
      Italy), after 160 years of glacier retreat. To allow for a culture-independent
      perspective, total environmental DNA was extracted from both rhizosphere and bare
      soil samples and analyzed by Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis
      (ARISA) and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). ARISA fingerprinting
      showed that rhizobacterial genetic structure was extremely different from bare
      soil bacterial communities while rhizobacterial communities clustered strictly
      together according to the plant species. Sequencing of DGGE bands showed that
      rhizobacterial communities were mainly composed of Acidobacteria and
      Proteobacteria whereas bare soil was colonized by Acidobacteria and Clostridia.
      UniFrac significance calculated on DGGE results confirmed the rhizosphere effect
      exerted by the 12 species and showed different bacterial communities (P < 0.05)
      associated with all the plant species. These results pointed out that specific
      rhizobacterial communities were selected by pioneer plants of different species
      in a high mountain ecosystem characterized by oligotrophic and harsh
      environmental conditions, during an early primary succession. 

PMID- 25110632
TI  - Immunogenicity of a monovalent 2009 influenza A (H1N1) vaccine in infants:
      randomized, observer-masked, single-center clinical study.
AB  - ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to further investigate the immune response of
      the inactivated split-virion vaccine for infants. We tested the immunogenicity
      and safety of the inactivated split-virion vaccine in infants, aged 6-35 months,
      for a randomized, observer-masked, age-stratified clinical study. We randomly
      divided subjects into three groups: 7.5 MUg, 15 MUg of hemagglutinin antigen
      dosage groups and seasonal influenza vaccine for children dosage group in a 2
      dose regimen. A serologic analysis was performed at baseline and on day 21 and
      42. 312 infants received a single dose injection of vaccine and 265 (84.94%)
      infants received two doses injection of vaccine. Adverse reactions were mostly
      mild or moderate. Among the subjects who received 7.5 MUg and 15 MUg of vaccine
      for a single dose injection, the rate of hemagglutinin inhibition titer of 1:40
      or greater were 52.48% (95% confidence interval (CI) 42.83 ~ 61.95) and 61.11%
      (95% CI 50.78 ~ 70.53), respectively. Among the subjects receiving 7.5 MUg and 15
      MUg of vaccine for two doses injection, the rate of hemagglutinin inhibition (HI)
      titer of 1:40 or greater were 90.10% (95% CI 82.73 ~ 94.53) and 94.44% (95% CI
      87.64 ~ 97.60), respectively. These data suggests that 15 MUg or 7.5 MUg dose of
      hemagglutinin antigen of the inactivated split-virion vaccine was safe and two
      doses of injection could induce a sufficient protective immune response in
      infants. TRIAL REGISTRATION:  CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT01494740.

PMID- 25110633
TI  - Shigella: A Highly Virulent and Elusive Pathogen.
AB  - Despite a significant decrease in Shigella-related mortality, shigellosis
      continues to carry a significant burden of disease worldwide, particularly in
      Asia and Africa. Shigella is a highly virulent pathogen comprised of four major
      species with numerous subtypes. Shigella dysenteriae and Shigella flexneri
      infections are predominant in resource-limited settings. Clinical presentations
      range from mild watery diarrhea to severe dysentery with systemic complications
      such as electrolyte imbalance, seizures and hemolytic uremic syndrome. S.
      dysenteriae subtype 1, the producer of Shiga toxin, causes the most severe
      illness and highest mortality. Susceptible strains of Shigella may be effectively
      treated with inexpensive oral antibiotics such as ampicillin or trimethoprim
      sulfamethoxazole. Unfortunately, multidrug resistant strains have emerged that
      have rendered most antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones and extended-spectrum
      cephalosporins, ineffective. Management and prevention of shigellosis represents
      a major public health challenge. The development of an effective vaccine is
      urgently needed to decrease its global impact.

PMID- 25110634
TI  - Weight Loss Programs May Have Beneficial or Adverse Effects on Fat Mass and
      Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight and Obese Black Women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Weight loss interventions have produced little change in insulin
      sensitivity in black women, but mean data may obscure metabolic benefit to some
      and adverse effects for others. Accordingly, we analyzed insulin sensitivity
      relative to fat mass change following a weight loss program. DESIGN AND METHODS:
      Fifty-four black women (BMI range 25.9 to 54.7 kg/m2) completed the 6-month
      program that included nutrition information and worksite exercise facilities. Fat
      mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and insulin sensitivity
      index (SI) was calculated from an insulin-modified intravenous glucose tolerance
      test using the minimal model. RESULTS: Baseline SI (range 0.74 to 7.58 l/mU-1*min
      1) was inversely associated with fat mass (r = -0.516, p < 0.001), independent of
      age. On average, subjects lost fat mass (baseline 40.8 +/- 12.4 to 39.4 +/- 12.6
      kg [mean +/- SD], P < 0.01), but 17 women (32 %) actually gained fat mass. SI for
      the group was unchanged (baseline 3.3 +/- 1.7 to 3.2 +/- 1.6, P = 0.67). However,
      the tertile with greatest fat mass loss (-3.6 kg, range -10.7 to -1.7 kg)
      improved insulin sensitivity (SI +0.3 +/- 1.2), whereas the tertile with net fat
      mass gain (+0.9 kg, range -0.1 to +3.8 kg) had reduced insulin sensitivity (SI 
      0.7 +/- 1.3) from baseline values (P < 0.05 by ANOVA). CONCLUSIONS: Black women
      in a weight loss program who lose fat mass may have improved insulin sensitivity,
      but fat mass gain with diminished sensitivity is common. Additional support for
      participants who fail to achieve fat mass loss early in an intervention may be
      required for success.

PMID- 25110635
TI  - Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment with linezolid-containing regimen.
AB  - The following is a case of multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
      that was treated successfully with a linezolid-containing regimen. It was found
      that linezolid is an efficient medicine for MDR-TB treatment with an acceptable
      side effect profile. Treatment was maintained for 18 months, and closely
      monitoring toxicities did not reveal evidence of any neurologic adverse effects.
      However, despite our expectation, thrombocytopenia was seen after 2 years follow
      up.

PMID- 25110636
TI  - Violent crime, suicide, and premature mortality in patients with schizophrenia
      and related disorders: a 38-year total population study in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with schizophrenia and related disorders are at an increased
      risk of adverse outcomes, including conviction of a violent offence, suicide, and
      premature mortality. However, the rates of, and risk factors for, these outcomes
      need clarification as a basis for population-based and targeted interventions. We
      aimed to determine rates and risk factors for these outcomes, and investigate to
      what extent they are shared across outcomes and are specific to schizophrenia and
      related disorders. METHODS: We undertook a total population cohort study in
      Sweden of 24 297 patients with schizophrenia and related disorders between
      January, 1972 and December, 2009. Patients were matched by age and sex to people
      from the general population (n=485 940) and also to unaffected sibling controls
      (n=26 357). First, we investigated rates of conviction of a violent offence,
      suicide, and premature mortality, with follow-up until conviction of a violent
      offence, emigration, death, or end of follow-up (Dec 31, 2009), whichever
      occurred first. Second, we analysed associations between these adverse outcomes
      and sociodemographic, individual, familial, and distal risk factors, for men and
      women separately, with Cox proportional hazards models. Finally, we assessed time
      trends in adverse outcomes between 1972 and 2009, for which we compared patients
      with unaffected siblings, and analysed associations with changes in the number of
      nights spent in inpatient beds in psychiatric facilities nationwide. FINDINGS:
      Within 5 years of their initial diagnosis, 13.9% of men and 4.7% of women with
      schizophrenia and related disorders had a major adverse outcome (10.7% of men and
      2.7% of women were convicted of a violent offence, and 3.3% of men and 2.0% of
      women died prematurely of any cause). During the study, the adjusted odds ratio
      of any adverse outcomes for patients compared with general population controls
      was 7.5 (95% CI 7.2-7.9) in men and 11.1 (10.2-12.1) in women. Three risk factors
      that were present before diagnosis were predictive of any adverse outcome: drug
      use disorders, criminality, and self-harm, which were also risk factors for these
      outcomes in unaffected siblings and in the general population. Over the period
      1973-2009, the odds of these outcomes increased in patients with schizophrenia
      and related disorders compared with unaffected siblings. INTERPRETATION:
      Schizophrenia and related disorders are associated with substantially increased
      rates of violent crime, suicide, and premature mortality. Risk factors for these
      three outcomes included both those specific to individuals with schizophrenia and
      related disorders, and those shared with the general population. Therefore, a
      combination of population-based and targeted strategies might be necessary to
      reduce the substantial rates of adverse outcomes in patients with schizophrenia
      and related disorders.

PMID- 25110637
TI  - In vitro cytotoxicity of four calcium silicate-based endodontic cements on human
      monocytes, a colorimetric MTT assay.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of four calcium
      silicate-based endodontic cements at different storage times after mixing.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Capillary tubes were filled with Biodentine (Septodont),
      Calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM cement, BioniqueDent), Tech Biosealer Endo (Tech
      Biosealer) and ProRoot MTA (Dentsply Tulsa Dental). Empty tubes and tubes
      containing Dycal were used as negative and positive control groups respectively.
      Filled capillary tubes were kept in 0.2 mL microtubes and incubated at 37C. Each
      material was divided into 3 groups for testing at intervals of 24 hr, 7 day and
      28 day after mixing. Human monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells and cocultered with 24 hr, 7 day and 28 day samples of
      different materials for 24 and 48 hr. Cell viability was evaluated using an MTT
      assay. RESULTS: In all groups, the viability of monocytes significantly improved
      with increasing storage time regardless of the incubation time (p < 0.001). After
      24 hr of incubation, there was no significant difference between the materials
      regarding monocyte viability. However, at 48 hr of incubation, ProRoot MTA and
      Biodentine were less cytotoxic than CEM cement and Biosealer (p < 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Biodentine and ProRoot MTA had similar biocompatibility. Mixing
      ProRoot MTA with PBS in place of distilled water had no effect on its
      biocompatibility. Biosealer and CEM cement after 48 hr of incubation were
      significantly more cytotoxic to on monocyte cells compared to ProRoot MTA and
      Biodentine.

PMID- 25110638
TI  - Temperature changes under demineralized dentin during polymerization of three
      resin-based restorative materials using QTH and LED units.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Light-curing of resin-based materials (RBMs) increases the pulp
      chamber temperature, with detrimental effects on the vital pulp. This in vitro
      study compared the temperature rise under demineralized human tooth dentin during
      light-curing and the degrees of conversion (DCs) of three different RBMs using
      quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) and light-emitting diode (LED) units (LCUs).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demineralized and non-demineralized dentin disks were
      prepared from 120 extracted human mandibular molars. The temperature rise under
      the dentin disks (n = 12) during the light-curing of three RBMs, i.e. an Ormocer
      based composite resin (Ceram. X, Dentsply DeTrey), a low-shrinkage silorane-based
      composite (Filtek P90, 3M ESPE), and a giomer (Beautifil II, Shofu GmbH), was
      measured with a K-type thermocouple wire. The DCs of the materials were
      investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: The
      temperature rise under the demineralized dentin disks was higher than that under
      the non-demineralized dentin disks during the polymerization of all restorative
      materials (p < 0.05). Filtek P90 induced higher temperature rise during
      polymerization than Ceram.X and Beautifil II under demineralized dentin (p <
      0.05). The temperature rise under demineralized dentin during Filtek P90
      polymerization exceeded the threshold value (5.5C), with no significant
      differences between the DCs of the test materials (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Although there were no significant differences in the DCs, the temperature rise
      under demineralized dentin disks for the silorane-based composite was higher than
      that for dimethacrylate-based restorative materials, particularly with QTH LCU.

PMID- 25110639
TI  - How to design in situ studies: an evaluation of experimental protocols.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Designing in situ models for caries research is a demanding
      procedure, as both clinical and laboratory parameters need to be incorporated in
      a single study. This study aimed to construct an informative guideline for
      planning in situ models relevant to preexisting caries studies. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: An electronic literature search of the PubMed database was performed. A
      total 191 of full articles written in English were included and data were
      extracted from materials and methods. Multiple variables were analyzed in
      relation to the publication types, participant characteristics, specimen and
      appliance factors, and other conditions. Frequencies and percentages were
      displayed to summarize the data and the Pearson's chi-square test was used to
      assess a statistical significance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There were many parameters
      commonly included in the majority of in situ models such as inclusion criteria,
      sample sizes, sample allocation methods, tooth types, intraoral appliance types,
      sterilization methods, study periods, outcome measures, experimental
      interventions, etc. Interrelationships existed between the main research topics
      and some parameters (outcome measures and sample allocation methods) among the
      evaluated articles. CONCLUSIONS: It will be possible to establish standardized in
      situ protocols according to the research topics. Furthermore, data collaboration
      from comparable studies would be enhanced by homogeneous study designs.

PMID- 25110640
TI  - Effect of 38% carbamide peroxide on the microleakage of silorane-based versus
      methacrylate-based composite restorations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effect of 38% carbamide peroxide on
      the microleakage of class V cavities restored with either a silorane-based
      composite or two methacrylate-based composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of
      96 class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of extracted human teeth
      with both enamel and dentin margins and were randomly assigned into three groups
      of Filtek P90 (3M-ESPE) + P90 system adhesive (3M-ESPE)(group A), Filtek Z250 (3M
      ESPE) + Adper Prompt L-Pop (3M-ESPE)(group B) and Filtek Z350XT (3M-ESPE) + Adper
      Prompt L-Pop (group C). Half of the teeth were randomly underwent bleaching (38%
      carbamide peroxide, Day White, Discus Dental, applying for 15 min, twice a day
      for 14 day) while the remaining half (control) were not bleached. Dye penetration
      was measured following immersion in basic fuchsine. Data were statistically
      analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests at a level of 0.05.
      RESULTS: No significant differences were found between composites in the control
      groups in enamel (p = 0.171) or dentin (p = 0.094) margins. After bleaching,
      microleakage of Z250 (in enamel [p = 0.867] or dentin [p = 0.590] margins) and
      Z350 (in enamel [p = 0.445] or dentin [p = 0.591] margins) did not change
      significantly, but the microleakage of P90 significantly increased in both enamel
      (p = 0.042) and dentin (p = 0.002) margins. CONCLUSIONS: No significant
      differences were noted between the bleached and control subgroups of two
      methacrylate-based composites in enamel or dentin margins. Microleakage of
      silorane-based composite significantly increased after bleaching.

PMID- 25110641
TI  - Enamel pretreatment with Er:YAG laser: effects on the microleakage of fissure
      sealant in fluorosed teeth.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microleakage
      and penetration of fissure sealant in permanent molar teeth with fluorosis after
      pretreatment of the occlusal surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 third
      molars with mild dental fluorosis were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 20).
      The tooth surfaces were sealed with an unfilled resin fissure sealant (FS)
      material. The experimental groups included: 1) phosphoric acid etching (AE) + FS
      (control); 2) AE + One-Step Plus (OS, Bisco) + FS; 3) bur + AE + FS; 4) bur + AE
      + OS + FS; 5) Er:YAG laser + AE + FS; and 6) Er:YAG laser + AE + OS + FS. After
      thermocycling, the teeth were immersed in 0.5% fuchsin and sectioned. Proportions
      of mircoleakage (PM) and unfilled area (PUA) were measured by digital microscope.
      RESULTS: Overall, there were significant differences among all groups in the PM
      (p = 0.00). Group 3 showed the greatest PM, and was significantly different from
      groups 2 to 6 (p < 0.05). Group 6 showed the lowest PM. Pretreatment with Er:YAG
      with or without adhesive led to less PM than bur pretreatment. There were no
      significant differences among groups in PUA. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional acid
      etching provided a similar degree of occlusal seal in teeth with fluorosis
      compared to those pretreated with a bur or Er:YAG laser. Pretreatment of pits and
      fissures with Er:YAG in teeth with fluorosis may be an alternative method before
      fissure sealant application.

PMID- 25110642
TI  - The effects of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and enamel matrix derivative on the
      bioactivity of mineral trioxide aggregate in MC3T3-E1cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The effects of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and enamel matrix
      derivative (EMD) respectively with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on hard
      tissue regeneration have been investigated in previous studies. This study aimed
      to compare the osteogenic effects of MTA/BMP-2 and MTA/EMD treatment in MC3T3-E1
      cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with MTA (ProRoot,
      Dentsply), BMP-2 (R&D Systems), EMD (Emdogain, Straumann) separately and MTA/BMP
      2 or MTA/EMD combination. Mineralization was evaluated by staining the calcium
      deposits with alkaline phosphatase (ALP, Sigma-Aldrich) and Alizarin red (Sigma
      Aldrich). The effects on the osteoblast differentiation were evaluated by the
      expressions of osteogenic markers, including ALP, bone sialoprotein (BSP),
      osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) and osteonectin (OSN), as determined by
      reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR, AccuPower PCR,
      Bioneer). RESULTS: Mineralization increased in the BMP-2 and MTA/BMP-2 groups and
      increased to a lesser extent in the MTA/EMD group but appeared to decrease in the
      MTA-only group based on Alizarin red staining. ALP expression largely decreased
      in the EMD and MTA/EMD groups based on ALP staining. In the MTA/BMP-2 group, mRNA
      expression of OPN on day 3 and BSP and OCN on day 7 significantly increased. In
      the MTA/EMD group, OSN and OCN gene expression significantly increased on day 7,
      whereas ALP expression decreased on days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These
      results suggest the MTA/BMP-2 combination promoted more rapid differentiation in
      MC3T3-E1 cells than did MTA/EMD during the early mineralization period.

PMID- 25110643
TI  - Comparative efficacy of photo-activated disinfection and calcium hydroxide for
      disinfection of remaining carious dentin in deep cavities: a clinical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To comparatively evaluate the efficacy of photo-activated
      disinfection (PAD), calcium hydroxide (CH) and their combination on the treatment
      outcome of indirect pulp treatment (IPT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional
      ethical clearance and informed consent of the patients were taken. The study was
      also registered with clinical registry of India. Sixty permanent molars
      exhibiting deep occlusal carious lesion in patients with the age range of 18 - 22
      yr were included. Clinical and radiographic evaluation and set inclusion and
      exclusion criteria's were followed. Gross caries excavation was accomplished. In
      group I (n = 20) PAD was applied for sixty seconds. In group II (n = 20), CH was
      applied to the remaining carious dentin, while in group III (n = 20), PAD
      application was followed by CH placement. The teeth were permanently restored.
      They were clinically and radiographically followed-up at 45 day, 6 mon and 12
      mon. Relative density of the remaining affected dentin was measured by
      'Radiovisiography (RVG) densitometric' analysis. RESULTS: Successful outcome with
      an increase in radiographic grey values were observed in all three groups.
      However, on inter-group comparison, this change was not significant (p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: PAD and CH both have equal disinfection efficacy in the treatment of
      deep carious dentin. PAD alone is as effective for treatment of deep carious
      lesion as calcium hydroxide and hence can be used as an alternative to CH. They
      can be used independently in IPT, since combining both does not offer any
      additional therapeutic benefits.

PMID- 25110644
TI  - Comparative analysis of physicochemical properties of root perforation sealer
      materials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the solubility, dimensional alteration, pH,
      electrical conductivity, and radiopacity of root perforation sealer materials.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the pH test, the samples were immersed in distilled
      water for different periods of time. Then, the samples were retained in plastic
      recipients, and the electrical conductivity of the solution was measured. The
      solubility, dimensional alteration, and radiopacity properties were evaluated
      according to Specification No. 57 of the American National Standards
      Institute/American Dental Association (ANSI/ADA). Statistical analyses were
      carried out using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test at a significance
      level of 5%. When the sample distribution was not normal, a nonparametric ANOVA
      was performed with a Kruskal-Wallis test (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: The results
      showed that white structural Portland cement (PC) had the highest solubility,
      while mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based cements, ProRoot MTA (Dentsply-Tulsa
      Dental) and MTA BIO (Angelus Ind. Prod.), had the lowest values. MTA BIO showed
      the lowest dimensional alteration values and white PC presented the highest
      values. No differences among the tested materials were observed in the the pH and
      electrical conductivity analyses. Only the MTA-based cements met the ANSI/ADA
      recommendations regarding radiopacity, overcoming the three steps of the aluminum
      step wedge. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, we concluded that the
      values of solubility and dimensional alteration of the materials were in
      accordance with the ANSI/ADA specifications. PCs did not fulfill the ANSI/ADA
      requirements regarding radiopacity. No differences were observed among the
      materials with respect to the pH and electrical conductivity analyses.

PMID- 25110645
TI  - Prevalence of referral reasons and clinical symptoms for endodontic referrals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of different primary reasons for
      endodontic referrals and the clinical symptoms of the referred cases. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Clinical data of total endodontic treatment cases (1,014 teeth)
      including endodontic referral cases (224 teeth) between January 1, 2010 and
      December 31, 2012, at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, were investigated
      retrospectively. The one major reason for referral, the clinical symptoms, and
      the resulting treatment procedures of referral cases were recorded. The
      percentages of clinical symptoms of the endodontic referral cases and the total
      endodontic treatment cases were compared by chi(2) test for each symptom.
      RESULTS: Persistent pain was the most frequent reason for endodontic referral
      (29.5%), followed by presence of gingival swelling and sinus tract (24.1%), and
      apical radiolucency (12.9%). Referrals in cases involving endodontic difficulties
      such as canal calcification, broken instruments, post, perforation, and
      resorption were less than 5.0%, respectively. The percentages of four major
      clinical symptoms of pain, apical radiolucency, previous endodontic treatment,
      and gingival swelling and sinus tract were significantly higher in the endodontic
      referral cases than those in the total endodontic cases (p = 0.001). Among the
      included referral cases, 72.8% were treated with nonsurgical endodontic treatment
      only. Teeth other than the referred teeth were diagnosed as the origin of the
      problem in 5.8% of the referrals. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of pain,
      apical radiolucency, previous treatment, and gingival swelling and sinus tract in
      endodontic referral cases suggest that these symptoms may be what general
      practitioners consider to be difficult and refer to endodontists.

PMID- 25110646
TI  - Mental nerve paresthesia secondary to initiation of endodontic therapy: a case
      report.
AB  - Whenever endodontic therapy is performed on mandibular posterior teeth, damage to
      the inferior alveolar nerve or any of its branches is possible. Acute periapical
      infection in mandibular posterior teeth may also sometimes disturb the normal
      functioning of the inferior alveolar nerve. The most common clinical
      manifestation of these insults is the paresthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve
      or mental nerve paresthesia. Paresthesia usually manifests as burning, prickling,
      tingling, numbness, itching or any deviation from normal sensation. Altered
      sensation and pain in the involved areas may interfere with speaking, eating,
      drinking, shaving, tooth brushing and other events of social interaction which
      will have a disturbing impact on the patient. Paresthesia can be short term, long
      term or even permanent. The duration of the paresthesia depends upon the extent
      of the nerve damage or persistence of the etiology. Permanent paresthesia is the
      result of nerve trunk laceration or actual total nerve damage. Paresthesia must
      be treated as soon as diagnosed to have better treatment outcomes. The present
      paper describes a case of mental nerve paresthesia arising after the start of the
      endodontic therapy in left mandibular first molar which was managed successfully
      by conservative treatment. 

PMID- 25110647
TI  - Esthetic rehabilitation of single anterior edentulous space using fiber
      reinforced composite.
AB  - A fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) fixed prosthesis is an innovative alternative
      to a traditional metal restoration, as it is a conservative treatment method.
      This case report demonstrates a detailed procedure for restoring a missing
      anterior tooth with an FRC. A 44-year-old woman visited our department with an
      avulsed tooth that had fallen out on the previous day and was completely dry.
      This tooth was replanted, but it failed after one year. A semi-direct technique
      was used to fabricate a FRC fixed partial prosthesis for its replacement. The FRC
      framework and the pontic were fabricated using a duplicated cast model and
      nanofilled composite resin. Later on, interproximal contact, tooth shape, and
      shade were adjusted at chairside. This technique not only enables the clinician
      to replace a missing tooth immediately after extraction for minimizing esthetic
      problems, but it also decreases both tooth reduction and cost. 

PMID- 25110648
TI  - An esthetic appliance for the management of crown-root fracture: a case report.
AB  - Orthodontic extrusion is usually performed by means of a fixed orthodontic
      appliance that utilizes arch wire attached to adjacent teeth and transfers the
      desired force by elastic from the wire to the root. However, clinicians often
      encounter cases where the bonding required for tooth traction is not possible
      because the adjacent teeth have been restored with ceramic or veneer. The purpose
      of this case report is to describe a modified orthodontic extrusion appliance
      that is useful when conventional orthodontic treatment is not possible. The
      modified appliance was fabricated using an artificial tooth, clear plastic
      sheeting, and a braided fiber-reinforced composite strip that covered adjacent
      teeth without bonding. It satisfied the esthetic and functional needs of the
      patient and established the optimal biologic width. 

PMID- 25110650
TI  - Statistical notes for clinical researchers: Nonparametric statistical methods: 1.
      Nonparametric methods for comparing two groups.

PMID- 25110649
TI  - The use of platelet rich plasma in the treatment of immature tooth with
      periapical lesion: a case report.
AB  - This study describes the treatment of an immature permanent tooth with periapical
      lesion which was treated with regenerative approach using platelet rich plasma
      (PRP). The root canal of immature human permanent tooth with periapical lesion
      was gently debrided of necrotic tissue and disinfected with 2.5% NaOCl, and then
      medicated with triple antibiotic paste comprised of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole,
      and tetracycline. When the tooth was asymptomatic, PRP and mineral trioxide
      aggregate (MTA) were placed into the root canal. Six months after PRP treatment,
      radiographical examination revealed resolution of the radiolucency and
      progressive thickening of the root wall and apical closure. Our findings suggest
      that PRP can be used for the treatment of immature permanent teeth with
      periapical lesion, as part of a regenerative endodontic treatment procedure. 

PMID- 25110651
TI  - Rotational stability of endodontic motors.

PMID- 25110652
TI  - Identification of Differentially Expressed Gene after Femoral Fracture via
      Microarray Profiling.
AB  - We aimed to investigate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in different stages
      after femoral fracture based on rat models, providing the basis for the treatment
      of sport-related fractures. Gene expression data GSE3298 was downloaded from Gene
      Expression Omnibus (GEO), including 16 chips. All femoral fracture samples were
      classified into earlier fracture stage and later fracture stage. Total 87 DEGs
      simultaneously occurred in two stages, of which 4 genes showed opposite
      expression tendency. Out of the 4 genes, Rest and Cst8 were hub nodes in protein
      protein interaction (PPI) network. The GO (Gene Ontology) function enrichment
      analysis verified that nutrition supply related genes were enriched in the
      earlier stage and neuron growth related genes were enriched in the later stage.
      Calcium signaling pathway was the most significant pathway in earlier stage; in
      later stage, DEGs were enriched into 2 neurodevelopment-related pathways.
      Analysis of Pearson's correlation coefficient showed that a total of 3,300 genes
      were significantly associated with fracture time, none of which was overlapped
      with identified DEGs. This study suggested that Rest and Cst8 might act as
      potential indicators for fracture healing. Calcium signaling pathway and
      neurodevelopment-related pathways might be deeply involved in bone healing after
      femoral fracture. 

PMID- 25110653
TI  - Stereotactic body radiotherapy for small lung tumors in the University of Tokyo
      Hospital.
AB  - Our work on stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for primary and metastatic
      lung tumors will be described. The eligibility criteria for SBRT, our previous
      SBRT method, the definition of target volume, heterogeneity correction, the
      position adjustment using four-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (4D
      CBCT) immediately before SBRT, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) method for
      SBRT, verifying of tumor position within internal target volume (ITV) using in
      treatment 4D-CBCT during VMAT-SBRT, shortening of treatment time using flattening
      filter-free (FFF) techniques, delivery of 4D dose calculation for lung-VMAT
      patients using in-treatment CBCT and LINAC log data with agility multileaf
      collimator, and SBRT method for centrally located lung tumors in our institution
      will be shown. In our institution, these efforts have been made with the goal of
      raising the local control rate and decreasing adverse effects after SBRT. 

PMID- 25110654
TI  - Evaluation of cocktails with recombinant proteins of Mycobacterium bovis for a
      specific diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis.
AB  - The Delayed type hypersensitivity skin test (DTH) and interferon-gamma assay are
      used for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (TBB). The specificity of these
      diagnoses, however, is compromised because both are based on the response against
      purified protein derivative of Mycobacterium bovis (PPD-B). In this study, we
      assessed the potential of two cocktails containing M. bovis recombinant proteins:
      cocktail 1 (C1): ESAT-6, CFP-10 and MPB83 and cocktail 2 (C2): ESAT-6, CFP-10,
      MPB83, HspX, TB10.3, and MPB70. C1, C2, and PPD-B showed similar response by DTH
      in M. bovis-sensitized guinea pigs. Importantly, C1 induced a lower response than
      PPD-B in M. avium-sensitized guinea pigs. In cattle, C1 displayed better
      performance than PPD-B and C2; indeed, C1 showed the least detection of animals
      either vaccinated or Map-infected. To optimize the composition of the cocktails,
      we obtained protein fractions from PPD-B and tested their immunogenicity in
      experimentally M. bovis-infected cattle. In one highly reactive fraction, seven
      proteins were identified. The inclusion of FixB in C1 enhanced the recognition of
      M. bovis-infected cattle without compromising specificity. Our data provide a
      promising basis for the future development of a cocktail for TBB detection
      without interference by the presence of sensitized or infected animals with other
      mycobacteria. 

PMID- 25110655
TI  - Development and characterization of novel porous 3D alginate-cockle shell powder
      nanobiocomposite bone scaffold.
AB  - A novel porous three-dimensional bone scaffold was developed using a natural
      polymer (alginate/Alg) in combination with a naturally obtained biomineral (nano
      cockle shell powder/nCP) through lyophilization techniques. The scaffold was
      developed in varying composition mixture of Alg-nCP and characterized using
      various evaluation techniques as well as preliminary in vitro studies on MG63
      human osteoblast cells. Morphological observations using SEM revealed variations
      in structures with the use of different Alg-nCP composition ratios. All the
      developed scaffolds showed a porous structure with pore sizes ideal for
      facilitating new bone growth; however, not all combination mixtures showed
      subsequent favorable characteristics to be used for biological applications.
      Scaffolds produced using the combination mixture of 40% Alg and 60% nCP produced
      significantly promising results in terms of mechanical strength, degradation
      rate, and increased cell proliferation rates making it potentially the optimum
      composition mixture of Alg-nCP with future application prospects. 

PMID- 25110656
TI  - Assessment of food processing and pharmaceutical industrial wastes as potential
      biosorbents: a review.
AB  - There is a growing need for the use of low-cost and ecofriendly adsorbents in
      water/wastewater treatment applications. Conventional adsorbents as well as
      biosorbents from different natural and agricultural sources have been extensively
      studied and reviewed. However, there is a lack of reviews on biosorption
      utilizing industrial wastes, particularly those of food processing and
      pharmaceuticals. The current review evaluates the potential of these wastes as
      biosorbents for the removal of some hazardous contaminants. Sources and
      applications of these biosorbents are presented, while factors affecting
      biosorption are discussed. Equilibrium, kinetics, and mechanisms of biosorption
      are also reviewed. In spite of the wide spread application of these biosorbents
      in the treatment of heavy metals and dyes, more research is required on other
      classes of pollutants. In addition, further work should be dedicated to studying
      scaling up of the process and its economic feasibility. More attention should
      also be given to enhancing mechanical strength, stability, life time, and
      reproducibility of the biosorbent. Environmental concerns regarding disposal of
      consumed biosorbents should be addressed by offering feasible biosorbent
      regeneration or pollutant immobilization options. 

PMID- 25110657
TI  - The effects of apigenin on the expression of Fas/FasL apoptotic pathway in warm
      liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the role of
      apigenin in liver apoptosis, in an experimental model of hepatic ischemia
      reperfusion in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight Wistar rats (apigenin and
      control groups), 14 to 16 weeks old and weighing 220 to 350 g, were used. They
      were all subjected to hepatic ischemia by occlusion of the hepatic artery and
      portal vein for 45 minutes and reperfusion was followed for 60, 120, and 240
      minutes. Apigenin was administrated intraperitoneally. Liver tissues were used
      for the detection of apoptosis by TUNEL assay and caspase 3 antibodies.
      Expression analysis of Fas/FasL genes was evaluated by real time PCR. RESULTS:
      The expression analysis of Fas and FasL genes was increasing during reperfusion
      (significantly in the group of 240 minutes of reperfusion). It was in the same
      group that apigenin decreased Fas receptor levels and inhibited apoptosis as
      confirmed by TUNEL assay and caspase 3 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of
      apigenin in the Fas/FasL mediated pathway of apoptosis, in the hepatic ischemia
      reperfusion, seem to have a protective result on the hepatic cell.

PMID- 25110658
TI  - The role of microclot formation in an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage model in the
      rabbit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microvascular dysfunction and microthrombi formation are believed to
      contribute to development of early brain injury (EBI) after aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine (i)
      extent of microthrombus formation and neuronal apoptosis in the brain parenchyma
      using a blood shunt SAH model in rabbits; (ii) correlation of structural changes
      in microvessels with EBI characteristics. METHODS: Acute SAH was induced using a
      rabbit shunt cisterna magna model. Extent of microthrombosis was detected 24 h
      post-SAH (n = 8) by fibrinogen immunostaining, compared to controls (n = 4). We
      assessed apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick end labeling
      (TUNEL) in cortex and hippocampus. RESULTS: Our results showed significantly more
      TUNEL-positive cells (SAH: 115 +/- 13; controls: 58 +/- 10; P = 0.016) and
      fibrinogen-positive microthromboemboli (SAH: 9 +/- 2; controls: 2 +/- 1; P =
      0.03) in the hippocampus after aneurysmal SAH. CONCLUSIONS: We found clear
      evidence of early microclot formation in a rabbit model of acute SAH. The extent
      of microthrombosis did not correlate with early apoptosis or CPP depletion after
      SAH; however, the total number of TUNEL positive cells in the cortex and the
      hippocampus significantly correlated with mean CPP reduction during the phase of
      maximum depletion after SAH induction. Both microthrombosis and neuronal
      apoptosis may contribute to EBI and subsequent DCI.

PMID- 25110659
TI  - Risk factors for mortality in patients with septic acute kidney injury in
      intensive care units in Beijing, China: a multicenter prospective observational
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discover risk factors for mortality of patients with septic AKI in
      ICU via a multicenter study. BACKGROUND: Septic AKI is a serious threat to
      patients in ICU, but there are a few clinical studies focusing on this. METHODS:
      This was a prospective, observational, and multicenter study conducted in 30 ICUs
      of 28 major hospitals in Beijing. 3,107 patients were admitted consecutively,
      among which 361 patients were with septic AKI. Patient clinical data were
      recorded daily for 10 days after admission. Kidney Disease: Improving Global
      Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria were used to define and stage AKI. Of the involved
      patients, 201 survived and 160 died. RESULTS: The rate of septic AKI was 11.6%.
      Twenty-one risk factors were found, and six independent risk factors were
      identified: age, APACHE II score, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of
      MAP <65 mmHg, time until RRT started, and progressive KIDGO stage. Admission
      KDIGO stages were not associated with mortality, while worst KDIGO stages were.
      Only progressive KIDGO stage was an independent risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Six
      independent risk factors for mortality for septic AKI were identified.
      Progressive KIDGO stage is better than admission or the worst KIDGO for
      prediction of mortality. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-ONC-11001875.

PMID- 25110660
TI  - Beta-thalassaemia intermedia: evaluation of endocrine and bone complications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Data about endocrine and bone disease in nontransfusion-dependent
      thalassaemia (NTDT) is scanty. The aim of our study was to evaluate these
      complications in beta-TI adult patients. METHODS: We studied retrospectively 70
      beta-TI patients with mean followup of 20 years. Data recorded included age,
      gender, haemoglobin and ferritin levels, biochemical and endocrine tests, liver
      iron concentration (LIC) from T2*, transfusion regimen, iron chelation,
      hydroxyurea, splenectomy, and bone mineralization by dual X-ray absorptiometry.
      RESULTS: Thirty-seven (53%) males and 33 (47%) females were studied, with mean
      age 41 +/- 12 years, mean haemoglobin 9.2 +/- 1.5 g/dL, median ferritin 537
      (range 14-4893), and mean LIC 7.6 +/- 6.4 mg Fe/g dw. Thirty-three patients (47%)
      had been transfused, occasionally (24/33; 73%) or regularly (9/33; 27%); 37/70
      (53%) had never been transfused; 34/70 patients had been splenectomized (49%); 39
      (56%) were on chelation therapy; and 11 (16%) were on hydroxyurea.
      Endocrinopathies were found in 15 patients (21%): 10 hypothyroidism, 3
      hypogonadism, 2 impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and one diabetes. Bone disease
      was observed in 53/70 (76%) patients, osteoporosis in 26/53 (49%), and osteopenia
      in 27/53 (51%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Bone disease was found in most
      patients in our study, while endocrinopathies were highly uncommon, especially
      hypogonadism. We speculate that low iron burden may protect against
      endocrinopathy development.

PMID- 25110661
TI  - Mechatronic feasibility of minimally invasive, atraumatic cochleostomy.
AB  - Robotic assistance in the context of lateral skull base surgery, particularly
      during cochlear implantation procedures, has been the subject of considerable
      research over the last decade. The use of robotics during these procedures has
      the potential to provide significant benefits to the patient by reducing
      invasiveness when gaining access to the cochlea, as well as reducing
      intracochlear trauma when performing a cochleostomy. Presented herein is
      preliminary work on the combination of two robotic systems for reducing
      invasiveness and trauma in cochlear implantation procedures. A robotic system for
      minimally invasive inner ear access was combined with a smart drilling tool for
      robust and safe cochleostomy; evaluation was completed on a single human cadaver
      specimen. Access to the middle ear was successfully achieved through the facial
      recess without damage to surrounding anatomical structures; cochleostomy was
      completed at the planned position with the endosteum remaining intact after
      drilling as confirmed by microscope evaluation. 

PMID- 25110662
TI  - A novel COL4A5 mutation identified in a Chinese Han family using exome
      sequencing.
AB  - Alport syndrome (AS) is a monogenic disease of the basement membrane (BM),
      resulting in progressive renal failure due to glomerulonephropathy, variable
      sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular anomalies. It is caused by mutations in
      the collagen type IV alpha-3 gene (COL4A3), the collagen type IV alpha-4 gene
      (COL4A4), and the collagen type IV alpha-5 gene (COL4A5), which encodes type IV
      collagen alpha3, alpha4, and alpha5 chains, respectively. To explore the disease
      related gene in a four-generation Chinese Han pedigree of AS, exome sequencing
      was conducted on the proband, and a novel deletion mutation c.499delC
      (p.Pro167Glnfs*36) in the COL4A5 gene was identified. This mutation, absent in
      1,000 genomes project, HapMap, dbSNP132, YH1 databases, and 100 normal controls,
      cosegregated with patients in the family. Neither sensorineural hearing loss nor
      typical COL4A5-related ocular abnormalities (dot-and-fleck retinopathy, anterior
      lenticonus, and the rare posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy) were present
      in patients of this family. The phenotypes of patients in this AS family were
      characterized by early onset-age and rapidly developing into end-stage renal
      disease (ESRD). Our discovery broadens the mutation spectrum in the COL4A5 gene
      associated with AS, which may also shed new light on genetic counseling for AS. 

PMID- 25110663
TI  - The impact of tobacco smoke exposure on wheezing and overweight in 4-6-year-old
      children.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy,
      second-hand tobacco smoke (STS) exposure, education level, and preschool
      children's wheezing and overweight. METHODS: This cohort study used data of the
      KANC cohort--1,489 4-6-year-old children from Kaunas city, Lithuania.
      Multivariate logistic regression was employed to study the influence of prenatal
      and postnatal STS exposure on the prevalence of wheezing and overweight,
      controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS: Children exposed to maternal
      smoking during pregnancy had a slightly increased prevalence of wheezing and
      overweight. Postnatal exposure to STS was associated with a statistically
      significantly increased risk of wheezing and overweight in children born to
      mothers with lower education levels (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.04-4.35 and 3.57; 95% CI
      1.76-7.21, accordingly). CONCLUSIONS: The present study findings suggest that
      both maternal smoking during pregnancy and STS increase the risk of childhood
      wheezing and overweight, whereas lower maternal education might have a synergetic
      effect. Targeted interventions must to take this into account and address
      household smoking.

PMID- 25110664
TI  - Cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of glutaredoxin from
      Antarctic sea-ice bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. AN178.
AB  - Glutaredoxins (Grxs) are small ubiquitous redox enzymes that catalyze glutathione
      dependent reactions to reduce protein disulfide. In this study, a full-length Grx
      gene (PsGrx) with 270 nucleotides was isolated from Antarctic sea-ice bacterium
      Pseudoalteromonas sp. AN178. It encoded deduced 89 amino acid residues with the
      molecular weight 9.8 kDa. Sequence analysis of the amino acid sequence revealed
      the catalytic motif CPYC. Recombinant PsGrx (rPsGrx) stably expressed in E. coli
      BL21 was purified to apparent homogeneity by Ni-affinity chromatography. rPsGrx
      exhibited optimal activity at 30 degrees C and pH 8.0 and showed 25.5% of the
      activity at 0 degrees C. It retained 65.0% of activity after incubation at 40
      degrees C for 20 min and still exhibited 37.0% activity in 1.0 M NaCl. These
      results indicated that rPsGrx was a typical cold active protein with low
      thermostability. 

PMID- 25110665
TI  - Emerging microbial concerns in food safety and new control measures.

PMID- 25110666
TI  - Evaluation of growth patterns and body composition in C57Bl/6J mice using dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry.
AB  - The normal growth pattern of female C57BL/6J mice, from 5 to 30 weeks of age, has
      been investigated in a longitudinal study. Weight, body surface area (BS), and
      body mass index (BMI) were evaluated in forty mice. Lean mass and fat mass, bone
      mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) were monitored by dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Weight and BS increased linearly (16.15 +/-
      0.64-27.64 +/- 1.42 g; 51.13 +/- 0.74-79.57 +/- 2.15 cm(2), P < 0.01), more
      markedly from 5 to 9 weeks of age (P < 0.001). BMD showed a peak at 17 weeks
      (0.0548 +/- 0.0011 g/cm(2) * m, P < 0.01). Lean mass showed an evident gain at 9
      (15.8 +/- 0.8 g, P < 0.001) and 25 weeks (20.5 +/- 0.3 g, P < 0.01), like fat
      mass from 13 to 17 weeks (2.0 +/- 0.4-3.6 +/- 0.7 g, P < 0.01). BMI and lean mass
      index (LMI) reached the highest value at 21 weeks (3.57 +/- 0.02-0.284 +/- 0.010
      g/cm(2), resp.), like fat mass index (FMI) at 17 weeks (0.057 +/- 0.009 g/cm(2))
      (P < 0.01). BMI, weight, and BS showed a moderate positive correlation (0.45
      0.85) with lean mass from 5 to 21 weeks. Mixed linear models provided a good
      prediction for lean mass, fat mass, and BMD. This study may represent a baseline
      reference for a future comparison of wild-type C57BL/6J mice with models of
      altered growth.

PMID- 25110667
TI  - Usefulness of anticoagulant therapy in the prevention of embolic complications in
      patients with acute infective endocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of anticoagulant therapy (ACT) in patients with acute
      infective endocarditis (IE) remains a controversial issue. Our study attempts to
      estimate the impact of ACT on the occurrence of embolic complications and the
      usefulness of ACT in the prevention of embolism in IE patients. METHODS: The
      present authors analyzed 150 patients with left-sided IE. Embolisms including
      cerebrovascular events (CVE) and the use of ACT were checked at the time of
      admission and during hospitalization. RESULTS: 57 patients (38.0%) experienced an
      embolic event. There was no significant difference in the incidence of CVE and in
      hospital mortality between patients with and without warfarin use at admission,
      although warfarin-naive patients were significantly more likely to have large (>1
      cm) and mobile vegetation. In addition, there was no significant difference in
      the incidence of postadmission embolism and in-hospital death between patients
      with and without in-hospital ACT. On multivariate logistic regression analysis,
      ACT at admission was not significantly associated with a lower risk of embolism
      in patients with IE. CONCLUSIONS: The role of ACT in the prevention of embolism
      was limited in IE patients undergoing antibiotic therapy, although it seems to
      reduce the embolic potential of septic vegetation before treatment.

PMID- 25110668
TI  - Assessment of the optic disc morphology using spectral-domain optical coherence
      tomography and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the equivalent optic nerve head (OHN) parameters obtained
      with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (HRT3) and spectral-domain optical
      coherence tomography (OCT) in healthy and glaucoma patients. METHODS: One hundred
      and eighty-two consecutive healthy subjects and 156 patients with open-angle
      glaucoma were divided into 2 groups according to intraocular pressure and visual
      field outcomes. All participants underwent imaging of the ONH with the HRT3 and
      the Cirrus OCT. The ONH parameters and the receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) curves were compared between both groups. RESULTS: Mean age did not differ
      between the normal and glaucoma groups (59.55 +/- 9.7 years and 61.05 +/- 9.4
      years, resp.; P = 0.15). Rim area, average cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio, vertical C/D
      ratio, and cup volume were different between both instruments (P < 0.001). All
      equivalent ONH parameters, except disc area, were different between both groups
      (P < 0.001). The best areas under the ROC curve were observed for vertical C/D
      ratio (0.980 for OCT and 0.942 for HRT3; P = 0.11). Sensitivities at 95% fixed
      specificities of OCT parameters were higher than those of HRT3. CONCLUSIONS:
      Equivalent ONH parameters of Cirrus OCT and HRT3 are different and cannot be used
      interchangeably. ONH parameters measured with OCT yielded a slightly better
      diagnostic performance.

PMID- 25110669
TI  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis P-type ATPases: possible targets for drug or vaccine
      development.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) has been the biggest killer in the human history; currently,
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) kills nearly 2 million people each year
      worldwide. The high prevalence of TB obligates the identification of new
      therapeutic targets and the development of anti-TB vaccines that can control
      multidrug resistance and latent TB infections. Membrane proteins have recently
      been suggested as key targets for bacterial viability. Current studies have shown
      that mycobacteria P-type ATPases may play critical roles in ion homeostasis and
      in the response of mycobacteria to toxic substances in the intraphagosomal
      environment. In this review, we bring together the genomic, transcriptomic, and
      structural aspects of the P-type ATPases that are relevant during active and
      latent Mtb infections, which can be useful in determining the potential of these
      ATPases as drug targets and in uncovering their possible roles in the development
      of new anti-TB attenuated vaccines. 

PMID- 25110670
TI  - Preparation of three-dimensional vascularized MSC cell sheet constructs for
      tissue regeneration.
AB  - Engineering three-dimensional (3D) vascularized constructs remains a challenge
      due to the inability to form rich microvessel networks. In this study we
      engineered a prevascularized 3D cell sheet construct for tissue regeneration
      using human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells as cell sources. hMSCs were cultured to form a
      thick cell sheet, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were then
      seeded on the hMSCs sheet to form networks. The single prevascularized HUVEC/hMSC
      cell sheet was folded to form a 3D construct by a modified cell sheet engineering
      technique. In vitro results indicated that the hMSCs cell sheet promoted the
      HUVECs cell migration to form networks in horizontal and vertical directions. In
      vivo results showed that many blood vessels grew into the 3D HUVEC/hMSC cell
      sheet constructs after implanted in the subcutaneous pocket of immunodeficient
      mice. The density of blood vessels in the prevascularized constructs was higher
      than that in the nonprevascularized constructs. Immunohistochemistry staining
      further showed that in vitro preformed human capillaries in the prevascularized
      constructs anastomosed with the host vasculature to form functional blood
      vessels. These results suggest the promising potential of this 3D prevascularized
      construct using hMSCs cell sheet as a platform for wide applications in
      engineering vascularized tissues. 

PMID- 25110671
TI  - Tick-borne encephalitis virus habitats in North East Germany: reemergence of TBEV
      in ticks after 15 years of inactivity.
AB  - The incidence of tick-borne encephalitis has risen in Europe since 1990 and the
      tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) has been documented to be spreading into
      regions where it was not previously endemic. In Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, a
      federal state in Northern Germany, TBEV was not detectable in over 16,000
      collected ticks between 1992 and 2004. Until 2004, the last human case of TBE in
      the region was reported in 1985. Following the occurrence of three autochthonous
      human cases of TBE after 2004, however, we collected ticks from the areas in
      which the infections were contracted. To increase the chance of detecting TBEV
      RNA, some of the ticks were fed on mice. Using nested RT-PCR, we were able to
      confirm the presence of TBEV in ticks for the first time after 15 years. A
      phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between the sequences we
      obtained and a TBEV sequence from Mecklenburg-East Pomerania published in 1992
      and pointed to the reemergence of a natural focus of TBEV after years of low
      activity. Our results imply that natural foci of TBEV may either persist at low
      levels of activity for years or reemerge through the agency of migrating birds. 

PMID- 25110672
TI  - Noninvasive and quantitative assessment of in vivo fetomaternal interface
      angiogenesis using RGD-based fluorescence.
AB  - Angiogenesis is a key process for proper placental development and for the
      success of pregnancy. Although numerous in vitro methods have been developed for
      the assessment of this process, relatively few reliable in vivo methods are
      available to evaluate this activity throughout gestation. Here we report an in
      vivo technique that specifically measures placental neovascularization. The
      technique is based on the measurement of a fluorescent alpha v beta 3
      (alphavbeta3) integrin-targeting molecule called Angiolone-Alexa-Fluor 700. The
      alphavbeta3 integrin is highly expressed by endothelial cells during the
      neovascularization and by trophoblast cells during their invasion of the maternal
      decidua. Angiolone was injected to gravid mice at 6.5 and 11.5 days post coitus
      (dpc). The fluorescence was analyzed one day later at 7.5 and 12.5 dpc,
      respectively. We demonstrated that (i) Angiolone targets alphavbeta3 protein in
      the placenta with a strong specificity, (ii) this technique is quantitative as
      the measurement was correlated to the increase of the placental size observed
      with increasing gestational age, and (iii) information on the outcome is
      possible, as abnormal placentation could be detected early on during gestation.
      In conclusion, we report the validation of a new noninvasive and quantitative
      method to assess the placental angiogenic activity, in vivo.

PMID- 25110673
TI  - The effect of maternal healthcare on the probability of child survival in
      Azerbaijan.
AB  - This study assesses the effects of maternal healthcare on child survival by using
      nonrandomized data from a cross-sectional survey in Azerbaijan. Using 2SLS and
      simultaneous equation bivariate probit models, we estimate the effects of
      delivering in healthcare facility on probability of child survival taking into
      account self-selection into the treatment. For women who delivered at healthcare
      facilities, the probability of child survival increases by approximately 18%.
      Furthermore, if every woman had the opportunity to deliver in healthcare
      facility, then the probability of child survival in Azerbaijan as a whole would
      have increased by approximately 16%. 

PMID- 25110675
TI  - Changes in cortical thickness in 6-year-old children open their mind to a global
      vision of the world.
AB  - Even if objectively presented with similar visual stimuli, children younger than
      6 years of age exhibit a strong attraction to local visual information (e.g., the
      trees), whereas children older than 6 years of age, similar to adults, exhibit a
      visual bias toward global information (e.g., the forest). Here, we studied the
      cortical thickness changes that underlie this bias shift from local to global
      visual information. Two groups, matched for age, gender, and handedness, were
      formed from a total of 30 children who were 6 years old, and both groups
      performed a traditional global/local visual task. The first group presented a
      local visual bias, and the other group presented a global visual bias. The
      results indicated that, compared with the local visual bias group, children with
      a global visual bias exhibited (1) decreased cortical thickness in the bilateral
      occipital regions and (2) increased cortical thickness in the left frontoparietal
      regions. These findings constitute the first structural study that supports the
      view that both synaptic pruning (i.e., decreased cortical thickness) and
      expansion mechanisms (i.e., increased cortical thickness) cooccur to allow
      healthy children to develop a global perception of the visual world. 

PMID- 25110676
TI  - Radiosynthesis of [18)F]trifluoroalkyl groups: scope and limitations.
AB  - The present paper is concerned with radiochemical methodology to furnish the
      trifluoromethyl motif labelled with (18)F. Literature spanning the last four
      decades is comprehensively reviewed and radiochemical yields and specific
      activities are discussed. 

PMID- 25110674
TI  - Role of lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein-1 in fetoplacental vascular
      dysfunction in preeclampsia.
AB  - The bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) represents a key marker in vascular
      health. A decrease in NO induces a pathological condition denominated endothelial
      dysfunction, syndrome observed in different pathologies, such as obesity,
      diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and preeclampsia (PE). PE is
      one of the major risks for maternal death and fetal loss. Recent studies suggest
      that the placenta of pregnant women with PE express high levels of lectin-like
      oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), which induces endothelial dysfunction by
      increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreasing intracellular NO. Besides
      LOX-1 activation induces changes in migration and apoptosis of
      syncytiotrophoblast cells. However, the role of this receptor in placental tissue
      is still unknown. In this review we will describes the physiological roles of LOX
      1 in normal placenta development and the potential involvement of this receptor
      in the pathophysiology of PE. 

PMID- 25110677
TI  - Beneficial effects of testosterone therapy on functional capacity, cardiovascular
      parameters, and quality of life in patients with congestive heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the present evidences suggesting association between low
      testosterone level and prediction of reduced exercise capacity as well as poor
      clinical outcome in patients with heart failure, we sought to determine if
      testosterone therapy improves clinical and cardiovascular conditions as well as
      quality of life status in patients with stable chronic heart failure. METHODS: A
      total of 50 male patients who suffered from congestive heart failure were
      recruited in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and randomized to receive
      an intramuscular (gluteal) long-acting androgen injection (1 mL of testosterone
      enanthate 250 mg/mL) once every four weeks for 12 weeks or receive intramuscular
      injections of saline (1 mL of 0.9% wt/vol NaCl) with the same protocol. RESULTS:
      The changes in body weight, hemodynamic parameters, and left ventricular
      dimensional echocardiographic indices were all comparable between the two groups.
      Regarding changes in diastolic functional state and using Tei index, this
      parameter was significantly improved. Unlike the group received placebo, those
      who received testosterone had a significant increasing trend in 6-walk mean
      distance (6MWD) parameter within the study period (P = 0.019). The discrepancy in
      the trends of changes in 6MWD between study groups remained significant after
      adjusting baseline variables (mean square = 243.262, F index = 4.402, and P =
      0.045). CONCLUSION: Our study strengthens insights into the beneficial role of
      testosterone in improvement of functional capacity and quality of life in heart
      failure patients.

PMID- 25110678
TI  - Effects of anti-TNF alpha drugs on disability in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis: long-term real-life data from the Lorhen Registry.
AB  - This study involving 1033 patients with RA confirms the effectiveness of
      etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab in reducing RA-related disability even in
      patients with a history of highly active and longstanding RA. Moreover, we found
      that the improvement in disability was biphasic, with a marked improvement during
      the first year of anti-TNF therapy, followed by slower but significant recovery
      over the subsequent four years. 

PMID- 25110679
TI  - Evaluation of macular retinal ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness after
      vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular holes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate macular retinal ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL)
      thickness changes after Brilliant Blue G-assisted internal limiting membrane
      peeling for idiopathic macular hole repair using a high-resolution spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: 32 eyes from 32 patients
      with idiopathic macular holes who underwent vitrectomy with internal limiting
      membrane peeling between January 2011 and July 2012 were retrospectively
      analyzed. GCIPL thickness was measured before surgery, and at one month and at
      six months after surgery. Values obtained from automated and semimanual SD-OCT
      segmentation analysis were compared (Cirrus HD-OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin,
      CA). RESULTS: No significant differences were found between average GCIPL
      thickness values between preoperative and postoperative analysis. However,
      statistical significant differences were found in GCIPL thickness at the temporal
      macular quadrants at six months after surgery. Quality measurement analysis
      performed by automated segmentation revealed a significant number of segmentation
      errors. Semimanual segmentation slightly improved the quality of the results.
      CONCLUSION: SD-OCT analysis of GCIPL thickness found a significant reduction at
      the temporal macular quadrants at 6 months after Brilliant Blue G-assisted
      internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole.

PMID- 25110680
TI  - Specific growth rate determines the sensitivity of Escherichia coli to lactic
      acid stress: implications for predictive microbiology.
AB  - This study tested the hypothesis that sensitivity of Escherichia coli to lactic
      acid at concentrations relevant for fermented sausages (pH 4.6, 150 mM lactic
      acid, aw = 0.92, temperature = 20 or 27 degrees C) increases with increasing
      growth rate. For E. coli strain 683 cultured in TSB in chemostat or batch,
      subsequent inactivation rates when exposed to lactic acid stress increased with
      increasing growth rate at harvest. A linear relationship between growth rate at
      harvest and inactivation rate was found to describe both batch and chemostat
      cultures. The maximum difference in T90, the estimated times for a one-log
      reduction, was 10 hours between bacteria harvested during the first 3 hours of
      batch culture, that is, at different growth rates. A 10-hour difference in T90
      would correspond to measuring inactivation at 33 degrees C or 45 degrees C
      instead of 37 degrees C based on relationships between temperature and
      inactivation. At similar harvest growth rates, inactivation rates were lower for
      bacteria cultured at 37 degrees C than at 15-20 degrees C. As demonstrated for E.
      coli 683, culture conditions leading to variable growth rates may contribute to
      variable lactic acid inactivation rates. Findings emphasize the use and reporting
      of standardised culture conditions and can have implications for the
      interpretation of data when developing inactivation models.

PMID- 25110681
TI  - Healing efficacy of an EGF impregnated triple gel based wound dressing: in vitro
      and in vivo studies.
AB  - To accomplish an ideal wound healing process which promotes healthy tissue growth
      with less scaring, a novel gel based topical drug delivery system composed of 3
      different polymers chitosan, dextran sulfate, and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (CDP)
      was prepared. The physicochemical properties of the prepared gels were
      investigated in vitro. Gels showed a maximum swelling ratio of 50 +/- 1.95 times
      of dried gel in PBS at pH 7.4. The swelling ratios increase in acidic and
      alkaline pH to 55.3 +/- 1.75 and 65.5 +/- 2.42, respectively. In the rheological
      test, prepared gels revealed viscoelastic properties and a small linear
      viscoelastic region of 0.166%. In vivo wound healing promoting activities of CDP
      gels containing 20 MUg/mL EGF were evaluated on surgically induced dermal wounds
      in rats using pathologic examination. The application of CDP gel with
      incorporated EGF significantly reduced the defect on the rat's skin and enhanced
      epithelial healing compared with the topical application of the EGF-free CDP gel.
      The results clearly substantiate the beneficial effects of the topical
      application of CDP containing EGF in the acceleration of healthy wound healing
      process with less scarring. 

PMID- 25110682
TI  - Induction of boosted immune response in mice by leptospiral surface proteins
      expressed in fusion with DnaK.
AB  - Leptospirosis is an important global disease of human and veterinary concern.
      Caused by pathogenic Leptospira, the illness was recently classified as an
      emerging infectious disease. Currently available veterinarian vaccines do not
      induce long-term protection against infection and do not provide cross-protective
      immunity. Several studies have suggested the use of DnaK as an antigen in vaccine
      formulation, due to an exceptional degree of immunogenicity. We focused on four
      surface proteins: rLIC10368 (Lsa21), rLIC10494, rLIC12690 (Lp95), and rLIC12730,
      previously shown to be involved in host-pathogen interactions. Our goal was to
      evaluate the immunogenicity of the proteins genetically fused with DnaK in animal
      model. The chosen genes were amplified by PCR methodology and cloned into pAE, an
      E. coli vector. The recombinant proteins were expressed alone or in fusion with
      DnaK at the N-terminus. Our results demonstrate that leptospiral proteins fused
      with DnaK have elicited an enhanced immune response in mice when compared to the
      effect promoted by the individual proteins. The boosted immune effect was
      demonstrated by the production of total IgG, lymphocyte proliferation, and
      significant amounts of IL-10 in supernatant of splenocyte cell cultures. We
      believe that this approach could be employed in vaccines to enhance presentation
      of antigens of Leptospira to professional immune cells. 

PMID- 25110683
TI  - Potential use of halophytes to remediate saline soils.
AB  - Salinity is one of the rising problems causing tremendous yield losses in many
      regions of the world especially in arid and semiarid regions. To maximize crop
      productivity, these areas should be brought under utilization where there are
      options for removing salinity or using the salt-tolerant crops. Use of salt
      tolerant crops does not remove the salt and hence halophytes that have capacity
      to accumulate and exclude the salt can be an effective way. Methods for salt
      removal include agronomic practices or phytoremediation. The first is cost- and
      labor-intensive and needs some developmental strategies for implication; on the
      contrary, the phytoremediation by halophyte is more suitable as it can be
      executed very easily without those problems. Several halophyte species including
      grasses, shrubs, and trees can remove the salt from different kinds of salt
      affected problematic soils through salt excluding, excreting, or accumulating by
      their morphological, anatomical, physiological adaptation in their organelle
      level and cellular level. Exploiting halophytes for reducing salinity can be good
      sources for meeting the basic needs of people in salt-affected areas as well.
      This review focuses on the special adaptive features of halophytic plants under
      saline condition and the possible ways to utilize these plants to remediate
      salinity. 

PMID- 25110684
TI  - Feasibility study of a hand guided robotic drill for cochleostomy.
AB  - The concept of a hand guided robotic drill has been inspired by an automated, arm
      supported robotic drill recently applied in clinical practice to produce
      cochleostomies without penetrating the endosteum ready for inserting cochlear
      electrodes. The smart tactile sensing scheme within the drill enables precise
      control of the state of interaction between tissues and tools in real-time. This
      paper reports development studies of the hand guided robotic drill where the same
      consistent outcomes, augmentation of surgeon control and skill, and similar
      reduction of induced disturbances on the hearing organ are achieved. The device
      operates with differing presentation of tissues resulting from variation in
      anatomy and demonstrates the ability to control or avoid penetration of tissue
      layers as required and to respond to intended rather than involuntary motion of
      the surgeon operator. The advantage of hand guided over an arm supported system
      is that it offers flexibility in adjusting the drilling trajectory. This can be
      important to initiate cutting on a hard convex tissue surface without slipping
      and then to proceed on the desired trajectory after cutting has commenced. The
      results for trials on phantoms show that drill unit compliance is an important
      factor in the design. 

PMID- 25110686
TI  - Dehydroabietic acid derivative QC2 induces oncosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
      cells.
AB  - AIM: Rosin, the traditional Chinese medicine, is reported to be able to inhibit
      skin cancer cell lines. In this report, we investigate the inhibitory effect
      against HCC cells of QC2, the derivative of rosin's main components
      dehydroabietic acid. METHODS: MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of
      QC2. Morphological changes were observed by time-lapse microscopy and
      transmission electron microscopy and the cytoskeleton changes were observed by
      laser-scanning confocal microscopy. Cytomembrane integrity and organelles damage
      were confirmed by detection of the reactive oxygen (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase
      (LDH), and mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim). The underlying mechanism
      was manifested by Western blotting. The oncotic cell death was further confirmed
      by detection of oncosis related protein calpain. RESULTS: Swelling cell type and
      destroyed cytoskeleton were observed in QC2-treated HCC cells. Organelle damage
      was visualized by transmission electron microscopy. The detection of ROS
      accumulation, increased LDH release, and decreased ATP and Deltapsim confirmed
      the cell death. The oncotic related protein calpain was found to increase time
      dependently in QC2-treated HCC cells, while its inhibitor PD150606 attenuated the
      cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Dehydroabietic acid derivative QC2 activated oncosis
      related protein calpain to induce the damage of cytomembrane and organelles which
      finally lead to oncosis in HCC cells.

PMID- 25110687
TI  - Characteristics and prediction of RNA structure.
AB  - RNA secondary structures with pseudoknots are often predicted by minimizing free
      energy, which is NP-hard. Most RNAs fold during transcription from DNA into RNA
      through a hierarchical pathway wherein secondary structures form prior to
      tertiary structures. Real RNA secondary structures often have local instead of
      global optimization because of kinetic reasons. The performance of RNA structure
      prediction may be improved by considering dynamic and hierarchical folding
      mechanisms. This study is a novel report on RNA folding that accords with the
      golden mean characteristic based on the statistical analysis of the real RNA
      secondary structures of all 480 sequences from RNA STRAND, which are validated by
      NMR or X-ray. The length ratios of domains in these sequences are approximately
      0.382L, 0.5L, 0.618L, and L, where L is the sequence length. These points are
      just the important golden sections of sequence. With this characteristic, an
      algorithm is designed to predict RNA hierarchical structures and simulate RNA
      folding by dynamically folding RNA structures according to the above golden
      section points. The sensitivity and number of predicted pseudoknots of our
      algorithm are better than those of the Mfold, HotKnots, McQfold, ProbKnot, and
      Lhw-Zhu algorithms. Experimental results reflect the folding rules of RNA from a
      new angle that is close to natural folding. 

PMID- 25110685
TI  - New insight into adiponectin role in obesity and obesity-related diseases.
AB  - Obesity is a major health problem strongly increasing the risk for various severe
      related complications such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases,
      respiratory disorders, diabetic retinopathy, and cancer. Adipose tissue is an
      endocrine organ that produces biologically active molecules defined
      "adipocytokines," protein hormones with pleiotropic functions involved in the
      regulation of energy metabolism as well as in appetite, insulin sensitivity,
      inflammation, atherosclerosis, cell proliferation, and so forth. In obesity, fat
      accumulation causes dysregulation of adipokine production that strongly
      contributes to the onset of obesity-related diseases. Several advances have been
      made in the treatment and prevention of obesity but current medical therapies are
      often unsuccessful even in compliant patients. Among the adipokines, adiponectin
      shows protective activity in various processes such as energy metabolism,
      inflammation, and cell proliferation. In this review, we will focus on the
      current knowledge regarding the protective properties of adiponectin and its
      receptors, AdipoRs ("adiponectin system"), on metabolic complications in obesity
      and obesity-related diseases. Adiponectin, exhibiting antihyperglycemic,
      antiatherogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties, could have important clinical
      benefits in terms of development of therapies for the prevention and/or for the
      treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases. 

PMID- 25110688
TI  - Expression profiling of abiotic stress-inducible genes in response to multiple
      stresses in rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties with contrasting level of stress
      tolerance.
AB  - The present study considered transcriptional profiles and protein expression
      analyses from shoot and/or root tissues under three abiotic stress conditions,
      namely, salinity, dehydration, and cold, as well as following exogenous abscisic
      acid treatment, at different time points of stress exposure in three indica rice
      varieties, IR-29 (salt sensitive), Pokkali, and Nonabokra (both salt tolerant).
      The candidate genes chosen for expression studies were HKT-1, SOS-3, NHX-1,
      SAPK5, SAPK7, NAC-1, Rab16A, OSBZ8, DREBP2, CRT/DREBP, WRKY24, and WRKY71, along
      with the candidate proteins OSBZ8, SAMDC, and GST. Gene expression profile
      revealed considerable differences between the salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant
      rice varieties, as the expression in the latter was higher even at the
      constitutive level, whereas it was inducible only by corresponding stress signals
      in IR-29. Whether in roots or shoots, the transcriptional responses to different
      stressors peaked following 24 h of stress/ABA exposure, and the transcript levels
      enhanced gradually with the period of exposure. The generality of stress
      responses at the transcriptional level was therefore time dependent. Heat map
      data also showed differential transcript abundance in the three varieties,
      correlating the observation with transcript profiling. In silico analysis of the
      upstream regions of all the genes represented the existence of conserved sequence
      motifs in single or multiple copies that are indispensable to abiotic stress
      response. Overall, the transcriptome and proteome analysis undertaken in the
      present study indicated that genes/proteins conferring tolerance, belonging to
      different functional classes, were overrepresented, thus providing novel insight
      into the functional basis of multiple stress tolerance in indica rice varieties.
      The present work will pave the way in future to select gene(s) for
      overexpression, so as to generate broad spectrum resistance to multiple stresses
      simultaneously. 

PMID- 25110689
TI  - Production of conjugated linoleic and conjugated alpha-linolenic acid in a
      reconstituted skim milk-based medium by bifidobacterial strains isolated from
      human breast milk.
AB  - Eight bifidobacterial strains isolated from human breast milk have been tested
      for their abilities to convert linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (LNA)
      to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and conjugated alpha-linolenic acid (CLNA),
      respectively. These bioactive lipids display important properties that may
      contribute to the maintenance and improvement human health. Three selected
      Bifidobacterium breve strains produced CLA from LA and CLNA from LNA in MRS (160
      170 and 210-230 MUg mL(-1), resp.) and, also, in reconstituted skim milk (75-95
      and 210-244 MUg mL(-1), resp.). These bifidobacterial strains were also able to
      simultaneously produce both CLA (90-105 MUg mL(-1)) and CLNA (290-320 MUg mL(-1))
      in reconstituted skim milk. Globally, our findings suggest that these
      bifidobacterial strains are potential candidates for the design of new fermented
      dairy products naturally containing very high concentrations of these bioactive
      lipids. To our knowledge, this is the first study describing CLNA production and
      coproduction of CLA and CLNA by Bifidobacterium breve strains isolated from human
      milk in reconstituted skim milk. 

PMID- 25110690
TI  - Investigation of the interaction between patulin and human serum albumin by a
      spectroscopic method, atomic force microscopy, and molecular modeling.
AB  - The interaction of patulin with human serum albumin (HSA) was studied in vitro
      under normal physiological conditions. The study was performed using
      fluorescence, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), circular dichroism (CD),
      atomic force microscopy (AFM), and molecular modeling techniques. The quenching
      mechanism was investigated using the association constants, the number of binding
      sites, and basic thermodynamic parameters. A dynamic quenching mechanism occurred
      between HSA and patulin, and the binding constants (K) were 2.60 * 10(4), 4.59 *
      10(4), and 7.01 * 10(4) M(-1) at 288, 300, and 310 K, respectively. Based on
      fluorescence resonance energy transfer, the distance between the HSA and patulin
      was determined to be 2.847 nm. The DeltaG (0), DeltaH (0), and DeltaS (0) values
      across various temperatures indicated that hydrophobic interaction was the
      predominant binding force. The UV-Vis and CD results confirmed that the secondary
      structure of HSA was altered in the presence of patulin. The AFM results revealed
      that the individual HSA molecule dimensions were larger after interaction with
      patulin. In addition, molecular modeling showed that the patulin-HSA complex was
      stabilized by hydrophobic and hydrogen bond forces. The study results suggested
      that a weak intermolecular interaction occurred between patulin and HSA. Overall,
      the results are potentially useful for elucidating the toxigenicity of patulin
      when it is combined with the biomolecular function effect, transmembrane
      transport, toxicological, testing and other experiments. 

PMID- 25110691
TI  - Advanced user interfaces for neurorehabilitation.

PMID- 25110693
TI  - Effect of duplicate genes on mouse genetic robustness: an update.
AB  - In contrast to S. cerevisiae and C. elegans, analyses based on the current
      knockout (KO) mouse phenotypes led to the conclusion that duplicate genes had
      almost no role in mouse genetic robustness. It has been suggested that the bias
      of mouse KO database toward ancient duplicates may possibly cause this knockout
      duplicate puzzle, that is, a very similar proportion of essential genes (PE)
      between duplicate genes and singletons. In this paper, we conducted an extensive
      and careful analysis for the mouse KO phenotype data and corroborated a strong
      effect of duplicate genes on mouse genetics robustness. Moreover, the effect of
      duplicate genes on mouse genetic robustness is duplication-age dependent, which
      holds after ruling out the potential confounding effect from coding-sequence
      conservation, protein-protein connectivity, functional bias, or the bias of
      duplicates generated by whole genome duplication (WGD). Our findings suggest that
      two factors, the sampling bias toward ancient duplicates and very ancient
      duplicates with a proportion of essential genes higher than that of singletons,
      have caused the mouse knockout duplicate puzzle; meanwhile, the effect of genetic
      buffering may be correlated with sequence conservation as well as protein-protein
      interactivity.

PMID- 25110694
TI  - Emotion recognition pattern in adolescent boys with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social and emotional deficits were recently considered as inherent
      features of individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but
      only sporadic literature data exist on emotion recognition in adolescents with
      ADHD. The aim of the present study was to establish emotion recognition profile
      in adolescent boys with ADHD in comparison with control adolescents. METHODS:
      Forty-four adolescent boys (13-16 years) participated in the study after informed
      consent; 22 boys had a clinical diagnosis of ADHD, while data were also assessed
      from 22 adolescent control boys matched for age and Raven IQ. Parent- and self
      reported behavioral characteristics were assessed by the means of the Strengths
      and Difficulties Questionnaire. The recognition of six basic emotions was
      evaluated by the "Facial Expressions of Emotion-Stimuli and Tests." RESULTS:
      Compared to controls, adolescents with ADHD were more sensitive in the
      recognition of disgust and, worse in the recognition of fear and showed a
      tendency for impaired recognition of sadness. Hyperactivity measures showed an
      inverse correlation with fear recognition. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that
      adolescent boys with ADHD have alterations in the recognition of specific
      emotions.

PMID- 25110695
TI  - Prolonged sleep deprivation and continuous exercise: effects on melatonin,
      tympanic temperature, and cognitive function.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine tympanic temperature, melatonin, and
      cognitive function during a 36-hour endurance event. Nine male and three female
      participants took part in a 36-hour sustained endurance event without sleep (N =
      12, mean age = 31.8 +/- 5.0 yrs). Participants were stopped for data collection
      at checkpoints throughout the 36-hour event. Tympanic temperature was assessed, a
      psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) was administered, and saliva samples were
      collected. Salivary melatonin was determined via immunoassay. During the 36 hours
      of competition, melatonin levels were negatively correlated with the day of the
      race (rs = -0.277, P = 0.039) and positively associated with nighttime (rs =
      0.316, P = 0.021). Significant main effects of tympanic temperature (P < 0.001),
      day of the competition (P = 0.018), and a tympanic temperature * day of
      competition interaction (P < 0.001) were used to predict minor lapses in
      attention. No associations between melatonin levels and cognitive function were
      observed (P > 0.05). During the event tympanic temperature declined and was
      associated with an increase in lapses in attention. With sustained endurance
      events becoming more popular future research is warranted to evaluate the
      physiological impact of participation. 

PMID- 25110696
TI  - Connexin 43 expression on peripheral blood eosinophils: role of gap junctions in
      transendothelial migration.
AB  - Eosinophils circulate in the blood and are recruited in tissues during allergic
      inflammation. Gap junctions mediate direct communication between adjacent cells
      and may represent a new way of communication between immune cells distinct from
      communication through cytokines and chemokines. We characterized the expression
      of connexin (Cx)43 by eosinophils isolated from atopic individuals using RT-PCR,
      Western blotting, and confocal microscopy and studied the biological functions of
      gap junctions on eosinophils. The formation of functional gap junctions was
      evaluated measuring dye transfer using flow cytometry. The role of gap junctions
      on eosinophil transendothelial migration was studied using the inhibitor 18-a
      glycyrrhetinic acid. Peripheral blood eosinophils express Cx43 mRNA and protein.
      Cx43 is localized not only in the cytoplasm but also on the plasma membrane. The
      membrane impermeable dye BCECF transferred from eosinophils to epithelial or
      endothelial cells following coculture in a dose and time dependent fashion. The
      gap junction inhibitors 18-a-glycyrrhetinic acid and octanol did not have a
      significant effect on dye transfer but reduced dye exit from eosinophils. The gap
      junction inhibitor 18-a-glycyrrhetinic acid inhibited eosinophil transendothelial
      migration in a dose dependent manner. Thus, eosinophils from atopic individuals
      express Cx43 constitutively and Cx43 may play an important role in eosinophil
      transendothelial migration and function in sites of inflammation. 

PMID- 25110697
TI  - Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.
AB  - Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is considered to be the second most frequent
      primary degenerative dementing illness after Alzheimer's disease (AD). DLB,
      together with Parkinson's disease (PD), Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD)
      belong to alpha-synucleinopathies--a group of neurodegenerative diseases
      associated with pathological accumulation of the alpha-synuclein protein.
      Dementia due to PD and DLB shares clinical symptoms and neuropsychological
      profiles. Moreover, the core features and additional clinical signs and symptoms
      for these two very similar diseases are largely the same. Neuroimaging seems to
      be a promising method in differential diagnosis of dementia studies. The
      development of imaging methods or other objective measures to supplement clinical
      criteria for DLB is needed and a method which would accurately facilitate
      diagnosis of DLB prior to death is still being searched. Proton magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) provides a noninvasive method of assessing an
      in vivo biochemistry of brain tissue. This review summarizes the main results
      obtained from the application of neuroimaging techniques in DLB cases focusing on
      (1)H-MRS.

PMID- 25110698
TI  - Upper limb posture estimation in robotic and virtual reality-based
      rehabilitation.
AB  - New motor rehabilitation therapies include virtual reality (VR) and robotic
      technologies. In limb rehabilitation, limb posture is required to (1) provide a
      limb realistic representation in VR games and (2) assess the patient improvement.
      When exoskeleton devices are used in the therapy, the measurements of their joint
      angles cannot be directly used to represent the posture of the patient limb,
      since the human and exoskeleton kinematic models differ. In response to this
      shortcoming, we propose a method to estimate the posture of the human limb
      attached to the exoskeleton. We use the exoskeleton joint angles measurements and
      the constraints of the exoskeleton on the limb to estimate the human limb joints
      angles. This paper presents (a) the mathematical formulation and solution to the
      problem, (b) the implementation of the proposed solution on a commercial
      exoskeleton system for the upper limb rehabilitation, (c) its integration into a
      rehabilitation VR game platform, and (d) the quantitative assessment of the
      method during elbow and wrist analytic training. Results show that this method
      properly estimates the limb posture to (i) animate avatars that represent the
      patient in VR games and (ii) obtain kinematic data for the patient assessment
      during elbow and wrist analytic rehabilitation. 

PMID- 25110699
TI  - Cementless fixation of osteoporotic VCFs using titanium mesh implants (OsseoFix):
      preliminary results.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) affect 20% of people over
      the age of 70 with increasing incidence. Kypho-/vertebroplasty as standard
      operative procedures are associated with limitations like cement leakage, limited
      reduction capabilities, and risk for adjacent fractures. To address these
      shortcomings, we introduce a new minimal invasive cementless VCF fixation
      technique. METHODS: Four patients (72.3 years, range 70-76) with VCFs type
      AO/Muller A1.3 and concomitant osteoporosis were treated by minimal invasive
      transpedicular placement of two intervertebral mesh cages for fracture reduction
      and maintenance. Follow-up included functional/radiological assessment and
      clinical scores and averaged 27.7 months (24-28). RESULTS: Endplate reduction was
      achieved in all cases (mean surgery time: 28.5 minutes). Kyphotic (KA) and Cobb
      angle revealed considerable improvements postoperatively (KA 14.5 degrees  to
      10.7 degrees /Cobb 10.1 degrees  to 8.3 degrees ). Slight loss of vertebral
      reduction (KA: 12.6 degrees ) and segment rekyphosis (Cobb: 10.7 degrees ) were
      observed for final follow-up. Pain improved from 8.8 to 2.8 (visual analogue
      scale). All cases showed signs of bony healing. No perioperative complications
      and no adjacent fractures occurred. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results in a small,
      selected patient collective indicate the ability of bony healing for osteoporotic
      VCFs. Cementless fixation using intravertebral titanium mesh cages revealed
      substantial pain relief, adequate reduction, and reduction maintenance without
      complications. Trial registration number is DRKS00005657, German Clinical Trials
      Register (DKRS).

PMID- 25110692
TI  - The role of chemoattractant receptors in shaping the tumor microenvironment.
AB  - Chemoattractant receptors are a family of seven transmembrane G protein coupled
      receptors (GPCRs) initially found to mediate the chemotaxis and activation of
      immune cells. During the past decades, the functions of these GPCRs have been
      discovered to not only regulate leukocyte trafficking and promote immune
      responses, but also play important roles in homeostasis, development,
      angiogenesis, and tumor progression. Accumulating evidence indicates that
      chemoattractant GPCRs and their ligands promote the progression of malignant
      tumors based on their capacity to orchestrate the infiltration of the tumor
      microenvironment by immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal
      cells. This facilitates the interaction of tumor cells with host cells, tumor
      cells with tumor cells, and host cells with host cells to provide a basis for the
      expansion of established tumors and development of distant metastasis. In
      addition, many malignant tumors of the nonhematopoietic origin express multiple
      chemoattractant GPCRs that increase the invasiveness and metastasis of tumor
      cells. Therefore, GPCRs and their ligands constitute targets for the development
      of novel antitumor therapeutics. 

PMID- 25110701
TI  - Significance of image guidance to clinical outcomes for localized prostate
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare toxicity profiles and biochemical tumor control outcomes
      between patients treated with image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG
      IMRT) and non-IGRT intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for clinically
      localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2012, 65
      patients with localized prostate cancer were treated with IG-IMRT. This group of
      patients was retrospectively compared with a similar cohort of 62 patients who
      were treated between 2004 and 2009 with IMRT to the same dose without image
      guidance. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 4.8 years. The rectal volume
      receiving >=40 and >=70 Gy was significantly lower in the IG-IMRT group. Grade 2
      and higher acute and late GI and GU toxicity rates were lower in IG-IMRT group,
      but there was no statistical difference. No significant improvement in
      biochemical control at 5 years was observed in two groups. In a Cox regression
      analysis identifying predictors for PSA relapse-free survival, only
      preradiotherapy PSA was significantly associated with biochemical control; IG
      IMRT was not a statistically significant indicator. CONCLUSIONS: The use of image
      guidance in the radiation of prostate cancer at our institute did not show
      significant reduction in the rates of GI and GU toxicity and did not improve the
      biochemical control compared with IMRT.

PMID- 25110700
TI  - The harmful effects of subarachnoid hemorrhage on extracerebral organs.
AB  - Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating neurological disorder. Patients
      with aneurysmal SAH develop secondary complications that are important causes of
      morbidity and mortality. Aside from secondary neurological injuries, SAH has been
      associated with nonneurologic medical complications, such as neurocardiogenic
      injury, neurogenic pulmonary edema, hyperglycemia, and electrolyte imbalance, of
      which cardiac and pulmonary complications are most common. The related mechanisms
      include activation of the sympathetic nervous system, release of catecholamines
      and other hormones, and inflammatory responses. Extracerebral complications are
      directly related to the severity of SAH-induced brain injury and indicate the
      clinical outcome in patients. This review provides an overview of the
      extracerebral complications after SAH. We also aim to describe the
      manifestations, underlying mechanisms, and the effects of those extracerebral
      complications on outcome following SAH. 

PMID- 25110703
TI  - Current evidence regarding prophylactic antibiotics in head and neck and
      maxillofacial surgery.
AB  - Antibiotic prophylaxis is commonly used to decrease the rate of infections in
      head and neck surgery. The aim of this paper is to present the available evidence
      regarding the application of antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical procedures of the
      head and neck region in healthy patients. A systemic literature review based on
      Medline and Embase databases was performed. All reviews and meta-analyses based
      on RCTs in English from 2000 to 2013 were included. Eight out of 532 studies
      fulfilled all requirements. Within those, only seven different operative
      procedures were analyzed. Evidence exists for the beneficial use of prophylactic
      antibiotics for tympanostomy, orthognathic surgery, and operative tooth
      extractions. Unfortunately, little high-level evidence exists regarding the use
      of prophylactic antibiotics in head and neck surgery. In numerous cases, no clear
      benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis has been shown, particularly considering their
      potential adverse side effects. Antibiotics are often given unnecessarily and are
      administered too late and for too long. Furthermore, little research has been
      performed on the large number of routine cases in the above-mentioned areas of
      specialization within the last few years, although questions arising with respect
      to the treatment of high-risk patients or of specific infections are discussed on
      a broad base. 

PMID- 25110702
TI  - Immunocontraceptives: new approaches to fertility control.
AB  - The rapidly increasing global population has bowed the attention of family
      planning and associated reproductive health programmes in the direction of
      providing a safe and reliable method which can be used to limit family size. The
      world population is estimated to exceed a phenomenal 10 billion by the year 2050
      A.D., thus presenting a real jeopardy of overpopulation with severe implications
      for the future. Despite the availability of contraceptive methods, there are over
      one million elective abortions globally each year due to unintended pregnancies,
      having devastating impact on reproductive health of women worldwide. This
      highlights the need for the development of newer and improved contraceptive
      methods. A novel contraceptive approach that is gaining substantial attention is
      "immunocontraception" targeting gamete production, gamete outcome, or gamete
      function. Amongst these, use of sperm antigens (gamete function) seems to be an
      exciting and feasible approach. However, the variability of immune response and
      time lag to attain titer among vaccinated individuals after active immunization
      has highlighted the potential relevance of preformed antibodies in this league.
      This review is an attempt to analyze the current status and progress of
      immunocontraceptive approaches with respect to their establishment as a future
      fertility control agent. 

PMID- 25110704
TI  - Neurobiological mechanisms of pelvic pain.
AB  - Pelvic pain is a common condition which significantly deteriorates health-related
      quality of life. The most commonly identified causes of pain in the pelvic region
      are gynaecologic, urologic, gastrointestinal, neurological, and musculoskeletal.
      However, in up to 33% of patients the source of this symptom is not identified,
      frustrating both patients and health-care professionals. Pelvic pain may involve
      both the somatic and visceral systems, making the differential diagnosing
      challenging. This paper aimed to review the mechanisms involved in pelvic pain
      perception by analyzing the neural plasticity and molecules which are involved in
      these complex circuits. 

PMID- 25110705
TI  - Cisplatin-based chemotherapy versus cetuximab in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for
      locally advanced head and neck cancer treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze survival, clinical responses,
      compliance, and adverse effects in locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC)
      patients treated with split-dose cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiation
      therapy (SD-CCRT) or cetuximab with concurrent radiation therapy (BioRT).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 170 LAHNC patients diagnosed
      between January 1, 2009, and July 31, 2012: 116 received CCRT and 54 received
      BioRT. RESULTS: Complete response rates were similar in the SD-CCRT and BioRT
      groups (63.8% versus 59.3%; P = 0.807), and locoregional relapse rates were 18.1%
      and 13.0%, respectively (P = 0.400). The 3-year relapse-free survival rate was
      65.8% in the SD-CCRT group and 65.5% in the BioRT group, respectively (P =
      0.647). The 3-year overall survival rate was 78.5% in the SD-CCRT group and 70.9%
      in the BioRT group, respectively (P = 0.879). Hematologic side effects were
      significantly more frequent in the SD-CCRT than in the BioRT group. Mucositis
      frequency was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Primary SD-CCRT and BioRT both showed good
      clinical response and survival. Hematologic toxicities were more frequent, but
      tolerable, in the SD-CCRT group. Both groups showed good compliance.

PMID- 25110706
TI  - Cardiac troponin T (TNNT2) mutations in chinese dilated cardiomyopathy patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the leading causes of heart
      failure with high morbidity and mortality. Although more than 40 genes have been
      reported to cause DCM, the role of genetic testing in clinical practice is not
      well defined. Mutations in the troponin T (TNNT2) gene represent an important
      subset of known disease-causing mutations associated with DCM. Therefore, the aim
      of the present study was to determine the genetic variations in TNNT2 and the
      associations of those variations with DCM in Chinese patients. METHODS: An
      approximately 4 kb fragment of the TNNT2 gene was isolated from 103 DCM patients
      and 192 healthy controls and was analyzed by DNA sequence analysis for genetic
      variations. RESULTS: A total of 6 TNNT2 mutations were identified in 99 patients,
      including a G321T missense mutation (Leu84Phe) and 5 novel intronic mutations.
      Alleles of two novel SNPs (c.192 + 353 C>A, OR = 0.095, 95% CI: 0.013-0.714, P =
      0.022; c.192 + 463 G>A, OR = 0.090, 95% CI: 0.012-0.675, P = 0.019) and SNP
      rs3729843 (OR = 1.889, 95% CI: 1.252-2.852; P = 0.002) were significantly
      correlated with DCM. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the missense
      mutation (Leu84Phe) and two novel SNPs (c.192 + 353 C>A, c.192 + 463 G>A) in
      TNNT2 gene might be associated with DCM in the Chinese population.

PMID- 25110707
TI  - Acute and long-term effects of noise exposure on the neuronal spontaneous
      activity in cochlear nucleus and inferior colliculus brain slices.
AB  - Noise exposure leads to an immediate hearing loss and is followed by a long
      lasting permanent threshold shift, accompanied by changes of cellular properties
      within the central auditory pathway. Electrophysiological recordings have
      demonstrated an upregulation of spontaneous neuronal activity. It is still
      discussed if the observed effects are related to changes of peripheral input or
      evoked within the central auditory system. The present study should describe the
      intrinsic temporal patterns of single-unit activity upon noise-induced hearing
      loss of the dorsal and ventral cochlear nucleus (DCN and VCN) and the inferior
      colliculus (IC) in adult mouse brain slices. Recordings showed a slight, but
      significant, elevation in spontaneous firing rates in DCN and VCN immediately
      after noise trauma, whereas no differences were found in IC. One week
      postexposure, neuronal responses remained unchanged compared to controls. At 14
      days after noise trauma, intrinsic long-term hyperactivity in brain slices of the
      DCN and the IC was detected for the first time. Therefore, increase in
      spontaneous activity seems to develop within the period of two weeks, but not
      before day 7. The results give insight into the complex temporal
      neurophysiological alterations after noise trauma, leading to a better
      understanding of central mechanisms in noise-induced hearing loss. 

PMID- 25110708
TI  - A review on the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and formulae with
      hypolipidemic effect.
AB  - Hyperlipidemia, characterized by the abnormal blood lipid profiles, is one of the
      dominant factors of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and
      cardiovascular diseases (CVD). For the low cost, effectiveness, and fewer side
      effects, the popularity of using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to handle
      hyperlipidemia is increasing and its role in health care has been recognized by
      the public at large. Despite the importance of TCM herbs and formulations, there
      is no comprehensive review summarizing their scientific findings on handling
      hyperlipidemia. This review summarizes the recent experimental and clinical
      results of nine representative single Chinese herbs and seven classic TCM
      formulae that could improve lipid profiles so as to help understand and compare
      their underlying mechanisms. Most of single herbs and formulae demonstrated the
      improvement of hyperlipidemic conditions with multiple and diverse mechanisms of
      actions similar to conventional Western drugs in spite of their mild side
      effects. Due to increasing popularity of TCM, more extensive, well-designed
      preclinical and clinical trials on the potential synergistic and adverse side
      effects of herb-drug interactions as well as their mechanisms are warranted.
      Hyperlipidemic patients should be warned about the potential risks of herb-drug
      interactions, particularly those taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. 

PMID- 25110710
TI  - Amplification of the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor gene is a rare event
      in adrenocortical adenocarcinomas: searching for potential mechanisms of
      overexpression.
AB  - CONTEXT: IGF1R overexpression appears to be a prognostic biomarker of metastatic
      pediatric adrenocortical tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms that are
      implicated in its upregulation remain unknown. Aim. To investigate the potential
      mechanisms involved in IGF1R overexpression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 64
      adrenocortical tumors. IGF1R copy number variation was determined in all patients
      using MLPA and confirmed using real time PCR. In a subgroup of 32 patients,
      automatic sequencing was used to identify IGF1R allelic variants and the
      expression of microRNAs involved in IGF1R regulation by real time PCR. RESULTS:
      IGF1R amplification was detected in an adrenocortical carcinoma that was
      diagnosed in a 46-year-old woman with Cushing's syndrome and virilization. IGF1R
      overexpression was demonstrated in this case. In addition, gene amplification of
      other loci was identified in this adrenocortical malignant tumor, but no IGF1R
      copy number variation was evidenced in the remaining cases. Automatic sequencing
      revealed three known polymorphisms but they did not correlate with its
      expression. Expression of miR-100, miR-145, miR-375, and miR-126 did not
      correlate with IGF1R expression. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated amplification and
      overexpression of IGF1R gene in only one adrenocortical carcinoma, suggesting
      that these combined events are uncommon. In addition, IGF1R polymorphisms and
      abnormal microRNA expression did not correlate with IGF1R upregulation in
      adrenocortical tumors.

PMID- 25110709
TI  - The impact of simulated and real microgravity on bone cells and mesenchymal stem
      cells.
AB  - How microgravity affects the biology of human cells and the formation of 3D cell
      cultures in real and simulated microgravity (r- and s-ug) is currently a hot
      topic in biomedicine. In r- and s-ug, various cell types were found to form 3D
      structures. This review will focus on the current knowledge of tissue engineering
      in space and on Earth using systems such as the random positioning machine (RPM),
      the 2D-clinostat, or the NASA-developed rotating wall vessel bioreactor (RWV) to
      create tissue from bone, tumor, and mesenchymal stem cells. To understand the
      development of 3D structures, in vitro experiments using s-ug devices can provide
      valuable information about modulations in signal-transduction, cell adhesion, or
      extracellular matrix induced by altered gravity conditions. These systems also
      facilitate the analysis of the impact of growth factors, hormones, or drugs on
      these tissue-like constructs. Progress has been made in bone tissue engineering
      using the RWV, and multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS), formed in both r- and s
      ug, have been reported and were analyzed in depth. Currently, these MCTS are
      available for drug testing and proteomic investigations. This review provides an
      overview of the influence of ug on the aforementioned cells and an outlook for
      future perspectives in tissue engineering. 

PMID- 25110711
TI  - The K-Cl cotransporter KCC3 as an independent prognostic factor in human
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - The objectives of the present study were to investigate the role of K-Cl
      cotransporter 3 (KCC3) in the regulation of cellular invasion and the
      clinicopathological significance of its expression in esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma (ESCC). Immunohistochemical analysis performed on 70 primary tumor
      samples obtained from ESCC patients showed that KCC3 was primarily found in the
      cytoplasm of carcinoma cells. Although the expression of KCC3 in the main tumor
      (MT) was related to several clinicopathological features, such as the pT and pN
      categories, it had no prognostic impact. KCC3 expression scores were compared
      between the MT and cancer nest (CN), and the survival rate of patients with a CN
      > MT score was lower than that of patients with a CN <= MT score. In addition,
      the survival rate of patients in whom KCC3 was expressed in the invasive front of
      tumor was lower than that of the patients without it. Furthermore, multivariate
      analysis demonstrated that the expression of KCC3 in the invasive front was one
      of the most important independent prognostic factors. The depletion of KCC3 using
      siRNAs inhibited cell migration and invasion in human ESCC cell lines. These
      results suggest that the expression of KCC3 in ESCC may affect cellular invasion
      and be related to a worse prognosis in patients with ESCC. 

PMID- 25110712
TI  - The tarsal bone test: a basic test of health sciences students' knowledge of
      lower limb anatomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to design an easy-to-use tool, the
      tarsal bone test (TBT), to provide a snapshot of podiatry students' basic
      anatomical knowledge of the bones of the lower limb. METHODS: The study included
      254 podiatry students from three different universities, 145 of them were first
      year students and 109 were in their fourth and final years. The TBT was
      administered without prior notice to the participants and was to be completed in
      5 minutes. RESULTS: The results show that 97.2% of the subjects (n = 247)
      correctly labelled all tarsal bones, while the other 2.8% (n = 7) incorrectly
      labelled at least one bone, that was either the cuboid (7 times) or the navicular
      (6 times). Although only one fourth-year student inaccurately identified one
      bone, no significant differences in the distribution of the correct and incorrect
      responses were found between first and fourth-year students. CONCLUSIONS: The TBT
      seems to be a straightforward and easy-to-apply instrument, and provides an
      objective view of the level of knowledge acquired at different stages of podiatry
      studies.

PMID- 25110713
TI  - Perinatal nitric oxide therapy prevents adverse effects of perinatal hypoxia on
      the adult pulmonary circulation.
AB  - Adverse events in utero are associated with the occurrence of chronic diseases in
      adulthood. We previously demonstrated in mice that perinatal hypoxia resulted in
      altered pulmonary circulation in adulthood, with a decreased endothelium
      dependent relaxation of pulmonary arteries, associated with long-term alterations
      in the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic GMP pathway. The present study investigated
      whether inhaled NO (iNO) administered simultaneously to perinatal hypoxia could
      have potential beneficial effects on the adult pulmonary circulation. Indeed, iNO
      is the therapy of choice in humans presenting neonatal pulmonary hypertension.
      Long-term effects of neonatal iNO therapy on adult pulmonary circulation have not
      yet been investigated. Pregnant mice were placed in hypoxia (13% O2) with
      simultaneous administration of iNO 5 days before delivery until 5 days after
      birth. Pups were then raised in normoxia until adulthood. Perinatal iNO
      administration completely restored acetylcholine-induced relaxation, as well as
      endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein content, in isolated pulmonary arteries
      of adult mice born in hypoxia. Right ventricular hypertrophy observed in old mice
      born in hypoxia compared to controls was also prevented by perinatal iNO
      treatment. Therefore, simultaneous administration of iNO during perinatal hypoxic
      exposure seems able to prevent adverse effects of perinatal hypoxia on the adult
      pulmonary circulation. 

PMID- 25110714
TI  - Incorporating amino acids composition and functional domains for identifying
      bacterial toxin proteins.
AB  - Aside from pathogenesis, bacterial toxins also have been used for medical purpose
      such as drugs for cancer and immune diseases. Correctly identifying bacterial
      toxins and their types (endotoxins and exotoxins) has great impact on the cell
      biology study and therapy development. However, experimental methods for
      bacterial toxins identification are time-consuming and labor-intensive, implying
      an urgent need for computational prediction. Thus, we are motivated to develop a
      method for computational identification of bacterial toxins based on amino acid
      sequences and functional domain information. In this study, a nonredundant
      dataset of 167 bacterial toxins including 77 exotoxins and 90 endotoxins is
      adopted to learn the predictive model by using support vector machines (SVMs).
      The cross-validation evaluation shows that the SVM models trained with amino
      acids and dipeptides composition could yield an accuracy of 96.07% and 92.50%,
      respectively. For discriminating endotoxins from exotoxins, the SVM models
      trained with amino acids and dipeptides composition have achieved an accuracy of
      95.71% and 92.86%, respectively. After incorporating functional domain
      information, the predictive performance is further improved. The proposed method
      has been demonstrated to be able to more effectively identify and classify
      bacterial toxins than the other two features on independent dataset, which may
      aid in bacterial biomedical development. 

PMID- 25110715
TI  - Antioxidant properties of mushroom mycelia obtained by batch cultivation and
      tocopherol content affected by extraction procedures.
AB  - The determination of the antioxidant potential of lyophilized mushroom mycelia
      from 5 strains of the species Pleurotus ostreatus and Coprinus comatus (obtained
      by submerged cultivation in batch system) was analyzed as ethanolic extracts by
      evaluating ABTS and the hydroxyl scavenging activity, FRAP method, the chelating
      capacity, the inhibition of human erythrocyte hemolysis, and the inhibition of
      xanthine oxidase activity. The main compounds present in all extracts were
      determined by HPLC chromatography. Overall, results demonstrated that the
      biologically active substances content is modulated by the extraction method
      used. The most beneficial extract, characterized by determining the EC50 value,
      was that of C. comatus M8102, followed by P. ostreatus PQMZ91109. Significant
      amount of alpha-tocopherol (179.51 +/- 1.51 mg/100 g extract) was determined as
      well as flavones such as rutin and apigenin. In the P. ostreatus PQMZ91109
      extract, 4.8 +/- 0.05 mg/100 g extract of tocopherol acetate known to play a
      significant role as an antioxidant in skin protection against oxidative stress
      generated by UV rays was determined. The various correlations (r (2) = 0.7665
      0.9426 for tocopherol content) assessed and the composition of extracts in
      fluidized bed from the mycelia of the tested species depicted a significant
      pharmacological potential as well as the possibility of usage in the development
      of new functional products. 

PMID- 25110716
TI  - Influence of thread pitch, helix angle, and compactness on micromotion of
      immediately loaded implants in three types of bone quality: a three-dimensional
      finite element analysis.
AB  - This study investigated the influence of thread pitch, helix angle, and
      compactness on micromotion in immediately loaded implants in bone of varying
      density (D2, D3, and D4). Five models of the three-dimensional finite element
      (0.8 mm pitch, 1.6 mm pitch, 2.4 mm pitch, double-threaded, and triple-threaded
      implants) in three types of bone were created using Pro/E, Hypermesh, and ABAQUS
      software. The study had three groups: Group 1, different pitches (Pitch Group);
      Group 2, same compactness but different helix angles (Angle Group); and Group 3,
      same helix angle but different compactness (Compact Group). Implant micromotion
      was assessed as the comprehensive relative displacement. We found that vertical
      relative displacement was affected by thread pitch, helix angle, and compactness.
      Under vertical loading, displacement was positively correlated with thread pitch
      and helix angle but negatively with compactness. Under horizontal loading in D2,
      the influence of pitch, helix angle, and compactness on implant stability was
      limited; however, in D3 and D4, the influence of pitch, helix angle, and
      compactness on implant stability is increased. The additional evidence was
      provided that trabecular bone density has less effect on implant micromotion than
      cortical bone thickness. Bone type amplifies the influence of thread pattern on
      displacement. 

PMID- 25110718
TI  - Operational Definitions of Sexual Orientation and Estimates of Adolescent Health
      Risk Behaviors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Increasing attention to the health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB)
      populations comes with requisite circumspection about measuring sexual
      orientation in surveys. However, operationalizing these variables also requires
      considerable thought. This research sought to document the consequences of
      different operational definitions of sexual orientation by examining variation in
      health risk behaviors. METHODS: Using Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey
      data, we examined how operational definitions of sexual behavior and sexual
      identity influenced differences among three health behaviors known to disparately
      affect LGB populations: smoking, suicide risk, and methamphetamine use. Sexual
      behavior and sexual identity were also examined together to explore if they
      captured unique sources of variability in behavior. RESULTS: Estimates of health
      disparities changed as a result of using either sexual behavior or sexual
      identity. Youth who reported their sexual identity as "not sure" also had
      increased odds of health risk behavior. Disaggregating bisexual identity and
      behavior from same-sex identity and behavior frequently resulted in the
      attenuation or elimination of health disparities that would have otherwise been
      attributable to exclusively same-sex sexual minorities. Finally, sexual behavior
      and sexual identity explained unique and significant sources of variability in
      all three health behaviors. CONCLUSION: Researchers using different operational
      definitions of sexual orientation could draw different conclusions, even when
      analyzing the same data, depending upon how they chose to represent sexual
      orientation in analyses. We discuss implications that these manipulations have on
      data interpretation and provide specific recommendations for best-practices when
      analyzing sexual orientation data collected from adolescent populations.

PMID- 25110719
TI  - Utility of Diagnostic Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management of Schistosomiasis.
AB  - Diagnosis of schistosomiasis is made by demonstration of the parasite ova in
      stools, urine,and biopsy specimens from affected organs, or presence of
      antibodies to the different stages of the parasite or antigens circulating in
      body fluids by serologic techniques. DNA of schistosomes can now also be detected
      in serum and stool specimens by molecular technique.However, these tests are
      unable to determine the severity of target organ pathology and resultant
      complications. Accurate assessment of schistosome-induced morbidities is now made
      with the use of imaging techniques like ultrasound (US), computed tomography
      (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). US has made major contributions in
      the diagnosis of hepatosplenic and urinary form of disease. This imaging method
      provides real time results, is portable (can be carried to the bed side and the
      field) and is lower in cost than other imaging techniques. Typical findings in
      hepatosplenic schistosomiasis by US include: hyperechoic fibrotic bands along the
      portal vessels (Symmer's fibrosis), reduction in the size of the right lobe,
      hypertrophy of the left lobe, splenomegaly, and ascites. More advanced ultrasound
      equipment like the colour Doppler ultrasound can characterize portal vein
      perfusion, a procedure that is critical for the prediction of disease prognosis
      and for treatment options for complicated portal hypertension. Although CT and
      MRI are more expensive, are hospital based, and require highly additional
      specially-trained personnel, they provide more accurate description of the
      pathology, not only in hepatosplenic and urinary forms of schistosomiasis, but
      also in the diagnosis of ectopic forms of the disease,particularly involving
      thebrain and spinal cord. MRI demonstrates better tissue differentiation and lack
      of exposure to ionizing radiation compared with CT.

PMID- 25110717
TI  - TGF- beta: an important mediator of allergic disease and a molecule with dual
      activity in cancer development.
AB  - The transforming growth factor- beta (TGF- beta ) superfamily is a family of
      structurally related proteins that includes TGF- beta , activins/inhibins, and
      bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). Members of the TGF- beta superfamily regulate
      cellular functions such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and
      migration and thus play key roles in organismal development. TGF- beta is
      involved in several human diseases, including autoimmune disorders and vascular
      diseases. Activation of the TGF- beta receptor induces phosphorylation of
      serine/threonine residues and triggers phosphorylation of intracellular effectors
      (Smads). Once activated, Smad proteins translocate to the nucleus and induce
      transcription of their target genes, regulating various processes and cellular
      functions. Recently, there has been an attempt to correlate the effect of TGF-
      beta with various pathological entities such as allergic diseases and cancer,
      yielding a new area of research known as "allergooncology," which investigates
      the mechanisms by which allergic diseases may influence the progression of
      certain cancers. This knowledge could generate new therapeutic strategies aimed
      at correcting the pathologies in which TGF- beta is involved. Here, we review
      recent studies that suggest an important role for TGF- beta in both allergic
      disease and cancer progression. 

PMID- 25110720
TI  - Infections and inflammation in prostate cancer.
AB  - The frequent observation of both acute and chronic inflammation of unknown
      stimulus in the adult prostate has motivated a large body of research aimed at
      identifying potential infectious agents that may elicit prostatic inflammation.
      The overarching hypothesis is that infection-induced inflammation may be
      associated with prostate cancer development or progression, as inflammation is
      known to serve as an "enabling characteristic" of cancer. With recent advances in
      molecular techniques for microorganism identification, a panoply of
      microorganisms has been scrutinized in prostate tissues and in relation to
      prostate carcinogenesis. The aim of this review is to summarize the current
      literature on the evidence for infectious agents as a contributing factor to
      prostatic inflammation and prostate cancer, and to highlight recent literature
      suggesting an infectious etiology to the biogenesis of prostatic corpora amylacea
      and on the development of mouse models of prostatic infections.

PMID- 25110722
TI  - Facilitative and inhibitory effect of litter on seedling emergence and early
      growth of six herbaceous species in an early successional old field ecosystem.
AB  - In the current study, a field experiment was conducted to examine effects of
      litter on seedling emergence and early growth of four dominant weed species from
      the early successional stages of old field ecosystem and two perennial grassland
      species in late successional stages. Our results showed that increased litter
      cover decreased soil temperature and temperature variability over time and
      improved soil moisture status. Surface soil electrical conductivity increased as
      litter increased. The increased litter delayed seedling emergence time and rate.
      The emergence percentage of seedlings and establishment success rate firstly
      increased then decreased as litter cover increased. When litter biomass was below
      600 g m(-2), litter increased seedlings emergence and establishment success in
      all species. With litter increasing, the basal diameter of seedling decreased,
      but seedling height increased. Increasing amounts of litter tended to increase
      seedling dry weight and stem leaf ratio. Different species responded differently
      to the increase of litter. Puccinellia tenuiflora and Chloris virgata will
      acquire more emergence benefits under high litter amount. It is predicted that
      Chloris virgata will dominate further in this natural succession old field
      ecosystem with litter accumulation. Artificial P. tenuiflora seeds addition may
      be required to accelerate old field succession toward matured grassland.

PMID- 25110721
TI  - Biomarker Development for Brain-Based Disorders: Recent Progress in Psychiatry.
AB  - Biomarkers are biological measures that are indicative of a specific disorder,
      its severity or response to treatment. They are widely used in many areas of
      medicine, but biomarker development for brain-based disorders lags behind. Using
      examples from the field of psychiatry, this article reviews the concepts of
      biomarkers, challenges to their development and the recent progress along those
      lines. In addition to discussing historical biomarker candidates such as cortisol
      or catecholamine levels, we include progress from recent genetic, epigenetic,
      proteomic, neuroimaging and EEG studies. Successful identification of biomarkers
      will advance the field of psychiatry towards the goal of biological tests for
      diagnosis, symptom management and treatment response.

PMID- 25110724
TI  - Gait signal analysis with similarity measure.
AB  - Human gait decision was carried out with the help of similarity measure design.
      Gait signal was selected through hardware implementation including all in one
      sensor, control unit, and notebook with connector. Each gait signal was
      considered as high dimensional data. Therefore, high dimensional data analysis
      was considered via heuristic technique such as the similarity measure. Each human
      pattern such as walking, sitting, standing, and stepping up was obtained through
      experiment. By the results of the analysis, we also identified the overlapped and
      nonoverlapped data relation, and similarity measure analysis was also
      illustrated, and comparison with conventional similarity measure was also carried
      out. Hence, nonoverlapped data similarity analysis provided the clue to solve the
      similarity of high dimensional data. Considered high dimensional data analysis
      was designed with consideration of neighborhood information. Proposed similarity
      measure was applied to identify the behavior patterns of different persons, and
      different behaviours of the same person. Obtained analysis can be extended to
      organize health monitoring system for specially elderly persons. 

PMID- 25110723
TI  - Mitigative effect of erythromycin on PMMA challenged preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aseptic loosening (AL) is a major complication of total joint
      replacement. Recent approaches to limiting AL have focused on inhibiting
      periprosthetic inflammation and osteoclastogenesis. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The
      purpose of this study was to determine the effects of erythromycin (EM) on
      polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particle-challenged MC3T3 osteoblast precursor
      cells. MetHODS: MC3T3 cells were pretreated with EM (0-10 MUg/mL) and then
      stimulated with PMMA (1 mg/mL). Cell viability was evaluated by both a lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay and cell counts. Cell differentiation was
      determined by activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Gene expression was
      measured via real-time quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: We found that exposure to
      PMMA particles reduced cellular viability and osteogenetic potential in MC3T3
      cell line. EM treatment mitigated the effects of PMMA particles on the
      proliferation, viability and differentiation of MC3T3 cells. PMMA decreased the
      gene expression of Runx2, osterix and osteocalcin, which can be partially
      restored by EM treatment. Furthermore, EM suppressed PMMA- induced increase of NF
      kappaB gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that EM mitigates the
      effects of PMMA on MC3T3 cell viability and differentiation, in part through
      downregulation of NF-kappaB pathway. EM appeared to represent an anabolic agent
      on MC3T3 cells challenged with PMMA particles.

PMID- 25110725
TI  - Detecting community structures in networks by label propagation with prediction
      of percolation transition.
AB  - Though label propagation algorithm (LPA) is one of the fastest algorithms for
      community detection in complex networks, the problem of trivial solutions
      frequently occurring in the algorithm affects its performance. We propose a label
      propagation algorithm with prediction of percolation transition (LPAp). After
      analyzing the reason for multiple solutions of LPA, by transforming the process
      of community detection into network construction process, a trivial solution in
      label propagation is considered as a giant component in the percolation
      transition. We add a prediction process of percolation transition in label
      propagation to delay the occurrence of trivial solutions, which makes small
      communities easier to be found. We also give an incomplete update condition which
      considers both neighbor purity and the contribution of small degree vertices to
      community detection to reduce the computation time of LPAp. Numerical tests are
      conducted. Experimental results on synthetic networks and real-world networks
      show that the LPAp is more accurate, more sensitive to small community, and has
      the ability to identify a single community structure. Moreover, LPAp with the
      incomplete update process can use less computation time than LPA, nearly without
      modularity loss. 

PMID- 25110726
TI  - Coal fly ash ceramics: preparation, characterization, and use in the hydrolysis
      of sucrose.
AB  - Coal ash is a byproduct of mineral coal combustion in thermal power plants. This
      residue is responsible for many environmental problems because it pollutes soil,
      water, and air. Thus, it is important to find ways to reuse it. In this study,
      coal fly ash, obtained from the Presidente Medici Thermal Power Plant, was
      utilized in the preparation of ceramic supports for the immobilization of the
      enzyme invertase and subsequent hydrolysis of sucrose. Coal fly ash supports were
      prepared at several compaction pressures (63.66-318.30 MPa) and sintered at 1200
      degrees C for 4 h. Mineralogical composition (by X-ray diffraction) and surface
      area were studied. The ceramic prepared with 318.30 MPa presented the highest
      surface area (35 m(2)/g) and amount of immobilized enzyme per g of support (76.6
      mg/g). In assays involving sucrose inversion, it showed a high degree of
      hydrolysis (around 81%) even after nine reuses and 30 days' storage. Therefore,
      coal fly ash ceramics were demonstrated to be a promising biotechnological
      alternative as an immobilization support for the hydrolysis of sucrose.

PMID- 25110727
TI  - Technology efficacy in active prosthetic knees for transfemoral amputees: a
      quantitative evaluation.
AB  - Several studies have presented technological ensembles of active knee systems for
      transfemoral prosthesis. Other studies have examined the amputees' gait
      performance while wearing a specific active prosthesis. This paper combined both
      insights, that is, a technical examination of the components used, with an
      evaluation of how these improved the gait of respective users. This study aims to
      offer a quantitative understanding of the potential enhancement derived from
      strategic integration of core elements in developing an effective device. The
      study systematically discussed the current technology in active transfemoral
      prosthesis with respect to its functional walking performance amongst above-knee
      amputee users, to evaluate the system's efficacy in producing close-to-normal
      user performance. The performances of its actuator, sensory system, and control
      technique that are incorporated in each reported system were evaluated separately
      and numerical comparisons were conducted based on the percentage of amputees'
      gait deviation from normal gait profile points. The results identified particular
      components that contributed closest to normal gait parameters. However, the
      conclusion is limitedly extendable due to the small number of studies. Thus, more
      clinical validation of the active prosthetic knee technology is needed to better
      understand the extent of contribution of each component to the most functional
      development. 

PMID- 25110728
TI  - Scene consistency verification based on PatchNet.
AB  - In the real world, the object does not exist in isolation, and it always appears
      in a certain scene. Usually the object is fixed in a particular scene and even in
      special spatial location. In this paper, we propose a method for judging scene
      consistency effectively. Scene semantics and geometry relation play a key role.
      In this paper, we use PatchNet to deal with these high-level scene structures. We
      construct a consistent scene database, using semantic information of PatchNet to
      determine whether the scene is consistent. The effectiveness of the proposed
      algorithm is verified by a lot of experiments. 

PMID- 25110729
TI  - Inference for one-way ANOVA with equicorrelation error structure.
AB  - We consider inferences in a one-way ANOVA model with equicorrelation error
      structures. Hypotheses of the equality of the means are discussed. A generalized
      F-test has been proposed by in the literature to compare the means of all
      populations. However, they did not discuss the performance of that test. We
      propose two methods, a generalized pivotal quantities-based method and a
      parametric bootstrap method, to test the hypotheses of equality of the means. We
      compare the empirical performance of the proposed tests with the generalized F
      test. It can be seen from the simulation results that the generalized F-test does
      not perform well in terms of Type I error rate, and the proposed tests perform
      much better. We also provide corresponding simultaneous confidence intervals for
      all pair-wise differences of the means, whose coverage probabilities are close to
      the confidence level. 

PMID- 25110730
TI  - Enoxaparin prevents steroid-related avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
AB  - Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head is still a challenging problem in
      orthopedic surgery. It is responsible for 10% of the 500,000 hip replacement
      surgeries in the USA and affects relatively young, active patients in particular.
      Main reasons for nontraumatic osteonecrosis are glucocorticoid use, alcoholism,
      thrombophilia, and hypofibrinolysis (Glueck et al., 1997; Orth and Anagnostakos,
      2013). One pathomechanism of steroid-induced osteonecrosis is thought to be
      impaired blood flow to the femoral head caused by increased thrombus formation
      and vasoconstriction. To investigate the preventive effect of enoxaparin on
      steroid-related osteonecrosis, we used male New Zealand white rabbits.
      Osteonecrosis was induced by methylprednisolone-injection (1 * 20 mg/kg body
      weight). Control animals were treated with phosphate-buffered saline. Treatment
      consisted of an injection of 11.7 mg/kg body weight of enoxaparin per day
      (Clexane) in addition to methylprednisolone. Four weeks after methylprednisolone
      injection the animals were sacrificed. Histology (hematoxylin-eosin and Ladewig
      staining) was performed, and empty lacunae and histological signs of
      osteonecrosis were quantified. Histomorphometry revealed a significant increase
      in empty lacunae and necrotic changed osteocytes in glucocorticoid-treated
      animals as compared with the glucocorticoid- and Clexane-treated animals and with
      the control group. No significant difference was detected between the
      glucocorticoid and Clexane group and the control group. This finding suggests
      that cotreatment with enoxaparin has the potential to prevent steroid-associated
      osteonecrosis.

PMID- 25110732
TI  - Value and vulnerability assessment of a historic tomb for conservation.
AB  - Monumental tombs reflect various social, cultural, architectural, religious,
      economic, and engineering features of a community. However, environmental
      weathering, natural disasters, poor maintenance, vandalism, and misuse
      unfortunately pose serious threats to these cultural assets. Historic monuments
      are often exposed to the highest risk due to their vulnerability. The Ottoman
      style Nisanci Hamza Pasa tomb located in Karacaahmet Cemetery, Istanbul, the
      largest and oldest public cemetery in Turkey, is a case in point. The tomb
      consisting of six granite columns and a brick dome supported by six arches was
      constructed in 1605. Cracks, material loss, and decay as a result of adverse
      environmental effects and past earthquakes are evident. Therefore, this paper
      analyses the overall value of the tomb with respect to its historical, communal,
      evidential, and aesthetic aspects. Using the finite element approach and data on
      the tomb's material properties, a structural analysis under the self-weight and a
      time history analysis based on the earthquake ground motion data recorded in
      Duzce, Turkey, in November 1999 were conducted to encourage the conservation of
      this tomb and similar cultural heritage assets all over the world. The damage
      observed in the structure is congruent with the analysis results.

PMID- 25110731
TI  - Laser welded versus resistance spot welded bone implants: analysis of the thermal
      increase and strength.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The first aim of this "ex vivo split mouth" study was to compare
      the thermal elevation during the welding process of titanium bars to titanium
      implants inserted in pig jaws by a thermal camera and two thermocouples. The
      second aim was to compare the strength of the joints by a traction test with a
      dynamometer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six pigs' jaws were used and three implants
      were placed on each side of them for a total of 36 fixtures. Twelve bars were
      connected to the abutments (each bar on three implants) by using, on one side,
      laser welding and, on the other, resistance spot welding. Temperature variations
      were recorded by thermocouples and by thermal camera while the strength of the
      welded joint was analyzed by a traction test. RESULTS: For increasing
      temperature, means were 36.83 and 37.06, standard deviations 1.234 and 1.187, and
      P value 0.5763 (not significant). For traction test, means were 195.5 and 159.4,
      standard deviations 2.00 and 2.254, and P value 0.0001 (very significant).
      CONCLUSION: Laser welding was demonstrated to be able to connect titanium implant
      abutments without the risk of thermal increase into the bone and with good
      results in terms of mechanical strength.

PMID- 25110733
TI  - Arsenic modulates posttranslational S-nitrosylation and translational proteome in
      keratinocytes.
AB  - Arsenic is a class I human carcinogen (such as inducing skin cancer) by its
      prominent chemical interaction with protein thio (-SH) group. Therefore, arsenic
      may compromise protein S-nitrosylation by competing the -SH binding activity. In
      the present study, we aimed to understand the influence of arsenic on protein S
      nitrosylation and the following proteomic changes. By using primary human skin
      keratinocyte, we found that arsenic treatment decreased the level of protein S
      nitrosylation. This was coincident to the decent expressions of endothelial
      nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). By using
      LC-MS/MS, around twenty S-nitrosoproteins were detected in the biotin-switched
      eluent. With the interest that arsenic not only regulates posttranslational S
      nitrosylation but also separately affects protein's translation expression, we
      performed two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and found that 8 proteins were
      significantly decreased during arsenic treatment. Whether these decreased
      proteins are the consequence of protein S-nitrosylation will be further
      investigated. Taken together, these results provide a finding that arsenic can
      deplete the binding activity of NO and therefore reduce protein S-nitrosylation. 

PMID- 25110735
TI  - Mathematical analysis of the effect of rotor geometry on cup anemometer response.
AB  - The calibration coefficients of two commercial anemometers equipped with
      different rotors were studied. The rotor cups had the same conical shape, while
      the size and distance to the rotation axis varied. The analysis was based on the
      2-cup positions analytical model, derived using perturbation methods to include
      second-order effects such as pressure distribution along the rotating cups and
      friction. The comparison with the experimental data indicates a nonuniform
      distribution of aerodynamic forces on the rotating cups, with higher forces
      closer to the rotating axis. The 2-cup analytical model is proven to be accurate
      enough to study the effect of complex forces on cup anemometer performance. 

PMID- 25110734
TI  - PEEK cages versus PMMA spacers in anterior cervical discectomy: comparison of
      fusion, subsidence, sagittal alignment, and clinical outcome with a minimum 1
      year follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare radiographic and clinical outcomes after anterior cervical
      discectomy in patients with cervical degenerative disc disease using PEEK cages
      or PMMA spacers with a minimum 1-year follow-up. METHODS: Anterior cervical
      discectomy was performed in 107 patients in one or two levels using empty PEEK
      cages (51 levels), Sulcem PMMA spacers (49 levels) or Palacos PMMA spacers (41
      levels) between January, 2005 and February, 2009. Bony fusion, subsidence, and
      sagittal alignment were retrospectively assessed in CT scans and radiographs at
      follow-up. Clinical outcome was measured using the VAS, NDI, and SF-36. RESULTS:
      Bony fusion was assessed in 65% (PEEK cage), 57% (Sulcem), and 46% (Palacos)
      after a mean follow-up of 2.5 years. Mean subsidence was 2.3-2.6 mm without
      significant differences between the groups. The most pronounced loss of lordosis
      was found in PEEK cages (-4.1 degrees ). VAS was 3.1 (PEEK cage), 3.6 (Sulcem),
      and 2.7 (Palacos) without significant differences. Functional outcome in the PEEK
      cage and Palacos group was superior to the Sulcem group. CONCLUSIONS: The
      substitute groups showed differing fusion rates. Clinical outcome, however,
      appears to be generally not correlated with fusion status or subsidence. We could
      not specify a superior disc substitute for anterior cervical discectomy. This
      trial is registered with DRKS00003591.

PMID- 25110736
TI  - A hop count based heuristic routing protocol for mobile delay tolerant networks.
AB  - Routing in delay tolerant networks (DTNs) is a challenge since it must handle
      network partitioning, long delays, and dynamic topology. Meanwhile, routing
      protocols of the traditional mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) cannot work well due
      to the failure of its assumption that most network connections are available. In
      this paper, we propose a hop count based heuristic routing protocol by utilizing
      the information carried by the peripatetic packets in the network. A heuristic
      function is defined to help in making the routing decision. We formally define a
      custom operation for square matrices so as to transform the heuristic value
      calculation into matrix manipulation. Finally, the performance of our proposed
      algorithm is evaluated by the simulation results, which show the advantage of
      such self-adaptive routing protocol in the diverse circumstance of DTNs. 

PMID- 25110737
TI  - Constructing topic models of Internet of Things for information processing.
AB  - Internet of Things (IoT) is regarded as a remarkable development of the modern
      information technology. There is abundant digital products data on the IoT,
      linking with multiple types of objects/entities. Those associated entities carry
      rich information and usually in the form of query records. Therefore,
      constructing high quality topic hierarchies that can capture the term
      distribution of each product record enables us to better understand users' search
      intent and benefits tasks such as taxonomy construction, recommendation systems,
      and other communications solutions for the future IoT. In this paper, we propose
      a novel record entity topic model (RETM) for IoT environment that is associated
      with a set of entities and records and a Gibbs sampling-based algorithm is
      proposed to learn the model. We conduct extensive experiments on real-world
      datasets and compare our approach with existing methods to demonstrate the
      advantage of our approach. 

PMID- 25110738
TI  - A spread willingness computing-based information dissemination model.
AB  - This paper constructs a kind of spread willingness computing based on information
      dissemination model for social network. The model takes into account the impact
      of node degree and dissemination mechanism, combined with the complex network
      theory and dynamics of infectious diseases, and further establishes the dynamical
      evolution equations. Equations characterize the evolutionary relationship between
      different types of nodes with time. The spread willingness computing contains
      three factors which have impact on user's spread behavior: strength of the
      relationship between the nodes, views identity, and frequency of contact.
      Simulation results show that different degrees of nodes show the same trend in
      the network, and even if the degree of node is very small, there is likelihood of
      a large area of information dissemination. The weaker the relationship between
      nodes, the higher probability of views selection and the higher the frequency of
      contact with information so that information spreads rapidly and leads to a wide
      range of dissemination. As the dissemination probability and immune probability
      change, the speed of information dissemination is also changing accordingly. The
      studies meet social networking features and can help to master the behavior of
      users and understand and analyze characteristics of information dissemination in
      social network. 

PMID- 25110739
TI  - A review of norms and normative multiagent systems.
AB  - Norms and normative multiagent systems have become the subjects of interest for
      many researchers. Such interest is caused by the need for agents to exploit the
      norms in enhancing their performance in a community. The term norm is used to
      characterize the behaviours of community members. The concept of normative
      multiagent systems is used to facilitate collaboration and coordination among
      social groups of agents. Many researches have been conducted on norms that
      investigate the fundamental concepts, definitions, classification, and types of
      norms and normative multiagent systems including normative architectures and
      normative processes. However, very few researches have been found to
      comprehensively study and analyze the literature in advancing the current state
      of norms and normative multiagent systems. Consequently, this paper attempts to
      present the current state of research on norms and normative multiagent systems
      and propose a norm's life cycle model based on the review of the literature.
      Subsequently, this paper highlights the significant areas for future work. 

PMID- 25110740
TI  - Matrix transformations between certain sequence spaces over the non-Newtonian
      complex field.
AB  - In some cases, the most general linear operator between two sequence spaces is
      given by an infinite matrix. So the theory of matrix transformations has always
      been of great interest in the study of sequence spaces. In the present paper, we
      introduce the matrix transformations in sequence spaces over the field C(*) and
      characterize some classes of infinite matrices with respect to the non-Newtonian
      calculus. Also we give the necessary and sufficient conditions on an infinite
      matrix transforming one of the classical sets over C(*) to another one.
      Furthermore, the concept for sequence-to-sequence and series-to-series methods of
      summability is given with some illustrated examples. 

PMID- 25110741
TI  - Multispectral image compression based on DSC combined with CCSDS-IDC.
AB  - Remote sensing multispectral image compression encoder requires low complexity,
      high robust, and high performance because it usually works on the satellite where
      the resources, such as power, memory, and processing capacity, are limited. For
      multispectral images, the compression algorithms based on 3D transform (like 3D
      DWT, 3D DCT) are too complex to be implemented in space mission. In this paper,
      we proposed a compression algorithm based on distributed source coding (DSC)
      combined with image data compression (IDC) approach recommended by CCSDS for
      multispectral images, which has low complexity, high robust, and high
      performance. First, each band is sparsely represented by DWT to obtain wavelet
      coefficients. Then, the wavelet coefficients are encoded by bit plane encoder
      (BPE). Finally, the BPE is merged to the DSC strategy of Slepian-Wolf (SW) based
      on QC-LDPC by deep coupling way to remove the residual redundancy between the
      adjacent bands. A series of multispectral images is used to test our algorithm.
      Experimental results show that the proposed DSC combined with the CCSDS-IDC (DSC
      CCSDS)-based algorithm has better compression performance than the traditional
      compression approaches. 

PMID- 25110742
TI  - Recent advances in information technology.

PMID- 25110743
TI  - A rhythm-based authentication scheme for smart media devices.
AB  - In recent years, ubiquitous computing has been rapidly emerged in our lives and
      extensive studies have been conducted in a variety of areas related to smart
      devices, such as tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, smart refrigerators, and smart
      media devices, as a measure for realizing the ubiquitous computing. In
      particular, smartphones have significantly evolved from the traditional feature
      phones. Increasingly higher-end smartphone models that can perform a range of
      functions are now available. Smart devices have become widely popular since they
      provide high efficiency and great convenience for not only private daily
      activities but also business endeavors. Rapid advancements have been achieved in
      smart device technologies to improve the end users' convenience. Consequently,
      many people increasingly rely on smart devices to store their valuable and
      important data. With this increasing dependence, an important aspect that must be
      addressed is security issues. Leaking of private information or sensitive
      business data due to loss or theft of smart devices could result in exorbitant
      damage. To mitigate these security threats, basic embedded locking features are
      provided in smart devices. However, these locking features are vulnerable. In
      this paper, an original security-locking scheme using a rhythm-based locking
      system (RLS) is proposed to overcome the existing security problems of smart
      devices. RLS is a user-authenticated system that addresses vulnerability issues
      in the existing locking features and provides secure confidentiality in addition
      to convenience. 

PMID- 25110744
TI  - Predicting the use of public transportation: a case study from Putrajaya,
      Malaysia.
AB  - Putrajaya is a new federal administrative capital of Malaysia which has been set
      to achieve a 70% share of all travels by public transport in the city area.
      However, the current modal split between the public transport and private
      transport is 15:85. In order to understand travelers' willingness to use the
      public transport, a conceptual model has been developed to determine the factors
      that affect them to use the public transport instead of travelling in their own
      cars. Various variables such as service quality, environmental impact, attitude,
      and behavior intention were analyzed and tested using structural equation model
      (SEM). Results indicate that the service quality and attitude are found to have
      positive effects on the behavioral intention of taking the public transport.
      Other than this, this study also shows that the service quality and environmental
      impact have some positive influences on the attitude to using the public
      transport. However, environmental impact has no significant, positive, and direct
      effect on behavioral intention. The results of this study demonstrate that the
      model that was developed is useful in predicting the public transport and it
      could provide a more complete understanding of behavioral intention towards
      public transport use.

PMID- 25110745
TI  - Hybrid polylingual object model: an efficient and seamless integration of Java
      and native components on the Dalvik virtual machine.
AB  - JNI in the Android platform is often observed with low efficiency and high coding
      complexity. Although many researchers have investigated the JNI mechanism, few of
      them solve the efficiency and the complexity problems of JNI in the Android
      platform simultaneously. In this paper, a hybrid polylingual object (HPO) model
      is proposed to allow a CAR object being accessed as a Java object and as vice in
      the Dalvik virtual machine. It is an acceptable substitute for JNI to reuse the
      CAR-compliant components in Android applications in a seamless and efficient way.
      The metadata injection mechanism is designed to support the automatic mapping and
      reflection between CAR objects and Java objects. A prototype virtual machine,
      called HPO-Dalvik, is implemented by extending the Dalvik virtual machine to
      support the HPO model. Lifespan management, garbage collection, and data type
      transformation of HPO objects are also handled in the HPO-Dalvik virtual machine
      automatically. The experimental result shows that the HPO model outweighs the
      standard JNI in lower overhead on native side, better executing performance with
      no JNI bridging code being demanded. 

PMID- 25110746
TI  - Utility-oriented placement of actuator nodes with a collaborative serving scheme
      for facilitated business and working environments.
AB  - Places to be served by cyber-physical systems (CPS) are usually distributed
      unevenly over the area. Thus, different areas usually have different importance
      and values of serving. In other words, serving power can be excessive or
      insufficient in practice. Therefore, actuator nodes (ANs) in CPS should be
      focused on serving around points of interest (POIs) with considerations of
      "service utility." In this paper, a utility-oriented AN placement framework with
      a collaborative serving scheme is proposed. Through spreading serving duties
      among correctly located ANs, deployment cost can be reduced, utility of ANs can
      be fully utilized, and the system longevity can be improved. The problem has been
      converted into a binary integer linear programming optimization problem. Service
      fading, 3D placements, multiscenario placements, and fault-tolerant placements
      have been modeled in the framework. An imitated example of a CPS deployment in a
      smart laboratory has been used for evaluations. 

PMID- 25110747
TI  - Synchronization control for stochastic neural networks with mixed time-varying
      delays.
AB  - Synchronization control of stochastic neural networks with time-varying discrete
      and continuous delays has been investigated. A novel control scheme is proposed
      using the Lyapunov functional method and linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach.
      Sufficient conditions have been derived to ensure the global asymptotical mean
      square stability for the error system, and thus the drive system synchronizes
      with the response system. Also, the control gain matrix can be obtained. With
      these effective methods, synchronization can be achieved. Simulation results are
      presented to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results. 

PMID- 25110748
TI  - QoS measurement of workflow-based web service compositions using Colored Petri
      net.
AB  - Workflow-based web service compositions (WB-WSCs) is one of the main composition
      categories in service oriented architecture (SOA). Eflow, polymorphic process
      model (PPM), and business process execution language (BPEL) are the main
      techniques of the category of WB-WSCs. Due to maturity of web services, measuring
      the quality of composite web services being developed by different techniques
      becomes one of the most important challenges in today's web environments.
      Business should try to provide good quality regarding the customers' requirements
      to a composed web service. Thus, quality of service (QoS) which refers to
      nonfunctional parameters is important to be measured since the quality degree of
      a certain web service composition could be achieved. This paper tried to find a
      deterministic analytical method for dependability and performance measurement
      using Colored Petri net (CPN) with explicit routing constructs and application of
      theory of probability. A computer tool called WSET was also developed for
      modeling and supporting QoS measurement through simulation. 

PMID- 25110750
TI  - Design and implementation of hybrid CORDIC algorithm based on phase rotation
      estimation for NCO.
AB  - The numerical controlled oscillator has wide application in radar, digital
      receiver, and software radio system. Firstly, this paper introduces the
      traditional CORDIC algorithm. Then in order to improve computing speed and save
      resources, this paper proposes a kind of hybrid CORDIC algorithm based on phase
      rotation estimation applied in numerical controlled oscillator (NCO). Through
      estimating the direction of part phase rotation, the algorithm reduces part phase
      rotation and add-subtract unit, so that it decreases delay. Furthermore, the
      paper simulates and implements the numerical controlled oscillator by Quartus II
      software and Modelsim software. Finally, simulation results indicate that the
      improvement over traditional CORDIC algorithm is achieved in terms of ease of
      computation, resource utilization, and computing speed/delay while maintaining
      the precision. It is suitable for high speed and precision digital modulation and
      demodulation. 

PMID- 25110749
TI  - acACS: improving the prediction accuracy of protein subcellular locations and
      protein classification by incorporating the average chemical shifts composition.
AB  - The chemical shift is sensitive to changes in the local environments and can
      report the structural changes. The structure information of a protein can be
      represented by the average chemical shifts (ACS) composition, which has been
      broadly applied for enhancing the prediction accuracy in protein subcellular
      locations and protein classification. However, different kinds of ACS composition
      can solve different problems. We established an online web server named acACS,
      which can convert secondary structure into average chemical shift and then
      compose the vector for representing a protein by using the algorithm of auto
      covariance. Our solution is easy to use and can meet the needs of users. 

PMID- 25110751
TI  - Assessment of potential location of high arsenic contamination using fuzzy
      overlay and spatial anisotropy approach in iron mine surrounding area.
AB  - Fuzzy overlay approach on three raster maps including land slope, soil type, and
      distance to stream can be used to identify the most potential locations of high
      arsenic contamination in soils. Verification of high arsenic contamination was
      made by collection samples and analysis of arsenic content and interpolation
      surface by spatial anisotropic method. A total of 51 soil samples were collected
      at the potential contaminated location clarified by fuzzy overlay approach. At
      each location, soil samples were taken at the depth of 0.00-1.00 m from the
      surface ground level. Interpolation surface of the analysed arsenic content using
      spatial anisotropic would verify the potential arsenic contamination location
      obtained from fuzzy overlay outputs. Both outputs of the spatial surface
      anisotropic and the fuzzy overlay mapping were significantly spatially conformed.
      Three contaminated areas with arsenic concentrations of 7.19 +/- 2.86, 6.60 +/-
      3.04, and 4.90 +/- 2.67 mg/kg exceeded the arsenic content of 3.9 mg/kg, the
      maximum concentration level (MCL) for agricultural soils as designated by Office
      of National Environment Board of Thailand. It is concluded that fuzzy overlay
      mapping could be employed for identification of potential contamination area with
      the verification by surface anisotropic approach including intensive sampling and
      analysis of the substances of interest.

PMID- 25110752
TI  - Prediction of maize single cross hybrids using the total effects of associated
      markers approach assessed by cross-validation and regional trials.
AB  - The present study aimed to predict the performance of maize hybrids and assess
      whether the total effects of associated markers (TEAM) method can correctly
      predict hybrids using cross-validation and regional trials. The training was
      performed in 7 locations of Southern Brazil during the 2010/11 harvest. The
      regional assays were conducted in 6 different South Brazilian locations during
      the 2011/12 harvest. In the training trial, 51 lines from different backgrounds
      were used to create 58 single cross hybrids. Seventy-nine microsatellite markers
      were used to genotype these 51 lines. In the cross-validation method the
      predictive accuracy ranged from 0.10 to 0.96, depending on the sample size.
      Furthermore, the accuracy was 0.30 when the values of hybrids that were not used
      in the training population (119) were predicted for the regional assays.
      Regarding selective loss, the TEAM method correctly predicted 50% of the hybrids
      selected in the regional assays. There was also loss in only 33% of cases; that
      is, only 33% of the materials predicted to be good in training trial were
      considered to be bad in regional assays. Our results show that the predictive
      validation of different crop conditions is possible, and the cross-validation
      results strikingly represented the field performance. 

PMID- 25110753
TI  - A fast density-based clustering algorithm for real-time Internet of Things
      stream.
AB  - Data streams are continuously generated over time from Internet of Things (IoT)
      devices. The faster all of this data is analyzed, its hidden trends and patterns
      discovered, and new strategies created, the faster action can be taken, creating
      greater value for organizations. Density-based method is a prominent class in
      clustering data streams. It has the ability to detect arbitrary shape clusters,
      to handle outlier, and it does not need the number of clusters in advance.
      Therefore, density-based clustering algorithm is a proper choice for clustering
      IoT streams. Recently, several density-based algorithms have been proposed for
      clustering data streams. However, density-based clustering in limited time is
      still a challenging issue. In this paper, we propose a density-based clustering
      algorithm for IoT streams. The method has fast processing time to be applicable
      in real-time application of IoT devices. Experimental results show that the
      proposed approach obtains high quality results with low computation time on real
      and synthetic datasets. 

PMID- 25110755
TI  - Multilayer perceptron for robust nonlinear interval regression analysis using
      genetic algorithms.
AB  - On the basis of fuzzy regression, computational models in intelligence such as
      neural networks have the capability to be applied to nonlinear interval
      regression analysis for dealing with uncertain and imprecise data. When training
      data are not contaminated by outliers, computational models perform well by
      including almost all given training data in the data interval. Nevertheless,
      since training data are often corrupted by outliers, robust learning algorithms
      employed to resist outliers for interval regression analysis have been an
      interesting area of research. Several approaches involving computational
      intelligence are effective for resisting outliers, but the required parameters
      for these approaches are related to whether the collected data contain outliers
      or not. Since it seems difficult to prespecify the degree of contamination
      beforehand, this paper uses multilayer perceptron to construct the robust
      nonlinear interval regression model using the genetic algorithm. Outliers beyond
      or beneath the data interval will impose slight effect on the determination of
      data interval. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method performs
      well for contaminated datasets. 

PMID- 25110754
TI  - High association between human circulating microRNA-497 and acute myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - Recent papers have reported the fundamental roles of miR-497 in infarction which
      acute myocardial infarction (AMI) belongs to. However, the expression levels of
      miR-497 in AMI patients were unclear, especially the circulating miR-497 that was
      detectable in the human plasma. In this study, we focused on the expression
      levels of circulating miR-497 in AMI and the roles of plasma miR-497 as a
      promising biomarker for AMI. The plasma miR-497 levels were detected from 27 AMI
      patients and 31 healthy volunteers by qRT-PCR. The cTnI concentrations of these
      samples were also analyzed by ELISA. Results showed circulating miR-497 levels
      were upregulated in AMI patients at 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h, by contrast to
      those in control. Interestingly, time courses of circulating miR-497 levels
      displayed similar trends to that of cTnI concentrations in AMI patients; further
      study revealed the high correlation between circulating miR-497 and cTnI
      concentrations (r = 0.573, P < 0.001). At last, the receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve was performed and declared that there was a
      faithworthy sensitivity and specificity to identify the AMI patients by using
      circulating miR-497. In conclusion, circulating miR-497 might be a promising
      biomarker for AMI identification and there was high association between human miR
      497 and acute myocardial infarction.

PMID- 25110756
TI  - Process design of a ball joint, considering caulking and pull-out strength.
AB  - A ball joint for an automobile steering system is a pivot component which is
      connected to knuckle and lower control arm. The manufacturing process for its
      caulking comprises spinning and deforming. In this study, the process was
      simulated by flexible multibody dynamics. The caulking was evaluated
      qualitatively through numerical analysis and inspecting a plastically deformed
      shape. The structural responses of a ball joint, namely, pull-out strength and
      stiffness, are commonly investigated in the development process. Thus, following
      the caulking analysis, the structural responses were considered. In addition,
      three design variables related to the manufacturing process were defined, and the
      effects of design variables with respect to pull-out strength, caulking depth,
      and maximum stress were obtained by introducing the DOE using an L9 orthogonal
      array. Finally, the optimum design maximizing the pull-out strength was
      suggested. For the final design, the caulking quality and the pull-out strength
      were investigated by making six samples and their tests. 

PMID- 25110758
TI  - A new step, a new challenge, a new beginning.

PMID- 25110757
TI  - Developing Attention: Behavioral and Brain Mechanisms.
AB  - Brain networks underlying attention are present even during infancy and are
      critical for the developing ability of children to control their emotions and
      thoughts. For adults, individual differences in the efficiency of attentional
      networks have been related to neuromodulators and to genetic variations. We have
      examined the development of attentional networks and child temperament in a
      longitudinal study from infancy (7 months) to middle childhood (7 years). Early
      temperamental differences among infants, including smiling and laughter and vocal
      reactivity, are related to self-regulation abilities at 7 years. However, genetic
      variations related to adult executive attention, while present in childhood, are
      poor predictors of later control, in part because individual genetic variationmay
      have many small effects and in part because their influence occurs in interaction
      with caregiver behavior and other environmental influences. While brain areas
      involved in attention are present during infancy, their connectivity changes and
      leads to improvement in control of behavior. It is also possible to influence
      control mechanisms through training later in life. The relation between
      maturation and learning may allow advances in our understanding of human brain
      development.

PMID- 25110759
TI  - Ultrasound evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients with
      sarcoidosis.
AB  - AIM: Mediastinal lymphadenopathy is a typical feature of pulmonary sarcoidosis
      and an important parameter for diagnosis and follow-up. The present feasibility
      study is the first to elucidate the role of transthoracic mediastinal
      ultrasonography (US) for evaluation and staging of lymphadenopathy in patients
      with sarcoidosis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifty patients with sarcoidosis were
      subjected to high-definition mediastinal US. The sonographic lymph node status
      was compared with the radiologic staging - the prevailing gold standard. RESULTS:
      Mediastinal regions and landmarks could reliably be assessed by ultrasound in
      45/50 (90%) of sarcoidosis patients. Lymphadenopathy was sonographically
      documented in 29/50 (58%) of the patients (sensitivity 89%, specificity 76%, PPV
      86%, NPV 81%, accuracy 84%). There was a marked concordance between US
      confirmation of lymphadenopathy and radiologic staging (k=0.67, p<0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic US qualifies for the demonstration of the mediastinal
      regions and lymphadenopathy in patients with sarcoidosis. The procedure is
      facilitated by frequent and distinct mediastinal lymph node enlargement due to
      sarcoidosis. Prospective studies are required to find out whether mediastinal US
      adds value to conventional radiologic staging and provides a clinically
      advantage, particularly in the follow-up of patients with sarcoidosis.

PMID- 25110760
TI  - The effectiveness of power Doppler vocal fremitus imaging in the diagnosis of
      breast hamartoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of power Doppler vocal fremitus (PDVF)
      breast sonography for differentiation of hamartomas from other breast (malign or
      benign) masses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and six breast masses in 180
      women were evaluated. The breast lesions were scanned first by mammography (MG),
      then by ultrasonography (US) with PDVF imaging. Finally, biopsy was performed on
      lesions suspicious for malignancy (n=172). We used PDVF imaging to evaluate
      whether the Power acoustic Doppler artifact existed in all breast lesions.
      RESULTS: Pathology results of 172 biopsied lesions showed that 83 were malign and
      89 masses were benign. Totally 39 breast hamartomas were diagnosed radiologically
      (n=25) or histopathologically (n=14). All hamartomas (n=39) produced the power
      acoustic Doppler artifact as the surrounding tissue at the same depth in PDVF
      imaging. On the other hand, none of the malign or benign lesions, apart from
      hamartomas, evidenced a similar vibrational artifact as the surrounding tissue at
      the same depth in the PDVF imaging. CONCLUSION: PDVF imaging during breast
      sonography is an invaluable technique in the identification of breast hamartomas
      from other benign or malign breast masses.

PMID- 25110761
TI  - The measurement of the prostatic resistive index is a reliable ultrasonographic
      tool to stratify symptoms of patients with benign prosthatic hyperplasia.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the correlation between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and
      the resistive index (RI) of the transitional (TZ) and peripheral zone (PZ) of the
      prostate and to assess the impact of alpha blocker (AB) treatment on RI changes.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: TZ-RI and PZ-RI values of 60 patients with LUTS were
      calculated by using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Correlations between the
      severity of LUTS and RI values were established. Then, AB was given to moderately
      and severe symptomatic patients with LUTS. One month after AB usage, TRUS was
      applied to assess the impact of AB on the TZ-RI, PZ-RI and the international
      prostate symptom score (IPSS). RESULTS: Participants were divided into 3 groups
      as mild (n=14), moderate (n=25) and severe symptomatic (n=21) patients. Mean TZ
      RI and PZ-RI were statistically different between the three groups (p<0.01). TZ
      RI and PZ-RI were correlated with the severity of LUTS (r=0.757, p<0.01 and
      r=0.699, p<0.01 respectively). A decrease in symptom severity and RI values in
      moderate and severe symptomatic groups were significant after AB treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: TZ-RI and PZ-RI values can reflect the severity of LUTS and the AB
      treatment decreases the TZ-RI and the PZ-RI. Measuring the RI of the prostate by
      TRUS can be a useful tool to stratify LUTS's severity.

PMID- 25110762
TI  - Musculoskeletal ultrasound guided manoeuvres - a security profile.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In daily rheumatology clinical practice, routine interventional
      musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) guided maneuvers such as aspiration,
      intraarticular or periarticular drug injections require efficient cleaning and
      disinfection methods for both transducer and patient's skin. AIM: To study the
      efficacy of probe and skin disinfection measures after using simple protocols, to
      identify the prevalence of septic and other drug related side effects after MSUS
      guided interventions and to quantify the total procedure time. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Recruitment of consecutive patients with different joint/ periarticular
      MSUS guided interventions was made in 3 medical centers. Bacterial load was
      determined on the transducers footprint after dry cleaning with the removal of
      any gel trace and on patients' skin after rigorous skin disinfection with either
      Bethadine or alcohol 70 degrees  and Bethadine. Non-sterile gel was used as an
      ultrasound transmission medium. The time spent for some of the invasive
      procedures was quantified. RESULTS: Nine hundred and ninety eight MSUS guided
      interventional maneuvers were performed in 945 patients with inflammatory and
      degenerative musculoskeletal pathologies. Staphylococcus epidermidis was
      identified in 13.33% cases of the skin bacterial load analysis and in 37.50%
      cases of the footprint analysis. In two patients pathogenetic germs were detected
      on the skin. No septic post-procedural complications were reported. In 0.6% of
      the cohort other side effects occurred: aseptic osteonecrosis, skin
      depigmentation at injection site and iatrogenic microcristaline reactions. The
      median time frame dedicated to the intervention was 6 minutes. CONCLUSION:
      Rigorous transducer dry cleaning and Bethadine / Bethadine and alcohol 70 degrees
      skin disinfection are efficacious methods. The risk for septic complications and
      other drug related side effects related to MSUS guided injections is very low in
      this context. A correct injection technique must accompany the previous requests.
      Rapid and safe interventional maneuvers reduce the risks and control the costs of
      the healthcare system.

PMID- 25110763
TI  - Percutaneous treatment of symptomatic non-parasitic hepatic cysts. Initial
      experience with single-session sclerotherapy with polidocanol.
AB  - AIMS: Hepatic cysts have a prevalence of 2.5-7% and most of them are
      asymptomatic. However, large cysts may cause complaints; in such cases an
      appropriate treatment is necessary (open surgery, laparoscopic deroofing, removal
      of cystic fluid and injection of a sclerosing agent. The aim of this study was to
      assess the efficacy and safety of a single session technique with polidocanol in
      the therapy of symptomatic non parasitic hepatic cysts. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The
      study included 13 patients with symptomatic liver cysts (range 4-10 cm). All
      patients underwent percutaneous aspiration of the liver cyst under ultrasound
      guidance followed by instillation of polidocanol (3%, 4-10 ml). The patients were
      followed up at 1, 3 and 12 months. The disappearance of the cyst or reduction in
      volume more than 90% was considered successful. If the fluid was accumulated at
      1month the procedure was repeated. If after the second injection the fluid
      accumulation was more than 50% of the initial volume the case was considered a
      failure and a laparoscopic deroofing was performed. RESULTS: The procedure was
      successful in 10 patients, 9 after the first instillation and one after the
      second (76.9%). The mean initial volume of cysts was 228 ml, and the mean
      reduction in volume at 1, 3 and 12 months was 80.2%, 91.9% and 96.7%. The cyst
      resolution was gradual with clinically significant cyst reduction achievement
      within 1 year after therapy. In 3 patients the fluid reaccumulated at the same
      volume despite 2 instillations. Those 3 cases the procedure was considered
      failure and the patients were sent to surgery. In 2 patients (one successfully
      treated and one with treatment failure) bleeding during the first puncture and
      aspiration appeared and the therapy was postponed for 1 month. There were no
      significant adverse effects, and all the patients had relief of symptoms after
      therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This initial experience with percutaneous aspiration and
      polidocanol sclerosis of hepatic cysts demonstrated that the technique is
      efficient and safe.

PMID- 25110764
TI  - Real time sonoelastographic evaluation of renal allografts in correlation with
      clinical prognostic parameters: comparison of linear and convex transducers
      according to segmental anatomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice in end-stage renal
      disease. Chronic allograft dysfunction is the leading cause of chronic allograft
      failure. Surveillance biopsy is the only reliable tool to detect early fibrosis
      in the allograft. There is a need for non-invasive methods for the detection of
      early development of renal allograft fibrosis. AIMS: To analyze the reliability
      of sonographic elasticity index and resistive index measurements in the
      evaluation of renal transplant fibrosis using linear and convex transducers
      according to segmental anatomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Elasticity index and
      resistive index were measured in 28 renal transplants and correlated with
      clinical prognostic parameters. Donor age above 50 years old, post
      transplantation time over 60 months and serum creatinine level above 1.5 mg/dl
      were defined as poor prognostic parameters. RESULTS: Renal transplant recipients
      with serum creatinine level above 1.5 mg/dl demonstrated higher mean elasticity
      index (p=0.006) with a convex probe and higher elasticity index in the middle
      segments both with a convex and a matrix linear probe (p=0.026, p=0.001). Renal
      transplant recipients with post-transplantation time of 60 months and more
      demonstrated higher resistive index values in the middle segments (p=0.016).
      CONCLUSIONS: Convex probe was able to detect the changes in mean stiffness better
      than the matrix linear probe. The measurements from subsegments might suggest
      that diffuse changes in stiffness can truly be detected in the middle segments or
      that fibrotic processes start from the middle segments of the renal transplants.
      Further studies correlated with histopathology are required to validate the
      findings.

PMID- 25110765
TI  - Noninvasive assessment of liver steatosis using ultrasound methods.
AB  - Hepatic steatosis is a condition frequently encountered in clinical practice,
      with potential progression towards chirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
      Ultrasonography (US) is one of the noninvasive imaging techniques used in the
      diagnosis of steatosis. We will review the US diagnostic criteria, the US
      performance in the diagnosis and grading of hepatic steatosis, the US steatosis
      models, but also its limitations in the diagnosis of steatosis. In addition, we
      will discuss 2 modern methods of assessing hepatic steatosis using ultrasounds,
      namely the computerized processing of data forming the US image and the
      controlled attenuation parameter measured with unidimensional transient
      elastography. 

PMID- 25110766
TI  - Ultrasound guided axillary brachial plexus block.
AB  - The axillary brachial plexus block is the most widely performed upper limb block.
      It is relatively simple to perform and one of the safest approaches to brachial
      plexus block. With the advent of ultrasound technology, there is a marked
      improvement in the success rate of the axillary block. This review will focus on
      the technique of ultrasound guided axillary brachial plexus block. 

PMID- 25110767
TI  - How can the use of lung ultrasound in cardiac arrest make ultrasound a holistic
      discipline. The example of the SESAME-protocol.
AB  - The most critical application of critical ultrasound - cardiac arrest - is the
      opportunity for technical considerations. The necessity to immediately detect
      reversible causes is integrated in the concept of holistic ultrasound. Holistic
      ultrasound is defined as a discipline where each element interacts with the
      others, and where the understanding of each of them allows understanding the
      whole. A narrow machine (not necessarily a laptop), a fast start-on time, a
      simple keyboard highlighting three useful buttons, a universal microconvex probe
      able to immediately detect pneumothorax, then deep venous thrombosis, then
      abdominal bleeding, then pericardial tamponade, then cardiac anomalies will allow
      a fast protocol. The concept of holistic ultrasound is particularly on focus in
      the first step done at the lung (search for pneumothorax and clearance for fluid
      therapy), since the best image is obtained with the simplest equipment devoid of
      traditional facilities (image filtering, harmonics, time lag, Doppler...). The
      same simple gray-scale equipment is used for the other steps, all what is needed
      is to see the real-time image of what is facing the probe: the very principle of
      visual medicine. The same approach can be used with no change, just more quietly,
      for many less urgent settings. 

PMID- 25110768
TI  - The role of ultrasound in the imaging assessment of the augmented breast. A
      pictorial review.
AB  - The imaging evaluation of the augmented breast is becoming more and more frequent
      in daily practice. Even if mammography remains the golden standard for breast
      cancer screening, ultrasound is used as a first step investigation in young
      symptomatic patients or as a screening tool in detecting pathology related to the
      implants. This pictorial essay reviews the indications and limitations of the
      imaging methods and illustrates the normal and pathological ultrasound findings
      in the augmented breast. 

PMID- 25110769
TI  - Fournier's gangrene. Case report.
AB  - Fournier's gangrene is a condition marked by fulminant polymicrobial necrotizing
      fasciitis of the urogenital and perineal areas. We present a patient with
      Fournier's gangrene and describe the physical examination and bedside sonographic
      findings. These findings can assist in the evaluation of patients with concerning
      symptoms so there can be timely administration of antibiotics and specialist
      consultation when necessary. 

PMID- 25110770
TI  - Bilateral subclavian steal syndrome in an intensive care unit. A case report.
AB  - We report the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with arterial hypotension,
      lightheadedness, vomiting, a sense of tingling in his right arm, and a right
      beating horizontal nystagmus. He was initially admitted to the Intensive care
      unit and treated with standard vasopressor agents. A neurosonological examination
      showed the steal phenomenon on both vertebral arteries; the neuroradiological
      examination revealed occlusion of the left subclavian artery and subtotal
      stenosis of the innominate artery. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was
      performed. Our case demonstrates how bilateral subclavian steal syndrome should
      be taken into account in the case of a seemingly hypotensive patient unresponsive
      to standard therapy. 

PMID- 25110771
TI  - Cutaneous histiocytoma - histological and imaging correlations. A case report.
AB  - Dermatofibroma (benign fibrous histiocytoma) represents one of the most common
      skin tumors. We present the case of a 52 year old female patient with a highly
      pigmented nodular lesion, localized on the right thigh. Dermoscopy completed the
      clinical diagnosis, but could not exclude a malignant tumour . Ultrasound
      examination (Dermascan C sonograms 20 MHz, 2D ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound,
      contrast enhanced ultrasound, and elastography) evidenced a highly vascularized
      lesion (peripheral type of vascularization), and a sonographic depth index of 8.3
      mm. The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a benign fibrous
      histiocytoma with the histological Breslow index of 8 mm. The particularity of
      the case consists of the complex non-invasive and in real time imaging
      examination which describes the "in vivo" histology of the benign tumor lesion. 

PMID- 25110772
TI  - Contrast enhanced ultrasound of a hepatic soft tissue angiosarcoma metastasis.
      Case report.
AB  - Diagnostic imaging of angiosarcoma and angiosarcoma metastasis has been described
      as confusing and challenging. We present a rare case of hepatic soft tissue
      angiosarcoma metastasis, which was diagnosed by contrast enhanced ultrasound
      (CEUS). The case further exemplifies the ability of CEUS to solve discrepancies
      between other imaging modalities. 

PMID- 25110773
TI  - Diagnosis of sacrococcygeal teratoma using two and three-dimensional
      ultrasonography: two cases reported and a literature review.
AB  - The occurrence of a fetal tumor is rare, 50% of all fetal tumors being
      sacrococcygeal teratomas. Prenatal diagnosis of this condition is important for
      the monitoring of the affected fetuses and for establishing the mode and time of
      delivery. We describe two cases of fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma diagnosed by 2D-
      and 3D-ultrasound. Three-dimensional ultrasound proved to be useful both in the
      diagnosis and patient counseling. The combination of 2D- and 3D-ultrasound
      enables the diagnosis to be made during the first trimester of pregnancy. 

PMID- 25110774
TI  - Efficient enrichment of glycopeptides using metal-organic frameworks by
      hydrophilic interaction chromatography.
AB  - Selective enrichment of glycopeptides from complicated biological samples is
      critical for glycoproteomics to obtain the structure and glycosylation
      information of glycoproteins using mass spectrometry (MS), which still remains a
      great challenge. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC)-based strategies
      have been proposed for selective isolation of glycopeptides via the interactions
      between the glycan of glycopeptides and the matrices. However, the application of
      these methods is limited by the medium selectivity of HILIC matrices. In this
      study, hydrophilic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were fabricated and used as a
      HILIC matrix. The cross-linked CD-MOFs (LCD-MOFs) were facilely prepared with
      gamma-cyclodextrin as ligand and possessed nano-sized cubic structure, superior
      hydrophilicity, and bio-compatibility. The LCD-MOFs performance for the selective
      enrichment of glycopeptides from the complex biological samples were investigated
      with a digested mixture of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) that was used as standard
      samples. In the selectivity assessment, the non-glycopeptides causing ion
      suppression to the glycopeptides were effectively removed, the signal of
      glycopeptides were enhanced significantly by LCD-MOFs, and twenty glycopeptides
      were identified with 67 fmol of IgG digest. In addition, the resulting LCD-MOFs
      demonstrated the lower detection limit (3.3 fmol) with a satisfactory recovery
      yield (84-103%) for glycopeptide enrichment from a digest of IgG. Furthermore, a
      promising protocol was developed for the selective enrichment of glycopeptides
      from mouse liver, and 344 unique N-glycosylation sites that mapped to 290
      different glycoproteins were identified in a single MS run. The results clearly
      demonstrated that when used in a HILIC matrix, LCD-MOFs have great potential for
      identifying and enriching low-abundant glycopeptides in complex biological
      samples. 

PMID- 25110775
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24762147.

PMID- 25110776
TI  - Assessment of the effect of the climate variations of coastal surface water and
      study of Sepia officinalis spawing.
AB  - The aim of this study was to establish whether climate change affected migratory
      behaviour of Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758), which is an important resource
      for small-scale fishermen of Abruzzo region (Italy). Starting at the beginning of
      March until the end of April, the cuttlefish in this area migrates from deep cold
      water towards warmer coastal waters, where they spawn. Small-scale fishing of
      cuttlefish is permitted in costal waters from March to September. During the
      study period, between March and September 2008, both cuttlefish traps and trammel
      nets were used in 5 sampling areas along the Abruzzo coast to test their relative
      efficiency in catching cuttlefish. Trapped specimens were counted, weighed and
      measured, their gender and sexual maturity were also determined. The data
      obtained from the sampling were correlated to surface water temperature to assess
      possible changes in migration behaviours. The obtained data show that during the
      first months of migration (March and April), a greater percentage of large males
      was caught, while females and smaller males predominated later in the year. The
      study also showed that surface water temperature did not reveal any significant
      shifts from the trend over the last 10 years. As for the efficiency of the
      fishing methods, traps were found to be more effective than trammel nets.

PMID- 25110777
TI  - Collaboration through competition.

PMID- 25110778
TI  - The author file: Andrew Straw.

PMID- 25110779
TI  - Points of significance: Analysis of variance and blocking.

PMID- 25110780
TI  - The human proteome takes the spotlight.

PMID- 25110781
TI  - Visualizing voltage.

PMID- 25110782
TI  - More specific CRISPR editing.

PMID- 25110783
TI  - Cancer stem cells on demand.

PMID- 25110784
TI  - The sobering reality of outcomes when older adults require prolonged mechanical
      ventilation.

PMID- 25110785
TI  - Author response.

PMID- 25110786
TI  - Author response.

PMID- 25110787
TI  - Letter to the editor: resident presentations at scientific meetings.

PMID- 25110788
TI  - Embodiment without bodies? Analysis of embodiment  in US-based pro-breastfeeding
      and anti-male  circumcision movements.
AB  - This article uses the cases of pro-breastfeeding and anti-circumcision activism
      to complicate the prevailing conceptualisation of embodiment in research on
      embodied health movements (EHMs). Whereas most EHM activists draw on their own
      bodily experiences, in the breastfeeding and circumcision movements, embodiment
      by proxy is common. Activists use embodiment as a strategy but draw on physical
      sensations that they imagine for other people's bodies, rather than on those they
      experience themselves. Pro-breastfeeding activists, who seldom disclose whether
      they were themselves breastfed, target mothers, encouraging them to breastfeed
      rather than to formula feed their children in order to reduce their child's risk
      of disease. Anti-circumcision activists, only some of whom are circumcised men,
      urge parents to leave their sons' penises intact in order to avoid illness and
      disfigurement and to preserve the sons' rights to make their own informed
      decisions as adults. In both movements activists use embodiment as a persuasive
      strategy even though they themselves do not necessarily embody the risks of the
      negative health outcomes with which they are concerned. Future research on EHMs
      should reconceptualise EHMs to include embodiment by proxy and examine whether
      this important phenomenon systematically affects movement strategies and
      outcomes.

PMID- 25110789
TI  - Careful science? Bodywork and care practices in  randomised clinical trials.
AB  - Concern about obesity has prompted numerous public health campaigns that urge
      people to be more physically active. The campaigns often include normative
      statements and attempt to impose restrictions on individuals' lives without
      considering the complexities of daily life. We suggest that broadening the focus
      to reflect everyday practices would foster better targeted public health
      campaigns. This article is based on our participation in FINE, a
      multidisciplinary Danish research project. The core methodology of FINE was a
      randomised controlled trial in which 61 moderately overweight men were put into
      different exercise groups. In this article we analyse the scientific work of the
      trial as representing entangled processes of bodywork, where data are extracted
      and objectified bodies are manipulated and care practices address the emotional,
      social and mundane aspects of the participants' everyday lives. Care practices
      are an inherent part of producing scientific facts but they are removed from the
      recognised results of scientific practice and thus from common public health
      recommendations. However, knowledge about the strategic use of care practices in
      lifestyle interventions is important for public health initiatives and future
      efforts should incorporate this aspect.

PMID- 25110790
TI  - Constructing notions of healthcare productivity: the call  for a new
      professionalism?
AB  - Improving performance is an imperative for most healthcare systems in
      industrialised countries. This article considers one such system, the UK's
      National Health Service (NHS). Recent NHS reforms and strategies have advocated
      improved healthcare productivity as a fundamental objective of policy and
      professional work. This article explores the construction of productivity in
      contemporary NHS discourse, analysing it via the Foucauldian concept of
      governmentality. In this manner it is possible to investigate claims that the
      commodification of health work constitutes a threat to autonomy, and counter that
      with an alternative view from a perspective of neoliberal self-governance.
      Contemporary policy documents pertaining to NHS productivity were analysed using
      discourse analysis to examine the way in which productivity was framed and how
      responsibility for inefficient resource use, and possible solutions, were
      constructed. Data reveals the notion of productivity as problematic, with
      professionals as key protagonists. A common narrative identifies traditional NHS
      command/control principles as having failed to engage professionals or having
      been actively obstructed by them. In contrast, new productivity narratives are
      framed as direct appeals to professionalism. These new narratives do not support
      deprofessionalisation, but rather reconstruct responsibilities, what might be
      called 'new professionalism', in which productivity is identified as an
      individualised professional duty.

PMID- 25110791
TI  - Response to McDermott.

PMID- 25110792
TI  - Response to Hiatt et al.

PMID- 25110793
TI  - Buccal mucosal graft in reconstructive urology: uses beyond urethral stricture.
AB  - The use of buccal mucosal grafts for the reconstruction of urethral strictures is
      an established procedure. Because of its robustness, the buccal mucosal graft
      could also potentially provide an alternative for other indications in
      reconstructive urology. We report here six consecutive patients who received a
      buccal mucosal graft for ureteral strictures, glans reconstruction and stoma
      stenosis. The follow up for all patients ranged from 26 to 50 months. The buccal
      mucosal graft showed excellent functional results for the ureteral strictures and
      stenosis from ureterocutaneostomy. For glans reconstructions, the buccal mucosal
      grafts delivered excellent cosmetic and functional results without causing meatal
      stenosis. We conclude the buccal mucosal graft can be used in reconstructive
      surgery beyond the reconstruction of urethral strictures.

PMID- 25110794
TI  - Editorial comment to buccal mucosal graft in reconstructive urology: uses beyond
      urethral stricture.

PMID- 25110795
TI  - Stent-assisted coil embolization--response.

PMID- 25110796
TI  - Lamina terminalis fenestration--response.

PMID- 25110797
TI  - Internal carotid artery anterior wall aneurysms--response.

PMID- 25110798
TI  - The health of healthcare, Part V: Is the very freedom of providers at risk?
AB  - When healthcare is fully compliant with the Patient Protection and Affordable
      Health Care Act, U.S. health care providers lose their one inalienable American
      right, namely freedom, and can no longer fulfill their fiduciary responsibility
      to patients.

PMID- 25110799
TI  - Eating small: applications and implications for nano-technology in agriculture
      and the food industry.

PMID- 25110800
TI  - Oncology medical home study examines physician payment models.

PMID- 25110801
TI  - Utility of genetic testing linked to clinical interpretation.

PMID- 25110802
TI  - Gum chewing: is it helpful or harmful?

PMID- 25110804
TI  - Mercury ion responsive wettability and oil/water separation.
AB  - A novel Hg(2+) responsive oil/water separation mesh with poly(acrylic acid)
      hydrogel coating is reported. The mesh can separate oil and water because of the
      superhydrophilicity of the poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel coating on the mesh, and
      switch the wettability based on the chelation between Hg(2+) and poly(acrylic
      acid) . The reversible change in oil contact angle of as-prepared mesh is about
      149 degrees  after immersion in Hg(2+) solution. This mesh is an ideal candidate
      for oil-polluted water purification, especially for water that contains Hg(2+)
      contaminant. 

PMID- 25110805
TI  - Increased serum heme oxygenase-1 levels as a diagnostic marker of oxidative
      stress in preeclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of serum biomarkers in the diagnosis of
      preeclampsia (PE) and also investigate possible correlation with pathogenesis of
      PE. METHODS: Maternal serum concentrations of heme oxygenase-1 (HO1) and N-myc
      downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) were measured at 27-34 weeks of gestation in
      a case-control study of 33 pregnant women diagnosed with PE and in 43
      normotensive pregnant women without proteinuria. The Mann-Whitney U test and
      Spearman's correlation were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The median
      serum HO1 level was found to be significantly higher in the PE group [76.7 ng/ml
      (23.4-445.7)] than control group [55.9 ng/ml (3.7-354.3)] (p = 0.006). Positive
      correlation was found between HO1 levels with presence of PE (r = 0.316, p =
      0.005). There was no significant difference in NDRG1 values between the two
      groups (p = 0.226). CONCLUSIONS: Serum HO1 levels were found to be increased in
      patients with PE compared with normotensive pregnant women.

PMID- 25110806
TI  - Synthesis and fungistatic activity of bicyclic lactones and lactams against
      Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium citrinum, and Aspergillus glaucus.
AB  - Six analogues of natural trans-4-butyl-cis-3-oxabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-2-one (3) and
      three derivatives, 11, 12, and 13, of Vince lactam (10) were synthesized and
      tested as fungistatic agents against Botrytis cinerea AM235, Penicillium citrinum
      AM354, and six strains of Aspergillus. Moreover, bioresolution carried out by
      means of whole cell microorganisms and commercially available enzymes afforded
      opposite enantiomerically enriched (-) and (+) isomers of Vince lactam (10),
      respectively. The effect of compound structures and stereogenic centers on
      biological activity has been discussed. The highest fungistatic activity was
      observed for four lactones: 3, 4, 7, and 8 (IC50 = 104.6-115.2 MUg/mL) toward B.
      cinerea AM235. cis-5,6-Epoxy-2-aza[2.2.1]heptan-3-one (13) indicated significant
      fungistatic activity (IC50 = 107.1 MUg/mL) against Aspergillus glaucus AM211.
      trans-4-Butyl-cis-3-oxabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-2-one (3) and trans-4-butyl-cis-3
      oxabicyclo[4.3.0]non-7-en-2-one (7) exhibited high fungistatic activity (IC50 =
      143.2 and 110.2 MUg/mL, respectively) against P. citrinum AM354 as well. 

PMID- 25110807
TI  - Pulsed magnetic field induced fast drug release from magneto liposomes via
      ultrasound generation.
AB  - Fast drug delivery is very important to utilize drug molecules that are short
      lived under physiological conditions. Techniques that can release model molecules
      under physiological conditions could play an important role to discover the
      pharmacokinetics of short-lived substances in the body. Here an experimental
      method is developed for the fast release of the liposomes' payload without a
      significant increase in (local) temperatures. This goal is achieved by using
      short magnetic pulses to disrupt the lipid bilayer of liposomes loaded with
      magnetic nanoparticles. The drug release has been tested by two independent
      assays. The first assay relies on the AC impedance measurements of MgSO4 released
      from the magnetic liposomes. The second standard release assay is based on the
      increase of the fluorescence signal from 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein dye when the dye
      is released from the magneto liposomes. The efficiency of drug release ranges
      from a few percent to up to 40% in the case of the MgSO4. The experiments also
      indicate that the magnetic nanoparticles generate ultrasound, which is assumed to
      have a role in the release of the model drugs from the magneto liposomes. 

PMID- 25110808
TI  - Effect of astaxanthin on cataract formation induced by glucocorticoids in the
      chick embryo.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine whether astaxanthin (AST) prevent the cataract formation
      induced by glucocorticoid in chick embryo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hydrocortisone
      hemisuccinate sodium (HC) (0.5 MUmol/egg) was administered directly into the air
      chamber in the egg shell of chick embryo day 15. The eggs were then kept in an
      incubator at same conditions and administered 100 MUL of 50 (HC + AST50 group),
      80 (HC + AST80 group), 100 (HC + AST100 group) mg/mL of AST solutions dissolved
      in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 3 h after administration of HC. In addition, non-HC
      treated group (treated with physiological saline without HC and 100 MUL of DMSO),
      HC-alone group (treated with 0.5 MUmol of HC and 100 MUL of DMSO), and AST100
      group (treated with physiological saline without HC and 100 MUL of DMSO) were
      also incorporated. After 48 h of treatment, lenses were removed from embryo and
      classified into five stages according to developed opacity. The amounts of
      reduced glutathione in the lenses and the blood glucose levels were measured.
      RESULTS: The average scores of lens opacitiy were 2.63 +/- 1.02 nmol/lens (HC
      alone), 2.78 +/- 0.97 nmol/lens (HC + AST50), 2.22 +/- 1.20 nmol/lens (HC +
      AST80) and 1.84 +/- 0.83 nmol/lens (HC + AST100; p < 0.05), respectively.
      Administration of AST decreased the lens opacity dose-dependently. The amounts of
      reduced glutathione in lenses were 11.6 +/- 2.8 nmol/lens (HC-alone), 11.3 +/-
      2.7 nmol/lens (HC + AST50), 13.4 +/- 2.4 nmol/lens (HC + AST80) and 13.7 +/- 3.1
      nmol/lens (HC + AST100; p < 0.05), respectively. Higher levels of AST prevented
      loss of reduced glutathione from the lens. CONCLUSION: These findings support
      that AST protects glucocorticoid-induced cataract in chick embryo.

PMID- 25110809
TI  - Efficacy of carbonaceous materials for sorbing polychlorinated biphenyls from
      aqueous solution.
AB  - Interest in incorporating nanomaterials into water treatment technologies is
      steadily growing, driving the necessity to understand the interaction of these
      new materials with specific water contaminants. In the present study, five
      different carbonaceous materials: activated carbon (AC), charcoal (BC), carbon
      nanotubes (CNT), graphene (GE), and graphene oxide (GO) were investigated as
      sorbent materials for 11 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in aqueous
      concentrations in the pg-MUg/L range. Sorbent-water distribution coefficients
      (Ks) calculated in aqueous concentrations of ng/L show that AC is superior to GE,
      GO, CNT, and BC for the 11 PCB congeners investigated by an average of 1.1, 1.1,
      1.3, and 2.5 orders of magnitude, respectively. Additionally, maximum capacity
      and sorption affinity parameters from the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Polanyi
      Dubinin-Manes (PDM) models show a similar result. Interestingly, however, the
      effect of molecular planarity has greater impact on PCB sorption to the
      nanomaterials, such that the planar congeners form stronger bonds with CNT, GE,
      and GO compared to AC and BC. This work demonstrated superior PCB sorption by AC
      as compared with the nanomaterials examined such that substantial post production
      modifications would be necessary for the nanomaterials to out-perform AC. 

PMID- 25110810
TI  - Component-controllable WS(2(1-x))Se(2x) nanotubes for efficient hydrogen
      evolution reaction.
AB  - Owing to the excellent potential for fundamental research and technical
      applications in optoelectronic devices and catalytic activity for hydrogen
      evolution reaction (HER), transition metal dichalcogenides have recently
      attracted much attention. Transition metal sulfide nanostructures have been
      reported and demonstrated promising application in transistors and
      photodetectors. However, the growth of transition metal selenide nanostructures
      and their applications has still been a challenge. In this work, we successfully
      synthesized high-quality WSe2 nanotubes on carbon fibers via selenization. More
      importantly, through optimizing the growth conditions, ternary WS2(1-x)Se2x
      nanotubes were synthesized and the composition of S and Se can be systematically
      controlled. The as-grown WS2(1-x)Se2x nanotubes on carbon fibers, assembled as a
      working electrode, revealing low overpotential, high exchange current density,
      and small series resistance, exhibit excellent electrocatalytic properties for
      hydrogen evolution reaction. Our study provides the experimental groundwork for
      the synthesis of low-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides and may open up
      exciting opportunities for their application in electronics, photoelectronics,
      and catalytic electrochemical reactions.

PMID- 25110811
TI  - Stability of the cationic oxidation states in Pr(0.50)Sr(0.50)CoO3 across the
      magnetostructural transition by X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
AB  - The possible hybridization between Pr 4f and O 2p states in Pr(0.50)Sr(0.50)CoO3
      at low temperatures was investigated by different techniques. First, using
      neutron diffraction we observed a strong contraction of some Pr-O bonds across
      the magnetostructural transition at T(S) ~ 120 K. In contrast to the Pr-O bond
      contraction in Pr(0.50)Sr(0.50)CoO3, this transition is not accompanied by the
      appearance of Pr(4+) at low temperatures, as revealed by X-ray absorption
      spectroscopy at Pr edges. Despite the fact that a Pr valence change is not the
      mechanism that drives this transition, we point out an active participation of Pr
      ions across T(S). Moreover, Co L(2,3)-edge and O K edge X-ray absorption spectra
      did not reveal any spin-state variation and showed the stability of the average
      formal valence of cobalt ions. The large density of empty t(2g) symmetry states
      in the studied thermal range does not suggest the occurrence of Co(3+) in a pure
      low-spin state. The overall metallic behavior agrees with our findings. We
      propose a mixture of Co(3+) ions in the intermediate-spin or high-spin
      configuration together with Co(4+) ions in a low- or intermediate-spin state.

PMID- 25110812
TI  - A novel method to identify fat malabsorption: the Serum Retinyl Palmitate Test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malabsorptive etiologies of chronic diarrhea are important to
      identify. The 72-h stool for fecal fat test (FFT), the gold standard for
      diagnosing fat malabsorption, is fraught with limitations that impact its
      reliability. Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, parallels the absorption of
      lipids. We assessed the feasibility and validate a novel clinical test, retinyl
      palmitate (RP), for the diagnosis of fat malabsorption, and to compare the
      results to the FFT. METHODS: Using a case-control study design, patients with
      chronic diarrhea secondary to suspected malabsorption, and healthy control
      subjects were identified. A Dietitian taught subjects to consume a 100g fat diet
      for the FFT with measurements of stool fat after 72-h. Serum levels of Vitamin A
      (retinol) and RP were measured by reversed-phase high pressure liquid
      chomatography. Two-way comparisons were made between the groups using 2 sample
      Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: Sixteen patients completed this study (8 cases
      and 8 control subjects). Fecal fat results were available for 15/16 patients. The
      sensitivity of the FFT was 100% (identified all cases), but the FFT specificity
      was 42%, as 4/7 control patients were identified as malabsorbers. Cases with
      short bowel syndrome had the lowest RP levels but this did not meet statistical
      significance. There was no significant difference for serum RP levels when
      comparing cases and control patients' AUC. CONCLUSIONS: Serum RP is useful to
      identify malabsorption, albeit in severe cases. Furthermore, we have shown that
      the 72-hour FFT has poor performance characteristics, highlighting the need for
      more useful diagnostics in identifying malabsorption.

PMID- 25110813
TI  - Performance enhancement in the measurement of 5 endogenous steroids by LC-MS/MS
      combined with differential ion mobility spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Challenges for steroid analysis by LC-MS/MS include low ionization
      efficiency, endogenous isobars with similar fragmentation patterns and
      chromatographic retention. Differential ion mobility spectrometry (DMS) provides
      an additional degree of separation prior to MS/MS detection, and shows promise in
      improving specificity of analysis. We developed a sensitive and specific method
      for measurement of corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, 17
      hydroxyprogesterone and progesterone in human serum and plasma using an ABSciex
      5500 mass spectrometer equipped with a differential ion mobility interface.
      METHODS: 250MUL aliquots of serum were spiked with deuterated internal standards
      and extracted with MTBE. The samples were analyzed using positive mode
      electrospray LC-DMS-MS/MS. The method was validated and compared with
      immunoassays and LC-MS/MS methods of reference laboratories. RESULTS: Inter and
      intra assay imprecision was <10%. Limits of quantification and detection in
      nmol/L were 0.18, 0.09 for corticosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 0.30, 0.16
      for 11-deoxycortisol, 0.12, 0.06 for progesterone and 0.06, 0.03 for 11
      deoxycorticosterone. Comparison for progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone with
      immunoassay showed slopes of 0.97 and 1.0, intercepts of 0.16 and 0.10 and
      coefficients of determination (r(2)) of 0.92 and 0.97, respectively. Progesterone
      by immunoassay showed positive bias in samples measuring <3.18nmol/L. Reference
      intervals for progesterone and 11-deoxycorticosterone in post-menopausal women
      were found to be <2.88 and <0.28nmol/L respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We developed
      and validated an LC-DMS-MS/MS method for analysis of five endogenous steroids
      suitable for routine measurements in clinical diagnostic laboratories.
      Specificity gained with DMS allows reducing the complexity of sample preparation,
      decreasing LC run times and increasing speed of the analysis.

PMID- 25110814
TI  - Application of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for identification of
      ciprofloxacin crystalluria.
AB  - This is a report describing a previously healthy young patient, who experienced
      crystalluria and non-cholestatic acute liver injury after a single intravenous
      dose of 400mg. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectra confirmed that the urinary
      sediment in our patient was formed by pure ciprofloxacin. The nuclear magnetic
      resonance spectra ((1)H NMR) of the urine sediment are a good test to confirm the
      composition of the crystals observed by electron microscopy and infrared
      spectrum. The findings indicate the importance of adequate hydration, urinalysis,
      measurement of pH and liver enzyme levels, prior to treatment with ciprofloxacin.
      Our findings also indicate that ciprofloxacin should not be administered to
      patients with renal tubular acidosis, due to their high urinary pH. 

PMID- 25110815
TI  - Assessment of the reproducibility of oligoclonal IgM band detection for its
      application in daily clinical practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The presence of oligoclonal IgM bands (OCMB) in cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) is an unfavourable prognostic marker in multiple sclerosis. There is no
      commercial test to investigate OCMB status. However, a sensitive and specific
      isoelectrofocusing (IEF) and western blot method was described. We aimed to study
      the inter-centre reproducibility of this technique, a necessary condition for a
      reliable test to be incorporated into clinical practice. METHODS: The presence of
      OCMB was analysed by IEF and western blot with prior reduction of pentameric IgM.
      We assayed the reproducibility of this test in a blinded multicentre study
      performed in 13 university hospitals. Paired-CSF and serum samples from 52
      neurological patients were assayed at every centre. RESULTS: Global analysis
      rendered a concordance of 89.8% with a kappa value of 0.71. CONCLUSION: These
      data indicate that OCMB detection by means of IEF and western blot with IgM
      reduction shows a good interlaboratory reproducibility and thus can be used in
      daily clinical setting.

PMID- 25110816
TI  - Spontaneous neural activity alterations in temporomandibular disorders: a cross
      sectional and longitudinal resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging
      study.
AB  - The involvement of the central nervous system in the pathophysiology of
      temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has been noticed. TMD patients have been shown
      dysfunction of motor performance and reduced cognitive ability in
      neuropsychological tests. The aim of this study is to explore the spontaneous
      neural activity in TMD patients with centric relation (CR)-maximum intercuspation
      (MI) discrepancy before and after stabilization splint treatment. Twenty-three
      patients and twenty controls underwent clinical evaluations, including CR-MI
      discrepancy, Helkimo indices and chronic pain, and resting state functional
      magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline. Eleven patients repeated the
      evaluations and scanning after the initial wearing (T1) and 3months of wearing
      (T2) of the stabilization splint. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency
      fluctuation (fALFF) was calculated to compare the neural functions. At baseline,
      the patients showed decreased fALFF in the left precentral gyrus, supplementary
      motor area, middle frontal gyrus and right orbitofrontal cortex compared with the
      controls (P<0.05, AlphaSim corrected). Negative correlations were found between
      the fALFF in the left precentral gyrus and vertical CR-MI discrepancy of
      bilateral temporomandibular joints of patients (P<0.05, two-tailed). At T2, the
      symptoms and signs of the patients were improved, and a stable condylar position
      on the CR was recovered, with increased fALFF in the left precentral gyrus and
      left posterior insula compared with pretreatment. The fALFF decrease in the
      patients before treatment was no longer evident at T2 compared with the controls.
      The results suggested that TMD patients with CR-MI discrepancy showed
      significantly decreased brain activity in their frontal cortexes. The
      stabilization splint elicited functional recovery in these cortical areas. These
      findings provided insight into the cortical neuroplastic processes underlying TMD
      with CR-MI discrepancy and the therapeutic mechanisms of stabilization splint. 

PMID- 25110817
TI  - Promoting national blood systems in developing countries.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the last decade, there has been increased global
      attention dedicated to improving the availability, safety and use of blood in low
      income and middle-income countries. These efforts have focused on a number of
      common objectives, such as establishing a 100% voluntary nonremunerated blood
      donor base and implementing component therapy. Recently, some of these objectives
      have been challenged. This article reviews many recent findings of the experts
      leading these international projects. RECENT FINDINGS: The majority of current
      research is focused on blood donation and patient blood management in sub-Saharan
      Africa, with contributions to other fields of blood safety in Latin America, the
      Caribbean and Asia. Countries collecting blood from the replacement donors are
      challenging the notion that replacement donors are inherently a higher risk group
      than voluntary donors. Simultaneously, many countries are considering how best to
      improve the management of their blood inventories and to optimize their national
      standards, guidelines and protocols - all with the goal of improving patient
      outcomes. SUMMARY: There still exist many questions in the areas of blood
      donation and clinical use that are either unanswered or merit further
      investigation. Given the variable circumstances observed between different
      countries and geographic regions, it sometimes may be advisable to limit global
      recommendations in favor of the regionally focused ones.

PMID- 25110818
TI  - Catalytic generation of vinylthionium ions. (4 + 3)-Cycloadditions and Friedel
      Crafts alkylations.
AB  - A 3-phenylsulfanyl-substituted allylic alcohol and an ester thereof were treated
      with Bronsted acids or a gold catalyst, respectively, to generate vinylthionium
      ions. These species react with dienes, primarily substituted furans, to give
      products of either (4 + 3)-cycloaddition or Friedel-Crafts alkylation. The
      results are rationalized on the basis of a stepwise mechanism in which the
      relative rates of ring closure versus proton loss in the intermediate sigma
      complex determine the course of the reaction. 

PMID- 25110819
TI  - Incidence of and risk factors for involvement of the central nervous system in
      acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - It is thought that the low incidence of central nervous system (CNS) involvement
      in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) does not justify routine CNS prophylaxis, as high
      dose cytarabine eliminates CNS disease. To investigate whether chemotherapy that
      does not include high-dose cytarabine increases the risk of CNS involvement, the
      medical records of 1412 newly diagnosed patients with AML were reviewed. In 1370
      patients, lumbar puncture (LP) was performed only if clinically indicated, and
      CNS disease was detected in 45 (3.3%) patients. Another 42 patients underwent
      routine LP as part of an investigational protocol, and in eight (19%) CNS disease
      was detected (p < 0.0001). Risk factors included high lactate dehydrogenase,
      African-American ethnicity and young age. Patients receiving high-dose cytarabine
      and those who did not had similar rates of CNS involvement. Disease-free survival
      (DFS) and overall survival were shorter in patients with CNS involvement. It
      remains to be determined whether routine CNS prophylaxis would improve DFS. 

PMID- 25110820
TI  - Pharmacogenetic studies in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in
      Argentina.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the most common genetic
      variants in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), thiopurine
      methyltransferase (TPMT) and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) on the outcome of
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment in Argentinean children. Two hundred
      and eighty-six patients with ALL treated with two Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster (BFM)
      based protocols were analyzed. Ten genetic variants were studied. Toxicity was
      evaluated during the consolidation phase. Children who received 2 g/m(2)/day of
      methotrexate and carried at least one 677T allele in MTHFR showed an increased
      risk of developing severe leukopenia (p = 0.004) and neutropenia (p = 0.003).
      Intermediate-risk (IR) patients with a heterozygous TPMT genotype had a higher
      probability of event-free survival than those with a wild-type genotype.
      Genotyping of MTHFR polymorphisms might be useful to optimize consolidation
      therapy, reducing the associated severe hematologic toxicity. Further studies are
      necessary to establish the usefulness of MTHFR and TPMT variants as additional
      markers to predict outcome in the IR group. 

PMID- 25110821
TI  - Hepatitis B virus infection correlates with poor prognosis of extranodal natural
      killer/T cell lymphoma.
AB  - Studies have shown that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may play an important
      role in the lymphomagenesis of lymphoma, but no studies regarding the
      relationship between HBV infection and extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma
      (ENKTL) have been reported previously. One hundred and seven patients diagnosed
      with ENKTL were retrospectively reviewed. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
      positive rate was 13.1%, and no significant correlation existed between HBV
      infection and clinical characteristics (p > 0.05). No significant difference
      existed in complete remission rate between HBsAg-positive and -negative groups
      (42.9% vs. 44.1%, p = 1.000). In a multivariate Cox regression model that
      included international prognostic index (IPI) score, induction chemotherapy
      regimen and HBsAg status, all these variables were independent prognostic factors
      for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p < 0.05). In
      conclusion, the HBsAg-positive rate in ENKTL was similar to that of the normal
      population in a high HBV endemic area, and HBsAg-positive status was an
      independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS. 

PMID- 25110822
TI  - Underlying autoimmune diseases are not aggravated during treatment with
      lenalidomide in patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma:
      author's reply.

PMID- 25110823
TI  - Aggressive congenital juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia associated with somatic
      KRAS p.G13D mutation and concurrent germline IGF1R duplication.

PMID- 25110824
TI  - Extended treatment with brentuximab vedotin in patients with relapsed or
      refractory CD30-positive hematological malignancies.

PMID- 25110825
TI  - Comprehensive geriatric assessment is an essential tool to support treatment
      decisions in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a prospective
      multicenter evaluation in 173 patients by the Lymphoma Italian Foundation (FIL).
AB  - We performed a multicenter study to validate the concept that a simple
      comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) can identify elderly, non-fit patients
      with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in whom curative treatment is not
      better then palliation, and to analyze potential benefits of treatment modulation
      after further subdividing the non-fit category by CGA criteria. One hundred and
      seventy-three patients aged > 69 treated with curative or palliative intent by
      clinical judgement only were grouped according to CGA into fit (46%), unfit (16%)
      and frail (38%) categories. Two-year overall survival (OS) was significantly
      better in fit than in non-fit patients (84% vs. 47%; p < 0.0001). Survival in
      unfit and frail patients was not significantly different. Curative treatment
      slightly improved 2-year OS in unfit (75% vs. 45%) but not in frail patients (44%
      vs. 39%). CGA was confirmed as very efficient in identifying elderly patients
      with DLBCL who can benefit from a curative approach. Further efforts are needed
      to better tailor therapies in non-fit patients. 

PMID- 25110826
TI  - Cyclic and acyclic fructose conformers in the gas phase: a large-scale second
      order perturbation theory study.
AB  - We performed large-scale second-order perturbation theory gas-phase calculations
      to study about five hundred structures of D-fructose. The two lowest energy
      fructose structures identified are beta-pyranoses possessing (2)C5 chair, with
      DeltaG(298 K) of 6 kJ/mol, differing in orientation of the equatorially
      positioned hydroxymethyl group, gt and g'g, where the gt rotamer is the global
      minimum, consistent with the recent microwave spectroscopy study. We have found
      that interconversions from the fructose global minimum to the second and third
      most stable beta-pyranose rotamers involve the energy barriers of ca. 30 kJ/mol.
      Among numerous fructofuranose conformers discovered (about 250), a pair of the
      ((3)T2) alpha- and (E3) beta-anomers are energetically most preferred and lie at
      least 12 kJ/mol above the global minimum. We also found that the fructose open
      chain structures lie significantly higher in energy than the most stable cyclic
      species. The commonly used M06-2X density functional performs well compared to
      MP2 and G4 theory at identifying the low-energy fructose minima, including the
      global one, and at reproducing their intramolecular H-bond geometric parameters.
      The lowest-energy gas-phase pyranose and furanose structures of fructose benefit
      from stabilization due to the cooperative or quasi-linear H-bonding and both endo
      and exo anomeric effects.

PMID- 25110827
TI  - Antibody informatics for drug discovery.
AB  - More and more antibody therapeutics are being approved every year, mainly due to
      their high efficacy and antigen selectivity. However, it is still difficult to
      identify the antigen, and thereby the function, of an antibody if no other
      information is available. There are obstacles inherent to the antibody science in
      every project in antibody drug discovery. Recent experimental technologies allow
      for the rapid generation of large-scale data on antibody sequences, affinity,
      potency, structures, and biological functions; this should accelerate drug
      discovery research. Therefore, a robust bioinformatic infrastructure for these
      large data sets has become necessary. In this article, we first identify and
      discuss the typical obstacles faced during the antibody drug discovery process.
      We then summarize the current status of three sub-fields of antibody informatics
      as follows: (i) recent progress in technologies for antibody rational design
      using computational approaches to affinity and stability improvement, as well as
      ab-initio and homology-based antibody modeling; (ii) resources for antibody
      sequences, structures, and immune epitopes and open drug discovery resources for
      development of antibody drugs; and (iii) antibody numbering and IMGT. Here, we
      review "antibody informatics," which may integrate the above three fields so that
      bridging the gaps between industrial needs and academic solutions can be
      accelerated. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Recent advances in
      molecular engineering of antibody.

PMID- 25110828
TI  - Lycopene attenuates insulin signaling deficits, oxidative stress,
      neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment in fructose-drinking insulin
      resistant rats.
AB  - Fructose intake is linked with the increasing prevalence of insulin resistance,
      and insulin resistance links Alzheimer's disease with impaired insulin signaling,
      oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment. As a member of the
      carotenoid family of phytochemicals, lycopene is used as a potent free scavenger,
      and has been demonstrated to be effective in anti-oxidative stress and anti
      inflammatory reaction in the models of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
      Here, we investigated the effect of lycopene on learning and memory impairment
      and the possible underlying molecular events in fructose-drinking insulin
      resistant rats. We found that long-term fructose-drinking causes insulin
      resistance, impaired insulin signaling, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, down
      regulated activity of cholinergic system, and cognitive impairment, which could
      be significantly ameliorated by oral lycopene administration. The results from
      this study provide experimental evidence for using lycopene in the treatment of
      brain damage caused by fructose-drinking insulin resistance. 

PMID- 25110830
TI  - Clinical effectiveness of interventions for treatment-resistant anxiety in older
      people: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anxiety and related disorders include generalised anxiety disorder,
      obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and
      phobic disorders (intense fear of an object or situation). These disorders share
      the psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety, but each disorder has its own
      set of characteristic symptoms. Anxiety disorders can be difficult to recognise,
      particularly in older people (those aged over 65 years). Older people tend to be
      more reluctant to discuss mental health issues and there is the perception that
      older people are generally more worried than younger adults. It is estimated that
      between 3 and 14 out of every 100 older people have an anxiety disorder. Despite
      treatment, some people will continue to have symptoms of anxiety. People are
      generally considered to be 'resistant' or 'refractory' to treatment if they have
      an inadequate response or do not respond to their first treatment. Older adults
      with an anxiety disorder find it difficult to manage their day-to-day lives and
      are at an increased risk of comorbid depression, falls, physical and functional
      disability, and loneliness. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of
      pharmacological, psychological and alternative therapies in older adults with an
      anxiety disorder who have not responded, or have responded inadequately, to
      treatment. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process and
      Other Non-Indexed citations, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library databases, PsycINFO and
      Web of Science) were searched from inception to September 2013. Bibliographies of
      relevant systematic reviews were hand-searched to identify additional potentially
      relevant studies. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for ongoing and planned
      studies. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of
      treatments for treatment-resistant anxiety in older adults was carried out.
      RESULTS: No randomised controlled trial or prospective comparative observational
      study was identified meeting the prespecified inclusion criteria. Therefore, it
      was not possible to draw any conclusions on clinical effectiveness. LIMITATIONS:
      As no study was identified in older adults, there is uncertainty as to which
      treatments are clinically effective for older adults with an anxiety disorder who
      have not responded to prior treatment. The comprehensive methods implemented to
      carry out this review are a key strength of the research presented. However, this
      review highlights the extreme lack of research in this area, identifying no
      comparative studies, which is a marked limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Specific studies
      evaluating interventions in older adults with an anxiety disorder who have not
      responded to first-line treatment are needed to address the lack of evidence. The
      lack of evidence in this area means that older adults are perhaps receiving
      inappropriate treatment or are not receiving a particular treatment because there
      is limited evidence to support its use. At this time there is scope to develop
      guidance on service provision and, as a consequence, to advance the standard of
      care received by older adults with a treatment-resistant anxiety disorder in
      primary and secondary care. Evaluation of the relative clinical effectiveness and
      acceptability of pharmacological and psychological treatment in older adults with
      an anxiety disorder that has not responded to first-line treatment is key future
      research to inform decision-making of clinicians and patients. An important
      consideration would be the enrolment of older adults who would be representative
      of older adults in general, i.e. those with multiple comorbid physical and mental
      disorders who might require polypharmacy. STUDY REGISTRATION: The protocol for
      the systematic review is registered on PROSPERO (registration number
      CRD42013005612). FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research Health
      Technology Assessment programme.

PMID- 25110831
TI  - Progression of DNA damage induced by a glyphosate-based herbicide in fish
      (Anguilla anguilla) upon exposure and post-exposure periods--insights into the
      mechanisms of genotoxicity and DNA repair.
AB  - Roundup(r) is a glyphosate-based herbicide widely used with both agricultural and
      non-agricultural purposes, which has been demonstrated to represent a risk to non
      target aquatic organisms, namely fish. Among the described effects to fish,
      genotoxicity has been pointed out as one of the most hazardous. However, the
      genotoxic mechanisms of Roundup(r) as well as the involvement of the oxidative
      DNA damage repair system are not entirely understood. Hence, this work aimed to
      improve the knowledge on the progression of DNA damage upon short-term exposure
      (3 days) and post-exposure (1-14 days) periods in association with DNA repair
      processes in Anguilla anguilla exposed to Roundup(r) (58 and 116 MUg L-1). DNA
      damage in hepatic cells was evaluated by the comet assay improved with the DNA
      lesion specific endonucleases FPG and EndoIII. In order to evaluate the oxidative
      DNA damage repair ability, an in vitro base excision repair (BER) assay was
      performed, testing hepatic subcellular extracts. Besides the confirmation of the
      genotoxic potential of this herbicide, oxidative damage was implicit as an
      important mechanism of genetic damage, which showed to be transient, since DNA
      integrity returned to the control levels on the first day after cessation of
      exposure. An increased capacity to repair oxidative DNA damage emerging in the
      post-exposure period revealed to be a crucial pathway for the A. anguilla
      recovery; nevertheless, DNA repair machinery showed to be susceptible to
      inhibitory actions during the exposure period, disclosing another facet of the
      risk associated with the tested agrochemical.

PMID- 25110832
TI  - Liquid/Liquid interfacial fabrication of thermosensitive and catalytically active
      Ag nanoparticle-doped block copolymer composite foam films.
AB  - An aqueous solution of AgNO3 (upper phase) and a DMF/CHCl3 solution of
      polystyrene-b-poly(acryl acid)-b-polystyrene (PS-b-PAA-b-PS) or PS-b-PAA-b-PS/1,6
      diaminohexane (DAH) (lower phase) constituted a planar liquid/liquid interface.
      The lower phase gradually transformed to a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion via
      spontaneous emulsification due to the "ouzo effect". Polymer molecules, DAH
      molecules, and Ag(+) ions assembled into microcapsules around emulsion droplets
      that adsorbed at the planar liquid/liquid interface, resulting in formation of a
      foam film. DAH acted as a cross-linker during this process. Transmission electron
      microscopic observations indicated that Ag nanoclusters that were generated
      through reduction of Ag(+) ions by DMF were homogeneously dispersed in the walls
      of the foam structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic investigations revealed
      that Ag(I) and Ag(0) coexisted in the film, and Ag(I) transformed to Ag(0) after
      further treatment. The film formed without DAH was not stable, while the film
      formed with DAH was very stable due to intermolecular attraction between PAA and
      DAH and formation of amides, as revealed by FTIR spectra. The film formed with
      DAH exhibited high and durable catalytic activity for hydrogenation of nitro
      compounds and, very interestingly, exhibited thermoresponsive catalytic behavior.

PMID- 25110834
TI  - Successful embolization of iatrogenic ruptured coronary artery using Onyx: a new
      technique.
AB  - Iatrogenic perforation of coronary artery is rare during percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI); however the complications are life-threatening. Patients in
      this clinical setting may be treated either by stent placement, closure of the
      perforation with fibrin glue or coils, or with emergency bypass surgery. Onyx, a
      new material that has been used successfully in cerebral arteries, represents a
      new and safe alternative. The advantage of Onyx is that it is easily injected
      through a microcatheter and it allows for a longer injection time having also the
      ability to reach difficult anatomical locations. We present the first case of
      successful embolization of a right coronary artery perforation during coronary
      angiography using Onyx.

PMID- 25110833
TI  - Molecular speciation and dynamics of oxidized triacylglycerols in lipid droplets:
      Mass spectrometry and coarse-grained simulations.
AB  - Lipid droplets (LDs) are ubiquitous and physiologically active organelles
      regulating storage and mobilization of lipids in response to metabolic demands.
      Among the constituent LD neutral lipids, such as triacylglycerols, cholesterol
      esters, and free fatty acids, oxidizable polyunsaturated molecular species may be
      quite abundant, yet the structural and functional roles of their oxidation
      products have not been studied. Our previous work documented the presence of
      these peroxidized species in LDs. Assuming that hydrophilic oxygen-containing
      functionalities may markedly change the hydrophobic/hydrophilic molecular
      balance, here we utilized computational modeling to test the hypothesis that
      lipid peroxidation causes redistribution of lipids between the highly hydrophobic
      core and the polar surface (phospho)lipid monolayer-the area enriched with
      integrated enzymatic machinery. Using quantitative liquid chromatography/mass
      spectrometry, we characterized molecular speciation of oxTAGs in LDs of dendritic
      cells in cancer and hypoxic trophoblasts cells as two cellular models associated
      with dyslipidemia. Among the many types of oxidized lipids identified, we found
      that oxidatively truncated forms and hydroxyl derivatives of TAGs were the
      prevailing oxidized lipid species in LDs in both cell types. Using coarse-grained
      molecular dynamics (CG-MD) simulations we established that lipid oxidation
      changed their partitioning whereby oxidized lipids migrated into the outer
      monolayer of the LD, where they can affect essential metabolic pathways and
      undergo conversions, possibly leading to the formation of oxygenated lipid
      mediators. 

PMID- 25110835
TI  - Expression quantitative trait loci in long non-coding RNA ZNRD1-AS1 influence
      both HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma development.
AB  - Zinc ribbon domain containing 1 (ZNRD1), cloned from human leukocyte antigen
      (HLA) region, may play integral roles in diverse processes including immune
      response against HBV infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. ZNRD1-AS1 (ZNRD1
      antisense RNA 1) may be an important regulator of ZNRD1. By bioinformatics
      analyses, we identified that several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in
      ZNRD1-AS1 may be expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) for ZNRD1. In this
      study, we hypothesized that these eQTLs SNPs in ZNRD1-AS1 may influence both
      chronic HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. We designed
      a case-control study of 1300 HBV-positive HCC patients, 1344 HBV persistent
      carriers and, 1344 HBV natural clearance subjects to test the associations of
      three ZNRD1 eQTLs SNPs (rs3757328, rs6940552 and, rs9261204) in ZNRD1-AS1 with
      the risk of both chronic HBV infection and HCC. Logistic regression analyses in
      additive genetic model showed that variant alleles of all the three SNPs
      increased host HCC risk, whereas variant allele of rs3757328 was associated with
      HBV clearance. Moreover, the haplotype containing variant alleles of the three
      SNPs was significantly associated with both HCC development (adjusted OR = 1.18,
      95% CI = 1.01-1.38, P = 0.035) and HBV clearance (adjusted OR = 0.83, 95% CI =
      0.71-0.96, P = 0.013), when compared with the most frequent haplotype. In vitro
      experiments showed that ZNRD1 knockdown inhibited the expression of HBV mRNA and
      promoted proliferation of HepG2.2.15 cells. These findings suggest that ZNRD1
      regulatory SNPs may be susceptibility makers for risk of both chronic HBV
      infection and HCC.

PMID- 25110836
TI  - Alcohol abuse and ERP components in Go/No-go tasks using alcohol-related stimuli:
      impact of alcohol avoidance.
AB  - Alcohol addictive behaviors are associated with a combination of deficits in
      executive functions, such as a weak response inhibition, and potent automatic
      appetitive responses to alcohol-related cues. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate behavioral responses and event-related potentials (ERPs) associated
      with specific response inhibition for alcohol-related cues. Thirty participants
      (15 heavy drinkers and 15 light drinkers) took part in the study. Response
      inhibition was assessed by a classical letter Go/No-go task and by a modified
      alcohol Go/No-go task. Participants were also classified as high and low alcohol
      avoiders. Results showed that heavy drinkers made more false alarms in the letter
      Go/No-go task. In the alcohol Go/No-go task, an absence of N200 amplitude
      anteriorization was found in heavy drinkers as compared to light drinkers.
      Participants with a high level of alcohol avoidance exhibited more false alarms,
      and higher N200 amplitude for the No-go trials as compared to the Go trials for
      alcohol-related cues. Higher P300 amplitude was observed in low alcohol avoiders
      for No-go as compared to Go trials. Therefore, a context involving alcohol
      related cues disturbed inhibition capacities of high alcohol avoiders. These
      results suggest that the level of alcohol avoidance must be taken into account in
      studies investigating alcohol-related cognitive biases. 

PMID- 25110838
TI  - Gender-age interaction in incidence rates of childhood emotional disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The post-pubertal association of female gender with emotional
      disorder is a robust finding. However, studies exploring the association of
      gender and emotional disorders before puberty are few and present diverging
      results. The aim of this study was to present gender-specific incidence rates of
      emotional disorders throughout childhood. METHOD: This is a population-based
      cohort study of 907,806 Danish 3- to 18-year-olds. The outcome was assignment of
      an emotional disorder diagnosis based on in-patient and out-patient data from The
      Danish Psychiatric Central Register. Outcome measures were incidence rates and
      cumulative incidences for unipolar depressive disorder (ICD-10: F32-F33), anxiety
      disorders (ICD-10: F40-F42), and emotional disorders with onset specific to
      childhood (ICD-10: F93). RESULTS: Pre-pubertal incidence rates for depressive and
      anxiety disorders were higher for boys than girls. At age 12 years the pattern
      reversed. The cumulative incidence for any emotional disorder (F32-F33, F40-F42,
      F93) on the 11th birthday was 0.52% (95% CI 0.50-0.55) for boys and 0.31% (95% CI
      0.29-0.33) for girls. On the 19th birthday cumulative incidence was 2.33% (95% CI
      2.24-2.43) for boys and 3.77% (95% CI 3.64-3.90) for girls. The pre-pubertal male
      preponderance was also significant for depressive disorders (F32-F33, p =
      0.00144) and anxiety disorders (F40-F42, F93, p < 0.00001) separately.
      CONCLUSIONS: Emotional disorders seem to display a male preponderance before the
      age of 12 years and a female preponderance thereafter. Studies exploring this
      gender-age interaction are needed. Still, the results question the general
      assumption that females throughout the lifespan are more at risk for emotional
      disorders than males.

PMID- 25110839
TI  - Treatment type and demographic characteristics as predictors for cancer
      adjustment: Prospective trajectories of depressive symptoms in a population
      sample.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prospectively identifying individuals at heightened risk for
      depression can alleviate the disease burden of distal physical and mental health
      consequences after cancer onset. Our objective was to identify heterogeneous
      trajectories of adjustment in cancer patients, using treatment-type as a
      predictor. METHODS: Participants were followed for 6 years within the Health and
      Retirement Study (HRS), a prospective population-based cohort study. The sample
      consisted of 1,294 middle-aged participants who were assessed once before and 3
      time points after their report of an initial cancer diagnosis. In addition to
      self-reported depressive symptoms, subjects indicated receipt of surgical,
      radiological, or chemical interventions as part of their usual oncological care.
      RESULTS: Four symptom trajectories were identified with Latent Growth Mixture
      Modeling: an increasing depression (10.5%), chronic depression (8.0%), depressed
      improved (7.8%), and stable-low depression (73.7%). A conditional model using
      participants with available predictor data (n = 545) showed individuals in the
      emerging depression class were significantly more likely to have received
      chemo/medication therapy when compared with the remitting depression, stable-low,
      and chronic depression classes. Participants in the chronic and depressed
      improved classes generally had worse baseline health, and the depressed-improved
      were also younger in age. CONCLUSION: Patients who exhibited increasing
      depressive symptoms had a greater probability of receiving chemo/medication
      therapy than any other adjustment trajectory group, although the majority of
      chemotherapy patients did not exhibit depressive symptom changes. These data
      underscore the diversity of ways that patients adjust to cancer, and suggest
      cancer treatment, baseline health, and age may influence long-term patterns of
      psychological adjustment.

PMID- 25110842
TI  - A cross-sectional analysis of the association between perceived network social
      control and telomere length.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Social control in the health domain refers to attempts by social
      network members to get an individual to modify their health behaviors. According
      to the dual effects model of social control, having one's health behavior
      controlled by others should be related to healthier behavioral change, but might
      arouse psychological distress as one may resent being controlled. Despite
      potential healthy behavior change, the stress of social control may thus be
      detrimental as interpersonal stress has been related to negative health outcomes.
      In the present study, the association between perceived social control and
      telomere length was tested to examine its association to biological outcomes.
      METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, a relatively healthy community sample of
      140 middle age and older adults completed measures of perceived social control,
      perceived stress, and health behaviors. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were
      used to determine telomere length. RESULTS: Main results showed that higher
      levels of perceived direct social network control were associated with shorter
      telomere length. These links were not influenced by statistical controls for
      medication use, self-rated health, trait hostility, and optimism. Perceived
      social control was also related to greater perceived stress but not health
      behaviors overall. However, neither perceived stress nor health behaviors
      mediated the link between social control and telomere length. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although the study design precludes strong inferences, these results suggest that
      perceived social control may be associated with cellular aging. These data also
      highlight the utility of integrating biological outcomes into social control
      models. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 25110840
TI  - Distress and type 2 diabetes-treatment adherence: A mediating role for perceived
      control.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To better understand independent pathways linking emotional distress,
      medication adherence, and glycemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes, as
      well as the potential mediating effects of perceived control over illness and
      self-efficacy. METHOD: Adults with Type 2 diabetes (N = 142) were recruited for
      an intervention study evaluating cognitive-behavioral therapy for adherence and
      depression. Depressive symptom severity was assessed via semistructured
      interview. Validated self-reports assessed diabetes-related distress, perceived
      control over diabetes (perceived control), self-efficacy for diabetes self
      management, and medication adherence. Glycemic control was evaluated by
      hemoglobin A1C. Only baseline data were included in correlational and linear
      regression analyses. RESULTS: Perceived control was an important mediator of
      emotional distress for both medication adherence and A1C outcomes. Specifically,
      regression analyses demonstrated that diabetes distress, but not depression
      severity, was significantly related to medication adherence and A1C. Self
      efficacy and perceived control were also independently associated with medication
      adherence and A1C. Mediation analyses demonstrated a significant indirect effect
      for diabetes distress and medication adherence through perceived control and self
      efficacy. The relationship between distress and A1C was accounted for by an
      indirect effect through perceived control. CONCLUSION: Results demonstrated that
      diabetes-related emotional distress is associated with poorer treatment adherence
      and glycemic control among adults with Type 2 diabetes; these relationships were
      partially mediated through perceived control over diabetes. Perceptions of one's
      personal ability to influence the course of diabetes may be important in
      understanding the pathway between emotional distress and poor diabetes-treatment
      outcomes.

PMID- 25110841
TI  - HIV/STI risk-reduction intervention efficacy with South African adolescents over
      54 months.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little research has tested HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI)
      risk-reduction interventions' effects on early adolescents as they age into
      middle and late adolescence. This study tested whether intervention-induced
      reductions in unprotected intercourse during a 12-month period endured over a 54
      month period and whether the intervention reduced the prevalence of STIs, which
      increase risk for HIV. METHOD: Grade 6 learners (mean age = 12.4 years)
      participated in a 12-month trial in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, in which
      9 matched pairs of schools were randomly selected and within pairs randomized to
      a theory-based HIV/STI risk-reduction intervention or an attention-control
      intervention. They completed 42- and 54-month postintervention measures of
      unprotected intercourse (the primary outcome), other sexual behaviors,
      theoretical constructs, and, at 42- and 54-month follow-up only, biologically
      confirmed curable STIs (chlamydial infection, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis) and
      herpes simplex virus 2. RESULTS: The HIV/STI risk-reduction intervention reduced
      unprotected intercourse averaged over the entire follow-up period (OR = 0.42, 95%
      CI [0.22, 0.84]), an effect not significantly reduced at 42- and 54-month follow
      up compared with 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. The intervention caused
      positive changes on theoretical constructs averaged over the 5 follow-ups,
      although most effects weakened at long-term follow-up. Although the
      intervention's main effect on STIs was nonsignificant, an Intervention Condition
      * Time interaction revealed that it significantly reduced curable STIs at 42
      month follow-up in adolescents who reported sexual experience. CONCLUSION: These
      results suggest that theory-based behavioral interventions with early adolescents
      can have long-lived effects in the context of a generalized severe HIV epidemic.

PMID- 25110843
TI  - Anger arousal and behavioral anger regulation in everyday life among patients
      with chronic low back pain: Relationships to patient pain and function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the degree to which
      patient anger arousal and behavioral anger regulation (expression, inhibition)
      occurring in the course of daily life was related to patient pain and function as
      rated by patients and their spouses. METHOD: Married couples (N = 105) (one
      spouse with chronic low back pain) completed electronic daily diaries, with
      assessments 5 times/day for 14 days. Patients completed items on their own state
      anger, behavioral anger expression and inhibition, and pain-related factors.
      Spouses completed items on their observations of patient pain-related factors.
      Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test concurrent and lagged
      relationships. RESULTS: Patient-reported increases in state anger were related to
      their reports of concurrent increases in pain and pain interference and to spouse
      reports of patient pain and pain behavior. Patient-reported increases in
      behavioral anger expression were related to lagged increases in pain intensity
      and interference and decreases in function. Most of these relationships remained
      significant with state anger controlled. Patient-reported increases in behavioral
      anger inhibition were related to concurrent increases in pain interference and
      decreases in function, which also remained significant with state anger
      controlled. Patient-reported increases in state anger were related to lagged
      increases in spouse reports of patient pain intensity and pain behaviors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that in patients with chronic pain, anger arousal
      and behavioral anger expression and inhibition in everyday life are related to
      elevated pain intensity and decreased function as reported by patients. Spouse
      ratings show some degree of concordance with patient reports.

PMID- 25110844
TI  - Peers promoting physical activity among breast cancer survivors: A randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although studies have shown that physical activity (PA) can reduce
      some treatment-related side effects of breast cancer, there is a need to offer PA
      programs outside of research settings to reach more cancer survivors. We
      partnered with the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery (RTR) program to
      train their volunteers (breast cancer survivors) to deliver a 12-week PA
      intervention to other breast cancer survivors. METHOD: We conducted a randomized
      controlled trial to compare the PA intervention delivered by RTR volunteers (PA
      plus RTR) with contact control (RTR control). Eighteen RTR volunteers/coaches
      (Mage = 54.9 years; Mtime since diagnosis = 7.0 years) delivered the contact
      control condition or the PA intervention. Seventy-six breast cancer survivors in
      New England (Mage = 55.6 years; Mtime since diagnosis = 1.1 years) were
      randomized to 1 of the 2 groups. At baseline, 12 weeks (postintervention), and at
      24 weeks, participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days, were interviewed about
      their PA, and reported their motivational readiness for PA. RESULTS: Adjusted,
      mixed-effects longitudinal regression models showed significant group differences
      favoring the PA plus RTR group in minutes of moderate to vigorous PA at 12 weeks
      (Mdifference = 103 min/week, p < .001) and at 24 weeks (Mdifference = 34.7
      min/week, p = .03). Results were corroborated with significant group differences
      in accelerometer data favoring the PA plus RTR group at both time points.
      CONCLUSION: Peer volunteers were able to significantly increase PA among cancer
      survivors relative to contact control. Partnerships with existing volunteer
      programs can help to widen the reach of behavioral interventions among cancer
      survivors. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 25110845
TI  - Hostility and the risk of peptic ulcer in the GAZEL cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evidence for an association between hostility and peptic ulcer mainly
      relies on cross-sectional studies. Prospective studies are rare and have not used
      a validated measure of hostility. This prospective study aimed to examine the
      association between hostility and peptic ulcer in the large-scale French GAZEL
      cohort. METHOD: In 1993, 14,674 participants completed the Buss and Durkee
      Hostility Inventory. Participants were annually followed-up from 1994 to 2011.
      Diagnosis of peptic ulcer was self-reported. The association between hostility
      scores and ulcer incidence was measured by hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence
      intervals computed through Cox regression. RESULTS: Among 13,539 participants
      free of peptic ulcer history at baseline, 816 reported a peptic ulcer during a
      mean follow-up of 16.8 years. Adjusting for potential confounders, including
      smoking, occupational grade, and a proxy for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
      exposure, ulcer incidence was positively associated with total hostility (HR per
      SD: 1.23, confidence interval: 1.14-1.31), behavioral hostility (HR per SD: 1.13,
      confidence interval: 1.05-1.21), cognitive hostility (HR per SD: 1.26, confidence
      interval: 1.18-1.35), and irritability (HR per SD: 1.20, confidence interval:
      1.12-1.29). The risk of peptic ulcer increased from the lowest to the highest
      quartile for all hostility measures (p for linear trend < .05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Hostility might be associated with an increased risk of peptic ulcer. Should
      these results be replicated, further studies would be needed to explore the
      underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 25110846
TI  - Racial and sexual minority women's receipt of medical assistance to become
      pregnant.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine rates at which racial minority (i.e.,
      non-White) and sexual minority (i.e., lesbian and bisexual-identified) women in
      the United States receive medical help to become pregnant. Income and insurance
      coverage discrepancies were hypothesized to mediate differences in receipt of
      medical help as a function of race and sexual orientation. METHOD: Two studies
      compared rates at which adult women ages 21-44 reported receiving medical help to
      become pregnant as a function of race and sexual orientation, using data from 2
      cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth (the 2002 wave in Study 1, and the
      2006-2010 wave in Study 2). Mediation analyses controlling for age and education
      level evaluated whether race and sexual orientation were positively associated
      with receipt of medical pregnancy help, as mediated by insurance coverage and
      income. RESULTS: Heterosexual White women reported receiving medical fertility
      assistance at nearly double the rates of women who identified as non-White,
      sexual minority, or both. Differences in rates of help received by White and non
      White groups were only partially mediated by insurance coverage and income in
      both studies. Insurance and income discrepancies accounted for all differences
      between sexual minority and heterosexual women's receipt of pregnancy help in
      Study 1; insurance coverage alone explained differences in Study 2. CONCLUSIONS:
      Researchers often indicate that economic differences are responsible for health
      disparities between minority and majority groups, but this may not be the case
      for all women pursuing medical fertility assistance. Possible origins of these
      disparities are discussed.

PMID- 25110847
TI  - Medication beliefs mediate between depressive symptoms and medication adherence
      in cystic fibrosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Depression is a known barrier to regimen adherence for chronic
      conditions. Despite elevated depression rates and complex regimens for people
      with cystic fibrosis (CF), little is known about associations between depressive
      symptoms and CF adherence. One possibility is that depressive symptoms distort
      beliefs about medications, which may influence adherence. METHOD: Adolescents and
      adults (N = 128; mean age = 29 +/- 11 years, range = 16-63, 93% Caucasian) with
      CF reported on depressive symptoms and medication beliefs (self-efficacy,
      motivation, perceived importance, and outcome expectancies related to taking
      medications). Medication adherence was assessed objectively through pharmacy
      refill data. Cross-sectional structural equation models evaluated medication
      beliefs as a mediator between depressive symptoms and medication adherence.
      RESULTS: Twenty-three percent of participants exceeded clinical cutoffs for
      depressive symptoms. Participants took less than half of prescribed pulmonary
      medications (mean adherence rate = 44.4 +/- 26.7%). Depressive symptoms were
      correlated with adherence (r = -.22, p < .05), and medication beliefs (b = -0.13,
      95% CI [-0.24, -0.03]) significantly mediated this relation. Higher depressive
      symptoms were associated with less positive medication beliefs (b = -0.27, p <
      .01), which were associated with lower medication adherence (b = 0.49, p < .01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms are related to beliefs about and adherence to CF
      medications. Monitoring depressive symptoms and medication beliefs in routine CF
      care may help identify risks for nonadherence and facilitate interventions to
      reduce depression, adaptive medication beliefs, and ultimately improve adherence
      and CF management. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 25110848
TI  - Prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and elevated depressive
      symptoms in a Hispanic cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to assess the associations among prepregnancy Body
      Mass Index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and elevated depressive symptoms
      across pregnancy. METHODS: We evaluated these associations among 1,090
      participants in Proyecto Buena Salud, a prospective cohort study of Hispanic
      (predominantly Puerto Rican) women in Western Massachusetts. BMI and GWG were
      self-reported; GWG was classified according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine
      guidelines. Depressive symptoms were assessed in early, mid-, and late pregnancy
      using the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). We defined
      elevated depressive symptoms as EPDS scores >=13 and >=15. RESULTS: In
      multivariable, longitudinal modeling, overweight (25.0 to <30 kg/m2) women had an
      odds ratio of 0.53 (95% CI [0.31, 0.90]) for EPDS scores >=13 and 0.51 (95% CI
      [0.28, 0.91]) for EPDS scores >=15 compared to normal weight women. We did not
      observe an association between GWG or an interaction between BMI and GWG, in
      predicting elevated depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide
      preliminary support for an association of prepregnancy overweight status and
      lower depressive symptoms across pregnancy in Hispanic women. Future research
      should focus on potential social and cultural differences in perceptions of
      weight and weight gain in the perinatal period and how these influence
      psychological health.

PMID- 25110849
TI  - Capability to care: supporting the health of informal caregivers for older
      people.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the capabilities important to the health of
      people caring informally for elders. METHOD: Over 4 months, 60 informal
      caregivers from New Zealand participated in online discussion boards that
      provided a set of virtual forums. It drew upon the Capability Approach (Sen,
      1980) to frame a qualitative inquiry whereby participants could anonymously
      respond to an evolving joint discussion of their health needs. Template analysis
      based on Nussbaum's (2007) list of essential human capabilities informed the
      thematic analysis. RESULTS: The results showed the interconnected nature of
      capabilities and the importance of emotions in informal caregiving. Emotional
      attachment influenced the caregivers' freedom to choose how they lived their
      lives. Because they valued the capability to care for loved ones, the caregivers
      traded other capabilities, putting their lives on hold, and compromising their
      wellbeing. CONCLUSION: The self-abnegation reported by the caregivers highlighted
      the relational nature of caregiving and challenged a dominant perspective in the
      caregiving literature that focuses on the burdens of caregiving. The significance
      of emotional aspects related to the valued capabilities of caregiving suggests
      the need to acknowledge caregiving as an interdependent relationship and emotions
      as a crucial place to focus future support for caregivers.

PMID- 25110850
TI  - Examining the moderating effect of depressive symptoms on the relation between
      exercise and self-efficacy during the initiation of regular exercise.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: People with depressive symptoms report lower levels of exercise self
      efficacy and are more likely to discontinue regular exercise than others, but it
      is unclear how depressive symptoms affect the relation between exercise and self
      efficacy. We sought to clarify whether depressive symptoms moderate the relations
      between exercise and same-day self-efficacy, and between self-efficacy and next
      day exercise. METHODS: Participants (n = 116) were physically inactive adults
      (35% reported clinically significant depressive symptoms) who initiated regular
      exercise and completed daily assessments for 4 weeks. Mixed linear models were
      used to test whether (a) self-efficacy differed on days when exercise did and did
      not occur, (b) self-efficacy predicted next-day exercise, and (c) these relations
      were moderated by depressive symptoms. RESULTS: First, self-efficacy was lower on
      days when no exercise occurred, but this difference was larger for people with
      high depressive symptoms (p < .001). They had lower self-efficacy than people
      with low depressive symptoms on days when no exercise occurred (p = .03), but
      self-efficacy did not differ on days when exercise occurred (p = .34). Second,
      self-efficacy predicted greater odds of next-day exercise, OR = 1.12, 95% [1.04,
      1.21], but depressive symptoms did not moderate this relation, OR = 1.00, 95% CI
      [.99, 1.01]. CONCLUSIONS: During exercise initiation, daily self-efficacy is more
      strongly related to exercise occurrence for people with high depressive symptoms
      than those with low depressive symptoms, but self-efficacy predicts next-day
      exercise regardless of depressive symptoms. The findings specify how depressive
      symptoms affect the relations between exercise and self-efficacy and underscore
      the importance of targeting self-efficacy in exercise interventions, particularly
      among people with depressive symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 25110851
TI  - Posttraumatic stress disorder and responses to couple conflict: implications for
      cardiovascular risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased risk
      of coronary heart disease (CHD) and difficulties in intimate relationships.
      Greater frequency and severity of couple conflict and greater cardiovascular
      reactivity to such conflict might contribute to CHD risk in those with PTSD, but
      affective and physiological responses to couple conflict have not been examined
      previously in this population. METHOD: In a preliminary test of this hypothesis,
      32 male veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars with PTSD and their female
      partners, and 33 control male veterans without PTSD and their female partners
      completed relationship quality assessments and a conflict discussion task. PTSD
      diagnosis was confirmed through diagnostic interviews and questionnaires. State
      anger, state anxiety, and cardiovascular measures (i.e., blood pressure, heart
      rate) were recorded during baseline and the conflict discussion. RESULTS:
      Compared with controls, PTSD couples reported greater couple conflict and less
      warmth, and displayed pronounced increases in anger and greater increases in
      systolic blood pressure in response to the conflict task (all ps < .05; range
      eta2: .05-.24). Partners in the PTSD group exhibited similar, if not greater,
      responses as veterans. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first investigation to document
      emotional and cardiovascular responses to couple conflict in veterans with PTSD
      and their partners. PTSD was associated with greater frequency and severity of
      couple conflict, and greater anger and cardiovascular reactivity to conflict
      discussions. Anger and physiological responses to couple discord might contribute
      to CHD risk in veterans with PTSD, and perhaps their partners, as well.

PMID- 25110852
TI  - Expression of executive control in situational context: Effects of facilitating
      versus restraining cues on snack food consumption.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of executive function (EF) on objectively
      measured high-calorie snack food consumption in 2 age groups and to explore the
      moderating influence of environmental cues. METHODS: In Study 1, 43 older adults
      (M(age) = 74.81) and in Study 2, 79 younger adults (M(age) = 18.71) completed
      measures of EF and subsequently participated in a bogus taste-test paradigm
      wherein they were required to rate 3 highly appetitive (but high-calorie) snack
      foods on taste and texture. Grams of snack food consumed was measured covertly in
      the presence randomly assigned contextual cues (explicit semantic cues in Study
      1; implicit visual cues in Study 2) that were facilitating or restraining in
      nature. RESULTS: Findings indicated that in both age groups, stronger EF
      predicted lower consumption of snack foods across conditions, and the effects of
      EF were most pronounced in the presence of facilitating cues. CONCLUSIONS: Older
      and younger adults with weaker EF tend to consume more high-calorie snack food
      compared with their stronger EF counterparts. These tendencies appear to be
      especially amplified in the presence of facilitating cues.

PMID- 25110853
TI  - Caregivers' burden and depressive symptoms: the moderational role of attachment
      orientations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study explored whether attachment orientations moderate
      the associations between caregiver burden and depressive symptoms among women
      coping with their partners' first time acute coronary syndrome. The association
      between burden and depression was hypothesized to be stronger among caregivers
      high on anxious attachment than among caregivers low on this dimension. In
      addition, the association between burden and depressive symptoms was hypothesized
      to be weaker among caregivers higher on avoidant attachment than among those
      lower on this dimension. METHOD: The sample consisted of 111 female caregivers of
      male patients admitted to the cardiac care unit of a hospital in Israel.
      Caregivers completed a measure of attachment orientations during patients'
      hospitalization (baseline). Caregiver burden was measured 1 month later.
      Depressive symptoms were measured at baseline and again at 6-month follow-up.
      Structural equation modeling was used to test the moderational models. RESULTS:
      The association between caregiver burden and depressive symptoms at follow-up was
      moderated by attachment-related anxiety but not attachment-related avoidance.
      Congruent with predictions, a stronger association between caregiver burden and
      depressive symptoms occurred for caregivers with greater (vs. lower) attachment
      anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The findings shed light on the possible dynamics among
      attachment orientations and affect regulation when coping with one's partner's
      illness. The findings are discussed in light of Pietromonaco, Uchino, and Dunkel
      Schetter's (2013) model of integrating attachment into health psychology
      research.

PMID- 25110854
TI  - Modeling the association between lifecourse socioeconomic disadvantage and
      systemic inflammation in healthy adults: The role of self-control.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify pathways connecting lifecourse socioeconomic
      status (SES) with chronic, low-grade inflammation, focusing on the explanatory
      roles of self-control, abdominal adiposity, and health practices. METHODS:
      Participants were 360 adults aged 15-55 who were free of chronic medical
      conditions. They were roughly equally divided between low and high current SES,
      with each group further divided between low and high early-life SES. Structural
      equation modeling (SEM) was used to identify direct and indirect pathways linking
      early-life and current SES with low-grade, chronic inflammation in adulthood, as
      manifest by serum interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. Low SES was hypothesized
      to relate to inflammation by reducing self-control, which in turn was
      hypothesized to facilitate lifestyle factors that potentiate inflammation
      (smoking, alcohol use, sedentary behavior, and weight gain). RESULTS: Analyses
      revealed that self-control was pivotal in linking both early-life and current SES
      to inflammation. Low early-life SES was related to a harsher family climate, and
      in turn lower adult self-control, over and above the effects of current SES.
      Controlling for early-life SES, low current SES was associated with perceived
      stress and, in turn, diminished self-control. Results showed that lower self
      control primarily operated through higher abdominal adiposity to associate with
      greater inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a mechanistic scenario
      wherein low SES in early life or adulthood depletes self-control and, in turn,
      fosters adiposity and inflammation. These pathways should be studied
      longitudinally to elucidate and potentially ameliorate socioeconomic disparities
      in health.

PMID- 25110855
TI  - Ossification sequence and genetic patterning in the mouse axial skeleton.
AB  - We provide novel data on vertebral ontogeny in the mouse, the mammalian model-of
      choice for developmental studies. Most previous studies on ossification sequences
      in mice have focused on pooled elements of the spine (cervicals, thoracics,
      lumbars, sacrals, and caudals). Here, we contribute data on ossification
      sequences in the neural arches and centra to provide a comparative basis upon
      which to evaluate mammalian diversity of the axial skeleton. In attempt to
      explain the ossification pattern observed, we compared our observations with the
      phenotype of Cdx over-expresser mice. We use high-resolution X-ray
      microtomography and clearing and staining techniques to quantify the precise
      sequential ossification pattern of the mouse spine. We show that micro-CT scans
      perform better in all cases whereas clearing and staining exhibit sensitivity to
      the presence of semi-opaque tissue. We observe that the centra of wild-type mice
      always ossify after neural arches and that the ossification of the neural arches
      proceeds from two loci. The ossification of the centra appears more complex,
      especially in the neck where ossification is delayed and does not just follow the
      order of the vertebrae along the anterior-posterior axis. Our findings also
      suggest that Cdx genes' expression levels may be involved in the delayed
      ossification in the neck centra.

PMID- 25110857
TI  - Pregnancy outcomes of HIV-positive women in a tertiary centre in the UK.
AB  - With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the mother-to
      child HIV transmission rate in the UK has reduced to less than 2%. A review of
      delivery outcomes of 106 HIV-positive pregnant women in a tertiary centre between
      January 2005 and December 2010 was conducted. A total of 20 women had detectable
      plasma viral load at 36 weeks, or before in the two women who delivered preterm.
      Various peripartum management measures were undertaken in women with detectable
      viral load close to delivery, to accelerate reduction in plasma viral load and to
      reduce the risk of HIV transmission to the fetus. In our review, the overall
      mother-to-child transmission rate was less than 1% and in women with undetectable
      viral load at 36 weeks, it was 0% (zero), which signifies the importance of
      strict virological control and a multidisciplinary approach, which plays an
      important role in the successful achievement of this.

PMID- 25110856
TI  - Closure versus non-closure of the peritoneum at caesarean section: short- and
      long-term outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caesarean section is a very common surgical procedure worldwide.
      Suturing the peritoneal layers at caesarean section may or may not confer
      benefit, hence the need to evaluate whether this step should be omitted or
      routinely performed. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the
      effects of non-closure as an alternative to closure of the peritoneum at
      caesarean section on intraoperative and immediate- and long-term postoperative
      outcomes. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth
      Group's Trials Register (1 November 2013). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised
      controlled trials comparing leaving the visceral or parietal peritoneum, or both,
      unsutured at caesarean section with a technique which involves suturing the
      peritoneum in women undergoing elective or emergency caesarean section. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trials for
      inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked it for accuracy. MAIN
      RESULTS: A total of 29 trials were included in this review and 21 trials (17,276
      women) provided data that could be included in an analysis. The quality of the
      trials was variable. 1. Non-closure of visceral and parietal peritoneum versus
      closure of both parietal layersSixteen trials involving 15,480 women, were
      included and analysed, when both parietal peritoneum was left unclosed versus
      when both peritoneal surfaces were closed. Postoperative adhesion formation was
      assessed in only four trials with 282 women, and no difference was found between
      groups (risk ratio (RR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76 to 1.29). There
      was significant reduction in the operative time (mean difference (MD) -5.81
      minutes, 95% CI -7.68 to -3.93). The duration of hospital stay in a total of 13
      trials involving 14,906 women, was also reduced (MD -0.26, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.05)
      days. In a trial involving 112 women, reduced chronic pelvic pain was found in
      the peritoneal non-closure group. 2. Non-closure of visceral peritoneum only
      versus closure of both peritoneal surfacesThree trials involving 889 women were
      analysed. There was an increase in adhesion formation (two trials involving 157
      women, RR 2.49, 95% CI 1.49 to 4.16) which was limited to one trial with high
      risk of bias.There was reduction in operative time, postoperative days in
      hospital and wound infection. There was no significant reduction in postoperative
      pyrexia. 3. Non-closure of parietal peritoneum only versus closure of both
      peritoneal layersThe two identified trials involved 573 women. Neither study
      reported on postoperative adhesion formation. There was reduction in operative
      time and postoperative pain with no difference in the incidence of postoperative
      pyrexia, endometritis, postoperative duration of hospital stay and wound
      infection. In only one study, postoperative day one wound pain assessed by the
      numerical rating scale, (MD -1.60, 95% CI -1.97 to -1.23) and chronic abdominal
      pain d by the visual analogue score (MD -1.10, 95% CI -1.39 to -0.81) was reduced
      in the non-closure group. 4. Non-closure versus closure of visceral peritoneum
      when parietal peritoneum is closed.There was reduction in all the major urinary
      symptoms of frequency, urgency and stress incontinence when the visceral
      peritoneum is left unsutured. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There was a reduction in
      operative time across all the subgroups. There was also a reduction in the period
      of hospitalisation post-caesarean section except in the subgroup where parietal
      peritoneum only was not sutured where there was no difference in the period of
      hospitalisation. The evidence on adhesion formation was limited and inconsistent.
      There is currently insufficient evidence of benefit to justify the additional
      time and use of suture material necessary for peritoneal closure. More robust
      evidence on long-term pain, adhesion formation and infertility is needed.

PMID- 25110858
TI  - Diffusion NMR of molecular cages and capsules.
AB  - In the last decade diffusion NMR and diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) have
      become important analytical tools for the characterization of supramolecular
      systems in solution. Diffusion NMR can be used to glean information on the
      (effective) size and shape of molecular species, as well as to probe inter
      molecular interactions and can be used to estimate the association constant (Ka)
      of a complex. In addition, the diffusion coefficient, as obtained from diffusion
      NMR, is a much more intuitive parameter than the chemical shift for probing self
      association, aggregation and inter-molecular interactions. The diffusion
      coefficient may be an even more important analytical parameter in systems in
      which the formed supramolecular entity has the same symmetry as its building
      units, when there is a large change in the molecular weight, where many molecular
      species are involved in the formation of the supramolecular systems, and when
      proton transfer may occur which, in turn, may affect the chemical shift. Some of
      the self-assembled molecular capsules and cages prepared in the last decade
      represent such supramolecular systems and in the present review, following a
      short introduction on diffusion NMR, we survey the contribution of diffusion NMR
      and DOSY in the field of molecular containers and capsules. We will first focus
      on the role played by diffusion NMR in the field of hydrogen bond driven self
      assembled capsules. We then survey the contributions of diffusion NMR and DOSY to
      the study and characterization of metal-ligand cages and capsules. Finally, we
      describe a few recent applications of diffusion NMR in the field of hydrophobic,
      electrostatic and covalent containers. 

PMID- 25110859
TI  - The role of doppler waveforms in the fetal main pulmonary artery in the
      prediction of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe changes in the Doppler waveforms of the fetal main
      pulmonary artery (MPA) throughout gestation and to assess their predictive value
      of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). STUDY DESIGN: In the first phase
      of this study, we performed Doppler measurement of MPA acceleration time (AT),
      ejection time (ET), peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, mean
      velocity, pulsatility index, and resistance index in 288 healthy fetuses. In the
      second phase, we carried out these measurements in a prospective cohort of 52
      pregnant women with impending preterm birth. RESULTS: In phase I, satisfactory
      fetal MPA Doppler recordings were collected in 284 of 288 (98.6%) normal fetuses.
      Significant and positive linear correlations were found between gestational age
      and AT, AT/ET ratio, peak systolic velocity, and mean velocity (p < 0.01), with
      the strongest correlations concerning AT (r = 0.898) and AT/ET ratio (r = 0.868).
      In phase II, satisfactory fetal MPA Doppler waveforms were obtained in 43 of 44
      (97.7%) fetuses. Of these, 14 (32.6%) developed RDS and 29 did not. Using less
      than or equal to the fifth percentile as a gestational age-specific cutoff, AT
      alone could predict RDS with a sensitivity of 78.6% and a specificity of 89.7%.
      The AT/ET ratio could predict RDS with 71.4% sensitivity and 93.1% specificity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fetal MPA Doppler velocimetry can reliably be obtained throughout
      gestation. AT and AT/ET ratios of the fetal MPA Doppler waveform may help
      identifying fetuses at risk of developing neonatal RDS.

PMID- 25110860
TI  - Large and fast single-crystal resistive humidity sensitivity of metal pnictide
      halides containing van der Waals host-guest interactions.
AB  - Two new metal pnictide halides, (Hg(9.75)As(5.5))(GaCl4)3 and (Hg13Sb8)(ZnBr4)4,
      have been prepared by solid-state reactions. Their structures feature 3D cationic
      host frameworks built of mercury pnictide polyhedra and form 1D tunnels filled
      with discrete guest halide polyanions; the guests and hosts are assembled by van
      der Waals interactions. Both complexes exhibit good single-crystal humidity
      sensitivity, with a humidity sensitivity factor as big as three orders of
      magnitude, a quick resistance response, fast recovery, and good reproducibility.
      This study provide a new way to design promising resistive humidity detectors by
      introducing van der Waals host-guest interactions into their structures.

PMID- 25110861
TI  - Mid-level practitioners in dermatology: a need for further study and oversight.

PMID- 25110862
TI  - Robust non-wetting PTFE surfaces by femtosecond laser machining.
AB  - Nature shows many examples of surfaces with extraordinary wettability,which can
      often be associated with particular air-trapping surface patterns. Here,robust
      non-wetting surfaces have been created by femtosecond laser ablation of
      polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The laser-created surface structure resembles a
      forest of entangled fibers, which support structural superhydrophobicity even
      when the surface chemistry is changed by gold coating. SEM analysis showed that
      the degree of entanglement of hairs and the depth of the forest pattern
      correlates positively with accumulated laser fluence and can thus be influenced
      by altering various laser process parameters. The resulting fibrous surfaces
      exhibit a tremendous decrease in wettability compared to smooth PTFE surfaces;
      droplets impacting the virgin or gold coated PTFE forest do not wet the surface
      but bounce off. Exploratory bioadhesion experiments showed that the surfaces are
      truly air-trapping and do not support cell adhesion. Therewith, the created
      surfaces successfully mimic biological surfaces such as insect wings with robust
      anti-wetting behavior and potential for antiadhesive applications. In addition,
      the fabrication can be carried out in one process step, and our results clearly
      show the insensitivity of the resulting non-wetting behavior to variations in the
      process parameters,both of which make it a strong candidate for industrial
      applications.

PMID- 25110863
TI  - A sensitive and effective proteomic approach to identify she-donkey's and goat's
      milk adulterations by MALDI-TOF MS fingerprinting.
AB  - She-donkey's milk (DM) and goat's milk (GM) are commonly used in newborn and
      infant feeding because they are less allergenic than other milk types. It is,
      therefore, mandatory to avoid adulteration and contamination by other milk
      allergens, developing fast and efficient analytical methods to assess the
      authenticity of these precious nutrients. In this experimental work, a sensitive
      and robust matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) profiling was designed to assess the genuineness of
      DM and GM milks. This workflow allows the identification of DM and GM
      adulteration at levels of 0.5%, thus, representing a sensitive tool for milk
      adulteration analysis, if compared with other laborious and time-consuming
      analytical procedures. 

PMID- 25110864
TI  - Biosurfactant mediated biosynthesis of selected metallic nanoparticles.
AB  - Developing a reliable experimental protocol for the synthesis of nanomaterials is
      one of the challenging topics in current nanotechnology particularly in the
      context of the recent drive to promote green technologies in their synthesis. The
      increasing need to develop clean, nontoxic and environmentally safe production
      processes for nanoparticles to reduce environmental impact, minimize waste and
      increase energy efficiency has become essential in this field. Consequently,
      recent studies on the use of microorganisms in the synthesis of selected
      nanoparticles are gaining increased interest as they represent an exciting area
      of research with considerable development potential. Microorganisms are known to
      be capable of synthesizing inorganic molecules that are deposited either intra-
      or extracellularly. This review presents a brief overview of current research on
      the use of biosurfactants in the biosynthesis of selected metallic nanoparticles
      and their potential importance. 

PMID- 25110865
TI  - BMP4 protects rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells from apoptosis by
      PI3K/AKT/Smad1/5/8 signaling.
AB  - Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4), a member of the transforming growth factor
      beta (TGF-beta) family of growth factors, is activated and increased under
      hypoxic conditions, which plays an important role in the progression of pulmonary
      arterial hypertension (PAH). Previous studies have shown that BMP4 is involved in
      the regulation of proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis of
      various cell types. However, the precise mechanisms involved in the regulation of
      pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in PAH are still incompletely
      understood. It has been reported that AKT is a critical regulator of cell
      survival and vascular remodeling. Therefore, there may be crosstalk between BMP4
      anti-apoptotic processes and PI3K/AKT survival effect in rat PASMCs. To test this
      hypothesis, we performed confocal, cell viability measurement, mitochondrial
      potential, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blot analysis
      to determine the role of BMP4 on cell survival and apoptosis. We found that
      hypoxia up-regulated the expression of BMP4. BMP4 promoted cell survival, reduced
      mitochondrial depolarization, and increased the expression of Bcl-2 and
      procaspase-3 in PASMCs under serum-deprived condition. These effects were
      reversed by PI3K/AKT inhibitors (LY294002 and wortmannin). Thus, these findings
      indicate that BMP4 protects PASMCs from apoptosis at least in part, mediated via
      the PI3K/AKT pathway. 

PMID- 25110866
TI  - Lutein inhibits the migration of retinal pigment epithelial cells via cytosolic
      and mitochondrial Akt pathways (lutein inhibits RPE cells migration).
AB  - During the course of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), the retinal pigment
      epithelium (RPE) cells will de-differentiate, proliferate, and migrate onto the
      surfaces of the sensory retina. Several studies have shown that platelet-derived
      growth factor (PDGF) can induce migration of RPE cells via an Akt-related
      pathway. In this study, the effect of lutein on PDGF-BB-induced RPE cells
      migration was examined using transwell migration assays and Western blot
      analyses. We found that both phosphorylation of Akt and mitochondrial
      translocation of Akt in RPE cells induced by PDGF-BB stimulation were suppressed
      by lutein. Furthermore, the increased migration observed in RPE cells with
      overexpressed mitochondrial Akt could also be suppressed by lutein. Our results
      demonstrate that lutein can inhibit PDGF-BB induced RPE cells migration through
      the inhibition of both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial Akt activation. 

PMID- 25110868
TI  - The inflammation-related gene S100A12 is positively regulated by C/EBPbeta and AP
      1 in pigs.
AB  - S100A12 is involved in the inflammatory response and is considered an important
      marker for many inflammatory diseases in humans. Our previous studies indicated
      that the S100A12 gene was abundant in the immune tissues of pigs and was
      significantly upregulated during infection with Haemophilus parasuis (HPS) or
      porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). In this study, the mechanism of transcriptional
      regulation of S100A12 was investigated in pigs. Our results showed that S100A12,
      CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) and activator protein-1 (AP-1)
      genes were up-regulated in PK-15 (ATCC, CCL-33) cells when treated with LPS or
      Poly I: C. Additionally, the promoter activity and expression level of the
      S100A12 gene were significantly upregulated when C/EBPbeta or AP-1 were
      overexpressed. We utilized electromobility shift assays (EMSA) to confirm that
      C/EBPbeta and AP-1 could directly bind the S100A12 gene promoter. We also found
      that the transcriptional activity and expression levels of C/EBPbeta and AP-1
      could positively regulate each other. Furthermore, the promoter activity of the
      S100A12 gene was higher when C/EBPbeta and AP-1 were cotransfected than when they
      were transfected individually. We concluded that the S100A12 gene was
      cooperatively and positively regulated by C/EBPbeta and AP-1 in pigs. Our study
      offers new insight into the transcriptional regulation of the S100A12 gene. 

PMID- 25110869
TI  - Richter's transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a retrospective study
      reporting clinical data, outcome, and the benefit of adding rituximab to
      chemotherapy, from the Israeli CLL Study Group.
AB  - Richter's syndrome (RS) is the rare development of an aggressive lymphoid
      malignancy in a patient with pre-existing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
      Data on RS is sparse and mostly derived from case reports or small series of
      patients and only a few larger cohorts have been published. The purpose of this
      large retrospective study was to summarize our national experience with RS in
      CLL, examine possible risk factors, and analyze relevant demographic, laboratory
      and clinical parameters, including results of therapy and outcome. We first
      evaluated data obtained from 119 patients with RS diagnosed during 1971-2010 from
      12 medical centers in Israel. The final cohort summarized consisted of 81
      patients with RS who developed only diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after
      exclusion all cases with insufficient data and those who were not DLBCL. Median
      overall survival from time of diagnosis of RS was 8 months; after applying the
      Richter score, patients could be stratified into three prognostic groups, while
      all other clinical and laboratory parameters evaluated had no prognostic
      significance. Prior therapy for CLL had no impact on RS survival (P = 0.8) and
      patients with therapy "naive" RS and those who had already received chemotherapy
      prior to developing RS, had the same survival. The addition of rituximab to
      chemotherapy for RS improved 2 years overall survival from 19% in the
      chemotherapy alone arm to 42% (P value of 0.001). Although prognosis of patients
      with RS remains dismal, this retrospective observation provides support for the
      use of chemo-immunotherapy in DLBCL-RS.

PMID- 25110870
TI  - Graphene oxide and laponite composite films with high oxygen-barrier properties.
AB  - The design and fabrication of oxygen barrier films is important for both
      fundamental and industrial applications. We prepared three different thin films
      composed of graphene oxide (GO) and laponite (LN), a typical low cost inorganic
      clay, with the GO/LN volume ratios of 1.9/0.1, 1.7/0.3 and 1.5/0.5 together with
      a double layer film of the GO and LN. We found that the films with GO/LN =
      1.9/0.1 and the double layers exhibited high oxygen barrier and oxygen
      transmission rate values that reached 0.55 and 0.37 cm(3) per m(2) per atm per
      day, respectively, which were much lower than those of the films prepared from
      the pure GO, only LN and GO/LN = 1.7/0.3 and 1.5/0.5. This study is important for
      the design and fabrication of a film from GO-based all inorganic nanomaterials
      for applications in gas-barrier membranes. 

PMID- 25110871
TI  - Endoscopist Fatigue May Contribute to a Decline in the Effectiveness of Screening
      Colonoscopy.
AB  - GOALS: To assess whether endoscopist fatigue adversely affects the adenoma
      detection rate (ADR) during screening colonoscopy. BACKGROUND: Endoscopist
      fatigue may affect the ADR during colonoscopy; however, this association has not
      been directly studied. STUDY: A prospective, multi-center study was performed on
      screening colonoscopies performed for asymptomatic subjects between March 2012
      and December 2012 in Korea. Endoscopist fatigue was defined and measured by
      Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) questionnaire.
      The ADR was compared between fatigued endoscopists and nonfatigued endoscopists,
      and a multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent
      factors related to the detection of colorectal adenoma. RESULTS: During the study
      period, a total of 457 subjects underwent screening colonoscopy. After excluding
      62 subjects, outcomes of 395 subjects were analyzed. The overall ADR of the study
      population was 39.7%. The mean score of FACIT-F was 36.4+/-10.8, and a cutoff
      score of 25 was chosen to define fatigue. The ADR was lower in fatigued
      endoscopists than nonfatigued endoscopists (25.0% vs. 42.6%, P=0.008). Using
      multivariate regression analysis, endoscopist fatigue measured with FACIT-F (odds
      ratio=3.585; 95% confidence interval, 1.663-7.728; P=0.001) was found to be an
      independent factor for the ADR. CONCLUSIONS: FACIT-F score may be a novel measure
      for endoscopist fatigue, and ADR was adversely influenced by endoscopist fatigue
      measured by FACIT-F. Our results suggest that endoscopist fatigue may contribute
      to a decline in the effectiveness of screening colonoscopy.

PMID- 25110872
TI  - Esophageal Stenting With Sutures: Time to Redefine Our Standards?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Migration is the most common complication of the fully
      covered metallic self-expanding esophageal stent (FCSEMS). Recent studies have
      demonstrated migration rates between 30% and 60%. The aim of this study was to
      determine the effect of fixation of the FCSEMS by endoscopic suturing on
      migration rate. PATIENT AND METHODS: Patients who underwent stent placement for
      esophageal strictures and leaks over the last year were captured and reviewed
      retrospectively. Group A, cases, were patients who underwent suture placement and
      group B, controls, were patients who had stents without sutures. Basic
      demographics, indications, and adverse events (AEs) were collected. Kaplan-Meier
      analysis and Cox regression modeling were conducted to determine estimates and
      predictors of stent migration in patients with and without suture placement.
      RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (18 males, 48.65%), mean age 57.2 years (+/-16.3
      y), were treated with esophageal FCSEMS. A total of 17 patients received sutures
      (group A) and 20 patients received stents without sutures (group B). Stent
      migration was noted in a total of 13 of the 37 patients (35%) [2 (11%) in group A
      and 11 (55%) in group B]. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank analysis,
      fixation of the stent with suturing reduced the risk of migration (P=0.04). There
      were no AEs directly related to suture placement. CONCLUSIONS: Anchoring of the
      upper flare of the FCSEMS with endoscopic sutures is technically feasible and
      significantly reduces stent migration rate when compared with no suturing, and is
      a safe procedure with very low AEs rates.

PMID- 25110867
TI  - Small-molecule inhibitors of the receptor tyrosine kinases: promising tools for
      targeted cancer therapies.
AB  - Chemotherapeutic and cytotoxic drugs are widely used in the treatment of cancer.
      In spite of the improvements in the life quality of patients, their effectiveness
      is compromised by several disadvantages. This represents a demand for developing
      new effective strategies with focusing on tumor cells and minimum side effects.
      Targeted cancer therapies and personalized medicine have been defined as a new
      type of emerging treatments. Small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) are among the most
      effective drugs for targeted cancer therapy. The growing number of approved SMIs
      of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) i.e., tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in
      the clinical oncology imply the increasing attention and application of these
      therapeutic tools. Most of the current approved RTK-TKIs in preclinical and
      clinical settings are multi-targeted inhibitors with several side effects. Only a
      few specific/selective RTK-TKIs have been developed for the treatment of cancer
      patients. Specific/selective RTK-TKIs have shown less deleterious effects
      compared to multi-targeted inhibitors. This review intends to highlight the
      importance of specific/selective TKIs for future development with less side
      effects and more manageable agents. This article provides an overview of: (1) the
      characteristics and function of RTKs and TKIs; (2) the recent advances in the
      improvement of specific/selective RTK-TKIs in preclinical or clinical settings;
      and (3) emerging RTKs for targeted cancer therapies by TKIs. 

PMID- 25110873
TI  - The role of domperidone in increasing the completion rate of small bowel capsule
      endoscopy: how should it be used?

PMID- 25110874
TI  - Identifying all at-risk patients for Clostridium difficile infection.

PMID- 25110875
TI  - Lynch-like syndrome: characterization and comparison with EPCAM deletion
      carriers.
AB  - Colorectal cancers (CRCs) with microsatellite instability-high (MSI+) but without
      detectable germline mutation or hypermethylation in DNA mismatch repair (MMR)
      genes can be classified as Lynch-like syndrome (LLS). The underlying mechanism
      and clinical significances of LLS are largely unknown. We measured MSI and MMR
      protein expression in 4,765 consecutive CRC cases. Among these, MSI+ cases were
      further classified based on clinical parameters, germline sequencing of MMR genes
      or polymerase epsilon (POLE) and delta (POLD1) and promoter methylation analysis
      of MLH1 and MSH2. We found that MSI+ and MMR protein-deficient CRCs comprised
      6.3% (N = 302) of this cohort. On the basis of germline sequencing of 124 cases,
      we identified 54 LS with MMR germline mutation (LS-MMR), 15 LS with EPCAM
      deletions (LS-EPCAM) and 55 LLS patients. Of the 55 LLS patients, six (10.9%) had
      variants of unknown significance in the genes tested, and one patient had a novel
      somatic mutation (p.S459P) in POLE. In patients with biallelic deletions of
      EPCAM, all tumors and their matched normal mucosa showed promoter
      hypermethylation of MSH2. Finally, we found that patients with LLS and LS-EPCAM
      shared clinical features that differed from LS-MMR patients, including lower
      frequency of fulfillment of the revised Bethesda guidelines (83.6 and 86.7% vs.
      98.1% for LS-MMR) and older mean age at CRC diagnosis (52.6 and 52.7 years vs.
      43.9 years for LS-MMR). We identified somatic mutation in POLE as a rare
      underlying cause for MMR deficiency in LLS. The similarity between LLS and LS
      EPCAM suggests LLS as a subset of familial MSI+ CRC. 

PMID- 25110876
TI  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of an adolescent with neurological
      manifestations of homozygous missense PRF1 mutation.
AB  - Individuals with biallelic truncating PRF1 mutations typically present with
      fulminant early-onset familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL). We
      report a 19-year-old male with a 5-year history of recurrent fever and headaches
      progressing to refractory seizures. Brain imaging revealed multiple ring
      enhancing lesions. Laboratory investigations demonstrated that the patient
      displayed defective lymphocyte cytotoxicity and carried a homozygous missense
      PRF1 mutation, c.394G > A (p.Gly132Arg). The patient was successfully treated
      with chemo-immunotherapy followed by matched related allogeneic hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Our findings demonstrate that prompt HSCT of
      late-onset FHL with primarily neurological manifestation can reverse central
      nervous system symptoms and improve long-term outcome.

PMID- 25110877
TI  - Cyclotrimerization of arylalkynes on Au(111).
AB  - Surface-assisted cyclotrimerization of arylalkynes was studied on Au(111) by
      means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) under ultra-high vacuum (UHV)
      conditions. Upon thermal activation, cyclotrimerization of 1,3,5-tris-(4
      ethynylphenyl)benzene proceeds readily and with high selectivity, and results in
      two-dimensional covalently bonded polyphenylene nanostructures exhibiting a
      honeycomb topology. 

PMID- 25110878
TI  - Hospital relationships with direct-to-consumer screening companies.

PMID- 25110879
TI  - Cancer family caregiver depression: are religion-related variables important?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prevalence estimates for clinical depression among cancer family
      caregivers (CFC) range upwards to 39%. Research inconsistently reports risk for
      CFC depressive symptoms when evaluating age, gender, ethnicity, or length of time
      as caregiver. The discrepant findings, coupled with emerging literature
      indicating religiosity may mitigate depression in some populations, led us to
      investigate religion-related variables to help predict CFC depressive symptoms.
      METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 150 CFC. Explanatory variables
      included age, gender, spousal status, length of time as caregiver, attendance at
      religious services, and prayer. The outcome variable was the Center for
      Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale score. RESULTS: Compared with large
      national and state datasets, our sample has lower representation of individuals
      with no religious affiliation (10.7% vs. 16.1% national, p = 0.07 and 23.0%
      state, p = 0.001), higher rate of attendance at religious services (81.3% vs.
      67.2% national, p < 0.001 and 30.0% state, p < 0.001), and higher rate of prayer
      (65.3% vs. 42.9% national, p < 0.001; no state data available). In unadjusted and
      adjusted models, prayer is not significantly associated with caregiver depressive
      symptoms or clinically significant depressive symptomology. Attendance at
      religious services is associated with depressive symptoms (p = 0.004) with an
      inversely linear trend (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The significant inverse
      association between attendance at religious services and depressive symptoms,
      despite no association between prayer and depressive symptoms, indicates that
      social or other factors may accompany attendance at religious services and
      contribute to the association. Clinicians can consider supporting a CFC's
      attendance at religious services as a potential preventive measure for depressive
      symptoms.

PMID- 25110880
TI  - Contribution of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 minority variants to reduced
      drug susceptibility in patients on an integrase strand transfer inhibitor-based
      therapy.
AB  - The role of HIV-1 minority variants on transmission, pathogenesis, and virologic
      failure to antiretroviral regimens has been explored; however, most studies of
      low-level HIV-1 drug-resistant variants have focused in single target regions.
      Here we used a novel HIV-1 genotypic assay based on deep sequencing, DEEPGEN
      (Gibson et al 2014 Antimicrob Agents Chemother 58?2167) to simultaneously analyze
      the presence of minority variants carrying mutations associated with reduced
      susceptibility to protease (PR), reverse transcriptase (RT), and integrase strand
      transfer integrase inhibitors (INSTIs), as well as HIV-1 coreceptor tropism. gag
      p2/NCp7/p1/p6/pol-PR/RT/INT and env/C2V3 PCR products were obtained from twelve
      heavily treatment-experienced patients experiencing virologic failure while
      participating in a 48-week dose-ranging study of elvitegravir (GS-US-183-0105).
      Deep sequencing results were compared with (i) virological response to treatment,
      (ii) genotyping based on population sequencing, (iii) phenotyping data using
      PhenoSense and VIRALARTS, and (iv) HIV-1 coreceptor tropism based on the
      phenotypic test VERITROP. Most patients failed the antiretroviral regimen with
      numerous pre-existing mutations in the PR and RT, and additionally newly acquired
      INSTI-resistance mutations as determined by population sequencing (mean 9.4, 5.3,
      and 1.4 PI- RTI-, and INSTI-resistance mutations, respectively). Interestingly,
      since DEEPGEN allows the accurate detection of amino acid substitutions at
      frequencies as low as 1% of the population, a series of additional drug
      resistance mutations were detected by deep sequencing (mean 2.5, 1.5, and 0.9,
      respectively). The presence of these low-abundance HIV-1 variants was associated
      with drug susceptibility, replicative fitness, and coreceptor tropism determined
      using sensitive phenotypic assays, enhancing the overall burden of resistance to
      all four antiretroviral drug classes. Further longitudinal studies based on deep
      sequencing tests will help to clarify (i) the potential impact of minority HIV-1
      drug resistant variants in response to antiretroviral therapy and (ii) the
      importance of the detection of HIV minority variants in the clinical practice. 

PMID- 25110881
TI  - Acquisition of Cry1Ac protein by non-target arthropods in Bt soybean fields.
AB  - Soybean tissue and arthropods were collected in Bt soybean fields in China at
      different times during the growing season to investigate the exposure of
      arthropods to the plant-produced Cry1Ac toxin and the transmission of the toxin
      within the food web. Samples from 52 arthropod species/taxa belonging to 42
      families in 10 orders were analysed for their Cry1Ac content using enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among the 22 species/taxa for which three samples
      were analysed, toxin concentration was highest in the grasshopper Atractomorpha
      sinensis and represented about 50% of the concentration in soybean leaves. Other
      species/taxa did not contain detectable toxin or contained a concentration that
      was between 1 and 10% of that detected in leaves. These Cry1Ac-positive
      arthropods included a number of mesophyll-feeding Hemiptera, a cicadellid, a
      curculionid beetle and, among the predators, a thomisid spider and an
      unidentified predatory bug belonging to the Anthocoridae. Within an arthropod
      species/taxon, the Cry1Ac content sometimes varied between life stages
      (nymphs/larvae vs. adults) and sampling dates (before, during, and after
      flowering). Our study is the first to provide information on Cry1Ac-expression
      levels in soybean plants and Cry1Ac concentrations in non-target arthropods in
      Chinese soybean fields. The data will be useful for assessing the risk of non
      target arthropod exposure to Cry1Ac in soybean. 

PMID- 25110882
TI  - Identification of candidate genes associated with leaf senescence in cultivated
      sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).
AB  - Cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), an important source of edible
      vegetable oil, shows rapid onset of senescence, which limits production by
      reducing photosynthetic capacity under specific growing conditions. Carbon for
      grain filling depends strongly on light interception by green leaf area, which
      diminishes during grain filling due to leaf senescence. Transcription factors
      (TFs) regulate the progression of leaf senescence in plants and have been well
      explored in model systems, but information for many agronomic crops remains
      limited. Here, we characterize the expression profiles of a set of putative
      senescence associated genes (SAGs) identified by a candidate gene approach and
      sunflower microarray expression studies. We examined a time course of sunflower
      leaves undergoing natural senescence and used quantitative PCR (qPCR) to measure
      the expression of 11 candidate genes representing the NAC, WRKY, MYB and NF-Y TF
      families. In addition, we measured physiological parameters such as chlorophyll,
      total soluble sugars and nitrogen content. The expression of Ha-NAC01, Ha-NAC03,
      Ha-NAC04, Ha-NAC05 and Ha-MYB01 TFs increased before the remobilization rate
      increased and therefore, before the appearance of the first physiological
      symptoms of senescence, whereas Ha-NAC02 expression decreased. In addition, we
      also examined the trifurcate feed-forward pathway (involving ORE1, miR164, and
      ethylene insensitive 2) previously reported for Arabidopsis. We measured
      transcription of Ha-NAC01 (the sunflower homolog of ORE1) and Ha-EIN2, along with
      the levels of miR164, in two leaves from different stem positions, and identified
      differences in transcription between basal and upper leaves. Interestingly, Ha
      NAC01 and Ha-EIN2 transcription profiles showed an earlier up-regulation in upper
      leaves of plants close to maturity, compared with basal leaves of plants at pre
      anthesis stages. These results suggest that the H. annuus TFs characterized in
      this work could play important roles as potential triggers of leaf senescence and
      thus can be considered putative candidate genes for senescence in sunflower.

PMID- 25110884
TI  - Increased secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) production by highly
      metastatic mouse breast cancer cells.
AB  - The precise molecular mechanisms enabling cancer cells to metastasize from the
      primary tumor to different tissue locations are still largely unknown. Secretion
      of some proteins by metastatic cells could facilitate metastasis formation. The
      comparison of secreted proteins from cancer cells with different metastatic
      capabilities in vivo might provide insight into proteins involved in the
      metastatic process. Comparison of the secreted proteins from the mouse breast
      cancer cell line 4T1 and its highly metastatic 4T1.2 clone revealed a prominent
      differentially secreted protein which was identified as SLPI (secretory leukocyte
      protease inhibitor). Western blotting indicated higher levels of the protein in
      both conditioned media and whole cell lysates of 4T1.2 cells. Additionally higher
      levels of SLPI were also observed in 4T1.2 breast tumors in vivo following
      immunohistochemical staining. A comparison of SLPI mRNA levels by gene profiling
      using microarrays and RT-PCR did not detect major differences in SLPI gene
      expression between the 4T1 and 4T1.2 cells indicating that SLPI secretion is
      regulated at the protein level. Our results demonstrate that secretion of SLPI is
      drastically increased in highly metastatic cells, suggesting a possible role for
      SLPI in enhancing the metastatic behavior of breast cancer cell line 4T1. 

PMID- 25110883
TI  - Genome-wide modulation of gene transcription in ovarian carcinoma cells by a new
      mithramycin analogue.
AB  - Ovarian cancer has a poor prognosis due to intrinsic or acquired resistance to
      some cytotoxic drugs, raising the interest in new DNA-binding agents such as
      mithramycin analogues as potential chemotherapeutic agents in gynecological
      cancer. Using a genome-wide approach, we have analyzed gene expression in A2780
      human ovarian carcinoma cells treated with the novel mithramycin analogue DIG-MSK
      (demycarosyl-3D-beta-D-digitoxosyl-mithramycin SK) that binds to C+G-rich DNA
      sequences. Nanomolar concentrations of DIG-MSK abrogated the expression of genes
      involved in a variety of cell processes including transcription regulation and
      tumor development, which resulted in cell death. Some of those genes have been
      associated with cell proliferation and poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. Sp1
      transcription factor regulated most of the genes that were down-regulated by the
      drug, as well as the up-regulation of other genes mainly involved in response to
      cell stress. The effect of DIG-MSK in the control of gene expression by other
      transcription factors was also explored. Some of them, such as CREB, E2F and
      EGR1, also recognize C/G-rich regions in gene promoters, which encompass
      potential DIG-MSK binding sites. DIG-MSK affected several biological processes
      and molecular functions related to transcription and its cellular regulation in
      A2780 cells, including transcription factor activity. This new compound might be
      a promising drug for the treatment of ovarian cancer. 

PMID- 25110885
TI  - Quantum-classical calculation of the absorption and emission spectral shapes of
      oligothiophenes at low and room temperature by first-principle calculations.
AB  - We report a thorough computational characterization of the low- and room
      temperature absorption and emission spectra of a series of oligothiophenes that
      contain between three and seven thiophene units. Our computational approach is
      based on time-dependent (TD) density functional calculations with the CAM-B3LYP
      functional. The effect of vibrations is included without resorting to any
      empirical parameters either at a fully quantum level or with a hybrid quantum
      classical protocol. This latter approach is introduced to describe the relevant
      broadening effects in absorption at room temperature and is based on the
      partition of the vibrational modes into two sets: the inter-ring torsions treated
      at the anharmonic level in a classical way and the remaining modes described at
      the quantum level. The contribution of the quantum modes to the spectrum is
      computed by using a harmonic approximation, which accounts for Duschinsky mixing
      and changes in the vibrational frequencies associated with the electronic
      transition; a path-integral TD approach is adopted to account for the effect of
      temperature. The spectra simulated at low temperatures are in very good agreement
      with their experimental counterparts, which indicates that our calculations can
      quantitatively reproduce the effect of chain lengthening on the position and the
      shape of the spectra. Good agreement is also obtained at room temperature, for
      which we show that the classical description of the broadening, owing to the
      inter-ring torsions, reproduces the loss of the vibronic structure observed in
      the experiment and introduces only a slight overestimation of the spectral width.

PMID- 25110886
TI  - The effects of genetic variation in FTO rs9939609 on obesity and dietary
      preferences in Chinese Han children and adolescents.
AB  - The association of the rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism in FTO gene with
      obesity has been extensively investigated in studies of populations of European,
      African, and Asian ancestry. However, inconsistent results have been reported in
      Asian populations, and the relationship of FTO variation and dietary behaviors
      has only rarely been examined in Chinese children and adolescents. The aim of
      this study was to assess the association of rs9939609 with obesity and dietary
      preferences in childhood in a Chinese population. Epidemiological data including
      dietary preferences were collected in interviews using survey questionnaires, and
      rs9939609 genotype was determined by real-time PCR. The associations of rs9939609
      genotypes with obesity and dietary preferences were analyzed by multivariate
      logistic regression using both additive and dominant models. The results showed
      that subjects with a TA or AA genotype had an increased risk of obesity compared
      with the TT participants; the odds ratios (ORs) were 1.47 (95% CI: 1.25-1.71, P =
      1.73*10-6), and 3.32 (95% CI: 2.01-5.47, P = 2.68*10-6), respectively. After
      adjusting for age and gender, body mass index, waist circumference, hip
      circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood
      glucose, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were higher, and
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower in TA and AA participants than in
      those with the TT genotype. After additionally controlling for body mass index,
      the association remained significant only for systolic blood pressure (P =
      0.005). Compared with TT participants, those with the AA genotype were more
      likely to prefer a meat-based diet (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.52-5.21). The combined
      OR for obesity in participants with TA/AA genotypes and preference for a meat
      based diet was 4.04 (95% CI: 2.8-5.81) compared with the TT participants who
      preferred a plant-based diet. These findings indicate the genetic variation of
      rs9939609 is associated with obesity and dietary preferences in Chinese children
      and adolescents. 

PMID- 25110887
TI  - Functional validation and comparison framework for EIT lung imaging.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an emerging clinical tool
      for monitoring ventilation distribution in mechanically ventilated patients, for
      which many image reconstruction algorithms have been suggested. We propose an
      experimental framework to assess such algorithms with respect to their ability to
      correctly represent well-defined physiological changes. We defined a set of
      clinically relevant ventilation conditions and induced them experimentally in 8
      pigs by controlling three ventilator settings (tidal volume, positive end
      expiratory pressure and the fraction of inspired oxygen). In this way, large and
      discrete shifts in global and regional lung air content were elicited. METHODS:
      We use the framework to compare twelve 2D EIT reconstruction algorithms,
      including backprojection (the original and still most frequently used algorithm),
      GREIT (a more recent consensus algorithm for lung imaging), truncated singular
      value decomposition (TSVD), several variants of the one-step Gauss-Newton
      approach and two iterative algorithms. We consider the effects of using a 3D
      finite element model, assuming non-uniform background conductivity, noise
      modeling, reconstructing for electrode movement, total variation (TV)
      reconstruction, robust error norms, smoothing priors, and using difference vs.
      normalized difference data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that,
      while variation in appearance of images reconstructed from the same data is not
      negligible, clinically relevant parameters do not vary considerably among the
      advanced algorithms. Among the analysed algorithms, several advanced algorithms
      perform well, while some others are significantly worse. Given its vintage and ad
      hoc formulation backprojection works surprisingly well, supporting the validity
      of previous studies in lung EIT.

PMID- 25110888
TI  - Human-induced changes in landscape configuration influence individual movement
      routines: lessons from a versatile, highly mobile species.
AB  - Landscape conversion by humans may have detrimental effects on animal populations
      inhabiting managed ecosystems, but human-altered areas may also provide suitable
      environments for tolerant species. We investigated the spatial ecology of a
      highly mobile nocturnal avian species-the red-necked nightjar (Caprimulgus
      ruficollis)-in two contrastingly managed areas in Southwestern Spain to provide
      management recommendations for species having multiple habitat requirements.
      Based on habitat use by radiotagged nightjars, we created maps of functional
      heterogeneity in both areas so that the movements of breeding individuals could
      be modeled using least-cost path analyses. In both the natural and the managed
      area, nightjars used remnants of native shrublands as nesting sites, while
      pinewood patches (either newly planted or natural mature) and roads were selected
      as roosting and foraging habitats, respectively. Although the fraction of
      functional habitat was held relatively constant (60.9% vs. 74.1% in the natural
      and the managed area, respectively), landscape configuration changed noticeably.
      As a result, least-cost routes (summed linear distances) from nest locations to
      the nearest roost and foraging sites were three times larger in the natural than
      in the managed area (mean +/- SE: 1356+/-76 m vs. 439+/-32 m). It seems likely
      that the increased proximity of functional habitats in the managed area relative
      to the natural one is underlying the significantly higher abundances of nightjars
      observed therein, where breeders should travel shorter distances to link together
      essential resources, thus likely reducing their energy expenditure and mortality
      risks. Our results suggest that landscape configuration, but not habitat
      availability, is responsible for the observed differences between the natural and
      the managed area in the abundance and movements of breeding nightjars, although
      no effect on body condition was detected. Agricultural landscapes could be
      moderately managed to preserve small native remnants and to favor the
      juxtaposition of functional habitats to benefit those farm species relying on
      patchy resources. 

PMID- 25110891
TI  - Gene knockout and overexpression analysis revealed the role of N-acetylmuramidase
      in autolysis of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus ljj-6.
AB  - Autolysis of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) plays a vital role in dairy processing.
      During cheese making, autolysis of LAB affects cheese flavor development through
      release of intracellular enzymes and restricts the proliferation of cells in
      yogurt fermentation and probiotics production. In order to explore the mechanism
      of autolysis, the gene for the autolytic enzymes of L. bulgaricus, N
      acetylmuramidase (mur), was cloned and sequenced (GenBank accession number:
      KF157911). Mur gene overexpression and gene knockout vectors were constructed
      based on pMG76e and pUC19 vectors. Recombinant plasmids were transformed into L.
      bulgaricus ljj-6 by electroporation, then three engineered strains with pMG76e
      mur vector and fifteen engineered strains with pUC19-mur::EryBII were screened.
      The autolysis of the mur knockout strain was significantly lower and autolysis of
      the mur overexpressed strain was significantly higher compared with that of the
      wild type strain ljj-6. This result suggested that the mur gene played an
      important role in autolysis of L. bulgaricus. On the other hand, autolytic
      activity in a low degree was still observed in the mur knockout strain, which
      implied that other enzymes but autolysin encoded by mur were also involved in
      autolysis of L. bulgaricus. 

PMID- 25110892
TI  - Societal cost of skin cancer in Sweden in 2011.

PMID- 25110893
TI  - Curcumin improves hypoxia induced dysfunctions in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by protecting
      mitochondria and down regulating inflammation.
AB  - Obesity induced metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate.
      It is characterized by excessive expansion of white adipose tissue which leads to
      hypoxia and impairs normal metabolism. Recent studies reveal that hypoxia could
      be one of the factors for inflammation, insulin resistance and other obesity
      related complications. There is a high demand for anti-obese phytoceuticals to
      control and manage the complications resulting from obesity. In this study, we
      investigated how hypoxia affect the physiological functions of 3T3-L1 adipocytes
      emphasizing on oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial functions. We
      also evaluated the protective role of various doses of curcumin, a well-known
      dietary antioxidant, on hypoxia induced alterations. The results revealed that
      hypoxia significantly altered the vital parameters of adipocyte biology like HIF
      1alpha expression (103.47% ?), lactate, and glycerol release (184.34% and 69.1%
      ?, respectively), reactive oxygen species production (432.53% ?), lipid and
      protein oxidation (376.6% and 566.6% ?, respectively), reduction in antioxidant
      enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) status, secretion of inflammatory
      markers (TNF alpha, IL 6, IL 1beta, and IFN gamma), and mitochondrial functions
      (mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, permeability transition pore integrity,
      and superoxide generation). Curcumin substantially protected adipocytes from
      toxic effects of hypoxia in a dose dependent manner by protecting mitochondria
      and down regulating inflammation. Acriflavine is used as a positive control. A
      detailed investigation is required for the development of curcumin as an
      effective nutraceutical against obesity.

PMID- 25110896
TI  - Fabrication of nickel-foam-supported layered zinc-cobalt hydroxide nanoflakes for
      high electrochemical performance in supercapacitors.
AB  - Nickel foam supported Zn-Co hydroxide nanoflakes were fabricated by a facile
      solvothermal method. Benefited from the unique structure of Zn-Co hydroxide
      nanoflakes on a nickel foam substrate, the as prepared materials exhibited an
      excellent specific capacitance of 901 F g(-1) at 5 A g(-1) and remarkable cycling
      stability as electrode materials in supercapacitors. 

PMID- 25110897
TI  - Host-guest chemistry of a water-soluble pillar[5]arene: evidence for an ionic
      exchange recognition process and different complexation modes.
AB  - The complexation of an anionic guest by a cationic water-soluble pillararene is
      reported. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), (1)H NMR, (1)H and (19)F DOSY,
      and STD NMR experiments were performed to characterize the complex formed under
      aqueous neutral conditions. The results of ITC and (1)H NMR analyses showed the
      inclusion of the guest inside the cavity of the pillar[5]arene, with the binding
      constant and thermodynamic parameters influenced by the counter ion of the
      macrocycle. NMR diffusion experiments showed that although a fraction of the
      counter ions are expelled from the host cavity by exchange with the guest, a
      complex with both counter ions and the guest inside the pillararene is formed.
      The results also showed that at higher concentrations of guest in solution, in
      addition to the inclusion of one guest molecule in the cavity, the pillararene
      can also form an external complex with a second guest molecule.

PMID- 25110898
TI  - Effects of the relative values of alternatives on preference for free-choice in
      humans.
AB  - Organisms often prefer conditions that allow selection among alternatives (free
      choice) to conditions that do not (forced-choice), particularly when response
      alternatives in free-choice produce equal or greater reinforcer magnitudes than
      those available under forced-choice. We present data on free-choice preference
      for human participants who gained or lost points by selecting images of cards on
      a computer screen under a concurrent-chains schedule. Responding during the
      initial link gained access to a terminal link offering a single-card set (forced
      choice) or a three-card set (free-choice). The alternatives in free-choice
      produced reinforcer magnitudes (points) that were: (a) equal to forced-choice;
      (b) equal to and greater than forced-choice; and (c) equal to and less than
      forced-choice. Participants showed reliable preference for free-choice under some
      conditions; however, preference decreased as reinforcer magnitude for some
      alternatives in free-choice was reduced. This occurred even though it was
      possible to obtain the same number of points across free- and forced-choice.
      Although preference for free-choice was clearly demonstrated, the effect of
      points available in the terminal link suggests that this phenomenon is subject to
      modulation by other processes, such as reinforcement or punishment by obtained
      outcomes in the terminal link. Context (reinforcer-gain or -loss) was not a
      reliable predictor of preference. 

PMID- 25110899
TI  - Prevalence of anginal symptoms and myocardial ischemia and their effect on
      clinical outcomes in outpatients with stable coronary artery disease: data from
      the International Observational CLARIFY Registry.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: In the era of widespread revascularization and effective
      antianginals, the prevalence and prognostic effect of anginal symptoms and
      myocardial ischemia among patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) are
      unknown. OBJECTIVE: To describe the current clinical patterns among patients with
      stable CAD and the association of anginal symptoms or myocardial ischemia with
      clinical outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Prospective
      Observational Longitudinal Registry of Patients With Stable Coronary Artery
      Disease (CLARIFY) registry enrolled outpatients in 45 countries with stable CAD
      in 2009 to 2010 with 2-year follow-up (median, 24.1 months; range, 1 day to 3
      years). Enrollees included 32 105 outpatients with prior myocardial infarction,
      chest pain, and evidence of myocardial ischemia, evidence of CAD on angiography,
      or prior revascularization. Of these, 20 291 (63.2%) had undergone a noninvasive
      test for myocardial ischemia within 12 months of enrollment and were categorized
      into one of the following 4 groups: no angina or ischemia (n = 13 207 [65.1%]);
      evidence of myocardial ischemia without angina (silent ischemia) (n = 3028
      [14.9%]); anginal symptoms alone (n = 1842 [9.1%]); and angina and ischemia (n =
      2214 [10.9%]). EXPOSURES: Stable CAD. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE: The composite of
      cardiovascular (CV)-related death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. RESULTS:
      Overall, 4056 patients (20.0%) had anginal symptoms and 5242 (25.8%) had evidence
      of myocardial ischemia on results of noninvasive testing. Of 469 CV-related
      deaths or myocardial infarctions, 58.2% occurred in patients without angina or
      ischemia, 12.4% in patients with ischemia alone, 12.2% in patients with angina
      alone, and 17.3% in patients with both. The hazard ratios for the primary outcome
      relative to patients without angina or ischemia and adjusted for age, sex,
      geographic region, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and
      dyslipidemia were 0.90 (95% CI, 0.68-1.20; P = .47) for ischemia alone, 1.45 (95%
      CI, 1.08-1.95; P = .01) for angina alone, and 1.75 (95% CI, 1.34-2.29; P < .001)
      for both. Similar findings were observed for CV-related death and for fatal or
      nonfatal myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In outpatients with
      stable CAD, anginal symptoms (with or without ischemia on noninvasive testing)
      but not silent ischemia appear to be associated with an increased risk for
      adverse CV outcomes. Most CV events occurred in patients without angina or
      ischemia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN43070564.

PMID- 25110900
TI  - Smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch: implications for foam cell formation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: It is well accepted that LDLs and its modified form oxidized
      LDL (ox-LDL) play a major role in the development of atherosclerosis and foam
      cell formation. Whereas the majority of these cells have been demonstrated to be
      derived from macrophages, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) give rise to a significant
      number of foam cells as well. During atherosclerotic plaque formation, SMCs
      switch from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. The contribution of this
      process to foam cell formation is still not well understood. RECENT FINDINGS: It
      has been confirmed that a large proportion of foam cells in human atherosclerotic
      plaques and in experimental intimal thickening arise from SMCs. SMC-derived foam
      cells express receptors involved in ox-LDL uptake and HDL reverse transport. In
      vitro studies show that treatment of SMCs with ox-LDL induces typical foam-cell
      formation; this process is associated with a transition of SMCs toward a
      synthetic phenotype. SUMMARY: This review summarizes data regarding the
      phenotypic switch of arterial SMCs within atherosclerotic lesion and their
      contribution to intimal foam cell formation.

PMID- 25110902
TI  - Characterizing Social and Recreational Programming in Assisted Living.
AB  - The objectives of this three-phased investigation were to (1) characterize
      existing recreational programming opportunities for tenants residing in assisted
      living (AL) and (2) gather perceptions on factors influencing activity program
      planning and delivery. Using an integrated knowledge translation framework during
      a one-year collaboration, we targeted 51 publicly funded AL sites from two health
      authorities in British Columbia. We conducted an activity calendar review, staff
      survey, and interactive symposia to identify factors that enabled or restricted
      recreational programming. From the information obtained, we determined that all
      AL sites delivered recreational programming. Although exercise and physical
      activity opportunities were perceived as having high importance, most activities
      were social. Staff reported confidence in delivering this type of programming and
      believed it met the holistic needs of tenants, including their mental well-being,
      and fostered a sense of community. Future avenues for increasing physical
      activity of AL tenants should address individual, site, and organizational
      characteristics.

PMID- 25110901
TI  - PCSK9 and LDLR degradation: regulatory mechanisms in circulation and in cells.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) binds to
      LDL receptor (LDLR) and targets it for lysosomal degradation in cells. Decreased
      hepatic clearance of plasma LDL-cholesterol is the primary gauge of PCSK9
      activity in humans; however, PCSK9's evolutionary role may extend to other
      lipoprotein classes and processes. This review highlights studies that are
      providing novel insights into physiological regulation of PCSK9 transcription and
      plasma PCSK9 activity. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies indicate that circulating
      PCSK9 binds to apolipoprotein B100 on LDL particles, which in turn inhibits
      PCSK9's ability to bind to cell surface LDLRs. Negative feedback of secreted
      PCSK9 activity by LDL could serve to increase plasma excursion of triglyceride
      rich lipoproteins and monitor lipoprotein remodeling. Recent findings have
      identified hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha as a key transcriptional regulator
      that cooperates with sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 to control PCSK9
      expression in hepatocytes in response to nutritional and hormonal inputs, as well
      as acute inflammation. SUMMARY: PCSK9 is an established target for cholesterol
      lowering therapies. Further study of PCSK9 regulatory mechanisms may identify
      additional control points for pharmacological inhibition of PCSK9-mediated LDLR
      degradation. PCSK9 function could reflect ancient roles in the fasting-feeding
      cycle and in linking lipoprotein metabolism with innate immunity.

PMID- 25110903
TI  - Modeling sparsely clustered data: design-based, model-based, and single-level
      methods.
AB  - Recent studies have investigated the small sample properties of models for
      clustered data, such as multilevel models and generalized estimating equations.
      These studies have focused on parameter bias when the number of clusters is
      small, but very few studies have addressed the methods' properties with sparse
      data: a small number of observations within each cluster. In particular, studies
      have yet to address the properties of generalized estimating equations, a
      possible alternative to multilevel models often overlooked in behavioral
      sciences, with sparse data. This article begins with a discussion of population
      averaged and cluster-specific models, provides a brief overview of both
      multilevel models and generalized estimating equations, and then conducts a
      simulation study on the sparse data properties of generalized estimating
      equations, multilevel models, and single-level regression models for both normal
      and binary outcomes. The simulation found generalized estimating equations
      estimate regression coefficients and their standard errors without bias with as
      few as 2 observations per cluster, provided that the number of clusters was
      reasonably large. Similar to the previous studies, multilevel models tended to
      overestimate the between-cluster variance components when the cluster size was
      below about 5.

PMID- 25110904
TI  - Combating unmeasured confounding in cross-sectional studies: evaluating
      instrumental-variable and Heckman selection models.
AB  - Unmeasured confounding is the principal threat to unbiased estimation of
      treatment "effects" (i.e., regression parameters for binary regressors) in
      nonexperimental research. It refers to unmeasured characteristics of individuals
      that lead them both to be in a particular "treatment" category and to register
      higher or lower values than others on a response variable. In this article, I
      introduce readers to 2 econometric techniques designed to control the problem,
      with a particular emphasis on the Heckman selection model (HSM). Both techniques
      can be used with only cross-sectional data. Using a Monte Carlo experiment, I
      compare the performance of instrumental-variable regression (IVR) and HSM to that
      of ordinary least squares (OLS) under conditions with treatment and unmeasured
      confounding both present and absent. I find HSM generally to outperform IVR with
      respect to mean-square-error of treatment estimates, as well as power for
      detecting either a treatment effect or unobserved confounding. However, both HSM
      and IVR require a large sample to be fully effective. The use of HSM and IVR in
      tandem with OLS to untangle unobserved confounding bias in cross-sectional data
      is further demonstrated with an empirical application. Using data from the 2006
      2010 General Social Survey (National Opinion Research Center, 2014), I examine
      the association between being married and subjective well-being.

PMID- 25110905
TI  - A comparison of procedures to test for moderators in mixed-effects meta
      regression models.
AB  - Several alternative methods are available when testing for moderators in mixed
      effects meta-regression models. A simulation study was carried out to compare
      different methods in terms of their Type I error and statistical power rates. We
      included the standard (Wald-type) test, the method proposed by Knapp and Hartung
      (2003) in 2 different versions, the Huber-White method, the likelihood ratio
      test, and the permutation test in the simulation study. These methods were
      combined with 7 estimators for the amount of residual heterogeneity in the effect
      sizes. Our results show that the standard method, applied in most meta-analyses
      up to date, does not control the Type I error rate adequately, sometimes leading
      to overly conservative, but usually to inflated, Type I error rates. Of the
      different methods evaluated, only the Knapp and Hartung method and the
      permutation test provide adequate control of the Type I error rate across all
      conditions. Due to its computational simplicity, the Knapp and Hartung method is
      recommended as a suitable option for most meta-analyses.

PMID- 25110906
TI  - Uromodulin, an emerging novel pathway for blood pressure regulation and
      hypertension.

PMID- 25110907
TI  - Construction of carbon nanotube based nanoarchitectures for selective
      impedimetric detection of cancer cells in whole blood.
AB  - A carbon nanotube (CNT) based nanoarchitecture is developed for rapid, sensitive
      and specific detection of cancer cells by using real time electrical impedance
      sensing. The sensor is constructed with carbon nanotube (CNT) multilayers and
      EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) antibodies, which are assembled on an
      indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode surface. The binding of tumor cells to EpCAM
      antibodies causes increase of the electron-transfer resistance. The
      electrochemical impedance of the prepared biosensors is linear with the logarithm
      of concentration of the liver cancer cell line (HepG2) within the concentration
      range of 10 to 10(5) cells per mL. The detection limit for HepG2 cells is 5 cells
      per mL. The proposed impedimetric sensing devices allow for sensitive and
      specific detection of cancer cells in whole-blood samples without any sample
      pretreatment steps. 

PMID- 25110908
TI  - Influence of pseudophakic lens capsule opacification on spectral domain and time
      domain optical coherence tomography image quality.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) on
      optical coherence tomography (OCT) acquisition of macular retinal thickness (RT)
      and volume using time domain OCT (TD-OCT) and spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 37 eyes of 31 patients with PCO. Each patient
      underwent an evaluation with TD-OCT and with SD-OCT before and after Nd:YAG
      capsulotomy. We recorded RT and retinal volume in the macular area using only
      good quality images. RESULTS: Best corrected visual acuity improved in all eyes
      after Nd:YAG capsulotomy, with the degree of improvement ranging from 0.3 +/- 0.7
      to 0.1 +/-0.7 (p = 0.01). Before the treatment, only 27% of the examinations were
      valuable with TD-OCT, while using SD-OCT, it was possible to obtain an
      examination of suitable quality both before and after the Yag laser capsulotomy
      in 100% of the eyes. We did not observe significant differences between mean
      preoperative and postoperative RT and total macular volume measurements, neither
      with TD-OCT nor with SD-OCT. RT and total macular volume values obtained using TD
      OCT were always lower than those obtained from the SD-OCT, both before and after
      capsulotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed that with old generation TD-OCT,
      PCO has a strong negative influence on the quality of OCT acquisition, and
      examination is reliable only when it is possible to acquire good quality images.
      With new generation SD-OCT, tomographic acquisitions are always reliable and are
      not influenced by the presence of PCO.

PMID- 25110909
TI  - Sleep-related eating disorder associated with quetiapine.

PMID- 25110911
TI  - Research networks in primary care: an answer to the call for better clinical
      research.

PMID- 25110912
TI  - Adaptive Parent Population Sizing in Evolution Strategies.
AB  - Adaptive population sizing aims at improving the overall progress of an evolution
      strategy. At each generation, it determines the parental population size that
      promises the largest fitness gain, based on the information collected during the
      evolutionary process. In this paper, we develop an adaptive variant of a (MU/MU,
      lambda) evolution strategy. Based on considerations on the sphere, we derive two
      approaches for adaptive population sizing. We then test these approaches
      empirically on the sphere model using a normalized mutation strength and
      cumulative mutation strength adaption. Finally, we compare the methodology on
      more general functions with a fixed population, covariance matrix adaption
      evolution strategy (CMA-ES). The results confirm that our adaptive population
      sizing methods yield better results than even the best fixed population size.

PMID- 25110913
TI  - Vaginal Dryness and Beyond: The Sexual Health Needs of Women Diagnosed With
      Metastatic Breast Cancer.
AB  - While research on the sexual health of women with early stage cancer has grown
      extensively over the past decade, markedly less information is available to
      support the sexual health needs of women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.
      Semistructured interviews were conducted with 32 women diagnosed with metastatic
      breast cancer (ages 35 to 77) about questions they had concerning their sexual
      health and intimate relationships. All participants were recruited from a
      comprehensive cancer center at a large Midwestern university. Three themes were
      examined: the role of sexual activity and intimate touch in participants' lives,
      unmet information needs about sexual health, and communication with medical
      providers about sexual concerns. Findings indicated that sexual activities with
      partners were important; however, participants worried about their own physical
      limitations and reported frequent physical (e.g., bone pains) and vaginal pain
      associated with intercourse. When women raised concerns about these issues in
      clinical settings, medical providers often focused exclusively on vaginal
      lubricants, which did not address the entirety of women's problems or concerns.
      In addition, women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer reported needing
      additional resources about specialized vaginal lubricants, nonpenetrative and
      nongenitally focused sex, and sexual positions that did not compromise their
      physical health yet still provided pleasure. 

PMID- 25110914
TI  - trans-Platinum(II) complex of 3-aminoflavone - synthesis, X-ray crystal structure
      and biological activities in vitro.
AB  - This paper describes the synthesis of trans-bis-(3
      aminoflavone)dichloridoplatinum(ii) (trans-Pt(3-af)2Cl2; TCAP) for use as a
      potential anticancer compound, and the evaluation of its structure by elemental
      and spectral analyses, and X-ray crystallography. The complex demonstrated a
      significant cytotoxic effect against human and murine cancer cell lines, as well
      as weaker toxicity towards healthy cells (human peripheral blood lymphocytes) in
      comparison with cisplatin. Various biochemical and morphological methods confirm
      that the proapoptotic activity of trans-Pt(3-af)2Cl2 is markedly higher than the
      reference cisplatin. Our results suggest that trans-Pt(3-af)2Cl2 may have a
      different antitumour specificity from that of cisplatin. 

PMID- 25110915
TI  - Altered innervation of the fallopian tube in adenomyosis.

PMID- 25110916
TI  - MIDA as a simple and highly efficient ligand for palladium-catalyzed Hiyama cross
      coupling of aryl halides.
AB  - N-Methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA) as a simple, air stable and water-soluble
      ligand has been used in the palladium-catalyzed Hiyama cross-coupling reaction of
      trimethoxyphenylsilane with aryl halides. The yield of the corresponding Hiyama
      coupling products is high up to around 90% in water and isopropanol under an
      ambient atmosphere in the presence of KOH and NaF. 

PMID- 25110917
TI  - Relative and absolute stereochemistry of diacarperoxides: antimalarial
      norditerpene endoperoxides from marine sponge Diacarnus megaspinorhabdosa.
AB  - Five new norditerpene endoperoxides, named diacarperoxides H-L (1-5), and a new
      norditerpene diol, called diacardiol B (6), were isolated from the South China
      Sea sponge, Diacarnus megaspinorhabdosa. Their structures, including
      conformations and absolute configurations, were determined by using spectroscopic
      analyses, computational approaches and chemical degradation. Diacarperoxides H-J
      (1-3) showed some interesting stereochemical issues, as well as antimalarial
      activity. 

PMID- 25110918
TI  - The skeletal amino acid composition of the marine demosponge Aplysina
      cavernicola.
AB  - It has been discovered during the past few years that demosponges of the order
      Verongida such as Aplysina cavernicola exhibit chitin-based skeletons. Verongida
      sponges are well known to produce bioactive brominated tyrosine derivatives. We
      could recently demonstrate that brominated compounds do not exclusively occur in
      the cellular matrix but also in the skeletons of the marine sponges Aplysina
      cavernicola and Ianthella basta. Our measurements imply that these yet unknown
      compounds are strongly, possibly covalently bound to the sponge skeletons. In the
      present work, we determined the skeletal amino acid composition of the demosponge
      A. cavernicola especially with respect to the presence of halogenated amino
      acids. The investigations of the skeletons before and after MeOH extraction
      confirmed that only a small amount of the brominated skeleton-bound compounds
      dissolves in MeOH. The main part of the brominated compounds is strongly attached
      to the skeletons but can be extracted for example by using Ba(OH)2. Various
      halogenated tyrosine derivatives were identified by GC-MS and LC-MS in these
      Ba(OH)2 extracts of the skeletons. 

PMID- 25110919
TI  - Structure elucidation of five novel isomeric saponins from the viscera of the sea
      cucumber Holothuria lessoni.
AB  - Sea cucumbers are prolific producers of a wide range of bioactive compounds. This
      study aimed to purify and characterize one class of compound, the saponins, from
      the viscera of the Australian sea cucumber Holothuria lessoni. The saponins were
      obtained by ethanolic extraction of the viscera and enriched by a liquid-liquid
      partition process and adsorption column chromatography. A high performance
      centrifugal partition chromatography (HPCPC) was applied to the saponin-enriched
      mixture to obtain saponins with high purity. The resultant purified saponins were
      profiled using MALDI-MS/MS and ESI-MS/MS which revealed the structure of isomeric
      saponins to contain multiple aglycones and/or sugar residues. We have elucidated
      the structure of five novel saponins, Holothurins D/E and Holothurinosides X/Y/Z,
      along with seven reported triterpene glycosides, including sulfated and non
      sulfated saponins containing a range of aglycones and sugar moieties, from the
      viscera of H. lessoni. The abundance of novel compounds from this species holds
      promise for biotechnological applications. 

PMID- 25110920
TI  - Is apolipoprotein e required for cognitive function in humans?: implications for
      Alzheimer drug development.

PMID- 25110921
TI  - Antibacterial polymeric nanostructures for biomedical applications.
AB  - The high incidence of bacterial infection and the growing resistance of bacteria
      to conventional antibiotics have resulted in the strong need for the development
      of new generation of antibiotics. Nano-sized particles have been considered as
      novel antibacterial agents with high surface area and high reactivity. The
      overall antibacterial properties of antimicrobial nanostructures can be
      significantly enhanced compared with conventional antibacterial agents not in a
      regular nanostructure, showing a better effect in inhibiting the growth and
      reproduction of microbials such as bacteria and fungi, etc. In this review,
      recent advances in the research and applications of antimicrobial polymeric
      nanostructures have been highlighted, including silver-decorated polymer micelles
      and vesicles, antimicrobial polymer micelles and vesicles, and antimicrobial
      peptide-based vesicles, etc. Furthermore, we proposed the current challenges and
      future research directions in the field of antibacterial polymeric nanostructures
      for the real-world biomedical applications. 

PMID- 25110922
TI  - Early surgery and survival of patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma:
      analysis of a case series referred to a single institution between 1999 and 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extensive resection of the tumor has been associated with better
      survival of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) patients. However, surgery is not
      the rule for ATC patients with distant metastases at the time of diagnosis (stage
      IV-C), regardless of tumor resectability. The aim of this work was to explore the
      potential role of surgery in ATC patients, including those in stage IV-C.
      METHODS: We considered all the consecutive ATC patients referred to our
      institution from June 1999 to July 2012. Patients with stage IV-A incidentally
      discovered ATC were excluded because of their better prognosis. All patients
      eligible for surgery at the time of diagnosis were first operated with the intent
      to obtain a macroscopically complete resection (R0, R1), or a R2 resection with
      minimal macroscopical residual tumor. These operations were defined as "maximal
      debulking," whereas operations that did not achieve this goal were defined as
      "partial debulking." After surgery, almost all patients received adjuvant
      chemotherapy, associated to radiotherapy in more than 50% of patients. RESULTS:
      There were 55 eligible patients (34 women; median age 73.15 years). Thirty-one
      patients had distant metastases (stage IV-C). The median overall survival was
      5.55 months [CI 4.94-6.60], with no difference according to stage. "Maximal
      debulking" was obtained in 70.73% of operated patients as a first modality and
      resulted associated with better survival than "partial debulking" (6.57 months
      [CI 5.52-12.09] vs. 3.25 months [CI 0.66-4.80]), without any difference between
      stage IV-B and IV-C patients. Furthermore, 21% of patients submitted to "maximal
      debulking" died secondary to local progression of the tumor, whereas this was the
      case for 69% of patients treated with "partial debulking" or not operated at all.
      CONCLUSIONS: Early "maximal debulking," followed by adjuvant therapy, can improve
      the survival and ameliorate the quality of residual life preventing the risk of
      suffocation. This effect is also observed in patients with distant metastasis at
      diagnosis and treated with this approach: they have an outcome similar to that
      observed in stage IV-B patients. We thus suggest that surgery may be considered
      in the management of all ATC patients, and should not be restricted a priori to
      stages IV-A and IV-B.

PMID- 25110923
TI  - Scope of physician procedures independently billed by mid-level providers in the
      office setting.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Mid-level providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants)
      were originally envisioned to provide primary care services in underserved areas.
      This study details the current scope of independent procedural billing to
      Medicare of difficult, invasive, and surgical procedures by medical mid-level
      providers. OBJECTIVE: To understand the scope of independent billing to Medicare
      for procedures performed by mid-level providers in an outpatient office setting
      for a calendar year. DESIGN: Analyses of the 2012 Medicare Physician/Supplier
      Procedure Summary Master File, which reflects fee-for-service claims that were
      paid by Medicare, for Current Procedural Terminology procedures independently
      billed by mid-level providers. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Outpatient office
      setting among health care providers. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The scope of
      independent billing to Medicare for procedures performed by mid-level providers.
      RESULTS: In 2012, nurse practitioners and physician assistants billed
      independently for more than 4 million procedures at our cutoff of 5000 paid
      claims per procedure. Most (54.8%) of these procedures were performed in the
      specialty area of dermatology. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The findings of this
      study are relevant to safety and quality of care. Recently, the shortage of
      primary care clinicians has prompted discussion of widening the scope of practice
      for mid-level providers. It would be prudent to temper widening the scope of
      practice of mid-level providers by recognizing that mid-level providers are not
      solely limited to primary care, and may involve procedures for which they may not
      have formal training.

PMID- 25110924
TI  - Positive changes in self-management and disease severity following climate
      therapy in people with psoriasis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of climate therapy on self
      management in people with psoriasis. This was a prospective study of 254 adults
      with chronic psoriasis who participated in a 3-week climate therapy (CT)
      programme. The 8-scale Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ) was completed
      at baseline, after 3 weeks of CT, and 3 months later. Change was assessed using
      paired sample t-tests mean (95% confidence interval) change scores (range 1-4).
      All heiQ scales showed statistically significant improvement after 3 weeks of CT.
      The greatest improvement was in Health-directed activity, followed by Emotional
      distress, and Skill and technique acquisition. At the 3-month follow-up, only the
      Emotional distress scale remained improved. In addition, disease severity (self
      administered PASI; SAPASI) improved significantly from before CT to 3 weeks and 3
      months after CT. This study suggests that CT provides a range of benefits that
      are important to people with psoriasis, particularly in the short term. A
      challenge is how to achieve long-term benefits. 

PMID- 25110925
TI  - Interfacial hydrogenation and deamination of nitriles to selectively synthesize
      tertiary amines.
AB  - A novel one-pot method has been developed for the interfacial hydrogenation of
      nitriles to synthesize asymmetrical tertiary amines. The active Pt NWs allow for
      the preparation of a series of tertiary amines in excellent yields (up to 99.0%)
      and a mixed solvent is vital for the adjustment of the yield. And also, the
      reaction proceeded under mild conditions and is environmentally friendly. 

PMID- 25110926
TI  - Looking for trouble -- patient preference, misdiagnosis and overtesting: a
      teachable moment.

PMID- 25110927
TI  - Rapid decline in HCV incidence among people who inject drugs associated with
      national scale-up in coverage of a combination of harm reduction interventions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Government policy has precipitated recent changes in the provision of
      harm reduction interventions - injecting equipment provision (IEP) and opiate
      substitution therapy (OST) - for people who inject drugs (PWID) in Scotland. We
      sought to examine the potential impact of these changes on hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) transmission among PWID. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We used a framework to
      triangulate different types of evidence: 'group-level/ecological' and 'individual
      level'. Evidence was primarily generated from bio-behavioural cross-sectional
      surveys of PWID, undertaken during 2008-2012. Individuals in the window period (1
      2 months) where the virus is present, but antibodies have not yet been formed,
      were considered to have recent infection. The survey data were supplemented with
      service data on the provision of injecting equipment and OST. Ecological analyses
      examined changes in intervention provision, self-reported intervention uptake,
      self-reported risk behaviour and HCV incidence; individual-level analyses
      investigated relationships within the pooled survey data. Nearly 8,000 PWID were
      recruited in the surveys. We observed a decline in HCV incidence, per 100 person
      years, from 13.6 (95% CI: 8.1-20.1) in 2008-09 to 7.3 (3.0-12.9) in 2011-12; a
      period during which increases in the coverage of OST and IEP, and decreases in
      the frequency of injecting and sharing of injecting equipment, were observed.
      Individual-level evidence demonstrated that combined high coverage of
      needles/syringes and OST were associated with reduced risk of recent HCV in
      analyses that were unweighted (AOR 0.29, 95%CI 0.11-0.74) and weighted for
      frequency of injecting (AORw 0.05, 95%CI 0.01-0.18). We estimate the combination
      of harm reduction interventions may have averted 1400 new HCV infections during
      2008-2012. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate that impressive
      reductions in HCV incidence can be achieved among PWID over a relatively short
      time period through high coverage of a combination of interventions.

PMID- 25110929
TI  - Influence of California-style black ripe olive processing on the formation of
      acrylamide.
AB  - Methods used in processing California-style black ripe olives generate
      acrylamide. California-style black ripe olives contain higher levels of
      acrylamide (409.67 +/- 42.60-511.91 +/- 34.08 MUg kg(-1)) as compared to
      California-style green ripe olives (44.02 +/- 3.55-105.79 +/- 22.01 MUg kg(-1)),
      Greek olives (<1.42 MUg kg(-1)), and Spanish olives (not detected), indicating
      that the higher temperatures used to sterilize the California-style green ripe
      and black ripe olives are required for acrylamide formation. Preprocessing brine
      storage influenced the formation of acrylamide in a time-dependent manner.
      Acrylamide increased during the first 30 days of storage. Longer brine storage
      times (>30 days) result in lower acrylamide levels in the finished product. The
      presence of calcium ions in the preprocessing brining solution results in higher
      levels of acrylamide in finished products. Air oxidation during lye processing
      and the neutralization of olives prior to sterilization significantly increase
      the formation of acrylamide in the finished products. Conversely, lye-processing
      decreases the levels of acrylamide in the final product. These results indicate
      that specific steps in the California-style black ripe olive processing may be
      manipulated to mitigate the formation of acrylamide in finished products. 

PMID- 25110928
TI  - Comparative analyses between retained introns and constitutively spliced introns
      in Arabidopsis thaliana using random forest and support vector machine.
AB  - One of the important modes of pre-mRNA post-transcriptional modification is
      alternative splicing. Alternative splicing allows creation of many distinct
      mature mRNA transcripts from a single gene by utilizing different splice sites.
      In plants like Arabidopsis thaliana, the most common type of alternative splicing
      is intron retention. Many studies in the past focus on positional distribution of
      retained introns (RIs) among different genic regions and their expression
      regulations, while little systematic classification of RIs from constitutively
      spliced introns (CSIs) has been conducted using machine learning approaches. We
      used random forest and support vector machine (SVM) with radial basis kernel
      function (RBF) to differentiate these two types of introns in Arabidopsis. By
      comparing coordinates of introns of all annotated mRNAs from TAIR10, we obtained
      our high-quality experimental data. To distinguish RIs from CSIs, We investigated
      the unique characteristics of RIs in comparison with CSIs and finally extracted
      37 quantitative features: local and global nucleotide sequence features of
      introns, frequent motifs, the signal strength of splice sites, and the similarity
      between sequences of introns and their flanking regions. We demonstrated that our
      proposed feature extraction approach was more accurate in effectively classifying
      RIs from CSIs in comparison with other four approaches. The optimal penalty
      parameter C and the RBF kernel parameter [Formula: see text] in SVM were set
      based on particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSOSVM). Our classification
      performance showed F-Measure of 80.8% (random forest) and 77.4% (PSOSVM). Not
      only the basic sequence features and positional distribution characteristics of
      RIs were obtained, but also putative regulatory motifs in intron splicing were
      predicted based on our feature extraction approach. Clearly, our study will
      facilitate a better understanding of underlying mechanisms involved in intron
      retention. 

PMID- 25110930
TI  - Efficacy and safety of adding clopidogrel to aspirin on stroke prevention among
      high vascular risk patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Whether clopidogrel should be added to aspirin for stroke prevention
      remained controversial for the risk of hemorrhagic complications. This meta
      analysis was aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of adding clopidogrel to
      aspirin on stroke prevention in high vascular risk patients, and to provide
      evidence for a suitable duration of dual antiplatelet therapy. METHODS: We
      searched PubMed, EMBase, OVID and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (up to June, 2013) for randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and
      safety of clopidogrel plus aspirin versus aspirin alone in high vascular risk
      patients. Comparisons of stroke and hemorrhagic complications between treatment
      groups were expressed by the pooled Relative Risks (RRs) with 95% Confidence
      Intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Fifteen trials with a total of 97692 intention-to-treat
      participants were included with duration of follow-up ranging from 7 days to 3.6
      years. Dual antiplatelet therapy reduced all stroke by 21% (RR: 0.79, 95% CI:
      0.73-0.85) with no evidence of heterogeneity across the trials (P = 0.27, I2 =
      17%).The effects were consistent between short-term subgroup (<=1 month, RR:
      0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.85) and long-term subgroup (>=3 months, RR: 0.81, 95% CI:
      0.73-0.89). The risk of major bleeding was not significantly increased by dual
      antiplatelet therapy in short-term subgroup (RR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.91-1.36), while
      significantly increased in long-term subgroup (RR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.36-1.69). Long
      term dual antiplatelet therapy substantially increased the risk of intracranial
      bleeding (RR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.22-2.54). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis
      demonstrates that short-term combination of clopidogrel and aspirin is effective
      and safe for stroke prevention in high vascular risk patients. Long-term
      combination therapy substantially increases the risk of major bleeding and
      intracranial bleeding.

PMID- 25110931
TI  - Cognitive deficits predict poorer functional capacity in Huntington's disease:
      but what is being measured?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited movement disorder
      characterized by choreiform movements and frontostriatal dysfunction. Previous
      studies have documented executive deficits in HD. We aimed to investigate the
      effect of cognitive deficits on patients' daily functioning. Furthermore, we
      sought to explore how independent patients' cognitive difficulties were from
      their motor and psychiatric symptoms. METHOD: We administered a battery of
      neuropsychological tasks assessing broader cognitive abilities and executive
      functions (e.g., verbal fluency, working memory, response inhibition) to 25
      patients with HD and 20 healthy controls. Clinical ratings of functional capacity
      and the severity of motor and psychiatric symptoms were also taken. After
      establishing that patients with HD demonstrated characteristic cognitive
      deficits, we explored relationships between performance on neuropsychological
      tasks and clinical ratings. RESULTS: Patients with HD exhibited deficits on all
      timed neuropsychological tasks but not on measures of accuracy. Poorer functional
      capacity was related to cognitive deficits and more severe motor symptoms. Motor
      and psychiatric symptoms were also related to cognitive performance. Category
      fluency scores alone predicted 54% of the variance in functional capacity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HD exhibited a pattern of cognitive dysfunction that
      may reflect a generalized slowing in processing. It is important to note that we
      found that certain cognitive measures may help predict functional capacity in HD.
      However, we also highlight that performance on neuropsychological tasks can be
      influenced by motor or psychiatric symptoms. Future studies should consider such
      confounds when seeking purer measures of cognitive capacity.

PMID- 25110932
TI  - The role of the occipital face area in holistic processing involved in face
      detection and discrimination: A tDCS study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the role of occipital face area
      (OFA) in mediating observers' tendency to perceive faces as "wholes" (holistic
      processing) both when detecting and discriminating faces. To investigate this
      issue, we modulated OFA activity using transcranial direct current stimulation
      (tDCS). METHOD: In Experiment 1, participants performed a face detection task
      (the Mooney faces task) and a face discrimination task (the Composite faces
      task), which both assess holistic face processing. In Experiment 2, participants
      were asked to detect both Mooney faces and Mooney objects, to test face
      selectivity of OFA. In each experimental session, the tasks were presented once
      before (pre) and once after (post) administration of 20 min of excitability
      increasing anodal tDCS (real) and sham stimulation over the putative OFA.
      RESULTS: Compared with sham stimulation, we found that real anodal tDCS
      interfered with both Mooney faces and objects detection, whereas it had no effect
      on holistic processing involved in face discrimination, as measured by the
      Composite faces task. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that OFA is causally
      implicated in facial detection at least in degraded conditions (i.e., when the
      "face" signal needs to be extracted from a noisy background). In turn, our data
      do not implicate OFA in holistic processing in face discrimination. Finally, our
      data suggest a possible role of OFA in categorization of other nonface stimuli, a
      conclusion that must be taken with caution, as stimulation over OFA may affect
      object-selective adjacent regions.

PMID- 25110935
TI  - Recent advances in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article focuses on recent advances in Charcot-Marie-Tooth
      disease, in particular additions to the genetic spectrum, novel paradigms in
      molecular techniques and an update on therapeutic strategies. RECENT FINDINGS:
      Several new Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease-causing genes have been recently
      identified, further enlarging the genetic diversity and phenotypic variability,
      including: SBF1, DHTKD1, TFG, MARS, HARS, HINT1, TRIM1, AIFM1, PDK3 and GNB4. The
      increasing availability and affordability of next-generation sequencing
      technologies has ramped up gene discovery and drastically changed genetic
      screening strategies. All large-scale trials studying the effect of ascorbic acid
      in Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A have now been completed and were negative. Efforts have
      been made to design more robust outcome-measures for clinical trials. Promising
      results with lonaprisan, curcumin and histone deacetylase 6 inhibitors have been
      obtained in animal models. SUMMARY: Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most common form
      of inherited peripheral neuropathy and represents the most prevalent hereditary
      neuromuscular disorder. The genetic spectrum spans more than 70 genes. Gene
      discovery has been revolutionized recently by new high-throughput molecular
      technologies. In addition, the phenotypic diversity has grown tremendously. This
      is a major challenge for geneticists and neurologists. No effective therapy is
      available for Charcot-Marie-Tooth. Several large trials with ascorbic acid were
      negative but research into novel compounds continues.

PMID- 25110934
TI  - The evidence for symptomatic treatments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive,
      incurable and fatal neurodegenerative disease. Few interventions significantly
      alter the disease course, but many symptomatic treatments exist to improve
      patients' quality of life. In this review, we describe our approach to
      symptomatic management of ALS and discuss the underlying evidence base. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Discussion focuses predominantly on recently published articles. We
      cover management settings, disease-modifying treatment, vitamin D, respiratory
      management including noninvasive ventilation and diaphragmatic pacing,
      secretions, nutrition, dysphagia and gastrostomy, communication problems,
      mobility, spasticity, pain, cognition, depression and emotional lability,
      fatigue, sleep disturbance, head drop, prevention of deep venous thrombosis and
      end-of-life issues. SUMMARY: Multidisciplinary specialist care appears to improve
      quality of life and survival. Riluzole remains the only available disease
      modifying medication and confers a survival advantage of 2-3 months. Noninvasive
      ventilation improves quality of life and extends survival by approximately 7
      months, at least in patients without severe bulbar problems. Nutrition is an
      independent prognostic factor; whether gastrostomy improves survival and quality
      of life remains unclear and further studies are underway. Many other symptomatic
      treatments appear helpful to individuals in clinic, but further randomized
      clinical trials are required to provide a more robust evidence base.

PMID- 25110933
TI  - Early life instruction in foreign language and music and incidence of mild
      cognitive impairment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that foreign language and music instruction in
      early life are associated with lower incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
      and slower rate of cognitive decline in old age. METHOD: At enrollment in a
      longitudinal cohort study, 964 older persons without cognitive impairment
      estimated years of foreign language and music instruction by age 18. Annually
      thereafter they completed clinical evaluations that included cognitive testing
      and clinical classification of MCI. RESULTS: There were 264 persons with no
      foreign language instruction, 576 with 1-4 years, and 124 with > 4 years; 346
      persons with no music instruction, 360 with 1-4 years, and 258 with > 4 years.
      During a mean of 5.8 years of observation, 396 participants (41.1%) developed
      MCI. In a proportional hazards model adjusted for age, sex, and education, higher
      levels (> 4 years) of foreign language (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.687, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] [0.482, 0.961]) and music (HR = 0.708, 95% CI [0.539, 0.930])
      instruction by the age of 18 were each associated with reduced risk of MCI. The
      association persisted after adjustment for other early life indicators of an
      enriched cognitive environment, and it was stronger for nonamnestic than amnestic
      MCI. Both foreign language and music instruction were associated with higher
      initial level of cognitive function, but neither instruction measure was
      associated with cognitive decline. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of foreign language
      and music instruction during childhood and adolescence are associated in old age
      with lower risk of developing MCI but not with rate of cognitive decline.

PMID- 25110936
TI  - The Effect of a Community-Engaged Arts Program on Older Adults' Well-being.
AB  - This mixed-methods study evaluated the effect of a community-engaged arts program
      on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of seniors. Weekly workshops
      were offered over a three-year period at community centers where artists worked
      with four groups of seniors to produce a collective art piece or performance for
      public presentation. Participants completed pre- and post- questionnaires, and
      group interviews were conducted at the program's end. Paired t-test analyses
      indicated that seniors experienced improvement in perceived overall health,
      experience of pain, and sense of community. Interpretive descriptive analysis of
      the group interviews revealed six themes that informed understanding : (1)
      providing structure and discipline; (2) facilitating coping; (3) requiring hard
      work and effort; (4) bringing out one's artistic side; (5) promoting social
      involvement; and (6) making a contribution. These results are consistent with
      previous research and contribute to further understanding of how community
      engaged arts can benefit the well-being of older people.

PMID- 25110937
TI  - Engineering efficient thermoelectrics from large-scale assemblies of doped ZnO
      nanowires: nanoscale effects and resonant-level scattering.
AB  - Recent studies focusing on enhancing the thermoelectric performance of metal
      oxides were primarily motivated by their low cost, large availability of the
      component elements in the earth's crust, and their high stability. So far, these
      studies indicate that n-type materials, such as ZnO, have much lower
      thermoelectric performance than their p-type counterparts. Overcoming this
      limitation requires precisely tuning the thermal and electrical transport through
      n-type metal oxides. One way to accomplish this is through the use of optimally
      doped bulk assemblies of ZnO nanowires. In this study, the thermoelectric
      properties of n-type aluminum and gallium dually doped bulk assembles of ZnO
      nanowires were determined. The results indicated that a high zT of 0.6 at 1000 
      degrees C, the highest experimentally observed for any n-type oxide, is possible.
      The high performance is attributed to the tailoring of the ZnO phase composition,
      nanostructuring of the material, and Zn-III band hybridization-based resonant
      scattering. 

PMID- 25110938
TI  - A comprehensive global inventory of atmospheric Antimony emissions from
      anthropogenic activities, 1995-2010.
AB  - Antimony (Sb) and its compounds are considered as global pollutants due to their
      health risks and long-range transport characteristics. A comprehensive global
      inventory of atmospheric antimony emissions from anthropogenic activities during
      the period of 1995-2010 has been developed with specific estimation methods based
      on the relevant data available for different continents and countries. Our
      results indicate that the global antimony emissions have increased to a peak at
      about 2232 t (t) in 2005 and then declined gradually. Global antimony emissions
      in 2010 are estimated at about 1904 t (uncertainty of a 95% confidence interval
      (CI): -30% ~ 67%), with fuel combustion as the major source category. Asia and
      Europe account for about 57% and 24%, respectively, of the global total
      emissions, and China, the United States, and Japan rank as the top three emitting
      countries. Furthermore, global antimony emissions are distributed into gridded
      cells with a resolution of 1 degrees  * 1 degrees . Regions with high Sb
      emissions are generally concentrated in the Southeastern Asia and Western Europe,
      while South Africa, economically developed regions in the eastern U.S., and
      Mexico are also responsible for the high antimony emission intensity. 

PMID- 25110940
TI  - Solving the problem of comparing whole bacterial genomes across different
      sequencing platforms.
AB  - Whole genome sequencing (WGS) shows great potential for real-time monitoring and
      identification of infectious disease outbreaks. However, rapid and reliable
      comparison of data generated in multiple laboratories and using multiple
      technologies is essential. So far studies have focused on using one technology
      because each technology has a systematic bias making integration of data
      generated from different platforms difficult. We developed two different
      procedures for identifying variable sites and inferring phylogenies in WGS data
      across multiple platforms. The methods were evaluated on three bacterial data
      sets and sequenced on three different platforms (Illumina, 454, Ion Torrent). We
      show that the methods are able to overcome the systematic biases caused by the
      sequencers and infer the expected phylogenies. It is concluded that the cause of
      the success of these new procedures is due to a validation of all informative
      sites that are included in the analysis. The procedures are available as web
      tools. 

PMID- 25110941
TI  - Laccase biosensor based on phytic acid modification of nanostructured SiO2
      surface for sensitive detection of dopamine.
AB  - In this work, three kinds of nanostructured silica-phytic acid (SiO2-PA)
      materials with diverse morphologies including spherical SiO2-PA (s-SiO2-PA), rod
      like (r-SiO2-PA), and helical SiO2-PA (h-SiO2-PA) were prepared with the help of
      electrostatic interaction. The SiO2-PA nanomaterials with different morphologies
      were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier
      transform infrared (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and
      circular dichroism spectrum (CD). Diverse morphologies of SiO2-PA were used as
      electrode decorated materials to achieve a high efficiency for electrochemical
      dopamine (DA) detection. The laccase biosensors were fabricated by immobilizing
      different morphologies of SiO2-PA nanomaterials and laccase onto the glassy
      carbon electrode (GCE) surface, successively. Then the electrochemical responses
      of the different morphologies of nanostructured SiO2-PA nanomaterials to laccase
      were discussed. Results indicated that compared to laccase/s-SiO2-PA and
      laccase/r-SiO2-PA, the laccase/h-SiO2-PA-modified electrode showed the best
      electrochemical performances. 

PMID- 25110942
TI  - Relativistic and electron-correlation effects on the nuclear magnetic resonance
      shieldings of molecules containing tin and lead atoms.
AB  - The reference values for NMR magnetic shieldings, sigma(ref), are of the highest
      importance when theoretical analysis of chemical shifts are envisaged. The fact
      that the nonrelativistically valid relationship among spin-rotation constants and
      magnetic shieldings is not any longer valid for heavy atoms requires that the
      search for sigma(ref) for such atoms needs new strategies to follow. We present
      here results of sigma(ref) that were obtained by applying our own simple
      procedure which mixes accurate experimental chemical shifts (delta) and
      theoretical magnetic shieldings (sigma). We calculated sigma(Sn) and sigma(Pb) in
      a family of heavy-halogen-containing molecules. We found out that
      sigma(ref)[Sn;Sn(CH3)4] in gas phase should be close to 3864.11 +/- 20.05 ppm
      (0.5%). For Pb atom, sigma(ref)[Pb;Pb(CH3)4] should be close to 14475.1 +/- 500.7
      ppm. Such theoretical values correspond to calculations with the relativistic
      polarization propagator method, RelPPA, at the RPA level of approach. They are
      closer to experimental values as compared to those obtained applying few
      different functionals such as PBE0, B3LYP, BLYP, BP86, KT2, and KT3 of the
      density functional theory, DFT. We studied tin and lead shieldings of the XY(4
      n)Z(n) (X = Sn, Pb; Y, Z = H, F, Cl, Br, I) and PbH(4-n)I(n) (n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4)
      family of compounds with four-component functionals as implemented in the DIRAC
      code. For these systems results of calculations with RelPPA-RPA are more reliable
      than DFT ones. We argue about why those DFT functionals must be modified in order
      to obtain more accurate results of NMR magnetic shieldings within the
      relativistic regime: first, there is a dependence among both electron-correlation
      and relativistic effects that should be introduced in some way in the
      functionals; and second, the DIRAC code uses standard nonrelativistic functionals
      and the functionals B3LYP and PBE0 were parametrized only with data taken from
      light elements. It can explain why they are not able to properly introduce
      relativistic effects on nuclear magnetic shieldings. We finally show that in the
      analysis of magnetic shieldings for the family of compounds mentioned above, one
      must consider the newest and so-called heavy-atom effect on vicinal heavy atoms,
      HAVHA. Such effects are among the most important relativistic effects in these
      kind of compounds.

PMID- 25110943
TI  - Synthesis of pyrrolo-/indolo[1,2-a]quinolines and naphtho[2,1-b]thiophenes from
      gem-dibromovinyls and sulphonamides.
AB  - A highly efficient and simple route for the synthesis of pyrrolo-/indolo[1,2
      a]quinolines and naphtho[2,1-b]thiophenes from gem-dibromovinyls and
      sulphonamides is reported. The noteworthy feature of this report is that the
      methodology involves a two-step protocol to synthesize tri- and tetracyclic
      heterocycles in a one-pot fashion through the Cu(I)-catalyzed formation of
      ynamide followed by a Ag(I)-assisted intramolecular hydroarylation. The
      photophysical properties of representative examples of pyrrolo- and indolo[1,2
      a]quinolines in solid and solution states have also been studied. 

PMID- 25110944
TI  - Parametrization of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol based on the generalized AMBER force
      field provides realistic agreement between experimental and calculated properties
      of pure liquid as well as water-mixed solutions.
AB  - We present a novel force field model of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) based on the
      generalized AMBER force field. The model was exhaustively parametrized to
      reproduce liquid-state properties of pure TFE, namely, density, enthalpy of
      vaporization, self-diffusion coefficient, and population of trans and gauche
      conformers. The model predicts excellently other liquid-state properties such as
      shear viscosity, thermal expansion coefficient, and isotropic compressibility.
      The resulting model describes unexpectedly well the state equation of the liquid
      region in the range of 100 K and 10 MPa. More importantly, the proposed TFE model
      was optimized for use in combination with the TIP4P/Ew and TIP4P/2005 water
      models. It does not manifest excessive aggregation, which is known for other
      models, and therefore, it is supposed to more realistically describe the behavior
      of TFE/water mixtures. This was demonstrated by means of the Kirkwood-Buff theory
      of solutions and reasonable agreement with experimental data. We explored a
      considerable part of the parameter space and systematically tested individual
      combinations of parameters for performance in combination with the TIP4P/Ew and
      TIP4P/2005 water models. We observed ambiguity in parameters describing pure
      liquid TFE; however, most of them failed for TFE/water mixtures. We clearly
      demonstrated the necessity for balanced TFE-TFE, TFE-water, and water-water
      interactions which can be acquired only by employing implicit polarization
      correction in the course of parametrization. 

PMID- 25110946
TI  - Catalytic hydrogen evolution by Fe(II) carbonyls featuring a dithiolate and a
      chelating phosphine.
AB  - Two pentacoordinate mononuclear iron carbonyls of the form (bdt)Fe(CO)P2 [bdt =
      benzene-1,2-dithiolate; P2 = 1,1'-diphenylphosphinoferrocene (1) or methyl-2
      {bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)amino}acetate (2)] were prepared as functional,
      biomimetic models for the distal iron (Fe(d)) of the active site of [FeFe]
      hydrogenase. X-ray crystal structures of the complexes reveal that, despite
      similar nu(CO) stretching band frequencies, the two complexes have different
      coordination geometries. In X-ray crystal structures, the iron center of 1 is in
      a distorted trigonal bipyramidal arrangement, and that of 2 is in a distorted
      square pyramidal geometry. Electrochemical investigation shows that both
      complexes catalyze electrochemical proton reduction from acetic acid at mild
      overpotential, 0.17 and 0.38 V for 1 and 2, respectively. Although coordinatively
      unsaturated, the complexes display only weak, reversible binding affinity toward
      CO (1 bar). However, ligand centered protonation by the strong acid, HBF4.OEt2,
      triggers quantitative CO uptake by 1 to form a dicarbonyl analogue [1(H)-CO](+)
      that can be reversibly converted back to 1 by deprotonation using NEt3. Both
      crystallographically determined distances within the bdt ligand and density
      functional theory calculations suggest that the iron centers in both 1 and 2 are
      partially reduced at the expense of partial oxidation of the bdt ligand. Ligand
      protonation interrupts this extensive electronic delocalization between the Fe
      and bdt making 1(H)(+) susceptible to external CO binding.

PMID- 25110947
TI  - Clearance of intravitreal daptomycin in uveitis-induced rabbit model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the elimination rate of daptomycin after intravitreal
      injection in uveitis-induced rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intravitreal
      injection of the single dose of 200 MUg/0.05 mL daptomycin was administered to
      rabbits starting 24 h after induction of uveitis by an intravitreal endotoxin
      injection. Aqueous humor and vitreous humor samples of eight eyes per time point
      were collected at selected time intervals (1, 3, 6, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h), and the
      in vitreous half-life was calculated. Daptomycin concentrations in vitreous and
      aqueous humor were assayed with high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS:
      The vitreous concentration was noted to decline slowly with time. The mean
      vitreous concentration was 23.25 +/- 10.99 MUg/mL and 11.10 +/- 3.33 MUg/mL at 96
      h in inflamed and normal eyes, respectively. The vitreous daptomycin
      concentration showed an exponential decay with a half-life of 25.67 h in normal
      eyes and 34.6 h in inflamed eyes. The aqueous levels of daptomycin in normal eyes
      were low but remained significantly higher than those of inflamed eyes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Given that the injected dose corresponds to several times the
      minimum inhibitory concentrations of organisms most involved in endophthalmitis,
      and that therapeutic levels are present up to 96 h after injection, intravitreal
      daptomycin should be considered for the treatment of endophthalmitis caused by
      Gram-positive bacteria.

PMID- 25110948
TI  - Antibiotic susceptibilities of bacteria isolated within the oral flora of Florida
      blacktip sharks: guidance for empiric antibiotic therapy.
AB  - Sharks possess a variety of pathogenic bacteria in their oral cavity that may
      potentially be transferred into humans during a bite. The aim of the presented
      study focused on the identification of the bacteria present in the mouths of live
      blacktip sharks, Carcharhinus limbatus, and the extent that these bacteria
      possess multi-drug resistance. Swabs were taken from the oral cavity of nineteen
      live blacktip sharks, which were subsequently released. The average fork length
      was 146 cm (+/-11), suggesting the blacktip sharks were mature adults at least 8
      years old. All swabs underwent standard microbiological work-up with
      identification of organisms and reporting of antibiotic susceptibilities using an
      automated microbiology system. The oral samples revealed an average of 2.72 (+/
      1.4) bacterial isolates per shark. Gram-negative bacteria, making up 61% of all
      bacterial isolates, were significantly (p<0.001) more common than gram-positive
      bacteria (39%). The most common organisms were Vibrio spp. (28%), various
      coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (16%), and Pasteurella spp. (12%). The
      overall resistance rate was 12% for all antibiotics tested with nearly 43% of
      bacteria resistant to at least one antibiotic. Multi-drug resistance was seen in
      4% of bacteria. No association between shark gender or fork length with bacterial
      density or antibiotic resistance was observed. Antibiotics with the highest
      overall susceptibility rates included fluoroquinolones, 3rd generation
      cephalosporins and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. Recommended empiric
      antimicrobial therapy for adult blacktip shark bites should encompass either a
      fluoroquinolone or combination of a 3rd generation cephalosporin plus
      doxycycline. 

PMID- 25110949
TI  - Anti-human herpesvirus 6A/B IgG correlates with relapses and progression in
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the titers of the IgG and IgM antibodies against human
      herpesvirus 6A/B (HHV-6A/B) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with
      different disease modified therapies (DMTs) along two-years of follow-up.
      METHODS: We collected 2163 serum samples from 596 MS; for 301 MS patients a 2
      years follow-up was performed. Serum samples of 337 healthy controls were also
      analyzed. Anti-HHV-6A/B IgG and IgM were analyzed by ELISA (Panbio). RESULTS: We
      found that 129/187 (69.0%) MS patients with a decrease of the anti-HHV-6A/B IgG
      titers after 2-years with DMTs were free of relapses and progression vs. 46/113
      (40.7%) of MS patients with an increase of the anti-HHV-6A/B IgG titers (p =
      0.0000015); the higher significance was found for natalizumab. Furthermore, we
      found that anti-HHV-6A/B IgG titers reached their highest value two weeks before
      the relapse (p = 0.0142), while the anti-HHV-6A/B IgM titers reached their
      highest value one month before the relapse (p = 0.0344). CONCLUSION: The
      measurement of the anti-HHV-6A/B IgG titers could be a good biomarker of clinical
      response to the different DMTs. The increase of the anti-HHV-6A/B IgG and IgM
      titers predicts the upcoming clinical relapses. However, further longitudinal
      studies are needed to validate these results.

PMID- 25110951
TI  - In silico modeling of human alpha2C-adrenoreceptor interaction with filamin-2.
AB  - Vascular smooth muscle alpha2C-adrenoceptors (alpha2C-ARs) mediate
      vasoconstriction of small blood vessels, especially arterioles. Studies of
      endogenous receptors in human arteriolar smooth muscle cells (referred to as
      microVSM) and transiently transfected receptors in heterologous HEK293 cells show
      that the alpha2C-ARs are perinuclear receptors that translocate to the cell
      surface under cellular stress and elicit a biological response. Recent studies in
      microVSM unraveled a crucial role of Rap1A-Rho-ROCK-F-actin pathways in receptor
      translocation, and identified protein-protein interaction of alpha2C-ARs with the
      actin binding protein filamin-2 as an essential step in the process. To better
      understand the molecular nature and specificity of this interaction, in this
      study, we constructed comparative models of human alpha2C-AR and human filamin-2
      proteins. Finally, we performed in silico protein-protein docking to provide a
      structural platform for the investigation of human alpha2C-AR and filamin-2
      interactions. We found that electrostatic interactions seem to play a key role in
      this complex formation which manifests in interactions between the C-terminal
      arginines of alpha2C-ARs (particularly R454 and R456) and negatively charged
      residues from filamin-2 region between residues 1979 and 2206. Phylogenetic and
      sequence analysis showed that these interactions have evolved in warm-blooded
      animals.

PMID- 25110952
TI  - The effect of double--blind carbohydrate ingestion during 60 km of self-paced
      exercise in warm ambient conditions.
AB  - This study evaluated double blind ingestions of placebo (PLA) versus 6%
      carbohydrate (CHO) either as capsules (c) or beverage (b) during 60 km self-paced
      cycling in the heat (32 degrees C and 50% relative humidity). Ten well-trained
      males (mean +/- SD: 26+/-3 years; 64.5+/-7.7 kg and 70.7+/-8.8 ml.kg-1.min-1
      maximal oxygen consumption) completed four separate 60 km time trials (TT)
      punctuated by 1 km sprints (14, 29, 44, 59 km) whilst ingesting either PLAb or
      PLAc or CHOb or CHOc. The TT was not different among treatments (PLAb 130.2+/
      11.2 min, CHOb 140.5+/-18.1 min, PLAc 143.1+/-29.2 min, CHOc 137.3+/-20.1 min;
      P>0.05). Effect size (Cohen's d) for time was only moderate when comparing CHOb -
      PLAb (d = 0.68) and PLAb - PLAc (d = 0.57) whereas all other ES were 'trivial' to
      'small'. Mean speed throughout the trial was significantly higher for PLAb only
      (P<0.05). Power output was only different (P<0.05) between the sprints and low
      intensity efforts within and across conditions. Core and mean skin temperatures
      were similar among trials. We conclude that CHO ingestion is of little or no
      benefit as a beverage compared with placebo during 60 km TT in the heat. 

PMID- 25110953
TI  - Inhibition of CSF-1R supports T-cell mediated melanoma therapy.
AB  - Tumor associated macrophages (TAM) can promote angiogenesis, invasiveness and
      immunosuppression. The cytokine CSF-1 (or M-CSF) is an important factor of TAM
      recruitment and differentiation and several pharmacological agents targeting the
      CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) have been developed to regulate TAM in solid cancers. We
      show that the kinase inhibitor PLX3397 strongly dampened the systemic and local
      accumulation of macrophages driven by B16F10 melanomas, without affecting Gr-1(+)
      myeloid derived suppressor cells. Removal of intratumoral macrophages was
      remarkably efficient and a modest, but statistically significant, delay in
      melanoma outgrowth was observed. Importantly, CSF-1R inhibition strongly enhanced
      tumor control by immunotherapy using tumor-specific CD8 T cells. Elevated
      IFNgamma production by T cells was observed in mice treated with the combination
      of PLX3397 and immunotherapy. These results support the combined use of CSF-1R
      inhibition with CD8 T cell immunotherapy, especially for macrophage-stimulating
      tumors.

PMID- 25110954
TI  - Reflections on clinical expertise and silent know-how in voice therapy.
AB  - The concept of 'clinical expertise' is described as a part of evidence-based
      practice (EBP) together with 'external scientific evidence' and 'patient values
      and perspectives'. However, clinical expertise in the management of voice
      disorders has not been described or discussed in much detail. The expertise seems
      to consist partly of silent know-how that, from the outside, may seem improperly
      related to the personality of the speech-language pathologist or exclusively
      dependent on the number of years in the field. In this paper, it is suggested
      that clinical expertise in voice therapy consists of specific skills that can be
      explicitly described and trained. These skills are discussed together with
      educational aspects that contribute to the development of clinical expertise. The
      skills are also discussed from the perspectives of the past, present, and future.

PMID- 25110955
TI  - Unilateral full-thickness macular hole formation following low-energy Nd:YAG
      peripheral iridotomy.
AB  - Macular hole formation is a rare complication after YAG peripheral iridotomy. We
      report a case of post-YAG peripheral iridotomy macular hole in 1 eye of a patient
      with preexisting vitreomacular adhesion in that eye. Possibly because of the
      vitreomacular adhesion, a single-shot low-energy YAG laser shot resulted in
      macular hole formation. 

PMID- 25110956
TI  - Amniotic membrane transplantation in failed trabeculectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and safety of amniotic membrane
      transplantation for trabeculectomy in patients with previous failed filtering
      blebs. METHODS: A consecutive series of 19 eyes from 18 patients with 1 or more
      failed trabeculectomies were enrolled in this retrospective study.
      Trabeculectomy, with amniotic membrane positioned as a "graft" under the scleral
      flap, was performed, and the intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma
      medications, appearance of the filtering bleb, and intraoperative and
      postoperative complication data were retrospectively analyzed for a period of 24
      months. Success was defined as IOP<21 mm Hg at the end of the follow-up period.
      RESULTS: The median preoperative pressure was 29 mm Hg [interquartile range
      (IQR)=5 mm Hg], with an average of 2.8 glaucoma medications (range, 1 to 4). At 6
      months postoperatively the median IOP was 18 mm Hg (IQR=1.75 mm Hg) with no
      further significant increases recorded, settling at 19 mm Hg (IQR=3.25 mm Hg) at
      the end of the 24-month follow-up. Success was achieved in all 19 cases (100%),
      and only 1 patient (5%) required postoperative antiglaucoma therapy to reach the
      target pressure. At 24 months after surgery, 18 of 19 (95%) amniotic membrane
      filtering blebs were functioning well without antiglaucoma therapy. No patients
      had severe intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic
      membrane transplantation in trabeculectomy seems to be a safe and useful
      procedure for improving the surgical outcome and maintaining low postoperative
      IOP in patients with a high risk of surgical failure.

PMID- 25110957
TI  - A computational study of the activation of allenoates by Lewis bases and the
      reactivity of intermediate adducts.
AB  - Several chemical properties of Lewis base-allenoate adducts (LB.allenoate), such
      as solvent effect, basicity, nucleophilicity and cycloaddition, are studied to
      provide a detailed foundation for the analysis of LB-catalyzed reactions of
      allenoates. The zwitterionic LB.allenoates formed between methyl allenoate and
      Lewis bases, such as N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), phosphines, amines and aza
      heterocycles, are studied at the M06-2X/6-31+G* level. The addition of the LBs to
      the allenoate can yield Z- or E-type adducts. The formation of the Z-type adducts
      is more favorable in the gas phase due to electrostatic interactions. The yield
      of the E-type adducts increases with the permittivity of the solvent. The lowest
      barriers for the addition and the most stable adducts are observed with NHCs as
      catalysts. It is also shown that the alpha-carbon atom of the allenic moiety in
      LB.allenoate is more nucleophilic than the gamma-carbon atom. Aza-arenes,
      phosphines and NHCs stabilize the [3 + 2]-ylides formed by the cycloaddition of
      LB.allenoate to ethylene; therefore, these LBs thermodynamically support the [3 +
      2] cycloadditions. The detailed analysis of [3 + 2]-, [2 + 4]-, [2 + 2]- and [2 +
      2 + 2]-cycloadditions with enones/ketones shows that the amine-catalyzed
      reactions follow the kinetically preferred path, and that the exergonic formation
      of the P-ylide favors the [3 + 2] cycloaddition in the phosphine-catalyzed
      reaction. The thermodynamically preferred pathway is followed with NHCs whereas
      the high stability of NHC.allenoate adducts reduces the overall catalytic
      efficiency of NHCs. 

PMID- 25110959
TI  - Theoretical and experimental investigations of the potential of osmotic energy
      for power production.
AB  - This paper presents a study on the potential of osmotic energy for power
      production. The study includes both pilot plant testing and theoretical modelling
      as well as cost estimation. A projected cost of L30/MWh of clean electricity
      could be achieved by using a Hydro-Osmotic Power (HOP) plant if a suitable
      membrane is used and the osmotic potential difference between the two solutions
      is greater than 25 bar; a condition that can be readily found in many sites
      around the world. Results have shown that the membrane system accounts for 50%
      80% of the HOP plant cost depending on the salinity difference level. Thus,
      further development in membrane technology and identifying suitable membranes
      would have a significant impact on the feasibility of the process and the route
      to market. As the membrane permeability determines the HOP process feasibility,
      this paper also describes the effect of the interaction between the fluid and the
      membrane on the system permeability. It has been shown that both the fluid
      physical properties as well as the membrane micro-structural parameters need to
      be considered if further development of the HOP process is to be achieved. 

PMID- 25110958
TI  - Sex-Related Alcohol Expectancies Among African American Women Attending an Urban
      STI Clinic.
AB  - African American women are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency
      virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and sexually transmitted
      infections (STIs). Alcohol use is a significant risk factor for HIV/STI
      acquisition. Sex-related alcohol expectancies (SRAEs) may partially account for
      alcohol-related risky sexual behaviors. Using qualitative interviews we explored
      the link between alcohol use and risky sex among 20 African American women
      attending an STI clinic who had consumed four or more alcoholic drinks per
      drinking day (binge drinking) and/or reported vaginal or anal sex while under the
      influence of alcohol. Four SRAEs emerged, which we named drink for sexual desire,
      drink for sexual power, drink for sexual excuse, and drink for anal sex. While
      the desire SRAE has been documented, this study identified three additional SRAEs
      not currently assessed by expectancy questionnaires. These SRAEs may contribute
      to high-risk sex when under the influence of alcohol and suggests the importance
      of developing integrated alcohol-sexual risk reduction interventions for high
      risk women. 

PMID- 25110961
TI  - Isolation and characterization of glycophorin from carp red blood cell membranes.
AB  - We isolated a high-purity carp glycophorin from carp erythrocyte membranes
      following extraction using the lithium diiodosalicylate (LIS)-phenol method and
      streptomycin treatment. The main carp glycophorin was observed to locate at the
      position of the carp and human band-3 proteins on an SDS-polyacrylamide gel. Only
      the N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) form of sialic acid was detected in the
      carp glycophorin. The oligosaccharide fraction was separated into two components
      (P-1 and P-2) using a Glyco-Pak DEAE column. We observed bacteriostatic activity
      against five strains of bacteria, including two known fish pathogens. Fractions
      from the carp erythrocyte membrane, the glycophorin oligosaccharide and the P-1
      also exhibited bacteriostatic activity; whereas the glycolipid fraction and the
      glycophorin fraction without sialic acid did not show the activity. The carp
      glycophorin molecules attach to the flagellum of V. anguillarum or the cell
      surface of M. luteus and inhibited bacterial growth. 

PMID- 25110960
TI  - Auxiliary subunits: shepherding AMPA receptors to the plasma membrane.
AB  - Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are tetrameric ligand-gated cation
      channels that mediate excitatory signal transmission in the central nervous
      system (CNS) of vertebrates. The members of the iGluR subfamily of alpha-amino-3
      hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors (AMPARs) mediate
      most of the fast excitatory signal transmission, and their abundance in the
      postsynaptic membrane is a major determinant of the strength of excitatory
      synapses. Therefore, regulation of AMPAR trafficking to the postsynaptic membrane
      is an important constituent of mechanisms involved in learning and memory
      formation, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD).
      Auxiliary subunits play a critical role in the facilitation and regulation of
      AMPAR trafficking and function. The currently identified auxiliary subunits of
      AMPARs are transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs), suppressor of
      lurcher (SOL), cornichon homologues (CNIHs), synapse differentiation-induced gene
      I (SynDIG I), cysteine-knot AMPAR modulating proteins 44 (CKAMP44), and germ cell
      specific gene 1-like (GSG1L) protein. In this review we summarize our current
      knowledge of the modulatory influence exerted by these important but still
      underappreciated proteins. 

PMID- 25110962
TI  - Serum oxidative stress, visfatin and apelin in healthy women and those with
      premenstrual syndrome.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between
      premenstrual syndrome and oxidative stress, visfatin and apelin. The study
      included 40 women with premenstrual syndrome and 40 healthy women. In all
      subjects, serum visfatin, apelin and oxidative stress parameters were studied in
      venous blood samples. The oxidative stress parameters were higher in the
      premenstrual syndrome group than among the controls, but this difference did not
      reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). It was found that total antioxidant
      capacity was similar in both groups. For the insulin-serotonin cycle markers, no
      significant difference was found between groups in terms of visfatin level (p =
      0.893), although apelin was found to be significantly higher in the premenstrual
      syndrome group when compared with the controls (p < 0.001). According to our
      results, apelin can be used as an ancillary laboratory test in the diagnosis of
      premenstrual syndrome.

PMID- 25110963
TI  - Understanding spatial relationships in US: a computer-based training tool that
      utilizes inexpensive off-the-shelf game controllers.
AB  - The authors present a simulation-based ultrasonographic (US) training tool that
      can help improve the understanding of spatial relationships in US. Use of a game
      controller to simulate a US probe allows examination of different virtual three
      dimensional (3D) objects. These 3D objects are either completely artificial
      simple geometric objects (eg, spheres, tubes, and ellipsoids, or more complex
      combinations thereof) or derived from photographed gross anatomic data (eg, the
      Visible Human dataset [U.S. National Library of Medicine]) or clinical computed
      tomographic (CT) data. The virtual US probe allows infinitely variable real-time
      positioning of a "slice" that is displayed as a two-dimensional (2D) cross
      sectional image and as part of a 3D view. Combining the 2D and 3D views helps
      elucidate the spatial relationships between a 3D object and derived 2D images.
      This training tool provides reliable real-time interactivity and is widely
      available and easily affordable, since it utilizes standard personal computer
      technology and off-the-shelf gaming hardware. For instance, it can be used at
      home by medical students or residents as a complement to conventional US
      training. In the future, this system could be adapted to support training for US
      guided needle biopsy, with use of a second game controller to control the biopsy
      needle. Furthermore, it could be used as a more general interactive visualization
      tool for the evaluation of clinical 3D CT and magnetic resonance imaging data,
      allowing efficient and intuitive real-time creation of oblique multiplanar
      reformatted images.

PMID- 25110964
TI  - New open-framework cobalt sulfate-oxalates based on molecular and chain-like
      building blocks.
AB  - Presented here are two novel open-framework cobalt sulfate-oxalates constructed
      from molecular and chain-like building blocks. The two compounds have different
      structures: an hcb-type layer with 20-ring windows and a mog-type framework with
      12-ring channels. Amine molecules play dual roles in the two structures: as a
      chelating ligand and a charge-balancing agent. 

PMID- 25110965
TI  - Short stories on zebrafish long noncoding RNAs.
AB  - The recent re-annotation of the transcriptome of human and other model organisms,
      using next-generation sequencing approaches, has unravelled a hitherto unknown
      repertoire of transcripts that do not have a potential to code for proteins.
      These transcripts have been largely classified into an amorphous class popularly
      known as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA). This discovery of lncRNAs in human and
      other model systems have added a new layer to the understanding of gene
      regulation at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In recent
      years, three independent studies have discovered a number of lncRNAs expressed in
      different stages of zebrafish development and adult tissues using a high
      throughput RNA sequencing approach, significantly adding to the repertoire of
      genes known in zebrafish. A subset of these transcripts also shows distinct and
      specific spatiotemporal patterns of gene expression, pointing to a tight
      regulatory control and potential functional roles in development, organogenesis,
      and/ or homeostasis. This review provides an overview of the lncRNAs in zebrafish
      and discusses how their discovery could provide new insights into understanding
      biology, explaining mutant phenotypes, and helping in potentially modeling
      disease processes.

PMID- 25110967
TI  - Serotherapy for Ebola: back to the future.

PMID- 25110968
TI  - Hidden victims of childhood vitiligo: impact on parents' mental health and
      quality of life.
AB  - This study aims to assess the impact of childhood vitiligo on the psychological
      status and quality of life of their parents, and to determine how this varies
      according to their children's disease condition. The study included 50 families
      of children with vitiligo (a total of 75 participants) and 50 families of normal
      children (a total of 79 participants). The psychosocial impact of the disease on
      parents was measured using the Self-rated Health Measurement Scale (SRHMS) and
      the Dermatitis Family Impact Questionnaire (DFI). SRHMS scores for parents of
      children with vitiligo were significantly lower than for parents with normal
      children. In addition, women had lower scores than men in the study group. The
      mean DFI score in affected families was higher than in unaffected families.
      Parents of children with vitiligo have significant psychological problems, and
      their quality of life is poorer than for parents of normal children. In
      conclusion, parents of children with vitiligo need as much care and attention as
      their affected children. 

PMID- 25110969
TI  - Routine blood cultures for the febrile inpatient: a teachable moment.

PMID- 25110966
TI  - Triheptanoin for glucose transporter type I deficiency (G1D): modulation of human
      ictogenesis, cerebral metabolic rate, and cognitive indices by a food supplement.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Disorders of brain metabolism are multiform in their mechanisms and
      manifestations, many of which remain insufficiently understood and are thus
      similarly treated. Glucose transporter type I deficiency (G1D) is commonly
      associated with seizures and with electrographic spike-waves. The G1D syndrome
      has long been attributed to energy (ie, adenosine triphosphate synthetic) failure
      such as that consequent to tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate depletion.
      Indeed, glucose and other substrates generate TCAs via anaplerosis. However, TCAs
      are preserved in murine G1D, rendering energy-failure inferences premature and
      suggesting a different hypothesis, also grounded on our work, that consumption of
      alternate TCA precursors is stimulated and may be detrimental. Second, common
      ketogenic diets lead to a therapeutically counterintuitive reduction in blood
      glucose available to the G1D brain and prove ineffective in one-third of
      patients. OBJECTIVE: To identify the most helpful outcomes for treatment
      evaluation and to uphold (rather than diminish) blood glucose concentration and
      stimulate the TCA cycle, including anaplerosis, in G1D using the medium-chain,
      food-grade triglyceride triheptanoin. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
      Unsponsored, open-label cases series conducted in an academic setting. Fourteen
      children and adults with G1D who were not receiving a ketogenic diet were
      selected on a first-come, first-enrolled basis. INTERVENTION: Supplementation of
      the regular diet with food-grade triheptanoin. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: First,
      we show that, regardless of electroencephalographic spike-waves, most seizures
      are rarely visible, such that perceptions by patients or others are inadequate
      for treatment evaluation. Thus, we used quantitative electroencephalographic,
      neuropsychological, blood analytical, and magnetic resonance imaging cerebral
      metabolic rate measurements. RESULTS: One participant (7%) did not manifest spike
      waves; however, spike-waves promptly decreased by 70% (P = .001) in the other
      participants after consumption of triheptanoin. In addition, the
      neuropsychological performance and cerebral metabolic rate increased in most
      patients. Eleven patients (78%) had no adverse effects after prolonged use of
      triheptanoin. Three patients (21%) experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, and 1
      (7%) discontinued the use of triheptanoin. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
      Triheptanoin can favorably influence cardinal aspects of neural function in G1D.
      In addition, our outcome measures constitute an important framework for the
      evaluation of therapies for encephalopathies associated with impaired
      intermediary metabolism.

PMID- 25110970
TI  - Tunable exciton funnel using Moire superlattice in twisted van der Waals bilayer.
AB  - A spatially varying bandgap drives exciton motion and can be used to funnel
      energy within a solid (Nat. Photonics 2012, 6, 866-872). This bandgap modulation
      can be created by composition variation (traditional heterojunction), elastic
      strain, or in the work shown next, by a small twist between two identical
      semiconducting atomic sheets, creating an internal stacking translation u(r) that
      varies gently with position r and controls the local bandgap Eg(u(r)). Recently
      synthesized carbon/boron nitride (Nat. Nanotechnol. 2013, 8, 119) and phosphorene
      (Nat. Nanotechnol. 2014, 9, 372) may be used to construct this twisted
      semiconductor bilayer that may be regarded as an in-plane crystal but an out-of
      plane molecule, which could be useful in solar energy harvesting and
      electroluminescence. Here, by first-principles methods, we compute the bandgap
      map and delineate its material and geometric sensitivities. Eg(u(r)) is predicted
      to have multiple local minima ("funnel centers") due to secondary or even
      tertiary periodic structures in-plane, leading to a hitherto unreported pattern
      of multiple "exciton flow basins". A compressive strain or electric field will
      further enhance Eg-contrast in different regions of the pseudoheterostructure so
      as to absorb or emit even broader spectrum of light.

PMID- 25110971
TI  - Biofunctional constituent isolated from Citrullus colocynthis fruits and
      structure-activity relationships of its analogues show acaricidal and
      insecticidal efficacy.
AB  - The acaricidal and insecticidal potential of the active constituent isolated from
      Citrullus colocynthis fruits and its structurally related analogues was evaluated
      by performing leaf disk, contact toxicity, and fumigant toxicity bioassays
      against Tetranychus urticae, Sitophilus oryzae, and Sitophilus zeamais adults.
      The active constituent of C. colocynthis fruits was isolated by chromatographic
      techniques and was identified as 4-methylquinoline on the basis of spectroscopic
      analyses. To investigate the structure-activity relationships, 4-methylquinoline
      and its structural analogues were tested against mites and two insect pests. On
      the basis of the LC50 values, 7,8-benzoquinoline was the most effective against
      T. urticae. Quinoline, 8-hydroxyquinoline, 2-methylquinoline, 4-methylquinoline,
      6-methylquinoline, 8-methylquinoline, and 7,8-benzoquinoline showed high
      insecticidal activities against S. oryzae and S. zeamais regardless of the
      application method. These results indicate that introduction of a functional
      group into the quinoline skeleton and changing the position of the group have an
      important influence on the acaricidal and insecticidal activities. Furthermore, 4
      methylquinoline isolated from C. colocynthis fruits, along with its structural
      analogues, could be effective natural pesticides for managing spider mites and
      stored grain weevils. 

PMID- 25110972
TI  - The psychosocial impact of detention and deportation on U.S. migrant children and
      families.
AB  - Approximately 4.5 million U.S. citizen children live in mixed-status families, in
      which at least 1 family member is an unauthorized migrant and therefore
      vulnerable to detention and deportation from the United States (Passel & Cohn,
      2011). This article critically examines the current state of the literature on
      the psychosocial consequences of detention and deportation for unauthorized
      migrants, mixed-status families, and their U.S.-born children. In particular,
      drawing on social and psychological theory and research, we (a) review the impact
      of parents' unauthorized status on children; (b) summarize the literature on the
      impact of detention processes on psychosocial well-being; (c) describe the
      dilemma faced by a mixed-status family when a parent faces deportation; (d)
      examine the current social scientific literature on how parental deportation
      impacts children and their families; and (e) summarize several policy
      recommendations for protecting children and families.

PMID- 25110973
TI  - Posttraumatic growth in children and youth: clinical implications of an emerging
      research literature.
AB  - Posttraumatic growth (PTG), positive change resulting from the struggle with
      trauma, has garnered significant attention in the literature on adults. Recently,
      the research base has begun to extend downward, and this literature indicates
      that youth also evidence PTG-like changes. Researchers have sought to assess the
      construct, examine its correlates, and understand the factors that contribute to
      PTG in youth. Drawing from this work, this article considers clinical
      implications for youth. After briefly describing the PTG construct, its
      hypothesized process, and its distinction from resilience, the article focuses on
      key themes in the literature and, with those findings as backdrop, ways in which
      professionals can facilitate growth in youth who have experienced trauma. This
      discussion situates PTG within the broader trauma literature and includes
      specific applications used to date as well as the role of cultural factors.
      Future directions--salient to practitioners and researchers alike--are
      considered.

PMID- 25110974
TI  - Sudden losses and negative appraisal in people with severe mental illness.
AB  - Research on the impact of sudden or unexpected losses in people with severe
      mental illness is scarce. The purpose of our study was to examine the
      relationship between subjective distress from sudden losses in people with severe
      mental illness and posttraumatic stress symptoms while controlling for gender,
      psychiatric symptoms, and negative appraisals. As part of routine care, treatment
      personnel collected data from 371 community mental health clients diagnosed with
      a severe mental illness. Hierarchical linear regression revealed that negative
      appraisals of the self and the world correlated significantly with posttraumatic
      stress symptoms, and distress from losses accounted for the greatest amount of
      variance in posttraumatic stress symptoms of the 6 traumas tested. When examined
      by diagnostic group, only those with schizophrenia spectrum disorder showed a
      significant association between distress from sudden losses and posttraumatic
      stress symptoms. Relative to other factors including symptoms of severe mental
      illness, distress from sudden losses in people with severe mental illness appears
      to be strongly associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms.

PMID- 25110975
TI  - Contemporary heterosexism on campus and psychological distress among LGBQ
      students: the mediating role of self-acceptance.
AB  - Contemporary heterosexism includes both overt and subtle discrimination. Minority
      stress theory posits that heterosexism puts sexual minorities at risk for
      psychological distress and other negative outcomes. Research, however, tends to
      focus only on 1 form at a time, with minimal attention being given to subtle
      heterosexism. Further, little is known about the connection between minority
      stressors and underlying psychological mechanisms that might shape mental health
      outcomes. Among a convenience sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ)
      college students (n = 299), we investigated the role of blatant victimization and
      LGBQ microaggressions, both together and separately, on psychological distress
      and the mediating role of self-acceptance. We conducted structural equation
      modeling to examine hypothesized relationships. Heterosexism was measured as
      blatant victimization, interpersonal microaggressions, and environmental
      microaggressions. Self-acceptance included self-esteem and internalized LGBTQ
      pride. Anxiety and perceived stress comprised the psychological distress factor.
      Our results suggest that students with greater atypical gender expression
      experience, greater overall heterosexism and victimization, and younger students
      experience more overall heterosexism, and undergraduates report more
      victimization. Microaggressions, particularly environmental microaggressions, are
      more influential on overall heterosexism than blatant victimization. Overall
      heterosexism and microaggressions demonstrated main effects with self-acceptance
      and distress, whereas victimization did not. Self-acceptance mediated the path
      from discrimination to distress for both overall heterosexism and
      microaggressions. Our findings advance minority stress theory research by
      providing a nuanced understanding of the nature of contemporary discrimination
      and its consequences, as well as illuminating the important role self-acceptance
      plays as a mediator in the discrimination-psychological distress relationship.

PMID- 25110976
TI  - Risk factors for suicidal behaviors among Filipino Americans: a data mining
      approach.
AB  - Filipino Americans have lower suicide rates than other Asian ethnic groups. The
      present study examined risk factors for suicide ideation and attempt among
      Filipino Americans with random forest. The data were from the Filipino American
      Community Epidemiological Study (Takeuchi, 2011). The results showed that the
      important predictors for suicide ideation were depressive disorder, substance use
      disorder, and years in the United States. The important predictors for suicide
      attempt were the number of family relatives and family conflict. Clinicians are
      advised to investigate familial and cultural factors among Filipino Americans.
      How family and cultural factors may affect suicidal behaviors were further
      discussed.

PMID- 25110977
TI  - Menstrual suppression for adolescents.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent
      literature and emerging data describing clinical situations in which menstrual
      suppression may improve symptoms and quality of life for adolescents. A variety
      of conditions occurring frequently in adolescents and young adults, including
      heavy menstrual bleeding, and dysmenorrhea as well as gynecologic conditions such
      as endometriosis and pelvic pain, can safely be improved or alleviated with
      appropriate menstrual management. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent publications have
      highlighted the efficacy and benefit of extended cycle or continuous combined
      oral contraceptives, the levonorgestrel intrauterine device, and progestin
      therapies for a variety of medical conditions. SUMMARY: This review places
      menstrual suppression in an historical context, summarizes methods of hormonal
      therapy that can suppress menses, and reviews clinical conditions for which
      menstrual suppression may be helpful.

PMID- 25110978
TI  - Risk factors for urinary, fecal, or double incontinence in women.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review recent, significant contributions to the medical
      literature regarding the identification of factors which are associated with
      urinary, fecal, and double incontinence in women. RECENT FINDINGS: Approximately
      one out of five women suffers from moderate to severe urinary incontinence, one
      out of 10 has fecal incontinence, and 2.5% have double incontinence of urine and
      stool. Obesity is primarily associated with urinary incontinence, whereas
      diabetes mellitus is a stronger risk factor for fecal incontinence. Double
      incontinence is primarily associated with advanced age, depression, and
      decompensating medical conditions that denote frailty. SUMMARY: Knowledge
      regarding which clinical conditions and patient characteristics are strongly
      associated with each type of incontinence helps identify those patients who are
      at risk and aids in targeted screening and treatment programs.

PMID- 25110979
TI  - Multidisciplinary care for individuals with disorders of sex development.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recommendations regarding the care of individuals with
      disorders of sex development include that care be provided by multidisciplinary
      teams. This article will discuss team composition and function as well as the
      role of the gynecologist and barriers to such care. RECENT FINDINGS: Many
      barriers to multidisciplinary care exist, but recent reports stress the roles of
      different team members as well as tools for planning and implementation of such a
      team that may help to overcome such barriers. All current recommendations include
      the participation of a gynecologist in the disorders of sex development team.
      Gynecologists are in the unique position to continue to provide care as these
      individuals mature into adulthood. SUMMARY: Multidisciplinary care for patients
      with disorders of sex development is recommended and gynecologists provide unique
      expertise.

PMID- 25110980
TI  - Uncovering the Meaning of Home Care Using an Arts-Based and Qualitative Approach.
AB  - The need for home care is increasing in Canada, yet little is known about the
      home care experience of clients and their families. Uncovering the meaning of the
      home care experience is an important step towards developing understanding and
      public awareness. We explored the experiences of home care using arts-based
      methods and individual interviews with 11 participants (one client and 10 family
      caregivers). Participants discussed the numerous ways formal home care and family
      caregiving affected their lives, how they coped with these effects, their
      experiences in hospitals or assisted living facilities, and aspects of the home
      care experience they liked or disliked. Participants agreed that home care
      facilitated a better quality of life for families and clients, although they
      acknowledged some challenges with it. The artistic outputs produced by
      participants facilitated interview dialogue and fostered understanding of key
      themes within the research team.

PMID- 25110981
TI  - Neurostimulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway ameliorates disease
      in rat collagen-induced arthritis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The inflammatory reflex is a physiological mechanism through which
      the nervous system maintains immunologic homeostasis by modulating innate and
      adaptive immunity. We postulated that the reflex might be harnessed
      therapeutically to reduce pathological levels of inflammation in rheumatoid
      arthritis by activating its prototypical efferent arm, termed the cholinergic
      anti-inflammatory pathway. To explore this, we determined whether electrical
      neurostimulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway reduced disease
      severity in the collagen-induced arthritis model. METHODS: Rats implanted with
      vagus nerve cuff electrodes had collagen-induced arthritis induced and were
      followed for 15 days. Animals underwent active or sham electrical stimulation
      once daily from day 9 through the conclusion of the study. Joint swelling,
      histology, and levels of cytokines and bone metabolism mediators were assessed.
      RESULTS: Compared with sham treatment, active neurostimulation of the cholinergic
      anti-inflammatory pathway resulted in a 52% reduction in ankle diameter (p =
      0.02), a 57% reduction in ankle diameter (area under curve; p = 0.02) and 46%
      reduction overall histological arthritis score (p = 0.01) with significant
      improvements in inflammation, pannus formation, cartilage destruction, and bone
      erosion (p = 0.02), accompanied by numerical reductions in systemic cytokine
      levels, not reaching statistical significance. Bone erosion improvement was
      associated with a decrease in serum levels of receptor activator of NF-kappaB
      ligand (RANKL) from 132+/-13 to 6+/-2 pg/mL (mean+/-SEM, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      The severity of collagen-induced arthritis is reduced by neurostimulation of the
      cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway delivered using an implanted electrical
      vagus nerve stimulation cuff electrode, and supports the rationale for testing
      this approach in human inflammatory disorders.

PMID- 25110982
TI  - Association between duration of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum during
      laparoscopic abdominal surgery and hepatic injury: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to accurately assess whether the duration of
      intraoperative carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum (CDP) is associated with the
      induction of hepatic injury. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of PubMed,
      Embase, and Cochrane Library databases (through February 2014) to identify case
      match studies that compared high-pressure CDP with low-pressure CDP or varied the
      duration of CDP in patients who underwent abdominal surgery. The outcome of
      interest was postoperative liver function (ALT, AST, TB). RESULTS: Eleven
      comparative studies involving 2,235 participants were included. Overall, levels
      of ALT, AST, and TB (on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7) were significantly
      elevated in the study groups. However, the results of the subanalyses of those
      who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection (LCR) versus open
      colorectal cancer resection (OCR) and those who underwent laparoscopic gastric
      bypass (LGBP) versus open gastric bypass (OGBP) were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS:
      The current evidence suggests that the duration of CDP during laparoscopic
      abdominal surgery may be associated with hepatic injury. Additional large-scale,
      randomized, controlled trials are urgently needed to further confirm this.

PMID- 25110983
TI  - Bioaccumulation and toxicity of CuO nanoparticles by a freshwater invertebrate
      after waterborne and dietborne exposures.
AB  - The incidental ingestion of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) can be an important
      route of uptake for aquatic organisms. Yet, knowledge of dietary bioavailability
      and toxicity of NPs is scarce. Here we used isotopically modified copper oxide
      ((65)CuO) NPs to characterize the processes governing their bioaccumulation in a
      freshwater snail after waterborne and dietborne exposures. Lymnaea stagnalis
      efficiently accumulated (65)Cu after aqueous and dietary exposures to (65)CuO
      NPs. Cu assimilation efficiency and feeding rates averaged 83% and 0.61 g g(-1)
      d(-1) at low exposure concentrations (<100 nmol g(-1)), and declined by nearly
      50% above this concentration. We estimated that 80-90% of the bioaccumulated
      (65)Cu concentration in L. stagnalis originated from the (65)CuO NPs, suggesting
      that dissolution had a negligible influence on Cu uptake from the NPs under our
      experimental conditions. The physiological loss of (65)Cu incorporated into
      tissues after exposures to (65)CuO NPs was rapid over the first days of
      depuration and not detectable thereafter. As a result, large Cu body
      concentrations are expected in L. stagnalis after exposure to CuO NPs. To the
      degree that there is a link between bioaccumulation and toxicity, dietborne
      exposures to CuO NPs are likely to elicit adverse effects more readily than
      waterborne exposures.

PMID- 25110984
TI  - Self-assembly of a tripeptide into a functional coating that resists fouling.
AB  - This communication describes the self-assembly of a tripeptide into a functional
      coating that resists biofouling. Using this peptide-based coating we were able to
      prevent protein adsorption and interrupt biofilm formation. This coating can be
      applied on numerous substrates and therefore can serve in applications related to
      health care, marine and water treatment. 

PMID- 25110985
TI  - Relationships Among Meeting Physical-Activity Guidelines and Health Risk
      Behaviors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Young adults have the highest participation in physical activity but
      also have the highest incidence rates of binge drinking, cigarette smoking, and
      smokeless tobacco use. We examined these factors to determine whether there are
      relationships among physical activity and health risk behaviors. METHODS: We
      conducted correlation and chi2 analyses using the American College Health
      Association-National College Health Assessment fall 2009 data set (N = 34,208) to
      examine the relationship among meeting physical-activity guidelines, binge
      drinking, and tobacco use among survey participants. RESULTS: The data suggest a
      positive relationship between meeting physical-activity guidelines and binge
      drinking, with the strongest relationship between those reporting binge drinking
      4 times in a 2-week period. Meeting physical-activity guidelines was negatively
      associated with cigarette use but positively associated with all other types of
      tobacco use. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between physical activity and binge
      drinking episodes indicate a need to address the relationship between heavy
      drinking and alcohol dependence and physical-activity behavior patterns. Further
      studies should examine relationships between physical activity and binge drinking
      in other age groups. Results also suggest the need to examine differing
      associations between physical activity and types of tobacco use.

PMID- 25110987
TI  - Dendrimersomes with photodegradable membranes for triggered release of
      hydrophilic and hydrophobic cargo.
AB  - Amphiphilic Janus dendrimers containing first through third generation (G1-G3)
      photodegradable hydrophobic blocks were synthesized and their self-assembly in
      water was studied. While the G1 and G2 systems formed solid aggregates, the G3
      system self-assembled to form dendrimersomes. These dendrimersomes were
      demonstrated to degrade upon irradiation with UV light, and exhibited triggered
      release of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic payloads. 

PMID- 25110986
TI  - On simplified global nonlinear function for fitness landscape: a case study of
      inverse protein folding.
AB  - The construction of fitness landscape has broad implication in understanding
      molecular evolution, cellular epigenetic state, and protein structures. We
      studied the problem of constructing fitness landscape of inverse protein folding
      or protein design, with the aim to generate amino acid sequences that would fold
      into an a priori determined structural fold which would enable engineering novel
      or enhanced biochemistry. For this task, an effective fitness function should
      allow identification of correct sequences that would fold into the desired
      structure. In this study, we showed that nonlinear fitness function for protein
      design can be constructed using a rectangular kernel with a basis set of proteins
      and decoys chosen a priori. The full landscape for a large number of protein
      folds can be captured using only 480 native proteins and 3,200 non-protein decoys
      via a finite Newton method. A blind test of a simplified version of fitness
      function for sequence design was carried out to discriminate simultaneously 428
      native sequences not homologous to any training proteins from 11 million
      challenging protein-like decoys. This simplified function correctly classified
      408 native sequences (20 misclassifications, 95% correct rate), which outperforms
      several other statistical linear scoring function and optimized linear function.
      Our results further suggested that for the task of global sequence design of 428
      selected proteins, the search space of protein shape and sequence can be
      effectively parametrized with just about 3,680 carefully chosen basis set of
      proteins and decoys, and we showed in addition that the overall landscape is not
      overly sensitive to the specific choice of this set. Our results can be
      generalized to construct other types of fitness landscape. 

PMID- 25110988
TI  - Behavior of highly diluted electrolytes in strong electric fields-prevention of
      alumina deposition on grading electrodes in HVDC transmission modules by CO2
      induced pH-control.
AB  - Alumina deposition on platinum grading electrodes in high voltage direct current
      (HVDC) transmission modules is an unsolved problem that has been around for more
      than three decades. This is due to the unavoidable corrosion of aluminum heat
      sinks that causes severe damage to electrical power plants and losses in the
      range of a million Euro range per day in power outage. Simple experiments in a
      representative HV test setup showed that aluminates at concentrations even below
      10(-8) mol L(-1) can deposit on anodes through neutralization by protons produced
      in de-ionized water (kappa<=0.15 MUS cm(-1)) at 20-35 kV (8 mA) per electrode. In
      this otherwise electrolyte-poor aqueous environment, the depositions are formed
      three orders of magnitude below the critical precipitation concentration at pH 7!
      In the presence of an inert electrolyte such as TMAT (tetramethylammonium-p
      toluenesulfonate), at a concentration level just above that of the total
      dissolved aluminum, no deposition was observed. Deposition can be also prevented
      by doping with CO2 gas at a concentration level that is magnitudes lower than
      that of the dissolved aluminum. From an overview of aqueous aluminum chemistry,
      the mystery of the alumina deposition process and its inhibition by CO2 is
      experimentally resolved and fully explained by field accumulation and repulsion
      models in synergism with acid-base equilibria. The extraordinary size of the
      alumina depositions is accounted for in terms of proton tunneling through
      "hydrated" alumina, which is supported by quantum chemical calculations. As a
      consequence, pulse-purging with pure CO2 gas is presented as a technical solution
      to prevent the deposition of alumina.

PMID- 25110989
TI  - Measuring the pK/pI of biomolecules using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
AB  - Dissociation constants of GG-X-GG and X5 peptides (X = G, D, H, or K), and bovine
      albumin (BSA) and fibronectin (FN) were measured by X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy (XPS) in ultrahigh vacuum at room temperature. The biomolecules were
      deposited on Au substrates by drying 2.0 MUL drops of 1.0 MUg MUL(-1) stock
      solutions in 100 mM sodium phosphate buffers (pH 1-12) at room temperature.
      Because of the ~+1.3 eV shift in binding energy (BE) of protonated amines, pK
      values of basic amino acids were calculated by plotting the fraction of
      protonated amines as a function of solution pH. Similarly, the BE of carboxyl
      groups shifted ~-1.3 eV upon deprotonation. While C 1s spectra were convoluted by
      the multiple chemical states of carbon present in the samples, the ratio of the C
      1s components centered at BE = 289.0 +/- 0.4 and BE = 287.9 +/- 0.3 proved to
      reliably assess deprotonation of carboxyl groups. The pK values for the Asp (3.1
      and 2.4), His (6.7), and Lys (11.3 and 10.6) peptides, and the pI of BSA (4.8)
      and FN (5.7), were consistent with published values; thus, these methods could
      potentially be used to determine the dissociation constants of surface-bound
      biomolecules.

PMID- 25110990
TI  - A normal ovary in an abnormal location: A case of torsion.
AB  - The clinical and radiologic diagnosis of adnexal torsion is challenging. The
      patient's history, physical examination, and laboratory evaluation may overlap
      significantly with other causes of abdominal pain. Ultrasound is the most common
      radiologic tool to assess for torsion, and the imaging findings can be equally
      equivocal. We present a case of adnexal torsion in an 18-year-old emergency room
      patient with abdominal pain, diagnosed by ultrasound based solely on an abnormal
      medial position of the ovary-a finding that has been only rarely mentioned in the
      literature, and never in isolation.

PMID- 25110991
TI  - Smarter hospital communication: secure smartphone text messaging improves
      provider satisfaction and perception of efficacy, workflow.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Though current hospital paging systems are neither efficient
      (callbacks disrupt workflow), nor secure (pagers are not Health Insurance
      Portability and Accountability Act [HIPAA]-compliant), they are routinely used to
      communicate patient information. Smartphone-based text messaging is a potentially
      more convenient and efficient mobile alternative; however, commercial cellular
      networks are also not secure. OBJECTIVE: To determine if augmenting one-way
      pagers with Medigram, a secure, HIPAA-compliant group messaging (HCGM)
      application for smartphones, could improve hospital team communication. DESIGN:
      Eight-week prospective, cluster-randomized, controlled trial SETTING: Stanford
      Hospital INTERVENTION: Three inpatient medicine teams used the HCGM application
      in addition to paging, while two inpatient medicine teams used paging only for
      intra-team communication. MEASUREMENTS: Baseline and post-study surveys were
      collected from 22 control and 41 HCGM team members. RESULTS: When compared with
      paging, HCGM was rated significantly (P < 0.05) more effective in: (1) allowing
      users to communicate thoughts clearly (P = 0.010) and efficiently (P = 0.009) and
      (2) integrating into workflow during rounds (P = 0.018) and patient discharge (P
      = 0.012). Overall satisfaction with HCGM was significantly higher (P = 0.003).
      85% of HCGM team respondents said they would recommend using an HCGM system on
      the wards. CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone-based, HIPAA-compliant group messaging
      applications improve provider perception of in-hospital communication, while
      providing the information security that paging and commercial cellular networks
      do not.

PMID- 25110992
TI  - Identification of cleavage sites leading to the shed form of the anti-aging
      protein klotho.
AB  - Membrane protein shedding is a critical step in many normal and pathological
      processes. The anti-aging protein klotho (KL), mainly expressed in kidney and
      brain, is secreted into the serum and CSF, respectively. KL is proteolytically
      released, or shed, from the cell surface by ADAM10 and ADAM17, which are the
      alpha-secretases that also cleave the amyloid precursor protein and other
      proteins. The transmembrane KL is a coreceptor with the FGF receptor for FGF23,
      whereas the shed form acts as a circulating hormone. However, the precise
      cleavage sites in KL are unknown. KL contains two major cleavage sites: one close
      to the juxtamembrane region and another between the KL1 and KL2 domains. We
      identified the cleavage site involved in KL release by mutating potential
      sheddase(s) recognition sequences and examining the production of the KL
      extracellular fragments in transfected COS-7 cells. Deletion of amino acids T958
      and L959 results in a 50-60% reduction in KL shedding, and an additional P954E
      mutation results in further reduction of KL shedding by 70-80%. Deletion of amino
      acids 954-962 resulted in a 94% reduction in KL shedding. This mutant also had
      moderately decreased cell surface expression, yet had overall similar subcellular
      localization as that of WT KL, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence. Cleavage
      resistant mutants could function as a FGFR coreceptor for FGF23, but they lost
      activity as a soluble form of KL in proliferation and transcriptional reporter
      assays. Cleavage between the KL1 and KL2 domains is dependent on juxtamembrane
      cleavage. Our results shed light onto mechanisms underlying KL release from the
      cell membrane and provide a target for potential pharmacologic interventions
      aimed at regulating KL secretion. 

PMID- 25110994
TI  - Feasibility of reirradiation in the treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer
      (Br J Surg 2014; 101: 1280-1289).

PMID- 25110993
TI  - Thirty-day hospital readmissions in systemic lupus erythematosus: predictors and
      hospital- and state-level variation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has one of the highest hospital
      readmission rates among chronic conditions. This study was undertaken to identify
      patient-level, hospital-level, and geographic predictors of 30-day hospital
      readmissions associated with SLE. METHODS: Using hospital discharge databases
      from 5 geographically dispersed states, we studied all-cause readmission of SLE
      patients between 2008 and 2009. We evaluated each hospitalization as a possible
      index event leading up to a readmission, our primary outcome. We accounted for
      clustering of hospitalizations within patients and within hospitals and adjusted
      for hospital case mix. Using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression, we
      examined factors associated with 30-day readmission and calculated risk
      standardized hospital-level and state-level readmission rates. RESULTS: We
      examined 55,936 hospitalizations among 31,903 patients with SLE. Of these
      hospitalizations, 9,244 (16.5%) resulted in readmission within 30 days. In
      adjusted analyses, age was inversely related to risk of readmission. African
      American and Hispanic patients were more likely to be readmitted than white
      patients, as were those with Medicare or Medicaid insurance (versus private
      insurance). Several clinical characteristics of lupus, including nephritis,
      serositis, and thrombocytopenia, were associated with readmission. Readmission
      rates varied significantly between hospitals after accounting for patient-level
      clustering and hospital case mix. We also found geographic variation, with risk
      adjusted readmission rates lower in New York and higher in Florida as compared to
      California. CONCLUSION: We found that ~1 in 6 hospitalized patients with SLE were
      readmitted within 30 days of discharge, with higher rates among historically
      underserved populations. Significant geographic and hospital-level variation in
      risk-adjusted readmission rates suggests potential for quality improvement.

PMID- 25110998
TI  - One-pot transformation of cellobiose to formic acid and levulinic acid over ionic
      liquid-based polyoxometalate hybrids.
AB  - Currently, levulinic acid (LA) and formic acid (FA) are considered as important
      carbohydrates for the production of value-added chemicals. Their direct
      production from biomass will open up a new opportunity for the transformation of
      biomass resource to valuable chemicals. In this study, one-pot transformation of
      cellobiose into LA and FA was demonstrated, using a series of multiple-functional
      ionic liquid-based polyoxometalate (IL-POM) hybrids as catalytic materials. These
      IL-POMs not only markedly promoted the production of valuable chemicals including
      LA, FA and monosaccharides with high selectivities, but also provided great
      convenience of the recovery and the reuse of the catalytic materials in an
      environmentally friendly manner. Cellobiose conversion of 100%, LA selectivity of
      46.3%, and FA selectivity of 26.1% were obtained at 423 K and 3 MPa for 3 h in
      presence of oxygen. A detailed catalytic mechanism for the one-pot transformation
      of cellobiose was also presented.

PMID- 25110999
TI  - Late mortality among 5-year survivors of early onset cancer: a population-based
      register study.
AB  - To date, only few studies have been published documenting late mortality among
      early onset cancer survivors, especially regarding young adulthood (YA)
      malignancies. Our nation-wide population-based registry study provides
      information concerning cause-specific long-term mortality among 16,769 5-year
      survivors of early onset cancer (aged 0-34 years at diagnosis), with follow-up
      for death extending from 1971 through 2012. A sibling cohort and population data
      were used as reference. The overall standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of cancer
      patients was 4.6-fold, (95% CI 4.4-4.8). Highest SMRs were found for malignancies
      (12.8, 95% CI 12.3-13.3), infectious (4.8, 95%CI 2.9-6.7) and cardiovascular
      diseases (1.9, 95% CI 1.7-2.1). Malignancies and cardiovascular diseases
      accounted for the largest number of deaths. Childhood and YA cancer survivors
      with the same primary cancer site had a similarly elevated overall SMR with the
      exception of markedly higher SMRs after childhood Hodgkin lymphoma. The highest
      cumulative non-malignancy-related mortality was due to cardiovascular disease
      with a steady rise throughout the follow-up, but strongly dependent on the
      primary cancer site and age at diagnosis. In childhood cancer survivors, the
      cumulative cardiovascular mortality did not reduce over time. However, overall
      and malignancy-related mortality showed a declining tendency towards the most
      recent periods after both, childhood and YA cancer. Our findings on non
      malignancy-related mortality stress the need to set up long-term individual
      follow-up with a focus on cardiovascular late effects for early onset cancer
      survivors, especially for YA cancer survivors still lacking those. 

PMID- 25111000
TI  - New insights on the antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Antidepressants are at best 50-55% effective. Non-compliance and the
      antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS) are causally related yet poorly
      appreciated. While ADS is associated with most antidepressants, agomelatine seems
      to be devoid of such risk. We review the neurobiology and clinical consequences
      of antidepressant non-compliance and the ADS. Agomelatine is presented as a
      counterpoint to learn more on how ADS risk is determined by pharmacokinetics and
      pharmacology. DESIGN: The relevant literature is reviewed through a MEDLINE
      search via PubMed, focusing on agomelatine and clinical and preclinical research
      on ADS. RESULTS: Altered serotonergic dysfunction appears central to ADS so that
      how an antidepressant targets serotonin will determine its relative risk for
      inducing ADS and thereby affect later treatment outcome. Low ADS risk with
      agomelatine versus other antidepressants can be ascribed to its unique
      pharmacokinetic characteristics as well as its distinctive actions on serotonin,
      including melatonergic, monoaminergic and glutamatergic-nitrergic systems.
      CONCLUSIONS: This review raises awareness of the long-term negative aspects of
      non-compliance and inappropriate antidepressant discontinuation, and suggests
      possible approaches to "design-out" a risk for ADS. It reveals intuitive and
      rational ideas for antidepressant drug design, and provides new thoughts on
      antidepressant pharmacology, ADS risk and how these affect long-term outcome.

PMID- 25111001
TI  - Anticoagulant therapy in head injury-associated cerebral sinovenous thrombosis in
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Head injury is a risk factor for cerebral sinovenous thrombosis
      (CSVT) in children. Literature concerning head injury-associated CSVT (HIA-CSVT)
      is scarce. Data supporting safety and efficacy of anticoagulant therapy (ACT) in
      childhood CSVT is emerging. However, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) occurs
      frequently in children with HIA-CSVT at diagnosis making initiation of ACT
      controversial due to the fear of worsening of ICH. PROCEDURE: We conducted a
      retrospective descriptive review of a consecutive cohort of children with HIA
      CSVT from 1998 to 2012. RESULTS: Twenty patients (14 males, mean age 7 years)
      with HIA-CSVT were identified. Most (19/20 [95%]) had significant ICH at
      diagnosis. None received ACT at diagnosis. Fourteen (70%) were later (median 7
      days post-trauma, range 2-48 days) treated with ACT due to CSVT persistence
      (nine) and propagation (five), despite ICH in 13. None of the treated patients,
      including the 13 with pre-existing ICH, had significant worsening of hemorrhage.
      Three (21%) treated patients had minor asymptomatic extension of their hemorrhage
      and further ACT was withheld. No patient died while on ACT. No patient
      experienced CSVT propagation on ACT. Clinical outcomes were normal (no neurologic
      deficits) in 5/20(25%), mild neurological deficits in 10/20(50%), and moderate
      severe neurological deficits in 5/20(25%). Small sample size did not permit
      assessment of the effect of ACT on outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Anticoagulant therapy is
      safe in selected children with HIA-CSVT. ICH is not an absolute contraindication
      to ACT in children with HIA-CSVT.

PMID- 25111002
TI  - Distribution and presumed proliferation of macrophages in inflammatory diseases
      of the ocular adnexae.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to investigate whether macrophages show a
      proliferative activity (as indicated by Ki67 expression) and their distribution
      at the site of inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six different macrophage
      containing lesions from six different patients (four females, two males; age
      range: 16-58 years) were stained for macrophage markers (CD68, CD163) and Ki67 by
      immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence techniques were used to investigate dual
      labeling of the specimens for CD68, CD163 and Ki67, respectively. RESULTS: With
      immunofluorescence staining, scattered cells in all specimens were dual-labeled
      for CD68-Ki67 and CD163-Ki67. All lesions were composed of mixed infiltrates of
      M1 (CD68+CD163-) and M2 (CD68+CD163+) macrophages. The center of epithelioid-cell
      granulomas and foreign body giant cells was exclusively composed of M1
      macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that CD68+ and CD163+ cells express
      Ki67, a marker for proliferative activity at the site of inflammation. Until
      recently, macrophages were regarded as end-differentiated cells without mitotic
      activity. Since self-renewal of M1 and M2 macrophages has been described in the
      literature, staining of macrophages with Ki67 may indicate proliferative activity
      or at least an activation state. The distribution of macrophages in classic
      granulomatous lesions with only M1 macrophages in the avascular center represents
      an immune response to foreign body material, whereas the proangiogenic M2
      macrophages are located mostly in the surrounding inflammatory tissue and seem to
      be mandatory for the vascularization of the inflammatory tissue.

PMID- 25111003
TI  - Random whole metagenomic sequencing for forensic discrimination of soils.
AB  - Here we assess the ability of random whole metagenomic sequencing approaches to
      discriminate between similar soils from two geographically distinct urban sites
      for application in forensic science. Repeat samples from two parklands in
      residential areas separated by approximately 3 km were collected and the DNA was
      extracted. Shotgun, whole genome amplification (WGA) and single arbitrarily
      primed DNA amplification (AP-PCR) based sequencing techniques were then used to
      generate soil metagenomic profiles. Full and subsampled metagenomic datasets were
      then annotated against M5NR/M5RNA (taxonomic classification) and SEED Subsystems
      (metabolic classification) databases. Further comparative analyses were performed
      using a number of statistical tools including: hierarchical agglomerative
      clustering (CLUSTER); similarity profile analysis (SIMPROF); non-metric
      multidimensional scaling (NMDS); and canonical analysis of principal coordinates
      (CAP) at all major levels of taxonomic and metabolic classification. Our data
      showed that shotgun and WGA-based approaches generated highly similar metagenomic
      profiles for the soil samples such that the soil samples could not be
      distinguished accurately. An AP-PCR based approach was shown to be successful at
      obtaining reproducible site-specific metagenomic DNA profiles, which in turn were
      employed for successful discrimination of visually similar soil samples collected
      from two different locations. 

PMID- 25111004
TI  - Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis is diagnosed late in patients with
      preexisting plasma cell dyscrasias.
AB  - AL amyloidosis (AL) is rare and frequently remains undiagnosed until organ
      function is compromised, even among patients with known pre-existing untreated
      plasma cell dyscrasias (PCD). We identified 168 patients with AL amyloidosis who
      had a prior untreated PCD. The earliest symptom or sign (s/s) was defined as the
      first symptom reported by the patient that could be attributed to organ
      dysfunction caused by AL. The interval from the time of development of s/s to the
      establishment of diagnosis of AL (Interval-SA) was calculated. PCD diagnosis
      preceded recorded onset of s/s in 75% (114/152) of patients, with a median
      interval-SA for this group of 10 months. PCD was diagnosed after s/s in 25%
      (38/152) of patients, with a median interval-SA of 20 months. Overall survival
      (OS) from diagnosis of AL was not different between the two groups. AL
      amyloidosis patients with an identified pre-existing PCD had less advanced
      cardiac disease at AL diagnosis when compared to a control group of AL patients
      without pre-identified PCD. Long-term OS was not significantly superior among
      patients with a pre-identified PCD. In patients with "asymptomatic" PCD, symptoms
      and signs of AL amyloidosis should be solicited, since timely diagnosis is
      important in AL amyloidosis.

PMID- 25111006
TI  - Hyperpolarized [1,(13)C]pyruvate in lysed human erythrocytes: effects of co
      substrate supply on reaction time courses.
AB  - Hyperpolarized [1,(13)C]pyruvate was injected rapidly into haemolysates in which
      hydrolysis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P))/NAD(P)H had
      been inhibited with nicotinamide. Haemolysates provide a stable glycolytic system
      in which membrane permeability is not a flux-controlling step, and they enable
      the concentration of NADH to be adjusted experimentally while keeping the rest of
      the sample with the same composition as that of the cytoplasm of the cell (albeit
      diluted twofold at the time of injection of the [1,(13)C]pyruvate). We showed
      that the maximum amplitude of the (13)C NMR signal from the [1,(13)C]L-lactate,
      produced from [1,(13)C]pyruvate, and the time at which it occurred was dependent
      on NADH concentration, as predicted by enzyme-kinetic analysis. The main feature
      of such curves was dictated by the immediacy of the supply of the co-substrate of
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, EC 1.1.1.27), and we posit that this also pertains in
      vivo in various tissues including neoplasms. By constructing an appropriate
      mathematical model and by using a Markov-chain Monte Carlo approach, we fitted
      experimental data to estimate LDH and NADH concentrations. Experiments carried
      out with only endogenous NADH present enabled the estimation of its effective
      concentration in human RBCs; the ability to make this estimate is a special
      feature of the rapid-dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization method. We found an
      endogenous NADH concentration in human RBCs two to four times higher than
      previously reported.

PMID- 25111005
TI  - RAD9 enhances radioresistance of human prostate cancer cells through regulation
      of ITGB1 protein levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mouse embryonic stem cells null for Rad9 are sensitive to deleterious
      effects of ionizing radiation exposure. Likewise, integrin beta1 is a known
      radioprotective factor. Previously, we showed that RAD9 downregulation in human
      prostate cancer cells reduces integrin beta1 protein levels and ectopic
      expression of Mrad9 restores inherent high levels. METHODS: We used RNA
      interference to knockdown Rad9 expression in PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells.
      These cells were then exposed to ionizing radiation, and integrin beta1 protein
      levels were measured by immunoblotting. Survival of irradiated cells was measured
      by clonogenicity, cell cycle analysis, PARP-1 cleavage, and trypan blue
      exclusion. RESULTS: The function of RAD9 in controlling integrin beta1 expression
      is unique and not shared by the other members of the 9-1-1 complex, HUS1 and
      RAD1. RAD9 or integrin beta1 silencing sensitizes DU145 and PC3 cells to ionizing
      radiation. Irradiation of DU145 cells with low levels of RAD9 induces cleavage of
      PARP-1 protein. High levels of ionizing radiation have no effect on integrin
      beta1 protein levels. However, when RAD9 downregulation is combined with 10 Gy of
      ionizing radiation in DU145 or PC3 cells, there is an additional 50%
      downregulation of integrin beta1 compared with levels in unirradiated RAD9
      knockdown cells. Finally, PC3 cells growing on fibronectin display increased
      radioresistance. However, PC3 cells with RAD9 knockdown are no longer protected
      by fibronectin after treatment with ionizing radiation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Downregulation of RAD9 when combined with ionizing radiation results in reduction
      of ITGB1 protein levels in prostate cancer cells, and increased lethality.

PMID- 25111007
TI  - Strongly correlated alignment of fluorinated 5,11
      bis(triethylgermylethynyl)anthradithiophene crystallites in solution-processed
      field-effect transistors.
AB  - The crystallinity of an organic semiconductor film determines the efficiency of
      charge transport in electronic devices. This report presents a micro-to-nanoscale
      investigation on the crystal growth of fluorinated 5,11
      bis(triethylgermylethynyl)anthradithiophene (diF-TEG-ADT) and its implication for
      the electrical behavior of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). diF-TEG-ADT
      exhibits remarkable self-assembly through spin-cast preparation, with highly
      aligned edge-on stacking creating a fast hole-conducting channel for OFETs. 

PMID- 25111008
TI  - Microwave-assisted formation of organic monolayers from 1-alkenes on silicon
      carbide.
AB  - The rate of formation of covalently linked organic monolayers on HF-etched
      silicon carbide (SiC) is greatly increased by microwave irradiation. Upon
      microwave treatment for 60 min at 100  degrees C (60 W), 1-alkenes yield densely
      packed, covalently attached monolayers on flat SiC surfaces, a process that
      typically takes 16 h at 130  degrees C under thermal conditions. This approach
      was extended to SiC microparticles. The monolayers were characterized by X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy and static water contact angle measurements. The
      microwave-assisted reaction is compatible with terminal functionalities such as
      alkenes that enable subsequent versatile "click" chemistry reactions, further
      broadening the range and applicability of chemically modified SiC surfaces. 

PMID- 25111009
TI  - Structure and conformation of the medium-sized chlorophosphazene rings.
AB  - Medium-sized cyclic oligomeric phosphazenes [PCl2N]m (where m = 5-9) that were
      prepared from the reaction of PCl5 and NH4Cl in refluxing chlorobenzene have been
      isolated by a combination of sublimation/extraction and column chromatography
      from the predominant products [PCl2N]3 and [PCl2N]4. The medium-sized rings
      [PCl2N]m have been characterized by electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy
      (ESI-MS), their (31)P chemical shifts have been reassigned, and their T1
      relaxation times have been obtained. Crystallographic data has been recollected
      for [PCl2N]5, and the crystal structures of [PCl2N]6, and [PCl2N]8 are reported.
      Halogen-bonding interactions were observed in all the crystal structures of
      cyclic [PCl2N]m (m = 3-5, 6, 8). The crystal structures of [P(OPh)2N]7 and
      [P(OPh)2N]8, which are derivatives of the respective [PCl2N]m, are also reported.
      Comparisons of the intermolecular forces and torsion angles of [PCl2N]8 and
      [P(OPh)2N]8 with those of three other octameric rings are described. The
      comparisons show that chlorophosphazenes should not be considered prototypical,
      in terms of solid-state structure, because of the strong influence of halogen
      bonding. 

PMID- 25111010
TI  - Triterpenoids of Ganoderma theaecolum and their hepatoprotective activities.
AB  - Five new lanostane triterpenoids, ganoderic acid XL1 (1), ganoderic acid XL2 (2),
      20-hydroxy-ganoderic acid AM1 (3), ganoderenic acid AM1 (4) and ganoderesin C
      (5), together with five known triterpenoids (6-10) were isolated from the
      fruiting bodies of Ganoderma theaecolum. Chemical structures were elucidated on
      the basis of spectroscopic evidence, including 1D, 2D NMR, mass spectrometric
      data and circular dichroism spectra. Compounds 1, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 (10 MUM)
      exhibited hepatoprotective activities against DL-galactosamine-induced cell
      damage in HL-7702 cells.

PMID- 25111011
TI  - Chemical investigation of the medicinal and ornamental plant Angelonia
      angustifolia Benth. reveals therapeutic quantities of lupeol.
AB  - Angelonia angustifolia Benth. is a small herbaceous plant with documented use as
      an anti-inflammatory remedy by indigenous cultures in Latin America. It has
      subsequently been developed as an ornamental annual widely available in nurseries
      in the United States. Chemical investigation led to the discovery that lupeol is
      the major organic soluble constituent in the roots, and is present in large
      quantities in the aerial structures of the plant. Lupeol was identified by 1D and
      2D NMR spectroscopic techniques and quantified by HPLC-MS. The concentration of
      lupeol (9.14 mg/g in roots) in A. angustifolia is approximately 3 times higher
      than any previously reported sources. Therefore, the amount of lupeol in the
      roots of a single individual of A. angustifolia greatly exceeds the previously
      determined topical threshold for significant reduction of inflammation. The
      presence of topically therapeutic levels of lupeol in A. angustifolia provides
      chemical rationale for its indigenous use. In addition, the established
      cultivation of A. angustifolia could allow this plant to be used as a source of
      the important bioactive molecule lupeol, or to be developed as a nutraceutical
      without damaging wild populations.

PMID- 25111013
TI  - Health-related quality of life of adolescent and young adult survivors of
      childhood brain tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to expand research on predictors of health-related quality
      of life (HRQOL) for adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood brain
      tumors who are not living independently by evaluating the mediating role of
      family functioning in the association of disease severity/treatment late effects
      with survivor self-report and caregiver-proxy report of physical and emotional
      HRQOL. METHODS: Mothers (N = 186) and their survivors living at home (N = 126)
      completed self-report and caregiver-proxy report of physical and emotional HRQOL.
      Mothers completed family functioning measures of general family functioning,
      caregiving demands, and caregiver distress. Medical file review and caregiver
      report were used to evaluate disease severity/treatment late effects. RESULTS:
      Using structural equation models, family functioning was adjusted for
      sociodemographic factors. Disease severity/treatment late effects had significant
      direct effects on self-report and caregiver-proxy report of physical and
      emotional HRQOL. Family functioning had a significant direct effect on caregiver
      proxy report of physical and emotional HRQOL, but these findings were not
      confirmed for self-report HRQOL. Model-fit indices suggested good fit of the
      models, but the mediation effect of family functioning was not supported.
      CONCLUSIONS: Disease severity/treatment late effects explained self-report and
      caregiver-proxy report of physical and emotional HRQOL for these adolescent and
      young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors. Family functioning was
      implicated as an important factor for caregiver-proxy report only. To enhance
      physical and emotional HRQOL, findings underscore the importance of coordinated,
      multidisciplinary follow-up care for the survivors who are not living
      independently and their families to address treatment late effects and support
      family management.

PMID- 25111014
TI  - Chimeric recombinant antibody fragments in cardiac troponin I immunoassay.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To introduce a novel nanoparticle-based immunoassay for cardiac
      troponin I (cTnI) utilizing chimeric antibody fragments and to demonstrate that
      removal of antibody Fc-part and antibody chimerization decrease matrix related
      interferences. DESIGN AND METHODS: A sandwich-type immunoassay for cTnI based on
      recombinant chimeric (mouse variable/human constant) antigen binding (cFab)
      antibodies and intrinsically fluorescent nanoparticles was developed. To test
      whether using chimeric antibody fragments helps to avoid matrix related
      interferences, samples (n=39) with known amounts of triglycerides, bilirubin,
      rheumatoid factor (RF) or human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMAs) were measured with
      the novel assay, along with a previously published nanoparticle-based research
      assay with the same antibody epitopes. RESULTS: The limit of detection (LoD) was
      3.30ng/L. Within-laboratory precision for 29ng/L and 2819ng/L cTnI were 13.7% and
      15.9%, respectively. Regression analysis with Siemens ADVIA Centaur(r) yielded a
      slope (95% confidence intervals) of 0.18 (0.17-1.19) and a y-intercept of 1.94 (
      1.28-3.91) ng/L. When compared to a previously published nanoparticle-based
      assay, the novel assay showed substantially reduced interference in the tested
      interference prone samples, 15.4 vs. 51.3%. A rheumatoid factor containing sample
      was decreased from 241ng/L to <LoD. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of cFab-fragments
      enabled the development of a sensitive (LoD=3.3ng/L) immunoassay for the
      detection of cTnI and decreased matrix related interferences, thus resulting in a
      lower number of falsely elevated cTnI-values.

PMID- 25111015
TI  - Flavonoid-induced conversion of catalase to its inactive form--Compound II.
AB  - Flavonoids (FlaOHs), plant polyphenols, are ubiquitous components of human diet
      and are known as antioxidants. However, their prooxidant activity has also been
      reported. We have recently found that FlaOHs inhibit catalase, the heme enzyme
      which catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and
      molecular oxygen. The catalytic cycle proceeds with the formation of the
      intermediate, Compound I (Cpd I), an oxoferryl porphyrin pi-cation radical, the
      two-electron oxidation product of a heme group. Under conditions of low H2O2
      fluxes and in the presence of an appropriate substrate, Cpd I can undergo one
      electron reduction to inactive Compound II (Cpd II), oxoferryl derivative without
      radical site. Here we show that in vitro, under low fluxes of H2O2, FlaOHs reduce
      Cpd I to inactive Cpd II. Measurable amounts of Cpd II can be formed even in the
      presence of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) at
      concentration comparable with the investigated FlaOHs. Possible mechanisms of
      electron transfer from FlaOH molecule to the heme are discussed.

PMID- 25111016
TI  - Self-powered and sensitive DNA detection in a three-dimensional origami-based
      biofuel cell based on a porous Pt-paper cathode.
AB  - In this work, a mediator-less and compartment-less glucose/air enzymatic biofuel
      cell (BFC) was introduced into microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (MU
      PADs) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs)-modified
      paper electrode as the anodic and cathodic substrate, respectively, to implement
      self-powered, sensitive, low-cost and simple DNA detection. As a further
      development of the analytical equipment, an all-solid-state paper supercapacitor
      (PS) was designed and integrated into the BFC for current amplification, and a
      terminal digital multi-meter detector (DMM) was introduced for the current
      detection. A highly sensitive DNA sensor was fabricated by covalently
      immobilizing the capture DNA in the AuNPs-modified anode. The nanoporous gold
      conjugated with bienzymes, glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase, which were
      used as electrochemical labels. The electrons generated at the anode flow through
      an external circuit to the PtNPs-modified cathode that catalyzed the reduction of
      oxygen with the participation of protons. In addition, the generated current
      could be collected and stored by the PS. After that, the PS was automatically
      shorted under the control of a switch to output an instantaneously amplified
      current, which could be sensitively detected by the terminal DMM. At the optimal
      conditions, the paper-based analytical platform can detect DNA at the femtomole
      level. This approach also shows excellent specificity toward single nucleotide
      mismatches. 

PMID- 25111017
TI  - Rhodium-catalyzed carbonylative [3 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of alkyne-tethered
      alkylidenecyclopropanes to phenols in the presence of carbon monoxide.
AB  - A novel Rh-catalyzed carbonylative [3 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of alkyne-tethered
      alkylidenecyclopropanes for the facile synthesis of bicyclic phenols in high
      yields has been developed. The reaction tolerated carbon and heteroatoms in the
      tether. 

PMID- 25111018
TI  - Distribution of topologically distinct isomers of water clusters and dipole
      moments of constituent water molecules at finite atmospheric temperatures.
AB  - Hydrogen-bonding (HB) patterns correspond to topologically distinct isomers of a
      water cluster and can be expressed by digraphs. We make use of the HB pattern to
      divide the configuration space of a water cluster ((H2O)n, n = 3-8) at a finite
      temperature. Each configuration of a water cluster generated in Monte Carlo (MC)
      simulation is classified into an HB pattern. The number of observed HB patterns
      increases exponentially with the cluster size, whereas the population of the most
      abundant HB pattern decreases. The populations of the HB patterns are transformed
      into the relative Helmholtz energies. At a finite temperature, it can be observed
      that isomers other than local minimum structures on the potential energy surface
      are highly populated. The dipole moment of a constituent molecule in a water
      cluster is enhanced, depending on the molecular circumstance. The change is
      rationalized by the difference in the local HB type of the water molecule in the
      HB network. 

PMID- 25111019
TI  - Dating and sexual behavior among single parents of young children in the United
      States.
AB  - Theory and research on partnered parents suggests trade-offs between parenting
      and sexuality, with those trade-offs most pronounced among mothers of young
      children. However, little research has focused on how a growing demographic of
      single parents negotiates dating and sexual activity. The current study drew upon
      a 2012 nationally representative sample of 5,481 single Americans 21 years of age
      and older, of whom 4.3% were parents of a child age five or younger. Dependent
      variables were sexual thoughts, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual
      partners in the past year, dates during the previous three months, and whether
      one was actively seeking a relationship partner. Covariates included parental
      age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, education, and income. Using the entire
      sample of singles, we found no main effects of number (0, 1, 2+) of children aged
      five years and younger or number of children aged two years and younger on dating
      and sexual behavior variables. Next, using analyses restricted to single parents
      (n = 2,121), we found that single parents with a child aged five years or
      younger, adjusting for covariates, reported greater frequency of sexual activity
      and first dates but no differences in other outcomes compared with single parents
      of older children.

PMID- 25111020
TI  - Arterial wall degeneration plus hemodynamic insult cause arterial wall remodeling
      and nascent aneurysm formation at specific sites in dogs.
AB  - To determine whether arterial wall degeneration, in combination with hemodynamic
      insult, causes cerebral artery aneurysms in a dog model, we simulated the
      geometry and hemodynamics of a human artery by surgical reconstruction of both
      common carotid arteries in 12 dogs. The dogs were then randomly assigned to one
      of the following groups: hemodynamic insult + elastase insult group ( n = 6),
      hemodynamic insult group (n = 6), or elastase control group (n = 3), in which the
      straight common carotid arteries were subjected to elastase alone. Angiography
      and hemodynamic analysis were performed immediately and at 12 weeks after
      surgery; the animals were then killed for histologic evaluation. The 12
      surgically reconstructed distal internal carotid arteries simulated the human
      artery well with respect to geometric and hemodynamic measurements, with the
      intended aneurysm sites exposed to higher wall shear stress and velocity, lower
      pressure, turbulent flow, and changes in wall shear stress gradient. Nascent
      aneurysms developed in 4 hemodynamic insult + elastase insult group dogs at 12
      weeks; blood flow analysis demonstrated decreased wall shear stress, increased
      pressure, and wall shear stress gradient from the neck to the dome. Arterial wall
      remodeling or nascent aneurysm formation in the hemodynamic insult + elastase
      insult group versus the other groups was indicated by internal elastic
      lamina/elastic fiber disruption, muscular layer thinning, increased smooth muscle
      cell proliferation, macrophage infiltration, and high expression of matrix
      metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the media. These data
      suggest that nascent aneurysms were caused by the combination of arterial wall
      degeneration and hemodynamic perturbations in this distal internal carotid artery
      dog model. 

PMID- 25111021
TI  - Poly-A binding protein-1 localization to a subset of TDP-43 inclusions in
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis occurs more frequently in patients harboring an
      expansion in C9orf72.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset motor neuron disease in
      which the loss of spinal cord motor neurons leads to paralysis and death within a
      few years of clinical disease onset. In almost all cases of ALS, transactive
      response DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) forms cytoplasmic neuronal
      inclusions. A second causative gene for a subset of ALS is fused in sarcoma, an
      RNA binding protein that also forms cytoplasmic inclusions in spinal cord motor
      neurons. Poly-A binding protein-1 (PABP-1) is a marker of stress granules (i.e.
      accumulations of proteins and RNA indicative of translational arrest in cells
      under stress). We report on the colocalization of PABP-1 to both TDP-43 and fused
      in-sarcoma inclusions in 4 patient cohorts: ALS without a mutation, ALS with an
      intermediate polyglutamine repeat expansion in ATXN2, ALS with a GGGGCC
      hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72, and ALS with basophilic inclusion
      body disease. Notably, PABP-1 colocalization to TDP-43 was twice as frequent in
      ALS with C9orf72 expansions compared to ALS with no mutation. This study
      highlights PABP-1 as a protein that is important to the pathology of ALS and
      indicates that the proteomic profile of TDP-43 inclusions in ALS may differ
      depending on the causative genetic mutation. 

PMID- 25111022
TI  - Genomics of Clostridium botulinum group III strains.
AB  - In Clostridium botulinum, the characteristics of type C and D strains are quite
      different from other types, and they are classified as group III. They produce C2
      binary toxin and C3 exoenzyme in addition to type C and D neurotoxins. Two
      different phages and many plasmids are identified in the organisms. The genes of
      neurotoxin and C3 exoenzyme are converted from toxigenic strains to non-toxigenic
      strains by the specific bacteriophages (phages), whereas, the C2 toxin gene is
      carried by large or small plasmids. Classification of type C and D strains has
      been in confusion because 1) antigenicity of type C and D neurotoxins is complex,
      2) the cells produce two types of toxins, neurotoxin and C2 toxin, and 3) some
      non-toxigenic strains can be converted to produce C or D neurotoxin by the
      infection with phages. Until now, entire nucleotide sequences of cell
      chromosomes, phages, and plasmids have been determined. Since both genetic and
      protein-chemical analyses have been clarifying the above confusions, these data
      are reviewed historically. 

PMID- 25111023
TI  - Isolation and characterization of a novel Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans strain
      from the Chilean Altiplano: attachment and biofilm formation on pyrite at low
      temperature.
AB  - Microorganisms are used to aid the extraction of valuable metals from low-grade
      sulfide ores in mines worldwide, but relatively little is known about this
      process in cold environments. This study comprises a preliminary analysis of the
      bacterial diversity of the polyextremophilic acid River Aroma located in the
      Chilean Altiplano, and revealed that Betaproteobacteria was the most dominant
      bacterial group (Gallionella-like and Thiobacillus-like). Taxa characteristic of
      leaching environments, such Acidithiobacillus and Leptospirillum, were detected
      at low abundances. Also, bacteria not associated with extremely acidic, metal
      rich environments were found. After enrichment in iron- and sulfur-oxidizing
      media, we isolated and identified a novel psychrotolerant Acidithiobacillus
      ferrivorans strain ACH. This strain can grow using ferrous iron, sulfur,
      thiosulfate, tetrathionate and pyrite, as energy sources. Optimal growth was
      observed in the presence of pyrite, where cultures reached a cell number of 6.5 .
      10(7) cells mL(-1). Planktonic cells grown with pyrite showed the presence of
      extracellular polymeric substances (10  degrees C and 28  degrees C), and a high
      density of cells attached to pyrite grains were observed at 10  degrees C by
      electron microscopy. The attachment of cells to pyrite coupons and the presence
      of capsular polysaccharides were visualized by using epifluorescence microscopy,
      through nucleic acid and lectin staining with Syto((r))9 and TRITC-Con A,
      respectively. Interestingly, we observed high cell adhesion including the
      formation of microcolonies within 21 days of incubation at 4  degrees C, which
      was correlated with a clear induction of capsular polysaccharides production. Our
      data suggests that attachment to pyrite is not temperature-dependent in At.
      ferrivorans ACH. The results of this study highlight the potential of this novel
      psychrotolerant strain in oxidation and attachment to minerals under low
      temperature conditions.

PMID- 25111025
TI  - Antiproliferative effect of the isoquinoline alkaloid papaverine in
      hepatocarcinoma HepG-2 cells--inhibition of telomerase and induction of
      senescence.
AB  - Cancer cells are often immortal through up-regulation of the hTERT gene, which
      encodes the catalytic subunit of a special reverse transcriptase to overcome end
      replication problem of chromosomes. This study demonstrates that papaverine, an
      isoquinoline alkaloid from the Papaveraceae, can overcome telomerase dependent
      immortality of HepG-2 cells that was used as a model of hepatocarcinoma. Although
      this alkaloid does not directly interact with telomeric sequences, papaverine
      inhibits telomerase through down-regulation of hTERT, which was analysed using
      thermal FRET and qRT-PCR, respectively. The IC50 values for the reduction of both
      telomerase activity and hTERT expression was 60 uM, while IC50 for cytotoxicity
      was 120 uM. Repeated treatments of the cells with very low non-toxic
      concentrations of papaverine resulted in growth arrest and strong reduction of
      population doublings after 40 days. This treatment induced senescent morphology
      in HepG-2 cells, which was evaluated by beta-galactosidase staining. Altogether,
      papaverine can be regarded as a promising model compound for drug design
      targeting cancer development. 

PMID- 25111024
TI  - Characterization of an RNA aptamer against HPV-16 L1 virus-like particles.
AB  - The human papillomavirus (HPV) capsid is mainly composed of the L1 protein that
      can self-assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs) that are structurally and
      immunologically similar to the infectious virions. We report here the
      characterization of RNA aptamers that recognize baculovirus-produced HPV-16 L1
      VLPs. Interaction and slot-blot binding assays showed that all isolated aptamers
      efficiently bound HPV-16 VLPs, although the Sc5-c3 aptamer showed the highest
      specificity and affinity (Kd=0.05 pM). Sc5-c3 secondary structure consisted of a
      hairpin with a symmetric bubble and an unstructured 3'end. Biochemical and
      genetic analyses showed that the Sc5-c3 main loop is directly involved on VLPs
      binding. In particular, binding specificity appeared mediated by five non
      consecutive nucleotide positions. Experiments using bacterial-produced HPV-16 L1
      resulted in low Sc5-c3 binding, suggesting that recognition of HPV-16 L1 VLPs
      relies on quaternary structure features not present in bacteria-produced L1
      protein. Sc5-c3 produced specific and stable binding to HPV-16 L1 VLPs even in
      biofluid protein mixes and thus it may provide a potential diagnostic tool for
      active HPV infection. 

PMID- 25111026
TI  - Electron beam-induced immobilization of laccase on porous supports for waste
      water treatment applications.
AB  - The versatile oxidase enzyme laccase was immobilized on porous supports such as
      polymer membranes and cryogels with a view of using such biocatalysts in
      bioreactors aiming at the degradation of environmental pollutants in wastewater.
      Besides a large surface area for supporting the biocatalyst, the aforementioned
      porous systems also offer the possibility for simultaneous filtration
      applications in wastewater treatment. Herein a "green" water-based, initiator
      free, and straightforward route to highly reactive membrane and cryogel-based
      bioreactors is presented, where laccase was immobilized onto the porous polymer
      supports using a water-based electron beam-initiated grafting reaction. In a
      second approach, the laccase redox mediators 2,2'-azino-bis(3
      ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and syringaldehyde were cross
      linked instead of the enzyme via electron irradiation in a frozen aqueous
      poly(acrylate) mixture in a one pot set-up, yielding a mechanical stable
      macroporous cryogel with interconnected pores ranging from 10 to 50 um in size.
      The membranes as well as the cryogels were characterized regarding their
      morphology, chemical composition, and catalytic activity. The reactivity towards
      waste- water pollutants was demonstrated by the degradation of the model compound
      bisphenol A (BPA). Both membrane- and cryogel-immobilized laccase remained highly
      active after electron beam irradiation. Apparent specific BPA removal rates were
      higher for cryogel- than for membrane-immobilized and free laccase, whereas
      membrane-immobilized laccase was more stable with respect to maintenance of
      enzymatic activity and prevention of enzyme leakage from the carrier than cryogel
      immobilized laccase. Cryogel-immobilized redox mediators remained functional in
      accelerating the laccase-catalyzed BPA degradation, and especially ABTS was found
      to act more efficiently in immobilized than in freely dissolved state. 

PMID- 25111027
TI  - Synephrine inhibits eotaxin-1 expression via the STAT6 signaling pathway.
AB  - Citrus contain various flavonoids and alkaloids that have multiple biological
      activities. It is known that the immature Citrus contains larger amounts of
      bioactive components, than do the mature plants. Although Citrus flavonoids are
      well known for their biological activities, Citrus alkaloids have not previously
      been assessed. In this study, we identified synephrine alkaloids as an active
      compound from immature Citrus unshiu, and investigated the effect of synephrine
      on eotaxin-1 expression. Eotaxin-1 is a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils,
      and a critical mediator, during the development of eosinophilic inflammation. We
      found that synephrine significantly inhibited IL-4-induced eotaxin-1 expression.
      This synephrine effect was mediated through the inhibition of STAT6
      phosphorylation in JAK/STAT signaling. We also found that eosinophil recruitment
      induced by eotaxin-1 overexpression was inhibited by synephrine. Taken together,
      these findings indicate that inhibiting IL-4-induced eotaxin-1 expression by
      synephrine occurs primarily through the suppression of eosinophil recruitment,
      which is mediated by inhibiting STAT6 phosphorylation. 

PMID- 25111028
TI  - A nested case-controlled comparison of telomere length and psychological
      functioning in breast cancer survivors with and without insomnia symptoms.
AB  - The ability to achieve sufficient restorative sleep is important in the
      maintenance of physical and mental health; however, disturbed sleep and insomnia
      symptoms are a common experience among women with breast cancer. In non-cancer
      populations, insufficient sleep quantity and quality has been associated with
      shortened telomere length (TL), a measure of accumulated cellular damage and
      human aging. This feasibility study compared TL in women previously diagnosed
      with breast cancer with clinically significant insomnia symptoms (n=70) to an age
      and body mass index (BMI)-matched comparison group (n=70) of breast cancer
      survivors. Women with significant insomnia symptoms had higher levels of
      unemployment compared to women without insomnia. TL was positively skewed and
      shorter in the insomnia group (Median=6.000, S=1.000, standard error [SE]=0.287)
      than the control group (Median=6.195, S=-0.269, SE=0.287); however, this was not
      significant (p=0.29). Women with insomnia also reported significantly higher
      levels of depression (p<0.001), anxiety (p<0.001), and fatigue (p<0.001). This
      study provides the first measure of effect size and variability of TL in women
      with breast cancer and highlights the need for larger sample sizes to investigate
      the impact of insomnia and co-morbid symptom distress on cellular aging.

PMID- 25111029
TI  - Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy: A case report.

PMID- 25111030
TI  - Silver triflate and triflic anhydride-promoted expedient synthesis of acylated 1
      aminoisoquinolines.
AB  - A practical and convergent synthesis of biologically active 1-(N-acyl)-1
      aminoisoquinolines from the reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes with amides has
      been realized. The readily available amides could be activated with triflic
      anhydride (Tf2O) and could efficiently participate in the domino reaction of 2
      alkynylbenzaldoximes when catalyzed by AgOTf, thus providing various acylated 1
      aminoisoquinolines with up to 98% yields. 

PMID- 25111031
TI  - Mental simulation of future scenarios in transient global amnesia.
AB  - Researchers exploring mental time travel into the future have emphasized the role
      played by episodic memory and its cerebral substrates. Recently, owing to
      controversial findings in amnesic patients, this role has become a matter of
      intense debate. In order to understand whether episodic memory is indeed crucial
      to future thinking, we assessed this ability in 11 patients during an episode of
      transient global amnesia (TGA), a unique and severe amnesic syndrome that
      primarily affects episodic memory. In the first of two experiments, TGA patients
      were asked to recall personal past events as well as to imagine personal future
      events, without any guidance regarding content. Under this condition, compared
      with controls, they provided fewer past and fewer future events, and the latter
      were less closely related to their personal goals. Furthermore, TGA patients'
      descriptions of past and future events were scant, containing fewer descriptive
      elements in total and fewer internal details. In order to assess whether TGA
      patients might have been basing their future event narratives on their general
      knowledge about how these events usually unfold, in our second experiment, we
      asked them to imagine future events in response to short descriptions of common
      scenarios. Under this condition, inherently eliciting less detailed descriptions,
      not only were all the TGA patients able to describe common events as happening in
      the future, but their narratives contained comparable amounts of internal detail
      to those of controls, despite being less detailed overall. Taken together, our
      results indicate that severe amnesia interferes with TGA patients' ability to
      envisage their personal past and future on a general level as well as in detail,
      but less severely affects their ability to imagine common scenarios, which are
      not related to their personal goals, probably owing to their preserved semantic
      memory, logical reasoning and ability to create vivid mental images. 

PMID- 25111033
TI  - Synchronous activation within the default mode network correlates with perceived
      social support.
AB  - Perceived social support emphasizes subjective feeling of provisions offered by
      family, friends and significant others. In consideration of the great
      significance of perceived social support to health outcomes, attempt to reveal
      the neural substrates of perceived social support will facilitate its application
      in a series of mental disorders. Perceived social support potentially relies on
      healthy interpersonal relationships calling for cognitive processes like
      perspective taking, empathy and theory of mind. Interestingly, functional
      activations and connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) are
      extensively involved in these interpersonal skills. As a result, it is proposed
      that synchronous activities among brain regions within the DMN will correlate
      with self-report of perceived social support. In the present study, we tried to
      investigate the associations between coherence among the DMN regions and
      perceived social support at resting state. A total of 333 (145 men) participants
      were directed to fulfill the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support
      (MSPSS) after a 484-s functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning
      without any task. As a result, seed-based functional connectivity and power
      spectrum analyses revealed that heightened synchronicity among the DMN regions
      was associated with better performance on perceived social support. Moreover,
      results in the present study were independent of different methods, structural
      changes, and general cognitive performance. 

PMID- 25111032
TI  - Partial maintenance of auditory-based cognitive training benefits in older
      adults.
AB  - The potential for short-term training to improve cognitive and sensory functions
      in older adults has captured the public's interest. Initial results have been
      promising. For example, eight weeks of auditory-based cognitive training
      decreases peak latencies and peak variability in neural responses to speech
      presented in a background of noise and instills gains in speed of processing,
      speech-in-noise recognition, and short-term memory in older adults. But while
      previous studies have demonstrated short-term plasticity in older adults, we must
      consider the long-term maintenance of training gains. To evaluate training
      maintenance, we invited participants from an earlier training study to return for
      follow-up testing six months after the completion of training. We found that
      improvements in response peak timing to speech in noise and speed of processing
      were maintained, but the participants did not maintain speech-in-noise
      recognition or memory gains. Future studies should consider factors that are
      important for training maintenance, including the nature of the training,
      compliance with the training schedule, and the need for booster sessions after
      the completion of primary training.

PMID- 25111035
TI  - New Stetter reactions catalyzed by thiamine diphosphate dependent MenD from E.
      coli.
AB  - The intermolecular asymmetric Stetter reaction is a rarely found biocatalysts
      transformation. MenD, the second enzyme of the menaquinone biosynthetic pathway,
      catalyzes as a physiological reaction a Stetter-like addition of alpha
      ketoglutarate to isochorismate. The substrate range of MenD for similar 1,4
      additions is highly restricted. All other thiamine diphosphate dependent enzymes
      known to act as stetterases are members of the PigD enzyme subfamily, which
      accept aliphatic and aromatic alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones and thioesters as
      Michael acceptor substrates. Here, we describe the unexpected activity of MenD
      with short-chain alpha,beta-unsaturated acids and derivatives as substrates in
      Stetter reactions. MenD possesses a characteristic substrate range with respect
      to Michael acceptor substrates which is distinctly different from the classical
      stetterases. This provides biocatalytic access to new types of products which are
      not related to the products currently accessible by thiamine diphosphate
      dependent enzyme catalysis. 

PMID- 25111034
TI  - ERP abnormalities elicited by word repetition in fragile X-associated
      tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and amnestic MCI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a
      neurodegenerative disorder caused by FMR1 gene premutations, typically associated
      with frontal-subcortical type cognitive impairments. High prevalence (~50%) of
      superimposed Alzheimer's pathology has been reported in FMR1 premutation
      carriers, and standardized neuropsychological tests have not yielded any robust
      discriminators between FXTAS and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. The
      similarities/differences in memory processes between FXTAS and early AD remain
      underexplored. METHODS: 32-channel event-related potentials (ERPs) were obtained
      from a semantic judgment task in which semantically congruous (50%) and
      incongruous pairs repeat pseudorandomly. The N400 and late positive component
      (LPC) of 25 FXTAS patients (M(age)=71.2, MMSE=26.6) were compared to a matched
      group of 25 patients with MCI or early AD (1 mild AD dementia, 24 amnestic MCI,
      of whom 18 later converted to AD; M(age)=73.4, MMSE=26.4), and 25 healthy
      elderly. RESULTS: Both patient groups showed similar reductions in the N400
      repetition effect and N400 congruity effect amplitudes, compared to controls,
      reflecting abnormal semantic priming and repetition priming. The MCI/AD group,
      however, had significantly smaller LPC word repetition effects and poorer
      learning and memory on the CVLT than FXTAS. The LPC and N400 repetition effects
      both correlated with verbal memory across all subjects, but only N400 correlated
      with memory in FXTAS. CONCLUSION: FXTAS patients show relative sparing of the LPC
      repetition effect, and less disruption of explicit memory than prodromal/early
      AD. N400 abnormalities in FXTAS appear to account for much of their mild
      impairments in verbal learning and memory.

PMID- 25111036
TI  - Fighting infections in the neonatal intensive care unit: gloves on or off?

PMID- 25111037
TI  - Combining data and meta-analysis to build Bayesian networks for clinical decision
      support.
AB  - Complex clinical decisions require the decision maker to evaluate multiple
      factors that may interact with each other. Many clinical studies, however, report
      'univariate' relations between a single factor and outcome. Such univariate
      statistics are often insufficient to provide useful support for complex clinical
      decisions even when they are pooled using meta-analysis. More useful decision
      support could be provided by evidence-based models that take the interaction
      between factors into account. In this paper, we propose a method of integrating
      the univariate results of a meta-analysis with a clinical dataset and expert
      knowledge to construct multivariate Bayesian network (BN) models. The technique
      reduces the size of the dataset needed to learn the parameters of a model of a
      given complexity. Supplementing the data with the meta-analysis results avoids
      the need to either simplify the model - ignoring some complexities of the problem
      - or to gather more data. The method is illustrated by a clinical case study into
      the prediction of the viability of severely injured lower extremities. The case
      study illustrates the advantages of integrating combined evidence into BN
      development: the BN developed using our method outperformed four different data
      driven structure learning methods, and a well-known scoring model (MESS) in this
      domain. 

PMID- 25111038
TI  - Influence of placental cord drainage in management of the third stage of labor: a
      multicenter randomized controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of placental drainage
      during active management of the third stage of labor on reducing both blood loss
      and the length of the third stage. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective randomized
      controlled trial included 485 patients who underwent vaginal delivery in two
      tertiary hospital. Subjects were randomly allocated to the cord drainage group,
      in which the cord was unclamped after cutting (n = 242), or the control group, in
      which the cord was left clamped (n = 243). The primary outcome was mean blood
      loss during the third and fourth stages of labor. RESULTS: The mean estimated
      blood loss was significantly lower in the cord drainage group than in the control
      group (207.04 +/- 123.3 vs. 277.63 +/- 246.9 mL, respectively; p ? 0.001). The
      third stage of labor was significantly shorter in the cord drainage group than in
      the control group (3.5 +/- 1.9 vs. 7.7 +/- 3.4 minutes, respectively; p ? 0.001).
      No adverse events occurred during the cord drainage period. CONCLUSION: Active
      management of the third stage of labor with the cord drainage method
      significantly reduced postpartum blood loss and the duration of the third stage.

PMID- 25111039
TI  - Rapid fecal calprotectin (FC) analysis: point of care testing for diagnosing
      early necrotizing enterocolitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare fecal calprotectin (FC) levels as
      measured by a rapid FC assay with those measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) from concurrent stool samples. We also attempted to demonstrate a
      correlation between elevated rapid assay FC levels and the presence of
      necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and to define a cutoff FC value which could serve
      as a basis for diagnosing NEC in the future. STUDY DESIGN: Stool samples were
      collected for FC analysis at 1 and 3 weeks postnatally and whenever there was
      clinical suspicion of NEC. RESULTS: Rapid assay FC levels were elevated with NEC
      (3,000 ug/g stool [2075,7875] vs. without (195 ug/g stool [110,440] p < 0.001);
      and were well correlated with ELISA FC levels (r(2) = 0.89). CONCLUSION: We
      present the first data showing that rapid assay FC levels are potentially useful
      in the bedside diagnosis of NEC.

PMID- 25111040
TI  - Randomized, controlled pilot trial of bupropion for pregnant smokers: challenges
      and future directions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to conduct an initial pilot trial evaluating
      the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of bupropion for smoking cessation in
      pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group pilot study
      of bupropion versus placebo with 50 pregnant smokers was planned. Eligibility
      criteria were restrictive (e.g., 14-26 weeks' gestation; no psychiatric
      conditions or medications) due to the unknown safety, tolerability, and side
      effect profile of bupropion in pregnancy. Bayesian analyses were planned to
      provide probability of benefit. RESULTS: Significant challenges were encountered
      with regard to trial feasibility. Of 820 women screened, 112 were current
      smokers, but only 11 women were eligible and consented to participate in the
      study. Excluded women most often had a psychiatric disorder (23%); were outside
      the gestational range (14%); or declined to participate (11%). CONCLUSIONS: This
      initial attempt to evaluate bupropion for smoking cessation during pregnancy will
      inform future trial methodology. Because of the unknown safety profile,
      conservative eligibility criteria were used and resulted in a large portion of
      this high-risk, low-income smoker population being excluded from the trial,
      raising questions regarding broad applicability, and highlighting the need to
      balance patient safety and trial feasibility. Large multisite studies will likely
      be needed to conduct definitive pharmacotherapy studies.

PMID- 25111041
TI  - Novel open-framework europium silicates prepared under high-temperature and high
      pressure conditions.
AB  - Two new europium silicates, Na15Eu3Si12O36 (denoted as 1) and K2EuSi4O10F
      (denoted as 2), were successfully synthesized under high-temperature and high
      pressure conditions, and structurally characterized by single-crystal and powder
      X-ray diffraction (XRD). The single-crystal XRD analysis of 1 reveals that its
      structure is based on [Si6O18]n(12n-) cyclosilicate anions that are built from
      six SiO4 tetrahedra sharing two of their four O corners with each other. Such
      [Si6O18]n(12n-) cyclosilicate anions are linked via EuO6 octahedra to form a
      three-dimensional (3D) framework containing 6-membered ring channels delimited by
      the SiO4 tetrahedra and EuO6 octahedra along the [010] direction. The structure
      of 2 consists of infinite tubular chains of corner-sharing SiO4 tetrahedra, which
      are further linked together via corner sharing O atoms by infinite chains of
      EuO4F2 octahedra forming a 3-D framework that contains 8-ring and 6-ring channels
      along the [010] direction. The photoluminescence properties of 1 and 2 were also
      investigated. 

PMID- 25111042
TI  - Tunable transport gap in phosphorene.
AB  - In this article, we experimentally demonstrate that the transport gap of
      phosphorene can be tuned monotonically from ~0.3 to ~1.0 eV when the flake
      thickness is scaled down from bulk to a single layer. As a consequence, the ON
      current, the OFF current, and the current ON/OFF ratios of phosphorene field
      effect transistors (FETs) were found to be significantly impacted by the layer
      thickness. The transport gap was determined from the transfer characteristics of
      phosphorene FETs using a robust technique that has not been reported before. The
      detailed mathematical model is also provided. By scaling the thickness of the
      gate oxide, we were also able to demonstrate enhanced ambipolar conduction in
      monolayer and few layer phosphorene FETs. The asymmetry of the electron and the
      hole current was found to be dependent on the layer thickness that can be
      explained by dynamic changes of the metal Fermi level with the energy band of
      phosphorene depending on the layer number. We also extracted the Schottky barrier
      heights for both the electron and the hole injection as a function of the layer
      thickness. Finally, we discuss the dependence of field effect hole mobility of
      phosphorene on temperature and carrier concentration. 

PMID- 25111043
TI  - Neurotherapeutic effects of novel HO-1 inhibitors in vitro and in a transgenic
      mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) encoded by the HMOX1 gene is a 32-kDa stress protein that
      catabolizes heme to biliverdin, free iron, and carbon monoxide (CO). Glial HO-1
      is over-expressed in the CNS of subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD),
      Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). The HMOX1 gene is
      exquisitely sensitive to oxidative stress and is induced in brain and other
      tissues in various models of disease and trauma. Induction of the glial HMOX1
      gene may lead to pathological brain iron deposition, intracellular oxidative
      damage, and bioenergetic failure in AD and other human CNS disorders such as PD
      and MS. Therefore, targeted suppression of glial HO-1 hyperactivity may prove to
      be a rational and effective therapeutic intervention in AD and related
      neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we report the effects of QC-47, QC
      56, and OB-28, novel azole-based competitive and reversible inhibitors of HO-1,
      on oxidative damage to whole-cell and mitochondrial compartments in rat
      astrocytes transfected with the HMOX1 gene. We also report the effect of OB-28 on
      the behavior and neuropathology of APP(swe)/PS1(?E9) mice. OB-28 was found to
      reduce oxidative damage to whole-cell and mitochondrial compartments in rat
      astrocytes transfected with the HMOX1 gene. Moreover, OB-28 was found to
      significantly counter behavioral deficits and neuropathological alterations in
      APP(swe)/PS1(?E9) mice. Attenuation of AD-associated behavioral deficits and
      neuropathological changes suggests that HO-1 may be a promising target for
      neuroprotective intervention in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. We
      propose that the targeted suppression of glial heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)
      hyperactivity may prove to be a rational and effective therapeutic intervention
      in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related neurodegenerative disorders. We report
      attenuation by a selective HO-1 inhibitor of oxidative damage to whole-cell and
      mitochondrial compartments in astrocytes in vitro and amelioration of behavioral
      anomalies in a transgenic mouse model of AD.

PMID- 25111044
TI  - The Ebola epidemic: a global health emergency.

PMID- 25111045
TI  - Structural growth trajectories and rates of change in the first 3 months of
      infant brain development.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The very early postnatal period witnesses extraordinary rates of
      growth, but structural brain development in this period has largely not been
      explored longitudinally. Such assessment may be key in detecting and treating the
      earliest signs of neurodevelopmental disorders. OBJECTIVE: To assess structural
      growth trajectories and rates of change in the whole brain and regions of
      interest in infants during the first 3 months after birth. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Serial structural T1-weighted and/or T2-weighted magnetic resonance
      images were obtained for 211 time points from 87 healthy term-born or term
      equivalent preterm-born infants, aged 2 to 90 days, between October 5, 2007, and
      June 12, 2013. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: We segmented whole-brain and multiple
      subcortical regions of interest using a novel application of Bayesian-based
      methods. We modeled growth and rate of growth trajectories nonparametrically and
      assessed left-right asymmetries and sexual dimorphisms. RESULTS: Whole-brain
      volume at birth was approximately one-third of healthy elderly brain volume, and
      did not differ significantly between male and female infants (347 388 mm3 and 335
      509 mm3, respectively, P = .12). The growth rate was approximately 1%/d, slowing
      to 0.4%/d by the end of the first 3 months, when the brain reached just more than
      half of elderly adult brain volume. Overall growth in the first 90 days was 64%.
      There was a significant age-by-sex effect leading to widening separation in brain
      sizes with age between male and female infants (with male infants growing faster
      than females by 200.4 mm3/d, SE = 67.2, P = .003). Longer gestation was
      associated with larger brain size (2215 mm3/d, SE = 284, P = 4*10-13). The
      expected brain size of an infant born one week earlier than average was 5%
      smaller than average; at 90 days it will not have caught up, being 2% smaller
      than average. The cerebellum grew at the highest rate, more than doubling in 90
      days, and the hippocampus grew at the slowest rate, increasing by 47% in 90 days.
      There was left-right asymmetry in multiple regions of interest, particularly the
      lateral ventricles where the left was larger than the right by 462 mm3 on average
      (approximately 5% of lateral ventricular volume at 2 months). We calculated
      volume-by-age percentile plots for assessing individual development. CONCLUSIONS
      AND RELEVANCE: Normative trajectories for early postnatal brain structural
      development can be determined from magnetic resonance imaging and could be used
      to improve the detection of deviant maturational patterns indicative of
      neurodevelopmental disorders.

PMID- 25111046
TI  - The acclimation of Phaeodactylum tricornutum to blue and red light does not
      influence the photosynthetic light reaction but strongly disturbs the carbon
      allocation pattern.
AB  - Diatoms are major contributors to the aquatic primary productivity and show an
      efficient acclimation ability to changing light intensities. Here, we
      investigated the acclimation of Phaeodactylum tricornutum to different light
      quality with respect to growth rate, photosynthesis rate, macromolecular
      composition and the metabolic profile by shifting the light quality from red
      light (RL) to blue light (BL) and vice versa. Our results show that cultures pre
      acclimated to BL and RL exhibited similar growth performance, photosynthesis
      rates and metabolite profiles. However, light shift experiments revealed rapid
      and severe changes in the metabolite profile within 15 min as the initial
      reaction of light acclimation. Thus, during the shift from RL to BL, increased
      concentrations of amino acids and TCA cycle intermediates were observed whereas
      during the BL to RL shift the levels of amino acids were decreased and
      intermediates of glycolysis accumulated. Accordingly, on the time scale of hours
      the RL to BL shift led to a redirection of carbon into the synthesis of proteins,
      whereas during the BL to RL shift an accumulation of carbohydrates occurred.
      Thus, a vast metabolic reorganization of the cells was observed as the initial
      reaction to changes in light quality. The results are discussed with respect to a
      putative direct regulation of cellular enzymes by light quality and by
      transcriptional regulation. Interestingly, the short-term changes in the
      metabolome were accompanied by changes in the degree of reduction of the
      plastoquinone pool. Surprisingly, the RL to BL shift led to a severe inhibition
      of growth within the first 48 h which was not observed during the BL to RL shift.
      Furthermore, during the phase of growth arrest the photosynthetic performance did
      not change. We propose arguments that the growth arrest could have been caused by
      the reorganization of intracellular carbon partitioning. 

PMID- 25111048
TI  - Two-level incremental checkpoint recovery scheme for reducing system total
      overheads.
AB  - Long-running applications are often subject to failures. Once failures occur, it
      will lead to unacceptable system overheads. The checkpoint technology is used to
      reduce the losses in the event of a failure. For the two-level checkpoint
      recovery scheme used in the long-running tasks, it is unavoidable for the system
      to periodically transfer huge memory context to a remote stable storage.
      Therefore, the overheads of setting checkpoints and the re-computing time become
      a critical issue which directly impacts the system total overheads. Motivated by
      these concerns, this paper presents a new model by introducing i-checkpoints into
      the existing two-level checkpoint recovery scheme to deal with the more probable
      failures with the smaller cost and the faster speed. The proposed scheme is
      independent of the specific failure distribution type and can be applied to
      different failure distribution types. We respectively make analyses between the
      two-level incremental and two-level checkpoint recovery schemes with the Weibull
      distribution and exponential distribution, both of which fit with the actual
      failure distribution best. The comparison results show that the total overheads
      of setting checkpoints, the total re-computing time and the system total
      overheads in the two-level incremental checkpoint recovery scheme are all
      significantly smaller than those in the two-level checkpoint recovery scheme. At
      last, limitations of our study are discussed, and at the same time, open
      questions and possible future work are given. 

PMID- 25111047
TI  - The blast resistance gene Pi54of cloned from Oryza officinalis interacts with Avr
      Pi54 through its novel non-LRR domains.
AB  - The dominant rice blast resistance gene Pi54 cloned by map-based cloning approach
      from indica rice cultivar Tetep confers broad spectrum resistance to Magnaporthe
      oryzae. In this investigation, an orthologue of Pi54 designated as Pi54of was
      cloned from Oryza officinalis conferring high degree of resistance to M. oryzae
      and is functionally validated. We have also characterized the Pi54of protein and
      demonstrate its interaction with AVR-Pi54 protein. The Pi54of encoded ~43 kDa
      small and unique cytoplasmic LRR family of disease resistance protein having
      unique Zinc finger domain overlapped with the leucine rich repeat regions. Pi54of
      showed Magnaporthe-induced expression. The phylogenetic and western blot analysis
      confirmed orthologous nature of Pi54 and Pi54of genes, whereas the identity of
      protein was confirmed through MALDI-TOF analysis. The in silico analysis showed
      that Pi54of is structurally more stable than other cloned Pi54 proteins. The
      molecular docking revealed that Pi54of protein interacts with AVR-Pi54 through
      novel non-LRR domains such as STI1 and RhoGEF. The STI1 and GEF domains which
      interact with AVR-Pi54 are also components of rice defensome complex. The Pi54of
      protein showed differential domain specificity while interacting with the AVR
      protein. Functional complementation revealed that Pi54of transferred in two rice
      lines belonging to indica and japonica background imparts enhanced resistance
      against three highly virulent strains of M. oryzae. In this study, for the first
      time, we demonstrated that a rice blast resistance gene Pi54of cloned from wild
      species of rice provides high degree of resistance to M. oryzae and might display
      different molecular mechanism involved in AVRPi54-Pi54of interaction. 

PMID- 25111050
TI  - Mapping of a chromosome 12 region associated with airway hyperresponsiveness in a
      recombinant congenic mouse strain and selection of potential candidate genes by
      expression and sequence variation analyses.
AB  - In a previous study we determined that BcA86 mice, a strain belonging to a panel
      of AcB/BcA recombinant congenic strains, have an airway responsiveness phenotype
      resembling mice from the airway hyperresponsive A/J strain. The majority of the
      BcA86 genome is however from the hyporesponsive C57BL/6J strain. The aim of this
      study was to identify candidate regions and genes associated with airway
      hyperresponsiveness (AHR) by quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using the
      BcA86 strain. Airway responsiveness of 205 F2 mice generated from backcrossing
      BcA86 strain to C57BL/6J strain was measured and used for QTL analysis to
      identify genomic regions in linkage with AHR. Consomic mice for the QTL
      containing chromosomes were phenotyped to study the contribution of each
      chromosome to lung responsiveness. Candidate genes within the QTL were selected
      based on expression differences in mRNA from whole lungs, and the presence of
      coding non-synonymous mutations that were predicted to have a functional effect
      by amino acid substitution prediction tools. One QTL for AHR was identified on
      Chromosome 12 with its 95% confidence interval ranging from 54.6 to 82.6 Mbp and
      a maximum LOD score of 5.11 (p = 3.68 * 10(-3)). We confirmed that the genotype
      of mouse Chromosome 12 is an important determinant of lung responsiveness using a
      Chromosome 12 substitution strain. Mice with an A/J Chromosome 12 on a C57BL/6J
      background have an AHR phenotype similar to hyperresponsive strains A/J and
      BcA86. Within the QTL, genes with deleterious coding variants, such as Foxa1, and
      genes with expression differences, such as Mettl21d and Snapc1, were selected as
      possible candidates for the AHR phenotype. Overall, through QTL analysis of a
      recombinant congenic strain, microarray analysis and coding variant analysis we
      identified Chromosome 12 and three potential candidate genes to be in linkage
      with airway responsiveness.

PMID- 25111051
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite-natural polymers
      nanocomposites for dentistry applications.
AB  - Hydroxyapatite (HA), the main mineral component of bones and teeth, was
      synthesized by using the reaction between calcium nitrate tetrahydrate
      Ca(NO3)2?4H2O and diammonium hydrogen phosphate (NH4)2HPO4 (DAHP) with a chemical
      precipitation method. The objective of this study is to utilize novel inorganic
      organic nanocomposites for biomedical applications. HA is an inorganic component
      (75% w) and chitosan, alginate and albumin (Egg white) are organic components of
      nanocomposites (25% w). Nanocomposites were prepared in deionized water
      solutions, at room temperature, using a mechanical and magnetic stirrer for 48 h.
      The microstructure and morphology of sintered n-HAP were tested at different
      preheating temperature and laser sintering speed with scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FT-IR). 

PMID- 25111052
TI  - Novel drug delivery system based on doxorubicin-encapsulated magnetic
      nanoparticles modified with PLGA-PEG1000 copolymer.
AB  - New drug delivery systems delivered the active molecules to the target site in a
      definite manner to produce the desired effects without disturbing the delicate
      bio-environment. The Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by chemical
      precipitation of Fe salts in the ratio of 1:2 under alkaline and inert condition.
      PLGA-PEG1000 triblock copolymer was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization.
      The properties of this copolymer were characterized using Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the resulting particles were characterized by
      X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and vibrating sample
      magnetometry. The in vitro doxorubicin (DOX) release profiles were obtained by
      representing the percentage of DOX release. In this report, we used this new
      method to fabricate PEGylated PLGA particles, and examined the anticancer agent
      DOX. 

PMID- 25111053
TI  - Primary Care-Based Memory Clinics: Expanding Capacity for Dementia Care.
AB  - The implementation in Ontario of 15 primary-care-based interprofessional memory
      clinics represented a unique model of team-based case management aimed at
      increasing capacity for dementia care at the primary-care level. Each clinic
      tracked referrals; in a subset of clinics, charts were audited by geriatricians,
      clinic members were interviewed, and patients, caregivers, and referring
      physicians completed satisfaction surveys. Across all clinics, 582 patients were
      assessed, and 8.9 per cent were referred to a specialist. Patients and caregivers
      were very satisfied with the care received, as were referring family physicians,
      who reported increased capacity to manage dementia. Geriatricians' chart audits
      revealed a high level of agreement with diagnosis and management. This study
      demonstrated acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of the
      primary-care memory clinic model. Led by specially trained family physicians, it
      provided timely access to high-quality collaborative dementia care, impacting
      health service utilization by more-efficient use of scarce geriatric specialist
      resources.

PMID- 25111055
TI  - How well have China's recent five-year plans been implemented for energy
      conservation and air pollution control?
AB  - This study evaluates how well China's 11th and 12th Five-Year Plans have been
      implemented in terms of energy conservation and air pollution control and
      deconstructs the effects of the economic, energy, and environmental policies
      included in the Plans. A "counterfactual" comparative-scenario method is
      deployed, which assumes a business as usual scenario in which the changes in
      economic, energy, and environmental parameters are "frozen", and then reactivates
      them one by one, with the help of LEAP modeling. It is found that during the 11th
      Five-Year Plan period, the binding targets were basically achieved. Economic
      growth put a great strain upon the energy demand and the environment, but energy
      policy made a decisive contribution by promoting energy efficiency and structure.
      Environmental policy promoted the deployment of end-of-pipe treatment which led
      to the control of certain air pollutants but at the expense of an increase in
      energy use and in the emission of other pollutants. During the ongoing 12th Five
      Year Plan period, energy policy's potential for efficiency improvement is
      shrinking, but economic policy is restraining economic growth thus making a
      positive contribution. Environmental policy attempts to enforce multipollutant
      reduction, but there is still insufficient focus on the cocontrol of different
      pollutants and CO2. 

PMID- 25111054
TI  - Noise-induced hearing loss: new animal models.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: This article presents research findings from two
      invertebrate model systems with potential to advance both the understanding of
      noise-induced hearing loss mechanisms and the development of putative therapies
      to reduce human noise damage. RECENT FINDINGS: Work on sea anemone hair bundles,
      which resemble auditory hair cells, has revealed secretions that exhibit
      astonishing healing properties not only for damaged hair bundles, but also for
      vertebrate lateral line neuromasts. We present progress on identifying functional
      components of the secretions, and their mechanisms of repair. The second model,
      the Johnston's organ in Drosophila, is also genetically homologous to hair cells
      and shows noise-induced hearing loss similar to vertebrates. Drosophila offers
      genetic and molecular insight into noise sensitivity and pathways that can be
      manipulated to reduce stress and damage from noise. SUMMARY: Using the
      comparative approach is a productive avenue to understanding basic mechanisms, in
      this case cellular responses to noise trauma. Expanding study of these systems
      may accelerate identification of strategies to reduce or prevent noise damage in
      the human ear.

PMID- 25111056
TI  - Genotoxicity of tri- and hexavalent chromium compounds in vivo and their modes of
      action on DNA damage in vitro.
AB  - Chromium occurs mostly in tri- and hexavalent states in the environment.
      Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] compounds are extensively used in diverse
      industries, and trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] salts are used as micronutrients and
      dietary supplements. In the present work, we report that they both induce genetic
      mutations in yeast cells. They both also cause DNA damage in both yeast and
      Jurkat cells and the effect of Cr(III) is greater than that of Cr(VI). We further
      show that Cr(III) and Cr(VI) cause DNA damage through different mechanisms.
      Cr(VI) intercalates DNA and Cr(III) interferes base pair stacking. Based on our
      results, we conclude that Cr(III) can directly cause genotoxicity in vivo. 

PMID- 25111057
TI  - A multilocus species delimitation reveals a striking number of species of
      coralline algae forming Maerl in the OSPAR maritime area.
AB  - Maerl beds are sensitive biogenic habitats built by an accumulation of loose
      lying, non-geniculate coralline algae. While these habitats are considered hot
      spots of marine biodiversity, the number and distribution of maerl-forming
      species is uncertain because homoplasy and plasticity of morphological characters
      are common. As a result, species discrimination based on morphological features
      is notoriously challenging, making these coralline algae the ideal candidates for
      a DNA barcoding study. Here, mitochondrial (COI-5P DNA barcode fragment) and
      plastidial (psbA gene) sequence data were used in a two-step approach to delimit
      species in 224 collections of maerl sampled from Svalbard (78 degrees 96'N) to
      the Canary Islands (28 degrees 64'N) that represented 10 morphospecies from four
      genera and two families. First, the COI-5P dataset was analyzed with two methods
      based on distinct criteria (ABGD and GMYC) to delineate 16 primary species
      hypotheses (PSHs) arranged into four major lineages. Second, chloroplast (psbA)
      sequence data served to consolidate these PSHs into 13 secondary species
      hypotheses (SSHs) that showed biologically plausible ranges. Using several lines
      of evidence (e.g. morphological characters, known species distributions,
      sequences from type and topotype material), six SSHs were assigned to available
      species names that included the geographically widespread Phymatolithon
      calcareum, Lithothamnion corallioides, and L. glaciale; possible identities of
      other SSHs are discussed. Concordance between SSHs and morphospecies was minimal,
      highlighting the convenience of DNA barcoding for an accurate identification of
      maerl specimens. Our survey indicated that a majority of maerl forming species
      have small distribution ranges and revealed a gradual replacement of species with
      latitude. 

PMID- 25111059
TI  - A bistable switch in pH in urease-loaded alginate beads.
AB  - A bistable switch from a low pH (unreacted "off") state to a high pH (reacted
      "on") state was obtained in enzyme-loaded gel beads in response to supra
      threshold substrate concentrations. 

PMID- 25111058
TI  - Impact of male circumcision on the HIV epidemic in Papua New Guinea: a country
      with extensive foreskin cutting practices.
AB  - The degree to which adult medical male circumcision (MC) programs can reduce new
      HIV infections in a moderate HIV prevalence country like Papua New Guinea (PNG)
      are uncertain especially given the widespread prevalence of longitudinal foreskin
      cuts among adult males. We estimated the likely impact of a medical MC
      intervention in PNG using a mathematical model of HIV transmission. The model was
      age-structured and incorporated separate components for sex, rural/urban, men who
      have sex with men and female sex workers. Country-specific data of the prevalence
      of foreskin cuts, sexually transmitted infections, condom usage, and the
      acceptability of MC were obtained by our group through related studies. If
      longitudinal foreskin cutting has a protective efficacy of 20% compared to 60%
      for MC, then providing MC to 20% of uncut males from 2012 would require 376,000
      procedures, avert 7,900 HIV infections by 2032, and require 143 MC per averted
      infection. Targeting uncut urban youths would achieve the most cost effective
      returns of 54 MC per HIV infection averted. These numbers of MC required to avert
      an HIV infection change little even with coverage up to 80% of men. The greater
      the protective efficacy of longitudinal foreskin cuts against HIV acquisition,
      the less impact MC interventions will have. Dependent on this efficacy,
      increasing condom use could have a much greater impact with a 10 percentage point
      increase averting 18,400 infections over this same period. MC programs could be
      effective in reducing HIV infections in PNG, particularly in high prevalence
      populations. However the overall impact is highly dependent on the protective
      efficacy of existing longitudinal foreskin cutting in preventing HIV. 

PMID- 25111060
TI  - Recreational Exercise Before and During Pregnancy in Relation to Plasma C
      Reactive Protein Concentrations in Pregnant Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnant women who are physically active have a lower risk of
      preeclampsia and gestational diabetes than women who are less active. One
      possible mechanism is a reduction in low-grade inflammation, as measured by
      plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP). The association between
      exercise and CRP in pregnant women, however, has not been adequately
      investigated. METHODS: A total of 537 pregnant women, enrolled around the 17th
      week of gestation in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study in 2003 to 2004,
      were studied. Self-reported recreational exercise was recalled for both 3 months
      before pregnancy and early pregnancy. The total energy expenditure from
      recreational exercise (total recreational exercise, metabolic equivalent of task
      [MET]-hr/week) was estimated, and low-, moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise
      was defined. Plasma CRP concentrations were measured during pregnancy. RESULTS:
      In adjusted linear regression models, mean CRP concentration was 1.0% lower [95%
      CI = -1.9% to 0.2%] with each 1 MET-hr/week of total recreational exercise before
      pregnancy. In addition, vigorous-intensity exercise before pregnancy was more
      strongly related to a reduction in CRP levels than low- or moderate-intensity
      exercise. However, we observed no association between recreational exercise
      during pregnancy and plasma CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Recreational exercise before
      pregnancy, especially vigorous exercise, may reduce the risk of maternal
      inflammation during pregnancy.

PMID- 25111062
TI  - Advanced phase change composite by thermally annealed defect-free graphene for
      thermal energy storage.
AB  - Organic phase change materials (PCMs) have been utilized as latent heat energy
      storage and release media for effective thermal management. A major challenge
      exists for organic PCMs in which their low thermal conductivity leads to a slow
      transient temperature response and reduced heat transfer efficiency. In this
      work, 2D thermally annealed defect-free graphene sheets (GSs) can be obtained
      upon high temperature annealing in removing defects and oxygen functional groups.
      As a result of greatly reduced phonon scattering centers for thermal transport,
      the incorporation of ultralight weight and defect free graphene applied as
      nanoscale additives into a phase change composite (PCC) drastically improve
      thermal conductivity and meanwhile minimize the reduction of heat of fusion. A
      high thermal conductivity of the defect-free graphene-PCC can be achieved up to
      3.55 W/(m K) at a 10 wt % graphene loading. This represents an enhancement of
      over 600% as compared to pristine graphene-PCC without annealing at a comparable
      loading, and a 16-fold enhancement than the pure PCM (1-octadecanol). The defect
      free graphene-PCC displays rapid temperature response and superior heat transfer
      capability as compared to the pristine graphene-PCC or pure PCM, enabling
      transformational thermal energy storage and management. 

PMID- 25111061
TI  - Role of constitutive behavior and tumor-host mechanical interactions in the state
      of stress and growth of solid tumors.
AB  - Mechanical forces play a crucial role in tumor patho-physiology. Compression of
      cancer cells inhibits their proliferation rate, induces apoptosis and enhances
      their invasive and metastatic potential. Additionally, compression of intratumor
      blood vessels reduces the supply of oxygen, nutrients and drugs, affecting tumor
      progression and treatment. Despite the great importance of the mechanical
      microenvironment to the pathology of cancer, there are limited studies for the
      constitutive modeling and the mechanical properties of tumors and on how these
      parameters affect tumor growth. Also, the contribution of the host tissue to the
      growth and state of stress of the tumor remains unclear. To this end, we
      performed unconfined compression experiments in two tumor types and found that
      the experimental stress-strain response is better fitted to an exponential
      constitutive equation compared to the widely used neo-Hookean and Blatz-Ko
      models. Subsequently, we incorporated the constitutive equations along with the
      corresponding values of the mechanical properties - calculated by the fit - to a
      biomechanical model of tumor growth. Interestingly, we found that the evolution
      of stress and the growth rate of the tumor are independent from the selection of
      the constitutive equation, but depend strongly on the mechanical interactions
      with the surrounding host tissue. Particularly, model predictions - in agreement
      with experimental studies - suggest that the stiffness of solid tumors should
      exceed a critical value compared with that of the surrounding tissue in order to
      be able to displace the tissue and grow in size. With the use of the model, we
      estimated this critical value to be on the order of 1.5. Our results suggest that
      the direct effect of solid stress on tumor growth involves not only the
      inhibitory effect of stress on cancer cell proliferation and the induction of
      apoptosis, but also the resistance of the surrounding tissue to tumor expansion. 

PMID- 25111063
TI  - Ultrahigh-resolution total correlation NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - Resolution and sensitivity are paramount for extracting detailed structural
      information using NMR spectroscopy. Recently developed "pure shift" techniques
      have greatly improved the resolution attainable in one- and two-dimensional NMR,
      but at a considerable cost in sensitivity. A newly introduced method, PSYCHE,
      greatly reduces this loss. It produces pure shift spectra with significantly
      improved sensitivity, spectral purity, and tolerance of strong coupling compared
      to previous methods. Here PSYCHE is applied to the TOCSY experiment. In
      combination with covariance processing, the result is a high-quality, high
      resolution TOCSY spectrum with singlets in both dimensions: a pure chemical shift
      correlation map. Such spectra should greatly simplify both manual spectral
      analysis and automated structure elucidation. 

PMID- 25111064
TI  - Microtubule +TIP protein EB1 binds to GTP and undergoes dissociation from dimer
      to monomer on binding GTP.
AB  - The +TIP protein EB1 autonomously tracks the growing plus end of microtubules and
      regulates plus-end dynamics. Previous studies have indicated that EB1 can
      recognize GTP-bound tubulin structures at the plus end, and it localizes on the
      microtubule surface at a site close to the exchangeable GTP-binding site of
      tubulin. Although the GTP-dependent structural change in tubulin has been
      demonstrated to be a critical determinant for recognition of plus ends by EB1,
      the effect of GTP on the structure of EB1 has remained unclear. Here, we have
      used spectroscopic, calorimetric, and biochemical methods to analyze the effect
      of GTP on EB1 in vitro. Isothermal titration calorimetry and tryptophan
      fluorescence quenching experiments demonstrated that EB1 binds to GTP with a
      dissociation constant ~30 MUM. Circular dichroism measurements showed that EB1
      undergoes changes in its secondary structure on binding GTP. Size-exclusion
      chromatography and urea-induced unfolding analyses revealed that GTP binding
      induces dissociation of the EB1 dimer to monomers. Size-exclusion chromatography
      followed by biochemical analysis further determined that EB1-GTP binding involves
      association of approximately one molecule of GTP per EB1 monomer. The results
      reveal a hitherto unknown GTP-dependent mechanism of dimer-to-monomer transition
      in EB1 and further implicate its possible role in regulating the stability of the
      EB1 dimer vs monomer as well as plus-end regulation in cells.

PMID- 25111065
TI  - Automated electric-field-driven membrane extraction system coupled to liquid
      chromatography-mass spectrometry.
AB  - An automated analyte electroextraction and preconcentration system, which was
      used as the front end for a liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry
      instrument, is described. The extraction was based on driving the anionic
      analytes across a polymer inclusion membrane by application of a potential of 200
      V to the cell. Five milliliters (5 mL) of sample were passed through a flow
      through cell at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min containing a membrane 20 MUm thick.
      This consisted of 75% cellulose triacetate as base polymer, 12.5% of tris(2
      ethylhexyl)phosphate as plasticizer, and 12.5% of Aliquat 336 as cationic
      carrier. The target analytes were enriched in 20 MUL of a stagnant acceptor
      solution prior to online LC/MS analysis. The performance of the system was
      demonstrated for the determination of chlorinated phenoxyacetic acid herbicides
      in spiked river water. Enrichment factors of ~200 were achieved with recoveries
      of typically 99% and precision values of typically 5%. The limit of detection
      (LOD) values were found to be between 0.03 ng/mL to 0.08 ng/mL.

PMID- 25111066
TI  - Supramolecular polymerization at the interface: layer-by-layer assembly driven by
      host-enhanced pi-pi interaction.
AB  - Host-enhanced pi-pi interaction as a new driving force was used for fabricating
      layer-by-layer (LbL) films. This kind of LbL assembly can be regarded as a sort
      of supramolecular polymerization at the interface and its degree of
      supramolecular polymerization can be controlled efficiently by adjusting layer
      pairs similar to living polymerization in solution. 

PMID- 25111067
TI  - Implementation of a mortality prediction rule for real-time decision making:
      feasibility and validity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A previously published, retrospectively derived prediction rule for
      death within 30 days of hospital admission has the potential to launch parallel
      interdisciplinary team activities. Whether or not patient care improves will
      depend on the validity of prospectively generated predictions, and the
      feasibility of generating them on demand for a critical proportion of inpatients.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of generating mortality predictions on
      admission and to validate their accuracy using the scoring weights of the
      retrospective rule. DESIGN: Prospective, sequential cohort. SETTING: Large,
      tertiary care, community hospital in the Midwestern United States PATIENTS: Adult
      patients admitted from the emergency department or scheduled for elective surgery
      RESULTS: Mortality predictions were generated on demand at the beginning of the
      hospitalization for 9312 (92.9%) out of a possible 10,027 cases. The area under
      the receiver operating curve for 30-day mortality was 0.850 (95% confidence
      interval: 0.833-0.866), indicating very good to excellent discrimination. The
      prospectively generated 30-day mortality risk had a strong association with the
      receipt of palliative care by hospital discharge, in-hospital mortality, and 180
      day mortality, a fair association with the risk for 30-day readmissions and
      unplanned transfers to intensive care, and weak associations with receipt of
      intensive unit care ever within the hospitalization or the development of a new
      diagnosis that was not present on admission (ie, complication). CONCLUSIONS:
      Important prognostic information is feasible to obtain in a real-time, single
      assessment process for a sizeable proportion of hospitalized patients.

PMID- 25111070
TI  - Photocatalytic water oxidation by molecular assemblies based on cobalt catalysts.
AB  - Chromophore-catalyst molecular assemblies towards visible light-driven water
      oxidation were synthesized by covalent integration of a light-harvesting complex
      [Ru(bpy)3](2+) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) and a Co4O4 cubane water oxidation catalyst.
      The two components were assembled either in linear or macrocyclic configurations.
      In the presence of the sacrificial reagent, the Ru-Co metallocycle exhibits
      remarkable photocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution, which is one order of
      magnitude higher than that of a multicomponent system and exceeds that of a
      linear assembly by a factor of five, offering access to highly active
      photocatalyst through molecular design.

PMID- 25111069
TI  - Chemical probing of the human sirtuin 5 active site reveals its substrate acyl
      specificity and peptide-based inhibitors.
AB  - Sirtuins are NAD(+)-dependent deacetylases acting as sensors in metabolic
      pathways and stress response. In mammals there are seven isoforms. The
      mitochondrial sirtuin 5 is a weak deacetylase but a very efficient demalonylase
      and desuccinylase; however, its substrate acyl specificity has not been
      systematically analyzed. Herein, we investigated a carbamoyl phosphate synthetase
      1 derived peptide substrate and modified the lysine side chain systematically to
      determine the acyl specificity of Sirt5. From that point we designed six potent
      peptide-based inhibitors that interact with the NAD(+) binding pocket. To
      characterize the interaction details causing the different substrate and
      inhibition properties we report several X-ray crystal structures of Sirt5
      complexed with these peptides. Our results reveal the Sirt5 acyl selectivity and
      its molecular basis and enable the design of inhibitors for Sirt5.

PMID- 25111071
TI  - Component selection in the self-assembly of palladium(II) nanocages and cage-to
      cage transformations.
AB  - Dynamic supramolecular systems involving a tetratopic palladium(II) acceptor and
      three different pyridine- and imidazole-based donors have been used for self
      selection by a synergistic effect of morphological information and coordination
      ability of ligands through specific coordination interactions. Three different
      cages were first synthesized by two-component self-assembly of individual donor
      and acceptor. When all four components were allowed to interact in a reaction
      mixture, only one out of three cages was isolated. The preferential binding
      affinity towards a particular partner was also established by transforming a non
      preferred cage into a preferred cage by interaction with the appropriate ligand.
      Computational studies further supported the fact that coordination interaction of
      imidazole moiety to Pd(II) is enthalpically more preferred compared to pyridine,
      which drives the selection process. Analysis of crystal packing of both complexes
      indicated the presence of strong hydrogen bonds between nitrate and water
      molecules and also H-bonded 3D networks of water. Both complexes exhibit
      promising proton conductivity (10(-5) to ca. 10(-3)  S cm(-1) ) at ambient
      temperature under a relative humidity of circa 98 % with low activation energy. 

PMID- 25111072
TI  - New brain infarcts on magnetic resonance imaging after coronary artery bypass
      graft surgery: lesion patterns, mechanism, and predictors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: New brain infarcts after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) are
      markedly more frequent than clinically evident stroke and have been proposed as a
      surrogate marker of postprocedural stroke. We sought to investigate the lesion
      patterns, mechanisms, and predictors of new brain infarction after CABG surgery.
      METHODS: This was a prospective pre- and postoperative brain magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) study in consecutive patients who underwent isolated CABG.
      Preoperative MRI included diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance
      angiography. DWI was repeated on postoperative day 3. Clinical variables,
      intraoperative findings, and laboratory findings were compared between patients
      with and without new brain infarcts on DWI. RESULTS: Of a total of 127 included
      patients, 35 (27.6%) showed new brain infarcts on DWI. Most lesions were
      clinically silent, located in the cortical territory (80%), small (<1.5cm) in
      diameter (89%), and not related to the underlying cerebral arterial abnormality
      (80%). Old age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03
      1.15), use of cardiopulmonary bypass (OR = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.13-8.57), a moderate
      to severe aortic plaque (OR = 21.17, 95% CI = 2.01-222.58), and high levels of
      high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.08-1.70) were
      independent predictors of new brain infarction. INTERPRETATION: Post-CABG new
      brain infarcts are mostly silent and cortically located. Old age, aortic arch
      atherosclerosis, use of cardiopulmonary bypass, and systemic inflammatory
      response may contribute to the pathogenesis of post-CABG new brain infarcts.

PMID- 25111074
TI  - The validity and clinical utility of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument
      -version 2 (MAYSI-2) in the UK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument - version 2 (MAYSI-2) is
      designed to assist in identifying the mental health needs of young people
      admitted to secure establishments. To date, very few studies have assessed the
      MAYSI-2 outside the USA. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the validity and
      clinical utility of the MAYSI-2 in England. METHODS: Boys newly admitted into one
      large young offenders' institution, were consecutively interviewed individually
      and completed the MAYSI-2, the Youth Self Report (YSR), which capture similar
      syndrome scales - and the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and
      Schizophrenia (K-SADS), which allows for making psychiatric diagnoses. RESULTS:
      Two hundred and six boys, of average age 16.5 years, completed all assessments.
      According to the K-SADS, co-morbidity of psychiatric disorders was high (80% of
      the sample). The MAYSI-2 showed good convergent validity but poorer discriminant
      validity with the YSR. The MAYSI-2 and YSR corresponded with both conceptually
      and non-conceptually relevant diagnostic domains. CONCLUSIONS: The poor ability
      of the MAYSI-2 and YSR to discriminate and specify disorders is likely to reflect
      the high rates of co-morbidity. The fact that 90% of the participants reached the
      caution cut-off for any scale on the MAYSI-2, while suggesting its limited use as
      a screening tool for this sample, is probably best reflective of the high levels
      of psychopathology of incarcerated young people in England and Wales since
      particular efforts to divert as many as possible from custody. A more holistic
      and comprehensive approach to assessing health needs on admission into custody
      may be necessary for such a population.

PMID- 25111073
TI  - Mutational landscape of candidate genes in familial prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Family history is a major risk factor for prostate cancer (PCa),
      suggesting a genetic component to the disease. However, traditional linkage and
      association studies have failed to fully elucidate the underlying genetic basis
      of familial PCa. METHODS: Here, we use a candidate gene approach to identify
      potential PCa susceptibility variants in whole exome sequencing data from
      familial PCa cases. Six hundred ninety-seven candidate genes were identified
      based on function, location near a known chromosome 17 linkage signal, and/or
      previous association with prostate or other cancers. Single nucleotide variants
      (SNVs) in these candidate genes were identified in whole exome sequence data from
      33 PCa cases from 11 multiplex PCa families (3 cases/family). RESULTS: Overall,
      4,856 candidate gene SNVs were identified, including 1,052 missense and 10
      nonsense variants. Twenty missense variants were shared by all three family
      members in each family in which they were observed. Additionally, 15 missense
      variants were shared by two of three family members and predicted to be
      deleterious by five different algorithms. Four missense variants, BLM Gln123Arg,
      PARP2 Arg283Gln, LRCC46 Ala295Thr and KIF2B Pro91Leu, and one nonsense variant,
      CYP3A43 Arg441Ter, showed complete co-segregation with PCa status. Twelve
      additional variants displayed partial co-segregation with PCa. CONCLUSIONS: Forty
      three nonsense and shared, missense variants were identified in our candidate
      genes. Further research is needed to determine the contribution of these variants
      to PCa susceptibility.

PMID- 25111075
TI  - Single-molecule localization microscopy using mCherry.
AB  - We demonstrate the potential of the commonly used red fluorescent protein mCherry
      for single-molecule super-resolution imaging. mCherry can be driven into a light
      induced dark state in the presence of a thiol from which it can recover
      spontaneously or by irradiation with near UV light. We show imaging of
      subcellular protein structures such as microtubules and the nuclear pore complex
      with a resolution below 40 nm. We were able to image the C-terminus of the
      nuclear pore protein POM121, which is on the inside of the pore and not readily
      accessible for external labeling. The photon yield for mCherry is comparable to
      that of the latest optical highlighter fluorescent proteins. Our findings show
      that the widely used mCherry red fluorescent protein and the vast number of
      existing mCherry fusion proteins are readily amenable to super-resolution
      imaging. This obviates the need for generating novel protein fusions that may
      compromise function or the need for external fluorescent labeling. 

PMID- 25111076
TI  - Modulation of the silica sol-gel composition for the promotion of direct electron
      transfer to encapsulated cytochrome c.
AB  - The direct electron transfer between indium-tin oxide electrodes (ITO) and
      cytochrome c encapsulated in different sol-gel silica networks was studied. Cyt
      c@silica modified electrodes were synthesized by a two-step encapsulation method
      mixing a phosphate buffer solution with dissolved cytochrome c and a silica sol
      prepared by the alcohol-free sol-gel route. These modified electrodes were
      characterized by cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis spectroscopy, and in situ UV-vis
      spectroelectrochemistry. The electrochemical response of encapsulated protein is
      influenced by the terminal groups of the silica pores. Cyt c does not present
      electrochemical response in conventional silica (hydroxyl terminated) or phenyl
      terminated silica. Direct electron transfer to encapsulated cytochrome c and ITO
      electrodes only takes place when the protein is encapsulated in methyl modified
      silica networks. 

PMID- 25111077
TI  - Synthesis, structure, and catalytic applications for ortho- and meta-carboranyl
      based NBN pincer-Pd complexes.
AB  - o- and m-Carborane-based NBN pincer palladium complexes (oCB-L1)Pd, (oCB-L2)Pd,
      and (mCB-L1)Pd are synthesized in two steps from commercially available starting
      materials. The pincer complexes were prepared by the reaction of bis
      [R(hydroxy)methyl]-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane (R = 2-pyridyl oCB-L1, 6-methyl
      2-pyridyl oCB-L2) or bis-[2-pyridyl (hydroxy)methyl]-1,2-dicarba-meta
      dodecaborane (mCB-L1) with [PdCl2(MeCN)2] under mild conditions. The X-ray
      structure determination of all carboranyl pincer complexes shows unambiguously B
      H activation of the carborane cages. The results agree with the Pd-B bonds in all
      complexes exhibiting strong sigma-electron donation. Theoretical calculations
      reveal the importance of considering the solid state intermolecular hydrogen
      bonding when investigating the trans influence in organometallic chemistry. A
      localized orbitals approach has also been applied to analyze the metal oxidation
      state in the carboranyl pincer complexes. Catalytic applications of (oCB-L1)Pd
      and (mCB-L1)Pd have shown the complexes are good catalyst precursors in Suzuki
      coupling in water and with very low amounts of catalyst loadings. 

PMID- 25111078
TI  - Differential analysis of proteomes and metabolomes reveals additively balanced
      networking for metabolism in maize heterosis.
AB  - A century ago, dominance and overdominance hypotheses were developed to explain
      the phenomenon of heterosis, both hypotheses were in a nonadditive pattern. Here,
      a principal component analysis (PCA) of maize seed proteomes was used for
      representative inbreds of five heterotic germplasms and three classes of hybrid.
      Hybrids congregated in the center region of inbreds, forming an additive
      distribution with hybrids in the middle of their parents. Principal components 1
      and 2 indicated biased distributions of proteins with functions of amino acid
      protein or carbohydrate-energy metabolisms, respectively, after loading analysis
      and MS identification of proteins. Then, GC-MS was used to examine free amino
      acids, carbohydrates, and organic acids. A lower level of these metabolites were
      found in hybrids than inbreds. Further, we performed similar analyses of
      germinating seeds of a parent-F1 triad and three F2 segregants and confirmed
      these results. Therefore, an additive pattern of protein abundances for an
      unimpeded flow of metabolites was established in heterotic hybrids. That is, an
      additively balanced networking but not the nonadditive dominance or overdominance
      regulates heterosis. The less expensive metabolism in hybrids suggested the
      evolution of sexual reproduction. The Mendelian phenotypic ratio can be better
      explained based on this additive pattern than dominance.

PMID- 25111080
TI  - Immunophenotyping and efficacy of low dose ATG in non-sensitized kidney
      recipients undergoing early steroid withdrawal: a randomized pilot study.
AB  - Rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is commonly used as an induction therapy in
      renal transplant recipients, but the ideal dosage in tacrolimus-based early
      steroid withdrawal protocols has not been established. The purpose of this pilot
      study was to determine the immunophenotyping and efficacy of lower dose ATG in
      low immunological-risk kidney transplant recipients. In this prospective study,
      45 patients were randomized (1?1) to our standard dose ATG (total dose 3.75
      mg/kg)(sATG) vs. lower dose 2.25 mg/kg (lowATG). All patients underwent early
      steroid withdrawal within 7 days. The primary end point was biopsy-proven acute
      rejection at 12 months. Prospective immunophenotyping of freshly isolated PBMCs
      was performed at baseline, 3, 6, 12 months post-transplant. The rate of acute
      rejection was 17% and 10% in the sATG and lowATG, respectively. Effector memory T
      cells, Tregs and recent thymic emigrants T cells had similar kinetics post
      transplant in both groups. No statistically significant differences were found in
      graft survival, patient survival or infections between the two groups, though
      there was a non-significant increase in leukopenia (43%v s. 30%), CMV (8% vs. 0)
      and BK (4% vs. 0) infections in sATG group vs. lowATG. In sum, in low
      immunological risk kidney recipients undergoing steroid withdrawal, low dose ATG
      seems to be efficacious in preventing acute rejection and depleting T cells with
      potentially lower infectious complications. A larger study is warranted to
      confirm these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00548405.

PMID- 25111081
TI  - Risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes in HIV-infected people during the HAART
      era: a population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: HIV-infected people have greatly elevated risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
      (NHL), particularly the AIDS-defining NHL subtypes: diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma and primary lymphomas arising in the central nervous
      system. The goals of this analysis were to comprehensively describe risks of NHL
      subtypes, especially those not well studied, among HIV/AIDS patients; examine
      risks specifically in the HAART era; and distinguish risks in HIV-infected
      individuals prior to diagnosis with AIDS. DESIGN: Population-based registry
      linkage study. METHODS: We used data from the US HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study from
      1996 to 2010 (N = 273 705) to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs)
      comparing subtype-specific NHL risks in HIV-infected people to those in the
      general population, and used Poisson regression to test for differences in SIRs
      between the HIV-only and AIDS periods. RESULTS: NHL risk was elevated 11-fold
      compared to the general population, but varied substantially by subtype. AIDS
      defining NHL subtypes comprised the majority, and risks were high (SIRs >=17),
      but risks were also increased for some T-cell lymphomas (SIRs = 3.6-14.2),
      marginal zone lymphoma (SIR = 2.4), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom
      macroglobulinemia (SIR = 3.6), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (SIR =
      2.4). CONCLUSION: HIV-infected people in the HAART era continue to have elevated
      risk of AIDS-defining NHL subtypes, highlighting the contribution of moderate and
      severe immunosuppression to their cause. Whereas non-AIDS-defining subtypes are
      much less common, immunosuppression or other dysregulated immune states likely
      play a role in the cause of some T-cell lymphomas, marginal zone lymphoma,
      lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia/lymphoma.

PMID- 25111082
TI  - Efficacy of prolonged tenofovir therapy on hepatitis delta in HIV-infected
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) produces the most severe form of chronic
      viral hepatitis. We explored whether prolonged tenofovir exposure might be
      beneficial on hepatitis delta in HIV-infected patients. METHODS: All HIV-infected
      patients with hepatitis delta followed at our institution since year 2000 were
      retrospectively examined. Serum HBV-DNA and HDV-RNA were quantified using
      commercial assays. Liver fibrosis was measured using elastometry. RESULTS: A
      total of 19 HIV/delta patients were identified. All were viremic for HDV and 11
      for HBV. After a median tenofovir exposure of 58 months, all had undetectable HBV
      DNA and 10 (53%) had undetectable HDV-RNA. The median drop in HDV-RNA in the
      remaining nine HDV viremic patients at the end of follow-up was 2.4 log
      copies/ml. A reduction above 30% in liver stiffness occurred in six out 10 (60%)
      patients who achieved undetectable HDV-RNA, whereas hepatic stiffness did not
      change in the remaining HDV viremic patients (P = 0.03). Serum HBsAg
      concentrations did not decline significantly, although HBsAg seroclearance
      occurred in three patients, all of whom became negative for HDV-RNA. CONCLUSION:
      Long-term exposure to tenofovir significantly reduced serum HDV-RNA apart from
      completely suppressing HBV-DNA in HIV-infected patients with hepatitis delta.
      This virological benefit is accompanied by significant improvements in liver
      fibrosis.

PMID- 25111083
TI  - Influence of hepatitis C virus coinfection on CD4+ T cells of HIV-infected
      patients receiving HAART.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The effects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection on immune
      homeostasis and immune restoration in treated HIV infection are not well
      understood. METHODS: We studied 79 HIV-infected patients who had been receiving
      HAART for more than 2 years and who had HIV viral load below 50 copies/ml. Four
      patient groups were studied: HIV/HCV, CD4+ cells above 350/MUl; HIV/HCV, CD4
      cells below 350/MUl; HIV/HCV, CD4 cells above 350/MUl; HIV/HCV, CD4+ cells below
      350/MUl. Controls comprised 20 healthy volunteers. Naive, central memory,
      effector memory, and terminal effector CD4+ T cells were enumerated. Naive
      CD4CD31 T cells were counted as recent thymic emigrants (RTEs). Activation state
      and ex-vivo apoptosis of CD4+ T cells, levels of liver enzymes, and aspartate
      aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index were evaluated. RESULTS: CD4+ T-cell
      counts and the numbers of all circulating CD4 T-cell maturation subsets were
      diminished in HIV infection; CD4+ T-cell activation and apoptosis were increased
      in HIV infection, but none of these indices was affected by HCV coinfection. RTE
      numbers were diminished in HIV infection, were inversely related to age, and were
      increased in women and lower in HIV/HCV patients than in singly HIV-infected
      patients. In coinfected patients, RTE numbers were inversely related to levels of
      liver enzymes, but not to HCV viral load. CONCLUSION: Whereas we could find no
      relationship between HCV infection and most indices of CD4+ T-cell homeostasis or
      activation, CD4+ RTEs are diminished in the circulation of HCV coinfected persons
      and appear to be related to indices of ongoing hepatic damage or inflammation.

PMID- 25111085
TI  - Sex-specific differences in offspring personalities across the laying order in
      magpies Pica pica.
AB  - Maternal effects provide an important mechanism for mothers to create variation
      in offspring personality, and to potentially influence offspring life history
      strategies e.g. creating more/less dispersive phenotypes. However, within-clutch
      maternal effects often vary and hence there is potential for within-clutch
      variation in personality. We studied the effects of hatching order on explorative
      and neophobic behaviour of the magpies Pica pica in relation to sex using novel
      environment and novel object experiments. Hatching order did affect explorative
      behaviour in magpie, but did so in opposite directions for either sex. First
      hatched females were more explorative and had a tendency to be less neophobic,
      whereas in males, the reverse was true. Our results suggest that hormonal as well
      as post-natal environmental mechanisms could be underpinning this pattern. Future
      research is needed to fully understand the importance of both in creating
      different offspring personalities. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: insert SI title. 

PMID- 25111086
TI  - Validated HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of khellol glucoside, khellin
      and visnagin in Ammi visnaga L. fruits and pharmaceutical preparations.
AB  - Tea bags including fruits of Ammi visnaga L. are used in Egypt as remedy for the
      treatment of kidney stones. Our study focuses on developing simple and rapid
      method utilising HPLC for quantitative estimation of khellol glucoside (KG),
      khellin (KH) and visnagin (VS) simultaneously. Their concentrations were
      determined in A. visnaga L. fruits at different developmental stages and in
      pharmaceutical formulations together with following up them during shelf life.
      Separation was accomplished using HPLC. Perfect resolution between KG, KH and VS
      was possible through using a mobile phase consisting of
      water:methanol:tetrahydrofuran (50:45:5, v/v/v). Peaks were detected at 245 nm.
      The suggested method for the determination of KG, KH and VS was successful in
      determining the analytes of interest without any interference of other compounds
      and matrix. All validation parameters were satisfactory and the procedure was
      relatively easy and fast as extracts are evaluated without previous steps of
      purification.

PMID- 25111084
TI  - The proteome of cholesteryl-ester-enriched versus triacylglycerol-enriched lipid
      droplets.
AB  - Within cells, lipids are stored in the form of lipid droplets (LDs), consisting
      of a neutral lipid core, surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer and an outer
      layer of protein. LDs typically accumulate either triacylglycerol (TAG) and
      diacylglycerol or cholesteryl ester (CE), depending on the type of tissue.
      Recently, there has been an increased interest in the proteins that surround LDs.
      LD proteins have been found to be quite diverse, from structural proteins to
      metabolic enzymes, proteins involved in vesicular transport, and proteins that
      may play a role in LD formation. Previous proteomics analyses have focused on TAG
      enriched LDs, whereas CE-enriched LDs have been largely ignored. Our study has
      compared the LD proteins from CE-enriched LDs to TAG-enriched LDs in
      steroidogenic cells. In primary rat granulosa cells loaded with either HDL to
      produce CE-enriched LDs or fatty acids to produce TAG-enriched LDs, 61 proteins
      were found to be elevated in CE-enriched LDs and 40 proteins elevated in TAG
      enriched LDs with 278 proteins in similar amounts. Protein expression was further
      validated by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry (MS). SRM
      verified expression of 25 of 27 peptides that were previously detected by tandem
      mass tagging MS. Several proteins were confirmed to be elevated in CE-enriched
      LDs by SRM including the intermediate filament vimentin. This study is the first
      to compare the proteins found on CE-enriched LDs with TAG-enriched LDs and
      constitutes the first step in creating a better understanding of the proteins
      found on CE-enriched LDs in steroidogenic cells. 

PMID- 25111087
TI  - Design of functional nanoparticles and assemblies for theranostic applications.
AB  - Nanostructured materials have found increasing applications in medical therapies
      and diagnostics (theranostics). The main challenge is the ability to impart the
      nanomaterials with structurally tailored functional properties which can
      effectively target biomolecules but also provide signatures for effective
      detection. The harnessing of functional nanoparticles and assemblies serves as a
      powerful strategy for the creation of the structurally tailored multifunctional
      properties. This article highlights some of the important design strategies in
      recent investigation of metals (especially gold and silver), and magnetically
      functionalized nanoparticles, and molecularly assembled or biomolecularly
      conjugated nanoparticles with tunable optical, spectroscopic, magnetic, and
      electrical properties for applications in several areas of potential theranostic
      interests. Examples include colorimetric detection of amino acids and small
      peptides, surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of biomolecular recognition
      of proteins and DNAs, delivery in cell transfection and bacteria inactivation,
      and chemiresistive detection of breath biomarkers. A major emphasis is placed on
      understanding how the control of the nanostructures and the molecular and
      biomolecular interactions impact these biofunctional properties, which has
      important implications for bottom-up designs of theranostic materials. 

PMID- 25111088
TI  - Effect of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on osmotic responses of pig iliac
      endothelial cells.
AB  - In order to fully explore the potential applications of nanoparticles in
      biopreservation, it is necessary to study the effect of nanoparticles on cell
      membrane permeabilities. The aim of this study is therefore to comparatively
      evaluate the osmotic responses of pig iliac endothelial cells in the absence and
      presence of commercially available hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. The results
      indicate that, after the introduction of 0.0 1 wt% hydroxyapatite nanoparticles,
      the dependence of cell membrane hydraulic conductivity (Lp) on temperature still
      obeys the Arrhenius relationship, while the reference value of the hydraulic
      conductivity of the cell membrane at 273.15K (Lpg) and the activation energy for
      water transport across cell membrane (ELp) change from 0.77 * 10(-14)m/Pa/s and
      15.65 kJ/mol to 0.65 * 10(-14)m/Pa/s and 26.14 kJ/mol. That is to say, the
      reference value of the hydraulic conductivity of the cell membrane has been
      slightly decreased while the activation energy for water transport across cell
      membrane has been greatly enhanced, and thus it implies that the hydraulic
      conductivity of cell membrane are more sensitive to temperature in the presence
      of nanoparticles. These findings are of potential significance to the
      optimization of nanoparticles-aided cryopreservation.

PMID- 25111089
TI  - Design and computational characterization of non-fullerene acceptors for use in
      solution-processable solar cells.
AB  - In an effort to seek high-performance small molecule electron acceptor materials
      for use in heterojunction solar cells, computational chemistry was used to
      examine a variety of terminal acceptor-conjugated bridge-core acceptor-conjugated
      bridge-terminal acceptor small molecules. In particular, we have systematically
      predicted the geometric, electronic, and optical properties of 16 potential small
      molecule acceptors based upon a series of electron deficient pi-conjugated
      building blocks that have been incorporated into materials exhibiting good
      electron transport properties. Results show that the band gap, HOMO/LUMO energy
      levels, orbital spatial distribution, and intrinsic dipole moments can be
      systematically altered by varying the electron properties of the terminal or core
      acceptor units. In addition, the identity of the conjugated bridge can help fine
      tune the electronic properties of the molecule, where this study showed that the
      strongest electron affinity of the conjugated pi-bridge increased the stability
      in the HOMO and LUMO energies and increased the band gap of these small-molecule
      acceptors. As a result, this work points toward an isoindigo (C5) core combined
      with C2-thienopyrrole dione (A5) terminal units as the most promising small
      molecule acceptor material that can be fine-tuned with the choice of conjugated
      bridge and may be considered as reasonable candidates for synthesis and
      incorporation into organic solar cells. 

PMID- 25111090
TI  - Comparing criterion- and trait-based personality disorder diagnoses in DSM-5.
AB  - In the recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the
      official personality disorder (PD) classification system remains unchanged.
      However, DSM-5 also includes an alternative hybrid categorical-dimensional PD
      system in Section III to spur additional research. One defining feature of the
      alternative system is the incorporation of a trait model with PD-specific trait
      configurations, but relatively little work has evaluated how these traits map
      onto official PD diagnoses or their implications for diagnosis rates. To that
      end, we compared official PD criteria to Section III PD traits in a sample of
      current or recent psychiatric patients. We (a) evaluated the extent to which PD
      traits predicted traditional PD criterion counts, and (b) computed trait-based
      diagnosis rates and compared them to those reported in several published
      outpatient and epidemiological samples. Overall, PD traits generally predicted PD
      criterion counts, but with less than ideal specificity. In addition, we
      identified differences in diagnosis rates across approaches. These results
      provide some support for the Section III approach, but they also identify
      important areas in need of refinement and future study before the field could
      reasonably switch to a hybrid PD classification approach like that in Section
      III.

PMID- 25111091
TI  - The early access to medicines scheme.

PMID- 25111092
TI  - Guidance on multi-morbidity: the challenge facing NICE.

PMID- 25111094
TI  - Vasculitis: an update.
AB  - The systemic vasculitides are uncommon but serious diseases. Early recognition
      can be difficult because they mimic many conditions. Aggressive immunosuppression
      is toxic but effective; a targeted approach with biological agents may improve
      the outcome. 

PMID- 25111095
TI  - Biologics in systemic lupus erythematosus: current options and future
      perspectives.
AB  - Data from clinical trials highlighted the potential and pitfalls of the use of
      biologics to treat systemic lupus erythematosus. With improved understanding of
      immunopathogenesis and lessons learned from controlled trials, there is a growing
      optimism for personalized treatment from an increasing range of targeted
      therapies. 

PMID- 25111096
TI  - Biologics in rheumatoid arthritis: where are we going?
AB  - Biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs have significantly improved
      outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but cost limits their use. This
      article assesses data on patients who have achieved remission or low disease
      activity with these drugs and the possibility of dose reduction or
      discontinuation in these patients. 

PMID- 25111097
TI  - Why can't my child see 3D television?
AB  - A child encountering difficulty in watching three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic
      displays could have an underlying ocular disorder. It is therefore valuable to
      understand the differential diagnoses and so conduct an appropriate clinical
      assessment to address concerns about poor 3D vision. 

PMID- 25111098
TI  - Effective medical leadership development for a complex NHS.
AB  - The NHS Leadership Academy in England is investing L46 million in a standardized
      model of development, with academic qualifications becoming essential in future
      NHS leadership roles. This represents a cul-de-sac for medical leaders because it
      is based on a series of misplaced assumptions about health-care leadership and
      its development. 

PMID- 25111099
TI  - How competent do graduates feel to undertake the skills required by the General
      Medical Council?
AB  - The General Medical Council outlines the skills medical students are meant to
      learn as undergraduates. This article summarizes how competent some foundation
      year one doctors from one deanery felt to undertake these skills, what had
      prepared them and what they would like more training on. 

PMID- 25111100
TI  - Isolated myeloid sarcoma of the buccal region.

PMID- 25111101
TI  - Diogenes syndrome causing life-threatening complications of Paget's disease.

PMID- 25111102
TI  - Recurrent sinusitis: think granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

PMID- 25111103
TI  - Digestive enzyme supplements: replacement therapy for individuals unwilling to
      take porcine products.

PMID- 25111104
TI  - The outbreak of the first world war and the medical profession.

PMID- 25111106
TI  - Should the national early warning score be adopted throughout the NHS?

PMID- 25111107
TI  - In situ electrodeposition of an asymmetric sol-gel membrane based on an
      octadecyltrimethoxysilane Langmuir film.
AB  - The unique properties of Langmuir film formation were utilized in assembling a
      thin skin of an asymmetric membrane. An octadecyltrimethoxysilane (ODTMS)
      Langmuir monolayer was formed at the air-water interface and served as the
      substrate for growing a bulky sol-gel polymer in situ. The latter was based on
      the electrochemical deposition of tetramethoxysilane dissolved in the water
      subphase by means of horizontal touch electrochemistry. The resultant asymmetric
      layer that consisted of a thin hydrophobic ODTMS Langmuir film connected to a
      bulk hydrophilic sol-gel network was studied in situ and ex situ by using various
      techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
      (EIS), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and
      goniometry. We found that a porous hydrophilic film grew on top of a hydrophobic
      layer as was evident from TEM, contact angle, and EIS analyses. The film
      thickness and film permeability could be controlled by changing the deposition
      conditions such as the potential window applied and its duration. Hence, this
      method offers an alternative approach for assembling asymmetric films for various
      applications. 

PMID- 25111108
TI  - The association between prenatal sleep quality and obstetric outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-associated sleep disorder is a new category on the latest
      version of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders. It is a
      significant problem for pregnant women. PURPOSE: The present follow-up study
      assesses the association between sleep quality during the second and third
      trimesters of pregnancy and obstetric-neonatal outcomes. METHODS: A prospective
      follow-up study design was used. Follow-up examination of the obstetric birth
      records in the immediate postpartum period were carried out on 128 second
      trimester and 120 third-trimester women and their newborns in two hospitals in
      Taiwan. Poor sleep quality was identified using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
      Index. Data were collected from October 2007 to June 2008. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of poor sleepers (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score > 5) was 58%
      for second-trimester participants and 66% for third-trimester participants;
      participants who were unemployed reported a significantly higher prevalence of
      poor sleep quality than those who were employed. Subsequent review of the
      participant's obstetric birth records revealed that third-trimester poor sleepers
      were more likely to have had a vacuum-assisted delivery. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS
      FOR PRACTICE: This study identified poor sleep quality during the third trimester
      as a novel risk factor for vacuum-assisted delivery. We suggest that prenatal
      healthcare providers focus greater attention to the sleep disturbance condition
      of pregnant women and provide proactive sleep counseling to facilitate pregnant
      women's adjustment to the new psychosocial and physiological demands of
      motherhood.

PMID- 25111109
TI  - The effect of yoga exercise on improving depression, anxiety, and fatigue in
      women with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression, anxiety, and fatigue are among the most significant
      problems that influence the quality of life of patients with breast cancer who
      receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Although evidence has shown yoga to decrease
      anxiety, depression, and fatigue in patients with cancer, few studies on the
      effects of yoga have targeted patients with breast cancer. Yoga interventions
      should be tested to promote the psychological and physical health of women with
      breast cancer. PURPOSE: This study examines the effectiveness of an 8-week yoga
      exercise program in promoting the psychological and physical health of women with
      breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy in terms of depression, anxiety,
      and fatigue. METHODS: A sample of 60 women with nonmetastatic breast cancer was
      recruited. Participants were randomly assigned into either the experimental group
      (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). A 60-minute, twice-per-week yoga exercise
      was implemented for 8 weeks as the intervention for the participants in the
      experimental group. The control group received standard care only. RESULTS:
      Analysis using the Johnson-Neyman procedure found that the yoga exercise reduced
      overall fatigue and the interference of fatigue in everyday life for the
      experimental group participants. Significant reductions were obtained after 4
      weeks of intervention participation for those experimental group patients with
      relatively low starting baseline values (baseline item mean value < 3.31 and
      3.22, respectively) and after 8 weeks for most patients (approximately 75%) with
      moderate starting baseline values (baseline item mean value < 7.30 and 5.34,
      respectively). The 8-week intervention did not significantly improve the levels
      of depression (F = 1.29, p > .05) or anxiety (F = 2.7, p > .05).
      CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The 8-week yoga exercise program developed
      in this study effectively reduced fatigue in patients with breast cancer but did
      not reduce depression or anxiety. Oncology nurses should strengthen their
      clinical health education and apply yoga to reduce the fatigue experienced by
      patients with breast cancer who undergo adjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 25111110
TI  - Factors affecting perceptions of family function in caregivers of children with
      attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most
      common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. ADHD has been shown to persist into
      adulthood in 30%-70% of cases. The long-term and escalating nature of ADHD
      creates an increasing burden on families because of the influence of
      hyperactivity and impulsivity on academic achievement and social interaction.
      There is a lack of information on factors influencing function in the families of
      children with ADHD. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test theoretically
      derived relationships among family demographic characteristics; family factors
      such as support, hardiness, and caregiver health; and family-functioning
      outcomes. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional study and structural
      equation modeling approach. A self-report questionnaire collected information
      from 122 caregivers on demographics, income, employment, and marital status data
      as well as on personal health, family support, family hardiness, and family
      function statuses as determined, respectively, using the Duke Health Profile,
      Family APGAR score, Family Hardiness Index, and Family Assessment Device.
      RESULTS: Structural equation modeling provided a reasonable fit to the data using
      AMOS (chi = .249, df = 1, p = .613, minimum discrepancy C = .249), goodness-of
      fit index (.999), adjusted goodness of fit index (.990), normed fit index (.999),
      comparative fit index (1.0), and root mean square error of approximation (.000).
      Results indicated a 55.6% probability of becoming the construct model, with
      family hardiness and family support directly affecting family function and
      caregiver health. Family support functioned as a mediator in the relationship
      between family hardiness and family function. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PRACTICE: The findings of this study help nurses improve professional assessments
      and interventions for families of children with ADHD by highlighting the
      importance of increased family support, promoting family hardiness, and promoting
      caregivers' health to improved family function.

PMID- 25111111
TI  - Exploring the relationship between personality features and teaching self
      efficacy in clinical nursing preceptors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical nursing preceptor system, first introduced in the 1960s,
      is a one-on-one education and practice model. Preceptorship programs assign
      experienced registered nurses (preceptors) as mentors or role models for new
      clinical nurses (preceptees). PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to
      delineate the relationship between personality features and teaching self
      efficacy in clinical nursing preceptors. METHODS: In June 2009, clinical nursing
      preceptors at a county hospital in Taiwan were asked to complete three
      questionnaires, including (a) background demographics, (b) Eysenck Personality
      Questionnaire, and (c) the teaching self-efficacy evaluation. A generalized
      linear model was applied to determine the associations between the six dimensions
      of teaching self-efficacy (maturity, teaching self-efficacy beliefs, professional
      skill, teaching strategy effectiveness, quality of interpersonal relationships,
      and objective teaching evaluation) and four dimensions related to personality
      features (extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism, and the lie scale), adjusted
      for baseline characteristics. RESULTS: One hundred sixteen nurse preceptors (mean
      age = 31.2 years, range = 25-54 years) participated in this survey. Analysis
      showed that extraversion was related to higher scores for maturity, teaching self
      efficacy beliefs, professional skill, teaching strategy effectiveness, and
      objective teaching evaluation. A higher neuroticism score was negatively
      associated with maturity. The psychoticism score had no significant associations.
      A higher score on the lie scale was related to lower professional skill and less
      teaching strategy effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:
      Personality features relate significantly to teaching self-efficacy in nursing
      preceptors. This study identified personality features that may influence the
      success of nurses in becoming competent clinical preceptors.

PMID- 25111112
TI  - A rehabilitation program for Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present the design and implementation of a rehabilitation program
      (RP) adapted for people diagnosed with various phases of Alzheimer's disease
      (AD). The RP is a cognitive stimulation program that integrates the
      recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine for aerobic,
      resistance, and balance exercises. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate
      the effect of the RP on the physical and functional capacities, cognitive
      functions, and quality of life (QOL) of patients with AD. METHODS: We enrolled 64
      participants with AD for an RP intervention lasting 12 months. The research used
      a quasiexperimental approach. Assessed variables included cognitive ability (Mini
      Mental State Examination), fitness (Chair Stand Test), level of independence
      (Barthel Index), and QOL (the 12-item Short Form Health Survey). Statistical
      analyses used the Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and the chi-squared
      test. The statistical significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: The results
      indicate the effectiveness of the RP in improving the physical fitness and the
      QOL of participants with mild- to moderate-phase AD. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PRACTICE: The RP has a positive effect on patients with mild- to moderate-phase
      AD. However, we identified no effect for the RP on cognitive ability. These
      findings provide empirical evidence to support the use of RP as an effective
      complementary therapy. Improving the physical capacity and the QOL may have
      important long-term benefits for the older adults and their caregivers. The
      results of this study should be helpful to decision makers and geriatric health
      centers in planning and implementing RPs for elderly people with AD.

PMID- 25111113
TI  - Work-family conflict and job performance in nurses: the moderating effects of
      social support.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A large number of women are employed in the labor market. This
      phenomenon has widely supplanted the traditional family model of full-time
      working fathers and full-time housewives with the dual-income family model. Most
      nurses have both family and work responsibilities and hope to balance these two
      aspects of their lives. Work-family conflict (WFC) is thus a significant issue
      faced by professional nurses. PURPOSES: This study examines the relationship
      between WFC and job performance in the nursing context and explores the
      moderating effects of different sources of social support. METHODS: This study
      questionnaire used a self-reporting scale. To avoid common method variance,
      research data were collected at two time points. Five hundred twenty
      questionnaires were sent to nurses working at five hospitals in Taiwan, and 501
      were returned, of which 495 were valid and used in analysis. Hierarchical
      regression analysis was used to test study hypotheses. RESULTS: Study findings
      were (a) degree of family-to-work conflict influenced job performance negatively,
      (b) level of WFC did not significantly affect job performance, (c) support from
      friends strengthened the negative effect of family-to-work conflict on job
      performance, and (d) support from coworkers weakened the relationship between WFC
      and job performance. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is hoped that the
      findings of this study will be useful for nursing managers, organizations, and
      future research. Hospital organizations and nursing departments have a positive
      role to play in fostering an organizational culture that helps its staffs balance
      work and family responsibilities. A strategy of human resource management that is
      consistent with the demands of nurses may help reduce WFC.

PMID- 25111114
TI  - The link of sexual sensation seeking to acceptance of cybersex, multiple sexual
      partners, and one-night stands among Taiwanese college students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Young people in Taiwan have become more liberal and active toward
      sex. Despite heavy investments of money, time, and effort, sexual education
      programs have generally lagged expectations. PURPOSE: Personality traits such as
      sexual sensation seeking are found to be significantly associated with risky
      sexual behaviors. This study, therefore, attempts to explore the link of sexual
      sensation seeking to acceptance by Taiwanese college students of cybersex,
      multiple sexual partners, and one-night stands. METHODS: A cross-sectional study
      was conducted using the multistage cluster sampling method. Five hundred sixteen
      students recruited from eight universities/colleges in Taiwan participated in
      this study, and 507 completed the self-report questionnaire. The valid response
      rate was 98.26%. RESULTS: The results reveal that high-sexual-sensation seekers
      were more likely than low-sexual-sensation seekers to accept cybersex, multiple
      sexual partners, and one-night stands. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:
      This study suggests that the designers of campus-based health prevention
      campaigns should target campaign messages on high-sexual-sensation seekers using
      novel, thrilling, and complex messages to achieve safe sex educational campaign
      goals.

PMID- 25111115
TI  - Do randomized controlled nursing trials have a pragmatic or explanatory attitude?
      Findings from the Pragmatic-Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary (PRECIS) tool
      exercise.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) may be categorized as either
      effectiveness trials or efficacy trials, which may be categorized by the
      Pragmatic-Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary (PRECIS) tool. However, no data
      regarding the application of the PRECIS tool in a cluster of RCTs belonging to a
      specific discipline such as nursing are available. PURPOSE: The principal aim of
      this study was to assess the prevailing nature (pragmatic vs. explanatory) of a
      cluster of clinical nursing RCTs. Evaluating the suitability of the PRECIS in the
      analysis of nursing RCTs was the secondary aim. METHODS: All nursing RCTs
      published in 2010 were identified through a systematic review and extracted in
      full-text form. An explanatory-pragmatic (E-P) group consisting of 11 researchers
      trained in the use of the PRECIS tool evaluated each RCT in terms of 10 domains,
      respectively scored on a scale ranging from 5 (pragmatic) to 1 (explanatory). The
      E-P group further scored the feasibility of the PRECIS tool using a numerical
      rating scale (0 = not at all, 10 = entirely feasible). RESULTS: Along the
      pragmatic-explanatory continuum, assuming 50 as the highest degree of pragmatism
      and 10 as the highest degree of explanatory, the evaluation of nursing RCTs
      returned an average of 31.1 (median = 31, SD = 7.18, range = 13-44). On the
      pragmatic-explanatory continuum, the evaluated nursing RCTs tended to be
      pragmatic, which seems to be consistent with the purposes of the nursing
      discipline. The feasibility of the PRECIS tool in the evaluation of nursing
      trials as perceived by the E-P Group was, on average, 7.09 (SD = 1.09, 95% CI
      [6.35, 7.82]). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Applying the PRECIS tool is
      perceived to be highly feasible in the critical appraisal of a cluster of RCTs in
      a specific discipline such as nursing.

PMID- 25111116
TI  - Trp28Arg/Ile35Thr LHB gene variants are associated with elevated testosterone
      levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder,
      of multifactorial etiology, which affects 6-10% of women of reproductive age. It
      is considered the leading cause of anovulatory infertility, menstrual disorders
      and hyperandrogenism in this population. The genetic basis of PCOS is still
      largely unknown despite significant family clustering; determining its mode of
      inheritance is particularly difficult given the heterogenic presentation of the
      disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 130 Brazilian women, aged 14-42 years, who met
      the 2003 Rotterdam criteria for PCOS diagnosis, were included, and 96 healthy
      women constituted the control group. Presence of hirsutism was classified using
      the modified Ferriman-Gallwey score (F-G score) as absent (<=7), mild (8-14), and
      severe (>=15). Blood levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (TT),
      dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and androstenedione were determined. The
      coding region of the luteinizing hormone beta-subunit (LHB) gene was amplified
      and sequenced. Differences in allelic and genotypic frequency distribution of
      each polymorphism across controls and cases were estimated by the Mantel-Haenszel
      chi-square or Fisher's exact test (p<0.05), and the probability of an association
      between the detection of a polymorphism and presence of a diagnosis of PCOS, by
      logistic regression. RESULT(S): Sequencing detected 8 polymorphisms in the LHB
      gene coding region. Two polymorphisms in linkage disequilibrium were
      significantly more prevalent in the presence of hyperandrogenemia:
      rs1800447/rs34349826 (Trp28Arg/Ile35Thr) (p=0.02). CONCLUSION(S): In this series,
      a modulatory effect of LHB polymorphisms on hyperandrogenemia phenotype of PCOS
      was observed; however, this finding needs to be replicated in other populations.

PMID- 25111117
TI  - In-silico identification and characterization of organic and inorganic chemical
      stress responding genes in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
AB  - To study the life processes of all eukaryotes, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
      is a significant model organism. It is also one of the best models to study the
      responses of genes at transcriptional level. In a living organism, gene
      expression is changed by chemical stresses. The genes that give response to
      chemical stresses will provide good source for the strategies in engineering and
      formulating mechanisms which are chemical stress resistant in the eukaryotic
      organisms. The data available through microarray under the chemical stresses like
      lithium chloride, lactic acid, weak organic acids and tomatidine were studied by
      using computational tools. Out of 9335 yeast genes, 388 chemical stress
      responding genes were identified and characterized under different chemical
      stresses. Some of these are: Enolases 1 and 2, heat shock protein-82, Yeast
      Elongation Factor 3, Beta Glucanase Protein, Histone H2A1 and Histone H2A2
      Proteins, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, ras GTPase activating protein,
      Establishes Silent Chromatin protein, Mei5 Protein, Nondisjunction Protein and
      Specific Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase. Characterization of these genes was
      also made on the basis of their molecular functions, biological processes and
      cellular components. 

PMID- 25111118
TI  - Genotype-based databases for variants causing rare diseases.
AB  - Inherited diseases are the result of DNA sequence changes. In recessive diseases,
      the clinical phenotype results from the combined functional effects of variants
      in both copies of the gene. In some diseases there is often considerable
      variability of clinical presentation or disease severity, which may be predicted
      by the genotype. Additional effects may be triggered by environmental factors, as
      well as genetic modifiers which could be nucleotide polymorphisms in related
      genes, e.g. maternal ApoE or ABCA1 genotypes which may have an influence on the
      phenotype of SLOS individuals. Here we report the establishment of genotype
      variation databases for various rare diseases which provide individual clinical
      phenotypes associated with genotypes and include data about possible genetic
      modifiers. These databases aim to be an easy public access to information on rare
      and private variants with clinical data, which will facilitate the interpretation
      of genetic variants. The created databases include ACAD8 (isobutyryl-CoA
      dehydrogenase deficiency (IBD)), ACADSB (short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
      (SCAD) deficiency), AUH (3-methylglutaconic aciduria (3-MGCA)), DHCR7 (Smith
      Lemli-Opitz syndrome), HMGCS2 (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2
      deficiency), HSD17B10 (17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase X deficiency), FKBP14
      (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with progressive kyphoscoliosis, myopathy, and hearing
      loss; EDSKMH) and ROGDI (Kohlschutter-Tonz syndrome). These genes have been
      selected because of our specific research interests in these rare and metabolic
      diseases. The aim of the database was to include all identified individuals with
      variants in these specific genes. Identical genotypes are listed multiple times
      if they were found in several patients, phenotypic descriptions and biochemical
      data are included as detailed as possible in view also of validating the proposed
      pathogenicity of these genotypes. For DHCR7 genetic modifier data (maternal APOE
      and ABCA1 genotypes) is also included. Databases are available at
      http://databases.lovd.nl/shared/genes and will be updated based on periodic
      literature reviews and submitted reports. 

PMID- 25111119
TI  - Preparation and in vitro-in vivo evaluation of ofloxacin loaded ophthalmic nano
      structured lipid carriers modified with chitosan oligosaccharide lactate for the
      treatment of bacterial keratitis.
AB  - The objective of this study was to explore the potential of the nanostructured
      lipid carriers (NLCs) modified with chitosan oligosaccharide lactate (COL) for
      topical ocular application. Ofloxacin (OFX) loaded NLCs were prepared by
      microemulsion or high shear homogenization methods. For combination of NLCs
      Compritol HD5 ATO was used as solid lipid, oleic acid as liquid lipid, Tween 80
      as surfactant, ethanol as co-surfactant. The optimum NLCs was modified with 0.75%
      COL. The properties of NLCs in the absence or presence of OFX (0.3%) were
      characterized as zeta potential, particle size, viscosity and pH, TEM, drug
      loading, encapsulation efficiency and anti-microbial properties. Ex-vivo
      penetration/permeation studies were performed with rabbit cornea in Franz
      diffusion cells. The penetration rate of OFX from NM-COL4OFX and NH-COL4OFX were
      significantly higher than commercial solution. Based on the selected
      formulations, in vivo tests were carried out by eye-drop instillation of NLCs in
      rabbit. The addition of COL improved the preocular residence time, controlled the
      drug release and enhanced the corneal bioavailability. In conclusion, OFX COL
      modified NLCs prepared by high shear homogenization method could be offered as a
      promising strategy for ocular drug delivery. 

PMID- 25111120
TI  - Effects of information processing speed on learning, memory, and executive
      functioning in people living with HIV/AIDS.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is unclear whether or to what degree literacy, aging, and other
      neurologic abnormalities relate to cognitive deficits among people living with
      HIV/AIDS in the combined antiretroviral therapy (CART) era. The primary aim of
      this study was to simultaneously examine the association of age, HIV-associated
      motor abnormalities, major depressive disorder, and reading level with
      information processing speed, learning, memory, and executive functions, and to
      determine whether processing speed mediated any of the relationships between
      cognitive and noncognitive variables. METHOD: Participants were 186 racially and
      ethnically diverse men and women living with HIV/AIDS who underwent comprehensive
      neurological, neuropsychological, and medical evaluations. Structural equation
      modeling was utilized to assess the extent to which information processing speed
      mediated the relationship between age, motor abnormalities, major depressive
      disorder, and reading level with other cognitive abilities. RESULTS: Age, motor
      dysfunction, reading level, and current major depressive disorder were all
      significantly associated with information processing speed. Information
      processing speed fully mediated the effects of age on learning, memory, and
      executive functioning and partially mediated the effect of major depressive
      disorder on learning and memory. The effect of motor dysfunction on learning and
      memory was fully mediated by processing speed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      provide support for information processing speed as a primary deficit, which may
      account, at least in part, for many of the other cognitive abnormalities
      recognized in complex HIV/AIDS populations. The association of age and
      information processing speed may account for HIV/aging synergies in the
      generation of CART-era cognitive abnormalities.

PMID- 25111121
TI  - The effects of fructose-containing sugars on weight, body composition and
      cardiometabolic risk factors when consumed at up to the 90th percentile
      population consumption level for fructose.
AB  - The American Heart Association (AHA) and World Health Organization (WHO) have
      recommended restricting calories from added sugars at lower levels than the
      Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations, which are incorporated in the
      Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 (DGAs 2010). Sucrose (SUC) and high
      fructose corn syrup (HFCS) have been singled out for particular concern, because
      of their fructose content, which has been specifically implicated for its
      atherogenic potential and possible role in elevating blood pressure through uric
      acid-mediated endothelial dysfunction. This study explored the effects when these
      sugars are consumed at typical population levels up to the 90th percentile
      population consumption level for fructose. Three hundred fifty five overweight or
      obese individuals aged 20-60 years old were placed on a eucaloric diet for 10
      weeks, which incorporated SUC- or HFCS-sweetened, low-fat milk at 8%, 18% or 30%
      of calories. There was a slight change in body weight in the entire cohort (169.1
      +/- 30.6 vs. 171.6 +/- 31.8 lbs, p < 0.01), a decrease in HDL (52.9 +/- 12.2 vs.
      52.0 +/- 13.9 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and an increase in triglycerides (104.1 +/- 51.8
      vs. 114.1 +/- 64.7 mg/dL, p < 0.001). However, total cholesterol (183.5 +/- 42.8
      vs. 184.4 mg/dL, p > 0.05), LDL (110.3 +/- 32.0 vs. 110.5 +/- 38.9 mg/dL, p >
      0.05), SBP (109.4 +/- 10.9 vs. 108.3 +/- 10.9 mmHg, p > 0.05) and DBP (72.1 +/-
      8.0 vs. 71.3 +/- 8.0 mmHg, p > 0.05) were all unchanged. In no instance did the
      amount or type of sugar consumed affect the response to the intervention
      (interaction p > 0.05). These data suggest that: (1) when consumed as part of a
      normal diet, common fructose-containing sugars do not raise blood pressure, even
      when consumed at the 90th percentile population consumption level for fructose
      (five times the upper level recommended by the AHA and three times the upper
      level recommended by WHO); (2) changes in the lipid profile are mixed, but
      modest. 

PMID- 25111122
TI  - Nutrient intake in Italian infants and toddlers from North and South Italy: the
      Nutrintake 636 study.
AB  - We performed a cross-sectional study to compare the intake of energy,
      macronutrients, fiber, sodium and iron and the anthropometric status of infants
      and toddlers living in North (Milano) and South Italy (Catania). Nutrient intake
      was evaluated using a 7-day weighed food record. Out of 400 planned children aged
      6 to 36 months, 390 (98%) were recruited, 189 in Milano and 201 in Catania. The
      mean (standard deviation) age was 17 (9) months in Milano and 17 (10) months in
      Catania. Anthropometry, energy intake and macronutrient intake were similar in
      Milano and Catania. However, iron intake was 27% lower and fiber intake 16%
      higher in Milano than in Catania. Despite normal anthropometry and energy intake,
      in the pooled sample there was a high intake of proteins, simple carbohydrates,
      saturated fats and sodium, and a low intake of iron and fiber compared to Italian
      reference values. This is the first study to report the macro- and micro-nutrient
      intake of children aged <12 months using the 7-day weighed food record and one of
      the very few studies that have employed such reference method in children from
      the general population. 

PMID- 25111124
TI  - Parasitic myoma in women after laparoscopic myomectomy: A late sequela of
      morcellation?

PMID- 25111123
TI  - Dietary fructose reduction improves markers of cardiovascular disease risk in
      Hispanic-American adolescents with NAFLD.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now thought to be the most common
      liver disease worldwide. Cardiovascular complications are a leading cause of
      mortality in NAFLD. Fructose, a common nutrient in the westernized diet, has been
      reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but its impact on
      adolescents with NAFLD is not well understood. We designed a 4-week randomized,
      controlled, double-blinded beverage intervention study. Twenty-four overweight
      Hispanic-American adolescents who had hepatic fat >8% on imaging and who were
      regular consumers of sweet beverages were enrolled and randomized to calorie
      matched study-provided fructose only or glucose only beverages. After 4 weeks,
      there was no significant change in hepatic fat or body weight in either group. In
      the glucose beverage group there was significantly improved adipose insulin
      sensitivity, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. These findings demonstrate that reduction of
      fructose improves several important factors related to cardiovascular disease
      despite a lack of measurable improvement in hepatic steatosis. Reducing dietary
      fructose may be an effective intervention to blunt atherosclerosis progression
      among NAFLD patients and should be evaluated in longer term clinical trials. 

PMID- 25111127
TI  - Dioscin inhibits colon tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis through regulating
      VEGFR2 and AKT/MAPK signaling pathways.
AB  - Dioscin has shown cytotoxicity against cancer cells, but its in vivo effects and
      the mechanisms have not elucidated yet. The purpose of the current study was to
      assess the antitumor effects and the molecular mechanisms of dioscin. We showed
      that dioscin could inhibit tumor growth in vivo and has no toxicity at the test
      condition. The growth suppression was accompanied by obvious blood vessel
      decrease within solid tumors. We also found dioscin treatment inhibited the
      proliferation of cancer and endothelial cell lines, and most sensitive to primary
      cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). What's more, analysis
      of HUVECs migration, invasion, and tube formation exhibited that dioscin has
      significantly inhibitive effects to these actions. Further analysis of blood
      vessel formation in the matrigel plugs indicated that dioscin could inhibit VEGF
      induced blood vessel formation in vivo. We also identified that dioscin could
      suppress the downstream protein kinases of VEGFR2, including Src, FAK, AKT and
      Erk1/2, accompanied by the increase of phosphorylated P38MAPK. The results
      potently suggest that dioscin may be a potential anticancer drug, which
      efficiently inhibits angiogenesis induced by VEGFR2 signaling pathway as well as
      AKT/MAPK pathways. 

PMID- 25111129
TI  - Crossover between entropic and interfacial elasticity and osmotic pressure in
      uniform disordered emulsions.
AB  - We develop a simple predictive model of the osmotic pressure Pi and linear shear
      elastic modulus G of uniform disordered emulsions that includes energetic
      contributions from entropy and interfacial deformation. This model yields a
      smooth crossover between an entropically dominated G ~ kBT/a(3) for droplet
      volume fractions phi below a jamming threshold for spheres, phic, and an
      interfacially dominated G ~ sigma/a for phi above phic, where a and sigma are the
      undeformed radius and interfacial tension, respectively, of a droplet and T is
      the temperature. We show that this model reduces to the known phi-dependent
      jamming behavior G(phi) ~ (sigma/a)phi(phi - phic) as T -> 0 for phi > phic of
      disordered uniform emulsions, and it also produces the known divergence for
      disordered hard spheres G(phi) ~ (kBT/a(3))phi/(phic - phi) for phi < phic when
      sigma -> infinity. We compare predictions of this model to data for disordered
      uniform microscale emulsion droplets, corrected for electrostatic repulsions. The
      smooth crossover captures the observed trends in G and Pi below phic better than
      existing analytic models of disordered emulsions, which do not make predictions
      below phic. Moreover, the model predicts that entropic contributions to the shear
      modulus can become more significant for nanoemulsions as compared to microscale
      emulsions. 

PMID- 25111128
TI  - Is bisphenol S a safe substitute for bisphenol A in terms of metabolic function?
      An in vitro study.
AB  - As bisphenol A (BPA) has been shown to induce adverse effects on human health,
      especially through the activation of endocrine pathways, it is about to be
      withdrawn from the European market and replaced by analogues such as bisphenol S
      (BPS). However, toxicological data on BPS is scarce, and so it is necessary to
      evaluate the possible effects of this compound on human health. We compared the
      effect of BPA and BPS on obesity and hepatic steatosis processes using low doses
      in the same range as those found in the environment. Two in vitro models were
      used, the adipose cell line 3T3-L1 and HepG2 cells, representative of hepatic
      functions. We analyzed different parameters such as lipid and glucose uptakes,
      lipolysis, leptin production and the modulation of genes involved in lipid
      metabolism and energy balance. BPA and BPS induced an increase in the lipid
      content in the 3T3-L1 cell line and more moderately in the hepatic cells. We also
      observed a decrease in lipolysis after bisphenol treatment of adipocytes, but
      only BPS was involved in the increase in glucose uptake and leptin production.
      These latter effects could be linked to the modulation of SREBP-1c, PPARgamma,
      aP2 and ERRalpha and gamma genes after exposure to BPA, whereas BPS seems to
      target the PGC1alpha and the ERRgamma genes. The findings suggest that both BPA
      and BPS could be involved in obesity and steatosis processes, but through two
      different metabolic pathways. 

PMID- 25111131
TI  - Current issues of RNAi therapeutics delivery and development.
AB  - 12 years following the discovery of the RNAi mechanism in Man, a number of RNAi
      therapeutics development candidates have emerged with profiles suggesting that
      they could become drugs of significant medical importance for diseases like TTR
      amyloidosis, HBV, solid cancers, and hemophilia. Despite this robust progress,
      the perception of RNAi therapeutics has been on a roller-coaster ride driven not
      only by science, but also regulatory trends, the stock markets, and Big Pharma
      business development decisions [1]. This presentation provides an update on the
      current state of RNAi therapeutics development with a particular focus on what
      RNAi delivery can achieve today and key challenges to be overcome to expand
      therapeutic opportunities. The delivery of RNAi triggers to disease-relevant cell
      types clearly represents the rate-limiting factor in broadly expanding the
      applicability of RNAi therapeutics. Today, with at least 3 delivery options
      (lipid nanoparticles/LNPs, GalNAc-siRNA conjugates, Dynamic PolyConjugates/DPCs)
      for which profound gene knockdowns have been demonstrated in non-human primates
      and in the clinic, RNAi therapeutics should in principle be able to address most
      diseases related to gene expression in the liver. Given the central importance of
      the liver in systemic physiology, this already represents a significant
      therapeutic and commercial opportunity rivaling that of e.g. monoclonal
      antibodies. Beyond the liver, there is a reason to believe that current RNAi
      therapeutics technologies can address a number of solid tumors (e.g. LNPs),
      diseases of the eye (e.g. self-delivering RNAi triggers) as well as diseases
      involving the respiratory epithelium (e.g. aerosolized LNPs), certain phagocytic
      cells (LNPs), hematopoietic stem cells and their progeny (lentiviral DNA-directed
      RNAi), vascular endothelial cells (cationic lipoplexes), and certain cell types
      in the kidney (self-delivering RNAi triggers, DPCs; Table 1). Despite this
      success, there has been a sense that the applications of RNAi therapeutics are
      rather limited. This is largely based on the observation that the biodistribution
      of RNAi formulations is typically more limited compared to small molecules and
      oral administration is not possible with current technologies. Similarly, the
      utility of a given RNAi formulation is limited to a few cell types and tissues at
      most and a universal delivery strategy should remain elusive for the foreseeable
      future. Therefore, to further expand on the therapeutic utility and patient
      convenience of RNAi, it is important to overcome a number of delivery-related
      technical and scientific challenges which will be discussed in this presentation.
      For systemic applications, these include the necessity for extended blood
      circulation times, vascular escape (probably the most rewarding inquiry
      currently), tissue penetration, cellular uptake, and escape into the cytoplasm.
      In terms of safety, it is important that these formulations do not accumulate in
      the body, do not cause excessive off-targeting due to 'chemical stickiness'
      (often useful for purposes of biodistribution), and overcome the
      physical/biological barriers in a controlled manner. The time for realizing the
      therapeutic potential of RNAi has come. At the same time, it is important to lay
      the foundations for the next leg of value creation by overcoming the challenges
      of delivering RNAi to new cell types. Based on results from exploratory research,
      the renewed interest in RNAi therapeutics and capital infusion, there is a reason
      to be optimistic that this can be achieved.

PMID- 25111130
TI  - Microparticle-loaded neonatal porcine Sertoli cells for cell-based therapeutic
      and drug delivery system.
AB  - Neonatal porcine Sertoli cells (NPSC) are immune privileged cells showing innate
      phagocytic and antibacterial activities. NPSC have been shown capable of
      immunoaltering the body's response and possess lung homing capacity. These
      properties encourage investigation of NPSC as functional components of cell-based
      therapeutic protocols to treat lung infections and related complications. In this
      work, for the first time, NPSC were tailored to carry an antibiotic drug loaded
      into poly(d,l lactic) acid microparticles (MP). A loading protocol was developed,
      which afforded 30% drug uptake and high stability over time, with little or no
      effects on NPSC viability, morphology, reactive oxygen species production and DNA
      integrity. FSH receptor integrity, and TGFbeta (transforming growth factor beta)
      and AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) expressions were unchanged after 1month of
      cryopreservation. Protein tyrosine kinase activation due to phagocytosis may have
      had resulted in changes in inhibin B expression. The activity of MP-loaded or
      NPSC alone against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was maintained throughout 1month of
      storage. NPSC couple an innate antibacterial activity with the capacity to embody
      drug loaded MP. We showed for the first time that engineered NPSC can be
      cryopreserved with no loss of their basic properties, thereby possibly
      representing a novel approach for cell-based therapeutic and drug delivery
      system. 

PMID- 25111132
TI  - Origin of cardiovascular risk in overweight preschool children: a cohort study of
      cardiometabolic risk factors at the onset of obesity.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: To date, the relationship among adiposity, insulin resistance, and
      cardiovascular risk factors at the onset of overweight or obesity has been
      unexplored. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether insulin resistance and metabolic
      abnormalities are detectable at the onset of obesity and to unravel the interplay
      among adiposity, insulin resistance, and other such abnormalities. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Origin of Cardiovascular Risk in Overweight
      Preschool Children cohort study aimed to evaluate at the onset of obesity in
      preschool children the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities, including
      hypertension, dyslipidemia, impaired carbohydrate metabolism, and nonalcoholic
      fatty liver disease. Between July 1, 2011, and July 30, 2012, in the Rome
      municipality, 13 family pediatricians enrolled healthy children (age range, 2.0
      5.8 years) in the study during their routine practice of growth monitoring.
      Clinical medical records of 5729 children were reviewed; 597 children manifested
      new-onset overweight or obesity as their body mass index changed from normal
      weight to overweight or obesity in the previous 12 months according to the
      International Obesity Task Force classification. Of them, 219 were studied. MAIN
      OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Patients with new-onset overweight or obesity underwent
      clinical laboratory testing, including oral glucose tolerance test, and
      ultrasonographic investigations of fatty liver and intimal medial thickness of
      the common carotid arteries, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and visceral adipose
      tissue. The homeostatic assessment model algorithm-insulin resistance was
      calculated. RESULTS: Among the entire population (n = 5729), overweight increased
      from 7.0% at 2.0 years to 16.9% at 5.8 years, with corresponding figures of 1.1%
      to 2.9% for obesity. In total, 597 overweight or obese children (10.4%) were
      identified, and 219 of them (36.7%) were studied. Among the latter, 86 patients
      (39.3%) had at least 1 metabolic abnormality. Hypertension was diagnosed in 29
      patients (13.2%), dyslipidemia in 55 patients (25.1%), impaired fasting glucose
      level in 7 patients (3.2%), and glucose intolerance in 6 patients (2.7%).
      Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed in 68 patients (31.1%).
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cardiometabolic risk factors, including fatty liver,
      are detectable in preschoolers at the onset of overweight or obesity, despite
      short-term exposure to excess weight and reduced insulin sensitivity. Our
      findings suggest the need to screen for cardiometabolic abnormalities at an
      earlier age than is now recommended.

PMID- 25111133
TI  - New members of fluorescent 1,8-naphthyridine-based BF2 compounds: selective
      binding of BF2 with terminal bidentate N^N^O and N^C^O groups and tunable
      spectroscopy properties.
AB  - Intensely luminescent 1,8-naphthyridine-BF2 complexes 1-9 containing terminal
      bidentate N^N^O and/or N^C^O groups are synthesized and structurally
      characterized by X-ray diffraction, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry,
      (1)H and (19)F NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Complexes 1-4 are
      synthesized from 2-acetamino-1,8-naphthyridine derivatives by a facile route.
      Selective bonding modes and the chemical stability of complexes 5 and 6 obtained
      by reacting BF3.Et2O with 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives bearing dual-functional
      groups (N^C^O and N^N^O) are investigated by crystal structure analysis and time
      dependent density functional theory calculations. The products containing a BF2
      core bound to a N^C^O chelating group are energetically favorable and can expand
      the range of derivatives by substitution at the 2-position. In this regard, a
      free -NH2 group at the 2-position of complex 7 obtained from 5 can be
      functionalized under a variety of pH conditions to generate complexes 8 and 9,
      which bear flexible coordination arms that can be used to recognize certain
      transition metals. The photophysical properties of the complexes are examined in
      solution and solid state at room temperature. Compared with those of the starting
      naphthyridine-based compounds, the naphthyridine-BF2 complexes display desirable
      light-absorbing properties and intense solution and solid-state emission with
      large Stokes shifts. Complex 4 in solution exhibited an emission quantum yield of
      0.98. In complexes 5-9, the binding sites for the BF2 core change from N^N^O to
      N^C^O, which leads to red shifts of absorption and emission, excellent chemical
      stability and high emission quantum yields. 

PMID- 25111134
TI  - Deterministic coupling of a single silicon-vacancy color center to a photonic
      crystal cavity in diamond.
AB  - Deterministic coupling of single solid-state emitters to nanocavities is the key
      for integrated quantum information devices. We here fabricate a photonic crystal
      cavity around a preselected single silicon-vacancy color center in diamond and
      demonstrate modification of the emitters internal population dynamics and
      radiative quantum efficiency. The controlled, room-temperature cavity coupling
      gives rise to a resonant Purcell enhancement of the zero-phonon transition by a
      factor of 19, coming along with a 2.5-fold reduction of the emitter's lifetime. 

PMID- 25111135
TI  - Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The traditional endoscopic treatment for gastric
      antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is argon plasma coagulation, but results are not
      always positive. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a new endoscopic therapy that
      may be an attractive option for the treatment of GAVE. The aim of this study was
      to assess the efficacy and safety of RFA for the treatment of GAVE. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: This was an open-label, retrospective, case series study. The main
      outcome measures were number of red blood cell (RBC) packs transfused
      (transfusion requirement) and hemoglobin concentrations (g/dL) in the 6 months
      prior to and after RFA. Success was defined as a decrease in transfusion
      requirement in the 6 months after RFA compared with before treatment. RESULTS: A
      total of 24 patients underwent a mean of 1.8 +/- 0.8 RFA sessions. No
      complications were reported. One patient was referred for additional argon plasma
      coagulation during follow-up. The mean number of RBC packs decreased in all 23
      transfusion-dependent patients, from a mean of 10.6 +/- 12.1 during the 6 months
      prior to RFA, to a mean of 2.5 +/- 5.9 during the 6 months after RFA treatment (P
      < 0.001), and 15 patients (65.2 %) were weaned off transfusions completely. An
      increase in the hemoglobin concentration was reported in all patients after RFA
      (from 6.8 +/- 1.4 g/dL to 9.8 +/- 1.8 g/dL; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: RFA for the
      treatment of GAVE seems feasible and safe, and significantly reduced the need for
      RBC transfusion and increased the hemoglobin level in this retrospective case
      series.

PMID- 25111136
TI  - Deep biopsy via endoscopic submucosal dissection in upper gastrointestinal
      subepithelial tumors: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Preoperative pathological diagnosis may improve
      clinical management decisions in patients with upper gastrointestinal
      subepithelial tumors (SETs). The aims of this study were to evaluate the
      diagnostic yield of deep biopsy via an endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)
      technique, the complications associated with the procedure, and the impact on
      management of patients with upper gastrointestinal SETs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      total of 68 patients with SETs in the stomach or esophagus were voluntarily
      assigned to two groups. One group underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and
      endoscopic deep biopsy using the ESD technique (40 patients), and the other group
      (28 patients) underwent surgical resection after EUS without obtaining
      preoperative pathological diagnosis, in accordance with accepted clinical
      management algorithms. RESULTS: The diagnostic yield of deep biopsy was 90 %
      (36/40). The results of deep biopsy changed the treatment plans in 14/40 patients
      (35 %). One patient with lymphoepithelial carcinoma was scheduled for surgical
      resection, and 13 patients with benign SETs of diameter >=  2 cm avoided surgery.
      Of the 28 patients who underwent surgical resection without preoperative
      pathological diagnosis, 12 (42.9 %) were confirmed to have benign lesions. The
      mean procedure time for deep biopsy was 13.7 minutes. There were no procedure
      related complications in the deep biopsy group.  CONCLUSIONS: Deep biopsy by the
      ESD technique is a safe, high-yield, diagnostic method in patients with upper
      gastrointestinal SETs. Pathologic confirmation could improve clinical decision
      making in the management of patients with upper gastrointestinal SETs. CLINICAL
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT 01993199.

PMID- 25111138
TI  - Novel intramedullary-fixation technique for long bone fragility fractures using
      bioresorbable materials.
AB  - Almost all of the currently available fracture fixation devices for metaphyseal
      fragility fractures are made of hard metals, which carry a high risk of implant
      related complications such as implant cutout in severely osteoporotic patients.
      We developed a novel fracture fixation technique (intramedullary-fixation with
      biodegradable materials; IM-BM) for severely weakened long bones using three
      different non-metallic biomaterials, a poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) woven tube, a
      nonwoven polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) fiber mat, and an injectable calcium
      phosphate cement (CPC). The purpose of this work was to evaluate the feasibility
      of IM-BM with mechanical testing as well as with an animal experiment. To perform
      mechanical testing, we fixed two longitudinal acrylic pipes with four different
      methods, and used them for a three-point bending test (N = 5). The three-point
      bending test revealed that the average fracture energy for the IM-BM group (PLLA
      + CPC + PHA) was 3 times greater than that of PLLA + CPC group, and 60 to 200
      times greater than that of CPC + PHA group and CPC group. Using an osteoporotic
      rabbit distal femur incomplete fracture model, sixteen rabbits were randomly
      allocated into four experimental groups (IM-BM group, PLLA + CPC group, CPC
      group, Kirschner wire (K-wire) group). No rabbit in the IM-BM group suffered
      fracture displacement even under full weight bearing. In contrast, two rabbits in
      the PLLA + CPC group, three rabbits in the CPC group, and three rabbits in the K
      wire group suffered fracture displacement within the first postoperative week.
      The present work demonstrated that IM-BM was strong enough to reinforce and
      stabilize incomplete fractures with both mechanical testing and an animal
      experiment even in the distal thigh, where bone is exposed to the highest bending
      and torsional stresses in the body. IM-BM can be one treatment option for those
      with severe osteoporosis. 

PMID- 25111137
TI  - Extinction risks and the conservation of Madagascar's reptiles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An understanding of the conservation status of Madagascar's endemic
      reptile species is needed to underpin conservation planning and priority setting
      in this global biodiversity hotspot, and to complement existing information on
      the island's mammals, birds and amphibians. We report here on the first
      systematic assessment of the extinction risk of endemic and native non-marine
      Malagasy snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Species range maps from The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species were analysed to
      determine patterns in the distribution of threatened reptile species. These data,
      in addition to information on threats, were used to identify priority areas and
      actions for conservation. Thirty-nine percent of the data-sufficient Malagasy
      reptiles in our analyses are threatened with extinction. Areas in the north, west
      and south-east were identified as having more threatened species than expected
      and are therefore conservation priorities. Habitat degradation caused by wood
      harvesting and non-timber crops was the most pervasive threat. The direct removal
      of reptiles for international trade and human consumption threatened relatively
      few species, but were the primary threats for tortoises. Nine threatened reptile
      species are endemic to recently created protected areas.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: With a few alarming exceptions, the threatened endemic
      reptiles of Madagascar occur within the national network of protected areas,
      including some taxa that are only found in new protected areas. Threats to these
      species, however, operate inside and outside protected area boundaries. This
      analysis has identified priority sites for reptile conservation and completes the
      conservation assessment of terrestrial vertebrates in Madagascar which will
      facilitate conservation planning, monitoring and wise-decision making. In sharp
      contrast with the amphibians, there is significant reptile diversity and regional
      endemism in the southern and western regions of Madagascar and this study
      highlights the importance of these arid regions to conserving the island's
      biodiversity.

PMID- 25111139
TI  - The strong selective sweep candidate gene ADRA2C does not explain domestication
      related changes in the stress response of chickens.
AB  - Analysis of selective sweeps to pinpoint causative genomic regions involved in
      chicken domestication has revealed a strong selective sweep on chromosome 4 in
      layer chickens. The autoregulatory alpha-adrenergic receptor 2C (ADRA2C) gene is
      the closest to the selective sweep and was proposed as an important gene in the
      domestication of layer chickens. The ADRA2C promoter region was also
      hypermethylated in comparison to the non-selected ancestor of all domesticated
      chicken breeds, the Red Junglefowl, further supporting its relevance. In mice the
      receptor is involved in the fight-or-flight response as it modulates epinephrine
      release from the adrenals. To investigate the involvement of ADRA2C in chicken
      domestication, we measured gene expression in the adrenals and radiolabeled
      receptor ligand in three brain regions comparing the domestic White Leghorn
      strain with the wild ancestor Red Junglefowl. In adrenals ADRA2C was twofold
      greater expressed than the related receptor gene ADRA2A, indicating that ADRA2C
      is the predominant modulator of epinephrine release but no strain differences
      were measured. In hypothalamus and amygdala, regions associated with the stress
      response, and in striatum, receptor binding pIC50 values ranged between 8.1-8.4,
      and the level was not influenced by the genotyped allele. Because chicken strains
      differ in morphology, physiology and behavior, differences attributed to a single
      gene may be lost in the noise caused by the heterogeneous genetic background.
      Therefore an F10 advanced intercross strain between White Leghorn and Red
      Junglefowl was used to investigate effects of ADRA2C alleles on fear related
      behaviors and fecundity. We did not find compelling genotype effects in open
      field, tonic immobility, aerial predator, associative learning or fecundity.
      Therefore we conclude that ADRA2C is probably not involved in the domestication
      of the stress response in chicken, and the strong selective sweep is probably
      caused by selection of some unknown genetic element in the vicinity of the gene. 

PMID- 25111140
TI  - Can gas replace protein function? CO abrogates the oxidative toxicity of
      myoglobin.
AB  - Outside their cellular environments, hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb) are known
      to wreak oxidative damage. Using haptoglobin (Hp) and hemopexin (Hx) the body
      defends itself against cell-free Hb, yet mechanisms of protection against
      oxidative harm from Mb are unclear. Mb may be implicated in oxidative damage both
      within the myocyte and in circulation following rhabdomyolysis. Data from the
      literature correlate rhabdomyolysis with the induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO
      1), suggesting that either the enzyme or its reaction products are involved in
      oxidative protection. We hypothesized that carbon monoxide (CO), a product, might
      attenuate Mb damage, especially since CO is a specific ligand for heme iron. Low
      density lipoprotein (LDL) was chosen as a substrate in circulation and myosin
      (My) as a myocyte component. Using oxidation targets, LDL and My, the study
      compared the antioxidant potential of CO in Mb-mediated oxidation with the
      antioxidant potential of Hp in Hb-mediated oxidation. The main cause of LDL
      oxidation by Hb was found to be hemin which readily transfers from Hb to LDL. Hp
      prevented heme transfer by sequestering hemin within the Hp-Hb complex. Hemin
      barely transferred from Mb to LDL, and oxidation appeared to stem from heme iron
      redox in the intact Mb. My underwent oxidative crosslinking by Mb both in air and
      under N2. These reactions were fully arrested by CO. The data are interpreted to
      suit several circumstances, some physiological, such as high muscle activity, and
      some pathological, such as rhabdomyolysis, ischemia/reperfusion and skeletal
      muscle disuse atrophy. It appear that CO from HO-1 attenuates damage by
      temporarily binding to deoxy-Mb, until free oxygen exchanges with CO to restore
      the equilibrium. 

PMID- 25111141
TI  - Tick surveillance for relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia miyamotoi in Hokkaido,
      Japan.
AB  - During 2012-2013, a total of 4325 host-seeking adult ticks belonging to the genus
      Ixodes were collected from various localities of Hokkaido, the northernmost
      island of Japan. Tick lysates were subjected to real-time PCR assay to detect
      borrelial infection. The assay was designed for specific detection of the
      Relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia miyamotoi and for unspecific detection of
      Lyme disease-related spirochetes. Overall prevalence of B. miyamotoi was 2%
      (71/3532) in Ixodes persulcatus, 4.3% (5/117) in Ixodes pavlovskyi and 0.1%
      (1/676) in Ixodes ovatus. The prevalence in I. persulcatus and I. pavlovskyi
      ticks were significantly higher than in I. ovatus. Co-infections with Lyme
      disease-related spirochetes were found in all of the tick species. During this
      investigation, we obtained 6 isolates of B. miyamotoi from I. persulcatus and I.
      pavlovskyi by culture in BSK-M medium. Phylogenetic trees of B. miyamotoi
      inferred from each of 3 housekeeping genes (glpQ, 16S rDNA, and flaB)
      demonstrated that the Hokkaido isolates were clustered with Russian B. miyamotoi,
      but were distinguishable from North American and European B. miyamotoi. A
      multilocus sequence analysis using 8 genes (clpA, clpX, nifS, pepX, pyrG, recG,
      rplB, and uvrA) suggested that all Japanese B. miyamotoi isolates, including past
      isolates, were genetically clonal, although these were isolated from different
      tick and vertebrate sources. From these results, B. miyamotoi-infected ticks are
      widely distributed throughout Hokkaido. Female I. persulcatus are responsible for
      most human tick-bites, thereby I. persulcatus is likely the most important vector
      of indigenous relapsing fever from tick bites in Hokkaido. 

PMID- 25111142
TI  - Children with chronic suppurative lung disease have a reduced capacity to
      synthesize interferon-gamma in vitro in response to non-typeable Haemophilus
      influenzae.
AB  - Chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) is characterized by the presence of a
      chronic wet or productive cough and recurrent lower respiratory infections. The
      aim of this study was to identify features of innate, cell-mediated and humoral
      immunity that may increase susceptibility to respiratory infections in children
      with CSLD. Because non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is commonly
      isolated from the airways in CSLD, we examined immune responses to this organism
      in 80 age-stratified children with CSLD and compared their responses with 51
      healthy control children. Cytokines involved in the generation and control of
      inflammation (IFN-gamma, IL-13, IL-5, IL-10 at 72 hours and TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-10
      at 24 hours) were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells challenged in
      vitro with live NTHi. We also measured circulating IgG subclass antibodies (IgG1
      and IgG4) to two H. influenzae outer membrane proteins, P4 and P6. The most
      notable finding was that PBMC from children with CSLD produced significantly less
      IFN-gamma in response to NTHi than healthy control children whereas mitogen
      induced IFN-gamma production was similar in both groups. Overall there were minor
      differences in innate and humoral immune responses between CSLD and control
      children. This study demonstrates that children with chronic suppurative lung
      disease have an altered systemic cell-mediated immune response to NTHi in vitro.
      This deficient IFN-gamma response may contribute to increased susceptibility to
      NTHi infections and the pathogenesis of CSLD in children. 

PMID- 25111144
TI  - Single-channel prototype terahertz endoscopic system.
AB  - We demonstrate the design and development of an innovative single-channel
      terahertz (THz) prototype endoscopic imaging system based on flexible metal
      coated THz waveguides and a polarization specific detection technique. The
      continuous-wave (CW) THz imaging system utilizes a single channel to transmit and
      collect the reflected intrinsic THz signal from the sample. Since the prototype
      system relies on a flexible waveguide assembly that is small enough in diameter,
      it can be readily integrated with a conventional optical endoscope. This study
      aims to show the feasibility of waveguide enabled THz imaging. We image various
      objects in transmission and reflection modes. We also image normal and cancerous
      colonic tissues in reflectance mode using a polarization specific imaging
      technique. The resulting cross-polarized THz reflectance images showed contrast
      between normal and cancerous colonic tissues at 584 GHz. The level of contrast
      observed using endoscopic imaging correlates well with contrast levels observed
      in ex vivo THz reflectance studies of colon cancer. This indicates that the
      single-channel flexible waveguide-based THz endoscope presented here represents a
      significant step forward in clinical endoscopic application of THz technology to
      aid in in vivo cancer screening.

PMID- 25111143
TI  - Characterization of newly isolated lytic bacteriophages active against
      Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - Based on genotyping and host range, two newly isolated lytic bacteriophages,
      myovirus vB_AbaM_Acibel004 and podovirus vB_AbaP_Acibel007, active against
      Acinetobacter baumannii clinical strains, were selected from a new phage library
      for further characterization. The complete genomes of the two phages were
      analyzed. Both phages are characterized by broad host range and essential
      features of potential therapeutic phages, such as short latent period (27 and 21
      min, respectively), high burst size (125 and 145, respectively), stability of
      activity in liquid culture and low frequency of occurrence of phage-resistant
      mutant bacterial cells. Genomic analysis showed that while Acibel004 represents a
      novel bacteriophage with resemblance to some unclassified Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      phages, Acibel007 belongs to the well-characterized genus of the Phikmvlikevirus.
      The newly isolated phages can serve as potential candidates for phage cocktails
      to control A. baumannii infections. 

PMID- 25111145
TI  - Micrometric precision of prosthetic dental crowns obtained by optical scanning
      and computer-aided designing/computer-aided manufacturing system.
AB  - The current study evaluated prosthetic dental crowns obtained by optical scanning
      and a computer-aided designing/computer-aided manufacturing system using micro
      computed tomography to compare the marginal fit. The virtual models were obtained
      with four different scanning surfaces: typodont (T), regular impressions (RI),
      master casts (MC), and powdered master casts (PMC). Five virtual models were
      obtained for each group. For each model, a crown was designed on the software and
      milled from feldspathic ceramic blocks. Micro-CT images were obtained for
      marginal gap measurements and the data were statistically analyzed by one-way
      analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test. The mean vertical misfit was T =
      62.6 +/- 65.2 MUm ; MC = 60.4 +/- 38.4 MUm; PMC = 58.1 +/- 38.0 MUm, and RI =
      89.8 +/- 62.8 MUm. Considering a percentage of vertical marginal gap of up to 75
      MUm, the results were T = 71.5%, RI = 49.2%, MC = 69.6%, and PMC = 71.2%. The
      percentages of horizontal overextension were T = 8.5%, RI = 0%, MC = 0.8%, and
      PMC = 3.8%. Based on the results, virtual model acquisition by scanning the
      typodont (simulated mouth) or MC, with or without powder, showed acceptable
      values for the marginal gap. The higher result of marginal gap of the RI group
      suggests that it is preferable to scan this directly from the mouth or from MC.

PMID- 25111146
TI  - Thermoreversible gel lubricants through universal supramolecular assembly of a
      nonionic surfactant in a variety of base lubricating liquids.
AB  - The present paper investigates a new type of thermoreversible gel lubricant
      obtained by supramolecular assembly of low-molecular-weight organic gelator
      (LMWG) in different base oils. The LMWG is a nonionic surfactant with polar
      headgroup and hydrophobic tail that can self-assemble through collective
      noncovalent intermolecular interactions (H-bonding, hydrophobic interaction) to
      form fibrous structures and trap base oils (mineral oils, synthetic oils, and
      water) in the as-formed cavities. The gel lubricants are fully thermoreversible
      upon heating-up and cooling down and exhibit thixotropic characteristics. This
      makes them semisolid lubricants, but they behave like oils. The tribological test
      results disclosed that the LMWG could also effectively reduce friction and wear
      of sliding pairs compared with base oils without gelator. It is expected that
      when being used in oil-lubricated components, such as gear, rolling bearing, and
      so on, gel lubricant may effectively avoid base oil leak and evaporation loss and
      so is a benefit to operation and lubrication failure for a long time. 

PMID- 25111149
TI  - Knowledge-based libraries for predicting the geometric preferences of druglike
      molecules.
AB  - We describe the automated generation of libraries for predicting the geometric
      preferences of druglike molecules. The libraries contain distributions of
      molecular dimensions based on crystal structures in the Cambridge Structural
      Database (CSD). Searching of the libraries is performed in cascade fashion to
      identify the most relevant distributions in cases where precise structural
      features are poorly represented by existing crystal structures. The libraries are
      fully comprehensive for bond lengths, valence angles, and rotamers and produce
      templates for the large majority of unfused and fused rings. Geometry
      distributions for rotamers and rings take into account any atom chirality that
      may be present. Library validation has been performed on a set of druglike
      molecules whose structures were published after the latest CSD entry contributing
      to the libraries. Hence, the validation gives a true indication of prediction
      accuracy. 

PMID- 25111147
TI  - Treatment efficacy for non-cardiovascular chest pain: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-cardiovascular chest pain (NCCP) leads to impaired quality of
      life and is associated with a high disease burden. Upon ruling out cardiovascular
      disease, only vague recommendations exist for further treatment. OBJECTIVES: To
      summarize treatment efficacy for patients presenting with NCCP. METHODS:
      Systematic review and meta-analysis. In July 2013, Medline, Web of Knowledge,
      Embase, EBSCOhost, Cochrane Reviews and Trials, and Scopus were searched. Hand
      and bibliography searches were also conducted. Randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs) evaluating non-surgical treatments in patients with NCCP were included.
      Exclusion criteria were poor study quality and small sample size (<10 patients
      per group). RESULTS: Thirty eligible RCT's were included. Most studies assessed
      PPI efficacy for gastroesophageal reflux disorders (GERD, n = 10). Two RCTs
      included musculoskeletal chest pain, seven psychotropic drugs, and eleven various
      psychological interventions. Study quality was high in five RCTs and acceptable
      in 25. PPI treatment in patients with GERD (5 RCTs, 192 patients) was more
      effective than placebo [pooled OR 11.7 (95% CI 5.5 to 25.0, heterogeneity I2 =
      6.1%)]. The pooled OR in GERD negative patients (4 RCTs, 156 patients) was 0.8
      (95% CI 0.2 to 2.8, heterogeneity I2 = 50.4%). In musculoskeletal NCCP (2 RCTs,
      229 patients) manual therapy was more effective than usual care but not than home
      exercise [pooled mean difference 0.5 (95% CI -0.3 to 1.3, heterogeneity I2 =
      46.2%)]. The findings for cognitive behavioral treatment, serotonin reuptake
      inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants were mixed. Most evidence was available for
      cognitive behavioral treatment interventions. LIMITATIONS: Only a small number of
      studies were available. CONCLUSIONS: Timely diagnostic evaluation and treatment
      of the disease underlying NCCP is important. For patients with suspected GERD,
      high-dose treatment with PPI is effective. Only limited evidence was available
      for most prevalent diseases manifesting with chest pain. In patients with
      idiopathic NCCP, treatments based on cognitive behavioral principles might be
      considered.

PMID- 25111151
TI  - Axolotls with an under- or oversupply of neural crest can regulate the sizes of
      their dorsal root ganglia to normal levels.
AB  - How animals adjust the size of their organs is a fundamental, enduring question
      in biology. Here we manipulate the amount of neural crest (NC) precursors for the
      dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in axolotl. We produce embryos with an under- or over
      supply of pre-migratory NC in order to find out if DRG can regulate their sizes
      during development. Axolotl embryos are perfectly suitable for this research.
      Firstly, they are optimal for microsurgical manipulations and tissue repair.
      Secondly, they possess, unlike most other vertebrates, only one neural crest
      string located on top of the neural tube. This condition and position enables NC
      cells to migrate to either side of the embryo and participate in the regulation
      of NC cell distribution. We show that size compensation of DRG in axolotl occurs
      in 2 cm juveniles after undersupply of NC (up-regulation) and in 5 cm juveniles
      after oversupply of NC (down-regulation). The size of DRG is likely to be
      regulated locally within the DRG and not via adaptations of the pre-migratory NC
      or during NC cell migration. Ipsi- and contralateral NC cell migration occurs
      both in embryos with one and two neural folds, and contralateral migration of NC
      is the only source for contralateral DRG formation in embryos with only one
      neural fold. Compensatory size increase is accompanied by an increase in cell
      division of a DRG precursor pool (PCNA+/SOX2-), rather than by DRG neurons or
      glial cells. During compensatory size decrease, increased apoptosis and reduced
      proliferation of DRG cells are observed.

PMID- 25111152
TI  - Chemical preparation of ferroelectric mesoporous barium titanate thin films:
      drastic enhancement of Curie temperature induced by mesopore-derived strain.
AB  - Mesoporous barium titanate (BT) thin films are synthesized by a surfactant
      assisted sol-gel method. The obtained mesoporous BT thin films show enhanced
      ferroelectricity due to the effective strains induced by mesopores. The Curie
      temperature (T(c)) of the mesoporous BT reaches approximately 470  degrees C.

PMID- 25111153
TI  - High interfacial activity of polymers "grafted through" functionalized iron oxide
      nanoparticle clusters.
AB  - The mechanism by which polymers, when grafted to inorganic nanoparticles, lower
      the interfacial tension at the oil-water interface is not well understood,
      despite the great interest in particle stabilized emulsions and foams. A simple
      and highly versatile free radical "grafting through" technique was used to bond
      high organic fractions (by weight) of poly(oligo(ethylene oxide) monomethyl ether
      methacrylate) onto iron oxide clusters, without the need for catalysts. In the
      resulting ~1 MUm hybrid particles, the inorganic cores and grafting architecture
      contribute to the high local concentration of grafted polymer chains to the
      dodecane/water interface to produce low interfacial tensions of only 0.003 w/v %
      (polymer and particle core). This "critical particle concentration" (CPC) for
      these hybrid inorganic/polymer amphiphilic particles to lower the interfacial
      tension by 36 mN/m was over 30-fold lower than the critical micelle concentration
      of the free polymer (without inorganic cores) to produce nearly the same
      interfacial tension. The low CPC is favored by the high adsorption energy (~10(6)
      kBT) for the large ~1 MUm hybrid particles, the high local polymer concentration
      on the particles surfaces, and the ability of the deformable hybrid nanocluster
      cores as well as the polymer chains to conform to the interface. The nanocluster
      cores also increased the entanglement of the polymer chains in bulk DI water or
      synthetic seawater, producing a viscosity up to 35,000 cP at 0.01 s(-1), in
      contrast with only 600 cP for the free polymer. As a consequence of these
      interfacial and rheological properties, the hybrid particles stabilized oil-in
      water emulsions at concentrations as low as 0.01 w/v %, with average drop sizes
      down to 30 MUm. In contrast, the bulk viscosity was low for the free polymer, and
      it did not stabilize the emulsions. The ability to influence the interfacial
      activity and rheology of polymers upon grafting them to inorganic particles,
      including clusters, may be expected to be broadly applicable to stabilization of
      emulsions and foams.

PMID- 25111154
TI  - Interplay between cellular activity and three-dimensional scaffold-cell
      constructs with different foam structure processed by electron beam melting.
AB  - The cellular activity, biological response, and consequent integration of
      scaffold-cell construct in the physiological system are governed by the ability
      of cells to adhere, proliferate, and biomineralize. In this regard, we combine
      cellular biology and materials science and engineering to fundamentally elucidate
      the interplay between cellular activity and interconnected three-dimensional
      foamed architecture obtained by a novel process of electron beam melting and
      computational tools. Furthermore, the organization of key proteins, notably,
      actin, vinclulin, and fibronectin, involved in cellular activity and biological
      functions and relationship with the structure was explored. The interconnected
      foamed structure with ligaments was favorable to cellular activity that includes
      cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. The primary rationale for
      favorable modulation of cellular functions is that the foamed structure provided
      a channel for migration and communication between cells leading to highly
      mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM) by the differentiating osteoblasts. The
      filopodial interaction amongst cells on the ligaments was a governing factor in
      the secretion of ECM, with consequent influence on maturation and mineralization.

PMID- 25111156
TI  - The introduction of dengue vaccine may temporarily cause large spikes in
      prevalence.
AB  - A dengue vaccine is expected to be available within a few years. Once vaccine is
      available, policy-makers will need to develop suitable policies to allocate the
      vaccine. Mathematical models of dengue transmission predict complex temporal
      patterns in prevalence, driven by seasonal oscillations in mosquito abundance. In
      particular, vaccine introduction may induce a transient period immediately after
      vaccine introduction where prevalence can spike higher than in the pre
      vaccination period. These spikes in prevalence could lead to doubts about the
      vaccination programme among the public and even among decision-makers, possibly
      impeding the vaccination programme. Using simple dengue transmission models, we
      found that large transient spikes in prevalence are robust phenomena that occur
      when vaccine coverage and vaccine efficacy are not either both very high or both
      very low. Despite the presence of transient spikes in prevalence, the models
      predict that vaccination does always reduce the total number of infections in the
      15 years after vaccine introduction. We conclude that policy-makers should
      prepare for spikes in prevalence after vaccine introduction to mitigate the
      burden of these spikes and to accurately measure the effectiveness of the vaccine
      programme. 

PMID- 25111157
TI  - Enzyme immobilised novel core-shell superparamagnetic nanocomposites for
      enantioselective formation of 4-(R)-hydroxycyclopent-2-en-1-(S)-acetate.
AB  - Lipase immobilized novel high surface area core-shell superparamagnetic
      nanoparticles have been fabricated and used as efficient reusable catalysts for
      the selective production of pharmaceutically important chiral isomers from meso
      cyclopent-2-en-1,4-diacetate. 

PMID- 25111155
TI  - An integrative omics strategy to assess the germ cell secretome and to decipher
      sertoli-germ cell crosstalk in the Mammalian testis.
AB  - Mammalian spermatogenesis, which takes place in complex testicular structures
      called seminiferous tubules, is a highly specialized process controlled by the
      integration of juxtacrine, paracrine and endocrine information. Within the
      seminiferous tubules, the germ cells and Sertoli cells are surrounded by
      testicular fluid (TF), which probably contains most of the secreted proteins
      involved in crosstalk between these cells. It has already been established that
      germ cells can modulate somatic Sertoli cell function through the secretion of
      diffusible factors. We studied the germ cell secretome, which was previously
      considered inaccessible, by analyzing the TF collected by microsurgery in an
      "integrative omics" strategy combining proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics and
      interactomics data. This approach identified a set of proteins preferentially
      secreted by Sertoli cells or germ cells. An interaction network analysis revealed
      complex, interlaced cell-cell dialog between the secretome and membranome of
      seminiferous cells, mediated via the TF. We then focused on germ cell-secreted
      candidate proteins, and we identified several potential interacting partners
      located on the surface of Sertoli cells. Two interactions, APOH/CDC42 and
      APP/NGFR, were validated in situ, in a proximity ligation assay (PLA). Our
      results provide new insight into the crosstalk between germ cells and Sertoli
      cells occurring during spermatogenesis. Our findings also demonstrate that this
      "integrative omics" strategy is powerful enough for data mining and highlighting
      meaningful cell-cell communication events between different types of cells in a
      complex tissue, via a biological fluid. This integrative strategy could be
      applied more widely, to gain access to secretomes that have proved difficult to
      study whilst avoiding the limitations of in vitro culture. 

PMID- 25111158
TI  - Single-victim and serial sexual homicide offenders: differences in crime,
      paraphilias and personality traits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information on psychopathological characteristics of sexual homicide
      offenders is scarce. AIMS: To investigate criminal, paraphilic and personality
      trait differences between serial and single-victim sexual homicide offenders.
      METHODS: All 73 single-victim and 13 serial sexual homicide offenders presenting
      within a cohort of 671 men sentenced for sexual crimes between 1994 and 2005 and
      serving their sentence in one high-security Canadian prison and who consented to
      interview were assessed and compared on their offending patterns, personality
      pathology and paraphilic behaviours. RESULTS: Serial sexual homicide offenders
      were more likely than the single offenders to report deviant sexual fantasies,
      having selected victims with distinctive characteristics, to have targeted
      strangers, structured premeditation and/or verbal humiliation of their victims
      during the offences. Personality pathology, defined by at least two Diagnostic
      and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria for personality disorder,
      was common in both groups, but the serial offenders were more likely to have
      narcissistic, schizoid and/or obsessive-compulsive traits; they were also more
      likely to engage in sexual masochism, partialism, homosexual paedophilia,
      exhibitionism and/or voyeurism. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Samples of serial
      sexual homicide offenders will, fortunately, always be small, and it may be that
      more could be learned to assist in preventing such crimes if data from several
      studies or centres were pooled. Our findings suggest that an investigation of
      sexual homicide offenders should include strategies for evaluating premeditation
      as well as personality and paraphilic characteristics. Crime scene features that
      should alert investigators should include similar characteristics between victims
      and particular aspects of body exposure or organisation.

PMID- 25111159
TI  - Dynamic relationships between motor skill competence and health-related fitness
      in youth.
AB  - This cross-sectional study examined associations among motor skill competence
      (MSC) and health-related fitness (HRF) in youth. A convenient sample of 253 boys
      and 203 girls (aged 4-13 years) participated in the study. Associations among
      measures of MSC (throwing and kicking speed and standing long jump distance) and
      a composite measure of HRF (push-ups, curl-ups, grip strength and PACER test)
      across five age groups (4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 yrs.) were assessed using
      hierarchical regression modeling. When including all children, throwing and
      jumping were significantly associated with the composite HRF factor for both boys
      and girls (throw, t = 5.33; jump, t = 4.49) beyond the significant age effect (t
      = 4.98) with kicking approaching significance (t = 1.73, p = .08). Associations
      between throwing and kicking speed and HRF appeared to increase from early to
      middle to late childhood age ranges. Associations between jumping and HRF were
      variable across age groups. These results support the notion that the
      relationship between MSC and HRF performance are dynamic and may change across
      childhood. These data suggest that the development of object control skills in
      childhood may be important for the development and maintenance of HRF across
      childhood and into adolescence. 

PMID- 25111160
TI  - Modified Chrispin-Norman score: correlation with peak exercise capacity and
      efficiency of ventilation in children with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - The modified Chrispin-Norman radiography score (CNS) is used in evaluation of
      radiographic changes in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). We evaluated the
      correlation of modified CNS with peak exercise capacity (Wpeak) and ventilatory
      efficiency (reflected by breathing reserve index-BRI) during progressive
      cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Thirty-six children aged 8-17 years were
      stratified according to their CNS into 3 groups: mild (<10), moderate (10-15),
      and severe (>15). CPET was performed on a cycle ergometer. Lung function tests
      included spirometry and whole-body plethysmography. Patients with higher CNS had
      lower FEV1 (p < .001), Wpeak predicted (%; p = .01) and lower mean peak oxygen
      consumption (VO2peak/kg; p = .014). The BRI at the anaerobic threshold and at
      Wpeak was elevated in patients with the highest CNS values (p < .001). The
      modified CNS correlates moderately with Wpeak (R = -0.443; p = .007) and BRI (R =
      -0.419; p = .011). Stepwise multiple linear regression showed that RV/TLC was the
      best predictor of Wpeak/pred (%; B = -0.165; ? = -0.494; R2 = .244; p = .002).
      Children with CF who have high modified CNS exhibit decreased exercise tolerance
      and ventilatory inefficacy during progressive effort. 

PMID- 25111161
TI  - Running activity profile of adolescent tennis players during match play.
AB  - The aims of this study were (1) to assess the running activities of adolescent
      tennis players during match play with respect to velocity, acceleration, and
      deceleration; (2) to characterize changes in these activities during the course
      of a match; and (3) to identify potential differences between winners and losers.
      Twenty well-trained adolescent male athletes (13 +/- 1 y) played one simulated
      match each (giving a total of 10 matches), during which distances covered at
      different velocity categories (0 to < 1, 1 to < 2, 2 to < 3, 3 to < 4, and >= 4
      m.s(-1)) and number of running activities involving high velocity (>= 3 m.s(-1)),
      acceleration (>= 2 m.s(-2)), and deceleration (<= -2 m.s(-2)) were monitored
      using a global positioning system (10 Hz). Heart rate was also assessed. The
      total match time, total distance covered, peak velocity, and mean heart rate were
      81.2 +/- 14.6 min, 3362 +/- 869 m, 4.4 +/- 0.8 m.s(-1), and 159 +/- 12 beats.min(
      1), respectively. Running activities involving high acceleration (0.6 +/- 0.2
      n.min(-1)) or deceleration (0.6 +/- 0.2 n.min(-1)) were three times as frequent
      as those involving high velocity (0.2 +/- 0.1 n.min(-1)). No change in the
      pattern of running activities (P >= .13, d <= 0.39) and no differences between
      winners and losers (P >= .22, d <= 0.53) were evident during match play. We
      conclude that training of well-trained adolescent male tennis players need not
      focus on further development of their running abilities, since this physical
      component of multifactorial tennis performance does not change during the course
      of a match and does not differ between the winners and losers.

PMID- 25111162
TI  - From filter paper to porous carbon composite membrane oxygen reduction catalyst.
AB  - A novel type of porous carbon composite membrane (PCCM) based on the low-cost
      common filter paper via a simple route is reported. The obtained material
      exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activities toward the oxygen reduction
      reaction, high tolerance of methanol crossover, and durability in alkaline
      solution. 

PMID- 25111163
TI  - Muscle activity and spine load during anterior chain whole body linkage
      exercises: the body saw, hanging leg raise and walkout from a push-up.
AB  - This study examined anterior chain whole body linkage exercises, namely the body
      saw, hanging leg raise and walkout from a push-up. Investigation of these
      exercises focused on which particular muscles were challenged and the magnitude
      of the resulting spine load. Fourteen males performed the exercises while muscle
      activity, external force and 3D body segment motion were recorded. A
      sophisticated and anatomically detailed 3D model used muscle activity and body
      segment kinematics to estimate muscle force, and thus sensitivity to each
      individual's choice of motor control for each task. Gradations of muscle activity
      and spine load characteristics were observed across tasks. On average, the
      hanging straight leg raise created approximately 3000 N of spine compression
      while the body saw created less than 2500 N. The hanging straight leg raise
      created the highest challenge to the abdominal wall (>130% MVC in rectus
      abdominis, 88% MVC in external oblique). The body saw resulted in almost 140% MVC
      activation of the serratus anterior. All other exercises produced substantial
      abdominal challenge, although the body saw did so in the most spine conserving
      way. These findings, along with consideration of an individual's injury history,
      training goals and current fitness level, should assist in exercise choice and
      programme design.

PMID- 25111164
TI  - Coxsackievirus can persist in murine pancreas by deletion of 5' terminal genomic
      sequences.
AB  - Enterovirus infections are generally acute and rapidly cleared by the host immune
      response. Enteroviruses can at times persist in immunologically intact
      individuals after the rise of the type-specific neutralizing immune response. The
      mechanism of enterovirus persistence was shown in group B coxsackieviruses (CVB)
      to be due to naturally-occurring deletions at the 5' terminus of the genome which
      variably impact the stem-loop secondary structure called domain I. These
      deletions result in much slower viral replication and a loss of measurable
      cytopathic effect when such 5' terminally deleted (TD) viruses are assayed in
      cell culture. The existence and persistence of CVB-TD long after the acute phase
      of infection has been documented in hearts of experimentally inoculated mice and
      naturally infected humans but to date, the existence of TD enteroviral
      populations have not been documented in any other organ. Enteroviral infections
      have been shown to impact type 1 diabetes (T1D) onset in humans as well as in the
      non-obese diabetic mouse model of T1D. The first step to studying the potential
      impact of CVB-TD on T1D etiology is to determine whether CVB-TD populations can
      arise in the pancreas. After inoculation of NOD diabetic mice with CVB, viral RNA
      persists in the absence of cytopathic virus in pancreas weeks past the acute
      infectious period. Analysis of viral genomic 5' termini by RT-PCR showed CVB-TD
      populations displace the parental population during persistent replication in
      murine pancreata.

PMID- 25111165
TI  - Hydrogen peroxide enhances the oxidation of oxygenated volatile organic compounds
      on mineral dust particles: a case study of methacrolein.
AB  - Heterogeneous oxidation of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) serves
      as an important sink of OVOCs as well as a source of secondary organic material.
      However, the roles of gas phase oxidants in these reactions are poorly
      understood. In this work, we present the first laboratory study of the
      heterogeneous reactions of methacrolein (MACR) on various mineral dust particles
      in the presence of gaseous H2O2. It is found that the presence of gaseous H2O2
      significantly promotes both the uptake and oxidation of MACR on kaolinite, alpha
      Al2O3, alpha-Fe2O3, and TiO2, but not on CaCO3. The oxidation of MACR produces
      organic acids as its major low-molecular-weight product, whose yields are
      enhanced by a factor of 2-6 in the presence of H2O2. In addition, organic
      peroxides such as methyl hydroperoxide, peroxyformic acid, and peroxyacetic acid
      are only formed in the presence of H2O2, and the formation of methyl
      hydroperoxide indicates that MACR oxidation on the surface involves reaction with
      OH radicals. A probe reaction using salicylic acid verifies the production of OH
      radicals from H2O2 decomposition on kaolinite, alpha-Al2O3, alpha-Fe2O3, and
      TiO2, which rationalizes the enhanced MACR oxidation observed on these particles.
      The uptake coefficients of MACR on kaolinite, alpha-Fe2O3, and TiO2 in the
      presence of H2O2 are on the order of 10(-5)-10(-4). Our results provide new
      insights into the formation and chemical evolution of organic species in the
      atmosphere. 

PMID- 25111167
TI  - Impact of an adherence program to antiretroviral treatment on virologic response
      in a cohort of multitreated and poorly adherent HIV-infected patients in Spain.
AB  - Several studies have shown the importance of adherence to highly active
      antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in achieving HIV-1 suppression. However, most have
      focused on naive patients and do not assess the impact of HAART on viral load
      (VL). Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of an adherence program in a
      cohort of multitreated and poorly adherent patients. We performed a cohort study
      of all adult HIV-1 infected patients with detectable VL who were treatment
      experienced and poorly adherent to HAART, included in an adherence program since
      its introduction in 2009 (n=136). The adherence program consisted of a
      multidisciplinary team with a nurse who specialized in behavioral intervention,
      counselling on substance abuse, and motivational interviewing, as well as a
      social worker responsible for referring patients to local healthcare centers.
      Effectiveness was evaluated as percentage of patients with VL <50 copies/mL at
      week 48 by modified intent-to-treat (mITT) analysis. Initially, 76.6% of the
      patients had an adherence <30% according to the Simplified Medication Adherence
      Questionnaire (SMAQ). At 48 weeks, 48.1% of the patients had VL <50 copies/mL,
      and the adherence was >90% in 71% of the patients. In multivariate analysis, a
      ratio of bottle refill per month >0.9 during the study [odds ratio (OR) 14.3; 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 4.08-50.08, p<0.001] and being on a b.i.d. regimen (OR
      12.5; 95% CI 1.81-86.4, p=0.010) were associated with an undetectable VL. In
      conclusion, the adherence program was successful in almost half of the patients,
      despite their long treatment experience and prior poor adherence. This strategy
      may help to prevent disease progression and the risk of HIV transmission in these
      patients.

PMID- 25111168
TI  - Field effectiveness of hepatitis A vaccine and uptake of post exposure
      prophylaxis following a change to the Australian guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2009, national guidelines for hepatitis A control in Australia
      changed to recommend hepatitis A vaccine (HAV), instead of normal human immune
      globulin (NHIG), for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). AIMS: (1) Determine whether
      the uptake of PEP among contacts of hepatitis A cases changed after the
      introduction of the new guidelines, and (2) assess the field effectiveness of the
      HAV used as PEP in preventing infection among contacts of hepatitis A cases.
      METHODS: A retrospective cohort of contacts from hepatitis A cases reported to
      metropolitan Public Health Units in Sydney, Australia, between October 2008 and
      June 2010, was identified. Contacts were analysed by time period, age, PEP type,
      and susceptibility to hepatitis A. The relative risk (RR) of hepatitis A
      infection among susceptible contacts who received HAV, compared with susceptible
      contacts who had not received HAV, was calculated to estimate the effectiveness
      of the HAV when used as PEP. RESULTS: The uptake of PEP by susceptible contacts
      increased from 76% (n=133) to 89% (n=127) after the introduction of the new
      guidelines. Before the change in guidelines, no one who received PEP was later
      reported with hepatitis A. After the change in guidelines, one of the 123
      contacts who received HAV as PEP was subsequently reported with hepatitis A.
      However, this case was likely to have been co-exposed with a primary case.
      Conservatively, assuming this was a secondary case, the vaccine effectiveness of
      HAV was 95.6% (66.1%-99.4%). Nine of 10 incident cases of hepatitis A were
      contacts who did not receive any PEP. CONCLUSION: The improved uptake of PEP and
      the high estimate of the effectiveness of HAV provides support for using HAV for
      PEP. The very high occurrence of hepatitis A among contacts who did not receive
      any PEP further highlights the importance of PEP in preventing hepatitis A
      infection.

PMID- 25111166
TI  - Effects of the absence of apolipoprotein e on lipoproteins, neurocognitive
      function, and retinal function.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The identification of a patient with a rare form of severe
      dysbetalipoproteinemia allowed the study of the consequences of total absence of
      apolipoprotein E (apoE). OBJECTIVES: To discover the molecular basis of this rare
      disorder and to determine the effects of complete absence of apoE on
      neurocognitive and visual function and on lipoprotein metabolism. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the patient's
      DNA. He underwent detailed neurological and visual function testing and
      lipoprotein analysis. Lipoprotein analysis was also performed in the
      Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, on
      blood samples from the proband's mother, wife, 2 daughters, and normolipidemic
      control participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Whole-exome sequencing, lipoprotein
      analysis, and neurocognitive function. RESULTS: The patient was homozygous for an
      ablative APOE frameshift mutation (c.291del, p.E97fs). No other mutations likely
      to contribute to the phenotype were discovered, with the possible exception of
      two, in ABCC2 (p.I670T) and LIPC (p.G137R). Despite complete absence of apoE, he
      had normal vision, exhibited normal cognitive, neurological, and retinal
      function, had normal findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging, and had normal
      cerebrospinal fluid levels of beta-amyloid and tau proteins. He had no
      significant symptoms of cardiovascular disease except a suggestion of myocardial
      ischemia on treadmill testing and mild atherosclerosis noted on carotid
      ultrasonography. He had exceptionally high cholesterol content (760 mg/dL; to
      convert to millimoles per liter, multiply by 0.0259) and a high cholesterol to
      triglycerides ratio (1.52) in very low-density lipoproteins with elevated levels
      of small-diameter high-density lipoproteins, including high levels of prebeta-1
      high-density lipoprotein. Intermediate-density lipoproteins, low-density
      lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins contained elevated apoA-I and
      apoA-IV levels. The patient's apoC-III and apoC-IV levels were decreased in very
      low-density lipoproteins. Electron microscopy revealed large lamellar particles
      having electron-opaque cores attached to electron-lucent zones in intermediate
      density and low-density lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein particle diameters
      were distributed bimodally. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Despite a profound effect
      on lipoprotein metabolism, detailed neurocognitive and retinal studies failed to
      demonstrate any defects. This suggests that functions of apoE in the brain and
      eye are not essential or that redundant mechanisms exist whereby its role can be
      fulfilled. Targeted knockdown of apoE in the central nervous system might be a
      therapeutic modality in neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 25111170
TI  - Highly drug-resistant pathogens implicated in burn-associated bacteremia in an
      Iraqi burn care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In low- and middle-income countries, bloodstream infections are an
      important cause of mortality in patients with burns. Increasingly implicated in
      burn-associated infections are highly drug-resistant pathogens with limited
      treatment options. We describe the epidemiology of bloodstream infections in
      patients with burns in a humanitarian surgery project in Iraq. METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective, descriptive study of blood culture isolates identified
      between July 2008 and September 2009 among patients with burns in a single
      hospital in Iraq who developed sepsis. RESULTS: In 1169 inpatients admitted to
      the burn unit during the study period, 212 (18%) had suspected sepsis, and 65
      (6%) had confirmed bacteremia. Sepsis was considered the primary cause of death
      in 198 patients (65%; 95% CI 65-70) of the 304 patients that died. The most
      commonly isolated organisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22 isolates [34%]),
      Staphylococcus aureus (17 [26%]), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8 [12%]), Staphylococcus
      epidermidis (7 [11%]), Acinetobacter baumannii (6 [9%]), and Enterobacter cloacae
      (5 [8%]). A high proportion of Enterobacteriaceae strains produced extended
      spectrum beta-lactamase and S. aureus isolates were uniformly methicillin
      resistant. For gram-negative bacteria, the most reliably active antibiotics were
      imipenen and amikacin. CONCLUSIONS: Burn patients with sepsis in Iraq were
      commonly found to have bloodstream pathogens resistant to most antibiotics
      available locally. Effective empirical therapy of burn sepsis in this region of
      Iraq would consist of vancomycin or teicoplanin and a carbapenem-class antibiotic
      with antipseudomonal activity.

PMID- 25111172
TI  - Long-term outcome in PSC/AIH "overlap syndrome": does immunosuppression also
      treat the PSC component?

PMID- 25111169
TI  - Adjuvants for vaccines to drugs of abuse and addiction.
AB  - Immunotherapeutic vaccines to drugs of abuse, including nicotine, cocaine,
      heroin, oxycodone, methamphetamine, and others are being developed. The
      theoretical basis of such vaccines is to induce antibodies that sequester the
      drug in the blood in the form of antibody-bound drug that cannot cross the blood
      brain barrier, thereby preventing psychoactive effects. Because the drugs are
      haptens a successful vaccine relies on development of appropriate hapten-protein
      carrier conjugates. However, because induction of high and prolonged levels of
      antibodies is required for an effective vaccine, and because injection of T
      independent haptenic drugs of abuse does not induce memory recall responses, the
      role of adjuvants during immunization plays a critical role. As reviewed herein,
      preclinical studies often use strong adjuvants such as complete and incomplete
      Freund's adjuvant and others that cannot be, or in the case of many newer
      adjuvants, have never been, employed in humans. Balanced against this, the only
      adjuvant that has been included in candidate vaccines in human clinical trials to
      nicotine and cocaine has been aluminum hydroxide gel. While aluminum salts have
      been widely utilized worldwide in numerous licensed vaccines, the experience with
      human responses to aluminum salt-adjuvanted vaccines to haptenic drugs of abuse
      has suggested that the immune responses are too weak to allow development of a
      successful vaccine. What is needed is an adjuvant or combination of adjuvants
      that are safe, potent, widely available, easily manufactured, and cost-effective.
      Based on our review of the field we recommend the following adjuvant combinations
      either for research or for product development for human use: aluminum salt with
      adsorbed monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA); liposomes containing MPLA [L(MPLA)];
      L(MPLA) adsorbed to aluminum salt; oil-in-water emulsion; or oil-in-water
      emulsion containing MPLA. 

PMID- 25111171
TI  - Changing indications and socio-demographic determinants of (adeno)tonsillectomy
      among children in England--are they linked? A retrospective analysis of hospital
      data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether increased awareness and diagnosis of obstructive
      sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and national guidance on tonsillectomy for recurrent
      tonsillitis have influenced the socio-demographic profile of children who
      underwent tonsillectomy over the last decade. METHOD: Retrospective time-trends
      study of Hospital Episodes Statistics data. We examined the age, sex and
      deprivation level, alongside OSAS diagnoses, among children aged <16 years who
      underwent (adeno)tonsillectomy in England between 2001/2 and 2011/12. RESULTS:
      Among children aged <16 years, there were 29,697 and 27,732
      (adeno)tonsillectomies performed in 2001/2 and 2011/12, respectively. The median
      age at (adeno)tonsillectomy decreased from 7 (IQR: 5-11) to 5 (IQR: 4-9) years
      over the decade. (Adeno)tonsillectomy rates among children aged 4-15 years
      decreased by 14% from 350 (95%CI: 346-354) in 2001/2 to 300 (95%CI: 296-303) per
      100,000 children in 2011/12. However, (adeno)tonsillectomy rates among children
      aged <4 years increased by 58% from 135 (95%CI: 131-140) to 213 (95%CI 208-219)
      per 100,000 children in 2001/2 and 2011/2, respectively. OSAS diagnoses among
      children aged <4 years who underwent surgery increased from 18% to 39% between
      these study years and the proportion of children aged <4 years with OSAS from the
      most deprived areas increased from 5% to 12%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      (Adeno)tonsillectomy rates declined among children aged 4-15 years, which
      reflects national guidelines recommending the restriction of the operation to
      children with more severe recurrent throat infections. However,
      (adeno)tonsillectomy rates among pre-school children substantially increased over
      the past decade and one in five children undergoing the operation was aged <4
      years in 2011/12.The increase in surgery rates in younger children is likely to
      have been driven by increased awareness and detection of OSAS, particularly among
      children from the most deprived areas.

PMID- 25111173
TI  - Monitoring dominant strictures in primary sclerosing cholangitis with brush
      cytology and FDG-PET.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite a high risk of cholangiocellular adenocarcinoma (CCA)
      it is unclear how surveillance of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis
      (PSC) should be performed. METHODS: We evaluated a follow-up algorithm of brush
      cytology and positron emission tomography/computed tomography with [(18)F]
      fluorodeoxyglucose ([(18)F]FDG-PET/CT), measured as maximum standardized uptake
      values, normalized to the liver background (SUVmax/liver) at 180 min, in PSC
      patients with dominant bile duct strictures. RESULTS: Brush cytology with high
      grade dysplasia (HGD) was detected in 12/70 patients (17%), yielding a diagnostic
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative
      predictive value (NPV) of 56%, 89%, 75%, and 88%, respectively. Preemptive liver
      transplantations due to repeated HGD before manifest CCA were performed in six
      patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of [(18)F]FDG uptake
      showed that a SUVmax/liver quotient of 3.3 was able to discriminate between CCA
      and non-malignant disease with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for CCA of
      89%, 92%, 62%, 98%, respectively. A SUVmax/liver >3.3 detected CCA in 8/9
      patients whereas a quotient <2.4 excluded CCA. Combining brush cytology and
      quantitative [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT yielded a sensitivity for HGD and/or CCA of 100%
      and a specificity of 88%. CONCLUSION: Early detection of HGD before manifest CCA
      is feasible with repeated brush cytology and may allow for preemptive liver
      transplantation. [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT has a high sensitivity for manifest CCA and a
      negative scan indicates a non-malignant state of the disease. Brush cytology and
      [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT are complementary in monitoring and managing PSC patients with
      dominant strictures.

PMID- 25111175
TI  - The effect of brain death in rat steatotic and non-steatotic liver
      transplantation with previous ischemic preconditioning.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Most liver grafts undergoing transplantation derive from brain
      dead donors, which may also show hepatic steatosis, being both characteristic
      risk factors in liver transplantation. Ischemic preconditioning shows benefits
      when applied in non-brain dead clinical situations like hepatectomies, whereas it
      has been less promising in the transplantation from brain dead patients. This
      study examined how brain death affects preconditioned steatotic and non-steatotic
      liver grafts undergoing transplantation. METHODS: Steatotic and non-steatotic
      grafts from non-brain dead and brain dead-donors were cold stored for 6h and then
      transplanted. After 2, 4, and 16 h of reperfusion, hepatic damage was analysed.
      In addition, two therapeutic strategies, ischemic preconditioning and/or
      acetylcholine pre-treatment, and their underlying mechanisms were characterized.
      RESULTS: Preconditioning benefits in non-brain dead donors were associated with
      nitric oxide and acetylcholine generation. In brain dead donors, preconditioning
      generated nitric oxide but did not promote acetylcholine upregulation, and this
      resulted in inflammation and damage. Acetylcholine treatment in brain dead
      donors, through PKC, increased antioxidants and reduced lipid peroxidation,
      nitrotyrosines and neutrophil accumulation, altogether protecting against damage.
      The combination of acetylcholine and preconditioning conferred stronger
      protection against damage, oxidative stress and neutrophil accumulation than
      acetylcholine treatment alone. These superior beneficial effects were due to a
      selective preconditioning-mediated generation of nitric oxide and regulation of
      PPAR and TLR4 pathways, which were not observed when acetylcholine was
      administered alone. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings propose the combination of
      acetylcholine+preconditioning as a feasible and highly protective strategy to
      reduce the adverse effects of brain death and to ultimately improve liver graft
      quality.

PMID- 25111174
TI  - Correction of hyponatraemia improves cognition, quality of life, and brain oedema
      in cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hyponatraemia in cirrhosis is associated with impaired
      cognition and poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, the benefit
      of hyponatraemia correction is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      effect of tolvaptan on serum sodium (Na), cognition, HRQOL, companion burden, and
      brain MRI (volumetrics, spectroscopy, and diffusion tensor imaging) in cirrhotics
      with hyponatraemia. METHODS: Cirrhotics with Na <130 mEq/L were included for a
      four-week trial. At screening, patients underwent cognitive and HRQOL testing,
      serum/urine chemistries and companion burden assessment. Patients then underwent
      fluid restriction and diuretic withdrawal for two weeks after which cognitive
      tests were repeated. If Na was still <130 mEq/L, brain magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) was performed and tolvaptan was initiated for 14 days with frequent
      clinical/laboratory monitoring. After 14 days of tolvaptan, all tests were
      repeated. Comparisons were made between screen, pre-and post-drug periods Na,
      urine/serum laboratories, cognition, HRQOL and companion burden. RESULTS: 24
      cirrhotics were enrolled; seven normalized Na without tolvaptan with improvement
      in cognition. The remaining 17 received tolvaptan of which 14 completed the study
      over 13 +/- 2 days (age 58 +/- 6 years, MELD 17, 55% HCV, median 26 mg/day of
      tolvaptan). Serum Na and urine free water clearance increased with tolvaptan
      without changes in mental status or liver function. Cognitive function, HRQOL and
      companion burden only improved in these 14 patients after tolvaptan, along with
      reduced total brain and white matter volume, increase in choline on magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy, and reduced cytotoxic oedema. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term
      tolvaptan therapy is well tolerated in cirrhosis. Hyponatraemia correction is
      associated with cognitive, HRQOL, brain MRI and companion burden improvement.

PMID- 25111177
TI  - Genetic predisposition to hepatocellular carcinoma in alcoholic cirrhosis: the
      NCAN-PNPLA3-lipid connection?

PMID- 25111176
TI  - S100A4 promotes liver fibrosis via activation of hepatic stellate cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: S100A4 has been linked to the fibrosis of several organs due
      to its role as a fibroblast-specific marker. However, the role of S100A4 itself
      in the development of fibrosis has not been much investigated. Here, we
      determined whether S100A4 regulates liver fibrogenesis and examined its mechanism
      by focusing on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS: S100A4
      deficient mice were used to determine the role of S100A4 in liver fibrogenesis.
      The effect of S100A4 on HSC activation was estimated by using primary mouse HSCs
      and the human HSC cell line LX-2. Serum levels of S100A4 in cirrhotic patients
      were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: S100A4 was found to be secreted by a
      subpopulation of macrophages and to promote the development of liver fibrosis. It
      accumulated in the liver during the progression of liver fibrosis and activated
      HSCs in mice. In vitro studies demonstrated that S100A4 induced the
      overexpression of alpha-smooth muscle actin through c-Myb in HSCs. Both, the
      selective depletion of S100A4-expressing cells and knockdown of S100A4 in the
      liver by RNA interference, resulted in a reduction of liver fibrosis following
      injury. Importantly, increased S100A4 levels in both the liver tissue and serum
      correlated positively with liver fibrosis in humans. CONCLUSIONS: S100A4 promotes
      liver fibrosis by activating HSCs, which may represent a potential target for
      anti-fibrotic therapies.

PMID- 25111178
TI  - A high throughput screen identifies potent and selective inhibitors to human
      epithelial 15-lipoxygenase-2.
AB  - Lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes catalyze the hydroperoxidation of arachidonic acid and
      other polyunsaturated fatty acids to hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids with varying
      positional specificity to yield important biological signaling molecules. Human
      epithelial 15-lipoxygenase-2 (15-LOX-2) is a highly specific LOX isozyme that is
      expressed in epithelial tissue and whose activity has been correlated with
      suppression of tumor growth in prostate and other epithelial derived cancers.
      Despite the potential utility of an inhibitor to probe the specific role of 15
      LOX-2 in tumor progression, no such potent/specific 15-LOX-2 inhibitors have been
      reported to date. This study employs high throughput screening to identify two
      novel, specific 15-LOX-2 inhibitors. MLS000545091 is a mixed-type inhibitor of 15
      LOX-2 with a Ki of 0.9+/-0.4 uM and has a 20-fold selectivity over 5-LOX, 12-LOX,
      15-LOX-1, COX-1, and COX-2. MLS000536924 is a competitive inhibitor with a Ki of
      2.5+/-0.5 uM and also possesses 20-fold selectivity toward 15-LOX-2 over the
      other oxygenases, listed above. Finally, neither compound possesses reductive
      activity towards the active-site ferrous ion. 

PMID- 25111179
TI  - Characterization of nodal/TGF-lefty signaling pathway gene variants for possible
      roles in congenital heart diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nodal/TGF-Lefty signaling pathway has important effects at early
      stages of differentiation of human embryonic stem cells in directing them to
      differentiate into different embryonic lineages. LEFTY, one of transforming
      growth factors in the Nodal/TGF-Lefty signaling pathway, plays an important role
      in the development of heart. The aim of this work was to find evidence on whether
      Lefty variations are associated with congenital heart diseases (CHD). METHODS: We
      sequenced the Lefty gene for 230 Chinese Han CHD patients and evaluated SNPs
      rs2295418, rs360057 and g.G169A, which are located within the translated regions
      of the genes. The statistical analyses were conducted using Chi-Square Tests as
      implemented in SPSS (version 13.0). The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test of the
      population was carried out using online software OEGE, and multiple-sequence
      alignments of LEFTY proteins were carried out using the Vector NTI software.
      RESULTS: Two heterozygous variants in Lefty1 gene, g.G169A and g.A1035C, and one
      heterozygous variant in Lefty2 gene, g.C925A, were identified. Statistical
      analyses showed that the rs2295418 (g.C925A) variant in Lefty2 gene was obviously
      associated with the risk of CHD (P value = 0.016<0.05). The genotype frequency of
      rs360057 (g.A1035C) variant in Lefty1 gene was associated with the risk of CHD (P
      value = 0.007<0.05), but the allele frequency was not (P value = 0.317>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The SNP rs2295418 in the Lefty2 gene is associated with CHD in
      Chinese Han populations.

PMID- 25111181
TI  - Ecofriendly porphyrin synthesis by using water under microwave irradiation.
AB  - Water, under microwave irradiation and at a temperature of 473 K, reaches
      pressures above 16 bar, being capable to act as catalyst, without the use of
      organic solvents and oxidants, for meso-substituted porphyrin synthesis.
      Sustainability of the reaction is proved by E Factor=35 and EcoScale value of
      50.5, the highest so far obtained for porphyrin synthesis. Methodology's wide
      versatility is clearly demonstrated by the good yields obtained for both aryl and
      alkyl substituted porphyrins. These reaction conditions represent a huge
      development, not only by using very high concentrations, minimizing organic
      solvent usage, but also by eradicating toxic expensive solvents and oxidants.

PMID- 25111180
TI  - A splicing mutation in the novel mitochondrial protein DNAJC11 causes motor
      neuron pathology associated with cristae disorganization, and lymphoid
      abnormalities in mice.
AB  - Mitochondrial structure and function is emerging as a major contributor to
      neuromuscular disease, highlighting the need for the complete elucidation of the
      underlying molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms. Following a forward
      genetics approach with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-mediated random mutagenesis,
      we identified a novel mouse model of autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease
      caused by a splice-site hypomorphic mutation in a novel gene of unknown function,
      DnaJC11. Recent findings have demonstrated that DNAJC11 protein co
      immunoprecipitates with proteins of the mitochondrial contact site (MICOS)
      complex involved in the formation of mitochondrial cristae and cristae junctions.
      Homozygous mutant mice developed locomotion defects, muscle weakness, spasticity,
      limb tremor, leucopenia, thymic and splenic hypoplasia, general wasting and early
      lethality. Neuropathological analysis showed severe vacuolation of the motor
      neurons in the spinal cord, originating from dilatations of the endoplasmic
      reticulum and notably from mitochondria that had lost their proper inner membrane
      organization. The causal role of the identified mutation in DnaJC11 was verified
      in rescue experiments by overexpressing the human ortholog. The full length 63
      kDa isoform of human DNAJC11 was shown to localize in the periphery of the
      mitochondrial outer membrane whereas putative additional isoforms displayed
      differential submitochondrial localization. Moreover, we showed that DNAJC11 is
      assembled in a high molecular weight complex, similarly to mitofilin and that
      downregulation of mitofilin or SAM50 affected the levels of DNAJC11 in HeLa
      cells. Our findings provide the first mouse mutant for a putative MICOS protein
      and establish a link between DNAJC11 and neuromuscular diseases. 

PMID- 25111182
TI  - SpyAvidin hubs enable precise and ultrastable orthogonal nanoassembly.
AB  - The capture of biotin by streptavidin is an inspiration for supramolecular
      chemistry and a central tool for biological chemistry and nanotechnology, because
      of the rapid and exceptionally stable interaction. However, there is no robust
      orthogonal interaction to this hub, limiting the size and complexity of molecular
      assemblies that can be created. Here we combined traptavidin (a streptavidin
      variant maximizing biotin binding strength) with an orthogonal irreversible
      interaction. SpyTag is a peptide engineered to form a spontaneous isopeptide bond
      to its protein partner SpyCatcher. SpyTag or SpyCatcher was successfully fused to
      the C-terminus of Dead streptavidin subunits. We were able to generate chimeric
      tetramers with n (0 <= n <= 4) biotin binding sites and 4-n SpyTag or SpyCatcher
      binding sites. Chimeric SpyAvidin tetramers bound precise numbers of ligands
      fused to biotin or SpyTag/SpyCatcher. Mixing chimeric tetramers enabled assembly
      of SpyAvidin octamers (8 subunits) or eicosamers (20 subunits). We validated
      assemblies using electrophoresis and native mass spectrometry. Eicosameric
      SpyAvidin was used to cluster trimeric major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
      class I:beta2-microglobulin:peptide complexes, generating an assembly with up to
      56 components. MHC eicosamers surpassed the conventional MHC tetramers in acting
      as a powerful stimulus to T cell signaling. Combining ultrastable noncovalent
      with irreversible covalent interaction, SpyAvidins enable a simple route to
      create robust nanoarchitectures. 

PMID- 25111183
TI  - Different gDNA content in the subpopulations of prostate cancer extracellular
      vesicles: apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane vesicles. EVs
      contain several RNAs such as mRNA, microRNAs, and ncRNAs, but less is known of
      their genomic DNA (gDNA) content. It is also unknown whether the DNA cargo is
      randomly sorted or if it is systematically packed into specific EV
      subpopulations. The aim of this study was to analyze whether different prostate
      cancer (PCa) cell-derived EV subpopulations (apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and
      exosomes) carry different gDNA fragments. METHODS: EV subpopulations were
      isolated from three PCa cell lines (LNCaP, PC-3, and RC92a/hTERT) and the plasma
      of PCa patients and healthy donors, and characterized by transmission electron
      microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and total protein content. gDNA
      fragments of different genes were detected by real time quantitative PCR and
      confirmed by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: We report that the concentration of EVs was
      higher in the cancer patients than in the healthy controls. EV subpopulations
      differed from each other in terms of total protein and DNA content. Analysis of
      gDNA fragments of MLH1, PTEN, and TP53 genes from the PCa cell-derived EV
      subpopulations showed that different EVs carried different gDNA content, which
      could even harbor specific mutations. Altogether, these results suggest that both
      nucleic acids and proteins are selectively and cell-dependently packed into the
      EV subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: EVs derived from PCa cell lines and human plasma
      samples contain double-stranded gDNA fragments which could be used to detect
      specific mutations, making EVs potential biomarkers for cancer diagnostics and
      prognostics.

PMID- 25111184
TI  - The effect of processing on the surface physical stability of amorphous solid
      dispersions.
AB  - The focus of this study was to investigate the effect of processing on the
      surface crystallization of amorphous molecular dispersions and gain insight into
      the mechanisms underpinning this effect. The model systems, amorphous molecular
      dispersions of felodipine-EUDRAGIT(r) E PO, were processed both using spin
      coating (an ultra-fast solvent evaporation based method) and hot melt extrusion
      (HME) (a melting based method). Amorphous solid dispersions with drug loadings of
      10-90% (w/w) were obtained by both processing methods. Samples were stored under
      75% RH/room temperatures for up to 10months. Surface crystallization was observed
      shortly after preparation for the HME samples with high drug loadings (50-90%).
      Surface crystallization was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), ATR
      FTIR spectroscopy and imaging techniques (SEM, AFM and localized thermal
      analysis). Spin coated molecular dispersions showed significantly higher surface
      physical stability than hot melt extruded samples. For both systems, the progress
      of the surface crystal growth followed zero order kinetics on aging. Drug
      enrichment at the surfaces of HME samples on aging was observed, which may
      contribute to surface crystallization of amorphous molecular dispersions. In
      conclusion it was found the amorphous molecular dispersions prepared by spin
      coating had a significantly higher surface physical stability than the
      corresponding HME samples, which may be attributed to the increased process
      related apparent drug-polymer solubility and reduced molecular mobility due to
      the quenching effect caused by the rapid solvent evaporation in spin coating.

PMID- 25111186
TI  - Interactive effects of contextual cues and acute alcohol intoxication on the
      associations between alcohol expectancy activation and urge to drink.
AB  - This study examined the joint effects of contextual cues and alcohol intoxication
      on the associations between activation of positive and negative alcohol
      expectancies in memory and self-reported urges to drink alcohol after a
      laboratory alcohol administration. Young adult heavy drinkers were randomly
      assigned to drink a moderate dose of alcohol or a placebo (alcohol manipulation),
      and then listened to positive or negative drinking scenarios (cue manipulation).
      Before and after these manipulations, participants completed an alcohol
      expectancy Stroop task assessing positive and negative expectancy activation, as
      well as self-report measures of urges to drink. Regression analyses revealed that
      the alcohol and cue manipulations had a joint, moderating impact on the
      associations between expectancy activation and postcue changes in urge to drink.
      Specifically, both increased activation of negative expectancies and decreased
      activation of positive expectancies predicted decreases in urges to drink, but
      only for intoxicated participants in the negative cue condition. There were no
      associations between expectancy activation and urges to drink for those in the
      positive cue condition regardless of beverage condition. Results suggest that
      whether memory activation of alcohol expectancies has an impact on urge to drink
      after alcohol is on board may depend on the relevance of the activated
      expectancies to the current drinking context. This process appears to be
      influenced by a complex interaction between contextual cues in the environment
      and the pharmacological effects of alcohol.

PMID- 25111185
TI  - Dendritic cell-mediated, DNA-based vaccination against hepatitis C induces the
      multi-epitope-specific response of humanized, HLA transgenic mice.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the etiologic agent of chronic liver disease,
      hepatitis C. Spontaneous resolution of viral infection is associated with
      vigorous HLA class I- and class II-restricted T cell responses to multiple viral
      epitopes. Unfortunately, only 20% of patients clear infection spontaneously, most
      develop chronic disease and require therapy. The response to chemotherapy varies,
      however; therapeutic vaccination offers an additional treatment strategy. To
      date, therapeutic vaccines have demonstrated only limited success. Vector
      mediated vaccination with multi-epitope-expressing DNA constructs alone or in
      combination with chemotherapy offers an additional treatment approach. Gene
      sequences encoding validated HLA-A2- and HLA-DRB1-restricted epitopes were
      synthesized and cloned into an expression vector. Dendritic cells (DCs) derived
      from humanized, HLA-A2/DRB1 transgenic (donor) mice were transfected with these
      multi-epitope-expressing DNA constructs. Recipient HLA-A2/DRB1 mice were
      vaccinated s.c. with transfected DCs; control mice received non-transfected DCs.
      Peptide-specific IFN-gamma production by splenic T cells obtained at 5 weeks post
      immunization was quantified by ELISpot assay; additionally, the production of IL
      4, IL-10 and TNF-alpha were quantified by cytokine bead array. Splenocytes
      derived from vaccinated HLA-A2/DRB1 transgenic mice exhibited peptide-specific
      cytokine production to the vast majority of the vaccine-encoded HLA class I- and
      class II-restricted T cell epitopes. A multi-epitope-based HCV vaccine that
      targets DCs offers an effective approach to inducing a broad immune response and
      viral clearance in chronic, HCV-infected patients. 

PMID- 25111187
TI  - Sheet-type titania, but not P25, induced paraptosis accompanying apoptosis in
      murine alveolar macrophage cells.
AB  - In this study, we identified the toxic effects of sheet-type titania (TNS), which
      are being developed as a material for UV-blocking glass, comparing with P25, a
      benchmark control for titania, in MH-S cells, a mouse alveolar macrophage cell
      line. After 24 h exposure, the TNS-exposed cells formed large vacuoles while the
      P25-exposed ones did not. The decreased levels of cell viability were similar
      between the P25 and TNS groups, but ATP production was clearly lower in cells
      exposed to the TNS. P25 decreased the expression of calnexin protein, an
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane marker, and increased the number of cells
      generating ROS in a dose dependent manner. Meanwhile, TNS dilated the ER and
      mitochondria and increased the secretion of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines,
      but not of ROS. Subsequently, we studied the molecular response following TNS
      induced vacuolization. TNS started to form vacuoles in the cytosol since 20 min
      after exposure, and the expression of the mitochondria function-related genes
      were down-regulated the most in the cells exposed for 1 h. After 24 h exposure,
      the number of apoptotic cells and the relative levels of BAX to Bcl-2 increased.
      The expression of SOD1 protein, but not of SOD2, also dose-dependently increased
      with an increase in caspase-8 activity. Additionally, the MAPK pathway was
      significantly activated, even though the expression of p-EGFR did not change
      significantly. Furthermore, the number of apoptotic cells increased rapidly with
      time and with the inhibition of vacuole formation. Taken together, we suggest
      that P25 and TNS may target different organelles. In addition, TNS, but not P25,
      induced paraptosis accompanied by apoptosis in MH-S cells, and the formation of
      the cytoplasmic vacuoles allowed delay apoptosis following TNS exposure.

PMID- 25111188
TI  - Development of an in vitro cytochrome P450 cocktail inhibition assay for
      assessing the inhibition risk of drugs of abuse.
AB  - Drugs of abuse are not tested for cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition potential
      before distribution. Therefore, a cocktail assay should be developed for testing
      the inhibition potential for all relevant CYPs. The following CYP test substrates
      and selective inhibitors were incubated in pooled human liver microsomes:
      phenacetin (alpha-naphthoflavone for CYP1A2), coumarin (tranylcypromine, CYP2A6),
      bupropion (sertraline, CYP2B6), amodiaquine (trimethoprim, CYP2C8), diclofenac
      (sulfaphenazole, CYP2C9), omeprazole (fluconazole, CYP2C19), dextromethorphan
      (quinidine, CYP2D6), chlorzoxazone (clomethiazole, CYP2E1), testosterone
      (verapamil, CYP3A). Samples were analyzed after protein precipitation using a
      Thermo Fisher Q-Exactive LC-high-resolution-MS/MS. The IC50 values were
      calculated by plotting the concentration of the formed metabolite, relative to
      the control sample, over the logarithm of the inhibitor concentration. They were
      determined either for single substrate or the cocktail incubation. Unfortunately,
      the cocktail assay had to be split because of interferences during incubation
      caused by substrates or metabolites, but the mixture of both incubates could be
      analyzed in one analytical run. The IC50 values determined in the single
      substrate or both cocktail incubations were comparable among themselves and with
      published data. In conclusion, the new inhibition cocktail assay was reproducible
      and applicable for testing the inhibition potential of drugs of abuse as
      exemplified for 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodo-amfetamine (DOI). 

PMID- 25111189
TI  - Case studies of hydrogen sulphide occupational exposure incidents in the UK.
AB  - The UK Health and Safety Executive has investigated several incidents of
      workplace accidents involving hydrogen sulphide exposure in recent years.
      Biological monitoring has been used in some incidents to determine the cause of
      unconsciousness resulting from these incidents and as a supporting evidence in
      regulatory enforcement. This paper reports on three case incidents and discusses
      the use of biological monitoring in such cases. Biological monitoring has a role
      in identifying hydrogen sulphide exposure in incidents, whether these are
      occupational or in the wider environment. Sample type, time of collection and
      sample storage are important factors in the applicability of this technique. For
      non-fatal incidents, multiple urine samples are recommended at two or more time
      points between the incident and 15 h post-exposure. For routine occupational
      monitoring, post-shift samples should be adequate. Due to endogenous levels of
      urinary thiosulphate, it is likely that exposures in excess of 12 ppm for 30 min
      (or 360 ppm/min equivalent) would be detectable using biological monitoring. This
      is within the Acute Exposure Guideline Level 2 (the level of the chemical in air
      at or above which there may be irreversible or other serious long-lasting effects
      or impaired ability to escape) for hydrogen sulphide.

PMID- 25111190
TI  - COMP does not directly modify the expression of genes involved in cartilage
      homeostasis in contrast to several other cartilage matrix proteins.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether COMP may modify cartilage metabolism and play
      a role as an endogenous disease aggravating factor in OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Full-length and momomeric COMP was recombinantly expressed in human embryonic
      kidney cells and purified it via affinity chromatography. Purified COMP was used
      to stimulate either primary human chondrocytes or cartilage explants. Changes in
      the expression profiles of inflammatory genes, differentiation markers and growth
      factors were examined by immunoassay and by quantitative real-time reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Incubation of primary human
      chondrocytes or cartilage explants in the presence of COMP did not induce
      statistically significant changes in the expression of IL-6, MMP1, MMP13,
      collagen I, collagen II, collagen X, TGF-beta1 and BMP-2. CONCLUSIONS: In
      contrast to collagen II and matrilin-3, COMP lacks the ability to trigger a
      proinflammatory response in chondrocytes, although it carries an RGD motif and
      can bind to integrins. COMP is a well-accepted biomarker for osteoarthritis but
      increased COMP levels do not necessarily correlate with inflammation.

PMID- 25111191
TI  - Comparison of equine articular cartilage thickness in various joints.
AB  - PURPOSE: Thicknesses of fresh equine articular cartilage surfaces from the
      fetlock, carpal and stifle joints were measured employing a needle probe test.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven samples used in measurement were cultivated
      from fetlock, carpal and stifle joints of 12 deceased within 4 h of death. After
      approximately three minutes of exposure to air during dissection, all cartilage
      samples were preserved in a saline solution to keep the articular cartilage
      hydrated for testing. The thickness was measured on five different spots on the
      same sample. The thicknesses of the fetlock, carpus and stifle were compared.
      RESULTS: The articular cartilage of the stifle was thicker than the fetlock and
      carpus, while the fetlock and the carpus had similar thickness values. The
      average thickness of the fetlock, carpal and stifle joint are 0.86, 0.87 and 2.1
      mm, respectively. They were statistically compared using the Student t-test. The
      differences on the articular cartilage thicknesses between the fetlock and
      stifle, and carpus and stifle were "very highly significant" (p < 0.001). This
      indicates that the articular cartilage thickness of the stifle is significantly
      different from that of the fetlock and carpus. Four different surfaces in the
      fetlock and four in the carpal joint were also compared. Significant differences
      between each set of the four surfaces were not observed. In the carpus, the
      difference in thickness between the distal radius and proximal third carpal bone
      articular cartilage surfaces as well as the proximal radial carpal bone and
      distal radial carpal bone articular cartilage surfaces were statistically
      significant.

PMID- 25111192
TI  - Effect of S-methylisothiourea, an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, in
      joint pain and pathology in surgically induced model of osteoarthritis.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate in vivo modulatory effect of S
      methylisothiourea (SMT), a preferential inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS) on pain and pathology in the surgical model of osteoarthritis
      (OA) in rats. The OA was produced by the anterior cruciate ligament transection
      (ACLT) and medial meniscectomy (MMx) of right knee. SMT was administered 1 day
      prior to the production of OA and continued up to day 42 postoperation.
      Mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal hyperalgesia, tail flick latency after repeated
      flexion and extension of OA knee and knee diameter of right knee were determined
      at weekly intervals. Serum levels of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and nitrite
      concentration were determined at the end of the experiment. Glycosaminoglycan
      (GAG) content, collagen content and histopathological evaluation of articular
      cartilage were also determined at the end of the experiment. SMT reduced
      mechanical hyperalgesia and the serum levels of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and nitrite.
      Further, SMT reduced the loss of GAG from articular cartilage. Microscopically,
      SMT reduced the severity of the cartilage lesion. The results indicate the
      effectiveness of SMT in attenuating the pain and pathology of experimental OA
      phase by reducing the production of nitric oxide and interleukin-1beta and tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha, which are known to play a major role in the
      pathophysiology of OA.

PMID- 25111193
TI  - Assessment of body composition in Indian adults: comparison between dual-energy X
      ray absorptiometry and isotope dilution technique.
AB  - Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and isotope dilution technique have been
      used as reference methods to validate the estimates of body composition by simple
      field techniques; however, very few studies have compared these two methods. We
      compared the estimates of body composition by DXA and isotope dilution (18O)
      technique in apparently healthy Indian men and women (aged 19-70 years, n 152, 48
      % men) with a wide range of BMI (14-40 kg/m2). Isotopic enrichment was assessed
      by isotope ratio mass spectroscopy. The agreement between the estimates of body
      composition measured by the two techniques was assessed by the Bland-Altman
      method. The mean age and BMI were 37 (sd 15) years and 23.3 (sd 5.1) kg/m2,
      respectively, for men and 37 (sd 14) years and 24.1 (sd 5.8) kg/m2, respectively,
      for women. The estimates of fat-free mass were higher by about 7 (95 % CI 6, 9)
      %, those of fat mass were lower by about 21 (95 % CI - 18, - 23) %, and those of
      body fat percentage (BF%) were lower by about 7.4 (95 % CI - 8.2, - 6.6) % as
      obtained by DXA compared with the isotope dilution technique. The Bland-Altman
      analysis showed wide limits of agreement that indicated poor agreement between
      the methods. The bias in the estimates of BF% was higher at the lower values of
      BF%. Thus, the two commonly used reference methods showed substantial differences
      in the estimates of body composition with wide limits of agreement. As the
      estimates of body composition are method-dependent, the two methods cannot be
      used interchangeably. 

PMID- 25111196
TI  - Nonsterile glove use in addition to hand hygiene to prevent late-onset infection
      in preterm infants: randomized clinical trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Late-onset infections commonly occur in extremely preterm infants and
      are associated with high rates of mortality and neurodevelopmental impairment.
      Hand hygiene alone does not always achieve the desired clean hands, as
      microorganisms are still present more than 50% of the time. We hypothesize that
      glove use after hand hygiene may further decrease these infections. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine if nonsterile glove use after hand hygiene before all patient and
      intravenous catheter contact, compared with hand hygiene alone, prevents late
      onset infections in preterm infants. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS: A
      prospective, single-center, clinical, randomized trial was conducted in infants
      admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit who weighed less than 1000 g and/or
      had a gestational age of less than 29 weeks and were less than 8 days old. There
      were 175 eligible infants, of which 120 were enrolled during a 30-month period
      from December 8, 2008, to June 20, 2011. INTERVENTIONS: Infants were randomly
      assigned to receive care with nonsterile gloves after hand hygiene (group A) or
      care after hand hygiene alone (group B) before all patient and intravenous line
      (central and peripheral) contact. Study intervention was continued while patients
      had central or peripheral venous access. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: One or more
      episodes of late-onset (>72 hours of age) infection in the bloodstream, urinary
      tract, or cerebrospinal fluid or necrotizing enterocolitis. RESULTS: The 2 groups
      were similar in baseline demographic characteristics. Late-onset invasive
      infection or necrotizing enterocolitis occurred in 32% of infants (19 of 60) in
      group A compared with 45% of infants (27 of 60) in group B (difference, -12%; 95%
      CI, -28% to 6%; P = .13). In group A compared with group B, there were 53% fewer
      gram-positive bloodstream infections (15% [9 of 60] vs 32% [19 of 60];
      difference, -17%; 95% CI, -31% to -1%; P = .03) and 64% fewer central line
      associated bloodstream infections (3.4 vs 9.4 per 1000 central line days; ratio,
      0.36; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.81; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Glove use after
      hand hygiene prior to patient and line contact is associated with fewer gram
      positive bloodstream infections and possible central line-associated bloodstream
      infections in preterm infants. This readily implementable infection control
      measure may result in decreased infections in high-risk preterm infants. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01729000.

PMID- 25111195
TI  - Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields cause G1 phase arrest through the
      activation of the ATM-Chk2-p21 pathway.
AB  - In daily life, humans are exposed to the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic
      fields (ELF-EMFs) generated by electric appliances, and public concern is
      increasing regarding the biological effects of such exposure. Numerous studies
      have yielded inconsistent results regarding the biological effects of ELF-EMF
      exposure. Here we show that ELF-EMFs activate the ATM-Chk2-p21 pathway in HaCaT
      cells, inhibiting cell proliferation. To present well-founded results, we
      comprehensively evaluated the biological effects of ELF-EMFs at the
      transcriptional, protein, and cellular levels. Human HaCaT cells from an
      immortalized epidermal keratinocyte cell line were exposed to a 1.5 mT, 60 Hz ELF
      EMF for 144 h. The ELF-EMF could cause G1 arrest and decrease colony formation.
      Protein expression experiments revealed that ELF-EMFs induced the activation of
      the ATM/Chk2 signaling cascades. In addition, the p21 protein, a regulator of
      cell cycle progression at G1 and G2/M, exhibited a higher level of expression in
      exposed HaCaT cells compared with the expression of sham-exposed cells. The ELF
      EMF-induced G1 arrest was diminished when the CHK2 gene expression (which encodes
      checkpoint kinase 2; Chk2) was suppressed by specific small interfering RNA
      (siRNA). These findings indicate that ELF-EMFs activate the ATM-Chk2-p21 pathway
      in HaCaT cells, resulting in cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Based on the
      precise control of the ELF-EMF exposure and rigorous sham-exposure experiments,
      all transcriptional, protein, and cellular level experiments consistently
      supported the conclusion. This is the first study to confirm that a specific
      pathway is triggered by ELF-EMF exposure. 

PMID- 25111197
TI  - Control of single-molecule junction conductance of porphyrins via a transition
      metal center.
AB  - Using scanning tunneling microscope break-junction experiments and a new first
      principles approach to conductance calculations, we report and explain low-bias
      charge transport behavior of four types of metal-porphyrin-gold molecular
      junctions. A nonequilibrium Green's function approach based on self-energy
      corrected density functional theory and optimally tuned range-separated hybrid
      functionals is developed and used to understand experimental trends
      quantitatively. Importantly, due to the localized d states of the porphyrin
      molecules, hybrid functionals are essential for explaining measurements; standard
      semilocal functionals yield qualitatively incorrect results. Comparing directly
      with experiments, we show that the conductance can change by nearly a factor of 2
      when different metal cations are used, counter to trends expected from gas-phase
      ionization energies which are relatively unchanged with the metal center. Our
      work explains the sensitivity of the porphyrin conductance with the metal center
      via a detailed and quantitative portrait of the interface electronic structure
      and provides a new framework for understanding transport quantitatively in
      complex junctions involving molecules with localized d states of relevance to
      light harvesting and energy conversion. 

PMID- 25111198
TI  - Manganese doped fluorescent paramagnetic nanocrystals for dual-modal imaging.
AB  - In this work, dual-modal (fluorescence and magnetic resonance) imaging
      capabilities of water-soluble, low-toxicity, monodisperse Mn-doped ZnSe
      nanocrystals (NCs) with a size (6.5 nm) below the optimum kidney cutoff limit (10
      nm) are reported. Synthesizing Mn-doped ZnSe NCs with varying Mn(2+)
      concentrations, a systematic investigation of the optical properties of these NCs
      by using photoluminescence (PL) and time resolved fluorescence are demonstrated.
      The elemental properties of these NCs using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and
      inductive coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy confirming Mn(2+) doping is confined
      to the core of these NCs are also presented. It is observed that with increasing
      Mn(2+) concentration the PL intensity first increases, reaching a maximum at
      Mn(2+) concentration of 3.2 at% (achieving a PL quantum yield (QY) of 37%), after
      which it starts to decrease. Here, this high-efficiency sample is demonstrated
      for applications in dual-modal imaging. These NCs are further made water-soluble
      by ligand exchange using 3-mercaptopropionic acid, preserving their PL QY as high
      as 18%. At the same time, these NCs exhibit high relaxivity (~2.95 mM(-1) s(-1))
      to obtain MR contrast at 25  degrees C, 3 T. Therefore, the Mn(2+) doping in
      these water-soluble Cd-free NCs are sufficient to produce contrast for both
      fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging techniques.

PMID- 25111199
TI  - Docetaxel plus oral metronomic cyclophosphamide: a phase II study with
      pharmacodynamic and pharmacogenetic analyses in castration-resistant prostate
      cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Docetaxel plus prednisone is currently the standard first-line
      treatment in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The aim of
      this study was to assess the clinical activity and
      pharmacodynamic/pharmacogenetic profile of docetaxel plus prednisone in
      combination with metronomic cyclophosphamide in mCRPC patients. METHODS: Forty
      one chemotherapy-naive patients received docetaxel (60 mg/m(2) intravenously
      every 3 weeks up to 12 cycles) and, from day 2, prednisone 10 mg/day, celecoxib
      400 mg/day, and metronomic cyclophosphamide 50 mg/day, continuously. Plasma VEGF
      and bFGF were detected by ELISA. Real-time PCR-SNP analysis of VEGF gene was
      performed using an ABI PRISM 7900HT SDS and TaqMan SNP genotyping. RESULTS:
      Eighty-seven percent of patients were free of progression at 6 months. A decrease
      in prostate-specific antigen >=50% was observed in 82% of 39 evaluable patients,
      with a median time to progression of 12.3 months. Grade 3 adverse events were
      neutropenia (5%), thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, and stomatitis (2.5%). Median PFS
      and OS were 14.9 months (95% CI, 9.2-15.3 months) and 33.3 months (95% CI, 23
      35.6 months), respectively. Of 11 patients (28%) with evaluable disease, 5 (44%)
      achieved a complete response, 2 (11%) a partial response, and 2 (11%) stable
      disease, whereas 2 showed disease progression. The -1154A/G VEGF polymorphism,
      plasma VEGF, and bFGF after the first cycle of chemotherapy may represent useful
      pharmacodynamic markers to predict better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The combination
      of docetaxel and oral metronomic chemotherapy is effective and well tolerated in
      mCRPC patients and may deserve further evaluation.

PMID- 25111200
TI  - Stroke code improves intravenous thrombolysis administration in acute ischemic
      stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Timely intravenous (IV) thrombolysis for acute ischemic
      stroke is associated with better clinical outcomes. Acute stroke care implemented
      with "Stroke Code" (SC) may increase IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
      administration. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of SC on
      thrombolysis. METHODS: The study period was divided into the "pre-SC era"
      (January 2006 to July 2010) and "SC era" (August 2010 to July 2013).
      Demographics, critical times (stroke symptom onset, presentation to the emergency
      department, neuroimaging, thrombolysis), stroke severity, and clinical outcomes
      were recorded and compared between the two eras. RESULTS: During the study
      period, 5957 patients with acute ischemic stroke were admitted; of these, 1301
      (21.8%) arrived at the emergency department within 3 h of stroke onset and 307
      (5.2%) received IV-tPA. The number and frequency of IV-tPA treatments for
      patients with an onset-to-door time of <3 h increased from the pre-SC era (n =
      91, 13.9%) to the SC era (n = 216, 33.3%) (P<0.001). SC also improved the
      efficiency of IV-tPA administration; the median door-to-needle time decreased (88
      to 51 min, P<0.001) and the percentage of door-to-needle times <=60 min increased
      (14.3% to 71.3%, P<0.001). The SC era group tended to have more patients with
      good outcome (modified Rankin Scale <=2) at discharge (49.5 vs. 39.6%, P = 0.11),
      with no difference in symptomatic hemorrhage events or in-hospital mortality.
      CONCLUSION: The SC protocol increases the percentage of acute ischemic stroke
      patients receiving IV-tPA and decreases door-to-needle time.

PMID- 25111201
TI  - IgY pharmacokinetics in rabbits: implications for IgY use as antivenoms.
AB  - This paper presents the first study of chicken IgY pharmacokinetics (PK) in
      rabbits. We measured IgY blood serum concentrations using a specific high
      sensitivity ELISA method. The fast initial component observed when studying horse
      Fab, F(ab')2 or IgG was absent from IgY PK. During the first 80 min of
      observation there was only a single slow exponential decay, which sped up
      afterward to the point that IgY became undetectable after 216 h of observation;
      due to this time course, PK parameters were determined with trapezoidal
      integration. The most significant IgY pharmacokinetic parameters determined were
      (all presented as medians and their 95% confidence interval): Area Under the
      Curve = 183.8 (135.2, 221.5) mg.h.L(-1); Distribution volume of the central
      compartment.[Body Weight (BW)](-1) = 46.0 (21.7, 70.3) mL.kg(-1); Distribution
      volume in steady state.BW(-1) = 56.8 (44.4, 68.5) mLkg(-1); Mean Residence Time =
      40.1 (33.6, 48.5) h; Total plasma clearance.BW(-1) = 1.44 (1.15, 1.66) mL.h(
      1).kg(-1). Anti IgY IgG titers determined by ELISA increased steadily after 72 h,
      and reached 2560 (1920, 5760) dilution(-1) at 264 h; anti-chicken IgG
      concentrations rose up to 3.19 (2.31, 6.17) MUg/mL in 264 h. Our results show
      that IgY PK lacks the fast initial decay observed in other PK studies using horse
      IgG, F(ab')2 or Fab, remains in the body 39.0 (28.7, 47.2) % much as IgG and is
      ~3 times more immunogenic that horse IgG in rabbits.

PMID- 25111202
TI  - Kinetics and mechanism of the racemization of aryl allenes catalyzed by cationic
      gold(I) phosphine complexes.
AB  - The kinetics of the racemization of aromatic 1,3-disubstituted allenes catalyzed
      by gold phosphine complexes has been investigated. The rate of gold-catalyzed
      allene racemization displayed first-order dependence on allene, and catalyst
      concentration and kinetic analysis of gold-catalyzed allene racemization as a
      function of allene and phosphine electron-donor ability established the
      accumulation of electron density on the phosphine atom and the depletion of
      electron density on the terminal allenyl carbon atoms in the rate-limiting
      transition state for racemization. These and other observations were in accord
      with a mechanism for allene racemization involving rapid and reversible inter-
      and intramolecular allene exchange followed by turnover-limiting, unimolecular
      conversion of a chiral gold eta(2)-allene complex to an achiral eta(1)-allylic
      cation intermediate through a bent and twisted eta(1)-allene transition state.
      With respect to proper ligand selection, these studies reveal that both electron
      poor phosphine ligands and polar solvents facilitate racemization.

PMID- 25111206
TI  - Alzheimer disease risk factors.

PMID- 25111207
TI  - Alzheimer disease risk factors--reply.

PMID- 25111208
TI  - GNAL mutations and dystonia.

PMID- 25111209
TI  - GNAL mutations and dystonia--reply.

PMID- 25111210
TI  - Blood test for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

PMID- 25111211
TI  - Blood test for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease--reply.

PMID- 25111212
TI  - Elevated serum DDE and risk for Alzheimer disease.

PMID- 25111213
TI  - Defining the new end point for multiple sclerosis treatment.

PMID- 25111214
TI  - Elevated serum DDE and risk for Alzheimer disease--reply.

PMID- 25111217
TI  - Pregnancy post-laparoscopic hysteropexy.

PMID- 25111218
TI  - Impact of the anesthetic conserving device on respiratory parameters and work of
      breathing in critically ill patients under light sedation with sevoflurane.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sevoflurane sedation in the intensive care unit is possible with a
      special heat and moisture exchanger called the Anesthetic Conserving Device (ACD)
      (AnaConDa; Sedana Medical AB, Uppsala, Sweden). The ACD, however, may corrupt
      ventilatory mechanics when used during the weaning process of intensive care unit
      patients. The authors compared the ventilatory effects of light-sedation with
      sevoflurane administered with the ACD and those of classic management, consisting
      of a heated humidifier and intravenous sedation, in intensive care unit patients
      receiving pressure-support ventilation. METHODS: Fifteen intensive care unit
      patients without chronic pulmonary disease were included. A target Richmond
      Agitation Sedation Scale level of -1/-2 was obtained with intravenous
      remifentanil (baseline 1-condition). Two successive interventions were tested:
      replacement of the heated humidifier by the ACD without sedation change (ACD
      condition) and sevoflurane with the ACD with an identical target level (ACD
      sevoflurane-condition). Patients finally returned to baseline (baseline 2
      condition). Work of breathing, ventilatory patterns, blood gases, and tolerance
      were recorded. A steady state of 30 min was achieved for each experimental
      condition. RESULTS: ACD alone worsened ventilatory parameters, with significant
      increases in work of breathing (from 1.7 +/- 1.1 to 2.3 +/- 1.2 J/l), minute
      ventilation, P0,1, intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (from 1.3 +/- 2.6
      to 4.7 +/- 4.2 cm H2O), inspiratory pressure swings, and decreased patient
      comfort. Sevoflurane normalized work of breathing (from 2.3 +/- 1.2 to 1.8 +/- 1
      J/l), intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (from 4.7 +/- 4.2 to 1.8 +/- 2
      cm H2O), inspiratory pressure swings, other ventilatory parameters, and patient
      tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: ACD increases work of breathing and worsens ventilatory
      parameters. Sevoflurane use via the ACD (for a light-sedation target) normalizes
      respiratory parameters. In this patient's population, light-sedation with
      sevoflurane and the ACD may be possible during the weaning process.

PMID- 25111219
TI  - Development and validation of instrumentation to assess perceptions of
      educational issues for students with cancer.

PMID- 25111220
TI  - Microvillous atrophy: atypical presentations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Microvillous inclusion disease (MVID) is a cause of intractable
      diarrhea in infancy. In its classic form, the disease is characterized by a
      severe persistent watery diarrhea starting within the first days of life.
      Parenteral nutrition and small bowel transplantation are the only known
      treatments for the affected children. Histologically, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)
      staining shows accumulation of periodic acid-Schiff-positive staining material
      along the apical pole of enterocytes, whereas transmission electron microscopy
      exhibits microvillus inclusion bodies within the cytoplasm of enterocytes with
      rarefied and shortened microvilli and secretory granules. The objective of this
      work was to explore clinical, morphological, and genetic findings in cases of
      MVID with unusual presentations. METHODS: Clinical, histological, and genetic
      findings are reported for 8 cases of MVID with atypical presentation. RESULTS:
      The diarrhea started after several months in 3 cases. It was usually less
      abundant and 3 patients were weaned off parenteral nutrition. None required
      intestinal transplantation. Three patients experienced malformations, dysmorphy,
      sensory disabilities, and severe mental retardation. One had a hydrocephaly.
      Three patients had a cholestasis with low gamma-glutamyl transferase levels.
      Light microscopy showed histological abnormalities consistent with MVID in all of
      the cases, but the lesions were sometimes focal or delayed. Transmission electron
      microscopy retrieved some criteria of MVID in 4 patients. Finally, 6 patients
      were homozygotes or compound heterozygotes for MYO5B mutations. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study extends the spectrum of MVID to less severe clinical presentations.

PMID- 25111221
TI  - Breast-feeding improves gut maturation compared with formula feeding in preterm
      babies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is higher in formula
      fed babies than in breast-fed babies, which may be caused by breast-feeding
      induced gut maturation. The effect of breast-feeding on gut maturation has been
      widely studied in animal models. This study aimed to assess the effects of breast
      feeding on intestinal maturation in prematurely born babies by evaluating
      postnatal changes in urinary intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP)
      levels, a specific enterocyte marker. METHODS: Gut maturation in 40 premature
      babies (<37 weeks of gestation) without gastrointestinal morbidity was studied,
      of whom 21 were exclusively breast-fed and 19 were formula-fed infants. Urinary I
      FABP levels as the measure of gut maturation were measured at 5, 12, 19, and 26
      days after birth. RESULTS: In breast-fed infants, there was a significant
      increase in median urinary I-FABP levels between 5 and 12 days after birth (104
      [78-340] pg/mL to 408 [173-1028] pg/mL, P = 0.002), whereas I-FABP concentration
      in formula-fed infants increased between 12 and 19 days after birth (105 [44-557]
      pg/mL, 723 [103-1670] pg/mL, P = 0.004). Breast-fed babies had significantly
      higher median urinary I-FABP levels at postnatal day 12 (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      The time course of the postnatal increase in urinary I-FABP levels reflecting gut
      maturation was significantly delayed in formula-fed babies, suggesting a delayed
      physiological response in formula-fed compared with breast-fed infants.

PMID- 25111222
TI  - Inflammatory bowel disease in children of Manitoba: 30 years' experience of a
      tertiary center.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and prevalence of
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children <17 years of age in 30 years from
      1978 to 2007. METHODS: From January 1, 1978, to December 31, 2007, the sex- and
      age-adjusted annual incidence and prevalence of pediatric IBD per 100,000
      population were calculated based on the pediatric IBD database of the only
      pediatric tertiary center in the province. The annual health statistics records
      for the Province of Manitoba were used to calculate population estimates for the
      participants. To ensure validity of data, the University of Manitoba IBD
      Epidemiology Database was analyzed for patients <17 years of age from 1989 to
      2000. RESULTS: The sex- and age-adjusted incidence of pediatric Crohn disease has
      increased from 1.2/100,000 in 1978 to 4.68/100,000 in 2007 (P < 0.001). For
      ulcerative colitis, the incidence has increased from 0.47/100,000 in 1978 to
      1.64/100,000 in 2007 (P < 0.001). During the same time period, the prevalence of
      Crohn disease has increased from 3.1 to 18.9/100,000 (P < 0.001) and from 0.7 to
      12.7/100,000 for ulcerative colitis (P < 0.001). During the last 5 years of the
      study the average annual incidence of IBD in urban patients was 8.69/100,000 as
      compared with 4.75/100,000 for rural patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The
      incidence and prevalence of pediatric IBD are increasing. The majority of
      patients were residents of urban Manitoba, confirming the important role of
      environmental factors in the etiopathogenesis of IBD.

PMID- 25111223
TI  - A 16-Year-Old Boy With Colonic Adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 25111224
TI  - Psychometric properties of PedsQL generic core scales for children with
      functional constipation in the Netherlands.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of
      the Dutch translation of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0
      Generic Core Scales (PedsQL) in children with functional constipation (FC).
      METHODS: The PedsQL was completed by children with FC ages 5 to 18 years and by
      the parents of children ages 2 to 18 years. To assess construct validity, all of
      the parents and children completed the PedsQL Gastrointestinal Symptoms Module
      (GI module) and children ages 8 to 18 years completed the defecation disorder
      list. Item response distributions, internal consistency reliability, patient
      parent agreement, and discriminating ability were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall,
      269 children were enrolled. The PedsQL showed minimal missing responses (self
      report: 5.3% with >50% missing, parent report: 2.6% with >50% missing) and
      achieved satisfactory internal consistency for the total (self-report: alpha =
      0.86, parent report: alpha = 0.88), physical health (self-report: alpha = 0.75,
      parent report alpha = 0.83), and psychosocial health (self-report: alpha = 0.80;
      parent report: alpha = 0.85) scores. Internal consistency was less convincing for
      those ages 5 to 7 years (alpha = 0.53-0.77) than for older individuals. Self
      reported health-related quality of life was lower than parent reported, with the
      exception of children ages 5 to 7 years. Interrater reliability intraclass
      correlations were 0.52 to 0.61 for the overall population. Correlations among the
      PedsQL, GI module, and defecation disorder list were consistent with a priori
      hypotheses and generally supported construct validity. The PedsQL distinguished
      between a previously published healthy reference sample and children with FC, and
      between those with mild and severe symptoms (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The self
      reported and proxy reported PedsQL demonstrated satisfactory measurement
      properties in Dutch children with FC ages 8 to 18 years. Further research is
      needed to establish internal consistency and validity in those ages 5 to 7 years.

PMID- 25111225
TI  - Scanning the scars: the utility of transient elastography in young children.

PMID- 25111226
TI  - Thrombospondin-1 deficiency causes a shift from fibroproliferative to
      inflammatory kidney disease and delays onset of renal failure.
AB  - Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) is a multifunctional matricellular protein known to
      promote progression of chronic kidney disease. To gain insight into the
      underlying mechanisms through which TSP1 accelerates chronic kidney disease, we
      compared disease progression in Col4a3 knockout (KO) mice, which develop
      spontaneous kidney failure, with that of Col4a3;Tsp1 double-knockout (DKO) mice.
      Decline of excretory renal function was significantly delayed in the absence of
      TSP1. Although Col4a3;Tsp1 DKO mice did progress toward end-stage renal failure,
      their kidneys exhibited distinct histopathological lesions, compared with
      creatinine level-matched Col4a3 KO mice. Although kidneys of both Col4a3 KO and
      Col4a3;Tsp1 DKO mice exhibited a widened tubulointerstitium, predominant lesions
      in Col4a3 KO kidneys were collagen deposition and fibroblast accumulation,
      whereas in Col4a3;Tsp1 DKO kidney inflammation was predominant, with less
      collagen deposition. Altered disease progression correlated with impaired
      activation of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in vivo and in vitro
      in the absence of TSP1. In summary, our findings suggest that TSP1 contributes to
      progression of chronic kidney disease by catalyzing activation of latent TGF
      beta1, resulting in promotion of a fibroproliferative response over an
      inflammatory response. Furthermore, the findings suggest that fibroproliferative
      and inflammatory lesions are independent entities, both of which contribute to
      decline of renal function. 

PMID- 25111227
TI  - Mutations in pre-mRNA processing factors 3, 8, and 31 cause dysfunction of the
      retinal pigment epithelium.
AB  - Mutations in the ubiquitously expressed pre-mRNA processing factors 3, 8, and 31
      (PRPF3, PRPF8, and PRPF31) cause nonsyndromic dominant retinitis pigmentosa in
      humans, an inherited retinal degeneration. It is unclear what mechanisms, or
      which cell types of the retina, are affected. Transgenic mice with the human
      mutations in these genes display late-onset morphological changes in the retinal
      pigment epithelium (RPE). To determine whether the observed morphological changes
      are preceded by abnormal RPE function, we investigated its phagocytic function in
      Prpf3(T494M/T494M), Prpf8(H2309P/H2309P), and Prpf31(+/-) mice. We observe
      decreased phagocytosis in primary RPE cultures from mutant mice, and this is
      replicated by shRNA-mediated knockdown of PRPF31 in human ARPE-19 cells. The
      diurnal rhythmicity of phagocytosis is almost lost, indicated by the marked
      attenuation of the phagocytic burst 2 hours after light onset. The strength of
      adhesion between RPE apical microvilli and photoreceptor outer segments also
      declined during peak adhesion in all mutants. In all models, at least one of the
      receptors involved in binding and internalization of shed photoreceptor outer
      segments was subjected to changes in localization. Although the mechanism
      underlying these changes in RPE function is yet to be elucidated, these data are
      consistent with the mouse RPE being the primary cell affected by mutations in the
      RNA splicing factors, and these changes occur at an early age. 

PMID- 25111228
TI  - Silencing of drpr leads to muscle and brain degeneration in adult Drosophila.
AB  - Mutations in the gene encoding the single transmembrane receptor multiple
      epidermal growth factor-like domain 10 (MEGF10) cause an autosomal recessive
      congenital muscle disease in humans. Although mammalian MEGF10 is expressed in
      the central nervous system as well as in skeletal muscle, patients carrying
      mutations in MEGF10 do not show symptoms of central nervous system dysfunction.
      drpr is the sole Drosophila homolog of the human genes MEGF10, MEGF11, and MEGF12
      (JEDI, PEAR). The functional domains of MEGF10 and drpr bear striking
      similarities, and residues affected by MEGF10 mutations in humans are conserved
      in drpr. Our analysis of drpr mutant flies revealed muscle degeneration with
      fiber size variability and vacuolization, as well as reduced motor performance,
      features that have been observed in human MEGF10 myopathy. Vacuolization was also
      seen in the brain. Tissue-specific RNAi experiments demonstrated that drpr
      deficiency in muscle, but not in the brain, leads to locomotor defects. The
      histological and behavioral abnormalities seen in the affected flies set the
      stage for further studies examining the signaling pathway modulated by
      MEGF10/Drpr in muscle, as well as assessing the effects of genetic and/or
      pharmacological manipulations on the observed muscle defects. In addition, the
      absence of functional redundancy for Drpr in Drosophila may help elucidate
      whether paralogs of MEGF10 in humans (eg, MEGF11) contribute to maintaining wild
      type function in the human brain. 

PMID- 25111229
TI  - CREB-induced inflammation is important for malignant mesothelioma growth.
AB  - Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive tumor with no treatment regimen.
      Previously we have demonstrated that cyclic AMP response element binding protein
      (CREB) is constitutively activated in MM tumor cells and tissues and plays an
      important role in MM pathogenesis. To understand the role of CREB in MM tumor
      growth, we generated CREB-inhibited MM cell lines and performed in vitro and in
      vivo experiments. In vitro experiments demonstrated that CREB inhibition results
      in significant attenuation of proliferation and drug resistance of MM cells. CREB
      silenced MM cells were then injected into severe combined immunodeficiency mice,
      and tumor growth in s.c. and i.p. models of MM was followed. We observed
      significant inhibition in MM tumor growth in both s.c. and i.p. models and the
      presence of a chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin, further inhibited MM tumor
      growth in the i.p. model. Peritoneal lavage fluids from CREB-inhibited tumor
      bearing mice showed a significantly reduced total cell number, differential cell
      counts, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IL-6, IL-8, regulated on
      activation normal T cell expressed and secreted, monocyte chemotactic protein-1,
      and vascular endothelial growth factor). In vitro studies showed that asbestos
      induced inflammasome/inflammation activation in mesothelial cells was CREB
      dependent, further supporting the role of CREB in inflammation-induced MM
      pathogenesis. In conclusion, our data demonstrate the involvement of CREB in the
      regulation of MM pathogenesis by regulation of inflammation. 

PMID- 25111230
TI  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate mediates a reciprocal signaling pathway between stellate
      cells and cancer cells that promotes pancreatic cancer growth.
AB  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is produced by sphingosine kinase 1 and is
      implicated in tumor growth, although the mechanisms remain incompletely
      understood. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) reside within the tumor
      microenvironment and may regulate tumor progression. We hypothesized that S1P
      activates PSCs to release paracrine factors, which, in turn, increase cancer cell
      invasion and growth. We used a combination of human tissue, in vitro, and in vivo
      studies to mechanistically evaluate this concept. Sphingosine kinase 1 was
      overexpressed in human pancreatic tissue, especially within tumor cells. S1P
      activated PSCs in vitro and conditioned medium from S1P-stimulated PSCs,
      increased pancreatic cancer cell migration, and invasion, which was dependent on
      S1P2, ABL1 (alias c-Abl) kinase, and matrix metalloproteinase-9. In vivo studies
      showed that pancreatic cancer cells co-implanted with S1P2 receptor knockdown
      PSCs led to less cancer growth and metastasis in s.c. and orthotopic pancreatic
      cancer models compared with control PSCs. Pancreatic cancer cell-derived S1P
      activates PSCs to release paracrine factors, including matrix metalloproteinase
      9, which reciprocally promotes tumor cell migration and invasion in vitro and
      cancer growth in vivo. 

PMID- 25111231
TI  - Comparative urease enzyme inhibition profile of leaves and stems of Rumex
      nervosus vahl.
AB  - Ureases inhibitory agents are becoming important because of their application in
      treating many aliments. This work describes the urease inhibitory potential of
      the crude extracts of leaves and stems of Rumex nervosus, which includes crude
      extracts as well as various sub-fractions, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate
      and methanol. The crude extracts of stems and leaves exhibited promising ureases
      inhibition (IC50 values of 17.5 +/- 0.84 and 29.6 +/- 0.96 MUg/mL, respectively).
      Among the sub-fractions, methanol-soluble fractions of leaves and stems showed
      significant inhibition having IC50 values of 21.9 +/- 0.67 and 21.5 +/- 0.69
      MUg/mL, respectively, followed by ethyl acetate fractions of stems and leaves. 

PMID- 25111233
TI  - Psychological stress increases risk for peptic ulcer, regardless of Helicobacter
      pylori infection or use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is controversy over whether psychological stress
      contributes to development of peptic ulcers. We collected data on features of
      life stress and ulcer risk factors from a defined population in Denmark and
      compared these with findings of confirmed ulcers during the next 11-12 years.
      METHODS: We collected blood samples and psychological, social, behavioral, and
      medical data in 1982-1983 from a population-based sample of 3379 Danish adults
      without a history of ulcer participating in the World Health Organization's
      MONICA study. A 0- to 10-point stress index scale was used to measure stress on
      the basis of concrete life stressors and perceived distress. Surviving eligible
      participants were reinterviewed in 1987-1988 (n = 2809) and 1993-1994 (n = 2410).
      Ulcer was diagnosed only for patients with a distinct breach in the mucosa. All
      diagnoses were confirmed by review of radiologic and endoscopic reports.
      Additional cases of ulcer were detected in a search of all 3379 subjects in the
      Danish National Patient Register. RESULTS: Seventy-six subjects were diagnosed
      with ulcer. On the basis of the stress index scale, ulcer incidence was
      significantly higher among subjects in the highest tertile of stress scores
      (3.5%) than the lowest tertile (1.6%) (adjusted odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.2-3.9; P < .01). The per-point odds ratio for the stress index
      (1.19; 95% CI, 1.09-1.31; P < .001) was unaffected after adjusting for the
      presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against Helicobacter pylori in stored
      sera, alcohol consumption, or sleep duration but lower after adjusting for
      socioeconomic status (1.17; 95% CI, 1.07-1.29; P < .001) and still lower after
      further adjustments for smoking, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and
      lack of exercise (1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.23; P = .04). The risk for ulcer related
      to stress was similar among subjects who were H pylori seropositive, those who
      were H pylori seronegative, and those exposed to neither H pylori nor
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. On multivariable analysis, stress,
      socioeconomic status, smoking, H pylori infection, and use of nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs were independent predictors of ulcer. CONCLUSIONS: In a
      prospective study of a population-based Danish cohort, psychological stress
      increased the incidence of peptic ulcer, in part by influencing health risk
      behaviors. Stress had similar effects on ulcers associated with H pylori
      infection and those unrelated to either H pylori or use of nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs.

PMID- 25111232
TI  - Comparative molecular dynamics simulation of Hepatitis C Virus NS3/4A protease
      (Genotypes 1b, 3a and 4b) predicts conformational instability of the catalytic
      triad in drug resistant strains.
AB  - The protease domain of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 3 (NS3)
      has been targeted for inhibition by several direct-acting antiviral drugs. This
      approach has had marked success to treat infections caused by HCV genotype 1
      predominant in the USA, Europe, and Japan. However, genotypes 3 and 4, dominant
      in developing countries, are resistant to a number of these drugs and little
      progress has been made towards understanding the structural basis of their drug
      resistivity. We have previously developed a 4D computational methodology, based
      on 3D structure modeling and molecular dynamics simulation, to analyze the active
      sites of the NS3 proteases of HCV-1b and 4a in relation to their catalytic
      activity and drug susceptibility. Here, we improved the methodology, extended the
      analysis to include genotype 3a (predominant in South Asia including Pakistan),
      and compared the results of the three genotypes (1b, 3a and 4a). The 4D analyses
      of the interactions between the catalytic triad residues (His57, Asp81, and
      Ser139) indicate conformational instability of the catalytic site in HCV-3a and
      4a compared to that of HCV-1b NS3 protease. The divergence is gradual and
      genotype-dependent, with HCV-1b being the most stable, HCV-4a being the most
      unstable and HCV-3a representing an intermediate state. These results suggest
      that the structural dynamics behavior, more than the rigid structure, could be
      related to the altered catalytic activity and drug susceptibility seen in NS3
      proteases of HCV-3a and 4a. 

PMID- 25111235
TI  - Training directors have positive perceptions of a competency-based
      gastroenterology and transplant hepatology fellowship program.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: In 2012, the American Board of Internal Medicine approved a
      pilot competency-based transplant hepatology (TH) training program. This program
      allows gastroenterology (GI) and TH fellowships to be completed in 3 years. We
      investigated the perceptions and beliefs of GI and TH division and fellowship
      program directors on the competency-based TH training program. METHODS: All
      current GI and TH division and fellowship program directors from the 162
      fellowship programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical
      Education were invited via e-mail to anonymously complete the online survey. The
      survey questioned their perceptions of the 3-year combined GI and TH training
      program. RESULTS: A total of 116 participants completed the survey (~38% response
      rate). Most respondents were GI fellowship directors (61%); 15% were GI and
      hepatology division directors, 19% were TH fellowship directors, 14% were TH
      division directors, and 5% were GI division directors. Most of the respondents
      were in favor of the pilot program (85%). Only 63% of all respondents believed
      that graduates of the pilot program would achieve the same level of competency in
      GI as those who completed the traditional program. Overall, 71% believed
      incorporation of the 3-year training model would increase interest and
      participation in TH fellowships. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the academic GI and TH
      division and fellowship program directors embrace competency-based fellowship
      education and TH subspecialty training during the designated 3-year GI
      fellowship. Future studies will be needed to reevaluate these beliefs after
      several years.

PMID- 25111234
TI  - Clinical and histologic features of azithromycin-induced liver injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Rare cases of azithromycin-induced hepatotoxicity have been
      reported, with variable clinical and histologic features. We characterized
      clinical features and outcomes of azithromycin-induced liver injury. METHODS: We
      identified patients with azithromycin-induced liver injury from the Drug-Induced
      Liver Injury Network Prospective Study who had causality scores of definite,
      highly likely, or probable. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data and 6
      month outcomes were examined. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (72% female; mean age,
      37 y) had causality scores of definite (n = 1), highly likely (n = 9), or
      probable (n = 8). Common presenting symptoms were jaundice, abdominal pain,
      nausea, and/or pruritus. For 16 patients, abnormal results from liver tests were
      first detected 14 days after azithromycin cessation (range, 9-20 d). The median
      duration of azithromycin treatment was 4 days (range, 2-7 d). The pattern of
      injury was hepatocellular in 10 patients, cholestatic in 6 patients, and mixed in
      2 patients. The mean peak level of alanine aminotransferase was 2127 IU/L, of
      alkaline phosphatase was 481 IU/L, and of total bilirubin was 9.2 mg/dL. Liver
      histology showed ductopenia and veno-occlusive changes in a few patients. Two
      individuals had severe hypersensitivity cutaneous reactions. After 6 months, 8
      patients had recovered, 4 patients had chronic injury, 1 patient died, and 1
      patient underwent liver transplantation (outcomes were unavailable for 4
      patients). Two of the patients who died or underwent liver transplantation had
      underlying chronic liver disease. CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin-induced liver injury
      occurs within 1 to 3 weeks after azithromycin initiation and predominantly is
      hepatocellular in nature. Although most patients recover fully, severe cutaneous
      reactions, chronic injury, and serious complications leading to death or liver
      transplantation can occur (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT00345930).

PMID- 25111237
TI  - Electrochemical quantification of the antioxidant capacity of medicinal plants
      using biosensors.
AB  - The working area of a screen-printed electrode, SPE, was modified with the enzyme
      tyrosinase (Tyr) using different immobilization methods, namely entrapment with
      water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cross-linking using glutaraldehyde (GA),
      and cross-linking using GA and human serum albumin (HSA); the resulting
      electrodes were termed SPE/Tyr/PVA, SPE/Tyr/GA and SPE/Tyr/HSA/GA, respectively.
      These biosensors were characterized by means of amperometry and EIS techniques.
      From amperometric evaluations, the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant, Km', of
      each biosensor was evaluated while the respective charge transfer resistance,
      Rct, was assessed from impedance measurements. It was found that the SPE/Tyr/GA
      had the smallest Km' (57 +/- 7) uM and Rct values. This electrode also displayed
      both the lowest detection and quantification limits for catechol quantification.
      Using the SPE/Tyr/GA, the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) was
      determined from infusions prepared with "mirto" (Salvia microphylla), "hHierba
      dulce" (Lippia dulcis) and "salve real" (Lippia alba), medicinal plants commonly
      used in Mexico. 

PMID- 25111238
TI  - An adaptive jitter mechanism for reactive route discovery in sensor networks.
AB  - This paper analyses the impact of jitter when applied to route discovery in
      reactive (on-demand) routing protocols. In multi-hop non-synchronized wireless
      networks, jitter--a small, random variation in the timing of message emission--is
      commonly employed, as a means to avoid collisions of simultaneous transmissions
      by adjacent routers over the same channel. In a reactive routing protocol for
      sensor and ad hoc networks, jitter is recommended during the route discovery
      process, specifically, during the network-wide flooding of route request
      messages, in order to avoid collisions. Commonly, a simple uniform jitter is
      recommended. Alas, this is not without drawbacks: when applying uniform jitter to
      the route discovery process, an effect called delay inversion is observed. This
      paper, first, studies and quantifies this delay inversion effect. Second, this
      paper proposes an adaptive jitter mechanism, designed to alleviate the delay
      inversion effect and thereby to reduce the route discovery overhead and
      (ultimately) allow the routing protocol to find more optimal paths, as compared
      to uniform jitter. This paper presents both analytical and simulation studies,
      showing that the proposed adaptive jitter can effectively decrease the cost of
      route discovery and increase the path quality.

PMID- 25111236
TI  - Liver involvement in early autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Polycystic liver disease (PLD), the most common extrarenal
      manifestation of autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), has become
      more prevalent as a result of increased life expectancy, improved renal survival,
      reduced cardiovascular mortality, and renal replacement therapy. No studies have
      fully characterized PLD in large cohorts. We investigated whether liver and cyst
      volumes are associated with volume of the hepatic parenchyma, results from liver
      laboratory tests, and patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: We performed a cross
      sectional analysis of baseline liver volumes, measured by magnetic resonance
      imaging, and their association with demographics, results from liver laboratory
      and other tests, and quality of life. The data were collected from a randomized,
      placebo-controlled trial underway at 7 tertiary-care medical centers to determine
      whether the combination of an angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor and
      angiotensin II-receptor blocker was superior to the inhibitor alone, and whether
      low blood pressure (<110/75 mm Hg) was superior to standard blood pressure (120
      130/70-80 mm Hg), in delaying renal cystic progression in 558 patients with
      ADPKD, stages 1 and 2 chronic kidney disease, and hypertension (age, 15-49 y).
      RESULTS: We found hepatomegaly to be common among patients with ADPKD. Cysts and
      parenchyma contributed to hepatomegaly. Cysts were more common and liver and cyst
      volumes were greater in women, increasing with age. Patients with advanced
      disease had a relative loss of liver parenchyma. We observed small abnormalities
      in results from liver laboratory tests, and that splenomegaly and hypersplenism
      were associated with PLD severity. Higher liver volumes were associated with a
      lower quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatomegaly is common even in early stage
      ADPKD and is not accounted for by cysts alone. Parenchymal volumes were larger,
      compared with liver volumes of patients without ADPKD or with those predicted by
      standardized equations, even among patients without cysts. The severity of PLD
      was associated with altered biochemical and hematologic features, as well as
      quality of life. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00283686.

PMID- 25111239
TI  - Colorimetric detection of Ehrlichia canis via nucleic acid hybridization in gold
      nano-colloids.
AB  - Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a major thick-bone disease of dog caused
      by Ehrlichia canis. Detection of this causal agent outside the laboratory using
      conventional methods is not effective enough. Thus an assay for E. canis
      detection based on the p30 outer membrane protein gene was developed. It was
      based on the p30 gene amplification using loop-mediated isothermal DNA
      amplification (LAMP). The primer set specific to six areas within the target gene
      were designed and tested for their sensitivity and specificity. Detection of DNA
      signals was based on modulation of gold nanoparticles' surface properties and
      performing DNA/DNA hybridization using an oligonucleotide probe. Presence of
      target DNA affected the gold colloid nanoparticles in terms of particle
      aggregation with a plasmonic color change of the gold colloids from ruby red to
      purple, visible by the naked eye. All the assay steps were completed within 90
      min including DNA extraction without relying on standard laboratory facilities.
      This method was very specific to target bacteria. Its sensitivity with probe
      hybridization was sufficient to detect 50 copies of target DNA. This method
      should provide an alternative choice for point of care control and management of
      the disease. 

PMID- 25111240
TI  - Genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms using different molecular beacon
      multiplexed within a suspended core optical fiber.
AB  - We report a novel approach to genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      using molecular beacons in conjunction with a suspended core optical fiber (SCF).
      Target DNA sequences corresponding to the wild- or mutant-type have been
      accurately recognized by immobilizing two different molecular beacons on the core
      of a SCF. The two molecular beacons differ by one base in the loop-probe and
      utilize different fluorescent indicators. Single-color fluorescence enhancement
      was obtained when the immobilized SCFs were filled with a solution containing
      either wild-type or mutant-type sequence (homozygous sample), while filling the
      immobilized SCF with solution containing both wild- and mutant-type sequences
      resulted in dual-color fluorescence enhancement, indicating a heterozygous
      sample. The genotyping was realized amplification-free and with ultra low-volume
      for the required DNA solution (nano-liter). This is, to our knowledge, the first
      genotyping device based on the combination of optical fiber and molecular
      beacons. 

PMID- 25111241
TI  - Resource optimization scheme for multimedia-enabled wireless mesh networks.
AB  - Wireless mesh networking is a promising technology that can support numerous
      multimedia applications. Multimedia applications have stringent quality of
      service (QoS) requirements, i.e., bandwidth, delay, jitter, and packet loss
      ratio. Enabling such QoS-demanding applications over wireless mesh networks
      (WMNs) require QoS provisioning routing protocols that lead to the network
      resource underutilization problem. Moreover, random topology deployment leads to
      have some unused network resources. Therefore, resource optimization is one of
      the most critical design issues in multi-hop, multi-radio WMNs enabled with
      multimedia applications. Resource optimization has been studied extensively in
      the literature for wireless Ad Hoc and sensor networks, but existing studies have
      not considered resource underutilization issues caused by QoS provisioning
      routing and random topology deployment. Finding a QoS-provisioned path in
      wireless mesh networks is an NP complete problem. In this paper, we propose a
      novel Integer Linear Programming (ILP) optimization model to reconstruct the
      optimal connected mesh backbone topology with a minimum number of links and relay
      nodes which satisfies the given end-to-end QoS demands for multimedia traffic and
      identification of extra resources, while maintaining redundancy. We further
      propose a polynomial time heuristic algorithm called Link and Node Removal
      Considering Residual Capacity and Traffic Demands (LNR-RCTD). Simulation studies
      prove that our heuristic algorithm provides near-optimal results and saves about
      20% of resources from being wasted by QoS provisioning routing and random
      topology deployment. 

PMID- 25111242
TI  - High temperature, high power piezoelectric composite transducers.
AB  - Piezoelectric composites are a class of functional materials consisting of
      piezoelectric active materials and non-piezoelectric passive polymers,
      mechanically attached together to form different connectivities. These composites
      have several advantages compared to conventional piezoelectric ceramics and
      polymers, including improved electromechanical properties, mechanical flexibility
      and the ability to tailor properties by using several different connectivity
      patterns. These advantages have led to the improvement of overall transducer
      performance, such as transducer sensitivity and bandwidth, resulting in rapid
      implementation of piezoelectric composites in medical imaging ultrasounds and
      other acoustic transducers. Recently, new piezoelectric composite transducers
      have been developed with optimized composite components that have improved
      thermal stability and mechanical quality factors, making them promising
      candidates for high temperature, high power transducer applications, such as
      therapeutic ultrasound, high power ultrasonic wirebonding, high temperature non
      destructive testing, and downhole energy harvesting. This paper will present
      recent developments of piezoelectric composite technology for high temperature
      and high power applications. The concerns and limitations of using piezoelectric
      composites will also be discussed, and the expected future research directions
      will be outlined. 

PMID- 25111244
TI  - Improved ionization energies for the two isomers of phenylpropargyl radical.
AB  - The ionization of two resonantly stabilized radicals, namely 1-phenylpropargyl
      (1PPR) and 3-phenylpropargyl (3PPR) are reinvestigated applying vacuum
      ultraviolet synchrotron radiation and threshold photoelectron spectroscopy.
      Ionization energies of 7.24+/-0.02 and 7.25+/-0.01 eV are obtained for 1 and 3PPR
      respectively, which compare well with ab initio calculations. The quality of the
      spectra are significantly improved mostly due to the application of a new high
      photon-flux grating available at the VUV-beamline of Swiss Light Source. Resolved
      vibrational features are assigned according to a Franck-Condon approach. 

PMID- 25111243
TI  - 3beta-Acetyl tormentic acid reverts MRP1/ABCC1 mediated cancer resistance through
      modulation of intracellular levels of GSH and inhibition of GST activity.
AB  - ABC transporter overexpression is an important mechanism of multidrug resistance
      (MDR) and one of the main obstacles to successful cancer treatment. As these
      proteins actively remove chemotherapeutics from the tumor cells, the
      pharmacological inhibition of their activity is a possible strategy to revert
      drug resistance. Moreover, the ability of MDR inhibitors to sensitize resistant
      cells to conventional drugs is important for their clinical use. Evidence has
      shown that the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) is a negative
      prognostic marker in patients with lung, gastric, or breast cancers or
      neuroblastoma. Previous data have shown that 3beta-acetyl tormentic acid (3ATA)
      inhibits the transport activity of the protein MRP1/ABCC1. In this study, we
      evaluated the ability of 3ATA to sensitize an MDR cell line (GLC4/ADR), which
      overexpresses MRP1, and investigated the anti-MRP1 mechanisms activated by 3ATA.
      The results showed that 3ATA is able to reverse the resistance of the MDR cell
      line to doxorubicin and vincristine, two drugs that are commonly used in cancer
      chemotherapy. Regarding the sensitizing mechanism induced by 3ATA, this work
      shows that the triterpene does not modulate the expression of MRP1/ABCC1 but is
      able to reduce total intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels and decrease the
      activity of glutathione-s-transferase (GST), the enzyme responsible for the
      glutathione conjugation of xenobiotics. Together, these results show that 3ATA
      sensitizes the MDR cell line overexpressing MRP1/ABCC1 to antineoplastic drugs
      and that this effect is mediated by the modulation of intracellular levels of GSH
      and GST activity. 

PMID- 25111245
TI  - A barium based coordination polymer for the activity assay of deoxyribonuclease
      I.
AB  - A new coordination polymer which shows an unusual 2D inorganic connectivity was
      constructed. This compound exhibits distinct fluorescence quenching ability to
      the dye-labeled single-stranded DNA probes with different lengths, based on which
      an analytical method was developed for the activity assay of deoxyribonuclease I.

PMID- 25111246
TI  - Highly-efficient synthesis of covalent porphyrinic cages via DABCO-templated
      imine condensation reactions.
AB  - We report a new approach to construct covalent porphyrinic cages with different
      spacer lengths, in which the cage compounds have been conveniently synthesized in
      quantitative yields, via DABCO-templated imine condensation reactions. 

PMID- 25111247
TI  - The effect of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiopulmonary resuscitation on ICAM
      1 and NSE levels in sudden cardiac arrest rabbits.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the effects of hypothermia and normothermia treatments for
      sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) on brain injury recovery in rabbit models. METHODS:
      Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was implemented on apnea-induced SCA rabbit
      models. Fifty survived rabbits were then randomly received hypothermia (n = 25,
      32-34 degrees C) or normothermia treatment (n = 25, 39-39.5 degrees C) for 12
      hours. The expected body temperatures were achieved within the first two hours,
      maintained for ten hours and then rewarmed. The physiological parameters,
      neurologic function, and the levels of adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and neuron
      specific enolase (NSE) were monitored. RESULTS: Hypothermia-treated rabbits had
      lower heart rate when achieving hypothermia (p < 0.0001) and higher SjvO2 after
      hypothermia maintenance (p = 0.038). The hypothermia group achieved better brain
      recovery performance according to the neurological deficit grading scale. ICAM-1
      and NSE levels in both serum and CSF of the hypothermia group were lower than the
      normothemia group (all p < 0.0001) during hypothermia maintenance. CONCLUSION:
      Hypothermia treatment after CPR provides better outcome than normothermia
      treatment in SCA rabbits. Hypothermia can reduce the ICAM-1 and NSE levels in
      both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This study supports the clinical
      implementation of hypothermia treatment for SCA and reveals that ICAM-1 and NSE
      are involved in the recovery of brain function after resuscitation.

PMID- 25111248
TI  - How "situational" is judgment in situational judgment tests?
AB  - Whereas situational judgment tests (SJTs) have traditionally been conceptualized
      as low-fidelity simulations with an emphasis on contextualized situation
      descriptions and context-dependent knowledge, a recent perspective views SJTs as
      measures of more general domain (context-independent) knowledge. In the current
      research, we contrasted these 2 perspectives in 3 studies by removing the
      situation descriptions (i.e., item stems) from SJTs. Across studies, the
      traditional contextualized SJT perspective was not supported for between 43% and
      71% of the items because it did not make a significant difference whether the
      situation description was included or not for these items. These results were
      replicated across construct domains, samples, and response instructions. However,
      there was initial evidence that judgment in SJTs was more situational when (a)
      items measured job knowledge and skills and (b) response options denoted context
      specific rules of action. Verbal protocol analyses confirmed that high scorers on
      SJTs without situation descriptions relied upon general rules about the
      effectiveness of the responses. Implications for SJT theory, research, and design
      are discussed.

PMID- 25111249
TI  - Modeling time-lagged reciprocal psychological empowerment-performance
      relationships.
AB  - Employee psychological empowerment is widely accepted as a means for
      organizations to compete in increasingly dynamic environments. Previous empirical
      research and meta-analyses have demonstrated that employee psychological
      empowerment is positively related to several attitudinal and behavioral outcomes
      including job performance. While this research positions psychological
      empowerment as an antecedent influencing such outcomes, a close examination of
      the literature reveals that this relationship is primarily based on cross
      sectional research. Notably, evidence supporting the presumed benefits of
      empowerment has failed to account for potential reciprocal relationships and
      endogeneity effects. Accordingly, using a multiwave, time-lagged design, we model
      reciprocal relationships between psychological empowerment and job performance
      using a sample of 441 nurses from 5 hospitals. Incorporating temporal effects in
      a staggered research design and using structural equation modeling techniques,
      our findings provide support for the conventional positive correlation between
      empowerment and subsequent performance. Moreover, accounting for the temporal
      stability of variables over time, we found support for empowerment levels as
      positive influences on subsequent changes in performance. Finally, we also found
      support for the reciprocal relationship, as performance levels were shown to
      relate positively to changes in empowerment over time. Theoretical and practical
      implications of the reciprocal psychological empowerment-performance
      relationships are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights
      reserved). 

PMID- 25111250
TI  - The contextualized self: how team-member exchange leads to coworker
      identification and helping OCB.
AB  - This article develops the argument that team-member exchange (TMX) relationships
      operate at both between- and within-group levels of analysis to influence an
      employee's sense of identification with coworkers in the group and their helping
      organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) directed at coworkers. Specifically, we
      propose that relatively higher quality TMX relationships of an employee as
      compared with other members of the group influence an employee's sense of
      positive uniqueness, whereas higher average level of TMX quality in the group
      creates a greater sense of belonging. Multilevel modeling analysis of field data
      from 236 bank managers and their subordinates supports the hypotheses and
      demonstrates 3 key findings. First, team members identify more with their
      coworkers when they have high relative TMX quality compared with other group
      members and are also embedded in groups with higher average TMX. Second,
      identification with coworkers is positively related to helping OCB directed
      toward team members. Finally, identification with coworkers mediates the
      interactive effect of relative TMX quality and group average TMX quality on
      helping. When TMX group relations allow individuals to feel a valued part of the
      group, but still unique, they engage in higher levels of helping. Overall
      moderated mediation analysis demonstrates that the mediated relationship linking
      relative TMX quality with helping OCB via identification with coworkers is
      stronger when group average TMX is high, but not present when group average TMX
      is low. We discuss theoretical and practical implications and recommend future
      research on multilevel conceptualizations of TMX.

PMID- 25111251
TI  - Beyond the individual victim: multilevel consequences of abusive supervision in
      teams.
AB  - We conceptualize a multilevel framework that examines the manifestation of
      abusive supervision in team settings and its implications for the team and
      individual members. Drawing on Hackman's (1992) typology of ambient and
      discretionary team stimuli, our model features team-level abusive supervision
      (the average level of abuse reported by team members) and individual-level
      abusive supervision as simultaneous and interacting forces. We further draw on
      team-relevant theories of social influence to delineate two proximal outcomes of
      abuse-members' organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) at the individual level and
      relationship conflict at the team level-that channel the independent and
      interactive effects of individual- and team-level abuse onto team members' voice,
      team-role performance, and turnover intentions. Results from a field study and a
      scenario study provided support for these multilevel pathways. We conclude that
      abusive supervision in team settings holds toxic consequences for the team and
      individual, and offer practical implications as well as suggestions for future
      research on abusive supervision as a multilevel phenomenon. (PsycINFO Database
      Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). 

PMID- 25111252
TI  - "Well, I'm tired of tryin'!" Organizational citizenship behavior and citizenship
      fatigue.
AB  - This study seeks to identify workplace conditions that influence the degree to
      which employees feel worn out, tired, or on edge attributed to engaging in
      organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and also how this phenomenon, which we
      refer to as citizenship fatigue, is associated with future occurrences of OCB.
      Using data collected from 273 employees and their peers at multiple points in
      time, we found that the relationship between OCB and citizenship fatigue depends
      on levels of perceived organizational support, quality of team-member exchange
      relationships, and pressure to engage in OCB. Specifically, the relationship
      between OCB and citizenship fatigue is significantly stronger and positive when
      perceived organizational support is low, and it is significantly stronger and
      negative when the quality of team-member exchange is high and pressure to engage
      in OCB is low. Our results also indicate that citizenship fatigue is negatively
      related to subsequent acts of OCB. Finally, supplemental analyses reveal that the
      relationship between OCB and citizenship fatigue may vary as a function of the
      specific facet of OCB. We conclude with a discussion of the key theoretical and
      practical implications of our findings.

PMID- 25111253
TI  - Electronic control of ligand-binding preference of a myoglobin mutant.
AB  - The L29F mutant of sperm whale myoglobin (Mb), where the leucine 29 residue was
      replaced by phenylalanine (Phe), was shown to exhibit remarkably high affinity to
      oxygen (O2), possibly due to stabilization of the heme Fe atom-bound O2 in the
      mutant protein through a proposed unique electrostatic interaction with the
      introduced Phe29, in addition to well-known hydrogen bonding with His64 [Carver,
      T. E.; Brantley, R. E.; Singleton, E. W.; Arduini, R. M.; Quillin, M. L.;
      Phillips, G. N., Jr.; Olson, J. S. J. Biol. Chem., 1992, 267, 14443-14450]. We
      analyzed the O2 and carbon monoxide (CO) binding properties of the L29F mutant
      protein reconstituted with chemically modified heme cofactors possessing a heme
      Fe atom with various electron densities, to determine the effect of a change in
      the electron density of the heme Fe atom (rho(Fe)) on the O2 versus CO
      discrimination. The study demonstrated that the preferential binding of O2 over
      CO by the protein was achieved through increasing rho(Fe), and the ordinary
      ligand-binding preference, that is, the preferential binding of CO over O2, by
      the protein was achieved through decreasing rho(Fe). Thus, the O2 and CO binding
      preferences of the L29F mutant protein could be controlled through electronic
      modulation of intrinsic heme Fe reactivity through a change in rho(Fe). The
      present study highlighted the significance of the tuning of the intrinsic heme Fe
      reactivity through the heme electronic structure in functional regulation of Mb.

PMID- 25111254
TI  - Solvent-assisted lipid bilayer formation on silicon dioxide and gold.
AB  - Planar lipid bilayers on solid supports mimic the fundamental structure of
      biological membranes and can be investigated using a wide range of surface
      sensitive techniques. Despite these advantages, planar bilayer fabrication is
      challenging, and there are no simple universal methods to form such bilayers on
      diverse material substrates. One of the novel methods recently proposed and
      proven to form a planar bilayer on silicon dioxide involves lipid deposition in
      organic solvent and solvent exchange to influence the phase of adsorbed lipids.
      To scrutinize the specifics of this solvent-assisted lipid bilayer (SALB)
      formation method and clarify the limits of its applicability, we have developed a
      simplified, continuous solvent-exchange version to form planar bilayers on
      silicon dioxide, gold, and alkanethiol-coated gold (in the latter case, a lipid
      monolayer is formed to yield a hybrid bilayer) and varied the type of organic
      solvent and rate of solvent exchange. By tracking the SALB formation process with
      simultaneous quartz crystal microbalance-dissipation (QCM-D) and ellipsometry, it
      was determined that the acoustic, optical, and hydration masses along with the
      acoustic and optical thicknesses, measured at the end of the process, are
      comparable to those observed by employing conventional fabrication methods (e.g.,
      vesicle fusion). As shown by QCM-D measurements, the obtained planar bilayers are
      highly resistant to protein adsorption, and several, but not all, water-miscible
      organic solvents could be successfully used in the SALB procedure, with
      isopropanol yielding particularly high-quality bilayers. In addition,
      fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) measurements demonstrated that
      the coefficient of lateral lipid diffusion in the fabricated bilayers corresponds
      to that measured earlier in the planar bilayers formed by vesicle fusion. With
      increasing rate of solvent exchange, it was also observed that the bilayer became
      incomplete and a phenomenological model was developed in order to explain this
      feature. The results obtained allowed us to clarify and discriminate likely steps
      of the SALB formation process as well as determine the corresponding influence of
      organic solvent type and flow conditions on these steps. Taken together, the
      findings demonstrate that the SALB formation method can be adapted to a
      continuous solvent-exchange procedure that is technically minimal, quick, and
      efficient to form planar bilayers on solid supports. 

PMID- 25111255
TI  - Immunomodulatory agents for the treatment of cachexia.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In patients with advanced cancer, AIDS and end-stage organ
      diseases, symptoms of cachexia syndrome include decrease in appetite, weight
      loss, decreased performance status, and an increase in the systemic inflammatory
      response. Inflammatory cytokines and other immune interactions affect the lean
      tissue mass and body fat. It is hopeful that modulation of these inflammatory
      interactions may contribute to the delay in the development and treatment of
      cachexia. This review summarizes the current state of the art. RECENT FINDINGS:
      This article covers the role of inflammatory response in cachexia, measurement of
      inflammatory response, mechanism and measurement of cachexia, immunomodulation in
      cancer, drugs targeting inflammatory cytokines, effect of exercise in cachexia,
      and treatment of cancer cachexia using immunomodulatory agents. SUMMARY:
      Understanding the immune response associated with cachexia may improve future
      pharmacological modification of the cytokines. In addition, the multifactorial
      contributions to the mechanisms of cachexia indicate that a multimodal approach
      may be necessary to treat cachexia and its associated symptoms.

PMID- 25111256
TI  - Chronobiology of chronic pain: focus on diurnal rhythmicity of neuropathic pain.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although circadian rhythmicity has long been recognized in
      various nociceptive pain conditions such as arthritis, diurnal pain patterns in
      neuropathic conditions have only recently been described. The purpose of this
      article is to review emerging evidence and discuss future research to further
      understand this phenomenon. RECENT FINDINGS: Secondary analyses of neuropathic
      pain clinical trials demonstrate that pain intensity fluctuations exhibit a
      distinct diurnal pattern that contrasts that of nociceptive pain conditions.
      Ongoing preclinical investigations support the phenomenon of circadian pain
      fluctuations and provide the opportunity to better describe pain chronobiology
      and to elucidate underlying mechanisms of circadian pain rhythmicity. SUMMARY:
      The observation of clinically relevant diurnal pain variability in neuropathic
      conditions has important implications for future research and treatment of pain.
      This is an immature research field, and further investigation is needed to better
      characterize these patterns in more detail, investigate contributory mechanisms,
      and to develop therapeutic strategies that exploit this phenomenon.

PMID- 25111257
TI  - A behavioral study of healthy and cancer genes by modeling electrical network.
AB  - In recent years, gene network modeling is gaining popularity in genomics to
      monitor the activity profile of genes. More specifically, the objective of the
      network modeling concept is to study the genetic behavior associated with
      disease. Previous researchers have designed network model at nucleotide level
      which produces more complexity for designing circuits mostly in case of gene
      expression studies. Whereas the authors have designed the present network model,
      based on amino acid level which is simpler as well as more appropriate for
      prediction of the genetic abnormality. In the present concept, SISO continuous
      and discrete system models of genes are realized using Foster network. The model
      is designed based on hydropathy index value of amino acids to study the
      biological system behavior. The time and phase response in continuous (s) domain
      and pole-zero distribution in discrete (z) domain are used as measurement metric
      in the present study. The simulated responses of the system show genetic
      instability for cancer genes which truly reflects the medical reports. The
      proposed modeling concept can be used, to accurately identify or separate out the
      diseased genes from healthy genes. 

PMID- 25111258
TI  - Dihaloimidazolidinediones as versatile halodehydrating agents.
AB  - Dihaloimidazolidinediones containing geminal dibromides, dichlorides, or
      diiodides were synthesized and used to transform various alcohols to their
      corresponding alkyl halides in high yields and under mild conditions. High
      functional group tolerance and, in many cases, high selectivities were observed.
      Efforts toward elucidating the mechanism revealed that significant charge build
      up may occur at the eventual halogen containing carbon nucleus prior to
      substitution. 

PMID- 25111259
TI  - A new class of organocatalysts: sulfenate anions.
AB  - Sulfenate anions are known to act as highly reactive species in the organic
      arena. Now they premiere as organocatalysts. Proof of concept is offered by the
      sulfoxide/sulfenate-catalyzed (1-10 mol%) coupling of benzyl halides in the
      presence of base to generate trans-stilbenes in good to excellent yields (up to
      99%). Mechanistic studies support the intermediacy of sulfenate anions, and the
      deprotonated sulfoxide was determined to be the resting state of the catalyst.

PMID- 25111266
TI  - Computational studies support the role of the C7-sibirosamine sugar of the
      pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) sibiromycin in transcription factor inhibition.
AB  - The pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines (PBDs) are a group of sequence-selective,
      DNA minor-groove binding agents that covalently attach to guanine residues.
      Originally derived from Streptomyces species, a number of naturally occurring PBD
      monomers exist with varying A-Ring and C2-substituents. One such agent,
      sibiromycin, is unusual in having a glycosyl residue (sibirosamine) at its A-Ring
      C7-position. It is the most cytotoxic member of the naturally occurring PBD
      family and has the highest DNA-binding affinity. Recently, the analogue 9
      deoxysibiromyin was produced biosynthetically by Yonemoto and co-workers.1
      Differing only in the loss of the A-Ring C9-hydroxyl group, it was reported to
      have a significantly higher DNA-binding affinity than sibiromycin based on DNA
      thermal denaturation studies, although these data have since been retracted.2 As
      deletion of the C9-OH moiety, which points toward the DNA minor groove floor,
      might intuitively be expected to reduce DNA-binding affinity through the loss of
      hydrogen bonding, we carried out molecular dynamics simulations on the
      interaction of both molecules with DNA over a 10 ns time-course in explicit
      solvent. Our results suggest that the two molecules may differ in their sequence
      selectivity and that 9-deoxysibiromycin should have a lower binding affinity for
      certain sequences of DNA compared to sibiromycin. Our molecular dynamics results
      indicate that the C7-sibirosamine sugar does not form hydrogen bonding
      interactions with groups in the DNA minor-groove wall as previously reported, but
      instead points orthogonally out from the minor groove where it may inhibit the
      approach of DNA control proteins such as transcription factors. This was
      confirmed through a docking study involving sibiromycin and the GAL4
      transcription factor, and these results could explain the significantly enhanced
      cytotoxicity of sibiromycin compared to other PBD family members without bulky C7
      substituents. 

PMID- 25111267
TI  - Chiral multidentate oxazoline ligands based on cyclophosphazene cores: synthesis,
      characterization and complexation studies.
AB  - Chiral oxazoline based bi and hexadentate ligands built on cyclophosphazene cores
      have been synthesized and characterized. (NPPh2)2[NP(m-OC6H4C(O)OCH3)2] (1) was
      prepared by the reaction of gem-(NPPh2)2(NPCl2) with methyl-3-hydroxy benzoate in
      the presence of Cs2CO3. Compound 1 was converted to the dicarboxylic acid
      (NPPh2)2[NP(m-OC6H4C(O)OH)2] (2) by base promoted hydrolysis with KO(t-Bu). The
      dicarboxylic acid 2 on reaction with oxalyl chloride followed by (S)-(+)-2-amino
      3-methyl-1-butanol, triethylamine and mesyl chloride was converted to the C2
      symmetric phosphazene based chiral bisoxazoline ligand (NPPh2)2[NP{m-OC6H4(4-iPr
      2-Ox)}2] (3) (Ox = oxazolinyl). A similar C2-symmetric bisoxazoline derivative
      having an oxazoline group attached to the para position of the phenyl ring was
      also synthesized starting from (NPPh2)2[NP(p-OC6H4C(O)OCH3)2] (4) which was first
      converted to the dicarboxylic acid (NPPh2)2[NP(p-OC6H4C(O)OH)2] (5) and finally
      to (NPPh2)2[NP{p-OC6H4(4-iPr-2-Ox)}2] (6) and (NPPh2)2[NP{p-OC6H4(4-Ph-2-Ox)}2]
      (7) under similar reaction conditions. Reaction of 6 with Pd(OAc)2 in acetic acid
      at room temperature and with PdCl2(C6H5CN)2 in refluxing benzene resulted in
      chiral palladium complexes Pd(OAc)2(NPPh2)2[NP{p-OC6H4(4-iPr-2-Ox)}2] (8) and
      PdCl2(NPPh2)2[NP{p-OC6H4(4-iPr-2-Ox)}2] (9), respectively. The utility of these
      palladium complexes as chiral catalysts for the asymmetric rearrangement of
      trichloroacetimidates to trichloroacetamides has been explored. The
      hexa(methylbenzoate) derivative of cyclophosphazene [PN(OC6H4COOCH3)2]3 (10) on
      treatment with KO(t-Bu) and H2O gave the hexacarboxylic acid derivative
      [PN(OC6H4COOH)2]3 (11), which on treatment with oxalyl chloride followed by (S)
      (+)-2-amino-3-methyl-1-butanol/(S)-(+)-2-phenylglycinol, triethylamine and mesyl
      chloride was converted to the C3-symmetric cyclophosphazene based chiral
      hexaoxazoline ligands [PN{OC6H4(4-iPr-2-Ox)}2]3 (12) and [PN{OC6H4(4-Ph-2-Ox)}2]3
      (13). The bis(phebox) derivative of the cyclophosphazene was prepared starting
      from (NPPh2)2[NP{OC6H3(COOCH3)2}2] (14), by the reaction of gem-Ph4P3N3Cl2 with
      dimethyl 5-hydroxyisophthalate in the presence of Cs2CO3. Compound 14 was
      converted to the tetracarboxylic acid (NPPh2)2[NP{OC6H3(COOH)2}2] (15) by base
      promoted hydrolysis with KO(t-Bu). The tetracarboxylic acid 15 on reaction with
      oxalyl chloride followed by (S)-(+)-2-amino-3-methyl-1-butanol/(S)-(+)-2
      phenylglycinol, triethylamine and mesyl chloride was converted to the bis(phebox)
      substituted tetraphenylcyclophosphazene derivatives (NPPh2)2[NP{OC6H3(4-iPr-2
      Ox)2}2] (16)/(NPPh2)2[NP{OC6H3(4-Ph-2-Ox)2}2] (17). A similar tetra(phebox)
      derivative was synthesized from (NPPh2)[NP{OC6H3(COOCH3)2}2]2 (18) which was
      first converted to (NPPh2)[NP{OC6H3(COOH)2}2]2 (19) and further converted to the
      tetra(phebox) derivative (NPPh2) [NP{OC6H3(4-Ph-2-Ox)2}2]2 (20). All new
      compounds were characterized by IR, NMR [(1)H, (13)C{(1)H} and (31)P{(1)H}] and
      HRMS studies. Compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 14 and 18 have also been structurally
      characterized. 

PMID- 25111268
TI  - Optical properties of 4-bromobenzaldehyde derivatives in chloroform solution.
AB  - In this work we give a deeper insight into the electronic structure of a series
      of purely organic molecules that were recently employed as building blocks in
      crystals with very efficient phosphorescent emission. With this purpose, the low
      lying excited states of a series of 4-bromobenzaldehyde derivatives in chloroform
      solution are explored by means of time-dependent density functional theory
      (TDDFT) calculations, together with the absorption, fluorescence, and
      phosphorescence experimental spectra. The optical properties of the studied
      molecular models are extensively discussed, in terms of the frontier molecular
      orbitals involved in the relevant electronic transitions, the recorded and
      simulated absorption profiles, and the molecular geometries and transition
      energies of the emitting states. The calculations eventually help in the
      assignment of the character of the lowest lying singlet and triplet emitting
      states for these compounds. 

PMID- 25111269
TI  - New media in pediatric surgery: innovations that have changed the way we educate
      and communicate.

PMID- 25111270
TI  - Comparative Analysis of Modified Laparoscopic Swenson and Laparoscopic Soave
      Procedure for Short-Segment Hirschsprung Disease in Children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This clinical analysis compared the characteristics and outcomes of
      modified laparoscopic Swenson (MLSw) and laparoscopic Soave (LS) procedures for
      short-segment Hirschsprung disease (HD) in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This
      clinical analysis involved a retrospective series of 42 pediatric patients with
      HD who underwent surgery from March 2007 to July 2012. Patients were divided into
      two groups: the LS group (n = 15) and the MLSw group (n = 27). Preoperative,
      operative, and postoperative data were collected, through patient follow-up
      periods ranging from 12 to 48 months, to compare perioperative/operative
      characteristics, postoperative complications, and outcomes between the two
      groups. Major measurements were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: On average, the
      patients in the LS group had a longer operating time (mean +/- standard
      deviation, 199 +/- 60 minutes) than those in the MLSw group (148 +/- 23 minutes)
      (p < 0.05). Blood loss was significantly less in the MLSw group (10 +/- 7 mL)
      than in the LS group (26 +/- 14 mL) (p < 0.05). There was no difference in
      feeding time between the two groups (p > 0.05). The MLSw group was discharged
      after a shorter hospitalization time (8 +/- 2 days) than the LS group (12 +/- 4
      days) (p < 0.05). The MLSw group had lower incidences of soiling (5, 18.5% vs. 7,
      46.7%) and constipation (1, 3.7% vs. 3, 20%) than the LS group in the early
      postoperative period, but no difference was found between the two groups in the
      rate of complications during the late postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The MLSw
      procedure did not increase the risk of injury to vital intrapelvic structures or
      the incidence of complications in surgery for short-segment HD. The early
      postoperative outcome was much better in the MLSw group than in the LS group, but
      long-term outcomes were similar. However, the MLSw procedure was simpler,
      resulting in reduced operating time and less intraoperative blood loss.

PMID- 25111271
TI  - Highly Efficient Conservative Treatment of Pectus Carinatum in Compliant
      Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pectus carinatum is a thoracic deformity, which causes severe
      psychological problems for affected patients but almost no physical limitations.
      Invasive procedures are difficult to justify for this reason. We present a
      conservative therapy which leads to complete resolution in most cases when
      performed properly. METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2012, 69 patients
      from 4 to 17 years with pectus carinatum were treated with a custom-fitted brace.
      Patients were stratified in children, adolescents, and adults. RESULTS: Mean
      therapy time was 7 months. Mean time of daily brace wearing was 12 to 15 hours.
      The results were evaluated by pictures taken before and after the therapy and
      from a patient interview. Standardized lateral views revealed a mean correction
      angle of 10 degrees in the children's group and 5 degrees in the adolescent
      group. In the adolescent group, 82% of patients judged the result as "excellent"
      or "good." In this large group with 56 patients, those who reported the result
      "unchanged" had a mean daily brace wearing time of 8.73 hours, those who judged
      the result as "good" 14.53 hours, and those who judged the result as "excellent"
      18.36 hours. CONCLUSION: Our results show that pectus carinatum is efficiently
      treated with a customized brace therapy within 7 to 12 months. Best correction
      can be achieved in children and young adolescents. Daily brace-wearing time
      should be above 14 hours, ideally 24 hours. Duration of the treatment should be
      around 1 year. Treatment results correlate directly with the cooperation of the
      patients.

PMID- 25111272
TI  - Maximizing lymph node retrieval during surgical resection of Wilms tumor.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sampling lymph nodes (LNs) is independently associated with
      decreased recurrence and improved survival for Wilms tumor (WT). Despite
      sampling, we noted cases where a few or no LNs were identified after resection of
      WT. We hypothesized fewer LNs were identified when submitted en bloc with the
      tumor, compared with when submitted separately. PATIENTS/MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      We conducted a retrospective chart review from 2003 to 2012 of WT resection
      cases, examining the type of LN dissection, the specimens submitted to pathology,
      number of LNs evaluated, and complications associated with the procedure.
      RESULTS: We identified 74 children with WT; 59 of 74 (79.7%) had unilateral
      disease and 15 of 74 (20.3%) had bilateral disease. With unilateral disease, more
      LNs were identified by separate versus en bloc sampling (5.2 +/- 0.6 vs. 4.4 +/-
      1.2 nodes, p=0.61). Both the methods identified fewer LNs compared with en
      bloc+separate sampling (12.5 +/- 2.7 nodes, p<0.001 and p=0.04, respectively).
      The majority of children with bilateral disease (10/15, 66.6%) did not have LN
      sampling intraoperatively. When submitted separately, 83.3 +/- 3.8% of all LNs
      were identified in the separate specimen, and two en bloc specimens that were
      noted to have adenopathy intraoperatively had no LNs pathologically identified.
      Few cases had complications, which did not appear associated with LN sampling.
      CONCLUSIONS: En bloc+separate sampling yields the most LNs during resection of
      WT. We recommend using this technique to facilitate the maximum number of LNs
      evaluated in WT. Low rates of LN sampling in bilateral disease may indicate
      decreased regard for sampling when tumor stage is already known.

PMID- 25111273
TI  - Lysyl oxidase expression is decreased in the developing diaphragm and lungs of
      nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Malformation of the nonmuscular tissue components in congenital
      diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is thought to underlie the diaphragmatic defect,
      causing intrathoracic herniation of abdominal viscera and thus disturbing normal
      lung development. It has been shown that diaphragmatic and pulmonary
      morphogeneses require the structural integrity of connective tissue, and
      developmental mutations that inhibit the formation of extracellular matrix (ECM)
      result in CDH with hypoplastic lungs. Lysyl oxidase (lox), an extracellular
      enzyme that catalyzes the cross-linking of ECM proteins, plays an essential role
      during diaphragmatic and pulmonary development by controlling the formation of
      connective tissue. Furthermore, lox (-/-) knockouts exhibit abnormal connective
      tissue with diaphragmatic defects and impaired airway morphogenesis. We designed
      this study to investigate the hypothesis that diaphragmatic and pulmonary lox
      expression is decreased in the nitrofen-induced CDH model. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to either nitrofen or vehicle on
      gestational day 9 (D9), and fetuses were harvested on selected time points D15
      and D18. The micro-dissected fetal diaphragms (n=48) and lungs (n=48) were
      divided into two groups: control and nitrofen-exposed samples (n=12 per specimen
      and time point, respectively). Diaphragmatic and pulmonary gene expression levels
      of lox were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.
      Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate lox protein expression in
      diaphragms and lungs. RESULTS: Relative mRNA expression of lox was significantly
      reduced in diaphragms and lungs of nitrofen-exposed fetuses on D15 (0.29 +/- 0.08
      vs. 0.12 +/- 0.05; p<0.05 and 0.52 +/- 0.44 vs. 0.20 +/- 0.04; p<0.05) and D18
      (0.90 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.57 +/- 0.23; p<0.05 and 0.59 +/- 0.26 vs. 0.35 +/- 0.09;
      p<0.05) compared with controls. Diaphragmatic and pulmonary immunoreactivity of
      lox was markedly decreased in nitrofen-exposed fetuses on D15 and D18 compared
      with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased lox expression during diaphragmatic
      development and lung branching morphogenesis may interfere with normal cross
      linking of ECM proteins, disrupting the integrity of connective tissue, and
      contributing to the diaphragmatic defect and impaired airway formation in the
      nitrofen-induced CDH model.

PMID- 25111274
TI  - Tumor-associated energy homeostasis: hepatoblastoma and neuroblastoma affect
      glucose and lipid metabolism as well as ghrelin, GLP-1, and PYY in nude rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The "metabolic competition" for nutrients between cancer cells and
      the patient has emerged as an important research area. For pediatric oncology, it
      remains unclear whether the neuroendokrine regulation of appetite by
      gastrointestinal hormones such as ghrelin "eat", GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide,
      "do not eat"), and PYY (peptide tyrosine-tyrosine, "do not eat") is influenced by
      tumor growth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective randomized study, human
      hepatoblastoma (HB) and neuroblastoma (NB) cells (3 * 10(6)) were transplanted
      into the abdominal wall of immune-incompetent (nu/nu) rats (ethic committee
      approval: TVV43/11). Sham-operated animals received cell culture medium only.
      Tumor growth was allowed for 8 weeks. Then, all the animals underwent a 2-hour
      oGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) and were assessed for serum levels of glucose,
      insulin, ghrelin, GLP-1, and PYY. Finally, all tumor masses and adipose tissues
      were excised and calculated. RESULTS: Total body weight (including tumor masses)
      differed for HB (329+31 g), but not for NB (358+22 g) compared with Sham (361+35
      g). Subcutaneous adipose tissue was significantly decreased for both the tumor
      groups (HB=2.6 g, NB=2.1 g, and Sham=3.5 g). Only for NB, fasting glucose (3.4 +
      0.6 mmol/L) and insulin (0.89+0.11 ng/mL) levels were significantly decreased
      compared with Sham (4.4+0.6 mmol/L; 1.19+0.36 ng/mL) only. During the oGTT (all
      data calculated as area under the curve, AUC) glucose levels were significantly
      increased for HB (104 +/- 10) and NB (102 +/- 13) compared with Sham (84 +/- 3),
      but insulin levels remained similar for either group. Triglyceride levels were
      increased for HB (0.51 mmol/L) and especially NB (0.73 mmol/L) compared with Sham
      (0.34 mmol/L). Inflammatory parameters did not differ between the groups. Total
      ghrelin levels were significantly increased for NB (111 +/- 10) and altered for
      HB (102 +/- 15) compared with Sham (84 +/- 8). Vice versa GLP-1 was statistically
      decreased in HB (92 +/- 7) and NB (88 +/- 12) compared with Sham (127 +/- 13).
      Finally, PYY levels were nonsignificantly reduced for HB (117 +/- 5) and NB (120
      +/- 4) compared with Sham (146 +/- 12).

PMID- 25111275
TI  - Perioperative management after high-dose chemotherapy with autologous or
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pediatric solid tumors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of children with advanced malignancies have
      recently received high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT), followed by surgery. In this study, we reviewed our
      experience with surgery after HDC and autologous (auto) or allogeneic (allo) HSCT
      to elucidate the problems associated with this treatment and establish the
      optimum surgical management strategy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed the cases of 24 children with advanced malignancy treated with HDC and
      HSCT before tumor resection at our institution. The tumors included 18
      neuroblastomas, 5 soft tissue sarcomas, 2 hepatoblastomas, and 1 Wilms tumor. The
      source of hematopoietic stem cells was auto-HSCT in 19 patients and allo-HSCT in
      5 patients. To be able to undergo surgery, it was necessary that the patient's
      general condition, including hemostasis, should be fairly good and that the
      results of hematological examinations should include a white blood cell (WBC)
      count of>1,000/uL, hemoglobin level of>10 g/dL and platelet count of>5 *
      10(4)/uL. RESULTS: The mean duration before WBC recovery after HSCT was 14.5 +/-
      1.4 days after auto-HSCT and 23.8 +/- 1.2 days after allo-HSCT, respectively
      (p<0.01). The mean duration before platelet recovery after HSCT was 46.5 +/- 5.2
      days for auto-HSCT and 48.6 +/- 5.5 days for allo-HSCT (not significant [n.s.]).
      The mean interval between allo-HSCT and surgery was significantly longer (92.8 +/
      6.2 days) than that between auto-HSCT and surgery (57.0 +/- 3.9 days) (p<0.01),
      likely because of the use of steroids and immunosuppressants after HSCT. The
      tumors were completely resected in all cases without severe complications. All
      the patients treated with allo-HSCT had an acute graft versus host (aGVH)
      reaction at 2 to 3 weeks after HSCT, and specifically required the administration
      of steroids and immunosuppressants to prevent aGVH. The postoperative
      complications included paralytic ileus in two cases and a tacrolimus-associated
      encephalopathy in one case involving allo-HSCT. In half of the patients, the WBC
      count was not elevated after surgery, whereas the postoperative serum C-reactive
      protein (CRP) level was elevated in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate
      that surgical treatment can be safely performed even after HDC with HSCT if
      attention is paid to myelosuppression and the adverse effects of both
      chemotherapeutic agents and immunosuppressants.

PMID- 25111276
TI  - Nursing Intervention for Outpatient Rehabilitation in Pediatric Patients with
      Hirschsprung Disease after Colectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a
      nursing intervention program for outpatient rehabilitation of children with
      Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) after radical colectomy for
      Hirschsprung disease (HD). BACKGROUND: Postoperative outcomes severely affect the
      quality of life in pediatric HD patients after operation. The improvement in
      defecation function is regarded as one of the most useful parameters to evaluate
      the quality of life in HD patients after radical intestinal resection. A close
      attention should also be paid to the patients' ability of social adaptation.
      METHODS: This prospective, randomized control trial enrolled 85 pediatric
      patients with HAEC after colectomy. They were randomly divided into the control
      and intervention groups. All the patients were followed up for 6 to 12 months
      after initial HAEC treatment. RESULTS: The intervention group had a lower
      enterocolitis recurrence rate than the control group, with a better ability to
      control defecation and their parents had better rehabilitation nursing knowledge
      (p < 0.05). The degree of parents' satisfaction regarding the outcome was
      significantly better in the intervention group than that in the control group (p
      < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A systemic rehabilitation nursing program could decrease
      enterocolitis recurrence, improve the recovery of anorectal functions, and
      enhance the quality of life in the pediatric patients after radical colectomy.

PMID- 25111277
TI  - What is "telemedicine" and what does it mean for a pediatric surgeon?
AB  - Telemedicine is a broad term and has recently become a household term in the
      medical field. However, there are many interpretations as to what the term
      "telemedicine" means. There are many facets to telemedicine and here we describe
      all of the elements of telemedicine, a glossary of terms, and how they relate to
      pediatric surgery.

PMID- 25111278
TI  - Telementoring: the surgical tool of the future.
AB  - With decreased resident experience during training and the constant evolution of
      new surgical techniques, surgeons are at risk for complications during the early
      part of the learning curve. Mentorship by experienced surgeons may mitigate these
      complications. The availability of such advanced telepresence technology makes it
      logical that this will be used as part of the model to proctor, mentor, and train
      practicing surgeons. Here, we review the current state of telementoring.

PMID- 25111279
TI  - Online resources in pediatric surgery: the new era of medical information.
AB  - Tele-education has the potential to facilitate rapid sharing and dissemination of
      current research and knowledge among pediatric surgeons around the world.
      Classically, the exchange of surgical research occurred via national surgical
      conferences, articles published in peer-reviewed journals, and textbooks. The
      advent of Web 2.0 and the rapid pace of technologic advancement have allowed
      knowledge, education, and research to be exchanged online. Virtual symposiums act
      as online conferences where participants present and debate new research and
      surgical techniques in real-time web meetings. Resource libraries allow up-to
      date information to be archived and viewed at the user's convenience, bypassing
      the need to wait long periods for paper publications. Tele-education allows
      pediatric surgeons to connect and share ideas around the world, while saving time
      and money.

PMID- 25111280
TI  - How pediatric surgeons use social media to attract new patients.
AB  - Social media has changed the landscape of online interaction for all doctors
      including pediatric surgeons. Of course the public including our patients and
      potential new patients having immediate access to these sites through mobile
      devices and iPads has contributed immensely to this phenomenon. Nonetheless, it
      seems that we are all rushing to get in front of our target audience and to
      engage in a relationship with them in a cost-effective fashion. This article will
      discuss the role of the Internet and media and how you can use this technology to
      attract new pediatric patients to your practice.

PMID- 25111282
TI  - Delirium and hypovitaminosis D: neuroimaging findings.
AB  - The authors examined the frequency of neuroimaging findings of cortical atrophy
      and/or cerebrovascular disease in patients with delirium with hypovitaminosis D
      and normal vitamin D levels. Of 32 patients with delirium with hypovitaminosis D
      who were neuroimaged, 91.4% had neuroimaging findings, despite only five cases
      having a comorbid diagnosis of dementia. Similar frequencies of cortical atrophy
      and/or cerebrovascular disease were found in patients with delirium with normal
      vitamin D levels. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to compare
      neuroimaging findings between normal patients and patients with hypovitaminosis D
      with delirium. 

PMID- 25111281
TI  - Osteoblast maturation on microtextured titanium involves paracrine regulation of
      bone morphogenetic protein signaling.
AB  - Osteoblasts are sensitive to surface microtopography and chemistry. Osteoblast
      differentiation and maturation are higher in vitro and bone formation and
      osseointegration enhanced in vivo on microstructured titanium (Ti) compared to
      smooth surfaces. Cells increased BMP2 expression on microtextured Ti alloy,
      suggesting a paracrine role in regulating osteoblast maturation. However, recent
      studies show that exogenous BMP2 inhibits osteoblast production of anti
      inflammatory cytokines and osteocalcin, indicating that control of BMP-signaling
      may be involved. This study examined whether cells modulate BMP ligands,
      receptors, and inhibitors during osteoblast maturation on Ti, specifically
      focusing on the roles of BMP2 and Noggin (NOG). mRNA and protein for BMP2, BMP4,
      and BMP7 and receptors BMPR1A, BMPR1B, and BMPR2, and BMP inhibitors were
      upregulated on microtextured surfaces in comparison to smooth surfaces.
      Maturation on microstructured Ti was slightly enhanced with exogenous BMP2 while
      NOG addition inhibited osteoblast maturation. Cells with NOG knocked down
      significantly increased osteoblast maturation. These results demonstrate that BMP
      related molecules are controlled during osteoblast maturation on microstructured
      Ti surfaces and that endogenous NOG is an important regulator of the process.
      Modifying paracrine BMP signaling may yield more robust bone formation than
      application of exogenous BMPs.

PMID- 25111284
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 25111283
TI  - Hybrid elastin-like polypeptide-polyethylene glycol (ELP-PEG) hydrogels with
      improved transparency and independent control of matrix mechanics and cell ligand
      density.
AB  - Hydrogels have been developed as extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics both for
      therapeutic applications and basic biological studies. In particular, elastin
      like polypeptide (ELP) hydrogels, which can be tuned to mimic several biochemical
      and physical characteristics of native ECM, have been constructed to encapsulate
      various types of cells to create in vitro mimics of in vivo tissues. However, ELP
      hydrogels become opaque at body temperature because of ELP's lower critical
      solution temperature behavior. This opacity obstructs light-based observation of
      the morphology and behavior of encapsulated cells. In order to improve the
      transparency of ELP hydrogels for better imaging, we have designed a hybrid ELP
      polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel system that rapidly cross-links with
      tris(hydroxymethyl) phosphine (THP) in aqueous solution via Mannich-type
      condensation. As expected, addition of the hydrophilic PEG component
      significantly improves the light transmittance. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman
      scattering (CARS) microscopy reveals that the hybrid ELP-PEG hydrogels have
      smaller hydrophobic ELP aggregates at 37  degrees C. Importantly, this hydrogel
      platform enables independent tuning of adhesion ligand density and matrix
      stiffness, which is desirable for studies of cell-matrix interactions. Human
      fibroblasts encapsulated in these hydrogels show high viability (>98%) after 7
      days of culture. High-resolution confocal microscopy of encapsulated fibroblasts
      reveals that the cells adopt a more spread morphology in response to higher RGD
      ligand concentrations and softer gel mechanics. 

PMID- 25111285
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) and its short
      form (GAI-SF) in a clinical and non-clinical sample of older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory is a 20-item geriatric-specific
      measure of anxiety severity. While studies suggest good internal consistency and
      convergent validity, divergent validity from measures of depression are weak.
      Clinical cutoffs have been developed that vary across studies due to the small
      clinical samples used. A six-item short form (GAI-SF) has been developed, and
      while this scale is promising, the research assessing the psychometrics of this
      scale is limited. METHODS: This study examined the psychometric properties of GAI
      and GAI-SF in a large sample of 197 clinical geriatric participants with a
      comorbid anxiety and unipolar mood disorder, and a non-clinical control sample (N
      = 59). RESULTS: The internal consistency and convergent validity with other
      measures of anxiety was adequate for GAI and GAI-SF. Divergent validity from
      depressive symptoms was good in the clinical sample but weak in the total and non
      clinical samples. Divergent validity from cognitive functioning was good in all
      samples. The one-factor structure was replicated for both measures. Receiver
      Operating Characteristic analyses indicated that the GAI is more accurate at
      identifying clinical status than the GAI-SF, although the sensitivity and
      specificity for the recommended cutoffs was adequate for both measures.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both GAI and GAI-SF show good psychometric properties for
      identifying geriatric anxiety. The GAI-SF may be a useful alternative screening
      measure for identifying anxiety in older adults.

PMID- 25111286
TI  - Prevalence of HPV and variation of HPV 16/HPV 18 E6/E7 genes in cervical cancer
      in women in South West China.
AB  - Genetic variations of High-Risk HPV E6/E7 may be associated with the development
      of cervical cancer in specific geographic regions. Few data have been reported
      about the HPV prevalence and E6/E7 variants among cervical cancer patients in
      Southwest China. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of HPV and
      E6/E7 variants of most prevalent HPV among cervical cancer patients in Southwest
      China. After genotyping, E6/E7 genes of most prevalent HR HPV samples were
      sequenced and analyzed. Phylogenetic trees were then constructed, followed by an
      analysis of the diversity of secondary structure and selection pressures. HPV 16
      (73.8%) and HPV 18 (16.4%) are the most prevalent infection types among cervical
      cancer patients, followed by HPV 58, HPV 56 and HPV 59, which is different from
      the high HPV 58 infection rate of outpatients in this region. Eighteen single
      nucleotide changes were observed in HPV 16 E6 with 13/18 non-synonymous mutations
      (5 in beta sheet and 2 in alpha helix). Ten single nucleotide changes were
      identified among HPV 16 E7 with 3/10 non-synonymous mutations. Three single
      nucleotide changes were observed in HPV 18 E6 with one non-synonymous mutation,
      and only one synonymous mutation was identified in HPV 18 E7. HPV 16 E6-D25E, E7
      N29S and E7-T846C (S95S) exhibited a prevalent linkage mutation. The phylogenetic
      tree demonstrates that European and Asian lineages were the main patterns. This
      study may help understand the intrinsic geographical relatedness and oncogenic
      potential of HR HPV and contributes further to research of diagnostic,
      therapeutic and therapeutic vaccine strategy.

PMID- 25111289
TI  - Global carbon benefits of material substitution in passenger cars until 2050 and
      the impact on the steel and aluminum industries.
AB  - Light-weighting of passenger cars using high-strength steel or aluminum is a
      common emissions mitigation strategy. We provide a first estimate of the global
      impact of light-weighting by material substitution on GHG emissions from
      passenger cars and the steel and aluminum industries until 2050. We develop a
      dynamic stock model of the global car fleet and combine it with a dynamic MFA of
      the associated steel, aluminum, and energy supply industries. We propose four
      scenarios for substitution of conventional steel with high-strength steel and
      aluminum at different rates over the period 2010-2050. We show that light
      weighting of passenger cars can become a "gigaton solution": Between 2010 and
      2050, persistent light-weighting of passenger cars can, under optimal conditions,
      lead to cumulative GHG emissions savings of 9-18 gigatons CO2-eq compared to
      development business-as-usual. Annual savings can be up to 1 gigaton per year.
      After 2030, enhanced material recycling can lead to further reductions: closed
      loop metal recycling in the automotive sector may reduce cumulative emissions by
      another 4-6 gigatons CO2-eq. The effectiveness of emissions mitigation by
      material substitution significantly depends on how the recycling system evolves.
      At present, policies focusing on tailpipe emissions and life cycle assessments of
      individual cars do not consider this important effect. 

PMID- 25111287
TI  - Is there a role for base excision repair in estrogen/estrogen receptor-driven
      breast cancers?
AB  - Estrogen and estrogen metabolite-induced reactive oxygen species generation can
      promote oxidative DNA base damage. If unrepaired, base damaging lesions could
      accelerate mutagenesis, leading to a "mutator phenotype" characterized by
      aggressive behavior in estrogen-estrogen receptor (ER)-driven breast cancer. To
      test this hypothesis, we investigated 1406 ER(+) early-stage breast cancers with
      20 years' long-term clinical follow-up data for DNA polymerase beta (pol beta),
      flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1), AP endonuclease 1 (APE1), X-ray cross-complementation
      group 1 protein (XRCC1), single-strand monofunctional uracil glycosylase-1
      (SMUG1), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), ataxia telangiectasia mutated
      and Rad3 related (ATR), ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), DNA-dependent
      protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), Chk1, Chk2, p53, breast cancer
      susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1), and topoisomerase 2 (TOPO2) expression.
      Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate a DNA repair
      prognostic index and correlated to clinicopathological variables and survival
      outcomes. Key base excision repair (BER) proteins, including XRCC1, APE1, SMUG1,
      and FEN1, were independently associated with poor breast cancer-specific survival
      (BCSS) (ps<=0.01). Multivariate Cox model stratified patients into four distinct
      prognostic sub-groups with worsening BCSS (ps<0.01). In addition, compared with
      prognostic sub-group 1, sub-groups 2, 3, and 4 manifest increasing tumor size,
      grade, mitosis, pleomorphism, differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, high
      Ki67, loss of Bcl-2, luminal B phenotype (ps<=0.01), and poor survival, including
      in patients who received tamoxifen adjuvant therapy (p<0.00001). Our observation
      supports the hypothesis that BER-directed stratification could inform appropriate
      therapies in estrogen-ER-driven breast cancers. Antioxid.

PMID- 25111290
TI  - Breaking down the reactivity of lambda(3)-iodanes: the impact of structure and
      bonding on competing reaction mechanisms.
AB  - The functionalization of arenes via diaryliodonium salts has gained considerable
      attention in synthesis, as these compounds react under mild conditions.
      Mechanistic studies have shown that the formation of corresponding lambda(3)
      iodane intermediates takes a key role, as they determine the course and
      selectivity of the reaction. Bridged diaryliodonium salts, featuring a
      heterocyclic moiety involving the iodine atom, were shown to exhibit a distinctly
      different reactivity, leading to different products. These products are not just
      the result of reductive elimination reactions but may also arise via radical
      mechanisms. Our quantum chemical calculations reveal that the lambda(3)-iodane
      intermediate is also the "gateway" for reactions that are observed only for
      strained bridged systems. At the same time, we find a remarkable affinity of the
      hypervalent region to planarity for all reaction mechanisms. This also explains
      the correlation between the size of the bridge connecting the aryl groups and the
      reaction products observed. Furthermore, the energetics of these competing
      reactions are examined by analysis of the mechanisms. Finally, using model
      compounds, some of the basic features governing the reactivity of lambda(3)
      iodanes are discussed. 

PMID- 25111291
TI  - Translational research in acute central nervous system injury: lessons learned
      and the future.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Research to improve outcomes from acute central nervous system (CNS)
      injury has progressed little, although limited examples (eg, induced hypothermia
      for out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest and birth asphyxia
      and tissue plasminogen activator for ischemic stroke) have proved that it is
      possible to favorably alter outcome. OBJECTIVE: To chronicle the evolution of
      preclinical research designed to provide therapeutic interventions for acute CNS
      injury. EVIDENCE REVIEW: Preclinical literature cited by major clinical
      intervention trials was systematically assessed with respect to fulfillment of
      fundamental elements of experimental design in current guidelines. FINDINGS:
      Preclinical studies of acute CNS injury to date have a poor record of adhering to
      basic tenets of experimental design, including randomization, concealment of
      treatment allocation, definition of sustained robustness of therapeutic benefit,
      and emulation of clinical disease. Major clinical trials continue to be justified
      and conducted on the basis of weak preclinical evidence. Publication of
      preclinical research guidelines and endorsement by scientific journals have been
      insufficient to alter practice. Novel approaches to preclinical therapeutic
      development, including multicenter phase 3 trials and preclinical trial
      registries that document a priori experimental design and primary dependent
      variables, may overcome this intransigence and enhance possibility for
      therapeutic breakthroughs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Current knowledge of acute
      CNS injury dictates that therapeutic discovery and translation apply known tenets
      of sound experimental design and emulation of the clinical disorder targeted for
      therapeutic intervention. Peer-review systems must demand these qualities in
      proposed and published research to assess validity and potential for clinical
      translation.

PMID- 25111292
TI  - Mental health and substance use among bisexual youth and non-youth in Ontario,
      Canada.
AB  - Research has shown that bisexuals have poorer health outcomes than heterosexuals,
      gays, or lesbians, particularly with regard to mental health and substance use.
      However, research on bisexuals is often hampered by issues in defining
      bisexuality, small sample sizes, and by the failure to address age differences
      between bisexuals and other groups or age gradients in mental health. The Risk &
      Resilience Survey of Bisexual Mental Health collected data on 405 bisexuals from
      Ontario, Canada, using respondent-driven sampling, a network-based sampling
      method for hidden populations. The weighted prevalence of severe depression (PHQ
      9 >= 20) was 4.7%, possible anxiety disorder (OASIS >= 8) was 30.9%, possible
      post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-C >= 50) was 10.8%, and past year suicide
      attempt was 1.9%. With respect to substance use, the weighted prevalence of
      problem drinking (AUDIT >= 5) was 31.2%, and the weighted prevalence of illicit
      polydrug use was 30.5%. Daily smoking was low in this sample, with a weighted
      prevalence of 7.9%. Youth (aged 16-24) reported significantly higher weighted
      mean scores on depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and higher rates of
      past year suicidal ideation (29.7% vs. 15.2%) compared with those aged 25 and
      older. The burden of mental health and substance use among bisexuals in Ontario
      is high relative to population-based studies of other sexual orientation groups.
      Bisexual youth appear to be at risk for poor mental health. Additional research
      is needed to understand if and how minority stress explains this burden.

PMID- 25111293
TI  - Parental modelling of eating behaviours: observational validation of the Parental
      Modelling of Eating Behaviours scale (PARM).
AB  - Parents are important role models for their children's eating behaviours. This
      study aimed to further validate the recently developed Parental Modelling of
      Eating Behaviours Scale (PARM) by examining the relationships between maternal
      self-reports on the PARM with the modelling practices exhibited by these mothers
      during three family mealtime observations. Relationships between observed
      maternal modelling and maternal reports of children's eating behaviours were also
      explored. Seventeen mothers with children aged between 2 and 6 years were video
      recorded at home on three separate occasions whilst eating a meal with their
      child. Mothers also completed the PARM, the Children's Eating Behaviour
      Questionnaire and provided demographic information about themselves and their
      child. Findings provided validation for all three PARM subscales, which were
      positively associated with their observed counterparts on the observational
      coding scheme (PARM-O). The results also indicate that habituation to
      observations did not change the feeding behaviours displayed by mothers. In
      addition, observed maternal modelling was significantly related to children's
      food responsiveness (i.e., their interest in and desire for foods), enjoyment of
      food, and food fussiness. This study makes three important contributions to the
      literature. It provides construct validation for the PARM measure and provides
      further observational support for maternal modelling being related to lower
      levels of food fussiness and higher levels of food enjoyment in their children.
      These findings also suggest that maternal feeding behaviours remain consistent
      across repeated observations of family mealtimes, providing validation for
      previous research which has used single observations. 

PMID- 25111294
TI  - Alternatives to the six-minute walk test in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The physiological response during the endurance shuttle walk test
      (ESWT), the cycle endurance test (CET) and the incremental shuttle walk test
      (ISWT) remains unknown in PAH. We tested the hypothesis that endurance tests
      induce a near-maximal physiological demand comparable to incremental tests. We
      also hypothesized that differences in respiratory response during exercise would
      be related to the characteristics of the exercise tests. METHODS: Within two
      weeks, twenty-one PAH patients (mean age: 54(15) years; mean pulmonary arterial
      pressure: 42(12) mmHg) completed two cycling exercise tests (incremental
      cardiopulmonary cycling exercise test (CPET) and CET) and three field tests
      (ISWT, ESWT and six-minute walk test (6MWT)). Physiological parameters were
      continuously monitored using the same portable telemetric device. RESULTS: Peak
      oxygen consumption (VO(2peak)) was similar amongst the five exercise tests (p =
      0.90 by ANOVA). Walking distance correlated markedly with the VO(2peak) reached
      during field tests, especially when weight was taken into account. At 100%
      exercise, most physiological parameters were similar between incremental and
      endurance tests. However, the trends overtime differed. In the incremental tests,
      slopes for these parameters rose steadily over the entire duration of the tests,
      whereas in the endurance tests, slopes rose sharply from baseline to 25% of
      maximum exercise at which point they appeared far less steep until test end.
      Moreover, cycling exercise tests induced higher respiratory exchange ratio,
      ventilatory demand and enhanced leg fatigue measured subjectively and
      objectively. CONCLUSION: Endurance tests induce a maximal physiological demand in
      PAH. Differences in peak respiratory response during exercise are related to the
      modality (cycling vs. walking) rather than the progression (endurance vs.
      incremental) of the exercise tests.

PMID- 25111295
TI  - Biological construction of single-walled carbon nanotube electron transfer
      pathways in dye-sensitized solar cells.
AB  - We designed and mass-produced a versatile protein supramolecule that can be used
      to manufacture a highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Twelve single
      walled carbon-nanotube (SWNT)-binding and titanium-mineralizing peptides were
      genetically integrated on a cage-shaped dodecamer protein (CDT1). A process
      involving simple mixing of highly conductive SWNTs with CDT1 followed by TiO2
      biomineralization produces a high surface-area/weight TiO2 -(anatase)-coated
      intact SWNT nanocomposite under environmentally friendly conditions. A DSSC with
      a TiO2 photoelectrode containing 0.2 wt % of the SWNT-TiO2 nanocomposite shows a
      current density improvement by 80% and a doubling of the photoelectric conversion
      efficiency. The SWNT-TiO2 nanocomposite transfers photon-generated electrons from
      dye molecules adsorbed on the TiO2 to the anode electrode swiftly.

PMID- 25111297
TI  - Novel method to characterize immune cells from human prostate tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign adenoma
      and prostate cancer is the most frequent malignancy in men over 50 years of age
      in the Western world, where it remains a significant health problem. Prostate
      lesions are known to contain immune cells, which may contribute to the immune
      control of tumor progression. However, due to their low numbers and restricted
      access to necessary material it is difficult to isolate immune cells from
      prostate tissue to characterize their immunological features. METHODS: An
      efficient and robust method was developed to process prostate tissue and isolate
      immune cells for phenotypic analysis by multicolor flow cytometry as downstream
      application. Fresh prostate tissue from 11 patients undergoing surgery for
      bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH was processed to evaluate the number,
      viability, yield, and frequency of various immune cell types. RESULTS: The
      presented method does not include enzymatic digestion nor incubation steps at 37 
      degrees C, increasing cellular viability and avoiding possible phenotypic
      modification. Various immune cell populations were detected in all patient
      samples and the median cellular viability was 90%. The number of detected events
      of individual cell populations varied between patients. The median frequency of
      different immune cell populations also varied, being 87% for the CD3- and 15% for
      the CD3+ cell population. CONCLUSIONS: This novel method will allow the
      phenotypic characterization of immune cell populations present in tumor tissue of
      prostate cancer patients and promote development of novel approaches to
      immunotherapy of the disease.

PMID- 25111296
TI  - A new model for predicting non-sentinel lymph node status in Chinese sentinel
      lymph node positive breast cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our goal is to validate the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
      (MSKCC) nomogram and Stanford Online Calculator (SOC) for predicting non-sentinel
      lymph node (NSLN) metastasis in Chinese patients, and develop a new model for
      better prediction of NSLN metastasis. METHODS: The MSKCC nomogram and SOC were
      used to calculate the probability of NSLN metastasis in 120 breast cancer
      patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the
      relationship between NSLN metastasis and clinicopathologic factors, using the
      medical records of the first 80 breast cancer patients. A new model predicting
      NSLN metastasis was developed from the 80 patients. RESULTS: The MSKCC and SOC
      predicted NSLN metastasis in a series of 120 patients with an area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.688 and 0.734, respectively.
      For predicted probability cut-off points of 10%, the false-negative (FN) rates of
      MSKCC and SOC were both 4.4%, and the negative predictive value (NPV) 75.0% and
      90.0%, respectively. Tumor size, Kiss-1 expression in positive SLN and size of
      SLN metastasis were independently associated with NSLN metastasis (p<0.05). A new
      model (Peking University People's Hospital, PKUPH) was developed using these
      three variables. The MSKCC, SOC and PKUPH predicted NSLN metastasis in the second
      40 patients from the 120 patients with an AUC of 0.624, 0.679 and 0.795,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: MSKCC nomogram and SOC did not perform as well as their
      original researches in Chinese patients. As a new predictor, Kiss-1 expression in
      positive SLN correlated independently with NSLN metastasis strongly. PKUPH model
      achieved higher accuracy than MSKCC and SOC in predicting NSLN metastasis in
      Chinese patients.

PMID- 25111298
TI  - Impact of bottom trawling on deep-sea sediment properties along the flanks of a
      submarine canyon.
AB  - The offshore displacement of commercial bottom trawling has raised concerns about
      the impact of this destructive fishing practice on the deep seafloor, which is in
      general characterized by lower resilience than shallow water regions. This study
      focuses on the flanks of La Fonera (or Palamos) submarine canyon in the
      Northwestern Mediterranean, where an intensive bottom trawl fishery has been
      active during several decades in the 400-800 m depth range. To explore the degree
      of alteration of surface sediments (0-50 cm depth) caused by this industrial
      activity, fishing grounds and control (untrawled) sites were sampled along the
      canyon flanks with an interface multicorer. Sediment cores were analyzed to
      obtain vertical profiles of sediment grain-size, dry bulk density, organic carbon
      content and concentration of the radionuclide 210Pb. At control sites, surface
      sediments presented sedimentological characteristics typical of slope
      depositional systems, including a topmost unit of unconsolidated and bioturbated
      material overlying sediments progressively compacted with depth, with
      consistently high 210Pb inventories and exponential decaying profiles of 210Pb
      concentrations. Sediment accumulation rates at these untrawled sites ranged from
      0.3 to 1.0 cm y-1. Sediment properties at most trawled sites departed from
      control sites and the sampled cores were characterized by denser sediments with
      lower 210Pb surface concentrations and inventories that indicate widespread
      erosion of recent sediments caused by trawling gears. Other alterations of the
      physical sediment properties, including thorough mixing or grain-size sorting, as
      well as organic carbon impoverishment, were also visible at trawled sites. This
      work contributes to the growing realization of the capacity of bottom trawling to
      alter the physical properties of surface sediments and affect the seafloor
      integrity over large spatial scales of the deep-sea. 

PMID- 25111299
TI  - Biosynthetic pathway of the phytohormone auxin in insects and screening of its
      inhibitors.
AB  - Insect galls are abnormal plant tissues induced by galling insects. The galls are
      used for food and habitation, and the phytohormone auxin, produced by the
      insects, may be involved in their formation. We found that the silkworm, a non
      galling insect, also produces an active form of auxin, indole-3-acetic acid
      (IAA), by de novo synthesis from tryptophan (Trp). A detailed metabolic analysis
      of IAA using IAA synthetic enzymes from silkworms indicated an IAA biosynthetic
      pathway composed of a three-step conversion: Trp -> indole-3-acetaldoxime ->
      indole-3-acetaldehyde (IAAld) -> IAA, of which the first step is limiting IAA
      production. This pathway was shown to also operate in gall-inducing sawfly.
      Screening of a chemical library identified two compounds that showed strong
      inhibitory activities on the conversion step IAAld -> IAA. The inhibitors can be
      efficiently used to demonstrate the importance of insect-synthesized auxin in
      gall formation in the future. 

PMID- 25111301
TI  - The psychology of coordination and common knowledge.
AB  - Research on human cooperation has concentrated on the puzzle of altruism, in
      which 1 actor incurs a cost to benefit another, and the psychology of
      reciprocity, which evolved to solve this problem. We examine the complementary
      puzzle of mutualism, in which actors can benefit each other simultaneously, and
      the psychology of coordination, which ensures such benefits. Coordination is
      facilitated by common knowledge: the recursive belief state in which A knows X, B
      knows X, A knows that B knows X, B knows that A knows X, ad infinitum. We test
      whether people are sensitive to common knowledge when deciding whether to engage
      in risky coordination. Participants decided between working alone for a certain
      profit and working together for a potentially higher profit that they would
      receive only if their partner made the same choice. Results showed that more
      participants attempted risky coordination when they and their prospective partner
      had common knowledge of the payoffs (broadcast over a loudspeaker) than when they
      had only shared knowledge (conveyed to both by a messenger) or private knowledge
      (revealed to each partner separately). These results support the hypothesis that
      people represent common knowledge as a distinct cognitive category that licenses
      them to coordinate with others for mutual gain. We discuss how this hypothesis
      can provide a unified explanation for diverse phenomena in human social life,
      including recursive mentalizing, performative speech acts, public protests,
      hypocrisy, and self-conscious emotional expressions.

PMID- 25111300
TI  - Mycobacterium Avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates induce in vitro granuloma
      formation and show successful survival phenotype, common anti-inflammatory and
      antiapoptotic responses within ovine macrophages regardless of genotype or host
      of origin.
AB  - The analysis of the early macrophage responses, including bacterial growth within
      macrophages, represents a powerful tool to characterize the virulence of clinical
      isolates of Mycobcaterium avium susbp. paratuberculosis (Map). The present study
      represents the first assessment of the intracellular behaviour in ovine monocyte
      derived macrophages (MDMs) of Map isolates representing distinct genotypes (C, S
      and B), and isolated from cattle, sheep, goat, fallow deer, deer, and wild boar.
      Intracellular growth and survival of the selected isolates in ovine MDMs was
      assessed by quantification of CFUs inside of the host cells at 2 h p.i. (day 0)
      and 7 d p. i. using an automatic liquid culture system (Bactec MGIT 960).
      Variations in bacterial counts over 7 days from the baseline were small, in a
      range between 1.63 to 1.05-fold. After 7 d of infection, variations in the
      estimated log10 CFUs between all the tested isolates were not statistically
      significant. In addition, ovine MDMs exhibited enhanced anti-inflammatory,
      antiapoptotic and antidestructive responses when infected with two ovine isolates
      of distinct genotype (C and S) or with two C-type isolates from distinct hosts
      (cattle and sheep); which correlated with the successful survival of these
      isolates within ovine MDMs. A second objective was to study, based on an in vitro
      granuloma model, latter stages of the infection by investigating the capacity of
      two Map isolates from cattle and sheep to trigger formation of microgranulomas.
      Upon 10 d p.i., both Map isolates were able to induce the formation of granulomas
      comparable to the granulomas observed in clinical specimens with respect to the
      cellular components involved. In summary, our results demonstrated that Map
      isolates from cattle, sheep, goats, deer, fallow-deer and wild boar were able not
      only to initiate but also to establish a successful infection in ovine
      macrophages regardless of genotype. 

PMID- 25111302
TI  - Why side-effect outcomes do not affect intuitions about intentional actions:
      properly shifting the focus from intentional outcomes back to intentional
      actions.
AB  - Over the last decade, many articles have suggested that the "badness" of side
      effect outcomes influences perceivers' intuitions about intentionality,
      contradicting the traditional notion that mental state inferences lead to moral
      judgments rather than the reverse. Challenging this assertion, we argue that
      typically, consideration of intentionality involves thinking about "intentional
      actions" (things people do) rather than unintended outcomes. Across several
      studies, we offer an explanatory framework describing why side-effect asymmetries
      emerge. We first establish that people differentiate actions, outcomes, goals,
      and side effects, associating intentions with goals but intentionality with
      actions in furtherance of goals, and that each of these components is readily
      identified in side-effect scenarios. We then demonstrate that when relationships
      among actions, goals, and side effects are available for consideration in
      response options, side-effect effects disappear. We additionally show that,
      because actions are not explicitly referenced, people reinterpret questions about
      the intentionality of side effects-particularly for harmful outcomes-as asking
      about intentional actions that caused side effects, creating a mismatch between
      participants' pragmatic and researchers' literal interpretations. Finally, we
      demonstrate how harmful side effects shift perceivers' attention toward
      considering agents' knowledge/awareness, whereas beneficial side effects focus
      attention on intentions/motives, which serves a useful social purpose. We discuss
      how perceptions of intentionality are not influenced by side-effect valence,
      although, because of structural differences in how people view harm versus
      benefit, outcomes influence which mental states perceivers consider important
      when answering questions that are typically asked in side-effects research.
      Beyond intentionality, we consider how these findings may shed light on trait
      attribution processes, more generally.

PMID- 25111303
TI  - Trusting others: the polarization effect of need for closure.
AB  - Because trust-related issues inherently involve uncertainty, we expected
      individuals' social-cognitive motivation to manage uncertainty--which is captured
      by their need for closure--to influence their level of trust in others. Through
      the results of 6 studies, we showed that higher need for closure was related to
      more polarized trust judgments (i.e., low trust in distant others and high trust
      in close others) in the case of both chronic and situational need for closure.
      Moreover, participants with high need for closure did not revise their level of
      trust when they received feedback about the trustees' actual trustworthiness,
      whereas participants with low need for closure did. Overall, our findings
      indicate that polarized (either high or low, as opposed to moderate) and
      persistent levels of trust may serve people's seizing and freezing needs for
      achieving cognitive closure.

PMID- 25111304
TI  - Too young to correct: a developmental test of the three-stage model of social
      inference.
AB  - The 3-stage model of social inference posits that people categorize behaviors and
      characterize actors or situations effortlessly, but they correct these
      characterizations with additional information effortfully. The current article
      tests this model using developmental data, assuming that the less cognitively
      demanding processes in the model (i.e., categorization, characterization) should
      appear earlier in development, whereas the more demanding correction process
      should not appear until later in development. Using 2 different paradigms,
      Studies 1 and 3 found that younger children failed to take situational
      information into account while characterizing the actor. Study 2 found that
      younger children failed to take dispositional information into account while
      characterizing the situation. In contrast, in these 3 studies, older children
      used the available information to correct their characterizations of the actors
      and of the situations. Consistent with the 3-stage model, during elementary
      school years, children start to integrate additional information when drawing
      explicit social inferences. In Study 4, children of all age levels used a prior
      expectancy to draw a dispositional inference, ignoring situational information,
      suggesting that characterizations based on prior expectancies about an actor are
      a highly efficient process, not contemplated by the model. The 4 studies together
      illustrate how developmental data can be valuably used to test adult socio
      cognitive models, to extend their validity, or to simply further inform those
      models.

PMID- 25111305
TI  - Mutual reinforcement between neuroticism and life experiences: a five-wave, 16
      year study to test reciprocal causation.
AB  - High neuroticism predicts psychopathology and physical health problems.
      Nongenetic factors, including major life events and experiences, explain
      approximately half of the variance in neuroticism. Conversely, neuroticism also
      predicts these life experiences. In this study, we aimed to quantify the
      reciprocal causation between neuroticism and life experiences and to gauge the
      magnitude and persistence of these associations. This longitudinal cohort study
      included 5 assessment waves over 16 years in a random sample of 296 Dutch
      participants (47% women) with a mean age of 34 years (SD = 12, range 16-63
      years). Neuroticism was assessed with the Amsterdam Biographic Questionnaire. The
      experiences measured included positive and negative life events, long-term
      difficulties (LTDs), and change in life quality, all assessed by contextual
      rating procedures adapted from the Life Event and Difficulties Schedule. We fit
      structural equation models in Mplus. Results showed that neuroticism consistently
      predicted negative experiences, decreased life quality, and LTDs (beta = 0.15 to
      0.39), whereas effects on positive experiences were variable (beta = 0.14). LTDs
      and deteriorated life quality each predicted small but persistent increases in
      neuroticism (beta = 0.18), whereas improved life quality predicted small but
      persistent decreases (beta = -0.13). This suggests set point change in
      neuroticism. Life event aggregates showed no persistent effects on the
      neuroticism set point. Neuroticism and life experiences showed persistent,
      bidirectional associations. Experience-driven changes in neuroticism lasted over
      a decade. Results support the corresponsive principle (reciprocal causation),
      suggesting a mixed model of change in neuroticism that distinguishes temporary
      changes in neuroticism from persistent changes in an individual's neuroticism set
      point.

PMID- 25111307
TI  - Evaluation of the ecotoxicity of sediments from Yangtze river estuary and
      contribution of priority PAHs to ah receptor--mediated activities.
AB  - In this study, in vitro bioassays were performed to assess the ecotoxicological
      potential of sediments from Yangtze River estuary. The cytotoxicity and aryl
      hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated toxicity of sediment extracts with rainbow
      trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver cells were determined by neutral red retention
      and 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase assays. The cytotoxicity and AhR-mediated
      activity of sediments from the Yangtze River estuary ranged from low level to
      moderate level compared with the ecotoxicity of sediments from other river
      systems. However, Yangtze River releases approximately 14 times greater water
      discharge compared with Rhine, a major river in Europe. Thus, the absolute
      pollution mass transfer of Yangtze River may be detrimental to the environmental
      quality of estuary and East China Sea. Effect-directed analysis was applied to
      identify substances causing high dioxin-like activities. To identify unknown
      substances contributing to dioxin-like potencies of whole extracts, we
      fractionated crude extracts by open column chromatography. Non-polar paraffinic
      components (F1), weakly and moderately polar components (F2), and highly polar
      substances (F3) were separated from each crude extract of sediments. F2 showed
      the highest dioxin-like activities. Based on the results of mass balance
      calculation of chemical toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQs), our conclusion is
      that priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons indicated a low portion of bio
      TEQs ranging from 1% to 10% of crude extracts. Further studies should be
      conducted to identify unknown pollutants. 

PMID- 25111308
TI  - Meta-analysis of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and susceptibility of
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - A number of case-control studies have been conducted to clarify the association
      between ApoE polymorphisms and myocardial infarction (MI); however, the results
      are inconsistent. This meta-analysis was performed to clarify this issue using
      all the available evidence. Searching in PubMed retrieved all eligible articles.
      A total of 33 studies were included in this meta-analysis, including 18752 MI
      cases and 18963 controls. The pooled analysis based on all included studies
      showed that the MI patients had a decreased frequency of the epsilon2 allele (OR
      = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.70-0.87) and an increased frequency of the epsilon4 allele (OR
      = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.10-1.20); The results also showed a decreased susceptibility
      of MI in the epsilon2epsilon3 vs. epsilon3epsilon3 analysis (OR = 0.79, 95% CI =
      0.68-0.90) and in the epsilon2 vs. epsilon3 analysis (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.69
      0.89), an increased susceptibility of MI in the epsilon3epsilon4 vs.
      epsilon3epsilon3 analysis (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.12-1.41), in the epsilon4 vs.
      epsilon3 analysis (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.12-1.32) and in the epsilon4epsilon4 vs.
      epsilon3epsilon3 analysis (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.15-2.19). However, there were no
      significant associations among polymorphisms and MI for the following genetic
      models: frequency of the epsilon3 allele (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.96-1.02);
      epsilon2epsilon2 vs. epsilon3epsilon3 analysis (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.40-1.32);
      or epsilon2epsilon4 vs. epsilon3epsilon3 analysis (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.99
      1.21). Our results suggested that the epsilon4 allele of ApoE is a risk factor
      for the development of MI and the epsilon2 allele of ApoE is a protective factor
      in the development of MI. 

PMID- 25111310
TI  - New insight into the role of gold nanoparticles in Au@CdS core-shell
      nanostructures for hydrogen evolution.

PMID- 25111309
TI  - Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound induces angiogenesis and ameliorates left
      ventricular dysfunction in a porcine model of chronic myocardial ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although a significant progress has been made in the management of
      ischemic heart disease (IHD), the number of severe IHD patients is increasing.
      Thus, it is crucial to develop new, non-invasive therapeutic strategies. In the
      present study, we aimed to develop low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS)
      therapy for the treatment of IHD. METHODS AND RESULTS: We first confirmed that in
      cultured human endothelial cells, LIPUS significantly up-regulated mRNA
      expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with a peak at 32-cycle
      (P<0.05). Then, we examined the in vivo effects of LIPUS in a porcine model of
      chronic myocardial ischemia with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction
      (LVEF) (n = 28). The heart was treated with either sham (n = 14) or LIPUS (32
      cycle with 193 mW/cm2 for 20 min, n = 14) at 3 different short axis levels. Four
      weeks after the treatment, LVEF was significantly improved in the LIPUS group
      (46+/-4 to 57+/-5%, P<0.05) without any adverse effects, whereas it remained
      unchanged in the sham group (46+/-5 to 47+/-6%, P = 0.33). Capillary density in
      the ischemic region was significantly increased in the LIPUS group compared with
      the control group (1084+/-175 vs. 858+/-151/mm2, P<0.05). Regional myocardial
      blood flow was also significantly improved in the LIPUS group (0.78+/-0.2 to
      1.39+/-0.4 ml/min/g, P<0.05), but not in the control group (0.84+/-0.3 to 0.97+/
      0.4 ml/min/g). Western blot analysis showed that VEGF, eNOS and bFGF were all
      significantly up-regulated only in the LIPUS group. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that the LIPUS therapy is promising as a new, non-invasive therapy for
      IHD.

PMID- 25111311
TI  - Recovering metric properties of objects through spatiotemporal interpolation.
AB  - Spatiotemporal interpolation (STI) refers to perception of complete objects from
      fragmentary information across gaps in both space and time. It differs from
      static interpolation in that requirements for interpolation are not met in any
      static frame. It has been found that STI produced objective performance
      advantages in a shape discrimination paradigm for both illusory and occluded
      objects when contours met conditions of spatiotemporal relatability. Here we
      report psychophysical studies testing whether spatiotemporal interpolation allows
      recovery of metric properties of objects. Observers viewed virtual triangles
      specified only by sequential partial occlusions of background elements by their
      vertices (the STI condition) and made forced choice judgments of the object's
      size relative to a reference standard. We found that length could often be
      accurately recovered for conditions where fragments were relatable and formed
      illusory triangles. In the first control condition, three moving dots located at
      the vertices provided the same spatial and timing information as the virtual
      object in the STI condition but did not induce perception of interpolated
      contours or a coherent object. In the second control condition oriented line
      segments were added to the dots and mid-points between the dots in a way that did
      not induce perception of interpolated contours. Control stimuli did not lead to
      accurate size judgments. We conclude that spatiotemporal interpolation can
      produce representations, from fragmentary information, of metric properties in
      addition to shape. 

PMID- 25111312
TI  - Controlling catalytic selectivity on metal nanoparticles by direct
      photoexcitation of adsorbate-metal bonds.
AB  - Engineering heterogeneous metal catalysts for high selectivity in thermal driven
      reactions typically involves the synthesis of nanostructures with well-controlled
      geometries and compositions. However, inherent relationships between the
      energetics of elementary steps limit the control of catalytic selectivity through
      these approaches. Photon excitation of metal catalysts can induce chemical
      reactivity channels that cannot be accessed using thermal energy, although the
      potential for targeted activation of adsorbate-metal bonds is limited because the
      processes of photon absorption and adsorbate-metal bond photoexcitation are
      typically separated spatially. Here, we show that the use of sub-5-nanometer
      metal particles as photocatalysts enables direct photoexcitation of hybridized
      adsorbate-metal states as the dominant mechanism driving photochemistry.
      Activation of targeted adsorbate-metal bonds through direct photoexcitation of
      hybridized electronic states enabled selectivity control in preferential CO
      oxidation in H2 rich streams. This mechanism opens new avenues to drive selective
      catalytic reactions that cannot be achieved using thermal energy. 

PMID- 25111313
TI  - Learning curves for robot-assisted and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the learning curve of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy
      (RAPN) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) between two surgeons at a
      single institution. METHODS: A prospectively maintained, Institutional Review
      Board (IRB)-approved kidney surgery database was reviewed retrospectively and the
      first 116 consecutive LPNs performed by one surgeon (Hyung Kim) and 116
      consecutive RPNs performed by a second surgeon (Thomas Schwaab) were identified.
      The learning curve was evaluated by examining the operative times, warm ischemia
      times (WITs), estimated blood loss, the postoperative estimated glomerular
      filtration rate (eGFR), and intra- and postoperative complications in the
      quartiles of 29 patients. The LPNs performed by Hyung Kim were done following
      completion of a minimally invasive fellowship. Thomas Schwaab had minimal
      experience with LPN and no fellowship training before starting RAPN. RESULTS: The
      RAPN and LPN groups had similar patient and tumor characteristics. The RAPN group
      had a higher preoperative eGFR (74.1+/-22.04 vs. 80.95+/-21.25 mL/minutes,
      p=0.015) and a worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status
      (ECOG 1+ in 12% vs. 2.6%, p<0.001) compared with the LPN group. Rates of
      intraoperative (p=0.203) and postoperative (p=0.193) complications were similar.
      In the RAPN group, operating room (OR) time (161+/-51 vs. 203+/-55 minutes,
      p<0.001) and WIT (17.7+/-14.8 vs. 21.8+/-9.1 minutes, p<0.001) were shorter.
      Postoperative stay was longer in the RAPN group (2.4+/-2.2 vs. 1.67+/-1.1 days,
      p<0.001). The percentage decrease in postoperative eGFR was lower in the RAPN
      group versus the LPN (9.6% vs. 10%). The learning curves differed for log tumor
      size, log WIT, and postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The variables of the
      learning curve for RAPN can be obtained earlier than the same variables for LPN.
      RAPN had a shorter OR time and WITs. The shorter WITs, earlier in the series, led
      to consistently lower fluctuations in GFR and preservation of the renal function.
      The learning curves for each procedure need to be re-evaluated at longer
      intervals to ensure their accuracy.

PMID- 25111314
TI  - A 3D aligning method for stimulated emission depletion microscopy using
      fluorescence lifetime distribution.
AB  - Optimal resolution by stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy requires
      precise alignment of the donut-shaped depletion focus to the excitation focus. In
      this article, we demonstrate that fluorescence lifetime distribution can be
      implemented to align the STED system. Different from the traditional aligning
      methods in which a scattering imaging module is often equipped, the lifetime
      based method is free from probable mismatches between the scattering mode and the
      fluorescent mode, drift errors caused by separate imaging and complex fitting
      methods. Based on this method, a spatial resolution of 38 nm by time-gated
      detection has been achieved.

PMID- 25111315
TI  - New regulatory paradigms for innovative drugs to treat pediatric diseases.

PMID- 25111316
TI  - Estimation of sodium and potassium intakes assessed by two 24 h urine collections
      in healthy Japanese adults: a nationwide study.
AB  - Excess Na intake and insufficient K intake are well-known risk factors for CVD.
      International comparative studies have reported that Japan has the highest intake
      of Na and the lowest intake of K in the world. However, no recent study has
      precisely assessed Na and K intakes in Japanese adults. In the present study, Na
      and K intakes were estimated from two 24 h urine collections implemented in
      twenty-three out of forty-seven prefectures in Japan. Apparently healthy men (n
      384) and women (n 376), aged 20 to 69 years, who had been working in welfare
      facilities were recruited, with data collection conducted in February and March
      2013. The mean Na excretion was 206.0 mmol/d in men and 173.9 mmol/d in women.
      The respective values of K excretion were 51.6 and 47.2 mmol/d. The excretion of
      both Na and K varied considerably among the prefectures, and was higher in
      subjects with a higher BMI. In contrast, only K excretion was associated with
      age. After estimating the usual intakes of Na and K, it was found that none of
      the male subjects met the recommended Na intake values of the WHO, and that only
      3.2 % met those of the Japanese government. The respective values for females
      were 0.1 and 5.0 %. For K intake, 7.5 % of the total subjects met the recommended
      values of the WHO and 21.7 % met those of the Japanese government. These findings
      suggest that there is an urgent need for the development of an effective
      intervention programme to reduce Na intake and promote K intake in the Japanese
      population. 

PMID- 25111317
TI  - New drugs and treatment targets in psoriasis.
AB  - In recent years, the increased understanding of the pathophysiology of psoriasis
      has resulted in several new treatments. The success of ustekinumab proved the
      importance of the IL-23/T helper cell 17 axis in psoriatic diseases. Several new
      biologics targeting this axis will reach the clinic in the next years. Biologics
      are costly, require injections, and some patients experience tacaphylaxis, thus,
      the development of orally available, small-molecule inhibitors is desirable.
      Among small-molecules under investigation are A3 adenosine receptor agonists,
      Janus kinase inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. We review published
      clinical trials, and conference abstracts presented during the last years,
      concerned with new drugs under development for the treatment of psoriasis. In
      conclusion, our psoriasis armamentarium will be filled with several new effective
      therapeutic options the coming years. We need to be aware of the limitations of
      drug safety data when selecting new novel treatments. Monitoring and clinical
      registries are still important tools. 

PMID- 25111318
TI  - Peripartum cardiomyopathy: definition, incidence, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis,
      and management.
AB  - Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a serious pregnancy-associated disorder of
      unknown etiology. The precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying PPCM
      are unclear. A heightened awareness among health care providers can result in
      early diagnosis of heart failure in late pregnancy and the early postpartum
      period. Though the symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue can result from normal
      physiologic changes during pregnancy, an electrocardiogram and brain natriuretic
      peptide level should be obtained in these patients, in addition to baseline
      laboratory tests such as a complete blood count, and basic metabolic and hepatic
      function panels. If the electrocardiogram and brain natriuretic peptide level are
      abnormal, an echocardiogram should be obtained. The role of endomyocardial biopsy
      for the diagnosis of PPCM is controversial. Patients should be started on
      diuretics if volume overloaded, and beta-blockers (preferably metoprolol) if no
      contraindications exist; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin
      receptor blockers should be avoided during pregnancy or lactation. There are no
      standard, universally accepted guidelines for the management of PPCM. Although
      experimental therapies like bromocriptine, pentoxifylline and immunoglobulins
      have shown promising results, large double-blind randomized trials are essential
      to confirm the results of smaller studies. In patients with persistent severe
      left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, advanced therapies like mechanical circulatory
      support and heart transplantation should be considered. Owing to recent data
      demonstrating deterioration of LV systolic function after initial recovery, it is
      essential to maintain long-term follow up of these patients regardless of initial
      recovery of LV function. We present a comprehensive review of the literature
      etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of PPCM. 

PMID- 25111319
TI  - Structural biology of cisplatin complexes with cellular targets: the adduct with
      human copper chaperone atox1 in aqueous solution.
AB  - Cisplatin is one of the most used anticancer drugs. Its cellular influx and
      delivery to target DNA may involve the copper chaperone Atox1 protein. Although
      the mode of binding is established by NMR spectroscopy measurements in solution
      the Pt atom binds to Cys12 and Cys15 while retaining the two ammine groups-the
      structural determinants of the adduct are not known. Here a structural model by
      hybrid Car-Parrinello density functional theory-based QM/MM simulations is
      provided. The platinated site minimally modifies the fold of the protein. The
      calculated NMR and CD spectral properties are fully consistent with the
      experimental data. Our in silico/in vitro approach provides, together with
      previous studies, an unprecedented view into the structural biology of cisplatin
      protein adducts. 

PMID- 25111320
TI  - Synthesis of 8-methyl-1-tetralone, a potential intermediate for (+/-)
      platyphyllide.
AB  - An alternative method for the synthesis of the 8-methyl-1-tetralone from the
      commercially available 5-methoxy-1-tetralone has been developed. The
      transformation involves eight steps and affords an overall yield 25%. 

PMID- 25111322
TI  - Early recognition and treatment of pelvic fractures.

PMID- 25111321
TI  - Is increased susceptibility to Balkan endemic nephropathy in carriers of common
      GSTA1 (*A/*B) polymorphism linked with the catalytic role of GSTA1 in ochratoxin
      a biotransformation? Serbian case control study and in silico analysis.
AB  - Although recent data suggest aristolochic acid as a putative cause of Balkan
      endemic nephropathy (BEN), evidence also exists in favor of ochratoxin A (OTA)
      exposure as risk factor for the disease. The potential role of xenobiotic
      metabolizing enzymes, such as the glutathione transferases (GSTs), in OTA
      biotransformation is based on OTA glutathione adducts (OTHQ-SG and OTB-SG) in
      blood and urine of BEN patients. We aimed to analyze the association between
      common GSTA1, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms and BEN susceptibility, and
      thereafter performed an in silico simulation of particular GST enzymes
      potentially involved in OTA transformations. GSTA1, GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1
      genotypes were determined in 207 BEN patients and 138 non-BEN healthy individuals
      from endemic regions by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Molecular modeling in
      silico was performed for GSTA1 protein. Among the GST polymorphisms tested, only
      GSTA1 was significantly associated with a higher risk of BEN. Namely, carriers of
      the GSTA1*B gene variant, associated with lower transcriptional activation, were
      at a 1.6-fold higher BEN risk than those carrying the homozygous GSTA1*A/*A
      genotype (OR = 1.6; p = 0.037). In in silico modeling, we found four structures,
      two OTB-SG and two OTHQ-SG, bound in a GSTA1 monomer. We found that GSTA1
      polymorphism was associated with increased risk of BEN, and suggested, according
      to the in silico simulation, that GSTA1-1 might be involved in catalyzing the
      formation of OTHQ-SG and OTB-SG conjugates. 

PMID- 25111323
TI  - Anatomy of the left main coronary artery of particular relevance to ablation of
      left atrial and outflow tract arrhythmias.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left main coronary artery (LMCA) damage is a rare but catastrophic
      complication of cardiac ablation procedures. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study
      was to describe the anatomic relationships of the LMCA to its adjacent structures
      using analysis of computed tomographic coronary angiograms (CTCA). METHODS: We
      studied 100 patients (55 males, age 51 +/- 10 years) who were investigated for
      chest pain with CTCA. The relationships between the LMCA and adjacent structures
      were described by analysis of 2-dimensional images and 3-dimensional
      reconstructions. RESULTS: The LMCA coursed within 5 mm of the anterior left
      atrial endocardium and/or base of left atrial appendage in 49% (within 2 mm in
      17%) and from the pulmonary artery in 90% (within 2 mm in 43%). The LMCA was
      within 5 mm of the right ventricular outflow tract in 1%. In 4% the LMCA coursed
      inferiorly, remaining within 5 mm of the left aortic sinus of Valsalva at a
      vertical distance >5 mm from the inferior margin of the LMCA ostium. CONCLUSION:
      The LMCA is often intimately related to the anterior left atrium, left atrial
      appendage base, and pulmonary artery and occasionally to the inferior part of the
      left aortic sinus of Valsalva and thus is exposed to the risk of injury during
      ablation in these areas. The LMCA is rarely close to the right ventricular
      outflow tract.

PMID- 25111324
TI  - Major predictors of fibrous adherences in transvenous implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator lead extraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous removal of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
      leads is a difficult procedure because of the consequence of massive fibrous
      tissue growth along the lead. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to
      describe the occurrence and location of fibrous adherences in ICD lead extraction
      and to identify potential predictors among patient and lead characteristics.
      METHODS: We studied 637 consecutive patients who underwent transvenous extraction
      of 678 ICD leads from 1997 to 2013. RESULTS: Procedural success rate was 99%,
      without major complications. Areas of adherence were found in the subclavian vein
      (78%), innominate vein (65%), superior vena cava (66%), and heart (73%). Dwell
      time, passive fixation, and dual-coil lead design were independently associated
      with adherences. Dual-coil lead design was associated with adherences in the
      innominate vein and superior vena cava, whereas coil treatment (eg, expandable
      polytetrafluoroethylene-coated or medical adhesive back-filled strategies)
      prevented adherences. Passive fixation mechanism was associated with adherences
      in the heart. CONCLUSION: ICD leads, after long dwell-time, are affected by
      fibrous adherences uniformly distributed along the lead course. Lead features
      represent major predictors of the phenomenon. Careful lead selection is
      recommended at the time of implantation to prevent adherences. In addition, lead
      related risk stratification is mandatory before a transvenous extraction
      procedure.

PMID- 25111325
TI  - Second coupling interval of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia to distinguish
      malignant from benign outflow tract ventricular tachycardias.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT) originating from the outflow
      tract (OT) usually is considered a benign condition. In rare cases, patients with
      OT-VT suffer from syncope or even sudden cardiac death. OT-VT is frequently
      preceded by nonsustained VT (NSVT). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to
      clarify if the ECG parameters of NSVTs could differentiate malignant from benign
      OT-VT. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients without structural heart
      disease who had documented OT-NSVT on ECG. ECG parameters were compared between
      patients with syncope, aborted sudden cardiac death, or ventricular fibrillation
      (malignant group, n = 36) and patients without syncope (benign group, n = 40).
      RESULTS: There were no differences with regard to age and gender between the
      malignant and benign groups. On analysis of NSVT, the first coupling interval
      (CI) of NSVT was comparable between the 2 groups (458 +/- 87 ms vs 485 +/- 95 ms,
      P = .212). However, the second CI of NSVT beats was significantly shorter in the
      malignant group (313 +/- 58 ms vs 385 +/- 83 ms, P < .0001). During 48-month
      follow-up, the benign group had a significantly lower recurrence of clinical VT
      than the malignant group (P = .046). The malignant group frequently had more than
      1 focus of VT, whereas the benign group showed only a single focus (1.82 vs 1.09,
      P = .023). CONCLUSION: The second CI of NSVT in the malignant group was
      significantly shorter than that of the benign OT-VT group. Careful measurement of
      the second CI of NSVT may help identify the malignant form of OT-VT, enabling
      early treatment to prevent future cardiac events.

PMID- 25111326
TI  - Time outside of therapeutic range in atrial fibrillation patients is associated
      with long-term risk of dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms behind the association of atrial fibrillation (AF) and
      dementia are unknown. One possibility is that exposure to chronic microembolism
      or microbleeds results in repetitive cerebral injury that is manifest by
      cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test the
      hypothesis that AF patients with a low percentage of time in the therapeutic
      range (TTR) are at higher risk for dementia due to under- or overanticoagulation.
      METHODS: Patients anticoagulated with warfarin (target international normalized
      ratio [INR] 2-3), managed by the Intermountain Healthcare Clinical Pharmacist
      Anticoagulation Service with no history of dementia or stroke/transient ischemic
      attack, were included in the study. The primary outcome was dementia incidence
      defined by ICD-9 codes. Percent time in TTR was calculated using the method of
      linear interpolation and stratified as >75%, 51%-75%, 26%-50%, and <=25%.
      Multivariable Cox hazard regression was used to determine dementia incidence by
      percentage categories of TTR. RESULTS: A total of 2605 patients (age 73.7 +/-
      10.8 years, 1408 [54.0%] male) were studied. The CHADS2 score distribution was 0:
      216 (8.3%); 1: 579 (22.2%); 2: 859(33.0%); 3: 708 (27.2%); and >=4: 243 (9.3%).
      The percent TTR averaged 63.1 +/- 21.3, with percent INR <2.0: 25.6% +/- 17.9%
      and percent INR >3.0: 16.2% +/- 13.6%. Dementia was diagnosed in 109 patients
      (4.2%) (senile: 37 [1.4%]; vascular: 8 [0.3%]; Alzheimer: 64 (2.5%]). After
      adjustment, decreasing categories of percent TTR were associated with increased
      dementia risk (vs >75%): <25%: hazard ratio (HR) 5.34, P < .0001; 26%-50%: HR
      4.10, P < .0001; and 51%-75%: HR = 2.57, P = .001. CONCLUSION: Quality of
      anticoagulation management represented as percent TTR among AF patients without
      dementia was associated with dementia incidence. These data support the
      possibility of chronic cerebral injury as a mechanism that underlies the
      association of AF and dementia.

PMID- 25111327
TI  - If inhibition in the atrioventricular node by ivabradine causes rate-dependent
      slowing of conduction and reduces ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: If channels are functionally expressed in atrioventricular (AV) nodal
      tissue. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to address whether the
      prototypical If inhibitor, ivabradine, at clinically safe concentrations can slow
      AV node conduction to reduce ventricular rate (VR) during atrial fibrillation
      (AF). METHODS: Effects of ivabradine (0.1 mg/kg i.v. bolus) were studied in an
      anesthetized Yorkshire pig (N = 7) model of AF and in isolated guinea pig hearts
      (N = 7). RESULTS: Ivabradine reduced heart rate (P = .0001) without affecting
      mean arterial pressure during sinus rhythm. The agent lengthened PR intervals in
      a rate-dependent manner (P = .0009) by 14 +/- 2.7 ms (P = .003) and 25 +/- 3.0 ms
      (P = .0004) and increased atrial-His (A-H) intervals in a rate-dependent manner
      (P = .020) by 10 +/- 1.7 ms and 17 +/- 2.8 ms during pacing at 130 and 180 bpm,
      respectively (both P = .0008). Similar rate-dependent effects were observed in
      isolated guinea pig hearts. Ivabradine slowed VR during AF from 240 +/- 21 bpm to
      211 +/- 25 bpm (P = .041). The ivabradine-induced increase in A-H interval was
      inversely correlated with VR (r = -0.85, P = .03, at 130 bpm; r = -0.95, P =
      .003, at 180 bpm). QT and HV intervals, AF dominant frequency (8.5 +/- 0.9 to 8.7
      +/- 1.1 Hz, P = NS), mean arterial pressure, and left ventricular dP/dt (1672 +/-
      222 to 1889 +/- 229 mm Hg/s, P = NS) during AF were unaffected. CONCLUSION:
      Ivabradine's rate-dependent increase in A-H interval is highly correlated with VR
      during AF. As dominant frequency was unaltered, AV node conduction slowing during
      high nodal activation rates appears to be the main mechanism of ivabradine's VR
      reduction. If inhibition in the AV node may provide a promising target to slow VR
      during AF without depression in contractility.

PMID- 25111328
TI  - Isolated polycystic morphology: Does it affect the IVF treatment outcomes?
AB  - The aim of the current study was to compare women who have normal ovarian
      ultrasonographic findings and women with ovulatory polycystic ovary (PCO), in
      terms of IVF treatment outcome. The study was conducted at a tertiary referral
      hospital and included 906 women who underwent IVF treatment. Of these, 224 of the
      women had PCO (24.7%) and 682 of the women had normal ovarian morphology (75.3%)
      at the time of ultrasonographic examination prior to IVF. The treatment outcomes
      were compared between the two groups. In the PCO group, the number of oocytes at
      the size of > 16 mm, the overall number of collected oocytes and the number of
      fertilised oocytes were found to be significantly higher. Furthermore, the rates
      of implantation, biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy were significantly
      higher in the PCO group (p < 0.05). The detection of PCO morphology on baseline
      ultrasonography in IVF candidates may be associated with higher treatment
      success. 

PMID- 25111331
TI  - Graphene/graphite sheet assisted growth of high-areal-density horizontally
      aligned carbon nanotubes.
AB  - We report a facile graphene/graphite sheet assisted CVD process for the synthesis
      of high-areal-density HACNT arrays. Besides, some metal nanoparticles could eat
      the graphene/graphite sheets, forming serpentine holes on the sheets in the early
      stage, and finally leading to the precipitation of CNTs without an additional
      carbon source. 

PMID- 25111330
TI  - Assessment of molecular testing in fine-needle aspiration biopsy samples: an
      experience in a Chinese population.
AB  - Fine-needle aspiration biopsy remains the mainstay for preoperative examination
      of thyroid nodules; however, it does not provide a definite diagnosis in up to
      25% of nodules. Considerable studies have been performed to identify molecular
      markers to resolve this diagnostic dilemma. The aim of this study was to
      establish the distribution and frequency of common genetic alterations in a
      comprehensive set of benign and malignant thyroid nodules, and to determine the
      feasibility and role of testing for a panel of genetic alterations in improving
      the accuracy of cytology diagnosis in a Chinese population. This study was
      conducted in 314 thyroid nodules comprising 104 papillary thyroid carcinomas, 13
      suspicious nodules, 52 indeterminate nodules, and 145 benign nodules. Point
      mutations and RET/PTC rearrangements, were evaluated by pyrosequencing and TaqMan
      real-time PCR, respectively. After surgery, 115 nodules were confirmed as
      conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma and 102 (88.70%) of these nodules
      harbored either the BRAF(V600E) mutation (76.52%) or RET/PTC rearrangements
      (12.17%). RAS mutation was found in 1 (33.33%) follicular thyroid carcinoma, 1
      (14.29%) follicular thyroid adenoma and 4 (10%) goiter nodules. With cytology and
      molecular testing, the diagnostic accuracy was further increased to 98.82% in
      papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis, and was preoperatively increased to 76.92%
      and 84.00%, respectively, in nodules with suspicious and indeterminate cytology.
      In conclusion, molecular testing of a panel of genetic alterations in fine-needle
      aspiration biopsy can be effectively performed in clinical practice. It enhances
      the accuracy of cytology and is of particular value for indeterminate nodules in
      the Chinese population. 

PMID- 25111332
TI  - How frustrated Lewis acid/base systems pass through transition-state regions: H2
      cleavage by [tBu3P/B(C6F5)3].
AB  - We investigate the transition-state (TS) region of the potential energy surface
      (PES) of the reaction tBu3P + H2 + B(C6F5)3 -> tBu3P-H(+) + (-)H-B(C6F5)3 and the
      dynamics of the TS passage at room temperature. Owing to the conformational
      inertia of the phosphane???borane pocket involving heavy tBu3P and B(C6F5)3
      species and features of the PES E(P???H, B???H | B???P) as a function of P???H,
      B???H, and B???P distances, a typical reactive scenario for this reaction is a
      trajectory that is trapped in the TS region for a period of time (about 350 fs on
      average across all calculated trajectories) in a quasi-bound state (scattering
      resonance). The relationship between the timescale of the TS passage and the
      effective conformational inertia of the phosphane???borane pocket leads to a
      prediction that isotopically heavier Lewis base/Lewis acid pairs and normal
      counterparts could give measurably different reaction rates. Herein, the
      predicted quasi-bound state could be verified in molecular collision experiments
      involving femtosecond spectroscopy.

PMID- 25111333
TI  - The relative contribution of edema and hemorrhage to raised intrathecal pressure
      after traumatic spinal cord injury.
AB  - Raised intrathecal pressure (ITP) after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a
      critically important aspect of injury development that may result in
      significantly greater tissue damage and worsened functional outcome. Raised ITP
      is caused by the accumulation of blood and/or water (edema), and while their
      occurrence after traumatic SCI has been well established, the relative
      contribution of both processes to the development of ITP after SCI has not yet
      been determined. Accordingly, the current study investigates the temporal profile
      of raised ITP after traumatic SCI in relation to both hemorrhage and edema
      development. A closed balloon compression injury was induced at T10 in New
      Zealand White rabbits. Animals were thereafter assessed for spinal water content
      (edema), ITP, lesion and hemorrhage volume, and albumin immunoreactivity from 5 h
      to 1 week post-SCI. Early increases in ITP at 5 h post-injury were associated
      with significant increases in blood volume. ITP, however, was maximal at 3 days
      post-SCI, at which time there was an associated significant increase in edema
      that persisted for 1 week. We conclude that raised ITP after traumatic SCI is
      initially driven by volumetric increases in hemorrhage, while edema becomes the
      primary driver of ITP at 3 days post-injury.

PMID- 25111334
TI  - Nrf2 augments skeletal muscle regeneration after ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
AB  - Skeletal muscles harbour a resident population of stem cells, termed satellite
      cells (SCs). After trauma, SCs leave their quiescent state to enter the cell
      cycle and undergo multiple rounds of proliferation, a process regulated by MyoD.
      To initiate differentiation, fusion and maturation to new skeletal muscle fibres,
      SCs up-regulate myogenin. However, the regulation of these myogenic factors is
      not fully understood. In this study we demonstrate that Nrf2, a major regulator
      of oxidative stress defence, plays a role in the expression of these myogenic
      factors. In both promoter studies with myoblasts and a mouse model of muscle
      injury in Nrf2-deficient mice, we show that Nrf2 prolongs SC proliferation by up
      regulating MyoD and suppresses SC differentiation by down-regulating myogenin.
      Moreover, we show that IL-6 and HGF, both factors that facilitate SC activation,
      induce Nrf2 activity in myoblasts. Thus, Nrf2 activity promotes muscle
      regeneration by modulating SC proliferation and differentiation and thereby
      provides implications for tissue regeneration.

PMID- 25111335
TI  - Extinction and reinstatement of phasic dopamine signals in the nucleus accumbens
      core during Pavlovian conditioning.
AB  - The prediction-error model of dopamine (DA) signaling has largely been confirmed
      with various appetitive Pavlovian conditioning procedures and has been supported
      in tests of Pavlovian extinction. Studies have repeatedly shown, however, that
      extinction does not erase the original memory of conditioning as the prediction
      error model presumes, putting the model at odds with contemporary views that
      treat extinction as an episode of learning rather than unlearning of
      conditioning. Here, we combined fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) with
      appetitive Pavlovian conditioning to assess DA release directly during extinction
      and reinstatement. DA was monitored in the nucleus accumbens core, which plays a
      key role in reward processing. Following at least 4 daily sessions of 16 tone
      food pairings, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry was performed while rats received
      additional tone-food pairings followed by tone alone presentations (i.e.,
      extinction). Acquisition memory was reinstated with noncontingent presentations
      of reward and then tested with cue presentation. Tone-food pairings produced
      transient (1- to 3-s) DA release in response to tone. During extinction, the
      amplitude of the DA response decreased significantly. Following presentation of 2
      noncontingent food pellets, subsequent tone presentation reinstated the DA
      signal. Our results support the prediction-error model for appetitive Pavlovian
      extinction but not for reinstatement.

PMID- 25111337
TI  - The role of the medial prefrontal cortex in regulating interanimal coordination
      of movements.
AB  - Rats with juvenile play experience display a greater ability in coordinating
      their movements with social partners than those deprived of such experience, and
      this may be due to the play-induced neural restructuring of the medial prefrontal
      cortex (mPFC). The present study investigates the role of the mPFC in interanimal
      coordination. Rats with and without bilateral mPFC lesions were tested on a
      robbing-and-dodging task. This food protection task measures the ability of rats
      to protect pieces of food by gaining and maintaining an interanimal distance
      between themselves and the rat attempting to rob the food. Given that mPFC
      lesions have been associated with sensory and motor deficits, the same rats were
      also subjected to a task to measure skilled motor movements. Rats with bilateral
      mPFC lesions had more food stolen and displayed an inability to maintain
      interanimal distance with partner, but did not exhibit any motor or sensory
      deficits. These findings suggest that the mPFC is involved in interanimal
      coordination and that the play-induced neural restructuring of this area may
      account for the enhanced coordination seen in rats with prior play experience.

PMID- 25111336
TI  - Age-related spatial working memory deficits in homing pigeons (Columba livia).
AB  - The hippocampus is particularly susceptible to age-related degeneration that,
      like hippocampal lesions, is thought to lead to age-related decline in spatial
      memory and navigation. Lesions to the avian hippocampal formation (HF) also
      result in impaired spatial memory and navigation, but the relationship between
      aging and HF-dependent spatial cognition is unknown. To investigate possible age
      related decline in avian spatial cognition, the current study investigated
      spatial working memory performance in older homing pigeons (10+ years of age).
      Pigeons completed a behavioral procedure nearly identical to the delayed spatial,
      win-shift procedure in a modified radial arm maze that has been previously used
      to study spatial working memory in rats and pigeons. The results revealed that
      the older pigeons required a greater number of choices to task completion and
      were less accurate with their first 4 choices as compared to younger pigeons (1-2
      years of age). In addition, older pigeons were more likely to adopt a stereotyped
      sampling strategy, which explained in part their impaired performance. To the
      best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate an age-related
      impairment of HF-dependent, spatial memory in birds. Implications and future
      directions of the findings are discussed.

PMID- 25111338
TI  - Ferro- to antiferromagnetic crossover angle in diphenoxido- and carboxylato
      bridged trinuclear Ni(II)2-Mn(II) complexes: experimental observations and
      theoretical rationalization.
AB  - Three new trinuclear heterometallic Ni(II)-Mn(II) complexes have been synthesized
      using a [NiL] metalloligand, where H2L = N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,3
      propanediamine. The complexes [(NiL)2Mn(OCnn)2(CH3OH)2].CH3OH (1),
      [(NiL)2Mn(OPh)2(CH3OH)2][(NiL)2Mn(OPh)2].H2O (2), and
      [(NiL)2Mn(OSal)2(CH3OH)2].2[NiL] (3) (where OCnn = cinnamate, OPh =
      phenylacetate, OSal = salicylate) have been structurally characterized. In all
      three complexes, in addition to the double phenoxido bridge, the two terminal
      Ni(II) atoms are linked to the central Mn(II) by means of a syn-syn bridging
      carboxylate, giving rise to a linear structure. Complexes 1 and 2 with Ni-O-Mn
      angles of 97.24 and 96.43 degrees , respectively, exhibit ferromagnetic
      interactions (J(Ni-Mn) = +1.38 and +0.50 cm(-1), respectively), whereas 3 is
      antiferromagnetic (J(Ni-Mn) = -0.24 cm(-1)), having an Ni-O-Mn angle of 98.51
      degrees . DFT calculations indicate that there is a clear magneto-structural
      correlation between the Ni-O-Mn angle and J(Ni-Mn) values, which is in agreement
      with the experimental results.

PMID- 25111340
TI  - Structural studies of nonionic dodecanol ethoxylates at the oil-water interface:
      effect of increasing head group size.
AB  - The conformation of charged surfactants at the oil-water interface was recently
      reported. With the aim to assess the role of the head group size on the
      conformation of the adsorbed layer, we have extended these studies to a series of
      nonionic dodecanol ethoxylate surfactants (C12En, ethylene oxide units n from 6
      to 12). The study was performed using neutron reflectometry to enable maximum
      sensitivity to buried interfaces. Similarly to charged surfactants, the interface
      was found to be broader and rougher compared to the air-water interface.
      Irrespective of the head group size, the tail group region was found to assume a
      staggered conformation. The conformations of the head group were found to be
      significantly different from those of the air-water interface, moving from a
      globular to an almost fully extended conformation at the oil-water interface. The
      stretching of the head groups is attributed to the presence of some hexadecane
      oil molecules, which may penetrate all the way to this region. It is proposed
      here that the presence of the oil, which can efficiently solvate the surfactant
      tail groups, plays a key role in the conformation of the adsorbed layer and is
      responsible for the broadening of the interface. 

PMID- 25111339
TI  - Gender-dependent effects of maternal immune activation on the behavior of mouse
      offspring.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by two
      core symptoms; impaired social interactions and communication, and ritualistic or
      repetitive behaviors. Both epidemiological and biochemical evidence suggests that
      a subpopulation of autistics may be linked to immune perturbations that occurred
      during fetal development. These findings have given rise to an animal model,
      called the "maternal immune activation" model, whereby the offspring from female
      rodents who were subjected to an immune stimulus during early or mid-pregnancy
      are studied. Here, C57BL/6 mouse dams were treated mid-gestation with saline,
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic a bacterial infection, or
      polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly IC) to mimic a viral infection. Autism
      associated behaviors were examined in the adult offspring of the treated dams.
      Behavioral tests were conducted to assess motor activity, exploration in a novel
      environment, sociability, and repetitive behaviors, and data analyses were
      carried independently on male and female mice. We observed a main treatment
      effect whereby male offspring from Poly IC-treated dams showed reduced motor
      activity. In the marble burying test of repetitive behavior, male offspring but
      not female offspring from both LPS and Poly IC-treated mothers showed increased
      marble burying. Our findings indicate that offspring from mothers subjected to
      immune stimulation during gestation show a gender-specific increase in
      stereotyped repetitive behavior. 

PMID- 25111341
TI  - Management of trichilemmal carcinoma: an update and comprehensive review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trichilemmal carcinoma (TC) is a rare malignant adnexal neoplasm with
      outer root sheath differentiation. Most cases have been treated by surgical
      excision with a few recurrences. There have been 6 case reports of TC treated
      with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). OBJECTIVE: To perform an updated review of
      the literature regarding management of this uncommon tumor. METHODS: A
      comprehensive literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed database
      using the keywords trichilemmal carcinoma, tricholemmal carcinoma, and
      tricholemmocarcinoma. RESULTS: There have been 103 reported cases of TC, and most
      of these were treated with surgical excisions. Of the 35 cases with follow-up
      data, 3 reported local recurrences and 1 had subsequent metastatic disease. There
      are 6 cases of TC successfully treated with MMS without any recurrence. In
      addition, we report the seventh case of TC successfully treated with MMS. Other
      reported treatment modalities include imiquimod and excision with frozen
      sections. Histopathologically, the distinction between TC and squamous cell
      carcinoma with clear cell differentiation has been debated in the literature.
      CONCLUSION: Trichilemmal carcinoma is a rare neoplasm that may behave
      aggressively. The recommended treatment should be a complete surgical excision
      with histologic confirmation of clear margins. In cases where tissue sparing or
      cosmesis is important, MMS may be considered.

PMID- 25111342
TI  - Statistical evaluation of dermoscopic features in basal cell carcinomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is of crucial
      importance, as serious morbidity may result from undiagnosed tumor. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate diagnostic significance (specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative
      predictive value) of dermoscopic features in BCCs. METHODS: A prospective
      observational study was conducted using contact polarized dermoscopy to evaluate
      the presence of various dermoscopic features. Images were evaluated for a range
      of dermoscopic colors, structures, and vessels. SETTING: Specialized University
      Clinic. PATIENTS: A sample of 151 histopathologically verified BCCs was collected
      from 116 patients (64 males and 52 females). The populations included
      predominantly Caucasian individuals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The sensitivity,
      specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the various dermoscopic
      features seen in BCCs were calculated according to standard formulas. RESULTS:
      The highest diagnostic value (specificity [Sp] = 100%, positive predictive value
      [PPV] = 100%) for BCC had spoke-wheel areas, short fine telangiectasias, white
      rosette, annular hypopigmentation, multiple erosions, and ulceration. Arborizing
      vessels (Sp = 96%, PPV = 98%) and microvessels (Sp = 93%, PPV = 97%) had
      significant diagnostic value for BCC. Annular distribution of telangiectatic
      vessels (Sp = 96%), translucency (Sp = 93%), and multiple blue-gray globules (Sp
      = 89%) had the same PPV of 95% for BCCs. Other dermoscopic features of this study
      are not strongly associated with the diagnosis of BCC. CONCLUSION: Dermoscopic
      features relevant for diagnosis of BCC have different diagnostic "weight."
      Clinicians should have known the sensitivity and specificity of each relevant
      feature before they can make an accurate dermoscopic diagnosis of BCC.

PMID- 25111343
TI  - Dermoscopic features in different morphologic types of basal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many different phenotypic presentations of basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
      are possible. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to highlight the similarities and
      differences in dermoscopic features between different morphologic types of BCC.
      METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed using contact polarized
      dermoscopy to evaluate the presence of various dermoscopic features. Images were
      evaluated for a range of dermoscopic colors, structures, and vessels. Features
      were compared according to the histopathologic subtype. RESULTS: Of the 151 BCCs,
      39.7% were nodular, 37.7% superficial, 13.9% ulcerated, 3.97% pigmented, 2.65%
      morpheaform, and 1.99% infiltrative BCCs. The dermoscopic features that showed a
      highly significant difference (p < .001) in distribution between various
      histologic groups were large blue-gray ovoid nests, leaf-like areas, arborizing
      vessels, short fine telangiectasias, annular distribution of telangiectatic
      vessels, structureless hypopigmentation, annular hypopigmentation, translucency,
      multiple erosions, and ulceration. A significant difference (p < .05) between
      evaluated groups was found in structureless hyperpigmentation, arborizing
      microvessels, milky red background, and pigment network. CONCLUSION: The results
      of the study indicate that the combination of relevant dermoscopic features in
      different morphologic types of BCC depends on the thickness of the tumor, and not
      on its histologic nature. In addition, dermoscopy was shown to be not
      particularly useful in identifying which BCCs are more aggressive.

PMID- 25111344
TI  - History of laser ablation in pigmented basal cell carcinoma conceals classic
      dermoscopic patterns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some patients with pigmented basal cell carcinoma (pBCC) had a
      history of laser ablation after misdiagnosis, which may conceal the dermoscopic
      clues of malignancy. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate
      the question of whether the classic and nonclassic dermoscopic patterns of BCCs
      may be concealed by past laser ablation. METHODS: Classic and nonclassic
      dermoscopic patterns were examined in 55 pBCC patients with a history of laser
      ablation and another 150 control pBCC patients. RESULTS: All but 4 of the study
      patients (92.3%) showed at least 1 classic pattern of BCC, whereas every control
      patient showed more than 1 classic pattern (p = .995). Compared with the control
      group, the detection rate of large blue/gray ovoid nests, multiple blue/gray
      globules, and ulceration was found to be significantly decreased in the study
      group (p < .05). However, 4 patients who lacked classic patterns showed at least
      1 nonclassic pattern. CONCLUSION: Previous laser ablation in pBCC may conceal the
      classic dermoscopic patterns by reducing the detection rate. Therefore, more
      prudent and detailed dermoscopic monitoring is required in suspected cases of
      pBCC, especially in patients with a history of laser ablation.

PMID- 25111345
TI  - Reconstruction of the external auditory canal using the random flap technique and
      laser Doppler evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The external auditory canal is one of the most difficult sites to
      reconstruct after tumor resection. In general, fascia transplantation is used to
      reconstruct defects of the external auditory canal, but this method is associated
      with scar formation and prolonged wound healing. Scar tissue might cause stenosis
      in the external auditory canal and hypoacusis, and wound healing is further
      delayed by radiation and chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To examine the safety of a
      random flap for reconstruction of an external auditory canal based on blood flow
      evaluation using a laser Doppler system. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were
      enrolled in this study to compare blood flow in the face, back, and behind the
      ear using a laser Doppler system. Two cases of external auditory canal
      reconstruction are presented. RESULTS: Blood flow behind the ear was abundant
      compared with that in the back. Blood flow in the face was higher than that
      behind the ear or on the back. CONCLUSION: Blood flow in the random flap was
      easily evaluated using the laser Doppler method. Based on our findings, we
      propose the random flap to reconstruct the external auditory canal after tumor
      resection.

PMID- 25111346
TI  - Midface-lift with lateral orbicularis oculi flap excision or imbrication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The orbicularis oculi advancement midface-lift treats rhytides and
      infraorbital grooves. The muscle flap smoothes the subciliary lid and cheek zone
      but may produce contour abnormalities laterally. OBJECTIVE: To describe a
      technique of orbicularis flap midface-lift with excision or imbrication of muscle
      and to evaluate the results--to include characterizing the lateral contour
      abnormalities--in a large series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 patients
      received a primary aesthetic orbicularis advancement flap midface-lift. Two
      masked observers scored each patient's result based on preoperative and
      postoperative images. Patients also scored their satisfaction of the results of
      their procedures. Patient age, sex, surgical technique specifics (i.e., excision
      or imbrication), and complications were recorded. RESULTS: All patients had
      favorable aesthetic improvement scores with no significant complications. In
      patients who received orbicularis excision (N = 33), lateral hollowing occurred
      in 3 patients; none desired correction. With an imbrication technique (N = 75),
      lateral mounding occurred in 6 patients; 3 of these patients were treated with
      elliptical excision. CONCLUSION: Orbicularis advancement midface-lifting was safe
      and effective in rejuvenating the midface in this series. Aesthetic complications
      were infrequent but include lateral hollowing when orbicularis is excised and
      lateral mounding with muscle imbrication.

PMID- 25111347
TI  - Combined use of monopolar radiofrequency and transdermal drug delivery in the
      treatment of melasma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common acquired pigmentary disorder that has a
      considerable psychological impact on the patient. The recurrent and refractory
      nature of this condition makes it difficult for treatment. OBJECTIVE: We aim to
      evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined system that simultaneously uses
      monopolar radiofrequency (RF) and transdermal drug delivery of phytocomplex
      containing 1% kojic acid in the treatment of melasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Fifty patients affected by melasma underwent 6 sessions of treatment at 1-week
      intervals. The outcome was evaluated before treatment (T0) and 1 month (T1) and 6
      months (T2) after treatment using the Melasma Area and Severity Index score, a
      Mexameter, and Visioface devices for digital and ultraviolet computerized image
      analysis of skin color. RESULTS: The image analysis showed that hyperpigmentation
      was significantly reduced at T1 and T2 compared with baseline. Melasma Area and
      Severity Index score, the average melanin score, and the average erythema values
      showed a significant reduction. No side effects were observed or reported.
      CONCLUSION: This study describes the first report of improvement in melasma
      through the combined use of monopolar RF with transdermal delivery of
      depigmenting agents. This could be a safe, tolerable, and effective alternative
      tool for the treatment of melasma.

PMID- 25111348
TI  - Treatment of skin laxity using multisource, phase-controlled radiofrequency in
      Asians: visualized 3-dimensional skin tightening results and increase in elastin
      density shown through histologic investigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A new multisource phase-controlled radiofrequency (MPCRF) device is
      widely used for skin tightening and rejuvenation in Asia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      the efficacy of MPCRF objectively and histologically. METHODS: An MPCRF device
      with real-time impedance control was evaluated. Ten Japanese patients were
      treated one side of the face, and the untreated side served as a control. Three
      dimensional (3-D) imaging was performed to evaluate the posttreatment volume
      change. An independent observer assessed the 3-D images. Histologic evaluations
      of elastin were performed by Victoria Blue staining in 5 Japanese patients.
      RESULTS: Objective assessments evaluated by a 3-D color schematic representation
      showed improvement in skin laxity after the final treatment in all patients. The
      treated side improved markedly compared with the untreated side; however, even
      the untreated side slightly improved. The elastin density was significantly
      increased compared with controls in all 5 Japanese patients (p = .0013). Induced
      elastin appeared to be relatively thin elastic fibers without irregular elastic
      fibers, such as solar elastosis. Side effects were not observed, and the patients
      reported feeling comfortable throughout the study. CONCLUSION: Multisource phase
      controlled radiofrequency treatments provide stimulation of elastin and skin
      tightening results safely and effectively, and thus are beneficial for improving
      skin laxity and rhytides.

PMID- 25111349
TI  - Novel treatment of nail psoriasis using the intense pulsed light: a one-year
      follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulsed dye laser has been used successfully in the treatment of nail
      psoriasis. Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been used in the treatment of plaque
      psoriasis using a 550-nm filter. OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of IPL in the
      treatment of nail psoriasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with finger
      and toe nail psoriasis were treated by IPL. Sessions were performed every 2 weeks
      for a maximum of 6 months. The Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) score was
      calculated at baseline and 1 month after the last treatment session. Follow-up
      was performed at 1, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Patients received a mean of 8.63
      +/- 3.6 IPL sessions. After treatment, there was significant improvement in the
      nail bed and matrix (p < .0001), and in the NAPSI (p < .0001). Nail bed showed
      improvement by 71.2%, whereas the nail matrix improvement was only 32.2%. The
      total NAPSI was 82.4%. Patient follow-up revealed relapse in 3 patients after 6
      months. CONCLUSION: Intense pulsed light is a promising effective modality of
      treatment of nail psoriasis, which is easy to use, safe, and provide a long
      period of remission. This was confirmed by the elicited clinical improvement,
      NAPSI, and patient satisfaction.

PMID- 25111350
TI  - Prevention of excessive endothelin-1 release in sclerotherapy: in vitro and in
      vivo studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The foam sclerotherapy technique has become one of the most commonly
      used treatments for superficial venous insufficiency. Despite excellent results,
      few visual/neurologic disturbances have been recently reported; their
      pathogenesis is still debated but a correlation with endothelin-1 (ET-1) release
      from the treated vein has been proposed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was
      to evaluate the ET-1 release after sclerotherapy and to investigate the effects
      of the anti-endothelin drug aminaphtone. METHODS AND MATERIALS: As in vitro
      sclerotherapy model, an endothelial cell culture, mimicking vascular endothelium,
      was pretreated with aminaphtone and exposed to detergents. Cell survival and ET-1
      release were measured. In in vivo experiments, 45 rats, fed with different
      aminaphtone-rich diets, were subjected to sclerotherapy, and the systemic ET-1
      was measured. RESULTS: Aminaphtone cell exposure caused a statistically
      significant reduction in ET-1 release, both before and after in vitro
      sclerotherapy. Rats fed with aminaphtone showed a trend toward reduced mortality
      and a significant decrease of ET-1 release after sclerotherapy. CONCLUSION: This
      is the first study in which an anti-endothelin agent was able to cause a
      significant reduction of ET-1 release during sclerotherapy. Although clinical
      studies are required, these findings might advocate the use of anti-endothelin
      agents in prophylaxis of neurologic or visual disturbances after sclerotherapy.

PMID- 25111351
TI  - Efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA for treatment of glabellar frown lines: a post
      hoc pooled analysis of 2 randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Botulinum neurotoxin type A trials in aesthetic indications have used
      differing efficacy parameters and responder definitions. OBJECTIVE: To analyze
      the treatment efficacy and duration of incobotulinumtoxinA for glabellar frown
      lines using pooled data from 2 large, Phase 3, placebo-controlled trials, and end
      points similar to those used in previous botulinum neurotoxin type A studies.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: IncobotulinumtoxinA and placebo groups comprised 366 and
      181 subjects, respectively. The efficacy of a single 20-U treatment of
      incobotulinumtoxinA or placebo was evaluated by investigator-assessed and subject
      assessed responder rates (>= 1-point improvement from baseline), mean score, and
      mean change from the baseline glabellar frown line severity score. RESULTS: At
      all follow-up visits, responder rates and mean change from the baseline score
      (investigator-assessed and subject-assessed) were significantly greater for
      incobotulinumtoxinA versus placebo (p < .0001). The maximum investigator-assessed
      responder rate (93.1%) was achieved at Day 30 after treatment, when the mean
      improvement on the 4-point facial wrinkle scale peaked at 1.88. Treatment effect
      declined over time but the investigator-assessed responder rate was 45.7% at the
      end of the study. CONCLUSION: Superiority of incobotulinumtoxinA over placebo for
      treating glabellar frown lines was confirmed. IncobotulinumtoxinA achieved a
      maximum responder rate of 93.1% and a long duration of treatment effect: 45.7% of
      subjects showed efficacy at 120 days.

PMID- 25111352
TI  - Quantifying soft tissue loss in the aging male face using magnetic resonance
      imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantitative data on soft tissue aging of the face are scarce,
      particularly in men. OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to
      quantify and compare facial soft tissue loss in men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two
      thousand thirty-seven MRIs were screened and 30 male subjects were divided into
      young, middle, and old-aged groups. A blinded radiologist measured temporal,
      infraorbital, and medial and lateral cheek areas. RESULTS: The mean thickness of
      the subcutaneous tissue in the temporal area was 12.5, 10.9, and 9.6 mm in the
      young, middle, and older age groups, respectively (p < .001). A 40% reduction in
      the skin thickness was seen in the infraorbital areas. Finally, a decrease of 1.5
      and 2.7 mm in medial cheeks (p < .001), and 0.9 and 1.6 mm (p = .03) in lateral
      cheeks were measured in middle and old age groups. CONCLUSION: A steady and
      significant decline in the soft tissue thickness was noted at all measured sites
      in men over time. These findings are in contrast to our recently study in women
      showing dramatic loss of soft tissue between the ages of 30 and 60 with no
      significant differences between the middle and old-aged groups. These results
      have implications for volume correction and maintenance of a youthful appearance
      in the aging male face.

PMID- 25111353
TI  - Trilobed flap for inferior-medial alar defect.

PMID- 25111354
TI  - Commentary on the Trilobed flap for inferior-medial alar defect.

PMID- 25111355
TI  - Response to onychodystrophy treated using fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy
      and topical steroids.

PMID- 25111356
TI  - An important mimicker: plaque-type syringoma mistakenly diagnosed as microcystic
      adnexal carcinoma.

PMID- 25111357
TI  - Chromophoric and dendritic phosphoramidites enable construction of functional
      dendrimers with exceptional brightness and water solubility.
AB  - The fluorescence brightness of a molecular probe determines whether it can be
      effectively measured and its water solubility dictates if it can be applied in
      real-world biological systems. However, molecules brighter than the most
      efficient fluorescent dyes or particles brighter than quantum dots are hard to
      come by, especially when they must also be soluble in water. In this report,
      chromophoric phosphoramidites are used in a solid-state synthesis to construct
      functional dendrimers. When highly twisted chromophores are chosen and the proper
      spacers and dendrons are introduced, the resultant dendrimers emit exceptionally
      bright fluorescence. Chromophores, spacers, and dendrons are stitched together by
      efficient phosphoramidite reagents, which afford high-yield water-soluble
      phosphodiester linkages after deprotection. The resulting water-soluble
      dendrimers are exceptionally bright. 

PMID- 25111358
TI  - Geometric and redox flexibility of pyridine as a redox-active ligand that can
      reversibly accept one or two electrons.
AB  - A low-coordinate iron(I) species can reversibly reduce pyridine, either by one
      electron to give a new C-C bond, or by two electrons to give a pyridine-derived
      bridge with an unprecedented MU-eta(1):eta(3) binding mode.

PMID- 25111359
TI  - Bacterial imprinting at Pickering emulsion interfaces.
AB  - The tendency of bacteria to assemble at oil-water interfaces can be utilized to
      create microbial recognition sites on the surface of polymer beads. In this work,
      two different groups of bacteria were first treated with acryloyl-functionalized
      chitosan and then used to stabilize an oil-in-water emulsion composed of cross
      linking monomers that were dispersed in aqueous buffer. Polymerization of the oil
      phase followed by removal of the bacterial template resulted in well-defined
      polymer beads bearing bacterial imprints. Chemical passivation of chitosan and
      cell displacement assays indicate that the bacterial recognition on the polymer
      beads was dependent on the nature of the pre-polymer and the target bacteria. The
      functional materials for microbial recognition show great potential for
      constructing cell-cell communication networks, biosensors, and new platforms for
      testing antibiotic drugs. 

PMID- 25111360
TI  - Theoretical exploration of the potential and force acting on one electron within
      a molecule.
AB  - The potential and force acting on one electron within a molecule (PAEM and FAEM)
      have been investigated and analyzed. The PAEM, defined as the interaction energy
      on one electron provided by all the nuclei and the remaining electrons in a
      molecule, can be precisely expressed and calculated by ab initio method and our
      in-house program. Although the analysis of the scalar function PAEM is similar to
      that of the molecular electron density in the Bader's AIM theory, the former is
      distinct from the latter mainly in three points: (a) The minus gradient of the
      PAEM is the force acting on one electron within a molecule (FAEM). (b) The bond
      center is defined in terms of the features of FAEM and PAEM between two bonded
      atoms, and it is a two-dimensional attractive center whereas a nucleus is a three
      dimensional attractive source for electrons. We have calculated the physical
      quantities of one electron at the bond center, such as Dpb, the Hessian matrix,
      and its eigenvalues. Interestingly, it is found that the force constant and
      frequency of the electron interflow around the bond center are well correlated
      with those corresponding quantities for the nuclear vibration which relate to the
      bond strength, for some series of diatomic molecules. (c) The bond center locates
      at a different point from that of the critical point of the electron density in
      the Bader's AIM theory, which will lead to different partitioning of the
      molecular space into the atomic regions. 

PMID- 25111361
TI  - [Conflicting Rules and Incentives for Health Promotion and Prevention in the
      German Statutory Health Insurance (GKV)].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examines what role the German statutory health insurance
      (GKV) has in health promotion and prevention, if regulations and incentives are
      consistent, and if the politically-intended strengthening of prevention has been
      achieved. METHODS: We compiled the regulations and incentives of the German
      Sozialgesetzbuch V as the legal basis for health promotion and prevention of the
      GKV and studied their effects and interactions. Using annual financial reports of
      GKV we determined how the spending in prevention overall and in specific fields
      of prevention has -developed. RESULTS: The responsibilities of the GKV in health
      promotion and prevention lack a clear scientific foundation. Regulations have
      been incrementally added following changing ideas in prevention and health
      promotion policies. Currently, different norms and a variety of incentives lead
      to inconsistent and conflicting aims. Only 2% of all expenditures of the GKV are
      for health promotion and prevention, mainly spent for medical measures like
      preventive medical check-ups or vaccination. While spending of the GKV in general
      is rising, expenditures for prevention have decreased since 2009. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is a need to harmonise the different regulations in health promotion and
      prevention and to correct currently inconsistent incentives in the GKV. Given the
      similar evidence base there seems to be no reason why responsibilities for health
      promotion and primary, secondary or tertiary prevention should be regulated by
      different normative constructs. Incentives should account for the different aims
      of health insurers and their members. Financial incentives to increase spending
      in prevention may be particularly effective when there is no short-term 
      financial interest for the health insurer.

PMID- 25111362
TI  - [Which Factors Affect Weight Maintenance? A Qualitative Study with Adolescents
      and their Parents who have Completed a Ten-months Intervention].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The alarming increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity is
      recognised as a major public health concern. Currently, structured multi-modal
      therapy programmes present the gold standard of therapy strategies for obese
      children and adolescents. However, effects of these treatments are still a matter
      of discussion. Failure to isolate and understand the external and internal
      factors contributing to successful, long-term weight reduction may well be
      contributing to the ineffectiveness of current treatment interventions.
      OBJECTIVE: A qualitative approach was chosen in order to identify subjectively
      perceived resources and barriers to weight maintenance after previous weight
      reduction. The research question focused on how these resources and barriers
      affect success of participants. Additionally the question arose as to how and to
      what extent parents should and could be involved in the therapy process. The
      results can deliver important starting points for the development of therapy
      programmes and future research. METHOD: 7 participants of a weight reduction and
      maintenance programme and 7 of their parents were interviewed on their personal
      experiences during and after the treatment. The interviews were analysed based on
      the qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Continuous motivation, especially
      after the initial weight reduction phase, was identified as the strongest
      predictor of successful weight maintenance. Successful weight maintainers
      generally showed characteristics of higher self-efficacy, internal motivation
      concerning physical activity and flexible self-control concerning food intake.
      Unsuccessful weight gainers stated a lack of motivation concerning physical
      activity and lost control over their eating habits. Concerning the role of
      parents in the therapy process, the results show that higher parental involvement
      does not predict greater success. The general relationship between parents and
      their children seems to be more significant, especially concerning the issues of
      responsibility. CONCLUSION: It is disputable to what extent the post treatment
      intervention contributed to the development of intrinsic motivation. More
      attention should be paid to the age (children or adolescents) of participants of
      therapy programmes, especially concerning the involvement of parents. It is
      assumed that general aspects of education should be discussed with parents.

PMID- 25111363
TI  - Redifferentiation of dedifferentiated chondrocytes in a novel three-dimensional
      microcavitary hydrogel.
AB  - Although chondrocytes exist in native cartilage all over the body, it is still a
      challenge to use them as therapeutic cells for cartilage tissue engineering (TE)
      because of their easy dedifferentiation in in vitro culture. An improved culture
      system to maintain the characteristics of chondrocytes or recover their
      chondrocytic phenotype should be developed. In this study, we have set up an
      innovative microcavitary alginate hydrogel in an easy way. We compared this
      culture system with the conventional hydrogel and found that the microcavitary
      hydrogel exhibited outstanding superiorities in helping the dedifferentiated
      chondrocytes recover the capability for synthesizing cartilaginous extracellular
      matrix. In addition, we explored the correlation between chondrocyte
      redifferentiation in microcavitary hydrogels and changes in p38 and Erk1/2
      activity. Our findings indicated that this microcavitary hydrogel would be a
      promising culture system to provide sufficient competent cells for cartilage
      regeneration and TE.

PMID- 25111364
TI  - High prevalence of antineuronal antibodies in Tunisian psychiatric inpatients.
AB  - The authors aimed to determine the prevalence of antineuronal antibodies in 103
      psychiatric inpatients and 41 control subjects with no history of malignancies or
      neurological disorders. All sera were tested by indirect immunofluorescence and
      positive sera by immunoblot. Using immunofluorescence, antineuronal nuclear
      autoantibodies were detected in 20 patients and none of the control subjects, and
      antibodies reacted with the cytoplasm of Purkinje cells in six patients and two
      control subjects. The immunoblot confirmed well-characterized antineuronal
      antibodies only in five patients: two had anti-Ri and three had anti-Yo
      antibodies. After a follow-up of 5 years, none of these patients developed
      neurological disorder or malignancy.

PMID- 25111365
TI  - Patients with mental-physical multimorbidity: do not let them fall by the
      wayside.

PMID- 25111366
TI  - Highly stable dye-sensitized solar cells based on novel 1,2,3-triazolium ionic
      liquids.
AB  - We describe the design and synthesis of novel low viscosity bicyclic 1,2,3
      triazolium ionic liquids. These new salts are applied as nonvolatile electrolytes
      in dye-sensitized solar cells, affording efficiencies up to 7.07% at low light
      intensities, and 6.00% when illuminated at 100 mW cm(-2). The devices are highly
      stable, retaining ca. 90% of their initial performance even after 1000 h of sun
      testing at 60  degrees C. The results obtained with these new ionic liquids
      compare very favorably to benchmark ionic liquid-based devices and illustrate the
      potential of the triazolium family of salts to compete with their imidazolium
      counterparts. 

PMID- 25111367
TI  - Characterization of rubella virus genotypes among pregnant women in northern
      Vietnam, 2011-2013.
AB  - Rubella virus (RV) infection is an unresolved clinical complication that affects
      children in developing countries including Vietnam. RV infection during the first
      trimester of pregnancy causes severe birth defects known as congenital rubella
      syndrome. This study reports on the genomic characterization of RV strains
      circulating in northern Vietnam during 2011-2013. RV-IgM positive amniotic fluid
      specimens were collected from 38 women from northern Vietnam who presented with
      clinical rubella at the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Hanoi,
      Vietnam. The RV genes were determined by nested PCR with primers amplifying the
      739-nucleotide coding region of the E1 gene. The sequences from the amplified DNA
      fragments were phylogenetically analyzed and compared to reference RV strains.
      Seventeen out of 38 samples are positive for RV detecting. All new RV isolates
      are clustered to genotype 2B. Eighteen amino acid mutations were found in the T
      and B cell epitopes. These results suggest that genotype 2B RV strains frequently
      circulate in northern Vietnam. These data describe the RV genotype in Vietnam
      with the aim of improving maternal and child health in this country.

PMID- 25111368
TI  - Specific behavioral comorbidity in a large sample of children with functional
      incontinence: Report of 1,001 cases.
AB  - AIMS: Psychological comorbidity among children with functional incontinence is
      high: 20-30% of children with nocturnal enuresis (NE), 20-40% of those with
      daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) and 30-50% of those with fecal incontinence
      (FI) have clinically relevant comorbid disorders. The aim of this study was to
      analyze specific comorbid behavioral symptoms for different subtypes of
      incontinence in a large group of children. METHODS: All 1,001 consecutive
      children and adolescents (67.5% boys) with a mean age of 8.5 years presented at a
      tertiary outpatient department between 2004 and 2011 were examined with a full
      pediatric and child psychiatric assessment. Prevalence of different subforms of
      incontinence and associated behavioral symptoms were analyzed. The internalizing,
      externalizing, and total problem scores of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
      were evaluated. RESULTS: Of all children, 70.1% (702 children) had NE, 36.1% (361
      children) had DUI, and 36.8% (368 children) were affected by FI. More than 43% of
      all children had clinically relevant psychological symptoms (CBCL total score,
      cut-off at 90th percentile). Children with non-retentive FI had highest rates of
      clinically relevant psychological symptoms (58.8%). Children with combined
      subtypes of incontinence (any combination of NE, DUI, and FI) were more affected
      by psychological comorbidities than children with isolated subtypes (NE or DUI or
      FI). CONCLUSIONS: Children with incontinence have high rates of comorbid
      behavioral symptoms-three to six times higher than norms. Especially children
      with FI and combined subtypes of incontinence were affected. As behavioral
      symptoms and disorders will interfere with incontinence treatment, a general
      screening is recommended.

PMID- 25111369
TI  - Neonatal lung function and therapeutics.
AB  - Respiratory diseases are increasingly recognized as having their origins during
      perinatal and early postnatal lung development, a time of significant adaptation
      to large changes in redox conditions as well as to mechanical forces. This Forum
      of the journal presents a Forum highlighting studies of the interplay between
      reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and the systems that have evolved to degrade
      them or exploit them, as well as the cellular repair processes which respond to
      early life redox stress in the lung. This group of authors suggests new
      understandings of these events that may point the way to improved therapeutic
      approaches.

PMID- 25111371
TI  - Randomized clinical trials and observational studies are more often alike than
      unlike.

PMID- 25111372
TI  - Copper(I) bromide catalyzed arylation of cyclic enamides and naphthyl-1
      acetamides using diaryliodonium salts.
AB  - Copper(I) bromide catalyzed direct C-H arylation of cyclic enamides was achieved
      using diaryliodonium salts in the absence of base/additive at ambient temperature
      with high yields. A biologically active dihydro[a]benzocarbazole scaffold was
      synthesized using the established protocol. The scope of the current methodology
      was further extended for the synthesis of C4-, C7-aryl-substituted 1-naphthyl
      acetamides in good yields. 

PMID- 25111370
TI  - Diurnal floc generation from neuston biofilms in two contrasting freshwater
      lakes.
AB  - Selective adaptation of biofilm-forming bacteria to the nutrient-rich but
      environmentally challenging conditions of the surface microlayer (SML) or neuston
      layer was evident in littoral regions of two physically and geochemically
      contrasting freshwater lakes. SML bacterial communities (bacterioneuston) in
      these systems were depleted in Actinobacteria, enriched in either
      Betaproteobacteria or Gammaproteobacteria, and either unicellular Cyanobacteria
      were absent or microbial mat forming Cyanobacteria enriched relative to
      communities in the underlying shallow water column (0.5 m depth). Consistent with
      the occurrence of biofilm-hosted, geochemically distinct microhabitats, As-, Fe-,
      and S-metabolizing bacteria including anaerobic taxa were detected only in the
      SML in both systems. Over diurnal time scales, higher wind speeds resulted in the
      generation of floc from SML biofilms, identifying a transport mechanism
      entraining SML accumulated microorganisms, nutrients, and contaminants into the
      underlying water column. The energy regime experienced by the SML was more
      important to floc generation as larger flocs were more abundant in the larger,
      oligotrophic lake (higher relative energy regime) compared to the sheltered,
      smaller lake, despite relatively higher concentrations of bacteria, organic
      carbon, Fe, and PO4(3-) in the latter system. 

PMID- 25111373
TI  - A novel angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide from
      gastrointestinal protease hydrolysate of silkworm pupa (Bombyx mori) protein:
      Biochemical characterization and molecular docking study.
AB  - Silkworm pupa (Bombyx mori) protein was hydrolyzed using gastrointestinal
      endopeptidases (pepsin, trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin). Then, the hydrolysate
      was purified sequentially by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography and
      RP-HPLC. A novel ACE inhibitory peptide, Ala-Ser-Leu, with the IC50 value of
      102.15MUM, was identified by IT-MS/MS. This is the first report of Ala-Ser-Leu
      from natural protein. Lineweaver-Burk plots suggest that the peptide is a
      competitive inhibitor against ACE. The molecular docking studies revealed that
      the ACE inhibition of Ala-Ser-Leu is mainly attributed to forming very strong
      hydrogen bonds with the S1 pocket (Ala354) and the S2 pocket (Gln281 and His353).
      The results indicate that silkworm pupa (B. mori) protein or its gastrointestinal
      protease hydrolysate could be used as a functional ingredient in auxiliary
      therapeutic foods against hypertension. 

PMID- 25111374
TI  - Downregulation of natriuretic peptide system and increased steroidogenesis in rat
      polycystic ovary.
AB  - Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is known to regulate ovarian functions, such as
      follicular growth and steroid hormone production. The aim of the present study
      was to investigate the natriuretic peptide system in a rat model of chronic
      anovulation, the rat polycystic ovary. Adult female Wistar rats received a single
      subcutaneous injection of 2mg estradiol valerate to induce polycystic ovaries,
      while the control group received vehicle injection. Two months later, their
      ovaries were quickly removed and analyzed. Polycystic ovaries exhibited marked
      elevation of testosterone and estradiol levels compared to control ovaries. The
      levels of ANP and the expression of ANP mRNA were highly reduced in the
      polycystic ovaries compared to controls. By immunohistochemistry, polycystic
      ovaries showed weaker ANP staining in stroma, theca cells and oocytes compared to
      controls. Polycystic ovaries also had increased activity of neutral
      endopeptidase, the main proteolytic enzyme that degrades natriuretic peptides.
      ANP receptor C mRNA was reduced and ANP binding to this receptor was absent in
      polycystic ovaries. Collectively, these results indicate a downregulation of the
      natriuretic peptide system in rat polycystic ovary, an established experimental
      model of anovulation with high ovarian testosterone and estradiol levels.
      Together with previous evidence demonstrating that ANP inhibits ovarian
      steroidogenesis, these findings suggest that low ovarian ANP levels may
      contribute to the abnormal steroid hormone balance in polycystic ovaries. 

PMID- 25111375
TI  - Explaining educational disparities in adiposity: the role of neighborhood
      environments.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the extent to which characteristics of the neighborhood
      built environment explain the association between adiposity and educational
      qualifications in Australian women. METHODS: A community sample of 1,819 women
      (aged 18-66) from the Melbourne SESAW study provided information regarding their
      body mass index (BMI) and level of education. Objective measures of participants'
      residential neighborhood built environments were obtained using a Geographic
      Information System. RESULTS: Compared with women with a high school degree or
      above, women who did not complete high school had higher average BMI, which was
      partially explained by lower density of sports facilities and living less
      proximally to the coastline and to supermarkets. In a multiple mediator model,
      which explained 16.6% of the educational disparity in BMI, the number of sports
      facilities and presence of the coastline within 2 km of participants' homes were
      significant mediators of the observed socioeconomic disparity in BMI.
      CONCLUSIONS: The residential neighborhood environment may help to explain
      socioeconomic patterning of overweight and obesity in Australian women. These
      results provide further support for considering the built environment in obesity
      prevention initiatives, suggesting a potential role in decreasing social
      inequalities in obesity.

PMID- 25111376
TI  - Down-modulation of Bcl-2 sensitizes PTEN-mutated prostate cancer cells to
      starvation and taxanes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The critical role of PTEN in regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling
      pathway raises the possibility that targeting downstream effectors of the PI3K
      pathway, such as Bcl-2, might be an effective anti-proliferative strategy for
      PTEN-deficient prostate cancer cells. METHODS: Four prostate cancer cell lines
      (LNCaP, PC3, DU145, 22Rv1) were assayed for their levels of total Akt and Ser473
      phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) by Western Blotting; their growth rates and
      sensitivity to different doses of paclitaxel were determined by cell counts after
      Trypan Blue dye exclusion assay. Cells were subjected to different combinations
      of starvation (growth factors and/or aminoacids withdrawal), paclitaxel treatment
      and Bcl-2 silencing by siRNA. Cell viability was evaluated by Trypan Blue dye
      exclusion assay, Propidium Iodide (PI) and Annexin-V/PI staining. RESULTS: We
      assessed the sensitivity of different prostate cancer cell lines to starvation
      and we observed a differential response correlated to the levels of Akt
      activation. The four prostate cancer cell lines also showed different sensitivity
      to taxol treatments; LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells were more resistant to paclitaxel than
      DU145 and PC3 cells. Combining taxol with growth factors and aminoacids
      deprivation leaded to a more than additive reduction of cell viability compared
      to single treatments in PTEN-mutant LNCaP cells. Down-modulation of anti
      apoptotic Bcl-2 protein by siRNA sensitized LNCaP cells to taxanes and starvation
      induced cell death. CONCLUSIONS: Silencing Bcl-2 in PTEN-mutated prostate cancer
      cells enhances the apoptotic effects of combined starvation and taxol treatments,
      indicating that inhibition of Bcl-2 may be of significant value in PTEN-mutant
      tumor therapy.

PMID- 25111377
TI  - Oncofetal signaling as a target for cancer therapy.

PMID- 25111379
TI  - Evidence-based psychological interventions and the common factors approach: the
      beginnings of a rapprochement?
AB  - Laska, Gurman, and Wampold (2014, pp. 467-481) argue that common factors (CFs)
      have largely been ignored by clinical researchers developing research-based
      interventions but that CFs are primarily responsible for therapeutic change. On
      the contrary, many clinical researchers developing empirically supported
      treatments have been studying the contribution of these factors for decades. What
      has been demonstrated is that these factors are contributory, but are not
      sufficient to produce maximum effects and their impact differs greatly from
      disorder to disorder. But we also take note of a change of tone and perhaps
      substance from these authors on the contribution of CFs to evidence-based
      psychological interventions, and reflect on recent changes in our own views both
      of which may reduce differences in our respective positions.

PMID- 25111378
TI  - Blockade of IL-36 receptor signaling does not prevent from TNF-induced arthritis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Interleukin (IL)-36alpha is a newly described member of the IL-1
      cytokine family with a known inflammatory and pathogenic function in psoriasis.
      Recently, we could demonstrate that the receptor (IL-36R), its ligand IL-36alpha
      and its antagonist IL-36Ra are expressed in synovial tissue of arthritis
      patients. Furthermore, IL-36alpha induces MAP-kinase and NFkappaB signaling in
      human synovial fibroblasts with subsequent expression and secretion of pro
      inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: To understand the pathomechanism of IL-36
      dependent inflammation, we investigated the biological impact of IL-36alpha
      signaling in the hTNFtg mouse. Also the impact on osteoclastogenesis by IL
      36alpha was tested in murine and human osteoclast assays. RESULTS: Diseased mice
      showed an increased expression of IL-36R and IL-36alpha in inflamed knee joints
      compared to wildtype controls. However, preventively treating mice with an IL-36R
      blocking antibody led to no changes in clinical onset and pattern of disease.
      Furthermore, blockade of IL-36 signaling did not change histological signs of TNF
      induced arthritis. Additionally, no alteration on bone homeostasis was observed
      in ex vivo murine and human osteoclast differentiation assays. CONCLUSION: Thus
      we conclude that IL-36alpha does not affect the development of inflammatory
      arthritis.

PMID- 25111380
TI  - Use of relational strategies to repair alliance ruptures: How responsive
      supervisors train responsive psychotherapists.
AB  - Inasmuch as therapist responsiveness is the crucial ingredient in psychotherapy
      success, teaching supervisees to be optimally responsive to their clients is the
      primary function of supervision. Responsive supervision is particularly critical
      when a trainee experiences a faltering or problematic working alliance with a
      client. In this article, I describe and illustrate how supervisors can work
      responsively, both explicitly (through instruction) and implicitly (through
      modeling) when their supervisees report a serious alliance rupture. Next, I
      illustrate, with the same case example, how quickly ruptures in the therapeutic
      alliance can lead to ruptures in the supervisory alliance when the supervisor is
      not sufficiently responsive to the trainee's needs and, instead, relies
      exclusively on case management. Throughout the article, I discuss how the
      construct of responsiveness fits within the substantial body of theory and
      research on relational processes in supervision.

PMID- 25111381
TI  - Common factors are not so common and specific factors are not so specified:
      toward an inclusive integration of psychotherapy research.
AB  - The dichotomy between what has been termed empirically supported treatments (EST)
      and common factors (CF) is false and counterproductive. Neither has a monopoly on
      empirical truth. The term nonspecific is unproductive and misleading. Specified
      versus nonspecified is more empirically correct. Assumptions of the EST and CF
      approaches are questionable. Common factors (both currently specified and not so
      specified) are reviewed. These include the therapeutic relationship,
      expectancies, attributions for therapeutic success, exposure, and mastery. Far
      from maximizing therapeutic success, the CF EST dichotomy and its resulting
      theoretical squabbles result in weaker outcomes than would be the case if
      empirical results were taken seriously, and factors shown to be effective (both
      specified and nonspecified) were systematically investigated and integrated so as
      to create maximally effective treatments.

PMID- 25111382
TI  - Crystal structures of PRK1 in complex with the clinical compounds lestaurtinib
      and tofacitinib reveal ligand induced conformational changes.
AB  - Protein kinase C related kinase 1 (PRK1) is a component of Rho-GTPase, androgen
      receptor, histone demethylase and histone deacetylase signaling pathways
      implicated in prostate and ovarian cancer. Herein we describe the crystal
      structure of PRK1 in apo form, and also in complex with a panel of literature
      inhibitors including the clinical candidates lestaurtinib and tofacitinib, as
      well as the staurosporine analog Ro-31-8220. PRK1 is a member of the AGC-kinase
      class, and as such exhibits the characteristic regulatory sequence at the C
      terminus of the catalytic domain--the 'C-tail'. The C-tail fully encircles the
      catalytic domain placing a phenylalanine in the ATP-binding site. Our inhibitor
      structures include examples of molecules which both interact with, and displace
      the C-tail from the active site. This information may assist in the design of
      inhibitors targeting both PRK and other members of the AGC kinase family.

PMID- 25111383
TI  - 18F-glutathione conjugate as a PET tracer for imaging tumors that overexpress L
      PGDS enzyme.
AB  - Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) has been correlated with the
      progression of neurological disorders. The present study aimed at evaluating the
      imaging potency of a glutathione conjugate of fluorine-18-labeled fluorobutyl
      ethacrynic amide ([18F]FBuEA-GS) for brain tumors. Preparation of [18F]FBuEA-GS
      has been modified from the -4-tosylate derivative via radiofluorination in 5%
      radiochemical yield. The mixture of nonradioactive FBuEA-GS derived from a
      parallel preparation has be resolved to two isomers in a ratio of 9:1 using
      analytic chiral reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).
      The two fluorine-18-labeled isomers purified through nonchiral semipreparative RP
      HPLC as a mixture were studied by assessing the binding affinity toward L-PGDS
      through a gel filtration HPLC, by analyzing radiotracer accumulation in C6 glioma
      cells, and by evaluating the imaging of radiotracer in a C6 glioma rat with
      positron emission tomography. The inhibition percentage of the production of PGD2
      from PGH2 at the presence of 200 uM of FBuEA-GS and 4-Dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5
      ylidene-1-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)butyl]piperidine (AT-56) were 74.1 +/- 4.8% and
      97.6 +/- 16.0%, respectively. [18F]FBuEA-GS bound L-PGDS (16.3-21.7%) but not the
      isoform, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1. No binding to GST-alpha and GST
      pi was observed. The binding strength between [18F]FBuEA-GS and L-PGDS has been
      evaluated using analytic gel filtration HPLC at the presence of various
      concentrations of the cold competitor FBuEA-GS. The contrasted images indicated
      that the radiotracer accumulation in tumor lesions is probably related to the
      overexpression of L-PGDS.

PMID- 25111384
TI  - Enhanced anti-tumor effect of zoledronic acid combined with temozolomide against
      human malignant glioma cell expressing O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase.
AB  - Temozolomide (TMZ), a DNA methylating agent, is widely used in the adjuvant
      treatment of malignant gliomas. O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltranferase (MGMT), a
      DNA repair enzyme, is frequently discussed as the main factor that limits the
      efficacy of TMZ. Zoledronic acid (ZOL), which is clinically applied to treat
      cancer-induced bone diseases, appears to possess direct anti-tumor activity
      through apoptosis induction by inhibiting mevalonate pathway and prenylation of
      intracellular small G proteins. In this study, we evaluated whether ZOL can be
      effectively used as an adjuvant to TMZ in human malignant glioma cells that
      express MGMT. Malignant glioma cell lines, in which the expression of MGMT was
      detected, did not exhibit growth inhibition by TMZ even at a longer exposure.
      However, combination experiment of TMZ plus ZOL revealed that a supra-additive
      effect resulted in a significant decrease in cell growth. In combined TMZ/ZOL
      treatment, an increased apoptotic rate was apparent and significant activation of
      caspase-3 and cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase were observed compared
      with each single drug exposure. There were decreased amounts of Ras-GTP, MAPK and
      Akt phosphorylation and MGMT expression in the ZOL-treated cells. Subcutanous
      xenograft models showed significant decrease of tumor growth with combined
      TMZ/ZOL treatment. These results suggest that ZOL efficaciously inhibits activity
      of Ras in malignant glioma cells and potentiates TMZ-mediated cytotoxicity,
      inducing growth inhibition and apoptosis of malignant glioma cells that express
      MGMT and resistant to TMZ. Based on this work, combination of TMZ with ZOL might
      be a potential therapy in malignant gliomas that receive less therapeutic effects
      of TMZ due to cell resistance. 

PMID- 25111385
TI  - Bipolar vaporization, resection, and enucleation versus open prostatectomy:
      optimal treatment alternatives in large prostate cases?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study compared the transurethral resection in saline (TURis),
      transurethral vaporization in saline (TUVis), bipolar plasma enucleation of the
      prostate (BPEP), and open prostatectomy (OP) in a single-center, prospective,
      randomized controlled clinical setting exclusively involving large prostate
      patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 41/2 year enrollment period, 320 cases
      of prostate volume over 80 mL, maximum flow rate (Qmax) below 10 mL/second,
      International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) over 19, or urinary retention were
      included in the trial and equally randomized in the four study arms. Patients
      were assessed preoperatively as well as at the 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up
      checkups using the IPSS, quality of life (QoL) score, Qmax, postvoiding residual
      urinary volume (PVR), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). RESULTS: Similar
      preoperative parameters were established in the four series. OP and BPEP were
      characterized by resembling operating times, while TURis and TUVis displayed
      prolonged surgical durations. TURis emphasized a substantially decreased mean
      resected tissue weight. TUVis showed the lowest mean hemoglobin level drop,
      followed by TURis and BPEP (equivalent results) and finally OP (highest
      bleeding). OP described the longest mean catheterization period and hospital
      stay, followed by TURis, and afterward by TUVis and BPEP (similar data). During
      the follow-up period, statistically equivalent IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR outcomes
      were established for OP, BPEP, and TURis. TUVis displayed significantly smaller
      Qmax improvements, but similar other functional features. Significantly lower
      mean PSA levels were determined secondary to OP and BPEP when compared to bipolar
      resection and subsequently to vaporization. CONCLUSIONS: OP and BPEP emphasized
      the highest surgical efficiency (prolonged postoperative recovery for OP), while
      TUVis displayed the lowest hemorrhagic risks. On the medium term, generally
      resembling functional outcomes were determined for the four techniques, with
      significantly decreased mean PSA values secondary to OP and BPEP.

PMID- 25111386
TI  - Electron spin resonance of nitrogen-vacancy defects embedded in single
      nanodiamonds in an ABEL trap.
AB  - Room temperature optically detected magnetic resonance of a single quantum object
      with nanoscale position control is an outstanding challenge in many areas,
      particularly in the life sciences. We introduce a novel approach to control the
      nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers hosted in a single fluorescent nanodiamond (FND)
      for which an anti-Brownian electrokinetic trap (ABEL) performs the position
      control and an integrated radiofrequency (RF) circuit provides enhanced magnetic
      flux density for ensemble spin-state control simultaneously. We demonstrate
      static magnetic field sensing in platforms compatible with ABEL trap. With the
      advances in the synthesis and functionalization of stable arbitrarily small FNDs,
      we foresee the use of our device for the trapping and manipulation of single
      molecular-sized FNDs in aqueous solution. 

PMID- 25111387
TI  - Methylation marker analysis and HPV16/18 genotyping in high-risk HPV positive
      self-sampled specimens to identify women with high grade CIN or cervical cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Methylation marker analysis using bi-marker panel MAL/miR-124-2 is a
      promising triage test for identifying cervical (pre)cancer in high-risk human
      papillomavirus (hrHPV) positive women. Bi-marker panel MAL/miR-124-2 can be
      applied directly on self-sampled cervico-vaginal material and its sensitivity is
      non-inferior to that of cytology, yet at the cost of more colposcopy referrals.
      Our objective was to increase specificity of MAL/miR-124-2 methylation analysis
      by varying the assay thresholds and adding HPV16/18 genotyping. METHODS: 1019
      hrHPV-positive women were selected from a randomized controlled self-sampling
      trial (PROHTECT-3; 33-63 years, n=46,001) and nine triage strategies with
      methylation testing of MAL/miR-124-2 and HPV16/18 genotyping were evaluated. The
      methylation assay threshold was set at four different predefined levels which
      correspond with clinical specificities for end-point cervical intra-epithelial
      grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) of 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80%. RESULTS: The CIN3+
      sensitivity of methylation analysis decreased (73.5 to 44.9%) while specificity
      increased (47.2 to 83.4%) when increasing the assay threshold. CIN3+ sensitivity
      and specificity of HPV16/18 genotyping were 68.0% and 65.6%, respectively.
      Combined methylation analysis at threshold-80 and HPV16/18 genotyping yielded
      similar CIN3+ sensitivity as that of methylation only at threshold-50 (77.6%)
      with an increased specificity (54.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Combined triage by MAL/miR
      124-2 methylation analysis with threshold-80 and HPV16/18 genotyping reaches high
      CIN3+ sensitivity with increased specificity to identify women with cervical
      (pre)cancer among HPV self-sample positive women. The combined strategy is
      attractive as it is fully molecular and identifies women at the highest risk of
      cervical (pre)cancer because of strongly elevated methylation levels and/or
      HPV16/18 positivity.

PMID- 25111389
TI  - Thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/graphene/Au nanocomposite hydrogel
      for water treatment by a laser-assisted approach.
AB  - The thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/graphene/Au multicomponent
      hydrogel is prepared by the simultaneous in-situ formation of Au nanoparticles
      and the reduction of graphene oxide, assisted by NIR laser irradiation of a
      prefabricated PNIPAM/GO hydrogel with auric acid precursor, showing great
      potential for water treatment owing to the excellent photothermal effect. 

PMID- 25111391
TI  - Treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection: time to get a move on?

PMID- 25111390
TI  - Plasma levels of microRNA-499 provide an early indication of perioperative
      myocardial infarction in coronary artery bypass graft patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) were important
      for many biological and pathological processes, and they might be potential
      biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases. The present study aims to determine the
      release patterns of miRNAs in cardiac surgery and to analyze the ability of miRs
      to provide early prediction of perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI) in
      patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Thirty on-pump CABG patients were recruited in
      this study; and miR-499, miR-133a and miR-133b, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were
      selected for measurement. Serial plasma samples were collected at seven
      perioperative time points (preoperatively, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours
      after declamping) and were tested for cTnI and miRs levels. Importantly, miR
      levels peaked as early as 1-3 hours, whereas cTnI levels peaked at 6 hours after
      declamping. Peak plasma concentrations of miRs correlated significantly with cTnI
      (miR-499, r = 0.583, P = 0.001; miR-133a, r = 0.514, P = 0.006; miR-133b, r =
      0.437, P = 0.05), indicating the degree of myocardial damage. In addition, 30 off
      pump CABG patients were recruited; miR-499 and miR-133a levels were tested, which
      were significantly lower in off-pump group than in on-pump group. A prospective
      cohort of CABG patients (n = 120) was recruited to study the predictive power of
      miRs for PMI. The diagnosis of PMI strictly adhered to the principles of
      universal definition of myocardial infarction. The data analysis revealed that
      miR-499 had higher sensitivity and specificity than cTnI, and indicated that miR
      499 could be an independent risk factor for PMI. CONCLUSION: Our results
      demonstrate that circulating miR-499 is a novel, early biomarker for identifying
      perioperative myocardial infarction in cardiac surgery.

PMID- 25111392
TI  - Microbial community structure of relict niter-beds previously used for saltpeter
      production.
AB  - From the 16th to the 18th centuries in Japan, saltpeter was produced using a
      biological niter-bed process and was formed under the floor of gassho-style
      houses in the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, which are
      classified as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
      (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites. The relict niter-beds are now conserved in the
      underfloor space of gassho-style houses, where they are isolated from
      destabilizing environmental factors and retain the ability to produce nitrate.
      However, little is known about the nitrifying microbes in such relict niter-bed
      ecosystems. In this study, the microbial community structures within nine relict
      niter-bed soils were investigated using 454 pyrotag analysis targeting the 16S
      rRNA gene and the bacterial and archaeal ammonia monooxygenase gene (amoA). The
      16S rRNA gene pyrotag analysis showed that members of the phyla Proteobacteria,
      Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Gemmatimonadetes, and
      Planctomycetes were major microbial constituents, and principal coordinate
      analysis showed that the NO3-, Cl-, K+, and Na+ contents were potential
      determinants of the structures of entire microbial communities in relict niter
      bed soils. The bacterial and archaeal amoA libraries indicated that members of
      the Nitrosospira-type ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and "Ca. Nitrososphaera"
      type ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), respectively, predominated in relict niter
      bed soils. In addition, soil pH and organic carbon content were important factors
      for the ecological niche of AOB and AOA in relict niter-bed soil ecosystems. 

PMID- 25111393
TI  - Population genomics of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has been widely used as a model
      eukaryote to study a diverse range of biological processes. However, population
      genetic studies of this species have been limited to date, and we know very
      little about the evolutionary processes and selective pressures that are shaping
      its genome. Here, we sequenced the genomes of 32 worldwide S. pombe strains and
      examined the pattern of polymorphisms across their genomes. In addition to
      introns and untranslated regions (UTRs), intergenic regions also exhibited lower
      levels of nucleotide diversity than synonymous sites, suggesting that a
      considerable amount of noncoding DNA is under selective constraint and thus
      likely to be functional. A number of genomic regions showed a reduction of
      nucleotide diversity probably caused by selective sweeps. We also identified a
      region close to the end of chromosome 3 where an extremely high level of
      divergence was observed between 5 of the 32 strains and the remain 27, possibly
      due to introgression, strong positive selection, or that region being responsible
      for reproductive isolation. Our study should serve as an important starting point
      in using a population genomics approach to further elucidate the biology of this
      important model organism. 

PMID- 25111394
TI  - Nowcasting the spread of chikungunya virus in the Americas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In December 2013, the first locally-acquired chikungunya virus
      (CHIKV) infections in the Americas were reported in the Caribbean. As of May 16,
      55,992 cases had been reported and the outbreak was still spreading.
      Identification of newly affected locations is paramount to intervention
      activities, but challenging due to limitations of current data on the outbreak
      and on CHIKV transmission. We developed models to make probabilistic predictions
      of spread based on current data considering these limitations. METHODS AND
      FINDINGS: Branching process models capturing travel patterns, local infection
      prevalence, climate dependent transmission factors, and associated uncertainty
      estimates were developed to predict probable locations for the arrival of CHIKV
      infected travelers and for the initiation of local transmission. Many
      international cities and areas close to where transmission has already occurred
      were likely to have received infected travelers. Of the ten locations predicted
      to be the most likely locations for introduced CHIKV transmission in the first
      four months of the outbreak, eight had reported local cases by the end of April.
      Eight additional locations were likely to have had introduction leading to local
      transmission in April, but with substantial uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS: Branching
      process models can characterize the risk of CHIKV introduction and spread during
      the ongoing outbreak. Local transmission of CHIKV is currently likely in several
      Caribbean locations and possible, though uncertain, for other locations in the
      continental United States, Central America, and South America. This modeling
      framework may also be useful for other outbreaks where the risk of pathogen
      spread over heterogeneous transportation networks must be rapidly assessed on the
      basis of limited information.

PMID- 25111396
TI  - (Phenoxyimidazolyl-salicylaldimine)iron complexes: synthesis, properties and iron
      catalysed ethylene reactions.
AB  - The reaction of 2-{[2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)-ethylimino]-methyl}-phenol (L1), 2,4-di
      tert-butyl-6-{[2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)-ethylimino]-methyl}-phenol (L2) or 4-tert
      butyl-2-{[2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)-ethylimino]-methyl}-phenol (L3) with iron(ii)
      precursors produced either iron(ii) or iron(iii) complexes, depending on the
      nature of the anions in the iron(ii) precursor and the ligand. When the anion is
      chloride and the ligand L1, the product is [(L1)2Fe][FeCl4] (1), but when the
      anion is triflate (OTf(-)) and the ligand is L2, the product is [(L2)2Fe][OTf]2
      (2). With iron(ii) halides and tert-butyl groups on the phenoxy ligands L2 and
      L3, the iron(iii) complexes [(L2)FeX2] {where X = Cl (3), Br (4) and I = (5)} and
      [(L3)FeCl2] (6) were formed. Complexes 1-6 were characterised by a combination of
      elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry; and in selected cases
      (3 and 4) by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The crystal structures of 3
      and 4 indicated that the iron(ii) precursors oxidised to iron(iii) in forming
      complexes 3-6; an observation that was corroborated by the magnetic properties
      and the (57)Fe Mossbauer spectra of 3 and 4. The iron(iii) complexes 3-6 were
      used as pre-catalysts for the oligomerisation and polymerisation of ethylene.
      Products of these ethylene reactions depended on the solvent used. In toluene
      ethylene oligomerised mainly to 1-butene and was followed by the 1-butene
      alkylating the solvent to form butyl-toluenes via a Friedel-Crafts alkylation
      reaction. In chlorobenzene, ethylene oligomerised mainly to a mixture of C4-C12
      alkenes. Interestingly small amounts of butyl-chlorobenzenes and hexyl
      chlorobenzenes were also formed via a Friedel-Crafts alkylation with butenes and
      hexenes from the oligomerisation of ethylene. 

PMID- 25111395
TI  - Diphenyl diselenide and sodium selenite associated with chemotherapy in
      experimental toxoplasmosis: influence on oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers and
      cytokine modulation.
AB  - SUMMARY The aim of this study was to assess the effect of
      sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (ST) supplemented with diphenyl diselenide and
      sodium selenite in experimental toxoplasmosis, on oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers
      and cytokine levels. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were divided in seven groups: group
      A (negative control), and groups B to G (infected). Blood and liver samples were
      collected on days 4 and 20 post infection (p.i.). Levels of thiobarbituric acid
      (TBA) reactive substances and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were
      assessed in liver samples. Both biomarkers were significantly increased in
      infected groups on day 4 p.i., while they were reduced on day 20 p.i., compared
      with group A. Glutathione reductase (GR) activity significantly (P<0.01)
      increased on day 4 p.i., in group G, compared with group A. INF-gamma was
      significantly increased (P<0.001) in both periods, day 4 (groups B, C, F and G)
      and 20 p.i. (groups C, F and G). IL-10 significantly reduced (P<0.001) on day 4
      p.i. in group B; however, in the same period, it was increased (P<0.001) in
      groups C and G, compared with group A. On day 20 p.i., IL-10 increased (P<0.001)
      in groups F and G. Therefore, our results highlighted that these forms of
      selenium, associated with the chemotherapy, were able to reduce lipid
      peroxidation and protein oxidation, providing a beneficial immunological balance
      between the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. 

PMID- 25111397
TI  - Rapidly developed neurosyphilis in a psoriasis patient under treatment with
      infliximab: a case report.

PMID- 25111399
TI  - National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists news: Presidents message, June
      2014.

PMID- 25111398
TI  - Thermoresponsive copolymer/SiO2 nanoparticles with dual functions of thermally
      controlled drug release and simultaneous carrier decomposition.
AB  - The preparation of thermoresponsive drug carriers with a self-destruction
      property is presented. These drug carriers were fabricated by incorporation of
      drug molecules and thermoresponsive copolymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co
      acrylamide), into silica nanoparticles in a one-pot preparation process. The
      enhanced drug release was primarily attributed to faster molecule diffusion
      resulting from the particle decomposition triggered by phase transformation of
      the copolymer upon the temperature change. The decomposition of the drug carriers
      into small fragments should benefit their fast excretion from the body. In
      addition, the resulting drug-loaded nanoparticles showed faster drug release in
      an acidic environment (pH 5) than in a neutral one. The controlled drug release
      of methylene blue and doxorubicin hydrochloride and the self-decomposition of the
      drug carriers were successfully characterized by using TEM, UV/Vis spectroscopy,
      and confocal microscopy. Together with the nontoxicity and excellent
      biocompatibility of the copolymer/SiO2 composite, the features of controlled drug
      release and simultaneous carrier self-destruction provided a promising
      opportunity for designing various novel drug-delivery systems. 

PMID- 25111400
TI  - Clinical Nurse Specialists National Survey.

PMID- 25111401
TI  - The nurse's critical role in optimizing clinical documentation systems.

PMID- 25111402
TI  - The need for increased sex and gender-based analysis/subanalysis in nursing and
      medical research.

PMID- 25111403
TI  - Prescribing with an empty pharmacy: drug shortages update for the clinical nurse
      specialist.

PMID- 25111404
TI  - Transdermal fentanyl for cancer pain.

PMID- 25111405
TI  - Fundamentals of making a sale.

PMID- 25111406
TI  - Preoperative factors affecting the intraoperative core body temperature in
      abdominal surgery under general anesthesia: an observational cohort.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study was conducted to identify preoperative factors affecting the
      intraoperative core body temperature in abdominal surgery under general
      anesthesia. DESIGN: This study was performed through prospective descriptive
      research design. SETTING: The setting was a 1300-bed university hospital in
      Incheon, South Korea. SAMPLES: The sample consisted of 147 patients who had
      undergone elective abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. METHODS: Age,
      weight, and height were collected on a preoperative visit to general unit, and
      body mass index, body surface area, and total body fat were calculated. The basal
      preoperative core body temperature (CBT), preoperative blood pressure, and heart
      rate were measured. Core body temperature was again measured at 1, 2, and 3 hours
      following general anesthesia. RESULTS: Predictive factors of intraoperative
      hypothermia of less than 36 degrees C were preoperative CBT (beta = .44), weight
      (beta = .41), preoperative heart rate (beta = .20), and age (beta = -.13) at 1
      hour after anesthesia (R = 0.658, F = 68.3, P < .001); preoperative CBT (beta =
      .33), weight (beta = .37), preoperative heart rate (beta = .22), and age (beta = 
      .24) at 2 hours after anesthesia (R = 0.631, F = 60.8, P < .001); and age (beta =
      -.34), weight (beta = .36), preoperative CBT (beta = .30), and preoperative heart
      rate (beta = .20) at 3 hours after anesthesia (R = 0.665, F = 70.6, P < .001).
      CONCLUSION: Low preoperative body temperature and low weight seem to be risk
      factors of intraoperative hypothermia during 2 hours after anesthesia and
      advanced age and low weight at 3 hours following anesthesia. IMPLICATIONS: We
      recommend prewarming and intraoperative warming through forced air warming
      devices and covering a patient with a warm blanket during transportation. This
      procedure is necessary for the abdominal surgical patients of advanced age with
      low weight and duration of general anesthesia to last more than 1 hour.

PMID- 25111407
TI  - Modeling the complex activity of sickle cell and thalassemia specialist nurses in
      England.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Specialist advanced practice nursing in hemoglobinopathies has a rich
      historical and descriptive literature. Subsequent work has shown that the role is
      valued by patients and families and also by other professionals. However, there
      is little empirical research on the complexity of activity of these services in
      terms of interventions offered. In addition, the work of clinical nurse
      specialists in England has been devalued through a perception of
      oversimplification. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the
      complexity of expert nursing practice in sickle cell and thalassemia. DESIGN: The
      approach taken to modeling complexity was used from common methods in
      mathematical modeling and computational mathematics. Knowledge discovery through
      data was the underpinning framework used in this study using a priori mined data.
      This allowed categorization of activity and articulation of complexity. RESULT:
      In total, 8966 nursing events were captured over 1639 hours from a total of 22.8
      whole time equivalents, and several data sources were mined. The work of
      specialist nurses in this area is complex in terms of the physical and
      psychosocial care they provide. The nurses also undertook case management
      activity such as utilizing a very large network of professionals, and others
      participated in admission avoidance work and education of patients' families and
      other staff. CONCLUSION: The work of nurses specializing in hemoglobinopathy care
      is complex and multidimensional and is likely to contribute to the quality of
      care in a cost-effective way. An understanding of this complexity can be used as
      an underpinning to establishing key performance indicators, optimum caseload
      calculations, and economic evaluation.

PMID- 25111408
TI  - The relationship between uncontrolled glycemia and the cost of hospitalization.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship
      between hospitalization cost and discharge blood glucose levels among adult
      diabetes mellitus type 2 patients hospitalized with uncontrolled glycemia without
      complications. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis examined healthcare billing
      and laboratory data. SETTING: The study was performed in Chicago, Illinois, in a
      269-bed medical center between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2011. SAMPLE:
      Patients were placed into 1 of 2 groups at discharge: blood glucose level less
      than 250 mg/dL or blood glucose level 250 mg/dL or greater. RESULTS: Of the 579
      patients with uncontrolled glycemia, 366 met inclusion criteria: diabetes
      mellitus without complications (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
      Revision; 250.0) with abnormal fasting blood glucose (International
      Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision; 790.21). Discharge blood glucose
      levels were 250 mg/dL or greater in 74 patients and less than 250 mg/dL in 292
      patients. Mean age of the 2 cohorts was 71.4 (SD, 13.41) years. The majority was
      male (52.1% and 59.7%, respectively). The median healthcare cost for the entire
      sample was $3964.34. The mean cost of healthcare for the group with blood glucose
      of 250 mg/dL or greater at discharge was $4182.65, with a mean length of stay of
      8.22 (SD, 3.468) days, while the mean cost of healthcare for the group with blood
      glucose of less than 250 mg/dL at discharge was $3826.25 and mean length of stay
      7.826 (SD, 6.073) days. Analysis of cost was conducted using Pearson chi and was
      significant for alpha = .05 (P = .037). The odds ratio of having increased
      healthcare cost with blood glucose of 250 mg/dL or greater was 1.732 with a 95%
      confidence interval of 0.998 to 3.012. CONCLUSION: The group discharged with
      blood glucose levels of 250 mg/dL or greater accrued greater cost during
      hospitalization than did patients who were discharged with blood glucose levels
      of less than 250 mg/dL. IMPLICATIONS: Today's healthcare system is struggling
      with cost containment, quality control, and standardization of care. Clinical
      nurse specialists can evaluate current patient care practices and ensure that the
      practice setting is fiscally beneficial to future patients and healthcare
      organizations.

PMID- 25111409
TI  - Characteristics, resource utilization, and nursing care of patients who undergo
      percutaneous tracheostomy.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: Many critically ill patients require a tracheostomy when
      unable to be weaned from prolonged ventilator support. This study describes the
      characteristics, resource use, and outcomes of patients who required a
      tracheostomy for failure to wean from mechanical ventilation. DESIGN: A
      retrospective descriptive study was conducted to analyze data from the electronic
      medical record and hospital databases. SETTING: The setting was a tertiary care
      hospital with a level I trauma center. SAMPLE: Data from 363 adult subjects who
      underwent a tracheostomy after prolonged mechanical ventilation during a 1-year
      period were obtained from hospital databases. All underwent a percutaneous
      procedure. The majority of subjects were male (62.8%) and white (57.9%), with a
      median age of 59 years. Nearly half had a trauma diagnosis. RESULTS: Hospital
      mortality was low (9.9%). Ventilator days, hospital/intensive care unit lengths
      of stay, and costs were high. Only 7.1% of subjects were discharged directly from
      the hospital to home. Others were transferred to long-term acute-care hospitals,
      rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and other hospitals. Those
      who had the tracheostomy done prior to 10 days of ventilation had better
      outcomes; however, these same subjects had lower acuity scores. Within 1 day of
      the procedure, ventilator settings were reduced, airway pressures were lower, and
      level of sedation was improved. CONCLUSIONS: Patients requiring a tracheostomy
      incur high resource use, and although the majority was transferred to other
      facilities, the number discharged directly home was low. Improved physiological
      parameters and reduced ventilator settings following the tracheostomy facilitated
      weaning from ventilation. IMPLICATIONS: Knowledge of characteristics and outcomes
      may assist in identifying interventions to reduce the need for tracheostomy or
      improve outcomes. In particular, the clinical nurse specialist can lead team
      initiatives to promote weaning prior rather than performing a tracheostomy as
      well as interventions postprocedure to improve discharge outcomes.

PMID- 25111410
TI  - Clinical nurse specialist profile.

PMID- 25111411
TI  - Where the heart is.

PMID- 25111412
TI  - Impact of the clinical nurse specialist role on the costs and quality of
      healthcare: policy briefing paper (December, 2013).

PMID- 25111413
TI  - A new polyoxygenated cyclohexane and other constituents from Kaempferia rotunda
      and their cytotoxic activity.
AB  - The isolation of secondary metabolites from a methanolic extract of Kaempferia
      rotunda yielded 12 compounds (1-12), including a new polyoxygenated cyclohexane
      compound, (-)-3-acetyl-4-benzoyl-1-benzoyloxymethyl-1,6-diepoxycyclohexan-2,3,4,5
      tetrol (1). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined based on
      their spectroscopic data and comparison with references. All of the isolated
      compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activity against pancreatic (PSN-1) and
      breast (MDA-MB231) cancer cell lines. Compound 12 showed moderate cytotoxic
      activity against PSN-1 and MDA-MB231 without showing any cytotoxicity against the
      normal cell line, TIG-3. 

PMID- 25111414
TI  - [XVII Portuguese Congress of Rheumatology in a flash].

PMID- 25111415
TI  - Infection and rheumatic diseases: cause, consequence or both?

PMID- 25111416
TI  - Sclerostin and Dkk-1 in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the serum Dickkopf-related protein 1 (Dkk-1) and
      sclerostin levels, and their relationship to structural damage and disease
      activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), as well as to compare the
      serum Dkk-1 and sclerostin levels in patients receiving and not receiving anti
      TNF-a treatment. MATERIALS AND METHOds: This cross-sectional study included 44 AS
      patients and 41 healthy age- and gender- -matched controls. Demographic data,
      disease activity parameters, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiologic Index
      (BASRI) scores were recorded. Serum Dkk-1 and sclerostin levels were measured
      using commercially available ELISA. RESULTS: Serum Dkk-1 levels were lower (P >
      0.05) and sclerostin levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the AS
      patients than in the controls. Dkk-1 and sclerostin levels were similar in the
      patients that did and didn't receive anti-TNF-a treatment, and in the patients
      with active and inactive disease (P > 0.05). There wasn't a correlation between
      serum Dkk-1 or sclerostin levels, and disease activity indices (P > 0.05). BASRI
      scores did not correlate with serum Dkk-1 or sclerostin levels (P > 0.05).
      DISCUSSIOn: Sclerostin expression is impaired in AS, but this is not the case for
      Dkk-1. The lack of an association between Dkk-1 or sclerostin levels, and anti
      TNF-a treatment, disease activity indices, and radiological damage might indicate
      that neither the Dkk-1 nor sclerostin level induce inflammation and radiological
      damage in AS patients. Pathologic bone formation in AS might be due to molecular
      dysfunction of sclerostin and Dkk-1 at the cellular level.

PMID- 25111417
TI  - Osteomyelitis and arthritis of the wrist caused by Mycobacterium intracellulare
      in an immunocompetent patient: a case report and literature review.
AB  - Mycobacterium intracellulare causes infection in humans. Involvement of joint and
      bone, however, is extremely rare. We present the case of an immunocompetent 67
      year-old female with chronic swelling of the wrist joint diagnosed as rheumatoid
      arthritis by her previous physician. Examination revealed an unclosed fistula
      associated with a puncture, and bone and joint destruction on radiographs. She
      was diagnosed with osteomyelitis and arthritis due to M. intracellulare on
      histological and microbiological examinations. She was successfully treated with
      radical surgical debridement and anti-tuberculous drugs for 1 year and there was
      no recurrence at 3 years postoperatively. 

PMID- 25111418
TI  - Condyloma acuminatum by human papilloma virus infection in childhood-systemic
      lupus erythematosus patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Infections are frequent in childhood-systemic lupus erythematosus
      (C-SLE) patients, including human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection may cause
      genital and anal warts named condyloma acuminatum (CA). To our knowledge, none
      case was reported and the prevalence of CA in C-SLE population was not performed.
      CASE REPORTS: From January 1983 to May 2012, 5,682 patients were followed at the
      Pediatric Rheumatology Unit from of our University Hospital and 289 (5%) of them
      met the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for C- SLE. Four
      (1.4%) of our female patients had CA. The median age at diagnosis was 13 years.
      Three of them were sexually active and all of them had active disease and had
      high risk HPV anogenital warts. Pap smears showed low-grade squamous
      intraepithelial lesion, guided biopsies identified chronic cervicitis, vulvar,
      vaginal, anal and/or cervix intraepithelial neoplasia. All of them were under
      corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. The visible genital warts lesions
      were eradicated. DISCUSSION: Our patients requires rigorous gynecologic follow-up
      due to the severe anogenital dysplasia. HPV vaccine should be indicated in all C
      SLE prior to sexual activity.

PMID- 25111419
TI  - Reactive arthritis mimicking inflammatory bowel disease arthritis: a challenging
      diagnosis.
AB  - Reactive arthritis comprises a subgroup of infection-associated arthritis which
      occurs after genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract infection in genetically
      susceptible hosts. Studies have proposed Salmonella, Shigella or Yersinia
      infection as the microorganisms responsible for the post-dysenteric form. The
      human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 is a well recognised best-known predisposing
      factor. We report a case of HLA-B27-associated reactive arthritis after
      Salmonella goldcoast enteritis, mimicking inflammatory bowel disease arthritis. 

PMID- 25111420
TI  - On the design and analysis of clinical trials with correlated outcomes.
AB  - The convention in clinical trials is to regard outcomes as independently
      distributed, possibly conditional on covariates, but in some situations they may
      be correlated. For example, in infectious diseases, correlation may be induced if
      participants have contact with a common infectious source, or share hygienic tips
      that prevent infection. This paper discusses the design and analysis of
      randomized clinical trials that allow arbitrary correlation among all randomized
      participants. This perspective generalizes the traditional perspective of strata,
      where patients are exchangeable within strata, and independent across strata. For
      theoretical work, we focus on the test of no treatment effect MU(1)-MU(0)=0 when
      the n dimensional vector of outcomes follows a Gaussian distribution with known n
      * n covariance matrix Sigma, where the half randomized to treatment (placebo)
      have mean response MU(1)(MU(0)). We show how the new test corresponds to familiar
      tests in simple situations for independent, exchangeable, paired, and clustered
      data. We also discuss the design of trials where Sigma is known before or during
      randomization of patients and evaluate randomization schemes based on such
      knowledge. We provide two complex examples to illustrate the method, one for a
      study of 23 family clusters with cardiomyopathy, and the other where the malaria
      attack rates vary within households and clusters of households in a Malian
      village.

PMID- 25111421
TI  - Correlation between inflammatory markers and insulin resistance in pregnancy.
AB  - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased risk of
      postpartum type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk factors, such as
      obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and systemic inflammation. We aimed to
      evaluate further lipid profile and inflammatory status assessed by high sensitive
      C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and TNF-alpha in GDM. Based on oral glucose tolerance
      testing, participants were stratified into three groups: normal 50 g glucose
      challenge test (GCT), normal 100 g glucose tolerance test (NOGTT) (control group)
      (n = 40); abnormal GCT NOGTT (glucose intolerance) (n = 37); and GDM (n = 39),
      defined by Carpenter and Coustan. The three groups did not demonstrate
      significantly different hsCRP levels (p = 0.4180) and lipid profile parameters,
      such as total cholesterol (p = 0.4210) and LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.4440) levels.
      Triglycerides (p = 0.0150) and atherogenic index of the plasma levels (p =
      0.0280) were slightly higher in the GDM group. But, TNF-alpha levels increased
      significantly in the GDM (p < 0.0001) and in glucose intolerance (p = 0.0062)
      groups as compared with the control group. Among the metabolic syndrome
      components, insulin resistance was apparently associated with TNF-alpha, whereas
      dyslipidaemia was slightly associated with hsCRP because of the effects of
      maternal age on lipid markers. These findings suggest that TNF-alpha has a
      stronger correlation with pregnancy-associated insulin resistance than hsCRP at
      24 to 28 weeks' gestation.

PMID- 25111422
TI  - My friend and mentor: Robert A. Jahrsdoerfer, M.D.

PMID- 25111423
TI  - Tympanic membrane manipulation to treat symptoms of patulous eustachian tube.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patulous eustachian tube (PET) can have a significant negative impact
      on a patient's quality of life. Previous work has demonstrated that temporarily
      mass loading and stiffening the tympanic membrane significantly reduces these
      symptoms. This study examined KTP laser myringoplasty (LM) and cartilage
      tympanoplasty (CT) as a means to manipulate the tympanic membrane to alleviate
      PET symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Academic tertiary
      care referral hospital. PATIENTS: Patients (n = 20) were identified from the
      senior authors' (M.B.) specialty eustachian tube disorders clinic. Patients met
      previously established diagnostic criteria for PET. All patients had a clinically
      apparent flaccid segment of the eardrum and had symptom improvement after simple
      mass loading of their eardrum in the clinic. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in this
      study received either KTP LM (10 patients, 15 ears) or CT (10 patients, 11 ears)
      to treat their flaccid eardrum segment in an attempt to alleviate PET symptoms.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative and postoperative questionnaire scores and
      tympanometry measurements were compared. RESULTS: Patients undergoing CT for PET
      had a significant reduction in their symptoms of autophony (p <= 0.001),
      conducted breath sounds (p = 0.001), and aural fullness (p = 0.009). KTP LM did
      not significantly reduce symptoms. CONCLUSION: Cartilage tympanoplasty provides a
      safe and accessible surgical option for the treatment of PET and significantly
      reduces the symptoms of autophony, conducted breath sounds, and aural fullness.
      Further studies are needed to investigate whether addressing PET symptoms
      simultaneously from both the tympanic membrane and the eustachian tube orifice
      can improve patient symptoms even further.

PMID- 25111425
TI  - Plasmon resonance-enhanced circularly polarized luminescence of self-assembled
      meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin-surfactant complexes in interaction
      with Ag nanoparticles.
AB  - The chiroptical properties of an anionic meso-tetrakis(4
      sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) complexed with cationic surfactants were
      enhanced by interaction with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in acidic solution.
      Improvement in chiroptical properties was revealed by circular dichroism (CD) and
      circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), with |gabs| and |glum| values reaching
      0.05 and 0.001 at 303 K, respectively. 

PMID- 25111424
TI  - Scleral cross-linking using riboflavin and ultraviolet-a radiation for prevention
      of progressive myopia in a rabbit model.
AB  - Our study demonstrates the effect of scleral cross-linking using riboflavin and
      ultraviolet-A radiation on the development of axial myopia in a rabbit model.
      Axial length of the eyeball was measured by A-scan ultrasound in 22 New Zealand
      white rabbits aged 13 days. The right eyes then underwent 360-degree conjunctival
      peritomy with (experimental group, n = 11) or without (control group, n = 11)
      scleral cross-linking, followed by tarsorrhaphy. The left eyes served as a
      control eye. In the experimental group, the right eyeballs were divided into
      quadrants, and every quadrant had either 2 (n = 8) or 6 (n = 3) scleral
      irradiation zones, each with an area of 0.2 cm2 and radius of 4 mm. Cross-linking
      was performed by dropping 0.1% dextran-free riboflavin-5-phosphate onto the
      irradiation zones at 20 s before ultraviolet-A irradiation and every 20 s during
      the 200-s irradiation time. UVA radiation (370 nm) was applied perpendicular to
      the sclera at 57 mW/cm2 (total UVA light dose, 57 J/cm2). Tarsorrhaphies were
      removed on day 55, followed by repeated axial-length measurement. In the control
      group, mean axial length in the right eyes increased from 10.50 +/- 0.67 mm at
      baseline to 15.69 +/- 0.39 mm 55 days later, for a mean change of 5.19 +/- 0.85
      mm. In the experimental group, corresponding values were 10.68 +/- 0.74 mm and
      14.29 +/- 0.3 mm, for a mean change of 3.61 +/- 0.76 mm. The between-group
      difference in the change in mean axial length was statistically significant (p <
      0.001, Mann-Whitney nonparametric test). The present manuscript demonstrates that
      scleral cross-linking with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A radiation effectively
      prevents occlusion-induced axial elongation in a rabbit model. 

PMID- 25111426
TI  - Somatic aberrations of mismatch repair genes as a cause of microsatellite
      unstable cancers.
AB  - Lynch syndrome (LS) is caused by germline mutations in mismatch repair (MMR)
      genes, resulting in microsatellite-unstable tumours. Approximately 35% of
      suspected LS (sLS) patients test negative for germline MMR gene mutations,
      hampering conclusive LS diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate
      somatic MMR gene aberrations in microsatellite-unstable colorectal and
      endometrial cancers of sLS patients negative for germline MMR gene mutations.
      Suspected LS cases were selected from a retrospective Clinical Genetics
      Department diagnostic cohort and from a prospective multicentre population-based
      study on LS in The Netherlands. In total, microsatellite-unstable tumours of 40
      sLS patients (male/female 20/20, median age 57 years) were screened for somatic
      MMR gene mutations by next-generation sequencing. In addition, loss of
      heterozygosity (LOH) of the affected MMR genes in these tumours as well as in 68
      LS-associated tumours and 27 microsatellite-unstable tumours with MLH1 promoter
      hypermethylation was studied. Of the sLS cases, 5/40 (13%) tumours had two
      pathogenic somatic mutations and 16/40 (40%) tumours had a (likely) pathogenic
      mutation and LOH. Overall, LOH of the affected MMR gene locus was observed in
      24/39 (62%) tumours with informative LOH markers. Of the LS cases and the tumours
      with MLH1 promoter hypermethylation, 39/61 (64%) and 2/21 (10%) tumours,
      respectively, demonstrated LOH. Half of microsatellite-unstable tumours of sLS
      patients without germline MMR gene mutations had two (likely) deleterious somatic
      MMR gene aberrations, indicating their sporadic origin. Therefore, we advocate
      adding somatic mutation and LOH analysis of the MMR genes to the molecular
      diagnostic workflow of LS.

PMID- 25111427
TI  - Effect of small molecule vasopressin V1a and V2 receptor antagonists on brain
      edema formation and secondary brain damage following traumatic brain injury in
      mice.
AB  - The attenuation of brain edema is a major therapeutic target after traumatic
      brain injury (TBI). Vasopressin (AVP) is well known to play a major role in the
      regulation of brain water content and vasoendothelial functions and to be
      involved in brain edema formation. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to
      analyze the antiedematous efficacy of a clinically relevant, nonpeptidic AVP V1a
      and V2 receptor antagonists. C57Bl6 mice were subjected to controlled cortical
      impact (CCI) and V1a or V2 receptors were inhibited by using the highly selective
      antagonists SR-49059 or SR-121463A either by systemic (intraperitoneal, IP) or
      intracerebroventricular (ICV) application. After 24 h, brain edema, intracranial
      pressure (ICP), and contusion volume were assessed. Systemically applied AVP
      receptor antagonists could not reduce secondary lesion growth. In contrast, ICV
      administration of AVP V1a receptor antagonist decreased brain edema formation by
      68%, diminished post-traumatic increase of ICP by 46%, and reduced secondary
      contusion expansion by 43% 24 h after CCI. The ICV inhibition of V2 receptors
      resulted in significant reduction of post-traumatic brain edema by 41% 24 h after
      CCI, but failed to show further influence on ICP and lesion growth. Hence,
      centrally applied vasopressin V1a receptor antagonists may be used to reduce
      brain edema formation after TBI. 

PMID- 25111429
TI  - In-session processes of brief motivational interventions in two trials with
      mandated college students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Each year, thousands of college students receive mandated intervention
      as a sanction for alcohol use or alcohol-related behavior. For these mandated
      students, brief motivational interventions (BMIs) are currently the most
      efficacious individual intervention. However, little is known about how the
      technical (therapist behaviors) and relational (e.g., global ratings of therapist
      empathy) components of BMIs influence client language as well as subsequent
      change in alcohol use and consequences. METHOD: This study used the Motivational
      Interviewing Skills Code (MISC 2.0; Miller, Moyers, Ernst, & Amrhein, 2003) to
      code BMI sessions from 2 randomized clinical trials that facilitated significant
      reductions in alcohol use (Study 1, n = 91) and alcohol-related consequences
      (Study 2, n = 158) in mandated students. RESULTS: There were significant
      relationships among therapist behaviors, global scores, and client language both
      for and against change, yet there were no links between in-session client
      language and subsequent changes in alcohol use or problems. In contrast,
      relational aspects of motivational interviewing (MI; global ratings of therapist
      MI Spirit and client self-exploration) were most predictive of postsession
      alcohol use. Mediation models incorporating both technical and relational
      components revealed that higher levels of client self-exploration mediated the
      relationship between higher therapist ratings of MI Spirit and reduced drinking
      at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the importance of considering how
      both technical and relational components of MI may influence alcohol use in
      mandated college students and also suggest more exact analyses to better
      understand this complex relationship.

PMID- 25111431
TI  - Testosterone treatment and MMPI-2 improvement in transgender men: a prospective
      controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Most transgender men desire to receive testosterone treatment in order
      to masculinize their bodies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the short
      term effects of testosterone treatment on psychological functioning in
      transgender men. This is the 1st controlled prospective follow-up study to
      examine such effects. METHOD: We examined a sample of transgender men (n = 48)
      and nontransgender male (n = 53) and female (n = 62) matched controls (mean age =
      26.6 years; 74% White). We asked participants to complete the Minnesota
      Multiphasic Personality Inventory (2nd ed., or MMPI-2; Butcher, Graham, Tellegen,
      Dahlstrom, & Kaemmer, 2001) to assess psychological functioning at baseline and
      at the acute posttreatment follow-up (3 months after testosterone initiation).
      Regression models tested (a) Gender * Time interaction effects comparing
      divergent mean response profiles across measurements by gender identity; (b)
      changes in psychological functioning scores for acute postintervention
      measurements, adjusting for baseline measures, comparing transgender men with
      their matched nontransgender male and female controls and adjusting for baseline
      scores; and (c) changes in meeting clinical psychopathological thresholds.
      RESULTS: Statistically significant changes in MMPI-2 scale scores were found at 3
      month follow-up after initiating testosterone treatment relative to baseline for
      transgender men compared with female controls (female template): reductions in
      Hypochondria (p < .05), Depression (p < .05), Hysteria (p < .05), and Paranoia (p
      < .01); and increases in Masculinity-Femininity scores (p < .01). Gender * Time
      interaction effects were found for Hysteria (p < .05) and Paranoia (p < .01)
      relative to female controls (female template) and for Hypochondria (p < .05),
      Depression (p < .01), Hysteria (p < .01), Psychopathic Deviate (p < .05),
      Paranoia (p < .01), Psychasthenia (p < .01), and Schizophrenia (p < .01) compared
      with male controls (male template). In addition, the proportion of transgender
      men presenting with co-occurring psychopathology significantly decreased from
      baseline compared with 3-month follow-up relative to controls (p < .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that testosterone treatment resulted in increased
      levels of psychological functioning on multiple domains in transgender men
      relative to nontransgender controls. These findings differed in comparisons of
      transgender men with female controls using the female template and with male
      controls using the male template. No iatrogenic effects of testosterone were
      found. These findings suggest a direct positive effect of 3 months of
      testosterone treatment on psychological functioning in transgender men.

PMID- 25111430
TI  - Individual versus significant-other-enhanced brief motivational intervention for
      alcohol in emergency care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Effects of brief motivational interventions (BMIs) for heavy drinkers
      identified by alcohol-related emergency department (ED) visits are mixed. The
      successes of including significant others (SOs) in behavioral treatment suggest
      that involving SOs in ED-delivered BMI might prove beneficial. This study
      investigated the relative efficacy of an SO-enhanced motivational intervention
      (SOMI) compared with an individual motivational intervention (IMI) to address
      heavy drinking in emergency care settings. METHOD: ED (n = 317) or trauma unit (n
      = 89) patients were randomly assigned to receive either an IMI or an SOMI and
      were reassessed at 6 and 12 months for alcohol consumption, alcohol-related
      consequences, and perceived alcohol-specific SO support. RESULTS: Generalized
      estimating equation analyses showed consistent reductions over time for both
      alcohol consumption and consequences. At 1-year follow-up, the average reduction
      in total drinks consumed per week was greater for patients in the SOMI condition
      than the IMI condition. In SOMI, 9.4% more patients moved to within the national
      guidelines for weekly drinking than did IMI patients. Frequency of heavy drinking
      and negative alcohol consequences showed no differential effects of intervention.
      CONCLUSIONS: Emergence of a modest treatment effect at 12 months suggests that SO
      involvement in the SOMI condition may have led to more sustained positive
      influence on patient drinking than in the IMI condition. Implications and
      limitations regarding SO involvement in brief treatment are discussed.

PMID- 25111433
TI  - Behavior therapy for depressed breast cancer patients: predictors of treatment
      outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common psychiatric
      disorder among breast cancer patients and is associated with substantial
      functional impairment. Although several outcome studies have explored the utility
      of psychotherapy for breast cancer patients with subsyndromal depression
      symptoms, only a few clinical trials have explored the efficacy of behavior
      therapy for patients with well-diagnosed MDD. An additional limitation of this
      research is that little is known about factors that best predict treatment
      outcome. METHOD: In the context of a recent randomized trial of behavior
      activation and problem-solving therapy for depressed breast cancer patients (n =
      80; Hopko et al., 2011), this study explored predictors of treatment outcome with
      selected demographic (age, education, marital status, occupational status),
      psychosocial (pretreatment depression and environmental reward, coexistent
      anxiety disorders, social support, history of psychotherapy) and cancer-related
      variables (cancer stage, duration of cancer diagnosis, and cancer treatment).
      RESULTS: Positive treatment outcome as defined by Beck Depression Inventory-II
      (Beck et al., 1996) response and remission criteria was associated with being
      married, increased social support, not actively undergoing cancer treatment
      during psychotherapy, and having a history of psychotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The
      efficacy of behavior therapy for depressed breast cancer patients may depend on
      several patient variables. Implications for the provision of behavior therapy for
      breast cancer patients are discussed.

PMID- 25111432
TI  - Social network influences on initiation and maintenance of reduced drinking among
      college students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether (a) social networks influence the extent to which
      college students initiate and/or maintain reductions in drinking following an
      alcohol intervention and (b) students with riskier networks respond better to a
      counselor-delivered, vs. a computer-delivered, intervention. METHOD: Mandated
      students (N = 316; 63% male) provided their perceptions of peer network members'
      drinking statuses (e.g., heavy drinker) and how accepting each friend would be if
      the participant reduced his or her drinking. Next, they were randomized to
      receive a brief motivational intervention (BMI) or Alcohol Edu for Sanctions
      (EDU). In latent growth models controlling for baseline levels on outcomes,
      influences of social networks on 2 phases of intervention response were examined:
      initiation of reductions in drinks per heaviest week, peak blood alcohol content
      (BAC), and consequences at 1 month (model intercepts) and maintenance of
      reductions between 1 and 12 months (model slopes). RESULTS: Peer drinking status
      predicted initiation of reductions in drinks per heaviest week and peak BAC; peer
      acceptability predicted initial reductions in consequences. Peer Acceptability *
      Condition interactions were significant or marginal for all outcomes in the
      maintenance phase. In networks with higher perceived acceptability of decreasing
      use, BMI and EDU exhibited similar growth rates. In less accepting networks,
      growth rates were significantly steeper among EDU than BMI participants. For
      consumption outcomes, lower perceived peer acceptability predicted steeper rates
      of growth in drinking among EDU but not BMI participants. CONCLUSIONS:
      Understanding how social networks influence behavior change and how interventions
      mitigate their influence is important for optimizing efficacy of alcohol
      interventions.

PMID- 25111434
TI  - Bis-quaternary gemini surfactants as components of nonviral gene delivery
      systems: a comprehensive study from physicochemical properties to membrane
      interactions.
AB  - Gemini surfactants have been successfully used as components of gene delivery
      systems. In the present work, a family of gemini surfactants, represented by the
      general structure [CmH2m+1(CH3)2N(+)(CH2)sN(+)(CH3)2CmH2m+1]2Br(-), or simply m-s
      m, was used to prepare cationic gene carriers, aiming at their application in
      transfection studies. An extensive characterization of the gemini surfactant
      based complexes, produced with and without the helper lipids cholesterol and
      DOPE, was carried out in order to correlate their physico-chemical properties
      with transfection efficiency. The most efficient complexes were those containing
      helper lipids, which, combining amphiphiles with propensity to form structures
      with different intrinsic curvatures, displayed a morphologically labile
      architecture, putatively implicated in the efficient DNA release upon complex
      interaction with membranes. While complexes lacking helper lipids were
      translocated directly across the lipid bilayer, complexes containing helper
      lipids were taken up by cells also by macropinocytosis. This study contributes to
      shed light on the relationship between important physico-chemical properties of
      surfactant-based DNA vectors and their efficiency to promote gene transfer, which
      may represent a step forward to the rational design of gene delivery systems.

PMID- 25111435
TI  - Acquired hemophilia: a potentially life-threatening etiology of persistent
      bleeding after Mohs micrographic surgery.

PMID- 25111436
TI  - Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia is a common condition, with severe attendant
      psychosocial implications, and for which it is difficult to obtain a satisfactory
      degree of clinical improvement. OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible clinical
      benefit of injecting platelet-derived growth factors into the scalp of patients
      using a specific autologous blood concentrate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two
      injections of a leukocyte platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) with the addition of
      concentrated plasmatic proteins were administered at baseline and after 3 months
      (single spin at baseline and double-spin centrifugation at 3 months).
      Macrophotographs were taken at baseline and after 6 months, and 2 independent
      evaluators rated them using Jaeschke rating of clinical change. RESULTS: Sixty
      four consecutive patients were enrolled. Some improvement was seen in all
      patients by 1 evaluator and in 62 by the other. The mean change in clinical
      rating was 3.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9-3.5) and 3.9 (95% CI, 3.5-4.3),
      and the proportion of patients reaching a clinically important difference was
      40.6% and 54.7%, according to the 2 evaluators, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our
      pilot study may provide preliminary evidence that this treatment may induce some
      degree of clinical advantage for male- and female-pattern baldness. This may
      warrant the design of randomized controlled clinical trials to formally test this
      procedure.

PMID- 25111437
TI  - Fat reduction in the inner thigh using a prototype cryolipolysis applicator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous clinical studies have investigated cryolipolysis for
      noninvasive reduction of fat in abdomens, outer thighs, flanks, and backs. This
      study investigated feasibility of cryolipolysis for inner thigh treatment.
      OBJECTIVE: This pilot study evaluated a cryolipolysis flat cup vacuum applicator
      for treatment of inner thigh fat. METHODS: A prototype vacuum applicator was used
      to treat n = 11 subjects in a single-side inner thigh study. Cryolipolysis
      treatment was delivered to the larger thigh while the contralateral thigh served
      as a control. Follow-ups were conducted at 8 and 16 weeks. Equalization
      treatments were subsequently delivered to the contralateral thigh. Safety was
      assessed by monitoring side effects and adverse events. Efficacy was evaluated by
      ultrasound imaging, clinical photography, and patient surveys. RESULTS: Side
      effects were typical and resolved spontaneously. Efficacy was demonstrated with
      ultrasound measurements showing 83% of subjects attained some level of fat layer
      reduction. Normalized mean reduction in fat layer thickness was 20%,
      corresponding to 3.3 mm. Patient surveys revealed 91% were satisfied and 82% felt
      inner thigh cryolipolysis was comfortable. Clinical photographs revealed visible
      reduction in inner thigh contour after treatment. CONCLUSION: This study
      demonstrates feasibility of safe and efficacious cryolipolysis treatment to the
      inner thigh.

PMID- 25111438
TI  - A comparison of the scar prevention effect between carbon dioxide fractional
      laser and pulsed dye laser in surgical scars.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of ablative lasers based on the fractional approach is a
      novel strategy for the treatment of postoperative and acne scars in addition to
      wrinkles. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of carbon dioxide
      ablative fractional laser (AFL) and the pulsed dye laser (PDL) for the
      improvement of surgical scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen Korean patients
      with surgical scars were enrolled for this study. Half of each scar was treated
      with a 10,600-nm AFL and the contralateral half with the 595-nm PDL. For early
      intervention of the postoperative scar, the laser treatments were begun after 2
      weeks from the Mohs micrographic surgery. RESULTS: Both PDL and AFL produced
      statistically significant improvements. However, comparatively, there was no
      statistical difference between them. In each variable, AFL was more effective
      than PDL in the improvement of pliability and thickness. In contrast, PDL was
      superior to AFL in the improvement of vascularity and pigmentation. CONCLUSION:
      Pulsed dye laser and AFL treatments for surgical scar provide significant
      improvement. Pulsed dye laser was more effective in color of scar compared with
      AFL, which showed marked improvement in the contour of scar. Overall improvement
      was not statistically different in the Vancouver Scar Scale.

PMID- 25111440
TI  - Sulfur copolymer nanowires with enhanced visible-light photoresponse.
AB  - Sulfur copolymer nanowires have been reported for the first time as highly stable
      visible-light-active photocatalysts for photoelectrochemical water splitting
      depending on their size and sulfur content. The as-prepared sulfur copolymer
      nanowires can serve as a sulfur source and templates to create metal
      sulfide/copolymer heterocatalysts. 

PMID- 25111441
TI  - One-pot method for synthesizing spherical-like metal sulfide-reduced graphene
      oxide composite powders with superior electrochemical properties for lithium-ion
      batteries.
AB  - A facile, one-pot method for synthesizing spherical-like metal sulfide-reduced
      graphene oxide (RGO) composite powders by spray pyrolysis is reported. The direct
      sulfidation of ZnO nanocrystals decorated on spherical-like RGO powders resulted
      in ZnS-RGO composite powders. ZnS nanocrystals with a size below 20 nm were
      uniformly dispersed on spherical-like RGO balls. The discharge capacities of the
      ZnS-RGO, ZnO-RGO, bare ZnS, and bare ZnO powders at a current density of 1000 mA
      g(-1) after 300 cycles were 628, 476, 230, and 168 mA h g(-1), respectively, and
      the corresponding capacity retentions measured after the first cycles were 93,
      70, 40, and 21 %, respectively. The discharge capacity of the ZnS-RGO composite
      powders at a high current density of 4000 mA g(-1) after 700 cycles was 437 mA h
      g(-1). The structural stability of the highly conductive ZnS-RGO composite
      powders with ultrafine crystals during cycling resulted in excellent
      electrochemical properties.

PMID- 25111439
TI  - Pyrano-isochromanones as IL-6 inhibitors: synthesis, in vitro and in vivo
      antiarthritic activity.
AB  - Bergenin (1), a unique fused C-glycoside isolated from Bergenia species,
      possesses interesting anti-inflammatory and antipain activities. To study SAR of
      this scaffold, first-generation derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for
      inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and production of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines. The C-7 substituted derivatives showed inhibition of IL-6 as well as
      TNF-alpha production. Bergenin and its most potent IL-6 inhibitor derivatives 4e
      and 4f were then investigated in a panel of in vitro and in vivo
      inflammation/arthritis models. These compounds significantly decreased the
      expression of NF-kB and IKK-beta in THP-1 cells. In in vivo study in BALB/c mice,
      a dose-dependent inhibition of SRBC-induced cytokines, reduction in humoral/cell
      mediated immunity, and antibody titer was observed. The CIA study in DBA/1J mice
      indicated that compounds led to reduction in swelling of paws, cytokine levels,
      and anticollagen IgG1/IgG2a levels. The significant in vivo immunosuppressive
      efficacy of pyrano-isochromanones demonstrates the promise of this scaffold for
      development of next-generation antiarthritic drugs. 

PMID- 25111443
TI  - Iridium-catalyzed enantioselective allyl-allylsilane cross-coupling.
AB  - An enantioselective allyl-allylsilane cross-coupling involving racemic branched
      allylic alcohols and allylsilanes is reported. An iridium-(P,olefin)
      phosphoramidite complex enables the transformation with high regio- and
      stereoselectivity under operationally simple conditions. The utility of the
      coupling is demonstrated in a concise catalytic, enantioselective synthesis of a
      pyrethroid insecticide protrifenbute. 

PMID- 25111442
TI  - An automated three-dimensional detection and segmentation method for touching
      cells by integrating concave points clustering and random walker algorithm.
AB  - Characterizing cytoarchitecture is crucial for understanding brain functions and
      neural diseases. In neuroanatomy, it is an important task to accurately extract
      cell populations' centroids and contours. Recent advances have permitted imaging
      at single cell resolution for an entire mouse brain using the Nissl staining
      method. However, it is difficult to precisely segment numerous cells, especially
      those cells touching each other. As presented herein, we have developed an
      automated three-dimensional detection and segmentation method applied to the
      Nissl staining data, with the following two key steps: 1) concave points
      clustering to determine the seed points of touching cells; and 2) random walker
      segmentation to obtain cell contours. Also, we have evaluated the performance of
      our proposed method with several mouse brain datasets, which were captured with
      the micro-optical sectioning tomography imaging system, and the datasets include
      closely touching cells. Comparing with traditional detection and segmentation
      methods, our approach shows promising detection accuracy and high robustness. 

PMID- 25111446
TI  - Electroconvulsive therapy in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a chart review and
      evaluation of its potential therapeutic effects.
AB  - In a chart review of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) attending
      a university clinic, ECT was prescribed for five subjects (1.2%), only because of
      severe intervening manic (N=1) or depressive episodes (N=4). Although affective
      symptoms improved in four of the five patients, OCD symptoms remained unchanged
      (N=3) or transiently worsened (N=2). 

PMID- 25111444
TI  - Evaluation of staging and early response to chemotherapy with whole-body
      diffusion-weighted MRI in malignant lymphoma patients: A comparison with FDG
      PET/CT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To examine the utility of diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) for staging
      and early response to chemotherapy assessment in lymphoma patients as compared
      with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG
      PET/CT). METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with histologically confirmed malignant
      lymphoma underwent both MRI and FDG-PET/CT before (pretreatment) and after two
      courses of chemotherapy (mid-treatment). Staging with MRI (DW-MRI alone and with
      T2-weighted images) and FDG-PET was compared visually, and the concordance rate
      (kappa value, kappa) was calculated. To evaluate early response to chemotherapy,
      patients were divided into two groups, lesion-positive (LP) and lesion-negative
      (LN), based on a proposed original criterion. Progression-free survival (PFS) was
      compared between the groups using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The stage
      diagnosed with DW-MRI alone and with FDG-PET/CT was concordant in 22 patients
      (kappa = 0.71; P < 0.05), and by adding T2-weighted images, the number of
      concordant patients increased to 26 (kappa = 0.90; P < 0.05). On mid-treatment
      imaging, 19 patients were diagnosed as LN from both modalities. PFS differed
      significantly between LP and LN on both DW-MRI (P = 0.0013) and FDG-PET/CT (P =
      0.037). CONCLUSION: DW-MRI is a promising tool for staging and evaluation of
      early response to chemotherapy in patients with lymphoma.

PMID- 25111445
TI  - Mechanical characterization of a bifunctional Tetronic hydrogel adhesive for soft
      tissues.
AB  - Although a number of tissue adhesives and sealants for surgical use are currently
      available, attaining a useful balance in high strength, high compliance, and low
      swelling has proven difficult. Recent studies have demonstrated that a four-arm
      poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymer, Tetronic, can be
      chemically modified to form a hydrogel tissue adhesive (Cho et al., Acta Biomater
      2012;8:2223-2232; Barrett et al., Adv Health Mater 2012;1-11; Balakrishnan,
      Evaluating mechanical performance of hydrogel-based adhesives for soft tissue
      applications. Clemson University, All Theses, Paper 1574: Tiger Prints; 2013).
      Building on the success of these studies, this study explored bifunctionalization
      of Tetronic with acrylates for chemical crosslinking of the hydrogel and N
      hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) for reaction with tissue amines. The adhesive bond
      strengths of various uni and bifunctional Tetronic blends (T1107 ACR: T1107
      ACR/NHS) determined by lap shear testing ranged between 8 and 74 kPa, with the
      75:25 (T1107 ACR: T1107 ACR/NHS) blend displaying the highest value. These
      results indicated that addition of NHS led to improvement of tissue bond strength
      over acrylation alone. Furthermore, ex vivo pressure tests using the rat bladder
      demonstrated that the bifunctional Tetronic adhesive exhibited high compliance
      and maintained pressures under hundreds of filling and emptying cycles. Together,
      the results of this study provided evidence that the bifunctional Tetronic
      adhesive with a proper blend ratio may be used to achieve an accurate balance in
      bulk and tissue bond strengths, as well as the compliance and durability for soft
      tissue such as the bladder.

PMID- 25111447
TI  - [Validation of the German short version of the Murray Secretion Rating Scale].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Accumulation of secretions in hypopharynx, aditus vestibule, and
      trachea is often found in cases of severe dysphagia and is considered a cardinal
      trait of high clinical and therapeutic importance. For the graduation of the
      severity level of accumulated secretions, a short version of the 4-point Murray
      secretion scale is available, which is also integrated into the protocol of the
      fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) according to the Langmore
      standard. This study aimed at the validation of the German translation of this
      short version in order to facilitate a uniform, standardized evaluation of the
      accumulation of secretions in dysphagic patients in the German language area.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the examination of reliability and validity, a
      reference standard was defined by 2 dysphagia experts on the basis of 40 video
      files of the FEES examination, 10 videos for each of the severity grades.
      Afterwards, these videos were rated independently by 4 raters and re-rated in a
      new randomized order 2 weeks later. RESULTS: Both the intra-rater reliability
      (tau>0,830***) and the inter-rater reliability (Kendalls W>0,890***) were highly
      significant and can be considered good. The same is valid for the correlation of
      ratings with the reference standard (tau=0,969***). CONCLUSIONS: The German
      translation of the short version of the 4-point Murray secretion scale is
      recommendable as a reliable and valid instrument for the graduation of the
      cardinal trait of oropharyngeal dysphagia and also as an evidence-based
      instrument for standardized use in the German language area.

PMID- 25111448
TI  - [Inpatient vs. outpatient costs analysis of septumplasty in Germany].
AB  - The septumplasty is realized inpatient and outpatient in different countries.
      Caused by the pressure of reduction of expenses there is the question of the
      economic benefit if done outpatient in Germany. A comparison of the inpatient and
      outpatient gratification will be done. There is a yearly potential of cost
      reduction of 180 million euro, if the operation would be done as an outpatient
      procedure. From the hospital view actual there is no economical recommendation
      doing an outpatient septumplasty caused by the poor outpatient remuneration.
      That's why an adjustment of the outpatient remuneration should be done. Actual
      there is no medical or economical recommendation doing the septumplasty as an
      outpatient procedere. 

PMID- 25111450
TI  - Catalytic purification of directly written nanostructured Pt microelectrodes.
AB  - In the majority of cases, nanostructures prepared by focused electron beam
      induced deposition employing an organometallic precursor contain predominantly
      carbon-based ligand dissociation products. This is unfortunate with regard to
      using this high-resolution direct-write approach for the preparation of
      nanostructures for various fields, such as mesoscopic physics, micromagnetism,
      metaoptical phenomena in the visible spectral range, or others. Following early
      attempts of postprocessing Pt-based structures prepared by focused electron beam
      induced deposition at several hundred degrees Celsius in a reactive gas
      atmosphere, recent work has focused on developing in situ purification processes
      by using a stationary O2 flux in combination with electron irradiation to oxidize
      the carbonaceous component of the deposits. Here we show that this purification
      process is driven by the catalytic activity of Pt and in fact does not rely on
      the parallel electron irradiation process to function, if the O2 exposure is done
      in a pulsed fashion. We suggest a multistep cleaning mechanism which results in
      pure, nanoporous Pt. By suitably chosen beam parameters, high-resolution Pt dot
      and line structures with dimensions below 10 nm can thus be conveniently
      obtained. In temperature-dependent resistance measurements, we find the typical
      metallic behavior of Pt. In low-temperature magnetoresistance measurements, we
      see clear evidence for weak antilocalization effects and deduce a dephasing
      length of 234 nm at 1.2 K. We consider this to be a promising starting point for
      developing this approach into a versatile preparation technique for Pt-based
      mesoscopic structures, in particular since the purification process can be run in
      parallel on different deposits. We furthermore anticipate that our results will
      spur further research on purification approaches for nanostructures prepared by
      focused electron beam induced deposition containing a catalytically active metal
      species such as Pd-, Fe-, or Co-based deposits. 

PMID- 25111449
TI  - The relative validity and repeatability of an FFQ for estimating intake of zinc
      and its absorption modifiers in young and older Saudi adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative validity and repeatability of a sixty-four-item
      FFQ for estimating dietary intake of Zn and its absorption modifiers in Saudi
      adults. In addition, we used the FFQ to investigate the effect of age and gender
      on these intakes. DESIGN: To assess validity, all participants completed the FFQ
      (FFQ1) and a 3 d food record. After 1 month, the FFQ was administered for a
      second time (FFQ2) to assess repeatability. SETTING: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
      SUBJECTS: One hundred males and females aged 20-30 years and 60-70 years
      participated. RESULTS: Mean intakes of Zn and protein from FFQ1 were
      significantly higher than those from the food record while there were no
      detectable differences between tools for measurement of phytic acid intake.
      Estimated intakes of Zn, protein and phytate by both approaches were strongly
      correlated (P<0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed for protein that the
      difference in intake as measured by the two methods was similar across the range
      of intakes while for Zn and phytic acid, the difference increased with increasing
      mean intake. Zn and protein intakes from FFQ1 and FFQ2 were highly correlated
      (r>0.68, P<0.001) but were significantly lower at the second measurement (FFQ2).
      Older adults consumed less Zn and protein compared with young adults. Intakes of
      all dietary components were lower in females than in males. CONCLUSIONS: The FFQ
      developed and tested in the current study demonstrated reasonable relative
      validity and high repeatability and was capable of detecting differences in
      intakes between age and gender groups.

PMID- 25111455
TI  - Impact of sympathetic dysfunction in the etiology of overactive bladder in women:
      A preliminary study.
AB  - AIMS: We investigated the effects of autonomic sympathetic dysfunction in the
      etiology of overactive bladder (OAB) in women, by assessing the sympathetic skin
      response (SSR). METHODS: In total, 40 women with OAB and 15 volunteers were
      enrolled. Group 1 (n = 20) consisted of patients who benefitted from oral
      anticholinergics, Group 2 (n = 20) consisted of patients who were refractory to
      oral anticholinergics, and the volunteers (n = 15) were the control group. All
      patients were asked to complete OAB-SF questionnaires. The absence of SSR was
      accepted as significant. Detailed physical examinations including neurological
      examinations were performed. All patients underwent SSR tests on the skin of the
      hands, feet, and genital area in our neurology department using electromyography,
      and SSR responses were recorded. Statistical significance was accepted at P <
      0.05. RESULTS: The mean age was 47.2 +/- 12.4 years. In total, 55 women were
      evaluated (20 in Group 1, 20 in Group 2, and 15 in the control group). Mean OAB
      scores were similar between groups 1 and 2, although urgency was significantly
      higher in Group 2 than 1. The absence of SSR was significantly higher in Group 2
      than 1 (P = 0.01). Impaired SSR was observed more commonly in Group 2 than 1. All
      controls had normal SSRs. CONCLUSIONS: Regional dysfunction in the autonomic
      nervous system may be part of OAB's etiology. SSR may be a candidate test for
      determining early OAB, and may also be useful for predicting antimuscarinic
      refractory patients.

PMID- 25111456
TI  - Power spectral changes of the superimposed M wave during isometric voluntary
      contractions of increasing strength.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We examined the power spectral changes of the compound muscle
      action potential (M wave) evoked during isometric contractions of increasing
      strength. METHODS: Surface electromyography (sEMG) of the vastus lateralis and
      medialis was recorded from 20 volunteers who performed 4-s step-wise isometric
      contractions of different intensities. A maximal M wave was elicited by a single
      stimulus to the femoral nerve and superimposed on the voluntary contractions. The
      spectral characteristics (Fmean and Fmedian) of sEMG and M-wave signals were
      calculated. RESULTS: M-wave spectral indicators increased systematically with
      contraction intensity up to 60% MVC and then leveled off at higher forces. Over
      the 10-60% MVC range, the increase in spectral indicators was 3 times higher for
      M waves (36%) than for sEMG (12%). CONCLUSIONS: The consistent increase in M-wave
      spectral characteristics with force is due to the fact that the number of motor
      units recruited by the superimposed supramaximal stimulus is approximately
      stable.

PMID- 25111457
TI  - Where are we in the modelling of traumatic brain injury? Models complicated by
      secondary brain insults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes to a substantial number of
      deaths and cases of disability. Despite well-established experimental models and
      years of carefully conducted research, a clinical therapeutic breakthrough in TBI
      has lagged. This may be due, in part, to the discrepancies between commonly used
      experimental models and clinical scenarios. METHOD: Secondary insults, such as
      hypotension and hypoxemia, have been well demonstrated as powerful determinants
      of outcomes from TBI. Despite the frequency of secondary insults in patients with
      TBI, they are rarely incorporated into most existing models of TBI. This review
      focuses on the combined injury models, especially coupled with systemic secondary
      insults, and aims to provide a new view to guiding future research endeavors in
      this field. RESULTS: A growing number of experimental models of TBI complicated
      by certain secondary insult have been gradually introduced and characterized.
      Correspondingly, the pathophysiological changes following combined injuries and
      the interactive effects of primary injury with secondary insults can be studied
      more in-depth. CONCLUSION: A more complete understanding of the interactions
      between the injured brain and secondary insults represents a potentially fruitful
      avenue that may increase the likelihood of developing effective therapies.
      Experimental models of TBI should not only attempt to model the focal or diffuse
      changes resulting from external forces, but also integrate, when appropriate,
      secondary insults reminiscent of human situations.

PMID- 25111458
TI  - Effects of acute exposure to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen
      on the developing North American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpole.
AB  - A variety of pharmaceutical chemicals can represent constituents of municipal
      effluent outflows that are dispersed into aquatic receiving environments
      worldwide. Increasingly, there is concern as to the potential of such bioactive
      substances to interact with wildlife species at sensitive life stages and affect
      their biology. Using a combination of DNA microarray, quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction, and quantitative nuclease protection assays, we
      assessed the ability of sub-lethal and environmentally relevant concentrations of
      ibuprofen (IBF), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent and prevalent
      environmental contaminant, to function as a disruptor of endocrine-mediated post
      embryonic development of the frog. While the LC50 of IBF for pre-metamorphic Rana
      catesbeiana tadpoles is 41.5 mg/L (95% confidence interval: 32.3-53.5 mg/L),
      exposure to concentrations in the ppb range elicited molecular responses both in
      vivo and in organ culture. A nominal concentration of 15 MUg/L IBF (actual = 13.7
      MUg/L) altered the abundance of 26 mRNA transcripts within the liver of exposed
      pre-metamorphic R. catesbeiana tadpoles within 6 d. IBF-treated animals
      demonstrated subsequent disruption of thyroid hormone-mediated reprogramming in
      the liver transcriptome affecting constituents of several metabolic,
      developmental, and signaling pathways. Cultured tadpole tail fin treated with IBF
      for 48 h also demonstrated altered mRNA levels at drug concentrations as low as
      1.5 MUg/L. These observations raise the possibility that IBF may alter the post
      embryonic development of anuran species in freshwater environs, where IBF is a
      persistent or seasonal pollutant. 

PMID- 25111459
TI  - Folate testing: time to retire your VCR.

PMID- 25111460
TI  - Oxidized low density lipoprotein increases acetylcholinesterase activity
      correlating with reactive oxygen species production.
AB  - Hyperlipidemia, low density lipoproteins (LDL) and their oxidized forms, and
      oxidative stress are suspected to be a key combination in the onset of AD and
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE) plays a part in this pathology. The present study
      aimed to link these parameters using differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma
      cells in culture. Both mildly and fully oxidized human LDL (mox- and fox-LDL),
      but not native (non-oxidized) LDL were cytotoxic in dose- and time-dependent
      patterns and this was accompanied by an increased production of intracellular
      reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidized LDL (10-200 MUg/mL) augmented AChE
      activity after 4 and 24h treatments, respectively while the native LDL was
      without effect. The increased AChE with oxidized LDLs was accompanied by a
      proportionate increase in intracellular ROS formation (R=0.904). These findings
      support the notion that oxidized LDLs are cytotoxic and that their action on AChE
      may reduce central cholinergic transmission in AD and affirm AChE as a continued
      rational for anticholinesterase therapy but in conjunction with
      antioxidant/antihyperlipidemic cotreatments.

PMID- 25111461
TI  - miR-129-1-3p promote BGC-823 cell proliferation by targeting PDCD2.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the class of small noncoding RNAs, and play an important
      role in the regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. In
      this study, we explored the effect of miR-129-1-3p on the growth and cell cycle
      of human gastric cancer cell line BGC-823. The miR-129-1-3p mimics or inhibitors
      were transfected into the BGC-823 cell line, and the cell cycle and cell growth
      was measured by flow cytometry and real-time cell analyzer, respectively. The
      possible targets of miR-129-1-3p were analyzed by quantitative real time-PCR (QRT
      PCR), Western blotting and Luciferase reporter assay. The results showed that miR
      129-1-3p could promote the growth and cell cycle of BGC-823 cells. Although
      protein expression of programmed cell death 2 (PDCD2) was not changed with miR
      129-1-3p, QRT-PCR showed that expression of PDCD2 mRNA was negatively related to
      the miR-129-1-3p. Luciferase reporter assay revealed that PDCD2 is one of the
      targets of miR-129-1-3p. Our results indicated that miR-129-1-3p might promote
      proliferation of BGC-823 cells by targeting PDCD2.

PMID- 25111462
TI  - Impact of several pre-treatments on the extraction of phenolic compounds in
      winegrape varieties with different anthocyanin profiles and skin mechanical
      properties.
AB  - This study was performed to evaluate and compare the effects of different pre
      treatments of whole grape berries (freezing with dry ice or in a cold room, steam
      blanching with different exposure times, and microwave heating with different
      exposure times and microwave power density) on total content of some phenolic
      compounds and the composition of individual anthocyanins released into the pulp
      during the treatment and those extracted during the maceration step. Two red
      winegrape varieties with different proportions of di- and trisubstituted
      anthocyanins were used (Nebbiolo and Barbera, respectively). Pulp-extracted
      anthocyanins were more significantly influenced by the pre-treatment. The results
      highlighted that freezing with dry ice, followed by freezing in a cold room and
      steam blanching for 5 min, have a great potential from an industrial point of
      view. They facilitated the extraction of anthocyanins in the must prior to
      maceration, when compared with the control samples, increasing their total
      content (+37.8-83.6%), and modifying the anthocyanin profile through the
      enrichment in the most stable compounds (+2.8-6.6% malvidin derivatives) to the
      detriment of others more prone to oxidation (-0.8-11.0% cyanidin derivatives). In
      Nebbiolo winegrapes, an improved extraction of low- and high-molecular weight
      flavanols into the pulp was also observed (+60.4-73.4%). Significant
      relationships between the phenolic composition of treated berries and the
      corresponding skin mechanical properties were also studied, but they were variety
      dependent. Discriminant analysis permitted a correct classification of the
      samples according to the variety and pre-treatment. 

PMID- 25111463
TI  - Breaking immune tolerance by targeting CD25+ regulatory T cells is essential for
      the anti-tumor effect of the CTLA-4 blockade in an HLA-DR transgenic mouse model
      of prostate cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent studies suggest that the cancer immunotherapy based on the
      blockade of the CTLA-4-mediated inhibitory pathway is efficacious only in select
      populations, predominantly for immunogenic tumors or when delivered in
      combination with modalities that can break immunologic tolerance to tumor
      antigens. METHODS: We studied the effect of CD25+ cell depletion and CTLA-4
      blockade on the growth of Transgenic Mouse Adenocarcinoma of Prostate (TRAMP)-PSA
      tumor cells in DR2bxPSA F1 mice. In these mice, immunological tolerance to PSA
      was established in a context of the HLA-DRB1*1501(DR2b) allele. RESULTS: In our
      model, single administration of anti-CD25 antibody prior to tumor inoculation
      significantly increased IFN-gamma production in response to the CD8 T cell
      epitope PSA65-73 , and delayed TRAMP-PSA tumor growth compared to mice treated
      with isotype control antibodies. In contrast, the anti-tumor effect of the anti
      CTLA-4 antibody as a monotherapy was marginal. The combinatory treatment with
      anti-CD25/anti-CTLA-4 antibodies significantly enhanced anti-tumor immunity and
      caused more profound delay in tumor growth compared to each treatment alone. The
      proportion of tumor-free animals was higher in the group that received
      combination treatment (21%) compared to other groups (2-7%). The enhanced anti
      tumor immunity in response to the CD25 depletion or CTLA-4 blockade was only seen
      in the immunogenic TRAMP-PSA tumor model, whereas the effect was completely
      absent in mice bearing poorly immunogenic TRAMP-C1 tumors. DISCUSSION: Our data
      suggest that breaking immunological tolerance to "self" antigens is essential for
      the therapeutic effect of CTLA-4 blockade. Such combinatory treatment may be a
      promising approach for prostate cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 25111464
TI  - School climate, family structure, and academic achievement: a study of moderation
      effects.
AB  - School climate has been lauded for its relationship to a host of desirable
      academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes for youth. The present study
      tested the hypothesis that school climate counteracts youths' home-school risk by
      examining the moderating effects of students' school climate perceptions on the
      relationship between family structure (i.e., two-parent, one-parent, foster-care,
      and homeless households), and academic performance (i.e., self-reported [grade
      point average] GPA). The present sample consisted of 902 California public high
      schools, including responses from over 490,000 students in Grades 9 and 11.
      Results indicated that, regardless of family structure, students with more
      positive school climate perceptions self-reported higher GPAs. Youths with two
      parent, one-parent, and homeless family structures displayed stepwise, linear
      improvements in self-reported GPA as perceptions of climate improved. Foster-care
      students' positive school climate perceptions had a weaker effect on their self
      reported GPA compared with students living in other family structures. A unique
      curvilinear trend was found for homeless students, as the relationship between
      their school climate perceptions and self-reported GPA was stronger at lower
      levels. Overall, the moderation effect of positive school climate perceptions on
      self-reported GPA was strongest for homeless youth and youth from one-parent
      homes, suggesting that school climate has a protective effect for students living
      in these family structures. A protective effect was not found for youth in foster
      care. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

PMID- 25111465
TI  - Efficacy of the Social Skills Improvement System Classwide Intervention Program
      (SSIS-CIP) primary version.
AB  - A multisite cluster randomized trial was conducted to examine the effects of the
      Social Skills Improvement System Classwide Intervention Program (SSIS-CIP;
      Elliott & Gresham, 2007) on students' classroom social behavior. The final sample
      included 432 students across 38 second grade classrooms. Social skills and
      problem behaviors were measured via the SSIS rating scale for all participants,
      and direct observations were completed for a subsample of participants within
      each classroom. Results indicated that the SSIS-CIP demonstrated positive effects
      on teacher ratings of participants' social skills and internalizing behaviors,
      with the greatest changes occurring in classrooms with students who exhibited
      lower skill proficiency prior to implementation. Statistically significant
      differences were not observed between treatment and control participants on
      teacher ratings of externalizing problem behaviors or direct observation.

PMID- 25111466
TI  - Examination of the change in latent statuses in bullying behaviors across time.
AB  - Involvement in bullying and victimization has been mostly studied using cross
      sectional data from 1 time point. As such, much of our understanding of bullying
      and victimization has not captured the dynamic experiences of youth over time. To
      examine the change of latent statuses in bullying and victimization, we applied
      latent transition analysis examining self-reported bullying involvement from
      1,180 students in 5th through 9th grades across 3 time points. We identified
      unobserved heterogeneous subgroups (i.e., latent statuses) and investigated how
      students transition between the unobserved subgroups over time. For
      victimization, 4 latent statuses were identified: frequent victim (11.23%),
      occasional traditional victim (28.86%), occasional cyber and traditional victim
      (10.34%), and infrequent victim (49.57%). For bullying behavior, 3 latent
      statuses were identified: frequent perpetrator (5.12%), occasional
      verbal/relational perpetrator (26.04%), and infrequent perpetrator (68.84%). The
      characteristics of the transitions were examined. The multiple-group effects of
      gender, grade, and first language learned on transitions across statuses were
      also investigated. The infrequent victim and infrequent perpetrator groups were
      the most stable, and the frequent victim and frequent perpetrator groups were the
      least stable. These findings suggest instability in perpetration and
      victimization over time, as well as significant changes, especially during school
      transition years. Findings suggest that school-based interventions need to
      address the heterogeneity in perpetrator and victim experiences in adolescence.

PMID- 25111467
TI  - Psychosocial functioning of bullied youth who adopt versus deny the bully-victim
      label.
AB  - This study addressed a need for research on the association between adopting or
      denying the label of bully victim and students' psychosocial functioning.
      Participants were 1,063 students in Grades 5, 7, and 9 in a school district in
      the northeastern United States. Students were grouped based on their pattern of
      responses to (a) the California Bully Victimization Scale (Felix et al., 2011),
      which does not use the term "bully," but includes behavioral items assessing
      frequency of peer victimization and whether or not that victimization involved
      any perceived power disadvantage, and (b) the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire
      (Solberg & Olweus, 2003; Solberg, Olweus, & Endresen, 2007), which queries self
      identification as a bully victim. We compared groups using a series of planned
      comparisons with ANOVA on self-reported emotional distress and withdrawal,
      behavioral reactivity and conduct problems, and prosocial behavior and peer
      competence, as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman,
      1997). Results revealed complexities regarding the experience of bullying. The
      perception of a power difference and having been bullied both related to
      psychosocial functioning in an interactive way, suggesting that both are
      important to query. Moreover, students who labeled themselves as victims of
      bullying reported poorer psychosocial functioning than those who had the
      experience of being bullied but did not adopt that label.

PMID- 25111468
TI  - Identifying emotional and behavioral risk among gifted and nongifted children: A
      multi-gate, multi-informant approach.
AB  - The purpose of the current investigation was to compare 1,206 gifted and
      nongifted elementary students on the identification of emotional and behavioral
      risk (EBR) as rated by teachers and parents using a multigate, multi-informant
      approach to assessment. The Parent and Teacher Behavioral Assessment System for
      Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) and the Behavioral and Emotional Screening
      System were used to assess behavioral functioning as rated by teachers and
      parents. There were significant differences between the number of gifted and
      nongifted children demonstrating emotional and behavioral risk, with parents and
      teachers identifying a higher number of boys and nongifted children as at risk.
      Among children demonstrating EBR, gifted children demonstrated elevated
      internalizing behaviors as rated by parents. Gifted students demonstrated higher
      academic performance regardless of risk level, suggesting higher cognitive
      abilities may be one of several protective factors that serve to attenuate the
      development of other social, emotional, or behavioral concerns. Implications for
      practice and future research needs are discussed.

PMID- 25111469
TI  - A comparison of measures to screen for social, emotional, and behavioral risk.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between teacher-implemented
      screening measures used to identify social, emotional, and behavioral risk. To
      this end, 5 screening options were evaluated: (a) Direct Behavior Rating - Single
      Item Scales (DBR-SIS), (b) Social Skills Improvement System - Performance
      Screening Guide (SSiS), (c) Behavioral and Emotional Screening System - Teacher
      Form (BESS), (d) Office discipline referrals (ODRs), and (e) School nomination
      methods. The sample included 1974 students who were assessed tri-annually by
      their teachers (52% female, 93% non-Hispanic, 81% white). Findings indicated that
      teacher ratings using standardized rating measures (DBR-SIS, BESS, and SSiS)
      resulted in a larger proportion of students identified at-risk than ODRs or
      school nomination methods. Further, risk identification varied by screening
      option, such that a large percentage of students were inconsistently identified
      depending on the measure used. Results further indicated weak to strong
      correlations between screening options. The relation between broad behavioral
      indicators and mental health screening was also explored by examining
      classification accuracy indices. Teacher ratings using DBR-SIS and SSiS correctly
      identified between 81% and 91% of the sample as at-risk using the BESS as a
      criterion. As less conservative measures of risk, DBR-SIS and SSiS identified
      more students as at-risk relative to other options. Results highlight the
      importance of considering the aims of the assessment when selecting broad
      screening measures to identify students in need of additional support.

PMID- 25111470
TI  - Characteristics of the default mode functional connectivity in normal ageing and
      Alzheimer's disease using resting state fMRI with a combined approach of entropy
      based and graph theoretical measurements.
AB  - Cognitive decline in normal ageing and Alzheimer's disease (AD) emerges from
      functional disruption in the coordination of large-scale brain systems sustaining
      cognition. Integrity of these systems can be examined by correlation methods
      based on analysis of resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
      Here we investigate functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN)
      in normal ageing and AD using resting state fMRI. Images from young and elderly
      controls, and patients with AD were processed using spatial independent component
      analysis to identify the DMN. Functional connectivity was quantified using
      integration and indices derived from graph theory. Four DMN sub-systems were
      identified: Frontal (medial and superior), parietal (precuneus-posterior
      cingulate, lateral parietal), temporal (medial temporal), and hippocampal
      (bilateral). There was a decrease in antero-posterior interactions (lower global
      efficiency), but increased interactions within the frontal and parietal sub
      systems (higher local clustering) in elderly compared to young controls. This
      decreased antero-posterior integration was more pronounced in AD patients
      compared to elderly controls, particularly in the precuneus-posterior cingulate
      region. Conjoint knowledge of integration measures and graph indices in the same
      data helps in the interpretation of functional connectivity results, as
      comprehension of one measure improves with understanding of the other. The
      approach allows for complete characterisation of connectivity changes and could
      be applied to other resting state networks and different pathologies. 

PMID- 25111471
TI  - Optical Coherence Tomography angiography reveals laminar microvascular
      hemodynamics in the rat somatosensory cortex during activation.
AB  - The BOLD (blood-oxygen-level dependent) fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging) signal is shaped, in part, by changes in red blood cell (RBC) content
      and flow across vascular compartments over time. These complex dynamics have been
      challenging to characterize directly due to a lack of appropriate imaging
      modalities. In this study, making use of infrared light scattering from RBCs,
      depth-resolved Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) angiography was applied to
      image laminar functional hyperemia in the rat somatosensory cortex. After
      defining and validating depth-specific metrics for changes in RBC content and
      speed, laminar hemodynamic responses in microvasculature up to cortical depths of
      >1mm were measured during a forepaw stimulus. The results provide a comprehensive
      picture of when and where changes in RBC content and speed occur during and
      immediately following cortical activation. In summary, the earliest and largest
      microvascular RBC content changes occurred in the middle cortical layers, while
      post-stimulus undershoots were most prominent superficially. These laminar
      variations in positive and negative responses paralleled known distributions of
      excitatory and inhibitory synapses, suggesting neuronal underpinnings.
      Additionally, the RBC speed response consistently returned to baseline more
      promptly than RBC content after the stimulus across cortical layers, supporting a
      "flow-volume mismatch" of hemodynamic origin. 

PMID- 25111473
TI  - Multi-label segmentation of white matter structures: application to neonatal
      brains.
AB  - Accurate and consistent segmentation of brain white matter bundles at neonatal
      stage plays an important role in understanding brain development and detecting
      white matter abnormalities for the prediction of psychiatric disorders. Due to
      the complexity of white matter anatomy and the spatial resolution of diffusion
      weighted MR imaging, multiple fiber bundles can pass through one voxel. The goal
      of this study is to assign one or multiple anatomical labels of white matter
      bundles to each voxel to reflect complex white matter anatomy of the neonatal
      brain. For this, we develop a supervised multi-label k-nearest neighbor (ML-kNN)
      classification algorithm in Riemannian diffusion tensor spaces. Our ML-kNN
      considers diffusion tensors lying on the Log-Euclidean Riemannian manifold of
      symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrices and their corresponding vector space
      as feature space. The ML-kNN utilizes the maximum a posteriori (MAP) principle to
      make the prediction of white matter labels by reasoning with the labeling
      information derived from the neighbors without assuming any probabilistic
      distribution of the features. We show that our approach automatically learns the
      number of white matter bundles at a location and provides anatomical annotation
      of the neonatal white matter. In addition, our approach also provides the binary
      mask for individual white matter bundles to facilitate tract-based statistical
      analysis in clinical studies. We apply this method to automatically segment 13
      white matter bundles of the neonatal brain and examine the segmentation accuracy
      against semi-manual labels derived from tractography. 

PMID- 25111472
TI  - Guiding functional connectivity estimation by structural connectivity in MEG: an
      application to discrimination of conditions of mild cognitive impairment.
AB  - Whole brain resting state connectivity is a promising biomarker that might help
      to obtain an early diagnosis in many neurological diseases, such as dementia.
      Inferring resting-state connectivity is often based on correlations, which are
      sensitive to indirect connections, leading to an inaccurate representation of the
      real backbone of the network. The precision matrix is a better representation for
      whole brain connectivity, as it considers only direct connections. The network
      structure can be estimated using the graphical lasso (GL), which achieves
      sparsity through l1-regularization on the precision matrix. In this paper, we
      propose a structural connectivity adaptive version of the GL, where weaker
      anatomical connections are represented as stronger penalties on the corresponding
      functional connections. We applied beamformer source reconstruction to the
      resting state MEG recordings of 81 subjects, where 29 were healthy controls, 22
      were single-domain amnestic Mild Cognitive Impaired (MCI), and 30 were multiple
      domain amnestic MCI. An atlas-based anatomical parcellation of 66 regions was
      obtained for each subject, and time series were assigned to each of the regions.
      The fiber densities between the regions, obtained with deterministic tractography
      from diffusion-weighted MRI, were used to define the anatomical connectivity.
      Precision matrices were obtained with the region specific time series in five
      different frequency bands. We compared our method with the traditional GL and a
      functional adaptive version of the GL, in terms of log-likelihood and
      classification accuracies between the three groups. We conclude that introducing
      an anatomical prior improves the expressivity of the model and, in most cases,
      leads to a better classification between groups. 

PMID- 25111475
TI  - The NOACs (novel oral anticoagulants) have landed!

PMID- 25111476
TI  - Unravelling immune alterations in schizophrenia: can DNA methylation provide
      clues?

PMID- 25111477
TI  - Pathogenesis of CpG island methylator phenotype-positive colorectal cancers: role
      of genetic alteration and colonic flora.

PMID- 25111474
TI  - Threat-related learning relies on distinct dorsal prefrontal cortex network
      connectivity.
AB  - Conditioned changes in the emotional response to threat (e.g. aversive
      unconditioned stimulus; UCS) are mediated in part by the prefrontal cortex (PFC).
      Unpredictable threats elicit large emotional responses, while the response is
      diminished when the threat is predictable. A better understanding of how PFC
      connectivity to other brain regions varies with threat predictability would
      provide important insights into the neural processes that mediate conditioned
      diminution of the emotional response to threat. The present study examined brain
      connectivity during predictable and unpredictable threat exposure using a fear
      conditioning paradigm (previously published in Wood et al., 2012) in which
      unconditioned functional magnetic resonance imaging data were reanalyzed to
      assess effective connectivity. Granger causality analysis was performed using the
      time series data from 15 activated regions of interest after hemodynamic
      deconvolution, to determine regional effective connectivity. In addition,
      connectivity path weights were correlated with trait anxiety measures to assess
      the relationship between negative affect and brain connectivity. Results indicate
      the dorsomedial PFC (dmPFC) serves as a neural hub that influences activity in
      other brain regions when threats are unpredictable. In contrast, the dorsolateral
      PFC (dlPFC) serves as a neural hub that influences the activity of other brain
      regions when threats are predictable. These findings are consistent with the view
      that the dmPFC coordinates brain activity to take action, perhaps in a reactive
      manner, when an unpredicted threat is encountered, while the dlPFC coordinates
      brain regions to take action, in what may be a more proactive manner, to respond
      to predictable threats. Further, dlPFC connectivity to other brain regions (e.g.
      ventromedial PFC, amygdala, and insula) varied with negative affect (i.e. trait
      anxiety) when the UCS was predictable, suggesting that stronger connectivity may
      be required for emotion regulation in individuals with higher levels of negative
      affect. 

PMID- 25111478
TI  - Epigenetic traits of testicular cancer: from primordial germ cells to germ cell
      tumors.

PMID- 25111480
TI  - Remodeling and spacing factor 1 (RSF1): a rising star in DNA repair.

PMID- 25111481
TI  - Specific inhibition of DNMT1/CFP1 reduces cancer phenotypes and enhances
      chemotherapy effectiveness.
AB  - AIM: DNA methylation is a fundamental biologic process of genomes and is a
      candidate for pharmacological manipulation that might have important therapeutic
      advantages. Thus, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) appear to be ideal targets for
      drug intervention. MATERIALS & METHODS: To develop a new generation of DNMT
      inhibitor, we analyzed the ability of peptides to selectively inhibit certain
      DNMT1-incuding complexes. RESULTS: Our study demonstrates that the disruption of
      DNMT1/CFP1-including complexes increases the efficiency of chemotherapeutic
      treatment on established tumors in mice. CONCLUSION: Our data opens a promising
      and innovative alternative to the development of DNMT inhibitors.

PMID- 25111482
TI  - The KDM5 family of histone demethylases as targets in oncology drug discovery.
AB  - There is growing evidence for a causal role of the KDM5 family of histone
      demethylases in human cancer. In particular, KDM5A (JARID1A/RBP2) and KDM5B
      (JARID1B/PLU1) contribute to cancer cell proliferation, reduce the expression of
      tumor suppressor genes, promote the development of drug tolerance and maintain
      tumor-initiating cells. KDM5 enzymes remove tri- and di-methylations of lysine 4
      of histone H3 - modifications that occur at the start site of transcription in
      actively transcribed genes. However, the importance of the histone demethylase
      activity of KDM5 proteins for cancer cells has not been resolved so far. The
      currently available approaches suppress or remove the targeted proteins and
      thereby affect their putative functions as structural components and recruitment
      factors for other chromatin-associated proteins. Therefore, the development of
      specific enzymatic inhibitors for KDM5 will promote our understanding of the
      biological role of their catalytic activity and yield potential novel anticancer
      therapeutics. 

PMID- 25111483
TI  - Epigenetic modifications as novel therapeutic targets for Huntington's disease.
AB  - Huntington's disease is a late-onset, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative
      disorder characterized by motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptomatology. The
      earliest stage of Huntington's disease is marked by alterations in gene
      expression, which partially results from dysregulated epigenetic modifications.
      In past decades, altered epigenetic markers including histone modifications
      (acetylation, methylation, ubiquitylation and phosphorylation) and DNA
      modifications (cytosine methylation and hydroxymethylation) have been reported as
      important epigenetic features in patients and multiple animal models of
      Huntington's disease. Drugs aimed to correct some of those alterations have shown
      promise in treating Huntington's disease. This article discusses the field of
      epigenetics for potential Huntington's disease interventions and presents the
      most recent findings in this area. 

PMID- 25111484
TI  - Using epigenomic studies in monozygotic twins to improve our understanding of
      cancer.
AB  - Cancer is a set of diseases that exhibit not only genetic mutations but also a
      profoundly distorted epigenetic landscape. Over the last two decades, great
      advances have been made in identifying these alterations and their importance in
      the initiation and progression of cancer. Epigenetic changes can be seen from the
      very early stages in tumorigenesis and dysregulation of the epigenome has an
      increasingly acknowledged pathogenic role. Epigenomic twin studies have great
      potential to contribute to our understanding of complex diseases, such as cancer.
      This is because the use of monozygotic twins discordant for cancer enables
      epigenetic variation analysis without the confounding influence of the
      constitutive genetic background, age or cohort effects. It therefore allows the
      identification of susceptibility loci that may be sensitive to modification by
      the environment. These studies into cancer etiology will potentially lead to
      robust epigenetic markers for the detection and risk assessment of cancer. 

PMID- 25111485
TI  - DNA methylation markers for early detection of women's cancer: promise and
      challenges.
AB  - Breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers cause significant morbidity and
      mortality. Despite the presence of existing screening, diagnostic and treatment
      modalities, they continue to pose considerable unsolved challenges. Overdiagnosis
      is a growing problem in breast cancer screening and neither screening nor early
      diagnosis of ovarian or endometrial cancer is currently possible. Moreover,
      treatment of the diversity of these cancers presenting in the clinic is not
      sufficiently personalized at present. Recent technological advances, including
      reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, methylation arrays, digital PCR,
      next-generation sequencing and advanced statistical data analysis, enable the
      analysis of methylation patterns in cell-free tumor DNA in serum/plasma. Ongoing
      work is bringing these methods together for the analysis of samples from large
      clinical trials, which have been collected well in advance of cancer diagnosis.
      These efforts pave the way for the development of a noninvasive method that would
      enable us to overcome existing challenges to personalized medicine. 

PMID- 25111487
TI  - EZH2 as a potential target in cancer therapy.
AB  - Over the last several years, dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms including DNA
      and histone methylation has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Alterations
      of epigenetic regulators themselves, including the histone lysine
      methyltransferase EZH2, have been reported in numerous cancer types. With the
      discovery of small molecule inhibitors of EZH2, we can now begin to evaluate EZH2
      as a therapeutic target in cancer. This article will provide an overview of the
      dysregulation of EZH2 in cancer, possible mechanisms for inhibition of EZH2
      activity, and the preclinical activity of currently available EZH2 inhibitors. 

PMID- 25111488
TI  - Active DNA demethylation of the vertebrate genomes by DNA methyltransferases:
      deaminase, dehydroxymethylase or demethylase?
AB  - Vertebrate DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) have been thought to primarily function
      to covalently add a methyl group to the 5-position of cytosine. However, recent
      discovery of the DNA demethylation and dehydroxymethylation activities of DNMTs
      in vitro suggest new routes to complete the dynamic cycle of DNA methylation
      demethylation of the vertebrate genomes. The in vitro reaction conditions suggest
      that vertebrate DNMTs can switch from DNA methylases to DNA dehydroxymethylases
      under oxidative stress and to DNA demethylases in the presence of calcium ion
      under nonreducing conditions. These environmental parameters provide clues
      regarding the choices in vivo of DNMT activities utilized in different
      physiological systems. In particular, the nature of these parameters suggest that
      the DNA demethylation and dehydroxymethylation activities of the vertebrate DNMTs
      play essential roles in multiple biological processes including early embryo
      development, regulation of neuronal plasticity, tumorigenesis and hormone
      regulated transcription.

PMID- 25111486
TI  - Functions of SAGA in development and disease.
AB  - Precise regulation of gene expression programs during embryo development requires
      cooperation between transcriptional factors and histone-modifying enzymes, such
      as the Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase. Gcn5 functions within a multi-subunit
      complex, called SAGA, that is recruited to specific genes through interactions
      with sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins to aid in gene activation. Although
      the transcriptional programs regulated by SAGA in embryos are not well defined,
      deletion of either Gcn5 or USP22, the catalytic subunit of a deubiquitinase
      module in SAGA, leads to early embryonic lethality. Here, we review the known
      functions of Gcn5, USP22 and associated proteins during development and discuss
      how these functions might be related to human disease states, including cancer
      and neurodegenerative diseases. 

PMID- 25111490
TI  - Thermal conductivity of graphene laminate.
AB  - We have investigated thermal conductivity of graphene laminate films deposited on
      polyethylene terephthalate substrates. Two types of graphene laminate were
      studied, as deposited and compressed, in order to determine the physical
      parameters affecting the heat conduction the most. The measurements were
      performed using the optothermal Raman technique and a set of suspended samples
      with the graphene laminate thickness from 9 to 44 MUm. The thermal conductivity
      of graphene laminate was found to be in the range from 40 to 90 W/mK at room
      temperature. It was found unexpectedly that the average size and the alignment of
      graphene flakes are more important parameters defining the heat conduction than
      the mass density of the graphene laminate. The thermal conductivity scales up
      linearly with the average graphene flake size in both uncompressed and compressed
      laminates. The compressed laminates have higher thermal conductivity for the same
      average flake size owing to better flake alignment. Coating plastic materials
      with thin graphene laminate films that have up to 600* higher thermal
      conductivity than plastics may have important practical implications. 

PMID- 25111489
TI  - Multicellular architecture of malignant breast epithelia influences mechanics.
AB  - Cell-matrix and cell-cell mechanosensing are important in many cellular
      processes, particularly for epithelial cells. A crucial question, which remains
      unexplored, is how the mechanical microenvironment is altered as a result of
      changes to multicellular tissue structure during cancer progression. In this
      study, we investigated the influence of the multicellular tissue architecture on
      mechanical properties of the epithelial component of the mammary acinus. Using
      creep compression tests on multicellular breast epithelial structures, we found
      that pre-malignant acini with no lumen (MCF10AT) were significantly stiffer than
      normal hollow acini (MCF10A) by 60%. This difference depended on structural
      changes in the pre-malignant acini, as neither single cells nor normal
      multicellular acini tested before lumen formation exhibited these differences. To
      understand these differences, we simulated the deformation of the acini with
      different multicellular architectures and calculated their mechanical properties;
      our results suggest that lumen filling alone can explain the experimentally
      observed stiffness increase. We also simulated a single contracting cell in
      different multicellular architectures and found that lumen filling led to a 20%
      increase in the "perceived stiffness" of a single contracting cell independent of
      any changes to matrix mechanics. Our results suggest that lumen filling in
      carcinogenesis alters the mechanical microenvironment in multicellular epithelial
      structures, a phenotype that may cause downstream disruptions to mechanosensing. 

PMID- 25111491
TI  - Editorial: European Symposium on BioPolymers.

PMID- 25111492
TI  - Minocycline encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles for central antinociceptive
      activity.
AB  - The purpose of the study is to explore the central anti-nociceptive activity of
      brain targeted nanoparticles (NP) of minocycline hydrochloride (MH). The NP were
      formulated using the modified ionotropic gelation method (MHNP) and were coated
      with Tween 80 (T80) to target them to brain (cMHNP). The formulated nanoparticles
      have already been characterized for particle size, zeta potential, drug
      entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. The nanoparticles were then
      evaluated for pharmacodynamic activity using thermal methods. The pure drug and
      the formulation, MHNP were not able to show a statistically significant central
      analgesic activity. cMHNP on the other hand evidenced a significant central
      analgesic activity. Animal models evidenced that brain targeted nanoparticles may
      be utilized for effective delivery of central anti-nociceptive effect of MH.
      Further clinical studies are required to explore the activity for mankind. 

PMID- 25111493
TI  - Extraction optimization of polysaccharide from Zanthoxylum bungeanum using RSM
      and its antioxidant activity.
AB  - Polysaccharide prepared from pericarp of Zanthoxylum bungeanum was proved to
      possess excellent antioxidant activities in vitro by using reducing ferric iron
      power, DPPH radical scavenging activity, chelating ferrous iron capacity, and
      hydroxyl radical scavenging activity assays in the present study. In those four
      antioxidant assay models, Z. bungeanum polysaccharide (ZBP) displayed prominent
      antioxidant activities with low EC50 values of 0.011, 0.021, 0.056 and 0.008
      mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the extraction process of ZBP was further
      optimized by response surface methodology combined with Box-Behnken design. The
      highest polysaccharide yield 13.96%, which agreed closely with the predicted
      yield 13.20%, was obtained under the optimal extraction conditions as follows:
      extraction temperature 89  degrees C, extraction time 3h, ratio of water volume
      (mL) to raw material weight (g) 29 (v/w), and extraction number two times. The
      present research not only provide theoretical basis for exploitation of natural
      polysaccharide antioxidants, but also establish the foundation of large-scale
      production and further system utilization of ZBP.

PMID- 25111494
TI  - Preparation of amidated derivatives of carboxymethylcellulose.
AB  - Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was selected as substrate for amidation based on
      previous results described for monocarboxy cellulose (MCC) with the aim to
      prepare highly substituted products. In comparison with MCC containing uronic
      carboxyl groups at C-6 position, O-carboxymethyl groups in CMC should be more
      accessible for reagents because they are more distant from the polysaccharide
      chain. Two-step way of amidation was based on the esterification of CMC carboxyls
      by reaction with methanol and further amino-de-alkoxylation (aminolysis) of the
      obtained methyl ester with amidation reagents (n-alkylamines, hydrazine and
      hydroxylamine). Purity and substitution degree of the products were monitored by
      the vibration spectroscopic methods (FTIR and Raman) and organic elemental
      analysis. Analytical methods confirmed the preparation of highly or moderately
      substituted N-alkylamides, hydrazide and hydroxamic acid of CMC. 

PMID- 25111495
TI  - Metal ion-induced alginate-locust bean gum IPN microspheres for sustained oral
      delivery of aceclofenac.
AB  - The alginate microspheres represent a useful tool for sustained oral delivery of
      drugs but exhibit several problems associated with the stability and rapid
      release of drugs at higher pH values. To overcome these drawbacks, alginate
      locust bean gum (LBG) interpenetrating microspheres were prepared by calcium ion
      (Ca(+2)) induced ionotropic gelation technique for prolonged release of
      aceclofenac. The drug entrapment efficiency of these microspheres was found to be
      59-93%. The microspheres lied in the size range of 406-684MUm. Scanning electron
      microscopy revealed spherical shape of the microspheres. No drug-polymer
      interaction was evident after infrared spectroscopy analysis. The microspheres
      provided sustained release of aceclofenac in phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.8)
      over a period of 8h. The drug release data were fitted into the Korsmeyer-Peppas
      model and the drug release was found to follow anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion
      mechanism. Pharmacodynamic study of the microspheres showed a prolonged anti
      inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced rat paw model following oral
      administration. 

PMID- 25111497
TI  - A contact-imaging based microfluidic cytometer with machine-learning for single
      frame super-resolution processing.
AB  - Lensless microfluidic imaging with super-resolution processing has become a
      promising solution to miniaturize the conventional flow cytometer for point-of
      care applications. The previous multi-frame super-resolution processing system
      can improve resolution but has limited cell flow rate and hence low throughput
      when capturing multiple subpixel-shifted cell images. This paper introduces a
      single-frame super-resolution processing with on-line machine-learning for
      contact images of cells. A corresponding contact-imaging based microfluidic
      cytometer prototype is demonstrated for cell recognition and counting. Compared
      with commercial flow cytometer, less than 8% error is observed for absolute
      number of microbeads; and 0.10 coefficient of variation is observed for cell
      ratio of mixed RBC and HepG2 cells in solution. 

PMID- 25111496
TI  - Role for heat shock protein 90alpha in the proliferation and migration of HaCaT
      cells and in the deep second-degree burn wound healing in mice.
AB  - Inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling are essential steps for wound
      healing. The hypoxic wound microenvironment promotes cell migration through a
      hypoxia--heat shock protein 90 alpha (Hsp90alpha)--low density lipoprotein
      receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) autocrine loop. To elucidate the role of this
      autocrine loop on burn wound healing, we investigated the expression profile of
      Hsp90alpha at the edge of burn wounds and found a transient increase in both mRNA
      and protein levels. Experiments performed with a human keratinocyte cell line-
      HaCaT also confirmed above results. 17-dimethylaminoethylamino
      17demethoxygeldanamycin hydrochloride (17-DMAG), an Hsp90alpha inhibitor, was
      used to further evaluate the function of Hsp90alpha in wound healing.
      Consistently, topical application of Hsp90alpha in the early stage of deep second
      degree burn wounds led to reduced inflammation and increased tissue granulation,
      with a concomitant reduction in the size of the wound at each time point tested
      (p<0.05). Consequently, epidermal cells at the wound margin progressed more
      rapidly causing an expedited healing process. In conclusion, these results
      provided a rationale for the therapeutic effect of Hsp90alpha on the burn wound
      management.

PMID- 25111498
TI  - Enhanced fluorescence of gold nanoclusters composed of HAuCl4 and histidine by
      glutathione: glutathione detection and selective cancer cell imaging.
AB  - Glutathione (GSH) can significantly and selectively enhance the fluorescence
      intensity of Au nanoclusters (NCs) prepared by blending HAuCl4 and histidine in
      solution. The quantum yield of the Au NCs after adding GSH can reach above 10%.
      Besides, GSH capping shifts the excitation peak of Au NCs from ultraviolet (386
      nm) to visible light (414 nm) and improves the stability of the Au NCs. The
      cytotoxicities of the Au NCs with and without GSH for normal lung cells (ATII)
      and cancerous lung cells (A549) are evaluated. The GSH-capped Au NCs have much
      less cytotoxicity to both normal and cancer cells, as compared to those without
      GSH. For Au NCs without GSH, less cytotoxicity is observed in cancer cells than
      in normal cells. In addtion, the Au NCs can selectively detect GSH over cysteine
      and homocysteine, the two biothiols which commonly exist in cells that can
      seriously affect GSH detection. Most importantly, Au NCs without GSH can
      selectively image the cancer cells, especially for the liver cancer cells whose
      GSH content is much higher than other cell types. This property makes the Au NCs
      a powerful probe to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells. 

PMID- 25111499
TI  - Prognostic value of cardiac troponin in patients with chronic kidney disease
      without suspected acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinicians face uncertainty about the prognostic value of troponin
      testing in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) without suspected acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS). PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature on
      troponin testing in patients with CKD without ACS. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through May 2014. STUDY
      SELECTION: Studies examining elevated versus normal troponin levels in patients
      with CKD without ACS. DATA EXTRACTION: Paired reviewers selected articles for
      inclusion, extracted data, and graded strength of evidence (SOE). Meta-analyses
      were conducted when studies had sufficient homogeneity of key variables. DATA
      SYNTHESIS: Ninety-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Elevated troponin levels
      were associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among patients
      receiving dialysis (moderate SOE). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause
      mortality from studies that adjusted for age and coronary artery disease or a
      risk equivalent were 3.0 (95% CI, 2.4 to 4.3) for troponin T and 2.7 (CI, 1.9 to
      4.6) for troponin I. The pooled adjusted HRs for cardiovascular mortality were
      3.3 (CI, 1.8 to 5.4) for troponin T and 4.2 (CI, 2.0 to 9.2) for troponin I.
      Findings were similar for patients with CKD who were not receiving dialysis, but
      there were fewer studies. No study tested treatment strategies by troponin cut
      points. LIMITATION: Studies were heterogeneous regarding assays, troponin cut
      points, covariate adjustment, and follow-up. CONCLUSION: In patients with CKD
      without suspected ACS, elevated troponin levels were associated with worse
      prognosis. Future studies should focus on whether this biomarker is more
      appropriate than clinical models for reclassifying risk of patients with CKD and
      whether such classification can help guide treatment in those at highest risk for
      death. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

PMID- 25111501
TI  - Cryptosporidium species in humans and animals: current understanding and research
      needs.
AB  - Cryptosporidium is increasingly recognized as one of the major causes of moderate
      to severe diarrhoea in developing countries. With treatment options limited,
      control relies on knowledge of the biology and transmission of the members of the
      genus responsible for disease. Currently, 26 species are recognized as valid on
      the basis of morphological, biological and molecular data. Of the nearly 20
      Cryptosporidium species and genotypes that have been reported in humans,
      Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum are responsible for the
      majority of infections. Livestock, particularly cattle, are one of the most
      important reservoirs of zoonotic infections. Domesticated and wild animals can
      each be infected with several Cryptosporidium species or genotypes that have only
      a narrow host range and therefore have no major public health significance.
      Recent advances in next-generation sequencing techniques will significantly
      improve our understanding of the taxonomy and transmission of Cryptosporidium
      species, and the investigation of outbreaks and monitoring of emerging and
      virulent subtypes. Important research gaps remain including a lack of subtyping
      tools for many Cryptosporidium species of public and veterinary health
      importance, and poor understanding of the genetic determinants of host
      specificity of Cryptosporidium species and impact of climate change on the
      transmission of Cryptosporidium.

PMID- 25111500
TI  - Neuromelanin magnetic resonance imaging reveals increased dopaminergic neuron
      activity in the substantia nigra of patients with schizophrenia.
AB  - PURPOSE: The dopamine hypothesis suggests that excessive dopamine release results
      in the symptoms of schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the
      dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons using 3-T neuromelanin magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) in patients with schizophrenia and healthy control subjects.
      METHODS: We prospectively examined 52 patients with schizophrenia (M: F = 27?25,
      mean age, 35 years) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Using a 3T MRI
      unit, we obtained oblique T1-weighted axial images perpendicular to the
      brainstem. We measured the signal intensity and area for the substantia nigra
      (SNc), midbrain tegmentum, locus ceruleus (LC), and pons. We then calculated the
      contrast ratios (CR) for the SNc (CRSN) and LC (CRLC), which were compared
      between patients and healthy controls using unpaired t-tests. RESULTS: The SNc
      and LC were readily identified in both patients and healthy controls as areas
      with high signal intensities in the posterior part of the cerebral peduncle and
      in the upper pontine tegmentum. The CRSN values in patients were significantly
      higher than those in healthy controls (10.89+/-2.37 vs. 9.6+/-2.36, p<0.01). We
      observed no difference in the CRLC values between the patients and healthy
      controls (14.21+/-3.5 vs. 13.44+/-3.37, p = 0.25). Furthermore, there was no
      difference in area of the SNc and LC between schizophrenia patients and controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: Neuromelanin MRI might reveal increased signal intensity in the SNc
      of patients with schizophrenia. Our results indicate the presence of excessive
      dopamine products in the SNc of these patients.

PMID- 25111502
TI  - Oxygen-driven competition between low-dimensional structures of Sr3CoMO6 and
      Sr3CoMO7-delta with M = Ru, Ir.
AB  - We have realized a reversible structure transformation of one-dimensional 1D
      K4CdCl6-type Sr3CoMO6 with the Co(2+)/M(4+) cation ordering into the two
      dimensional 2D double layered Ruddlesden-Popper structure Sr3CoMO7-delta with a
      random distribution of Co and M (with M = Ru, Ir) upon increasing the partial
      oxygen pressure. The combined soft and hard X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies
      show that under transformation, Co and M cations were oxidized to Co(3+) and
      M(5+). During oxidation, high-spin Co(2+) in Sr3CoMO6 first transforms into high
      spin Co(3+) in oxygen-deficient Sr3CoMO7-delta, and then further transforms into
      low-spin Co(3+) in fully oxidized Sr3CoMO7 upon further increasing the partial
      pressure of oxygen. The 1D Sr3CoMO6 compound is magnetically ordered at low
      temperatures with the magnetic moments lying along the c-axis. Their alignment is
      parallel for Sr3CoRuO6 and antiparallel for Sr3CoIrO6. The 2D compounds reveal a
      spin-glass-like behavior related to the random distribution of magnetic cations
      in the structure. 

PMID- 25111503
TI  - Cutaneous sensory function is not related to depression and anxiety in patients
      with chronic pruritus with dysesthetic subqualities.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine the subgroup of patients with chronic
      pruritus with dysesthetic subqualities for the presence of psychiatric
      comorbidities and to evaluate whether anxiety and depression make a difference in
      perception of somatosensory stimuli in quantitative sensory testing (QST). Forty
      nine patients underwent routine diagnostics, a standardised QST testing battery,
      a psychosomatic evaluation for psychic comorbidities and filled out 2
      questionnaires: the Patient Health Questionnaire for the assessment of depressive
      mood and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Twenty-seven (55.1%) of the sample
      had at least one psychiatric comorbid diagnosis. QST parameters were not
      correlated to anxiety and depression levels. We conclude that psychosomatic
      evaluation should become part of routine diagnostics of these patients in order
      to detect and treat psychiatric comorbidity. However, research on somatosensory
      aspects in these patients seems not to be affected by the levels of anxiety and
      depression. 

PMID- 25111505
TI  - Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of 1-{3-[1-(5-organylsilylfuran-2-yl)silinan-1
      yl]propyl}amines and some trimethylgermyl analogues.
AB  - New highly cytotoxic 1-{3-[1-(5-organylsilyl-furan-2-yl)silinan-1
      yl]propyl}amines and some trimethylgermyl analogues (IC50 1-7 MUg mL(-1)) have
      been synthesized by a hydrosilylation reaction of aliphatic and heterocyclic N
      allylamines in the presence of Speier's catalyst. The effects of the silacycle,
      the element-organic substituent in position 5 of the furan ring, and the
      structure of the amine on the cytotoxicity of the new compounds have been
      studied.

PMID- 25111504
TI  - Inhibition of breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2) in human myeloid dendritic
      cells induces potent tolerogenic functions during LPS stimulation.
AB  - Breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2), a member of the ATP-binding cassette
      transporters has been identified as a major determinant of multidrug resistance
      (MDR) in cancer cells, but ABC transporter inhibition has limited therapeutic
      value in vivo. In this research, we demonstrated that inhibition of efflux
      transporters ABCG2 induced the generation of tolerogenic DCs from human
      peripheral blood myeloid DCs (mDCs). ABCG2 expression was present in mDCs and was
      further increased by LPS stimulation. Treatment of CD1c+ mDCs with an ABCG2
      inhibitor, Ko143, during LPS stimulation caused increased production of IL-10 and
      decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased expression of
      CD83 and CD86. Moreover, inhibition of ABCG2 in monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs)
      abrogated the up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules and production of pro
      inflammatory cytokines in these cells in response to LPS. Furthermore, CD1c+ mDCs
      stimulated with LPS plus Ko143 inhibited the proliferation of allogeneic and
      superantigen-specific syngenic CD4+ T cells and promoted expansion of CD25+FOXP3+
      regulatory T (Treg) cells in an IL-10-dependent fashion. These tolerogenic
      effects of ABCG2 inhibition could be abolished by ERK inhibition. Thus, we
      demonstrated that inhibition of ABCG2 in LPS-stimulated mDCs can potently induce
      tolerogenic potentials in these cells, providing crucial new information that
      could lead to development of better strategies to combat MDR cancer. 

PMID- 25111506
TI  - Mitigating phototoxicity during multiphoton microscopy of live Drosophila embryos
      in the 1.0-1.2 um wavelength range.
AB  - Light-induced toxicity is a fundamental bottleneck in microscopic imaging of live
      embryos. In this article, after a review of photodamage mechanisms in cells and
      tissues, we assess photo-perturbation under illumination conditions relevant for
      point-scanning multiphoton imaging of live Drosophila embryos. We use third
      harmonic generation (THG) imaging of developmental processes in embryos excited
      by pulsed near-infrared light in the 1.0-1.2 um range. We study the influence of
      imaging rate, wavelength, and pulse duration on the short-term and long-term
      perturbation of development and define criteria for safe imaging. We show that
      under illumination conditions typical for multiphoton imaging, photodamage in
      this system arises through 2- and/or 3-photon absorption processes and in a
      cumulative manner. Based on this analysis, we derive general guidelines for
      improving the signal-to-damage ratio in two-photon (2PEF/SHG) or THG imaging by
      adjusting the pulse duration and/or the imaging rate. Finally, we report label
      free time-lapse 3D THG imaging of gastrulating Drosophila embryos with sampling
      appropriate for the visualisation of morphogenetic movements in wild-type and
      mutant embryos, and long-term multiharmonic (THG-SHG) imaging of development
      until hatching. 

PMID- 25111507
TI  - Ethnicity is an independent determinant of age-specific PSA level: findings from
      a multiethnic Asian setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the baseline PSA profile and determine the factors
      influencing the PSA levels within a multiethnic Asian setting. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1054 men with no clinical
      evidence of prostate cancer, prostate surgery or 5alpha-reductase inhibitor
      treatment of known prostate conditions. The serum PSA concentration of each
      subject was assayed. Potential factors associated with PSA level including age,
      ethnicity, height, weight, family history of prostate cancer, lower urinary tract
      voiding symptoms (LUTS), prostate volume and digital rectal examination (DRE)
      were evaluated using univariable and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: There were
      38 men (3.6%) found to have a PSA level above 4 ng/ml and 1016 (96.4%) with a
      healthy PSA (<=4 ng/ml). The median PSA level of Malay, Chinese and Indian men
      was 1.00 ng/ml, 1.16 ng/ml and 0.83 ng/ml, respectively. Indians had a relatively
      lower median PSA level and prostate volume than Malays and Chinese, who shared a
      comparable median PSA value across all 10-years age groups. The PSA density was
      fairly similar amongst all ethnicities. Further analysis showed that ethnicity,
      weight and prostate volume were independent factors associated with age specific
      PSA level in the multivariable analysis (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings
      support the concept that the baseline PSA level varies between different
      ethnicities across all age groups. In addition to age and prostate volume,
      ethnicity may also need to be taken into account when investigating serum PSA
      concentrations in the multiethnic Asian population.

PMID- 25111508
TI  - Phytochemical study of Caulerpa racemosa (Forsk.) J. Agarth, an invading alga in
      the habitat of La Maddalena Archipelago.
AB  - Caulerpa racemosa is a marine Chlorophyta widely distributed in tropical areas,
      introduced into the Mediterranean Sea since 1990. It has been invading the
      Mediterranean Sea causing ecological problems. This invasive event can be
      considered as one of the most serious in the history of species introduced into
      the Mediterranean Sea, even if C. racemosa has not triggered as much attention as
      the famous 'killer alga' Caulerpa taxifolia. The aim of this work is to analyse
      phytochemically C. racemosa in the northern Sardinia area for secondary
      metabolites. Marine algae shows the molecular pattern of bis-indole alkaloids,
      sesquiterpenes, diterpenes and sterols. The intention is to expand phytochemical
      analysis in order to understand just how significant the anti-tumour, anti
      inflammatory and antinociceptive actions can be. 

PMID- 25111510
TI  - Analysis of post-transplant chimerism by using a single amplification reaction of
      38 Indel polymorphic loci.
AB  - In order to detect chimerism after allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (HSCT), several
      methods have been developed. In this study we describe the use of a set of
      insertion/deletion (Indel) polymorphic loci to determine the level of donor cell
      engraftment. We analyzed 50 DNA samples from patients who had undergone HSCT, and
      also several artificial chimeric samples created by mixing different DNA
      specimens from non-transplanted donors in various proportions. A specific set of
      38 autosomic Indel polymorphisms were analyzed. For comparison purposes, a set of
      15 short tandem repeats (STRs) were analyzed using the Identifiler Plus
      Amplification Kit. Our results suggest that Indel-based and STR-based procedures
      behave similarly in most cases. However, Indel analysis may provide additional
      information in some cases with a small minor chimeric component or when the
      presence of stutter bands complicates chimerism estimation. 

PMID- 25111509
TI  - T helper subsets in allergic eye disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ocular allergy is an IgE-mediated disease that results in
      inflammation of the conjunctiva and, in more severe cases, the cornea. This is
      driven by an immediate hypersensitivity response via mast cells, followed by a
      late phase response mediated by eosinophils both of which are indeed dependent on
      T helper (Th) lymphocyte activity. Here, we provide an update on Th subsets [Th1,
      Th2, Th17, and T regulatory (Treg)] and their relevance in ocular allergy. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Recent evidence in ocular allergy points to an involvement of other Th
      subsets, in addition to Th2. However, how these subsets are activated and their
      role in mediating the different clinical forms is poorly understood. Novel mouse
      models may facilitate addressing such unknowns, and future challenges will
      involve how to translate such findings into more effective and 'patho-specific'
      treatments. SUMMARY: Ocular allergy, especially in severe forms, involves subsets
      other than Th2. Th1 cells have been detected in mild and severe forms, and recent
      evidence points to a possible role for IL-17 in severe disease. Tregs, on the
      other hand, dampen pathogenic Th cell function and allergy immunotherapy is
      associated with Treg augmentation in disease management. Further understanding of
      Th biology is warranted and may lead to better therapies.

PMID- 25111511
TI  - Impact of pretransplant body mass index on the clinical outcome after allogeneic
      hematopoietic SCT.
AB  - To elucidate the impact of pretransplant body mass index (BMI) on the clinical
      outcome, we performed a retrospective study with registry data including a total
      of 12 050 patients (age ?18 years) who received allogeneic hematopoietic SCT
      (HSCT) between 2000 and 2010. Patients were stratified as follows: BMI<18.5
      kg/m(2), Underweight, n=1791; 18.5?BMI<25, Normal, n=8444; 25?BMI<30, Overweight,
      n=1591; BMI?30, Obese, n=224. The median age was 45 years (range, 18-77). A
      multivariate analysis showed that the risk of relapse was significantly higher in
      the underweight group and lower in the overweight and obese groups compared with
      the normal group (hazard ratio (HR), 1.16, 0.86, and 0.74, respectively). The
      risk of GVHD was significantly higher in the overweight group compared with the
      normal group. The risk of non-relapse mortality (NRM) was significantly higher in
      the overweight and obese group compared with the normal group (HR 1.19 and HR
      1.43, respectively). The probability of OS was lower in the underweight group
      compared with the normal group (HR 1.10, P=0.018). In conclusion, pretransplant
      BMI affected the risk of relapse and NRM after allogeneic HSCT. Underweight was a
      risk factor for poor OS because of an increased risk of relapse. Obesity was a
      risk factor for NRM. 

PMID- 25111512
TI  - Identification of molecular and cytogenetic risk factors for unfavorable core
      binding factor-positive adult AML with post-remission treatment outcome analysis
      including transplantation.
AB  - Emerging molecular studies have identified a subgroup of patients with
      unfavorable core-binding factor-positive (CBF)-AML who should be treated by
      intensified post-remission treatments. We analyzed 264 adults with CBF-AML from
      2002 to 2011, and focused on 206 patients who achieved CR after standard '3+7'
      induction chemotherapy. Patients who achieved CR with an available donor were
      treated with allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (allo-HSCT, n=115) and the rest were
      treated with autologous (auto) HSCT (n=72) or chemotherapy alone (n=19). OS was
      not significantly different between CBFbeta/MYH11 (n=62) and RUNX1/RUNX1T1
      (n=144), and auto-HSCT showed favorable OS compared with allo-HSCT or
      chemotherapy alone. Cytogenetic analysis identified that inv(16) without trisomy
      had a favorable OS and t(8;21) with additional chromosomes had an unfavorable OS,
      but multivariate analysis revealed those were NS. Patients with c-kit mutation
      showed inferior OS. For transplanted patients, residual post-transplant CBF
      minimal residual disease quantitative PCR with higher WT1 expression at D+60
      showed the worst OS with a higher incidence of relapse. Conclusively, we found
      that unfavorable CBF-AML can be defined with risk stratification using
      cytogenetic and molecular studies, and a careful risk-adapted treatment approach
      using frontline transplantation with novel therapies should be evaluated for this
      particular risk subgroup. 

PMID- 25111513
TI  - BAT2 and BAT3 polymorphisms as novel genetic risk factors for rejection after HLA
      related SCT.
AB  - The genetic background of donor and recipient is an important factor determining
      the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (allo-HSCT). We applied whole-genome
      analysis to investigate genetic variants-other than HLA class I and II-associated
      with negative outcome after HLA-identical sibling allo-HSCT in a cohort of 110
      beta-Thalassemic patients. We identified two single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) in BAT2 (A/G) and BAT3 (T/C) genes, SNP rs11538264 and SNP rs10484558,
      both located in the HLA class III region, in strong linkage disequilibrium
      between each other (R(2)=0.92). When considered as single SNP, none of them
      reached a significant association with graft rejection (nominal P<0.00001 for
      BAT2 SNP rs11538264, and P<0.0001 for BAT3 SNP rs10484558), whereas the BAT2/BAT3
      A/C haplotype was present at significantly higher frequency in patients who
      rejected as compared to those with functional graft (30.0% vs 2.6%, nominal
      P=1.15 * 10(-8); and adjusted P=0.0071). The BAT2/BAT3 polymorphisms and
      specifically the A/C haplotype may represent a novel immunogenetic factor
      associated with graft rejection in patients undergoing allo-HSCT. 

PMID- 25111514
TI  - Outcomes of stem cell transplant patients with acute respiratory failure
      requiring mechanical ventilation in the United States.
AB  - SCT indications and procedures are increasing worldwide. We sought to estimate
      the prevalence of acute respiratory failure (ARF) of any cause in hospitalized
      SCT patients, and assess the impact of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) on
      outcomes. We hypothesize that duration of IMV in such patients is an independent
      predictor of higher mortality. We performed a retrospective analysis of the
      largest all-payer hospitalization data set in the United States, Nationwide In
      patient Sample for years 2004-2010. Of the 101 462 SCT hospitalizations, 6074
      (6%) developed ARF and were the final cohort. Type of SCT with ARF included
      autologous 1987 (32.7%), allogeneic 3467 (57.1%) and cord blood 655 (10.8%).
      Duration of IMV included <96 h (17.1%) and ?96 h (41.1%). Overall in-hospital
      mortality (IHM) was 50.6% (3075). Predictors of IHM were IMV <96 h (odds
      ratio=3.42 (2.44-4.79), P<0.0001) or IMV ?96 h (OR=4.61 (3.17-6.70), P<0.0001).
      Type of SCT, comorbid burden, gender, hospital-teaching status/bed size or
      insurance did not influence IHM. IMV ?96 h was associated with higher hospital
      charges (mean $762 515, 95% estimate 0.3991 (0.3123-0.4859), increase of $304
      474, P<0.0001) and higher length of stay (mean 61.5 days, 95% estimate 0.2198
      (0.1531-0.2866), increase of 13 days, P<0.0001). In conclusion, ARF in
      hospitalized SCT patients is not an uncommon occurrence and is associated with
      50% mortality. Duration of IMV (?96 h) was an independent predictor of higher
      mortality rates. Hospital resource utilization was significant. 

PMID- 25111515
TI  - Aerobic exercise capacity at long-term follow-up after paediatric allogeneic
      haematopoietic SCT.
AB  - Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), a measure of aerobic exercise capacity, predicts
      mortality and morbidity in healthy and diseased individuals. Our aim was to
      determine VO2peak years after paediatric allogeneic haematopoietic SCT (HSCT) and
      to identify associations with baseline patient and donor characteristics,
      transplantation factors, pulmonary function and self-reported sports activity. In
      this cross-sectional, population-based study, we measured VO2peak, spirometry and
      diffusion capacity of the lung (DLCO) 3-10 years post HSCT. Z-scores were
      calculated by reference values from healthy subjects. Self-reported hours of
      sports activity were obtained by interview. We included 63 patients (mean age
      (range) 14.4 (7-24) years). HSCT patients exhibited lower mean VO2peak (-1.42 z
      score, 95% confidential interval (-1.7; -1.1)) compared with healthy subjects
      (P<0.001). Sixteen patients (25%) had VO2peak values <-1.96 z-score. Low VO2peak
      was associated with reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s (R(2)=0.11, P=0.009),
      reduced DLCO/VA (R(2)=0.09, P=0.01) and low physical activity (mean VO2peak z
      score inactive group: -2.1 vs most active group: -1.1, P=0.02). No associations
      between VO2peak and diagnosis, donor type or GvHD were found. Although causes for
      reduced VO2peak may be multiple, our findings stress the need to focus on
      physical activity post HSCT to prevent lifestyle diseases and improve quality of
      life. 

PMID- 25111516
TI  - Risk factors for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus bacteremia and its influence
      on survival after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.
AB  - Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is a well-known infectious complication
      among immunocompromised patients. We performed a retrospective analysis to
      identify risk factors for the development of VRE bacteremia (VRE-B) within 15
      months after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) and to
      determine its prognostic importance for other post-transplant outcomes. Eight
      hundred consecutive adult patients who underwent alloHCT for hematologic diseases
      from 1997 to 2011 were included. Seventy-six (10%) developed VRE-B at a median of
      46 days post transplant. Year of transplant, higher HCT comorbidity score, a
      diagnosis of ALL, unrelated donor and umbilical cord blood donor were all
      significant risk factors on multivariable analysis for the development of VRE-B.
      Sixty-seven (88%) died within a median of 1.1 months after VRE-B, but only four
      (6%) of these deaths were attributable to VRE. VRE-B was significantly associated
      with worse OS (hazard ratio 4.28, 95% confidence interval 3.23-5.66, P<0.001) in
      multivariable analysis. We conclude that the incidence of VRE-B after alloHCT has
      increased over time and is highly associated with mortality, although not usually
      attributable to VRE infection. Rather than being the cause, this may be a marker
      for a complicated post-transplant course. Strategies to further enhance immune
      reconstitution post transplant and strict adherence to infection prevention
      measures are warranted. 

PMID- 25111518
TI  - Caecal rupture associated with Ogilvie syndrome following caesarean hysterectomy
      due to morbidly adherent placenta.

PMID- 25111519
TI  - Hysteroscopic management of an oblique vaginal septum in a virgin girl with a
      rare variant of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a technique for hysteroscopic diagnosis and
      management of a rare variant of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) in a
      virgin girl. DESIGN: Presentation of a rare variant of HWWS and a step-by-step
      description of the technique using videos, images, and title slides (educative
      video) (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: HWWS is a congenital
      anomaly of the urogenital tract, typically characterized by uterus didelphys,
      obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Of HWWS cases, 11.5% are a
      rare variant of the syndrome, with a septate bicollis uterus and obstructed
      hemivagina. HWWS is often diagnosed in adolescent girls and virgin patients.
      Early diagnosis and treatment should be achieved using a convenient, minimally
      invasive, and effective surgical approach to prevent complications.
      INTERVENTIONS: A 14-year-old virgin girl had aggressive cyclic dysmenorrhea for 7
      months. We made a diagnosis of the non-classic HWWS variant: septate uterus with
      double cervix, obstructed right hemivagina with hematocolpos, and unilateral
      renal agenesis. Diagnostic hysteroscopy indicated a flat hemivaginal septum, left
      cervix, and uterine cavity, but no right cervix or other associated channel.
      Hysteroscopic incision of the bulging oblique vaginal septum was performed
      medially from the most prominent point of the septum up to the left cervix and
      then down to the low edge of the oblique septum. An inflated Foley catheter was
      placed in the right hemivagina for 2 days to prevent adhesion of the incised
      septum. Surgery was successful, and the intact hymen was preserved. The patient
      has been symptom-free for 4 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic
      incision of the oblique vaginal septum is a convenient, minimally invasive, and
      effective approach for treating HWWS in adolescents with cyclic dysmenorrhea and
      hematocolpos.

PMID- 25111521
TI  - The Medially Migrating Intracanalicular Vestibular Schwannoma.

PMID- 25111517
TI  - The risk of polyomavirus BK-associated hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic
      hematopoietic SCT is associated with myeloablative conditioning, CMV viremia and
      severe acute GVHD.
AB  - Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic
      SCT (allo-HSCT). Several risk factors have been suggested including BU-containing
      myeloablative conditioning, unrelated donors and GVHD, but these have not been
      consistently reported. We conducted a retrospective study including 339 allo-HSCT
      recipients between 2009 and 2012. Of 339 patients, 79 (23.3%) developed HC with 2
      year cumulative incidence of 24.0% (95% confidence interval, 19.4-28.9). The
      median onset time was 45 days (range, 16-430) after allo-HSCT. Sixty-two patients
      (84%) out of 74 evaluated for urine BK virus PCR testing showed a positive result
      (mean 2.0 * 10(10) copies of DNA per mL). In univariate analysis, myeloablative
      conditioning, HLA-mismatched donor, CMV viremia and acute GVHD (aGVHD) grade 3-4
      were significantly associated with the risk of HC. Multivariate analysis
      confirmed all associating factors identified in univariate analysis except for
      HLA-mismatched donor: myeloablative conditioning (hazard ratio (HR) 2.63,
      P=0.003), CMV viremia (HR 1.88, P=0.014) and aGVHD grade 3-4 (HR 1.71, P=0.029).
      HC did not affect OS or non-relapse mortality. Symptomatic HC is a frequent
      complication following allo-HSCT, with a 2-year cumulative incidence of 24.0%.
      Three clinical factors associated with HC were identified including myeloablative
      conditioning, CMV viremia and severe aGVHD. 

PMID- 25111520
TI  - Protein-engineered hydrogel encapsulation for 3-D culture of murine cochlea.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Elastin-like protein (ELP) hydrogel helps maintain the three
      dimensional (3-D) cochlear structure in culture. BACKGROUND: Whole-organ culture
      of the cochlea is a useful model system facilitating manipulation and analysis of
      live sensory cells and surrounding nonsensory cells. The precisely organized 3-D
      cochlear structure demands a culture method that preserves this delicate
      architecture; however, current methods have not been optimized to serve such a
      purpose. METHODS: A protein-engineered ELP hydrogel was used to encapsulate organ
      of Corti isolated from neonatal mice. Cultured cochleae were immunostained for
      markers of hair cells and supporting cells. Organ of Corti hair cell and
      supporting cell density and organ dimensions were compared between the ELP and
      nonencapsulated systems. These culture systems were then compared with
      noncultured cochlea. RESULTS: After 3 days in vitro, vital dye uptake and
      immunostaining for sensory and nonsensory cells show that encapsulated cochlea
      contain viable cells with an organized architecture. In comparison with
      nonencapsulated cultured cochlea, ELP-encapsulated cochleae exhibit higher
      densities of hair cells and supporting cells and taller and narrower organ of
      Corti dimensions that more closely resemble those of noncultured cochleae.
      However, we found compromised cell viability when the culture period extended
      beyond 3 days. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the ELP hydrogel can help preserve
      the 3-D architecture of neonatal cochlea in short-term culture, which may be
      applicable to in vitro study of the physiology and pathophysiology of the inner
      ear.

PMID- 25111522
TI  - Round window stimulation for conductive and mixed hearing loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assess surgical complications, postoperative residual hearing, and
      speech perception outcomes of placement of a middle ear implant on the round
      window in conductive and mixed hearing loss cases. STUDY DESIGN: Single-subject,
      repeated-measures design where each subject served as his or her own control.
      SETTING: Tertiary referral medical systems. SUBJECTS: Eighteen subjects with
      either conductive or mixed hearing loss who could not benefit from conventional
      amplification were enrolled in a clinical trial investigating vibratory
      stimulation of the round window. INTERVENTION: The floating mass transducer (FMT)
      was positioned in the round window niche. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Unaided residual
      hearing, and aided sound field thresholds and speech perception abilities were
      evaluated preoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6, and 10 months post-activation of the
      external speech processor. RESULTS: Six subjects experienced complications that
      either required further medical management or resolved on their own. There was no
      difference in residual bone conduction thresholds or unaided word discrimination
      over time. All subjects experienced a significant improvement in aided speech
      perception abilities as compared to preoperative performance. CONCLUSION:
      Subjects with conductive and mixed hearing loss with placement of the FMT in the
      round window niche experienced improved sound field thresholds and speech
      perception, without compromising residual hearing thresholds. Vibratory
      stimulation of the round window via a middle ear implant may be an appropriate
      treatment option for patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss. Additional
      research is needed on the preferred placement of the FMT, improvement of
      functional gain, and methods to limit postoperative complications and need for
      revision surgery.

PMID- 25111523
TI  - The rising incidence of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks in the United
      States and the association with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the national rates of spontaneous CSF leaks and to
      determine the association with risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review
      from 2002 to 2012. SETTING: University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) database of
      127 of the leading academic medical centers in the United States (81 centers
      participated all years of the study). PATIENTS: Those who underwent craniotomy
      for CSF leak repair in the UHC database and those who have undergone repair of
      spontaneous CSF leaks at one UHC center. INTERVENTION: Assessment of procedure
      code rates and patient demographics from 2002 to 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
      National rates of craniotomy for spontaneous CSF leak repair each year, the
      relation to U.S. regional obesity rates, and the proportion of patients with
      coincident obstructive sleep apnea. Spontaneous CSF leak patient characteristics
      (age, sex, BMI, hypertension, and OSA) were calculated. RESULTS: The rate of
      craniotomy for spontaneous CSF leak repair has risen 2 fold from 2002 (218 cases
      per year) to 2012 (488 cases per year). There was no change in the rate of
      nonspontaneous CSF leaks over the same period. The rate of spontaneous CSF leak
      repair is twice as high (2.54 versus 1.07 per million people per year) in regions
      of the United States with the highest obesity rate (Midwest) compared with the
      lowest obesity rate (West). All patients with spontaneous CSF leaks were
      overweight (BMI, >25 kg/m2) with an average BMI of 37.8 kg/m2. The average age
      was 57.03 years, and 72% were female. Patients with spontaneous CSF leaks
      presented with high rate of OSA (14.8% nationally and 37.1% at the University of
      Iowa) and hypertension (85.7%). CONCLUSION: The national rate of craniotomy for
      spontaneous CSF leak repair is rising. This condition is yet another public
      health problem related to the rising obesity epidemic. All patients with
      spontaneous CSF leaks should be evaluated for OSA.

PMID- 25111524
TI  - Intralabyrinthine schwannomas mimic cochleovestibular disease: symptoms from
      tumor mass effect in the labyrinth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe symptoms from intralabyrinthine schwannomas specific from
      more common vestibular schwannomas of the internal auditory canal or
      cerebellopontine angle resulting from mass effect from the tumor within the
      labyrinth. PATIENTS: Eight patients diagnosed as having intralabyrinthine
      schwannomas from 2000 to 2014 were examined retrospectively from two tertiary
      neurotologic centers. INTERVENTIONS: Diagnosis of intralabyrinthine schwannoma
      was made with gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans. Heavily T2
      weighted sequences were used to verify mass within the fluid-filled labyrinth.
      Patients then underwent audiometric and vestibular testing when appropriate.
      Treatment consisted of observation or surgical resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Clinical symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging scans, audiometric and
      videonystagmography data, and operative findings were reviewed. RESULTS: Five of
      the eight patients had positional vertigo or nystagmus on testing. One patient's
      only complaint was positional vertigo without auditory symptoms. Three of the
      patients demonstrated mixed hearing loss. Two patients underwent resection of
      their tumors, one because of tumor growth and the other because of intractable
      vertigo. CONCLUSION: These data show that a high proportion within our series
      displayed symptoms of positional vertigo and mixed hearing loss, which are
      symptoms not typical of nonintralabyrinthine schwannomas. One patient's only
      reported symptom was positional vertigo. These symptoms may arise from the effect
      of the tumor's mass exerted on the cochlear and vestibular end organs.

PMID- 25111525
TI  - A lightning strike causing a cholesteatoma: a unique form of otologic blast
      injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We present a case of a middle-aged male struck by lightning while
      walking in a parking lot. Assessment of the patient's injuries demonstrated
      common sequelae of an otologic blast injury. Review of this case should prepare
      the otolaryngologist to identify and manage otologic blast injuries regardless of
      their etiology. METHODS: Case study and literature review CASE REPORT: The
      patient presented to a level 1 trauma and burn center with a ruptured tympanic
      membrane, otalgia, mixed hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus. After 3 months of
      observation, the patient's tympanic membrane perforation demonstrated little
      spontaneous closure. Additionally, he was noted to have formation of a
      posttraumatic cholesteatoma in the posterior-superior mesotympanum. Over-under
      tympanoplasty with excision of the cholesteatoma was successful, and the
      ossicular chain remained intact. The patient underwent vestibular therapy for an
      ipsilateral uncompensated vestibular weakness. His dizziness resolved, allowing
      him to return to full employment. The patient's final audiogram demonstrated
      normal hearing thresholds sloping to a mild mixed hearing loss in the high
      frequencies, and the tinnitus reduced significantly in intensity but did not
      resolve. CONCLUSION: The patient's injury pattern clearly resulted from the
      damaging effects of the shock wave generated by the lightning bolt, which
      impacted the patient's thorax. Management of his otologic care was conducted
      after practices developed for otologic blast injury and resulted in his being
      able to return to his primary occupation.

PMID- 25111526
TI  - Power spectral analysis of postural sway during foam posturography in patients
      with peripheral vestibular dysfunction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency-domain characteristics of postural instability
      caused by peripheral vestibular dysfunction by performing a power spectral
      analysis of the center of pressure (COP) sway during foam posturography. METHODS:
      Data were obtained from 78 patients and 163 controls. Two-legged stance tasks
      were performed in 4 conditions: eyes open with and without foam rubber, and eyes
      closed with and without foam rubber. We estimated the power spectrum of the
      acceleration signal using the maximum entropy method. The areas under the curve
      (AUCs) of power spectral density of the COP were calculated across low-frequency
      (0.02 to 0.1 Hz, LF-AUC), middle-frequency (0.1 to 1Hz, MF-AUC), and high
      frequency (1 to 10 Hz, HF-AUC) ranges. We performed binomial logistic regression
      analyses to see whether the AUCs of selected bandwidths of COP have a stronger
      association with the presence of peripheral vestibular dysfunction in comparison
      with the velocity and area in the eyes closed/foam rubber condition. RESULTS: In
      both the controls and patients, the MF-AUC was significantly larger than the LF
      AUC or HF-AUC in the eyes closed/foam rubber condition. In this condition, the
      presence of peripheral vestibular dysfunction had a significantly positive
      relationship with MF-AUC and HF-AUC (p < 0.05) and the MF-AUC of the anterior
      posterior axis showed a stronger association with the presence of peripheral
      vestibular dysfunction than area. CONCLUSION: An increase in activity at middle
      frequency movements could be characteristic of peripheral vestibular dysfunction
      when standing on foam rubber with the eyes closed.

PMID- 25111527
TI  - Genomic medicine for cancer prognosis.
AB  - There is a heavy research emphasis on prognostic and predictive approaches based
      on genomic data, which has in turn challenged standard paradigms for the
      management of patients with malignant disease. This review will highlight the
      recent advances made in genomic medicine, specifically with regard to prognosis
      associated with thyroid cancer, cutaneous melanoma, and pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma. Although none of the markers reviewed have been incorporated into
      routine clinical practice, this review covers the most promising ones.

PMID- 25111530
TI  - Re: Sarcopenia as a predictor of complications and survival following radical
      cystectomy: A. B. Smith, A. M. Deal, H. Yu, B. Boyd, J. Matthews, E. M. Wallen,
      R. S. Pruthi, M. E. Woods, H. Muss and M. E. Nielsen. J Urol 2014; 191: 1714
      1720.

PMID- 25111531
TI  - The sigma-1 receptor agonist 4-phenyl-1-(4-phenylbutyl) piperidine (PPBP)
      protects against newborn excitotoxic brain injury by stabilizing the
      mitochondrial membrane potential in vitro and inhibiting microglial activation in
      vivo.
AB  - Premature birth represents a clinical situation of risk for brain injury. The
      diversity of pathophysiological processes complicates efforts to find effective
      therapeutic strategies. Excitotoxicity is one important factor in the
      pathogenesis of preterm brain injury. The observation that sigma-1 receptor
      agonists possess neuroprotective potential, at least partly mediated by a variety
      of anti-excitotoxic mechanisms, has generated great interest in targeting those
      receptors to counteract brain injury. The objective of this study was to evaluate
      the effect of the highly specific sigma-1 receptor agonist, 4-phenyl-1-(4
      phenylbutyl) piperidine (PPBP) to protect against excitotoxic developmental brain
      injury in vivo and in vitro. Primary hippocampal neurons were pre-treated with
      PPBP before glutamate was applied and subsequently analyzed for cell death
      (PI/calcein AM), mitochondrial activity (TMRM) and morphology of the neuronal
      network (WGA) using confocal microscopy. Using an established neonatal mouse
      model we also determined whether systemic injection of PPBP significantly
      attenuates excitotoxic brain injury. PPBP significantly reduced neuronal cell
      death in primary hippocampal neurons exposed to glutamate. Neurons treated with
      PPBP showed a less pronounced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and fewer
      morphological changes after glutamate exposure. A single intraperitoneal
      injection of PPBP given one hour after the excitotoxic insult significantly
      reduced microglial cell activation and lesion size in cortical gray and white
      matter. The present study provides strong support for the consideration of sigma
      1 receptor agonists as a candidate therapy for the reduction of neonatal
      excitotoxic brain lesions and might offer a novel target to counteract
      developmental brain injury. 

PMID- 25111532
TI  - Progressive multiple sclerosis cerebrospinal fluid induces inflammatory
      demyelination, axonal loss, and astrogliosis in mice.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory
      demyelination and neurodegeneration throughout the CNS, which lead over time to a
      condition of irreversible functional decline known as progressive MS. Currently,
      there are no satisfactory treatments for this condition because the mechanisms
      that underlie disease progression are not well understood. This is partly due to
      the lack of a specific animal model that represents progressive MS. We
      investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular injections of cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF) derived from untreated primary progressive (PPMS), secondary
      progressive (SPMS), and relapsing/remitting (RRMS) MS patients into mice. We
      found discrete inflammatory demyelinating lesions containing macrophages, B cell
      and T cell infiltrates in the brains of animals injected with CSF from patients
      with progressive MS. These lesions were rarely found in animals injected with
      RRMS-CSF and never in those treated with control-CSF. Animals that developed
      brain lesions also presented extensive inflammation in their spinal cord.
      However, discrete spinal cord lesions were rare and only seen in animals injected
      with PPMS-CSF. Axonal loss and astrogliosis were seen within the lesions
      following the initial demyelination. In addition, Th17 cell activity was enhanced
      in the CNS and in lymph nodes of progressive MS-CSF injected animals compared to
      controls. Furthermore, CSF derived from MS patients who were clinically stable
      following therapy had greatly diminished capacity to induce CNS lesions in mice.
      Finally, we provided evidence suggesting that differential expression of pro
      inflammatory cytokines present in the progressive MS CSF might be involved in the
      observed mouse pathology. Our data suggests that the agent(s) responsible for the
      demyelination and neurodegeneration characteristic of progressive MS is present
      in patient CSF and is amenable to further characterization in experimental models
      of the disease. 

PMID- 25111533
TI  - Mincle signaling in the innate immune response after traumatic brain injury.
AB  - The innate immune response contributes to the inflammatory activity after
      traumatic brain injury (TBI). In the present study we identify macrophage
      inducible C-type lectin (mincle) as a pattern recognition receptor that
      contributes to innate immunity in neurons after TBI. Here we report that mincle
      is activated by SAP130 in cortical neurons in culture, resulting in production of
      the inflammatory cytokine TNF. In addition, mincle and SAP130 are elevated in the
      brain and cerebrospinal fluid of humans after TBI and the brain of rodents after
      fluid percussion brain injury. Thus, these findings suggest the involvement of
      mincle to the pathology of TBI. Importantly, blocking mincle with a neutralizing
      antibody against mincle in cortical neurons in culture treated with SAP130
      resulted in inhibition of mincle signaling and decreased TNF production.
      Therefore, our findings identify mincle as a contributor to the inflammatory
      response after TBI. 

PMID- 25111534
TI  - Graphene-supported Pt and PtPd nanorods with enhanced electrocatalytic
      performance for the oxygen reduction reaction.
AB  - The combinational modification of the morphology, alloying, and support for Pt
      catalysts has been optimized towards the oxygen reduction reaction. Graphene
      supported PtPd nanorods have lower unfilled Pt d-states than carbon-supported Pt
      nanoparticles (Pt/C) and their specific and mass activities after the accelerated
      durability test are about 6.5 and 2.7 times higher than those of Pt/C, attributed
      to the synergistic electronic modification effect and graphene-metal interaction.

PMID- 25111536
TI  - Tandem mass spectrometry in an electrostatic linear ion trap modified for surface
      induced dissociation.
AB  - A variety of ion traps are used in mass spectrometry. A key feature shared by
      most of them is the ability to perform tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The
      Orbitrap is perhaps the most notable ion trap in which MS/MS has yet to be
      performed. An electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT) is analogous to an orbitrap in
      that ions are trapped using solely electrostatic fields. However, the relatively
      simple ion motion within an ELIT facilitates analysis of fragment ions produced
      within the device. In this report, we describe an ELIT to which we have added a
      target for surface induced dissociation (SID). When combined with our previously
      described method for isolating a precursor ion trapped in an ELIT,1 this
      apparatus enables MS/MS to be performed. Measurement of product ion m/z is
      facilitated by the fact that the ELIT is isochronous over the energy range of
      1850-2000 eV so that changes to ion energy during SID do not cause major m/z
      shifts. We demonstrate MS/MS by isolating and dissociating each compound in a
      four component mixture of tetraalkylphosphonium cations. We also discuss the
      optimization of collision energy and the length of time that the SID target is
      available for collision, two parameters that are important in the performance of
      these experiments. 

PMID- 25111538
TI  - Comparison of Quick Track and Melker for emergent invasive airway management
      during chest compression: A crossover simulation trial.

PMID- 25111537
TI  - Effects of ethanolic dried leaf extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides on
      antioxidant enzymes and biochemical parameters in rats.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lecaniodiscus cupanioides is widely used in West
      African folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, fevers and
      bacterial infections. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the potential toxic effects
      of the ethanolic dried leaf extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (LC) on
      antioxidant enzymes in selected organs and biochemical parameters. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Crude ethanolic extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides dried leaves was
      prepared. A 90-day sub-chronic toxicity study was conducted using albino rats.
      Reconstituted Lecaniodiscus cupanioides was administered at a dosage of 400, 800
      and 1600 mg/kg (high dose) with a control group receiving 10 ml/kg orally.
      Histopathological studies of major organs and blood chemistry analysis were
      performed on blood obtained via cardiac puncture after euthanization. Selected
      organs (liver, kidney and brain) were harvested for antioxidant and
      histopathological assessments. RESULTS: The extract produced significant (p<0.05)
      increases in the weights of liver, kidney and brain at 800 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg
      compared to the control. Biochemical analysis showed significant increase in
      Alanine transferase (ALT) at 800 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg. Assay for antioxidant
      enzymes showed a reversible decrease in the activity of Catalase (CAT),
      Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione (GSH) with an increase in
      Malondialdehyde (MDA) at 800 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg Lecaniodiscus cupanioides.
      Histopathological study showed reversible congestion in the brain, liver, and
      kidney at 800 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: Findings in this study reveal
      that the ethanolic dried leaf extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides has the
      potential for inhibiting in vivo antioxidant enzymes activity and causing
      hepatotoxicity after prolonged exposure.

PMID- 25111539
TI  - Electromyographic activity of the diaphragm during neostigmine or sugammadex
      enhanced recovery after neuromuscular blockade with rocuronium: a randomised
      controlled study in healthy volunteers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of neuromuscular blocking agents has been associated with
      severe postoperative respiratory morbidity. Complications can be attributed to
      inadequate reversal, and reversal agents may themselves have adverse effects.
      OBJECTIVE: To compare the electromyographic activity of the diaphragm (EMGdi)
      during recovery from neuromuscular blockade using neostigmine and sugammadex. The
      hypothesis was that there would be better neuromuscular coupling of the diaphragm
      when sugammadex was used. DESIGN: A randomised, controlled, parallel-group,
      single-centre, double-blinded study. SETTING: District general hospital in
      Belgium. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve healthy male volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Individuals
      were anaesthetised with propofol and remifentanil. After rocuronium 0.6 mg kg, a
      transoesophageal electromyography (EMG) recorder was inserted. For reversal of
      neuromuscular blockade, volunteers received sugammadex 2 mg kg (n = 6) or
      neostigmine 70 MUg kg (n = 6). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: EMGdi, airway pressure and
      flow were continuously measured during weaning from the ventilator until tracheal
      extubation. Arterial blood gas samples were obtained for PaO2 and PaCO2 analysis
      at the first spontaneous breathing attempt and after tracheal extubation.
      RESULTS: During weaning, 560 breaths were retained for analysis. The median (95%
      CI) peak EMGdi was 1.1 (0.9 to 1.5) MUV in the neostigmine group and 1.6 (1.3 to
      1.9) MUV in the sugammadex group (P < 0.001). Individuals in the neostigmine
      group had 125 of 228 (55%) breaths with associated EMGdi at least 1 MUV vs. 220
      of 332 (66%) breaths in the sugammadex group (P = 0.008). The median (95% CI)
      tidal volume was 287 (256 to 335) ml after neostigmine and 359 (313 to 398) ml
      after sugammadex (P = 0.013). The median (95% CI) PaO2 immediately after
      extubation was 30.5 (22.8 to 37.1) kPa after sugammadex vs. 20.7 (12.9 to 27.5)
      kPa after neostigmine (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: EMGdi, tidal volume and PaO2
      following tracheal extubation were increased after sugammadex compared with
      neostigmine, reflecting diaphragm-driven inspiration after sugammadex
      administration. Sugammadex may free more diaphragmatic acetylcholine receptors
      than neostigmine, which has an indirect effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT ref:
      2013-002078-30.

PMID- 25111540
TI  - When visibility hurts and helps: how intersections of race and gender shape Black
      professional men's experiences with tokenization.
AB  - Research shows groups who experience minority status encounter tokenization. Most
      studies applying token theory to minority groups at work focus on either gendered
      or racialized processes of tokenization. We offer a different approach by using
      an intersectional lens to examine how both race and gender work together to shape
      ways Black professional men experience tokenization when employed in
      predominantly White male-dominated workplaces. Based on interviews with 42 Black
      men employed as doctors, lawyers, bankers, or engineers, we conclude that
      although Black professional men encounter some of the typical negative aspects of
      tokenization, intersections of race and gender create other important facets that
      render their token experience somewhat unique and different from their White
      male, White female, and Black female counterparts.

PMID- 25111541
TI  - Same spaces, different races: what can cafeteria seating patterns tell us about
      intergroup relations in middle school?
AB  - Using 2 segregation indices--an exposure index previously used in cafeteria
      studies and an entropy index used for the first time, to our knowledge, in this
      study--we examined racial segregation in seating patterns among ethnically
      diverse middle school students in their school cafeteria over a 2-week period.
      Given the representation of groups in the cafeteria each day, results indicated
      the expected amount of contact between Asian and White students, but more limited
      contact between Asian and Latino students and between White and Latino students.
      Latino students, who were in the numerical majority in the sample, appeared least
      likely to contribute to overall segregation in the cafeteria. Implications for
      using the cafeteria methodology to examine intergroup relations were discussed.

PMID- 25111542
TI  - Transracially adoptive parents' color-blind attitudes and views toward
      socialization: Cross-racial friendships as a moderator.
AB  - This study examined the moderating role of transracially adoptive parents' cross
      racial friendships in the relationship between their color-blind attitudes and
      views toward cultural and racial socialization. Using hierarchical multiple
      regression analyses and the Johnson-Neyman technique, it was hypothesized that
      parents' color-blind attitudes would significantly account for 3 different
      dimensions of socialization beliefs (i.e., prejudice awareness, ethnic pride, and
      egalitarian socialization) and that self-reported cross-racial friendships would
      moderate the effects of color-blind attitudes. Results suggest that having
      several cross-racial friendships minimized the effects of participants' color
      blind attitudes on their ethnic pride and egalitarian socialization beliefs,
      whereas having few cross-racial friendships enhanced the effects of color-blind
      attitudes on both socialization variables. The importance of transracially
      adoptive families creating diverse and multiracial social networks is discussed.

PMID- 25111543
TI  - Negotiating multiple marginalizations: experiences of South Asian LGBQ
      individuals.
AB  - Drawing from minority stress (Meyer, 2003) and feminist multicultural (Brown,
      1994) theories, the present study investigated the additive and interactive
      relations between 2 types of external minority stress (heterosexist
      discrimination and racist events) and 4 internal stress processes related to
      identifying as a South Asian American lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ)
      person (internalized heterosexism, acculturation, enculturation, and outness as
      LGBQ) with psychological distress. With 142 participants, Pearson's correlations,
      multiple regression, and simultaneous multiple moderation analyses were
      conducted. Experiences of heterosexist discrimination, racist events, and
      internalized heterosexism were correlated positively with psychological distress
      and enculturation was correlated negatively. In a test of the additive model,
      heterosexist discrimination, racist events, and internalized heterosexism
      accounted for significant and unique variance in psychological distress, but
      outness, acculturation, and enculturation did not. To test the interactive model,
      the simultaneous moderating roles of the internal stress processes were examined
      in the links between the external minority stressors to psychological distress.
      Only outness as LGBQ emerged as a moderator. The link between racist events and
      psychological distress was exacerbated in instances of higher outness, such that
      respondents with high racist events and high outness reported the highest levels
      of psychological distress. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed
      and future research directions focused on the needs of South Asian American LGBQ
      people are suggested.

PMID- 25111545
TI  - Pedagogy of the Privileged: Review of Deconstructing Privilege: Teaching and
      Learning as Allies in the Classroom.
AB  - As scholarship and research in multicultural psychology evolves to a multilayered
      and complex discipline, increased attention to the role of larger structural
      forces of privilege has come to the forefront. Intersectionality of
      sociopolitical identities and the role those with privilege have in confronting
      oppression becomes a critical component of multicultural education. The edited
      volume, Deconstructing Privilege: Teaching and Learning as Allies in the
      Classroom (Case, 2013) provides concrete guidance and examples for educators
      seeking to enhance their approach to teaching privilege as a necessary mirror of
      oppression. This review highlights strengths of the book for educators in
      psychology and suggests recommendations for more complex discussion of the
      integration of privilege within the framework of structural oppression. (PsycINFO
      Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID- 25111544
TI  - Suicidal ideation among racial/ethnic minorities: moderating effects of
      rumination and depressive symptoms.
AB  - Among emerging adults and college students, racial and ethnic minorities
      experience greater risk for suicidal ideation and behavior than their White
      counterparts. Research has identified numerous cognitive risk factors for
      suicidal ideation. However, they have not been well studied among racial and
      ethnic minorities. The present study examined the association between these
      factors (brooding rumination, reflective rumination, hopelessness, and depressive
      symptoms) and suicidal ideation among 690 Black, Latino, and biracial college
      students. Among all groups, hopelessness was positively associated with suicidal
      ideation. Brooding was negatively associated with suicidal ideation, after
      adjusting for reflection and hopelessness, although only at low levels of
      depressive symptoms. Black race/ethnicity and Latino race/ethnicity, compared
      with biracial race/ethnicity, each separately interacted with reflection to
      predict lower levels of suicidal ideation at moderate to high levels of
      reflection. Furthermore, Latino race/ethnicity, compared with biracial
      race/ethnicity, interacted with both reflection and depressive symptoms, such
      that reflection was negatively associated with suicidal ideation among Latino
      individuals reporting depressive symptoms above the 39th percentile. Biracial
      race/ethnicity, compared with monoracial race/ethnicity, also interacted with
      reflection and depressive symptoms, with reflection associated with greater
      amounts of suicidal ideation at depressive symptom levels above the 39th
      percentile. Our findings suggest reflective rumination differentially affects
      racial and ethnic groups and should be considered in conjunction with depressive
      symptoms among Latino and biracial individuals in suicide risk assessment and
      treatment.

PMID- 25111546
TI  - Perceptions and experiences in higher education: a national study of multiracial
      Asian American and Latino/a students in psychology.
AB  - Demographic trends suggest increasing numbers of multiple racial heritage
      students attending U.S. campuses and universities, a change reflected within
      psychology. However, there is little empirical investigation into the educational
      experiences and needs of multiracials. The current study (the second in a series
      of studies to use data from a national survey of psychology graduate and
      undergraduate students) compared 2 multiracial groups, Asian American/European
      American and Latino/a/European Americans, with their single-heritage counterparts
      on several variables of interest-academic supports and barriers, linkage between
      barriers faced and ethnicity, and perceived cultural diversity. Results indicated
      that multiracial groups reported more of a link between academic barriers
      experienced and their ethnicity than European American students, but less of a
      link than their monoracial minority peers. No differences between groups were
      found related to academic supports, academic barriers, and perceived cultural
      diversity. Study limitations, future research, and implications are discussed.

PMID- 25111547
TI  - Ethnicity moderates the outcomes of self-enhancement and self-improvement themes
      in expressive writing.
AB  - The current study examined whether writing content related to self-enhancing
      (viz., downward social comparison and situational attributions) and self
      improving (viz., upward social comparison and persistence) motivations were
      differentially related to expressive writing outcomes among 17 Asian American and
      17 European American participants. Content analysis of the essays revealed no
      significant cultural group differences in the likelihood of engaging in self
      enhancing versus self-improving reflections on negative personal experiences.
      However, cultural group differences were apparent in the relation between self
      motivation processes and changes in anxiety and depressive symptoms at 3-month
      follow-up. Among European Americans, writing that reflected downward social
      comparison predicted positive outcomes, whereas persistence writing themes were
      related to poorer outcomes. For Asian Americans, writing about persistence was
      related to positive outcomes, whereas downward social comparison and situational
      attributions predicted poorer outcomes. Findings provide evidence suggesting
      culturally distinct mechanisms for the effects of expressive disclosure.
      (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 25111548
TI  - Cultural distance between parents' and children's creativity: A within-country
      approach in Taiwan.
AB  - The present study adopted a within-country approach to investigate the relation
      of cultural distance to general creativity and math creativity in Taiwan. First,
      we conducted a pilot study of 201 young adolescents with parents from one of the
      3 largest subethnic groups in Taiwan, namely Min-nan Taiwanese, Ha-kka Taiwanese,
      and Outside-Province Taiwanese. The results revealed that young Taiwanese
      adolescents perceived the cultural distance between Min-nan Taiwanese and Outside
      Province Taiwanese as larger than the cultural distance between the other
      subethnic groups. The main study revealed that 610 young adolescents from large
      cultural distance families (i.e., those comprising 1 Min-nan Taiwanese parent and
      1 Outside-Province Taiwanese parent) outperformed those from small cultural
      distance families (i.e., those comprising 2 Min-nan Taiwanese parents, and those
      comprising 1 Min-nan Taiwanese parent and 1 Ha-kka Taiwanese parent) on both
      general creativity and math creativity. This pattern remained even after
      controlling for family socioeconomic status, parents' education level, and
      adolescents' school mathematical performance. Implications and limitations are
      discussed.

PMID- 25111549
TI  - The influence of ethnic group variation on victimization and help seeking among
      Latino women.
AB  - Interpersonal violence research on Latinos has largely ignored the ethnic group
      variations that are included under the pan-ethnic term Latino. The current study
      adds to the literature by utilizing a national sample of Latino women to examine
      the interpersonal victimization experiences and help-seeking responses to
      victimization by ethnic group. The sample was drawn from the Sexual Assault Among
      Latinas Study (SALAS; Cuevas & Sabina, 2010) that surveyed 2,000 self-identified
      adult Latino women. For the purpose of this study, victimization in the United
      States was examined among Mexican ethnics (73.3% of sample), Cuban ethnics (14%),
      and other ethnics (12.8%). Mexican ethnicity was found to be significantly
      associated with increased odds of experiencing any, physical, sexual, threat, and
      stalking victimization. Findings also show that higher levels of Latino
      orientation and being an immigrant were associated with decreased odds of
      experiencing any victimization, whereas Anglo orientation, as measured by the
      Brief ARSMA-II (Cuellar, Arnold, & Maldonado, 1995), was associated with greater
      odds of experiencing any victimization. Anglo orientation was significantly
      associated with formal help seeking. Taken as a whole, these findings emphasize
      the importance of bilingual and culturally competent services and also reveal
      that culturally competent services includes developing an understanding of the
      cultural differences between Latino ethnic groups. Specifically, service
      providers should be aware that Latinos of Mexican ethnicity may face unique risks
      for victimization.

PMID- 25111550
TI  - Therapist effects, working alliance, and African American women substance users.
AB  - African American (AfA) women with substance use disorders experience low rates of
      treatment retention compared to other groups of substance abusers. This is
      problematic since substance abuse treatment is effective only to the extent
      clients are retained. A weak working alliance is a significant barrier to
      treatment retention for AfA women. Thus, identifying therapist characteristics
      that facilitate a strong working alliance among this population stands as a
      promising step toward reducing disparities in treatment retention for this group.
      Therapist characteristics were explored as predictors of working alliance with
      AfA women substance users (N = 102). Two hypotheses were tested: (1) Population
      Sensitive Therapist Characteristics (PSTCs: multicultural competence,
      egalitarianism, and empowerment) will explain a significant amount of variance in
      working alliance beyond that explained by general therapist characteristics
      (GTCs: empathy, regard, and genuineness) and (2) GTCs will partially mediate the
      effect of each individual PSTC on working alliance. Hierarchical multiple
      regression revealed that PSTCs explained 12% of the variance in working alliance
      after controlling for GTCs. Bootstrapping analyses demonstrated that GTCs
      mediated the effect of each PSTC on working alliance. Findings suggest that
      therapists can facilitate a stronger working alliance with AfA women substance
      users through demonstration of PSTCs in addition to GTCs, and that PSTCs are
      facilitative because they increase the likelihood the therapist is perceived as
      empathic, having unconditional positive regard, and genuine. Clinical and
      therapist training implications are discussed.

PMID- 25111551
TI  - Person-environment fit: everyday conflict and coparenting conflict in Mexican
      origin teen mother families.
AB  - The current study examined whether a match or mismatch between teen mothers'
      cultural orientation and the cultural context of the family (i.e., familial
      ethnic socialization) predicted mother-daughter everyday and coparenting
      conflict, and in turn, teen mothers' adjustment. Participants were 204 Mexican
      origin teen mothers (M age = 16.81 years; SD = 1.00). Consistent with a person
      environment fit perspective, findings indicated that a mismatch between teen
      mothers' cultural orientation (i.e., high mainstream cultural involvement) and
      the cultural context of the family (i.e., higher levels of familial ethnic
      socialization) predicted greater mother-daughter everyday conflict and
      coparenting conflict 1 year later. However, when there was a match (i.e., high
      levels of familial ethnic socialization for teen mothers with high Mexican
      orientation), familial ethnic socialization was not associated with mother
      daughter conflict. In addition, mother-daughter conflict was positively
      associated with depressive symptoms and engagement in risky behaviors 1 year
      later among all teen mothers.

PMID- 25111553
TI  - See no evil: color blindness and perceptions of subtle racial discrimination in
      the workplace.
AB  - Workplace discrimination has grown more ambiguous, with interracial interactions
      often perceived differently by different people. The present study adds to the
      literature by examining a key individual difference variable in the perception of
      discrimination at work, namely individual color-blind attitudes. We examined
      relationships between 3 dimensions of color-blind attitudes (Racial Privilege,
      Institutional Discrimination, and Blatant Racial Issues) and perceptions of
      racial microaggressions in the workplace as enacted by a White supervisor toward
      a Black employee (i.e., discriminatory actions ranging from subtle to overt).
      Findings showed that observer views on institutional discrimination fully
      mediated, and blatant racial issues partially mediated, the relationships between
      racial group membership and the perception of workplace microaggressions. Non
      Hispanic Whites endorsed color blindness as institutional discrimination and
      blatant racial issues significantly more than members of racioethnic minority
      groups, and higher levels of color-blind worldviews were associated with lower
      likelihoods of perceiving microaggressions. Views on racial privilege did not
      differ significantly between members of different racial groups or affect
      microaggression perceptions. Implications for organizations concerned about
      promoting more inclusive workplaces are discussed.

PMID- 25111552
TI  - The joint effect of bias awareness and self-reported prejudice on intergroup
      anxiety and intentions for intergroup contact.
AB  - Two correlational studies investigated the joint effect of bias awareness-a new
      individual difference measure that assesses Whites' awareness and concern about
      their propensity to be biased-and prejudice on Whites' intergroup anxiety and
      intended intergroup contact. Using a community sample (Study 1), we found the
      predicted Bias Awareness * Prejudice interaction. Prejudice was more strongly
      related to interracial anxiety among those high (vs. low) in bias awareness.
      Study 2 investigated potential behavioral consequences in an important real world
      context: medical students' intentions for working primarily with minority
      patients. Study 2 replicated the Bias Awareness * Prejudice interaction and
      further demonstrated that interracial anxiety mediated medical students'
      intentions to work with minority populations.

PMID- 25111554
TI  - Mild test anxiety influences neurocognitive performance among African Americans
      and European Americans: identifying interfering and facilitating sources.
AB  - The current study examined ethnic/racial differences in test-related anxiety and
      its relationship to neurocognitive performance in a community sample of African
      American (n = 40) and European American (n = 36) adults. The authors hypothesized
      the following: (a) Test-anxiety related to negative performance evaluation would
      be associated with lower neurocognitive performance, whereas anxiety unrelated to
      negative evaluation would be associated with higher neurocognitive performance.
      (b) African American participants would report higher levels of anxiety about
      negative performance evaluation than European Americans. (c) European Americans
      would report higher levels of anxiety unrelated to negative performance
      evaluation. The first two hypotheses were supported: Ethnic/racial differences in
      test-taking anxiety emerged such that African Americans reported significantly
      higher levels of negative performance evaluation, which was associated with lower
      cognitive performance. The third hypothesis was not supported: African Americans
      and European Americans reported similar levels of test-anxiety unrelated to
      negative evaluation.

PMID- 25111555
TI  - The Pacific Identity and Wellbeing Scale-Revised (PIWBS-R).
AB  - We develop and validate a revised version of the Pacific Identity and Wellbeing
      Scale (the PIWBS-R). This revision extends the original 5-factor PIWBS model to
      include a sixth subscale assessing Cultural Efficacy (CE). The definition and
      item content for CE was based on a synthesis of research on self-efficacy and
      Pacific cultural capital. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (N = 919) supported the
      revised 6-factor PIWBS-R model. Validation analyses using a sample subset
      indicated that the PIWBS-R subscales predicted distinct criterion outcomes (Ns =
      452-522). CE uniquely predicted self-reported Church Attendance, travel to the
      Pacific Islands, confidence in speaking Pacific heritage language, and
      satisfaction with health. Critically, Pacific Connectedness and Belonging and
      Perceived Societal Wellbeing predicted a lower likelihood of having been
      diagnosed with diabetes. These findings highlight the potential of the PIWBS-R
      model for research assessing the protective function of certain aspects of
      Pacific identity on health-related outcomes. A copy of the PIWBS-R, scale
      psychometrics, and construct definitions are provided.

PMID- 25111556
TI  - Mechanistic study on the palladium(II)-catalyzed synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted
      indoles under aerobic conditions: anion effects and the development of a low
      catalyst-loading process.
AB  - As a result of detailed mechanistic and kinetic studies, we have proposed that
      PdX2-catalyzed oxidative coupling of o-alkynylanilines 1 with terminal alkynes 2
      under aerobic conditions is initiated by aminopalladation of 1 followed by ligand
      exchange of the resulting sigma-indolylpalladium(II) complex with 2, reductive
      elimination and N-demethylation. Side reactions associated with intermediates on
      the way to 2,3-disubstituted indoles 3 were identified, and the roles of acetate
      and iodide in channeling the reaction towards the desired product were
      established. Based on kinetic and spectroscopic studies, the soluble iodide
      ligated Pd(0) species was proposed to be the resting state of the catalyst and
      its oxidation to active Pd(II) species was the turnover-limiting step. Catalytic
      conditions with low loading of Pd(OAc)2 (0.0005 to 0.001 equiv) were subsequently
      developed.

PMID- 25111557
TI  - Vibrational dynamics and solvatochromism of the label SCN in various solvents and
      hemoglobin by time dependent IR and 2D-IR spectroscopy.
AB  - We investigated the characteristics of the thiocyanate (SCN) functional group as
      a probe of local structural dynamics for 2D-IR spectroscopy of proteins,
      exploiting the dependence of vibrational frequency on the environment of the
      label. Steady-state and time-resolved infrared spectroscopy are performed on the
      model compound methylthiocyanate (MeSCN) in solvents of different polarity, and
      compared to data obtained on SCN as a local probe introduced as cyanylated
      cysteine in the protein bovine hemoglobin. The vibrational lifetime of the
      protein label is determined to be 37 ps, and its anharmonicity is observed to be
      lower than that of the model compound (which itself exhibits solvent-independent
      anharmonicity). The vibrational lifetime of MeSCN generally correlates with the
      solvent polarity, i.e. longer lifetimes in less polar solvents, with the longest
      lifetime being 158 ps. However, the capacity of the solvent to form hydrogen
      bonds complicates this simplified picture. The long lifetime of the SCN vibration
      is in contrast to commonly used azide labels or isotopically-labeled amide I and
      better suited to monitor structural rearrangements by 2D-IR spectroscopy. We
      present time-dependent 2D-IR data on the labeled protein which reveal an
      initially inhomogeneous structure around the CN oscillator. The distribution
      becomes homogeneous after 5 picoseconds so that spectral diffusion has
      effectively erased the 'memory' of the CN stretching frequency. Therefore, the 2D
      IR data of the label incorporated in hemoglobin demonstrate how SCN can be
      utilized to sense rearrangements in the local structure on a picosecond
      timescale. 

PMID- 25111558
TI  - Melasma-like hyperpigmentation induced by intense pulsed light treatment in
      Chinese individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Symmetric melasma-like hyperpigmentation (MLH) has been identified in
      several patients following intense pulsed laser (IPL) treatment sessions. These
      patients exhibited no typical signs of melasma prior to IPL therapy. OBJECTIVES:
      To investigate the incidence of MLH in Chinese patients receiving IPL treatment
      and to discuss potential causative factors for this condition and potential
      preventive measures. METHODS: 675 patients with skin types III-IV who were
      treated with IPL were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: MLH was noted in 20 cases
      (20/675, 2.96%) within 3 months following IPL treatment session. All the patients
      had a pigmentary disorder prior to their IPL treatment s, the most common being
      photoaging or the presence of freckles. The lesions seen in 14 of the 20 cases
      (14/20, 70%) were multiple pigmented lesions along a wide distribution of the
      skin with undefined borders. Six of the cases had a strong post-treatment local
      reaction which also may have contributed to the MLH. In 2 cases, the original
      skin concern became worse following the IPL therapy and may have been a reason
      for the formation of MLH. In 6 cases, we noted that these individuals were not
      regular users of sunscreen post-therapy, despite our recommendations, which also
      may have contributed to the formation of their MLH. CONCLUSIONS: The adverse
      event and formation of IPL-induced MLH seen in Chinese individuals does have a
      relationship to a primary pigmentary lesion(s) and trend toward melasma prior to
      the IPL therapy. The IPL parameters chosen should be suitable for the skin
      condition being treated and should follow the recommendations of the
      manufacturer's default settings prior to undertaking the treatments. Post-therapy
      skin care and the use of appropriate sun protection are also important factors in
      preventing MLH.

PMID- 25111559
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed direct C(sp(2))-H alkoxylation of 2-aryloxypyridines using 2
      pyridyloxyl as the directing group.
AB  - An efficient and highly regioselective palladium-catalyzed ortho-C(sp(2))-H bond
      alkoxylation of 2-aryloxypyridines was developed using 2-pyridyloxyl as the
      directing group and alcohols as alkoxylation reagents. Under an air atmosphere
      and in the presence of PhI(OAc)2, the reaction gave the corresponding products in
      moderate to good yields, and a series of functional groups could be tolerated. 

PMID- 25111560
TI  - Gold-catalyzed 1,2-acyloxy migration/intramolecular [3+2] 1,3-dipolar
      cycloaddtion cascade reaction: an efficient strategy for syntheses of medium
      sized-ring ethers and amines.
AB  - A highly efficient strategy for the formation of medium-sized-ring ethers and
      amines based on a gold-catalyzed cascade reaction, involving enynyl ester
      isomerization and intramolecular [3+2] cyclization, has been developed. Various
      multisubstituted medium-sized-ring unsaturated ethers and amines were obtained
      through this transformation. This method represents one of the relatively few
      transition metal catalyzed intramolecular cycloaddition reactions for medium
      sized ring synthesis. 

PMID- 25111561
TI  - Automatic and quantitative assessment of regional muscle volume by multi-atlas
      segmentation using whole-body water-fat MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop and demonstrate a rapid whole-body magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) method for automatic quantification of total and regional skeletal muscle
      volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method was based on a multi-atlas segmentation
      of intensity corrected water-fat separated image volumes. Automatic lean muscle
      tissue segmentations were achieved by nonrigid registration of atlas datasets
      with 10 different manually segmented muscle groups. Ten subjects scanned at 1.5 T
      and 3.0 T were used as atlases, initial validation and optimization. Further
      validation used 11 subjects scanned at 3.0 T. The automated and manual
      segmentations were compared using intraclass correlation, true positive volume
      fractions, and delta volumes. RESULTS: For the 1.5 T datasets, the intraclass
      correlation, true positive volume fractions (mean +/- standard deviation, SD),
      and delta volumes (mean +/- SD) were 0.99, 0.91 +/- 0.02, -0.10 +/- 0.70L (whole
      body), 0.99, 0.93 +/- 0.02, 0.01 +/- 0.07L (left anterior thigh), and 0.98, 0.80
      +/- 0.07, -0.08 +/- 0.15L (left abdomen). The corresponding values at 3.0 T were
      0.97, 0.92 +/- 0.03, -0.17 +/- 1.37L (whole body), 0.99, 0.93 +/- 0.03, 0.03 +/-
      0.08L (left anterior thigh), and 0.89, 0.90 +/- 0.04, -0.03 +/- 0.42L (left
      abdomen). The validation datasets showed similar results. CONCLUSION: The method
      accurately quantified the whole-body skeletal muscle volume and the volume of
      separate muscle groups independent of field strength and image resolution.

PMID- 25111562
TI  - An arched micro-injector (ARCMI) for innocuous subretinal injection.
AB  - Several critical ocular diseases that can lead to blindness are due to retinal
      disorders. Subretinal drug delivery has been developed recently for the treatment
      of retinal disorders such as hemorrhage because of the specific ocular structure,
      namely, the blood retinal barrier (BRB). In the present study, we developed an
      Arched Micro-injector (ARCMI) for subretinal drug delivery with minimal retinal
      tissue damage. ARCMIs were fabricated using three major techniques: reverse
      drawing lithography, controlled air flow, and electroplating. In order to achieve
      minimal retinal tissue damage, ARCMIs were fabricated with specific features such
      as a 0.15 mm(-1) curvature, 45 degrees  tip bevel, 5 mm length, inner diameter of
      40 um, and an outer diameter of 100 um. These specific features were optimized
      via in-vitro experiments in artificial ocular hemispherical structures and
      subretinal injection of indocyanine green in porcine eye ex-vivo. We confirmed
      that the ARCMI was capable of delivering ocular drugs by subretinal injection
      without unusual subretinal tissue damage, including hemorrhage.

PMID- 25111563
TI  - Extracellular matrix components of adipose derived stromal cells promote
      alignment, organization, and maturation of cardiomyocytes in vitro.
AB  - Adipose derived stromal cells (ADSC) are relevant therapeutic agents to treat
      myocardial infarction (MI) in clinical trials. Soluble factors secreted by ADSC,
      such as growth factors and cytokines, suppress inflammation and apoptosis while
      promoting angiogenesis and the proliferation of cardiomyocytes (CM). Moreover,
      ADSC synthesize extracellular matrix (ECM) components into the intercellular
      space which might contribute to their therapeutic capacity. Thus, ADSC might
      directly modulate the post-MI microenvironment through a combination of paracrine
      and juxtacrine signaling. In this study, the juxtacrine role of ADSC and ADSC
      derived ECM on the organization and maturation of CM was investiagated. Human
      ADSC synthesized and deposited a heterogenous and complex mixture of ECM
      components such as collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, elastin as well as the
      matricellular protein periostin. Cocultures of rodent CM with human ADSC or with
      human ADSC-derived ECM components enhanced the cardiomyocyte alignment, their
      intercellular connections and the maturation of their sarcomeres, while the
      proliferation rate of the CM was increased and their level of hypertrophy
      reduced. The use of human ADSC-derived ECM could serve both to augment in vitro
      tissue-engineered myocardial constructs and to improve myocardial remodeling
      after infarction.

PMID- 25111564
TI  - Long survival in Leigh syndrome: new cases and review of literature.
AB  - Leigh syndrome (MIM 25600), also known as infantile subacute necrotizing
      encephalomyelopathy, is a neurodegenerative disorder with characteristic
      bilateral symmetric lesions in basal ganglia and subcortical brain regions. It is
      commonly associated with systemic cytochrome c oxidase (COX) deficiency and
      mutations in the SURF1 gene (MIM 185620), encoding a putative assembly or
      maintenance factor of COX. The clinical course is dominated by neurodevelopmental
      regression, brain stem, and basal ganglia involvement (e.g., dystonia, apnea)
      with death often occurring before the age of 10 years. Herein, we present three
      sisters carrying a previously reported homozygous SURF1 mutation (c.868_869insT)
      that is predicted to result in a truncated protein with loss of function. Our
      patients show heterogeneous clinical findings with different distribution
      patterns of metabolic lesions in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well
      as a Chiari malformation with hydrocephalus in one patient. However, all three
      siblings show an unusual long survival (12 years and>16 years). COX activity was
      not detectable in one patient and strongly reduced in the other two. We discuss
      these findings with respect to a review of the literature. A total of 15
      additional patients with survival>14 years have been reported so far. Overall, no
      clear genotype-phenotype correlations are detectable among these patients.

PMID- 25111565
TI  - Researchers-in-residence: a solution to the challenge of evidence-informed
      improvement?

PMID- 25111566
TI  - Increased low-frequency oscillation amplitude of sensorimotor cortex associated
      with the severity of structural impairment in cervical myelopathy.
AB  - Decreases in metabolites and increased motor-related, but decreased sensory
      related activation of the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) have been observed in
      patients with cervical myelopathy (CM) using advanced MRI techniques. However,
      the nature of intrinsic neuronal activity in the SMC, and the relationship
      between cerebral function and structural damage of the spinal cord in patients
      with CM are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to assess
      intrinsic neuronal activity by calculating the regional amplitude of low
      frequency fluctuations (ALFF) using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), and
      correlations with clinical and imaging indices. Nineteen patients and 19 age- and
      sex-matched healthy subjects underwent rs-fMRI scans. ALFF measurements were
      performed in the SMC, a key brain network likely to impaired or reorganized
      patients with CM. Compared with healthy subjects, increased amplitude of cortical
      low-frequency oscillations (LFO) was observed in the right precentral gyrus,
      right postcentral gyrus, and left supplementary motor area. Furthermore,
      increased z-ALFF values in the right precentral gyrus and right postcentral gyrus
      correlated with decreased fractional anisotropy values at the C2 level, which
      indicated increased intrinsic neuronal activity in the SMC corresponding to the
      structural impairment in the spinal cord of patients with CM. These findings
      suggest a complex and diverging relationship of cortical functional
      reorganization and distal spinal anatomical compression in patients with CM and,
      thus, add important information in understanding how spinal cord integrity may be
      a factor in the intrinsic covariance of spontaneous low-frequency fluctuations of
      BOLD signals involved in cortical plasticity. 

PMID- 25111567
TI  - Preparation and multiple antitumor properties of AuNRs/spinach extract/PEGDA
      composite hydrogel.
AB  - In this study, a novel composite hydrogel that contains spinach extract (SE),
      gold nanorods (AuNRs), and poly(ethylene glycol) double acrylates (PEGDA) is
      prepared through a one-step in situ photopolymerization under noninvasive 660 nm
      laser irradiation for localized antitumor activity. SE plays a role as a
      photoinitiator for initiating the formation of the PEGDA hydrogel and as an
      excellent photosensitizer for generating cytotoxic singlet oxygen ((1)O2) with
      oxygen to kill tumor cells. AuNRs can be used as a photoabsorbing agent to
      generate heat from optical energy. Moreover, the introduction of AuNRs is
      conducive to the formation of the hydrogel and accelerates the rate of (1)O2
      generation. The composite hydrogel shell, which has good biocompatibility on
      tumor cells, can prevent the photosensitizer from migrating to normal tissue and
      maintains a high concentration on lesions, thereby enhancing the curative effect.
      The combination of NIR light-triggered mild photothermal heating of AuNRs, the
      photodynamic treatment using SE, and localized gelation by photopolymerization
      exhibits a synergistic effect for the destruction of cancer cells. 

PMID- 25111568
TI  - The association of genes involved in the angiogenesis-associated signaling
      pathway with risk of anterior cruciate ligament rupture.
AB  - Angiogenesis-associated signaling is a fundamental component in the remodeling of
      the extracellular matrix in response to loading. Genes encoding protein
      components within this signaling cascade are therefore suitable candidates for
      investigation into ACL injury susceptibility: namely, vascular endothelial growth
      factor A isoform (VEGFA), kinase insert-domain receptor (KDR), nerve growth
      factor (NGF), and hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF1A). A case-control genetic
      association study was conducted on 227 asymptomatic control participants and 227
      participants with surgically diagnosed ACL ruptures of which 126 participants
      reported a non-contact mechanism of rupture. All participants were genotyped for
      seven polymorphisms within the four genes. The VEGFA rs699947 CC genotype
      (p=0.010, OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.17-3.17) was significantly over-represented within
      participants with non-contact ACL ruptures. The VEGFA rs1570360 GA genotype was
      significantly over-represented in the CON group (p=0.007, OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.16
      2.50). Furthermore, the KDR rs2071559 GA genotype was significantly over
      represented in the female controls (p=0.023, OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.11-4.22).
      Inferred haplotype analyses also implicated genomic regions spanning the VEGFA
      and KDR genes. These novel findings suggest that regions within VEGFA and KDR may
      be implicated in the pathophysiology of ACL ruptures; highlighting the potential
      biological significance of angiogenesis-associated signaling in the aetiology of
      ACL ruptures.

PMID- 25111569
TI  - Venous thromboembolism after diaphragm pacing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are prone to
      venous thromboembolism (VTE) and secondary complications. Because there is an
      increased incidence of VTE after surgical procedures, placement of a Diaphragm
      Pacing System (DPS) in ALS patients as treatment for respiratory muscle weakness
      could potentially increase the incidence of VTE, especially in patients with
      limited mobility. METHODS: We implanted a DPS in 10 ALS patients who met the
      criteria for this procedure. They underwent a preoperative evaluation as
      recommended by the guidelines. RESULTS: We report 2 patients with no symptoms of
      deep vein thrombosis (DVT) before the surgical procedure who then developed
      perioperative VTE. CONCLUSIONS: These patients highlight the need to consider
      preoperative screening for DVT and postoperative thromboprophylaxis in high-risk
      ALS patients who undergo DPS placement.

PMID- 25111570
TI  - The combination use of platelet-rich fibrin and treated dentin matrix for tooth
      root regeneration by cell homing.
AB  - Endogenous regeneration through cell homing provides an alternative approach for
      tissue regeneration, except cell transplantation, especially considering clinical
      translation. However, tooth root regeneration through cell homing remains a
      provocative approach in need of intensive study. Both platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)
      and treated dentin matrix (TDM) are warehouses of various growth factors, which
      can promote cell homing. We hypothesized that endogenous stem cells are able to
      sense biological cues from PRF membrane and TDM, and contribute to the
      regeneration of tooth root, including soft and hard periodontal tissues.
      Therefore, the biological effects of canine PRF and TDM on periodontal ligament
      stem cells (PDLSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were evaluated
      respectively in vitro. Beagle dogs were used as orthotopic transplantation model.
      It was found that PRF significantly recruited and stimulated the proliferation of
      PDLSCs and BMSCs in vitro. Together, PRF and TDM induced cell differentiation by
      upregulating the mineralization-related gene expression of bone sialoprotein
      (BSP) and osteopotin (OPN) after 7 days coculture. In vivo, transplantation of
      autologous PRF and allogeneic TDM into fresh tooth extraction socket achieved
      successful root regeneration 3 months postsurgery, characterized by the
      regeneration of cementum and periodontal ligament (PDL)-like tissues with
      orientated fibers, indicative of functional restoration. The results suggest that
      tooth root connected to the alveolar bone by cementum-PDL complex can be
      regenerated through the implantation of PRF and TDM in a tooth socket
      microenvironment, probably by homing of BMSCs and PDLSCs. Furthermore, bioactive
      cues and inductive microenvironment are key factors for endogenous regeneration.
      This approach provides a tangible pathway toward clinical translation. 

PMID- 25111571
TI  - Mild traumatic brain injury defined by Glasgow Coma Scale: Is it really mild?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Conventionally, a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13-15 defines
      mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The aim of this study was to identify the
      factors that predict progression on repeat head computed tomography (RHCT) and
      neurosurgical intervention (NSI) in patients categorized as mild TBI with
      intracranial injury (intracranial haemorrhage and/or skull fracture). METHODS:
      This study performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with traumatic
      brain injury who presented to a level 1 trauma centre. Patients with blunt TBI,
      an intracranial injury and admission GCS of 13-15 without anti-platelet and anti
      coagulation therapy were included. The outcome measures were: progression on RHCT
      and need for neurosurgical intervention (craniotomy and/or craniectomy). RESULTS:
      A total of 1800 patients were reviewed, of which 876 patients were included. One
      hundred and fifteen (13.1%) patients had progression on RHCT scan. Progression on
      RHCT was 8-times more likely in patients with subdural haemorrhage >=10 mm, 5
      times more likely with epidural haemorrhage >=10 mm and 3-times more likely with
      base deficit >=4. Forty-seven patients underwent a neurosurgical intervention.
      Patients with displaced skull fracture were 10-times more likely and patients
      with base deficit >4 were 21-times more likely to have a neurosurgical
      intervention. CONCLUSION: In patients with intracranial injury, a mild GCS score
      (GCS 13-15) in patients with an intracranial injury does not preclude progression
      on repeat head CT and the need for a neurosurgical intervention. Base deficit
      greater than four and displaced skull fracture are the greatest predictors for
      neurosurgical intervention in patients with mild TBI and an intracranial injury.

PMID- 25111572
TI  - Synthesizing scientific progress: outcomes from U.S. EPA's carbonaceous aerosols
      and source apportionment STAR grants.
AB  - In response to recommendations by the National Research Council in the late 1990
      s and early 2000s for critical research into understanding sources and formation
      mechanisms of PM2.5, EPA created multiple funding opportunities through the
      Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program: "Measurement, Modeling, and Analysis
      Methods for Airborne Carbonaceous Fine Particulate Matter" (2003) and "Source
      Apportionment of Particulate Matter" (2004). The carbonaceous fine PM
      solicitation resulted in 16 different projects focusing on the measurement
      methods, source identification, and exploration of the chemical and physical
      processes important for PM2.5 carbon in the atmosphere. The source apportionment
      funding opportunity led to 11 projects improving tools and characterization of
      source-receptor relationships of PM2.5. Many funding mechanisms include a final
      synopsis of funded research and published manuscripts. Here, this evaluation is
      extended to include citations of research published as part of these
      solicitations. These solicitations resulted in 275 publications that included
      more than 850 unique authors in 37 different journals with a weighted average
      2011 impact factor of 4.21. At the time of this assessment, these publications
      have been cited by 13,612 peer review journal articles with 31 (11%) of the
      manuscripts being cited over 100 times.

PMID- 25111573
TI  - Incidence of acute coronary syndrome in the general Medicare population, 1992 to
      2009: a real-world perspective.

PMID- 25111574
TI  - A review of multiple hypothesis testing in otolaryngology literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Multiple hypothesis testing (or multiple testing) refers
      to testing more than one hypothesis within a single analysis, and can inflate the
      type I error rate (false positives) within a study. The aim of this review was to
      quantify multiple testing in recent large clinical studies in the otolaryngology
      literature and to discuss strategies to address this potential problem. DATA
      SOURCES: Original clinical research articles with >100 subjects published in 2012
      in the four general otolaryngology journals with the highest Journal Citation
      Reports 5-year impact factors. REVIEW METHODS: Articles were reviewed to
      determine whether the authors tested greater than five hypotheses in at least one
      family of inferences. For the articles meeting this criterion for multiple
      testing, type I error rates were calculated, and statistical correction was
      applied to the reported results. RESULTS: Of the 195 original clinical research
      articles reviewed, 72% met the criterion for multiple testing. Within these
      studies, there was a mean 41% chance of a type I error and, on average, 18% of
      significant results were likely to be false positives. After the Bonferroni
      correction was applied, only 57% of significant results reported within the
      articles remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple testing is common in recent
      large clinical studies in otolaryngology and deserves closer attention from
      researchers, reviewers, and editors. Strategies for adjusting for multiple
      testing are discussed.

PMID- 25111575
TI  - Safety evaluation of the human-identical milk monosaccharide sialic acid (N
      acetyl-d-neuraminic acid) in Sprague-Dawley rats.
AB  - N-Acetyl-d-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) is the predominant form of sialic acid (Sia)
      in humans, while other mammals express Sia as a mixture with N-glycolyl-d
      neuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). Neu5Ac occurs in highest levels in the brain and in
      breast milk, and is therefore, coined a human-specific milk monosaccharide, and
      is thought to play an important nutritional role in the developing infant.
      Synthesized human-identical milk monosaccharide (HiMM) Neu5Ac is proposed for use
      in infant formulas to better simulate the free saccharides present in human
      breast milk. As part of the safety evaluation of HiMM Neu5Ac, a subchronic
      dietary toxicity study preceded by an in utero phase was conducted in Sprague
      Dawley rats. Neu5Ac was without maternal toxicity or compound-related adverse
      effects on female reproduction and on the general growth and development of
      offspring at a maternal dietary level of up to 2%, equivalent to a dose of
      1895mg/kg body weight (bw)/day. During the subchronic phase, no compound-related
      adverse effects were observed in first generation rats at dietary levels of up to
      2% (highest level tested), corresponding to doses of 974 and 1246mg/kgbw/day in
      males and females, respectively. Neu5Ac also was non-genotoxic in a series of in
      vitro genotoxicity/mutagenicity tests. These results support the safe use of
      Neu5Ac both in infant formula and as a food ingredient at levels equivalent to
      those found naturally in human breast milk. 

PMID- 25111578
TI  - Stromal nodules in benign prostatic hyperplasia: morphologic and
      immunohistochemical characteristics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One hundred forty nine stromal nodules (SNs) from transurethral
      resection of benign prostatic hyperplasia specimens in 39 patients (57-85 years
      with mean of 70.9) were investigated to characterize the SNs and to outline the
      etiopathogenesis of solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) and gastrointestinal stromal
      tumors (GISTs) of prostate by immunohistochemistry performed on tissue microarray
      sections. METHODS: Antibodies used included smooth muscle actin, desmin,
      vimentin, and S-100 protein for subtyping, vascular endothelial growth factor,
      insulin-like growth factor-1, fibroblast growth factor, and TGF-beta as growth
      factors; CD133, c-KIT, CD34, and CD44 as stem cell markers; and estrogen (ER),
      progesterone (PR), and androgen receptor (AR) as hormone receptors. RESULTS: SNs
      were classified into four subtypes: (1) immature mesenchymal (n = 7, 4.7%); (2)
      fibroblastic (n = 74, 49.7%); (3) fibromuscular (n = 53, 35.6%); and (4) smooth
      muscular (n = 15, 10.1%) types. There were linear trends of the expression of all
      growth factors (VEGF, IGF-1, FGF, TGF-beta), but only CD44 stem cell marker and
      AR hormone receptor as maturation progressed from immature mesenchymal to smooth
      muscular type (Ptrend  < 0.05). S-100, c-KIT, and ER were not expressed in any
      types of SNs. CD34 was positive in 55% of the SNs (82/149). CONCLUSIONS: The data
      suggest that AR and growth factors are important factors for maturation of SNs,
      but not influenced by the administration of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI).
      Although the cells comprising the SNs seem to be not associated with the origin
      of prostatic GISTs, there is a possibility of a tentative link of SFTs arising
      from SNs of the prostate.

PMID- 25111576
TI  - Measures of initiation and progression to increased smoking among current menthol
      compared to non-menthol cigarette smokers based on data from four U.S. government
      surveys.
AB  - There are no large-scale, carefully designed cohort studies that provide evidence
      on whether menthol cigarette use is associated with a differential risk of
      initiating and/or progressing to increased smoking. However, questions of whether
      current menthol cigarette smokers initiated smoking at a younger age or are more
      likely to have transitioned from non-daily to daily cigarette use compared to non
      menthol smokers can be addressed using cross-sectional data from U.S. government
      surveys. Analyses of nationally representative samples of adult and youth smokers
      indicate that current menthol cigarette use is not associated with an earlier age
      of having initiated smoking or greater likelihood of being a daily versus non
      daily smoker. Some surveys likewise provide information on cigarette type
      preference (menthol versus non-menthol) among youth at different stages or
      trajectories of smoking, based on number of days smoked during the past month
      and/or cigarettes smoked per day. Prevalence of menthol cigarette use does not
      appear to differ among new, less experienced youth smokers compared to
      established youth smokers. While there are limitations with regard to inferences
      that can be drawn from cross-sectional analyses, these data do not suggest any
      adverse effects for menthol cigarettes on measures of initiation and progression
      to increased smoking. 

PMID- 25111579
TI  - Tissue alterations in urethral and vaginal walls related to multiparity in
      rabbits.
AB  - In rodents, vaginal distention after delivery or experimental manipulation
      affects innervations as well as the amount of striated/smooth musculature or
      collagen in both the urethra and vagina. These changes are associated with
      modifications in excretory and reproductive processes. Although successive and
      consecutive vaginal deliveries (multiparity) affect the contractile and
      functional properties of the female lower urogenital tract (LUT), its impact on
      LUT morphometry, including persistency, has been barely studied. The caudal
      urethra (CU) and cranial (V1) and caudal (V2) pelvic vaginal regions were excised
      from young and adult nulliparous (YN and AN, respectively) and multiparous (YM
      and AM, respectively) rabbits. Tissues were histologically processed and stained
      with Masson's trichrome. The thickness of the tissue layers and areas covered by
      tissue components were measured and compared using two-way ANOVA followed by
      Student-Newmann-Keuls tests to determine statistical differences (P <= 0.05).
      Compared to YN, YM, and AN tissues showed a reduction in the thickness of the
      epithelium, as well as in areas covered by striated musculature, collagen, and
      blood vessels of the LUT. In comparison with YM, only some morphometric changes
      were recovered in the AM group. Our study shows that multiparity and age can be
      associated with epithelial and muscular atrophy of urethral and vaginal walls.
      The morphometry of the LUT between young and adult female rabbits varies with
      multiparity. These findings may help to better understand the effects of
      multiparity on young and adult females and its correlation with the development
      of pelvic dysfunctions.

PMID- 25111580
TI  - Statistical power and optimal design in experiments in which samples of
      participants respond to samples of stimuli.
AB  - Researchers designing experiments in which a sample of participants responds to a
      sample of stimuli are faced with difficult questions about optimal study design.
      The conventional procedures of statistical power analysis fail to provide
      appropriate answers to these questions because they are based on statistical
      models in which stimuli are not assumed to be a source of random variation in the
      data, models that are inappropriate for experiments involving crossed random
      factors of participants and stimuli. In this article, we present new methods of
      power analysis for designs with crossed random factors, and we give detailed,
      practical guidance to psychology researchers planning experiments in which a
      sample of participants responds to a sample of stimuli. We extensively examine 5
      commonly used experimental designs, describe how to estimate statistical power in
      each, and provide power analysis results based on a reasonable set of default
      parameter values. We then develop general conclusions and formulate rules of
      thumb concerning the optimal design of experiments in which a sample of
      participants responds to a sample of stimuli. We show that in crossed designs,
      statistical power typically does not approach unity as the number of participants
      goes to infinity but instead approaches a maximum attainable power value that is
      possibly small, depending on the stimulus sample. We also consider the
      statistical merits of designs involving multiple stimulus blocks. Finally, we
      provide a simple and flexible Web-based power application to aid researchers in
      planning studies with samples of stimuli.

PMID- 25111581
TI  - Plerixafor and abbreviated-course granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for
      mobilizing hematopoietic progenitor cells in light chain amyloidosis.
AB  - Cytokine-based mobilization in light chain (AL) amyloidosis is frequently
      complicated by fluid overload, weight gain, cardiac arrhythmias, and peri
      mobilization mortality. We analyzed hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC)
      mobilization outcomes in 49 consecutive AL amyloidosis patients at our
      institution between 2004 and 2013 with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G)
      (10 MUg/kg/day) (n = 25) versus an institutional protocol to limit G exposure
      using plerixafor (P) (.24 mg/kg s.c. starting day 3 of G 10 MUg/kg) (n = 24). G+P
      strategy yielded higher total CD34(+) cells/kg (12.8 * 10(6) versus 6.3 * 10(6);
      P < .001) and CD34(+) cells/kg collected on day 1 (10.8 * 10(6) versus 4.9 *
      10(6), P = .004) compared with the G cohort. More G+P patients collected >=5 *
      10(6) CD34(+) HPCs/kg (22 versus 16, P = .02) and >= 10 * 10(6) CD34(+) HPCs/kg
      (13 versus 5, P = .01). Four patients (16%) had mobilization failure with G; none
      with G+P. Peri-mobilization weight gain was lower with G+P strategy (median
      weight gain 1 versus 7 pounds, P = .009). Numbers of apheresis sessions (median,
      1 versus 1, P = .52), number of hospitalization days (median, 1.1 versus 1.6, P =
      .52), transfusions, use of intravenous antibiotics, and cardiac arrhythmias were
      similar. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that upfront use of G+P as a
      mobilization strategy results in superior HPC collection, no mobilization
      failures, and less weight gain than G alone. 

PMID- 25111584
TI  - Expression levels of mRNA for neurosteroidogenic enzymes 17beta-HSD, 5alpha
      reductase, 3alpha-HSD and cytochrome P450 aromatase in the fetal wild type and SF
      1 knockout mouse brain.
AB  - The presence of steroidogenic enzymes in the brain suggests de novo synthesis of
      steroid hormones in the brain. The current study was designed to determine the
      developmental profiles of cytochrome p450 aromatase (cyp19), 17beta
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD), 5alpha-reductase type I and 3alpha
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3alpha-HSD) mRNA expression levels in the fetal
      mouse brain and potential influence of peripheral steroids, and the steroidogenic
      factor 1 (SF-1) gene on their expression. Brains were collected from WT and SF-1
      knockout male and female fetuses at embryonic (E) days E12, E14, E16, and E18.
      Quantitative PCR analyses revealed age related increases in the expression levels
      of 17beta-HSD and 5alpha-reductase. Differences between genotypes in the
      expression levels of 17beta-HSD and 5alpha-reductase were detected on E14, with
      reduced levels of expression in SF-1 KO males and females for 17beta-HSD and only
      between females for 5alpha-reductase. Expression of 3alpha-HSD mRNA did not
      differ significantly between sexes, age groups or genotypes with the exception of
      SF-1 KO males, which had an unexplained increase in mRNA for this enzyme on day
      E18. Expression of cyp19 was at the limit of detection and could not be analyzed
      effectively. There were no sex differences and, with the exception of small
      difference on E14 for 17beta-HSD and 5alpha-reductase, no differences between
      genotypes. The results suggest that gonadal steroids do not influence the
      production of neurosteroids in the fetal brain, nor does SF-1 play a major role
      in the regulation of steroidogenic enzyme expression in the brain.

PMID- 25111582
TI  - Nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for GATA2
      deficiency.
AB  - We treated 14 patients with GATA2 deficiency using a nonmyeloablative allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation regimen. Four patients received
      peripheral blood stem cells from matched related donors (MRD), 4 patients
      received peripheral blood stem cells from matched unrelated donors (URD), 4
      patients received hematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood donors
      (UCB), and 2 patients received bone marrow cells from haploidentical related
      donors. MRD and URD recipients received conditioning with 3 days of fludarabine
      and 200 cGy total body irradiation (TBI). Haploidentical related donor recipients
      and UCB recipients received cyclophosphamide and 2 additional days of fludarabine
      along with 200 cGY TBI. MRD, URD, and UCB recipients received tacrolimus and
      sirolimus for post-transplantation immunosuppression, whereas haploidentical
      recipients received high-dose cyclophosphamide followed by tacrolimus and
      mycophenolate mofetil. Eight patients are alive with reconstitution of the
      severely deficient monocyte, B cell, and natural killer cell populations and
      reversal of the clinical phenotype at a median follow-up of 3.5 years. Two
      patients (1 URD recipient and 1 UCB recipient) rejected the donor graft and 1 MRD
      recipient relapsed with myelodysplastic syndrome after transplantation. We are
      currently using a high-dose conditioning regimen with busulfan and fludarabine in
      patients with GATA2 deficiency to achieve more consistent engraftment and
      eradication of the malignant myeloid clones. 

PMID- 25111585
TI  - Severity of influenza and noninfluenza acute respiratory illness among pregnant
      women, 2010-2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to identify characteristics of
      influenza illness contrasted with noninfluenza acute respiratory illness (ARI) in
      pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN: ARI among pregnant women was identified through
      daily surveillance during 2 influenza seasons (2010-2012). Within 8 days of
      illness onset, nasopharyngeal swabs were collected, and an interview was
      conducted for symptoms and other characteristics. A follow-up telephone interview
      was conducted 1-2 weeks later, and medical records were extracted. Severity of
      illness was evaluated by self-assessment of 12 illness symptoms, subjective
      ratings of overall impairment, highest reported temperature, illness duration,
      and medical utilization. RESULTS: Of 292 pregnant women with ARI, 100 tested
      positive for influenza viruses. Women with influenza illnesses reported higher
      symptom severity than those with noninfluenza ARI (median score, 18 vs 16 of 36;
      P < .05) and were more likely to report severe subjective feverishness (18% vs
      5%; P < .001), myalgia (28% vs 14%; P < .005), cough (46% vs 30%; P < .01), and
      chills (25% vs 13%; P < .01). More influenza illnesses were associated with fever
      greater than 38.9 degrees C (20% vs 5%; P < .001) and higher subjective
      impairment (mean score, 5.9 vs 4.8; P < .001). Differences in overall symptom
      severity, fever, cough, chills, early health care-seeking behavior, and
      impairment remained significant in multivariate models after adjusting for study
      site, season, age, vaccination status, and number of days since illness onset.
      CONCLUSION: Influenza had a greater negative impact on pregnant women than
      noninfluenza ARIs, as indicated by symptom severity and greater likelihood of
      elevated temperature. These results highlight the importance of preventing and
      treating influenza illnesses in pregnant women.

PMID- 25111583
TI  - Synergistic cytotoxicity of sorafenib with busulfan and nucleoside analogs in
      human FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplications-positive acute
      myeloid leukemia cells.
AB  - Clofarabine (Clo), fludarabine (Flu), and busulfan (Bu) are used in
      pretransplantation conditioning therapy for patients with myeloid leukemia. To
      further improve their efficacy in FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem
      duplications (FLT3-ITD)-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we investigated
      their synergism with sorafenib (Sor). Exposure of FLT3-ITD-positive MV-4-11 and
      MOLM 13 cells to Bu+Clo+Flu+Sor resulted in synergistic cytotoxicity; no such
      synergism was observed in the FLT3-wild type THP-1 and KBM3/Bu250(6) cell lines.
      The drug synergism in MV-4-11 cells could be attributed to activation of DNA
      damage response, histone 3 modifications, inhibition of prosurvival kinases, and
      activation of apoptosis. Further, the phosphorylation of kinases, including FLT3,
      MAPK kinase (MEK), and AKT, was inhibited. The FLT3-ITD substrate STAT5 and its
      target gene PIM 2 product decreased when cells were exposed to Sor alone,
      Bu+Clo+Flu, and Bu+Clo+Flu+Sor. The level of the proapoptotic protein p53
      upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) increased, whereas the level of
      prosurvival protein MCL-1 decreased when cells were exposed to Bu+Clo+Flu+Sor.
      The interactions of PUMA with MCL-1 and/or BCL-2 were enhanced when cells were
      exposed to Bu+Clo+Flu or Bu+Clo+Flu+Sor. The changes in the level of these
      proteins, which are involved in mitochondrial control of apoptosis, correlate
      with changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Bu+Clo+Flu+Sor decreased
      mitochondrial membrane potential by 60% and caused leakage of cytochrome c,
      second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC)/direct IAP Binding
      protein with low pI (DIABLO), and AIF from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm,
      caspase activation, and cell death, suggesting the activation of apoptosis.
      Analogous, synergistic cytotoxicity in response to Bu, Clo, Flu, and Sor was
      observed in mononuclear cells isolated from FLT3-ITD-positive AML patients.
      Although our previous studies were aimed at standardizing the conditioning
      regimen, the new findings suggest that patients with abnormal expression of FLT3
      might further benefit from individualizing treatment through the addition of Sor
      to Bu+Clo+Flu, thereby providing personalized pretransplantation therapy.

PMID- 25111586
TI  - Repeated measures of urinary oxidative stress biomarkers during pregnancy and
      preterm birth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate oxidative stress as a
      mechanism of preterm birth in human subjects; we examined associations between
      urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress that were measured at multiple time points
      during pregnancy and preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN: This nested case-control study
      included 130 mothers who delivered preterm and 352 mothers who delivered term who
      were originally recruited as part of an ongoing prospective birth cohort at
      Brigham and Women's Hospital. Two biomarkers that included 8
      hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-isoprostane were measured in urine samples
      that were collected at up to 4 time points (median 10, 18, 26, and 35 weeks)
      during gestation. RESULTS: Urinary concentrations of 8-isoprostane and 8-OHdG
      decreased and increased, respectively, as pregnancy progressed. Average levels of
      8-isoprostane across pregnancy were associated with increased odds of spontaneous
      preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 6.25; 95% confidence interval, 2.86-13.7),
      and associations were strongest with levels measured later in pregnancy. Average
      levels of 8-OHdG were protective against overall preterm birth (adjusted odds
      ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.34), and there were no apparent
      differences in the protective effect in cases of spontaneous preterm birth
      compared with cases of placental origin. Odds ratios for overall preterm birth
      were more protective in association with urinary 8-OHdG concentrations that were
      measured early in pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Maternal oxidative stress may be an
      important contributor to preterm birth, regardless of subtype and timing of
      exposure during pregnancy. The 2 biomarkers that were measured in the present
      study had opposite associations with preterm birth; an improved understanding of
      what each represents may help to identify more precisely important mechanisms in
      the pathway to preterm birth.

PMID- 25111587
TI  - Clinical experience and follow-up with large scale single-nucleotide polymorphism
      based noninvasive prenatal aneuploidy testing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to report on laboratory and clinical experience following 6
      months of clinical implementation of a single-nucleotide polymorphism-based
      noninvasive prenatal aneuploidy test in high- and low-risk women. STUDY DESIGN:
      All samples received from March through September 2013 and drawn >=9 weeks'
      gestation were included. Samples that passed quality control were analyzed for
      trisomy 21, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, and monosomy X. Results were reported as high
      or low risk for fetal aneuploidy for each interrogated chromosome. Relationships
      between fetal fraction and gestational age and maternal weight were analyzed.
      Follow-up on outcome was sought for a subset of high-risk cases. False-negative
      results were reported voluntarily by providers. Positive predictive value (PPV)
      was calculated from cases with an available prenatal or postnatal karyotype or
      clinical evaluation at birth. RESULTS: Samples were received from 31,030
      patients, 30,705 met study criteria, and 28,739 passed quality-control metrics
      and received a report detailing aneuploidy risk. Fetal fraction correlated
      positively with gestational age, and negatively with maternal weight. In all, 507
      patients received a high-risk result for any of the 4 tested conditions (324
      trisomy 21, 82 trisomy 18, 41 trisomy 13, 61 monosomy X; including 1 double
      aneuploidy case). Within the 17,885 cases included in follow-up analysis, 356
      were high risk, and outcome information revealed 184 (51.7%) true positives, 38
      (10.7%) false positives, 19 (5.3%) with ultrasound findings suggestive of
      aneuploidy, 36 (10.1%) spontaneous abortions without karyotype confirmation, 22
      (6.2%) terminations without karyotype confirmation, and 57 (16.0%) lost to follow
      up. This yielded an 82.9% PPV for all aneuploidies, and a 90.9% PPV for trisomy
      21. The overall PPV for women aged >=35 years was similar to the PPV for women
      aged <35 years. Two patients were reported as false negatives. CONCLUSION: The
      data from this large-scale report on clinical application of a commercially
      available noninvasive prenatal test suggest that the clinical performance of this
      single-nucleotide polymorphism-based noninvasive prenatal test in a mixed high-
      and low-risk population is consistent with performance in validation studies.

PMID- 25111589
TI  - The structure of cyclolinopeptide A in chloroform refined by RDC measurements.
AB  - Three-dimensional structures of molecules traditionally assigned from nuclear
      Overhauser effects and vicinal coupling constants are recently complemented by
      measurements of residual dipolar couplings. Residual dipolar couplings measured
      in a stretched poly(dimethylsiloxane) gel were used to determine the structure of
      cyclolinopeptide A in chloroform solution at -50  degrees C. After structure
      refinement, conformational details of main cluster were discussed in relation to
      crystal and nuclear Overhauser effect derived structures.

PMID- 25111590
TI  - Probing the electronic properties of individual MnPc molecules coupled to
      topological states.
AB  - Hybrid organic/inorganic interfaces have been widely reported to host emergent
      properties that go beyond those of their single constituents. Coupling molecules
      to the recently discovered topological insulators, which possess linearly
      dispersing and spin-momentum-locked Dirac fermions, may offer a promising
      platform toward new functionalities. Here, we report a scanning tunneling
      microscopy and spectroscopy study of the prototypical interface between MnPc
      molecules and a Bi2Te3 surface. MnPc is found to bind stably to the substrate
      through its central Mn atom. The adsorption process is only accompanied by a
      minor charge transfer across the interface, resulting in a moderately n-doped
      Bi2Te3 surface. More remarkably, topological states remain completely unaffected
      by the presence of the molecules, as evidenced by the absence of scattering
      patterns around adsorption sites. Interestingly, we show that, while the HOMO and
      LUMO orbitals closely resemble those of MnPc in the gas phase, a new hybrid state
      emerges through interaction with the substrate. Our results pave the way toward
      hybrid organic-topological insulator heterostructures, which may unveil a broad
      range of exciting and unknown phenomena. 

PMID- 25111591
TI  - Cellular immune responses against viral pathogens in shrimp.
AB  - Shrimp is one of the most important commercial marine species worldwide; however,
      viral diseases threaten the healthy development of shrimp aquaculture. In order
      to develop efficient control strategies against viral diseases, researchers have
      begun focusing increasing attention to the molecular mechanism of shrimp innate
      immunity. Although knowledge of shrimp humoral immunity has grown significantly
      in recent years, very little information is available about the cell-mediated
      immune responses. Several cellular processes such as phagocytosis, apoptosis, and
      RNA interference critical in cellular immune response play a significant role in
      endogenous antiviral activity in shrimp. In this review, we summarize the
      emerging research and highlight key mediators of cellular immune response to
      viral pathogens.

PMID- 25111592
TI  - A rapid and label-free SERS detection method for biomarkers in clinical
      biofluids.
AB  - A metal carbonyl-functionalized nanostructured substrate can be used in a rapid
      and simple assay for the detection of A1AT, a potential biomarker for bladder
      cancer, in clinical urine samples. The assay involves monitoring changes in the
      carbonyl stretching vibrations of the metal carbonyl via surface-enhanced Raman
      spectroscopy (SERS). These vibrations lie in the absorption spectral window of
      1800-2200 cm(-1), which is free of any spectral interference from biomolecules.

PMID- 25111588
TI  - Systematic review and metaanalysis of genetic association studies of urinary
      symptoms and prolapse in women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Family studies and twin studies demonstrate that lower urinary tract
      symptoms and pelvic organ prolapse are heritable. This review aimed to identify
      genetic polymorphisms tested for an association with lower urinary tract symptoms
      or prolapse, and to assess the strength, consistency, and risk of bias among
      reported associations. STUDY DESIGN: PubMed and HuGE Navigator were searched up
      to May 1, 2014, using a combination of genetic and phenotype key words, including
      "nocturia," "incontinence," "overactive bladder," "prolapse," and "enuresis."
      Major genetics, urology, and gynecology conference abstracts were searched from
      2005 through 2013. We screened 889 abstracts, and retrieved 78 full texts. In
      all, 27 published and 7 unpublished studies provided data on polymorphisms in or
      near 32 different genes. Fixed and random effects metaanalyses were conducted
      using codominant models of inheritance. We assessed the credibility of pooled
      associations using the interim Venice criteria. RESULTS: In pooled analysis, the
      rs4994 polymorphism of the ADRB3 gene was associated with overactive bladder
      (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-3.6; n = 419). The
      rs1800012 polymorphism of the COL1A1 gene was associated with prolapse (OR, 1.3;
      95% CI, 1.0-1.7; n = 838) and stress urinary incontinence (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.4
      3.2; n = 190). Other metaanalyses, including those for polymorphisms of
      COL3A1,LAMC1,MMP1,MMP3, and MMP9 did not show significant effects. Many studies
      were at high risk of bias from genotyping error or population stratification.
      CONCLUSION: These metaanalyses provide moderate epidemiological credibility for
      associations of variation in ADRB3 with overactive bladder, and variation of
      COL1A1 with prolapse. Clinical testing for any of these polymorphisms cannot be
      recommended based on current evidence.

PMID- 25111593
TI  - Role of troponin in patients with chronic kidney disease and suspected acute
      coronary syndrome: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have high prevalence of
      elevated serum troponin levels, which makes diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS) challenging. PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of troponin in ACS diagnosis,
      treatment, and prognosis among patients with CKD. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through May 2014. STUDY
      SELECTION: Studies examining elevated versus normal troponin levels in terms of
      their diagnostic performance in detection of ACS, effect on ACS management
      strategies, and prognostic value for mortality or cardiovascular events after ACS
      among patients with CKD. DATA EXTRACTION: Paired reviewers selected articles for
      inclusion, extracted data, and graded strength of evidence (SOE). DATA SYNTHESIS:
      Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria. The sensitivity of troponin T for
      ACS diagnosis ranged from 71% to 100%, and specificity ranged from 31% to 86% (6
      studies; low SOE). The sensitivity and specificity of troponin I ranged from 43%
      to 94% and from 48% to 100%, respectively (8 studies; low SOE). No studies
      examined how troponin levels affect management strategies. Twelve studies
      analyzed prognostic value. Elevated levels of troponin I or troponin T were
      associated with higher risk for short-term death and cardiac events (low SOE). A
      similar trend was observed for long-term mortality with troponin I (low SOE), but
      less evidence was found for long-term cardiac events for troponin I and long-term
      outcomes for troponin T (insufficient SOE). Patients with advanced CKD tended to
      have worse prognoses with elevated troponin I levels than those without them
      (moderate SOE). LIMITATION: Studies were heterogeneous in design and in ACS
      definitions and adjudication methods. CONCLUSION: In patients with CKD and
      suspected ACS, troponin levels can aid in identifying those with a poor
      prognosis, but the diagnostic utility is limited by varying estimates of
      sensitivity and specificity. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Agency for Healthcare
      Research and Quality.

PMID- 25111594
TI  - Circulating tumour cells in metastatic head and neck cancers.
AB  - Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer
      with 650,000 new cases p/a worldwide. HNSCC causes high morbidity with a 5-year
      survival rate of less than 60%, which has not improved due to the lack of early
      detection (Bozec et al. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2013;270: 2745-9). Metastatic
      disease remains one of the leading causes of death in HNSCC patients. This review
      article provides a comprehensive overview of literature over the past 5 years on
      the detection of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in HNSCC; CTC biology and future
      perspectives. CTCs are a hallmark of invasive cancer cells and key to metastasis.
      CTCs can be used as surrogate markers of overall survival and progression-free
      survival. CTCs are currently used as prognostic factors for breast, prostate and
      colorectal cancers using the CellSearch(r) system. CTCs have been detected in
      HNSCC, however, these numbers depend on the technique applied, time of blood
      collection and the clinical stage of the patient. The impact of CTCs in HNSCC is
      not well understood, and thus, not in routine clinical practice. Validated
      detection technologies that are able to capture CTCs undergoing epithelial
      mesenchymal transition are needed. This will aid in the capture of heterogeneous
      CTCs, which can be compiled as new targets for the current food and drug
      administration-cleared CellSearch(r) system. Recent studies on CTCs in HNSCC with
      the CellSearch(r) have shown variable data. Therefore, there is an immediate need
      for large clinical trials encompassing a suite of biomarkers capturing CTCs in
      HNSCC, before CTCs can be used as prognostic markers in HNSCC patient management.

PMID- 25111595
TI  - Expression of heat shock protein 47, transforming growth factor-beta 1, and
      connective tissue growth factor in liver tissue of patients with Schistosoma
      japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis.
AB  - SUMMARY To detect the expression of pro-fibrotic molecules, such as heat shock
      protein 47 (Hsp47), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) and connective
      tissue growth factor (CTGF) in liver specimens, and analyse their correlations
      with the progression of schistosomal hepatic fibrosis, liver biopsy was performed
      in 42 chronic schistosomiasis (CS) patients, 16 chronic hepatitis B (CHB)
      patients and five healthy individuals (HI). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses
      displayed that the expression of Hsp47, TGF-beta1 and CTGF was increased in CS
      and CHB patients compared with HI. Using real-time PCR, the mRNA levels of Hsp47,
      TGF-beta1 and CTGF were higher in CS patients compared with HI. In CS patients,
      the mRNA levels of these genes were correlated with the stage of fibrosis, and
      TGF-beta1 mRNA expression was associated with the grade of inflammation.
      Additional analyses indicated that the mRNA levels of Hsp47 and CTGF were highly
      correlated with liver stiffness value and spleen thickness diameter, both of
      which represented the severity of fibrosis. In conclusion, the three molecules
      are involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis infected by Schistosoma
      japonicum. TGF-beta1 participates not only in the inflammatory process, but also
      in the fibrotic process in which Hsp47 and CTGF probably play a key role. 

PMID- 25111596
TI  - Contaminants of emerging concern in fresh leachate from landfills in the
      conterminous United States.
AB  - To better understand the composition of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs)
      in landfill leachate, fresh leachate from 19 landfills was sampled across the
      United States during 2011. The sampled network included 12 municipal and 7
      private landfills with varying landfill waste compositions, geographic and
      climatic settings, ages of waste, waste loads, and leachate production. A total
      of 129 out of 202 CECs were detected during this study, including 62 prescription
      pharmaceuticals, 23 industrial chemicals, 18 nonprescription pharmaceuticals, 16
      household chemicals, 6 steroid hormones, and 4 plant/animal sterols. CECs were
      detected in every leachate sample, with the total number of detected CECs in
      samples ranging from 6 to 82 (median = 31). Bisphenol A (BPA), cotinine, and N,N
      diethyltoluamide (DEET) were the most frequently detected CECs, being found in
      95% of the leachate samples, followed by lidocaine (89%) and camphor (84%). Other
      frequently detected CECs included benzophenone, naphthalene, and amphetamine,
      each detected in 79% of the leachate samples. CEC concentrations spanned six
      orders of magnitude, ranging from ng L(-1) to mg L(-1). Industrial and household
      chemicals were measured in the greatest concentrations, composing more than 82%
      of the total measured CEC concentrations. Maximum concentrations for three
      household and industrial chemicals, para-cresol (7 020 000 ng L(-1)), BPA (6 380
      000 ng L(-1)), and phenol (1 550 000 ng L(-1)), were the largest measured, with
      these CECs composing 70% of the total measured CEC concentrations.
      Nonprescription pharmaceuticals represented 12%, plant/animal sterols 4%,
      prescription pharmaceuticals 1%, and steroid hormones <1% of the total measured
      CEC concentrations. Leachate from landfills in areas receiving greater amounts of
      precipitation had greater frequencies of CEC detections and concentrations in
      leachate than landfills receiving less precipitation. 

PMID- 25111597
TI  - Polycystic kidney disease with steatocystoma multiplex: evidences for a
      disruptive effect of mutated polycystin-1 on keratin 17 polymerisation.

PMID- 25111598
TI  - Exploring three PIPs and three TIPs of grapevine for transport of water and
      atypical substrates through heterologous expression in aqy-null yeast.
AB  - Aquaporins are membrane channels that facilitate the transport of water and other
      small molecules across the cellular membranes. We examined the role of six
      aquaporins of Vitis vinifera (cv. Touriga nacional) in the transport of water and
      atypical substrates (other than water) in an aqy-null strain of Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae. Their functional characterization for water transport was performed
      by stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy. The evaluation of permeability
      coefficients (Pf) and activation energies (Ea) revealed that three aquaporins
      (VvTnPIP2;1, VvTnTIP1;1 and VvTnTIP2;2) are functional for water transport, while
      the other three (VvTnPIP1;4, VvTnPIP2;3 and VvTnTIP4;1) are non-functional. TIPs
      (VvTnTIP1;1 and VvTnTIP2;2) exhibited higher water permeability than VvTnPIP2;1.
      All functional aquaporins were found to be sensitive to HgCl2, since their water
      conductivity was reduced (24-38%) by the addition of 0.5 mM HgCl2. Expression of
      Vitis aquaporins caused different sensitive phenotypes to yeast strains when
      grown under hyperosmotic stress generated by KCl or sorbitol. Our results also
      indicate that Vitis aquaporins are putative transporters of other small molecules
      of physiological importance. Their sequence analyses revealed the presence of
      signature sequences for transport of ammonia, boron, CO2, H2O2 and urea. The
      phenotypic growth variations of yeast cells showed that heterologous expression
      of Vitis aquaporins increased susceptibility to externally applied boron and
      H2O2, suggesting the contribution of Vitis aquaporins in the transport of these
      species. 

PMID- 25111599
TI  - Atomic force microscopy reveals a morphological differentiation of
      chromobacterium violaceum cells associated with biofilm development and directed
      by N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone.
AB  - Chromobacterium violaceum abounds in soil and water ecosystems in tropical and
      subtropical regions and occasionally causes severe and often fatal human and
      animal infections. The quorum sensing (QS) system and biofilm formation are
      essential for C. violaceum's adaptability and pathogenicity, however, their
      interrelation is still unknown. C. violaceum's cell and biofilm morphology were
      examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in comparison with growth rates, QS
      dependent violacein biosynthesis and biofilm biomass quantification. To evaluate
      QS regulation of these processes, the wild-type strain C. violaceum ATCC 31532
      and its mini-Tn5 mutant C. violaceum NCTC 13274, cultivated with and without the
      QS autoinducer N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL), were used. We report for
      the first time the unusual morphological differentiation of C. violaceum cells,
      associated with biofilm development and directed by the QS autoinducer. AFM
      revealed numerous invaginations of the external cytoplasmic membrane of wild-type
      cells, which were repressed in the mutant strain and restored by exogenous C6
      HSL. With increasing bacterial growth, polymer matrix extrusions formed in place
      of invaginations, whereas mutant cells were covered with a diffusely distributed
      extracellular substance. Thus, quorum sensing in C. violaceum involves a
      morphological differentiation that organises biofilm formation and leads to a
      highly differentiated matrix structure. 

PMID- 25111600
TI  - Mating behavior of Daphnia: impacts of predation risk, food quantity, and
      reproductive phase of females.
AB  - High predation risk and food depletion lead to sexual reproduction in cyclically
      parthenogenetic Daphnia. Mating, the core of sexual reproduction, also occurs
      under these conditions. Assessment of the environmental conditions and alteration
      of mating efforts may aid in determining the success of sexual reproduction.
      Here, we evaluated the impacts of predation risk, food quantity, and reproductive
      phase of females on the mating behavior of Daphnia obtusa males including contact
      frequency and duration using video analysis. Mating-related behavior involved
      male-female contact (mating) as well as male-male contact (fighting). Mating
      frequency increased while unnecessary fighting decreased in the presence of
      predation risk. In addition, low food concentration reduced fighting between
      males. Males attempted to attach to sexual females more than asexual females, and
      fighting occurred more frequently in the presence of sexual females. Duration of
      mating was relatively long; however, males separated shortly after contact in
      terms of fighting behavior. Thus, assessment of environmental factors and primary
      sexing of mates were performed before actual contact, possibly mechanically, and
      precise sex discrimination was conducted after contact. These results suggest
      that mating in Daphnia is not a random process but rather a balance between
      predation risk and energetic cost that results in changes in mating and fighting
      strategies. 

PMID- 25111601
TI  - Pentameric thiophene-based ligands that spectrally discriminate amyloid-beta and
      tau aggregates display distinct solvatochromism and viscosity-induced spectral
      shifts.
AB  - A wide range of neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the deposition of
      multiple protein aggregates. Ligands for molecular characterization and
      discrimination of these pathological hallmarks are thus important for
      understanding their potential role in pathogenesis as well as for clinical
      diagnosis of the disease. In this regard, luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes
      (LCOs) have proven useful for spectral discrimination of amyloid-beta (Abeta) and
      tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), two of the pathological hallmarks associated
      with Alzheimer's disease. Herein, the solvatochromism of a library of anionic
      pentameric thiophene-based ligands, as well as their ability to spectrally
      discriminate Abeta and tau aggregates, were investigated. Overall, the results
      from this study identified distinct solvatochromic and viscosity-dependent
      behavior of thiophene-based ligands that can be applied as indices to direct the
      chemical design of improved LCOs for spectral separation of Abeta and tau
      aggregates in brain tissue sections. The results also suggest that the observed
      spectral transitions of the ligands are due to their ability to conform by
      induced fit to specific microenvironments within the binding interface of each
      particular protein aggregate. We foresee that these findings might aid in the
      chemical design of thiophene-based ligands that are increasingly selective for
      distinct disease-associated protein aggregates. 

PMID- 25111604
TI  - Diagnosis, mechanisms and treatment of complex regional pain syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The incidence and disease course of complex regional pain
      syndrome (CRPS) has been unclear until recently. This was due to inconsistent
      diagnostic criteria used in previous studies and a lack of large-scale
      prospective datasets. Multiple mechanisms of CRPS have been suggested, and recent
      research has begun to explain how inflammation, the immune system and the
      autonomic nervous system may interact with aberrant central neuroplasticity to
      produce the clinical picture. This review summarizes progress in these fields.
      RECENT FINDINGS: National registries of patients with CRPS have provided us with
      an invaluable insight into the epidemiology of the disorder. We now have a better
      understanding of the disease course and expected outcome. Widespread sensory
      abnormalities, not limited to the CRPS limb, have been found suggesting that
      systemic changes may occur. Parietal lobe dysfunction and problems with sensory
      motor integration have also been revealed. Abnormalities in the immune system in
      CRPS have also been demonstrated. SUMMARY: Recent findings in diverse research
      fields suggest novel treatment options for CRPS: from targeting autoimmunity to
      correcting abnormal body image. Many of the advances in our understanding of CRPS
      have arisen from the development of collaborative research efforts, such as the
      TREND group in the Netherlands.

PMID- 25111602
TI  - Abnormal mitochondrial L-arginine transport contributes to the pathogenesis of
      heart failure and rexoygenation injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impaired mitochondrial function is fundamental feature of heart
      failure (HF) and myocardial ischemia. In addition to the effects of heightened
      oxidative stress, altered nitric oxide (NO) metabolism, generated by a
      mitochondrial NO synthase, has also been proposed to impact upon mitochondrial
      function. However, the mechanism responsible for arginine transport into
      mitochondria and the effect of HF on such a process is unknown. We therefore
      aimed to characterize mitochondrial L-arginine transport and to investigate the
      hypothesis that impaired mitochondrial L-arginine transport plays a key role in
      the pathogenesis of heart failure and myocardial injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: In
      mitochondria isolated from failing hearts (sheep rapid pacing model and mouse
      Mst1 transgenic model) we demonstrated a marked reduction in L-arginine uptake
      (p<0.05 and p<0.01 respectively) and expression of the principal L-arginine
      transporter, CAT-1 (p<0.001, p<0.01) compared to controls. This was accompanied
      by significantly lower NO production and higher 3-nitrotyrosine levels (both
      p<0.05). The role of mitochondrial L-arginine transport in modulating cardiac
      stress responses was examined in cardiomyocytes with mitochondrial specific
      overexpression of CAT-1 (mtCAT1) exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation stress. mtCAT1
      cardiomyocytes had significantly improved mitochondrial membrane potential,
      respiration and ATP turnover together with significantly decreased reactive
      oxygen species production and cell death following mitochondrial stress.
      CONCLUSION: These data provide new insights into the role of L-arginine transport
      in mitochondrial biology and cardiovascular disease. Augmentation of
      mitochondrial L-arginine availability may be a novel therapeutic strategy for
      myocardial disorders involving mitochondrial stress such as heart failure and
      reperfusion injury.

PMID- 25111605
TI  - Regional analgesia techniques for total knee replacement.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pain following total knee arthroplasty is a challenging task
      for healthcare providers. Concurrently, fast recovery and early ambulation are
      required to regain function and to prevent postoperative complications. Ideal
      postoperative analgesia provides sufficient pain relief with minimal opioid
      consumption and preservation of motor strength. Regional analgesia techniques are
      broadly used to answer these expectations. Femoral nerve blocks are performed
      frequently but have suggested disadvantages, such as motor weakness. The use of
      lumbar epidurals is questioned because of the risk of epidural hematoma.
      Relatively new techniques, such as local infiltration analgesia or adductor canal
      blocks, are increasingly discussed. The present review discusses new findings and
      weight between known benefits and risks of all of these techniques for total knee
      arthroplasty. RECENT FINDINGS: Femoral nerve blocks are the gold standard for
      total knee arthroplasty. The standard use of additional sciatic nerve blocks
      remains controversial. Lumbar epidurals possess an unfavourable risk/benefit
      ratio because of increased rate of epidural hematoma in orthopaedic patients and
      should be reserved for lower limb amputation; peripheral regional techniques
      provide comparable pain control, greater satisfaction and less risk than epidural
      analgesia. Although motor weakness might be greater with femoral nerve blocks
      compared with no regional analgesia, new data point towards a similar risk of
      falls after total knee arthroplasty with or without peripheral nerve blocks.
      Local infiltration analgesia and adductor canal blockade are promising recent
      techniques to gain adequate pain control with a minimum of undesired side
      effects. SUMMARY: Femoral nerve blocks are still the gold standard for an
      effective analgesia approach in knee arthroplasty and should be supplemented (if
      needed) by oral opioids. An additional sciatic nerve blockade is still
      controversial and should be an individual decision. Large-scale studies are
      needed to reinforce the promising results of newer regional techniques, such as
      local infiltration analgesia and adductor canal block.

PMID- 25111603
TI  - DNA methylation modifications associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
AB  - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a
      complex multifactorial disease that is characterized by the persistent presence
      of fatigue and other particular symptoms for a minimum of 6 months. Symptoms fail
      to dissipate after sufficient rest and have major effects on the daily
      functioning of CFS sufferers. CFS is a multi-system disease with a heterogeneous
      patient population showing a wide variety of functional disabilities and its
      biological basis remains poorly understood. Stable alterations in gene function
      in the immune system have been reported in several studies of CFS. Epigenetic
      modifications have been implicated in long-term effects on gene function,
      however, to our knowledge, genome-wide epigenetic modifications associated with
      CFS have not been explored. We examined the DNA methylome in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells isolated from CFS patients and healthy controls using the
      Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array, controlling for invariant probes and
      probes overlapping polymorphic sequences. Gene ontology (GO) and network analysis
      of differentially methylated genes was performed to determine potential
      biological pathways showing changes in DNA methylation in CFS. We found an
      increased abundance of differentially methylated genes related to the immune
      response, cellular metabolism, and kinase activity. Genes associated with immune
      cell regulation, the largest coordinated enrichment of differentially methylated
      pathways, showed hypomethylation within promoters and other gene regulatory
      elements in CFS. These data are consistent with evidence of multisystem
      dysregulation in CFS and implicate the involvement of DNA modifications in CFS
      pathology. 

PMID- 25111606
TI  - Colorectal cancers mimic structural organization of normal colonic crypts.
AB  - Colonic crypts are stereotypical structures with distinct stem cell,
      proliferating, and differentiating compartments. Colorectal cancers derive from
      colonic crypt epithelia but, in contrast, form morphologically disarrayed glands.
      In this study, we investigated to which extent colorectal cancers phenocopy
      colonic crypt architecture and thus preserve structural organization of the
      normal intestinal epithelium. A subset of colon cancers showed crypt-like
      compartments with high WNT activity and nuclear beta-Catenin at the leading tumor
      edge, adjacent proliferation, and enhanced Cytokeratin 20 expression in most
      differentiated tumor epithelia of the tumor center. This architecture strongly
      depended on growth conditions, and was fully reproducible in mouse xenografts of
      cultured and primary colon cancer cells. Full crypt-like organization was
      associated with low tumor grade and was an independent prognostic marker of
      better survival in a collection of 221 colorectal cancers. Our findings suggest
      that full activation of preserved intestinal morphogenetic programs in colon
      cancer requires in vivo growth environments. Furthermore, crypt-like architecture
      was linked with less aggressive tumor biology, and may be useful to improve
      current colon cancer grading schemes. 

PMID- 25111607
TI  - Preterm birth related to post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
      pancreatitis in pregnancy with newly diagnosed primary sclerosing cholangitis.

PMID- 25111609
TI  - Outline-based morphometrics, an overlooked method in arthropod studies?
AB  - Modern methods allow a geometric representation of forms, separating size and
      shape. In entomology, as well as in many other fields involving arthropod
      studies, shape variation has proved useful for species identification and
      population characterization. In medical entomology, it has been applied to very
      specific questions such as population structure, reinfestation of insecticide
      treated areas and cryptic species recognition. For shape comparisons, great
      importance is given to the quality of landmarks in terms of comparability. Two
      conceptually and statistically separate approaches are: (i) landmark-based
      morphometrics, based on the relative position of a few anatomical "true" or
      "traditional" landmarks, and (ii) outline-based morphometrics, which captures the
      contour of forms through a sequence of close "pseudo-landmarks". Most of the
      studies on insects of medical, veterinary or economic importance make use of the
      landmark approach. The present survey makes a case for the outline method, here
      based on elliptic Fourier analysis. The collection of pseudo-landmarks may
      require the manual digitization of many points and, for this reason, might appear
      less attractive. It, however, has the ability to compare homologous organs or
      structures having no landmarks at all. This strength offers the possibility to
      study a wider range of anatomical structures and thus, a larger range of
      arthropods. We present a few examples highlighting its interest for separating
      close or cryptic species, or characterizing conspecific geographic populations,
      in a series of different vector organisms. In this simple application, i.e. the
      recognition of close or cryptic forms, the outline approach provided similar
      scores as those obtained by the landmark-based approach. 

PMID- 25111608
TI  - Renal response to L-arginine in diabetic rats. A possible link between nitric
      oxide system and aquaporin-2.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate whether L-Arginine (L-Arg) supplementation
      modifies nitric oxide (NO) system and consequently aquaporin-2 (AQP2) expression
      in the renal outer medulla of streptozotocin-diabetic rats at an early time point
      after induction of diabetes. Male Wistar rats were divided in four groups:
      Control, Diabetic, Diabetic treated with L-Arginine and Control treated with L
      Arginine. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was estimated by [14C] L
      citrulline production in homogenates of the renal outer medulla and by NADPH
      diaphorase staining in renal outer medullary tubules. Western blot was used to
      detect the expression of AQP2 and NOS types I and III; real time PCR was used to
      quantify AQP2 mRNA. The expression of both NOS isoforms, NOS I and NOS III, was
      decreased in the renal outer medulla of diabetic rats and L-Arg failed to prevent
      these decreases. However, L-Arg improved NO production, NADPH-diaphorase activity
      in collecting ducts and other tubular structures, and NOS activity in renal
      homogenates from diabetic rats. AQP2 protein and mRNA were decreased in the renal
      outer medulla of diabetic rats and L-Arg administration prevented these
      decreases. These results suggest that the decreased NOS activity in collecting
      ducts of the renal outer medulla may cause, at least in part, the decreased
      expression of AQP2 in this model of diabetes and constitute additional evidence
      supporting a role for NO in contributing to renal water reabsorption through the
      modulation of AQP2 expression in this pathological condition. However, we cannot
      discard that another pathway different from NOS also exists that links L-Arg to
      AQP2 expression. 

PMID- 25111610
TI  - Dominant modern sublineages and a new modern sublineage of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis Beijing family clinical isolates in Heilongjiang Province, China.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing family includes a variety of sublineages.
      Knowledge of the distribution of a certain sublineage of the Beijing family may
      help to understand the mechanisms of its rapid spread and to establish an
      association between a certain genotype and the disease outcome. We have
      previously found that M. tuberculosis Beijing family clinical isolates represent
      approximately 90% of the clinical isolates from Heilongjiang Province, China. To
      clarify the distribution of M. tuberculosis Beijing family sublineages in
      Heilongjiang Province, China and to investigate the regularity rule for their
      evolution, we examined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 250 M.
      tuberculosis Beijing family clinical isolates using 10 SNP loci that have been
      identified as appropriate for defining Beijing sublineages. After determining the
      sequence type (ST) of each isolate, the sublineages of all M. tuberculosis
      Beijing family isolates were determined, and phylogenetic analysis was performed.
      We found that 9 out of the 10 SNP loci displayed polymorphisms, but locus 1548149
      did not. In total, 92.8% of the isolates in Heilongjiang Province are modern
      sublineages. ST10 is the most prevalent sublineage (ST10 and ST22 accounted for
      63.2% and 23.6% of all the Beijing family isolates, respectively). A new ST,
      accounting for 4% of the Beijing family isolates in this area, was found for the
      first time. Each new ST isolate showed a unique VNTR pattern, and none were
      clustered. The present findings suggest that controlling the spread of these
      modern sublineages is important in Heilongjiang Province and in China. 

PMID- 25111611
TI  - Whole genomic analysis of human G12P[6] and G12P[8] rotavirus strains that have
      emerged in Kenya: identification of porcine-like NSP4 genes.
AB  - G12 rotaviruses are globally emerging rotavirus strains causing severe childhood
      diarrhea. However, the whole genomes of only a few G12 strains have been fully
      sequenced and analyzed, of which only one G12P[4] and one G12P[6] are from
      Africa. In this study, we sequenced and characterized the complete genomes of
      three G12 strains (RVA/Human-tc/KEN/KDH633/2010/G12P[6], RVA/Human
      tc/KEN/KDH651/2010/G12P[8], and RVA/Human-tc/KEN/KDH684/2010/G12P[6]) identified
      in three stool specimens from children with acute diarrhea in Kenya, Africa. On
      whole genomic analysis, all three Kenyan G12 strains were found to have a Wa-like
      genetic backbone: G12-P[6]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 (strains KDH633 and KDH684)
      and G12-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 (strain KDH651). Phylogenetic analysis
      showed that most genes of the three strains examined in this study were
      genetically related to globally circulating human G1, G9, and G12 strains. Of
      note is that the NSP4 genes of strains KDH633 and KDH684 appeared to be of
      porcine origin, suggesting the occurrence of reassortment between human and
      porcine strains. Furthermore, strains KDH633 and KDH684 were very closely related
      to each other in all the 11 gene segments, indicating derivation of the two
      strains from a common origin. On the other hand, strain KDH651 consistently
      formed distinct clusters of 10 of the 11 gene segments (VP1-2, VP4, VP6-7, and
      NSP1-5), indicating a distinct origin of strain KDH651 from that of strains
      KDH633 and KDH684. To our knowledge, this is the first report on whole genome
      based characterization of G12 strains that have emerged in Kenya. Our
      observations will provide important insights into the evolutionary dynamics of
      emerging G12 rotaviruses in Africa. 

PMID- 25111613
TI  - Spread and predominance in Japan of novel G1P[8] double-reassortant rotavirus
      strains possessing a DS-1-like genotype constellation typical of G2P[4] strains.
AB  - Rotavirus is a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in children <5 years of age
      worldwide, and two, live attenuated rotavirus vaccines are globally available. As
      rotavirus vaccines are introduced into national immunization programs, there is
      an increasing need to monitor circulating wild-type strains. However, few studies
      have systematically examined their full genotype constellation. This study was
      therefore undertaken to characterize the whole genotype constellation of
      circulating rotavirus strains in three widely-separated locations in Japan during
      the 2012 rotavirus season when rotavirus vaccines became available in the country
      for the first time. Of 107 rotavirus-positive specimens, 50 (46.7%) strains
      collected from all three locations possessed an unusual G1-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2
      T2-E2-H2 constellation in which a typical G2P[4] strain appeared to have acquired
      its two surface protein genes from the most common G1P[8] strain. These G1P[8]
      double-reassortant strains were shown to possess the 11 genome segments virtually
      indistinguishable from each other in their nucleotide sequences and phylogenetic
      lineages except for two strains that underwent further intra-genotype
      reassortment. Successful spread to and predominance in broad locations across
      Japan of novel rotavirus strains possessing a genotype constellation that was
      previously thought not to be preferred suggests unexpected genomic flexibility of
      the genotype constellation.

PMID- 25111612
TI  - Preponderant clonal evolution of Trypanosoma cruzi I from Argentinean Chaco
      revealed by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST).
AB  - Trypanosoma cruzi has been historically classified as a species with preponderant
      clonal evolution (PCE). However, with the advent of highly polymorphic markers
      and studies at geographically reduced scales, the PCE in T. cruzi was challenged.
      In fact, some studies have suggested that recombination in T. cruzi lineage I
      (TcI) is much more frequent than previously believed. Further analyses of TcI
      populations from different geographical regions of Latin America are needed to
      examine this hypothesis. In the present study, we contribute to this topic by
      analyzing the population structure of TcI from a restricted geographical area in
      the Chaco region, Argentina. We analyzed TcI isolates from different hosts and
      vectors using a Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) approach. These isolates were
      previously characterized by sequencing the spliced leader intergenic region (SL
      IR). Low levels of incongruence and well-supported clusters for MLST dataset were
      obtained from the analyses. Moreover, high linkage disequilibrium was found and
      five repeated and overrepresented genotypes were detected. In addition, a good
      correspondence between SL-IR and MLST was observed which is expected under PCE.
      However, recombination is not ruled out because five out of 28 pairs of loci were
      incompatible with strict clonality and one possible genetic exchange event was
      detected. Overall, our results represent evidence of PCE in TcI from the study
      area. Finally, considering our findings we discuss the scenario for the genetic
      structure of TcI. 

PMID- 25111614
TI  - Time and temperature effects on the digestive ripening of gold nanoparticles: is
      there a crossover from digestive ripening to Ostwald ripening?
AB  - The effects of time and temperature on the gold nanoparticle sizes obtained by
      digestive ripening have been investigated. In digestive ripening, a polydisperse
      colloid, upon refluxing with a surface-active ligand in a solvent, gets converted
      to a nearly monodisperse one. In this study, a polydisperse gold nanoparticle
      system was heated in 4-tert-butyltoluene with hexadecanethiol at different
      temperatures, viz., 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180  degrees C for different time
      periods, and the trends in particle size variations were recorded. At lower
      temperatures such as 60 and 90  degrees C, after the initial narrowing of the
      size distribution, the particle sizes remain constant even though the refluxing
      step is continued for 24 h, substantiating the prevalence of the digestive
      ripening process. However, at elevated temperatures (120, 150, and 180  degrees
      C) particle sizes grow continuously, indicating a deviation from the digestive
      ripening behavior to an Ostwald ripening-type phenomenon. 

PMID- 25111615
TI  - The effect of surgical margins on outcomes for low grade MPNSTs and atypical
      neurofibroma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: While convention defines atypical neurofibroma as
      benign and low-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) as
      malignant, sparse outcomes data exist for these tumors. This study reviews
      clinical outcomes of surgically resected low-grade MPNST and atypical
      neurofibroma, focusing on the effect of surgical margins on outcome. METHODS:
      This study is a retrospective review of 23 patients who underwent surgical
      resection of a low-grade MPNST or atypical neurofibroma. Treatment
      characteristics of adjuvant therapy and surgical margin were noted. Endpoints of
      local recurrence, presence of metastatic disease, disease-specific survival, and
      overall survival were reviewed. RESULTS: Eighteen of 23 patients (78%) had
      microscopically positive margins on the resection. Disease-specific survival was
      100% for both atypical neurofibroma patients and those with low-grade MPNST,
      regardless of surgical margin. Local recurrence in terms of recurrence of
      measureable disease occurred in 2/12 (16.7%) of LGMPNST patients and 1/11 (9.1%)
      of atypical NF patients, all of whom had microscopically positive surgical
      margins. CONCLUSIONS: In a study dedicated exclusively to "intermediate" nerve
      sheath tumors, no patients developed metastatic disease nor died of disease
      despite a high rate of microscopically positive surgical margins (78%). While
      positive margins did lead to increased rates of local recurrence, these data
      suggest that surgeons potentially can temper their zeal for negative surgical
      margins in the setting of low-grade MPNST and atypical neurofibroma, as surgical
      morbidity may be more important than a presumed survival benefit of wide
      resection.

PMID- 25111616
TI  - SERPINB3/B4 contributes to early inflammation and barrier dysfunction in an
      experimental murine model of atopic dermatitis.
AB  - Serine proteases are critical for epidermal barrier homeostasis, and their
      aberrant expression and/or activity is associated with chronic skin diseases.
      Elevated levels of the serine protease inhibitors SERPINB3 and SERPINB4 are seen
      in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. However, their mechanistic role
      in the skin is unknown. To evaluate the contribution of Serpinb3a (mouse homolog
      of SERPINB3 and SERPINB4) in atopic dermatitis, we examined the effect of topical
      Aspergillus fumigatus extract exposure in wild-type and Serpinb3a-null mice on
      transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sensitization, and inflammation. Allergen
      exposure induced Serpinb3a expression in the skin, along with increased TEWL,
      epidermal thickness, and skin inflammation, all of which were attenuated in the
      absence of Serpinb3a. Attenuated TEWL correlated with decreased expression of the
      pro-inflammatory marker S100A8. Silencing of SERPINB3/B4 in human keratinocytes
      decreased S100A8 expression, supporting a role for SERPINB3/B4 in the initiation
      of the acute inflammatory response. RNA-seq analysis following allergen exposure
      identified a network of pro-inflammatory genes induced in wild-type mice that was
      absent in Serpinb3a-null mice. In conclusion, Serpinb3a deficiency attenuates
      barrier dysfunction and the early inflammatory response following cutaneous
      allergen exposure, supporting a role for Serpinb3a (mice) and SERPINB3/B4
      (humans) early in atopic dermatitis. 

PMID- 25111618
TI  - Long-term IFN-gamma and IL-2 response for detection of latent tuberculosis
      infection in healthcare workers with discordant immunologic results.
AB  - Discordant results between the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) and
      tuberculin skin test (TST) are common in latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). We
      evaluated whether the measurement of IFN-gamma and interleukin (IL)-2T-cell
      responses, after prolonged Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigen
      stimulation, can be used as adjunctive biomarker for LTBI detection in subjects
      with discordant results between TST and QuantiFERON-Gold In-Tube (QFT). 196
      healthcare workers were screened for LTBI and in 90 of those participants, the
      QFT was repeated after 18 h, and IFN-gamma/IL-2 immune response was measured
      after 72 h long-term stimulation. Of the 196 patients, 34 had positive, 155
      negative, and 7 indeterminate QFT results. Discordant TST+/QFT- results were
      found in 29 (14.7%) patients, of whom 6 (20.6%) were Bacillus Calmette-Guerin
      (BCG) vaccinated. None of 23 non-BCG vaccinated subjects showed a specific IFN
      gamma immune response after 18 h nor 72 h of incubation, whereas 3/23 (13.04%)
      discordant subjects produced a specific long-term IL-2 response, which might
      reflect a LTBI status. In LTBI group (TST+/QFT+) both cytokine levels were
      increased after long-term in comparison to short-term stimulation. No significant
      long-term IFN-gamma/IL-2 secretion was detected in control group (TST-/QFT-).
      Taken together, our data showed that the 87% of discordant patients who did not
      respond to the long-term assay, as controls subjects, were judged LTBI negative.
      The use of classic QFT and long-term IL-2 response may have a potential role to
      clarify the LTBI status in individuals in whom the diagnosis of LTBI is uncertain
      due to the discordance of the available diagnostic tests, such as TST and IGRA.

PMID- 25111617
TI  - Comparison of molecular signatures from multiple skin diseases identifies
      mechanisms of immunopathogenesis.
AB  - The ability to obtain gene expression profiles from human disease specimens
      provides an opportunity to identify relevant gene pathways, but is limited by the
      absence of data sets spanning a broad range of conditions. Here, we analyzed
      publicly available microarray data from 16 diverse skin conditions in order to
      gain insight into disease pathogenesis. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering
      separated samples by disease as well as common cellular and molecular pathways.
      Disease-specific signatures were leveraged to build a multi-disease classifier,
      which predicted the diagnosis of publicly and prospectively collected expression
      profiles with 93% accuracy. In one sample, the molecular classifier differed from
      the initial clinical diagnosis and correctly predicted the eventual diagnosis as
      the clinical presentation evolved. Finally, integration of IFN-regulated gene
      programs with the skin database revealed a significant inverse correlation
      between IFN-beta and IFN-gamma programs across all conditions. Our study provides
      an integrative approach to the study of gene signatures from multiple skin
      conditions, elucidating mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. In addition, these
      studies provide a framework for developing tools for personalized medicine toward
      the precise prediction, prevention, and treatment of disease on an individual
      level. 

PMID- 25111619
TI  - Pattern of Uveitis in a Referral Ophthalmology Center in the Central District of
      Thailand.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the pattern of uveitis in a major ophthalmology center in the
      central district of Thailand. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in
      uveitis cases visiting the Department of Ophthalmology at Rajavithi Hospital,
      Thailand, from January 2007 to October 2012. RESULTS: Four hundred and forty-six
      patients (mean age 42 years, female 53.8%) were included in the study. Uveitis
      was unilateral in 51.1% of cases. Anterior uveitis was the most common (44.8%)
      case, closely followed by panuveitis (40%), posterior uveitis (14.3%), and
      intermediate uveitis (0.9%). Specific diagnosis was established in 51.6% of
      patients. The three most common specific diagnoses were Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada
      (VKH) disease (22.4%), followed by Behcet disease (6.7%) and herpetic anterior
      uveitis (5.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The most common type of noninfectious uveitis group
      was VKH, while herpetic anterior uveitis was the most common type of infectious
      uveitis in the central district of Thailand.

PMID- 25111620
TI  - Local protonation control using plasmonic activation.
AB  - Localized protonation of 4-mercaptopyridine (4-MPY), activated by light in the
      presence of silver nanoparticles is monitored under ambient conditions using
      surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and tip-enhanced Raman scattering
      (TERS). The reaction can be controlled by the excitation wavelength and the
      atmospheric conditions, thus, providing a tool for site-specific control of
      protonation. 

PMID- 25111621
TI  - Two pediatric liver transplantation guidelines issued by the American Association
      for the Study of Liver Diseases: A simple survey of their characteristics.

PMID- 25111622
TI  - Troponin T immunosensor based on liquid crystal and silsesquioxane-supported gold
      nanoparticles.
AB  - A nanostructured immunosensor based on the liquid crystal (E)-1-decyl-4-[(4
      decyloxyphenyl)diazenyl]pyridinium bromide (Br-Py) and gold nanoparticles
      supported by the water-soluble hybrid material 3-n-propyl-4-picolinium
      silsesquioxane chloride (AuNP-Si4Pic(+)Cl(-)) was built for the detection of
      troponin T (cTnT), a cardiac marker for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The
      functionalized nanostructured surface was used to bind anti-cTnT monoclonal
      antibodies through electrostatic interaction. The immunosensor (ab-cTnT/AuNP
      Si4Pic(+)Cl(-)/Br-Py/GCE) surface was characterized by microscopy techniques. The
      electrochemical behavior of the immunosensor was studied by cyclic voltammetry
      and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A calibration curve was obtained by
      square-wave voltammetry. The immnunosensor provided a limit of detection of 0.076
      ng mL(-1) and a linear range between 0.1 and 0.9 ng mL(-1) (appropriate for AMI
      diagnosis). 

PMID- 25111623
TI  - The reliability of routine clinical post-processing software in assessing
      potential diffusion-weighted MRI "biomarkers" in brain metastases, common
      mistake.

PMID- 25111624
TI  - MR spectroscopy in the diagnosis of bacterial etiology in brain abscesses.

PMID- 25111626
TI  - Response to "The reliability of routine clinical post-processing software in
      assessing potential diffusion weighted MRI biomarkers in brain metastases: common
      mistake".

PMID- 25111625
TI  - MR T(1)rho quantification of cartilage focal lesions in acutely injured knees:
      correlation with arthroscopic evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Quantitative T1rho MRI has been suggested as a promising tool to
      detect changes in cartilage composition that are characteristic of cartilage
      damage and degeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
      capability of MR T1rho to detect cartilage lesions as evaluated by arthroscopy in
      acutely ACL-injured knees and to compare with the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging Score (WORMS) using clinical standard MRI. METHOD: Ten healthy controls
      (mean age 35) with no ACL injury or history of osteoarthritis (OA) and 10
      patients with acute ACL injuries (mean age 39) were scanned at 3 Tesla (3T). ACL
      patients underwent ACL reconstruction, where focal lesions were graded according
      to an Outerbridge grading system during arthroscopic evaluation. Normalized MR
      T1rho values (T1rho z-scores normalized to control values in matched regions) in
      full thickness, and superficial and deep layers of cartilage were compared
      between defined sub-compartments with and without focal lesions. Intraclass (ICC)
      correlation and the root mean square coefficient of variation (RMS-CV) were
      performed to evaluate the inter-observer reproducibility of T1rho quantification.
      Sub-compartments of cartilage were also evaluated using WORMS scoring and
      compared to their Outerbridge score respectively. RESULTS: The inter-observer ICC
      and the RMS-CV of the sub-compartment T1rho quantification were 0.961 and 3.9%,
      respectively. The average T1rho z-scores were significantly increased in sub
      compartments with focal lesions compared to those without focal lesions and to
      the control cohort (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that T1rho provided
      a better diagnostic capability than clinical standard MRI grading in detecting
      focal cartilage abnormalities after acute injuries. Quantitative MRI may have
      great potential in detecting cartilage abnormalities and degeneration non
      invasively, which are occult with standard morphological MRI.

PMID- 25111627
TI  - Serine versus threonine glycosylation with alpha-O-GalNAc: unexpected selectivity
      in their molecular recognition with lectins.
AB  - The molecular recognition of several glycopeptides bearing Tn antigen (alpha-O
      GalNAc-Ser or alpha-O-GalNAc-Thr) in their structure by three lectins with
      affinity for this determinant has been analysed. The work yields remarkable
      results in terms of epitope recognition, showing that the underlying amino acid
      of Tn (serine or threonine) plays a key role in the molecular recognition. In
      fact, while Soybean agglutinin and Vicia villosa agglutinin lectins prefer Tn
      threonine, Helix pomatia agglutinin shows a higher affinity for the glycopeptides
      carrying Tn-serine. The different conformational behaviour of the two Tn
      biological entities, the residues of the studied glycopeptides in the close
      proximity to the Tn antigen and the topology of the binding site of the lectins
      are at the origin of these differences. 

PMID- 25111628
TI  - Pigeon (Columba livia) and rat (Rattus norvegicus) performance in the midsession
      reversal procedure depends upon cue dimensionality.
AB  - Pigeons (Columba livia) produce many anticipatory and perseverative errors on
      discrimination tasks with a reversal of reward contingencies partway through the
      session. Prior comparative research has suggested that rats (Rattus norvegicus)
      do not show the same number of errors and produce results that more closely
      resemble those of humans. We examined pigeons' performance on a visual-spatial
      discrimination with the reversal point randomized within the session and found
      that they showed remarkably few errors. When these subjects were split into
      groups with the contingencies for reward unconfounded, the birds in the spatial
      contingency group maintained their performance, and those in the visual
      contingency group made many more anticipatory and perseverative errors. We also
      examined the performance of naive pigeons on a spatial midsession reversal task
      and found a pattern of results similar to those shown by pigeons that had
      previously been trained on a visual-spatial reversal procedure. Finally, we
      studied rats on a T-maze using a spatial-discrimination midsession reversal task
      and found that the rats showed a large number of anticipatory and perseverative
      errors. Near-perfect performance on the midsession reversal task appears to be
      subject to the ability of the animal to orient spatially during the intertrial
      interval, rather than being due to broad species differences.

PMID- 25111629
TI  - Personality structure in the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus), Scottish
      wildcat (Felis silvestris grampia), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), snow
      leopard (Panthera uncia), and African lion (Panthera leo): a comparative study.
AB  - Although the study of nonhuman personality has increased in the last decade,
      there are still few studies on felid species, and the majority focus on domestic
      cats. We assessed the structure of personality and its reliability in five felids
      domestic cats, clouded leopards, snow leopards, African lions, and previous data
      on Scottish wildcats-and compared the results. In addition to the benefits of
      understanding more about this taxon, comparative studies of personality structure
      have the potential to provide information on evolutionary relationships among
      closely related species. Each of the species studied was found to have three
      factors of personality. Scottish wildcats' factors were labeled Dominance,
      Agreeableness, and Self Control; domestic cats' factors were Dominance,
      Impulsiveness, and Neuroticism; clouded leopards' factors were
      Dominance/Impulsiveness, Agreeableness/Openness, and Neuroticism; snow leopards'
      factors were Dominance, Impulsiveness/Openness, and Neuroticism; and African
      lions' factors were Dominance, Impulsiveness, and Neuroticism. The Neuroticism
      and Impulsiveness factors were similar, as were two of the Dominance factors. A
      taxon-level personality structure also showed three similar factors. Age and sex
      effects are also discussed.

PMID- 25111630
TI  - Shape from shading in starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).
AB  - Birds behave as if they quickly and accurately perceive an object-filled visual
      world. Beyond the extensive research with pigeons, however, there is a large and
      important gap in our knowledge about the mechanisms of object perception and
      recognition in other avian visual systems. The pattern of shading reflected from
      the surfaces of objects is one important optical feature that provides
      fundamental information about shape. To better understand how surface and object
      shading is processed by a passerine species, 5 starlings were tested with
      differentially illuminated convex and concave curved surfaces in 3 experiments
      using a simultaneous visual discrimination procedure. Starlings rapidly learned
      this shape-from-shading discrimination independent of varied lighting direction,
      surface color, and camera perspective. Variations in the pattern of lighting
      through experimental manipulations of camera perspective, surface height,
      contrast, material specularity, and surface shape were consistent with the
      hypothesis that the starlings perceived these illuminated surfaces as having 3
      dimensional shape, similar to results previously collected with pigeons. These
      similarities across different orders of birds indicate that the relative shading
      of objects in a visual scene is a highly salient feature for shape processing in
      birds and is likely a highly conserved visual process that is widely distributed
      within this class of animal.

PMID- 25111631
TI  - Interspecific communication from people to horses (Equus ferus caballus) is
      influenced by different horsemanship training styles.
AB  - The ability of many domesticated animals to follow human pointing gestures to
      locate hidden food has led to scientific debate on the relative importance of
      domestication and individual experience on the origins and development of this
      capacity. To further explore this question, we examined the influence of
      different prior training histories/methods on the ability of horses (Equus ferus
      caballus) to follow a momentary distal point. Ten horses previously trained using
      one of two methods (ParelliTM natural horsemanship or traditional horse training)
      were tested using a standard object choice task. The results show that neither
      group of horses was initially able to follow the momentary distal point. However,
      after more experience with the point, horses previously trained using the Parelli
      natural horsemanship method learned to follow momentary distal points
      significantly faster than those previously trained with traditional methods. The
      poor initial performance of horses on distal pointing tasks, coupled with the
      finding that prior training history and experimental experience can lead to
      success on this task, fails to support the predictions of the domestication
      hypothesis and instead lends support to the two-stage hypothesis.

PMID- 25111633
TI  - Right anterior thoracotomy aortic valve replacement is associated with less cost
      than sternotomy-based approaches: a multi-institution analysis of 'real world'
      data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Large institutional analyses demonstrating outcomes of right anterior
      mini-thoracotomy (RAT) for isolated aortic valve replacement (isoAVR) do not
      exist. In this study, a group of cardiac surgeons who routinely perform minimally
      invasive isoAVR analyzed a cross-section of US hospital records in order to
      analyze outcomes of RAT as compared to sternotomy. METHODS: The Premier database
      was queried from 2007-2011 for clinical and cost data for patients undergoing
      isoAVR. This de-identified database contains billing, hospital cost, and coding
      data from >600 US facilities with information from >25 million inpatient
      discharges. Expert rules were developed to identify patients with RAT and those
      with any sternal incision (aStern). Propensity matching created groups adjusted
      for patient differences. The impact of surgical approach on outcomes and costs
      was modeled using regression analysis and, where indicated, adjusting for
      hospital size and geographical differences. RESULTS: AVR was performed in 27,051
      patients. Analysis identified isoAVR by RAT (n = 1572) and by aStern (n = 3962).
      Propensity matching created two groups of 921 patients. RAT was more likely
      performed in southern hospitals (63% vs 36%; p < 0.01), teaching hospitals (66%
      vs 58%; p < 0.01) and larger hospitals (47% vs 30%; p < 0.01). There was
      significantly less blood product cost associated with RAT ($1381 vs $1912; p <
      0.001). After adjusting for hospital differences, RAT was associated with lower
      cost than aStern ($38,769 vs $42,656; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes analyses
      can be performed from hospital administrative collective databases. This real
      world analysis demonstrates comparable outcomes and less cost and ICU time with
      RAT for AVR.

PMID- 25111634
TI  - Costs and utilization of hemophilia A and B patients with and without inhibitors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the health system costs among patients with hemophilia A
      and B with and without inhibitors over 5 years. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective, observational study utilizing medical and pharmacy electronic
      medical records and administrative encounters/claims data tracking US patients
      between 2006-2011. Patients with diagnosis codes for hemophilia A and B were
      identified. Patients with inhibitors were characterized by utilization of
      bypassing agents activated prothrombin complex concentrate or factor VIIa on two
      or more distinct dates. Severity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe
      based on laboratory tests of clotting factor. RESULTS: There were 160 hemophilia
      A patients and 54 hemophilia B patients identified. From this group, seven were
      designated as patients with inhibitors (five with hemophilia A and two with
      hemophilia B). Hemophilia A patients without inhibitors reported 65 (41.9%) as
      being severe, 19 (12.3%) as moderate, and 71 (45.8%) as mild. Hemophilia B
      patients without inhibitors reported nine (17.3%) had severe, 13 (25.0%) had
      moderate, and 30 (57.7%) had mild hemophilia. All patients with inhibitors had
      been hospitalized in the previous 5 years compared to 64 (41.3%) with hemophilia
      A without inhibitors and 22 (42.3%) with hemophilia B without inhibitors. The
      median aggregate cost per year (including factor and health resource use) was
      $325,780 for patients with inhibitors compared to $98,334 for hemophilia A
      patients without inhibitors and $23,265 for hemophilia B patients without
      inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that, while the frequency of
      inhibitors within the hemophilia cohort was low, there was a higher frequency of
      hospitalizations, and the associated median aggregate costs per year were 3-fold
      higher than those patients without inhibitors. In contrast, hemophilia B patients
      experience less severe disease and account for lower aggregate yearly costs
      compared to either patients with hemophilia A or patients with inhibitors.

PMID- 25111632
TI  - Chemical interrogation of the malaria kinome.
AB  - Malaria, an infectious disease caused by eukaryotic parasites of the genus
      Plasmodium, afflicts hundreds of millions of people every year. Both the parasite
      and its host utilize protein kinases to regulate essential cellular processes.
      Bioinformatic analyses of parasite genomes predict at least 65 protein kinases,
      but their biological functions and therapeutic potential are largely unknown. We
      profiled 1358 small-molecule kinase inhibitors to evaluate the role of both the
      human and the malaria kinomes in Plasmodium infection of liver cells, the
      parasites' obligatory but transient developmental stage that precedes the
      symptomatic blood stage. The screen identified several small molecules that
      inhibit parasite load in liver cells, some with nanomolar efficacy, and each
      compound was subsequently assessed for activity against blood-stage malaria. Most
      of the screening hits inhibited both liver- and blood-stage malaria parasites,
      which have dissimilar gene expression profiles and infect different host cells.
      Evaluation of existing kinase activity profiling data for the library members
      suggests that several kinases are essential to malaria parasites, including
      cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), glycogen synthase kinases, and phosphoinositide
      3-kinases. CDK inhibitors were found to bind to Plasmodium protein kinase 5, but
      it is likely that these compounds target multiple parasite kinases. The dual
      stage inhibition of the identified kinase inhibitors makes them useful chemical
      probes and promising starting points for antimalarial development. 

PMID- 25111635
TI  - The characteristics of n- and p-type dopants in SnS2 monolayer nanosheets.
AB  - Based on density functional theory, the characteristics of n- and p-type
      impurities are investigated firstly by means of group V and VII atoms
      substituting sulfur atoms in the SnS2 monolayer nanosheets. Numerical results
      show that the formation energy and transition levels depend highly on the atomic
      size and electronegativity of the impurity atom. The formation energies increase
      with the increasing impurity atom size for each considered doping case. For group
      V atom-doped SnS2 monolayer nanosheet systems, the calculations of the transition
      level indicate that N, P or As doping is not effective for p-type conductivity.
      However, for group VII atom doping cases, F, Cl, Br and I impurities can offer
      effective n-type carriers in the SnS2 monolayer nanosheets. 

PMID- 25111638
TI  - The first case of a patient with de novo partial distal 16q tetrasomy and a
      data's review.
AB  - We report on a patient with severe psychomotor disability, numerous dysmorphic
      features, and congenital malformations resulting from a complex genomic
      rearrangement on 16q24.1-q24.3 involving a de novo duplication-triplication
      pattern. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported patient
      presenting with this aberration within the distal chromosome 16q. We suggest that
      the clinical phenotype of our patient results from over-dosage of genes mapped to
      the region with duplication/triplication (five genes: FOXF1, FOXC2, ANKRD11, SPG7
      and FANCA seem to play a peculiar role). Detailed molecular characterization and
      documentation of the complex genomic rearrangement observed in the proband and of
      the clinical presentation are important for accurate genotype-phenotype
      correlations in genetic counseling. Delineation of the gene map for the terminal
      region of chromosome 16q will provide insight into this chromosome 16q24.1-q24.3
      contiguous gene duplication-triplication syndrome.

PMID- 25111636
TI  - Nanostructure embedded microchips for detection, isolation, and characterization
      of circulating tumor cells.
AB  - Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that break away from either a
      primary tumor or a metastatic site and circulate in the peripheral blood as the
      cellular origin of metastasis. With their role as a "tumor liquid biopsy", CTCs
      provide convenient access to all disease sites, including that of the primary
      tumor and the site of fatal metastases. It is conceivable that detecting and
      analyzing CTCs will provide insightful information in assessing the disease
      status without the flaws and limitations encountered in performing conventional
      tumor biopsies. However, identifying CTCs in patient blood samples is technically
      challenging due to the extremely low abundance of CTCs among a large number of
      hematologic cells. To address this unmet need, there have been significant
      research endeavors, especially in the fields of chemistry, materials science, and
      bioengineering, devoted to developing CTC detection, isolation, and
      characterization technologies. Inspired by the nanoscale interactions observed in
      the tissue microenvironment, our research team at UCLA pioneered a unique concept
      of "NanoVelcro" cell-affinity substrates, in which CTC capture agent-coated
      nanostructured substrates were utilized to immobilize CTCs with high efficiency.
      The working mechanism of NanoVelcro cell-affinity substrates mimics that of
      Velcro: when the two fabric strips of a Velcro fastener are pressed together,
      tangling between the hairy surfaces on two strips leads to strong binding.
      Through continuous evolution, three generations (gens) of NanoVelcro CTC chips
      have been established to achieve different clinical utilities. The first-gen
      NanoVelcro chip, composed of a silicon nanowire substrate (SiNS) and an overlaid
      microfluidic chaotic mixer, was created for CTC enumeration. Side-by-side
      analytical validation studies using clinical blood samples suggested that the
      sensitivity of first-gen NanoVelcro chip outperforms that of FDA-approved
      CellSearch. In conjunction with the use of the laser microdissection (LMD)
      technique, second-gen NanoVelcro chips (i.e., NanoVelcro-LMD), based on polymer
      nanosubstrates, were developed for single-CTC isolation. The individually
      isolated CTCs can be subjected to single-CTC genotyping (e.g., Sanger sequencing
      and next-generation sequencing, NGS) to verify the CTC's role as tumor liquid
      biopsy. Created by grafting of thermoresponsive polymer brushes onto SiNS, third
      gen NanoVelcro chips (i.e., Thermoresponsive NanoVelcro) have demonstrated the
      capture and release of CTCs at 37 and 4  degrees C, respectively. The temperature
      dependent conformational changes of polymer brushes can effectively alter the
      accessibility of the capture agent on SiNS, allowing for rapid CTC purification
      with desired viability and molecular integrity. This Account summarizes the
      continuous evolution of NanoVelcro CTC assays from the emergence of the original
      idea all the way to their applications in cancer research. We envision that
      NanoVelcro CTC assays will lead the way for powerful and cost-efficient
      diagnostic platforms for researchers to better understand underlying disease
      mechanisms and for physicians to monitor real-time disease progression.

PMID- 25111639
TI  - Influence on quality of life from an early cinacalcet prescription for secondary
      hyperparathyroidism in dialysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to compare patient-reported quality of life
      (PRQOL) evolution between two groups of end-stage renal disease patients with
      secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The first with a cinacalcet prescription
      within 3 months after a diagnosis of SHPT (early group) and a second group of
      patients with a later or no cinacalcet prescription (nonearly group). PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: From 2009 to 2012, we conducted a multicenter pharmaco-epidemiologic
      study in Lorraine region (France) including all consecutive patients on
      maintenance dialysis for at least 3 months with a diagnosis of SHPT (PTH > 500
      pg/ml or first cinacalcet prescription). PRQOL was estimated using the Kidney
      Disease Quality Of Life-Short Form questionnaire, at baseline and at 6 and 12
      months follow-up. Change in PRQOL was compared between the groups and adjusted
      with a propensity score. RESULTS: We included 124 patients: 44 in the early group
      and 80 in the nonearly group. The mental component summary score was lower in the
      early group, at baseline (43.6 +/- 6.6 vs 46.6 +/- 7.6; p = 0.030), and at the
      follow-up assessment (42.6 +/- 6.9 vs 45.7 +/- 7.9; p = 0.033). We found no
      difference between the groups in change in PRQOL, for all dimensions, even after
      adjustment with the propensity score. Mean serum alkaline phosphatase levels were
      normal in both groups at baseline (80.9 +/- 32.5 vs 95.1 +/- 39.6; p = 0.41).
      CONCLUSION: Cinacalcet prescription immediately following diagnosis of SHPT does
      not seem to be associated with better PRQOL evolution at 1 year. Mean serum
      alkaline phosphatase levels suggest that physicians should consider waiting for
      another PTH assay result before starting cinacalcet in case of a PTH rise.

PMID- 25111640
TI  - Ventilatory strategies in severe acute respiratory failure.
AB  - Lung-protective ventilator strategies are considered standard practice in the
      care of patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To minimize
      ventilator-induced lung injury, attention is directed at avoidance of alveolar
      overdistention and cyclical opening and closing. The lowest possible plateau
      pressure and tidal volume (V(T)) should be selected. A reasonable target V(T) in
      all mechanically ventilated patients is 6 mL/kg. A topic of much controversy is
      the optimal setting of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Results of a meta
      analysis using individual patient data from three randomized controlled trials
      suggest that higher PEEP should be used for moderate and severe ARDS, whereas
      lower PEEP may be more appropriate in patients with mild ARDS. PEEP should be set
      to maximize alveolar recruitment while avoiding overdistention. Volume and
      pressure limitation during mechanical ventilation can be described in terms of
      stress and strain. Fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio(2)) and PEEP are typically
      titrated to maintain arterial oxygen saturation (Spo(2)) of 88 to 95% (Pao(2) 55
      80 mm Hg). There is currently no clear proven benefit for advanced modes.

PMID- 25111641
TI  - Ventilatory strategies in obstructive lung disease.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by expiratory flow
      limitation (EFL) due to progressive airflow obstruction. The various mechanisms
      that cause EFL are central to understanding the physiopathology of COPD. At the
      end of expiration, dynamic inflation may occur due to incomplete emptying the
      lungs. This "extra" volume increases the alveolar pressure at the end of the
      expiration, resulting in auto-positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) or PEEPi.
      Acute exacerbations of COPD may result in increased airway resistance and
      inspiratory effort, further leading to dynamic hyperinflation. COPD exacerbations
      may be triggered by environmental exposures, infections (viral and bacterial), or
      bronchial inflammation, and may result in worsening respiratory failure requiring
      mechanical ventilation (MV). Acute exacerbations of COPD need to be distinguished
      from other events such as cardiac failure or pulmonary emboli. Strategies to
      treat acute respiratory failure (ARF) in COPD patients include noninvasive
      ventilation (NIV), pressure support ventilation, and tracheal intubation with MV.
      In this review, we discuss invasive and noninvasive techniques to address ARF in
      this patient population. When invasive MV is used, settings should be adjusted in
      a way that minimizes hyperinflation, while providing reasonable gas exchange,
      respiratory muscle rest, and proper patient-ventilator interaction. Further,
      weaning from MV may be difficult in these patients, and factors amenable to
      pharmacological correction (such as increased bronchial resistance,
      tracheobronchial infections, and heart failure) are to be systematically searched
      and treated. In selected patients, early use of NIV may hasten the process of
      weaning from MV and improve outcomes. 

PMID- 25111642
TI  - Sedation and analgesia in mechanical ventilation.
AB  - Traditionally, critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV)
      have received sedation. Over the last decade, randomized controlled trials have
      questioned continued use of deep sedation. Evidence shows that a nurse-driven
      sedation protocol reduces length of MV compared with standard strategy with
      sedation. Furthermore, daily interruption of sedation reduces length of MV,
      intensive care unit (ICU), and hospital length of stay (LOS). A larger scale
      trial with daily interruption of sedation has confirmed these findings and
      furthermore showed a reduction in 1-year mortality with the use of daily
      interruption of sedation. Recently, a strategy with no sedation has been
      described reporting a reduction in length of MV, ICU, and hospital LOS compared
      with a strategy with daily interruption of sedation. Follow-up trials report that
      reducing sedation does not seem to increase the risk of psychological morbidity.
      Moreover, delirium has gained increased focus in recent years with development of
      validated tools to detect both hyperactive and hypoactive forms of delirium.
      Using validated tools for detecting delirium is important in monitoring and
      detecting acute brain dysfunction in critically ill patients. Evidence from
      randomized trials also cites a beneficial effect of early mobilization with
      respect to length of MV and delirium. 

PMID- 25111643
TI  - Ventilator-associated pneumonia.
AB  - Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an iatrogenic pulmonary infection that
      develops in tracheally intubated patients on mechanical ventilation for at least
      48 hours. VAP is the nosocomial infection with the greatest impact on patient
      outcomes and health care costs. Endogenous colonization by aerobic gram-negative
      pathogens, that is, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of VAP. Several
      preventive strategies have shown efficacy in decreasing VAP incidence and are
      often implemented altogether as a prevention bundle. In patients with clinical
      suspicion of VAP, respiratory samples should be promptly collected. The empiric
      treatment should be based on the local prevalence of pathogens, duration of
      hospital stay, and prior antimicrobial therapy. The antibiotics can be stopped or
      adjusted to more narrow-spectrum once cultures and susceptibilities are
      available. 

PMID- 25111644
TI  - Tracheostomy in mechanical ventilation.
AB  - Airway access for mechanical ventilation (MV) can be provided either by
      orotracheal intubation (OTI) or tracheostomy tube. During episodes of acute
      respiratory failure, patients are commonly ventilated through an orotracheal tube
      that represents an easy and rapid initial placement of the airway device. OTI
      avoids acute surgical complications such as bleeding, nerve and posterior
      tracheal wall injury, and late complications such as wound infection and tracheal
      lumen stenosis that may emerge due to tracheostomy tube placement. Tracheostomy
      is often considered when MV is expected to be applied for prolonged periods or
      for the improvement of respiratory status, as this approach provides airway
      protection, facilitates access for secretion removal, improves patient comfort,
      and promotes progression of care in and outside the intensive care unit (ICU).
      The aim of this review is to assess the frequency and performance of different
      surgical or percutaneous dilational tracheostomy and timing and safety procedures
      associated with the use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy and ultrasounds. Moreover, we
      analyzed the performance based on National European surveys to assess the current
      tracheostomy practice in ICUs. 

PMID- 25111645
TI  - Noninvasive ventilation for patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure.
AB  - Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has an established efficacy to improve gas exchange
      and reduce the work of breathing in patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory
      failure. The clinical efficacy in terms of meaningful outcome is less clear and
      depends very much on patient selection and assessment of the risks of the
      technique. The potential risks include an insufficient reduction of the oxygen
      consumption of the respiratory muscles in case of shock, an excessive increase in
      tidal volume in case of lung injury, and a risk of delayed or emergent
      intubation. With a careful selection of patients and a rapid decision regarding
      the need for intubation in case of failure, great benefits can be offered to
      patients. Emerging indications include its use in patients with treatment
      limitations, in the postoperative period, and in patients with immunosuppression.
      This last indication will necessitate reappraisal because the prognosis of the
      conditions associated with immunosuppression has improved over the years. In all
      cases, there is both a time window and a severity window for NIV to work, after
      which delaying endotracheal intubation may worsen outcome. The preventive use of
      NIV seems promising in this setting but needs more research. An emerging
      interesting new option is the use of high flow humidified oxygen, which seems to
      be intermediate between oxygen alone and NIV. 

PMID- 25111646
TI  - Noninvasive ventilation in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.
AB  - Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) improves gas exchange and clinical
      outcome in various types of acute respiratory failure. Acute exacerbation of
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a frequent cause of acute hypercapnic
      respiratory failure (AHRF). According to several randomized controlled trials,
      the addition of NIV to standard medical therapy reduces mortality, intubation
      rate, and hospital length of stay in these patients. Indications for the use of
      NIV have expanded over the past decade. In this article, we discuss the clinical
      indications and goals of NIV in the management of AHRF. 

PMID- 25111647
TI  - Noninvasive ventilation in withdrawal from mechanical ventilation.
AB  - Patients with chronic airflow obstruction and difficult or prolonged weaning are
      at increased risk for prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Several
      randomized controlled trials mainly conducted in patients who had pre-existing
      lung disease have shown that the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) to advance
      extubation in patients with difficult and prolonged weaning can result in reduced
      periods of endotracheal intubation, complication rates, and improved survival.
      Patients in these studies were hemodynamically stable, with a normal level of
      consciousness, no fever, and a preserved cough reflex. The use of NIV in the
      management of mixed populations with respiratory failure after extubation,
      including small proportions of chronic respiratory patients did not show clinical
      benefits included. By contrast, NIV immediately after extubation is effective in
      avoiding respiratory failure after extubation and improving survival in patients
      at risk for this complication, particularly those with chronic respiratory
      disorders, cardiac comorbidity, and hypercapnic respiratory failure. Finally,
      both continuous positive airway pressure and NIV can improve clinical outcomes in
      patients with postoperative acute respiratory failure, particularly abdominal and
      thoracic surgery. 

PMID- 25111648
TI  - Extracorporeal support for severe acute respiratory failure.
AB  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal CO(2) removal
      (ECCO(2)R) techniques have increasingly been applied in patients with severe
      acute lung injury refractory to conventional mechanical ventilatory support. The
      objectives of this article are to review current concepts of extracorporeal life
      support techniques (ECMO and ECCO(2)R systems) and provide the rationale for
      their application in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic
      obstruction pulmonary disease, and as adjunctive therapy for bridging patients to
      lung transplantation.

PMID- 25111649
TI  - Late prematurity in twins: a Polish multicenter study.
AB  - The study aimed at investigating the impact of late prematurity (LPT) on neonatal
      outcome in twins and neonatal morbidity and mortality within LPT with regard to
      the completed weeks of gestation. The study was conducted in six tertiary
      obstetric departments from different provinces of Poland (Warsaw, Lublin, Poznan,
      Wroclaw, Bytom). It included 465 twin deliveries in the above centers in 2012. A
      comparative analysis of maternal factors, the course of pregnancy and delivery
      and neonatal outcome between LPT (34 + 0-36 + 6 weeks of gestation) and term
      groups (completed 37 weeks) was performed. The neonatal outcome included short
      term morbidities. The analysis of neonatal complication rates according to
      completed gestational weeks was carried out. Out of 465 twin deliveries 213
      (44.8%) were LPT and 156 (33.55%) were term. There were no neonatal deaths among
      LPT and term twins. One-third of LPT newborns suffered from respiratory disorders
      or required antibiotics, 40% had jaundice requiring phototherapy, and 30% were
      admitted to NICU. The analysis of neonatal morbidity with regard to each
      gestational week at delivery showed that most analyzed complications occurred
      less frequently with the advancing gestational age, especially respiratory
      disorders and NICU admissions. The only two factors with significant influence on
      neonatal morbidity rate were neonatal birth weight (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.2-0.9,
      p = .02) and gestational age at delivery (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.5-0.8, p < .01).
      LPT have a higher risk of neonatal morbidity than term twins. Gestational age and
      neonatal birth weight seem to play a crucial role in neonatal outcome in twins. 

PMID- 25111652
TI  - Responses of 9 lepidopteran species to Bacillus thuringiensis: How useful is
      phylogenetic relatedness for selecting surrogate species for nontarget arthropod
      risk assessment?
AB  - To evaluate phylogenetic relatedness as a proxy for susceptibility to Bacillus
      thuringiensis (Bt) when selecting species to act as surrogates for others in
      prerelease testing, we examined the responses of 11 laboratory-reared
      lepidopteran colonies, comprising members of 2 families, 5 genera, and 9 species,
      to a commercial Bt preparation. Survival, pupal mass, and timing of pupation and
      adult emergence of 2 noctuids (Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera) and 7
      tortricids (Cnephasia jactatana, Ctenopseustis obliquana, Ctenopseustis
      herana,Planotortrix octo, Planotortrix notophaea,Planotortrix excessana [2
      different laboratory colonies], and Epiphyas postvittana [2 colonies]) were
      examined after feeding first instar larvae with artificial diet containing 5
      MUL/100 mL Dipel ES (Bt subsp. kurstaki). Bt caused significant larval mortality
      in all species except S. litura, in which only pupation was delayed compared with
      untreated controls. Neither of the noctuid species tested would act as a suitable
      surrogate for the other in tests of Bt impacts on survival. With the exception of
      the 2 colonies of E. postvittana, which differed from each other not only in
      their responses to Bt but also in their development times when not treated with
      Bt, species within each tortricid genus had similar responses to Bt and thus
      could act as surrogates for each other. Members of different genera within this
      family could represent each other only if relatively coarse measurement endpoints
      (e.g., toxic or not) were considered adequate for assessing risks to nontarget
      species in the field.

PMID- 25111650
TI  - Nuclear overhauser enhancement mediated chemical exchange saturation transfer
      imaging at 7 Tesla in glioblastoma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement (NOE) mediated chemical
      exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      technique on the basis of saturation transfer between exchanging protons of
      tissue proteins and bulk water. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and
      compare the information provided by three dimensional NOE mediated CEST at 7
      Tesla (7T) and standard MRI in glioblastoma patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Twelve patients with newly diagnosed histologically proven glioblastoma were
      enrolled in this prospective ethics committee-approved study. NOE mediated CEST
      contrast was acquired with a modified three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence
      and asymmetry analysis was conducted at 3.3 ppm (B1 = 0.7 uT) to calculate the
      magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTR(asym)). Contrast enhanced T1 (CE-T1)
      and T2-weighted images were acquired at 3T and used for data co-registration and
      comparison. RESULTS: Mean NOE mediated CEST signal based on MTR(asym) values over
      all patients was significantly increased (p<0.001) in CE-T1 tumor (-1.99 +/-
      1.22%), tumor necrosis (-1.36 +/- 1.30%) and peritumoral CEST hyperintensities
      (PTCH) within T2 edema margins (-3.56 +/- 1.24%) compared to contralateral normal
      appearing white matter (-8.38 +/- 1.19%). In CE-T1 tumor (p = 0.015) and tumor
      necrosis (p<0.001) mean MTR(asym) values were significantly higher than in PTCH.
      Extent of the surrounding tumor hyperintensity was smaller in eight out of 12
      patients on CEST than on T2-weighted images, while four displayed at equal size.
      In all patients, isolated high intensity regions (0.40 +/- 2.21%) displayed on
      CEST within the CE-T1 tumor that were not discernible on CE-T1 or T2-weighted
      images. CONCLUSION: NOE mediated CEST Imaging at 7 T provides additional
      information on the structure of peritumoral hyperintensities in glioblastoma and
      displays isolated high intensity regions within the CE-T1 tumor that cannot be
      acquired on CE-T1 or T2-weighted images. Further research is needed to determine
      the origin of NOE mediated CEST and possible clinical applications such as
      therapy assessment or biopsy planning.

PMID- 25111654
TI  - The National ALS Registry: a recruitment tool for research.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Subject recruitment is critical for understanding fatal diseases
      like ALS, however linking patients with researchers can be challenging. The U.S.
      population-based National ALS Registry allows recruitment of persons with ALS
      (PALS) for research opportunities. METHODS: The Registry's Research Notification
      Mechanism was used to recruit PALS aged >=21 years; participants completed a Web
      based epidemiologic survey. PALS (n = 2,232) were sent an email describing the
      study, and 268 surveys were completed. RESULTS: The mean age (+/- SD) of eligible
      participants was 57.7 +/- 9.3 years for men and 61.5 +/- 8.9 for women. Most were
      men (63%) and Caucasian (92%). Of 256 potentially eligible participants, 37.5% (n
      = 96) returned an authorization to disclose protected health information. ALS was
      confirmed for 94% (83/88) from physician responses. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis
      demonstrates the National ALS Registry's usefulness in recruiting PALS for
      research. This recruitment source can potentially foster the discovery of better
      treatment options and therapies, and of prevention strategies.

PMID- 25111656
TI  - Post-traumatic olfactory loss: psychophysical, electrophysiological and
      neuroradiological findings in three single case studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury is one of the main causes of smell disorders.
      The degree of olfactory loss may vary and depend on the severity, nature and
      location of injury within the olfactory system. The diagnosis of disorders of the
      sense of smell is based on medical history and clinical data supported by
      psychophysical tests of smell, electrophysiological and neuroimaging measures.
      METHODS: This study reports three single clinical cases of post-traumatic anosmia
      evaluated by Sniffin' Sticks Test, Olfactory Event-Related Potential and Magnetic
      Resonance Imaging examinations. RESULTS: The Olfactory Event-Related Potential
      findings confirmed the presence of functional olfactory impairment in all three
      post-traumatic patients showing a good correlation with results of the
      psychophysical testing. In particular, Sniffin' Sticks Test and OERPs allowed to
      demonstrate the functional nature of post-traumatic olfactory loss, while the MRI
      identified the location and extent of injury compatible with the olfactory
      disorder. CONCLUSIONS: OERPs may have a good clinical application in objective
      diagnosis of post-traumatic anosmia, especially when the neuroradiological
      examination does not show lesions compatible with olfactory loss.

PMID- 25111655
TI  - Somatostatin analogues for receptor targeted photodynamic therapy.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established treatment modality, used mainly for
      anticancer therapy that relies on the interaction of photosensitizer, light and
      oxygen. For the treatment of pathologies in certain anatomical sites, improved
      targeting of the photosensitizer is necessary to prevent damage to healthy
      tissue. We report on a novel dual approach of targeted PDT (vascular and cellular
      targeting) utilizing the expression of neuropeptide somatostatin receptor (sst2)
      on tumor and neovascular-endothelial cells. We synthesized two conjugates
      containing the somatostatin analogue [Tyr3]-octreotate and Chlorin e6 (Ce6): Ce6
      K3-[Tyr3]-octreotate (1) and Ce6-[Tyr3]-octreotate-K3-[Tyr3]-octreotate (2).
      Investigation of the uptake and photodynamic activity of conjugates in-vitro in
      human erythroleukemic K562 cells showed that conjugation of [Tyr3]-octreotate
      with Ce6 in conjugate 1 enhances uptake (by a factor 2) in cells over-expressing
      sst2 compared to wild-type cells. Co-treatment with excess free Octreotide
      abrogated the phototoxicity of conjugate 1 indicative of a specific sst2-mediated
      effect. In contrast conjugate 2 showed no receptor-mediated effect due to its
      high hydrophobicity. When compared with un-conjugated Ce6, the PDT activity of
      conjugate 1 was lower. However, it showed higher photostability which may
      compensate for its lower phototoxicity. Intra-vital fluorescence pharmacokinetic
      studies of conjugate 1 in rat skin-fold observation chambers transplanted with
      sst2+ AR42J acinar pancreas tumors showed significantly different uptake profiles
      compared to free Ce6. Co-treatment with free Octreotide significantly reduced
      conjugate uptake in tumor tissue (by a factor 4) as well as in the chamber neo
      vasculature. These results show that conjugate 1 might have potential as an in
      vivo sst2 targeting photosensitizer conjugate. 

PMID- 25111657
TI  - Definition and applications of a versatile chemical pollution footprint
      methodology.
AB  - Because of the great variety in behavior and modes of action of chemicals, impact
      assessment of multiple substances is complex, as is the communication of its
      results. Given calls for cumulative impact assessments, we developed a
      methodology that is aimed at expressing the expected cumulative impacts of
      mixtures of chemicals on aquatic ecosystems for a region and subsequently allows
      to present these results as a chemical pollution footprint, in short: a chemical
      footprint. Setting and using a boundary for chemical pollution is part of the
      methodology. Two case studies were executed to test and illustrate the
      methodology. The first case illustrates that the production and use of organic
      substances in Europe, judged with the European water volume, stays within the
      currently set policy boundaries for chemical pollution. The second case shows
      that the use of pesticides in Northwestern Europe, judged with the regional water
      volume, has exceeded the set boundaries, while showing a declining trend over
      time. The impact of mixtures of substances in the environment could be expressed
      as a chemical footprint, and the relative contribution of substances to that
      footprint could be evaluated. These features are a novel type of information to
      support risk management, by helping prioritization of management among chemicals
      and environmental compartments. 

PMID- 25111658
TI  - Baseline adherence to the Mediterranean diet and major cardiovascular events:
      Prevencion con Dieta Mediterranea trial.

PMID- 25111659
TI  - Subgroups of familial and aggressive prostate cancer with considerable
      frequencies of BRCA2 mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the known risk factors for prostate cancer (PrCa) is germline
      mutations in the BRCA2 gene. Previous searches for clinical characteristics which
      could identify a subgroup of patients enriched for mutation carriers revealed
      early onset and aggressive PrCa as useful parameters, but they are rather
      unspecific. METHODS: Identification of BRCA2 mutation carriers by sequencing all
      exons of BRCA2 in a German cohort of 382 familial PrCa cases and of 92 sporadic
      PrCa cases with early onset (<=60 years). To define a subgroup of PrCa patients
      enriched for BRCA2 mutation carriers, we used clinical parameters including a
      detailed family history (FH) for PrCa and breast cancer. RESULTS: Five BRCA2
      mutations and ten variants of unknown significance (VUS) were identified. While
      the VUS were evenly distributed among the groups, mutation carriers were lacking
      from the sporadic cases and over represented among familial cases with aggressive
      disease. High prostate specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis (>20 ng/ml) was the
      only criterion with significant enrichment of mutation carriers (6.4%, P =
      0.0005). In men with aggressive disease, death from PrCa (6.3% including FH of
      lethal PrCa; P = 0.05) and FH of both prostate and breast cancer (4.8%; P = 0.3)
      increased the frequency of mutation carriers. Larger studies and/or meta-analyses
      are needed to validate these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified three
      potentially useful criteria, high PSA, death from PrCa (patient or FH), and
      aggressive PrCa in combination with FH of breast and prostate cancer. If
      confirmed, they may become useful for the decision which patients may benefit
      from BRCA2 testing.

PMID- 25111660
TI  - The berry constituents quercetin, kaempferol, and pterostilbene synergistically
      attenuate reactive oxygen species: involvement of the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway.
AB  - Quercetin, kaempferol, and pterostilbene are abundant in berries. The anti
      oxidative properties of these constituents may contribute to cancer
      chemoprevention. However, their precise mechanisms of action and their
      combinatorial effects are not completely understood. Nuclear factor (erythroid
      derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) regulates anti-oxidative stress enzymes and Phase II
      drug metabolizing/detoxifying enzymes by binding to antioxidant response element
      (ARE). This study aimed to investigate the anti-oxidative stress activities of
      quercetin, kaempferol, and pterostilbene individually and in combination, as well
      as the involvement of the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. Quercetin, kaempferol, and
      pterostilbene all exhibited strong free-radical scavenging activity in the DPPH
      assay. The MTS assay revealed that low concentration combinations we tested were
      relatively non-toxic to HepG2-C8 cells. The results of the DCFH-DA assay and
      combination index (CI) indicated that quercetin, kaempferol, and pterostilbene
      attenuated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels when pretreated
      individually and had synergistic effects when used in combination. In addition,
      the combination treatment significantly induced ARE and increased the mRNA and
      protein expression of Nrf2-regulated genes. Collectively, our study demonstrated
      that the berry constituents quercetin, kaempferol, and pterostilbene activated
      the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway and exhibited synergistic anti-oxidative stress
      activity at appropriate concentrations. 

PMID- 25111661
TI  - Metallothioneins attenuate paraquat-induced acute lung injury in mice through the
      mechanisms of anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis.
AB  - Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide, and lung is the primary target of PQ
      poisoning. Metallothionein (MT) is a potent antioxidant and free radical
      scavenger, and has been shown to play a protective role in lung injury induced by
      different stressors. This study was undertaken to evaluate the protective
      potential of MT against PQ-induced acute lung injury using MT-I/II null (MT(-/-))
      mice. Wild-type (MT(+/+)) mice and MT(-/-) mice were given one intragastric
      administration of 50mg/kg PQ for 24h, and it was revealed that MT(-/-) mice were
      more susceptible to PQ-induced acute lung injury than MT(+/+) mice evidenced by
      the following findings. As compared with MT(+/+) mice, MT(-/-) mice presented
      more severe histopathological lesions in the lung, higher pulmonary
      malondialdehyde content, and more reduced pulmonary antioxidative enzymes
      activities. PQ also induced more apoptosis in pneumocytes from MT(-/-) mice, and
      the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved-caspase-3, and
      the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 were all more significantly increased in PQ-treated MT(-/
      ) mice. Our results clearly demonstrate that endogenous MT can attenuate PQ
      induced acute lung injury, possibly through the mechanisms of anti-oxidation and
      anti-apoptosis. 

PMID- 25111662
TI  - Coordination of care between health and education systems for patients with a
      hematologic or oncologic diagnosis: a time study analysis.
AB  - Given the increasing emphasis on care coordination between healthcare and
      schools, hospital-school liaison services are increasing in demand. Limited
      research examines hospital-school liaison programs that focus on educational
      journeys of school-age patients with a chronic illness. Thus, this initiative
      aimed to determine the time needed to support the educational needs of these
      patients. Liaisons tracked time spent per patient, and per specific task
      category, to support school-age patients (N=419) using work-sampling and time-and
      motion methods. Findings may be useful for hospital-based programs seeking to
      establish or increase staff dedicated to the coordination of care between school
      and healthcare systems. 

PMID- 25111663
TI  - Available resources and challenges for the clinical annotation of somatic
      variations.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become an important tool for identifying
      clinically relevant variants in both inherited disorders and oncology. Variants
      annotation that enables the creation of meaningful clinical reports often
      requires mining multiple publicly available databases. There are a number of such
      resources that have been designed to catalog and mine a plethora of germline
      variants or mutations. However, when analyzing tumor specimens in clinical
      settings, one may need to use different or ancillary resources that are specific
      for somatic variants or actionable mutations that may have clinical or treatment
      implications. The purpose of this review is to recapitulate the state of the art
      of somatic variation databases, which can aid in the clinical interpretation of
      NGS-based assays in oncology. In addition, the current need for collating various
      annotation sources into one-stop solutions to facilitate faster query execution
      and better integration into existing laboratory information systems are
      discussed.

PMID- 25111664
TI  - On the precision of goal-directed attentional selection.
AB  - Attention selects objects in a scene for cognitive processing. A growing body of
      evidence has been used to argue that observers are able to narrowly restrict
      attentional selection to stimuli that match a feature-based target template while
      ignoring similar-looking distractors. For example, visual search for a target
      among feature-similar nontargets is highly efficient. Here, I demonstrate that
      observers are substantially impaired at selecting a target among feature-similar
      nontargets when stimuli are compared with a target template serially in time. The
      results argue that goal-directed attentional selection is distinctly imprecise,
      and that comparing stimuli with a target template reflects an inefficient
      mechanism of selection that cannot fully explain visual search performance under
      demanding conditions.

PMID- 25111665
TI  - Pitch structure, but not selective attention, affects accent weightings in
      metrical grouping.
AB  - Among other cues, pitch and temporal accents contribute to grouping in musical
      sequences. However, exactly how they combine remains unclear, possibly because of
      the role of structural organization. In 3 experiments, participants rated the
      perceived metrical grouping of sequences that either adhered to the rules of
      tonal Western musical pitch structure (musical key) or did not (atonal). The
      tonal status of sequences did not provide any grouping cues and was irrelevant to
      the task. Experiment 1 established equally strong levels of pitch leap accents
      and duration accents in baseline conditions, which were then recombined in
      subsequent experiments. Neither accent type was stronger or weaker for tonal and
      atonal contexts. In Experiment 2, pitch leap accents dominated over duration
      accents, but the extent of this advantage was greater when sequences were tonal.
      Experiment 3 ruled out an attentional origin of this effect by replicating this
      finding while explicitly manipulating attention to pitch or duration accents
      between participant groups. Overall, the presence of tonal pitch structure made
      the dimension of pitch more salient at the expense of time. These findings
      support a dimensional salience framework in which the presence of organizational
      structure prioritizes the processing of the more structured dimension regardless
      of task relevance, independent from psychophysical difficulty, and impervious to
      attentional allocation.

PMID- 25111666
TI  - Selection history modulates the effects of dual mechanisms on flanker
      interference.
AB  - The limit of processing capacity and the effectiveness of top-down control are 2
      mechanisms that underlie distractor interference in a flanker task. The current
      study investigates how the interblock selection history shaped by the target
      number and the predictability of distractor location may modulate the effects of
      these 2 mechanisms on flanker interference. Experiment 1 showed that the
      distractor compatibility effect was eliminated when the task array contained 4 or
      5 identical targets, which reflected the capacity limit. The target number and
      distractor location's predictability (Experiment 2) or location predictability
      and target-distractor proximity (Experiment 3) were manipulated across blocks,
      while compatibility varied within blocks, with control efficacy underlying the
      effects of distractor location (predictability and proximity). The interblock
      selection history was induced by task order, beginning with 2 or 4 targets in
      Experiment 2 and with a distractor at a fixed or an unpredictable location in
      Experiment 3. Effects of interblock selection history were found when the
      intertrial context did not promote an incentive for altering the processing mode.
      When the incentive for enacting top-down control is high, intertrial contextual
      factors influence flanker interference. Contextual factors related to the target
      number and distractor location modulate flanker interference at multiple levels.

PMID- 25111667
TI  - A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial on the management of post
      infective cough by inhaled ipratropium and salbutamol administered in
      combination.
AB  - Post-viral cough is a type of cough originating from upper respiratory tract
      infections that persists after the infection is resolved. Although it was
      hypothesized that bronchodilators might have a role in the management of post
      viral cough, a clear demonstration of their efficacy is missing. Therefore, we
      tested the efficacy of a combination of a beta-agonist and an anticholinergic
      agent in reducing post-viral cough with a randomized, double blind, placebo
      controlled clinical trial. Patients were treated for 10 days with either a
      nebulized combination of salbutamol 1.875 mg/0.5 mL and ipratropium bromide 0.375
      mg/0.5 mL, or a placebo, and followed up for another 10 days. Daytime and
      nighttime cough severity and spirometry testing were assessed before starting
      treatment, after 10 and 20 days. Ninety-two patients were randomized to receive
      placebo (n = 46) or the active treatment (n = 46); nine of them (4 in the placebo
      group, 5 in the active treatment group) dropped out from the study. Daytime and
      nighttime cough severity were significantly reduced in both groups during the
      study period, but the reduction was more prominent in the active treatment group
      vs. placebo after 10 days of treatment (P = 0.003 for day cough; P = 0.061 for
      night cough), whereas at the end of follow-up period cough severity was
      comparable between the two groups. Small but significant increases in spirometric
      parameters were observed in the active treatment vs. placebo group, although at
      the end of follow-up these values returned to be comparable to placebo. The
      frequency of adverse events was not significantly different between the two
      groups of patients. We concluded that a combination of a beta-agonist and an
      anticholinergic agent can effectively reduce post-viral cough, and can thus
      represent a valid option for this type of cough.

PMID- 25111668
TI  - Factors associated with postoperative hypothyroidism after lobectomy in papillary
      thyroid microcarcinoma patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: No previous study regarding the correlation between post-operative
      thyroid function and underlying thyroid histopathology has been published. This
      study assessed the relationship between postoperative thyroid function after
      lobectomy and multiple factors in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC)
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2010, 338 patients
      who had undergone thyroid lobectomy for PTMC were enrolled. Patients with pre
      operative hyperthyroidism or those with hypothyroidism but no pre-operative
      serological data were excluded, leaving a cohort of 285 patients. The
      relationships between post-operative thyroid function (based on successful
      cessation of thyroxine replacement therapy) and multiple factors (patient age and
      sex, serological data, the Pre-operative anteroposterior diameter of the thyroid
      gland, underlying histopathology of the thyroid gland, and number of attempts to
      stop thyroxine replacement therapy) were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 285 patients,
      157 attempted to stop thyroxine replacement therapy once or twice after
      lobectomy; 91 successfully stopped thyroxine replacement therapy during the study
      period. The final histopathologic diagnoses after surgery included Hashimoto's
      thyroiditis (n = 5), non-Hashimoto type of lymphocytic thyroiditis (n = 17), and
      normal thyroid parenchyma (n = 135). Pre-operative thyroid-stimulating hormone
      (TSH) levels differed significantly between patients with postoperative
      hypothyroidism and those with postoperative euthyroidism (univariate logistic
      regression analysis, p = 0.0028; multivariate logistic regression analysis, p =
      0.0029). No statistically significant differences were found for any other
      factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study results demonstrated that the Pre-operative TSH
      level was the only predictor for the development of post-operative hypothyroidism
      after thyroid lobectomy in PTMC patients.

PMID- 25111669
TI  - Synthesis of cyclic imides from nitriles and diols using hydrogen transfer as a
      substrate-activating strategy.
AB  - An atom-economical and versatile method for the synthesis of cyclic imides from
      nitriles and diols was developed. The method utilizes a Ru-catalyzed transfer
      hydrogenation reaction in which the substrates, diols, and nitriles are
      simultaneously activated into lactones and amines in a redox-neutral manner to
      afford the corresponding cyclic imides with evolution of H2 gas as the sole
      byproduct. This operationally simple and catalytic synthetic method provides a
      sustainable and easily accessible route to cyclic imides. 

PMID- 25111670
TI  - Maternal mood and concordant maternal and infant salivary cortisol during heel
      lance while in kangaroo care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal kangaroo care (MKC) is a naturalistic intervention that
      alleviates neonatal pain, and mothers are assumed to play a stress regulatory
      role in MKC. Yet, no MKC infant pain study has examined relationship between
      maternal and infant stress reactivity concurrently, or whether post-partum
      depression and/or anxiety (PPDA) alters maternal and neonatal stress response and
      the regulatory effects of MKC. OBJECTIVES: To examine the concordance of salivary
      cortisol reactivity between 42 mothers and their stable preterm infants during
      routine infant heel lance (HL) while in MKC and to compare salivary cortisol
      between groups of mothers with and without PPDA and their infants. METHODS:
      Maternal and infant salivary cortisol samples were collected pre-HL and 20 min
      post-HL with two additional maternal samples at night and in the morning. Mothers
      and infants were allocated to with PPDA versus without PPDA study groups on the
      basis of maternal post-natal mental health assessment scores. RESULTS: Higher
      mothers' cortisol pre-HL was weakly associated with higher infants' salivary
      cortisol in response to the HL procedure. Maternal depression and/or anxiety were
      not associated with infants' cortisol. During HL, both groups of mothers and
      infants showed no change in salivary cortisol. CONCLUSIONS: Concordance between
      mother and infant salivary cortisol supports the maternal stress regulatory role
      in MKC. MKC may have stress regulatory benefits for mothers and their preterm
      infants during HL independent of PPDA. Future MKC studies that target mothers
      with altered mood will help to build on these findings.

PMID- 25111673
TI  - Implementation of a new screening recommendation in health care: the Veterans
      Health Administration's approach to lung cancer screening.

PMID- 25111672
TI  - Small regulatory RNAs in lambdoid bacteriophages and phage-derived plasmids: Not
      only antisense.
AB  - Until recently, only two small regulatory RNAs encoded by lambdoid bacteriophages
      were known. These transcripts are derived from paQ and pO promoters. The former
      one is supposed to act as an antisense RNA for expression of the Q gene, encoding
      a transcription antitermination protein. The latter transcript, called oop RNA,
      was initially proposed to have a double role, in establishing expression of the
      cI gene and in providing a primer for DNA replication. Although the initially
      proposed mechanisms by which oop RNA could influence the choice between two
      alternative developmental pathways of the phage and the initiation of phage DNA
      replication were found not true, the pO promoter has been demonstrated to be
      important for both regulation of phage development and control of DNA
      replication. Namely, the pO-derived transcript is an antisense RNA for expression
      of the cII gene, and pO is a part of a dual promoter system responsible for
      regulation of initiation of DNA synthesis from the orilambda region. Very recent
      studies identified a battery of small RNAs encoded by lambdoid bacteriophages
      existing as prophages in chromosomes of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
      strains. Some of them have very interesting functions, like anti-small RNAs. 

PMID- 25111671
TI  - The roles of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and pigmentation in
      melanoma.
AB  - MITF and pigmentation play important roles in both normal melanocyte and
      transformed melanoma cell biology. MITF is regulated by many pathways and it also
      regulates many targets, some of which are still being discovered and functionally
      validated. MITF is involved in a wide range of processes in melanocytes,
      including pigment synthesis and lineage survival. Pigmentation itself plays an
      important role as the interface between genetic and environmental factors that
      contribute to melanoma. 

PMID- 25111674
TI  - Giant condyloma acuminatum in the axilla.

PMID- 25111675
TI  - Cluster size effects of platinum oxide as active sites in hydrogen evolution
      reactions.
AB  - The successful design of photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water relies on
      a thorough understanding of the role of cocatalyst. The photoreactivity was
      studied as a function of the cluster size of the oxidized platinum cocatalyst.
      The maximum turnover frequency is found on the smallest-sized cocatalyst. This
      effect can be attributed to the size-dependent proton adsorption. 

PMID- 25111676
TI  - Redescription of Sarcocystis fusiformis sarcocysts from the water buffalo
      (Bubalus bubalis).
AB  - Four valid species of Sarcocystis have been reported from the water buffalo
      (Bubalus bubalis): Sarcocystis fusiformis, Sarcocystis buffalonis, Sarcocystis
      levinei and Sarcocystis dubeyi. Here, we redescribe structure of S. fusiformis
      sarcocysts by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). Twenty
      one macroscopic sarcocysts from oesophagus of the water buffalo in Egypt were
      examined by light microscopy, SEM and TEM. The sarcocyst wall was up to 9 MUm
      thick, depending on the section and the technique. In 5 MUm paraffin-embedded
      sections, the sarcocyst wall was indistinct, 2-5 MUm thick and appeared smooth.
      In 1 MUm plastic-embedded sections stained with toluidine blue, the sarcocyst
      wall was 2.5-5.2 MUm thick and had branched villar protrusions (vp)-like branches
      of a dead tree. By SEM, the sarcocyst wall had a mesh-like structure with
      irregularly shaped vp that were folded over the sarcocyst wall. On each vp there
      were uniform papillomatous structures that were 100 nm wide. By TEM, vp were up
      to 6 MUm long and contained filamentous tubular structures, most of which were
      parallel to the long axis of the projections; granules were absent from these
      tubules. By TEM, bradyzoites within the same cyst varied from 11.2 to 16.8 MUm in
      length. By TEM, bradyzoites had a very long (10 MUm) convoluted mitochondrion, up
      to 12 dense granules, but only 2 rhoptries. This redescription should help to
      differentiate the sarcocysts of S. fusiformis from similar sarcocysts in domestic
      and wild ruminants.

PMID- 25111677
TI  - A superhydrophobic chip based on SU-8 photoresist pillars suspended on a silicon
      nitride membrane.
AB  - We developed a new generation of superhydrophobic chips optimized for probing
      ultrasmall sample quantities by X-ray scattering and fluorescence techniques. The
      chips are based on thin Si3N4 membranes with a tailored pattern of SU-8
      photoresist pillars. Indeed, aqueous solution droplets can be evaporated and
      concentrated at predefined positions using a non-periodic pillar pattern. We
      demonstrated quantitatively the deposition and aggregation of gold
      glyconanoparticles from the evaporation of a nanomolar droplet in a small spot by
      raster X-ray nanofluorescence. Further, raster nanocrystallography of biological
      objects such as rod-like tobacco mosaic virus nanoparticles reveals crystalline
      macro-domain formation composed of highly oriented nanorods. 

PMID- 25111678
TI  - SUMO1 genetic polymorphisms may contribute to the risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip
      with or without palate: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We conducted the present meta-analysis to investigate whether single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SUMO1 gene contribute to the risk of
      nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without palate (NSCL/P). METHOD: The Web of
      Science (1945-2013), the Cochrane Library Database (Issue 12, 2013), PubMed (1966
      2013), EMBASE (1980-2013), CINAHL (1982-2013), and the Chinese Biomedical
      Database (CBM) (1982-2013) were searched without language restrictions. Meta
      analysis was performed with the use of the STATA statistical software. RESULTS:
      Six studies with a total of 1381 NSCL/P patients and 2054 control subjects were
      included. Twenty-seven functional polymorphisms in the SUMO1 gene were assessed.
      Our results indicated that SUMO1 genetic polymorphisms were correlated with an
      increased risk of NSCL/P. Subgroup analysis by the SNP type indicated that 4
      functional polymorphisms (rs12470401 T>C, rs16838917 A>G, rs12470529 A>G, and
      rs7572505 A>G) in the SUMO1 gene might be strongly correlated with NSCL/P risk.
      Furthermore, ethnicity-stratified analysis demonstrated that SUMO1 genetic
      polymorphisms were closely related to an increased risk of NSCL/P among both
      Asians and Caucasians. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide empirical evidence that
      SUMO1 genetic polymorphisms might be strongly involved in the etiology of NSCL/P,
      especially for rs12470401 T>C, rs16838917 A>G, rs12470529 A>G, and rs7572505 A>G
      polymorphisms.

PMID- 25111679
TI  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: An atypical complication of
      postpartum wound infection.

PMID- 25111680
TI  - Fluid removal in acute heart failure: diuretics versus devices.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Fluid removal and relief of congestion are central to
      treatment of acute heart failure. Diuretics have been the decongestive mainstay
      but their known limitations have led to the exploration of alternative
      strategies. This review compares diuretics with ultrafiltration and examines the
      recent evidence evaluating their use. RECENT FINDINGS: Relevant recent studies
      are the Diuretic Optimization Strategies Evaluation trial (of diuretics) and the
      Cardiorenal Rescue Study in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (of
      ultrafiltration). The Diuretic Optimization Strategies Evaluation study evaluated
      strategies of loop diuretic use during acute heart failure (continuous infusion
      versus intermittent bolus and high dose versus low dose). After 72  h, there was
      no significant difference with either comparison for the coprimary end points.
      Patients treated with a high-dose strategy tended to have greater diuresis and
      more decongestion compared with low-dose therapy, at the cost of transient
      changes in renal function. The Cardiorenal Rescue Study in Acute Decompensated
      Heart Failure study showed that in acute heart failure patients with persistent
      congestion and worsening renal function, ultrafiltration, as compared with a
      medical therapy, was associated with similar weight loss but greater increase in
      serum creatinine and more adverse events. SUMMARY: Decongestion remains a major
      challenge in acute heart failure. Although recent studies provide useful data to
      guide practice, the relatively poor outcomes point to the continued need to
      identify better strategies for safe and effective decongestion.

PMID- 25111681
TI  - Theoretical explanation of the photoswitchable superhydrophobicity of
      diarylethene microcrystalline surfaces.
AB  - Two types of superhydrophobic surfaces which show lotus and petal effects were
      induced on photochromic diarylethene microcrystalline surfaces by UV and visible
      light irradiation and temperature control. On the surfaces showing the lotus
      effect, a low-adhesion superhydrophobic property is attributed to the surface
      structure being covered with densely standing needle-shaped crystals of the
      closed-ring isomer. On surfaces showing the petal effect, a high-adhesion
      superhydrophobic surface consists of fine needle-shaped crystals with high
      density together with a few rod-shaped crystals, where an invasion phenomenon
      occurs between these rod-shaped crystals. Furthermore, the different
      superhydrophobic properties of the surfaces are theoretically explained using
      multipillar surface models. 

PMID- 25111683
TI  - The value of preoperative medical testing for vitreoretinal surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether preoperative medical testing reduces the risk of
      postoperative systemic adverse events after vitreoretinal surgery. METHODS:
      Retrospective cohort study at a single academic university hospital involving a
      total of 2,215 patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery. Medical charts of 2,215
      patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery between January 2002 and November
      2011 at Vanderbilt University were reviewed for baseline comorbidities,
      preoperative testing, type of anesthesia during surgery, and systemic adverse
      events occurring within 30 days after surgery. Main outcome measures were the
      association of baseline characteristics and preoperative testing with
      postoperative systemic adverse events. RESULTS: Approximately a half of patients
      had electrolyte, renal function, and electrocardiogram evaluation. The most
      common comorbidities were hypertension (53%), diabetes mellitus (37%), and
      coronary artery disease (18%). The most common preoperative testing performed was
      blood glucose (58%). A total of 102 systemic adverse events occurred in 89 of
      2,215 patients (4%) within the first 30 days after surgery with the majority
      (72%) occurring within the first 24 hours. The most common adverse event was
      bradycardia (34%) followed by desaturation (25%). Patients with a history of
      coronary artery disease, asthma, chronic renal disease, or receiving general
      anesthesia had a 2.04 (P = 0.01), 2.18 (P = 0.03), 2.76 (P < 0.01), and 3.72 (P <
      0.001) increased odds of developing postoperative systemic adverse events,
      respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated no
      significant correlation between preoperative testing and postoperative adverse
      events. CONCLUSION: Incidence of postoperative systemic adverse events after
      vitreoretinal surgery was 4% and was significantly increased in patients with
      coronary artery disease, asthma, chronic renal disease, or receiving general
      anesthesia. In this series, preoperative testing did not measurably influence
      rates of postoperative systemic complications.

PMID- 25111682
TI  - Expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B as a poor prognostic
      marker in breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B and its ligand (RANK/RANKL)
      and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) are key molecules for regulating osteoclastic activity
      in bone. However, little is known about the role of RANK-related molecules in
      breast cancer prognosis. We aimed to evaluate RANK, RANKL, and OPG expression and
      the associated clinical impact in breast cancer. METHODS: Tissue microarray (TMA)
      from 185 patients with primary breast cancer was established.
      Immunohistochemistry for RANK, RANKL, and OPG was performed. Clinicopathologic
      features and survival outcomes associated with expression of RANK, RANKL, and OPG
      were analyzed. RESULTS: RANK, RANKL, and OPG were expressed in 74.1%, 78.4%, and
      45.9% of patients, respectively. RANKL expression was associated with lower Ki-67
      level. OPG expression was related to small tumor size, node negativity, and low
      Ki-67. There was no significant difference in clinicopathologic features between
      tumors with RANK and those without RANK. RANK expression was significantly
      associated with poor disease-free survival in univariate analysis (P = 0.04) and
      multivariate analysis (P = 0.02). RANKL expression was associated with improved
      skeletal disease-free survival in multivariate analysis (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS:
      The RANK/RANKL pathway regulated by OPG may have a role in predicting progression
      and prognosis of breast cancer.

PMID- 25111684
TI  - Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges.

PMID- 25111685
TI  - Malattia leventinese/Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy in a chinese family with
      mutation of the EFEMP1 gene.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize the clinical features and molecular genetic findings in
      a Chinese pedigree with Malattia leventinese/Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy.
      METHODS: All patients underwent ophthalmologic examinations, including Snellen
      best-corrected visual acuity, fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence
      imaging, fundus fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography.
      Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples. All exons of EFEMP1 were amplified
      by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. Possible structural and functional
      impacts of the protein because of amino acid substitution were predicted by
      bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS: A heterozygous missense mutation comprising C >
      T in exon 10 of EFEMP1 was identified in all patients of the pedigree; this
      resulted in an amino acid substitution at position 345 (Arg345Trp, R345W).
      Clinically, six patients from the Chinese family were ascertained with varying
      degrees of early onset drusen. Besides the drusen, choroidal neovascularization
      and retinal pigment epithelium changes were noted in some patients. Increased
      autofluorescence corresponding to the drusen was detected in the R345W mutation
      patients. Intrafamilial patients with Malattia leventinese/Doyne honeycomb
      retinal dystrophy seem to be phenotypically variable in visual loss,
      ophthalmoscopic findings, autofluorescence imaging, and optical coherence
      tomography changes. The amino acid change may have an effect on protein structure
      and function through bioinformatics analysis. CONCLUSION: The R345W mutation in
      EFEMP1 caused Malattia leventinese/Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy in a Chinese
      family. This is the first report, as per our knowledge, of the R345W mutation in
      EFEMP1 in a Chinese pedigree of this disease.

PMID- 25111686
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and dexamethasone
      implant in rabbit retinas after pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate potential retinal neuroprotective effects of intravitreal
      triamcinolone acetonide and dexamethasone implant in rabbits after pars plana
      vitrectomy and intravitreal silicone oil injection. METHODS: The right eyes of 84
      rabbits, divided into 3 groups of 28 rabbits each, underwent standard 3-port pars
      plana vitrectomy with silicone oil (SO group), silicone oil and intravitreal
      dexamethasone implant (SO/DEX group), or silicone oil and triamcinolone acetonide
      (SO/TA group). The retina from the left eye of each rabbit served as a control.
      The animals were killed at 4 weeks after surgery. Qualitative and quantitative
      histopathologic analyses were performed 4 weeks after surgery, and investigation
      for apoptosis was performed using the Tunel assay. RESULTS: Intravitreal
      triamcinolone acetonide and dexamethasone implant were associated with increased
      retinal neuronal survival, primarily in the outer nuclear layer, inner nuclear
      layer, and ganglion cell layer. In the SO group, the cell density in eyes that
      underwent PPV/SO was 31% lower in the outer nuclear layer, 33% lower in the inner
      nuclear layer, and 45% lower in the ganglion cell layer compared to control eyes
      (p < 0.05 for all PPV/SO versus control comparisons). Compared to eyes that
      underwent PPV/SO, the cell density in eyes treated with triamcinolone was 27%
      higher in the outer nuclear layer, 66% higher in the inner nuclear layer, and
      100% higher in the ganglion cell layer (p < 0.05 for all triamcinolone versus
      PPV/SO comparisons). Compared to eyes that underwent PPV/SO, the cell density in
      eyes treated with dexamethasone was 46% higher in the outer nuclear layer, 62%
      higher in the inner nuclear layer, and 77% higher in the ganglion cell layer (p <
      0.05 for all dexamethasone versus PPV/SO comparisons). Analyses using the Tunnel
      assay demonstrated apoptotic bodies in all eyes in the SO group, compared with
      none of the eyes in the SO/TA and SO/DEX groups. The presence of cell nuclei
      stained with 49,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) was demonstrated in all groups.
      CONCLUSION: In this experimental model of neuroprotection, increased retinal
      neuronal survival was seen in the steroid-treated groups compared with the
      controls.

PMID- 25111687
TI  - Posterior scleral reinforcement and vitrectomy for myopic foveoschisis in extreme
      myopia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of surgical posterior scleral reinforcement in
      extremely myopic patients (axial length >=30 mm) with myopic foveoschisis.
      METHODS: The retrospective interventional case series study included patients
      with an axial length >=30 mm, posterior scleral staphyloma, and myopic
      foveoschisis, who were treated either by posterior scleral reinforcement and 23
      gauge 3-port pars plana vitrectomy (posterior scleral reinforcement group) or by
      vitrectomy (vitrectomy group) alone. All eyes additionally underwent cataract
      surgery. RESULTS: The study included 28 patients (28 eyes) with no significant
      (all P > 0.05) difference between the posterior scleral reinforcement group (n =
      14) and the vitrectomy group (n = 14) in age, refractive error, axial length, and
      preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). In addition to posterior
      scleral staphyloma and foveoschisis, a macular hole, a macular hole-associated
      retinal detachment, and a macular detachment without macular hole were present in
      three eyes, five eyes, and one eye, respectively in the study group and in three
      eyes, three eyes, and six eyes, respectively in the control group. In the study
      group, BCVA was significantly better after surgery than at baseline (P = 0.005)
      with an improvement in BCVA in 13 eyes, whereas BCVA was unchanged in 1 eye. In
      the control group, BCVA at baseline and at the end of follow-up did not differ
      significantly (P = 0.22). Gain in BCVA was marginally significantly higher in the
      study group than that in the control group (improvement by 0.69 +/- 0.76 logMAR
      vs. 0.19 +/- 0.54 logMAR; P = 0.05). The number of eyes with any improvement in
      BCVA (13 [93%] eyes vs. 11 [79%] eyes; P = 0.289) did not differ between both
      groups; an improvement in BCVA by more than 2 lines (10 [71%] eyes vs. 3 [21%]
      eyes; P = 0.009) was significantly higher in the study group than that in the
      control group. Anatomical success (defined as closure of macular holes and
      collapse of the foveoschisis) was achieved earlier in the study group (3.7 +/-
      3.2 months vs. 6.2 +/- 3.0 months; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Posterior scleral
      reinforcement in association with vitrectomy, as compared with vitrectomy alone,
      was associated with a higher improvement in visual acuity in extremely myopic
      eyes with foveoschisis.

PMID- 25111688
TI  - The cost of being queen: investment across Pogonomyrmex harvester ant gynes that
      differ in degree of claustrality.
AB  - The role of the ant colony largely consists of non-reproductive tasks, such as
      foraging, tending brood, and defense. However, workers are vitally linked to
      reproduction through their provisioning of sexual offspring, which are produced
      annually to mate and initiate new colonies. Gynes (future queens) have size
      associated variation in colony founding strategy (claustrality), with each
      strategy requiring different energetic investments from their natal colony. We
      compared the per capita production cost required for semi-claustral, facultative,
      and claustral gynes across four species of Pogonomyrmex harvester ants. We found
      that the claustral founding strategy is markedly expensive, costing approximately
      70% more energy than that of the semi-claustral strategy. Relative to males,
      claustral gynes also had the largest differential investment and smallest size
      variation. We applied these investment costs to a model by Brown and Bonhoeffer
      (2003) that predicts founding strategy based on investment cost and foraging
      survivorship. The model predicts that non-claustral foundresses must survive the
      foraging period with a probability of 30-36% in order for a foraging strategy to
      be selectively favored. These results highlight the importance of incorporating
      resource investment at the colony level when investigating the evolution of
      colony founding strategies in ants. 

PMID- 25111689
TI  - Control of larval and egg development in Aedes aegypti with RNA interference
      against juvenile hormone acid methyl transferase.
AB  - RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful approach for elucidating gene functions in
      a variety of organisms, including mosquitoes and many other insects. Little has
      been done, however, to harness this approach in order to control adult and larval
      mosquitoes. Juvenile hormone (JH) plays a pivotal role in the control of
      reproduction in adults and metamorphism in larval mosquitoes. This report
      describes an approach to control Aedes aegypti using RNAi against JH acid methyl
      transferase (AeaJHAMT), the ultimate enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of JH III
      that converts JH acid III (JHA III) into JH III. In female A. aegypti that were
      injected or fed jmtA dsRNA targeting the AeaJHAMT gene (jmtA) transcript, egg
      development was inhibited in 50% of the treated females. In mosquito larvae that
      were fed transgenic Pichia pastoris cells expressing long hair pin (LHP) RNA,
      adult eclosion was delayed by 3 weeks causing high mortality. Northern blot
      analyses and qPCR studies show that jmtA dsRNA causes inhibition of jmtA
      transcript in adults and larvae, which is consistent with the observed inhibition
      of egg maturation and larval development. Taken together, these results suggest
      that jmtA LHP RNA expressed in heat inactivated genetically modified P. pastoris
      cells could be used to control mosquito populations in the marsh.

PMID- 25111690
TI  - Uric acid induces fat accumulation via generation of endoplasmic reticulum stress
      and SREBP-1c activation in hepatocytes.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently one of the most common
      types of chronic liver injury. Elevated serum uric acid is a strong predictor of
      the development of fatty liver as well as metabolic syndrome. Here we demonstrate
      that uric acid induces triglyceride accumulation by SREBP-1c activation via
      induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in hepatocytes. Uric acid-induced
      ER stress resulted in an increase of glucose-regulated protein (GRP78/94),
      splicing of the X-box-binding protein-1 (XBP-1), the phosphorylation of protein
      kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor
      2alpha (eIF-2alpha) in cultured hepatocytes. Uric acid promoted hepatic
      lipogenesis through overexpression of the lipogenic enzyme, acetyl-CoA
      carboxylase 1 (ACC1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1
      (SCD1) via activation of SREBP-1c, which was blocked by probenecid, an organic
      anion transport blocker in HepG2 cells and primary hepatocytes. A blocker of ER
      stress, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), and an inhibitor of SREBP-1c,
      metformin, blocked hepatic fat accumulation, suggesting that uric acid promoted
      fat synthesis in hepatocytes via ER stress-induced activation of SREBP-1c. Uric
      acid-induced activation of NADPH oxidase preceded ER stress, which further
      induced mitochondrial ROS production in hepatocytes. These studies provide new
      insights into the mechanisms by which uric acid stimulates fat accumulation in
      the liver. 

PMID- 25111693
TI  - A hydrophobic hole transporting oligothiophene for planar perovskite solar cells
      with improved stability.
AB  - An oligothiophene derivative named DR3TBDTT with high hydrophobicity was
      synthesized and functioned as the hole transporting material without an ion
      additive. 8.8% of power conversion efficiency was obtained for CH3NH3PbI3-xClx
      based planar solar cells with improved stability, compared to devices using Li
      TFSI doped spiro-MeOTAD. 

PMID- 25111692
TI  - Renoprotective effect of red ginseng in gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury.
AB  - Aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity is one of the prevalent causes of acute
      kidney injury (AKI). Oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis of renal tubular cells
      is known to be a major mechanism of renal injury. Red ginseng extract (RGE) has
      been reported to possess antioxidant and immune-modulatory activities. We
      investigated the effect of RGE on gentamicin (GM)-induced apoptosis and oxidative
      stress in cultured renal tubular cells and animal model of GM-induced AKI. GM
      induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with an increase in NADPH
      oxidase (NOX) activity and mitochondrial oxidation in NRK-52E cells that were
      ameliorated with RGE. GM-induced apoptosis of NRK-52E cells, which was associated
      with an increased expression of mitochondrial Bax, cytosolic cytochrome c, and
      cleaved caspase-9 and -3, along with a decrease in bcl-2 expression, was also
      blocked by RGE. In an animal model of GM-induced AKI, RGE treatment significantly
      attenuated renal dysfunction, cell apoptosis, and tubular damage. RGE ameliorated
      ROS production in rats with GM-induced AKI, as demonstrated by an increase in the
      reduced form of glutathione in renal cortex and a decrease in urinary excretion
      of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. Our results suggest that RGE protects the kidney
      from GM-induced AKI via the mechanism of modulation of oxidative stress. 

PMID- 25111694
TI  - Highlighting the importance of metabolic risk factors, obesity, and liver
      steatosis after pediatric liver transplantation.

PMID- 25111691
TI  - Merkel cell carcinoma expresses vasculogenic mimicry: demonstration in patients
      and experimental manipulation in xenografts.
AB  - Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly virulent cutaneous neoplasm that, like
      melanoma, is a frequent cause of patient morbidity and mortality. The cellular
      mechanisms responsible for the aggressive behavior of MCC remain unknown.
      Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a phenomenon associated with cancer virulence,
      including in melanoma, whereby anastomosing laminin networks form in association
      with tumor cells that express certain endothelial genes. To determine whether VM
      is a factor in MCC, we employed a relevant xenograft model using two independent
      human MCC lines. Experimentally induced tumors were remarkably similar
      histologically to patient MCC, and both contained laminin networks associated
      with vascular endothelial-cadherin (CD144) and vascular endothelial growth factor
      receptor 1, as well as Nodal expression typical of VM in melanoma. Moreover, two
      established chemotherapeutic agents utilized for human MCC, etoposide and
      carboplatin, induced necrosis in xenografts on systemic administration while
      enriching for laminin networks in apparently resistant viable tumor regions that
      persisted. These findings for the first time establish VM-like laminin networks
      as a biomarker in MCC, demonstrate the experimental utility of the MCC xenograft
      model, and suggest that VM-rich regions of MCC may be refractory to conventional
      chemotherapeutic agents. 

PMID- 25111696
TI  - Gift-giving and network structure in rural China: utilizing long-term spontaneous
      gift records.
AB  - The tradition of keeping written records of gift received during household
      ceremonies in many countries offers researchers an underutilized means of data
      collection for social network analysis. This paper first summarizes unique
      features of the gift record data that circumvent five prevailing sampling and
      measurement issues in the literature, and we discuss their advantages over
      existing studies at both the individual level and the dyadic link level using
      previous data sources. We then document our research project in rural China that
      implements a multiple wave census-type household survey and a long-term gift
      record collection. The pattern of gift-giving in major household social events
      and its recent escalation is analyzed. There are significantly positive
      correlations between gift network centrality and various forms of informal
      insurance. Finally, economic inequality and competitive marriage market are among
      the main demographic and socioeconomic determinants of the observed gift network
      structure. 

PMID- 25111698
TI  - Validation of a high throughput flow cytometric in vitro micronucleus assay
      including assessment of metabolic activation in TK6 cells.
AB  - Genotoxicity is an unacceptable property for new drug candidates and we employ
      three screening assays during the drug discovery process to identify genotoxicity
      early and optimize chemical series. One of these methods is the flow cytometric
      in vitro micronucleus assay for which protocol optimizations have been described
      recently. Here, we report further validation of the assay in TK6 cells including
      assessment of metabolic activation. We first optimized assay conditions to allow
      for testing with and without metabolic activation in parallel in a 96-well plate
      format. Then, we tested a set of 48 compounds carefully selected to contain known
      in vivo genotoxins, nongenotoxins and drugs. Avoidance of irrelevant positives, a
      known issue with mammalian cell-based genotoxicity assays, is important to
      prevent early deselection of potentially promising compounds. Therefore, we
      enriched the validation set with compounds that were previously reported to
      produce irrelevant positive results in mammalian cell-based genotoxicity assays.
      The resulting dataset was used to set the relevant cut-off values for scoring a
      compound positive or negative, such that we obtained an optimal balance of high
      sensitivity (88%) and high specificity (87%). Finally, we tested an additional
      set of 16 drugs to further probe assay performance and 14 of them were classified
      correctly. To our knowledge, the present study is the most comprehensive
      validation of the in vitro flow cytometric micronucleus assay and the first to
      report parallel assessment with metabolic activation in reasonable throughput.
      The assay allows for rapidly screening novel compounds for genotoxicity and is
      therefore well-suited for use in early drug discovery projects. Environ.

PMID- 25111695
TI  - Involvement of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) MKK6 in response to potato virus Y.
AB  - Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades have crucial roles in the
      regulation of plant development and in plant responses to stress. Plant
      recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns or pathogen-derived
      effector proteins has been shown to trigger activation of several MAPKs. This
      then controls defence responses, including synthesis and/or signalling of defence
      hormones and activation of defence related genes. The MAPK cascade genes are
      highly complex and interconnected, and thus the precise signalling mechanisms in
      specific plant-pathogen interactions are still not known. Here we investigated
      the MAPK signalling network involved in immune responses of potato (Solanum
      tuberosum L.) to Potato virus Y, an important potato pathogen worldwide. Sequence
      analysis was performed to identify the complete MAPK kinase (MKK) family in
      potato, and to identify those regulated in the hypersensitive resistance response
      to Potato virus Y infection. Arabidopsis has 10 MKK family members, of which we
      identified five in potato and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and eight in
      Nicotiana benthamiana. Among these, StMKK6 is the most strongly regulated gene in
      response to Potato virus Y. The salicylic acid treatment revealed that StMKK6 is
      regulated by the hormone that is in agreement with the salicylic acid-regulated
      domains found in the StMKK6 promoter. The involvement of StMKK6 in potato defence
      response was confirmed by localisation studies, where StMKK6 accumulated strongly
      only in Potato-virus-Y-infected plants, and predominantly in the cell nucleus.
      Using a yeast two-hybrid method, we identified three StMKK6 targets downstream in
      the MAPK cascade: StMAPK4_2, StMAPK6 and StMAPK13. These data together provide
      further insight into the StMKK6 signalling module and its involvement in plant
      defence. 

PMID- 25111699
TI  - Assembly of polyelectrolyte multilayer films on supported lipid bilayers to
      induce neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation into functional neurons.
AB  - The key factors affecting the success of neural engineering using neural
      stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are the neuron quantity, the guidance of neurite
      outgrowth, and the induction of neurons to form functional synapses at synaptic
      junctions. Herein, a biomimetic material comprising a supported lipid bilayer
      (SLB) with adsorbed sequential polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films was
      fabricated to induce NSPCs to form functional neurons without the need for serum
      and growth factors in a short-term culture. SLBs are suitable artificial
      substrates for neural engineering due to their structural similarity to synaptic
      membranes. In addition, PEM film adsorption provides protection for the SLB as
      well as the ability to vary the surface properties to evaluate the effects of
      physical and mechanical signals on NSPC differentiation. Our results revealed
      that NSPCs were inducible on SLB-PEM films consisting of up to eight alternating
      layers. In addition, the process outgrowth length, the percentage of
      differentiated neurons, and the synaptic function were regulated by the number of
      layers and the surface charge of the outermost layer. The average process
      outgrowth length was greater than 500 MUm on SLB-PLL/PLGA (n = 7.5) after only 3
      days of culture. Moreover, the quantity and quality of the differentiated neurons
      were obviously enhanced on the SLB-PEM system compared with those on the PEM-only
      substrates. These results suggest that the PEM films can induce NSPC adhesion and
      differentiation and that an SLB base may enhance neuron differentiation and
      trigger the formation of functional synapses. 

PMID- 25111700
TI  - Automated movement correction for dynamic PET/CT images: evaluation with phantom
      and patient data.
AB  - Head movement during a dynamic brain PET/CT imaging results in mismatch between
      CT and dynamic PET images. It can cause artifacts in CT-based attenuation
      corrected PET images, thus affecting both the qualitative and quantitative
      aspects of the dynamic PET images and the derived parametric images. In this
      study, we developed an automated retrospective image-based movement correction
      (MC) procedure. The MC method first registered the CT image to each dynamic PET
      frames, then re-reconstructed the PET frames with CT-based attenuation
      correction, and finally re-aligned all the PET frames to the same position. We
      evaluated the MC method's performance on the Hoffman phantom and dynamic FDDNP
      and FDG PET/CT images of patients with neurodegenerative disease or with poor
      compliance. Dynamic FDDNP PET/CT images (65 min) were obtained from 12 patients
      and dynamic FDG PET/CT images (60 min) were obtained from 6 patients. Logan
      analysis with cerebellum as the reference region was used to generate regional
      distribution volume ratio (DVR) for FDDNP scan before and after MC. For FDG
      studies, the image derived input function was used to generate parametric image
      of FDG uptake constant (Ki) before and after MC. Phantom study showed high
      accuracy of registration between PET and CT and improved PET images after MC. In
      patient study, head movement was observed in all subjects, especially in late PET
      frames with an average displacement of 6.92 mm. The z-direction translation
      (average maximum = 5.32 mm) and x-axis rotation (average maximum = 5.19 degrees)
      occurred most frequently. Image artifacts were significantly diminished after MC.
      There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the FDDNP DVR and FDG Ki values in
      the parietal and temporal regions after MC. In conclusion, MC applied to dynamic
      brain FDDNP and FDG PET/CT scans could improve the qualitative and quantitative
      aspects of images of both tracers.

PMID- 25111701
TI  - Argument structure and the representation of abstract semantics.
AB  - According to the dual coding theory, differences in the ease of retrieval between
      concrete and abstract words are related to the exclusive dependence of abstract
      semantics on linguistic information. Argument structure can be considered a
      measure of the complexity of the linguistic contexts that accompany a verb. If
      the retrieval of abstract verbs relies more on the linguistic codes they are
      associated to, we could expect a larger effect of argument structure for the
      processing of abstract verbs. In this study, sets of length- and frequency
      matched verbs including 40 intransitive verbs, 40 transitive verbs taking simple
      complements, and 40 transitive verbs taking sentential complements were presented
      in separate lexical and grammatical decision tasks. Half of the verbs were
      concrete and half were abstract. Similar results were obtained in the two tasks,
      with significant effects of imageability and transitivity. However, the
      interaction between these two variables was not significant. These results
      conflict with hypotheses assuming a stronger reliance of abstract semantics on
      linguistic codes. In contrast, our data are in line with theories that link the
      ease of retrieval with availability and robustness of semantic information. 

PMID- 25111702
TI  - Lewis acid mediated tandem reaction of propargylic alcohols to tetrazoles
      involving C-O- and C-C-bond cleavage reactions and a C-N-bond formation.
AB  - A novel and direct synthesis of 1-aryl-5-arylvinyl-tetrazoles from easily
      prepared propargylic alcohols and TMSN3 is developed in the presence of TMSCl
      under mild conditions (TMS = trimethylsilyl). The process involves an
      allenylazide intermediate, followed by a C-C-bond cleavage and C-N-bond formation
      to afford the desired products. Moreover, this method offers a good functional
      group applicability and can be scaled-up to grams (yield up to 85 %).

PMID- 25111703
TI  - Perfectionism, neuroticism, and daily stress reactivity and coping effectiveness
      6 months and 3 years later.
AB  - The present study addressed a fundamental gap between research and clinical work
      by advancing longitudinal explanatory conceptualizations of stress and coping
      processes that trigger daily affect in the short- and long-term for individuals
      with higher levels of personality vulnerability. Community adults completed
      measures of 2 higher order dimensions of perfectionism (personal standards [PS],
      self-criticism [SC]), neuroticism, and conscientiousness. Then, 6 months later
      and again 3 years later, participants completed daily questionnaires of stress,
      coping, and affect for 14 consecutive days. PS was associated with aggregated
      daily problem-focused coping and positive reinterpretation, whereas SC was
      uniquely associated with daily negative social interactions, avoidant coping,
      negative affect, and sadness at Month 6 and Year 3. Multilevel modeling results
      demonstrated that both individuals with higher PS and those with higher SC were
      emotionally reactive to event stress, negative social interactions, and avoidant
      coping at Month 6 and Year 3 and to less perceived control at Year 3. Positive
      reinterpretation was especially effective for individuals with higher SC at Month
      6 and Year 3. The effects of PS on daily stress reactivity and coping
      (in)effectiveness were clearly distinguished from the effects of neuroticism and
      conscientiousness, whereas the SC effects were due to shared overlap with PS and
      neuroticism. The present findings demonstrate the promise of using repeated daily
      diary methodologies to help therapists and clients reliably predict future client
      reactions to daily stressors, which, in turn, could help guide interventions to
      break apart dysfunctional patterns connected to distress and build resilience for
      vulnerable individuals.

PMID- 25111704
TI  - Predicting job satisfaction: a new perspective on person-environment fit.
AB  - There may be 2 ways to look at person-environment (P-E) fit: the extent to which
      the environment matches the person (which, in the case of person-job [P-J] fit,
      we term ideal-job actualization) and the extent to which the person matches the
      environment (which we term actual-job regard; cf. Hardin & Larsen, 2014). Adults
      employed full time in the United States (n = 251; 49.8% women) completed an
      online survey that included measures assessing these 2 perspectives on P-J fit,
      along with measures of job and life satisfaction. Ideal-job actualization and
      actual-job regard were empirically and conceptually distinct, each accounting for
      unique variance in overall job satisfaction, even after controlling for overall
      life satisfaction and remuneration. Looking at fit from these 2 frames of
      reference may give a more complete perspective that accounts for critical
      outcomes, like satisfaction, as well as suggest novel approaches to career
      counseling.

PMID- 25111705
TI  - Classification challenges in perfectionism.
AB  - High performance expectations are central to perfectionism, but because most
      participants endorse high standards, it becomes difficult for practitioners and
      researchers to accurately screen for perfectionists. We addressed problems linked
      to the measurement and classification of perfectionism by testing various
      strategies aimed at broadening the range and skew of scores on the Standards
      subscale from the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R; Slaney, Mobley, Trippi,
      Ashby, & Johnson, 1996). Randomly assigned participants (N = 506) completed the
      APS-R following standard instructions or 1 of 2 variations, one prompting
      participants to consider their responses in light of a normal distribution of
      scores and another in which participants used a visual analog (slider) scale. The
      visual analog scale produced more differentiated scores, but range restrictions
      and skewed distributions remained for all 3 variations. Statistical
      transformations improved skew. Factor mixture modeling was conducted using
      transformed and nontransformed perfectionism scores along with criterion
      indicators of emotion regulation (reappraisal or suppression), perceived stress,
      and depression. Results supported a 3-class model, although more balanced
      distributions of classes emerged than were previously reported. Perfectionists
      were differentiated from nonperfectionists by their higher standards scores.
      Maladaptive perfectionists scored highest among the classes on most self-critical
      perfectionism indicators, suppression, perceived stress, and depression. Adaptive
      perfectionists had the lowest levels of perceived stress and depression and
      scored highest on reappraisal. Both perfectionist classes had generally
      comparable concerns about mistakes, but criterion indicators suggested those were
      more problematic for maladaptive perfectionists. Results supported the value of
      incorporating adaptive and maladaptive criterion indicators in classification
      models.

PMID- 25111706
TI  - Compromises in career-related decisions: examining the role of compromise
      severity.
AB  - This study tested L. S. Gottfredson's (1996) revised compromise theory by
      examining whether the relative importance of job sex type, job prestige, and
      person-job interest congruence for predicting job choice changed as the level of
      compromise required changed. The fully within-persons design had participants
      engage in a simulated occupational choice task where job sex type and job
      prestige were manipulated to be experimentally independent. Participants 1st
      categorized jobs as unacceptable, acceptable, or preferred. Then, within each
      category, they made further pairwise choices among jobs in that category. In
      Study 1, participants were 168 college seniors (124 women, 44 men) from a large
      Midwestern university. In Study 2, participants were 262 (146 women, 116 men)
      individuals residing in the United States and recruited via Amazon's Mechanical
      Turk platform. Across both studies, job sex type predicted choice when large
      compromises were required. Across both studies, job prestige did not predict
      choice when moderate compromises were required. In Study 2 but not Study 1,
      person-job interest congruence predicted choice when minimal compromises were
      required.

PMID- 25111707
TI  - Male Asian international students' perceived racial discrimination, masculine
      identity, and subjective masculinity stress: a moderated mediation model.
AB  - This study examined male Asian international college students' perceptions of
      racial discrimination, subjective masculinity stress, centrality of masculine
      identity, and psychological distress by testing a moderated mediation model.
      Participants were 160 male Asian international college students from 2 large
      public universities. Participants' perceived racial discrimination was positively
      related to their subjective masculinity stress only at high (but not low) levels
      of masculine identity centrality. Additionally, subjective masculinity stress was
      positively related to psychological distress, although this association was
      stronger among those who reported high levels of masculine identity centrality.
      The authors also detected a moderated mediation effect in which subjective
      masculinity stress mediated the relationship between perceived racial
      discrimination and psychological distress only at high (but not low) levels of
      masculine identity centrality. These findings contribute to the counseling
      psychology literature by highlighting the connections between race- and gender
      related stressors as well as the relevance of masculine identity to an
      understanding of men's mental health.

PMID- 25111709
TI  - Sortase-based bio-organic strategies for macromolecular synthesis.
AB  - Protein ligation sorted: SrtA is one of the molecules nature uses to perform
      chemoselective ligation on amazingly complex protein molecules. Sortase-mediated
      ligation (SML) with chemoselective reactions will find a variety of applications
      in chemistry, biology, and medicine in the near future. 

PMID- 25111708
TI  - Characterization of BPSS1521 (bprD), a regulator of Burkholderia pseudomallei
      virulence gene expression in the mouse model.
AB  - The Gram-negative saprophytic bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei is the
      causative agent of melioidosis, a severe infectious disease of both humans and
      animals. Severity of the disease is thought to be dependent on both the health
      status of the host, including diabetes mellitus and kidney disease, and bacterial
      derived factors. To identify the bacterial factors important during an acute
      infection, gene expression profiles in the spleen, lung, and liver of BALB/c (Th2
      prototype) and C57BL/6 mice (Th1 prototype) were determined using DNA
      microarrays. This analysis identified BPSS1521 (bprD), a predicted
      transcriptional regulator located in the type III secretion system (T3SS-3)
      operon, to be up regulated, specifically in C57BL/6 mice. BALB/c mice infected
      with a bprD mutant showed a shorter time to death and increased inflammation, as
      determined by histopathological analysis and enumeration of bacteria in the
      spleen. Elevated numbers of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs), which is the
      hallmark of melioidosis, were detected in both the wild-type and the bprD
      mutants; a similar elevation occurs in melioidosis patients. One striking
      observation was the increased expression of BPSS1520 (bprC), located downstream
      of bprD, in the bprD mutant. BprC is a regulator of T6SS-1 that is required for
      the virulence of B. pseudomallei in murine infection models. Deletion of bprD led
      to the overexpression of bprC and a decreased time to death. bprD expression was
      elevated in C57BL/6--as compared to BALB/c--mice, suggesting a role for BprD in
      the natural resistance of C57BL/6 mice to B. pseudomallei. Ultimately, this
      analysis using mice with different immune backgrounds may enhance our
      understanding of the outcomes of infection in a variety of models.

PMID- 25111711
TI  - Fluoroscopic removal of 'lost thread' IUCD's: a novel second line technique.
AB  - Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) with lost threads are an infrequent
      but growing problem, and there are several successful first-line methods of
      retrieving the devices. In the event of retrieval failure, we propose a novel
      second-line technique using an endovascular snare under direct fluoroscopic
      guidance. A total of 137 women were referred with 'lost string' IUCDs and
      underwent removal using a snare device, designed for endovascular foreign body
      retrieval, inserted transcervically. The snare is manipulated to catch the stem
      of the IUCD under C-arm fluoroscopy. The successful removal rate was 89.6%. The
      average screening time was 3 min 29 s, with a median air kerma of 12.33 mGy and
      DAP of 985 mGy cm(2), which was considered minimal and comparable with similar
      gynaecological interventional procedures. There were no significant
      complications, with the procedure being tolerated and pain free in 97.8% of
      cases.

PMID- 25111710
TI  - Different requirements for GFRalpha2-signaling in three populations of cutaneous
      sensory neurons.
AB  - Many primary sensory neurons in mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) express one or
      several GFRalpha's, the ligand-binding receptors of the GDNF family, and their
      common signaling receptor Ret. GFRalpha2, the principal receptor for neurturin,
      is expressed in most of the small nonpeptidergic DRG neurons, but also in some
      large DRG neurons that start to express Ret earlier. Previously, GFRalpha2 has
      been shown to be crucial for the soma size of small nonpeptidergic nociceptors
      and for their target innervation of glabrous epidermis. However, little is known
      about this receptor in other Ret-expressing DRG neuron populations. Here we have
      investigated two populations of Ret-positive low-threshold mechanoreceptors that
      innervate different types of hair follicles on mouse back skin: the small C-LTMRs
      and the large Abeta-LTMRs. Using GFRalpha2-KO mice and immunohistochemistry we
      found that, similar to the nonpeptidergic nociceptors, GFRalpha2 controls the
      cell size but not the survival of both C-LTMRs and Abeta-LTMRs. In contrast to
      the nonpeptidergic neurons, GFRalpha2 is not required for the target innervation
      of C-LTMRs and Abeta-LTMRs in the back skin. These results suggest that different
      factors drive target innervation in these three populations of neurons. In
      addition, the observation that the large Ret-positive DRG neurons lack GFRalpha2
      immunoreactivity in mature animals suggests that these neurons switch their
      GFRalpha signaling pathways during postnatal development. 

PMID- 25111712
TI  - Bandgap engineering through nanocrystalline magnetic alloy grafting on reduced
      graphene oxide.
AB  - High conductivity and the absence of ferromagnetism in pristine graphene fail to
      satisfy primary criteria for possible technological application in spintronics.
      Opening of the bandgap in graphene is primarily desirable for such applications.
      We report a simplified and novel approach of controlled grafting of a magnetic
      alloy on reduced graphene oxide. This eventually leads to ferromagnetism of the
      stable hybrid material at room temperature, with a large moment (~1.2 MUB) and a
      remarkable decrease in conductivity (~10 times) compared to highly ordered
      pyrolytic graphite. Our model band-structure calculation indicates that the
      combined effect of controlled vacancies and impurities attributed to the
      nanocrystalline alloy grafting leads to a promising step toward band gap
      engineering. 

PMID- 25111714
TI  - No gain, no pain: NaV1.7 as an analgesic target.
AB  - Chronic pain is one of the most complex and difficult to manage clinical
      problems, with the therapeutic utility of current-generation analgesics
      restricted by problems such as dose-limiting side effects, tolerance, and the
      potential for addiction. The voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 plays a key role
      in setting the threshold for action potential generation in primary sensory
      neurons, and humans that lack this channel are completely insensitive to pain. In
      this Viewpoint, we examine the potential of NaV1.7 as an analgesic target a well
      as the challenges involved in developing therapeutically useful subtype-selective
      inhibitors of this ion channel. 

PMID- 25111713
TI  - Association between noninvasive fibrosis markers and cardio-vascular organ damage
      among adults with hepatic steatosis.
AB  - Evidence suggests that advanced fibrosis, as determined by the noninvasive NAFLD
      fibrosis score (NFS), is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in individuals
      with ultrasonography-diagnosed NAFLD. Whether the severity of histology (i.e.,
      fibrosis stage) is associated with more pronounced cardiovascular organ damage is
      unsettled. In this study, we analyzed the clinical utility of NFS in assessing
      increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and left ventricular mass index
      (LVMI). In this cross-sectional study NFS, cIMT and LVMI were assessed in 400
      individuals with ultrasonography-diagnosed steatosis. As compared with
      individuals at low probability of liver fibrosis, individuals both at high and at
      intermediate probability of fibrosis showed an unfavorable cardio-metabolic risk
      profile having significantly higher values of waist circumference, insulin
      resistance, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, cIMT, and
      LVMI, and lower insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. The differences in
      cIMT and LVMI remained significant after adjustment for smoking and metabolic
      syndrome. In a logistic regression model adjusted for age, gender, smoking, and
      diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, individuals at high probability of fibrosis had
      a 3.9-fold increased risk of vascular atherosclerosis, defined as cIMT>0.9 mm,
      (OR 3.95, 95% CI 1.12-13.87) as compared with individuals at low probability of
      fibrosis. Individuals at high probability of fibrosis had a 3.5-fold increased
      risk of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.22-10.34) as
      compared with individuals at low probability of fibrosis. In conclusion, advanced
      fibrosis, determined by noninvasive fibrosis markers, is associated with
      cardiovascular organ damage independent of other known factors. 

PMID- 25111715
TI  - Fetal phenotype associated with the 22q11 deletion.
AB  - The 22q11 deletion syndrome is one of the most common human microdeletion
      syndromes, with a wide spectrum of abnormalities. The fetal phenotype associated
      with the 22q11 deletion is poorly described in the literature. A national
      retrospective study was performed from 74 feto-pathological examinations. The
      objectives were to evaluate the circumstances of the 22q11 deletion diagnosis and
      to describe fetal anomalies. Post mortem examinations were performed after 66
      terminations of pregnancy and eight fetal deaths. The series included nine
      fetuses from the first trimester, 55 from the second trimester, and ten from the
      third trimester. A 22q11 FISH analysis was recommended for 57 fetuses after
      multidisciplinary prenatal diagnostic counseling and for 17 fetuses by a fetal
      pathologist. Conotruncal heart defects were the most common anomalies (65
      fetuses), followed by thymus defects (62 fetuses), and malformations of the
      urinary tract (25 fetuses). This study identified several unusual and severe
      features rarely described in the literature. Neurological abnormalities were
      described in ten fetuses, with seven neural tube defects and five
      arhinencephalies. This series also included lethal malformations: two hypoplastic
      left heart syndromes, two bilateral renal agenesis, and one tracheal agenesis.
      Genetic analysis for a 22q11 deletion is usually indicated when a congenital
      conotruncal heart and/or thymus defect is detected, but might also be useful in
      case of other lethal or severe malformations that initially led to the
      termination of pregnancy.

PMID- 25111718
TI  - [Invitation to the Congress of Visceral Medicine 2014 in Leipzig].

PMID- 25111717
TI  - [Prof. Dr. med. Peter Galle].

PMID- 25111716
TI  - The ecology of prescription opioid abuse in the USA: geographic variation in
      patients' use of multiple prescribers ("doctor shopping").
AB  - PURPOSE: This study estimates the prevalence in US counties of opioid patients
      who use large numbers of prescribers, the amounts of opioids they obtain, and the
      extent to which their prevalence is predicted by ecological attributes of
      counties, including general medical exposure to opioids. METHODS: Finite mixture
      models were used to estimate the size of an outlier subpopulation of patients
      with suspiciously large numbers of prescribers (probable doctor shoppers), using
      a sample of 146 million opioid prescriptions dispensed during 2008. Ordinary
      least squares regression models of county-level shopper rates included
      independent variables measuring ecological attributes of counties, including
      rates of patients prescribed opioids, socioeconomic characteristics of the
      resident population, supply of physicians, and measures of healthcare service
      utilization. RESULTS: The prevalence of shoppers varied widely by county, with
      rates ranging between 0.6 and 2.5 per 1000 residents. Shopper prevalence was
      strongly correlated with opioid prescribing for the general population,
      accounting for 30% of observed county variation in shopper prevalence, after
      adjusting for physician supply, emergency department visits, in-patient hospital
      days, poverty rates, percent of county residents living in urban areas, and
      racial/ethnic composition of resident populations. Approximately 30% of shoppers
      obtained prescriptions in multiple states. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between
      prevalence of doctor shoppers and opioid patients in a county could indicate
      either that easy access to legitimate medical treatment raises the risk of abuse
      or that drug abusers take advantage of greater opportunities in places where
      access is easy. Approaches to preventing excessive use of different prescribers
      are discussed.

PMID- 25111719
TI  - Endoscopic management for patients with serrated polyposis syndrome is feasible
      and effective: a prospective observational study at a tertiary centre.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Serrated polyposis syndrome is a rare condition in
      which multiple serrated lesions develop all over the colon, which is thought to
      be associated with an increased risk for the development of cancer. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the feasibility of endoscopic treatment and
      standardised surveillance in patients with this increasingly recognised syndrome.
      METHODS: From September 2010 to November 2013, consecutive patients were included
      in a prospective study. All patients underwent chromoendoscopy at first
      presentation and during surveillance. Follow-up examinations were carried out at
      3 month intervals until complete clearance was achieved. Afterwards, patients
      entered a standardised surveillance protocol with a chromoendoscopic colonoscopy
      annually. RESULTS: Altogether 100 colonoscopies were carried out in 28 patients,
      with endoscopic resection of 436 lesions. Total clearance was accomplished in 27
      patients (96.0 %) after 2.5 colonoscopies (range 1 - 8). Histology revealed 359
      hyperplastic polyps (82.3 %), 37 sessile serrated adenomas (8.5 %), 36 low-grade
      adenomas (8.3 %), and one patient with advanced colorectal cancer. Twelve
      patients (42.8 %) had serrated polyps > 10 mm in size. During the surveillance
      period, 86 additional lesions were detected and resected. The mean follow-up
      period was 21.5 months (range 2 - 39 months). No interval carcinoma was detected
      during the surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that endoscopic
      management in patients who meet the diagnostic criteria for serrated polyposis
      syndrome is feasible and safe. In particular, the incidence of colorectal cancer
      in this cohort was lower in comparison with previous studies.

PMID- 25111720
TI  - [Actors in liver transplantation advocate greater transparency and systematic
      evaluations of transplant centres].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Following the introduction of the MELD score, the survival rates have
      worsened after liver transplantation (LTX) in Germany. Existing organ shortages,
      shorter survival rates after LTX, and failures in the liver allocation process
      provide true challenges. Facilitated by a structured questionnaire, the
      appropriate German liver transplantation actors were approached with regard to
      these challenges for the first time. The aim was to provide a balanced experts'
      view in an anonymous fashion thereby identifying areas for potential improvement.
      METHOD: Data collection was performed by a structured, standardised, anonymous
      survey of all LTX centres in Germany. RESULTS: We received 75 % replies of the
      questionnaires, 35 of 36 participants responded to more than 75 % of all
      questions. The following key points were highlighted. A minimum amount of LTX per
      centre was deemed important and monetary incentives must not exist. The ultimate
      goal of LTX is a prolongation of life and social as well as occupational
      reintegration. Quality management and transparent LTX registers are prerequisites
      for both adequate organ allocation and distribution of resources in order to
      achieve the best possible transplant outcomes. CONCLUSION: The German liver
      transplant experts consider transparency of organ allocation and systematic
      evaluation of the quality of transplant centres and the transplantation process
      itself to be mandatory, however, executed in a participatory way. A scoring
      system to facilitate the decision making process in order to predict the
      likelihood of satisfactory LTX outcome thereby circumventing some of the ethical
      and constitutional doubts would be highly appreciated.

PMID- 25111721
TI  - Invasive cardiac aspergillosis after orthotopic liver transplantation.
AB  - Invasive aspergillus infection occurs in 5 - 42 % of liver-transplanted
      recipients and is a dangerous complication, associated with high mortality if
      untreated. However, the early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis can be elusive,
      as clinical signs are unspecific and the pathogenic agent is difficult to
      demonstrate. We here report about a 58-year-old man with acute liver failure
      caused by newly diagnosed chronic hepatitis B infection who underwent liver
      transplantation. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was
      discharged after 30 days. After 105 days the patient was readmitted because of
      fever, recurrent chest and abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed a cardiac
      lesion; other diagnostic steps including bone-marrow and endomycordial biopsy,
      virological and microbiological investigations gave no clear findings. To exclude
      a malignant process, thoracotomy with mass and simultaneous lower left lobe
      resection were performed. Histopathological findings revealed an invasive
      perimyocardial aspergillosis. Immediate intravenous therapy with voriconazole and
      caspofungin was initiated and monitoring of the mass was performed with
      transesophageal echocardiography and Cardio-MRI. Due to slightly increase of the
      lesion, medication was switched to posaconazole and caspofungin. Under this dual
      fungal treatment the lesion regressed and the patient could be discharged after
      two months in good clinical condition. Frequent Cardio-MRI scan after discharge
      showed further mass-regression. Therefore antifungal treatment was switched to
      oral posaconazole mono-therapy. After one year, complete reduction of the mass
      was achieved and antifungal therapy was discontinued. Recent diagnostic imaging
      follow-up showed no pathological finding. 

PMID- 25111722
TI  - [Treatment of a subsequently detected, iatrogenic colonic perforation via minimal
      invasive rendezvous procedure].
AB  - Laparoscopic surgery as primary therapeutical option for iatrogenic colonic
      perforation after colonoscopy can be complemented by intraoparative colonoscopy
      in order to detect and treat even difficult accessible lesions. Via the presented
      method minimal invasisve detection and therapy of perforation can be conducted
      safely and can lead to reduction of morbidity. 

PMID- 25111723
TI  - [Incidence and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and emesis in
      gastrointestinal cancer].
AB  - The incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is increasing, with approximately 2
      million new cases diagnosed worldwide and about 1.2 million patients dying per
      year. In Europe, about 500 ,000 people per year are newly diagnosed with GI
      cancer. The most frequent cancer types that undergo chemotherapy include cancer
      of the oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, biliary tract and colorectum. In the last
      years, various new agents and combinations have been demonstrated to improve the
      prognosis of patients with GI cancer. However, with the introduction of new and
      more effective systemic treatments, the need for supportive treatment has become
      more complex. There has been significant improvement in the management of nausea
      and vomiting arising from highly and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.
      Nevertheless, vomiting and especially nausea continue to be two of the most
      distressing side effects of antineoplastic treatment. For the prevention of
      chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in highly emetogenic therapy, a triple
      therapy including a 5-HT3-receptor antagonist (RA), dexamethasone and an NK1-RA,
      aprepitant or fosaprepitant are recommended. In moderately emetogenic regimens,
      updated guidelines recommend the combination of the second-generation 5-HT3-RA
      palonosetron with dexamethasone, providing improved protection against acute
      nausea and vomiting, and demonstrating superior prevention in the delayed phase.
      This review provides an update of the revised clinical guidelines for antiemetic
      treatment and prophylaxis in GI cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

PMID- 25111724
TI  - [Differential diagnosis of diarrhoea].
AB  - Diarrhoea is a common symptom and numerous differential diagnoses must be
      considered. This article illustrates approaches for a rational and efficient work
      up based on practical facilities in acute diarrhoea and fostered by 4 key
      questions scrutinising chronic diarrhoea. The applications of imaging methods
      (endoscopy, ultrasonography) are discussed along with infectious topics and
      function testing. The aim of this contribution is to help patients to get a
      precise diagnosis in a most rational way. This implies a transparent and targeted
      medical strategy, avoiding selective intuitions ("trial and error") as well as
      extensive diagnostic overdoing in the case of only putative diarrhoea. Knowing
      the potential of diagnostic methods which are (or can) possibly not performed
      regularly in the physician's office, and their requirements/limitations is an
      important component in this situation. The basic fundament for application of
      such methods, however, and the clue to economic diagnosis as well as the
      differential diagnosis of diarrhoeal diseases are the history and simple tests. 

PMID- 25111725
TI  - [Endoscopic or surgical cystogastrostomy for pancreatic pseudocysts: finally a
      clear answer to an old question?].

PMID- 25111726
TI  - Twinship as a resource: zygosity- and gender-based comparison of twins' attitudes
      toward twinship.
AB  - Aiming to perform the first sociological survey of Hungarian twins, our main
      question was whether being a twin has positive consequences on one's life. Adult
      twins completed our questionnaire at three Hungarian summer twin festivals, in
      hospitals during medical twin studies, and on some websites online. Data
      represent 140 twin pairs (mean age: 38.2 +/- 14.6 years). We employed some
      indices for measuring the resource nature of twinship. Three main types of
      benefits were distinguished: profit of attraction, as 'material capital'; the
      easier obtainability of cultural goods when twins take part in it, as 'cultural
      capital'; and positive aspects of an a priori existing dyadic relation, as
      'relational capital'. We were interested in the difference among types of twins
      regarding advantages. We paid special attention to the five groups of twins
      derived from gender and zygosity (i.e., monozygotic females, monozygotic males,
      dizygotic females, dizygotic males, opposite-sex pairs). Our analysis showed that
      Hungarian twins involved in our research basically enjoy their twinship; during
      their lives they used and still make use of different benefits given by it. In
      our twin samples, women had more advantages from being a twin than men.
      Significant differences could be observed on all indicators between monozygotic
      and dizygotic twins. 

PMID- 25111729
TI  - SurfKin: an ab initio kinetic code for modeling surface reactions.
AB  - In this article, we describe a C/C++ program called SurfKin (Surface Kinetics) to
      construct microkinetic mechanisms for modeling gas-surface reactions.
      Thermodynamic properties of reaction species are estimated based on density
      functional theory calculations and statistical mechanics. Rate constants for
      elementary steps (including adsorption, desorption, and chemical reactions on
      surfaces) are calculated using the classical collision theory and transition
      state theory. Methane decomposition and water-gas shift reaction on Ni(111)
      surface were chosen as test cases to validate the code implementations. The good
      agreement with literature data suggests this is a powerful tool to facilitate the
      analysis of complex reactions on surfaces, and thus it helps to effectively
      construct detailed microkinetic mechanisms for such surface reactions. SurfKin
      also opens a possibility for designing nanoscale model catalysts.

PMID- 25111727
TI  - Complications associated with the pedicled nasoseptal flap for skull base
      reconstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To analyze complications associated with nasoseptal flap
      elevation and reconstruction in endoscopic skull base surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case
      series. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent
      nasoseptal flap procedure in our institution between 2008 and 2013. RESULTS: A
      total of 121 patients were identified with a mean follow-up time of 10.4 months.
      Complications associated with this procedure occurred in 33 patients (27%). The
      majority of complications were related to the septal donor site and included
      septal perforation, cartilage necrosis, and prolonged crusting. Other
      complications included intraoperative injury to the flap pedicle (n = 4) or
      recurrent/persistent cerebrospinal fluid leak occurring in the early
      postoperative period (n = 7). Long-term quality-of-life data assessed via
      Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 questionnaires did not reveal notable differences when
      compared to preoperative scores. CONCLUSION: The complication rate associated
      with nasoseptal flap elevation and inset is higher than previously described. The
      majority of complications became manifest beyond the immediate postoperative
      period and were associated with the septal donor site, including septal
      perforation, prolonged crusting, and cartilage necrosis. We hypothesize that
      donor site morbidity may be related to compromise of the contralateral septal
      vascular supply during the procedure. The range and frequency of complications of
      nasal septal flap surgery should be considered in counseling patients who may
      receive a nasoseptal flap for skull base reconstruction.

PMID- 25111731
TI  - Measurement of T1 relaxation time of osteochondral specimens using VFA-SWIFT.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of SWIFT with variable flip angle (VFA) for
      measurement of T1 relaxation time in Gd-agarose-phantoms and osteochondral
      specimens, including regions of very short T2 *, and compare with T1 measured
      using standard methods METHODS: T1 s of agarose phantoms with variable
      concentration of Gd-DTPA2- and nine pairs of native and trypsin-treated bovine
      cartilage-bone specimens were measured. For specimens, VFA-SWIFT, inversion
      recovery (IR) fast spin echo (FSE) and saturation recovery FSE were used. For
      phantoms, additionally spectroscopic IR was used. Differences and agreement
      between the methods were assessed using nonparametric Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis
      tests and intraclass correlation. RESULTS: The different T1 mapping methods
      agreed well in the phantoms. VFA-SWIFT allowed reliable measurement of T1 in the
      osteochondral specimens, including regions where FSE-based methods failed. The T1
      s measured by VFA-SWIFT were shifted toward shorter values in specimens. However,
      the measurements correlated significantly (highest correlation VFA-SWIFT versus
      FSE was r = 0.966). SNR efficiency was generally highest for SWIFT, especially in
      the subchondral bone. CONCLUSION: Feasibility of measuring T1 relaxation time
      using VFA-SWIFT in osteochondral specimens and phantoms was demonstrated. A shift
      toward shorter T1 s was observed for VFA-SWIFT in specimens, reflecting the
      higher sensitivity of SWIFT to short T2 * spins. Magn Reson Med 74:175-184, 2015.
      (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 25111732
TI  - Tracking the actions and possessions of agents.
AB  - We propose that there is a powerful human disposition to track the actions and
      possessions of agents. In two experiments, 3-year-olds and adults viewed sets of
      objects, learned a new fact about one of the objects in each set (either that it
      belonged to the participant, or that it possessed a particular label), and were
      queried about either the taught fact or an unrelated dimension (preference)
      immediately after a spatiotemporal transformation, and after a delay. Adults
      uniformly tracked object identity under all conditions, whereas children tracked
      identity more when taught ownership versus labeling information, and only
      regarding the taught fact (not the unrelated dimension). These findings suggest
      that the special attention that children and adults pay to agents readily extends
      to include inanimate objects. That young children track an object's history,
      despite their reliance on surface features on many cognitive tasks, suggests that
      unobservable historical features are foundational in human cognition. 

PMID- 25111733
TI  - Development of an applicator for eye lens dosimetry during radiotherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop an applicator for in vivo measurements of lens dose during
      radiotherapy. METHODS: A contact lens-shaped applicator made of acrylic was
      developed for in vivo measurements of lens dose. This lens applicator allows the
      insertion of commercially available metal oxide semiconductor field effect
      transistors (MOSFETs) dosemeters. CT images of an anthropomorphic phantom with
      and without the applicator were acquired. Ten volumetric modulated arc therapy
      plans each for the brain and the head and neck cancer were generated and
      delivered to an anthropomorphic phantom. The differences between the measured and
      the calculated doses at the lens applicator, as well as the differences between
      the measured and the calculated doses at the surface of the eyelid were acquired.
      RESULTS: The average difference between the measured and the calculated doses
      with the applicator was 3.1 +/- 1.8 cGy with a micro MOSFET and 2.8 +/- 1.3 cGy
      with a standard MOSFET. The average difference without the lens applicator was
      4.8 +/- 5.2 cGy with the micro MOSFET and 5.7 +/- 6.5 cGy with the standard
      MOSFET. The maximum difference with the micro MOSFET was 10.5 cGy with the
      applicator and 21.1 cGy without the applicator. For the standard MOSFET, it was
      6.8 cGy with the applicator and 27.6 cGy without the applicator. CONCLUSION: The
      lens applicator allowed reduction of the differences between the calculated and
      the measured doses during in vivo measurement for the lens compared with in vivo
      measurement at the surface of the eyelid. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: By using an
      applicator for in vivo dosimetry of the eye lens, it was possible to reduce the
      measurement uncertainty.

PMID- 25111734
TI  - AGR2, an endoplasmic reticulum protein, is secreted into the gastrointestinal
      mucus.
AB  - The MUC2 mucin is the major constituent of the two mucus layers in colon. Mice
      lacking the disulfide isomerase-like protein Agr2 have been shown to be more
      susceptible to colon inflammation. The Agr2(-/-) mice have less filled goblet
      cells and were now shown to have a poorly developed inner colon mucus layer. We
      could not show AGR2 covalently bound to recombinant MUC2 N- and C-termini as have
      previously been suggested. We found relatively high concentrations of Agr2 in
      secreted mucus throughout the murine gastrointestinal tract, suggesting that Agr2
      may play extracellular roles. In tissue culture (CHO-K1) cells, AGR2 is normally
      not secreted. Replacement of the single Cys in AGR2 with Ser (C81S) allowed
      secretion, suggesting that modification of this Cys might provide a mechanism for
      circumventing the KTEL endoplasmic reticulum retention signal. In conclusion,
      these results suggest that AGR2 has both intracellular and extracellular effects
      in the intestine.

PMID- 25111735
TI  - Generation of rat-induced pluripotent stem cells from a new model of metabolic
      syndrome.
AB  - We recently characterized DahlS.Z-Leprfa/Leprfa (DS/obese) rats, derived from a
      cross between Dahl salt-sensitive rats and Zucker rats, as a new animal model of
      metabolic syndrome (MetS). Although the phenotype of DS/obese rats is similar to
      that of humans with MetS, the pathophysiological and metabolic characteristics in
      each cell type remain to be clarified. Hence, the establishment of induced
      pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from MetS rats is essential for
      investigations of MetS in vitro. Reports of rat iPSCs (riPSCs), however, are few
      because of the difficulty of comparing to other rodents such as mouse. Recently,
      the advantage of using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as a cell source for
      generating iPSCs was described. We aimed to establish riPSCs from MSCs in adipose
      tissues of both DS/obese rats and their lean littermates, DahlS.Z-Lepr+/Lepr+
      (DS/lean) rats using lentivirus vectors with only three factors Oct4, Klf4, and
      Sox2 without c-Myc. The morphology, gene expression profiles, and protein
      expression of established colonies showed embryonic stem cell (ESCs)-like
      properties, and the differentiation potential into cells from all three germ
      layers both in vitro and in vivo (teratomas). Both riPSCs became adipocytes after
      induction of adipogenesis by insulin, T3, and dexamethasone. Real-time PCR
      analysis also revealed that both riPSCs and the adipose tissue from DS/obese and
      DS/lean rats possess similar expression patterns of adipocyte differentiation
      related genes. We succeeded in generating riPSCs effectively from MSCs of both
      DS/obese and DS/lean rats. These riPSCs may well serve as highly effective tools
      for the investigation of MetS pathophysiology in vitro. 

PMID- 25111736
TI  - Retreatment of men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer with
      abiraterone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abiraterone acetate (AA), oral CYP17 inhibitor, is an active agent in
      the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). METHODS:
      We (R.L.A and N.A) retrospectively evaluated outcome in 12 men who were re
      treated with AA following prior treatment with AA at the Princess Margaret Cancer
      Centre. RESULTS: All men were heavily pre-treated for mCRPC with a median of four
      prior lines of therapy, one of which was AA (given either pre- or post
      chemotherapy). Eleven out of 12 (92%) men stopped their first treatment course of
      AA due to progression and one stopped for financial reasons. Seven men had a PSA
      decrease >=50% following their first AA treatment, of which three (46%) had a PSA
      decrease >=50% to AA re-treatment. The responses to AA re-treatment were
      generally short-lived with a median biochemical progression-free survival of 2.3
      months and median treatment duration of 3.2 months. No PSA responses to AA re
      treatment were seen in five men who did not have an initial PSA response to AA.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that AA re-challenge may have limited benefit in
      select men with mCRPC, and warrants further formal research.

PMID- 25111737
TI  - Phosphorus reclamation through hydrothermal carbonization of animal manures.
AB  - Projected shortages of global phosphate have prompted investigation of methods
      that could be employed to capture and recycle phosphate, rather than continue to
      allow the resource to be essentially irreversibly lost through dilution in
      surface waters. Hydrothermal carbonization of animal manures from large farms was
      investigated as a scenario for the reclamation of phosphate for agricultural use
      and mitigation of the negative environmental impact of phosphate pollution.
      Hydrothermal reaction conditions were identified for poultry, swine, and cattle
      manures that resulted in hydrochar yields of 50-60% for all three manures, and
      >90% of the total phosphorus present in these systems was contained in the
      hydrochars as precipitated phosphate salts. Phosphate recovery was achieved in
      yields of 80-90% by subsequent acid treatment of the hydrochars, addition of base
      to acid extracts to achieve a pH of 9, and filtration of principally calcium
      phosphate. Phosphate recovery was achieved in yields of 81-87% based on starting
      manures by subsequent acid treatment of the hydrochars, addition of base to acid
      extracts to achieve a pH of 9, and filtration of principally calcium phosphate.
      Swine and cattle manures produced hydrochars with combustion energy contents
      comparable to those of high-end sub-bituminous coals. 

PMID- 25111738
TI  - Phosphatidic acid in neuronal development: a node for membrane and cytoskeleton
      rearrangements.
AB  - Phosphatidic acid (PA) is the simplest phospholipid naturally existing in all
      living organisms. It constitutes only a minor fraction of the total cell lipids
      but has attracted considerable attention being both a lipid second messenger and
      a modulator of membrane shape. The pleiotropic functions of PA are the direct
      consequence of its very simple chemical structure consisting of only two acyl
      chains linked by ester bonds to two adjacent hydroxyl groups of glycerol, whose
      remaining hydroxyl group is esterified with a phosphomonoester group. Hence the
      small phosphate head group of PA gives it the shape of a cone providing
      flexibility and negative curvatures in the context of a lipid bilayer. In
      addition, the negatively charged phosphomonoester headgroup of PA is unique
      because it can potentially carry one or two negative charges playing a role in
      the recruitment of positively charged molecules to biomembranes. In consequence,
      PA has been proposed to play various key cellular functions. In the brain, a fine
      balance between cell growth, migration and differentiation, and cell death is
      required to sculpt the nervous system during development. In this review, we will
      summarize the various functions that have been proposed for PA in neuronal
      development. 

PMID- 25111739
TI  - The role of functional form in causal-based categorization.
AB  - Two experiments tested how the functional form of the causal relations that link
      features of categories affects category-based inferences. Whereas independent
      causes can each bring about an effect by themselves, conjunctive causes all need
      to be present for an effect to occur. The causal model view of category
      representations is extended to include a representation of conjunctive causes and
      then predictions are derived for 3 category-based judgments: classification,
      conditional feature predictions, and feature likelihoods. Experiment 1 revealed
      that subjects' judgments on all 3 tasks were not only sensitive to whether causes
      were independent or conjunctive but also conformed to the causal model
      predictions, albeit with an important exception. Experiment 2 revealed that
      inferences with independent and conjunctive causes were affected quite
      differently by a manipulation of the strengths of the causal relations (and in
      the manner predicted by the model). This is the 1st study to show how a single
      representation of a category's causal knowledge can account for 3 category-based
      judgments with the same model parameters. Other models of causal-based categories
      are unable to account for the observed effects.

PMID- 25111740
TI  - Spotted fever from Rickettsia typhi in an older woman: a case report from a
      geographic area where it would not be expected.
AB  - We describe the case of a 75-year-old woman presenting with spotted fever
      followed by acute renal failure and septic shock. The infection was caused by
      Rickettsia typhi, not reported in Calabria district (southern Italy) since World
      War II. The diagnosis of murine typhus was made 3 days after admission and was
      based solely on clinical criteria when her worsening condition required a prompt
      move to the intensive care unit. Therapy with tigecycline was then started
      immediately and the patient improved dramatically. The diagnosis of murine typhus
      was confirmed 10 days after admission by immunofluorescence assay. Our case is an
      example of how the diagnosis of murine typhus is challenging. However, in the
      case of a disease lacking specific symptoms, clinicians should never forget that,
      even in geographic areas considered free of flea-borne diseases, the components
      of the enzootic cycle are present and the diagnosis should never be
      underestimated. 

PMID- 25111742
TI  - Unique mechanism of facile polymorphic conversion of acetaminophen in aqueous
      medium.
AB  - Rapid polymorphic conversion of acetaminophen (APAP) in solution, from metastable
      orthorhombic Form II to the stable monoclinic Form I, is well-known. The
      mechanism is believed to be solution-mediated phase transformation (SMPT), but
      with little experimental evidence. The present study was undertaken to understand
      this phenomenon from both thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives. Reliable
      apparent solubility of Form II was measured, for the first time, in 0.15 M
      aqueous NaCl solution at 37  degrees C. The solubility ratio of Form II over Form
      I, 1.27 +/- 0.04, is quite low, which translates to a relatively low
      thermodynamic driving force for the conversion. Further solution crystallization
      experiments at supersaturation levels equal to or much greater than Form II
      solubility did not result in any crystallization in 10 days. Therefore, fast
      conversion is not possible through SMPT. To explore alternative mechanisms,
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to investigate the molecular
      level dissolution behavior and the solid state differences between the two
      polymorphs. The MD simulations reveal very different behavior. Form II exhibits a
      much higher rate of H-bond breakage, leading to the accumulation of a large
      number of disordered APAP molecules on the crystal surface. This thick disordered
      molecular layer provides a high local acetaminophen concentration which could be
      responsible for the fast crystallization of Form I. This was further supported by
      the observations made, using polarized light microscopy and powder X-ray
      diffractometry, when monitoring Form II crystals coming into contact with NaCl
      solution. We thus concluded that the hydrated surface layer is the "catalyst" for
      the facile phase conversion. This new mechanism, termed as SurFPT (surface
      facilitated phase transformation), is much more effective in promoting
      polymorphic transformation than the well-known SMPT. 

PMID- 25111741
TI  - Association between early temperament and depression at 18 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early childhood temperament, particularly negative emotionality (high
      tendency to show distress), may be a risk factor for subsequent depression.
      METHODS: Using data from a large UK cohort (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents
      and Children), we examined the association between temperament on the
      Emotionality Activity Sociability Questionnaire at age 6 and ICD-10 depression at
      18. Results were adjusted for a range of confounders. RESULTS: Children with high
      emotionality scores at age 6 had a 20% (7-36%) increase in the odds of being
      diagnosed with depression at age 18. CONCLUSIONS: Depression at 18 years has an
      early developmental diathesis, which means we may be able to identify children at
      risk of developing depression in young adulthood.

PMID- 25111743
TI  - Iron concentration increases after moderate endurance exercise: implications for
      screening of blood transfusion in sports.

PMID- 25111744
TI  - Assessment of the neurotoxic potential of exposure to 50Hz extremely low
      frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) in naive and chemically stressed PC12
      cells.
AB  - Increasing exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF),
      generated by power lines and electric appliances, raises concern about potential
      adverse health effects of ELF-EMF. The central nervous system is expected to be
      particularly vulnerable to ELF-EMF as its function strongly depends on electrical
      excitability. We therefore investigated effects of acute (30min) and sub-chronic
      (48h) exposure to 50Hz ELF-EMF on naive and chemically stressed pheochromocytoma
      (PC12) cells. The latter have higher levels of iron and/or reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) and display increased vulnerability to environmental insults.
      Effects of ELF-EMF on Ca(2+)-homeostasis, ROS production and membrane integrity
      were assessed using Fura-2 single cell fluorescence microscopy, H2-DCFDA and CFDA
      assays, respectively. Our data demonstrate that acute exposure of naive PC12
      cells to 50Hz ELF-EMF up to 1000MUT fails to affect basal or depolarization
      evoked [Ca(2+)]i. Moreover, sub-chronic ELF-EMF exposure up to 1000MUT has no
      consistent effects on Ca(2+)-homeostasis in naive PC12 cells and does not affect
      ROS production and membrane integrity. Notably, in chemically stressed PC12 cells
      both acute and sub-chronic ELF-EMF exposure also failed to exert consistent
      effects on Ca(2+)-homeostasis, ROS production and membrane integrity. Our
      combined findings thus indicate that exposure to 50Hz ELF-EMF up to 1000MUT, i.e.
      10,000 times above background exposure, does not induce neurotoxic effects in
      vitro, neither in naive nor in chemically stressed PC12 cells. Though our data
      require confirmation, e.g. in developing neuronal cells in vitro or (developing)
      animals, it appears that the neurotoxic risk of ELF-EMF exposure is limited. 

PMID- 25111745
TI  - Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection: a network meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effective treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is an
      important component of TB elimination programs. Promising new regimens that may
      be more effective are being introduced. Because few regimens can be directly
      compared, network meta-analyses, which allow indirect comparisons to be made,
      strengthen conclusions. PURPOSE: To determine the most efficacious regimen for
      preventing active TB with the lowest likelihood of adverse events to inform LTBI
      treatment policies. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to 29
      January 2014; clinical trial registries; and conference abstracts. STUDY
      SELECTION: Randomized, controlled trials that evaluated LTBI treatment in humans
      and recorded at least 1 of 2 prespecified end points (preventing active TB or
      hepatotoxicity), without language or date restrictions. DATA EXTRACTION: Data
      from eligible studies were independently extracted by 2 investigators according
      to a standard protocol. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of the 1516 articles identified, 53
      studies met the inclusion criteria. Data on 15 regimens were available; of 105
      possible comparisons, 42 (40%) were compared directly. Compared with placebo,
      isoniazid for 6 months (odds ratio [OR], 0.64 [95% credible interval {CrI}, 0.48
      to 0.83]) or 12 months or longer (OR, 0.52 [CrI, 0.41 to 0.66]), rifampicin for 3
      to 4 months (OR, 0.41 [CrI, 0.18 to 0.86]), and rifampicin-isoniazid regimens for
      3 to 4 months (OR, 0.52 [CrI, 0.34 to 0.79]) were efficacious within the network.
      LIMITATIONS: The risk of bias was unclear for many studies across various
      domains. Evidence was sparse for some comparisons, particularly hepatotoxicity.
      CONCLUSION: Comparison of different LTBI treatment regimens showed that various
      therapies containing rifamycins for 3 months or more were efficacious at
      preventing active TB, potentially more so than isoniazid alone. Regimens
      containing rifamycins may be effective alternatives to isoniazid monotherapy.
      PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: None.

PMID- 25111746
TI  - Ene-hydrazide from enol triflate for the regioselective Fischer indole synthesis.
AB  - Ene-hydrazide prepared from enol triflate undergoes a Fischer indolization
      reaction to give the corresponding indole with complete regioselectivity. The
      starting enol triflate is readily accessed in regiochemically defined form from
      the ketone precursor via various well-established methods. This new protocol was
      successfully applied to the synthesis of desbromoarborescidine A, a natural beta
      carboline alkaloid, difficult to prepare with conventional Fischer indole
      synthesis. 

PMID- 25111747
TI  - Excess body weight affects HbA1c progression irrespective of baseline HbA1c
      levels in Japanese individuals: a longitudinal retrospective study.
AB  - PURPOSE/AIM: Obese individuals with normal HbA1c levels and low-body-weight
      individuals with high-normal HbA1c levels are frequently encountered in clinical
      settings, but the effects of these phenotypes on the onset of diabetes are poorly
      understood. Therefore, we addressed this issue in a longitudinal study. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We analyzed clinical parameters, including body mass index (BMI) and
      HbA1c levels, in 5325 non-diabetic Japanese people aged 20-75 years who underwent
      four medical checkups between 1999 (baseline) and 2007. The subjects were then
      classified into six baseline BMI categories, each of which was divided into two
      HbA1c groups, resulting in a total of 12 groups. RESULTS: In 405 obese subjects
      with a normal baseline HbA1c (BMI >= 27.0 kg/m(2), HbA1c 5.2-5.6%), the mean
      HbA1c level increased during the study period, and 50.9% developed
      prediabetes/diabetes. In contrast, in 77 low-body-weight subjects with a high
      normal baseline HbA1c (BMI <= 18.9 kg/m(2), HbA1c 5.7-6.4%), the mean HbA1c level
      remained constant. Similar changes occurred in the other groups during the study,
      resulting in a linear increase in HbA1c levels with increasing BMI. CONCLUSION:
      Our results suggest that approximately half of the obese individuals with HbA1c
      in the normal range develop prediabetes or diabetes within 8 years, whereas low
      body-weight individuals with high-normal HbA1c are less likely to exhibit
      worsening in glycemia. Thus, excess body weight may be the primary therapeutic
      target to prevent the early onset of diabetes, regardless of the individual's
      HbA1c.

PMID- 25111748
TI  - Infrared spectroscopic studies on the V-ATPase.
AB  - V-ATPase is an ATP-driven rotary motor that vectorially transports ions. Together
      with F-ATPase, a homologous protein, several models on the ion transport have
      been proposed, but their molecular mechanisms are yet unknown. V-ATPase from
      Enterococcus hirae forms a large supramolecular protein complex (total molecular
      weight: ~700,000) and physiologically transports Na+ and Li+ across a hydrophobic
      lipid bilayer. Stabilization of these cations in the binding site has been
      discussed on the basis of X-ray crystal structures of a membrane-embedded domain,
      the K-ring (Na+ and Li+ bound forms). Sodium or lithium ion binding-induced
      difference FTIR spectra of the intact E. hirae V-ATPase have been measured in
      aqueous solution at physiological temperature. The results suggest that sodium or
      lithium ion binding induces the deprotonation of Glu139, a hydrogen-bonding
      change in the tyrosine residue and rigid alpha-helical structures. Identical
      difference FTIR spectra between the entire V-ATPase complex and K-ring strongly
      suggest that protein interaction with the I subunit does not cause large
      structural changes in the K-ring. This result supports the previously proposed
      Na+ transport mechanism by V-ATPase stating that a flip-flop movement of a
      carboxylate group of Glu139 without large conformational changes in the K-ring
      accelerates the replacement of a Na+ ion in the binding site. This article is
      part of a Special Issue entitled: Vibrational spectroscopies and bioenergetic
      systems.

PMID- 25111749
TI  - Characterisation of the LH2 spectral variants produced by the photosynthetic
      purple sulphur bacterium Allochromatium vinosum.
AB  - This study systematically investigated the different types of LH2 produced by
      Allochromatium (Alc.) vinosum, a photosynthetic purple sulphur bacterium, in
      response to variations in growth conditions. Three different spectral forms of
      LH2 were isolated and purified, the B800-820, B800-840 and B800-850 LH2 types,
      all of which exhibit an unusual split 800 peak in their low temperature
      absorption spectra. However, it is likely that more forms are also present.
      Relatively more B800-820 and B800-840 are produced under low light conditions,
      while relatively more B800-850 is produced under high light conditions.
      Polypeptide compositions of the three different LH2 types were determined by a
      combination of HPLC and TOF/MS. The B800-820, B800-840 and B800-850 LH2 types all
      have a heterogeneous polypeptide composition, containing multiple types of both
      alpha and beta polypeptides, and differ in their precise polypeptide composition.
      They all have a mixed carotenoid composition, containing carotenoids of the
      spirilloxanthin series. In all cases the most abundant carotenoid is rhodopin;
      however, there is a shift towards carotenoids with a higher conjugation number in
      LH2 complexes produced under low light conditions. CD spectroscopy, together with
      the polypeptide analysis, demonstrates that these Alc. vinosum LH2 complexes are
      more closely related to the LH2 complex from Phs. molischianum than they are to
      the LH2 complexes from Rps. acidophila. 

PMID- 25111750
TI  - Connection between the membrane electron transport system and Hyn hydrogenase in
      the purple sulfur bacterium, Thiocapsa roseopersicina BBS.
AB  - Thiocapsa. roseopersicina BBS has four active [NiFe] hydrogenases, providing an
      excellent opportunity to examine their metabolic linkages to the cellular redox
      processes. Hyn is a periplasmic membrane-associated hydrogenase harboring two
      additional electron transfer subunits: Isp1 is a transmembrane protein, while
      Isp2 is located on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. In this work, the
      connection of HynSL to various electron transport pathways is studied. During
      photoautotrophic growth, electrons, generated from the oxidation of thiosulfate
      and sulfur, are donated to the photosynthetic electron transport chain via
      cytochromes. Electrons formed from thiosulfate and sulfur oxidation might also be
      also used for Hyn-dependent hydrogen evolution which was shown to be light and
      proton motive force driven. Hyn-linked hydrogen uptake can be promoted by both
      sulfur and nitrate. The electron flow from/to HynSL requires the presence of Isp2
      in both directions. Hydrogenase-linked sulfur reduction could be inhibited by a
      QB site competitive inhibitor, terbutryne, suggesting a redox coupling between
      the Hyn hydrogenase and the photosynthetic electron transport chain. Based on
      these findings, redox linkages of Hyn hydrogenase are modeled. 

PMID- 25111751
TI  - Vegetating nodules following erosions on the oral cavity: a quiz. Iatrogenic
      Kaposi's sarcoma associated with pemphigus vulgaris.

PMID- 25111752
TI  - Prussian blues as a cathode material for lithium ion batteries.
AB  - Prussian blues (or iron cyanides) and their analogues are attractive in both
      fundamental studies and industrial applications owing to their chemical and
      structural diversity. The large open space in their framework provides tunnels
      and space for the transport and storage of lithium ions. Two Prussian blues were
      synthesized by a co-precipitation method. The nanosized Fe4 [Fe(CN)6 ]3 and cubic
      FeFe(CN)6 deliver reversible capacities of 95 mAh g(-1) and 138 mAh g(-1) ,
      respectively. In comparison, FeFe(CN)6 shows cycling and rate performances
      superior to Fe4 [Fe(CN)6 ]3 . 

PMID- 25111753
TI  - Horizontal transmission of a parasite is influenced by infected host phenotype
      and density.
AB  - Transmission is a key determinant of parasite fitness, and understanding the
      dynamics of transmission is fundamental to the ecology and evolution of host
      parasite interactions. Successful transmission is often reliant on contact
      between infected individuals and susceptible hosts. The social insects consist of
      aggregated groups of genetically similar hosts, making them particularly
      vulnerable to parasite transmission. Here we investigate how the ratio of
      infected to susceptible individuals impacts parasite transmission, using the
      honey bee, Apis mellifera and its microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae. We used
      2 types of infected hosts found simultaneously in colonies; sterile female
      workers and sexual males. We found a higher ratio of infected to susceptible
      individuals in groups resulted in a greater proportion of susceptibles becoming
      infected, but this effect was non-linear and interestingly, the ratio also
      affected the spore production of infected individuals. The transmission level was
      much greater in an experiment where the infected individuals were drones than in
      an experiment where they were workers, suggesting drones may act as intracolonial
      'superspreaders'. Understanding the subtleties of transmission and how it is
      influenced by the phenotype of the infected/susceptible individuals is important
      for understanding pathogen transmission at population level, and for optimum
      targeting of parasite control strategies.

PMID- 25111754
TI  - One third of dynamic protein expression profiles can be predicted by a simple
      rate equation.
AB  - Cells respond to environmental stimuli with expression changes at both the mRNA
      and protein level, and a plethora of known and unknown regulators affect
      synthesis and degradation rates of the resulting proteins. To investigate the
      major principles of gene expression regulation in dynamic systems, we estimated
      protein synthesis and degradation rates from parallel time series data of mRNA
      and protein expression and tested the degree to which expression changes can be
      modeled by a simple linear differential equation. Examining three published
      datasets for yeast responding to diamide, rapamycin, and sodium chloride
      treatment, we find that almost one-third of genes can be well-modeled, and the
      estimated rates assume realistic values. Prediction quality is linked to low
      measurement noise and the shape of the expression profile. Synthesis and
      degradation rates do not correlate within one treatment, consistent with their
      independent regulation. When performing robustness analyses of the rate
      estimates, we observed that most genes adhere to one of two major modes of
      regulation, which we term synthesis- and degradation-independent regulation.
      These two modes, in which only one of the rates has to be tightly set, while the
      other one can assume various values, offer an efficient way for the cell to
      respond to stimuli and re-establish proteostasis. We experimentally validate
      degradation-independent regulation under oxidative stress for the heatshock
      protein Ssa4. 

PMID- 25111755
TI  - Rapid peptidomic profiling of peritoneal fluid by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for
      the identification of biomarkers of endometriosis.
AB  - Peptidomic profiling of peritoneal fluid by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption
      Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) may represent a
      promising, suitable, rapid method for early diagnosis and staging of
      endometriosis. In a case-control study, peritoneal fluid was collected from 23
      patients affected by endometriosis (eight minimal/mild endometriosis and 15
      moderate/severe endometriosis) and six "endometriosis free" women undergoing
      laparoscopy. MALDI-TOF mass spectra of the peptide fraction extracted from
      peritoneal fluid samples lead to identify biomarkers potentially suitable for
      discriminating between peritoneal fluid samples from women affected by
      minimal/mild endometriosis and those from women affected by moderate/severe
      endometriosis. Peptidomic analysis of peritoneal fluid samples may define
      putative peptide biomarkers suitable for staging endometriosis and improve our
      understanding of the pathogenesis of endometriosis. 

PMID- 25111756
TI  - Treatment of simple and complex endometrial non-atypical hyperplasia with natural
      progesterone: response rate to different doses.
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate the response rate to natural progesterone in
      non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia and to identify the lowest effective dose. A
      total of 197 patients of childbearing age with simple or complex hyperplasia were
      retrospectively identified. The women were treated with a cyclic administration
      of progesterone at different dosages (100 versus 200 versus 300 mg daily).
      Endometrial biopsies were performed at 6, 12, 18 months. In comparing
      progesterone to a regimen of no therapy, a significantly higher remission rate
      was observed in the progesterone group than in the latter (95 versus 75%, p =
      0.05 for simple hyperplasia; 89 versus 35%, p < 0.001 for complex hyperplasia).
      Out of 60 women with simple hyperplasia, remission was observed in 9/11 (81.8%),
      40/41 (97.5%) and 8/8 (100%) patients treated, respectively, with progesterone
      100, 200 and 300 mg daily. Out of 72 women with complex hyperplasia, remission
      was observed in 3/5 (60%), 49/53 (92.4%) and 12/14 (85.7%) patients treated with
      progesterone 100, 200 and 300 mg daily, respectively. There was no statistically
      significant difference in the response rate in the two groups, neither with
      simple nor with complex hyperplasia. In conclusion, progesterone increased the
      regression rate of both simple and complex hyperplasia. 

PMID- 25111757
TI  - Deferred intravitreal triamcinolone in diabetic eyes after phacoemulsification.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evaluation of diabetic macular edema (DME) after phacoemulsification by
      optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the use of deferred intravitreal
      triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) as a therapy. METHODS: This was an institutional,
      nonrandomized, retrospective study. Within a period of 18 months, 5,684 eyes
      underwent phacoemulsification in our department, 1,634 of which were diabetic.
      Eight weeks after surgery, 55 out of 1,634 diabetic eyes that had undergone
      phacoemulsification developed DME and were treated with a 3.2 mg IVTA injection.
      The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and mean central macular thickness
      (CMT) were measured before and after phacoemulsification and 3 months after IVTA.
      RESULTS: The mean BCVA at baseline, after phacoemulsification, and 3 months after
      deferred IVTA was 49.0+/-17.7, 53.7+/-17.4, and 66.36+/-20.66, respectively. The
      mean CMT for the same endpoints was 268.9+/-76.3, 554.6+/-137.8, and 275.0+/-76.3
      MUm, respectively. Eyes were subdivided into 2 subgroups: eyes with a previous
      history of DME and eyes with de novo DME. Three months after deferred IVTA, there
      was a statistically significant difference between these 2 subgroups in BCVA
      (P<0.001) and in CMT (P=0.002). The OCT features before and after IVTA defined 2
      subgroups of DME, with respect to cyst color and symmetry and OS/IS line
      integrity after IVTA. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that DME progresses after
      uncomplicated phacoemulsification in diabetic eyes and that IVTA is an
      appropriate therapeutic tool. The response to IVTA treatment depends on previous
      history of DME and its OCT profile.

PMID- 25111758
TI  - Modulation of hunger and satiety: hormones and diet.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To highlight recent research developments relating to the
      effects of, and interactions between, hormones and diet, as well as underlying
      mechanisms, on appetite, energy intake and body weight. For this purpose,
      clinically relevant English language articles were reviewed from October 2012 to
      April 2014. RECENT FINDINGS: The mechanisms underlying nutrient-induced energy
      intake suppression differ between dietary protein and lipid. High-fat, energy
      dense diets compromise the satiating effects of gut hormones, and, therefore,
      promote further overconsumption. These effects are mediated by changes in the
      signalling in both peripheral and central pathways, and may only be partially
      reversible by dietary restriction. Additional factors, including probiotics, meal
      related factors (e.g., eating speed and frequency), circadian influences and gene
      polymorphisms, also modify energy intake and eating behaviour. SUMMARY: Research
      continues to unravel the pathways and mechanisms underlying the nutrient-induced
      and diet-induced regulation of energy intake, as well as the changes, both
      peripherally and in the central nervous system, brought about by the consumption
      of high-fat, energy-dense diets. Much further work is required to translate this
      knowledge into novel, and effective, approaches for the management and treatment
      of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

PMID- 25111759
TI  - Blue native-PAGE analysis of membrane protein complexes in Porphyromonas
      gingivalis.
AB  - Membrane complexes of Porphyromonas gingivalis were analyzed using two
      dimensional-blue native-PAGE. The molecular mass of the gingipain complexes, RgpA
      and Kgp, ranged from 450 kDa to greater than 1200 kDa, and did not change in
      single rgpA and kgp mutants indicating that the proteolytically processed
      polyproteins were independently capable of forming complexes. The outer membrane
      protein, LptO, which is essential for gingipain secretion, was found in up to
      seven different complex sizes. PG0026, also important for secretion, was observed
      to interact with the largest LptO complex [VII] at 480 kDa, supporting a
      cooperative role in secretion. Two pro-form RgpB intermediates formed a complex
      before cleavage of their C-terminal secretion signal domains (CTDs) such that
      complex formation may occur during secretion and processing. This may also be the
      case for other CTD-proteins as not only modified, mature RgpB, but also CPG70 was
      found to exist as multi-subunit complexes. RagA and RagB were observed in three
      different complex sizes. Elimination of the abundant gingipains enabled the
      identification of many inner and outer membrane protein complexes:
      TonB:ExbB:ExbD, Omp85, P51:PG2168, PorK:PorN, PG0056, PG0241, PG1430 and five
      proposed respiratory chain complexes (Mmd, Nqr, Rnf, Frd/Sdh and Atp). BIOLOGICAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major oral pathogen associated with
      chronic periodontitis in humans. Secreted gingipains are considered major
      virulence factors of this pathogen and are secreted by a newly described type IX
      secretion system. This work has used 2D-BN-PAGE and MS to demonstrate that mature
      gingipains can independently form complexes and that substrate intermediates and
      mature secreted proteins of the type IX secretion system form multi-subunit
      complexes. Based on this work we propose that the substrates of this secretion
      system are secreted as large multi-subunit protein complexes. Two known important
      components of the secretion machinery, PG0026 and the integral outer membrane
      protein, LptO, were found to interact which would anchor PG0026 to the outer
      membrane and perhaps aid in the function of PG0026 to cleave the CTD from
      secreted substrates. The work has also identified more than 100 membrane proteins
      forming multi-subunit complexes.

PMID- 25111760
TI  - Superficial dopants allow growth of silicone nanofilaments on hydroxyl-free
      substrates.
AB  - We report new types of silicone nanostructures by a gas-phase reaction of
      trichloromethylsilane: 1-D silicone nanofilaments with a raveled end and silicone
      nanoteeth. Filaments with a raveled end are obtained on poly(vinyl chloride),
      which is superficially doped with the detergent Span 20. Silicone nanoteeth grow
      on sodium chloride using dibutyl phthalate as superficial dopant. Without
      dopants, no structures are observed. The dopants are identified by mass
      spectroscopy and the silicone nanostructures are analyzed by infrared
      spectroscopy and energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays. The growth of silicone
      nanostructures on a hydrophobic substrate (poly(vinyl chloride)/Span 20) and a
      substrate free of hydroxyl groups (sodium chloride/dibutyl phthalate) questions
      the currently discussed mechanisms for the growth of 1-D silicone nanofilaments,
      which is discussed. We suggest superficial doping as an alternative pretreatment
      method to oxidizing activation and prove this principle by the successful coating
      of copper, which is superficially doped with Span 20. 

PMID- 25111762
TI  - Reorientation osteotomy for the atypical clasp thumb in children with
      arthrogryposis.
AB  - Congenital thumb contractures are a well described but complex deformity to
      manage. Thumb contractures are common in patients with arthrogryposis. Many
      patients with arthrogryposis develop a supination, adduction, and flexion
      contracture at the thumb carpometacarpal join. Despite some thumb function, their
      thumb position and contracted first webspace precludes effective pinch or grasp,
      with the thumb opposing only to the palmar space. An extension, reorientation
      metacarpal osteotomy that places thumb in an efficient position has the potential
      to improve function in of these patients. This report provides a new
      classification system for congenital thumb deformities that can dictate
      management based upon thumb joint positions. We describe a previously unreported,
      arthrogrypotic thumb contracture that can be managed with an extension/pronation
      metacarpal osteotomy with simultaneous widening of the first webspace. 

PMID- 25111763
TI  - Laboratory and field efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi for the management of the
      sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae).
AB  - The sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (F.) (Coleoptera: Brentidae), is one of
      the most important pests of sweet potatoes in the world. With free trade between
      the United States and the U.S.-controlled Mariana Islands, C. formicarius has
      spread along with this commodity. Because of the cryptic nature of the larvae and
      nocturnal activity of the adults, and the cancellation of long-residual
      pesticides, this pest has become increasingly difficult to control. Therefore,
      the present study sought to explore and to compare the effectiveness of
      Metarhizium brunneum F52 (90ml a.i./ha), Beauveria bassiana GHA (40ml a.i./ha),
      spinosad (90g a.i./ha), azadirachtin (1484ml a.i./ha), B. bassiana+M. brunneum
      (20ml a.i./ha+45ml a.i./ha), B. bassiana+azadirachtin (20ml a.i./ha+742ml
      a.i./ha), B. bassiana+spinosad (20ml a.i./ha+45ml a.i./ha), M.
      brunneum+azadirachtin (45ml a.i./ha+742ml a.i./ha) and M. brunneum+spinosad (45ml
      a.i./ha+45 grams a.i./ha) in controlling this pest in both the laboratory and the
      field. The treatment with B. bassiana+M. brunneum was the most effective in
      reducing tuber damage by C. formicarius, producing the highest yields. The most
      adult cadavers were found in plots treated with the combination of two fungi.
      This combined fungal formulation appears to be appropriate for the practical
      control of C. formicarius on sweet potatoes. 

PMID- 25111761
TI  - Optimization of sentinel lymph node mapping in bladder cancer using near-infrared
      fluorescence imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Unlike other cancers, the Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN)
      procedure in bladder cancer requires special attention to the injection
      technique. The aim of this study was to assess feasibility and to optimize tracer
      injection technique for SLN mapping in bladder cancer patients using NIR
      fluorescence imaging. METHODS: Twenty patients with invasive bladder cancer
      scheduled for radical cystectomy were prospectively enrolled. Indocyanine green
      (ICG) bound to human serum albumin (complex ICG:HSA; 500 uM) was injected
      peritumourally to permit SLN mapping. ICG:HSA was first administrated serosally
      (n = 5), and subsequently mucosally by cystoscopic injection (n = 15). In the
      last cohort of 12 patients treated with cystoscopic injection, the bladder was
      kept filled with saline for at least 15 min. RESULTS: Fluorescent lymph nodes
      were observed only in the patient group with cystoscopic injection of ICG:HSA.
      Filling of the bladder post-injection was of added value to promote drainage of
      ICG:HSA to the lymph nodes, and in 11 of these 12 patients (92%) one or more NIR
      fluorescent lymph nodes were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The current study
      demonstrates proof-of-principle of using NIR fluorescence imaging for SLN
      identification in bladder cancer. Cystoscopic injection with distension of the
      bladder appears optimal for SLN mapping.

PMID- 25111765
TI  - Template-derived carbon: an unexpected promoter for the creation of strong
      basicity on mesoporous silica.
AB  - Template-derived carbon is demonstrated to effectively promote the creation of
      strong basicity on mesoporous silica, for the first time. New materials owning
      ordered mesoporous structure, strong basicity, and excellent catalytic activity
      are thus successfully constructed at low temperatures, which are impossible to
      achieve using conventional methods. 

PMID- 25111766
TI  - Reply to comment: Asociacion de Hemato-Oncologia Pediatrica de Centro America
      (AHOPCA): a model for sustainable development in pediatric oncology.

PMID- 25111767
TI  - A cell-surface-anchored ratiometric fluorescent probe for extracellular pH
      sensing.
AB  - Accurate sensing of the extracellular pH is a very important yet challenging task
      in biological and clinical applications. This paper describes the development of
      an amphiphilic lipid-DNA molecule as a simple yet useful cell-surface-anchored
      ratiometric fluorescent probe for extracellular pH sensing. The lipid-DNA probe,
      which consists of a hydrophobic diacyllipid tail and a hydrophilic DNA strand, is
      modified with two fluorescent dyes; one is pH-sensitive as pH indicator and the
      other is pH-insensitive as an internal reference. The lipid-DNA probe showed
      sensitive and reversible response to pH change in the range of 6.0-8.0, which is
      suitable for most extracellular studies. In addition, based on simple hydrophobic
      interactions with the cell membrane, the lipid-DNA probe can be easily anchored
      on the cell surface with negligible cytotoxicity, excellent stability, and unique
      ratiometric readout, thus ensuring its accurate sensing of extracellular pH.
      Finally, this lipid-DNA-based ratiometric pH indicator was successfully used for
      extracellular pH sensing of cells in 3D culture environment, demonstrating the
      potential applications of the sensor in biological and medical studies. 

PMID- 25111768
TI  - Selective uptake of cylindrical poly(2-oxazoline) brush-antiDEC205 antibody-OVA
      antigen conjugates into DEC-positive dendritic cells and subsequent T-cell
      activation.
AB  - To achieve specific cell targeting by various receptors for oligosaccharides or
      antibodies, a carrier must not be taken up by any of the very many different
      cells and needs functional groups prone to clean conjugation chemistry to derive
      well-defined structures with a high biological specificity. A polymeric
      nanocarrier is presented that consists of a cylindrical brush polymer with poly-2
      oxazoline side chains carrying an azide functional group on each of the many side
      chain ends. After click conjugation of dye and an anti-DEC205 antibody to the
      periphery of the cylindrical brush polymer, antibody-mediated specific binding
      and uptake into DEC205(+) -positive mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells
      (BMDC) was observed, whereas binding and uptake by DEC205(-) negative BMDC and
      non-DC was essentially absent. Additional conjugation of an antigen peptide
      yielded a multifunctional polymer structure with a much stronger antigen-specific
      T-cell stimulatory capacity of pretreated BMDC than application of antigen or
      polymer-antigen conjugate. 

PMID- 25111770
TI  - The development of time-based prospective memory in childhood: the role of
      working memory updating.
AB  - This large-scale study examined the development of time-based prospective memory
      (PM) across childhood and the roles that working memory updating and time
      monitoring play in driving age effects in PM performance. One hundred and ninety
      seven children aged 5 to 14 years completed a time-based PM task where working
      memory updating load was manipulated within individuals using a dual task design.
      Results revealed age-related increases in PM performance across childhood.
      Working memory updating load had a negative impact on PM performance and
      monitoring behavior in older children, but this effect was smaller in younger
      children. Moreover, the frequency as well as the pattern of time monitoring
      predicted children's PM performance. Our interpretation of these results is that
      processes involved in children's PM may show a qualitative shift over development
      from simple, nonstrategic monitoring behavior to more strategic monitoring based
      on internal temporal models that rely specifically on working memory updating
      resources. We discuss this interpretation with regard to possible trade-off
      effects in younger children as well as alternative accounts.

PMID- 25111771
TI  - Thirty-day readmission rates after PCI in a metropolitan center in Europe:
      incidence and impact on prognosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Thirty-day readmission rates after percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) have been related to adverse prognosis, and represent one of
      the most investigated indicators of quality of care. These data, however, derive
      from non-European centers evaluating all-cause readmissions, without
      stratification for diagnosis. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing PCI at
      our center from January 2009 to December 2011 were enrolled. Thirty-day
      readmissions related to postinfarction angina, myocardial infarction, unstable
      angina or heart failure were defined as acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or heart
      failure rehospitalizations. Major cardiac adverse event (MACE) was the primary
      outcome, and its single components (death, myocardial infarction and repeated
      revascularization) the secondary ones. RESULTS: A total of 1192 patients were
      included; among them, 53 (4.7%) were readmitted within 30 days, and 25 (2.1%)
      were classified as ACS/heart failure related. During hospitalization, patients
      with ACS/heart failure readmissions were more likely to suffer a periprocedural
      myocardial infarction (22 vs. 4%; P = 0.012), and to undergo PCI at 30 days (52
      vs. 0.5%; P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that periprocedural
      myocardial infarction represented the only independent predictor of an ACS/heart
      failure readmission [odds ratio (OR) 4.5; 1.1-16.8; P = 0.047]. After a median
      follow-up of 787 days (434-1027; first and third quartiles), patients with a 30
      day ACS/heart failure readmission experienced higher rates of MACE, all-cause
      death and myocardial infarction (64 vs. 21%, P < 0.001; 28 vs. 6%, P = 0.017; and
      20 vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001, respectively). Cox multivariate analysis indicated that
      ACS/heart failure 30-day readmissions were independently related to an increased
      risk of all-cause death (OR 3.3; 1.1-8.8; P = 0.02), differently from 30-day non
      ACS/heart failure readmissions (OR 3.1; 0.7-12.9; P = 0.12). CONCLUSION: Thirty
      day readmissions after PCI in an Italian center are infrequent, and only those
      patients with ACS/heart failure show a detrimental impact on prognosis who have
      periprocedural myocardial infarction as the only independent predictor.

PMID- 25111772
TI  - Rat models reveal differences in cardiocirculatory profile between Takotsubo
      syndrome and acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - AIMS: Takotsubo syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is an
      important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with chest pain and is
      associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Beyond adrenergic
      overstimulation the pathophysiology behind Takotsubo is poorly known and the
      syndrome cannot be differentiated from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by non
      invasive tests. Despite the facts that Takotsubo syndrome and AMI may differ in
      many important aspects and that potential mechanistic similarities and/or
      differences between Takotsubo syndrome and AMI have not been established,
      Takotsubo syndrome patients are treated according to guidelines developed for AMI
      and acute heart failure. The aim of this article was to assess whether cardiac
      function and hemodynamic indices differ between rat models of Takotsubo syndrome
      and AMI. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to the Takotsubo
      syndrome (50 mg/kg intraperitoneally isoprenaline) or AMI [permanent left
      anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation] models. Two hours post
      isoprenaline or LAD ligation, arterial and intraventricular pressures were
      recorded and cardiac function was studied by echocardiography. In another subset
      of Takotsubo syndrome rats, pharmacological intervention aimed at maintaining
      systolic blood pressure more than 90 mmHg with either norepinephrine or
      phenylephrine was compared with saline. RESULTS: Left ventricular end-diastolic
      pressure was significantly lower and estimates of cardiac function were
      significantly better in Takotsubo syndrome rats compared with AMI rats.
      Vasopressor treatment was associated with increased mortality in Takotsubo
      syndrome rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Takotsubo syndrome and AMI are associated
      with different cardiocirculatory profiles. Extrapolation of treatment strategies
      across the syndromes may therefore not be appropriate.

PMID- 25111773
TI  - Usefulness of EuroSCORE systems for risk stratification.
AB  - Risk stratification of patients undergoing open-heart surgery or percutaneous
      interventions may help physicians select the best individual management of
      patients with advanced heart disease.European System for Cardiac Operative Risk
      Evaluation (EuroSCORE) is an easy-to-calculate, clinical scoring system which has
      been developed for coronary surgery and applied in various cardiological
      settings. Recently, the EuroSCORE II model has been launched with the aim of
      improving the stratification performance over the first model.In the present
      study, we review the available scientific data on the use of EuroSCORE systems in
      patients undergoing surgical or percutaneous procedures. 

PMID- 25111774
TI  - Coronary plaque ulceration documented at sequential angiography and confirmed by
      optical coherence tomography in a patient with recurrent acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - : A 51-year-old man was hospitalized for recurrence of acute coronary syndrome
      after few months. Coronary angiography during first hospitalization showed no
      significant coronary stenosis, while the second time, right coronary artery
      presented an expansion at the proximal segment. Optical coherence tomography
      documented a long fibroatheroma with an ulceration and residual white thrombus.

PMID- 25111769
TI  - Recognition and repair of chemically heterogeneous structures at DNA ends.
AB  - Exposure to environmental toxicants and stressors, radiation, pharmaceutical
      drugs, inflammation, cellular respiration, and routine DNA metabolism all lead to
      the production of cytotoxic DNA strand breaks. Akin to splintered wood, DNA
      breaks are not "clean." Rather, DNA breaks typically lack DNA 5'-phosphate and 3'
      hydroxyl moieties required for DNA synthesis and DNA ligation. Failure to resolve
      damage at DNA ends can lead to abnormal DNA replication and repair, and is
      associated with genomic instability, mutagenesis, neurological disease, ageing
      and carcinogenesis. An array of chemically heterogeneous DNA termini arises from
      spontaneously generated DNA single-strand and double-strand breaks (SSBs and
      DSBs), and also from normal and/or inappropriate DNA metabolism by DNA
      polymerases, DNA ligases and topoisomerases. As a front line of defense to these
      genotoxic insults, eukaryotic cells have accrued an arsenal of enzymatic first
      responders that bind and protect damaged DNA termini, and enzymatically tailor
      DNA ends for DNA repair synthesis and ligation. These nucleic acid transactions
      employ direct damage reversal enzymes including Aprataxin (APTX), Polynucleotide
      kinase phosphatase (PNK), the tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterases (TDP1 and TDP2), the
      Ku70/80 complex and DNA polymerase beta (POLbeta). Nucleolytic processing enzymes
      such as the MRE11/RAD50/NBS1/CtIP complex, Flap endonuclease (FEN1) and the
      apurinic endonucleases (APE1 and APE2) also act in the chemical "cleansing" of
      DNA breaks to prevent genomic instability and disease, and promote progression of
      DNA- and RNA-DNA damage response (DDR and RDDR) pathways. Here, we provide an
      overview of cellular first responders dedicated to the detection and repair of
      abnormal DNA termini.

PMID- 25111776
TI  - Highly efficient fluorescent interstrand photo-crosslinking of DNA duplexes
      labeled with 5-fluoro-4-thio-2'-o-methyluridine.
AB  - The formation of a fluorescent photoadduct between 5-fluoro-4-thiouridine ((FS)
      U), in the sequence context 5'-A(FS) UA-3' and incorporated into a synthetic
      oligonucleotide either at its 3'- or 5'-end, and one of the thymines of the TAT
      motif in a complementary target DNA strand led to photo-crosslinking of the two
      strands for several oligonucleotide constructs. Enzymatic digestion, MS, UV, and
      fluorescence spectral analyses of the interstrand crosslinked oligonucleotides
      revealed the identity of the thymidine that participates in the photo
      crosslinking reaction as well as the diastereomeric structures of the crosslinks.
      The proposed pathways of interstrand photo-crosslinking are supported by
      experiments with isotopically labeled oligonucleotide constructs and visualized
      by means of molecular dynamics simulations. 

PMID- 25111777
TI  - A rare case of uterine rupture due to a placental site trophoblastic tumour in
      the rudimentary horn.

PMID- 25111775
TI  - Brief exposure to cigarette smoke impairs airway epithelial cell innate anti
      viral defence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human rhinovirus (hRV) infections commonly cause acute upper
      respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations. Environmental cigarette smoke
      exposure is associated with a significant increase in the risk for these
      infections in children. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of short-term exposure
      to cigarette smoke on innate immune responses of airway epithelial cells infected
      with hRV. METHODS: A human bronchial epithelial cell line (HBEC-3KT) was exposed
      to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) for 30 min and subsequently infected with hRV
      serotype 1B. Viral-induced cytokine release was measured with AlphaLISA and viral
      replication quantified by shed viral titer and intracellular viral copy number
      24h post-infection. RESULTS: CSE induced a concentration-dependent decrease in
      CXCL10 (p<0.001) and IFN-beta (p<0.001), with a 79% reduction at the highest dose
      with an associated 3-fold increase in shed virus. These effects were maintained
      when infection was delayed up to 24h post CSE exposure. Exogenous IFN-beta
      treatment at t=0 after infection blunts the effects of CSE on viral replication
      (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: A single exposure of 30 min to cigarette smoke has a
      lasting impact on epithelial innate defence providing a plausible mechanism for
      the increase in respiratory infections seen in children exposed to second-hand
      tobacco smoke.

PMID- 25111778
TI  - Theoretical investigation on carbon nucleation on nickel carbides at initial
      stages of single-walled carbon nanotube formation.
AB  - It is a long-standing controversy whether metal carbide clusters do exist during
      the nucleation and growth process of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). In
      the current work, we are trying to elucidate the carbon nucleation on nickel
      carbides during the initial stages based on density functional theory calculated
      formation energy and chemical potential for a series of Ni55Cn carbides (n is the
      number of carbon atoms dissolved in the Ni55 cluster). It is found that the
      formation energies of the Ni55Cn carbides decrease gradually with an increase of
      dissolved carbon atomic numbers, meaning the Ni55Cn carbides are
      thermodynamically stable. Meanwhile, the calculated chemical potentials indicate
      that not only nickel carbides are preferentially formed during the initial stage
      of the SWCNT nucleation, but also saturated nickel carbides may be able to exist
      during the nucleation and growth process of SWCNTs. In addition, the nickel
      carbides have a high selectivity for the formation of the carbon pentagon and
      carbon structures with pentagon-incorporated end-edge according to the adsorption
      energies. All of these findings provide opportunities in controlling the growth
      of the SWCNTs. 

PMID- 25111782
TI  - A four-stage hybrid model for hydrological time series forecasting.
AB  - Hydrological time series forecasting remains a difficult task due to its
      complicated nonlinear, non-stationary and multi-scale characteristics. To solve
      this difficulty and improve the prediction accuracy, a novel four-stage hybrid
      model is proposed for hydrological time series forecasting based on the principle
      of 'denoising, decomposition and ensemble'. The proposed model has four stages,
      i.e., denoising, decomposition, components prediction and ensemble. In the
      denoising stage, the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method is utilized to
      reduce the noises in the hydrological time series. Then, an improved method of
      EMD, the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), is applied to decompose
      the denoised series into a number of intrinsic mode function (IMF) components and
      one residual component. Next, the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is
      adopted to predict the trend of all of the components obtained in the
      decomposition stage. In the final ensemble prediction stage, the forecasting
      results of all of the IMF and residual components obtained in the third stage are
      combined to generate the final prediction results, using a linear neural network
      (LNN) model. For illustration and verification, six hydrological cases with
      different characteristics are used to test the effectiveness of the proposed
      model. The proposed hybrid model performs better than conventional single models,
      the hybrid models without denoising or decomposition and the hybrid models based
      on other methods, such as the wavelet analysis (WA)-based hybrid models. In
      addition, the denoising and decomposition strategies decrease the complexity of
      the series and reduce the difficulties of the forecasting. With its effective
      denoising and accurate decomposition ability, high prediction precision and wide
      applicability, the new model is very promising for complex time series
      forecasting. This new forecast model is an extension of nonlinear prediction
      models. 

PMID- 25111779
TI  - Pleiotropic functions for transcription factor zscan10.
AB  - The transcription factor Zscan10 had been attributed a role as a pluripotency
      factor in embryonic stem cells based on its interaction with Oct4 and Sox2 in in
      vitro assays. Here we suggest a potential role of Zscan10 in controlling
      progenitor cell populations in vivo. Mice homozygous for a Zscan10 mutation
      exhibit reduced weight, mild hypoplasia in the spleen, heart and long bones and
      phenocopy an eye malformation previously described for Sox2 hypomorphs.
      Phenotypic abnormalities are supported by the nature of Zscan10 expression in
      midgestation embryos and adults suggesting a role for Zscan10 in either
      maintaining progenitor cell subpopulation or impacting on fate choice decisions
      thereof. 

PMID- 25111780
TI  - Shedding of a low pathogenic avian influenza virus in a common synanthropic
      mammal--the cottontail rabbit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cottontails (Sylvilagus spp.) are common mammals throughout much of
      the U.S. and are often found in peridomestic settings, potentially interacting
      with livestock and poultry operations. If these animals are susceptible to avian
      influenza virus (AIV) infections and shed the virus in sufficient quantities they
      may pose a risk for movement of avian influenza viruses between wildlife and
      domestic animals in certain situations. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To assess
      the viral shedding potential of AIV in cottontails, we nasally inoculated
      fourteen cottontails with a low pathogenic AIV (H4N6). All inoculated cottontails
      shed relatively large quantities of viral RNA both nasally (<= 10(6.94) PCR EID50
      equivalents/mL) and orally (<= 10(5.09) PCR EID50 equivalents/mL). However, oral
      shedding tended to decline more quickly than did nasal shedding. No animals
      showed any obvious signs of disease throughout the study. Evidence of a
      serological response was found in all infected rabbits at 22 days post infection
      in convalescent sera. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: To our knowledge, cottontails
      have not been previously assessed for AIV shedding. However, it was obvious that
      they shed AIV RNA extensively via the nasal and oral routes. This is significant,
      as cottontails are widely distributed throughout the U.S. and elsewhere. These
      mammals are often found in highly peridomestic situations, such as farms, parks,
      and suburban neighborhoods, often becoming habituated to human activities. Thus,
      if infected these mammals could easily transport AIVs short distances.

PMID- 25111781
TI  - Evolutionary stability in the asymmetric volunteer's dilemma.
AB  - It is often assumed that in public goods games, contributors are either strong or
      weak players and each individual has an equal probability of exhibiting
      cooperation. It is difficult to explain why the public good is produced by strong
      individuals in some cooperation systems, and by weak individuals in others.
      Viewing the asymmetric volunteer's dilemma game as an evolutionary game, we find
      that whether the strong or the weak players produce the public good depends on
      the initial condition (i.e., phenotype or initial strategy of individuals). These
      different evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS) associated with different
      initial conditions, can be interpreted as the production modes of public goods of
      different cooperation systems. A further analysis revealed that the strong player
      adopts a pure strategy but mixed strategies for the weak players to produce the
      public good, and that the probability of volunteering by weak players decreases
      with increasing group size or decreasing cost-benefit ratio. Our model shows that
      the defection probability of a "strong" player is greater than the "weak" players
      in the model of Diekmann (1993). This contradicts Selten's (1980) model that
      public goods can only be produced by a strong player, is not an evolutionarily
      stable strategy, and will therefore disappear over evolutionary time. Our public
      good model with ESS has thus extended previous interpretations that the public
      good can only be produced by strong players in an asymmetric game. 

PMID- 25111783
TI  - Trimethoprim use before pregnancy and risk of congenital malformation: reanalyzed
      using a case-crossover design and a case-time-control design.
AB  - PURPOSE: Studies on the safety of drugs used during pregnancy are necessary and
      important but prone to bias. Using cases as their own controls can reduce bias.
      We used a case-crossover design and a case-time-control design to estimate the
      risk of congenital malformation (CM) for children born to mothers who redeemed a
      trimethoprim prescription shortly before pregnancy. METHODS: The study was based
      on all live born singletons (N = 685 600) in Denmark whose mothers had available
      information on prescriptions in the Danish National Prescription Registry between
      1996 and 2008. We defined 1-3 months before pregnancy as a potential risk period
      and 13-15 months before pregnancy as a reference period. Two other reference
      periods were used (7-9 months before pregnancy and months 4-6 of pregnancy). The
      case-crossover design is dependent on the assumption of a stable trimethoprim
      prescription over the study period in the source population. To estimate the
      trend of trimethoprim prescriptions, we used a control group comprising children
      without CMs. RESULTS: Both study designs showed children had a higher risk of
      overall CM [odds ratio of 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-2.53 and 1.50,
      95%CI: 0.66-3.38, respectively] if their mothers had a trimethoprim prescription
      in the 3 months before pregnancy and subtypes of CM for example in the
      musculoskeletal system, which were consistent to the previous findings from a
      cohort study. CONCLUSIONS: This study corroborates that trimethoprim is a
      potential teratogen when used 3 months before pregnancy and demonstrates the
      value of case-only approaches for studying, for example, adverse effects of
      antibiotics in reproductive epidemiology.

PMID- 25111784
TI  - Hypomethylation of the paternally inherited LRRTM1 promoter linked to
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Epigenetic effects on psychiatric traits remain relatively under-studied, and it
      remains unclear what the sizes of individual epigenetic effects may be, or how
      they vary between different clinical populations. The gene LRRTM1 (chromosome
      2p12) has previously been linked and associated with schizophrenia in a parent-of
      origin manner in a set of affected siblings (LOD = 4.72), indirectly suggesting a
      disruption of paternal imprinting at this locus in these families. From the same
      set of siblings that originally showed strong linkage at this locus, we analyzed
      99 individuals using 454-bisulfite sequencing, from whole blood DNA, to measure
      the level of DNA methylation in the promoter region of LRRTM1. We also assessed
      seven additional loci that would be informative to compare. Paternal identity-by
      descent sharing at LRRTM1, within sibling pairs, was linked to their similarity
      of methylation at the gene's promoter. Reduced methylation at the promoter showed
      a significant association with schizophrenia. Sibling pairs concordant for
      schizophrenia showed more similar methylation levels at the LRRTM1 promoter than
      diagnostically discordant pairs. The alleles of common SNPs spanning the locus
      did not explain this epigenetic linkage, which can therefore be considered as
      largely independent of DNA sequence variation and would not be detected in
      standard genetic association analysis. Our data suggest that hypomethylation at
      the LRRTM1 promoter, particularly of the paternally inherited allele, was a risk
      factor for the development of schizophrenia in this set of siblings affected with
      familial schizophrenia, and that had previously showed linkage at this locus in
      an affected-sib-pair context.

PMID- 25111787
TI  - Transfer hydrogenation as a redox process in nucleotides.
AB  - Using a combined theoretical and experimental strategy, the heats of
      hydrogenation of the nucleotide bases uracil, thymine, cytosine, adenine, and
      guanine have been determined. The most easily hydrogenated base is uracil,
      followed by thymine and cytosine. Comparison of these hydrogenation enthalpies
      with those of ketones and aldehydes derived from sugar models indicates the
      possibility of near-thermoneutral hydrogen transfer between uracil and the sugar
      phosphate backbone in oligonucleotides. 

PMID- 25111786
TI  - Salt appetite is reduced by a single experience of drinking hypertonic saline in
      the adult rat.
AB  - Salt appetite, the primordial instinct to favorably ingest salty substances,
      represents a vital evolutionary important drive to successfully maintain body
      fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. This innate instinct was shown here in Sprague
      Dawley rats by increased ingestion of isotonic saline (IS) over water in fluid
      intake tests. However, this appetitive stimulus was fundamentally transformed
      into a powerfully aversive one by increasing the salt content of drinking fluid
      from IS to hypertonic saline (2% w/v NaCl, HS) in intake tests. Rats ingested HS
      similar to IS when given no choice in one-bottle tests and previous studies have
      indicated that this may modify salt appetite. We thus investigated if a single 24
      h experience of ingesting IS or HS, dehydration (DH) or 4% high salt food (HSD)
      altered salt preference. Here we show that 24 h of ingesting IS and HS solutions,
      but not DH or HSD, robustly transformed salt appetite in rats when tested 7 days
      and 35 days later. Using two-bottle tests rats previously exposed to IS preferred
      neither IS or water, whereas rats exposed to HS showed aversion to IS. Responses
      to sweet solutions (1% sucrose) were not different in two-bottle tests with
      water, suggesting that salt was the primary aversive taste pathway recruited in
      this model. Inducing thirst by subcutaneous administration of angiotensin II did
      not overcome this salt aversion. We hypothesised that this behavior results from
      altered gene expression in brain structures important in thirst and salt
      appetite. Thus we also report here lasting changes in mRNAs for markers of
      neuronal activity, peptide hormones and neuronal plasticity in supraoptic and
      paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus following rehydration after both DH
      and HS. These results indicate that a single experience of drinking HS is a
      memorable one, with long-term changes in gene expression accompanying this
      aversion to salty solutions. 

PMID- 25111785
TI  - Common and rare variant analysis in early-onset bipolar disorder vulnerability.
AB  - Bipolar disorder is one of the most common and devastating psychiatric disorders
      whose mechanisms remain largely unknown. Despite a strong genetic contribution
      demonstrated by twin and adoption studies, a polygenic background influences this
      multifactorial and heterogeneous psychiatric disorder. To identify susceptibility
      genes on a severe and more familial sub-form of the disease, we conducted a
      genome-wide association study focused on 211 patients of French origin with an
      early age at onset and 1,719 controls, and then replicated our data on a German
      sample of 159 patients with early-onset bipolar disorder and 998 controls.
      Replication study and subsequent meta-analysis revealed two genes encoding
      proteins involved in phosphoinositide signalling pathway (PLEKHA5 and PLCXD3). We
      performed additional replication studies in two datasets from the WTCCC (764
      patients and 2,938 controls) and the GAIN-TGen cohorts (1,524 patients and 1,436
      controls) and found nominal P-values both in the PLCXD3 and PLEKHA5 loci with the
      WTCCC sample. In addition, we identified in the French cohort one affected
      individual with a deletion at the PLCXD3 locus and another one carrying a
      missense variation in PLCXD3 (p.R93H), both supporting a role of the
      phosphatidylinositol pathway in early-onset bipolar disorder vulnerability.
      Although the current nominally significant findings should be interpreted with
      caution and need replication in independent cohorts, this study supports the
      strategy to combine genetic approaches to determine the molecular mechanisms
      underlying bipolar disorder. 

PMID- 25111789
TI  - Low yield of outpatient serum folate testing: eleven years of experience.

PMID- 25111788
TI  - White matter tractography in early psychosis: clinical and neurocognitive
      associations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While many diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) investigations have noted
      disruptions to white matter integrity in individuals with chronic psychotic
      disorders, fewer studies have been conducted in young people at the early stages
      of disease onset. Using whole tract reconstruction techniques, the aim of this
      study was to identify the white matter pathology associated with the common
      clinical symptoms and executive function impairments observed in young people
      with psychosis. METHODS: We obtained MRI scans from young people with psychosis
      and healthy controls. Eighteen major white matter tracts were reconstructed to
      determine group differences in fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD)
      and radial diffusivity (RD) and then were subsequently correlated with
      symptomatology and neurocognitive performance. RESULTS: Our study included 42
      young people with psychosis (mean age 23 yr) and 45 healthy controls (mean age 25
      yr). Compared with the control group, the psychosis group had reduced FA and AD
      in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) and forceps major indicative
      of axonal disorganization, reduction and/or loss. These changes were associated
      with worse overall psychiatric symptom severity, increases in positive and
      negative symptoms, and worse current levels of depression. The psychosis group
      also showed FA reductions in the left superior longitudinal fasciculus that were
      associated with impaired neurocognitive performance in attention and semantic
      fluency. LIMITATIONS: Our analysis grouped 4 subcategories of psychosis together,
      and a larger follow-up study comparing affective and nonaffective psychoses is
      warranted. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that impaired axonal coherence in the
      left ILF and forceps major underpin psychiatric symptoms in young people in the
      early stages of psychosis.

PMID- 25111790
TI  - Inhibin alpha-subunit (INHA) expression in adrenocortical cancer is linked to
      genetic and epigenetic INHA promoter variation.
AB  - Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, but highly malignant tumor of unknown
      origin. Inhibin alpha-subunit (Inha) knockout mice develop ACCs following
      gonadectomy. In man, INHA expression varies widely within ACC tissues and its
      circulating peptide inhibin pro-alphaC has been described as a novel tumor marker
      for ACC. We investigated whether genetic and epigenetic changes of the INHA gene
      in human ACC cause loss or variation of INHA expression. To this end, analyses of
      INHA sequence, promoter methylation and mRNA expression were performed in human
      adrenocortical tissues. Serum inhibin pro-alphaC levels were also measured in ACC
      patients. INHA genetic analysis in 37 unique ACCs revealed 10 novel, heterozygous
      rare variants. Of the 3 coding bases affected, one variant was synonymous and two
      were missense variants: S72F and S184F. The minor allele of rs11893842 at -124 bp
      was observed at a low frequency (24%) in ACC samples and was associated with
      decreased INHA mRNA levels: 4.7+/-1.9 arbitrary units for AA, compared to 26+/-11
      for AG/GG genotypes (P = 0.034). The methylation of four proximal INHA promoter
      CpGs was aberrantly increased in five ACCs (47.7+/-3.9%), compared to normal
      adrenals (18.4+/-0.6%, P = 0.0052), whereas the other 14 ACCs studied showed
      diminished promoter methylation (9.8+/-1.1%, P = 0.020). CpG methylation was
      inversely correlated to INHA mRNA levels in ACCs (r = -0.701, p = 0.0036), but
      not associated with serum inhibin pro-alphaC levels. In conclusion, aberrant
      methylation and common genetic variation in the INHA promoter occur in human ACCs
      and are associated with decreased INHA expression. 

PMID- 25111793
TI  - Surgical clipping of a basilar perforator artery aneurysm: a case of avoiding
      perforator sacrifice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aneurysms arising from basilar perforator arteries are very rare. A
      primary goal of surgery is always preservation of perforator flow. However, in
      most surgically managed cases in the literature, sacrifice of the perforator was
      reported. It is important for the literature to demonstrate that patency of the
      perforator is an achievable goal. OBJECTIVE: To present the second reported case
      of perforator flow preservation in the surgical management of basilar perforator
      artery aneurysms. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old woman presented with World
      Federation of Neurologic Surgeons grade 1 subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital
      subtraction angiography ultimately revealed a 2-mm aneurysm of the basilar artery
      arising from a perforator after an initially negative angiogram. Clipping was
      performed with perforator patency confirmed on direct inspection and
      intraoperative angiography. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful,
      and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no evidence of
      brainstem stroke. CONCLUSION: Although patency of the perforator is a rather
      obvious goal of cerebrovascular surgery, the current literature does not reflect
      an ability to do so in the case of basilar perforator aneurysms. We present only
      the second reported case of maintenance of perforator flow after clipping of a
      basilar perforator artery aneurysm.

PMID- 25111792
TI  - Beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene polymorphisms and the risk of asthma: a
      meta-analysis of case-control studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A number of studies have assessed the relationship
      between beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene polymorphisms and asthma risk.
      However, the results are inconsistent. A meta-analysis that focused on the
      association between asthma and all ADRB2 polymorphisms with at least three case
      control studies was thus performed. METHODS: A literature search of the PubMed,
      Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wangfang databases was conducted. Odds ratios
      with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength of associations.
      RESULTS: Arg16Gly, Gln27Glu, Thr164Ile, and Arg19Cys single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in 46 case-control studies. The results
      showed that not all of the SNPs were associated with asthma in the overall
      population. Significant associations were found for the Arg16Gly polymorphism in
      the South American population via dominant model comparison (OR = 1.754, 95% CI =
      1.179-2.609, I2 = 16.9%, studies  = 2, case  = 314, control  = 237) in an
      analysis stratified by ethnicity. For the Gln27Glu polymorphism, a protective
      association was found in children via recessive model comparison (OR = 0.566, 95%
      CI = 0.417-0.769, I2 = 0.0%, studies  = 11, case  = 1693, control  =  502) and
      homozygote genotype comparison (OR = 0.610, 95% CI = 0.434-0.856, I2 = 0.0%,
      studies  = 11, case  = 1693, control  = 1502), and in adults via dominant model
      comparison (OR = 0.864, 95% CI = 0.768-0.971, I2 = 46.9%, n = 18, case  = 3160,
      control  = 3433). CONCLUSIONS: None of the ADRB2 gene polymorphisms were
      reproducibly associated with a risk of asthma across ethnic groups in the general
      population.

PMID- 25111794
TI  - A novel high-resolution single locus sequence typing scheme for mixed populations
      of Propionibacterium acnes in vivo.
AB  - The Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium Propionibacterium acnes is a prevalent
      member of the normal skin microbiota of human adults. In addition to its
      suspected role in acne vulgaris it is involved in a variety of opportunistic
      infections. Multi-locus sequence-typing (MLST) schemes identified distinct
      phylotypes associated with health and disease. Being based on 8 to 9 house
      keeping genes these MLST schemes have a high discriminatory power, but their
      application is time- and cost-intensive. Here we describe a single-locus sequence
      typing (SLST) scheme for P. acnes. The target locus was identified with a genome
      mining approach that took advantage of the availability of representative genome
      sequences of all known phylotypes of P. acnes. We applied this SLST on a
      collection of 188 P. acnes strains and demonstrated a resolution comparable to
      that of existing MLST schemes. Phylogenetic analysis applied to the SLST locus
      resulted in clustering patterns identical to a reference tree based on core
      genome sequences. We further demonstrate that SLST can be applied to detect
      multiple phylotypes in complex microbial communities by a metagenomic
      pyrosequencing approach. The described SLST strategy may be applied to any
      bacterial species with a basically clonal population structure to achieve easy
      typing and mapping of multiple phylotypes in complex microbiotas. The P. acnes
      SLST database can be found at http://medbac.dk/slst/pacnes. 

PMID- 25111796
TI  - Adsorption of small molecules on helical gold nanorods: a relativistic density
      functional study.
AB  - We study the adsorption of a variety of small molecules on helical gold nanorods
      using relativistic density functional theory. We focus on Au40 which consists of
      a central linear strand of five gold atoms with seven helical strands of five
      gold atoms on a coaxial tube. All molecules preferentially adsorb at a single low
      coordinated gold atom on the coaxial tube at an end of Au40. In most cases, there
      is significant charge transfer (CT) between Au40 and the adsorbate, for CO and
      NO2, there is CT from the Au40 to adsorbate while for all other molecules there
      is CT from the adsorbate to Au40. Thus, Au40-adsorbate can be described as a
      donor-accepter complex and we use charge decomposition analysis to better
      understand the adsorption process. We determine the adsorption energy order to be
      C5H5N >NO2  > CO > NH3  > CH2=CH2  > CH2=CH-CHO > NO > HC=CH > H2S > SO2  > HCN >
      CH3OH > H2C=O > O2  > H2O > CH4  > N2. We find that the Au-C, Au-N, Au-S, and Au
      O bonds are surprisingly strong, with clear implications for reactivity
      enhancement of the adsorbate. The Au-H bond is relatively weak but, for
      interactions via an H atom that is bonded to a carbon atom (e.g., CH4), we find
      that there is large charge polarization of the Au-H-C moiety and partial
      activation of the inert C-H bond. Although the Au-S and Au-O bonds are generally
      weaker than the Au-C and Au-N bonds, we find that adsorption of H2S or H2O causes
      greater distortion of Au40 in the binding region. However, the degree of
      distortion is small and the helical structure is retained, demonstrating the
      stability of the helical Au40 nanorod under perturbations.

PMID- 25111795
TI  - An animal model for laryngotracheal injuries: an experimental study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To establish an animal model for post-intubation
      laryngotracheal injuries resulting in significant laryngotracheal insult without
      compromising the survival of the animal for a minimum period of 12 weeks post
      extubation. To study the extent of injury based on morphometric and
      histopathological change seen at 12 weeks post-extubation. STUDY DESIGN:
      Randomized block, single-blinded, experimental study. METHODS: Twelve New Zealand
      white rabbits were used in this study. The rabbits were randomly divided into
      three groups depending on the duration of intubation (6 hours, 4 hours, and 2
      hours, respectively). The technique of intubation was standardized. Post
      extubation, these rabbits were humanely sacrificed after observation for 12 weeks
      or when they developed severe respiratory distress. The larynx and trachea were
      subjected to gross and histopathological examination. RESULTS: Histopathological
      examination and statistical analysis showed significant subglottic injury in all
      group B rabbits (intubated for 4 hours), and all of them survived for 12 weeks.
      CONCLUSION: In this study, an animal model for inducing and studying
      laryngotracheal injuries due to endotracheal intubation has been established.
      This study has the potential applications in research on etiopathogenesis and
      management of post-intubation laryngotracheal injuries.

PMID- 25111797
TI  - Broadening the spectrum of actin-based protrusive activity mediated by Arp2/3
      complex-facilitated polymerization: motility of cytoplasmic ridges and tubular
      projections.
AB  - Arp2/3 complex-facilitated actin polymerization plays an essential role in a
      variety of cellular functions including motility, adherence, endocytosis, and
      trafficking. In the present study, we employ the sea urchin coelomocyte
      experimental model system to test the hypotheses that Arp2/3 complex-nucleated
      actin assembly mediates the motility of two unusual cellular protrusions; the
      cytoplasmic ridges present during coelomocyte spreading, and inducible, tubular
      shaped, and neurite-like projections. Our investigations couple pharmacological
      manipulation employing inhibitors of actin polymerization and the Arp2/3 complex
      with a wide array of imaging methods including digitally enhanced phase contrast,
      DIC, and polarization light microscopy of live cells; conventional, confocal and
      super-resolution light microscopy of fluorescently labeled cells; and scanning
      and transmission electron microscopy. Taken together, the results of this study
      indicate that Arp2/3 complex-facilitated actin polymerization underlies the
      motility of coelomocyte cytoplasmic ridges and tubular projections, that these
      processes are related to each other, and that they have been preliminarily
      identified in other cell types. The results also highlight the broad spectrum of
      actin-based protrusive activities dependent on the Arp2/3 complex and provide
      additional insights into the pervasive nature of this ubiquitous actin nucleator.
      Furthermore, we provide the first evidence of a possible mechanistic difference
      between the impacts of the small molecule drugs BDM and CK666 on the Arp2/3
      complex.

PMID- 25111798
TI  - Direct imaging of functional networks.
AB  - In blood-oxygenation-level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI), current methods typically acquire ~ 500,000 imaging voxels at each time
      point, and then use computer algorithms to reduce this data to the coefficients
      of a few hundred parcels or networks. This suggests that the amount of relevant
      information present in the fMRI signal is relatively small, and presents an
      opportunity to greatly improve the speed and signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the
      fMRI process. In this work, a theoretical framework is presented for calculating
      the coefficients of functional networks directly from highly undersampled fMRI
      data. Using predefined functional parcellations or networks and a compact k-space
      trajectory that samples data at optimal spatial scales, the problem of estimating
      network coefficients is reformulated to allow for direct least squares
      estimation, without Fourier encoding. By simulation, this approach is shown to
      allow for acceleration of the imaging process under ideal circumstances by nearly
      three orders of magnitude.

PMID- 25111800
TI  - Methodology to improve design of accelerated life tests in civil engineering
      projects.
AB  - For reliability testing an Energy Expansion Tree (EET) and a companion Energy
      Function Model (EFM) are proposed and described in this paper. Different from
      conventional approaches, the EET provides a more comprehensive and objective way
      to systematically identify external energy factors affecting reliability. The EFM
      introduces energy loss into a traditional Function Model to identify internal
      energy sources affecting reliability. The combination creates a sound way to
      enumerate the energies to which a system may be exposed during its lifetime. We
      input these energies into planning an accelerated life test, a Multi Environment
      Over Stress Test. The test objective is to discover weak links and interactions
      among the system and the energies to which it is exposed, and design them out. As
      an example, the methods are applied to the pipe in subsea pipeline. However, they
      can be widely used in other civil engineering industries as well. The proposed
      method is compared with current methods. 

PMID- 25111802
TI  - Are there consistent grazing indicators in Drylands? Testing plant functional
      types of various complexity in South Africa's Grassland and Savanna Biomes.
AB  - Despite our growing knowledge on plants' functional responses to grazing, there
      is no consensus if an optimum level of functional aggregation exists for
      detecting grazing effects in drylands. With a comparative approach we searched
      for plant functional types (PFTs) with a consistent response to grazing across
      two areas differing in climatic aridity, situated in South Africa's grassland and
      savanna biomes. We aggregated herbaceous species into PFTs, using hierarchical
      combinations of traits (from single- to three-trait PFTs). Traits relate to life
      history, growth form and leaf width. We first confirmed that soil and grazing
      gradients were largely independent from each other, and then searched in each
      biome for PFTs with a sensitive response to grazing, avoiding confounding with
      soil conditions. We found no response consistency, but biome-specific optimum
      aggregation levels. Three-trait PFTs (e.g. broad-leaved perennial grasses) and
      two-trait PFTs (e.g. perennial grasses) performed best as indicators of grazing
      effects in the semi-arid grassland and in the arid savanna biome, respectively.
      Some PFTs increased with grazing pressure in the grassland, but decreased in the
      savanna. We applied biome-specific grazing indicators to evaluate if differences
      in grazing management related to land tenure (communal versus freehold) had
      effects on vegetation. Tenure effects were small, which we mainly attributed to
      large variability in grazing pressure across farms. We conclude that the striking
      lack of generalizable PFT responses to grazing is due to a convergence of aridity
      and grazing effects, and unlikely to be overcome by more refined classification
      approaches. Hence, PFTs with an opposite response to grazing in the two biomes
      rather have a unimodal response along a gradient of additive forces of aridity
      and grazing. The study advocates for hierarchical trait combinations to identify
      localized indicator sets for grazing effects. Its methodological approach may
      also be useful for identifying ecological indicators in other ecosystems. 

PMID- 25111799
TI  - Effects of aging on genioglossus motor units in humans.
AB  - The genioglossus is a major upper airway dilator muscle thought to be important
      in obstructive sleep apnea pathogenesis. Aging is a risk factor for obstructive
      sleep apnea although the mechanisms are unclear and the effects of aging on motor
      unit remodeled in the genioglossus remains unknown. To assess possible changes
      associated with aging we compared quantitative parameters related to motor unit
      potential morphology derived from EMG signals in a sample of older (n = 11; >55
      years) versus younger (n = 29; <55 years) adults. All data were recorded during
      quiet breathing with the subjects awake. Diagnostic sleep studies (Apnea Hypopnea
      Index) confirmed the presence or absence of obstructive sleep apnea. Genioglossus
      EMG signals were analyzed offline by automated software (DQEMG), which estimated
      a MUP template from each extracted motor unit potential train (MUPT) for both the
      selective concentric needle and concentric needle macro (CNMACRO) recorded EMG
      signals. 2074 MUPTs from 40 subjects (mean+/-95% CI; older AHI 19.6+/-9.9
      events/hr versus younger AHI 30.1+/-6.1 events/hr) were extracted. MUPs detected
      in older adults were 32% longer in duration (14.7+/-0.5 ms versus 11.1+/-0.2 ms;
      P  =  0.05), with similar amplitudes (395.2+/-25.1 uV versus 394.6+/-13.7 uV).
      Amplitudes of CNMACRO MUPs detected in older adults were larger by 22% (62.7+/
      6.5 uV versus 51.3+/-3.0 uV; P<0.05), with areas 24% larger (160.6+/-18.6 uV.ms
      versus 130.0+/-7.4 uV.ms; P<0.05) than those detected in younger adults. These
      results confirm that remodeled motor units are present in the genioglossus muscle
      of individuals above 55 years, which may have implications for OSA pathogenesis
      and aging related upper airway collapsibility. 

PMID- 25111801
TI  - Comparative 2D-DIGE proteomic analysis of bovine mammary epithelial cells during
      lactation reveals protein signatures for lactation persistency and milk yield.
AB  - Mammary gland is made up of a branching network of ducts that end with alveoli
      which surrounds the lumen. These alveolar mammary epithelial cells (MEC) reflect
      the milk producing ability of farm animals. In this study, we have used 2D-DIGE
      and mass spectrometry to identify the protein changes in MEC during immediate
      early, peak and late stages of lactation and also compared differentially
      expressed proteins in MEC isolated from milk of high and low milk producing cows.
      We have identified 41 differentially expressed proteins during lactation stages
      and 22 proteins in high and low milk yielding cows. Bioinformatics analysis
      showed that a majority of the differentially expressed proteins are associated in
      metabolic process, catalytic and binding activity. The differentially expressed
      proteins were mapped to the available biological pathways and networks involved
      in lactation. The proteins up-regulated during late stage of lactation are
      associated with NF-kappaB stress induced signaling pathways and whereas Akt, PI3K
      and p38/MAPK signaling pathways are associated with high milk production mediated
      through insulin hormone signaling. 

PMID- 25111803
TI  - Theory on the dynamics of oscillatory loops in the transcription factor networks.
AB  - We develop a detailed theoretical framework for various types of transcription
      factor gene oscillators. We further demonstrate that one can build genetic
      oscillators which are tunable and robust against perturbations in the critical
      control parameters by coupling two or more independent Goodwin-Griffith
      oscillators through either -OR- or -AND- type logic. Most of the coupled
      oscillators constructed in the literature so far seem to be of -OR- type. When
      there are transient perturbations in one of the -OR- type coupled-oscillators,
      then the overall period of the system remains constant (period-buffering) whereas
      in case of -AND- type coupling the overall period of the system moves towards the
      perturbed oscillator. Though there is a period-buffering, the amplitudes of
      oscillators coupled through -OR- type logic are more sensitive to perturbations
      in the parameters associated with the promoter state dynamics than -AND- type.
      Further analysis shows that the period of -AND- type coupled dual-feedback
      oscillators can be tuned without conceding on the amplitudes. Using these results
      we derive the basic design principles governing the robust and tunable synthetic
      gene oscillators without compromising on their amplitudes. 

PMID- 25111804
TI  - A computational approach to evaluate the androgenic affinity of iprodione,
      procymidone, vinclozolin and their metabolites.
AB  - Our research is aimed at devising and assessing a computational approach to
      evaluate the affinity of endocrine active substances (EASs) and their metabolites
      towards the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the androgen receptor (AR) in three
      distantly related species: human, rat, and zebrafish. We computed the affinity
      for all the selected molecules following a computational approach based on
      molecular modelling and docking. Three different classes of molecules with well
      known endocrine activity (iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin, and a selection of
      their metabolites) were evaluated. Our approach was demonstrated useful as the
      first step of chemical safety evaluation since ligand-target interaction is a
      necessary condition for exerting any biological effect. Moreover, a different
      sensitivity concerning AR LBD was computed for the tested species (rat being the
      least sensitive of the three). This evidence suggests that, in order not to over
      /under-estimate the risks connected with the use of a chemical entity, further in
      vitro and/or in vivo tests should be carried out only after an accurate
      evaluation of the most suitable cellular system or animal species. The
      introduction of in silico approaches to evaluate hazard can accelerate discovery
      and innovation with a lower economic effort than with a fully wet strategy. 

PMID- 25111805
TI  - Responses of super rice (Oryza sativa L.) to different planting methods for grain
      yield and nitrogen-use efficiency in the single cropping season.
AB  - To break the yield ceiling of rice production, a super rice project was developed
      in 1996 to breed rice varieties with super high yield. A two-year experiment was
      conducted to evaluate yield and nitrogen (N)-use response of super rice to
      different planting methods in the single cropping season. A total of 17 rice
      varieties, including 13 super rice and four non-super checks (CK), were grown
      under three N levels [0 (N0), 150 (N150), and 225 (N225) kg ha-1] and two
      planting methods [transplanting (TP) and direct-seeding in wet conditions (WDS)].
      Grain yield under WDS (7.69 t ha-1) was generally lower than TP (8.58 t ha-1).
      However, grain yield under different planting methods was affected by N rates as
      well as variety groups. In both years, there was no difference in grain yield
      between super and CK varieties at N150, irrespective of planting methods.
      However, grain yield difference was dramatic in japonica groups at N225, that is,
      there was an 11.3% and 14.1% average increase in super rice than in CK varieties
      in WDS and TP, respectively. This suggests that high N input contributes to
      narrowing the yield gap in super rice varieties, which also indicates that super
      rice was bred for high fertility conditions. In the japonica group, more N was
      accumulated in super rice than in CK at N225, but no difference was found between
      super and CK varieties at N0 and N150. Similar results were also found for N
      agronomic efficiency. The results suggest that super rice varieties have an
      advantage for N-use efficiency when high N is applied. The response of super rice
      was greater under TP than under WDS. The results suggest that the need to further
      improve agronomic and other management practices to achieve high yield and N-use
      efficiency for super rice varieties in WDS. 

PMID- 25111806
TI  - Voice prosthetic biofilm formation and Candida morphogenic conversions in absence
      and presence of different bacterial strains and species on silicone-rubber.
AB  - Morphogenic conversion of Candida from a yeast to hyphal morphology plays a
      pivotal role in the pathogenicity of Candida species. Both Candida albicans and
      Candida tropicalis, in combination with a variety of different bacterial strains
      and species, appear in biofilms on silicone-rubber voice prostheses used in
      laryngectomized patients. Here we study biofilm formation on silicone-rubber by
      C. albicans or C. tropicalis in combination with different commensal bacterial
      strains and lactobacillus strains. In addition, hyphal formation in C. albicans
      and C. tropicalis, as stimulated by Rothia dentocariosa and lactobacilli was
      evaluated, as clinical studies outlined that these bacterial strains have
      opposite results on the clinical life-time of silicone-rubber voice prostheses.
      Biofilms were grown during eight days in a silicone-rubber tube, while passing
      the biofilms through episodes of nutritional feast and famine. Biofilms
      consisting of combinations of C. albicans and a bacterial strain comprised
      significantly less viable organisms than combinations comprising C. tropicalis.
      High percentages of Candida were found in biofilms grown in combination with
      lactobacilli. Interestingly, L. casei, with demonstrated favorable effects on the
      clinical life-time of voice prostheses, reduced the percentage hyphal formation
      in Candida biofilms as compared with Candida biofilms grown in absence of
      bacteria or grown in combination with R. dentocariosa, a bacterial strain whose
      presence is associated with short clinical life-times of voice prostheses. 

PMID- 25111808
TI  - Solid support membrane-aerated catalytic biofilm reactor for the continuous
      synthesis of (S)-styrene oxide at gram scale.
AB  - Catalytic biofilms minimize reactant toxicity and maximize biocatalyst stability
      in selective transformations of chemicals to value-added products in continuous
      processes. The scaling up of such catalytic biofilm processes is challenging, due
      to fluidic and biological parameters affording a special reactor design affecting
      process performance. A solid support membrane-aerated biofilm reactor was
      optimized and scaled-up to yield gram amounts of (S)-styrene oxide, a toxic and
      instable high value chemical synthon. A sintered stainless steel membrane unit
      was identified as an optimal choice as biofilm substratum and for high oxygen
      mass transfer. A stable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane was
      best suited for in situ substrate delivery and product extraction. For the
      verification of scalability, catalytic biofilms of Pseudomonas sp. strain
      VLB120DeltaC produced (S)-styrene oxide to an average concentration of 390 mM in
      the organic phase per day (equivalent to 24.4 g Laq (-1) day(-1) ). This
      productivity was gained by efficiently using the catalyst with an excellent
      product yield on biomass of 13.6 gproduct gbiomass (-1) . This product yield on
      biomass is in the order of magnitude reported for other continuous systems based
      on artificially immobilized biocatalysts and is fulfilling the minimum
      requirements for industrial biocatalytic processes. Overall, 46 g of (S)-styrene
      oxide were produced and isolated (purity: 99%; enantiomeric excess [ee]: >99.8%.
      yield: 30%). The productivity is in a similar range as in comparable small-scale
      biofilm reactors highlighting the large potential of this methodology for
      continuous bioprocessing of bulk chemicals and biofuels. 

PMID- 25111809
TI  - Anomalous one-electron processes in the chemistry of uranium nitrogen multiple
      bonds.
AB  - Novel reaction pathways are illustrated in the synthesis of uranium(IV),
      uranium(V), and uranium(VI) monoimido complexes. In contrast to the
      straightforward preparation of U(V)(?NSiMe3)[N(SiMe3)2]3 (1), the synthesis of a
      uranium(V) tritylimido complex, U(V)(?NCPh3)[N(SiMe3)2]3 (4), from
      U(III)[N(SiMe3)2]3 and Ph3CN3 was found to proceed through multiple one-electron
      steps. Whereas the oxidation of 1 with copper(II) salts produced the uranium(VI)
      monoimido complexes U(VI)(?NSiMe3)X[N(SiMe3)2]3 (X = Cl, Br), the reaction of 4
      with CuBr2 undergoes sterically induced reduction to form the uranium(VI)
      monoimido complex U(VI)(?NCPh3)Br2[N(SiMe3)2]2, demonstrating a striking
      difference in reactivity based on imido substituent. The facile reduction of
      compounds 1 and 4 with KC8 allowed for the synthesis of the uranium(IV) monoimido
      derivatives, K[U(IV)(?NSiMe3)[N(SiMe3)2]3] (1-K) and K[U(IV)(?NCPh3)[N(SiMe3)2]3]
      (4-K), respectively. In contrast, an analogous uranium(IV) monoimido complex,
      K[U(IV)(?NPh(F))[N(SiMe3)Ph(F)]], Ph(F) = -pentafluorophenyl (6), was prepared
      through a loss of N(SiMe3)2Ph(F) concomitant with one-electron oxidation of a
      uranium(III) center. The uranium(IV) monoimido complexes were found to be
      reactive toward electrophiles, demonstrating N-C and N-Si single bond formation.
      One-electron reduction of nitrite provided a route to the uranium(VI) oxo/imido
      complex, [Ph4P][U(VI)O(?NSiMe3)[N(SiMe3)2]3]. The energetics and electrochemical
      processes involved in the various oxidation reactions are discussed. Finally,
      comparison of the U(VI)(?NSiMe3)X[N(SiMe3)2]3, X = Cl, Br, complexes with the
      previously reported U(VI)OX[N(SiMe3)2]3, X = Cl, Br, complexes suggested that the
      donor strength of the trimethylsilylimido ligand is comparable to the oxo ligand.

PMID- 25111807
TI  - An interferon response gene signature is associated with the therapeutic response
      of hepatitis C patients.
AB  - Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver
      diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide, and thus represents a
      significant public health problem. The type I interferon (IFN), IFNalpha, has
      been successful in treating HCV-infected patients, but current IFN-based
      treatment regimens for HCV have suboptimal efficacy, and relatively little is
      known about why IFN therapy eliminates the virus in some patients but not in
      others. Therefore, it is critical to understand the basic mechanisms that
      underlie the therapeutic resistance to IFN action in HCV-infected individuals,
      and there is an urgent need to identify those patients most likely to respond to
      IFN therapy for HCV. To characterize the response of HCV-infected patients to
      treatment with IFNalpha, the expression of an IFN-response gene signature
      comprised of IFN-stimulated genes and genes that play an important role in the
      innate immune response was examined in liver biopsies from HCV-infected patients
      enrolled in a clinical trial. In the present study we found that the expression
      of a subset of IFN-response genes was dysregulated in liver biopsy samples from
      nonresponsive hepatitis C patients as compared with virologic responders. Based
      on these findings, a statistical model was developed to help predict the response
      of patients to IFN therapy, and compared to results obtained to the IL28 mutation
      model, which is highly predictive of the response to IFN-based therapy in HCV
      infected patients. We found that a model incorporating gene expression data can
      improve predictions of IFN responsiveness compared to IL28 mutation status alone.

PMID- 25111810
TI  - Infiltration of CD8+ lymphocytes is an independent prognostic factor of
      biochemical failure-free survival in prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: The adaptive immune system can potentially have dual roles in cancer
      development and progression by contributing to or suppressing tumor progression
      and metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of
      adaptive immune cells residing in different tumor compartments in prostate
      cancer. METHODS: Tissue microarrays from 535 patients were constructed from
      viable and representative tumor epithelial and stromal areas of primary PC
      tumors, as well as from normal epithelial and stromal areas. Immunohistochemistry
      was used to evaluate the density of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD20+ lymphocytes in
      both tumor epithelial and tumor stromal areas. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, a
      high density of CD3+ (P = 0.037) and CD8+ lymphocytes (P = 0.010) in tumor
      epithelial areas was associated with significantly shorter biochemical failure
      free survival. When analyzing both tumor epithelial and stromal tissue
      compartments as one entity, similar relationships were observed for CD3+ (P =
      0.046), CD4+ (P = 0.026), and CD8+ (P = 0.003) lymphocytes. In multivariate
      analysis, high densities of CD8+ lymphocytes limited to tumor epithelial areas
      (HR = 1.45, P = 0.032), as well as in the total tumor tissue (HR = 1.57, P =
      0.007), were independent negative prognostic factors for biochemical failure-free
      survival. CONCLUSIONS: A high density of CD8+ lymphocytes, especially in tumor
      epithelial areas, is an independent negative prognostic factor for biochemical
      failure-free survival.

PMID- 25111811
TI  - Formaldehyde and heavy metal migration from rubber and metallic
      packaging/utensils in Korea.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the non-intentionally added substances-
      formaldehyde and trace metals--at 4% acetic acid conditions in rubber and
      metallic packaging/utensils. The temperature effect on migration in rubber and
      metallic packaging/utensils was monitored at 60  degrees C and 100  degrees C
      under acidic (pH < 3) circumstances. The concentrations were: formaldehyde--23.1
      MUg kg-1, lead--13.41 MUg kg-1, cadmium--0.15 MUg kg-1, total arsenic--2.02 MUg
      kg-1 and nickel--2.92 MUg kg-1 at 60  degrees C and formaldehyde--148.9 MUg kg-1,
      lead--17.04 MUg kg-1, cadmium--0.14 MUg kg-1, total arsenic--7.25 MUg kg-1 and
      nickel--8.7 MUg kg-1 at 100  degrees C. A significant difference was noticed in
      formaldehyde and total arsenic between both temperatures (p < 0.01), which was
      not present in other trace metals. In conclusion, formaldehyde and total arsenic
      were more sensitive with cooking temperature than the other metals.

PMID- 25111812
TI  - Genomic aspects of age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major late-onset posterior eye
      disease that causes central vision to deteriorate among elderly populations. The
      predominant lesion of AMD is the macula, at the interface between the outer
      retina and the inner choroid. Recent advances in genetics have revealed that
      inflammatory and angiogenic pathways play critical roles in the pathophysiology
      of AMD. Genome-wide association studies have identified ARMS2/HTRA1 and CFH as
      major AMD susceptibility genes. Genetic studies for AMD will contribute to the
      prevention of central vision loss, the development of new treatment, and the
      maintenance of quality of vision for productive aging. 

PMID- 25111813
TI  - Microtubule stabilization attenuates vascular calcification through the
      inhibition of osteogenic signaling and matrix vesicle release.
AB  - Vascular calcification is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and
      mortality, especially in individuals with chronic kidney disease or diabetes. The
      mechanism of vascular calcification has remained unclear, however, and no
      effective therapy is currently available. Our study was aimed at identifying the
      role of dynamic remodeling of microtubule cytoskeletons in hyperphosphatemia
      induced vascular calcification. Exposure of primary cultures of mouse vascular
      smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to inorganic phosphate (Pi) elicited ectopic
      calcification that was associated with changes in tubulin dynamics, induction of
      osteogenic signaling, and increased release of matrix vesicles. A microtubule
      depolymerizing agent enhanced Pi-dependent calcification, whereas microtubule
      stabilization by paclitaxel suppressed calcification both in VSMC cultures and in
      an ex vivo culture system for the mouse aorta. The inhibition of Pi-stimulated
      calcification by paclitaxel was associated with down-regulation of osteogenic
      signal and attenuation of matrix vesicle release. Our results indicate that
      microtubule plays a central role in vascular calcification, and that microtubule
      stabilization represents a potential new approach to the treatment of this
      condition. 

PMID- 25111814
TI  - MicroRNA-665 is involved in the regulation of the expression of the
      cardioprotective cannabinoid receptor CB2 in patients with severe heart failure.
AB  - The myocardial endocannabinoid system has been linked to stress response and
      cardioprotection. In chronic heart failure (CHF), protective CB2 receptors are
      markedly up-regulated while CB1 receptors are slightly down-regulated. We here
      provide evidence that myocardial CB receptors are subject to microRNA regulation.
      By a combined computational and experimental approach we show that CB1 receptors
      are regulated by miR-494, and CB2 receptors are targeted by miR-665. Moreover, we
      demonstrate that in CHF, miR-665 expression is significantly decreased while miR
      494 is slightly increased, which is concordant with the previously reported
      alterations of CB receptors. These results suggest that in CHF, altered
      expression of specific miRNAs may contribute to a compensatory response of the
      diseased myocardium. 

PMID- 25111815
TI  - Detection of in vivo protein tyrosine nitration in petite mutant of Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae: consequence of its formation and significance.
AB  - Protein tyrosine nitration (PTN) is a selective post-translational modification
      often associated with physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Tyrosine
      is modified in the 3-position of the phenolic ring through the addition of a
      nitro group. In our previous study we first time showed that PTN occurs in vivo
      in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In the present study we observed occurrence of PTN
      in petite mutant of S. cerevisiae which indicated that PTN is not absolutely
      dependent on functional mitochondria. Nitration of proteins in S. cerevisiae was
      also first time confirmed in immunohistochemical study using spheroplasts. Using
      proteosomal mutants Rpn10Delta, Pre9Delta, we first time showed that the fate of
      protein nitration in S. cerevisiae was not dependent on proteosomal clearing and
      probably played vital role in modulating signaling cascades. From our study it is
      evident that protein tyrosine nitration is a normal physiological event of S.
      cerevisiae. 

PMID- 25111816
TI  - The role of calpain in an in vivo model of oxidative stress-induced retinal
      ganglion cell damage.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this study, we set out to establish an in vivo animal model of
      oxidative stress in the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and determine whether there
      is a link between oxidative stress in the RGCs and the activation of calpain, a
      major part of the apoptotic pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oxidative stress was
      induced in the RGCs of C57BL/6 mice by the intravitreal administration of 2,2'
      azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH, 30mM, 2MUl). Control eyes were
      injected with 2MUl of vehicle. Surviving Fluorogold (FG)-labeled RGCs were then
      counted in retinal flat mounts. Double staining with CellROX and Annexin V was
      performed to investigate the co-localization of free radical generation and
      apoptosis. An immunoblot assay was used both to indirectly evaluate calpain
      activation in the AAPH-treated eyes by confirming alpha-fodrin cleavage, and also
      to evaluate the effect of SNJ-1945 (a specific calpain inhibitor: 4% w/v,
      100mg/kg, intraperitoneal administration) in these eyes. RESULTS: Intravitreal
      administration of AAPH led to a significant decrease in FG-labeled RGCs 7days
      after treatment (control: 3806.7+/-575.2RGCs/mm(2), AAPH: 3156.1+/
      371.2RGCs/mm(2), P<0.01). CellROX and Annexin V signals were co-localized in the
      FG-labeled RGCs 24h after AAPH injection. An immunoblot assay revealed a cleaved
      alpha-fodrin band that increased significantly 24h after AAPH administration.
      Intraperitoneally administered SNJ-1945 prevented the cleavage of alpha-fodrin
      and had a neuroprotective effect against AAPH-induced RGC death (AAPH: 3354.0+/
      226.9RGCs/mm(2), AAPH+SNJ-1945: 3717.1+/-614.6RGCs/mm(2), P<0.01). CONCLUSION:
      AAPH administration was an effective model of oxidative stress in the RGCs,
      showing that oxidative stress directly activated the calpain pathway and induced
      RGC death. Furthermore, inhibition of the calpain pathway protected the RGCs
      after AAPH administration.

PMID- 25111817
TI  - Genetic architecture of type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 70 loci associated
      with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Most genetic variants associated with T2D are common
      variants with modest effects on T2D and are shared with major ancestry groups. To
      what extent the genetic component of T2D can be explained by common variants
      relies upon the shape of the genetic architecture of T2D. Fine mapping utilizing
      populations with different patterns of linkage disequilibrium and functional
      annotation derived from experiments in relevant tissues are mandatory to track
      down causal variants responsible for the pathogenesis of T2D. 

PMID- 25111818
TI  - The role of mutation of metabolism-related genes in genomic hypermethylation.
AB  - Genetic mutations, metabolic dysfunction, and epigenetic misregulation are
      commonly considered to play distinct roles in tumor development and maintenance.
      However, intimate relationships between these mechanisms are now emerging. In
      particular, mutations in genes for the core metabolic enzymes IDH, SDH, and FH
      are significant drivers of diverse tumor types. In each case, the resultant
      accumulation of particular metabolites inhibits TET enzymes responsible for
      oxidizing 5-methylcytosine, leading to pervasive DNA hypermethylation. 

PMID- 25111819
TI  - Evidence for participation of GCS1 in fertilization of the starlet sea anemone
      Nematostella vectensis: implication of a common mechanism of sperm-egg fusion in
      plants and animals.
AB  - It has been reported that GCS1 (Generative Cell Specific 1) is a transmembrane
      protein that is exclusively expressed in sperm cells and is essential for gamete
      fusion in flowering plants. The GCS1 gene is present not only in angiosperms but
      also in unicellular organisms and animals, implying the occurrence of a common or
      ancestral mechanism of GCS1-mediated gamete fusion. In order to elucidate the
      common mechanism, we investigated the role of GCS1 in animal fertilization using
      a sea anemone (Cnidaria), Nematostella vectensis. Although the existence of the
      GCS1 gene in N. vectensis has been reported, the expression of GCS1 in sperm and
      the role of GCS1 in fertilization are not known. In this study, we showed that
      the GCS1 gene is expressed in the testis and that GCS1 protein exists in sperm by
      in situ hybridization and proteomic analysis, respectively. Then we made four
      peptide antibodies against the N-terminal extracellular region of NvGCS1. These
      antibodies specifically reacted to NvGCS1 among sperm proteins on the basis of
      Western analysis and potently inhibited fertilization in a concentration
      dependent manner. These results indicate that sperm GCS1 plays a pivotal role in
      fertilization, most probably in sperm-egg fusion, in a starlet sea anemone,
      suggesting a common gamete-fusion mechanism shared by eukaryotic organisms. 

PMID- 25111820
TI  - Skeletal analysis and differential gene expression in Runx2/Osterix double
      heterozygous embryos.
AB  - The transcription factors, Runx2 and Osterix (Osx), act downstream in the BMP2
      pathway, and they are essential for osteoblast differentiation and bone
      formation. While Runx2 expression is normal in Osx-null mice, Osx is not
      expressed in Runx2-null mice, indicating that Osx acts downstream of Runx2 during
      bone formation. Runx2 and Osx are also independently regulated during bone
      formation. To define the unknown correlation between Runx2 and Osx in the
      regulation of bone formation, we analyzed the bone of Runx2/Osx double
      heterozygotes generated by mating heterozygous Runx2 and Osx mice and elucidated
      the differential gene expressions due to the lack of Runx2 and Osx in bone.
      Compared to the Runx2 and Osx heterozygous embryos, Runx2/Osx double heterozygous
      embryos showed reduced bone length in the humerus and femur as well as
      hypoplastic or complete absence of the maxillary and palatine shelf, presphenoid
      bone, zygomatic bone, and tympanic ring. Severe inward bending was observed in
      the ribs and humerus. Histological analysis showed an expanded region of
      hypertrophic chondrocytes and a reduced area of mineralized bones in the
      Runx2/Osx double heterozygous embryos. DNA microarray analysis of the calvaria of
      embryos allowed gene classification based on similarities in the upregulated and
      downregulated expression patterns. Clusters 1 and 2 include 68 downregulated
      genes and 18 upregulated genes, respectively, in the Runx2/Osx double
      heterozygous embryos. Finally, the skeletal analysis and gene expression profiles
      obtained by clustering may facilitate the understanding of the correlation
      between Runx2 and Osx in skeletal development. 

PMID- 25111821
TI  - Somatic alterations and dysregulation of epigenetic modifiers in cancers.
AB  - Genomic discovery efforts in patients with cancer have been critical in
      identifying a recurrent theme of mutations in epigenetic modifiers. A number of
      novel and exciting basic biological findings have come from this work including
      the discovery of an enzymatic pathway for DNA cytosine demethylation, a link
      between cancer metabolism and epigenetics, and the critical importance of post
      translational modifications at specific histone residues in malignant
      transformation. Identification of cancer cell dependency on a number of these
      mutations has quickly resulted in the development of therapies targeting several
      of these genetic alterations. This includes, the development of mutant-selective
      IDH1 and IDH2 inhibitors, DOT1L inhibitors for MLL rearranged leukemias, EZH2
      inhibitors for several cancer types, and the development of bromodomain
      inhibitors for many cancer types--all of which are in early phase clinical
      trials. In many cases, however, specific genetic targets linked to malignant
      transformation following mutations in individual epigenetic modifiers are not yet
      known. In this review we present functional evidence of how alterations in
      frequently mutated epigenetic modifiers promote malignant transformation and how
      these alterations are being targeted for cancer therapeutics.

PMID- 25111822
TI  - Separating heart and brain: on the reduction of physiological noise from
      multichannel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) signals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an emerging technique
      for the in vivo assessment of functional activity of the cerebral cortex as well
      as in the field of brain-computer interface (BCI) research. A common challenge
      for the utilization of fNIRS in these areas is a stable and reliable
      investigation of the spatio-temporal hemodynamic patterns. However, the recorded
      patterns may be influenced and superimposed by signals generated from
      physiological processes, resulting in an inaccurate estimation of the cortical
      activity. Up to now only a few studies have investigated these influences, and
      still less has been attempted to remove/reduce these influences. The present
      study aims to gain insights into the reduction of physiological rhythms in
      hemodynamic signals (oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb), deoxygenated hemoglobin
      (deoxy-Hb)). APPROACH: We introduce the use of three different signal processing
      approaches (spatial filtering, a common average reference (CAR) method;
      independent component analysis (ICA); and transfer function (TF) models) to
      reduce the influence of respiratory and blood pressure (BP) rhythms on the
      hemodynamic responses. MAIN RESULTS: All approaches produce large reductions in
      BP and respiration influences on the oxy-Hb signals and, therefore, improve the
      contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). In contrast, for deoxy-Hb signals CAR and ICA did
      not improve the CNR. However, for the TF approach, a CNR-improvement in deoxy-Hb
      can also be found. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study investigates the application
      of different signal processing approaches to reduce the influences of
      physiological rhythms on the hemodynamic responses. In addition to the
      identification of the best signal processing method, we also show the importance
      of noise reduction in fNIRS data.

PMID- 25111823
TI  - Identifying barriers to move to better health coverage: preferences for health
      insurance benefits among the rural poor population in La Guajira, Colombia.
AB  - Even though access to health insurance in Colombia has improved since the
      implementation of the 1993 health reforms (Law 100), universal coverage has not
      yet been accomplished. There is still a segment of the population under the low
      income (subsidized) health insurance policy or without health insurance
      altogether. The purpose of this research was to identify preferences and behavior
      regarding health insurance among the subsidized rural population in La Guajira,
      Colombia, and to understand why that population remains under the subsidized
      health insurance policy. The field experiment gathered information from 400
      households regarding their socioeconomic situation, health conditions, and
      preferences for health insurance characteristics. Results suggest that the
      surveyed population gives priority to expanded family coverage, physician and
      hospital choice, and access to specialists, rather than to attributes associated
      with co-payments or premiums. That indicates that people value healthcare
      benefits and family coverage more than health insurance expenses, and policy
      makers could use these preferences to enroll subsidized population into the
      contributory regime.

PMID- 25111824
TI  - Odor tracking in sharks is reduced under future ocean acidification conditions.
AB  - Recent studies show that ocean acidification impairs sensory functions and alters
      the behavior of teleost fishes. If sharks and other elasmobranchs are similarly
      affected, this could have significant consequences for marine ecosystems
      globally. Here, we show that projected future CO2 levels impair odor tracking
      behavior of the smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis). Adult M. canis were held for 5
      days in a current-day control (405 +/- 26 MUatm) and mid (741 +/- 22 MUatm) or
      high CO2 (1064 +/- 17 MUatm) treatments consistent with the projections for the
      year 2100 on a 'business as usual' scenario. Both control and mid CO2 -treated
      individuals maintained normal odor tracking behavior, whereas high CO2 -treated
      sharks significantly avoided the odor cues indicative of food. Control sharks
      spent >60% of their time in the water stream containing the food stimulus, but
      this value fell below 15% in high CO2 -treated sharks. In addition, sharks
      treated under mid and high CO2 conditions reduced attack behavior compared to the
      control individuals. Our findings show that shark feeding could be affected by
      changes in seawater chemistry projected for the end of this century.
      Understanding the effects of ocean acidification on critical behaviors, such as
      prey tracking in large predators, can help determine the potential impacts of
      future ocean acidification on ecosystem function. 

PMID- 25111826
TI  - Balance of apoptotic cell death and survival in allergic diseases.
AB  - Allergic diseases result from over-reaction of the immune system in response to
      exogenous allergens, where inflammatory cells have constantly extended longevity
      and contribute to an on-going immune response in allergic tissues. Here, we
      review disequilibrium in the death and survival of epithelial cells and
      inflammatory cells in the pathological processes of asthma, atopic dermatitis,
      and other allergic diseases. 

PMID- 25111827
TI  - The immune response of two microbial antigens delivered intradermally,
      sublingually, or the combination thereof.
AB  - A key consideration to produce a successful vaccine is the choice of appropriate
      vaccination route. Though most vaccines are administered parenterally, this route
      is not effective in producing a robust mucosal or cell-mediated response.
      Intradermal and sublingual vaccinations have been explored recently as potential
      needle-free immunization strategies. We explored intradermal and sublingual
      routes as well as the combination of the two routes in eliciting both systemic
      and mucosal immune responses. Mice were immunized intradermally or sublingually
      with dmLT, a mutant of Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin. A systemic IgG
      response is dominant in intradermal immunization while a mucosal IgA response is
      dominant in sublingual immunization. When routes were combined, a synergistic
      response was seen with high titers of anti-dmLT IgG and IgA. IpaB/IpaD antigens
      of Shigella flexneri type III secretion system, were admixed with dmLT as
      adjuvant and administered by each route alone or in combination. Again, the
      intradermal route elicited a systemic response while the sublingual route
      elicited a mucosal response. When combined, the routes produced a robust
      synergistic response to both antigens that exhibited a balanced Th1/Th2 response.
      These results provide a new potential needle-free immunization strategy that will
      benefit low income countries and increase compliance in industrial countries.

PMID- 25111828
TI  - Anti-Mullerian hormone is associated with extrauterine involvement and stage of
      disease in patients with endometrial cancer.
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate serum levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and also
      immunohistochemical (IHC) staining properties of AMH receptor type II (AMHRII) in
      patients with endometrial cancer (EC) and a control group. Preoperatively, serum
      levels of AMH were assessed and AMHRII expression was evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry in a benign and malignant group. AMH serum levels of the
      control group and EC patients were comparable. For EC patients, there was no
      difference with respect to the AMH levels and tumour stage; grade; histological
      type; deep myometrial invasion; lymphovascular space invasion or lymph node
      involvement. However, AMH levels in patients with extrauterine involvement were
      higher than patients with disease confined to the uterus. EC samples were more
      likely to be stained positive for AMHRII than benign lesions. Also, as the stage
      of the lesion worsens, the rate of IHC staining of AMHRII decreases. In
      conclusion, AMHRII is expressed in normal endometrial cells as well as
      endometrial cancer cells. AMH levels increase in EC, with extrauterine
      involvement at least in locally advanced disease. Also AMH expression decreases
      as the disease is staged-up.

PMID- 25111829
TI  - Connecting carbon nanotubes to polyoxometalate clusters for engineering high
      performance anode materials.
AB  - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess excellent structural and electronic properties
      and have been widely investigated as anode materials. Polyoxometalates (POMs)
      exhibit superior physical properties such as electronic versatility, redox
      characteristics and unique molecular structures. In this paper, we report the
      covalent modification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with organosilica-containing
      polyoxometalate (POM) of [Bu4N]4[SiW11O39{O(SiCH2CH2CH2NH2.HCl)2}] (SiW11-NH2)
      that leads to the formation of the nanocomposite material of CNTs-SiW11, which
      has been characterized by FT-IR, XRD, HR-TEM, XPS and Raman spectrum, etc. At a
      current density of 0.5 mA cm(-2), the application of CNTs-SiW11 nanocomposite as
      anode material in lithium batteries exhibits the first discharge capacity of 1189
      mA h g(-1), and the second discharge capacity of 650 mA h g(-1), which remains
      stable up to 100 cycles. The CNTs-SiW11 nanocomposite exhibits high discharge
      capacity, good capacity retention and cycling stability. 

PMID- 25111830
TI  - Effect of surface potential on extracellular matrix protein adsorption.
AB  - Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as fibronectin, laminin, and collagen
      IV, play important roles in many cellular behaviors, including cell adhesion and
      spreading. Understanding their adsorption behavior on surfaces with different
      natures is helpful for studying the cellular responses to environments. By
      tailoring the chemical composition in binary acidic (anionic) and basic
      (cationic) functionalized self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-modified gold
      substrates, variable surface potentials can be generated. To examine how surface
      potential affects the interaction between ECM proteins and substrates, a quartz
      crystal microbalance with dissipation detection (QCM-D) was used. To study the
      interaction under physiological conditions, the ionic strength and pH were
      controlled using phosphate-buffered saline at 37  degrees C, and the zeta
      potentials of the SAM-modified Au and protein were determined using an
      electrokinetic analyzer and phase analysis light scattering, respectively. During
      adsorption processes, the shifts in resonant frequency (f) and energy dissipation
      (D) were acquired simultaneously, and the weight change was calculated using the
      Kelvin-Voigt model. The results reveal that slightly charged protein can be
      adsorbed on a highly charged SAM, even where both surfaces are negatively
      charged. This behavior is attributed to the highly charged SAM, which polarizes
      the protein microscopically, and the Debye interaction, as well as other short
      range interactions such as steric force, hydrogen bonding, direct bonding,
      charged domains within the protein structure, etc., that allow adsorption,
      although the macroscopic electrostatic interaction discourages adsorption. For
      surfaces with a moderate potential, proteins are not significantly polarized by
      the surface, and the interaction can be predicted through simple electrostatic
      attraction. Furthermore, surface-induced self-assembly of protein molecules also
      affects the adsorbed structures and kinetics. The adsorbed layer properties, such
      as rigidity and packing behaviors, were further investigated using the D-f plot
      and phase detection microscopy (PDM) imaging. 

PMID- 25111831
TI  - Valuation, categories and attributes.
AB  - Existing research on categories has only examined indirectly the value associated
      with being a member of a category relative to the value of the set of attributes
      that determine membership in that category. This study uses survey data to
      analyze consumers' preferences for the "organic" label versus for the attributes
      underlying that label. We found that consumers generally preferred products with
      the category label to those with the attributes required for the organic label
      but without the label. We also found that the value accorded to the organic label
      increased with the number of attributes that an individual associated with the
      category. Category membership nevertheless still had greater value than even that
      of the sum of the attributes associated with it. 

PMID- 25111832
TI  - Vitamin D status among Thai school children and the association with 1,25
      Dihydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels.
AB  - In several low latitude countries, vitamin D deficiency is emerging as a public
      health issue. Adequate vitamin D is essential for bone health in rapidly growing
      children. In the Thai population, little is known about serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      [25(OH)D] status of infants and children. Moreover, the association between
      25(OH)D and the biological active form of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)]2D is
      not clear. The specific aims of this study were to characterize circulating serum
      25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D and their determinants including parathyroid hormone (PTH),
      age, sex, height and body mass index (BMI) in 529 school-aged Thai children aged
      6-14 y. Adjusted linear regression analysis was performed to examine the impact
      of age and BMI, and its interaction with sex, on serum 25(OH)D concentrations and
      1,25(OH)2D concentrations. Serum 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D and PTH concentrations
      (geometric mean +/- geometric SD) were 72.7+/-1.2 nmol/L, 199.1+/-1.3 pmol/L and
      35.0+/-1.5 ng/L, respectively. Only 4% (21 of 529) participants had a serum
      25(OH)D level below 50 nmol/L. There was statistically significant evidence for
      an interaction between sex and age with regard to 25(OH)D concentrations.
      Specifically, 25(OH)D concentrations were 19% higher in males. Moreover, females
      experienced a statistically significant 4% decline in serum 25(OH)D levels for
      each increasing year of age (P = 0.001); no decline was seen in male participants
      with increasing age (P = 0.93). When BMI, age, sex, height and serum 25(OH)D were
      individually regressed on 1,25(OH)2D, height and sex were associated with
      1,25(OH)2D with females exhibiting statistically significantly higher serum
      1,25(OH)2D levels compared with males (P<0.001). Serum 1,25(OH)2D among our
      sample of children exhibiting fairly sufficient vitamin D status were higher than
      previous reports suggesting an adaptive mechanism to maximize calcium absorption.

PMID- 25111833
TI  - Altered distribution of peripheral blood memory B cells in humans chronically
      infected with Trypanosoma cruzi.
AB  - Numerous abnormalities of the peripheral blood T cell compartment have been
      reported in human chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection and related to prolonged
      antigenic stimulation by persisting parasites. Herein, we measured circulating
      lymphocytes of various phenotypes based on the differential expression of CD19,
      CD4, CD27, CD10, IgD, IgM, IgG and CD138 in a total of 48 T. cruzi-infected
      individuals and 24 healthy controls. Infected individuals had decreased
      frequencies of CD19+CD27+ cells, which positively correlated with the frequencies
      of CD4+CD27+ cells. The contraction of CD19+CD27+ cells was comprised of IgG+IgD
      , IgM+IgD- and isotype switched IgM-IgD- memory B cells, CD19+CD10+CD27+ B cell
      precursors and terminally differentiated CD19+CD27+CD138+ plasma cells.
      Conversely, infected individuals had increased proportions of CD19+IgG+CD27-IgD-
      memory and CD19+IgM+CD27-IgD+ transitional/naive B cells. These observations
      prompted us to assess soluble CD27, a molecule generated by the cleavage of
      membrane-bound CD27 and used to monitor systemic immune activation. Elevated
      levels of serum soluble CD27 were observed in infected individuals with Chagas
      cardiomyopathy, indicating its potentiality as an immunological marker for
      disease progression in endemic areas. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that
      chronic T. cruzi infection alters the distribution of various peripheral blood B
      cell subsets, probably related to the CD4+ T cell deregulation process provoked
      by the parasite in humans. 

PMID- 25111835
TI  - Completed suicide with violent and non-violent methods in rural Shandong, China:
      a psychological autopsy study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aims to describe the specific characteristics of completed
      suicides by violent methods and non-violent methods in rural Chinese population,
      and to explore the related factors for corresponding methods. METHODS: Data of
      this study came from investigation of 199 completed suicide cases and their
      paired controls of rural areas in three different counties in Shandong, China, by
      interviewing one informant of each subject using the method of Psychological
      Autopsy (PA). RESULTS: There were 78 (39.2%) suicides with violent methods and
      121 (60.8%) suicides with non-violent methods. Ingesting pesticides, as a non
      violent method, appeared to be the most common suicide method (103, 51.8%).
      Hanging (73 cases, 36.7%) and drowning (5 cases, 2.5%) were the only violent
      methods observed. Storage of pesticides at home and higher suicide intent score
      were significantly associated with choice of violent methods while committing
      suicide. Risk factors related to suicide death included negative life events and
      hopelessness. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide with violent methods has different factors
      from suicide with non-violent methods. Suicide methods should be considered in
      suicide prevention and intervention strategies.

PMID- 25111836
TI  - Ultrathin hexagonal hybrid nanosheets synthesized by graphene oxide-assisted
      exfoliation of beta-Co(OH)2 mesocrystals.
AB  - In the present study, we report the synthesis of a high-quality, single-crystal
      hexagonal beta-Co(OH)2 nanosheet, exhibiting a thickness down to ten atomic
      layers and an aspect ratio exceeding 900, by using graphene oxide (GO) as an
      exfoliant of beta-Co(OH)2 nanoflowers. Unlike conventional approaches using ionic
      precursors in which morphological control is realized by structure-directing
      molecules, the beta-Co(OH)2 flower-like superstructures were first grown by a
      nanoparticle-mediated crystallization process, which results in large 3D
      superstructure consisting of ultrathin nanosheets interspaced by
      polydimethoxyaniline (PDMA). Thereafter, beta-Co(OH)2 nanoflowers were chemically
      exfoliated by surface-active GO under hydrothermal conditions into unilamellar
      single-crystal nanosheets. In this reaction, GO acts as a two-dimensional (2D)
      amphiphile to facilitate the exfoliation process through tailored interactions
      between organic and inorganic molecules. Meanwhile, the on-site conjugation of GO
      and Co(OH)2 promotes the thermodynamic stability of freestanding ultrathin
      nanosheets and restrains further growth through Oswald ripening. The unique 2D
      structure combined with functionalities of the hybrid ultrathin Co(OH)2
      nanosheets on rGO resulted in a remarkably enhanced lithium-ion storage
      performance as anode materials, maintaining a reversible capacity of 860 mA h g(
      1) for as many as 30 cycles. Since mesocrystals are ubiquitous and rich in
      morphological diversity, the strategy of the GO-assisted exfoliation of
      mesocrystals developed here provides an opportunity for the synthesis of new
      functional nanostructures that could bear importance in clean renewable energy,
      catalysis, photoelectronics, and photonics. 

PMID- 25111834
TI  - Prevalence of HPV 16 and HPV 18 lineages in Galicia, Spain.
AB  - Genetic variants of human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 (HPV16/18) could differ
      in their cancer risk. We studied the prevalence and association with high-grade
      cervical lesions of different HPV16/18 variant lineages in a case-control study
      including 217 cases (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or grade 3 or
      worse: CIN2 or CIN3+) and 116 controls (no CIN2 or CIN3+ in two-year follow-up).
      HPV lineages were determined by sequencing the long control region (LCR) and the
      E6 gene. Phylogenetic analysis of HPV16 confirmed that isolates clustered into
      previously described lineages: A (260, 87.5%), B (4, 1.3%), C (8, 2.7%), and D
      (25, 8.4%). Lineage D/lineage A strains were, respectively, detected in 4/82
      control patients, 19/126 CIN3+ cases (OR = 3.1, 95%CI: 1.0-12.9, p = 0.04), 6/1
      glandular high-grade lesions (OR = 123, 95%CI: 9.7-5713.6, p<0.0001), and 4/5
      invasive lesions (OR = 16.4, 95%CI: 2.2-113.7, p = 0.002). HPV18 clustered in
      lineages A (32, 88.9%) and B (4, 11.1%). Lineage B/lineage A strains were
      respectively detected in 1/23 control patients and 2/5 CIN3+ cases (OR = 9.2,
      95%CI: 0.4-565.4, p = 0.12). In conclusion, lineages A of HPV16/18 were
      predominant in Spain. Lineage D of HPV16 was associated with increased risk for
      CIN3+, glandular high-grade lesions, and invasive lesions compared with lineage
      A. Lineage B of HPV18 may be associated with increased risk for CIN3+ compared
      with lineage A, but the association was not significant. Large well-designed
      studies are needed before the application of HPV lineage detection in clinical
      settings. 

PMID- 25111838
TI  - Nanomechanical properties, SEM, and EDS microanalysis of dentin treated with 2.5%
      titanium tetrafluoride, before and after an erosive challenge.
AB  - The aim was to assess the nanohardness (H) and the reduced modulus of elasticity
      (Er ) of 2.5% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4 ) modified dentin, before and after an
      erosive challenge with 0.3% citric acid (CA). Exposed dentin surfaces were
      divided into two groups (n = 5): (1) Control-no dentin pretreatment with TiF4
      prior to etching with CA, and (2) Experimental-dentin pretreatment with TiF4  +
      CA. The H and the Er of intertubular dentin were measured using a triboindenter
      at different time points: baseline for both groups, after using 2.5% TiF4 for the
      experimental group, and after using CA for both the experimental and the control
      groups. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
      (EDS) analysis of the dentin surfaces were undertaken at the same time points for
      both groups. Two-way ANOVA for randomized block design was applied. There was
      significant interaction between the application of the TiF4 solution and
      different time points (p = 0.001 for H and p < 0.001 for Er ), identified by
      Tukey's test. Erosive challenge provided a significant decrease in H and Er mean
      values. The TiF4 solution caused a significant increase in H and Er values, but
      no significant differences were found between post-TiF4 and post-CA application.
      TiF4 application produced a precipitate surface layer on intertubular and
      intratubular dentin. EDS analysis indicated the presence of titanium. The H and
      Er of the dentin surface were greatly increased after application of 2.5% TiF4 .
      TiF4 may modify the micromorphology of the dentin surface and produces an erosive
      resistance surface.

PMID- 25111839
TI  - Intermolecular interactions and 3D structure in cellulose-NaOH-urea aqueous
      system.
AB  - The dissolution of cellulose in NaOH/urea aqueous solution at low temperature is
      a key finding in cellulose science and technology. In this paper, (15)N and
      (23)Na NMR experiments were carried out to clarify the intermolecular
      interactions in cellulose/NaOH/urea aqueous solution. It was found that there are
      direct interactions between OH(-) anions and amino groups of urea through
      hydrogen bonds and no direct interaction between urea and cellulose. Moreover,
      Na(+) ions can interact with both cellulose and urea in an aqueous system. These
      interactions lead to the formation of cellulose-NaOH-urea-H2O inclusion complexes
      (ICs). (23)Na relaxation results confirmed that the formation of urea-OH(-)
      clusters can effectively enhance the stability of Na(+) ions that attracted to
      cellulose chains. Low temperature can enhance the hydrogen bonding interaction
      between OH(-) ions and urea and improve the binding ability of the NaOH/urea/H2O
      clusters that attached to cellulose chains. Cryo-TEM observation confirmed the
      formation of cellulose-NaOH-urea-H2O ICs, which is in extended conformation with
      mean diameter of about 3.6 nm and mean length of about 300 nm. Possible 3D
      structure of the ICs was proposed by the M06-2X/6-31+G(d) theoretical
      calculation, revealing the O3H...O5 intramolecular hydrogen bonds could remain in
      the ICs. This work clarified the interactions in cellulose/NaOH/urea aqueous
      solution and the 3D structure of the cellulose chain in dilute
      cellulose/NaOH/urea aqueous solution. 

PMID- 25111841
TI  - Self-reported versus administrative identification of American Indian and Alaska
      Native arrestees: effects on relative estimates of illicit drug use and alcohol
      abuse.
AB  - Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring program data were used to consider the effects of
      two methods of racial classification upon estimates of illicit drug use and
      alcohol abuse among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) arrestees. Overall,
      compared to arrestees who self-identified as Black, White, Asian/Pacific
      Islander, or Hispanic, arrestees self-identifying as AI/AN were most likely to be
      identified administratively as something other than AI/AN. Results of 'difference
      of difference' analyses indicate that differences in estimates of AI/AN versus
      non-AI/AN arrestees' illicit drug use and alcohol abuse were much more extreme
      when identification was based on administrative records than when based upon
      arrestees' self-reports.

PMID- 25111840
TI  - Land-bridge calibration of molecular clocks and the post-glacial Colonization of
      Scandinavia by the Eurasian field vole Microtus agrestis.
AB  - Phylogeography interprets molecular genetic variation in a spatial and temporal
      context. Molecular clocks are frequently used to calibrate phylogeographic
      analyses, however there is mounting evidence that molecular rates decay over the
      relevant timescales. It is therefore essential that an appropriate rate is
      determined, consistent with the temporal scale of the specific analysis. This can
      be achieved by using temporally spaced data such as ancient DNA or by relating
      the divergence of lineages directly to contemporaneous external events of known
      time. Here we calibrate a Eurasian field vole (Microtus agrestis) mitochondrial
      genealogy from the well-established series of post-glacial geophysical changes
      that led to the formation of the Baltic Sea and the separation of the
      Scandinavian peninsula from the central European mainland. The field vole
      exhibits the common phylogeographic pattern of Scandinavian colonization from
      both the north and the south, however the southernmost of the two relevant
      lineages appears to have originated in situ on the Scandinavian peninsula, or
      possibly in the adjacent island of Zealand, around the close of the Younger
      Dryas. The mitochondrial substitution rate and the timescale for the genealogy
      are closely consistent with those obtained with a previous calibration, based on
      the separation of the British Isles from mainland Europe. However the result here
      is arguably more certain, given the level of confidence that can be placed in one
      of the central assumptions of the calibration, that field voles could not survive
      the last glaciation of the southern part of the Scandinavian peninsula.
      Furthermore, the similarity between the molecular clock rate estimated here and
      those obtained by sampling heterochronous (ancient) DNA (including that of a
      congeneric species) suggest that there is little disparity between the measured
      genetic divergence and the population divergence that is implicit in our land
      bridge calibration. 

PMID- 25111842
TI  - Health perceptions among urban American Indians with type II diabetes.
AB  - Since the 1940s, American Indians (AIs) have increasingly urbanized, moving off
      of reservations in large part due to federal policies of tribal termination and
      relocation. Though previous AI research has largely focused on reservation
      associated challenges, many of these same challenges persist among urban AI
      populations. One mutual concern is the growing prevalence and incidence of type
      II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While behavioral, genetic, and socioeconomic
      determinants of T2DM have been explored, much less is known about the influence
      of cultural and psychosocial factors. Recent studies suggest that the way AIs
      perceive diabetes may affect their health trajectory and explain their poor
      prognosis. Through the use of the Illness Perception Questionnaire, we explored
      this hypothesis in a pilot study of urban AI with T2DM living in Los Angeles
      County. We found that the majority of participants have a neutral perception
      about their diabetes: They view their condition to be long lasting yet treatable
      and indicate reasonable understanding of its symptoms and progression. We also
      identified "personal control," the level of perceived control one has over his or
      her disease, as a strong correlate of overall illness perception and, thus, a
      potentially useful psychological metric. 

PMID- 25111843
TI  - Client and provider views on access to care for substance-using American Indians:
      perspectives from a Northern Plains urban clinic.
AB  - In addition to disparities in rates of substance use problems, American Indians
      (AIs) report multiple barriers to receiving treatment services. The present study
      utilized intake questionnaire data and focus groups to gain perspectives from 152
      clients (65% male, 35% female; mean age 30 years) and 6 female providers on
      access to treatment for Northern Plains AIs in an urban, non-Native program. AI
      clients acknowledged the need for treatment more often than did substance users
      in general, but faced greater resource barriers. Both clients and providers
      offered specific recommendations for improving access to substance use treatment
      for AI populations in the Northern Plains. 

PMID- 25111844
TI  - The economics of vaccination.
AB  - The market for vaccinations is widely believed to be characterized by market
      failures, because individuals do not internalize the positive externalities that
      their vaccination decisions may confer on other individuals. Francis (1997)
      provided a set of assumptions under which the equilibrium vaccination pattern is
      socially optimal. We show that his conditions are not necessary for the welfare
      theorem to hold but that in general, the market yields inefficiently low
      vaccination uptake. Equilibrium non-optimality may obtain if (i) agents can
      recover from infection, (ii) vaccines are imperfect, (iii) individuals are ex
      ante heterogeneous, (iv) vaccination timing is inflexible or (v) the planning
      horizon is finite. Apart from the case with heterogeneity, inefficiencies result
      from the presence of strategic interaction. 

PMID- 25111845
TI  - On-line monitoring of chemical reactions by using bench-top nuclear magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy.
AB  - Real-time nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measurements carried out
      with a bench-top system installed next to the reactor inside the fume hood of the
      chemistry laboratory are presented. To test the system for on-line monitoring, a
      transfer hydrogenation reaction was studied by continuously pumping the reaction
      mixture from the reactor to the magnet and back in a closed loop. In addition to
      improving the time resolution provided by standard sampling methods, the use of
      such a flow setup eliminates the need for sample preparation. Owing to the
      progress in terms of field homogeneity and sensitivity now available with compact
      NMR spectrometers, small molecules dissolved at concentrations on the order of 1
      mmol L(-1) can be characterized in single-scan measurements with 1 Hz resolution.
      Owing to the reduced field strength of compact low-field systems compared to that
      of conventional high-field magnets, the overlap in the spectrum of different NMR
      signals is a typical situation. The data processing required to obtain
      concentrations in the presence of signal overlap are discussed in detail, methods
      such as plain integration and line-fitting approaches are compared, and the
      accuracy of each method is determined. The kinetic rates measured for different
      catalytic concentrations show good agreement with those obtained with gas
      chromatography as a reference analytical method. Finally, as the measurements are
      performed under continuous flow conditions, the experimental setup and the flow
      parameters are optimized to maximize time resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. 

PMID- 25111847
TI  - Clearing up cardiorenal confusion.

PMID- 25111846
TI  - Advanced glycation end products increase carbohydrate responsive element binding
      protein expression and promote cancer cell proliferation.
AB  - Diabetic patients have increased levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs)
      and the role of AGEs in regulating cancer cell proliferation is unclear. Here, we
      found that treating colorectal and liver cancer cells with AGEs promoted cell
      proliferation. AGEs stimulated both the expression and activation of a key
      transcription factor called carbohydrate responsive element binding protein
      (ChREBP) which had been shown to promote glycolytic and anabolic activity as well
      as proliferation of colorectal and liver cancer cells. Using siRNAs or the
      antagonistic antibody for the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE)
      blocked AGEs-induced ChREBP expression or cell proliferation in cancer cells.
      Suppressing ChREBP expression severely impaired AGEs-induced cancer cell
      proliferation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AGEs-RAGE signaling
      enhances cancer cell proliferation in which AGEs-mediated ChREBP induction plays
      an important role. These findings may provide new explanation for increased
      cancer progression in diabetic patients. 

PMID- 25111848
TI  - Kinetic study of the OH radical reaction with phenylacetylene.
AB  - The reaction of the OH radical with phenylacetylene is studied over the 298-423 K
      temperature range and 1-7.5 Torr pressure range in a quasi-static reaction cell.
      The OH radical is generated by 266 nm photolysis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or
      355 nm photolysis of nitrous acid (HONO), and its concentration monitored using
      laser-induced fluorescence. The measured reaction rates are found to strongly
      depend on laser fluence at 266 nm. The 266 nm absorption cross-section of
      phenylacetylene is measured to be 1.29 (+/-0.71) * 10(-17) cm(2), prohibiting any
      accurate kinetic measurements at this wavelength. The rates are independent of
      laser fluence at 355 nm with an average value of 8.75 (+/-0.73) * 10(-11) cm(3)
      s(-1). The reaction exhibits no pressure or temperature dependence over the
      studied experimental conditions and is much faster than the estimated values
      presently used in combustion models. These results are consistent with the
      formation of a short lifetime intermediate that stabilizes by collisional
      quenching with the buffer gas. The structures of the most likely formed products
      are discussed based on both the computed energies for the OH-addition
      intermediates and previous theoretical investigations on similar chemical
      systems. 

PMID- 25111849
TI  - Intriguing transmission electron microscopy images observed for perpendicularly
      oriented cylindrical microdomains of block copolymers.
AB  - Intriguing images of dislocation structures were observed by the transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM) technique for hexagonally packed cylindrical
      microdomains in a block copolymer (polystyrene-block-polyethylenebutylene-block
      polystyrene triblock copolymer) film. The polystyrene (PS) cylinders were
      embedded in the polyethylenebutylene (PEB) matrix and oriented perpendicular to
      the surface of the thin section for the TEM observations. In order to understand
      such strange dislocation structures, we applied an image processing technique
      using two-dimensional Fourier transform (FT) and inverse Fourier transform (IFT)
      methods. It was found that these intriguing images were not ascribed to real
      dislocation structures but were fake ones due to the moire effect caused by the
      overlapping of hexagons with a slightly mismatched orientation. Furthermore,
      grain boundaries in the ultrathin section can be identified by image processing
      using FT and IFT methods. 

PMID- 25111850
TI  - Electrophysiology-based detection of emergency braking intention in real-world
      driving.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The fact that all human action is preceded by brain processes
      partially observable through neuroimaging devices such as electroencephalography
      (EEG) is currently being explored in a number of applications. A recent study by
      Haufe et al (2011 J. Neural Eng. 8 056001) demonstrates the possibility of
      performing fast detection of forced emergency brakings during driving based on
      EEG and electromyography, and discusses the use of such neurotechnology for
      braking assistance systems. Since the study was conducted in a driving simulator,
      its significance regarding real-world applicability needs to be assessed.
      APPROACH: Here, we replicate that experimental paradigm in a real car on a non
      public test track. MAIN RESULTS: Our results resemble those of the simulator
      study, both qualitatively (in terms of the neurophysiological phenomena observed
      and utilized) and quantitatively (in terms of the predictive improvement
      achievable using electrophysiology in addition to behavioral measures). Moreover,
      our findings are robust with respect to a temporary secondary auditory task
      mimicking verbal input from a fellow passenger. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study serves as
      a real-world verification of the feasibility of electrophysiology-based detection
      of emergency braking intention as proposed in Haufe et al (2011 J. Neural Eng. 8
      056001).

PMID- 25111851
TI  - Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist selectively augments thymopoiesis and
      prevents cell apoptosis in LPS induced thymic atrophy model independent of
      gonadal steroids.
AB  - Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes acute thymic atrophy, a phenomenon that has been
      linked to immune dysfunction and poor survival during sepsis. The systemic
      response to LPS involves a rise in glucocorticoids and proinflammatory cytokines
      which contribute greatly to thymic involution and apoptosis. Gonadotropin
      releasing hormone (GnRH) analog exerts thymopoietic regulatory effects and
      possesses immunostimulant properties. We determined whether leuprolide, a GnRH
      analog can be useful in LPS induced thymic involution and apoptosis. Mice
      injected with 100 MUg of LPS intraperitoneally led to involution of thymus, to
      decrease of CD4(+)8(+) thymocyte subset, and to fragmentation of thymic DNA.
      Leuprolide (100 MUg/mouse, s.c.) pretreatment significantly attenuated LPS
      induced thymic atrophy, and also reduced LPS induced systemic rise in
      corticosterone levels. The observed effect of leuprolide remained unaffected in
      castrated and ovariectomized mice. Collectively, leuprolide has protective action
      independent of gonadal steroids, which was mediated by blunting of the systemic
      corticosteroid response in LPS induced thymic atrophy model.

PMID- 25111852
TI  - Glucagon like peptide-1 attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis,
      involving the inactivation of NF-kappaB in mice.
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease with high
      mortality and poor prognosis. Previous studies confirmed that NF-kappaB plays a
      critical role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and glucagon like peptide
      1 (GLP-1) has a property of anti-inflammation by inactivation of NF-kappaB.
      Furthermore, the GLP-1 receptor was detected in the lung tissues. Our aim was to
      investigate the potential value and mechanisms of GLP-1 on BLM-induced pulmonary
      fibrosis in mice. Mice with BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis were treated with or
      without GLP-1 administration. 28 days after BLM infusion, the number of total
      cells, macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and the content of TGF-beta1 in
      BALF were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome (MT)
      staining were performed. The Ashcroft score and hydroxyproline content were
      analyzed. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to evaluate the expression of alpha
      SMA and VCAM-1. The phosphorylation of NF-kappaB p65 was also assessed by western
      blot. DNA binding of NF-kappaB p65 was measured through Trans(AM) p65
      transcription factor ELISA kit. GLP-1 reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and
      the content of TGF-beta1 in BLAF in mice with BLM injection. The Ashcroft score
      and hydroxyproline content were decreased by GLP-1 administration. Meanwhile, BLM
      induced overexpression of alpha-SMA and VCAM-1 were blocked by GLP-1 treatment in
      mice. GLP-1 also reduced the ratio of phosphor-NF-kappaB p65/total-NF-kappaB p65
      and NF-kappaB p65 DNA binding activity in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.
      Our data found that BLM-induced lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis were
      significantly alleviated by GLP-1 treatment in mice, possibly through
      inactivation of NF-kappaB.

PMID- 25111854
TI  - Think twice before prescribing custom-compounded bioidentical hormone therapy.

PMID- 25111853
TI  - Tristetraprolin is involved in the glucocorticoid-mediated interleukin 8
      repression.
AB  - Glucocorticoids have been widely used in various inflammatory disorders, and the
      transcriptional repression of inflammatory mediators has been considered to be
      the main mechanism of action. However, a previous study showed that dexamethasone
      inhibited interleukin 8 (IL-8) expression by promoting IL-8 mRNA decay, which
      implies a posttranscriptional regulation. Nevertheless, by which mechanism
      dexamethasone destabilized IL-8 mRNA was unclear. Another study indicated that an
      RNA-binding protein, tristetraprolin (TTP), could be induced by dexamethasone.
      TTP can bind to AU-rich elements (ARE) in the 3'-untranslated region of target
      mRNAs and promotes mRNA degradation. So, we speculated that dexamethasone
      destabilized IL-8 mRNA by upregulating TTP expression. Here, we report that
      dexamethasone reduced IL-8 expression through destabilizing IL-8 mRNA in human
      pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). Dexamethasone stimulation
      increased TTP mRNA and protein levels. TTP silencing led to mRNA stabilization
      and protein upregulation of IL-8. These results provide the evidence that the
      glucocorticoid, in HPMECs, inhibits IL-8 expression through TTP at the
      posttranscriptional level. 

PMID- 25111855
TI  - Toward a better understanding of the relationship between vulvodynia and chronic
      stressors.

PMID- 25111856
TI  - Risks and effectiveness of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy: a case
      series.
AB  - After the publication of the Women's Health Initiative, attitudes towards
      management of menopausal symptoms changed dramatically. One alternative that has
      received much media attention is the use of bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT).
      The media and celebrity endorsements have promoted a number of misconceptions
      about the risks and benefits associated with the various forms of BHT. This
      article will review the available evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of
      BHT in comparison to conventional hormone therapy. We will also review several
      cases seen in our midlife women's referral clinics, which demonstrate concerns
      for the safety and efficacy of BHT, including unexplained endometrial cancer in
      otherwise healthy BHT users. Due to the lack of sufficient data to support the
      efficacy or safety of BHT, we recommend the use of United States Food and Drug
      Administration-approved regimens in the management of menopausal symptoms.

PMID- 25111857
TI  - Ex vivo protective effects of nicotinamide and 3-aminobenzamide on rat
      synaptosomes treated with Abeta(1-42).
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized
      by the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, along with
      synaptic loss. The underlying mechanisms of AD are not clarified yet, but
      oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are important factors.
      Overactivation of poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) enzyme
      has been known to cause neuroinflammation and cell death in neurodegenerative
      processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects
      of the PARP-1 inhibitors, 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) and nicotinamide (NA), against
      amyloid beta peptide (1-42) (Abeta(1-42))-induced oxidative damage and
      mitochondrial reduction capacity on isolated synaptosomes. Rats were injected
      intraperitoneally with 3-AB (30-100 mg kg(-1)), NA (100-500 mg kg(-1)) or with
      saline for 7 days. Synaptosomes were incubated with 10-30 MUM Abeta(1-42) or
      saline for 6 h at 37  degrees C. Ex vivo Abeta(1-42) treatment significantly
      induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in synaptosomes of the
      saline group, while synaptosomes of 3-AB and NA groups showed significant
      decreases in lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species production and protein
      oxidation. Moreover, both NA and 3-AB were able to improve the mitochondrial
      reduction capacity against Abeta(1-42). These data suggest that NA and 3-AB may
      have protective effects in neurodegenerative processes because of the reduced
      levels of oxidative stress and the improvement of mitochondrial function.

PMID- 25111858
TI  - The hypertriglyceridemia is associated with isolated impaired glucose tolerance
      in subjects without insulin resistance.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study was to determine if
      hypertriglyceridemia is associated with isolated impaired glucose tolerance in
      subjects without insulin resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 365
      apparently healthy individuals aged 20-65 years were enrolled in a population
      based cross-sectional study. Subjects were allocated into the groups with and
      without hypertriglyceridemia. Age, gender, body mass index, and waist
      circumference were matched criteria. Individuals with impaired fasting glucose,
      impaired fasting glucose+impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes, homeostasis model
      assessment of insulin resistance index >= 2.5, and/or chronic illnesses such as
      renal disease or malignancy were excluded. Hypertriglyceridemia was defined by
      triglycerides levels >= 150 mg/dL. Impaired glucose tolerance was defined by
      plasma glucose concentration 2-h post-load glucose >= 140 mg/dL <200 mg/dL.
      Subjects with impaired glucose tolerance were required to have fasting plasma
      glucose levels <100 mg/dL. Logistic regression analysis was used to compute the
      odds ratio between hypertriglyceridemia (independent variable) and impaired
      glucose tolerance (dependent variable). RESULTS: A total of 132 and 233 subjects
      were allocated into the groups with and without hypertriglyceridemia,
      respectively. The frequency of impaired glucose tolerance was 13.6% and 5.6% in
      the individuals with and without hypertriglyceridemia, p = 0.01. The logistic
      regression analysis adjusted by gender, blood pressure, and high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol showed that hypertriglyceridemia is significantly
      associated with impaired glucose tolerance (OR 2.34; 95% CI: 1.02-5.32, p =
      0.04). CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that hypertriglyceridemia is
      independently associated with isolated impaired glucose tolerance in subjects
      without insulin resistance.

PMID- 25111859
TI  - Cisplatin/gemcitabine or oxaliplatin/gemcitabine in the treatment of advanced
      biliary tract cancer: a systematic review.
AB  - Cisplatin/gemcitabine association has been a standard of care for first-line
      regimen in advanced biliary tract cancer nevertheless oxaliplatin/gemcitabine
      regimen is frequently preferred. Because comparative effectiveness in clinical
      outcomes of cisplatin- versus oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy is not
      available, a systematic review of studies assessing cisplatin/gemcitabine or
      oxaliplatin/gemcitabine chemotherapies in advanced biliary tract cancer was
      performed. Published studies evaluating cisplatin/gemcitabine or
      oxaliplatin/gemcitabine in advanced biliary tract cancer were included. Each
      study was weighted according to the number of patients included. The primary
      objective was to assess weighted median of medians overall survival (mOS)
      reported for both regimens. Secondary goals were to assess weighted median of
      medians progression-free survival (mPFS) and toxic effects were pooled and
      compared within each arm. Thirty-three studies involving 1470 patients were
      analyzed. In total, 771 and 699 patients were treated by cisplatin/gemcitabine
      and oxaliplatin/gemcitabine, respectively. Weighted median of mOS was 9.7 months
      in cisplatin group and 9.5 months in oxaliplatin group. Cisplatin-based
      chemotherapy was significantly associated with more grade 3 and 4 asthenia,
      diarrhea, liver toxicity, and hematological toxicity. Sensitivity analysis
      including only the studies with the standard regimen of cisplatin (25-35 mg/m(2)
      administered on days 1 and 8) showed that the weighted median of mOS increased
      from 9.7 to 11.7 months but Gem/CDDP regimen remained more toxic than Gemox
      regimen. These results suggest that the Gem/CDDP regimen with cisplatin (25-35
      mg/m(2)) administered on days 1 and 8 is associated with survival advantage than
      Gemox regimen but with addition of toxicity.

PMID- 25111860
TI  - Alkali-soluble polysaccharide, isolated from Lentinus edodes, induces apoptosis
      and G2/M cell cycle arrest in H22 cells through microtubule depolymerization.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate the pro-apoptotic effects of polysaccharides
      derived from Lentinus edodes and further elucidated the mechanisms of this
      action. Our results demonstrated that marked morphological changes of apoptosis
      were observed after treatment of L. edodes polysaccharides [Lentinan (LTN)].
      Moreover, LTN-induced cell apoptosis was characterized by a rapid stimulation of
      reactive oxygen species production, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential
      and an increase in intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) . In addition, the
      results of the haematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL assay further confirmed that LTN
      induced apoptosis in vivo. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that LTN
      could arrest the cell cycle at G2/M phase, and immunofluorescence showed LTN
      caused disruption of microtubule. These results suggest that disruption of
      cellular microtubule network, arrest of the cell cycle at G2/M phase and
      induction of apoptosis may be one of the possible mechanisms of anti-tumour
      effect of LTN.

PMID- 25111861
TI  - The Yes-associated protein controls the cell density regulation of Hedgehog
      signaling.
AB  - The evolutionarily conserved Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is essential for
      correct embryogenesis and is misregulated in several malignancies. In cell
      culture, Hh-sensitive cells display a striking dependence on cell density with
      active Hh signaling requiring cell-to-cell contact. As the Hippo/YAP system is
      tightly linked to cell density control and contact inhibition, we investigated
      the cross-talk between the two pathways. Our data reveal that the suppression of
      Hh signaling in the absence of cellular contacts is independent of primary cilia
      and is mediated by the YAP oncogene. Overexpression of YAP blocks Hh signaling
      whereas RNA interference-mediated knockdown of YAP enhances Hh/GLI activity.
      Despite this negative regulation, Hh signaling promotes YAP activity through post
      transcriptional mechanisms, resulting in a negative feedback loop. In vivo, we
      found strong nuclear YAP immunoreactivity restricted to compartments with low Hh
      pathway activity in human and mouse pancreatic cancer. Finally, we identified
      protease-activated receptors (PARs) as molecules being able to override the
      inverse Hippo/Hh regulation, potentially giving tumors a mechanism to utilize
      both oncogenic pathways in parallel.Oncogenesis (2014) 3, e112;
      doi:10.1038/oncsis.2014.27; published online 11 August 2014. 

PMID- 25111862
TI  - Selective repression of the oncogene cyclin D1 by the tumor suppressor miR-206 in
      cancers.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are deregulated in cancer and have been shown to exhibit both
      oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions. Although the functional effects of
      several miRNAs have been elucidated, those of many remain to be discovered. In
      silico analysis identified microRNA-206 (miR-206) binding sites in the 3'
      untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of both the mouse and human CCND1 gene. Cyclin D1
      is a recognized oncogene involved in direct phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma
      (Rb) protein and promoting cell cycle transition from G1 to S. miR-206
      specifically binds to the CCND1 3'-UTR and mediates reduction of both cyclin D1
      protein and mRNA. Expression of miR-206 induced a G1 arrest and a decrease in
      cell proliferation in breast cancer cells. Ectopic expression of miRNA-resistant
      cyclin D1 was able to reverse the miR-206-induced decrease in cell proliferation.
      Therefore, we identified miR-206 as an activator of cell cycle arrest resulting
      in a decrease in cell proliferation that is dependent on the inhibition of cyclin
      D1. Interestingly, prostatic cancer (PCa) cells express low levels of miR-206
      resulting in deregulated cyclin D1 expression compared with non-transformed
      primary prostatic epithelial cells (PrEC). Finally, we demonstrate that cyclin D1
      is regulated by miR-206 in PrEC but not in PCa cells and this is due to the
      absence of a CCND1 3'-UTR in these cells. This suggests that miR-206-based anti
      cyclin D1 targeted therapy would be beneficial in cancers where cyclin D1 is
      overexpressed and contains a 3'-UTR. 

PMID- 25111864
TI  - Anatomy. The oldest child of Mother Medicine.

PMID- 25111863
TI  - PSGR promotes prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer xenograft
      growth through NF-kappaB.
AB  - Prostate-specific G-protein-coupled receptor (PSGR), a member of the olfactory
      subfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors, is specifically expressed in human
      prostate tissue and overexpressed in prostate cancer (PCa). This expression
      pattern suggests a possible role in PCa initiation and progression. We developed
      a PSGR transgenic mouse model driven by a probasin promoter and investigated the
      role of PSGR in prostate malignancy. Overexpression of PSGR induced a chronic
      inflammatory response that ultimately gave rise to premalignant mouse prostate
      intraepithelial neoplasia lesions in later stages of life. PSGR-overexpressing
      LnCaP cells in prostate xenografts formed larger tumors compared with normal
      LnCaP cancer cells, suggesting a role of PSGR in the promotion of tumor
      development. Furthermore, we identified nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) or RELA
      as a key downstream target activated by PSGR signaling. We also show that this
      regulation was mediated in part by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt
      (PI3K/AKT) pathway, highlighting a collaborative role between PI3K/AKT and NF
      kappaB during tumor inflammation downstream of PSGR in the initial phases of
      prostate disease.Oncogenesis (2014) 3, e114; doi:10.1038/oncsis.2014.29;
      published online 11 August 2014. 

PMID- 25111866
TI  - The role of ghrelin in metabolic regulation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss recent research on the role of ghrelin in the
      regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the context of its wider role
      in regulating energy balance. RECENT FINDINGS: Ghrelin possesses a range of
      centrally and peripherally mediated metabolic actions influencing insulin glucose
      homeostasis and fatty acid metabolism and appetite. Although acyl ghrelin was
      previously thought to be the active hormone, recent evidence suggests that des
      acyl ghrelin also possesses activity, and the enzyme ghrelin-O-acyl transferase
      regulates their interconversion. In partnership with insulin and leptin, ghrelin
      defends against energy deficit by enhancing hunger, conserving carbohydrate and
      promoting fat oxidation. In the postprandial state, it contributes to satiety,
      energy storage and favours glucose oxidation. New research suggests a range of
      new roles including addictive behaviours, cardiovascular protection,
      neuroprotection and regeneration and perhaps the ageing process. SUMMARY: Ghrelin
      functions primarily as a short-term metabolic switch at the onset of fasting,
      gearing the fuel economy away from glucose uptake, conserving glucose for vital
      functions, favouring fatty acid oxidation and triggering food-seeking behaviour.
      The ghrelin system is a potential target for a range of pharmacological
      interventions, but its pleiotropic nature makes selective treatments challenging.

PMID- 25111867
TI  - The energy balance in cancer cachexia revisited.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review new putative mechanisms involved in the
      pathophysiology of a disturbed energy balance in cancer cachexia, which can lead
      to novel targets for clinical cachexia management. In the context of rapid
      developments in tumour treatment with potential systemic consequences, this
      article reviews recent data on energy requirements. Furthermore, we focus on new
      insights in brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity and reward processing in the
      brain in relation to the cachexia process. RECENT FINDINGS: Nearly no new data
      have been published on energy requirements of cancer patients in the light of
      comprehensive new therapies in oncology. New developments, such as the
      introduction of staging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET-computed tomography
      scanning, led to the observation that BAT activation may contribute to impaired
      energy balance in cancer cachexia. Animal and human data to date provide an
      indication that BAT activation indeed occurs, but its quantitative impact on the
      degree of cachexia is controversial. The peripheral and central nervous system is
      known to influence satiation, with a possible role for impaired food reward
      processing in the brain. To date, there are limited confirmatory data, but this
      is an interesting new area to explore for better understanding and treating
      cancer-induced anorexia. SUMMARY: The multimodal approach to counteract cancer
      cachexia should expand its targets to BAT and food reward processing in the
      brain.

PMID- 25111868
TI  - Integration of genome-wide of Stat3 binding and epigenetic modification mapping
      with transcriptome reveals novel Stat3 target genes in glioma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is
      constitutively activated in many human tumors, including gliomas, and regulates
      the expression of genes implicated in proliferation, survival, apoptosis,
      angiogenesis and immune regulation. Only a small fraction of those genes has been
      proven to be direct STAT3 targets. In gliomas, STAT3 can play tumor suppressive
      or oncogenic roles depending on the tumor genetic background with target genes
      being largely unknown. RESULTS: We used chromatin immunoprecipitation, promoter
      microarrays and deep sequencing to assess the genome-wide occupancy of phospho
      (p)-Stat3 and epigenetic modifications of H3K4me3 and H3ac in C6 glioma cells.
      This combined assessment identified a list of 1200 genes whose promoters have
      both Stat3 binding sites and epigenetic marks characteristic for actively
      transcribed genes. The Stat3 and histone markings data were also intersected with
      a set of microarray data from C6 glioma cells after inhibition of Jak2/Stat3
      signaling. Subsequently, we found 284 genes characterized by p-Stat3 occupancy,
      activating histone marks and transcriptional changes. Novel genes were screened
      for their potential involvement in oncogenesis, and the most interesting hits
      were verified by ChIP-PCR and STAT3 knockdown in human glioma cells. CONCLUSIONS:
      Non-random association between silent genes, histone marks and p-Stat3 binding
      near transcription start sites was observed, consistent with its repressive role
      in transcriptional regulation of target genes in glioma cells with specific
      genetic background.

PMID- 25111869
TI  - Breaking away from the norm: a new perspective on cancer therapeutics.

PMID- 25111870
TI  - Formal [3+3] cycloaddition of indol-2-yl carbinol with azadiene and the oxidative
      ring expansion reaction for the synthesis of indole azepinones.
AB  - We present the unprecedented reaction of a [3+3] cyclization of indol-2-yl
      carbinol with azadiene for the construction of a six-membered ring and the
      subsequent oxidative ring expansion reaction for the construction of indole
      azepinones. 

PMID- 25111871
TI  - Improved hydrogen production in the microbial electrolysis cell by inhibiting
      methanogenesis using ultraviolet irradiation.
AB  - Methanogenesis inhibition is essential for the improvement of hydrogen (H2) yield
      and energy recovery in the microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). In this study,
      ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was proposed as an efficient method for
      methanogenesis control in a single chamber MEC. With 30 cycles of operation with
      UV irradiation in the MEC, high H2 concentrations (>91%) were maintained, while
      without UV irradiation, CH4 concentrations increased significantly and reached up
      to 94%. In the MEC, H2 yields ranged from 2.87 +/- 0.03 to 3.70 +/- 0.11 mol
      H2/mol acetate with UV irradiation and from 3.78 +/- 0.12 to 0.03 +/- 0.004 mol
      H2/mol acetate without UV irradiation. Average energy efficiencies from the UV
      irradiated MEC were 1.5 times of those without UV irradiation. Energy production
      from the MEC without UV irradiation was a negative energy yield process because
      of large amount of CH4 produced over time, which was mainly attributable to
      cathodic hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. Our results clearly showed that UV
      irradiation could effectively inhibit methanogenesis and improve MEC performance
      to produce H2. 

PMID- 25111872
TI  - Rhodium-catalyzed [(3+2)+1] carbocyclization reactions of
      alkynylidenecyclopropanes with carbon monoxide: regiospecific construction of
      polysubstituted phenols.
AB  - The development of the rhodium-catalyzed [(3+2)+1] carbocyclization reaction of
      alkynylidenecyclopropanes with carbon monoxide to construct polysubstituted
      phenols is described. This work offers a convenient method for the selective
      formation of tetra- and pentasubstituted phenols, which provide important
      intermediates for target directed synthesis. Finally, the ability to
      regiospecifically functionalize the phenols using conventional methods further
      illustrates the utility of this process. 

PMID- 25111873
TI  - Is Gadolinium contrast enhancement necessary in screening MRI for asymmetric
      sensorineural hearing loss?

PMID- 25111874
TI  - The longer you stay, the worse your health? A critical review of the negative
      acculturation theory among Asian immigrants.
AB  - Researchers have become increasingly interested in the health patterns of
      immigrants with longer residence in the United States, as this reveals the health
      consequences of integration processes. The negative acculturation effect has been
      the dominant interpretation of duration patterns, despite empirical and
      theoretical uncertainties about this assumption. This theory assumes that
      immigrant health declines with longer residence in the United States because of
      poorer health behaviors and health risks that reflect Americanized lifestyles.
      This paper reviews the empirical support for the negative acculturation theory
      among Asian immigrants to determine if and when it is an appropriate
      interpretation for duration patterns. I conclude that empirical inconsistencies
      and methodological issues limit the negative acculturation theory as the primary
      interpretation for duration patterns. First, there is no consistent evidence that
      health behaviors decline with time. There is also substantial group heterogeneity
      in duration patterns as well as heterogeneity across health outcomes. The
      literature has not adequately addressed methodological shortcomings, such as
      confounding by cohort effects or non-linear duration patterns. Length of
      residence in the United States is still an important aspect of Asian immigrant
      health, but the mechanisms of this relationship are still understudied. I propose
      alternative frameworks between duration and health that consider environmental
      influences and end with future research directions to explore research gaps. 

PMID- 25111875
TI  - Factors associated with no dental treatment in preschoolers with toothache: a
      cross-sectional study in outpatient public emergency services.
AB  - Many parents rely on emergency services to deal with their children's dental
      problems, mostly pain and infection associated with dental caries. This cross
      sectional study analyzed the factors associated with not doing an oral procedure
      in preschoolers with toothache attending public dental emergency services. Data
      were obtained from the clinical files of preschoolers treated at all nine dental
      emergency centers in Goiania, Brazil, in 2011. Data were children's age and sex,
      involved teeth, oral procedures, radiography request, medications prescribed and
      referrals. A total of 531 files of children under 6 years old with toothache out
      of 1,108 examined were selected. Children's mean age was 4.1 (SD 1.0) years
      (range 1-5 years) and 51.6% were girls. No oral procedures were performed in
      49.2% of cases; in the other 50.8%, most of the oral procedures reported were
      endodontic intervention and temporary restorations. Primary molars were involved
      in 48.4% of cases. With the exception of "sex", the independent variables tested
      in the regression analysis significantly associated with non-performance of oral
      procedures: age (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.5-0.8), radiography request (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.7
      8.2), medication prescribed (OR 7.5; 95% CI 4.9-11.5) and patient referred to
      another service (OR 5.7; 3.0-10.9). Many children with toothache received no oral
      procedure for pain relief. 

PMID- 25111876
TI  - Study of epigenetic properties of Poly(HexaMethylene Biguanide) hydrochloride
      (PHMB).
AB  - Poly(HexaMethylene Biguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB) CAS No. [32289-58-0] is a
      particularly effective member of the biguanides antiseptic chemical group, and
      has been in use since the early fifties in numerous applications. It has been
      proposed that PHMB be classified as a category 3 carcinogen although PHMB is not
      genotoxic. It has been hypothesized that PHMB may have epigenetic properties
      effects, including non-genotoxic modifications of DNA bases, DNA methylation and
      mitogenic cytokine production. These properties have been assessed in vitro using
      3 cell types: Caco-2 cells (from a human colon adenocarcinoma) with a non
      functional p53 gene. (?p53: mut p53), N2-A (Neuro-2A cells, mouse neural cells),
      the brain being a possible target organ in rodents and HepG2 cells (human
      hepatocellular carcinoma) with functional p53 gene. From the concentration 1
      ug/mL up to 20 ug/mL of PHMB, no effect was observed, either growth stimulation
      or inhibition. Viability testing using neutral red led to an IC 50 of 20-25 ug/mL
      after treatment with PHMB for 3 h, whereas the MTT test led to IC50 values of 80
      ug/mL, 160 ug/mL and 160 ug/mL respectively for HepG2 cells, Neuro-2A cells and
      Caco-2 cells. PHMB does not induce significant oxidative stress (production of
      MDA or lipoperoxidation, nor does it induce hydroxylation of DNA (8-OH-dG) and/or
      its hypermethylation (m5dC), the latter being strongly implicated in DNA
      replication and regulation and cell division. PHMB does not induce significant
      production of mitogenic cytokines such as TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor),
      interleukins (IL-1 alpha), and the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B
      (NF-kappaB) which can cause either apoptosis or stimulate the growth of
      transformed cells or tumors. Instead, from concentrations of 20 to 100 ug/mL,
      PHMB kills cells of all types in less than 3 h. The expression of genes involved
      in the mechanisms of cell death induced by PHMB, including p53, the pro apoptotic
      gene bax and others, the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 and caspase-3 has been evaluated by
      RT-PCR. Finally, the status of GAP-junctions (GJIC) in the presence of PHMB has
      been determined and appeared to not be significantly affected. Taken together the
      data show that in vitro PHMB does not exhibit clear and remarkable epigenetic
      properties except a slight increase of some cytokines and transcription factor at
      higher concentrations at which cell lysis occurs rapidly. 

PMID- 25111877
TI  - Physical activity and the perceived neighbourhood environment - looking at the
      association the other way around.
AB  - The association between physical activity (PA) and variables of the perceived
      environment mainly originate from cross-sectional studies that introduced the
      idea that the environment influences the PA level of residents. However, the
      direction of cause and effect has not been solved with finality. The aim of this
      study was to investigate whether residents' perception of their proximate
      environment differs depending on their level of PA in transport and recreation.
      We conducted a cross-sectional survey with residents of six different parts of
      the city of Cologne, Germany. The sample of 470 adults (52.8% females; mean age =
      35.5 +/- 13.8 years) filled in the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ),
      as well as the European Environmental Questionnaire ALPHA. To distinguish between
      residents with "low" and "high" PA, we split the samples into two on the basis of
      the specific median in transport- and recreation-related PA. In the "high" vs.
      "low" PA group of the overall sample, we noted 4%-16% more "PA favourable"
      environmental perceptions in seven of the 15 environmental variables. Multiple
      linear regression analyses were performed to investigate associations of socio
      demographic correlates and transport- and recreation-related PA on the dependent
      variables of the environmental perception. In this case, levels of PA were
      significant predictors for eight of the 15 items concerning environmental
      perceptions. Thus, the present study introduces the idea that residents with
      higher levels of transport and recreational PA may perceive their environment in
      a more "PA-favourable" way than residents with lower levels. 

PMID- 25111878
TI  - Atopic diseases and systemic lupus erythematosus: an epidemiological study of the
      risks and correlations.
AB  - Both atopic diseases and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are immune disorders
      that may lead to physical complications or multi-system comorbidities. This
      population-based case-control study was designed to evaluate the risk of SLE
      associated with atopic diseases. Using a national insurance claims dataset in
      Taiwan, we identified 1673 patients newly diagnosed with SLE and 6692 randomly
      selected controls frequency matched for gender, age and index date. The odds
      ratios (OR) for SLE were calculated for associations with allergic rhinitis,
      allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and asthma. The SLE patients were
      predominantly female (82.5%) with a mean age of 40.1 (SD = 18.2). The patients
      with SLE had a higher rate of atopic dermatitis (6.81% vs. 3.06%), and asthma
      (10.6% vs. 7.64%) was approximately 2 times more common in the patients with
      lupus than in those without. The patients with atopic disease (atopic dermatitis,
      allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and asthma) were at a significant risk
      for SLE. The overall risk for SLE increased as the number of atopic diseases
      increased from 1.46 to 2.29, compared with-individuals without the diseases (p <
      0.0001). In conclusion, this population-based case-control study demonstrates a
      significant relationship between atopic diseases and the risk of SLE, especially
      for females. Atopic dermatitis plays a stronger role than other types of atopic
      disease in association with SLE. 

PMID- 25111879
TI  - In-vitro indicators of natural resistance and milk-producing ability in dairy
      buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of detecting novel
      phenotypes of natural resistance at the molecular level through the in-vitro
      stimulation of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). This study was conducted with
      16 healthy buffaloes who were reared for milk production and for whom data on
      milk-producing ability were available for several lactations. MDMs from
      circulating monocytes were activated with interferon-gamma and
      lipopolysaccharide. The response was evaluated using Western blotting to detect
      the presence of 2 types of proteins separated by electrophoresis: tyrosine
      phosphorylated proteins, which are indicators of the dynamic control of
      biochemical pathways, and IkB-alpha (Kappa light polipeptide gene enhancer in B
      cells Inhibitor, alpha) protein, which controls the activity of nuclear factor
      kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells-a transcription factor that is
      responsible for the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. The results showed
      that the buffaloes who were positive for IkB-alpha proteins had a significantly
      higher milk-producing ability than the buffaloes who did not express IkB-alpha.
      On the contrary, no significant difference was detected between the high and low
      milk-producing buffaloes with regard to the presence of tyrosine-phosphorylated
      proteins. This preliminary study indicated that it may be possible to identify
      the more disease-resistant nonhuman animals on a molecular level. The results,
      therefore, indicate that an intense selection toward the increase of milk yield
      could impair natural disease resistance in future dairy buffalo generations. 

PMID- 25111881
TI  - Warm thanks: gratitude expression facilitates social affiliation in new
      relationships via perceived warmth.
AB  - Recent theorizing on the nature and function of gratitude (the find-remind-and
      bind theory; Algoe, 2012) stipulates that expressing gratitude should serve to
      alert previously unacquainted peers to the potential for a high-quality social
      bond (i.e., a find function). Although the logic of this premise is supported by
      extant research, it has not, as yet, been tested empirically. In the current
      study, participants received a note from a previously unacquainted peer that
      contained an expression of gratitude (or did not) with regard to prior benefits
      provided by the participant. After providing ratings of the peer and ostensibly
      completing the study, participants were given an opportunity to spontaneously
      give their contact information to the peer, which served as a behavioral measure
      of affiliation. In line with the proposed find function of gratitude expressions,
      recipients of expressions of gratitude were more likely to extend the effort to
      continue the relationship with the novel peer by providing that peer with a means
      to contact them. This experiment also provided evidence that perceptions of
      interpersonal warmth (e.g., friendliness, thoughtfulness) serve as the mechanism
      via which gratitude expressions facilitate affiliation: insofar as gratitude
      expressions signaled interpersonal warmth of the expresser, they prompted
      investment in the burgeoning social bond. As such, these findings provide the
      first empirical evidence regarding 1 of the 3 central premises of the find-remind
      and-bind theory of gratitude (Algoe, 2012) in the context of novel relationships.

PMID- 25111882
TI  - Naturally-occurring expressive suppression in daily life depletes executive
      functioning.
AB  - The depleting impact of experimentally manipulated expressive suppression (ES) on
      cognition (especially executive functioning and related processes) has been well
      established (Baumeister, 2002a). However, the impact of ES that occurs naturally
      in the course of daily life has not been examined. Sixty two adults (M = 22.89
      years old) completed questions about recent ES burden (over the past 2 weeks and
      on the test day) and completed cognitive measures assessing executive
      functioning, working memory, and speed of information processing. Individuals
      with higher-than-usual burden of ES on the test day exhibited poorer executive
      performance and those with high ES over the past 2 weeks exhibited poorer
      processing speed above and beyond depression, suggesting that ES burden as it
      occurs in the course of daily life is associated with compromised cognitive
      performance.

PMID- 25111880
TI  - Effect of bisphosphonate use on risk of postmenopausal breast cancer: results
      from the randomized clinical trials of alendronate and zoledronic acid.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Studies have shown that bisphosphonates may have antitumor and
      antimetastatic properties. Recently, observational studies have suggested a
      possible protective effect of bisphosphonates on breast cancer, but the effect of
      bisphosphonate use on risk of breast cancer has not been tested in randomized
      trials. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship of postmenopausal breast cancer
      incidence and bisphosphonate use using data from 2 randomized (1:1), double
      blind, placebo-controlled trials. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Fracture
      Intervention Trial (FIT) randomly assigned 6459 women aged 55 to 81 years to
      alendronate or placebo for a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. The Health Outcomes and
      Reduced Incidence With Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly-Pivotal Fracture Trial
      (HORIZON-PFT) randomly assigned 7765 women aged 65 to 89 years to annual
      intravenous zoledronic acid or placebo for a mean follow-up of 2.8 years. Data
      were collected at clinical centers in the United States (FIT and HORIZON-PFT) and
      in Asia and the Pacific, Europe, North America, and South America (HORIZON-PFT).
      Women, in either study, with recurrent breast cancer or who reported a history of
      breast cancer were excluded from analyses. In each trial, a blinded review was
      conducted of each cancer adverse event report to verify incident invasive breast
      cancer cases. The primary analysis compared events in the active vs placebo group
      using a log-rank test. INTERVENTION: Alendronate vs placebo (FIT) or zoledronic
      acid vs placebo (HORIZON-PFT). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Hazard ratio for
      incident breast cancer in the bisphosphonate treatment group compared to the
      placebo group. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the rate of breast
      cancer in FIT: 1.5% (n = 46) in the placebo group and 1.8% (n = 57) in the
      alendronate group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24 [95% CI, 0.84-1.83]). In HORIZON-PFT,
      there was also no significant difference: 0.8% (n = 29) in the placebo group and
      0.9% (n = 33) in the zoledronic acid group (HR, 1.15 [95% CI, 0.70-1.89]). There
      was also no significant difference when the data from FIT and HORIZON-PFT were
      pooled (HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.89-1.63]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These 2
      randomized clinical trials do not support the findings from observational
      research. Contrary to the results from observational studies, we found that 3 to
      4 years of bisphosphonate treatment did not decrease the risk of invasive
      postmenopausal breast cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:
      NCT00049829 (HORIZON-PFT).

PMID- 25111883
TI  - Dissecting the global variation of gene expression for the functional
      interpretation of transcriptome data.
AB  - To perform their biological functions, individual genes exhibit varying ranges of
      expression levels. Thus, considering the intrinsic variability of gene expression
      can improve geneset-based functional analyses which are typically used to
      interpret transcriptome data. Through the extensive quantitative analysis of the
      expressional variability of individual genes using large collections of
      transcriptome and proteome data, we found the existence of the intrinsic
      variability of gene expression at the transcriptional level. Interestingly, genes
      under post-translational regulation were not sensitively regulated at the
      transcriptional level. Because genes have intrinsically different levels of
      regulation at the transcription and translation stages, the functional geneset
      based interpretation of transcriptome data should only include genes that are
      significantly varied at the transcriptional level. Thus, by removing genes with
      low transcriptional variation from the DNA microarray data, we showed that
      geneset enrichment analysis could provide improved resolution in prioritizing
      target functional pathways in several different experimental datasets.

PMID- 25111884
TI  - Role of post-operative radiation boost for soft tissue sarcomas with positive
      margins following pre-operative radiation and surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The role of a radiation therapy (RT) boost for
      positive margins following pre-operative RT and surgery in extremity soft tissue
      sarcomas (STS) is unclear. We assessed the contribution of a boost to local
      control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). METHODS: We
      identified 67 patients treated from 1987 to 2011 with pre-operative RT and
      surgery with positive margin(s). Select patients received a boost delivered as
      peri-operative Iridium-192 brachytherapy (BRT), intra-operative electrons (IORT),
      or post-operative external beam RT (EBRT). RESULTS: Ten patients received no RT
      boost, 10 received a BRT or IORT boost, and 47 received an EBRT boost. Five-year
      LC rates for no boost, BRT/IORT boost, and EBRT boost were 100%, 78%, and 71% (P
      = 0.5). On multivariate analysis, there were no significant predictors for LC.
      Variables associated with improved DFS rates were single positive margin (P =
      0.007) and low tumor grade (P = 0.03). Tumor size <5 cm (P = 0.003), low grade (P
      = 0.001), and boost (P = 0.02) were associated with longer survival. CONCLUSIONS:
      We did not identify a LC advantage for an RT boost. Given the unidentified
      selection factors for delivery of boost and its potential toxicities, its role in
      this setting remains unproven.

PMID- 25111885
TI  - Sensitive diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis by lesion swab sampling coupled to
      qPCR.
AB  - Variation in clinical accuracy of molecular diagnostic methods for cutaneous
      leishmaniasis (CL) is commonly observed depending on the sample source, the
      method of DNA recovery and the molecular test. Few attempts have been made to
      compare these variables. Two swab and aspirate samples from lesions of patients
      with suspected CL (n = 105) were evaluated alongside standard diagnosis by
      microscopic detection of amastigotes or culture of parasites from lesion
      material. Three DNA extraction methods were compared: Qiagen on swab and aspirate
      specimens, Isohelix on swabs and Boil/Spin of lesion aspirates. Recovery of
      Leishmania DNA was evaluated for each sample type by real-time polymerase chain
      reaction detection of parasitic 18S rDNA, and the diagnostic accuracy of the
      molecular method determined. Swab sampling combined with Qiagen DNA extraction
      was the most efficient recovery method for Leishmania DNA, and was the most
      sensitive (98%; 95% CI: 91-100%) and specific (84%; 95% CI: 64-95%) approach.
      Aspirated material was less sensitive at 80% (95% CI: 70-88%) and 61% (95% CI: 50
      72%) when coupled to Qiagen or Boil-Spin DNA extraction, respectively. Swab
      sampling of lesions was painless, simple to perform and coupled with standardized
      DNA extraction enhances the feasibility of molecular diagnosis of CL.

PMID- 25111886
TI  - Impact of long-term erythrocytapheresis on growth and peak height velocity of
      children with sickle cell disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) lag in weight and height and
      have a delayed growth spurt compared to normal children. We studied the effect of
      long-term erythrocytapheresis (LTE) on the growth of children with SCD and the
      age at which they attained peak height velocity. PROCEDURE: A retrospective chart
      review was performed recording weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)
      measurements of 36 patients with SCD who received LTE every 3-5 weeks for an
      average duration of 5 years. The z-scores for weight, height, and BMI of these
      patients were compared with that of patients with SCD from the Cooperative Study
      of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) and a sub-set of 64 controls matched for age, sex,
      and initial growth parameter z-scores at the start of LTE. RESULTS: The z-scores
      for all parameters improved significantly for our patients on LTE compared to
      match controls from CSSCD and the entire pediatric CSSCD cohort (P-value: <0.01).
      Peak height velocity was achieved 2 months earlier for females (P-value: 0.94)
      and 11 months earlier for males (P-value: 0.02), who started LTE before 14 years
      of age, compared to matched CSSCD controls. The study subjects who had not been
      on regular simple transfusions prior to starting LTE had a mean serum ferritin of
      681 ng/ml after LTE for an average duration of 63 months. CONCLUSION: LTE
      improves the growth of children with SCD without the risk of iron overload.

PMID- 25111890
TI  - Replica exchange Monte Carlo simulation of human serum albumin-catechin
      complexes.
AB  - Replica exchange Monte Carlo simulation equipped with an orientation-enhanced
      hydrophobic interaction was utilized to study the impacts of molar ratio and
      ionic strength on the complex formation of human serum albumin (HSA) and
      catechin. Only a small amount of catechins was found to act as bridges in the
      formation of HSA-catechin complexes. Selective binding behavior was observed at
      low catechin to HSA molar ratio (R). Increase of catechin amount can suppress HSA
      self-aggregation and diminish the selectivity of protein binding sites. Strong
      saturation binding with short-range interactions was found to level off at around
      4.6 catechins per HSA on average, while this number slowly increased with R when
      long-range interactions were taken into account. Meanwhile, among the three rings
      of catechin, the 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl (B-ring) shows the strongest preference to
      bind HSA. Neither the aggregation nor the binding sites of the HSA-catechin
      complex was sensitive to ionic strength, suggesting that the electrostatic
      interaction is not a dominant force in such complexes. These results provide a
      further molecular level understanding of protein-polyphenol binding, and the
      strategy employed in this work shows a way to bridge phase behaviors at
      macroscale and the distribution of binding sites at residue level. 

PMID- 25111887
TI  - Glycyrrhizin protects brain against ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice through
      HMGB1-TLR4-IL-17A signaling pathway.
AB  - High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)-Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling has been
      recently found to induce interleukin (IL)-17A secretion in drug-induced hepatitis
      and myocardial I/R injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether HMGB1
      TLR4 signaling could induce IL-17A secretion and lead to brain I/R injury. We
      also sought to investigate whether glycyrrhizin elucidated its neuroprotective
      effects through HMGB1-TLR4-IL-17A signaling pathway. Various biochemical
      estimations, neurological status, and assessment of cerebral infarct size were
      carried out 72h after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke. Apoptotic
      cells were assessed using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase, dUTP nick and
      labeling (TUNEL) kit. The expression of HMGB1, IL-17A, bcl-2, bax and cleaved
      caspase-3, were determined by Western blot assay. In the present study we found
      that glycyrrhizin significantly decreased HMGB1 protein expression. Glycyrrhizin
      markedly reduced whereas recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) increased IL-17A expression.
      HMGB1 induced increase of IL-17A was significantly diminished in TLR4-mutant
      C3H/HeJ mice. Brain injury and neurological deficits were largely abrogated by
      glycyrrhizin or IL-17A knockout. In contrast, rHMGB1 or recombinant mouse IL-17A
      markedly increased I/R injury. However, rHMGB1 had no effects on infarct size and
      neurological deficits in Il17a(-/-) mice following brain I/R injury. In addition,
      IL-17A knockout mice significantly increased bcl-2 protein expression and had
      fewer apoptotic cells, whereas recombinant IL-17A-treated mice significantly
      increased bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression and had more apoptotic
      cells. Together these results indicate that glycyrrhizin has neuroprotective
      efficacy in the postischemic brain through HMGB1-TLR4-IL-17A signaling pathway. 

PMID- 25111891
TI  - Poor outcome and death among youth, young adults, and midlife adults with eating
      disorders: an investigation of risk factors by age at assessment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Eating disorders (EDs) present across a broad age range, yet little is
      known about the characteristics and outcome of midlife patients compared to
      younger patients. Among patients seeking ED treatment who were stratified by age
      at initial assessment (IA), this study aimed to (1) discern sociodemographic and
      clinical differences, (2) determine outcome rates, and (3) identify predictors of
      poor outcome including death. METHOD: Participants [219 females (12 years or
      older, 94.1% Caucasian) who completed outcome assessment and 31 known decedents]
      were stratified by age at IA (<18 as youth, 18-39 as young adult, and >=40 years
      as midlife adult). Analyses of variance and chi-square tests identified group
      differences; ordered logistic regression with stepwise selection identified
      factors predicting outcome. RESULTS: Midlife adults were more significantly
      compromised at follow-up compared to youths and young adults, including
      psychological and physical quality of life, ineffectiveness, interpersonal
      concerns, and general psychological maladjustment. Midlife adults had the highest
      rates of poor outcome or death; good outcome was achieved by only 5.9% of midlife
      adult compared to 14.0% of young adult and 27.5% of youth patients. Older age at
      IA, alcohol and/or drug misuse, endocrine concerns, and absence of family ED
      history predicted poor outcome or death. DISCUSSION: Midlife adults seeking ED
      treatment have more complex medical and psychological concerns and poorer
      outcomes than youths and young adults; further exploration is needed to improve
      treatment outcome. Specialized treatment focusing on quality of life, comorbid
      medical concerns, interpersonal connection, and emotion regulation is encouraged.

PMID- 25111892
TI  - Designed synthesis of a highly conjugated hexaethynylbenzene-based host for
      supramolecular architectures.
AB  - The construction of efficient synthetic functional receptors with tunable
      cavities, and the self-organization of guest molecules within these cavities
      through noncovalent interactions can be challenging. Here we have prepared a
      double-cavity molecular cup based on hexaethynylbenzene that possesses a highly
      pi-conjugated interior for the binding of electron-rich guests. X-ray
      crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, fluorescent spectroscopy,
      cyclic voltammetry, and SEM were used to investigate the structures and the
      binding behaviors. The results indicated that the binding of a guest in one
      cavity would affect the binding of the same or another guest in the other cavity.
      The effect of electron transfer in this system suggests ample opportunities for
      tuning the optical and electronic properties of the molecular cup and the
      encapsulated guest. The encapsulation of different guests would also lead to
      different aggregate nanostructures, which is a new way to tune their
      supramolecular architectures. 

PMID- 25111893
TI  - Introducing diagnosis-related groups: is the information system ready?
AB  - Diagnosis-related group (DRG) system is a classification system widely used in
      health managements, the foundation of which lies in the medical information
      system. A large effort had been made to improve the quality of discharge data
      before the introduction of DRGs in Beijing. We extract discharge data from 108
      local hospitals spanning 4 years before and after standardization to evaluate the
      impact of standardization on DRG grouping performance. The data was grouped on an
      annual basis in accordance with Beijing's local DRG system. Proportion of
      ungrouped data, coefficient of variation (CV) and reduction in variance (RIV)
      were used to measure the performance of the DRG system. Both the descriptive and
      regression analysis indicate a significant reduction in terms of ungrouped data
      and CV for expenditure, increase of RIV for expenditure and length of stay.
      However, when there was no intervention, that is, between 2005 and 2006 and
      between 2008 and 2009, changes in these indicators were all insignificant.
      Therefore, the standardization of discharge data did improve data quality and
      consequently enhanced the performance of DRGs. Developing countries with a
      relatively weak information infrastructure should strengthen their medical
      information system before the introduction of the DRG system.

PMID- 25111894
TI  - Erythematous-to-brownish plaques on the upper back: a quiz. Phenytoin-induced T
      cell predominant pseudolymphoma ("pseudomycosis fungoides") with T-cell
      clonality.

PMID- 25111896
TI  - Cell death induced by 2-phenylethynesulfonamide uncovers a pro-survival function
      of BAX.
AB  - PES (2-phenylethynesulfonamide) was initially identified as an inhibitor of p53
      translocation to mitochondria and named Pifithrin-u. Further studies showed that
      PES selectively killed tumour cells and was thus a promising anticancer agent.
      PES-induced cell death was characterised by a non-apoptotic, autophagosome-rich
      phenotype. We observed this phenotype via electron microscopy in wild type (wt)
      and double Bax-/- Bak-/- (DKO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) treated with
      PES. We excluded the involvement of effector caspases, BAX and BAK, in causing
      PES-triggered cell death. Therefore, apoptosis was ruled out as the lethal mode
      of action of PES. Surprisingly, MEFs containing BAX were significantly protected
      from PES treatments. BAX overexpression in Bax-/- MEFs confirmed this pro
      survival effect. Moreover, this protective effect required the ability of BAX to
      localise to mitochondrial membranes. Conversely, mitochondrial fusion induced by
      treatment with Mdivi-1 conferred increased resistance to MEFs subjected to PES
      treatment. The involvement of BAX in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics has
      been reported. We propose the promotion of mitochondrial fusion by BAX to be the
      pro-survival function attributed to BAX. 

PMID- 25111895
TI  - The use of valproic acid and multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal studies have suggested that drugs inhibiting the enzyme
      histone deacetylase might have a beneficial effect on multiple sclerosis (MS).
      Valproic acid (VPA), an anti-epileptic drug, is the only widely used human drug
      with a histone deacetylase inhibitory effect. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this
      paper is to examine if VPA use is associated with a reduced risk of MS. METHODS:
      We conducted a propensity score-matched cohort study in the period 1997-2011
      linking nationwide register data on filled VPA prescriptions, MS cases, and
      several covariates. The VPA users were matched on propensity scores in a 1:4
      ratio with non-users of VPA. Incidence rates of MS were compared among VPA users
      and non-users of VPA using Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs).
      RESULTS: Among 16 028 ever-users of VPA and 54 172 non-users, 18 and 26 cases of
      MS were identified, respectively. Neither current VPA users nor recent users of
      VPA, who had ceased VPA treatment within the last year, were at a reduced risk of
      MS compared with non-users of VPA (HR = 1.30 (95% confidence interval, 0.44
      3.80), n = 4, and HR = 1.22 (0.28-5.32), n = 2, respectively). Similarly, in an
      intention-to-treat analysis, ever-users of VPA were not at reduced risk of MS (HR
      = 2.41 (1.32-4.43), n = 18). CONCLUSION: In the first human study addressing a
      possible beneficial effect of VPA use on the risk of MS, we found no support for
      a protective effect. However, given the wide confidence intervals, only large
      effects can be ruled out with sufficient certainty.

PMID- 25111897
TI  - HDAC6 sustains growth stimulation by prolonging the activation of EGF receptor
      through the inhibition of rabaptin-5-mediated early endosome fusion in gastric
      cancer.
AB  - The aberrant regulation of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) contributes to malignant
      progression in various types of cancer, but the mechanism underlying gastric
      carcinogenesis remains unknown. Aberrant HDAC6 overexpression was observed in a
      subset of human gastric cancer cells. HDAC6 knockdown caused the significant
      inhibition of gastric cancer cell growth without affecting the transition of cell
      cycles or the processing of cell death. We demonstrate that an increase in
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling through decreased EGFR
      degradation was mediated by HDAC6 in gastric carcinogenesis. These results
      establish a molecular mechanism responsible for oncogenic HDAC6, explaining how
      EGFR signaling induced by the growth factor is sustained during the malignant
      progression of gastric cancer. 

PMID- 25111898
TI  - Gain-of-function of mutant p53: mutant p53 enhances cancer progression by
      inhibiting KLF17 expression in invasive breast carcinoma cells.
AB  - Kruppel-like-factor 17 (KLF17) is a negative regulator of metastasis and
      epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT). However, its expression is downregulated
      in metastatic breast cancer that contains p53 mutations. Here, we show that
      mutant-p53 plays a key role to suppress KLF17 and thereby enhances cancer
      progression, which defines novel gain-of-function (GOF) of mutant-p53. Mutant-p53
      interacts with KLF17 and antagonizes KLF17 mediated EMT genes transcription.
      Depletion of KLF17 promotes cell viability, decreases apoptosis and induces drug
      resistance in metastatic breast cancer cells. KLF17 suppresses cell migration and
      invasion by decreasing CD44, PAI-1 and Cyclin-D1 expressions. Taken together, our
      results show that KLF17 is important for the suppression of metastasis and could
      be a potential therapeutic target during chemotherapy. 

PMID- 25111900
TI  - Streaming potential near a rotating porous disk.
AB  - Theory and experimental results for the streaming potential measured in the
      vicinity of a rotating porous disk-shaped sample are described. Rotation of the
      sample on its axis draws liquid into its face and casts it from the periphery.
      Advection within the sample engenders streaming current and streaming potential
      that are proportional to the zeta potential and the disk's major dimensions. When
      Darcy's law applies, the streaming potential is proportional to the square of the
      rotation at low rate but becomes invariant with rotation at high rate. The
      streaming potential is invariant with the sample's permeability at low rate and
      is proportional to the inverse square of the permeability at high rate. These
      predictions were tested by determining the zeta potential and permeability of the
      loop side of Velcro, a sample otherwise difficult to characterize; reasonable
      values of -56 mV for zeta and 8.7 * 10(-9) m(2) for the permeability were
      obtained. This approach offers the ability to determine both the zeta potential
      and the permeability of materials having open structures. Compressing them into a
      porous plug is unnecessary. As part of the development of the theory, a
      convenient formula for a flow-weighted volume-averaged space-charge density of
      the porous medium, -epsilonzeta/k, was obtained, where epsilon is the
      permittivity, zeta is the zeta potential, and k is the Darcy permeability. The
      formula is correct when Smoluchowski's equation and Darcy's law are both valid. 

PMID- 25111901
TI  - Pulsed transfer etching of PS-PDMS block copolymers self-assembled in 193 nm
      lithography stacks.
AB  - This work presents the graphoepitaxy of high-chi block copolymers (BCP) in
      standard industry-like lithography stacks and their transfer into the silicon
      substrate The process includes conventional 193 nm photolithography, directed
      self-assembly of polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) and pulsed
      plasma etching to transfer the obtained features into the substrate. PS-b-PDMS
      has a high Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (high-chi) and is capable of
      achieving sub-10 nm feature sizes. The photolithography stack is fabricated on
      300 mm diameter silicon wafers and is composed of three layers: spin-on-carbon
      (SoC), silicon-containing anti-reflective coating (SiARC) and 193 nm
      photolithography resist. Sixty-nanometer-deep trenches are first patterned by
      plasma etching in the SiARC/SoC stack using the resist mask. The PS-b-PDMS is
      then spread on the substrate surface. Directed self-assembly (DSA) of the BCP is
      induced by a solvent vapor annealing process and PDMS cylinders parallel to the
      substrate surface are obtained. The surface chemistry based on SoC permits an
      efficient etching process into the underlying silicon substrate. The etching
      process is performed under dedicated pulsed plasma etching conditions. Fifteen
      nanometer half-pitch dense line/space features are obtained with a height up to
      90 nm. 

PMID- 25111902
TI  - Spectral entropy, ecological resilience, and adaptive capacity for understanding,
      evaluating, and managing ecosystem stability and change.

PMID- 25111903
TI  - Synthesis of polymeric phosphonates for selective delivery of radionuclides to
      osteosarcoma.
AB  - Discussed in detail is the synthesis and primary structure characterization of
      two polymers aimed at advancing the treatment of pediatric osteosarcoma. These
      polymers are designed to systemically deliver radiometals specifically to
      osteosarcomas using the passive targeting mechanism of enhanced permeability and
      retention (the EPR effect). The approach begins with the synthesis of a polymer
      capable of binding radiometals, for which prior data show improved site-specific
      targeting of solid tumors. Building on this success, a second polymer has been
      designed for improving the efficacy of currently available radionuclide therapies
      by incorporating the FDA-approved small-molecule ligand Quadramet directly onto
      the polymer structure. Time-activity curves of the phosphonate-functionalized
      polymers show rapid clearance from the central compartment and nontargeted
      organs, with up to 65% of injected activity being excreted within 3 hours. Both
      polymer ligands demonstrate good osteosarcoma targeting capability with little to
      no uptake in organs associated with the dose-limiting bone marrow. Additionally,
      biodistribution studies in nonosseous tumor models demonstrate the tumor
      targeting mechanism of the polymer ligands, which appears to be influenced by the
      high affinity of the phosphonate functionality for the positively charged
      hydroxyapatite mineral found in bone tumors.

PMID- 25111904
TI  - Preparation and electric property of polysilsesquioxane thin films incorporating
      carbazole groups.
AB  - New silsesquioxane incorporating a carbazole groups (PCTSQ) has been synthesized
      by a click thiol-ene reaction and a subsequent sol-gel reaction. To evaluate the
      electric property of this hybrid, diode devices have been fabricated by using
      PCTSQ thin film by spin-coating onto n-type ZnO film prepared by the
      electrodeposition method. The thin film hybrid devices showed good electric
      characteristics and high rectification ratio, as well as worked as a rectifier. 

PMID- 25111905
TI  - Protection from pulmonary tissue damage associated with infection of cynomolgus
      macaques by highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) by low dose natural
      human IFN-alpha administered to the buccal mucosa.
AB  - Using an established nonhuman primate model for H5N1 highly pathogenic influenza
      virus infection in humans, we have been able to demonstrate the prophylactic
      mitigation of the pulmonary damage characteristic of human fatal cases from
      primary influenza virus pneumonia with a low dose oral formulation of a
      commercially available parenteral natural human interferon alpha (Alferon N
      Injection(r)). At the highest oral dose (62.5IU/kg body weight) used there was a
      marked reduction in the alveolar inflammatory response with minor evidence of
      alveolar and interstitial edema in contrast to the hemorrhage and inflammatory
      response observed in the alveoli of control animals. The mitigation of severe
      damage to the lower pulmonary airway was observed without a parallel reduction in
      viral titers. Clinical trial data will be necessary to establish its prophylactic
      human efficacy for highly pathogenic influenza viruses. 

PMID- 25111899
TI  - A new model army: Emerging fish models to study the genomics of vertebrate Evo
      Devo.
AB  - Many fields of biology--including vertebrate Evo-Devo research--are facing an
      explosion of genomic and transcriptomic sequence information and a multitude of
      fish species are now swimming in this "genomic tsunami." Here, we first give an
      overview of recent developments in sequencing fish genomes and transcriptomes
      that identify properties of fish genomes requiring particular attention and
      propose strategies to overcome common challenges in fish genomics. We suggest
      that the generation of chromosome-level genome assemblies--for which we introduce
      the term "chromonome"--should be a key component of genomic investigations in
      fish because they enable large-scale conserved synteny analyses that inform
      orthology detection, a process critical for connectivity of genomes. Orthology
      calls in vertebrates, especially in teleost fish, are complicated by divergent
      evolution of gene repertoires and functions following two rounds of genome
      duplication in the ancestor of vertebrates and a third round at the base of
      teleost fish. Second, using examples of spotted gar, basal teleosts, zebrafish
      related cyprinids, cavefish, livebearers, icefish, and lobefin fish, we
      illustrate how next generation sequencing technologies liberate emerging fish
      systems from genomic ignorance and transform them into a new model army to answer
      longstanding questions on the genomic and developmental basis of their
      biodiversity. Finally, we discuss recent progress in the genetic toolbox for the
      major fish models for functional analysis, zebrafish, and medaka, that can be
      transferred to many other fish species to study in vivo the functional effect of
      evolutionary genomic change as Evo-Devo research enters the postgenomic era.

PMID- 25111906
TI  - Ellagitannins as synergists of ACV on the replication of ACV-resistant strains of
      HSV 1 and 2.
AB  - The plant-derived polyphenolic compounds castalagin, vescalagin and grandinin (C
      glucosidic ellagitannins containing nonahydroxyterphenoyl) manifested a strong
      inhibitory effect on the replication of acyclovir-resistant strains of herpes
      simplex viruses (HSV) type 1 and 2 in MDBK cells in focus forming units (i.e.,
      microscopically registered microplaques) reduction assay and in two variants of
      cytopathic effect inhibition test. The effect on the acyclovir (ACV)-resistant
      herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) strain was markedly higher compared to that
      on the ACV-resistant herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The three compounds
      showed comparable levels of antiviral activity against ACV-resistant HSV strains,
      in contrast with previous results where castalagin exerted the highest degree of
      activity against wild type HSV strains (Vilhelmova et al., 2011). Combinations of
      ellagitannins and ACV were tested on the ACV-resistant strains of both HSV-1 and
      2 and produced synergistic effects that were revealed by applying the three
      dimensional approach of Prichard and Shipman (1990). The ellagitannin(s)-ACV
      combination applied against ACV-resistant HSV-1 produced a much stronger
      synergistic effect compared to the effect observed against ACV-resistant HSV-2.
      The study of the effects of the combination ellagitannin(s)-ACF on intact cell
      monolayers did not show any toxicity resulting from interaction between the two
      substances. Altogether, the results obtained in this study demonstrate the highly
      promising potential of these plant polyphenols as antiherpetic agents. 

PMID- 25111908
TI  - Highly efficient hybrid solar cells with tunable dipole at the donor-acceptor
      interface.
AB  - Effects of molecular dipole at the conjugated polymer-nanocrystal interface on
      the energy level alignment, the exciton dissociation process, and consequently
      the photovoltaic performance of poly[2,6-(4,4-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-4H
      cyclopenta[2,1-b;3,4-b']-dithiophene)-alt-4,7-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)]
      (PCPDTBT):CdSe quantum dot bulk heterojunction hybrid solar cells are
      systemically studied. Power conversion efficiency up to 4.0% is achieved when 4
      fluorobenzenethiol is used for ligand exchange. 

PMID- 25111907
TI  - Improving rheology and enzymatic hydrolysis of high-solid corncob slurries by
      adding lignosulfonate and long-chain fatty alcohols.
AB  - The effects of lignosulfonate (SXSL) and long-chain fatty alcohols (LFAs) on the
      rheology and enzymatic hydrolysis of high-solid corncob slurries were
      investigated. The application of 2.5% (w/w) SXSL increased the substrate
      enzymatic digestibility (SED) of high-solid corncob slurries at 72 h from 31.7 to
      54.0%, but meanwhile it increased the slurry's yield stress and complex viscosity
      to make the slurry difficult to stir and pump. The smallest molecular weight (MW)
      SXSL fraction had the strongest enhancement on SED. The SXSL fraction with large
      MW had a negative effect on rheology. n-Octanol (C8) and n-decanol (C10) improved
      the rheological properties of high-solid slurry and are strong enough to
      counteract the negative effect of SXSL. Furthermore, C8 and C10 clearly enhanced
      the enzymatic hydrolysis of high-solid corncob slurries with and without SXSL. A
      mechanism was proposed to explain the observed negative effect of SXSL and the
      positive effect of LFAs on the rheological properties. 

PMID- 25111909
TI  - Stable single-molecule lines of terrylene in polycrystalline para-dichlorobenzene
      at 1.5 K.
AB  - The spectroscopic properties of single terrylene (Tr) molecules are studied in a
      polycrystalline matrix of para-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) at 1.5 K. Samples grown in
      a glass capillary show a very strong site at 597 nm, which is redshifted by more
      than 700 cm(-1) from the observed transition energy for Tr in p-DCB prepared as a
      film on a coverslip (572 nm). Each of these two sites is characterized by
      measuring their single-molecule spectroscopic parameters at 1.5 K. Lifetime
      limited linewidths of 45+/-5 MHz are found for both sites. Fluorescence detection
      rates reach 8*10(4) count s(-1) at saturation. The spectral trails of the
      majority of single molecules show no spectral jumps, indicating an absence of
      interacting two-level systems; however, the small distribution of linewidths may
      indicate weak interactions with low-frequency modes. Frequency jumps are observed
      for 10 % of the molecules. The complete emission spectra from two different
      single molecules at the center of each of the two sites is presented. Debye
      Waller factors of alphaDW=0.33+/-0.05 for the normal site (572 nm) and
      alphaDW=0.30+/-0.05 for the red site (597 nm) are reported. This new host-guest
      system provides a quick and easy way to obtain lifetime-limited single-molecule
      lines.

PMID- 25111910
TI  - Fragmentation of urinary calculi in vitro by burst wave lithotripsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: We developed a new method of lithotripsy that uses short, broadly
      focused bursts of ultrasound rather than shock waves to fragment stones. We
      investigated the characteristics of stone comminution by burst wave lithotripsy
      in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Artificial and natural stones (mean +/- SD size
      8.2 +/- 3.0 mm, range 5 to 15) were treated with ultrasound bursts using a
      focused transducer in a water bath. Stones were exposed to bursts with focal
      pressure amplitude of 6.5 MPa or less at a 200 Hz burst repetition rate until
      completely fragmented. Ultrasound frequencies of 170, 285 and 800 kHz were
      applied using 3 transducers, respectively. Time to fragmentation for each stone
      type was recorded and fragment size distribution was measured by sieving.
      RESULTS: Stones exposed to ultrasound bursts were fragmented at focal pressure
      amplitudes of 2.8 MPa or greater at 170 kHz. Fractures appeared along the stone
      surface, resulting in fragments that separated at the surface nearest to the
      transducer until the stone was disintegrated. All natural and artificial stones
      were fragmented at the highest focal pressure of 6.5 MPa with a mean treatment
      duration of 36 seconds for uric acid stones to 14.7 minutes for cystine stones.
      At a frequency of 170 kHz the largest artificial stone fragments were less than 4
      mm. Exposure at 285 and 800 kHz produced only fragments less than 2 mm and less
      than 1 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Stone comminution with burst wave
      lithotripsy is feasible as a potential noninvasive treatment method for
      nephrolithiasis. Adjusting the fundamental ultrasound frequency allows for stone
      fragment size to be controlled.

PMID- 25111912
TI  - Early discontinuation of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with persistent
      primary vesicoureteral reflux initially detected during infancy: outcome analysis
      and risk factors for febrile urinary tract infection.
AB  - PURPOSE: We retrospectively assessed the incidence of and risk factors for
      febrile urinary tract infection in children during active surveillance after
      early discontinuation of antibiotic prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively evaluated 9 females and 61 uncircumcised males diagnosed with
      primary vesicoureteral reflux before age 1 year who had persistent reflux on
      followup voiding cystourethrogram and were subsequently followed under active
      surveillance without continuous antibiotic prophylaxis. Patients with secondary
      vesicoureteral reflux or associated urological abnormality were excluded.
      Clinical outcomes, including incidence of febrile urinary tract infection and new
      scar formation, were evaluated. Risk factors for febrile urinary tract infection
      were also analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age at stopping continuous antibiotic
      prophylaxis was 21 months, and mean followup was 61 months. During active
      surveillance 21 patients had febrile urinary tract infection, and the 5-year
      infection-free rate under active surveillance was 67.5%. One or 2 foci of minimal
      new scarring developed in 4 of 16 patients who underwent followup dimercapto
      succinic acid scan after febrile urinary tract infection. On multivariate
      analysis dilated vesicoureteral reflux on followup voiding cystourethrogram was
      the only significant risk factor for febrile urinary tract infection.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that about two-thirds of patients with
      persistent vesicoureteral reflux were free of febrile urinary tract infection
      during 5 years of active surveillance. Those with dilated vesicoureteral reflux
      on followup voiding cystourethrogram are at significantly greater risk for
      febrile urinary tract infection. Accordingly active surveillance, especially in
      patients with nondilated vesicoureteral reflux on followup voiding
      cystourethrogram, seems to be a safe option even in children who have not yet
      been toilet trained.

PMID- 25111911
TI  - Fluoroquinolone resistance in the rectal carriage of men in an active
      surveillance cohort: longitudinal analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Rectal swabs can identify men with fluoroquinolone resistant bacteria
      and decrease the infection rate after transrectal ultrasound guided prostate
      biopsy by targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis. We evaluated the rate of
      fluoroquinolone resistance in an active surveillance cohort with attention to
      factors associated with resistance and changes in resistance with time. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We evaluated 416 men with prostate cancer on active surveillance who
      underwent rectal swabs to assess the rate of fluoroquinolone resistance compared
      to that in men undergoing diagnostic transrectal ultrasound guided prostate
      biopsy. The chi-square test and Student t-test were used to compare categorical
      and continuous variables, respectively. Poisson regression analysis was used for
      multivariate analysis. RESULTS: On the initial swab fluoroquinolone resistance
      was found in 95 of 416 men (22.8%) on active surveillance compared to 54 of 221
      (24.4%) in the diagnostic biopsy cohort (p = 0.675). Diabetes was found in 4.0%
      of the fluoroquinolone sensitive group vs 14.7% of the resistant group (p
      <0.001). Biopsy history was not associated with resistance. Of those with a
      resistant first swab 62.9% had a resistant second swab and 88.9% of those with 2
      resistant swabs showed resistance on the third swab. Of men with a sensitive
      first swab 10.6% showed resistance on the second swab and 10.6% of those with 2
      sensitive swabs had resistant third swabs. CONCLUSIONS: One of 4 men who present
      for surveillance and diagnostic transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy
      have rectal flora resistant to fluoroquinolone. Resistance is significantly
      associated with diabetes but the number of prior biopsies is not. Men with
      fluoroquinolone resistant flora tend to remain resistant with time.

PMID- 25111913
TI  - Histological analysis of the kidney tumor-parenchyma interface.
AB  - PURPOSE: During enucleative partial nephrectomy excision is performed adjacent to
      the tumor edge. To better determine the oncologic propriety of enucleative
      partial nephrectomy we histologically examined the tumor-parenchyma interface.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Archived hematoxylin and eosin stained slides of 124
      nephrectomy specimens were rereviewed. We evaluated representative sections of
      tumor abutting the renal parenchyma and overlying pseudocapsule/perirenal fat
      were selected at 4 mm(2) sectors apportioned 1, 2, 3 and 4 mm, respectively, from
      the tumor edge. RESULTS: Median tumor size was 3.5 cm. Of the tumors 111 were
      malignant (90%) and 119 (96%) had a pseudocapsule with a median thickness of 0.6
      mm. Of malignant and benign tumors 82% and 31%, respectively, had an intrarenal
      pseudocapsule (p < 0.001). Pseudocapsule invasion was noted in 45% of cancers and
      15% of benign tumors (p < 0.04). Of pT1a cancers 36% showed intrarenal
      pseudocapsule invasion. No patient had positive surgical margins. Intrarenal
      pseudocapsule invasion correlated with clear cell renal cell carcinoma histology
      but not with cancer size, grade, necrosis or margin width. Inflammation,
      nephrosclerosis, glomerulosclerosis and arteriosclerosis decreased with
      increasing distance from the tumor edge. At 1 mm changes were moderate to severe
      in 38%, 32%, 20% and 17% of tumors while at 5 mm changes were mild in 2.5%, 0.8%,
      0.8% and 4%, respectively (p <0.001). Mean arteriolar diameter decreased with
      tumor proximity (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Most renal cancers have an intrarenal
      pseudocapsule. Partial nephrectomy excision adjacent to the tumor edge appears to
      be histologically safe. Because 18% of cancers lacked a discernible intrarenal
      pseudocapsule and 25% of pT1a cancers showed intrarenal pseudocapsule invasion,
      extreme care is needed to avoid positive margins during enucleative partial
      nephrectomy.

PMID- 25111914
TI  - Endometriosis, endocervicosis and mullerianosis of the bladder.

PMID- 25111915
TI  - Data requirements for electronic surveillance of healthcare-associated
      infections.
AB  - Electronic surveillance for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is
      increasingly widespread. This is driven by multiple factors: a greater burden on
      hospitals to provide surveillance data to state and national agencies, financial
      pressures to be more efficient with HAI surveillance, the desire for more
      objective comparisons between healthcare facilities, and the increasing amount of
      patient data available electronically. Optimal implementation of electronic
      surveillance requires that specific information be available to the surveillance
      systems. This white paper reviews different approaches to electronic
      surveillance, discusses the specific data elements required for performing
      surveillance, and considers important issues of data validation. 

PMID- 25111917
TI  - Antimicrobial stewardship strategies: preauthorization or postprescription audit
      and feedback?

PMID- 25111916
TI  - Comparison of prior authorization and prospective audit with feedback for
      antimicrobial stewardship.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although prior authorization and prospective audit with feedback are
      both effective antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) strategies, the relative
      impact of these approaches remains unclear. We compared these core ASP strategies
      at an academic medical center. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. METHODS: We
      compared antimicrobial use during the 24 months before and after implementation
      of an ASP strategy change. The ASP used prior authorization alone during the
      preintervention period, June 2007 through May 2009. In June 2009, many
      antimicrobials were unrestricted and prospective audit was implemented for
      cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam, and vancomycin, marking the start of the
      postintervention period, July 2009 through June 2011. All adult inpatients who
      received more than or equal to 1 dose of an antimicrobial were included. The
      primary end point was antimicrobial consumption in days of therapy per 1,000
      patient-days (DOT/1,000-PD). Secondary end points included length of stay (LOS).
      RESULTS: In total, 55,336 patients were included (29,660 preintervention and
      25,676 postintervention). During the preintervention period, both total systemic
      antimicrobial use (-9.75 DOT/1,000-PD per month) and broad-spectrum anti-gram
      negative antimicrobial use (-4.00 DOT/1,000-PD) declined. After the introduction
      of prospective audit with feedback, however, both total antimicrobial use (+9.65
      DOT/1,000-PD per month; P < .001) and broad-spectrum anti-gram-negative
      antimicrobial use (+4.80 DOT/1,000-PD per month; P < .001) increased
      significantly. Use of cefepime and piperacillin/tazobactam both significantly
      increased after the intervention (P = .03). Hospital LOS and LOS after first
      antimicrobial dose also significantly increased after the intervention (P = .016
      and .004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Significant increases in antimicrobial
      consumption and LOS were observed after the change in ASP strategy.

PMID- 25111918
TI  - Development of an antibiotic spectrum score based on veterans affairs culture and
      susceptibility data for the purpose of measuring antibiotic de-escalation: a
      modified Delphi approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Development of a numerical score to measure the microbial spectrum of
      antibiotic regimens (spectrum score) and method to identify antibiotic de
      escalation events based on application of the score. DESIGN: Web-based modified
      Delphi method. PARTICIPANTS: Physician and pharmacist antimicrobial stewards
      practicing in the United States recruited through infectious diseases-focused
      listservs. METHODS: Three Delphi rounds investigated: organisms and antibiotics
      to include in the spectrum score, operationalization of rules for the score, and
      de-escalation measurement. A 4-point ordinal scale was used to score antibiotic
      susceptibility for organism-antibiotic domain pairs. Antibiotic regimen scores,
      which represented combined activity of antibiotics in a regimen across all
      organism domains, were used to compare antibiotic spectrum administered early
      (day 2) and later (day 4) in therapy. Changes in spectrum score were calculated
      and compared with Delphi participants' judgments on de-escalation with 20
      antibiotic regimen vignettes and with non-Delphi steward judgments on de
      escalation of 300 pneumonia regimen vignettes. Method sensitivity and specificity
      to predict expert de-escalation status were calculated. RESULTS: Twenty-four
      participants completed all Delphi rounds. Expert support for concepts utilized in
      metric development was identified. For vignettes presented in the Delphi, the
      sign of change in score correctly classified de-escalation in all vignettes
      except those involving substitution of oral antibiotics. The sensitivity and
      specificity of the method to identify de-escalation events as judged by non
      Delphi stewards were 86.3% and 96.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Identification
      of de-escalation events based on an algorithm that measures microbial spectrum of
      antibiotic regimens generally agreed with steward judgments of de-escalation
      status.

PMID- 25111919
TI  - Multisite exploration of clinical decision making for antibiotic use by emergency
      medicine providers using quantitative and qualitative methods.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore current practices and decision making regarding
      antimicrobial prescribing among emergency department (ED) clinical providers.
      METHODS: We conducted a survey of ED providers recruited from 8 sites in 3
      cities. Using purposeful sampling, we then recruited 21 providers for in-depth
      interviews. Additionally, we observed 10 patient-provider interactions at one of
      the ED sites. SAS 9.3 was used for descriptive and predictive statistics.
      Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic,
      constructivist approach with consensus coding using NVivo 10.0. Field and
      interview notes collected during the observational study were aligned with themes
      identified through individual interviews. RESULTS: Of 150 survey respondents, 76%
      agreed or strongly agreed that antibiotics are overused in the ED, while half
      believed they personally did not overprescribe. Eighty-nine percent used a
      smartphone or tablet in the ED for antibiotic prescribing decisions. Several
      significant differences were found between attending and resident physicians.
      Interview analysis identified 42 codes aggregated into the following themes: (1)
      resource and environmental factors that affect care; (2) access to and quality of
      care received outside of the ED consult; (3) patient-provider relationships; (4)
      clinical inertia; and (5) local knowledge generation. The observational study
      revealed limited patient understanding of antibiotic use. Providers relied
      heavily upon diagnostics and provided limited education to patients. Most
      patients denied a priori expectations of being prescribed antibiotics.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patient, provider, and healthcare system factors should be
      considered when designing interventions to improve antimicrobial stewardship in
      the ED setting.

PMID- 25111920
TI  - Infection prevention practices in neonatal intensive care units reporting to the
      national healthcare safety network.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at high risk
      for healthcare-associated infections. Variability in reported infection rates
      among NICUs exists, possibly related to differences in prevention strategies. A
      better understanding of current prevention practices may help identify prevention
      gaps and areas for further research. METHODS: We surveyed infection control staff
      in NICUs reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) to assess
      strategies used to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
      transmission and central line-associated bloodstream infections in NICUs.
      RESULTS: Staff from 162 of 342 NICUs responded (response rate, 47.3%). Most
      (92.3%) NICUs use central line insertion and maintenance bundles, but maintenance
      practices varied, including agents used for antisepsis and frequency of dressing
      changes. Forty-two percent reported routine screening for MRSA colonization upon
      admission for all patients. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) use for central line
      care for at least 1 indication (central line insertion, dressing changes, or
      port/cap antisepsis) was reported in 82 NICUs (51.3%). Among sixty-five NICUs
      responding to questions on CHG use restrictions, 46.2% reported no restrictions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our survey illustrated heterogeneity of CLABSI and MRSA prevention
      practices and underscores the need for further research to define optimal
      strategies and evidence-based prevention recommendations for neonates.

PMID- 25111921
TI  - The association of state legal mandates for data submission of central line
      associated bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units with process
      and outcome measures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between state legal mandates for data
      submission of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in
      neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) with process and outcome measures. DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: National sample of level II/III and III
      NICUs participating in National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance.
      METHODS: State mandates for data submission of CLABSIs in NICUs in place by 2011
      were compiled and verified with state healthcare-associated infection
      coordinators. A web-based survey of infection control departments in October 2011
      assessed CLABSI prevention practices, ie, compliance with checklist/bundle
      components (process measures) in ICUs including NICUs. Corresponding 2011 NHSN
      NICU CLABSI rates (outcome measures) were used to calculate standardized
      infection ratios (SIRs). Association between mandates and process and outcome
      measures was assessed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 190
      study NICUs, 107 (56.3%) were located in states with mandates, with mandates in
      place >3 years in 52 (49%). More NICUs in states with mandates reported >=95%
      compliance to at least 1 CLABSI prevention practice (52.3%-66.4%) than NICUs in
      states without mandates (28.9%-48.2%). Mandates were predictors of >=95%
      compliance with all practices (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4
      6.1). NICUs in states with mandates reported lower mean CLABSI rates in the <=750
      g birth weight group (2.4 vs 5.7 CLABSIs/1,000 central line-days) but not in
      others. Mandates were not associated with SIR <1. CONCLUSIONS: State mandates for
      NICU CLABSI data submission were significantly associated with >=95% compliance
      with CLABSI prevention practices, which declined with the duration of mandate but
      not with lower CLABSI rates.

PMID- 25111922
TI  - The effect of multiple concurrent central venous catheters on central line
      associated bloodstream infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)
      surveillance rate calculation does not account for multiple concurrent central
      venous catheters (CVCs). The presence of multiple CVCs creates more points of
      entry into the bloodstream, potentially increasing CLABSI risk. Multiple CVCs may
      be used in sicker patients, making it difficult to separate the relative
      contributions of multiple CVCs and comorbidities to CLABSI risk. We explored the
      relative impact of multiple CVCs, patient comorbidities, and disease severity on
      the risk of CLABSI. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: A total of 197 case
      patients and 201 control subjects with a CVC inserted during hospitalization at a
      tertiary care academic medical center from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2010.
      METHODS: Multiple CVCs was the exposure of interest; the primary outcome was
      CLABSI. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to estimate odds ratios
      (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) describing the association between
      CLABSI and multiple CVCs with and without controlling for Acute Physiology and
      Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) scores
      as measures of disease severity and patient comorbidities, respectively. RESULTS:
      Patients with multiple CVCs (n = 78) showed a 4.2 (95% CI, 2.2-8.4) times greater
      risk of CLABSI compared with patients with 1 CVC after adjusting for CLABSI risk
      factors. When including APACHE II and CCI scores, multiple CVCs remained an
      independent risk factor for CLABSI (OR, 3.4 [95% CI, 1.7-6.9]). CONCLUSIONS:
      Multiple CVCs is an independent risk factor for CLABSI even after adjusting for
      severity of illness. Adjustment for this risk may be necessary to accurately
      compare rates between hospitals.

PMID- 25111923
TI  - Usability and impact of a computerized clinical decision support intervention
      designed to reduce urinary catheter utilization and catheter-associated urinary
      tract infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usability and effectiveness of a computerized clinical
      decision support (CDS) intervention aimed at reducing the duration of urinary
      tract catheterizations. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic
      healthcare system. PATIENTS: All adult patients admitted from March 2009 through
      May 2012. INTERVENTION: A CDS intervention was integrated into a commercial
      electronic health record. Providers were prompted at order entry to specify the
      indication for urinary catheter insertion. On the basis of the indication chosen,
      providers were alerted to reassess the need for the urinary catheter if it was
      not removed within the recommended time. Three time periods were examined:
      baseline, after implementation of the first intervention (stock reminder), and
      after a second iteration (homegrown reminder). The primary endpoint was the
      usability of the intervention as measured by the proportion of reminders through
      which providers submitted a remove urinary catheter order. Secondary endpoints
      were the urinary catheter utilization ratio and the rate of hospital-acquired
      catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). RESULT: The first
      intervention displayed limited usability, with 2% of reminders resulting in a
      remove order. Usability improved to 15% with the revised reminder. The catheter
      utilization ratio declined over the 3 time periods (0.22, 0.20, and 0.19,
      respectively; P < .001), as did CAUTIs per 1,000 patient-days (0.84, 0.70, and
      0.51, respectively; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A urinary catheter removal reminder
      system was successfully integrated within a healthcare system's electronic health
      record. The usability of the reminder was highly dependent on its user interface,
      with a homegrown version of the reminder resulting in higher impact than a stock
      reminder.

PMID- 25111924
TI  - Preventing the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms: modeling the
      relative importance of hand hygiene and environmental cleaning interventions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hand hygiene and environmental cleaning are essential infection
      prevention strategies, but the relative impact of each is unknown. This
      information is important in assessing resource allocation. METHODS: We developed
      an agent-based model of patient-to-patient transmission-via the hands of
      transiently colonized healthcare workers and incompletely terminally cleaned
      rooms-in a 20-patient intensive care unit. Nurses and physicians were modeled and
      had distinct hand hygiene compliance levels on entry and exit to patient rooms.
      We simulated the transmission of Acinetobacter baumannii, methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci for 1 year using data
      from the literature and observed data to inform model input parameters. RESULTS:
      We simulated 175 parameter-based scenarios and compared the effects of hand
      hygiene and environmental cleaning on rates of multidrug-resistant organism
      acquisition. For all organisms, increases in hand hygiene compliance outperformed
      equal increases in thoroughness of terminal cleaning. From baseline, a 2?1
      improvement in terminal cleaning compared with hand hygiene was required to match
      an equal reduction in acquisition rates (eg, a 20% improvement in terminal
      cleaning was required to match the reduction in acquisition due to a 10%
      improvement in hand hygiene compliance). CONCLUSIONS: Hand hygiene should remain
      a priority for infection control programs, but environmental cleaning can have
      significant benefit for hospitals or individual hospital units that have either
      high hand hygiene compliance levels or low terminal cleaning thoroughness.

PMID- 25111925
TI  - Establishing evidence-based criteria for directly observed hand hygiene
      compliance monitoring programs: a prospective, multicenter cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hand hygiene surveillance programs that rely on direct observations of
      healthcare worker activity may be limited by the Hawthorne effect. In addition,
      comparing compliance rates from period to period requires adequately sized
      samples of observations. We aimed to statistically determine whether the
      Hawthorne effect is stable over an observation period and statistically derive
      sample sizes of observations necessary to compare compliance rates. DESIGN:
      Prospective multicenter cohort study. SETTING: Five intensive care units and 6
      medical/surgical wards in 3 geographically distinct acute care hospitals.
      METHODS: Trained observers monitored hand hygiene compliance during routine care
      in fixed 1-hour periods, using a standardized collection tool. We estimated the
      impact of the Hawthorne effect using empirical fluctuation processes and F tests
      for structural change. Standard sample-size calculation methods were used to
      estimate how many hand hygiene opportunities are required to accurately measure
      hand hygiene across various levels of baseline and target compliance. RESULTS:
      Exit hand hygiene compliance increased after 14 minutes of observation (from
      56.2% to 60.5%; P < .001) and increased further after 50 minutes (from 60.5% to
      66.0%; P < .001). Entry compliance increased after 38 minutes (from 40.4% to
      43.4%; P = .005). Between 79 and 723 opportunities are required during each
      period, depending on baseline compliance rates (range, 35%-90%) and targeted
      improvement (5% or 10%). CONCLUSIONS: Limiting direct observation periods to
      approximately 15 minutes to minimize the Hawthorne effect and determining
      required number of hand hygiene opportunities observed per period on the basis of
      statistical power calculations would be expected to improve the validity of hand
      hygiene surveillance programs.

PMID- 25111926
TI  - A cluster of Mycobacterium wolinskyi surgical site infections at an academic
      medical center.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study a cluster of Mycobacterium wolinskyi surgical site infections
      (SSIs). DESIGN: Observational and case-control study. SETTING: Academic hospital.
      PATIENTS: Subjects who developed SSIs with M. wolinskyi following cardiothoracic
      surgery. METHODS: Electronic surveillance was performed for case finding as well
      as electronic medical record review of infected cases. Surgical procedures were
      observed. Medical chart review was conducted to identify risk factors. A case
      control study was performed to identify risk factors for infection; Fisher exact
      or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons of proportions and medians,
      respectively. Patient isolates were studied using pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE). Environmental microbiologic sampling was performed in
      operating rooms, including high-volume water sampling. RESULTS: Six definite
      cases of M. wolinskyi SSI following cardiothoracic surgery were identified during
      the outbreak period (October 1, 2008-September 30, 2011). Having cardiac surgery
      in operating room A was significantly associated with infection (odds ratio, 40;
      P = .0027). Observational investigation revealed a cold-air blaster exclusive to
      operating room A as well a microbially contaminated, self-contained water source
      used in heart-lung machines. The isolates were indistinguishable or closely
      related by PFGE. No environmental samples were positive for M. wolinskyi.
      CONCLUSIONS: No single point source was established, but 2 potential sources,
      including a cold-air blaster and a microbially contaminated, self-contained water
      system used in heart-lung machines for cardiothoracic operations, were
      identified. Both of these potential sources were removed, and subsequent active
      surveillance did not reveal any further cases of M. wolinskyi SSI.

PMID- 25111927
TI  - Translating evidence into practice using a systems engineering framework for
      infection prevention.

PMID- 25111929
TI  - Intraoperative stopcock and manifold colonization of newly inserted peripheral
      intravenous catheters.

PMID- 25111930
TI  - Electronic monitoring of individual healthcare workers' hand hygiene event rate.

PMID- 25111928
TI  - High prevalence of reduced chlorhexidine susceptibility in organisms causing
      central line-associated bloodstream infections.
AB  - In units that bathe patients daily with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), organisms
      causing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) were more likely
      to have reduced CHG susceptibility than organisms causing CLABSIs in units that
      do not bathe patients daily with CHG (86% vs 64%; P = .028). Surveillance is
      needed to detect reduced CHG susceptibility with widespread CHG use. 

PMID- 25111931
TI  - Anatomic sites of colonization with community-associated methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus.

PMID- 25111932
TI  - Discordance between novel and traditional surveillance paradigms of ventilator
      associated pneumonia.

PMID- 25111933
TI  - Discordance between novel and traditional surveillance definitions for ventilator
      associated pneumonia: insights and opportunities to improve patient care.

PMID- 25111934
TI  - Impact of physicians' mindfulness attitudes toward prevention of catheter
      associated urinary tract infection.

PMID- 25111935
TI  - A formula for infection control using colonization pressure and compliance rates.

PMID- 25111936
TI  - Epidemiology of sharps injury and splash exposure in an oncology care center in
      eastern India.

PMID- 25111937
TI  - Multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria in hematology and oncology.

PMID- 25111938
TI  - Port-related Aeromonas bacteremia.

PMID- 25111939
TI  - Tuberculosis infection control: potential benefit of a new rapid tuberculosis
      test in a human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS reference hospital.

PMID- 25111942
TI  - Relapse following antithyroid drug therapy for Graves' hyperthyroidism.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In most patients with hyperthyroidism caused by Graves'
      disease, antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy is followed by a gradual amelioration of
      the autoimmune abnormality, but about half of the patients will experience
      relapse of hyperthyroidism when the ATDs are withdrawn after a standard 1 to 2
      years of therapy. This is a major drawback of ATD therapy, and a major concern to
      patients. We review current knowledge on how to predict and possibly reduce the
      risk of such relapse. RECENT FINDINGS: Several patient and disease
      characteristics, as well as environmental factors and duration of ATD therapy,
      may influence the risk of relapse after ATD withdrawal. Depending on the presence
      of such factors, the risk of relapse after ATD withdrawal may vary from around 10
      to 90%. Risk factors for relapse should be taken into account when choosing
      between therapeutic modalities in a patient with newly diagnosed disease, and
      also when discussing duration of ATD therapy. SUMMARY: Prolonged low-dose ATD
      therapy may be feasible in patients with high risk of relapse, such as children
      and patients with active Graves' orbitopathy, and in patients with previous
      relapse who prefer such therapy rather than surgery or radioiodine.

PMID- 25111941
TI  - Molecular evidence of cryptic diversity in Paracaryophyllaeus (Cestoda:
      Caryophyllidea), parasites of loaches (Cobitidae) in Eurasia, including
      description of P. vladkae n. sp.
AB  - Molecular phylogenetic analysis of an extensive collection of monozoic tapeworms
      of the genus Paracaryophyllaeus Kulakovskaya, 1961 (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea),
      parasites of loaches (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae) in Eurasia, has revealed cryptic
      species diversity within this long-time monotypic genus, especially in the
      Paracaryophyllaeus gotoi (Motomura, 1927) species complex [syn.
      Paracaryophyllaeus dubininorum (Kulakovskaya, 1961); type species]. Three
      independent, well-supported clades were discovered on the basis of molecular
      data: (i) specimens from Misgurnus anguillicaudatus and Cobitis lutheri from
      China, Russian Far East and Japan - called herein P. cf. gotoi 1, which may be
      conspecific with P. gotoi (Motomura, 1927), although in the absence of sequence
      data for P. gotoi from its type locality (basin of the River Kumkan in Korea), no
      certain inferences about their identity can currently be made; (ii) specimens
      from M. anguillicaudatus from China and Japan - P. cf. gotoi 2, which are
      morphologically indistinguishable from those of P. cf. gotoi 1; and (iii)
      morphologically distinct tapeworms from the endemic loach Cobitis bilseli from
      southwestern Turkey (Beysehir Lake), which are described herein as a new species.
      Paracaryophyllaeus vladkae Scholz, Oros and Aydogdu n. sp. differs from the
      remaining species of the genus in the following characteristics: the testes begin
      anterior to the first vitelline follicles (versus posterior), the body is short
      and robust (versus more elongate and slender), and the scolex is wide, rounded or
      apically tapered (versus claviform to truncate). Species composition of the
      genus, host specificity of species and geographical distribution are briefly
      discussed. 

PMID- 25111943
TI  - Sleeve gastrectomy and Roux En Y gastric bypass: current state of metabolic
      surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Roux En Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the bariatric
      gold standard. Recently, sleeve gastrectomy has gained significant popularity.
      Early evidence suggests sleeve gastrectomy as a well tolerated and efficacious
      alternative to RYGB. This article compares RYGB and sleeve gastrectomy by
      reviewing and summarizing recently published clinical trials. RECENT FINDINGS:
      Surgery remains the most effective therapy for obese patients meeting criteria.
      Excess weight loss in short-term follow-up appears similar between RYGB and
      sleeve gastrectomy. Long-term data on sleeve gastrectomy are limited. RYGB is
      more effective in producing resolution and remission of type II diabetes
      mellitus, particularly in patients at high risk for relapse. RYGB and sleeve
      gastrectomy are similar in their reduction of other obesity-related comorbid
      conditions with the exception of gastroesophageal reflux disease. RYGB has
      slightly higher overall morbidity but mortality is similar. SUMMARY: RYGB and
      sleeve gastrectomy are well tolerated and effective bariatric operations and
      represent metabolic surgery. More prospective, long-term data are needed. Both
      procedures benefit specific groups of patients better than the other. Research
      defining the obese patient's metabolic state and the metabolic response to both
      operations will ultimately allow physicians to optimally match patient and
      procedure.

PMID- 25111944
TI  - How long should patients remain in the supine treatment position after
      intratympanic dexamethasone injection?
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Intratympanic dexamethasone injection (ITDI) is a widely
      accepted treatment for patients with sudden hearing loss. We investigated the
      appropriate patient wait time in the supine treatment position after ITDI. STUDY
      DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: In an in vivo animal study, 24 mice were
      injected intratympanically with dexamethasone. Perilymphatic fluid was sampled at
      5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes postinjection. The dexamethasone concentration
      was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. In a separate
      prospective clinical study, 79 patients with refractory sudden hearing loss
      underwent intratympanic injection. After the injection, patients remained in the
      supine position with the head rotated 45 degrees  to the unaffected side.
      Patients were divided into two groups according to the wait time in this
      treatment position postinjection: 30 minutes (n = 47) and 10 minutes (n = 32).
      Final hearing assessments were conducted 2 months after salvage treatment.
      RESULTS: In the in vivo animal study, the perilymphatic concentration of
      dexamethasone showed no significant increase after 10 minutes. In the clinical
      setting, hearing improvement according to Siegel's criteria was similar in the 30
      minute (14/47) and 10-minute (10/32) groups (P = 0.999). No significant
      differences in relative hearing gain was observed between the two groups (13.80
      +/- 19.9 dB and 12.57 +/- 14.9 dB, respectively; P = 0.766). CONCLUSION: We
      suggest that 10 minutes is a sufficient time to remain in the supine treatment
      position after ITDI in patients with sudden hearing loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID- 25111945
TI  - Transient osteoporosis of pregnancy of the bilateral hips in twin gestation: a
      case series.
AB  - Transient osteoporosis of pregnancy has been described as a rare, self-limiting
      disease of unclear etiology that presents as severe pain, which typically affects
      pregnant women in their third trimester. We describe 3 cases of primigravid
      pregnant women with twin gestation who reported unilateral hip pain and who were
      diagnosed with transient osteoporosis of pregnancy of the hip by magnetic
      resonance imaging. These women were advised to undergo limited weight bearing and
      activity modification to minimize the risk of fracture. Each patient was able to
      proceed through her pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum course without
      complication, with symptom resolution, and return to unrestricted activity. 

PMID- 25111946
TI  - Single leg squat test and its relationship to dynamic knee valgus and injury risk
      screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lower extremity injuries are common in athletes. Valid tests to
      assess for risk of injury that are easily performed during a preparticipation
      sports physical examination are lacking. Two-dimensional (2D) analysis of the
      drop-jump test can identify athletes at risk, but it is too expensive and
      cumbersome to use in this setting. OBJECTIVE: To identify if those who perform a
      "positive"(abnormal postures) single leg squat (SLS) test also exhibit greater
      "dynamic valgus" on the 2D drop-jump test. Our secondary purpose was to assess
      whether group differences in gender, age, or body mass index are evident between
      those who exhibit a positive SLS test result versus a negative SLS test result.
      Also, we wanted to determine any gender differences with the 2D drop-jump test.
      DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Private practice, preparticipation
      sports physical examinations. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 142 middle school and high
      school athletes. METHODS: Participants performed a SLS test and a drop-jump test
      during their preparticipation sports physical examination. Individuals were
      partitioned into groups based on the outcome of their SLS test (positive SLS
      group versus negative SLS group). Independent sample t-tests were used to
      evaluate SLS group differences in the drop-jump test, age, and body mass index,
      and the chi(2) test was used to evaluate SLS group differences in gender (P <=
      .05). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The SLS test and drop-jump test. RESULTS:
      Seventy-three of the 142 athletes (51%) had a positive SLS test result, whereas
      69 athletes (49%) had a negative SLS test result. Individuals in the positive SLS
      group had a significantly lower knee-hip ratio), indicative of greater dynamic
      knee valgus, than did those in the negative SLS group (P = .02). Individual
      characteristics between SLS groups including gender, age, and body mass index
      were similar. CONCLUSION: The SLS test is a reasonable tool to use in
      preparticipation sports physical examinations to assess for dynamic knee valgus
      and the potential risk of lower extremity injury.

PMID- 25111947
TI  - Detection of DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from pancreatic
      cancer patients.
AB  - DNA repair is a key mechanism in maintaining genomic stability: repair
      deficiencies increase DNA damage and mutations that lead to several diseases,
      including cancer. We extracted DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs) of 48 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cases and 48 healthy controls to
      determine relative levels of nuclear DNA (nDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
      damage by QPCR. All participants were never smokers and between the ages of 60
      and 69. Average levels among cases were compared to controls using a rank sum
      test, and logistic regression adjusted for potential confounding factors (age,
      sex, and diabetes mellitus). Cases had less DNA damage, with a significant
      decrease in mtDNA damage (P-value = 0.03) and a borderline significant decrease
      in nDNA damage (P = 0.08). Across samples, we found mtDNA abundance was higher
      among non-diabetics compared to diabetics (P = 0.04). Our results suggest that
      patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma have less DNA damage in their PBMCs, and
      that having diabetes, a known pancreatic cancer risk factor, is associated with
      lower levels of mtDNA abundance.

PMID- 25111949
TI  - Transposition of the left renal vein for the treatment of nutcracker syndrome in
      children: a short-term experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nutcracker syndrome is caused by compression of the left renal vein
      between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. Invasive surgical
      intervention for this pathologic entity is controversial, particularly in the
      pediatric population. We aim to describe our early clinical and operative
      experience with such patients. METHODS: We report 3 cases of pediatric patients
      undergoing successful left renal vein transposition for the treatment of
      nutcracker syndrome. RESULTS: All 3 patients were female (age 9-17 years) and
      presented with a mean of 11.7 months of abdominal or left flank pain requiring
      chronic narcotic analgesia. Initial clinical presentations were associated with
      either hematuria or proteinuria. Diagnosis of nutcracker syndrome was supported
      in each case by an elevated renocaval pressure gradient and/or axial imaging
      demonstrating mesoaortic compression of the left renal vein. All patients
      underwent open surgical repair, which included left renal vein transposition,
      liberation of the ligament of Treitz and associated adhesions, as well as
      excision of periaortic nodal tissue (mean hospital length of stay 5.7 days).
      After mean follow-up of 13 months, all patients report complete resolution of
      symptoms and hematuria/proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS: Transposition of the left renal
      vein is a safe and effective treatment for nutcracker syndrome in appropriately
      selected pediatric patients. Further experience and long-term follow-up are
      warranted to better evaluate the sustained efficacy of this procedure in this
      unique patient population.

PMID- 25111948
TI  - White-matter relaxation time and myelin water fraction differences in young
      adults with autism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests that autism is associated with abnormal
      white-matter (WM) anatomy and impaired brain 'connectivity'. While myelin plays a
      critical role in synchronized brain communication, its aetiological role in
      autistic symptoms has only been indirectly addressed by WM volumetric,
      relaxometry and diffusion tensor imaging studies. A potentially more specific
      measure of myelin content, termed myelin water fraction (MWF), could provide
      improved sensitivity to myelin alteration in autism. METHOD: We performed a cross
      sectional imaging study that compared 14 individuals with autism and 14 age- and
      IQ-matched controls. T 1 relaxation times (T 1), T 2 relaxation times (T 2) and
      MWF values were compared between autistic subjects, diagnosed using the Autism
      Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R), with current symptoms assessed using the
      Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and typical healthy controls.
      Correlations between T 1, T 2 and MWF values with clinical measures [ADI-R, ADOS,
      and the Autism Quotient (AQ)] were also assessed. RESULTS: Individuals with
      autism showed widespread WM T 1 and MWF differences compared to typical controls.
      Within autistic individuals, worse current social interaction skill as measured
      by the ADOS was related to reduced MWF although not T 1. No significant
      differences or correlations with symptoms were observed with respect to T 2.
      CONCLUSIONS: Autistic individuals have significantly lower global MWF and higher
      T 1, suggesting widespread alteration in tissue microstructure and biochemistry.
      Areas of difference, including thalamic projections, cerebellum and cingulum,
      have previously been implicated in the disorder; however, this is the first study
      to specifically indicate myelin alteration in these regions.

PMID- 25111950
TI  - Isolated dissecting aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric
      artery. A case report and literature review.
AB  - Supracoeliac abdominal aortic dissections are rare and require complex
      interventions for repair. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissections are also
      rare and even less frequently reported to involve aneurysmal change. We present
      the case of a 65-year-old man with a dissecting supracoeliac aortoiliac aneurysm
      and a separate dissecting aneurysm of the SMA The surgical intervention performed
      and a review of the literature on the management of SMA dissection in the
      endovascular era are presented.

PMID- 25111951
TI  - Antiinflammatory properties of the stem-bark of Anopyxis klaineana and its major
      constituent, methyl angolensate.
AB  - Anopyxis klaineana (Pierre) Engl. (Rhizophoraceae) is one of the reputed West
      African folkloric medicines that has never been investigated for its
      pharmacological effects or phytochemical constituents. In the present study, the
      antiinflammatory properties of the stem-bark extracts were evaluated using the
      carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in chicks. The petroleum ether, ethyl
      acetate and methanol extracts all showed a time and dose-dependent
      antiinflammatory effect over the 5-h observation period. Phytochemical analysis
      of the most active extract (methanol extract) yielded the principal constituent
      that was identified as methyl angolensate through extensive spectroscopic and X
      ray analysis studies. Although slightly less potent (ED50 , 4.05 +/- 0.0034
      mg/kg, orally) than the positive control, diclofenac (ED50 , 2.49 +/- 0.023,
      intraperitoneally n = 5), this first ever compound isolated from A. klaineana
      showed promising antiinflammatory activity that may account to some of the
      reported medicinal uses of the plant.

PMID- 25111952
TI  - Importance of diameter control on selective synthesis of semiconducting single
      walled carbon nanotubes.
AB  - The coexistence of semiconducting and metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes
      (SWNTs) during synthesis is one of the major bottlenecks that prevent their broad
      application for the next-generation nanoelectronics. Herein, we present more
      understanding and demonstration of the growth of highly enriched semiconducting
      SWNTs (s-SWNTs) with a narrow diameter distribution. An important fact discovered
      in our experiments is that the selective elimination of metallic SWNTs (m-SWNTs)
      from the mixed arrays grown on quartz is diameter-dependent. Our method
      emphasizes controlling the diameter distribution of SWNTs in a narrow range where
      m-SWNTs can be effectively and selectively etched during growth. In order to
      achieve narrow diameter distribution, uniform and stable Fe-W nanoclusters were
      used as the catalyst precursors. About 90% of as-prepared SWNTs fall into the
      diameter range 2.0-3.2 nm. Electrical measurement results on individual SWNTs
      confirm that the selectivity of s-SWNTs is ~95%. The present study provides an
      effective strategy for increasing the purity of s-SWNTs via controlling the
      diameter distribution of SWNTs and adjusting the etchant concentration.
      Furthermore, by carefully comparing the chirality distributions of Fe-W-catalyzed
      and Fe-catalyzed SWNTs under different water vapor concentrations, the
      relationship between the diameter-dependent and electronic-type-dependent etching
      mechanisms was investigated. 

PMID- 25111953
TI  - Inverse effect of mucinous component on survival in stage III colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is has been recognized as a
      separate entity in colorectal cancer (CRC), adenocarcinoma with a mucinous
      component (ACM) remains poorly understood. METHODS: The association of MAC and
      ACM with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was examined using
      the Cox proportional hazard model in 425 consecutive stage III CRCs. RESULTS:
      Compared with conventional adenocarcinoma (CAC), patients with MAC exhibited
      independently worse DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.64; 95% CI, 1.21-5.80; P = 0.014)
      and OS (HR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.53-8.30; P = 0.003). Unexpectedly, ACM was
      significantly associated with worse OS than CAC (P = 0.002), despite having a
      similar DFS to CAC. Further, ACM patients after recurrence exhibited
      significantly worse OS than CAC patients (P < 0.001), similar to MAC.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although ACM is similar to CAC with regard to estimated risk of
      recurrence, the outcome is extremely poor once recurrence occurs and is identical
      to MAC; one of the most aggressive phenotypes of stage III CRC. Thus, both MAC
      and ACM are adverse prognostic factors for OS.

PMID- 25111954
TI  - Surveillance colonoscopy in elderly patients: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The risks and benefits of surveillance colonoscopy in elderly
      patients have not been well characterized. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relative
      impact of surveillance colonoscopy in elderly patients compared with a reference
      cohort. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort study from 2001
      through 2010 of patients 50 years and older undergoing surveillance colonoscopy
      for a history of colorectal cancer (CRC) or adenomatous polyps at an integrated
      health care system in southern California. Patients were followed up from the
      surveillance examination until CRC diagnosis, death, disenrollment, IBD
      diagnosis, or study end date (December 31, 2010). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The
      primary outcome measure was incidence of CRC detected following surveillance
      colonoscopy. The secondary outcome was risk of procedure defined as postprocedure
      hospitalization within 30 days. Cox regression and multivariable logistic
      regression analyses were used to determine the impact of age on CRC incidence on
      surveillance examination as well as postprocedure hospitalization, respectively.
      RESULTS: The study cohort included 4834 elderly patients (age >=75 years; 55.8%
      male) (median surveillance age, 79 years) and 22 929 individuals in the reference
      group (age 50-74 years; 57.7% male) (median surveillance age, 63 years). A total
      of 373 cancers were detected following surveillance colonoscopy (368 in the
      reference group and 5 among the elderly patients). There were a total of 711
      postprocedure hospitalizations (184 in the reference group and 527 among the
      elderly patients). The CRC incidence among elderly patients undergoing
      surveillance was 0.24 per 1000 person-years vs 3.61 per 1000 person-years in the
      reference population (P < .001). In Cox regression analysis, the hazard ratio for
      CRC in the elderly patients compared with the reference group was 0.06 (95% CI,
      0.02-0.13) (P < .001) after adjusting for comorbid illness, sex, and
      race/ethnicity. In logistic regression analysis, age 75 years and older was
      independently associated with increased risk of postprocedure hospitalization
      (adjusted odds ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.07-1.53]; P = .006). Charlson score of 2
      was also independently associated with increased risk of postprocedure
      hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio, 2.54 [95% CI, 2.06-3.14]; P < .001).
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A low incidence of CRC and relatively high rate of
      postprocedure hospitalization were found among elderly patients undergoing
      surveillance colonoscopy. Recommendations for ongoing surveillance in the elderly
      population should take into consideration the impact of comorbid illness and
      increasing age on the anticipated risks and benefits of colonoscopy.

PMID- 25111955
TI  - Family dynamics and young children's sibling victimization.
AB  - This research examines how family dynamics like interparental conflict, family
      violence, and quality of parenting are associated with young children's
      experiences of sibling victimization. We use nationally representative data from
      interviews with caregivers of 1,726 children aged 2 to 9 years of age. We
      hypothesized different family dynamics predictors for a composite of common types
      of sibling victimization (property, psychological, and mild physical aggression)
      in comparison to severe physical sibling victimization (victimization that
      includes physical aggression with a weapon and/or injury). Multinomial regression
      results showed that sibling victimization in general was associated with negative
      family dynamics but that children in the severe group had even less parental
      warmth, poor parental supervision, and greater exposure to interparental conflict
      and family violence than children in the common types victimization group.
      Different aspects of family dynamics contribute to sibling victimization, but
      possibly in different ways and with different consequences. The findings
      underscore the importance of a family systems theory approach to clinical and
      intervention work.

PMID- 25111956
TI  - Shared possible selves, other-focus, and perceived wellness of couples with
      prostate cancer.
AB  - Shared possible selves are associated with better well-being in couples through
      their engagement in and enjoyment of collaboration (Schindler, Berg, Butler,
      Fortenberry, & Wiebe, 2010). The present study sought to address which partner's
      other-focus accounted for this sharedness in possible selves and how the
      individual and dyadic configurations of other-focused selves relate to health and
      well-being (i.e., perceived wellness) in an important health context for adult
      couples-prostate cancer. Sixty-one men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their
      wives rated their own subjective physical health and well-being and listed
      possible selves. Possible selves were reliably coded for the inclusion of the
      other (i.e., other-focus), either with the other as the subject or communal in
      content. Regression analysis showed that wives' other-focus, not husbands',
      explained variance in shared selves. A Bayesian actor-partner interdependence
      model (APIM) of both partners' other-focus and interaction between the 2 revealed
      a pattern that differed by partner. The association between husband other-focus
      and his perceived wellness was negative for husbands whose wives were low in
      other-focus and not significant for husbands with highly other-focused wives.
      Women's sense of perceived wellness did not relate to either partner's other
      focus. Results support the notion that shared possible selves may be shared
      unequally in couples facing chronic illness and suggest the importance of
      considering both partners' other-focus to understand perceived wellness. Findings
      may point to more general processes of relational adaptation to major life
      stressors such as prostate cancer.

PMID- 25111957
TI  - Oleanolic acid co-administration alleviates ethanol-induced hepatic injury via
      Nrf-2 and ethanol-metabolizing modulating in rats.
AB  - Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the leading causes of death in the world.
      Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced
      liver injury. Our previous results have found that oleanolic acid (OA), a liver
      protective agent, plays a potent antioxidant activity in hepatocyte. In the
      present study, the protective effects of OA co-administration on ethanol-induced
      oxidative injury in rats were investigated through detecting hepatic
      histopathology, antioxidant enzymes, ethanol metabolic enzymes and inflammatory
      factors. Preventions of ethanol-induced oxidative injury by OA were reflected by
      markedly decreased serum activities of AST, ALT and significantly increased the
      hepatic ATP level. In addition, the increase of the hepatic TG content, MDA level
      and the decrease of hepatic GSH level, SOD activity, CAT activity induced by
      ethanol were significantly inhibited by OA co-administration. Furthermore, OA
      could also elevate the protein expressions and nuclear translocation of
      antioxidant transcription factor Nrf-2 and then up-regulated antioxidant enzymes
      expressions of HO-1, SOD-1 and GR. Moreover, OA co-administration can
      significantly reduce the activity and expressions of CYP2E1 and ADH, which has
      characteristic of generation ROS mediated oxidative stress and acetaldehyde
      respectively. Furthermore, OA co-administration could inhibition of the
      generation of inflammatory factors TNF-alpha and IL-6. Those above results
      indicated that OA co-administration can protect rats against ethanol-induced
      liver injury by induction Nrf-2 related antioxidant to maintain redox balance and
      modulating the ethanol-metabolizing and inflammatory pathway. 

PMID- 25111958
TI  - Ovarian insufficiency and pubertal development after hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation in childhood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ovarian insufficiency (OI) and infertility are common and devastating
      late effects of cancer treatment and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (HSCT). In children, gonadal insufficiency may subsequently lead to abnormal
      pubertal development. The aim of this study was to assess the cumulative
      incidence of OI and the need for hormonal induction of pubertal development after
      HSCT in childhood. We additionally assessed HSCT-related risk factors for OI.
      PROCEDURES: A single center cohort study was undertaken of female patients
      transplanted during childhood, surviving at least 2 years post-HSCT and who were
      at least 10 years old at initiation of the study. Of 141 eligible patients, 109
      were included and hormone levels and clinical data of these patients during
      follow-up were collected. Risk factors for OI were analyzed by multivariate Cox
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Cumulative incidence of OI was 56% at a median
      follow-up of 7.2 years. Eight patients, initially diagnosed with OI, showed
      recovery of ovarian function over time. Hormonal induction of puberty was
      necessary in 44% of females who were pre-pubertal or pubertal at HSCT. In
      multivariate analysis, more advanced pubertal stage at HSCT was associated with
      OI. We found a trend for an association of busulfan with OI in patients
      conditioned with chemotherapy only. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of OI after HSCT
      was high and associated with more advanced pubertal stage at HSCT. Almost half of
      the females who were pre-pubertal or pubertal at HSCT required hormonal induction
      of pubertal development.

PMID- 25111959
TI  - Pharmacokinetic profile and first preliminary clinical evaluation of bendamustine
      in Taiwanese patients with heavily pretreated indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.
AB  - Prior studies found bendamustine is efficacious in patients with indolent B-cell
      non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). To date, no studies have reported the efficacy of
      bendamustine in a Chinese population. This multicentre phase II trial evaluated
      the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and efficacy of bendamustine monotherapy in
      Chinese patients in Taiwan with pretreated indolent B-cell NHL or mantle cell
      lymphoma (MCL). For PK assessments, patients were randomized (n = 16; 11 with
      indolent B-cell NHL and five with MCL) to 90 or 120 mg/m(2) of bendamustine for
      the first cycle. Plasma levels of bendamustine and its two metabolites were
      analyzed. For efficacy and safety evaluations, bendamustine 120 mg/m(2) was given
      to all patients every 3 weeks starting at cycle 2 for a minimum of a total of six
      cycles. The median age of patients was 61.7 years, and the majority were men
      (75%). The median number of prior treatments was 4 (range, 1-9 regimens), and all
      patients were previously treated with rituximab. Bendamustine plasma
      concentration peaked near the end of infusion and was rapidly eliminated with a
      mean elimination half-life (t(1/2)) of 0.67-0.8 h. Of the evaluable patients (n =
      14), the overall response rate was 78.6%, including 7.2% of patients having a
      complete response. Mean progression-free survival was 27.5 weeks. The most common
      grade 3-4 adverse events were leucopenia (56.3%), neutropenia (56.3%) and
      thrombocytopenia (25%). In conclusion, bendamustine was efficacious and well
      tolerated in Taiwanese patients with indolent NHL and MCL with a similar PK
      profile to that of other populations.

PMID- 25111960
TI  - Emission-tunable CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots: structure, optical properties, and
      application in white light-emitting diodes with high color rendering index.
AB  - Synthesis and application of CuInS2/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) with
      varying [Cu]/[In] ratios were conducted using a stepwise solvothermal route.
      CuInS2 (CIS) core QDs with varying [Cu]/[In] ratios exhibited deep-red emissions
      result from donor-acceptor pair recombination. The absorption and emission band
      gap of the CuInS2 QDs increased with the decrease in Cu content. The emission
      bands of the CuInS2/ZnS were tuned from 550 to 616 nm by controlling the
      [Cu]/[In] ratio after coating ZnS layer. The CIS QDs model was developed to
      elucidate the synthesized crystal structure and photoluminescence of the QDs with
      various [Cu]/[In] ratios. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra of the
      CIS/ZnS QDs were also investigated. The temperature dependency of the
      photoluminescence energy and intensity for various CIS/ZnS QDs were studied from
      25 to 200  degrees C. Efficient white light-emitting diodes with high color
      rendering index values (Ra = 90) were fabricated using CIS/ZnS QDs as color
      converters in combination with green light-emitting Ba2SiO4:Eu(2+) phosphors and
      blue light-emitting diodes. 

PMID- 25111961
TI  - Systematic review of pharmacological treatments for depressive symptoms in
      Huntington's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms are common in Huntington's disease (HD),
      profoundly affect quality of life, and predict suicidal ideation. However, no
      recent review of antidepressant treatment in HD has been published. METHODS: We
      performed a PRISMA systematic review of HD studies, which used a recognized
      antidepressant and measured change in depressive symptoms using a validated
      psychiatric scale. Controlled trials, uncontrolled trials, observational studies,
      and case series were included. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included, totalling
      190 patients. One study examined venlafaxine, one fluoxetine, one citalopram, one
      atomoxetine, one modafinil, one lithium, and five antipsychotics. No studies were
      of adequate duration, size, or outcome, and no controlled trial in a depressed
      population produced a positive result. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate evidence exists to
      guide antidepressant treatment in HD. Further research is needed to assess
      antidepressant efficacy and to examine whether treatment of depression represents
      a modifiable target for the high suicide rate in HD.

PMID- 25111962
TI  - Regulatory decision-making: are we getting it right?

PMID- 25111963
TI  - Development of a new benzylating reagent spontaneously releasing benzyl cation
      equivalents at room temperature.
AB  - A new O-benzylating reagent, that is, 4-(4,6-diphenoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4
      benzylmorpholinium trifluoromethanesulfonate (DPT-BM), has been developed. Benzyl
      cation equivalents are generated from DPT-BM by dissolving the compound in a
      solvent at room temperature under non-acidic conditions. The benzylation of
      various alcohols by using a combination of DPT-BM and magnesium oxide provided
      the benzyl ethers in good yields. 

PMID- 25111964
TI  - SLaP mapper: a webserver for identifying and quantifying spliced-leader addition
      and polyadenylation site usage in kinetoplastid genomes.
AB  - The Kinetoplastida are a diverse and globally distributed class of free-living
      and parasitic single-celled eukaryotes that collectively cause a significant
      burden on human health and welfare. In kinetoplastids individual genes do not
      have promoters, but rather all genes are arranged downstream of a small number of
      RNA polymerase II transcription initiation sites and are thus transcribed in
      polycistronic gene clusters. Production of individual mRNAs from this continuous
      transcript occurs co-transcriptionally by trans-splicing of a ~39 nucleotide
      capped RNA and subsequent polyadenylation of the upstream mRNA. SLaP mapper
      (Spliced-Leader and Polyadenylation mapper) is a fully automated web-service for
      identification, quantitation and gene-assignment of both spliced-leader and
      polyadenylation addition sites in Kinetoplastid genomes. SLaP mapper only
      requires raw read data from paired-end Illumina RNAseq and performs all read
      processing, mapping, quality control, quantification, and analysis in a fully
      automated pipeline. To provide usage examples and estimates of the quantity of
      sequence data required we use RNAseq obtained from two different library
      preparations from both Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania mexicana to show the
      number of expected reads that are obtained from each preparation type. SLaP
      mapper is an easy to use, platform independent webserver that is freely available
      for use at http://www.stevekellylab.com/software/slap. Example files are provided
      on the website. 

PMID- 25111965
TI  - The revolution of whole genome sequencing to study parasites.
AB  - Genome sequencing has revolutionized the way in which we approach biological
      research from fundamental molecular biology to ecology and epidemiology. In the
      last 10 years the field of genomics has changed enormously as technology has
      improved and the tools for genomic sequencing have moved out of a few dedicated
      centers and now can be performed on bench-top instruments. In this review we will
      cover some of the key discoveries that were catalyzed by some of the first genome
      projects and discuss how this field is developing, what the new challenges are
      and how this may impact on research in the near future. 

PMID- 25111966
TI  - Characterization of recombinant malarial RecQ DNA helicase.
AB  - RecQ DNA gene of multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum K1 (PfRecQ1) was
      cloned, and the recombinant C-terminal-decahistidine-tagged PfRecQ1 was expressed
      in Escherichia coli. The purified enzyme could efficiently unwind partial duplex
      DNA substrate in a 3' to 5' direction. The malarial RecQ1 could not unwind
      substrates with both 5' and 3' overhangs, those with a 5' overhang, or blunt
      ended DNA duplexes. Unwinding of DNA helicase activity was driven by the
      hydrolysis of ATP. The drug inhibitory effects of six compounds indicated that
      only doxorubicin and daunorubicin could inhibit the unwinding activity. 

PMID- 25111968
TI  - Development, validation and characterization of a novel mouse model of Adynamic
      Bone Disease (ABD).
AB  - The etiology of Adynamic Bone Disease (ABD) is poorly understood but the hallmark
      of ABD is a lack of bone turnover. ABD occurs in renal osteodystrophy (ROD) and
      is suspected to occur in elderly patients on long-term anti-resorptive therapy. A
      major clinical concern of ABD is diminished bone quality and an increased
      fracture risk. To our knowledge, experimental animal models for ABD other than
      ROD-ABD have not been developed or studied. The objectives of this study were to
      develop a mouse model of ABD without the complications of renal ablation, and to
      characterize changes in bone quality in ABD relative to controls. To re-create
      the adynamic bone condition, 4-month old female Col2.3Deltatk mice were treated
      with ganciclovir to specifically ablate osteoblasts, and pamidronate was used to
      inhibit osteoclastic resorption. Four groups of animals were used to characterize
      bone quality in ABD: Normal bone controls, No Formation controls, No Resorption
      controls, and an Adynamic group. After a 6-week treatment period, the animals
      were sacrificed and the bones were harvested for analyses. Bone quality
      assessments were conducted using established techniques including bone histology,
      quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI), dual energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DXA), microcomputed tomography (microCT), and biomechanical
      testing. Histomorphometry confirmed osteoblast-related hallmarks of ABD in our
      mouse model. Bone formation was near complete suppression in the No Formation and
      Adynamic specimens. Inhibition of bone resorption in the Adynamic group was
      confirmed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) stain. Normal bone
      mineral density and architecture were maintained in the Adynamic group, whereas
      the No Formation group showed a reduction in bone mineral content and trabecular
      thickness relative to the Adynamic group. As expected, the No Formation group had
      a more hypomineralized profile and the Adynamic group had a higher mean
      mineralization profile that is similar to suppressed bone turnover in human. This
      data confirms successful replication of the adynamic bone condition in a mouse
      without the complication of renal ablation. Our approach is the first model of
      ABD that uses pharmacological manipulation in a transgenic mouse to mimic the
      bone cellular dynamics observed in the human ABD condition. We plan to use our
      mouse model to investigate the adynamic bone condition in aging and to study
      changes to bone quality and fracture risk as a consequence of over-suppressed
      bone turnover. 

PMID- 25111970
TI  - Outcomes in operative management of pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy that often presents at an
      advanced stage. Surgical resection can prolong survival and offers the only
      potential for cure. However, pancreatectomy is associated with significant
      morbidity and mortality. This article reviews perioperative outcomes, post
      resection long-term survival, and innovations in the surgical management of
      pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 25111971
TI  - The use of 3D power Doppler ultrasound in the quantification of blood vessels in
      uterine fibroids: feasibility and reproducibility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the interobserver agreement and discriminating value of
      three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound (3D PDUS) in patients with fibroids.
      METHODS: An observational prospective cohort study in 19 patients with fibroids.
      3D PDUS was performed by one examiner and evaluated by three independent
      examiners in order to evaluate various vascular parameters: vascular index (VI),
      flow index, and vascular flow index of the fibroid, the vascular capsule and of
      its highest vascular area, using both manual and automatic contour modes. The
      intraclass correlation coefficient and discriminating values were calculated. The
      correlation between VI and volume was studied using Kendall's Tau test. RESULTS:
      In the manual contour mode, the VIs of the fibroid and of the vascular capsule
      had the highest interobserver agreements (intraclass correlation coefficients of
      0.89 and 0.87, respectively). Both parameters seem to have good discriminating
      values, given the large range of these parameters between different fibroids,
      independent of their volume. The vascularity of the fibroid and capsule was
      related. VI was not related to the volume of the fibroid. CONCLUSIONS: VI
      assessed using 3D PDUS is a reproducible parameter in the assessment of fibroid
      vascularization with discriminating abilities. Additional studies are needed to
      further evaluate its validity and clinical relevance.

PMID- 25111972
TI  - Response to "'Everybody's plastic": so what?'.

PMID- 25111969
TI  - Monitoring oxygen levels in orthotopic human glioma xenograft following carbogen
      inhalation and chemotherapy by implantable resonator-based oximetry.
AB  - Hypoxia is a critical hallmark of glioma, and significantly compromises treatment
      efficacy. Unfortunately, techniques for monitoring glioma pO2 to facilitate
      translational research are lacking. Furthermore, poor prognosis of patients with
      malignant glioma, in particular glioblastoma multiforme, warrant effective
      strategies that can inhibit hypoxia and improve treatment outcome. EPR oximetry
      using implantable resonators was implemented for monitoring pO2 in normal
      cerebral tissue and U251 glioma in mice. Breathing carbogen (95% O2 + 5% CO2 )
      was tested for hyperoxia in the normal brain and glioma xenografts. A new
      strategy to inhibit glioma growth by rationally combining gemcitabine and MK
      8776, a cell cycle checkpoint inhibitor, was also investigated. The mean pO2 of
      left and right hemisphere were ~56-69 mmHg in the normal cerebral tissue of mice.
      The mean baseline pO2 of U251 glioma on the first and fifth day of measurement
      was 21.9 +/- 3.7 and 14.1 +/- 2.4 mmHg, respectively. The mean brain pO2
      including glioma increased by at least 100% on carbogen inhalation, although the
      response varied between the animals over days. Treatment with gemcitabine + MK
      8776 significantly increased pO2 and inhibited glioma growth assessed by MRI. In
      conclusion, EPR oximetry with implantable resonators can be used to monitor the
      efficacy of carbogen inhalation and chemotherapy on orthotopic glioma in mice.
      The increase in glioma pO2 of mice breathing carbogen can be used to improve
      treatment outcome. The treatment with gemcitabine + MK-8776 is a promising
      strategy that warrants further investigation. 

PMID- 25111973
TI  - "Everybody's plastic": so what?

PMID- 25111974
TI  - Prenatal melamine exposure induces impairments of spatial cognition and
      hippocampal synaptic plasticity in male adolescent rats.
AB  - Our previous studies showed that chronic melamine exposure could affect
      hippocampal synaptic plasticity and impair learning and memory on adult rats. In
      this study, we investigated whether prenatal melamine exposure (PME) induced
      cognitive deficits and impairment of synaptic plasticity in postnatal offspring.
      An animal model was produced by melamine exposure throughout gestational period
      with 400mg/kg/day, while male offspring rats were employed. Rats' performance in
      Morris water maze (MWM) was tested to evaluate learning and memory. To examine
      the variations of paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and synaptic plasticity, field
      excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded in hippocampal CA1 by
      stimulating Schaffer collaterals path. The result showed that PME probably
      impaired spatial learning and memory. The fEPSPs amplitudes of LTP were much
      lower and the PPF ratio was significantly higher in PME group than controls.
      These data suggested that PME impaired hippocampal synaptic function, which was
      partly involved in spatial cognition impairments. 

PMID- 25111976
TI  - Effect of extended pi-conjugation structure of donor-acceptor conjugated
      copolymers on the photoelectronic properties.
AB  - New donor-acceptor conjugated copolymers based on alkylthienylbenzodithiophene
      (BDTT) and alkoxynaphthodithiophene (NDT) have been synthesized and compared with
      their benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (BDT)-based analogues to investigate the
      effect of the extended pi conjugation of the polymer main chain on the
      physicochemical properties of the polymers. A systematic investigation into the
      optical properties, energy levels, field-effect transistor characteristics, and
      photovoltaic characteristics of these polymers was conducted. Both polymers
      demonstrated enhanced photovoltaic performance and increased hole mobility
      compared with the BDT-based analogue. However, the BDTT-based polymer (with pi
      conjugation extension perpendicular to main chain) gave the highest power
      conversion efficiency of 5.07% for the single-junction polymer solar cell,
      whereas the NDT-based polymer (with pi-conjugation extension along the main
      chain) achieved the highest hole mobility of approximately 0.1 cm(2) V(-1)  s(-1)
      based on the field-effect transistor; this indicated that extending the pi
      conjugation in different orientations would have a significant influence on the
      properties of the resulting polymers.

PMID- 25111975
TI  - Zebrafish embryotoxicity test for developmental (neuro)toxicity: Demo case of an
      integrated screening approach system using anti-epileptic drugs.
AB  - To improve the predictability of the zebrafish embryotoxicity test (ZET) for
      developmental (neuro)toxicity screening, we used a multiple-endpoints strategy,
      including morphology, motor activity (MA), histopathology and kinetics. The model
      compounds used were antiepileptic drugs (AEDs): valproic acid (VPA),
      carbamazepine (CBZ), ethosuximide (ETH) and levetiracetam (LEV). For VPA,
      histopathology was the most sensitive parameter, showing effects already at
      60MUM. For CBZ, morphology and MA were the most sensitive parameters, showing
      effects at 180MUM. For ETH, all endpoints showed similar sensitivity (6.6mM),
      whereas MA was the most sensitive parameter for LEV (40mM). Inclusion of kinetics
      did not alter the absolute ranking of the compounds, but the relative potency was
      changed considerably. Taking all together, this demo-case study showed that
      inclusion of multiple-endpoints in ZET may increase the sensitivity of the assay,
      contribute to the elucidation of the mode of toxic action and to a better
      definition of the applicability domain of ZET. 

PMID- 25111977
TI  - Behavioral side effects of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment: the
      role of parenting strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Behavioral and emotional difficulties are a recognised side effect of
      childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment. Modifiable factors, such
      as parenting strategies, may be an appropriate target for interventions to assist
      families with managing their child's behavior, potentially leading to improved
      psychosocial and clinical outcomes. This study examined whether parenting
      strategies are associated with child behavioral and emotional problems in a
      pediatric oncology context, with the aim of establishing whether parenting is a
      potential modifiable target for psychosocial intervention. PROCEDURE:
      Participants included 73 parents of children aged 2-6 years who were either (i)
      in the maintenance phase of treatment for ALL at the Royal Children's Hospital
      Children's Cancer Centre, Melbourne (N = 43), or (ii) had no major medical
      history (healthy control group) (N = 30). Participants completed psychometrically
      validated questionnaires that assessed parenting strategies and child emotional
      and behavioral problems. RESULTS: Results revealed that the ALL group parents
      reported higher lax parenting and more spoiling and bribing of their child than
      the healthy control group. Results from regression models indicated that, after
      controlling for the significant contribution of illness status and child age on
      child emotional and behavioral difficulties, parental laxness and parental
      overprotection were significantly associated with child emotional and behavioral
      difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Supporting parents to minimise sub-optimal parenting
      strategies, particularly lax parenting, may offer a fruitful avenue for future
      research directed toward modifiable factors associated with managing child
      emotional and behavioral problems in a pediatric oncology context.

PMID- 25111978
TI  - Reduction of physiological effects in fNIRS waveforms for efficient brain-state
      decoding.
AB  - This paper presents a methodology for online estimation of brain activities with
      reduction in the effects of physiological noises in functional near-infrared
      spectroscopy signals. The input-output characteristics of a hemodynamic response
      are modeled as an autoregressive moving average model together with exogenous
      physical signals (i.e., ARMAX). In contrast to the fixed design matrix in the
      conventional general linear model, the proposed model incorporates the temporal
      variations in the experimental paradigm as well as in the hemodynamics. The
      performance of the proposed method has been tested by using box-car type
      functions followed by individual tapping tasks. The results and their
      significance were verified using t-statistics indicating that ARMAX seems to be
      better able to track/reveal the hemodynamic response. Also, online brain
      activation maps were generated for localizing brain activities. Experimental
      results are compared with those of the existing conventional GLM-based method. 

PMID- 25111979
TI  - alpha-Synuclein rs356219 polymorphisms in patients with Gaucher disease and
      Parkinson disease.
AB  - Mutations in beta-glucocerebrosidase, the genetic defect in Gaucher disease (GD),
      are an important susceptibility factor for Parkinson disease (PD). A PD effector
      is alpha-synuclein (SNCA) hypothesized to selectively interact with beta
      glucocerebrosidase under lysosomal conditions. SNCA polymorphism rs356219 may be
      associated with early-age-onset PD, common among patients with GD+PD. The
      objective of this study was to ascertain rs356219 genotypes of GD+PD patients.
      All GD+PD patients at our Gaucher referral clinic were asked to participate. A GD
      only sex-, age-, GD genotype-, and enzyme therapy (ERT)-matched control was found
      for each GD+PD participant. Student's t-test was used (p-value <0.05 as
      significant). There were 14 GD+PD patients: all Ashkenazi Jewish; 11 males
      (78.6%); mean (range) age diagnosed GD 34.2 (5-62) years; 50% N370S homozygous;
      mild to moderate GD; 3 asplenic and only these have osteonecrosis; 5 received
      ERT; mean age (range) diagnosed PD was 57.8 (43-70) years; first PD sign was
      tremor in 9 (64.3%); cognitive dysfunction in all. In GD+PD, frequency for AG+GG
      (9) was greater than AA (5); in GD only, there was equality (7). Odds Ratio risk
      for PD increases with number minor alleles: but not significantly greater among
      GD+PD than GD only; in aggregate, there was no difference between cohorts for
      frequency of minor alleles. The limitation of this study is few GD+PD, albeit
      virtually all the GD+PD cohort >500 adult GD patients in our clinic. Nonetheless,
      as a foray into potential genetic GD susceptibility for a synucleinopathy, this
      study suggests the need for collaboration to achieve larger sample size. 

PMID- 25111980
TI  - Feto-maternal allo-immunity, regulatory T cells and predisposition to auto
      immunity. Does it all start in utero?
AB  - During gestation, maternal cells traffic to the fetus leading to the natural
      phenomenon of microchimerism. Although their persistence in offspring has been
      associated with several autoimmune disorders, the precise role of maternal cells
      in these disorders remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether alloreactive
      maternal T cells could directly trigger a graft-vs.-host like reaction or
      indirectly influence the development of the offspring's regulatory T cells (Treg)
      favoring autoimmunity. In a specific breeding strategy, we recently reported that
      maternal allogeneic T cells changed fetal Treg development and their quantities
      in mesenteric lymph nodes, leading to early signs of inflammation in the gut
      later in life. Although maternal microchimeric T cells were found in newborn
      tissues, we could not detect any cells in the gut from adult offspring where the
      inflammation occurred. Thus, strongly alloreactive maternal microchimeric T cells
      may indirectly drive the offspring to gut inflammation. We believe these results
      suggest a new mechanism for predisposition to auto-immunity. 

PMID- 25111981
TI  - Diagnostic usefulness of quantitative tissue velocity imaging and anatomic M-mode
      echocardiography for coronary artery diseases: A pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential clinical usefulness and
      determine optimal diagnostic criteria of quantitative tissue velocity imaging and
      anatomic M-mode echocardiography in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
      METHODS: We used quantitative tissue velocity imaging for the measurement of
      systolic myocardial velocity, and anatomic M-mode echocardiography for the
      measurement of ventricular wall-thickening fraction in 44 subjects with suspected
      CAD. Subjects were classified as patients if coronary angiography demonstrated a
      stenosis >= 50%, and as controls if it was strictly normal. The diagnostic
      criteria, sensitivity, and specificity were assessed by receiver-operator curves.
      RESULTS: Controls had greater mean systolic myocardial velocity and ventricular
      wall-thickening fraction in the basal (6.59 +/- 1.25 cm/s and 0.44 +/- 0.05) and
      mid segment (5.23 +/- 0.93 cm/s and 0.43 +/- 0.04) than patients (5.02 +/- 1.17
      cm/s and 0.29 +/- 0.04, 3.27 +/- 1.29 cm/s and 0.29 +/- 0.04, respectively, p <
      0.001). Mid-segment ventricular wall-thickening fraction offered 95% sensitivity
      (95% CI 88.7% to 98.4%), and 98.3% specificity (95% CI 90.9% to 1.0) with an
      optimal cut-off point of 0.349, yielding better results than systolic myocardial
      velocity, which provided 83% sensitivity (95% CI 74.2% to 89.8%), 90% specificity
      (95% CI 79.5% to 96.2%), and optimal cut-off point 4.47. The combination of
      systolic myocardial velocity and ventricular wall-thickening fraction offered 97%
      sensitivity (95% CI 91.5% to 99.4%) CONCLUSIONS: Mid-segment ventricular wall
      thickening fraction might be suitable for the evaluation of patients with CAD.

PMID- 25111982
TI  - Coronary artery disease and 10-year outcome after hospital admission for heart
      failure with preserved and with reduced ejection fraction.
AB  - AIMS: The prognostic impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) in heart failure is
      debated. Whereas causes of death have been well described in patients with
      cardiomyopathy, little is known about how CAD influences causes of death in heart
      failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). We undertook a 10-year study
      and analysed causes of death in relation with CAD in HFPEF and in heart failure
      with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Our prospective
      analysis included 591 consecutive patients (320 HFPEF and 271 HFREF) hospitalized
      for the first time for heart failure during 2000 and followed for 10 years.
      History of CAD was documented in 25% of HFPEF and 39% of HFREF patients (P <
      0.001). Overall, CAD was independently predictive of all-cause and cardiovascular
      death. CAD had powerful prognostic impact in HFREF [adjusted hazard ratio (HR)
      1.60 (1.19-2.15) for all-cause death, and adjusted HR 2.01 (1.38-2.92) for
      cardiovascular death]. In HFPEF, the association between CAD and cardiovascular
      death was no longer observed after adjustment [adjusted HR 1.01 (0.69-1.50)]. In
      HFREF, CAD was associated with increased risk of heart failure-related (adjusted
      HR 2.03 (1.21-3.43)] and myocardial infarction-related fatal events [adjusted HR
      3.84 (1.16-12.7)], while HFPEF patients with CAD appeared at greater risk of
      sudden death [adjusted HR 2.22 (1.05-4.95)]. CONCLUSION: The prognostic impact of
      CAD is different in HFPEF compared with HFREF. Patients with HFPEF and CAD are at
      high risk of cardiovascular death, especially sudden death.

PMID- 25111983
TI  - Cancer germline gene activation: friend or foe?

PMID- 25111985
TI  - Retracted manuscript: Barre B, et al. Cell Cycle 2010; 9:4795-804.

PMID- 25111986
TI  - Special issue "Organ replacement approaches".

PMID- 25111988
TI  - Tips for finding reliable health information online.

PMID- 25111987
TI  - Assessment of factors affecting the difficulty of caudal epidural injections in
      adults using ultrasound.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In unaided caudal epidural block (CEB), incorrect needle insertion
      has been reported to occur in 15% to 38% of attempts. OBJECTIVE: To statistically
      analyze the anatomical variables affecting difficult CEB using ultrasonographic
      measurement. METHODS: Preprocedural ultrasonography was performed and the
      following measurements were obtained in 146 patients: the distance from the skin
      to the apex of the sacral hiatus; the depth of the sacral canal at the apex of
      the sacral hiatus; the length of the sacrococcygeal ligament between the apex of
      the sacral hiatus and sacral base; the distance from the skin to the apex of the
      sacral cornu; and the distance between the apexes of bilateral cornua. One
      clinician, unaware of the ultrasonographic findings, performed the injections
      using the landmark technique. The procedures were videotaped and were
      subsequently reviewed by an independent investigator. RESULTS: The means (+/-
      SDs) of the abovementioned measurements were 12.1+/-3.7 mm, 6.1+/-2.1 mm, 25.9+/
      7.4 mm, 10.0+/-4.0 mm and 16.4+/-3.2 mm, respectively. Injections failed in 16
      (11%) patients and were defined as difficult in 21 (14.4%) patients. The depth of
      the sacral canal at the apex of sacral hiatus (P<0.001) and the length of the
      sacrococcygeal ligament between the apex of the sacral hiatus and sacral base
      (P=0.001) were significant predictors of difficult CEB. Of all patients, 85.7%
      and 75.2% were correctly classified as difficult or not difficult, respectively.
      The cutoff values of the depth of the sacral canal at the apex of the sacral
      hiatus and the length of the sacrococcygeal ligament between the apex of the
      sacral hiatus and the sacral base to predict a difficult CEB were 3.7 mm and 17.6
      mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both the depth of the sacral canal at the apex of
      the sacral hiatus and the length of the sacrococcygeal ligament between the apex
      of the sacral hiatus and sacral base are significant variables affecting the
      difficulty of the CEB.

PMID- 25111990
TI  - NIH-funded study finding: investigational oral regimen for hepatitis C shows
      promise.

PMID- 25111989
TI  - Obesity programs for children may help lower blood pressure.

PMID- 25111991
TI  - The NIH urges older Americans to protect their kidneys.

PMID- 25111992
TI  - Nurse staffing and education linked to reduced patient mortality.

PMID- 25111994
TI  - Abstracts of the 16th International Conference for Philosophy, Psychiatry and
      Psychology, June 26-29, 2014, Bulgaria.

PMID- 25111993
TI  - NIH-funded study finding: data supports benefits of colon cancer screening.

PMID- 25111995
TI  - Radio-guided parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The value of gamma probes in the surgical treatment of secondary
      hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) was determined. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed
      the clinical data of 48 sHPT patients between May 2007 and September 2011.
      Preoperative (99)Tc(m)- methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy and high
      frequency ultrasonography were used for parathyroid localization. Thirty-five
      patients (group I) underwent conventional neck exploration and open
      parathyroidectomy. Thirteen patients (group II) underwent gamma probe-guided
      total parathyroidectomy and parathyroid transplantation. The two groups were
      compared in terms of the number of parathyroid resections, operative time, and
      postoperative changes in the blood levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium,
      and phosphate. RESULTS: The clinical manifestations, PTH and calcium levels, age
      distribution, and clinical characteristics did not differ between the two groups.
      The accuracy of preoperative (99)Tc(m)-MIBI scintigraphy (89.74%) for the
      diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism did not differ from that of ultrasonography
      (81.25%). However, the accuracy of (99)Tc(m)-MIBI scintigraphy (66.67%) for
      localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroids was significantly lower than that of
      ultrasonography (76.86%). The operation time was significantly longer in group I
      (120+/-25) min than in group II (90+/-30) min. The accuracy of parathyroid
      specimens were obtained in group I (2.5+/-0.5) than in group II (3.5+/-0.5).
      Compared with group I, group II showed a significant increase (15.4%) in the
      number of parathyroid resections. The PTH, calcium, and phosphate levels
      significantly decreased postoperatively in all patients. CONCLUSION:
      Intraoperative gamma probe examination confirmed that the excised specimen was
      parathyroid tissue and improved the accuracy of parathyroid resection. The
      parathyroidectomy rate was increased by 15.4% due to the use of these probes.
      However, the probes did not detect all ectopic parathyroids, and further research
      is required to clarify the underlying reasons.

PMID- 25111996
TI  - When you need medical care, stat.

PMID- 25111998
TI  - Fix mistakes on your medical bill.

PMID- 25111999
TI  - How to pick a medical alert system.

PMID- 25111997
TI  - Where should you go for heart surgery? Our new ratings of more than 400 hospitals
      can help you find the right one.

PMID- 25112000
TI  - Deadly pain pills: everyday, 46 people in the U.S. die from legal pain pills.
      Here's how to avoid being a statistic.

PMID- 25112002
TI  - [How do we treat an electrical storm in implantable cardioverter defibrillator
      (ICD) appropriate patients?].

PMID- 25112001
TI  - Reanalyzing reverse payment settlements: a solution to the patentee's dilemma.

PMID- 25112003
TI  - [Reconstruction of full-thickness nasal alar defect with combined nasolabial flap
      and free auricular composite flap].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the technique and its effect of combined nasolabial
      flap and free auricular composite flap for full-thickness nasal alar defect.
      METHODS: From March 2010 to March 2013, 9 patients with full-thickness nasal alar
      defects were treated with combined nasolabial flaps and free auricular composite
      flaps. Composite auricular flap was used as inner lining and cartilage framework.
      The nasolabial flap at the same side was used as outer lining. RESULTS: All the
      patients were followed up for 6-18 months (average, 12 months). All the 9
      composite auricular flaps survived completely. Epidermal necrosis happened at the
      distal end of 1 nasolabial flap. Alar rim was almost normal and symmetric nose
      was achieved in 6 cases. The arc and the thickness of the alar rim was not enough
      in 3 cases, resulting in asymmetric appearance. CONCLUSIONS: The survival area of
      auricular composite flap can be enlarged with nasolabial flap. The auricular
      helix edge can be reserved to reconstruct nasal alar rim with smooth and natural
      arc. Large full-thickness nasal alar defedts can be reconstructed with combined
      nasolabial flaps and free auricular composite flaps.

PMID- 25112004
TI  - [Comparative study in reconstruction of tongue defect with thin anterolateral
      flap and forearm flap].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the thin anterolateral flap with forearm flap in tongue
      defect repairing, and to introduce our methods and experiences in the tongue
      reconstruction with the thin anterolateral flap. METHODS: The clinicopathologic
      data of 46 cases with tongue carcinoma were obtained from School of Stomatology,
      Nanjing University Medical Center, Nanjing University from December 2009 to
      December 2011. To compare two methods of incidence of vascular crisis, tongue
      shape, language and swallowing functional recovery. RESULTS: 46 patients with
      tongue carcinoma were performed the tongue reconstruction in 12 month, which 12
      cases were used the thin anterolateral flap and 34 cases were used the forearm
      flap. In the thin anterolateral flap group, All cases were succeeded. 1 case
      occurs vascular crisis. In the forearm flap group, 33 cases were succeeded, and 1
      case occurs necrosis. 3 cases occurs vascular crisis. The results of comparing
      two methods showed that: no obvious differences in the tongue shape, and no
      obvious differences in the function of language and swallowing. CONCLUSIONS:
      There no obvious differences in the reconstruction of tongue defect between the
      thin anterolateral flap and the forearm flap. The thin anterolateral flap have
      some advantages: little influence is on the donor site, the flap extent is
      abundant, the donor site is not spectacular. The thin anterolateral flap should
      be piror method for the tongue defect repairing.

PMID- 25112005
TI  - [Application of the expanded distant skin flaps for the facial and cervical
      deformities].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of expanded distant skin flaps for the
      facial and cervical deformities. METHODS: 96 patients with facial and cervical
      deformities who underwent reconstructive surgery with expanded distant skin flaps
      were retrospectively reviewed and followed up. RESULTS: Good results were
      achieved in 95 cases. Necrosis happened in the distal end of one flap. The
      patients were followed up for 1-8 years with good cosmetic results, such as well
      matched flap texture and color. CONCLUSION: The expanded distant skin flap is
      suitable and reliable for facial and cervical deformities.

PMID- 25112006
TI  - [Primary report of single rib-cartilage recombination transplantation in Binder
      syndrome treatment].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the surgical methods and advantages of single rib-cartilage
      recombination transplantation in Binder syndrome treatment. METHODS: Five
      patients were treated with single rib-cartilage recombination transplantation. We
      harvested only the seventh costal cartilage including partial costal bone of the
      same rib to correct all the deformities. The rib was divided into 3 parts: 1 I
      shaped cartilage, 1 inverted-T-shaped cartilage, and 1 C-shaped implant (later
      divided into a C and a reversed-C implant) composed of rib bone and cartilage.
      The first 2 parts were constructed to an L-shaped implant for nasal dorsum
      augmentation, collumella support, and nasal base elevation. The C-shaped and
      reversed-C-shaped implants were placed on both sides of the pyriform aperture.
      RESULTS: All patients were followed up for eighteen to thirty months. No apparent
      deviation on the nasal support was found. CONCLUSION: Single rib-cartilage
      recombination transplantation in Binder syndrome treatment has lots of
      advantages, such as less morbidity, rapid recovery, and good results.

PMID- 25112007
TI  - [Correction of minor breast ptosis by subfascia breast augmentation with
      periareolar incision and anatomic mammary implant].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To correct the minor breast ptosis with minimal breast scar. METHODS:
      32 cases with minor breast ptosis were corrected by subfascia breast augmentation
      with periareolar incision and anatomic mammary implant. RESULT: Breast ptosis was
      completely or mostly corrected in all the patitents with periareola scar,
      avoiding the vertical breast scar. Except for short-time effusion in 2 cases, no
      other complication happened. CONCLUSIONS: Subfascia breast augmentation with
      periareolar incision and anatomic mammary implant can effectively correct minor
      breast ptosis with minimal breast scar and less complication.

PMID- 25112008
TI  - [Comparative study of three different methods for penile reconstruction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of three methods for penile reconstruction.
      METHODS: From Sept. 2000 to Dec. 2012, penile reconstruction was performed in 48
      cases with free scapular flap transplantation, or pedicled superficial circumflex
      iliac artery skin flap, or anterolateral thigh skin flap pedicled with lateral
      circumflex femoral artery. The flaps were 12.0-14.5 cm in length, 10-12 cm in
      width and the urethra perimeter was about 2-3 cm. RESULTS: Free scapular flaps
      were used in 21 cases, with flap failure in 3 cases due to insufficient blood
      supply. Malleable penile prosthesis was implanted in 11 cases, which was exposed
      in 3 cases. Groin skin flaps were used in 21 cases, with flap failure in 8 cases
      due to insufficient blood supply. Malleable penile prostheses were implanted in 7
      cases, which was exposed in 3 cases. Anterolateral thigh skin flaps were used in
      6 cases, with flap failure in 2 cases due to necrosis and infection. No
      prosthesis was implanted in this group. All the failure cases underwent secondary
      reconstruction with successful results. 37 cases were followed up for 1-6 years,
      avevage 2.5 years. 26 cases were satisfied with the results of appearance and
      function. CONCLUSIONS: Among these three methods, the free scapular flap is most
      recommended for its high survival rate, low complication rate and high patient
      satisfaction.

PMID- 25112009
TI  - [Efficacy of dexmedetomidine combined with remifentanil for lower eyelid
      blepharoplasty].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and safety of dexmedetomidine combined with
      remifentanil for lower eyelid blepharoplasty. METHODS: 50 patients undergoing
      lower eyelid blepharoplasty ASA I - II were randomly divided into 2 groups (25 in
      each group) as observation group and control group. Dexmedetomidine (0.3 microg x
      kg(-1) x h(-1)) and remifentanil (0.05 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) were used in
      observation group. Local anesthesia by lidocaine (1%) combined with midazolam
      (0.04 mg/kg) intravenous sedation were used in control group. HR, mean arterial
      pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), breathing rate (RR), pulse oxygen saturation
      (SpO2) change were monitored and recorded before and after the administration of
      the drug, as well as at the beginning of operation, during the operation, at the
      end of the operation, and 5 minutes after the operation. Patients sedation degree
      was evaluated by Ramsay. Operation time, recovery time, the incidence of adverse
      reactions, the satisfaction of patients and doctors were also recorded. RESULTS:
      Patients had no obvious difference of intraoperative MAP, RR, SpO2, operation
      time and postoperative recovery time between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared
      with control group, HR during the operation were decreased significantly [(64.2
      +/- 8.2) bpm, P < 0.05] in observation group. In control group, there were 18
      cases of patients with agitation, but they endured the operation anyway. In
      observation group, 24 cases of patients underwent operation without agitation.
      The satisfaction of patients and the operation doctors (96%) in observation group
      were markedly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Dexmedetomidine combined with remifentanil is practical and safe. The effect of
      reducing HR should be noticed.

PMID- 25112010
TI  - [Effect of postoperative analgesia with dexmedetomidine on the survival rate of
      amputated finger replantation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of postoperative analgesia with dexmedetomidine
      on the survival rate of amputated finger replantation. METHODS: 91 cases, who was
      going to receive amputated finger replantation, were randomly divided into group
      A (n = 48) and B (n = 43). PCIA (patient-controlled intravenous analgesia) was
      set immediately after operation in group A (fentanyl 1.0 mg + tropisetron 4.0 mg
      + 10 mg + dexmedetomidine 200 microg + saline 100 ml) and group B (same as group
      A except dexmedetomidine). Background infusion is 2 ml/h with a bolous of 0.5 ml
      and lockout time is 15 min. postoperative VAS score, Ramsay score, condition of
      replanted fingers and other adverse events at the 0-6 h, 6-12 h, 12-24 h and 24
      48 h were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The age, sex, height, weight, amputated
      time (Ts), revascularized time (Tt) in the two groups were not statistically
      different (P > 0.05). Postoperative VAS score in the two groups was significantly
      different at the 0-6 h, 6-12 h, 12-24 h and 24-48 h (P < 0.05), but Ramsay score
      was not (P > 0.05). The highest and lowest postoperative VAS score and Ramsay
      score were markedly different between two groups (P < 0.05). 3 of the 60 fingers
      in group A experienced vascular crisis and 2 underwent vascular explore surgery.
      13 of 56 fingers in group B occurred vascular crisis, and 10 underwent vascular
      explore surgery, showing significant difference between the two groups (P <
      0.05). PCIA adverse reactions showed no difference between the two groups (P >
      0.05). Bradycardia and hypotension didn't happen in any patients in the two
      groups. 4 weeks after surgery, the survival rate was 96.7% (58/60) in group A,
      and 83.9% (47/56) in group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Postoperative analgesia with
      dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant can increase the survival rate of replantation
      fingers with high safety.

PMID- 25112011
TI  - [Functions of retinoic acid on the biological characteristics of human embryonic
      stem cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of retinoic acid (RA) on the undifferentiated
      state and EB formation abilities of human embryonic stem cells. METHODS: The
      biological characteristics of H9 ESCs after RA treatment were characterized by
      real-time PCR, MTS proliferation assay and immunofluorescence staining. The
      expression of three germ layers markers, osteogenic differentiation markers and
      adipogenic differentiation markers in H9-differentiated embryoid bodies (EBs)
      with RA treatment were quantified by real time PCR. RESULTS: The proliferation of
      H9 ESCs in the early logarithmic growth phase was accelerated by RA treatment. In
      addition, RA induced differentiation of H9 ESC coupled with morphology changes,
      decreased expression of undifferentiated markers Oct4, Nanog, Sox2 and OCT4 mRNA
      binding protein Lin28 at mRNA level, and reduced expression of Oct4 at protein
      level. RA induced formation of cavities in EBs. Real time PCR results showed that
      the expressions of ectodermal markers: NeuroD1, Noggin; mesodermal markers:
      Brachyury, Twist and endodermal markers: AFP, GATA-4 were significantly increased
      (P < 0.05), especially for AFP (P < 0.01), by RA treatment in a dose-dependent
      manner. In addition, the expression of adipogenic differentiation marker
      C/EBPalpha was increased while the osteogenic differentiation marker OPN was
      decreased in EBs after RA treatment for 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: High concentrations
      of RA induced the loss of stemness in H9 ESCs and excessive differentiation in
      EBs, and damaged the balance between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation
      during early EB differentiation, which may be relevant to the congenital
      malformations.

PMID- 25112012
TI  - [The expressions of notch genes in human keloid-derived mesenchymal-like stem
      cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the expressions of Notch1-4 gene in human keloid-derived
      mesenchymal-like stem cells, and to explore the Notch signaling pathway's role in
      the formation of keloid. METHODS: Keloid samples were collected to harvest human
      keloid-derived mesenchymal-like stem cells through two-step enzymatic
      dissociation method. By flow cytometry, cell phenotype of primary and P3
      generation were analyzed. By immunocytochemistry, the expressions of Oct4,
      vimentin and CK19 were examined. Keloid-derived mesenchymal-like stem cells were
      induced into osteoblasts in vitro and calcium deposition was detected by Alizarin
      red S stain. Realtime polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the
      expressions of Notch1-4 mRNA in keloid-derived mesenchymal-like stem cells.
      RESULTS: Flow cytometry showed that keloid-derived mesenchymal-like stem cells of
      primary and P3 generation highly expressed CD29, CD44, CD90 from the typical MSC
      phenotype marker, but they failed to express HSC phenotype markers, such as CD34
      and CD45. The results of immunocytochemistry showed that Oct4 from pluripotent
      stem cell markers and vimentin from mesenchymal cell markers was positive and
      CK19 from epithelial cell markers was negative. After induced differentiation
      into osteoblasts in vitro after 21 day, calcium nodules could be seen clearly;
      Notch1-4 gene were expressed in keloid-derived mesenchymal-like stem cells
      through RT-PCR. The relative quantitative of Notch2, Notch3 gene were higher than
      Notch1, Notch4 gene (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The expression difference of
      different subtypes from Notch gene in human keloid-derived mesenchymal-like stem
      ceils may be related to self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, and
      participate in the formation of keloid.

PMID- 25112013
TI  - [Preliminary study of the biological characteristics of fibroblasts in human
      granulation tissue in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the biological characteristics of fibroblasts in adult
      granulation tissue in vitro, including cell viability, CD phenotypic, factor and
      protein expression, and differentiation, so as to facilitate further research of
      the role of fibroblasts in early wound healing. METHODS: Fibroblasts were
      isolated from human granulation tissue and cultured by mechanical and enzymatic
      digestion method. The cell morphology and proliferation were observed under
      inverted phase contrast microscope. The first and third passages of cells' growth
      curve were drawn respectively. The surface markers (CD105, CD73, CD90, CD44,
      CD34, CD45, CD19, CD11b, HLA-DR) of the first and third passage fibroblasts were
      identified by Flow Cytometry. And the expression of Vimentin, CK19, CD31 and
      Factor VIII were detected by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Primary cultured
      fibroblasts were short spindle, polygonal and irregular in shape. The morphology
      of fibroblasts were uniform by repeatedly passage cultured in vitro and showed
      spindle-shaped. The proliferative capacity of the fibroblasts were not
      significantly different, with logarithmic growth phase. From 1 to 4 days, The
      primary and third passage cells' proliferation was no difference (P > 0.05),
      After the five days, the proliferative ability of third generation was better
      than the primary passage (P < 0.01). All fibroblasts highly expressed mesenchymal
      stem cells' surface markers CD105, CD73, CD90 and CD44, and didnt express
      hematopoietic stem cells' surface markers CD34, CD45, CD19, CD11b and HLA-DR. The
      expression of mesenchymal stem cells' surface markers in third generation of
      cells were increased significantly. Immunocytochemistry showed positive
      expression of Vimentin, CD31, and negative expression of CK19 and Factor VIII.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fibroblasts in human granulation tissue show the biology
      characteristics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Some biological markers of endothelial
      cells are expressed in fibroblasts in granulation tissue. The fibroblasts may
      play an important role during the process of endothelial to mesenchymal
      transformation in early wound healing.

PMID- 25112014
TI  - [In vitro induction of human breast adipose-derived stem cells into epithelial
      like cells by co-culturing].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of the transdiferentiation of human breast
      adipose-derived stem cells (hbASCs) into mammary epithelial-like cells after co
      culturing in Transwell in vitro. METHODS: The third passage hbASC and the HBL-100
      cell line were co-cultured in a Transwell culture system for 15 days. The hbASCs
      were observed and identified by inverted phase contrast microscope and
      transmission electron microscopy, and immunocytochemistry staining in the induced
      and control groups. RESULTS: Both the third passage hbASCs and the HBL-100 cell
      line cells could adhere and grow rapidly after co-culture in the Transwell
      system. After co-culture for 15 days, the morphology of some induced hbASCs
      changed into epithelial-like cells. Some induced hbASCs showed positive
      expression of CK18, CK19 by immunocytochemistry staining, and typical epithelium
      cells with microvilli, desmosomes and tonofilaments observed under TEM. The
      positive rate of CK18 and CK19 was (24.4 +/- 12.0)% and (21.6 +/- 16.4)% in
      experimental group, and (1.8 +/- 1.7)% and (1.1 +/- 0.6)% in control group.
      CONCLUSION: The data suggests that hbASCs may have the potential to
      transdifferentiate into human mammary epithelial-like cells after co-culturing in
      Transwell in vitro.

PMID- 25112016
TI  - Responding to the peer review.

PMID- 25112015
TI  - [Vascular supply of intrinsic muscles of foot and anatomic basis for muscular
      flaps design].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the vascular supply of intrinsic muscles of foot and
      anatomic basis for muscular flap design. METHODS: A radiopaque injectate (lead
      oxide-gelatin mixtures, 26 ml/kg) was injected into 10 fresh cadavers. The
      dissected regions were photographed and each intrinsic muscles on the foot was
      removed and radiographed. The number, type, diameter of vascular branches of
      muscles and their distributions were observed. The area of the vascular territory
      supplied by each source vessel was calculated using Scion Image for Windows
      software. RESULTS: There were significant architectural differences among the
      intrinsic muscles. The muscles length varied from 22.5mm to 116.2mm [average,
      (66.1 +/- 23.2)mm]. The measured fiber length were relatively consistent, ranging
      from 14.2 mm to 27.5 mm [average, (20.2 +/- 4.5)mm]. There are 63 vascular
      branches into the 23 foot muscles, each muscle having average branches of 3.2 +/-
      0.8. The average diameter of branches, the length and width of each vascular
      territorial area is (0.8 +/- 0.3) mm, (2.2 +/- 0.8) cm, and (0.9 +/- 0.4) cm,
      respectively. Other findings included that some muscles were not present in some
      cadavers. CONCLUSIONS: The blood supply of intrinsic muscles of foot is abundant
      with different diameter and distributions of branches. There is an anatomic basis
      for muscular or musculoosseous flap design. There are 7 intrinsic muscles with
      large and reliable vascular supply which can be chosen as muscular flaps.

PMID- 25112017
TI  - Preparing quality improvement, research, and evidence-based practice manuscripts.

PMID- 25112018
TI  - Evaluation of the effect of cranberry juice on symptoms associated with a urinary
      tract infection.
AB  - The purpose of this research was to correlate daily consumption of cranberry
      juice and symptoms of a diagnosed UTI among 26 volunteer adult female patients.

PMID- 25112019
TI  - The effect of collection method on urinalysis results in women with pelvic organ
      prolapse.
AB  - Midstream clean catch and catheterized urine specimens were obtained for each
      patient and samples were compared by microscopic urinalysis. The results of this
      study demonstrate that a midstream clean catch does not yield accurate urinalysis
      results in women with advanced urogenital prolapse.

PMID- 25112020
TI  - Adding to the evidence base: the effect of collection method on urinalysis in
      women with pelvic organ prolapse.

PMID- 25112021
TI  - A nurse practitioner's experience in a post-graduate nurse practitioner urology
      fellowship.
AB  - In 2012 the Division of Urologic Surgery at Washington University School of
      Medicine developed and piloted a 12-month post-graduate nurse practitioner
      fellowship. The author completed this fellowship. This is a report on the
      experiences.

PMID- 25112022
TI  - Monolateral purple urine bag syndrome in a patient with bilateral nephrostomy
      tubes.
AB  - Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a constellation of findings resulting in
      purple discoloration of the urine and/or urine drainage bag(s) occurring in
      patients with long-term urinary indwelling catheters. Other causative factors may
      include constipation, female gender, the presence of bacteria containing
      sulphatase and phosphatase enzymes, and alkaline urine. While the contributing
      factors for PUBS are linked with high morbidity, PUBS itself is a benign
      condition. A case study of monolateral PUBS in a patient with bilateral
      nephrostomy tubes (NTs) is presented.

PMID- 25112023
TI  - Conservative management of acute scrotal edema.
AB  - Scrotal edema is a prevalent issue. It is difficult to treat and has a myriad of
      causes. Historical treatments for scrotal edema have lacked efficacy. If treated
      before fibrosis occurs, surgery can be avoided. A method for conservative
      management is outlined.

PMID- 25112024
TI  - Female stress urinary incontinence: an evidence-based, case study approach.
AB  - Over half of all women are affected by urinary incontinence at some point during
      their lives. Due to patients' embarrassment and health care providers' reluctance
      to discuss this sensitive subject, many women may go untreated, and in turn,
      suffer with disruptive symptoms and co-morbid complications associated with
      urinary incontinence. This article highlights a literature review of the
      evaluation and management of female stress urinary incontinence using a
      corresponding case study example. Increasing awareness and implementing evidence
      based, nonsurgical treatment options are essential components of high-quality
      care for women with stress urinary incontinence. Urologic nurses and other health
      care professionals are in an ideal position to evaluate and identify strategies
      for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

PMID- 25112025
TI  - Electrocoagulation treatment of metal finishing wastewater.
AB  - Electrocoagulation has been found to be a consistent and reliable industrial
      wastewater treatment process capable of removing heavy metals to levels well
      below pretreatment discharge standards. Results from the testing of a 113 L/min
      pilot scale electrocoagulation unit indicated that electrocoagulation was capable
      of decreasing the cadmium, chromium, and nickel concentrations from 0.14, 18.1,
      and 0.06 parts per million (ppm) to 0.029, 0.039, and 0.020 ppm respectively, at
      a 1-min hydraulic retention time. In the presence of a strong chelating
      substance, electrocoagulation performance was found to be effective in reducing
      both chromium and nickel concentrations to levels well below discharge limits. At
      a pH of 8.0, chromium and nickel influent concentrations of 0.328 and 0.062 ppm,
      respectively, were reduced to 0.005 and 0.04 ppm. The electrocoagulation removal
      efficiency for chromium remained high at over 98% and appeared to be unaffected
      by the presence of chelating substances. Utilizing aluminum as the sacrificial
      anode improved the removal efficiency of targeted heavy metals when the
      industrial wastewater was treated under acidic conditions. At a pH of 5.6, the
      influent concentrations of the regulated heavy metals cadmium, chromium, and
      nickel were reduced from 0.55, 49.7, and 13.7 ppm, respectively, to 0.013, 2.7,
      and 0.8 ppm at a 1-min hydraulic retention time. The results of these tests
      suggest that the formation of ferric hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide through the
      electrocoagulation process may be an effective approach for treating metal
      finishing wastewaters.

PMID- 25112026
TI  - Monitoring and remediation of organochlorine residues in water.
AB  - This study monitored the presence of organochlorines in drinking water in Kafr-El
      Sheikh, Ebshan, Elhamoul, Mehalt Aboali, Fowa, Balteem, and Metobess in the Kafr
      El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt, to evaluate the efficiencies of different
      remediation techniques (advanced oxidation processes [AOPs] and bioremediation)
      for removing the most frequently detected compound (i.e., lindane) in drinking
      water. The results showed the presence of several organochlorine residues at all
      water sampling sites. Lindane was detected with high frequency relative to other
      detected organochlorines in water. Nano photo-Fenton-like reagent was the most
      effective treatment for lindane removal in drinking water. Bioremediation of
      lindane by effective microorganisms removed 100% of the initial concentration of
      lindane after 23 days of treatment. The study found that there is no remaining
      toxicity of lindane-contaminated water after remediation on treated rats relative
      to the control with respect to histopathological changes in the liver and
      kidneys. Therefore, AOPs, particularly those with nanomaterials and
      bioremediation, can be regarded as safe and effective remediation technologies
      for lindane in water.

PMID- 25112027
TI  - Efficient control of odors and VOC emissions via activated carbon technology.
AB  - This research study was undertaken to enhance the efficiency and economy of
      carbon scrubbers in controlling odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at
      the wastewater collection and treatment facilities of the Bureau of Sanitation,
      City of Los Angeles. The butane activity and hydrogen sulfide breakthrough
      capacity of activated carbon were assessed. Air streams were measured for odorous
      gases and VOCs and removal efficiency (RE) determined. Carbon towers showed
      average to excellent removal of odorous compounds, VOCs, and siloxanes; whereas,
      wet scrubbers demonstrated good removal of odorous compounds but low to negative
      removal of VOCs. It was observed that the relative humidity and empty bed contact
      time are one of the most important operating parameters of carbon towers
      impacting the pollutant RE. Regular monitoring of activated carbon and VOCs has
      resulted in useful information on carbon change-out frequency, packing
      recommendations, and means to improve performance of carbon towers.

PMID- 25112028
TI  - Partial nitrification in sequencing batch reactors treating low ammonia strength
      synthetic wastewater.
AB  - Sequencing batch reactors fed with low ammonium strength synthetic wastewater
      under C/N ratios of 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 were used to investigate the transition
      from full to partial nitrification. Two strategies for establishing partial
      nitrification, aeration duration control and process parameter control, were
      compared. The effect of C/N ratio on nitrite accumulation was also evaluated.
      Results showed that partial nitrification established by controlling aeration
      duration presented better performance with higher nitrite accumulation. An
      increase of C/N ratio helped nitrite accumulation; however, non-filamentous
      bulking of sludge happened at high C/N ratio. Based on mass balances for
      nitrogen, results for nitrogen during full and partial nitrification were
      distinct from one another. For low C/N ratio, during full nitrification, almost
      100% of NH(4+)-N was oxidized to NO(3-)-N without nitrogen loss; however,
      nitrogen loss increased obviously during partial nitrification, which indicated
      that dissolved oxygen concentration and C/N ratio influenced nitrogen loss
      significantly during nitrification.

PMID- 25112029
TI  - Performance evaluation of a dual-flow recharge filter for improving groundwater
      quality.
AB  - A dual-flow multimedia stormwater filter integrated with a groundwater recharge
      system was developed and tested for hydraulic efficiency and pollutant removal
      efficiency. The influent stormwater first flows horizontally through the circular
      layers of planted grass and biofibers. Subsequently, the flow direction changes
      to a vertical direction so that water moves through layers of pebbles and sand
      and finally gets recharged to the deep aquifers. The media in the sequence of
      vegetative medium:biofiber to pebble:sand were filled in nine proportions and
      tested for the best performing combination. Three grass species, viz., Typha
      (Typha angustifolia), Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), and St. Augustine grass
      (Stenotaphrum secundatum), were tested as the best performing vegetative medium.
      The adsorption behavior of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) fiber, which was filled in
      the middle layer, was determined by a series of column and batch studies.The dual
      flow filter showed an increasing trend in hydraulic efficiency with an increase
      in flowrate. The chemical removal efficiency of the recharge dual-flow filter was
      found to be very high in case of K+ (81.6%) and Na+ (77.55%). The pH normalizing
      efficiency and electrical conductivity reduction efficiency were also recorded as
      high. The average removal percentage of Ca2+ was moderate, while that of Mg2+ was
      very low. The filter proportions of 1:1 to 1:2 (plant:fiber to pebble:sand)
      showed a superior performance compared to all other proportions. Based on the
      estimated annual costs and returns, all the financial viability criteria
      (internal rate of return, net present value, and benefit-cost ratio) were found
      to be favorable and affordable to farmers in terms of investing in the developed
      filtration system.

PMID- 25112030
TI  - Methylmercury accumulation and toxicity to cyanobacteria: implications of
      extracellural polymeric substances and growth properties.
AB  - This investigation examines how extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) and
      environmental factors influence the bioaccumulation of monomethylmercury (MMeHg)
      using a culture of Microcystis aeruginosa, which dominates eutrophic reservoir
      populations. The identified EPSs were classified as carbohydrates and proteins.
      Evaluation of the bioaccumulation of MMeHg in cells by multiple regression
      analysis reveals that the concentration of EPSs in filtrate, the initial
      concentration of MMeHg in media, and the age of the culture significantly
      affected the amount of accumulation of MMeHg. Based on the composition profiles,
      the concentrations of soluble carbohydrates were significantly higher in the
      cells with bioaccumulated MMeHg than in the control ones. Preliminary results
      based on SEM-map investigations suggest that most of the MMeHg accumulated in the
      cytoplasm (intracellular). Additionally, the effective concentrations (EC50) of
      MMeHg that inhibit the growth of M. aeruginosa were 5.1 to 7.8 microg/L in the
      logarithmic phase and 2.5 to 4.6 microg/L in the stationary phase.

PMID- 25112032
TI  - Hydrogen production and wastewater treatment in a microbial electrolysis cell
      with a biocathode.
AB  - The broad application of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) requires a system
      characterized by low cost and high operational sustainability. Biocathode MECs,
      which only require bacteria as the cathode catalysts, can satisfy these demands
      and have attracted considerable attention in recent years. In this study, we have
      examined biocathode alternatives to the typical platinum cathode in a single
      chamber, membrane-free MEC. This biocathode MEC has been used for simultaneous
      hydrogen production and wastewater treatment. The results showed that hydrogen
      production rates increased in response to an increase in voltage. At an applied
      voltage of 0.9 V, the biocathode MEC achieved a hydrogen production rate of 0.39
      m3 m(-3) d(-1), with a current density of 134 Am(-3), chemical oxygen demand
      (COD) removal of 90%, a coulombic efficiency of 63%, a cathodic hydrogen recovery
      of 37%, and an energy efficiency based on an electricity input of 67%. The
      biocathode demonstrated sufficient electrocatalytic activity and achieved a
      performance level comparable to that of the platinum cathode. Moreover, the
      substrate that was used to simulate wastewater in this study was efficiently
      treated by the MEC.

PMID- 25112031
TI  - Hydraulic and hydrogeochemical characteristics of a riverbank filtration site in
      rural India.
AB  - A riverbank filtration (RBF) system was tested along the Kali River in rural part
      of the state of Karnataka in India. The polluted river and water from open wells
      served the local population as their principal irrigation water resource and some
      used it for drinking. Four RBF wells (up to 25 m deep) were installed. The mean
      hydraulic conductivity of the well field is 6.3 x 10(-3) cm/s and, based on
      Darcy's law, the water travel time from the river to the principal RBF well (MW3)
      is 45.2 days. A mixing model based on dissolved silica concentrations indicated
      that, depending on the distance from the river and closeness to irrigated rice
      fields, approximately 27 to 73% of the well water originated from groundwater.
      Stable isotopic data indicates that a fraction of the water was drawn in from the
      nearby rice fields that were irrigated with river water. Relative to preexisting
      drinking water sources (Kali River and an open well), RBF well water showed lower
      concentration of dissolved metals (60.1% zinc, 27.8% cadmium, 83.9% lead, 75.5%
      copper, 100% chromium). This study demonstrates that RBF technology can produce
      high-quality water from low-quality surface water sources in a rural, tropical
      setting typical for many emerging economies. Further, in parts of the world where
      flood irrigation is common, RBF well water may draw in infiltrated irrigation
      water, which possibly alters its geochemical composition. A combination of more
      than one mixing model, silica together with stable isotopes, was shown to be
      useful explaining the origin of the RBF water at this study site.

PMID- 25112033
TI  - Formation kinetics of gemfibrozil chlorination reaction products: analysis and
      application.
AB  - Aqueous chlorination kinetics of the lipid regulator gemfibrozil and the
      formation of reaction products were investigated in deionized water over the pH
      range 3 to 9, and in two wastewater matrices. Chlorine oxidation of gemfibrozil
      was found to be highly dependent on pH. No statistically significant degradation
      of gemfibrozil was observed at pH values greater than 7. Gemfibrozil oxidation
      between pH 4 and 7 was best represented by first order kinetics. At pH 3,
      formation of three reaction products was observed. 4'-C1Gem was the only reaction
      product formed from pH 4-7 and was modeled with zero order kinetics. Chlorine
      oxidation of gemfibrozil in two wastewater matrices followed second order
      kinetics. 4'-C1Gem was only formed in wastewater with pH below 7. Deionized water
      rate kinetic models were applied to two wastewater effluents with gemfibrozil
      concentrations reported in literature in order to calculate potential mass
      loading rates of 4'C1Gem to the receiving water.

PMID- 25112034
TI  - Polyphosphate- and glycogen-accumulating organisms in one EBPR system for liquid
      dairy manure.
AB  - Two enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) sequencing batch reactors
      (SBR1, SBR2) treating liquid dairy manure were operated with the same hydraulic
      retention time (HRT) and solids retention time (SRT), but with different aeration
      cycles. During eight months of operation, both SBRs achieved good removal of
      total phosphorus (P) (TP; 56.8 and 73.5% for SBR1 and SBR2 respectively) and of
      orthophosphate (OP; 76.2 vs. 82.7%, P < 0.05). Growth dynamics of presumptive
      phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) and glycogen-accumulating organisms
      (GAOs) were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). SBR1 was
      enriched with a greater abundance of PAOs while SBR2 was characterized by a
      greater abundance of GAOs. These results demonstrate the capability of EBPR of
      dairy manure and challenge conventional wisdom, since greater abundance of PAOs
      in EBPR system was not associated with improved OP removal and greater abundance
      of GAOs did not indicate deterioration of the EBPR system.

PMID- 25112035
TI  - Expert recognition.

PMID- 25112036
TI  - QNI celebrates outstanding service.

PMID- 25112038
TI  - State nurseries bridge the disadvantaged gap.

PMID- 25112039
TI  - Infant mortality rates 'lagging behind' European counterparts, new report
      reveals.

PMID- 25112037
TI  - Call for HPV vaccine reduction.

PMID- 25112040
TI  - New guidelines advocate better birth choice.

PMID- 25112041
TI  - Increase in allergy-caused hospital admissions.

PMID- 25112042
TI  - Almost half of asthma deaths are avoidable.

PMID- 25112043
TI  - Children need health education, says TV doc.

PMID- 25112044
TI  - Making progress on children and young people's health.

PMID- 25112045
TI  - Not to be sneezed at.

PMID- 25112046
TI  - Childhood infestations: prevention and eradication.

PMID- 25112047
TI  - 'Is Healthy Start working? Not by a long means'.

PMID- 25112048
TI  - Vitamin D--raising awareness of low intakes.

PMID- 25112049
TI  - All you need to know about omega-3s.

PMID- 25112050
TI  - Factors that influence changes in wheelchair cushion performance over time.
AB  - Wheelchair cushions can be used for many hours every day. Like all devices,
      cushions degrade over time, losing the ability to provide adequate support.
      Little is known about the changes that cushions undergo after typical everyday
      use. This project was designed to monitor cushion performance over time with the
      objective to identify the most important factors that predict cushion
      degradation. Wheelchair users and their cushions were evaluated multiple times.
      Information was collected about participants' posture and activities, their
      cushions, and use of their cushions. Cushion performance was determined by
      measuring interface pressure using a buttock model. Data analysis proceeded in
      two steps. First, principal component analysis was run to reduce the number of
      variables. Second, multiple regression determined which variables influenced the
      interface pressure performance variables. Results indicated that user
      characteristics and the manner in which the cushion is used have a greater
      influence on cushion performance than the chronological age of the cushion. This
      result can be useful to clinicians who should query users about cushion use when
      investigating the need to replace a cushion. Finally, this information is
      applicable to policies that govern cushion replacement and indicted that wear on
      a cushion is not equivocal across users.

PMID- 25112052
TI  - Assistive technology as a predictor of general or alternate assessment among
      elementary-aged students with autism spectrum disorders.
AB  - The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 specifically mandates that all students
      participate in the general assessment process or some form of alternate
      assessment as a measure of school accountability for student academic progress.
      Although levels of communication difficulties, intellectual impairment, and
      specific diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are correlated with
      increased probability of participating in alternate assessment methods, very
      little empirical research has focused on identifying predictors for students'
      assessment modality. Archival data from the Special Education Elementary
      Longitudinal Study (SEELS; 2005) were used to examine variables that predict
      whether elementary school students with ASD participated in the general or
      alternate assessment. Results indicated that receptive and expressive
      communication abilities appear to influence participation in the general vs.
      alternate assessment in tandem with access to assistive technology. Students with
      ASDs were approximately 2.71 times more likely to participate in the general
      assessment when they had access to assistive technology. Next, we performed a
      second, follow-up analysis for only ASD students with communication problems. The
      odds ratio value increased to 14.9 indicating that ASD students with
      communication problems that had access to assistive technology were almost 15
      times more likely to participate in the general assessment than students with
      communication problems without access to assistive technology.

PMID- 25112051
TI  - Analysis of electrode shift effects on wavelet features embedded in a myoelectric
      pattern recognition system.
AB  - Myoelectric pattern recognition systems can translate muscle contractions into
      prosthesis commands; however, the lack of long-term robustness of such systems
      has resulted in low acceptability. Specifically, socket misalignment may cause
      disturbances related to electrodes shifting from their original recording
      location, which affects the myoelectric signals (MES) and produce degradation of
      the classification performance. In this work, the impact of such disturbances on
      wavelet features extracted from MES was evaluated in terms of classification
      accuracy. Additionally, two principal component analysis frameworks were studied
      to reduce the wavelet feature set. MES from seven able-body subjects and one
      subject with congenital transradial limb loss were studied. The electrode shifts
      were artificially introduced by recording signals during six sessions for each
      subject. A small drop in classification accuracy from 93.8% (no disturbances) to
      88.3% (with disturbances) indicated that wavelet features were able to adapt to
      the variability introduced by electrode shift disturbances. The classification
      performance of the reduced feature set was significantly lower than the
      performance of the full wavelet feature set. The results observed in this study
      suggest that the effect of electrode shift disturbances on the MES can
      potentially be mitigated by using wavelet features embedded in a pattern
      recognition system.

PMID- 25112053
TI  - A paired outcomes study comparing two pediatric wheelchairs for low-resource
      settings: the regency pediatric wheelchair and a similarly sized wheelchair made
      in Kenya.
AB  - This comparative study of two similar wheelchairs designed for less-resourced
      settings provides feedback to manufacturers, informing ongoing improvement in
      wheelchair design. It also provides practical familiarity to clinicians in
      countries where these chairs are available, in their selection of prescribed
      wheelchairs. In Kenya, 24 subjects completed 3 timed skills and assessments of
      energy cost on 2 surfaces in each of 2 wheelchairs: the Regency pediatric chair
      and a pediatric wheelchair manufactured by the Association of the Physically
      Disabled of Kenya (APDK). Both wheelchairs are designed for and distributed in
      less-resourced settings. The Regency chair significantly outperformed the APDK
      chair in one of the energy cost assessments on both surfaces and in one of three
      timed skills tests.

PMID- 25112054
TI  - Improving mouse controlling and movement for people with Parkinson's disease and
      involuntary tremor using adaptive path smoothing technique via B-spline.
AB  - Many input devices are available for interacting with computers, but the computer
      mouse is still the most popular device for interaction. People who suffer from
      involuntary tremor have difficulty using the mouse in the normal way. The target
      participants of this research were individuals who suffer from Parkinson's
      disease. Tremor in limbs makes accurate mouse movements impossible or difficult
      without any assistive technologies to help. This study explores a new assistive
      technique-adaptive path smoothing via B-spline (APSS)-to enhance mouse
      controlling based on user's tremor level and type. APSS uses Mean filtering and B
      spline to provide a smoothed mouse trajectory. Seven participants who have
      unwanted tremor evaluated APSS. Results show that APSS is very promising and
      greatly increases their control of the computer mouse. Result of user acceptance
      test also shows that user perceived APSS as easy to use. They also believe it to
      be a useful tool and intend to use it once it is available. Future studies could
      explore the possibility of integrating APSS with one assistive pointing
      technique, such as the Bubble cursor or the Sticky target technique, to provide
      an all in one solution for motor disabled users.

PMID- 25112055
TI  - Use of assistive technologies in academic libraries: a survey.
AB  - The present article attempts to highlight the use of assistive technologies in
      academic libraries in India, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
      It dwells upon the use and importance of assistive technologies in general and
      their use for visually challenged learners in particular. Further, it gives
      suggestions for implementing assistive technologies in academic libraries for
      making visually challenged students self-reliant learners in accomplishing their
      academic and research pursuits. The present study adopted convenience sampling
      for collecting the data, which was collected between December 15, 2012 and
      January 18, 2013.

PMID- 25112056
TI  - Homebirth and the microbiome.

PMID- 25112057
TI  - Tricks of the trade.

PMID- 25112058
TI  - Marion's message: birth and the human future.

PMID- 25112059
TI  - Coming to twins.

PMID- 25112060
TI  - Why all the fuss about twins?

PMID- 25112061
TI  - The wonderful world of twin birth.

PMID- 25112062
TI  - The voice of reason.

PMID- 25112063
TI  - Twin birth in rural Nevada.

PMID- 25112065
TI  - Maternal placentophagy as an alternative medicinal practice in the postpartum
      period.

PMID- 25112064
TI  - Helping a mother with twins: choose your words wisely.

PMID- 25112066
TI  - In memory of Marsden Wagner. A friend to midwives, 1930-2014.

PMID- 25112067
TI  - Zachary and Jack.

PMID- 25112068
TI  - Jade and Cole.

PMID- 25112069
TI  - Rose and Philippa.

PMID- 25112070
TI  - Temperance and Genevieve.

PMID- 25112072
TI  - GBS updates from a homebirth perspective.

PMID- 25112071
TI  - Catharina Schrader: a midwife of 18th-century Friesland.

PMID- 25112073
TI  - Easing afterpains: wisdom from the Midwives College of Utah.

PMID- 25112074
TI  - Utilizing chiropractic for optimal pregnancy and birth outcomes.

PMID- 25112075
TI  - Moving from independent midwifery to a consultation service.

PMID- 25112076
TI  - Belly buddies.

PMID- 25112077
TI  - From Robin Lim in the Philippines.

PMID- 25112078
TI  - Is there a time or circumstance in the 3rd stage of labor when it is appropriate
      to massage the fundus?

PMID- 25112079
TI  - What are your comfort tips for 1st or 2nd stage labor?

PMID- 25112080
TI  - [Comparison of efficacy on functional constipation treated with
      electroacupuncture of different acupoint prescriptions: a randomized controlled
      pilot trial].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate preliminarily the efficacy on functional constipation
      treated with electroacupuncture of different acupoint prescriptions. METHODS: One
      hundred and four patients were randomized into a front-mu and back-shu points
      group (19 cases), a he-sea points group (34 cases), a he-sea, front-mu and back
      shu points group (26 cases) and a western medication control group (25 cases). In
      the front-mu and back-shu points group, electroacupuncture was applied at
      bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) and Dachangshu (BL 25). In the he-sea points group,
      electroacupuncture was applied at bilateral Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37).
      In the he-sea, front-mu and back-shu points group, electroacupuncture was applied
      at unilateral Tianshu (ST 25), Dachangshu (BL 25), Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu
      (ST 37). In the three groups above, the treatment was given 5 times a week in the
      first two weeks and 3 times a week in the next two weeks. In the western
      medication control group, mosapride citrate tablets were prescribed for oral
      administration, 1 table (5 mg) each time, 3 times a day, continuously for 4
      weeks. The period of research was 9 weeks, including 1 week for baseline
      evaluation, 4 weeks for treatment and 4 weeks for follow-up. The weekly
      defecation frequency was taken as primary index, while the defecation difficulty
      and life quality score were taken as the secondary indices for the efficacy
      evaluation after treatment and in follow-up. RESULTS: According to the intention
      to-treat (ITT) analytic principle, 104 cases were all enrolled in the final
      analysis. (1) After treatment, the weekly frequency of defecation was all
      increased significantly in the four groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The efficacy of
      the three electroacupuncture groups was similar to that of western medication
      control group (P > 0.05). In follow-up, the increasing effect on the weekly
      frequency of defecation was maintained in the he-sea points group (P < 0.01),
      superior to the front-mu and back-shu points group and the western medication
      control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the weekly frequency of defecation was not
      improved in the rest three groups (P > 0.05). (2) After treatment, defecation
      difficulty was relieved in the he-sea points group, the he-sea, front-mu and back
      shu points group and the western medication control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).
      In follow-up, the improvements were still significant in the he-sea points group
      and the he-sea, front-mu and back-shu points group (both P < 0.01). (3) After
      treatment, the life quality score was significantly improved in the patients of
      the he-sea points group (P < 0.05). The difference was not significant in the
      rest three groups as compared with that before treatment (all P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The weekly frequency of defecation is increased effectively after
      treatment in the three electroacupuncture groups and the efficacy is similar to
      mosapride citrate tablets. The bilateral Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) in
      he-sea acupoints increase significantly the weekly frequency of defecation,
      relieve defecation difficulty and improve life quality. Acupuncture efficacy is
      sustained for 4 weeks. This acupoints prescription is the best in the treatment
      of functional constipation.

PMID- 25112081
TI  - [Clinical efficacy observation of acupuncture at suliao (GV 25) on improving
      regain of consciousness from coma in severe craniocerebral injury].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical therapeutic effects differences between
      acupuncture at Suliao (GV 25) and Shuigou (GV 26) on promoting regain of
      consciousness from coma in severe craniocerebral injury. METHODS: Based on
      regular emergency treatments of neurosurgery, eighty-two cases of craniocerebral
      injury who were under stable condition were randomly divided into an observation
      group (42 cases) and a control group (40 cases). Suliao (GV 25) was selected as
      main aupoint, while Laogong (PC 8) and Yongquan (KI 1), etc. were selected as
      adjuvant acupoints and Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yifeng (TE 17) and
      Wangu (GB 12), etc. were selected as matching acupoints in the observation group
      where a strong needle manipulation was applied to improve the regain of
      consciousness. The main acupoint of Shuigou (GV 26) along with identical adjuvant
      acupoints and matching acupoints in the observation group were selected in the
      control group with identical strong needle manipulation. The treatment was given
      once a day in both groups, five times per week and ten times were considered as
      one session. The immediate clinical symptoms after acupuncture at Suliao (GV 25)
      and Shuigou (GV 26) were observed as well as Glasgow coma scale (GCS) before the
      treatment, after 45 days and 90 days of treatment to assess the resuscitation
      time and rate. Also the clinical efficacy was compared between both groups.
      RESULTS: The occurrence rate of sneezing reflex was 85.7% (36/42) in the
      observation group, which was higher than 25.0% (10/40) in the control group (P <
      0.01). The average resuscitation time was (64.6 +/- 19.4) days in the observation
      group, which was obviously shorter than (73.8 +/- 14. 6) days in the control
      group (P < 0.05). The resuscitation rate was 88.1% (37/42) in the observation
      group, which was similar to 75.0% (30/40) in the control group (P > 0.05).
      Compared before the treatment, GCS were both improved after the treatment in two
      groups (both P < 0.01). The 90-day GCS was 9.52 +/- 2.32 in the observation
      group, which was superior to 8.47 +/-2.14 in the control group (P < 0.05). The
      curative and markedly effective rate was 45.2% (19/42) in the observation group,
      which was superior to 22.5% (9/40) in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      The effect of acupuncture at Suliao (GV 25) on improving regain of consciousness
      from coma in severe craniocerebral injury is positive. It could specifically
      improve sneezing reflex and stimulate respiratory center, which has more obvious
      effect than acupuncture at Shuigou (GV 26).

PMID- 25112082
TI  - [Stroke-induced acroparalysis treated with xunjingcuiqi needling technique: a
      randomized controlled trial].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the impacts on the muscle strength in the patients of
      stroke-induced acroparalysis treated with Xunjingcuiqi needling technique.
      METHODS: One hundred patients were randomized into a Xunjingcuiqi group and a
      routine acupuncture group, 50 cases in each group. In the routine acupuncture
      group, the routine acupuncture technique was adopted at the main acupoints, such
      as Shangxing (GV 23), Baihui (GV 20), Dicang (ST 4), Quchi (LI 11), Huantiao (GB
      30) and Zusanli (ST 36), etc. In Xunjingcuiqi group, on the basis of the routine
      acupuncture technique, Xunjingcuiqi needling technique (pricking technique was
      quickly applied with the filiform needle along the running course of meridian to
      promote the conduction of meridian qi) was added. For the patients being hard to
      feel the needling sensation and with the muscle strength of 0 to 1 degree,
      Dongzhencuiqi technique was supplemented at shu-stream points of yang meridians
      (after qi arrival, the needling manipulation with limb movement was given to
      promote the conduction of meridian qi). The treatment was given once every day in
      the two groups. Ten treatments made one session. Three sessions of treatment were
      required. At the end of each session treatment, the muscle strength and clinical
      efficacy were assessed. RESULTS: In the 1st, 2nd and 3rd sessions of treatment,
      20, 24 and 36 cases achieved the 3 to 5 degrees muscle strength in Xunjingcuiqi
      group, respectively; and 6, 10 and 15 cases achieved the 3 to 5 degrees muscle
      strength in the routine acupuncture group. The differences were significant
      statistically in comparison of the two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The markably
      effective rates were 60.0% (30/50), 64.0% (32/50) and 70.0% (35/50) after the
      1st, 2nd and 3rd sessions of treatment in Xunjingcuiqi group, respectively; and
      those were 38.0% (19/50), 44.0% (22/50) and 46.0% (23/50) in the routine
      acupuncture group, respectively. The differences were significant in the 1st and
      3rd sessions of treatment between the two groups (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Xunjingcuiqi needling technique combined with routine acupuncture achieves the
      apparent superior efficacy on acroparalysis induced by ischemic stroke as
      compared with the simple routine acupuncture. Xunjingcuiqi needling technique
      obviously improves muscle strength and shortens the duration of sickness.

PMID- 25112083
TI  - [Clinical observation on medulla oblongata palsy after brainstem infarction
      treated with electroacupuncture at eight-neck-occiput points].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in the efficacy on speech and swallowing
      dysfunction of medulla oblongata palsy (MOP) after brainstem infarction between
      electroacupuncture at eight-neck-occiput points and routine acupoints. METHODS:
      Seventy-two patients were randomized into a neck-occiput points group and a
      meridian points group, 36 cases in each one. In the neck-occiput points group,
      the eight-neck-occiput points (Neck 1-4 points, Occiput 1-4 points) were
      selected. In the meridian points group, Lianquan (CV 23), Futu (LI 18), Tongli
      (HT 5), Hegu (LI 4) and the others were selected. Electroacupuncture was used in
      the two groups, dense-dispersion wave, retaining for 30 min. The treatment was
      given once a day, 5 treatments a week. Totally, 4 weeks were required. The
      symptom scores of speech and swallowing dysfunction were observed before and
      after treatment in the two groups. The efficacy was compared between the two
      groups. RESULTS: The scores of speech and swallowing dysfunction were improved
      significantly after treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The results
      in the neck-occiput points group were better than those in the meridian points
      group (both P < 0.01). The curative rate of speech dysfunction was 30.6% (11/36)
      and that of swallowing dysfunction was 22.2% (8/ 36) in the neck-occiput points
      group, which were better than 11.1% (4/36) and 5.6% (2/36) in the meridian points
      group, respectively. The differences were significant in comparison of the two
      groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at eight-neck-occiput
      points achieves a better efficacy on speech and swallowing dysfunction of MOP
      after brainstem infarction as compared with the routine acupoints. This therapy
      is characterized as more accurate point localization and safer operation.

PMID- 25112084
TI  - [Controlled observation of the efficacy on motion sickness in the prevention and
      treatment with jianpixingnao needling therapy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To verify the efficacy of Jianpi-xingniao needling therapy on
      prevention and treatment of motion sickness. METHODS: Sixty volunteers of motion
      sickness were randomized into an acupuncture group and a delayed acupuncture
      group, 30 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was given at
      Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36) and Hegu
      (LI 4). The needles were retained for 20 min. The treatment was given twice a
      week and 10 treatments were required. In the delayed acupuncture group,
      acupuncture was postponed, meaning no acupuncture during observation stage.
      Graybel scale was adopted to observe the score of symptoms and physical signs of
      the subjects of motion sickness before and after intervention. The efficacy was
      compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Twenty-five cases in the acupuncture
      group and 22 cases in the delayed acupuncture group were included in the
      statistical analysis. The score of symptoms and physical signs of motion sickness
      was reduced significantly after treatment in the acupuncture group as compared
      with that before treatment (10.12 +/- 3.37 vs 0.92 +/- 0.40, P < 0.05). The score
      in the acupuncture group was lower apparently than that in the delayed
      acupuncture group (0.92 +/- 0.40 vs 9.86 +/- 2.53, P < 0.05). The difference was
      not significant before and after treatment in the self-comparison of the delayed
      acupuncture group (P > 0.05). The total effective rate was 96.0% (24/25) in the
      acupuncture group, which was significantly better than 0.0% (0/22) in the delayed
      acupuncture group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Jianpixingniao needling therapy
      relieves the symptoms of motion sickness in the patients and achieves a better
      clinical efficacy.

PMID- 25112085
TI  - [Efficacy observation on acupuncture for essential hypertension of yin deficiency
      due to yang hyperactivity pattern].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effects of essential hypertension treated with
      acupuncture at Siguan [Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3)], Quchi (LI 11) and
      Xingjian (LR 2). METHODS: Sixty cases of essential hypertension were randomly
      divided into an acupuncture group and a medication group, 30 cases in each group.
      Two groups of acupoint, which were (1) Siguan [Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3)]
      and (2) Quchi (LI 11), Xingjian (LR 2), were selected alternatively in the
      acupuncture group, once everyday. In the medication group, captopril was
      prescribed for oral administration 25 mg per time, three times per day. Seven
      days made one session in both groups and totally three sessions were required.
      RESULTS: (1) After treatment, the blood pressure were decreased significantly in
      the two groups (all P < 0.01). Compared with the medication group, the diastolic
      pressure after 14 days, 21 days of treatment in the acupuncture group was
      decreased significantly (both P < 0.01). (2) In the terms of TCM syndrome score,
      the improvement of dizziness, soreness and weakness of waist and knees,
      palpitations was significant in the acupuncture group compared with that in the
      medication group(all P < 0.05). (3) The acupuncture group had less adverse
      reactions compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at
      Hegu (LI4) and Taichong (LR 3), Quchi (LI 11) and Xingjian (LR 2) can effectively
      decrease blood pressure; the effect of controlling diastolic pressure is better
      than captopril. It can also improve the symptoms of dizziness, soreness and
      weakness of waist and knees, and palpitations.

PMID- 25112086
TI  - [Efficacy observation on chrondromalacia patellae treated with fire needling
      technique at high stress points].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy differences between fire needling
      technique of filiform needle at high stress points and regular acupuncture on
      chrondromalacia patellae so as to provide the better therapy for the treatment of
      this disease. METHODS: Sixty cases of chrondromalacia patellae were randomized
      into a fire needling group (28 cases) and a routine acupuncture group (32 cases).
      In the fire needling group, 5 to 6 high stress points were localized according to
      the symptoms, palpation and imaging condition and were stimulated with fire
      needling technique of filiform needle. The treatment was given once every two
      days, 5 treatments made one session. In the routine acupuncture group, the
      regular acupuncture was applied at Dubi (ST 35), Xiguan (LR 7), Yanglingquan (GB
      34), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. The treatment was given once every
      day, 5 treatments made one session. Lysholm score, VSA score, patella title angle
      (PTA) and lateral patella angle (LPA) of the affected knees before and after
      treatment, as well as the clinical efficacy after treatment were observed in the
      two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, Lysholm score, VSA score, PTA and LPA were
      all improved apparently in the two groups (all P < 0.01). After the treatments,
      the improvements in Lysholm score, VSA score, PTA and LPA in the fire needling
      group were more obvious than those in the routine acupuncture group (all P <
      0.05). The effective rate was 92.9% (26/28) in the fire needling group, better
      than 87.5% (28/32) in the routine acupuncture group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The
      fire needling technique of filiform needle at the high stress points relieves the
      clinical symptoms of chrondromalacia patellae and recovers the biodynamical
      structure of patellae.

PMID- 25112087
TI  - [Clinical study on primary osteoporosis treated with spreading moxibustion for
      warming yang and activating blood circulation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy on primary osteoporosis treated with spreading
      moxibustion for warming yang and activating blood circulation so as to provide
      the effective clinical therapeutic methods for osteoporosis. METHODS: Sixty cases
      of primary osteoporosis were randomized into a spreading moxibustion group (30
      cases) and a calcium tablet group (30 cases). In the calcium tablet group,
      caltrate was prescribed for oral administration, 600 mg per day. In the spreading
      moxibustion group, on the basis of the treatment as the calcium tablet group, the
      spreading moxibustion was applied at Dazhui (GV 14) to Yaoshu (GV 2) for warming
      yang and activating blood circulation. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks.
      Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, TCM clinical symptom score and bone mineral
      density (BMD) were observed and compared before and after treatment in the
      patients between the two groups. RESULTS: VAS scores were reduced apparently
      after treatment in the two groups (both P < 0.01) and the results in the
      spreading moxibustion group were obviously superior to that in the calcium tablet
      group (2.36 +/- 0.43 vs 4.52 +/- 0.35, P < 0.01). BMD were all increased in the
      two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and the results in the spreading moxibustion
      group were superior to those in the calcium tablet group (both P < 0.05). The
      total clinical effective rate was 86.67% (26/30) in the spreading moxibustion
      group, apparently better than 63.33% (19/30) in the calcium tablet group (P <
      0.05). TCM clinical symptom scores after treatment were all reduced apparently in
      the two groups (both P < 0.01), and the result in the spreading moxibustion group
      was obviously superior to that in the calcium tablet group (4.72 +/- 1.90 vs 6.82
      +/- 2.30, P < 0.01). The total effective rate of TCM symptoms was 93.33% (28/30)
      in the spreading moxibustion group, apparently better than 70.00% (21/30) in the
      calcium tablet group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined therapy of spreading
      moxibustion for warming yang and activating blood circulation and the oral
      administration of caltrate apparently relieves pain and TCM clinical symptoms,
      improves BMD in the patients of osteoporosis and achieves definite clinical
      efficacy in the patients of osteoporosis.

PMID- 25112088
TI  - [Dragon moxibustion for 32 cases of low back muscle fasciitis].

PMID- 25112089
TI  - [Discussion on disease spectrum treated with acupuncture at shenmen (HT 7) and
      its compatibility based on bibliometrics].
AB  - The modern literatures on the diseases treated with acupuncture at Shenmen (HT 7)
      were collected. Using literature statistical analysis in bibliometrics, the
      common compatibility of Shenmen (HT 7) and the disease spectrum were analyzed so
      as to provide the references of the diseases that can be treated with acupuncture
      at Shenmen (HT 7). It was found that 39 kinds of diseases and symptoms, mainly
      nerve system disedses, could be treated with acupuncture at Shenmen (HT 7),
      including insomnia, depression, anxiety and dementia. Shenmen (HT 7) was seldom
      used alone. Instead, it was commonly used along with Baihui (GV 20), Sanyinjiao
      (SP 6), Neiguan (PC 6), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Taicong (LR 3).

PMID- 25112090
TI  - [Analysis on clinical palpation laws of muscle meridian focus in scapulohumeral
      periarthritis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the distribution rules of proximal and distal focus of
      muscle meridian region in scapulohumeral periarthritis. METHODS: Three hundred
      and six shoulder joints of affected side were selected in 216 patients of
      scapulohumeral periarthritis. Under the guidance of muscle meridian theory, with
      the anatomical characteristics of muscle meridian focuses, the frequency and
      location where proximal and distal focus appeared were calculated by palpation.
      RESULTS: The percentages of the frequency that the focus of muscle meridian of
      Hand-Yangming, Hand-Shaoyang, Hand-Taiyang, and three yin meridians of hand
      appeared at proximal points of shoulder joint were 25.6% (1 146/5 657), 30.9% (1
      749/5 657), 19.0% (1 075/5 657), and 24.5% (1 387/5 657), respectively, the
      focuses of muscle meridian region were Jianyuci, Juguci, Xiaoshuoci, Naohuici,
      etc. The percentages of the frequency that the focus of muscle meridian region
      appeared at distal points of shoulder joint were 31.77% (287/905), 23.2%
      (210/905), 10.9% (99/905), and 34.1% (304/905), the focuses of muscle meridian
      were Yangxici, Shousanlici, Yangchici, etc. CONCLUSION: The location and
      frequency of proximal and distal focus of muscle meridian in scapulohumeral
      periarthritis are closely related with the anatomical structure and biomechanical
      characteristics of the shoulder joints, thus new therapy for scapulohumeral
      periarthritis is implied.

PMID- 25112091
TI  - [A secondary discussion on acupoint characteristic].
AB  - With references of historical materials and modern literature regarding acupoint
      characteristic, a secondary analysis on the concept, origin, related factors and
      research methods in present research of acupoint characteristic is performed. The
      acupoint characteristic should be considered as an acupoint inherent attribute
      that could explain physiological and pathological manifestations at the same
      time, including location attribute and function attribute, which is related with
      time and treatment method. Some re-thinking on acupoint characteristic is
      proposed as well as advice on further research method and direction, hoping to
      promote the research development of acupoint characteristic.

PMID- 25112092
TI  - [Fire needle combined with small needle-knife for 58 cases of chronic lumbar
      muscle strain].

PMID- 25112093
TI  - [Effects of controllable dynamic inhaled exposure of moxa smoke on LDL-r, ICAM-1
      and morphology of heart tissue in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the change of lipid metabolism and vascular endothelium as
      well as morphology of heart tissue in rats who were long-time exposed to moxa
      smoke with different concentrations in order to provide reference for safety
      assessment of moxa smoke on cardiovascular system. METHODS: One hundred and sixty
      eighty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group, a low
      concentration group, a median-concentration group and a high-concentration group,
      42 rats in each one. The rats were exposed to moxa smoke with concentration of
      0%, 10%, 40% and 70%, respectively, for 20 min per day. After continuous
      intervention for six months, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was
      applied to measure the level of low density lipoprotein-receptor (LDL-r) and
      intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in blood serum in each group; the
      slices of heart tissue were stained with hematoxylin-eosin staining method to
      observe morphology change of heart tissue. RESULTS: (1) After the intervention of
      moxa smoke, the levels of LDL-r and ICAM-1 in the low-concentration group were
      not statistically different from those in the control group (both P > 0.05); the
      level of LDL-r in the median-concentration group was significantly increased,
      which was statistically different from that in the control group [(3.87 +/- 0.27)
      mg/mL vs (2.12 +/- 0.13) mg/mL, P < 0.01], however, the content of ICAM-1 was not
      obviously changed; although the level of LDL-r in the high-concentration group
      was presented with an escalating trend, it was not statistically different from
      that in the control group (P > 0.05) while the level of ICAM-1 was obviously
      increased (P < 0.01). (2) Under the light microscope, the abnormalities of
      cardiac muscle fibers and myocardial cell in each group were not been observed.
      CONCLUSION: The long-time intervention of low-concentration moxa smoke has no
      significant effects on lipid metabolism and vascular endothelium of rats,
      indicating that clinical application of low-concentration moxa smoke is
      relatively safe. The long-time intervention of moderate-concentration moxa smoke
      could significantly increase the clearance rate of cholesterol, implying the
      beneficial regulation of moxa smoke on lipid metabolism. The high-concentration
      moxa smoke could induce certain damage to vascular endothelium but its mechanism
      is in need of further research. The pathologic change of heart tissue could not
      be induced by moxa smoke with any concentration.

PMID- 25112094
TI  - [Effects of electroacupuncture with manifestation-root acupoint combination on
      ultrastructure and biosynthesis in mitochondrial of quadriceps femoris in rats
      with insulin resistance].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture on improving insulin
      resistance of rat from aspects of morphology and function of mitochondrial in
      quadriceps femoris. METHODS: Forty-eight 8-week Wistar rats (female and male in
      half) were randomly divided into a normal group (16 rats, group A), a model
      control group (16 rats, group B), a model plus electroacupuncture (EA) group (8
      rats, group C) and a model plus sham acupoint EA group (8 rats, group D). Group A
      was given with basic diet while high-fat diet was applied in the group B, group C
      and group D for 8 weeks to establish model of insulin resistance. After the model
      establishment, "Guanyuan" (CV 4), "Zhongwan" (CV 12), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and
      "Fenglong" (ST 30) were selected according to acupoint combination of
      manifestation-root in the group C, while four points in non-meridian area where 1
      to 2 mm next to the acupoints used in group C were selected in the group D. The
      treatment was given 15 min per time with 1 mA of intensity and 2 Hz in frequency,
      5 times per week for totally 8 weeks. The transmission electron microscope was
      adopted to observe mitochondria structure, and chemical colorimetry was used to
      test the activity of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase and phosphomolybdic
      acid colorimetry was applied to measure the content of ATP. RESULTS: After the
      treatment, the body mass was (401.63 +/- 109.81) g in the group B, which was
      significantly higher than (305.88 +/- 62.72) g in the group A (P < 0.05);
      morphological structure of mitochondrion was damaged, showing swelling and
      deformation; the activity of ATP synthase was decreased (P < 0.05) and the
      content of ATP in tissue of quadriceps femoris was also obviously lowered (P <
      0.05). The body mass was (294.13 +/- 53.78) g in the group C, which was
      significantly lower than that in the group B (P < 0.05); the damaged
      mitochondrion was restored and merged among each other; the activity of ATP
      synthase was increased (P < 0.05); the content of ATP in tissue of quadriceps
      femoris was obviously lifted (P < 0.05). The results in group D were not
      different from those in group B. CONCLUSION: The electroacupuncture with
      manifestation-root acupoint combination could improve the recovery of damaged
      structure of mitochondrion and promote the merge among each other, which could
      enhance oxidizing capacity, lower body mass and improve synthetic rate of ATP.

PMID- 25112095
TI  - [Ninety-one cases of intractable hiccups treated by acupuncture of relaxing the
      bowels and keeping the adverse stomach-qi downswards].

PMID- 25112096
TI  - [Low back pain of cold-damp pattern treated with electric-thermal Bian-stone
      therapy and traditional moxibustion: a randomized controlled trial].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in the efficacy on low back pain of cold
      damp pattern between electric-thermal Bian-stone therapy and moxibustion box
      therapy. METHODS: Forty-one cases of low back pain of cold-damp pattern were
      randomized into an electric-thermal Bian-stone therapy group (group A, 26 cases)
      and a box moxibustion therapy group (group B, 15 cases). In the group A, the
      electric-thermal Bian-stone was placed over Shenshu (BL 23) and Weizhong (BL 40).
      The temperature of stone was adjusted in accordance with patient's comfort. In
      the group B, moxibustion box was used over Shenshu (BL 23) and Weizhong (BL 40).
      The treatment was given once every day or every two days. Ten treatments made one
      session. The symptom and physical signs score of low back pain and the score of
      cold-damp syndrome were observed before and after treatment in the patients.
      RESULTS: The symptom and physical signs score of low back pain and the score of
      cold-damp syndrome were all improved in the two groups (all P < 0.01). The
      changing rate of symptom and physical signs and syndrome were (37.04 +/- 32.68)%
      and (22.85 +/- 29.95)% in the group A, and were (47.29 +/- 22.08)% and (23.89 +/-
      22.53)% in the group B, respectively, without significant difference in
      comparison between the two groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The efficacy on low
      back pain of cold-damp pattern treated with the electric-thermal Bian-stone
      therapy is similar to that of moxibustion box therapy. This therapy is
      characterized as more convenient, safer operation and less pollution.

PMID- 25112098
TI  - [Fire-needle with sulfur for 40 cases of epidemic parotitis].

PMID- 25112097
TI  - [Acupuncture combined with moxibustion for 32 cases of anal pain after anus
      operation].

PMID- 25112099
TI  - [The enlightenment of Fu's subcutaneous needling on pain medicine].
AB  - Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) is a modern approach developed from traditional
      Chinese acupuncture. It could give some stimulation in the subcutaneous region
      that has a quick and long-lasting effect on soft tissue injuries and some of the
      internal medicine diseases. It is a safe approach without adverse reaction.
      Through analysis of the features and possible mechanism of FSN, it is believed
      that research on mechanism of FSN is beneficial to the development of modern
      medicine, especially to pain management.

PMID- 25112100
TI  - [Acupuncture combined with Tuina for 10 cases of sacroiliac joint sclerosing
      osteitis].

PMID- 25112101
TI  - [Present situation and development of acupuncture and moxibustion in Turkey].
AB  - The development and status of acupuncture-moxibustion in Turkey in the fields of
      education, legal establishment, treatment, etc. are introduced. There are four
      distinguished features of acupuncture-moxibustion development in Turkey: (1) The
      geographical position of the country as the link of Europe and Asia, has resulted
      in the special feature of acupuncture-moxibustion transmission and development.
      It combines both the traditional theories from the East and the modified and
      modern techniques from the West. (2) The combination of theories and clinical
      practice started when acupuncture-moxibustion was first introduced. (3) The
      application of acupuncture-moxibustion has gone through a process from
      spontaneous transmission among the people to legalization by the government, from
      disorderly to orderly, and from market behavior to government-lead regulation,
      which has powerfully promoted healthy development of the medicine. (4)
      Acupuncture-moxibustion education provided by registered universities has
      guaranteed the quality of the education itself and the competency of the
      professionals. It has raised the scientific and normative character of
      application and increased the credibility of the people, and also has ensured the
      sustainability of acupuncture-moxibustion development by providing qualified
      professionals.

PMID- 25112102
TI  - [Case of Raynaud disease].

PMID- 25112103
TI  - [Quality assessment on guidelines of clinical practice in acupuncture and
      moxibustion: a study based on AGREE].
AB  - The quality of guidelines of clinical practice in acupuncture and moxibustion was
      evaluated with AGREE II tool. After retrieval of officially-issued guidelines of
      clinical practice in acupuncture and moxibustion from 2004 to 2013, totally 5
      types of evidence-based guidelines of clinical practice in acupuncture and
      moxibustion were acquired, including depression, herpes zoster, pseudobulbar
      palsy after stroke, migraine and Bell's palsy. With AGREE II tool, independent
      score in six areas, including guideline's scope and purpose, participants and
      personnel, preciseness, clarity and readability, applicability and editorial
      independence were analyzed to perform a comprehensive evaluation in the end. The
      assessment results indicated that the score of editorial independence in evidence
      based guidelines of clinical practice in acupuncture and moxibustion was the
      highest, averagely 97.9%, which was followed by clarity and readability (83.3%),
      participants and personnel (78.1%), preciseness (75.6%), the scope and purpose
      (68.1%) and the applicability (62.5%). The total evaluation score was all 6
      points in the five guidelines with recommended as comprehensive evaluation
      advice. This study results indicate that although the guideline of clinical
      practice in acupuncture and moxibustion is low in number, the total quality is
      considerable.

PMID- 25112104
TI  - [A further discussion on acupuncture treatment plan of facial neuritis in
      Evidence-based Guidelines of Clinical Practice in Acupuncture and Moxibustion].
AB  - The treatment plan of facial neuritis in Evidence-based Guidelines of Clinical
      Practice in Acupuncture and Moxibustion (2011 edition) is discussed, and case
      information of facial neuritis during the recent five years in department of
      acupuncture and moxibustion, PLA General Hospital, is retrospectively analyzed.
      In accordance with anatomy of the facial nerve to form the acupuncture
      prescription, the detailed diagnosis and treatment method for facial neuritis are
      introduced. The advantages of the diagnosis and treatment method for facial
      neuritis are summarized, hoping to establish a more comprehensive, standardized
      and unified treatment plan.

PMID- 25112105
TI  - [Long snake moxibustion for 38 cases of gout].

PMID- 25112106
TI  - [Origin and development of umbilical therapy in traditional Chinese medicine].
AB  - The origin and development of umbilical therapy in traditional Chinese medicine
      is explored from related literature in the history. As a result, the Shang period
      is regarded as initial period of umbilical therapy, while periods from Han
      Dynasty, Jin Dynasty and Southern-Northern Dynasties to Sui Dynasty and Tang
      Dynasty could be taken as stage of primary development. Time from Song Dynasty,
      Jin Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty to Ming and Qing Dynasties is believed as mature
      stage. Also the manipulation, application principle, indications and
      contraindications of umbilical therapy are explained. A brief overview of modern
      development of umbilical therapy is also described.

PMID- 25112107
TI  - [Acupuncturists and their academic contributions in Lingnan area: a review].
AB  - The academic thoughts of Lingnan acupuncture and moxibustion have been an
      essential part of Lingnan medicine. By exploration and arrangement of Lingnan
      medicine and books, journals and literatures regarding acupuncture and
      moxibustion, the ancient and modern acupuncturists and their academic
      contributions in Lingnan area were reviewed. As a result, the number of Lingnan
      acupuncturists and their works was low before Qing Dynasty, while from the
      Republic of China era to People's Republic of China, a considerable amount of
      acupuncturists emerged with quite a lot of works. By exploration and arrangement
      of Lingnan acupuncturists and their works and academic opinion, the acupuncture
      moxibustion school characterized by Lingnan could be formed and developed.

PMID- 25112108
TI  - [Discussion on professor SHAO Jing-Ming's academic opinion of focusing spirit].
AB  - During professor SHAO Jing-ming's academic research and medical practice, his
      academic opinion of focusing spirit is gradually developed. In terms of nurturing
      the spirit, attention should be paid on persistence as well as everyday health
      maintenance and exercise to nurture the spirit of physician. In terms of clinical
      diagnosis and treatment, patients' psychology, employment and life status should
      be observed and experienced, which could bring more methods to take essential
      care of patients' spirit. The treatment should work with psychological
      counseling, advocating that based on patients' qi and spirit, various forms of
      treatment methods should be properly used, such as acupuncture or moxibustion or
      combination of acupuncture and medicine, along with simple acupoint selection and
      harmony medication. Before clinical treatment of acupuncture, calming the mind is
      critically emphasized to make a clear diagnosis. During the acupuncture, calming
      and focusing the mind is necessary as well as emphasizing the details, so
      acupuncture could be integrated with Chi Gong to create a new warming-sensation
      technique. In a word, the academic opinion of focusing spirit is shedding an
      inspiring light upon further study.

PMID- 25112109
TI  - [Case of lacrimal duct obstruction].

PMID- 25112110
TI  - [Twenty cases of spinocerebellar atrophy treated by multi-needling in rows at
      occiput].

PMID- 25112111
TI  - [Clinical randomized controlled trials of acupoint catgut-embedding for simple
      obesity: a meta-analysis].
AB  - The clinical therapeutic effect of acupoint catgut-embedding for simple obesity
      was systemically analyzed to provide reference and assistance for its clinical
      treatment and research. By searching in the CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, Pubmed,
      Springer and Medline databases, clinical randomized controlled trials (RCT) of
      acupoint catgut-embedding for simple obesity published from Jan, 2009 to July,
      2013 were collected while Revman 5. 2 software was applied to perform the Meta
      analysis. Totally 19 articles were acquired with 1 658 cases involved. The
      effective rate was selected as primary outcome measure in 19 articles. The Meta
      analysis was performed among homogeneous researches. The results indicated that
      compared with other therapies, pooled OR of acupoint catgut-embedding was 2.45
      with 95% CI [1.81, 3.32]; in the test for overall effect, Z = 5.81, implying the
      efficacy difference of two therapies was significant in the treatment of simple
      obesity (P < 0.01). In subgroups analysis, in the event of treatment session with
      more than 3 months, compared with other therapies, pooled OR of acupoint catgut
      embedding was 2.61 with 95% CI [1.53, 4.46]; in test for overall effect, Z =
      3.51, implying the efficacy difference of two therapies was significant in the
      treatment of simple obesity (P < 0.01); in the event of treatment session with
      less than 3 months, compared with other therapies, pooled OR of acupoint catgut
      embedding was 2.38 with 95% CI [1.65, 3.44]; in test for overall effect, Z =
      4.46, implying in the treatment of simple obesity the efficacy difference of two
      therapies was significant (P < 0.01). Compared with electroacupuncture, OR of
      acupoint catgut-embedding was 1.79, 95% CI [1.08, 2.95] (P = 0.02). Compared with
      acupuncture, OR of acupoint catgut-embedding was 1.89, 95% CI [1.16, 3.09] (P =
      0.01), which explained that compared with electroacupuncture and acupuncture, the
      efficacy of acupoint catgut-embedding was significantly different. In a word, the
      clinical efficacy of acupoint catgut-embedding is superior to other therapies in
      the treatment of simple obesity.

PMID- 25112112
TI  - [Clinical utility of reflectance confocal microscopy for the non-invasive
      diagnosis of lentigo maligna melanoma].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM), a melanoma subtype that arises on sun
      damaged facial skin, is difficult to diagnose clinically. Patients and physicians
      are reluctant to perform unnecessary facial biopsies. Reflectance confocal
      microscopy (RCM) is a novel technique for non-invasive skin imaging at cellular
      level resolution. RCM increases the accuracy of melanoma diagnosis. AIMS: To
      describe the diagnostic utility of RCM in cases of clinically and
      dermatoscopically equivocal pigmented skin lesions suspicious for LMM. METHODS:
      This is a retrospective case series derived from the population of patients
      undergoing periodic skin cancer screening at a tertiary hospital clinic that
      specializes in skin cancer diagnosis. All patients consented to RCM imaging as an
      ancillary test prior to the decision on performing a biopsy in the facial lesion.
      RESULTS: We report on four patients who presented clinically and
      dermatoscopically equivocal pigmented skin lesions in the head and neck region,
      with differential diagnosis of LMM. Furthermore, in two patients, a prior
      incisional biopsy indicated a benign diagnosis upon histopathological analysis.
      In all cases, RCM examination showed specific criteria for LMM. The RCM diagnosis
      of LMM allowed direct referral for excisional surgery in three patients. In
      another patient, RCM findings guided incisional biopsy-site selection to a focus
      that revealed histopathology clear-cut criteria for LMM. CONCLUSIONS: RCM is a
      very useful adjunct to the non-invasive diagnosis of LMM.

PMID- 25112113
TI  - [Cutis verticis gyrata as an early rare presenting sign of acromegaly].
AB  - Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a descriptive term for a dermal sign in which deep
      furrows and convoluted ridges are seen upon the scalp. They are formed due to
      thickening of the skin folds of the scalp and produce an appearance that
      resembles the gyri of the brain. The condition is classified primary when the
      etiology is unknown or neurologically based. CVG will be considered secondary
      when a definite cause, systemic or localized, is responsible for the sign. We
      describe a 34 year-old male who was presented with a one-month history of
      arthralgia in his interphalangeal joints. His physical examination revealed scalp
      changes compatible with CVG, which appeared 3 years earlier. Following a thorough
      investigation of the patient, acromegaly was diagnosed. Although CVG is a rare
      condition, it has been described in patients with acromegaly. The appearance of
      SVG as an early sign of acromegaly makes this case unique and important. In a
      patient developing CVG, acromegaly and other treatable disorders should always be
      excluded.

PMID- 25112114
TI  - [Peripheral arthritis in polymyalgia rheumatica].
AB  - Polymyalgia rheumatica is characterized by aching and stiffness of the shoulder,
      the pelvic girdles and the neck. Peripheral joint involvement is less recognized
      by the medical community as a sign of the disease. In this article we present two
      patients whose disease was manifested by peripheral symptoms. The frequency,
      manifestations and the pathogenesis of the disorder are discussed and the
      importance of recognition of these symptoms and signs of the disease is stressed.

PMID- 25112115
TI  - [Unique mechanism in heart-shaped balloon burst resulting in blunt ocular
      injury].
AB  - We have previously shown that heart-shaped balloons have a different explosion
      mechanism than spherical balloons in which the former splits into two rubber
      parts still attached to the balloon base with a backward whiplash motion. This
      backward whiplash motion may cause significant blunt ocular trauma if the balloon
      is inflated by mouth. In this article, the energy of the blunt ocular trauma is
      estimated by the high speed camera photos analysis of the balloon burst.
      Furthermore, we describe the followup of eight patients with ocular trauma
      following inflation of heart-shaped balloons.

PMID- 25112116
TI  - [Lentigo maligna: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge].
AB  - Lentigo maligna is an early type of melanoma which appears in sun damaged skin.
      The clinical diagnosis as well as the pathological diagnosis are a challenge to
      the clinician and the pathologist since atypical proliferation of melanocytes is
      a common finding in chronically sun exposed skin. The use of a dermatoscope and
      in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy as diagnostics aids can make the clinical
      diagnosis more accurate. Mohs micrographic surgery has become the standard of
      care, if available, for lentigo maligna.

PMID- 25112117
TI  - [Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow].
AB  - The term posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) was coined in 1991 by
      O'Driscoll to describe the instability of the elbow caused by injury to the
      lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL). This condition, which is usually
      preceded by a traumatic dislocation of the elbow, is the most common type of
      chronic instability of the elbow. In this type of instability, the radius and
      ulna rotate externally in relation to the distal humerus, leading to posterior
      displacement of the radial head relative to the capitellum. lateral elbow pain,
      clicking, popping and snapping are possible symptoms. The diagnosis of PLRI
      relies on a high index of suspicion and on a detailed physical examination.
      Several tests have been described including apprehension tests and examination
      under anesthesia. Surgical treatment with reconstruction of the lateral
      collateral ligament complex yields successful results. In this review we
      summarize the current knowledge of the pathoanatomy, presentation, physical
      examination, diagnostic tests and management of chronic posterolateral rotatory
      instability of the elbow.

PMID- 25112118
TI  - [Physical exercise for people with cerebral palsy: effects, recommendations and
      barriers].
AB  - The management goal of cerebral palsy (CP) is improving functionality, locomotion
      and independence. Treatment programs commonly encompass adapted physical activity
      (APA). This review summarizes the knowledge regarding the effects and
      recommendations for APA in persons with CP. In addition, barriers to APA in this
      population are reviewed. The available literature on benefits of APA to persons
      with CP has focused mainly on youth. The components of the APA programs generally
      consist of strength, aerobic and flexibility training. There is no empirical
      evidence that strength-training increases spasticity in people with CP.
      Furthermore, strength-training may increase strength and the ability to perform
      daily activities. Aerobic-training is especially important as persons with CP
      typically have low cardiorespiratory fitness and high prevalence of cardiac
      disease. However, limited published evidence exists on aerobic-training effects
      in this population. Nonetheless, the evidence suggests that aerobic-training in
      persons with CP can improve physiological outcomes, yet the influence of these
      changes on participation has not been investigated sufficiently. Stretching
      exercise is a common treatment for spasticity. Surprisingly, there is
      inconclusive evidence for the effectiveness of stretching exercise for persons
      with CP. Despite the importance attributed to APA for people with CP, low levels
      of physical activity have been reported in this population. However, when
      caregivers perceive greater benefits of exercise, individuals with CP are more
      likely to be active. In contrast, barriers to APA include costs of APA programs,
      limited means of transportation to APA facilities, lack of information regarding
      APA facilities and limited appropriate exercising equipment in the APA
      facilities.

PMID- 25112119
TI  - [Breastfeeding and childhood leukemia and lymphoma].
AB  - In the last 30 years there has been an increase in the incidence rate of
      childhood cancer in the western world. Although the 5-year survival rate from
      childhood cancer has increased significantly over the years due to advances in
      treatment technologies, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death among
      children in westernized countries. Leukemia and lymphoma are two of the most
      common cancer types in children and together account for about 45% of all
      childhood cancers. Nevertheless, very little is known of the etiology of
      childhood leukemia and lymphoma. Several studies had looked into the question of
      a relationship between infant nutrition--breastfeeding or lack thereof--and the
      risk of childhood leukemia and lymphoma as part of the "infective agent theory".
      This review aims to describe the current scientific evidence regarding the
      possible connection between breastfeeding and childhood malignancies, with an
      emphasis on childhood and adolescent leukemia and lymphoma. To that end, a
      systematic review of past studies has been conducted using Pubmed. Furthermore,
      the bibliographies of the relevant studies found on Pubmed were consulted.
      Studies were divided into two groups: original studies, and systematic reviews
      and meta analyses. Based on the Literature review, it is evident that the results
      are still inconclusive--some studies found a connection between breastfeeding and
      a lower risk of childhood leukemia and lymphoma, while others found no
      connection. The variability in breastfeeding and childhood cancer rates among the
      different populations where studies were conducted is large. In view of that
      variability and the differing results of former studies, there is a need to
      continue research. Israel, with characteristics of both a westernized country and
      a more traditional society with respect to parity and breastfeeding, is a good
      place to conduct such a study, with possible important implications for public
      health.

PMID- 25112120
TI  - [Consensus conferences as a tool for implementing national policy--a review and
      international comparison].
AB  - The consensus conference (CC) is a professional methodology for comprehensive
      decision-making on controversial healthcare issues. The CC is based on health
      technology assessment, combining an in-depth review of the literature,
      consultation with experts and discussion within the framework of a broad panel of
      public and medical representatives. The process has many advantages but was also
      faces criticism; it reflects democratic deliberation, and reveals an opportunity
      to bridge the conceptual gap between policymakers and the public. The process
      enables citizens to be involved in decisions regarding unsolved medical dilemmas,
      as well as the means for resolving these questions, in an open transparent way.
      Those who criticize this mechanism refer to the restricted understanding of
      medical topics by lay-men, leading to only a negligible influence by nonmedical
      participants. However, the range of successful recommendations varies between
      countries. Many constraints raise the need for bending and matching the original
      model to different scenarios around the world; in the USA, an effort was made to
      preserve professional and academic principles, while in European countries
      flexibility led to evolving methodologies, and other frameworks developed.
      Currently, the most common methodology is the "citizen jury", empowering the
      participation of representatives of the public, as a mirror to preferences of the
      individual and society. Despite resistance, consensus conferences remain a
      successful model for policy-making in healthcare for over 30 years. During 2009
      the method was even expended for global discussion involving representatives from
      38 nations.

PMID- 25112121
TI  - [Spiritual care in hospitals and other healthcare settings in Israel--a
      profession in the making].
AB  - Faced with a serious, incurable illness, disability, and other symptoms, both
      physical and mental, some patients find themselves wondering about the meaning of
      their Lives. They need the help of a professional who can perceive their mental
      turmoil and identify their spiritual needs, and who knows how to help them find
      meaning in their uncertain state. Spiritual care providers are professionals
      whose role it is to provide patients with support in their hour of need, to help
      them preserve their identity in life-threatening situations, and to help them re
      endow their world with meaning, employing a special language and set of tools
      that enable patients to get in touch with their spiritual resources and internal
      powers of healing. Spiritual care providers serve on the medical staff in Western
      countries. In the United States, some 2,600 are employed in general hospitals,
      psychiatric hospitals, long-term care facilities, and palliative care units.
      Approximately ten years ago, the profession began developing in Israel. Today,
      dozens of spiritual care providers are now working in the healthcare system.
      There is a spiritual care network with 21 member organizations. Although the
      profession is laying down roots in the healthcare system in this country, it is
      still in its infancy and has to contend with substantial barriers and challenges,
      including professional recognition, creating positions, and identifying sources
      of funding for positions. The profession still has much room to grow as it is
      further incorporated into the healthcare system and continues undergoing
      adaptation to the Israeli cultural setting.

PMID- 25112122
TI  - [Confidence interval calculation for small numbers of observations or no
      observations at all].
AB  - Confidence interval calculation is a common statistics measure, which is
      frequently used in the statistical analysis of studies in medicine and life
      sciences. A confidence interval specifies a range of values within which the
      unknown population parameter may lie. In most situations, especially those
      involving normally-distributed data or large samples of data from other
      distributions, the normal approximation may be used to calculate the confidence
      interval. But, if the number of observed cases is small or zero, we recommend
      that the confidence interval be calculated in more appropriate ways. In such
      cases, for example, in clinical trials where the number of observed adverse
      events is small, the criterion for approximate normality is calculated.
      Confidence intervals are calculated with the use of the approximated normal
      distribution if this criterion is met, and with the use of the exact binomial
      distribution if not. This article, accompanied by examples, describes the
      criteria in which the common and known method cannot be used as well as the
      stages and methods required to calculate confidence intervals in studies with a
      small number of observations.

PMID- 25112123
TI  - [Tocophobia--its origin, prevalence and implications].
AB  - Tocophobia is defined as fear from pregnancy in general and fear of vaginal
      delivery in particular. This is a relatively prevalent phenomenon, which
      originates due to traumatic events in the past: whether as a result of previous
      bad obstetric experience or from other non-obstetric related events. Unstable
      mental disorder may also be expressed as tocophobia. As there is no common
      agreement regarding the definition of tocophobia, conservative methods of
      treatment have not proven effective. Male tocophobia is also recognized and can
      be negatively influential on female males and spouses. The ultimate solution to
      tocophobia is an elective cesarean section following maternal request, with no
      obvious medical indication. This creates ethical problems to the attending
      physicians.

PMID- 25112124
TI  - [Clinical pathological conference: abdominal masses and purulent ascites].
AB  - A 91 year old patient presented with constipation, abdominal distension, weakness
      and anorexia lasting for two days. Computed tomography revealed multiple
      peritoneal masses with significant growth within days and local invasiveness
      without regard to anatomical boundaries. No lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly
      were found. Abdominal paracentesis showed 60,000 cells/mm3 presumed to be
      neutrophils. During follow-up, there were no clinical or radiographic signs of
      peritonitis. Trans-abdominal true-cut biopsy from the peritoneal masses was
      consistent with diffuse large B cell lymphoma germinal center B cell type,
      clinically presenting as peritoneal lymphomatosis. FISH cytogenetic study
      identified single BLC-6 gene in the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. We speculated
      that this aberration in the patient's immune system cells contributed to this
      rare, unusual and aggressive lymphoma presentation in an otherwise non-immune
      compromised patient.

PMID- 25112125
TI  - [Sick child, sick parents].

PMID- 25112126
TI  - Has Jackson talken over our MSMA?

PMID- 25112127
TI  - Change of heart: transplantation in Mississippi.

PMID- 25112128
TI  - Axillary lymph node treatment in breast cancer: an update.
AB  - Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNbx) is the standard of care for staging of breast
      cancer. Patients with a negative sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNbx) do not
      undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or regional nodal irradiation
      (RNI). However, if a patient has a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNbx),
      then axillary lymph nodal dissection (ALND) is the standard treatment. Recent
      studies, notably the Z-0011 and MA-20 trials, have demonstrated that omission of
      axillary lymph nodal dissection (ALND) did not decrease overall survival. MA-20
      demonstrated that inclusion of regional nodal irradiation (RNI) in addition to
      axillary lymph nodal dissection (ALND) did increase survival when compared to
      axillary lymph nodal dissection (ALND) without regional nodal irradiation (RNI).
      Ongoing studies are randomizing patients to axillary lymph nodal dissection
      (ALND) or regional nodal irradiation (RNI) after a positive sentinel lymph node
      biopsy (SLNbx).

PMID- 25112129
TI  - Mississippi provisional reportable disease statistics. March 2014.

PMID- 25112130
TI  - Dr. W H. H. Lewis of Fayette (1866-1936).

PMID- 25112131
TI  - President's page. Thoughts on Medicaid expansion.

PMID- 25112132
TI  - A return to the Asclepeia: a physician's enduring obligation to his or her
      patients.

PMID- 25112133
TI  - Rationing vs. reengineering: the 21st century challenge for American health care.

PMID- 25112134
TI  - Sustainable access to data for postmarketing medical product safety surveillance
      under the amended HIPAA Privacy Rule.

PMID- 25112135
TI  - Privacy vs. progress: research exceptionalism is bad medicine.
AB  - Attitudes about privacy are changing in non-research settings, but these
      attitudinal shifts do not seem to be affecting the way regulators and ethicists
      think about the need to protect people from the risks of harm resulting from use
      of personal information in research studies (so-called "informational risks").
      Increasingly, people routinely share personal information (including health
      information) online. And yet, a proposal has been made to restrict further the
      use of existing data, such as electronic medical records, for purposes of
      scientific research, even when personal identifiers have been removed. The
      disproportionate focus on "informational" risks in research is a form of research
      exceptionalism. This practice of treating research risks with greater caution
      than we treat other risks encountered in daily life is a legacy of past research
      abuses. Although understandable in historical context, this exceptionalism is
      harmful when it unreasonably interferes with scientific advances that could
      improve human health and welfare.

PMID- 25112136
TI  - Big data proxies and health privacy exceptionalism.

PMID- 25112137
TI  - Crossing 138: two approaches to churn under the Affordable Care Act.
AB  - A predicted side effect of the Medicaid expansion and state-based Exchanges under
      the Affordable Care Act is churn. Churn is the shifting into and out of
      eligibility for insurance affordability programs due to income changes. Because
      the line between Medicaid and Exchange eligibility is fine -138% of the federal
      poverty level -millions of Americans are expected to gain and lose eligibility.
      Frequently, this churning undermines continuity of care, raises costs, and
      frustrates those affected. This article explores two proposed programs to
      mitigate the effects of churn: the Basic Health Program and the Bridge Program.
      This article evaluates both programs' ability to mitigate the effects of churn,
      the likely side effects to states' implementing them, and legal and practical
      obstacles to their implementation. It concludes that the Bridge Program is the
      better approach.

PMID- 25112138
TI  - Antitrust and the future of nursing: federal competition policy and the scope of
      practice.

PMID- 25112139
TI  - How Medicare Part D, Medicaid, electronic prescribing, and ICD-10 could improve
      public health (but only if CMS lets them).
AB  - A simple change to the Medicare and Medicaid outpatient prescription drug billing
      systems could improve patient safety and the systems' long-term fiscal stability.
      Including diagnosis codes on prescription drug claims (codes already in use for
      other billing purposes) would transform the Medicare Part D and Medicaid
      prescription drug claims databases into powerful public health research tools-
      ones that could provide much-needed (and, to date, elusive) information on how
      prescription drugs work in vulnerable patient populations underrepresented in
      clinical research. Achieving the full potential of this proposal, though, depends
      upon the federal agency responsible for Medicare and Medicaid, the Centers for
      Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), maintaining its current reimbursement
      policy, which is perhaps best characterized as one of benign neglect of the
      statutory standard for coverage. If, instead of continuing coverage for the vast
      majority of prescription drugs, CMS decided to deny payment for the millions of
      prescriptions falling short of the statutory standard (and thus avoid spending
      billions of federal health care dollars), prescribers would find themselves in an
      ethical dilemma between truth-telling and effectively treating their patients.
      Due to the systemic incentives for prescribers and pharmacists to miscode
      diagnoses in order to get CMS to pay for the prescription drugs needed by
      patients, the decision to treat patients effectively in the short-term under a
      strict coverage enforcement policy would undermine the potential to more
      effectively treat vulnerable patients, reduce prescription errors, and properly
      allocate federal health care dollars in the future. Even in the midst of a
      financial crisis, or perhaps especially because of our current financial crisis,
      we cannot afford to sacrifice improved patient safety and better informed long
      term management of federal health care dollars for a short-term reduction in
      federal spending on prescription drugs.

PMID- 25112141
TI  - Mandatory school-based mental health services and the prevention of school
      violence.

PMID- 25112140
TI  - Repairing the therapist? Banning reparative therapy for LGB minors.

PMID- 25112142
TI  - "Death is different": limiting health care for death row inmates.

PMID- 25112143
TI  - Unwrapped: how the Los Angeles County safer sex in the Adult Film Industry Act's
      condom mandate hurts performers & violates the First Amendment.

PMID- 25112144
TI  - Sealing the record: an analysis of jurisdictional variations of juvenile sex
      offender record sealing laws.

PMID- 25112145
TI  - Sexual and reproductive health and HIV in border districts affected by migration
      and poverty in Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess HIV knowledge, attitudes, sexual practices and sexual and
      reproductive health (SRH) service delivery in border areas of Tanzania, with a
      view to support the prioritisation of SRH interventions in border areas. METHODS:
      The target sample comprised randomly selected people living near the border, aged
      15 to 49 years. To gather information, we utilised: (i) a standardised
      questionnaire (n = 86; 42 men and 44 women) previously used in national household
      surveys conducted by the Tanzanian government; (ii) focus group discussions (ten
      male groups, n = 47; ten female groups, n = 51); and (iii) semi-structured
      interviews with service providers (n = 37). RESULTS: The mean number of sexual
      partners, frequency of multiple concurrent partnerships and engagement in
      transactional sex were significantly higher in the border community than in the
      national population. Knowledge about HIV was comparable with that in the general
      population. Access to SRH services was limited in the border areas. CONCLUSION:
      Efforts to reduce HIV transmission and to improve SRH in the border areas should
      focus on gaps in service delivery rather than education and information
      activities alone. In addition, multi-sectorial efforts spanning the health,
      social, legal and private sectors addressing gender imbalances and poverty
      alleviation are imperative for reducing poverty-driven unsafe transactional sex.

PMID- 25112146
TI  - New approaches in commercial development of artificial oxygen carriers.

PMID- 25112148
TI  - Interventions to improve adherence to first-line antibiotics in respiratory tract
      infections. The impact depends on the intensity of the intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many interventions aimed at improving the quality of antibiotic
      prescribing have been investigated, but more knowledge is needed regarding the
      impact of different intensity interventions. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of
      two interventions, a basic intervention (BI) and intensive intervention (II),
      aimed to improve the adherence to recommendations on first-line antibiotics in
      patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs). METHODS: General practitioners
      (GPs) from different regions of Spain were offered two different interventions on
      antibiotic prescribing. They registered all patients with RTIs during 15 days
      before (2008) and after (2009) the intervention. GPs in Catalonia were exposed to
      BI including prescriber feedback, clinical guidelines and training sessions
      focused on appropriate antibiotic prescribing. The other group of GPs was exposed
      to an II, which besides BI, also included training and access to point-of-care
      tests in practice. RESULTS: The GPs registered 15 073 RTIs before the
      intervention and 12 760 RTIs after. The antibiotic prescribing rate reduced from
      27.7% to 19.8%. Prescribing of first-choice antibiotics increased after the
      intervention in both groups. In the group of GPs following the BI, first-line
      antibiotics accounted for 23.8% of antibiotics before the intervention and 29.4%
      after (increase 5.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-10%), while in the group
      of GPs following the II these figures were 26.2% and 48.6% (increase 22.4%, 95%
      CI: 18.8-26%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Multifaceted interventions targeting GPs
      can improve adherence to recommendations for first-line antibiotic prescribing in
      patients with RTI, with intensive interventions that include point-of-care
      testing being more effective.

PMID- 25112147
TI  - Perception of high school students on risk for acquiring HIV and utilization of
      voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) service for HIV in Debre-berhan Town,
      Ethiopia: a quantitative cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among youth is largely
      ignored and remains invisible to both young people themselves and to the society
      as a whole. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the extent of perception
      risk of HIV and utilization of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) service
      among high school students at Debre-berhan Town, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2010 up to January
      2011 among secondary school students at Debre-berhan Town. Perception risk and
      VCT use were considered as dependant variables. A stratified random sampling
      technique was used to recruit study participants by taking schools as strata.
      Semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the necessary
      data. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. P-value < 0.05 was
      considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 339 students were
      consented to participate in the study and the response rate was 96.3%. The
      student ages' were ranged from 15 up to 24 years. Among the study participants,
      30 (8.8%) had sexual contact and the mean age of first sexual encounter was 16.4
      (SD =2.05) years. Of sexually active students, 12 (40%) had sex with different
      persons within the last 6 months, 13 (43.3%) had ever used condom and 15 (50%)
      had used VCT service. There was no statistically significant association between
      risk perception towards HIV infection and ever use of VCT service (AOR (95% CI) =
      1.0(0.30, 4.02). CONCLUSIONS: Some students were engaged in risky sexual behavior
      even though they had heard about HIV/AIDS. The perception of risk for acquisition
      of HIV infection and utilization of VCT were low. Thus, education on topic of
      HIV/AIDS through integrating as part of school curriculum and encouraging the
      existing health institutions to provide youth-friendly sexual counseling services
      including VCT for HIV are strongly recommended.

PMID- 25112149
TI  - Exploring precarious employment and women's health within the context of U.S.
      microenterprise using focus groups.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nursing has been a leader in exploring social determinants of health
      within the context of U.S. microenterprise and women's health. The purpose of
      this study was to explore precarious employment within the context of
      microenterprise and women's health using focus groups with clientele from New
      Mexico (NM). The specific aims were to identify (1) the health concerns of low
      income women who utilized resources from Women's Economic Self-Sufficiency Team
      (WESST), and (2) the meaning of precarious employment in low-income women's
      lives. DESIGN AND STRATEGY: Fourteen women, ranging in age from 21-65 years, who
      were affiliated with regional WESST sites around NM participated in focus groups
      and completed a demographic questionnaire. MEASURES: Focus group data were
      analyzed using content analysis. The degree of interrater agreement was
      determined by calculating the Cohen's kappa, percentage agreement, and prevalence
      adjusted and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). RESULTS: Two broad themes emerged from
      these data: (1) Working for Yourself and (2) Strategies. Although the women
      identified concerns about participation in microenterprise, flexibility, freedom,
      and feeling purposeful were motivators to pursue a small business. The kappa
      statistics on the five transcripts revealed poor inter-rater agreement, yet
      PABAK, which is a more sophisticated inter-rater reliability index, indicated
      that inter-rater agreement between the two raters was satisfactory. CONCLUSION:
      Despite the challenges associated with microenterprise in the US, women found
      value in working for themselves.

PMID- 25112150
TI  - Perforated colonic tubulovillous adenoma--a rare presentation.

PMID- 25112151
TI  - McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome complicated by Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis: a
      unique combination.

PMID- 25112152
TI  - Hydrotaea similis Meade (Diptera: Muscidae) newly reported from a human cadaver:
      a case report and larval morphology.
AB  - A human cadaver is an attractive breeding habitat for necrophagous insects and
      for those species that are predators of necrophages. One of the important tasks
      of forensic entomologists is to provide a reliable list of species associated
      with decomposing bodies both in the adult and larval stages. We present here a
      case of a human cadaver discovered in Central Sweden and the insect fauna
      associated with it. This is the first report of Hydrotaea similis larvae
      developing in a dead human body. The larvae of H. similis have only recently been
      studied and, therefore, even if previously they had been collected during
      forensic casework or experiments, the larvae could not have been properly
      identified, except if reared to the adult stage. To facilitate future studies and
      casework, detailed descriptions are provided here of the morphology of third
      instar larvae of both H. dentipes and H. similis using combined SEM and light
      microscopy techniques. We describe characters that allow for easy species
      identification and discrimination of these two forensically important and closely
      related species. 

PMID- 25112153
TI  - Acute intoxication due to tert-amyl alcohol--a case report.
AB  - We presented a case of 28 year-old male, who was found in a deep coma complicated
      with acute respiratory failure because of recreational intoxication with tert
      amyl alcohol (TAA). The TAA blood level at the admission was 83 MUg/mL determined
      by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the last few months
      popularity of TAA among alcohol and drug addicted people in Europe is still
      growing. The main reasons of these are: self-healing of addiction, low price of
      this xenobiotic compare to alcohol, and problem to detect this xenobiotic in
      generally used screening tests.

PMID- 25112155
TI  - Association between transforming growth factor-beta1gene-509C/T polymorphism and
      susceptibility of IgA nephropathy: a meta-analysis.
AB  - A role for transforming growth factor-beta1gene has been suggested in the
      etiology of IgA nephropathy. However, results have been inconsistent. In this
      study, a meta-analysis was performed to further clarify the association between
      transforming growth factor-beta1-509C/T gene polymorphism and the susceptibility
      of IgA nephropathy. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP Data
      were searched for eligible studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence
      intervals were calculated using a fixed-effects model or random-effects model. A
      total of eight publications involving 1355 IgA nephropathy patients and 1464
      controls met the inclusion and were analyzed. The pooled ORs for the association
      between TGF-beta1gene-509C/T polymorphism and IgA nephropathy risk were not
      statistically significant under all genetic models (for CT+TT vs. CC: OR = 1.09;
      95% CI = 0.92-1.29, p = 0.490; for TT vs. CT+CC: OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 0.94-1.38, p
      = 0.081; for CC vs. TT: OR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.69-1.08, p = 0.195; for C allele
      vs. T allele: OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.83-1.03, p = 0.149). In the stratified
      analysis by ethnicity, results also showed no significant association between TGF
      beta1 gene-509C/T polymorphism and IgA nephropathy risk in both European and
      Asian populations. This meta-analysis does not support the hypothesis that TGF
      beta1 gene-509C/T polymorphism is a risk factor for the development of IgA
      nephropathy.

PMID- 25112154
TI  - Prolonged ingestion of ovalbumin diet by sensitized mice improves the metabolic
      consequences induced by experimental food allergy.
AB  - The prevalence of food allergy is rising in the western world. Allergen
      restriction is the chosen treatment in this condition, but continuous ingestion
      of the antigen has shown positive results in clinical trials. In a previous
      study, we have shown several allergic and metabolic alterations after 7 days of
      ovalbumin (OVA) ingestion by sensitized mice. The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether prolonged ingestion of antigen by sensitized mice would
      reverse the metabolic consequences caused by experimental food allergy. For this,
      allergic and metabolic parameters were analysed after prolonged ingestion of an
      OVA diet by OVA-sensitized mice. As shown previously, after 7 days of OVA
      consumption, sensitized mice showed increased serum levels of anti-OVA
      immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG1, aversion to the antigen ingestion, marked body and
      adipose tissue weight loss, followed by adipose tissue inflammation and decreased
      serum levels of adipokines, glucose and triglycerides. However, after 14 days of
      oral challenge, sensitized mice showed an anti-OVA IgE level similar to the mice
      that were only sensitized, but the specific IgG1 did not change. With this
      prolonged ingestion of OVA, sensitized mice were protected from OVA-induced
      anaphylaxis when the antigen was given systemically at a dose of 2 mg/animal.
      Moreover, various parameters analysed were significantly ameliorated, including
      adipose tissue inflammation, body and adipose tissue loss, as well as serum
      levels of adipokines and triglycerides. Therefore, our data suggest that
      prolonged ingestion of OVA by sensitized mice results in an improvement of the
      metabolic consequences caused by experimental food allergy.

PMID- 25112156
TI  - Hydrogenation of amides catalyzed by a combined catalytic system of a Ru complex
      with a zinc salt.
AB  - Addition of catalytic amounts of zinc salts facilitated the hydrogenation of
      amides catalyzed by a ruthenium complex bearing 2-(diphenylphosphino)ethanamine
      (L1). The combined catalytic system of the ruthenium complex [RuCl2(L1)2] with a
      zinc salt such as Zn(OCOCF3)2 mediated hydrogenation of various amides under mild
      conditions to afford the corresponding primary alcohols. 

PMID- 25112157
TI  - Affinity purified anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies target antigens
      expressed in the rheumatoid joint.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A major subset of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is
      characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies directed to
      citrullinated proteins/peptides (ACPAs). These autoantibodies, which are commonly
      detected by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on synthetic
      cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCPs), predict clinical onset and a destructive
      disease course. In the present study, we have used plasma and synovial fluids
      from patients with RA, for the affinity purification and characterization of anti
      CCP2 reactive antibodies, with an aim to generate molecular tools that can be
      used in vitro and in vivo for future investigations into the pathobiology of the
      ACPA response. Specifically, this study aims to demonstrate that the surrogate
      marker CCP2 can capture ACPAs that bind to autoantigens expressed in vivo in the
      major inflammatory lesions of RA (that is, in the rheumatoid joint). METHODS:
      Plasma (n = 16) and synovial fluid (n = 26) samples were collected from RA
      patients with anti-CCP2 IgG levels of above 300 AU/mL. Total IgG was isolated on
      Protein G columns and subsequently applied to CCP2 affinity columns. Purified
      anti-CCP2 IgG was analyzed for reactivity and specificity by using the CCPlus(r)
      ELISA, in-house peptide ELISAs, Western blot, and immunohisto
      /immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Approximately 2% of the total IgG pool in both
      plasma and synovial fluid was CCP2-reactive. Purified anti-CCP2 reactive
      antibodies from different patients showed differences in binding to CCP2 and
      differences in binding to citrullinated peptides from alpha-enolase, vimentin,
      fibrinogen, and collagen type II, illustrating different ACPA fine-specificity
      profiles. Furthermore, the purified ACPA bound not only in vitro citrullinated
      proteins but, more importantly, in vivo-generated epitopes on synovial fluid
      cells and synovial tissues from patients with RA. CONCLUSIONS: We have isolated
      ACPAs from plasma and synovial fluid and demonstrated that the CCP2 peptides,
      frequently used in diagnostic ELISAs, de facto act as surrogate antigens for at
      least four different, well-characterized, largely non-cross-reactive, ACPA fine
      specificities. Moreover, we have determined the concentration and proportion of
      CCP2-reactive IgG molecules in rheumatoid plasma and synovial fluid, and we have
      shown that the purified ACPAs can be used to detect both in vitro- and in vivo
      generated citrullinated epitopes by various techniques. We anticipate that these
      antibodies will provide us with new opportunities to investigate the potential
      pathogenic effects of human ACPAs.

PMID- 25112159
TI  - Relation between jumping to conclusions and cognitive functioning in people with
      schizophrenia in contrast with healthy participants.
AB  - 'Jumping to conclusions' (JTC) is a reasoning bias consisting of a tendency to
      take a decision without having enough information about an event. It has been
      related to the presence of delusions. The aim of the present study was to assess
      the relationship between three tasks differing in complexity and concept which
      assess JTC and cognitive functioning in a sample of people with schizophrenia and
      healthy participants. We also assessed which cognitive variables, after
      controlling for psychotic symptoms, explained the presence of JTC in each sample.
      A total of 43 patients with schizophrenia and 57 healthy participants were
      assessed with a cognition battery including executive function, verbal memory,
      and IQ. JTC was assessed with three tasks (probability of 85:15; 60:40, and 60:40
      with emotional component). Patients were also assessed on psychotic and affective
      symptoms and the healthy participants on proneness to hallucinations and
      delusion. The present study demonstrates a clear relationship between JTC and
      cognitive functioning, especially in working memory, verbal memory, and cognitive
      processing speed in people with schizophrenia and in healthy participants.
      However no relationship was found in the emotional task of JTC. Hallucinations
      (in people with schizophrenia) and proneness to hallucinations (in the healthy
      participants) are related to JTC. Our results suggest that diverse psychological
      interventions such as cognitive remediation, cognitive behavioral therapy and
      meta-cognitive training might contribute to reducing JTC bias. 

PMID- 25112158
TI  - Disease and drug effects on internally-generated and externally-elicited
      responses in first episode schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder.
AB  - Neurocognitive deficits are associated with most psychotic disorders, but may
      differ across diagnosis and by treatment status. This ambiguity is partly
      addressed in longitudinal pre/post treatment studies with first episode patients.
      Antipsychotic-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients have shown intact
      performance on a predictive saccade task that assesses simple motor learning,
      spatial abilities, and response planning. After antipsychotic treatment, however,
      schizophrenia patients performing this task show a selective impairment in the
      accuracy of anticipatory responses, generated from learned internal
      representations of the task stimulus. This finding is in line with other
      observations of antipsychotic medication effects on frontostriatal systems,
      particularly dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. We sought to replicate this
      provocative finding with an independent sample of antipsychotic-naive first
      episode schizophrenia patients and extend it by including a group of patients
      with first episode bipolar disorder with psychosis (BDP). Matched healthy
      controls were also studied in parallel. Schizophrenia patients demonstrated
      intact performance pretreatment followed by impairment post-treatment for
      accuracy of anticipatory responses, and worse accuracy was associated with higher
      antipsychotic dose. BDP patients displayed saccade accuracy deficits before and
      after treatment and had no correlation of performance and antipsychotic dose. The
      findings suggest different neural alterations early in the course of each
      psychotic disorder, and different vulnerabilities to antipsychotic treatment
      effects between schizophrenia and BDP. 

PMID- 25112160
TI  - The Arcuate Fasciculus in auditory-verbal hallucinations: a meta-analysis of
      diffusion-tensor-imaging studies.
AB  - Auditory-verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are associated with an impaired
      connectivity of large-scale networks. To examine the relationship between white
      matter integrity and AVHs, we conducted a meta-analysis of diffusion-tensor
      imaging studies that compared patients with schizophrenia and AVHs with matched
      healthy controls (HCs). Five studies were retained gathering 256 DTI data points,
      divided into AVHs (n=106) and HCs (n=150). The meta-analysis demonstrated a
      reduced fractional anisotropy in the left Arcuate Fasciculus (AF) of
      hallucinators (hg= -0.42; CI[-0.69,-0.16]; p<10(-3)). The current meta-analysis
      confirmed disruptions of white matter integrity in the left AF bundle of
      schizophrenia patients with AVHs. 

PMID- 25112162
TI  - Copper(II) coordination polymers with azide and bipyridine-based zwitterionic
      carboxylate ligands: structures and magnetism.
AB  - Two novel Cu(II) coordination polymers, [Cu4O(L(1))4(N3)2]n(ClO4)4n.3nH2O (1) and
      [Cu7(L(2))2(N3)14]n (2), have been synthesized from two zwitterionic carboxylate
      ligands, 1-carboxylatomethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium (L(1)) and 1-carboxylatomethyl
      4,4'-dimethylenedipyridinium (L(2)). Compound 1 exhibits interpenetrated 3D
      diamond networks in which the unusual MU4-O-centred tetrahedral Cu4 clusters with
      peripheral 1,1-N3 and COO bridges are cross-linked by 4,4'-dipyridinium-1
      methylene spacers. In compound 2, pentanuclear and dinuclear units with double
      azide bridges are linked into a unique 2D layer by MU3-1,1,3-N3, (1,1-N3)(COO)
      and the organic backbone of the zwitterionic ligand. Magnetic studies reveal that
      compound 1 exhibits ferromagnetic coupling through (MU4-O)(1,1-N3) and
      antiferromagnetic coupling through the MU4-O-only and (MU4-O)(COO)2 pathways.
      Compound 2 exhibits ferromagnetic coupling within the (1,1-N3)2 bridged
      polynuclear units and weak antiferromagnetic coupling through MU3-1,1,3-N3, and
      (1,1-N3)(COO) between the units. 

PMID- 25112161
TI  - The nature and timing of social deficits in child and adolescent offspring of
      parents with schizophrenia: preliminary evidence for precursors of negative
      symptoms?
AB  - Children with social dysfunction and a first-degree relative with schizophrenia
      are at elevated risk for schizophrenia; however, the nature of this dysfunction
      is unclear. It was hypothesized that familial high-risk (HR) children and
      adolescents (n=17) would have social skill deficits relative to healthy controls
      (HC; n=35). HR participants had a bimodal distribution of social skill scores
      (47% excellent; 53% poor). HR participants had worse social skills, assertion and
      empathy scores, suggesting possible developmental precursors to the social
      amotivation domain of negative symptoms. Characterizing HR children's social
      deficits could assist identification of those at risk for schizophrenia. 

PMID- 25112163
TI  - Gas sensing of SnO2 nanocrystals revisited: developing ultra-sensitive sensors
      for detecting the H2S leakage of biogas.
AB  - As a typical mode of energy from waste, biogas technology is of great interest to
      researchers. To detect the trace H2S released from biogas, we herein demonstrate
      a high-performance sensor based on highly H2S-sensitive SnO2 nanocrystals, which
      have been selectively prepared by solvothermal methods using benzimidazole as a
      mineralization agent. The sensitivity of as-obtained SnO2 sensor towards 5 ppm
      H2S can reach up to 357. Such a technique based on SnO2 nanocrystals opens up a
      promising avenue for future practical applications in real-time monitoring a
      trace of H2S from the leakage of biogas.

PMID- 25112164
TI  - Epidemiology of nasopharyngeal colonization by S. pneumoniae in Indian infants in
      the first 2 years of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of invasive disease in
      developing countries like India. Although the 13 valent pneumococcal vaccine has
      already been introduced in the country, there is very little epidemiological data
      regarding S. pneumoniae colonization and antibiotic susceptibility in Indian
      infants. METHODS: We studied serogroup/serotype (SGT) distribution and antibiotic
      susceptibility pattern of S. pneumoniae in unvaccinated Indian infants by
      performing monthly nasopharyngeal swabbing of a birth cohort for 2 years.
      RESULTS: Colonization began soon after birth and was complete in the first year
      of life in the majority of those colonized. Carriage rates increased during
      winter (p<0.01) and in those with upper respiratory infection (URI) (p<0.01). The
      most frequently (76.1%) isolated SGT were 19, 6, 15, 23, 9, 35 and 10. Vaccine
      SGT accounted for 60.5% of all colonizers. Antibiotic resistance was maximum for
      cotrimoxazole (94.3%) and least for erythromycin (11.2%) with no penicillin
      resistance. Ten of the commonest SGT which cause invasive disease among Indian
      infants comprised 46.9% of the colonizers. Serogroups 1, 5, 45 and 12 which cause
      invasive disease in under-fives were not seen in this birth cohort in the first
      year. CONCLUSIONS: S. pneumoniae colonization in Indian infants commences soon
      after birth and chiefly occurs in the first year of life. The 13 valent vaccine
      may protect against a little less than half the commonly seen invasive SGT of S.
      pneumoniae.

PMID- 25112165
TI  - Speech outcomes at age 5 and 10 years in unilateral cleft lip and palate after
      one-stage palatal repair with minimal incision technique - a longitudinal
      perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate speech outcomes in 5- and 10-year-old children with
      unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) treated according to minimal incision
      technique (MIT) - a one-stage palatal method. METHODS: A retrospective,
      longitudinal cohort study of a consecutive series of 69 patients born with UCLP,
      treated with MIT (mean age 13 months) was included. Forty-two children (43%)
      received a velopharyngeal flap; 12 before 5 years and another 18 before 10 years
      of age. Cleft speech variables were rated from standardized audio recordings at 5
      and 10 years of age, independently by three experienced, external speech-language
      pathologists, blinded to the material. The prevalences of cleft speech
      characteristics were determined, and inter- and intra-rater agreement calculated.
      RESULTS: More than mild hypernasality, weak pressure consonants and perceived
      incompetent velopharyngeal function were present in 19-22% of the children at 5
      years, but improved to less than 5% at 10 years. However, audible nasal air
      leakage, prevalent in 23% at 5 years, did not improve by age 10. Thirty percent
      had frequent or almost always persistent compensatory articulation at 5 years,
      and 6% at age 10. The general impression of speech improved markedly, from 57%
      giving a normal impression at 5 years to 89% at 10 years. A high prevalence of
      distorted/s/was found at both 5 and 10 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: A high
      occurrence of speech deviances at 5 years of age after MIT was markedly reduced
      at 10 years in this study of children with unilateral cleft lip and palate. The
      high pharyngeal flap rate presumably accounted for the positive speech
      development.

PMID- 25112166
TI  - Pseudohypacusis in children: circumstances and diagnostic strategy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study attempts to specify the circumstances under which we should
      pay attention to children's pseudohypacusis. It evaluates the methods used to
      detect such cases and to determine hearing thresholds, according to the uni-or
      bilateralism of hearing loss. The study finally deals with the future of children
      diagnosed with pseudohypacusis. METHODS: The study was retrospective from January
      1993 to November 2011 and prospective from December 2011 to April 2012. We
      included all the children between 3 and 16 years who were diagnosed with
      pseudohypacusis. We observed the reasons for them to consult, whether they had
      already been tested or had treatment, and what kind of hearing loss they
      displayed. All children were tested using standard pure tone audiometry and
      speech audiometry. Depending on the first results, other tests were conducted.
      They included transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOEs), auditory brainstem
      responses (ABR) and auditory steady state responses. Families were finally
      contacted by phone over April 2012 in order to let them know about their child's
      results. RESULTS: Fifty-four children were included: 19 boys and 35 girls, with
      an average age of 10 year-old (+/-3). The simulated hearing loss (HL) was
      bilateral (36), unilateral (18), of perception (37), moderate HL (33), cophosis
      (5). Fifteen cases were linked to a family or personal history of hearing loss,
      while 27 cases were due to important events like adoption, abuse, verbal
      aggression, school problems. Before diagnosing a pseudohypacusis, 13 children had
      had imaging studies, 3 had been treated with corticosteroids, and 5 had hearing
      aids. Most of the time the presence of pseudohypacusis was suspected a
      discrepancy between speech reception and air-conduction pure tone thresholds, as
      shown by the medical test (answer on whispered voice). The diagnosis was
      confirmed by ABR or TEOEs, except in cases where clinic was obvious. Then
      family's patient and patient were reassured and informed. An audiological follow
      up during either 6 months or 1 year was proposed, as well as a psychological
      consultation. CONCLUSION: Complementary examinations have to be performed to rule
      out a pseudohypacusis case before suggesting an invasive or expensive treatment
      (surgery or hearing aids) of children.

PMID- 25112167
TI  - A test protocol for assessing the hearing status of students with special needs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Individuals with disabilities are often reported to have a high
      prevalence of undetected hearing disorders/loss, but there is no standardized
      hearing test protocol for this population. The purposes of this study were (1) to
      examine the hearing status of students with special needs in Taiwan, and (2) to
      investigate the use of an on-site hearing test protocol that would adequately
      detect hearing problems in this population and reduce unnecessary referrals for
      off-site follow-up services. METHODS: A total of 238 students enrolled in two
      schools for special education and one habilitation center participated in the
      study. Most students had intellectual disabilities and some also had additional
      syndromes or disorders. A hearing screening protocol including otoscopy,
      tympanometry, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions was administered to
      examine students' outer, middle, and inner ear functions, respectively. Pure tone
      tests were then administered as an on-site follow-up for those who failed or
      could not be tested using the screening protocol. RESULTS: Only 32.4% of students
      passed. When administered alone, the referral rate of otoscopy, tympanometry, and
      otoacoustic emissions were 38.7%, 46.0%, and 48.5%, respectively. The integration
      of these subtests revealed 52.1% of students needed follow-up services, 11.8%
      could not be tested, 2.5% had documented hearing loss, and 1.3% needed to be
      monitored because of negative middle ear pressure. The inclusion of pure tone
      audiometry increased the passing rate by 9.9% and provided information on hearing
      sensitivity for an additional 8.6% of students. CONCLUSION: Hearing assessments
      and regular hearing screening should be provided as an integral part of health
      care services for individuals with special needs because of high occurrences of
      excessive cerumen, middle ear dysfunction, and sensorineural hearing loss. The
      training of care-givers and teachers of students with special needs is encouraged
      so that they can help identify hearing problems and reduce the negative impact of
      hearing disorders and hearing loss. The screening protocol needs to include
      subtests that examine the status of different parts of their auditory system. The
      addition of pure tone audiometry as an on-site follow-up tool reduced the rate of
      off-site referrals and provided more information on hearing sensitivity.

PMID- 25112169
TI  - The roles of the Q (q) wave in lead I and QRS frontal axis for diagnosing loss of
      left ventricular capture during cardiac resynchronization therapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Loss of left ventricular (LV) capture may lead to deterioration of
      heart failure in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
      Recognition of loss of LV capture in time is important in clinical practice.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 422 electrocardiograms were acquired and analyzed
      from 53 CRT patients at 8 different pacing settings (LV only, right ventricle
      [RV] only, biventricular [BV] pacing with LV preactivation of 60, 40, 20, and 0
      milliseconds and RV preactivation of 20 and 40 milliseconds). A modified Ammann
      algorithm by adding a third step-presence of Q (q, or QS) wave-to the original 2
      step Ammann algorithm and a QRS axis shift method were devised to identify the
      loss of LV capture. The accuracy of modified Ammann algorithm was significantly
      higher than that of Ammann algorithm (78.9% vs. 69.1%, P < 0.001). The accuracy
      of the axis shift method was 66.4%, which was significantly lower than the
      modified Ammann algorithm (P < 0.001) and similar to the original one (P =
      0.412). However, in the ECGs with QRS axis shift, 96.8% were correctly
      classified. LV preactivation or simultaneous BV activation and LV lead positioned
      in nonposterior or noninferior wall could elevate the accuracies of the modified
      Ammann algorithm and the QRS axis shift method. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of the
      modified Ammann algorithm is greatly improved. The QRS axis shift method can help
      diagnose LV capture. The LV preactivation, or simultaneous BV activation and LV
      lead positioned in nonposterior or noninferior wall can increase the diagnostic
      power of the modified Ammann algorithm and QRS axis shift method.

PMID- 25112168
TI  - De novo transcriptome sequencing and digital gene expression analysis predict
      biosynthetic pathway of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline from Uncaria
      rhynchophylla, a non-model plant with potent anti-alzheimer's properties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The major medicinal alkaloids isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla
      (gouteng in chinese) capsules are rhynchophylline (RIN) and isorhynchophylline
      (IRN). Extracts containing these terpene indole alkaloids (TIAs) can inhibit the
      formation and destabilize preformed fibrils of amyloid beta protein (a
      pathological marker of Alzheimer's disease), and have been shown to improve the
      cognitive function of mice with Alzheimer-like symptoms. The biosynthetic
      pathways of RIN and IRN are largely unknown. RESULTS: In this study, RNA
      sequencing of pooled Uncaria capsules RNA samples taken at three developmental
      stages that accumulate different amount of RIN and IRN was performed. More than
      50 million high-quality reads from a cDNA library were generated and de novo
      assembled. Sequences for all of the known enzymes involved in TIAs synthesis were
      identified. Additionally, 193 cytochrome P450 (CYP450), 280 methyltransferase and
      144 isomerase genes were identified, that are potential candidates for enzymes
      involved in RIN and IRN synthesis. Digital gene expression profile (DGE) analysis
      was performed on the three capsule developmental stages, and based on genes
      possessing expression profiles consistent with RIN and IRN levels; four CYP450s,
      three methyltransferases and three isomerases were identified as the candidates
      most likely to be involved in the later steps of RIN and IRN biosynthesis.
      CONCLUSION: A combination of de novo transcriptome assembly and DGE analysis was
      shown to be a powerful method for identifying genes encoding enzymes potentially
      involved in the biosynthesis of important secondary metabolites in a non-model
      plant. The transcriptome data from this study provides an important resource for
      understanding the formation of major bioactive constituents in the capsule
      extract from Uncaria, and provides information that may aid in metabolic
      engineering to increase yields of these important alkaloids.

PMID- 25112170
TI  - Room-temperature sensor based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - As reported in the literature, several factors, such as scattering cross
      sections, polarisability and wavelength suitability, contribute to increased SERS
      enhancement. In general, the advantage of surface-enhanced Raman scattering
      (SERS)-active Ag nanoparticles (NPs) is their higher SERS enhancement over Au NPs
      because the molar extinction coefficient of the Ag NPs is the highest of its kind
      among metals. Nevertheless, the corresponding SERS-active hot spots on Au are of
      inherently greater stability than on Ag. In this work, innovative temperature
      sensors based on SERS-active Au and Ag substrates prepared by sonoelectrochemical
      deposition-dissolution cycles (SEDDCs) are first reported. The SERS intensity of
      the model probe molecules of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) adsorbed on a SERS-active Ag
      substrate is monotonically increased from 25 to 50  degrees C. Moreover, this
      temperature-dependent intensity is linear with a slope of ca. 430 cps per 
      degrees C between 25 to 45  degrees C. In addition, the reversibility and
      reusability of the developed temperature sensors are evaluated after the R6G
      adsorbed sensors are alternately exposed to the temperatures of 25 and 45 
      degrees C in a sealed chamber. After every five cycles, the SERS spectra of
      treated substrates were recorded and compared with those of the as-prepared
      substrates. Experimental results indicate that SERS enhancement capability is
      mostly reversible based on 90% intensity of the Raman signal being maintained for
      the SERS-active Au substrate after 25 cycles (only 15 cycles for the Ag
      substrate). 

PMID- 25112172
TI  - Steep drop in hematocrit of sheep undergoing sedation with acepromazine-diazepam
      and epidural injections of ketamine, ketamine-morphine or ketamine-xylazine.

PMID- 25112171
TI  - Asymmetric transverse control of maxillary dentition with two midpalatal
      orthodontic miniscrews.
AB  - There have been several orthodontic modalities for maxillary transverse control
      with most addressing symmetric control. The asymmetric transverse control of
      maxillary dentition is challenging to orthodontists due to the lack of certain
      modalities and possible dental side effects. Skeletal anchorages provide
      biomechanics without orthodontic side effects, but reports of their utilization
      for transverse control of maxillary dentition are scarce. The purpose of this
      article is to introduce a novel method utilizing two midpalatal orthodontic
      miniscrews and a connecting wire system for the asymmetric transverse control of
      maxillary dentition. Records of two patients consecutively treated with this
      system are reported, and the related biomechanical considerations are presented. 

PMID- 25112173
TI  - Clinical utility and validity of minoxidil response testing in androgenetic
      alopecia.
AB  - Clinical response to 5% topical minoxidil for the treatment of androgenetic
      alopecia (AGA) is typically observed after 3-6 months. Approximately 40% of
      patients will regrow hair. Given the prolonged treatment time required to elicit
      a response, a diagnostic test for ruling out nonresponders would have significant
      clinical utility. Two studies have previously reported that sulfotransferase
      enzyme activity in plucked hair follicles predicts a patient's response to
      topical minoxidil therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical
      utility and validity of minoxidil response testing. In this communication, the
      present authors conducted an analysis of completed and ongoing studies of
      minoxidil response testing. The analysis confirmed the clinical utility of a
      sulfotransferase enzyme test in successfully ruling out 95.9% of nonresponders to
      topical minoxidil for the treatment of AGA. 

PMID- 25112174
TI  - Awareness of surgical costs: a multicenter cross-sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resource scarcity continues to be an important problem in modern
      surgical practice. Studies in North America and Europe have found that medical
      professionals have limited understanding of the costs of medical care. No cost
      awareness studies have been undertaken in Australasia or specifically focusing on
      the surgical team. This study determined the cost of a range of commonly used
      diagnostic tests, procedures, and hospital resources associated with care of the
      surgical patient. The surgical teams' awareness of these costs was then assessed
      in a multicenter cross-sectional survey. METHODS: In total, 14 general surgical
      consultants, 14 registrars, and 25 house officers working in three New Zealand
      hospitals were asked to estimate the costs of 14 items commonly associated with
      patient care. Cost estimations were considered correct if within 25% plus or
      minus of the actual cost. Accuracy was assessed by calculating the median, mean,
      and absolute percentage discrepancy. RESULTS: A total of 57 surveys were
      completed. Of which, four were incomplete and were not included in the analysis.
      Cost awareness was generally poor, and members of the surgical team were rarely
      able to estimate the costs to within 25%. The mean absolute percentage error was
      0.87 (95% CI: 0.58-1.18) and underestimates were most common. There was no
      significant difference in estimate accuracy between consultants, registrars, or
      house officers, or between consultants working in both public/private practice
      compared with those working in public practice alone. CONCLUSION: There is poor
      awareness of surgical costs among consultant surgeons, registrars, and junior
      physicians working in Australasia.

PMID- 25112176
TI  - The paradox of atrial fibrillation in African Americans.
AB  - The reported lower prevalence and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) despite
      the higher prevalence of AF risk factors in African Americans compared to
      Caucasian whites has been referred to as the paradox of AF in African Americans.
      In this report we highlight this paradox and address potential explanations using
      data from several US populations studies. These possible explanations include
      limited methodology to detect AF patterns that are harder to detect (e.g.
      paroxysmal/intermittent AF or atrial flutter) coupled with the possibility of
      African Americans having more of these patterns, differential access to health
      care with African Americans having less access and subsequently less detected AF,
      survival bias with Caucasian whites living longer and subsequently having more
      AF, and finally differential impact of AF risk factors with Caucasian whites
      being more affected or African Americans less affected by AF risk factors whether
      this is genetically determined or via other unknown predispositions.

PMID- 25112177
TI  - Antagonism of D1/D5 receptors prevents long-term depression (LTD) and learning
      facilitated LTD at the perforant path-dentate gyrus synapse in freely behaving
      rats.
AB  - Hippocampal synaptic plasticity, in the form of long-term potentiation (LTP) and
      long-term depression (LTD), enables spatial memory formation, whereby LTP and LTD
      are likely to contribute different elements to the resulting spatial
      representation. Dopamine, released from the ventral tegmental area particularly
      under conditions of reward, acts on the hippocampus, and may specifically
      influence the encoding of information into long-term memory. The dentate gyrus
      (DG), as the "gateway" to the hippocampus is likely to play an important role in
      this process. D1/D5 dopamine receptors are importantly involved in the regulation
      of synaptic plasticity thresholds in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and
      determine the direction of change in synaptic strength that occurs during novel
      spatial learning. Here, we explored whether D1/D5-receptors influence LTD that is
      induced in the DG following patterned afferent stimulation of the perforant path
      of freely behaving adult rats, or influence LTD that occurs in association with
      spatial learning. We found that LTD that is induced by afferent stimulation, and
      LTD that is facilitated by learning about novel landmark configurations, were
      both prevented by D1/D5-receptor antagonism, whereas agonist activation of the
      D1/D5-receptor had no effect on basal tonus or short-term depression. Other
      studies have reported that in the DG, D1/D5-receptor agonism or antagonism do not
      affect LTP, but agonism prevents depotentiation. These findings suggest that the
      dopaminergic system, acting via D1/D5-receptors, influences information gating by
      the DG and modulates the direction of change in synaptic strength that underlies
      information storage in this hippocampal substructure. Information encoded by
      robust forms of LTD is especially dependent on D1/D5-receptor activation. Thus,
      dopamine acting on D1/D5-receptors is likely to support specific experience
      dependent encoding, and may influence the content of hippocampal representations
      of experience.

PMID- 25112175
TI  - Tryptophan supplementation and postoperative delirium--a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the postoperative administration of tryptophan
      would be beneficial for elderly adults undergoing surgery who are at risk of
      developing postoperative delirium. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled trial. SETTING: Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS:
      Individuals aged 60 and older undergoing major elective operations requiring a
      postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission (n = 325). INTERVENTION: L
      tryptophan, 1 g orally three times a day or placebo was started after surgery and
      continued for up to 3 days postoperatively. MEASUREMENTS: Delirium and its motor
      subtypes were measured using the Confusion Assessment Method-Intensive Care Unit
      (CAM-ICU) and the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale. The primary outcome for
      between-group comparison was the incidence of excitatory (mixed and hyperactive)
      postoperative delirium. The secondary outcomes for comparison were the incidence
      and duration of overall postoperative delirium. RESULTS: The overall incidence of
      postoperative delirium was 39% (95% confidence interval = 34-44%) (n = 116).
      Seventeen percent of participants in the tryptophan group and 9% in the placebo
      group had excitatory delirium (P = .18), and the duration of excitatory delirium
      was 3.3 +/- 1.7 days for tryptophan and 3.1 +/- 1.9 days for placebo (P = .74).
      Forty percent of participants in the tryptophan group and 37% in the placebo
      group had overall delirium (P = .60), and the duration of overall delirium was
      2.9 +/- 1.8 days for tryptophan and 2.4 +/- 1.6 days for placebo (P = .17).
      CONCLUSION: Postoperative tryptophan supplementation in older adults undergoing
      major elective operations requiring postoperative ICU admission did not reduce
      the incidence or duration of postoperative excitatory delirium or overall
      delirium.

PMID- 25112178
TI  - [Treatment of giant acoustic neuromas].
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the treatment modality and outcome of a
      series of patients with giant acoustic neuromas, a particular type of tumour
      characterised by their size (extracanalicular diameter of 4cm or more) and high
      morbidity and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective
      unicentre study of patients with acoustic neuromas treated in a period of 12
      years. In our institutional series of 108 acoustic neuromas operated on during
      that period, we found 13 (12%) cases of giant acoustic neuromas. We reviewed the
      available data of these cases, including presentation and several clinical,
      anatomical, and microsurgical aspects. RESULTS: All patients were operated on by
      the same neurosurgeon and senior author (EU) using the suboccipital retrosigmoid
      approach and complete microsurgical removal was achieved in 10 cases. In one
      case, near total removal was deliberately performed, in another case a CSF shunt
      was placed as the sole treatment measure, and in the remaining case no direct
      treatment was given. One patient died in the immediate postoperative period. One
      year after surgery, 4 patients showed facial nerve function of iii or more in the
      House-Brackman scale. CONCLUSIONS: The 4 most important prognostic
      characteristics of giant acoustic neuromas are size, adhesion to surrounding
      structures, consistency and vascularity. Only the first of these is evident in
      neuroimaging. Giant acoustic neuromas are characterised by high morbidity at
      presentation as well as after treatment. Nevertheless, the objective of complete
      microsurgical removal with preservation of cranial nerve function is attainable
      in some cases through the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach.

PMID- 25112179
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency in minority populations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Black and Hispanic individuals synthesize less vitamin D per unit of
      sun exposure than white individuals. The relationship between UV radiation and
      vitamin D insufficiency in minorities has not been well explored. DESIGN:
      Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Using the National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey, we obtained serum vitamin D levels for non-Hispanic Whites,
      Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks aged >=18 years from 2000-2006. We linked these
      data with the average monthly solar UV index by census tract and data on sun
      exposure, vitamin D supplementation, health and demographics. We used
      multivariable regression analyses to assess vitamin D deficiency (<15 ng/ml) and
      insufficiency (<20 ng/ml) in January (when the UV index was lowest) by
      race/ethnicity and geography. SUBJECTS: Adults (n 14,319) aged >=18 years.
      RESULTS: A 1-point increase in the UV index was associated with a 0.51 ng/ml
      increase in vitamin D (95% CI 0.35, 0.67 ng/ml; P<0.001). Non-Hispanic Black race
      and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with a 7.47 and 3.41 ng/ml decrease in
      vitamin D, respectively (both P<0.001). In January, an estimated 65.4% of non
      Hispanic Blacks were deficient in vitamin D, compared with 28.9% of Hispanics and
      14.0% of non-Hispanic Whites. An estimated 84.2% of non-Hispanic Blacks were
      insufficient in vitamin D v. 56.3% of Hispanics and 34.8% of non-Hispanic Whites.
      More non-Hispanic Blacks were estimated to be deficient in vitamin D in January
      in the highest UV index quartile than were non-Hispanic Whites in the lowest UV
      index quartile (60.2% v. 25.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Wintertime vitamin D insufficiency
      is pervasive among minority populations, and not uncommon among non-Hispanic
      Whites.

PMID- 25112181
TI  - Microfluidic geometric metering-based multi-reagent mixture generator for robust
      live cell screening array.
AB  - Microfluidic live cell arrays with integrated concentration gradient or mixture
      generators have been utilized in screening cellular responses to various
      biomolecular cues. Microfluidic network-based gradient generators that can create
      concentration gradients by repeatedly splitting and mixing different solutions
      using networks of serpentine channels are commonly used. However, in this method
      the generation of concentration gradients relies on the continuous flow of sample
      solutions at optimized flow rates, which poses challenges in maintaining the
      pressure and flow stability throughout the entire assay period. Here we present a
      microfluidic live cell screening array with an on-demand multi-reagent mixture
      generator where the mixing ratios, thus generated concentrations, are hard-wired
      into the chip itself through a geometric metering method. This platform showed
      significantly improved robustness and repeatability in generating concentration
      gradients of fluorescent dyes (average coefficient of variance C.V. = 9 %)
      compared to the conventional network-based gradient generators (average C.V. = 21
      %). In studying the concentration dependent effects of the environmental toxicant
      3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) on the activation of cytochrome P450 1A1 (Cyp 1A1)
      enzyme in H4IIE rat hepatoma cells, statistical variation of the Cyp 1A1 response
      was significantly lower (C.V. = 5 %) when using the developed mixture generator
      compared to that using the conventional gradient generator (C.V. = 12 %).
      Reduction in reagent consumption by 12-times was also achieved. This robust,
      accurate, and scalable multi-reagent mixture generator integrated with a cell
      culture array as a live cell assay platform can be readily implemented into
      various screening applications where repeatability, robustness, and low reagent
      consumptions over long periods of assay time are of importance.

PMID- 25112180
TI  - The important ergot alkaloid intermediate chanoclavine-I produced in the yeast
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae by the combined action of EasC and EasE from Aspergillus
      japonicus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ergot alkaloids are a group of highly bioactive molecules produced by
      a number of filamentous fungi. These compounds have been intensely studied for
      decades, mainly due to their deleterious effects in contaminated food and feeds,
      but also for their beneficial pharmaceutical and agricultural applications.
      Biosynthesis of ergot alkaloids goes via the common intermediate chanoclavine-I,
      and studies of the key enzymes, EasE and EasC, involved in chanoclavine-I
      formation, have relied on gene complementation in fungi, whereas further
      characterization has been hampered by difficulties of poor EasE protein
      expression. In order to facilitate the study of ergot alkaloids, and eventually
      move towards commercial production, the early steps of the biosynthetic pathway
      were reconstituted in the unicellular yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. RESULTS:
      The genomic sequence from an ergot alkaloid producer, Aspergillus japonicus, was
      used to predict the protein encoding sequences of the early ergot alkaloid
      pathway genes. These were cloned and expressed in yeast, resulting in de novo
      production of the common intermediate chanoclavine-I. This allowed further
      characterization of EasE and EasC, and we were able to demonstrate how the N
      terminal ER targeting signal of EasE is crucial for activity in yeast. A
      putative, peroxisomal targeting signal found in EasC was shown to be
      nonessential. Overexpression of host genes pdi1 or ero1, associated with
      disulphide bond formation and the ER protein folding machinery, was shown to
      increase chanoclavine-I production in yeast. This was also the case when
      overexpressing host fad1, known to be involved in co-factor generation.
      CONCLUSIONS: A thorough understanding of the enzymatic steps involved in ergot
      alkaloid formation is essential for commercial production and exploitation of
      this potent compound class. We show here that EasE and EasC are both necessary
      and sufficient for the production of chanoclavine-I in yeast, and we provide
      important new information about the involvement of ER and protein folding for
      proper functional expression of EasE. Moreover, by reconstructing the
      chanoclavine-I biosynthetic pathway in yeast we demonstrate the advantage and
      potential of this host, not only as a convenient model system, but also as an
      alternative cell factory for ergot alkaloid production.

PMID- 25112182
TI  - Drinking from the Holy Grail: analysis of whole-genome sequencing from the
      Genetic Analysis Workshop 18.
AB  - The Genetic Analysis Workshops distribute real and simulated human genetic data
      to allow the development and comparison of methods to detect genetic variants and
      genes related to biological traits; the results are then presented and discussed
      at a biennial meeting. The data made available for Genetic Analysis Workshop 18
      (GAW18) included whole-genome sequence data for odd-numbered autosomes from 20
      large Mexican American pedigrees selected through probands with type 2 diabetes.
      Real and simulated blood pressure phenotype data were provided to allow the
      comparison of methods to detect variants and genes associated with blood
      pressure. Some of the complexity present in the data includes related
      individuals, repeated quantitative trait outcomes, covariates, medication
      effects, pharmacokinetic effects, missing data, admixed population, and imputed
      genotypes. A wide range of analytic approaches were applied to the data.
      Contributions that focused only on a subset of up to 155 unrelated subjects from
      the pedigrees were faced with low power. One recommendation for future analysis
      is the use of the provided null phenotype to allow comparison of type I error
      across methods. Collaboration between statistical geneticists and molecular
      biologists or bioinformaticians would provide helpful input to place variants in
      genes for gene-based association tests. 

PMID- 25112183
TI  - Methods for collapsing multiple rare variants in whole-genome sequence data.
AB  - Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 provided whole-genome sequence data in a pedigree
      based sample and longitudinal phenotype data for hypertension and related traits,
      presenting an excellent opportunity for evaluating analysis choices. We summarize
      the nine contributions to the working group on collapsing methods, which
      evaluated various approaches for the analysis of multiple rare variants. One
      contributor defined a variant prioritization scheme, whereas the remaining eight
      contributors evaluated statistical methods for association analysis. Six
      contributors chose the gene as the genomic region for collapsing variants,
      whereas three contributors chose nonoverlapping sliding windows across the entire
      genome. Statistical methods spanned most of the published methods, including well
      established burden tests, variance-components-type tests, and recently developed
      hybrid approaches. Lesser known methods, such as functional principal components
      analysis, higher criticism, and homozygosity association, and some newly
      introduced methods were also used. We found that performance of these methods
      depended on the characteristics of the genomic region, such as effect size and
      direction of variants under consideration. Except for MAP4 and FLT3, the
      performance of all statistical methods to identify rare casual variants was
      disappointingly poor, providing overall power almost identical to the type I
      error. This poor performance may have arisen from a combination of (1) small
      sample size, (2) small effects of most of the causal variants, explaining a small
      fraction of variance, (3) use of incomplete annotation information, and (4)
      linkage disequilibrium between causal variants in a gene and noncausal variants
      in nearby genes. Our findings demonstrate challenges in analyzing rare variants
      identified from sequence data. 

PMID- 25112184
TI  - Value of Mendelian laws of segregation in families: data quality control,
      imputation, and beyond.
AB  - When analyzing family data, we dream of perfectly informative data, even whole
      genome sequences (WGSs) for all family members. Reality intervenes, and we find
      that next-generation sequencing (NGS) data have errors and are often too
      expensive or impossible to collect on everyone. The Genetic Analysis Workshop 18
      working groups on quality control and dropping WGSs through families using a
      genome-wide association framework focused on finding, correcting, and using
      errors within the available sequence and family data, developing methods to infer
      and analyze missing sequence data among relatives, and testing for linkage and
      association with simulated blood pressure. We found that single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms, NGS data, and imputed data are generally concordant but that
      errors are particularly likely at rare variants, for homozygous genotypes, within
      regions with repeated sequences or structural variants, and within sequence data
      imputed from unrelated individuals. Admixture complicated identification of
      cryptic relatedness, but information from Mendelian transmission improved error
      detection and provided an estimate of the de novo mutation rate. Computationally,
      fast rule-based imputation was accurate but could not cover as many loci or
      subjects as more computationally demanding probability-based methods.
      Incorporating population-level data into pedigree-based imputation methods
      improved results. Observed data outperformed imputed data in association testing,
      but imputed data were also useful. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of
      existing methods and suggest possible future directions, such as improving
      communication between data collectors and data analysts, establishing thresholds
      for and improving imputation quality, and incorporating error into imputation and
      analytical models. 

PMID- 25112185
TI  - Complex pedigrees in the sequencing era: to track transmissions or decorrelate?
AB  - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies are becoming commonplace, and the NGS
      field is continuing to develop rapidly. Analytic methods aimed at testing for the
      various roles that genetic susceptibility plays in disease are also rapidly being
      developed and optimized. Studies that incorporate large, complex pedigrees are of
      particular importance because they provide detailed information about inheritance
      patterns and can be analyzed in a variety of complementary ways. The nine
      contributions from our Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 working group on family-based
      tests of association for rare variants using simulated data examined analytic
      methods for testing genetic association using whole-genome sequencing data from
      20 large pedigrees with 200 phenotype simulation replicates. What distinguishes
      the approaches explored is how the complexities of analyzing familial genetic
      data were handled. Here, we explore the methods that either harness inheritance
      patterns and transmission information or attempt to adjust for the correlation
      between family members in order to utilize computationally and conceptually
      simpler statistical testing procedures. Although directly comparing these two
      classes of approaches across contributions is difficult, we note that the two
      classes balance robustness to population stratification and computational
      complexity (the transmission-based approaches) with simplicity and increased
      power, assuming no population stratification or proper adjustment for it
      (decorrelation approaches). 

PMID- 25112186
TI  - Testing genetic association with rare and common variants in family data.
AB  - With the advance of next-generation sequencing technologies in recent years, rare
      genetic variant data have now become available for genetic epidemiology studies.
      For family samples, however, only a few statistical methods for association
      analysis of rare genetic variants have been developed. Rare variant approaches
      are of great interest, particularly for family data, because samples enriched for
      trait-relevant variants can be ascertained and rare variants are putatively
      enriched through segregation. To facilitate the evaluation of existing and new
      rare variant testing approaches for analyzing family data, Genetic Analysis
      Workshop 18 (GAW18) provided genotype and next-generation sequencing data and
      longitudinal blood pressure traits from extended pedigrees of Mexican American
      families from the San Antonio Family Study. Our GAW18 group members analyzed real
      and simulated phenotype data from GAW18 by using generalized linear mixed-effects
      models or principal components to adjust for familial correlation or by testing
      binary traits using a correction factor for familial effects. With one exception,
      approaches dealt with the extended pedigrees in their original state using
      information based on the kinship matrix or alternative genetic similarity
      measures. For simulated data our group demonstrated that the family-based kernel
      machine score test is superior in power to family-based single-marker or burden
      tests, except in a few specific scenarios. For real data three contributions
      identified significant associations. They substantially reduced the number of
      tests before performing the association analysis. We conclude from our real data
      analyses that further development of strategies for targeted testing or more
      focused screening of genetic variants is strongly desirable. 

PMID- 25112187
TI  - Summary of results and discussions from the gene-based tests group at Genetic
      Analysis Workshop 18.
AB  - I present a summary of the results and discussions held within the working group
      on gene-based tests at Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 (GAW18). The main focus of
      interest in our working group was modeling the action of combinations or "groups"
      of genetic variants, with a group of variants most often defined as a set of
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms lying within a known gene. Some contributions
      investigated the performance of previously proposed methods (particularly rare
      variant collapsing or burden-type methods) for addressing this question, applied
      to the GAW18 data, and other contributions developed novel approaches and
      addressed novel questions. Most approaches were successful in detecting
      significant effects at MAP4 in the simulated data. No other genetic effects were
      consistently detected across different analyses. Low power was noted,
      particularly for those methods that restricted analysis to purely the subset of
      unrelated individuals. 

PMID- 25112188
TI  - Population-based association and gene by environment interactions in Genetic
      Analysis Workshop 18.
AB  - In the past decade, genome-wide association studies have been successful in
      identifying genetic loci that play a role in many complex diseases. Despite this,
      it has become clear that for many traits, investigation of single common variants
      does not give a complete picture of the genetic contribution to the phenotype.
      Therefore a number of new approaches are currently being investigated to further
      the search for susceptibility loci or regions. We summarize the contributions to
      Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 (GAW18) that concern this search using methods for
      population-based association analysis. Many of the members of our GAW18 working
      group made use of data types that have only recently become available through the
      use of next-generation sequencing technologies, with many focusing on the
      investigation of rare variants instead of or in combination with common variants.
      Some contributors used a haplotype-based approach, which to date has been used
      relatively infrequently but may become more important for analyzing rare variant
      association data. Others analyzed gene-gene or gene-environment interactions,
      where novel statistical approaches were needed to make the best use of the
      available information without requiring an excessive computational burden. GAW18
      provided participants with the chance to make use of state-of-the-art data,
      statistical techniques, and technology. We report here some of the experiences
      and conclusions that were reached by workshop participants who analyzed the GAW18
      data as a population-based association study. 

PMID- 25112189
TI  - Local and global ancestry inference and applications to genetic association
      analysis for admixed populations.
AB  - Genetic association studies in recently admixed populations offer exciting
      opportunities to identify novel variants underlying phenotypic diversity. At the
      same time, genetic heterogeneity resulting from population admixture has to be
      accounted for to ensure validity of association tests. The whole-genome sequence
      data and the genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism chip data for Mexican
      American individuals provided by Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 (GAW18) presents a
      unique opportunity to evaluate and compare methods for the statistical analysis
      of admixed genetic data. We summarize here the five contributions from the GAW18
      working group on admixture mapping and adjusting for admixture. Although group
      members considered a variety of research topics, the general theme was inference
      and consideration of ancestry admixture in genetic analyses. The topics
      considered can be grouped into three categories: (1) global and local ancestry
      inference and estimation, (2) association and admixture mapping, and (3) genotype
      imputation in admixed samples. We describe the approaches that were used and the
      most relevant findings from each contribution. We also provide insight into the
      strengths and limitations of the state-of-the-art methods considered for genetic
      analyses in admixed populations. 

PMID- 25112191
TI  - Multivariate analyses of blood pressure related phenotypes in a longitudinal
      framework: insights from Genetic Analysis Workshop 18.
AB  - Our working group studied methods for joint analyses of multiple phenotypes using
      the data provided by Genetic Analysis Workshop 18. Two data sets were available:
      one containing genotypes obtained from a real human whole-genome sequencing study
      along with longitudinal measurements on systolic and diastolic blood pressure,
      age, sex, medication use, and tobacco smoking; and the other a simulated data set
      using the same set of genotypes and phenotype structure as the real data set. The
      nine sets of investigators in our working group focused on the statistical
      challenges posed by association analyses of multivariate phenotypes; they applied
      a wide spectrum of statistical methods, such as linear mixed models, copula
      models, and semiparametric regression models for simultaneous analyses of
      longitudinal data on the two blood pressure phenotypes at the genome-wide level.
      In this report, we discuss the various strategies explored by the different
      investigators whose common goal was improving the power to detect association
      with multivariate phenotypes. 

PMID- 25112190
TI  - Genetic prediction in the Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 sequencing data.
AB  - High-throughput sequencing data can be used to predict phenotypes from genotypes,
      and this corresponds to establishing a prognostic model. In extended pedigrees
      the relatedness of subjects provides additional information so that genetic
      values, fixed or random genetic components, and heritability can be estimated. At
      the Genetic Analysis Workshop 18, the working group on genetic prediction dealt
      with both establishing a prognostic model and, in one contribution, comparing
      standard logistic regression with robust logistic regression in a sample of
      unrelated affected or unaffected individuals. Results of both logistic regression
      approaches were similar. All other contributions to this group used extended
      family data, in general using the quantitative trait blood pressure. The
      individual contributions varied in several important aspects, such as the
      estimation of the kinship matrix and the estimation method. Contributors chose
      various approaches for model validation, including different versions of cross
      validation or within-family validation. Within-family validation included model
      building in the upper generations and validation in later generations. The choice
      of the statistical model and the computational algorithm had substantial effects
      on computation time. If decorrelation approaches were applied, the computational
      burden was substantially reduced. Some software packages estimated negative
      eigenvalues, although eigenvalues of correlation matrices should be non-negative.
      Most statistical models and software packages have been developed for
      experimental crosses and planned breeding programs. With their specialized
      pedigree structures, they are not sufficiently flexible to accommodate the
      variability of human pedigrees in general, and improved implementations are
      required. 

PMID- 25112192
TI  - Longitudinal data analysis in genome-wide association studies.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies have led to the discovery of thousands of
      susceptibility genetic variants (typically single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      [SNPs]) for a wide range of complex diseases and traits commonly measured at a
      single point in time. Although many novel genotype-phenotype associations have
      been identified and successfully replicated using cross-sectionally measured
      phenotypes, there is growing interest in the study of longitudinally measured
      phenotypes because these allow for the study of the natural trajectory of traits
      and disease progression. However, there are several challenges with analysis and
      interpretation of longitudinal data. Here, we summarize the methods and
      strategies proposed and applied in genome-wide association studies of blood
      pressure related phenotypes made available through Genetic Analysis Workshop 18
      (GAW18). The investigators considered methods that incorporated correlation
      across time points and familial relatedness among the individuals into their
      studies and compared their approaches with single-time-point analysis using
      baseline data. Some of the studies used unrelated individuals; some also used the
      simulated data provided by the GAW18 organizers to assess type I error and power
      of their approach in detecting true associations. 

PMID- 25112193
TI  - Longitudinal data analysis for genetic studies in the whole-genome sequencing
      era.
AB  - The analysis of whole-genome sequence (WGS) data using longitudinal phenotypes
      offers a potentially rich resource for the examination of the genetic variants
      and their covariates that affect complex phenotypes over time. We summarize eight
      contributions to the Genetic Analysis Workshop 18, which applied a diverse array
      of statistical genetic methods to analyze WGS data in combination with data from
      genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from up to four different time points on
      blood pressure phenotypes. The common goal of these analyses was to develop and
      apply appropriate methods that utilize longitudinal repeated measures to
      potentially increase the analytic efficiency of WGS and GWAS data. These diverse
      methods can be grouped into two categories, based on the way they model
      dependence structures: (1) linear mixed-effects (LME) models, where the random
      effect terms in the linear models are used to capture the dependence structures;
      and (2) variance-components models, where the dependence structures are
      constructed directly based on multiple components of variance-covariance matrices
      for the multivariate Gaussian responses. Despite the heterogeneous nature of
      these analytical methods, the group came to the following conclusions: (1) the
      use of repeat measurements can gain power to identify variants associated with
      the phenotype; (2) the inclusion of family data may correct genotyping errors and
      allow for more accurate detection of rare variants than using unrelated
      individuals only; and (3) fitting mixed-effects and variance-components models
      for longitudinal data presents computational challenges. The challenges and
      computational burden demanded by WGS data were addressed in the eight
      contributions. 

PMID- 25112194
TI  - Applications of machine learning and data mining methods to detect associations
      of rare and common variants with complex traits.
AB  - Machine learning methods (MLMs), designed to develop models using high
      dimensional predictors, have been used to analyze genome-wide genetic and genomic
      data to predict risks for complex traits. We summarize the results from six
      contributions to our Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 working group; these
      investigators applied MLMs and data mining to analyses of rare and common genetic
      variants measured in pedigrees. To develop risk profiles, group members analyzed
      blood pressure traits along with single-nucleotide polymorphisms and rare variant
      genotypes derived from sequence and imputation analyses in large Mexican American
      pedigrees. Supervised MLMs included penalized regression with varying penalties,
      support vector machines, and permanental classification. Unsupervised MLMs
      included sparse principal components analysis and sparse graphical models.
      Entropy-based components analyses were also used to mine these data. None of the
      investigators fully capitalized on the genetic information provided by the
      complete pedigrees. Their approaches either corrected for the nonindependence of
      the individuals within the pedigrees or analyzed only those who were independent.
      Some methods allowed for covariate adjustment, whereas others did not. We
      evaluated these methods using a variety of metrics. Four contributors conducted
      primary analyses on the real data, and the other two research groups used the
      simulated data with and without knowledge of the underlying simulation model. One
      group used the answers to the simulated data to assess power and type I errors.
      Although the MLMs applied were substantially different, each research group
      concluded that MLMs have advantages over standard statistical approaches with
      these high-dimensional data. 

PMID- 25112196
TI  - Challenges of linkage analysis in the era of whole-genome sequencing.
AB  - Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming an affordable technology for the study
      of the genetics of complex traits. With any new technology, experimental designs
      and statistical methods, both old and new, must be evaluated. One design seeing a
      resurgence of interest is the use of families. Genetic Analysis Workshop 18
      provided the opportunity to evaluate statistical methods applied to WGS data for
      family-based studies. We summarize the results of five contributions that used
      linkage in the context of WGS. The investigators took differing approaches,
      including assessment of false-positive rates in classic two-point linkage, the
      effects of heterogeneity on linkage and association tests, and the use of linkage
      to focus association tests. We describe the primary findings of each contribution
      and note challenges that are not new to those working in family designs or
      specific to WGS data; for example, choice of phenotype definition, covariate
      adjustment, and use of longitudinal data may produce different results, making
      comparisons challenging. We detail new issues brought about by WGS, such as the
      elevated genome-wide false-positive rate for classic two-point parametric linkage
      analysis, computational demands in multipoint calculations, and lack of clarity
      in how to best use linkage to focus association testing. Finally, we comment on
      when linkage may be helpful for WGS, highlighting where additional research is
      needed; for example, although linkage analysis has been successful in the study
      of rare variants of large effect, how to best use family information in the
      context of rare variants of moderate effect remains an open research question. 

PMID- 25112195
TI  - Pathway analysis approaches for rare and common variants: insights from Genetic
      Analysis Workshop 18.
AB  - Pathway analysis, broadly defined as a group of methods incorporating a priori
      biological information from public databases, has emerged as a promising approach
      for analyzing high-dimensional genomic data. As part of Genetic Analysis Workshop
      18, seven research groups applied pathway analysis techniques to whole-genome
      sequence data from the San Antonio Family Study. Overall, the groups found that
      the potential of pathway analysis to improve detection of causal variants by
      lowering the multiple-testing burden and incorporating biologic insight remains
      largely unrealized. Specifically, there is a lack of best practices at each stage
      of the pathway approach: annotation, analysis, interpretation, and follow-up.
      Annotation of genetic variants is inconsistent across databases, incomplete, and
      biased toward known genes. At the analysis stage insufficient statistical power
      remains a major challenge. Analyses combining rare and common variants may have
      an inflated type I error rate and may not improve detection of causal genes.
      Inclusion of known causal genes may not improve statistical power, although the
      fraction of explained phenotypic variance may be a more appropriate metric.
      Interpretation of findings is further complicated by evidence in support of
      interactions between pathways and by the lack of consensus on how to best
      incorporate functional information. Finally, all presented approaches warranted
      follow-up studies, both to reduce the likelihood of false-positive findings and
      to identify specific causal variants within a given pathway. Despite the initial
      promise of pathway analysis for modeling biological complexity of disease
      phenotypes, many methodological challenges currently remain to be addressed. 

PMID- 25112197
TI  - Clinical behavior of Japanese community pharmacists for preventing prescription
      drug overdose.
AB  - AIM: Prescription drug abuse, including benzodiazepines, is a growing health
      problem in Japan. This study examined the community pharmacist's clinical
      behavior regarding patients who overdose on prescribed drugs, and explored the
      possibility of overdose prevention by community pharmacists. METHODS: We surveyed
      all registered community pharmacies with dispensing functions (n = 1867) in the
      Saitama Pharmaceutical Association. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire
      was mailed to each pharmacy. Respondents were asked about clinical behavior such
      as medication counseling and referral to the prescriber if prescription drug
      overdose was identified. RESULTS: Among respondents, 26% of community pharmacists
      reported clinical experience of working with patients who overdosed on prescribed
      drugs in the previous year. Half of respondents evaluated their practice such as
      medication counseling and referral to the prescriber as 'good'. On multivariate
      analysis, a 'poor' self-evaluation of referral to the prescriber was
      significantly associated with the following perceptions: 'insufficient confidence
      in communication with prescribers' (odds ratio [OR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval
      [95%CI]: 1.4-5.3), and 'to avoid trouble with prescribers' (OR, 1.7; 95%CI: 1.0
      2.7). CONCLUSION: Japanese community pharmacists could prevent prescription drug
      abuse in their practice, but the pharmacists who have insufficient confidence in
      communication with prescribers and who are afraid of trouble with a prescriber,
      reported poor self-evaluation for referral to the prescribers. All prescribers
      should understand the importance of referral by community pharmacists, to assist
      community pharmacists in playing a critical role in prevention of prescription
      drug abuse.

PMID- 25112198
TI  - Analysis of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol in decomposed skeletal tissues
      following acute and repeated tramadol exposure by gas chromatography mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Decomposed bone and plasma samples of rats exposed to tramadol (TRAM) under
      different dosing patterns were analyzed. Wistar rats received TRAM as one acute
      dose (n=4, 45 mg/kg, i.p.) or three doses (n=4, 15 mg/kg, i.p.), 40 min apart.
      Perimortem heart blood was collected, rats were euthanized and placed outdoors to
      decompose to skeleton. Recovered bone was ground and subjected to methanolic
      extraction. Bone extracts and plasma samples underwent solid phase extraction and
      were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Levels of TRAM and the
      primary metabolite O-desmethyltramadol (ODMT) were expressed as mass normalized
      response ratios (RR/m). Levels (RR/m) for TRAM and ODMT did not differ
      significantly between exposure types in any of the bone types examined or for the
      pooled bone comparisons (Mann-Whitney, p>0.05). However, ratios of analyte levels
      (RRTRAM/RRODMT) differed significantly between exposure patterns for tibial and
      skull bone as well as for pooled bone comparisons (Mann-Whitney, p<0.05). Levels
      of TRAM and ODMT, as well as ratios of analyte levels (RRTRAM/RRODMT), differed
      significantly in plasma between exposure patterns. Bone TRAM and ODMT levels were
      poorly correlated to corresponding plasma levels (TRAM: r=0.33-0.57; ODMT: r=
      0.35-0.23).

PMID- 25112199
TI  - Fluorescent dye ProteoStat to detect and discriminate intracellular amyloid-like
      aggregates in Escherichia coli.
AB  - The formation of amyloid aggregates is linked to the onset of an increasing
      number of human disorders. Thus, there is an increasing need for methodologies
      able to provide insights into protein deposition and its modulation. Many
      approaches exist to study amyloids in vitro, but the techniques available for the
      study of amyloid aggregation in cells are still limited and non-specific. In this
      study we developed a methodology for the detection of amyloid-like aggregates
      inside cells that discriminates these ordered assemblies from other intracellular
      aggregates. We chose bacteria as model system, since the inclusion bodies formed
      by amyloid proteins in the cytosol of bacteria resemble toxic amyloids both
      structurally and functionally. Using confocal microscopy, fluorescence
      spectroscopy, and flow cytometry, we show that the recently developed red
      fluorescent dye ProteoStat can detect the presence of intracellular amyloid-like
      deposits in living bacterial cells with high specificity, even when the target
      proteins are expressed at low levels. This methodology allows quantitation of the
      intracellular amyloid content, shows the potential to replace in vitro screenings
      in the search for therapeutic anti-amyloidogenic compounds, and might be useful
      for identifying conditions that prevent the aggregation of therapeutic
      recombinant proteins. 

PMID- 25112201
TI  - QTL analysis of flowering time and ripening traits suggests an impact of a
      genomic region on linkage group 1 in Vitis.
AB  - In the recent past, genetic analyses of grapevine focused mainly on the
      identification of resistance loci for major diseases such as powdery and downy
      mildew. Currently, breeding programs make intensive use of these results by
      applying molecular markers linked to the resistance traits. However, modern
      genetics also allows to address additional agronomic traits that have
      considerable impact on the selection of grapevine cultivars. In this study, we
      have used linkage mapping for the identification and characterization of
      flowering time and ripening traits in a mapping population from a cross of V3125
      ('Schiava Grossa' * 'Riesling') and the interspecific rootstock cultivar 'Borner'
      (Vitis riparia * Vitis cinerea). Comparison of the flowering time QTL mapping
      with data derived from a second independent segregating population identified
      several common QTLs. Especially a large region on linkage group 1 proved to be of
      special interest given the genetic divergence of the parents of the two
      populations. The proximity of the QTL region contains two CONSTANS-like genes. In
      accordance with data from other plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza
      sativa, we hypothesize that these genes are major contributors to control the
      time of flowering in Vitis.

PMID- 25112200
TI  - Identification and characterization of unrecognized viruses in stool samples of
      non-polio acute flaccid paralysis children by simplified VIDISCA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of sequence independent methods combined with next generation
      sequencing for identification purposes in clinical samples appears promising and
      exciting results have been achieved to understand unexplained infections. One
      sequence independent method, Virus Discovery based on cDNA Amplified Fragment
      Length Polymorphism (VIDISCA) is capable of identifying viruses that would have
      remained unidentified in standard diagnostics or cell cultures. METHODS: VIDISCA
      is normally combined with next generation sequencing, however, we set up a
      simplified VIDISCA which can be used in case next generation sequencing is not
      possible. Stool samples of 10 patients with unexplained acute flaccid paralysis
      showing cytopathic effect in rhabdomyosarcoma cells and/or mouse cells were used
      to test the efficiency of this method. To further characterize the viruses,
      VIDISCA-positive samples were amplified and sequenced with gene specific primers.
      RESULTS: Simplified VIDISCA detected seven viruses (70%) and the proportion of
      eukaryotic viral sequences from each sample ranged from 8.3 to 45.8%. Human
      enterovirus EV-B97, EV-B100, echovirus-9 and echovirus-21, human parechovirus
      type-3, human astrovirus probably a type-3/5 recombinant, and tetnovirus-1 were
      identified. Phylogenetic analysis based on the VP1 region demonstrated that the
      human enteroviruses are more divergent isolates circulating in the community.
      CONCLUSION: Our data support that a simplified VIDISCA protocol can efficiently
      identify unrecognized viruses grown in cell culture with low cost, limited time
      without need of advanced technical expertise. Also complex data interpretation is
      avoided thus the method can be used as a powerful diagnostic tool in limited
      resources. Redesigning the routine diagnostics might lead to additional detection
      of previously undiagnosed viruses in clinical samples of patients.

PMID- 25112202
TI  - Mapping resistance to the bird cherry-oat aphid and the greenbug in wheat using
      sequence-based genotyping.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Identification of novel resistance QTL against wheat aphids. First
      QTL-resistance report for R. padi in wheat and chromosome 2DL for S. graminum .
      These sources have potential use in wheat breeding. The aphids Rhopalosiphum padi
      and Schizaphis graminum are important pests of common wheat (Triticum aestivum
      L.). Characterization of the genetic bases of resistance sources is crucial to
      facilitate the development of resistant wheat cultivars to these insects. We
      examined 140 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the cross of Seri M82 wheat
      (susceptible) with the synthetic hexaploid wheat CWI76364 (resistant). RILs were
      phenotyped for R. padi antibiosis and tolerance traits. Phenotyping of S.
      graminum resistance was based on leaf chlorosis in a greenhouse screening and the
      number of S. graminum/tiller in the field. RILs were also scored for pubescence.
      Using a sequence-based genotyping method, we located genomic regions associated
      with these resistance traits. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) for R. padi
      antibiosis (QRp.slu.4BL) that explained 10.2 % of phenotypic variation was found
      in chromosome 4BL and located 14.6 cM apart from the pubescence locus. We found
      no association between plant pubescence and the resistance traits. We found two
      QTLs for R. padi tolerance (QRp.slu.5AL and QRp.slu.5BL) in chromosomes 5AL and
      5BL, with an epistatic interaction between a locus in chromosome 3AL
      (EnQRp.slu.5AL) and QRp.slu.5AL. These genomic regions explained about 35 % of
      the phenotypic variation. We re-mapped a previously reported gene for S. graminum
      resistance (putatively Gba) in 7DL and found a novel QTL associated with the
      number of aphids/tiller (QGb.slu-2DL) in chromosome 2DL. This is the first report
      on the genetic mapping of R. padi resistance in wheat and the first report where
      chromosome 2DL is shown to be associated with S. graminum resistance.

PMID- 25112203
TI  - Lr70, a new gene for leaf rust resistance mapped in common wheat accession
      KU3198.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: KU3198 is a common wheat accession that carries one novel leaf rust
      resistance (Lr) gene, Lr70 , and another Lr gene which is either novel, Lr52 or
      an allele of Lr52. Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks. (Pt), is a
      broadly distributed and economically important disease of wheat. Deploying
      cultivars carrying effective leaf rust resistance (Lr) genes is a desirable
      method of disease control. KU3198 is a common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
      accession from the Kyoto collection that was highly resistant to Pt in Canada. An
      F2 population from the cross HY644/KU3198 showed segregation for two dominant Lr
      genes when tested with Pt race MBDS which was virulent on HY644. Multiple bulk
      segregant analysis (MBSA) was employed to find putative chromosome locations of
      these Lr genes using SSR markers that provided coverage of the genome. MBSA
      predicted that the Lr genes were located on chromosomes 5B and 5D. A doubled
      haploid population was generated from the cross of JBT05-714 (HY644*3/KU3198), a
      line carrying one of the Lr genes from KU3198, to Thatcher. This population
      segregated for a single Lr gene conferring resistance to Pt race MBDS, which was
      mapped to the terminal region of the short arm of chromosome 5B with SSR markers
      and given the temporary designation LrK1. One F3 family derived from the
      HY644/KU3198 F2 population that segregated only for the second Lr gene from
      KU3198 was identified. This family was treated as an F2-equivalent population and
      used for mapping the Lr gene, which was located to the terminal region of
      chromosome 5DS. As no other Lr gene has been mapped to 5DS, this gene is novel
      and has been designated as Lr70.

PMID- 25112204
TI  - Mapping of quantitative adult plant field resistance to leaf rust and stripe rust
      in two European winter wheat populations reveals co-location of three QTL
      conferring resistance to both rust pathogens.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: We detected several, most likely novel QTL for adult plant
      resistance to rusts. Notably three QTL improved resistance to leaf rust and
      stripe rust simultaneously indicating broad spectrum resistance QTL. The rusts of
      wheat (Puccinia spp.) are destructive fungal wheat diseases. The deployment of
      resistant cultivars plays a central role in integrated rust disease management.
      Durability of resistance would be preferred, but is difficult to analyse. The
      Austrian winter wheat cultivar Capo was released in the 1989 and grown on a large
      acreage during more than two decades and maintained a good level of quantitative
      leaf rust and stripe rust resistance. Two bi-parental mapping populations: Capo *
      Arina and Capo * Furore were tested in multiple environments for severity of leaf
      rust and stripe rust at the adult plant stage in replicated field experiments.
      Quantitative trait loci associated with leaf rust and stripe rust severity were
      mapped using DArT and SSR markers. Five QTL were detected in multiple
      environments associated with resistance to leaf rust designated as QLr.ifa-2AL,
      QLr.ifa-2BL, QLr.ifa-2BS, QLr.ifa-3BS, and QLr.ifa-5BL, and five for resistance
      to stripe rust QYr.ifa-2AL, QYr.ifa-2BL, QYr.ifa-3AS, QYr.ifa-3BS, and QYr.ifa
      5A. For all QTL apart from two (QYr.ifa-3AS, QLr.ifa-5BL) Capo contributed the
      resistance improving allele. The leaf rust and stripe rust resistance QTL on 2AL,
      2BL and 3BS mapped to the same chromosome positions, indicating either closely
      linked genes or pleiotropic gene action. These three multiple disease resistance
      QTL (QLr.ifa-2AL/QYr.ifa-2AL, QLr.ifa.2BL/QYr.ifa-2BL, QLr.ifa-3BS/QYr.ifa.3BS)
      potentially contribute novel resistance sources for stripe rust and leaf rust.
      The long-lasting resistance of Capo apparently rests upon a combination of
      several genes. The described germplasm, QTL and markers are applicable for
      simultaneous resistance improvement against leaf rust and stripe rust.

PMID- 25112205
TI  - Mapping resistance genes for Oculimacula acuformis in Aegilops longissima.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: This study identified three QTL conferring resistance to Oculimacula
      acuformis in Aegilops longissima and their associated markers, which can be
      useful in marker-assisted selection breeding for eyespot resistance. Oculimacula
      acuformis is one of two species of soilborne fungi that cause eyespot of wheat,
      the other being Oculimacula yallundae. Both pathogens can coexist in the same
      field and produce elliptical lesions on stem bases of wheat that are
      indistinguishable. Pch1 and Pch2 are the only two eyespot resistance genes
      readily available to wheat breeders, but neither provides complete control. A new
      source of eyespot resistance was identified from Aegilops longissima (2n = 14,
      S(l)S(l)), a wild relative of wheat. Three QTL for resistance to O. acuformis
      were mapped in chromosomes 1S(l), 3S(l), and 5S(l) using a recombinant inbred
      line population developed from the cross Ae. longissima accessions PI 542196 (R)
      * PI 330486 (S). The three QTL explained 66 % of phenotypic variation by beta
      glucuronidase score (GUS) and 84 % by visual rating. These QTL had LOD values of
      10.6, 8.8, and 6.0 for GUS score, and 16.0, 10.0, and 13.0 for visual rating. QTL
      associated with resistance to O. acuformis have similar chromosomal locations as
      some for resistance to O. yallundae, except that a QTL for resistance to O.
      yallundae was found in chromosome 7S(l) but not for O. acuformis. Thus, it
      appears that some genes at the same locus in Ae. longissima may control
      resistance to both eyespot pathogens. QTL effective against both pathogens will
      be most useful for breeding programs and have potential to improve the
      effectiveness and genetic diversity of eyespot resistance.

PMID- 25112207
TI  - A fast way to fluorescence: a fourfold domino reaction to condensed polycyclic
      compounds.
AB  - A fast and efficient palladium-catalyzed fourfold domino Sonogashira/double
      carbopalladation/C?H-activation reaction that converts simple aromatic systems
      into complex polycyclic hydrocarbons has been developed. A number of substituted
      products has thus been prepared in yields up to 89 %. The structural assignment
      has been confirmed by using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The products
      show intriguing fluorescence activity and thus might serve as chemical sensors or
      fluorescent imaging dyes. 

PMID- 25112206
TI  - The dynamic influence of emotional words on sentence processing.
AB  - In the present study, we aimed to examine how the emotionality of words
      influences online sentence processing-specifically, the influence of emotional
      words on the processing of following words in sentences. We manipulated the
      emotionality of verbs as well as the orthographic correctness of their following
      (neutral) object nouns, so that the orthographic violation of the (neutral) nouns
      occurred in either emotional or neutral sentences. Event-related potentials
      (ERPs) were recorded to both the nouns and the verbs. We found that the
      orthographic violation of the nouns elicited a P2 and an N400 effect in the
      emotionally neutral sentences, but an LPC effect in the emotionally charged
      sentences. We also found that the emotional verbs elicited a larger N1, a larger
      P2, and a larger N400 than did the neutral verbs. The ERP results suggest that
      emotional words capture more attention than neutral words, which further affects
      early orthographic analysis of the following words. Our findings demonstrate a
      dynamic influence of emotional words on sentence processing. 

PMID- 25112208
TI  - High-throughput method of dioxin analysis in aqueous samples using consecutive
      solid phase extraction steps with the new C18 UltraflowTM pressurized liquid
      extraction and automated clean-up.
AB  - A high-throughput analytical method has been developed for the determination of
      seventeen 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and
      dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in aqueous samples. A recently introduced octadecyl (C18)
      disk for semi-automated solid-phase extraction of PCDD/Fs in water samples with a
      high level of particulate material has been tested for the analysis of dioxins. A
      new type of C18 disk specially designed for the analysis of hexane extractable
      material (HEM), but never previously reported for use in PCDD/Fs analysis. This
      kind of disk allows a higher filtration flow, and therefore the time of analysis
      is reduced. The solid-phase extraction technique is used to change samples from
      liquid to solid, and therefore pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) can be used in
      the pre-treatment. In order to achieve efficient purification, extracts from the
      PLE are purified using an automated Power-prep system with disposable silica,
      alumina, and carbon columns. Quantitative analyses of PCDD/Fs were performed by
      GC-HRMS using multi-ion detection (MID) mode. The method was successfully applied
      to the analysis of water samples from the wastewater treatment system of a vinyl
      chloride monomer plant. The entire procedure is in agreement with EPA1613
      recommendations regarding the blank control, MDLs (method detection limits),
      accuracy, and precision. The high-throughput method not only meets the
      requirements of international standards, but also shortens the required analysis
      time from 2 weeks to 3d.

PMID- 25112209
TI  - Asymmetries in explosive strength following anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite its apparent functional importance, there is a general lack
      of data regarding the time-related changes in explosive strength and the
      corresponding side-to-side asymmetries in individuals recovering from an ACL
      reconstruction (ACLR). The present study was designed to assess changes in the
      maximum and explosive strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles in
      athletes recovering from an ACLR. METHODS: Twenty male athletes with an ACL
      injury completed a standard isometric testing protocol pre-ACLR, four and
      sixmonths post-ACLR. In addition to the maximum strength (Fmax), the explosive
      strength of quadriceps and hamstrings was assessed through four variables derived
      from the slope of the force-time curves over various time intervals (RFDmax,
      RFD50, RFD150 and RFD250). Side-to-side asymmetries were calculated relative to
      post-ACLR measures of the uninvolved leg ("standard" asymmetries), and relative
      to pre-ACLR value of the uninvolved leg ("real" asymmetries). RESULTS: Pre-ACLR
      asymmetries in quadriceps RFD (average 26%) were already larger than in Fmax
      (14%) (p<0.05). Six months post-ACLR real asymmetries in RFD variables (33-39%)
      were larger than the corresponding standard asymmetries (26-28%; p<0.01). Average
      asymmetries in hamstrings' RFD and Fmax were 10%, 25% and 15% for pre-ACLR and
      two post-ACLR sessions, respectively (all p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to
      the maximum strength, the indices of explosive strength should also be included
      in monitoring recovery of muscle function following an ACLR. Furthermore, pre
      injury/reconstruction values should be used for the post-ACLR side-to-side
      comparisons, providing a more valid criterion regarding the muscle recovery and
      readiness for a return to sports.

PMID- 25112210
TI  - Synovial fluid differential cell count in wear debris synovitis after total knee
      replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Determining the cause of synovitis following total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA) can be challenging. The differential diagnoses include infection,
      hemarthrosis, instability, crystalline disease, wear debris or idiopathic causes.
      Wear particle synovitis can mimic periprosthetic infection with symptoms of pain
      and effusion. Radiographs and physical exam are often inconclusive in
      differentiating the two. Synovial fluid analysis is routinely used in evaluating
      periprosthetic infections. We examined the association between synovial white
      blood cell count and differentials, and polyethylene wear and osteolysis, to see
      if fluid analysis can aid in establishing the diagnosis of wear particle
      synovitis. METHODS: A cell count and differential was obtained from synovial
      fluid samples from 54 TKAs undergoing revision for aseptic failure. Explanted
      polyethylene inserts were analyzed for linear and volumetric wear, oxidation
      (ketone peak height), and damage features. Analysis was performed to assess the
      relationship between cell counts and polyethylene wear indicators as well as
      severity of intra-operative and radiographic osteolysis. RESULTS: Total and
      percent mononuclear (monocyte and lymphocyte) cell counts were found to be
      elevated in the presence of documented wear debris synovitis and an association
      was suggested between their levels and maximum ketone levels. CONCLUSION: The
      present study implies that the differential cell count of knee fluid can help
      distinguish wear debris from infection as a source of synovitis following TKA and
      identifies the value of the mononuclear cell count as a possible tool to assess
      abnormal wear rates of the polyethylene insert. Further research into identifying
      the exact role of monocytes in the wear debris synovitis and osteolytic pathways
      is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, diagnostic study.

PMID- 25112212
TI  - Histological features of the ACL remnant in partial tears.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the histological features of
      the remaining fibers bridging the femur and tibia in partial ACL tears. METHODS:
      Twenty-six ACL remnants were harvested from patients who had arthroscopic
      criteria concordant with a partial tear. Histological analysis includes
      cellularity, blood vessel density evaluation and characterization of the femoral
      bony insertion morphology. Immunohistochemical studies were carried out to
      determine cells positive for alpha-smooth actin and for mechanoreceptor
      detection. RESULTS: In these samples, a normal femoral insertion of the remnant
      was present in 22.7% of the cases. In 54% of the samples, substantial areas of
      hypercellularity were observed. Myofibroblasts were the predominant cell type and
      numerous cells positive for alpha-smooth actin were detected at immunostaining.
      Blood vessel density was increased in hypercellularity areas and in the synovial
      sheet. Free nerve endings and few Golgi or Ruffini corpuscles were detected in
      41% of the specimens. The cellularity was correlated to the time between injury
      to surgery (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Competent histological structures including a
      well-vascularized synovial sheet, numerous fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and
      mechanoreceptors were found in ACL remnants. These histological findings bring
      additional knowledge towards the preservation of the ACL remnant in partial tears
      when ACL reconstruction or augmentation is considered. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      Descriptive laboratory study.

PMID- 25112211
TI  - Relationship of the posterior femoral axis of the "kinematically aligned" total
      knee arthroplasty to the posterior condylar, transepicondylar, and
      anteroposterior femoral axes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A recent proposed modification in surgical technique in total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) has been the introduction of the "kinematically aligned" TKA,
      in which the angle and level of the posterior joint line of the femoral component
      and joint line of the tibial component are aligned to those of the "normal," pre
      arthritic knee. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship of
      the posterior femoral axis of the "kinematically aligned" total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA) to the traditional axes used to set femoral component rotation. METHODS:
      One hundred and fourteen consecutive, unselected patients with preoperative MRI
      images undergoing TKA were retrospectively reviewed. The transepicondylar axis
      (TEA), posterior condylar axis (PCA), antero-posterior axis (APA) of the
      trochlear groove, and posterior femoral axis of the kinematically aligned TKA
      (KAA) were templated on axial MRI images by two independent observers. The
      relationships between the KAA, TEA, APA, and PCA were determined, with a negative
      value indicating relative internal rotation of the axis. RESULTS: On average, the
      KAA was 0.5 degrees  externally rotated relative to the PCA (minimum of -3.6
      degrees , maximum of 5.8 degrees ), -4.0 degrees  internally rotated relative to
      the TEA (minimum of -10.5 degrees , maximum of 2.3 degrees ), and -96.4 degrees 
      internally rotated relative to the APA (minimum of -104.5 degrees , maximum of 
      88.5 degrees ). Each of these relationships exhibited a wide range of potential
      values. CONCLUSIONS: Using a kinematically aligned surgical technique internally
      rotates the posterior femoral axis relative to the transepicondylar axis, which
      significantly differs from current alignment instrument targets.

PMID- 25112213
TI  - Sarcocystis arieticanis (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) infecting the heart muscles
      of the domestic sheep, Ovis aries (Artiodactyla: Bovidae), from K. S. A. on the
      basis of light and electron microscopic data.
AB  - In the present study, the heteroxenous life cycle of Sarcocystis species from
      three strains of the slaughtered sheep at Al-Azizia and Al-Saada abattoirs in
      Riyadh city, K.S.A., was studied. Muscle samples of the oesophagus, diaphragm,
      tongue, skeletal and heart muscles were examined. Varied natural infection rates
      in the muscles of the examined sheep strains were recorded as 83% in Niemy, 81.5%
      in Najdy and 90% in Sawakny sheep. Muscles of the diaphragm showed the highest
      infection level above all organs except Najdy sheep in which oesophagus has the
      highest rate. Also, the heart was the lowest infected organ (40% Niemy, 44% Najdy
      and 53% Sawakny). Microscopic sarcocysts of Sarcocystis arieticanis are easily
      identified in sections through the heart muscles of the domestic sheep Ovis aries
      (Artiodactyla: Bovidae). Cysts measured 38.5-64.4 MUm (averaged 42.66 MUm) in
      width and 62.4-173.6 MUm (averaged 82.14 MUm) in length. The validity of this
      species was confirmed by means of ultrastructural characteristics of the primary
      cyst wall (0.1-0.27 MUm thick) which revealed the presence of irregularly shaped
      crowded and hairy-like projections underlined by a thin layer of ground
      substance. This layer consisted mainly of fine, dense homogenous granules
      enclosing the developing metrocytes and merozoites that usually contain nearly
      all the structures of the apical complex and fill the interior cavity of the
      cyst. Several septa derived from the ground substance divided the cyst into
      compartments. The merozoites were banana-shaped and measured 12-16 MUm in length
      with centrally or posteriorly located nuclei. Experimental infection of
      carnivores by feeding heavily infected sheep muscles revealed that the dog, Canis
      familiaris, is the only final host of the present Sarcocystis species. Gamogony,
      sporogonic stages and characteristics of sporulated oocysts were also
      investigated.

PMID- 25112214
TI  - Clamp ultrastructure of the basal monogenean Chimaericola leptogaster (Leuckart,
      1830) (Polyopisthocotylea: Chimaericolidae).
AB  - The ultrastructure of the haptoral clamps of the chimaericolid monogenean
      Chimaericola leptogaster, a basal polyopisthocotylean from the gills of a
      holocephalan fish, is described. These clamps are characterized by the presence
      of two muscle blocks interrupted mid-anteriorly and mid-posteriorly and different
      kinds of hard structures: a single median and paired lateral sclerites embedded
      in the clamp wall; six spine-like structures directed towards the clamp lumen;
      and electron dense surface structures along the internal surface of the anterior
      clamp lips and along the luminal surface of the tegument of the clamp lumen. The
      lateral sclerites are situated deep within muscular tissue and are closely
      bounded by radial myofibrils, possessing a uniform electron dense matrix within
      which are hollow areas of different sizes. The median sclerite occupies an area
      between the clamp wall myofibrils and the luminal epithelium, is surrounded by a
      basement lamina and is composed of a heterogeneous matrix comprising two
      different morphological layers related to variations in the type and
      concentration of fibrils. Four of the spine-like structures are extensions of the
      margins of the two spindle-like muscle blocks in the clamps, i.e. the two
      anterior and two posterior structures, and the two others are situated at the
      lateral constrictions of the left and right muscle blocks. The electron dense
      surface structures are derivations of the clamp tegument or, to be more precise,
      its outer, densely fibrous region. These results are discussed in relation to the
      evidence that the haptoral clamps of C. leptogaster are apparently ancient
      origin. 

PMID- 25112215
TI  - The role of quorum sensing system in antimicrobial induced ampC expression in
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of quorum sensing (QS) systems
      in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) on the expression of ampC gene induced
      by antibiotics. An in vitro dynamic model of P. aeruginosa biofilms was
      established in a silicon tube in once-flowthrough system at 37  degrees C.
      Biofilm generation was identified by argentation. Biofilm morphology of standard
      P. aeruginosa strain (PAO-1) and QS systems deficient strains (PDO100, rhlI
      deficient strain; PAO-JP1, lasI deficient strain; and PAO-MW1, rhlI and lasI
      deficient strain) were observed by optical microscope. The expression of ampC in
      PAO1, PAO1 with QS inhibitor (furanone C-30) and the QS deficient strains before
      and after induced by antibiotics were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR.
      The biofilms of PAO-1 and PDO100 were much thicker and denser than that of PAO
      JP1 and PAO-MW1. Being induced by antibiotics, the expression of ampC in PAO1 and
      PDO100 was significantly higher than that in PAO-MW1 and PAO-JP1. With the effect
      of furanone C-30, the expression of ampC in PAO1 induced by antibiotics was
      reduced in a dose-dependent manner. QS system, especially the las system, plays
      an important role in both biofilm formation and antimicrobials induced ampC
      expression and furanone C-30 is a potent inhibitor for P. aeruginosa QS system. 

PMID- 25112216
TI  - Cell penetration: scope and limitations by the application of cell-penetrating
      peptides.
AB  - The penetration of polar or badly soluble compounds through a cell membrane into
      live cells requires mechanical support or chemical helpers. Cell-penetrating
      peptides (CPPs) are very promising chemical helpers. Because of their low
      cytotoxicity and final degradation to amino acids, they are particularly favored
      in in vivo studies and for clinical applications. Clearly, the future of CPP
      research is bright; however, the required optimization studies for each drug
      require considerable individualized attention. Thus, CPPs are not the
      philosopher's stone. As of today, a large number of such transporter peptides
      with very different sequences have been identified. These have different uptake
      mechanisms and can transport different cargos. Intracellular concentrations of
      cargos can reach a low micromole range and are able to influence intracellular
      reactions. Internalized ribonucleic acids such as small interfering RNA (siRNA)
      and mimics of RNA such as peptide nucleic acids, morpholino nucleic acids, and
      triesters of oligonucleotides can influence transcription and translation.
      Despite the highly efficient internalization of antibodies, enzymes, and other
      protein factors, as well as siRNA and RNA mimics, the uptake and stabile
      insertion of DNA into the genome of the host cells remain substantially
      challenging. This review describes a wide array of differing CPPs, cargos, cell
      lines, and tissues. The application of CPPs is compared with electroporation,
      magnetofection, lipofection, viral vectors, dendrimers, and nanoparticles,
      including commercially available products. The limitations of CPPs include low
      cell and tissue selectivity of the first generation and the necessity for
      formation of fusion proteins, conjugates, or noncovalent complexes to different
      cargos and of cargo release from intracellular vesicles. Furthermore, the
      noncovalent complexes require a strong molar excess of CPPs, and extensive
      experimentation is required to determine the most optimal CPP for any given cargo
      and cell type. Yet to predict which CPP is optimal for any given target remains a
      complex question. More recently, there have been promising developments: the
      enhancement of cell specificity using activatable CPPs, specific transport into
      cell organelles by insertion of corresponding localization sequences, and the
      transport of drugs through blood-brain barriers, through the conjunctiva of eyes,
      skin, and into nerve cells. Proteins, siRNA, and mimics of oligonucleotides can
      be efficiently transported into cells and have been tested for treatment of
      certain diseases. The recent state of the art in CPP research is discussed
      together with the overall scope, limitations, and some recommendations for future
      research directions.

PMID- 25112217
TI  - Comorbid Problem Gambling and Major Depression in a Community Sample.
AB  - Major depression is among the most common comorbid conditions in problem
      gambling. However, little is known about the effects of comorbid depression on
      problem gambling. The present study examined the prevalence of current major
      depression among problem gamblers (N = 105) identified from a community sample of
      men and women in Alberta, and examined group differences in gambling severity,
      escape motivation for gambling, family functioning, childhood trauma, and
      personality traits across problem gamblers with and without comorbid depression.
      The prevalence of major depression among the sample of problem gamblers was
      32.4%. Compared to problem gamblers without depression (n = 71), problem gamblers
      with comorbid depression (n = 34) reported more severe gambling problems, greater
      history of childhood abuse and neglect, poorer family functioning, higher levels
      of neuroticism, and lower levels of extraversion, agreeableness, and
      conscientiousness. Furthermore, the problem gamblers with comorbid depression had
      greater levels of childhood abuse and neglect, worse family functioning, higher
      neuroticism, and lower agreeableness and conscientiousness than a comparison
      sample of recreational gamblers with depression (n = 160). These findings
      underscore the need to address comorbid depression in assessment and treatment of
      problem gambling and for continued research on how problem gambling is related to
      frequently co-occurring disorders such as depression.

PMID- 25112219
TI  - Gender Differences in Risk Aversion Among Chinese University Students.
AB  - This paper examines gender differences in risk aversion among Chinese university
      students. Chinese females are proposed to be more risk averse and require a
      higher risk premium when faced with a gamble option in the gain-domain frame as
      compared to Chinese males. Two groups of 100 participants each (male = 100 and
      female = 100 in total) were recruited to fill up questionnaires that included
      items relating to objective probability lotteries. Within each group, it was
      found that Chinese males and females did not differ in their risk aversion.
      However, results show that Chinese males tend to react more readily to rising
      risk premium by taking up options with higher expected values when compared to
      Chinese females. Current findings will have useful implications to marketers
      (particularly, promoters of gambling products) and problem gambling counselors. 

PMID- 25112218
TI  - The Relationship Between Gambling and Homelessness: A Commentary on Sharman et
      al. (2014).
AB  - The relationship between problem gambling and homelessness is a little studied
      area in the gambling studies field. A recent study by Sharman et al. (J Gambl
      Stud, doi: 10.1007/s10899-014-9444-7, 2014) is the first quantitative study in
      Great Britain on this interesting and important topic. In this context, the study
      is to be commended and provides an empirical benchmark on which other studies can
      build. The study reported a problem gambling prevalence rate of 11.6% and is
      significantly higher than the problem gambling rate of the general population in
      Great Britain (which is <1%). However, given the political sensitivity
      surrounding the expansion of bookmakers in the UK, the study needs further
      contextualization otherwise the findings of such studies may be used by anti
      gambling lobby groups to serve their own political agendas. While it is good that
      such an area has been empirically investigated in Great Britain, this paper
      briefly (1) places the issue of problem gambling among the homeless into the
      wider context of problems among the homeless more generally (particularly in
      relation to mental health problems and other addictive behaviors), (2) highlights
      some of the methodological problems and weaknesses of the study, and (3) notes a
      number of factual errors made in the paper.

PMID- 25112220
TI  - A Resource Model of Change: Client Factors that Influence Problem Gambling
      Treatment Outcomes.
AB  - This study examined a resource-based model of change whereby poor problem
      gambling (PG) treatment outcomes and relapse are viewed as resulting from client
      coping resources being diminished or overwhelmed. Specifically, client factors
      that work like resources to facilitate treatment (i.e., social support, self
      efficacy, motivation, readiness for change, and emotion-focused coping) or use up
      resources and hinder treatment (i.e., co-morbid depression and life stress) were
      examined. The 50 participants were followed for 4 months after entering treatment
      for PG and were assessed at baseline, 1 month into treatment, 2 months into
      treatment, and during a follow-up 4 months after treatment began. Of the 50
      participants, 20 dropped-out of treatment and 24 completed the follow-up measure.
      The results suggest that self-efficacy and depression, measured at baseline, are
      good predictors of 1- and 2-month outcomes, whereas depression and life stress,
      measured after 2 months of treatment, are good predictors of 4-month outcomes. In
      the strongest of these models, baseline scores of client self-efficacy and
      depressed affect explained as much as 48.7% of the variance in gambling behaviors
      2 months later.

PMID- 25112222
TI  - Impulse control disorders are associated with multiple psychiatric symptoms in
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impulse control disorders can have serious adverse consequences to
      the life of a patient with Parkinson's disease. Although impulse control
      disorders are common, a possible psychiatric comorbidity has not been fully
      characterized. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the
      psychiatric symptoms exhibited by Parkinson's disease patients with impulse
      control disorders. METHODS: The study was conducted as a postal survey to
      patients in the registry of the Finnish Parkinson Association. A total of 290
      Parkinson's disease patients were evaluated for impulse control disorders using
      the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease.
      Psychiatric symptoms were systematically screened using the Symptom Checklist 90.
      RESULTS: We found that 108 of the evaluated patients had one or more impulse
      control disorders. Patients with impulse control disorders had markedly higher
      scores for symptoms of psychoticism (Bonferroni corrected p < 0.001),
      interpersonal sensitivity (p < 0.001), obsessive-compulsive disorder (p < 0.001),
      and depression (p = 0.01) when compared with patients without impulse control
      disorders. Impulse control disorders were shown to be independently associated
      with these symptoms. Patients with multiple impulse control disorders had higher
      scores for depression and obsessive-compulsive symptoms when compared with
      patients that exhibited only one impulse control disorder. COUNCLUSIONS: Our
      results confirm the previous observations that impulse control disorders in
      Parkinson's disease are linked with multiple psychiatric symptoms, including
      psychoticism, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and
      depression. Clinicians treating these patients should acknowledge the concomitant
      psychiatric symptoms.

PMID- 25112223
TI  - Measuring stem cell dynamics in the human colon--where there's a wiggle, there's
      a way.
AB  - The last decade has seen huge improvements in our understanding of intestinal
      stem cell biology, with major advances arising from the ability to transgenically
      label, and thus identify, murine stem cells and their progeny. In the human,
      transgenic labelling is not an available option and stem cell dynamic
      observations have been based on rare hereditary mutations and polymorphisms.
      Somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations cause a histochemically detectable, but
      neutrally selected, change in cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) enzyme activity and when
      this occurs in an intestinal stem cell, it can be used as an effective clonal
      marker in both health and disease. The intestinal crypt is the functional unit of
      the gut. Daughter cells are 'born' in the stem cell niche at the crypt base and
      proliferate, differentiate, and then apoptose as they migrate along the vertical
      crypt axis over 5-7 days. This stereotypical architecture provides a historical
      record of cell dynamics, as the distance travelled along the crypt axis is
      proportional to the time since the daughter cell was born. By staining,
      identifying, and carefully reconstructing crypt maps from serial en face sections
      of partially mutated mtDNA crypts, clonal ribbon images can be generated.
      'Wiggles' in the width of the clonal ribbon reflect mtDNA mutated stem cell
      expansion or contraction events and these biological observations are applied in
      mathematical models. This clever approach is able to infer temporal evolutionary
      dynamics from a static, single time point measurement, in both normal and
      familial adenomatous polyposis tissue. As we have seen in the mouse, the simple
      ability to identify stem cell progeny can lead to a vast expansion in our
      understanding of stem cell evolution. The use of these techniques to trace recent
      stem cell dynamics in the human colon makes some headway into the knowledge gap
      in our understanding of murine and human intestinal stem cell biology. (c) 2014
      The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on
      behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. 

PMID- 25112224
TI  - [Clearer labelling is required on tubes emitting ultraviolet C to prevent skin
      and eye lesions].

PMID- 25112225
TI  - Detoxification of furfural in Corynebacterium glutamicum under aerobic and
      anaerobic conditions.
AB  - The toxic fermentation inhibitors in lignocellulosic hydrolysates raise serious
      problems for the microbial production of fuels and chemicals. Furfural is
      considered to be one of the most toxic compounds among these inhibitors. Here, we
      describe the detoxification of furfural in Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC13032
      under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Under aerobic culture conditions,
      furfuryl alcohol and 2-furoic acid were produced as detoxification products of
      furfural. The ratio of the products varied depending on the initial furfural
      concentration. Neither furfuryl alcohol nor 2-furoic acid showed any toxic effect
      on cell growth, and both compounds were determined to be the end products of
      furfural degradation. Interestingly, unlike under aerobic conditions, most of the
      furfural was converted to furfuryl alcohol under anaerobic conditions, without
      affecting the glucose consumption rate. Both the NADH/NAD(+) and NADPH/NADP(+)
      ratio decreased in the accordance with furfural concentration under both aerobic
      and anaerobic conditions. These results indicate the presence of a single or
      multiple endogenous enzymes with broad and high affinity for furfural and co
      factors in C. glutamicum ATCC13032. 

PMID- 25112226
TI  - Engineering color variants of green fluorescent protein (GFP) for
      thermostability, pH-sensitivity, and improved folding kinetics.
AB  - A number of studies have been conducted to improve chromophore maturation,
      folding kinetics, thermostability, and other traits of green fluorescent protein
      (GFP). However, no specific work aimed at improving the thermostability of the
      yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) and of the pH-sensitive, yet thermostable color
      variants of GFP has so far been done. The protein variants reported in this study
      were improved through rational multiple site-directed mutagenesis of GFP (ASV) by
      introducing up to ten point mutations including the mutations near and at the
      chromophore region. Therefore, we report the development and characterization of
      fast folder and thermo-tolerant green variant (FF-GFP), and a fast folder
      thermostable yellow fluorescent protein (FFTS-YFP) endowed with remarkably
      improved thermostability and folding kinetics. We demonstrate that the
      fluorescence intensity of this yellow variant is not affected by heating at 75 
      degrees C. Moreover, we have developed a pH-unresponsive cyan variant AcS-CFP,
      which has potential use as part of in vivo imaging irrespective of intracellular
      pH. The combined improved properties make these fluorescent variants ideal tools
      to study protein expression and function under different pH environments, in
      mesophiles and thermophiles. Furthermore, coupling of the FFTS-YFP and AcS-CFP
      could potentially serve as an ideal tool to perform functional analysis of live
      cells by multicolor labeling. 

PMID- 25112227
TI  - Surgical treatment of prolactinomas: cons.
AB  - Prolactinomas account for approximately 40 % of all pituitary adenomas. Over 95 %
      of prolactinomas are microadenomas (< 10 mm diameter). Treatment is indicated to
      correct hypogonadism, restore other hormonal deficits, and alleviate local mass
      effects. Dopamine agonists (DA) are highly effective in achieving these goals and
      are well-tolerated. The vast majority of prolactinomas will respond to
      conventional doses of cabergoline (<=2 mg/week) that do not carry an increased
      risk of cardiac valvular abnormalities. DA therapy may be successful withdrawn in
      a subset of patients and thus is not necessarily a lifelong commitment. Although
      transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is an option for prolactinoma treatment, it is less
      effective than medical management, carries considerably more risk, and is more
      expensive. The benefit/risk ratio for DA therapy compared to TSS actually becomes
      increasingly more favorable as tumor size increases. Therefore DA should remain
      the clear treatment of choice for essentially all patients with prolactinomas,
      reserving TSS as a second-line option for the very small number of patients that
      do not tolerate or are completely resistant to DA therapy.

PMID- 25112228
TI  - Treatment of hyperprolactinemia in post-menopausal women: pros.
AB  - The incidence of hyperprolactinemia in women peaks during the 3rd-4th decade and
      then greatly decreases after the menopause. Apart from the effects on the
      hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, prolactin can act directly on bone
      metabolism. Hyperprolactinemia is a recognized cause of secondary osteoporosis,
      and treatment with dopamine agonists can lead to improved BMD. Moreover,
      hyperprolactinemia has been linked to weight gain and insulin resistance, which
      can be ameliorated following medical treatment. Although relatively rare,
      prolactinomas can be observed in post-menopausal women and are frequently large
      and invasive; dopamine agonists appear to be as effective in these patients as in
      younger women to induce reduction of prolactin levels and tumour shrinkage. Here,
      we review data potentially favouring medical treatment with dopamine agonists in
      post-menopausal women diagnosed with hyperprolactinemia. 

PMID- 25112229
TI  - Interventions to reduce inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotic medications in
      people with dementia resident in care homes: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to manage the behavioral
      and psychological symptoms of dementia. Several large studies have demonstrated
      an association between treatment with antipsychotics and increased morbidity and
      mortality in people with dementia. AIMS: To assess the effectiveness of
      interventions used to reduce inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotics to the
      elderly with dementia in residential care. METHOD: Systematic searches were
      conducted in 12 electronic databases. Reference lists of all included studies and
      forward citation searching using Web of Science were also conducted. All
      quantitative studies with a comparative research design and studies in which
      recognized methods of qualitative data collection were used were included.
      Articles were screened for inclusion independently by 2 reviewers. Data
      extraction and quality appraisal were performed by 1 reviewer and checked by a
      second with discrepancies resolved by discussion with a third if necessary.
      RESULTS: Twenty-two quantitative studies (reported in 23 articles) were included
      evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs (n = 11), in-reach services
      (n = 2), medication review (n = 4), and multicomponent interventions (n = 5). No
      qualitative studies meeting our inclusion criteria were identified. Eleven
      studies were randomized or controlled in design; the remainder were uncontrolled
      before and after studies. Beneficial effects were seen in 9 of the 11 studies
      with the most robust study design with reductions in antipsychotic prescribing
      levels of between 12% and 20%. Little empirical information was provided on the
      sustainability of interventions. CONCLUSION: Interventions to reduce
      inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotic medications to people with dementia
      resident in care homes may be effective in the short term, but longer more robust
      studies are needed. For prescribing levels to be reduced in the long term, the
      culture and nature of care settings and the availability and feasibility of
      nondrug alternatives needs to be addressed.

PMID- 25112230
TI  - Low serum selenium level is associated with low muscle mass in the community
      dwelling elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Elderly persons with low muscle mass (LMM) or sarcopenia are prone to
      frailty and functional decline. This study aimed to investigate the relationship
      between serum selenium level and skeletal muscle mass in community-dwelling
      elderly. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A
      total of 327 elderly Taipei citizens (mean age 71.5 +/- 4.7 years) were recruited
      from the community. MEASUREMENTS: Skeletal muscle mass was measured by
      bioelectrical impedance analysis. LMM was defined by low skeletal muscle index
      (SMI: muscle mass (kg)/[height (m)](2)). All participants were further divided
      into quartiles by serum selenium level and the risk for LMM among these quartiles
      was examined using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Estimated serum
      selenium levels for the LMM group vs the normal group and estimated SMI in the
      quartiles of serum selenium were computed by least square method in linear
      regression models. RESULTS: The estimated mean (+/-standard deviation) of serum
      selenium level was significantly lower in the LMM group compared with the normal
      group after adjusting for confounders (1.01 +/- 0.03 MUmol/L vs 1.14 +/- 0.02
      MUmol/L, P < .001). After adjusting for age, sex, lifestyle, and physical and
      metabolic factors, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval, P value) of LMM in
      the bottom, second, and third selenium quartile groups were 4.62 (95% CI 2.11
      10.10, P < .001), 2.30 (95% CI 1.05-5.03, P < .05) and 1.51 (95% CI 0.66-3.46, P
      = .327), respectively, compared with the top quartile group of serum selenium
      level. The least square mean of SMI increased with the quartiles of serum
      selenium (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate that low
      serum selenium is independently associated with low muscle mass in the elderly.
      The causality and underlying mechanism between selenium and low muscle mass or
      sarcopenia warrant further research.

PMID- 25112231
TI  - Obesity: cerebral damage in obesity-associated metabolic syndrome.
AB  - The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome has increased in tandem with that of
      obesity. The metabolic syndrome is associated with structural and functional
      cerebral damage. A new study confirms the association between the metabolic
      syndrome and reduced brain volume in the absence of diabetes mellitus. Here, we
      highlight how vascular dysfunction potentially contributes to this brain damage.

PMID- 25112232
TI  - Biomarkers: Sclerostin levels linked to CKD outcomes.

PMID- 25112233
TI  - Diabetes: Protective role of autophagy in pancreatic beta cells.

PMID- 25112234
TI  - Diabetes: insulin pump therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - The evidence base for the efficacy of insulin pump therapy in type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM) has been inconsistent to date. However, a recent large-scale
      randomized controlled trial comparing pump treatment with multiple daily insulin
      injections in patients with poorly controlled T2DM has shown substantial
      improvement in glycaemic control with pump therapy.

PMID- 25112236
TI  - Streaming potential and electroviscous effects in soft nanochannels: towards
      designing more efficient nanofluidic electrochemomechanical energy converters.
AB  - In this paper we provide analytical solutions for the streaming potential and
      electroviscous effects in soft nanochannels. The analysis is based on the
      solution of the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation, valid for small
      electrostatic potentials. We identify the important dimensionless parameters that
      dictate these two effects. Results are provided for a large range of electric
      double layer (EDL) thickness values, spanning from the case of very thin to very
      large overlapped EDL thicknesses. We compare the results with those of a rigid
      nanochannel, having zeta potential equal to the electrostatic potential at the
      solid-polyelectrolyte interface of the soft nanochannels. For the soft
      nanochannel, the streaming potential varies very weakly with the EDL thickness
      and can be substantially larger than that corresponding to the rigid nanochannel.
      The electroviscous effects for the soft nanochannel, unlike the rigid
      nanochannel, virtually always exhibit a monotonic decrease with the EDL
      thickness, and for certain parameter ranges can be several times larger than that
      for a rigid nanochannel. Most importantly, for the soft nanochannels the
      electrochemomechanical energy conversion, associated with the generation of
      streaming potential, is found to be highly efficient, with the efficiency being
      several times higher than that of a rigid nanochannel. 

PMID- 25112237
TI  - Australian marsh beetles (Coleoptera: Scirtidae). 6. Genera Calvarium Pic,
      Papuacyphon Zwick, and Ypsiloncyphon Klausnitzer.
AB  - The genus Calvarium Pic, 1918 is for the first time recorded from Australia. Six
      new Australian species are named and described. Calvarium australiense n. sp. and
      C. superbum n. sp. from the Northern Territory are typical representatives of the
      genus. A new subgenus, Calvariellum n. subgen., is proposed for four species from
      NE Queensland which share general body structure with other Calvarium species but
      have different, less derived male genitalia: Calvarium (Calvariellum)
      bellendenker n. sp., C. (Calvariellum) cochlearifer n. sp., C. (Calvariellum)
      hamifer n. sp., and C. (Calvariellum) lancifer n. sp. Papuacyphon darwini n. sp.
      is described from SW Australia. The genus was previously known only from Papua
      New Guinea. Species Group 3 of the genus Ypsiloncyphon Klausnitzer, 2009 is first
      recorded from Australia. It is endemic to the Australasian region. The Australian
      species Y. angustus n. sp., Y. brevis n. sp., Y. katherinae n. sp., Y. longus n.
      sp., Y. pusillus n. sp., Y. velatus n. sp., and Y. virgulifer n. sp. are
      described, the New Guinean species Y. micans (Klausnitzer, 1973) (= Cyphon
      paramicans Klausnitzer, 1973, n. syn.), Y. mutilatus n. sp., Y. ruficollis n.
      sp., and Y. rugosus n. sp. are described or redescribed from types, respectively.
      Three Australian species known only in the female sex are described under
      informal designations.

PMID- 25112238
TI  - Synopsis of Oryssomini Gordon (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from the Neotropical
      region with new species of Oryssomus Mulsant, Pseudoryssomus Gordon and
      Gordonoryssomus Almeida & Lima.
AB  - Six new species of Oryssomus are described: O. calix sp. nov., O. guillermo sp.
      nov., O. guyanensis sp. nov. and O. rhombus sp. nov., from French Guiana; and O.
      paschoali sp. nov. and O. rogeri sp. nov., from Brazil. Four new species of
      Pseudoryssomus are described: P. brulei sp. nov., P. crucifer sp. nov., P.
      triangulus sp. nov., from French Guiana; and P. rufomarginatus sp. nov., from
      Trinidad and Tobago. Three new species of Gordonoryssomus are described: G.
      mirnae sp. nov., from Peru, G. everardoi sp. nov. and G. limeirai sp. nov., from
      Brazil. The new species are placed within the South American classification of
      Gordon (1974) and Almeida & Lima (1995). Keys to genera and species of Oryssomus,
      Pseudoryssomus and Gordonoryssomus are included. Distribution maps and a
      checklist of the known species of Oryssomini are provided.  

PMID- 25112239
TI  - An annotated checklist of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) of Saint Lucia,
      Lesser Antilles .
AB  - An annotated list of 83 scale insect species (Hemiptera: Sterorrhyncha:
      Coccoidea) recorded from Saint Lucia is presented, based on data gathered from UK
      quarantine interceptions, samples collected in an urban coastal habitat in the
      North West of the Island in 2013, and published records. Thirty-three species
      (40%) are recorded for the first time for the country, including Dysmicoccus
      joannesiae (Costa Lima), a South American mealybug, and Poliaspoides formosana
      (Takahashi), an Asian armoured scale insect pest of bamboo, which are new for the
      Caribbean region. The economic, environmental and social impacts caused by
      introduced exotic species of scale insect are discussed. Two predatory midges
      Diadiplosis ?coccidivora (Felt) and Diadiplosis multifila (Felt) (Diptera:
      Cecidomyiidae) are recorded for the first time from Saint Lucia. The latter
      species was observed causing 90% mortality of a large infestation of passion vine
      mealybug Planococcus minor (Maskell) on soursop fruit.  

PMID- 25112235
TI  - Gynaecomastia--pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.
AB  - Gynaecomastia (enlargement of the male breast tissue) is a common finding in the
      general population. Most cases of gynaecomastia are benign and of cosmetic,
      rather than clinical, importance. However, the condition might cause local pain
      and tenderness, could occasionally be the result of a serious underlying illness
      or a medication, or be inherited. Breast cancer in men is much less common than
      benign gynaecomastia, and the two conditions can usually be distinguished by a
      careful physical examination. Estrogens are known to stimulate the growth of
      breast tissue, whereas androgens inhibit it; most cases of gynaecomastia result
      from deficient androgen action or excessive estrogen action in the breast tissue.
      In some cases, such as pubertal gynaecomastia, the breast enlargement resolves
      spontaneously. In other situations, more active treatment might be required to
      correct an underlying condition (such as hyperthyroidism or a benign Leydig cell
      tumour of the testis) or medications that could cause breast enlargement (such as
      spironolactone) might need to be discontinued. For men with hypogonadism,
      administration of androgens might be helpful, as might antiestrogen therapy in
      men with endogenous overproduction of estrogens. Surgery to remove the enlarged
      breast tissue might be necessary when gynaecomastia does not resolve
      spontaneously or with medical therapy. 

PMID- 25112241
TI  - Cleridae (Insecta: Coleoptera) type collection at National Forest Insect
      Collection (NFIC), Forest Research Institute, Dehradun (India).
AB  - Clerids are small predacious beetles (Coleoptera) that belong to the family
      Cleridae. In the National Forest Insect Collection (NFIC) Cleridae is represented
      by 31 authentically identified specimens including types of 27 species. The type
      material of Cleridae, deposited in the NFIC, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun
      (India), is listed and illustrated with digital automontage photographs. A list
      of 27 type species of Cleridae, 13 holotypes and 14 paratypes with information on
      species names, reference of the original publication, all available information
      on labels of types (country, locality, date of collection, collector name, etc)
      along with colored photographs of types and the labels that are attached to them,
      taken with Auto-montage 3-D imaging system, is provided.  

PMID- 25112240
TI  - Two new genera and five new species of Teloganodidae (Ephemeroptera) from South
      India.
AB  - Two new genera and five new species of teloganodid mayflies (Ephemeroptera:
      Pannota: Ephemerelloidea) are described based on larvae from south India:
      Janohyphella indica, n. gen., n. sp., Indoganodes jobini, n. gen., n. sp.,
      Teloganodes sartorii, n. sp., Dudgeodes palnius, n. sp., and Derlethina
      tamiraparaniae, n. sp.  Janohyphella, n. gen., is distinguished from the larvae
      of other teloganodid genera by having a combination of three subequal caudal
      filaments, lamellate gills on abdominal segments II through V and posterolateral
      processes well-developed on abdominal segments II through IX, except III.
      Indoganodes, n. gen., is distinguished from the larvae of other teloganodid
      genera by having three subequal caudal filaments, lamellate gills on abdominal
      segments II through VI, posterolateral projections weakly developed on abdominal
      segments I through V, but distinct on segments VI through IX. Our new species of
      Dudgeodes Sartori, 2008 and Derlethina Sartori, 2008 represent the first
      discoveries of these genera outside Southeast Asia, with the latter genus
      previously considered endemic to Borneo. Emendations to the larval species key of
      known Oriental Teloganodidae are provided. We hypothesize that the occurrence of
      the new taxa in southern India is a result of the tectonic events associated with
      the split-up of Gondwana. This illustrates the profound biogeographical
      significance of how vicariance led to the establishment of some distinct oriental
      lineages initially on the rafting Indian Deccan Plate, which might have triggered
      dispersal events for subsequent species diversification in Southeast Asia.  

PMID- 25112242
TI  - A new species of Hetereleotris (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from Farasan Island (Red
      Sea).
AB  - A new species of the genus Hetereleotris is described from Farasan Island, Saudi
      Arabia, Red Sea, on the basis of a single specimen. Hetereleotris dorsovittata
      sp. nov is unique among the known sixteen species of Hetereleotris, except for H.
      diademata and H. psammophila, in the combination of the absence of head canals
      and lack of squamation. The low count of pectoral-fin rays (14) is only overlap
      with H. psammophila (14 or 15), whereas all other Hetereleotris species have a
      higher number of pectoral-fin rays. The new species differs from H. psammophila
      in having more soft rays in the dorsal and anal fins, by the arrangement of
      papillae in the preoperculo-mandibular row i and by coloration. The single
      specimen was collected in the large lagoon at the base of an isolated small coral
      patch at a depth of 1m.  

PMID- 25112243
TI  - New data on the genus Micromus Rambur, 1842 from China (Neuroptera,
      Hemerobiidae), with a key to Chinese species.
AB  - A review of the genus Micromus Rambur from China is presented. A new species,
      Micromus setulosus sp. nov., which was found in Ningxia province, is described.
      The male of Micromus pallidius (Yang, 1987) and the female of Micromus perelegans
      Tjeder, 1936 are described for the first time in China. Keys to the adult males
      and females of the Micromus from China are also given.    

PMID- 25112244
TI  - Rumen ciliates in the African (Cape) buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) living in
      the vicinity of the Orpen Gate entrance into Kruger National Park, South Africa.
AB  - Samples of rumen contents were obtained from 10 African (Cape) buffalo living in
      the vicinity of the Orpen Gate entrance into Kruger National Park in South
      Africa. Total number of ciliate protozoa per animal ranged from 3.15 to 23.25 x
      10<sup>3</sup>. Forty three different species and forms were observed, of which
      35 are a new host record. The total number of species and forms per animal varied
      from 10 to 17. Eudiplodinium maggii occurred in all 10 animals, followed by
      Dasytricha ruminantium in nine animals. Diplodinium posterovesiculatum,
      Eudiplodinium magnodentatum and Ostracodinium mammosum were present in seven
      animals with all other species and forms occurring in five or less animals.  

PMID- 25112245
TI  - The first species of the spider genus Episinus in Colombia (Araneae,
      Theridiidae).

PMID- 25112246
TI  - Revision of the systematics of the cardinalfishes (Percomorpha: Apogonidae) based
      on molecular analyses and comparative reevaluation of morphological characters.
AB  - Molecular analyses were conducted based on 120 of the estimated 358 species of
      the family Apogonidae with 33 of 40 genera and subgenera, using three gobioids
      and one kurtid as collective outgroups. Species of Amioides, Apogon,
      Apogonichthyoides, Apogonichthys, Archamia, Astrapogon, Brephamia, Cercamia,
      Cheilodipterus, Fibramia n. gen., Foa, Fowleria, Glossamia, Gymnapogon, Jaydia,
      Lachneratus, Nectamia, Ostorhinchus, Paroncheilus, Phaeoptyx, Pristiapogon,
      Pristicon, Pseudamia, Pterapogon, Rhabdamia, Siphamia, Sphaeramia, Taeniamia,
      Verulux, Vincentia, Yarica, Zapogon and Zoramia were present in the molecular
      analyses; species of Bentuviaichthys, Holapogon, Lepidamia, Neamia, Paxton,
      Pseudamiops and Quinca were absent from the analyses. Maximum-likelihood (ML),
      Bayesian (BA), and Maximum parsimony (MP) analyses based on two mitochondrial
      (12S rRNA-tRNAVal-16S rRNA, ca. 1500 bp; COI, ca. 1500 bp) and two nuclear DNA
      (RAG1, ca. 1300 bp; ENC1, ca. 800 bp) fragments reproduced two basal clades
      within the monophyletic family: one including a single species, Amioides
      polyacanthus, and the other comprising species of Pseudamia. All the other
      apogonid species formed a large well-established monophyletic group, in which
      almost identical 12 major clades were reproduced, with phylogenetic positions of
      four species (Glossamia aprion, Ostorhinchus margaritophorus, Pterapogon
      kauderni, and Vincentia novaehollandiae) left unsettled. Apogon sensu lato and
      recent Ostorhinchus (excepting O. margaritophorus) were divided into six and
      three major clades, respectively. Each of the recognized clades in the family was
      then evaluated for morphological characters to identify synapomorphies. Based on
      the results of the molecular analyses and the reevaluation of morphological
      characters, four subfamilies were proposed within the family: Apogoninae
      (including most of the species in the family), Amioidinae new subfamily
      (including Amioides, and based on morphology, Holapogon), Paxtoninae new
      subfamily (including Paxton, based only on morphology) and Pseudamiinae
      (including Pseudamia). Within the largest subfamily Apogoninae, twelve new tribes
      were proposed based on the 12 molecular clades and associated morphology:
      Apogonichthyini, Apogonini (mainly including species of Apogon sensu stricto),
      Archamiini, Cheilodipterini, Gymnapogonini, Ostorhinchini (including striped
      species of recent Ostorhinchus), Pristiapogonini, Rhabdamiini, Sphaeramiini
      (mainly including barred species of traditional Ostorhinchus, such as
      Apogonichthyoides, Jaydia and Nectamia), Siphamiini, Veruluxini, and Zoramiini.
      Two additional tribes are proposed based only on morphology: Glossamiini and
      Lepidamiini. For each of the 14 tribes, morphological characters were described.
      One new genus, Fibramia, type species Apogon thermalis, recently in Ostorhinchus,
      was described supported by morphology and molecular trees. A key to all genera is
      provided and all valid and uncertain status species are allocated to tribes and
      genera.

PMID- 25112247
TI  - Additions to the Nepticulidae (Lepidoptera) of East Asia, with descriptions of
      three new species from Primorskiy Kray.
AB  - Stigmella multispicata Rociene & Stonis, sp. nov., S. sexcornuta Rociene &
      Stonis, sp. nov., and Ectoedemia paraortiva Rociene & Stonis, sp. nov. are
      described from Primorskiy Kray (Russian Far East). The new species are
      illustrated with photographs and drawings of the adults and genitalia. Stigmella
      thuringiaca (Petry), a species previously known only from West Palaearctic, is
      here newly recorded in East Asia. The male genitalia of the little known
      Stigmella gimmonella (Matsumura) are illustrated for the first time with
      photographs; the male genital morphology of two other species, S. tranocrossa
      Kemperman & Wilkinson and Ectoedemia philipi Puplesis, is updated and newly
      documented. A chart of chorological composition of the Nepticulidae currently
      known in East Asia is provided.  

PMID- 25112248
TI  - First evidence of cynipids from the Oceanian Region: the description of
      Lithonecrus papuanus a new genus and species of cynipid inquiline from Papua New
      Guinea (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae, Synergini).
AB  - Lithonecrus papuanus Nieves-Aldrey & Butterill, a new genus and species of
      inquiline oak gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Synergini), is described from
      material reared from galls on Lithocarpus celebicus (Miq.) Rehd., collected in
      Papua New Guinea. The new genus and species is the first record of a cynipid from
      Papua New Guinea and the whole  Oceanian biogeographic region,  and represents
      the easternmost oriental record of a cynipid wasp (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae). The
      new genus is similar to Saphonecrus Dalla Torre & Kieffer, and to the recently
      described Lithosaphonecrus Tang, Melika & Bozso, but differs from these genera in
      several important diagnostic characters. Taxonomic affinities and differences
      with related genera and species and biogeographical implications are discussed.  

PMID- 25112249
TI  - Pethia longicauda, a new species of barb (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the
      northern Western Ghats, India.
AB  - Pethia longicauda, a new cyprinid fish, is described from Hiranyakeshi River,
      Krishna drainage, Maharashtra, India. It can be distinguished from congeners
      based on a combination of characters including: a long caudal peduncle,
      incomplete lateral line, absence of barbels, upper lip thick and fleshy, distinct
      lateral fold on snout, 22-24 scales in lateral series, 5-6 lateral-line pored
      scales, nine predorsal scales, 9-10 prepelvic scales, 15-17 preanal scales,
      1/23/1/31/2 transverse scales, 11-15 pairs of serrae on the distal half of the
      last unbranched dorsal-fin ray, 11-13 branched pectoral fin rays, 4+26 total
      vertebrae, 4+5 predorsal vertebrae, 4+13 abdominal and 13 caudal vertebrae, body
      iridescent silver in color with a black humeral spot, two black blotches on
      caudal peduncle and dorsal fin usually without any color bands or blotches but in
      breeding males with two rows of minute, indistinct black spots.  

PMID- 25112250
TI  - A taxonomic revision of boas (Serpentes: Boidae).

PMID- 25112251
TI  - Two new Aprostocetus species (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae),
      fortuitous parasitoids of invasive eulophid gall inducers (Tetrastichinae) on
      Eucalyptus and Erythrina.
AB  - Two closely related new species of Aprostocetus Westwood (Hymenoptera:
      Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae) are described as fortuitous parasitoids of invasive
      gall inducers in two other genera of Tetrastichinae, Leptocybe Fisher & LaSalle
      and Quadrastichus Girault. Aprostocetus causalis La Salle & Wu is a parasitoid of
      Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle on Eucalyptus spp. (Myrtaceae) in China and
      Thailand, and A. felix La Salle, Yang & Lin is a parasitoid of Quadrastichus
      erythrinae Kim on Erythrina spp. (Fabaceae) in Taiwan. Epitetrastichus
      nigriventris Girault, 1913 is removed from synonymy from Aprostocetus gala
      (Walker), and treated as the valid species A. nigriventris (Girault).  

PMID- 25112252
TI  - The genus Nyctiophylax Brauer in China (Trichoptera, Polycentropodidae).
AB  - Currently, 8 species of the genus Nyctiophylax Brauer are known from China.
      Examination of material collected from Guangdong, Guangxi, Jiangxi and Sichuan
      Provinces during 2004-2005 has revealed 4 new species and 2 new records of this
      genus, bringing the number of Chinese Nyctiophylax species to 14. Newly described
      species include: Nyctiophylax (Paranyctiophylax) crinalis n. sp., N. (P.)
      dactylatus n. sp., N. (P.) orbicularis n. sp., and N. (P.) macrorrhinus n. sp.
      Nyctiophylax (Paranyctiophylax) sagax Mey and N. (N.) amphonion Malicky &
      Chantaramongkol are newly recorded for the Chinese fauna, which are re
      illustrated and re-described for clear comparisons. The additional collection
      sites for the previously described species are provided.  

PMID- 25112253
TI  - Two new species of Syrphidae (Diptera) from Chukotka (Northern Russian Far East).
AB  - Two new species, Platycheirus beringiensis sp. n. and Cheilosia chukotana sp. n.,
      are described from Chukotka (northern part of Russian Far East). The new
      Platycheirus is close to Platycheirus immarginatus (Zetterstedt), but differing
      by the following characters: fore tibia with a black stripe on posterior side;
      mid-femur without fine black curved hairs directed to the base of the femur; mid
      tibia without long anteroventral hairs; abdomen black with fine brownish lustre
      on tergites. The new Cheilosia species is close to Ch. semifasciata Becker, but
      differs by its characteristic sharply raised central knob, and by lack of
      transversal stripe and indentation in anterior third of frons.  

PMID- 25112254
TI  - Two new species of quill mites of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes:
      Cheyletoidea) associated with treronine doves (Columbiformes: Columbidae:
      Treroninae).
AB  - Two new species of quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) associated with
      doves of the subfamily Treroninae (Columbiformes: Columbidae) from the Oceanian
      realm are described: Gunabopicobia masalaje sp. nov. from six avian host species,
      Ptilinopus iozonus Gray (type host) Ducula pistrinaria (Bonaparte), D. rosacea
      (Temminck), D. rufigaster (Quoy and Gaimard), D. spilorrhoa (Gray), D. luctuosa
      (Temminck), and Peristerophila lature sp. nov. also from six host species Ducula
      luctuosa (type host ), D. spilorrhoa, Ptilinopus jambu Gmelin, P. melanospilus
      Salvadori, P. porphyreus Temminck, P. regina Swainson. Additionally, Treron
      waalia (Meyer) is noted as a new host species for Meitingsunes columbicus Glowska
      and Skoracki, 2010.  

PMID- 25112255
TI  - Species-richness in the Oriental fungus-feeding thrips of the genus Azaleothrips
      (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae).
AB  - Azaleothrips, a phlaeothripine genus of fungus-feeding species, is presumably
      endemic to the Oriental Region between India and Japan. Although only 10 species
      have been known in this genus until now, a total of 35 species is recorded here,
      of which 26 are newly described: from Indonesia--A. bali sp.n., A. bulelengi
      sp.n., A. dentatus sp.n., A. dorsalis sp.n., A. floresi sp.n., A. inflavus sp.n.,
      A. simulans sp.n., A. sulawesicus sp.n., from the Philippines--A. apoensis sp.n.,
      A. bifidius sp.n., A. luzonensis sp.n., A. mindanaoensis sp.n., A. philippinensis
      sp.n., from Taiwan--A. atayal sp.n., A. formosae sp.n., A. taiwanus sp.n., from
      Thailand--A. flavicollis sp.n., A. phuketanus sp.n., A. pulcher sp.n., A.
      toshifumii sp.n., from Vietnam--A. laocai sp.n., A. vietnamensis sp.n., from W.
      Malaysia--A. malaya sp.n., A. reticulatus sp.n., A. richardi sp.n., A. templeri
      sp.n. In addition A. magnus Chen, described from Taiwan, is newly synonymized
      with A. moundi. Azaleothrips laevigatus, described from southern Japan, is newly
      recorded more widely in Southeast Asia. A key to 33 species is provided, but A.
      bhattii and A. lineus cannot be recognized because of the poor information in the
      original descriptions.

PMID- 25112256
TI  - A new diminutive frog species of Adelophryne (Amphibia: Anura:
      Eleutherodactylidae) from the Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil.
AB  - The genus Adelophryne is composed of diminutive frogs occurring in northern
      Amazonia and the Atlantic Forest. Herein we describe a new species of Adelophryne
      found in the leaf litter of primary and secondary forests in the mountainous
      region of Espirito Santo state, southeastern Brazil. The new species is
      characterized by its small body size, two phalanges in the finger IV, and a
      glandular ridge line that runs from the posterior part of eye to the insertion of
      the forelimb. This species is sensitive to edge effect and conversion of native
      forest into coffee and Eucalyptus plantations and may be listed as Endangered
      (EN) under B1ab(iii) criteria of the IUCN Red List. 

PMID- 25112257
TI  - New species of Pseudonannolene Silvestri, 1895 from Brazilian limestone caves
      with comments on the potential distribution of the genus in South America
      (Spirostreptida: Pseudonannolenidae).
AB  - Ten new species of Pseudonannolene Silvestri, 1895 are described from Brazilian
      limestone caves. The species are separated by the morphology of their gonopods
      and the processes of the first pair of legs of males. A pictorial identification
      key for the cave-dwelling species from Brazil is provided, besides comments on
      the distribution of the genus with a potential distribution map of
      Pseudonannolene and Epinannolene in South and Central America.  

PMID- 25112258
TI  - A re-description of rare alpheid shrimp Amphibetaeus jousseaumei (Coutiere, 1896)
      and escription of a new species of the genus Athanopsis Coutiere, 1897(Crustacea:
      Decapoda: Alpheidae) from Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf.
AB  - A new record of rare alpheid shrimp Amphibetaeus jousseaumei (Coutiere, 1896)
      (Decapoda: Caridea: Alpheidae) is presented based on material collected from
      Qeshm Island, Iran, the Persian Gulf. This is the first record of the species for
      the Iranian waters as well as the second record and re-description of A.
      jousseaumei from its original description given by Coutiere (1896). Besides, a
      new alpheid shrimp species Athanopsis tarahomii sp. nov. is described from the
      same locality. The new species can be clearly separated from all remaining
      species of the genus Athanopsis by deep rostrum curved downward and the presence
      of well marked blunt extra-cornea tooth on carapace.  

PMID- 25112259
TI  - Taxonomic utility of niche models in validating species concepts: A case study in
      Anthophora (Heliophila) (Hymenoptera: Apidae).
AB  - Taxonomy has far-reaching effects throughout biology, and incorrect taxonomy can
      be detrimental in many ways. Polymorphic species complexes, many of which exist
      in the bee genus Anthophora Latreille, lend themselves to such difficulties. This
      study employs environmental niche mapping (ENM) and traditional morphological
      analyses to investigate the validity of the subjective synonymy of Anthophora
      (Heliophila) curta Provancher with the senior synonym A. squammulosa Dours.
      Eleven of fifty morphological characters consistently differentiate the two
      putative species, with an additional five characters sometimes separating them.
      Additionally, based on over 1000 georeferenced museum specimens, the geographic
      ranges of the two taxa do not overlap. The two entities also react differently to
      the bioclimatic variables based on correlation analysis. We further tested the
      two-species hypothesis by constructing ENMs with informative bioclimatic
      variables associated with locality records. Their modelled distributions
      overlapped less than 1%, suggesting discrete environmental boundaries. The
      variables which contributed most to each species' model also differed. These
      differences are explored in relation to their habitats. The combined
      morphological and biogeographic analysis indicates that A. curta and A.
      squammulosa are distinct species. Based on the accumulated evidence the synonymy
      is formally rejected and A. curta is recognized as a valid species. Five
      additional taxa (A. bispinosa Cockerell, A. franciscana Cockerell, A. usticauda
      Cockerell, A. u. cinerior Cockerell, A. zamoranella Cockerell) are newly
      synonymized with A. squammulosa and Anthophora curta var. melanops Cockerell is
      newly synonymized with A. curta. Implications outside of taxonomy are discussed. 

PMID- 25112260
TI  - Description of Ektaphelenchoides fuchsi n. sp. (Nematoda: Ektaphelenchinae) from
      western Iran.
AB  - Ektaphelenchoides fuchsi n. sp., recovered from a soil sample around the
      rhizosphere of Cucurbita maxima in western Iran, is described and illustrated
      based on morphological and molecular characters. The new species is characterized
      by its body length of 529-712 um, continuous lip region, lateral fields with
      three incisures, total stylet length of 14-18 um with rounded basal knobs,
      excretory pore 70-84 um and hemizonid 87-96 um from the anterior end, post
      uterine sac short, 6-9 um long in female and tail conoid with long filiform
      terminus in male. Based on morphological and molecular characters, the new
      species is close to E. kelardashtensis, E. attenuata, and E. musae. It differs
      from the closest species E. kelardashtensis by its longer sylet (14-18 vs 13-16
      um) and stylet with basal knobs vs not, longer post uterine sac (6-9 vs 3-6 um),
      more posterior position of excretory pore and hemizonid (70-84 vs 55-66 and 87-96
      vs 67-78 um, respectively), and longer spicules (12-13 vs 8-10 um). Comparisons
      with other species of Ektaphelenchoides are also discussed. Molecular analyses
      were performed based on 631 bp of the partial ribosomal RNA large subunit gene
      (D2/D3 of LSU) and showed that E. fuchsi n. sp. is unique when compared with
      other species of the genus for which sequences of that region are available.  

PMID- 25112261
TI  - Laomenes albonigrus sp. nov., (Crustacea: Decapoda; Pontoniinae) from Ashmore
      Reef, Western Australia.
AB  - One specimen of an un-described species of pontoniine shrimp of the genus
      Laomenes Clark, 1919, Laomenes albonigrus sp. nov., was collected from a crinoid
      host from Ashmore Reef, Western Australia, and is now described and illustrated. 

PMID- 25112262
TI  - Grammoplites vittatus (Valenciennes), (Scorpaeniformes, Platycephalidae), removed
      from synonymy with Grammoplites scaber (Linnaeus).
AB  - Grammoplites vittatus (Valenciennes), often previously overlooked by authors or
      regarded as a junior synonym of G. scaber (Linnaeus), is shown here to be a valid
      species.  It has more gill rakers (7-8) then G. scaber and G. knappi (usually 6)
      and a narrower interorbital width than G. scaber.  A key to the species of
      Grammoplites Fowler is  given.  

PMID- 25112263
TI  - A phylogenetic analysis of the southern African gecko genus Afroedura Loveridge
      (Squamata: Gekkonidae), with the description of nine new species from Limpopo and
      Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa.
AB  - A molecular phylogeny of the largely rupicolous geckos of the gekkonid genus
      Afroedura is presented based on a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear gene
      sequence data. Previously recognized species groups are only partly recovered,
      with A. pondolia retrieved as very distantly related to the congeners to which it
      was previously considered allied. Afroedura hawequensis forms a monotypic group
      that is sister to all other species, which are allocated to the A. nivaria, A.
      transvaalica, A. africana, A. multiporis, A. marleyi, and A. langi groups. The
      taxonomic status of species occurring in the former Transvaal province of South
      Africa (now Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces) is reviewed based on morphological
      and molecular evidence. Afroedura rupestris sp. nov. is described in the A.
      multiporis group, A. maripi sp. nov., A. pongola sp. nov., and A. rondavelica sp.
      nov., are described in the A. marleyi group, and A. broadleyi sp. nov., A.
      granitica sp. nov., A. leoloensis sp. nov., A. pienaari sp. nov., and A.
      waterbergensis sp. nov. are described in the A. langi group. In addition, A.
      haackei, A. namaquensis, and A. tirasensis, are all raised to specific status.
      The description of nine new species highlights Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces
      as previously unrecognized centers of diversity for the genus Afroedura. A key to
      the species of Afroedura is provided.  

PMID- 25112264
TI  - Revision of opeatocerata melander, 1928 (Diptera: empididae: empidinae).
AB  - The species of the Neotropical genus Opeatocerata Melander are revised to include
      21 species, with fifteen species described as new: O. agudeloi sp. nov., O.
      ampullaria sp. nov., O. bare sp. nov., O. brasiliensis sp. nov., O.
      chaetohypandrialis sp. nov., O. cylindrophallus sp. nov., O. curvipenis sp. nov.,
      O. hadrophallus sp. nov., O. megalophallus sp. nov., O. mourai sp. nov., O.
      nhamunda sp. nov., O. smithi sp. nov., O. spinipenis sp. nov., O. tanimboca sp.
      nov. and O. zuleideae sp. nov. All species are described and male and female
      genitalia illustrated. An identification key and the geographic distributions of
      the species are also presented.  

PMID- 25112265
TI  - Plant mites of the Dominican Republic, with a description of a new species of
      Petrobia (Tetranychina) Wainstein, 1960 (Acari, Prostigmata, Tetranychidae) and a
      key to the species of this subgenus.
AB  - Fourteen mite species of plant-associated mites of the suborder Prostigmata are
      reported from the Dominican Republic. Four of these refer to new findings for the
      country, including Petrobia (Tetranychina) hispaniola n. sp. Sanchez &
      Flechtmann, described from specimens collected from leaves of Citrus sp.
      (Rutaceae) and Rosa sp. (Rosaceae). A key for the separation of the world species
      of Petrobia (Tetranychina) is presented.  

PMID- 25112266
TI  - The genus Mytilina in China, with description of a new species (Rotifera:
      Monogononta: Mytilinidae).
AB  - During our study of biodiversity of Rotifera in PR China, as model taxon of
      freshwater Micrometazoa, we came across several records that warrant revision
      regarding species of genus Mytilina Bory de St. Vincent, 1826 (Rotifera,
      Monogonta, Mytilinidae). In addition to this review we describe a new species
      encountered during examination of freshwater habitats of Inner Mongolia,
      P.R.China. This new species, Mytilina wangi n. sp., appears to belong to the
      Mytilina mucronata - ventralis complex but differs from the known taxa in the
      group by its domed lorica and relatively short toes. We provide an annotated
      checklist of the Chinese representatives of the genus and discuss the species of
      the M. mucronata-ventralis group. We suggest treating M. brevispina (Ehrenberg,
      1830) and M. ventralis (Ehrenberg, 1830)(synonym: M. macracantha (Gosse, 1886))
      as separate species-level taxa rather than as two infrasubspecific variants of
      the same species, and argue that Mytilina trigona var. bispinosa Wang, 1961 is a
      misidentified M. acanthophora Hauer, 1938 rather than an infrasubspecific variant
      of M. trigona (Gosse, 1851).  

PMID- 25112267
TI  - A new species of Hypoaspis Canestrini from Iran (Acari: Laelapidae), with a key
      to the species occurring in the Western Palaearctic Region.
AB  - Hypoaspis elegans sp. nov. was collected on adult female Oryctes elegans Prell.
      (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Bam, Kerman province, Iran. The new species is
      described and illustrated from adult females. Hypoaspis surii Khanjani et. al.,
      2013 is a junior synonym of Hypoaspis maryamae Joharchi & Halliday, 2011. A key
      to the Western Palaearctic species of Hypoaspis is presented.  

PMID- 25112268
TI  - Description of Hylopanchax paucisquamatus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae), a
      new lampeye species from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo.
AB  - A new deep-bodied Hylopanchax species is described from the northwestern Congo
      basin. Hylopanchax paucisquamatus, new species, was collected in the Odzala
      Kokoua National Park in the Likouala River drainage of the Republic of Congo. It
      differs from its congeners, including the deep-bodied H. leki and H. ndeko, by a
      unique combination of morphological characters, including low number of mid
      longitudinal and transverse scales, number of dorsal-fin rays, and position of
      dorsal-fin origin in relation to anal-fin. It is the only deep-bodied species
      currently known outside the Kasai River drainage. 

PMID- 25112269
TI  - Ceriomicrodon petiolatus Hull, 1937 (Diptera, Syrphidae, Microdontinae):
      Redescription and new records.
AB  - The monotypic genus Ceriomicrodon Hull, 1937 was known in the current literature
      by a few specimens, all from Brazil but with records only for Mato Grosso and
      Roraima states. The only species of the genus is here redescribed including the
      description of the female and its terminalia, in addition to a preliminary
      description of the egg. Images of male and female genitalia and egg are provided.
      New Brazilian records for Amazonas, Maranhao and Rondonia and a brief diagnosis
      to distinguish that genus from other similar Microdontinae genera are presented. 

PMID- 25112270
TI  - New and little known bees of the genus Colletes Latreille 1802 (Hymenoptera:
      Colletidae) from Central Asia.
AB  - In addition to a previously published study about Central Asian Colletes bees we
      here further report on nine rarely collected and little known species. Now 85
      species of Colletes are known from this region with three of them recorded for
      the first time: C. asiaticus Kuhlmann 1999, C. iranicus Noskiewicz 1962 and C.
      succinctus (Linnaeus 1758). Colletes pseudomirabilis sp. nov. is described from
      Turkmenistan.  

PMID- 25112271
TI  - One new species of the genus Alloteratura Hebard, 1922 (Orthoptera:
      Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from Yunnan, China.
AB  - The paper describes one new species of the genus Alloteratura Hebard, 1922 from
      Yunnan, China, i.e. Alloteratura quaternispina, sp. nov.  

PMID- 25112272
TI  - Cross-cultural adaptation and reliability and validity of the Dutch Patient-Rated
      Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE-D).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lateral Epicondylalgia (LE) is a common injury for which no reliable
      and valid measure exists to determine severity in the Dutch language. The Patient
      Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) is the first questionnaire specifically
      designed for LE but in English. The aim of this study was to translate into Dutch
      and cross-culturally adapt the PRTEE and determine reliability and validity of
      the PRTEE-D (Dutch version). METHODS: The PRTEE was cross-culturally adapted
      according to international guidelines. Participants (n = 122) were asked to fill
      out the PRTEE-D twice with a one week interval to assess test-retest reliability.
      Internal consistency of the PRTEE-D was determined by calculating Crohnbach's
      alphas for the questionnaire and subscales. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients
      (ICC) were calculated for the overall PRTEE-D score, pain and function subscale
      and individual questions to determine test-retest reliability. Additionally, the
      Disabilities for the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and Visual
      Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores were obtained from 30 patients to assess
      construct validity; Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated between
      the PRTEE-D (subscales) and DASH and VAS-pain scores. RESULTS: The PRTEE was
      successfully cross-culturally adapted into Dutch (PRTEE-D). Crohnbach's alpha for
      the first assessment of the PRTEE-D was 0.98; Crohnbach's alpha was 0.93 for the
      pain subscale and 0.97 for the function subscale. ICC for the PRTEE-D was 0.98;
      subscales also showed excellent ICC values (pain scale 0.97 and function scale
      0.97). A significant moderate correlation exists between PRTEE-D and DASH (0.65)
      and PRTEE-D and VAS pain (0.68). CONCLUSION: The PRTEE was successfully cross
      culturally adapted and this study showed that the PRTEE-D is reliable and valid
      to obtain an indication of severity of LE. An easy-to-use instrument for
      practitioners is now available and this facilitates comparing Dutch and
      international research data.

PMID- 25112273
TI  - Decision support system for age-related macular degeneration using discrete
      wavelet transform.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central vision and
      subsequently may lead to visual loss in people over 60 years of age. There is no
      permanent cure for AMD, but early detection and successive treatment may improve
      the visual acuity. AMD is mainly classified into dry and wet type; however, dry
      AMD is more common in aging population. AMD is characterized by drusen, yellow
      pigmentation, and neovascularization. These lesions are examined through visual
      inspection of retinal fundus images by ophthalmologists. It is laborious, time
      consuming, and resource-intensive. Hence, in this study, we have proposed an
      automated AMD detection system using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and feature
      ranking strategies. The first four-order statistical moments (mean, variance,
      skewness, and kurtosis), energy, entropy, and Gini index-based features are
      extracted from DWT coefficients. We have used five (t test, Kullback-Lieber
      Divergence (KLD), Chernoff Bound and Bhattacharyya Distance, receiver operating
      characteristics curve-based, and Wilcoxon) feature ranking strategies to identify
      optimal feature set. A set of supervised classifiers namely support vector
      machine (SVM), decision tree, [Formula: see text]-nearest neighbor ([Formula: see
      text]-NN), Naive Bayes, and probabilistic neural network were used to evaluate
      the highest performance measure using minimum number of features in classifying
      normal and dry AMD classes. The proposed framework obtained an average accuracy
      of 93.70%, sensitivity of 91.11%, and specificity of 96.30% using KLD ranking and
      SVM classifier. We have also formulated an AMD Risk Index using selected features
      to classify the normal and dry AMD classes using one number. The proposed system
      can be used to assist the clinicians and also for mass AMD screening programs.

PMID- 25112274
TI  - Evaluation of the hemodynamics in straight 6-mm and tapered 6- to 8-mm grafts as
      upper arm hemodialysis vascular access.
AB  - The present study is intended to investigate and compare the hemodynamics in two
      different sizes of hemodialysis arteriovenous grafts for upper arm hemodialysis
      vascular access: 8-mm tapered to 6-mm at the arterial side and straight 6 mm. A
      computational simulation approach is presented for this study, which is validated
      against the available experimental and numerical pressure measurements in the
      literature. The imposed boundary conditions at the arterial inlet and venous
      outlet boundaries of the models are physiological velocity and pressure
      waveforms, respectively. Blood flow fields and distribution patterns of the
      hemodynamic indices including wall shear stress (WSS) as one of the major
      hemodynamic parameters of the cardiovascular system and spatial wall shear stress
      gradient (SWSSG) as an indicator of disturbed flow patterns and hence susceptible
      sites of lesion developments are analyzed and compared between the two grafts.
      The tapered 6- to 8-mm graft seemingly is associated with less disturbed flow
      patterns within the venous anastomosis (VA) and the vein downstream while
      benefiting from higher blood flow rates within. Also, it shows a definitive
      advantage in terms of WSS and SWSSG distribution patterns around the VA and
      throughout the vein downstream with significantly lower values, which reduce the
      risk of thrombosis formation and stenotic lesion developments. The only
      disadvantage encountered in using 6- to 8-mm tapered graft is higher values of
      hemodynamic parameters at the arterial junction attributable to its significantly
      higher mean blood flow rate within. The results clearly indicate that the tapered
      6- to 8-mm graft entirely outperforms straight 6-mm graft hemodynamically as an
      upper arm hemodialysis vascular access graft and confirms clinical data in the
      literature, which suggests advantageous use of tapered 6- to 8-mm grafts in the
      creation of upper arm brachioaxillary hemodialysis vascular access grafts in
      selected groups of patients with expectably higher patency rates and lower
      complications. 

PMID- 25112276
TI  - Gene mutation may increase risk of breast cancer by up to nine times.

PMID- 25112275
TI  - Platelets promote mitochondrial uncoupling and resistance to apoptosis in
      leukemia cells: a novel paradigm for the bone marrow microenvironment.
AB  - Here we report that leukemia cell lines and primary CD34+ leukemic blasts exposed
      to platelet rich plasma (PRP) or platelet lysates (PL) display increased
      resistance to apoptosis induced by mitochondria-targeted agents ABT-737 and CDDO
      Me. Intriguingly, leukemia cells exposed to platelet components demonstrate a
      reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsiM) and a transient
      increase in oxygen consumption, suggestive of mitochondrial uncoupling.
      Accompanying the ranolazine-sensitive increase in oxygen consumption, a reduction
      in triglyceride content was also observed in leukemia cells cultured with
      platelet components indicating that lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation may
      support the molecular reduction of oxygen in these cells. Mechanistically,
      platelet components antagonized Bax oligomerization in accordance with previous
      observations supporting an antiapoptotic role for fatty acid oxidation in
      leukemia cells. Lastly, substantiating the notion that mitochondrial uncoupling
      reduces oxidative stress, platelet components induced a marked decrease in basal
      and rotenone-induced superoxide levels in leukemia cells. Taken together, the
      decrease in DeltaPsiM, the transient increase in ranolazine-sensitive oxygen
      consumption, the reduction in triglyceride levels, and the reduced generation of
      superoxide, all accompanying the increased resistance to mitochondrial apoptosis,
      substantiate the hypothesis that platelets may contribute to the chemoprotective
      sanctuary of the bone marrow microenvironment via promotion of mitochondrial
      uncoupling. 

PMID- 25112277
TI  - Male genital mutilation (amputation) and its complications: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genital losses from ritual attacks are often reported in the media
      and often discussed in the social media but are hardly reported in medical
      literature. Male genital mutilation (MGM) refers to permanent modification of the
      external genitalia that involves ablation of genital tissues.When found, it is
      usually as a consequence of poor circumcision skills, auto mutilation/castration
      or genital injuries caused by attacks or accidents. Male circumcision on its own
      is widely regarded as a rather safe and acceptable practice which is known to
      have some health benefits and in keeping with several religious customs as rite
      of passage. Outside of professional performed circumcision, MGM is usually
      associated with dark arts and malicious intentions like witchcraft or as a
      consequence of torture of prisoners of war for information. CASE PRESENTATION: In
      this case we describe a 5-year old Ugandan boy who had his genitals mutilated in
      bizarre circumstances within a ritual attack. He survived and a urethrostomy was
      fashioned. CONCLUSION: There is need to document more of these cases in order to
      gather enough information to inform prevention and treatment strategies. Issues
      of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and possible sex change require much
      debate. These genital sex changing operations should preferably be avoided until
      a child can fully participate in decision making.

PMID- 25112278
TI  - Nonlesions, misdiagnoses, missed diagnoses, and other interpretive challenges in
      fish histopathology studies: a guide for investigators, authors, reviewers, and
      readers.
AB  - Differentiating salient histopathologic changes from normal anatomic features or
      tissue artifacts can be decidedly challenging, especially for the novice fish
      pathologist. As a consequence, findings of questionable accuracy may be reported
      inadvertently, and the potential negative impacts of publishing inaccurate
      histopathologic interpretations are not always fully appreciated. The objectives
      of this article are to illustrate a number of specific morphologic findings in
      commonly examined fish tissues (e.g., gills, liver, kidney, and gonads) that are
      frequently either misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed, and to address related issues
      involving the interpretation of histopathologic data. To enhance the utility of
      this article as a guide, photomicrographs of normal and abnormal specimens are
      presented. General recommendations for generating and publishing results from
      histopathology studies are additionally provided. It is hoped that the furnished
      information will be a useful resource for manuscript generation, by helping
      authors, reviewers, and readers to critically assess fish histopathologic data.

PMID- 25112279
TI  - Pharmacological inhibition of DGAT1 induces sebaceous gland atrophy in mouse and
      dog skin while overt alopecia is restricted to the mouse.
AB  - Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) plays an important role in
      synthesizing lipids, and inhibitors of DGAT1 have been investigated as potential
      treatments for diabetes and metabolic diseases. DGAT1 knockout (-/-) mice are
      resistant to obesity, have increased sensitivity to insulin, and exhibit
      sebaceous gland atrophy and alopecia. Prolonged pharmacological inhibition of
      DGAT1 with AZD7687 in mice results in the same skin phenotype, including
      sebaceous gland atrophy and alopecia, as seen in the skin of DGAT1 (-/-) mice.
      AZD7687-mediated effects on the skin were dose- and time-dependent and
      reversible. They occurred only at substantial levels of continuous DGAT1
      inhibition. Prolonged treatment of dogs with AZD7687 also resulted in sebaceous
      gland atrophy but did not result in the more adverse skin changes of hair loss
      and skin lesions. Our findings highlight a significant risk of generating the
      same lesions that were seen in mouse skin during clinical development of DGAT1
      inhibitors in humans and also reveal a species difference in the effects on the
      skin, indicating that the mouse may be an especially sensitive species.
      Therefore, although human therapeutic doses may not have the same influence on
      skin morphology as seen in mice, monitoring of skin changes will be essential in
      clinical trials with DGAT1 inhibitors.

PMID- 25112281
TI  - The Relationship between Perceptual Decision Variables and Confidence in the
      Human Brain.
AB  - Perceptual confidence refers to the degree to which we believe in the accuracy of
      our percepts. Signal detection theory suggests that perceptual confidence is
      computed from an internal "decision variable," which reflects the amount of
      available information in favor of one or another perceptual interpretation of the
      sensory input. The neural processes underlying these computations have, however,
      remained elusive. Here, we used fMRI and multivariate decoding techniques to
      identify regions of the human brain that encode this decision variable and
      confidence during a visual motion discrimination task. We used observers' binary
      perceptual choices and confidence ratings to reconstruct the internal decision
      variable that governed the subjects' behavior. A number of areas in prefrontal
      and posterior parietal association cortex encoded this decision variable, and
      activity in the ventral striatum reflected the degree of perceptual confidence.
      Using a multivariate connectivity analysis, we demonstrate that patterns of brain
      activity in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex reflecting the decision
      variable were linked to brain signals in the ventral striatum reflecting
      confidence. Our results suggest that the representation of perceptual confidence
      in the ventral striatum is derived from a transformation of the continuous
      decision variable encoded in the cerebral cortex. 

PMID- 25112280
TI  - The distribution of insertionally polymorphic endogenous retroviruses in breast
      cancer patients and cancer-free controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integration of retroviral DNA into a germ cell can result in a
      provirus that is transmitted vertically to the host's offspring. In humans, such
      endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) comprise >8% of the genome. The HERV-K(HML-2)
      proviruses consist of ~90 elements related to mouse mammary tumor virus, which
      causes breast cancer in mice. A subset of HERV-K(HML-2) proviruses has some or
      all genes intact, and even encodes functional proteins, though a replication
      competent copy has yet to be observed. More than 10% of HML-2 proviruses are
      human-specific, having integrated subsequent to the Homo-Pan divergence, and, of
      these, 11 are currently known to be polymorphic in integration site with variable
      frequencies among individuals. Increased expression of the most recent HML-2
      proviruses has been observed in tissues and cell lines from several types of
      cancer, including breast cancer, for which expression may provide a meaningful
      marker of the disease. RESULTS: In this study, we performed a case-control
      analysis to investigate the possible relationship between the genome-wide
      presence of individual polymorphic HML-2 proviruses with the occurrence of breast
      cancer. For this purpose, we screened 50 genomic DNA samples from individuals
      diagnosed with breast cancer or without history of the disease (n = 25 per group)
      utilizing a combination of locus-specific PCR screening, in silico analysis of
      HML-2 content within the reference human genome sequence, and high-resolution
      genomic hybridization in semi-dried agarose. By implementing this strategy, we
      were able to analyze the distribution of both annotated and previously
      undescribed polymorphic HML-2 proviruses within our sample set, and to assess
      their possible association with disease outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In a case-control
      analysis of 50 humans with regard to breast cancer diagnosis, we found no
      significant difference in the prevalence of proviruses between groups, suggesting
      common polymorphic HML-2 proviruses are not associated with breast cancer. Our
      findings indicate a higher level of putatively novel HML-2 sites within the
      population, providing support for additional recent insertion events, implying
      ongoing, yet rare, activities. These findings do not rule out either the
      possibility of involvement of such proviruses in a subset of breast cancers, or
      their possible utility as tissue-specific markers of disease.

PMID- 25112282
TI  - Control of Spontaneous Ca2+ Transients Is Critical for Neuronal Maturation in the
      Developing Neocortex.
AB  - Neural activity plays roles in the later stages of development of cortical
      excitatory neurons, including dendritic and axonal arborization, remodeling, and
      synaptogenesis. However, its role in earlier stages, such as migration and
      dendritogenesis, is less clear. Here we investigated roles of neural activity in
      the maturation of cortical neurons, using calcium imaging and expression of
      prokaryotic voltage-gated sodium channel, NaChBac. Calcium imaging experiments
      showed that postmigratory neurons in layer II/III exhibited more frequent
      spontaneous calcium transients than migrating neurons. To test whether such an
      increase of neural activity may promote neuronal maturation, we elevated the
      activity of migrating neurons by NaChBac expression. Elevation of neural activity
      impeded migration, and induced premature branching of the leading process before
      neurons arrived at layer II/III. Many NaChBac-expressing neurons in deep cortical
      layers were not attached to radial glial fibers, suggesting that these neurons
      had stopped migration. Morphological and immunohistochemical analyses suggested
      that branched leading processes of NaChBac-expressing neurons differentiated into
      dendrites. Our results suggest that developmental control of spontaneous calcium
      transients is critical for maturation of cortical excitatory neurons in vivo:
      keeping cellular excitability low is important for migration, and increasing
      spontaneous neural activity may stop migration and promote dendrite formation. 

PMID- 25112283
TI  - Functional two-way analysis of variance and bootstrap methods for neural
      synchrony analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pairwise association between neurons is a key feature in
      understanding neural coding. Statistical neuroscience provides tools to estimate
      and assess these associations. In the mammalian brain, activating ascending
      pathways arise from neuronal nuclei located at the brainstem and at the basal
      forebrain that regulate the transition between sleep and awake neuronal firing
      modes in extensive regions of the cerebral cortex, including the primary visual
      cortex, where neurons are known to be selective for the orientation of a given
      stimulus. In this paper, the estimation of neural synchrony as a function of time
      is studied in data obtained from anesthetized cats. A functional data analysis of
      variance model is proposed. Bootstrap statistical tests are introduced in this
      context; they are useful tools for the study of differences in synchrony strength
      regarding 1) transition between different states (anesthesia and awake), and 2)
      affinity given by orientation selectivity. RESULTS: An analysis of variance model
      for functional data is proposed for neural synchrony curves, estimated with a
      cross-correlation based method. Dependence arising from the experimental setting
      needs to be accounted for. Bootstrap tests allow the identification of
      differences between experimental conditions (modes of activity) and between pairs
      of neurons formed by cells with different affinities given by their preferred
      orientations. In our test case, interactions between experimental conditions and
      preferred orientations are not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results reflect the effect of different experimental conditions, as well as the
      affinity regarding orientation selectivity in neural synchrony and, therefore, in
      neural coding. A cross-correlation based method is proposed that works well under
      low firing activity. Functional data statistical tools produce results that are
      useful in this context. Dependence is shown to be necessary to account for, and
      bootstrap tests are an appropriate method with which to do so.

PMID- 25112284
TI  - An unusual case of abdominal distension with constipation.

PMID- 25112285
TI  - Annual review of children with tuberous sclerosis.
AB  - Tuberous sclerosis complex is a complex childhood disorder characterised by the
      formation of hamartomas in multiple organs. Annual review of this disease is
      recommended to monitor the development of complications. We aim to provide a
      concise, evidence-based framework to assist clinicians during this annual review.
      We focus on the following areas: (A) what questions need to be asked during
      annual review, (B) which areas need emphasis on examination, (C) when is an
      investigation required and (D) referral to tertiary specialists and other members
      of the multidisciplinary team. It should also be noted that there are ongoing
      debates regarding screening intervals in certain areas. These include the
      frequency, modality of screening and degree of intervention for astrocytomas and
      renal angiomyolipomas. This review seeks to summarise the product of the ongoing
      debates, and provide evidence-based suggestions in light of the uncertainty. 

PMID- 25112287
TI  - Alpha-lipoic acid enhances DMSO-induced cardiomyogenic differentiation of P19
      cells.
AB  - Alpha-lipoic acid (alpha-LA) is a potent antioxidant that acts as an essential
      cofactor in mitochondrial dehydrogenase reactions. alpha-LA has been shown to
      possess anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties, and is used to improve
      symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. However, the role of alpha-LA in stem cell
      differentiation and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In the
      present study, we showed that alpha-LA significantly promoted dimethyl sulfoxide
      (DMSO)-induced cardiomyogenic differentiation of mouse embryonic carcinoma P19
      cells. alpha-LA dose dependently increased beating embryonic body (EB)
      percentages of DMSO-differentiated P19 cells. The expressions of cardiac specific
      genes TNNT2, Nkx2.5, GATA4, MEF2C, and MLC2V and cardiac isoform of troponin T
      (cTnT)-positively stained cell population were significantly up-regulated by the
      addition of alpha-LA. We also demonstrated that the differentiation time after EB
      formation was critical for alpha-LA to take effect. Interestingly, without DMSO
      treatment, alpha-LA did not stimulate the cardiomyogenic differentiation of P19
      cells. Further investigation indicated that collagen synthesis-enhancing
      activity, instead of the antioxidative property, plays a significant role in the
      cardiomyogenic differentiation-promoting function of alpha-LA. These findings
      highlight the potential use of alpha-LA for regenerative therapies in heart
      diseases. 

PMID- 25112286
TI  - Fifteen minute consultation: managing neonatal and childhood herpes encephalitis.
AB  - Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is the most common single cause of viral
      encephalitis in infants and children. Treated or untreated, it can be associated
      with considerable morbidity and mortality, and its presentation is usually
      insidious and non-specific. Prompt and careful investigation is important in
      order to establish the diagnosis so that treatment can be optimised. We address
      some common questions arising when diagnosing and treating presumed HSE
      throughout childhood. 

PMID- 25112288
TI  - The influence of nitroglycerin on the proliferation of endothelial progenitor
      cells from peripheral blood of patients with coronary artery disease.
AB  - Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are associated with vascular repairing and
      progression of atherosclerotic lesion. It may lead to coronary artery disease
      (CAD) if circulating EPCs lose their function. Continuous nitroglycerin (NTG)
      therapy causes increased vascular oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NTG on the proliferation
      of human peripheral blood-derived EPCs. EPC cultures, collected from 60 CAD
      patients and cultured for 7-12 days, were treated with different concentrations
      of NTG (0.0, 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, 7.5, 15.0, and 20.0 mg/l) for 72 h, respectively. The
      cell counts and proliferative activities of EPC; the levels of vascular
      endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO(
      )) in culture medium; and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in adherent
      cells were measured. Compared with control (0.0 mg/l NTG), the cell number and
      proliferative activities of EPCs were increased when treated with 1.0 mg/l NTG
      and reached maximum level when NTG concentration was 7.5 mg/l. However, there was
      a significant reduction when treated with higher doses of NTG (>=15.0 mg/l).
      Meanwhile, VEGF-A expression reached its maximal expression with 7.5 mg/l NTG,
      but gradually declined by incubation with higher doses of NTG. There was a linear
      relationship between NO level and NTG concentration, but no changes of ONOO(-)
      and ROS levels were found when EPCs were incubated with 0.3-7.5 mg/l NTG.
      However, ONOO(-) and ROS levels were significantly increased when incubated with
      15 and 20 mg/l NTG. Our data demonstrated that moderate dose of NTG may stimulate
      the proliferative activities of EPCs isolated from CAD patients. 

PMID- 25112289
TI  - Identification of biochemical association of phycobilisome with photosystems in
      cyanobacterial state transition.
AB  - State transition is a short-term balance mechanism of energy distribution between
      photosystem II (PSII) and PSI. Although light-induced state transition in
      cyanobacteria has been suggested to depend completely on the phycobilisome (PBS)
      movement between PSII and PSI, the biochemical evidence has not been clearly
      shown. In this study, we locked the association of PBS with PSII or PSI using
      glycinebetaine when cells attain State 1 or 2 by exposure to light of blue or
      green, respectively. Subsequently, the PBS-reaction centers were resolved by blue
      native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional electrophoresis,
      and then identified by western blot analysis. The results showed that in wild
      type (WT) Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803, the PBS core always co-migrates with
      the PSII dimer during light-induced State 1-State 2 transition, but its rod
      leaves the PSII dimer in State 2 regardless of its co-migration in State 1. In
      the light-induced State 2, the co-migration of PBS rod with PSI trimer was
      observed in WT, but not in DeltandhB (M55), a State-2-transition-deficient
      mutant. This study first provided the biochemical evidence for the association of
      PBS with photosystems during cyanobacterial state transition. 

PMID- 25112299
TI  - Stem cells: epigenome reprogramming--of mice and men.

PMID- 25112300
TI  - Biotransformation and chemotaxis of 4-chloro-2-nitrophenol by Pseudomonas sp.
      JHN.
AB  - Pseudomonas sp. JHN decolourized and biotransformed 4-chloro-2-nitrophenol
      (4C2NP) in the presence of additional carbon source. The effect of the various
      concentrations of the 4C2NP was studied on the decolourization of 4C2NP by
      Pseudomonas sp. JHN. It was observed that strain JHN decolourized and
      biotransformed 4C2NP up to concentration of 0.6 mM. Gas chromatography and gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry detected 5-chloro-2-methylbenzoxazole as a major
      metabolite of the co-metabolism of 4C2NP. Furthermore, strain JHN exhibits
      positive chemotaxis toward 4C2NP based on the drop plate and capillary assays.
      This is the first report of the chemotaxis toward 4C2NP by any bacterium. 

PMID- 25112301
TI  - Analyzing periodic and random textured silicon thin film solar cells by Rigorous
      Coupled Wave Analysis.
AB  - A simple and fast method was developed to determine the quantum efficiency and
      short circuit current of thin-film silicon solar cells prepared on periodically
      or randomly textured surfaces. The optics was studied for microcrystalline thin
      film silicon solar cells with integrated periodic and random surface textures.
      Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA) was used to investigate the behaviour of
      the solar cells. The analysis of the periodic and random textured substrates
      allows for deriving optimal surface textures. Furthermore, light trapping in
      periodic and randomly textured substrates will be compared. 

PMID- 25112293
TI  - Context-dependent control of alternative splicing by RNA-binding proteins.
AB  - Sequence-specific RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) bind to pre-mRNA to control
      alternative splicing, but it is not yet possible to read the 'splicing code' that
      dictates splicing regulation on the basis of genome sequence. Each alternative
      splicing event is controlled by multiple RBPs, the combined action of which
      creates a distribution of alternatively spliced products in a given cell type. As
      each cell type expresses a distinct array of RBPs, the interpretation of
      regulatory information on a given RNA target is exceedingly dependent on the cell
      type. RBPs also control each other's functions at many levels, including by
      mutual modulation of their binding activities on specific regulatory RNA
      elements. In this Review, we describe some of the emerging rules that govern the
      highly context-dependent and combinatorial nature of alternative splicing
      regulation. 

PMID- 25112303
TI  - Impact of Educational Levels and Health Literacy on Community Acetaminophen
      Knowledge.
AB  - Patient understanding of acetaminophen is important for its safe and appropriate
      self-use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area to
      determine the impact of educational level, patient health literacy score, and
      other demographic characteristics on acetaminophen knowledge. A 17-item, in
      person, paper-and-pen questionnaire containing questions about demographics and
      acetaminophen knowledge was administered to 311 adults outside 5 local grocery
      stores in varying socioeconomic communities. Knowledge assessed was whether
      Tylenol-McNeil contains acetaminophen, maximum daily dose, and primary organ
      affected by toxicity. Participant health literacy was evaluated using the Rapid
      Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-Short Form (REALM-SF) test. Of the 300 who
      successfully completed the study, only 3.8% of all subjects were able to answer
      all 3 acetaminophen knowledge questions correctly regardless of educational level
      or health literacy score. This reaffirms that a lack of appropriate acetaminophen
      knowledge remains present in the general population, and further efforts to
      educate patients will be needed to prevent adverse events. 

PMID- 25112302
TI  - Efficacy of lidocaine in patients receiving palliative care with opioid
      refractory cancer pain with a neuropathic component: study protocol for a
      randomized controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of patients suffering from opioid-refractory cancer
      pain with a neuropathic component remains an important challenge for healthcare
      workers. Only one retrospective study specifically reported the use of
      intravenous (IV) lidocaine amongst the palliative care unit population, the study
      found that there was a positive response to this therapy. These preliminary
      uncontrolled results need to be confirmed by randomized controlled trials. The
      primary objective of this study is to assess the analgesic efficacy of IV
      lidocaine in patients in palliative care suffering from opioid-refractory cancer
      pain with a neuropathic component. The secondary objectives are to assess the
      tolerance of, symptomatology, and patient satisfaction with the therapeutic
      approach. METHODS/DESIGN: This will be a multicenter, prospective, randomized,
      placebo-controlled, double-blind, two-parallel group study. It will take place in
      eight adult palliative care units across France. The main inclusion criteria are
      as follows: adult patients suffering from opioid-refractory cancer pain with a
      neuropathic component, and those receiving palliative care as defined by French
      Society of Palliative and Support Care. Participants will be randomized (1:1
      allocation ratio) to one of two treatment groups: a) lidocaine-experimental group
      (intravenous lidocaine), or b) placebo-control group (intravenous saline
      solution). Evaluation assessments will be taken at baseline (T0 randomization),
      40 minutes (T1), 120 minutes (T2), 12 hours (T3), 24 hours (T4), 48 hours (T5),
      and 14 days (T6) after baseline. The primary endpoint is change in the pain level
      between T0 and T1. The secondary endpoints are: changes in the pain level between
      T0 and other times, intensity of the neuropathic pain component, daily opioid
      consumption, symptoms (as classified by the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory),
      adverse events, and patient's satisfaction (measured using the Pain Treatment
      Satisfaction Scale). A sample size of 200 individuals will be needed to obtain
      90% power to detect a 25% difference in pain success at T1 between the two
      groups; pain success is classified as a 30% decrease in the pain level between T0
      and T1 (10% of patients lost to follow-up expected). DISCUSSION: The randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled design is the most appropriate design to
      demonstrate the efficacy of a new experimental intervention (Evidence-Based
      Medicine Working Group classification). National and international
      recommendations could be updated based on the findings of this study. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Current controlled trials NCT02137954 (registration date: 7 May
      2014).

PMID- 25112305
TI  - Symptomatic Overlap and Therapeutic Opportunities in Primary Headache.
AB  - Headache, a nearly universal experience, remains costly, disabling, and often
      suboptimally managed. The most common presentations in the United States are
      migraine, tension-type headache (TTH) and "sinus" headache, but their extensive
      symptomatic overlap suggests that these conditions can be approached as
      variations in the same underlying pathology and managed accordingly. We use case
      studies of patients with varying prior diagnoses (none, migraine, TTH, and sinus
      headache), as well as a 4-question diagnostic screening tool, to illustrate how
      pharmacists can use this conceptual framework to simplify identification,
      management, and referral of patients with primary headache conditions of
      uncertain etiology. 

PMID- 25112304
TI  - Evaluation of Treatment Courses When Vancomycin Is Given Every 8 Hours in Adult
      Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several nomograms include recommendations to give intravenous (IV)
      vancomycin at 8-hour dosing intervals (Q8H). However, there is a lack of detailed
      data regarding this dosing recommendation. METHODS: A retrospective chart review
      of 100 patients who received 107 treatment courses of vancomycin Q8H for at least
      5 days was performed. Distribution of vancomycin trough levels and rate of
      nephrotoxicity were evaluated. RESULTS: Median patient age was 38 years
      (interquartile range [IQR] 27-50 years), median weight was 67 kg (IQR 55-79 kg),
      and median creatinine clearance was 124 mL/min (IQR 101-147 mL/min). Median
      duration of Q8H dosing was 9 days (IQR 7-12 days). Within the initial 96 hours,
      only 7% (7 of 104) of maximum trough concentrations were >20 mg/L (median dose 15
      mg/kg [IQR 15-18 mg/kg]). After 96 hours of Q8H dosing, 34% (30 of 89) of maximum
      troughs were >20 mg/L (median dose 17 mg/kg [IQR 15-20 mg/kg]), P = .0005. The
      rate of nephrotoxicity was 4%. CONCLUSION: We observed an increase in the
      percentage of trough levels >20 mg/L later during treatment courses of vancomycin
      IV Q8H with a relatively small corresponding increase in vancomycin dose. Close
      monitoring of trough levels (eg, every 3 days) with prolonged courses of
      vancomycin IV Q8H is warranted.

PMID- 25112306
TI  - A Comprehensive Review of  Potential Warfarin-Fruit Interactions.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this review is to discuss possible interactions that may
      occur between warfarin and fruit products. METHODS: A literature search was
      conducted using the search terms: "warfarin (Coumadin(r)) and fruit interactions,
      warfarin and fruit, warfarin and fruit juice, case reports and clinical trials".
      RESULTS: A total of 23 citations (15 case reports and 7 controlled clinical
      trials) were reviewed. The majority of cases involved cranberry products, while
      pomegranate juice, avocado, grapefruit juice, mango, and papain were also
      implicated in reports of suspected warfarin-fruit interactions. Cranberry juice
      was also the most frequently studied fruit product. Other fruit products
      evaluated with warfarin in controlled clinical trials were cranberry concentrate
      and grapefruit juice. CONCLUSION: Although a number of case reports have been
      published that suggest warfarin has the potential to interact with several fruit
      products, it is difficult to determine their relevance, as scientific evidence is
      scarce. Until further information is available, clinicians may want to encourage
      patients to consume cranberry products and grapefruit juice in small to moderate
      quantities and to inquire about the recent consumption of mangos, pomegranate
      juice, and avocados when taking a dietary history or when assessing possible
      causes for international normalized ratio (INR) instability.

PMID- 25112309
TI  - Transthyretin-type cerebral amyloid angiopathy: a serious complication in post
      transplant patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy.

PMID- 25112307
TI  - Brief intervention for medication-overuse headache in primary care. The BIMOH
      study: a double-blind pragmatic cluster randomised parallel controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is common in the general
      population. We investigated effectiveness of brief intervention (BI) for
      achieving drug withdrawal in primary care patients with MOH. METHODS: The study
      was double-blind, pragmatic and cluster-randomised controlled. A total of 25,486
      patients (age 18-50) from 50 general practitioners (GPs) were screened for MOH.
      GPs defined clusters and were randomised to receive BI training (23 GPs) or to
      continue business as usual (BAU; 27 GPs). The Severity of Dependence Scale was
      applied as a part of the BI. BI involved feedback about individual risk of MOH
      and how to reduce overuse. Primary outcome measures were reduction in medication
      and headache days/month 3 months after the intervention and were assessed by a
      blinded clinical investigator. RESULTS: 42% responded to the postal screening
      questionnaire, and 2.4% screened positive for MOH. A random selection of up to
      three patients with MOH from each GP were invited (104 patients), 75 patients
      were randomised and 60 patients included into the study. BI was significantly
      better than BAU for the primary outcomes (p<0.001). Headache and medication days
      were reduced by 7.3 and 7.9 (95% CI 3.2 to 11.3 and 3.2 to 12.5) days/month in
      the BI compared with the BAU group. Chronic headache resolved in 50% of the BI
      and 6% of the BAU group. CONCLUSIONS: The BI method provides GPs with a simple
      and effective instrument that reduces medication-overuse and headache frequency
      in patients with MOH. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01314768.

PMID- 25112308
TI  - A study of up to 12 years of follow-up of Friedreich ataxia utilising four
      measurement tools.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the progression of Friedreich ataxia by analysing the
      change in scores of four clinical measures (the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale
      (FARS), the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), the Functional
      Independence Measure (FIM) and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI)) over a period of
      up to 12 years, to ascertain the effects of clinical variables on performance of
      these measures, and to determine the most sensitive rating scale for measuring
      disease progression. METHODS: We measured the disease progression of up to 147
      individuals against disease duration grouped into 5-year intervals. Additional
      subgroups were created to study the effects of the size of the smaller FXN intron
      1 GAA repeat size (GAA1) and onset age on rating scale performance. RESULTS: Both
      the FARS and ICARS demonstrated greater change in the first 20 years post disease
      onset than in the subsequent 20 years during which there was little change in the
      mean score. While the FIM and MBI continued to deteriorate beyond 20 years post
      disease onset, floor effects were noted. As measured by the FARS, individuals
      with a larger GAA1 repeat were found to progress more quickly in the first 20
      years of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with larger GAA1 repeat sizes and
      earlier ages of disease onset were shown to deteriorate at a faster rate and were
      associated with greater FARS and ICARS scores and lower FIM and MBI scores, which
      are indicative of greater disease severity.

PMID- 25112310
TI  - Contraceptive counselling and self-prescription of contraceptives of German
      gynaecologists: results of a nationwide survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the attitude toward contraceptive methods of
      gynaecologists who, in Germany, are the sole prescribers of contraceptives.
      METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to 9545 gynaecologists inquiring
      about factors involved in their prescription of contraceptives, the
      contraceptives they preferred, and those they would recommend to their daughter,
      if they had one. RESULTS: The response rate of this survey was 21% (N = 2016).
      The combined oral contraceptive (COC) was the most commonly prescribed method
      followed by the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), the
      vaginal ring, the progestin-only pill (POP), the patch, and the progestin-only
      injectables. Of the respondents 51% would never prescribe the patch and 45% would
      never prescribe the hormonal implant at all; 61% would choose the LNG-IUS for
      themselves/for their partner; 18% would opt for a COC and 8% for the vaginal
      ring. Concerning their imaginary daughter, 71% would prefer a COC, 26% the ring,
      and 9% the LNG-IUS. The first counselling session lasted 13.8 +/- 4.9 min, and
      the provision of information on the occasion of following visits 6.6 +/- 3.2 min.
      CONCLUSION: The contraceptives most prescribed by German gynaecologists were
      COCs, followed by the LNG-IUS, the vaginal ring, and POPs. The spectrum of
      contraceptives preferred for personal use differed in some ways from those
      prescribed to patients. Reasons for this discrepancy should be investigated.

PMID- 25112311
TI  - Osteogenic differentiation of amniotic epithelial cells: synergism of pulsed
      electromagnetic field and biochemical stimuli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) is a non-invasive physical
      therapy used in the treatment of fracture nonunion or delayed healing. PEMF can
      facilitate the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
      in vitro. Amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) have been proposed as a potential
      source of stem cells for cell therapy. However, whether PEMF could modulate the
      osteogenic differentiation of AECs is unknown. In the present study, the effects
      of PEMF on the osteogenic differentiation of AECs were investigated. METHODS:
      AECs were isolated from amniotic membrane of human placenta by trypsin digestion
      and were induced by PEMF and/or osteo-induction medium. After 21 days we used
      real time RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry to study the expression of osteoblast
      markers. The signal transduction of osteogenesis was further investigated.
      RESULTS: The PEMF stimulation, or osteo-induction medium alone could induce
      osteogenic differentiation of AECs, as shown by expression of osteoblast specific
      genes and proteins including alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Furthermore, a
      combination of PEMF and osteo-induction medium had synergy effects on osteogenic
      differentiation. In our study, the gene expression of BMP-2, Runx2, beta-catenin,
      Nrf2, Keap1 and integrinbeta1 were up-regulated in the osteogenic differentiation
      of AECs induced by PEMF and/or osteo-induction medium. CONCLUSIONS: Combined
      application of PEMF and osteo-induction medium is synergistic for the osteogenic
      differentiation of AECs. It might be a novel approach in the bone regenerative
      medicine.

PMID- 25112312
TI  - Protective immunity of 56-kDa type-specific antigen of Orientia tsutsugamushi
      causing scrub typhus.
AB  - Scrub typhus, caused by infection with Orientia tsutsugamushi, is a mite-borne
      zoonotic disease endemic to the Asian-Pacific region. In Korea, the incidence of
      this disease has increased with climate changes, and over 10,000 cases of
      infection were reported in 2013. Although this infection is treatable with
      antibiotics such as doxycycline and azithromycin, an effective prophylactic
      vaccine against O. tsutsugamushi would be more desirable for preventing scrub
      typhus in endemic areas. In this study, we investigated the 56-kDa type-specific
      antigen (TSA56), which is a major outer membrane protein of O. tsutsugamushi, as
      a vaccine candidate. Intranasal immunization of recombinant TSA56 (rec56) induced
      a higher level of TSA56- specific IgG than that induced by intramuscular
      immunization of tsa56-expressing DNA (p56). Both types of immunization induced a
      cell-mediated immune response to TSA56, as demonstrated by the splenic cell
      proliferation assay. Mice immunized with p56, followed by rec56 plus heat-labile
      enterotoxin B subunit from E. coli, had a stronger protection from a homologous
      challenge with the O. tsutsugamushi Boryong strain than with other combinations.
      Our preliminary results suggest that an effective human vaccine for scrub typhus
      can include either recombinant TSA56 protein or tsa56-expressing DNA, and provide
      the basis for further studies to optimize vaccine performance using additional
      antigens or different adjuvants. 

PMID- 25112314
TI  - Cloning and characterization of a multidomain GH10 xylanase from Paenibacillus
      sp. DG-22.
AB  - The xynC gene, which encodes high molecular weight xylanase from Paenibacillus
      sp. DG-22, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and its nucleotide
      sequence was determined. The xynC gene comprised a 4,419 bp open reading frame
      encoding 1,472 amino acid residues, including a 27 amino acid signal sequence.
      Sequence analysis indicated that XynC is a multidomain enzyme composed of two
      family 4_9 carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs), a catalytic domain of family 10
      glycosyl hydrolases, a family 9 CBM, and three S-layer homologous domains.
      Recombinant XynC was purified to homogeneity by heat treatment, followed by
      Avicel affinity chromatography. SDS-PAGE and zymogram analysis of the purified
      enzyme identified three active truncated xylanase species. Protein sequencing of
      these truncated proteins showed that all had identical N-terminal sequences. In
      the protein characterization, recombinant XynC exhibited optimal activity at pH
      6.5 and 65  degrees C and remained stable at neutral to alkaline pH (pH 6.0
      10.0). The xylanase activity of recombinant XynC was strongly inhibited by 1 mM
      Cu(2+) and Hg(2+), whereas it was noticeably enhanced by 10 mM dithiothreitol.
      The enzyme exhibited strong activity towards xylans, including beechwood xylan
      and arabinoxylan, whereas it showed no cellulase activity. The hydrolyzed product
      patterns of birchwood xylan and xylooligosaccharides by thin-layer chromatography
      confirmed XynC as an endoxylanase.

PMID- 25112313
TI  - Quorum quenching bacteria isolated from the sludge of a wastewater treatment
      plant and their application for controlling biofilm formation.
AB  - Bacteria recognize changes in their population density by sensing the
      concentration of signal molecules, N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs). AHL
      mediated quorum sensing (QS) plays a key role in biofilm formation, so the
      interference of QS, referred to as quorum quenching (QQ), has received a great
      deal of attention. A QQ strategy can be applied to membrane bioreactors (MBRs)
      for advanced wastewater treatment to control biofouling. To isolate QQ bacteria
      that can inhibit biofilm formation, we isolated diverse AHL-degrading bacteria
      from a laboratory-scale MBR and sludge from real wastewater treatment plants. A
      total of 225 AHLdegrading bacteria were isolated from the sludge sample by
      enrichment culture. To identify the enzyme responsible for AHL degradation in QQ
      bacteria, AHL-degrading activities were analyzed using cell-free lysate, culture
      supernatant, and whole cells. Afipia sp. and Acinetobacter sp. strains produced
      the intracellular QQ enzyme, whereas Pseudomonas sp. and Micrococcus sp. produced
      the extracellular QQ enzyme that was most likely to produce AHLacylase. AHL
      degrading activity was observed in whole-cell assay with the Microbacterium sp.
      and Rhodococcus sp. strains. There has been no report for AHL-degrading
      capability in the case of Streptococcus sp. and Afipia sp. strains. Finally,
      inhibition of biofilm formation by isolated QQ bacteria or enzymes was observed
      on glass slides and 96-well microtiter plates using crystal violet staining. QQ
      strains or enzymes not only inhibited initial biofilm development but also
      reduced established biofilms. 

PMID- 25112315
TI  - Reverse micellar extraction of fungal glucoamylase produced in solid-state
      fermentation culture.
AB  - Partial purification of glucoamylase from solid-state fermentation culture was,
      firstly, investigated by reverse micellar extraction (RME). To avoid back
      extraction problems, the glucoamylase was kept in the original aqueous phase,
      while the other undesired proteins/ enzymes were moved to the reverse micellar
      organic phase. The individual and interaction effects of main factors (i.e., pH
      and NaCl concentration in the aqueous phase, and concentration of sodium bis-2
      ethyl-hexyl-sulfosuccinate (AOT) in the organic phase) were studied using
      response surface methodology. The optimum conditions for the maximum recovery of
      the enzyme were pH 2.75, 100 mM NaCl, and 200 mM AOT. Furthermore, the optimum
      organic to aqueous volume ratio (Vorg/Vaq) and appropriate number of sequential
      extraction stages were 2 and 3, respectively. Finally, 60% of the undesired
      enzymes including proteases and xylanases were removed from the aqueous phase,
      while 140% of glucoamylase activity was recovered in the aqueous phase and the
      purification factor of glucoamylase was found to be 3.0-fold. 

PMID- 25112316
TI  - Crystal structure of (S)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase from Clostridium
      butyricum and its mutations that enhance reaction kinetics.
AB  - 3-Hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase is an enzyme that catalyzes the second step in
      the biosynthesis of n-butanol from acetyl-CoA, in which acetoacetyl-CoA is
      reduced to 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA. To understand the molecular mechanisms of n
      butanol biosynthesis, we determined the crystal structure of 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA
      dehydrogenase from Clostridium butyricum (CbHBD). The monomer structure of CbHBD
      exhibits a two-domain topology, with N- and C-terminal domains, and the
      dimerization of the enzyme was mostly constituted at the C-terminal domain. The
      mode of cofactor binding to CbHBD was elucidated by determining the crystal
      structure of the enzyme in complex with NAD(+). We also determined the enzyme's
      structure in complex with its acetoacetyl-CoA substrate, revealing that the
      adenosine diphosphate moiety was not highly stabilized compared with the
      remainder of the acetoacetyl-CoA molecule. Using this structural information, we
      performed a series of sitedirected mutagenesis experiments on the enzyme, such as
      changing residues located near the substrate-binding site, and finally developed
      a highly efficient CbHBD K50A/K54A/L232Y triple mutant enzyme that exhibited
      approximately 5-fold higher enzyme activity than did the wild type. The increased
      enzyme activity of the mutant was confirmed by enzyme kinetic measurements. The
      highly efficient mutant enzyme should be useful for increasing the production
      rate of n-butanol. 

PMID- 25112317
TI  - Improvement of Wuyiencin biosynthesis in Streptomyces wuyiensis CK-15 by
      identification of a key regulator, WysR.
AB  - Wuyiencin is produced by Streptomyces ahygroscopicus var. wuyiensis CK-15 and is
      widely used as an antifungal agent in agriculture. Analysis of wuyiencin
      biosynthetic gene clusters reveals wysR, a member of the LAL-family of
      transcriptional regulatory genes. WysR consists of an Nterminal PAS domain and a
      LuxR family C-terminal helix-turn-helix motif. However, the roles of wysR in
      wuyiencin biosynthesis are largely unknown. In this study, we showed that
      inactivation of wysR resulted in the complete loss of wuyiencin production, which
      could be restored by complementation with a single copy of wysR. Furthermore, we
      successfully increased wuyiencin production to a significantly higher level by
      overexpression of wysR in S. wuyiensis CK-15. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR
      analysis showed that WysR regulates wuyiencin biosynthesis by modulating other
      putative regulatory genes. Thus, WysR was identified as an activator of wuyiencin
      biosynthesis, and overexpression of wysR gene proved to be an effective strategy
      for improving wuyiencin production. 

PMID- 25112318
TI  - Oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 protects hairless mouse
      against ultraviolet B-induced photoaging.
AB  - Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation alters multiple molecular pathways in the skin,
      thereby inducing skin damage, including photoaging. In recent years, probiotics
      have gained interest due to their beneficial effects on skin health, such as
      inhibiting atopic dermatitis and improving skin immunity or inflammation.
      However, little is known about the effects of probiotics on UVBinduced
      photoaging. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum
      HY7714 against UVB-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts and hairless
      mice. The results showed that L. plantarum HY7714 treatment effectively rescued
      UVB-reduced procollagen expression through the inhibition of UVB-induced matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression in human dermal fibroblasts. Data from a
      western blot showed that L. plantarum HY7714 inhibited the phosphorylation of Jun
      N-terminal kinase, thereby suppressing the UVB-induced phosphorylation and
      expression of c-Jun. Oral administration of L. plantarum HY7714 clearly inhibited
      the number, depth, and area of wrinkles in hairless mouse skin. Histological data
      showed that L. plantarum HY7714 significantly inhibited UVB-induced epidermal
      thickness in mice. Western blot and zymography data also revealed that L.
      plantarum HY7714 effectively inhibited MMP-13 expression as well as MMP-2 and -9
      activities in dermal tissue. Collectively, these results provide further insight
      regarding the skin biological actions of L. plantarum HY7714, a potential skin
      anti-photoaging agent. 

PMID- 25112319
TI  - Insect cell surface expression of hemagglutinin (HA) of Egyptian H5N1 avian
      influenza virus under transcriptional control of whispovirus immediate early-1
      promoter.
AB  - In the present study, whispovirus immediate early 1 promoter (ie-1) was used to
      initiate surface expression of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of Egyptian H5N1
      avian influenza virus (AIV) by using the baculovirus expression vector system.
      The HA gene and whispovirus ie-1 promoter sequence were synthesized as a fused
      expression cassette (ie1-HA) and successfully cloned into the pFastBac-1 transfer
      vector. The recombinant vector was transformed into DH10Bac competent cells, and
      the recombinant bacmid was generated via site-specific transposition. The
      recombinant bacmid was used for transfection of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-9)
      insect cells to construct the recombinant baculovirus and to induce expression of
      the HA protein of H5N1 AIV. The recombinant glycoprotein expressed in Sf-9 cells
      showed hemadsorption activity. Hemagglutination activity was also detected in
      both extra- and intracellular recombinant HAs. Both the HA and hemadsorption
      activities were inhibited by reference polyclonal anti-H5 sera. Significant
      expression of the recombinant protein was observed on the surface of infected
      insect cells by using immunofluorescence. SDS-PAGE analysis of the expressed
      protein revealed the presence of a visually distinguishable band of ~63 kDa in
      size, which was absent in the non-infected cell control. Western blot analysis
      confirmed that the distinct 63 kDa band corresponded to the recombinant HA
      glycoprotein of H5N1 AIV. This study reports the successful expression of the HA
      protein of H5N1 AIV. The expressed protein was displayed on the plasma membrane
      of infected insect cells under the control of whispovirus ie-1 promoter by using
      the baculovirus expression vector system. 

PMID- 25112320
TI  - Higher biomass productivity of microalgae in an attached growth system, using
      wastewater.
AB  - Although most algae cultivation systems are operated in suspended culture, an
      attached growth system can offer several advantages over suspended systems. Algal
      cultivation becomes light-limited as the microalgal concentration increases in
      the suspended system; on the other hand, sunlight penetrates deeper and stronger
      in attached systems owing to the more transparent water. Such higher availability
      of sunlight makes it possible to operate a raceway pond deeper than usual,
      resulting in a higher areal productivity. The attached system achieved 2.8-times
      higher biomass productivity and total lipid productivity of 9.1 g m(-2) day(-1)
      and 1.9 g m(-2) day(-1), respectively, than the suspended system. Biomass
      productivity can be further increased by optimization of the culture conditions.
      Moreover, algal biomass harvesting and dewatering were made simpler and cheaper
      in attached systems, because mesh-type substrates with attached microalgae were
      easily removed from the culture and the remaining treated wastewater could be
      discharged directly. When the algal biomass was dewatered using natural sunlight,
      the palmitic acid (C16:0) content increased by 16% compared with the freeze
      drying method. There was no great difference in other fatty acid composition.
      Therefore, the attached system for algal cultivation is a promising cultivation
      system for mass biodiesel production. 

PMID- 25112321
TI  - Different immune regulatory potential of Lactobacillus plantarum and
      Lactobacillus sakei isolated from Kimchi.
AB  - It is known that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have many beneficial health effects,
      including antioxidative activity and immune regulation. In this study, the immune
      regulatory effects of Lactobacillus sakei and Lactobacillus plantarum, which are
      found in different types of kimchi, were evaluated. L. sakei and its lipoteichoic
      acid (LTA) have greater immune stimulating potential in IL-12, IFN-gamma, and TNF
      alpha production as compared with L. plantarum in an in vitro condition. On the
      other hand, L. plantarum is assumed to repress the Th1 immune response in murine
      experiments. After being injected with LPS, L. plantarum-fed mice maintained a
      healthier state, and the level of TNF-alpha in their blood was lower than in
      other bacterial strainfed mice and in the LPS-only control mice. Additionally, IL
      12 production was significantly decreased and the production of IL-4 was greatly
      increased in the splenocytes from L. plantarum-fed mice. Further experiments
      revealed that the pre-injection of purified LTA from L. plantarum (pLTA), L.
      sakei (sLTA), and S. aureus (aLTA) decreased TNF-alpha and IL-4 production in LPS
      injected mice. Mouse IL-12, however, was significantly increased by aLTA pre
      injection. In conclusion, the L. sakei and L. plantarum strains have immune
      regulation effects, but the effects differ in cytokine production and the
      regulatory effects of the Th1/Th2 immune response. 

PMID- 25112323
TI  - Systematic revision of the family Hoplitomerycidae Leinders, 1984 (Artiodactyla:
      Cervoidea), with the description of a new genus and four new species.
AB  - Six species of the cervoid genus Hoplitomeryx are currently recognized from the
      Late Miocene sites of Gargano and Scontrone, in Italy: H. matthei Leinders, 1984,
      H. apruthiensis Mazza & Rustioni, 2011, H. apulicus Mazza & Rustioni, 2011, H.
      falcidens Mazza & Rustioni, 2011, H. magnus Mazza & Rustioni, 2011, and H.
      minutus Mazza & Rustioni, 2011. These species are interpreted as members of an
      anagenetic series in these two localities, which are considered as part of the
      same bioprovince but with different geological ages. Comparative analysis of
      postcranial, dental, and cranial material from Hoplitomerycidae resulted in the
      reinterpretation of this current taxonomic arrangement. Two distinct genera can
      be distinguished. The new genus Scontromeryx is restricted to Scontrone (Early
      Tortonian) and is characterised by the presence of second upper and lower
      premolars and the absence of a nasal (median) horn. Hoplitomeryx is restricted to
      Gargano (Middle and/or Late Tortonian), and is characterized by the loss of the
      second premolar and presence of a nasal horn. Both genera are characterized by
      orbital appendages in some species, but the morphology of these appendages
      differs between the genera. Six species can be recognized for Scontromeryx gen.
      n.: S. minutus (type species), S. falcidens, S. apulicus, S. apruthiensis, S.
      magnus (new combinations) and the newly described S. mazzai sp. n.. Hoplitomeryx
      is represented by the H. matthei (type species) and 3 newly described species H.
      devosi sp. n., H. macpheei sp. n. and H. kriegsmani sp. n.. These two
      multispecies assemblages are best explained as independent adaptive radiations
      with the two genera as sister taxa. There is no evidence that the two localities
      were connected during the Late Miocene. 

PMID- 25112322
TI  - Molecular and biochemical characteristics of beta-propeller phytase from marine
      Pseudomonas sp. BS10-3 and its potential application for animal feed additives.
AB  - Phytate is an antinutritional factor that impacts the bioavailability of
      essential minerals such as Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Zn(2+), and Fe(2+) by forming
      insoluble mineral-phytate salts. These insoluble mineral-phytate salts are
      hydrolyzed rarely by monogastric animals, because they lack the hydrolyzing
      phytases and thus excrete the majority of them. The beta-propeller phytases
      (BPPs) hydrolyze these insoluble mineral-phytate salts efficiently. In this
      study, we cloned a novel BPP gene from a marine Pseudomonas sp. This Pseudomonas
      BPP gene (PsBPP) had low sequence identity with other known phytases and
      contained an extra internal repeat domain (residues 24-279) and a typical BPP
      domain (residues 280-634) at the C-terminus. Structurebased sequence alignment
      suggested that the N-terminal repeat domain did not possess the active-site
      residues, whereas the C-terminal BPP domain contained multiple calcium-binding
      sites, which provide a favorable electrostatic environment for substrate binding
      and catalytic activity. Thus, we overexpressed the BPP domain from Pseudomonas
      sp. to potentially hydrolyze insoluble mineral-phytate salts. Purified
      recombinant PsBPP required Ca(2+) or Fe(2+) for phytase activity, indicating that
      PsBPP hydrolyzes insoluble Fe(2+)-phytate or Ca2+-phytate salts. The optimal
      temperature and pH for the hydrolysis of Ca(2+)-phytate by PsBPP were 50 degrees
      C and 6.0, respectively. Biochemical and kinetic studies clearly showed that
      PsBPP efficiently hydrolyzed Ca(2+)-phytate salts and yielded myo-inositol 2,4,6
      trisphosphate and three phosphate groups as final products. Finally, we showed
      that PsBPP was highly effective for hydrolyzing rice bran with high phytate
      content. Taken together, our results suggest that PsBPP has great potential in
      the animal feed industry for reducing phytates.

PMID- 25112324
TI  - Review and phylogeny of the geniculata group, genus Chinavia (Heteroptera:
      Pentatomidae), with notes on biogeography and morphological evolution.
AB  - Chinavia is one of the most diverse genera of Pentatomidae, comprising 80 species
      distributed in the Afrotropical, Neartic and Neotropical regions. Some groups of
      species have been proposed in the literature based on morphological similarities
      or phylogenetic analyses. The geniculata group was proposed to include C.
      geniculata, C. gravis and C. nigritarsis. However, eleven other species of
      Chinavia share somatic and genital characteristics with C. geniculata, C. gravis
      and C. nigritarsis, which allows hypothesizing the monophyly among these 14
      species. In spite of the recent contributions to aspects of biology, immature
      stages and species catalogs in Chinavia, the definition of monophyletic groups
      within the genus and the establishment of boundaries among its species are
      essential to understand its diversity and to test hypotheses on biogeography and
      evolutionary biology. In this study we review the taxonomy of the geniculata
      group, test its monophyly and propose a phylogenetic hypothesis for the group. We
      discuss the phylogenetic relationships from a geographical perspective, and
      provide insights about morphological evolution.  

PMID- 25112325
TI  - Review of the species of the genus Serrapinnus Malabarba, 1998 (Teleostei:
      Characidae: Cheirodontinae) from the rio Tocantins-Araguaia basin, with
      description of three new species.
AB  - Species of the genus Serrapinnus from the rio Tocantins-Araguaia basin are
      revised and three new species are described. Serrapinnus aster new species is
      diagnosed by the presence of scimitar-shaped ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays
      of mature males forming a semicircle and by the presence of 7-9 cusps on the
      premaxillary teeth; S. lucindai new species is distinguished from its congeners
      by the presence of a higher number of ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays (17 to
      19); and S. tocantinensis new species differs from the remaining species of the
      genus by the elongation of the unbranched dorsal and pelvic-fin rays into
      filaments in mature males. Serrapinnus sterbai is recognized as broadly
      distributed in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin and is redescribed based on specimens
      from across its entire distribution. A key for the cheirodontines occurring in
      the Atlantic drainages of northeastern Brazil, from the rio Tocantins-Araguaia to
      the rio Paraguacu is provided. 

PMID- 25112326
TI  - Vietnamese Issidae (Hemiptera, Fulgoroidea): new taxa, new records and new
      distribution data.
AB  - An updated list of Issidae known from Vietnam is provided. Two new species, one
      from the genus Darwallia Gnezdilov, 2010, and another one from a new genus are
      described from the Hon Ba massif in Central Vietnam. A key to species of the
      genus Darwallia is provided. Gelastyrella hainanensis Ran et Liang, 2006 is
      placed in synonymy under Thabena litaoensis Yang, 1994. This last taxon and the
      genus Gergithoides Schumacher, 1915 are recorded for the first time for
      Vietnamese fauna. New records in Vietnam are given for Tetrica philo Fennah, 1978
      and Gergithus iguchii Matsumura, 1916.  

PMID- 25112327
TI  - Afrotropical flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae). A new genus and species from
      Kenya, with a review of the melanostomine group of genera.
AB  - A new genus and species of flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae: Syrphinae: Syrphini)
      are described from central Africa (Kenya & Uganda), Afrostoma quadripunctatum. A
      key to the Afrotropical genera of the subfamily Syrphinae is given. A review of
      the melanostomine [Bacchini] genera and subgenera is provided along with a key to
      them. Phylogenetic placement of Afrostoma is included based on mitochondrial
      cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data. 

PMID- 25112328
TI  - Leeonychiurus, a new genus from East Asia (Collembola: Onychiuridae:
      Onychiurini).
AB  - A new genus of Onychiurini including five species is described from East Asia.
      Leeonychiurus gen. nov. differs in its antennal III sensory organ with granulated
      sensory clubs and 11 chaetae in the distal whorl of tibiotarsi. The main
      diagnostic characters of the genera from the tribe Onychiurini and the five
      species from the new genus are summarized. A new species, Leeonychiurus
      fusongensis sp. nov., is reported from northeast China and it can be easily
      distinguished from other species of the genus by the number of dorsal and ventral
      pseudocelli. The known Korean species L. polychaetosus is redescribed by the
      examination of the type materials.  

PMID- 25112329
TI  - A new species of Endecous Saussure, 1878 (Orthoptera, Gryllidae) from northeast
      Brazil with the first X1X20 chromosomal sex system in Gryllidae.
AB  - In this paper we describe a new species of Luzarinae cricket collected from the
      cave "Gruta de Ubajara, municipality of Ubajara, State of Ceara, Brazil,
      highlighting phallic sclerites morphology and chromosome complement as diagnostic
      characters. We presented meiotic and mitotic characterization in order to define
      the karyotype with 2n = 12 + X1X2?/12 + X1X1X2X2?. This represents the first
      record of X1X20 chromosomal sex system in Gryllidae.

PMID- 25112330
TI  - A new species of the genus Aspidiotes Schoenherr, 1847 (Coleoptera:
      Curculionidae: Tanymecini) from Middle Anatolia (Turkey).
AB  - A new species of Aspidiotes Schoenherr, 1847 (Curculionidae: Tanymecini) from
      Turkey is described and illustrated. Aspidiotes (Phaenognathus) candani sp. nov.
      is closely related to A. anatolicus (Colonnelli) but can be separated by eye
      shape, form of pronotum, form of setae on disc of elytra, surface morphology of
      scales, structure of aedeagus (in dorsal view) and form of spermatheca.  

PMID- 25112331
TI  - Paracriodion Fragoso (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae): redefinition, with
      description of a new species from Bolivia.
AB  - The genus Paracriodion Fragoso, 1982, is redefined. A new species from Bolivia,
      P. morrisi sp. nov., is described. A key for Paracriodion species is included and
      new distributional data for P. romani (Aurivillius, 1926) are given.  

PMID- 25112332
TI  - The genus Anahita from Wuyi Mountains, Fujian, China, with description of one new
      species (Araneae: Ctenidae).

PMID- 25112333
TI  - An updated checklist of Nepticulidae (Lepidoptera) of the Crimea, Sub
      Mediterranean SE Europe.
AB  - This updated checklist is intended to be a collaborative effort by a team of
      taxonomists to present a hitherto little known diversity of the Nepticulidae of
      the Crimea. A total of 64 species of Nepticulidae are listed. The following 26
      species are recorded for the first time from the Crimea: Stigmella confusella
      (Wood & Walsingham, 1894), S. tiliae (Frey, 1856), S. microtheriella (Stainton,
      1854), S. alnetella (Stainton, 1854), S. glutinosae (Stainton, 1858), S.
      desperatella (Frey, 1856), S. torminalis (Wood, 1890), S. crataegella (Klimesch,
      1936), S. hahniella (Worz, 1937), S. catharticella (Stainton, 1853), S. malella
      (Stainton, 1854), S. rhamnella (Herrich-Schaffter, 1860), S. ulmivora (Fologne,
      1860), S. trimaculella (Haworth, 1828), S. obliquella (Heinemann, 1862), S.
      tityrella (Stainton, 1854), S. carpinella (Heinemann, 1862), S. lemniscella
      (Zeller, 1839), S. plagicolella (Stainton, 1854), S. samiatella (Zeller, 1939),
      Bohemannia pulverosella (Stainton, 1849), Ectoedemia mahalebella (Klimesch,
      1936), Fomoria septembrella (Stainton, 1849), Trifurcula silviae van Nieukerken,
      1990, T. macedonica Z. Lastuvka & A. Lastuvka, 1998, T. eurema (Tutt, 1899). One
      species, Ectoedemia spinosella (Joannis, 1908), is excluded here from the list of
      the Nepticulidae of the Crimea. Thirty-nine selected species are illustrated with
      photographs of the leaf-mines, and forty-five species with photographs of
      genitalia.  

PMID- 25112334
TI  - Review of the Stenothemus harmandi species-group (Coleoptera, Cantharidae), with
      description of six new species from China.
AB  - The diagnosis of the Stenothemus harmandi species-group is summarized, and all
      species are reviewed and keyed. S. harmandi (Bourgeois, 1902) is redescribed and
      six new species are described, S. fugongensis sp. nov. (CHINA: Yunnan), S.
      distortirudis sp. nov. (CHINA: Xizang), S. parallelus sp. nov. (CHINA: Xizang),
      S. septimus sp. nov. (CHINA: Xizang), S. leishanensis sp. nov. (CHINA: Guizhou)
      and S. laticollis sp. nov. (CHINA: Xizang). Each species treatment is provided
      with photos of habitus of male and abdominal sternite VIII of female, and
      illustrations of aedeagus. Additionally, S. subnitidus Svihla, 2005, S.
      holosericus Svihla, 2005 and S. orbiculatus Svihla, 2005 are provided with
      supplementary descriptions and photos of abdominal sternites VIII of females.
      Distribution maps are provided for each species of the S. harmandi species-group.

PMID- 25112335
TI  - Revision of the brachiopod genus Amphithyris (Rhynchonelliformea: Platidiidae)
      with descriptions of two new species.
AB  - The recent brachiopod genus Amphithyris Thomson belongs to the family Platidiidae
      and to date comprises five species, A. seminula (Philippi, 1836), A. buckmani
      Thomson, 1918, A. hallettensis Foster, 1974, A. richardsonae Campbell & Fleming,
      1981 and A. parva MacKinnon, Hiller, Long & Marshall, 2008. Like other platidiid
      genera, Amphithyris has a worldwide distribution, but is mainly found in the
      southern hemisphere, with the exception of A. seminula which occurs in the
      Mediterranean Sea. This study is the first revision of the genus Amphithyris. We
      describe two new species, A. cavernicola n. sp. from the Queensland Plateau,
      Coral Sea, Australia and A. comitodentis n. sp. from deep waters east of the
      South Island, New Zealand. A. cavernicola n. sp. represents the first record of
      the genus from Australian waters, whereas A. comitodentis n. sp. is the first
      species in the genus recorded from the deep sea. Additionally, we identified the
      type material of A. seminula in the brachiopod collection of the Museum fur
      Naturkunde, Berlin and designated a lectotype for this species. Despite their
      simple shell morphology and few diagnostic features, we were able to clearly
      discriminate the (now) seven species by morphological (shell) characters such as
      absence/presence of a median septum, absence/presence of capillae, shell
      convexity and/or combinations of these. On the basis of all known records, the
      present distribution of Amphithyris spp. and a Cretaceous origin of the genus is
      discussed.  

PMID- 25112336
TI  - The world's biogeographical regions revisited: global patterns of endemism in
      Tipulidae (Diptera).
AB  - This paper explores the distributional data of 4,224 Tipulidae (Insecta: Diptera)
      species to search for endemism patterns in a worldwide scale and to test the
      extent to which the global patterns of endemism of the group fit into previously
      proposed regionalization schemes, particularly Wallace's system and recent
      revisions of it. Large scale areas of endemism are assessed using the grid-based
      method implemented in VNDM. VNDM depends on the prior definition of the grid size
      for analysis, but a criterion for choosing beforehand a particular grid size is
      not clear. The same holds for the choice of the level of similarity in species
      composition selected for the calculation of consensus areas. In our study, we
      developed a methodological approach that helped defining objective criteria for
      choosing suitable values for these critical variables. Large-scale areas of
      endemism around the globe are identified and ranked according to endemicity
      levels: 1--West Palaearctic, 2--Nearctic, 3--East Palaearctic-Oriental, 4--West
      North America, 5--Australia, 6--Neotropical, 7--Sub-Saharan Africa, 8-
      Palaearctic, and 9--Middle East. Our main conclusion is that there are still some
      limitations in applying biogeographical classifications proposed mostly on the
      basis of vertebrate distribution to other taxonomic groups, such as the
      Tipulidae. While there is a general congruence of the broad-scale areas of
      endemism of tipulids with previously proposed regionalization schemes, for some
      areas, the sharpness of boundaries between traditional regions is not so acute,
      due to a great level of overlap of part of its biotic elements.

PMID- 25112338
TI  - A new species of freshwater crab of the genus Microthelphusa Pretzmann, 1968
      (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae) from the Amazon region of Guyana.
AB  - A new species of freshwater crab, Microthelphusa furcifer, is described and
      illustrated from the Potaro-Siparuni Kuribrong River in the Guyana Shield (Amazon
      region of Guyana). The new species can be easily separated from its congeners by
      the morphology of the first gonopod. The first gonopod of Microthelphusa meansi
      Cumberlidge, 2007, is illustrated to clarify some aspects of its morphology.  

PMID- 25112337
TI  - Redescription and distribution of the rare flower chafer, Periphanesthes aurora
      (Motschulsky, 1858) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae).
AB  - This paper includes a detailed redescription of the monotypic genus
      Periphanesthes Kraatz, 1880 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) and its type
      species, Periphanesthes aurora (Motschulsky, 1858), based on the lectotype
      (designated within) and additional specimens. Illustrations of external features
      and parameres are also provided. The distribution of P. aurora is studied, and
      its new distribution records are mapped. Bonsiella Ruter, 1965 is confirmed as a
      junior synonym of Periphanesthes Kraatz, 1880.  

PMID- 25112339
TI  - One new species in the cockroach genus Jacobsonina Hebard 1929 (Blattodea,
      Ectobiidae, Blattellinae) from Mainland China.
AB  - One new species of Jacobsonina Hebard from China is described and illustrated:
      Jacobsonina erebis sp. nov.. A key to all known species in this genus, except for
      J. lugubris (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1893), based on males, is provided.  

PMID- 25112340
TI  - Re-description of the gudgeon species Saurogobio gracilicaudatus Yao & Yang in
      Luo, Yue & Chen, 1977 (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Chang-Jiang basin, South
      China, with a note on its generic classification.
AB  - Saurogobio gracilicaudatus, originally described from the middle Yangtze River
      (Chang-Jiang in Chinese) basin at Yichang and Guanghua (now Laohekou), Hubei
      Province, South China, is here re-described, with particular concern for
      oromandibular structures in the mouth. It is uniquely distinguishable from all
      other species of Saurogobio in having a rostral cap with a slightly crenulated
      median portion, lips covered with brush-like, conical papillae, and a lower lip
      with a small, smooth and protruded central pad anteriorly free and posteriorly
      confluent with lateral lobes. The generic classification of this species is also
      discussed on the basis of oromandibular structures, which are of taxonomic
      importance in generic classification of gudgeons.  

PMID- 25112341
TI  - A new minute pirate bug of the genus Scoloposcelis (Hemiptera: Heteroptera:
      Anthocoridae) from West Malaysia.
AB  - Scoloposcelis seidaii sp. nov. is described from the Malay Peninsula based on a
      single specimen collected under the bark of a decaying tree. This discovery
      represents the first distribution record of the genus Scoloposcelis from
      Malaysia. Habitus photographs and diagnosis of S. parallela (Motschulsky, 1863)
      are provided for comparison with S. seidaii.  

PMID- 25112342
TI  - Cladocroce caelum sp. nov. from the Brazilian coast; first record of the genus in
      the South Atlantic.

PMID- 25112343
TI  - On cockroaches of the subfamily Epilamprinae (Dictyoptera: Blaberidae) from South
      India and Sri Lanka, with descriptions of new taxa.
AB  - The new genus Indoapterolampra, gen. nov. and two new species (I. rugosiuscula
      sp. nov. and Morphna lucida sp. nov.) are described. Rhabdoblatta praecipua
      (Walker, 1868) is removed from the synonymy with 'Polyzosteria' terranea Walker,
      1868. The latter species is considered Epilamprinae gen. sp. The lectotype of
      Phoraspis (Thorax) porcellana Saussure, 1862 is designated. A key for the genera
      of Epilamprinae from South India and Sri Lanka is provided. Detailed
      morphological descriptions of the studied taxa are given. The structure of the
      male genitalia of I. rugosiuscula sp. nov., M. lucida sp. nov., M. plana (Brunner
      von Wattenwyl, 1865), M. decolyi (Bolivar, 1897) and R. praecipua and that of the
      female genital complex of M. decolyi, P. (T.) porcellana and Phlebonotus anomalus
      (Saussure, 1863) are described for the first time. Some aspects of the cockroach
      evolution are briefly discussed.  

PMID- 25112344
TI  - An annotated checklist of Lithobiomorpha of China.
AB  - The lithobiomorph centipede fauna of China is listed here based on literature
      data. A total of 68 species in 15 genera/subgenera in 2 families, Henicopidae and
      Lithobiidae, has been recorded from China. Three genera and forty-four species
      are known only from China, including the monotypic genera Pterygotergum and
      Hedinobius. The original descriptions of 16 nominal species were based on
      specimens of single sex only and 13 nominal species of Lithobius have never been
      allocated to a subgenus. Lithobius (Lithobius) zhui Pei, Ma, Shi, Wu & Gai, 2011
      is moved to subgenus Lithobius (Ezembius). Distribution data for each species is
      provided here to promote further studies on the Lithobiomorpha fauna of China.  

PMID- 25112345
TI  - Rajella paucispinosa n. sp., a new deep-water skate (Elasmobranchii, Rajidae)
      from the western Indian Ocean off South Mozambique, and a revised generic
      diagnosis.
AB  - A new species of the widely in temperate and tropical latitudes distributed skate
      genus Rajella is described based on an almost adult male specimen from the
      western Indian Ocean off South Mozambique. The holotype of R. paucispinosa n. sp.
      was caught during cruise 17 of RV 'Vityaz' along the deep western Indian Ocean in
      1988/89. It is the northernmost record of a Rajella specimen in the western
      Indian Ocean. The new species is the 18th valid species of the genus and the
      fifth species in the western Indian Ocean. It differs from its congeners in the
      small maximal total length of about 50 cm and only few thorns on the dorsal
      surface. The new species has only two thorns on each orbit, one nuchal thorn, one
      right scapular thorn (left one not detectable, abraded), and one median row of
      tail thorns. Other species of Rajella typically have half rings of thorns on
      orbital rims, a triangle of thorns on nape-shoulder region, and at least three
      rows of tail thorns. Another conspicuous feature of the new species is the almost
      completely white dorsal and ventral coloration.  

PMID- 25112347
TI  - Fourteen new generic and ten new specific synonymies in Pholcidae (Araneae), and
      transfer of Mystes Bristowe to Filistatidae.
AB  - Between 1998 and 2011, the Venezuelan arachnologist Manuel Angel Gonzalez-Sponga
      (GS) published a series of taxonomic papers devoted to the Pholcidae of
      Venezuela. Of his 22 new genera, 20 were monotypic when described, suggesting a
      high percentage of synonyms. We studied his descriptions and as far as accessible
      his type specimens and propose the following new generic synonymies: Autana GS,
      2011 = Mesabolivar GS, 1998; Ayomania GS, 2005 and Venezuela Kocak & Kemal, 2008
      (new replacement names for Falconia GS, 2003) = Mecolaesthus Simon, 1893;
      Carbonaria GS, 2009 = Mecolaesthus Simon, 1893; Caruaya GS, 2011 = Mesabolivar
      GS, 1998; Coroia GS, 2005 = Artema Walckenaer, 1837; Maimire GS, 2009 =
      Mecolaesthus Simon, 1893; Moraia GS, 2011 = Mecolaesthus Simon, 1893; Nasuta GS,
      2009 = Mecolaesthus Simon, 1893; Portena GS, 2011 = Metagonia Simon, 1893;
      Rioparaguanus GS, 2005 = Mesabolivar GS, 1998; Tonoro GS, 2009 = Litoporus Simon,
      1893; Sanluisi GS, 2003 = Mecolaesthus Simon, 1893. Three of the type species are
      also specific synonyms: Autana autanensis GS, 2011 = Mesabolivar aurantiacus
      (Mello-Leitao, 1930); Coroia magna GS, 2005 = Artema atlanta Walckenaer, 1837;
      Tonoro multispinae GS, 2009 = Litoporus uncatus (Simon, 1893). Six species that
      Gonzalez-Sponga described under Blechroscelis (a genus previously synonymized
      with Priscula Simon, 1893) are all synonyms of Mesabolivar eberhardi Huber, 2000
      (B. acuoso GS, 2011; B. araguanus GS, 2011; B. blechroscelis GS, 2011; B.
      copeyensis GS, 2011; B. cordillerano GS, 2011; B. andinensis GS, 2011). In
      addition, and unrelated to Gonzalez-Sponga's work, we synonymize the Central
      Asian monotypic genus Ceratopholcus Spassky, 1934 with Crossopriza Simon, 1893;
      we synonymize the Chinese species Pholcus acerosus Peng & Zhang, 2011 with
      Pholcus fragillimus Strand, 1907 and remove the Malaysian monotypic genus Mystes
      Bristowe, 1938, previously thought to be the only East Asian representative of
      the subfamily Ninetinae, to the family Filistatidae.  

PMID- 25112346
TI  - Taxonomic revision of the semi-aquatic skink Parvoscincus leucospilos (Reptilia:
      Squamata: Scincidae), with description of three new species.
AB  - We review the recent discovery of multiple populations of the enigmatic, semi
      aquatic Sphenomorphus Group skink, Parvoscincus leucospilos Peters, and
      investigate the morphological and genetic diversity of isolated, allopatric
      populations of this unique skink. Our investigations support the recognition of
      four unique evolutionary lineages distributed across Luzon Island in the
      Philippines, three of which are herein described as new species (P. tikbalangi
      sp. nov., P. manananggalae sp. nov., and P. duwendorum sp. nov.). All four
      recognized species are genetically divergent in both mitochondrial and nuclear
      DNA sequences, and morphologically distinct. The description of three new Luzon
      Island endemic species adds to the growing body of literature suggesting that
      mechanisms driving the accumulation of vertebrate diversity in the Philippines
      may vary regionally across the archipelago.  

PMID- 25112348
TI  - Cymatodera ochlera Barr, a junior synonym of Cymatodera wolcotti Barr, with a
      comparison to similar species (Coleoptera: Cleridae).
AB  - Cymatodera ochlera Barr 1972 has been considered to be very similar to but
      distinct from C. wolcotti Barr 1950. We present evidence to show that these two
      species are conspecific and C. ochlera should be treated as a junior synonym of
      C. wolcotti. Cymatodera wolcotti is compared to C. balteata and C. undulata, two
      species remarkably similar to C. wolcotti. Morphological characters of
      significant value are presented that confirm C. balteata and C. undulata are
      separate species. Images of all characters discussed are provided.  

PMID- 25112349
TI  - Two new species and a new synonym of the genus Paederus Fabricius (Coleoptera:
      Staphylinidae: Paederinae) from China.
AB  - Two new species of the genus Paederus Fabricius, 1775 from mainland China are
      described: Paederus (Harpopaederus) brevior sp. nov. (Shaanxi) and P. (H.)
      multidenticulatus sp. nov. (Hubei). One new synonym is proposed: Paederus
      parvidenticulatus Li, Zhou & Solodovnikov, 2013 = Paederus symmetricus Li, Zhou &
      Solodovnikov, 2013 syn. nov.  

PMID- 25112350
TI  - Nippontonia ashmoreiensis sp. nov., (Crustacea: Decapoda; Pontoniinae) from
      Ashmore Reef, Western Australia.
AB  - An undescribed species of pontoniine shrimp of the genus Nippontonia Bruce &
      Bauer, N. ashmoriensis sp. nov., collected from a sponge from Ashmore Reef,
      Western Australia, is described and illustrated.  

PMID- 25112351
TI  - Helicopsyche (Feropsyche) timbira sp. nov. (Trichoptera: Helicopsychidae), a new
      species from southeastern Brazil.

PMID- 25112352
TI  - Aphodius petri: a replacement name for the primary junior homonym Aphodius
      kozlovi Frolov, 2009 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae).

PMID- 25112353
TI  - Galkinius nom.nov., replacement name for Galkinia Ross & Newman, 1995.

PMID- 25112354
TI  - Plume moths of Malawi (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae).
AB  - A review of Pterophoridae of Malawi is presented; 96 species from 35 genera and
      five subfamilies are recorded. Fourteen species are described as new: Agdistis
      nyasa Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Platyptilia mugesse Kovtunovich &
      Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Stenoptilia juniper Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov.,
      Sphenarches mulanje Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp.nov., Marasmarcha lamborni
      Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Arcoptilia malawica Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin
      sp. nov., Apoxyptilus uzumarus Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Gypsochares
      murphy Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Crassuncus livingstoni Kovtunovich &
      Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Hellinsia namizimu Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov.,
      Hellinsia shewa Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Picardia leza Kovtunovich &
      Ustjuzhanin sp. nov., Picardia raymondi Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov.,
      Picardia tumbuka Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin sp. nov. New synonymies are
      established for 10 species: Deuterocopus deltoptilus Meyrick, 1930 = Deuterocopus
      socotranus Rebel, 1907 syn. nov.; Deuterocopus henrioti Bigot & Boireau, 2006 =
      Deuterocopus socotranus Rebel, 1907 syn. nov.; Platyptilia periacta Meyrick, 1910
      = Platyptilia farfarella Zeller, 1867 syn. nov.; Platyptilia claripicta Fletcher,
      1910 = Platyptilia farfarella Zeller, 1867 syn. nov.; Platyptilia pygmaeana
      Strand, 1913 = Sphenarches anisodactylus (Walker, 1864) syn. nov.; Exelastis
      bergeri Bigot, 1969 = Exelastis crudipennis (Meyrick, 1932) syn. nov.;
      Prichotilus tanzanicus Gielis, 2011 = Prichotilus tara Ustjuzhanin and
      Kovtunovich, 2011 syn. nov.; Crassuncus chappuisi Gibeaux, 1994 = Crassuncus
      ecstaticus (Meyrick, 1932) syn. nov.; Paulianilus lolibai Arenberger, 2011 =
      Hellinsia madecasseus (Bigot, 1964) syn. nov.; Pterophorus purus Meyrick, 1913 =
      Crassuncus pacifica (Meyrick, 1911) syn. nov. New combinations are established
      for six species: Marasmarcha bengtssoni (Gielis, 2009) comb. nov.; Marasmarcha
      locharcha (Meyrick, 1924) comb. nov.; Marasmarcha rubriacuta (Gielis, 2009) comb.
      nov.; Procapperia insomnis (Townsend, 1956) comb. nov.; Crassuncus ecstaticus
      (Meyrick, 1932) comb. nov.; Crassuncus colubratus (Meyrick, 1909) comb. nov. For
      Stenoptilia viettei Gibeaux, 1994, Sphenarches bifurcatus Gielis, 2009,
      Crassuncus ecstaticus (Meyrick, 1932) images of the male genitalia are presented
      for the first time, for Marasmarcha bengtssoni (Gielis, 2009), and Stenodacma
      cognata Gielis, 2009 female genitalia are illustrated for the first time. Species
      of wide pantropical or cosmopolitan distribution are not reported as new for the
      fauna of Malawi.  However, 65 species of Pterophoridae are reported for the fauna
      of Malawi for the first time.  One of them, Stenoptilia viettei Gibeaux, 1994,
      described from Madagascar, is reported for continental Africa for the first time.

PMID- 25112355
TI  - The identity of the treehopper genus Dysyncritus Fowler, with descriptions of new
      related taxa (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Heteronotinae).
AB  - Dysyncritus Fowler is revised based on the examination of primary types, and
      restructured to exclusively accomodate Dysyncritus intectus Fowler, 1895.
      Allodrilus Evangelista gen. nov. (type species: Cymbomorpha nitidipennis
      Funkhouser, 1922 = Allodrilus nitidipennis (Funkhouser, 1922) comb. nov.) is
      erected with seven newly discovered taxa: A. alboferrugineus Evangelista sp. nov.
      (Brazil, Colombia, Guyana), A. colombiensis Florez-V sp. nov. (Colombia), A.
      deitzi Evangelista sp. nov. (Ecuador), A. granulatus Evangelista sp. nov.
      (Ecuador), A. horizontalis Evangelista sp. nov. (Bolivia), A. intermedius
      Evangelista sp. nov. (Ecuador), and A. similis Evangelista sp. nov. (Peru). A key
      to males is provided, in addition to annotated descriptions and illustrations.
      Nomenclatural changes are proposed to species formerly included in Dysyncritus:
      Smiliorachis nubilis (Goding, 1930) comb. nov., Smiliorachis discrepans (Goding,
      1930) comb. nov., and Dysyncritus lineatus Goding, 1930 (= Smiliorachis octilinea
      Stal, 1869 syn. nov.).  

PMID- 25112356
TI  - Two new species of Cosmolaelaps Berlese (Acari:Laelapidae) from Iran .
AB  - This paper reports on two species of mites of the genus Cosmolaelaps Berlese,
      1903 in Iran--C. dorfakiensis sp. nov., and C. pinnatus sp. nov., extracted from
      soil and leaf litter samples in Guilan Province, Northern Iran. A key to the
      species of Cosmolaelaps occurring in the Iran is also provided.

PMID- 25112357
TI  - Three new bee species of Rhophitulus Ducke (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Protandrenini)
      from Argentina and Brazil.
AB  - This work describes three newly discovered species of Rhophitulus Ducke, 1907: R.
      labiosus n. sp. from Minas Gerais (Brazil), R. mimus n. sp. from Salta
      (Argentina), and R. xenopalpus n. sp. from Catamarca and Tucuman (Argentina).
      Photographs of the holotype of Rhophitulus steinbachi (Friese, 1916) are
      provided, and modifications in the morphology of a female of R. xenopalpus n. sp.
      when parasitized by Strepsiptera are recorded for the first time for the genus.  

PMID- 25112358
TI  - The first record of an association between a pontoniine shrimp (Crustacea:
      Decapoda: Palaemonidae: Pontoniinae) and a thalassematid spoon worm (Echiura:
      Thalassematidae), with the description of a new shrimp species.
AB  - A new pontoniine shrimp species, Eupontonia nudirostris sp. nov. (Crustacea:
      Decapoda: Palaemonidae: Pontoniinae), was found in association with the
      thalassematid spoon worm Listriolobus sp. (Echiura: Thalassematidae) in the
      mangrove littoral of Dam Bay of Tre Island, Nhatrang Bay, Vietnam. This is the
      first record of an association between symbiotic pontoniine shrimp and spoon worm
      as their host. The new shrimp species clearly differs from other representatives
      of the genus Eupontonia Bruce, 1971 by the unarmed rostrum with a blunt tip and
      the reduced antennal tooth on the carapace, which can be considered as an
      adaptation to symbiotic lifestyle inside cramped burrows of the host. A revised
      key to the genus Eupontonia Bruce, 1971 is presented.  

PMID- 25112359
TI  - Two new species of Cyta (Acari: Prostigmata: Bdellidae) from Western Iran .
AB  - This paper reports two new species of Bdellidae, Cyta leliae sp. nov. and Cyta
      kurdistanicus sp. nov., collected from soil and litter under oak trees, Quercus
      brantii Lindl. (Fagaceae), wild almond, Amygdalus lycioides Spach (Rosaceae) and
      grass, Kurdistan Province, Iran. A key is provided to adult female Cyta of the
      world.  

PMID- 25112360
TI  - Swedish Plectida (Nematoda). Part 7. Setostephanolaimus tchesunovi sp. n. from
      the west coast of Sweden.
AB  - A new species of Setostephanolaimus, S. tchesunovi sp. n., is described from
      bottom sediments collected in the Skagerrak and Gullmarn Fjord off the west coast
      of Sweden. It is characterised by 1.0-1.3 mm long body, outer labial setae 6.5
      8.5 um long, cephalic setae 9-11 um long, subcephalic setae 4-6 um long,
      transversely-oval amphid, female with monodelphic opisthodelphic reproductive
      system, male with 6-9 tubular and without alveolar supplements, spicules arcuate
      and 54-64 um long, gubernaculum with dorsal apophysis. A tabular compendium and
      dichotomous identification key to species of the genus Setostephanolaimus are
      provided.  

PMID- 25112361
TI  - A fossil Paratrombiinae mite (Actinotrichida: Trombidioidea) from the Rovno
      amber, Ukraine.
AB  - The first description of a fossil representative of Paratrombiinae from the Rovno
      amber, Paratrombium rovniense sp. nov., based on an unengorged larva, is
      provided. The discovery results in a re-definition of the Paratrombiinae and of
      Paratrombium, which also comprise species with two pectinalae on coxa I.  

PMID- 25112362
TI  - A new species of Petersitocoroides Brailovsky (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae:
      Coreini) from Peru.
AB  - Petersitocoroides vergarae, a new species from Peru, is described and placed in
      the tribe Coreini (Heteroptera). Dorsal illustrations and drawings of the
      pronotum, head and male genitalia, as well as a key to the known species, are
      provided.  

PMID- 25112363
TI  - A new species of the genus Mazaeras Walker, 1855 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae:
      Arctiinae).

PMID- 25112364
TI  - Decoration of silicon nanostructures with copper particles for simultaneous
      selective capture and mass spectrometry detection of His-tagged model peptide.
AB  - We present in this work a simple and fast preparation method of a new affinity
      surface-assisted laser/desorption ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS)
      substrate based on silicon nanostructures decorated with copper particles. The
      silicon nanostructures were fabricated by the metal-assisted chemical etching
      (MACE) method. Then, superhydrophilic areas surrounded by superhydrophobic
      regions were formed through hydrosilylation reaction of 1-octadecene, followed by
      local degradation of the octadecyl layer. After that, copper particles were
      deposited in the hydrophilic areas by using the electroless method. We have
      demonstrated that these surfaces were able to perform high selective capture of
      model His-tag peptide even in a complex mixture such as serum solution. Then, the
      captured peptide was detected by mass spectrometry at a femtomolar level without
      the need of organic matrix. 

PMID- 25112365
TI  - Protein S-glutathionylation: from current basics to targeted modifications.
AB  - The interaction between antioxidant glutathione and the free thiol in susceptible
      cysteine residues of proteins leads to reversible protein S-glutathionylation.
      This reaction ensures cellular homeostasis control (as a common redox-dependent
      post-translational modification associated with signal transduction) and
      intervenes in oxidative stress-related cardiovascular pathology (as initiated by
      redox imbalance). The purpose of this review is to evaluate the recent knowledge
      on protein S-glutathionylation in terms of chemistry, broad cellular
      intervention, specific quantification, and potential for therapeutic
      exploitation. The data bases searched were Medline and PubMed, from 2009 to 2014
      (term: glutathionylation). Protein S-glutathionylation ensures protection of
      protein thiols against irreversible over-oxidation, operates as a biological
      redox switch in both cell survival (influencing kinases and protein phosphatases
      pathways) and cell death (by potentiation of apoptosis), and cross-talks with
      phosphorylation and with S-nitrosylation. Collectively, protein S
      glutathionylation appears as a valuable biomarker for oxidative stress, with
      potential for translation into novel therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 25112367
TI  - The evolution of boosting algorithms. From machine learning to statistical
      modelling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept of boosting emerged from the field of machine learning.
      The basic idea is to boost the accuracy of a weak classifying tool by combining
      various instances into a more accurate prediction. This general concept was later
      adapted to the field of statistical modelling. Nowadays, boosting algorithms are
      often applied to estimate and select predictor effects in statistical regression
      models. OBJECTIVES: This review article attempts to highlight the evolution of
      boosting algorithms from machine learning to statistical modelling. METHODS: We
      describe the AdaBoost algorithm for classification as well as the two most
      prominent statistical boosting approaches, gradient boosting and likelihood-based
      boosting for statistical modelling. We highlight the methodological background
      and present the most common software implementations. RESULTS: Although gradient
      boosting and likelihood-based boosting are typically treated separately in the
      literature, they share the same methodological roots and follow the same
      fundamental concepts. Compared to the initial machine learning algorithms, which
      must be seen as black-box prediction schemes, they result in statistical models
      with a straight-forward interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: Statistical boosting
      algorithms have gained substantial interest during the last decade and offer a
      variety of options to address important research questions in modern biomedicine.

PMID- 25112369
TI  - Electronic structures and selective fluoride sensing features of Os(bpy)2(HL(2-))
      and [{Os(bpy)2}2(MU-HL(2-))](2+) (H3L: 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-1H-imidazole
      4-carboxylic acid).
AB  - The article deals with the newly designed mononuclear and asymmetric dinuclear
      osmium(ii) complexes Os(II)(bpy)2(HL(2-)) (1) and [(bpy)2Os(II)(MU-HL(2
      ))Os(II)(bpy)2](Cl)2 ([2](Cl)2)/[(bpy)2Os(II)(MU-HL(2-))Os(II)(bpy)2](ClO4)2
      ([2](ClO4)2), respectively, (H3L = 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-1H-imidazole-4
      carboxylic acid and bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). The identity of 1 has been
      established by its single crystal X-ray structure. The ligand (HL(2-))-based
      primary oxidation process (E, 0.23 V versus SCE) along with the partial metal
      contribution (~20%) in 1 has been revealed by the ligand-dominated HOMO of 1
      (HL(2-): 88%, Os: 8%), as well as by the Mulliken spin density distribution of
      1(+) (HL(2-): 0.878, Os: 0.220). Accordingly, 1(+) exhibits a free radical type
      EPR at 77 K with a partial metal-based anisotropic feature (g1 = 2.127, g2 =
      2.096, g3 = 2.046; <g> = 2.089; Deltag = 0.08). (1)H-NMR of the dinuclear 2(2+)
      in CDCl3 suggests an intimate mixture of two diastereomeric forms in a 1 : 1
      ratio. The DFT-supported predominantly Os(ii)/Os(iii)-based couples of asymmetric
      2(2+) at 0.24 V and 0.50 V versus SCE result in a comproportionation constant
      (Kc) value of 8.2 * 10(4). The class I mixed valent state of 2(3+) (S = 1/2) has,
      however, been corroborated by the Mulliken spin density distribution of Os1:
      0.887, Os2: 0.005, HL(2-): 0.117, as well as by the absence of a low-energy IVCT
      (intervalence charge transfer) band in the near-IR region (up to 2000 nm). The
      appreciable spin accumulation on the bridge in 2(3+) or 2(4+) (S = 1, Os1: 0.915,
      Os2: 0.811 and HL(2-): 0.275) implies a mixed electronic structural form of
      [(bpy)2Os(III)(MU-HL(2-))Os(II)(bpy)2](3+)(major)/[(bpy)2Os(II)(MU-HL(
      ))Os(II)(bpy)2](3+)(minor) or [(bpy)2Os(III)(MU-HL(2
      ))Os(III)(bpy)2](4+)(major)/[(bpy)2Os(III)(MU-HL(-))Os(II)(bpy)2](4+) (minor),
      respectively. The mixed valent {Os(III)(MU-HL(2-))Os(II)} state in 2(3+),
      however, fails to show EPR at 77 K due to the rapid spin relaxation process. The
      DFT-supported bpy-based two reductions for both 1(+) and 2(2+) appear in the
      potential range of -1.5 V to -1.8 V versus SCE. The electronic transitions in
      1(n) and 2(n) are assigned by the TD-DFT calculations. Furthermore, the potential
      anion sensing features of 1 and 2(2+)via the involvement of the available N-H
      proton in the framework of coordinated HL(2-) have been evaluated by different
      experimental investigations, in conjunction with the DFT calculations, using a
      wide variety of anions such as F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), OAc(-), SCN(-), HSO4(-)
      and H2PO4(-). This, however, establishes that both 1 and 2(2+) are equally
      efficient in recognising the F(-) ion selectively, with log K values of 6.83 and
      5.89, respectively. 

PMID- 25112368
TI  - Globalization of leptospirosis through travel and migration.
AB  - Leptospirosis remains the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world, commonly
      found in tropical or temperate climates. While previous studies have offered
      insight into intra-national and intra-regional transmission, few have analyzed
      transmission across international borders. Our review aimed at examining the
      impact of human travel and migration on the re-emergence of Leptospirosis.
      Results suggest that alongside regional environmental and occupational exposure,
      international travel now constitute a major independent risk factor for disease
      acquisition. Contribution of travel associated leptospirosis to total caseload is
      as high as 41.7% in some countries. In countries where longitudinal data is
      available, a clear increase of proportion of travel-associated leptospirosis over
      the time is noted. Reporting patterns is clearly showing a gross underestimation
      of this disease due to lack of diagnostic facilities. The rise in global travel
      and eco-tourism has led to dramatic changes in the epidemiology of Leptospirosis.
      We explore the obstacles to prevention, screening and diagnosis of Leptopirosis
      in health systems of endemic countries and of the returning migrant or traveler.
      We highlight the need for developing guidelines and preventive strategies of
      Leptospirosis related to travel and migration, including enhancing awareness of
      the disease among health professionals in high-income countries. 

PMID- 25112370
TI  - Characteristics of evodiamine-exerted stimulatory effects on rat jejunal
      contractility.
AB  - This study was designed to characterise the effects of evodiamine on intestinal
      contractility and reveal the correlated mechanisms. Evodiamine (2.5-80.0 MUM)
      increased normal jejunal contractility and jejunal hypocontractility established
      under a variety of experimental conditions. Evodiamine-exerted stimulatory
      effects were blocked by the L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker nifedipine or abolished
      in the Ca(2+)-free assay condition. The stimulatory effects of evodiamine on
      jejunal contractility were partially blocked in the presence of neurotoxin
      tetrodotoxin or endogenous acetylcholine synthesis blocker hemicholinium-3 or
      muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine, respectively. Evodiamine-exerted
      stimulatory effects were blocked by c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor
      imatinib. Evodiamine increased myosin phosphorylation in jejunal smooth muscle of
      constipation-prominent rats. These results showed that evodiamine-exerted
      stimulatory effects on jejunal segments are Ca(2+)-dependent, need the presence
      of interstitial cell of Cajal, requirement of cholinergic neuron and correlate
      with increased myosin phosphorylation, implicating the potential value of
      evodiamine in relieving hypo-motility disorders.

PMID- 25112371
TI  - A retrospective study of short- and long-term effects on renal function after
      acute renal infarction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Acute renal infarction is often missed or diagnosed late due to its
      rarity and non-specific clinical manifestations. This study analyzed the clinical
      and laboratory findings of patients diagnosed with renal infarction to determine
      whether it affects short- or long-term renal prognosis. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 100 patients diagnosed as acute
      renal infarction from January 1995 to September 2012 at Gyeongsang National
      University Hospital, Jinju, South Korea. RESULTS: Acute kidney injury (AKI)
      occurred in 30 patients. Infarct size was positively correlated with the
      occurrence of AKI (p = 0.004). Compared with non-AKI patients, AKI occurrence was
      significantly correlated with degree of proteinuria (p < 0.001) and the presence
      of microscopic hematuria (p = 0.035). AKI patients had higher levels of aspartate
      transaminase (p < 0.001), alanine transaminase (p < 0.001), and lactated
      dehydrogenase (p = 0.027). AKI after acute renal infarction was more common in
      patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) (eGFR < 60 mL/min), compared with non
      CRF patients, whose baseline eGFR was >60 mL/min (p = 0.003). Most patients
      recovered from AKI, except for seven patients (7%) who developed persistent renal
      impairment (chronic kidney disease progression) closely correlated with magnitude
      of infarct size (p = 0.015). Six AKI patients died due to combined comorbidity.
      CONCLUSIONS: AKI is often associated with acute renal infarction. Although most
      AKI recovers spontaneously, renal impairment following acute renal infarction can
      persist. Thus, early diagnosis and intervention are needed to preserve renal
      function.

PMID- 25112372
TI  - The influence of vitamin D analogs on calcification modulators, N-terminal pro-B
      type natriuretic peptide and inflammatory markers in hemodialysis patients: a
      randomized crossover study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risk of cardiovascular disease is tremendously high in dialysis
      patients. Dialysis patients treated with vitamin D analogs show decreased
      cardiovascular morbidity and mortality compared with untreated patients. We
      examined the influence of two common vitamin D analogs, alfacalcidol and
      paricalcitol, on important cardiovascular biomarkers in hemodialysis patients.
      Anti-inflammatory effects and the influence on regulators of vascular
      calcification as well as markers of heart failure were examined. METHODS: In 57
      chronic hemodialysis patients enrolled in a randomized crossover trial comparing
      paricalcitol and alfacalcidol, we examined the changes in osteoprotegerin, fetuin
      A, NT-proBNP, hs-Crp, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, during 16 weeks of treatment. RESULTS:
      NT-proBNP and osteoprotegerin increased comparably in the paricalcitol and
      alfacalcidol-treated groups. Fetuin-A increased significantly in the alfacalcidol
      treated group compared with the paricalcitol-treated group (difference 32.84
      MUmol/l (95% C.I.; range 0.21-67.47)) during the first treatment period. No
      difference was found between the groups during the second treatment period, and
      IL-6, TNF-alpha and hs-Crp were unchanged in both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Paricalcitol and alfacalcidol modulate regulators of vascular calcification.
      Alfacalcidol may increase the level of the calcification inhibitor fetuin-A. We
      did not find any anti-inflammatory effect or difference in changes of NT-proBNP.
      TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00469599 May 3 2007.

PMID- 25112375
TI  - A distinct immunogenic region of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 is naturally
      processed and presented by human islet cells to cytotoxic CD8 T cells.
AB  - CD8 T cells specific for islet autoantigens are major effectors of beta cell
      damage in type 1 diabetes, and measurement of their number and functional
      characteristics in blood represent potentially important disease biomarkers. CD8
      T cell reactivity against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) in HLA-A*0201
      subjects has been reported to focus on an immunogenic region 114-123
      (VMNILLQYVV), with studies demonstrating both 114-123 and 114-122 epitopes being
      targeted. However, the fine specificity of this response is unclear and the key
      question as to which epitope(s) beta cells naturally process and present and,
      therefore, the pathogenic potential of CD8 T cells with different specificities
      within this region has not been addressed. We generated human leucocyte antigen
      (HLA)-A*0201-restricted CD8 T cell clones recognizing either 114-122 alone or
      both 114-122 and 114-123. Both clone types show potent and comparable effector
      functions (cytokine and chemokine secretion) and killing of indicator target
      cells externally pulsed with cognate peptide. However, only clones recognizing
      114-123 kill target cells transfected with HLA-A*0201 and GAD2 and HLA-A*0201(+)
      human islet cells. We conclude that the endogenous pathway of antigen processing
      by HLA-A*0201-expressing cells generates GAD65114-123 as the predominant epitope
      in this region. These studies highlight the importance of understanding beta cell
      epitope presentation in the design of immune monitoring for potentially
      pathogenic CD8 T cells.

PMID- 25112373
TI  - New subfamilies of major intrinsic proteins in fungi suggest novel transport
      properties in fungal channels: implications for the host-fungal interactions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aquaporins (AQPs) and aquaglyceroporins (AQGPs) belong to the
      superfamily of Major Intrinsic Proteins (MIPs) and are involved in the transport
      of water and neutral solutes across the membranes. MIP channels play significant
      role in plant-fungi symbiotic relationship and are believed to be important in
      host-pathogen interactions in human fungal diseases. In plants, at least five
      major MIP subfamilies have been identified. Fungal MIP subfamilies include
      orthodox aquaporins and five subgroups within aquaglyceroporins. XIP subfamily is
      common to both plants and fungi. In this study, we have investigated the extent
      of diversity in fungal MIPs and explored further evolutionary relationships with
      the plant MIP counterparts. RESULTS: We have extensively analyzed the available
      fungal genomes and examined nearly 400 fungal MIPs. Phylogenetic analysis and
      homology modeling exhibit the existence of a new MIP cluster distinct from any of
      the known fungal MIP subfamilies. All members of this cluster are found in
      microsporidia which are unicellular fungal parasites. Members of this family are
      small in size, charged and have hydrophobic residues in the aromatic/arginine
      selectivity filter and these features are shared by small and basic intrinsic
      proteins (SIPs), one of the plant MIP subfamilies. We have also found two new
      subfamilies (delta and gamma2) within the AQGP group. Fungal AQGPs are the most
      diverse and possess the largest number of subgroups. We have also identified
      distinguishing features in loops E and D in the newly identified subfamilies
      indicating their possible role in channel transport and gating. CONCLUSIONS:
      Fungal SIP-like MIP family is distinct from any of the known fungal MIP families
      including orthodox aquaporins and aquaglyceroporins. After XIPs, this is the
      second MIP subfamily from fungi that may have possible evolutionary link with a
      plant MIP subfamily. AQGPs in fungi are more diverse and possess the largest
      number of subgroups. The aromatic/arginine selectivity filter of SIP-like fungal
      MIPs and the delta AQGPs are unique, hydrophobic in nature and are likely to
      transport novel hydrophobic solutes. They can be attractive targets for
      developing anti-fungal drugs. The evolutionary pattern shared with their plant
      counterparts indicates possible involvement of new fungal MIPs in plant-fungi
      symbiosis and host-pathogen interactions.

PMID- 25112374
TI  - Features of the built environment related to physical activity friendliness and
      children's obesity and other risk factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationships among environmental features of
      physical activity friendliness, socioeconomic indicators, and prevalence of
      obesity (BMI status), central adiposity (waist circumference, waist-height
      ratio), and hypertension. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: The design was cross-sectional; the
      study was correlational. The sample was 911 kindergarteners through sixth graders
      from three schools in an urban school district residing in 13 designated
      neighborhoods. MEASURES: Data from walking environmental community audits, census
      data for socioeconomic indicators, body mass index, waist circumference, waist
      height ratio, and blood pressure were analyzed. A modified Alfonzo's Hierarchy of
      Walking Needs model was the conceptual framework for environmental features
      (i.e., accessibility, safety, comfort, and pleasurability) related to physical
      activity. RESULTS: Accessibility was significantly and negatively correlated with
      prevalence of obesity and with prevalence of a waist-height ratio >0.50. When
      neighborhood education was controlled, and when both neighborhood education and
      poverty were controlled with partial correlational analysis, comfort features of
      a walking environment were significantly and positively related to prevalence of
      obesity. When poverty was controlled with partial correlation, accessibility was
      significantly and negatively correlated with prevalence of waist-height ratio
      >0.50. CONCLUSIONS: The built environment merits further research to promote
      physical activity and stem the obesity epidemic in children. Our approach can be
      a useful framework for future research.

PMID- 25112377
TI  - Variants associated with type 2 diabetes identified by the transethnic meta
      analysis study: assessment in American Indians and evidence for a new signal in
      LPP.
AB  - AIM/HYPOTHESIS: A recent genome-wide trans-ancestry meta-analysis identified
      seven new loci associated with type 2 diabetes. We assessed the replication of
      the seven lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and evaluated these loci
      for additional signals in American Indians. METHODS: Seven SNPs were genotyped in
      7,710 individuals from a longitudinally studied American Indian population, and
      associations with type 2 diabetes, BMI and related phenotypes were assessed.
      Previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from these individuals were
      used to screen for additional type 2 diabetes signals at these loci. A variant
      independent of the trans-ancestry meta-analysis was identified within LPP, and
      its replication was assessed in an additional 3,106 urban American Indians.
      RESULTS: SNP rs6813195 near to TMEM154 was nominally associated with type 2
      diabetes (p = 0.01, OR 1.12 [95% CI 1.03, 1.22]) and adiposity: the type 2
      diabetes risk allele was associated with a lower percentage body fat (beta = 
      1.451%, p = 4.8 * 10(-4)). Another SNP, rs3130501 near to POU5F1-TCF19, was
      associated with BMI (beta = -0.012, p = 0.004), type 2 diabetes adjusted for BMI
      (p = 0.02, OR 1.11 [95% CI 1.02, 1.22]), 2 h glucose concentrations (beta = 0.080
      mmol/l, p = 0.02) and insulin resistance estimated by homeostatic model (beta =
      0.039, p = 0.009). The independent variant identified at the LPP locus in our
      American Indian GWAS for type 2 diabetes was replicated in the additional samples
      (all American Indian meta-analysis, p = 8.9 * 10(-6), OR 1.29 [95% CI 1.15,
      1.45]). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: For two of the seven newly identified
      variants, there was nominal evidence for association with type 2 diabetes and
      related traits in American Indians. Identification of an independent variant at
      the LPP locus suggests the existence of more than one type 2 diabetes signal at
      this locus.

PMID- 25112376
TI  - RANKL-OPG and RAGE modulation in vascular calcification and diabetes: novel
      targets for therapy.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and
      mortality and early vascular ageing. This takes the form of atherosclerosis, with
      progressive vascular calcification being a major complication in the pathogenesis
      of this disease. Current research and drug targets in diabetes have hitherto
      focused on atherosclerosis, but vascular calcification is now recognised as an
      independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. An emerging
      regulatory pathway for vascular calcification in diabetes involves the receptor
      activator for nuclear factor kappaB (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL) and
      osteoprotegerin (OPG). Important novel biomarkers of calcification are related to
      levels of glycation and inflammation in diabetes. Several therapeutic strategies
      could have advantageous effects on the vasculature in patients with diabetes,
      including targeting the RANKL and receptor for AGE (RAGE) signalling pathways,
      since there has been little success-at least in macrovascular outcomes-with
      conventional glucose-lowering therapy. There is substantial and relevant clinical
      and basic science evidence to suggest that modulating RANKL-RANK-OPG signalling,
      RAGE signalling and the associated proinflammatory milieu alters the natural
      course of cardiovascular complications and outcomes in people with diabetes.
      However, further research is critically needed to understand the precise
      mechanisms underpinning these pathways, in order to translate the anti
      calcification strategies into patient benefit. 

PMID- 25112378
TI  - The effects of UV-B radiation intensity on biochemical parameters and active
      ingredients in flowers of Qi chrysanthemum and Huai chrysanthemum.
AB  - The article studied UV-B effects on biochemical parameters and active ingredients
      in flowers of Qi chrysanthemum and Huai chrysanthemum during the bud stage. The
      experiment included four UV-B radiation levels (CK, ambient UV-B; T1, T2 and T3
      indicated a 5%, 10% and 15% increase in ambient UV-BBE, respectively) to
      determine the optimal UV-B radiation intensity in regulating active ingredients
      level in flowers of two chrysanthemum varieties. Flower dry weight of two
      cultivars was not affected by UV-B radiation under experimental conditions
      reported here. UV-B treatments significantly increased the rate of superoxide
      radical production, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (except for T1) and malondialdehyde
      concentration in flowers of Huai chrysanthemum and H2O2 concentration in flowers
      of Qi chrysanthemum. T2 and T3 treatments induced a significant increase in
      phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme (PAL) activity, anthocyanins, proline,
      ascorbic acid, chlorogenic acid and flavone content in flowers of two
      chrysanthemum varieties, and there were no significant differences in PAL
      activity, ascorbic acid, flavone and chlorogenic acid content between the two
      treatments. These results indicated that appropriate UV-B radiation intensity did
      not result in the decrease in flower yield, and could regulate PAL activity and
      increase active ingredients content in flowers of two chrysanthemum varieties.

PMID- 25112379
TI  - Genetics: New molecular classification of gastric adenocarcinoma proposed by The
      Cancer Genome Atlas.

PMID- 25112381
TI  - Herniated gravid uterus growing in an incisional hernia: study of three cases.

PMID- 25112382
TI  - Gentamicin for prevention of intraoperative mesh contamination: demonstration of
      high bactericide effect (in vitro) and low systemic bioavailability (in vivo).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mesh infection is a severe complication after incisional hernia
      repair and occurs in 1-3 % of all open mesh implantations. For this reason,
      topical antimicrobial agent applied directly to the mesh is often used procedure.
      So far, however, this procedure lacks a scientific basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Two different meshes (ParietexTM, Covidien; UltraproTM, Ethicon Johnson &
      Johnson) were incubated with increasing amounts of three different Staphylococcus
      aureus strains (ATCC 25923; Mu50; ST239) with or without gentamicin and growth
      ability were determined in vitro. To further address the question of the systemic
      impact of topic gentamicin, serum levels were analyzed 6 and 24 h after
      implantation of gentamicin-impregnated multifilament meshes in 19 patients.
      RESULTS: None of the gentamicin-impregnated meshes showed any bacterial growth in
      vitro. This effect was independent of the mesh type for all the tested S. aureus
      strains. In the clinical setting, serum gentamicin levels 6 h after implantation
      of the gentamicin-impregnated meshes were below the through-level (range 0.4-2.9
      mg/l, mean 1.2 +/- 0.7 mg/l). After 24 h the gentamicin serum levels in all
      patients had declined 90-65 % of the 6 h values. CONCLUSION: Local application of
      gentamicin to meshes can completely prevent the growth of even gentamicin
      resistant S. aureus strains in vitro. The systemic relevance of gentamicin in the
      clinical controls showed to be very low, without reaching therapeutic
      concentrations.

PMID- 25112380
TI  - Tracking and quantification of dendritic cell migration and antigen trafficking
      between the skin and lymph nodes.
AB  - Skin-derived dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in the maintenance of
      immune homeostasis due to their role in antigen trafficking from the skin to the
      draining lymph nodes (dLNs). To quantify the spatiotemporal regulation of skin
      derived DCs in vivo, we generated knock-in mice expressing the photoconvertible
      fluorescent protein KikGR. By exposing the skin or dLN of these mice to violet
      light, we were able to label and track the migration and turnover of endogenous
      skin-derived DCs. Langerhans cells and CD103(+)DCs, including
      Langerin(+)CD103(+)dermal DCs (DDCs), remained in the dLN for 4-4.5 days after
      migration from the skin, while CD103(-)DDCs persisted for only two days.
      Application of a skin irritant (chemical stress) induced a transient >10-fold
      increase in CD103(-)DDC migration from the skin to the dLN. Tape stripping
      (mechanical injury) induced a long-lasting four-fold increase in CD103(-)DDC
      migration to the dLN and accelerated the trafficking of exogenous protein
      antigens by these cells. Both stresses increased the turnover of CD103(-)DDCs
      within the dLN, causing these cells to die within one day of arrival. Therefore,
      CD103(-)DDCs act as sentinels against skin invasion that respond with increased
      cellular migration and antigen trafficking from the skin to the dLNs. 

PMID- 25112383
TI  - A detailed analysis of outcome reporting from randomised controlled trials and
      meta-analyses of inguinal hernia repair.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evidence is needed to justify whether investment in an
      internationally agreed core outcome set for inguinal hernia surgery is needed.
      This study aimed to assess outcome reporting from randomised controlled trials
      (RCTs) and meta-analyses in inguinal hernia surgery. METHODS: RCTs and meta
      analyses comparing surgical technique or mesh type for primary inguinal hernia
      repair were systematically identified. Verbatim details, type, frequency and
      definition of clinician-observed and -assessed outcomes were summarised. Patient
      reported outcome measures (PROMs) were analysed for instrument validity and
      frequency of domain reporting. RESULTS: 40 RCTs (10,810 patients) and 7 meta
      analyses (17,280 patients) were identified. No single PROM was reported by all
      studies. There were 58 different clinician-observed outcomes, with recurrence (n
      = 47, 100%), wound infection (n = 33, 70.2%), haematoma (n = 31, 77.5%) and
      seroma formation (n = 22, 46.8%) being most frequently reported. All studies
      measured patients' views, although only 12 (30.0%) used validated instruments.
      The SF36 was the most commonly used multi-dimensional valid PROM (n = 7), and a
      visual analogue scale assessing pain (n = 32) was the most frequently used
      unidimensional scale. Non-validated questionnaires assessed 25 other aspects of
      patients' health. Two meta-analyses defined recurrence and three chronic pain
      although neither ensured that included RCTs adhered to the definitions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Outcome reporting from RCTs concerning inguinal hernia repair is
      inconsistent and poorly defined, limiting meta-analyses, which themselves do not
      control for the differing definitions of assessed outcomes. This study justifies
      investment in a standardised core outcome set for inguinal hernia surgery, to
      improve outcome reporting and evidence synthesis.

PMID- 25112384
TI  - Small bowel obstruction after TAPP repair caused by a self-anchoring barbed
      suture device for peritoneal closure: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty (TAPP) is a common
      procedure for groin hernia repair in adults. The peritoneal closure after mesh
      placement can be performed in various ways. In any case, thorough closure is
      recommended to avoid mesh exposure to the viscera with the risk of adhesions and
      bowel incarceration into peritoneal defects. Postoperative intestinal
      obstructions can mainly occur due to adhesions or bowel herniation through
      peritoneal defects into the dissected preperitoneal space. Incarcerations can
      also occur as a consequence of trocar site herniation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:
      Recently barbed self-anchoring knotless suturing devices are frequently used for
      peritoneal closure. The correct handling of such sutures is crucial to avoid
      potential complications. Despite of accurate management, bowel adherence and
      injuries or volvulus can occur. METHODS: We present an unusual case of a
      postoperative small bowel obstruction owing to strained adhesions and ingrowth
      between a small bowel segment and a polyglyconate unidirectional self-anchoring
      barbed suture device. Medline and PudMed databases were searched using the below
      mentioned keywords and the literature on efficacy and safety of barbed sutures
      for peritoneal closure is reviewed as well as the usage of such devices in other
      fields of surgery.

PMID- 25112386
TI  - Sportsman's groin: reaching a consensus.

PMID- 25112385
TI  - Parastomal hernia repair with a 3-D mesh device and additional flat mesh repair
      of the abdominal wall.
AB  - PURPOSE: Parastomal hernias (PSHs) have been a major clinical problem. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate a new method of PSH repair in combination with an
      additional flat mesh reinforcement of the abdominal wall. METHODS: In a pilot
      case series, seven patients suffering from complex PSHs (>=5 cm diameter and/or
      recurrence) underwent surgery and were treated by intraperitoneal onlay technique
      (IPOM) with a synthetic 3-D funnel-shaped mesh implant. The demographics,
      perioperative, and follow-up data are presented in this report. RESULTS: The
      surgical strategy varied between purely laparoscopic (n = 1), laparoscopically
      assisted (hybrid n = 3), or open techniques (n = 3) using original or suture
      reconstructed mesh devices. The funnel mesh implantations in IPOM technique were
      combined with attached flat meshes in the appropriate position of the abdominal
      wall. No procedure-related complications occurred. The mean length of hospital
      stay was 12 days and the mean operating time was 171 min. No recurrence of PSH or
      incisional hernias was observed during a mean follow-up period of 12.3 months
      (range from 7 to 22). CONCLUSION: The use of a 3-D mesh implant has so far shown
      to be a promising option in the treatment of primary and recurrent PSHs. Its use
      proved to be reasonable in both laparoscopic and open IPOM technique. PSHs were
      preferably repaired using the original, unmodified implant, but when we also
      found it safe to incise, place and then suture the mesh around the pre-existing
      ostomy.

PMID- 25112387
TI  - Look carefully to the heels! A potentially treatable cause of spastic paraplegia.

PMID- 25112388
TI  - Barth syndrome without tetralinoleoyl cardiolipin deficiency: a possible
      ameliorated phenotype.
AB  - Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X-linked disorder characterised by cardiac and
      skeletal myopathy, growth delay, neutropenia and 3-methylglutaconic aciduria (3
      MGCA). Patients have TAZ gene mutations which affect metabolism of cardiolipin,
      resulting in low tetralinoleoyl cardiolipin (CL(4)), an increase in its
      precursor, monolysocardiolipin (MLCL), and an increased MLCL/CL(4) ratio. During
      development of a diagnostic service for BTHS, leukocyte CL(4) was measured in 156
      controls and 34 patients with genetically confirmed BTHS. A sub-group of seven
      subjects from three unrelated families was identified with leukocyte CL(4)
      concentrations within the control range. This had led to initial false negative
      disease detection in two of these patients. MLCL/CL(4) in this subgroup was lower
      than in other BTHS patients but higher than controls, with no overlap between the
      groups. TAZ gene mutations in these families are all predicted to be
      pathological. This report describes the clinical histories of these seven
      individuals with an atypical phenotype: some features were typical of BTHS (five
      have had cardiomyopathy, one family has a history of male infant deaths, three
      have growth delay and five have 3-MGCA) but none has persistent neutropenia, five
      have excellent exercise tolerance and two adults are asymptomatic. This report
      also emphasises the importance of measurement of MLCL/CL(4) ratio rather than
      CL(4) alone in the biochemical diagnosis of the BTHS.

PMID- 25112389
TI  - Ten years of the international Pompe survey: patient reported outcomes as a
      reliable tool for studying treated and untreated children and adults with non
      classic Pompe disease.
AB  - Pompe disease is a rare, progressive lysosomal storage disorder for which enzyme
      therapy (ERT) became available in 2006. Four years earlier, the IPA/Erasmus MC
      survey, an international longitudinal prospective survey, was established to
      collect information on the natural course of the disease and its burden on
      patients. The survey is a collaboration between Erasmus MC University Medical
      Center and the International Pompe Association (IPA) and comprises an annual
      questionnaire that was specifically designed to assess the symptoms and problems
      of the disease. Here we review our results of over 10 years of follow-up, and
      discuss the survey's contribution to the field. Tracking 408 Pompe patients
      between 2002 and 2013, the cumulative data reveals the broad range of clinical
      manifestations that interfere with patients' lives. The survey allowed us to
      quantify the rate of disease progression and the positive effects of ERT on
      patients' quality of life, fatigue, and participation in daily life. Furthermore,
      it showed for the first time that survival is reduced in adult Pompe disease and
      improved by ERT. Our results show that a patient survey can serve as a valuable
      and reliable tool for obtaining quantifiable information on the natural course of
      a rare disease and on the effects of therapy in a large cohort over a very long
      time. Most importantly, by working with patient reported outcomes, the survey
      provides the data that is truly relevant to the patient and complementary to
      clinical datasets. 

PMID- 25112392
TI  - In vivo expression of recombinant pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1a inhibits the
      symptoms of collagen-induced arthritis.
AB  - PROBLEM: The contribution of Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSG), the major
      variant of PSG released into the circulation during pregnancy, to the pregnancy
      dependent improvement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has still not been elucidated.
      METHOD OF STUDY: Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was used to test the hypothesis
      that PSG1a when released into circulation has a modulatory role on the Th1
      pathogenic response, thus improving the CIA symptoms. In vivo expression of PSG1a
      was induced by injection of the vaccinia (Vac)-based expression vector harboring
      the complete open-reading frame of PSG1a cDNA. RESULTS: In vivo PSG1a expression
      during the induction of CIA ameliorated the clinical symptoms, thereby reducing
      the arthritis score and incidence. Significantly lower levels of IL-17, IL-6, and
      IFN-gamma, but higher levels of TGF-beta and IL-10 were secreted by collagen type
      II-stimulated spleen mononuclear cells from Vac-PSG1a-treated mice compared with
      control mice. Moreover, Vac-PSG1a treatment promoted the increase in splenic
      CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells. CONCLUSION: Pre-clinical Vac-PSG1a treatment
      suppressed the Th1- and Th17-type-specific responses, leading to an increase in
      splenic Treg cells as well as IL-10- and TGF-beta-secreting cells, with the CIA
      symptoms being ameliorated.

PMID- 25112393
TI  - Super-size me: self biases increase to larger stimuli.
AB  - Prior work has shown that simple perceptual match responses to pairings of shapes
      and labels are more efficient if the pairing is associated with the participant
      (e.g., circle-you) than if it is associated with another familiar person (e.g.,
      square-friend). There is a similar advantage for matching associations with high
      value rewards (circle-L9) versus low-value rewards (square-L1) (Sui, He, &
      Humphreys Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance,
      38, 1105-1117, 2012). Here we evaluated the relations between the self- and
      reward-bias effects by introducing occasional trials in which the size of a shape
      was varied unexpectedly (large or small vs. a standard medium). Participants
      favored stimuli that were larger than the standard when stimuli were associated
      with the self, and this enhancement of self bias was predicted by the degree of
      self bias that participants showed to standard (medium) sized stimuli. Although
      we observed a correlation between the magnitudes of the self and reward biases
      over participants, reward-bias effects were not increased to large stimuli. The
      data suggest both overlapping and independent components of the self and reward
      biases, and that self biases are uniquely enhanced when stimuli increase in size,
      consistent with previously reported motivational biases favoring large stimuli.

PMID- 25112391
TI  - Adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency.
AB  - Adenylosuccinate lyase ADSL) deficiency is a defect of purine metabolism
      affecting purinosome assembly and reducing metabolite fluxes through purine de
      novo synthesis and purine nucleotide recycling pathways. Biochemically this
      defect manifests by the presence in the biologic fluids of two dephosphorylated
      substrates of ADSL enzyme: succinylaminoimidazole carboxamide riboside (SAICAr)
      and succinyladenosine (S-Ado). More than 80 individuals with ADSL deficiency have
      been identified, but incidence of the disease remains unknown. The disorder shows
      a wide spectrum of symptoms from slowly to rapidly progressing forms. The fatal
      neonatal form has onset from birth and presents with fatal neonatal
      encephalopathy with a lack of spontaneous movement, respiratory failure, and
      intractable seizures resulting in early death within the first weeks of life.
      Patients with type I (severe form) present with a purely neurologic clinical
      picture characterized by severe psychomotor retardation, microcephaly, early
      onset of seizures, and autistic features. A more slowly progressing form has also
      been described (type II, moderate or mild form), as having later onset, usually
      within the first years of life, slight to moderate psychomotor retardation and
      transient contact disturbances. Diagnosis is facilitated by demonstration of
      SAICAr and S-Ado in extracellular fluids such as plasma, cerebrospinal fluid
      and/or followed by genomic and/or cDNA sequencing and characterization of mutant
      proteins. Over 50 ADSL mutations have been identified and their effects on
      protein biogenesis, structural stability and activity as well as on purinosome
      assembly were characterized. To date there is no specific and effective therapy
      for ADSL deficiency. 

PMID- 25112394
TI  - Spatial resolution in visual memory.
AB  - Representations in visual short-term memory are considered to contain relatively
      elaborated information on object structure. Conversely, representations in
      earlier stages of the visual hierarchy are thought to be dominated by a sensory
      based, feed-forward buildup of information. In four experiments, we compared the
      spatial resolution of different object properties between two points in time
      along the processing hierarchy in visual short-term memory. Subjects were asked
      either to estimate the distance between objects or to estimate the size of one of
      the objects' features under two experimental conditions, of either a short or a
      long delay period between the presentation of the target stimulus and the probe.
      When different objects were referred to, similar spatial resolution was found for
      the two delay periods, suggesting that initial processing stages are sensitive to
      object-based properties. Conversely, superior resolution was found for the short,
      as compared with the long, delay when features were referred to. These findings
      suggest that initial representations in visual memory are hybrid in that they
      allow fine-grained resolution for object features alongside normal visual
      sensitivity to the segregation between objects. The findings are also discussed
      in reference to the distinction made in earlier studies between visual short-term
      memory and iconic memory.

PMID- 25112395
TI  - Time-based event expectations employ relative, not absolute, representations of
      time.
AB  - When the timing of an event is predictable, humans automatically form implicit
      time-based event expectations. We investigated whether these expectations rely on
      absolute (e.g., 800 ms) or relative (e.g., a shorter duration) representations of
      time. In a choice-response task with two different pre-target intervals,
      participants implicitly learned that targets were predictable by interval
      durations. In a test phase, the two intervals were either considerably shortened
      or lengthened. In both cases, behavioral tendencies transferred from practice to
      test according to relative, not absolute, interval duration. We conclude that
      humans employ relative representations of time periods when forming time-based
      event expectations. These results suggest that learned time-based event
      expectations (e.g., in communication and human-machine interaction) should
      transfer to faster or slower environments if the relative temporal distribution
      of events is preserved. 

PMID- 25112396
TI  - Interim FDG PET scans in lymphoma: SUV measurement error may impair qPET
      methodology.

PMID- 25112397
TI  - Sources of variability in FDG PET imaging and the qPET value: reply to Laffon and
      Marthan.

PMID- 25112398
TI  - Targeting post-infarct inflammation by PET imaging: comparison of (68)Ga-citrate
      and (68)Ga-DOTATATE with (18)F-FDG in a mouse model.
AB  - Imaging of inflammation early after myocardial infarction (MI) is a promising
      approach to the guidance of novel molecular interventions that support endogenous
      healing processes. (18)F-FDG PET has been used, but may be complicated by
      physiological myocyte uptake. We evaluated the potential of two alternative
      imaging targets: lactoferrin binding by (68)Ga-citrate and somatostatin receptor
      binding by (68)Ga-DOTATATE. METHODS: C57Bl/6 mice underwent permanent coronary
      artery ligation. Serial PET imaging was performed 3 - 7 days after MI using
      (68)Ga-citrate, (68)Ga-DOTATATE, or (18)F-FDG with ketamine/xylazine suppression
      of myocyte glucose uptake. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by (13)N-ammonia
      PET and cardiac geometry by contrast-enhanced ECG-gated CT. RESULTS: Mice
      exhibited a perfusion defect of 30 - 40% (of the total left ventricle) with
      apical anterolateral wall akinesia and thinning on day 7 after MI. (18)F-FDG with
      ketamine/xylazine suppression demonstrated distinct uptake in the infarct region,
      as well as in the border zone and remote myocardium. The myocardial standardized
      uptake value in MI mice was significantly higher than in healthy mice under
      ketamine/xylazine anaesthesia (1.9 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.1). (68)Ga images
      exhibited high blood pool activity with no specific myocardial uptake up to 90
      min after injection (tissue-to-blood contrast 0.9). (68)Ga-DOTATATE was rapidly
      cleared from the blood, but myocardial SUV was very low (0.10 +/- 0.03).
      CONCLUSION: Neither (68)Ga nor (68)Ga-DOTATATE is a useful alternative to (18)F
      FDG for PET imaging of myocardial inflammation after MI in mice. Among the three
      tested approaches, (18)F-FDG with ketamine/xylazine suppression of cardiomyocyte
      uptake remains the most practical imaging marker of post-infarct inflammation.

PMID- 25112400
TI  - [Dementia in families with a Turkish migration background. Organization and
      characteristics of domestic care arrangements].
AB  - BACKROUND: Until recently public health and health services research has not been
      concerned with people suffering from dementia with a Turkish migration background
      as a priority. There is little evidence about the situation of this population;
      however, it is known that these individuals almost always live with their
      families and are cared for by their families generally without seeking
      professional support. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the
      organization and characteristics of home-based care arrangements for people
      suffering from dementia with a Turkish migration background from the family
      carer's perspective. METHODS: Interviews with seven family carers. The principles
      of the grounded theory served as a framework for data analysis. RESULTS:
      Unconditional commitment to caring for a family member with dementia was
      identified as the main characteristic of care arrangements in families with a
      Turkish migration background. Dementia is not a factor that has an impact on the
      decision of families to assume care responsibility for an affected family member
      and there is a lack of knowledge about dementia in general. There are various
      inhibiting factors for the utilization of formal services and the family carers
      in this sample complained that the available services are not culturally
      sensitive. CONCLUSION: There seems to be an extensive need for information and
      counselling regarding care dependency and dementia among the Turkish community.
      To provide personal-centred care and relief to these families in the future,
      efforts should be made to adapt the current care system to the specific needs and
      demands of this population. Cultural sensitivity in general and individual
      subjective needs of persons with a Turkish migration background affected by
      dementia should be taken into account.

PMID- 25112399
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of whole-body PET/MRI and whole-body PET/CT for TNM staging
      in oncology.
AB  - PURPOSE: In various tumours PET/CT with [(18)F]FDG is widely accepted as the
      diagnostic standard of care. The purpose of this study was to compare a dedicated
      [(18)F]FDG PET/MRI protocol with [(18)F]FDG PET/CT for TNM staging in a cohort of
      oncological patients. METHODS: A dedicated [(18)F]FDG PET/MRI protocol was
      performed in 73 consecutive patients (mean age of 59 years, range 21 - 85 years)
      with different histologically confirmed solid primary malignant tumours after a
      routine clinical FDG PET/CT scan (60 min after injection of 295 +/- 45 MBq
      [(18)F]FDG). TNM staging according to the 7th edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging
      Manual was performed by two readers in separate sessions for PET/CT and PET/MRI
      images. Assessment of the primary tumour and nodal and distant metastases with
      FDG PET/CT and FDG PET/MRI was based on qualitative and quantitative analyses.
      Histopathology, and radiological and clinical follow-up served as the standards
      of reference. A McNemar test was performed to evaluate the differences in
      diagnostic performance between the imaging procedures. RESULTS: From FDG PET/CT
      and FDG PET/MRI T stage was correctly determined in 22 (82 %) and 20 (74 %) of 27
      patients, N stage in 55 (82 %) and 56 (84 %) of 67 patients, and M stage in 32
      (76 %) and 35 (83 %) of 42 patients, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity,
      positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy for
      lymph node metastases were 65 %, 94 %, 79 %, 89 % and 87 % for PET/CT, and 63 %,
      94 %, 80 %, 87 % and 85 % for PET/MRI. The respective values for the detection of
      distant metastases were 50 %, 82 %, 40 %, 88 % and 76 % for PET/CT, and 50 %, 91
      %, 57 %, 89 % and 83 % for PET/MRI. Differences between the two imaging
      modalities were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: According
      to our results, FDG PET/CT and FDG PET/MRI are of equal diagnostic accuracy for
      TNM staging in patients with solid tumours.

PMID- 25112401
TI  - ["So I would have been sitting at home and moping...": How do older single people
      in need of support experience companionship by volunteers after discharge from
      hospital?].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the well-known link between social support and health as well
      as quality of life only a few scientifically meaningful studies have been carried
      out to actively promote social support. In the +P Project (post-hospital lay
      support for patients) elderly people in need of support after a stay in hospital
      are accompanied in their daily life by volunteers. The qualitative research part
      in the study evaluates conditions which led to the adoption of the support by the
      volunteers and how the elderly people experienced this companionship. METHODS:
      The analysis followed the grounded theory method. In a theoretical sampling nine
      accompanied people were identified and participated in narrative interviews
      regarding their experience of the voluntary support. RESULTS: In addition to
      personality traits of the elderly and perceived seriousness of the project the
      interpersonal relationship was important for the adoption of the companionship.
      Key factors were the perceived similarity between the older people and their
      supporters as well as confidence in the volunteers and their skills. The support
      contributed to facilitating and enriching the daily life of the elderly and even
      friendships with the volunteers developed. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that
      volunteers can help to compensate a lack of social support for the elderly. The
      results confirm theoretical models of coping with age and disease-related losses
      and models of social relations in old age. At the same time this study underpins
      political recommendations to strengthen community engagement to promote social
      networks for older people.

PMID- 25112402
TI  - Multimodal sensor-based fall detection within the domestic environment of elderly
      people.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Falls represent a major threat to the health of the elderly and are a
      growing burden on the healthcare systems. With the growth of the elderly
      population within most societies efficient fall detection becomes increasingly
      important; however, existing fall detection systems still fail to produce
      reliable results. OBJECTIVES: A study was carried out on sensor-based fall
      detection, analysis of falls with the help of fall protocols and the analysis of
      user acceptance of fall detection sensor technology through questionnaires.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 28 senior citizens were recruited from a German
      community-dwelling population. The primary goal was a sensor-based detection of
      falls with accelerometers, video cameras and microphones. Details of the falls
      were analyzed with the help of medical geriatric assessments and standardized
      fall protocols. The study duration was 8 weeks and required a maximum of nine
      visits per subject. RESULTS: The study participants were 28 subjects with a mean
      age of 74.3 and a standard deviation (SD) of +/- 6.3 years of which 12 were male
      and 16 female. A total of 1225.7 measurement days were recorded from all
      participants and the algorithms detected 2.66 falls per day. During the study
      period 15 falls occurred and 12 of these falls were correctly recognized by the
      fall detection system. CONCLUSION: Current fall detection technologies work well
      under laboratory conditions but it is still problematic to produce reliable
      results when these technologies are applied to real life conditions. Acceptance
      towards the sensors decreased after study participation although the system was
      generally perceived as useful or very useful.

PMID- 25112403
TI  - Lysyl oxidase rs1800449 polymorphism and cancer risk among Asians: evidence from
      a meta-analysis and a case-control study of colorectal cancer.
AB  - Growing evidence has indicated that lysyl oxidase (LOX) G473A polymorphism
      (rs1800449) is associated with cancer risk among Asians. However, results of
      single center and small sample study lack enough power. We first investigated the
      effect of LOX G473A polymorphism on cancer risk among Asians by a meta-analysis,
      and then further validated this association by a case-control study of colorectal
      cancer (CRC) with LOX G473A polymorphism in a Chinese population. STATA 12.0
      software was used for the meta-analysis. The relationships were evaluated by
      calculating the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95 % confidence intervals
      (CIs). In a case-control study comprising 577 CRC patients and 696 controls, LOX
      G473A polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment
      length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Logistic regression was used to evaluate
      genetic associations with the occurrence of CRC. The results of our meta
      analysis, including seven case-control studies with a total of 2,377 cancer
      patients and 2,499 controls, suggested that LOX G473A polymorphism might be
      associated with an increased risk of cancer among Asians. In addition, results of
      a case-control study indicated that individuals with the AA or AG genotype had a
      significantly increased susceptibility to CRC occurrence, compared with
      individuals who had GG genotype. Overall, this meta-analysis and case-control
      study of CRC observed convincing association of LOX G473A polymorphism with
      cancer risk in Asians; our study would contribute to complete elucidation of
      carcinogenesis. 

PMID- 25112406
TI  - Malignant transformation of craniopharyngioma with detailed follow-up.
AB  - A 29-year-old male patient was admitted into hospital with the main complaint of
      progressive visual disturbance. Both CT SCAN and MRI demonstrated a cystic-solid
      contrast-enhancing sellar-suprasellar mass with obvious calcification.
      Histopathological examination of the first resected specimen showed a typical
      appearance of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. The patient received gamma
      knife therapy after his first operation because of partial tumor removal. He
      experienced two relapses in the subsequent 2 years, for which only surgical
      resection was performed. The later histopathology presented malignant appearance
      with tumor cells moderate to severe pleomorphism, hyperchromasia, increased
      nuclear cytoplastic ratio, high mitotic activity (30/10 high power fields) and
      focal coagulative necrosis. The patient died 9 months after identification of
      histologic malignancy. Clinical and histopathological features, biological
      behavior of one case of malignant craniopharyngioma were discussed, with a brief
      review of the relevant literature.

PMID- 25112407
TI  - Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. on spermatogenesis and
      fertility in male mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Antifertility effects of Dalbergia sissoo in male mice were
      investigated. METHODS: Adult Parkes strain male mice were orally administered
      aqueous leaf extract of Dalbergia sissoo (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight/day) or
      distilled water or no treatment (controls) for 35 days (n = 5/group). Motility,
      viability and number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymidis; testis histology;
      serum level of testosterone; and toxicological parameters were evaluated. To
      assess reversibility, more mice were treated with 100 mg/kg body weight of
      Dalbergia sissoo or distilled water (n = 5/group) for 35 days and sacrificed 56
      days later. Fertility was also assessed separately. RESULTS: Histologically,
      testes of Dalbergia-treated mice showed dissimilar degenerative changes in the
      seminiferous tubules. Significant reductions were noted (i) in epididymal sperm
      motility, viability and number, and (ii) in serum level of testosterone in
      Dalbergia-treated mice compared to controls. However, serum levels of alanine
      aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine, and haematological
      parameters were not affected. Also libido of Dalbergia-treated males showed no
      change, but their fertility was markedly suppressed. By 56 days of treatment
      withdrawal, alterations induced in the above parameters returned to control
      levels. CONCLUSIONS: Dalbergia sissoo treatment caused reversible suppression of
      spermatogenesis and fertility in P mice, without eliciting detectable toxic
      effects.

PMID- 25112405
TI  - Mucosal vaccine delivery by non-recombinant spores of Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - Development of mucosal vaccines strongly relies on an efficient delivery system
      and, over the years, a variety of approaches based on phages, bacteria or
      synthetic nanoparticles have been proposed to display and deliver antigens. The
      spore of Bacillus subtilis displaying heterologous antigens has also been
      considered as a mucosal vaccine vehicle, and shown able to conjugate some
      advantages of live microrganisms with some of synthetic nanoparticles. Here we
      review the use of non-recombinant spores of B. subtilis as a delivery system for
      mucosal immunizations. The non-recombinant display is based on the adsorption of
      heterologous molecules on the spore surface without the need of genetic
      manipulations, thus avoiding all concerns about the use and environmental release
      of genetically modified microorganisms. In addition, adsorbed molecules are
      stabilized and protected by the interaction with the spore, suggesting that this
      system could reduce the rapid degradation of the antigen, often observed with
      other delivery systems and identified as a major drawback of mucosal vaccines. 

PMID- 25112408
TI  - Prognostic role of CD44 expression in osteosarcoma: evidence from six studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous studies examining the relationship between CD44 expression
      and prognostic impact in patients with osteosarcoma have yielded inconclusive
      results. The aim of this meta-analysis was carried out to investigate the
      relationship between CD44 expression and the survival in patients with
      osteosarcoma. METHODS: We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to provide a
      comprehensive evaluation of the prognostic role of CD44 expression on the overall
      survival rate and metastasis, which compared the positive and negative expression
      of CD44 in patients of the available studies. RESULTS: A detailed search was made
      in MEDLINE and EMBASE for relevant original articles published in English.
      Finally, a total of six studies with 329 osteosarcoma patients were involved to
      estimate the relationship between CD44 expression and metastasis of tumor and
      overall survival. Positive expressions of CD44 did not predict neoplasm
      metastasis (RR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.00-1.84, P = 0.50), and the results indicated
      that higher expression of CD44 could not predict poorer survival in osteosarcoma
      with the pooled HR of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.27-1.13, P = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings from this present meta-analysis suggest that CD44 expression is not
      associated with overall survival rate and metastasis in osteosarcoma. VIRTUAL
      SLIDES: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:
      http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1373995521295618.

PMID- 25112409
TI  - Gaps in preparedness of clergy and healthcare providers to address mental health
      needs of returning service members.
AB  - To elucidate gaps in the preparedness of clergy and healthcare providers to care
      for service members (SM) with deployment-related mental health needs.
      Participants identified clinically relevant symptoms in a standardized video role
      play of a veteran with deployment-related mental health needs and discussed their
      preparedness to deal with SM. Clergy members identified suicide and depression
      most often, while providers identified difficulty sleeping, low energy,
      nightmares and irritability. Neither clergy nor providers felt prepared to
      minister to or treat SM with traumatic brain injury. Through a mixed methods
      approach, we identified gaps in preparedness of clergy and healthcare providers
      in dealing with the mental health needs of SM. 

PMID- 25112411
TI  - Low drain fluid amylase predicts absence of pancreatic fistula following
      pancreatectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Improvements in the ability to predict pancreatic fistula could
      enhance patient outcomes. Previous studies demonstrate that drain fluid amylase
      on postoperative day 1 (DFA1) is predictive of pancreatic fistula. We sought to
      assess the accuracy of DFA1 and to identify a reliable DFA1 threshold under which
      pancreatic fistula is ruled out. METHODS: Patients undergoing pancreatic
      resection from November 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012 were selected from the
      American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
      Pancreatectomy Demonstration Project database. Pancreatic fistula was defined as
      drainage of amylase-rich fluid with drain continuation >7 days, percutaneous
      drainage, or reoperation for a pancreatic fluid collection. Univariate and multi
      variable regression models were utilized to identify factors predictive of
      pancreatic fistula. RESULTS: DFA1 was recorded in 536 of 2,805 patients who
      underwent pancreatic resection, including pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 380),
      distal pancreatectomy (n = 140), and enucleation (n = 16). Pancreatic fistula
      occurred in 92/536 (17.2%) patients. DFA1, increased body mass index, small
      pancreatic duct size, and soft texture were associated with fistula (p < 0.05). A
      DFA1 cutoff value of <90 U/L demonstrated the highest negative predictive value
      of 98.2%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve confirmed the predictive
      relationship of DFA1 and pancreatic fistula. CONCLUSION: Low DFA1 predicts the
      absence of a pancreatic fistula. In patients with DFA1 < 90 U/L, early drain
      removal is advisable.

PMID- 25112412
TI  - Reliability and validity of the Finnish version of the American Shoulder and
      Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, patient self-report
      section.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder
      Assessment Form (ASES) is one of the most widely used shoulder outcome tools in
      clinical work and in scientific studies. However, it has not been validated in
      the Finnish language. The aims of this study were to cross-culturally adapt the
      ASES to the Finnish language and to study the psychometric properties of the self
      report section of the ASES. METHODS: A total of 105 patients with shoulder
      symptoms answered the questionnaires of the ASES, a single disability question,
      the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). The
      reliability of the ASES questionnaire was studied using a test-retest procedure
      at 2-week intervals. Psychometric assessment was performed by testing the
      construct validity, internal consistency, the criterion validity, and the
      convergent validity of the ASES. RESULTS: The reproducibility and internal
      consistency of the ASES were 0.83 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.90) and 0.88 (95% Cl 0.84 to
      0.91). There were no significant differences between the diagnostic groups in the
      pain scores from the ASES, and the function score was significantly higher in the
      instability group compared to the other groups. The convergent validity of the
      ASES correlated with the SST, r = 0.73 (p < 0.001); the single disability
      question, r = -0.74 (p < 0.001); and the Physical Component Score of the SF-36, r
      = 0.57 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Finnish version of the ASES proved to be a
      reliable and valid tool for assessing shoulder disabilities in patients with
      different shoulder diagnoses, including rotator cuff disease, instability, and
      osteoarthritis.

PMID- 25112410
TI  - Lithium chloride therapy fails to improve motor function in a transgenic mouse
      model of Machado-Joseph disease.
AB  - The accumulation of misfolded proteins in neurons, leading to the formation of
      cytoplasmic and nuclear aggregates, is a common theme in age-related
      neurodegenerative diseases, possibly due to disturbances of the proteostasis and
      insufficient activity of cellular protein clearance pathways. Lithium is a well
      known autophagy inducer that exerts neuroprotective effects in different
      conditions and has been proposed as a promising therapeutic agent for several
      neurodegenerative diseases. We tested the efficacy of chronic lithium (10.4
      mg/kg) treatment in a transgenic mouse model of Machado-Joseph disease, an
      inherited neurodegenerative disease, caused by an expansion of a polyglutamine
      tract within the protein ataxin-3. A battery of behavioral tests was used to
      assess disease progression. In spite of activating autophagy, as suggested by the
      increased levels of Beclin-1, Atg7, and LC3-II, and a reduction in the p62
      protein levels, lithium administration showed no overall beneficial effects in
      this model concerning motor performance, showing a positive impact only in the
      reduction of tremors at 24 weeks of age. Our results do not support lithium
      chronic treatment as a promising strategy for the treatment of Machado-Joseph
      disease (MJD).

PMID- 25112414
TI  - Developmental prosopagnosia referred to outpatient psychiatric service.

PMID- 25112413
TI  - Renal function assessment in child and adolescent heart transplant recipients
      during routine cardiac catheterization.
AB  - CKD identification after pediatric heart transplantation (PHT) is limited by
      inaccuracies in estimates of GFR. We hypothesized that GFR can be measured by a
      modified iohexol clearance protocol in PHT recipients and that the CKiD formula
      provides a better estimate of GFR than other estimating equations. A cross
      sectional study of PHT recipients, ages 2-18 yr, undergoing coronary angiography
      was undertaken. The angiography dose of iohexol was divided by the area under the
      curve from three iohexol levels post-infusion to calculate GFR. Agreement between
      iGFR and multiple estimating equations (eGFR) was assessed. In 31 subjects,
      median age was 15.0 yr (IQR 7.6, 16.6). Mean iGFR was 93.8 (s.d. 22.5)
      mL/min/1.73 m(2) ; 16 (52%) had an iGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m(2) . The full CKiD
      formula (mean eGFR 88.9, s.d. 14.9) had low bias (-5.0), narrowest 95% limits of
      agreement (-42.0, 32.1), highest 30% (94%) and 10% (52%) accuracy, and highest
      correlation coefficient (0.576) relative to iGFR. We describe a novel modified
      iohexol clearance method to assess GFR after PHT. Over half of the cohort had an
      iGFR <90, suggesting CKD. The full CKiD formula performs best with respect to
      bias, accuracy, and correlation. 

PMID- 25112415
TI  - Low levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
      independently associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in older Australian men:
      the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD)
      levels and the active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D (1,25OHD), with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in community-living men aged 70 and older. DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional. SETTING: A population-based, cross-sectional analysis of the
      baseline phase of the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP), a large
      epidemiological study conducted in Sydney between January 2005 and May 2007.
      PARTICIPANTS: Community dwelling men aged 70 and older taking part in CHAMP (N =
      1,659). MEASUREMENTS: Serum 25OHD and 1,25OHD levels, presence of DM, age,
      country of birth, season of blood collection, sun exposure, body mass index,
      vitamin D supplement use, statin use, income, measures of health, depression,
      activity of daily living disabilities, parathyroid hormone, estimated glomerular
      filtration rate, phosphate, and calcium. RESULTS: The prevalence of DM was 20.0%.
      There was a significant association between low 25OHD and 1,25OHD levels and DM
      that remained after adjustment for a wide range of confounders and covariates of
      clinical significance such as comorbidity, renal function, calciotropic hormones,
      and medications. CONCLUSION: 25OHD and 1,25OHD levels were associated with DM.
      The independent association between serum 25OHD and 1,25OHD concentrations and DM
      raises the question of whether each of the two vitamin D metabolites may
      influence DM through different biological mechanisms and pathways.

PMID- 25112416
TI  - A drastic substituent effect on the emission properties of quinone diimine models
      and valuable insight into the excited states of emeraldine.
AB  - The (alpha-NR,alpha'-NR,N,N'-(C6H4C=CSiMe3)4)[Q] models ([Q] = -N=C6H4=N-)
      exhibit upper excited state emissions Sn,Tn -> S0 (n >1, R = Boc), similar to
      emeraldine, vs. a fluorescence S1 -> S0 (R = H), driven by a large change in
      dihedral angles made by the NR-C6H4 and [Q] planes and intramolecular H-bonds.

PMID- 25112417
TI  - Hepatitis mouse models: from acute-to-chronic autoimmune hepatitis.
AB  - Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease associated
      with interface hepatitis, raised plasma liver enzymes, the presence of
      autoantibodies and regulatory T-cell (Tregs) dysfunction. The clinical course is
      heterogeneous, manifested by a fulminant or indolent course. Although genetic
      predisposition is well accepted, the combination with currently undefined
      environmental factors is crucial for the development of the disease. Progress in
      the development of reliable animal models provides added understanding of the
      pathophysiology of AIH, and these will be very useful in evaluating potential
      therapeutics. It appears that artificially breaking tolerance in the liver is
      easy. However, maintaining this state of tolerance breakdown, to get chronic
      hepatitis, is difficult because liver immune homeostasis is strongly regulated by
      several immune response inhibitory mechanisms. For example, Tregs are crucial
      regulators in acute and chronic hepatitis, and C57BL/6 mice are most prone to
      experimental AIH. Immunization of C57BL/6 mice with liver (AIH) autoantigens
      (CYP2D6/FTCD or IL-4R) and the disturbance of liver regulatory mechanism(s),
      leading to experimental AIH, are likely to be most representative of human AIH
      pathology. 

PMID- 25112420
TI  - Cardiopulmonary and anesthetic effects of the combination of butorphanol,
      midazolam and alfaxalone in Beagle dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physiological variables, arterial blood gas values,
      induction of anesthesia quality, and recovery quality using the combination of
      butorphanol, midazolam and alfaxalone in dogs. ANIMALS: Ten healthy adult Beagle
      dogs weighing 8.3 +/- 3.1 kg. METHODS: Rectal temperature (T), pulse rate (PR),
      respiratory rate (f(R)), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and arterial blood gases
      were measured and recorded prior to intravenous (IV) administration of
      butorphanol, prior to administration of both midazolam and alfaxalone IV 10
      minutes later, then every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. M-mode echocardiographic left
      ventricular (LV) indices were measured before and 5 minutes after administration
      of alfaxalone. Qualitative scores for induction of anesthesia and recovery were
      allocated, duration of anesthesia and recovery were calculated, and adverse
      events were recorded. RESULTS: Scores for induction and recovery quality were
      excellent. No significant adverse events were observed. Mean +/- SD time from
      induction to extubation and to standing (full recovery) was 29 +/- 6 and 36 +/- 8
      minutes, respectively. There were statistically significant changes in PR, f(R)
      and MAP after drug administration. Transient hypercarbia developed after
      alfaxalone injection. The echocardiographic LV indices were reduced after
      alfaxalone injection, although those changes were not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The combination of butorphanol, midazolam and
      alfaxalone provided excellent quality of induction of anesthesia and exerted
      minimal cardiopulmonary effects in healthy dogs.

PMID- 25112419
TI  - Structural and morphometric comparison of the molar teeth in pre-eruptive
      developmental stage of PACAP-deficient and wild-type mice.
AB  - Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a pleiotropic
      neuropeptide with widespread distribution. It plays pivotal role in neuronal
      development. PACAP-immunoreactive fibers have been found in the tooth pulp, and
      recently, it has been shown that PACAP may also play a role in the regeneration
      of the periodontium after luxation injuries. However, there is no data about the
      effect of endogenous PACAP on tooth development. Ectodermal organogenesis
      including tooth development is regulated by different members of bone
      morphogenetic protein (BMP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), hedgehog (HH), and
      Wnt families. There is also a growing evidence to support the hypothesis that
      PACAP interacts with sonic hedgehog (SHH) receptor (PTCH1) and its downstream
      target (Gli1) suggesting its role in tooth development. Therefore, our aim was to
      study molar tooth development in mice lacking endogenous PACAP. In this study
      morphometric, immunohistochemical and structural comparison of molar teeth in pre
      eruptive developmental stage was performed on histological sections of 7-day-old
      wild-type and PACAP-deficient mice. Further structural analysis was carried out
      with Raman microscope. The morphometric comparison of the 7-day-old samples
      revealed that the dentin was significantly thinner in the molars of PACAP
      deficient mice compared to wild-type animals. Raman spectra of the enamel in wild
      type mice demonstrated higher diversity in secondary structure of enamel
      proteins. In the dentin of PACAP-deficient mice higher intracrystalline
      disordering in the hydroxyapatite molecular structure was found. We also obtained
      altered SHH, PTCH1 and Gli1 expression level in secretory ameloblasts of PACAP
      deficient mice compared to wild-type littermates suggesting that PACAP might play
      an important role in molar tooth development and matrix mineralization involving
      influence on SHH signaling cascade. 

PMID- 25112421
TI  - Development of an ELISA microarray assay for the sensitive and simultaneous
      detection of ten biodefense toxins.
AB  - Plant and microbial toxins are considered bioterrorism threat agents because of
      their extreme toxicity and/or ease of availability. Additionally, some of these
      toxins are increasingly responsible for accidental food poisonings. The current
      study utilized an ELISA-based protein antibody microarray for the multiplexed
      detection of ten biothreat toxins, botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) A, B, C, D, E, F,
      ricin, shiga toxins 1 and 2 (Stx), and staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB), in
      buffer and complex biological matrices. The multiplexed assay displayed a
      sensitivity of 1.3 pg mL(-1) (BoNT/A, BoNT/B, SEB, Stx-1 and Stx-2), 3.3 pg mL(
      1) (BoNT/C, BoNT/E, BoNT/F) and 8.2 pg mL(-1) (BoNT/D, ricin). All assays
      demonstrated high accuracy (75-120 percent recovery) and reproducibility (most
      coefficients of variation <20%). Quantification curves for the ten toxins were
      also evaluated in clinical samples (serum, plasma, nasal fluid, saliva, stool,
      and urine) and environmental samples (apple juice, milk and baby food) with
      overall minimal matrix effects. The multiplex assays were highly specific, with
      little cross-reactivity observed between the selected toxin antibodies. The
      results demonstrate a multiplex microarray that improves current immunoassay
      sensitivity for biological warfare agents in buffer, clinical, and environmental
      samples. 

PMID- 25112418
TI  - Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) signalling enhances
      osteogenesis in UMR-106 cell line.
AB  - Presence of the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)
      signalling has been proved in various peripheral tissues. PACAP can activate
      protein kinase A (PKA) signalling via binding to pituitary adenylate cyclase
      activating polypeptide type I receptor (PAC1), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide
      receptor (VPAC) 1 or VPAC2 receptor. Since little is known about the role of this
      regulatory mechanism in bone formation, we aimed to investigate the effect of
      PACAP on osteogenesis of UMR-106 cells. PACAP 1-38 as an agonist and PACAP 6-38
      as an antagonist of PAC1 were added to the culture medium. Surprisingly, both
      substances enhanced protein expressions of collagen type I, osterix and alkaline
      phosphatase, along with higher cell proliferation rate and an augmented
      mineralisation. Although expression of PKA was elevated, no alterations were
      detected in the expression, phosphorylation and nuclear presence of CREB, but
      increased nuclear appearance of Runx2, the key transcription factor of osteoblast
      differentiation, was shown. Both PACAPs increased the expressions of bone
      morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 2, 4, 6, 7 and Smad1 proteins, as well as that of
      Sonic hedgehog, PATCH1 and Gli1. Data of our experiments indicate that activation
      of PACAP pathway enhances bone formation of UMR-106 cells and PKA, BMP and
      Hedgehog signalling pathways became activated. We also found that PACAP 6-38 did
      not act as an antagonist of PACAP signalling in UMR-106 cells. 

PMID- 25112423
TI  - Speech-language pathology practices with Indigenous Australians with acquired
      communication disorders.
AB  - PURPOSE: Little is known about the needs of Indigenous Australian adults with
      acquired communication disorders (ACD) following stroke or brain injury and how
      these needs are met by speech-language pathology (SLP) services. In order for the
      profession to respond to the challenges of providing culturally appropriate, well
      tailored and accessible services, more information on current practice and SLPs'
      concerns and attitudes is required. METHOD: This paper reports on a national
      survey with completed responses from 112 SLPs, who worked with adult neurological
      populations, about their levels of contact with Indigenous clients, cultural
      competency training and potential sources of support. RESULT. Of the total
      respondents, 63 SLPs reported clinical contact with Indigenous clients and :they
      also answered questions on their assessment, intervention and discharge
      practices; liaison with family; and involvement with Aboriginal Health
      Professionals and interpreters. This group reported insufficient knowledge about
      Indigenous culture, lack of support and lower levels of confidence overall in
      working with these clients as compared to non-Indigenous clients. They wanted
      more flexible services for their Indigenous clients, good access to interpreters
      and culturally appropriate assessments and treatments delivered in culturally
      appropriate settings. CONCLUSION: This research provides a useful starting point
      towards understanding SLPs' perspectives and practice at a national level.

PMID- 25112425
TI  - A new titanosauriform sauropod (Dinosauria: Saurischia) from the Lower Cretaceous
      of Hyogo, Japan.
AB  - A new genus and species of titanosauriform sauropod is erected based on a partial
      skeleton found in the Lower Cretaceous Sasayama Group of Hyogo Prefecture, SW
      Japan. The new taxon is here named as Tambatitanis amicitiae gen. et sp. nov.,
      which is diagnosed by the following features of the caudal vertebrae, chevrons
      and braincase: the postzygapophysis and the summit of the neural spine of the
      anterior caudal vertebrae are located beyond the posterior border of the centrum,
      the spine of the anterior caudal vertebrae is curved strongly anteriorly and bow
      shaped in lateral view, the summit of the neural spine is expanded and
      hemispherical with its anterior face excavated by the posterodorsal extension of
      a deep and narrow SPRF, the transverse process of the anterior caudal vertebrae
      are short and L shaped, the anterior chevron is the longest among sauropods in
      proportion to body size, the distal ends of the anterior chevrons are rod-shaped,
      the distal ends of the mid chevrons are transversely thin and anteroposteriorly
      long without cranial processes, and the dorsal border of the shaft of the
      paroccipital process that forms the ventral margin of the posttemporal fenestra
      is short mediolaterally and V-shaped in posterior view. A phylogenetic analysis
      suggests that T. amicitiae is a basal titanosauriform, possibly belonging to the
      East Asian endemic clade Euhelopodidae. The caudals and chevrons are described in
      detail in order to document highly autapomorphic features of the new taxon as
      well as potentially phylogenetically informative characters. The discovery of T.
      amicitiae suggests that East Asian basal titanosauriforms were diverse not only
      in the number of the taxa but also in the morphological variation of the caudal
      elements. 

PMID- 25112426
TI  - Systematics, morphology, and ecological history of the Mascarene starlings (Aves:
      Sturnidae) with the description of a new genus and species from Mauritius.
AB  - Two endemic starlings, both extinct, have been described from the Mascarene
      Islands of Reunion and Rodrigues: the Hoopoe Starling, Huppe or Reunion Crested
      Starling Fregilupus varius, which is known from 19 skins and a single Holocene
      proximal end of a fossil femur, and the Rodrigues Starling Necropsar rodericanus,
      which is known as specimens only from fossils of most skeletal elements. Both
      were recorded alive in early accounts of Mascarene faunas. A third species of
      starling Cryptopsar ischyrhynchus gen. nov. sp. nov. is described herein from
      fossils from Mauritius, but was never reported in the early literature. This
      paper provides an analysis of the Sturnidae of the Mascarene Islands based on
      newly discovered fossil remains, and details historical reports and accounts.
      Their ecology and extinction are interpreted from historical evidence. Necropsar,
      Cryptopsar and Fregilupus clearly form part of the same clade, but morphological
      analysis shows that Necropsar and Cryptopsar are more closely related to each
      other than to Fregilupus and may have been part of a different colonisation
      event. All three genera appear to have their origins in SE Asia and have
      morphological similarities with the SE Asian sturnid genera, Sturnia and
      Gracupica, so they presumably colonised the islands via island-hopping during
      lower sea level stands.  

PMID- 25112424
TI  - Molecular characterization of the thioredoxin system from Methanosarcina
      acetivorans.
AB  - The thioredoxin system, composed of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and thioredoxin
      (Trx), is widely distributed in nature, where it serves key roles in electron
      transfer and in the defense against oxidative stress. Although recent evidence
      reveals Trx homologues are almost universally present among the methane-producing
      archaea (methanogens), a complete thioredoxin system has not been characterized
      from any methanogen. We examined the phylogeny of Trx homologues among
      methanogens and characterized the thioredoxin system from Methanosarcina
      acetivorans. Phylogenetic analysis of Trx homologues from methanogens revealed
      eight clades, with one clade containing Trxs broadly distributed among
      methanogens. The Methanococci and Methanobacteria each contain one additional Trx
      from another clade, respectively, whereas the Methanomicrobia contain an
      additional five distinct Trxs. Methanosarcina acetivorans, a member of the
      Methanomicrobia, contains a single TrxR (MaTrxR) and seven Trx homologues (MaTrx1
      7), with representatives from five of the methanogen Trx clades. Purified
      recombinant MaTrxR had 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) reductase and
      oxidase activities. The apparent Km value for NADPH was 115-fold lower than that
      for NADH, consistent with NADPH as the physiological electron donor to MaTrxR.
      Purified recombinant MaTrx2, MaTrx6 and MaTrx7 exhibited dithiothreitol- and
      lipoamide-dependent insulin disulfide reductase activities. However, only MaTrx7,
      which is encoded adjacent to MaTrxR, could serve as a redox partner to MaTrxR.
      These results reveal that M. acetivorans harbors at least three functional and
      distinct Trxs, and a complete thioredoxin system composed of NADPH, MaTrxR and at
      least MaTrx7. This is the first characterization of a complete thioredoxin system
      from a methanogen, which provides a foundation to understand the system in
      methanogens.

PMID- 25112427
TI  - Revision of the Oriental genus Horniella Raffray (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae,
      Pselaphinae).
AB  - The Oriental pselaphine genus Horniella Raffray, 1905 (tribe Tyrini: subtribe
      Somatipionina) is redefined and revised. Twenty-five new species are described:
      H. centralis Yin & Li, sp. n., H. confragosa Yin & Li, sp. n., H. dao Yin & Li,
      sp. n., H. hongkongensis Yin & Li, sp. n., H. nakhi Yin & Li, sp. n., H.
      schuelkei Yin & Li, sp. n., H. sichuanica Yin & Li, sp. n., H. simplaria Yin &
      Li, sp. n., and H. tianmuensis Yin & Li, sp. n. from China, H. himalayica Yin &
      Li, sp. n. from Nepal and North India, H. asymmetrica Yin & Li, sp. n., H.
      burckhardti Yin & Li, sp. n., H. intricata Yin & Li, sp. n., H. kaengkrachan Yin
      & Li, sp. n., H. khaosabap Yin & Li, sp. n., H. loebli Yin & Li, sp. n., H.
      phuphaman Yin & Li, sp. n., H. prolixo Yin & Li, sp. n., and H. schwendingeri Yin
      & Li, sp. n. from Thailand, H. philippina Yin & Li, sp. n. from the Philippines,
      H. awana Yin & Li, sp. n., H. gigas Yin & Li, sp. n., H. pilosa Yin & Li, sp. n.,
      and H. smetanai Yin & Li, sp. n. from Malaysia, and H. cibodas Yin & Li, sp. n.
      from Indonesia. The two previously described species, H. hirtella Raffray, 1901
      (type species) from Sri Lanka and H. falcis Yin & Li, 2010 from China are
      redescribed, and a lectotype is designated for H. hirtella. Illustrations of
      habitus and important diagnostic features, an identification key, and
      distributional maps for all species are provided. Eleven unidentified species
      represented only by females are left unnamed. Illustrations of the habitus and
      the genital complex, and label data of these species are given to facilitate
      future study. All available data indicates that species of Horniella typically
      inhabit leaf litter of various kinds of forests, and can be most efficiently
      collected by sifting and use of Winkler-Moczarski extractors.  

PMID- 25112428
TI  - A review of Northern Peruvian glassfrogs (Centrolenidae), with the description of
      four new remarkable species.
AB  - Peru is well known for amphibian diversity and endemism, yet there have been
      relatively few field studies of glassfrog (Centrolenidae) diversity in this
      country. Research in Colombia and Ecuador indicates that centrolenid diversity is
      higher in the northern Andes. However, part of this trend appears to be due to
      sampling effort. We conducted fieldwork throughout northern Peru, and based on
      phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences, combined with bioacoustic and
      morphological analyses of new and available material we now recognize 33 species
      from the country (versus 30 species prior to this work). Field surveys led to the
      discovery of four remarkable species: Centrolene charapita new species is a
      large, ornamented glassfrog that appears to be sister to Ce. geckoideum;
      Chimerella corleone new species represents the second-known member of the genus
      Chimerella; Cochranella guayasamini new species is the second-known member of the
      genus with humeral spines; and Hyalinobatrachium anachoretus new species occurs
      in the cloud forest of the east-Andean versant in Peru. In addition to the new
      species described here, we provide new country records, new localities including
      range extensions of up to 875 km, information on diagnostic characters and
      phylogenetic relationships, call and larval descriptions, and observations on
      natural history for several Peruvian centrolenids. Our results also revealed
      several taxonomic problems concerning species of the genus Rulyrana, and we
      conclude that R. croceopodes and R. tangarana are junior synonyms of R.
      saxiscandens. By implication of our phylogenetic analyses, we recognize the
      following new combinations: Espadarana audax new combination, Espadarana
      durrelorum new combination, and Espadarana fernandoi new combination.  

PMID- 25112429
TI  - Extending statistical boosting. An overview of recent methodological
      developments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Boosting algorithms to simultaneously estimate and select predictor
      effects in statistical models have gained substantial interest during the last
      decade. OBJECTIVES: This review highlights recent methodological developments
      regarding boosting algorithms for statistical modelling especially focusing on
      topics relevant for biomedical research. METHODS: We suggest a unified framework
      for gradient boosting and likelihood-based boosting (statistical boosting) which
      have been addressed separately in the literature up to now. RESULTS: The
      methodological developments on statistical boosting during the last ten years can
      be grouped into three different lines of research: i) efforts to ensure variable
      selection leading to sparser models, ii) developments regarding different types
      of predictor effects and how to choose them, iii) approaches to extend the
      statistical boosting framework to new regression settings. CONCLUSIONS:
      Statistical boosting algorithms have been adapted to carry out unbiased variable
      selection and automated model choice during the fitting process and can nowadays
      be applied in almost any regression setting in combination with a large amount of
      different types of predictor effects.

PMID- 25112430
TI  - A formative evaluation of the implementation of an upper limb stroke
      rehabilitation intervention in clinical practice: a qualitative interview study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) is a hand and
      arm exercise programme designed to increase the intensity of exercise achieved in
      inpatient stroke rehabilitation. GRASP was shown to be effective in a randomised
      controlled trial in 2009 and has since experienced unusually rapid uptake into
      clinical practice. The aim of this study was to conduct a formative evaluation of
      the implementation of GRASP to inform the development and implementation of a
      similar intervention in the United Kingdom. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews
      were conducted with therapists who were involved in implementing GRASP at their
      work site, or who had experience of using GRASP. Normalisation Process Theory
      (NPT), a sociological theory used to explore the processes of embedding
      innovations in practice, was used to develop an interview guide. Intervention
      components outlined within the GRASP Guideline Manual were used to develop
      prompts to explore how therapists use GRASP in practice. Interview transcripts
      were analysed using a coding frame based on implementation theory. RESULTS:
      Twenty interviews were conducted across eight sites in British Columbia Canada.
      Therapists identified informal networks and the free online availability of GRASP
      as key factors in finding out about the intervention. All therapists reported
      positive opinions about the value of GRASP. At all sites, therapists identified
      individuals who advocated for the use of GRASP, and in six of the eight sites
      this was the practice leader or senior therapist. Rehabilitation assistants were
      identified as instrumental in delivering GRASP in almost all sites as they were
      responsible for organising the GRASP equipment and assisting patients using
      GRASP. Almost all intervention components were found to be adapted to some degree
      when used in clinical practice; coverage was wider, the content adapted, and the
      dose, when monitored, was less. CONCLUSIONS: Although GRASP has translated into
      clinical practice, it is not always used in the way in which it was shown to be
      effective. This formative evaluation has informed the development of a novel
      intervention which aims to bridge this evidence-practice gap in upper limb
      rehabilitation after stroke.

PMID- 25112431
TI  - Reducing the risk of bias in health behaviour change trials: improving trial
      design, reporting or bias assessment criteria? A review and case study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of
      health behaviour change (HBC) interventions are less rigorously designed than -
      for example- drug trials. This study presents an approach to clarifying whether
      this is due to poor trial design, incomplete trial reporting and/or the
      inappropriateness of commonly applied risk of bias assessment criteria. DESIGN:
      First, a framework of key sources of bias and common strategies for reducing bias
      risk is developed based on a literature review. Second, we describe the design of
      a multi-site RCT evaluating the cost-effectiveness of an HIV-treatment adherence
      intervention (case study). The choices made by the multidisciplinary team trying
      to minimise the risk of bias are compared against the risk of bias framework.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Implementation of common strategies for reducing the risk
      of bias in the case study; alternative or additional strategies applied; a
      justification for each deviation from the risk of bias framework. RESULTS: Most
      of the common strategies for reducing the risk of bias could be implemented.
      Alternative strategies were developed for minimising the risk of performance bias
      and contamination. Several additional, domain-specific risk of bias strategies
      were implemented. CONCLUSIONS: The literature provides useful guidance for
      reducing the risk of bias in HBC trials. Yet, the case study suggests that HBC
      trial designers may face specific challenges that require alternative/additional
      measures for reducing the risk of bias. Using the risk of bias justification
      table (RATIONALE) could lead to better-designed HBC trials, more comprehensive
      trial reports and the data necessary for evaluating the appropriateness of
      commonly applied risk of bias assessment criteria to HBC trials.

PMID- 25112432
TI  - Experiences of and responses to disrespectful maternity care and abuse during
      childbirth; a qualitative study with women and men in Morogoro Region, Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interventions to reduce maternal mortality have focused on delivery
      in facilities, yet in many low-resource settings rates of facility-based birth
      have remained persistently low. In Tanzania, rates of facility delivery have
      remained static for more than 20 years. With an aim to advance research and
      inform policy changes, this paper builds on a growing body of work that explores
      dimensions of and responses to disrespectful maternity care and abuse during
      childbirth in facilities across Morogoro Region, Tanzania. METHODS: This research
      drew on in-depth interviews with 112 respondents including women who delivered in
      the preceding 14 months, their male partners, public opinion leaders and
      community health workers to understand experiences with and responses to abuse
      during childbirth. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated and
      coded using Atlas.ti. Analysis drew on the principles of Grounded Theory.
      RESULTS: When initially describing birth experiences, women portrayed encounters
      with providers in a neutral or satisfactory light. Upon probing, women recounted
      events or circumstances that are described as abusive in maternal health
      literature: feeling ignored or neglected; monetary demands or discriminatory
      treatment; verbal abuse; and in rare instances physical abuse. Findings were
      consistent across respondent groups and districts. As a response to abuse, women
      described acquiescence or non-confrontational strategies: resigning oneself to
      abuse, returning home, or bypassing certain facilities or providers. Male
      respondents described more assertive approaches: requesting better care, paying a
      bribe, lodging a complaint and in one case assaulting a provider. CONCLUSIONS:
      Many Tanzanian women included in this study experienced unfavorable conditions
      when delivering in facilities. Providers, women and their families must be made
      aware of women's rights to respectful care. Recommendations for further research
      include investigations of the prevalence and dimensions of disrespectful care and
      abuse, on mechanisms for women and their families to effectively report and
      redress such events and on interventions that could mitigate neglect or isolation
      among delivering women. Respectful care is a critical component to improve
      maternal health.

PMID- 25112433
TI  - Impact of pre-imputation SNP-filtering on genotype imputation results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Imputation of partially missing or unobserved genotypes is an
      indispensable tool for SNP data analyses. However, research and understanding of
      the impact of initial SNP-data quality control on imputation results is still
      limited. In this paper, we aim to evaluate the effect of different strategies of
      pre-imputation quality filtering on the performance of the widely used imputation
      algorithms MaCH and IMPUTE. RESULTS: We considered three scenarios: imputation of
      partially missing genotypes with usage of an external reference panel, without
      usage of an external reference panel, as well as imputation of completely un
      typed SNPs using an external reference panel. We first created various datasets
      applying different SNP quality filters and masking certain percentages of
      randomly selected high-quality SNPs. We imputed these SNPs and compared the
      results between the different filtering scenarios by using established and newly
      proposed measures of imputation quality. While the established measures assess
      certainty of imputation results, our newly proposed measures focus on the
      agreement with true genotypes. These measures showed that pre-imputation SNP
      filtering might be detrimental regarding imputation quality. Moreover, the
      strongest drivers of imputation quality were in general the burden of missingness
      and the number of SNPs used for imputation. We also found that using a reference
      panel always improves imputation quality of partially missing genotypes. MaCH
      performed slightly better than IMPUTE2 in most of our scenarios. Again, these
      results were more pronounced when using our newly defined measures of imputation
      quality. CONCLUSION: Even a moderate filtering has a detrimental effect on the
      imputation quality. Therefore little or no SNP filtering prior to imputation
      appears to be the best strategy for imputing small to moderately sized datasets.
      Our results also showed that for these datasets, MaCH performs slightly better
      than IMPUTE2 in most scenarios at the cost of increased computing time.

PMID- 25112434
TI  - Prostate cancer in a man with a BRCA2 mutation and a personal history of
      bilateral breast cancer.
AB  - Men with a BRCA2 mutation face substantial lifetime risks for the development of
      both breast and prostate cancer. A male who was initially diagnosed with breast
      cancer at the age of 32 was subsequently diagnosed at age 77 with both
      contralateral breast cancer and prostate cancer. He was found to be BRCA2
      mutation carrier. The patient was treated with contralateral mastectomy, breast
      irradiation, prostate irradiation and adjuvant endocrine therapy. At age 83 he
      died of metastatic prostate cancer. Our case underscores the observation that
      BRCA2 mutation carriers are at risk for multiple cancers, including contralateral
      breast cancer, and illustrates the need for current practice recommendations for
      the early detection of breast and prostate cancer in men with BRCA2 mutations. 

PMID- 25112435
TI  - Accumulation of cadmium in and its effect on the midgut gland of terrestrial
      snail Helix pomatia L. from urban areas in Poland.
AB  - The objectives of this study were (1) to determine cadmium (Cd) accumulation in
      the midgut gland of a land snail Helix pomatia L. inhabiting residential areas of
      the 14 largest cities in Poland, and (2) to examine whether the accumulated Cd
      exerted any toxic effects. The average accumulation of Cd in the midgut gland of
      snails, weighing 16-18 g, ranged from 7.00 to 87.3 ug/g dry weight (0.06-0.77
      umol/g) and differed significantly among animals from the various urban areas.
      This difference in Cd accumulation was not related to city population, but was
      associated with the topsoil Cd (R(2) = 0.868, p < 0.0001). The tissue Cd was not
      found to produce toxicity (histopathology, programmed cell death, lipofuscin
      formation or lipid peroxidation), probably due to the induction of sufficiently
      high quantities of metallothionein and glutathione, well-known protective
      molecules.

PMID- 25112436
TI  - YLT192, a novel, orally active bioavailable inhibitor of VEGFR2 signaling with
      potent antiangiogenic activity and antitumor efficacy in preclinical models.
AB  - Antagonizing vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) to block
      angiogenesis has been applied toward cancer therapy for its role in promoting
      cancer growth and metastasis. However, most these clinical anticancer drugs have
      unexpected side effects. Development of novel VEGFR2 inhibitors with less
      toxicity remains an urgent need. In this study, we describe a novel, well
      tolerated, and orally active VEGFR2 inhibitor, YLT192, which inhibits tumor
      angiogenesis and growth. YLT192 significantly inhibited kinase activity of VEGFR2
      and suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation of human
      umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. In addition, it inhibited
      VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and its downstream signaling regulator in
      HUVEC. Zebrafish embryonic models and alginate-encapsulated tumor cell assays
      indicated YLT192 also inhibited angiogenesis in vivo. Moreover, YLT192 could
      directly inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro and
      in vivo. Oral administration of YLT192 at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day could markedly
      inhibited human tumor xenograft growth without causing obvious toxicities. It
      decreased microvessel densities (MVD) in tumor sections. It also shows good
      safety profiles in the studies with mice and rats. Taken together, these
      preclinical evaluations suggest that YLT192 inhibits angiogenesis and may be a
      promising anticancer drug candidate.

PMID- 25112440
TI  - Cystic kidney disease: Intracellular clusterin implicated in nephropathic
      cystinosis.

PMID- 25112438
TI  - Child Eating Behaviors and Caregiver Feeding Practices in Children with Autism
      Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This pilot study compared children with autism spectrum disorders
      (ASD) and typically developing children (TDC) on weight-related outcomes and
      caregiver-reported child eating behaviors and feeding practices. DESIGN AND
      SAMPLE: Cross-sectional study. Caregivers of 25 children with ASD and 30 TDC,
      ages 4-6. METHODS: Caregivers completed validated questionnaires that assessed
      child eating behaviors and feeding practices. Children's height, weight, and
      waist circumference were measured. RESULTS: Children with ASD, when compared to
      TDC, showed significantly greater abdominal waist circumferences (p = .01) and
      waist-to-height ratios (p < .001). Children with ASD with atypical oral sensory
      sensitivity exhibited greater food avoidance behaviors, including reluctance to
      eat novel foods (p = .004), being selective about the range of foods they accept
      (p = .03), and undereating due to negative emotions (p = .02), than children with
      ASD with typical oral sensory sensitivity. Caregivers of children with ASD with
      atypical oral sensory sensitivity reported using food to regulate negative child
      emotions to a greater extent than caregivers of children with typical oral
      sensory sensitivity (p = .02). DISCUSSION: Children with ASD, especially those
      with atypical oral sensory sensitivity, are at increased risk for food avoidance
      behaviors and may require additional support in several feeding domains.

PMID- 25112437
TI  - Proanthocyanidins from grape seeds inhibit UV-radiation-induced immune
      suppression in mice: detection and analysis of molecular and cellular targets.
AB  - Ultraviolet (UV)-radiation-induced immunosuppression has been linked with the
      risk of skin carcinogenesis. Approximately, 2 million new cases of skin cancers,
      including melanoma and nonmelanoma, diagnosed each year in the USA and therefore
      have a tremendous bad impact on public health. Dietary phytochemicals are
      promising options for the development of effective strategy for the prevention of
      photodamaging effects of UV radiation including the risk of skin cancer. Grape
      seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) are such phytochemicals. Dietary administration of
      GSPs with AIN76A control diet significantly inhibits UV-induced skin tumor
      development as well as suppression of immune system. UV-induced suppression of
      immune system is commonly determined using contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model
      which is a prototype of T-cell-mediated immune response. We present evidence that
      inhibition of UV-induced suppression of immune system by GSPs is mediated
      through: (i) the alterations in immunoregulatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-10
      and IL-12, (ii) DNA repair, (iii) stimulation of effector T cells and (iv) DNA
      repair-dependent functional activation of dendritic cells in mouse model. These
      information have important implications for the use of GSPs as a dietary
      supplement in chemoprevention of UV-induced immunosuppression as well as
      photocarcinogenesis.

PMID- 25112443
TI  - Would medical students enter an exclusion zone in an infected district with a
      high mortality rate? An analysis of book reports on 28 (secondary publication).
AB  - This study aimed to ascertain whether medical students would enter a closed area
      where there was a raging epidemic of an infectious disease with a high fatality
      rate, and includes reasons for the students entering or refusing to enter.
      Participants included 50 second-year medical students. They were assigned to read
      a novel entitled 28, written by Youjeong Jeong, and discuss it in groups. Using
      their book reports, their decisions of whether or not to enter Hwayang, the city
      from the novel, and the reasons for their decisions were analyzed; we furthermore
      investigated the factors affecting their decisions. Among the 50 respondents, 18
      students (36%) answered that they would enter, and the remaining 32 students
      (64%) answered that they would not enter the zone. The reasons given for entering
      were responsibility (44%), sense of ethics (33%), social duty (17%), and sense of
      guilt (6%). The reasons the students provided for not entering were inefficiency
      (44%), worry regarding family (28%), needlessness of sacrifice (19%), and safety
      not ensured (9%). Students who had four or fewer family members were more likely
      to enter Hwayang than were students who had five or more family members (odds
      ratio, 1.85). Students who had completed over 100 hours of volunteer work were
      more likely to enter Hwayang than were students who had volunteered less than 100
      hours (odds ratio, 2.04). Owing to their "responsibility" as a doctor, 36% of
      medical students answered that they would enter an exclusion zone in an infected
      district with a high fatality rate. However, 64% answered they would not enter
      because of "inefficiency." For the medical students it is still a question 'To
      enter or not to enter?' 

PMID- 25112441
TI  - Transplantation: Alemtuzumab induction reduces acute rejection risk.

PMID- 25112444
TI  - Is a medical humanities test needed in the National Medical Licensing Examination
      of Korea? Opinions of medical students and physician writers (secondary
      publication).
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the opinions of medical students and
      physician writers regarding the medical humanities as a subject and its inclusion
      in the medical school curriculum. Furthermore, we addressed whether an assessment
      test should be added to the National Medical Licensing Examination of Korea
      (KMLE). A total of 192 medical students at Inha University and 39 physician
      writers registered with the Korean Association of Physician Essayists and the
      Korean Association of Physician Poets participated in this study. They were asked
      to answer a series of questionnaires. Most medical students (59%) and all
      physician writers (100%) answered that the medical humanities should be included
      in the medical school curriculum to train good physicians. They thought that the
      KMLE did not currently include an assessment of the medical humanities (medical
      students 69%, physician writers 69%). Most physician writers (87%; Likert scale,
      4.38+/-0.78) felt that an assessment of the medical humanities should be included
      in the KMLE. Half of the medical students (51%; Likert scale, 2.51+/-1.17) were
      against including it in the KMLE, which they would have to pass after several
      years of study. For the preferred field of assessment, medical ethics was the
      most commonly endorsed subject (medical students 59%, physician writers 39%). The
      most frequently preferred evaluation method was via an interview (medical
      students 45%, physician writers 33%). In terms of the assessment of the medical
      humanities and the addition of this subject to the KMLE, an interview-based
      evaluation should be developed. 

PMID- 25112446
TI  - Documentary research and evaluation in medical education.

PMID- 25112447
TI  - Assessing the reliability and validity of the Revised Two Factor Study Process
      Questionnaire (R-SPQ2F) in Ghanaian medical students.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated the validity and reliability of the Revised Two Factor
      Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ2F) in preclinical students in Ghana. METHODS:
      The R-SPQ2F was administered to 189 preclinical students of the University for
      Development Studies, School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Both descriptive and
      inferential statistics with Cronbach's alpha test and factor analysis were done.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the students was 22.69+/- 0.18years, 60.8% (n=115) were
      males and 42.3% (n=80) were in their second year of medical training. The
      students had higher mean deep approach scores (31.23+/-7.19) than that of surface
      approach scores (22.62+/-6.48). Findings of the R-SPQ2F gave credence to a
      solution of two-factors indicating deep and surface approaches accounting for
      49.80% and 33.57%, respectively, of the variance. The scales of deep approach
      (Cronbach's alpha, 0.80) and surface approach (Cronbach's alpha, 0.76) and their
      subscales demonstrated an internal consistency that was good. The factorial
      validity was comparable to other studies. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the
      construct validity and internal consistency of the R-SPQ2F for measuring
      approaches to learning in Ghanaian preclinical students. Deep approach was the
      most dominant learning approach among the students. The questionnaire can be used
      to measure students' approaches to learning in Ghana and in other African
      countries.

PMID- 25112445
TI  - Confounding factors in using upward feedback to assess the quality of medical
      training: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Upward feedback is becoming more widely used in medical training as a
      means of quality control. Multiple biases exist, thus the accuracy of upward
      feedback is debatable. This study aims to identify factors that could influence
      upward feedback, especially in medical training. METHODS: A systematic review
      using a structured search strategy was performed. Thirty-five databases were
      searched. Results were reviewed and relevant abstracts were shortlisted. All
      studies in English, both medical and non-medical literature, were included. A
      simple pro-forma was used initially to identify the pertinent areas of upward
      feedback, so that a focused pro-forma could be designed for data extraction.
      RESULTS: A total of 204 articles were reviewed. Most studies on upward feedback
      bias were evaluative studies and only covered Kirkpatrick level 1-reaction. Most
      studies evaluated trainers or training, were used for formative purposes and
      presented quantitative data. Accountability and confidentiality were the most
      common overt biases, whereas method of feedback was the most commonly implied
      bias within articles. CONCLUSION: Although different types of bias do exist,
      upward feedback does have a role in evaluating medical training. Accountability
      and confidentiality were the most common biases. Further research is required to
      evaluate which types of bias are associated with specific survey characteristics
      and which are potentially modifiable.

PMID- 25112448
TI  - Reflective writing and its impact on empathy in medical education: systematic
      review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Medical schools are increasingly aware of the ways in which physician
      empathy can have a profound impact on patients' lives and have developed
      humanities initiatives to address this concern. Reflective writing in particular
      is more commonly promoted in medical curricula, but there is limited research on
      the impact of reflective writing on medical student empathy levels. It aims to
      find the emotional effects of reflective writing interventions on medical and
      healthcare students by systemic review. METHODS: Two investigators independently
      reviewed educational publications for critical analysis. This review focused
      systematically on quantitative papers that measure the impact of reflective
      writing on empathy. RESULTS: Of the 1,032 studies found on Medline and CINAHL,
      only 8 used quantitative measures pre- and postwritten reflection to measure any
      impact on empathy outcomes. The outcomes measured included impact of reflective
      writing exercises on student wellness, aptitude, and/or clinical skills. Of these
      studies, a significant change in student empathy was observed in 100% of the
      studies, demonstrating a significant change in outcomes. CONCLUSION: Although the
      lack of homogeneity in outcome measurement in the literature limits possible
      conclusion from this review, the overwhelmingly positive reporting of outcomes
      suggests that reflective writing should be considered in any medical curriculum.

PMID- 25112449
TI  - Strengthening student communication through pediatric simulated patient
      encounters.
AB  - As medical students enter the role of physician, clinical outcomes not only rely
      on their mastery of clinical knowledge, but also on the effectiveness in which
      they can communicate with patients and family members. While students typically
      have numerous opportunities to practice clinical communication with adult
      patients, such practice in pediatric settings is limited. This study examines if
      simulated patient (SP) encounters strengthen third-year medical students'
      communication skills during the pediatrics clerkship. During 2011-2013, three SP
      encounters (comprising 3 pediatric scenarios) were incorporated into a pediatrics
      clerkship at one United States medical school to give students a safe venue to
      practice advanced communication with observation and direct feedback. Third-year
      medical students engaged in the scenarios and received both written and oral
      feedback from an evaluator observing the encounter. With IRB approval, students'
      self-perceived confidence and abilities at performing the advanced communication
      skills were measured using an eightitem, Likert scale questionnaire administered
      pre and post the SP encounter. Pre- and post-questionnaires (n=215; response
      rate, 96%) analyzed using a Wilcoxon-matched pairs signed-rank test demonstrated
      statistically significant increases in students' perception of their confidence
      and abilities regarding their performance (P<0.05; Bonferroni correction,
      P<0.006). There was an increases in student confidence and self-perceived ability
      in: first, communicating with children and family members of young patients;
      second, managing confrontational situations involving parents; third, performing
      a thorough psychosocial history with an adolescent; and fourth, using Evidence
      Based Medicine to motivate parents. 

PMID- 25112450
TI  - Ranolazine treatment for myocardial infarction? Effects on the development of
      necrosis, left ventricular function and arrhythmias in experimental models.
AB  - Ranolazine, an inhibitor of the late current of the cardiac action potential
      (late I(Na)), is a well established clinical treatment for chronic angina. The
      late INa in cardiac myocytes also plays an important role in the pathophysiology
      of acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, and thus is a potential therapeutic
      target to ameliorate consequences of myocardial infarction. In experimental
      animal models, ranolazine has been shown to reduce myocardial infarct size,
      improve left ventricular function, decrease ischemia/reperfusion-induced
      arrhythmias and improve outcome in heart failure. Here we focus specifically on
      data from in vivo animal studies of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.

PMID- 25112452
TI  - Thermal human biometeorological conditions and subjective thermal sensation in
      pedestrian streets in Chengdu, China.
AB  - The outdoor thermal environment of a public space is highly relevant to the
      thermal perception of individuals, thereby affecting the use of space. This study
      aims to connect thermal human biometeorological conditions and subjective thermal
      sensation in hot and humid regions and to find its influence on street use. We
      performed a thermal comfort survey at three locations in a pedestrian precinct of
      Chengdu, China. Meteorological measurements and questionnaire surveys were used
      to assess the thermal sensation of respondents. The number of people visiting the
      streets was counted. Meanwhile, mean radiant temperature (T mrt) and the
      physiological equivalent temperature (PET) index were used to evaluate the
      thermal environment. Analytical results reveal that weather and street design
      drive the trend of diurnal micrometeorological conditions of the street. With the
      same geometry and orientation, a street with no trees had wider ranges of
      meteorological parameters and a longer period of discomfort. The neutral
      temperature in Chengdu (24.4  degrees C PET) is similar to that in Taiwan,
      demonstrating substantial human tolerance to hot conditions in hot and humid
      regions. Visitors' thermal sensation votes showed the strongest positive
      relationships with air temperature. Overall comfort level was strongly related to
      every corresponding meteorological parameter, indicating the complexity of
      people's comfort in outdoor environments. In major alleys with multiple
      functions, the number of people in the street decreased as thermal indices
      increased; T mrt and PET had significant negative correlations with the number of
      people. This study aids in understanding pedestrian street use in hot and humid
      regions. 

PMID- 25112453
TI  - Efficacy of daptomycin lock therapy in the treatment of bloodstream infections
      related to long-term catheter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concomitant systemic and intracatheter antibiotic therapy is a
      therapeutic option for catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in patient
      fitted with long-term intravenous central catheters. CRBSI are mainly caused by
      Gram-positive bacteria. Daptomycin (DPT) is an antibiotic active against Gram
      positive bacteria with high bactericidal activity and good biofilm penetration.
      OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of DPT given systemically and as lock therapy in
      the treatment of CRBSI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was
      conducted of adult patients with a long-term central venous catheter (CVC)
      receiving both systemic intravenous and intracatheter lock therapy for CRBSI. The
      primary outcome was catheter maintenance, following clinical success and
      microbiological eradication. RESULTS: Eight patients who had failed previous
      standard therapy (vancomycin 7, cefazolin 1) were included in the study. In all
      but one, coagulase-negative staphylococci were repeatedly isolated. The other
      patient had enterococcal infection. DPT, given intravenously and as lock therapy,
      was successful in six of eight cases. The mean time to negative blood cultures
      was 2 days (range 1-6). In two cases neither clinical nor microbiological
      response was documented and the catheter was removed. DISCUSSION: Systemic and
      intracatheter therapy with DPT is feasible, carries no toxicity and is apparently
      effective. DPT might be a suitable therapeutic option in CRBSI to achieve CVC
      sterilization and preserve the catheter.

PMID- 25112454
TI  - Navigated three-dimensional T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence for gadoxetic acid
      liver magnetic resonance imaging in patients with limited breath-holding
      capacity.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether a navigator-gated three-dimensional T1-weighted
      gradient-echo sequence (T1W-GRE, navigated LAVA) can improve diagnostic
      performance for the detection of focal liver lesions (FLLs) compared to standard
      breath-hold (BH) T1W-GRE breath-hold LAVA (BH-LAVA) during the hepatobiliary
      phase (HBP) of gadoxetic acid liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients
      with limited breath-holding capacity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective
      study was approved by our institutional review board and the requirement for
      informed consent was waived. We included 372 patients who underwent liver MRI
      including both navigated LAVA and BH-LAVA sequences. Overall image quality of the
      two HBP image sets was compared. In patients with limited breath-holding
      capacity, diagnostic performances in detecting FLLs on the two HBP images were
      compared using jackknife-alternative free-response receiver-operating
      characteristic (JAFROC) analysis by two reviewers. RESULTS: There were 13 cases
      (13/372; 3.5%) of image acquisition failure using the navigated LAVA sequence due
      to severe irregular breathing, and 50 of 359 patients had limited breath-holding
      capacity. In these patients, overall image quality of navigated LAVA (2.78 +/-
      0.95) was significantly better than that of BH-LAVA (2.42 +/- 0.81, P < 0.005),
      and both readers showed significantly higher JAFROC figure-of-merit values with
      navigated LAVA compared to BH-LAVA (0.94 and 0.86 in reviewer 1, respectively;
      0.89 and 0.83 in reviewer 2, respectively, P < 0.005). Overall image quality of
      navigated LAVA was also better than that of BH-LAVA in patients with sufficient
      breath-holding capacity (n = 309, 3.96 +/- 0.88, 3.81 +/- 0.66, respectively, P <
      0.001). CONCLUSION: The navigated LAVA sequence could provide better image
      quality and diagnostic performance in detecting FLLs than BH-LAVA in patients
      with limited breath-holding capacity during HBP of gadoxetic acid MRI.

PMID- 25112457
TI  - Drug-target interaction prediction via chemogenomic space: learning-based
      methods.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Identification of the interaction between drugs and target proteins
      is a crucial task in genomic drug discovery. The in silico prediction is an
      appropriate alternative for the laborious and costly experimental process of drug
      target interaction prediction. Developing a variety of computational methods
      opens a new direction in analyzing and detecting new drug-target pairs. AREAS
      COVERED: In this review, we will focus on chemogenomic methods which have
      established a learning framework for predicting drug-target interactions.
      Learning-based methods are classified into supervised and semi-supervised, and
      the supervised learning methods are studied as two separate parts including
      similarity-based methods and feature-based methods. EXPERT OPINION: In spite of
      many improvements for pharmacology applications by learning-based methods, there
      are many over simplification settings in construction of predictive models that
      may lead to over-optimistic results on drug-target interaction prediction.

PMID- 25112455
TI  - Efficient production of single-chain fragment variable-based N-terminal
      trimerbodies in Pichia pastoris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recombinant antibodies are highly successful in many different
      pathological conditions and currently enjoy overwhelming recognition of their
      potential. There are a wide variety of protein expression systems available, but
      almost all therapeutic antibodies are produced in mammalian cell lines, which
      mimic human glycosylation. The production of clinical-grade antibodies in
      mammalian cells is, however, extremely expensive. Compared to mammalian systems,
      protein production in yeast strains such as Pichia pastoris, is simpler, faster
      and usually results in higher yields. RESULTS: In this work, a trivalent single
      chain fragment variable (scFv)-based N-terminal trimerbody, specific for the
      human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), was expressed in human embryonic kidney 293
      cells and in Pichia pastoris. Mammalian- and yeast-produced anti-CEA trimerbody
      molecules display similar functional and structural properties, yet, the yield of
      trimerbody expressed in P. pastoris is about 20-fold higher than in human cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: P. pastoris is an efficient expression system for multivalent
      trimerbody molecules, suitable for their commercial production.

PMID- 25112458
TI  - The frequency of re-planning and its variability dependent on the modification of
      the re-planning criteria and IGRT correction strategy in head and neck IMRT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To analyse the frequency of re-planning and its variability dependent
      on the IGRT correction strategy and on the modification of the dosimetric
      criteria for re-planning for the spinal cord in head and neck IG-IMRT. METHODS:
      Daily kV-control-CTs of six head and neck patients (=175 CTs) were analysed. All
      volumes of interest were re-contoured using deformable image registration. Three
      IGRT correction strategies were simulated and the resulting dose distributions
      were computed for all fractions. Different sets of criteria with varying dose
      thresholds for re-planning were investigated. All sets of criteria ensure
      equivalent target coverage of both CTVs, but vary in the tolerance threshold of
      the spinal cord. RESULTS: The variations of the D95 and D2 in respect to the
      planned values ranged from -7% to +3% for both CTVs, and -2% to +6% for the
      spinal cord. Despite different correction vectors of the three IGRT strategies,
      the dosimetric differences were small. The number of fractions not requiring re
      planning varied between 0% and 11% dependent on the applied IGRT correction
      strategy. In contrast, this number ranged between 32% and 70% dependent on the
      dosimetric thresholds, even though these thresholds were only gently modified.
      CONCLUSIONS: The more precise the planned dose needs to be maintained over the
      treatment course, the more frequently re-planning is required. The influence of
      different IGRT correction strategies, even though geometrically notable, was
      found to be of only limited relevance for the re-planning frequency. In contrast,
      the definition and modification of thresholds for re-planning have a major impact
      on the re-planning frequency.

PMID- 25112459
TI  - Month-wise estimates of tobacco smoking during pregnancy for the United States,
      2002-2009.
AB  - The timing of prenatal exposure to tobacco cigarette smoking can be crucial for
      the developing fetus. Pushing the field beyond prior pregnancy trimester-focused
      smoking estimates, we estimated month-specific prevalence proportions for tobacco
      cigarette smoking among pregnant and non-pregnant women of the United States,
      with consideration of tobacco dependence (TD) as well. In advance, we posited
      that pregnancy onset might prompt smoking cessation in early months, before the
      end of the 1st trimester, and that TD might account for sustained smoking in
      later months, especially months 8-9, when there are added reasons to quit.
      Estimates are from the 2002-2009 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health
      Restricted-Data Analysis System (R-DAS), with large nationally representative
      samples of US civilians, including 12-44 year old women (n ~ 70,000) stratified
      by pregnancy status and month of pregnancy, with multi-item assessment of TD as
      well as recently active smoking. Age was held constant via the Breslow-Day
      indirect standardization approach, a methodological detail of potential interest
      to other research teams conducting online R-DAS analyses. Among 12-44 year old
      women in Month 1 of pregnancy, as well as non-pregnant women, just over one in
      four was a recently active smoker (26-27 %), and approximately one-half of these
      smokers qualified as a TD case (52 %). Corresponding estimates for women in Month
      3 were 17.6 % and two-thirds, respectively, lending some support for our advance
      hypotheses. Nonetheless, our a priori TD hypothesis about Months 8-9 seems to be
      contradicted: an increased concentration of TD among smokers surfaced early in
      pregnancy. Evidence of a possible ameliorative pregnancy effect on smoking
      prevalence as well as TD's effect on smoking persistence might be seen quite
      early in pregnancy. Substitution of a month-specific view for the traditional
      trimester view sheds new light on how pregnancy might shape smoking behavior
      before the end of trimester 1, with TD seeming to thwart a public health goal of
      100 % cessation, early in pregnancy.

PMID- 25112451
TI  - Evaluation of the impact of implementing the emergency medical services traumatic
      brain injury guidelines in Arizona: the Excellence in Prehospital Injury Care
      (EPIC) study methodology.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) exacts a great toll on society. Fortunately, there
      is growing evidence that the management of TBI in the early minutes after injury
      may significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. In response, evidence-based
      prehospital and in-hospital TBI treatment guidelines have been established by
      authoritative bodies. However, no large studies have yet evaluated the
      effectiveness of implementing these guidelines in the prehospital setting. This
      article describes the background, design, implementation, emergency medical
      services (EMS) treatment protocols, and statistical analysis of a prospective,
      controlled (before/after), statewide study designed to evaluate the effect of
      implementing the EMS TBI guidelines-the Excellence in Prehospital Injury Care
      (EPIC) study (NIH/NINDS R01NS071049, "EPIC"; and 3R01NS071049-S1, "EPIC4Kids").
      The specific aim of the study is to test the hypothesis that statewide
      implementation of the international adult and pediatric EMS TBI guidelines will
      significantly reduce mortality and improve nonmortality outcomes in patients with
      moderate or severe TBI. Furthermore, it will specifically evaluate the effect of
      guideline implementation on outcomes in the subgroup of patients who are
      intubated in the field. Over the course of the entire study (~9 years), it is
      estimated that approximately 25,000 patients will be enrolled. 

PMID- 25112460
TI  - Therapeutic options after treatment failure in rheumatoid arthritis or
      spondyloarthritides.
AB  - The prognosis for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritides has
      improved dramatically due to earlier diagnosis, recognition of the need to treat
      early with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
      (csDMARDs), alone or in combinations, the establishment of treatment targets, and
      the development of biological DMARDs (bDMARDs). Many patients are now able to
      achieve clinical remission or low disease activity with therapy, and reduce or
      eliminate systemic corticosteroid use. Guidelines recommend methotrexate as a
      first-line agent for the initial treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; however, a
      majority of patients will require a change of csDMARD or step up to combination
      therapy with the addition of another csDMARD or a bDMARD. However, treatment
      failure is common and switching to a different therapy may be required. The large
      number of available treatment options, combined with a lack of comparative data,
      makes the choice of a new therapy complex and often not evidence based. We
      summarize and discuss evidence to inform treatment decisions in patients who
      require a change in therapy, including baseline factors that may predict response
      to therapy. 

PMID- 25112461
TI  - Comparing patient outcomes of academician-preceptors, hospitalist-preceptors, and
      hospitalists on internal medicine services in an academic medical center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient outcomes with hospitalist care have been studied in many
      settings, yet little is known about how hospitalist care interacts with trainee
      care to affect patient outcomes in teaching hospitals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of
      this study was to compare patient outcomes between hospitalist-preceptors and
      hospitalists working alone (isolating the effect of housestaff involvement), and
      between hospitalist-preceptors and academician-preceptors (isolating the effect
      of attending type, given housestaff involvement). DESIGN: A four-year
      retrospective cohort study of patients (n = 13,313) admitted to all internal
      medicine services at an academic medical center from July 2008 to June 2012. MAIN
      MEASURES: Using generalized estimating equations, we measured readmission within
      30 days, hospital length of stay, cost of the index hospitalization, and
      cumulative cost including readmissions within 30 days. KEY RESULTS: In the
      adjusted models, 30-day readmission odds were higher for academic-preceptors (OR,
      1.14 [95% CI, 1.03 - 1.26]) and hospitalist-preceptors (OR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.002 -
      1.21]) than for hospitalists working alone. Compared with hospitalists working
      alone, academic-preceptors were associated with shorter length of stay (mean
      difference, 0.27 days [95% CI, 0.18 - 0.38]), lower index hospitalization costs
      (mean difference, $386 [95% CI, $192 - $576]), but similar cumulative inpatient
      costs within 30 days of discharge. Compared with hospitalists working alone,
      hospitalist-preceptors were associated with shorter length of stay (mean
      difference, 0.34 days [95% CI, 0.26 - 0.42]), lower index hospitalization cost
      (mean difference, $570 [95% CI, $378 - $760]), and a trend toward lower
      cumulative cost (mean difference, $1347 [95% CI, $254 - $2,816]). CONCLUSIONS:
      Preceptor-led medicine services were associated with more readmissions within 30
      days, shorter lengths of stay, and lower index admission-associated costs.
      However, when considering cumulative hospitalization costs, patients discharged
      by academician-preceptors incurred the highest cost and hospitalist-preceptors
      incurred the lowest cost.

PMID- 25112462
TI  - Gender differences in resources and negotiation among highly motivated physician
      scientists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resources, including space, equipment, funding, personnel, and
      protected time, are essential in academic medical careers. Negotiation often
      plays a key role in the distribution of these resources. OBJECTIVE: This study
      explored gender differences in resources, negotiation behaviors, and negotiation
      outcomes in a sample of career development awardees. DESIGN: Postal survey of a
      cohort of 1,708 clinician-researchers with responses from 1,275 (75 % response
      rate). PARTICIPANTS: Researchers who received NIH K08 or K23 awards between 2006
      and 2009. MAIN MEASURES: We analyzed gender differences in resources, negotiation
      behaviors, and negotiation outcomes, using regression models adjusted for race, K
      award type, K award year, degree, academic rank, specialty, and institutional
      funding. KEY RESULTS: Over one-fifth of respondents reported inadequate access to
      research space and one-third had asked for increased space or equipment.
      Perceived adequacy of these physical resources did not differ significantly by
      gender, but a higher proportion of women reported inadequate access to grants
      administrators (34.8 %) and statistical support (49.9 %) than men (26.9 %; p =
      0.002 and 43.4 %; p = 0.025, respectively). Women were more likely to have asked
      for reduction in clinical hours (24.1 % vs. 19.3 %; p = 0.02) and to have raised
      concerns about unfair treatment (50.2 % vs. 38.2 %; p < 0.001). Overall, 42.9 %
      of women and 35.9 % of men asked for a raise in the two years preceding the
      survey (p = 0.09), and among those who had asked for increased resources, the
      likelihood that the request was granted did not differ significantly by gender.
      CONCLUSION: Many career development award recipients report resource needs and
      negotiate for increased resources. Gender differences in perceived access to
      research support personnel exist even in this select cohort of K awardees.
      Institutions should provide appropriate training in negotiation and ensure
      adequate and equitable distribution of resources to promote academic success.

PMID- 25112463
TI  - The shift of segmental contribution ratio in patients with herniated disc during
      cervical lateral bending.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormal intervertebral movements of spine have been reported to be
      associated with trauma and pathological conditions. The importance of objective
      spinal motion imaging assessment in the frontal plane was frequently
      underestimated. The clinical evaluation of the segmental motion contribution
      could be useful for detecting the motion pattern of individual vertebrae.
      Therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate the shift of segmental
      contribution ratio in patients with herniated disc during cervical lateral
      bending to provide additional insights to cervical biomechanics. METHODS: A total
      of 92 subjects (46 healthy adult subjects and 46 disc-herniated patients) were
      enrolled in this case-control study. The motion images during cervical lateral
      bending movements were digitized using a precise image protocol to analyze the
      intervertebral motion and contribution. RESULTS: Our results showed that the
      intervertebral angulation during cervical lateral bending for the C2/3 to C6/7
      segments were 7.66 degrees +/-2.37 degrees , 8.37 degrees +/-2.11 degrees , 8.91
      degrees +/-3.22 degrees , 7.19 degrees +/-2.29 degrees , 6.31 degrees +/-2.11
      degrees , respectively for the healthy subjects. For the patients with herniated
      disc, the intervertebral angulation for the C2/3 to C6/7 segments were 6.87
      degrees +/-1.67 degrees , 7.83 degrees +/-1.79 degrees , 7.73 degrees +/-2.71
      degrees , 5.13 degrees +/-2.05 degrees , 4.80 degrees +/-1.93 degrees ,
      respectively. There were significant angulation and translational differences
      between healthy subjects and the patients with herniated disc in the C5/6 and
      C6/7 segments (P=0.001-0.029). The segmental contributions of the individual
      vertebral segments were further analyzed. There was a significant increase in
      segmental contribution ratio of C3/4 (P=0.048), while a significant decrease in
      contribution ratio of C5/6 (P=0.037) was observed in the patients with herniated
      disc. Our results indicated that the segmental contribution shifted toward the
      middle cervical spine in the patients with herniated disc. CONCLUSIONS: The
      segmental contributions of cervical spine during lateral bending movement were
      first described based on the validated radiographic protocol. The detection of
      the shift of segmental contribution ratio could be helpful for the diagnosis the
      motion abnormality resulted from the disc or, facet pathologies, and arthritic
      changes of cervical spine.

PMID- 25112464
TI  - Synthesis and antiviral bioactivity of novel 3-((2-((1E,4E)-3-oxo-5-arylpenta-1,4
      dien-1-yl)phenoxy)methyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone derivatives.
AB  - A series of novel 3-((2-((1E,4E)-3-oxo-5-arylpenta-1,4-dien-1-yl)phenoxy)methyl)
      4(3H)-quinazolinone derivatives were designed and synthesized. Antiviral
      bioassays indicated that a few of the compounds exhibited higher antiviral
      activities against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in vivo than the commercial agent
      ningnanmycin. In particular, compounds A5, A12, A25, and A27 possessed
      appreciable curative bioactivities on TMV in vivo, with 50% effective
      concentration values ranging from 132.25 to 156.10 MUg/mL. These values are
      superior to that of ningnanmycin (281.22 MUg/mL) and suggest that novel 4(3H)
      quinazolinone derivatives containing 1,4-pentadien-3-one moiety can effectively
      control TMV. Evaluation of the antiviral properties in field studies and the
      mechanisms underlying the enhanced antiviral activities of these derivatives are
      an interesting topic for future investigation. 

PMID- 25112465
TI  - Use of combination antihypertensive therapy initiation in older Americans without
      prevalent cardiovascular disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe new users of antihypertensive medications and identify
      predictors of combination therapy initiation in older Americans. DESIGN:
      Retrospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Population-based study using
      U.S. Medicare fee-for-service healthcare claims (2007-2010). PARTICIPANTS:
      Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older with no recent diagnoses, procedures, or
      medications for cardiovascular disease who newly initiated an antihypertensive
      therapy (n = 275,493; 210,605 initiated monotherapy, 64,888 initiated combination
      therapy). MEASUREMENTS: Multivariable Poisson regression was used to assess
      factors associated with initiation of combination therapy versus monotherapy,
      including participant characteristics, prescriber characteristics, and
      participant encounters with the healthcare system. RESULTS: Initiation of
      combination therapy increased from 21.9% in 2007 to 24.7% in 2010. The most
      frequently initiated combinations were angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
      with thiazide (29.7%) and angiotensin II receptor antagonists with thiazide
      (18.7%). Blacks (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) =
      1.45-1.51 vs. whites), individuals seeing a generalist (PR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07
      1.14), individuals seeing more than one doctor (PR = 3.38, 95% CI = 3.33-3.44),
      and participants with no pharmacy claims in the previous 6 months (PR = 1.34, 95%
      CI = 1.30-1.37 vs. >=3 unique drug classes) were more likely to initiate
      combination therapy, whereas those who had more outpatient visits in the previous
      12 months were less likely to initiate combination therapy (per five visits, PR =
      0.82, 95% CI = 0.80-0.83). CONCLUSION: Nearly one in four new users of
      antihypertensive medications aged 65 and older started treatment with combination
      therapy. Blacks, individuals living in the south, and those with fewer outpatient
      physician office visits were more likely to initiate combination therapy. Further
      research is needed to determine whether this approach to managing hypertension is
      being well targeted to individuals who will require combination treatment.

PMID- 25112467
TI  - The effect of proinflammatory cytokines on IL-17RA expression in NSCLC.
AB  - Interleukin-17 receptor (IL-17RA) is essential for proinflammatory cytokine IL-17
      mediated pathogenesis of various tumors. IL-17RA is upregulated by some
      proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-21 and IL-15 and downregulated by IL-2,
      while the effect of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha on IL-17RA expression in non
      small cell lung caner (NSCLC) remains unknown. Our findings revealed that IL-17RA
      mRNA was increased in NSCLC tissues compared with the corresponding peritumor
      tissues (P = 0.0039) and high expression of IL-17RA protein in human NSCLC
      tissues was significantly associated with histological subtype, primary tumor
      size and clinical stages (P = 0.033, 0.033 and 0.011, respectively). IL-17RA mRNA
      expression was positively related to IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha mRNA
      expression (P = 0.013, 0.0001, 0.002 and 0.010 respectively) in NSCLC tissues.
      Furthermore, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha upregulated IL-17RA mRNA and protein
      in A549 and H460 cells (all P < 0.05). It is suggested that IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8,
      TNF-alpha promoted IL-17RA expression in NSCLC and they may involve in IL-17RA
      signaling in NSCLC.

PMID- 25112468
TI  - Outcomes of surgical treatment for gastric cancer patients: 11-year experience of
      a Chinese high-volume hospital.
AB  - Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
      We report our experience with surgery-related parameters and survival outcomes at
      a single Chinese center. This study analyzed patients following gastric resection
      between 2000 and 2010, and overall survival was the primary end point. In this
      study, 1,936 patients who underwent gastrectomy were collected from 2000 to 2010.
      Curative gastrectomy (R0 resection) was performed in 86.6 % of patients. D1/D1+
      lymphadenectomy was frequently performed from 2000 to 2005, and the proportion of
      D2/D2+ lymphadenectomy increased after 2006. The number of harvested lymph nodes
      was 10.1 +/- 6.0 in 2000 and increased to 28.0 +/- 10.5 in 2010. Serosa-invasive
      lesions (pT4) accounted for 67.9 % of all cases. The 1-year overall survival
      (OS), 2-year OS, and 3-year OS rates were 89, 74, and 63 %, respectively.
      Multivariate analysis identified R status, tumor location, macroscopic type, and
      tumor stage (pT stage and pN stage) as the independent risk factors for overall
      survival. The prognosis of gastric cancer patients in China remains dismal. To
      improve the survival outcomes, further efforts toward early detection and multi
      disciplinary treatment are needed.

PMID- 25112470
TI  - Dyspnoea and comorbidity contribute to anxiety and depression in interstitial
      lung disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the prevalence of anxiety in
      interstitial lung disease (ILD), and the contributors to depression are not
      clear. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of
      anxiety and depression in people with ILD. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four
      individuals with ILD (age 64 years (standard deviation 12), 48 idiopathic
      pulmonary fibrosis) participated. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to determine likely cases and borderline
      cases. Associations with demographic data, respiratory function, 6-min walk and
      Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (MMRC) were examined. RESULTS:
      The prevalence of anxiety was 31%, with clinically significant anxiety in 12%.
      Depression was present in 23% of individuals, with 7% having clinically
      significant depression. Independent predictors of anxiety were a higher MMRC
      score (P = 0.005, odds ratio (OR) for case 2.60, 95% confidence interval 1.37 to
      4.92) and higher nadir SpO2 during walking (P = 0.003, OR for case 1.16, 1.04
      1.30). Independent predictors of depression were a higher MMRC score (P = 0.006,
      case OR 3.84, 1.25-11.78, borderline case OR 2.44, 1.14-5.19) and a greater
      number of comorbidities (P = 0.003, case OR 2.02, 0.97-4.21, borderline case OR
      2.26, 1.30-3.93). CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depression are present in a
      significant minority of individuals with ILD. Dyspnoea and comorbidities are
      important contributors that may be amenable to intervention.

PMID- 25112471
TI  - NPHS2 variation in Chinese southern infants with late steroid-resistant nephrotic
      syndrome.
AB  - Abstract NPHS2 mutations are responsible for autosomal recessive familial steroid
      resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) with minor glomerular abnormalities or focal
      segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which is characterized by early childhood
      onset and rapid progression to chronic renal insufficiency. This gene mutation is
      also responsible for an adolescent onset form of autosomal recessive familial
      FSGS with heavy proteinuria. Many infants with late steroid-resistant nephrotic
      syndrome (late SRNS) are prone to an implicated clinical and therapeutic course.
      The etiopathogenesis and the long-term prognosis of late SRNS remain obscure.
      Considering the similar steroid resistance between late and initial SRNS,
      analysis of NPHS2 variation was performed in 70 sporadic Chinese infants with
      late SRNS and 70 controls in the present study to investigate the possible role
      of NPHS2 gene in late SRNS. The variation analysis revealed three polymorphisms
      (288C > T heterozygous in exon 2, 954T > C heterozygous and homozygous, and 1038A
      > G heterozygous in exon 8) in 22 out of 70 patients studied. In conclusion,
      NPHS2 gene mutations are not a major cause of chronic renal insufficiency caused
      by late SRNS in Chinese southern infants. 

PMID- 25112472
TI  - Cell and molecular biology of intervertebral disc degeneration: current
      understanding and implications for potential therapeutic strategies.
AB  - Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a chronic, complex process associated
      with low back pain; mechanisms of its occurrence have not yet been fully
      elucidated. Its process is not only accompanied by morphological changes, but
      also by systematic changes in its histological and biochemical properties. Many
      cellular and molecular mechanisms have been reported to be related with IDD and
      to reverse degenerative trends, abnormal conditions of the living cells and
      altered cell phenotypes would need to be restored. Promising biological
      therapeutic strategies still rely on injection of active substances, gene therapy
      and cell transplantation. With advanced study of tissue engineering protocols
      based on cell therapy, combined use of seeding cells, bio-active substances and
      bio-compatible materials, are promising for IDD regeneration. Recently reported
      progenitor cells within discs themselves also hold prospects for future IDD
      studies. This article describes the background of IDD, current understanding and
      implications of potential therapeutic strategies. 

PMID- 25112469
TI  - Clinical significance of HuR expression in human malignancy.
AB  - Hu-antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the stability,
      translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm translocation of target mRNAs. The aim of
      the present review was to summarize and present the currently available
      information in the English literature on HuR expression in various human tumors,
      verifying its possible clinical significance. HuR function is directly linked to
      its subcellular localization. In normal cells, HuR is mostly localized in the
      nucleus, while in malignant cells, an increase in cytoplasmic HuR levels has been
      noted, in both cell lines and tissue samples. Moreover, in malignancy, elevated
      HuR expression levels and cytoplasmic immunohistochemical pattern have been
      correlated with advanced clinicopathological parameters and altered expression
      levels of proteins implicated in neoplasia. Additionally, elevated HuR expression
      levels and mainly cytoplasmic immunohistochemical pattern were correlated with
      decreased patients' survival rate in various human tumors. HuR is a putative drug
      target for cancer therapy, since it is expressed ubiquitously in malignant
      clinical samples and has an apparently consistent role in tumor formation and
      progression. 

PMID- 25112473
TI  - Towards an informative mutant phenotype for every bacterial gene.
AB  - Mutant phenotypes provide strong clues to the functions of the underlying genes
      and could allow annotation of the millions of sequenced yet uncharacterized
      bacterial genes. However, it is not known how many genes have a phenotype under
      laboratory conditions, how many phenotypes are biologically interpretable for
      predicting gene function, and what experimental conditions are optimal to
      maximize the number of genes with a phenotype. To address these issues, we
      measured the mutant fitness of 1,586 genes of the ethanol-producing bacterium
      Zymomonas mobilis ZM4 across 492 diverse experiments and found statistically
      significant phenotypes for 89% of all assayed genes. Thus, in Z. mobilis, most
      genes have a functional consequence under laboratory conditions. We demonstrate
      that 41% of Z. mobilis genes have both a strong phenotype and a similar fitness
      pattern (cofitness) to another gene, and are therefore good candidates for
      functional annotation using mutant fitness. Among 502 poorly characterized Z.
      mobilis genes, we identified a significant cofitness relationship for 174. For 57
      of these genes without a specific functional annotation, we found additional
      evidence to support the biological significance of these gene-gene associations,
      and in 33 instances, we were able to predict specific physiological or
      biochemical roles for the poorly characterized genes. Last, we identified a set
      of 79 diverse mutant fitness experiments in Z. mobilis that are nearly as
      biologically informative as the entire set of 492 experiments. Therefore, our
      work provides a blueprint for the functional annotation of diverse bacteria using
      mutant fitness. 

PMID- 25112474
TI  - Epoxide-mediated differential packaging of Cif and other virulence factors into
      outer membrane vesicles.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that contain a
      number of secreted bacterial proteins, including phospholipases, alkaline
      phosphatase, and the CFTR inhibitory factor (Cif). Previously, Cif, an epoxide
      hydrolase, was shown to be regulated at the transcriptional level by epoxides,
      which serve as ligands of the repressor, CifR. Here, we tested whether epoxides
      have an effect on Cif levels in OMVs. We showed that growth of P. aeruginosa in
      the presence of specific epoxides but not a hydrolysis product increased Cif
      packaging into OMVs in a CifR-independent fashion. The outer membrane protein,
      OprF, was also increased under these conditions, but alkaline phosphatase
      activity was not significantly altered. Additionally, we demonstrated that OMV
      shape and density were affected by epoxide treatment, with two distinct vesicle
      fractions present when cells were treated with epibromohydrin (EBH), a model
      epoxide. Vesicles isolated from the two density fractions exhibited different
      protein profiles in Western blotting and silver staining. We have shown that a
      variety of clinically or host-relevant treatments, including antibiotics, also
      alter the proteins packaged in OMVs. Proteomic analysis of purified OMVs followed
      by an analysis of transposon mutant OMVs yielded mutants with altered vesicle
      packaging. Finally, epithelial cell cytotoxicity was reduced in the vesicles
      formed in the presence of EBH, suggesting that this epoxide alters the function
      of the OMVs. Our data support a model whereby clinically or host-relevant signals
      mediate differential packaging of virulence factors in OMVs, which results in
      functional consequences for host-pathogen interactions. 

PMID- 25112475
TI  - The disulfide bonding system suppresses CsgD-independent cellulose production in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - The bacterial extracellular matrix encases cells and protects them from host
      related and environmental insults. The Escherichia coli master biofilm regulator
      CsgD is required for the production of the matrix components curli and cellulose.
      CsgD activates the diguanylate cyclase AdrA, which in turn stimulates cellulose
      production through cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP). Here, we identified and
      characterized a CsgD- and AdrA-independent cellulose production pathway that was
      maximally active when cultures were grown under reducing conditions or when the
      disulfide bonding system (DSB) was compromised. The CsgD-independent cellulose
      activation pathway was dependent on a second diguanylate cyclase, called YfiN. c
      di-GMP production by YfiN was repressed by the periplasmic protein YfiR, and
      deletion of yfiR promoted CsgD-independent cellulose production. Conversely, when
      YfiR was overexpressed, cellulose production was decreased. Finally, we found
      that YfiR was oxidized by DsbA and that intraprotein YfiR disulfide bonds
      stabilized YfiR in the periplasm. Altogether, we showed that reducing conditions
      and mutations in the DSB system caused hyperactivation of YfiN and subsequent
      CsgD-independent cellulose production. 

PMID- 25112476
TI  - Mutations in the primary sigma factor sigmaA and termination factor rho that
      reduce susceptibility to cell wall antibiotics.
AB  - Combinations of glycopeptides and beta-lactams exert synergistic antibacterial
      activity, but the evolutionary mechanisms driving resistance to both antibiotics
      remain largely unexplored. By repeated subculturing with increasing vancomycin
      (VAN) and cefuroxime (CEF) concentrations, we isolated an evolved strain of the
      model bacterium Bacillus subtilis with reduced susceptibility to both
      antibiotics. Whole-genome sequencing revealed point mutations in genes encoding
      the major sigma factor of RNA polymerase (sigA), a cell shape-determining protein
      (mreB), and the rho termination factor (rho). Genetic-reconstruction experiments
      demonstrated that the G-to-C substitution at position 336 encoded by sigA
      (sigA(G336C)), in the domain that recognizes the -35 promoter region, is
      sufficient to reduce susceptibility to VAN and works cooperatively with the
      rho(G56C) substitution to increase CEF resistance. Transcriptome analyses
      revealed that the sigA(G336C) substitution has wide-ranging effects, including
      elevated expression of the general stress sigma factor (sigma(B)) regulon, which
      is required for CEF resistance, and decreased expression of the glpTQ genes,
      which leads to fosfomycin (FOS) resistance. Our findings suggest that mutations
      in the core transcriptional machinery may facilitate the evolution of resistance
      to multiple cell wall antibiotics. 

PMID- 25112478
TI  - Enzymes involved in a novel anaerobic cyclohexane carboxylic acid degradation
      pathway.
AB  - The anaerobic degradation of cyclohexane carboxylic acid (CHC) has so far been
      studied only in Rhodopseudomonas palustris, in which CHC is activated to
      cyclohexanoyl coenzyme A (cyclohexanoyl-CoA [CHCoA]) and then dehydrogenated to
      cyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA (CHeneCoA). This intermediate is further degraded
      by reactions of the R. palustris-specific benzoyl-CoA degradation pathway of
      aromatic compounds. However, CHeneCoA is not an intermediate in the degradation
      of aromatic compounds in all other known anaerobic bacteria; consequently,
      degradation of CHC was mostly unknown in anaerobic bacteria. We identified a
      previously unknown CHC degradation pathway in the Fe(III)-reducing Geobacter
      metallireducens by determining the following CHC-induced in vitro activities: (i)
      the activation of CHC to CHCoA by a succinyl-CoA:CHC CoA transferase, (ii) the
      1,2-dehydrogenation of CHCoA to CHeneCoA by CHCoA dehydrogenase, and (iii) the
      unusual 1,4-dehydrogenation of CHeneCoA to cyclohex-1,5-diene-1-carboxyl-CoA.
      This last represents a previously unknown joint intermediate of the CHC and
      aromatic compound degradation pathway in bacteria other than R. palustris. The
      enzymes catalyzing the three reactions were purified and characterized as
      specific enzymes after heterologous expression of the encoding genes.
      Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR revealed that expression of these genes
      was highly induced during growth with CHC but not with benzoate. The newly
      identified CHC degradation pathway is suggested to be present in nearly all CHC
      degrading anaerobic bacteria, including denitrifying, Fe(III)-reducing, sulfate
      reducing, and fermenting bacteria. Remarkably, all three CHC degradation pathways
      always link CHC catabolism to the catabolic pathways of aromatic compounds. We
      propose that the capacity to use CHC as a carbon source evolved from already
      existing aromatic compound degradation pathways. 

PMID- 25112479
TI  - Competence for genetic transformation in Streptococcus pneumoniae: mutations in
      sigmaA bypass the comW requirement.
AB  - Competence for genetic transformation in the genus Streptococcus depends on an
      alternative sigma factor, sigma(X), for coordinated synthesis of 23 proteins,
      which together establish the X state by permitting lysis of incompetent
      streptococci, uptake of DNA fragments, and integration of strands of that DNA
      into the resident genome. Initiation of transient accumulation of high levels of
      sigma(X) is coordinated between cells by transcription factors linked to peptide
      pheromone signals. In Streptococcus pneumoniae, elevated sigma(X) is insufficient
      for development of full competence without coexpression of a second competence
      specific protein, ComW. ComW, shared by eight species in the Streptococcus mitis
      and Streptococcus anginosus groups, is regulated by the same pheromone circuit
      that controls sigma(X), but its role in expression of the sigma(X) regulon is
      unknown. Using the strong, but not absolute, dependence of transformation on comW
      as a selective tool, we collected 27 independent comW bypass mutations and mapped
      them to 10 single-base transitions, all within rpoD, encoding the primary sigma
      factor subunit of RNA polymerase, sigma(A). Eight mapped to sites in rpoD region
      4 that are implicated in interaction with the core beta subunit, indicating that
      ComW may act to facilitate competition of the alternative sigma factor sigma(X)
      for access to core polymerase. 

PMID- 25112477
TI  - Serotype-converting bacteriophage SfII encodes an acyltransferase protein that
      mediates 6-O-acetylation of GlcNAc in Shigella flexneri O-antigens, conferring on
      the host a novel O-antigen epitope.
AB  - Shigella flexneri O-antigen is an important and highly variable cell component
      presented on the outer leaflet of the outer membrane. Most Shigella flexneri
      bacteria share an O-antigen backbone composed of ->2)-alpha-L-Rhap(III)-(1->2)
      alpha-L-Rhap(II)-(1->3)-alpha-L-Rhap(I)-(1->3)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-> repeats, which
      can be modified by adding various chemical groups to different sugars, giving
      rise to diverse O-antigen structures and, correspondingly, to various serotypes.
      The known modifications include glucosylation on various sugar residues, O
      acetylation on Rha(I) or/and Rha(III), and phosphorylation with
      phosphoethanolamine on Rha(II) or/and Rha(III). Recently, a new O-antigen
      modification, namely, O-acetylation at position 6 of N-acetylglucosamine
      (GlcNAc), has been identified in S. flexneri serotypes 2a, 3a, Y, and Yv. In this
      study, the genetic basis of the 6-O-acetylation of GlcNAc in S. flexneri was
      elucidated. An O-acyltransferase gene designated oacD was found to be responsible
      for this modification. The oacD gene is carried on serotype-converting
      bacteriophage SfII, which is integrated into the host chromosome by lysogeny to
      form a prophage responsible for the evolvement of serotype 2 of S. flexneri. The
      OacD-mediated 6-O-acetylation also occurs in some other S. flexneri serotypes
      that carry a cryptic SfII prophage with a dysfunctional gtr locus for type II
      glucosylation. The 6-O-acetylation on GlcNAc confers to the host a novel O
      antigen epitope, provisionally named O-factor 10. These findings enhance our
      understanding of the mechanisms of the O-antigen variation and enable further
      studies to understand the contribution of the O-acetylation to the antigenicity
      and pathogenicity of S. flexneri.

PMID- 25112480
TI  - Functional and structural analysis of HicA3-HicB3, a novel toxin-antitoxin system
      of Yersinia pestis.
AB  - The mechanisms involved in the virulence of Yersinia pestis, the plague pathogen,
      are not fully understood. In previous research, we found that a Y. pestis mutant
      lacking the HicB3 (YPO3369) putative orphan antitoxin was attenuated for
      virulence in a murine model of bubonic plague. Toxin-antitoxin systems (TASs) are
      widespread in prokaryotes. Most bacterial species possess many TASs of several
      types. In type II TASs, the toxin protein is bound and neutralized by its cognate
      antitoxin protein in the cytoplasm. Here we identify the hicA3 gene encoding the
      toxin neutralized by HicB3 and show that HicA3-HicB3 constitutes a new functional
      type II TAS in Y. pestis. Using biochemical and mutagenesis-based approaches, we
      demonstrate that the HicA3 toxin is an RNase with a catalytic histidine residue.
      HicB3 has two functions: it sequesters and neutralizes HicA3 by blocking its
      active site, and it represses transcription of the hicA3B3 operon. Gel shift
      assays and reporter fusion experiments indicate that the HicB3 antitoxin binds to
      two operators in the hicA3B3 promoter region. We solved the X-ray structures of
      HicB3 and the HicA3-HicB3 complex; thus, we present the first crystal structure
      of a TA complex from the HicAB family. HicB3 forms a tetramer that can bind two
      HicA3 toxin molecules. HicA3 is monomeric and folds as a double-stranded-RNA
      binding domain. The HicB3 N-terminal domain occludes the HicA3 active site,
      whereas its C-terminal domain folds as a ribbon-helix-helix DNA-binding motif. 

PMID- 25112483
TI  - 3,6-Epidioxy-1,10-bisaboladiene inhibits G1 -specific transcription through
      Swi4/Swi6 and Mbp1/Swi6 via the Hog1 stress pathway in yeast.
AB  - 3,6-Epidioxy-1,10-bisaboladiene (EDBD), a bisabolane sesquiterpene endoperoxide
      compound, was previously isolated from Cacalia delphiniifolia and C. hastata in
      northern Japan. EDBD has cytotoxic effects and induces apoptosis via
      phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in human promyelocytic
      leukemia HL60 cells. However, the mechanism of action of EDBD has not yet been
      fully elucidated. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms of EDBD in
      the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. EDBD arrested the growth of S.
      cerevisiae cells by suppressing progression from the G1 phase to the S phase and
      from the G2 phase to the M phase. Moreover, biochemical and genetic analyses
      revealed that EDBD activated environmental stress-response pathways involving
      Hog1 and affected Cln3/G1 cyclin activity, thereby inhibiting the expression of
      SCB-binding factor and MCB-binding factor target genes. Our results provided
      important insights into the functions of EDBD in tumor cells and may facilitate
      the development of EDBD-based antitumor therapies. STRUCTURED DIGITAL ABSTRACT:
      *Swi4 physically interacts with Swi6 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View
      interaction).

PMID- 25112484
TI  - The association between vibration and vascular injury in rheumatic diseases: a
      review of the literature.
AB  - Vascular manifestations can be seen early in the pathogenesis of inflammatory
      rheumatic diseases. Animal experiments, laboratory and clinical findings
      indicated that acute or long-term vibration exposure can induce vascular
      abnormalities. Recent years, in addition to Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), vibration
      as a risk factor for other rheumatic diseases has also received corresponding
      considered. This review is concentrated upon the role of vibration in the disease
      of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this review, we are going to discuss the main
      mechanisms which are thought to be important in pathophysiology of vascular
      injury under the three broad headings of "vascular", "neural" and
      "intravascular". Aspects on the vibration and vascular inflammation are briefly
      discussed. And the epidemiological studies related to vibration studies in SSc
      and other rheumatic diseases are taken into account.

PMID- 25112481
TI  - A comparison of the effectiveness of physical activity and sedentary behaviour
      interventions in reducing sedentary time in adults: a systematic review and meta
      analysis of controlled trials.
AB  - The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature and
      compare the effectiveness of controlled interventions with a focus on physical
      activity (PA) and/or sedentary behaviours (SBs) for reducing sedentary time in
      adults. Six electronic databases were searched to identify all studies that
      examined the effects of interventions that targeted PA and/or SBs and that
      reported on changes in SBs (sedentary, sitting or television time). A qualitative
      synthesis was performed for all studies, and meta-analyses conducted among
      studies with mean differences (min/d) of sedentary time. PROSPERO:
      CRD42014006535. Sixty-five controlled studies met inclusion criteria; 33 were
      used in the meta-analyses. Interventions with a focus on PA or that included a PA
      and SB component produced less consistent findings and generally resulted in
      modest reductions in sedentary time (PA: standardized mean differences [SMD] = 
      0.22 [95% confidence interval {CI}: -0.35, -0.10], PA+SB: SMD= -0.37 [95% CI: 
      0.69, -0.05]). Moderate quality evidence from the randomized controlled trial
      meta-analysis coupled with the qualitative synthesis provides consistent evidence
      that large and clinically meaningful reductions in sedentary time can be expected
      from interventions with a focus on reducing SBs (SMD= -1.28 [95% CI: -1.68, 
      0.87] ). There is evidence to support the need for interventions to include a
      component focused on reducing SBs in order to generate clinically meaningful
      reductions in sedentary time.

PMID- 25112485
TI  - The relationship between daily urinary sodium excretion and metabolic syndrome in
      patients with kidney transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a
      relationship between daily urinary sodium excretion and metabolic syndrome in
      kidney transplantation patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study
      included 76 adult renal transplantation recipients. To calculate urinary sodium
      excretion, 24-h urine samples were collected. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed
      according to Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria updated in a statement
      from the American Heart Association (AHA)/National Heart, Lung, and Blood
      Institute (NHLBI) in 2005. RESULTS: Mean age of the 76 patients was 38 +/- 10
      years; 21 of the 76 patients were female. Metabolic syndrome was found in 52
      (68.4%) of the 76 renal transplantation patients. Mean daily urinary sodium
      excretion was 190 +/- 102 mmol/day, which is equal to a salt intake of 11.1
      g/day. Daily urinary sodium excretion was significantly higher in patients with
      metabolic syndrome compared to those without metabolic syndrome (209 +/- 112
      mmol/day and 150 +/- 62 mmol/day, respectively, p: 0.005). Daily urinary sodium
      excretion correlated with diastolic blood pressure (r: 0.254, p: 0.028), serum
      glucose concentration (r: 0.446, p: <0.001), and creatinine clearance (r: 478, p:
      <0.001). In addition, although there was no significant correlation between daily
      urinary sodium excretion and systolic blood pressure, the statistical
      significance was borderline (r: 0.221, p: 0.056). CONCLUSIONS: There is a
      significant relationship between daily urinary sodium excretion and metabolic
      syndrome in renal transplant recipients. The Turkish kidney transplantation
      patients consume a great amount of salt and salt intake is positively correlated
      with blood pressure.

PMID- 25112486
TI  - Factors Associated With Hospitalizations Among HIV-Infected Adults in the United
      States: Review of the Literature.
AB  - Although improving health outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected
      persons has been identified as a national priority, little is known about the
      factors associated with hospitalizations of HIV-infected persons in the highly
      active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. Since the introduction of HAART in
      1996, there has been a dramatic increase in the life expectancy of HIV-infected
      persons. However, aging and the long term use of HIV medications have led to an
      increased incidence of chronic, non-HIV-related illnesses. To improve patient
      outcomes, the factors that contribute to co-morbidities in HIV-infected persons
      need to be identified. As a first step, we will summarize the current literature
      on causes and contributing factors of hospitalizations in adults infected with
      HIV in the HAART era. 

PMID- 25112487
TI  - Noninvasive prenatal testing.
AB  - Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) refers to recently developed genetic tests of
      the maternal serum that allow higher detection rates of trisomy 21 and other
      chromosomal aneuploidies in high-risk pregnancies. Noninvasive prenatal test
      analyzes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the maternal serum. Approximately 3% to 15% of
      cfDNA in the maternal blood is of fetal origin. Analysis of cfDNA can help
      identify fetuses affected with trisomy 21 and several other fetal aneuploidies.
      Testing can be performed after 9 to 10 weeks' gestation and has a higher
      sensitivity and specificity for trisomy 21 than other aneuploidy screening test.
      Noninvasive prenatal test has been studied and validated in singleton pregnancies
      at risk for trisomy 21 secondary to advanced maternal age, an abnormal serum
      screen, personal or family history of aneuploidy, or abnormal ultrasound
      findings, if these are suggestive of trisomy 13, 18, or 21. The utilization of
      NIPT for genetic screening has increased rapidly since introduction of the first
      clinical test in October 2011. Currently, there are limitations to NIPT including
      the possibility of test failure (2.6%-5.4%) and the focus on only the common
      trisomies. Noninvasive prenatal test is a screening test, and both false-positive
      (0.2%-1%) and false-negative results can occur. As the technology for NIPT is
      further evaluated, this test is likely to be increasingly used for prenatal
      screening. This review provides the obstetric clinician with an update of the
      current issues concerning NIPT. 

PMID- 25112488
TI  - The impact of preoperative gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment on
      women with uterine fibroids: a meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of gonadotropin
      releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment before surgery for women with uterine
      fibroids and to explore potential factors predicting the pooled effect sizes.
      METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed from published randomized controlled
      trials using the random effects model. The efficacy of preoperative treatment
      with GnRHa was investigated according to volume measurements of fibroid tumors,
      postoperative complications, myoma recurrence, and changes in fertility.
      Metaregression and subgroup analysis were used to identify potential predictors
      of the effect sizes. RESULTS: A total of 26 studies were selected for the meta
      analysis. Preoperative GnRHa therapy for women with uterine fibroids was
      associated with a smaller preoperative volume of fibroid tumors, increased
      hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, reductions in preoperative pelvic symptoms and
      the vertical incision rate, and a higher proportion of patients undergoing a
      vaginal procedure. No differences were observed in postoperative complications,
      myoma recurrence, and changes in fertility in the GnRHa-treated patients compared
      with patients treated with placebo or alternative clinical agents. The
      metaregression suggested that age, the duration of GnRHa treatment, the type of
      control group, and the type of surgery were important predictors of the efficacy
      of preoperative GnRHa treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative GnRHa treatment for
      women with uterine fibroids reduces preoperative fibroid size and increases
      hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist
      pretreatment reduces preoperative pelvic symptoms and the rate of vertical
      incision and results in a higher chance of patients to receive a vaginal
      procedure, without significant difference in postoperative complications when
      comparing with other preoperative treatments. The patients' age, duration of
      GnRHa treatment, agents selected as control, and types of surgical procedures
      serve as predictors of the efficacy of preoperative GnRHa treatment.

PMID- 25112489
TI  - Definition and epidemiology of unexplained infertility.
AB  - The diagnosis of unexplained infertility can be made only after excluding common
      causes of infertility using standard fertility investigations,which include semen
      analysis, assessment of ovulation, and tubal patency test. These tests have been
      selected as they have definitive correlation with pregnancy. It is estimated that
      a standard fertility evaluation will fail to identify an abnormality in
      approximately 15% to 30% of infertile couples. The reported incidence of such
      unexplained infertility varies according to the age and selection criteria in the
      study population. We conducted a review of the literature via MEDLINE. Articles
      were limited to English-language, human studies published between 1950 and 2013.
      Since first coined more than 50 years ago, the term unexplained infertility has
      been a subject of debate. Although additional investigations are reported to
      explain or define other causes of infertility, these have high false-positive
      results and therefore cannot be recommended for routine clinical practice.
      Couples with unexplained infertility might be reassured that even after 12 months
      of unsuccessful attempts, 50% will conceive in the following 12 months and
      another 12% in the year after.

PMID- 25112491
TI  - Shear stress and VEGF enhance endothelial differentiation of human adipose
      derived stem cells.
AB  - Herein we combine chemical and mechanical stimulation to investigate the effects
      of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and physiological shear stress in
      promoting the differentiation human adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) into
      endothelial cells. ADSCs were isolated and characterized; endothelial
      differentiation was promoted by culturing confluent cells in 50 ng/ml VEGF under
      physiological shear stress for up to 14 days. Afterwards, endothelial cells were
      seeded onto collagen or acellular aortic valve matrices and exposed to four
      culture conditions: shear stress + VEGF; shear stress - VEGF; static + VEGF and
      static - VEGF. After 7 days, phenotype was investigated. ADSCs subjected to shear
      stress and VEGF express a comprehensive range of specific endothelial markers
      (vWF, eNOS and FLT-1 after 7 days and CD31, FLk-1 and VE-cadherin after 14 days)
      and maintain the phenotype when seeded onto scaffolds. Our protocol proved to be
      an efficient source of endothelial-like cells for tissue engineering based on
      autologous ADSC.

PMID- 25112492
TI  - Identifying determinants of care for tailoring implementation in chronic
      diseases: an evaluation of different methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The tailoring of implementation interventions includes the
      identification of the determinants of, or barriers to, healthcare practice.
      Different methods for identifying determinants have been used in implementation
      projects, but which methods are most appropriate to use is unknown. METHODS: The
      study was undertaken in five European countries, recommendations for a different
      chronic condition being addressed in each country: Germany (polypharmacy in
      multimorbid patients); the Netherlands (cardiovascular risk management); Norway
      (depression in the elderly); Poland (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-
      COPD); and the United Kingdom (UK) (obesity). Using samples of professionals and
      patients in each country, three methods were compared directly: brainstorming
      amongst health professionals, interviews of health professionals, and interviews
      of patients. The additional value of discussion structured through reference to a
      checklist of determinants in addition to brainstorming, and determinants
      identified by open questions in a questionnaire survey, were investigated
      separately. The questionnaire, which included closed questions derived from a
      checklist of determinants, was administered to samples of health professionals in
      each country. Determinants were classified according to whether it was likely
      that they would inform the design of an implementation intervention (defined as
      plausibly important determinants). RESULTS: A total of 601 determinants judged to
      be plausibly important were identified. An additional 609 determinants were
      judged to be unlikely to inform an implementation intervention, and were
      classified as not plausibly important. Brainstorming identified 194 of the
      plausibly important determinants, health professional interviews 152, patient
      interviews 63, and open questions 48. Structured group discussion identified 144
      plausibly important determinants in addition to those already identified by
      brainstorming. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic methods can lead to the identification of
      large numbers of determinants. Tailoring will usually include a process to
      decide, from all the determinants that are identified, those to be addressed by
      implementation interventions. There is no best buy of methods to identify
      determinants, and a combination should be used, depending on the topic and
      setting. Brainstorming is a simple, low cost method that could be relevant to
      many tailored implementation projects.

PMID- 25112493
TI  - Vitamin D insufficiency and abnormal hemoglobin a1c in black and white older
      persons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although vitamin D has been mechanistically linked to insulin
      secretion and sensitivity, it remains unclear whether low 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      levels confer an increased risk of impaired glucose metabolism. We evaluated the
      relationship between vitamin D insufficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20ng/mL) and
      abnormal hemoglobin A1c (A1c) (>=6.5%) in community-dwelling older persons and
      examined whether this relationship differed according to race. METHODS:
      Participants were 2,193 persons of age 70-79 years at Year 1 (52% women; 37%
      black) in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study who had clinic visits at
      Years 2 and 4. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for potential confounders,
      were used to evaluate the association between vitamin D insufficiency and
      abnormal A1c 2 years later. Interaction of race and vitamin D insufficiency was
      tested. RESULTS: A total of 665 (30%) and 301 (14%) of the participants had
      vitamin D insufficiency at Year 2 and abnormal A1c at Year 4, respectively. After
      controlling for demographics, other potential confounders, and diabetes status at
      Year 4 (n = 477 diabetics), we found that vitamin D insufficiency was associated
      with an increased likelihood of having abnormal A1c (odds ratio = 1.56; 95% CI:
      1.03-2.37). We also found that this relationship persisted among the 1,765
      participants without diabetes in Year 2 (odds ratio = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.00-5.40).
      Findings did not differ by race. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D insufficiency was
      associated with abnormal A1c levels among black and white older persons
      independent of diabetes status. Future studies are needed to establish the
      temporal relationship between vitamin D and A1c in diverse samples of older
      persons.

PMID- 25112495
TI  - The assessment of general well-being using spontaneous burrowing behaviour in a
      short-term model of chemotherapy-induced mucositis in the rat.
AB  - Mucositis is a common and serious side-effect experienced by cancer patients
      during treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Consequently, programmes of
      research focus on the elucidation of novel therapeutics for alleviation of
      mucositis symptoms, and these frequently use animal models. However, although
      these models are assumed to be painful and distressing to the animal, endpoints
      are difficult to determine. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a
      change in burrowing behaviour could provide an indication of disease onset and
      potentially be applied as a humane endpoint. Baseline burrowing behaviour was
      measured in healthy animals on three occasions by determining the weight of
      gravel displaced from a hollow tube. Mucositis was then induced in the same
      animals by intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (150 mg/kg) and burrowing
      behaviour recorded over three consecutive days. Standard measures of disease
      progression, including body weight loss and clinical score, were also made. The
      presence of mucositis was confirmed at necropsy by findings of decreased duodenal
      and colon lengths, and reduced liver, spleen and thymus weights in comparison
      with non-treated control animals. Histological score of the jejunum and ileum was
      also significantly increased. Mucositis onset coincided with a decrease in mean
      burrowing behaviour which was progressive, however this result did not achieve
      statistical significance (P = 0.66).We conclude that burrowing may be a useful
      indicator of inflammation in the mucositis model, although this requires further
      characterization. Pre-selection of animals into treatment groups based on their
      prior burrowing performance should be pursued in further studies. 

PMID- 25112496
TI  - Alkaline phosphatases in microbialites and bacterioplankton from Alchichica soda
      lake, Mexico.
AB  - Dissolved organic phosphorus utilization by different members of natural
      communities has been closely linked to microbial alkaline phosphatases whose
      affiliation and diversity is largely unknown. Here we assessed genetic diversity
      of bacterial alkaline phosphatases phoX and phoD, using highly diverse microbial
      consortia (microbialites and bacterioplankton) as study models. These microbial
      consortia are found in an oligo-mesotrophic soda lake with a particular
      geochemistry, exhibiting a low calcium concentration and a high Mg : Ca ratio
      relative to seawater. In spite of the relative low calcium concentration in the
      studied system, our results highlight the diversity of calcium-based
      metallophosphatases phoX and phoD-like in heterotrophic bacteria of microbialites
      and bacterioplankton, where phoX was the most abundant alkaline phosphatase
      found. phoX and phoD-like phylotypes were more numerous in microbialites than in
      bacterioplankton. A larger potential community for DOP utilization in
      microbialites was consistent with the TN : TP ratio, suggesting P limitation
      within these assemblages. A cross-system comparison indicated that diversity of
      phoX in Lake Alchichica was similar to that of other aquatic systems with a
      naturally contrasting ionic composition and trophic state, although no phylotypes
      were shared among systems. 

PMID- 25112494
TI  - Enhanced somatosensory feedback reduces prefrontal cortical activity during
      walking in older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The coordination of steady state walking is relatively automatic in
      healthy humans, such that active attention to the details of task execution and
      performance (controlled processing) is low. Somatosensation is a crucial input to
      the spinal and brainstem circuits that facilitate this automaticity. Impaired
      somatosensation in older adults may reduce automaticity and increase controlled
      processing, thereby contributing to deficits in walking function. The primary
      objective of this study was to determine if enhancing somatosensory feedback can
      reduce controlled processing during walking, as assessed by prefrontal cortical
      activation. METHODS: Fourteen older adults (age 77.1+/-5.56 years) with mild
      mobility deficits and mild somatosensory deficits participated in this study.
      Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to quantify metabolic activity
      (tissue oxygenation index, TOI) in the prefrontal cortex. Prefrontal activity and
      gait spatiotemporal data were measured during treadmill walking and overground
      walking while participants wore normal shoes and under two conditions of enhanced
      somatosensation: wearing textured insoles and no shoes. RESULTS: Relative to
      walking with normal shoes, textured insoles yielded a bilateral reduction of
      prefrontal cortical activity for treadmill walking (DeltaTOI = -0.85 and -1.19
      for left and right hemispheres, respectively) and for overground walking
      (DeltaTOI = -0.51 and -0.66 for left and right hemispheres, respectively).
      Relative to walking with normal shoes, no shoes yielded lower prefrontal cortical
      activity for treadmill walking (DeltaTOI = -0.69 and -1.13 for left and right
      hemispheres, respectively), but not overground walking. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced
      somatosensation reduces prefrontal activity during walking in older adults. This
      suggests a less intensive utilization of controlled processing during walking.

PMID- 25112498
TI  - Bloom of the cyanobacterium Moorea bouillonii on the gorgonian coral Annella
      reticulata in Japan.
AB  - Coral populations are in decline due to environmental changes and biological
      attacks by predators and infectious diseases. Here, we report a localized bloom
      of the benthic filamentous cyanobacterium Moorea bouillonii (formerly Lyngbya
      bouillonii) observed exclusively on the gorgonian (sea fan) coral Annella
      reticulata at around 20 m depth in Japan. The degree of infection has reached 26%
      among different sizes of Annella colonies. Thick and continuous growth of Moorea
      may be sustained partly by symbiotic alpheid shrimp, which affix Moorea filaments
      to gorgonian corals for use as food and shelter. Most filaments get entangled on
      the coral colony, some penetrate into the stem of the coral with a swollen end
      like a root hair, which appears to function as an anchor in Annella. In addition
      to the cyanobacterium-shrimp interaction, the new trait of anchoring by the
      cyanobacterium into gorgonian coral may contribute to persistence of this bloom.

PMID- 25112497
TI  - Perceptions of, attitudes towards and barriers to male involvement in newborn
      care in rural Ghana, West Africa: a qualitative analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Male involvement in various health practices is recognized as an
      important factor in improving maternal and child health outcomes. Male
      involvement interventions involve men in a variety of ways, at varying levels of
      inclusion and use a range of outcome measures. There is little agreement on how
      male involvement should be measured and some authors contend that male
      involvement may actually be detrimental to women's empowerment and autonomy. Few
      studies explore the realities, perceptions, determinants and efficacy of male
      involvement in newborn care, especially in African contexts. METHODS: Birth
      narratives of recent mothers (n = 25), in-depth interviews with recent fathers (n
      = 12) and two focus group discussions with fathers (n = 22) were conducted during
      the formative research phase of a community-based newborn care trial. Secondary
      analysis of this qualitative data identified emergent themes and established
      overall associations related to male involvement, newborn care and household
      roles in a rural African setting. RESULTS: Data revealed that gender dictates
      many of the perceptions and politics surrounding newborn care in this context.
      The influence of mother-in-laws and generational power dynamics were also
      identified as significant. Women alone perform almost all tasks related to
      newborn care whereas men take on the traditional responsibilities of economic
      providers and decision makers, especially concerning their wives' and children's
      health. Most men were interested in being more involved in newborn care but
      identified barriers to increased involvement, many of which related to gendered
      and generational divisions of labour and space. CONCLUSIONS: Men defined
      involvement in a variety of ways, even if they were not physically involved in
      carrying out newborn care tasks. Some participant comments revealed potential
      risks of increasing male involvement suggesting that male involvement alone
      should not be an outcome in future interventions. Rather, the effect of male
      involvement on women's autonomy, the dynamics of senior women's influence and
      power and the real impact on health outcomes should be considered in intervention
      design and implementation. Any male involvement intervention should integrate a
      detailed understanding of context and strategies to include men in maternal and
      child health should be mutually empowering for both women and men.

PMID- 25112499
TI  - Embryogenesis of Heliconius erato (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae): a contribution to
      the anatomical development of an evo-devo model organism.
AB  - This study reports on the embryogenesis of Heliconius erato phyllis between
      blastoderm formation and the prehatching larval stage. Syncytial blastoderm
      formation occurred approximately 2 h after egg laying (AEL) and at about 4 h, the
      cellular blastoderm was formed. The germ band arose from the entire length of the
      blastoderm, and rapidly became compacted occupying approximately two-thirds of
      the egg length. At about 7 h AEL, protocephalon and protocorm differentiation
      occurred. Continued proliferation of the germ band was followed by penetration
      into the yolk mass, forming a C-shaped embryo at about 10 h. Approximately 12 h
      AEL, the gnathal, thoracic and abdominal segments became visible. The primordium
      of the mouthparts and thoracic legs formed as paired evaginations, while the
      prolegs formed as paired lobes. At about 30 h, the embryo reversed
      dorsoventrally. Approximately 32 h AEL, the protocephalon and gnathal segments
      fused, shifting the relative position of the rudimentary appendages in this
      region. At about 52 h, the embryo was U-shaped in lateral view and at
      approximately 56 h, the bristles began evagination from the larval cuticle.
      Larvae hatched at about 72 h. We found that H. erato phyllis followed an
      embryonic pattern consistent with long-germ embryogenesis. Thus, we believe that
      H. erato phyllis should be classified as a long-germ lepidopteran. The study of
      H. erato phyllis embryogenesis provided a structural glimpse into the
      morphogenetic events that occur in the Heliconius egg period. This study could
      help future molecular approaches to understanding the evolution of Heliconius
      development.

PMID- 25112500
TI  - Mobilization of patients on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
      support using an ECMO helmet.

PMID- 25112501
TI  - The assessment of transpulmonary pressure in mechanically ventilated ARDS
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The optimal method for estimating transpulmonary pressure (i.e. the
      fraction of the airway pressure transmitted to the lung) has not yet been
      established. METHODS: In this study on 44 patients with acute respiratory
      distress syndrome (ARDS), we computed the end-inspiratory transpulmonary pressure
      as the change in airway and esophageal pressure from end-inspiration to
      atmospheric pressure (i.e. release derived) and as the product of the end
      inspiratory airway pressure and the ratio of lung to respiratory system elastance
      (i.e. elastance derived). The end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure was
      estimated as the product of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) minus the
      direct measurement of esophageal pressure and by the release method. RESULTS: The
      mean elastance- and release-derived transpulmonary pressure were 14.4 +/- 3.7 and
      14.4 +/- 3.8 cmH2O at 5 cmH2O of PEEP and 21.8 +/- 5.1 and 21.8 +/- 4.9 cmH2O at
      15 cmH2O of PEEP, respectively (P = 0.32, P = 0.98, respectively), indicating
      that these parameters were significantly related (r(2) = 0.98, P < 0.001 at 5
      cmH2O of PEEP; r(2) = 0.93, P < 0.001 at 15 cmH2O of PEEP). The percentage error
      was 5.6 and 12.0 %, respectively. The mean directly measured and release-derived
      transpulmonary pressure were -8.0 +/- 3.8 and 3.9 +/- 0.9 cmH2O at 5 cmH2O of
      PEEP and -1.2 +/- 3.2 and 10.6 +/- 2.2 cmH2O at 15 cmH2O of PEEP, respectively,
      indicating that these parameters were not related (r(2) = 0.07, P = 0.08 at 5
      cmH2O of PEEP; r (2) = 0.10, P = 0.53 at 15 cmH2O of PEEP). CONCLUSIONS: Based on
      our observations, elastance-derived transpulmonary pressure can be considered to
      be an adequate surrogate of the release-derived transpulmonary pressure, while
      the release-derived and directly measured end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure
      are not related.

PMID- 25112502
TI  - Myocardial viability in human septic heart.

PMID- 25112503
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to allogeneic T-cell depleted
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in infants with severe combined immune
      deficiency: is it feasible?

PMID- 25112505
TI  - Assessment of arsenic availability in soils using the diffusive gradients in thin
      films (DGT) technique--a comparison study of DGT and classic extraction methods.
AB  - This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of available
      arsenic (As) measurement in soils using the diffusive gradients in thin films
      (DGT) technique and to shed further light on the risk evaluation of As
      contaminated soils. A bio-indicator method was used to evaluate the dependence of
      As concentrations in plant tissues (edible rape) on the As concentrations
      measured by other methods. DGT, extraction of soil pore water, 0.5 M NaHCO3, 1 M
      HCl, 1 M NH4Cl, 0.5 M NH4F, 0.1 M NaOH and 0.25 M H2SO4 extraction methods, as
      well as total As content in the soil were employed in this study. Edible rape was
      grown in 43 soils containing different concentrations of As. A better correlation
      was obtained between the As concentrations in plant tissues and the As
      concentrations measured by DGT than between plant concentrations and those
      measured by other methods. The coefficients of determination (R(2)) before and
      after growth of edible rape were 0.84 and 0.83, respectively. Levels of As in
      plants and in soil pore water were also closely related: the coefficients of
      determination (R(2)) between these variables before and after growth of edible
      rape were 0.83 and 0.81, respectively. Measurements from the chemical extraction
      methods were inferior to those from DGT and soil pore water. Levels of As in
      plants were more scattered and nonlinear with respect to total soil As content
      (R(2) = 0.27). The As measured by DGT closely reflected the pool of plant
      adsorbed As. From the data obtained in this study, we can conclude that DGT is an
      effective technique for the prediction and assessment of As bioavailability in
      soils. 

PMID- 25112504
TI  - Bacteriophage as effective decolonising agent for elimination of MRSA from
      anterior nares of BALB/c mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nasal carriers not only pose serious threat to themselves but also to
      the community by playing an active role in the dissemination of serious and life
      threatening S. aureus especially MRSA strains. The present study focuses on the
      use of broad spectrum lytic phage as decolonising agent. In addition, the
      combined use of lytic phage with mupirocin has also been investigated as an
      effective decolonising regimen. The effect of phage on the adherence, invasion
      and cytotoxic effect of MRSA strains on nasal epithelial cells was studied in an
      ex-vivo model of cultured murine nasal epithelial cells. This was followed by
      demonstration of therapeutic potential of phage along with mupirocin in
      decolonising the nares of BALB/c mice using a nasal model of MRSA colonisation.
      RESULTS: Phage was able to significantly reduce the in vitro adherence, invasion
      and cytotoxicity of MRSA 43300 as well as other clinical MRSA strains on murine
      nasal epithelial cells as compared to untreated control. Also, the frequency of
      emergence of spontaneous mutants decreased to negligible levels when both the
      agents (phage and mupirocin) were used together. CONCLUSION: Phage MR-10, given
      along with mupirocin showed an additive effect and the combination was able to
      effectively eradicate the colonising MRSA population from the nares of mice by
      day 5.

PMID- 25112506
TI  - Photodynamic inactivation of bacterial and yeast biofilms with a cationic
      porphyrin.
AB  - The efficiency of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin tetra
      iodide (Tetra-Py(+)-Me) in the photodynamic inactivation of single-species
      biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans
      and mixed biofilms of S. aureus and C. albicans was evaluated. The effect on the
      extracellular matrix of P. aeruginosa was also assessed. Irradiation with white
      light up to an energy dose of 64.8 J cm(-2) in the presence of 20 MUm of Tetra
      Py(+)-Me caused significant inactivation in all single-species biofilms (3-6 log
      reductions), although the susceptibility was attenuated in relation to planktonic
      cells. In mixed biofilms, the inactivation of S. aureus was as efficient as in
      single-species biofilms but the susceptibility of C. albicans decreased. In P.
      aeruginosa biofilms, a reduction of 81% in the polysaccharide content of the
      matrix was observed after treatment with a 20 MUm PS concentration and a total
      light dose of 64.8 J cm(-2). The results show that the Tetra-Py(+)-Me causes
      significant inactivation of the microorganisms, either in biofilms or in the
      planktonic form, and demonstrate that polysaccharides of the biofilm matrix may
      be a primary target of photodynamic damage.

PMID- 25112507
TI  - Motor neuron disease: Evaluation of ALS via transcranial magnetic stimulation.

PMID- 25112511
TI  - Neuro-oncology: Under-recognized mental incapacity in brain tumour patients.
AB  - Many patients with brain tumours possess inadequate mental capacity to provide
      informed consent, but this situation often goes undetected because clinicians do
      not routinely conduct formal cognitive assessments. This oversight should be
      recognized and rectified to enable optimum ethical and medical care of these
      vulnerable individuals.

PMID- 25112510
TI  - Epilepsy: Beyond the single nucleotide variant in epilepsy genetics.
AB  - Copy number variants (CNVs; deletions or duplications of chromosomal regions)
      have emerged as an important cause of human disease. In a recent study, epilepsy
      could be attributed to a pathogenic CNV in 5% of patients, but understanding the
      implications of a CNV for an individual patient can be challenging.

PMID- 25112509
TI  - The link between multiple sclerosis and depression.
AB  - Depression--be it a formal diagnosis based on consensus clinical criteria, or a
      collection of symptoms revealed by a self-report rating scale--is common in
      patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and adds substantially to the morbidity and
      mortality associated with this disease. This Review discusses the prevalence and
      epidemiology of depression in patients with MS, before covering aetiological
      factors, including genetics, brain pathology, immunological changes,
      dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and psychosocial
      influences. Treatment options such as antidepressant drugs, cognitive-behavioural
      therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, exercise and electroconvulsive therapy are
      also reviewed in the context of MS-related depression. Frequent comorbid
      conditions, namely pain, fatigue, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction and alcohol use,
      are also summarized. The article then explores three key challenges facing
      researchers and clinicians: what is the optimal way to define depression in the
      context of diseases such as MS, in which the psychiatric and neurological
      symptoms overlap; how can current knowledge about the biological and
      psychological underpinnings of MS-related depression be used to boost the
      validity of this construct; and can intervention be made more effective through
      use of combination therapies with additive or synergistic effects, which might
      exceed the modest benefits derived from their individual components?

PMID- 25112512
TI  - Troponin elevations only detected with a high-sensitivity assay: clinical
      correlations and prognostic significance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: With clinical use of high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI), more
      frequent troponin elevations will occur. However, the burden and implications of
      these elevations are not well understood. The authors quantified the prevalence
      of elevated hsTnI in patients presenting with possible acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS) who do not have elevated troponin with a current generation assay (cardiac
      troponin I [cTnI]) and determined the association of these newly detected
      elevations with a composite of all-cause mortality and subsequent cardiac
      hospitalization. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of 808
      subjects evaluated for possible ACS and followed for up to 1 year. Troponin
      values were measured with hsTnI (Abbott Laboratories) and cTnI (Abbott and
      Beckman Coulter). Cardiac hospitalization was defined as hospitalization for ACS,
      revascularization, acute heart failure (AHF), or tachy/brady arrhythmia that
      occurred after the index emergency department (ED) visit or hospital discharge.
      RESULTS: Forty subjects (5%) were diagnosed with ACS (26 myocardial infarction
      and 14 unstable angina). On the initial sample, the prevalence of elevated hsTnI
      among subjects with nonelevated cTnI was 9.2% using a gender-neutral cutoff (95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 7.1% to 11.4%) and 11.1% using a gender-specific
      cutoff (95% CI = 8.8% to 13.4%). Adjudicated diagnoses for subjects whose initial
      samples had elevated hsTnI but nonelevated cTnI (gender-neutral cutoff) were as
      follows: three (4.6%) ACS, 15 (23.1%) AHF, three (4.6%) volume overload etiology
      unclear/noncardiac, three (4.6%) cardiac (non-ACS), and 41 (63.1%) other. Of the
      65 patients whose initial samples had hsTnI but nonelevated cTnI, eight developed
      cTnI elevation on subsequent serial sampling. After traditional cardiovascular
      risk factors and renal function were adjusted for, subjects with elevated initial
      hsTnI but nonelevated cTnI (initial and serial sampling) had a higher risk of all
      cause mortality and subsequent cardiac hospitalization than subjects with both
      nonelevated hsTnI and nonelevated cTnI (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.14
      to 3.19). CONCLUSIONS: On the initial sample, 9% to 11% of subjects without cTnI
      elevation had hsTnI elevation. Although the majority of the patients with these
      newly detected hsTnI elevations did not have ACS, they had a higher risk for all
      cause mortality and subsequent cardiac hospitalization.

PMID- 25112508
TI  - Treatment of neuromyelitis optica: state-of-the-art and emerging therapies.
AB  - Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disease of the CNS that is
      characterized by inflammatory demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord and optic
      nerve, potentially leading to paralysis and blindness. NMO can usually be
      distinguished from multiple sclerosis (MS) on the basis of seropositivity for IgG
      antibodies against the astrocytic water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4).
      Differentiation from MS is crucial, because some MS treatments can exacerbate
      NMO. NMO pathogenesis involves AQP4-IgG antibody binding to astrocytic AQP4,
      which causes complement-dependent cytotoxicity and secondary inflammation with
      granulocyte and macrophage infiltration, blood-brain barrier disruption and
      oligodendrocyte injury. Current NMO treatments include general immunosuppressive
      agents, B-cell depletion, and plasma exchange. Therapeutic strategies targeting
      complement proteins, the IL-6 receptor, neutrophils, eosinophils and CD19--all
      initially developed for other indications--are under clinical evaluation for
      repurposing for NMO. Therapies in the preclinical phase include AQP4-blocking
      antibodies and AQP4-IgG enzymatic inactivation. Additional, albeit currently
      theoretical, treatment options include reduction of AQP4 expression, disruption
      of AQP4 orthogonal arrays, enhancement of complement inhibitor expression,
      restoration of the blood-brain barrier, and induction of immune tolerance.
      Despite the many therapeutic options in NMO, no controlled clinical trials in
      patients with this condition have been conducted to date.

PMID- 25112516
TI  - Sponges associated with octocorals in the Indo-Pacific, with the description of
      four new species.
AB  - Sponges are characterised by high levels of phenotypic plasticity, thus allowing
      the same species to live in different habitats by taking different shapes. Here
      we describe 28 sponge species associated with the octocorals Carijoa riisei,
      Paratelesto rosea and Alertigorgia hoeksemai in Indonesia, Hawai'i and Vietnam,
      including four species that are new to science (Chondropsis subtilis, Hymedesmia
      (Hymedesmia) spinata, Hymedesmia (Stylopus) perlucida, Mycale (Aegogropila)
      furcata). Moreover, a large proportion of the described sponge species (21.4%)
      represent new records for the studied areas (Indonesia and Hawai'i). In total, we
      have studied 47 colonies of C. riisei associated with 24 sponge species, 5
      colonies of P. rosea associated with 4 species and one colony of A. hoeksemai
      associated with one sponge species. Collectively, these examples of associations
      highlight the importance of epibiosis as a biodiversity enhancing process. 

PMID- 25112517
TI  - Highly enantioselective catalytic system for asymmetric copolymerization of
      carbon dioxide and cyclohexene oxide.
AB  - A new ligand can be easily prepared, and its intramolecular dinuclear zinc
      complexes act as a high performance catalyst for the asymmetric alternating
      copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and CO2 under very mild conditions (1 atm
      CO2 , room temperature), affording completely alternating polycarbonates with up
      to 93.8 % enantiomeric excess (ee) and 98 % yield. A high Mn value of 28 600 and
      a relatively narrow polydispersity (Mw /Mn ratio) of 1.43 were also achieved. 

PMID- 25112515
TI  - Admixture mapping identifies a quantitative trait locus associated with FEV1/FVC
      in the COPDGene Study.
AB  - African Americans are admixed with genetic contributions from European and
      African ancestral populations. Admixture mapping leverages this information to
      map genes influencing differential disease risk across populations. We performed
      admixture and association mapping in 3,300 African American current or former
      smokers from the COPDGene Study. We analyzed estimated local ancestry and SNP
      genotype information to identify regions associated with FEV1 /FVC, the ratio of
      forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity, measured by
      spirometry performed after bronchodilator administration. Global African ancestry
      inversely associated with FEV1 /FVC (P = 0.035). Genome-wide admixture analysis,
      controlling for age, gender, body mass index, current smoking status, pack-years
      smoked, and four principal components summarizing the genetic background of
      African Americans in the COPDGene Study, identified a region on chromosome
      12q14.1 associated with FEV1 /FVC (P = 2.1 * 10(-6) ) when regressed on local
      ancestry. Allelic association in this region of chromosome 12 identified an
      intronic variant in FAM19A2 (rs348644) as associated with FEV1 /FVC (P = 1.76 *
      10(-6) ). By combining admixture and association mapping, a marker on chromosome
      12q14.1 was identified as being associated with reduced FEV1 /FVC ratio among
      African Americans in the COPDGene Study. 

PMID- 25112518
TI  - Design and characterization of a twin ribozyme for potential repair of a deletion
      mutation within the oncogenic CTNNB1-DeltaS45 mRNA.
AB  - RNA repair is an emerging strategy for gene therapy. Conventional gene therapy
      typically relies on the addition of the corrected DNA sequence of a defective
      gene to restore gene function. As an additional option, RNA repair allows
      alteration of the sequence of endogenous messenger RNAs (mRNAs). mRNA sequence
      alteration is either facilitated by intracellular spliceosome machinery or by the
      intrinsic catalytic activity of trans-acting ribozymes. Previously we developed
      twin ribozymes, derived from the hairpin ribozyme, by tandem duplication and
      demonstrated their potential for patchwise RNA repair. Herein we describe the
      development of such a twin ribozyme for potential repair of a deletion mutation
      in the oncogenic CTNNB1-DeltaS45 mRNA. We demonstrate that hairpin ribozyme units
      within the twin ribozyme can be adapted to efficiently cleave/ligate non
      consensus substrates by introduction of compensatory mutations in the ribozyme.
      Thus, we show the twin ribozyme mediated repair of truncated CTNNB1 transcripts
      (up to 1000 nt length). Repair of the entire CTNNB1-DeltaS45 mRNA, although
      apparently possible in general, is hampered in vitro by the secondary structure
      of the transcript. 

PMID- 25112514
TI  - Selenium-enriched Spirulina protects INS-1E pancreatic beta cells from human
      islet amyloid polypeptide-induced apoptosis through suppression of ROS-mediated
      mitochondrial dysfunction and PI3/AKT pathway.
AB  - PURPOSE: Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) aggregation is linked to loss of
      pancreatic beta cells in type 2 diabetes, in part due to oxidative stress.
      Currently, little is known about the effects of selenium-enriched Spirulina on
      beta cells with the presence of hIAPP. In this study, INS-1E rat insulinoma cells
      were used as a model to evaluate in vitro protective effects of Se-enriched
      Spirulina extract (Se-SE) against hIAPP-induced cell death, as well as the
      underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Flow cytometric analysis was used to evaluate
      cell apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) and ROS generation.
      Caspase activity was measured using a fluorometric method. Western blotting was
      applied to detect protein expression. RESULTS: Our results showed that exposure
      of INS-1E cells to hIAPP resulted in cell viability loss, LDH release and
      appearance of sub-G peak. However, cytotoxicity of hIAPP was significantly
      attenuated by co-treatment with Se-SE. Se-SE also inhibited hIAPP-induced
      activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9. Additionally, hIAPP-induced accumulation of
      ROS and superoxide was suppressed by co-treatment with Se-SE. Moreover, Se-SE was
      able to prevent hIAPP-induced depletion of DeltaPsim and intracellular ATP,
      reduction in mitochondrial mass, changes in the expression of Bcl-2 family
      members, release of mitochondrial apoptogenic factors. Furthermore, hIAPP
      mediated AKT inhibition was restored by co-treatment with Se-SE. CONCLUSION: Our
      results showed that Se-SE protects INS-1E cells from hIAPP-induced cell death
      through preventing ROS overproduction, mitochondrial dysfunction and modulating
      PI3K/AKT pathway.

PMID- 25112519
TI  - Sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx): another good reaction for click chemistry.
AB  - Aryl sulfonyl chlorides (e.g. Ts-Cl) are beloved of organic chemists as the most
      commonly used S(VI) electrophiles, and the parent sulfuryl chloride, O2 S(VI) Cl2
      , has also been relied on to create sulfates and sulfamides. However, the desired
      halide substitution event is often defeated by destruction of the sulfur
      electrophile because the S(VI) ?Cl bond is exceedingly sensitive to reductive
      collapse yielding S(IV) species and Cl(-) . Fortunately, the use of sulfur(VI)
      fluorides (e.g., R-SO2 -F and SO2 F2 ) leaves only the substitution pathway open.
      As with most of click chemistry, many essential features of sulfur(VI) fluoride
      reactivity were discovered long ago in Germany.6a Surprisingly, this
      extraordinary work faded from view rather abruptly in the mid-20th century. Here
      we seek to revive it, along with John Hyatt's unnoticed 1979 full paper
      exposition on CH2 ?CH-SO2 -F, the most perfect Michael acceptor ever found.98 To
      this history we add several new observations, including that the otherwise very
      stable gas SO2 F2 has excellent reactivity under the right circumstances. We also
      show that proton or silicon centers can activate the exchange of S?F bonds for
      S?O bonds to make functional products, and that the sulfate connector is
      surprisingly stable toward hydrolysis. Applications of this controllable ligation
      chemistry to small molecules, polymers, and biomolecules are discussed. 

PMID- 25112520
TI  - Generation and characterization of Lhx9-GFPCreER(T2) knock-in mouse line.
AB  - LHX9 is a LIM-homeodomain transcription factor essential for the development of
      gonads, spinal cord interneurons, and thalamic neurons to name a few. We recently
      reported the expression of LHX9 in retinal amacrine cells during development. In
      this study, we generated an Lhx9-GFPCreER(T) (2) (GCE) knock-in mouse line by
      knocking-in a GCE cassette at the Lhx9 locus, thus inactivating endogenous Lhx9.
      Lhx9(GCE) (/+) mice were viable, fertile, and displayed no overt phenotypical
      characteristics. Lhx9(GCE) (/) (GCE) mice were all phenotypically female, smaller
      in size, viable, but infertile. The specificity and efficacy of the Lhx9-GCE
      mouse line was verified by crossing it to a Rosa26-tdTomato reporter mouse line,
      which reveals the Cre recombinase activities in retinal amacrine cells,
      developing limbs, testis, hippocampal neurons, thalamic neurons, and cerebellar
      neurons. Taken together, the Lhx9-GCE mouse line could serve as a beneficial tool
      for lineage tracing and gene manipulation experiments. genesis

PMID- 25112522
TI  - Standards of practice for clinical pharmacists: the time has come.

PMID- 25112521
TI  - The precuneus and visuospatial attention in near and far space: a transcranial
      magnetic stimulation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a large body of evidence for the involvement of the parietal
      cortex in orientation and navigation in space. This has been supplemented by
      investigation of the contribution of a number of subregions using transcranial
      magnetic stimulation. OBJECTIVE: The role of the precuneus area, located in the
      medial plane of posterior parietal cortex (PPC), in visuospatial functions is not
      well understood. We investigated the contribution of this area using the landmark
      task. METHODS: Participants were asked to make forced-choice judgments of which
      side of prebisected line was longer for near and far viewing conditions (70 and
      180 cm, respectively). Online 10 Hz, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
      (rTMS) was delivered for 500 ms over the right precuneus, rPPC and vertex
      (control), in separate blocks of trials. The rPPC stimulation was used as a
      positive control, having previously resulted in "neglect like" spatial bias
      effects in a number of studies. RESULTS: A no-TMS condition showed a leftward
      spatial bias (pseudoneglect) for near space judgments but not for far space and
      was used as the baseline. Precuneus stimulation resulted in rightward spatial
      bias from the midpoint in near space similar to the rPPC neglect-like effect. No
      significant effects were seen with vertex stimulation. CONCLUSION: This study
      shows that precuneus, like other parietal areas, is involved in visuospatial
      functions. Further work is required to clarify how the contribution of this area
      differs from other parietal regions.

PMID- 25112523
TI  - Standards of practice for clinical pharmacists.

PMID- 25112524
TI  - Does board certification really matter?

PMID- 25112525
TI  - Clinical pharmacy should adopt a consistent process of direct patient care.
AB  - Although the application of a consistent process of care serves as a foundational
      principle for most health care professions, this is not true for the discipline
      of clinical pharmacy. Without an explicit, reproducible process of care, it is
      not possible to demonstrate to patients, caregivers, or health professionals the
      ways in which the clinical pharmacist can reliably contribute to improved
      medication-related outcomes. A consistent patient care process should describe
      the key steps that all clinical pharmacists will follow when they encounter a
      patient, regardless of the type of practice, the clinical setting, or the medical
      conditions or medications involved. Four essential elements serve as the
      cornerstones of the clinical pharmacist's patient care process: assess the
      patient and his or her medication therapy, develop a plan of care, implement the
      plan, and evaluate the outcomes of the plan. Despite the fact that several
      processes of care have been advocated for clinical pharmacists, none has been
      adopted by the clinical pharmacy discipline. In addition, numerous publications
      evaluate outcomes related to clinical pharmacy services, but it is difficult to
      determine what process of patient care was used in most of these studies. In our
      view, a consistent process of direct patient care that includes the four
      essential elements should be adopted by the clinical pharmacy discipline. This
      process should be clear, straightforward and intuitive, readily documentable, and
      applicable to all practice settings. Once adopted, the process should be
      implemented across practice settings, taught in professional degree programs,
      integrated into students' clinical rotations, refined during residency training,
      and used as a foundation for future large-scale studies to rigorously study the
      effects of the clinical pharmacist on patients' medication-related outcomes. 

PMID- 25112526
TI  - Successful use of octreotide as a chemoprotectant for prevention of PEG
      asparaginase-induced pancreatitis.
AB  - l-asparaginase is an aminohydrolase that deprives leukemia cells of l-asparagine
      required for protein synthesis. Although studies in patients with acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia have shown that the addition of l-asparaginase improved
      the overall remission rate, life-threatening acute pancreatitis has occurred in
      0.5-4% of patients. We describe the first adult case report, to our knowledge, of
      the successful use of octreotide as a chemoprotectant for the prevention of
      recurrent pegylated asparaginase (PEG-ASP)-induced pancreatitis in a 21-year-old
      man with Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After
      recurrent PEG-ASP administration during induction chemotherapy, he developed
      necrotizing pancreatitis, confirmed by abdominal computed tomography, and further
      asparaginase therapy was withheld. Currently, there are no specific treatment
      recommendations for the management of asparaginase-induced pancreatitis other
      than drug discontinuation. After disease relapse, a pediatric PEG-ASP-containing
      regimen was initiated, and PEG-ASP therapy was resumed due to its potential
      clinical benefit. Octreotide 100 MUg subcutaneously 3 times/day, utilized as a
      chemoprotectant, was found to prevent pancreatitis recurrence. The patient
      completed therapy and was able to receive a bone marrow transplant without
      further complications from PEG-ASP therapy. Based on this patient's experience,
      we believe it is reasonable to reincorporate PEG-ASP after an episode of
      pancreatitis with use of octreotide as a chemoprotectant; however, this
      conclusion will need to be substantiated in a randomized clinical trial with a
      larger group of patients. 

PMID- 25112527
TI  - Alternative viewpoint: preparation for residency.

PMID- 25112528
TI  - Beta-blocker and antipsychotic treatment of toxicity from so-called designer
      drugs.

PMID- 25112529
TI  - Shaping of an effective immune microenvironment to and by cancer cells.
AB  - A high density of intratumoral effector memory CD8+/Th1 T cells is associated
      with favorable prognosis in most cancers and may be induced or increased by
      immunotherapy. Efficient adaptive immune reactions are shaped in tumor adjacent
      tertiary lymphoid structures, which exhibit all characteristics of immunity
      generating lymphoid formations in reactive lymph nodes. Malignant tumor cells
      impact favorably or deleteriously their immune microenvironment if they bear
      genetic mutations that result in neo-antigens or by producing chemokines and
      cytokines that recruit lymphocytes and myeloid cells or increase inflammation and
      neo-angiogenesis. This intricate network of interactions results in control or
      escape of tumors, and its understanding will help define goals to monitor
      efficiency of immunotherapies.

PMID- 25112530
TI  - Downregulation of microRNA-124 predicts poor prognosis in glioma patients.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical significance of
      microRNA-124 (miR-124) expression in glioma. The expression levels of miR-124
      were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)
      analysis. The correlation between the miR-124 levels and the clinicopathological
      factors of the glioma patients was analyzed. The survival curves were calculated
      by the Kaplan-Meier method. The influence of each variable on survival was
      examined by the Cox multivariate regression analysis. Compared with nonneoplastic
      brain tissues, the expression level of miR-124 was significantly decreased in
      glioma tissues (1.27 +/- 0.55 versus 6.91 +/- 1.06, P < 0.0001). The expression
      level of miR-124 was positively correlated with grade (P = 0.003) and Karnofsky
      performance status (KPS) score (P = 0.008). A significant difference was found
      that glioma patients with low miR-124 expression level had distinctly shorter OS
      (P = 0.001) and PFS (P = 0.002) than patients with high miR-124 expression level.
      Furthermore, we found that low miR-124 expression (OS P = 0.009; PFS P = 0.002)
      and advanced histologic grade (OS P = 0.005; PFS P = 0.001) were independent
      prognostic parameters indicating poor prognosis for glioma patients. Our results
      showed that the decreased expression of miR-124 may be associated with malignant
      tumor progression and poor prognosis in patients with gliomas, suggesting that
      miR-124 may be a novel and valuable signature for predicting the clinical outcome
      of patients with gliomas. 

PMID- 25112531
TI  - Role of physical activity in reducing cognitive decline in older Mexican-American
      adults.
AB  - The effect of physical activity on cognitive function in older adults from
      minority and disadvantaged populations is not well understood. This study
      examined the longitudinal association between physical activity and cognition in
      older Mexican Americans. The study methodology included a prospective cohort with
      longitudinal analysis of data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the
      Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly. General linear mixed models were used to
      assess the associations and interactions between physical activity and cognitive
      function over 14 years. Community-based assessments were performed in
      participants' homes. Physical activity was recorded for 1,669 older Mexican
      Americans using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Cognition was
      measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and separated into memory
      and nonmemory components. A statistically significant positive association was
      observed between levels of physical activity and cognitive function after
      adjusting for age, sex, marital status, education, and comorbid health
      conditions. There was a statistically significant difference in MMSE scores over
      time between participants in the third (beta = 0.11, standard error (SE) = 0.05)
      and fourth (beta = 0.10, SE = 0.2) quartiles of physical activity and those in
      the first. The protective effect of physical activity on cognitive decline was
      evident for the memory component of the MMSE but not the nonmemory component
      after adjusting for covariates. Greater physical activity at baseline was
      associated with less cognitive decline over 14 years in older Mexican Americans.
      The reduction in cognitive decline appeared to be related to the memory
      components of cognitive function. 

PMID- 25112532
TI  - Modern extraction techniques and their impact on the pharmacological profile of
      Serenoa repens extracts for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bioactive compounds from plants (i.e., Serenoa repens) are often used
      in medicine in the treatment of several pathologies, among which benign prostatic
      hyperplasia (BPH) associated to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). DISCUSSION:
      There are different techniques of extraction, also used in combination, with the
      aim of enhancing the amount of the target molecules, gaining time and reducing
      waste of solvents. However, the qualitative and quantitative composition of the
      bioactives depends on the extractive process, and so the brands of the recovered
      products from the same plant are different in terms of clinical efficacy (no
      product interchangeability among different commercial brands). SUMMARY: In this
      review, we report on several and recent extraction techniques and their impact on
      the composition/biological activity of S. repens-based available products.

PMID- 25112533
TI  - A multi-institution evaluation of MLC log files and performance in IMRT delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The multileaf collimator (MLC) is a critical component to accurate
      intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) delivery. This study examined MLC
      positional accuracy via MLC logs from Varian machines from six institutions and
      three delivery techniques to evaluate typical positional accuracy and treatment
      and mechanical parameters that affect accuracy. Typical accuracy achieved was
      compared against TG-142 recommendations for MLC performance; more appropriate
      recommendations are suggested. METHODS: Over 85,000 Varian MLC treatment logs
      were collected from six institutions and analyzed with FractionCHECK. Data were
      binned according to institution and treatment type to determine overall root mean
      square (RMS) and 95th percentile error values, and then to look for correlations
      between those errors and with mechanical and treatment parameters including mean
      and maximum leaf speed, gantry angle, beam-on time, mean leaf error, and number
      of segments. RESULTS: Results of treatment logs found that leaf RMS error and
      95th percentile leaf error were consistent between institutions, but varied by
      treatment type. The step and shoot technique had very small errors: the mean RMS
      leaf error was 0.008 mm. For dynamic treatments the mean RMS leaf error was 0.32
      mm, while volumetric-modulated arc treatment (VMAT) showed an RMS leaf error of
      0.46 mm. Most MLC leaf errors were found to be well below TG-142 recommended
      tolerances. For the dynamic and VMAT techniques, the mean and maximum leaf speeds
      were significantly linked to the leaf RMS error. Additionally, for dynamic
      delivery, the mean leaf error was correlated with RMS error, whereas for VMAT the
      average gantry speed was correlated. For all treatments, the RMS error and the
      95th percentile leaf error were correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Restricting the maximum
      leaf speed can help improve MLC performance for dynamic and VMAT deliveries.
      Furthermore, the tolerances of leaf RMS and error counts for all treatment types
      should be tightened from the TG-142 values to make them more appropriate for
      clinical performance. Values of 1 mm for the 95th percentile of leaf RMS error
      and 1.5 mm for the 95th percentile leaf error are suggested as action levels for
      all treatment types.

PMID- 25112534
TI  - Direct comparison of the different conventional laparoscopic positions with the
      ethos surgical platform in a laparoscopic pelvic surgery simulation setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic surgery can be harmful to surgeons requiring a prolonged
      learning curve due to significant ergonomic drawbacks. Based on preliminary
      clinical experience, we present an experimental evaluation of the second
      generation ETHOSTM operating chair by comparing it with two different operating
      positions of conventional laparoscopic pelvic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      ETHOS operation platform consists of a seat like a saddle and five more parts
      that can be adjusted individually to support the surgeon's trunk and extremities.
      This operation platform was tested in 30 trainees who performed three standard
      suturing exercises in a pelvitrainer, approximating a linear and a U-shaped
      incision, made on the skin of a chicken leg, and completing an urethrovesical
      anastomosis, on a pig bladder specimen model, using interrupted sutures. The
      trainees performed each exercise in standing laterally to pelvitrainer (torero
      position) vs standing behind pelvi-trainer and sitting on ETHOS. The mean values,
      from all times and for each exercise and position, were documented, and the
      participants filled out a validated questionnaire focusing on ergonomic issues.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the different training
      modalities, in step 1 and step 2. However, in step 3, which mimics the
      urethrovesical anastomosis, the mean times were statistically significant
      significantly less by using ETHOS (p<0.0001). The mean times of training in step
      3 were 41.2 minutes in the behind the camera position, 49 minutes in torero
      position, and 39.7 minutes by using ETHOS. The position that was maintained,
      during the exercises, was mainly responsible for the improvement noted in the
      ergonomic scores. CONCLUSIONS: The new operating platform (ETHOS chair) can
      significantly improve ergonomics in laparoscopy particularly concerning difficult
      steps like intracorporeal suturing. This may also improve the urethrovesical
      anastomosis times in a clinical setting.

PMID- 25112536
TI  - Survey of Victorian ophthalmologists who use ranibizumab to treat age-related
      macular degeneration: to identify current practice and modifiable risk factors
      relevant to post-injection endophthalmitis.

PMID- 25112535
TI  - Now you see it, now you don't: Testing environments modulate the association
      between hippocampal volume and cortisol levels in young and older adults.
AB  - The hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis production of the stress hormone cortisol
      interacts with the hippocampal formation and impacts memory function. A growing
      interest is to determine whether hippocampal volume (HV) predicts basal and/or
      reactive cortisol levels in young and older adults. Recent evidence shows that
      contextual features in testing environments might be stressful and inadvertently
      induce a stress response in young and/or older populations. This latter result
      suggests that variations in testing environments might influence associations
      between HV and cortisol levels in young and older adults. To this end, we
      investigated 28 healthy young adults (ages 18-35) and 32 healthy older adults
      (ages 60-75) in two different environments constructed to be more or less
      stressful for each age group (Favoring-Young versus Favoring-Old conditions).
      Cortisol levels were repeatedly assessed in each environment, and young and older
      participants underwent an anatomical magnetic resonance imaging scan for
      subsequent assessment of HV. Results in both age groups showed that HV was
      significantly associated with cortisol levels only in the unfavorable stressful
      testing conditions specific for each age group. This association was absent when
      testing environments were designed to decrease stress for each age group. These
      findings are fundamental in showing that unless the nature of the testing
      environment is taken into consideration, detected associations between HV and
      cortisol levels in both young and older populations might be confounded by
      environmental stress.

PMID- 25112537
TI  - Nanocomplexes based on amphiphilic hyaluronic acid derivative and polyethylene
      glycol-lipid for ginsenoside rg3 delivery.
AB  - Hybrid nanocomplex formulations, based on amphiphilic hyaluronic acid-ceramide
      (HACE) and lipids, were fabricated for the delivery of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg 3
      [(S)-Rg3]. Nanocomplexes with less than 200 nm mean diameter, narrow size
      distribution, spherical shape, and negative zeta potential were prepared. The
      maintenance of the structural stability of the hybrid nanocomplexes in the blood
      stream was demonstrated by measuring their particle size in serum. Nanocomplexes
      based on HACE, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethyleneglycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG) showed a
      sustained drug release profile compared with other formulations. Blank
      nanocomplexes exhibited negligible cytotoxicity within the tested concentration
      range in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. The cellular uptake efficiency of
      hybrid nanocomplexes was improved compared with the HACE-based nanoparticles
      probably because of interactions between lipids and the cellular membrane. The
      results of a pharmacokinetic study in rats revealed decreased in vivo clearance
      of (S)-Rg3, especially in the HACE/PC/DSPE-PEG-based hybrid nanocomplex (F3)
      group. The hybrid nanostructure and the outer PEG chain likely contributed to
      improve in vivo performance of the F3 group. Thus, these developed hybrid
      nanocomplexes could serve as good candidates for tumor-targeted delivery of
      anticancer agents.

PMID- 25112538
TI  - Hyperuricemia and chronic kidney disease: an enigma yet to be solved.
AB  - The role of uric acid (UA) on the pathogenesis and progression of chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) remains controversial. Experimental and clinical studies indicate
      that UA is associated with several risk factors of CKD including diabetes,
      hypertension, oxidative stress, and inflammation and hyperuricemia could be
      considered as a common dominator linking CKD and cardiovascular disease. Notably,
      the impact of serum UA levels on the survival of CKD, dialysis patients, and
      renal transplant recipients is also a matter of debate, as there are conflicting
      results from clinical studies. At present, there is no definite data whether UA
      is causal, compensatory, coincidental or it is only an epiphenomenon in these
      patients. In this article, we attempt to review and elucidate the dark side of
      this old molecule in CKD and renal transplantation.

PMID- 25112539
TI  - Metal artefact reduction algorithms prevent false positive results when assessing
      patients for cardiac implantable electronic device infection.
AB  - Software-based metal artefact reduction (MAR) techniques are available to reduce
      artefacts from cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) in the CT data. The
      impact of disabling MAR techniques on quantification of 18F-FDG uptake around the
      CIED has not been examined. We consider the importance of enabling MAR in
      patients with suspected CIED infection to prevent inaccuracies in quantification
      of tissue tracer uptake on the attenuation-corrected PET images. 

PMID- 25112540
TI  - The potential role of gated myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging in patient
      selection for cardiac resynchronization therapy.

PMID- 25112541
TI  - Evaluation of the breeding soundness of male camels (Camelus dromedarius) via
      clinical examination, semen analysis, ultrasonography and testicular biopsy: a
      summary of 80 clinical cases.
AB  - Male camel infertility is a heterogeneous disorder. A variety of factors may
      adversely affect sperm production and function and impair fertility. This study
      was designed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography and
      testicular biopsy in the evaluation of the breeding soundness of male dromedaries
      compared with results obtained by clinical examination and semen analysis. Eighty
      four male dromedary camels (5-15 years old) were used in this study during the
      rutting season (November-May). Four sexually mature male camels were used as
      controls. These animals were apparently healthy and had histories of normal
      fertility. Eighty infertile male camels were subjected to an algorithmic approach
      based on information collected during careful examinations of the camels'
      breeding histories, clinical examinations, testicular evaluations, testicular
      ultrasonographies, the results of the semen analyses and testicular biopsies to
      diagnose the camels' infertilities. The differences in the semen parameters
      between the control and infertile male camels were highly significant (p < 0.01).
      Regarding the diagnoses of male camel infertility, the results of testicular
      ultrasonographies and biopsies were compared with those from the semen analyses,
      and the accuracies of these tests were 92.5% and 90%, respectively. Additionally,
      the results of the testicular ultrasonographies were matched with those of the
      testicular biopsies of the infertile animals, and this comparison resulted in 85%
      accuracy. Testicular biopsy is a promising method that, along with a carefully
      performed history, clinical examination, an appropriate testicular
      ultrasonography procedure and semen analysis, can afford veterinarians the
      opportunity for more precise diagnosis and treatment of many dromedary
      infertility disorders. 

PMID- 25112543
TI  - Ophthalmoplegia in congenital neuromuscular disease with uniform type 1 fiber.
AB  - Congenital neuromuscular disease with uniform type 1 fiber (CNMDU1) is a rare
      type of congenital myopathy. It is characterized by early onset of symptoms, mild
      proximal muscle weakness, hyporeflexia or areflexia, normal serum creatine kinase
      (CK) levels and myopathic electromyography finding, uniform type 1 fibers, and
      nonprogression. We report a 2-year-old boy who presented with congenital
      hypotonia, breathing and feeding difficulty, myopathic facies, proximal muscle
      weakness, ptosis, total external ophthalmoplegia and delayed motor developmental
      milestones. Normal serum muscle enzyme and short duration of motor unit
      potentials on electromyography were noted. Muscle biopsy showed uniformity of
      type 1 fibers (greater than 99%) and moderate variation in fiber size without
      specific structural abnormality. Total external ophthalmoplegia may be one of the
      important clinical manifestations of CNMDU1. It is important to recognize this
      disorder because it is nonprogressive in nature. 

PMID- 25112542
TI  - Pharmacological management of central post-stroke pain: a practical guide.
AB  - Pain is one of the most troublesome sequelae of stroke. Some of this post-stroke
      pain is caused by the brain lesion itself; this is called central post-stroke
      pain (CPSP). Although the prevalence of CPSP is low (1-8 %), persistent, often
      treatment-resistant, painful sensations are a major problem for stroke patients.
      The pathogenesis of CPSP remains unknown, but suggested underlying causes include
      hyperexcitation in the damaged sensory pathways, damage to the central inhibitory
      pathways, or a combination of the two. For pharmacological treatment,
      amitriptyline, an adrenergic antidepressant, is currently the first-line drug for
      CPSP. However, its effect is frequently incomplete and a high dose is commonly
      not tolerated in stroke patients. Lamotrigine, an antiepileptic, was also found
      to be effective in a controlled trial and can be used as an alternative or
      additive therapy. GABAergic drugs with potential calcium channel-blocking
      effects, such as gabapentin or pregabalin, have recently emerged as a potentially
      useful therapy. These drugs are effective in various neuropathic pain syndromes,
      but their effect on CPSP remains to be proven. Pregabalin may improve pain
      related anxiety and sleep disturbances. Fluvoxamine and mexiletine may be used
      adjunctively in some patients. Non-pharmacological treatments such as motor
      cortex stimulation or deep brain stimulation are used in some centers, but are
      not proven to be effective. Further well designed clinical trials as well as
      basic research should be performed to improve our understanding of the
      pathophysiology of CPSP and to develop better treatment strategies. 

PMID- 25112544
TI  - A resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging study of concussion in
      collegiate athletes.
AB  - Sports-related concussions are currently diagnosed through multi-domain
      assessment by a medical professional and may utilize neurocognitive testing as an
      aid. However, these tests have only been able to detect differences in the days
      to week post-concussion. Here, we investigate a measure of brain function, namely
      resting state functional connectivity, which may detect residual brain
      differences in the weeks to months after concussion. Twenty-one student athletes
      (9 concussed within 6 months of enrollment; 12 non-concussed; between ages 18 and
      22 years) were recruited for this study. All participants completed the Wisconsin
      Card Sorting Task and the Color-Word Interference Test. Neuroimaging data,
      specifically resting state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging data, were
      acquired to examine resting state functional connectivity. Two sample t-tests
      were used to compare the neurocognitive scores and resting state functional
      connectivity patterns among concussed and non-concussed participants.
      Correlations between neurocognitive scores and resting state functional
      connectivity measures were also determined across all subjects. There were no
      significant differences in neurocognitive performance between concussed and non
      concussed groups. Concussed subjects had significantly increased connections
      between areas of the brain that underlie executive function. Across all subjects,
      better neurocognitive performance corresponded to stronger brain connectivity.
      Even at rest, brains of concussed athletes may have to 'work harder' than their
      healthy peers to achieve similar neurocognitive results. Resting state brain
      connectivity may be able to detect prolonged brain differences in concussed
      athletes in a more quantitative manner than neurocognitive test scores. 

PMID- 25112545
TI  - Filter wire fracture during transradial carotid stenting.

PMID- 25112546
TI  - Poor response to antidepressants predicts new suicidal ideas and behavior in
      depressed outpatients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Only a few studies have investigated the factors associated with
      suicidal behavior after antidepressant treatment onset in adults. We examined the
      specific predictors of de novo suicidal ideas or attempts among depressed
      patients in the community, including subjects potentially at risk of suicidal
      behaviors, who initiated a new antidepressant treatment. METHODS: A large set of
      GPs and psychiatrists throughout France followed-up, for 6 weeks, 4357
      outpatients for whom an antidepressant drug was prescribed. Dimensions related
      with antidepressant-induced suicidal events, such as depression, anxiety or
      hopelessness, were assessed longitudinally using univariate and multivariate
      approaches among subjects with treatment-emergent suicide ideation or attempts.
      RESULTS: New suicidal ideas were observed in 9% of patients with no suicidal
      ideation at baseline (n=81), while suicidal attempts were reported for 1.7% of
      the sample during the 6-week observation period (n=75). The onset of suicidal
      ideas and attempts was associated with the initial features of the patients
      (baseline level of anxiety, past history of suicide attempts and alcohol misuse)
      and the non-improvement of depression. Worsening of depressive symptoms during
      the follow-up increased the onset of new suicidal ideas (OR=5.67, p<0.001) and
      attempts (OR=2.60, p=0.002), corresponding to 67.5% and 56.5% of attributable
      risk respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When the analyses are restricted to the
      occurrence of suicidal ideas or attempts, the link between antidepressants and
      suicide risk might be more adequately explained by a poor response to
      antidepressant treatment rather than by a direct trigger-effect. This
      naturalistic study is limited by the use of non-structured diagnoses and self
      report outcomes.

PMID- 25112547
TI  - [Prevalence of sleep disorders and associated factors in inpatient].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of insomnia in inpatient in an Internal
      Medicine Department and to identify risk factors of sleep disorders. METHOD: A
      cross-sectional observational study was designed. Inpatients over eighteen years
      old hospitalized for acute medical conditions were recruited. Insomnia was
      assessed by the Athens insomnia scale. A nurse administered a questionnaire on
      risk factors including socio-demographic factors, reason for admission,
      comorbidities, current medications, functional status, nocturnal symptoms, and
      environmental factors. RESULTS: A total of 299 patients were recruited with a
      mean age of 73.7 years (SD 14.2). Overall prevalence of insomnia was 42.1%,
      slightly higher in women (48.2%) than in men (37.0%) (P=.052). In those less than
      65 years the prevalence was 33.8%, and in patients aged 65 or over it was 44.9%
      (P=.093). The main factors associated with insomnia were a history of anxiety,
      depression and stroke, heartburn, pain, fear, and poor functional capacity at
      admission. Environmental factors such as noise, the sensation of cold or heat,
      and changing habits involved in hospitalization did not reach statistical
      significance. In patients 65 years or older, the use of beta-blockers was
      associated with insomnia. The multivariate analysis showed stroke, heartburn, and
      pain as independent risk factors for insomnia. CONCLUSIONS: Insomnia is highly
      prevalent among inpatient, and is associated with some treatable or modifiable
      factors.

PMID- 25112548
TI  - The detection of neural autoantibodies in patients with antiepileptic-drug
      resistant epilepsy predicts response to immunotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The detection of antibodies binding neural antigens in
      patients with epilepsy has led to the definition of 'autoimmune epilepsy'.
      Patients with neural antibodies not responding to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may
      benefit from immunotherapy. Aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of
      autoantibodies specific to neural antigens in patients with epilepsy and their
      response to immunotherapy. METHODS: Eighty-one patients and 75 age- and sex
      matched healthy subjects (HS) were enrolled in the study. Two groups of patients
      were included: 39 patients with epilepsy and other neurological symptoms and/or
      autoimmune diseases responsive to AEDs (group 1) and 42 patients with AED
      resistant epilepsy (group 2). Patients' serum and cerebrospinal fluid were
      evaluated for the presence of autoantibodies directed to neural antigens by
      indirect immunofluorescence on frozen sections of mouse brain, cell-based assays
      and a radioimmunoassay. Patients with AED-resistant epilepsy and neural
      autoantibodies were treated with immunotherapy and the main outcome measure was
      the reduction in seizure frequency. RESULTS: Neural autoantibodies were detected
      in 22% of patients (18/81), mostly from the AED-resistant epilepsy group (P =
      0.003), but not in HS. Indirect immunofluorescence on mouse brain revealed
      antibodies binding to unclassified antigens in 10 patients. Twelve patients
      received immunotherapy and nine (75%) achieved >50% reduction in seizure
      frequency. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients with AED-resistant
      epilepsy harbor neural-specific autoantibodies. The detection of these
      antibodies, especially of those binding to synaptic antigens, may predict a
      favorable response to immunotherapy, thus overcoming AED resistance.

PMID- 25112549
TI  - Minocycline protects against oxidative damage and alters energy metabolism
      parameters in the brain of rats subjected to chronic mild stress.
AB  - Studies have been suggested that minocycline can be a potential new agent for the
      treatment of depression. In addition, both oxidative stress and energy metabolism
      present an important role in pathophysiology of depression. So, the present study
      was aimed to evaluate the effects of minocycline on stress oxidative parameters
      and energy metabolism in the brain of adult rats submitted to the chronic mild
      stress protocol (CMS). After CMS Wistar, both stressed animals as controls
      received twice ICV injection of minocycline (160 MUg) or vehicle. The oxidative
      stress and energy metabolism parameters were assessed in the prefrontal cortex
      (PF), hippocampus (HIP), amygdala (AMY) and nucleus accumbens (Nac). Our findings
      showed that stress induced an increase on protein carbonyl in the PF, AMY and
      NAc, and mynocicline injection reversed this alteration. The TBARS was increased
      by stress in the PF, HIP and NAc, however, minocycline reversed the alteration in
      the PF and HIP. The Complex I was incrased in AMY by stress, and minocycline
      reversed this effect, however reduced Complex I activity in the NAc; Complex II
      reduced in PF and AMY by stress or minocycline; the Complex II-III increased in
      the HIP in stress plus minocycline treatment and in the NAc with minocycline; in
      the PF and HIP there were a reduced in Complex IV with stress and minocycline.
      The creatine kinase was reduced in AMY and NAc with stress and minocycline. In
      conclusion, minocycline presented neuroprotector effects by reducing oxidative
      damage and regulating energy metabolism in specific brain areas.

PMID- 25112551
TI  - N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation potential of amine-based water treatment
      polymers: Effects of in situ chloramination, breakpoint chlorination, and pre
      oxidation.
AB  - Recent studies show that cationic amine-based water treatment polymers may be
      important precursors that contribute to formation of the probable human
      carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) during water treatment and disinfection.
      To better understand how water treatment parameters affect NDMA formation from
      the polymers, the effects of in situ chloramination, breakpoint chlorination, and
      pre-oxidation on the NDMA formation from the polymers were investigated. NDMA
      formation potential (NDMA-FP) as well as dimethylamine (DMA) residual
      concentration were measured from poly(epichlorohydrin dimethylamine) (polyamine)
      and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (polyDADMAC) solutions upon reactions
      with oxidants including free chlorine, chlorine dioxide, ozone, and
      monochloramine under different treatment conditions. The results supported that
      dichloramine (NHCl2) formation was the critical factor affecting NDMA formation
      from the polymers during in situ chloramination. The highest NDMA formation from
      the polymers occurred near the breakpoint of chlorination. Polymer chain
      breakdown and transformation of the released DMA and other intermediates were
      important factors affecting NDMA formation from the polymers in pre-oxidation
      followed by post-chloramination. Pre-oxidation generally reduced NDMA-FP of the
      polymers; however, the treatments involving pre-ozonation increased polyDADMAC's
      NDMA-FP and DMA release. The strategies for reducing NDMA formation from the
      polymers may include the avoidance of the conditions favorable to NHCl2 formation
      and the avoidance of polymer exposure to strong oxidants such as ozone. 

PMID- 25112550
TI  - Competitive antagonism of insect GABA receptors by 4-substituted 5-(4-piperidyl)
      3-isothiazolols.
AB  - gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are important targets of
      parasiticides/insecticides. Several 4-substituted analogs of the partial GABAA
      receptor agonist 5-(4-piperidyl)-3-isothiazolol (Thio-4-PIOL) were synthesized
      and examined for their antagonism of insect GABA receptors expressed in
      Drosophila S2 cells or Xenopus oocytes. Thio-4-PIOL showed weak antagonism of
      three insect GABA receptors. The antagonistic activity of Thio-4-PIOL was
      enhanced by introducing bicyclic aromatic substituents into the 4-position of the
      isothiazole ring. The 2-naphthyl and the 3-biphenylyl analogs displayed
      antagonist potencies with half maximal inhibitory concentrations in the low
      micromolar range. The 2-naphthyl analog induced a parallel rightward shift of the
      GABA concentration-response curve, suggesting competitive antagonism by these
      analogs. Both compounds exhibited weak insecticidal activities against
      houseflies. Thus, the orthosteric site of insect GABA receptors might be a
      potential target site of insecticides. 

PMID- 25112552
TI  - Investigation of potential soil contamination with Cr and Ni in four metal
      finishing facilities at Asopos industrial area.
AB  - The objective of this work was to investigate whether previous disposal practices
      in four metal finishing facilities, located at Asopos river basin (East-Central
      Greece), have caused any potential serious contamination of soils. The study
      focused mainly on Cr and Ni, which are the primary elements of concern in the
      area. To estimate the natural geochemical levels of Cr and Ni, thirty soil
      samples were collected from locations that were not suspected of any
      contamination. In this group of samples, Cr concentration varied between 60 and
      418 mg/kg, and Ni concentrations varied from 91 to 1200 mg/kg. The second group
      of samples consisted of more than 100 drill cores and surface soil samples,
      potentially affected by the disposal of effluents and/or the drainage of runoff
      water from the industrial facilities. According to the findings of the study, the
      disposal of treated effluents in absorption type sinks resulted occasionally in
      the contamination of a thin layer of soil just at the bottom of the sinks, but
      there was no indication of downward migration, since Cr and Ni concentrations in
      the lower soil layers were similar to those of the reference soils.

PMID- 25112554
TI  - Physical activity below the minimum international recommendations improves
      oxidative stress, ADMA levels, resting heart rate and small artery endothelial
      function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A moderate level of physical activity (PA), such as a daily 30-min
      walk, reduces cardiovascular risk. There is a lack of evidence about the
      cardiovascular benefits of PA below this recommendation of minimum PA level.
      OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study the impact of a lower level of PA on cardiovascular
      health. DESIGN: Sixty-four overweight/obese men and women were enrolled in a
      community programme consisting of 4 months of 1h, low-intensity PA two days per
      week. Before and after the intervention, PA level (METs/h/wk), endogenous
      antioxidant status (SOD and GPX concentration and activity and oxidised LDL),
      ADMA concentrations, endothelial function by small artery reactive hyperaemia
      index (saRHI), and resting heart rate (RHR) were assessed. RESULTS: After the
      intervention, significant increases in saRHI (P=0.031), SOD and GPX activities,
      and a decrease in ADMA plasma concentrations, and RHR (P<0.001 for all) were
      observed. Increases in PA were positively associated with increases in saRHI
      (r=0.341, P=0.022), GPx (r=0.303, P=0.047) and decreases in RHR (r=-0.302,
      P=0.047). Multivariate analyses showed that independent predictors of saRHI
      improvement were an increase in PA (2.65, 95%CI: 1.21-4.01), decrease in RHR
      (1.91, 95%CI: 1.01-4.98), and an increase in GPx (2.61, 95%CI: 1.16-5.01).
      CONCLUSION: In obese and overweight men and women, an increase in PA, even below
      the minimal international recommendations, improves antioxidant capacity, RHR and
      peripheral small artery reactivity.

PMID- 25112555
TI  - Trends in the incidence and management of acute myocardial infarction from 1999
      to 2008: get with the guidelines performance measures in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines (GWTG) program
      has improved care quality of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with important
      implications for other countries in the world. This study evaluated the incidence
      and care of AMI in Taiwan and assessed the compliance of GWTG in Taiwan. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (1999
      2008) to identify hospitalized patients >=18 years of age presenting with AMI.
      The temporal trends of annual incidence and care quality of AMI were evaluated.
      The age-adjusted incidence of AMI (/100 000 person-years) increased from 28.0 in
      1999 to 44.4 in 2008 (P<0.001). The use of guideline-based medications for AMI
      was evaluated. The use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) increased from 65% in
      2004 to 83.9% in 2008 (P<0.001). Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or
      angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) was used in 72.6% in 2004 and 71.7% in 2008
      (P=NS) and beta-blocker was used in 60% in 2004 and 59.7% in 2008 (P=NS). Statin
      use increased from 32.1% to 50.1% from 2004 to 2008 (P<0.001). The in-hospital
      mortality decreased from 15.9% in 1999 to 12.3% in 2008 (P<0.0001). Multivariable
      analysis showed that DAPT, ACE inhibitor/ARB, beta-blocker, and statin use during
      hospitalization were all associated with reduced in-hospital mortality in our AMI
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: AMI incidence was increasing, but the guideline-based
      medications for AMI were underutilized in Taiwan. Quality improvement programs,
      such as GWTG, should be promoted to improve AMI care and outcomes in Taiwan.

PMID- 25112556
TI  - Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification and vascular
      territory of ischemic stroke lesions diagnosed by diffusion-weighted imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between the location and the mechanism of a stroke
      lesion remains unclear. A diffusion-weighted imaging study may help resolve this
      lack of clarity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied a consecutive series of 2702
      acute ischemic stroke patients whose stroke lesions were confirmed by diffusion
      weighted imaging and who underwent a thorough etiological investigation. The
      vascular territory in which an ischemic lesion was situated was identified using
      standard anatomic maps of the dominant arterial territories. Stroke subtype was
      based on the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment, or TOAST,
      classification. Large-artery atherosclerosis (37.3%) was the most common stroke
      subtype, and middle cerebral artery (49.6%) was the most frequently involved
      territory. Large-artery atherosclerosis was the most common subtype for anterior
      cerebral, middle cerebral, vertebral, and anterior and posterior inferior
      cerebellar artery territory infarctions. Small vessel occlusion was the leading
      subtype in basilar and posterior cerebral artery territories. Cardioembolism was
      the leading cause in superior cerebellar artery territory. Compared with carotid
      territory stroke, vertebrobasilar territory stroke was more likely to be caused
      by small vessel occlusion (21.4% versus 30.1%, P<0.001) and less likely to be
      caused by cardioembolism (23.2% versus 13.8%, P<0.001). Multiple-vascular
      territory infarction was frequently caused by cardioembolism (44.2%) in carotid
      territory and by large-artery atherosclerosis (52.1%) in vertebrobasilar
      territory. CONCLUSIONS: Information on vascular territory of a stroke lesion may
      be helpful in timely investigation and accurate diagnosis of stroke etiology.

PMID- 25112557
TI  - The prevalence and subjective handicap of epilepsy in Ilie--a rural riverine
      community in South West Nigeria: a door-to-door survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of epilepsy is high in tropical countries,
      particularly in Africa with an estimated mean prevalence of 15 per 1000. There is
      lack of recent data on epilepsy prevalence in Nigeria. The main objective of this
      study was to determine the prevalence of epilepsy in Ilie in South West (SW)
      Nigeria, and the secondary objectives were to determine the clinical
      characteristics, the seizure types with electroencephalography (EEG) recording,
      the pattern of treatment, and to evaluate the subjective handicap of people with
      epilepsy (PWE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study, which was descriptive cross
      sectional, was carried out in Ilie, a rural community in South West Nigeria,
      using a simple random sampling technique. The survey was done in 2 phases from
      January 2013 to April 2013. Phase 1: Door-to-door screening using the WHO
      Neuroscience Research Protocol to detect neurological disorders by health
      workers. Phase 2: Individuals with positive screening had complete neurologic
      examination by neurologists as well as an EEG recording. The questionnaires for
      survey of epilepsy in tropical countries and subjective handicap of epilepsy were
      administered to all PWE. RESULTS: Two thousand two hundred twelve individuals
      from 231 households were screened during the first phase, and 33 cases of
      neurologic diseases were detected. During the second phase, 10 cases were
      confirmed to be epilepsy by neurologists, thus giving a crude lifetime prevalence
      of 10/2212=4.5/1000 population (95% CI=2.30-8.04). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of
      epilepsy in Ilie in South West Nigeria is rather low compared with previous
      figures from studies in rural Africa.

PMID- 25112558
TI  - Brief postnatal exposure to phenobarbital impairs passive avoidance learning and
      sensorimotor gating in rats.
AB  - Phenobarbital is the most commonly utilized drug for the treatment of neonatal
      seizures. However, mounting preclinical evidence suggests that even brief
      exposure to phenobarbital in the neonatal period can induce neuronal apoptosis,
      alterations in synaptic development, and long-lasting changes in behavioral
      functions. In the present report, we treated neonatal rat pups with phenobarbital
      and evaluated behavior in adulthood. Pups were treated initially with a loading
      dose (80 mg/kg) on postnatal day (P)7 and with a lower dose (40 mg/kg) on P8 and
      P9. We examined sensorimotor gating (prepulse inhibition), passive avoidance, and
      conditioned place preference for cocaine when the animals reached adulthood.
      Consistent with our previous reports, we found that three days of neonatal
      exposure to phenobarbital significantly impaired prepulse inhibition compared
      with vehicle-exposed control animals. Using a step-though passive avoidance
      paradigm, we found that animals exposed to phenobarbital as neonates and tested
      as adults showed significant deficits in passive avoidance retention compared
      with matched controls, indicating impairment in associative memory and/or recall.
      Finally, we examined place preference conditioning in response to cocaine.
      Phenobarbital exposure did not alter the normal conditioned place preference
      associated with cocaine exposure. Our findings expand the profile of behavioral
      toxicity induced by phenobarbital.

PMID- 25112559
TI  - Behavioural weight management programmes for adults assessed by trials conducted
      in everyday contexts: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - This systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness trials comparing
      multicomponent behavioural weight management programmes with controls in
      overweight and obese adults set out to determine the effectiveness of these
      interventions implemented in routine practice. To be included, interventions must
      have been multicomponent, delivered by the therapists who would deliver the
      intervention in routine practice and in that same context, and must be widely
      available or feasible to implement with little additional infrastructure or
      staffing. Searches of electronic databases were conducted, and augmented by
      screening reference lists and contacting experts (November 2012). Data were
      extracted by two reviewers, with mean difference between intervention and control
      for 12-month change in weight, blood pressure, lipids and glucose calculated
      using baseline observation carried forward. Data were also extracted on adverse
      events, quality of life and mood measures. Although there were many published
      efficacy trials, only eight effectiveness trials met the inclusion criteria.
      Pooled results from five study arms providing access to commercial weight
      management programmes detected significant weight loss at 12 months (mean
      difference -2.22 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.90 to -1.54). Results from
      two arms of a study testing a commercial programme providing meal replacements
      also detected significant weight loss (mean difference -6.83 kg, 95% CI -8.39 to 
      5.26). In contrast, pooled results from five interventions delivered by primary
      care teams showed no evidence of an effect on weight (mean difference -0.45 kg,
      95% CI -1.34 to 0.43). One study testing an interactive web-based intervention
      detected a significant effect in favour of the intervention at 12 months, but the
      study was judged to be at high risk of bias and the effect did not persist at 18
      months. Few studies reported other outcomes, limiting comparisons between
      interventions. Few trials have examined the effectiveness of behavioural weight
      loss programmes delivered in everyday contexts. These trials suggest that
      commercial interventions delivered in the community are effective for achieving
      weight loss. There is no evidence that interventions delivered within primary
      care settings by generalist primary care teams trained in weight management
      achieve meaningful weight loss.

PMID- 25112560
TI  - Changes in sleep and fatigue in newly treated pediatric oncology patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatigue has been reported as one of the most distressing symptoms in
      oncology patients, yet few have investigated the longitudinal course of sleep and
      fatigue in newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patients. PROCEDURE: To
      longitudinally assess presence and changes of sleep complaints and fatigue, we
      administered questionnaires designed to measure sleep complaints, sleep habits,
      daytime sleepiness, and fatigue to parents of pediatric oncology patients ages 2
      18 and to pediatric oncology patients, themselves, ages 8-18 within 30 days of
      diagnosis (n = 170) and again 8 weeks later (n = 153). RESULTS: Bedtimes, wake
      times, and sleep duration remained relatively stable across the first 8 weeks of
      treatment. Sleep duration and fatigue were not related for the entire sample,
      though children's self-reported sleep duration was positively correlated with
      fatigue only at the baseline time point. Parent reports of fatigue significantly
      decreased for leukemia patients but remained rather high for solid tumor and
      brain tumor patients. CONCLUSIONS: Because fatigue remained high for solid tumor
      and brain tumor patients across the initial 8 weeks of treatment, this may
      highlight the need for intervention in this patient population.

PMID- 25112563
TI  - A multicentre, prospective, randomized, controlled study to evaluate the use of a
      fibrin sealant as an adjunct to sutured dural repair.
AB  - Background. Obtaining intra-operative watertight closure of the dura is
      considered important in reducing post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fibrin sealant as an adjunct to
      sutured dural repair to obtain intra-operative watertight closure in cranial
      neurosurgery. Methods. This randomized, controlled multicenter study compared a
      fibrin sealant (EVICEL(r) Fibrin Sealant [Human]) to sutured dural closure
      (Control). Subjects underwent supratentorial or posterior fossa procedures.
      Following primary dural repair by sutures, the closure was evaluated for intra
      operative CSF leak by moderately increasing the intracranial pressure. If
      present, subjects were randomized to EVICEL(r) or additional sutures (2:1 ratio),
      stratified by surgical approach. Following treatment, subjects were successful if
      no CSF leaks were present during provocative challenge. Safety was assessed to 30
      days post-surgery, including incidence of CSF leakage. Results. One hundred and
      thirty-nine subjects were randomized: 89 to EVICEL(r) and 50 to Control. Intra
      operative watertight closure was achieved in 92.1% EVICEL(r)-treated subjects
      versus 38.0% controls; a treatment difference of 54.1% (p < 0.001). The treatment
      differences in the supratentorial and posterior fossa strata were 49.1% and
      75.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). The incidence of adverse events was similar
      between treatment groups. No deaths or unexpected serious adverse drug reactions
      were reported. CSF leakage within 30 days post-operatively was 2.2% and 2.0% in
      EVICEL(r) and control groups, respectively. In addition, 2 cases of CSF
      rhinorrhoea were observed in the EVICEL(r) group. Although not associated with
      the suture line where EVICEL(r) was applied, when combined with the other CSF
      leaks, the observed leak rate in the EVICEL(r) group was 4.5%. Conclusions. These
      results indicate that EVICEL(r) is effective as an adjunct to dural sutures to
      provide watertight closure of the dura mater in cranial surgery. The study
      confirmed the safety profile of EVICEL(r).

PMID- 25112562
TI  - The relationship between nutritional status, inflammatory markers and survival in
      patients with advanced cancer: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malnutrition and elevated inflammatory markers have a negative impact
      on clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Few studies have investigated the
      associations between inflammatory makers, nutritional status and survival. This
      study investigates the association between nutritional status, inflammatory
      markers and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: This
      prospective cohort study recruited 114 adult patients from January 2007 to
      January 2010. It included patients diagnosed with advanced cancer, good Eastern
      Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2, a prognosis of more
      than 3 months and had not received chemotherapy for advanced cancer prior to
      enrollment. Baseline data were collected prior to commencement of chemotherapy.
      Patients were followed up from the date of baseline nutritional assessment until
      the date of death or the date that data were last updated, whichever came first.
      RESULTS: Malnourished cancer patients had statistically significant higher
      concentrations of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio
      (NLR) or modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) prior to starting chemotherapy.
      In univariate analyses to predict survival, mGPS 1 or 2 had a hazard ratio (HR)
      of 1.81 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.13-2.89) and NLR >= 5 had a HR of 1.13
      (95 % CI 1.08-4.60) and malnutrition (HR of 1.66 for Patient-Generated Subjective
      Global Assessment (PG-SGA) B (95 % CI 1.02-2.71), and HR for severely
      malnourished patients (PG-SGA C) was 2.73 (95 % CI 1.50-4.96). CONCLUSIONS:
      Inflammatory markers were statistically associated with malnutrition.
      Malnutrition and mGPS were significant independent predictors of overall survival
      in patients with advanced cancer.

PMID- 25112561
TI  - Incidence and predictors of anticipatory nausea and vomiting in Asia Pacific
      clinical practice--a longitudinal analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Some patients experience nausea and/or vomiting (NV) before receipt of
      chemotherapy. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of prior chemotherapy
      induced NV (CINV) on the incidence of anticipatory NV in later cycles. METHODS:
      This multicenter, prospective non-interventional study enrolled chemotherapy
      naive adults scheduled to receive highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy
      (HEC/MEC) for cancer in six Asia Pacific countries, excluding those with emesis
      within 24 h before cycle 1 chemotherapy. On day 1 before chemotherapy, patients
      answered four questions regarding emesis in the past 24 h, nausea, expectation of
      post-chemotherapy nausea, and anxiety in the past 24 h, the latter three scored
      from 0-10 (none-maximum). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the
      impact of prior CINV on anticipatory NV in cycles 2 and 3. RESULTS: Five hundred
      ninety-eight patients (59% female) were evaluable in cycle 2 (49% HEC, 51% MEC).
      The incidence of anticipatory emesis was low before cycles 2 and 3 (1.5-2.3%).
      The incidence of clinically significant anticipatory nausea (score of >=3) was
      4.8, 7.9, and 8.3% before cycles 1, 2, and 3, respectively, with adjusted odds
      ratio (OR), 3.95 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.23-7.00; p < 0.001) for
      patients with clinically significant nausea in prior cycles, compared with none.
      The adjusted ORs for other anticipatory NV endpoints ranged from 4.54-4.74 for
      patients with prior CINV. The occurrence of clinically significant anxiety in the
      prior cycle also resulted in a significantly increased likelihood of anticipatory
      nausea. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of preventing CINV
      in cycle 1 to reduce anticipatory NV in subsequent cycles.

PMID- 25112564
TI  - The general and mental health of movers to more- and less-disadvantaged socio
      economic and physical environments within the UK.
AB  - Residential mobility may play an important role in influencing both individual
      health, by determining individual exposures to environments, and area health, by
      shaping area population composition. This study is the first analysis of
      migration within the UK to compare general and mental health among adults by age
      group and consider moves between neighbourhoods with different levels of both
      socio-economic and physical environment disadvantage. The analysis assesses
      122,570 cases from the annual British Household Panel Survey, 1996-2006, based
      upon pooled data describing moves between consecutive waves of the survey. It
      assesses the rates and binary logistic regression model odds of self-reported
      general health and mental health problems of movers and stayers by age group. It
      also compares movers between Census Area Statistics wards in the UK with
      different levels of Carstairs and Multiple Environmental Deprivation Index
      (MEDIx) scores. At all ages, movers had similar or higher odds of poor general
      and mental health relative to non-movers. Risk of mental health problems were
      particularly elevated among movers and remained significant after adjustment for
      socio-demographic variables in most age groups. In adjusted analysis of all
      adults odds of poor general and mental health were most elevated among movers to
      more socio-economically deprived areas, with the highest odds for mental health
      (1.54 95% CI 1.27-1.86). In contrast, risk of poor mental health among total
      adults was greatest among movers to better physical environments (1.40 95% CI
      1.16-1.70). This study therefore finds little evidence of 'healthy migrant
      effects' among recent movers within the UK and suggests movers have particularly
      elevated risk of mental health problems. It also indicates that selective
      migration may not contribute to poor health found in UK neighbourhoods with
      multiple physical environment deprivation. Further analysis should explore why
      people with mental health problems are more likely to move to socio-economically
      deprived neighbourhoods. 

PMID- 25112565
TI  - How does mental-physical multimorbidity express itself in lived time and space? A
      phenomenological analysis of encounters with depression and chronic physical
      illness.
AB  - Mental-physical multimorbidity (the co-existence of mental and physical ill
      health) is highly prevalent and associated with significant impairments and high
      healthcare costs. While the sociology of chronic illness has developed a mature
      discourse on coping with long term physical illness the impact of mental and
      physical health have remained analytically separated, highlighting the need for a
      better understanding of the day-to-day complexities encountered by people living
      with mental-physical multimorbidity. We used the phenomenological paradigm of the
      lived body to elucidate how the experience of mental-physical multimorbidity
      shapes people's lifeworlds. Nineteen people with chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD) and depression (defined as a score >=8 on depression scale of
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were recruited from secondary NHS care and
      interviewed at their homes. Data were analysed phenomenologically using van
      Manen's lifeworld existential framework of the lived body, lived time, lived
      space, lived relations. Additionally, we re-analysed data (using the same
      framework) collected from 13 people recruited from secondary NHS care with either
      COPD, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, or type 1 or type 2 diabetes and
      depression. The phenomenology of mental-physical multimorbidity was articulated
      through embodied and emotional encounters with day-to-day life in four ways: [a]
      participants' perception of lived time and lived space contracted; [b] time and
      [c] space were experienced as liminal categories, enforcing negative mood and
      temporal and spatial contraction; and [d] time and space could also be customised
      to reinstate agency and self-determination. Mental-physical multimorbidity
      negatively impacts on individuals' perceptions of lived time and lived space,
      leading to a loss of agency, heightened uncertainty, and poor well-being.
      Harnessing people's capacity to modify their experience of time and space may be
      a novel way to support people with mental-physical multimorbidity to live well
      with illness. 

PMID- 25112566
TI  - Fragile health and fragile wealth: mortgage strain among African American
      homeowners.
AB  - Several recent studies identify illness and disability as contributors to
      mortgage strain, suggesting that the disproportionate burden of poor health that
      African Americans experience may be an important source of housing fragility in
      this population. In order to understand how poor health plays out in the lived
      experiences of African-American homeowners and contributes to mortgage strain, we
      present an analysis of 28 in-depth interviews conducted with middle and working
      class African-American homeowners at risk of losing their homes. Our interviews
      show how racial inequalities in health, which result from an ongoing history of
      racial discrimination, intersect with other racially stratified sources of
      housing fragility to put homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Many participants in
      this study were long-term homeowners who experienced mortgage strain as result of
      a health-related event that triggered the collapse of a fragile household budget.
      Like many middle and working-class African Americans, participants experienced
      poor health and disability at relatively young ages. Additionally, they often
      lacked access to personal and public safety nets that could buffer the
      consequences of illness. Understanding how poor health contributes to mortgage
      strain among African-American homeowners provides important insight into the
      downstream consequences of health inequalities. Furthermore, understanding the
      processes through which illness can act as a financial shock has important policy
      implications. 

PMID- 25112567
TI  - Modeling satisfaction amongst the elderly in different Chinese urban
      neighborhoods.
AB  - Rapidly aging populations constitute a critical issue for researchers and
      policymakers across the world; the challenges of a shifting demographic structure
      are particularly pertinent in the case of China. Population control strategies
      implemented in China in the late 1970s have substantially changed the social and
      demographic structure of Chinese cities and the traditional role of families in
      caring for elderly people. To meet the growing needs of elderly residents "aging
      in place," age-friendly environments and new types of senior services are
      required and encouraged. This research examines the satisfaction of seniors in
      relation to the elderly services and living environments available to them,
      through empirical studies of six types of neighborhoods in Beijing. Using
      structural equation modeling (SEM), a satisfaction model under the Person
      Environment Fit (P-E Fit) model framework was developed. This model considered
      the senior respondent's health status, economic attributes, family and social
      support networks, and neighborhood living environments. Social support was found
      to be the primary factor affecting satisfaction amongst the urban elderly in
      Beijing. The research also highlights the need to differentiate between different
      types of neighborhoods, which can differ significantly in terms of the socio
      economic attributes (i.e., family structure, income, and education) of their
      senior residents. As such, based on the path coefficients revealed by different
      structural equation models of various neighborhoods, four types of neighborhoods
      were identified: in Type 1 neighborhoods, the neighborhood environment and the
      senior services provided by communities were primary factors in elderly
      satisfaction; in Type 2 neighborhoods, the satisfaction of inhabitants was
      strongly influenced by personal attributes such as health and income; Type 3
      neighborhoods were residence of low-income people where the level of social
      support was the foremost factor; and in Type 4, social support and the
      environment were both essential. 

PMID- 25112568
TI  - Predictors of suicides occurring within suicide clusters in Australia, 2004-2008.
AB  - A number of studies have investigated the presence of suicide clusters, but few
      have sought to identify risk and protective factors of a suicide occurring within
      a cluster. We aimed to identify socio-demographic and contextual characteristics
      of suicide clusters from national and regional analyses of suicide clusters. We
      searched the National Coroners Information System for all suicides in Australia
      from 2004 to 2008. Scan statistics were initially used to identify those deaths
      occurring within a spatial-temporal suicide cluster during the period. We then
      used logistic regression and generalized estimation equations to estimate the
      odds of each suicide occurring within a cluster differed by sex, age, marital
      status, employment status, Indigenous status, method of suicide and location. We
      identified 258 suicides out of 10,176 suicides during the period that we
      classified as being within a suicide cluster. When the deceased was Indigenous,
      living outside a capital city, or living in the northern part of Australia (in
      particular, Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia) then there was
      an increased likelihood of their death occurring within a suicide cluster. These
      findings suggest that suicide clustering might be linked with geographical and
      Indigenous factors, which supported sociological explanations of suicide
      clustering. This finding is significant for justifying resource allocation for
      tackling suicide clustering in particular areas. 

PMID- 25112569
TI  - Social status and biological dysregulation: the "status syndrome" and allostatic
      load.
AB  - Data from a national sample of 1255 adults who were part of the MIDUS (Mid-life
      in the U.S.) follow-up study and agreed to participate in a clinic-based in-depth
      assessment of their health status were used to test the hypothesis that, quite
      part from income or educational status, perceptions of lower achieved rank
      relative to others and of relative inequality in key life domains would be
      associated with greater evidence of biological health risks (i.e., higher
      allostatic load). Results indicate that over a variety of status indices
      (including, for example, the person's sense of control, placement in the
      community rank hierarchy, perception of inequality in the workplace) a syndrome
      of perceived relative deprivation is associated with higher levels of biological
      dysregulation. The evidence is interpreted in light of the well-established
      associations between lower socio-economic status and various clinically
      identified health morbidities. The present evidence serves, in effect, both as a
      part of the explanation of how socio-economic disparities produce downstream
      morbidity, and as an early warning system regarding the ultimate health effects
      of currently increasing status inequalities. 

PMID- 25112570
TI  - Serum-induced neurite retraction in CAD cells--involvement of an ATP-actin
      retractile system and the lack of microtubule-associated proteins.
AB  - Cultured catecholamine-differentiated cells [which lack the microtubule
      associated proteins (MAPs): MAP1B, MAP2, Tau, STOP, and Doublecortin] proliferate
      in the presence of fetal bovine serum, and, in its absence, cease dividing and
      generate processes similar to the neurites of normal neurons. The reintroduction
      of serum induces neurite retraction, and proliferation resumes. The neurite
      retraction process in catecholamine-differentiated cells was partially
      characterized in this study. Microtubules in the cells were found to be in a
      highly dynamic state, and tubulin in the microtubules consisted primarily of the
      tyrosinated and deacetylated isotypes. Increased levels of acetylated or Delta2
      tubulin (which are normally absent) did not prevent serum-induced neurite
      retraction. Treatment of differentiated cells with lysophosphatidic acid or
      adenosine deaminase induced neurite retraction. Inhibition of Rho-associated
      protein kinase, ATP depletion and microfilament disruption each (individually)
      blocked serum-induced neurite retraction, suggesting that an ATP-dependent
      actomyosin system underlies the mechanism of neurite retraction. Nocodazole
      treatment induced neurite retraction, but this effect was blocked by pretreatment
      with the microtubule-stabilizing drug paclitaxel (Taxol). Paclitaxel did not
      prevent serum-induced or lysophosphatidic acid-induced retraction, suggesting
      that integrity of microtubules (despite their dynamic state) is necessary to
      maintain neurite elongation, and that paclitaxel-induced stabilization alone is
      not sufficient to resist the retraction force induced by serum. Transfection with
      green fluorescent protein-Tau conferred resistance to retraction caused by serum.
      We hypothesize that, in normal neurons (cultured or in vivo), MAPs are necessary
      not only to stabilize microtubules, but also to establish interactions with other
      cytoskeletal or membrane components to form a stable structure capable of
      resisting the retraction force.

PMID- 25112571
TI  - Functionalized graphene as a nanostructured membrane for removal of copper and
      mercury from aqueous solution: a molecular dynamics simulation study.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to investigate the removal of copper and
      mercury using functionalized graphene as a nanostructured membrane. The molecular
      dynamics simulation method was used to investigate the removal ability of these
      ions from aqueous solution using functionalized graphene membrane. The studied
      systems included a functionalized graphene membrane which was placed in the
      aqueous ionic solution of CuCl2 and HgCl2. An external electrical field was
      applied along the z axis of the system. The results indicated that the
      application of electrical field on the system caused the desired ions to pass
      through the functionalized graphene membrane. The Fluorinated pore (F-pore)
      terminated graphene selectively conducted Cu(2+) and Hg(2+) ions. The calculation
      of the potential of mean force of ions revealed that Cu(2+) and Hg(2+) ions face
      a relatively small energy barrier and could not pass through the F-pore graphene
      unless an external electrical field was applied upon them. In contrast, the
      energy barrier for the Cl(-) ion was large and it could not pass through the F
      pore graphene. The findings of the study indicate that the permeation of ions
      across the graphene was a function of applied electrical fields. The findings of
      the present study are based on the detailed analysis and consideration of
      potential of mean force and radial distribution function curves. 

PMID- 25112572
TI  - India must act to stem rise of unnecessary medical interventions, says World
      Bank.

PMID- 25112573
TI  - Elevated prenatal methylmercury exposure in Nigeria: evidence from maternal and
      cord blood.
AB  - Methylmercury is a neurodevelopmental toxicant that is globally distributed
      though little is known about prenatal exposures in sub-Saharan Africa. The
      objective of the current study was to measure total mercury levels in cord blood
      and maternal blood from 95 mother-newborn pairs recruited from hospitals in
      Nnewi, Nigeria. The secondary aims of the study were to explore if demographic
      and dietary factors were associated with blood mercury levels, and to explore if
      mercury levels were associated with any self-reported health outcome and
      childbirth outcome. Maternal blood mercury levels averaged 3.6 MUg L(-1) and
      ranged from 1.1 MUg L(-1) to 9.5 MUg L(-1). Cord blood mercury averaged 5.1 MUg
      L(-1) and ranged from 1.2 MUg L(-1) to 10.6 MUg L(-1). The mean ratio of mercury
      in paired cord blood to maternal blood was 1.5 and it ranged from 0.4 to 3.2.
      Mercury in maternal and cord blood were significantly correlated (r=0.471). More
      than one-third of mothers reported eating fish at least once per day, and a weak
      (p=0.08) fish consumption-related increase in blood mercury was found. Cord blood
      mercury was positively and significantly associated with birth weight and length,
      and head and chest circumference. Mercury levels in 36% of the participants
      exceeded the biomonitoring guideline associated with the United States
      Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) reference dose for mercury. The study
      shows that pregnant women and their newborns are exposed to methylmercury and
      that their exposures are higher compared to general populations sampled from
      other regions of the world.

PMID- 25112574
TI  - Sensitivity of the sea snail Gibbula umbilicalis to mercury exposure--linking
      endpoints from different biological organization levels.
AB  - Mercury contamination is a common phenomenon in the marine environment and for
      this reason it is important to develop cost-effective and relevant tools to
      assess its toxic effects on a number of different species. To evaluate the
      possible effects of Hg in the sea snail Gibbula umbilicalis, animals were exposed
      to increasing concentrations of the contaminant in the ionic form for 96 h. After
      this exposure period, mortality, feeding and flipping behavior, the activity of
      the biomarkers glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, lactate
      dehydrogenase and cholinesterase, the levels of lipid peroxidation and cellular
      energy allocation were measured. After 96 h of exposure to the highest Hg
      concentration (~LC20), there was a significant inhibition of the cholinesterase
      activity as well as impairment in the flipping behavior and post-exposure feeding
      of the snails. Cholinesterase inhibition was correlated with the impairment of
      behavioral responses also caused by exposure to Hg. These endpoints, including
      the novel flipping test, revealed sensitivity to Hg and might be used as relevant
      early warning indicators of prospective effects at higher biological organization
      levels, making these parameters potential tools for environmental risk
      assessment. The proposed test species showed sensitivity to Hg and proved to be a
      suitable and resourceful species to be used in ecotoxicological testing to assess
      effects of other contaminants in marine ecosystems.

PMID- 25112575
TI  - Effects of molecular weight on the diffusion coefficient of aquatic dissolved
      organic matter and humic substances.
AB  - In situ measurements of labile metal species using diffusive gradients in thin
      films (DGT) passive samplers are based on the diffusion rates of individual
      species. Although most studies have dealt with chemically isolated humic
      substances, the diffusion of dissolved organic matter (DOM) across the hydrogel
      is not well understood. In this study, the diffusion coefficient (D) and
      molecular weight (MW) of 11 aquatic DOM and 4 humic substances (HS) were
      determined. Natural, unaltered aquatic DOM was capable of diffusing across the
      diffusive gel membrane with D values ranging from 2.48*10(-6) to 5.31*10(-6)
      cm(2) s(-1). Humic substances had diffusion coefficient values ranging from
      3.48*10(-6) to 6.05*10(-6) cm(2) s(-1), congruent with previous studies.
      Molecular weight of aquatic DOM and HS samples (~500-1750 Da) measured using
      asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) strongly influenced D, with
      larger molecular weight DOM having lower D values. No noticeable changes in DOM
      size properties were observed during the diffusion process, suggesting that DOM
      remains intact following diffusion across the diffusive gel. The influence of
      molecular weight on DOM mobility will assist in further understanding and
      development of the DGT technique and the uptake and mobility of contaminants
      associated with DOM in aquatic environments.

PMID- 25112576
TI  - Long-term manure application effects on phosphorus speciation, kinetics and
      distribution in highly weathered agricultural soils.
AB  - Phosphorus (P) K-edge XANES and Fe K-edge EXAFS spectroscopies along with
      sequential P chemical fractionation and desorption kinetics experiments, were
      employed to provide micro- and macro-scale information on the long-term fate of
      manure application on the solid-state speciation, kinetics and distribution of P
      in highly weathered agricultural soils of southern Brazil. Soil test P values
      ranged from 7.3 up to 16.5 times as much higher than the reference soil. A sharp
      increase in amorphous Fe and Al amounts were observed as an effect of the
      consecutive application of manures. Whereas our results showed that the P
      sorption capacity of some manured soils was not significantly affected, P risk
      assessment indices indicated that P losses should be expected, likely due to the
      excessive manure rates applied to the soils. The much higher contents of
      amorphous Fe and Al (hydr)oxides (55% and 80% increase with respect to the
      reference soil, respectively) in manured soils seem to have counterbalanced the
      inhibiting effect of soil organic matter on P sorption by creating additional P
      sorption sites. Accordingly, the newly created P sorbing surfaces were important
      to prevent an even larger P loss potential. Phosphorus K-edge XANES lent
      complimentary hints on the loss of crystallinity and transformation of originally
      present Fe-P minerals into poorly crystalline ones as an effect of manuring,
      whereas Fe K-edge EXAFS provided insights into the structural changes underwent
      in the soils upon manure application and soil management. 

PMID- 25112577
TI  - Monitoring bisphenol A and its biodegradation in water using a fluorescent
      molecularly imprinted chemosensor.
AB  - In this paper, we present a simple and rapid method for monitoring bisphenol A
      (BPA) and its biodegradation in environmental water using a fluorescent
      molecularly imprinted polymer chemosensor (fMIPcs). A fluorescent molecularly
      imprinted polymer (fMIP) was first synthesized by precipitation polymerization
      method using BPA as template, dansyl methacrylate as functional monomer. Then a
      fMIPcs was constructed by combining the fMIP with a fluorescent microplate
      reader. The fMIPcs displayed selective, concentration-dependent fluorescence
      quenching in response to BPA in water even in the existence of interferences,
      thereby allowing reliable high through-put quantification of BPA via simple
      fluorescence measurements. The fMIPcs was able to directly quantify BPA (from 10
      to 2000 MUg L(-1)) in different environmental water samples (distilled water,
      distilled water containing heavy metals and humic acid, tap water, and river
      water) with high accuracy, and to monitor BPA biodegradation in real-time. Using
      the fMIPcs, it was possible to achieve fast analytical results with lower limit
      of detection for BPA (3 MUg L(-1)) from smaller sample volume (250 MUL), which
      are superior to many relevant methods reported in the literature. Moreover, BPA
      levels and biodegradation rates measured by fMIPcs are comparable to the
      instrument-based method (HPLC). The fMIPcs developed in this work offers a new
      solution for simple, rapid, accurate and high through-put BPA quantification, and
      makes it possible to monitor BPA biodegradation in real time.

PMID- 25112578
TI  - Transport via xylem and accumulation of aflatoxin in seeds of groundnut plant.
AB  - Aflatoxin contamination in groundnut seeds in the absence of any aflatoxigenic
      fungi leads to a hypothesis that aflatoxins are present naturally in soil and is
      transferred to seeds through uptake by roots. A survey was conducted on the
      natural occurrence of aflatoxins in agricultural soils, among nine main groundnut
      growing regions of Karnataka state, India. All 71 soil samples collected in this
      survey were contaminated with aflatoxins esp. AFB1. An in vitro xylem sap
      experiment proved the ability of groundnut plant roots to absorb AFB1, and
      transport to aerial plant parts via the xylem. Hydroponics experiment also proved
      the uptake of AFB1 by the roots and their translocation to shoot. Uptake was
      affected by the initial concentration of toxin and pH of the medium. Among the 14
      varieties screened, GPBD4 and MLT.K.107 (III) recorded highest and least AFB1
      uptake, respectively. The above results were validated using a greenhouse
      experiment. Here, the aflatoxin absorbed by root gradually transferred to shoot
      that was later found in seeds towards the end of experiment. Thus, the groundnut
      seeds can also get contaminated with aflatoxin by direct uptake of aflatoxin
      through conducting tissue in addition to fungal infection. The present study
      revealed the novel mode of aflatoxin contamination in groundnut seeds without
      fungal infection. 

PMID- 25112579
TI  - Characteristics and sources of atmospheric mercury speciation in a coastal city,
      Xiamen, China.
AB  - Semi-continental monitoring of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), particulate
      mercury (Hgp), and reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) was conducted in the Institute
      of Urban Environment, CAS in Xiamen, China from March 2012 to February 2013. The
      average concentrations and relative standard deviations (RSD) were 3.50 (34.6%)
      ng m(-3), 174.41 (160.9%) pg m(-3), and 61.05 (113.7%) pg m(-3) for GEM, Hgp, and
      RGM, respectively. The higher concentrations of GEM and Hgp were observed in
      spring and winter months, indicating the combustion source, while RGM showed the
      different seasonal variation with highest concentration in spring and the minimum
      value in winter. The concentrations of Hg species were generally elevated in
      nighttime and low in daytime to reflect the diurnal changes in meteorology,
      especially the mixing condition of the air masses. The high Hg concentrations
      were observed in SWW-NW sectors due to calm wind while the low levels in NE-SE
      due to high speed wind, and the amplitude was much larger for Hgp and RGM.
      Backward trajectories calculation indicated that summer air masses were much more
      from ocean with lower Hg while the air masses were mainly from inland area in
      other seasons. Principal component analysis suggested that combustion and road
      traffic emissions were the dominant anthropogenic mercury sources for the study
      area, and the temporal distribution of atmospheric mercury was mainly the result
      of climatological change.

PMID- 25112580
TI  - Use of multiple regression models to evaluate the formation of halonitromethane
      via chlorination/chloramination of water from Tai Lake and the Qiantang River,
      China.
AB  - The deterioration of water quality, especially organic pollution in Tai Lake and
      the Qiantang River, have recently received attention in China. The objectives of
      this study were to evaluate the formation of halonitromethanes (HNMs) using
      multiple regression models for chlorination and chloramination and to identify
      the key factors that influence the formation of HNMs in Tai Lake and the Qiantang
      River. The results showed that the total formation of HNMs (T-HNMs) during
      chlorination and chloramination could be described using the following models:
      (1) [Formula: see text] =(10)(5.267)(DON)(6.645)(Br(-))(0.737)(DOC)(
      )(5.537)(Cl2)(0.333)(t)(0.165) (R(2)=0.974, p<0.01, n=33), and (2) T
      HNMNH2Cl=(10)(-)(2.481)(Cl2)(0.451)(NO2(-))(0.382)(Br(
      ))(0.630)(t)(0.640)(Temp)(0.581) (R(2)=0.961, p<0.05, n=33), respectively. The
      key factors that influenced the T-HNM yields during chlorination were dissolved
      organic nitrogen (DON), bromide and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The nitrite
      and bromide concentrations and the reaction time mainly affected the T-HNM yields
      during chloramination. Additional analysis indicated that the bromine
      incorporation factors (BIFs) for trihalogenated HNMs generally decreased as the
      chlorine/chloramine dose, temperature and reaction time decreased and increased
      as the bromide concentration increased. 

PMID- 25112581
TI  - A colorimetric DET technique for the high-resolution measurement of two
      dimensional alkalinity distributions in sediment porewaters.
AB  - Measurements of porewater alkalinity are fundamental to the study of organic
      matter mineralization in sediments, which plays an essential role in the global
      cycles of carbon and nutrients. A new colorimetric diffusive equilibration in
      thin film (DET) technique is described for measuring two-dimensional total
      alkalinity distributions in sediment porewaters at high resolution (1-2 mm(2)).
      Thin polyacrylamide hydrogel layers (0.8 mm) equilibrate with the porewater and,
      after removal, are immediately laid onto another hydrogel containing formic acid,
      which reacts with alkalinity-generating species, and the pH-indicator bromophenol
      blue. The resultant color change is quantified using computer-imaging
      densitometry. The lower limit of detection is 0.2 meq L(-1) and the upper
      measurement limit is 8 meq L(-1). Deployment in seagrass colonized sediment
      revealed high levels of spatial heterogeneity in the porewater alkalinity
      distribution, with concentrations ranging from 2.28 meq L(-1) in the overlying
      water to 5.13 meq L(-1) in some parts of the sediment. This is the first time
      that two-dimensional, high-resolution distributions of porewater alkalinity have
      been measured.

PMID- 25112583
TI  - Introduction. Fertilization and early development.

PMID- 25112582
TI  - Avian feathers as a non-destructive bio-monitoring tool of trace metals
      signatures: a case study from severely contaminated areas.
AB  - The concentrations of trace metals were assessed using feathers of cattle egrets
      (Bubulcus ibis), collected within two industrial areas of Pakistan, Lahore and
      Sialkot. We found, in order of descending concentration: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe),
      Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), and Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr),
      Arsenic (As), and Lithium (Li), without any significant difference (except Fe,
      Zn, and Ni) between the two areas. The concentrations of trace metals, we
      recorded were among the highest ever reported in the feathers of avian species
      worldwide. The concentrations of Cr, Pb, Cd were above the threshold that affects
      bird reproductive success. The high contamination by heavy metals in the two
      areas is due to anthropogenic activities as well to natural ones (for As and Fe).
      The bioaccumulation ratios in eggs and feathers of the cattle egret, their prey,
      and the sediments from their foraging habitats, confirmed that avian feathers are
      a convenient and non-destructive sampling tool for the metal contamination. The
      results of this study will contribute to the environmental management of the
      Lahore and Sialkot industrial areas. 

PMID- 25112585
TI  - Guided imagery for postoperative pain, energy healing for quality of life,
      probiotics for acute diarrhea in children, acupuncture for postoperative nausea
      and vomiting, and animal-assisted therapy for mental disorders.

PMID- 25112584
TI  - Randomised clinical trial: the long-term safety and tolerability of naloxegol in
      patients with pain and opioid-induced constipation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a common adverse effect of
      opioid therapy. AIM: To evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of
      naloxegol, an oral, peripherally acting MU-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA),
      in patients with noncancer pain and OIC. METHODS: A 52-week, multicenter, open
      label, randomised, parallel-group phase 3 study was conducted in out-patients
      taking 30-1000 morphine-equivalent units per day for >=4 weeks. Patients were
      randomised 2:1 to receive naloxegol 25 mg/day or usual-care (UC; investigator
      chosen laxative regimen) treatment for OIC. RESULTS: The safety set comprised 804
      patients (naloxegol, n = 534; UC, n = 270). Mean exposure duration was 268 days
      with naloxegol and 297 days with UC. Frequency of adverse events (AEs) was 81.8%
      with naloxegol and 72.2% with UC. Treatment-emergent AEs occurring more
      frequently for naloxegol vs. UC were abdominal pain (17.8% vs. 3.3%), diarrhoea
      (12.9% vs. 5.9%), nausea (9.4% vs. 4.1%), headache (9.0% vs. 4.8%), flatulence
      (6.9% vs. 1.1%) and upper abdominal pain (5.1% vs. 1.1%). Most naloxegol-emergent
      gastrointestinal AEs occurred early, resolving during or after naloxegol
      discontinuation and were mild or moderate in severity; 11 patients discontinued
      due to diarrhoea and nine patients owing to abdominal pain. Pain scores and mean
      daily opioid doses remained stable throughout the study; no attributable opioid
      withdrawal AEs were observed. Two patients in each group had an adjudicated major
      adverse cardiovascular event unrelated to study drug; no AEs were reported nor
      adjudicated as bowel perforations. CONCLUSION: In patients with noncancer pain
      and opioid-induced constipation, naloxegol 25 mg/day up to 52 weeks was generally
      safe and well tolerated.

PMID- 25112586
TI  - Predicting invasive breast cancer versus DCIS in different age groups.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing focus on potentially unnecessary diagnosis and treatment
      of certain breast cancers prompted our investigation of whether clinical and
      mammographic features predictive of invasive breast cancer versus ductal
      carcinoma in situ (DCIS) differ by age. METHODS: We analyzed 1,475 malignant
      breast biopsies, 1,063 invasive and 412 DCIS, from 35,871 prospectively collected
      consecutive diagnostic mammograms interpreted at University of California, San
      Francisco between 1/6/1997 and 6/29/2007. We constructed three logistic
      regression models to predict the probability of invasive cancer versus DCIS for
      the following groups: women >= 65 (older group), women 50-64 (middle age group),
      and women < 50 (younger group). We identified significant predictors and measured
      the performance in all models using area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: The models for older and the middle age
      groups performed significantly better than the model for younger group (AUC =
      0.848 vs, 0.778; p = 0.049 and AUC = 0.851 vs, 0.778; p = 0.022, respectively).
      Palpability and principal mammographic finding were significant predictors in
      distinguishing invasive from DCIS in all age groups. Family history of breast
      cancer, mass shape and mass margins were significant positive predictors of
      invasive cancer in the older group whereas calcification distribution was a
      negative predictor of invasive cancer (i.e. predicted DCIS). In the middle age
      group--mass margins, and in the younger group--mass size were positive predictors
      of invasive cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and mammographic finding features
      predict invasive breast cancer versus DCIS better in older women than younger
      women. Specific predictive variables differ based on age.

PMID- 25112588
TI  - The relationship between urotensin II and its receptor and the
      clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urotensin II is a vasoactive polypeptide. It is known that some
      vasoactive polypeptides are produced and secreted by tumor cells, and act as a
      paracrine growth stimulant. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship
      between urotensin II and its receptor's messenger RNA expression in breast
      cancer. MATERIAL/METHODS: Fifty-nine women with breast cancer were included in
      this study. The median age was 48 years. The relationships between urotensin II
      and urotensin II receptor mRNA expressions, which were derived from fresh breast
      cancer tissues and adjacent normal breast tissues, and clinical and pathological
      parameters, were assessed. RESULTS: We found expressions of urotensin II mRNA and
      its receptor in 55 of 59 breast cancer tissues and in 55 of 59 normal breast
      tissues. We found a positive significant correlation between urotensin II and its
      receptor (p=0.001, r=0.632), and found a negative, but insignificant, correlation
      between urotensin II and age (p=0.038, r=-0.281). Urotensin II levels were higher
      in the premenopausal group compared to the postmenopausal group (p<0.05). The
      mean urotensin II receptor expression was higher in the premenopausal group
      (p<0.05) compared to the postmenopausal group, and its expression was also higher
      in the group without extra-nodal invasion compared to that of the group with
      extra-nodal invasion (p=0.001). Urotensin II levels were higher in the group
      without lymphatic invasion compared to the group with lymphatic invasion
      (p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first in the English medical literature
      to determine the urotensin II and its receptor mRNA expressions in breast cancer
      tissues. Consequently, urotensin II seems be associated with menopausal status,
      and extra-nodal and lymphatic invasion.

PMID- 25112590
TI  - Uterine morcellation at the time of hysterectomy: techniques, risks, and
      recommendations.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Uterine leiomyomata or fibroids are the most common pelvic tumor
      experienced in women. A minimally invasive approach to hysterectomy has proven
      benefits of cosmesis, lower blood loss, less pain, decreased hospital stay, and
      faster recovery. The incidence of uterine morcellation, the process of making a
      uterine specimen smaller for purposes of removal via a minimally invasive
      approach, has increased for this reason. OBJECTIVE: We review the history,
      techniques, and direct and indirect risks described in the literature,
      recommendations for appropriate use, and how to counsel patients regarding this
      procedure. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A thorough search of PubMed for all current
      literature was performed. Techniques for morcellation were reviewed. We included
      studies that addressed the type and incidence of morcellator-associated risks
      including those addressing the incidence of leiomyosarcoma in patients with
      presumed uterine fibroids. RESULTS: We have summarized several techniques to aid
      the practitioner in performing morcellation procedures and the risks involved. We
      have summarized all of the current consensus statements regarding the
      recommendations for use of morcellation and the approach to proper counseling.
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Morcellation is an effective method of specimen
      removal that can decrease the need for laparotomy in both benign and malignant
      conditions. Upon analysis of current data and consensus statements, when
      possible, morcellation should be performed within a contained environment to
      minimize any potential tumor spread in the event of an undiagnosed malignancy.
      Patients should be adequately counseled to make an informed decision regarding
      undergoing a morcellation procedure. Future methods for enclosed specimen
      extraction will hopefully change the future of morcellation.

PMID- 25112553
TI  - [Patient's care and management of dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients in the
      clinical practice in Spain: The LIPEDIA study].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Treatment of atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD) in type 2 diabetes (DM2)
      should focus on the global control of dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to
      determine how hospital (MSs) and primary care specialist (GPs) from Spain manage
      AD in DM2 during their daily practice. METHODS: An observational, cross
      sectional, multicentric study was conducted. Information about daily practice was
      obtained from 497 MSs and 872 GPs across Spain. RESULTS: 66% of MSs and 30.5% of
      GPs considered DM2 patients to be high-risk. Most consider the c-LDL targets
      based on European guidelines. The statins most widely used are atorvastatin and
      simvastatin. However both MSs and GPs considered rosuvastatin to be the most
      appropriate statin for these patients. 82% of MSs and 68% of GPs considered that
      >50% of their patients achieved the c-LDL target. The main reasons of not
      achieving this target were lack of treatment adherence and pressure from the
      administration. Seventy four percent of MSs reported that there are no common
      clinical protocols with GPs. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in the perception of
      the real cardiovascular risk of the patient, low use of more appropriate statins,
      lack of adherence and poor perception of real c-LDL control may contribute to the
      failure in achieving lipid targets in DM2.

PMID- 25112591
TI  - The surgical management of cervical cancer: an overview and literature review.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Surgery has evolved into the standard therapy for nonbulky carcinoma
      of the cervix. The mainstay of surgical management is radical hysterectomy;
      however, less radical procedures have a small but important role in the
      management of cervical tumors. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to discuss the
      literature behind the different procedures utilized in the management of cervical
      cancer, emphasizing the radical hysterectomy. In addition, we aimed to discuss
      ongoing trials looking at the utility of less radical surgeries as well as
      emerging technologies in the management of this disease. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We
      performed a PubMed literature search for articles in the English language that
      pertained to the topic of surgical techniques and their outcomes in the treatment
      of cervical cancer. RESULTS: The minimally invasive approaches to radical
      hysterectomy appear to reduce morbidity without affecting oncological outcomes,
      although further data are needed looking at long-term outcomes with the robotic
      platform. Trials are currently ongoing looking at the role of less radical
      surgery for patients with low-risk disease and the feasibility of sentinel lymph
      node mapping. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Radical hysterectomy with pelvic
      lymphadenectomy has evolved into the standard therapy for nonbulky disease, and
      there is a clear advantage in the use of minimally invasive techniques to perform
      these procedures. However, pending ongoing trials, less radical surgery in
      patients with low-risk invasive disease as well as sentinel lymph node mapping
      may emerge as standards of care in selected patients with cervical carcinoma.

PMID- 25112589
TI  - Summary of international guidelines for physical activity after pregnancy.
AB  - Postpartum physical activity can improve mood, maintain cardiorespiratory
      fitness, improve weight control, promote weight loss, and reduce depression and
      anxiety. This review summarizes current guidelines for postpartum physical
      activity worldwide. PubMed (MEDLINE) was searched for country-specific government
      and clinical guidelines on physical activity after pregnancy through the year
      2013. Only the most recent guideline was included in the review. An abstraction
      form facilitated extraction of key details and helped to summarize results. Six
      guidelines were identified from 5 countries (Australia, Canada, Norway, United
      Kingdom, and United States). All guidelines were embedded within pregnancy
      related physical activity recommendations. All provided physical activity advice
      related to breastfeeding and 3 remarked about physical activity after cesarean
      delivery. Recommended physical activities mentioned in the guidelines included
      aerobic (3/6), pelvic floor exercise (3/6), strengthening (2/6), stretching
      (2/6), and walking (2/6). None of the guidelines discussed sedentary behavior.
      The guidelines that were identified lacked specificity for physical activity.
      Greater clarity in guidelines would be more useful to both practitioners and the
      women they serve. Postpartum physical activity guidelines have the potential to
      assist women to initiate or resume physical activity after childbirth so that
      they can transition to meeting recommended levels of physical activity. Health
      care providers have a critical role in encouraging women to be active at this
      time, and the availability of more explicit guidelines may assist them to
      routinely include physical activity advice in their postpartum care. 

PMID- 25112592
TI  - To boldly go.

PMID- 25112594
TI  - Successful aging and subjective well-being among oldest-old adults.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This research integrates successful aging and developmental
      adaptation models to empirically define the direct and indirect effects of 2
      distal (i.e., education and past life experiences) and 5 proximal influences
      (i.e., physical functioning, cognitive functioning, physical health impairment,
      social resources, and perceived economic status) on subjective well-being. The
      proximal influences involved predictors outlined in most extant models of
      successful aging (e.g., Rowe & Kahn, 1998 [Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1998).
      Successful aging. New York: Pantheon Books.]). Our model extends such models by
      including distal impact as well as interactions between distal and proximal
      impacts. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were obtained from 234 centenarians and 72
      octogenarians in the Georgia Centenarian Study. Structural equation modeling was
      conducted with Mplus 6.1. RESULTS: Results showed significant direct effects of
      physical health impairment and social resources on positive aspects of subjective
      well-being among oldest-old adults. We also found significant indirect effects of
      cognitive functioning and education on positive affect among oldest-old adults.
      Social resources mediated the relationship between cognitive functioning and
      positive affect; and cognitive functioning and social resources mediated the
      relationship between education and positive affect. In addition, physical health
      impairment mediated the relationship between cognitive functioning and positive
      affect; and cognitive functioning and physical health impairment mediated the
      relationship between education and positive affect. IMPLICATIONS: Integrating 2
      different models (i.e., successful aging and developmental adaptation) provided a
      comprehensive view of adaptation from a developmental perspective.

PMID- 25112596
TI  - Combination of material flow analysis and substance flow analysis: a powerful
      approach for decision support in waste management.
AB  - The novelty of this paper is the demonstration of the effectiveness of combining
      material flow analysis (MFA) with substance flow analysis (SFA) for decision
      making in waste management. Both MFA and SFA are based on the mass balance
      principle. While MFA alone has been applied often for analysing material flows
      quantitatively and hence to determine the capacities of waste treatment
      processes, SFA is more demanding but instrumental in evaluating the performance
      of a waste management system regarding the goals "resource conservation" and
      "environmental protection". SFA focuses on the transformations of wastes during
      waste treatment: valuable as well as hazardous substances and their
      transformations are followed through the entire waste management system. A
      substance-based approach is required because the economic and environmental
      properties of the products of waste management - recycling goods, residues and
      emissions - are primarily determined by the content of specific precious or
      harmful substances. To support the case that MFA and SFA should be combined, a
      case study of waste management scenarios is presented. For three scenarios, total
      material flows are quantified by MFA, and the mass flows of six indicator
      substances (C, N, Cl, Cd, Pb, Hg) are determined by SFA. The combined results are
      compared to the status quo in view of fulfilling the goals of waste management.
      They clearly point out specific differences between the chosen scenarios,
      demonstrating potentials for improvement and the value of the combination of
      MFA/SFA for decision making in waste management. 

PMID- 25112595
TI  - An agent-based simulation model for Clostridium difficile infection control.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Control of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an increasingly
      difficult problem for health care institutions. There are commonly recommended
      strategies to combat CDI transmission, such as oral vancomycin for CDI treatment,
      increased hand hygiene with soap and water for health care workers, daily
      environmental disinfection of infected patient rooms, and contact isolation of
      diseased patients. However, the efficacy of these strategies, particularly for
      endemic CDI, has not been well studied. The objective of this research is to
      develop a valid, agent-based simulation model (ABM) to study C. difficile
      transmission and control in a midsized hospital. METHODS: We develop an ABM of a
      midsized hospital with agents such as patients, health care workers, and
      visitors. We model the natural progression of CDI in a patient using a Markov
      chain and the transmission of CDI through agent and environmental interactions.
      We derive input parameters from aggregate patient data from the 2007-2010
      Wisconsin Hospital Association and published medical literature. We define a
      calibration process, which we use to estimate transition probabilities of the
      Markov model by comparing simulation results to benchmark values found in
      published literature. RESULTS: In a comparison of CDI control strategies
      implemented individually, routine bleach disinfection of CDI-positive patient
      rooms provides the largest reduction in nosocomial asymptomatic colonization
      (21.8%) and nosocomial CDIs (42.8%). Additionally, vancomycin treatment provides
      the largest reduction in relapse CDIs (41.9%), CDI-related mortalities (68.5%),
      and total patient length of stay (21.6%). CONCLUSION: We develop a generalized
      ABM for CDI control that can be customized and further expanded to specific
      institutions and/or scenarios. Additionally, we estimate transition probabilities
      for a Markov model of natural CDI progression in a patient through calibration.

PMID- 25112597
TI  - Transformation of membrane nanosurface of red blood cells under hemin action.
AB  - Hemin is the product of hemoglobin oxidation. Some diseases may lead to a
      formation of hemin. The accumulation of hemin causes destruction of red blood
      cells (RBC) membranes. In this study the process of development of topological
      defects of RBC membranes within the size range from nanoscale to microscale
      levels is shown. The formation of the grain-like structures in the membrane
      ("grains") with typical sizes of 120-200 nm was experimentally shown. The process
      of formation of "grains" was dependent on the hemin concentration and incubation
      time. The possible mechanism of membrane nanostructure alterations is proposed.
      The kinetic equations of formation and transformation of small and medium
      topological defects were analyzed. This research can be used to study the cell
      intoxication and analyze the action of various agents on RBC membranes.

PMID- 25112598
TI  - The association of dorsiflexion flexibility on knee kinematics and kinetics
      during a drop vertical jump in healthy female athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE: While previous studies have examined the association between ankle
      dorsiflexion flexibility and deleterious landing postures, it is not currently
      known how landing kinetics are influenced by ankle dorsiflexion flexibility. The
      purpose of this study was to examine whether ankle dorsiflexion flexibility was
      associated with landing kinematics and kinetics that have been shown to increase
      the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in female athletes. METHODS:
      Twenty-three female collegiate soccer players participated in a preseason
      screening that included the assessment of ankle dorsiflexion flexibility and
      lower-body kinematics and kinetics during a drop vertical jump task. RESULTS: The
      results demonstrated that females with less ankle dorsiflexion flexibility
      exhibited greater peak knee abduction moments (r = -.442), greater peak knee
      abduction angles (r = .355), and less peak knee flexion angles (r = .385) during
      landing. The range of dorsiflexion flexibility for the current study was between
      9 degrees  and 23 degrees  (mean = 15.0 degrees ; SD 3.9 degrees ). CONCLUSION:
      Dorsiflexion flexibility may serve as a useful clinical measure to predict poor
      landing postures and external forces that have been associated with increased
      knee injury risk. Rehabilitation specialists can provide interventions aimed at
      improving dorsiflexion flexibility in order to ameliorate the impact of this
      modifiable factor on deleterious landing kinematics and kinetics in female
      athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 25112600
TI  - Memory factors in Rey AVLT: Implications for early staging of cognitive decline.
AB  - Supraspan verbal list learning is widely used to assess dementia and related
      cognitive disorders where declarative memory deficits are a major clinical sign.
      While the overall learning rate is important for diagnosis, serial position
      patterns may give insight into more specific memory processes in patients with
      cognitive impairment. This study explored these patterns in a memory clinic
      clientele. One hundred eighty three participants took the Rey Auditory-Verbal
      Learning Test (RAVLT). The major groups were patients with Alzheimer's disease
      (AD), Vascular Dementia (VD), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and Subjective
      Cognitive Impairment (SCI) as well as healthy controls (HC). Raw scores for the
      five trials and five serial partitions were factor analysed. Three memory factors
      were found and interpreted as Primacy, Recency, and Resistance to Interference.
      AD and MCI patients had impaired scores in all factors. SCI patients were
      significantly impaired in the Resistance to Interference factor, and in the
      Recency factor at the first trial. The main conclusion is that serial position
      data from word list testing reflect specific memory capacities which vary with
      levels of cognitive impairment. 

PMID- 25112599
TI  - Sensation seeking predicting growth in adolescent problem behaviors.
AB  - There is limited literature on the relationship between sensation seeking and
      adolescent risk behaviors, particularly among African Americans. We tested the
      association between psychometrically-derived subscales of the Zuckerman Sensation
      Seeking Scale and the intercepts and slopes of individual growth curves of
      conduct problems, sexual risk taking, and substance use from ages 13 to 18 years
      by sex. Boys and girls had different associations between sensation seeking and
      baseline levels and growth of risk behaviors. The Pleasure Seeking scale was
      associated with baseline levels of conduct problems in boys and girls, baseline
      substance use in boys, and growth in sexual risk taking and substance use by
      girls. Girls had the same pattern of associations with the Danger/Novelty scale
      as the Pleasure Seeking scale. Knowledge about the relationships between
      adolescent risk taking and sensation seeking can help in the targeted design of
      prevention and intervention programs for the understudied population of very low
      income, African American adolescents.

PMID- 25112602
TI  - Cartilage polysaccharide induces apoptosis in K562 cells through a reactive
      oxygen species-mediated caspase pathway.
AB  - In this study, a polysaccharide (PS) was successfully extracted from porcine
      cartilage and its effect on chronic myeloid leukemia was examined using human
      K562 cells. The results of cell proliferation assays indicated that the PS
      inhibited cancer cell growth at different concentrations. Morphological and
      biochemical changes characteristic of apoptosis were observed and confirmed by PI
      staining and TUNEL assay. The nuclear DNA, RNA and proteins of the cancer cells
      subjected to PS treatment were irreversibly destroyed by reactive oxygen species
      (ROS), additionally, the ROS effected on the cells directly. The apoptotic
      signals altered the permeability of the mitochondrial outer membrane, thereby
      resulted in the release of apoptotic factors into the cytoplasm that induced
      apoptosis. As caspase-3/7, 8 and 9 were expressed, it was speculated that both
      intrinsic and extrinsic pathways were involved in the PS-induced apoptosis. 

PMID- 25112603
TI  - Prevalence of tonsillar human papillomavirus infections in Denmark.
AB  - The incidence of tonsillar carcinomas associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
      infection has increased dramatically over the last three decades. In fact,
      currently in Scandinavia, HPV-associated cases account for over 80 % of tonsillar
      carcinoma cases. Yet, the epidemiology and natural history of tonsillar HPV
      infections remains poorly characterized. Our aim was to characterize such
      infections in the Danish population in tumor-free tonsillar tissue. Unlike
      previous studies, we considered both palatine tonsils. We examined both tonsils
      from 80 patients with peritonsillar abscess (n = 25) or chronic tonsillar disease
      (n = 55). HPV was detected by nested PCR with PGMY 09/11 and GP5+/GP6+L1
      consensus primers, and typed by sequencing. Samples were also analyzed using a
      higher-throughput method, the CLART HPV 2 Clinical Array Assay. The overall
      prevalence of HPV tonsillar infection was 1.25 % (1/80, 95 % CI 0.03-6.77 %) by
      nested PCR, and 0 % by CLART HPV2 Clinical Array. The HPV-positive patient was a
      16-year-old female with recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy. The type
      detected was HPV6. HPV was not detected in the contralateral tonsil of this
      patient. Compared to cervical HPV infections in Denmark, tonsillar HPV infections
      are 10- to 15-fold less frequent. In the HPV-positive patient in this study, HPV
      was detected in only one of the tonsils. This raises the possibility that prior
      studies may underestimate the prevalence of HPV infections, as they do not
      consider both palatine tonsils.

PMID- 25112606
TI  - Connective tissue diseases: A mechanism of B cell hyperactivity in SLE.

PMID- 25112607
TI  - Metallogel template fabrication of pH-responsive copolymer nanowires loaded with
      silver nanoparticles and their photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue.
AB  - Poly(N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide-4-vinylpyridine) (P(MBA-4VP)) nanowires loaded
      with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been fabricated by silver metallogel
      template copolymerization, and subsequently, silver ions are reduced instead of
      the template being removed. Ag NPs with a diameter of 5-15 nm were dispersed
      throughout the core of P(MBA-4VP) nanowires. The size and distribution of the
      formed Ag NPs could be finely controlled by reduction time. The pH sensitivity of
      P(MBA-4VP) nanowires offers the possibility of Ag NP release from the nanowires
      under acidic conditions. The photocatalytic performance of the P(MBA-4VP)
      nanowires loaded with Ag NPs was evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue
      (MB) under UV light irradiation. Their rate of degradation is dependent on the
      content and size of the Ag NPs, as well as the pH values of the MB solution.
      Moreover, the P(MBA-4VP) nanowires loaded with Ag NPs exhibited high
      photostability, and the photocatalytic efficiency reduced by only 1.81% after
      being used three times.

PMID- 25112608
TI  - Evolution of an adenine-copper cluster to a highly porous cuboidal framework:
      solution-phase ripening and gas-adsorption properties.
AB  - The synthesis and directed evolution of a tetranuclear copper cluster, supported
      by 8-mercapto-N9-propyladenine ligand, to a highly porous three-dimensional cubic
      framework in the solid state is reported. The structure of this porous framework
      was unambiguously characterized by X-ray crystallography. The framework contains
      about 62 % solvent-accessible void; the presence of a free exocyclic amino group
      in the porous framework facilitates reversible adsorption of gas and solvent
      molecules. Oriented growth of framework in solution was also tracked by force and
      scanning electron microscopy studies, leading to identification of an intriguing
      ripening process, over a period of 30 days, which also revealed formation of
      cuboidal aggregates in solution. The elemental composition of these cuboidal
      aggregates was ascertained by EDAX analysis. 

PMID- 25112604
TI  - Pharmacogenetics: can genes determine treatment efficacy and safety in JIA?
AB  - Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic
      condition in childhood, with many children requiring immunomodulatory therapies
      for many years following diagnosis. A considerable proportion of children
      experience therapeutic inefficacy or substantial adverse effects, or both, but a
      lack of reliable clinical indicators and biomarkers to predict treatment response
      prevents optimization of existing therapies. The identification of valid
      candidate gene variants involved in the pathways of methotrexate and etanercept,
      the most commonly used medications in JIA, has seen little success to date. The
      limited success of these studies is possibly due to the presence of confounding
      variables in the study populations, the heterogeneity of outcome parameters used
      to determine treatment response and the small number of candidate gene variants
      analysed. The first genome-wide pharmacogenetic study in JIA has identified gene
      regions of particular biological interest, but these findings require validation.
      Moreover, epigenetic mechanisms as well as ontogeny processes might be additional
      factors influencing drug responses. Access to large, well-documented JIA cohorts
      and the rapid development of advanced genome analytics is ushering in a
      personalized approach to treatment. The discovery of new pharmacogenomic
      biomarkers and systems pathways can provide new drug targets and predictive tools
      for improved drug response and fewer adverse drug reactions in JIA.

PMID- 25112609
TI  - Efficacy and safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as an add-on to insulin
      treatment in patients with Type 2 diabetes: a review.
AB  - AIM: To review and discuss the results from the clinical controlled trials
      comparing a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor with placebo treatment as add-on to
      insulin treatment with respect to changes in HbA1c , weight, fasting plasma
      glucose, risk of hypoglycaemia and safety in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
      METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE and PubMed databases to identify all randomized
      controlled clinical trials evaluating dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as an add
      on to insulin in patients with Type 2 diabetes, which were selected for review.
      The abstracts and posters of the recent annual meetings of the American Diabetes
      Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes were hand
      searched, as were the reference lists of articles identified. RESULTS: Adding a
      dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor to insulin treatment resulted in a glucose
      lowering effect of ~ 6.6-8.7 mmol/mol (0.60-0.80%) from a baseline HbA1c of 67-78
      mmol/mol (8.3-9.3%), without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia. The dipeptidyl
      peptidase-4 inhibitor treatment had no effect on body weight or daily dose of
      insulin. The frequency and severity of adverse events did not differ between
      dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor and placebo treatment. CONCLUSION: Adding a
      dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor treatment to insulin has a moderate effect on
      HbA1c , a weight-neutral effect and a good safety profile. The risk of
      hypoglycaemia is not increased despite a significant improvement in HbA1c .

PMID- 25112610
TI  - Modifications to nano- and microstructural quality and the effects on mechanical
      integrity in Paget's disease of bone.
AB  - Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is the second most common bone disease mostly
      developing after 50 years of age at one or more localized skeletal sites; it is
      associated with severely high bone turnover, bone enlargement, bowing/deformity,
      cracking, and pain. Here, to specifically address the origins of the deteriorated
      mechanical integrity, we use a cohort of control and PDB human biopsies to
      investigate multiscale architectural and compositional modifications to the bone
      structure (ie, bone quality) and relate these changes to mechanical property
      measurements to provide further insight into the clinical manifestations (ie,
      deformities and bowing) and fracture risk caused by PDB. Here, at the level of
      the collagen and mineral (ie, nanometer-length scale), we find a 19% lower
      mineral content and lower carbonate-to-phosphate ratio in PDB, which accounts for
      the 14% lower stiffness and 19% lower hardness promoting plastic deformation in
      pathological bone. At the microstructural scale, trabecular regions are known to
      become densified, whereas cortical bone loses its characteristic parallel-aligned
      osteonal pattern, which is replaced with a mosaic of lamellar and woven bone.
      Although we find this loss of anisotropic alignment produces a straighter crack
      path in mechanically-loaded PDB cases, cortical fracture toughness appears to be
      maintained due to increased plastic deformation. Clearly, the altered quality of
      the bone structure in PDB affects the mechanical integrity leading to
      complications such as bowing, deformities, and stable cracks called fissure
      fractures associated with this disease. Although the lower mineralization and
      loss of aligned Haversian structures do produce a lower modulus tissue, which is
      susceptible to deformities, our results indicate that the higher levels of
      plasticity may compensate for the lost microstructural features and maintain the
      resistance to crack growth.

PMID- 25112611
TI  - Review of the hymenopteran fauna of New Caledonia with a checklist of species.
AB  - The hymenopteran fauna of New Caledonia is reviewed and compared with that of
      Australia and New Zealand, as well as other islands in the south-west Pacific. In
      conclusion, several different scenarios (e.g., recent dispersal events and
      radiations) can be used to explain the extant distribution of New Caledonian
      Hymenoptera. A detailed checklist of 409 species and subspecies of Hymenoptera of
      New Caledonia is provided, along with estimates of the undescribed fauna, and a
      summary of the general biology of the families represented in the region. 

PMID- 25112605
TI  - Adverse reactions to biologic agents and their medical management.
AB  - Biologic agents have substantially advanced the treatment of immunological
      disorders, including chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, these
      drugs are often associated with adverse events (AEs), including allergic,
      immunological and other unwanted reactions. AEs can affect almost any organ or
      system in the body and can occur immediately, within minutes to hours, or with a
      delay of several days or more after initiation of biologic therapy. Although some
      AEs are a direct consequence of the functional inhibition of biologic-agent
      targeted antigens, the pathogenesis of other AEs results from a drug-induced
      imbalance of the immune system, intermediary factors and cofactors, a complexity
      that complicates their prediction. Herein, we review the AEs associated with
      biologic therapy most relevant to rheumatic and immunological diseases, and
      discuss their underlying pathogenesis. We also include our recommendations for
      the medical management of such AEs. Increased understanding and improved risk
      management of AEs induced by biologic agents will enable better use of these
      versatile immune-response modifiers. 

PMID- 25112612
TI  - Taxonomic revision of the ornate skink (Oligosoma ornatum; Reptilia: Scincidae)
      species complex from northern New Zealand.
AB  - Although the New Zealand skink fauna is known to be highly diverse, a substantial
      proportion of the recognised species remain undescribed. We completed a taxonomic
      revision of the ornate skink (Oligosoma ornatum (Gray, 1843)) as a previous
      molecular study indicated that it represented a species complex. As part of this
      work we have resolved some nomenclatural issues involving this species and a
      similar species, O. aeneum (Girard, 1857). A new skink species, Oligosoma roimata
      sp. nov., is described from the Poor Knights Islands, off the northeast coast of
      the North Island of New Zealand. This species is diagnosed by a range of
      morphological characters and genetic differentiation from O. ornatum. The
      conservation status of the new taxon appears to be of concern as it is endemic to
      the Poor Knights Islands and has rarely been seen over the past two decades. 

PMID- 25112613
TI  - Description of Mitogoniella mucuri sp. nov. (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae) and
      considerations on polymorphic traits in the genus and Gonyleptidae.
AB  - Mitogoniella mucuri sp. nov. is described for some caves in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
      This species differs from other Mitogoniella species by large tubercles on the
      ocularium that have fused bases and free apices (or almost fully fused tubercles
      with bifurcated apices), and by a large dry-mark between tubercles on the
      longitudinal groove of area III. Mitogoniella species are hard to recognize:
      their males lack any armature on leg IV (normally an important diagnostic
      character among gonyleptid species), and they also present many polymorphisms in
      coloration (dry-mark), male secondary sex characters, the number of dorsal scutal
      granules, and the shapes of tubercles on the ocularium. The patterns of these
      polymorphisms are discussed for the genus and for the family. The present work
      also presents new occurrences for all the species of the genus, and their
      biogeography is discussed. 

PMID- 25112614
TI  - A new species of the genus Pethia from Mizoram, northeastern India (Teleostei:
      Cyprinidae).
AB  - The paper describes Pethia expletiforis, a new cyprinid species from the Ka-ao
      River, Kaladan drainage, Mizoram, India. It is distinguished from its congeners
      in the Chindwin-Irrawaddy and Ganga-Brahmaputra drainages by the combination of:
      a complete lateral line, nine predorsal scales, 12 circumpeduncular scales,
      1/24/1/31/2 transverse scales, a black blotch on the caudal peduncle, and the
      absence of a humeral mark and barbels. 

PMID- 25112615
TI  - A new species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from northern Vietnam.
AB  - We describe a new species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus on the basis of four
      specimens from Cao Bang Province, northern Vietnam. Hemiphyllodactylus zugi sp.
      nov. is distinguished from the remaining congeners by a combination of the
      following characters: a bisexual taxon; average SVL of adult males 41 mm, of
      adult female 46.6 mm; chin scales bordering mental and first infralabial
      distinctly enlarged; digital lamellae formulae 3-4-4-4 (forefoot) and 4-5-5-5
      (hindfoot); femoral and precloacal pore series continuous, 18-21 in total in
      males, absent in female; cloacal spur single in males; dorsal trunk pattern of
      dark brown irregular transverse bands; dark lateral head stripe indistinct; upper
      zone of flank with a series of large light spots, edged above and below in dark
      grey; caecum and gonadal ducts unpigmented. 

PMID- 25112616
TI  - Schillerosaurus gen. nov., a replacement name for the lizard genus Schilleria
      Evans and Chure, 1999 a junior homonym of Schilleria Dahl, 1907.

PMID- 25112617
TI  - Names and publication dates of the Brachyura in F.E. Guerin (Guerin-Meneville)
      (Crustacea: Decapoda).
AB  - The names and dates of the publications of Brachyura of Guerin (Guerin-Meneville
      from 1836) are reviewed, and previously unidentified or overlooked names are
      identified. Several identical new names used in multiple publications by Guerin
      (also under the name Guerin-Meneville), and others that appeared in the same year
      necessitated the accurate determination of publication dates to establish
      priority. The authorships of three names should be credited to Guerin (1832):
      Gecarcinus lateralis (Gecarcinidae), Halimus aries (Majidae), and Libinia spinosa
      (Epialtidae), the first previously attributed to Freminville (1835), the last two
      to H. Milne Edwards (1834). The overlooked genus- and species-group names
      Cyclocarcinus pinnotheroides Guerin-Meneville, 1838, are determined to be senior
      subjective synonyms of the genus- and species-group names Hapalonotus reticulatus
      (De Man, 1879) (Pilumnidae). Applying Article 23.9.1 of the International Code of
      Zoological Nomenclature, precedence is reversed between the genus-group names and
      the correct name is Hapalonotus pinnotheroides (Guerin-Meneville, 1838). Current
      and widespread use of the genus-group name Thalamita Latreille, 1829 (31 March)
      (Portunidae) is threatened by the overlooked Thalamites Guerin, 1829 (21 March),
      and the precedence of the names is also reversed to maintain usage of the former.
      The genus-group name Eurypodius Guerin (Inachidae) is shown to have been
      established in 1828, not 1825. Included is a complete bibliography of the
      publications in which Guerin (also under Guerin-Meneville) established new names
      for Brachyura, with their accurate publication dates. 

PMID- 25112619
TI  - New records and distribution modeling of Gryne orensis (Sorensen) (Opiliones:
      Cosmetidae) support the Mesopotamian-Yungas disjunction in subtropical Argentina.
AB  - The presence of Gryne orensis (Sorensen) (Opiliones: Cosmetidae) in a Yungas
      locality (northwestern Argentina) is reported for the first time, providing new
      evidence for the Mesopotamian-Yungas disjunct pattern. Combining a total of 19
      new Mesopotamian records with previous, reliable citations from the literature, a
      dataset of 45 points was used to model the potential distribution of the species,
      using the presence-only methods BIOCLIM and MAXENT. Models supported the
      existence of a distributional gap across the Semiarid Chaco. The imprecise
      literature record from "El Impenetrable", province of Chaco, is assigned to three
      tentative locations to evaluate if models are affected by their inclusion; in all
      cases, the disjunction was maintained. It was thereby estimated that the actual
      record might have originated in a site closer to the Humid Chaco and/or
      associated to streams. This paper also provides a statement of the bioclimatic
      profile and identification of major environmental constraints that define the
      range of G. orensis.  

PMID- 25112618
TI  - Three new species of Macrelmis Motschulsky, 1859 (Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae)
      from the Brazilian Cerrado Biome with updated key for the Macrelmis of Brazil.
AB  - Three new species of Macrelmis Motschulsky, 1859 (Macrelmis bispo sp. nov.,
      Macrelmis froehlichi sp. nov., and Macrelmis nessimiani sp. nov.) are herein
      described and illustrated. The species were collected from several streams in
      Goias State, Brazil, a formerly unknown region concerning Elmidae fauna. We also
      provide an updated key for the Macrelmis species of Brazil. 

PMID- 25112620
TI  - Latitudinal patterns in the diversity of two subgenera of the genus Daphnia O.F.
      Muller (Crustacea: Cladocera: Daphniidae).
AB  - Daphnia O.F. Muller (Crustacea: Cladocera: Daphniidae) is an important model in
      biology. It was concluded earlier that subgenus Daphnia s.str. occurs mainly in
      the northern hemisphere, subgenus Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia) in the southern
      hemisphere, which could suggest that: (1) the subgeneric differentiation is
      correlated with the Laurasia-Gondwanaland subdivision and (2) D. (Ctenodaphnia)
      is a taxon of Gondwanian origin. Some authors even discussed mechanisms of
      maintaince of the "ancient subgeneric north-south split", regarding such a
      pattern as paradoxical. But both molecular clock calculations and fossils of both
      subgenera from the Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary of Mongolia compromise such ideas
      and suggest an earlier, Pangaean, differentiation of the subgenera. We discuss
      the distribution of Daphnia worldwide based on recent literature. Our analysis
      covers literature data on all described and on undescribed taxa revealed by
      genetical methods. Distributional data were associated with five main zones:
      southern cold (I), southern temperate (II), tropical (III), northern temperate
      (IV), and northern cold (V) zone. We found no "subgeneric north-south split": the
      distribution of Daphnia s.str. is dissymmetric between the hemispheres
      (antipolar), while that of Ctenodaphnia is sub-symmetric (bipolar). We suggest
      that both patterns are not of Mesozoic, but of Cenozoic origin. Mesozoic
      differentiation of the subgenera does not contradict a recent origin of the
      extant species, as found in e.g. Notostraca. A superficially attractive
      hypothesis about a Gondwanian origin of a taxon (Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia))
      therefore did not pass the test of the fossil records. In addition, we agree with
      the opinion that an antipolar is only a variant of a bipolar pattern, as a result
      of an extinction in the southern hemisphere, and that these patterns are mid-late
      Cenozoic instead of Mesozoic. 

PMID- 25112621
TI  - A new cave-dwelling millipede of the genus Scutogona from central Portugal
      (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida, Chamaesomatidae).
AB  - A new cave-dwelling species of the genus Scutogona Ribuat, 1913, S. minor n. sp.,
      is described from caves of Sico karst in central Portugal. The classification and
      delimitation of Scutogona vis-a-vis related genera, in particular Meinerteuma
      Mauries, 1982, is discussed. 

PMID- 25112622
TI  - Diversity of Aulacidae (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea) in the oceanic Ogasawara Islands
      (Japan), with description of a new species from Anijima Island.
AB  - In the context of the biodiversity conservation of the oceanic Ogasawara Islands,
      the parasitoid species of Aulacidae are reviewed. We examined material from eight
      islands with or without invasion of the introduced lizard Anolis carolinensis
      (Voigt 1832) (green anoles): two species of Pristaulacus Kieffer 1900, P.
      boninensis Konishi, 1989, and P. anijimensis sp. nov., are recognized. The former
      species is widely distributed in the islands, whereas the latter species is found
      from a single island only, Anijima Island. Although this island appears to be
      currently well preserved, the recent introduction of green anoles will probably
      affect the conservation status of many species, including the endemic P.
      anijimensis sp. nov. A description of the new species, detailed drawings and
      descriptions of genitalia of both recognized species, an updated key to Japanese
      Aulacidae, and a brief discussion on the conservation aspects of Aulacidae in the
      Ogasawara Islands are provided. 

PMID- 25112623
TI  - A new species of Lakshmia Yakovlev, 2004 (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) from Northern
      Thailand with a world catalogue of the genus.

PMID- 25112624
TI  - Gerromorpha (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) of eastern Mato Grosso State, Brazil:
      checklist, new records, and species distribution modeling.
AB  - The infraorder Gerromorpha comprises semiaquatic bugs, most of which spend much
      of their lifetime on the water surface, between floating plants, or on the
      margins of water bodies. Based on literature and collections made on streams and
      lakes on municipalities of eastern Mato Grosso, Brazil, a list has been
      elaborated with 52 species, including several new records. Out of the recorded
      species, 26 belong to the family Veliidae, 20 to Gerridae, three to
      Hydrometridae, two to Mesoveliidae, and one to Hebridae. The modeling of the
      potential geographical distribution is also presented for the 20 species that
      have been recorded for the first time from the state. 

PMID- 25112625
TI  - A new species of Physoschistura (Pisces: Nemacheilidae) from northern Thailand.
AB  - Physoschistura chulabhornae, new species, is described from Maechaem River, a
      tributary of Ping River, upper Chaophraya River drainage, Chiangmai province,
      Thailand. It is distinguished from all other known species of Physoschistura in
      having an incomplete lateral line reaching at least to the origin of the anal fin
      with 62-83 lateral-line canal pores, the dorsal-fin origin slightly in front of
      the pelvic-fin origin, no axillary pelvic lobe, and a suborbital flap in the
      shape of a hammer head in the male. 

PMID- 25112626
TI  - A new species in the genus Pseudorhyncomyia Peris, 1952 and the identity of P.
      deserticola Zumpt and Argo, 1978 (Diptera, Rhiniidae).
AB  - The genus Pseudorhyncomyia Peris, 1952 is re-described and shown to have two
      valid species: P. braunsi (Villeneuve, 1920) and P. aethiopica sp. nov. The
      latter is described on the basis of a single male specimen captured near Ado,
      Ethiopia, in 1953. Nominal species P. deserticola Zumpt and Argo, 1978 is
      transferred to Zumba Peris, 1951, where it is placed as a junior synonym of Z.
      antennalis (Villeneuve, 1929), syn. nov. 

PMID- 25112627
TI  - The Pselaphinae of Madagascar. II. Redescription of the genus Semiclaviger
      Wasmann, 1893 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae: Clavigeritae) and synonymy
      of the subtribe Radamina Jeannel, 1954.
AB  - The enigmatic Madagascan genus Semiclaviger Wasmann is among the most
      morphologically distinct members of the obligately myrmecophilous pselaphine
      supertribe Clavigeritae. Here, the genus is redescribed, and the lectotype of the
      type species S. sikorae Wasmann is designated. We present a detailed study of the
      morphology of Semiclaviger, which supports its uniqueness among the Clavigeritae.
      The systematic position of the genus, and the validity of its subtribe Radamina,
      are discussed leading us to place Radamina in synonymy with Clavigerodina. 

PMID- 25112629
TI  - New species of Narnia (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae: Coreinae: Anisoscelini)
      from Mexico and key to the known species of the genus.
AB  - One new species of Narnia is described from Mexico, N. anaticula sp. nov. A key
      to the species is provided together with dorsal view photograph of each known
      species of Narnia. The genus is divided in two groups according the color of the
      dorsal abdominal segments. 

PMID- 25112628
TI  - Working and reference check list for fireflies of Melanesia (Coleoptera:
      Lampyridae: Luciolinae).
AB  - Twenty-three species of Lampyridae (fifteen of them new) collected during the
      1969-70 Alpha Helix scientific expedition to New Guinea are now characterized by
      both behavioural and taxonomic data. For ease of identification, relocation of
      specimens, and location of all pertinent literature this check list is presented.

PMID- 25112630
TI  - Redescription of Parapercis punctata (Cuvier, 1829) and status of Neosillago
      Castelnau, 1875 and its type species Neosillago marmorata Castelnau, 1875
      (Perciformes: Pinguipedidae).
AB  - The status of two doubtful fish species is reviewed. Percis punctata Cuvier, 1829
      is confirmed to be a valid species of Parapercis Bleeker, 1863 and a senior
      synonym of Parapercis guezei Fourmanoir, 1966. A redescription of Parapercis
      punctata is provided, based on four specimens collected from the western Indian
      Ocean. Examination of the holotype of Neosillago marmorata Castelnau, 1875
      revealed that Neosillago is a junior synonym of Parapercis and N. marmorata is a
      junior synonym of Parapercis nebulosa (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825). 

PMID- 25112632
TI  - Revision of the genus Ateralphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001 (Coleoptera:
      Cerambycidae: Lamiinae).
AB  - A revision of the genus Ateralphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001, based on
      the detailed study of the morphology of the type-species and on the external
      morphology and terminalia of the others species is presented. The genus and
      species are redescribed and three new species are described. The genus is
      composed of nine species: A. dejeani (Lane, 1973), A. javariensis (Lane, 1965),
      A. lacteus Galileo & Martins, 2006, A. senilis (Bates, 1862), A. subsellatus
      (White, 1855), A. variegatus (Mendes, 1938), A. auritarsus new species, A.
      lucianeae new species and A. tumidus new species. A key for identification of the
      species and maps of their geographical distribution are provided. 

PMID- 25112633
TI  - The genus Yemmalysus Stusak (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Berytidae) from China.
AB  - Species of the genus Yemmalysus Stusak, 1972 from China are treated in this
      paper: Y. parallelus Stusak, 1972 and Y. brevispinus Cai, Ye & Bu, sp. nov.
      Scanning electron micrographs of the head, thorax, external scent efferent system
      and scutellar spine, illustrations of the male genital capsules and parameres of
      the two species, and a key to the species of this genus are provided to assist in
      identification. Type specimens of Y. brevispinus sp. nov. are deposited in
      Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin,
      China. 

PMID- 25112634
TI  - Description of three species of Halmyrapseudes (Crustacea: Tanaidacea:
      Parapseudidae), with a discussion of biogeography.
AB  - We describe Halmyrapseudes gutui sp. nov. from a mangrove area on Lidee Island,
      southern Thailand. This species closely resembles H. cooperi, H. killaiyensis,
      and H. thaumastocheles, but differs in having the lacinia mobilis with three
      teeth, and the pereopod 1 carpus with 0,1 or 1,1 ventral simple setae proximal to
      each spiniform seta. We redescribed and synonymized two species of questionable
      affiliation, Apseudes cooperi and A. digitalis, placing them in Halmyrapseudes,
      and partly redescribed Halmyrapseudes killaiyensis. Halmyrapseudes and
      Pseudohalmyrapseudes have disjunct distributions. Halmyrapseudes is similar in
      distribution to two freshwater fish taxa whose distributions are considered to
      reflect the breakup of Gondwana and subsequent continental drift.
      Pseudohalmyrapseudes occurs around Australia, and its distribution seems to be
      separated from that of Halmyrapseudes by Wallace's Line or Huxley's Line, which
      are distributional barriers for both terrestrial organisms and an amphidromous
      shrimp. The adjacent distributions and morphological similarities suggest that
      Halmyrapseudes and Pseudohalmyrapseudes are sister taxa. 

PMID- 25112635
TI  - Revision of the Neotropical genus Malacophagomyia (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) with
      description of a new species.
AB  - The small Neotropical genus Malacophagomyia Lopes is revised. Two previously
      recorded species from tropical South America are redescribed: M. filamenta
      (Dodge) and M. kesselringi Kano & Lopes. One new species is described, M.
      rivadavia sp. nov., from temperate southern South America. The structures of the
      male genitalia of the species of this genus are compared, and some female
      genitalic structures of M. filamenta are reinterpreted. Diagnostic characters to
      recognize the three species are given. Additionally, a key to described species
      of Malacophagomyia is presented. 

PMID- 25112636
TI  - Two new genera and species of Tingidae from Cretaceous amber from Myanmar (Burma)
      (Hemiptera: Heteroptera).
AB  - From the Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber, the first known genera of Tingidae,
      Spinitingis n. gen. and Burmacader n. gen. with the species Spinitingis
      ellenbergeri n. sp. and Burmacader multivenosus n. sp., are described and
      figured. Their systematic placement and relationship to fossil and extant taxa
      are discussed. 

PMID- 25112637
TI  - A new genus of Saucrosmylinae (Insecta, Neuroptera) from the Middle Jurassic of
      Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China.
AB  - A new genus and new species of Saucrosmylinae (Insecta, Neuroptera) is described
      as Huiyingosmylus bellus gen. et sp. nov., based on a well-preserved forewing
      from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. Huiyingosmylus gen.
      nov. is characterized by the large size of forewing, relatively wide R1 space
      with several rows of cells, anteriorly bent Rs, dense crossveins over the entire
      wing and undulate outer margin. A key to the genera of Saucrosymylinae is
      provided. 

PMID- 25112638
TI  - Two new species of Lachesilla in the andra group, from the Chapada Diamantina,
      Bahia, Brazil (Psocodea: 'Psocoptera': Lachesillidae).
AB  - Two new species of Lachesilla in the andra group are described from Brazil, where
      the group was previously unknown. They raise to five the number of species in the
      group known in South America. An identification key for females of the andra
      group in South America is included. 

PMID- 25112639
TI  - Two new species of Hemielimaea Brunner von Wattenwyl from China.
AB  - Two new species Hemielimaea (Hemielimaea) paracari sp. nov. and H. (H.) parva sp.
      nov. from southwestern China are described. Characteristics of the stridulatory
      file on underside of male left tegmen, male stridulatory area on left and right
      tegmen, and abdominal apex of male are provided. Important and necessary
      illustrations of the new species are presented. Materials come from the following
      two depositories: Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
      China (IZCAS), and China Agricultural University, Beijing, China (CAU). 

PMID- 25112640
TI  - Revision of the Empis subgenus Enoplempis Bigot, east of the Rocky Mountains
      (Diptera: Empididae).
AB  - The Empis subgenus Enoplempis Bigot, east of the Rocky Mountains of North America
      is revised. A total of 19 species are recorded from this region including seven
      new species: E. (En.) amytis Walker, E. (En.) appalachicola Sinclair sp. nov., E.
      (En.) arthritica Melander, E. (En.) ctenonema Melander, E. (En.) enodis Melander,
      E. (En.) gladiator Melander, E. (En.) gulosa Coquillett, E. (En.) loripedis
      Coquillett, E. (En.) montywoodi Brooks sp. nov., E. (En.) nodipoplitea Steyskal,
      E. (En.) nuda Loew, E. (En.) pectinata Sinclair sp. nov., E. (En.) penicillata
      Brooks sp. nov., E. (En.) prodigiosa Cumming sp. nov., E. (En.) snoddyi Steyskal,
      E. (En.) stenoptera Loew, E. (En.) tridentata Coquillett, E. (En.) vockerothi
      Cumming sp. nov., E. (En.) volsella Sinclair sp. nov. The following new
      synonymies are designated: E. (En.) longipes Loew, E. (En.) longeoblita Steyskal,
      E. (En.) deterra Walley = E. (En.) amytis; E. (En.) cacuminifer Melander = E.
      (En.) gulosa. Lectotypes are designated for the following species: E. (En.)
      arthritica, E. (En.) cacuminifer, E. (En.) ctenonema, E. (En.) enodis, E. (En.)
      gladiator, E. (En.) loripedis, E. (En.) stenoptera and E. (En.) tridentata. A key
      to eastern species is presented and distributions illustrated. The form of
      nuptial gift presentation displayed within this group, including the use of
      balloons (with or without prey) and unwrapped prey are indicated for species when
      known. 

PMID- 25112641
TI  - Redefinition of the genus Silphitrombium (Trombidiformes: Neothrombiidae) with
      description of two new species parasitizing beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae,
      Tenebrionidae) from Iran.
AB  - Two new species of Silphitrombium Fain, 1992 (Acari: Prostigmata:
      Neothrombiidae), ectoparasites of beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera), are described
      from Sistan and Baluchestan Province, eastern Iran: S. elateridum sp. nov. on
      Heteroderes heideni Reitter, 1891 (Col.: Elateridae) and S. iranicum sp. nov. on
      Opatroides punctulatus Brulle, 1832 (Col.: Tenebrionidae) and the genus
      Silphitrombium is redefined. It is the first record of the relationship between
      beetles of the families Elateridae and Tenebrionidae, and mites of the genus
      Silphitrombium. A key to the species of the genus is presented. 

PMID- 25112642
TI  - Four new species of Acoela from Chile.
AB  - Acoels are with few exceptions marine worms and a common component of the
      interstitial meiofauna. In this study we present new species to science belonging
      to Isodiametridae and Solenofilomorphidae. The new species, Isodiametra finkei n.
      sp., Postaphanostoma nilssoni n. sp., Pseudaphanostoma hyalinorhabdoida n. sp.
      and Solenofilomorpha pellucida n. sp. were all collected in Chile during March
      2012. Nucleotide sequences for the ribosomal genes 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA as well
      as COI mtDNA have been determined for the new species and used in a maximum
      likelihood analysis to further support their classification. 

PMID- 25112643
TI  - Morphology of a neglected large-sized species of Geophilus from Iran (Chilopoda:
      Geophilidae).
AB  - Geophilus gigas was described briefly by Attems in 1951 from two sites in Iran,
      but neither reported nor cited subsequently. The original description is
      inadequate to understand the full morphology and the taxonomic position of the
      species. Thus it is here redescribed and figured in detail based on the
      examination of a syntype and newly collected specimens. Furthermore it is
      compared with the most similar species of the genus Geophilus. G. gigas can be
      reliably distinguished from other related species for the maximum body size (more
      than 6 cm), the arrangement and extent of the sternal pore-fields (with
      additional groups of pores), the coxal pores number and distribution (tens,
      scattered), and the size of the ultimate legs (swollen in both sexes). 

PMID- 25112644
TI  - Review of the largest species group of the New World seed beetle genus Sennius
      Bridwell (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), with host plant associations.
AB  - Sennius Bridwell is a New World genus of Bruchinae. Most species are placed in
      eight groups. In this study the species of the S. abbreviatus group are reviewed
      based on characters of the external morphology and the male genitalia. The group
      includes 14 species, two of which are new: Sennius abbreviatus (Say, 1824), S.
      bondari (Pic, 1929), S. durangensis Johnson & Kingsolver, 1973, S. lawrencei
      Johnson, 1977, S. lebasi (Fahraeus, 1839), S. leucostauros Johnson & Kingsolver,
      1973, S. lojaensis (Pic, 1933), S. medialis (Sharp, 1885), S. nappi Ribeiro-Costa
      & Reynaud, 1998, S. rufomaculatus (Motschulsky, 1874), S. transversesignatus
      (Fahraeus, 1839), S. trinotaticollis (Pic, 1930), S. vivi sp. nov. and S. flinte
      sp. nov. The S. abbreviatus group differs from other groups by the pattern of
      sclerites and the shape of the internal sac of the male genitalia, and has three
      subgroups, defined here. The lectotype of S. lebasi is designated. New host plant
      records are presented for S. lojaensis and S. transversesignatus, and new
      distribution records for S. lawrencei, S. lojaensis and S. trinotaticollis.  

PMID- 25112645
TI  - Review of the genus Cystocnemis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae) with
      descriptions of two new species .
AB  - Two new species of Cystocnemis (s. str.) Motschulsky, 1860 namely C. levmedvedevi
      sp. nov. and C. zintshenkoi sp. nov. are described from the Mongolian Altai
      (Mongolia, Hovd aimag) and Southern Altai (Kazakhstan, East-Kazakhstan region)
      respectively. Generic diagnosis as well as key to species and subspecies of
      Cystocnemis are provided. Zoogeographical affinities of Entomoscelini are
      discussed. 

PMID- 25112646
TI  - Five new eyed species of Sinella (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from China, with a
      key to the eyed species of the genus.
AB  - Five new eyed species of Sinella from China, respectively with 3, 3, 2, 1, 1
      ommatidia on each side, are described here: S. longisensilla sp. nov., S. yui sp.
      nov., S. pseudobrowni sp. nov., S. sacellum sp. nov. and S. gracilis sp. nov.
      Clypeal chaetae and chaetae along cephalic groove exhibit differences among these
      species and could be used to distinguish species in Sinella and Coecobrya. A key
      to the eyed species of the genus is given. 

PMID- 25112647
TI  - Non-biting midges of the tribe Tanytarsini in Eocene amber from the Rovno region
      (Ukraine): a pioneer systematic study with notes on the phylogeny (Diptera:
      Chironomidae).
AB  - The first detailed systematic study on the tanytarsine chironomids recorded in
      the Eocene amber from the Rovno region (Ukraine) revealed seven new taxa.
      Archistempellina gen. nov., represented by A. bifurca sp. nov. (type for the
      genus, male) and A. falcifera sp. nov. (male), displays characters similar to
      those found in Stempellina Thienemann et Bause, and is recognized as one of
      probable basal lineages in the subtribe Stempellinina Shilova. Corneliola gen.
      nov., represented by C. avia sp. nov. (male, female), combines features known
      from several genera of the tribe Tanytarsini, and tentatively is regarded as the
      closest relative of Constempellina Brundin. Rheotanytarsus alliciens sp. nov.
      (male), featuring a long hypopygial digitus, is considered to be the oldest
      species of the genus. Tanytarsus congregabilis sp. nov. (male) is the first known
      Eocene representative of the lugens systematic species group. A complemented
      description of the male of Tanytarsus serafini Gilka is provided as well. 

PMID- 25112648
TI  - The mammal type specimens at the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo,
      Norway.
AB  - A catalog of mammalian type specimens in the collections of Natural History
      Museum, University of Oslo, Norway, is presented. All type specimens in the
      Museum's mammal collection were revisited and the respective label information
      was compared with the data provided in the original descriptions. Most taxa were
      described from type series with no specimen particularly assigned to holotype.
      The compiled catalog of the type specimens is not intended as a taxonomic
      revision of the respective taxa, which is why we have not designated lectotypes
      from the collection's type series. Specimens that were clearly marked as "the
      type" in the original description were considered holotypes. The catalog consists
      of 19 taxa, with the year of authority corrected for three taxa. 

PMID- 25112649
TI  - A new Odontothrips species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from Iran .

PMID- 25112650
TI  - Testing departure from additivity in Tukey's model using shrinkage: application
      to a longitudinal setting.
AB  - While there has been extensive research developing gene-environment interaction
      (GEI) methods in case-control studies, little attention has been given to sparse
      and efficient modeling of GEI in longitudinal studies. In a two-way table for GEI
      with rows and columns as categorical variables, a conventional saturated
      interaction model involves estimation of a specific parameter for each cell, with
      constraints ensuring identifiability. The estimates are unbiased but are
      potentially inefficient because the number of parameters to be estimated can grow
      quickly with increasing categories of row/column factors. On the other hand,
      Tukey's one-degree-of-freedom model for non-additivity treats the interaction
      term as a scaled product of row and column main effects. Because of the
      parsimonious form of interaction, the interaction estimate leads to enhanced
      efficiency, and the corresponding test could lead to increased power.
      Unfortunately, Tukey's model gives biased estimates and low power if the model is
      misspecified. When screening multiple GEIs where each genetic and environmental
      marker may exhibit a distinct interaction pattern, a robust estimator for
      interaction is important for GEI detection. We propose a shrinkage estimator for
      interaction effects that combines estimates from both Tukey's and saturated
      interaction models and use the corresponding Wald test for testing interaction in
      a longitudinal setting. The proposed estimator is robust to misspecification of
      interaction structure. We illustrate the proposed methods using two longitudinal
      studies-the Normative Aging Study and the Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

PMID- 25112651
TI  - Total versus unicompartmental knee replacement for isolated lateral
      osteoarthritis: a matched-pairs study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcome of patients
      following unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) using the Oxford domed lateral
      UKR to patients who underwent cruciate-retaining total knee replacement (TKR) for
      isolated osteoarthritis in the lateral compartment. METHODS: With the help of our
      institutional database, we retrospectively identified 22 matched pairs with
      regards to age, gender and body mass index (BMI). Functional outcome was measured
      using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and range of motion (ROM). Complications and
      revisions were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 22 (UKR) and 19 (TKR)
      months, respectively. Patients following UKR had a statistically significant
      higher mean postoperative OKS and ROM: mean OKS was 43 [standard deviation (SD)
      4] for UKR and 37 (SD 9) for TKR, respectively (p = 0.023); ROM was 127 degrees 
      (SD 13) for UKR and 107 degrees  (SD 17) for TKR (p < 0.001). Additionally the
      change in score was statistically significant higher in patients following UKR in
      the OKS (14.3 (SD 6) vs. 9.6 (SD 8)) and in the range of motion (+12 degrees  (SD
      19) vs. -3 degrees  (SD 20)), (p = 0.041 and p = 0.01 respectively). Survival at
      two years using revision for any reason as the endpoint was 96% [95% confidence
      interval (CI) 72-99] for UKR and 100% for TKR (Log-rank test, p = 0.317).
      CONCLUSION: The functional results of mobile-bearing UKR for isolated
      osteoarthritis in the lateral compartment compare favourably to those after
      cruciate-retaining TKR in the short term. To compare survival and complications
      after both procedures, longer-term follow-up is necessary.

PMID- 25112652
TI  - Synthesis of nitrogen-doped zigzag-edge peripheries: dibenzo-9a-azaphenalene as
      repeating unit.
AB  - A bottom-up approach toward stable and monodisperse segments of graphenes with a
      nitrogen-doped zigzag edge is introduced. Exemplified by the so far unprecedented
      dibenzo-9a-azaphenalene (DBAPhen) as the core unit, a versatile synthetic concept
      is introduced that leads to nitrogen-doped zigzag nanographenes and graphene
      nanoribbons. 

PMID- 25112654
TI  - Attitude of physiotherapy students in Nigeria toward persons with disability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attitudes of students of health care professions, such as
      physiotherapy, toward persons with disability may influence their attitude and
      practice post-qualification. OBJECTIVE: To examine attitudes toward persons with
      disability among undergraduate physiotherapy students in Universities in Nigeria.
      METHODS: The 30-item Attitudes toward Disabled Persons--Form A (ATDP-A) scale was
      used to assess the attitudes of penultimate and final year physiotherapy students
      in 3 Nigerian universities. Overall and item-by-item analyzes of responses to the
      ATDP-A scale were carried out. Differences in attitude by sex, age, year and
      university of study were also examined using independent t-test and one-way
      ANOVA. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-nine students with a male majority (56.2%)
      participated in the study. Mean score on the ATDP-A was 94.95 +/- 17.50 with more
      students (60.4%) having a score >90 which depicts positive attitude. Item-by-item
      analysis of responses to the 30 items on the ATDP-A showed that negative
      attitudes were preponderant on items relating to the emotional component of the
      personality of persons with disability. Only age of students and their university
      of study however resulted in statistically significant differences in attitudes
      and older students reported better attitudes toward persons with disability.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the overall attitude of the physiotherapy students was
      positive, negative stereotypes and discriminatory tendencies were observed in
      issues relating to the perceived emotional capacity of persons with disabilities.
      Educational strategies capable of effecting more positive attitudes in
      physiotherapy students in Nigeria toward persons with disability are urgently
      needed.

PMID- 25112655
TI  - Severe muscle depletion predicts postoperative length of stay but is not
      associated with survival after liver transplantation.

PMID- 25112653
TI  - Emergency department provider preferences related to clinical practice guidelines
      for tobacco cessation: a multicenter survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective was to assess current emergency department (ED)
      provider practices and preferences for tobacco cessation interventions. The ED is
      an opportune place to initiate smoking cessation interventions. However, little
      is known about ED provider current practices and preferences for cessation
      counseling in the ED. METHODS: This was a survey of ED providers conducted in
      2008-2009 (including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and
      nurses), working at least half-time at 10 U.S. academic EDs, regarding adherence
      to clinical practice guidelines ("5 As") and preferences for cessation
      interventions/styles. Data analysis occurred in 2012-2013. RESULTS: The response
      rate was 64% (800 out of 1,246 completed surveys). Providers reported strongest
      adherence to asking about patient smoking status, followed by advising, with
      significant variance by clinical role. Assessing, assisting, and arranging
      support for patients was low overall. Most frequently used interventions were to
      provide patients with a list of telephone numbers for stop-smoking counseling
      (87%), pamphlets on smoking health risks and the benefits of stopping (85%), and
      referrals to the National Toll-Free Smoker's Quitline (84%). Most providers (80%)
      were supportive of personally conducting brief (less than 3 minutes) smoking
      cessation counseling sessions during the ED visit, emphasizing education and
      encouragement. The least appealing intervention was writing a prescription for
      nicotine replacement therapies or medications to stop smoking (35%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Interventions most likely to be used were brief and delivered with a positive
      tone and included referral to external resources. The logical next step is to
      design and test interventions that ED providers find acceptable.

PMID- 25112656
TI  - Geriatric emergency department innovations: preliminary data for the geriatric
      nurse liaison model.
AB  - Older adults account for a large and growing segment of the emergency department
      (ED) population. They are often admitted to the hospital for nonurgent conditions
      such as dementia, impaired functional status, and gait instability. The aims of
      this geriatric ED innovations (GEDI) project were to develop GEDI nurse liaisons
      by training ED nurses in geriatric assessment and care coordination skills,
      describe characteristics of patients that these GEDI nurse liaisons see, and
      measure the admission rate of these patients. Four ED nurses participated in the
      GEDI training program, which consisted of 82 hours of clinical rotations in
      geriatrics and palliative medicine, 82 hours of didactics, and a pilot phase for
      refinement of the GEDI consultation process. Individuals were eligible for GEDI
      consultation if they had an Identification of Seniors At Risk (ISAR) score
      greater than 2 or at ED clinician request. GEDI consultation was available Monday
      through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. An extensive database was set up to
      collect clinical outcomes data for all older adults in the ED before and after
      GEDI implementation. The liaisons underwent training from January through March
      2013. From April through August 2013, 408 GEDI consultations were performed in
      7,213 total older adults in the ED (5.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.2
      6.2%), 2,124 of whom were eligible for GEDI consultation (19.2%, 95% CI = 17.6
      20.9%); 34.6% (95% CI = 30.1-39.3%) received social work consultation, 43.9% (95%
      CI = 39.1-48.7) received pharmacy consultation, and more than 90% received
      telephone follow-up. The admission rate for GEDI patients was 44.9% (95% CI =
      40.1-49.7), compared with 60.0% (95% CI = 58.8-61.2) non-GEDI. ED nurses
      undergoing a 3-month training program can develop geriatric-specific assessment
      skills. Implementation of these skills in the ED may be associated with fewer
      admissions of older adults. 

PMID- 25112657
TI  - New advances in the treatment of atrial fibrillation: focus on stroke prevention.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and brings
      about significant mortality and morbidity as a result of heart failure and
      ischemic stroke. Besides vitamin K antagonists (VKA), several new pharmacological
      agents (nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants [NOACs]) and procedures have
      since been developed to improve stroke prevention efforts in AF. AREAS COVERED:
      This paper will discuss the antiplatelet agents, VKA and NOACs, and their
      efficacy and safety for stroke prevention in AF. Focus will be placed on the
      NOACs, their limitations and special considerations. A short assessment of other
      nonpharmacological antithrombotic procedures will also be made. An extensive
      PubMed search was used to identify suitable papers. EXPERT OPINION: Despite the
      advent of NOACs, the VKAs will remain as an important oral anticoagulant due to
      its versatility. However, convenience and limited food or drug interactions will
      make NOACs attractive options. The choice between various NOACs will depend on
      several important factors as illustrated below. Over time, the role for
      antiplatelet agents will gradually diminish. Left atrial appendage occlusion
      devices have shown promising results and may have the potential to change the way
      clinicians manage thromboembolism risks related to AF.

PMID- 25112658
TI  - Reirradiation as part of a salvage treatment approach for progressive non-pontine
      pediatric high-grade gliomas: preliminary experiences from the German HIT-HGG
      study group.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of the present analysis was to assess the
      feasibility, toxicity, and the tumor control of reirradiation as a salvage
      treatment for progressive pediatric non-pontine high-grade gliomas (HGG).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: The database of the Reference Center for Radiation Oncology
      of the German HIT (HIT = German acronym for brain tumor) treatment network for
      childhood brain tumors was screened for children who were reirradiated for
      progressive non-pontine HGG. RESULTS: We identified eight patients (WHO grade
      III: n = 5; WHO grade IV: n = 3) who underwent reirradiation between April 2006
      and July 2012. Median age was 13.5 years at primary diagnosis and 14.8 years at
      first progression. All patients initially underwent surgery (incomplete
      resection, n = 7; biopsy, n = 1) followed by radiochemotherapy. Relapses occurred
      inside (n = 2), at the margin (n = 4), and outside of the preirradiated area (n =
      2). In all patients, reirradiation was tolerated well without significant acute
      toxicity. Temporary clinical improvement and tumor regression on magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) following reirradiation was reported (n = 3). However,
      all patients finally died by disease progression. Median survival time was 26.2
      months from initial diagnosis and 11.4 months after first progression. Median
      time interval between initial radiotherapy and first reirradiation was 9.0
      months. In six patients, all macroscopic tumor deposits were reirradiated. In
      these patients, median progression-free (overall) survival from the start of
      reirradiation was 2.4 (4.6) months. CONCLUSION: Our analysis, although based on a
      limited patient number, suggests that reirradiation of progressive non-pontine
      HGG is feasible in children. Benefit in terms of quality of life and/or survival
      needs to be assessed in a prospective and ideally in a randomized manner.

PMID- 25112659
TI  - BDNF contributes to the facilitation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and
      learning enabled by environmental enrichment.
AB  - Sensory, motor, and cognitive stimuli, resulting from interactions with the
      environment, play a key role in optimizing and modifying the neuronal circuitry
      required for normal brain function. An experimental animal model for this
      phenomenon comprises environmental enrichment (EE) in rodents. EE causes profound
      changes in neuronal and signaling levels of excitation and plasticity throughout
      the entire central nervous system and the hippocampus is particularly affected.
      The mechanisms underlying these changes are not yet fully understood. As brain
      derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) supports hippocampal long-term potentiation
      (LTP), we explored whether it participates in the facilitation of synaptic
      plasticity and hippocampus-dependent learning that occurs following EE. In the
      absence of EE, LTP elicited by high-frequency stimulation was equivalent in
      wildtype mice and heterozygous BDNF(+/-) siblings. LTP elicited by theta-burst
      stimulation in BDNF(+/-) mice was less than in wildtypes. Long-term depression
      (LTD) was also impaired. EE for three weeks, beginning after weaning, improved
      hippocampal LTP in both wildtype and transgenic animals, with LTP in transgenics
      achieving levels seen in wildtypes in the absence of EE. Object recognition
      memory was evident in wildtypes 24 h and 7 days after initial object exposure. EE
      improved memory performance in wildtypes 24 h but not 7 days after initial
      exposure. BDNF(+/-) mice in the absence of EE showed impaired memory 7 days after
      initial object exposure that was restored by EE. Western blotting revealed
      increased levels of BDNF, but not proBDNF, among both EE cohorts. These data
      support that BDNF plays an intrinsic role in improvements of synaptic plasticity
      and cognition that occur in EE.

PMID- 25112660
TI  - Subacute presentation of eyebrow intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia
      causing ophthalmic nerve compression.

PMID- 25112661
TI  - Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale in patients with cryptogenic
      embolism: a network meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Up to 40% of ischaemic strokes are cryptogenic. A strong association
      between cryptogenic stroke and the prevalence of patent foramen ovale (PFO)
      suggests paradoxical embolism via PFO as a potential cause. Randomized trials
      failed to demonstrate superiority of PFO closure over medical therapy. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Randomized trials comparing percutaneous PFO closure against medical
      therapy or devices head-to-head published or presented by March 2013 were
      identified through a systematic search. We performed a network meta-analysis to
      determine the effectiveness and safety of PFO closure with different devices when
      compared with medical therapy. We included four randomized trials (2963 patients
      with 9309 patient-years). Investigated devices were Amplatzer (AMP), STARFlex
      (STF), and HELEX (HLX). Patients allocated to PFO closure with AMP were less
      likely to experience a stroke than patients allocated to medical therapy [rate
      ratio (RR) 0.39; 95% CI: 0.17-0.84]. No significant differences were found for
      STF (RR 1.01; 95% CI: 0.44-2.41), and HLX (RR, 0.71; 95% CI: 0.17-2.78) when
      compared with medical therapy. The probability to be best in preventing strokes
      was 77.1% for AMP, 20.9% for HLX, 1.7% for STF, and 0.4% for medical therapy. No
      significant differences were found for transient ischaemic attack and death. The
      risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation was more pronounced for STF (RR 7.67; 95%
      CI: 3.25-19.63), than AMP (RR 2.14; 95% CI: 1.00-4.62) and HLX (RR 1.33; 95%-CI
      0.33-4.50), when compared with medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of
      PFO closure depends on the device used. PFO closure with AMP appears superior to
      medical therapy in preventing strokes in patients with cryptogenic embolism.

PMID- 25112665
TI  - Combined detection of coronary artery disease and lung cancer.

PMID- 25112662
TI  - The association between biventricular pacing and cardiac resynchronization
      therapy-defibrillator efficacy when compared with implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator on outcomes and reverse remodelling.
AB  - AIMS: Previous studies on biventricular (BIV) pacing and cardiac
      resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) efficacy have used arbitrarily
      chosen BIV pacing percentages, and no study has employed implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator (ICD) patients as a control group. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using
      Kaplan-Meier plots, we estimated the threshold of BIV pacing percentage needed
      for CRT-D to be superior to ICD on the end-point of heart failure (HF) or death
      in 1219 left bundle branch block (LBBB) patients in the MADIT-CRT trial. Patients
      were censored at the time of crossover. In multivariable Cox analyses, no
      difference was seen in the risk of HF/death between ICD and CRT-D patients with
      BIV pacing <=90% [HR = 0.78 (0.47-1.30), P = 0.344], and with increasing BIV
      pacing the risk of HF/death was decreased [CRT-D BIV 91-96% vs. ICD: HR = 0.63
      (0.42-0.94), P = 0.024 and CRT-D BIV >=97% vs. ICD: HR = 0.32 (0.23-0.44), P <
      0.001]. The risk of death alone was reduced by 52% in CRT-D patients with BIV
      >=97% (HR = 0.48, P < 0.016), when compared with ICD patients. Within the CRT-D
      group, for every 1 percentage point increase in BIV pacing, the risk of HF/death
      and death alone significantly decreased by 6 and 10%, respectively. Increasing
      BIV pacing percentage was associated with significant reductions in left
      ventricular volume. CONCLUSION: In patients with LBBB, who were in sinus rhythm
      at enrolment, BIV pacing exceeding 90% was associated with a benefit of CRT-D in
      HF/death when compared with ICD patients. Furthermore, BIV pacing >=97% was
      associated with an even further reduction in HF/death, a significant 52%
      reduction in death alone, and increased reverse remodelling. Clinical trials.gov
      identifier: NCT00180271.

PMID- 25112666
TI  - Verwijzen naar het hospice: verwijsgedrag van artsen en ervaren belemmeringen in
      Deventer en omgeving.
AB  - PHYSICIANS' REFERRAL PATTERNS AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS IN THE DEVENTER REGION IN
      THE NETHERLANDS: OBJECTIVE: To examine physicians' perceived referral patterns
      and barriers to referral of terminally ill patients to a hospice (institute).
      DESIGN: Survey study among physicians practicing in hospital and other settings
      in the region of Deventer, The Netherlands, in 2011-2012. METHOD: We translated
      two available American instruments into Dutch. The questionnaire assessed hospice
      referral, knowledge about hospice, attitudes and barriers and reasons not to
      refer. We queried physicians who had referred patients to the local hospice about
      expectations and suggested areas for improvement with two open-ended items.
      RESULTS: In total, 240 physicians received the questionnaire. The response rate
      was 47%. The physicians were generally positive about hospice care. They
      indicated experiencing few barriers in hospice referrals, but 32% of the
      physicians (21% of those practicing in the hospital, and 39% in other settings),
      indicated the patient being unready as a strong barrier. Half of the physicians
      (51%) believed that hospice is being underutilized and 22% (35% and 14%,
      respectively) thought that they would refer more frequently if they had more
      knowledge about hospice care. Of the physicians, 35% answered all six knowledge
      questions correctly. Communication with the hospice may be improved. CONCLUSION:
      Despite positive attitudes toward hospice care, it may be underutilized due to
      poor knowledge and communication with the hospice. Perhaps, this is also due to
      limited patient-physician communication on prognosis, which further research may
      address.

PMID- 25112667
TI  - [TRANSITION OF A PSYCHOGERIATRIC DAY CARE IN THE NURSING HOME TO EASY-ACCESS DAY
      CARE PLUS CAREGIVER SUPPORT IN THE COMMUNITY: A PILOT STUDY].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, the transition of a nursing home based psychogeriatric
      day care centre to an easy-access community day care centre plus caregiver
      support (DC-plus CS) is followed closely. The transition was based on the proven
      effective Meeting Centres Support Program. METHOD: By means of qualitative
      analysis of documents and interviews with key persons (n=11) we investigate
      facilitating and impeding factors for making this transition. Besides, we
      evaluate the satisfaction of participants and informal caregivers that used the
      new support program longer than 6 months. RESULTS: Several characteristics of the
      innovation (DC-plus CS) help to establish cooperation with other care and welfare
      services in the region, such as: the easy-access location, the social integration
      in the community, and the focus on combined support for people with dementia and
      their informal carers. The good cooperation and the suitable location in the
      community facilitate the implementation. At first, the presence of other
      community care-centres for people with dementia and their informal carers in the
      neighbourhood impedes the recruitment of new participants for the DC-plus CS. In
      general, the satisfaction of participants and informal carers about the support
      program is high. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: The transition is made successfully
      and this study gives other psychogeriatric day care centres in the nursing home
      insight in how to make a similar transition to DC-plus CS.

PMID- 25112668
TI  - 'Soya milk Tris-based phytoextender reduces apoptosis in cryopreserved buffalo
      (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa'.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of newly developed soya
      milk Tris (SMT)-based phytoextender as an alternative to egg yolk Tris (EYT)
      extender used for cryopreservation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa on
      apoptosis. Fresh buffalo semen (control without dilution) was cryopreserved in
      conventional EYT (20% egg yolk v/v in Tris) and SMT (25% soya milk v/v in Tris)
      extender and used for the assessment of expression of apoptotic proteins.
      Proteins extracted from a total number of nine ejaculates from three individual
      buffalo bulls chosen at random were separated using SDS-PAGE followed by
      immunoblotting against caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, poly(ADP
      ribose)polymerase (PARP), cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF). In
      addition, fluorescence microscopy was used for the detection of mitochondrial
      membrane potential (JC-1 assay) and apoptotic cells (annexin V-FITC/PI assay).
      The results obtained clearly indicate the significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the
      expression of caspase-3 (27 kDa), caspase-8 (53 kDa), caspase-9 (50 kDa)
      precursor and cytochrome c (17 kDa) in semen cryopreserved in SMT extender in
      comparison with EYT extender. A non-significant (p > 0.05) reduction in
      expression of PARP-DNA-binding subunit (24 kDa) was observed in SMT extender. No
      expression of AIF was found in cryopreserved semen samples. A significant (p <
      0.05) increase in the mean percentage of cells having high mitochondrial membrane
      potential and a non-significant (p > 0.05) decrease in late apoptotic cells
      (AN+/PI+) was observed in SMT extender when compared to EYT extender. The results
      demonstrated that cryopreservation of buffalo semen in SMT-based phytoextender
      can replace the traditional egg yolk extenders as it reduces the expression of
      apoptotic proteins maintaining high mitochondrial membrane potential and gives
      better protection to sperms in terms of its non-animal origin. 

PMID- 25112669
TI  - Comparison of pregnancy and lactation labeling for attention-deficit
      hyperactivity disorder drugs marketed in Australia, the USA, Denmark, and the UK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnancy and lactation labeling is presented in the officially
      recognized product information (PI) accompanying prescription drugs to ensure
      appropriate prescribing in pregnant and breastfeeding women. OBJECTIVE: The aim
      of this study was to analyze pregnancy and lactation labeling in PI for attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder drugs marketed across countries and to compare
      this information with respect to consistency and discrepancy. METHODS: We
      manually surveyed PI for atomoxetine, methylphenidate, and modafinil marketed by
      the same pharmaceutical companies in Australia, the USA, Denmark, and the UK. We
      extracted information regarding data sources (animal and human data), risk to the
      fetus or breastfed child, excretion in breast milk, and recommendations for use.
      The extracted information was then analyzed and compared with respect to
      consistency and discrepancy. RESULTS: Inter-country discrepancies were identified
      with respect to both animal and human data sources presented, types of risks
      listed in association with exposure during pregnancy and lactation, information
      regarding excretion of the drug in breast milk, and recommendations for use.
      Consistency was identified between PI for drugs marketed in the EU. CONCLUSION:
      The study suggests that pregnancy and lactation labeling in PI for drugs marketed
      by the same pharmaceutical companies depend on the country of marketing; this
      raises concern about the reliability of PI documents as a useful source of
      information for appropriate prescribing during pregnancy and lactation.
      Discrepancies in this information can potentially lead to inappropriate
      prescribing in pregnant and breastfeeding women, who may expose their fetuses and
      breastfed children to unnecessary risks. At the same time, unjustified warnings
      against breastfeeding may result in children being unnecessarily weaned from
      being breastfed.

PMID- 25112670
TI  - Response to "diffusion-weighted MR imaging findings in a growing problem: hepatic
      alveolar echinococcosis".

PMID- 25112663
TI  - Establishing reference values for central blood pressure and its amplification in
      a general healthy population and according to cardiovascular risk factors.
AB  - AIMS: Estimated central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and amplification
      (Brachial SBP-cSBP) are non-invasive measures potentially prognostic of
      cardiovascular (CV) disease. No worldwide, multiple-device reference values are
      available. We aimed to establish reference values for a worldwide general
      population standardizing between the different available methods of measurement.
      How these values were significantly altered by cardiovascular risk factors
      (CVRFs) was then investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Existing data from population
      surveys and clinical trials were combined, whether published or not. Reference
      values of cSBP and amplification were calculated as percentiles for 'Normal' (no
      CVRFs) and 'Reference' (any CVRFs) populations. We included 45,436 subjects out
      of 82,930 that were gathered from 77 studies of 53 centres. Included subjects
      were apparently healthy, not treated for hypertension or dyslipidaemia, and free
      from overt CV disease and diabetes. Values of cSBP and amplification were
      stratified by brachial blood pressure categories and age decade in turn, both
      being stratified by sex. Amplification decreased with age and more so in males
      than in females. Sex was the most powerful factor associated with amplification
      with 6.6 mmHg (5.8-7.4) higher amplification in males than in females.
      Amplification was marginally but significantly influenced by CVRFs, with smoking
      and dyslipidaemia decreasing amplification, but increased with increasing levels
      of blood glucose. CONCLUSION: Typical values of cSBP and amplification in a
      healthy population and a population free of traditional CVRFs are now available
      according to age, sex, and brachial BP, providing values included from different
      devices with a wide geographical representation. Amplification is significantly
      influenced by CVRFs, but differently in men and women.

PMID- 25112671
TI  - Reply to: comment on: CT analysis of the effect of pirfenidone in patients with
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 25112672
TI  - Diffusion-weighted MR imaging findings in a growing problem: hepatic alveolar
      echinococcosis.
AB  - Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare parasitic disease which simulates
      slow growing malignant processes. Cross-sectional imaging techniques play
      important role in differentiating between AE lesions and malignant processes such
      as cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
      Diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI is a non-invasive technique, which can be used for
      liver lesion detection and characterisation as benign or malignant in recent
      years. Both conventional MRI and non-contrast enhanced CT images may be
      insufficient the differential diagnosis in hepatic AE lesions particularly in
      solid components. In our study, we have performed to differentiate hepatic AE
      lesions from HCC and CCC lesions of the liver by using DW MRI and tried to define
      ADC value of hepatic AE lesions for differentiation from malignant hepatic
      lesions. 

PMID- 25112673
TI  - Incidence and classification of neointimal proliferation and in-stent restenosis
      in post-stenting patients at 1-year interval: findings from non-invasive coronary
      computed tomography angiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) and
      neointimal proliferation by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) at 1-year follow-up in
      asymptomatic patients. METHODS: 234 patients (mean age: 67 +/- 10.2 years, range
      39-88 years, 180 males and 54 females) with 379 stents were prospectively
      enrolled in this study. Binary ISR was classified by CCTA into 4 types using
      Mehran classification. Neointimal proliferation was similarly classified into
      focal and diffuse types. All patients with CCTA-revealed ISR or neointimal
      proliferation underwent further invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for
      validation. Fisher's exact test was used for comparison. RESULTS: ICA revealed
      patent stents with neointimal proliferation in 39 patients (16.7%, 39/234) and
      binary ISR in 23 patients (9.8%, 23/234). Lesion-based analysis showed 12 type I
      ISR lesions, 4 type II ISR lesions, 1 type III ISR lesion and 7 type IV ISR
      lesions. Among cases with neointimal proliferation, 27 lesions were classified as
      focal type whereas 13 lesions were classified as diffuse type. Patients with
      diabetes mellitus were associated with higher incidence of CCTA-revealed
      neointimal proliferation (21/77 vs. 18/157, p=0.002) as well as ISR (12/77 vs.
      11/157, p=0.038), compared to patients without diabetes. CCTA was found to have
      good diagnostic performance for neointimal proliferation and ISR detection as
      well as classification, with an overall accuracy of 84.4% (54/64). CONCLUSIONS:
      Silent ISR as well as neointimal proliferation is not uncommon findings in
      asymptomatic post-stenting patients at 1-year interval, as revealed by CCTA.
      Patients with diabetes are prone to have higher incidence of neointimal
      proliferation.

PMID- 25112674
TI  - Laboratory tests during direct oral anticoagulant treatment?

PMID- 25112676
TI  - Chronic Stress Decreases Basal Levels of Memory-Related Signaling Molecules in
      Area CA1 of At-Risk (Subclinical) Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - An important factor that may affect the severity and time of onset of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) is chronic stress. Epidemiological studies report that chronically
      stressed individuals are at an increased risk for developing AD. The purpose of
      this study was to reveal whether chronic psychosocial stress could hasten the
      appearance of AD symptoms including changes in basal levels of cognition-related
      signaling molecules in subjects who are at risk for the disease. We investigated
      the effect of chronic psychosocial stress on basal levels of memory-related
      signaling molecules in area CA1 of subclinical rat model of AD. The subclinical
      symptomless rat model of AD was induced by osmotic pump continuous
      intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of 160 pmol/day Abeta1-42 for 14 days.
      Rats were chronically stressed using the psychosocial stress intruder model.
      Western blot analysis of basal protein levels of important signaling molecules in
      hippocampal area CA1 showed no significant difference between the subclinical AD
      rat model and control rat. Following six weeks of psychosocial stress, molecular
      analysis showed that subclinical animals subjected to stress have significantly
      reduced basal levels of p-CaMKII and decreased p-CaMKII/t-CaMKII ratio as well as
      decreased basal levels of p-CREB, total CREB, and BDNF. The present results
      suggest that these changes in basal levels of signaling molecules may be
      responsible for impaired learning, memory, and LTP in this rat model, which
      support the proposition that chronic stress may accelerate the emergence of AD in
      susceptible individuals.

PMID- 25112677
TI  - Identification and Expression of Acetylcholinesterase in Octopus vulgaris Arm
      Development and Regeneration: a Conserved Role for ACHE?
AB  - Acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) is a glycoprotein with a key role in terminating
      synaptic transmission in cholinergic neurons of both vertebrates and
      invertebrates. ACHE is also involved in the regulation of cell growth and
      morphogenesis during embryogenesis and regeneration acting through its non
      cholinergic sites. The mollusk Octopus vulgaris provides a powerful model for
      investigating the mechanisms underlying tissue morphogenesis due to its high
      regenerative power. Here, we performed a comparative investigation of arm
      morphogenesis during adult arm regeneration and embryonic arm development which
      may provide insights on the conserved ACHE pathways. In this study, we cloned and
      characterized O. vulgaris ACHE, finding a single highly conserved ACHE
      hydrophobic variant, characterized by prototypical catalytic sites and a putative
      consensus region for a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor attachment at
      the COOH-terminus. We then show that its expression level is correlated to the
      stage of morphogenesis in both adult and embryonic arm. In particular, ACHE is
      localized in typical neuronal sites when adult-like arm morphology is established
      and in differentiating cell locations during the early stages of arm
      morphogenesis. This possibility is also supported by the presence in the ACHE
      sequence and model structure of both cholinergic and non-cholinergic sites. This
      study provides insights into ACHE conserved roles during processes of arm
      morphogenesis. In addition, our modeling study offers a solid basis for
      predicting the interaction of the ACHE domains with pharmacological blockers for
      in vivo investigations. We therefore suggest ACHE as a target for the regulation
      of tissue morphogenesis. 

PMID- 25112678
TI  - Complexin-1 and Foxp1 Expression Changes Are Novel Brain Effects of Alpha
      Synuclein Pathology.
AB  - As the second most frequent neurodegenerative disorder of the aging population,
      Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive deficits in spontaneous
      movement, atrophy of dopaminergic midbrain neurons and aggregation of the protein
      alpha-synuclein (SNCA). To elucidate molecular events before irreversible cell
      death, we studied synucleinopathy-induced expression changes in mouse brain and
      identified 49 midbrain/brainstem-specific transcriptional dysregulations. In
      particular complexin-1 (Cplx1), Rabl2a and 14-3-3epsilon (Ywhae) downregulation,
      as well as upregulation of the midbrain-specific factor forkhead box P1 (Foxp1)
      and of Rabgef1, were interesting as early mRNA level effects of alpha-synuclein
      triggered pathology. The protein levels of complexin-1 were elevated in
      midbrain/brainstem tissue of mice with A53T-SNCA overexpression and of mice with
      SNCA-knockout. The response of CPLX1 and Foxp1 levels to SNCA deficiency supports
      the notion that these factors are regulated by altered physiological function of
      alpha-synuclein. Thus, their analysis might be useful in PD stages before the
      advent of Lewy pathology. Because both alpha-synuclein and complexin-1 modulate
      vesicle release, our findings support presynaptic dysfunction as an early event
      in PD pathology. 

PMID- 25112680
TI  - The Neuroprotection of Lysosomotropic Agents in Experimental Subarachnoid
      Hemorrhage Probably Involving the Apoptosis Pathway Triggering by Cathepsins via
      Chelating Intralysosomal Iron.
AB  - alpha-Lipoic acid-plus (LAP), an amine derivative of alpha-lipoic acid (LA),
      could protect cells against oxidant challenges via chelating intralysosomal iron.
      However, the application of LAP in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is
      still not well known. This study was designed to evaluate the potential
      neuroprotection of LAP on the early brain injury (EBI) and the underlying
      mechanisms in a rat model of SAH. The SAH models were induced in Sprague-Dawley
      rats. LA and LAP were oral administration and lasted for 72 h once a day. The
      brain tissue samples were obtained for assay at 72 h after SAH. In experiment 1,
      we found that lysosome amounts in neurons decreased significantly in SAH group,
      and LAP (100 mg/kg) could stabilize lysosomal membrane markedly based on
      lysosomal-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP-1) expression in neurons by
      immunofluorescence. Hence, the LAP dosages of 100 and 150 mg/kg were applied in
      experiment 2. Firstly, Western blot analysis showed that the protein levels of
      cathepsin B/D, caspase-3, Bax, ferritin, and heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) markedly
      increased after SAH, which were further confirmed by double immunofluorescence
      staining and reversed by LA and LAP treatments. In addition, LA and LAP also
      reduced oxidative stress and iron deposition in brain tissue. Furthermore, LA and
      LAP significantly ameliorated brain edema, blood-brain barrier injury, cortical
      apoptosis, and neurological behavior impairment induced by SAH. Finally, it is
      noteworthy that LAP exerted more significant effects than LA on these parameters
      as described above. LAP probably exerted neuroprotective effects via targeting
      lysosomes and chelating intralysosomal iron in EBI post-SAH in rats.

PMID- 25112681
TI  - Investigation of effect of 17alpha-ethinylestradiol on vigilin expression using
      an isolated recombinant antibody.
AB  - Vigilin, a highly conserved protein from yeast to mammals, is a multifunctional
      protein in eukaryotic organisms. One biological function of vigilin is to
      stabilize the expression level of vitellogenin (VTG). This study aimed to develop
      vigilin as a new estrogen-inducible biomarker that correlates with the widely
      applied estrogen-inducible biomarker VTG and expand the ability to detect it in
      various species. Here, a recombinant monoclonal antibody with high specificity
      against the conserved C-terminal region of vigilin from zebrafish (Danio rerio)
      was successfully isolated from a phage display antibody library and found to
      recognize vigilin proteins from multiple vertebrate species. The effect of
      17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on vigilin expression in the liver of zebrafish
      and juvenile crucian carp (Carassius auratus) was investigated. Although vigilin
      mRNA was expressed in all tissues analyzed from male zebrafish, vigilin protein
      was detected exclusively in the testis of male zebrafish, as well as the liver of
      female zebrafish and juvenile crucian carp at a lower level without exposure to
      EE2. Significant induction of vigilin mRNA by exposure to EE2 was observed in the
      liver and testis of male zebrafish, even at a low dose of 6.25 ng/L (21.09
      pmol/L). In Hela cells, the expression of vigilin coincided with high protein
      synthesis activity but not dose-dependently by EE2 exposure. Therefore, the
      recombinant antibody may be used as a detection tool to screen for mammalian cell
      lines or organs with estrogen-inducible expression of vigilin.

PMID- 25112682
TI  - Gene markers of generic Escherichia coli associated with colonization and
      persistence of Escherichia coli O157 in cattle.
AB  - Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157 are important foodborne pathogens
      whose major reservoir are asymptomatic cattle. There is evidence suggesting that
      nonpathogenic E. coli and bacteriophages in the gastro-intestinal tract can
      influence the pathogenicity of EHEC O157. The factors contributing to the onset
      and persistence of shedding EHEC O157 in cattle are not completely elucidated.
      This study used Bayesian network analysis to identify genetic markers of generic
      E. coli associated with shedding of EHEC O157 in cattle from data generated
      during an oral experimental challenge study in 4 groups of 6 steers inoculated
      with three different EHEC O157 strains. The quantification of these associations
      was accomplished using mixed effects logistic regression. The results showed that
      the concurrent presence of generic E. coli carrying the prophage marker R4-N and
      the virulence marker stx2 increased the odds of the onset of EHEC O157 shedding.
      The presence of prophage markers z2322 and X011C increased, while C1.N decreased
      the odds of shedding EHEC O157 two days later. A significant antagonist
      interaction effect between the presence of the virulence marker stx2 on the day
      of shedding EHEC O157 and two days before shedding was also found. In terms of
      the persistence of EHEC O157 shedding, the presence of prophage marker R4-N
      (OR=16, and 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1, 252) was found to increase the
      odds of stopping EHEC O157 shedding, whereas prophage marker C1.N (OR=0.16, CI:
      0.03, 0.7) and the enterohemolysin gene hly (OR=0.03, CI: 0.001, 0.8) were found
      to significantly decrease the odds of stopping EHEC O157 shedding. In conclusion,
      the study found that the presence of certain genetic markers in the generic E.
      coli genome can influence the pathogenicity of EHEC O157. 

PMID- 25112679
TI  - Ceftriaxone Protects Astrocytes from MPP(+) via Suppression of NF-kappaB/JNK/c
      Jun Signaling.
AB  - Ceftriaxone has been shown to attenuate the dopaminergic neuron death and
      alleviate behavioral disorders in Parkinson's disease models via upregulation of
      glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and decreases in extracellular glutamate.
      However, details of how this neuroprotection occurs are uncertain. We
      hypothesized that cytoprotection by ceftriaxone in astrocytes exposed to 1-methyl
      4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) involves suppression of the NF-kappaB/JNK/c-Jun
      signaling pathway. Here, we observed a protective effect of ceftriaxone in
      primary astrocytes exposed to MPP(+). Ceftriaxone enhanced glutamate uptake and
      promoted primary astrocyte viability after MPP(+) exposure. Ceftriaxone enhances
      glutamate uptake via upregulation of GLT-1 in the plasma membrane, and alleviates
      MPP(+)-induced neurotoxicity via suppression of NF-kappaB/JNK/c-Jun signaling.
      Collectively, our data offer evidence that increased expression and function of
      GLT-1 are involved in the protective mechanism of ceftriaxone in astrocytes
      exposed to MPP(+) in vitro, and we offer insight into the potential therapeutic
      role of ceftriaxone in treatment of Parkinson's disease. 

PMID- 25112683
TI  - Subcellular neural probes from single-crystal gold nanowires.
AB  - Size reduction of neural electrodes is essential for improving the functionality
      of neuroprosthetic devices, developing potent therapies for neurological and
      neurodegenerative diseases, and long-term brain-computer interfaces. Typical
      neural electrodes are micromanufactured devices with dimensions ranging from tens
      to hundreds of micrometers. Their further miniaturization is necessary to reduce
      local tissue damage and chronic immunological reactions of the brain. Here we
      report the neural electrode with subcellular dimensions based on single
      crystalline gold nanowires (NWs) with a diameter of ~100 nm. Unique mechanical
      and electrical properties of defect-free gold NWs enabled their implantation and
      recording of single neuron-activities in a live mouse brain despite a ~50*
      reduction of the size compared to the closest analogues. Reduction of electrode
      dimensions enabled recording of neural activity with improved spatial resolution
      and differentiation of brain activity in response to different social situations
      for mice. The successful localization of the epileptic seizure center was also
      achieved using a multielectrode probe as a demonstration of the diagnostics
      potential of NW electrodes. This study demonstrated the realism of single-neuron
      recording using subcellular-sized electrodes that may be considered a pivotal
      point for use in diverse studies of chronic brain diseases.

PMID- 25112685
TI  - Green condensation reaction of aromatic aldehydes with active methylene compounds
      catalyzed by anion-exchange resin under ultrasound irradiation.
AB  - To realize a practical and green chemistry, two important challenges need to be
      addressed, namely the effective process for the activation of reaction and
      efficient, eco-friendly and robust chemical methods for the reaction conversion
      to target products via highly selective catalytic and reactions. Ultrasonic
      energy promotes the conversion process through its special cavitational effects.
      Combined with anion-exchange resin as a heterogeneous, reusable and efficient
      catalyst, Ultrasonic energy enhances the Knoevenagel condensation and leads to
      reduced reaction time at lower reaction temperature with less amounts of solvent
      and catalyst. 

PMID- 25112684
TI  - Sensitivity of free radicals production in acoustically driven bubble to the
      ultrasonic frequency and nature of dissolved gases.
AB  - Central events of ultrasonic action are the bubbles of cavitation that can be
      considered as powered microreactors within which high-energy chemistry occurs.
      This work presents the results of a comprehensive numerical assessment of
      frequency and saturating gases effects on single bubble sonochemistry. Computer
      simulations of chemical reactions occurring inside a bubble oscillating in liquid
      water irradiated by an ultrasonic wave have been performed for a wide range of
      ultrasonic frequencies (213-1100kHz) under different saturating gases (O2, air,
      N2 and H2). For O2 and H2 bubbles, reactions mechanism consisting in 25
      reversible chemical reactions were proposed for studying the internal bubble
      chemistry whereas 73 reversible reactions were taken into account for air and N2
      bubbles. The numerical simulations have indicated that radicals such as OH, H,
      HO2 and O are created in the bubble during the strong collapse. In all cases,
      hydroxyl radical (OH) is the main oxidant created in the bubble. The production
      rate of the oxidants decreases as the driving ultrasonic frequency increases. The
      production rate of OH radical followed the order O2>air>N2>H2 and the order
      becomes more remarkable at higher ultrasonic frequencies. The effect of
      ultrasonic frequency on single bubble sonochemistry was attributed to its
      significant impact on the cavitation process whereas the effects of gases were
      attributed to the nature of the chemistry produced in the bubble at the strong
      collapse. It was concluded that, in addition to the gas solubility, the nature of
      the internal bubble chemistry is another parameter of a paramount importance that
      controls the overall sonochemical activity in aqueous solutions. 

PMID- 25112686
TI  - Current or voltage? Another Shakespearean dilemma.

PMID- 25112688
TI  - Infection rates of Linguatula serrata nymphs in mesenteric lymph nodes from water
      buffaloes in North India.
AB  - The literature pertaining to prevalence of Linguatula serrata in large ruminants
      is limited. In abattoir survey, the infection rate of L. serrata in 1440
      mesenteric lymph nodes collected from 480 buffaloes from North India was
      investigated. Results revealed 88 (18.3%) buffaloes and 288 (20.0%) mesenteric
      lymph nodes having parasite's nymphs. Nonsignificant difference (P>0.05), between
      1 and 3 years age (51.5%) and above three years of age (48.5%) groups was
      observed. Nonsignificant difference (P>0.05) between the infection rate of male
      (51.5%) and female (48.5%) was also observed. Infection in haemorrhagic (57.2%)
      and black-coloured (67.5%) nymph nodes were significantly (P<0.05) higher than
      normal-coloured nodes (8.8%). When compared based on consistency, the results
      showed soft lymph nodes (61.3%) were significantly (P<0.05) more infected than
      normal (12.8%) and hard (30.0%) lymph nodes. The intensity of infection in
      normal, haemorrhagic and black lymph nodes were 1.81 +/- 0.21, 4.23 +/- 0.0.62
      and 5.12 +/- 0.73, nymphs respectively. The mean numbers of parasites in
      haemorrhagic and black-coloured lymph nodes were significantly (P<0.0005) more
      than mean number of parasites in normal-coloured nodes. Again intensity of
      infection in normal, soft and hard lymph nodes was 2.31 +/- 0.18, 5.84 +/- 0.74
      and 3.21 +/- 0.68, respectively. When compared based on lymph nodes consistency,
      the soft lymph nodes were significantly (P<0.0005) more severely infected than
      normal and hard ones. The study has generated some vital data about the
      prevalence of this underreported disease amongst the bubaline intermediate hosts
      along with important gross changes in the affected lymph nodes.

PMID- 25112687
TI  - Identification of new novel scaffold for Aurora A inhibition by pharmacophore
      modeling and virtual screening.
AB  - Aurora kinases belong to family of highly conserved serine/threonine protein
      kinases that are involved in diverse cell cycle events and play a major role in
      regulation of cell division. Abnormal expression of Aurora kinases may lead to
      cancer; hence, these are considered as a potential target in cancer treatment. In
      this research article, we identified three novel Aurora A inhibitors using modern
      computational tools. A four-point common 3D pharmacophore hypothesis of Aurora A
      (AurA) inhibitors was developed using a diverse set of 55 thienopyrimidine
      derivatives. A three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D
      QSAR) study was carried out using atom-based alignment of diverse set of 55
      molecules to evaluate the structure- activity relationships. Docking and 3D-QSAR
      studies were performed with the 3D structure of AurA to evaluate the generated
      pharmacophore. The pharmacophore model and 3D-QSAR results complemented the
      results of our docking study. The pharmacophore hypothesis, which yields the best
      results, was used to screen the Zinc 'clean drug-like' database. Various database
      filters such as 3D-arrangement of pharmacophoric features, predicted activity and
      binding interaction score were used to retrieve hits having potential AurA
      inhibition activity. 

PMID- 25112689
TI  - Membrane disruptive antimicrobial activities of human beta-defensin-3 analogs.
AB  - Human beta defensin-3 (HbetaD-3) is a host-defense protein exhibiting
      antibacterial activity towards both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
      There is considerable interest in the function of this protein due to its
      increased salt tolerance and activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus
      aureus. In this study, analogs of HbetaD-3 devoid of N and C terminal regions are
      investigated to determine the influence of specific structural motif on
      antimicrobial activity and selectivity between Gram-positive and Gram-negative
      bacteria. Circular dichroism, fluorescence and solid-state NMR experiments have
      been used to investigate the conformation and mode of action of HbetaD3 analogs
      with various model membranes to mimic bacterial inner and outer membranes and
      also mammalian membranes. Our studies specifically focused on determining four
      major characteristics: (i) interaction of HbetaD3 analogs with phospholipid
      vesicles composed of zwitterionic PC or anionic PE:PG vesicles and LPS; (ii)
      conformation of HbetaD3-peptide analogs in the presence of PC or PE:PG vesicles;
      (iii) ability of HbetaD3 analogs to permeate phospholipid vesicles composed of PC
      or PE:PG; and (iv) activities on bacteria cells and erythrocytes. Our results
      infer that the linear peptide L25P and its cyclic form C25P are more active than
      L21P and C21P analogs. However, they are less active than the parent peptide,
      thus pointing towards the importance of the N terminal domain in its biological
      activity. The variation in the activities of L21P/C21P and L25P/C25P also suggest
      the importance of the positively charged residues at the C terminus in providing
      selectivity particularly to Gram-negative bacteria. 

PMID- 25112691
TI  - Anthropometric indices are not satisfactory predictors of metabolic comorbidities
      in obese children and adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of body mass index (BMI), Z score of the BMI,
      waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio in selecting obese children with
      fasting metabolic impairments or impaired glucose tolerance. STUDY DESIGN: In a
      cohort of 883 obese children and adolescents (age 8-18 years), we assessed the
      associations of anthropometric indices with traditional metabolic complications
      of obesity (impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension,
      high triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol). The accuracy of
      anthropometric indices as markers of metabolic impairment was assessed by
      receiver operating characteristic analysis and the areas under the receiver
      operating characteristics curves (AUROCs) of anthropometric indices were compared
      with each other by the DeLong test. RESULTS: BMI, Z score of the BMI, waist
      circumference, and waist-to-height ratio were associated with metabolic
      impairments but showed low to moderate accuracy in discriminating both single and
      clustered metabolic impairments. The AUROCs ranged from 0.55-0.70. The 4
      anthropometric indices did not show significantly different AUROCs as predictors
      of clustered metabolic risk factors (all P values of DeLong tests: >.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Commonly used anthropometric indices are not satisfactory markers of
      metabolic comorbidity among obese children and adolescents and should not be
      adopted as screening tools for the metabolic assessment of this category of
      patients.

PMID- 25112690
TI  - Conformational studies of chiral D-Lys-PNA and achiral PNA system in binding with
      DNA or RNA through a molecular dynamics approach.
AB  - The growing interest in peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers has led to the
      development of a very wide variety of PNA derivatives. Among others, the
      introduction of charged chiral groups on a PNA oligomer has proven effective in
      improving DNA binding ability, complexation direction and cellular uptake. In
      particular, the introduction of three adjacent chiral monomers based on D-Lys in
      the middle of the PNA sequence (D-Lys-PNA) has produced noteworthy results in
      modulating the directionality of the binding with the DNA complementary strand
      and in mismatch detection. Here, through a molecular dynamics approach, a
      comparative study has been carried out to investigate the structural properties
      that drive the interaction of the chiral D-Lys-PNA and the corresponding achiral
      PNA system with DNA as well as RNA complementary strands, starting from the
      crystal structure of D-Lys-PNA in complex with DNA. The results obtained
      complement experimental data and indicate that the binding with the RNA molecule,
      compared to DNA, is differently affected by the addition of three D-Lys groups on
      the PNA backbone, suggesting that this modification could be taken into account
      for the development of new PNA-based molecules able to discriminate between DNA
      and RNA.

PMID- 25112692
TI  - Association of Clostridium difficile infections with acid suppression medications
      in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Multiple studies have confirmed associations between acid suppression
      medication and Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) in adults. Therefore, we
      sought to evaluate an association between acid suppression medications and CDI in
      children. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective self-controlled case series was performed
      utilizing billing records from the TRICARE Management Activity military health
      system database. Children ages 2-18 years from October 1, 2001 to July 31, 2013,
      who had an outpatient or inpatient record of CDI diagnosis were included. The
      relative incidences (RIs) of CDI or recurrent CDI were calculated comparing time
      periods prescribed and not prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine
      2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs). RESULTS: There were 2531 cases of CDI among 2437
      patients, and 1190 (48.8%) were prescribed acid suppression medications. CDI were
      more likely to occur during periods when patients were prescribed a PPI (RI 2.36;
      95% CI 2.22-2.52), H2RA (RI 1.95; 95% CI 1.63-2.34), or during periods while
      prescribed both simultaneously (RI 2.40; 95% CI 1.90-3.04). There were 265
      (10.4%) cases that were classified as recurrent among 217 (8.9%) patients.
      Recurrent CDI also was found to be more likely during prescription periods of PPI
      (RI 1.74; 95% CI 1.51-2.00) and H2RA (RI 2.63; 95% CI 1.89-3.66). CONCLUSIONS:
      Acid suppression medications are associated with an increased risk of CDI and
      recurrent CDI. Judicious use of acid suppression medication should be considered,
      especially among those at highest risk for CDI.

PMID- 25112693
TI  - Factors affecting the natural decay of hepatitis B surface antigen in children
      with chronic hepatitis B virus infection during long-term follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors predicting spontaneous clearance of
      hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in a long-term, prospectively followed cohort
      from childhood into adult life. STUDY DESIGN: Children with chronic hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) infection without treatment were followed longitudinally every 6
      months. At each visit, liver profiles and HBV markers were assessed. Hepatitis B
      vaccination history and the maternal HBV markers also were studied. RESULTS: A
      total of 349 children (205 male) were followed for 20.6 +/- 4.4 years with
      initial ages of 8.4 +/- 3.9 years; 42 (12.0%) cleared HBsAg spontaneously. The
      HBsAg titers decayed with age, with an average annual clearance rate of 0.58%.
      Children had a lower annual HBsAg decay rate if their mothers are HBsAg carriers
      (P < .001). Hepatitis B e antigen-seroconversion is a favorable predictor for
      spontaneous HBsAg clearance (P = .04). Those with HBsAg titer <=1000 IU/mL at
      enrollment during childhood have a higher rate of HBsAg clearance (hazard ratio =
      5.23; P < .001). Using HBsAg titer <=1000 IU/mL to predict HBsAg clearance, the
      sensitivity is 38.1%, specificity is 90.6%, positive predictive value is 35.6%,
      and negative predictive value is 91.4%. CONCLUSIONS: During long-term follow-up,
      spontaneous HBsAg clearance is most likely to occur in a patient born to a non
      HBsAg-carrier mother, is a hepatitis B e antigen-seroconverter, and had an
      initial HBsAg level <=1000 IU/mL.

PMID- 25112694
TI  - Heart rate variability and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescent boys.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values of heart rate variability (HRV) measures
      in a cohort of adolescent boys and to determine the relationship between HRV and
      the clustering of risk factors (RFs) for cardiovascular disease. STUDY DESIGN:
      This cross-sectional study included 1152 adolescent boys (age: 16.6 +/- 1.2 years
      old). Demographic data, health-related habits, obesity indicators, and blood
      pressure were evaluated. HRV measures of time (SD of all RR intervals, root mean
      square of the squared differences between adjacent normal RR intervals, and the
      percentage of adjacent intervals over 50 ms) and frequency domains were assessed
      (low [LF] and high [HF] frequency). RESULTS: The components of HRV were RR
      interval (827 +/- 128 ms), SD of all RR intervals (61.9 +/- 23.5 ms), root mean
      square of the squared differences between adjacent normal RR intervals (54.5 +/-
      29.4 ms), percentage of adjacent intervals over 50 ms (29.4 +/- 20.4%), LF (53 +/
      16 nu), HF (47 +/- 16), and LF/HF (1.44 +/- 1.08). Greater sympathetic and lower
      parasympathetic modulation at rest were associated with higher adiposity, higher
      blood pressure and physical inactivity. Adolescents with 2 or more RFs also
      presented lower HRV than subjects with no RFs (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The study
      has provided descriptive indicators that help the interpretation of HRV results
      in adolescents. Lower HRV measures are associated with the clustering of
      cardiovascular RFs.

PMID- 25112695
TI  - Reliability of circulatory and neurologic examination by telemedicine in a
      pediatric intensive care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that telemedicine can reliably be used for many
      aspects of circulatory and neurologic examinations of children admitted to a
      pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized
      study in a 14-bed PICU in a tertiary care, academic-affiliated institution.
      Eligible patients were >2 months or <19 years of age, not involved in a
      concurrent study, had parents/guardian able to sign an informed consent form,
      were not at end-of-life, and had an attending who not only deemed them medically
      stable, but also felt that the study would not interrupt their care. Other than
      the Principal Investigator, 6 pediatric intensivists and 7 pediatric critical
      care fellows were eligible study providers. Two physician providers were randomly
      assigned to perform circulatory and neurologic examinations according to the
      American Heart Association/Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines in-person
      and via telemedicine. Findings were recorded on a standardized data collection
      form and compared. RESULTS: One hundred ten data collection forms were completed.
      For many aspects of the circulatory and neurologic examinations, outcomes showed
      substantial to perfect agreement between the in-person and telemedical care
      providers (kappa = 0.64-1.00). However, assessments of muscle tone had a kappa =
      0.23, with a kappa = 0.37 for skin color. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine can reliably
      identify normal and abnormal findings of many aspects of circulatory and
      neurologic examinations in PICU patients. This finding opens the door to further
      studies on the use of telemedicine across other disciplines.

PMID- 25112696
TI  - Breech labour is not a particular indication for STAN monitoring.

PMID- 25112698
TI  - Classification of common variable immunodeficiencies using flow cytometry and a
      memory B-cell functionality assay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The population of patients with common variable immunodeficiency
      (CVID) comprises a heterogeneous group of patients with different causes of
      hypogammaglobulinemia predisposing to recurrent infections, higher incidence of
      autoimmunity, and malignancy. Although memory B cells (memBcs) are key players in
      humoral defense and their numbers are commonly reduced in these patients, their
      functionality is not part of any current classification. OBJECTIVE: We
      established and validated a memBc enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot)
      assay that reveals the capacity of memBcs to develop into antibody-secreting
      cells and present an idea for a new classification based on this functional
      capacity. METHODS: The memBc ELISpot assay, combined with flow cytometry, was
      applied to patients with confirmed CVID in comparison with age-matched healthy
      control subjects. RESULTS: Ex vivo frequency of IgG-, IgM-, and IgA-secreting
      plasmablasts was significantly diminished by 27.2-, 2.4-, and 23.3-fold,
      respectively, compared with that seen in healthy control subjects. Moreover, in
      vitro differentiation of memBcs into antibody-secreting cells was 6.1-, 2.6-, and
      3.7-fold significantly reduced for IgG-, IgM-, and IgA-secreting cells,
      respectively. Proliferation of memBcs correlates inversely to immunoglobulin
      secreting capacity, suggesting compensatory hyperproliferation. Furthermore,
      patients with no serum IgA can still have a detectable IgA ELISpot assay result
      in vitro. Most importantly, the large heterogeneity of memBc function in patients
      with CVID homogenously grouped by means of fluorescence-activated cell sorting
      allowed additional subclassification based on memBc/plasmablast function.
      CONCLUSION: These data suggest almost normal memBc/immunoglobulin-secreting
      plasmablast functionality in some patients if sufficient stimulatory signals are
      delivered, which might open up opportunities for new therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 25112699
TI  - IL-9 is a key component of memory TH cell peanut-specific responses from children
      with peanut allergy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differentiation between patients with peanut allergy (PA) and those
      with peanut sensitization (PS) who tolerate peanut but have peanut-specific IgE,
      positive skin prick test responses, or both represents a significant diagnostic
      difficulty. Previously, gene expression microarrays were successfully used to
      identify biomarkers and explore immune responses during PA immunotherapy.
      OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize peanut-specific responses from patients with
      PA, subjects with PS, and atopic children without peanut allergy (NA children).
      METHODS: A preliminary exploratory microarray investigation of gene expression in
      peanut-activated memory TH subsets from 3 children with PA and 3 NA children
      identified potential PA diagnostic biomarkers. Microarray findings were confirmed
      by using real-time quantitative PCR in 30 subjects (12 children with PA, 12
      children with PS, and 6 NA children). Flow cytometry was used to identify the TH
      subsets involved. RESULTS: Among 12,257 differentially expressed genes, IL9
      showed the greatest difference between children with PA and NA children (45.59
      fold change, P < .001), followed by IL5 and then IL13. Notably, IL9 allowed the
      most accurate classification of children with PA and NA children by using a
      machine-learning approach with recursive feature elimination and the random
      forest algorithm. Skin- and gut-homing TH cells from donors with PA expressed
      similar TH2- and TH9-associated genes. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed that
      IL9 was the highest differentially expressed gene between children with PA and NA
      children (23.3-fold change, P < .01) and children with PS (18.5-fold change, P <
      .05). Intracellular cytokine staining showed that IL-9 and the TH2-specific
      cytokine IL-5 are produced by distinct TH populations. CONCLUSION: In this study
      IL9 best differentiated between children with PA and children with PS (and atopic
      NA children). Mutually exclusive production of IL-9 and the TH2-specific cytokine
      IL-5 suggests that the IL-9-producing cells belong to the recently described TH9
      subset.

PMID- 25112697
TI  - "Auto-anti-IgE": naturally occurring IgG anti-IgE antibodies may inhibit allergen
      induced basophil activation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Naturally occurring IgE-specific IgG autoantibodies have been
      identified in patients with asthma and other diseases, but their spectrum of
      functions is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: Address the hypothesis that: (i) IgG
      anti-IgE autoantibodies are detectable in the serum of all subjects but elevated
      in asthmatic patients regardless of atopic status as compared with controls; (ii)
      some activate IgE-sensitized basophils; and (iii) some inhibit allergen-induced
      basophil activation. METHODS: IgE-specific IgG autoantibodies were detected and
      quantified in sera using ELISA. Sera were examined for their ability to activate
      IgE-sensitized human blood basophils in the presence and absence of allergen
      using a basophil activation test, and to inhibit allergen binding to specific IgE
      on a rat basophilic cell line stably expressing human FcepsilonRI. RESULTS: IgG
      autoantibodies binding to both free and FcepsilonRI-bound IgE were detected in
      patients with atopic and non-atopic asthma, as well as controls. While some were
      able to activate IgE-sensitised basophils, others inhibited allergen-induced
      basophil activation, at least partly by inhibiting binding of IgE to specific
      allergen. CONCLUSION: Naturally occurring IgG anti-IgE autoantibodies may
      inhibit, as well as induce, basophil activation. They act in a manner distinct
      from therapeutic IgG anti-IgE antibodies such as omalizumab. They may at least
      partly explain why atopic subjects who make allergen-specific IgE never develop
      clinical symptoms, and why omalizumab therapy is of variable clinical benefit in
      severe atopic asthma.

PMID- 25112700
TI  - IL-33 promotes GATA-3 polarization of gut-derived T cells in experimental and
      ulcerative colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the respiratory mucosa, interleukin (IL)-33, has been shown to
      enhance T helper 2 (TH2)-type responses through the master regulatory gene GATA
      3. IL-33 is upregulated in ulcerative colitis (UC), and the aim was to assess if
      IL-33 holds a similar key position in the shaping of the immune response in
      experimental colitis (piroxicam-accelerated colitis (PAC) in IL-10 (-/-) mice,
      dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model) and UC. METHODS: Colonic IL-33 expression was
      determined in UC (8 active UC, 8 quiescent UC, and 7 controls) and experimental
      colitis. Mesenteric lymph node (MesLN) T cells were isolated from PAC IL-10 (-/-)
      mice and stimulated with IL-33. RESULTS: The colonic IL-33 expression was
      significantly upregulated all forms of colitis (P < 0.01) and correlated with
      disease severity score and inflammation (P < 0.001), and with GATA-3 expression
      levels (P < 0.01); no correlation with the TH1-specific T-bet expression was
      observed. MesLN T cells stimulated with IL-33 had increased GATA-3 expression,
      and showed an IL-33 dose-dependent increase in secreted TH2-type cytokines,
      whereas this effect was abolished by blocking IL-33 signaling. The non-TH2-type
      cytokine IL-17 was upregulated by IL-33 but in a T cell receptor dependent
      manner, as opposed to TH2-type cytokines, which required only IL-33 stimulation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that intestinal IL-33 is capable of inducing
      GATA-3 in mucosal T cells, and suggests that IL-33 is a key mediator of
      pathological TH2 and non-TH2-type responses in intestinal inflammation. Blocking
      IL-33 signaling could be a feasible option in the treatment of UC.

PMID- 25112702
TI  - Declining trends in alcohol consumption among Swedish youth-does the theory of
      collectivity of drinking cultures apply?
AB  - AIMS: To analyse trends in alcohol consumption among young people in Sweden
      between 2004 and 2012, to test whether the theory of collectivity of drinking
      cultures is valid for a population of young people and to investigate the impact
      of an increasing proportion of abstainers on the overall per capita trends.
      METHODS: Data were drawn from an annual survey of a nationally representative
      sample of students in year 11 (17-18 years old). The data covered 9 years and the
      total sample comprised 36,141 students. Changes in the overall per capita
      consumption were tested using linear regression on log-transformed data, and
      changes in abstention rates were tested using logistic regression. The analyses
      were then continued by calculating average consumption in deciles. RESULTS:
      Alcohol consumption among year 11 students declined significantly among both boys
      and girls between 2004 and 2012. These changes were reflected at all levels of
      consumption, and the same results were found when abstainers were excluded from
      the analyses. The increasing proportion of abstainers had a minimal effect on the
      overall decline in consumption; rather, this was driven by a decline in
      consumption among the heaviest drinkers. CONCLUSION: The theory of collectivity
      of drinking cultures seems valid for understanding changes in alcohol consumption
      among Swedish year 11 students. No support was found for a polarization of
      alcohol consumption in this nationally representative sample.

PMID- 25112703
TI  - Comment on Rezen et al. Expression changes in human skeletal muscle miRNAs
      following 10 days of bed rest in young healthy males. Acta Physiol 2014; 210: 655
      666.

PMID- 25112701
TI  - Overexpression and gene amplification of EGFR, HER2, and HER3 in biliary tract
      carcinomas, and the possibility for therapy with the HER2-targeting antibody
      pertuzumab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pertuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to HER2 at
      an epitope that prevents HER2 from dimerizing with ligand-activated HER-family
      receptors. To assess the potential of pertuzumab as a new therapy, the expression
      status of HER family members was determined in biliary tract carcinoma (BTC), and
      the antitumor activity of pertuzumab was investigated by assessing the inhibition
      of BTC cell growth. METHODS: The expression status of HER family members in 113
      archival specimens of BTC was analyzed by using immunohistochemistry and
      fluorescence in situ hybridization. Using ten BTC cell lines, heregulin-alpha
      (HRG-alpha) stimulated cell proliferation and its inhibition by pertuzumab was
      tested in vitro. The phosphorylated HER family proteins and their respective
      downstream molecules were analyzed. In vivo antitumor activity of pertuzumab was
      evaluated in a xenograft model. RESULTS: Protein overexpression of HER2 and/or
      HER3 was observed in 23-34 % of the specimens and gene amplification in 17-27 %.
      Seven of the ten cell lines showed HER2 and/or HER3 protein overexpression and
      gene amplification, and HRG-alpha stimulated cell proliferation was observed in
      four of the ten cell lines. In a BTC cell line co-overexpressing HER2 and HER3,
      pertuzumab potently inhibited the HRG-alpha stimulated cell proliferation in a
      dose-dependent manner, and completely blocked the phosphorylation of HER3.
      Suppression of downstream pathway molecules including p-AKT was also observed.
      Pertuzumab inhibited the in vivo growth of subcutaneous tumors, and increased the
      number of apoptotic cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Pertuzumab exerts potent antitumor
      activity in BTC cells co-overexpressing HER2 and HER3. Pertuzumab provides a new
      therapeutic option against BTC.

PMID- 25112704
TI  - Endocrine disrupting potential of fipronil and its metabolite in reporter gene
      assays.
AB  - There is a rising concern about the ecological safety and potential health risks
      caused by pesticides that are commonly present in the environment. Previous
      studies have shown that metabolites of pesticides sometimes possess more potent
      endocrine activity than the parent compounds. However very little efforts had
      been devoted to evaluate the environmental risks of pesticide metabolites. In the
      present study, we evaluated the agonistic and antagonistic activities of fipronil
      and its metabolite, fipronil sulfone, and compared by in vitro reporter gene
      assays using CHO-K1 cells. For estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities, both
      fipronil and fipronil sulfone showed no agonistic activities but exhibited the
      similarly antagonistic activities via estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha), with the
      RIC20 of 6.4 * 10(-7)M and 9.8 * 10(-7)M, respectively. In the thyroid hormone
      receptor (TR) assay, only fipronil sulfone showed anti-thyroid hormone activity
      with the RIC20 of 8.2 * 10(-7)M. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed to
      support the results in TR assay with lower MolDock score for fipronil sulfone.
      Data provided here suggested that it is of great significance to study the
      endocrine-disrupting effects of pesticide's metabolites, especially those with
      persistence in environment and high toxicity to non-targeted organisms.

PMID- 25112705
TI  - AChE inhibition: one dominant factor for swimming behavior changes of Daphnia
      magna under DDVP exposure.
AB  - As a key enzyme that hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in cholinergic
      synapses of both vertebrates and invertebrates, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is
      strongly inhibited by organophosphates. AChE inhibition may induce the decrease
      of swimming ability. According to previous research, swimming behavior of
      different aquatic organisms could be affected by different chemicals, and there
      is a shortage of research on direct correlation analysis between swimming
      behavior and biochemical indicators. Therefore, swimming behavior and whole-body
      AChE activity of Daphnia magna under dichlorvos (DDVP) exposure were identified
      in order to clarify the relationship between behavioral responses and AChE
      inhibition in this study. In the beginning, AChE activity was similar in all
      treatments with the control. During all exposures, the tendency of AChE activity
      inhibition was the same as the behavioral responses of D. magna. The AChE
      activity of individuals without movement would decrease to about zero in several
      minutes. The correlation analysis between swimming behavior of D. magna and AChE
      activity showed that the stepwise behavioral response was mainly decided by AChE
      activity. All of these results suggested that the toxicity characteristics of
      DDVP as an inhibitor of AChE on the swimming behavior of organisms were the same,
      and the AChE activity inhibition could induce loss of the nerve conduction
      ability, causing hyperactivity, loss of coordination, convulsions, paralysis and
      other kinds of behavioral changes, which was illustrated by the stepwise
      behavioral responses under different environmental stresses. 

PMID- 25112707
TI  - NHS staff will treat civilians injured in Gaza.

PMID- 25112706
TI  - Sex-specific effects of long-term exposure to bisphenol-A on anxiety- and
      depression-like behaviors in adult mice.
AB  - Humans are routinely exposed to low levels of bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental
      endocrine disruptor, which is widely used in the production of polycarbonate
      plastics. The effects of perinatal exposure to BPA have been shown to affect
      various aspects of social behaviors such as anxiety and depression in adult
      offspring. Because sex hormones play a critical role in neurobehavior in
      adulthood, it is possible that long-term exposure to BPA has widespread effects
      on these emotional behaviors in adulthood. In the present study, adult mice were
      exposed to BPA at dosages of 0.04, 0.4, 4, 40 mg kg(-1)d(-1) for 12 weeks. A
      behavioral assay was performed using the open field test (OFT), mirrored maze,
      the elevated plus maze (EPM), and the forced swim task. The results showed that,
      after exposure to BPA at 0.4-40 mg kg(-1)d(-1), the number of open arm entries
      and the time spent in them in the elevated plus maze task were reduced in males
      but increased in females, and thus eliminating or reversing sex differences in
      these behaviors. BPA at 0.04-40 mg kg(-1)d(-1) increased the immobility of male
      mice in the forced swimming test. Furthermore, BPA (0.4-40 mg kg(-1)d(-1))
      significantly decreased brain level of testosterone in males, but no significant
      influence was found in serum and the brain levels of estradiol in females.
      Western blot analysis further indicated that BPA at 0.4, 4, or 40 mg kg(-1)d(-1)
      significantly down-regulated the protein level of estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta)
      in the hippocampus of the adult males but not females, and inhibited the protein
      level of GABA(A)alpha2 receptor in hippocampus of males but promoted that of
      females. These results suggest that long-term exposure to BPA sex specifically
      affects anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult mice. Changes in the
      levels of GABA(A)alpha2 receptor and ERbeta proteins of hippocampus might be
      associated with BPA-induced changes in these emotional behaviors.

PMID- 25112708
TI  - Proton pump inhibitor-responsive oesophageal eosinophilia correlates with
      downregulation of eotaxin-3 and Th2 cytokines overexpression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The molecular basis and effects of proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
      therapy on PPI-responsive oesophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE) and eosinophilic
      oesophagitis (EoE) remain unknown. AIM: To compare symptom-histological and
      cytokine gene expression in PPI-REE and EoE patients, at baseline and after
      specific treatment. METHODS: In consecutive adult patients with an EoE phenotype
      (dysphagia/food impaction, typical endoscopic findings and > 15 eos/HPF), gene
      expression of eotaxin-3, IL-13, and IL-5 were determined in distal and proximal
      oesophagus, at baseline and after omeprazole 40 mg b.d. for 8 weeks. PPI-REE was
      defined by clinicohistological response. PPI nonresponders (EoE) were offered
      treatment with topical steroids. RESULTS: Fifty three patients were re-evaluated
      on PPI therapy. 23 patients (43%) had PPI-REE and 30 patients (57%) had EoE. At
      baseline, eotaxin-3/IL-13/IL-5 gene expression was indistinguishable between EoE
      and PPI-REE, excepting increased IL-5 expression in proximal oesophagus (12.54
      vs. 57, P = 0.029). PPI therapy significantly decreased eotaxin-3/IL-13 in PPI
      REE, at both oesophageal sites (P <= 0.008), and IL-5 in distal (P = 0.016), but
      not in proximal oesophagus. Patients with steroid-responsive EoE also showed a
      significant decrease in eotaxin-3/IL-5 expression at both oesophageal sites. In
      EoE patients, initial PPI trial significantly decreased distal oesophageal
      eosinophilia (63.78 to 41.79 eos/HPF, P = 0.025) and led to symptom remission in
      16%, but did not influence Th2 markers. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline cytokine gene
      expression in PPI-REE was nearly indistinguishable from EoE. PPI therapy
      significantly downregulated oesophageal eotaxin-3/Th2-cytokine gene expression in
      PPI-REE, similarly to that seen in steroid-responsive EoE. A subset of EoE
      patients showed clinicohistological improvement on PPI therapy.

PMID- 25112709
TI  - Prognostic implication of intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity in invasive ductal
      carcinoma of the breast.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic implication
      of findings of intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity on pretreatment (18)F-FDG
      PET/CT scans in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast.
      METHODS: One hundred and twenty-three female IDC patients who underwent
      pretreatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed
      tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) scans were retrospectively evaluated in this study.
      The heterogeneity factor (HF) defined as the derivative (dV/dT) of a volume
      threshold function from 40% to 80%, was computed for each primary tumor. Other
      metabolic PET parameters (maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax], metabolic
      tumor volume [MTV], and total lesion glycolysis [TLG]) were measured. The HF was
      compared with clinicopathologic factors and other PET parameters. Univariate and
      multivariate analyses for the overall survival (OS) were performed. RESULTS: The
      HF ranged from 0.02 to 6.72 (mean, 0.35 +/- 0.82) and significantly correlated
      with MTV (r = 0.955; p < 0.0001) and TLG (r = 0.354; p = 0.0001). The HF was
      significantly higher (implying more heterogeneity) in tumors with higher T and N
      stages. The optimal cut-off values for the OS determined using a receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve were 0.34 for the HF, 5.6 for SUVmax, 8.55
      cm(3) for MTV, and 14.43 for TLG. The OS rate among the 123 patients was 86.2%. T
      stage (1, 2 vs. 3, 4), N stage (0, 1 vs. 2, 3), M stage (0 vs. 1), ER status (+
      vs. -), SUVmax (<= 5.6 vs. > 5.6), MTV (<= 8.55 cm(3) vs. > 8.55 cm(3)), TLG (<=
      14.43 vs. > 14.43), and HF (< 0.34 vs. >= 0.34) affected the OS on univariate
      analysis. After adjustment for the effects of TNM stage and ER status, the HF and
      MTV were significant predictors of OS. Among the PET parameters, the best
      prognostic factor for OS was the HF. CONCLUSIONS: Intratumoral metabolic
      heterogeneity correlated closely with the MTV and significantly affected the OS
      in IDC patients. The HF may act as a robust surrogate marker for the prediction
      of OS in IDC patients.

PMID- 25112711
TI  - Nociceptive neurons regulate innate and adaptive immunity and neuropathic pain
      through MyD88 adapter.

PMID- 25112712
TI  - An ingredient for the elixir of youth.
AB  - Emerging evidence indicates that there are factors within the blood of young
      animals that have the ability to restore youthful characteristics to a number of
      organ systems in older animals. Growth/differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is the
      first of such factors to be identified, and two new studies demonstrate that this
      "factor of youth" rejuvenates stem cells found in the skeletal muscle and brain
      of aged mice. 

PMID- 25112714
TI  - FNDC5 could be regulated by leptin in adipose tissue.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Irisin activates the thermogenic function in adipose tissues.
      However, little is known on the association between human irisin and different
      cardiometabolic risk factors. We analyse the influence of morbid obesity on
      irisin levels and its relation with leptin and different cardiovascular risk
      factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We measured the serum irisin level and the
      fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) expression in adipose tissue
      from 33 morbidly obese subjects and 12 nonobese subjects. We also studied the
      effect of leptin on FNDC5 expression. RESULTS: Serum irisin was higher in the
      nonobese subjects than in morbidly obese subjects, both before (P = 0.043) and
      after bariatric surgery (P = 0.042). The variable that best explained the serum
      irisin levels in a multiple linear regression model was the waist-to-hip ratio
      (WHR) (R(2) = 0.201) (Beta = -0.357, P = 0.046). Those morbidly obese subjects
      with android-type obesity had lower serum irisin levels than those with gynecoid
      type obesity, both before (P = 0.027) and after bariatric surgery (P = 0.006).
      Only the percentage change in WHR was associated with serum irisin levels after
      bariatric surgery (r = -0.529, P = 0.005). FNDC5 expression levels in
      subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were higher in the nonobese than in the
      morbidly obese subjects (P = 0.042). In SAT explants from nonobese subjects,
      leptin (20 and 150 ng/mL) produced a decrease in FNDC5 expression (P = 0.009 and
      P = 0.037, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We showed decreased serum irisin levels in
      morbidly obese subjects, related mainly to WHR. FNDC5 expression could be
      regulated by leptin.

PMID- 25112715
TI  - Structurally enhanced incremental neural learning for image classification with
      subgraph extraction.
AB  - In this paper, a structurally enhanced incremental neural learning technique is
      proposed to learn a discriminative codebook representation of images for
      effective image classification applications. In order to accommodate the
      relationships such as structures and distributions among visual words into the
      codebook learning process, we develop an online codebook graph learning method
      based on a novel structurally enhanced incremental learning technique, called as
      "visualization-induced self-organized incremental neural network (ViSOINN)". The
      hidden structural information in the images is embedded into the graph
      representation evolving dynamically with the adaptive and competitive learning
      mechanism. Afterwards, image features can be coded using a sub-graph extraction
      process based on the learned codebook graph, and a classifier is subsequently
      used to complete the image classification task. Compared with other codebook
      learning algorithms originated from the classical Bag-of-Features (BoF) model,
      ViSOINN holds the following advantages: (1) it learns codebook efficiently and
      effectively from a small training set; (2) it models the relationships among
      visual words in metric scaling fashion, so preserving high discriminative power;
      (3) it automatically learns the codebook without a fixed pre-defined size; and
      (4) it enhances and preserves better the structure of the data. These
      characteristics help to improve image classification performance and make it more
      suitable for handling large-scale image classification tasks. Experimental
      results on the widely used Caltech-101 and Caltech-256 benchmark datasets
      demonstrate that ViSOINN achieves markedly improved performance and reduces the
      computational cost considerably. 

PMID- 25112713
TI  - Massive glycosaminoglycan-dependent entry of Trp-containing cell-penetrating
      peptides induced by exogenous sphingomyelinase or cholesterol depletion.
AB  - Among non-invasive cell delivery strategies, cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)
      vectors represent interesting new tools. To get fundamental knowledge about the
      still debated internalisation mechanisms of these peptides, we modified the
      membrane content of cells, typically by hydrolysis of sphingomyelin or depletion
      of cholesterol from the membrane outer leaflet. We quantified and visualised the
      effect of these viable cell surface treatments on the internalisation efficiency
      of different CPPs, among which the most studied Tat, R9, penetratin and
      analogues, that all carry the N-terminal biotin-Gly4 tag cargo. Under these cell
      membrane treatments, only penetratin and R6W3 underwent a massive
      glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-dependent entry in cells. Internalisation of the other
      peptides was only slightly increased, similarly in the absence or the presence of
      GAGs for R9, and only in the presence of GAGs for Tat and R6L3. Ceramide
      formation (or cholesterol depletion) is known to lead to the reorganisation of
      membrane lipid domains into larger platforms, which can serve as a trap and
      cluster receptors. These results show that GAG clustering, enhanced by formation
      of ceramide, is efficiently exploited by penetratin and R6W3, which contains Trp
      residues in their sequence but not Tat, R9 and R6L3. Hence, these data shed new
      lights on the differences in the internalisation mechanism and pathway of these
      peptides that are widely used in delivery of cargo molecules. 

PMID- 25112716
TI  - Event-related complexity analysis and its application in the detection of facial
      attractiveness.
AB  - In this study, an event-related complexity (ERC) analysis method is proposed and
      used to explore the neural correlates of facial attractiveness detection in the
      context of a cognitive experiment. The ERC method gives a quantitative index for
      measuring the diverse brain activation properties that represent the neural
      correlates of event-related responses. This analysis reveals distinct effects of
      facial attractiveness processing and also provides further information that could
      not have been achieved from event-related potential alone. 

PMID- 25112717
TI  - The role of the SST-thermocline relationship in Indian Ocean Dipole skewness and
      its response to global warming.
AB  - A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) tends to have stronger cold sea surface
      temperature anomalies (SSTAs) over the eastern Indian Ocean with greater impacts
      than warm SSTAs that occur during its negative phase. Two feedbacks have been
      suggested as the cause of positive IOD skewness, a positive Bjerknes feedback and
      a negative SST-cloud-radiation (SCR) feedback, but their relative importance is
      debated. Using inter-model statistics, we show that the most important process
      for IOD skewness is an asymmetry in the thermocline feedback, whereby SSTAs
      respond to thermocline depth anomalies more strongly during the positive phase
      than negative phase. This asymmetric thermocline feedback drives IOD skewness
      despite positive IODs receiving greater damping from the SCR feedback. In
      response to global warming, although the thermocline feedback strengthens, its
      asymmetry between positive and negative IODs weakens. This behaviour change
      explains the reduction in IOD skewness that many models display under global
      warming. 

PMID- 25112718
TI  - Histamine impairs midbrain dopaminergic development in vivo by activating
      histamine type 1 receptors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histamine (HA) regulates the sleep-wake cycle, synaptic plasticity
      and memory in adult mammals. Dopaminergic specification in the embryonic ventral
      midbrain (VM) coincides with increased HA brain levels. To study the effect of HA
      receptor stimulation on dopamine neuron generation, we administered HA to
      dopamine progenitors, both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Cultured embryonic day
      12 (E12) VM neural stem/progenitor cells expressed transcripts for HA receptors
      H1R, H2R and H3R. These undifferentiated progenitors increased intracellular
      calcium upon HA addition. In HA-treated cultures, dopamine neurons significantly
      decreased after activation of H1R. We performed intrauterine injections in the
      developing VM to investigate HA effects in vivo. HA administration to E12 rat
      embryos notably reduced VM Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) staining 2 days later,
      without affecting GABA neurons in the midbrain, or serotonin neurons in the mid
      hindbrain boundary. qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses confirmed that several
      markers important for the generation and maintenance of dopaminergic lineage such
      as TH, Lmx1a and Lmx1b were significantly diminished. To identify the cell type
      susceptible to HA action, we injected embryos of different developmental stages,
      and found that neural progenitors (E10 and E12) were responsive, whereas
      differentiated dopaminergic neurons (E14 and E16) were not susceptible to HA
      actions. Proliferation was significantly diminished, whereas neuronal death was
      not increased in the VM after HA administration. We injected H1R or H2R
      antagonists to identify the receptor responsible for the detrimental effect of HA
      on dopaminergic lineage and found that activation of H1R was required.
      CONCLUSION: These results reveal a novel action of HA affecting dopaminergic
      lineage during VM development.

PMID- 25112720
TI  - Post-fracture pharmacotherapy for women with osteoporotic fracture: analysis of a
      managed care population in the USA.
AB  - Pharmacologic therapy is recommended to reduce future fracture risk. We examined
      osteoporosis medications dispensed to older women after first fracture. Only 23 %
      received therapy during the first year post-fracture. Prior osteoporosis therapy,
      a prior osteoporosis diagnosis, and older age were good predictors of post
      fracture osteoporosis therapy. INTRODUCTION: Pharmacologic therapy is recommended
      after osteoporotic fracture to reduce future fracture risk. The objective of this
      retrospective study was to examine osteoporosis therapy dispensed to women post
      fracture. METHODS: We identified women >=50 years old in a large administrative
      claims database from 2003 to mid-2012 who were continuously enrolled 2 years
      before (baseline) and 1 year after first osteoporotic fracture. Exclusions were
      Paget's disease or malignant neoplasm. Pre- and post-fracture osteoporosis
      therapies (oral and parenteral) were assessed overall and by fracture site.
      RESULTS: A total of 47,171 women of mean (SD) age of 63 (10) years were eligible;
      fractures included 8 % hip, 17 % vertebral, 73 % non-hip/non-vertebral, and 3 %
      multiple fracture sites. Only 18 % received osteoporosis therapy within 90 days
      and 23 % within 1 year post-fracture. Overall, 19 % of women had a prior
      osteoporosis diagnosis; 20 % had received osteoporosis therapy during baseline.
      Of 37,649 (80 %) women without baseline therapy, only 9 % initiated pharmacologic
      therapy within 1 year. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of therapy within 1 year post
      fracture was significantly greater for women who had received baseline
      osteoporosis therapy (versus none) and who had vertebral (OR 12.7, 95 %
      confidence interval (CI) 11.2-14.5), hip (15.2, 12.5-18.7), or non-hip/non
      vertebral fracture (34.4, 31.7-37.3). Other significant predictors included pre
      fracture osteoporosis diagnosis (1.6, 1.4-1.7) and older age (OR range, 1.3-1.7).
      Treatment adherence was significantly better among women with baseline
      osteoporosis diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial post-fracture treatment gap
      represents an important unmet need for women with osteoporotic fractures.
      Fracture liaison or adherence programs could lead to improved post-fracture
      treatment rates.

PMID- 25112721
TI  - Effect of education intervention on the quality and long-term outcomes of root
      canal treatment in general practice.
AB  - AIM: To compare the technical quality and long-term outcomes of root canal
      treatment by general practitioners of a Swedish Public Dental Service, before and
      after an endodontic education including Ni-Ti rotary technique (NiTiR).
      METHODOLOGY: A random sample was compiled, comprising one root filled tooth from
      each of 830 patients, treated by 69 general practitioners participating in the
      education: 414 teeth root filled in 2002, pre-education, using primarily
      stainless steel instrumentation and filling by lateral compaction, and 416 teeth
      root filled post-education (2005), using mainly NiTiR and single-cone obturation.
      Follow-up radiographs taken in 2009 were evaluated alongside immediate post
      filling radiographs from 2002 to 2005. The density and length of the root
      fillings were registered. Periapical status was assessed by the Periapical Index
      (PAI), using two definitions of disease: apical periodontitis (AP) (PAI 3 + 4 +
      5) and definite AP (PAI 4 + 5). Tooth survival was registered. Root fillings pre-
      and post-education were compared using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Crude
      extraction rates per 100 years were calculated for comparison of tooth survival.
      Explanatory variables (type of tooth, root filling quality, periapical status,
      marginal bone loss, type and quality of coronal restoration) in relation to the
      dependent variable (AP at follow-up) were analysed by multivariable logistic
      regression. RESULTS: Follow-up data were available for 229 (55%) of teeth treated
      pre- and 288 (69%) treated post-education: both tooth survival (P < 0.001) and
      root filling quality were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the latter.
      However, there was no corresponding improvement in periapical status. Both pre-
      and post-education, root fillings with definite AP on completion of treatment had
      significantly higher odds of AP or definite AP at follow-up. For teeth treated
      post-education, inadequate root filling quality was significantly associated with
      AP at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher tooth survival rate and a
      significant improvement in technical quality of root fillings after the
      education, there was no corresponding improvement in periapical status.

PMID- 25112722
TI  - Patient-reported outcomes in Crohn's disease: does race matter?

PMID- 25112719
TI  - Icariin may benefit the mesenchymal stem cells of patients with steroid
      associated osteonecrosis by ABCB1-promoter demethylation: a preliminary study.
AB  - In this study, we found out a previously undefined function of icariin which
      restored the dynamic balance between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in patients with osteonecrosis of femoral head
      (ONFH) via ABCB1-promoter demethylation. These findings provided important
      information regarding potential implication of icariin targeting epigenetic
      changes for the treatment of steroid -associated ONFH. INTRODUCTION: Here, we
      investigated whether icariin can also exert a beneficial role in the reactivation
      of MSCs in the patients with steroid-associated ONFH via ABCB1-promoter
      demethylation. METHODS: Bone marrow was collected from the proximal femur in
      patients with steroid-associated ONFH (n = 20) and patients with new femoral neck
      fractures (n = 22), and then MSCs were isolated. We investigated cell viability,
      intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane
      potential (MMP), P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity, the transcript levels of ABCB1
      and oxidative stress-related genes, methylation extent at CpG islands of ABCB1
      promoter, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation ability of MSCs from the
      femoral neck fractures group and from the steroid-associated ONFH group treated
      with or without icariin. RESULTS: We observed that MSCs from the steroid
      associated ONFH group showed reduced proliferation ability, elevated ROS level,
      depressed MMP, weakened osteogenesis, and enhanced adipogenesis while low P-gp
      activity, transcription level of ABCB1, and oxidative stress-related genes as
      well as aberrant CpG islands hypermethylation of ABCB1 were also noted in steroid
      associated ONFH group. Treatment with icariin obviously induced de novo P-gp
      expression, decreased oxidative stress, and promoted osteogenesis. CONCLUSION:
      Icariin may be a potential drug targeting epigenetic changes for the treatment of
      steroid-associated ONFH.

PMID- 25112724
TI  - Visualizing oil displacement with foam in a microfluidic device with permeability
      contrast.
AB  - Foam mobility control and novel oil displacement mechanisms were observed in a
      microfluidic device representing a porous media system with layered permeability.
      Foam was pre-generated using a flow-focusing microfluidic device and injected
      into an oil-wet, oil-saturated 2-D PDMS microfluidic device. The device is
      designed with a central fracture flanked by high-permeability and low
      permeability zones stratified in the direction of injection. A 1 : 1, 1% blend of
      alpha olefin sulfonate 14-16 (AOS) and lauryl betaine (LB) surfactants produced
      stable foam in the presence of paraffin oil. The oil saturation and pressure drop
      across the microfluidic device were measured as a function of time and the
      injected pore volume, indicating an increase in apparent viscosity for foam with
      an accompanying decrease in oil saturation. In contrast to the control
      experiments, foam was shown to more effectively mobilize trapped oil by
      increasing the flow resistance in the fracture and high-permeability zones and by
      diverting the surfactant solution into adjacent low-permeability zones. The foam
      was observed to separate into gas-rich and aqueous-rich phases depending on
      matrix permeability, suggesting that it is not appropriate to treat foam as a
      homogeneous dispersion of gas and liquid. 

PMID- 25112723
TI  - The histological quality and adequacy of diminutive colorectal polyps resected
      using jumbo versus hot biopsy forceps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polypectomy with jumbo forceps (JF) and polypectomy with hot biopsy
      forceps (HBF) are still widely used techniques for removal of diminutive
      colorectal polyps (DCPs). JF may be more effective for the removal of DCPs
      because of their larger size. AIM: To evaluate the histological quality and
      adequacy of DCPs resected using JF compared with HBF. METHODS: One hundred and
      seventy-nine patients with 237 DCPs were included in this study. DCPs were
      removed using either JP or HBF. RESULTS: The tissue architecture was good in 29.9
      % of the HBF group, in comparison with 90 % of the JF group (p < 0.001). No
      cautery damage or crash artifact was observed in 93.3 % of JF group and in 8.5 %
      of HBF group (p < 0.001). Moreover, there were statistically significant
      differences between the groups with regard to the high level of cautery damage or
      crush artifact (p < 0.001). The overall diagnostic quality of the specimens
      removed using JF was significantly better than that of the specimens removed by
      HBF (96 vs. 80 %, respectively, p < 0.001). There were statistically significant
      inverse associations between cautery damage or crush artifact and overall
      diagnostic quality of HBF and JF (r = -0.373, p < 0.001; r = -0.382, p < 0.001,
      respectively). Surgical margins were determined as negative in 87.5 % of the JF
      group and in 76.1 % of the HBF group (p = 0.022). A total of 80.8 % of the JF
      specimens and 30.8 % of the HBF specimens were well evaluated for two lateral and
      deep surgical margins (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: JF was superior to HBF for
      histopathological interpretation and eradication of DCPs.

PMID- 25112727
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of novel analogues of ripostatins.
AB  - Ripostatins are polyene macrolactones isolated from the myxobacterium Sorangium
      cellulosum. They exhibit antibiotic activity by inhibiting bacterial RNA
      polymerase (RNAP) through a binding site and mechanism that are different from
      those of current antibacterial drugs. Thus, the ripostatins serve as starting
      points for the development of new anti-infective agents with a novel mode of
      action. In this work, several derivatives of ripostatins were produced. 15
      Desoxyripostatin A was synthesized by using a one-pot carboalumination/cross
      coupling. 5,6-Dihydroripostatin A was constructed by utilizing an intramolecular
      Suzuki cross-coupling macrolactonization approach. 14,14'-Difluororipostatin A
      and both epimeric 14,14'-difluororipostatins B were synthesized by using a
      Reformatsky type aldol addition of a haloketone, Stille cross-coupling, and ring
      closing metathesis. The RNAP-inhibitory and antibacterial activities are
      presented. Structure-activity relationships indicate that the monocyclic keto-ol
      form of ripostatin A is the active form of ripostatin A, that the ripostatin C5
      C6 unsaturation is important for activity, and that C14 geminal difluorination of
      ripostatin B results in no loss of activity. 

PMID- 25112731
TI  - Female fetus is associated with greater maternal insulin resistance in pregnancy.
AB  - AIM: To explore the hypothesis that female fetus is associated with greater
      maternal insulin resistance during pregnancy. METHODS: In a singleton pregnancy
      cohort study (n = 299), we compared maternal insulin resistance according to
      fetal sex, based on plasma biomarkers from a 50-g 1-h oral glucose tolerance test
      at 24-28 weeks gestation. The primary outcome was plasma glucose-to-insulin
      ratio. Other outcomes included plasma proinsulin-to-insulin ratio, and insulin,
      proinsulin, leptin, adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor I and II
      concentrations. RESULTS: After adjusting for maternal race, age, parity,
      education, pre-pregnancy BMI, smoking and alcohol use, history of gestational
      diabetes, and gestational age at blood sampling, plasma insulin concentrations
      were significantly higher (mean +/- sd: 66.4 +/- 50.5 vs. 51.0 +/- 46.1 mU/l;
      adjusted P = 0.001), and glucose-to-insulin ratios significantly lower (2.60 +/-
      2.03 vs. 3.77 +/- 4.98 mg/dl/mU/l; adjusted P = 0.002) in women bearing a female
      vs those bearing a male fetus, despite similar glucose levels (116.4 +/- 27.2 vs.
      117.0 +/- 31.9 mg/dl; adjusted P = 0.92).There were no significant differences in
      proinsulin-to-insulin ratios, or leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor
      I and insulin-like growth factor II concentrations by fetal sex. CONCLUSION:
      Female fetus may be associated with greater maternal insulin resistance during
      pregnancy.

PMID- 25112726
TI  - DNA damage accumulation and repair defects in acute myeloid leukemia:
      implications for pathogenesis, disease progression, and chemotherapy resistance.
AB  - DNA damage repair mechanisms are vital to maintain genomic integrity. Mutations
      in genes involved in the DNA damage response (DDR) can increase the risk of
      developing cancer. In recent years, a variety of polymorphisms in DDR genes have
      been associated with increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or
      of disease relapse. Moreover, a growing body of literature has indicated that
      epigenetic silencing of DDR genes could contribute to the leukemogenic process.
      In addition, a variety of AML oncogenes have been shown to induce replication and
      oxidative stress leading to accumulation of DNA damage, which affects the balance
      between proliferation and differentiation. Conversely, upregulation of DDR genes
      can provide AML cells with escape mechanisms to the DDR anticancer barrier and
      induce chemotherapy resistance. The current review summarizes the DDR pathways in
      the context of AML and describes how aberrant DNA damage response can affect AML
      pathogenesis, disease progression, and resistance to standard chemotherapy, and
      how defects in DDR pathways may provide a new avenue for personalized therapeutic
      strategies in AML.

PMID- 25112730
TI  - Cross-sectional associations between air pollution and chronic bronchitis: an
      ESCAPE meta-analysis across five cohorts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess associations of outdoor air pollution on
      prevalence of chronic bronchitis symptoms in adults in five cohort studies
      (Asthma-E3N, ECRHS, NSHD, SALIA, SAPALDIA) participating in the European Study of
      Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects (ESCAPE) project. METHODS: Annual average
      particulate matter (PM(10), PM(2.5), PM(absorbance), PM(coarse)), NO(2), nitrogen
      oxides (NO(x)) and road traffic measures modelled from ESCAPE measurement
      campaigns 2008-2011 were assigned to home address at most recent assessments
      (1998-2011). Symptoms examined were chronic bronchitis (cough and phlegm for >=3
      months of the year for >=2 years), chronic cough (with/without phlegm) and
      chronic phlegm (with/without cough). Cohort-specific cross-sectional
      multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted using common confounder
      sets (age, sex, smoking, interview season, education), followed by meta-analysis.
      RESULTS: 15 279 and 10 537 participants respectively were included in the main
      NO(2) and PM analyses at assessments in 1998-2011. Overall, there were no
      statistically significant associations with any air pollutant or traffic
      exposure. Sensitivity analyses including in asthmatics only, females only or
      using back-extrapolated NO(2) and PM10 for assessments in 1985-2002 (ECRHS, NSHD,
      SALIA, SAPALDIA) did not alter conclusions. In never-smokers, all associations
      were positive, but reached statistical significance only for chronic phlegm with
      PM(coarse) OR 1.31 (1.05 to 1.64) per 5 ug/m(3) increase and PM(10) with similar
      effect size. Sensitivity analyses of older cohorts showed increased risk of
      chronic cough with PM(2.5abs) (black carbon) exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Results do
      not show consistent associations between chronic bronchitis symptoms and current
      traffic-related air pollution in adult European populations.

PMID- 25112733
TI  - First discovery of Quercus feeding Nepticulidae (Lepidoptera) in Central America.
AB  - Despite the high taxonomic diversity of oaks in Mexico and Central America, no
      Quercus feeding Nepticulidae have ever been recorded from the region. Here, we
      present seven species whose larvae are leaf-miners of Quercus (section Lobatae)
      in Guatemala. Except Stigmella nigriverticella (Chambers 1875), which was
      previously known from the United States, all other discovered species are new. We
      describe and name five new species (Stigmella jaguari Remeikis & Stonis, sp.
      nov., S. lauta Diskus & Stonis, sp. nov., S. sublauta Remeikis & Stonis, sp.
      nov., S. aurifasciata Diskus & Stonis, sp. nov. and S. guatemalensis Diskus &
      Stonis, sp. nov.); the remaining new species is described but left unnamed
      because of lack of adults (i. e. moths and genitalia are described from developed
      pupae). All seven treated species are illustrated with photographs of the leaf
      mines, adults, and genitalia. 

PMID- 25112732
TI  - Lipocalin 2: a new mechanoresponding gene regulating bone homeostasis.
AB  - Mechanical loading represents a crucial factor in the regulation of skeletal
      homeostasis. Its reduction causes loss of bone mass, eventually leading to
      osteoporosis. In a previous global transcriptome analysis performed in mouse
      calvarial osteoblasts subjected to simulated microgravity, the most upregulated
      gene compared to unit gravity condition was Lcn2, encoding the adipokine
      Lipocalin 2 (LCN2), whose function in bone metabolism is poorly known. To
      investigate the mechanoresponding properties of LCN2, we evaluated LCN2 levels in
      sera of healthy volunteers subjected to bed rest, and found a significant time
      dependent increase of this adipokine compared to time 0. We then evaluated the in
      vivo LCN2 regulation in mice subjected to experimentally-induced mechanical
      unloading by (1) tail suspension, (2) muscle paralysis by botulin toxin A
      (Botox), or (3) genetically-induced muscular dystrophy (MDX mice), and observed
      that Lcn2 expression was upregulated in the long bones of all of them, whereas
      physical exercise counteracted this increase. Mechanistically, in primary
      osteoblasts transfected with LCN2-expression-vector (OBs-Lcn2) we observed that
      Runx2 and its downstream genes, Osterix and Alp, were transcriptionally
      downregulated, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was less prominent versus
      empty-vector transduced osteoblasts (OBs-empty). OBs-Lcn2 also exhibited an
      increase of the Rankl/Opg ratio and IL-6 mRNA, suggesting that LCN2 could link
      poor differentiation of osteoblasts to enhanced osteoclast stimulation. In fact,
      incubation of purified mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells with conditioned media
      from OBs-Lcn2 cultures, or their coculture with OBs-Lcn2, improved
      osteoclastogenesis compared to OBs-empty, whereas treatment with recombinant LCN2
      had no effect. In conclusion, our data indicate that LCN2 is a novel osteoblast
      mechanoresponding gene and that its regulation could be central to the
      pathological response of the bone tissue to low mechanical forces.

PMID- 25112735
TI  - Redescription of five gnathiid species from Japan (Crustacea: Isopoda).
AB  - Five gnathiid species from Japan are redescribed based on14 holotypes, their
      paratypes, topotypes, and new materials. Observations of these specimens revealed
      that Caecognathia kikuchii (Nunomura, 1992) should be transferred to genus
      Elaphognathia and Caecognathia nasuta (Nunomura, 1992) to genus Gnathia.
      Furthermore, Caecognathia amakusaensis Nunomura, 1992, C. saikaiensis Nunomura,
      1992, Gnathia azumai Nunomura, 2012a, G. quadricephala Nunomura, 2012a, and G.
      recticornata Nunomura, 2012a are considered to be junior synonyms of E. kikuchii.
      Gnathia hirayamai Nunomura, 1992, G. nagasakiensis Nunomura, 2012a, G.
      shijikiensis Nunomura, 2012a, and G. brevicephala Nunomura, 2012a are considered
      to be junior synonyms of G. nasuta. Moreover, Gnathia sanrikuensis Nunomura, 1998
      and G. mutsuensis Nunomura, 2004 are redescribed. Gnathia bungoensis Nunomura,
      1982 is not completely redescribed because the key characteristics were lacking.
      The geographical records of these species are provided. 

PMID- 25112734
TI  - A new species-group of Chrysura Dahlbom, 1845 (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae), with
      description of Ch. baiocchii sp. nov. from Iran .
AB  - Chrysura baiocchii Rosa sp. nov. is described from Iran. Diagnosis of the new
      species-group Ch. baiocchii and discussions on Ch. radians group and Ch. genalis
      subgroup are given. 

PMID- 25112736
TI  - New records of moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Croatia, with the
      description of Berdeniella keroveci sp.nov.
AB  - Berdeniella keroveci sp. nov. is described based on males collected in Croatia.
      Current knowledge of the psychodid fauna of Croatia is reviewed and new records
      of 16 species are presented. Short taxonomic notes on Pericoma pseudocalcilega
      Krek, 1972, Pneumia balkanica (Krek, 1990), Pneumia mutua (Eaton, 1893), Clogmia
      albipunctata (Williston, 1893) and Lepiseodina tristis (Meigen, 1810) are given.
      In total, 33 species of Psychodidae are known to occur in Croatia. 

PMID- 25112737
TI  - A new species of Lixophaga Townsend (Diptera: Tachinidae) from Colombia, a
      parasitoid of Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).
AB  - A new species of Lixophaga Townsend (Diptera: Tachinidae) from Colombia,
      Lixophaga puscolulo Carrejo & Woodley, sp. nov., is described and illustrated. It
      is a parasitoid of the tomato fruit borer, Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenee)
      (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), an insect pest of Solanum quitoense Lam., in Colombia.
      Aspects of its biology are briefly discussed. 

PMID- 25112738
TI  - New species of the genus Jacekaphorura (Collembola: Onychiuridae) from upper
      reaches of Kolyma river (North-East of Russia).
AB  - Two new species of the genus Jacekaphorura from the North-East of Russia, viz. J.
      catherinae sp. nov. and J. furcata sp. nov., were described and illustrated. The
      former species clearly differs from the only previously known species of the
      genus by a high and variable number of dorsal pso, the latter can easily be
      distinguished due to specific structure of furcal remnant. The generic diagnosis
      and position within modern tribal subdivision of the Onychiurinae are discussed. 

PMID- 25112739
TI  - A new species of Elathous Reitter (Coleoptera: Elateridae) from Turkey.
AB  - A new click-beetle species, Elathous serti, from Denizli and Isparta provinces of
      Turkey is described. Photographs of the adults, drawings of the aedeagi, a
      contrasting comparison table, a key to all Turkish Elathous species, a
      distribution map, and a table of collecting months and collecting provinces of
      all Turkish species are provided. 

PMID- 25112740
TI  - Munidopsis lauensis Baba & de Saint Laurent, 1992 (Decapoda, Anomura,
      Munidopsidae), a newly recorded squat lobster from a cold seep in Taiwan.
AB  - The squat lobster, Munidopsis lauensis Baba & de Saint Laurent, 1992, is recorded
      from Taiwan for the first time. This species was previously known only from deep
      sea hydrothermal vents in the South-West Pacific but it was now found at a deep
      sea cold seep site off southwestern Taiwan. The identity of the Taiwanese
      material is confirmed by comparison of sequences from the barcoding gene COI.
      Munidopsis lauensis can be easily separated from other congeners in Taiwanese
      waters by the eyes bearing a strong mesiodorsal spine and a small mesioventral
      spine, smooth carapace, fingers of the cheliped distally spooned and fixed finger
      without a denticulate carina on the distolateral margin. The discovery of this
      species in Taiwan increases the Munidopsis fauna of the island to 38 species. A
      color photograph and line drawings illustrating distinctive characters are
      provided for the Taiwanese material. 

PMID- 25112741
TI  - First description of the female Ozyptila kansuensis (Tang, Song & Zhu, 1995),
      comb. nov. (Araneae: Thomisidae) .

PMID- 25112742
TI  - Four new leaf-mining Acalyptris species from Guatemala and Belize, with new data
      on bionomics of Stigmella pruinosa (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae).
AB  - This paper describes four new species: Acalyptris basicornis Remeikis & Stonis,
      sp. nov., A. peteni Diskus & Stonis, sp. nov., A. caribbicus Diskus & Stonis, sp.
      nov. (host-plant: Lantana involucrata L., Verbenaceae), and A. statuarius Diskus
      & Stonis, sp. nov. Another species, Stigmella pruinosa Puplesis & Robinson, is re
      described, with new distribution records in Guatemala and with the first
      documentation of leaf-mines on Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (Malvaceae). All five
      species are illustrated with photographs of the leaf-mines, adults, and
      genitalia. 

PMID- 25112743
TI  - Cuapetes yapiensis  sp. nov. (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pontoniinae), a new mangrove
      shrimp from Yap, Caroline Islands.
AB  - A new pontoniine shrimp species, Cuapetes yapiensis, from mangroves at Quamun, on
      Yap Island, Caroline Islands, is described and illustrated. Cuapetes yapiensis
      most closely resembles C. darwiniensis Bruce. Six species of Cuapetes are now
      known from the Caroline Islands. 

PMID- 25112744
TI  - New Mycomya species from the Himalayas (Diptera, Mycetophilidae): 3. Subgenera
      Cesamya and Mycomyopsis.
AB  - Mycomya Rondani specimens from the Himalayas, mostly Nepal and Myanmar, are
      revised. Altogether four species of the subgenus Cesamya Kocak & Kemal and eleven
      species of the subgenus Mycomyopsis Vaisanen are recorded from the Himalayas and
      the Indian subcontinent. The paper includes a key to the Himalayan species of
      Mycomya of the two subgenera. The following fourteen new species are described:
      M. aix, M. alticola, M. banteng, M. cissa, M. ducula, M. irena, M. goral, M.
      jeti, M. kaa, M. naja, M. niltava, M. pitta, M. sachak, and M. sanar. The
      holotype of M. unipectinata Edwards from Sri Lanka was also examined and its
      genitalia are described. 

PMID- 25112745
TI  - Review of genus Nicephora Bolivar (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Meconematinae).
AB  - This article presents a revision on all species of genus Nicephora Bolivar, 1900,
      describes 1 new species distribute in China ally to this genus. A key to species
      of the genus is given. 

PMID- 25112746
TI  - Systematical studies on the species of the subgenus Bombus (Thoracobombus)
      (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Bombus Latreille) in Turkey.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the 12 species which belong to the subgenus
      Bombus (Thoracobombus) by identifying, collating and testing the applicability of
      geometrics morphometrics for distinguishing the species. This was carried out on
      133 females and 42 males which were collected from various localities in Turkey.
      After digitizing landmarks on the right fore wings, 2-dimensional Cartesian
      coordinates were calculated and by Procrustes analysis the coordinates were
      standardized and superimposed. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Canonical
      Variates Analysis (CVA) were performed to show the distribution of all species.
      Then, deformations which appeared in thin-plate splines were observed. Mean
      values of all the specimens were calculated and Sequential, Agglomerative,
      Hierarchical, and Nesting clustering method (SAHN) was performed with these data
      to obtain the dissimilarity trees. It can be concluded that all species were
      found to have consistently different wing shapes from each other. In females, the
      species B. armeniacus, B. mesomelas and B. pomorum which resemble each other,
      were also found to be similar based on their wing morphometry. Both in females
      and males, the subspecies B. sylvarum citrinofasciatus and B. sylvarum
      daghestanicus and the species B. humilis and B. laesus exposed high similarity in
      wing morphometry. In males, results showed that the species B. armeniacus and B.
      mesomelas and the species B. humilis and B. zonatus have very similar wing shape.

PMID- 25112747
TI  - A new name for the oviraptorid dinosaur "Ingenia" yanshini (Barsbold, 1981;
      preoccupied by Gerlach, 1957).
AB  - The genus name of the small oviraptorid dinosaur Ingenia yanshini is preoccupied
      by the tripyloidid nematode Ingenia mirabilis, thus making the former a junior
      homonym of the latter.  Although "Ingenia" yanshini is sympatric with
      Conchoraptor gracilis, it is distinguished from Conchoraptor by proportions of
      the manus.  It also differs appreciably from the ingeniines Heyuannia huangi and
      Nemegtomaia barsboldi in manual and pelvic proportions.  "Ingenia" yanshini is
      not referable to any other taxon, and is renamed Ajancingenia yanshini gen. nov. 
      Several specimens originally referred to this species have subsequently been
      transferred to new genera, and the taxonomic assignment of material referred to
      Ajancingenia yanshini gen. nov. is reassessed. 

PMID- 25112748
TI  - Tanyproctus (Tanyproctus) arher (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae:
      Tanyproctini), a new species from the Socotra Island, Yemen.
AB  - Tanyproctus (Tanyproctus) arher Bezdek, Sehnal & Kral, new species, is described
      from Socotra Island (Yemen), based on external morphology including male
      genitalia. 

PMID- 25112749
TI  - The first description of adult female of Borboropactus asper (O. P.-Cambridge,
      1884) from Sri Lanka (Araneae: Thomisidae).

PMID- 25112750
TI  - Description of new species of oak leaf-miners (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae), with
      notes on the species groups of Stigmella Schrank associated with Quercus as a
      host-plant.
AB  - Stigmella acuta Diskus, Navickaite & Remeikis, sp. nov., a new species of oak
      feeding leaf-miner belonging to the S. hemargyrella group, and S. cornuta Rociene
      & Stonis, sp. nov., belonging to the newly designated S. cornuta group, are
      described from Asia and, for the first time, the S. hemargyrella group is
      associated with Quercus as a host-plant. The new species are illustrated with
      photographs of the leaf mines, adults, and genitalia. Diagnostics and host-plant
      preferences of seven Stigmella species groups associated with oaks (the S.
      caesurifasciella, S. saginella, S. quercipulchella, S. ruficapitella, S.
      castanopsiella, S. hemargyrella and S. cornuta groups) are discussed. 

PMID- 25112751
TI  - Studies on the chorionic structure of the eggs of Corixoidea (Hemiptera:
      Heteroptera) with scanning electron microscopy.
AB  - The chorionic structure of the eggs of sixteen species of Corixoidea
      (Ectemnostega (Ectemnostega) quadrata (Signoret), E. (Ectemnostegella) quechua
      (Bachmann), Trichocorixa mendozana Jaczewski, Centrocorisa kollari (Fieber),
      Heterocorixa brasiliensis Hungerford, Sigara (Aphelosigara) tucma Bachmann, S.
      (Tropocorixa) denseconscripta (Breddin), S. (T.) platensis Bachmann, S. (T.)
      rubyae (Hungerford), S. (T.) santiagiensis (Hungerford), S. (T.) schadei
      (Hungerford), S. (T.) yala Bachmann, Tenagobia (Incertagobia) incerta Lundblad,
      T. (Fuscagobia) fuscata (Stal), T. (Schadeogobia) schadei Lundblad, and T.
      (Tenagobia) pulchra Hungerford) is described for the first time using scanning
      electron microscopy. In addition, the eggs of some of these species are described
      based on color and morphometry. The sculpturing of the chorion and the structure
      of the micropylar area here in studied using scanning electron microscopy
      together with the length of the stalk distinguish the eggs of the genera (except
      Sigara, genus without a uniform pattern on the sculpturing of the chorion) and
      subgenera (including Aphelosigara and Tropocorixa) of Corixoidea present in
      Argentina. The above mentioned characters, together with the egg length, proved
      to be useful for the identification of the Argentinian species. An identification
      key to the eggs of Argentinian species of Corixoidea based on the material herein
      studied, and additional data present in the literature, is provided. 

PMID- 25112752
TI  - Four new species of genus Parallaxis McAtee (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae:
      Typhlocybinae: Dikraneurini) from Argentina, with a key to known species.
AB  - Four new species of Parallaxis McAtee are described from Argentina, P. jujuiensis
      sp. n., P. misionensis sp. n., P. tucumanensis sp. n. and P. virlai sp. n.
      Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of the new species and a
      key to males of known species are provided. 

PMID- 25112753
TI  - Four new species of the genus Smaragdina Chevrolat, 1836 from China (Coleoptera:
      Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae: Clytrini) .
AB  - Four new species are described for the genus Smaragdina, from Sichuan, Yunnan and
      Zhejiang provinces of China: Smaragdina tianmuensis sp. nov., S. yajiangensis sp.
      nov., S. yangae sp. nov., and S. zhangi sp. nov. The Chinese fauna of the genus
      is thus increased to 64 species. Color plates and line drawings of habitus,
      maxilla, labium, as well as those characters from the internal morphology like
      male genitalia, female spermatheca, and rectal sclerites are provided. 

PMID- 25112754
TI  - Two new species of Tylototriton from Thailand (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae).
AB  - Three morphological groups are found in a salamandrid newt Tylototriton shanjing
      from Thailand. We describe two of them as new species, one from northern and the
      other from northeastern Thailand, based on molecular and morphological data,
      however we could not make a taxonomic decision on the remaining one group because
      of the lack of voucher specimens and sufficient genetic data. The northern
      species differs morphologically from all known congeners by having the
      combination of orange to reddish brown markings, narrow and sharply protruding
      dorsolateral bony ridges on head, weakly segmented vertebral ridge, and long and
      high tail. The northeastern species is characterized by having the combination of
      yellow, orange, or reddish brown markings, wide and moderately protruding
      dorsolateral bony ridges on head, smooth vertebral ridge, black limbs, and black
      tail except for edges. Validity of taxonomic subdivision of the genus
      Tylototriton is discussed. 

PMID- 25112755
TI  - Description of a new Tiger Snake (Colubridae, Telescopus) from south-western
      Africa.
AB  - Telescopus finkeldeyi sp. nov. is described from western central to northern
      Namibia and south-western Angola. Its maximum size is less than that of the other
      three taxa occurring in southern Africa. It is further distinguished by its
      fairly variable colour pattern. Although the number of ventrals and the undivided
      anal scale are similar to that of T. beetzii, the presence of 19 scale rows
      around the middle differs from the 21 rows of T. beetzii.

PMID- 25112756
TI  - Three new species of the genus Brachinus Weber, 1801 from the Philippines, with a
      modified key to species (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Brachininae).
AB  - Three new Brachinus species namely B. grootaerti n. sp. (Palawan Island), B.
      palawanensis n. sp. (Palawan Island), B. mindanaoensis n. sp. (Mindanao Island)
      from Philippines were described. In addition, a modified key to the known
      Brachinus Philippine species is provided. 

PMID- 25112757
TI  - Loranthophila, a new genus of Australian Lyctinae (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)
      associated with Mistletoe.
AB  - Loranthophila gen. n. is described, based on Minthea acanthacollis (Carter &
      Zeck), and comparisons are made between this genus and other members of the
      bostrichid subfamily Lyctinae. 

PMID- 25112758
TI  - Annotated list of Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera) from the East Usambara Mountains,
      Tanzania and new Tettigoniidae species from East Africa.
AB  - A list of the Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera) of the East Usambara Mountains is
      presented and 16 new species are described from East Africa. A total number of 29
      Tettigoniidae species is recorded for the East Usambara Mountains. New species
      are described from the Shimba Hills in Kenya, coastal Tanzania from the
      Kazimzumbwi forest reserve, Mt Kilimanjaro, the East and West Usambara and
      Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania, namely in Conocephalinae Afroagraecia pwania n.
      sp., Afroagraecia shimbaensis n. sp., Afroanthracites discolor n. sp.,
      Afroanthracites jagoi n. sp. and Afroanthracites viridis n. sp., in Meconematinae
      Afrophisis flagellata n. sp., Afrophisis kisarawe n. sp., Afrophisis
      mazumbaiensis n. sp. and Afrophisis pseudoflagellata n. sp., in Hexacentrinae
      Aerotegmina megaloptera n. sp., in Mecopodinae Apteroscirtus cristatus n. sp.,
      and A. planidorsatus n. sp., in Phaneropterinae Gelotopoia amabilis n. sp., and
      in Pseudophyllinae Cymatomerella pardopunctata n. sp. and Cymatomera
      viridimaculata n. sp. Seven species are endemic to the East Usambara Mountains
      which are 25% of the recorded forest-bound bush crickets. The Tettigoniidae fauna
      is compared between the East Usambara Mountains and Mt Kilimanjaro and mechanisms
      of speciation discussed in Orthoptera for the area. New Tettigoniidae records are
      given for Mt Kilimanjaro (Oxyecous apertus Ragge, Tropidonotacris grandis Ragge
      and Eurycorypha conclusa Hemp). 

PMID- 25112759
TI  - Updated checklist of the ice-crawlers (Insecta: Grylloblattodea: Grylloblattidae)
      of North America, with notes on their natural history, biogeography and
      conservation.
AB  - We provide an updated checklist and comprehensive distributional record of
      Grylloblatta (Grylloblattodea: Grylloblattidae) in North America. These
      distribution records are based upon a thorough review of the literature, as well
      as unpublished data of the authors and colleagues. Thirteen species of
      Grylloblatta are currently described, with up to 16 additional taxa awaiting
      formal description. Distributional data shows that endemism of Grylloblatta is
      high and geographic range size is typically small: the median geographical area
      of 13 species and six putative species is 179 km2. It is clear that there is a
      general lack of knowledge of species range limits and local population sizes; for
      example, three Grylloblatta species are known from just a single locality and
      less than 15 specimens each. Conservation status ranks are suggested in order to
      update the IUCN Red List and national Natural Heritage Network Database. Finally,
      we describe the natural history and seasonality of Grylloblatta, discuss their
      unique biogeography, and provide recommendations for future surveys of
      grylloblattid species by highlighting known distributional gaps.

PMID- 25112760
TI  - Two new species of the genus Temnaspis Lacordaire, 1845, (Coleoptera:
      Chrysomeloidea: Megalopodidae) from China and Myanmar, with notes on the biology
      of the genus.
AB  - Two new species of the genus Temnaspis Lacordaire, 1845, family Megalopodidae,
      are described from China and Myanmar: Temnaspis puae Li & H.B. Liang, sp. nov.,
      Temnaspis syringa Li & H.B. Liang, sp. nov. Biological notes are provided for
      Temnaspis syringa. Temnaspis flavicornis Jacoby, 1892 is redescribed and a
      lectotype designated. A key to species of the genus Temnaspis with black elytra
      in China and adjacent areas is provided. 

PMID- 25112761
TI  - Phylogeny of the Cyrtodactylus irregularis species complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae)
      from Vietnam with the description of two new species.
AB  - The number of described species of bent-toed geckos of the Cyrtodactylus
      irregularis species complex in Vietnam has increased from one to eight in the
      last six years. We combined morphological and molecular analyses to explore
      phylogenetic relationships among all described species in the group. The
      phylogeny required the description of two new species, Cyrtodactylus
      phuocbinhensis sp. nov. and Cyrtodactylus taynguyenensis sp. nov. Further, the
      tree resolved two additional undescribed clades that may also be new species. The
      species C. bugiamapensis and C. ziegleri were found to require redefinition.
      Cyrtodactylus phuocbinhensis sp. nov. is characterized by a series of enlarged
      femoral scales separated from preanal scales while Cyrtodactylus taynguyenensis
      sp. nov. does not possess enlarged femoral scales. Both new species are
      distinguished from other congeners by a combination of the following characters:
      small subcaudal scales, not transversely enlarged; presence (C. phuocbinhensis
      sp. nov.) or absence (C. taynguyenensis sp. nov.) of enlarged femoral scales;
      number of preanal pores; and dorsal pattern. Genetic distances between described
      species and new species were 16.5% and 2.0% in COI and RPL35, respectively, for
      C. phuocbinhensis sp. nov., and these distances were 18.8% and 2.2% for C.
      taynguyenensis sp. nov., respectively. 

PMID- 25112762
TI  - A new species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from the highest mountain in
      Indochina.
AB  - We describe a new species of Leptolalax from northern Vietnam. Leptolalax
      botsfordi sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of (1)
      supra-axillary and ventrolateral glands present; (2) dark brownish red ventral
      surface with white speckling; (3) medium body size for the genus (29.1-32.6 mm in
      7 adult males, 30.0-31.8 mm in 2 females); (4) black markings on the flanks
      absent; (5) toes with rudimentary webbing and weak lateral fringing; (6) large
      pectoral glands (1.1-1.9 mm; 4-6% SVL) and femoral glands (2.4-4.3 mm; 7-14%
      SVL); and (7) an advertisement call with a dominant frequency of 2.6-3.2 kHz (at
      14.0o C). At present, the new species is known only from upper montane forest
      between 2,795-2,815 m elevation on Mount Fansipan, Hoang Lien National Park. To
      our knowledge, Leptolalax botsfordi sp. nov. occurs at higher elevations than any
      other species in the genus. If L. botsfordi sp. nov. is truly restricted to a
      narrow, high-elevation band, it is likely to be particularly vulnerable to the
      effects of climate change. The new species also faces the immediate threat of
      habitat degradation and pollution due to tourist activity. 

PMID- 25112764
TI  - Ogleus pilarae, a new genus and species of leptocheliid tanaidacean (Crustacea:
      Peracarida: Tanaidomorpha) from the tropical Northwest Atlantic with observations
      on the genus Pseudonototanais Lang, 1973.
AB  - Ogleus pilarae n. gen., n. sp. (Leptocheliidae) is described from specimens
      collected at a depth of 28 m off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico.
      Morphologically the new genus appears to have its closest affinities with the
      type species of Heterotanais and those of the two subgenera belonging to
      Pseudonototanais sensu Gutu. Ogleus is distinguished from these and other
      leptocheliids by a combination of characters including a male antennule having
      three unfused peduncular articles, five aesthetasc-bearing flagellar articles
      with the first being greatly reduced and bearing a single cluster of aesthetascs,
      the shape of the male cheliped, and uropods of both sexes having an elongate
      endopod with five articles or incipient articles, the distalmost being distinctly
      longer than the first. The genus Pseudonototanais is rediagnosed to contain P.
      werthi, P. modestus (female holotype), and with reservations P. bransfieldensis.
      The Pseudonototanais subgenus Makassaritanais is elevated to full generic rank to
      contain M. angustus and M. bamberi. The male originally attributed to P. (M.)
      modestus, does not appear to be a leptocheliid since it has a short uropodal
      endopod appearing to have just two articles. The taxonomic status of some of the
      other taxa previously assigned to Pseudonototanais sensu lato or that are
      superficially similar to it is discussed. Overall, based on the females, the
      genera Ogleus and Makassaritanais may be more closely allied with genus
      Leptochelia Dana, 1849 than to Pseudonototanais and Heterotanais. A key to the
      male leptocheliid taxa having truncated or superficially subchelate-appearing
      chelae is presented. 

PMID- 25112763
TI  - Studies in Mexican Tettigoniidae: a new genus of Copiphorini and the first
      description of male Conocephalus (Aphauropus) leptopterus Rehn and Hebard and the
      female of Insara acutitegmina Fontana, Buzzetti, Marino-Perez & Garcia Garcia.
AB  - A new genus belonging to the katydid tribe Copiphorini (Tettigoniidae:
      Conocephalinae) is established, Brachycaulopsis gen. nov., collected from the
      state of Chiapas, Mexico. Also provided are first descriptions for both the male
      of Conocephalus (Aphauropus) leptopterus Rehn & Hebard, 1915 (Conocephalinae:
      Conocephalini) and the female of Insara acutitegmina Fontana et al., 2011
      (Phaneropterinae: Insarini). 

PMID- 25112765
TI  - Redescription of Alatina alata (Reynaud, 1830) (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) from Bonaire,
      Dutch Caribbean.
AB  - Here we establish a neotype for Alatina alata (Reynaud, 1830) from the Dutch
      Caribbean island of Bonaire. The species was originally described one hundred and
      eighty three years ago as Carybdea alata in La Centurie Zoologique-a monograph
      published by Rene Primevere Lesson during the age of worldwide scientific
      exploration. While monitoring monthly reproductive swarms of A. alata medusae in
      Bonaire, we documented the ecology and sexual reproduction of this cubozoan
      species. Examination of forty six A. alata specimens and additional archived
      multimedia material in the collections of the National Museum of Natural History,
      Washington, DC revealed that A. alata is found at depths ranging from surface
      waters to 675 m. Additional studies have reported it at depths of up to 1607 m in
      the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean. Herein, we resolve the taxonomic
      confusion long associated with A. alata due to a lack of detail in the original
      description and conflicting statements in the scientific literature. A new
      cubozoan character, the velarial lappet, is described for this taxon. The
      complete description provided here serves to stabilize the taxonomy of the second
      oldest box jellyfish species, and provide a thorough redescription of the
      species. 

PMID- 25112766
TI  - A new species of Charinus Simon, 1892 from northeastern Brazil with comments on
      the potential distribution of the genus in Central and South Americas (Arachnida:
      Amblypygi: Charinidae).
AB  - A new species of the genus Charinus Simon, 1892 is described from caves in the
      Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. This is the first record of the genus for the state.
      This paper presents a map of the Charinus species distribution in Brazil with new
      records and a map of potential distribution of the genus in South and Central
      Americas. An updated key for Charinus species from Brazil is also presented. 

PMID- 25112767
TI  - Aglaopheniid hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Aglaopheniidae) from bathyal waters of
      the Flemish Cap, Flemish Pass, and Grand Banks of Newfoundland (NW Atlantic) .
AB  - Five species of aglaopheniid hydroids (Aglaophenopsis cornuta, Cladocarpus diana,
      C. formosus, C. integer, and Nematocarpus ramuliferus) were collected from the
      Flemish Cap, Flemish Pass, and Grand Banks of Newfoundland during surveys with
      bottom trawls, rock dredges, and scallop gear. All are infrequently reported
      species, with C. diana being discovered for the first time since its original
      description from Iceland. We document here the southernmost collections of C.
      diana and N. ramuliferus, both previously unknown in the western Atlantic. Each
      of the five species is described and illustrated based on fertile material, a key
      is provided for their identification, and bathymetric distributions are noted.
      Known depth ranges are extended for A. cornuta, C. diana, and C. integer.
      Aglaophenopsis and Nematocarpus are recognized as genera distinct from the
      polyphyletic Cladocarpus, based on the unique structure of the phylactocarp in
      the former, and the existence of appendages with nematothecae (ramuli) on almost
      all thecate internodes of hydrocladia in the latter. These appendages occur even
      in the absence of gonothecae, and are here considered defensive structures that
      protect the hydranths. In differing from typical phylactocarps, we accept the
      contention that they are characters of generic value. 

PMID- 25112768
TI  - A new solifugae species of Mummucina Roewer, 1934 (Solifugae, Mummuciidae) from
      the Northwest of Argentina.
AB  - A new species of Mummuciidae, Mummucina puna sp. nov. (male and female) from
      Northwest Puna eco-region of Salta province, Argentina, is described and
      illustrated. A key and distribution map of known species of the genus Mummucina
      are provided. 

PMID- 25112769
TI  - Four new troglobiotic species of the genus Megalothorax Willem, 1900 (Collembola:
      Neelipleona) from the Carpathian Mountains (Slovakia, Romania).
AB  - Four new species of Megalothorax Willem, 1900 are described and illustrated: M.
      tatrensis sp. nov., M. carpaticus sp. nov., M. hipmani sp. nov. from caves in
      Slovakia and M. draco sp. nov. from the Dracoaia Cave in western Romania. The
      species represent troglobiotic forms exhibiting different level of troglomorphy
      involving such features as larger body, elongated foot complex, antennae, mucro
      and body chaetae. The most pronounced troglomorphy is observed in M. hipmani sp.
      nov. and M. draco sp. nov. Species descriptions are completed with comparative
      tables of chaetotaxy of antennae and legs. Diagnostic table for all congeners and
      dichotomous identification key to the world species are provided. Distribution
      records of other Megalothorax species in Slovakia are added. 

PMID- 25112770
TI  - New species of Floresorchestia from Micronesia living in unusual habitats
      (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae).
AB  - The first freshwater talitrid, Floresorchestia pohnpei sp. nov., is described
      from the island of Pohnpei, Micronesia. Floresorchestia palau sp. nov. is
      described from supralittoral and shallow-water marine habitats in Palau,
      Micronesia. 

PMID- 25112771
TI  - Neoliomera moana, a new cavernicolous species of xanthid crab from the Marquesas
      Islands (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura).
AB  - A new crab Liomerinae, Neoliomera moana sp. nov., is described from the Marquesas
      Islands, based on three specimens collected by hand at the entrance of submarine
      caves at depths of 6-28 m. Within the genus the new species belongs to a group of
      six species that have the carapace cristate on the anterolateral margins. It can
      be recognized by the presence of a double crest on the upper margin of the palm
      of chela and by its colour pattern, with about twenty red spots on the dorsal
      surface of the carapace. This new species is considered has a potential endemic
      form to the Marquesas Islands. 

PMID- 25112772
TI  - Neostylidium, a new generic replacement name for Stylidium Dall 1907 (Gastropoda:
      Caenogastropoda: Cerithiidae) non Eichwald 1855 (Anthozoa).

PMID- 25112773
TI  - The genus Asuridia Hampson, 1900 in Taiwan, with descriptions of two new species
      (Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini).

PMID- 25112775
TI  - Circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells in essential thrombocythemia versus
      prefibrotic/early primary myelofibrosis.

PMID- 25112776
TI  - Enhanced separation of potassium ions by spontaneous K+-induced self-assembly of
      a novel metal-organic framework and excess specific cation-pi interactions.
AB  - A novel metal-organic framework (MOF) was fabricated by spontaneous K(+)-induced
      supramolecular self-assembly with the embedded tripodal ligand units. When the 3D
      ligand was loaded onto Fe3O4@mSiO2 core-shell nanoparticles, it could effectively
      separate K(+) ions from a mixture of Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), and Ca(2+) ions through
      nanoparticle-assisted MOF crystallization into a Fe3O4@mSiO2@MOF hybrid material.
      Excess potassium ions could be extracted because of the specific cation-pi
      interaction between K(+) and the aromatic cavity of the MOF, leading to enhanced
      separation efficiency and suggesting a new application for MOFs.

PMID- 25112778
TI  - MRI dedicated to bones and joints: what are their market shares in terms of
      number of patients in private practice in France?
AB  - PURPOSE: The French government plans to install MRI facilities dedicated to
      musculoskeletal indications. We have analyzed the use of imaging investigations
      in the community to assess their market share. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      undertook a retrospective analysis of all reimbursements during the year 2012 by
      the French Social Plan for Independent Workers for 4 imaging methods for a
      musculoskeletal indication (MRI, CT scan with or without opacification and
      contrast-enhanced conventional radiography). RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty
      two thousand eight hundred and ninety-three beneficiaries were included. The
      following investigations were used: MRI 12659 investigations; CT scan without
      direct opacification 7392; CT scan with direct opacification 1271; contrast
      enhanced conventional radiography 1187. Of those beneficiaries who underwent
      investigations of the spine, 39.91% had MRI alone, 8.62% had both MRI and one of
      the other investigations and 51.46% did not have MRI. The corresponding figures
      for beneficiaries undergoing lower limb investigations were 79.57%, 4.53% and
      15.90% and those for beneficiaries undergoing upper limb investigations were
      35.49%, 6.56% and 57.94% respectively. CONCLUSION: In terms of the numbers of
      investigations, our results show that in France MRI dedicated to musculoskeletal
      indications has a wide market share for the spine, upper and lower limbs.

PMID- 25112777
TI  - Increased Platelet Distribution Width Is Associated With Severity of Coronary
      Artery Disease in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - Platelet activation plays a pivotal role in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We
      investigated the relationship between platelet distribution width (PDW) and
      severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with ACS. A total of 502
      patients with ACS were enrolled. High (n = 151) and low PDW (n = 351) groups were
      defined as patients having values in the third tertile (>17%) and lower 2
      tertiles (<=17%). There were significantly higher Gensini score (44 [10-168] vs.
      36 [2-132], P < .001), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (3.1 [0.8-12.4] vs. .2.5
      [0.3-13], P = .012) and baseline platelet counts were significantly lower (220
      [61-623] vs. 233 [79-644] 10(3)/mm3, P = .022) in the high PDW group. The
      variables PDW >17%, diabetes mellitus, and myocardial infarction were found to be
      associated with high Gensini score (odds ratio [OR]: 1.91, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 1.27-2.88, P = .002; OR: 2.85, 95% CI: 1.91-4.25, P < .001; OR:
      2.67, 95% CI:1.74-4.1, P < .001, respectively). An increased PDW (>17%) is
      associated with severity of CAD in patients with ACS.

PMID- 25112780
TI  - High-density monolayers of metal complexes: preparation and catalysis.
AB  - Catalysts are one of the key materials for realizing a sustainable society.
      However, we may encounter problematic cases where conventional catalyst systems
      cannot provide effective solutions. We thus believe that the establishment of
      novel methods of catalyst preparation is currently necessary. Utilization of high
      density monolayers of molecular metal complexes is our strategy, and we expect
      that this methodology will enable facile and systematic screening of unique and
      efficient catalysts. This Personal Account describes our challenges to establish
      such an immature method in catalyst preparation as well as the related background
      and perspective. Preparation and catalysis by high-density monolayers of Rh
      complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene, structurally compact phosphine and
      diisocyanide ligands on gold surfaces are presented. The catalytic application of
      a high-density Pd-bisoxazoline complex prepared on a single-crystal silicon
      surface is also shown. Uniquely high catalyst turnover numbers and high
      chemoselectivities were observed with these catalyst systems. 

PMID- 25112779
TI  - Influences of age, gender, and circadian rhythm on deceleration capacity in
      subjects without evident heart diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deceleration capacity (DC) is a newly found predictor of mortality
      after myocardial infarction. Age-, gender-, and circadian rhythm-related
      differences in DC may limit its predictive value, which should be considered in
      clinical settings. METHODS: DC, average heart rate, and HRV parameters, including
      24 hours, awaking state (15:00-20:00) and sleeping mode (00:00-05:00) strips from
      24 hours Holter recordings in 636 subjects without heart diseases were examined.
      Heart rate variability was analyzed in time domains (standard deviation of all
      normal-to-normal intervals [SDNN], normal-to-normal RR intervals in all 5-minute
      segments [SDANN], and root mean square successive difference [RMSSD]). RESULTS:
      The DC, SDNN, SDANN, RMSSD, and heart rate decreased with age. Deceleration
      capacity was significantly lower in patients greater than 50 years of age. The
      largest decrease of SDNN, SDANN, and RMSSD occurred in patients 30-39 years of
      age. The values of SDNN, SDANN, and DC of women were lower than that of men in
      the young and middle-aged groups, but age-related decrease of DC in men was
      greater than that in women. Heart rate of women was significantly higher than
      that of men in younger subjects, especially in a sleeping mode. There were higher
      values of DC and RMSSD during sleeping than that during a waking state.
      CONCLUSIONS: The age, gender, and circadian rhythm may be useful when evaluating
      cardiac autonomic function and need to be considered when evaluating DC and HRV
      in clinical and scientific researches.

PMID- 25112782
TI  - The acceptability and usefulness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for
      people living with psoriasis: a qualitative study.

PMID- 25112781
TI  - Impact of the expression of thymidylate synthase and dihydropyrimidine
      dehydrogenase genes on survival in stage II/III gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-based therapy, which remains the
      cornerstone of gastrointestinal cancer treatment, depends upon the expression of
      enzymes involved in pyrimidine metabolism, including thymidylate synthase (TS),
      dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), and orotate
      phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT). We analyzed the expression of these genes in
      patients enrolled in the Adjuvant Chemotherapy Trial of S-1 for Gastric Cancer
      (ACTS-GC) and their possible roles as biomarkers for treatment outcomes. METHODS:
      Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens were available for 829 of a total of
      1,059 (78.3 %) patients. TS, DPD, TP, and OPRT expression was measured by RT-PCR
      in manually microdissected tumor specimens and normalized to the reference gene,
      beta-actin. The expression level of each gene was categorized as low or high
      using cutoffs at the 33.3rd, 50th, or 66.7th percentiles. RESULTS: The hazard
      ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) after S-1 treatment versus surgery alone was
      significantly lower in high (>66.7th percentile; HR = 0.370; 95 % CI 0.221-0.619)
      compared to low (<66.7th percentile; HR = 0.757; 95 % CI 0.563-1.018) TS
      expression groups (P = 0.015). Similarly, the HR for OS after S-1 therapy versus
      surgery alone was significantly lower in high (>33.3rd percentile; HR = 0.520, 95
      % CI 0.376-0.720) compared to low (<33.3rd percentile; HR = 0.848, 95 % CI 0.563
      1.276) DPD expression groups (P = 0.065). There was no interaction between TP or
      OPRT expression and OS. CONCLUSIONS: This large biomarker study showed that high
      TS and DPD gene expression in tumors was associated with enhanced benefit from
      postoperative adjuvant S-1 treatment in gastric cancer. There was no interaction
      between TP and OPRT expression and S-1 treatment.

PMID- 25112784
TI  - Neurocomputational account of memory and perception: Thresholded and graded
      signals in the hippocampus.
AB  - Recent evidence suggests that the hippocampus, a region critical for long-term
      memory, also supports certain forms of high-level visual perception. A seemingly
      paradoxical finding is that, unlike the thresholded hippocampal signals
      associated with memory, the hippocampus produces graded, strength-based signals
      in perception. This article tests a neurocomputational model of the hippocampus,
      based on the complementary learning systems framework, to determine if the same
      model can account for both memory and perception, and whether it produces the
      appropriate thresholded and strength-based signals in these two types of tasks.
      The simulations showed that the hippocampus, and most prominently the CA1
      subfield, produced graded signals when required to discriminate between highly
      similar stimuli in a perception task, but generated thresholded patterns of
      activity in recognition memory. A threshold was observed in recognition memory
      because pattern completion occurred for only some trials and completely failed to
      occur for others; conversely, in perception, pattern completion always occurred
      because of the high degree of item similarity. These results offer a
      neurocomputational account of the distinct hippocampal signals associated with
      perception and memory, and are broadly consistent with proposals that CA1
      functions as a comparator of expected versus perceived events. We conclude that
      the hippocampal computations required for high-level perceptual discrimination
      are congruous with current neurocomputational models that account for recognition
      memory, and fit neatly into a broader description of the role of the hippocampus
      for the processing of complex relational information.

PMID- 25112783
TI  - A randomised clinical trial to evaluate the effects of Plantago ovata husk in
      Parkinson patients: changes in levodopa pharmacokinetics and biochemical
      parameters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plantago ovata husk therapy could be used in patients with Parkinson
      disease to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, but it is important
      to know whether this compound modifies levodopa pharmacokinetics. The maintenance
      of constant plasma concentrations of levodopa abolishes the clinical fluctuations
      in parkinsonian patients. The aim of this randomised clinical trial was to
      establish the influence of the fiber Plantago ovata husk in the pharmacokinetics
      of levodopa when administered to Parkinson patients well controlled by their oral
      medication. METHODS: To evaluate the effects of this fiber on several biochemical
      parameters. 18 volunteers participated in the study and received alternatively
      two treatments (Plantago ovata husk or placebo) with their usual
      levodopa/carbidopa oral dose. On days 0 (initial situation), 14 and 35 of the
      study, blood samples were taken to assess levodopa pharmacokinetics and to
      determine biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Levodopa Cmax was very similar in the
      initial situation (603.2 ng/ml) and after placebo administration (612.0 ng/ml),
      being slightly lower (547.8 ng/ml) when Plantago ovata husk was given. AUC was
      very similar in the three groups: initial situation.- 62.87 MUg.min/ml, fiber
      treatment.- 64.47 MUg.min/ml and placebo treatment.- 65.10 MUg.min/ml. Fiber
      reduced significantly the number of peaks observed in the levodopa
      concentrations, maintaining concentrations more stable. No significant
      differences were found in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides
      with the administration of Plantago ovata husk. CONCLUSIONS: Plantago ovata husk
      administration caused a smoothing and homogenization of levodopa absorption,
      providing more stable concentrations and final higher levels, resulting in a
      great benefit for patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT2006-000491-33.

PMID- 25112786
TI  - Mating system and environmental variation drive patterns of adaptation in
      Boechera spatifolia (Brassicaceae).
AB  - Determining the relative contribution of population genetic processes to the
      distribution of natural variation is a major goal of evolutionary biology. Here,
      we take advantage of variation in mating system to test the hypothesis that local
      adaptation is constrained by asexual reproduction. We explored patterns of
      variation in ecological traits and genome-wide molecular markers in Boechera
      spatifolia (Brassicaceae), a species that contains both apomictic (asexual) and
      sexual individuals. Using a combination of quantitative genetics, neutral genetic
      (SSR) and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism, we assessed the hypothesis
      that asexual lineages should have reduced signatures of adaptation relative to
      sexual conspecifics. All three measures (traits, SSRs, SNPs) demonstrated that
      apomicts are genetically distinct from sexuals, regardless of population
      location. Additionally, phylogenetic clustering revealed that the apomictic group
      shared a single common ancestor. Across the landscape, sexual genome-wide SNP
      variation was strongly associated with latitude (r(2)  > 0.9), indicating that
      sexual populations have differentiated across an environmental gradient.
      Furthermore, flowering time and growth rate, as assessed in a common garden,
      strongly covary with the elevation and latitude of the source population. Despite
      a wide geographic distribution that largely overlaps with sexual populations,
      there was little evidence for differentiation in molecular markers or
      quantitative characters among apomictic populations. Combined, these data
      indicated that, in contrast to asexual populations, sexual populations show
      evidence of local adaptation.

PMID- 25112785
TI  - Toxicity and quality of life after choline-PET/CT directed salvage lymph node
      dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy in nodal recurrent prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a previous study we demonstrated that, based on 11C/18 F-choline
      positron emission tomography-computerized-tomography as a diagnostic tool,
      salvage lymph node dissection (LND) plus adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) is feasible
      for treatment of pelvic/retroperitoneal nodal recurrence of prostate cancer
      (PCa). However, the toxicity of this combined treatment strategy has not been
      systematically investigated before. The aim of the current study was to evaluate
      the acute and late toxicity and quality of life of ART after LND in
      pelvic/retroperitoneal nodal recurrent PCa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 43 patients
      with nodal recurrent PCa were treated with 46 LND followed by ART (mean 49.6 Gy
      total dose) at the sites of nodal recurrence. Toxicity of ART was analysed by
      physically examination (31/43, 72.1%), by requesting 15 frequent items of adverse
      events from the Common-Terminology-Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0
      catalogue and by review of medical records. QLQ-C30 (EORTC quality of life
      assessment) and PR25 (prostate cancer module) questionnaires were used to
      investigate quality of life. Toxicity was evaluated before starting of ART,
      during ART (acute toxicity), after ART (mean 2.3 months) and at end of follow up
      (mean 3.2 years after end of ART) reflecting late toxicity. RESULTS: 71.7%
      (33/46) of 46 ART were treatment of pelvic, 10.9% (5/46) of retroperitoneal only
      and 28.3% (13/46) of pelvic and retroperitoneal regions. Overall 52 symptoms
      representing toxicities were observed before ART, 107 during ART, 88 after end of
      ART and 52 at latest follow up. Leading toxicities during ART were diarrhoea
      (19%, 20/107), urinary incontinence (16%, 17/107) and fatigue (16%, 17/107). The
      spectrum of late toxicities was almost equal to those before beginning of ART. No
      grade 3 adverse events or chronic lymphedema at extremities were observed. We
      observed no clear correlation between localisation of treated regions, technique
      of ART and frequency or severity of toxicities. Mean quality of life at final
      evaluation was 74%. CONCLUSION: ART after extended LND in PCa relapse is
      justifiable with respect to adverse effects and toxicity. The side effects were
      circumscribed and well tolerated. The spectrum of adverse events at latest follow
      up was almost equal to those before start of ART.

PMID- 25112787
TI  - Pathophysiology of blast-induced ocular trauma in rats after repeated exposure to
      low-level blast overpressure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of blast-induced ocular injury has dramatically
      increased due to advances in weaponry and military tactics. A single exposure to
      blast overpressure (BOP) has been shown to cause damage to the eye in animal
      models; however, on the battlefield, military personnel are exposed to BOP
      multiple times. The effects of repeated exposures to BOP on ocular tissues have
      not been investigated. The purpose of this study is to characterize the effects
      of single or repeated exposure on ocular tissues. METHODS: A compressed air shock
      tube was used to deliver 70 +/- 7 KPa BOP to rats, once (single blast
      overpressure [SBOP]) or once daily for 5 days (repeated blast overpressure
      [RBOP]). Immunohistochemistry was performed to characterize the pathophysiology
      of ocular injuries induced by SBOP and RBOP. Apoptosis was determined by
      quantification activated caspase 3. Gliosis was examined by detection of glial
      fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Inflammation was examined by detection of CD68.
      RESULTS: Activated caspase 3 was detected in ocular tissues from all animals
      subjected to BOP, while those exposed to RBOP had more activated caspase 3 in the
      optic nerve than those exposed to SBOP. GFAP was detected in the retinas from all
      animals subjected to BOP. CD68 was detected in optic nerves from all animals
      exposed to BOP. CONCLUSION: SBOP and RBOP induced retinal damage. RBOP caused
      more apoptosis in the optic nerve than SBOP, suggesting that RBOP causes more
      severe optic neuropathy than SBOP. SBOP and RBOP caused gliosis in the retina and
      increased inflammation in the optic nerve.

PMID- 25112788
TI  - Altered expression of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms in bovine cystic
      ovarian disease.
AB  - Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is one of the main causes of infertility in dairy
      cattle. It has been shown that intra-ovarian factors may contribute to follicular
      persistence. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB) isoforms are important
      paracrine and autocrine signalling molecules that regulate ovarian follicle
      growth and physiology. Considering the importance of these factors in the ovarian
      physiology, in this study, we examined the expression of TGFB isoforms (TGFB1,
      TGFB2 and TGFB3) in the ovary of healthy cows and animals with spontaneous and
      adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-induced COD. In the oestrous-synchronized
      control group, the expression of TGFB1 in granulosa and theca cells was higher in
      spontaneous cysts than in atretic or tertiary follicles. When we compared TGFB2
      expression in granulosa cells from atretic or tertiary follicles from the
      oestrous-synchronized control group with that in ACTH-induced or spontaneous
      follicular cysts, we found a higher expression in the latter. The expression of
      the TGFB isoforms studied was also altered during folliculogenesis in both the
      spontaneous and ACTH-induced COD groups. As it has been previously shown that
      TGFB influences steroidogenesis, ovarian follicular proliferation and apoptosis,
      an alteration in its expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of this
      disease. 

PMID- 25112790
TI  - Left ventricular ejection fraction by real-time three-dimensional
      echocardiography : The Necker cube for the naive realism of two-dimensional
      methods.

PMID- 25112789
TI  - Effect of genetic and climatic variability on the metabolic profiles of black
      gram (Vigna mungo L.) seeds and sprouts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Black gram is becoming increasingly of interest for consumers
      worldwide. The metabolomics have been conducted to reflect the life history of
      each individual plant. The metabolic pattern of black gram seeds and sprouts was
      profiled to investigate genetic and climatic influences on a broad range of
      chemical constituents. RESULTS: Distinct differences in metabolite profiles among
      three black gram varieties for both intact seeds and sprouts were observed. The
      differential impact of climate on metabolite profiles of the variety Chai Nat 80
      during both dry and rainy seasons was investigated. Univariate statistical
      analysis demonstrated that greater maturity due to adequate moisture in the rainy
      season led to a higher content of nutritionally relevant polar metabolites,
      whereas the dry season resulted in a high relative amount of storage lipid
      because of immaturity due to insufficient rain and water supply. CONCLUSION: The
      investigation confirmed the potential of metabolite profiling to assist in
      breeding and farming practices.

PMID- 25112791
TI  - The relationship between self-injurious behavior and self-disclosure in
      adolescents with eating disorders.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the current study is to examine the association between self
      disclosure and self-injurious behaviors among adolescent patients diagnosed with
      an eating disorder. METHODS: Sixty three female patients who fulfilled the DSM-IV
      diagnostic criteria of eating disorders were included (i.e. anorexia, bulimia,
      binge eating disorder and eating disorders not otherwise specified).
      Participants' age ranged from 11.5 to 20 years (M = 15.42, SD = 1.82).
      Participants completed self- report questionnaires about eating disorders, self
      disclosure, self-injurious behaviors (FASM) and depression (BDI-II) RESULTS:
      82.5% of the sample endorsed severe self-injurious behaviors. A moderate negative
      relationship was found between general disclosure to parents and self-injurious
      behaviors indicating that patients who generally self-disclose to their parents
      (on different topics, apart from suicidal ideation) engage less frequently in
      self-injurious behaviors. In addition, the more patients self-disclose their
      suicidal ideation to others, the more they tend to self-injure. CONCLUSION: Self
      disclosure to parents on any topic may buffer against self-injurious behaviors
      and therefore it is important to work with adolescents suffering from eating
      disorders on effective self disclosure. In addition, self-disclosure about
      suicidal ideation to others by adolescents suffering from eating disorders should
      always be taken seriously, since it may be related to self-injurious behaviors.

PMID- 25112792
TI  - Suicidal behaviour and memory: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Suicidal behaviour results from a complex interplay between stressful
      events and vulnerability factors, including cognitive deficits. It is not yet
      clear if memory impairment is part of this specific vulnerability. Therefore, the
      objective of this study was to examine the association between memory deficits
      and vulnerability to suicidal acts. METHODS: A literature review was performed
      using Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo databases. Twenty-four studies (including
      2,595 participants) met the selection criteria. Four different types of memory
      (i.e., working memory, short- and long-term memory, and autobiographical memory)
      were assessed in at least three different studies. RESULTS: Autobiographical
      memory was significantly less specific and more general in patients with a
      history of suicide attempt relative to those without such a history (Hedges' g =
      0.8 and 0.9, respectively). Long-term memory and working memory were both more
      impaired in suicide attempters than in patient and healthy controls. Only short
      term memory did not differentiate suicide attempters from patient controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: Memory may play a significant role in the risk of suicidal acts,
      perhaps by preventing these individuals from using past experiences to solve
      current problems and to envision the future, and by altering inhibitory
      processes. More studies are necessary to better clarify these relationships.

PMID- 25112793
TI  - Controversy in mitral valve repair, resection or chordal replacement?
AB  - Mitral valve plasty has superseded valve replacement as the standard technique
      for treating degenerative mitral valve prolapse. Quadrangular resection is
      considered the gold standard for posterior leaflet prolapse. Chordal replacement
      was first developed to treat the anterior leaflet and subsequently became widely
      used for the posterior leaflet, after which a new version of posterior leaflet
      resection was developed that did not involve local annular plication. In the era
      of the mini-thoracotomy, the premeasured loop technique is simple to adopt and is
      as durable as quadrangular resection. However, there is controversy surrounding
      whether resection or chordal replacement is the optimal technique. The resection
      technique is curative because it removes the main pathologic lesion. The
      disadvantage of the resection is that it can be complicated and often requires
      advanced surgical skills. In contrast, chordal replacement is not pathologically
      curative because it leaves behind a redundant leaflet. However, the long-term
      results appear to be equivalent in many reports. Functionally, chordal
      replacement retains greater posterior leaflet motion with a lower trans-mitral
      pressure gradient than quadrangular resection. Moreover, chordal replacement is
      simple and yields uniform results. The optimal technique depends on whether the
      anterior leaflet or posterior leaflet is involved, the Barlow or non-Barlow
      disease state, and whether a mini-thoracotomy or standard sternotomy approach is
      used. For mitral valve repair, the most superior and reliable technique for the
      posterior leaflet is resection using the newer resection technique with a
      sternotomy approach, which requires a skilled surgeon. 

PMID- 25112794
TI  - Richards-like two species population dynamics model.
AB  - The two-species population dynamics model is the simplest paradigm of inter- and
      intra-species interaction. Here, we present a generalized Lotka-Volterra model
      with intraspecific competition, which retrieves as particular cases, some well
      known models. The generalization parameter is related to the species habitat
      dimensionality and their interaction range. Contrary to standard models, the
      species coupling parameters are general, not restricted to non-negative values.
      Therefore, they may represent different ecological regimes, which are derived
      from the asymptotic solution stability analysis and are represented in a phase
      diagram. In this diagram, we have identified a forbidden region in the mutualism
      regime, and a survival/extinction transition with dependence on initial
      conditions for the competition regime. Also, we shed light on two types of
      predation and competition: weak, if there are species coexistence, or strong, if
      at least one species is extinguished. 

PMID- 25112796
TI  - Motion analysis of the upper extremity in children with unilateral cerebral palsy
      -an assessment of six daily tasks.
AB  - Restrictions in range of motion of the upper extremity are common in patients
      with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). The purpose of this study was to investigate
      movement deviations of the upper extremity in children with unilateral CP by
      means of 3D motion capture as well as by the use of easy to use scores and
      questionnaires (MACS, MRC, MAS, ABILHAND-Kids). 16 children with a spastic,
      unilateral CP were included and compared to a group of 17 typically developing
      adolescents (TD). The movement time and range of motion (ROM) of six uni- and
      bimanual daily tasks were compared and correlated with the scores and
      questionnaires. Movement times increased significantly with involvement according
      to MACS in all tasks. The restrictions in ROM were pronounced in the forearm. As
      a compensatory mechanism the children of the MACS 2 and 3 groups showed increased
      trunk movement. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the MACS
      and the ABILHAND-Kids Questionnaire. In contrast to previous studies, which
      reported a correlation between the restrictions in ROM and the MACS, this study
      showed no consistent correlation between the restrictions in ROM neither with the
      MACS nor with the ABILHAND-Kids. While the MACS and the ABILHAND-Kids function as
      a simple rating tool for clinical use, the detailed analysis of different daily
      tasks using 3-D-motion capture provides more detailed information about the
      movement deviations and spatiotemporal parameters. 

PMID- 25112795
TI  - Patterns of change in nonverbal cognition in adolescents with Down syndrome.
AB  - This study was designed to examine longitudinal change in nonverbal cognitive
      abilities across adolescence for 20 males with Down syndrome (DS). We used
      hierarchical linear modeling to examine the rate of change in performance on the
      subtests of the Leiter-R Brief IQ across four annual time points and to determine
      the relation between maternal IQ and level and rate of change in performance.
      Results indicated no significant change in IQ (standard scores) with age in the
      sample, suggesting IQ stability during adolescence for individuals with DS,
      although several participants performed at floor level on the standard scores for
      the Leiter-R, limiting interpretation. Growth scores, however, provide a metric
      of absolute ability level, allow for the examination of change in Leiter-R
      performance in all participants, and minimize floor effects. Results from the
      analysis of growth scores indicated significant gain in absolute nonverbal
      cognitive ability levels (growth score values) over time for the adolescents with
      DS, although the growth varied by subdomain. Maternal IQ did not explain
      variability in cognitive performance or change in that performance over time in
      our sample of adolescents with DS. 

PMID- 25112797
TI  - Effect of concentration on the formation of rose bengal triplet state on
      microcrystalline cellulose: a combined laser-induced optoacoustic spectroscopy,
      diffuse reflectance flash photolysis, and luminescence study.
AB  - Laser-induced optoacoustic spectroscopy (LIOAS), diffuse reflectance laser flash
      photolysis (DRLFP), and laser-induced luminescence (LIL) have been applied in
      conjunction to the determination of triplet state quantum yields of Rose Bengal
      (RB) supported on microcrystalline cellulose, a strongly light-scattering solid.
      Among the three used methods, the only one capable of providing absolute triplet
      quantum yields is LIOAS, but DRLFP and LIL aid in demonstrating that the LIOAS
      signal arises in fact from the triplet state and confirm the trend found with RB
      concentration. The coherence found for the three techniques demonstrates the
      usefulness of the approach. Observed triplet quantum yields are nearly constant
      within a limited concentration range, after which they decay strongly due to the
      generation of inactive dye aggregates or energy trapping centers. When quantum
      yields are divided by the fraction of absorbed light exciting the dye, the
      quotient falls off steadily with concentration, following the same trend as the
      observed fluorescence quantum yield. The conditions that maximize triplet
      formation are determined as a compromise between the rising light absorption and
      the decrease of quantum yield with RB concentration. 

PMID- 25112798
TI  - NMR crystallography: Applications to inorganic materials.
AB  - Current developments of NMR crystallography as well as some recent applications
      to diamagnetic inorganic solids are presented. First, we illustrate how solid
      state NMR data can be used in combination with diffraction data for the
      determination of the periodic part of the crystal structures, from the space
      group selection, to the structure determination over the refinement and
      validation processes. As ss-NMR, contrary to diffraction (powder and single
      crystal), is not restricted to periodic boundary conditions, ss-NMR data can be
      used to further complete the structural description of materials, including
      studies of local order/disorder, etc. This illustrated through examples, which
      are shown and discussed in the second part of this review. 

PMID- 25112799
TI  - Obesity is a determinant of arterial stiffness independent of traditional risk
      factors in Asians with young-onset type 2 diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among the young population has become a serious
      concern globally, presumably due to the rising trend of obesity. Compared to
      other forms of diabetes, young-onset T2DM experiences more cardiovascular events
      and other vascular complications although the underlying mechanisms remain
      largely unknown. Increased arterial stiffness is a hallmark of vasculopathy. We
      aim to study the clinical and metabolic determinants of arterial stiffness in a
      cohort of multi-ethnic Asians with young-onset T2DM. METHODS: 179 subjects with
      T2DM onset age below 30 years old were selected in this cross sectional study.
      Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV).
      RESULTS: PWV was correlated with age, duration of diabetes, systolic blood
      pressure, alanine aminotransferase, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and
      eGFR in bivariate correlation analysis. However, PWV was only significantly
      correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, urinary ACR and eGFR
      after adjustment for age. Overweight individuals with young-onset T2DM had
      significantly higher PWV levels compared to their lean counterparts (7.3 +/- 2.4
      m/s vs 6.4 +/- 2.3 m/s, p = 0.072 and p < 0.0001 without and with adjustment for
      age, respectively). Multivariable regression models revealed that age, BMI, eGFR
      and usage of insulin were independently associated with PWV. These 4 variables
      explained 35.5% variance in PWV levels. CONCLUSION: Age, BMI, renal function and
      insulin usage are the main determinants of PWV levels in Asians with young-onset
      T2DM. Notably, obesity is a modifiable determinant of arterial stiffness
      independent of high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in this
      population.

PMID- 25112800
TI  - Hemoglobin, iron metabolism and angiographic coronary artery disease (The
      Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anemia has been shown to be a risk factor for coronary artery disease
      and mortality. The involvement of body iron stores in the development of CAD
      remains controversial. So far, studies that examined hemoglobin and parameters of
      iron metabolism simultaneously do not exist. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hemoglobin and
      iron status were determined in 1480 patients with stable angiographic coronary
      artery disease (CAD) and in 682 individuals in whom CAD had been ruled out by
      angiography. The multivariate adjusted odds ratios (OR) for CAD in the lowest
      quartiles of hemoglobin and iron were 1.62 (95%CI: 1.22-2.16), and 2.05 (95%CI:
      1.51-2.78), respectively compared to their highest gender-specific quartiles. The
      fully adjusted ORs for CAD in the lowest quartiles of transferrin saturation,
      ferritin (F) and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)/log10F index were 1.69
      (95%CI: 1.25-2.27), 1.98 (95%CI: 1.48-2.65), and 1.64 (95%CI: 1.23-2.18),
      respectively compared to their highest gender-specific quartiles. When adjusting
      in addition for iron and ferritin the OR for CAD in the lowest quartiles of
      hemoglobin was still 1.40 (95%CI: 1.04-1.90) compared to the highest gender
      specific quartiles. Thus, the associations between either iron status or low
      hemoglobin and CAD appeared independent from each other. The sTfR was only
      marginally associated with angiographic CAD. CONCLUSIONS: Both low hemoglobin and
      iron depletion are independently associated with angiographic CAD.

PMID- 25112801
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphism of CYP3A5*3 contributes to clopidogrel resistance
      in coronary artery disease patients among Tamilian population.
AB  - Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug. It is used for the treatment as well as for
      the prophylaxis of coronary artery disease. Clopidogrel resistance is an emerging
      problem in clinical settings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
      effect of CYP3A5*3 genetic polymorphism on clopidogrel resistance. One hundred
      and forty-seven patients from outpatient Department of Cardiology on 75 mg/day of
      clopidogrel as maintenance dose were recruited from April 2010 to July 2011. All
      subjects gave written informed consent to participate in the study. DNA
      extraction was performed using phenol chloroform extraction procedure and
      genotyping by standard Taqman based RT-PCR method. Platelet aggregation was done
      at the end of 7th and 14th day by using chronolog lumi Aggregometer which is
      expressed as impedance in ohms. Impedance values of >5 ohms at the end of 6 min
      were considered as clopidogrel resistance. Subjects (N = 147) were analysed for
      CYP3A5*3 polymorphism, of which 49 (33%) were found to be clopidogrel resistant.
      Homomutants of CYP3A5*3 gene had 2.78 (0.97-7.98; p < 0.05) fold risk and
      heteromutants had 2.4 (0.93-6.46; p < 0.05) fold risk of developing clopidogrel
      resistance. Carriers of defective allele G of CYP3A5*3 had higher propensity to
      cause clopidogrel resistance with an odds ratio of 1.63. Variant alleles and
      genotypes of CYP3A5*3 polymorphism contributed significantly to clopidogrel
      resistance with a higher odds ratio. Thus, pharmacogenomics paves way for the
      emergence of stratified medicine in clopidogrel therapy and personalised
      pharmacotherapy in ischaemic heart disease.

PMID- 25112802
TI  - The true incidence of traumatic spinal cord injuries.

PMID- 25112804
TI  - [The new tools of microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis].
AB  - This review focuses on the role of new tools in the "modern" microbiological
      diagnosis of tuberculosis. Traditional techniques of microscopy and culture
      remain essential to diagnostic certainty, but some innovations replace daily the
      older techniques such as the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
      by immunochromatography or mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF type from positive
      cultures, or susceptibility testing in liquid medium. New tools that use
      molecular techniques have become important. They all have in common to optimize
      the fight against tuberculosis by reducing diagnostic delay. They also allow
      rapid detection of drug resistance. However, the techniques of gene amplification
      directly from clinical samples are still less sensitive than culture.
      Bacteriological diagnosis of tuberculosis disease therefore still relies on the
      complementarities of different phenotypic and molecular techniques. 

PMID- 25112805
TI  - [A rare cause of chondritis].

PMID- 25112803
TI  - Sinus node dysfunction in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia:
      risk factor and potential therapeutic target?
AB  - Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited
      heart rhythm disorder characterized by the occurrence of potentially life
      threatening polymorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmias in conditions of physical or
      emotional stress. The underlying cause is a dysregulation in intracellular Ca
      handling due to mutations in the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca release unit. Recent
      experimental work suggests that sinus bradycardia, which is sometimes observed in
      CPVT patients, may be another primary defect caused by CPVT mutations. Herein, we
      review the pathophysiology of CPVT and discuss the role of sinus node dysfunction
      as a modulator of arrhythmia risk and potential therapeutic target. 

PMID- 25112806
TI  - Resistance to rocuronium of rat diaphragm as compared with limb muscles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscles are composed of different muscle fiber types. We
      investigated the different potency to rocuronium among diaphragm (DIA), extensor
      digitorum longus (EDL), and soleus (SOL) in vitro as well as to investigate the
      differences of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) among these three typical kinds of
      muscles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The isolated left hemidiaphragm nerve-muscle
      preparations, the EDL sciatic nerve-muscle preparations, and the SOL sciatic
      nerve-muscle preparations were established to evaluate the potency to rocuronium.
      Concentration-response curves were constructed and the values of IC50 were
      obtained. The density of AChRs at the end plate and the number of AChRs per unit
      fiber cross fiber area (CSA), AChR affinity for muscle relaxants were evaluated.
      RESULTS: The concentration-twitch tension curves of rocuronium were significantly
      different. The curves demonstrated a shift to the right of the DIA compared with
      the EDL and SOL (P < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed
      between EDL and SOL (P > 0.05). IC50 was significantly largest in DIA, second
      largest in SOL, and smallest in EDL (P < 0.05). The number of AChRs per unit
      fiber CSA was largest in DIA, second largest in EDL, and smallest in SOL (P <
      0.01 or P < 0.05). The DIA showed the lowest affinity of the AChRs, whereas the
      SOL showed the highest affinity. CONCLUSIONS: The resistance to rocuronium of DIA
      compared with EDL and SOL was verified. The DIA was characterized by the largest
      number of AChRs per unit fiber CSA and the lowest affinity of the AChRs. Although
      compared with SOL, EDL was proved to have larger number of AChRs per unit fiber
      CSA and the lower affinity of the AChRs. These findings may be the mechanisms of
      different potency to rocuronium in DIA, EDL, and SOL. The results of the study
      could help to explain the relationship between different composition of muscle
      fibers and the potency to muscle relaxants. Extra caution should be taken in
      clinical practice when monitoring muscle relaxation in anesthetic management
      using different muscles.

PMID- 25112807
TI  - Comparison of virtual bronchoscopy to fiber-optic bronchoscopy for assessment of
      inhalation injury severity.
AB  - PURPOSE: Compare virtual bronchoscopy (VB) to fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) for
      scoring smoke inhalation injury (SII). METHODS: Swine underwent computerized
      tomography (CT) with VB and FOB before (0) and 24 and 48 h after SII. VB and FOB
      images were scored by 5 providers off line. RESULTS: FOB and VB scores increased
      over time (p<0.001) with FOB scoring higher than VB at 0 (0.30+/-0.79 vs. 0.03+/
      0.17), 24 h (4.21+/-1.68 vs. 2.47+/-1.50), and 48h (4.55+/-1.83 vs. 1.94+/-1.29).
      FOB and VB showed association with PaO2-to-FiO2 ratios (PFR) with areas under
      receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC): for PFR<=300, VB 0.830, FOB
      0.863; for PFR<=200, VB 0.794, FOB 0.825; for PFR<=100, VB 0.747, FOB 0.777 (all
      p<0.001). FOB showed 80.3% specificity, 77% sensitivity, 88.8% negative
      predictive value (NPV), and 62.3% positive-predictive value (PPV) for PFR<=300
      and VB showed 67.2% specificity, 85.5% sensitivity, 91.3% NPV, and 53.4% PPV.
      CONCLUSIONS: VB provided similar injury severity scores to FOB, correlated with
      PFR, and reliably detected airway narrowing. VB performed during admission CT may
      be a useful screening tool specifically to demonstrate airway narrowing induced
      by SII.

PMID- 25112808
TI  - Identification of drug-resistant subpopulations in canine hemangiosarcoma.
AB  - Canine hemangiosarcoma is a rapidly progressive disease that is poorly responsive
      to conventional chemotherapy. Despite numerous attempts to advance treatment
      options and improve outcomes, drug resistance remains a hurdle to successful
      therapy. To address this problem, we used recently characterized progenitor cell
      populations derived from canine hemangiosarcoma cell lines and grown as non
      adherent spheres to identify potential drug resistance mechanisms as well as drug
      resistant cell populations. Cells from sphere-forming cultures displayed enhanced
      resistance to chemotherapy drugs, expansion of dye-excluding side populations and
      altered ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter expression. Invasion studies
      demonstrated variability between cell lines as well as between sphere and
      monolayer cell populations. Collectively, our results suggest that sphere cell
      populations contain distinct subpopulations of drug-resistant cells that utilize
      multiple mechanisms to evade cytotoxic drugs. Our approach represents a new tool
      for the study of drug resistance in hemangiosarcoma, which could alter approaches
      for treating this disease. 

PMID- 25112809
TI  - The influence of physiological noise correction on test-retest reliability of
      resting-state functional connectivity.
AB  - The utility and success of resting-state functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI)
      depend critically on the reliability of this technique and the extent to which it
      accurately reflects neuronal function. One challenge is that rs-fcMRI is
      influenced by various sources of noise, particularly cardiac- and respiratory
      related signal variations. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the
      impact of various physiological noise correction techniques, specifically those
      that use independent cardiac and respiration measures, on the test-retest
      reliability of rs-fcMRI. A group of 25 subjects were each scanned at three time
      points--two within the same imaging session and another 2-3 months later.
      Physiological noise corrections accounted for significant variance, particularly
      in blood vessels, sagittal sinus, cerebrospinal fluid, and gray matter. The
      fraction of variance explained by each of these corrections was highly similar
      within subjects between sessions, but variable between subjects. Physiological
      corrections generally reduced intrasubject (between-session) variability, but
      also significantly reduced intersubject variability, and thus reduced the test
      retest reliability of estimating individual differences in functional
      connectivity. However, based on known nonneuronal mechanisms by which cardiac
      pulsation and respiration can lead to MRI signal changes, and the observation
      that the physiological noise itself is highly stable within individuals, removal
      of this noise will likely increase the validity of measured connectivity
      differences. Furthermore, removal of these fluctuations will lead to better
      estimates of average or group maps of connectivity. It is therefore recommended
      that studies apply physiological noise corrections but also be mindful of
      potential correlations with measures of interest.

PMID- 25112811
TI  - 8-year follow-up of central giant cell lesion mimicking apical periodontitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lesions of nonendodontic origin may mimic apical periodontitis.
      Central giant cell lesions (CGCLs) are aggressive or nonaggressive benign
      idiopathic intraosseous lesions of the jaw. This report describes a case of a
      CGCL in the periapical region of teeth #21-#26 of a 17-year-old female who sought
      orthodontic care because of a change in the position of tooth #23. METHODS:
      Clinical examination revealed mild facial asymmetry caused by increased volume in
      the mental region and cortical bone expansion but no cortical disruption. A
      panoramic radiograph showed a well-defined radiolucent osteolytic lesion
      involving teeth #21-#26. The cortical bone was not affected, and there was no
      root resorption. Incisional biopsy was performed, and the diagnosis was a CGCL.
      The lesion was enucleated surgically. CGCLs should be included in the
      differential diagnosis of jaw lesions that mimic apical periodontitis. RESULTS:
      The patient subsequently underwent orthodontic treatment successfully.
      CONCLUSIONS: The 8-year clinical and radiographic follow-up confirmed lesion
      remission, no recurrence, and pulp vitality of all teeth.

PMID- 25112810
TI  - Behavior of nickel-titanium instruments manufactured with different thermal
      treatments.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate if nickel-titanium
      instruments with similar designs manufactured by different thermal treatments
      would exhibit significantly different in vitro behavior. METHODS: Thirty-six
      instruments each of ProTaper Universal (PTU F1; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues,
      Switzerland), ProFile Vortex (PV; Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK),
      Vortex Blue (VB, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties), and TYPHOON Infinite Flex
      NiTi (TYP; Clinician's Choice Dental Products, New Milford, CT) (all size 25/.06)
      were evaluated. Bending resistance, torsion at failure, and dynamic torsional
      tests were performed with the instruments (n = 12). Analysis of variance and
      Tukey post hoc tests were applied. RESULTS: Flexibility was significantly higher
      for TYP compared with the other 3 groups (P < .0001). With respect to the maximum
      torque at failure, PV group showed the highest resistance to twisting (torsional
      strength) among the analyzed instruments followed by VB, TYP, and PTU. The TYP
      group exhibited greater angular deflection at failure compared with the other
      groups (P < .0001). The mean dynamic torque scores during simulated canal
      preparation were highest for TYP (3.01 +/- 0.71 Ncm) and lowest for PV (1.62 +/-
      0.79 Ncm). However, no significant differences were observed comparing groups PTU
      with TYP and VB and VB with PV (P > .05). The highest mean forces were recorded
      with PTU (7.02 +/- 2.36 N) and the lowest with TYP (1.22 +/- 0.40 N).
      CONCLUSIONS: TYP instruments were significantly more flexible than the other
      instruments tested. The PV group had the highest torsional strength and TYP,
      despite being the most flexible, showed similar torsional moments to the other
      instruments, whereas its angular deflection was the highest among the groups.

PMID- 25112813
TI  - Nasotracheal intubation with airway scope.

PMID- 25112812
TI  - Predictors of hypofibrinogenemia in blunt trauma patients on admission.
AB  - PURPOSE: Massive bleeding usually leads to critically low levels of clotting
      factors, including fibrinogen. Although reduced fibrinogen levels correlate with
      increased mortality, predictors of hypofibrinogenemia have remained poorly
      understood. We investigated whether findings available on admission can be used
      as predictors of hypofibrinogenemia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed serum
      fibrinogen levels tested on arrival in 290 blunt trauma patients transported to a
      level I trauma center during a 3-year period. The primary outcome was prehospital
      predictors for hypofibrinogenemia. Covariates included age, sex, prehospital
      fluid therapy, prehospital anatomical and physiological scores, time from injury,
      base excess, and lactate on arrival. All variables with values of p < 0.10 in
      univariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic regression model.
      The relationships between the variables and the 7-day mortality rate were
      evaluated in a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Patient's age [odds ratio
      (OR): 0.97, p < 0.001], Triage Revised Trauma Score (T-RTS) (OR: 0.81, p =
      0.003), and prehospital fluid therapy (OR: 2.54, p = 0.01) were detected as
      independent predictors for hypofibrinogenemia in multivariate logistic regression
      analysis. Serum fibrinogen level [hazard ratio (HR): 0.99, p = 0.01] and T-RTS
      (HR: 0.77, p < 0.01) were associated with the 7-day mortality rate. CONCLUSION: T
      RTS is considered to play an important role in predicting hypofibrinogenemia and
      7-day mortality in blunt trauma patients.

PMID- 25112814
TI  - Signaling networks in MS: a systems-based approach to developing new
      pharmacological therapies.
AB  - The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) involves alterations to multiple
      pathways and processes, which represent a significant challenge for developing
      more-effective therapies. Systems biology approaches that study pathway
      dysregulation should offer benefits by integrating molecular networks and dynamic
      models with current biological knowledge for understanding disease heterogeneity
      and response to therapy. In MS, abnormalities have been identified in several
      cytokine-signaling pathways, as well as those of other immune receptors. Among
      the downstream molecules implicated are Jak/Stat, NF-Kb, ERK1/3, p38 or Jun/Fos.
      Together, these data suggest that MS is likely to be associated with
      abnormalities in apoptosis/cell death, microglia activation, blood-brain barrier
      functioning, immune responses, cytokine production, and/or oxidative stress,
      although which pathways contribute to the cascade of damage and can be modulated
      remains an open question. While current MS drugs target some of these pathways,
      others remain untouched. Here, we propose a pragmatic systems analysis approach
      that involves the large-scale extraction of processes and pathways relevant to
      MS. These data serve as a scaffold on which computational modeling can be
      performed to identify disease subgroups based on the contribution of different
      processes. Such an analysis, targeting these relevant MS-signaling pathways,
      offers the opportunity to accelerate the development of novel individual or
      combination therapies. 

PMID- 25112815
TI  - 'It feels like someone is hammering my feet': understanding pain and its
      management from the perspective of people with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pain affects around 63% of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).
      Biomedical treatments demonstrate limited efficacy. More research is needed to
      understand pain from the individual's perspective in order to better inform a
      patient-centred approach that improves engagement, self-management and outcome.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to explore pwMS' experience and
      responses to pain, and their perspectives on pain management. METHODS: Twenty
      five in-depth, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Interviews
      were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis
      approach with elements of grounded theory. RESULTS: Key themes included vivid
      descriptions of pain and beliefs that pain is unpredictable, a sign of damage and
      may worsen. Anger was a common emotional response. Two dominant pain management
      themes emerged: one related to pain reduction and another to acceptance. Those
      focusing on pain reduction appeared to engage in cycles in which they struggled
      with symptoms and experienced continued distress. CONCLUSION: Findings identify
      pain-related beliefs, emotional reactions and disparate pain-management
      attitudes. All may influence pwMS' responses to pain and what they ask of their
      clinicians. Uncovering pwMS' personal beliefs about pain, and introducing a
      broader biopsychosocial understanding of pain in the clinical context, may
      provide opportunities to rectify potentially unhelpful management choices and
      enhance pain acceptance.

PMID- 25112816
TI  - Factors associated with clinically significant increased walking time in multiple
      sclerosis: results of a survival analysis of short-term follow-up data from a
      clinical database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because multiple sclerosis (MS) is variable and unpredictable, if
      symptom worsening could be predicted, patients may feel better prepared to manage
      changes in function. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to study the
      prediction of walking impairment in MS. METHODS: We retrieved data for all MS
      patients at our center (2008-2009), including baseline and follow-up timed 25
      foot walk (T25FW) times. We assessed the incidence of >=20% worsening in T25FW by
      developing two survival models: (1) disease course and (2) Multiple Sclerosis
      Performance Scales (MSPS) score. The outcome was days until >=20% worsening in
      T25FW. Covariates were disease subtype, years since diagnosis, Patient Health
      Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score, and demographics. Data were interval censored;
      missing data were handled with multiple imputation. RESULTS: Of 1544 patients,
      309 (20%) experienced >=20% worsening T25FW. For disease course, time to
      worsening was significantly shorter for secondary progressive vs. relapsing
      remitting disease (p < 0.001). For MSPS, patients with lower baseline MSPS scores
      progressed more slowly (p = 0.001). In both models, sex, baseline T25W, and time
      since diagnosis were significantly associated with worsening. In the disease
      course model, PHQ 9 score may be related to worsening (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION:
      These findings suggest factors associated with worsening in T25FW and a potential
      approach to establishing indicators associated with clinically significant
      change.

PMID- 25112817
TI  - The effect of prolonged natalizumab treatment on anxiety and safety in JC virus
      seropositive MS patients; a follow-up study.

PMID- 25112818
TI  - Poor self-recognition of disordered eating among girls with bulimic-type eating
      disorders: cause for concern?
AB  - AIM: Bulimic-type eating disorders are common among young women and associated
      with high levels of distress and disability and low uptake of mental health care.
      We examined self-recognition of disordered eating and factors associated with
      this among female adolescents with bulimic-type eating disorders (n = 139)
      recruited from a large, population-based sample. METHODS: A vignette of a
      fictional character with bulimia nervosa was presented, followed by a series of
      questions addressing the nature and treatment of the problem described. One of
      these questions required participants to indicate whether they currently had a
      problem such as the one described. Self-report measures of eating disorder
      symptoms, general psychological distress and quality of life were also completed.
      RESULTS: More than half of participants (58%) did not believe that they currently
      had a problem with their eating. In multivariable analysis, impairment in
      emotional well-being and self-induced vomiting were the only variables
      independently associated with self-recognition. Participants who recognized a
      problem with their eating were more likely to have sought treatment for an eating
      problem than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of disordered eating
      among adolescents with bulimic-type eating disorders may be poor and this may be
      a factor in low uptake of mental health care. Health promotion efforts may need
      to address the misconception that only bulimic-type disorders involving self
      induced vomiting are pathological.

PMID- 25112819
TI  - Application of water footprint combined with a unified virtual crop pattern to
      evaluate crop water productivity in grain production in China.
AB  - Water shortages are detrimental to China's grain production while food production
      consumes a great deal of water causing water crises and ecological impacts.
      Increasing crop water productivity (CWP) is critical, so China is devoting
      significant resources to develop water-saving agricultural systems based on crop
      planning and agricultural water conservation planning. A comprehensive CWP index
      is necessary for such planning. Existing indices such as water use efficiency
      (WUE) and irrigation efficiency (IE) have limitations and are not suitable for
      the comprehensive evaluation of CWP. The water footprint (WF) index, calculated
      using effective precipitation and local water use, has advantages for CWP
      evaluation. Due to regional differences in crop patterns making the CWP difficult
      to compare directly across different regions, a unified virtual crop pattern is
      needed to calculate the WF. This project calculated and compared the WF of each
      grain crop and the integrated WFs of grain products with actual and virtual crop
      patterns in different regions of China for 2010. The results showed that there
      were significant differences for the WF among different crops in the same area or
      among different areas for the same crop. Rice had the highest WF at 1.39 m(3)/kg,
      while corn had the lowest at 0.91 m(3)/kg among the main grain crops. The WF of
      grain products was 1.25 m(3)/kg in China. Crop patterns had an important impact
      on WF of grain products because significant differences in WF were found between
      actual and virtual crop patterns in each region. The CWP level can be determined
      based on the WF of a virtual crop pattern, thereby helping optimize spatial
      distribution of crops and develop agricultural water savings to increase CWP.

PMID- 25112820
TI  - Asthma and asthma related symptoms in 23,326 Chinese children in relation to
      indoor and outdoor environmental factors: the Seven Northeastern Cities (SNEC)
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both the levels and patterns of outdoor and indoor air pollutants
      have changed dramatically during the last decade in China. However, few studies
      have evaluated the effects of the present air pollution on the health of Chinese
      children. This study examines the association between outdoor and indoor air
      pollution and respiratory diseases among children living in Liaoning, a heavy
      industrial province of China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 23,326 Chinese
      children aged 6 to 13 years was conducted in 25 districts of 7 cities in
      Northeast China during 2009. Three-year (2006-2008) average concentrations of
      particles with an aerodynamic diameter of <=10 MUm (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2),
      nitrogen dioxides (NO2), and ozone (O3) were calculated from monitoring stations
      in each of the 25 districts. We used two-level logistic regression models to
      examine the effects of yearly variations in exposure to each pollutant,
      controlling for important covariates. RESULTS: The prevalence of respiratory
      symptoms was higher for those dwelling close to a busy road, those living near
      smokestacks or factories, those living with smokers, those living in one-story
      houses typically with small yards, and those with home renovation, bedroom carpet
      or pets. Ventilation device use was associated with decreased odds of asthma in
      children. The adjusted odds ratio for diagnosed-asthma was 1.34 (95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.24-1.45) per 31 MUg/m(3) increase in PM10, 1.23 (95%CI, 1.14
      1.32) per 21 MUg/m(3) increase in SO2, 1.25 (95%CI, 1.16-1.36) per 10 MUg/m(3)
      increase in NO2, and 1.31 (95%CI, 1.21-1.41) per 23 MUg/m(3) increase in O3,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Outdoor and indoor air pollution was associated with an
      increased likelihood of respiratory morbidity among Chinese children.

PMID- 25112821
TI  - Trace metal partitioning over a tidal cycle in an estuary affected by acid mine
      drainage (Tinto estuary, SW Spain).
AB  - The Tinto River estuary is highly polluted with the acid lixiviates from old
      sulphide mines. In this work the behaviour of dissolved and particulate trace
      metals under strong chemical gradients during a tidal cycle is studied. The pH
      values range from 4.4 with low tide to 6.9 with high tide. Precipitation of Fe
      and Al is intense during rising tides and As and Pb are almost exclusively found
      in the particulate matter (PM). Sorption processes are very important in
      controlling the mobility (and hence bioavailability) of some metals and
      particularly affect Cu below pH 6. Above pH~6 Cu is desorbed, probably by the
      formation of Cu(I)-chloride complexes. Although less pronounced than Cu, also Zn
      desorption above pH 6.5 seems to occur. Mn and Co are affected by sorption
      processes at pH higher than ca. 6. Cd behaves conservatively and Ni is slightly
      affected by sorption processes.

PMID- 25112822
TI  - Short-term bioavailability of carbon in soil organic matter fractions of
      different particle sizes and densities in grassland ecosystems.
AB  - The quality, stability and availability of organic carbon (OC) in soil organic
      matter (SOM) can vary widely between differently managed ecosystems. Several
      approaches have been developed for isolating SOM fractions to examine their
      ecological roles, but links between the bioavailability of the OC of size-density
      fractions and soil microbial communities have not been previously explored. Thus,
      in the presented laboratory study we investigated the potential bioavailability
      of OC and the structure of associated microbial communities in different particle
      size and density fractions of SOM. For this we used samples from four grassland
      ecosystems with contrasting management intensity regimes and two soil types: a
      Haplic Cambisol and a typical Chernozem. A combined size-density fractionation
      protocol was applied to separate clay-associated SOM fractions (CF1, <1 MUm; CF2,
      1-2 MUm) from light SOM fractions (LF1, <1.8 g cm(-3); LF2, 1.8-2.0 g cm(-3)).
      These fractions were used as carbon sources in a respiration experiment to
      determine their potential bioavailability. Measured CO2-release was used as an
      index of substrate accessibility and linked to the soil microbial community
      structure, as determined by phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) analysis. Several key
      factors controlling decomposition processes, and thus the potential
      bioavailability of OC, were identified: management intensity and the plant
      community composition of the grasslands (both of which affect the chemical
      composition and turnover of OC) and specific properties of individual SOM
      fractions. The PLFA patterns highlighted differences in the composition of
      microbial communities associated with the examined grasslands, and SOM fractions,
      providing the first broad insights into their active microbial communities. From
      observed interactions between abiotic and biotic factors affecting the
      decomposition of SOM fractions we demonstrate that increasing management
      intensity could enhance the potential bioavailability of OC, not only in the
      active and intermediate SOM pools, but also in the passive pool.

PMID- 25112823
TI  - Effects of olive oil wastes on river basins and an oligotrophic coastal marine
      ecosystem: a case study in Greece.
AB  - This work aims to contribute to the knowledge of the impacts of olive oil waste
      discharge to freshwater and oligotrophic marine environments, since the
      ecological impact of olive oil wastes in riverine and coastal marine ecosystems,
      which are the final repositories of the pollutants, is a great environmental
      problem on a global scale, mostly concerning all the Mediterranean countries with
      olive oil production. Messinia, in southwestern Greece, is one of the greatest
      olive oil production areas in Europe. During the last decade around 1.4*10(6)tons
      of olive oil mill wastewater has been disposed in the rivers of Messinia and
      finally entered the marine ecosystem of Messiniakos gulf. The pollution from
      olive oil mill wastewater in the main rivers of Messinia and the oligotrophic
      coastal zone of Messiniakos gulf and its effects on marine organisms were
      evaluated, before, during and after the olive oil production period. Elevated
      amounts of phenols (36.2-178 mg L(-1)) and high concentrations of ammonium (7.29
      18.9 mmol L(-1)) and inorganic phosphorus (0.5-7.48 mmol L(-1)) were measured in
      small streams where the liquid disposals from several olive oil industries were
      gathered before their discharge in the major rivers of Messinia. The large number
      of olive oil units has downgraded the riverine and marine ecosystems during the
      productive period and a period more than five months is needed for the recovery
      of the ecosystem. Statistical analysis showed that the enrichment of freshwater
      and the coastal zone of Messiniakos gulf in ammonia, nitrite, phenols, total
      organic carbon, copper, manganese and nickel was directly correlated with the
      wastes from olive oil. Toxicity tests using 24h LC50 Palaemonidae shrimp confirm
      that olive mill wastewater possesses very high toxicity in the aquatic
      environment.

PMID- 25112824
TI  - Serum regenerating islet-derived 3-alpha is a biomarker of mucosal enteropathies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical presentation of organic and functional intestinal
      disorders can overlap and clinicians often rely on invasive and time-consuming
      procedures to make a final diagnosis. Regenerating islet-derived 3-alpha
      (Reg3alpha) is detectable in the circulation of patients with intestinal graft
      versus host disease and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AIM: To
      determine whether serum Reg3alpha testing is useful for discriminating mucosal
      enteropathies from functional intestinal disorders. METHODS: We prospectively
      included 47 patients with active coeliac disease (ACD), 13 patients with
      refractory coeliac disease (RCD), seven patients with common variable
      immunodeficiency (CVID), 72 patients with active Crohn's disease, 22 patients
      with active ulcerative colitis (UC) and 28 patients with irritable bowel syndrome
      (IBS)-related diarrhoea. Sera were also taken from 10 CD patients before and
      after 6-12 months of a gluten-free diet (GFD) and from 14 patients with IBD
      before and after induction therapy with Infliximab (IFX). Sera of 119 healthy
      volunteers were used to determine the cut-off value. Reg3alpha levels were
      measured by a commercial ELISA kit. RESULTS: Levels of Reg3alpha exceeded the cut
      off value of the assay in 43/47(91%) ACD patients, 13/13(100%) RCD patients,
      7/7(100%) CVID patients, 65/72(90%) Crohn's disease patients, 17/22(77%) UC
      patients and one patient with IBS(4%). Reg3alpha levels distinguished mucosal
      enteropathies from IBS with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 96%.
      Reg3alpha levels significantly decreased in CD patients following a GFD and in
      IBD patients after treatment with IFX. CONCLUSION: Reg3alpha is a serum biomarker
      of intestinal damage that, combined with clinical data, identifies patients who
      should undergo invasive tests for diagnosing enteropathies.

PMID- 25112825
TI  - Attending to the forest and the trees. Reply to comments on "Toward a
      computational framework for cognitive biology: unifying approaches from cognitive
      neuroscience and comparative cognition".

PMID- 25112826
TI  - Complex networks are not (so much) privileged: comment on "approaching human
      language with complex networks" by Cong and Liu.

PMID- 25112827
TI  - Fanconi syndrome and severe polyuria: an uncommon clinicobiological presentation
      of a Gitelman syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gitelman syndrome is an autosomal recessive tubulopathy characterized
      by hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, metabolic alkalosis and hypocalciuria. The
      majority of patients do not present with symptoms until late childhood or
      adulthood, and the symptoms are generally mild. We report here the first case of
      Gitelman syndrome presenting with the biological features of Fanconi syndrome and
      an early polyuria since the neonatal period. We discuss in this article the
      atypical electrolytes losses found in our patient, as well as the possible
      mechanisms of severe polyuria. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6-year-old Caucasian girl was
      admitted via the Emergency department for vomiting, and initial laboratory
      investigations found hyponatremia, hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis with normal
      anion gap, hypophosphatemia, and hypouricemia. Urinalysis revealed Na, K, Ph and
      uric acid losses. Thus, the initial biological profile was in favor of a proximal
      tubular defect. However, etiological investigations were inconclusive and the
      patient was discharged with potassium chloride and phosphorus supplementation.
      Three weeks later, further laboratory analysis indicated persistent hypokalemia,
      a metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalciuria. We therefore sequenced
      the SLC12A3 gene and found a compound heterozygosity for 2 known missense
      mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Gitelman syndrome can have varying and sometimes atypical
      presentations, and should be suspected in case of hypokalemic tubular disorders
      that do not belong to any obvious syndromic entity. In this case, the proximal
      tubular dysfunction could be secondary to the severe hypokalemia. This report
      emphasizes the need for clinicians to repeat laboratory tests in undiagnosed
      tubular disorders, especially not during decompensation episodes.

PMID- 25112830
TI  - TRAF6 is a nexus for TLR-STAT1 crosstalk.

PMID- 25112829
TI  - Protective genotypes in HIV infection reflect superior function of KIR3DS1+ over
      KIR3DL1+ CD8+ T cells.
AB  - Certain human class I histocompatibility-linked leukocyte antigen (HLA)/killer
      cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotypic combinations confer more
      favourable prognoses upon exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These
      combinations influence natural killer (NK) cell function, thereby implicating NK
      cells in protection from HIV infection or disease progression. Because CD8(+) T
      cells restrict HIV replication, depend upon HLA class I antigen presentation and
      can also express KIR molecules, we investigated how these HLA/KIR combinations
      relate to the phenotype and function of CD8(+) T cells from uninfected controls
      and individuals with chronic HIV infection. CD8(+) T cells from KIR3DL1 and
      KIR3DS1 homozygous individuals, and expressing the corresponding KIR, were
      enumerated and phenotyped for CD127, CD57 and CD45RA expression. Ex vivo and in
      vitro responsiveness to antigen-specific and polyclonal stimulation was compared
      between KIR-expressing and non-expressing CD8(+) T cells by interferon-gamma
      production. There were higher numbers and fractions of KIR3DL1-expressing CD8(+)
      T cells in HIV-infected individuals independent of HLA-Bw4 co-expression, whereas
      expansion of KIR3DS1-expressing CD8(+) T cells reflected HLA-Bw4*80I co
      expression. KIR3DL1(+) and S1(+) CD8(+) T cells were predominantly CD127(
      )CD57(+)CD45RA(+). KIR3DL1-expressing CD8(+) T cells were insensitive to ex vivo
      stimulation with peptides from HIV or common viruses, but responded to anti-CD3
      and recovered responsiveness to common viruses in vitro. Ex vivo non
      responsiveness of KIR3DL1-expressing CD8(+) T cells was also independent of HLA
      Bw4. KIR3DS1-expressing T cells responded normally to ex vivo antigenic
      stimulation, illustrating functional superiority over KIR3DL1(+) CD8(+) T cells. 

PMID- 25112832
TI  - An innovative approach to providing collaborative education to undergraduate
      students in the area of child maltreatment.
AB  - Frontline workers in the area of child welfare often enter the field without
      having taken any specialized coursework in the area of child maltreatment. This
      article discusses an interdisciplinary certificate program that is specifically
      designed to teach persons from various academic areas the knowledge and skills
      necessary to work with children who experience maltreatment. The child advocacy
      studies certificate program specifically focuses on coursework in the area of
      child maltreatment and child advocacy to better train future frontline workers in
      their vital roles. This certificate will decrease underreporting of child abuse
      cases by mandated reporters by making them more aware of the signs and symptoms
      of child maltreatment and also give students a greater understanding of how to
      work with individuals from various fields. 

PMID- 25112831
TI  - The pREset Stent Retriever for Endovascular Treatment of Stroke Caused by MCA
      Occlusion: Safety and Clinical Outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of the
      pREset device, a stent retriever system, for endovascular mechanical thrombectomy
      (MT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion.
      METHODS: Retrospectively, 48 consecutive patients (mean age +/- standard
      deviation, 71.0 +/- 11.9 years; 24 women) treated for acute MCA occlusion using
      pREset solely or in combination with other MT devices were identified.
      Recanalization success was evaluated using the modified thrombolysis in cerebral
      infarction score (TICI), and complications were detected by 24-h follow-up
      computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. MCA anatomy was assessed in
      angiograms. Clinical outcome was evaluated with National Institutes of Health
      Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission and discharge, and modified Rankin scale
      (mRS) score at discharge and follow-up. RESULTS: Successful recanalization (TICI
      2b/3) was achieved in 39 patients (81.3 %). Rate of procedure-related
      complications was 8.3 %. In four patients, a subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred
      (8.3 %), and parenchymal hematoma was detected in four patients (8.3 %). None of
      those events was associated with clinical deterioration. MCA curvature
      significantly influenced recanalization success (P < 0.005). Successful
      recanalization correlated significantly with lower NIHSS scores and favorable
      clinical outcome (mRS score 0-2) at discharge (P < 0.05). Mortality within 90
      days was significantly lower in patients with TICI 2b/3 (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS:
      High recanalization rates, low complication rates, and a significantly improved
      outcome after successful recanalization strongly suggest that MT with pREset is
      an adequate therapy for AIS after MCA occlusion. Vessel curvature is a
      significant determining factor for recanalization success.

PMID- 25112833
TI  - Perinatal exposure to bisphenol A exacerbates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-like
      phenotype in male rat offspring fed on a high-fat diet.
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals,
      which is present ubiquitously in daily life. Accumulating evidence indicates that
      exposure to BPA contributes to metabolic syndrome. In this study, we examined
      whether perinatal exposure to BPA predisposed offspring to fatty liver disease:
      the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Wistar rats were exposed to 50
      MUg/kg per day BPA or corn oil throughout gestation and lactation by oral gavage.
      Offspring were fed a standard chow diet (SD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) after
      weaning. Effects of BPA were assessed by examination of hepatic morphology,
      biochemical analysis, and the hepatic expression of genes and/or proteins
      involved in lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, gluconeogenesis, insulin
      signaling, inflammation, and fibrosis. On a SD, the offspring of rats exposed to
      BPA exhibited moderate hepatic steatosis and altered expression of insulin
      signaling elements in the liver, but with normal liver function. On a HFD, the
      offspring of rats exposed to BPA showed a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-like
      phenotype, characterized by extensive accumulation of lipids, large lipid
      droplets, profound ballooning degeneration, impaired liver function, increased
      inflammation, and even mild fibrosis in the liver. Perinatal exposure to BPA
      worsened the hepatic damage caused by the HFD in the rat offspring. The additive
      effects of BPA correlated with higher levels of hepatic oxidative stress.
      Collectively, exposure to BPA may be a new risk factor for the development of
      fatty liver disease and further studies should assess whether this finding is
      also relevant to the human population.

PMID- 25112834
TI  - Do patient-centered medical homes reduce emergency department visits?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether adoption of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH)
      reduces emergency department (ED) utilization among patients with and without
      chronic illness. DATA SOURCES: Data from approximately 460,000 Independence Blue
      Cross patients enrolled in 280 primary care practices, all converting to PCMH
      status between 2008 and 2012. RESEARCH DESIGN: We estimate the effect of a
      practice becoming PCMH-certified on ED visits and costs using a difference-in
      differences approach which exploits variation in the timing of PCMH
      certification, employing either practice or patient fixed effects. We analyzed
      patients with and without chronic illness across six chronic illness categories.
      PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Among chronically ill patients, transition to PCMH status was
      associated with 5-8 percent reductions in ED utilization. This finding was robust
      to a number of specifications, including analyzing avoidable and weekend ED
      visits alone. The largest reductions in ED visits are concentrated among chronic
      patients with diabetes and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of the PCMH model
      was associated with lower ED utilization for chronically ill patients, but not
      for those without chronic illness. The effectiveness of the PCMH model varies by
      chronic condition. Analysis of weekend and avoidable ED visits suggests that
      reductions in ED utilization stem from better management of chronic illness
      rather than expanding access to primary care clinics.

PMID- 25112835
TI  - Phylogenetic evidence for multiple intertypic recombinations in enterovirus B81
      strains isolated in Tibet, China.
AB  - Enterovirus B81 (EV-B81) is a newly identified serotype within the species
      enterovirus B (EV-B). To date, only eight nucleotide sequences of EV-B81 have
      been published and only one full-length genome sequence (the prototype strain)
      has been made available in the GenBank database. Here, we report the full-length
      genome sequences of two EV-B81 strains isolated in the Tibet Autonomous Region of
      China during acute flaccid paralysis surveillance activities, and we also
      conducted an antibody seroprevalence study in two prefectures of Tibet. The
      sequence comparison and phylogenetic dendrogram analysis revealed high
      variability among the global EV-B81 strains and frequent intertypic recombination
      in the non-structural protein region of EV-B serotypes, suggesting high genetic
      diversity of EV-B81. However, low positive rates and low titers of neutralizing
      antibodies against EV-B81 were detected. Nearly 68% of children under the age of
      five had no neutralizing antibodies against EV-B81. Hence, the extent of
      transmission and the exposure of the population to this EV type are very limited.
      Although little is known about the biological and pathogenic properties of EV-B81
      because of few research in this field owing to the limited number of isolates,
      our study provides basic information for further studies of EV-B81. 

PMID- 25112838
TI  - Halobacterium rubrum sp. nov., isolated from a marine solar saltern.
AB  - Halophilic archaeal strain TGN-42-S1(T) was isolated from the Tanggu marine solar
      saltern, China. Cells from strain TGN-42-S1(T) were observed to be pleomorphic
      rods, stained Gram-negative, and formed red-pigmented colonies on solid media.
      Strain TGN-42-S1(T) was found to be able to grow at 20-50  degrees C (optimum 35
      37  degrees C), at 1.7-4.8 M NaCl (optimum 3.1 M), at 0-1.0 M MgCl2 (optimum 0.1
      M), and at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0-7.5). The cells lysed in distilled water,
      and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell-lysis was found to be 10 %
      (w/v). The major polar lipids of the strain were phosphatidic acid,
      phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester,
      phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether (TGD-1),
      sulfated galactosyl mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-TGD-1), sulfated galactosyl
      mannosyl galactofuranosyl glucosyl diether (S-TeGD), and three unidentified
      glycolipids which were chromatographically identical to those of the
      Halobacterium species. The 16S rRNA gene and rpoB' gene of strain TGN-42-S1(T)
      were phylogenetically related to the corresponding genes of Halobacterium
      jilantaiense CGMCC 1.5337(T) (98.8 and 93.5 % nucleotide identity, respectively),
      Halobacterium salinarum CGMCC 1.1958(T) (98.4 and 91.9 %), and Halobacterium
      noricense JCM 15102(T) (96.9 and 91.1 %). The DNA G + C content of strain TGN-42
      S1(T) was determined to be 69.2 mol %. Strain TGN-42-S1(T) showed low DNA-DNA
      relatedness with Hbt. jilantaiense CGMCC 1.5337(T) and Hbt. salinarum CGMCC
      1.1958(T), the most closely related members of the genus Halobacterium. The
      phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic properties suggested that strain TGN
      42-S1(T) (=CGMCC 1.12575(T) =JCM 19908(T)) represents a new species of
      Halobacterium, for which the name Halobacterium rubrum sp. nov. is proposed. 

PMID- 25112836
TI  - Toll-like receptors in the pathogenesis of human B cell malignancies.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important players in B-cell activation, maturation
      and memory and may be involved in the pathogenesis of B-cell lymphomas.
      Accumulating studies show differential expression in this heterogeneous group of
      cancers. Stimulation with TLR specific ligands, or agonists of their ligands,
      leads to aberrant responses in the malignant B-cells. According to current data,
      TLRs can be implicated in malignant transformation, tumor progression and immune
      evasion processes. Most of the studies focused on multiple myeloma and chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia, but in the last decade the putative role of TLRs in other
      types of B-cell lymphomas has gained much interest. The aim of this review is to
      discuss recent findings on the role of TLRs in normal B cell functioning and
      their role in the pathogenesis of B-cell malignancies. 

PMID- 25112839
TI  - Basic fibroblastic growth factor affects the osteogenic differentiation of dental
      pulp stem cells in a treatment-dependent manner.
AB  - AIM: To determine how basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) affected the
      osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in vitro and
      in vivo. METHODOLOGY: Basic fibroblastic growth factor stimulation of DPSCs was
      divided into a pre-treatment period and an osteogenic differentiation period.
      Alizarin red quantification experiments and alkaline phosphatase activity
      quantification assay were performed to examine the osteogenic differentiation of
      DPSCs after different bFGF stimulation. Quantification reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the osteogenic gene expression of
      DPSCs after different bFGF stimulation. In addition, DPSCs that received the 1
      and 2 weeks bFGF pre-treatments as in the in vitro experiments were mineralized
      for 1 week and seeded into hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) pills and
      subcutaneously transplanted into naked mice for 2 or 3 months. The transplants
      were removed, sliced and stained using Modified Ponceau Trichrome Stain to
      observe the formation of mineralized tissue. RESULTS: Basic fibroblastic growth
      factor stimulation in the osteogenic differentiation period decreased the in
      vitro osteogenic differentiation ability of DPSCs. One week pre-treatment with
      bFGF increased the in vitro osteogenic differentiation ability of DPSCs, whereas
      2 weeks pre-treatment with bFGF decreased the in vitro osteogenic differentiation
      ability of DPSCs. The pre-treatment period was vital for the osteogenic
      differentiation of DPSCs in vitro. The in vivo results were similar to the in
      vitro results. CONCLUSIONS: Basic fibroblastic growth factor affected the
      osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs in a treatment-dependent manner both in vitro
      and in vivo.

PMID- 25112840
TI  - Generalized regression neural network (GRNN)-based approach for colored dissolved
      organic matter (CDOM) retrieval: case study of Connecticut River at Middle Haddam
      Station, USA.
AB  - The prediction of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) using artificial neural
      network approaches has received little attention in the past few decades. In this
      study, colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) was modeled using generalized
      regression neural network (GRNN) and multiple linear regression (MLR) models as a
      function of Water temperature (TE), pH, specific conductance (SC), and turbidity
      (TU). Evaluation of the prediction accuracy of the models is based on the root
      mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of correlation
      (CC), and Willmott's index of agreement (d). The results indicated that GRNN can
      be applied successfully for prediction of colored dissolved organic matter
      (CDOM). 

PMID- 25112841
TI  - Potential effects of large linear pipeline construction on soil and vegetation in
      ecologically fragile regions.
AB  - Long-distance pipeline construction results in marked human disturbance of the
      regional ecosystem and brings into question the safety of pipeline construction
      with respect to the environment. Thus, the direct environmental impact and proper
      handling of such large projects have received much attention. The potential
      environmental effects, however, have not been fully addressed, particularly for
      large linear pipeline projects, and the threshold of such effects is unclear. In
      this study, two typical eco-fragile areas in western China, where large linear
      construction projects have been conducted, were chosen as the case study areas.
      Soil quality indices (SQI) and vegetation indices (VI), representing the most
      important potential effects, were used to analyze the scope of the effect of
      large pipeline construction on the surrounding environment. These two indices in
      different buffer zones along the pipeline were compared against the background
      values. The analysis resulted in three main findings. First, pipeline
      construction continues to influence the nearby eco-environment even after a 4
      year recovery period. During this period, the effect on vegetation due to
      pipeline construction reaches 300 m beyond the working area, and is much larger
      in distance than the effect on soil, which is mainly confined to within 30 m
      either side of the pipeline, indicating that vegetation is more sensitive than
      soil to this type of human disturbance. However, the effect may not reach beyond
      500 m from the pipeline. Second, the scope of the effect in terms of distance on
      vegetation may also be determined by the frequency of disturbance and the
      intensity of the pipeline construction. The greater the number of pipelines in an
      area, the higher the construction intensity and the more frequent the
      disturbance. Frequent disturbance may expand the effect on vegetation on both
      sides of the pipeline, but not on soil quality. Third, the construction may
      eliminate the stable, resident plant community. During the recovery period, the
      plant community in the work area of the pipeline is replaced by some species that
      are rare or uncommon in the resident plant community because of human
      disturbance, thereby increasing the plant diversity in the work area. In terms of
      plant succession, the duration of the recovery period has a direct effect on the
      composition and structure of the plant community. The findings provide a
      theoretical basis and scientific foundation for improving the environmental
      impact assessment (EIA) of oil and gas pipeline construction as it pertains to
      the desert steppe ecosystem, and provide a reference point for recovery and
      management of the eco-environment during the pipeline construction period. 

PMID- 25112842
TI  - Biological response to physical processes in the Indian Ocean sector of the
      Southern Ocean: a case study in the coastal and oceanic waters.
AB  - The spatial variation of chlorophyll a (Chl a) and factors influencing the high
      Chl a were studied during austral summer based on the physical and biogeochemical
      parameters collected near the coastal waters of Antarctica in 2010 and a zonal
      section along 60 degrees S in 2011. In the coastal waters, high Chl a (>3 mg m(
      3)) was observed near the upper layers (~15 m) between 53 degrees 30'E and 54
      degrees 30'E. A comparatively higher mesozooplankton biomass (53.33 ml 100 m(-3))
      was also observed concordant with the elevated Chl a. Low saline water formed by
      melting of glacial ice and snow, as well as deep mixed-layer depth (60 m) due to
      strong wind (>11 ms(-1)) could be the dominant factors for this biological
      response. In the open ocean, moderately high surface Chl a was observed (>0.6 mg
      m(-3)) between 47 degrees E and 50 degrees E along with a Deep Chlorophyll
      Maximum of ~1 mg m(-3) present at 30-40 m depth. Melt water advected from the
      Antarctic continent could be the prime reason for this high Chl a. The
      mesozooplankton biomass (22.76 ml 100 m(-3)) observed in the open ocean was
      comparatively lower than that in the coastal waters. Physical factors such as
      melting, advection of melt water from Antarctic continent, water masses and wind
      induced vertical mixing may be the possible reasons that led to the increase in
      phytoplankton biomass (Chl a). 

PMID- 25112843
TI  - Two in one sweep: aluminum tolerance and grain yield in P-limited soils are
      associated to the same genomic region in West African sorghum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) productivity is severely impeded
      by low phosphorus (P) and aluminum (Al) toxic soils in sub-Saharan Africa and
      especially West Africa (WA). Improving productivity of this staple crop under
      these harsh conditions is crucial to improve food security and farmer's incomes
      in WA. RESULTS: This is the first study to examine the genetics underlying
      sorghum adaptation to phosphorus limitation in a wide range of WA growing
      conditions. A set of 187 diverse sorghum genotypes were grown in 29 -P and + P
      field experiments from 2006-2012 in three WA countries. Sorghum grain yield
      performance under -P and + P conditions was highly correlated (r = 0.85***).
      Significant genotype-by-phosphorus interaction was detected but with small
      magnitude compared to the genotype variance component. We observed high genetic
      diversity within our panel, with rapid linkage disequilibrium decay, confirming
      recent sequence based studies in sorghum. Using genome wide association mapping
      based on 220 934 SNPs we identified one genomic region on chromosome 3 that was
      highly associated to grain yield production. A major Al-tolerance gene in
      sorghum, SbMATE, was collocated in this region and SbMATE specific SNPs showed
      very high associations to grain yield production, especially under -P conditions,
      explaining up to 16% of the genotypic variance. CONCLUSION: The results suggest
      that SbMATE has a possible pleiotropic role in providing tolerance to two of the
      most serious abiotic stresses for sorghum in WA, Al toxicity and P deficiency.
      The identified SNPs can help accelerate breeding for increased sorghum
      productivity under unfavorable soil conditions and contribute to assuring food
      security in WA.

PMID- 25112845
TI  - Effect of sulodexide in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy:
      diabetic retinopathy sulodexide study (DRESS).
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of sulodexide for the treatment of hard
      exudates (HE) in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). METHODS: This was
      a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial involving 130 patients (65
      for each group) who had mild-to-moderate NPDR with macular HE. Participants were
      given a daily dose of either 50 mg sulodexide or a matching dose of placebo
      orally for 12 months. Main outcome measure was an improvement in HE defined as a
      decrease in severity by at least two grades on a 10-grade severity scale. This
      was evaluated by fundus photography over 12-month period. RESULTS: The sulodexide
      group showed significantly greater improvement in HE severity than that shown by
      the placebo group (39.0 % vs. 19.3 %; chi square, P = 0.005). Logistic regression
      analysis yielded an odds ratio of 2.790 (95 % confidence interval, 1.155-6.743; P
      = 0.023) for the effect of treatment once adjustments were made for demographic,
      prognostic and disease confounders. Intention to treat and per-protocol analysis
      yielded similar results. Sulodexide's safety was comparable to that of the
      placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Oral sulodexide therapy over 12 months improved macular HE
      in patients with mild-to-moderate NPDR, without leading to detectable adverse
      events. The study protocol was registered on clinicaltrial.gov under identifier
      NCT01295775.

PMID- 25112848
TI  - Pressure-driven ballistic Kelvin's water dropper for energy harvesting.
AB  - In this paper, we introduce a microfluidic-based self-excited energy conversion
      system inspired by Kelvin's water dropper but driven by inertia instead of
      gravity. Two micro water jets are produced by forcing water through two
      micropores by overpressure. The jets break up into microdroplets which are
      inductively charged by electrostatic gates. The droplets land on metal targets
      which are gradually charged up to high voltages. Targets and electrostatic gates
      are cross-connected in a way similar to Kelvin's water dropper. Application of
      pressure as driving force instead of gravity as in Kelvin's dropper allows for
      much higher energy densities. To prevent overcharging of the droplets by the
      inductive mechanism and consequent droplet loss by repulsion from the target as
      in Kelvin's water dropper, a voltage divider using inversely connected diodes was
      introduced in our system to control the charge induction providing self-limiting
      positive feedback by the diode characteristics. A maximal 18% energy conversion
      efficiency was obtained with the diode-gated system. 

PMID- 25112847
TI  - Changes of TGF-beta2, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 levels in the vitreous of patients with
      high myopia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)
      beta2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and tissue inhibitor of
      metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 in the vitreous of patients with high myopia. METHODS:
      Twenty-six patients with high myopia (HM) who received vitrectomy for macular
      retinoschisis or macular hole were enrolled in this prospective study. Twenty-six
      patients with idiopathic macular hole or macular epiretinal membrane were chosen
      as a control group. Vitreous samples were obtained during the vitrectomy surgery.
      The levels of TGF-beta2,MMP-2,TIMP-2 in the vitreous samples were measured by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The MMP activity was determined by a
      fluorometric assay. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the vitreous
      level of TGF-beta2 between HM (1.64 +/- 0.38 ng/ml) and the control group (1.56
      +/- 0.32 ng/ml, p = 0.56). The vitreous levels of MMP-2 in HM (32.40 +/- 14.90
      ng/ml) were significantly higher than in the control group (21.42 +/- 6.74 ng/ml,
      p < 0.01). The ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-2 was significantly elevated in the vitreous
      samples from HM (0.61 +/- 0.19), compared to the control group (0.48 +/- 0.11, p
      < 0.05). The MMP activity was also significantly elevated in the vitreous samples
      from HM (4,030.8 +/- 1,257.3 FIU), compared to the control group (3,245.8 +/-
      835.6 FIU, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The elevated MMP/TIMP ratio and MMP activity
      may play a role in the pathogenesis of human high myopia. Large prospective
      studies are needed to further investigate the effect of MMPs in the pathogenesis
      of human high myopia.

PMID- 25112850
TI  - Clinical trials: Placebo effects in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

PMID- 25112846
TI  - Investigation of blood flow regulation and oxygen saturation of the retinal
      vessels in primary open-angle glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the supply of oxygen to the retina in primary open-angle
      glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: Forty-one patients with primary open-angle glaucoma
      (mean age 64.1 +/- 12.9 years) and 40 healthy subjects (63.6 +/- 14.1 years) were
      included. Fundus images, centered at the optic disc, were taken using the Retinal
      Vessel Analyzer (RVA). The vessel diameters were calculated as central retinal
      artery (CRAE) and vein equivalent (CRVE) from diameter measurements in the
      peripapillary vessels. The oxygen saturation of the arteries and veins was
      investigated employing a two-wavelengths technique. After the measurement at
      baseline, the vascular response to flicker light exposure was measured. RESULTS:
      In glaucoma patients the mean oxygen saturation of the retinal veins at baseline
      was higher than in the healthy controls (64.36 +/- 7.11 vs. 59.78 +/- 8.47, p =
      0.01), whereas the mean arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference was lower
      (33.07 +/- 5.24 vs. 37.53 +/- 6.95, p = 0.002). The arterial oxygen saturation as
      well as the arterial and venous diameters showed no difference between the
      groups. The increase of the CRVE during flicker light stimulation (3.72 +/- 3.29
      % vs. 5.43 +/- 4.04, p = 0.039), as well as the change of the venous oxygen
      saturation (2.08 +/- 3.74 % vs. 4.18 +/- 3.88 %, p = 0.016) and the arteriovenous
      saturation difference (-2.1 +/- 3.31 % vs. -4.43 +/- 3.6 %, p = 0.003) were
      smaller in POAG patients than in the healthy group. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in
      the arteriovenous difference in oxygen saturation in POAG patients might show a
      decreased oxygen demand of the retina caused by the glaucomatous loss of
      neuroretinal tissue. The lower extent of the flicker light-induced change of the
      diameter of retinal veins and the venous oxygen saturation could indicate an
      impairment of blood flow regulation.

PMID- 25112851
TI  - Stones: Guidelines reignite interest in medical treatment of stones.

PMID- 25112853
TI  - Prostate cancer: Probing progression in circulating tumour cells.

PMID- 25112854
TI  - Beyond the G-spot: clitourethrovaginal complex anatomy in female orgasm.
AB  - The search for the legendary, highly erogenous vaginal region, the Grafenberg
      spot (G-spot), has produced important data, substantially improving understanding
      of the complex anatomy and physiology of sexual responses in women. Modern
      imaging techniques have enabled visualization of dynamic interactions of female
      genitals during self-sexual stimulation or coitus. Although no single structure
      consistent with a distinct G-spot has been identified, the vagina is not a
      passive organ but a highly dynamic structure with an active role in sexual
      arousal and intercourse. The anatomical relationships and dynamic interactions
      between the clitoris, urethra, and anterior vaginal wall have led to the concept
      of a clitourethrovaginal (CUV) complex, defining a variable, multifaceted
      morphofunctional area that, when properly stimulated during penetration, could
      induce orgasmic responses. Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the CUV
      complex might help to avoid damage to its neural, muscular, and vascular
      components during urological and gynaecological surgical procedures. 

PMID- 25112857
TI  - Prostate cancer: Is active surveillance safe for obese patients?

PMID- 25112858
TI  - Surgery: Treating urotrauma--new guidelines to aid decisions.

PMID- 25112860
TI  - Sexual dysfunction: A practical approach to men with premature ejaculation.

PMID- 25112861
TI  - Prostate cancer: USPSTF screening recommendation could lead to greater numbers of
      avoidable deaths.

PMID- 25112856
TI  - Landmarks in the diagnosis and treatment of renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - The most common renal cancer is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which arises from the
      renal parenchyma. The global incidence of RCC has increased over the past two
      decades by 2% per year. RCC is the most lethal of the common urological cancers:
      despite diagnostic advances, 20-30% of patients present with metastatic disease.
      A clearer understanding of the genetic basis of RCC has led to immune-based and
      targeted treatments for this chemoresistant cancer. Despite promising results in
      advanced disease, overall response rates and durable complete responses are rare.
      Surgery remains the main treatment modality, especially for organ-confined
      disease, with a selective role in advanced and metastatic disease. Smaller
      tumours are increasingly managed with biopsy, minimally invasive interventions
      and surveillance. The future promises multimodal, integrated and personalized
      care, with further understanding of the disease leading to new treatment options.

PMID- 25112862
TI  - Halotriazolium axle functionalised [2]rotaxanes for anion recognition:
      investigating the effects of halogen-bond donor and preorganisation.
AB  - The anion-templated synthesis of three novel halogen-bonding 5-halo-1,2,3
      triazolium axle containing [2]rotaxanes is described, and the effects of altering
      the nature of the halogen-bond donor atom together with the degree of inter
      component preorganisation on the anion-recognition properties of the interlocked
      host investigated. The ability of the bromotriazolium motif to direct the halide
      anion-templated assembly of interpenetrated [2]pseudorotaxanes was studied
      initially; bromide was found to be the most effective template. As a consequence,
      bromide anion templation was used to synthesise the first bromotriazolium axle
      containing [2]rotaxane, the anion-binding properties of which, determined by (1)
      H NMR spectroscopic titration experiments, revealed enhanced bromide and iodide
      recognition relative to a hydrogen-bonding protic triazolium rotaxane analogue.
      Two halogen-bonding [2]rotaxanes with bromo- and iodotriazolium motifs integrated
      into shortened axles designed to increase inter-component preorganisation were
      also synthesised. Anion (1) H NMR spectroscopic titration experiments
      demonstrated that these rotaxanes were able to bind halide anions even more
      strongly, with the iodotriazolium axle integrated rotaxane capable of recognising
      halides in aqueous solvent media. Importantly, these observations suggest that a
      halogen-bonding interlocked host binding domain, in combination with increased
      inter-component preorganisation, are requisite design features for a potent anion
      receptor. 

PMID- 25112863
TI  - Cause-specific mortality by race in low-income Black and White people with Type 2
      diabetes.
AB  - AIM: To investigate, with extended follow-up, cause-specific mortality among low
      income Black and White Americans with Type 2 diabetes who have similar socio
      economic status. METHODS: Black and White Americans aged 40-79 years with Type 2
      diabetes (n = 12 498) were recruited from community health centres as part of the
      Southern Community Cohort Study. Multivariable Cox analysis was used to estimate
      mortality hazard ratios and 95% CIs for subsequent cause-specific mortality,
      based on both underlying and contributing causes of death. RESULTS: During the
      follow-up (median 5.9 years), 13.3% of the study population died. The leading
      causes of death in each race were ischaemic heart disease, respiratory disorders,
      cancer, renal failure and heart failure; however, Blacks were at a lower risk of
      dying from ischaemic heart disease (hazard ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.54-0.91) or
      respiratory disorders (hazard ratio 0.70, 0.53-0.92) than Whites but had higher
      or similar mortality attributable to renal failure (hazard ratio 1.57, 95% CI
      1.02-2.40), heart failure (hazard ratio 1.47, 95% CI 0.98-2.19) and cancer
      (hazard ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.62-1.22). Risk factors for each cause of death were
      generally similar in each race. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the
      leading causes of death and their risk factors are largely similar among Black
      and White Americans with diabetes. For the two leading causes of death in each
      race, however, ischaemic heart disease and respiratory disorders, the magnitude
      of risk is lower among Black Americans and contributes to their higher survival
      rates.

PMID- 25112865
TI  - Deferiprone in Friedreich ataxia: a 6-month randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We conducted a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      study to assess safety, tolerability, and efficacy of deferiprone in Friedreich
      ataxia (FRDA). METHODS: Seventy-two patients were treated with deferiprone 20,
      40, or 60mg/kg/day or placebo, divided into 2 daily doses. Safety was the primary
      objective; secondary objectives included standardized neurological assessments
      (Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale [FARS], International Cooperative Ataxia Rating
      Scale [ICARS], 9-Hole Peg Test [9HPT], Timed 25-Foot Walk, Low-Contrast Letter
      Acuity), general functional status (Activities of Daily Living), and cardiac
      assessments. RESULTS: Deferiprone was well tolerated at 20mg/kg/day, whereas more
      adverse events occurred in the 40mg/kg/day than in the placebo group. The
      60mg/kg/day dose was discontinued due to worsening of ataxia in 2 patients. One
      patient on deferiprone 20mg/kg/day experienced reversible neutropenia, but none
      developed agranulocytosis. Deferiprone-treated patients receiving 20 or
      40mg/kg/day showed a decline in the left ventricular mass index, compared to an
      increase in the placebo-treated patients. Patients receiving 20mg/kg/day of
      deferiprone had no significant change in FARS, similar to the placebo-treated
      patients, whereas those receiving 40mg/kg/day had worsening in FARS and ICARS
      scores. The lack of deterioration in the placebo arm impaired the ability to
      detect any potential protective effect of deferiprone. However, subgroup analyses
      in patients with less severe disease suggested a benefit of deferiprone
      20mg/kg/day on ICARS, FARS, kinetic function, and 9HPT. INTERPRETATION: This
      study demonstrated an acceptable safety profile of deferiprone at 20mg/kg/day for
      the treatment of patients with FRDA. Subgroup analyses raise the possibility
      that, in patients with less severe disease, deferiprone 20mg/kg/day may reduce
      disease progression, whereas higher doses appear to worsen ataxia.

PMID- 25112864
TI  - Systemic exosomal siRNA delivery reduced alpha-synuclein aggregates in brains of
      transgenic mice.
AB  - Alpha-synuclein (alpha-Syn) aggregates are the main component of Lewy bodies,
      which are the characteristic pathological feature in Parkinson's disease (PD)
      brain. Evidence that alpha-Syn aggregation can be propagated between neurones has
      led to the suggestion that this mechanism is responsible for the stepwise
      progression of PD pathology. Decreasing alpha-Syn expression is predicted to
      attenuate this process and is thus an attractive approach to delay or halt PD
      progression. We have used alpha-Syn small interfering RNA (siRNA) to reduce total
      and aggregated alpha-Syn levels in mouse brains. To achieve widespread delivery
      of siRNAs to the brain we have peripherally injected modified exosomes expressing
      Ravies virus glycoprotein loaded with siRNA. Normal mice were analyzed 3 or 7
      days after injection. To evaluate whether this approach can decrease alpha-Syn
      aggregates, we repeated the treatment using transgenic mice expressing the human
      phosphorylation-mimic S129D alpha-Syn, which exhibits aggregation. In normal mice
      we detected significantly reduced alpha-Syn messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein
      levels throughout the brain 3 and 7 days after treatment with RVG-exosomes loaded
      with siRNA to alpha-Syn. In S129D alpha-Syn transgenic mice we found a decreased
      alpha-Syn mRNA and protein levels throughout the brain 7 days after injection.
      This resulted in significant reductions in intraneuronal protein aggregates,
      including in dopaminergic neurones of the substantia nigra. This study highlights
      the therapeutic potential of RVG-exosome delivery of siRNA to delay and reverse
      brain alpha-Syn pathological conditions.

PMID- 25112867
TI  - Evidence for a molecular diode-based mechanism in a multispecific ATP-binding
      cassette (ABC) exporter: SER-1368 as a gatekeeping residue in the yeast multidrug
      transporter Pdr5.
AB  - ATP-binding cassette multidrug efflux pumps transport a wide range of substrates.
      Current models suggest that a drug binds relatively tightly to a transport site
      in the transmembrane domains when the protein is in the closed inward facing
      conformation. Upon binding of ATP, the transporter can switch to an outward
      facing (drug off or drug releasing) structure of lower affinity. ATP hydrolysis
      is critically important for remodeling the drug-binding site to facilitate drug
      release and to reset the transporter for a new transport cycle. We characterized
      the novel phenotype of an S1368A mutant that lies in the putative drug-binding
      pocket of the yeast multidrug transporter Pdr5. This substitution created broad,
      severe drug hypersensitivity, although drug binding, ATP hydrolysis, and
      intradomain signaling were indistinguishable from the wild-type control. Several
      different rhodamine 6G efflux and accumulation assays yielded evidence consistent
      with the possibility that Ser-1368 prevents reentry of the excluded drug. 

PMID- 25112866
TI  - Oligomeric state of purified transient receptor potential melastatin-1 (TRPM1), a
      protein essential for dim light vision.
AB  - Transient receptor potential melastatin-1 (TRPM1) is essential for the light
      induced depolarization of retinal ON bipolar cells. TRPM1 likely forms a
      multimeric channel complex, although almost nothing is known about the structure
      or subunit composition of channels formed by TRPM1 or any of its close relatives.
      Recombinant TRPM1 was robustly expressed in insect cells, but only a small
      fraction was localized to the plasma membrane. Similar intracellular localization
      was observed when TRPM1 was heterologously expressed in mammalian cells. TRPM1
      was affinity-purified from Sf9 cells and complexed with amphipol, followed by
      detergent removal. In blue native gels and size exclusion chromatography, TRPM1
      migrated with a mobility consistent with detergent- or amphipol-bound dimers.
      Cross-linking experiments were also consistent with a dimeric subunit
      stoichiometry, and cryoelectron microscopy and single particle analysis without
      symmetry imposition yielded a model with approximate 2-fold symmetrical features.
      Finally, electron microscopy of TRPM1-antibody complexes revealed a large
      particle that can accommodate TRPM1 and two antibody molecules. Taken together,
      these data indicate that purified TRPM1 is mostly dimeric. The three-dimensional
      structure of TRPM1 dimers is characterized by a small putative transmembrane
      domain and a larger domain with a hollow cavity. Blue native gels of solubilized
      mouse retina indicate that TRPM1 is present in two distinct complexes: one
      similar in size to the recombinant protein and one much larger. Because dimers
      are likely not functional ion channels, these results suggest that additional
      partner subunits participate in forming the transduction channel required for dim
      light vision and the ON pathway. 

PMID- 25112869
TI  - The role of constitutive nitric-oxide synthase in ultraviolet B light-induced
      nuclear factor kappaB activity.
AB  - NF-kappaB is a transcription factor involved in many signaling pathways that also
      plays an important role in UV-induced skin tumorigenesis. UV radiation can
      activate NF-kappaB, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we
      provided evidence that the activation of constitutive nitric-oxide synthase plays
      a role in regulation of IkappaB reduction and NF-kappaB activation in human
      keratinocyte HaCaT cells in early phase (within 6 h) post-UVB. Treating the cells
      with l-NAME, a selective inhibitor of constitutive nitric-oxide synthase (cNOS),
      can partially reverse the IkappaB reduction and inhibit the DNA binding activity
      as well as nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB after UVB radiation. A luciferase
      reporter assay indicates that UVB-induced NF-kappaB activation is totally
      diminished in cNOS null cells. The cNOS-mediated reduction of IkappaB is likely
      due to the imbalance of nitric oxide/peroxynitrite because treating the cells
      with lower (50 MUm), but not higher (100-500 MUm), concentration of S-nitroso-N
      acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) can reverse the effect of l-NAME in partial restore
      IkappaB level post-UVB. Our data also showed that NF-kappaB activity was required
      for maintaining a stable IkappaB kinase alpha subunit (IKKalpha) level because
      treating the cells with NF-kappaB or cNOS inhibitors could reduce IKKalpha level
      upon UVB radiation. In addition, our data demonstrated that although NF-kappaB
      protects cells from UVB-induced death, its pro-survival activity was likely
      neutralized by the pro-death activity of peroxynitrite after UVB radiation. 

PMID- 25112868
TI  - Heme oxygenase-1 ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute murine colitis
      by regulating Th17/Treg cell balance.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's
      disease, is a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by nonspecific
      inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Recent investigations suggest that
      activation of Th17 cells and/or deficiency of regulatory T cells (Treg) is
      involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is a protein with a
      wide range of anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory function, which exerts
      significantly protective roles in various T cell-mediated diseases. In this
      study, we aim to explore the immunological regulation of HO-1 in the dextran
      sulfate sodium-induced model of experimental murine colitis. BALB/c mice were
      administered 4% dextran sulfate sodium orally; some mice were intraperitoneally
      pretreated with HO-1 inducer hemin or HO-1 inhibitor stannum protoporphyrin IX.
      The results show that hemin enhances the colonic expression of HO-1 and
      significantly ameliorates the symptoms of colitis with improved histological
      changes, accompanied by a decreased proportion of Th17 cells and increased number
      of Tregs in mesenteric lymph node and spleen. Moreover, induction of HO-1 down
      regulates retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gammat expression and IL-17A
      levels, while promoting Treg-related forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) expression and IL-10
      levels in colon. Further study in vitro revealed that up-regulated HO-1 switched
      the naive T cells to Tregs when cultured under a Th17-inducing environment, which
      involved in IL-6R blockade. Therefore, HO-1 may exhibit anti-inflammatory
      activity in the murine model of acute experimental colitis via regulating the
      balance between Th17 and Treg cells, thus providing a possible novel therapeutic
      target in IBD. 

PMID- 25112870
TI  - Thrombin cleavage of osteopontin disrupts a pro-chemotactic sequence for
      dendritic cells, which is compensated by the release of its pro-chemotactic C
      terminal fragment.
AB  - Thrombin cleavage alters the function of osteopontin (OPN) by exposing an
      integrin binding site and releasing a chemotactic C-terminal fragment. Here, we
      examined thrombin cleavage of OPN in the context of dendritic cell (DC) migration
      to define its functional domains. Full-length OPN (OPN-FL), thrombin-cleaved N
      terminal fragment (OPN-R), thrombin- and carboxypeptidase B2-double-cleaved N
      terminal fragment (OPN-L), and C-terminal fragment (OPN-CTF) did not have
      intrinsic chemotactic activity, but all potentiated CCL21-induced DC migration.
      OPN-FL possessed the highest potency, whereas OPNRAA-FL had substantially less
      activity, indicating the importance of RGD. We identified a conserved
      (168)RSKSKKFRR(176) sequence on OPN-FL that spans the thrombin cleavage site, and
      it demonstrated potent pro-chemotactic effects on CCL21-induced DC migration. OPN
      FLR168A had reduced activity, and the double mutant OPNRAA-FLR168A had even lower
      activity, indicating that these functional domains accounted for most of the pro
      chemotactic activity of OPN-FL. OPN-CTF also possessed substantial pro
      chemotactic activity, which was fully expressed upon thrombin cleavage and its
      release from the intact protein, because OPN-CTF was substantially more active
      than OPNRAA-FLR168A containing the OPN-CTF sequence within the intact protein.
      OPN-R and OPN-L possessed similar potency, indicating that the newly exposed C
      terminal SVVYGLR sequence in OPN-R was not involved in the pro-chemotactic
      effect. OPN-FL and OPN-CTF did not directly bind to the CD44 standard form or
      CD44v6. In conclusion, thrombin cleavage of OPN disrupts a pro-chemotactic
      sequence in intact OPN, and its loss of pro-chemotactic activity is compensated
      by the release of OPN-CTF, which assumes a new conformation and possesses
      substantial activity in enhancing chemokine-induced migration of DCs. 

PMID- 25112871
TI  - Angiotensin type 2 receptor signaling in satellite cells potentiates skeletal
      muscle regeneration.
AB  - Patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) or chronic kidney disease
      (CKD) often have increased angiotensin II (Ang II) levels and cachexia. Ang II
      infusion in rodents causes sustained skeletal muscle wasting and decreases muscle
      regenerative potential through Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-mediated signaling,
      likely contributing to the development of cachexia in CHF and CKD. However, the
      potential role of Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R) signaling in skeletal muscle
      physiology is unknown. We found that AT2R expression was increased robustly in
      regenerating skeletal muscle after cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced muscle injury in
      vivo and differentiating myoblasts in vitro, suggesting that the increase in AT2R
      played an important role in regulating myoblast differentiation and muscle
      regeneration. To determine the potential role of AT2R in muscle regeneration, we
      infused C57BL/6 mice with the AT2R antagonist PD123319 during CTX-induced muscle
      regeneration. PD123319 reduced the size of regenerating myofibers and expression
      of the myoblast differentiation markers myogenin and embryonic myosin heavy
      chain. On the other hand, AT2R agonist CGP42112 infusion potentiated CTX injury
      induced myogenin and embryonic myosin heavy chain expression and increased the
      size of regenerating myofibers. In cultured myoblasts, AT2R knockdown by siRNA
      suppressed myoblast differentiation marker expression and myoblast
      differentiation via up-regulation of phospho-ERK1/2, and ERK inhibitor treatment
      completely blocked the effect of AT2R knockdown. These data indicate that AT2R
      signaling positively regulates myoblast differentiation and potentiates skeletal
      muscle regenerative potential, providing a new therapeutic target in wasting
      disorders such as CHF and CKD. 

PMID- 25112872
TI  - Glutathionylation of the aquaporin-2 water channel: a novel post-translational
      modification modulated by the oxidative stress.
AB  - Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is the vasopressin-regulated water channel that controls renal
      water reabsorption and urine concentration. AQP2 undergoes different regulated
      post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation and ubiquitylation,
      which are fundamental for controlling AQP2 cellular localization, stability, and
      function. The relationship between AQP2 and S-glutathionylation is of potential
      interest because reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced under renal failure or
      nephrotoxic drugs, may influence renal function as well as the expression and the
      activity of different transporters and channels, including aquaporins. Here, we
      show for the first time that AQP2 is subjected to S-glutathionylation in kidney
      and in HEK-293 cells stably expressing AQP2. S-Glutathionylation is a redox
      dependent post-translational modification controlling several signal transduction
      pathways and displaying an acute effect on free cytosolic calcium concentration.
      Interestingly, we found that in fresh kidney slices, the increased AQP2 S
      glutathionylation correlated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced ROS
      generation. Moreover, we also found that cells expressing wild-type human calcium
      sensing receptor (hCaSR-wt) and its gain of function (hCaSR-R990G; hCaSR-N124K)
      had a significant decrease in AQP2 S-glutathionylation secondary to reduced ROS
      levels and reduced basal intracellular calcium concentration compared with mock
      cells. Together, these new findings provide fundamental insight into cell
      biological aspects of AQP2 function and may be relevant to better understand and
      explain pathological states characterized by an oxidative stress and AQP2
      dependent water reabsorption disturbs. 

PMID- 25112873
TI  - Diacylglycerol kinase delta phosphorylates phosphatidylcholine-specific
      phospholipase C-dependent, palmitic acid-containing diacylglycerol species in
      response to high glucose levels.
AB  - Decreased expression of diacylglycerol (DG) kinase (DGK) delta in skeletal
      muscles is closely related to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. To identify DG
      species that are phosphorylated by DGKdelta in response to high glucose
      stimulation, we investigated high glucose-dependent changes in phosphatidic acid
      (PA) molecular species in mouse C2C12 myoblasts using a newly established liquid
      chromatography/MS method. We found that the suppression of DGKdelta2 expression
      by DGKdelta-specific siRNAs significantly inhibited glucose-dependent increases
      in 30:0-, 32:0-, and 34:0-PA and moderately attenuated 30:1-, 32:1-, and 34:1-PA.
      Moreover, overexpression of DGKdelta2 also enhanced the production of these PA
      species. MS/MS analysis revealed that these PA species commonly contain palmitic
      acid (16:0). D609, an inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C
      (PC-PLC), significantly inhibited the glucose-stimulated production of the
      palmitic acid-containing PA species. Moreover, PC-PLC was co-immunoprecipitated
      with DGKdelta2. These results strongly suggest that DGKdelta preferably
      metabolizes palmitic acid-containing DG species supplied from the PC-PLC pathway,
      but not arachidonic acid (20:4)-containing DG species derived from the
      phosphatidylinositol turnover, in response to high glucose levels. 

PMID- 25112875
TI  - The roles of the RIIbeta linker and N-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain
      in determining the unique structures of the type IIbeta protein kinase A: a small
      angle x-ray and neutron scattering study.
AB  - Protein kinase A (PKA) is ubiquitously expressed and is responsible for
      regulating many important cellular functions in response to changes in
      intracellular cAMP concentrations. The PKA holoenzyme is a tetramer (R2:C2), with
      a regulatory subunit homodimer (R2) that binds and inhibits two catalytic (C)
      subunits; binding of cAMP to the regulatory subunit homodimer causes activation
      of the catalytic subunits. Four different R subunit isoforms exist in mammalian
      cells, and these confer different structural features, subcellular localization,
      and biochemical properties upon the PKA holoenzymes they form. The holoenzyme
      containing RIIbeta is structurally unique in that the type IIbeta holoenzyme is
      much more compact than the free RIIbeta homodimer. We have used small angle x-ray
      scattering and small angle neutron scattering to study the solution structure and
      subunit organization of a holoenzyme containing an RIIbeta C-terminal deletion
      mutant (RIIbeta(1-280)), which is missing the C-terminal cAMP-binding domain to
      better understand the structural organization of the type IIbeta holoenzyme and
      the RIIbeta domains that contribute to stabilizing the holoenzyme conformation.
      Our results demonstrate that compaction of the type IIbeta holoenzyme does not
      require the C-terminal cAMP-binding domain but rather involves large structural
      rearrangements within the linker and N-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain
      of the RIIbeta homodimer. The structural rearrangements are significantly greater
      than seen previously with RIIalpha and are likely to be important in mediating
      short range and long range interdomain and intersubunit interactions that
      uniquely regulate the activity of the type IIbeta isoform of PKA. 

PMID- 25112874
TI  - Chemotherapeutic drugs induce ATP release via caspase-gated pannexin-1 channels
      and a caspase/pannexin-1-independent mechanism.
AB  - Anti-tumor immune responses have been linked to the regulated release of ATP from
      apoptotic cancer cells to engage P2 purinergic receptor signaling cascades in
      nearby leukocytes. We used the Jurkat T cell acute lymphocytic leukemia model to
      characterize the role of pannexin-1 (Panx1) channels in the release of
      nucleotides during chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis. Diverse pro-apoptotic
      drugs, including topoisomerase II inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, and proteosome
      inhibitors, induced functional activation of Panx1 channels via caspase-3
      mediated cleavage of the Panx1 autoinhibitory C-terminal domain. The caspase
      activated Panx1 channels mediated efflux of ATP, but also ADP and AMP, with the
      latter two comprising >90% of the released adenine nucleotide pool as cells
      transitioned from the early to late stages of apoptosis. Chemotherapeutic drugs
      also activated an alternative caspase- and Panx1-independent pathway for ATP
      release from Jurkat cells in the presence of benzyloxycarbonyl-VAD, a pan-caspase
      inhibitor. Comparison of Panx1 levels indicated much higher expression in
      leukemic T lymphocytes than in normal, untransformed T lymphoblasts. This
      suggests that signaling roles for Panx1 may be amplified in leukemic leukocytes.
      Together, these results identify chemotherapy-activated pannexin-1 channels and
      ATP release as possible mediators of paracrine interaction between dying tumor
      cells and the effector leukocytes that mediate immunogenic anti-tumor responses. 

PMID- 25112876
TI  - Identification of key residues determining isomerohydrolase activity of human
      RPE65.
AB  - RPE65 is the retinoid isomerohydrolase that converts all-trans-retinyl ester to
      11-cis-retinol, a key reaction in the retinoid visual cycle. We have previously
      reported that cone-dominant chicken RPE65 (cRPE65) shares 90% sequence identity
      with human RPE65 (hRPE65) but exhibits substantially higher isomerohydrolase
      activity than that of bovine RPE65 or hRPE65. In this study, we sought to
      identify key residues responsible for the higher enzymatic activity of cRPE65.
      Based on the amino acid sequence comparison of mammalian and other lower
      vertebrates' RPE65, including cone-dominant chicken, 8 residues of hRPE65 were
      separately replaced by their counterparts of cRPE65 using site-directed
      mutagenesis. The enzymatic activities of cRPE65, hRPE65, and its mutants were
      measured by in vitro isomerohydrolase activity assay, and the retinoid products
      were analyzed by HPLC. Among the mutants analyzed, two single point mutants,
      N170K and K297G, and a double mutant, N170K/K297G, of hRPE65 exhibited
      significantly higher catalytic activity than WT hRPE65. Further, when an amino
      terminal fragment (Met(1)-Arg(33)) of the N170K/K297G double mutant of hRPE65 was
      replaced with the corresponding cRPE65 fragment, the isomerohydrolase activity
      was further increased to a level similar to that of cRPE65. This finding
      contributes to the understanding of the structural basis for isomerohydrolase
      activity. This highly efficient human isomerohydrolase mutant can be used to
      improve the efficacy of RPE65 gene therapy for retinal degeneration caused by
      RPE65 mutations. 

PMID- 25112877
TI  - p53 is required for cisplatin-induced processing of the mitochondrial fusion
      protein L-Opa1 that is mediated by the mitochondrial metallopeptidase Oma1 in
      gynecologic cancers.
AB  - Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles, and mitochondrial fission is a
      crucial step of apoptosis. Although Oma1 is believed to be responsible for long
      form Opa1 (L-Opa1) processing during mitochondrial fragmentation, whether and how
      Oma1 is involved in L-Opa1 processing and participates in the regulation of
      chemoresistance is unknown. Chemosensitive and chemoresistant ovarian (OVCA) and
      cervical (CECA) cancer cells were treated with cisplatin (CDDP). Mitochondrial
      dynamics and protein contents were assessed by immunofluorescence and Western
      blot, respectively. The requirements of Oma1 and p53 for CDDP-induced L-Opa1
      processing, mitochondrial fragmentation, and apoptosis were examined by siRNA or
      cDNA. CDDP induces L-Opa1 processing and mitochondrial fragmentation in
      chemosensitive but not in chemoresistant cells. CDDP induced Oma1 40-kDa form
      increases in OV2008 cells, not in C13* cells. Oma1 knockdown inhibited L-Opa1
      processing, mitochondrial fragmentation, and apoptosis. Silencing p53 expression
      attenuated the effects of CDDP in Oma1 (40 kDa) increase, L-Opa1 processing,
      mitochondrial fragmentation, and apoptosis in chemosensitive OVCA cells, whereas
      reconstitution of p53 in p53 mutant or null chemoresistant OVCA cells induced
      Oma1 (40 kDa) increase, L-Opa1 processing, mitochondrial fragmentation, and
      apoptosis irrespective of the presence of CDDP. Prohibitin 1 (Phb1) dissociates
      from Opa1-Phb1 complex and binds phosphorylated p53 (serine 15) in response to
      CDDP in chemosensitive but not chemoresistant CECA cells. These findings
      demonstrate that (a) p53 and Oma1 mediate L-Opa1 processing, (b) mitochondrial
      fragmentation is involved in CDDP-induced apoptosis in OVCA and CECA cells, and
      (c) dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics may in part be involved in the
      pathophysiology of CDDP resistance. 

PMID- 25112879
TI  - A revision of Metaleptobasis Calvert (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) with seven
      synonymies and the description of eighteen new species from South America.
AB  - Examination of over 1,400 specimens of the neotropical genus Metaleptobasis
      Calvert, 1907, including primary types or paratypes of 18 of the 20 currently
      available species names and large series of specimens including pairs in tandem
      and copula, allowed me to unequivocally associate older names with species,
      distinguish between specific and intraspecific variability, associate both sexes
      for each species, and recognize the existence of female polymorphism. As a
      result, seven names are found to be junior synonyms: Metaleptobasis mauritia
      Williamson, 1915 junior synonym of M. bicornis (Selys, 1877), M. manicaria
      Williamson, 1915 and M. fernandezi Racenis, 1955 junior synonyms of M. diceras
      (Selys, 1877), M. westfalli Cumming, 1954 junior synonym of M. foreli Ris, 1915,
      and M. tetragena Calvert, 1947, M. weibezahni Racenis, 1955, and M. incisula De
      Marmels, 1989 junior synonyms of M. brysonima Williamson, 1915. Lectotypes are
      designated for M. amazonica and Leptobasis diceras. Eighteen new species of
      Metaleptobasis are described: M. brevicauda (Holotype ?, Peru, Huanuco Dep.,
      Shapajilla, jungle, 11 v 1939, F. Woytkowski leg., in UMMZ); M. falcifera
      (Holotype ?, Peru, Madre De Dios Dep., Pakitza, Reserved Zone, Manu National
      Park, T2 to R2 to T1 to base camp, 11 degrees 55'48''S, 71 degrees 15'18''W, 250
      m, 17 ix 1989, J.A. Louton leg., in USNM); M. furcifera (Holotype ?, Peru, Loreto
      Dep., Iquitos, iii 1936, G.G. Klug leg., in BMNH); M. gabrielae (Holotype ?,
      Peru, Loreto Dep., Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve, forest interior (4 degrees
      23'40''S, 73 degrees 14'56''W), 27 vii 2009, T. Faasen leg., in RMNH); M.
      guillermoi (Holotype ?, Peru, Loreto Dep., Yarinacocha, temporary forest stream
      (8 degrees 17'S, 74 degrees 37'W, 145 m), 2 vi 1972, D.L. Pearson leg., in FSCA);
      M. inermis (Holotype ?, Brazil, Para State, Jacareacanga, vii 1969, F.R. Barbosa
      leg., in UMMZ); M. leniloba (Holotype ?, Peru, Loreto Dep., Pacaya-Samiria
      National Reserve, Santa Luisa trail (5 degrees 15'S, 74 degrees 40'W), 10 vi
      2008, C. Beatty, A. Cordero & J. Hoffmann leg., in FSCA); M. longicauda (Holotype
      ?, Brazil, Mato Grosso State, C. Teles Pires, Alto Tapajos, 1-31 viii 1956,  Sick
      leg., in MNRJ); M. orthogonia (Holotype ?, Peru, Loreto Dep., San Juan, Rio
      Amazonas, near Iquitos, viii 1939, J. Schunke leg., in FSCA); M. paludicola
      (Holotype ?, Peru, Loreto Dep., Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve, swamp, 4 degrees
      23'49''S, 73 degrees 14'57''W, 27 ii 2009, T. Faasen leg., in RMNH); M. panguanae
      (Holotype ?, Peru, Huanuco Dep., Biological Station Panguana, E side Rio
      Yuyapichis, 9 degrees 37'S, 74 degrees 57'W, 6-17 iv 2003, H.J. & E.-G.
      Burmeister leg., in ZSM); M. peltata (Holotype ?, Peru Loreto Dep., Tamshiyacu
      Tahuayo Reserve, 4 degrees 21'22''S, 73 degrees 11'0''W, 19 ii 2010, T. Faasen
      leg., in RMNH); M. prostrata (Holotype ?, Peru, Junin Dep., Satipo, v 1945, P.
      Paprzycki leg., in UMMZ); M. silvicola (Holotype ?, Peru, Madre de Dios Dep.,
      Explorer's Inn on Rio Tambopata, 30 km SW Puerto Maldonado, main trail, 1 viii
      1979, M. Perkins & P. Donahue leg., in FSCA); M. spatulata (Holotype ?, Peru,
      Huanuco Dep., 10 km N of Cucharas, confluence of Huallaga and Pacay rivers, viii
      1954, F. Woytkowski leg., in UMMZ); M. tridentigera (Holotype ?, Brazil, Rondonia
      State, Porto Velho, Area Abunan, T11 Aleatorio, 8 degrees 46'S, 63 degrees 54'W,
      86 m, 16 v 2010, Nogueira & Mendes leg., in MZUSP); M. truncata (Holotype ?,
      Brazil, Para State, Jacareacanga, xi 1969, F.R. Barbosa leg., in UMMZ); and M.
      turbinata (Holotype ?, Peru, Loreto Dep., Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve, forest
      swamp (4 degrees 24'18''S, 73 degrees 14'38''W), 25 ii 2010, T. Fassen leg., in
      RMNH). Illustrations, keys, diagnoses, and distribution maps for all 31 currently
      known species are provided. Phylogenetic relationships within the genus
      Metaleptobasis are analyzed based on 33 adult morphological characters, including
      the 31 currently described species of Metaleptobasis and eleven outgroup taxa of
      other Coenagrionidae of the subfamily Teinobasinae. The cladistic analysis
      recovered Metaleptobasis as monophyletic, and as sister group of Aceratobasis
      Kennedy, a teinobasine genus some of the species of which possess an articulated
      spur on base of male cercus. Hypothesized relationships among its species are
      discussed.  

PMID- 25112880
TI  - Swedish Plectida (Nematoda). Part 4. The genus Leptolaimus de Man, 1876.
AB  - Twelve known and nine new species of Leptolaimus are described from bottom
      sediments collected in marine habitats of Sweden, including the Bothnian Sea and
      Bothnian Bay, the Baltic Sea proper, Gullmarn Fjord and the Skagerrak. Three of
      these species have been previously recorded in Sweden while nine are new records
      for the Swedish fauna. The following known species are redescribed: Leptolaimus
      papilliger de Man, 1876, L. cupulatus Lorenzen, 1972, L. danicus Jensen, 1978, L.
      donsi (Allgen, 1946) comb. n., L. mixtus Lorenzen, 1972, L. pellucidus (Southern,
      1914) comb. n., L. venustus Lorenzen, 1972, L. lorenzeni (Boucher & de Bovee,
      1972) comb. n., L. alatus Vitiello, 1971, L. macer Lorenzen, 1972, L.
      septempapillatus Platt, 1973, L. elegans (Schuurmans Stekhoven & De Coninck,
      1933) Gerlach, 1958. Leptolaimus primus sp. n. is characterised by the 319-472 um
      long body; rounded labial region continuous with body contour; cephalic setae 1.5
      2.0 um long; amphid located 7.0-11.5 um from anterior end; first body pore
      located 18.5-28.0 um from anterior end; lateral field originating 35 um from
      anterior end; female without supplements, vagina without pars refringens, vulva
      midventral; male without tubular and with four alveolar supplements, alveolar
      supplements without sclerotized inner ring; spicules arcuate and 13.5-16.0 um
      long. Leptolaimus secundus sp. n. is characterised by the 576-645 um long body;
      rounded labial region continuous with body contour; cephalic setae 2.0 um long;
      amphid located 6.5-7.0 um from anterior end; first body pore located 23.0-28.5 um
      from anterior end; lateral field originating 18.0-23.0 um from anterior end;
      female without supplements, vagina without pars refringens, vulva midventral;
      male with single tubular and 9-15 alveolar supplements, tubular supplement weakly
      arcuate with blunt tips, alveolar supplements with sclerotized lining; spicules
      arcuate and 23.0-26.5 um long. Leptolaimus tertius sp. n. is characterised by the
      576-579 um long body; rounded labial region continuous with body contour;
      cephalic setae 2 um long; amphid located 4-5 um from anterior end; first body
      pore located 21.0-23.5 um from anterior end; lateral field originating 26-29 um
      from anterior end; male with four tubular and 7-10 alveolar supplements, tubular
      supplements weakly arcuate with blunt tips, alveolar supplements with sclerotized
      inner ring; spicules arcuate and 25-26 um long. Leptolaimus quartus sp. n. is
      characterised by the 597-686 mm long body; rounded labial region continuous with
      body contour; cephalic setae 2.0-3.5 um long; amphid located 5.0-7.0 um from
      anterior end; first body pore located 23.5-27.0 um from anterior end; lateral
      field originating 19.0-27.0 um from anterior end; male with three tubular and 8-9
      alveolar supplements, tubular supplements straight with blunt expanded tips,
      alveolar supplements with sclerotized inner ring; spicules arcuate and 23.0-25.0
      um long. Leptolaimus quintus sp. n. is characterised by the 443-528 um long body;
      rounded labial region continuous with body contour; cephalic setae 1.0-2.0 um
      long; amphid located 7.0-10.0 um from anterior end; first body pore located 18.0
      28.5 um from anterior end; lateral field originating 25.0-41.0 um from anterior
      end; female with two tubular supplements (one just posterior to cardia and one in
      front of anus), vagina without pars refringens, vulva right-sublateral; male with
      8-10 tubular and without alveolar supplements, tubular supplements weakly arcuate
      with anchor-like tips; spicules arcuate and 17.0-22.0 um long. Leptolaimus sextus
      sp. n. is characterised by the 626-728 um long body; truncated labial region
      offset from body contour; cephalic setae 1.5-2.0 um long; amphid located 8.0-12.0
      um from anterior end; first body pore located 41.0-48.5 um from anterior end;
      lateral field originating 28.0-41.0 um from anterior end; female without
      supplements, vagina without pars refringens, vulva midventral; male with five
      (rarely six) tubular and without alveolar supplements, tubular supplements weakly
      S-shaped with bifid tips; spicules arcuate and 39.0-46.0 um long. Leptolaimus
      septimus sp. n. is characterised by the 679-850 um long body; truncate labial
      region offset from body contour; cephalic setae 2.5-3.5 um long; amphid located
      8.5-11.5 um from anterior end; first body pore located 37.0-44.0 um from anterior
      end; lateral field originating 26.5-37.0 um from anterior end; female without
      supplements, vagina without pars refringens, vulva midventral; male with four
      (rarely five) tubular and without alveolar supplements, tubular supplements
      weakly S-shaped, with bifid or blunt tips; spicules arcuate and 31.0-33.5 um
      long. Leptolaimus octavus sp. n. is characterised by the 541-638 um long body;
      truncate labial region continuous with body contour; cephalic setae 1.5-2.0 um
      long; amphid located 8.5-12.0 um from anterior end; first body pore located 31.5
      41.0 um from anterior end; lateral field originating 26.0-40.0 um from anterior
      end and expanding into bursa-like structures along the tail; female without
      supplements, vagina without pars refringens, vulva midventral; male with four
      tubular and without alveolar supplements, tubular supplements weakly S-shaped
      with dentate tips; spicules arcuate and 30.0-31.5 um long. Leptolaimus nonus sp.
      n. is characterised by the 403-633 um long body; rounded labial region continuous
      with body contour; cephalic setae 1.5-3.0 um long; amphid located 8.0-10.0 um
      from anterior end; first body pore located 16.5-29.0 um from anterior end;
      lateral field originating 47.0-99.0 um from anterior end and expanding into bursa
      like structures along the proximal part of the tail; female without supplements,
      vagina with bacilliform pars refringens, vulva right-subventral; male with 4-5
      tubular and without alveolar supplements, tubular supplements weakly arcuate with
      dentate tips; spicules arcuate and 17.0-26.0 um long. The following
      nomenclatorial changes are proposed: Eutelolaimus donsi Allgen, 1947 is
      transferred to the genus Leptolaimus, as L. donsi (Allgen, 1947) comb. n.;
      Halaphanolaimus cangionensis Gagarin & Nguyen Vu Thanh, 2007 is transferred to
      the genus Leptolaimus, as L. cangionensis (Gagarin & Nguyen Vu Thanh, 2007) comb.
      n.; Halaphanolaimus harpaga Boucher & de Bovee, 1972 is transferred to the genus
      Leptolaimus, as L. harpaga (Boucher & de Bovee, 1972) comb. n.; Halaphanolaimus
      lorenzeni Boucher & de Bovee, 1972 is transferred to the genus Leptolaimus, as L.
      lorenzeni (Boucher & de Bovee, 1972) comb. n.; Halaphanolaimus pellucidus
      Southern, 1914 is transferred to the genus Leptolaimus, as L. pellucidus
      (Southern, 1914) comb. n.; Halaphanolaimus rivalis Gagarin & Nguyen Vu Thanh,
      2007 is transferred to the genus Leptolaimus, as L. rivalis (Gagarin & Nguyen Vu
      Thanh, 2007) comb. n.; Halaphanolaimus marinus Kamran, Nasira & Shahina, 2010 is
      transferred to the genus Leptolaimus as L. marinus (Kamran, Nasira & Shahina,
      2010) comb. n. and considered a junior synonym of Leptolaimus rivalis (Gagarin &
      Nguyen Vu Thanh, 2007) comb. n.; Halaphanolaimus sergeevae Urkmez & Brennan, 2013
      is transferred to the genus Leptolaimus as L. sergeevae (Urkmez & Brennan, 2013)
      comb. n.; Leptolaimus vitielloi nom. nov. is proposed for Leptolaimus minutus
      Vitiello, 1971 nec L. minutus (Schuurmans Stekhoven, 1942) comb. n.; Polylaimium
      exile Cobb, 1920 is transferred to the genus Leptolaimus, as L. exilis (Cobb,
      1920) comb. n. and is considered species inquirendae. A taxonomic review, tabular
      compendium and identification key for species of the genus Leptolaimus are also
      given.  

PMID- 25112881
TI  - An updated host-parasite catalogue of world Dryinidae (Hymenoptera:
      Chrysidoidea).
AB  - An updated host-parasite catalogue of world Dryinidae is presented. The catalogue
      presents 1014 relationships between dryinids and their hosts checked in 84
      countries of the world, including 38 new records. 

PMID- 25112878
TI  - Proline biosynthesis is required for endoplasmic reticulum stress tolerance in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The amino acid proline is uniquely involved in cellular processes that underlie
      stress response in a variety of organisms. Proline is known to minimize protein
      aggregation, but a detailed study of how proline impacts cell survival during
      accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has not been
      performed. To address this we examined in Saccharomyces cerevisiae the effect of
      knocking out the PRO1, PRO2, and PRO3 genes responsible for proline biosynthesis.
      The null mutants pro1, pro2, and pro3 were shown to have increased sensitivity to
      ER stress relative to wild-type cells, which could be restored by proline or the
      corresponding genetic complementation. Of these mutants, pro3 was the most
      sensitive to tunicamycin and was rescued by anaerobic growth conditions or
      reduced thiol reagents. The pro3 mutant cells have higher intracellular reactive
      oxygen species, total glutathione, and a NADP(+)/NADPH ratio than wild-type cells
      under limiting proline conditions. Depletion of proline biosynthesis also
      inhibits the unfolded protein response (UPR) indicating proline protection
      involves the UPR. To more broadly test the role of proline in ER stress,
      increased proline biosynthesis was shown to partially rescue the ER stress
      sensitivity of a hog1 null mutant in which the high osmolality pathway is
      disrupted. 

PMID- 25112882
TI  - Outcomes of infrainguinal revascularizations with endovascular first strategy in
      critical limb ischemia.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was designed to study the outcome of infrainguinal
      revascularization in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) in an institution
      with a preference towards endovascular intervention first in patients with poor
      condition, unfavourable anatomy for surgery, no venous material for bypass, and
      old age. METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted between
      May 2007 and May 2010 in patients presenting with CLI. At baseline, the optimal
      treatment was selected, i.e., endovascular or surgical treatment. In case of
      uncertainty about the preferred treatment, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) was
      consulted. Primary endpoints were quality of life and functional status 6 and 12
      months after initial intervention, assessed by the VascuQol and AMC Linear
      Disability Score questionnaires, respectively. RESULTS: In total, 113 patients
      were included; 86 had an endovascular intervention and 27 had surgery. During
      follow-up, 41 % underwent an additional ipsilateral revascularisation procedure.
      For the total population, and endovascular and surgery subgroups, the VascuQol
      sum scores improved after 6 and 12 months (p < 0.01 for all outcomes) compared
      with baseline. The functional status improved (p = 0.043) after 12 months
      compared with baseline for the total population. Functional status of the surgery
      subgroup improved significantly after 6 (p = 0.031) and 12 (p = 0.044) months,
      but not that of the endovascular subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the strategy of
      performing endovascular treatment first in patients with poor condition,
      unfavourable anatomy for surgery, no venous material for bypass, and old age has
      comparable or even slightly better results compared with the BASIL trial and
      other cohort studies. All vascular groups should discuss whether their treatment
      strategy should be directed at treating CLI patients preferably endovascular
      first and consider implementing an MDT to optimize patient outcomes.

PMID- 25112883
TI  - Chemical renal denervation by vincristine: the role of the flow rate of delivery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Vincristine has been proven promising regarding its safety and efficacy
      for the renal artery denervation both in experimental models and in humans. The
      aim of the study was to compare in an experimental model the efficacy of constant
      versus random flow rate delivery of vincristine on renal sympathetic denervation.
      METHODS: We used 10 juvenile Landrace swine. After the introduction of a 7F
      sheath into the femoral artery, a guide wire was advanced into the distal part of
      the renal artery. Then the first delivery balloon catheter, which delivers
      vincristine in random flow rate, was advanced at the proximal part of the artery,
      and the balloon was inflated in order to locally deliver vincristine to the media
      of the renal artery. The process was repeated in the contralateral renal artery,
      with the use of the double balloon catheter that delivers vincristine with a
      constant flow rate. Euthanasia of the animals was performed at 28 days. All
      sections were processed for histological and immunohistochemical analysis.
      RESULTS: The delivery of vincristine with both catheters was successful and
      uncomplicated. Immunohistochemistry showed that the mean number of intact nerves
      in all sections was significantly lower in the group of vincristine delivered
      with constant flow catheter compared to the group that the delivery was performed
      in a random fashion. (1.48 +/- 0.37 vs. 1.70 +/- 0.41, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION:
      Chemical renal denervation with vincristine by a constant flow rate catheter is
      more effective compared to the denervation performed by a catheter that delivers
      vincristine in a random fashion.

PMID- 25112884
TI  - Neurotensin--regulated miR-133alpha is involved in proinflammatory signalling in
      human colonic epithelial cells and in experimental colitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neurotensin (NT) mediates colonic inflammation through its receptor
      neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1). NT stimulates miR-133alpha expression in colonic
      epithelial cells. We investigated the role of miR-133alpha in NT-associated
      colonic inflammation in vitro and in vivo. DESIGN: miR-133alpha and aftiphilin
      (AFTPH) levels were measured by quantitative PCR. Antisense (as)-miR-133alpha was
      administrated intracolonicaly prior to induction of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene
      sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced
      colitis. The effect of AFTPH was examined by gene silencing in vitro. RESULTS: NT
      increased miR-133alpha levels in NCM-460 overexpressing NTR1 (NCM460-NTR1) and
      HCT-116 cells. NT-induced p38, ERK1/2, c-Jun, and NF-kappaB activation, as well
      as IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1beta messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in NCM-460-NTR1 cells
      were reduced in miR-133alpha-silenced cells, while overexpression of miR-133alpha
      reversed these effects. MiR-133alpha levels were increased in TNBS (2 day) and
      DSS (5 day) colitis, while NTR1 deficient DSS-exposed mice had reduced miR
      133alpha levels, compared to wild-type colitic mice. Intracolonic as-miR-133alpha
      attenuated several parameters of colitis as well expression of proinflammatory
      mediators in the colonic mucosa. In silico search coupled with qPCR identified
      AFTPH as a downstream target of miR-133alpha, while NT decreased AFTPH expression
      in NCM-460-NTR1 colonocytes. Gene silencing of AFTPH enhanced NT-induced
      proinflammatory responses and AFTPH levels were downregulated in experimental
      colitis. Levels of miR-133alpha were significantly upregulated, while AFTPH
      levels were downregulated in colonic biopsies of patients with ulcerative colitis
      compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: NT-associated colitis and inflammatory
      signalling are regulated by miR-133alpha-AFTPH interactions. Targeting of miR
      133alpha or AFTPH may represent a novel therapeutic approach in inflammatory
      bowel disease.

PMID- 25112885
TI  - Interrupted imino-Nazarov cyclization of 1-aminopentadienyl cation and related
      cascade process.
AB  - Facile 4pi conrotatory imino-Nazarov cyclization of a 1-aminopentadienyl cation
      generated from condensation an aldehyde and secondary aniline in the presence of
      a catalytic amount of a Lewis acid has been developed. Silver(I)-catalyzed
      intramolecular arene trapping of the resulting cyclic oxyallyl cation leads to
      formation of tricyclic indoline-fused cyclopentanone. The use of lanthanide salts
      allows transformation after the initial trapping to afford tetrahydroquinoline
      fused cyclopentenone in a concise manner. 

PMID- 25112886
TI  - Hearing and age-related changes in the gray mouse lemur.
AB  - In order to examine auditory thresholds and hearing sensitivity during aging in
      the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), suggested to represent a model for
      early primate evolution and Alzheimer research, we applied brainstem-evoked
      response audiometry (BERA), traditionally used for screening hearing sensitivity
      in human babies. To assess the effect of age, we determined auditory thresholds
      in two age groups of adult mouse lemurs (young adults, 1-5 years; old adults, >=7
      years) using clicks and tone pips. Auditory thresholds indicated frequency
      sensitivity from 800 Hz to almost 50 kHz, covering the species tonal
      communication range with fundamentals from about 8 to 40 kHz. The frequency of
      best hearing at 7.9 kHz was slightly lower than that and coincided with the
      dominant frequencies of communication signals of a predator. Aging shifted
      auditory thresholds in the range between 2 and 50.4 kHz significantly by 12-27
      dB. This mild presbyacusis, expressed in a drop of amplitudes of BERA signals,
      but not discernible in latencies of responses, suggests a metabolic age-related
      decrease potentially combined with an accompanying degeneration of the cochlear
      nerve. Our findings on hearing range of this species support the hypothesis that
      predation was a driving factor for the evolution of hearing in small ancestral
      primates. Likewise, results provide the empirical basis for future approaches
      trying to differentiate peripheral from central factors when studying Alzheimer's
      disease-like pathologies in the aging brain. 

PMID- 25112888
TI  - The Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee.

PMID- 25112887
TI  - [Selective sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer with contralateral axillary
      drainage].

PMID- 25112889
TI  - The appropriate use of neurostimulation of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous
      system for the treatment of chronic pain and ischemic diseases: the
      Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC) of
      the International Neuromodulation Society (INS) evaluated evidence regarding the
      safety and efficacy of neurostimulation to treat chronic pain, chronic critical
      limb ischemia, and refractory angina and recommended appropriate clinical
      applications. METHODS: The NACC used literature reviews, expert opinion, clinical
      experience, and individual research. Authors consulted the Practice Parameters
      for the Use of Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
      (2006), systematic reviews (1984 to 2013), and prospective and randomized
      controlled trials (2005 to 2013) identified through PubMed, EMBASE, and Google
      Scholar. RESULTS: Neurostimulation is relatively safe because of its minimally
      invasive and reversible characteristics. Comparison with medical management is
      difficult, as patients considered for neurostimulation have failed conservative
      management. Unlike alternative therapies, neurostimulation is not associated with
      medication-related side effects and has enduring effect. Device-related
      complications are not uncommon; however, the incidence is becoming less frequent
      as technology progresses and surgical skills improve. Randomized controlled
      studies support the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation in treating failed back
      surgery syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome. Similar studies of
      neurostimulation for peripheral neuropathic pain, postamputation pain,
      postherpetic neuralgia, and other causes of nerve injury are needed.
      International guidelines recommend spinal cord stimulation to treat refractory
      angina; other indications, such as congestive heart failure, are being
      investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate neurostimulation is safe and effective in
      some chronic pain conditions. Technological refinements and clinical evidence
      will continue to expand its use. The NACC seeks to facilitate the efficacy and
      safety of neurostimulation.

PMID- 25112890
TI  - The appropriate use of neurostimulation: stimulation of the intracranial and
      extracranial space and head for chronic pain. Neuromodulation Appropriateness
      Consensus Committee.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The International Neuromodulation Society (INS) has identified a
      need for evaluation and analysis of the practice of neurostimulation of the brain
      and extracranial nerves of the head to treat chronic pain. METHODS: The INS board
      of directors chose an expert panel, the Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus
      Committee (NACC), to evaluate the peer-reviewed literature, current research, and
      clinical experience and to give guidance for the appropriate use of these
      methods. The literature searches involved key word searches in PubMed, EMBASE,
      and Google Scholar dated 1970-2013, which were graded and evaluated by the
      authors. RESULTS: The NACC found that evidence supports extracranial stimulation
      for facial pain, migraine, and scalp pain but is limited for intracranial
      neuromodulation. High cervical spinal cord stimulation is an evolving option for
      facial pain. Intracranial neurostimulation may be an excellent option to treat
      diseases of the nervous system, such as tremor and Parkinson's disease, and in
      the future, potentially Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury, but
      current use of intracranial stimulation for pain should be seen as
      investigational. CONCLUSIONS: The NACC concludes that extracranial nerve
      stimulation should be considered in the algorithmic treatment of migraine and
      other disorders of the head. We should strive to perfect targets outside the
      cranium when treating pain, if at all possible.

PMID- 25112891
TI  - The appropriate use of neurostimulation: avoidance and treatment of complications
      of neurostimulation therapies for the treatment of chronic pain. Neuromodulation
      Appropriateness Consensus Committee.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The International Neuromodulation Society (INS) has determined that
      there is a need for guidance regarding safety and risk reduction for implantable
      neurostimulation devices. The INS convened an international committee of experts
      in the field to explore the evidence and clinical experience regarding safety,
      risks, and steps to risk reduction to improve outcomes. METHODS: The
      Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC) reviewed the world
      literature in English by searching MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar to
      evaluate the evidence for ways to reduce risks of neurostimulation therapies.
      This evidence, obtained from the relevant literature, and clinical experience
      obtained from the convened consensus panel were used to make final
      recommendations on improving safety and reducing risks. RESULTS: The NACC
      determined that the ability to reduce risk associated with the use of
      neurostimulation devices is a valuable goal and possible with best practice. The
      NACC has recommended several practice modifications that will lead to improved
      care. The NACC also sets out the minimum training standards necessary to become
      an implanting physician. CONCLUSIONS: The NACC has identified the possibility of
      improving patient care and safety through practice modification. We recommend
      that all implanting physicians review this guidance and consider adapting their
      practice accordingly.

PMID- 25112893
TI  - Paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with metastatic lymphoepithelioma-like
      carcinoma originating from the thyroid gland.

PMID- 25112892
TI  - The appropriate use of neurostimulation: new and evolving neurostimulation
      therapies and applicable treatment for chronic pain and selected disease states.
      Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The International Neuromodulation Society (INS) has determined that
      there is a need to provide an expert consensus that defines the appropriate use
      of neuromodulation technologies for appropriate patients. The Neuromodulation
      Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC) was formed to give guidance to current
      practice and insight into future developments. METHODS: The INS executive board
      selected members of the international scientific community to analyze scientific
      evidence for current and future innovations and to use clinical experience to
      fill in any gaps in information. The NACC used PubMed and Google Scholar to
      obtain current evidence in the field and used clinical and research experience to
      give a more complete picture of the innovations in the field. RESULTS: The NACC
      has determined that currently approved neurostimulation techniques and
      technologies have expanded our ability to treat patients in a more effective and
      specific fashion. Despite these advances, the NACC has identified several
      additional promising technologies and potential applications for neurostimulation
      that could move this field forward and expand the applicability of
      neuromodulation. CONCLUSIONS: The NACC concludes that the field of
      neurostimulation is an evolving and rapidly changing one that will lead to
      improved patient access, safety, and outcomes.

PMID- 25112894
TI  - The role of postnatal neurogenesis in supporting remote memory and spatial metric
      processing.
AB  - In this study, we determined the contribution of juvenile neurogenesis to the
      performance of mice on a remote memory for temporally based association task and
      in a novelty based spatial pattern separation task. This was accomplished by
      mating homozygous DNMT1-loxP mice with heterozygous GFAP-Cre mice and comparing
      Cre+ (no postnatal neurogenesis) to Cre- (wild type) littermate offspring. The
      results indicate that Cre+ mice are impaired relative to Cre- mice in the remote
      memory for a temporal based association task and in a novelty based spatial
      pattern separation task. These results support the temporal integration model of
      Aimone et al., [(2006) Nat Neurosci 9:723-727] and provide further support for an
      important role for postnatally born neurons in spatial pattern separation. In
      contrast, Cre+ mice are not impaired relative to Cre- mice in an object-context
      recognition task and a spatial location recognition task. These latter data
      suggest that postnatally derived neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) do not support
      all spatial and object recognition functions of the DG.

PMID- 25112895
TI  - Antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of Anthemis palestina
      essential oil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anthemis palestina (Asteraceae) extends across the Mediterranean
      region, southwest Asia and eastern Africa. Although traditionally used for
      several applications, in vitro investigation of biological functions associated
      with Anthemis palestina essential oil had never been reported. METHODS: The air
      dried flowers of Anthemis palestina were subjected to hydrodistillation to yield
      the oil. The antioxidant activity of the hydrodistilled oil was characterized
      using various in vitro model systems such as DPPH, ferric-reducing antioxidant
      power and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Antibacterial activity was tested
      against six bacterial species, representing both Gram positive and Gram negative
      bacteria. Antifungal activity was evaluated using three Candida species. The
      minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each examined microorganism was
      determined using the microdilution method. The oil's antiproliferative effects
      against eight human cancer cell lines were also studied and the lethal doses that
      resulted in 50% reduction of cell viability (LD50) were determined. RESULTS: The
      results indicate that the essential oil of Anthemis palestina exhibited
      substantial antioxidant activities as demonstrated with DPPH, ferric reducing
      antioxidant power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In addition, a broad
      spectrum antibacterial activity of the oil was revealed with better
      susceptibility of Gram positive bacteria towards the oil. The MIC values ranged
      between 6-75 MUg/ml. Besides, the oil demonstrated a moderate inhibitory effect
      on the three Candida species examined; with MIC values ranging between 48-95
      MUg/ml. Potent cytotoxic activities, especially against HeLa cell line; with LD50
      of 32 MUg/ml, BJAB cell line; with LD50 of 57 MUg/ml, and Caco-2 cell line; with
      LD50 of 61 MUg/ml, were observed. CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate high
      potential of Anthemis palestina essential oil as bioactive oil, for nutraceutical
      and medical applications, possessing antioxidant, antimicrobial and
      antiproliferative activities.

PMID- 25112897
TI  - History of corneal transplantation in Australia.
AB  - Corneal transplantation is a triumph of modern ophthalmology. The possibility of
      corneal transplantation was first raised in 1797 but a century passed before Zirm
      achieved the first successful penetrating graft in 1905. Gibson reported the
      first corneal graft in Australia from Brisbane in 1940 and English established
      the first eye bank there a few years later. Corneal transplantation evolved
      steadily over the twentieth century. In the second half of the century,
      developments in microsurgery, including surgical materials such as monofilament
      nylon and strong topical steroid drops, accounted for improvements in outcomes.
      In 2013, approximately 1500 corneal transplants were done in Australia. Eye
      banking has evolved to cope with the rising demands for donor corneas. Australian
      corneal surgeons collaborated to establish and support the Australian Corneal
      Graft Registry in 1985. It follows the outcomes of their surgery and has become
      an important international resource for surgeons seeking further improvement with
      the procedure. 

PMID- 25112898
TI  - Current management of hemophilia B: recommendations, complications and emerging
      issues.
AB  - Hemophilia B is a rare hereditary hemorrhagic disorder characterized by
      deficiency of the clotting factor IX (FIX). Hemophilia B patients experience mild
      to-severe bleeding complications according to the degree of FIX defect. The
      mainstay of treatment of hemophilia B consists of replacement therapy and
      nowadays several plasma-derived and recombinant FIX products are commercially
      available. This article reviews the current management of hemophilia B patients
      analyzing the results of the most important clinical trials. In addition, it will
      focus on the more recent advances in the production of new FIX molecules aimed at
      the improvement of the clinical management of such patients. 

PMID- 25112896
TI  - Sexual selection in true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae): transcriptome and
      experimental evidences for phytochemicals increasing male competitive ability.
AB  - In male tephritid fruit flies of the genus Bactrocera, feeding on secondary plant
      compounds (sensu lato male lures = methyl eugenol, raspberry ketone and
      zingerone) increases male mating success. Ingested male lures alter the male
      pheromonal blend, normally making it more attractive to females and this is
      considered the primary mechanism for the enhanced mating success. However, the
      male lures raspberry ketone and zingerone are known, across a diverse range of
      other organisms, to be involved in increasing energy metabolism. If this also
      occurs in Bactrocera, then this may represent an additional benefit to males as
      courtship is metabolically expensive and lure feeding may increase a fly's short
      term energy. We tested this hypothesis by performing comparative RNA-seq analysis
      between zingerone-fed and unfed males of Bactrocera tryoni. We also carried out
      behavioural assays with zingerone- and cuelure-fed males to test whether they
      became more active. RNA-seq analysis revealed, in zingerone-fed flies, up
      regulation of 3183 genes with homologues transcripts to those known to regulate
      intermale aggression, pheromone synthesis, mating and accessory gland proteins,
      along with significant enrichment of several energy metabolic pathways and gene
      ontology terms. Behavioural assays show significant increases in locomotor
      activity, weight reduction and successful mating after mounting; all
      direct/indirect measures of increased activity. These results suggest that
      feeding on lures leads to complex physiological changes, which result in more
      competitive males. These results do not negate the pheromone effect, but do
      strongly suggest that the phytochemical-induced sexual selection is governed by
      both female preference and male competitive mechanisms.

PMID- 25112899
TI  - "It takes a village": multilevel approaches to recruit African Americans and
      their families for genetic research.
AB  - One barrier to searching for novel mutations in African American families with
      breast cancer is the challenge of effectively recruiting families-affected and
      non-affected relatives-into genetic research studies. Using a community-based
      participatory research (CBPR) orientation, we incorporated several evidence-based
      approaches through an iterative fashion to recruit for a breast cancer genetic
      epidemiology study in African Americans. Our combined methods allowed us to
      successfully recruit 341 African American women (247 with breast cancer and 94
      relatives without breast cancer) from 127 families. Twenty-nine percent of
      participants were recruited through National Witness Project (NWP) sites, 11 %
      came from in-person encounters by NWP members, 34 % from the Love Army of Women,
      24 % from previous epidemiologic studies, and 2 % from a support group. In terms
      of demographics, our varied recruitment methods/sources yielded samples of
      African American women that differ in terms of several sociodemographic factors
      such as education, smoking, and BMI, as well as family size. To successfully
      recruit African American families into epidemiological research, investigators
      should include community members in the recruitment processes, be flexible in the
      adoption of multipronged, iterative methods, and provide clear communication
      strategies about the underlying benefit to potential participants. Our results
      enhance our understanding of potential benefits and challenges associated with
      various recruitment methods. We offer a template for the design of future studies
      and suggest that generalizability may be better achieved by using multipronged
      approaches. 

PMID- 25112900
TI  - Risk factors for mortality in patients with bloodstream infections caused by
      carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: clinical impact of bacterial
      virulence and strains on outcome.
AB  - The incidence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) bacteremia
      has increased in recent years, and infections caused by CRPA result in higher
      mortality than those caused by susceptible strains. This study was performed to
      evaluate the risk factors for mortality and to study the impact of virulence
      factors and bacterial strains on clinical outcomes in patients with CRPA
      bacteremia. Data on 63 episodes of CRPA bacteremia that have occurred between
      January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009, in a teaching hospital (2000 beds) in
      Seoul, Korea, were analyzed. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation
      II (APACHE II) score at the time of CRPA bacteremia and the capacity of CRPA to
      form biofilm were independent predictive factors for mortality in patients with
      CRPA bacteremia. In addition, the biofilm-forming ability and elastase activity
      of strains were correlated with APACHE II scores to measure the severity of
      disease and estimate predicted mortality in the patients. 

PMID- 25112901
TI  - Real-time Leishmania genus master mix: a platform compatibility and stability
      study.
AB  - Performing diagnostics and vector-pathogen surveillance in austere environments
      is challenging. On-site diagnostic/detection mitigates vector-borne disease
      complications during military or humanitarian deployments to disease endemic
      locals. The mobile molecular diagnostic platform, Joint Biological Agent
      Identification and Diagnostic System (JBAIDS; BioFire Diagnostics Inc., Salt Lake
      City, UT, USA), rapidly identifies biothreat pathogens. Although ideal for remote
      diagnostics, the platform was validated for specific pathogens of insignificant
      epidemiological consequence. Recognizing the JBAIDS's remote diagnostic/detection
      versatility, we tested a Leishmania genus real-time PCR master mix validated for
      use on the SmartCycler(r) (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) for concomitant use on
      the JBAIDS. We evaluated assay sensitivity, precision, and specificity of one or
      more Leishmania spp. on the JBAIDS and found that the JBAIDS produces superior
      detection sensitivity and specificity compared to the SmartCycler(r). We also
      examined the storage stability of a bulk lot preparation of the Leishmania genus
      real-time PCR master mix on the SmartCycler(r) to ensure that long periods of
      frozen storage that would translate to a field environment with the JBAIDS were
      not detrimental to the reagent. We found that the bulk master mix maintains its
      stability over a 13-month time period. Overall, these studies confirm JBAIDS's
      versatility and demonstrate a streamlined assay development approach where
      reagents are compatible with both platforms. 

PMID- 25112903
TI  - Polymorphism in NFKBIA gene is associated with recurrent acute rejections in
      liver transplant recipients.
AB  - The nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer B-cells inhibitor
      alpha (NFKBIA) gene encodes a member of the nuclear factor-kappa-B inhibitor
      family. Polymorphisms in this gene might be associated with a susceptibility to
      acute rejection episodes following liver transplantation, as they may cause an
      increased activation level of the proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear
      factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells (NFkappaB). The aim of
      this study was to evaluate whether the NFKBIA polymorphisms -297 C/T (rs2233409),
      -826 C/T (rs2233406) and 126 G/A (rs696) affect the incidence of acute liver
      graft rejection. A total of 199 liver transplant recipients was analyzed, 100
      without (NAR) and 99 with early acute rejection (AR). Thirty-two individuals with
      multiple acute rejections (MAR) were analyzed as a subgroup of AR. Polymerase
      chain reaction-allele specific restriction enzyme analysis (PCR-ASRA) and allele
      specific hybridization with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) were
      used for genotyping. We identified the genotype NFKBIA 126 AA (P = 0.002) as well
      as the haplotype NFKBIA-126A-297T-826T (P = 0.002) as a potential risk factor for
      the occurrence of recurrent acute rejections. Furthermore, we assessed an
      association between the 126 A allele and susceptibility to recurrent acute
      rejections (P = 0.027). Our data suggest that the NFKBIA 126 G/A polymorphism
      might be potentially helpful to identify liver transplant recipients with an
      increased susceptibility to develop recurrent acute rejections.

PMID- 25112902
TI  - Carotid intima media thickness and other cardiovascular risk factors in children
      with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are at increased risk
      for cardiovascular disease due to many factors. The aim of this study is to
      investigate the presence of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and subclinical
      atherosclerosis as indicated by carotid intima media thickness in children with
      congenital adrenal hyperplasia. METHODS: Thirty-two children with congenital
      adrenal hyperplasia (3-17 years) were compared with 32 healthy controls. All
      underwent anthropometric evaluation, measurement of fasting lipids, glucose,
      insulin, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), homeostasis model assessment for
      insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). RESULTS:
      Fasting glucose, glucose at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min during OGTT were
      significantly higher in patients. HOMA-IR was also significantly higher in
      patients (p = 0.036). Patients had significantly higher CIMT (p = 0.003), and
      higher systolic blood pressure. (p = 0.04). No significant difference existed in
      lipid profile. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures correlated with
      treatment duration (p = 0.002, p = 0.043, respectively). CONCLUSION: Children
      with CAH are at increased risk of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, early
      atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. Screening of these patients at an
      early age is recommended.

PMID- 25112905
TI  - Canadian connective tissue society meeting schedule.

PMID- 25112904
TI  - Purification of Chitinase enzymes from Bacillus subtilis bacteria TV-125,
      investigation of kinetic properties and antifungal activity against Fusarium
      culmorum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chitin is the main structural component of cell walls of fungi,
      exoskeletons of insects and other arthropods and shells of crustaceans. Chitinase
      enzyme is capable of degrading chitin, and this enzyme can be used as a
      biological fungicide against phytopathogenic fungi, as well as an insecticide
      against insect pests. METHODS: In this study, 158 isolates, which were derived
      from bacteria cultures isolated from leaves and root rhizospheres of certain
      plants in Turkey, were selected after confirming that they are not
      phytopathogenic based on the hypersensitivity test performed on tobacco; and
      antifungal activity test was performed against Fusarium culmorum, which is a
      pathogenic fungi that cause decomposition of roots of vegetables. Accordingly,
      chitinase enzyme activity assay was performed on 31 isolates that have an
      antifungal activity, and among them the isolate of Bacillus subtilis TV-125 was
      selected, which has demonstrated the highest activity. RESULTS: Chitinase enzyme
      was purified by using ammonium sulphate and DEAE-sephadex ion exchange
      chromatography. Ammonium sulphate precipitation of chitinase enzyme from Bacillus
      subtilis TV-125 isolate was performed at maximum range of 0-20%, and 28.4-fold
      purification was obtained with a 13.4% of yield. Optimum activity of the purified
      enzyme was observed at pH 4.0 and at 50 degrees C of temperature. In addition, it
      was identified that Bacillus subtilis TV-125A isolate retains 42% of its activity
      at 80 degrees C temperature. CONCLUSION: In the last phase of the study,
      chitinase enzyme purified from Bacillus subtilis TV-125A was tested on four
      fungal agents, although all the results were positive, it was particularly
      effective on F. culmorum according to the findings.

PMID- 25112906
TI  - Reactions of atomic hydrogen with formic acid and carbon monoxide in solid
      parahydrogen I: Anomalous effect of temperature.
AB  - Low-temperature condensed phase reactions of atomic hydrogen with closed-shell
      molecules have been studied in rare gas matrices as a way to generate unstable
      chemical intermediates and to study tunneling-driven chemistry. Although
      parahydrogen (pH2) matrix isolation spectroscopy allows these reactions to be
      studied equally well, little is known about the analogous reactions conducted in
      a pH2 matrix host. In this study, we present Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
      spectroscopic studies of the 193 nm photoinduced chemistry of formic acid (HCOOH)
      isolated in a pH2 matrix over the 1.7 to 4.3 K temperature range. Upon short-term
      irradiation the HCOOH readily undergoes photolysis to yield CO, CO2, HOCO, HCO
      and H atoms. Furthermore, after photolysis at 1.9 K tunneling reactions between
      migrating H atoms and trapped HCOOH and CO continue to produce HOCO and HCO,
      respectively. A series of postphotolysis kinetic experiments at 1.9 K with
      varying photolysis conditions and initial HCOOH concentrations show the growth of
      HOCO consistently follows single exponential (k = 4.9(7)x10(-3) min(-1)) growth
      kinetics. The HCO growth kinetics is more complex displaying single exponential
      growth under certain conditions, but also biexponential growth at elevated CO
      concentrations and longer photolysis exposures. By varying the temperature after
      photolysis, we show the H atom reaction kinetics qualitatively change at ~2.7 K;
      the reaction that produces HOCO stops at higher temperatures and is only observed
      at low temperature. We rationalize these results using a kinetic mechanism that
      involves formation of an H...HCOOH prereactive complex. This study clearly
      identifies anomalous temperature effects in the reaction kinetics of H atoms with
      HCOOH and CO in solid pH2 that deserve further study and await full quantitative
      theoretical modeling. 

PMID- 25112907
TI  - Restoration of the interfacial properties of lung surfactant with a newly
      designed hydrocarbon/fluorocarbon lipid.
AB  - Serum proteins, especially fibrinogen, inactivate the lung surfactant mixture by
      adsorbing quickly and irreversibly to the alveolar air/aqueous interface. As a
      consequence of the inactivation, the surfactant becomes dysfunctional, and
      respiration cannot be maintained properly. Preventing the adsorption of surface
      active serum proteins to the air/water interface is important because this
      phenomenon causes fatal diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome
      (ARDS). Although some treatments exist, improvements in synthetic surfactants
      that can resist this inactivation are still expected. In this context, a novel
      ion pair lipid (IPL, CF3(CF2)7SO3(-)(CH2CH3)3N(+)(CH2OCH2)10(CH2)15CH3) has been
      designed and synthesized. This surfactant reduces the inhibitory effect of
      fibrinogen by selectively interacting with DPPC (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine)
      and mimicking some of the interfacial properties of the pulmonary surfactant
      protein B (SP-B). Surface pressure-area isotherms and fluorescence microscopy
      images demonstrate that IPL can mix and interact synergistically with DPPC due to
      its unique molecular structure. Hysteresis behaviors of the monolayers, which are
      composed of mixtures of DPPC and IPL at different molar ratios, indicate that
      with increasing amounts of IPL, the lipid losses from the interface induced by
      the presence of fibrinogen significantly decrease. It is also found that IPL is
      able to adsorb to monolayers formed in the presence of fibrinogen, whereas
      fibrinogen cannot penetrate the monolayers formed in the presence of IPL. These
      results indicate that by mimicking some of the interfacial properties of SP-B,
      this novel hybrid molecule is promising in terms of preventing fibrinogen
      adsorption and therefore resisting surfactant inactivation. 

PMID- 25112909
TI  - Effect of hygroscopicity of the metal salt on the formation and air stability of
      lyotropic liquid crystalline mesophases in hydrated salt-surfactant systems.
AB  - It is known that alkali, transition metal and lanthanide salts can form lyotropic
      liquid crystalline (LLC) mesophases with non-ionic surfactants (such as
      CiH2i+1(OCH2CH2)jOH, denoted as CiEj). Here we combine several salt systems and
      show that the percent deliquescence relative humidity (%DRH) value of a salt is
      the determining parameter in the formation and stability of the mesophases and
      that the other parameters are secondary and less significant. Accordingly, salts
      can be divided into 3 categories: Type I salts (such as LiCl, LiBr, LiI, LiNO3,
      LiClO4, CaCl2, Ca(NO3)2, MgCl2, and some transition metal nitrates) have low %DRH
      and form stable salt-surfactant LLC mesophases in the presence of a small amount
      of water, type II salts (such as some sodium and potassium salts) that are
      moderately hygroscopic form disordered stable mesophases, and type III salts that
      have high %DRH values, do not form stable LLC mesophases and leach out salt
      crystals. To illustrate this effect, a large group of salts from alkali and
      alkaline earth metals were investigated using XRD, POM, FTIR, and Raman
      techniques. Among the different salts investigated in this study, the LiX (where
      X is Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), NO3(-), and ClO4(-)) and CaX2 (X is Cl(-), and NO3(-))
      salts were more prone to establish LLC mesophases because of their lower %DRH
      values. The phase behavior with respect to concentration, stability, and thermal
      behavior of Li(I) systems were investigated further. It is seen that the phase
      transitions among different anions in the Li(I) systems follow the Hofmeister
      series. 

PMID- 25112908
TI  - Relationships between molecular mobility, fibrillogenesis of collagen molecules,
      and the inflammatory response: an experimental study in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - This study was designed to investigate the in vitro adsorption and
      fibrillogenesis of collagen on a surface with dynamic properties and to
      investigate how this surface affected the inflammatory response in vivo.
      Investigation of collagen-surface interactions is directly related to the control
      of wound healing where collagen adsorption, fibrillization, deposition, and
      maturation occur. ABA-type block copolymers, composed of polyrotaxane (which
      possesses alpha-cyclodextrin threaded along poly(ethylene glycol)) and
      hydrophobic terminal segments, were used to prepare mobile surfaces with
      representative dynamic properties. Analyses using a quartz crystal microbalance
      with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) indicated that increasing the mobility of the
      polymer on the surface led to the formation of a soft collagen layer. The
      collagens in this layer had rearranged, leading to the formation of thicker
      collagen fibrils by lateral aggregation. When a surface with a high molecular
      mobility was subcutaneously implanted into rats, collagen rearrangement occurred
      leading to suppression of macrophage recruitment at the interface and the
      formation of a fibrotic capsule around the implant. These results suggest that
      surface mobility on an implant is an important parameter for normal wound
      healing. 

PMID- 25112910
TI  - Plasmonic response of DNA-assembled gold nanorods: effect of DNA linker length,
      temperature and linker/nanoparticles ratio.
AB  - Optical properties of gold nanorod (AuNR) particles self-assembled with DNA are
      systematically investigated. The particles assembly is driven by specific base
      pair recognition between single strand (ss) DNA linker and DNA anchored to AuNRs,
      and it results in the distance- and morphology-dependent plasmonic coupling of
      AuNRs. The longitudinal plasmon band is distinctly affected by tuning the length
      of DNA linker, the temperature and linker/AuNRs ratio. We observed that the
      increase of temperature enhances the interparticle interactions and leads to
      clear distinguishable plasmonic signals between linker lengths up to 100 bases.
      Both absorbance decrease and shift of the longitudinal plasmon allow for use of
      AuNR for the DNA sensing applications. 

PMID- 25112911
TI  - Fabrication of mesoporous TiO2 membranes by a nanoparticle-modified polymeric sol
      process.
AB  - A straightforward synthesis of crack-free mesoporous titania membrane on a
      macroporous support without intermediate layers by a nanoparticle-modified
      polymeric sol-gel process is reported. TiO2 nanoparticle (Degussa P25) was
      dispersed into the prepared sol to toughen the formed gel. This helped to avoid
      the cracking of membrane during the drying and early stage of sintering,
      particularly when the sol-gel transformation occurred on a substrate with an
      uneven surface. The results of X-ray diffraction and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller
      analyses show that the nanoparticle doping did not significantly affect the
      particle size of TiO2 nanocrystals; however, it slightly broadened the pore size
      distribution because it has a larger particle size compared to the prepared
      materials. The sols with and without P25 nanoparticle were subsequently dip
      coated on a support with average pore size of 150nm, thus formed a mesoporous
      membrane layer after drying and sintering processes. An integrated, crack-free
      mesoporous TiO2 membrane layer was obtained by this method, while the membrane
      prepared with the original sol developed a few cracks. Further, the filtration
      experiment showed that the prepared membrane had a high flux, and the membrane
      with nanoparticle modification delivered better separation performance by
      rejection of dextran. 

PMID- 25112913
TI  - Removal of oil from oil-in-saltwater emulsions by adsorption onto nano-alumina
      functionalized with petroleum vacuum residue.
AB  - Formation water from oilfields is one of the major environmental issues related
      to the oil industry. This research investigated oil adsorption onto nanoparticles
      of hydrophobic alumina and alumina nanoparticles functionalized with a petroleum
      vacuum residue (VR) at 2 and 4wt% to reduce the amount of oil in oil-saltwater
      emulsions at different pH values (5, 7 and 9). The initial concentration of crude
      oil in water ranged from 100 to 500mg/L. The change in oil concentration after
      adsorption was determined using a UV-vis spectrophotometer. The results indicated
      that all of the systems performed more effectively at a pH of 7 and using Al/4VR
      material. The oil adsorption was higher for neutral and acid systems compared
      with basic ones, and it was improved by increasing the amount of VR on the
      surface of the alumina. Additionally, the amount of NaCl adsorbed onto
      nanoparticles was estimated for different mixtures. The adsorption equilibrium
      and kinetics were evaluated using the Dubinin-Astakhov model, the Brunauer-Emmet
      Teller model, and pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order models, with a better
      fitting to the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller model and pseudo-second-order model. 

PMID- 25112912
TI  - Structural characterization and electrocatalytic application of hemoglobin
      immobilized in layered double hydroxides modified with hydroxyl functionalized
      ionic liquid.
AB  - Hemoglobin (Hb) was immobilized in Zn2Al-Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) modified
      with Hydroxyl Functionalized Ionic Liquid (HFIL) through adsorption and
      coprecipitation method, respectively. Adsorption experiments showed that the
      presence of HFIL could enhance the maximum protein loading. However, the Hb
      loading through coprecipitation technique was far higher than that for
      adsorption. The role of HFIL on the interaction between Hb and LDH was
      investigated by XRD, FTIR, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. Although the
      quaternary structure of Hb entrapped in HFIL-LDH through coprecipitation
      technique (denoted as HFIL-LDH-Hbcop) might be altered slightly more than that in
      LDH (LDH-Hbcop), its secondary structure and redox-active heme groups kept
      intact. Morphologies of LDH-Hbcop and HFIL-LDH-Hbcop biohybrids were analyzed
      through SEM and TEM images. The direct electrochemistry of the immobilized Hb
      indicated that the coprecipitation bioelectrode performed better than that of the
      corresponding adsorption one. Regardless of adsorption and coprecipitation, the
      introduction of HFIL could distinctly promote the electron transport. Among all
      bioelectrodes, HFIL-LDH-Hbcop/GCE displayed the best electrocatalytic activity
      for H2O2 determination with a larger electroactive Hb percentage (6.76%), higher
      sensitivity (40.63A/Mcm(2)) and lower detection limit (0.0054MUmol/L). So HFIL
      LDH could effectively immobilize enzymes via coprecipitation technique, which had
      potential applications in the fabrication of electrochemical biosensors. 

PMID- 25112914
TI  - Synthesis of magnetic core/shell carbon nanosphere supported manganese catalysts
      for oxidation of organics in water by peroxymonosulfate.
AB  - Magnetic separation is more cost-effective than conventional separation processes
      in heterogeneous catalysis, especially for ultrafine nanoparticles. Magnetic
      core/shell nanospheres (MCS, Fe3O4/carbon) were synthesized by a hydrothermal
      method and their supported manganese oxide nanoparticles (Mn/MCS) were obtained
      by redox reactions between MCS and potassium permanganate at a low temperature.
      The materials were analyzed by a variety of characterization techniques such as
      powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy
      (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and N2
      adsorption/desorption. The Mn/MCS catalysts were able to effectively activate
      Oxone(r) for phenol degradation in aqueous solutions. Nitrogen treated MCS
      supported Mn achieved 100% conversion within 120min. Kinetic studies showed that
      phenol degradation over supported Mn catalysts follows the first order kinetics.
      It was also found that the catalysts can be easily separated from the aqueous
      solutions by an external magnetic field. The Oxone(r) activation mechanism by
      Mn/MCS catalysts was discussed and sulfate radicals were suggested to be the
      primary reactive species generated from peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for phenol
      catalytic oxidation. 

PMID- 25112915
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, and cellular uptake of magnetic nanocarriers for
      cancer drug delivery.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: The absence of targetability is the primary inadequacy of
      conventional chemotherapy. Targeted drug delivery systems are conceptualized to
      overcome this challenge. We have designed a targetable magnetic nanocarrier
      consisting of a superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) core and biocompatible and
      biodegradable poly(sebacic anhydride)-block-methyl ether poly(ethylene glycol)
      (PSA-mPEG) polymer shell. The idea is that this type of carriers should
      facilitate the targeting of cancer cells. EXPERIMENTS: PSA-mPEG was synthesized
      with poly-condensation and the in vitro degradation rate of the polymer was
      monitored by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The magnetic nanocarriers were
      fabricated devoid of any surfactants and were capable of carrying high payload of
      hydrophobic dye. The successful encapsulation of SPIO within the polymer shell
      was confirmed by TEM. The results we obtained from measuring the size of SPIO
      loaded in polymeric NPs (SPIO-PNP) by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and iron
      content measurement of these particles by ICP-MS, indicate that SPIO is the most
      suitable carrier for cancer drug delivery applications. FINDINGS: Measuring the
      hydrodynamic radii of SPIO-PNPs by DLS over one month revealed the high stability
      of these particles at both body and room temperature. We further investigated the
      cell viability and cellular uptake of SPIO-PNPs in vitro with MDA-MB-231 breast
      cancer cells. We found that SPIO-PNPs induce negligible toxicity within a
      concentration range of 1-2MUg/ml. The TEM micrographs of thin cross-sectioned MDA
      MBA-231 cells showed internalization of SPIO-PNPs within size range of 150-200nm
      after 24h. This study has provided a foundation for eventually loading these
      nanoparticles with anti-cancer drugs for targeted cancer therapy using an
      external magnetic field.

PMID- 25112916
TI  - Self-assembly of flagellin on Au(111) surfaces.
AB  - The adsorption of flagellin monomers from Pseudomonas fluorescens on Au(111) has
      been studied by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
      (STM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR),
      and electrochemical techniques. Results show that flagellin monomers
      spontaneously self-assemble forming a monolayer thick protein film bounded to the
      Au surface by the more hydrophobic subunit and exposed to the environment the
      hydrophilic subunit. The films are conductive and allow allocation of
      electrochemically active cytochrome C. The self-assembled films could be used as
      biological platforms to build 3D complex molecular structures on planar metal
      surfaces and to functionalize metal nanoparticles. 

PMID- 25112918
TI  - Ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for detection of DNA from Bacillus
      subtilis by coupling target-induced strand displacement and nicking endonuclease
      signal amplification.
AB  - A simple, ultrasensitive, and specific electrochemical biosensor was designed to
      determine the given DNA sequence of Bacillus subtilis by coupling target-induced
      strand displacement and nicking endonuclease signal amplification. The target DNA
      (TD, the DNA sequence from the hypervarient region of 16S rDNA of Bacillus
      subtilis) could be detected by the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in a
      range from 0.1 fM to 20 fM with the detection limit down to 0.08 fM at the
      3s(blank) level. This electrochemical biosensor exhibits high distinction ability
      to single-base mismatch, double-bases mismatch, and noncomplementary DNA
      sequence, which may be expected to detect single-base mismatch and single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Moreover, the applicability of the designed
      biosensor for detecting the given DNA sequence from Bacillus subtilis was
      investigated. The result obtained by electrochemical method is approximately
      consistent with that by a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      detecting system (QPCR) with SYBR Green.

PMID- 25112917
TI  - Chars from gasification of coal and pine activated with K2CO3: acetaminophen and
      caffeine adsorption from aqueous solutions.
AB  - The high carbon contents and low toxicity levels of chars from coal and pine
      gasification provide an incentive to consider their use as precursors of porous
      carbons obtained by chemical activation with K2CO3. Given the chars
      characteristics, previous demineralization and thermal treatments were made, but
      no improvement on the solids properties was observed. The highest porosity
      development was obtained with the biomass derived char (Pi). This char sample
      produced porous materials with preparation yields near 50% along with high
      porosity development (ABET~1500m(2)g(-1)). For calcinations at 800 degrees C, the
      control of the experimental conditions allowed the preparation of samples with a
      micropore system formed almost exclusively by larger micropores. A mesopore
      network was developed only for samples calcined at 900 degrees C. Kinetic and
      equilibrium acetaminophen and caffeine adsorption data, showed that the processes
      obey to a pseudo-second order kinetic equation and to the Langmuir model,
      respectively. The results of sample Pi/1:3/800/2 outperformed those of the
      commercial carbons. Acetaminophen adsorption process was ruled by the micropore
      size distribution of the carbons. The caffeine monolayer capacities suggest a
      very efficient packing of this molecule in samples presenting monomodal micropore
      size distribution. The surface chemistry seems to be the determinant factor that
      controls the affinity of caffeine towards the carbons. 

PMID- 25112919
TI  - HOMA-IR and the risk of hyperuricemia: a prospective study in non-diabetic
      Japanese men.
AB  - AIMS: To examine the relation of insulin resistant status determined by
      homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) with the risk of
      incident hyperuricemia. METHODS: The study participants included 2071 Japanese
      men without hyperuricemia and diabetes, aged 35-54 years. The participants had
      undergone annual heath examinations for 6 years to compare incident hyperuricemia
      (serum uric acid >416.4MUmol/L (7.0mg/dL) and/or taking medication for
      hyperuricemia) in four groups based on quartiles of baseline HOMA-IR. RESULTS:
      During follow-up there were 331 incident cases of hyperuricemia. The hazard
      ratios for hyperuricemia, compared with HOMA-IR <=0.66, were 1.42 (95% confidence
      interval 1.02-1.98) for HOMA-IR 0.67-0.98, 1.20 (0.86-1.68) for HOMA-IR 0.99-1.49
      and 1.44 (1.04-1.98) for HOMA-IR >=1.50 after adjustment for baseline serum uric
      acid, creatinine, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension status, age, alcohol
      intake, and smoking and exercise habits. The hazard ratio associated with an
      increase of one standard deviation in lnHOMA-IR (1.85 as one geometric standard
      deviation of HOMA-IR) was 1.14 (1.03-1.28) (p for trend=0.02). CONCLUSIONS:
      Increased HOMA-IR independently predicted the subsequent development of
      hyperuricemia. Insulin resistance itself or compensatory hyperinsulinemia may
      contribute to the development of hyperuricemia.

PMID- 25112920
TI  - TRB3, up-regulated in kidneys of rats with type1 diabetes, mediates extracellular
      matrix accumulation in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - AIMS: Fibrosis is the final disorder of most chronic kidney disease including
      diabetic nephropathy (DN), but the mechanisms are not fully understood. The
      present study aims to determine whether TRB3 participates in fibrogenesis in DN.
      METHODS: Type1 diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats via intraperitoneal
      injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The expression of TRB3 and extracellular
      matrix (ECM) protein collagen I and fibronectin was investigated in kidneys of
      rats with diabetes and NRK-52E cells (a rat proximal tubular cell line)
      stimulated with albumin-overload. Rats without diabetes and NRK-52E cells without
      albumin stimulation served as control. Then gene silencing was used to study
      whether TRB3 participated in accumulation of collagen I and fibronectin in vivo
      and in vitro. RESULTS: TRB3 is up-regulated in renal tubules of kidneys of rats
      with diabetes, especially proximal tubules. Albumin-overload can augments TRB3
      expression and increase collagen I and fibronectin secretion in NRK-52E cells.
      Importantly, silencing of TRB3 alleviates collagen I and fibronectin accumulation
      in kidneys of rats with diabetes and NRK-52E cells induced by albumin-overload.
      CONCLUSIONS: TRB3 mediates ECM accumulation in kidneys of rats with STZ-induced
      type1 diabetes and proximal tubular cells induced by albumin-overload, suggesting
      a potential target for treatment of DN.

PMID- 25112922
TI  - Instant coffee consumption may be associated with higher risk of metabolic
      syndrome in Korean adults.
AB  - AIMS: Cumulative evidence suggests that coffee consumption may have beneficial
      effects on metabolic diseases; however, few previous studies have considered the
      types of coffee consumed and the additives used. We investigated the relationship
      between coffee consumption and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and its components.
      METHODS: We analyzed 17,953 Korean adults, aged 19-65 years, using cross
      sectional data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      (KNHANES, 2007-2011). Coffee consumption level, types of coffee consumed, and the
      additives used were assessed based on a food frequency questionnaire and 24-h
      recall. Demographic and lifestyle factors were assessed using self-administered
      questionnaires. Data on metabolic biomarkers were obtained from a health
      examination. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the odds
      ratios of prevalent metabolic syndrome and its components according to frequency
      and type of coffee consumption. RESULTS: We found that 76% of the subjects were
      habitual coffee drinkers, most of whom consumed instant coffee mix containing
      sugar and powder creamer. After multivariable adjustment, the odds ratios (95%
      CI) comparing those who consumed coffee >=3 times/day with those who consumed
      coffee <1 time/week were 1.37 (1.15-1.63) for obesity, 1.33 (1.11-1.59) for
      abdominal obesity, 1.28 (1.09-1.51) for hypo-HDL cholesterolemia, and 1.37 (1.10
      1.72) for metabolic syndrome. Instant-coffee drinkers were observed to have
      elevated risks of these metabolic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of coffee,
      particularly instant coffee mix, may have harmful effects on MetSyn, perhaps
      partly deriving from excessive intake of sugar and powder creamer.

PMID- 25112921
TI  - Prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes among workers: Japan Epidemiology
      Collaboration on Occupational Health Study.
AB  - AIMS: Few studies have examined the prevalence of diabetes using glycated
      hemoglobin (HbA1c), a newly recommended diagnostic test. We examined the
      prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes using both HbA1c and fasting plasma
      glucose (FPG) and their associations with risk factors for type 2 diabetes in a
      large-scale Japanese working population. METHODS: Participants were 47,172 men
      and 8280 women aged 20-69 years who received periodic health checkup in nine
      companies which participated in the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on
      Occupational Health study. Participants were categorized into diabetes
      (HbA1c>=6.5% (>=48mmol/mol), FPG>=126mg/dl (>=7.0mmol/L), or medication for
      diabetes), pre-diabetes (HbA1c 6.0-6.4% (42-46mmol/mol) or FPG 110-125mg/dl (6.1
      6.9mmol/L) among those without diabetes), and normal glucose regulation. RESULTS:
      The prevalence of diabetes was 8.0% and 3.3% in men and women, respectively. Of
      individuals with diabetes, approximately 80% were defined by HbA1c>=6.5%
      (>=48mmol/mol) criterion. The prevalence of pre-diabetes was 14.1% in men and
      9.2% in women. Prevalence of these glucose abnormalities increased with advancing
      age, especially during mid-40s and 50s. Higher body mass index and waist
      circumference, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and current smoking were each
      associated with higher prevalence of diabetes in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS:
      Using HbA1c and FPG criteria or current medication, one in 13 men and one in 30
      women had diabetes in the present Japanese working population. Interventions
      targeted for those in an early stage of impaired glucose metabolism would be
      required to prevent diabetes.

PMID- 25112923
TI  - Illness beliefs predict self-care behaviours in patients with diabetic foot
      ulcers: a prospective study.
AB  - AIMS: Patients' illness beliefs are known to be influential determinants of self
      care behaviours in many chronic conditions. In a prospective observational study
      we examined their role in predicting foot self-care behaviours in patients with
      diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: Patients (n=169) were recruited from outpatient
      podiatry clinics. Clinical and demographic factors, illness beliefs and foot self
      care behaviours were assessed as baseline (week 0). Foot self-care behaviours
      were assessed again 6, 12 and 24 weeks later. Linear regressions examined the
      contribution of beliefs at baseline to subsequent foot self-care behaviours,
      controlling for past behaviour (i.e., foot self-care at baseline) and clinical
      and demographic factors that may affect foot self-care (i.e., age and ulcer
      size). RESULTS: Our models accounted for between 42 and 58% of the variance in
      foot self-care behaviours. Even after controlling for past foot-care behaviours,
      age and ulcer size; patients' beliefs regarding the symptoms associated with
      ulceration, their understanding of ulceration and their perceived personal
      control over ulceration emerged as independent determinants of foot self-care.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients' beliefs are important determinants of foot-care practices.
      They may, therefore, also be influential in determining ulcer outcomes.
      Interventions aimed at modifying illness beliefs may offer a means for promoting
      self-care and improving ulcer outcomes.

PMID- 25112924
TI  - The effect of six weeks endurance training on dynamic muscular control of the
      knee following fatiguing exercise.
AB  - The aim of the study was to examine whether six weeks of endurance training
      minimizes the effects of fatigue on postural control during dynamic postural
      perturbations. Eighteen healthy volunteers were assigned to either a 6-week
      progressive endurance training program on a cycle ergometer or a control group.
      At week 0 and 7, dynamic exercise was performed on an ergometer until exhaustion
      and immediately after, the anterior-posterior centre of pressure (COP) sway was
      analyzed during full body perturbations. Maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of
      the knee flexors and extensors, muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) of the
      vastus lateralis and medialis during sustained isometric knee extension
      contractions, and power output were measured. Following the training protocol,
      maximum knee extensor and flexor force and power output increased significantly
      for the training group with no changes observed for the control group. Moreover,
      the reduction of MFCV due to fatigue changed for the training group only (from
      8.6% to 3.4%). At baseline, the fatiguing exercise induced an increase in the
      centre of pressure sway during the perturbations in both groups (>10%). The
      fatiguing protocol also impaired postural control in the control group when
      measured at week 7. However, for the training group, sway was not altered after
      the fatiguing exercise when assessed at week 7. In summary, six weeks of
      endurance training delayed the onset of muscle fatigue and improved the ability
      to control balance in response to postural perturbations in the presence of
      muscle fatigue. Results implicate that endurance training should be included in
      any injury prevention program. 

PMID- 25112925
TI  - Mental health lived experience academics in tertiary education: the views of
      nurse academics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Australian national mental health strategy emphasises inclusion of
      people diagnosed with mental illness in all areas of mental health care, policy
      development and education of health professionals. However, the way this
      inclusion has translated to Australian universities is relatively unexplored.
      OBJECTIVES: Explore views of nurse academics regarding service user involvement
      in nursing education programmes. DESIGN: Qualitative exploratory. SETTINGS:
      Australian universities offering educational programmes in nursing at
      postgraduate and undergraduate levels. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty four participants
      from 27 Australian universities participated. METHODS: Data were collected using
      semi-structured telephone interviews with academics involved in teaching and/or
      coordinating undergraduate and/or postgraduate mental health nursing contents.
      Data were analysed using content analysis based on four cognitive processes:
      comprehending, synthesising, theorising and re-contextualising data. RESULTS:
      Four major themes emerged: good idea? long way to go; conceptualising the service
      user academic role; strengths of lived experience led student learning; and
      barriers to implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated strong support for
      including mental health service users in teaching nursing students. However, at
      most universities service user engagement was often an informal arrangement,
      lacking clear guidelines and limited by financial barriers and the positioning of
      mental health nursing within curricula.

PMID- 25112926
TI  - Does a volume reduction of the parietal lobe contribute to freezing of gait in
      Parkinson's disease?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Freezing of gait (FOG) is as a brief, episodic absence or marked
      reduction of forward progression of the feet despite the intention to walk.
      Structural neuroimaging studies on FOG in PD using volumetric techniques yielded
      variable and partially conflicting findings, probably reflecting the
      heterogeneity and complexity of the phenomenon. The aim of this study was to
      further explore the differences in local gray matter (GM) volume in patients with
      PD with and without FOG by using Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We enrolled 26 patients (7 women and 19 men) with a diagnosis of PD in
      stable treatment with dopaminergic therapy. Thirteen patients classified as FOG+
      were matched with thirteen non-freezer (FOG-) PD patients. All 26 participants
      underwent a detailed neuropsychological assessment as well as a VBM analysis
      derived from T1 weighted 3T MRI. RESULTS: The patient groups did not
      significantly differ for age, disease duration, H&Y stage, UPDRS part-III or
      educational attainment. No significant differences of cognitive profile emerged.
      PD-FOG+ patients showed a pattern of relative GM atrophy in left posterior
      parietal gyrus compared with PD-FOG-. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that a
      specific pattern of cortical volume reduction involving posterior parietal cortex
      contributes to the occurrence of FOG in PD. These data agree with the growing
      body of evidence considering the parietal posterior cortex as an associative area
      involved in spatial control of motor behavior, par-taking in response selection
      to sensory evaluation.

PMID- 25112927
TI  - Wilate use in 47 children with von Willebrand disease: the North London
      paediatric haemophilia network experience.
AB  - Children with von Willebrand disease (VWD) in whom DDAVP is ineffective or
      contraindicated require treatment with a coagulation factor concentrate
      containing von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII). The aim of this
      study was to monitor the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Wilate((r)) (a
      VWF:FVIII concentrate with a 1:1 ratio) used across the North London Paediatric
      Haemophilia Network since May 2010. In total, 47 children (aged 0.0-17.0 years)
      with type 1 (n = 28), type 2 (n = 7), type 3 (n = 10) and acquired VWS (n = 2)
      have been treated for bleeds, surgery and/or prophylaxis using 260 000 IU
      Wilate((r)). Analysis of dose and frequency of treatment show expected responses
      to treatment with mean doses of 55, 50 and 50 IU kg(-1) for bleeds, surgery and
      prophylaxis respectively. Most bleeds responded to a single treatment. Surgical
      procedures were covered with clinician approved dosing schedules with 95% (39/41)
      reported as having excellent or good efficacy. There was no accumulation of FVIII
      or VWF and no thromboembolic events. This case series confirms the efficacy,
      safety and tolerability of Wilate((r)) in neonates, children and adolescents when
      used on-demand, prophylactically and in the surgical setting.

PMID- 25112928
TI  - Propensity score-matched analysis of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage I non-small
      cell lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to reevaluate the role of adjuvant
      chemotherapy for patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
      METHODS: Data from 800 patients with completely resected pathologic stage I NSCLC
      who received adjuvant chemotherapy (n=191) and those who did not (n=609) were
      analyzed retrospectively and propensity score-matched pairs were determined.
      RESULTS: Although recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were
      not significantly different between patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy
      and those who did not in the univariate analyses, multivariate Cox analyses
      demonstrated that adjuvant chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor for
      RFS and OS (P=.008 and P=.009, respectively). In 159 propensity score-matched
      pairs, including variables such as age, gender, smoking history, comorbidity,
      postoperative complication, histology, size of the invasive component of the
      tumor, and status of lymphatic, vascular, and pleural invasion, RFS and OS were
      considerably better in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy (5-year RFS
      rate, 79.8%; 5-year OS rate, 89.3%) than in those who did not (5-year RFS rate,
      60.2%; 5-year OS rate, 75.2%). Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy showed
      significantly better RFS than those who did not in the group with an invasive
      component larger than 2 cm (5-year RFS rate, 74.4% vs 55.2%; P=.015) or in those
      with positive lymphatic invasion (5-year RFS rate, 63.3% vs 44.8%; P=.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant chemotherapy is effective for patients with stage I NSCLC,
      particularly those with an invasive component larger than 2 cm or those with
      lymphatic invasion.

PMID- 25112929
TI  - The impact of arterial cannulation strategy on operative outcomes in aortic
      surgery: evidence from a comprehensive meta-analysis of comparative studies on
      4476 patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: There is a growing perception that peripheral cannulation through the
      femoral artery, by reversing the flow in the thoracoabdominal aorta, may increase
      the risk of retrograde brain embolization in aortic surgery. Central cannulation
      sites, including the right axillary artery, have been reported to improve
      operative outcomes by allowing antegrade blood flow. However, peripheral
      cannulation still remains largely used because a consensus for the routine use of
      central cannulation approaches has not been reached. METHODS: A meta-analysis of
      comparative studies reporting operative outcomes using central cannulation versus
      peripheral cannulation was performed. Pooled weighted incidence rates for end
      points of interest were obtained using an inverse variance model. RESULTS: A
      total of 4476 patients were included in the final analysis. Central cannulation
      was used in 2797 patients, and peripheral cannulation was used in 1679 patients.
      Central cannulation showed a protective effect on in-hospital mortality (risk
      ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.7; P < .001) and permanent
      neurologic deficit (risk ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.90; P =
      .005) when compared with peripheral cannulation. A trend toward an increased
      benefit in terms of reduced in-hospital mortality was observed when only the
      right axillary artery was used as the central cannulation approach (risk ratio,
      0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.55; P < .001; I(2) = 0%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Central cannulation was superior to peripheral cannulation in reducing in
      hospital mortality and the incidence of permanent neurologic deficit. This
      superiority was particularly evident when the axillary artery was used for
      central cannulation.

PMID- 25112930
TI  - Long-term results of aggressive hemiarch replacement in 534 patients with type A
      aortic dissection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present the outcomes of routinely performed hemiarch replacement in
      patients with acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: From 1993 to 2013, among
      629 patients with acute type A dissection, 534 patients (85%) underwent hemiarch,
      63 patients (10%) underwent hemiarch and antegrade thoracic stent grafting, 26
      patients (4%) underwent total arch, and 6 patients (1%) underwent isolated
      ascending replacement. Patients with hemiarch replacement comprised the study
      population. Median follow-up was 4.1 years (first quartile, 1.9; third quartile,
      7.8) (2462 patient years). RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 12% (66 out of 534
      patients). Survival was 80% +/- 2%, 68% +/- 3%, and 51% +/- 3%, and 84% +/- 3%,
      65% +/- 4%, and 41% +/- 6% in DeBakey type I and II patients at 1, 5, and 10
      years, respectively (log rank P = .375). Freedom from distal aortic
      reintervention was 97% +/- 1%, 90% +/- 2%, and 85% +/- 3% and 99% +/- 1%, 97% +/-
      2%, and 90% +/- 5% in DeBakey type I and II patients at 1, 5, and 10 years,
      respectively (log rank P = .046). Seven patients (1.3%) required reintervention
      for aortic arch aneurysm and 25 patients (5%) required reintervention for
      descending aortopathy. The success rate for distal reintervention performed
      electively or urgently was 92% (24 out of 26 patients). Marfan syndrome (odds
      ratio, 3.43; P = .046) and DeBakey type I dissection (odds ratio, 2.49; P = .048)
      were independent predictors of distal aortic reintervention. CONCLUSIONS:
      Aggressive hemiarch replacement in acute type A dissection can be performed with
      low mortality and low aortic arch reoperation rate. Resection of all dissected
      aortic wall tissue decreases, but does not eliminate, the risk of later adverse
      aortic events.

PMID- 25112932
TI  - Synergistic protein secretion by mesenchymal stromal cells seeded in 3D scaffolds
      and circulating leukocytes in physiological flow.
AB  - Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) play an important role in natural wound healing
      via paracrine and juxtacrine signaling to immune cells. The aim of this study was
      to identify the signaling factors secreted by preseeded cells in a biomaterial
      and their interaction with circulating leukocytes, in the presence of
      physiological biomechanical stimuli exerted by the hemodynamic environment (i.e.
      strain and shear flow). Electrospun poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-based scaffolds
      were seeded with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or MSC. Protein
      secretion was analyzed under static conditions and cyclic strain. Subsequently,
      the cross-talk between preseeded cells and circulating leukocytes was addressed
      by exposing the scaffolds to a suspension of PBMC in static transwells and in
      pulsatile flow. Our results revealed that PBMC exposed to the scaffold
      consistently secreted a cocktail of immunomodulatory proteins under all
      conditions tested. Preseeded MSC, on the other hand, secreted the trophic factors
      MCP-1, VEGF and bFGF. Furthermore, we observed a synergistic upregulation of
      CXCL12 gene expression and a synergistic increase in bFGF protein production by
      preseeded MSC exposed to PBMC in pulsatile flow. These findings identify CXCL12
      and bFGF as valuable targets for the development of safe and effective acellular
      instructive grafts for application in in situ cardiovascular regenerative
      therapies. 

PMID- 25112931
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis and evolutionary origins of DNA polymerase X-family
      members.
AB  - Mammalian DNA polymerase (pol) beta is the founding member of a large group of
      DNA polymerases now termed the X-family. DNA polymerase beta has been
      kinetically, structurally, and biologically well characterized and can serve as a
      phylogenetic reference. Accordingly, we have performed a phylogenetic analysis to
      understand the relationship between pol beta and other members of the X-family of
      DNA polymerases. The bacterial X-family DNA polymerases, Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      pol IV, and four mammalian X-family polymerases appear to be directly related.
      These enzymes originated from an ancient common ancestor characterized in two
      Bacillus species. Understanding distinct functions for each of the X-family
      polymerases, evolving from a common bacterial ancestor is of significant interest
      in light of the specialized roles of these enzymes in DNA metabolism. 

PMID- 25112933
TI  - In vivo assessment of guided neural stem cell differentiation in growth factor
      immobilized chitosan-based hydrogel scaffolds.
AB  - In this study, we demonstrate that a unique growth factor-biomaterial system can
      offer spatial control of growth factors with sustained signaling to guide the
      specific lineage commitment of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in vivo.
      First, recombinant fusion proteins incorporating an N-terminal biotin tag and
      interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), platelet derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), or
      bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) were immobilized to a methacrylamide chitosan
      (MAC) based biopolymer via a streptavidin linker to specify NSPC differentiation
      into neurons, oligodendrocytes, or astrocytes, respectively. MAC was mixed with
      growth factors (immobilized or adsorbed), acrylated laminin, NSPCs, and
      crosslinked within chitosan conduits. This system mimics regenerative aspects of
      the central nervous system ECM, which is largely composed of a crosslinked
      polysaccharide matrix with cell-adhesive regions, and adds the new functionality
      of protein sequestration. We demonstrated that these growth factors are
      maintained at functionally significant levels for 28 d in vitro. In the main
      study, immobilized treatments were compared to absorbed and control treatments
      after 28 d in vivo (rat subcutaneous). Masson's Trichrome staining revealed that
      small collagen capsules formed around the chitosan conduits with an average
      acceptable thickness of 153.07 +/- 6.02 MUm for all groups. ED-1 staining showed
      mild macrophage clustering around the outside of chitosan conduits in all
      treatments with no macrophage invasion into hydrogel portions. Importantly, NSPC
      differentiation staining demonstrated that immobilized growth factors induced the
      majority of cells to differentiate into the desired cell types as compared with
      adsorbed growth factor treatments and controls by day 28. Interestingly,
      immobilized IFN-gamma resulted in neural rosette-like arrangements and even
      structures resembling neural tubes, suggesting this treatment can lead to guided
      dedifferentiation and subsequent neurulation. 

PMID- 25112934
TI  - X-ray CT guided fault-free photothermal ablation of metastatic lymph nodes with
      ultrafine HER-2 targeting W18O49 nanoparticles.
AB  - Designing high accuracy in the diagnosing and fault-freely eliminating lymphatic
      metastasis of breast malignancy, to avoid the invasiveness and complications
      caused by traditional assays, is of great therapeutic importance. To this end,
      theranostic W18O49 nanoparticles targeting to human epidermal growth receptor 2
      (HER-2) over-expressed breast malignancy were synthesized via polyol method. By
      taking advantage of their high X-ray attenuating and photothermotherapy potency,
      lymph nodes in the mice bearing HER-2 positive metastasis could be clearly
      distinguished under CT guidance and selectively eliminated by laser ablation. The
      therapeutic efficacy was further confirmed by the significantly extended survival
      period. These finding evidenced the potential of these nanoparticles for imaging
      guided photothermal ablation of HER-2 positive breast malignancy. 

PMID- 25112936
TI  - Tissue engineering of electrically responsive tissues using polyaniline based
      polymers: a review.
AB  - Conducting polymers have found numerous applications as biomaterial components
      serving to effectively deliver electrical signals from an external source to the
      seeded cells. Several cell types including cardiomyocytes, neurons, and
      osteoblasts respond to electrical signals by improving their functional outcomes.
      Although a wide variety of conducting polymers are available, polyaniline (PANI)
      has emerged as a popular choice due to its attractive properties such as ease of
      synthesis, tunable conductivity, environmental stability, and biocompatibility.
      PANI in its pure form has exhibited biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo,
      and has been combined with a host of biodegradable polymers to form composites
      having a range of mechanical, electrical, and surface properties. Moreover,
      recent studies in literature report on the functionalization of polyaniline
      oligomers with end segments that make it biodegradable and improve its
      biocompatibility, two properties which make these materials highly desirable for
      applications in tissue engineering. This review will discuss the features and
      properties of PANI based composites that make them effective biomaterials, and it
      provides a comprehensive summary of studies where the use of PANI as a
      biomaterial component has enhanced cellular function and behavior. We also
      discuss recent studies utilizing functionalized PANI oligomers, and conclude that
      electroactive PANI and its derivatives show great promise in eliciting favorable
      responses from various cell lines that respond to electrical stimuli, and are
      therefore effective biomaterials for the engineering of electrically responsive
      biological tissues and organs. 

PMID- 25112935
TI  - Multi-layered nanoparticles for combination gene and drug delivery to tumors.
AB  - Drug resistance and toxicity are major obstacles in cancer chemotherapy.
      Combination therapies can overcome resistance, and synergies can minimize dosing.
      Polymer nanocarriers are interesting vehicles for cancer therapeutics for their
      delivery and tumor targeting abilities. We synthesized a multi-layered polymer
      nanoparticle (MLNP), comprising of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) with surface
      polyethyleneimine and functional peptides, for targeted drug and gene delivery.
      We confirmed the particle's ability to inhibit tumor growth through synergistic
      action of the drug and gene product. MLNPs achieved transfection levels similar
      to lipofectamine, while maintaining minimal cytotoxicity. The particles delivered
      camptothecin (CPT), and plasmid encoding TNF related apoptosis inducing ligand
      (pTRAIL) (CT MLNPs), and synergistically inhibited growth of multiple cancer
      cells in vitro. The synergy of co-delivering CPT and pTRAIL via CT MLNPs was
      confirmed using the Chou-Talalay method: the combination index (CI) values at 50%
      inhibition ranged between 0.31 and 0.53 for all cell lines. Further, co-delivery
      with MLNPs resulted in a 3.1-15 fold reduction in CPT and 4.7-8.0 fold reduction
      in pTRAIL dosing. CT MLNPs obtained significant HCT116 growth inhibition in vivo
      compared to monotherapy. These results support our hypothesis that MLNPs can
      deliver both small molecules and genetic agents towards synergistically
      inhibiting tumor growth.

PMID- 25112937
TI  - In vitro and in vivo anti-biofilm effects of silver nanoparticles immobilized on
      titanium.
AB  - Prevention of periprosthetic infection (PPI) by inhibiting biofilm formation on
      prostheses is crucial to orthopedic surgery. In this work, silver nanoparticles
      (Ag NPs) are fabricated in situ and immobilized on titanium by silver plasma
      immersion ion implantation (PIII). The anti-biofilm activity rendered by the
      immobilized Ag NPs is assessed using Staphylococcus epidermidis, a biofilm
      producing strain, in vitro and in vivo. The immobilized Ag NPs show no apparent
      cytotoxicity but reduce biofilm formation in vitro by inhibiting bacteria
      adhesion and icaAD transcription. The immobilized Ag NPs offer a good defense
      against multiple cycles of bacteria attack in vitro, and the mechanism is
      independent of silver release. Radiographic assessment, microbiological cultures,
      and histopathological results demonstrate the ability of the functionalized
      surface against bacterial infection to reduce the risk of implant-associated PPI.

PMID- 25112938
TI  - Synergistic effect of amino acids modified on dendrimer surface in gene delivery.
AB  - Design of an efficient gene vector based on dendrimer remains a great challenge
      due to the presence of multiple barriers in gene delivery. Single
      functionalization on dendrimer cannot overcome all the barriers. In this study,
      we synthesized a list of single-, dual- and triple-functionalized dendrimers with
      arginine, phenylalanine and histidine for gene delivery using a one-pot approach.
      The three amino acids play different roles in gene delivery: arginine is
      essential in formation of stable complexes, phenylalanine improves cellular
      uptake efficacy, and histidine increases pH-buffering capacity and minimizes
      cytotoxicity of the cationic dendrimer. A combination of these amino acids on
      dendrimer generates a synergistic effect in gene delivery. The dual- and triple
      functionalized dendrimers show minimal cytotoxicity on the transfected NIH 3T3
      cells. Using this combination strategy, we can obtain triple-functionalized
      dendrimers with comparable transfection efficacy to several commercial
      transfection reagents. Such a combination strategy should be applicable to the
      design of efficient and biocompatible gene vectors for gene delivery. 

PMID- 25112941
TI  - Relationship between cervical sagittal alignment and quality of life in
      ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Little information is available on the relationship between cervical
      sagittal alignment and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in ankylosing
      spondylitis (AS) patients. The aim of this study was to identify relationships
      between cervical sagittal alignment and HRQOL in AS. METHODS: The study and
      control groups comprised 102 AS patients (15 women and 87 men) and age- and sex
      matched 50 controls, respectively. All underwent anteroposterior and lateral
      radiographs and completed clinical questionnaires. The radiographic parameters
      examined were C2-C7 lordosis, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope and T1
      slope minus C2-C7 lordosis (TS-CL). A visual analogue scale (VAS 0-10) score for
      neck pain, the neck disability index (NDI), neck pain and disability (NPAD) scale
      and bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) were administered
      to evaluate QOL. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the
      significances of differences between the study and control groups. In addition,
      correlations between radiological parameters and clinical questionnaires were
      sought. RESULTS: AS patients and controls were found to be different
      significantly in terms of C2-C7 SVA, T1 slope, and TS-CL. However, no significant
      intergroup difference was observed for C2-C7 lordosis (P > 0.05). Correlation
      analysis revealed significant relationships between radiographic parameters and
      QOL. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of QOL,
      and the results obtained revealed that C2-C7 SVA significantly predicted VAS,
      NDI, and NPAD scores and that age predicted NPAD score. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical
      sagittal parameters were found to be significantly different in AS patients and
      normal controls. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between
      radiographic parameters and QOL. In particular, C2-C7 SVA was found to be a
      significant predictor of QOL in AS patient.

PMID- 25112942
TI  - Atypical C2 fracture treated by posterior atlantoaxial fusion according to
      Goel/Harms.

PMID- 25112943
TI  - Functional connectivity in rat brain at 200 MUm resolution.
AB  - The somatosensory functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) response to
      electrical stimulation of the middle phalange of the second digit of four rats at
      a spatial resolution of 200 MUm cubic at 9.4 T is reported. At high threshold
      (p<0.002), activated voxels encompass a penetrating vein that passes across the
      gray matter. These voxels lie mostly in three contiguous slices perpendicular to
      the pial surface. This activation is assigned to the representation in the
      forepaw barrel subfield (FBS) of a single cortical column of this phalange. In
      addition, the activation of the indusium griseum (IG) is visualized robustly.
      Voxels revealed by fMRI were used to observe functional connectivity to other
      voxels of the sensorimotor cortex using fcMRI. Results of this experiment were
      analyzed as a function of decreasing threshold, which exhibited spreading
      connectivity that revealed S2, M1/M2, and contralateral S1. Noting that every
      cubic millimeter of tissue contains 125 voxels, connectivity patterns are
      complex. It is hypothesized that they reflect connections within gray matter by
      association fibers. S2 and IG revealed connectivities with many voxels across the
      sensorimotor cortex. These regions also showed subregional variation of
      connectivity. A 1-cm-diameter surface coil with a local low-noise RF amplifier
      was used in these studies. The usual region of sensitivity (ROS) of such a coil
      is 1 cm diameter by 0.5 cm depth. Significant connectivity was observed between
      time courses of voxels that were within the ROS and voxels that were outside,
      which extends the volume of tissue that can be observed by the methods of this
      article.

PMID- 25112944
TI  - Client and key worker ratings of need in first-episode psychosis early
      intervention programmes.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to fill a gap in the literature by examining
      agreement on need as rated by clients and their key workers from first-episode
      psychosis early intervention programmes. Compared with adult populations and more
      chronic courses of illness, these clients may have unique needs given the onset
      of their illness in adolescence or early adulthood. METHODS: Needs agreement
      between clients and key workers was assessed using the Camberwell Assessment of
      Need in a sample of 188 client-key worker pairs recruited from six early
      intervention programmes in Ontario, Canada. Ratings were assessed with percentage
      agreement and prevalence-adjusted Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: At the aggregate level,
      both clients and key workers rated a mean of 2.6 unmet needs. Compared with other
      diagnoses, key workers rated significantly more unmet need in clients with
      primary psychotic disorders. Agreement between individual client and key worker
      ratings was highest (adjusted kappa > 0.85) in the domains of telephone, risk to
      others, child care and accommodation. Lowest agreement (adjusted kappa < 0.4) was
      found in the domains of psychological distress, sexual expression, company,
      daytime activities and intimate relationships. CONCLUSIONS: While congruence is
      present in concrete domains, there is substantial variability in how clients and
      their key workers perceive need in more personal areas. The initial focus of care
      may necessarily be on needs such as shelter, food and treatment; however,
      subsequent care should incorporate a shared assessment of need to support strong
      relationships with providers and ongoing engagement in treatment.

PMID- 25112945
TI  - Vitamin B deficiencies in a critically ill autistic child with a restricted diet.
AB  - An 11-year-old male with autism became less responsive and was hospitalized with
      hepatomegaly and liver dysfunction, as well as severe lactic acidosis. His diet
      for several years was self-limited exclusively to a single "fast food"-a
      particular type of fried chicken-and was deficient in multiple micronutrients,
      including the B vitamins thiamine and pyridoxine. Lactic acidosis improved
      rapidly with thiamine; 2 weeks later, status epilepticus-with low serum
      pyridoxine-resolved rapidly with pyridoxine. Dietary B vitamin deficiencies
      complicated the care of this critically ill autistic child and should be
      considered in this setting. 

PMID- 25112946
TI  - The personality of emergency nurses: is it unique?
AB  - BACKGROUND: With ever increasing demands on emergency services it is necessary to
      consider how to enhance the recruitment and retention of emergency nurses in
      public hospitals. Personality is known to influence occupational choice, yet
      there is a lack of research exploring how personality may influence the workforce
      decisions of emergency nurses. METHODS: A standardised personality test
      instrument, the NEOTM-PI-3, was used in a survey design inclusive of demographic
      questions to measure personality characteristics. Data were collected from 72
      emergency nurses working at an Australian Emergency Department between July and
      October 2012. The personality scores of emergency nurses were compared against
      general population norms in each of five personality domains and their 30
      associated facets. RESULTS: Participants scored higher than population norms in
      the domains of Extraversion (p < .001), Openness to experience (p < .001) and
      Agreeableness (p = .001), and in twelve facets, including excitement-seeking (p <
      .001) and competence (p = .003). CONCLUSION: The personality profile of this
      sample of emergency nurses is different to the population norm. Assessment of
      personality and knowledge of its influence on specialty selection may assist in
      improving retention and recruitment in emergency nursing.

PMID- 25112947
TI  - The emergency department prediction of disposition (EPOD) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency departments (ED) continue to evolve models of care and
      streaming as interventions to tackle the effects of access block and
      overcrowding. Tertiary ED may be able to design patient-flow based on predicted
      dispositions in the department. Segregating discharge-stream patients may help
      develop patient-flows within the department, which is less affected by
      availability of beds in a hospital. We aim to determine if triage nurses and ED
      doctors can predict disposition outcomes early in the patient journey and thus
      lead to successful streaming of patients in the ED. METHODS: During this study,
      triage nurses and ED doctors anonymously predicted disposition outcomes for
      patients presenting to triage after their brief assessments. Patient disposition
      at the 24-h post ED presentation was considered as the actual outcome and
      compared against predicted outcomes. RESULTS: Triage nurses were able to predict
      actual discharges of 445 patients out of 490 patients with a positive predictive
      value (PPV) of 90.8% (95% CI 87.8-93.2%). ED registrars were able to predict
      actual discharges of 85 patients out of 93 patients with PPV of 91.4% (95% CI
      83.3-95.9%). ED consultants were able to predict actual discharges of 111
      patients out of 118 patients with PPV 94.1% (95% CI 87.7-97.4%). PPVs for
      admission among ED consultants, ED registrars and Triage nurses were 59.7%, 54.4%
      and 48.5% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Triage nurses, ED consultants and ED
      registrars are able to predict a patient's discharge disposition at triage with
      high levels of confidence. Triage nurses, ED consultants, and ED registrars can
      predict patients who are likely to be admitted with equal ability. This data may
      be used to develop specific admission and discharge streams based on early
      decision-making in EDs by triage nurses, ED registrars or ED consultants.

PMID- 25112950
TI  - [Gender-specific aspects of coronary heart disease].
AB  - The total number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is greater for
      women than for men, although the mean age at manifestation of CVD is about 10
      years older. However, the annual number of cases treated for CVD in acute
      hospital settings in men exceeds that of women by 50 %. Remarkable gender
      differences exist in terms of morphological and physiological conditions (e.g.
      mean coronary vessel diameter; ability to adapt to protective exercise-induced
      myocardial hypertrophy), as well as of the frequency and clinical significance of
      somatic risk factors (e.g. smoking). Female body weight increases after menopause
      and the body shape assumes a more android fat distribution. Women report higher
      levels of unspecific and affective symptoms. They suffer more from anxiety and
      depression than men; however, the secondary impact on CVD onset may be less
      pronounced. The post-acute CVD course is more complicated in women, mainly
      because they are older and suffer more from multi-morbidity. Whilst male CVD
      patients aim for a rapid recovery, physical fitness and an increased life
      expectancy, female patients seek relief from everyday challenges, the maintenance
      of their independence and emotional support. 

PMID- 25112951
TI  - [Health and gender].

PMID- 25112948
TI  - Association of lifestyle habits and academic achievement in Norwegian
      adolescents: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While healthy lifestyle habits are generally assumed to be important
      for high academic achievement, there has been little research on this topic among
      adolescents. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the associations
      between several lifestyle habits and academic achievement in adolescent girls and
      boys. METHODS: The study included 2,432 Norwegian adolescents, 15-17 years old. A
      self-report questionnaire was used to assess dietary-, physical activity-,
      smoking- and snuffing habits and academic achievement. Logistic regression models
      were adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and parental education. RESULTS: In both
      girls and boys, high academic achievement was associated with a regular
      consumption of breakfast (AOR: 3.30 (2.45-4.45) and AOR: 1.76 (1.32-2.34),
      respectively) and lunch (AOR: 1.44 (1.08-1.93) and AOR: 1.43 (1.09-1.89),
      respectively), and in boys, with a regular consumption of dinner (AOR: 1.44 (1.16
      1.79)) and a regular meal pattern in general (AOR: 1.50 (1.10 - 2.03)). In both
      girls and boys, high academic achievement was associated with a high intake of
      fruit and berries (AOR: 2.09 (1.51-2.88) and AOR: 1.47 (1.04-2.07),
      respectively), and in girls, with a high intake of vegetables (AOR: 1.82 (1.30
      2.53)). In both girls and boys, high academic achievement was associated with a
      high leisure time physical activity level (AOR: 1.51 (1.10-2.08) and AOR: 1.39
      (1.05-1.85), respectively) and use of active commuting (AOR: 1.51 (1.10-2.08) and
      AOR: 1.72 (1.26-2.35), respectively). In both girls and boys, high academic
      achievement was associated with a low intake of lemonade (AOR: 0.42 (0.27-0.64)
      and AOR: 0.67 (0.48-0.94), respectively), and in girls, with a low intake of
      sugar-sweetened soft drinks (AOR: 0.47 (0.35- 0.64)) and salty snacks (AOR: 0.63
      (0.47-0.85)). Lastly, high academic achievement was inversely associated with
      smoking and snuffing in both girls (AOR: 0.18 (0.12-0.25) and AOR: 0.25 (0.17
      0.37), respectively) and boys (AOR: 0.37 (0.25-0.54) and AOR: 0.51 (0.36-0.72),
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A regular meal pattern, an intake of healthy food
      items and being physically active were all associated with increased odds of high
      academic achievement, whereas the intake of unhealthy food and beverages, smoking
      cigarettes and snuffing were associated with decreased odds of high academic
      achievement in Norwegian adolescents.

PMID- 25112952
TI  - [The EDQM Biological Standardisation Programme for the development of methods and
      reference preparations].
AB  - The Biological Standardisation Programme (BSP) of the European Directorate for
      the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) was founded in 1992 with the
      objective to provide the necessary tools for the quality controls prescribed by
      the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). The BSP accomplishes this task by
      establishing reference standards and materials, as well as standardised control
      methods. A key aspect of BSP's work on development of methods is the validation
      of methods which can replace Ph. Eur. tests involving animals. The current area
      of work includes vaccines (for human and animal use), medicines produced from
      human plasma, hormones, cytokines, allergens, as well as reference materials and
      methods for determination of impurities and contaminations. BSP closely
      collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and national authorities;
      many reference standards are established in joint projects with WHO. Participants
      of studies for establishing of reference materials and methods are mainly
      national control laboratories and manufacturers. BSP has to date run 131
      projects, whereby 121 reference materials were established. Method development
      was the objective of 38 projects, with 21 thereof aiming at replacement of animal
      tests. BSP is funded by the EDQM (Council of Europe) and by the European
      Commission. With its activities BSP makes a significant contribution to quality,
      safety and efficacy of biological medicinal products in Europe and beyond, and
      serves thereby health and well-being of human beings and animals. 

PMID- 25112953
TI  - 2'-Deoxyuridine conjugated with a reactive monobenzocyclooctyne as a DNA building
      block for copper-free click-type postsynthetic modification of DNA.
AB  - The carboxymethylmonobenzocyclooctyne group attached to the 5-position of a 2'
      deoxyuridine in DNA allows rapid and efficient copper-free postsynthetic
      modification as demonstrated with a far-red emitting fluorescent azide probe.
      Upon labeling strong fluorescence intensity enhancement is observed. 

PMID- 25112954
TI  - Prevalence of macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin resistance among
      staphylococci in a tertiary care hospital in Athens, Greece.
AB  - The aims of the present study were to evaluate erythromycin, clindamycin, and
      streptogramin resistance rates, as well as the phenotypic and genotypic
      characteristics of erythromycin-resistant staphylococci in a Greek University
      Hospital. Macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B-type resistance was
      investigated by double disk diffusion and the D-zone testing, while Minimal
      inhibitory concentration determination was performed among 656 erythromycin
      resistant staphylococcal clinical consecutive isolates, too. The presence of the
      major genetic determinants ermA, ermB, ermC, and msrA were detected by polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR). The overall erythromycin resistance rate was 49.70%. One
      hundred and forty-six of the 322 Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin-resistant
      S. aureus (MRSA) (45.34%), whereas 176 were methicillin-susceptible S. aureus
      (54.66%). The macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramin B-type antibiotics
      (MLSB)-constitutive phenotype was detected in 126 S. aureus strains (88.7%),
      whereas the inducible MLSB resistance phenotype was demonstrated in 16 S. aureus
      (11.3%). The MS phenotype was not detected. ErmC was the most frequently
      encountered gene responsible for macrolide resistance among S. aureus and
      coagulase negative staphylococci in this hospital. Pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis of SmaI DNA fragments revealed the presence of a
      single predominant clone among erythromycin-resistant S. aureus. The predominance
      of constitutive erythromycin resistance is a serious problem and limits the use
      of clindamycin for severe staphylococcal infections not only in this university
      hospital, but in many countries worldwide.

PMID- 25112955
TI  - mecA-positive methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates in
      Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
AB  - Forty-four mecA-positive and eight mecA-negative Staphylococcus aureus isolates
      confirmed by PCR were further tested by disc-diffusion (DD) oxacillin and
      cefoxitin, oxacillin Epsilon (E)-test, and oxacillin and cefoxitin minimal
      inhibitory concentration (MIC) Strip methicillin-resistant phenotype in S. aureus
      (MRSA) tests. Among 44 mecA-positive S. aureus isolates, two (4.5%) were detected
      as MRSA by DD-oxacillin, 17 (38.6%) by DD-cefoxitin test, and seven (15.9%) by
      the E-test. In the cefoxitin MIC Strip MRSA test, 19 (43.2%) isolates were
      resistant. In the oxacillin MIC Strip MRSA test, 18 (40.9%) isolates were
      resistant and 26 (59.1%) were sensitive, i.e. oxacillin-sensitive MRSA (OS-MRSA)
      (MIC range 0.25-<=0.25 mg/l). Fifteen out of 26 OS-MRSA (57.7%) belonged to spa
      CC 355/595, 78% of which belonged to the largest PFGE clone. Some discrepancies
      between the phenotypic methods for MRSA identification obtained in this study
      were caused by large proportion of OS-MRSA. Misidentification of OS-MRSA as MSSA
      might result in an appearance of highly resistant MRSA in patients treated with
      beta-lactam antibiotics.

PMID- 25112956
TI  - Exome sequencing identifies frequent mutation of MLL2 in non-small cell lung
      carcinoma from Chinese patients.
AB  - Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with an
      estimated 1.4 million deaths each year. Here we report whole-exome sequencing of
      nine tumor/normal tissue pairs from Chinese patients with non-small cell lung
      carcinoma (NSCLC). This allows us to identify a number of significantly mutated
      genes in NSCLC, which were highly enriched in DNA damage repair, NF-kappaB
      pathway, JAK/STAT signaling and chromatin modification. Notably, we identify a
      histone-lysine methyltransferase gene, namely, MLL2, as one of the most
      significantly mutated genes in our screen. In a following validation study, we
      identify deleterious mutations of MLL2 in 12 out of 105 (11.4%) NSCLC patients.
      Additionally, reduced or lost expression of MLL2 was commonly observed in tumor
      tissues as compared with paired adjacent non-tumor tissues regardless of mutation
      status. Together, our study defines the landscape of somatic mutations in Chinese
      NSCLC and supports the role of MLL2 mutation in the pathogenesis of the disease. 

PMID- 25112957
TI  - Emergent severe acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by adenovirus type 55
      in immunocompetent adults in 2013: a prospective observational study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Since 2008, severe cases of emerging human adenovirus type 55 (HAdV
      55) in immunocompetent adults have been reported sporadically in China. The
      clinical features and outcomes of the most critically ill patients with severe
      acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by HAdV-55 requiring invasive
      mechanical ventilation (IMV) and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
      are lacking. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-center observational
      study of pneumonia with ARDS in immunocompetent adults admitted to our
      respiratory ICU. We prospectively collected and analyzed clinical, laboratory,
      radiological characteristics, sequential tests of viral load in respiratory tract
      and blood, treatments and outcomes. RESULTS: The results for a total of five
      consecutive patients with severe ARDS with confirmed HAdV-55 infection were
      included. All five patients were immunocompetent young men with a median age of
      32 years. The mean time from onset to dyspnea was 5 days. Arterial blood gas
      analysis at ICU admission revealed profound hypoxia. Mean partial oxygen
      pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen was 58.1. Mean durations from onset to a
      single-lobe consolidation shown on chest X-rays (CXRs) and, from the first
      positive CXR to bilateral multilobar lung infiltrates, were 2 days and 4.8 days,
      respectively. The viral load was higher than 1 * 108 copies in three patients and
      was 1 * 104 in one patient. It was negative in the only patient who survived. The
      mean duration for noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) failure and
      IMV failure were 30.8 hours and 6.2 days, respectively. Four patients received
      venovenous ECMO. Four (80%) of the five patients died despite receiving
      appropriate respiratory support. CONCLUSIONS: HAdV-55 may cause severe ARDS in
      immunocompetent young men. Persistent high fever, dyspnea and rapid progression
      to respiratory failure within 2 weeks, together with bilateral consolidations and
      infiltrates, are the most frequent clinical manifestations of HAdV-55-induced
      severe ARDS. Viral load monitoring may help predict disease severity and outcome.
      The NPPV and IMV failure rates were very high, but ECMO may still be the
      respiratory support therapy of choice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov
      NCT01585922. Registered 20 April 2012.

PMID- 25112958
TI  - Stereospecific hydrolysis of a phosphoramidate used as an OPIDP model by human
      sera with PON1 192 alloforms.
AB  - O-hexyl 2,5-dichlorophenyl phosphoramidate (HDCP) is a racemic organophosphate
      compound (OP) that induces delayed neuropathy in vivo. The O-hexyl 2,5
      dichlorophenyl phosphoramidate R (R-HDCP) isomer inhibits and ages neuropathic
      target esterase (NTE) in hen brain. Moreover, human serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is
      a Ca(2+)-dependent enzyme capable of hydrolyzing OPs. The enzymatic activity of
      PON1 against OPs depends on the genetic polymorphisms present at position 192
      (glutamine or arginine). The catalytic efficiency of PON1 is an important factor
      that determines neurotoxic susceptibility to some OPs. In the present study, we
      characterized the stereospecific hydrolysis of HDCP by alloforms PON1 Q192R human
      serum by chiral chromatography. Forty-seven human samples were characterized for
      the PON1 192 polymorphism. The hydrolysis data demonstrate that the three
      alloforms of PON1 show an exclusive and significant stereospecific Ca(2+)
      dependent hydrolysis of O-hexyl 2,5-dichlorophenyl phosphoramidate S isomer (S
      HDCP) at 19-127 uM at the concentrations that remain in all the samples. This
      stereoselective Ca(2+)-dependent hydrolysis of S-HDCP is inhibited by EDTA and is
      independent of the PON1 Q192R alloform. The present research reinforces the
      hypothesis that R-HDCP (an isomer that inhibits and causes NTE aging) is the
      enantiomer that induces delayed neuropathy by this chiral phosphoramidate due to
      the low hydrolysis level of the R-HDCP observed in this study. 

PMID- 25112959
TI  - Re: Waalkes et al.: Lung tumors in mice induced by "whole-life" inorganic arsenic
      exposure at human-relevant doses, Arch Toxicol, 2014.

PMID- 25112960
TI  - Evaluation of apically extruded debris associated with several Ni-Ti systems.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the apical extrusion of debris associated with several root
      canal preparation systems in vitro. METHODOLOGY: Forty-five extracted human
      mandibular premolars with single canals and similar lengths were used. The root
      canals were instrumented using ProTaper Next (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues,
      Switzerland), Twisted File (SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA) or WaveOne (Dentsply
      Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). Debris extruded apically during
      instrumentation was collected into pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. The Eppendorf
      tubes were then stored in an incubator at 70  degrees C for 5 days. The Eppendorf
      tubes were weighed to obtain the final weight of the Eppendorf tubes plus
      extruded debris. Three consecutive weights were obtained for each tube. The
      groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance on
      Ranks and Tukey's test. RESULTS: The ProTaper Next group produced the highest
      mean extrusion value whilst WaveOne produced less debris compared with all the
      other instruments (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference between the
      ProTaper Next and WaveOne group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Apically extruded debris
      was associated with all instrumentation techniques. The WaveOne system extruded
      less debris compared with the Twisted File and ProTaper Next.

PMID- 25112962
TI  - The resemblance and disparity of gene expression in dormant and non-dormant seeds
      and crown buds of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) is a herbaceous perennial weed and
      dormancy in both buds and seeds is an important survival mechanism. Bud dormancy
      in leafy spurge exhibits three well-defined phases of para-, endo- and
      ecodormancy; however, seed dormancy for leafy spurge is classified as
      physiological dormancy that requires after-ripening and alternating temperature
      for maximal germination. Overlaps in transcriptome profiles between different
      phases of bud and seed dormancy have not been determined. Thus, we compared
      various phases of dormancy between seeds and buds to identify common genes and
      molecular processes, which should provide new insights about common regulators of
      dormancy. RESULTS: Cluster analysis of expression profiles for 201 selected genes
      indicated bud and seed samples clustered separately. Direct comparisons between
      buds and seeds are additionally complicated since seeds incubated at a constant
      temperature of 20 degrees C for 21 days (21d C) could be considered paradormant
      (Para) because seeds may be inhibited by endosperm-generated signals, or
      ecodormant (Eco) because seeds germinate after being subjected to alternating
      temperature of 20:30 degrees C. Since direct comparisons in gene expression
      between buds and seeds were problematic, we instead examined commonalities in
      differentially-expressed genes associated with different phases of dormancy.
      Comparison between buds and seeds ('Para to Endo buds' and '21d C to 1d C
      seeds'), using endodormant buds (Endo) and dormant seeds (1d C) as common
      baselines, identified transcripts associated with cell cycle (HisH4), stress
      response/transcription factors (ICE2, ERFB4/ABR1), ABA and auxin response (ABA1,
      ARF1, IAA7, TFL1), carbohydrate/protein degradation (GAPDH_1), and transport
      (ABCB2). Comparison of transcript abundance for the 'Eco to Endo buds' and '21d C
      to 1d C seeds' identified transcripts associated with ABA response (ATEM6), auxin
      response (ARF1), and cell cycle (HisH4). These results indicate that the
      physiological state of 21d C seeds is more analogous to paradormant buds than
      that of ecodormant buds. CONCLUSION: Combined results indicate that common
      molecular mechanisms associated with dormancy transitions of buds and seeds
      involve processes associated with ABA and auxin signaling and transport, cell
      cycle, and AP2/ERF transcription factors or their up-stream regulators.

PMID- 25112965
TI  - Doping of wide-bandgap titanium-dioxide nanotubes: optical, electronic and
      magnetic properties.
AB  - Doping semiconductors is an important step for their technological application.
      While doping bulk semiconductors can be easily achieved, incorporating dopants in
      semiconductor nanostructures has proven difficult. Here, we report a facile
      synthesis method for doping titanium-dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes that was enabled by
      a new electrochemical cell design. A variety of optical, electronic and magnetic
      dopants were incorporated into the hollow nanotubes, and from detailed studies it
      is shown that the doping level can be easily tuned from low to heavily-doped
      semiconductors. Using desired dopants - electronic (p- or n-doped), optical
      (ultraviolet bandgap to infrared absorption in co-doped nanotubes), and magnetic
      (from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic) properties can be tailored, and these
      technologically important nanotubes can be useful for a variety of applications
      in photovoltaics, display technologies, photocatalysis, and spintronic
      applications.

PMID- 25112961
TI  - Next-generation endomyocardial biopsy: the potential of confocal and super
      resolution microscopy.
AB  - Confocal laser scanning microscopy and super-resolution microscopy provide high
      contrast and high-resolution fluorescent imaging, which has great potential to
      increase the diagnostic yield of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). EMB is currently
      the gold standard for identification of cardiac allograft rejection, myocarditis,
      and infiltrative and storage diseases. However, standard analysis is dominated by
      low-contrast bright-field light and electron microscopy (EM); this lack of
      contrast makes quantification of pathological features difficult. For example,
      assessment of cardiac allograft rejection relies on subjective grading of H&E
      histology, which may lead to diagnostic variability between pathologists. This
      issue could be solved by utilising the high contrast provided by fluorescence
      methods such as confocal to quantitatively assess the degree of lymphocytic
      infiltrate. For infiltrative diseases such as amyloidosis, the nanometre
      resolution provided by EM can be diagnostic in identifying disease-causing
      fibrils. The recent advent of super-resolution imaging, particularly direct
      stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM), provides high-contrast
      imaging at resolution approaching that of EM. Moreover, dSTORM utilises
      conventional fluorescence dyes allowing for the same structures to be routinely
      imaged at the cellular scale and then at the nanoscale. The key benefit of these
      technologies is that the high contrast facilitates quantitative digital analysis
      and thereby provides a means to robustly assess critical pathological features.
      Ultimately, this technology has the ability to provide greater accuracy and
      precision to EMB assessment, which could result in better outcomes for patients. 

PMID- 25112963
TI  - Expression of the long-chain fatty acid receptor GPR120 in the gonadotropes of
      the mouse anterior pituitary gland.
AB  - G-protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) has been known to be a receptor of long
      chain fatty acids. Here, we investigated GPR120 expression in the mouse pituitary
      gland via real-time PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. GPR120
      mRNA was abundantly expressed in the pituitary gland of ad-lib fed animals. In
      situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed GPR120 expression in the
      gonadotropes of the anterior pituitary gland, but not in thyrotropes,
      somatotropes, lactotropes, corticotropes, melanotropes, and the posterior
      pituitary gland. Furthermore, 24 h of fasting induced an increase in GPR120 mRNA
      expression in the pituitary gland. These results demonstrate that GPR120 in mouse
      pituitary gonadotropes is upregulated by fasting and that it may play a role in
      controlling gonadotropin secretion. 

PMID- 25112966
TI  - Wheelchair appropriateness in patients with spinal cord injury: a Turkish
      experience.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive. OBJECTIVE: To determine the wheelchair appropriateness
      in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: National Rehabilitation
      Center in Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: Twenty-seven (25 male, 2 female) SCI patients
      were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were
      noted. All wheelchairs were evaluated considering each part (seat length, seat
      depth, seat height, back height, armrest, headrest, wheels and seat belt) by a
      physiatrist who had attended the wheelchair-training course. The wheelchair was
      declared as inappropriate if at least three parts of wheelchair were not
      appropriate. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 32.9+/-9.3 years and mean
      duration of wheelchair use was 19.63+/-23.02 months. Among the patients, 21
      (77.8%) were American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A, 4
      (3.7%) AIS B, 1 (3.7%) AIS C and 1 (3.7%) AIS D. Five (18.5%) wheelchairs were
      motorized and 22 (81.5%) were manual. Overall, 15 (55.6%) wheelchairs were
      inappropriate. Seat height, cushion and back height were the most common
      inappropriate parts. CONCLUSION: In light of our first and preliminary results,
      we can argue that 55% of the patients with SCI use inappropriate wheelchairs. In
      order to achieve better mobility; personally designed wheelchairs should be
      prescribed by the clinicians.

PMID- 25112967
TI  - Association of acute pancreatitis or high level of serum pancreatic enzymes in
      patients with acute spinal cord injury: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injuries has increased together with urban violence and
      show a high rates of incidence. Besides the onus to patient and society, it can
      also cause other serious complications to victims. Acute pancreatitis has an
      important impact on this disease and has been underdiagnosed in several patients.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was investigate the association of acute
      pancreatitis in acute spinal cord injuries. The secondary aim was to propose an
      investigation protocol to early diagnose and prevent it. METHODS: A prospective
      observational study was conducted in 78 patients who presented acute spinal cord
      injury (SCI) at our emergency department, confirmed by clinical and imaging
      examination, in according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)
      Classification. Exclusion criteria were chronic or associate diseases in spinal
      cord, pancreatic direct trauma, alcoholism and chronic pancreatic disease.
      RESULTS: The association of acute pancreatitis in patients with SCI was 11.53%.
      The occurrence of pancreatitis or high levels of serum pancreatic enzymes in
      patients with ASIA A was 41.7% and only 4.17% in patients with ASIA E. In all,
      55.2% of patients who presented pancreatitis or high levels of serum pancreatic
      enzymes had cervical level of SCI and 34.5% had thoracic level. Adynamic ileus
      was observed in 68.96% of this group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that, in acute
      spinal cord injuries, the occurrence of acute pancreatitis or high serum levels
      of pancreatic enzymes are more frequent in patients with ASIA A Classification,
      cervical/thoracic level of spinal injury and adynamic ileus.

PMID- 25112968
TI  - Centralized spinal cord injury care in Finland: unveiling the hidden incidence of
      traumatic injuries.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Population-based prospective study. OBJECTIVES: To determine the
      incidence and evaluate the characteristics of newly injured patients with
      traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) admitted to two of the three national spinal
      cord injury (SCI) centers during the first year after the centralization of SCI
      care in Finland. SETTING: Oulu and Tampere University Hospital SCI centers,
      Finland. METHODS: The designated rehabilitation teams evaluated all of the
      patients with a new SCI and persisting neurological symptoms. The data were
      recorded according to the International Spinal Cord Injury Core Data Set.
      RESULTS: In a 1-year period, 77 new patients with TSCI were admitted to the study
      centers serving a population of 3 065 946. In the whole catchment area, the mean
      annual incidence of TSCI was 25.1 per million, and in the hospital districts of
      the SCI centers, the incidence was even higher, at 38.1 per million. The mean age
      of the patients was 58.7 years. Falls were the leading cause of injury (64.9%),
      and the injury resulted in tetraplegia in 70.1% of the cases. Alcohol use was a
      contributing factor in 39% of the cases in the entire sample and in 58.6% of
      cases among patients aged younger than 60 years. CONCLUSION: The incidence rates
      of TSCI were markedly higher than expected, demonstrating the previously hidden
      morbidity. The epidemiological features of TSCI appeared to follow the trends in
      developed countries, highlighting the increasing incidence of cervical lesions
      due to falling among the elderly. The results need to be confirmed in an extended
      follow-up.

PMID- 25112969
TI  - Intermittent catheterization in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury:
      obstacles, worries, level of satisfaction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the obstacles in people with
      traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) face performing intermittent catheterization
      (IC), also their worries and level of satisfaction. METHODS: Two hundred sixty
      nine patients performing IC for at least 3 months were asked to fill-out a
      questionnaire about their opinions on IC. RESULTS: In total, 69.5% of patients
      performed IC themselves, 10.4% had performed by their mothers, 7.8% by another
      caregiver and 7.4% by their spouse. For the 72 (26%) patients unable to apply IC,
      reasons were insufficient hand function (56.1%), being unable to sit
      appropriately (35.4%) and spasticity (8.5%). In all, 70% of male patients had
      insufficient hand function, 20% could not sit and 10% had spasticity while 56.3%
      of female patients could not sit, 37.5% had insufficient hand function and 63%
      had spasticity. Difference between sexes was found to be statistically
      significant (P<0.05). Worries patients had when starting IC were fear of being
      dependent on IC (50.2%), accidentally injuring self (43.8%), embarrassment
      (43.2%), causing an infection (40.2%), bleeding (32.7%), fear of feeling pain
      (30.2%) and hygiene (24.7%). More women felt embarrassment; other items were
      similar in both sexes. In all, 46.9% of patients had urinary incontinence in
      intervals. CONCLUSION: In total, 69.5% of patients performed IC themselves. Men's
      most common obstacle was insufficient hand function while women's was being
      unable to sit appropriately. Patients' most common worries were being dependent
      on IC for life. In all, 46.9% had incontinence in intervals; 47.9% said IC
      improved their life quality; and 97.4% preferred IC over continuous
      catheterization.

PMID- 25112970
TI  - rTMS modulates reciprocal inhibition in patients with traumatic spinal cord
      injury.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, crossover, sham-controlled trial.
      OBJECTIVES: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the primary
      motor cortex (M1) leads to a significant reduction of spasticity in subjects with
      spinal cord injury (SCI), but the physiological basis of this effect is still not
      well understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the disynaptic
      reciprocal Ia inhibition of soleus motoneurons in SCI patients. SETTING:
      Department of Neurology, Merano, Italy and TMS Laboratory, Paracelsus Medical
      University, Salzburg, Austria. METHODS: Nine subjects with incomplete cervical or
      thoracic SCI received 5 days of daily sessions of real or sham rTMS applied over
      the contralateral M1. We compared the reciprocal inhibition, the Modified
      Ashworth Scale and the Spinal Cord Injury Assessment Tool for Spasticity at
      baseline, after the last session and 1 week later in the real rTMS and sham
      stimulation groups. RESULTS: We found that real rTMS significantly reduced lower
      limb spasticity and restored the impaired excitability in the disynaptic
      reciprocal inhibitory pathway. CONCLUSIONS: In a small proof-of-concept study,
      rTMS strengthened descending projections between the motor cortex and inhibitory
      spinal interneuronal circuits. This reversed a defect in reciprocal inhibition
      after SCI, and reduced leg spasticity.

PMID- 25112971
TI  - Thioetherification of chloroheteroarenes: a binuclear catalyst promotes wide
      scope and high functional-group tolerance.
AB  - A constrained binuclear palladium catalyst system affords selective
      thioetherification of a wide range of functionalized arenethiols with
      chloroheteroaromatic partners with the highest turnover numbers (TONs) reported
      to date and tolerates a large variety of reactive functions. The scope of this
      system includes the coupling of thiophenols with six- and five-membered 2
      chloroheteroarenes (i.e., functionalized pyridine, pyrazine, quinoline,
      pyrimidine, furane, and thiazole) and 3-bromoheteroarenes (i.e., pyridine and
      furane). Electron-rich congested thiophenols and fluorinated thiophenols are also
      suitable partners. The coupling of unprotected amino-2-chloropyridines with
      thiophenol and the successful employment of synthetically valuable
      chlorothiophenols are described with the same catalyst system. DFT studies
      attribute the high performance of this binuclear palladium catalyst to the
      decreased stability of thiolate-containing resting states. Palladium loading was
      as low as 0.2 mol %, which is important for industrial application and is a step
      forward in solving catalyst activation/deactivation problems. 

PMID- 25112972
TI  - Calibrating corneal material model parameters using only inflation data: an ill
      posed problem.
AB  - Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is a method used to estimate the intraocular
      pressure by measuring the indentation resistance of the cornea. A popular
      approach to investigate the sensitivity of GAT results to material and geometry
      variations is to perform numerical modelling using the finite element method, for
      which a calibrated material model is required. These material models are
      typically calibrated using experimental inflation data by solving an inverse
      problem. In the inverse problem, the underlying material constitutive behaviour
      is inferred from the measured macroscopic response (chamber pressure versus
      apical displacement). In this study, a biomechanically motivated elastic fibre
      reinforced corneal material model is chosen. The inverse problem of calibrating
      the corneal material model parameters using only experimental inflation data is
      demonstrated to be ill-posed, with small variations in the experimental data
      leading to large differences in the calibrated model parameters. This can result
      in different groups of researchers, calibrating their material model with the
      same inflation test data, drawing vastly different conclusions about the effect
      of material parameters on GAT results. It is further demonstrated that multiple
      loading scenarios, such as inflation as well as bending, would be required to
      reliably calibrate such a corneal material model.

PMID- 25112973
TI  - Melatonin promotes seed germination under high salinity by regulating antioxidant
      systems, ABA and GA4 interaction in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).
AB  - Although previous studies have found that melatonin can promote seed germination,
      the mechanisms involved in perceiving and signaling melatonin remain poorly
      understood. In this study, it was found that melatonin was synthesized during
      cucumber seed germination with a peak in melatonin levels occurring 14 hr into
      germination. This is indicative of a correlation between melatonin synthesis and
      seed germination. Meanwhile, seeds pretreated with exogenous melatonin (1 MUM)
      showed enhanced germination rates under 150 mM NaCl stress compared to water
      pretreated seeds under salinity stress. There are two apparent mechanisms by
      which melatonin alleviated salinity-induced inhibition of seed germination.
      Exogenous melatonin decreased oxidative damage induced by NaCl stress by
      enhancing gene expression of antioxidants. Under NaCl stress, compared to
      untreated control, the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were significantly
      increased by approximately 1.3-5.0-fold, with a concomitant 1.4-2.0-fold increase
      of CsCu-ZnSOD, CsFe-ZnSOD, CsCAT, and CsPOD in melatonin-pretreated seeds.
      Melatonin also alleviated salinity stress by affecting abscisic acid (ABA) and
      gibberellin acid (GA) biosynthesis and catabolism during seed germination.
      Compared to NaCl treatment, melatonin significantly up-regulated ABA catabolism
      genes (e.g., CsCYP707A1 and CsCYP707A2, 3.5 and 105-fold higher than NaCl
      treatment at 16 hr, respectively) and down-regulated ABA biosynthesis genes
      (e.g., CsNECD2, 0.29-fold of CK2 at 16 hr), resulting in a rapid decrease of ABA
      content during the early stage of germination. At the same time, melatonin
      positively up-regulated GA biosynthesis genes (e.g., GA20ox and GA3ox, 2.3 and
      3.9-fold higher than NaCl treatment at 0 and 12 hr, respectively), contributing
      to a significant increase of GA (especially GA4) content. In this study, we
      provide new evidence suggesting that melatonin alleviates the inhibitory effects
      of NaCl stress on germination mainly by regulating the biosynthesis and
      catabolism of ABA and GA4.

PMID- 25112974
TI  - Epidemiology of Wilson's disease in Ireland.

PMID- 25112976
TI  - Revisionary checklist of the Southern African Sesiini (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)
      with description of new species.
AB  - A revisionary checklist of the Sesiini of southern Africa is presented. All known
      genera of the region and their type species are redescribed. The following genera
      are placed in Sesiini for the first time: Alonina Walker, 1856; Anaudia
      Wallengren, 1863; Austrosetia Felder & Felder, 1874; Megalosphecia Le Cerf, 1916
      and Vespanthedon Le Cerf, 1917. The genera Cicinnoscelis Holland, 1893 rev. stat.
      (from synonymy with Alonina Walker, 1856) and Felderiola Naumann, 1971 rev. stat.
      (from synonymy with Monopetalotaxis Wallengren, 1859) are resurrected from
      synonymy and included in Sesiini. One new genus, Hagnogyna new gen., and seven
      new species, Cicinnoscelis flavipes new sp., C. krooni new sp., Alonina rufa new
      sp., A. fusca new sp., Anaudia thyranthrena new sp., Felderiola karooensis new
      sp. and F. xanthogaster new sp., are described. The following new combinations
      are introduced: Cicinnoscelis longipes Holland, 1893 rev. comb., Alonina pyrethra
      (Hampson, 1919) new comb., A. pyrocraspis (Hampson, 1910) new comb., A.
      luteopunctata (Freina, 2011) new comb., Felderiola candescens (Felder & Felder,
      1874) rev. comb., Hagnogyna sanguicosta (Hampson, 1919) new comb., H. bartschi
      (Freina, 2011) new comb. and Vespanthedon chalciphora (Hampson, 1919) new comb.
      Alonina difformis Hampson, 1919 new syn. is considered a subjective junior
      synonym of A. rygchiiformis Walker, 1856. A lectotype is designated for
      Austrosetia semirufa Felder & Felder, 1874 and the previously unknown males of
      this species and of Anaudia felderi Wallengren, 1863 are described. Bionomical
      data for some of the species discussed are given for the first time.  

PMID- 25112975
TI  - Epigenetic promoter silencing in Friedreich ataxia is dependent on repeat length.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is caused by an expanded GAA triplet-repeat
      (GAA-TR) mutation in the FXN gene. Patients are typically homozygous for expanded
      alleles containing 100 to 1,300 triplets, and phenotypic severity is
      significantly correlated with the length of the shorter of the 2 expanded
      alleles. Patients have a severe deficiency of FXN transcript, which is
      predominantly caused by epigenetic silencing of the FXN promoter. We sought to
      determine whether the severity of FXN promoter silencing is related to the length
      of the expanded GAA-TR mutation in FRDA. METHODS: Patient-derived lymphoblastoid
      cell lines bearing a range of expanded alleles (200-1,122 triplets) were
      evaluated for FXN transcript levels by quantitative reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction. FXN promoter function was directly measured by
      quantitative analysis of transcriptional initiation via metabolic labeling of
      newly synthesized transcripts in living cells. RESULTS: FXN transcriptional
      deficiency was significantly correlated with the length of the shorter of the 2
      expanded alleles, which was noted both upstream (R(2)  = 0.84, p = 0.014) and
      downstream (R(2)  = 0.89, p = 0.002) of the expanded GAA-TR mutation, suggesting
      that FXN promoter silencing in FRDA is related to repeat length. A bilinear
      regression model revealed that length dependence was strongest when the shorter
      of the 2 expanded alleles contained <400 triplets. Direct measurement of FXN
      promoter activity in patients with expanded alleles containing <400 versus >400
      triplets in the shorter of the 2 expanded alleles revealed a significantly
      greater deficiency in individuals with longer GAA-TR alleles (p < 0.05).
      INTERPRETATION: FXN promoter silencing in FRDA is dependent on the length of the
      expanded GAA-TR mutation.

PMID- 25112977
TI  - Redefinition of the millipede subgenus Megaphyllum sensu stricto Verhoeff, 1894
      and neotype designation for Megaphyllum austriacum (Latzel, 1884) (Myriapoda:
      Diplopoda: Julida: Julidae).
AB  - Megaphyllum sensu stricto, i.e. the nominotypical subgenus of the very
      complicated genus Megaphyllum Verhoeff, 1894, is redefined on the basis of
      examination of type and non-type material and literature data. Four species
      groups including twenty species in all are listed, and the identity of M.
      austriacum (C. L. Koch, 1838) is clarified with a proposal of neotype designation
      under ICZN Article 75.6. in order to stabilize the current usage of the name.
      Prevailing usage of M. silvaticum (Verhoeff, 1898) syn. nov. (nomen protectum)
      over the senior synonym M. nigrescens (Latzel, 1884) (nomen oblitum) is
      maintained under ICZN Article 23.9. M. banaticum (Verhoeff, 1899) is syn. nov. of
      M. erythronotum (Latzel, 1884) comb. nov., M. bosniense cotinophilum (Loksa,
      1962) syn. nov. of M. bosniense bosniense (Verhoeff, 1897) and M. transsylvanicum
      transdanubicum (Loksa, 1962) syn. nov. of M. transsylvanicum transsylvanicum
      (Verhoeff, 1897). M. unilineatum (C. L. Koch, 1838) is new to the fauna of
      Turkey. 

PMID- 25112979
TI  - Phamartes coronatus gen. nov. sp. nov. a new genus and species of stick insect
      from Bach Ma National Park, central Vietnam (Phasmida, Diapheromeridae,
      Necrosciinae).
AB  - A new genus and species of stick insect Phamartes coronatus gen. nov. sp. nov.
      from Bach Ma National Park, central Vietnam is described and illustrated from
      both sexes and the egg. The genus is most closely related to Oxyartes Stal, 1875,
      but easily distinguishable by the presence of fully developed alae, the head
      armature and the split and asymmetrical anal segment, a character previously
      unknown in Necrosciinae. 

PMID- 25112978
TI  - Nematodes from galls on Myrtaceae. V. Fergusobia from large multilocular shoot
      bud galls from Angophora and Eucalyptus in Australia, with descriptions of six
      new species.
AB  - Six new species of Fergusobia, from large multilocular shoot bud galls on two
      species of Angophora and four species of Eucalyptus from both subgenera
      Eucalyptus and Symphyomyrtus, are described. Fergusobia cosmophyllae Davies n.
      sp. is characterized by the combination of a C-shaped parthenogenetic female with
      a short arcuate conoid tail, a broad (small a ratio) arcuate infective female
      with an hemispherical tail tip, and an arcuate to J-shaped male with broad,
      angular spicules and short bursa.  Fergusobia delegatensae Davies n. sp. has an
      open C-shaped parthenogenetic female with a broadly conoid tail, an infective
      female of variable shape with an hemispherical tail tip, and a male of open C
      shape with a crenate bursa that arises 40-70% along the length of the body from
      the tail tip and terminates just anterior to the cloaca. Fergusobia diversifoliae
      Davies n. sp. has a C-shaped parthenogenetic female with a conoid tail, an
      arcuate infective female with a hemispherical tail tip, and an arcuate, C- or J
      shaped male with angular spicule and a long peloderan bursa. Fergusobia
      floribundae Davies n. sp. has a C-shaped parthenogenetic female with a narrow,
      arcuate, conoid tail, an arcuate infective female with a hemispherical tail tip,
      and an arcuate or J-shaped male with an angular spicule and a short to mid-body
      length peloderan bursa. Fergusobia minimus Lisnawita n. sp. has a C-shaped
      parthenogenetic female with a conoid tail, an arcuate to open C-shaped infective
      female with a hemispherical tail tip, and an arcuate to open C-shaped male with
      an angular spicule and a peloderan bursa arising at about 10-30% of body length.
      Fergusobia pimpamensis Davies n. sp. has an open C to C-shaped parthenogenetic
      female with a narrow conoid tail, an arcuate to open C-shaped infective female
      with a hemispherical tail tip, and an arcuate to C-shaped male with an arcuate
      spicule and a long, crenate, peloderan bursa. An inventory of all known
      Fergusobia/Fergusonina associations from terminal shoot bud galls is presented.
      The larval shield morphology of the associated mutualistic Fergusonina species is
      discussed where known. Analyses of DNA sequences of D2/D3 and COI suggested that
      the six new species are distributed between three clades of Fergusobia. 

PMID- 25112981
TI  - A new species of Gamasiphis Berlese (Acari: Ologamasidae) from Russia (Sakhalin
      and Kuril Islands) with a key to the Asian species .
AB  - Gamasiphis ochotensis sp. n. is described based on the morphology of females and
      males collected from litter and soil in the Sakhalin and Kuril Islands of Far
      East Russia. A key for the separation of females of 10 recognisable species of
      Gamasiphis distributed in Asia is provided. 

PMID- 25112980
TI  - Nematodes from galls on Myrtaceae. IV. Fergusobia from flat leaf galls on
      Eucalyptus and Corymbia, with descriptions of two new species.
AB  - Two new species of Fergusobia are described. Both were collected from flat leaf
      galls from South Australia, one on Eucalyptus microcarpa and the other on E.
      porosa. Fergusobia microcarpae n. sp. Davies is characterised by the combination
      of a C-shaped parthenogenetic female with a short, broadly rounded conoid tail,
      an arcuate to open C-shaped infective female with an hemispherical tail tip, and
      arcuate to J-shaped males with angular spicules and short peloderan bursa.
      Fergusobia porosae n. sp. Davies is similar in having an arcuate to C-shaped
      parthenogenetic female with a small conoid tail, an almost straight to arcuate
      infective female with an hemispherical tail tip, and males that are almost
      straight to barely J-shaped with angular spicules and short peloderan bursa. They
      differ in that the bodies of parthenogenetic and infective females of F.
      microcarpae n. sp. are more curved than in F. porosae n. sp. Other known similar
      forms of Fergusobia/Fergusonina galls are outlined and the larval shield
      morphologies of their associated mutualistic Fergusonina fly species are
      discussed where known. An inventory of all known Fergusobia/Fergusonina
      associations from flat leaf galls from Corymbia spp. and Eucalyptus spp. is
      presented. Relationships of Fergusobia nematodes were inferred from analysis of
      sequences of 28S rDNA D2/D3 domains and a portion of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome
      oxidase subunit I (mtCOI). Nematodes from flat leaf galls appeared in two clades.

PMID- 25112982
TI  - Species diversity in the Palaeotropical leaf-litter genus Apelaunothrips
      (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae).
AB  - Species of Apelaunothrips are fungus-feeders on dead leaves, particularly in leaf
      litter, and they are recorded across the Old World tropics from Africa to
      northern Australia and southern Japan. All species in this genus have the
      maxillary stylets 4-6 microns in diameter, considerably broader than the 2-3
      micron diameter that is typical among Phlaeothripinae. The species are largely
      uniform in structure, but in four species the larger males have fore femora
      enlarged with a conspicuous tubercle on the inner margin at the base. In one of
      these species, the males are dimorphic, with no intermediates between large and
      small individuals, in contrast to the continuous variation in structure found in
      many polymorphic Phlaeothripidae. A key is provided to the 37 recognised species
      of Apelaunothrips, including the following: A. desleyae sp.n. from northern
      Australia; A. bogor sp.n. from Java; A. gombak sp.n. from Peninsular Malaysia. 

PMID- 25112983
TI  - A new, prairie-restricted species of Anacampsis Curtis (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
      from Illinois .
AB  - Anacampsis wikeri (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), new species, is described. The
      larva of A. wikeri feeds on leaves of a prairie legume, leadplant, Amorpha
      canescens (Fabaceae). The moth is univoltine, with mature larvae occurring in
      late May; adults are active from early June into summer and autumn, while
      overwintering throughout the winter months. The adult of A. wikeri is externally
      very similar to that of another legume-feeding species, Anacampsis psoraliella.
      Sight identification of adults of these two species, especially of unreared
      individuals originating in the multi-state area of the Midwest in which their
      respective larval hostplants are sympatric, therefore is rendered problematic.
      Larval host plant specificity and adult genital morphology, however, allow
      unequivocal diagnosis. These characters are discussed, and male and female
      genitalia are illustrated for both species. 

PMID- 25112984
TI  - Systematics, phylogeny and biology of a new genus of Lithocolletinae
      (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) associated with Cistaceae.
AB  - The gracillariid genus Triberta gen. nov. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae:
      Lithocolletinae Stainton, 1854) is described to accommodate two species formerly
      assigned to the genus Phyllonorycter Hubner, 1822: Triberta helianthemella
      (Herrich-Schaffer, 1861) comb. nov. and T. cistifoliella (Groschke, 1944) comb.
      nov. Triberta cistifoliella bona sp. is restored from synonymy based on
      morphological characters. The new genus is biologically associated with the plant
      family Cistaceae of the order Malvales and is endemic to the Palaearctics. Our
      molecular analysis of eleven nuclear genes failed to unambiguously place Triberta
      in the lithocolletine phylogeny, but revealed that this genus is distinct from
      either clade Phyllonorycter + Cremastobombycia and Cameraria. The distinctiveness
      of Triberta is also supported by inferred traits in wing venation, micro
      morphology of the last instar larva, pupa, genital morphology of the adult and
      life history. A key to the species of Triberta is provided. The interspecific
      homogeneity in external morphology, coupled with minor differences in genital
      traits, an apparent narrow specialization on Cistaceae host plants, restricted
      geographical range and molecular evidence based on multi-nuclear genes jointly
      suggest that the generic diversification of Triberta is a relatively old
      phenomenon and driven strongly by host selection. 

PMID- 25112985
TI  - A new genus and species of Leptocheliidae (Crustacea: Peracarida: Tanaidacea)
      from Isla del Coco (Costa Rica).
AB  - Samples from the scarcely-studied sedimentary seabed from the Isla del Coco
      (Costa Rica) yielded a single species of Tanaidacea, belonging to a new genus of
      Leptocheliidae, Cocotanais. The new genus shows affinities with Pseudonototanais
      and Heterotanais in bearing a conspicuous forcipate cheliped in the males, which
      in Cocotanais has a modified merus and carpal flange. Other distinct characters
      of the males are a triangular cephalothorax, a three-articled antennular peduncle
      and swollen bases of pereopods 4-6. Females have a four-articled antennule, a
      maxilliped endite with three distal flat spines and two inner coupling hooks, and
      a maxilliped basis with two long setae. The species was found in sheltered bays,
      both free-living in the sediment and also as a commensal of anemones (Infraorder
      Boloceroidaria), thus representing the first reported case of such an
      association.  

PMID- 25112987
TI  - Discovery of four new species of the genus Planaeschna from Southwestern China
      (Odonata: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae).
AB  - Four new species of the genus Planaeschna, P. robusta sp. nov. (holotype male;
      Mt. Emeishan, Emeishan City, Sichuan Province, China, 16. VIII. 2007), P.
      maculifrons sp. nov. (holotype male; Mt. Emeishan, Emeishan City, Sichuan
      Province, China, 20. VIII. 2007), P. caudispina sp. nov. (holotype male; Mt.
      Qingchengshan, Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province, China, 30. VIII. 2007) and P.
      monticola sp. nov. (holotype male; Sanjiacun Stream, Fengyi Town, Dali City,
      Yunnan Province, China, 19. XI. 2012) are described and illustrated and diagnosed
      from their congeners. All the holotypes have been deposited in the Collection of
      Aquatic Animals, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan
      City, Hubei Province, China. Brief notes on the biology of each species are also
      provided. 

PMID- 25112988
TI  - Description of larva, redescription of adults and biology of Mortogenesia
      mesopotamica (Morton, 1921) (Ephemeroptera: Palingeniidae).
AB  - All life stages of Mortogenesia mesopotamica (Morton, 1921) are described, on the
      basis of material collected in the lower Euphrates-Tigris River basin. Adults are
      redescribed, and larvae are described for the first time, based on sets of larval
      exuviae. The monotypic genus Mortogenesia Lestage, 1923 is redefined using both
      adult and larval characteristics: eyes not contiguous, distinctly separated by a
      wide gap; vestigial mandibular tusks present, with 3-4 rounded lateral
      projections; forewing veins MP<sub>1</sub> and iMP not brought together; CuA
      furcation absent on forewing; both claws similarly shaped in males; hind tarsi
      five-segmented; penes with roughly triangular, apically rounded and divergent
      lobes (in adults); seven conspicuous stout teeth on outer margin of mandibular
      tusk, with no apical spine-like setae; maxillary palps two-segmented; distal
      segment of labial palps asymmetric and bulbous; basal segment of labial palps
      densely pilose; forelegs with relatively short, triangular claws that are basally
      wider than tarsi; foretibiae with stout spines only; and a simple, leaf-like gill
      1 (in larvae). The burrowing larvae of M. mesopotamica occur solely in large
      permanent lowland rivers, in clayey or muddy sediments, with particles exceeding
      0.025-0.075 mm. Based on observations of their burrows, larval density is
      approximately 100-200 individuals per square meter. Various evidence suggests a
      unique phenomenon of male neoteny in Mortogenesia. Preliminary results of male
      dissections suggests a missing teneral adult cuticle, and male "subimagoes" and
      females occur simultaneously after oviposition. Mortogenesia mesopotamica is
      known currently from the Euphrates-Tigris basin in Iraq and from the Karkheh
      River in Iran. 

PMID- 25112989
TI  - New pseudophyllinae from the Lesser Antilles (Orthoptera: Ensifera:
      Tettigoniidae).
AB  - Two new Cocconitini Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1895 species belonging to Nesonotus
      Beier, 1960 are described from the Lesser Antilles: Nesonotus caeruloglobus
      Hugel, n. sp. from Dominica, and Nesonotus vulneratus Hugel, n. sp. from
      Martinique. The songs of both species are described and elements of biology are
      given. The taxonomic status of species close to Nesonotus tricornis (Thunberg,
      1815) is discussed. 

PMID- 25112986
TI  - Pachybrachis holerorum (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae), a new
      species from the Apennines, Italy, identified by integration of morphological and
      molecular data.
AB  - Pachybrachis holerorum n. sp. is described from the northern Apennines, Italy.
      The new species is related to P. karamani (Weise, 1893), from which it differs in
      the shape of the median lobe of the aedeagus and in small differences in
      chromatic pattern. The close relationship with P. karamani is confirmed by
      molecular analyses performed on a fragment of 829 nucleotides of the
      mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1). The general mixed Yule
      coalescent model, developed for species delimitation using single-locus molecular
      data, was applied to a cox1 phylogeny in order to test the hypothesis of P.
      holerorum as a separate species. Information on the host plants, acquired during
      specimen collection, was confirmed from gut content, targeting a fragment of the
      plastid large subunit of the ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase gene and the
      trnL(UAA) intron. Besides, the lectotype of P. karamani is designated.  

PMID- 25112990
TI  - The Phyllomedusa perinesos group (Anura: Hylidae) is derived from a Miocene
      Amazonian Lineage.
AB  - The Phyllomedusa perinesos group is composed of four species that inhabit cloud
      forests in the eastern Andean slopes. We estimated the phylogenetic relationships
      among them and their closest relatives using mitochondrial DNA sequences. Our
      results confirm the monophyly of the group and a close relationship with the
      Amazonian species Phyllomedusa atelopoides and Phyllomedusa tomopterna. A
      chronogram indicates that the group originated during the Miocene and the
      contemporary species diverged from their closest relatives during the Miocene and
      early Pliocene. The timing of the group's origin suggests that its evolution was
      linked to the rise of the eastern Andes. Based on the phylogeny we expand the
      species content of the group to include P. atelopoides and P. tomopterna. 

PMID- 25112991
TI  - Why Drosophila is not Drosophila any more, why it will be worse and what can be
      done about it?

PMID- 25112992
TI  - Tersilochinae of Western Amazonia (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Genus Stethantyx
      Townes, part 1.
AB  - Sixteen species of the genus Stethantyx Townes having first and second sections
      of radius meeting at obtuse angle are recorded from Peru and Ecuador in Western
      Amazonia. Ten species, S. amazonica Khalaim & Saaksjarvi, sp. nov., S. aurantia
      Khalaim & Saaksjarvi, sp. nov., S. juninensis Khalaim & Bordera, sp. nov., S.
      loretosa Khalaim & Saaksjarvi, sp. nov., S. neopropodeator Khalaim & Saaksjarvi,
      sp. nov., S. orellana Khalaim & Saaksjarvi, sp. nov., S. sinuata Khalaim &
      Saaksjarvi, sp. nov., S. tiputinia Khalaim & Saaksjarvi, sp. nov., S. trepida
      Khalaim & Saaksjarvi, sp. nov. and S. voluptaria Khalaim & Saaksjarvi, sp. nov.,
      are described as new. Six species, previously known only from Costa Rica, S.
      alajuela Khalaim & Broad, S. heredia Khalaim & Broad, S. orosia Khalaim & Broad,
      S. propodeator Khalaim & Broad, S. puntarenasa Khalaim & Broad and S. sanjosea
      Khalaim & Broad, are recorded from South America for the first time. A partial
      key to Western Amazonian species of Stethantyx is given. 

PMID- 25112993
TI  - Makoiamya cotterallae, a new genus and species of bivalve (Ceratomyidae) from the
      latest Triassic of New Zealand and New Caledonia.
AB  - The new genus and species Makoiamya cotterallae is erected for fossil bivalves
      previously informally identified as Anodontophora Alberti (= Unionites Wissmann)
      or a relative or Ochotomya Polubotko in the Late Triassic Murihiku Terrane of New
      Zealand and Teremba Terrane of New Caledonia (Norian and Rhaetian; Warepan and
      Otapirian local stages). Neither of these genera happily accommodates these
      shells and a new genus is considered necessary for them. Makoiamya fits most
      readily into the Ceratomyidae and members were burrowers in fine sand and silt,
      where they are generally preserved in life orientation. 

PMID- 25112994
TI  - New species and new records of the hygropetric water beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp
      from South America (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae).
AB  - Three new species of Oocyclus Sharp, 1882 are described from tropical South
      America: O. maluz sp. n. (Venezuela), O. miza sp. n. (Venezuela), and O. brunneus
      sp. n. (Bolivia). New distributional records are provided for O. andinus Short &
      Garcia, O. coromoto Short & Garcia (newly recorded from Suriname), O. floccus
      Short & Garcia (newly recorded from Guyana and Suriname), O. iguazu (Oliva), O.
      meridensis Short & Garcia, O. petra Short & Garcia (newly recorded from Guyana
      and Suriname), O. trio Short & Kadosoe (newly recorded from Guyana), O. trujillo
      Short & Garcia, and O. yubai Clarkson & Short (newly recorded from Paraguay).
      Updates to the keys of the Brazilian and Venezuelan Oocyclus species are
      provided. 

PMID- 25112995
TI  - Fecenia travancoria Pocock is recognised as a junior synonym of Fecenia protensa
      Thorell (Araneae: Psechridae): a case of intraspecific variation .

PMID- 25112996
TI  - Armadillogorgia albertoi sp. nov.: a new primnoid from the Argentinean deep sea.
AB  - Eleven specimens of a new species of primnoid from the Argentinean deep sea are
      here presented. Armadillogorgia albertoi sp. nov. differs from A. cyathella
      Bayer, 1980 in colony and polyp morphology, abaxial sclerite number and shape. It
      is the second species of the hitherto monospecific genus, and the northernmost
      record of the genus. 

PMID- 25112997
TI  - Description of a new species of the genus Neolucanus Thomson, 1862 (Coleoptera:
      Lucanidae) from central Vietnam.
AB  - Neolucanus baongocae  new species is described from Lam Dong Province (Central
      Vietnam) and compared to closely related  Neolucanus taxa. 

PMID- 25112999
TI  - Two species of Thienemanniella Kieffer from Oriental China (Diptera:
      Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae).
AB  - A new species from Oriental China, Thienemanniella curva sp. n. is described and
      illustrated as adult males. T. nipponica which belong to eye bare species group
      in Thienemanniella from Guangdong Province is re-described. A revised key to
      known males of the world is provided. 

PMID- 25112998
TI  - Redescription of Osmylus multiguttatus McLachlan, 1870 (Neuroptera: Osmylidae)
      with distributional remarks.
AB  - Osmylus multiguttatus McLachlan, 1870 has recently been rediscovered in the
      Middle Anatolia. Redescription of the male and female is presented. Faunistic
      data and habitat are provided. Photograph of wings, drawings of male and female
      external and internal genitalia are illustrated for the first time. The
      distribution map with new recording sites and recent data is also given. A
      preliminary key to species of Osmylus is presented. 

PMID- 25113000
TI  - A replacement name for Macrobrachium aemulum madhusoodani Pillai & Unnikrishnan,
      2013, a junior homonym of Macrobrachium madhusoodani Unnikrishnan, Pillai &
      Jayachandran, 2011 (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) .

PMID- 25113002
TI  - Phylogenetic relationships of Tectoribates: nymphal characters of new North
      American species place the genus in Tegoribatidae (Acari, Oribatida).
AB  - Species in the oribatid mite genus Tectoribates are primarily Palaearctic and
      Neotropical, with scattered, unidentified records from North America. Herein, we
      describe 3 new Tectoribates species from dry forest and prairie habitats in North
      America: T. alcecampestris sp. nov., from Alberta, T. borealis sp. nov., from
      southern Alberta and Ontario, both on the basis of adults and nymphs, and T.
      campestris sp. nov., from dry grassland habitats in Ontario and Kansas, on the
      basis of adults. We provide a revised and expanded diagnosis for adults of
      Tectoribates. We assess relationships of Tectoribates, using characters of adults
      and newly discovered apheredermous, plicate immatures. We include observations on
      Pseudotectoribates which is closely related to Tectoribates. The closest
      relatives of these genera are hypothesised to be among the Tegoribatidae
      (Achipterioidea) rather than among the Achipteriidae (Achipterioidea),
      Oribatellidae (Oribatelloidea), or Ceratozetoidea, as suggested in previous
      classifications. Finally, we give a key to adults of the world fauna of
      Tectoribates. 

PMID- 25113003
TI  - A revision of the New World sharpshooter genus Xyphon Hamilton (Hemiptera:
      Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae).
AB  - A phylogenetic analysis of Xyphon was completed using 45 adult morphological
      characters and 1,076 base pairs of the mtDNA gene NADH dehydrogenase 1. Multiple
      specimens, representative of the range of morphological variation found in each
      previously described species, were scored for the morphological data matrix to
      test the monophyly of each species. These tests supported the following
      synonymies: Xyphon gillettei (Ball, 1901) to include X. balli (Knull, 1940) syn.
      nov.; and X. reticulatum (Signoret, 1854) to include X. diductum (Fowler, 1900)
      syn. nov., X. dyeri (Gibson, 1919) syn. nov., and X. sagittiferum (Uhler, 1895)
      syn. nov. Parsimony and Bayesian techniques were used to infer relationships
      among species, resulting in almost identical tree topologies. In all analyses
      Xyphon was monophyletic and Draeculacephala was its sister genus although clade
      support for Xyphon was generally low. The analyses suggest that a clade
      comprising X. flaviceps (Riley) and X. fulgidum (Nottingham) is sister to the
      remainder of the genus, and a clade comprising X. gillettei and X. spadice sp.
      nov. was sister to a clade containing X. triguttatum (Nottingham), X. nudum
      (Nottingham), and X. reticulatum. The six currently recognized species, including
      X. spadice sp. nov., are described and illustrated and a key to adult Xyphon is
      provided. 

PMID- 25113001
TI  - Using various lines of evidence to identify Chironomus species (Diptera:
      Chironomidae) in eastern Canadian lakes.
AB  - Chironomus Meigen (Diptera, Chironomidae) larvae are usually the largest sediment
      burrowing chironomids, and as such often constitute a major part of the
      freshwater infaunal biomass. However, use of this genus in ecological,
      environmental and paleoecological studies is hampered by the fact that Chironomus
      larvae are difficult to identify to species because the larvae of many species
      are morphologically similar. We used a combination of morphological, cytological
      and genetic techniques to distinguish Chironomus larvae collected from 31 water
      bodies located in eastern Canada, producing 17 distinguishable groupings. These
      groups of larvae were ultimately identified as belonging to 14 known species (C.
      anthracinus, C. bifurcatus, C. cucini, C. decorus-group sp. 2, C. dilutus, C.
      entis, C. frommeri, C. harpi, C. maturus, C. nr. atroviridis (sp. 2i), C.
      ochreatus, C. plumosus, C. staegeri and C. 'tigris') and three other species that
      remain unidentified (C. sp. NAI-III). No single approach served to delimit and
      identify larvae of all 17 Chironomus species that we collected. Although we
      expected that morphological criteria alone would be insufficient, our results
      suggest that DNA barcoding, using either the mitochondrial cox1 or the nuclear
      gb2beta gene, was also inadequate for separating some Chironomus species. Thus we
      suggest that multiple approaches will often be needed to correctly identify
      Chironomus larvae to species. 

PMID- 25113004
TI  - Description of larvae of two closely related species Cassida palaestina Reiche,
      1858 and Cassida rubiginosa Muller, 1776 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae).
AB  - Larvae of two closely related species Cassida palaestina Reiche, 1858 and Cassida
      rubiginosa Muller, 1776 are described in detail including SEM microstructures.
      First instars are extremely similar with no clear diagnostic characters, larvae
      of Cassida palaestina are slightly more contrastingly coloured than larvae of C.
      rubiginosa, the latter having darker scoli, basal part of supra-anal processes
      and legs. Last instars differ in very subtle but constant characters: lateral
      scoli of C. palaestina are slightly shorter than those of C. rubiginosa, in C.
      palaestina tops of the lateral branches are armed apically with an elongate
      cauliflower-shaped sensillum while in C. rubiginosa tops of the lateral branches
      are more often armed with a pointed seta than with an elongate cauliflower-shaped
      sensillum, and cauliflower-shaped sensilla on tergites are less elongate in C.
      palaestina than in C. rubiginosa. These differences accompanied by distinguishing
      characters of adults and their distribution range indicate that both taxa are
      probably vicariant species with partial parapatric occurrence. Centaurea behen is
      a new host plant for C. palaestina.

PMID- 25113005
TI  - Review of the genus Hemistola Warren, 1893 in Taiwan with notes on an unusual
      conifer-feeding larva and descriptions of three new species (Lepidoptera,
      Geometridae, Geometrinae).
AB  - The genus Hemistola Warren, 1893 in Taiwan is reviewed. Seven species are
      confirmed, with descriptions of three new species provided: H. piceacola sp.
      nov., H. fui sp. nov. and H. taiwanensis sp. nov. The immature stages and unusual
      conifer-feeding behavior of H. piceacola on Taiwan spruce (Picea morrisonicola)
      are reported. The distribution of H. tenuilinea (Alpheraky, 1897) is discussed
      and this species is omitted from the Taiwanese fauna. 

PMID- 25113006
TI  - Review of the genus Anasta Emeljanov (Hemiptera: Dictyopharidae: Hastini) from
      the Australasian region.
AB  - The dictyopharid planthopper genus Anasta Emeljanov from the Australasian region
      is revised to include six species including a new one: A. australiaca (Lallemand,
      1935) comb. nov. (North Australia), A. lobosa sp. nov. (Papua New Guinea), A.
      minuta (Lallemand, 1935) comb. nov. (Timor, Indonesia), A. prognatha (Distant,
      1906) (North Australia, Papua New Guinea), A. timorina (Lallemand, 1935) (Timor,
      Indonesia), and A. vitiensis Emeljanov et Wilson, 2009 (Fiji). Descriptions or
      redescriptions of A. australiaca, A. lobosa sp. nov., and A. prognatha are
      provided together with dorsal habitus and structural illustrations of male
      genitalia. A key to the species of the genus and distribution map are provided.
      The biogeography of the genus is discussed. 

PMID- 25113008
TI  - Mooreonuphis vespa, a new brooding species of Onuphidae (Annelida) from northern
      Spain (Bay of Biscay).
AB  - A new species of the genus Mooreonuphis Fauchald, 1982 collected from the
      Cantabrian shelf (Bay of Biscay) is described. Mooreonuphis vespa sp. nov.
      constitutes the first record of this genus in European waters and is
      characterised by: conspicuous dark brown transverse segmental pigment bands;
      antennae and palps with 3-5 basal ceratophoral rings and a very long distal ring;
      unusually long and slender peristomial and dorsal cirri; simple branchiae from
      chaetiger 17-19. We present observations on its reproductive biology (including
      brooding behaviour) and remark on the biogeography of the genus. 

PMID- 25113007
TI  - A molecular phylogeny recovers Strabomantis aramunha Cassimiro, Verdade and
      Rodrigues, 2008 and Haddadus binotatus (Spix, 1824) (Anura: Terrarana) as sister
      taxa.
AB  - The taxonomic and biogeographic affinities of Strabomantis aramunha from the
      Campos Rupestres of Brazil are intriguing. A unique skull morphology of females
      suggest affinities with the broad-headed eleutherodactylines of Northwestern
      South America in the genus Strabomantis. Male and juvenile morphology nonetheless
      suggest S. aramunha could be related to members of the recently described genus
      Haddadus from eastern Brazil. We assess the affinities of S. aramunha using
      molecular phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial (12S, tRNAval, 16S, cyt b) and
      nuclear sequences (RAG-1and rhodopsin). Bayesian inference, likelihood, and
      parsimony analysis recover a highly supported clade with S. aramunha and H.
      binotatus as sister taxa. Accordingly, we transfer S. aramunha to Haddadus, and
      provide a new generic definition of the later. The distribution of species in
      Haddadus (highlands of the Espinhaco mountain Range and coastal eastern Brazil)
      is now concordant with the general pattern observed for other species in the
      area. 

PMID- 25113009
TI  - Eviota santanai, a new Dwarfgoby from Timor-Leste (Teleostei: Gobiidae).
AB  - Eviota santanai is described based on four specimens from Timor-Leste, taken in 5
      8 m depth. In general coloration pattern, the species is most similar to E.
      latifasciata, but differs in the cephalic sensory-pore system pattern, the
      absence of an occipital spot, and live color including pinkish-mauve bars. Eviota
      santanai has a dorsal/anal fin-ray formula of 8/8, 5th pelvic-fin ray absent,
      some lower pectoral-fin rays branched, and IT and PITO pores absent.

PMID- 25113010
TI  - Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers.

PMID- 25113011
TI  - Correlation between the retroversion of the humeral head and the orientation of
      the intertubercular sulcus: a CT scan anatomical study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose was to study the anatomy of the humeral head, more
      specifically the retroversion of the humeral head and the orientation of the
      intertubercular sulcus, using CT scan, and to make correlations between those two
      entities of the proximal humerus. METHODS: Sixty dry adult humeri from an
      osteological collection underwent CT scan from the proximal to the distal
      extremity. The measurements obtained by CT-reformation were recorded by two
      independent radiologists. We determined the humeral head axis, the
      transepicondylar axis, the retroversion of the humeral head, and the orientation
      of the intertubercular sulcus (ITS). Statistical analysis using SPSS determined
      the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The CT scan measurements were
      similar to those in the literature, and thus allowed us to validate CT scan
      assessment. Statistical analysis showed a significant reverse correlation [the
      coefficient of correlation was -0.37 (p = 0.004)] between the retroversion of the
      humeral head and the orientation of the intertubercular sulcus: the more the
      retroversion of the humeral head increases, the more the angle of the orientation
      of the ITS decreases. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this reverse
      correlation between the retroversion of the humeral head and the orientation of
      the intertubercular sulcus has never been described. This new anatomical data
      might be helpful for orthopedic surgery.

PMID- 25113012
TI  - Is coxa valga a predictor for the severity of knee osteoarthritis? A cross
      sectional study.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the affect of the variations
      in hip anatomy and pelvic geometry on the severity of knee OA. METHODS:
      Idiopathic knee OA patients fulfilling the clinical criteria of American College
      of Rheumatology for OA were enrolled in the study. Several measurements regarding
      the hip and pelvis were performed on pelvic radiographs. Each knee was graded
      according to the Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) radiographic system (0-4) along with
      a categorization in accordance with the medial tibiofemoral joint space widths
      (JSW). RESULTS: The study group consisted of 111 subjects. The inner and outer
      pelvic diameters were getting wider as the JSW grade increased. Likewise, among
      the hip measurements, femoral head, neck and shaft diameters and hip axis lengths
      were linked with KL grade. There were significant differences in neck-shaft angle
      (NSA) between groups of JSW with a highest NSA in JSW grade 3. The optimal cut
      off value for NSA in predicting the severity of knee OA was 134.4 degrees .
      Furthermore, NSA beyond 134.4 degrees  was found to increase the risk of severe
      knee OA eightfold. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in pelvic geometry and hip anatomy are
      associated with the severity of knee OA. People with NSA of above 134.4 degrees 
      have eightfold increased risk of developing severe knee OA. Pelvic radiographies
      could be evaluated at younger ages-particularly in people with high genetic
      predispositions-to identify the individuals at high risk and in turn, to tailor
      the preventive measures to these subjects.

PMID- 25113013
TI  - Purification and characterization of a novel alkaline beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase
      (lichenase) from thermophilic fungus Malbranchea cinnamomea.
AB  - A novel alkaline beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase (McLic1) from a thermophilic fungus,
      Malbranchea cinnamomea, was purified and biochemically characterized. McLic1 was
      purified to homogeneity with a purification fold of 3.1 and a recovery yield of
      3.7 %. The purified enzyme was most active at pH 10.0 and 55  degrees C, and
      exhibited a wide range of pH stability (pH 4.0-10.0). McLic1 displayed strict
      substrate specificity for barley beta-glucan, oat beta-glucan and lichenan, but
      did not show activity towards other tested polysaccharides and synthetic p
      nitrophenyl derivates, suggesting that it is a specific beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase.
      The K m values for barley beta-glucan, oat beta-glucan and lichenan were
      determined to be 0.69, 1.11 and 0.63 mg mL(-1), respectively. Moreover, the
      enzyme was stable in various non ionic surfactants, oxidizing agents and several
      commercial detergents. Thus, the alkaline beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase may have
      potential in industrial applications, such as detergent, paper and pulp
      industries. 

PMID- 25113014
TI  - Metal-free hydrogenation catalyzed by an air-stable borane: use of solvent as a
      frustrated Lewis base.
AB  - In recent years 'frustrated Lewis pairs' (FLPs) have been shown to be effective
      metal-free catalysts for the hydrogenation of many unsaturated substrates. Even
      so, limited functional-group tolerance restricts the range of solvents in which
      FLP-mediated reactions can be performed, with all FLP-mediated hydrogenations
      reported to date carried out in non-donor hydrocarbon or chlorinated solvents.
      Herein we report that the bulky Lewis acids B(C6Cl5)x(C6F5)(3-x) (x=0-3) are
      capable of heterolytic H2 activation in the strong-donor solvent THF, in the
      absence of any additional Lewis base. This allows metal-free catalytic
      hydrogenations to be performed in donor solvent media under mild conditions;
      these systems are particularly effective for the hydrogenation of weakly basic
      substrates, including the first examples of metal-free catalytic hydrogenation of
      furan heterocycles. The air-stability of the most effective borane,
      B(C6Cl5)(C6F5)2, makes this a practically simple reaction method.

PMID- 25113015
TI  - Partial proportional odds model-an alternate choice for analyzing pedestrian
      crash injury severities.
AB  - The conventional methods for crash injury severity analyses include either
      treating the severity data as ordered (e.g. ordered logit/probit models) or non
      ordered (e.g. multinomial models). The ordered models require the data to meet
      proportional odds assumption, according to which the predictors can only have the
      same effect on different levels of the dependent variable, which is often not the
      case with crash injury severities. On the other hand, non-ordered analyses
      completely ignore the inherent hierarchical nature of crash injury severities.
      Therefore, treating the crash severity data as either ordered or non-ordered
      results in violating some of the key principles. To address these concerns, this
      paper explores the application of a partial proportional odds (PPO) model to
      bridge the gap between ordered and non-ordered severity modeling frameworks. The
      PPO model allows the covariates that meet the proportional odds assumption to
      affect different crash severity levels with the same magnitude; whereas the
      covariates that do not meet the proportional odds assumption can have different
      effects on different severity levels. This study is based on a five-year (2008
      2012) national pedestrian safety dataset for Switzerland. A comparison between
      the application of PPO models, ordered logit models, and multinomial logit models
      for pedestrian injury severity evaluation is also included here. The study shows
      that PPO models outperform the other models considered based on different
      evaluation criteria. Hence, it is a viable method for analyzing pedestrian crash
      injury severities. 

PMID- 25113016
TI  - Delayed presentation of cerebellar and spinal cord infarction as a complication
      of computed tomography-guided transthoracic lung biopsy: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy is a common
      diagnostic procedure that is associated with various complications including
      pneumothorax, parenchymal hemorrhage, and hemoptysis. A systemic air embolism is
      a very rare (0.06 to 0.21%) but potentially fatal complication. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old Korean male was admitted to our hospital for
      evaluation of a solitary pulmonary nodule located adjacent to the right inferior
      pulmonary vein in the medial basal segment of the right lower lobe. A computed
      tomography-guided needle biopsy was performed by a radiologist using a coaxial
      needle. A computed tomography image obtained immediately after the biopsy showed
      intraluminal free air in the proximal ascending aorta. He complained of a mild
      electrical current sensation in both lower extremities. After three hours he
      complained of neurological deficit in both lower extremities as well as voiding
      difficulty. The brain and spine magnetic resonance images showed a right
      cerebellar and spinal cord infarction at the T8-10 levels. CONCLUSIONS: We report
      a case of air embolism to the cerebellum and spinal cord causing infarction
      presenting with an initial symptom of mild electrical current sensation in both
      lower extremities during the transthoracic needle biopsy. For this potentially
      fatal complication, early recognition, followed by prompt therapy is critical to
      reducing morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 25113018
TI  - A simple formula for quick and accurate calculation of maximum allowable volume
      of local anaesthetic agents.

PMID- 25113017
TI  - Is there any role for community involvement in the community-based health
      planning and services skilled delivery program in rural Ghana?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Ghana, between 1,400 and 3,900 women and girls die annually due to
      pregnancy related complications and an estimated two-thirds of these deaths occur
      in late pregnancy through to 48 hours after delivery. The Ghana Health Service
      piloted a strategy that involved training Community Health Officers (CHOs) as
      midwives to address the gap in skilled attendance in rural Upper East Region
      (UER). CHO-midwives collaborated with community members to provide skilled
      delivery services in rural areas. This paper presents findings from a study
      designed to assess the extent to which community residents and leaders
      participated in the skilled delivery program and the specific roles they played
      in its implementation and effectiveness. METHODS: We employed an intrinsic case
      study design with a qualitative methodology. We conducted 29 in-depth interviews
      with health professionals and community stakeholders. We used a random sampling
      technique to select the CHO-midwives in three Community-based Health Planning and
      Services (CHPS) zones for the interviews and a purposive sampling technique to
      identify and interview District Directors of Health Services from the three
      districts, the Regional Coordinator of the CHPS program and community
      stakeholders. RESULTS: Community members play a significant role in promoting
      skilled delivery care in CHPS zones in Ghana. We found that community health
      volunteers and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) helped to provide health
      education on skilled delivery care, and they also referred or accompanied their
      clients for skilled attendants at birth. The political authorities, traditional
      leaders, and community members provide resources to promote the skilled delivery
      program. Both volunteers and TBAs are given financial and non-financial
      incentives for referring their clients for skilled delivery. However, inadequate
      transportation, infrequent supply of drugs, attitude of nurses remains as
      challenges, hindering women accessing maternity services in rural areas.
      CONCLUSIONS: Mutual collaboration and engagement is possible between health
      professionals and community members for the skilled delivery program. Community
      leaders, traditional and political leaders, volunteers, and TBAs have all been
      instrumental to the success of the CHPS program in the UER, each in their unique
      way. However, there are problems confronting the program and we have provided
      recommendations to address these challenges.

PMID- 25113019
TI  - Proof of concept trial on changes in current perception threshold after sacral
      neuromodulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is theorized to alter the neural
      pathways that mediate bladder and urethral sensation. We hypothesize that SNM
      affects current perception thresholds (CPTs) of afferent sensory nerve pathways.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight women were enrolled and completed pre and
      postoperative testing. A CPT device was used to measure CPT at 5 Hz (C-fibers),
      250 Hz (Adelta-fibers), and 2000 Hz (Abeta-fibers) on the urethra and bladder
      prior to and one month after SNM. Index finger readings at 2000 Hz served as
      controls. RESULTS: SNM had the greatest effect on the bladder at 250 and 2000 Hz,
      suggesting reduced bladder sensitivity. Significant changes in CPT were seen in
      the bladder at 2000 Hz with a decrease in sensitivity (p = 0.033). CPT testing
      was well tolerated, and no adverse events were identified. CONCLUSIONS: With a
      measurable change in CPT values for Adelta-fibers and Abeta-fibers, these
      findings suggest that SNM modulates large myelinated afferent fibers in the
      bladder. Notably, little or no changes were found in the C-fiber CPT
      measurements. More research is needed with a larger sample size to determine the
      significance of these findings.

PMID- 25113020
TI  - Temporal dynamics of eye movements are related to differences in scene complexity
      and clutter.
AB  - Recent research has begun to explore not just the spatial distribution of eye
      fixations but also the temporal dynamics of how we look at the world. In this
      investigation, we assess how scene characteristics contribute to these fixation
      dynamics. In a free-viewing task, participants viewed three scene types: fractal,
      landscape, and social scenes. We used a relatively new method, recurrence
      quantification analysis (RQA), to quantify eye movement dynamics. RQA revealed
      that eye movement dynamics were dependent on the scene type viewed. To understand
      the underlying cause for these differences we applied a technique known as
      fractal analysis and discovered that complexity and clutter are two scene
      characteristics that affect fixation dynamics, but only in scenes with meaningful
      content. Critically, scene primitives-revealed by saliency analysis-had no impact
      on performance. In addition, we explored how RQA differs from the first half of
      the trial to the second half, as well as the potential to investigate the
      precision of fixation targeting by changing RQA radius values. Collectively, our
      results suggest that eye movement dynamics result from top-down viewing
      strategies that vary according to the meaning of a scene and its associated
      visual complexity and clutter. 

PMID- 25113021
TI  - The role of color in expert object recognition.
AB  - In the current study, we examined how color knowledge in a domain of expertise
      influences the accuracy and speed of object recognition. In Experiment 1, expert
      bird-watchers and novice participants categorized common birds (e.g., robin,
      sparrow, cardinal) at the family level of abstraction. The bird images were shown
      in their natural congruent color, nonnatural incongruent color, and gray scale.
      The main finding was that color affected the performance of bird experts and bird
      novices, albeit in different ways. Although both experts and novices relied on
      color to recognize birds at the family level, analysis of the response time
      distribution revealed that color facilitated expert performance in the fastest
      and slowest trials whereas color only helped the novices in the slower trials. In
      Experiment 2, expert bird-watchers were asked to categorize congruent color,
      incongruent color, and gray scale images of birds at the more subordinate,
      species level (e.g., Nashville warbler, Wilson's warbler). The performance of
      experts was better with congruent color images than with incongruent color and
      gray scale images. As in Experiment 1, analysis of the response time distribution
      showed that the color effect was present in the fastest trials and was sustained
      through the slowest trials. Collectively, the findings show that experts have
      ready access to color knowledge that facilitates their fast and accurate
      identification at the family and species level of recognition.

PMID- 25113023
TI  - Pre-hospital care: a critical phase of the acute cardiovascular care management
      process.

PMID- 25113022
TI  - A simple biophysically plausible model for long time constants in single neurons.
AB  - Recent work in computational neuroscience and cognitive psychology suggests that
      a set of cells that decay exponentially could be used to support memory for the
      time at which events took place. Analytically and through simulations on a
      biophysical model of an individual neuron, we demonstrate that exponentially
      decaying firing with a range of time constants up to minutes could be implemented
      using a simple combination of well-known neural mechanisms. In particular, we
      consider firing supported by calcium-controlled cation current. When the amount
      of calcium leaving the cell during an interspike interval is larger than the
      calcium influx during a spike, the overall decay in calcium concentration can be
      exponential, resulting in exponential decay of the firing rate. The time constant
      of the decay can be several orders of magnitude larger than the time constant of
      calcium clearance, and it could be controlled externally via a variety of
      biologically plausible ways. The ability to flexibly and rapidly control time
      constants could enable working memory of temporal history to be generalized to
      other variables in computing spatial and ordinal representations.

PMID- 25113026
TI  - Social solidarity and the right to health: essential elements for people-centred
      health systems.

PMID- 25113025
TI  - "It's Not that Easy"--Medical Students' Fears and Barriers in End-of-Life
      Communication.
AB  - This study aims to assess and improve communication education for medical
      students in palliative care (PC) with the use of simulated patients (SP) in
      Germany. More specifically, to explore how students evaluate the use of SP for
      end-of-life communication training and which fears and barriers arise. A pilot
      course was implemented. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse
      transcribed recordings of the course. Pre- and post-course questionnaires
      containing open-ended questions ascertained students' motivation for
      participating, their preparation within their degree programme and whether they
      felt they had learned something important within the course. Seventeen medical
      students in their third to fourth year of education (age 22-31) participated in
      the five-session course and answered the questionnaires (pre n = 17, post n =
      12). Students felt insufficiently prepared and insecure. Discussing end-of-life
      issues was experienced as challenging and emotionally moving. Within the
      conversations, although students sometimes showed blocking behaviour in reaction
      to emotional impact, they valued the consideration of emotional aspects as very
      important. The course was overall highly appreciated and valued as being helpful.
      The communication situation with the SP was perceived as authentic. Ten out of 12
      students confirmed to have learned something important (post course). Our results
      indicate an urgent need for better communication training for medical students.
      Due to the fact that bedside teaching in PC is not feasible for all students,
      training with standardized SP can be a way to generate an authentic learning
      situation. Techniques to address fears and blocking behaviour should, however,
      also be considered.

PMID- 25113024
TI  - ABC inference of multi-population divergence with admixture from unphased
      population genomic data.
AB  - Rapidly developing sequencing technologies and declining costs have made it
      possible to collect genome-scale data from population-level samples in nonmodel
      systems. Inferential tools for historical demography given these data sets are,
      at present, underdeveloped. In particular, approximate Bayesian computation (ABC)
      has yet to be widely embraced by researchers generating these data. Here, we
      demonstrate the promise of ABC for analysis of the large data sets that are now
      attainable from nonmodel taxa through current genomic sequencing technologies. We
      develop and test an ABC framework for model selection and parameter estimation,
      given histories of three-population divergence with admixture. We then explore
      different sampling regimes to illustrate how sampling more loci, longer loci or
      more individuals affects the quality of model selection and parameter estimation
      in this ABC framework. Our results show that inferences improved substantially
      with increases in the number and/or length of sequenced loci, while less benefit
      was gained by sampling large numbers of individuals. Optimal sampling strategies
      given our inferential models included at least 2000 loci, each approximately 2 kb
      in length, sampled from five diploid individuals per population, although
      specific strategies are model and question dependent. We tested our ABC approach
      through simulation-based cross-validations and illustrate its application using
      previously analysed data from the oak gall wasp, Biorhiza pallida.

PMID- 25113027
TI  - Economic cost of primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in Tanzania.
AB  - Tanzania is facing a double burden of disease, with non-communicable diseases
      being an increasingly important contributor. Evidence-based preventive measures
      are important to limit the growing financial burden. This article aims to
      estimate the cost of providing medical primary prevention interventions for
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) among at-risk patients, reflecting actual resource
      use and if the World Health Organization (WHO)'s CVD medical preventive
      guidelines are implemented in Tanzania. In addition, we estimate and explore the
      cost to patients of receiving these services. Cost data were collected in four
      health facilities located in both urban and rural settings. Providers' costs were
      identified and measured using ingredients approach to costing and resource
      valuation followed the opportunity cost method. Unit costs were estimated using
      activity-based and step-down costing methodologies. The patient costs were
      obtained through a structured questionnaire. The unit cost of providing CVD
      medical primary prevention services ranged from US$30-41 to US$52-71 per patient
      per year at the health centre and hospital levels, respectively. Employing the
      WHO's absolute risk approach guidelines will substantially increase these costs.
      The annual patient cost of receiving these services as currently practised was
      estimated to be US$118 and US$127 for urban and rural patients, respectively.
      Providers' costs were estimated from two main viewpoints: 'what is', that is the
      current practice, and 'what if', reflecting a WHO guidelines scenario. The higher
      cost of implementing the WHO guidelines suggests the need for further evaluation
      of whether these added costs are reasonable relative to the added benefits. We
      also found considerably higher patient costs, implying that distributive and
      equity implications of access to care require more consideration. Facility
      location surfaced as the main explanatory variable for both direct and indirect
      patient costs in the regression analysis; further research on the influence of
      other provider characteristics on these costs is important. 

PMID- 25113028
TI  - An assessment of individual-level factors associated with alcohol treatment
      utilization among Mexican Americans.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to identify enabling factors for treatment
      utilization for alcohol-related problems, and to evaluate how enabling factors
      vary by need for treatment, among two samples of Mexican American adults. These
      two distinct samples included 2,595 current and former drinkers (one sample
      included 787 U.S./Mexico border residents; the other sample included 740 Mexican
      Americans living in U.S. cities not proximal to the border). Need for treatment
      (alcohol disorder severity) and (male) gender were the primary correlates of
      treatment utilization; and there was no moderation in the enabling factors by
      need for treatment as "enablers" of utilization. Further theoretical and
      empirical research is necessary to determine which mechanisms are driving
      disparities in treatment utilization across racial/ethnic groups generally, and
      Hispanic national groups specifically.

PMID- 25113029
TI  - Sac1-Vps74 structure reveals a mechanism to terminate phosphoinositide signaling
      in the Golgi apparatus.
AB  - Sac1 is a phosphoinositide phosphatase of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi
      apparatus that controls organelle membrane composition principally via regulation
      of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate signaling. We present a characterization of
      the structure of the N-terminal portion of yeast Sac1, containing the conserved
      Sac1 homology domain, in complex with Vps74, a phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase
      effector and the orthologue of human GOLPH3. The interface involves the N
      terminal subdomain of the Sac1 homology domain, within which mutations in the
      related Sac3/Fig4 phosphatase have been linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder
      CMT4J and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Disruption of the Sac1-Vps74 interface
      results in a broader distribution of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate within the
      Golgi apparatus and failure to maintain residence of a medial Golgi
      mannosyltransferase. The analysis prompts a revision of the membrane-docking
      mechanism for GOLPH3 family proteins and reveals how an effector of
      phosphoinositide signaling serves a dual function in signal termination. 

PMID- 25113030
TI  - The nebulin repeat protein Lasp regulates I-band architecture and filament
      spacing in myofibrils.
AB  - Mutations in nebulin, a giant muscle protein with 185 actin-binding nebulin
      repeats, are the major cause of nemaline myopathy in humans. Nebulin sets actin
      thin filament length in sarcomeres, potentially by stabilizing thin filaments in
      the I-band, where nebulin and thin filaments coalign. However, the precise role
      of nebulin in setting thin filament length and its other functions in regulating
      power output are unknown. Here, we show that Lasp, the only member of the nebulin
      family in Drosophila melanogaster, acts at two distinct sites in the sarcomere
      and controls thin filament length with just two nebulin repeats. We found that
      Lasp localizes to the Z-disc edges to control I-band architecture and also
      localizes at the A-band, where it interacts with both actin and myosin to set
      proper filament spacing. Furthermore, introducing a single amino acid change into
      the two nebulin repeats of Lasp demonstrated different roles for each domain and
      established Lasp as a suitable system for studying nebulin repeat function. 

PMID- 25113032
TI  - Full-length KIR3DL1*022 detected in an African donor.
AB  - KIR3DL1*022 is significantly different from the most common West African allele -
      KIR3DL1*01501. 

PMID- 25113033
TI  - Pirfenidone for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - Pirfenidone is an orally administered drug with anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory
      and anti-oxidant properties. The efficacy of pirfenidone is supported by a number
      of Phase III trials as well as a Cochrane meta-analysis and tolerability data are
      also provided by clinical trials and a long-term extension phase of these
      studies. These trials led to the approval of pirfenidone for the treatment of
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in Japan in 2008 and in Europe in 2011 and it
      is now indicated for treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate IPF. The primary
      endpoint of these studies has usually been the change in percentage predicted
      forced vital capacity from baseline; there has been no improvement in respiratory
      symptoms and/or quality of life measurements and/or decrease in mortality.
      Clinical and basic research studies are needed to expand our knowledge,
      understanding the final role of pirfenidone in the treatment of IPF and also
      identifing genetic factors that influence the effectiveness of this treatment. 

PMID- 25113034
TI  - Citation analysis of the most- and least-cited articles in Clinical and
      Experimental Ophthalmology: 2000-2013.

PMID- 25113035
TI  - Ethical concerns of visiting nurses caring for older people in the community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An understanding of the ethical concerns encountered by visiting
      nurses in the community is needed. Yet, there is a lack of research on this
      topic. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the ethical concerns
      that visiting nurses experience when caring for vulnerable older people living in
      a community. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: A qualitative thematic analysis was used to
      explore the nature of the ethical issues experienced by visiting nurses (N = 13)
      who care for vulnerable older people, over 65 years of age, in a South Korean
      community. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with visiting nurses.
      Qualitative thematic analysis was used to explore the main themes of the
      phenomenon. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: This study was approved by the Institutional
      Review Board of Chung-Ang University Bioethics Committee in South Korea. RESULTS:
      Four ethical themes emerged from the qualitative data: (a) quantitative
      performance rather than quality care, (b) clients being invisible, (c) tuning the
      level of the relationship with clients, and (d) facing the visiting nurses' own
      limitations. CONCLUSION: This study provides a theoretical basis to understand
      the ethical aspects of visiting nurses' interactions with clients, which should
      facilitate the development of ethical guidelines for visiting nurses to use in
      making ethical decisions in their practice.

PMID- 25113036
TI  - Is the hoopla over CPAF justified?

PMID- 25113031
TI  - Phosphorylated RPA recruits PALB2 to stalled DNA replication forks to facilitate
      fork recovery.
AB  - Phosphorylation of replication protein A (RPA) by Cdk2 and the checkpoint kinase
      ATR (ATM and Rad3 related) during replication fork stalling stabilizes the
      replisome, but how these modifications safeguard the fork is not understood. To
      address this question, we used single-molecule fiber analysis in cells expressing
      a phosphorylation-defective RPA2 subunit or lacking phosphatase activity toward
      RPA2. Deregulation of RPA phosphorylation reduced synthesis at forks both during
      replication stress and recovery from stress. The ability of phosphorylated RPA to
      stimulate fork recovery is mediated through the PALB2 tumor suppressor protein.
      RPA phosphorylation increased localization of PALB2 and BRCA2 to RPA-bound
      nuclear foci in cells experiencing replication stress. Phosphorylated RPA also
      stimulated recruitment of PALB2 to single-strand deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in a
      cell-free system. Expression of mutant RPA2 or loss of PALB2 expression led to
      significant DNA damage after replication stress, a defect accentuated by poly-ADP
      (adenosine diphosphate) ribose polymerase inhibitors. These data demonstrate that
      phosphorylated RPA recruits repair factors to stalled forks, thereby enhancing
      fork integrity during replication stress. 

PMID- 25113037
TI  - Desmoplastic fibroma of the mandible: a series of three cases and review of
      literature.
AB  - The desmoplastic fibroma (DF) is a rare, fibroblastic lesion of bone that
      histologically resembles the desmoid tumor of soft tissue. Although classified as
      benign, it frequently demonstrates aggressive behavior, often causing tooth
      mobility, extensive bone destruction, and has a moderate to high recurrence rate.
      We present three cases of DF in the mandible: the first in a 13 year old female
      involving the mandibular body in the region of teeth #s 27-#28, the second in a
      57 year old female with a lesion apical to tooth #30, and the third in a 20-year
      old female involving the left posterior mandible. Clinical, histologic,
      immunohistochemical (IHC) and radiographic features of this rare neoplasm are
      discussed. The challenges encountered in establishing an accurate diagnosis due
      to significant microscopic overlap with other spindle cell lesions are also
      detailed. Additionally, the findings of IHC stains including vimentin, smooth
      muscle actin, S-100 protein, beta-catenin, HHF-35 and proliferation marker, Ki-67
      on 3 cases are reported. The potential for misdiagnosis is high, especially in
      early lesions, since immunohistochemistry has been reported in literature to be
      inconsistent when differentiating DFs from other spindle cell lesions. A
      comparative review of DF and similar entities in the jaws with current
      considerations in treatment and prognosis is presented. 

PMID- 25113038
TI  - Dermoid cyst of the parotid gland: report of a rare entity with literature
      review.
AB  - Dermoid cysts (DCs)are benign lesions and histologically composed of tissues
      originating from ectoderm and mesoderm, but not endoderm. Approximately 7 % of
      all DCs are seen in head and neck area. However, parotid gland is an extremely
      rare localization in which DCs develop, and only 17 cases have been reported in
      the literature to date. Correct preoperative diagnosis is difficult to be
      established due to the rarity and ambiguous radiological findings. We report a
      case of a 21-year old man. All previous reports reviewed and the pathogenesis as
      well as the histopathologic and radiologic features are discussed. 

PMID- 25113039
TI  - The ratio of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to apolipoprotein A-I predicts
      myocardial injury following elective percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has cardioprotective properties. Each
      HDL particle has a few molecules of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and carries
      various amounts of cholesterol. The ratio of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (HDL-C) to apoA-I may reflect mean HDL particle size. HYPOTHESIS: HDL-C/apoA-I
      ratio may provide more information than HDL-C and apoA-I in predicting myocardial
      injury following elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We
      prospectively enrolled 2529 consecutive patients who underwent elective PCI and
      assessed the relationships of preprocedural HDL-C, apoA-I, and their ratio with
      peak cardiac troponin I (cTnI) within 24 hours after PCI. RESULTS: Neither HDL-C
      nor apoA-I levels showed significant association with postprocedural cTnI
      elevation, whereas HDL-C/apoA-I ratio was associated with postprocedural cTnI
      elevation above 3 up to 30 * upper limit of normal (ULN), with the lowest risk in
      the middle quintile (all P values for quadratic term were <0.05). Adjusted odds
      ratios (95% confidence interval) of postprocedural cTnI >3 * ULN for quintile 1
      to 5 of HDL-C/apoA-I ratio were: 1 (reference), 0.81 (0.62-1.07), 0.57 (0.43
      0.75), 0.65 (0.49-0.85), and 0.76 (0.58-1.01), respectively, and the adjusted
      odds ratios of postprocedural cTnI >30 * ULN for quintile 1 to 5 of HDL-C/apoA-I
      ratio were: 1 (reference), 0.81 (0.49-1.361), 0.42 (0.23-0.77), 0.66 (0.38-1.14),
      and 0.82 (0.49-1.38), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was a U-shaped association
      between HDL-C/apoA-I ratio and myocardial injury following PCI.

PMID- 25113040
TI  - Gastrogastric fistulae following gastric bypass surgery-clinical recognition and
      treatment.
AB  - Gastrogastric fistula (GGF) formation is an uncommon but well-recognized
      complication following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Patients with
      GGF may be asymptomatic or have nonspecific problems of abdominal pain, weight
      regain, or ulcer formation at the gastrojejunal anastomosis. Maintaining a high
      index of suspicion is the key to diagnosis. Flexible upper endoscopy and upper
      gastrointestinal fluoroscopy are complementary imaging modalities for securing
      the diagnosis of GGF. Surgical repair of GGF is generally the most definitive
      management but is invasive and has the potential for morbidity. Endoscopic
      methods of closure have gained favor in recent years due to their noninvasive
      nature despite the lack of long-term data regarding their success. Novel methods
      of endoscopic closure, including endoscopic suturing, more closely resemble the
      surgical paradigm and will likely supplant traditional surgical methods for the
      management of GGF. 

PMID- 25113041
TI  - The role of endoscopy in the management of pancreatic necrosis.
AB  - The management of acute pancreatitis has seen many advances over the past three
      decades. Attempts to improve care have led to new definitions, classification
      systems, and treatment strategies. Despite those efforts, considerable morbidity
      and mortality result from complications of severe acute pancreatitis. Much
      attention has been given to new ways to treat these complications, including
      inflammatory pancreatic fluid collections and associated infections. Endoscopy
      has become one of the established modalities for the treatment of these
      complications in many expert centers. This chapter will specifically address the
      role of endoscopy in the management of pancreatic necrosis. 

PMID- 25113043
TI  - Comparison of identification systems for psychrotrophic bacteria isolated from
      raw bovine milk.
AB  - Psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk produce heat-resistant extracellular
      proteases, resulting in spoilage and shelf-life reduction of ultrahigh
      temperature treated milk and milk products. Controlling of these spoilage
      microbes requires rapid and reliable identification systems for screening of raw
      milk. This study aimed to compare commercial bacterial identification systems
      with a genetic method (considered as the 'gold standard' method) for the
      identification of heat-resistant protease producing bacteria in raw milk. Five
      bacterial identification systems were compared based on typability,
      discrimination power (i.e. Simpson's Index of Diversity), reproducibility and
      speed of analysis. The accuracy of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Biolog, MALDI-TOF
      MS, API, and Microbact for the identification of Gram negative bacilli at the
      species level was 100.0%, 86.8%, 63.2%, 60.5% and 57.9%, respectively. The Gram
      positive bacilli were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Biolog, MALDI-TOF
      MS, and API with accuracies at the species level of 100.0%, 85.0%, 95.0% and
      90.0%, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis
      discriminated Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas syringae, Hafnia alvei,
      Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus licheniformis to the subspecies
      level. The Simpson's Index of Diversity scores were 0.966, 0.711, 0.496, 0.472,
      and 0.140, for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Biolog, MALDI-TOF MS, API and Microbact,
      respectively. Limited reference profiles in the databases of Biolog, MALDI-TOF
      MS, API and Microbact systems reduced their accuracy in bacterial identification,
      compared to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The rapidity of each assay is in the
      following order; MALDI-TOF MS>16S rRNA gene sequencing>Biolog>Microbact>API. The
      reproducibility of the assays is in the order of 16S rRNA gene
      sequencing>API>Microbact>MALDI-TOF MS>Biolog. Thus, 16S rRNA gene sequencing
      appears to be the most reliable and robust system for the identification of dairy
      spoilage bacteria. The Biolog system is suitable for the identification of Gram
      negative spoilage bacteria, while MALDI-TOF MS and API systems are suitable for
      the identification of Gram positive spoilage bacteria isolated from raw milk. The
      commercial systems used in this study have been developed and extensively used
      for the identification of clinical microbes but only a limited number of studies
      used those systems to identify the environmental microorganisms that often
      contaminate raw milk. Therefore, comparison of those systems for the
      identification of spoilage microbes in raw milk would provide better
      understanding of their suitability for routine dairy microbiology and more
      extensive dairy research. 

PMID- 25113042
TI  - Chromoendoscopy for colorectal cancer surveillance in patients with inflammatory
      bowel disease.
AB  - Chromoendoscopy utilizes colorimetric techniques to increase detection of lesions
      that are difficult to see or cannot be seen with conventional white light
      endoscopy. Multiple studies have demonstrated that chromoendoscopy with dye
      spraying significantly increases the detection of dysplastic lesions in patients
      with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of the colon undergoing
      colonoscopy. Furthermore, chromoendoscopy may obviate the need for random
      biopsies and pending additional studies and may allow increased intervals between
      surveillance exams, reducing costs while increasing the sensitivity for detection
      of dysplasia per exam. Despite convincing data supporting the use of
      chromoendoscopy for IBD colonic surveillance, it is seldom utilized outside of
      academic centers. Here, we review the current approach to colorectal cancer
      surveillance in IBD focusing on the data supporting the use of chromoendoscopy
      including its use in a community setting and offer practical recommendations for
      incorporating chromoendoscopy as a routine part of surveillance in IBD regardless
      of practice setting. 

PMID- 25113044
TI  - Characterization of integrons and resistance genes in multidrug-resistant
      Salmonella enterica isolated from meat and dairy products in Egypt.
AB  - Foodborne pathogens are a leading cause of illness and death, especially in
      developing countries. The problem is exacerbated if bacteria attain multidrug
      resistance. Little is currently known about the extent of antibiotic resistance
      in foodborne pathogens and the molecular mechanisms underlying this resistance in
      Africa. Therefore, the current study was carried out to characterize, at the
      molecular level, the mechanism of multidrug resistance in Salmonella enterica
      isolated from 1600 food samples (800 meat products and 800 dairy products)
      collected from different street venders, butchers, retail markets and
      slaughterhouses in Egypt. Forty-seven out of 69 isolates (68.1%) showed multidrug
      resistance phenotypes to at least three classes of antimicrobials. The incidence
      of multidrug-resistant isolates was higher in meat products (37, 69.8%) than in
      dairy products (10, 62.5%). The multidrug-resistant serovars included, S.
      enterica serovar Typhimurium (24 isolates, 34.8%), S. enterica serovar
      Enteritidis, (15 isolates, 21.8%), S. enterica serovar Infantis (7 isolates,
      10.1%) and S. enterica non-typable serovar (1 isolate, 1.4%). The highest
      resistance was to ampicillin (95.7%), then to kanamycin (93.6%), spectinomycin
      (93.6%), streptomycin (91.5%) and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (91.5%). PCR and
      DNA sequencing were used to screen and characterize integrons and antibiotic
      resistance genes and 39.1% and 8.7% of isolates were positive for class 1 and
      class 2 integrons, respectively. beta-lactamase-encoding genes were identified in
      75.4% of isolates and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes were identified
      in 27.5% of isolates. Finally, the florphenicol resistance gene, floR, was
      identified in 18.8% of isolates. PCR screening identified S. enterica serovar
      Typhimurium DT104 in both meat and dairy products. This is the first study to
      report many of these resistance genes in dairy products. This study highlights
      the high incidence of multidrug-resistant S. enterica in meat and dairy products
      in Egypt, with the possibility of their transfer to humans leading to therapeutic
      failure. Therefore, the overuse of antibiotics in animals should be drastically
      reduced in developing countries. 

PMID- 25113045
TI  - Biocontrol activity of four non- and low-fermenting yeast strains against
      Aspergillus carbonarius and their ability to remove ochratoxin A from grape
      juice.
AB  - Aspergillus spp. infection of grape may lead to ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination
      in processed beverages such as wine and grape juice. The aim of the current study
      was to evaluate the biocontrol potential of two non-fermenting (Cyberlindnera
      jadinii 273 and Candida friedrichii 778) and two low-fermenting (Candida
      intermedia 235 and Lachancea thermotolerans 751) yeast strains against the
      pathogenic fungus and OTA-producer Aspergillus carbonarius, and their ability to
      remove OTA from grape juice. Two strains, 235 and 751, showed a significant
      ability to inhibit A. carbonarius both on grape berries and in in vitro
      experiments. Neither their filtrate nor their autoclaved filtrate culture broth
      was able to prevent consistently pathogen growth. Volatile organic compounds
      (VOCs) produced by all four selected yeasts were likely able to consistently
      prevent pathogen sporulation in vitro. VOCs produced by the non-fermenting strain
      778 also significantly reduced A. carbonarius vegetative growth. Three yeast
      strains (235, 751, and 778) efficiently adsorbed artificially spiked OTA from
      grape juice, while autoclaving treatment improved OTA adsorption capacity by all
      the four tested strains. Biological control of A. carbonarius and OTA
      decontamination using yeast is proposed as an approach to meet the Islamic
      dietary laws concerning the absence of alcohol in halal beverages. 

PMID- 25113046
TI  - Synthesis and in vitro pharmacological evaluation of novel 2-hydroxypropyl-4
      arylpiperazine derivatives as serotoninergic ligands.
AB  - This paper reports the synthesis of new norbornene and exo-N-hydroxy-7
      oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide derivatives and their binding to
      the 5-HT1A , 5-HT2A , and 5-HT2C receptors, in order to identify selective
      ligands for these 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonine) receptor subtypes. The
      combination of structural elements (heterocyclic nucleus, hydroxyalkyl chain, and
      4-substituted piperazine) known to be critical for affinity to 5-HT1A receptors
      and the proper selection of substituents led to compounds with high specificity
      and affinity toward serotoninergic receptors. The most active compounds were
      selected and further evaluated for their binding affinities to D1 , D2
      dopaminergic and alpha1 , alpha2 adrenergic receptors. 4-[3-[4-(2
      Furoyl)piperazin-1-yl]propoxy-2-ol]-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione
      3e with Ki  = 5.04 +/- 0.227 nM was the most active and selective derivative for
      the 5-HT2C receptor with respect to other serotonin receptors, and the most
      selective derivative versus dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors. 

PMID- 25113047
TI  - Interobserver and intraobserver repeatability of lipid layer pattern evaluation
      by two experienced observers.
AB  - PURPOSE: The lipid layer plays a major role in limiting evaporation of the tear
      film. Based on interference phenomena, there is a test directed to lipid layer
      pattern (LLP) evaluation, but is affected by subjective interpretation of the
      patterns. The aim of this study is to compare the LLP evaluation between two
      experienced observers on a group of healthy patients. Furthermore, observers re
      evaluated the same images to check their individual repeatability. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: LLP was examined using a Tearscope-plus (Keeler, Windsor, UK) attached
      to a slit lamp. Tear film was recorded by a Topcon DV-3 digital camera video and
      LLP images were captured. This yielded 124 LLP images that were categorized
      (based on Guillon's scheme) by two expert observers in two sessions separated by
      one month. Interobserver repeatability and intraobserver repeatability between
      both sessions were studied by using Cohen's kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Comparing
      LLP categorization between both observers, Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.615
      and 0.633 for first and second session, respectively. When comparing LLP
      categorization by the same observer between both sessions, Cohen's kappa
      coefficient was 0.770 and 0.812 for Observer 1 and Observer 2, respectively.
      These results indicate substantial correlation in all cases. The most frequent
      misinterpretations were between open and closed meshwork and Wave and closed
      meshwork patterns. CONCLUSION: Although substantial correlation was found between
      categorizations of experienced observers, misinterpretation of the patterns may
      appear even in the same observer. Some misinterpretations between adjacent
      patterns could be palliated by including intermediate patterns between those
      categories.

PMID- 25113048
TI  - An imprinted Ag@CdS core shell nanoparticle based optical-electrochemical dual
      probe for trace level recognition of ferritin.
AB  - In this work, we present a new approach to prepare the Ag@CdS core-shell
      fluorescent nanoparticles wrapped with molecularly imprinted polymer for ferritin
      macromolecule by capping with vinyl derivative of cysteine. The imprinted Ag@CdS
      nanoparticle was prepared via activator regenerated by electron transfer-atom
      transfer radical polymerization (ARGET-ATRP) method onto the surface of vinyl
      silane modified pencil graphite electrode. Combination of Ag and CdS in a single
      motif causes the dual behavior of core shell nanoparticle, which shows enhanced
      fluorescence as well as electrochemical properties. The performance of the
      obtained imprinted sensor was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical
      impedance spectroscopy, chronocoulometry, differential pulse voltammetry and
      fluorescence spectrophotometry. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the
      current response of the electrochemical sensor was linear to ferritin
      concentrations in the range from 1.99 to 23.43 ug L-1, with the detection limit
      of 0.65 ug L-1. Similarly, a linear response was obtained between fluorescence
      quenching of imprinted Ag@CdS and concentration of ferritin in the range from 4.0
      to 91.0 ug L-1, with limit of detection (LOD) of 1.3 ug L-1. The method was
      successfully applied to the analysis of blood serum samples of five different men
      and women with acceptable recoveries of 99.7% and 100.3% (RSD in %=1.0-2.0).

PMID- 25113049
TI  - An exonuclease I-based label-free fluorometric aptasensor for adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) detection with a wide concentration range.
AB  - A novel aptamer-based label-free assay for sensitive and selective detection of
      ATP was developed. This assay employs a new aptamer/fluorescent probe system that
      shows resistance to exonuclease I (Exo I) digestion upon binding to ATP
      molecules. In the absence of ATP, the complex between the ATP-binding aptamer
      (ATP-aptamer) and a DNA binding dye, berberine, is digested upon the addition of
      exonuclease I, leading to the release of berberine into solution and
      consequently, quenched berberine fluorescence. In the presence of ATP, the ATP
      binding aptamer folds into a G-quadruplex structure that is resistant to Exo I
      digestion. Accordingly, berberine is protected in the G-quadruplex structure and
      high fluorescence intensity is observed. As such, based on the fluorescence
      signal change, a label-free fluorescence assay for ATP was developed. Factors
      affecting the analysis of ATP including the concentration of ATP-binding aptamer,
      reaction time, temperature and the concentration of Exo I were comprehensively
      investigated. Under optimal conditions, the fluorescence intensity of the sensing
      system displayed a response for ATP in a wide range up to 17.5 mM with a
      detection limit of 140 nM.

PMID- 25113050
TI  - Using poly(3-aminophenylboronic acid) thin film with binding-induced ion flux
      blocking for amperometric detection of hemoglobin A1c.
AB  - This study reports a novel enzyme-free, label-free amperometric method for direct
      detection of hemoglobin A1c (Hb(A1c)), a potent biomarker for diabetes diagnosis
      and prognosis. The method relies on an electrode modified with poly(3
      aminophenylboronic acid) (PAPBA) nanoparticles (20-50 nm) and a sensing scheme
      named "binding-induced ion flux blocking." The PAPBA nanoparticles were
      characterized by FT-IR, XPS, TEM, and SEM. Being a polyaniline derivative, PAPBA
      showed an ion-dependent redox behavior, in which insertion or extraction of ions
      into or out of PABPA occurred for charge balance during the electron transfer
      process. The polymer allowed Hb(A1c) selectively bound to its surface via forming
      the cis-diol linkage between the boronic acid and sugar moieties. Voltammetric
      analyses showed that Hb(A1c) binding decreased the redox current of PAPBA;
      however, the binding did not alter the redox potentials and the apparent
      diffusivities of ions. This suggests that the redox current of PAPBA decreased
      due to an Hb(A1c) binding-induced ion flux blocking mechanism, which was then
      verified and characterized through an in situ electrochemical quartz crystal
      microbalance (EQCM) study. Assay with Hb(A1c) by differential pulse voltammetry
      (DPV) indicates that the peak current of a PAPBA electrode has a linear
      dependence on the logarithm of Hb(A1c) concentration ranging from 0.975 to 156
      MUM. The Hb(A1c) assay also showed high selectivity against ascorbic acid,
      dopamine, uric acid, glucose and bovine serum albumin. This study has
      demonstrated a new method for developing an electrochemical Hb(A1c) biosensor and
      can be extended to other label-free, indicator-free protein biosensors based on a
      similar redox polymer electrode.

PMID- 25113051
TI  - Synthesis of carbon nanotube-nickel nanocomposites using atomic layer deposition
      for high-performance non-enzymatic glucose sensing.
AB  - A useful strategy has been developed to fabricate carbon-nanotube-nickel (CNT-Ni)
      nanocomposites through atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Ni and chemical vapor
      deposition (CVD) of functionalized CNTs. Various techniques, including scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were used to characterize the morphology and
      the structure of as-prepared samples. It was confirmed that the products possess
      uniform Ni nanoparticles that are constructed by finely controlled deposition of
      Ni onto oxygen or bromine functionalized CNT surface. Electrochemical studies
      indicate that the CNT-Ni nanocomposites exhibit high electrocatalytic activity
      for glucose oxidation in alkaline solutions, which enables the products to be
      used in enzyme-free electrochemical sensors for glucose determination. It was
      demonstrated that the CNT-Ni nanocomposite-based glucose biosensor offers a
      variety of merits, such as a wide linear response window for glucose
      concentrations of 5 MUM-2 mM, short response time (3 s), a low detection limit (2
      MUM), high sensitivity (1384.1 MUA mM(-1) cm(-2)), and good selectivity and
      repeatability.

PMID- 25113052
TI  - A highly sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on bimetallic Cu-Ag
      superstructures.
AB  - Bimetallic Cu-Ag superstructures were successfully fabricated for the first time
      by using the natural leaves as reducing agent through a facile one-step
      hydrothermal process. Morphology, structure and composition of the Cu-Ag
      superstructures were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy
      (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray
      photoelectron spectra (XPS) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission
      spectroscopy (ICP-OES), respectively. The results reveal that the Cu-Ag
      superstructure is bimetallic nanocomposite constructed by nanoparticles with low
      Ag content and shows a rough surface and porous flexural algae-like
      microstructure. By using a three-dimensional nickel foam as the scaffold, a novel
      non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on Cu-Ag nanocomposites has been fabricated
      and applied to non-enzymatic glucose detection. The as-prepared Cu-Ag
      nanocomposites based glucose sensor displays distinctly enhanced electrocatalytic
      activity compared to those obtained with pure Cu nanomaterials prepared with a
      similar procedure, revealing a synergistic effect of the matrix Cu and the doped
      Ag. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance
      spectroscopy indicate that the Cu-Ag superstructures based glucose sensor
      displays a fascinating sensitivity up to 7745.7 MUA mM(-1) cm(-2), outstanding
      detection limit of 0.08 MUM and fast amperometric response (<2 s) for glucose
      detection. Furthermore, the sensor also exhibits significant selectivity,
      excellent stability and reproducibility, as well as attractive feasibility for
      real sample analysis. Because of its excellent electrochemical performance, low
      cost and easy preparation, this novel electrode material is a promising candidate
      in the development of non-enzymatic glucose sensor.

PMID- 25113054
TI  - Temperament and character as determinants of well-being.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effects of Temperament and Character
      Inventory (TCI) personality measures on well-being scores in a sample of 49-51
      year old New Zealanders. Previous research has linked high self-directedness (SD)
      and low harm avoidance (HA) with well-being. We hypothesised that SD and HA would
      have predictive power for Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) well
      being. We anticipated that character profiles with high SD and cooperativeness
      (CO) would be associated with higher well-being scores while high self
      transcendence (ST) scores would have less of an influence on well-being in a
      secular population such as New Zealand. Additionally we aimed to describe and
      assess the performance of a well-being measure, the WEMWBS and we intended to
      clarify the factors that underlie the questionnaire. METHODS: A cohort of 404
      randomly selected participants in a study of ageing had WEMWBS means calculated
      and with principal component analysis used to investigate the factors that
      underlie the WEMWBS. Multiple hierarchical regression was used to predict WEMWBS
      scores from socio-demographic and TCI personality variables. ANOVA were used to
      explore the non-linear effects of personality profiles on well-being. RESULTS:
      Principal components analysis revealed one significant factor which explained
      54.34% of the variance. After initial univariate analysis current depression,
      marital status and standard of living were entered at the first step of the
      multivariate regression. They explained 20% of the variance. In step two the
      seven TCI personality variables were added to the model, explaining a total of
      49% (R(2) change=0.29). Low HA, high SD and the absence of current depression
      were the main predictors of WEMWBS scores. Character profiles featuring high SD
      produced significantly higher scores on the WEMWBS. Total WEMWBS scores were
      normally distributed, and the mean was 52.83 (95% CI 51.96-53.70). CONCLUSIONS:
      The key determinants of well-being were absence of current depression and
      personality variables, especially low HA and high SD. The WEMWBS has face
      validity and the New Zealand results were very similar to the UK results.

PMID- 25113053
TI  - Piezoresistive microcantilever-based DNA sensor for sensitive detection of
      pathogenic Vibrio cholerae O1 in food sample.
AB  - Pathogenic Vibrio cholerae produces a cholera toxin which is the cause of a
      severe diarrheal disease called "Cholera". Available detection methods, including
      standard bacteriological test and immuno-based detection, are specific to the
      suspected pathogenic V. cholerae O1 and O139, but they are not specific to the
      cholera toxin producible strain. This work combined the polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) of cholera toxin gene, ctxA gene, and microcantilever-based DNA sensor to
      improve the sensitivity and specificity of detection. Gold coated
      microcantilever, 250 um long and 50 um wide, with an embedded polysilicon wire
      acting as a piezoresistive material was modified by a self-assembled monolayer
      (SAM) of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) for immobilization of specific DNA probe
      via avidin layer on the surface. The avidin and 5' biotinylated single-stranded
      DNA (ssDNA) probe concentrations were optimized for the immobilization at 50
      ug/mL and 1 uM, respectively. The hybridization between ssDNA probe on this DNA
      sensor and target DNA creates nanomechanical bending and resistance change of
      piezoresistive material inside the beam. This microcantilever-based DNA sensor
      offers a detection sensitivity of 3.25 pg or 14 nM of DNA template for ctxA gene
      detection. The lowest number of V. cholerae O1 in food sample with and without
      the enrichment process that the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for ctxA gene
      combined with this DNA sensor can detect is 0.835 and 835 cells/g, respectively.
      This detection sensitivity is 10 times higher than that of the conventional PCR
      method.

PMID- 25113055
TI  - Losing control: assaultive behavior as a predictor of impulse control disorders
      in young adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assaultive behaviors are common among young people and have been
      associated with a range of other unhealthy, impulsive behaviors such as substance
      use and problem gambling. This study sought to determine the predictive ability
      of single assaultive incidents for impulse control disorders, an association that
      has yet to be examined, especially in young adults. METHODS: The authors
      conducted a university-wide email survey in the spring of 2011 on 6000 university
      students. The survey examined assaultive behavior and associated mental health
      variables (using a clinically validated screening instrument, the Minnesota
      Impulsive Disorders Interview), stress and mood states, and psychosocial
      functioning. RESULTS: The rate of response was 35.1% (n=2108). 109 (5.9%)
      participants reported that they had assaulted another person or destroyed
      property at some time in their lives. Compared with respondents without lifetime
      assaultive behavior, those with a history of assaultive or destructive behavior
      reported more depressive symptoms, more stress, and higher rates of a range of
      impulse control disorders (intermittent explosive disorder, compulsive sexual
      behavior, compulsive buying, and skin picking disorder). CONCLUSIONS: Assaultive
      behavior appears fairly common among college students and is associated with
      symptoms of depression and impulse control disorders. Significant distress and
      diminished behavioral control suggest that assaultive behaviors may often be
      associated with significant morbidity. Additional research is needed to develop
      specific prevention and treatment strategies for young adults attending college
      who report problems with assaultive behaviors.

PMID- 25113056
TI  - A preliminary investigation of the long-term outcome of the Unified Protocol for
      Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to conduct a preliminary examination of long
      term outcomes on a broad range of affective disorder symptoms treated with a
      newly developed intervention: The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment
      of Emotional Disorders (UP). METHOD: Maintenance of treatment gains at long-term
      follow-up (LTFU) were explored in patients (N=15, mean age=32.27; 60% female) who
      completed a clinical trial of the UP. RESULTS: Treatment gains observed at 6
      month follow-up (6MFU) on measures of clinical severity, general symptoms of
      depression and anxiety, and a measure of symptom interference in daily
      functioning were largely maintained 12months later (at an average of 18months
      posttreatment), and any significant changes from 6MFU to LTFU reflected small
      increases in symptoms that remained, on average, in the subclinical range.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide the first initial support for the durability
      of broad treatment gains following transdiagnostic treatment.

PMID- 25113057
TI  - Spread of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria in a southwest hospital in
      China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rapid emergence and dissemination of carbapenem resistance in
      Enterobacteriaceae complicates the treatment of infections caused by these
      organisms. METHODS: We collected clinical isolates with meropenem inhibition
      zones of <= 22 mm from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010. We attempted
      to amplify the NDM-1 gene from these isolates and conducted the modified Hodge
      test (MHT). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the MHT-positive
      strains was determined by the agar disk dilution method. The carbapenemase
      encoding resistance genes of these strains were examined using polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) analysis and a sequencing strategy to characterize these enzymes.
      The clonal relationship among isolates was analyzed by pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE). RESULTS: Among the 158 Enterobacteriaceae isolates that
      were collected, there were no NDM-1-positive strains and 26 MHT-positive strains.
      Among the latter, 18 strains were IMP-4-positive, and 1 was KPC-2-positive. In
      addition, 15 of the IMP-4-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae strains belonged to 4
      PFGE genotypes, with 8 strains having the same genotype. CONCLUSION: These
      results suggest that nosocomial infections are one of the main reasons for the
      spread of these resistant strains.

PMID- 25113058
TI  - Caspase-3 inhibition prevents the development of hepatopulmonary syndrome in
      common bile duct ligation rats by alleviating pulmonary injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Common bile duct ligation (CBDL) rats is an accepted
      experimental model of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), defined as liver disease
      and intrapulmonary vascular dilatation and hypoxaemia. Pulmonary Akt and ERK
      activation followed by angiogenesis in the later stages of CBDL, contribute to
      the pathogenesis of HPS. However, the mechanisms behind Akt and ERK activation
      remain undefined. Pulmonary injury induced by increased bilirubin, endotoxin and
      inflammatory mediators occurs in the early stages of CBDL. We assessed the
      effects of relieving pulmonary injury on Akt and ERK activation and on the
      development of HPS following CBDL. METHODS: Pulmonary injury, angiogenesis,
      arterial oxygenation, cell proliferation and, phospho-Akt and ERK1 were evaluated
      in CBDL animals with or without caspase-3 inhibition (Z-DEVD-FMK). Pulmonary
      injury was assessed by histology and quantifying apoptosis and aquaporin-1 (AQP1)
      levels. Lung angiogenesis was assessed by quantifying AQP1 level, vWF-positive
      cells and microvessel count. RESULTS: Pulmonary apoptosis and caspase-3
      activation were markedly increased in the early stages of CBDL. Caspase-3
      inhibition alleviated apoptosis, the reduction in AQP1, phospho-Akt and ERK1
      levels and pulmonary injury 1 week after CBDL. Caspase-3 inhibition also reduced
      AQP1, phospho-Akt and ERK1 levels, vWF-positive cells, cell proliferation,
      microvessel count, and microvascular dilatation and improved arterial oxygenation
      3 weeks following CBDL. CONCLUSIONS: Caspase-3 inhibition alleviates pulmonary
      injury, thereby preventing angiogenesis as well as the development of HPS in CBDL
      rats. These effects are related to the regulation of the Akt and ERK1 pathways.

PMID- 25113060
TI  - In vivo gastric detection of alpha-synuclein inclusions in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - alpha-Synuclein inclusions have been identified in the brain and some parts of
      the enteric nervous system in Parkinson's disease cases. We aimed to assess these
      inclusions in gastric mucosa samples from patients with symptomatic Parkinson's
      disease. Random biopsies were performed by gastroscopy in 28 patients with
      Parkinson's disease and in 29 age- and sex-matched controls. Gastroscopy was
      performed to start enteral levodopa (L-dopa) therapy in cases and for diagnostic
      purposes in controls (gastroesophageal reflux, anemia, and abdominal pain were
      the main indications). The clinical definition of cases and controls was made a
      priori. Six controls had data suggestive of "mild presymptomatic parkinsonism".
      Biopsy specimens were immunostained for alpha-synuclein. The neuropathological
      diagnosis was established post hoc. No differences were found in the baseline
      characteristics of the groups. Positive fibers for the alpha-synuclein protein
      were observed in 17 of 28 (60.7%) Parkinson's disease patients, 1 of 23 controls
      (4.3%), and 1 of 6 (16.7%) cases of incident "mild presymptomatic parkinsonism."
      Neuropathological diagnosis based on alpha-synuclein immunostaining showed a
      sensitivity of 85% (95% confidence interval [CI] 62.1-96.8), specificity of 95%
      (95% CI 76.2-99.9) and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve
      (AUC) of 0.90 (95% CI 0.80-1.00). No adverse events occurred. Detection of alpha
      synuclein inclusions in the gastric mucosa is a useful and safe tool providing in
      vivo evidence of the underlying neurodegenerative peripheral involvement linked
      to Parkinson's disease. Further studies are warranted to determine its
      pathophysiological implications.

PMID- 25113062
TI  - Reactions of atomic hydrogen with formic acid and carbon monoxide in solid
      parahydrogen II: Deuterated reaction studies.
AB  - It is difficult to determine whether the measured rate constant for reaction of
      atomic hydrogen with formic acid reported in Part 1 reflects the H atom quantum
      diffusion rate or the rate constant for the tunneling reaction step. In Part 2 of
      this series, we present kinetic studies of the postphotolysis H atom reactions
      with deuterated formic acid (DCOOD) to address this ambiguity. Short duration 193
      nm in situ photolysis of DCOOD trapped in solid parahydrogen results in partial
      depletion of the DCOOD precursor and photoproduction of primarily CO, CO2, DOCO,
      HCO and mobile H atoms. At 1.9 K we observe post-irradiation growth in the
      concentrations of DOCO and HCO that can be explained by H atom tunneling
      reactions with DCOOD and CO, respectively. Conducting experiments with different
      deuterium isotopomers of formic acid (DCOOD, DCOOH, HCOOD and HCOOH) provides
      strong circumstantial evidence the reaction involves H atom abstraction from the
      alkyl group of formic acid. Further, the anomalous temperature dependence
      measured for the H + HCOOH reaction in Part 1 is also observed for the analogous
      reactions with deuterated formic acid. The rate constants extracted for H atom
      reactions with DCOOD and HCOOH are equivalent to within experimental uncertainty.
      This lack of a kinetic isotope effect in the measured rate constant is
      interpreted as evidence the reactions are diffusion limited; the measured rate
      constant reflects the H atom diffusion rate and not the tunneling reaction rate.
      Whether or not H atom reactions with chemical species in solid parahydrogen are
      diffusion limited is one of the outstanding questions in this field, and this
      work makes significant strides toward showing the reaction kinetics with formic
      acid are diffusion limited. 

PMID- 25113061
TI  - Cellular inhibitors of apoptosis (cIAP) 1 and 2 are increased in placenta from
      obese pregnant women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Independent of their role in apoptosis, cellular inhibitors of
      apoptosis (cIAP) 1 and 2, have emerged as regulators of inflammation. Obesity in
      pregnancy is characterised by maternal and placental inflammation. Thus, the aim
      of this study was to determine the effect of maternal obesity and pro
      inflammatory mediators on cIAP expression in human placenta. METHODS: The
      expression of cIAP was assessed in human placenta from lean (n = 15) and obese (n
      = 14) patients by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Primary trophoblast cells were
      used to determine the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on cIAP expression,
      and the effect of cIAP siRNA on pro-inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: cIAP1 and
      cIAP2, gene and protein expression were significantly higher in placenta from
      women with pre-existing maternal obesity compared to placenta form lean women.
      Additionally, bacterial endotoxin LPS and the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta significantly increased
      the expression of both cIAP1 and cIAP2 in primary trophoblast cells isolated from
      human term placenta. Knockdown of cIAP1 or cIAP2 in human primary trophoblast
      cells significantly decreased TNF-alpha induced expression and secretion of pro
      inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 and of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9.
      DISCUSSION: cIAP1 and cIAP2 expression is increased in placenta from women with
      pre-existing maternal obesity and in response to treatment with pro-inflammatory
      cytokines. Functional studies in placental trophoblast cells revealed that cIAPs
      are involved in TNF-alpha induced-expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Given
      the central role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in placental nutrient transport,
      this data suggest that cIAP1 and cIAP2 may play a role in fetal growth and
      development.

PMID- 25113059
TI  - Whole genome RNAi screens reveal a critical role of REV3 in coping with
      replication stress.
AB  - REV3, the catalytic subunit of translesion polymerase zeta (polzeta), is commonly
      associated with DNA damage bypass and repair. Despite sharing accessory subunits
      with replicative polymerase delta, very little is known about the role of polzeta
      in DNA replication. We previously demonstrated that inhibition of REV3 expression
      induces persistent DNA damage and growth arrest in cancer cells. To reveal
      determinants of this sensitivity and obtain insights into the cellular function
      of REV3, we performed whole human genome RNAi library screens aimed at
      identification of synthetic lethal interactions with REV3 in A549 lung cancer
      cells. The top confirmed hit was RRM1, the large subunit of ribonucleotide
      reductase (RNR), a critical enzyme of de novo nucleotide synthesis. Treatment
      with the RNR-inhibitor hydroxyurea (HU) synergistically increased the fraction of
      REV3-deficient cells containing single stranded DNA (ssDNA) as indicated by an
      increase in replication protein A (RPA). However, this increase was not
      accompanied by accumulation of the DNA damage marker gammaH2AX suggesting a role
      of REV3 in counteracting HU-induced replication stress (RS). Consistent with a
      role of REV3 in DNA replication, increased RPA staining was confined to HU
      treated S-phase cells. Additionally, we found genes related to RS to be
      significantly enriched among the top hits of the synthetic sickness/lethality
      (SSL) screen further corroborating the importance of REV3 for DNA replication
      under conditions of RS. 

PMID- 25113063
TI  - Changes in length of the plantar aponeurosis during the stance phase of gait--an
      in vivo dynamic fluoroscopic study.
AB  - In locomotion, ligaments and muscles have been recognized to support the arch of
      the foot. However, it remains unclear to what extent the passive and active
      structures of the lower extremity support the longitudinal arch of the foot
      during walking. In this study, the mechanical function of the plantar aponeurosis
      (PA) is investigated by elongation measurements in vivo during the stance phase
      of gait, in combination with measurements of the mechanical properties of the PA
      in vitro. Fluoroscopy was used to measure the dynamic changes in PA length and
      the angular motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the first ray, measured
      during the stance phase (StPh) in 11 feet. Simultaneously, ground forces were
      measured. Additionally, four cadaver feet delivered topographic information
      relating to the PA, and three autopsy specimens of PA served to determine the in
      vitro mechanical properties of PA. The present study revealed a non-significant
      peak average PA shortening of 0.48% at about 32.5% StPh, followed by a
      significant average peak elongation of 3.6% at 77.5% StPh. This average peak
      elongation of 3.6% corresponds to a force of 292N, as estimated by mechanical
      testing of the autopsy PA specimens. Considering the maximum peak elongation
      measured in one volunteer of 4.8% at 76% StPh, a peak PA load of 488N might be
      expected. Hence, with an average body weight of 751N, as allocated to the 11
      investigated feet, this maximum peak force would correspond to about 0.65*body
      weight. As far as we are aware, this is the first report on a dynamic
      fluoroscopic study of the PA in gait with an appreciable number of feet (11
      feet). In conclusion, muscles contribute to support of the longitudinal arch of
      the foot and can possibly relax the PA during gait. The 'windlass effect' for
      support of the arch in this context is therefore questionable.

PMID- 25113065
TI  - Thromboembolic incidence with transiently elevated levels of coagulation factors
      in patients with von Willebrand disease treated with VWF:FVIII concentrate during
      surgery.

PMID- 25113066
TI  - Somatic mosaicism for the COL7A1 mutation p.Gly2034Arg in the unaffected mother
      of a patient with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa.
AB  - Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a heritable blistering disorder caused
      by mutations in the type VII collagen gene, COL7A1. Although revertant mosaicism
      is well known in DEB, 'forward' somatic mosaicism, in which a pathogenic mutation
      arises on a wild-type (WT) background, extending beyond the germ cells, has not
      been reported. It is therefore unknown what proportion of sporadic dominant DEB
      (DDEB) cases result from de novo mutations or somatic mosaic parents. In the
      clinically unaffected mother of a patient with DDEB pruriginosa due to the
      p.Gly2034Arg mutation, we identified the p.Gly2034Arg mutation in a proportion of
      lymphocytes and skin cells (mutational load 10-25%). Our data emphasize that
      forward mosaicism occurs in DDEB and highlight that mutation analysis should
      always be performed in the parents of sporadic DDEB patients to confirm the de
      novo status of the mutation. Ultimately, this will reveal the frequency of true
      de novo mutations and somatic mosaicism in parents, which has important
      implications for genetic counselling. Our data indicate that the threshold of
      mutant type VII procollagen to develop DDEB must be higher than 10-25%, which
      provides a rationale for therapeutic approaches aimed at increasing the WT :
      mutant type VII collagen ratio. 

PMID- 25113067
TI  - Parathyroid hormone may be an early predictor of low serum hemoglobin
      concentration in patients with not advanced stages of chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been associated with anemia only in
      dialysis patients with severe hyperparathyroidism. Whether an association between
      PTH and hemoglobin also exists in patients with chronic kidney disease not on
      dialysis (CKD-patients) is still unclear. In this study we evaluated the
      association between PTH and hemoglobin in CKD-patients without severe secondary
      hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: Hospitalized patients and outpatients (N = 979)
      were retrospectively evaluated and categorized according to PTH quartile and
      serum hemoglobin (<12.0, <11.0, <10.0 g/dl). Gender, diabetes, glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR), hemoglobin, PTH, markers of mineral metabolism,
      inflammation, iron status and nutrition were variables of adjustment in
      univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: An inverse association (p = 0.001)
      was observed between PTH and hemoglobin in patients as a whole, in diabetics, and
      in patients with GFR <=60 ml/min. PTH was the single predictor of low hemoglobin
      in patients as a whole (unstandardized beta -2.12; p = 0.005), in diabetics
      (unstandardized beta -8.86; p = 0.007) and in patients with GFR <=60 ml/min
      (unstandardized beta -2.52; p = 0.006). For each increase of quartile of PTH the
      risk of having hemoglobin level <10.0 mg/dl was more than doubled [hazard ratio
      (HR) 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.00-3.88; p = 0.001]. The receiver
      operating characteristic curve showed that PTH >=122 pg/ml had 67% sensitivity
      and 75% specificity in predicting hemoglobin level <10.0 g/dl with area under the
      curve of 0.758 (95% CI 0.73-0.78). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a significant
      inverse association between PTH and hemoglobin levels across the whole spectrum
      of non-dialysis CKD and a doubled risk of having serum hemoglobin <10.0 mg/dl in
      the absence of severely deranged PTH concentration. These findings may have
      clinical relevance in ascertaining the cause of unexplained low hemoglobin levels
      in CKD-patients.

PMID- 25113068
TI  - Applicability of the Chinese version of the 16-item Prodromal Questionnaire (CPQ
      16) for identifying attenuated psychosis syndrome in a college population.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the reliability, validity, sensitivity
      and specificity of the Chinese version of the 16-item Prodromal Questionnaire
      (CPQ-16) for identifying attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS) in a college
      population. METHODS: The participants were recruited from a university. Five
      hundred seventy-nine students completed the CPQ-16 and the Symptom Checklist-90.
      One class (n = 79) was randomly selected to be retested with the CPQ-16 after 2
      weeks. A randomly selected group of 49 individuals who tested positive and 50
      individuals who tested negative were interviewed using the Structured Interview
      for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS). RESULTS: The internal consistency reliability was
      good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.72). The test-retest reliability was 0.88. The total
      score on the CPQ-16 was moderately to highly correlated with the total score on
      the Symptom Checklist-90 and all of the subscales (r = 0.39-0.67, P < 0.001). A
      cut-off CPQ-16 score of 9 was used to differentiate between those with a APS
      diagnosis on the SIPS versus those with no SIPS diagnoses; this cut-off value
      yielded 85% sensitivity, 87% specificity, a positive predictive value of 63% and
      a positive likelihood ratio of 6.69. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was
      significant for the CPQ-16 total score (AUC = 0.93, SE = 0.026, 95% CI = 0.87
      0.98, P < 0.001). Based on the proposed cut-off score, the CPQ-16 yielded a
      positive rate of 5.0% (29/579). CONCLUSIONS: The CPQ-16, administered in a face
      to-face interview, demonstrated high reliability and the ability to identify
      college students at risk for psychosis.

PMID- 25113070
TI  - Thermally induced structural rearrangement of the Fe(II) coordination geometry in
      metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolytes.
AB  - Rigid rod-type metallo-supramolecular coordination polyelectrolytes with Fe(II)
      centres (Fe-MEPEs) are produced via the self-assembly of the ditopic ligand 1,4
      bis(2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-4'-yl)benzene (tpy-ph-tpy) and Fe(II) acetate. Fe
      MEPEs exhibit remarkable electrochromic properties; they change colour from blue
      to transparent when an electric potential is applied. This electrochemical
      process is generally reversible. The blue colour in the ground state is a result
      of a metal-to-ligand charge transfer at the Fe(II) centre ion in a quasi
      octahedral geometry. When annealed at temperatures above 100  degrees C, the blue
      colour turns into green and the formerly reversible electrochromic properties are
      lost, even after cooling down to room temperature. The thermally induced changes
      in the Fe(II) coordination sphere are investigated in situ during annealing of a
      solid Fe-MEPE using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The
      study reveals that the thermally induced transition is not accompanied by a redox
      process at the Fe(II) centre. From the detailed analysis of the XAFS spectra, the
      changes are attributed to structural changes in the coordination sphere of the
      Fe(II) site. In the low temperature state, the Fe(II) ion rests in a quasi
      octahedral coordination environment surrounded by six nitrogen atoms of the
      pyridine rings. The axial Fe-N bond length is 1.94 A, while the equatorial bond
      length amounts to 1.98 A. In the high temperature state, the FeN6-site exhibits a
      distortion with the axial Fe-N bonds being shortened to 1.88 A and the equatorial
      Fe-N bonds being elongated to 2.01 A.

PMID- 25113069
TI  - Mycobacteria entry and trafficking into endothelial cells.
AB  - Endothelial cells are susceptible to infection by mycobacteria, but the endocytic
      mechanisms that mycobacteria exploit to enter host cells and their mechanisms of
      intracellular transport are completely unknown. Using pharmacological inhibitors,
      we determined that the internalization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB),
      Mycobacterium smegmatis (MSM), and Mycobacterium abscessus (MAB) is dependent on
      the cytoskeleton and is differentially inhibited by cytochalasin D, nocodazole,
      cycloheximide, wortmannin, and amiloride. Using confocal microscopy, we
      investigated their endosomal trafficking by analyzing Rab5, Rab7, LAMP-1, and
      cathepsin D. Our results suggest that MSM exploits macropinocytosis to enter
      endothelial cells and that the vacuoles containing these bacteria fuse with
      lysosomes. Conversely, the entry of MTB seems to depend on more than one
      endocytic route, and the observation that only a subset of the intracellular
      bacilli was associated with phagolysosomes suggests that these bacteria are able
      to inhibit endosomal maturation to persist intracellularly. The route of entry
      for MAB depends mainly on microtubules, which suggests that MAB uses a different
      trafficking pathway. However, MAB is also able to inhibit endosomal maturation
      and can replicate intracellularly. Together, these findings provide the first
      evidence that mycobacteria modulate proteins of host endothelial cells to enter
      and persist within these cells. 

PMID- 25113071
TI  - Laparoscopic intraoperative navigation surgery for gastric cancer using real-time
      rendered 3D CT images.
AB  - PURPOSE: Recent advances in laparoscopic surgical technology have made it
      possible to perform advanced high-level surgery, such as lymph node dissection
      for malignancy. Grasping the anatomy during such procedures is important for a
      safe operation. We have developed a new image information system that provides
      three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed CT images synchronized with the motion of
      the laparoscope. This study assesses this new navigation system. METHODS:
      Enhanced CT using a custom-made software program can provide 3D angiography
      images reconstructed as a laparoscopic view. A motion sensor mounted on the
      laparoscope can detect the direction angle of the laparoscope. The real-time
      rendered 3D CT images are synchronized with the laparoscopic video images
      according to the motion of the scope. These 3D CT images are projected on another
      monitor close to the laparoscopic video monitor. Lymph node dissection can be
      performed with the help of the real-time navigation system that provides a
      detailed 3D view of the vasculature. RESULTS: Ten laparoscopic gastrectomies were
      performed using this navigation system. Real-time intraoperative navigation of
      the vasculature was available, allowing for an excellent surgical outcome. No
      complications occurred in this series. CONCLUSION: Our intraoperative navigation
      system allows for safe laparoscopic gastric lymph node dissection.

PMID- 25113073
TI  - Novel behaviors of multiferroic properties in Na-Doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles.
AB  - Highly aliovalent Na(1+) ions were selected as the dopant to substitute Bi(3+)
      ions in BiFeO3 (BFO) and Bi1-xNaxFeO3 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) nanoparticles
      prepared via a facile sol-gel method. Weak ferromagnetism and an obvious exchange
      bias (EB) phenomenon without field cooling were observed in the samples. To
      establish the presence of EB in the nanoparticles, training effect (TE) data were
      analyzed using Binek's model. Moreover, with the increase in Na(1+) content, the
      band gap was decreased, while interestingly, the leakage current density was
      significantly reduced and the smallest leakage current density (~10(-7) A cm(-2))
      was observed for the 3% Na-doped BFO. The electrical conduction mechanism of
      samples was investigated by plotting log J versus log E. Oxygen vacancies
      decreased with the increase of Na content analyzed through X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. To further explain the decrease of band gap and
      leakage current density with the increase of Na content, the interplay of oxygen
      vacancies and holes was analyzed and a phenomenological qualitative model based
      on the electronic energy band proposed.

PMID- 25113074
TI  - Synthesis of soluble, alkyne-substituted trideca- and hexadeca-starphenes.
AB  - Two literature-known TIPS-ethynyl-dibromoacenes were prepared and employed to
      synthesize cyclotrimers by using Yamamoto coupling conditions. Two large, well
      soluble starphenes were isolated in good yields. Crystallographic
      characterization verifies the triangular shape and shows significant differences
      in crystal packing. 

PMID- 25113072
TI  - Hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in super-elderly patients aged 80
      years and older in the first decade of the 21st century.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated the preoperative and postoperative characteristics and
      prognosis of super-elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS:
      Four hundred and thirty-one patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC were
      classified into three groups according to their age at the time of surgery: super
      elderly (>=80 years; n = 20), elderly (70-80 years; n = 172) and younger (<70
      years; n = 239). We compared the clinical characteristics, preoperative and
      postoperative factors and prognosis among the groups to evaluate whether liver
      resection is appropriate for super-elderly patients. RESULTS: The liver function
      was not significantly different among the groups. The proportion of patients with
      preoperative cardiovascular and respiratory disease and hypertension was higher
      in the super-elderly group compared to the other groups. The super-elderly group
      had shorter operations and reduced hemorrhage rates compared to the other groups.
      Postoperative cardiovascular complications and delirium were more frequently
      observed in the super-elderly group. The overall and tumor-free survival rates
      were not significantly different among the groups. Super-elderly patients had a
      lower rate of liver or HCC-related death and a higher rate of death due to other
      causes than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Super-elderly HCC patients who are
      appropriately evaluated and selected might have a favorable prognosis after
      undergoing hepatic resection.

PMID- 25113075
TI  - Two-dimensional structured illumination microscopy.
AB  - In widefield fluorescence microscopy, images from all but very flat samples
      suffer from fluorescence emission from layers above or below the focal plane of
      the objective lens. Structured illumination microscopy provides an elegant
      approach to eliminate this unwanted image contribution. To this end a line grid
      is projected onto the sample and phase images are taken at different positions of
      the line grid. Using suitable algorithms 'quasi-confocal images' can be derived
      from a given number of such phase-images. Here, we present an alternative
      structured illumination microscopy approach, which employs two-dimensional
      patterns instead of a one-dimensional one. While in one-dimensional structured
      illumination microscopy the patterns are shifted orthogonally to the pattern
      orientation, in our two-dimensional approach it is shifted at a single, pattern
      dependent angle, yet it already achieves an isotropic power spectral density with
      this unidirectional shift, which otherwise would require a combination of pattern
      shift and -rotation. Moreover, our two-dimensional approach also yields a better
      signal-to-noise ratio in the evaluated image. 

PMID- 25113076
TI  - Preventing Malaria among Children in Zambia: The Role of Mother's Knowledge.
AB  - Malaria remains a devastating disease in Zambia, responsible for about 13% of
      deaths among children under age 5. Lack of malaria-specific knowledge has been
      commonly assumed to be an important barrier to engagement in behaviors that
      prevent malaria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that
      accounts for the endogeneity of maternal knowledge in household's ownership of
      insecticide-treated nets (ITN), child's use of ITN, and household's protection
      against mosquitos (HSP). We account for the endogeneity of maternal knowledge
      through discrete factor and standard instrumental variable estimators. We find
      significant causal effects of maternal knowledge on the child's use of ITN and
      HSP but no significant effect on ownership of ITN. The causal effects of maternal
      knowledge on the use of ITN and HSP are strikingly larger in magnitude than the
      effects in the reduced form models.

PMID- 25113077
TI  - Is change in environmental supportiveness between primary and secondary school
      associated with a decline in children's physical activity levels?
AB  - Using a sample of English schoolchildren, we evaluate whether a change in school
      local area environmental supportiveness between primary and secondary school is
      associated with changes in active travel behaviours and physical activity levels.
      Participant's activity levels and travel behaviours were recorded for a week
      during their primary school final year and secondary school first year.
      Environmental supportiveness was evaluated using a Geographical Information
      System. Children attending both a primary and secondary school with a more
      supportive local environment were more likely to maintain active travel
      behaviours than those with less supportive environments. However, no trends were
      apparent with change in school supportiveness and change in physical activity.
      Policies that focus on the maintenance and uptake of active travel behaviours may
      help maintain children's physical activity levels into adolescence. 

PMID- 25113078
TI  - Blood-brain barrier breakdown in reduced uterine perfusion pressure: a possible
      model of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical
      entity characterized by headaches, altered mental status, seizures, and visual
      disturbances and is associated with white matter vasogenic edema. There are no
      experimental models to study PRES brain changes. METHODS: Twenty-eight pregnant
      Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 7: (1) pregnant-control; (2) reduced
      uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP); (3) invasive blood pressure (IBP); and (4)
      reduced uterine perfusion pressure plus invasive blood pressure (RUPP-IBP). The
      RUPP and RUPP-IBP groups were submitted to a reduction of uterine perfusion
      pressure at pregnancy days 13 to 15. The invasive mean arterial pressure of the
      IBP and RUPP-IBP groups was measured on day 20. The blood-brain barriers (BBBs)
      of all groups were analyzed using 2% Evans Blue dye on day 21. RESULTS: RUPP rats
      had higher blood pressures and increased BBB permeability to Evans Blue dye
      compared with the control animals. Brain staining occurred in 11 of 14 RUPP rats
      and in none of the control groups (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The physiopathology
      of PRES remains unclear. Here, we described the use of RUPP rats as a potential
      model to better comprehend this syndrome.

PMID- 25113079
TI  - Investigating the utility of previously developed prediction scores in acute
      ischemic stroke patients in the stroke belt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the utility of previously developed scoring systems, we
      compared SEDAN, named after the components of the score (baseline blood Sugar,
      Early infarct signs and (hyper) Dense cerebral artery sign on admission computed
      tomography scan, Age, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on
      admission), Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE), Houston Intra
      arterial Therapy (HIAT), and HIAT-2 scoring systems among patients receiving
      systemic (intravenous [IV] tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]) and endovascular
      (intra-arterial [IA]) treatments. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all IV tPA
      and IA patients presenting to our center from 2008-2011. The scores were assessed
      in patients who were treated with IV tPA only, IA only, and a combination of IV
      tPA and IA (IV-IA). We tested the ability of THRIVE to predict discharge modified
      Rankin scale (mRS) 3-6, HIAT and HIAT-2 discharge mRS 4-6, and SEDAN symptomatic
      intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). RESULTS: Of the 366 patients who were included
      in this study, 243 had IV tPA only, 89 had IA only, and 34 had IV-IA. THRIVE was
      predictive of mRS 3-6 in the IV-IA (odds ratio [OR], 1.95; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.30-2.91) and the IV group (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.43-2.04), but not
      in the IA group. HIAT was predictive of mRS 4-6 in the IA (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.65
      7.25), IV (OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 2.26-5.33), and IV-IA group (OR, 6.48; 95% CI, 1.41
      29.71). HIAT-2 was predictive of mRS 4-6 in the IA (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.03-1.87)
      and IV group (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.18-1.57), but not in the IV-IA group. SEDAN was
      not predictive of sICH in the IA or the IV-IA group, but was predictive in the IV
      group (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.01-2.36). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that
      although highly predictive of outcome in the original study design treatment
      groups, prediction scores may not generalize to all patient samples, highlighting
      the importance of validating prediction scores in diverse samples.

PMID- 25113081
TI  - Stroke-induced immune depression-a randomized case control study in Kashmiri
      population of North India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stroke leads to transient immunedepression, which leads to increased
      incidence of poststroke infections. Because infection is one of the most common
      causes of increased mortality in patients with stroke, this study was undertaken
      to document immunedepression after stroke in our population. METHODS: A case
      controlled study wherein 39 patients with acute ischemic stroke in the age group
      of 18 and 60 years without any evidence of previous immunedepression were
      included. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels were checked in
      plasma in both the groups on day 3 and day 45. Also Cortisol and epinephrine
      levels were checked in the urine samples collected on day 3 and day 8. RESULTS:
      No significant difference was seen between the IL-6 and the IL-10 levels in
      samples collected on day 3 between the controls and cases, whereas Cortisol and
      norepinephrine were significantly raised in samples collected on day 3 in cases
      who developed infection as compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: The higher levels
      of urinary cortisol and norepinephrine were observed in patients with stroke who
      developed infections, which indirectly reflected increased amount of stroke
      related stress. Furthermore, the levels of plasma IL-6 and IL-10 were also
      elevated in the same group of patients, which means transformation of
      immunecompetence to immunedepression, which is responsible for higher mortality.
      Subsequently on recovery from infection the plasma levels of interleukins and
      urinary cortisol and norepinephrine did not show any difference, which indirectly
      means recovery of the immune system on recovery from acute stage of stroke.
      Mortality in the patients with infection was increased than controls.

PMID- 25113080
TI  - Intravenously administered tissue plasminogen activator useful in milder strokes?
      A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The dilemma of whether to treat mild strokes with tPA is a chronic
      problem. We performed a meta-analysis and metaregression of the published
      literature to determine the best definition of mild strokes and if intravenously
      administered tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) is beneficial. METHODS:
      PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception
      to May 2013. The search terms used were "stroke," "cerebral infarct," "mild
      stroke," "minor stroke," "small infarct," "modified Rankin scale," "National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score," "stroke thrombolysis," and
      their combinations. Studies were included if they (1) involved 5 or more human
      patients with stroke; (2) analyzed modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores as the main
      variables of interest; (3) presented outcomes for NIHSS scores less than 6, 5, 4,
      or 3 points. Good outcomes were defined as mRS scores 0-1, and other outcomes
      studied were intracranial hemorrhage and mortality. RESULTS: Of 894 articles, 30
      articles met our criteria. Only 8 articles provided patients arms with and
      without tPA treatment. A total of 637 patients with IV-tPA treatment and 568
      without thrombolysis were included in analysis. Good outcomes were associated
      with tPA and just reached statistical significance (pooled odds ratio [OR],
      1.319; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.004-1.733; z = 1.987; P = .047). There
      were moderate levels of heterogeneity between studies (tau(2) = .346; Q = 19.974;
      df = 7; P = .006; I(2) = 64.954). On metaregression of a-priori sources of
      heterogeneity within individuals, we found age (B = -.37; z = -2.496; P = .012)
      to be a significant moderator. Mortality was not significantly different between
      IV-tPA-treated and nonthrombolyzed groups (pooled OR 1.095; 95% CI, .438-2.738; z
      = .193; P = .847). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with mild stroke may derive benefit from
      intravenous thrombolysis without a significant increase in mortality.

PMID- 25113082
TI  - Poor awareness of stroke--a hospital-based study from South India: an urgent need
      for awareness programs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stroke treatment has reached a new benchmark with thrombolytic
      therapy. However, India has witnessed a tremendous increase in morbidity and
      mortality of stroke over the past few decades. The prime deciding factor is
      initiation of treatment within the time window, which requires early recognition
      of stroke symptoms. We wished to analyze the lacunae in the stroke knowledge in
      our population. This hospital-based study assessed awareness of the public
      regarding stroke. METHODS: Two trained medical students interviewed accompanying
      relatives using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical
      Package for the Social Sciences, version 20. Univariate and multivariate analyses
      were done. Descriptive results are presented as mean +/- SD. P less than .05 was
      considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 350 individuals
      formed the study group; mean age was 40.23 +/- 13.4 years constituting 145 males
      (47.5%) and 205 females (58.5%). Only 50 (14%) respondents could identify that
      the patient had developed stroke; however, 35% respondents identified brain as
      the organ involved for the presenting complaints and 34% could identify the
      warning symptoms of stroke, limb weakness being the most common (30%). Sources of
      information were friends and media (8%). Median time of reaching the hospital was
      10 hours with patients transported by ambulance reaching early (P < .03); 80% of
      patients were fed in drowsy state during transport. More than 50% of the
      respondents were not able to identify the risk factors nor were aware that stroke
      is a preventable or a life-threatening disease. Multivariate logistic regression
      analysis confirmed that higher level of education was the only variable, which
      correlated with the organ identification (P < .001), stroke recognition (P <
      .002), and identification of the warning symptoms (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This
      hospital-based study reveals that there is a poor knowledge of recognition of
      stroke, its warning signs, risk factors, and prehospital care. There is an urgent
      need to design stroke awareness programs in the country with emphasis on
      ambulance service to minimize the time to thrombolysis.

PMID- 25113083
TI  - Predicting walking function of patients one month poststroke using modified
      Rivermead mobility index on admission.
AB  - Being able to predict walking ability of patients with stroke at an early stage
      is useful in formulating realistic rehabilitation goals and facilitating early
      discharge planning, which are beneficial not only to the patients but their
      family members and health care providers. This study aimed to use the modified
      Rivermead mobility index (MRMI) of the stroke patients on day 3 of their
      admission to predict their independent walking ability on day 28 postadmission. A
      total of 232 patients with acute stroke who were admitted to the acute hospital
      were recruited. Fifty-three percent of them (n = 123) were able to achieve
      independent walking ability after 28 days of admission whereas 47.0% of them (n =
      109) failed to do so. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was
      performed. The optimal cutoff score with the highest sum of sensitivity and
      specificity was found to be 18.5 (sensitivity, 85.0%; specificity, 75.0%) and the
      area under the curve was .880. In conclusion, MRMI on day 3 of admission maybe
      useful in predicting independent walking ability 1 month after stroke.

PMID- 25113085
TI  - The impact of prior antithrombotic status on cerebral infarction in patients with
      atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anticoagulation effectively prevents cardioembolic stroke in atrial
      fibrillation (AF) patients, whereas it is less effective than antiplatelet
      therapy (AT) in noncardioembolic stroke prevention. We hypothesized that the
      ischemic lesion pattern and vascular patency would differ according to the
      antithrombotic treatment status in AF patients. METHODS: The medical records of
      1078 acute ischemic stroke patients with AF were retrospectively reviewed.
      Patients were classified according to medication at stroke onset: (1) optimal
      anticoagulation (OAC; international normalized ratio [INR] 1.7-3.0; n = 36); (2)
      suboptimal anticoagulation (SOAC; INR <=1.7; n = 134); (3) AT (n = 285); and (4)
      control (no antithrombotic medication; n = 623). Imaging and clinical variables
      of each group were compared with that of controls. RESULTS: Small cortical or
      single subcortical infarctions were more common in the OAC group than in controls
      (6% vs. 1% and 22% vs. 8%, respectively; standardized residual, 2.4 and 2.8).
      Multicirculatory infarctions were less common in the OAC group than in controls
      (0% vs. 11%; standardized residual, -2.0). Obstruction of the corresponding
      artery was less common in the OAC group than in controls (26.5% vs. 46.5%, P =
      .02). Initial neurologic severity was lower in the OAC and AT groups than in
      controls (P = .01 and .03, respectively). OAC and AT were independently
      associated with favorable functional outcome at 3-months (P = .015 and <.001,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic stroke can occur during OAC in AF patients.
      Small cortical or single subcortical lesions were more common than typical
      cardioembolic lesion patterns. OAC and AT were protective against severe
      neurologic deficit and independently associated with favorable outcome, but SOAC
      was not.

PMID- 25113084
TI  - Intravenous fibrinolysis eligibility: a survey of stroke clinicians' practice
      patterns and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The indications and contraindications for intravenous (IV)
      recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) use in ischemic stroke can be
      confusing to the practicing neurologist. Here we seek to describe practice
      patterns regarding decision-making among US stroke clinicians. METHODS: Stroke
      clinicians (attending and fellow) from the 8 National Institutes of Health
      SPOTRIAS (Specialized Programs of Translational Research in Acute Stroke) centers
      were asked to complete a survey ahead of the 2012 SPOTRIAS Investigators'
      meeting. RESULTS: A total of 51 surveys were collected (71% response rate). Most
      of the responders were attending physicians (68%). Only 18% of clinicians
      reported strictly adhering to current American Heart Association guidelines for
      treatment within 3 hours from symptom onset; this increased to 51% for the
      European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS) III criteria in the 3 to 4.5
      hours time frame. All clinicians treat eligible patients in the 3 to 4.5 hours
      time frame. The great majority will recommend rtPA in the following scenarios:
      (1) elderly individuals irrespective of age (97%); (2) severe stroke irrespective
      of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (95%); or (3) suspected
      stroke with seizures at symptom onset (91%). None recommended rtPA in the setting
      of an international normalized ratio >1.7. Most clinicians defined mild strokes
      as an exclusion based on the perceived disability of the deficit (80%) rather
      than on a specific NIHSS threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Most surveyed stroke clinicians
      seem to find that the current IV rtPA eligibility criteria for the 3-hour time
      frame too restrictive. All would recommend rtPA to eligible patients in the 3 to
      4.5 hours time frame despite the absence of an U.S. Food and Drug Administration
      (FDA)-approved indication.

PMID- 25113087
TI  - Revision of Beardius Reiss et Sublette, 1985 (Diptera: Chironomidae), with the
      description of twenty new species.
AB  - The genus Beardius Reiss et Sublette, 1985 is revised and twenty new species,
      Beardius abbadi sp. n., B. arawak sp. n., B. bizzoi sp. n., B. bucephalus sp. n.,
      B. curticaudatus sp. n., B. dioi sp. n., B. hirtidorsum sp. n., B. krenak sp. n.,
      B. kumadueni sp. n., B. longicaudatus sp. n., B. mileneae sp. n., B. nebularius
      sp. n., B. neusae sp. n., B. novoairensis sp. n., B. phoenix sp. n., B. sapiranga
      sp. n., B. tupinamba sp. n., B. vanessae sp. n., and B. yperoig sp. n. from
      Brazil and Beardius chapala sp. n. from Mexico are described and figured.
      Further, the female, pupa and larva of B. urupeatan Pinho, Mendes et Andersen and
      the female and larva of B. cristhinae Trivinho-Strixino et Siqueira are
      described, and new records of Brazilian species are provided. Emended diagnoses
      for all stages and sexes are given. The phylogeny of the genus is outlined and
      seven tentative species groups, the parcus group, the truncatus group, the
      tupinamba group, the triangulatus group, the bucephalus group, the xylophilus
      group, and the roquei group, are proposed. Keys to males, females, pupae and
      larvae are provided. 

PMID- 25113086
TI  - Over-the-counter and prescription sleep medication and incident stroke: the
      REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preliminary evidence suggests sleep medications are associated with
      risk of vascular events; however, the long-term vascular consequences are
      understudied. This study investigated the relation between sleep medication use
      and incident stroke. METHODS: Within the REasons for Geographic And Racial
      Differences in Stroke study, 21,678 black participants and white participants
      (>=45 years) with no history of stroke were studied. Participants were recruited
      from 2003 to 2007. From 2008 to 2010, participants self reported their
      prescription and over-the-counter sleep medication use over the past month.
      Suspected stroke events were identified by telephone contact at 6-month intervals
      and associated medical records were retrieved and physician-adjudicated.
      Proportional hazards analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios for incident
      stroke associated with sleep medication use (0, 1-14, and 15+ days per month)
      controlling for sociodemographics, stroke risk factors, mental health symptoms,
      and sleep apnea risk. RESULTS: At the sleep assessment, 9.6% of the sample used
      prescription sleep medication and 11.1% used over-the-counter sleep aids. Over an
      average follow-up of 3.3 +/- 1.0 years, 297 stroke events occurred. Over-the
      counter sleep medication use was associated with increased risk of incident
      stroke in a frequency-response relationship (P = .014), with a 46% increased risk
      for 1-14 days of use per month (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.46; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], .99-2.15) and a 65% increased risk for 15+ days (HR = 1.65; 95%
      CI, .96-2.85). There was no significant association with prescription sleep
      medications (P = .80). CONCLUSIONS: Over-the-counter sleep medication use may
      independently increase the risk of stroke beyond other risk factors in middle
      aged to older individuals with no history of stroke.

PMID- 25113088
TI  - Watching individual molecules flex within lipid membranes using SERS.
AB  - Interrogating individual molecules within bio-membranes is key to deepening our
      understanding of biological processes essential for life. Using Raman
      spectroscopy to map molecular vibrations is ideal to non-destructively
      'fingerprint' biomolecules for dynamic information on their molecular structure,
      composition and conformation. Such tag-free tracking of molecules within lipid
      bio-membranes can directly connect structure and function. In this paper, stable
      co-assembly with gold nano-components in a 'nanoparticle-on-mirror' geometry
      strongly enhances the local optical field and reduces the volume probed to a few
      nm(3), enabling repeated measurements for many tens of minutes on the same
      molecules. The intense gap plasmons are assembled around model bio-membranes
      providing molecular identification of the diffusing lipids. Our experiments
      clearly evidence measurement of individual lipids flexing through telltale rapid
      correlated vibrational shifts and intensity fluctuations in the Raman spectrum.
      These track molecules that undergo bending and conformational changes within the
      probe volume, through their interactions with the environment. This technique
      allows for in situ high-speed single-molecule investigations of the molecules
      embedded within lipid bio-membranes. It thus offers a new way to investigate the
      hidden dynamics of cell membranes important to a myriad of life processes. 

PMID- 25113090
TI  - [Surgical characteristics of small parathyroid gland adenomas].

PMID- 25113089
TI  - [Shoulder dislocation in athletes].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shoulder dislocation is a common injury in athletes. Surgical and non
      surgical therapy options are still the subject of controversial debate. STUDY
      AIM: This article presents important considerations for decision-making and
      current concepts for the therapy of shoulder dislocation in athletes. METHODS: A
      selective literature search was carried out in PubMed. RESULTS: Surgical and non
      surgical therapy options are described in the literature without yet defining a
      gold standard. CONCLUSION: Early surgical stabilization is currently recommended
      in young athletes. For decision-making numerous sport and patient-related factors
      need to be considered. Most athletes are able to return to the pre-injury level
      after surgical stabilization.

PMID- 25113091
TI  - [Perioperative treatment with pasireotide reduces the rate of postoperative
      pancreatic fistula].

PMID- 25113093
TI  - Detection of the motor points of the abdominal muscles.
AB  - PURPOSE: Abdominal functional electrical stimulation (AFES) is a technique
      intended to improve respiratory function in tetraplegia where breathing is
      affected due to abdominal muscle paralysis. Although it is known that optimal
      muscle contraction is achieved when electrical stimulation is applied close to
      the muscle motor point, AFES studies have used a variety of electrode positions.
      This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using Neuromuscular Electrical
      Stimulation to detect the motor points of the abdominal muscles, and to evaluate
      the intrasubject repeatability and intersubject uniformity of their positions, to
      find the most suitable AFES electrode location. METHODS: Low frequency
      stimulation (0.5 Hz) was applied to the abdominal muscles of 10 able bodied and
      five tetraplegic participants. The electrode positions which achieved the
      strongest muscle contractions were recorded as the motor point positions, with
      measurements repeated once. For five able bodied participants, assessments were
      repeated after 18 months, in seated and supine positions. RESULTS: Intersubject
      uniformity ranged from 2.8 to 8.8%. Motor point positions were identified with
      intrasubject repeatability of <1.7 cm, deemed adequate relative to standard AFES
      electrode size. Intrasubject repeatability shows motor point positions changed
      little (<1.7 cm) after 18 months but varied between seated and supine positions
      with repeatability of up to 3.1 cm. CONCLUSIONS: A simple technique to locate the
      motor points of the abdominal muscles is presented and shown to have an adequate
      intrasubject repeatability, enabling the optimum AFES electrode location to be
      identified for each user.

PMID- 25113094
TI  - Reliability of H-reflex in vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles during
      passive and active isometric conditions.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the modulation and reliability of the
      vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) H-reflexes in both passive and
      active conditions. METHODS: Recruitment curves of VM and VL H-reflexes and M
      waves at rest and during muscle contraction (30% of maximal voluntary
      contraction) were performed for 12 healthy males and were then repeated after 1
      h, 1 day and 1 week. The maximal H-reflexes of each muscle were normalized to
      their respective maximal M-waves (H/M ratio) and absolute (CV) and relative (ICC)
      reliability were calculated. RESULTS: The H-reflex was potentiated in active
      compared to passive condition and a higher H-reflex occurrence (12 vs. 10
      subjects) and amplitude (~+150%) was found for the VM compared to the VL in
      active condition. The intra- (ICChour = 0.97) and inter-day (ICCday = 0.92;
      ICCweek = 0.92) reliability was poor for the passive VM H/M ratio due to high
      within-subject variations (CVhour = 52.2%; CVday = 69.8%; CVweek = 60.9%) whereas
      for the active condition the reliability, especially intra-day, was good (ICChour
      = 0.93 and CVhour = 12%; ICCday = 0.86 and CVday = 14.5%; ICCweek = 0.79 and
      CVweek = 19.7%). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed differential modulation of the H
      reflex between vasti muscles of the quadriceps and a higher occurrence and
      reliability for the active VM H-reflex. One can therefore conclude that it seems
      more appropriate to evoke quadriceps VM H-reflex (rather than VL) during an
      isometric muscle contraction.

PMID- 25113095
TI  - High-dose inhaled terbutaline increases muscle strength and enhances maximal
      sprint performance in trained men.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of high
      dose inhaled terbutaline on muscle strength, maximal sprinting, and time-trial
      performance in trained men. METHODS: Nine non-asthmatic males with a VSO2max of
      58.9 +/- 3.1 ml min(-1) kg(-1) (mean +/- SEM) participated in a double-blinded
      randomized crossover study. After administration of inhaled terbutaline (30 * 0.5
      mg) or placebo, subjects' maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) of
      m.quadriceps was measured. After MVC, subjects performed a 30-s Wingate test.
      Sixty minutes following the Wingate test, subjects exercised for 10 min at 80% of
      VSO2max and completed a 100-kcal time trial. Aerobic contribution was determined
      during the Wingate test by indirect calorimetry. Furthermore, plasma terbutaline,
      lactate, glucose, and K(+) were measured. RESULTS: Inhalation of 15 mg
      terbutaline resulted in systemic concentrations of terbutaline of 23.6 +/- 1.1 ng
      ml(-1) 30 min after administration, and elevated plasma lactate (P = 0.001) and
      glucose (P = 0.007). MVC was higher for terbutaline than placebo (738 +/- 64 vs.
      681 +/- 68 N) (P = 0.007). In addition, Wingate peak power and mean power were
      2.2 +/- 0.8 (P = 0.019) and 3.3 +/- 1.0% (P = 0.009) higher for terbutaline than
      placebo. Net accumulation of plasma lactate was higher (P = 0.003) for
      terbutaline than placebo during the Wingate test, whereas [Formula: see text]
      above baseline was unchanged by terbutaline (P = 0.882). Time-trial performance
      was not different between treatments (P = 0.236). CONCLUSION: High-dose inhaled
      terbutaline elicits a systemic response that enhances muscle strength and sprint
      performance. High-dose terbutaline should therefore continue to be restricted in
      competitive sport.

PMID- 25113097
TI  - Muscle activation during low- versus high-load resistance training in well
      trained men.
AB  - PURPOSE: It has been hypothesized that lifting light loads to muscular failure
      will activate the full spectrum of MUs and thus bring about muscular adaptations
      similar to high-load training. The purpose of this study was to investigate EMG
      activity during low- versus high-load training during performance of a multi
      joint exercise by well-trained subjects. METHODS: Employing a within-subject
      design, 10 young, resistance-trained men performed sets of the leg press at
      different intensities of load: a high-load (HL) set at 75% of 1-RM and a low-load
      (LL) set at 30% of 1-RM. The order of performance of the exercises was
      counterbalanced between participants, so that half of the subjects performed LL
      first and the other half performed HL first, separated by 15 min rest. Surface
      electromyography (EMG) was used to assess mean and peak muscle activation of the
      vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris. RESULTS:
      Significant main effects for trials and muscles were found (p < 0.01).
      Significantly greater peak EMG activity was found during the HL set (M = 177.3,
      SD = 89.53) compared to the LL set (M = 137.73, SD = 95.35). Significantly
      greater mean EMG activity was found during the HL set (M = 63.7, SD = 37.23)
      compared to the LL set (M = 41.63, SD = 28.03). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate
      that training with a load of 30% 1-RM to momentary muscular failure does not
      maximally activate the full motor unit pool of the quadriceps femoris and
      hamstrings during performance of multi-joint lower body exercise.

PMID- 25113098
TI  - Origin, patterns and anthropogenic accumulation of potentially toxic elements
      (PTEs) in surface sediments of the Aviles estuary (Asturias, northern Spain).
AB  - Sediment quality has been assessed within the Aviles estuary, an important
      industrial area in the NW of Spain. The study started with a geochemical
      characterization of the superficial sediments that revealed some anomalous
      metal(oid)s concentrations in sensitive areas such as beaches or dunes. These
      data were studied by means of multivariate statistical techniques and enrichment
      factors calculation to evaluate the correlations and geochemical origin within
      the different elements. A novel approach using the combination of enrichment
      factors with a sequential application of factor analysis, clustering and kriging
      was essential to identify the possible sources of pollution. The collected
      information suggested that Cd (strongly correlated with Zn and Pb) was the
      potentially toxic element most widely distributed and problematic. Furthermore,
      particulate emissions from Zn metallurgy, as well as dust generated by the
      mineral loading and stockpile activities in the port were identified as the most
      important sources of pollution. 

PMID- 25113099
TI  - Resilience of branching and massive corals to wave loading under sea level rise-
      a coupled computational fluid dynamics-structural analysis.
AB  - Measurements of coral structural strength are coupled with a fluid dynamics
      structural analysis to investigate the resilience of coral to wave loading under
      sea level rise and a typical Great Barrier Reef lagoon wave climate. The measured
      structural properties were used to determine the wave conditions and flow
      velocities that lead to structural failure. Hydrodynamic modelling was
      subsequently used to investigate the type of the bathymetry where coral is most
      vulnerable to breakage under cyclonic wave conditions, and how sea level rise
      (SLR) changes this vulnerability. Massive corals are determined not to be
      vulnerable to wave induced structural damage, whereas branching corals are
      susceptible at wave induced orbital velocities exceeding 0.5m/s. Model results
      from a large suite of idealised bathymetry suggest that SLR of 1m or a loss of
      skeleton strength of order 25% significantly increases the area of reef flat
      where branching corals are exposed to damaging wave induced flows. 

PMID- 25113101
TI  - Evaluation of potential relationships between benthic community structure and
      toxic metals in Laizhou Bay.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to examine the relationships between
      benthic community structure and toxic metals using bivariate/multivariate
      techniques at 17 sediment locations in Laizhou Bay, North China. Sediment
      chemical data were evaluated against geochemical background values and sediment
      quality guidelines, which identified Cu and As as contaminants of concern with a
      moderate potential for adverse effects. Benthic community data were subjected to
      non-metric multidimensional scaling, which generated four groups of stations.
      Spearman rank correlation was then employed to explore the relationships between
      the major axes of heavy metals and benthic community structure. However, weak and
      insignificant correlations were found between these axes, indicating that
      contaminants of concern may not be the primary explanatory factors. Polychaeta
      were abundant in southern Laizhou Bay, serving as a warning regarding the health
      status of the ecosystem. Integrated sediment quality assessment showed sediments
      from northern central locations were impaired, displaying less diverse benthos
      and higher metal contamination. 

PMID- 25113102
TI  - Trace metal variability, background levels and pollution status assessment in
      line with the water framework and Marine Strategy Framework EU Directives in the
      waters of a heavily impacted Mediterranean Gulf.
AB  - The aim of this work is to assess trace metal pollution status (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb,
      Zn) in the waters of Saronikos Gulf, Greece, in line with the WFD and MSFD
      European Directives, based on data collected over a decade (2000-2010). Dissolved
      metal background levels are estimated for the first time for Greek marine waters
      and the upper limits are: Cd: 0.574 nmol L(-1); Cu: 8.26 nmol L(-1); Ni: 7.94
      nmol L(-1); Pb: 2.60 nmol L(-1); Zn: 115 nmol L(-1). The variability of dissolved
      and particulate metals reflected the presence of several point sources and
      revealed the importance of natural mechanisms acting as non-point sources. The
      status of Saronikos Gulf is classified as 'High' for most metals studied. An
      exception to this is the enclosed Elefsis Bay where Cu, Ni and Zn concentrations
      are found above background. Our work will assist the implementation of WFD and
      MSFD directives in Greece.

PMID- 25113100
TI  - Decalcification of benthic foraminifera due to "Hebei Spirit" oil spill, Korea.
AB  - In order to determine the effects on foraminifera due to spilled crude oil in the
      "Herbei Spirit" incident, a study of benthic foraminiferal assemblages was
      carried out on sediment samples collected from the Sogeunri tidal flat, Taean
      Peninsula, Korea. Breakages of the chambers in the Ammonia beccarii and Elphidium
      subincertum species of the Sogeunri tidal flat with a low pH (6.98 on average)
      were marked. These chamber breakages occurred in 71.6% of A. beccarii and are
      thought to be caused by decalcification due to the fall in pH resulting from the
      "Hebei Spirit" oil spill. The factors that affect breakage of the chamber in
      benthic foraminifera under low pH condition may be not only deto decalcification
      but also to exposure duration of substrata in the tidal flat spilled crude oil. 

PMID- 25113103
TI  - A three-step model to assess shoreline and offshore susceptibility to oil spills:
      the South Aegean (Crete) as an analogue for confined marine basins.
AB  - This study combines bathymetric, geomorphological, geological data and oil spill
      predictions to model the impact of oil spills in two accident scenarios from
      offshore Crete, Eastern Mediterranean. The aim is to present a new three-step
      method of use by emergency teams and local authorities in the assessment of
      shoreline and offshore susceptibility to oil spills. The three-step method
      comprises: (1) real-time analyses of bathymetric, geomorphological, geological
      and oceanographic data; (2) oil dispersion simulations under known wind and sea
      current conditions; and (3) the compilation of final hazard maps based on
      information from (1) and (2) and on shoreline susceptibility data. The results in
      this paper show that zones of high to very-high susceptibility around the island
      of Crete are related to: (a) offshore bathymetric features, including the
      presence of offshore scarps and seamounts; (b) shoreline geology, and (c) the
      presence near the shore of sedimentary basins filled with unconsolidated deposits
      of high permeability. Oil spills, under particular weather and oceanographic
      conditions, may quickly spread and reach the shoreline 5-96 h after the initial
      accident. As a corollary of this work, we present the South Aegean region around
      Crete as a valid case-study for confined marine basins, narrow seaways, or
      interior seas around island groups.

PMID- 25113104
TI  - Uncertainty analysis of total phosphorus spatial-temporal variations in the
      Yangtze River Estuary using different interpolation methods.
AB  - Interpolation processes and results are generally accompanied by uncertainty
      which affects the spatial and temporal properties of pollutants. Based on the 4
      period sample data of total phosphorus (TP) collected from the Yangtze River
      Estuary (YRE) in 2010 and 2011, the uncertainty of spatial-temporal variation was
      analyzed with interpolation methods of inverse distance weighted (IDW), local
      polynomial interpolation (LPI), ordinary kriging (OK) and disjunctive kriging
      (DK). The root mean square errors (RMSE) and the mean relative errors (MRE) were
      used to analyze the accuracy of different interpolation methods. The results
      showed that the uncertainty of DK was the lowest and the uncertainty of LPI was
      the highest among the 4 methods. The subtraction results between different
      interpolation methods showed that there was some distinct area of value in the
      disparate interval (not in [-0.05, 0.05] (mg/L)) in the 4 seasonal results, which
      was mainly distributed in the boundary region and around some sample sites. Both
      standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variance (CV) in August 2010 were the
      highest in the 4 seasons and annual mean. The uncertainty may be caused by choice
      of interpolation methods, spatial data discrepancy and the lack of sample data. 

PMID- 25113105
TI  - [Is invasive therapy (medically/ethically) justifiable nearing an end of life
      situation, if it is based on symptom control and quality of life?].
AB  - On the basis of a case study, the complex problems of an invasive therapy
      (gastroscopy with stentig) in an end of life situation will be demonstrated and
      discussed. The main problems of the 67-year-old patient with a gastric cardia
      carcinoma were the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, which were managed well with
      conservative treatment. The wish from the patient to eat was a highly ethical
      demand on the team of the palliative care unit. This paper shows the area of
      tension between the highly developed interventional endoscopic capabilities on
      the one hand and the reasonable treatment in end of life situations on the other.

PMID- 25113106
TI  - Master apical file size - smaller or larger: a systematic review of healing
      outcomes.
AB  - The purpose of this systematic review was to determine in patients undergoing
      root canal treatment, whether apical enlargement affected the healing outcome. A
      PICO (population, intervention, comparison and outcome) strategy was developed to
      identify studies dealing with apical size of canal and healing outcome as
      measured clinically and radiographically. The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and
      PubMed databases were searched. Additionally, the bibliography of all relevant
      articles and textbooks was manually searched. Based on inclusion and exclusion
      criteria, two reviewers independently selected the relevant articles. Four
      articles were identified that met the inclusion criteria. There were no studies
      that evaluated apical enlargement and healing outcome using cone beam computed
      tomography. The results of the systematic review confirmed that more evidence
      based research in this area is needed. With the limited information available,
      the best current available clinical evidence suggests that for patients with
      necrotic pulps and periapical lesions, enlargement of the apical size would
      result in an increased healing outcome in terms of clinical and radiographic
      evaluations. 

PMID- 25113108
TI  - Group conformity: the legacy continues.

PMID- 25113109
TI  - Medical schools: what counts as one, and why count them?

PMID- 25113110
TI  - Revealing the hidden curriculum and reducing cultural reproduction: small steps
      on a long road.

PMID- 25113111
TI  - When I say ... preparedness.

PMID- 25113112
TI  - The good and bad of group conformity: a call for a new programme of research in
      medical education.
AB  - CONTEXT: Given that a significant portion of medical education occurs in various
      social settings (small groups, large classes, clinical environments), it is
      critical to examine how group members interact. One type of influence on these
      interactions is conformity, whereby an individual changes his or her own
      behaviour to match incorrect responses of others in a group. Conformity to peer
      pressure has been replicated in experimental research conducted in many countries
      over the last 60 years. There is newly emerging empirical evidence of this effect
      in medical education, suggesting that subtle motivations and pressures within a
      group may prevent students from challenging or questioning information that seems
      incorrect. OBJECTIVES: This narrative review aims to present an overview of
      theory and findings in research into conformity in the fields of social
      psychology, business, sociology and aviation theory to demonstrate its direct
      relevance to medical education and the health professions. METHODS: We searched
      online databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO and ProQuest) from the University of
      Calgary catalogue. We also searched citations in articles reviewed and references
      provided by colleagues. We limited our narrative review to publications released
      between 1950 and 2012. RESULTS: Group conformity behaviour may be one of a number
      of communication challenges associated with interprofessional care, and may
      represent a factor contributing to the burden of adverse events. This paper calls
      for a new programme of research into conformity in medical education that
      provides systematic empirical evidence of its relevance and applications in
      education, health care and practice. CONCLUSIONS: This review reveals decades of
      anecdotal and empirical evidence that conformity is a pervasive phenomenon across
      disciplines. Further research is needed to elucidate which situations pose the
      greatest risk for the occurrence of conformity, how to manage it in practice and
      its implications for patient safety.

PMID- 25113113
TI  - Overview of the world's medical schools: an update.
AB  - CONTEXT: That few data are available on the characteristics of medical schools or
      on trends within medical education internationally constitutes a major challenge
      when developing strategies to address physician workforce shortages. Quality and
      up-to-date information is needed to improve health and education policy planning.
      METHODS: We used publicly available data from the International Medical Education
      Directory and Avicenna Directories, and an internal education programme database
      to gather data on medical education provision worldwide. We sent a semi
      structured questionnaire to a selection of 346 medical schools, of which 218
      (63%) in 81 different countries or territories replied. We contacted ministries
      of health, national agencies for accreditation or similar bodies to clarify
      inconsistencies among sources. We identified key informants to obtain country
      level specific information. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse current
      medical school data by country. RESULTS: There are about 2600 medical schools
      worldwide. The countries with the largest numbers of schools are India (n = 304),
      Brazil (n = 182), the USA (n = 173), China (n = 147) and Pakistan (n = 86). One
      third of all medical schools are located in five countries and nearly half are
      located in 10 countries. Of 207 independent states, 24 have no medical school and
      50 have only one. Regionally, numbers of citizens per school differ: the
      Caribbean region has one school per 0.6 million population; the Americas and
      Oceania each have one school per 1.2 million population; Europe has one school
      per 1.8 million population; Asia has one school per 3.5 million population, and
      Africa has one school per 5.0 million population. In 2012, on average, there were
      181 graduates per medical school. CONCLUSIONS: The total number and distribution
      of medical schools around the world are not well matched with existing physician
      numbers and distribution. The collection and aggregation of medical school data
      are complex and would benefit from better information on local recognition
      processes. Longitudinal comparisons are difficult and subject to several sources
      of error. The consistency and quality of medical school data need to be improved
      to accurately document potential supply; one example of such an advancement is
      the World Directory of Medical Schools.

PMID- 25113114
TI  - Key-feature questions for assessment of clinical reasoning: a literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Key-feature questions (KFQs) have been developed to assess clinical
      reasoning skills. The purpose of this paper is to review the published evidence
      on the reliability and validity of KFQs to assess clinical reasoning. METHODS: A
      literature review was conducted by searching MEDLINE (1946-2012) and EMBASE (1980
      2012) via OVID and ERIC. The following search terms were used: key feature;
      question or test or tests or testing or tested or exam; assess or evaluation, and
      case-based or case-specific. Articles not in English were eliminated. RESULTS:
      The literature search resulted in 560 articles. Duplicates were eliminated, as
      were articles that were not relevant; nine articles that contained reliability or
      validity data remained. A review of the references and of citations of these
      articles resulted in an additional 12 articles to give a total of 21 for this
      review. Format, language and scoring of KFQ examinations have been studied and
      modified to maximise reliability. Internal consistency reliability has been
      reported as being between 0.49 and 0.95. Face and content validity have been
      shown to be moderate to high. Construct validity has been shown to be good using
      vector thinking processes and novice versus expert paradigms, and to discriminate
      between teaching methods. The very modest correlations between KFQ examinations
      and more general knowledge-based examinations point to differing roles for each.
      Importantly, the results of KFQ examinations have been shown to successfully
      predict future physician performance, including patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although it is inaccurate to conclude that any testing format is universally
      reliable or valid, published research supports the use of examinations using KFQs
      to assess clinical reasoning. The review identifies areas of further study,
      including all categories of evidence. Investigation into how examinations using
      KFQs integrate with other methods in a system of assessment is needed.

PMID- 25113115
TI  - You've got to know the rules to play the game: how medical students negotiate the
      hidden curriculum of surgical careers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The hidden curriculum may be framed as the culture, beliefs and
      behaviours of a community that are passed to students outside formal course
      offerings. Medical careers involve diverse specialties, each with a different
      culture, yet how medical students negotiate these cultures has not been fully
      explored. Using surgery as a case study, we aimed to establish, first, whether a
      specialty-specific hidden curriculum existed for students, and second, how
      students encountered and negotiated surgical career options. METHODS: Using a
      constructivist grounded theory approach, we explored students' thoughts, beliefs
      and experiences regarding career decisions and surgery. An exploratory
      questionnaire informed the discussion schedule for semi-structured individual
      interviews. Medical students were purposively sampled by year group, gender and
      career intentions in surgery. Data collection and analysis were iterative:
      analysis followed each interview and guided the adaptation of our discussion
      schedule to further our evolving model. RESULTS: Students held a clear sense of a
      hidden curriculum in surgery. To successfully negotiate a surgical career,
      students perceived that they must first build networks because careers
      information flows through relationships. They subsequently enacted what they
      learned by accruing the accolades ('ticking the boxes') and appropriating the
      dispositions ('walking the talk') of 'future surgeons'. This allowed them to
      identify themselves and to be identified by others as 'future surgeons' and to
      gain access to participation in the surgical world. Participation then enabled
      further network building and access to careers information in a positive feedback
      loop. For some, negotiating the hidden curriculum was more difficult, which, for
      them, rendered a surgical career unattractive or unattainable. CONCLUSIONS:
      Students perceive a clear surgery-specific hidden curriculum. Using a
      constructivist grounded theory approach, we have developed a model of how
      students encounter, uncover and enact this hidden curriculum to succeed. Drawing
      on concepts of Bourdieu, we discuss unequal access to the hidden curriculum,
      which was found to exclude many from the possibility of a surgical career.

PMID- 25113116
TI  - 'We' not 'I': health advocacy is a team sport.
AB  - CONTEXT: Health advocacy, although recognised as a professional responsibility,
      is often seen as overwhelming, perhaps because it is framed conceptually as an
      activity that each physician should undertake alone rather than as a
      collaborative process. In the context of a study exploring how effective
      physician health advocates conceptualise their roles and their activities related
      to health advocacy, we uncovered data that speak directly of the issue of whether
      the activities of health advocates are enacted as individual or collective
      pursuits. METHODS: We interviewed ten physicians, identified by others as
      effective health advocates, regarding their advocacy activities. We collected and
      analysed data in an iterative process, informed by constructivist grounded
      theory, continuously refining the interview framework and examining evolving
      themes. The final coding scheme was applied to all transcripts. RESULTS: Health
      advocacy was viewed by these physicians as a collective activity. This collective
      construction of advocacy presented in three ways: (i) as teamwork by
      interprofessional teams of individuals with clearly defined roles and functional,
      task-oriented goals; (ii) as a process involving networks of resources or people
      that can be accessed for both support and reinforcement, and (iii) as a process
      involving collaborative think-tanks in which members contribute different
      perspectives to enact collective problem solving at a conceptual level.
      CONCLUSIONS: Effective health advocates do not conceptualise themselves as stand
      alone experts who must do everything themselves. Their collective approach makes
      it possible for these physicians to incorporate health advocacy into their
      clinical practice. However, although conceptualising health advocacy as a
      collective activity may make it less daunting, this way of understanding health
      advocacy is not compatible with current formal descriptions of the associated
      competencies.

PMID- 25113117
TI  - Feedback in action within bedside teaching encounters: a video ethnographic
      study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Feedback associated with teaching activities is often synonymous with
      reflection on action, which comprises the evaluative assessment of performance
      out of its original context. Feedback in action (as correction during clinical
      encounters) is an underexplored, complementary resource facilitating students'
      understanding and learning. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore
      the interactional patterns and correction modalities utilised in feedback
      sequences between doctors and students within general practice-based bedside
      teaching encounters (BTEs). METHODS: A qualitative video ethnographic approach
      was used. Participants were recorded in their natural settings to allow
      interactional practices to be contextually explored. We examined 12 BTEs recorded
      across four general practices and involving 12 patients, four general
      practitioners and four medical students (209 minutes and 20 seconds of data)
      taken from a larger corpus. Data analysis was facilitated by Transana video
      analysis software and informed by previous conversation analysis research in
      ordinary conversation, classrooms and health care settings. RESULTS: A range of
      correction strategies across a spectrum of underlying explicitness were
      identified. Correction strategies classified at extreme poles of this scale (high
      or low explicitness) were believed to be less interactionally effective. For
      example, those using abrupt closing of topics (high explicitness) or
      interactional ambiguity (low explicitness) were thought to be less effective than
      embedded correction strategies that enabled the student to reach the correct
      answer with support. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that educators who are explicitly
      taught linguistic strategies for how to manage feedback in BTEs might manage
      learning more effectively. For example, clinicians might maximise learning
      moments during BTEs by avoiding abrupt or ambiguous feedback practices. Embedded
      correction strategies can enhance student participation by guiding students
      towards the correct answer. Clinician corrections can sensitively manage student
      face-saving by minimising the exposure of student error to patients. Furthermore,
      we believe that the effective practices highlighted by our analysis might
      facilitate successful transformation of feedback in action into feedback for
      action.

PMID- 25113118
TI  - Supervising incoming first-year residents: faculty expectations versus residents'
      experiences.
AB  - CONTEXT: First-year residents begin clinical practice in settings in which
      attending staff and senior residents are available to supervise their work. There
      is an expectation that, while being supervised and as they become more
      experienced, residents will gradually take on more responsibilities and function
      independently. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to define 'entrustable
      professional activities' (EPAs) and determine the extent of agreement between the
      level of supervision expected by clinical supervisors (CSs) and the level of
      supervision reported by first-year residents. METHODS: Using a nominal group
      technique, subject matter experts (SMEs) from multiple specialties defined EPAs
      for incoming residents; these represented a set of activities to be performed
      independently by residents by the end of the first year of residency, regardless
      of specialty. We then surveyed CSs and first-year residents from one institution
      in order to compare the levels of supervision expected and received during the
      day and night for each EPA. RESULTS: The SMEs defined 10 EPAs (e.g. completing
      admission orders, obtaining informed consent) that were ratified by a national
      panel. A total of 113 CSs and 48 residents completed the survey. Clinical
      supervisors had the same expectations regardless of time of day. For three EPAs
      (managing i.v. fluids, obtaining informed consent, obtaining advanced directives)
      the level of supervision reported by first-year residents was lower than that
      expected by CSs (p < 0.001) regardless of time of day (i.e. day or night). For
      four more EPAs (initiating the management of a critically ill patient, handing
      over the care of a patient to colleagues, writing a discharge prescription,
      coordinating a patient discharge) differences applied only to night-time work (p
      <= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: First-year residents reported performing EPAs with less
      supervision than expected by CSs, especially during the night. Using EPAs to
      guide the content of the undergraduate curriculum and during examinations could
      help better align CSs' and residents' expectations about early residency
      supervision.

PMID- 25113119
TI  - What is the role of e-learning? Looking past the hype.

PMID- 25113120
TI  - Correction of the Scimitar syndrome, a rare cardiac venous anomaly, leading to
      Budd-Chiari syndrome: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Scimitar syndrome is a congenital heart disease characterized by an
      abnormal drainage of the right lung into the inferior vena cava, the right atrium
      or a variety of venous connections from the anomalous pulmonary vein to a
      systemic vein. This left-to-right shunt induces pulmonary hypertension and is an
      indication for surgical repair in cases of a history of recurrent pneumonia or
      significant left-to-right shunting. A corrective approach, which consists of
      rerouting the anomalous pulmonary flow to the left atrium, is usually performed.
      Complications of scimitar repair are stenosis, thrombosis and occlusion of the
      scimitar vein and its deviation. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes a
      53-year-old Caucasian woman with known scimitar syndrome, undergoing surgical
      repair due to invaliding symptoms of dyspnoea, and presenting with postoperative
      Budd-Chiari syndrome due to anomalous drainage of her right hepatic vein into the
      left atrium. It is an interesting cause of liver pathology caused by Budd-Chiari
      that never has been described before. CONCLUSIONS: This case report emphasizes
      the importance of a thorough preoperative evaluation, and the importance of
      antecedents in newly presenting pathology. It is an interesting cause of a known
      hepatic syndrome, the Budd-Chiari syndrome. This case report is of interest to
      many specialties, including Hepatology, Cardiology, Radiology and Cardiovascular
      Surgery. It exposes a new interesting anatomic variation of the scimitar syndrome
      with significant postoperative implications.

PMID- 25113121
TI  - Detection of antibodies against the CB9 to ICB10 region of merozoite surface
      protein-1 of Plasmodium vivax among the inhabitants in epidemic areas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of the
      conserved block 9 (CB9) to interspecies conserved block (ICB10) region of
      Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1 (ICB910)) as a serodiagnostic
      tool for understanding malaria transmission. METHODS: Antibody titre in the blood
      samples collected from the inhabitants of Gimpo city, Paju city and Yeoncheon
      county of Gyeonggi Province, as well as Cheorwon county of Gangwon Province,
      South Korea were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
      Microscopic examination was performed to identify malarial parasites. RESULTS:
      MSP-1(ICB910) is encoded by a 1,212-bp sequence, which produced a recombinant
      protein with a molecular weight of approximately 46 kDa. Antibody titres in 1,774
      blood samples were determined with the help of ELISA using purified recombinant
      MSP-1(ICB910). The overall ELISA-positive rate was 8.08% (n = 146). The annual
      parasite incidences (APIs) in the regions where the blood sampling was carried
      out gradually decreased from 2004 to 2005 (1.09 and 0.80, respectively).
      Yeoncheon county had the highest ELISA-positive rate (10.20%, 46/451). Yeoncheon
      county also had the highest API both in 2004 and 2005, followed by Cheorwon
      county, Paju city and Gimpo city. CONCLUSIONS: The MSP-1 (ICB910)-ELISA-positive
      rates were closely related to API in the geographic areas studied. These results
      suggest that sero-epidemiological studies employing MSP-1 (ICB910)-ELISA may be
      helpful in estimating the prevalence of malaria in certain geographic areas. MSP
      1(ICB910)-ELISA can be effectively used to establish and evaluate malaria control
      and eradication programmes in the affected areas.

PMID- 25113124
TI  - Melatonin normalizes clinical and biochemical parameters of mild inflammation in
      diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of melatonin to affect
      mild inflammation in the metabolic syndrome (MS) induced by a high-fat diet in
      rats. Adult Wistar male rats were divided into four groups (n = 16/group): (i)
      control diet (3% fat); (ii) high-fat (35%) diet; (iii) high-fat diet + melatonin;
      and (iv) melatonin. Rats had free access to high-fat or control chow and one of
      the following drinking solutions for 10 wk: (a) tap water; (b) 25 MUg/mL of
      melatonin. Plasma interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were
      measured at two time intervals, that is, the middle of daylight period and the
      middle of the scotophase. In addition, a number of somatic and metabolic
      components employed clinically to monitor the MS were measured. Melatonin
      decreased the augmented circulating levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN
      gamma, and CRP seen in obese rats and restored the depressed levels of IL-4 and
      IL-10. Rats fed with the high-fat diet showed significantly higher body weights
      and augmented systolic blood pressure from the third and fourth week onwards,
      respectively, melatonin effectively preventing these changes. In high-fat-fed
      rats, circulating low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and
      triglyceride concentration augmented significantly, melatonin being effective to
      counteract these changes. Melatonin-treated rats showed a decreased insulin
      resistance, the highest values of plasma high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol,
      and the lowest values of plasma uric acid. The results indicate that melatonin is
      able to normalize the altered biochemical pro-inflammatory profile seen in rats
      fed with a high-fat diet.

PMID- 25113123
TI  - Ammonium increases Ca(2+) signalling and up-regulates expression of TRPC1 gene in
      astrocytes in primary cultures and in the in vivo brain.
AB  - Rapid rise in ammonium concentration in the brain is the major pathogenic factor
      in hepatic encephalopathy that is manifested by state of confusion, forgetfulness
      and irritability, psychotic symptoms, delusions, lethargy, somnolence and, in the
      terminal stages, coma. Primary cultures of mouse astrocytes were used to
      investigate effects of chronic treatment (3 days) with ammonium chloride
      (ammonium) at 3 mM, this being a relevant concentration for hepatic
      encephalopathy condition, on metabotropic receptor agonist-induced increases in
      free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration [(Ca(2+))i], measured with fura-2 based
      microfluorimetry and on store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) activated following
      treatment with the SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin. The agonists used were the beta
      adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, the alpha2-adrenergic agonist dexmedetomidine,
      the InsP3 receptor (InsP3R) agonist adenophostin A and ryanodine receptor agonist
      4-Chloro-m-cresol (4-CMC). Agonist-induced [Ca(2+)]i responses were significantly
      increased in astrocytes chronically exposed to ammonium. Similarly, the SOCE,
      meditated by the transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1), was
      significantly augmented. The ammonium-induced increase in SOCE was a result of an
      up-regulation of mRNA and protein expression of TRPC1 in astrocytes. Increase in
      TRPC1 expression and in SOCE were both prevented by ouabain antagonist canrenone.
      Similar up-regulation of TRPC1 gene expression was found in the brain of adult
      mice subjected to intraperitoneal injection of urease for 3 days. In transgenic
      mice tagged with an astrocyte-specific or a neurone-specific markers and treated
      with intraperitoneal injections of urease for 3 days, the fluorescence-activated
      cell sorting of neurones and astrocytes demonstrated that TRPC1 mRNA expression
      was up-regulated in astrocytes, but not in neurones.

PMID- 25113126
TI  - Suppression of irrelevant activation in the horizontal and vertical Simon task
      differs quantitatively not qualitatively.
AB  - The Simon effect is usually explained by the assumption that the irrelevant
      stimulus location automatically activates the corresponding response. In the case
      of incongruent stimulus-response assignments automatically activated responses
      therefore have to be suppressed to ensure correct responses. This account,
      however, has been called into question for other than horizontally arranged
      visual Simon tasks. We investigated whether there is a qualitative or
      quantitative difference in suppression of irrelevant activation between
      horizontally and vertically arranged Simon tasks, using delta-function analyses.
      Sequential analyses revealed suppression after incongruent trials in both tasks,
      supporting the idea of a quantitative rather than a qualitative difference
      between the tasks. We conclude that automatic response activation is weaker in
      vertical tasks resulting in lower inhibitory demands as compared to horizontal
      tasks. 

PMID- 25113122
TI  - Why are astrocytes important?
AB  - Astrocytes, which populate the grey and white mater of the brain and the spinal
      cord are highly heterogeneous in their morphology and function. These cells are
      primarily responsible for homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Most
      central synapses are surrounded by exceedingly thin astroglial perisynaptic
      processes, which act as "astroglial cradle" critical for genesis, maturation and
      maintenance of synaptic connectivity. The perisynaptic glial processes are
      densely packed with numerous transporters, which provide for homeostasis of ions
      and neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, for local metabolic support and for
      release of astroglial derived scavengers of reactive oxygen species. Through
      perivascular processes astrocytes contribute to blood-brain barrier and form
      "glymphatic" drainage system of the CNS. Furthermore astrocytes are indispensible
      for glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyrate-ergic synaptic transmission being the
      supplier of neurotransmitters precursor glutamine via an astrocytic/neuronal
      cycle. Pathogenesis of many neurological disorders, including neuropsychiatric
      and neurodegenerative diseases is defined by loss of homeostatic function
      (astroglial asthenia) or remodelling of astroglial homoeostatic capabilities.
      Astroglial cells further contribute to neuropathologies through mounting complex
      defensive programme generally known as reactive astrogliosis. 

PMID- 25113127
TI  - The specificity of expertise: for whom is the clave pattern the "key" to salsa
      music?
AB  - Each Latin salsa music style is associated with a characteristic clave pattern
      that constitutes an essential structure for performers. In this article we asked
      what types of expertise are needed to detect the correct salsa-clave pairing.
      Using two clave patterns (the 3-2 and 2-3 son clave) and three manipulated
      alternatives, we asked listeners to choose the correct clave pattern for a
      variety of bomba, calypso, mambo and merengue excerpts. The results of Studies 1
      and 2 show that listeners unfamiliar with salsa were unable to detect the correct
      salsa-clave pairing. Listeners who had some music training or were familiar with
      salsa detected the need for syncopation but not the specific pairing. Only
      musicians well-acquainted with salsa correctly detected the salsa-clave pairing.
      Studies 3 and 4 showed that incorrect choices were not due to an inability to
      distinguish between the alternatives: both adults and five-year-olds could easily
      tell apart the various patterns we used. We conclude that the distinction between
      the 2-3 and 3-2 claves is not inherent in the music itself, but rather is a
      convention to be learned through exposure and training. We discuss the results
      using an analogy to language learning.

PMID- 25113125
TI  - Single adatom dynamics at monatomic steps of free-standing few-layer reduced
      graphene.
AB  - Steps and their associated adatoms extensively exist and play prominent roles in
      affecting surface properties of materials. Such impacts should be especially
      pronounced in two-dimensional, atomically-thin membranes like graphene. However,
      how single adatom behaves at monatomic steps of few-layer graphene is still
      illusive. Here, we report dynamics of individual adatom at monatomic steps of
      free-standing few-layer reduced graphene under the electron beam radiations, and
      demonstrate the prevalent existence of monatomic steps even down to unexpectedly
      ultrasmall lateral size of a circular diameter of ~5 A. Single adatom prefers to
      stay at the edges of the atomic steps of few-layer reduced graphene and evolve
      with the steps. Moreover, we also find that how the single adatom behaves at
      atomic step edges can be remarkably influenced by the type of adatoms and step
      edges. Such single adatoms at monatomic steps and ultrasmall atomic steps open up
      a new window for surface physics and chemistry for graphene-based as well as
      other two-dimensional materials.

PMID- 25113128
TI  - Know thy sound: perceiving self and others in musical contexts.
AB  - This review article provides a summary of the findings from empirical studies
      that investigated recognition of an action's agent by using music and/or other
      auditory information. Embodied cognition accounts ground higher cognitive
      functions in lower level sensorimotor functioning. Action simulation, the
      recruitment of an observer's motor system and its neural substrates when
      observing actions, has been proposed to be particularly potent for actions that
      are self-produced. This review examines evidence for such claims from the music
      domain. It covers studies in which trained or untrained individuals generated
      and/or perceived (musical) sounds, and were subsequently asked to identify who
      was the author of the sounds (e.g., the self or another individual) in immediate
      (online) or delayed (offline) research designs. The review is structured
      according to the complexity of auditory-motor information available and includes
      sections on: 1) simple auditory information (e.g., clapping, piano, drum sounds),
      2) complex instrumental sound sequences (e.g., piano/organ performances), and 3)
      musical information embedded within audiovisual performance contexts, when action
      sequences are both viewed as movements and/or listened to in synchrony with
      sounds (e.g., conductors' gestures, dance). This work has proven to be
      informative in unraveling the links between perceptual-motor processes,
      supporting embodied accounts of human cognition that address action observation.
      The reported findings are examined in relation to cues that contribute to agency
      judgments, and their implications for research concerning action understanding
      and applied musical practice. 

PMID- 25113129
TI  - Emotion modulates allocentric but not egocentric stimulus localization:
      implications for dual visual systems perspectives.
AB  - Considerable evidence suggests that emotional cues influence processing
      prioritization and neural representations of stimuli. Specifically, within the
      visual domain, emotion is known to impact ventral stream processes and ventral
      stream-mediated behaviours; it remains unclear, however, the extent to which
      emotion impacts dorsal stream processes. In the present study, participants
      localized a visual target stimulus embedded within a background array utilizing
      allocentric localization (requiring an object-centred representation of visual
      space to perform an action) and egocentric localization (requiring purely target
      directed actions), which are thought to differentially rely on the ventral versus
      dorsal visual stream, respectively. Simultaneously, a task-irrelevant negative,
      positive or neutral sound was presented to produce an emotional context. In line
      with predictions, we found that during allocentric localization, response
      accuracy was enhanced in the context of negative compared to either neutral or
      positive sounds. In contrast, no significant effects of emotion were identified
      during egocentric localization. These results raise the possibility that negative
      emotional auditory contexts enhance ventral stream, but not dorsal stream,
      processing in the visual domain. Furthermore, this study highlights the
      complexity of emotion-cognition interactions, indicating how emotion can have a
      differential impact on almost identical overt behaviours that may be governed by
      distinct neurocognitive systems. 

PMID- 25113130
TI  - Do the same genes underlie parallel phenotypic divergence in different Littorina
      saxatilis populations?
AB  - Parallel patterns of adaptive divergence and speciation are cited as powerful
      evidence for the role of selection driving these processes. However, it is often
      not clear whether parallel phenotypic divergence is underlain by parallel genetic
      changes. Here, we asked about the genetic basis of parallel divergence in the
      marine snail Littorina saxatilis, which has repeatedly evolved coexisting
      ecotypes adapted to either crab predation or wave action. We sequenced the
      transcriptome of snails of both ecotypes from three distant geographical
      locations (Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom) and mapped the reads to the L.
      saxatilis reference genome. We identified genomic regions potentially under
      divergent selection between ecotypes within each country, using an outlier
      approach based on F(ST) values calculated per locus. In line with previous
      studies indicating that gene reuse is generally common, we expected to find
      extensive sharing of outlier loci due to recent shared ancestry and gene flow
      between at least two of the locations in our study system. Contrary to our
      expectations, we found that most outliers were country specific, suggesting that
      much of the genetic basis of divergence is not shared among locations. However,
      we did find that more outliers were shared than expected by chance and that
      differentiation of shared outliers is often generated by the same SNPs. We
      discuss two mechanisms potentially explaining the limited amount of sharing we
      observed. First, a polygenic basis of divergent traits might allow for multiple
      distinct molecular mechanisms generating the same phenotypic patterns. Second,
      additional, location-specific axes of selection that we did not focus on in this
      study may produce distinct patterns of genetic divergence within each site.

PMID- 25113131
TI  - Very low rates of screening for metabolic syndrome among patients with severe
      mental illness in Durban, South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sub Saharan African is experiencing the largest increase in the
      prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease globally.
      Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for these conditions.
      There is a consistently higher prevalence of cardiometabolic disease among
      individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) compared to the general population
      worldwide. However, it is known from research in high income countries that
      screening for MetS in patients with SMI is low. The objective of this study was
      to document the extent of the expected low frequency of testing for all the
      components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with SMI in a low middle
      income country. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study, undertaken from
      January to June 2012 on out-patients with SMI who were treated with antipsychotic
      medication for at least 6 months. The study measured the proportion of
      participants who were tested for MetS in the previous year. RESULTS: The study
      included 331 (M: F; 167:164) participants with a mean age of 35.2 +/- 11.98
      years. The majority (78.8%) were black South Africans. Only 2 subjects (0.6%)
      were screened for all five components of MetS. Regarding the individual
      components, 99%, 0.6%, 3.9% and 1.8% were screened for raised blood pressure,
      abdominal obesity, hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and decreased high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol respectively. CONCLUSION: It is unacceptable that
      less than one percent of our participants were adequately screened for modifiable
      risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease which are
      the most common causes of mortality among patients with SMI. These results
      highlight the need for translating guidelines into action in low and middle
      income countries.

PMID- 25113132
TI  - Incidence and correlates of hepatitis C virus infection in a large cohort of
      prisoners who have injected drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among prisoners,
      particularly those with a history of injecting drug use (IDU). Incarcerated
      people who inject drugs frequently report high-risk injecting practices both in
      prison and in the community. In spite of rising morbidity and mortality,
      utilisation of HCV-related services in Australia has been persistently low. This
      study aimed to describe the incidence, prevalence and correlates of HCV
      seropositivity in a large cohort of prisoners who have injected drugs, and to
      identify correlates of receiving confirmation of active infection. METHODS: Data
      linkage to a State-wide statutory notifiable diseases surveillance system was
      used to investigate the incidence of notified HCV seropositivity, seroconversion
      and confirmed HCV infection in a cohort of 735 prisoners with a history of IDU,
      over 14 years of follow up. Hepatitis C test results from prison medical records
      were used to identify correlates of testing positive in prison. RESULTS: The
      crude incidence of HCV notification was 5.1 cases per 100 person-years. By the
      end of follow up, 55.1% of the cohort had been the subject of a HCV-related
      notification, and 47.4% of those tested in prison were HCV seropositive. In
      multivariable analyses, injecting in prison was strongly associated with HCV
      seropositivity, as was opioid use compared to injection of other drugs. The rate
      of reported diagnostic confirmation among those with notified infections was very
      low, at 6.6 confirmations per 100 seropositive participants per year.
      CONCLUSIONS: Injecting drugs in prison was strongly associated with HCV
      seropositivity, highlighting the need for increased provision of services to
      mitigate the risk of transmission within prisons. Once identified as seropositive
      through screening, people with a history of IDU and incarceration may not be
      promptly receiving diagnostic services, which are necessary if they are to access
      treatment. Improving access to HCV-related services will be of particular
      importance in the coming years, as HCV-related morbidity and mortality is
      increasing, and next generation therapies are becoming more widely available.

PMID- 25113133
TI  - The antidiabetic agent glibenclamide protects airway hyperresponsiveness and
      inflammation in mice.
AB  - Glibenclamide has a newly discovered role in inflammation regulation besides its
      antidiabetic effect. As an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel,
      glibenclamide antagonizes the relaxation of the tracheal smooth muscle. This
      indicates that glibenclamide might attenuate airway inflammation while aggravate
      airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthmatics. Clinically, many diabetics with
      asthma are prescribed with glibenclamide to control blood glucose. However,
      whether glibenclamide could exert any effects on asthmatic inflammation remains
      unknown. Using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of asthma, we evaluated the
      effects of glibenclamide on the AHR and inflammation. Interestingly,
      glibenclamide reduced all the cardinal features of asthma in OVA-challenged mice,
      including AHR, airway inflammation, and T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines.
      Glibenclamide also downregulated OVA-induced expressions of vascular cell
      adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator
      of transcription 6 (p-STAT6) in the lung. In addition, increased sulfonylurea
      receptor 1 (SUR1) expression in the lung was observed after the OVA challenge.
      These findings suggest that the classic sulfonylurea glibenclamide plays an
      important protective role in the development of asthma, which not only provides
      the evidence for the safety of prescribed glibenclamide in diabetics combined
      with asthma but also indicates a possible new therapeutic for asthma via
      targeting glibenclamide-related pathways. 

PMID- 25113134
TI  - Human leukocyte antigen DR surface expression on CD14+ monocytes during adverse
      events after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - The human leukocyte antigen DR surface expression on CD14+ monocytes reflects the
      degree to which these cells have been activated. Given the central role monocytes
      and macrophages play in the immune system, a decreased human leukocyte antigen DR
      expression on CD14+ monocytes results in a hallmark of altered immune status
      during systemic inflammatory response syndrome. We hypothesize that human
      leukocyte antigen DR expression might be similarly altered after hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation and during post-transplant complications. Using flow
      cytometry, this study investigates the human leukocyte antigen DR surface
      expression of CD14+ monocytes in 30 pediatric and young adult patients up to 1
      year after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Normal values were derived
      from a control group of healthy children, adolescents, and young adults. Human
      leukocyte antigen DR expression decreased significantly prior and during
      bacterial infection or sepsis. By contrast, human leukocyte antigen DR expression
      levels were elevated before and at the time of viremia. Human leukocyte antigen
      DR expression was also elevated during acute graft-versus-host disease. In
      contrast, the expression was reduced when patients had hepatic veno-occlusive
      disease. A significant decrease of human leukocyte antigen DR expression was
      associated with a relapse of the underlying disease and before death. Human
      leukocyte antigen DR expression on CD14+ monocytes appears to be a promising
      parameter that might allow identification of patients at risk after hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation. 

PMID- 25113135
TI  - An automatic patient-specific seizure onset detection method using intracranial
      electroencephalography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study presents a multichannel patient-specific seizure detection
      method based on the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and support vector machine
      (SVM) classifier. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The EMD is used to extract features from
      intracranial electroencephalography (EEG). A machine-learning algorithm is used
      as a classifier to discriminate between seizure and nonseizure intracranial EEG
      epochs. A postprocessing algorithm is proposed to reject artifacts and increase
      the robustness of the method. The proposed method was evaluated using 463 hours
      of intracranial EEG recordings from 17 patients with a total of 51 seizures in
      the Freiburg EEG database. RESULTS: The proposed method had better performance
      than most of the existing seizure detection systems, including an average
      sensitivity of 92%, false detection rate (FDR) of 0.17/hour, and time delay (TD)
      of 12 sec. Moreover, the FDR could be further reduced by a TD extension.
      CONCLUSIONS: Given its high sensitivity and low FDR, the proposed patient
      specific seizure detection method can greatly assist clinical staff with
      automatically marking seizures in long-term EEG or detecting seizure onset online
      with high performance. Early and accurate seizure detection using this method may
      serve as a practical tool for planning epilepsy interventions.

PMID- 25113137
TI  - Metastable ionic diodes derived from an amine-based polymer of intrinsic
      microporosity.
AB  - A highly rigid amine-based polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM), prepared by
      a polymerization reaction involving the formation of Troger's base, is
      demonstrated to act as an ionic diode with electrolyte-dependent bistable
      switchable states. 

PMID- 25113136
TI  - Effects of sigh during pressure control and pressure support ventilation in
      pulmonary and extrapulmonary mild acute lung injury.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sigh improves oxygenation and lung mechanics during pressure
      control ventilation (PCV) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) in patients with
      acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, so far, no study has evaluated the
      biological impact of sigh during PCV or PSV on the lung and distal organs in
      experimental pulmonary (p) and extrapulmonary (exp) mild acute lung injury (ALI).
      METHODS: In 48 Wistar rats, ALI was induced by Escherichia coli
      lipopolysaccharide either intratracheally (ALIp) or intraperitoneally (ALIexp).
      After 24 hours, animals were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated with PCV or
      PSV with a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg, FiO2 = 0.4, and PEEP = 5 cmH2O for 1 hour.
      Both ventilator strategies were then randomly assigned to receive periodic sighs
      (10 sighs/hour, Sigh) or not (non-Sigh, NS). Ventilatory and mechanical
      parameters, arterial blood gases, lung histology, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6,
      caspase-3, and type III procollagen (PCIII) mRNA expression in lung tissue, and
      number of apoptotic cells in lung, liver, and kidney specimens were analyzed.
      RESULTS: In both ALI etiologies: (1) PCV-Sigh and PSV-Sigh reduced transpulmonary
      pressure, and (2) PSV-Sigh reduced the respiratory drive compared to PSV-NS. In
      ALIp: (1) PCV-Sigh and PSV-Sigh decreased alveolar collapse as well as IL-1beta,
      IL-6, caspase-3, and PCIII expressions in lung tissue, (2) PCV-Sigh increased
      alveolar-capillary membrane and endothelial cell damage, and (3) abnormal
      myofibril with Z-disk edema was greater in PCV-NS than PSV-NS. In ALIexp: (1) PSV
      Sigh reduced alveolar collapse, but led to damage to alveolar-capillary membrane,
      as well as type II epithelial and endothelial cells, (2) PCV-Sigh and PSV-Sigh
      increased IL-1beta, IL-6, caspase-3, and PCIII expressions, and (3) PCV-Sigh
      increased the number of apoptotic cells in the lung compared to PCV-NS.
      CONCLUSIONS: In these models of mild ALIp and ALIexp, sigh reduced alveolar
      collapse and transpulmonary pressures during both PCV and PSV; however, improved
      lung protection only during PSV in ALIp.

PMID- 25113138
TI  - Increasing childhood influenza vaccination: a cluster randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the 2008 inception of universal childhood influenza
      vaccination, national rates have risen more dramatically among younger children
      than older children and reported rates across racial/ethnic groups are
      inconsistent. Interventions may be needed to address age and racial disparities
      to achieve the recommended childhood influenza vaccination target of 70%.
      PURPOSE: To evaluate an intervention to increase childhood influenza vaccination
      across age and racial groups. METHODS: In 2011-2012, a total of 20 primary care
      practices treating children were randomly assigned to the intervention and
      control arms of a cluster randomized controlled trial to increase childhood
      influenza vaccination uptake using a toolkit and other strategies including early
      delivery of donated vaccine, in-service staff meetings, and publicity. RESULTS:
      The average vaccination differences from pre-intervention to the intervention
      year were significantly larger in the intervention arm (n=10 practices) than the
      control arm (n=10 practices); for children aged 9-18 years (11.1 pct pts
      intervention vs 4.3 pct pts control, p<0.05); for non-white children (16.7 pct
      pts intervention vs 4.6 pct pts control, p<0.001); and overall (9.9 pct pts
      intervention vs 4.2 pct pts control, p<0.01). In multi-level modeling that
      accounted for person- and practice-level variables and the interactions among
      age, race, and intervention, the likelihood of vaccination increased with younger
      age group (6-23 months); white race; commercial insurance; the practice's pre
      intervention vaccination rate; and being in the intervention arm. Estimates of
      the interaction terms indicated that the intervention increased the likelihood of
      vaccination for non-white children in all age groups and white children aged 9-18
      years. CONCLUSIONS: A multi-strategy intervention that includes a practice
      improvement toolkit can significantly improve influenza vaccination uptake across
      age and racial groups without targeting specific groups, especially in practices
      with large percentages of minority children.

PMID- 25113139
TI  - Motivational counseling to reduce sitting time: a community-based randomized
      controlled trial in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior is regarded as a distinct risk factor for
      cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality, but knowledge of the efficacy of
      interventions targeting reductions in sedentary behavior is limited. PURPOSE: To
      investigate the effect of an individualized face-to-face motivational counseling
      intervention aimed at reducing sitting time. DESIGN: A randomized, controlled,
      observer-blinded, community-based trial with two parallel groups using open-end
      randomization with 1:1 allocation. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 166 sedentary
      adults were consecutively recruited from the population-based Health2010 Study.
      INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to a control (usual lifestyle) or
      intervention group with four individual theory-based counseling sessions. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Objectively measured overall sitting time (ActivPAL 3TM, 7
      days); secondary measures were breaks in sitting time, anthropometric measures,
      and cardiometabolic biomarkers, assessed at baseline and after 6 months. Data
      were collected in 2010-2012 and analyzed in 2013-2014 using repeated measures
      multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: Ninety-three participants were randomized
      to the intervention group and 73 to the control group, and 149 completed the
      study. The intervention group had a mean sitting time decrease of -0.27
      hours/day, corresponding to 2.9% of baseline sitting time (hours/day); the
      control group increased mean sitting time by 0.06 hours/day. The between-group
      difference in change, -0.32 hours/day (95% CI=-0.87, 0.24, p=0.26), was not
      statistically significant. Significant differences in change in fasting serum
      insulin of -5.9 pmol/L (95% CI=-11.4, -0.5, p=0.03); homeostasis model assessment
      estimated insulin resistance of -0.28 (95% CI=-0.53, -0.03, p=0.03); and waist
      circumference of -1.42 cm (95% CI=-2.54, -0.29, p=0.01) were observed in favor of
      the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the observed decrease in sitting
      time was not significant, a community-based, individually tailored, theory-based
      intervention program aimed at reducing sitting time may be effective for
      increasing standing and improving cardiometabolic health in sedentary adults.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00289237).

PMID- 25113141
TI  - FDA allows second experimental drug to be tested in Ebola patients.

PMID- 25113140
TI  - Oestradiol modulates the effects of leptin on energy homeostasis by
      corticotrophin-releasing factor type 2 receptor.
AB  - In addition to its action in the control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
      axis, corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) has been described as an anorexigenic
      neuropeptide, modulating food intake and energy expenditure. CRF synthesis is
      influenced by leptin, which would act to increase CRF neurone activation in the
      paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Gonadal hormones also participate in the
      regulation of energy homeostasis. The reduction of food intake and body weight
      gain in ovariectomised (OVX) rats treated with oestradiol is associated with an
      increase in CRF mRNA expression in the PVN. The present study aimed to
      investigate the role of CRF as a mediator of leptin responsiveness in the
      presence of oestradiol. Wistar female rats were bilaterally OVX and divided into
      three groups: OVX, OVX+E (i.e. treated with oestradiol) and OVX+PF (i.e. OVX
      pairfed with OVX+E). The rats received daily s.c. injections of either oestradiol
      cypionate or vehicle for 8 days. To evaluate the role of CRF on the effects of
      leptin, we performed an i.c.v. leptin injection (10 MUg/5 MUl) with or without
      previous i.c.v. treatment with an CRF-R2 antagonist. We observed that oestradiol
      replacement in OVX rats reduced body weight gain and food intake. The effects of
      exogenous leptin administration with respect to decreasing food intake and body
      weight, and increasing uncoupling protein-1 expression in the brown adipose
      tissue and neuronal activation in the arcuate nucleus, were reversed by previous
      administration of a CRF-R2 antagonist only in oestradiol-treated OVX rats. These
      effects appear to be mediated by CRF-2 receptor because the antagonist of this
      receptor reversed the action of oestradiol on the effects of leptin.

PMID- 25113142
TI  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition as a fundamental underlying pathogenic process
      in COPD airways: fibrosis, remodeling and cancer.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex condition, frequently
      with a mix of airway and lung parenchymal damage. However, the earliest changes
      are in the small airways, where most of the airflow limitation occurs. The
      pathology of small airway damage seems to be wall fibrosis and obliteration, but
      the whole airway is involved in a 'field effect'. Our novel observations on
      active epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the airways of smokers,
      particularly in those with COPD, are changing the understanding of this airway
      pathology and the aetiology of COPD. EMT involves a cascade of regulatory changes
      that destabilise the epithelium with a motile and mesenchymal epithelial cell
      phenotype emerging. One important manifestation of EMT activity involves up
      regulation of specific key transcription factors (TFs), such as Smads, Twist, and
      beta-catenin. Such TFs can be used as EMT biomarkers, in recognisable patterns
      reflecting the potential major drivers of the process; for example, TGFbeta, Wnt,
      and integrin-linked kinase systems. Thus, understanding the relative changes in
      TF activity during EMT may provide rich information on the mechanisms driving
      this whole process, and how they may change over time and with therapy. We have
      sought to review the current literature on EMT and the relative expression of
      specific TF activity, to define the networks likely to be involved in a similar
      process in the airways of patients with smoking-related COPD. 

PMID- 25113143
TI  - A novel KIR2DL3 variant allele, KIR2DL3*031, identified from a southern Chinese
      Han individual.
AB  - The novel KIR2DL3*031 allele differs from KIR2DL3*00101 by a synonymous mutation
      and a non-synonymous mutation. 

PMID- 25113144
TI  - Spontaneous passage of a very large ureteral stone.

PMID- 25113145
TI  - Evaluation of antimicrobial treatment in a bovine model of acute Chlamydia
      psittaci infection: tetracycline versus tetracycline plus rifampicin.
AB  - Antimicrobial treatment of chlamydial infections is known to be of limited
      efficacy. In this study, effects of doxycycline (D), usually the drug of choice,
      were compared with the combined therapy of doxycycline and rifampicin (R) in a
      bovine model of respiratory Chlamydia psittaci infection. After intrabronchial
      inoculation of the pathogen, 30 animals were assigned to five groups (n = 6 per
      group): untreated controls, monotherapy with D (5 mg kg(-1)day(-1) or 10 mg kg(
      1)day(-1)), and combination therapy of D and R (600 mg day(-1)). Treatment
      continued until day 14 post inoculation (d.p.i.). Clinical signs, inflammatory
      markers, and pathological findings confirmed successful infection in all animals.
      Reisolation of the pathogen was possible in 4/6 untreated animals and in 4/12
      animals treated with D alone until 4 d.p.i., but in none of the calves of the two
      D + R groups. Pathogen detection was possible in all animals without significant
      differences among groups. Severity of disease and time course of its resolution,
      assessed by clinical and pathological findings as well as inflammatory
      parameters, were not significantly different between untreated controls and
      calves receiving D alone or in combination with R. Regardless of the treatment
      regimen, all groups recovered clinically and cleared the infection within 2
      weeks.

PMID- 25113146
TI  - Optimization of culturing conditions for toxicity testing with the alga Oophila
      sp. (Chlorophyceae), an amphibian endosymbiont.
AB  - Eggs of the yellow-spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) have a symbiotic
      relationship with green algae. It has been suggested that contaminants that are
      preferentially toxic to algae, such as herbicides, may impair the symbiont and,
      hence, indirectly affect the development of the salamander embryo. To enable
      testing under near-standard conditions for first-tier toxicity screening, the
      authors isolated the alga from field-collected eggs and identified conditions
      providing exponential growth rates in the apparent asexual phase of the alga.
      This approach provided a uniform, single-species culture, facilitating assessment
      of common toxicity end points and comparison of sensitivity relative to other
      species. Sequencing of the 18s ribosomal DNA indicated that the isolated alga is
      closely related to the recently described Oophila amblystomatis but is more
      similar to other known Chlamydomonas species, suggesting possible biogeographical
      variability in the genetic identity of the algal symbiont. After a tiered
      approach to culturing method refinement, a modified Bristol's media with 1 mM NH4
      (+) as nitrogen source was found to provide suitable conditions for toxicity
      testing at 18  degrees C and 200 umol m(-2) s(-1) photosynthetically active
      radiation (PAR) on a 24-h light cycle. The validity of the approach was
      demonstrated with Zn(2+) as a reference toxicant. Overall, the present study
      shows that screening for direct effects of contaminants on the algal symbiont
      without the presence of the host salamander is possible under certain laboratory
      conditions.

PMID- 25113147
TI  - Mother-child interactions in the NICU: relevance and implications for later
      parenting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the feasibility of observing mother-child
      interactions in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), whether NICU
      interactions related to later interactions, and how interactions related to child
      and maternal characteristics. METHODS: The sample included 130 preterm infants
      and their mothers, observed in a feeding interaction in the NICU. Dyads were
      observed through 36 months postterm. RESULTS: Observed maternal positive
      affective involvement and verbalizations in the NICU were associated with the
      same parenting behaviors at 24 months, social support, socioeconomic status, and
      being born in the late preterm period. Maternal negative affect and behavior were
      unrelated to later maternal negativity or child and maternal characteristics.
      CONCLUSIONS: Positive parenting assessed in the NICU appears related to later
      parenting interaction quality, suggesting early assessment is possible. Maternal
      negative affect and behavior toward children may not consistently emerge until
      later in development.

PMID- 25113148
TI  - Evaluation of regional cerebral glucose metabolism in patients with malignant
      lymphoma of the body using statistical image analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of regional
      cerebral glucose metabolic abnormalities in patients with malignant lymphoma of
      the body using statistical image analyses. Post-therapeutic changes in cerebral
      glucose metabolism were also evaluated. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 30
      patients, including 16 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and 14
      patients with other types of lymphoma. Patients with primary cerebral lymphoma
      were excluded from this study. All patients underwent CT and whole-body FDG-PET
      scans, including 4-min brain scans using a dedicated PET/CT scanner during both
      the pre- and post-treatment periods. The whole-body scans started 60 min after
      the administration of 185 MBq of FDG, after which the brain data were extracted
      from whole-body data. The degree of regional cerebral glucose metabolism was
      evaluated on a voxel-by-voxel basis using statistical parametric mapping (SPM).
      The total tumor glycolytic volume of the body was measured using a separate
      workstation. The normal control subjects were 12 persons who underwent medical
      check with FDG-PET/CT and had no lesions suggesting malignant tumor. RESULTS: The
      level of regional cerebral glucose metabolism decreased in association with an
      increase in the total glycolytic volume in the bilateral frontal and parietal
      cortices. After chemotherapy, the statistical image analysis demonstrated an
      interval recovery of the cerebral glucose metabolism of the bilateral parietal
      and occipital cortices in the good responders, whereas there were no significant
      differences observed in regional cerebral glucose metabolism between the pre- and
      post-treatment images in the poor responders. Comparison between normal control
      subjects and patients with pre-treatment lymphoma also showed that the regional
      cerebral glucose metabolism decreased in the parieto-occipital cortices in
      patients with lymphoma compared to normal control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: We
      demonstrated that patients with malignant lymphoma of the body exhibited abnormal
      regional cerebral glucose metabolism, which improves after chemotherapy. Although
      the mechanism underlying the reduction of cerebral glucose metabolism remains
      unclear, our findings indicate the functional alternation and/or subclinical
      damage of the brain in patients with malignant lymphoma.

PMID- 25113149
TI  - Nuclear medicine practice in Japan: a report of the seventh nationwide survey in
      2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Subcommittee on the Survey of Nuclear Medical Practice in Japan
      has performed a nationwide survey of nuclear medicine practice every 5 years
      since 1982 to survey contemporary nuclear medicine practice and its changes over
      the years. METHODS: The subcommittee sent questionnaires, including the number
      and category of examinations as well as the kind and dose of the
      radiopharmaceuticals during the 30 days of June 2012, to all the nuclear medicine
      institutes. The total numbers for the year 2012 were then estimated. RESULTS: A
      total of 1,167 institutes responded to the survey, including the 14 in vitro
      assay institutes and 266 PET centers. The recovery rate was 92 %. The number of
      gamma cameras installed was 1,425 in total, with 9 % decrease in 5 years. Dual
      head cameras and hybrid SPECT/CT scanners accounted for 84 and 10.5 %,
      respectively. The number of single-photon tracer studies in 2012 was 1.15 million
      which means decrease in 19 % in 5 years and 29 % in 10 years. All but cerebral
      perfusion study and sentinel lymphoscintigraphy have decreased. Bone scintigraphy
      was a leading examination (38.7 %), followed by cardiac studies (29.4 %) and
      cerebral perfusion study (18.5 %) in order. SPECT studies showed an increase from
      42.3 to 47.2 %. PET centers have also increased from 212 to 295, as compared to
      the last survey. The 135 PET centers have installed one or two in-house
      cyclotrons. PET studies showed 25.5 % increase in 5 years, with oncology
      accounting for 96.3 %. (18)F-FDG accounted for 98.2 % (505,990 examinations). PET
      examinations using (11)C-methionine have been increasing, with 3,352 examinations
      in 2012. The number of new PET studies using (11)C-PIB PET was 695. (131)I
      radioiodine targeted therapies showed an increase, including 3,644 patients (53.6
      %) for thyroid cancer and 4,889 patients (17.9 %) for hyperthyroidism. Out
      patient thyroid bed ablation therapy with 30 mCi of (131)I accounted for 21.0 %
      of cancer patients. The number of admission rooms decreased from 158 to 135 in 5
      years. In vitro radioassays have been declining continuously since 1992, with the
      number of studies of 9.0 million in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Single-photon examinations
      showed a continuous tendency toward a decline in the survey. In contrast, the
      number of hybrid SPECT/CT scanner examinations has increased. PET/CT study in the
      oncology field and radionuclide targeted therapy have steadily increased.

PMID- 25113151
TI  - One-year outcomes associated with using observation services in triaging patients
      with nonspecific chest pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Observation services are provided in greatly variant settings. The
      aim of this study was to reexamine the effectiveness of observation services
      compared to inpatient units for patients with nonspecific chest pain. HYPOTHESIS:
      Patients admitted to observation units have similar outcomes to patients admitted
      to inpatient wards. METHODS: We conducted a claim-based retrospective study for
      7549 patients who were admitted to observation and inpatient units. Both models
      of care were evaluated using the 1-year costs related to chest
      pain/cardiovascular diseases, and primary and secondary outcomes. Primary outcome
      was a composite of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, or
      cardiac arrest, whereas secondary outcomes included revascularization procedures,
      emergency room revisits, and hospitalization due to cardiovascular diseases.
      RESULTS: Two-thirds (65.7%, n = 4962) of patients in the sample had observation
      services, and 34.3% (n = 2587) were admitted to inpatient care. Of the inpatient
      group, 4.9% experienced a total of 167 primary outcomes, whereas 14.1%
      experienced a total of 571 secondary outcomes. In comparison, 3.8% of the
      observation group experienced 238 primary outcomes, and 10.3% experienced 737
      secondary outcomes. After adjusting for baseline characteristics using Cox
      proportional hazard and quantile regression models, no differences between the 2
      groups were detected in the 1-year costs of cardiovascular services and primary
      or secondary outcomes. Patients who had observation services were 79% (95%
      confidence interval: 1.24-2.58) more likely to have revascularization procedures
      compared to those admitted to inpatient care. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had
      observation services had similar outcomes and 1-year costs compared to patients
      admitted to inpatient wards.

PMID- 25113150
TI  - UTIs in patients with neurogenic bladder.
AB  - Urinary tract infections (UTI) remain one of the most prevalent and frustrating
      morbidities for neurogenic bladder patients, and death attributed to urosepsis in
      the spinal cord injury (SCI) patient is higher when compared to the general
      population. Risk factors include urinary stasis, high bladder pressures, bladder
      stones, and catheter use. While classic symptoms of UTI include dysuria,
      increased frequency and urgency, neurogenic bladder patients present differently
      with increased spasticity, autonomic dysreflexia, urinary incontinence, and vague
      pains. Multiple modalities have been assessed for prevention including catheter
      type, oral supplements, bladder irrigation, detrusor injections and prophylactic
      antimicrobials. Of these, bladder inoculation with E. coli HU2117, irrigation
      with iAluRil((r)), detrusor injections, and weekly prophylaxis with alternating
      antibiotics appear to have a positive reduction in UTI but require further study.
      Ultimately, treatment for symptomatic UTI should account for the varied flora and
      possible antibiotic resistances including relying on urine cultures to guide
      antibiotic therapy.

PMID- 25113153
TI  - Representing and decomposing neural potential signals.
AB  - This paper reviews methodologies for analyzing neural potentials via frequency,
      time-frequency, or wavelet representations, and adaptive models that estimate the
      signal's spatial or temporal structure. The fundamental assumptions of each
      method are discussed. In particular, the Fourier transform is contrasted with
      overcomplete representations, which are able to precisely delineate the timing
      and/or frequency of neural events. Finally, a novel approach that combines
      overcomplete representations with adaptive signal models is presented. This
      approach describes a continuous signal as a linear combination of reoccurring
      waveforms, referred to as phasic events, which are often associated with neural
      processing. The new methodology automatically learns the reoccurring waveforms
      and quantifies the neural potentials by the set of amplitudes and timings. 

PMID- 25113152
TI  - Health-related media use among youth audiences in Senegal.
AB  - Lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are experiencing rapid changes in
      access to and use of new internet and digital media technologies. The purpose of
      this study was to better understand how younger audiences are navigating
      traditional and newer forms of media technologies, with particular emphasis on
      the skills and competencies needed to obtain, evaluate and apply health-related
      information, also defined as health and media literacy. Sixteen focus group
      discussions were conducted throughout Senegal in September 2012 with youth aged
      15-25. Using an iterative coding process based on grounded theory, four themes
      emerged related to media use for health information among Senegalese youth. They
      include the following: (i) media utilization; (ii) barriers and conflicts
      regarding media utilization; (iii) uses and gratifications and (iv) health and
      media literacy. Findings suggest that Senegalese youth use a heterogeneous mix of
      media platforms (i.e. television, radio, internet) and utilization often occurs
      with family members or friends. Additionally, the need for entertainment,
      information and connectedness inform media use, mostly concerning sexual and
      reproductive health information. Importantly, tensions arise as youth balance
      innovative and interactive technologies with traditional and conservative values,
      particularly concerning ethical and privacy concerns. Findings support the use of
      multipronged intervention approaches that leverage both new media, as well as
      traditional media strategies, and that also address lack of health and media
      literacy in this population. Implementing health-related interventions across
      multiple media platforms provides an opportunity to create an integrated, as
      opposed to a disparate, user experience. 

PMID- 25113155
TI  - Why should working memory be related to incidentally learned sequence structures?

PMID- 25113156
TI  - A biomimetic multi-stimuli-response ionic gate using a hydroxypyrene derivation
      functionalized asymmetric single nanochannel.
AB  - A highly efficient multi-stimuli-response ionic gate that can be activated
      separately or cooperatively by pH and UV light has been demonstrated by modifying
      the environmental stimuli-responsive molecule 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate
      into a track-etched single conical nanochannel. Such a multi-response ionic gate
      can find applications in areas such as electronics, actuators, and biosensors. 

PMID- 25113154
TI  - Intracranial recordings and human memory.
AB  - Recent work involving intracranial recording during human memory performance
      provides superb spatiotemporal resolution on mnemonic processes. These data
      demonstrate that the cortical regions identified in neuroimaging studies of
      memory fall into temporally distinct networks and the hippocampal theta activity
      reported in animal memory literature also plays a central role in human memory.
      Memory is linked to activity at multiple interacting frequencies, ranging from 1
      to 500Hz. High-frequency responses and coupling between different frequencies
      suggest that frontal cortex activity is critical to human memory processes, as
      well as a potential key role for the thalamus in neocortical oscillations. Future
      research will inform unresolved questions in the neuroscience of human memory and
      guide creation of stimulation protocols to facilitate function in the damaged
      brain. 

PMID- 25113157
TI  - The many generations of sequencing technology.

PMID- 25113160
TI  - Sequence-based prediction of protein-binding sites in DNA: comparative study of
      two SVM models.
AB  - As many structures of protein-DNA complexes have been known in the past years,
      several computational methods have been developed to predict DNA-binding sites in
      proteins. However, its inverse problem (i.e., predicting protein-binding sites in
      DNA) has received much less attention. One of the reasons is that the differences
      between the interaction propensities of nucleotides are much smaller than those
      between amino acids. Another reason is that DNA exhibits less diverse sequence
      patterns than protein. Therefore, predicting protein-binding DNA nucleotides is
      much harder than predicting DNA-binding amino acids. We computed the interaction
      propensity (IP) of nucleotide triplets with amino acids using an extensive
      dataset of protein-DNA complexes, and developed two support vector machine (SVM)
      models that predict protein-binding nucleotides from sequence data alone. One SVM
      model predicts protein-binding nucleotides using DNA sequence data alone, and the
      other SVM model predicts protein-binding nucleotides using both DNA and protein
      sequences. In a 10-fold cross-validation with 1519 DNA sequences, the SVM model
      that uses DNA sequence data only predicted protein-binding nucleotides with an
      accuracy of 67.0%, an F-measure of 67.1%, and a Matthews correlation coefficient
      (MCC) of 0.340. With an independent dataset of 181 DNAs that were not used in
      training, it achieved an accuracy of 66.2%, an F-measure 66.3% and a MCC of
      0.324. Another SVM model that uses both DNA and protein sequences achieved an
      accuracy of 69.6%, an F-measure of 69.6%, and a MCC of 0.383 in a 10-fold cross
      validation with 1519 DNA sequences and 859 protein sequences. With an independent
      dataset of 181 DNAs and 143 proteins, it showed an accuracy of 67.3%, an F
      measure of 66.5% and a MCC of 0.329. Both in cross-validation and independent
      testing, the second SVM model that used both DNA and protein sequence data showed
      better performance than the first model that used DNA sequence data. To the best
      of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to predict protein-binding
      nucleotides in a given DNA sequence from the sequence data alone. 

PMID- 25113158
TI  - Safety and efficacy of triple therapy with peginterferon, ribavirin and
      boceprevir within an early access programme in Spanish patients with hepatitis C
      genotype 1 with severe fibrosis: SVRw12 analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The addition of protease inhibitors (PIs) changed the
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment standards and improved sustained viral response
      (SVR) rates in patients with genotype 1 HCV infection. METHODS: Prospective,
      multicentre, national registry that includes naive and treatment-experienced
      patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, who had bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis
      and were treated with triple therapy (peginterferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b, ribavirin
      and boceprevir) as compassionate use, and in accordance with the Summary of
      Product Characteristics. RESULTS: Most of the patients (68.2%) were male, with a
      mean age of 53 years, 75% (n = 128) had HCV 1b genotype and baseline viral load
      of 6.2 log. According to prior treatment, 20% of patients were treatment-naive
      and 80% had received prior treatment. Approximately 36.5% of patients (n = 62)
      reported at least one serious adverse events (SAEs) (total SAEs = 103). The most
      common SAEs were neutropenia (57.6%), anaemia (47.6%) and grade 3 thrombopenia
      (25.9%). Patients with albumin <3.5 g/dl and bilirubin >2 mg/dl had an increased
      relative risk (greater than one-fold) for SAEs, including infections and hepatic
      decompensation. In the intent-to-treat analysis (n = 170), the overall percentage
      of patients with SVRw12 was 46.5%. In patients with 1 log decrease at week 4
      (lead-in phase), the overall SVRw12 rate was 67.0%. In the patients initiating
      triple therapy with boceprevir (n = 139), the global response rate was 56.4%. In
      a multivariate analysis, an increased probability of achieving SVR was associated
      with response to prior treatment (relapsers), >1 log decrease in viral load in
      the lead-in phase and baseline albumin >3.5 g/dl. CONCLUSIONS: Triple therapy in
      patients with severe fibrosis/cirrhosis is associated with a higher rate of SAE
      and a lower rate in comparison with patients with mild disease. However, for
      patients with intact liver function, it could be considered as a treatment
      option, when other alternatives would not be available.

PMID- 25113162
TI  - Compliance, concordance and adherence: what are we talking about?
AB  - Adherence or compliance to prescribed treatment regimens is an important and much
      debated area of haemophilia care. Many patients are labelled as 'non-adherent'
      because they don't do what we say in terms of self- treatment and factor
      administration. However, do we engage patients in developing mutually acceptable
      treatment programmes which work for them as individuals? If we do, does this
      affect self-care and treatment uptake through a supportive relationship which
      enhances treatment concordance? Once we have agreed treatment regimens, how do we
      measure the success or outcomes of them? This paper discusses these issues, and
      some of the tools that are available to assess adherence in a systematic way. 

PMID- 25113159
TI  - Hydrogen sulphide triggers VEGF-induced intracellular Ca2+ signals in human
      endothelial cells but not in their immature progenitors.
AB  - Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a newly discovered gasotransmitter that regulates
      multiple steps in VEGF-induced angiogenesis. An increase in intracellular Ca(2+)
      concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) is central to endothelial proliferation and may be
      triggered by both VEGF and H2S. Albeit VEGFR-2 might serve as H2S receptor, the
      mechanistic relationship between VEGF- and H2S-induced Ca(2+) signals in
      endothelial cells is unclear. The present study aimed at assessing whether and
      how NaHS, a widely employed H2S donor, stimulates pro-angiogenic Ca(2+) signals
      in Ea.hy926 cells, a suitable surrogate for mature endothelial cells, and human
      endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). We found that NaHS induced a dose-dependent
      increase in [Ca(2+)]i in Ea.hy926 cells. NaHS-induced Ca(2+) signals in Ea.hy926
      cells did not require extracellular Ca(2+) entry, while they were inhibited upon
      pharmacological blockade of the phospholipase C/inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate
      (InsP3) signalling pathway. Moreover, the Ca(2+) response to NaHS was prevented
      by genistein, but not by SU5416, which selectively inhibits VEGFR-2. However,
      VEGF-induced Ca(2+) signals were suppressed by dl-propargylglycine (PAG), which
      blocks the H2S-producing enzyme, cystathionine gamma-lyase. Consistent with these
      data, VEGF-induced proliferation and migration were inhibited by PAG in Ea.hy926
      cells, albeit NaHS alone did not influence these processes. Conversely, NaHS
      elevated [Ca(2+)]i only in a modest fraction of circulating EPCs, whereas neither
      VEGF-induced Ca(2+) oscillations nor VEGF-dependent proliferation were affected
      by PAG. Therefore, H2S-evoked elevation in [Ca(2+)]i is essential to trigger the
      pro-angiogenic Ca(2+) response to VEGF in mature endothelial cells, but not in
      their immature progenitors. 

PMID- 25113163
TI  - Dramatic efficacy of brentuximab vedotin in two patients with epidermotropic
      cutaneous T-cell lymphomas after treatment failure despite variable CD30
      expression.

PMID- 25113165
TI  - Does a child's fear of needles decrease through a learning event with needles?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most children have a fear of needles. Suitable preparation can
      decrease the pain and fear of needles in hospitals; however, few have examined
      how such preparation affects healthy children. This study examined whether
      learning with needles decreases fear of needles and changes motivation to get
      vaccinations in school-age children and the possible association between fear of
      needles and motivation toward vaccinations. METHODS: This study included children
      participating in the "Let's Be Doctors" event, which was held in 4 child centers
      in Tsukuba city, Ibaraki, Japan. In this event, children learned about injections
      and how a vaccine works, and injected a vaccine (water) into skin (sponge) using
      a real syringe and imitation needle. Data were collected just before and after
      the event by anonymous self-assessment questionnaires that used a 4-point Likert
      scale to assess fear of needles, motivation to get vaccinations, recommendation
      of vaccinations, and fear toward doctors among the children. Answers were divided
      into two categories for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In total, 194 children
      participated in the event and 191 children answered the questionnaire (response
      rate 98.5%). We analyzed 180 subjects, comprising 79 boys (43.9%) and 94 girls
      (52.2%), mean age of 8.1 +/- 1.0 years. The number of children reporting a fear
      of needles decreased from 69 (38.3%) before the event to 51 (28.3%) after the
      event, and those unwilling to get vaccinations decreased from 48 (26.7%) to 27
      (15.0%). Children who reported fear of needles before the event were more
      unwilling to get vaccinations than those with no fear of needles (36 [52.2%] vs.
      12 [10.8%]), while after the event the number of needle-fearing children
      unwilling to get vaccinations decreased to 19 (27.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Children's
      fear of needles and unwillingness to get vaccinations were decreased after
      experiencing a learning event with needles. The fear of needles is associated
      with a negative motivation to get vaccinations in children.

PMID- 25113164
TI  - Pharmacological interventions for sleepiness and sleep disturbances caused by
      shift work.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shift work results in sleep-wake disturbances, which cause sleepiness
      during night shifts and reduce sleep length and quality in daytime sleep after
      the night shift. In its serious form it is also called shift work sleep disorder.
      Various pharmacological products are used to ameliorate symptoms of sleepiness or
      poor sleep length and quality. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of
      pharmacological interventions to reduce sleepiness or to improve alertness at
      work and decrease sleep disturbances whilst off work, or both, in workers
      undertaking shift work in their present job and to assess their cost
      effectiveness. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and
      PsycINFO up to 20 September 2013 and ClinicalTrials.gov up to July 2013. We also
      screened reference lists of included trials and relevant reviews. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: We included all eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including
      cross-over RCTs, of pharmacological products among workers who were engaged in
      shift work (including night shifts) in their present jobs and who may or may not
      have had sleep problems. Primary outcomes were sleep length and sleep quality
      while off work, alertness and sleepiness, or fatigue at work. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed
      risk of bias in included trials. We performed meta-analyses where appropriate.
      MAIN RESULTS: We included 15 randomised placebo-controlled trials with 718
      participants. Nine trials evaluated the effect of melatonin and two the effect of
      hypnotics for improving sleep problems. One trial assessed the effect of
      modafinil, two of armodafinil and one examined caffeine plus naps to decrease
      sleepiness or to increase alertness.Melatonin (1 to 10 mg) after the night shift
      may increase sleep length during daytime sleep (mean difference (MD) 24 minutes,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 9.8 to 38.9; seven trials, 263 participants, low
      quality evidence) and night-time sleep (MD 17 minutes, 95% CI 3.71 to 30.22;
      three trials, 234 participants, low quality evidence) compared to placebo. We did
      not find a dose-response effect. Melatonin may lead to similar sleep latency
      times as placebo (MD 0.37minutes, 95% CI - 1.55 to 2.29; five trials, 74
      participants, low quality evidence).Hypnotic medication, zopiclone, did not
      result in significantly longer daytime sleep length compared to placebo in one
      low quality trial and we could not use the data from the study on
      lormetazepam.Armodafinil taken before the night shift probably reduces sleepiness
      by one point on the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) (MD -0.99, 95% CI -1.32 to 
      0.67; range 1 to 10; two trials, 572 participants, moderate quality evidence) and
      increases alertness by 50 ms in a simple reaction time test (MD -50.0, 95% CI 
      85.5 to -15.5) at three months' follow-up in shift work sleep disorder patients.
      Modafinil probably has similar effects on sleepiness (KSS) (MD -0.90, 95% CI 
      1.45 to -0.35; one trial, 183 participants, moderate quality evidence) and
      alertness in the psychomotor vigilance test in the same patient group. Post
      marketing, severe skin reactions have been reported. Adverse effects reported by
      trial participants were headache, nausea and a rise in blood pressure. There were
      no trials in non-patient shift workers.Based on one trial, caffeine plus pre
      shift naps taken before the night shift decreased sleepiness (KSS) (MD -0.63, 95%
      CI -1.09 to -0.17).We judged most trials to have a low risk of bias even though
      the randomisation method and allocation concealment were often not described.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is low quality evidence that melatonin improves sleep
      length after a night shift but not other sleep quality parameters. Both modafinil
      and armodafinil increase alertness and reduce sleepiness to some extent in
      employees who suffer from shift work sleep disorder but they are associated with
      adverse events. Caffeine plus naps reduces sleepiness during the night shift, but
      the quality of evidence is low. Based on one low quality trial, hypnotics did not
      improve sleep length and quality after a night shift.We need more and better
      quality trials on the beneficial and adverse effects and costs of all
      pharmacological agents that induce sleep or promote alertness in shift workers
      both with and without a diagnosis of shift work sleep disorder. We also need
      systematic reviews of their adverse effects.

PMID- 25113166
TI  - The effects of steroid hormone exposure on direct gene regulation.
AB  - Steroid hormones have been widely overlooked as controllers of gene expression.
      Through the mechanisms of gene expression (DNA methylation, histone methylation,
      and RNAi), we discuss the impact of normal reproductive templates on the
      pulsatility and amplitude of potential gene-regulating treatment protocols. By
      examining the interactions of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in women, we
      propose that changes in physiologic reproductive hormone templates of exposure
      and timing can affect fertility and even cancer through the silencing or
      amplification of gene products; such as P53 and Bcl-2 in women. We suggest that
      uncontrolled hormone levels, due to aging and/or the environment, may be restored
      to a normal youthful template of gene expression through the fluctuating
      exogenous application of E2 and P4 that mimic the normal hormonal milieu of
      reproductive health. Furthermore, we hypothesize that restoration of normal
      hormone levels may lead to a lower risk of the chronic illnesses of aging and a
      better quality of life in patients suffering those conditions. 

PMID- 25113167
TI  - Activity-dependent alterations in the sensitivity to BDNF-TrkB signaling may
      promote excessive dendritic arborization and spinogenesis in fragile X syndrome
      in order to compensate for compromised postsynaptic activity.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of inherited human mental
      retardation, results from the loss of function of fragile X mental retardation
      protein (FMRP). To date, most researchers have thought that FXS neural
      pathologies are primarily caused by extreme dendritic branching and spine
      formation. With this rationale, several researchers attempted to prune dendritic
      branches and reduce the number of spines in FXS animal models. We propose that
      increased dendritic arborization and spinogenesis in FXS are developed rather as
      secondary compensatory responses to counteract the compromised postsynaptic
      activity during uncontrollable metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent
      long-term depression (LTD). When postsynaptic and electrical activities become
      dampened in FXS, dendritic trees can increase their sensitivity to brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by using the molecular sensor called eukaryotic
      elongation factor 2 (eEF2) and taking advantage of the tight coupling of mGluR
      and BDNF-TrkB signaling pathways. Then, this activity-dependent elevation of the
      BDNF signaling can strategically alter dendritic morphologies to foster branching
      and develop spine structures in order to improve the postsynaptic response in
      FXS. Our model suggests a new therapeutic rationale for FXS: correcting the
      postsynaptic and electrical activity first, and then repairing structural
      abnormalities of dendrites. Then, it may be possible to successfully fix the
      dendritic morphologies without affecting the survival of neurons. Our theory may
      also be generalized to explain aberrant dendritic structures observed in other
      neurobehavioral diseases, such as tuberous sclerosis, Rett syndrome,
      schizophrenia, and channelopathies, which accompany high postsynaptic and
      electrical activity. 

PMID- 25113168
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 25113169
TI  - Evaluation of radiocaesium wash-off by soil erosion from various land uses using
      USLE plots.
AB  - Radiocaesium wash-off associated with soil erosion in different land use was
      monitored using USLE plots in Kawamata, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan after the
      Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Parameters and factors relating
      to soil erosion and (137)Cs concentration in the eroded soil were evaluated based
      on the field monitoring and presented. The erosion of fine soil, which is defined
      as the fraction of soil overflowed along with discharged water from a sediment
      trap tank, constituted a large proportion of the discharged radiocaesium. This
      indicated that the quantitative monitoring of fine soil erosion is greatly
      important for the accurate evaluation of radiocaesium wash-off. An exponential
      relationship was found between vegetation cover and the amount of eroded soil.
      Moreover, the radiocaesium concentrations in the discharged soil were greatly
      affected by the land use. These results indicate that radiocaesium wash-off
      related to vegetation cover and land use is crucially important in modelling
      radiocaesium migration. 

PMID- 25113170
TI  - Selection of controls in the study of human neurodegenerative diseases in old
      age.
AB  - Human post-mortem brain tissue, mostly provided by brain banks, is precious
      because most human neurodegenerative diseases are restricted in their complete
      forms to human beings. However, the agonal state, post-mortem delay between death
      and tissue processing, variable vulnerability of chromatin, RNAs, proteins and
      metabolites can compromise the usability of the tissue material. Such factors
      must be considered and assessed in every experimental approach. The use of
      controls for comparative purposes to analyze diseased cases is crucial as the
      basic conditions of controls must be the same as those encountered in problem
      cases. Age, gender, region, hemisphere, and clear characterisation of objective
      neuropathological changes (e.g., Alzheimer's disease stages of Braak and Braak)
      in matching controls and problem cases must be considered in every study, and
      data must be clearly specified when presenting materials and methods in
      publications. Additional care must be taken regarding atypical neurodegenerative
      alterations, concomitant pathologies, and systemic diseases, together with drug
      consumption and treatments. The absence of neurological and mental symptoms and
      signs, although a sine qua non condition, is not sufficient to match control and
      problem cases for research. 

PMID- 25113172
TI  - Vacancy patterning and patterning vacancies: controlled self-assembly of
      fullerenes on metal surfaces.
AB  - A density functional theory study accounting for van der Waals interactions
      reveals the potential of metal surface vacancies as anchor points for the
      construction of user-defined 2D patterns of adsorbate molecules via a controlled
      self-assembly process. Vice versa, energetic criteria indicate the formation of
      regular adsorbate-induced vacancies after adsorbate self-assembly on clean
      surfaces. These processes are exemplified by adsorbing C60 fullerene on Al(111),
      Au(111), and Be(0001) surfaces with and without single, triple, and septuple atom
      pits. An analysis of vacancy-adatom formation energetics precedes the study of
      the adsorption processes.

PMID- 25113173
TI  - Bis[N,N'-diisopropylbenzamidinato(-)]silicon(II): Lewis acid/base reactions with
      triorganylboranes.
AB  - Reaction of the donor-stabilized silylene 1 (which is three-coordinate in the
      solid state and four-coordinate in solution) with BEt3 and BPh3 leads to the
      formation of the Lewis acid/base complexes 2 and 3, respectively, which are the
      first five-coordinate silicon compounds with an Si?B bond. These compounds were
      structurally characterized by crystal structure analyses and by multinuclear NMR
      spectroscopic studies in the solid state and in solution. Additionally, the
      bonding situation in 2 and 3 was analyzed by quantum chemical studies. 

PMID- 25113171
TI  - Insulin sensitizers improve learning and attenuate tau hyperphosphorylation and
      neuroinflammation in 3xTg-AD mice.
AB  - Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial metabolic brain disorder
      characterized by progressive neurodegeneration. Decreased brain energy and
      glucose metabolism occurs before the appearance of AD symptoms and worsens while
      the disease progresses. Deregulated brain insulin signaling has also been found
      in AD recently. To restore brain insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism,
      pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, two insulin sensitizers commonly used for
      treating type 2 diabetes, have been studied and shown to have some beneficial
      effects in AD mouse models. However, the molecular mechanisms of the beneficial
      effects remain elusive. In the present study, we treated the 3xTg-AD mice, a
      widely used mouse model of AD, with pioglitazone and rosiglitazone for 4 months
      and studied the effects of the treatments on cognitive performance and AD-related
      brain alterations. We found that the chronic treatment improved spatial learning,
      enhanced AKT signaling, and attenuated tau hyperphosphorylation and
      neuroinflammation. These findings shed new light on the possible mechanisms by
      which these two insulin sensitizers might be useful for treating AD and support
      further clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of these drugs.

PMID- 25113174
TI  - Incidence of alcohol use disorders among Hispanic subgroups in the USA.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hispanics are the largest ethnic minority group in the USA and a
      fairly heterogeneous group. But this heterogeneity has usually been ignored by
      grouping them into a single category. The objective of this study is to challenge
      that practice by providing alcohol use disorders (AUD) incidence and risk
      estimates across Hispanic subgroups. METHODS: A subsample of Hispanics (n = 2371)
      and non-Hispanic whites (n = 7741) at risk for AUD who participated in the first
      and second wave of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related
      Conditions was analyzed. Weighted incidence for AUD was calculated across
      Hispanic subgroups. A weighted modified Poisson generalized linear model was used
      to estimate relative risks. RESULTS: Compared with non-Hispanic whites, Puerto
      Ricans have the highest AUD incidence (3.6%; 95% CI: 0.5, 6.7) followed by
      Mexican-Americans (2.5%; 95% CI: 1.5, 3.6), Other Hispanics (1.6%; 95% CI: 0.1,
      3.1) and Cuban-Americans (0.6%; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.2). In contrast, weighted adjusted
      relative risk estimates for Mexican-Americans were (RR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7, 6.2)
      but for Puerto Ricans (RR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.0, 5.0) it was somewhat attenuated but
      still significant (P = 0.049). No difference was found for Cuban-Americans or
      Other Hispanics. CONCLUSIONS: The annual incidence and risk for AUD varies
      greatly among Hispanic subgroups. Nonetheless, the practice of categorizing
      Hispanics as a homogenous ethnic group still continues. Our findings suggest that
      this practice is not only inappropriate, but also hinders a better understanding
      of AUD etiology, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation in the largest ethnic
      minority group in the USA.

PMID- 25113175
TI  - Assessing restrictiveness of national alcohol marketing policies.
AB  - AIMS: To develop an approach for monitoring national alcohol marketing policies
      globally, an area of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Alcohol
      Strategy. METHODS: Data on restrictiveness of alcohol marketing policies came
      from the 2002 and 2008 WHO Global Surveys on Alcohol and Health. We included four
      scales in a sensitivity analysis to determine optimal weights to score countries
      on their marketing policies and applied the selected scale to assess national
      marketing policy restrictiveness. RESULTS: Nearly, 36% of countries had no
      marketing restrictions. The overall restrictiveness levels were not significantly
      different between 2002 and 2008. The number of countries with strict marketing
      regulations did not differ across years. CONCLUSION: This method of monitoring
      alcohol marketing restrictiveness helps track progress towards implementing WHO'S
      Global Alcohol Strategy. Findings indicate a consistent lack of restrictive
      policies over time, making this a priority area for national and global action.

PMID- 25113177
TI  - Blood levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and their hydroxylated metabolites in
      Baikal seals (Pusa sibirica): emphasis on interspecies comparison, gender
      difference and association with blood thyroid hormone levels.
AB  - We have previously demonstrated that Baikal seals (Pusa sibirica) are still being
      exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and the population is at risk. In
      the present study, we measured the residue levels of PCBs and their hydroxylated
      metabolites (OH-PCBs) in the blood of Baikal seals and assessed the impact of OH
      PCBs on the thyroid function. Blood concentrations of PCBs and OH-PCBs were in
      the range of 2.8-130 ng g(-1)wet wt. and 0.71-4.6 ng g(-1)wetwt., respectively.
      Concentrations of higher-chlorinated OH-PCBs (hexa- to octa-PCBs) were more than
      70% to total OH-PCB concentrations, indicating Baikal seals are mostly risked by
      higher-chlorinated OH-PCBs. High levels of 4OH-CB146 and 4OH-CB187 and low levels
      of 4OH-CB107/4'OH-CB108 found in Baikal seals were different from those in other
      phocidae species, suggesting the unique drug-metabolizing enzyme activities
      and/or contamination sources in this species. Concentrations of some OH-PCBs in
      males were significantly higher than those in females. These results suggest that
      these isomers may be preferentially transferred from mother to pup via cord
      blood. However, concentrations of almost all the isomers were not significantly
      correlated with the levels of blood total T3 and T4, implying less impact of PCB
      related compounds on the thyroid hormone circulation.

PMID- 25113176
TI  - The relationships between alcohol source, autonomy in brand selection, and brand
      preference among youth in the USA.
AB  - AIMS: We aimed to describe the sources from which youth in the USA commonly
      obtain alcohol, their role in selecting the brands they drink and the
      relationship of these variables to their indicated alcohol brand preferences.
      METHODS: We recruited 1031 underage drinkers in the age range of 13-20 through an
      internet panel managed by Knowledge Networks. Respondents completed an online
      survey assessing their recent brand-specific alcohol use, the source of their
      most recently consumed alcohol and whether the respondent or another person
      selected the brand they drank. RESULTS: Alcohol sources were more often passive
      than transactional. Nearly equal proportions of youth reported that they did
      versus did not choose the brand of their most recent drink. Analysis revealed
      that the brand preferences of passive versus active source drinkers were highly
      similar, as were the brand preferences of respondent versus non-respondent choice
      drinkers. Stratification of respondents by age did not significantly change these
      results. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that youth are consuming a homogenous
      list of preferred brands regardless of the source of their most recently obtained
      alcohol or who selected the brand they drank.

PMID- 25113178
TI  - Partition of organochlorine concentrations among suspended solids, sediments and
      brown mussel Perna perna, in tropical bays.
AB  - For evaluating the brown mussel Perna perna as a sentinel organism regarding
      environmental concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and
      polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the present study reports original data on the
      relationship between the concentrations of these chemicals in bottom surface
      sediments, suspended solids (SS) and concentrations bioaccumulated by this
      bivalve. Three P. perna cultivation areas, located at three bays in southeastern
      Brazil were used in this study. The three estuaries are under different degrees
      of environmental impact. Variations in the OCP and PCB concentrations
      bioaccumulated by the bivalves tended to be similar to those observed in the
      sediment, but differed from those found in SS. This latter difference might
      suggest that the SS trapping apparatuses should have been left in place for
      approximately 60 days (not only 15 days). This longer period would allow the
      integration of the environmental variability of the OCP and PCB burden adsorbed
      to this compartment. Authors encourage future studies to evaluate P. perna
      exposure to OCPs and PCBs through the evaluation of sediment concentrations.

PMID- 25113179
TI  - Contamination profiles of perfluoroalkyl substances in five typical rivers of the
      Pearl River Delta region, South China.
AB  - A survey on contamination profiles of eighteen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)
      was performed via high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
      for surface water and sediments from five typical rivers of the Pearl River Delta
      region, South China in summer and winter in 2012. The total concentrations of the
      PFASs in the water phase of the five rivers ranged from 0.14 to 346.72 ng L(-1).
      The PFAS concentrations in the water phase were correlated positively to some
      selected water quality parameters such as chemical oxygen demand (COD) (0.7913)
      and conductivity (0.5642). The monitoring results for the water samples showed
      significant seasonal variations, while those for the sediment samples showed no
      obvious seasonal variations. Among the selected 18 PFASs, perfluorooctane
      sulfonic acid (PFOS) was the dominant PFAS compound both in water and sediment
      for two seasons with its maximum concentration of 320.5 ng L(-1) in water and
      11.4 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw) in sediment, followed by perfluorooctanoic acid
      (PFOA) with its maximum concentration of 26.48 ng L(-1) in water and 0.99 ng g(
      1) dw in sediment. PFOS and PFOA were found at relatively higher concentrations
      in the Shima River and Danshui River than in the other three rivers (Xizhijiang
      River, Dongjiang River and Shahe River). The principal component analysis for the
      PFASs concentrations in water and sediment separated the sampling sites into two
      groups: rural and agricultural area, and urban and industrial area, suggesting
      the PFASs in the riverine environment were mainly originated from industrial and
      urban activities in the region.

PMID- 25113180
TI  - Distribution of organochlorine pesticides in sediments from Yangtze River Estuary
      and the adjacent East China Sea: implication of transport, sources and trends.
AB  - Thirty-eight surface sediments and two sediment cores were collected from Yangtze
      River Estuary (YRE) and adjacent East China Sea (ECS) to study the distribution
      patterns, origins, potential transport and burden of organochlorine pesticides
      (OCPs) in the marginal sea. Residues of OCPs ranged from 0.190 to 5.17 ng g(-1)
      dry weight with a distinct "band type" pattern under the control of Yangtze River
      inputs and ECS circulation system. Differences in transmission media and redox
      conditions in situ respectively resulted in the divergent distributions of
      alpha/beta-HCH and DDD/DDE. The compositional pattern analysis implied that OCPs
      in the inner shelf of ECS were derived from both "weathered" and fresh sources,
      whereas those in the outer shelf of ECS had undergone high metabolism. Concurrent
      with the land-sea migration, vertical profiles of sediment cores showed
      increasing trends or rebound since the 1990s, characteristic of two evident
      "jumps" of DDE+DDD/DDT and DDT/DDE ratios. Moreover, the primary distribution
      pattern founded for HCHs and the considerable mass inventories calculated (6.20
      metric tones for OCPs) together suggested that the contaminated sediments in the
      studied area to be a potential source of OCPs to the global ocean.

PMID- 25113181
TI  - PAHs in decaying Quercus ilex leaf litter: mutual effects on litter decomposition
      and PAH dynamics.
AB  - The investigation of the relationships between litter decomposition and
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is important to shed light not only on
      the effects of these pollutants on fundamental ecosystem processes, such as
      litter decomposition, but also on the degradation of these pollutants by soil
      microbial community. This allows to understand the effect of atmospheric PAH
      contamination on soil PAH content via litterfall. At this aim, we studied mass
      and PAH dynamics of Quercus ilex leaf litters collected from urban, industrial
      and remote sites, incubated in mesocosms under controlled conditions for 361d.
      The results highlighted a litter decomposition rate of leaves sampled in
      urban>industrial>remote sites; the faster decomposition of litter of the urban
      site is also related to the low C/N ratio of the leaves. The PAHs showed
      concentrations at the beginning of the incubation of 887, 650 and 143 ng g(
      1)d.w., respectively in leaf litters from urban, industrial and remote sites. The
      PAHs in litter decreased along the time, with the same trend observed for mass
      litter, showing the highest decrease at 361 d for the urban leaf litter. Anyway,
      PAH dynamics in all the litters exhibited two phases of loss, separated by a PAH
      increase observed at 246 d and mainly linked to benzo[e]pyrene.

PMID- 25113182
TI  - Residues and chiral signatures of organochlorine pesticides in mollusks from the
      coastal regions of the Yangtze River Delta: source and health risk implication.
AB  - The residues and enantiomeric fractions of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were
      measured in 11 mollusk species collected from the coastal areas along the Yangtze
      River Delta to evaluate the status, potential sources, and health risks of
      pollution in these areas. The concentrations of DDTs, HCHs, and chlordanes ranged
      from 6.22 to 398.19, 0.66-7.11, and 0.14-4.08 ng g(-1) based on wet weight,
      respectively; DDTs and HCHs have the highest values, globally. The DDTs increased
      and the HCHs decreased compared to historical data. Both the box-and-whisker
      plots and the one-way ANOVA tests indicated that the OCP levels varied little
      between sampling locations and organism species. The compositions of the DDTs and
      HCHs suggested a cocktail input pattern of fresh and weathered technical
      products. The comparative EF values for the alpha-HCH between the sediments and
      mollusks, as well as the lack of any discernible difference in the relative
      proportions of HCH isomers among different species from the same sampling site
      implied that the HCH residues in the mollusks came directly from the surrounding
      environment. However, the biotransformation of DDTs in mollusks cannot be
      precluded. The assessments performed based on several available guidelines
      suggested that although no significant human health risks were associated with
      the dietary intake of OCPs, the concentrations of DDTs exceeded the maximum
      residual limits of China and many developed nations. Moreover, an increased
      lifetime cancer risk from dietary exposure to either DDTs or HCHs remains a
      possibility. Because non-racemic OCP residues are common in the mollusk samples,
      our results suggest a need to further explore the levels and toxicity of the
      chiral contaminants in mollusks and other foodstuff to develop the human risk
      assessment framework based on chiral signatures.

PMID- 25113183
TI  - Comparison of the sorption behaviors and mechanisms of perfluorosulfonates and
      perfluorocarboxylic acids on three kinds of clay minerals.
AB  - The sorption of four perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) [perfluorooctane sulfonate
      (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and
      perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)] on three typical minerals [montmorillonite (MM),
      kaolinite (KL) and hematite (HM)] was studied. The sorption of PFOS and PFHxS was
      much stronger than PFOA and PFHxA. The sorption of each PFAA on the minerals
      followed an order of HM>KL>MM, even though MM was positively while KL and HM were
      negatively charged, implying that the sorption is driven by some other
      interactions besides electrostatic attraction. The sorption decreased with an
      increase in pH and a decrease in ionic strength of the solution, and their
      impacts on PFOS were much stronger than other three PFAAs. Surface complexing and
      hydrogen-bonding could make great contributions to the sorption of PFOS on the
      minerals. The results are important for understanding the transport and fate of
      PFAAs in sediment and ground water. 

PMID- 25113184
TI  - Study of penetration behavior of PCB-DNAPL in a sand layer by a column
      experiment.
AB  - To better understand the infiltration performances of high concentration PCB oils
      (KC-300 and KC-1000 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixtures), representative
      dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL), under both saturated and unsaturated
      conditions, we conducted experiments on a sand column filled with Toyoura
      Standard Sand. When PCB oil with the volume comparable to the total porosity in
      the column was supplied, the residual PCB concentrations under PCB-water
      conditions were 4.9*10(4)mgkg(-1) in KC-300 and 3.9*10(4)mgkg(-1) in KC-1000.
      Under PCB-air conditions, residual PCB concentrations were 6.0*10(4)mgkg(-1) and
      2.4*10(5)mgkg(-1) in the upper and lower parts for KC-300 and 3.6*10(4)mgkg(-1)
      and 1.5*10(5)mgkg(-1) in those for KC-1000, respectively, while the rest of the
      PCBs were infiltrated. On the other hand, when a small amount of PCB oil with the
      volume far smaller than the total porosity in the column was supplied, the
      original PCBs were not transported via water permeation. However, lower
      chlorinated PCB congeners-e.g., di- or tri-chlorinated biphenyls-preferentially
      dissolved and were infiltrated from the bottom of the column. These propensities
      on PCB oil infiltration can be explained in conjunction with the degree of PCB
      saturation in the sand column.

PMID- 25113185
TI  - Distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in cultured mussels from the
      Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea.
AB  - In this study we investigated the distribution of 7 organochlorine pesticides
      (OCPs) and 17 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) congeners in the edible tissue of
      the blue mussels (Mytilusgalloprovincialis) collected at 15 shellfish breeding
      farms and 1 harvesting area along the Croatian Adriatic coast. All analyzed OCPs
      were found in all samples (0.011-1.47 ng g(-)(1) w.wt.). Concentrations of PCB
      congeners in positive samples ranged between 0.007 and 7.66 ng g(-)(1) w.wt. The
      most abundant compounds were gamma-HCH, PCB-138 and PCB-153. Overall levels of
      PCBs and OCPs were in the lower end of the concentration ranges reported in
      literature. Significant differences of all contaminants were recorded between
      seasons, with higher values in the warmer part of the year. Results of the
      evaluation of the risks to human health associated with consumption of the
      mussels containing organic contaminants suggest that the levels of these
      compounds in mussels do not pose any threat for consumers of cultivated mussels.

PMID- 25113186
TI  - Study on the impact of industrial flue gases on the PCDD/Fs congener profile in
      ambient air.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the impact of emissions from combustion
      processes from sinter, medical, waste and sewage waste incineration plants on the
      PCDD and PCDF congener profile in ambient air in Krakow (city in Poland). The
      subject matter of the study were air samples from the outskirts and the city
      center. It was found that in flue gases from industrial sources and in ambient
      air the share of PCDF congeners in relation to the total content of PCDD/Fs was
      higher than the share of PCDDs. However, in air samples collected in the city
      center, this relationship was reversed. The PCDD congener profiles in flue gases
      and in air samples are comparable. However, in the samples from the city centre,
      the share of OCDD is significantly higher and amounts to about 80%. The PCDF
      congener shares show higher spatial diversity, although in all the analyzed air
      samples, ODCF and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8 HpCDF dominated. Analyzing the share of congeners
      in regard to the sum of PCDDs/Fs a mutual resemblance of air from the suburbs,
      exhaust gases from the sinter ore and sewage sludge incinerator plant was
      observed. The study showed a similarity between the profile of congeners in air
      from the city centre and exhaust gases from the medical waste incinerator. 

PMID- 25113187
TI  - Polychlorinated biphenyls removal from contaminated soils using a transportable
      indirect thermal dryer unit: implications for emissions.
AB  - An assessment in China of the application of a transportable indirect thermal
      dryer unit for the remediation of soils contaminated with polychlorinated
      biphenyls (PCBs) demonstrated that it is well suited to remove PCBs from soils. A
      remarkable reduction of total PCBs in soils from 163-770 MUg g(-1) to 0.08-0.15
      MUg g(-1) was achieved. This represented removal efficiencies of greater than
      99.9% and an approximate 100% removal of the toxic equivalent of the PCBs.
      Furthermore, the emissions to the atmosphere from the unit were in compliance
      with current PCBs regulations. In conclusion, remediation of PCBs-contaminated
      soils based on a transportable indirect thermal dryer unit appears to be a highly
      efficient and environmentally sound treatment technology that has huge
      implications for cleaning thousands of regionally dispersed sites of PCBs
      contamination in China.

PMID- 25113188
TI  - Characterization and fate of polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p
      dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in soils and sediments at the
      Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Ohio.
AB  - The U.S. Department of Energy Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant is in the early
      stages of decommissioning and decontamination. During operations, the site drew a
      large amount of electric power and had multiple large switchyards on site. These
      are a source of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) contamination to both on-site and
      off-site streams. Some soil remediation has been completed in the main
      switchyard. During 2011 and 2012, fifteen sites were sampled at the surface (<10
      cm) and subsurface (20-30 cm) to characterize the extent of PCB contamination, to
      identify weathering and migration of PCB contamination and to explore potential
      polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF)
      contamination due to transformer fires and explosions in the 1950s and 1960s.
      Stagnant sites tended to exhibit more migration of contamination to deeper
      sediments than sites with fast-moving waters, and the highest concentrations were
      found at the bottom of a settling pond. A signature set of five dioxin-like PCBs
      were consistently found across the site with higher concentrations in carbon rich
      surface sediments. PCB concentrations had a significant inverse correlation with
      clay content, suggesting that PCBs did not bind to clays at this site.
      Remediation has reduced PCB concentrations throughout the site compared to levels
      found in previous studies and long-term upkeep of sediment lagoons is necessary
      to retain PCB and dioxin-rich sediments. The flow regimen, organic carbon and
      clay content play a very important role in the fate of PCBs in the environment at
      the surface as well as downward migration.

PMID- 25113189
TI  - QSAR studies of bioconcentration factors of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
      using DFT, PCS and CoMFA.
AB  - The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of 58 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were
      modeled by quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) using density
      functional theory (DFT), the position of Cl substitution (PCS) and comparative
      molecular field analysis (CoMFA) methods. All the models were robust and
      predictive, and especially, the best CoMFA model was significant with a
      correlation coefficient (R(2)) of 0.926, a cross-validation correlation
      coefficient (Q(2)) of 0.821 and a root mean square error estimated (RMSE) of
      0.235. The results indicate that the electrostatic descriptors play a more
      significant role in BCFs of PCBs. Additionally, a test set was used to compare
      the predictive ability of our models to others, and results show that our CoMFA
      model present the lowest RMSE. Thus, the models obtain in this work can be used
      to predict the BCFs of remaining 152 PCBs without available experimental values.

PMID- 25113190
TI  - Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of persistent organic pollutants in Indo
      Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from the Pearl River Estuary, China.
AB  - Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are apex predators in the Pearl
      River Estuary waters (PRE) of China. PCBs, DDTs and other organochlorine
      pesticides (OCPs) (e.g., HCHs, HCB, mirex and dieldrin) were analysed in blubber
      samples of 45 dolphins and 10 prey fishes of S. chinensis collected from 2004 to
      2013 in the PRE region to investigate the bioaccumulation and potential
      biomagnification of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). DDTs were the most
      abundant residue in the dolphins, with an average of 6,2700 ng g(-1) wet weight
      (ww), followed by PCBs (average: 1,790 ng g(-1) ww) and other OCPs including
      ?HCHs, mirex, endrin, ?chlordanes, HCB, dieldrin, aldrin, heptachlor, and
      pentachlorobenzene. The concentrations of PCBs and DDTs in male dolphins
      significantly increased with age and length. In contrast, female dolphins did not
      show obvious bioaccumulation trends with age and body length, possibly due to the
      lactational and parturitional transfer of these compounds. Compared with the POP
      residues in the prey fishes, the concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs in the
      dolphin blubber increased by factors of 99, 212, and 5, respectively, whereas the
      residue levels of the other OCPs increased 2-185 times, indicating a potentially
      significant biomagnification in the top predators. The potential biomagnification
      factors calculated for most POPs were significantly higher than those in the
      cetacean species from other regions.

PMID- 25113191
TI  - Chronic effects of PFOA and PFOS on sexual reproduction of freshwater rotifer
      Brachionus calyciflorus.
AB  - Rotifers play an important role in the dynamics of freshwater and coastal marine
      ecosystems, and are also important tools for assessing toxicity in aquatic
      environments. In this study, the effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and
      perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on the population growth rate and resting egg
      production of rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus were investigated. Reproductive
      bioassays indicated that PFOS increased the rotifer population growth rate at the
      concentration ?2.0 mg L(-1), and inhibited it at higher concentrations. For PFOA,
      the inhibition of population growth rate was observed when the concentration was
      greater than 4.0 mg L(-1). Exposure to PFOS (0.25 mg L(-1)) or PFOA (2.0 mg L(
      1)) increased the mictic ratios of unexposed rotifer offspring. Population
      variation and increased mictic ratios were likely the two major factors leading
      to decline of resting egg production. The resting eggs formed under exposure to
      PFOA/PFOS in the range of 0.125-2.0 mg L(-1) showed higher hatching percentages
      in the control medium than that without PFOA/PFOS exposure. When the resting eggs
      were formed in the control medium and incubated in media with different levels of
      PFOA/PFOS, higher hatching percentages were induced by PFOS but lower hatching
      percentages induced by PFOA. The effects on the hatching rate of resting eggs
      with PFOA/PFOS exposure during the hatching period were greater than those with
      exposure during resting egg formation period, and the effect of PFOS was greater
      than that of PFOA. Both PFOA and PFOS exhibited slight effect on the hatching
      pattern.

PMID- 25113193
TI  - Mechanisms of transformation of polychlorinated diphenyl ethers into
      polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans.
AB  - This study presents a detailed mechanistic account of the formation of
      polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs)
      from polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDEs). It applies the recently developed
      meta hybrid M06-2X functional and deploys the 2,2'-dichlorodiphenylether (2,2'
      DCDE) molecule as a representative model compound for all PCDEs congeners. We
      find that, exceedingly high activation enthalpies prevent the direct formation of
      PCDFs from PCDEs via unimolecular elimination of HCl or Cl2. Rather, loss of an
      ortho H/Cl atom initiates the transformation of PCDEs into PCDD/Fs. Subsequent
      formation of PCDFs takes place through ring-closure reactions with modest
      activation enthalpies, whereas the addition of a ground state oxygen molecule at
      an apparent ortho radical site of a PCDE congener commences a complex, yet very
      exothermic, mechanism leading to the formation of PCDDs. Splitting the ether
      linkage through H/Cl addition at the pivot carbon constitutes a major source for
      the formation of chlorophenoxy radicals and chlorobenzene molecules. Our kinetic
      and mechanistic analyses demonstrate that, the degree and pattern of chlorination
      of PCDEs display a negligible effect on the formation pathways of PCDD/Fs from
      PCDEs. 

PMID- 25113192
TI  - Consumption of foods of animal origin as determinant of contamination by
      organochlorine pesticides and polychlorobiphenyls: results from a population
      based study in Spain.
AB  - The level of contamination with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and dietary
      habits and food consumption was extensively studied in the population from the
      Canary Islands (Spain). Because foodstuffs of animal origin are well known to be
      prominent contributors to these contaminants, the current study aimed to assess
      the role of the dietary intake of animal products as a probability factor for
      increased serum POPs. The intake of animal products (dietary variables) as a
      determining factor for serum POP levels was investigated using multivariate
      statistical models. Our results showed that while poultry, rabbit, and cheese
      consumption increases the probability of having high levels of non-DDT-derivative
      pesticides, sausage, yogurt, lard, and bacon consumption decreases the
      probability of having high levels of these pesticides. In addition, poultry,
      rabbit, eggs, cream, and butter consumption increased the probability of having
      detectable levels of marker PCB, while dairy desserts decreased the probability
      of having detectable levels of these PCBs. On the contrary, sausage and meat
      consumption increased the probability of having detectable levels of dioxin-like
      PCBs (DL-PCBs). The current results confirm that dietary intake of foodstuffs of
      animal origin is a relevant risk factor for the accumulation of POPs (and
      therefore their serum levels). Our study indicates that the analysis of dietary
      patterns may be useful for identifying those individuals that will probably
      present a high body burden of POPs. Because POPs can exert deleterious effects on
      human health, the identification of populations at risk of being highly
      contaminated is mandatory in order to implement policies that minimize the
      exposure to these compounds. 

PMID- 25113195
TI  - Long-term potential of in situ chemical reduction for treatment of
      polychlorinated biphenyls in soils.
AB  - Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are well-known for being hydrophobic and
      persistent in the environment. Although many treatment approaches have been
      demonstrated to result in degradation of PCBs in water or water/cosolvent
      systems, few examples exist where such approaches have been applied successfully
      for PCB degradation in soil-water systems. A possible explanation for the limited
      treatment of PCBs in soil-water systems is that reactants that are capable of
      degrading PCBs in the aqueous phase are unlikely to persist long enough to
      achieve meaningful treatment of slowly-desorbing PCBs associated with the soil
      phase. To investigate this explanation, laboratory studies were conducted to
      evaluate chemical reductants, including zero valent metals, palladium (Pd)
      catalyst, and emulsified zero valent iron (EZVI), for dechlorination of PCBs in
      the presence and absence of soil. In the absence of soil, Pd-catalyzed treatments
      (Pd with electrolytic ZVI or iron/aluminum alloy) achieved rapid destruction of a
      model PCB congener, 2-chlorobiphenyl, with half-lives ranging from 43 to 110 min.
      For treatment of soils containing Aroclor 1248 at an initial concentration of
      approximately 1,500 mg kg(-1), Pd-catalyzed treatments achieved no measurable
      enhancement over the background PCB depletion rate (i.e., that measured in the
      untreated control) of 5.3 mg kg(-1)week(-1). In the presence of soils, EZVI was
      the only approach evaluated that resulted in a clear enhancement in PCB
      dechlorination rates. EZVI achieved PCB concentration reductions of greater than
      50% at an average rate of 19 mg kg(-1)week(-1). The results suggest that slow PCB
      desorption limits treatment effectiveness in soils.

PMID- 25113194
TI  - Occurrence and possible sources of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and
      polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) along the Chao River, China.
AB  - To analyze the possible influence of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and
      polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on Miyun Reservoir, 14 soil samples and 1 water
      sample were collected along the Chao River, which is the main upstream source of
      the reservoir. A total of 24 kinds of OCPs and 12 kinds of dioxin-like PCBs were
      measured. Results showed that the ?OCPs concentration ranged from 0.8145 to
      16.8524 ng g(-1), and the ?PCBs ranged from 0.0039 to 0.0365 ng g(-1).
      Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and
      hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were the three dominant kinds of OCPs in this region, and
      the majority component of the PCBs was PCB-118 in both water and soil samples.
      The OCP ratios suggest that new inputs of lindane exist. DDTs mainly come from
      old technical inputs. HCHs might come from a new application of lindane, which
      highlights the importance of prohibited pesticide control. OCP concentrations
      were higher in corn fields and orchards and lower in forest lands and grasslands,
      which indicated that OCPs were very much influenced by human activities. The
      proportion of PCB components in this study area suggested that they mainly came
      from atmospheric deposition.

PMID- 25113196
TI  - Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in water and six fish species
      from Dongting Lake, China.
AB  - There have been few studies of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and
      dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in environmental water because of the large volume of
      water required for PCDD/Fs analysis. Water quality directly affects aquatic
      organisms, and little is known about how PCDD/Fs are transported in aquatic
      environments. PCDD/Fs were analyzed in eight water samples from Dongting Lake,
      China, which was contaminated with PCDD/Fs because of sodium pentachlorophenate
      use between the 1960s and the 1980s. The total PCDD/F concentrations in the
      samples were 36-345 pg L(-1), and the mean was 191 pg L(-1). Octachlorodibenzo-p
      dioxin was the most abundant PCDD/F congener in every sample, contributing 67-95%
      of the total 2,3,7,8-chlorinated PCDD/F concentrations. The toxic equivalent (WHO
      TEQ) concentrations in the samples were 0.17-0.37 pg L(-1), and the mean was 0.28
      pg L(-1), which is higher than the Canadian environmental quality guideline
      (0.038 pg L(-1) WHO-TEQ for freshwater) and the United States Environmental
      Protection Agency water quality criterion (0.014 pg L(-1) WHO-TEQ). PCDD/Fs were
      also determined in six fish species collected from Dongting Lake, to assess the
      concentrations, accumulation patterns, and potential for toxic effects. The total
      2,3,7,8-chlorinated PCDD/F concentrations in the fish samples were 2.2-17.9 pg g(
      1) (wet weight), and the dominant congeners were octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin,
      1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, 1,2,3,4,7,8-hexachlorodibenzo-p
      dioxin, and 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran. The PCDD/F WHO-TEQs were 0.10-0.92
      ww (3.3-65.3l w) pg g(-1) in different species of fish. PCDD/F congener patterns
      in fish may be affected by food chain biomagnification and the lipid content of
      the species.

PMID- 25113198
TI  - Time trends and congener profiles of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs in Baltic herring
      off the coast of Finland during 1978-2009.
AB  - In Finland, consumption of Baltic fatty fish may lead to high exposure to
      persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which might have hazardous health effects.
      Monitoring of POPs in Baltic fish enables the health authorities to keep dietary
      advice on fish consumption up to date. In this study, which is a compilation of
      analytical data from earlier studies, time trends and congener profiles of
      polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and biphenyls (PCBs), and
      polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Baltic herring are reported. Altogether
      344 samples of Baltic herring from 1978-2009 were collected across the Finnish
      coast of the Baltic Sea. The chemical analysis was performed in an accredited
      testing laboratory with high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry.
      During the 31-year period, PCDD/F and PCB concentrations decreased on
      approximately 80%, from approximately 20 to 5 pg/g fw, expressed as WHO2005 TEQ.
      The PBDE concentrations experienced a 4-10 fold increase during late 1980s-early
      1990s, and declined to 1978s levels of approximately 2 ng/g fw by 2009. The
      current concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in Baltic herring are
      relatively low, and mostly below EU maximum accepted levels, and are expected to
      continue decreasing. In the future, it may be possible to re-evaluate the
      consumption restrictions for this specific Baltic fatty fish.

PMID- 25113197
TI  - Releases of chlorobenzenes, chlorophenols and dioxins during fireworks.
AB  - In fireworks, organic additives with high chlorine content such as
      hexachlorobenzene (HCB) are used for the improvement of illumination effects. In
      the course of a monitoring campaign for the detection of HCB in fireworks,
      atmospheric concentrations of chlorobenzenes (CBs), chlorophenols (CPs) and
      polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), were measured
      during the Swiss National holiday August 1, 2011 which is celebrated with
      fireworks nationwide. Samples were collected in the city of Zurich using high
      volume air samplers equipped with quartz fiber filters and poly-urethane foam
      plugs. With one sampling period of 3h, a peak HCB concentration of 297 pg m(-3)
      was detected. Maximum total concentrations of pentachlorophenol and PCDD/Fs were
      218 pg m(-3) and 61 fg I-TEQ m(-3), respectively. These levels are in the order
      of ten times above background concentrations measured one week before and two
      weeks after the event. Atmospheric emissions of HCB and CPs were quantified using
      a multimedia mass balance model to interpret the field measurements resulting in
      total emissions of HCB and CPs during the event of 23 g and 25 g, respectively.
      Based on per capita amounts this corresponds to total annual emissions from
      fireworks of 1.5 kg for each of the two pollutants in Switzerland. Starting from
      an estimation of the total worldwide emissions of HCB, in Switzerland emissions
      from fireworks may represent about 2-14% of total HCB releases.

PMID- 25113199
TI  - PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs in zooplankton in the Baltic Sea - spatial and temporal
      shifts in the congener-specific concentrations.
AB  - In the marine food-webs, zooplankton is a key element in the transfer of
      persistent organic pollutants to higher trophic levels. We determined the
      congener-specific concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs),
      polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and
      polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in offshore zooplankton (size from 0.2 to
      20mm) collected in 2001, 2002 and 2010 in the northern and central Baltic Sea. Of
      the PCDD/Fs, the concentrations of 2378-TCDF were from 18 to 47 and of 23478
      PeCDF from 7.9 to 29 pg g(-1)fat and showed little temporal differences. However,
      1234678-HpCDF and OCDF were abundant in 2001-2002 especially in the eastern Gulf
      of Finland (average concentrations 50 and 89 pg g(-1)fat, respectively). In 2010
      the concentrations of these two congeners were lower, 29 and 30 pg g(-1)fat,
      respectively, but still substantially higher than in the other surveyed areas.
      The principal components analysis (PCA) supported that area-specific patterns in
      pollution strongly contributed to the congener profiles particularly in surface
      sediment and in sediment trap material, but even in zooplankton. The
      concentrations of the PCBs were highest in the Gulf of Finland and in the
      Bothnian Bay. The concentrations of most PCBs were somewhat lower in 2010 than in
      2001-2002. Of the dioxin-like PCBs, the concentrations of PCB-77 were highest
      (271-572 pg g(-1)fat) but PCB-126 (32-113 pg g(-1)fat) contributed from 85% to
      91% of the total toxicity of PCBs due to its higher toxic potency. Of the PBDEs,
      the BDE47 and BDE99 were the most abundant (concentrations from 1.2 to 4.6 and
      from 0.4 to 3.3 ng g(-1) fat, respectively). The concentrations of most PBDEs
      were lower in 2010 than in 2001/2002 except in the eastern Gulf of Finland.

PMID- 25113200
TI  - Fish consumption as a source of human exposure to perfluorinated alkyl substances
      in Italy: analysis of two edible fish from Lake Maggiore.
AB  - Extensive screening analyses of perfluorooctane sulfonate and related
      perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in biota samples from all over the world have
      identified PFCs as global pollutants and have shown their bioaccumulation into
      higher trophic levels in the food chain. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and
      perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are environmental contaminants belonging to a
      chemical group known as perfluorinated compounds. PFOS and PFOA are very
      persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in humans. They are potential
      reproductive and developmental toxicants and are considered to be emerging
      endocrine disrupters. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
      considers both compounds to be carcinogenic and the European Food Safety
      Authority (EFSA) recently pointed out that they are associated with adverse
      health effects. Diet is considered the main source of exposure to PFCs, which
      have been found more frequently in fish and other seafood, compared to other food
      groups. In fact, aquatic ecosystems represent the final reservoir for PFCs due to
      their great affinity for sedimentary and living organic matter. In these systems,
      measured levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) could increase along the
      trophic web, ultimately affecting humans that consume aquatic species. In this
      study, PFOS and PFOA was detected by LC-MS/MS in muscle samples of Coregonus
      lavaretus (European whitefish) and Perca fluviatilis (European perch) collected
      from Lake Maggiore, a large lake located on the south side of the Italian Alps.
      PFOA was not found in any of the investigated samples above the limit of
      quantitation of 0.50 ng g(-1) fresh weight (fw), whereas PFOS was detected in all
      90 samples with concentrations of up to 46.0 ng g(-1)fw. Mean concentrations were
      22.2 ng g(-1)fw in P. fluviatilis and 20.0 ng g(-1)fw in C.lavaretus. Comparison
      of our results with literature data on PFOS intake suggested that fish from Lake
      Maggiore may be a significant source of dietary PFOS exposure, even if the
      reported values were lower than the Total Daily Intake (TDI) proposed by EFSA.

PMID- 25113201
TI  - Estimating stepwise debromination pathways of polybrominated diphenyl ethers with
      an analogue Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm.
AB  - A stochastic process was developed to simulate the stepwise debromination
      pathways for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The stochastic process uses
      an analogue Markov Chain Monte Carlo (AMCMC) algorithm to generate PBDE
      debromination profiles. The acceptance or rejection of the randomly drawn
      stepwise debromination reactions was determined by a maximum likelihood function.
      The experimental observations at certain time points were used as target
      profiles; therefore, the stochastic processes are capable of presenting the
      effects of reaction conditions on the selection of debromination pathways. The
      application of the model is illustrated by adopting the experimental results of
      decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) in hexane exposed to sunlight. Inferences that
      were not obvious from experimental data were suggested by model simulations. For
      example, BDE206 has much higher accumulation at the first 30 min of sunlight
      exposure. By contrast, model simulation suggests that, BDE206 and BDE207 had
      comparable yields from BDE209. The reason for the higher BDE206 level is that
      BDE207 has the highest depletion in producing octa products. Compared to a
      previous version of the stochastic model based on stochastic reaction sequences
      (SRS), the AMCMC approach was determined to be more efficient and robust. Due to
      the feature of only requiring experimental observations as input, the AMCMC model
      is expected to be applicable to a wide range of PBDE debromination processes,
      e.g. microbial, photolytic, or joint effects in natural environments.

PMID- 25113202
TI  - Identifying the provenance of Leach's storm petrels in the North Atlantic using
      polychlorinated biphenyl signatures derived from comprehensive two-dimensional
      gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - PCB signatures can be used for source identification, exposure studies, age
      dating and bio-monitoring. This study uses comprehensive two-dimensional gas
      chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-ToFMS) to produce a
      PCB signature comprised of over 80 PCBs for individual Leach's storm petrels
      (Oceanodroma leucorhoa). The Leach's storm petrel is a relatively small, elusive,
      understudied pelagic bird, which only returns to remote islands under darkness
      during the breeding season. Samples were obtained from 25 Leach's storm petrels
      found dead in Canada and the UK following storm events in 2006 and 2009. Tissue
      samples were extracted and analysed by GCxGC-ToFMS and results showed that 83 PCB
      congeners were present in >60% of samples. An assessment of the PCB signature in
      four different tissue types showed that it did not vary greatly in samples
      obtained from the gut, heart, liver and stomach. Multivariate statistical
      analysis identified a distinctive PCB signature in birds from Canada and Europe
      which was used to identify the regional provenance and transatlantic movement of
      individual birds. The findings showcase the ability of GCxGC-ToFMS to provide the
      high quality congener specific analysis that is necessary for PCB fingerprinting,
      as well as highlighting the potential of PCB signatures for use in ecological
      studies of movement, foraging and behaviour.

PMID- 25113203
TI  - Historical trends of inorganic and organic fluorine in sediments of Lake
      Michigan.
AB  - Total fluorine (TF), extractable organic fluorine (EOF) and poly- and per
      fluorinated compounds (PFCs) were measured in eight dated cores of sediment taken
      along with 27 surface sediments from Lake Michigan in 2010. Based on rates of
      sedimentation, total concentrations of PFCs (?PFCs) reached a maximum in the
      later 1990s and early 2000s. This result is consistent with rapid changes in
      production and subsequent sedimentation. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and
      perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are still the predominant PFCs in the cores, but in
      surface sediments, concentrations of perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) and
      perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) are now occurring at concentrations comparable to
      those of PFOS and PFOA. This observation is consistent with shifts in patterns of
      production and use in the US and Canada. Concentrations of TF in sediments were
      greater than those of EOF. This result is consistent with a larger proportion of
      un-extractable fluorinated material in both surface sediments and in cores. 

PMID- 25113204
TI  - Polychlorinated biphenyls in respirable particulate matter from different
      industrial areas in northern China.
AB  - As two typical industrial bases of China's great metropolises, Lingfen and Datong
      are affected by the steel industry, chemical plants, coal-fired power plants, and
      several coking plants, and face pollution from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
      Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the PCB concentrations in PM2.5
      and PM2.5-10 samples obtained in Lingfen and Datong. We collected 22 respirable
      particulate matter samples (11 of PM2.5 and 11 of PM2.5-10) from Lingfen and
      Datong, and measured a total of 144 PCB congeners. The total PCB concentrations
      were 5.92-38.7 pg m(-3) (median: 21.58 pg m(-3)) in PM2.5 and 1.83-40.8 pg m(-3)
      (median: 24.3 pg m(-3)) in PM2.5-10 in Linfen, and 4.33-18.5 pg m(-3) (median:
      11.9 pg m(-3)) in PM2.5 and 13.0-47.4 pg m(-3) (median: 17.4 pg m(-3)) in PM2.5
      10 in Datong. Of the PCB homologues, the dominant PCBs detected in the various
      media were all trichlorobiphenyls (tri-CBs). Moreover, the PCB distributions in
      PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 samples were quite different in the two cities. This may be
      caused by the differences of the industrial structures, and their relatively
      unintentional release of PCBs in these cities. Source analysis revealed that the
      major PCB contaminants in Linfen and Datong were tri-CBs and di-CBs, which were
      possibly associated with unintentional release of PCBs. Toxic equivalency
      concentrations based on ten dioxin-like PCBs ranged from 4.0*10(-5) to 2.3*10(-3)
      pgWHO-TEQ m(-3) in Linfen, and 4.5*10(-4) to 2.6*10(-4) pgWHO-TEQ m(-3) in
      Datong. The presence of PCB pollution is a potential threat to the residents of
      Datong and Linfen.

PMID- 25113206
TI  - Inhibition of the de novo synthesis of PCDD/Fs on model fly ash by sludge drying
      gases.
AB  - Sludge drying gases (SDG), evolving from drying and mild thermal decomposition
      (<300 degrees C) of raw sewage sludge contain NH3 and SO2 as well as other N- and
      S-compounds. All of these are potential PCDD/Fs suppressants. It is indeed
      observed that these SDG suppress 2,3,7,8-substitued PCDD/Fs formation on Model
      Fly Ash (MFA) with an efficiency up to 97.6% in wt. units and 96% in I-TEQ,
      respectively. This suppression is strong for (the bulk of) PCDD/Fs, adsorbed on
      the model fly ash; conversely, sludge drying gases enhance PCDD/Fs desorption
      from MFA. Moreover, TCDD/Fs are suppressed least, possibly following stepwise
      dechlorination of higher chlorinated PCDD/Fs. Characteristics, such as the type,
      origins and amount of sludge, its moisture-, nitrogen- and sulfur content and the
      nature of the thermal treatment applied are all expected to influence upon the
      suppression capabilities. In this study three types of dry sludge are tested and
      applied as suppressant in four different amounts or modes. The quality of the
      sludge drying gases is continuously monitored: the Gasmet results reveal that NH3
      and SO2 are the most important components of SDG. The MFA reaction residue is
      scrutinized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive
      Spectrometer (EDS) analysis. A large number of particles attaching to the surface
      of model fly ash are observed by SEM. Moreover, EDS analysis reveals that part of
      the chlorine in MFA is carried away with the SDG and replaced by sulfur, so that
      eliminating chlorine may be part of the inhibition mechanism. However, further
      research is still needed to establish the optimum operating modes and to confirm
      the role of both inorganic and organic nitrogen and sulfur compounds in the
      suppression of PCDD/Fs formation on model fly ash.

PMID- 25113205
TI  - Adjusting serum concentrations of organochlorine compounds by lipids and
      symptoms: a causal framework for the association with K-ras mutations in
      pancreatic cancer.
AB  - In clinically aggressive diseases, patients experience pathophysiological changes
      that often alter concentrations of lipids and environmental lipophilic factors;
      such changes are related to disease signs and symptoms. The aim of the study was
      to compare the effects of correcting for total serum lipids (TSL) and other
      clinical factors on the odds of mutations in the K-ras oncogene by organochlorine
      compounds (OCs), in logistic models, in 103 patients with exocrine pancreatic
      cancer (EPC) using a causal directed acyclic graph (DAG) framework. Results and
      likelihood of bias were discussed in the light of possible causal scenarios. The
      odds of K-ras mutated EPC was associated with some TSL-corrected OCs, including
      p,p'-DDT (p-value: 0.008) and polychlorinated biphenyl 138 (p-trend: 0.024). When
      OCs were not corrected by TSL, the OR of a K-ras mutation was significant for
      p,p'-DDT (p-trend: 0.035). Additionally adjusting for cholestatic syndrome
      increased the ORs of TSL-corrected OCs. When models were adjusted by the interval
      from first symptom to blood extraction (ISE), the ORs increased for both TSL
      corrected and uncorrected OCs. Models with TSL-corrected OCs and adjusted for
      cholestatic syndrome or ISE yielded the highest ORs. We show that DAGs clarify
      the covariates necessary to minimize bias, and demonstrate scenarios under which
      adjustment for TSL-corrected OCs and failure to adjust for symptoms or ISE may
      induce bias. Models with TSL-uncorrected OCs may be biased too, and adjusting by
      symptoms or ISE may not control such biases. Our findings may have implications
      as well for studying environmental causes of other clinically aggressive
      diseases. 

PMID- 25113207
TI  - Spatial and seasonal distribution of organochlorine pesticides in the sediments
      of the Yangtze Estuary.
AB  - The spatial and seasonal distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the
      sediments of the Yangtze Estuary was investigated. The total concentration of 19
      OCPs (?OCPs), including alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, delta-HCH, o, p'-DDE, p,
      p'-DDE, o, p'-DDD, p, p'-DDD, o, p'-DDT, p, p'-DDT, heptachlor, aldrin,
      heptachlor epoxide (Isomer B, Isomer A), endosulfan I, dieldrin, endrin,
      endosulfan II and methoxychlor, in the surface sediments ranged from 0.4 to 82.1
      ng g(-1) d.w. The mean values of the ?OCPs were 8.5 +/- 8.3 ng g(-1) d.w., 26.7
      +/- 12.1 ng g(-1) d.w., 40.5 +/- 18.2 ng g(-1) d.w., and 13.0 +/- 11.2 ng g(-1)
      d.w. for August 2010, November 2010, February 2011 and May 2011, respectively.
      The highest concentration of OCPs was detected at the river-sea boundary because
      of the intense resuspension and redeposition of sediments in this area. The OCPs
      preferred to accumulate in the inner estuary, rather than in the offshore area in
      the dry season, whereas the opposite occurred in the flood season. This
      phenomenon was related to the seasonal changes of the Changjiang diluted water
      (CDW). OCPs in the offshore area were controlled by the ocean currents and the
      monsoon. There was a southward increase for the OCP deposition in the offshore
      area in the winter. This increase resulted from the influences of the southward
      Yellow Sea coastal current and the East China Sea coastal current, as well as the
      northwest wind in winter. The Three Gorges Dam had an impact on HCH composition
      by changing the sediment redistribution during the deposition process.

PMID- 25113208
TI  - Sources, gastrointestinal absorption and stereo-selective and tissue-specific
      accumulation of Dechlorane Plus (DP) in chicken.
AB  - Dechlorane Plus (DP) isomers, along with two dechlorinated metabolites were
      measured in environmental matrices, chyme and digestive tract contents and
      tissues of chicken from an e-waste recycling site located in South China. Soil is
      proved to be the main source of DP in chicken rather than food because soil
      contributes more than 94% of total DP in chyme. In the gastrointestinal tract
      absorption processes, no selective absorption was observed for DP isomers during
      the ingestion processes. The tissue distribution of DP isomers in chicken
      exhibits complicated characteristics. The lipid contents in tissues are the main
      factors in the tissue distribution of DP, while the different blood perfusion
      state and the different tissue functions also seem to influence the tissue
      distribution of DP. The fat, brain, and liver exhibit higher fanti values (0.65,
      0.64, and 0.64) than the other tissues (0.54-0.59). The elevated fanti values of
      DP from the contamination source (0.52 in soil) to chicken suggest
      stereoselective bioaccumulation of anti-DP in chicken. The similar ratios of anti
      Cl11-DP to anti-DP between soil and chicken imply that anti-Cl11-DP mainly
      derives from the uptake from environment rather than in vivo dechlorination. 

PMID- 25113209
TI  - Spatial distributions of methoxylated and hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl
      ethers in the East China Sea--a seaward increasing trend.
AB  - Methoxylated (MeO-) and hydroxylated (OH-) polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
      in marine environments have been of increasing concern due to their potential
      ecological toxicities and worldwide occurrence. However, few reports have been
      referred to their occurrence and distributions in marine sediments despite large
      numbers of studies on marine organisms have been reported. In the present paper,
      nine MeO-BDEs, ten OH-BDEs and three phytoplankton biomarkers (PBs) of
      brassicasterol, dinosterol and alkenones have been measured in surface sediments
      from the East China Sea. 6-MeO-BDE47, 2'-MeO-BDE68 and 6-OH-BDE47 were
      predominant congeners, ranging from 5.2 to 599.5 pg g(-1)dw, 5.2 to 562.4 pg g(
      1)dw, and 11.4 to 129.1 pg g(-1)dw, respectively. Their spatial patterns all
      presented a seaward increasing trend and higher levels of these compounds were
      mainly concentrated in the outer shelf influenced by the Kuroshio Current. The
      patterns further prove that these ortho-substituted MeO-BDEs and OH-BDEs in
      marine sediments are natural compounds. Furthermore, alkenones also presented a
      seaward increasing trend. Statistical analysis shows that there are significant
      correlations between MeO-BDEs, OH-BDEs and alkenones, impling the potential of
      coccolithophorids for producing these natural compounds and their global
      distribution, especially in open oceans. Comparison between TOC and the ratio of
      6-MeO-BDE47/6-OH-BDE47 suggests that TOC should be a potential controlling factor
      of the conversion between MeO-BDE and OH-BDE pairs.

PMID- 25113210
TI  - Tea saponin enhanced biodegradation of decabromodiphenyl ether by Brevibacillus
      brevis.
AB  - Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) is a ubiquitous persistent pollutant and has
      contaminated the environment worldwide. To accelerate BDE209 elimination and
      reveal the mechanism concerned, the biosurfactant tea saponin enhanced
      degradation of BDE209 by Brevibacillus brevis was conducted. The results revealed
      that tea saponin could efficiently increase the solubility of BDE209 in mineral
      salts medium and improve its biodegradation. The degradation efficiency of 0.5 mg
      L(-1) BDE209 by 1 g L(-1) biomass with surfactant was up to 55% within 5d.
      Contact time was a significant factor for BDE209 biodegradation. BDE209
      biodegradation was coupled with bioaccumulation, ion release and utilization, and
      debromination to lower brominated PBDE metabolites. During the biodegradation
      process, B. brevis metabolically released Na(+), NH4(+), NO2(-) and Cl(-), and
      utilized the nutrient ions Mg(2+), PO4(3-) and SO4(2-). GC-MS analysis revealed
      that the structure of BDE209 changed under the action of strain and
      nonabromodiphenyl ethers (BDE-208, -207 and -206), octabromodiphenyl ethers (BDE
      203, -197 and -196) and heptabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-183) were generated by
      debromination.

PMID- 25113211
TI  - Correlation between human maternal-fetal placental transfer and molecular weight
      of PCB and dioxin congeners/isomers.
AB  - Establishing methods for the assessment of fetal exposure to chemicals is
      important for the prevention or prediction of the child's future disease risk. In
      the present study, we aimed to determine the influence of molecular weight on the
      likelihood of chemical transfer from mother to fetus via the placenta. The
      correlation between molecular weight and placental transfer rates of
      congeners/isomers of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins was examined.
      Twenty-nine sample sets of maternal blood, umbilical cord, and umbilical cord
      blood were used to measure PCB concentration, and 41 sample sets were used to
      analyze dioxins. Placental transfer rates were calculated using the
      concentrations of PCBs, dioxins, and their congeners/isomers within these sample
      sets. Transfer rate correlated negatively with molecular weight for PCB
      congeners, normalized using wet and lipid weights. The transfer rates of PCB or
      dioxin congeners differed from those of total PCBs or dioxins. The transfer rate
      for dioxin congeners did not always correlate significantly with molecular
      weight, perhaps because of the small sample size or other factors. Further
      improvement of the analytical methods for dioxin congeners is required. The
      findings of the present study suggested that PCBs, dioxins, or their congeners
      with lower molecular weights are more likely to be transferred from mother to
      fetus via the placenta. Consideration of chemical molecular weight and transfer
      rate could therefore contribute to the assessment of fetal exposure. 

PMID- 25113212
TI  - Levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin
      like PCBs in free range eggs from Vietnam, including potential health risks.
AB  - Chicken and duck eggs collected from three different areas in Vietnam were
      examined for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). These
      regions included a background area, an area sprayed with Agent Orange and the
      Bien Hoa airbase area where Agent Orange was handled by the US Army. The latter
      area now is inhabited and people keep their own laying hens. Egg samples were
      first screened with an in vitro reporter gene bioassay and a selection was
      analyzed by GC/HRMS. Samples from Bien Hoa airbase showed very high PCDD/F
      levels, up to 249 pg dioxin-equivalents (TEQ)/g fat, mainly due to 2,3,7,8
      tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In the sprayed areas, levels (3.2-8.2 pg TEQ
      g(-1)) were comparable to those observed in background areas (3.2-8.2 pg TEQ g(
      1) fat). The estimated average consumption of 22 g d(-1) of the highly
      contaminated eggs will result in a 2-fold exceedance of the current exposure
      limits for adults and 5-fold for children, even without considering other
      contaminated food sources. This indicates a potential health risk from
      consumption of these highly contaminated eggs, which were not yet considered as a
      source for exposure to PCDD/Fs of people living in the highly contaminated areas.

PMID- 25113213
TI  - Kinetic study of chlordecone orally given to laying hens (Gallus domesticus).
AB  - The former use of chlordecone (CLD) in the French West Indies has resulted in
      long-term pollution of soils. In this area, CLD may be transferred into eggs of
      hens reared outdoors, through soil ingestion. In order to assess this risk, a
      kinetic study involving the contamination of laying hens (22 weeks of age) with a
      diet containing 500 MUg CLD kg(-1) during 42 d, followed by a depuration period
      of 35 d was carried out. Forty-four hens were sequentially slaughtered all over
      the experimental period and their liver, egg, abdominal fat and serum were
      collected. Two additional edible tissues, pectoral and leg muscles, were
      collected in hens slaughtered at the end of the contamination period. The
      depuration half-life of CLD in liver, egg, abdominal fat and serum was estimated
      at 5.0 +/- 0.38 (mean +/- SE), 5.5 +/- 0.29, 5.3 +/- 0.37 and 5.1 +/- 0.66 d,
      respectively. CLD concentration at the end of the contamination period reached
      1640 +/- 274, 460 +/- 41, 331 +/- 23, and 213 +/- 8.5 MUg kg(-1) fresh matter
      (FM), respectively. The corresponding concentrations in pectoral and leg muscles
      were 119 +/- 8.4, 127 +/- 11 MUg kg(-1) FM, respectively. The steady state carry
      over rate of CLD in eggs reached 43 +/- 7.6%. This experiment demonstrates the
      preferential accumulation of CLD in liver, its significant transfer to eggs and
      its quite short half-life. It is concluded that raising hens on even mildly
      contaminated areas would lead to products exceeding the regulatory maximum
      residue limit of 20 MUg CLD kg(-1).

PMID- 25113214
TI  - The occurrence of organic contaminants in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in
      Poland: an environmental quality assessment.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to provide information on the levels of
      pollutants in the tissues of eels caught in Polish waters. The contaminants
      included in the study are those which have not yet been widely studied in eel
      stocks, but which arouse concern in relation to the environment. An overview of
      the pollutant levels in eels caught in other European waters was also conducted.
      The results are evaluated in terms of environmental quality and consumer health.
      The mean concentrations of SigmaPBDEs and SigmaHBCDs in muscles of eels sampled
      in Polish waters were between 1 and 2 ng g(-1) ww. The mean TBT concentrations
      were between 2 and 4 ng g(-1)ww with the exception of samples from the Szczecin
      Lagoon, in which the mean TBT concentration was about tenfold higher.

PMID- 25113215
TI  - Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE)
      concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord serum in a human cohort from South
      Portugal.
AB  - Organochlorine compounds as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pp'
      dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (pp'DDE) are ubiquitous, resistant to
      degradation and lipophilic compounds, commonly found in the general population.
      Prenatal exposure to these compounds has been associated to adverse developmental
      effects. Levels of PCBs and pp'DDE were investigated in maternal and umbilical
      cord serum of 68 women/newborns pairs from Algarve, South Portugal. Mean sum PCBs
      congeners and pp'DDE concentrations were 1.62 +/- 0.39 ng mL(-1)and 1.11 +/- 0.69
      ng mL(-1)-for maternal and 1.45 +/- 0.25 ng mL(-1) and 0.85 +/- 0.50 ng mL(-1)for
      cord serum, respectively. Congeners distribution pattern followed the order PCB
      153>180>130, both for maternal and cord serum). Significant correlations (p<0.05)
      were found between maternal and cord serum concentrations. The umbilical
      cord/maternal serum ratio were 0.90 and 0.76, respectively for SigmaPCB and
      pp'DDE Multivariate analyses relate women in urban centers with higher PCB
      levels, while higher pp'DDE relates to older primiparous women that live at rural
      areas. PCBs were also correlated to more portions of fat rich foods, while pp'DDE
      is associated to higher ingestion of vegetables and fruits. Smoking habits only
      correlated to maternal PCB. The present work provides, to our knowledge and for
      the first time, baseline human-biomonitoring data and establishes background
      ranges of PCB and pp'DDE levels in the maternal and umbilical cord serum in the
      Algarve region. These compounds exhibited the capacity to pass the placenta
      barrier and target the fetus. Even in non-industrialized areas, and in non
      intensive agriculture areas, like the Southern Portugal, there is a need to take
      measures to eliminate or minimize the risk of organochlorine exposure during
      pregnancy.

PMID- 25113216
TI  - Influence of persistent organic pollutants on oxidative stress in population
      based samples.
AB  - Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a large group of chemicals widely used
      and produced in various industrial applications. Many cell culture/animal studies
      have shown that POPs can induce oxidative stress. Since such data is lacking in
      humans, we conducted a large population-based study to analyze associations
      between POPs and oxidative stress markers. We measured following POPs; 16
      polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 5 organochlorine (OC) pesticides,
      octachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin, and polybrominated diphenyl ether 47, and
      oxidative stress markers; homocysteine, reduced [GSH] and oxidized glutathione
      [GSSG], glutathione ratio [GSSG/GSH], total glutathione, oxidized low-density
      lipoprotein [ox-LDL], ox-LDL antibodies, conjugated dienes, baseline conjugated
      dienes of LDL, and total anti-oxidative capacity in plasma samples collected from
      992 70-year old individuals (50% women) from the population-based Prospective
      Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) cohort. Linear
      regression analyses were performed to study the associations between oxidative
      stress markers and summary measures of POPs including the total toxic equivalence
      (TEQ), sums of PCBs and OC pesticides (main exposures) while adjusting for
      potential confounders. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, sum of PCBs showed
      strong associations with ox-LDL (beta=0.94; P=2.9*10(-6)). Further, sum of PCBs
      showed association with glutathione-related markers (GSSG: beta=-0.01; P=6.0*10(
      7); GSSG/GSH: beta=-0.002; P=9.7*10(-10)), although in reverse direction. Other
      summary measures did not show any significant association with these markers. In
      our study of elderly individuals from the general population, we show that plasma
      levels of POPs are associated with markers of increased oxidative stress thereby
      suggesting that even low dose background exposure to POPs may be involved in
      oxidative stress.

PMID- 25113217
TI  - Sorption behaviors of a persistent toxaphene congener on marine sediments under
      different physicochemical conditions.
AB  - Sorptive processes are important parameters affecting the mobility, availability
      and fate of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as toxaphene, in aquatic
      systems. The sorption and desorption behaviors of the B7-1450, a stable toxaphene
      congener in environment, on marine sediment was studied under different
      temperature and salinity conditions to better understand the B-1450 distribution
      in estuarine systems. The data were fitted to different sorption models to
      characterize sorption behaviors by evaluating sorption coefficients and
      sequestrated fraction of B7-1450 on sediments. High carbon-normalized sorption
      coefficients (Koc) of the B7-1450 were observed with values ranging from 3.2*104
      to 6.0*104 mL g(-1) under experimental conditions. The data showed an increase of
      B7-1450 sorption coefficients with the salinity and a decrease with temperature.
      These investigations indicate that B7-1450 is three times more sequestred on
      sediments in cold (2 degrees C, 30 psu) than in warm marine conditions (20
      degrees C, 30 psu). These results suggest that the mobility and bioavailable of
      B7-1450 or other POPs from the sediments could be less important in cold marine
      comparatively in warm marine and warm freshwater media. As a result of climate
      changes, the warming of mid and high latitudes coastal waters could enhance the
      mobility of POPs.

PMID- 25113218
TI  - Spatial and seasonal distributions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and
      dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls around a municipal solid waste
      incinerator, determined using polyurethane foam passive air samplers.
AB  - Twenty-six ambient air samples were collected around a municipal solid waste
      incinerator (MSWI) in the summer and winter using polyurethane foam passive air
      samplers, and analyzed to assess the spatial and seasonal distributions of
      polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated
      biphenyls (PCBs). Three stack gas samples were also collected and analyzed to
      determine PCDD/F (971 pg m(-3) in average) and PCB (2,671 pg m(-3) in average)
      emissions from the MSWI and to help identify the sources of the pollutants in the
      ambient air. The total PCDD/F concentrations in the ambient air samples were
      lower in the summer (472-1,223 fg m(-3)) than the winter (561-3913 fg m(-3)). In
      contrast, the atmospheric total PCB concentrations were higher in the summer (716
      4,902 fg m(-3)) than the winter (489-2,298 fg m(-3)). Principal component
      analysis showed that, besides emissions from the MSWI, the domestic burning of
      coal and wood also contributed to the presence of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in the ambient
      air. The PCDD/F and PCB spatial distributions were analyzed using ordinary
      Kriging Interpolation and limited effect was found to be caused by emissions from
      the MSWI. Higher PCDD/F and PCB concentrations were observed downwind of the MSWI
      than in the other directions, but the highest concentrations were not to be found
      in the direction with the greatest wind frequency which might be caused by
      emissions from domestic coal and wood burning. We used a systemic method
      including sampling and data analysis method which can provide pioneering
      information for characterizing risks and assessing uncertainty of PCDD/Fs and
      PCBs in the ambient air around MSWIs in China.

PMID- 25113220
TI  - Gender differences in alcohol demand: a systematic review of the role of prices
      and taxes. Comment on conclusions by Nelson.

PMID- 25113219
TI  - Determination of organochlorines, polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated
      diphenyl ethers in human hair: estimation of external and internal exposure.
AB  - A novel method was developed for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides
      (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers
      (PBDEs) in human hair samples. External contaminants of hair were extracted with
      acetone under sonication, while washed hair was further hydrolyzed in formic acid
      and acetone (1:4, v/v) with microwave assisted extraction (MAE) for internal
      contaminant measurements. Both internal and external extracts were cleaned up
      with gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and then solid phase extraction (SPE),
      before analyzed by a large volume injection-gas chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LVI-GC-MS/MS) using triple quadruple mass analyzer. Good linearity
      (R(2)? 0.996) was established within a concentration range between 0.1 and 100 ng
      mL(-)(1) among all target analytes. The method was validated for accuracy,
      precision and sensitivity. The developed method is intended to be cost effective
      and robust for the routine human hair analysis of PCBs, PBDEs and OCPs including
      acid-labile OCPs. The described method has been applied in pilot biomonitoring
      study and the preliminary data suggested that the contaminant profiles with the
      use of partial least-squares analysis discriminant analysis (PLA-DA) could be
      useful in differentiating external and internal exposure.

PMID- 25113221
TI  - The reaction enthalpy of hydrogen dissociation calculated with the Small System
      Method from simulation of molecular fluctuations.
AB  - We show how we can find the enthalpy of a chemical reaction under non-ideal
      conditions using the Small System Method to sample molecular dynamics simulation
      data for fluctuating variables. This method, created with Hill's thermodynamic
      analysis, is used to find properties in the thermodynamic limit, such as
      thermodynamic correction factors, partial enthalpies, volumes, heat capacities
      and compressibility. The values in the thermodynamic limit at (T,V, MUj) are then
      easily transformed into other ensembles, (T,V,Nj) and (T,P,Nj), where the last
      ensemble gives the partial molar properties which are of interest to chemists.
      The dissociation of hydrogen from molecules to atoms was used as a convenient
      model system. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed with three densities;
      rho = 0.0052 g cm(-3) (gas), rho = 0.0191 g cm(-3) (compressed gas) and rho =
      0.0695 g cm(-3) (liquid), and temperatures in the range; T = 3640-20,800 K. The
      enthalpy of reaction was observed to follow a quadratic trend as a function of
      temperature for all densities. The enthalpy of reaction was observed to only have
      a small pressure dependence. With a reference point close to an ideal state (T =
      3640 K and rho = 0.0052 g cm(-3)), we were able to calculate the thermodynamic
      equilibrium constant, and thus the deviation from ideal conditions for the lowest
      density. We found the thermodynamic equilibrium constant to increase with
      increasing temperature, and to have a negligible pressure dependence. Taking the
      enthalpy variation into account in the calculation of the thermodynamic
      equilibrium constant, we found the ratio of activity coefficients to be in the
      order of 0.7-1.0 for the lowest density, indicating repulsive forces between H
      and H2. This study shows that the compressed gas- and liquid density values at
      higher temperatures are far from those calculated under ideal conditions. It is
      important to have a method that can give access to partial molar properties,
      independent of the ideality of the reacting mixture. Our results show how this
      can be achieved with the use of the Small System Method.

PMID- 25113222
TI  - Systematic review of diplommatinid land snails (Caenogastropoda, Diplommatinidae)
      endemic to the Palau Islands. (1) Generic classification and revision of
      Hungerfordia species with highly developed axial ribs.
AB  - Diplommatinidae is a family of terrestrial caenogastropod snails that shows
      extensive species diversity and endemic radiation within the Palau (Belau)
      Islands. In this paper, we revised the taxonomy of Palauan endemic diplommatinids
      based on the comparative morphology of shell, operculum, radula, and genitalia.
      Although the generic classification of Palauan diplommatinids has been confusing,
      they are currently classified into two genera, Hungerfordia Beddome, 1889 and
      Palaina Semper, 1865. Palauan diplommatinids of these two genera are primarily
      distinguished by the radular, genital and operculum morphology. However, shell
      morphology, on which taxonomy has traditionally been based, does not provide
      definitive characters for generic identification, because shell shape and
      sculpture are highly variable within each genus. Although Hungerfordia has long
      been known as a monotypic genus, the current study redefines the endemic genus to
      include a wider range of species that were formerly placed in Diplommatina or
      Palaina. Following species are transferred to Hungerfordia: H. alata (Crosse,
      1866) comb. nov.; H. lamellata (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov.; H. pyramis (Crosse,
      1866) comb. nov.; H. ringens (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov.; H. polymorpha (Crosse,
      1866) comb. nov.; H. inflatula (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov.; H. lutea (Beddome,
      1889) comb. nov.; H. aurea (Beddome, 1889) comb. nov.; H. gibboni (Beddome, 1889)
      comb. nov.; H. crassilabris (Beddome, 1889) comb. nov. Pseudopalaina Moellendorff
      in Kobelt & Moellendorff, 1898 (synonym nov.) is demoted as a junior synonym of
      Hungerfordia. Palaina is also redefined based on the internal shell features and
      operculum morphology, in addition to the external shell characters. Furthermore,
      Eupalaina Kobelt & Moellendorff, 1898 is restored as a subgenus of Palaina for
      Palauan species on the basis of a genital character. The taxonomy of Hungerfordia
      species with highly developed axial ribs is revised. H. pelewensis Beddome, 1889,
      H. lamellata (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov., and H. alata (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov.
      are redescribed with new morphological data. Following new taxa are described: H.
      triplochilus sp. nov., H. expansilabris sp. nov., H. nudicollum sp. nov., H.
      echinata echinata sp. et subsp. nov., H. echinata tubulispina subsp. nov., H.
      elegantissima sp. nov., H. goniobasis goniobasis sp. et subsp. nov., H.
      goniobasis dmasechensis subsp. nov., H. subalata sp. nov., H. pteropurpuroides
      sp. nov., H. papilio papilio sp. et subsp. nov., H. papilio stenoptera subsp.
      nov..  

PMID- 25113223
TI  - Twelve new Demospongiae (Porifera) from Chilean fjords, with remarks upon sponge
      derived biogeographic compartments in the SE Pacific.
AB  - This article reports on 12 new species originating from the Chilean fjords
      region, namely Clathria (Microciona) mytilifila sp. nov., Haliclona (Reniera)
      caduca sp. nov., Latrunculia (L.) ciruela sp. nov., Latrunculia (L.) copihuensis
      sp. nov., Latrunculia (L.) verenae sp. nov., Latrunculia (L.) yepayek sp. nov.,
      Myxilla (Burtonanchora) araucana sp. nov., Neopodospongia tupecomareni sp. nov.,
      Oceanapia guaiteca sp. nov., Oceanapia spinisphaera sp. nov., Suberites cranium
      sp. nov. and Tethya melinka sp. nov. The material studied was collected between 5
      and 30 m depth at latitudes comprised between 42o and 50oS, and is part of a
      large collection of Chilean sponges gathered by an international team in a series
      of expeditions. Identification keys are provided for SE Pacific Suberites and
      Latrunculia, and the known species of Myxilla (Burtonanchora) and Neopodospongia.
      A trans-Pacific link to the New Zealand fauna was retrieved for the latter genus.
      Distribution ranges apparent from the materials studied here are judged too
      preliminary to allow any inference on biotic boundaries in the SE Pacific. A
      revision of earlier assertions about these biogeographic units and their
      boundaries concluded that very little support remains other than for existence of
      a Magellanic fauna. This is in part a consequence of revising the taxonomy of
      sponge species originally deemed to underpin these areas. Specifically, the
      former proposal of a Central to Southern Chile biogeographic unit (33-56oS) has
      been markedly undone.  

PMID- 25113224
TI  - [Delayed anaphylaxis after ingestion of meat. Carbohydrate epitope galactose
      alpha-1,3-galactose as cause of severe anaphylactic reactions].
AB  - The correlation between anaphylaxis after consumption of meat and the
      carbohydrate epitope galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-Gal) was first
      described in oncologic patients treated with cetuximab. An association with tick
      bites and parasitosis is suspected. We report on a healthy patient who developed
      sudden anaphylactic reactions after the ingestion of meat. Serologic and skin
      tests confirmed sensitization to alpha-Gal. Avoiding the consumption of mammalian
      meat led to a complete absence of symptoms. 

PMID- 25113225
TI  - Solvent induced rapid modulation of micro/nano structures of metal carboxylates
      coordination polymers: mechanism and morphology dependent magnetism.
AB  - Rational modulation of morphology is very important for functional coordination
      polymers (CPs) micro/nanostructures, and new strategies are still desired to
      achieve this challenging target. Herein, organic solvents have been established
      as the capping agents for rapid modulating the growth of metal-carboxylates CPs
      in organic solvent/water mixtures at ambient conditions. Co-3,5
      pyridinedicarboxylate (pydc) CPs was studied here as the example. During the
      reaction, the organic solvents exhibited three types of modulation effect:
      anisotropic growth, anisotropic growth/formation of new crystalline phase and the
      formation of new crystalline phase solely, which was due to the variation of
      their binding ability with metal cations. The following study revealed that the
      binding ability was critically affected by their functional groups and molecular
      size. Moreover, their modulation effect could be finely tuned by changing volume
      ratios of solvent mixtures. Furthermore, they could be applied for modulating
      other metal-carboxylates CPs: Co-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic (BTC), Zn-pydc and Eu
      pydc etc. Additionally, the as-prepared Co-pydc CPs showed a fascinating
      morphology-dependent antiferromagnetic behavior. 

PMID- 25113226
TI  - Resistance prediction in AML: analysis of 4601 patients from MRC/NCRI,
      HOVON/SAKK, SWOG and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
AB  - Therapeutic resistance remains the principal problem in acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML). We used area under receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUCs) to
      quantify our ability to predict therapeutic resistance in individual patients,
      where AUC=1.0 denotes perfect prediction and AUC=0.5 denotes a coin flip, using
      data from 4601 patients with newly diagnosed AML given induction therapy with 3+7
      or more intense standard regimens in UK Medical Research Council/National Cancer
      Research Institute, Dutch-Belgian Cooperative Trial Group for
      Hematology/Oncology/Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research, US cooperative
      group SWOG and MD Anderson Cancer Center studies. Age, performance status, white
      blood cell count, secondary disease, cytogenetic risk and FLT3-ITD/NPM1 mutation
      status were each independently associated with failure to achieve complete
      remission despite no early death ('primary refractoriness'). However, the AUC of
      a bootstrap-corrected multivariable model predicting this outcome was only 0.78,
      indicating only fair predictive ability. Removal of FLT3-ITD and NPM1 information
      only slightly decreased the AUC (0.76). Prediction of resistance, defined as
      primary refractoriness or short relapse-free survival, was even more difficult.
      Our limited ability to forecast resistance based on routinely available
      pretreatment covariates provides a rationale for continued randomization between
      standard and new therapies and supports further examination of genetic and
      posttreatment data to optimize resistance prediction in AML. 

PMID- 25113228
TI  - Olive mill wastewater treatment using a simple zeolite-based low-cost method.
AB  - Olive mill wastewater (OMW), a liquid by-product of the olive oil industry,
      represents a severe environmental problem owing to its high pollution load. In
      this study, successive columns containing different types of natural materials
      were investigated for their OMW treatment efficiency. Passing OMW through three
      columns of gravel, fine sand, and a mixture of acidified cotton and zeolite
      (weight:weight ratio of cotton:clinoptilolite of 2:1), followed by treatment with
      activated charcoal (AC) and lime, was the best treatment in terms of the quality
      of water obtained. This treatment decreased concentrations of [Formula: see text]
      , B, K, P, and total fat in OMW by mean percentages of 78.0, 92.4, 66.6, 48.3,
      and 93.3%, respectively. Furthermore, it decreased OMW turbidity and electric
      conductivity (EC) by 96.8 and 48.4%, respectively. Most contaminants were removed
      from the OMW in the cotton/clinoptilolite column owing to the high sorption
      affinity of clinoptilolite on its active sites. The AC was efficient for organic
      particle removal; meanwhile, lime was used to raise the pH of the treated OMW
      (TOMW) from 2.9 to 5.1. This simple method enables us to obtain environmentally
      friendly TOMW that can be safely used for irrigation. 

PMID- 25113227
TI  - The ill surgeon: a review of common work-related health problems amongst UK
      surgeons.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Health-care workers are subjected to various occupational hazards
      within the National Health Service (NHS). Surgeons are not excluded from this
      group due to the nature of work carried out on a daily basis. As a result, we set
      out to investigate the common work-related health issues a surgeon practising in
      the UK may encounter. METHOD: A literature search conducted on PubMed, EMBASE,
      MEDLINE(r) and Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC) revealed 66
      literature papers between the years 1990 and 2013. Thirty-seven were excluded
      from our review process for various reasons. RESULTS: Surgeons in the UK are
      likely to be susceptible to stress, sharp injuries, burnout and psychiatric
      morbidities, substance abuse and musculoskeletal pain. Noise-induced hearing loss
      has been reported amongst orthopaedic surgeons due to the use of electric and air
      powered drills and saws. No reports of skin-related illness, respiratory illness,
      nosocomial infections or malignancies were found within the published UK
      literature of our targeted group although they have been noted in other
      specialties. CONCLUSION: These occupational hazards pose a huge risk to the NHS
      and the personal well-being of its surgeons. As such, the importance of early
      awareness and education alongside prompt intervention is duly emphasized.

PMID- 25113229
TI  - Revisiting the relationship between environmental and financial performance in
      Chinese industry.
AB  - The debate on the relationship between corporate or industrial environmental
      performance (EP) and financial performance (FP) has yet to be resolved, and
      studies need to examine the possible moderating effects on the EP-FP link. We
      argue that industrial EP has a positive effect on FP and that industrial
      munificence and resource slack can moderate the EP-FP link. Using a dataset from
      Chinese industrial firms, we examine the direct effect of industrial EP on FP and
      the indirect effects of industrial munificence and resource slack on the EP-FP
      link. Our results show that improving corporate or industrial-level EP
      significantly influences FP and that slack resources play a significant role on
      the EP-FP link. However, we found no significant moderating effect of industrial
      munificence on the link. 

PMID- 25113230
TI  - The relationship between corporate environmental performance and environmental
      disclosure: an empirical study in China.
AB  - Based on a content analysis of 533 Chinese listed companies, this study examines
      how corporate environmental performance affects not only the level of detail of a
      company's environmental disclosures, but also what information is disclosed. The
      results show that (1) both poor and good performers have more disclosure than the
      median (i.e., "mixed") performers, which provides empirical evidence to support a
      nonlinear relationship between corporate environmental performance and
      environmental disclosure; (2) poor performers disclose more soft information on
      environmental performance than good performers, and good performers disclose more
      solid information; and (3) although poor performers increase disclosure after
      being exposed as environmental violators, they avoid disclosing negative
      environmental information, such as the violation and the associated penalties.
      This study provides additional evidence for a nonlinear relationship between
      environmental performance and disclosure in emerging markets, and suggests
      environmental disclosure may not be a valid signal to differentiate good
      performers from poor performers in contemporary China. 

PMID- 25113232
TI  - Fast and accurate pressure-drop prediction in straightened atherosclerotic
      coronary arteries.
AB  - Atherosclerotic disease progression in coronary arteries is influenced by wall
      shear stress. To compute patient-specific wall shear stress, computational fluid
      dynamics (CFD) is required. In this study we propose a method for computing the
      pressure-drop in regions proximal and distal to a plaque, which can serve as a
      boundary condition in CFD. As a first step towards exploring the proposed method
      we investigated ten straightened coronary arteries. First, the flow fields were
      calculated with CFD and velocity profiles were fitted on the results. Second, the
      Navier-Stokes equation was simplified and solved with the found velocity profiles
      to obtain a pressure-drop estimate (Deltap (1)). Next, Deltap (1) was compared to
      the pressure-drop from CFD (Deltap CFD) as a validation step. Finally, the
      velocity profiles, and thus the pressure-drop were predicted based on geometry
      and flow, resulting in Deltap geom. We found that Deltap (1) adequately estimated
      Deltap CFD with velocity profiles that have one free parameter beta. This beta
      was successfully related to geometry and flow, resulting in an excellent
      agreement between Deltap CFD and Deltap geom: 3.9 +/- 4.9% difference at Re =
      150. We showed that this method can quickly and accurately predict pressure-drop
      on the basis of geometry and flow in straightened coronary arteries that are
      mildly diseased.

PMID- 25113231
TI  - A low computational cost algorithm for REM sleep detection using single channel
      EEG.
AB  - The push towards low-power and wearable sleep systems requires using minimum
      number of recording channels to enhance battery life, keep processing load small
      and be more comfortable for the user. Since most sleep stages can be identified
      using EEG traces, enormous power savings could be achieved by using a single
      channel of EEG. However, detection of REM sleep from one channel EEG is
      challenging due to its electroencephalographic similarities with N1 and Wake
      stages. In this paper we investigate a novel feature in sleep EEG that
      demonstrates high discriminatory ability for detecting REM phases. We then use
      this feature, that is based on spectral edge frequency (SEF) in the 8-16 Hz
      frequency band, together with the absolute power and the relative power of the
      signal, to develop a simple REM detection algorithm. We evaluate the performance
      of this proposed algorithm with overnight single channel EEG recordings of 5
      training and 15 independent test subjects. Our algorithm achieved sensitivity of
      83%, specificity of 89% and selectivity of 61% on a test database consisting of
      2221 REM epochs. It also achieved sensitivity and selectivity of 81 and 75% on
      PhysioNet Sleep-EDF database consisting of 8 subjects. These results demonstrate
      that SEF can be a useful feature for automatic detection of REM stages of sleep
      from a single channel EEG. 

PMID- 25113233
TI  - 'More than skin-deep': biological essentialism in response to a distinctiveness
      threat in a stigmatized fan community.
AB  - We investigated how group distinctiveness threats affect essentialist beliefs
      about group membership in a stigmatized fan community. An experiment conducted on
      817 members of the fan community revealed that highly identified fans who
      perceived significant stigmatization were the most likely to endorse essentialist
      beliefs about group membership when exposed to a distinctiveness threat via
      comparison to a highly similar (vs. dissimilar) outgroup. These results bridge
      essentialism research and research on distinctiveness threat by demonstrating the
      mutability of group essentialism beliefs as a defensive response to
      distinctiveness threats. Implications for future research are discussed. 

PMID- 25113235
TI  - An integrative review of promoting trust in the patient-primary care provider
      relationship.
AB  - AIM: An integrative review of empirical studies on factors promoting trust in the
      patient-primary care provider relationship. BACKGROUND: Trust is essential to the
      patient-provider relationship. Patients with high trust in their healthcare
      providers have been found to have improved outcomes, including improved chronic
      disease management, increased use of preventative services and satisfaction with
      care. Breaches of trust in the healthcare system threaten trust. Exploring
      factors that promote trust in the patient-provider relationship is warranted.
      DESIGN: Integrative literature review. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases
      searched included CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycARTICLES, using combinations of the key
      term 'trust' with: concept, practitioner, provider, physician, developing,
      creating, engendering, promoting and establishing. The results were limited to
      original publications in English, published between 1998-2013. REVIEW METHODS: A
      review of the literature was conducted by two independent reviewers based on the
      criteria established by Cooper; Whittemore and Knafl; and Polit and Beck.
      Methodological assessment tools were used to organize, evaluate the quality of
      and synthesize the data. RESULTS: A new conceptual definition of promoting trust
      is proposed that includes three core qualities: interpersonal and technical
      competence, moral comportment and vigilance. Gaps in the literature still exist
      related to rural, young adult, older adult and well patient populations.
      CONCLUSION: The core qualities could serve as target areas for the development of
      interventions aimed at modifying provider behaviours so that trust can be
      established, maintained or improved. Future prospective longitudinal research
      studies are needed that enhance understanding of trust with multiple primary care
      provider types.

PMID- 25113234
TI  - Determinants of overweight and obesity among Bangladeshi diabetic women of
      reproductive age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several reproductive disorders with overweight and obesity are now
      known to be associated with insulin resistance. The study was aimed to assess the
      proportion and determinants of overweight and obesity among diabetic women of
      reproductive age. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted
      among 888 diabetic women of reproductive age attending the out-patient department
      (OPD) of the central hospital of the Diabetic Association. Body Mass Index (BMI)
      was used to assess the general obesity. Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-Hip Ratio
      (WHR) and Waist-Height Ratio (WHtR) were used to assess central obesity. RESULTS:
      The overall prevalence of overweight was 22% (95% CI 19-24) and that of obesity
      was 48% (95% CI 45-51). Prevalence of central obesity by waist circumference was
      77%, by waist-hip ratio was 99.9% and by waist-height ratio was 89%. Overweight
      and obesity were higher in the age group of 45-49 years (49%) and 35-44 years
      (24%) respectively. On Pearson's correlation analysis, BMI and WC were
      significantly correlated with age (r = 0.135, p = 0.001; r = 0.162, p = 0.001)
      and income (r = 0.151, p = 0.001; r = 0.087, p = 0.009) respectively. WHR was
      also correlated with income (r = 0.094, p = 0.005). Moreover, WHtR was
      significantly correlated with age (r =  0.139, p = 0.001), income (r = 0.069, p =
      0.04) and duration of diabetes (r = 0.073, p = 0.03).On binary logistic
      regression analysis, BMI was significantly associated with age, income and
      management of diabetes by Oral Hypoglycemic Agent (OHA) (p < 0.05). WC was
      significantly associated with age, income and management of diabetes by OHA and
      insulin (p < 0.05). Where, WHR was significantly associated only with duration of
      diabetes (p < 0.05). WHtR was significantly associated with age (p < 0.05),
      management of diabetes by OHA (p < 0.05) and insulin (p < 0.05) in this analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of both overweight and obesity exists in diabetic
      women of reproductive age in Bangladesh and it seems to be associated with
      increasing age, income, duration of diabetes, and use of oral hypoglycemic
      agents.

PMID- 25113236
TI  - Migration protocol to estimate metal exposure from mouthing copper and tin alloy
      objects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low blood lead levels previously thought to pose no health risks may
      have an adverse impact on the cognitive development of children. This concern has
      given rise to new regulatory restrictions upon lead metal containing products
      intended for child use. However few reliable experimental testing methods to
      estimate exposure levels from these materials are available. METHODS: The present
      work describes a migration test using a mimetic saliva fluid to estimate the
      chronic exposure of children to metals such as lead while mouthing metallic
      objects. The surrogate saliva medium was composed of: 150 mM NaCl, 0.16% porcine
      Mucin and 5 mM buffer MOPS, adjusted to pH 7.2. Alloys samples, in the form of
      polished metallic disc of known surface area, were subjected to an eight hours
      test. RESULTS: Two whitemetal alloys Sn/Pb/Sb/Cu and three brass alloys Cu/Zn/Pb
      were tested using the saliva migration protocol. In the case of the whitemetal
      alloys, first order release kinetics resulting in the release of 0.03 and 0.51
      MUg lead/cm2 after 8 hours of tests were observed, for lead contents of 0.05
      0.07% and 5.5%, respectively. Brasses exhibited linear incremental release rates
      of 0.043, 0.175 and 0.243 MUg lead/cm2h for lead contents of 0.1-0.2%, 1.7-2.2%
      and 3.1-3.5%, respectively. The linear regression analysis of lead release rates
      relative to Pb content in brasses yielded a slope of 0.08 MUg lead/cm2h%Pb (r2 =
      0.92). Lead release rates were used to estimate the mean daily mouthing exposure
      of a child to lead, according to age-specific estimates of mouthing time
      behavior. Calculated daily intakes were used as oral inputs for the IEUBK
      toxicokinetic model, predicting only marginal changes in blood lead levels (0.2
      MUg lead/dL or less) for children aged 0.5 to 1 years old exposed to either class
      of alloy. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study as a whole support the use of
      migration data of metal ions, rather than total metal content, to estimate health
      risk from exposure to metals and metal alloys substances in children.

PMID- 25113237
TI  - Combination of classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT)
      analysis to study the psychometric properties of the French version of the
      Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to examine the construct validity and reliability of
      the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (Q-LES-Q
      SF) according to both classical test and item response theories. METHOD: The
      psychometric properties of the French version of this instrument were
      investigated in a cross-sectional, multicenter study. A total of 124 outpatients
      with a substance dependence diagnosis participated in the study. Psychometric
      evaluation included descriptive analysis, internal consistency, test-retest
      reliability, and validity. The dimensionality of the instrument was explored
      using a combination of the classical test, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA),
      and an item response theory analysis, the Person Separation Index (PSI), in a
      complementary manner. RESULTS: The results of the Q-LES-Q-SF revealed that the
      questionnaire was easy to administer and the acceptability was good. The internal
      consistency and the test-retest reliability were 0.9 and 0.88, respectively. All
      items were significantly correlated with the total score and the SF-12 used in
      the study. The CFA with one factor model was good, and for the unidimensional
      construct, the PSI was found to be 0.902. CONCLUSION: The French version of the Q
      LES-Q-SF yielded valid and reliable clinical assessments of the quality of life
      for future research and clinical practice involving French substance abusers. In
      response to recent questioning regarding the unidimensionality or
      bidimensionality of the instrument and according to the underlying theoretical
      unidimensional construct used for its development, this study suggests the Q-LES
      Q-SF as a one-dimension questionnaire in French QoL studies.

PMID- 25113239
TI  - Chaotic oscillation and random-number generation based on nanoscale optical
      energy transfer.
AB  - By using nanoscale energy-transfer dynamics and density matrix formalism, we
      demonstrate theoretically and numerically that chaotic oscillation and random
      number generation occur in a nanoscale system. The physical system consists of a
      pair of quantum dots (QDs), with one QD smaller than the other, between which
      energy transfers via optical near-field interactions. When the system is pumped
      by continuous-wave radiation and incorporates a timing delay between two energy
      transfers within the system, it emits optical pulses. We refer to such QD pairs
      as nano-optical pulsers (NOPs). Irradiating an NOP with external periodic optical
      pulses causes the oscillating frequency of the NOP to synchronize with the
      external stimulus. We find that chaotic oscillation occurs in the NOP population
      when they are connected by an external time delay. Moreover, by evaluating the
      time-domain signals by statistical-test suites, we confirm that the signals are
      sufficiently random to qualify the system as a random-number generator (RNG).
      This study reveals that even relatively simple nanodevices that interact locally
      with each other through optical energy transfer at scales far below the
      wavelength of irradiating light can exhibit complex oscillatory dynamics. These
      findings are significant for applications such as ultrasmall RNGs. 

PMID- 25113240
TI  - A mini me?: exploring early childhood diet with stable isotope ratio analysis
      using primary teeth dentin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Reconstruct childhood diet using teeth collected in Edmonton in a
      collaborative effort between the Departments of Dentistry and Anthropology at the
      University of Alberta. METHODS: Deciduous teeth needing extraction were collected
      from 33 children for stable isotope ratio analysis of diet. Tooth dentin was
      microsampled in three locations using a newly developed technique to reconstruct
      the changing pattern of participants' diet through early childhood including
      breastfeeding practices. RESULTS: The microsampling method can reconstruct diet
      with tiny samples (0.3 mg). The results reconstruct fetal isotope ratios, which
      showed significant variation. delta(15)N values indicate some children were being
      breastfed (7/17), while others were likely bottle fed (10/17). Surprisingly, the
      early childhood results do not show the range of diets expected in adults based
      on known eating habits. Toddler diets form a tight cluster implying diets of
      similar isotopic composition in almost all of the households despite potential
      cultural and class distinctions (delta(15)N values 11-11.50/00, delta(13)C values
      around -180/00). The delta(13)C values show a strong C3 dependence for most
      children, a two outliers show C4 (-120/00) dependence indicating a possible corn
      based diet. CONCLUSIONS: Microsampling can potentially track each child's diet
      through early childhood. For this group of children, both breastfeeding and
      bottle feeding was practiced. However, the percent of breastfed infants was less
      than reported Canadian rates. Surprisingly, the choice to breastfeed or to bottle
      feed was not linked to the choice of toddler diet. All toddler diets were
      narrower in scope than adult diets.

PMID- 25113238
TI  - Predictors of changes in physical, psychosocial, sexual quality of life, and
      comfort with food after obesity surgery: a 12-month follow-up study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although obesity surgery provides significant postoperative improvement
      in quality of life (QoL), it is still unclear which factors might predict
      improvement in QoL after surgery. We aimed to determine which factors might
      predict changes in physical, psychosocial, sexual QoL, and comfort with food 12
      months after surgery, by putting to the test a QoL model based on Wilson and
      Cleary's model. METHODS: We included 126 obese patients (48.4% had gastric
      banding, 34.1% had sleeve gastrectomy, and 17.5% had gastric bypass). At
      baseline, we assessed QoL (Quality of Life, Obesity and Dietetics rating scale),
      BMI, depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and binge eating (Bulimic
      Investigatory Test, Edinburgh). At 12 months, we assessed QoL and BMI. To
      determine the predictors for changes in each QoL dimension after surgery, we used
      linear mixed models adjusted for preoperative age, BMI, time, type of surgery,
      preoperative binge eating severity, and preoperative depression severity.
      RESULTS: After 12 months, we found significant improvement in physical,
      psychosocial, sexual QoL, but not in comfort with food. Increased weight loss was
      associated with better improvement in physical and psychosocial QoL. Higher
      preoperative depression severity predicted poorer improvement in physical,
      psychosocial, and sexual QoL. Higher preoperative binge eating severity predicted
      poorer improvement in psychosocial, sexual QoL, and comfort with food.
      CONCLUSIONS: In addition to weight loss, preoperative levels of binge eating and
      depression should be considered as important predictors for QoL changes after
      bariatric surgery. Screening and treatment for preoperative depression and binge
      eating might improve QoL after bariatric surgery.

PMID- 25113241
TI  - Effect of clodronate treatment on risk of fracture: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - A systematic review and a meta-analysis of data of literature were performed to
      evaluate the efficacy of clodronate in the reduction of risk of fractures in
      patients with osteoporosis or tumour diseases. A systematic review was conducted
      to identify original articles, reviews, and any other literature report suitable
      for the purposes of the meta-analysis, limited to prospective randomized trials
      that included a placebo or an untreated control arm. The search has identified 18
      trials, 13 of which in patients with cancer diseases (breast cancer and multiple
      myeloma were prevalent), 4 in patients with osteoporosis/low BMD, and 1 in
      elderly women living in community. A placebo control arm was used in 13 trials.
      Treatment and follow-up duration ranged from 3 months to 5 years. The meta
      analysis showed that treatment with clodronate was associated with a reduction of
      the probability of new fractures compared with controls (OR = 0.572, 95% CI 0.465
      0.704 for new vertebral fractures; OR = 0.668, 95% CI 0.494-0.905 for new non
      vertebral fractures; and OR = 0.744, 95% CI 0.635-0.873 for new overall fractures
      in those articles where vertebral and non-vertebral new fractures were not
      considered separately). Similar findings were observed in the separate analysis
      in patients with cancer forms or osteoporosis. The results of the meta-analysis
      have demonstrated that clodronate is effective in reducing the risk of vertebral,
      non-vertebral, and overall fractures in patients with skeletal fragility.

PMID- 25113242
TI  - The relevance of rhythmical alternation in language processing: an ERP study on
      English compounds.
AB  - This study investigates the influence of rhythmic expectancies on language
      processing. It is assumed that language rhythm involves an alternation of strong
      and weak beats within a linguistic domain. Hence, in some contexts rhythmically
      induced stress shifts occur in order to comply with the Rhythm Rule. In English,
      this rule operates to prevent clashes of stressed adjacent syllables or lapses of
      adjacent unstressed syllables. While previous studies investigated effects on
      speech production and perception, this study focuses on brain responses to
      structures either obeying or deviating from this rule. Event-related potentials
      show that rhythmic regularity is relevant for language processing: rhythmic
      deviations evoked different ERP components reflecting the deviance from rhythmic
      expectancies. An N400 effect found for shifted items reflects higher costs in
      lexical processing due to stress deviation. The overall results disentangle
      lexical and rhythmical influences on language processing and complement the
      findings of previous studies on rhythmical processing. 

PMID- 25113243
TI  - The Sphagnum microbiome supports bog ecosystem functioning under extreme
      conditions.
AB  - Sphagnum-dominated bogs represent a unique yet widely distributed type of
      terrestrial ecosystem and strongly contribute to global biosphere functioning.
      Sphagnum is colonized by highly diverse microbial communities, but less is known
      about their function. We identified a high functional diversity within the
      Sphagnum microbiome applying an Illumina-based metagenomic approach followed by
      de novo assembly and MG-RAST annotation. An interenvironmental comparison
      revealed that the Sphagnum microbiome harbours specific genetic features that
      distinguish it significantly from microbiomes of higher plants and peat soils.
      The differential traits especially support ecosystem functioning by a symbiotic
      lifestyle under poikilohydric and ombrotrophic conditions. To realise a
      plasticity-stability balance, we found abundant subsystems responsible to cope
      with oxidative and drought stresses, to exchange (mobile) genetic elements, and
      genes that encode for resistance to detrimental environmental factors, repair and
      self-controlling mechanisms. Multiple microbe-microbe and plant-microbe
      interactions were also found to play a crucial role as indicated by diverse genes
      necessary for biofilm formation, interaction via quorum sensing and nutrient
      exchange. A high proportion of genes involved in nitrogen cycle and recycling of
      organic material supported the role of bacteria for nutrient supply. 16S rDNA
      analysis indicated a higher structural diversity than that which had been
      previously detected using PCR-dependent techniques. Altogether, the diverse
      Sphagnum microbiome has the ability to support the life of the host plant and the
      entire ecosystem under changing environmental conditions. Beyond this, the moss
      microbiome presents a promising bio-resource for environmental biotechnology -
      with respect to novel enzymes or stress-protecting bacteria.

PMID- 25113244
TI  - The relationship between glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms, stressful life
      events, social support, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is debatable whether or not glucocorticoid receptor (GR)
      polymorphisms moderate susceptibility to PTSD. Our objective was to examine the
      effects of stressful life events, social support, GR genotypes, and gene
      environment interactions on the etiology of PTSD. METHODS: Three tag single
      nucleotide polymorphisms, trauma events, stressful life events, and social
      support were assessed in 460 patients with PTSD and 1158 control subjects from a
      Chinese Han population. Gene-environment interactions were analyzed by
      generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR). RESULTS: Variation in GR
      at rs41423247 and rs258747, stressful life events, social support, and the number
      of traumatic events were each separately associated with the risk for PTSD. A
      gene-environment interaction among the polymorphisms, rs41423247 and rs258747,
      the number of traumatic events, stressful life events, and social support
      resulted in an increased risk for PTSD. High-risk individuals (a large number of
      traumatic events, G allele of rs258747 and rs41423247, high level stressful life
      events, and low social support) had a 3.26-fold increased risk of developing PTSD
      compared to low-risk individuals. The association was statistically significant
      in the sub-groups with and without childhood trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      support the notion that stressful life events, the number of trauma events, and
      social support may play a contributing role in the risk for PTSD by interacting
      with GR gene polymorphisms.

PMID- 25113245
TI  - Incidence and risk factors for AIDS-related mortality in HIV patients in China: a
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To estimate the incidence and risk factors for mortality in HIV-1
      infected patients in China. METHODS: Information on AIDS-related deaths was
      collected from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Disease
      Surveillance Information Reporting System and AIDS Prevention and Control
      Information System. RESULTS: A total of 379,348 HIV cases were recorded in the
      databases from 2006. Among those, 138,288 patients were reported as having
      developed AIDS and 72,616 (19%) died of AIDS after data was extracted from the
      databases in January 2011. Mortality was higher among those patients aged 50
      years old or older (AOR: 3.41, CI: 1.47-7.91) who had been infected by
      intravenous drug use (AOR: 1.65, CI: 1.28-2.14) or blood transfusion/donation
      (AOR: 2.18: 1.18-3.99). Compared to patients who had not initiated highly active
      antiretroviral therapy (HAART), those who had initiated HAART were more likely to
      have a long interval of time between infection confirmation and AIDS-related
      death. CONCLUSIONS: The effective reduction of AIDS mortality could be improved
      through timely treatment.

PMID- 25113246
TI  - Intravitreal bevacizumab versus posterior subtenon triamcinolone in diffuse
      diabetic macular edema.
AB  - The aim of the study was to compare intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) and posterior
      subtenon triamcinolone (PST) as an adjunct to laser treatment in diffuse diabetic
      macular edema (Diffuse DME). Prospective-randomized control trial of 30 eyes of
      30 diabetic patients having Diffuse DME with maximum retinal thickness (MRT) was
      more than or equal to 350 um. The subjects were randomly allocated into two
      groups. Group A (12 eyes) received IVB and group B received PST (18 patients)
      before laser treatment. Grid laser treatment was done when the MRT decreased to
      less than 350 um. OCT thickness-guided repeat injections were given if required.
      The patients had minimum follow-up of 6 months. At 6-month follow-up, the two
      groups were compared for (1) Maximum change in visual acuity letter score using
      logMAR chart (2) Reduction in MRT on OCT. The mean logMAR visual acuity at
      baseline was 0.63 +/- 0.45 (0-1.6) in group A and was 0.76 +/- 0.38 (0.2-1.3) in
      group B. The mean logMAR visual acuity at 6 month in group A was 0.34 +/- 0.21 (0
      0.6) and in group B was 0.64 +/- 0.37 (0.3-1.3). The mean visual acuity at last
      follow-up was significantly better in group A than group B (p = 0.02). The mean
      change in MRT in Group A and Group B was 177.8 +/- 85.64 and 156.07 +/- 102.86,
      respectively, which was significantly better than the baseline in both the groups
      and was comparable in both groups. The study provides evidence to support the use
      of IVB over PST in diffuse diabetic macular edema.

PMID- 25113247
TI  - Au@Pt nanoparticle encapsulated target-responsive hydrogel with volumetric bar
      chart chip readout for quantitative point-of-care testing.
AB  - Point-of-care testing (POCT) with the advantages of speed, simplicity,
      portability, and low cost is critical for the measurement of analytes in a
      variety of environments where access to laboratory infrastructure is lacking.
      While qualitative POCTs are widely available, quantitative POCTs present
      significant challenges. Here we describe a novel method that integrates an Au
      core/Pt shell nanoparticle (Au@PtNP) encapsulated target-responsive hydrogel with
      a volumetric bar-chart chip (V-Chip) for quantitative POCT. Upon target
      introduction, the hydrogel immediately dissolves and releases Au@PtNPs, which can
      efficiently catalyze the decomposition of H2 O2 to generate a large volume of O2
      to move of an ink bar in the V-Chip. The concentration of the target introduced
      can be visually quantified by reading the traveling distance of the ink bar. This
      method has the potential to be used for portable and quantitative detection of a
      wide range of targets without any external instrument. 

PMID- 25113248
TI  - Focal adhesion kinase inhibitors in the treatment of metastatic cancer: a patent
      review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays a prominent role in integrin
      signaling. FAK activation increases phosphorylation of Tyr397 and other sites of
      the protein. FAK-dependent activation of signaling pathways implicated in
      controlling essential cellular functions including growth, proliferation,
      survival and migration. FERM (F for the 4.1 protein, ezrin, radixin and moesin)
      domain-enhanced p53 degradation plays a critical role in proliferation and
      survival. FAK, overexpressed in metastatic tumors, has emerged as an important
      therapeutic target for the development of selective inhibitors. FAK inhibitors
      achieved tumor growth inhibition and induced apoptosis. Strategies targeting FAK
      inhibition using novel compounds have created an exciting opportunity for
      anticancer therapy. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the current research
      with available data from early phase clinical trials and discusses the available
      small-molecule inhibitors of FAK from patents. The importance of inhibiting FAK
      activity in cancer patients is discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Emerging data from
      clinical trials with orally available small-molecule inhibitors of FAK are
      promising. Although this approach is appropriate as a targeted therapeutic
      approach against several metastatic cancer types, several compounds in research
      are yet to prove their preclinical efficacy. This report lays special emphasis on
      the available patent data of FAK inhibitors for such targeted molecular
      therapies. This review summarizes current knowledge about FAK inhibition in
      cancer therapy.

PMID- 25113249
TI  - The prognosis significance of TGF-beta1 and ER protein in cervical adenocarcinoma
      patients with stage Ib~IIa.
AB  - The incidence of stage Ib~IIa of cervical adenocarcinoma accounts about 60 to 70%
      of all patients. This study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of
      protein estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and transforming growth factor beta 1
      (TGF-beta1) level in different glandular epithelia of the cervix. In this study,
      immunohistochemistry was used to detect ERalpha and TGF-beta1 in carcinomas and
      incisal margins of 66 cases with cervical adenocarcinoma, 20 cases with normal
      cervix, and 20 cases with chronic cervicitis. Uni- and multivariate analysis was
      applied to evaluate the prognostic significance of TGF-beta1 and ERalpha in
      carcinomas. The results indicated that the positive expression of TGF-beta1 in
      carcinomas was 71.21%, significantly higher compared to that in the normal cervix
      (35%) and chronic cervicitis (55%) (chi(2) = 8.901, P = 0.012). Similarly, the
      positive expression of ERalpha in the carcinomas was 68.18%, significantly higher
      compared to the normal cervix (35%) and chronic cervicitis (50%) (chi(2) = 7.693,
      P = 0.021). Both TGF-beta1 and ERalpha in the carcinomas were associated with the
      vaginal recurrence, infection of HPV, depth of infiltration, and lymphatic
      metastasis (P < 0.05). The conjugation of TGF-beta1 and ERalpha was an
      independent prognostic factor for cervical adenocarcinoma. Survival curve showed
      that the positive TGF-beta1 and ERalpha indicated a short lifetime of patient
      with cervical adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, the expression of TGF-beta1 and
      ERalpha protein in the carcinomas had a significant prognostic value in a patient
      of stage Ib~IIa in cervical adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 25113250
TI  - Fucoxanthin induces apoptosis in human cervical cancer cell line HeLa via
      PI3K/Akt pathway.
AB  - Cervical cancer (CC) is a malignant neoplasm arising from cells originating in
      the cervix uteri, among the top causes of death from cancer in women. In a gene
      expression profiling study of metabolic response to treatment, PI3K/Akt signaling
      pathway are associated with the development of CC. A common mechanism of Akt
      activation seen in cancer types is alterations in the upstream regulators of Akt
      such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which is overexpressed in cervical
      cancer tissues, and leads to phosphorylation of Akt. Both PI3K and Akt inhibitors
      exist and may be therapeutically valuable. In the present study, we use MTT assay
      and western blot for the high-throughput screening to select specific inhibitors
      of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and then obtain fucoxanthin. Fucoxanthin is a
      water-soluble dietary fiber, taken from the unique slimy component of alginic
      cells. Various studies have pointed out that fucoxanthin is very effective for
      the treatment of cancer. Our results have shown that fucoxanthin induced a
      significant apoptosis of HeLa cells, compared with other candidates. After
      treatment with fucoxanthin for 24 h, the level of phosphorylation was inhibited
      in a dose-dependent manner, and the proteins of apoptotic markers were changed in
      HeLa cells. And fucoxanthin could suppress tumor growth in vivo. In addition, the
      mitochondrial signal transduction pathway maybe was involved in its mechanism and
      NF-kappaB activation was decreased after treatment with fucoxanthin. Therefore,
      fucoxanthin may be used as anti-cervical cancer drugs in the future.

PMID- 25113251
TI  - Association between the XPD/ERCC2 Lys751Gln polymorphism and risk of cancer:
      evidence from 224 case-control studies.
AB  - Genetic variations in the xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) gene may increase
      cancer susceptibility by affecting the capacity for DNA repair. A lot of studies
      have reported the association of XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism with risk of cancer,
      but the results remained controversial. Hence, we performed a systematic review
      and conducted a meta-analysis to explore association of the XPD Lys751Gln
      polymorphism with risk of cancer (78,398 cases and 103,178 controls from 224
      studies). Overall, a significantly increased cancer risk was found in all genetic
      models (dominant model: odds ratio (OR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) =
      1.06-1.14; recessive model: OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.05-1.15; homozygous model: OR =
      1.14, 95% CI = 1.08-1.21; heterozygous model: OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.05-1.12;
      additive model: OR = 1.08, 95% CI= 1.05-1.11) when all eligible studies were
      pooled into the meta-analysis. In further stratified and sensitivity analyses,
      the elevated risk of cancer remained for subgroups of breast cancer, esophageal
      cancer, hepatocellular cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, and melanoma. In summary,
      this meta-analysis suggests the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism is a genetic
      susceptibility for some cancer types. Moreover, ethnicity, histological type of
      cancer, and smokers seem to contribute to varying expressions of the Lys751Gln on
      some cancer risk. In addition, our work also points out the importance of new
      studies for Lys751Gln association in endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, where
      at least some of the covariates responsible for heterogeneity could be
      controlled, to obtain a more conclusive understanding about the function of the
      Lys751Gln polymorphism in cancer development.

PMID- 25113252
TI  - COX-2 overexpression and -8473 T/C polymorphism in 3' UTR in non-small cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - A new class of compounds targeting cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) together with other
      different clinically used therapeutic strategies has recently shown a promise for
      the chemoprevention of several solid tumors including lung cancer. The aim was to
      study the possible role of COX-2 -8473 T/C NP and its expression in the
      pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer. One hundred ninety non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and 200 healthy age-, sex-, and smoking-matched
      controls were used for polymorphic analysis, and 48 histopathologically confirmed
      NSCLC patients were analyzed for COX-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein
      expression. Our results showed that the frequencies of variant genotypes 8473
      CT/CC were significantly less common in the cases (30.0%) than in the controls
      (36%), suggesting that the 8473 C variant allele is related with lower
      susceptibility in NSCLC (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.54-1.4). However, the frequency of
      COX-2 -8473 TC and CC genotypes were significantly associated with age in NSCLC
      (P = 0.02). Quantitative real-time expression analysis showed a significant
      increase in the COX-2 mRNA in tumor tissues as compared to their adjacent normal
      tissues [delta cycle threshold (DeltaCT) = 9.25 +/- 4.67 vs 5.63 +/- 3.85, P =
      0.0001]. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the COX-2
      expression was associated significantly with age (P = 0.044). Also, an increasing
      trend was observed in stages I and II and in female patients compared to stages
      III and IV and male patients, respectively, but no statistical significance was
      observed. However, COX-2 mRNA expression shown no association with the -8473 C
      variant allele. Our findings indicate that the COX-2 T8473C polymorphism may
      contribute to NSCLC cancer susceptibility in the Kashmiri population, while our
      expression analysis revealed a significant increase of COX-2 in tumor tissues as
      compared to their adjacent normal tissues, suggesting that it could become an
      important therapeutic marker in NSCLC in the future.

PMID- 25113253
TI  - Vascular marker expression during the development of various types of
      gynaecological malignancy.
AB  - Clinical diagnosis of gynaecological malignancies is usually successful in the
      advanced stages of the tumour, and this has a major impact on the success of
      therapy. Therefore, in the last few years, cancer research has tried to identify
      and characterise new biochemical and molecular markers needed as predictive
      indicators for the diagnosis of cancer. Our aim has been to search the molecular
      changes in gene expression of death receptor 6, glycoprotein M6B (Gpm6B) and
      genes associated with tumours of the female genital system. After isolation of
      messenger RNA (mRNA), transcription of mRNA into the cDNA was performed. The
      quantification of gene expression changes was detected using the reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Analysis at the protein
      level was performed using the Western blot method. In both methods, we used actin
      as a housekeeping gene for normalisation. Numerical quantification of changes in
      expression and in the level of the specific proteins was evaluated using the Data
      Syngene program. Significant changes in the levels of protein and mRNA expression
      were detected, mainly in the death receptor 6 (Dr6) gene of patients suffering
      from cancer of the corpus and cervix uteri and ovarian cancer, which also
      corresponded with the level of protein Dr6. At the level of transcription, a
      significant increase in the expression levels of mRNA for the Gpm6B gene was
      detected, which led to an increase in corresponding protein in the peripheral
      blood of patients with gynaecological tumours against the healthy control group.
      This article could help to find an adequate marker for clinical application that
      will enable more sensitive detection of the early stages of gynaecological
      malignancies from the peripheral blood of patients. 

PMID- 25113256
TI  - Core outcomes for reporting women's health.

PMID- 25113255
TI  - Comment on Zhuang YF et al.: impact of vascular endothelial growth factor
      expression on overall survival in patients with osteosarcoma: a meta-analysis.

PMID- 25113254
TI  - A functional and protein-protein interaction analysis of neuroepithelial cell
      transforming gene 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - In our previous study, we reported that the expression of neuroepithelial
      transforming gene 1 (NET1) was increased in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      tissues and suggested that NET1 may serve as a novel prognostic predictor and a
      useful target for HCC therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the role of
      NET1 in HCC by monitoring the proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis
      of HCC cells in which NET1 has been stably knocked down. Additionally, to provide
      targets for therapeutic intervention, we aimed to identify the protein which
      interacts with NET1. NET1 knockdown significantly reduced the migration,
      invasion, and metastasis of MHCC-97H cells by 44, 65, and 77%, respectively,
      while cell proliferation was not significantly altered following NET1 knockdown.
      During our efforts to find potential NET1 modulators through protein-protein
      interactions, we identified merlin as a NET1-binding protein in a yeast two
      hybrid screen. The interaction between NET1 and merlin was confirmed by co
      immunoprecipitation. We found that the levels of NET1 protein decreased along
      with the increase of merlin levels. Furthermore, we demonstrated that merlin
      facilitates NET1 ubiquitination via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Taken
      together, this study suggests that NET1 plays an important role in HCC cell
      migration, invasion, and metastasis, which are key aspects of HCC progression.
      Furthermore, merlin may serve as a tumor suppressor for HCC by facilitating
      ubiquitination of NET1.

PMID- 25113258
TI  - Intraoperative powdered vancomycin use with paddle lead placement.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This is a prospective case-control study that was conducted to
      determine if the addition of intraoperative powdered vancomycin placed directly
      into the wounds at the time of closure might decrease the rate of acute
      postoperative infection after the placement of spinal cord stimulator paddle
      leads. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the author's practice
      from January 1, 2009 through July 31, 2012 (Table 1) showed that those patients
      requiring a laminectomy instead of a laminotomy to insert a paddle lead had an
      increased rate of acute postop infection. All patients receiving a thoracic
      spinal cord stimulator paddle from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 were
      then followed prospectively. Those patients whose paddle leads could be inserted
      with a laminotomy were treated in a standard fashion. Those patients who required
      a laminectomy for insertion of the paddle lead received powdered vancomycin
      placed directly into the wounds prior to closure. RESULTS: One hundred and nine
      patients underwent implantation of a permanent spinal cord stimulator paddle lead
      and battery between January 1 and December 31, 2013. Thirty-two of those patients
      required a laminectomy for implantation of the paddle and received intraoperative
      powdered vancomycin placed directly into both wounds at the time of closure. The
      remaining 77 patients were treated in a standard fashion. There were no
      infections in the laminectomy group and two infections in the laminotomy group.
      CONCLUSION: This study indicates that intraoperative powdered vancomycin placed
      directly into the wounds at the time of closure can produce similar infection
      rates between the groups of patients requiring a laminectomy vs. a laminotomy for
      implantation of a thoracic paddle lead. These findings need confirmation by a
      randomized controlled design study.

PMID- 25113257
TI  - Cystoprostatectomy versus prostatectomy alone for locally advanced or recurrent
      pelvic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is minimal published data evaluating the oncological outcome of
      rectal resection with prostatectomy alone versus rectal resection with
      cystoprostatectomy in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration for locally
      advanced or recurrent pelvic cancer. This study aims to evaluate the oncological
      and functional outcomes of performing rectal resection with prostatectomy alone
      compared with rectal resection with cystoprostatectomy in patients undergoing
      pelvic exenteration. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing pelvic exenteration
      for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic cancer between 1998 and 2012 were
      identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patients undergoing rectal
      resection with prostatectomy alone were compared with a control group who
      underwent rectal resection with cystoprostatectomy and urostomy formation. The
      primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes analysed in the
      prostatectomy group included completeness of resection, continence and erectile
      function. RESULTS: Eleven rectal resections with prostatectomy were compared with
      20 rectal resections with cystoprostatectomy. R0 resection was achieved in 73 and
      65% respectively. There was no difference in overall survival (P = 0.40). Urinary
      continence was achieved in 36% of prostatectomy alone patients, while 27%
      experienced mild incontinence. Erectile function was poor, with only one patient
      able to maintain normal erections. CONCLUSION: In appropriately selected patients
      with invasive pelvic tumours, rectal resection with prostatectomy alone provides
      adequate oncological outcomes. The ability to achieve an R0 resection was not
      compromised and overall survival is comparable with cystoprostatectomy. Urinary
      function is reasonable in most patients, although sexual function is compromised
      in almost all.

PMID- 25113259
TI  - Clinical and radiologic evaluation of arthroscopic medial meniscus root tear
      refixation: comparison of the modified Mason-Allen stitch and simple stitches.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study compared the clinical and radiologic outcomes of arthroscopic
      medial meniscus root refixation using the modified Mason-Allen stitch and simple
      stitches. METHODS: The outcomes of 25 patients who underwent arthroscopic
      meniscus root refixation using the modified Mason-Allen stitch (M group) between
      June 2010 and January 2012 were compared with those of 25 matched control
      patients (S group) who underwent meniscus root refixation using simple stitches
      between March 2004 and August 2007. The Lysholm score, International Knee
      Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form score, joint space narrowing, and
      Kellgren-Lawrence grade were assessed. Medial meniscal extrusion, progression of
      cartilage degeneration, and healing status of the refixed medial meniscus root
      were assessed on magnetic resonance images. RESULTS: No between-group difference
      was found in age, sex, body mass index, or preoperative patient characteristics.
      The mean follow-up times for the M and S groups were 24.1 and 25.9 months (P =
      .248), respectively. The Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee
      Subjective Knee Form, and Tegner activity scores improved significantly in both
      groups. The repaired root tended to heal better in the M group than in the S
      group (P = .065). Although the postoperative clinical outcomes did not differ
      between the groups, postoperative medial meniscal extrusion decreased -0.6 +/-
      0.9 mm in the M group and increased 1 +/- 0.6 mm in the S group on magnetic
      resonance imaging (P < .001). The M group did not show significant progression in
      the Kellgren-Lawrence grade and cartilage degeneration (P = .083 and P = .317,
      respectively), whereas both measures increased significantly in the S group (P =
      .008 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with simple stitches, the
      modified Mason-Allen stitch improved the degree of meniscal extrusion, although
      the 2 different suture techniques showed no difference in clinical outcomes at
      short-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative
      study.

PMID- 25113261
TI  - Resistance to the antiproliferative effect induced by a short-chain ceramide is
      associated with an increase of glucosylceramide synthase, P-glycoprotein, and
      multidrug-resistance gene-1 in cervical cancer cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ceramide is glycosylated to glucosylceramide or lactosylceramide, and
      this glycosylation is a novel multidrug-resistance (MDR) mechanism. In this work,
      a short-chain ceramide (C6), lactosylceramide (LacCer), and an inhibitor of
      ceramide glycosylation (D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-1-propanol, PDMP) were
      evaluated on the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. The participation of
      glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and multidrug-resistance
      gene-1 (MDR-1) in the resistance to the antiproliferative effect induced by C6
      was also evaluated. METHODS: Cell proliferation was determined by crystal violet
      staining. GCS and MDR-1 mRNA expression was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR assay.
      GCS and P-gp protein expressions, as well as Rhodamine 123 uptake, which is a
      functional test for P-gp efflux activity, were determined by flow cytometry.
      RESULTS: C6 inhibited proliferation of CaLo and CasKi cells with an IC50 of 2.5
      MUM; however, 50% proliferation of ViBo cells was inhibited with 10 MUM. LacCer
      increased the proliferation of all cells. When cells were treated with PDMP plus
      C6, no additional effect on antiproliferation induced by C6 was observed in CaLo
      and CasKi cells; however, proliferation diminished in comparison with C6 alone in
      ViBo cells. C6 increased GCS and MDR-1 expression in all cells, as well as P-gp
      expression in CasKi cells. CONCLUSIONS: Cells that have more capacity to
      glycosylate ceramide and express a higher level of GCS, MDR-1, and P-gp, are more
      resistant to the antiproliferative effect induced by C6.

PMID- 25113262
TI  - Combined effects of the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin-LR and environmental
      factors on life-history traits of indigenous cladoceran Moina macrocopa.
AB  - Environmental factors are important in that they might interact with toxicants
      and could affect the concentration-response relationship of the toxicants in the
      water environment. Microcystins (MCs) produced by algal blooming are natural
      toxins that exert severe impacts on aquatic organisms. Despite the possibility of
      interaction effects between environmental factors and MCs, very few studies have
      been carried out to date. In the present study, the authors evaluated the effect
      of 3 environmental factors on chronic toxicity of MC-leucine-arginine (MC-LR; 0
      ug/L, 0.8 ug/L, 4 ug/L, 20 ug/L, 100 ug/L, 500 ug/L) to the freshwater
      invertebrate Moina macrocopa. Three environmental factors were determined to
      reflect the reasonable worst conditions of the water body in South Korea: high
      water temperature (25  degrees C), the highest concentration of nutrients
      (ammonia-nitrogen [NH3 -N] = 3.8 mg/L; nitrate-nitrogen [NO3 -N] = 8.5 mg/L)
      during the occurrence of algal bloom, and 2 pH conditions of 7.0 and 9.0, which
      satisfy the test acceptance criteria for the Daphnia test. Among the various
      environmental factors being tested, high water temperature and NO3 -N elevated
      chronic toxicity of MC-LR, whereas NH3 -N reduced toxicity. Water pH did not
      influence chronic toxicity of MC-LR to M. macrocopa. This observation suggests
      that those environmental factors are responsible for changing the trend of MC-LR
      toxicity.

PMID- 25113263
TI  - Hydrogel doped with nanoparticles for local sustained release of siRNA in breast
      cancer.
AB  - Of all the much hyped and pricy cancer drugs, the benefits from the promising
      siRNA small molecule drugs are limited. Lack of efficient delivery vehicles that
      would release the drug locally, protect it from degradation, and ensure high
      transfection efficiency, precludes it from fulfilling its full potential. This
      work presents a novel platform for local and sustained delivery of siRNA with
      high transfection efficiencies both in vitro and in vivo in a breast cancer mice
      model. siRNA protection and high transfection efficiency are enabled by their
      encapsulation in oligopeptide-terminated poly(beta-aminoester) (pBAE)
      nanoparticles. Sustained delivery of the siRNA is achieved by the enhanced
      stability of the nanoparticles when embedded in a hydrogel scaffold based on
      polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer cross-linked with dextran aldehyde. The
      combination of oligopeptide-terminated pBAE polymers and biodegradable hydrogels
      shows improved transfection efficiency in vivo even when compared with the most
      potent commercially available transfection reagents. These results highlight the
      advantage of using composite materials for successful delivery of these highly
      promising small molecules to combat cancer.

PMID- 25113260
TI  - Impact of transpulmonary thermodilution-based cardiac contractility and
      extravascular lung water measurements on clinical outcome of patients with
      Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective
      observational study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a life-threatening systemic
      consequence early after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but precise hemodynamics
      and related outcome have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate the TCM-induced cardiac function by transpulmonary thermodilution and
      its impact on clinical outcome of SAH. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 46
      consecutive postoperative SAH patients who developed TCM. Patients were divided
      into two groups of echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <
      40% (TCM with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction) and LVEF >=40% (TCM without LV
      dysfunction). Cardiac function index (CFI) and extravascular lung water index
      (ELWI) were monitored by transpulmonary thermodilution, in parallel with serial
      measurements of echocardiographic parameters and blood biochemical markers.
      RESULTS: Transpulmonary thermodilution-derived cardiac function index (CFI) was
      significantly correlated with (LVEF) (r = 0.82, P < 0.0001). The CFI between day
      0 to day 7 was significantly lower in patients with LV dysfunction (LVEF <40%)
      than in patients with LVEF >=40% (P < 0.05). CFI had a better ability than
      cardiac output to detect cardiac dysfunction (LVEF < 40%) (area under the curve:
      0.85 +/- 0.02; P < 0.001). A CFI value of < 4.2 min-1 had a sensitivity of 82%
      and specificity of 84% for detecting LVEF <40%. The CFI < 4.2 min-1 was
      associated with delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) (odds ratio (OR), 2.14; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 1.33-2.86; P = 0.004) and poor 3-month functional
      outcome on modified Rankin Scale of 4-6 (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.06-3.29; P = 0.02).
      An extravascular lung water index (ELWI) > 14 mL/kg after day 4 increased the
      risk of poor functional outcome at 3-month follow-up (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.11
      3.97; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged cardiac dysfunction and pulmonary edema
      increased the risk of DCI and poor 3-month functional outcome in patients with
      SAH suffering from TCM. Serial measurements of CFI and ELWI by transpulmonary
      thermodilution may provide an easy bedside method of detecting early changes of
      the cardiopulmonary function in directing proper post-SAH treatment.

PMID- 25113265
TI  - Editor's Spotlight/Take 5: Small improvements in mechanical axis alignment
      achieved with MRI versus CT-based patient-specific instruments in TKA: a
      randomized clinical trial.

PMID- 25113267
TI  - Letter to the editor: anconeus interposition arthroplasty: mid- to long-term
      results.

PMID- 25113266
TI  - Does patient sex affect the anatomic relationships between the sternoclavicular
      joint and posterior vascular structures?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite increased concern for injury during surgical reconstruction
      of the sternoclavicular joint, to our knowledge there are few studies detailing
      the vascular relationships adjacent to the joint. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We
      investigated sex differences in the following relationships for sternoclavicular
      joint reconstruction: (1) safe distance from the posterior surface of the medial
      clavicle's medial and lateral segments to the major vessels, (2) length of the
      first costal cartilage and safe distance from the first rib to the internal
      mammary artery, (3) minimum distance medial to the sternoclavicular joint for
      optimal hole placement, and (4) safe distance from the manubrium to the great
      vessels. METHODS: Fifty normal postcontrast CT scans of the chest were reviewed.
      Means, standard deviations, and 95% CI were calculated for each aforementioned
      measurement. A t-test was used to determine if a sex difference exists (p<=0.05).
      RESULTS: At the medial end of the clavicle, the safe distance from the medial
      segment (first 10 mm) to the major vessels was greater in males than in females
      (3.5 mm versus 2.4 mm, respectively; 95% CI, 3 mm-4 mm versus 1.7 mm-3 mm,
      respectively; p=0.014). For the lateral segment (next 10 mm), the distance also
      was safer in males than in females (3.3 mm versus 1.7 mm, respectively; 95% CI,
      2.7 mm-4 mm versus 1.1 mm-2.3 mm, respectively; p<0.001). The mean length of the
      first costal cartilage also was greater in males (35.8 mm versus 30.1 mm,
      respectively; 95% CI, 33.8 mm-37.8 mm versus 28.5 mm-31.9 mm, respectively;
      p<0.001); the distance from the first costochondral joint to the internal mammary
      artery was safer in males than in females (19.1 mm versus 15.4 mm, respectively;
      95% CI, 16.5 mm-21.8 mm versus 13 mm-17.9 mm, respectively; p=0.05). The minimum
      distance to avoid inadvertent penetration of the sternoclavicular joint was
      greater in males than in females (16 mm versus 12.3 mm, respectively; 95% CI,
      14.6 mm-17.5 mm versus 11 mm-13.6 mm, respectively; p<0.001). The distance to
      vessels after penetration of the manubrium was not different between males and
      females (5.6 mm versus 3.9, respectively; 95% CI, 4.4 mm-6.8 mm versus 2.6 mm-5.2
      mm, respectively; p=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: This study makes apparent the intimate
      relationships between vessels and the musculoskeletal structures associated with
      sternoclavicular reconstruction. Based on our findings, we recommend considering
      the sex of the patient, using caution when drilling, and protecting essential
      structures posterior to the joint.

PMID- 25113268
TI  - What is the work environment of orthopaedic surgeons in China?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physicians in China face heavy demands from patients and the
      government for services but deal with the threat of unpredictable legal and
      physical conflicts with patients, some ending with the death of doctors. More
      than 40 doctors and nurses have been killed by patients since 2001.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We sought to evaluate (1) the demographics of orthopaedic
      practice, (2) duty periods, (3) practice support, and (4) job satisfaction among
      orthopaedic surgeons in China. METHODS: Questionnaires were posted online at
      www.OrthoChina.org for download by orthopaedic surgeons in 2006 to 2007, and sent
      to those attending meetings in 2013. In 2013, a total of 1350 surgeons were
      invited and 456 participated in the survey at meetings. In 2007, during the
      period of the survey, 9759 individuals were qualified orthopaedic surgeons, and
      334 participated in the survey at www.OrthoChina.org . RESULTS: Ninety-one
      percent of orthopaedic surgeons work in public and 9% in private hospitals.
      Ninety-four percent work more than 8 hours per day 6 to 7 days a week. Twenty
      five percent work more than 12 hours per day 6 to 7 days a week without extra
      compensation. The majority of orthopaedic surgeons must work on national
      statutory holidays. Almost none received contractually mandated income for
      weekends and national holidays. Approximately 80% of participants reported an
      attack of some kind, including physical or psychologic harm. With respect to job
      satisfaction, 73% stated they would not choose to be a physician again and 86%
      reported that they do not want their children to become a physician. CONCLUSIONS:
      China's rapid economic growth and resulting demands for modern health care have
      resulted in heavy pressure on orthopaedic surgeons, financially and personally.
      Chinese orthopaedic surgeons are overworked, suffer lack of respect, and face the
      possibility of serious personal harm. As a consequence, they are demoralized and
      unsatisfied. Significant reforms are needed.

PMID- 25113269
TI  - Muscle fibers are injured at the time of acute and chronic rotator cuff repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tears are a common source of shoulder pain and
      disability. Even after surgical repair, some patients continue to have reduced
      function and progression of fatty degeneration. Because patients with chronic
      cuff tears often experience muscle shortening, it is possible that repairing the
      tendon to its anatomic footprint induces a stretch-induced muscle injury that
      could contribute to failures of the repair and perhaps ongoing pain.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We hypothesized that, compared with acutely torn and repaired
      muscles, the stretch that is required to repair a chronically torn cuff would
      result in more muscle fiber damage. Specifically, we asked: (1) Is there muscle
      fiber damage that occurs from repair of an acutely torn rotator cuff and does it
      vary by location in the muscle; and (2) is the damage greater in the case of
      repair of a chronic injury? METHODS: We used an open surgical approach to create
      a full-thickness rotator cuff tear in rats, and measured changes in muscle mass,
      length, and the number of fibers containing the membrane impermeable Evans Blue
      Dye after acute (1 day) or chronic (28 days) cuff tear or repair in rats.
      Differences between groups were tested using a one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's
      post hoc sorting. RESULTS: Chronic tears resulted in 24% to 35% decreases in mass
      and a 20% decrease in length. The repair of acutely and chronically torn muscles
      resulted in damage to 90% of fibers in the distal portion of the muscle. In the
      proximal portion, no differences between the acutely torn and repaired groups and
      controls were observed, whereas repairing the chronically torn group resulted in
      injury to almost 70% of fibers. CONCLUSIONS: In a rat model, marked injury to
      muscle fibers is induced when the tendons of torn rotator cuffs are repaired to
      their anatomic footprint. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this animal model, we found that
      repair of chronically torn cuff muscles results in extensive injury throughout
      the muscle. Based on these findings, we posit that inducing a widespread injury
      at the time of surgical repair of chronically torn rotator cuff muscles may
      contribute to the problems of failed repairs or continued progression of fatty
      degeneration that is observed in some patients that undergo rotator cuff repair.
      Therapeutic interventions to protect muscle fiber membranes potentially could
      enhance outcomes for patients undergoing rotator cuff repair. To evaluate this,
      future studies that evaluate the use of membrane sealing compounds or drugs that
      upregulate endogenous membrane-sealing proteins are warranted.

PMID- 25113270
TI  - Total serum transforming growth factor-beta1 is elevated in the entire spectrum
      of genetic aortic syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total serum transforming growth factor-beta 1 (tsTGF-beta1) is
      increased in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS), but it has not been assessed in
      thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD), Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), and
      bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD). HYPOTHESIS: tsTGF-beta1 is increased in
      genetic aortic syndromes including TAAD, LDS, MFS, and BAVD. METHODS: We measured
      tsTGF-beta1 and performed sequencing of the genes FBN1, TGFBR1, and TGFBR2 in 317
      consecutive patients with suspected or known genetic aortic syndrome (167 men,
      150 women; mean age 43 +/- 14 years). TAAD was diagnosed in 20, LDS in 20, MFS in
      128, and BAVD in 30 patients, and genetic aortic syndrome was excluded in 119
      patients. RESULTS: Elevated tsTGF-beta1 levels were associated with causative
      gene mutations (P = 0.008), genetic aortic syndrome (P = 0.009), and sporadic
      occurrence of genetic aortic syndrome (P = 0.048), whereas only genetic aortic
      syndrome qualified as an independent predictor of tsTGF-beta1 (P = 0.001). The
      tsTGF-beta1 levels were elevated in FBN1 and NOTCH1 mutations vs patients without
      mutations (both P = 0.004), and in NOTCH1 mutations vs ACTA2/MYH11 mutations (P =
      0.015). Similarly, tsTGF-beta1 levels were elevated in MFS (P = 0.003) and in
      BAVD (P = 0.006) vs patients without genetic aortic syndrome. In contrast to
      specific clinical features of MFS, FBN1 in-frame mutations (P = 0.019) were
      associated with increased tsTGF-beta1 levels. CONCLUSIONS: tsTGF-beta1 is
      elevated in the entire spectrum of genetic aortic syndromes. However, gradual
      differences in the increases of tsTGF-beta1 levels may mirror different degrees
      of alteration of tsTGF-beta1 signaling in different genetic aortic syndromes.

PMID- 25113272
TI  - If doctors can train part time, why not medical students?

PMID- 25113271
TI  - E pluribus unum, no more: from one crystal, many conformations.
AB  - Several distinct computational approaches have recently been implemented to
      represent conformational heterogeneity from X-ray crystallography datasets that
      are averaged in time and space. As these modeling methods mature, newly
      discovered alternative conformations are being used to derive functional protein
      mechanisms. Room temperature X-ray data collection is emerging as a key variable
      for sampling functionally relevant conformations also observed in solution
      studies. Although concerns about radiation damage are warranted with higher
      temperature data collection, 'diffract and destroy' strategies on X-ray free
      electron lasers may permit radiation damage-free data collection. X-ray
      crystallography need not be confined to 'static unique snapshots'; these
      experimental and computational advances are revealing how the many conformations
      populated within a single crystal are used in biological mechanisms. 

PMID- 25113273
TI  - High density EEG-what do we have to lose?

PMID- 25113274
TI  - Upper limb function is normal in patients with restless legs syndrome (Willis
      Ekbom Disease).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Restless legs syndrome, now called Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED), is
      a sensorimotor-related sleep disorder. Little is known of the effect of RLS/WED
      on motor function. The current study investigated upper limb function in RLS/WED
      patients. We hypothesised that RLS/WED patients exhibit subtle changes in tremor
      amplitude but normal dexterity and movement speed and rhythmicity compared to
      healthy controls. METHODS: RLS/WED patients (n=17, 59 +/- 7 years) with moderate
      disease and healthy controls (n=17, 58 +/- 6 years) completed screening tests and
      five tasks including object manipulation, maximal pinch grip, flexion and
      extension of the index finger (tremor assessment), maximal finger tapping
      (movement speed and rhythmicity assessment), and the grooved pegboard test.
      Force, acceleration, and/or first dorsal interosseus EMG were recorded during
      four of the tasks. RESULTS: Task performance did not differ between groups.
      Learning was evident on tasks with repeated trials and the magnitude of learning
      did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hand function, tremor, and task
      learning were unaffected in RLS/WED patients. Patients manipulated objects in a
      normal manner and exhibited normal movement speed, rhythmicity, and tremor.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Further research is needed to assess other types of movement in
      RLS/WED patients to gain insight into the motor circuitry affected and the
      underlying pathophysiology.

PMID- 25113277
TI  - Left lower lobe torsion following upper lobectomy-prompt recognition and
      treatment improve survival.
AB  - Lobar torsion is a rare but life-threatening complication after lung resection.
      We report a case of left lower lobe torsion in 57-year-old women after upper
      lobectomy for underlying lung cancer. Definitive diagnosis of lung torsion was
      made at exploratory thoracotomy following abnormal chest radiography and
      bronchoscopy on the first post-operative day. An emergency completion
      pneumonectomy was performed and left lower lobe was resected. The post-operative
      course was uncomplicated and patient was discharged home on the seventh post
      operative day. Early recognition and prompt treatment of lobar torsion is
      essential for preventing potentially catastrophic complications including fatal
      gangrene of the pulmonary lobe. 

PMID- 25113276
TI  - Imbalance of von Willebrand factor and its cleaving protease ADAMTS13 during
      systemic inflammation superimposed on advanced cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Systemic inflammation in advanced cirrhosis represents a
      spectrum ranging from subclinical pathological bacterial translocation and immune
      activation to overt bacterial infection and sepsis. We hypothesized that systemic
      inflammation in cirrhosis is accompanied by a failure of ADAMTS13 to control the
      prothrombotic function of von Willebrand factor (VWF), which is increased in
      portal hypertension and hepatic fibrosis. METHODS: Patients with Child A
      cirrhosis (n = 25), Child B/C cirrhosis without clinical features of systemic
      inflammation (n = 31), and Child B/C cirrhosis with overt bacterial infections or
      systemic inflammatory response syndrome (n = 24) were analysed for ADAMTS13 and
      associated parameters and were followed to determine transplant-free survival.
      RESULTS: Plasma concentration and activity of ADAMTS13 were decreased in patients
      with systemic inflammation. Furthermore, ADAMTS13 inversely correlated with the
      extent of bacterial translocation and the severity of acute-phase reaction. As a
      function of reduced ADAMTS13 activity and increased VWF antigen, plasma from
      patients with superimposed inflammation strongly aggregated the platelet receptor
      glycoprotein Ib in presence of ristocetin. VWF:RCo correlated with higher
      concentrations of leucocytes and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, organ
      dysfunction, augmented turnover of cross-linked intravascular fibrin, and the
      occurrence of acute kidney injury during follow-up. VWF:RCo of 390% or more
      predicted transplant-free survival in univariate analysis [HR = 8.24 (3.30
      20.54)] and after adjustment for MELD [HR = 3.58 (1.30-9.88)]. However, adverse
      outcome was not associated with the accumulation of high-molecular weight VWF
      multimers. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic inflammation complicating advanced cirrhosis is
      accompanied by reduced activity of ADAMTS13 promoting a prothrombotic function of
      VWF, which can be employed to predict clinical outcome.

PMID- 25113278
TI  - Optimizing the electrical energy conversion cycle of dielectric elastomer
      generators.
AB  - A strategy to control the electrical charge is developed to achieve high energy
      density of soft dielectric elastomer generators for energy harvesting. The
      strategy is analytically shown and experimentally demonstrated to produce the
      highest energy density ever reported for a soft generator. 

PMID- 25113275
TI  - Conditions for enhancing the encoding of an elementary motor memory by rTMS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Motor learning results in changes of movement representation in
      primary motor cortex (M1) a process involving long-term potentiation (LTP).
      Pairing motor training with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
      of M1 enhances the formation of a motor memory. Here we determined the effect of
      pairing M1 stimulation and the execution of training movements at different times
      and frequencies on the formation of a motor memory. METHODS: Formation of a motor
      memory was defined as increases in motor evoked potentials (MEP) of the training
      agonist (extensor carpi ulnaris muscle, ECU) and increases in peak acceleration
      of the trained movements that last more than 60min. Training consisted of
      auditory-paced ballistic wrist extension movements (30min, 0.5Hz) paired with
      0.1, 0.25 or 0.5Hz subthreshold rTMS. The rTMS pulse was applied at either the
      onset, 100ms prior to or 300ms after the onset of training movement related
      increases in electromyographic (EMG) activity of ECU. This was compared to a Sham
      condition. RESULTS: Only 0.1Hz rTMS applied at the onset of the training related
      increase in ECU-EMG activity resulted in increases in MEP amplitudes and peak
      acceleration when compared to the Sham. CONCLUSIONS: The formation of motor
      memory is enhanced above the naive level by co-administration of low frequency
      rTMS at the time of execution of training movements. SIGNIFICANCE: These results
      indicate the importance of time and frequency of rTMS in these settings and
      should be considered in the design of rehabilitation treatment strategies using
      rTMS.

PMID- 25113280
TI  - Elderly CML patients' treatment: considering not only physician's judgment but
      also co-morbidity indexes.

PMID- 25113279
TI  - Engineering of near infrared fluorescent proteinoid-poly(L-lactic acid) particles
      for in vivo colon cancer detection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging techniques has
      gained great interest for early detection of cancer owing to the negligible
      absorption and autofluorescence of water and other intrinsic biomolecules in this
      region. The main aim of the present study is to synthesize and characterize novel
      NIR fluorescent nanoparticles based on proteinoid and PLLA for early detection of
      colon tumors. METHODS: The present study describes the synthesis of new
      proteinoid-PLLA copolymer and the preparation of NIR fluorescent nanoparticles
      for use in diagnostic detection of colon cancer. These fluorescent nanoparticles
      were prepared by a self-assembly process in the presence of the NIR dye
      indocyanine green (ICG), a FDA-approved NIR fluorescent dye. Anti
      carcinoembryonic antigen antibody (anti-CEA), a specific tumor targeting ligand,
      was covalently conjugated to the P(EF-PLLA) nanoparticles through the surface
      carboxylate groups using the carbodiimide activation method. RESULTS AND
      DISCUSSION: The P(EF-PLLA) nanoparticles are stable in different conditions, no
      leakage of the encapsulated dye into PBS containing 4% HSA was detected. The
      encapsulation of the NIR fluorescent dye within the P(EF-PLLA) nanoparticles
      improves significantly the photostability of the dye. The fluorescent
      nanoparticles are non-toxic, and the biodistribution study in a mouse model
      showed they evacuate from the body over 24 h. Specific colon tumor detection in a
      chicken embryo model and a mouse model was demonstrated for anti-CEA-conjugated
      NIR fluorescent P(EF-PLLA) nanoparticles. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study
      suggest a significant advantage of NIR fluorescence imaging using NIR fluorescent
      P(EF-PLLA) nanoparticles over colonoscopy. In future work we plan to broaden this
      study by encapsulating cancer drugs such as paclitaxel and/or doxorubicin, within
      these biodegradable NIR fluorescent P(EF-PLLA) nanoparticles, for both detection
      and therapy of colon cancer.

PMID- 25113281
TI  - [Steppage gait in a 10 year-old girl].

PMID- 25113283
TI  - Evaluating the implementation of a school-based emotional well-being programme: a
      cluster randomized controlled trial of Zippy's Friends for children in
      disadvantaged primary schools.
AB  - Schools are recognized as one of the most important settings for promoting social
      and emotional well-being among children and adolescents. This clustered
      randomized controlled trial evaluated Zippy's Friends, an international school
      based emotional well-being programme, with 766 children from designated
      disadvantaged schools. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate
      and long term impact of the programme and to determine the impact of
      implementation fidelity on programme outcomes. Teachers reported emotional
      literacy outcomes using the Emotional Literacy Checklist, and emotional and
      behavioural outcomes using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.
      Controlling for the hierarchical structure of the data, path analysis using
      structural equation modelling revealed that the programme had a significant
      positive impact on the children's emotional literacy scores including significant
      improvements in the subscale scores of self-awareness (P < 0.001), self
      regulation (P < 0.01), motivation (P < 0.001) and social skills (P < 0.001) at
      post-intervention. These results were maintained at 12-month follow-up (P <
      0.01). The programme, however, did not have a significant impact on children's
      emotional and behavioural problems. Analysis of programme fidelity indicated that
      high fidelity was directly related to improved emotional literacy scores at post
      intervention. 

PMID- 25113284
TI  - Antifreeze effect of carboxylated epsilon-poly-L-lysine on the growth kinetics of
      ice crystals.
AB  - Some biological substances control the nucleation and growth of inorganic
      crystals. Antifreeze proteins, which prohibit ice crystal growth in living
      organisms, promise are also important as biological antifreezes for medical
      applications and in the frozen food industries. In this work, we investigated the
      crystallization of ice in the presence of a new cryoprotector, carboxylated
      epsilon-poly-L-lysine (COOH-PLL). In order to reveal the characteristics and the
      mechanism of its antifreeze effect, free-growth experiments of ice crystals were
      carried out in solutions with various COOH-PLL concentrations and degrees of
      supercooling, and the depression of the freezing point and growth rates of the
      tips of ice dendrites were obtained using optical microscopy. Hysteresis of
      growth rates and depression of the freezing point was revealed in the presence of
      COOH-PLL. The growth-inhibition effect of COOH-PLL molecules could be explained
      on the basis of the Gibbs-Thomson law and the use of Langmuir's adsorption
      isotherm. Theoretical kinetic curves for hysteresis calculated on the basis of
      Punin-Artamonova's model were in good agreement with experimental data. We
      conclude that adsorption of large biological molecules in the case of ice
      crystallization has a non-steady-state character and occurs more slowly than the
      process of embedding of crystal growth units.

PMID- 25113286
TI  - Self-compassion moderates the relationship between body mass index and both
      eating disorder pathology and body image flexibility.
AB  - The current study examined whether self-compassion, the tendency to treat oneself
      kindly during distress and disappointments, would attenuate the positive
      relationship between body mass index (BMI) and eating disorder pathology, and the
      negative relationship between BMI and body image flexibility. One-hundred and
      fifty-three female undergraduate students completed measures of self-compassion,
      self-esteem, eating disorder pathology, and body image flexibility, which refers
      to one's acceptance of negative body image experiences. Controlling for self
      esteem, hierarchical regressions revealed that self-compassion moderated the
      relationships between BMI and the criteria. Specifically, the positive
      relationship between BMI and eating disorder pathology and the negative
      relationship between BMI and body image flexibility were weaker the higher
      women's levels of self-compassion. Among young women, self-compassion may help to
      protect against the greater eating disturbances that coincide with a higher BMI,
      and may facilitate the positive body image experiences that tend to be lower the
      higher one's BMI. 

PMID- 25113287
TI  - Body image and personality among British men: associations between the Big Five
      personality domains, drive for muscularity, and body appreciation.
AB  - The present study examined associations between the Big Five personality domains
      and measures of men's body image. A total of 509 men from the community in
      London, UK, completed measures of drive for muscularity, body appreciation, the
      Big Five domains, and subjective social status, and provided their demographic
      details. The results of a hierarchical regression showed that, once the effects
      of participant body mass index (BMI) and subjective social status had been
      accounted for, men's drive for muscularity was significantly predicted by
      Neuroticism (beta=.29). In addition, taking into account the effects of BMI and
      subjective social status, men's body appreciation was significantly predicted by
      Neuroticism (beta=-.35) and Extraversion (beta=.12). These findings highlight
      potential avenues for the development of intervention approaches based on the
      relationship between the Big Five personality traits and body image. 

PMID- 25113288
TI  - Herpes PCR testing and empiric acyclovir use beyond the neonatal period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnostic strategies based on empirical testing and treatment to
      identify herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in neonates may not be appropriate
      for older children in whom the most common presentation of severe infection is
      encephalitis, a rare and clinically recognizable condition. METHODS: Use of
      acyclovir in infants and children in 6 common non-HSV infection-related diagnosis
      related groups was characterized between 1999 and 2012 at 15 US pediatric
      hospitals by using the Pediatric Health Information System database.
      Characteristics of non-neonatal patients at 1 institution tested for HSV
      encephalitis over a 6.5-year period were then analyzed to identify factors
      associated with potentially unnecessary testing and treatment. RESULTS: Acyclovir
      use increased from 7.6% to 15.6% (P < .001) from 1999 to 2012. Much of this
      increase came in infants 30 to 60 days of age (82.7% increase, P < .001) and in
      patients with milder disease severity (44.8% increase, P < .001). Length of stay
      was increased by 2 days for children treated with acyclovir (P < .001). At our
      institution, 1394 HSV cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reactions were
      performed in children >30 days old, with only 3 positive results (0.22%).
      Comparison of the 3 subjects with positive testing and 55 with negative testing
      revealed that all cases, but only 4% (95% confidence interval 1.2%-14.0%) of
      noncases had clinical characteristics typical of HSV encephalitis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Strategies for diagnosis and empirical treatment of suspected HSV encephalitis
      beyond the neonatal period have trended toward the approach common for neonates
      without evidence of an increase in disease incidence. This may result in
      increased medical costs and risk to patients.

PMID- 25113289
TI  - Mild prematurity, proximal social processes, and development.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the role of gestational age in determining the risk of
      poor developmental outcomes among children born late preterm (34-36 weeks) and
      early term (37-38 weeks) versus full term (39-41 weeks) by examining the
      contribution of gestational age to these outcomes in the context of proximal
      social processes. METHODS: This was an analysis of the Canadian National
      Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth. Developmental outcomes were examined
      at 2 to 3 (N= 15099) and 4 to 5 years (N= 12302). The sample included singletons,
      delivered at 34 to 41 weeks, whose respondents were their biological mothers.
      Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to directly estimate adjusted
      relative risks (aRRs). We assessed the role of parenting by using moderation
      analyses. RESULTS: In unadjusted analyses, children born late preterm appeared to
      have greater risk for developmental delay (relative risk = 1.26; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.56) versus full term. In adjusted analyses, results were
      nonsignificant at 2 to 3 years (late preterm aRR = 1.13; 95% CI, 0.90 to 1.42;
      early term aRR = 1.11; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.27) and 4 to 5 years (late preterm aRR =
      1.06; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.43; early term aRR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.25).
      Parenting did not modify the effect of gestational age but was a strong predictor
      of poor developmental outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that, closer to
      full term, social factors (not gestational age) may be the most important
      influences on development.

PMID- 25113290
TI  - Cognitive delay and behavior problems prior to school age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between cognitive delay (CD) and
      behavior problems between ages 9 months and 5 years, while adjusting for
      covariates related to CD. METHODS: Data were from 4 waves of the Early Childhood
      Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (n = 8000). Children were classified as
      typically developing (TD) or as having resolved, newly developed, or persistent
      CD between 9 and 24 months, based on scores from the Bayley Short Form-Research
      Edition below or above the 10th percentile. Child behavior was measured by using
      the Infant/Toddler Symptom Checklist (ages 9 and 24 months) and the Preschool and
      Kindergarten Behavior Scales (ages 4 and 5 years); children in the top 10th
      percentile were considered to have a behavior problem. Hierarchical linear
      modeling estimated the effect of CD status on children's behavioral trajectories,
      adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: CD resolved for 80.3% of children between 9
      and 24 months. Behavior problems at 24 months were detected in 19.3%, 21.8%, and
      35.5% of children with resolved, newly developed, and persistent CD,
      respectively, versus 13.0% of TD children. Behavior problems increased among
      children with CD over time, and more so among children with persistent CD. By age
      5, children with persistent CD had behavior scores moderately (0.59 SD) higher
      than TD children. CONCLUSIONS: Behavior problems among children with CD are
      slightly higher at 9 months, clearly evident by 24 months, and increase as
      children move toward school age. Efforts to promote the earliest identification,
      evaluation, and service referral may be necessary to improve outcomes for these
      children.

PMID- 25113291
TI  - Variation in emergency department admission rates in US children's hospitals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure the hospital-level variation in admission rates for
      children receiving treatment of common pediatric illnesses across emergency
      departments (EDs) in US children's hospitals. METHODS: We performed a multi
      center cross sectional study of children presenting to the EDs of 35 pediatric
      tertiary-care hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System
      (PHIS). Admission rates were calculated for visits occurring between January 1,
      2009, and December 31, 2012, associated with 1 of 7 common conditions, and
      corrected to adjust for hospital-level severity of illness. Conditions were
      selected systematically based on frequency of visits and admission rates.
      RESULTS: A total of 1288706 ED encounters (13.8% of all encounters) were
      associated with 1 of the 7 conditions of interest. After adjusting for hospital
      level severity, the greatest variation in admission rates was observed for
      concussion (range 5%-72%), followed by pneumonia (19%-69%), and bronchiolitis
      (19%-65%). The least variation was found among patients presenting with seizures
      (7%-37%) and kidney and urinary tract infections (6%-37%). Although variability
      existed in disease-specific admission rates, certain hospitals had consistently
      higher, and others consistently lower, admission rates. CONCLUSIONS: We observed
      greater than threefold variation in severity-adjusted admission rates for common
      pediatric conditions across US children's hospitals. Although local practices and
      hospital-level factors may partly explain this variation, our findings highlight
      the need for greater focus on the standardization of decisions regarding
      admission.

PMID- 25113292
TI  - Impact locations and concussion outcomes in high school football player-to-player
      collisions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little research has examined concussion outcomes in terms of impact
      location (ie, the area on the head in which the impact occurred). This study
      describes the epidemiology of concussions resulting from player-to-player
      collision in high school football by impact location. METHODS: National High
      School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study data (2008/2009-2012/2013) were
      analyzed to calculate rates and describe circumstances of football concussion
      (eg, symptomology, symptom resolution time, return to play) resulting from player
      to-player collisions by impact location (ie, front-, back-, side-, and top-of-the
      head). RESULTS: Most concussions resulting from player-to-player collisions
      occurred from front-of-the-head (44.7%) and side-of-the-head (22.3%) impacts.
      Number of symptoms reported, prevalence of reported symptoms, symptom resolution
      time, and length of time to return to play were not associated with impact
      location. However, a larger proportion of football players sustaining concussions
      from top-of-the-head impacts experienced loss of consciousness (8.0%) than those
      sustaining concussions from impacts to other areas of the head (3.5%) (injury
      proportion ratio 2.3; 95% confidence interval 1.2-4.2; P = .008). Players had
      their head down at the time of impact in a higher proportion of concussions
      caused by top-of-the-head impacts (86.4%) than concussions from impacts to other
      areas of the head (24.0%) (injury proportion ratio 3.6; 95% confidence interval
      3.2-4.0; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Among high school football players who sustained
      concussions due to player-to-player collisions, concussion outcomes were
      generally independent of impact location. Recommended strategies for reducing the
      proportion of top-of-the-head impacts include improved education regarding
      tackling with proper "head-up" technique.

PMID- 25113293
TI  - Reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections: a quality-improvement
      initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the
      most common health care-associated infections in the United States, yet little is
      known about the prevention and epidemiology of pediatric CAUTIs. METHODS: An
      observational study was conducted to assess the impact of a CAUTI quality
      improvement prevention bundle that included institution-wide standardization of
      and training on urinary catheter insertion and maintenance practices, daily
      review of catheter necessity, and rapid review of all CAUTIs. Poisson regression
      was used to determine the impact of the bundle on CAUTI rates. A retrospective
      cohort study was performed to describe the epidemiology of incident pediatric
      CAUTIs at a tertiary care children's hospital over a 3-year period (June 2009 to
      June 2012). RESULTS: Implementation of the CAUTI prevention bundle was associated
      with a 50% reduction in the mean monthly CAUTI rate (95% confidence interval: 
      1.28 to -0.12; P = .02) from 5.41 to 2.49 per 1000 catheter-days. The median
      monthly catheter utilization ratio remained unchanged; ~90% of patients had an
      indication for urinary catheterization. Forty-four patients experienced 57 CAUTIs
      over the study period. Most patients with CAUTIs were female (75%), received care
      in the pediatric or cardiac ICUs (70%), and had at least 1 complex chronic
      condition (98%). Nearly 90% of patients who developed a CAUTI had a recognized
      indication for initial catheter placement. CONCLUSIONS: CAUTI is a common
      pediatric health care-associated infection. Implementation of a prevention bundle
      can significantly reduce CAUTI rates in children.

PMID- 25113294
TI  - Neuroinvasive arboviral disease in the United States: 2003 to 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiologic and clinical syndromes associated with
      pediatric neuroinvasive arboviral infections among children in the United States
      from 2003 through 2012. METHODS: We reviewed data reported by state health
      departments to ArboNET, the national arboviral surveillance system, for 2003
      through 2012. Children (<18 years) with neuroinvasive arboviral infections (eg,
      meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis) were included. Demographic,
      clinical syndrome, outcome, geographic, and temporal data were analyzed for all
      cases. RESULTS: During the study period, 1217 cases and 22 deaths due to
      pediatric neuroinvasive arboviral infection were reported from the 48 contiguous
      states. La Crosse virus (665 cases; 55%) and West Nile virus (505 cases; 41%)
      were the most common etiologies identified. Although less common, Eastern equine
      encephalitis virus (30 cases; 2%) resulted in 10 pediatric deaths. La Crosse
      virus primarily affected younger children, whereas West Nile virus was more
      common in older children and adolescents. West Nile virus disease cases occurred
      throughout the country, whereas La Crosse and the other arboviruses were more
      focally distributed. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroinvasive arboviral infections were an
      important cause of pediatric disease from 2003 through 2012. Differences in the
      epidemiology and clinical disease result from complex interactions among virus,
      vector, host, and the environment. Decreasing the morbidity and mortality from
      these agents depends on vector control, personal protection to reduce mosquito
      and tick bites, and blood donor screening. Effective surveillance is critical to
      inform clinicians and public health officials about the epidemiologic features of
      these diseases and to direct prevention efforts.

PMID- 25113296
TI  - Identifying very preterm children at educational risk using a school readiness
      framework.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Children born very preterm (VPT) are at high risk of educational
      delay, yet few guidelines exist for the early identification of those at greatest
      risk. Using a school readiness framework, this study examined relations between
      preschool neurodevelopmental functioning and educational outcomes to age 9 years.
      METHODS: The sample consisted of a regional cohort of 110 VPT (<= 32 weeks'
      gestation) and 113 full-term children born during 1998-2000. At corrected age 4
      years, children completed a multidisciplinary assessment of their health/motor
      development, socioemotional adjustment, core learning skills, language, and
      general cognition. At ages 6 and 9, children's literacy and numeracy skills were
      assessed using the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Achievement. RESULTS: Across all
      readiness domains, VPT children were at high risk of delay/impairment (odds
      ratios 2.5-3.5). Multiple problems were also more common (47% vs 16%). At follow
      up, almost two-thirds of VPT children were subject to significant educational
      delay in either literacy, numeracy or both compared with 29% to 31% of full-term
      children (odds ratios 3.4-4.4). The number of readiness domains affected at age 4
      strongly predicted later educational risk, especially when multiple problems were
      present. Receiver operating characteristic analysis confirmed >= 2 readiness
      problems as the optimal threshold for identifying VPT children at educational
      risk. CONCLUSIONS: School readiness offers a promising framework for the early
      identification of VPT children at high educational risk. Findings support the
      utility of >= 2 affected readiness domains as an effective criterion for referral
      for educational surveillance and/or additional support during the transition to
      school.

PMID- 25113297
TI  - Children in hospitals before there were children's hospitals.

PMID- 25113299
TI  - Evidence-based standardization and ED admission rate variation in US children's
      hospitals.

PMID- 25113298
TI  - Defining and determining medical necessity in Medicaid managed care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In 2013, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a policy
      statement calling for pediatricians to be informed about the need for specific
      pediatric medical necessity language because children deserve "the intent
      embedded in Medicaid." This study aims to explore the definitions and
      determinations of medical necessity in Medicaid Managed Care (MMC), document the
      relevant language used throughout Medicaid, and investigate whether the federal
      standard of medical necessity for children is replicated in related state
      documents. METHODS: We conducted a desk review of state statutes, model MMC
      contracts, and 2 provider manuals per state, for 33 states with a full-risk MMC
      model. RESULTS: The federal "to correct and ameliorate" standard was replicated
      in 100% of state regulations, 72% of MMC model contracts (n = 13 of 18 MMC model
      contracts available online), and 54% of provider manuals (n = 30 of 56 available
      and sampled online). Only 9 states had an explicit "preventive" pediatric medical
      necessity standard in their state regulations that exemplified "the intent
      imbedded in Medicaid." CONCLUSIONS: The federal medical necessity standard for
      children is not replicated consistently within MMC programs from the state, to
      health plans, to network providers. Although the majority of the documents
      reviewed included the standard, the presence of the standard decreased by almost
      half between state-level and network-provider-level regulations. Having a single,
      explicitly defined pediatric medical necessity definition replicated at all
      levels of the health system would reduce confusion and increase the ability of
      pediatricians to apply the standard more uniformly.

PMID- 25113300
TI  - Tachypnea of infancy as the first sign of Sanfilippo syndrome.
AB  - This report describes the first known case of Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA
      presenting with respiratory symptoms and characteristic lung pathology. This case
      highlights under-recognized areas of systemic involvement and earlier modes of
      presentation in lysosomal storage disorders as well as the importance of
      investigating infants who have persistent tachypnea. 

PMID- 25113295
TI  - Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease: a hepatorenal fibrocystic disorder
      with pleiotropic effects.
AB  - Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is an important cause of
      chronic kidney disease in children. The care of ARPKD patients has traditionally
      been the realm of pediatric nephrologists; however, the disease has multisystem
      effects, and a comprehensive care strategy often requires a multidisciplinary
      team. Most notably, ARPKD patients have congenital hepatic fibrosis, which can
      lead to portal hypertension, requiring close follow-up by pediatric
      gastroenterologists. In severely affected infants, the diagnosis is often first
      suspected by obstetricians detecting enlarged, echogenic kidneys and
      oligohydramnios on prenatal ultrasounds. Neonatologists are central to the care
      of these infants, who may have respiratory compromise due to pulmonary hypoplasia
      and massively enlarged kidneys. Surgical considerations can include the
      possibility of nephrectomy to relieve mass effect, placement of dialysis access,
      and kidney and/or liver transplantation. Families of patients with ARPKD also
      face decisions regarding genetic testing of affected children, testing of
      asymptomatic siblings, or consideration of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for
      future pregnancies. They may therefore interface with genetic counselors,
      geneticists, and reproductive endocrinologists. Children with ARPKD may also be
      at risk for neurocognitive dysfunction and may require neuropsychological
      referral. The care of patients and families affected by ARPKD is therefore a
      multidisciplinary effort, and the general pediatrician can play a central role in
      this complex web of care. In this review, we outline the spectrum of clinical
      manifestations of ARPKD and review genetics of the disease, clinical and genetic
      diagnosis, perinatal management, management of organ-specific complications, and
      future directions for disease monitoring and potential therapies. 

PMID- 25113301
TI  - Subdural hemorrhages associated with antithrombotic therapy in infants with
      cerebral atrophy.
AB  - Low-molecular-weight heparins, such as enoxaparin, are often used to treat
      thrombosis in infants. We present 4 infants with diffuse brain injury who
      developed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis and were
      treated with enoxaparin. These infants subsequently developed subdural
      hemorrhages, and enoxaparin was stopped. In 3 cases, the subdural hemorrhages
      were found on routine surveillance brain MRI, and in 1 case imaging was urgently
      obtained because of focal seizures. Two patients needed urgent neurosurgical
      intervention, and all subdural hemorrhages improved or resolved on follow-up
      imaging. Each infant developed severe neurologic deficits, probably from the
      coexisting diffuse brain injury rather than from the subdural hemorrhages
      themselves. The risk of intracranial hemorrhage from enoxaparin may be
      accentuated in patients with diffuse brain injury, and careful consideration
      should be given before treatment in this population. 

PMID- 25113302
TI  - Hospitalizations for severe lower respiratory tract infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospitalization for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) among
      children have been well characterized. We characterized hospitalizations for
      severe LRTI among children. METHODS: We analyzed claims data from commercial and
      Medicaid insurance enrollees (MarketScan) ages 0 to 18 years from 2007 to 2011.
      LRTI hospitalizations were identified by the first 2 listed International
      Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision discharge codes; those with ICU
      admission and/or receiving mechanical ventilation were defined as severe LRTI.
      Underlying conditions were determined from out- and inpatient discharge codes in
      the preceding year. We report insurance specific and combined rates that used
      both commercial and Medicaid rates and adjusted for age and insurance status.
      RESULTS: During 2007-2011, we identified 16797 and 12053 severe LRTI
      hospitalizations among commercial and Medicaid enrollees, respectively. The rates
      of severe LRTI hospitalizations per 100000 person-years were highest in children
      aged <1 year (commercial: 244; Medicaid: 372, respectively), and decreased with
      age. Among commercial enrollees, >= 1 condition increased the risk for severe
      LRTI (1 condition: adjusted relative risk, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 2.58
      2.78; 3 conditions: adjusted relative risk, 4.85; 95% confidence interval, 4.65
      5.07) compared with children with no medical conditions. Using
      commercial/Medicaid combined rates, an estimated 31289 hospitalizations for
      severe LRTI occurred each year in children in the United States. CONCLUSIONS:
      Among children, the burden of hospitalization for severe LRTI is greatest among
      children aged <1 year. Children with underlying medical conditions are at
      greatest risk for severe LRTI hospitalization.

PMID- 25113303
TI  - Small geographic area variations in prescription drug use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the frequency of pediatric prescribing little is known about
      practice differences across small geographic regions and payer type (Medicaid and
      commercial). OBJECTIVE: The goal of this research was to quantify variation in
      prescription drug use among northern New England children. METHODS: Northern New
      England, all-payer administrative data (2007-2010) permitted study of
      prescriptions for 949 821 children ages 0 to 17 years (1.75 million person-years
      [PYs]; 54% Medicaid, 46% commercial). Age- and gender adjusted overall and drug
      group-specific prescription use was quantified according to payer type (Medicaid
      or commercial) and within payer type across 69 hospital service areas (HSAs). We
      measured prescription fills per PY (rate) and annual, mean percentage of the
      population with any drug group-specific fills (prevalence). RESULTS: Overall mean
      annual prescriptions per PY were 3.4 (commercial) and 5.5 (Medicaid). Generally,
      these payer type differences were smaller than HSA-level variation within payer
      type. HSA-level rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drug use (5th
      95th percentile) varied twofold in Medicaid and more than twofold in commercially
      insured children; HSA-level antidepressant use varied more than twofold within
      each payer type. Antacid use varied threefold across HSAs and was highest in
      infants where commercial use paradoxically exceeded Medicaid. Prevalence of drug
      use varied as much as rates across HSAs. CONCLUSIONS: Prescription use was higher
      among Medicaid-insured than commercially insured children. Regional variation
      generally exceeded payer type differences, especially for drugs used in
      situations of diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty. Efforts should advance best
      pediatric prescribing discussions and shared decision-making.

PMID- 25113305
TI  - Characterization of a partial exon 9/intron 9 deletion in the coagulation factor
      XII gene (F12) detected in two Turkish families with hereditary angioedema and
      normal C1 inhibitor.

PMID- 25113304
TI  - The diagnosis and management of von Willebrand disease: a United Kingdom
      Haemophilia Centre Doctors Organization guideline approved by the British
      Committee for Standards in Haematology.

PMID- 25113306
TI  - US lung cancer trends by histologic type.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer incidence rates overall are declining in the United
      States. This study investigated the trends by histologic type and demographic
      characteristics. METHODS: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)
      program rates of microscopically confirmed lung cancer overall and squamous cell,
      small cell, adenocarcinoma, large cell, other, and unspecified carcinomas among
      US whites and blacks diagnosed from 1977 to 2010 and white non-Hispanics,
      Asian/Pacific Islanders, and white Hispanics diagnosed from 1992 to 2010 were
      analyzed by sex and age. RESULTS: Squamous and small cell carcinoma rates
      declined since the 1990s, although less rapidly among females than males.
      Adenocarcinoma rates decreased among males and only through 2005, after which
      they then rose during 2006 to 2010 among every racial/ethnic/sex group; rates for
      unspecified type declined. Male/female rate ratios declined among whites and
      blacks more than among other groups. Recent rates among young females were higher
      than among males for adenocarcinoma among all racial/ethnic groups and for other
      specified carcinomas among whites. CONCLUSIONS: US lung cancer trends vary by
      sex, histologic type, racial/ethnic group, and age, reflecting historical
      cigarette smoking rates, duration, cessation, cigarette composition, and exposure
      to other carcinogens. Substantial excesses among males have diminished and higher
      rates of adenocarcinoma among young females have emerged as rates among males
      declined more rapidly. The recognition of EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangements
      that occur primarily in adenocarcinomas are the primary basis for the molecular
      revolution that has transformed lung cancer diagnosis and treatment over the past
      decade, and these changes have affected recent type-specific trends.

PMID- 25113307
TI  - [Placebo analgesia and sleep].
AB  - The placebo response is a psychobiological phenomenon for clinical benefits
      following the administration of an inert substance whatever its form. This
      phenomenon can be attributed to a wide range of neurobiological processes, such
      as expectations of relief, the Pavlovian conditioning and learning, emotional
      regulation, and reward mechanisms, which are themselves under the influence of
      processes that take place during sleep. The study of placebo analgesia in healthy
      from a placebo conditioning associated with analgesic suggestions has highlighted
      a relationship between sleep, expectations of relief and placebo analgesia: when
      the induction is persuasive before sleep, expectations of relief modulate placebo
      response the next morning and paradoxical sleep correlates negatively with both
      expectations and the placebo response. When the analgesic experience before sleep
      is less persuasive, expectations of relief are still present but no longer
      interact with placebo analgesia while paradoxical sleep no longer correlates with
      the analgesic placebo response. Sleep-processes especially during paradoxical
      sleep seem to influence the relationship between expectations of relief and
      placebo analgesia. In this review, we describe the relationship between sleep and
      placebo analgesia, the mechanisms involved in the placebo response (e.g.,
      conditioning, learning, memory, reward) and their potential link with sleep that
      could make it a special time for the building placebo response. 

PMID- 25113309
TI  - Physical and chemical stability of proflavine contrast agent solutions for early
      detection of oral cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Proflavine hemisulfate solution is a fluorescence
      contrast agent to visualize cell nuclei using high-resolution optical imaging
      devices such as the high-resolution microendoscope. These devices provide real
      time imaging to distinguish between normal versus neoplastic tissue. These images
      could be helpful for early screening of oral cancer and its precursors and to
      determine accurate margins of malignant tissue for ablative surgery.
      Extemporaneous preparation of proflavine solution for these diagnostic procedures
      requires preparation in batches and long-term storage to improve compounding
      efficiency in the pharmacy. However, there is a paucity of long-term stability
      data for proflavine contrast solutions. METHODS: The physical and chemical
      stability of 0.01% (10 mg/100 ml) proflavine hemisulfate solutions prepared in
      sterile water was determined following storage at refrigeration (4-8C) and room
      temperature (23C). Concentrations of proflavine were measured at predetermined
      time points up to 12 months using a validated stability-indicating high
      performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: Proflavine solutions stored
      under refrigeration were physically and chemically stable for at least 12 months
      with concentrations ranging from 95% to 105% compared to initial concentration.
      However, in solutions stored at room temperature increased turbidity and
      particulates were observed in some of the tested vials at 9 months and 12 months
      with peak particle count reaching 17-fold increase compared to baseline.
      Solutions stored at room temperature were chemically stable up to six months (94
      105%). CONCLUSION: Proflavine solutions at concentration of 0.01% were chemically
      and physically stable for at least 12 months under refrigeration. The solution
      was chemically stable for six months when stored at room temperature. We
      recommend long-term storage of proflavine solutions under refrigeration prior to
      diagnostic procedure.

PMID- 25113310
TI  - Removal of trace organic chemicals and performance of a novel hybrid
      ultrafiltration-osmotic membrane bioreactor.
AB  - A hybrid ultrafiltration-osmotic membrane bioreactor (UFO-MBR) was investigated
      for over 35 days for nutrient and trace organic chemical (TOrC) removal from
      municipal wastewater. The UFO-MBR system uses both ultrafiltration (UF) and
      forward osmosis (FO) membranes in parallel to simultaneously extract clean water
      from an activated sludge reactor for nonpotable (or environmental discharge) and
      potable reuse, respectively. In the FO stream, water is drawn by osmosis from
      activated sludge through an FO membrane into a draw solution (DS), which becomes
      diluted during the process. A reverse osmosis (RO) system is then used to
      reconcentrate the diluted DS and produce clean water suitable for direct potable
      reuse. The UF membrane extracts water, dissolved salts, and some nutrients from
      the system to prevent their accumulation in the activated sludge of the osmotic
      MBR. The UF permeate can be used for nonpotable reuse purposes (e.g., irrigation
      and toilet flushing). Results from UFO-MBR investigation illustrated that the
      chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus removals were
      greater than 99%, 82%, and 99%, respectively. Twenty TOrCs were detected in the
      municipal wastewater that was used as feed to the UFO-MBR system. Among these 20
      TOrCs, 15 were removed by the hybrid UFO-MBR system to below the detection limit.
      High FO membrane rejection was observed for all ionic and nonionic hydrophilic
      TOrCs and lower rejection was observed for nonionic hydrophobic TOrCs. With the
      exceptions of bisphenol A and DEET, all TOrCs that were detected in the DS were
      well rejected by the RO membrane. Overall, the UFO-MBR can operate sustainably
      and has the potential to be utilized for direct potable reuse applications. 

PMID- 25113311
TI  - Confidence and impact on clinical decision-making and behaviour in the emergency
      department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical competency is underpinned by the self-confidence of nurses
      to act. Confidence may be critical to the understanding of how practice choices
      are made and not made by nurses in extended practice roles. The aim of this study
      was to explore how emergency nurses perceived (i) self-confidence in undertaking
      an extended practice role; and (ii) the factors associated with confidence within
      clinical practice. METHODS: A multicentred qualitative exploratory study. Fifty
      two participants were included in the study. Across three sites 36 (28 females, 8
      males) face to face interviews and 16 non-participant observations (13 females, 3
      males) were conducted. RESULTS: The study generated new knowledge about self
      confidence, self-efficacy and the role that contextual factors have in regulating
      behaviour. It shows that self-confidence is an important resource that sustains a
      nurse's ability to problem solve and to critically think in order to determine
      how best to act. CONCLUSIONS: The development of self-confidence is important if
      we are to promote effective clinical decision-making. Education programmes need
      to identify strategies that can promote and support the development of self
      confidence and resilience.

PMID- 25113312
TI  - Shortfalls in residents' transfer documentation: challenges for emergency
      department staff.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of residents are transferred from aged care
      facilities to emergency departments. Frequently, residents arrive with inadequate
      documentation regarding their presenting complaint or medical history, making it
      difficult for emergency department staff to make decisions about care. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of emergency department records was undertaken for residents
      transferred from residential aged care facilities to two emergency departments in
      Melbourne, Victoria in 2012. RESULTS: 2880 resident transfers were included in
      the sample, of which 408 transfers were randomly selected for documentation
      review. Clinically important documentation was frequently absent including: the
      reason for transfer to the ED (n=197, 48.2%); baseline cognitive function (n=244,
      59.7%); and vital signs at time of complaint (n=285, 69.9%). When the reason for
      transfer was absent, residents with an altered conscious state had more
      investigations and spent longer in the emergency department than when the reason
      for transfer was recorded. CONCLUSION: Inadequate documentation negatively
      impacted the resident's journey through the emergency department. There is
      evidence that inadequate documentation contributes to poor patient outcomes. To
      minimise the gaps in the transfer documentation regular staff development and
      quality assurance programs may be required in residential aged care facilities.

PMID- 25113308
TI  - Biology of advanced uveal melanoma and next steps for clinical therapeutics.
AB  - Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignancy although it is a rare
      subset of all melanomas. Uveal melanoma has distinct biology relative to
      cutaneous melanoma, with widely divergent patient outcomes. Patients diagnosed
      with a primary uveal melanoma can be stratified for risk of metastasis by
      cytogenetics or gene expression profiling, with approximately half of patients
      developing metastatic disease, predominately hepatic in location, over a 15-yr
      period. Historically, no systemic therapy has been associated with a clear
      clinical benefit for patients with advanced disease, and median survival remains
      poor. Here, as a joint effort between the Melanoma Research Foundation's ocular
      melanoma initiative, CURE OM and the National Cancer Institute, the current
      understanding of the molecular and immunobiology of uveal melanoma is reviewed,
      and on-going laboratory research into the disease is highlighted. Finally, recent
      investigations relevant to clinical management via targeted and immunotherapies
      are reviewed, and next steps in the development of clinical therapeutics are
      discussed.

PMID- 25113313
TI  - Remote community-based public health nursing during a disaster: an ethnographic
      case study in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011
      generated a tsunami that directly struck Japan. Public health nurses (PHNs)
      played important roles in this disaster response and community recovery. This
      research identified a PHN's experience in an affected area. METHODS: An
      ethnographic case study approach was used to obtain in-depth information
      regarding the experiences of one PHN, using semi-structured interviews,
      participant observation, and statistical documents. RESULTS: Six themes were
      identified and explored, including that the PHN undertook overwhelming
      responsibilities to protect the local residents, made several autonomous
      decisions, and had a strong sense of mission. These were based on the
      relationship-building that occurred with the local residents due to the
      geographical characteristics and her own preparations. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      encourage PHNs to participate in simulations of disasters in preparation for
      major catastrophes and establish good collaborative efforts with residents by
      being a part of the community.

PMID- 25113314
TI  - Patient perceptions of emergency department fast track: a prospective pilot study
      comparing two models of care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency department (ED) fast track has been shown to improve
      patient flow for low complexity presentations.(1) The optimal model of care and
      service delivery for fast track patients has not been established. AIMS: The
      objective of this pilot study was to compare patient satisfaction using two
      models of ED fast track - one in a tertiary hospital emergency department staffed
      by doctors and the other in a nearby urban district hospital staffed by nurse
      practitioners. We also wanted to determine the proportion of fast track patients
      who would prefer to see a General Practitioner (GP) instead of presenting to the
      ED. This pilot study was the foundation for subsequent studies later conducted by
      Dinh et al.(2,3) METHODS: This was an observational study using a convenience
      sample of patients. Eligible fast track patients were asked to complete a
      standardised satisfaction survey. Presenting problems and waiting times of
      patients were collected using patient information systems. Primary outcome
      measure was satisfaction rating using a 5-point Likert scale. Secondary outcomes
      were surrogate satisfaction measures encompassing questions on likelihood of
      returning to ED. A multivariate analysis was performed to obtain odds ratio for
      higher satisfaction scores. RESULTS: In total, 353 patients were recruited: 212
      patients in the doctor treated group (DR) and 141 were in the nurse practitioner
      treated group (NP). The two groups had similar baseline characteristics in terms
      of age, gender, referral source and waiting times. Overall, 320/353(86%) patients
      rated their care as either very good or excellent, with only 0.6% rating their
      care as poor. Satisfaction scores in the NP group were higher than those in the
      DR group (median score 4 vs. 3, p<0.01). A greater proportion of patients in the
      NP group reported that they would return to the ED for a similar problem (99% vs.
      91% p<0.01). Overall, 175/353 (50%) of patients indicated that they would prefer
      to see a general practitioner for a similar problem if available nearby. These
      numbers were slightly lower in the NP group (43% vs. 53%, p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Most patients were satisfied with ED fast track, irrespective of model of care.
      Patient satisfaction was greater in the group of patients using the nurse
      practitioner model of care. Around half of the fast track patients would prefer
      to see a general practitioner for a similar problem if available nearby.

PMID- 25113315
TI  - Wildfire disasters: implications for rural nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As natural disasters are increasing globally, nursing's role in
      responding to disasters is evolving. Disaster nursing has emerged as a specialty
      that focuses on the care of groups and communities during disaster response. The
      role of rural nurses in disasters is less well defined. METHODS: A review of peer
      reviewed literature combined with the International Council of Nurses framework
      of Disaster Nursing Competencies was conducted to understand the roles and
      functions of nurses in rural areas that experience disasters. The authors'
      findings from investigating the effects of four wildfires in rural Canadian
      communities are also discussed. RESULTS: Six major themes derived from our
      wildfire studies were generated within the context of nursing practice and are
      useful in the preparation of rural nurses involved in disaster management and
      recovery. This adds to the current literature which by and large has not
      addressed nursing in rural catastrophes. CONCLUSION: Well-prepared and educated
      rural nurses who combine theoretical knowledge with their understanding of a
      rural community potentially can reduce the impact of a disaster. Other nursing
      roles include mentoring nursing students in disaster preparation and assisting in
      initiatives to address community recovery in the aftermath of a disaster.

PMID- 25113316
TI  - Sudden onset Oculo-cardiac Reflex post-traumatic eye injury in PNG: a case study
      and discussion.
AB  - This case study examines the onset of traumatic OCR--Oculo-cardiac Reflex--in the
      remote southern highlands of PNG. The spontaneous occurrence of OCR post-trauma
      in the clinical setting leads to sudden onset bradycardia, nausea and
      hypotension, resulting in cardiovascular compromise and deteriorating clinical
      conditions. Initial recognition of the characteristics of OCR will prepare the
      clinician to deal with the sequence of events that arise post the reflex
      initiation.

PMID- 25113317
TI  - Versatile Cu(I)/Pd(0) dual catalysis for the synthesis of quaternary alpha
      allylated carbonyl compounds: development, mechanistic investigations and scope.
AB  - We report herein a versatile cooperative dual catalysis reaction based on a
      Cu(I)/Pd(0) system. Mechanistic investigation shows that every component plays a
      crucial role in determining the reaction outcome. The reaction is successfully
      extended to various substrates; such as alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones, malonates
      and coumarins. The strategy tolerates different substitution patterns and affords
      good yields for each family of substrates.

PMID- 25113318
TI  - Time trends of antidepressant drug prescriptions in men versus women in a
      geographically defined US population.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study time trends of antidepressant drug (AD)
      prescriptions in a geographically defined US population between 2005 and 2011 for
      men and women separately. Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical
      records-linkage system, we identified all Olmsted County, MN residents who
      received AD outpatient prescriptions between 2005 and 2011 (7 years). We
      calculated the annual age- and sex-specific prevalence over 7 years and used
      generalized estimating equation models to test for time trends. The prevalence of
      subjects receiving at least one AD prescription was approximately two times
      higher in women than in men consistently across the 7 years of the study. The
      standardized annual prevalence increased from 10.8 % in 2005 to 14.4 % in 2011
      overall, from 7.0 % in 2005 to 9.9 % in 2011 for men, and from 14.4 % in 2005 to
      18.6 % in 2011 for women. The absolute percent increase was greater in women (4.2
      vs. 2.9 %; standardized); however, the relative percent increase was greater in
      men (41.4 vs. 29.2 %; standardized). The relative percent increase was greater in
      the age group 65+ years for both men and women. AD prescriptions are increasing
      over time, especially in the elderly. Women receive more AD prescriptions than
      men. However, the relative increase in AD prescriptions over time is greater in
      men than women. 

PMID- 25113319
TI  - Oral contraceptive use and psychiatric disorders in a nationally representative
      sample of women.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to examine the association between oral
      contraceptive use (any current use, duration, and type) and major depressive
      disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and panic disorder (PD) in a
      nationally representative sample of women in the USA. Data were drawn from 1,105
      women aged 20-39 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from
      1999 to 2004. The associations between self-reported use of oral contraceptives
      in the past year and DSM-IV diagnosed and subthreshold MDD, GAD, and PD in the
      past year were assessed comparing oral contraceptive users to all non-users,
      former users, and former long-term users. Women using oral contraceptives had a
      lower past-year prevalence of all disorders assessed, other than subthreshold
      MDD. When adjusted for confounders, women using oral contraceptives in the past
      year had significantly lower odds of subthreshold PD, compared to former users
      (odds ratio (OR) = 0.34, 95 % CI 0.14-0.84). Effects estimates were strongest for
      monophasic (versus multiphasic) oral contraceptive users. Hormonal contraceptive
      use was associated with reduced risk of subthreshold PD. A potential mental
      health benefit of hormonal contraceptives has substantial public health
      implications; prospective longitudinal studies are needed to confirm whether
      hormonal contraceptive use improves mental health.

PMID- 25113320
TI  - Providing care to a child with cancer: a longitudinal study on the course,
      predictors, and impact of caregiving stress during the first year after
      diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the course, predictors, and impact of
      caregiving stress on the functioning of primary caregivers of children with
      cancer during the first year after a child's cancer diagnosis. METHODS: Primary
      caregivers (N = 95, 100% mother, 86% response rate) of consecutive newly
      diagnosed paediatric cancer patients (0-18 years) completed measures of
      caregiving stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and self-reported health at
      diagnosis, and 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter. RESULTS: Results indicated a
      significant decrease in caregiving stress (especially during the first 3 months
      after diagnosis). Caregiving stress was predicted by single marital status and
      the ill child being the mother's only child. Multilevel analyses, controlled for
      socio-demographic and medical covariates, showed that, over time, the decline in
      caregiving stress was accompanied by a reduction in depressive symptoms and
      anxiety. The amount of variance explained by caregiving stress was 53% for
      depressive symptoms, 47% for anxiety, and 3% for self-reported health.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that caregiving stress is an important
      factor in understanding parental adjustment to childhood cancer. This offers
      possibilities for developing interventions aimed at preventing caregiving stress,
      and strengthening mothers' confidence in their ability to provide good care.

PMID- 25113322
TI  - One pot synthesis of nanoscale phase-segregated PdPt nanoarchitectures via
      unusual Pt-doping induced structural reorganization of a Pd nanosheet into a PdPt
      nanotent.
AB  - Pt-doping of an ultrathin Pd nanosheet results in the unprecedented structural
      rearrangement of a Pd nanosheet into a PdPt nanotent structure, in which a tripod
      stands on a triangular nanosheet. Further growth of Pt phase on this nanotent
      structure is dependent on the presence of surface-stabilizing CO molecules,
      leading to the formation of two distinct nanoscale phase segregated structures
      with respective structural features of a popped out Pt facet and an overgrown Pt
      layer. 

PMID- 25113324
TI  - [Prurigo nodularis: A puzzle for more than 100 years].

PMID- 25113325
TI  - [Nihil certum: historical development of the term prurigo].
AB  - The term prurigo is still used to designate primary dermatoses and secondary
      reaction patterns. A clear definition of the term is not available nor a clear
      clinical classification of diseases categorized under the term. Furthermore,
      there is no certainty about the entity it was primarily used to refer to, and
      whether it should always be considered in relation to pruritus. The concept
      appears already in very early medical treatises. From the very beginning, it was
      used in dermatology in a non-uniform way, and was alternately accorded and denied
      the status of an independent disease entity. Moreover, prurigo was subdivided
      into many different forms, but their descriptions are partly very similar, so
      that, for instance, it is quite difficult today to draw any conclusions about the
      clinical entities the frequently used terms prurigo mitis and prurigo formicans
      referred to. In contrast, the term prurigo nodularis is still commonly used. This
      article traces exemplarily the use of the term prurigo in the standard medical
      textbooks up to the definition of prurigo nodularis. 

PMID- 25113326
TI  - [Prurigo. Clinical definition and classification].
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no consistent definition of the term prurigo and a clear
      classification is unavailable. OBJECTIVES: Definition of the current forms of
      prurigo and a new approach to a specific classification. METHODS: Review of the
      types of prurigo as presented in current textbooks and publications. RESULTS:
      Pruritus is the main symptom of prurigo and shows an intensely pruritic papule or
      nodule as the main efflorescence. The term prurigo is not only used for secondary
      lesions, but also for primary dermatoses. The different forms of prurigo obtain
      their names depending on etiology, onset and duration of lesions or the clinical
      appearance. CONCLUSIONS: The term prurigo has not been used consistently. A
      revision of the classification with a clear distinction between primary
      dermatoses and secondary lesions seems reasonable. In secondary prurigo, a
      clinical classification and the cause should be mentioned.

PMID- 25113321
TI  - Comparing algorithms for automated vessel segmentation in computed tomography
      scans of the lung: the VESSEL12 study.
AB  - The VESSEL12 (VESsel SEgmentation in the Lung) challenge objectively compares the
      performance of different algorithms to identify vessels in thoracic computed
      tomography (CT) scans. Vessel segmentation is fundamental in computer aided
      processing of data generated by 3D imaging modalities. As manual vessel
      segmentation is prohibitively time consuming, any real world application requires
      some form of automation. Several approaches exist for automated vessel
      segmentation, but judging their relative merits is difficult due to a lack of
      standardized evaluation. We present an annotated reference dataset containing 20
      CT scans and propose nine categories to perform a comprehensive evaluation of
      vessel segmentation algorithms from both academia and industry. Twenty algorithms
      participated in the VESSEL12 challenge, held at International Symposium on
      Biomedical Imaging (ISBI) 2012. All results have been published at the VESSEL12
      website http://vessel12.grand-challenge.org. The challenge remains ongoing and
      open to new participants. Our three contributions are: (1) an annotated reference
      dataset available online for evaluation of new algorithms; (2) a quantitative
      scoring system for objective comparison of algorithms; and (3) performance
      analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the various vessel segmentation
      methods in the presence of various lung diseases. 

PMID- 25113327
TI  - [Pathogenesis of prurigo nodularis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prurigo nodularis is a chronic reaction pattern associated with
      severe pruritus that markedly affects the quality of life in patients.
      PATHOGENESIS: The pathogenesis of prurigo nodularis is not completely clear.
      Patients have an increased number of substance P and calcitonin gene-related
      peptide positive nerves in the dermis. Eosinophils and mast cells are in close
      vicinity to peripheral nerves and increased in numbers in the inflammatory
      infiltrate in prurigo nodularis. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is increased in
      lesional skin of patients and can be released by mast cells and eosinophils. In
      addition, NGF modulates the functional activity of mast cells and eosinophils.
      Recently, higher levels of the novel pruritic cytokine IL-31 were found in the
      skin of patients with prurigo nodularis than other pruritic skin diseases.
      CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis of prurigo nodularis seems to be regulated by
      immunological and neuronal plasticity which will be highlighted in the current
      article.

PMID- 25113328
TI  - [Prurigo nodularis: its association with dermatoses and systemic disorders].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prurigo is seen in various dermatological diseases, but also in
      systemic and neurological diseases. OBJECTIVES: Which diseases in dermatology,
      internal medicine and neurology are linked to prurigo nodularis? MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: We describe the various entities that are associated with prurigo and
      discuss pathogenetic and therapeutic implications. RESULTS: In dermatology
      prurigo nodularis is most frequently seen in atopic dermatitis, but also in
      cutaneous lymphomas, mycobacterial skin infections and bullous diseases. Among
      systemic diseases, prurigo nodularis frequently is associated with pruritus of
      chronic renal or hepatic diseases. Prurigo nodularis is also seen in
      hematological and metabolic diseases (such as solid tumors, lymphoma, diabetes
      mellitus). The pathophysiology of prurigo is only partly understood. Treatment of
      prurigo nodularis is often challenging and a multimodal approach is advisable.
      CONCLUSION: Prurigo nodularis is a skin manifestation of chronic pruritus caused
      by various diseases in dermatology, internal medicine and neurology. An
      interdisciplinary approach should be taken for diagnosis and therapy.

PMID- 25113329
TI  - [Psychosomatic aspects of prurigo nodularis].
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This article gives an overview of the theoretical
      background and the empirical research concerning psychosomatic aspects of prurigo
      nodularis (PN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature research in PubMed with the
      search terms "prurigo nodularis", "nodular prurigo", "psych*"; clinical
      experience and research of the authors. RESULTS: Although reviews on PN
      frequently mention psychosomatic aspects, there is little empirical research
      concerning the subject. Psychosomatic aspects of PN may play a role in (1) the
      etiology of the chronic pruritus; (2) scratching, which leads to the typical
      nodules of PN; (3) the consequences of the chronic pruritus, the scratching and
      the skin lesions; (4) comorbidity. There is evidence for higher psychic
      comorbidity and higher psychopathology (anxiety, depression) in PN patients than
      in healthy controls, but PN patients were comparable to patients with other
      pruritic dermatoses. DISCUSSION: Increased levels of psychopathological problems
      and comorbidities also have been found in other dermatoses; they are not specific
      for PN. Because all of the research on this topic is cross-sectional, we cannot
      be sure whether these aspects are etiological factors or consequences of PN or
      independent comorbidities. Nevertheless, psychosomatic aspects should be
      considered in diagnosis and treatment of PN patients.

PMID- 25113330
TI  - [Therapy of prurigo nodularis].
AB  - Treatment of prurigo nodularis is a challenge. No specific therapies are approved
      and data from clinical trials are rare. Based on our experience, case series,
      randomized controlled trials as well as the S2k guideline on chronic pruritus, we
      provide general principles and specific recommendations in this review. 

PMID- 25113332
TI  - [Reticulate necrotic lesions on lower legs].

PMID- 25113333
TI  - [Acne vulgaris].
AB  - Acne vulgaris is worldwide the most common skin disease. Acne is an inflammatory
      disorder in whose emergence androgens, PPAR ligands, the IGF-1 signaling pathway,
      regulating neuropeptides and environmental factors are probably involved. These
      factors interrupt the natural cycling process in the sebaceous gland follicle and
      support the transition of microcomedones to comedones and inflammatory lesions.
      Proinflammatory lipids and cytokines are mediators for the development of acne
      lesions. Bacterial antigens can potentate the inflammatory phenomena. Acne is
      predominantly treated with combination therapy. Selecting a treatment regimen
      depends on the exact classification of acne type and severity. The development of
      scars is the main criterion for the choice of systemic therapy. Retinoids for
      mild comedonal acne and the combination of retinoids with antibiotics and/or
      benzoyl peroxide for mild to moderate papulopustular acne are the drugs of first
      choice for topical treatment. The use of topical antibiotics is not recommended
      any more because of the development of resistant bacterial strains. Systemic
      antibiotics, in combination with topical retinoids and/or benzoyl peroxide, for
      moderate papular/nodular acne and isotretinoin for severe nodular/conglobate acne
      are the columns of systemic acne treatment. Systemic anti-androgens are used in
      women against moderate papulopustular acne. Due to advances in the understanding
      of the underlying inflammatory mechanisms in recent years the development of new
      therapeutic agents with good efficacy and better side effect profile should be
      expected in the future. 

PMID- 25113331
TI  - [Clinical features and prurigo nodularis in nephrogenic pruritus].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nephrogenic pruritus (NP) is a well-known associated symptom in
      patients with chronic renal failure. The aim of the present study was to make a
      detailed dermatological analysis including distribution of excoriations and their
      correlation with pruritus characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data on a total
      of 17 patients with NP (14 males, mean 65.4 +/- SD 14.3 years) were subjected to
      retrospective analysis. Most of the patients developed NP after start of kidney
      disease; however, in 20 % of the patients, there was premonitory appearance of
      the symptom 18 months (median) earlier. A majority of patients reported
      neuropathic symptom qualities (burning, stinging). In 94.1 % of patients xerosis
      was present; in 58.8 %, prurigo nodularis. The latter group of patients had a
      longer duration of pruritus as well as up to 10 years longer duration of renal
      disease than those without prurigo. RESULTS: Pruritus characteristics of NP show
      a wide variance without a clear profile that is useful for clinical diagnosis. NP
      can occur premonitorily, and, if of long duration and with coexistent metabolic
      diseases, can develop into prurigo.

PMID- 25113334
TI  - Revision of the neotropical jumping plant-louse genus Mastigimas (Hemiptera,
      Psylloidea) attacking Cedrela and Toona species (Meliaceae).
AB  - The small Neotropical genus Mastigimas with five described species is revised.
      Three new species are added: Mastigimas colombianus sp. n. from Colombia on
      Cedrela montana, M. drepanodis sp. n. from Brazil (Parana) on C. fissilis and M.
      reseri sp. n. from Jamaica collected in light traps. Another two species are
      recorded from Brazil and Colombia, respectively, which are not formally described
      due to insufficient material. The new species are described, and illustrations
      and identification keys are provided for all species. The last instar immatures
      are described for five species. The phylogeny within Mastigimas is analysed, and
      the biogeographic and host plant relationships are discussed. 

PMID- 25113335
TI  - Mature larva of Stenichnus collaris (Muller & Kunze) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae:
      Scydmaeninae).
AB  - The mature larva of Stenichnus collaris is re-described on the basis of a shed
      larval skin. This is the first description of an immature Stenichnus identified
      by rearing to an adult beetle, and not only by collecting the larva in
      association with adults, as in previously published works. New data on the life
      history of St. collaris are provided, and possible serial homology of chaetotaxic
      structures across body segments is discussed. The structures of immature Nearctic
      St. turbatus, the only Stenichnus larva described with focus on the chaetotaxy,
      are compared with those of St. collaris and possible homologies are indicated. 

PMID- 25113336
TI  - Morphological variation and affinities of the poorly known snake Atractus
      caxiuana (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) .
AB  - Atractus caxiuana was recently described based on three specimens (two males and
      one female) from the Floresta Nacional de Caxiuana, municipality of Melgaco,
      state of Para, in the eastern portion of the Brazilian Amazon. Apart from the
      type series, no additional samples are known for the species. In this study, we
      report new specimens of A. caxiuana, providing new morphological data (meristic,
      morphometric, pholidosis, colour pattern, and hemipenis) and localities. We
      relate the variability displayed by the characters analyzed to sexual dimorphism,
      geographic variation, and ontogeny. Additionally, we provide detailed comparisons
      with A. collaris and putative sister species, and propose a new species group to
      accommodate this distinct and possible monophyletic assemblage.  

PMID- 25113337
TI  - Description of a new genus, Chileana (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Torymidae), with
      four new species.
AB  - Chileana Jansta & Krizkova gen. nov. and four new species, C. cyanea Jansta &
      Krizkova sp. nov., C. maculata Jansta & Krizkova sp. nov., C. tricarinata Jansta
      & Krizkova sp. nov. and C. penai Jansta & Krizkova sp. nov., all from Chile, are
      described. The placement of this new genus within the tribe Monodontomerini is
      discussed and several characters suggest a close relationship to Zaglyptonotus.  

PMID- 25113338
TI  - Redescription of three species of Filistatidae (Araneae) described by C.F. Roewer
      from Afghanistan.
AB  - Types of three filistatid species described by Roewer (1960, 1962) from
      Afghanistan are redescribed and two of them transferred to other filistatid
      genera. The new combinations proposed are: Zaitunia afghana (Roewer 1962) comb.
      n. (ex. Filistata Latreille, 1810) and Tricalamus lindbergi (Roewer, 1962) comb.
      n. (ex. Pritha Lehtinen, 1967). The taxonomic position of Pholcoides afghana
      Roewer, 1960 is discussed and the species is placed in the filistatid subfamily
      Prithinae Gray, 1994. 

PMID- 25113339
TI  - A new Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from northern Laos allied to P. abditus
      Inger, Orlov & Darevsky, 1999.
AB  - The small rhacophorid frog Philautus abditus is geographically restricted to
      central Vietnam and adjacent Cambodia. Our fieldwork in northern Laos resulted in
      the discovery of a Philautus species that very closely resembles P. abditus, but
      is at least 330 km from the nearest known locality of that species. The Laos
      population differs from P. abditus in mitochondrial DNA and coloration, and is
      described here as a new species. Philautus nianeae sp. nov. is distinguished from
      its congeners by having the combination of a hidden tympanum; no nuptial pads;
      smooth skin; large black spots on the hidden surfaces of the hind limbs; light
      venter with dark spotting; and a bronze iris. A second species of Philautus from
      northern Laos, P. petilus, is transferred on the basis of morphology to the genus
      Theloderma.  

PMID- 25113340
TI  - Discovery of the female of Protohermes niger Yang & Yang (Megaloptera:
      Corydalidae): Sexual dimorphism in coloration of a dobsonfly revealed by
      molecular evidence.
AB  - In most species of Megaloptera, adult males and females have similar coloration.
      In this paper, we associate the adult female of a Chinese endemic dobsonfly
      species, Protohermes niger Yang & Yang, using molecular evidence from two
      mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA and COI). The body and wing coloration between the
      male and the female of P. niger exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism.   

PMID- 25113341
TI  - New contributions to the knowledge of the immatures of Stilobezzia punctulata
      Lane and Stilobezzia fiebrigi Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae).
AB  - The fourth instar larva of Stilobezzia punctulata Lane is described for the first
      time and the one of Stilobezzia fiebrigi Kieffer is redescribed. They are
      illustrated and photomicrographed from material collected in different aquatic
      environments of the province of Corrientes, Argentina. Both species show features
      typical to carnivorous-predatory larva. 

PMID- 25113342
TI  - Neojilinga, a replacement name for Jilinga Eitschberger, Danner & Surholt, 1998
      (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae).

PMID- 25113343
TI  - Bees of the Colletes clypearis-group (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Colletidae) from
      China with descriptions of seven new species.
AB  - Twenty-three known species of the Colletes clypearis speices group from China are
      treated in this paper. C. cinerascens Morawitz 1893, C. clypearis Morawitz 1876,
      C. floralis Eversmann 1852, C. impunctatus Nylander 1852, Colletes paratibeticus
      Kuhlmann 2002 and Colletes sodalis (Cameron 1897) are newly recorded from China.
      C. harrerioides sp. n., C. heilongtenensis sp. n., C. hirsutus sp. n., C.
      inspersus sp. n., C. xizangensis sp. n., C. xuezhongi sp. n. and C. yanruae sp.
      n. are described and illustrated as new species. Checklist of the known species
      from China in Colletes clypearis-group with distribution, floral records, and an
      illustrated key to all known males and females from China are provided. The type
      specimens of the new species are deposited in the Insect Collection of Institute
      of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.  

PMID- 25113344
TI  - Taxonomic review of the family Discodorididae (Mollusca: Gastropoda:
      Nudibranchia) from Brazil, with descriptions of two new species.
AB  - The family Discodorididae was previously represented by 11 species in Brazil;
      however, recently collected specimens from several localities in Rio de Janeiro,
      in addition to the study of material previously deposited in scientific
      collections, revealed the existence of 13 taxa: Diaulula greeleyi (MacFarland,
      1909), Discodoris hummelincki (Ev. Marcus & Er. Marcus, 1963) comb. nov.,
      Discodoris branneri MacFarland, 1909, Geitodoris pusae (Er. Marcus, 1955),
      Hoplodoris hansrosaorum Dominguez, Garcia & Troncoso, 2006, Jorunna spazzola Er.
      Marcus, 1955, Jorunna spongiosa sp. nov., Paradoris mulciber (Ev. Marcus, 1971),
      Platydoris angustipes (Morch, 1863), Rostanga byga Er. Marcus, 1958a, Taringa
      telopia Er. Marcus, 1955, Taringa iemanja sp. nov., and Thordisa diuda Er.
      Marcus, 1955. Discodoris voniheringi MacFarland, 1909 was previously regarded as
      nomen dubium, and this view is maintained in the present study. Three new records
      for the Brazilian coast are recognized among these 13 taxa; the previous record
      of Diaulula phoca (Ev. Marcus & Er. Marcus, 1967a) is rectified as Discodoris
      hummelincki comb. nov., constituting the first record of this species from
      Brazil; two new species, Taringa iemanja sp. nov. and Jorunna spongiosa sp. nov.,
      are described in anatomical detail. The following taxa, which were formerly
      considered junior synonyms of species studied in this work, have been
      revalidated: Diaulula nayarita (Ortea & Llera, 1981), from the Pacific coast of
      Costa Rica, which differs from Diaulula greeleyi in the length and width of
      caryophyllidia; Discodoris mortenseni Ev. Marcus & Er. Marcus, 1963, from the
      Caribbean, which is likely to belong to Jorunna, yet differs from Jorunna
      spazzola in body size and coloration, radula appearance, and number of lamellae
      in the rhinophores; Jorunna luisae Ev. Marcus, 1976, which differs from Jorunna
      spazzola in the reproductive system, mainly in the size and shape of the
      accessory gland; and Thordisa azmani Cervera & Garcia-Gomez, 1989, which differs
      from Thordisa diuda in the presence of two accessory glands in the genital atrium
      and the absence of one denticle in the external surface of the inner lateral
      teeth. Finally, the specimens of Geitodoris pusae reported from the European
      coast and Mediterranean Sea show differences in general coloration and in the
      radula, gill, and reproductive system, thereby these specimens likely refer to
      different taxa. 

PMID- 25113345
TI  - World synopsis of described species of the genus Platypygus Loew (Diptera:
      Mythicomyiidae: Platypyginae).
AB  - The taxonomy of the genus Platypygus Loew is summarized, previously described
      species are reviewed based on examination of types, and a key to known species of
      the genus worldwide is presented. All previously described species are diagnosed
      and illustrated. The male genitalia of P. ridibundus (Costa) and female genitalia
      of P. americanus Melander are described for the first time. Some characters
      supporting the monophyly of the genus Platypygus are discussed and the Nearctic
      Cyrtisiopsis americanus (Melander) is restored to its original combination as
      Platypygus americanus. The type status of Platypygus bellus Loew, P. lativentris
      Loew, P. pumilio Loew, and P. turkmenorum Paramonov is clarified and a lectotype
      is selected for Platypygus kurdorum Paramonov and P. tauricus Paramonov. New
      country records are given for the following species: P. bellus (Greece); P.
      chrysanthemi (Israel, Jordan); P. kurdorum (Israel, Jordan, Syria); P. limatus
      (Nepal, Thailand); P. pumilio (Greece, Turkmenistan); P. ridibundus (Cyprus,
      Israel, Portugal), P. titanomedea (Jordan, Turkey).  

PMID- 25113346
TI  - Description of Culicoides paradoxalis sp. nov. from France and Portugal (Diptera:
      Ceratopogonidae).
AB  - A new species, Culicoides paradoxalis Ramilo and Delecolle (Diptera:
      Ceratopogonidae), is described from specimens collected in France (Corsica and
      southeast region) and Portugal. This species resembles Culicoides lupicaris
      Downes and Kettle, and can be distinguished from this species and from Culicoides
      newsteadi Austen by its wing pattern, in addition to the absence of spines on the
      tarsomere 4 of female mid leg. In male, the presence of two appendices on the
      sternite 9 together with the absence of sensilla coeloconica on the flagellomere
      11 is also useful to distinguish these three species. Separation from other
      members of the Culicoides subgenus is confirmed by the analysis of the Cytochrome
      Oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial marker.  

PMID- 25113347
TI  - Two new species of scale mites (Acari: Pterygosomatidae) parasitizing Agama agama
      (Sauria: Agamidae) from Kenya.
AB  - Two new species of pterygosomatid mites Pterygosoma garissi sp. nov. and P.
      fragilis sp. nov. (Acari: Pterygosomatidae) are described from the agamid lizard
      Agama agama (Sauria: Agamidae) from Kenya. P. garissi sp. nov. is similar to P.
      annectans Jack, 1962 but in the new species the peripheral setae are slightly
      expanded apically, 3 pairs of setae are situated on the coxal fields I and and 2
      pairs on II coxal fields, all pseudoanal setae are paddle-shaped with minute
      spicules on the apical part, setae dFIV are absent and lTrIV present. P. fragilis
      sp. nov. is most closely related to P. garissi sp. nov. but differs by the
      presence of setae n on the subcapitulum, the hypostome with several denticles at
      the apex, the fixed cheliceral digit bearing a spinous process, the presence of 8
      9 pairs of the peripheral setae, 1-2 pairs of genital setae g, and by the
      cheliceral shaft 2.1 times longer than the cheliceral base.  

PMID- 25113348
TI  - Two new endemic species of Ameiva (Squamata: Teiidae) from the dry forest of
      northwestern Peru and additional information on Ameiva concolor Ruthven, 1924.
AB  - We describe two new species of Ameiva Meyer, 1795 from the dry forest of the
      Northern Peruvian Andes. The new species Ameiva nodam sp. nov. and Ameiva
      aggerecusans sp. nov. share a divided frontal plate and are differentiated from
      each other and from their congeners based on genetic (12S and 16S rRNA genes) and
      morphological characteristics. A. nodam sp. nov. has dilated postbrachials, a
      maximum known snout-vent length of 101 mm, 10 longitudinal rows of ventral
      plates, 86-113 midbody granules, 25-35 lamellae under the fourth toe, and a color
      pattern with 5 longitudinal yellow stripes on the dorsum. Ameiva aggerecusans sp.
      nov. has not or only hardly dilated postbrachials, a maximum known snout-vent
      length of 99.3 mm, 10-12 longitudinal rows of ventral plates, 73-92 midbody
      granules, 31-39 lamellae under the fourth toe, and the females and juveniles of
      the species normally exhibit a cream-colored vertebral stripe on a dark dorsum
      ground color. We provide information on the intraspecific variation and
      distribution of A. concolor. Furthermore, we provide information on the
      environmental niches of the taxa and test for niche conservatism.  

PMID- 25113349
TI  - Polymona schellhorni sp nov., a new lymantrid moth from Jordania (Lepidoptera:
      Lymantriidae).

PMID- 25113351
TI  - The Australian Byrrhinae (Coleoptera: Byrrhidae) with descriptions of new genera
      and species.
AB  - The generic classification of the Australian Byrrhinae is revised and the
      following new genera are described: Notolioon gen. n., Nothochaetes gen. n.,
      Idiothrix gen. n., Akidomorychus gen. n., Brachybyrrhulus gen. n. and
      Pseudomorychus gen. n. A key is provided for the genera of Australian Byrrhidae.
      The following new combinations are proposed: Notolioon atronitens (Lea 1920)
      comb. n., N. bryophagus (Lea 1907) comb. n., N. carissimus (Lea 1907). comb. n.,
      N. dives (Lea 1907) comb. n., N. gemmatus (Lea 1920) comb. n., N. globosus
      (Wilson 1921) comb. n., N. griffithi (Lea 1907) comb. n., N. maculatipes (Lea
      1920) comb. n., N. multicolor (Lea 1907) comb. n., N. nodipennis (Lea 1920) comb.
      n., N. simplicicornis (Lea 1907) comb. n., N. viridinitens (Lea (1920). comb. n.,
      Nothochaetes fasciculatus (Lea 1920) comb. n., Idiothrix carinaticeps (Lea 1920)
      comb. n., Akidomorychus comatus (Oke 1932) comb. n., A. polychromus (Lea 1920)
      comb. n., A. raucus (Blackburn 1891) comb. n., A. venustus (Wilson 1921) comb.
      n., Brachybyrrhulus discicollis (Lea 1920) comb. n., Pseudomorychus torrensensis
      (Blackburn 1889) comb. n., P. mixtus (Lea 1907) comb. n. The following new
      species are described: Notolioon cardamine sp. n., Nothochaetes howensis sp. n.
      and Brachybyrrhulus malleecola sp. n.  

PMID- 25113352
TI  - On the endemic spider species of the genus Savigniorrhipis Wunderlich, 1992
      (Araneae: Linyphiidae) in the Azores (Portugal), with description of a new
      species.
AB  - Savigniorrhipis topographicus new species is described from the Azores. The
      synapomorphies of Savigniorrhipis are discussed along with the affinities of the
      genus within the Savignia-group. Given the extremely restricted and increasingly
      disturbed habitat, S. topographicus new species should be classified as
      Critically Endangered and its single forest habitat at Topo (Sao Jorge Island)
      should increase its current protection level to a strict nature reserve. 

PMID- 25113353
TI  - Review of the genus Dolichosciara Tuomikoski (Diptera, Sciaridae) from China.
AB  - The genus Dolichosciara from China is reviewed and 17 species are recognized.
      Among them, eight new species, D. sparsula sp. nov., D. gracilenta sp. nov., D.
      oxyacantha sp. nov., D. scrobiculata sp. nov., D. tumidula sp. nov., D.
      rectospinosa sp. nov., D. multisetosa sp. nov. and D. qingliangfengana sp. nov.
      are described and seven species, D. ninae (Antonova, 1977), D. megumiae
      (Sasakawa, 1994), D. orcina (Tuomikoski, 1960), D. semiferruginea (Menzel, 1995),
      D. hippai Komarova & Vilkamaa, 2006, D. subornata (Mohrig & Menzel, 1994) and D.
      ornata (Winnertz, 1867) are reported for the first time from China. In addition,
      geographical distribution of 17 Chinese species are provided, as well as a key to
      all these Chinese species. This study raises the number of the species of Chinese
      Dolichosciara from 2 to 17.  

PMID- 25113354
TI  - Loricaria luciae, a new species of whiptail catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)
      from the Paraguay and lower Parana River basins of southeastern South America.
AB  - Loricaria luciae, new species, is described from the the rio Paraguay basin of
      Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay, south to its confluence with the rio Parana in
      Argentina. It is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of
      characteristics: pectoral girdle entirely naked or with small isolated plates
      near base of pectoral fin, post-ural plate at base of caudal fin large (plate
      length 17.0-20.3% HL), and total lateral plates 32-33 (modally 32). The new
      species occurs in a variety of habitats ranging from small, seasonally
      intermittent streams with clear water to large, turbid rivers over sand and mud
      substrates. It is sympatric with at least three other species of Loricaria in the
      Paraguay and lower Parana drainages, including L. apeltogaster Boulenger 1895, L.
      coximensis Rodriguez et al. 2012, and L. simillima Regan 1904.  

PMID- 25113355
TI  - A new species, Hemicrepidius (Miwacrepidius) rubriventris sp. nov. (Coleoptera,
      Elateridae, Denticollinae) from Republic of Korea.
AB  - The subgenus Miwacrepidius of the genus Hemicrepidius is represented by a
      monotypic species, H. (M.) subcyaneus (Motschulsky 1866) from Japan, and no other
      congener of the subgenus has been known until now. However, three female
      specimens of a novel species belonging to this subgenus were recently collected
      from the Republic of Korea. To delimitate the species boundary of the new species
      compared with the monotypic species, H. (M.) subcyaneus, we attempted an
      integrative taxonomy based on both morphological and DNA barcoding approaches. An
      examination of the results revealed ten diagnostic characteristics and large
      genetic distances, ranging from 8.40%, between these two species; therefore, we
      herein describe and illustrate the new species, Hemicrepidius (Miwacrepidius)
      rubriventris sp. nov., based on female types.  

PMID- 25113356
TI  - Notes on Citrogramma Vockeroth and Eosphaerophoria Frey (Diptera: Syrphidae).
AB  - New taxonomic and distributional data on the genera Citrogramma Vockeroth, 1969
      and Eosphaerophoria Frey, 1946 are presented, including descriptions of the
      females of Citrogramma asombrosum Mengual, 2012, Citrogramma pennardsi Mengual,
      2012 and Eosphaerophoria dentiscutellata (Keiser, 1958). Modifications to
      published identification keys to accommodate the new information are provided for
      both genera. 

PMID- 25113357
TI  - Endogean and cavernicolous Coleoptera of the Balkans. XII. New species of
      Paramaurops Jeannel, 1948 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from
      Macedonia.
AB  - The new species of the tribe Amauropini, Paramaurops vonickai n. sp. is described
      from Macedonia.  

PMID- 25113359
TI  - Revision of the subgenus Cosmiomorpha (Cosmiomorpha)(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae:
      Cetoniinae).
AB  - A taxonomic revision of the subgenus Cosmiomorpha (Cosmiomorpha) Saunders is
      presented. Seven species are recognized, including four described herein, C.
      fortis new species, C. nigripedis new species, C. maolanensis new species, and C.
      cheni new species all from China. Cosmiomorpha baryi Bourgoin and C. squamulosa
      Schurhoff are placed as junior synonyms of C. decliva Janson, and C. angulosa
      Fairmaire as a synonym of C. decliva is also confirmed. Lectotypes are designated
      for C. decliva Janson, C. angulosa Fairmaire, and C. squamulosa Schurhoff. Color
      photographs and diagnoses of all species are provided, with comments on
      intraspecific variations. A key to males is also presented. Localities of "Siao
      Lou" and "Se Pin-Lou Chan" are discussed with a map.  

PMID- 25113360
TI  - Two interstitial species of the genus Semicytherura (Crustacea: Ostracoda) from
      Japan, with notes on their microhabitats.
AB  - A new interstitial ostracod, Semicytherura uzushio sp. nov., is described from
      the southwest of Japan, and the details of the carapace characters of
      Semicytherura mukaishimensis Okubo, 1980 are redescribed. Semicytherura uzushio
      and S. mukaishimensis live interstitially in the intertidal and infralittoral
      zones, respectively. They have the smallest carapaces among the known
      Semicytherura species, comparable to those of other interstitial ostracods. It is
      thought that most of the small species belonging to this genus have an
      interstitial life style in marine sediments.  

PMID- 25113361
TI  - New species of Stenodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Sharqiyah Sands in
      northeastern Oman.
AB  - A new species of gecko of the genus Stenodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) is
      described from the dune desert of Al Sharqiyah Sands in northeastern Oman.
      Stenodactylus sharqiyahensis sp. nov. is characterized morphologically by its
      small size, snout shape, webbing between fingers not very extended, relatively
      short limbs, and scalation. It is genetically distinct in the mitochondrial DNA
      and the nuclear MC1R gene from Stenodactylus arabicus to which it has previously
      been referred. The new species seems to have a restricted distribution confined
      to the Sharqiyah Sands, which remain isolated from other sand deserts in Arabia.
      In addition, the data presented herein confirm new locality records for
      Stenodactylus arabicus in the easternmost limit of its distribution range in
      western central Oman.  

PMID- 25113362
TI  - New species of Hypoaspis Canestrini and Coleolaelaps Berlese (Mesostigmata:
      Laelapidae) associated with Polyphylla olivieri Castelnau (Coleoptera:
      Scarabaeidae) in Iran .
AB  - White grubs, including Polyphylla olivieri Castelnau, are among the most
      economically important pests of orchard trees and other crops such as potato and
      sugar beet. The larvae feed on the roots of the host plants and their adults feed
      on the leaves. Several types of organisms are parasitic or phoretic on this pest,
      including three species of mites from Iran. Two new species of mites, namely
      Hypoaspis (Hypoaspis) surii n. sp. and Coleolaelaps massoumii n. sp. are
      described here from the adults of P. olivieri in Hamedan, Iran. Hypoaspis
      polyphyllae Khanjani & Ueckermann was previously described from the larva of this
      species of beetle.

PMID- 25113363
TI  - Description of the larva of Argia chelata Calvert, 1902 (Odonata:
      Coenagrionidae).
AB  - The larva of Argia chelata is described and figured. It falls into the group of
      Argia larvae with a moderately prominent ligula and two palpal seta, but it
      differs from its closest relatives by having labial palp with 2 setae plus one
      basal setella; the length of the ligula is 30% of its maximum width; basal
      tergites (1-5) lacking long, fine setae, mainly on midline; S8-10 mostly dark
      brown; paraprocts with spiniform setae on basal 0.25 and 0.55 of dorsal and
      ventral borders, respectively. Larvae were found in 2<sup>nd</sup> to
      4<sup>th</sup> order shallow streams in cloud forest, crawling among debris, fine
      sand and mud where the water flow is slow or still, close to the shoreline. The
      larva is compared with A. lacrimans (Hagen), A. pima Garrison, and A. tonto
      Calvert, species apparently closely related.  

PMID- 25113364
TI  - Cave millipedes of the United States. XIII. A new, troglobiotic species of
      Austrotyla from Colorado (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida, Conotylidae).
AB  - Austrotyla stephensoni n. sp., from Colorado, is described as the first
      troglobiotic species of its genus, and compared to sympatric Austrotyla
      coloradensis (Chamberlin 1910). A key to all Austrotyla species is provided.  

PMID- 25113365
TI  - The genus Rhamphothrips in India (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) with description of a
      new species .
AB  - Rhamphothrips bhattii sp.n. is described from India based on specimens collected
      on flowers and leaves of Tabernaemontana divaricata (Apocynaceae) in the States
      of West Bengal and Odisha. The pronotum of this species is longer than any other
      known member of the genus. A key to the six species of Rhamphothrips recorded
      from India is provided. 

PMID- 25113366
TI  - A new species of Mataeomera, formerly misidentified as M. obliquisigna (Hampson,
      1894) from Japan (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Boletobiinae).
AB  - Mataeomera Butler, 1886, currently referred to the tribe Eublemmini in
      Boletobiinae (Holloway 2011), was proposed by Butler (1886) to accommodate an
      Australian species, Mataeomera dubia Butler. This genus was once regarded as a
      junior synonym of Autoba Walker by Poole (1989) but resurrected by Edwards
      (1996). Another related genus, Catoblemma Hampson, 1910 originally proposed for
      Catoblemma sumbavensis Hampson, 1910 from Lesser Sunda was revised to include the
      Australian and East and Southeast Asian species. Edwards (1996) found the
      Australian species of Catoblemma and Mataeomera dubia congeneric and established
      the synonymy of those two genera. Following Edwards (1996), Yoshimoto (1999)
      transferred the Asian species of Catoblemma to Mataeomera. Mataeomera currently
      includes 21 species (Poole 1989; Edwards 1996; Holloway 2009). Following Holloway
      (2009), we note that Catoblemma appears to include several unrelated species and
      is probably polyphyletic. In fact, the Indo-Himalayan and East Asian species
      currently assigned to Mataeomera are distinct from the Australian congeners in
      external appearance and larval feeding habits (Sohn & Ronkay 2001; Holloway
      2009). As such these may merit generic status but this possibility is still under
      study by the first author (JCS).  

PMID- 25113367
TI  - Internal oral morphology in larvae of the genus Rhinella Fitzinger, 1826
      (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) .
AB  - From the 86 species allocated in the genus Rhinella, 25 have their tadpoles
      described and only R. arenarum, R. chrysophora, R. icterica, R. ornata, R.
      schneideri and R. spinulosa have aspects of the internal oral morphology
      evidenced. Herein, the internal oral morphology from 12 species of Rhinella
      distributed between the morphological groups of R. crucifer, R. granulosa, R.
      marina and R margaritifera is described and compared. The internal oral
      morphology of Rhinella is little variable in many aspects. Despite the many
      similarities found between the tadpoles of Rhinella, the study showed that there
      are characteristics that exhibit interspecific variation that can be used in the
      taxonomy of the genus. Important features to distinguish species were: number of
      infrarrostral projections; number and shape of the infralabial papillae; size,
      arrangement, shape and apex of the lingual papillae; shape of the buccal floor
      arena papillae; number of projections of the ventral velum; shape of the
      prenarial ridge; choanae arrangement; number and apex of the postnarial papillae;
      number and shape of the secondary branches on the lateral ridge papilla; buccal
      roof arena papillae arrangement.  

PMID- 25113368
TI  - Description of the egg and immature stages of Potamobates anchicaya J. Polhemus &
      D. Polhemus, 1995 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) and intersexual variation in
      adults.
AB  - The egg and five nymphal stages, of the Neotropical species Potamobates anchicaya
      are described and illustrated for the first time. Intra- and intersexual
      variation in the abdominal terminalia of apterous adults is also illustrated.
      Adults and nymphs were collected from three populations in southwestern Colombia.

PMID- 25113370
TI  - Vulcanolepas scotiaensis sp. nov., a new deep-sea scalpelliform barnacle
      (Eolepadidae: Neolepadinae) from hydrothermal vents in the Scotia Sea,
      Antarctica.
AB  - A new deep-sea stalked barnacle, Vulcanolepas scotiaensis sp. nov. is described
      from hydrothermal vents at depths of 2400-2600 metres along segments of the East
      Scotia Ridge and from 1400 metres in the Kemp Caldera. Both locations are areas
      of volcanic activity that lie on the Antarctic-South American Ocean Ridge complex
      near the South Sandwich Islands. This discovery confirms a wide distribution in
      southern seas for Vulcanolepas, complementing the previous records from deep-sea
      vents in the Lau Basin and Kermadec Ridge in the southwest Pacific, and the
      Pacific Antarctic Ridge in the southeast Pacific. V. scotiaensis sp. nov., the
      third described species of Vulcanolepas shows an extraordinary range in
      morphology, requiring a reassessment of the original diagnosis for Vulcanolepas.
      Although the morphological envelope of V. scotiaensis sp. nov. includes
      representatives with a peduncle to capitulum ratio similar to that observed in
      most neolepadines, the peduncle generally shows greater proportional length than
      in species in any neolepadine genus except Leucolepas; it is distinguished from
      other species of Vulcanolepas by a broader capitulum, much smaller imbricating
      scales on the peduncle and more ornamented capitulum plates. The morphological
      diversity of V. scotiaensis sp. nov. is interpreted as having arisen due to
      abrupt changes in water temperature.LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:AA2AFDA5-0B08
      466A-A584-D3FDBDE9DA61. 

PMID- 25113369
TI  - Stictonectes abellani sp. n. (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae) from the
      Iberian Peninsula, with notes on the phylogeny, ecology and distribution of the
      Iberian species of the genus.
AB  - Stictonectes abellani sp. n. is described from the Iberian Peninsula. On average,
      the new species is larger and the colouration of the upper surface darker than in
      most other species of the genus. Seemingly the species has been confounded with
      others in the past, particularly S. optatus (Seidlitz, 1887). Males can be
      separated from externally similar species by studying the shape of the parameres.
      Additionally, the anterior margin of the clypeus is provided with a distinct rim
      in both sexes, which is absent or only weakly present in other species. The
      habitus and the male genitalia of the new species are illustrated, and compared
      with those of S. optatus. External morphological differences from other members
      of the genus are discussed. According to studies of the molecular phylogeny,
      based on fragments of four mitochondrial genes, S. abellani sp. n. is clearly
      separated from previously described species of Stictonectes Brinck, 1943,
      apparently being relatively basal within the genus. The new species is rather
      widely distributed in the south-western part of the Iberian Peninsula, inhabiting
      pools in small temporary siliceous streams. We provide distributional maps for
      all eight Iberian Stictonectes and estimate the potential distributional areas of
      the new species and the other two endemic Iberian species S. occidentalis
      Fresneda & Fery, 1990 and S. rebeccae Bilton, 2011, based on environmental niche
      modelling.  

PMID- 25113371
TI  - Two new species of Gieysztoria (Platyhelminthes, Rhabdocoela, Dalyelliidae) from
      a freshwater artificial lake in Shenzhen, China.
AB  - Two new species of the "Aequales" of genus Gieysztoria were collected and
      described from an artificial lake on the Shenzhen University campus. Gieysztoria
      bimaculata n. sp., is distinguished based on two groups clavate pigmentations
      dorsally between the pharynx and intestine, and has a sclerotic stylet comprising
      a proximal girdle with 40-46 distal dagger-shape spines, thus has the maximum
      number of spines within "Aequales" group. Gieysztoria guangdongensis n. sp. has a
      sclerotic stylet with a proximal girdle and 18 distal blade-shaped spines.
      Comparison with similar species based mainly on stylet morphology suggests that
      Gieysztoria bimaculata n. sp. and Gieysztoria guangdongensis n. sp. are
      apparently different from the known species of Gieysztoria in this moment. In
      addition, the stability of the amount of distal spines of "Aequales" species is
      briefly discussed. 

PMID- 25113372
TI  - Notes on the genus Libellulosoma Martin, 1906, and related genera (Odonata:
      Anisoptera: Corduliidae).
AB  - The holotype of Libellulosoma minuta, until now regarded as the unique specimen
      of this monotypic genus and considered lost for half a century, was found again
      in the dragonfly collection of the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris.
      A second specimen, also from Madagascar (probably East Madagascar) was found in
      the collection Rene Martin together with the holotype. A redescription, including
      the structure of the secondary copulatory apparatus, is provided. The genus
      Libellulosoma is closely related to the genera Pentathemis and Aeschnosoma, and
      its membership in the clade Aeschnosomata is well supported. Evidence from
      biogeography, the fossil record, and phylogeny indicates that this group,
      possible sister group of remaining Corduliidae s.s., was probably already present
      in the Early Cretaceous. 

PMID- 25113373
TI  - Two new species of Microvelia Westwood, 1834 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae)
      from Colombia, with a key to Colombian species.
AB  - Only six species of Microvelia have been recorded from Colombia up to the
      present, namely M. ancona, M. hinei, M. leucothea, M. longipes, M. panamensis,
      and M. pulchella. Microvelia inguapi sp. n. and M. piedrancha sp. n. are herein
      described and compared with similar species. An identification key to the
      Colombian species of Microvelia is presented.  

PMID- 25113374
TI  - Chriolepis bilix, a new species of goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from deep waters of
      the western Atlantic.
AB  - A new species of seven-spined goby of the genus Chriolepis is described from four
      specimens from four widely separate western Atlantic localities (Little Bahama
      Bank; off southwestern Florida; Tobago Island; and northeastern Colombia) from
      depths ranging from 62 to 138 m. The species is distinct from all other western
      Atlantic species currently assigned to the genus Chriolepis in having a fully
      scaled body, the first two dorsal-fin spines greatly elongated in both sexes,
      especially so in females, and two anal-fin pterygiophores inserted anterior to
      the first haemal spine. It differs from members of the similar genus Varicus in
      having branched pelvic-fins rays, a longer fifth pelvic-fin ray and more numerous
      meristic elements. It closely resembles Chriolepis atrimelum, known from a
      similar depth at Isla del Coco in the eastern Pacific Ocean.  

PMID- 25113376
TI  - Reflections on eleven years with PCCP.

PMID- 25113375
TI  - FAK and paxillin dynamics at focal adhesions in the protrusions of migrating
      cells.
AB  - Cell migration requires the fine spatiotemporal integration of many proteins that
      regulate the fundamental processes that drive cell movement. Focal adhesion (FA)
      dynamics is a continuous process involving coordination between FA and actin
      cytoskeleton, which is essential for cell migration. We studied the
      spatiotemporal relationship between the dynamics of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)
      and paxillin at FAs in the protrusion of living endothelial cells. Concurrent
      dual-color imaging showed that FAK was assembled at FA first, which was followed
      by paxillin recruitment to the FA. By tracking and quantifying FAK and paxillin
      in migrating cells, the normalized FAK/Paxillin fluorescence intensity (FI) ratio
      is > 1 (~ 4 fold) at cell front, ~ 1 at cell center, and < 1 at cell rear. The
      significantly higher FAK FI than paxillin FI at cell front indicates that the
      assembly of FAK-FAs occurs ahead of paxillin at cell front. To determine the time
      difference between the assemblies of FAK and paxillin at nascent FAs, FAs
      containing both FAK and paxillin were quantified by image analysis and time
      correlation. The results show that FAK assembles at the nascent FAs earlier than
      paxillin in the protrusions at cell front.

PMID- 25113379
TI  - Nasal MRSA colonization: impact on surgical site infection following spine
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior studies published in the cardiothoracic, orthopedic and
      gastrointestinal surgery have identified the importance of nasal (methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus) MRSA screening and subsequent decolonization to
      reduce MRSA surgical site infection (SSI). This is the first study to date
      correlating nasal MRSA colonization with postoperative spinal MRSA SSI.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess the significance of nasal MRSA colonization in the setting
      of MRSA SSI. METHODS: A retrospective electronic chart review of patients from
      year 2011 to June 2013 was conducted for patients with both nasal MRSA
      colonization within 30 days prior to spinal surgery. Patients who tested positive
      for MRSA were put on contact isolation protocol. None of these patients received
      topical antibiotics for decolonization of nasal MRSA. RESULTS: A total of 519
      patients were identified; 384 negative (74%), 110 MSSA-positive (21.2%), and 25
      (4.8%) MRSA-positive. Culture positive surgical site infection (SSI) was
      identified in 27 (5.2%) cases and was higher in MRSA-positive group than in MRSA
      negative and MSSA-positive groups (12% vs. 5.73% vs. 1.82%; p=0.01). The MRSA SSI
      rate was 0.96% (n=5). MRSA SSI developed in 8% of the MRSA-positive group as
      compared to only in 0.61% of MRSA-negative group, with a calculated odds ratio of
      14.23 (p=0.02). In the presence of SSI, nasal MRSA colonization was associated
      with MRSA-positive wound culture (66.67 vs. 12.5%; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION:
      Preoperative nasal MRSA colonization is associated with postoperative spinal MRSA
      SSI. Preoperative screening and subsequent decolonization using topical
      antibiotics may help in decreasing the incidence of MRSA SSI after spine surgery.
      Nasal MRSA+ patients undergoing spinal surgery should be informed regarding their
      increased risk of developing surgical site infection.

PMID- 25113380
TI  - The midline suboccipital subtonsillar approach to the cerebellomedullary cistern
      and its structures: anatomical considerations, surgical technique and clinical
      application.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lesions of the cerebellomedullary cistern lateral to the lower
      brainstem in an area extending from the foraminae of Luschka to the foramen
      magnum are rare and can be caused by various sources. There is no consensus on an
      ideal surgical approach. We describe the anatomical features and the surgical
      technique of the midline suboccipital subtonsillar (STA) approach to the
      cerebellomedullary cistern and its pathologies. METHODS: The study was performed
      on three alcohol (ETOH)-fixed specimens (6 sides), and the technique of the
      approach was highlighted. The tonsillar retraction needed to view the important
      structures was measured. Additionally, the records of 31 patients who underwent
      the STA procedure were evaluated. We provide three clinical cases as examples.
      RESULTS: Tonsillar retraction of 0.3cm (SD+/-0.1cm) exposed the PICA with its
      telo-velo-tonsillar and cortical branches. Retraction of 0.4cm (SD+/-0.2cm)
      exposed the spinal root of CN XI. Retraction of 0.9cm (SD+/-0.01cm) exposed the
      hypoglossal canal. Retraction of 1.3cm (SD+/-0.2cm) exposed the root exit zone of
      the glossopharyngeal nerve. Retraction of 1.6cm (SD+/-0.3cm) exposed the jugular
      foramen (JF), and retraction of 2.4cm (SD+/-0.2cm) exposed the inner auditory
      canal (IAC). In all of the selected cases, the pathology could be reached and
      exposed using the STA. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend STA as a straightforward, easy
      to-learn and therefore time-saving and safe procedure compared with other
      standard approaches to the cerebellomedullary cistern and its pathologies.

PMID- 25113377
TI  - Transcriptome sequencing and genome-wide association analyses reveal lysosomal
      function and actin cytoskeleton remodeling in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
AB  - Schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BPD) are severe mental disorders with
      high heritability. Clinicians have long noticed the similarities of clinic
      symptoms between these disorders. In recent years, accumulating evidence
      indicates some shared genetic liabilities. However, what is shared remains
      elusive. In this study, we conducted whole transcriptome analysis of post-mortem
      brain tissues (cingulate cortex) from SCZ, BPD and control subjects, and
      identified differentially expressed genes in these disorders. We found 105 and
      153 genes differentially expressed in SCZ and BPD, respectively. By comparing the
      t-test scores, we found that many of the genes differentially expressed in SCZ
      and BPD are concordant in their expression level (q?0.01, 53 genes; q?0.05, 213
      genes; q?0.1, 885 genes). Using genome-wide association data from the Psychiatric
      Genomics Consortium, we found that these differentially and concordantly
      expressed genes were enriched in association signals for both SCZ (P<10(-7)) and
      BPD (P=0.029). To our knowledge, this is the first time that a substantially
      large number of genes show concordant expression and association for both SCZ and
      BPD. Pathway analyses of these genes indicated that they are involved in the
      lysosome, Fc gamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis, regulation of actin
      cytoskeleton pathways, along with several cancer pathways. Functional analyses of
      these genes revealed an interconnected pathway network centered on lysosomal
      function and the regulation of actin cytoskeleton. These pathways and their
      interacting network were principally confirmed by an independent transcriptome
      sequencing data set of the hippocampus. Dysregulation of lysosomal function and
      cytoskeleton remodeling has direct impacts on endocytosis, phagocytosis,
      exocytosis, vesicle trafficking, neuronal maturation and migration, neurite
      outgrowth and synaptic density and plasticity, and different aspects of these
      processes have been implicated in SCZ and BPD. 

PMID- 25113378
TI  - Proneurogenic Group II mGluR antagonist improves learning and reduces anxiety in
      Alzheimer Abeta oligomer mouse.
AB  - Proneurogenic compounds have recently shown promise in some mouse models of
      Alzheimer's pathology. Antagonists at Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors
      (Group II mGluR: mGlu2, mGlu3) are reported to stimulate neurogenesis. Agonists
      at those receptors trigger gamma-secretase-inhibitor-sensitive biogenesis of
      Abeta42 peptides from isolated synaptic terminals, which is selectively
      suppressed by antagonist pretreatment. We have assessed the therapeutic potential
      of chronic pharmacological inhibition of Group II mGluR in Dutch APP (Alzheimer's
      amyloid precursor protein E693Q) transgenic mice that accumulate Dutch amyloid
      beta (Abeta) oligomers but never develop Abeta plaques. BCI-838 is a clinically
      well-tolerated, orally bioavailable, investigational prodrug that delivers to the
      brain BCI-632, the active Group II mGluR antagonist metabolite. Dutch Abeta
      oligomer-forming APP transgenic mice (APP E693Q) were dosed with BCI-838 for 3
      months. Chronic treatment with BCI-838 was associated with reversal of transgene
      related amnestic behavior, reduction in anxiety, reduction in levels of brain
      Abeta monomers and oligomers, and stimulation of hippocampal neurogenesis. Group
      II mGluR inhibition may offer a unique package of relevant properties as an
      Alzheimer's disease therapeutic or prophylactic by providing both attenuation of
      neuropathology and stimulation of repair. 

PMID- 25113381
TI  - A case of contrecoup skull fracture caused by mild head injury.

PMID- 25113384
TI  - Pilgrims.

PMID- 25113383
TI  - Association between fasting serum glucose levels and incidence of colorectal
      cancer in Korean men: the Korean Cancer Prevention Study-II.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is steadily increasing
      worldwide. Numerous studies have demonstrated that diabetes mellitus is related
      to an increased risk of CRC; however, the association between impaired fasting
      glucose and CRC is unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the correlation between
      fasting serum glucose (FSG) levels and the incidence of CRC, which can be used to
      develop novel methods for preventing CRC. METHODS: A total of 175,677 individuals
      from the Korean Metabolic Syndrome Research Initiative study were enrolled
      between 2004 and 2011. The incidence of CRC was assessed during a mean follow-up
      of 4.7 years. Hazard ratios (HR) for CRC according to FSG levels were calculated
      with the Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age, sex, body mass index,
      smoking status, alcohol consumption, and regular exercise. RESULTS: The risk of
      developing CRC in subjects with high FSG was significant (HR, 1.45; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.90), and the risk was higher in men (HR, 1.51;
      95% CI, 1.12-2.05). The HR of rectal cancer, but not colon cancer, was
      significantly higher both in the total population and in men in the high FSG
      group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CRC positively correlated with FSG levels in
      men. Rectal cancer incidence was especially correlated with high FSG in the site
      specific analysis. Therefore, serum glucose levels maybe a potential marker of
      colorectal cancer. Early detection and intervention for controlling elevated
      glucose levels may be indicated as a way to prevent carcinogenesis.

PMID- 25113382
TI  - MAG-EPA and 17,18-EpETE target cytoplasmic signalling pathways to reduce short
      term airway hyperresponsiveness.
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the role of eicosapentaenoic acid
      monoacylglyceride (MAG-EPA) and 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EpETE) on
      the regulation of contractile reactivity and nuclear protein expression in 72-h
      cultured and TNF-alpha-treated guinea pig tracheal rings. Tension measurements
      performed on native tissues demonstrated that the cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase
      (CYP450)-dependent EPA metabolite, 17,18-EpETE, displayed a higher potency than
      MAG-EPA in inhibiting U-46619-induced tone. Calphostin C (a PKC inhibitor),
      whether in association or not with MAG-EPA or 17,18-EpETE, had no further effect,
      while 17,18-EpETE and Y-27632 (a Rho kinase inhibitor) yielded additive effects.
      Of note, MAG-EPA and 17,18-EpETE pre-treatments normalized the contractile
      responses to broncho-constrictive agents in 72-h-cultured trachea. The enhanced
      expression of TNF-alpha, P-p65-nuclear factor kappaB (NF)-kappaB, c-fos and c-Jun
      in 72-h-cultured tissues likely contributed to the hyperresponsiveness. beta
      Escin-permeabilized preparations demonstrated that 17,18-EpETE abolished Ca(2+)
      hypersensitivity, suggesting a blunting of PKC and/or Rho kinase activation.
      Lastly, activation of NF-kappaB and activating protein-1 (AP-1) signalling by
      exogenous TNF-alpha markedly increased the contractile response to MCh, through
      an increase in 17-kDa PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein of PP1 (CPI-17)
      phosphorylation and IkappaBalpha degradation. Dual incubation of 17,18-EpETE with
      calphostin C or Y-27632 induced cumulative inhibitory effects on MCh responses in
      TNF-alpha-incubated tracheal rings. 17,18-EpETE also reduced the detection level
      of P-p65-NF-kappaB and AP-1 subunits. The present data provide evidence that MAG
      EPA, through its bioactive metabolite, represents a prospective pharmacological
      target in respiratory diseases. 

PMID- 25113385
TI  - Pseudohongiella acticola sp. nov., a novel gammaproteobacterium isolated from
      seawater, and emended description of the genus Pseudohongiella.
AB  - A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped or ovoid bacterial
      strain able to move by a single polar flagellum, designated GBSW-5(T), was
      isolated from seawater in the East Sea, South Korea. Strain GBSW-5(T) was found
      to grow optimally at 30  degrees C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0%
      (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that
      strain GBSW-5(T) clustered with the type strain of Pseudohongiella spirulinae.
      Strain GBSW-5(T) exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value
      (96.4%) to the type strain of P. spirulinae, and of less than 91.0% sequence
      similarities to the type strains of other recognized species. Strain GBSW-5(T)
      was found to contain Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and C(18:1)omega7c and
      summed feature 3 (C(16:1)omega7c and/or C(16:1)omega6c) as the major fatty acids.
      The major polar lipids of strain GBSW-5(T) were identified as
      phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and
      phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content of strain GBSW-5(T) was
      determined to be 59.1 mol%. The differential phenotypic properties, together with
      the phylogenetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain GBSW-5(T) is separated
      from P. spirulinae. On the basis of the data presented, strain GBSW-5(T) is
      considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pseudohongiella, for which
      the name Pseudohongiella acticola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GBSW
      5(T) (= KCTC 42131(T) = CECT 8627(T)). An emended description of the genus
      Pseudohongiella is also given.

PMID- 25113386
TI  - Granulosicoccus undariae sp. nov., a member of the family Granulosicoccaceae
      isolated from a brown algae reservoir and emended description of the genus
      Granulosicoccus.
AB  - A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated and coccoid bacterial strain, W
      BA3(T), which was isolated from a brown algae reservoir in Wando of South Korea,
      was characterized taxonomically. Strain W-BA3(T) was found to grow optimally at
      30  degrees C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. In the
      neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain W
      BA3(T) clustered with the type strains of Granulosicoccus antarcticus and
      Granulosicoccus coccoides, with which it exhibited sequence similarity values of
      98.4-99.3 %. Sequence similarity values of strain W-BA3(T) to the type strains of
      the other recognized species were less than 90.2 %. Strain W-BA3(T) was found to
      contain Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C16:1 omega7c
      and/or C16:1 omega6c), C18:1 omega7c and C16:0 as the major fatty acids. The
      major polar lipids of strain W-BA3(T), which were identified as
      phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol, were similar to those of the
      type strains of G. antarcticus and G. coccoides. The DNA G+C content of strain W
      BA3(T) was 56.0 mol % and its mean DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type
      strains of G. coccoides and G. antarcticus were 27 and 17 %, respectively.
      Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic
      distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain W-BA3(T) is separated from the two
      Granulosicoccus species. On the basis of the data presented, strain W-BA3(T) is
      considered to represent a novel species of the genus Granulosicoccus, for which
      the name Granulosicoccus undariae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is W
      BA3(T) (=KCTC 42134(T) = NBRC 110411(T)). An emended description of the genus
      Granulosicoccus is also proposed. 

PMID- 25113387
TI  - How 2 txt: an exploration of crafting public health messages in SMS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health care providers are an important target audience for public
      health emergency preparedness, response and recovery communications. Short
      Message Service or text messaging to cell phones may be a promising supplemental
      or alternative technique for reaching health care providers with time-sensitive
      public health information. However, studies to date have yet to investigate the
      message content and formatting requirements of providers with respect to public
      health alerts and advisories or sought to understand how to meet these needs
      using Short Message Service technology. METHODS: Data collection was completed
      using a two-part online survey. In the first part, health care providers
      identified their use of different technologies for receiving information and
      provided input on the message components most important in a public health
      message. In the second part, health care providers participated in an exercise in
      which they shortened three public health emergency messages, ranging from 2024
      2828 characters per message, to meet the 160-character limitation for text
      delivery. Results were analyzed to determine associations between provider types,
      age ranges, gender, access to various media (text, email, fax, social media,
      etc.), and smart phone ownership. RESULTS: The following components were most
      frequently selected as essential for a public health message: Topic,
      Recommendation, Geographic Location, Signs & Symptoms, Population Affected, and
      Link to Additional Information. There was no statistically significant
      association between message component selection and provider type, age ranges, or
      gender. In the message conversion exercise, we found a statistically significant
      association between providers who reported receiving information by SMS and/or
      smart phone ownership and including a link to additional information in the
      converted message, ranging from 61% to over 72% on a per message analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: A substantive recommendation derived from this study is that public
      health agencies include a link to additional website information when sending
      messages in SMS format. SMS could be a useful public health tool for
      communicating with health care providers but further investigation of how to
      effectively use SMS and other mobile technologies is needed to inform public
      health decisions regarding adoption of messaging systems utilizing these newer
      technologies.

PMID- 25113389
TI  - 3D Strain helps relating LV function to LV and structure in athletes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The evaluation of cardiac contraction could benefit from a
      connection with the underlying helical structure of cardiac fibers in athletes
      either completely healthy or with minor common cardiopathies like Bicuspid Aortic
      Valve (BAV). This study aims to exploit the potential role of 3D strain to
      improve the physiological understanding of LV function and modification due to
      physical activity as a comparative model. METHODS: Three age-matched groups of
      young (age 20.3 +/- 5.4) individuals are prospectively enrolled: 15 normal
      healthy subjects, 15 healthy athletes, and 20 athletes with bicuspid aortic valve
      (BAV). All subjects underwent echocardiographic examination and both 2D and 3D
      strain analysis. RESULTS: All echo parameters were within the normal range in the
      three groups. Global values of end-systolic longitudinal and circumferential
      strain, assesses by either 2D or 3D analysis, were not significantly different.
      The 3D strain analysis was extended in terms of principal and secondary strain
      (PS, SS). Global PS was very similar, global SS was significantly higher in
      athletes and displays a modified time course. The comparative analysis of strain
      lines pattern suggests that the enhancement of LV function is achieved by a more
      synchronous recruitment of both left- and right-handed helical fibers.
      CONCLUSIONS: 3D strain analysis allows a deeper physiological understanding of LV
      contraction in different types of athletes. Secondary strain, only available in
      3D, identifies increase of performances due to physical activity; this appears to
      follow from the synergic activation of endocardial and epicardial fibers.

PMID- 25113388
TI  - Nursing-sensitive indicators: a concept analysis.
AB  - AIM: To report a concept analysis of nursing-sensitive indicators within the
      applied context of the acute care setting. BACKGROUND: The concept of 'nursing
      sensitive indicators' is valuable to elaborate nursing care performance. The
      conceptual foundation, theoretical role, meaning, use and interpretation of the
      concept tend to differ. The elusiveness of the concept and the ambiguity of its
      attributes may have hindered research efforts to advance its application in
      practice. DESIGN: Concept analysis. DATA SOURCES: Using 'clinical indicators' or
      'quality of nursing care' as subject headings and incorporating keyword
      combinations of 'acute care' and 'nurs*', CINAHL and MEDLINE with full text in
      EBSCOhost databases were searched for English language journal articles published
      between 2000-2012. Only primary research articles were selected. METHODS: A
      hybrid approach was undertaken, incorporating traditional strategies as per
      Walker and Avant and a conceptual matrix based on Holzemer's Outcomes Model for
      Health Care Research. RESULTS: The analysis revealed two main attributes of
      nursing-sensitive indicators. Structural attributes related to health service
      operation included: hours of nursing care per patient day, nurse staffing.
      Outcome attributes related to patient care included: the prevalence of pressure
      ulcer, falls and falls with injury, nosocomial selective infection and
      patient/family satisfaction with nursing care. CONCLUSION: This concept analysis
      may be used as a basis to advance understandings of the theoretical structures
      that underpin both research and practical application of quality dimensions of
      nursing care performance.

PMID- 25113390
TI  - The advances and perspectives of recombinant protein production in the silk gland
      of silkworm Bombyx mori.
AB  - The silk gland of silkworm Bombyx mori, is one of the most important organs that
      has been fully studied and utilized so far. It contributes finest silk fibers to
      humankind. The silk gland has excellent ability of synthesizing silk proteins and
      is a kind tool to produce some useful recombinant proteins, which can be widely
      used in the biological, biotechnical and pharmaceutical application fields. It's
      a very active area to express recombinant proteins using the silk gland as a
      bioreactor, and great progress has been achieved recently. This review
      recapitulates the progress of producing recombinant proteins and silk-based
      biomaterials in the silk gland of silkworm in addition to the construction of
      expression systems. Current challenges and future trends in the production of
      valuable recombinant proteins using transgenic silkworms are also discussed. 

PMID- 25113391
TI  - High temperature superconducting FeSe films on SrTiO3 substrates.
AB  - Interface enhanced superconductivity at two dimensional limit has become one of
      most intriguing research directions in condensed matter physics. Here, we report
      the superconducting properties of ultra-thin FeSe films with the thickness of one
      unit cell (1-UC) grown on conductive and insulating SrTiO3 (STO) substrates. For
      the 1-UC FeSe on conductive STO substrate (Nb-STO), the magnetization versus
      temperature (M-T) measurement shows a drop crossover around 85 K. For the FeSe
      films on insulating STO substrate, systematic transport measurements were carried
      out and the sheet resistance of FeSe films exhibits Arrhenius TAFF behavior with
      a crossover from a single-vortex pinning region to a collective creep region.
      More intriguing, sign reversal of Hall resistance with temperature is observed,
      demonstrating a crossover from hole conduction to electron conduction above TC in
      1-UC FeSe films.

PMID- 25113392
TI  - Re: Impact of pelvicalyceal anatomy in treatment with shock wave lithotripsy and
      flexible ureterorenoscopy of lower pole renal stones.

PMID- 25113396
TI  - Interconvertible living radical and cationic polymerization through reversible
      activation of dormant species with dual activity.
AB  - The polymerization of vinyl monomers generally requires the selection of an
      appropriate single intermediate, whereas in copolymerization, the selection of
      the comonomer is limited by the intermediate. Herein, we propose interconvertible
      dual active species that can connect comonomers through different mechanisms to
      produce specific comonomer sequences in a single polymer chain. More
      specifically, two different stimuli, that is, a radical initiator and a Lewis
      acid, are used to activate the common dormant C-SC(S)Z group into radical and
      cationic species, thereby inducing interconvertible radical and cationic
      copolymerization of acrylate and vinyl ether to produce a copolymer chain that
      consists of radically and cationically polymerized segments. The dual reversible
      activation provides control over molecular weights and multiblock copolymers with
      tunable segment lengths.

PMID- 25113394
TI  - The internalizing pathway to adolescent substance use disorders: mediation by
      ruminative reflection and ruminative brooding.
AB  - Two subtypes of rumination were examined in relationship to substance use and
      substance use disorders in adolescents. In the 8th and 9th grade, 521 adolescents
      completed measures assessing depressive symptoms, conduct problems, and
      reflective and brooding subtypes of rumination. In 12th grade, adolescents
      reported substance use and were administered the substance use disorders modules
      from the DISC. Path analyses conducted with data from 428 participants indicated
      that neither depression nor rumination variables significantly affected the
      presence of substance use. However, indirect effects of depression through
      reflection and brooding were differentially related to risk of developing
      substance use disorders, with brooding positively associated with Marijuana Use
      Disorders, and reflection negatively related to both Marijuana and Alcohol Use
      Disorders. Pathways did not differ by sex. These findings suggest that promoting
      self-reflection may be an effective strategy to prevent and intervene with the
      development of problematic substance use. 

PMID- 25113395
TI  - Newcomers in a hazardous environment: a qualitative inquiry into sex worker
      vulnerability to HIV in Bali, Indonesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women new to sex work and those with a greater degree of mobility
      have higher risk of HIV infection. Using social capital as a theoretical
      framework, we argue that better understanding of the interactions of micro-level
      structural factors can be valuable in reshaping and restructuring health
      promotion programmes in Bali to be more responsive to the concerns and needs of
      newcomer and mobile female sex workers (FSWs). METHODS: We conducted interviews
      with 11 newcomer FSWs (worked < six months), 9 mobile FSWs (experienced but
      worked at the current brothel < six months), and 14 senior FSWs (experienced and
      worked at current brothel > six months). The interviews explored women's
      experience of sex work including how and why they came to sex work, relationships
      with other FSWs and their HIV prevention practices. RESULTS: A thematic framework
      analysis revealed newcomer FSWs faced multiple levels of vulnerability that
      contributed to increased HIV risk. First, a lack of knowledge and self-efficacy
      about HIV prevention practices was related to their younger age and low exposure
      to sexual education. Second, on entering sex work, they experienced intensely
      competitive working environments fuelled by economic competition. This
      competition reduced opportunities for positive social networks and social
      learning about HIV prevention. Finally, the lack of social networks and social
      capital between FSWs undermined peer trust and solidarity, both of which are
      essential to promote consistent condom use. For example, newcomer FSWs did not
      trust that if they refused to have sex without a condom, their peers would also
      refuse; this increased their likelihood of accepting unprotected sex, thereby
      increasing HIV risk. CONCLUSIONS: Public health and social welfare interventions
      and programmes need to build social networks, social support and solidarity
      within FSW communities, and provide health education and HIV prevention resources
      much earlier in women's sex work careers.

PMID- 25113398
TI  - Prognostic significance of perineural invasion in stage IIA colon cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perineural invasion (PNI) may influence the prognosis of colon
      cancer, but little is known about its predictive value. The aim of this study was
      to reveal the role of PNI in predicting prognosis after curative resection of
      colon cancer, especially T3N0. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-five patients who
      underwent curative resection for colon cancer at Samsung Medical Center and were
      later diagnosed with stage T3N0 by a pathological report between November 2004
      and December 2007 were retrospectively recruited into the study. RESULTS: Among
      the 255 patients, 156 were male and 99 were female. The mean age was 61 years
      (range, 25 to 88 years). The most common tumour location was the sigmoid colon
      (93 patients, 36.5%). The median follow-up period was 61 months (range, 1 to 98
      months). PNI was detected in 18 patients (7.1%). Adjuvant chemotherapy was
      performed in 205 patients (80.4%). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was
      greater for patients with PNI negative tumours compared with those with PNI
      positive tumours (92.0% versus 76.0%, P = 0.025). Adjuvant chemotherapy was not
      associated with significant differences in survival rate (94.8% versus 96.9%, P =
      0.625). On multivariate analysis, PNI was an independent prognostic factor for
      disease-free and overall survival (P = 0.046, hazard ratio (HR) = 3.113, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) = 1.020-9.505 and P = 0.019, HR = 9.395, 95% CI = 1.453
      60.755 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PNI is the only significant prognostic factor
      affecting disease-free and overall survival in patients with T3N0 colon cancer.

PMID- 25113399
TI  - Low cord blood Foxp3/CD3gamma mRNA ratios: a marker of increased risk for allergy
      development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data from birth cohort studies suggest that increased cord blood
      total IgE and reduced cord blood regulatory T cells increase the risk of
      developing allergic sensitization and atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: We here
      addressed whether serum total IgE and hen's egg-specific IgE levels at birth and
      at age 1 year differed between healthy and allergic children in a Belgian birth
      cohort (FONIA). We furthermore studied whether these parameters as well as cord
      blood Foxp3/CD3gamma mRNA levels might predict the allergic outcome. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Children (n = 84) were clinically assessed at the ages of 6, 12, 18, and
      24 months and at 6 years. Cord blood total IgE levels above 0.35 kU/L predicted
      early (i.e. before or at the age of 2 years) allergy development. Presence of
      serum IgE antibodies to hen's egg (cut-off 0.05 Ua/mL) at the age of 1 year was
      associated with early as well as late (i.e. between the age of 2 and 6 years)
      allergy development. Cord blood Foxp3/CD3gamma mRNA ratios were significantly
      lower in early allergic children and levels below 0.32 predicted the allergic
      outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Low cord blood Foxp3/CD3gamma mRNA
      ratios are highly predictive for early allergy development, whereas specific IgE
      levels to hen's egg white above 0.05 Ua/mL at age 1 year predict allergy
      development in general.

PMID- 25113397
TI  - Kindergarteners' self-reported social inhibition and observed social reticence:
      moderation by adult-reported social inhibition and social anxiety disorder
      symptoms.
AB  - Prevention of later anxiety problems would best be accomplished by identifying at
      risk children early in development. For example, children who develop Social
      Anxiety Disorder (SAD) may show social withdrawal in the form of social
      inhibition (i.e., shyness with unfamiliar adults and peers) at school entry.
      Although the use of children's perceptions of their own social inhibition would
      provide insight into early risk, the utility of young children's self-reports
      remains unclear. The current study examined whether children deemed more extreme
      on social inhibition or social anxiety by adult report provided self-report of
      social inhibition that related to observed social reticence in the laboratory.
      Participants included 85 kindergarten children (36 female, 49 male), their
      parents, and their teachers. Moderation analyses revealed that children's self
      reported social inhibition related significantly to observed social reticence
      under the conditions of high parent-reported social inhibition, high teacher
      reported social inhibition, and high SAD symptoms. These results suggest that the
      most inhibited children are aware of their behavior and can report it in a
      meaningfully way as young as kindergarten age. 

PMID- 25113400
TI  - Involvement of the NF-kB/p50/Bcl-3 complex in response to antiangiogenic therapy
      in a mouse model of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents approximately 2-3% of human malignancies.
      Nuclear transcription factor kB (NF-kB) is composed of a family of transcription
      factors that have been associated with the development and progression of RCC.
      Endostatin (ES) is a fragment of collagen XVIII that possesses antiangiogenic
      activity. In this study, we evaluated the expression of NF-kB in metastatic tumor
      cells from animals treated with ES. Balb/c-bearing Renca-EGFP cells were treated
      with NIH/3T3-LendSN or NIH/3T3-LXSN cells as a control. At the end of the in vivo
      experiment, plasma Renca-EGFP-sorted cells and tissue lung samples were
      collected. A real-time PCR array for NF-kappaB target genes revealed that ES
      therapy led to down regulation of Bcl-3 (P<0.031), NF-kB1 (P<0.001) and c-Rel
      (P<0.004) in the ES-treated group. Using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay
      (EMSA), we observed a reduction in NF-kB binding activity in ES-treated Renca-EGP
      cells. Furthermore, a supershift assay showed a clear shift of the NF-kB DNA band
      in samples incubated with a p50 antibody. By immunohistochemistry analysis, ES
      treatment resulted in a significant reduction in expression of p50. (ES vs.
      control P<0.05). The immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the presence of a
      p50/Bcl-3 complex in nuclear extracts from cells of metastatic lung tissues. Our
      findings indicate that p50 and Bcl-3 plays a regulatory role in gene
      transcription in RCC. 

PMID- 25113401
TI  - Effective utilization of flue gases in raceway reactor with event-based pH
      control for microalgae culture.
AB  - This work addresses effective utilization of flue gases through the proper pH
      control in raceway reactors. The pH control problem has been addressed with an
      event-based control approach using a Generalized Predictive Controller (GPC) with
      actuator deadband. Applying this control strategy it is possible to reduce the
      control effort, and at the same time saving control resources. In the pH process
      case, the event-based controller with actuator deadband can be tuned to supply
      only necessary amount of CO2 to keep the pH close to its optimal value. On the
      other hand, the evaluated control algorithm significantly improves the pH control
      accuracy, what has a direct influence on biomass production. In order to test the
      performance of the event-based GPC controller, several experiments have been
      performed on a real raceway reactor. Additionally, several control performance
      indexes have been used to compare the analyzed technique with commonly used
      on/off controller. 

PMID- 25113403
TI  - Instrumentation for capillary electrophoresis and microchip electrophoresis.

PMID- 25113393
TI  - The hidden history of the snowshoe hare, Lepus americanus: extensive
      mitochondrial DNA introgression inferred from multilocus genetic variation.
AB  - Hybridization drives the evolutionary trajectory of many species or local
      populations, and assessing the geographic extent and genetic impact of
      interspecific gene flow may provide invaluable clues to understand population
      divergence or the adaptive relevance of admixture. In North America, hares (Lepus
      spp.) are key species for ecosystem dynamics and their evolutionary history may
      have been affected by hybridization. Here we reconstructed the speciation history
      of the three most widespread hares in North America - the snowshoe hare (Lepus
      americanus), the white-tailed jackrabbit (L. townsendii) and the black-tailed
      jackrabbit (L. californicus) - by analysing sequence variation at eight nuclear
      markers and one mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) locus (6240 bp; 94 specimens). A
      multilocus-multispecies coalescent-based phylogeny suggests that L. americanus
      diverged ~2.7 Ma and that L. californicus and L. townsendii split more recently
      (~1.2 Ma). Within L. americanus, a deep history of cryptic divergence (~2.0 Ma)
      was inferred, which coincides with major speciation events in other North
      American species. While the isolation-with-migration model suggested that nuclear
      gene flow was generally rare or absent among species or major genetic groups,
      coalescent simulations of mtDNA divergence revealed historical mtDNA
      introgression from L. californicus into the Pacific Northwest populations of L.
      americanus. This finding marks a history of past reticulation between these
      species, which may have affected other parts of the genome and influence the
      adaptive potential of hares during climate change.

PMID- 25113402
TI  - Enhanced removal of COD and color from landfill leachate in a sequential
      bioreactor.
AB  - In the present study, a sequential treatment process was carried out using a
      fungal sp. (Phanerochaete sp.) followed by a bacterial sp. (Pseudomonas sp.) for
      the degradation and detoxification of contaminants in landfill leachate. The
      process was optimized using Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface
      methodology (RSM) for three variables (C source, N source and duration), while
      monitoring two responses (% COD and color removal). After treatment in a
      bioreactor under optimized conditions, enhanced removal of COD (76.9%) and color
      (45.4%) was observed. Further, GC-MS analysis of metabolites detected at
      different stages of treatment showed formation of degradation products of lignin
      and polycyclic aromatic compounds. Treatment efficiency was finally evaluated by
      the alkaline comet assay in HepG2 human hepato-carcinoma cells. The results
      indicated no statistically significant DNA damage at the end of the treatment,
      making the effluent suitable to be discharged conforming to the safety standards.

PMID- 25113408
TI  - Clinical inertia in individualising care for diabetes: is there time to do more
      in type 2 diabetes?
AB  - Clinical inertia is defined as the failure to establish appropriate targets and
      escalate treatment to achieve treatment goals. It accounts for a significant
      proportion of failure to achieve targets in the management of diabetes and
      contributes to up to 200,000 adverse diabetes- related outcomes per year. Despite
      a growing awareness of the phenomenon, and newer, better-tolerated agents for the
      control of diabetes, there has been little improvement over the last decade in
      the prevalence of clinical inertia. Although common-place in clinical practice,
      clinical inertia does not appear to affect clinical trials. There are lessons
      that may be translated from these randomised controlled trials to clinical
      practice, which that may improve the care for those with diabetes. Key amongst
      these interventions are good education, clear treatment strategy and more time
      for interaction between physician and patients, all of which appears to reduce
      clinical inertia as evidenced by the "placebo effect" of clinical trials. We plan
      to review here, the lessons that can be learnt from clinical trials and how these
      may translate to better care for people with diabetes. 

PMID- 25113407
TI  - Fast and versatile fabrication of PMMA microchip electrophoretic devices by laser
      engraving.
AB  - This paper describes the effects of different modes and engraving parameters on
      the dimensions of microfluidic structures produced in PMMA using laser engraving.
      The engraving modes included raster and vector, while the explored engraving
      parameters included power, speed, frequency, resolution, line-width, and number
      of passes. Under the optimum conditions, the technique was applied to produce
      channels suitable for CE separations. Taking advantage of the possibility to cut
      through the substrates, the laser was also used to define solution reservoirs
      (buffer, sample, and waste) and a PDMS-based decoupler. The final device was used
      to perform the analysis of a model mixture of phenolic compounds within 200 s
      with baseline resolution.

PMID- 25113410
TI  - Alternative methods for toxicity assessments in fish: comparison of the fish
      embryo toxicity and the larval growth and survival tests in zebrafish and fathead
      minnows.
AB  - An increased demand for chemical toxicity evaluations has resulted in the need
      for alternative testing strategies that address animal welfare concerns. The fish
      embryo toxicity (FET) test developed for zebrafish (Danio rerio) is one such
      alternative, and the application of the FET test to other species such as the
      fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) has been proposed. In the present study, the
      performances of the FET test and the larval growth and survival (LGS; a standard
      toxicity testing method) test in zebrafish and fathead minnows were evaluated.
      This required that testing methods for the fathead minnow FET and zebrafish LGS
      tests be harmonized with existing test methods and that the performance of these
      testing strategies be evaluated by comparing the median lethal concentrations of
      2 reference toxicants, 3,4-dicholoraniline and ammonia, obtained via each of the
      test types. The results showed that procedures for the zebrafish FET test can be
      adapted and applied to the fathead minnow. Differences in test sensitivity were
      observed for 3,4-dicholoraniline but not ammonia; therefore, conclusions
      regarding which test types offer the least or most sensitivity could not be made.
      Overall, these results show that the fathead minnow FET test has potential as an
      alternative toxicity testing strategy and that further analysis with other
      toxicants is warranted in an effort to better characterize the sensitivity and
      feasibility of this testing strategy.

PMID- 25113409
TI  - Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging sequences for depicting the subthalamic
      nucleus for deep brain stimulation.
AB  - Electrodes are surgically implanted into the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of
      Parkinson's disease patients to provide deep brain stimulation. For ensuring
      correct positioning, the anatomic location of the STN must be determined
      preoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging has been used for pinpointing the
      location of the STN. To identify the optimal imaging sequence for identifying the
      STN, we compared images produced with T2 star-weighted angiography (SWAN),
      gradient echo T2*-weighted imaging, and fast spin echo T2-weighted imaging in 6
      healthy volunteers. Our comparison involved measurement of the contrast-to-noise
      ratio (CNR) for the STN and substantia nigra and a radiologist's interpretations
      of the images. Of the sequences examined, the CNR and qualitative scores were
      significantly higher on SWAN images than on other images (p < 0.01) for STN
      visualization. Kappa value (0.74) on SWAN images was the highest in three
      sequences for visualizing the STN. SWAN is the sequence best suited for
      identifying the STN at the present time. 

PMID- 25113411
TI  - Term breech deliveries in the Netherlands: did the increased  cesarean rate
      affect neonatal outcome? A population-based  cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the increased
      cesarean rate for term breech presentation on neonatal outcome. We also
      investigated whether the clinical case selection for vaginal delivery applied by
      Dutch obstetricians led to an optimization of neonatal outcome, or whether there
      is still room for improvement in terms of perinatal outcome. DESIGN:
      Retrospective cohort. SETTING: The Netherlands. POPULATION: Singleton term breech
      deliveries from 37+0 to 41+6 weeks, excluding fetuses with congenital
      malformations or antenatal death. METHOD: We used data from the Dutch national
      perinatal registry from 1999 up to 2007. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perinatal
      mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: We studied 58,320 women with a term breech
      delivery. There was an increase in the elective cesarean rate (from 24 to 60%).
      As a consequence, overall perinatal mortality decreased [1.3 0/00 vs. 0.7
      0/00;odds ratio 0.51 (95% confidence interval 0.28-0.93)], whereas it remained
      stable in the planned vaginal birth group [1.7 0/00 vs. 1.6 0/00; odds ratio
      0.96(95% confidence interval 0.52-1.76)]. The number of cesareans done to prevent
      one perinatal death was 338. CONCLUSIONS: Adjustment of the national guidelines
      after publication of the Term Breech Trial resulted in a shift towards elective
      cesarean and a decrease of perinatal mortality and morbidity among women
      delivering a child in breech at term. Still, 40% of these women attempt vaginal
      birth. The relative safety of an elective cesarean should be weighed against the
      consequences of a scarred uterus in future pregnancies.

PMID- 25113412
TI  - Giant enhancement of ferroelectric retention in BiFeO3 mixed-phase boundary.
AB  - A large enhancement of nanodomain retention is shown in the mixed-phase region of
      a strained BiFeO3 epitaxial film. The superior ferroelectric retention is
      attributed to a lower elastic-energy density at the phase boundaries, which act
      as periodic pinning centers for the domain wall motion. This study delivers a new
      pathway of incorporating an elastic-energy term to assist ferroelectric
      retention. 

PMID- 25113414
TI  - Long-term sevelamer treatment lowers serum fibroblast growth factor 23
      accompanied with increasing serum Klotho levels in chronic haemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - AIMS: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and Klotho are associated with vascular
      calcification and cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients. Sevelamer has been
      shown to reduce progression of vascular calcification. This study aimed to
      determine the long-term effect of sevelamer treatment on serum FGF23 and Klotho
      levels in chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: In the post-hoc analysis,
      we measured serum FGF23, Klotho and other biochemical factors (Ca, P, i-PTH,
      hsCRP, LDL-C) in 50 haemodialysis patients, who completed a 48-week, open-Label,
      controlled randomized parallel-group study. Twenty-three patients received
      sevelamer and 27 patients received calcium carbonate. RESULTS: After 48-week
      sevelamer treatment, there were significant changes with lower LDL-C (from 2.82
      +/- 0.78 to 1.65 +/- 0.53 mmol/L, P = 0.000), lower FGF23 (from 2465.97 (2568.88)
      to 795.61 (1098.39), P = 0.000) and higher s-Klotho levels (from 189.35 (161.88)
      to 252.94 (517.80) pg/mL, P = 0.000). In calcium carbonate group, there were no
      significant changes of LDL-C and FGF23, but with a borderline significant
      increase of s-Klotho level (from 142.34 (265.24) to 188.57 (252.38) pg/mL, P =
      0.054). Multivariate analysis showed that FGF23 decrement was associated with
      sevelamer treatment (beta = -0.277, P = 0.005), change of serum phosphate (beta =
      0.609, P = 0.000) and calcium levels (beta = 0.635, P = 0.000). The increase of
      serum Klotho was associated with the decrease of serum phosphate (beta = 0.490, P
      = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Maintenance HD patients had lower serum FGF23 levels,
      accompanied with significantly increased serum Klotho levels, after 48-week
      sevelamer treatment. The FGF23 decrement was associated with sevelamer use, the
      change of serum phosphate and calcium levels. The serum Klotho increment was
      proportional to the phosphate-lowering power of the binders.

PMID- 25113413
TI  - Stress response signaling and virulence: insights from entomopathogenic fungi.
AB  - The Ascomycete fungal insect pathogens, Beauveria and Metarhizium spp. have
      emerged as model systems with which to probe diverse aspects of fungal growth,
      stress response, and pathogenesis. Due to the availability of genomic resources
      and the development of robust methods for genetic manipulation, the last 5 years
      have witnessed a rapid increase in the molecular characterization of genes and
      their pathways involved in stress response and signal transduction in these
      fungi. These studies have been performed mainly via characterization of gene
      deletion/knockout mutants and have included the targeting of general proteins
      involved in stress response and/or virulence, e.g. catalases, superoxide
      dismutases, and osmolyte balance maintenance enzymes, membrane proteins and
      signaling pathways including GPI anchored proteins and G-protein coupled membrane
      receptors, MAPK pathways, e.g. (i) the pheromone/nutrient sensing, Fus3/Kss1,
      (ii) the cell wall integrity, Mpk1, and (iii) the high osmolarity, Hog1, the
      PKA/adenyl cyclase pathway, and various downstream transcription factors, e.g.
      Msn2, CreA and Pac1. Here, we will discuss current research that strongly
      suggests extensive underlying contributions of these biochemical and signaling
      pathways to both abiotic stress response and virulence. 

PMID- 25113415
TI  - Change in health status in long-term conditions over a one year period: a cohort
      survey using patient-reported outcome measures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enhancing quality of life for people with long-term conditions by
      monitoring patient-reported outcome measure scores is a key domain of health care
      policy. This study investigated the responsiveness of patient-reported outcome
      measures for long-term conditions. METHODS: A cohort survey was conducted in 33
      primary care practices and 4485 patients (1334 asthma, 567 chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease, 1121 diabetes, 525 epilepsy, 520 heart failure and 418 stroke)
      were sent a baseline survey containing a generic (EQ-5D) and a disease-specific
      measure. Baseline respondents were sent a follow-up after 1 year. Differences in
      scores for each long-term condition were assessed by paired t-tests. The
      relationship between scores and self-reported 'change in health' was assessed by
      analysis of variance. RESULTS: The baseline achieved a 38.4% response rate and
      the follow-up 71.5%. The only significant difference for the EQ-5D was found for
      the Visual Analogue Scale in heart failure between baseline and follow-up, and
      for change in health. Significant differences between baseline and follow-up
      scores were found on the disease-specific measures for 1 asthma dimension and 1
      stroke dimension. No significant differences were found for other conditions.
      Significant differences between self-reported change in health and the disease
      specific measures were found for 4 asthma dimensions and 2 stroke dimensions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Few significant differences were found between the baseline and
      follow up or between 'change in health' and PROMs scores. This could be explained
      by the time frame of one year being too short for change to occur or by the PROMs
      not being responsive enough to change in a primary care sample. The latter is
      unlikely as the PROMs were in part chosen for their responsiveness to change. The
      baseline response rates may mean that the sample is not representative, and
      stable patients may have been more likely to participate. If PROMs are to be used
      routinely to monitor outcomes in LTCs, further research is needed to maximize
      response rates, to ensure that the PROMs used are reliable, valid and sensitive
      enough to detect change and that the time frame for data collection is
      appropriate.

PMID- 25113416
TI  - Study on the immune response to recombinant Hsp70 protein from Megalobrama
      amblycephala.
AB  - The expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is induced in response to many
      factors including high temperature, infection, metal pollutants and toxic
      chemicals. In this study, Megalobrama amblycephala HSP70 promoter was cloned, and
      characteristic heat shock elements (HSEs) were identified in the promoter region.
      The recombinant M. amblycephala Hsp70 protein (rMaHsp70) was expressed and
      purified from Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). To evaluate in vivo immune response of
      rMaHsp70, we administered intraperitoneal (IP) injection, and demonstrated that
      rMaHsp70 stimulated M. amblycephala immune activity by inducing the expression of
      HSP70, HIF-1alpha, HSC70, CXCR4b, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta mRNAs in liver,
      headkidney, spleen and gill, as well as SOD, glutathione, lysozyme and interferon
      alpha proteins in serum and liver. The effect of rMaHsp70 as adjuvant against
      Aeromonas hydrophila was assessed by injecting a mixed vaccine of rMaHsp70 and A.
      hydrophila (A. hydrophila/Hsp70) into M. amblycephala, and the relative percent
      survival (RPS) in the A. hydrophila/Hsp70 group was 75% compared to 50% in the A.
      hydrophila/PBS group. Furthermore, rMaHsp70 also promoted the proliferation and
      suppressed apoptosis in M. amblycephala fin cells (MAF) in a dose-dependent
      manner. Taken together, these results suggest that rMaHsp70 can induce organic
      immune response and improve environmental tolerance. 

PMID- 25113417
TI  - Both habitual short sleepers and long sleepers are at greater risk of obesity: a
      population-based 10-year follow-up in women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess how change in sleep duration is related to subsequent
      obesity. METHODS: In this 10-year follow-up, 4903 non-pregnant participants
      answered a questionnaire on sleeping habits, obesity, and lifestyle factors
      (questions identical to baseline questionnaire). Habitual normal sleepers were
      defined as sleeping 6-9 h/night at both baseline and follow-up, whereas women
      sleeping <6 h/night or >=9 h/night at both occasions were defined as habitual
      short sleepers and habitual long sleepers, respectively. Logistic regression was
      used to analyze associations between changes in sleep duration, general obesity
      (body mass index >=30 kg/m(2)), weight gain (>=10 kg) and also, central obesity
      (waist circumference >=88 cm), and increase in waist circumference (>=10 cm) at
      follow-up. RESULTS: Among younger women (aged <40 years) both habitual short
      sleepers and habitual long sleepers had a higher prevalence of general (short:
      31.3%, P < 0.0001; long: 38.1%, P = 0.01) and central obesity (short: 60.5%, P =
      0.01; long: 82.4%, P = 0.01) compared with habitual normal sleepers (general
      obesity: 8.9%; central obesity: 35.9%) at follow-up. Younger women who were short
      sleepers at baseline but normal sleepers at the follow-up had a higher prevalence
      of both general (19.3%, P = 0.01) and central obesity (45.4%, P = 0.07) compared
      with habitual normal sleepers at follow-up. In adjusted analyses, both habitual
      short [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 6.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.71-17.0]
      and long (aOR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.09-19.8) sleep durations were risk factors for
      general obesity in younger women. In younger women habitual long sleep duration
      was a risk factor also for central obesity (aOR, 6.05; 95% CI, 1.19-30.7) whereas
      habitual short sleep duration was not (aOR, 1.93; 95% CI, 0.87-4.81). Similar
      results were seen also for weight gain and increased waist circumference as
      dependent variables. In addition, decreased sleep duration from normal to short
      duration was a risk factor for both weight gain (aOR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.14-3.02)
      and increased waist circumference (aOR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.20-2.81). There were no
      associations between changes in sleep duration and any of the measures of obesity
      at the follow-up in women aged >40 years at baseline. CONCLUSION: In younger
      women, both habitual short and long sleep duration was a risk factor for obesity,
      whereas no such relationship was seen in older women.

PMID- 25113418
TI  - Quantifying the influence of safe road systems and legal licensing age on road
      mortality among young adolescents: steps towards system thinking.
AB  - Based on existing literature, a system thinking approach was used to set up a
      conceptual model on the interrelationships among the components influencing
      adolescent road mortality, distinguishing between components at the individual
      level and at the system level. At the individual level the role of risk behaviour
      (sometimes deliberate and sometimes from inexperience or other non-deliberate
      causes) in adolescent road mortality is well documented. However, little is known
      about the extent to which the 'road system' itself may also have an impact on
      younger adolescents' road mortality. This, by providing a safe or unsafe road
      environment for all road users (System-induced exposure) and by allowing access
      to high-risk vehicles at a young or older age through the legal licensing age.
      This study seeks to explore these relationships by analysing the extent to which
      the road mortality of 10 to 17 year olds in various jurisdictions can be
      predicted from the System-induced Exposure (SiE) in a jurisdiction and from its
      legal licensing age to drive motor vehicles. SiE was operationalized as the
      number of road fatalities per 10(5) inhabitants/all ages together, but excluding
      the 10 to 17 year olds. Data on road fatalities during the years 2001 through
      2008 were obtained from the OECD International Road Traffic Accident Database
      (IRTAD) and from the USA NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)
      database for 29 early and 10 late licensing jurisdictions. Linear mixed models
      were fitted with annual 'Adolescent road mortality per capita' for 2001 through
      2008 as the dependent variable, and time-dependent 'SiE' and time-independent
      'Licensing system' as predictor variables. To control for different levels of
      motorisation, the time-dependent variable 'Annual per capita vehicle distance
      travelled' was used as a covariate. Licensing system of a jurisdiction was
      entered as a categorical predictor variable with late licensing countries as a
      baseline group. The study found support for the protective effects of SiE on
      adolescent safety. If SiE increased by one unit, the mortality rate of 10 to 17
      year olds increased by 0.487 units. No support was found for a protective effect
      of late licensing for this age group. Thus, compared to young adolescents who are
      allowed to drive motor vehicles in early licensing jurisdictions, late licensing
      does not provide extra protection for pre-license adolescents. This finding is
      probably the result of the high risks associated with alternative transport
      modes, such as moped riding and bicycling. Also, the fact that the study only
      included risks to young adolescents themselves and did not include the risks they
      might pose to other road users and passengers may have contributed to this
      finding, because such risks are greater when driving a motor vehicle than riding
      a moped or a bicycle. Therefore, to advance our understanding of the impact of
      licensing systems, more study is needed into the benefits of early or late
      licensing, thereby considering these wider effects as well. 

PMID- 25113419
TI  - [Alcohol consumption in patients with psychiatric disorders: assessment and
      treatment].
AB  - Alcohol consumption in France exceeds the European average (12.7L of pure
      alcohol/habitant/year in 2009 for an average of 12.5 L). This consumption has a
      major professional, social and health impact on the individuals and their
      families. The cost of such, estimated in Europe to be of 155.8 billion Euros in
      2010, is the highest among the central nervous system diseases in Europe, far
      higher than that of depression or dementia. Patients suffering from psychiatric
      disorders are more frequently affected by problems related to alcohol use than
      the general population. They are also more vulnerable to the immediate and
      subsequent consequences of their consumption. The alcohol related disorders that
      are often accompanied by risk taking and other addictive behaviour require a
      global assessment of the addiction, with and without substance, and of the
      complications. These have a strong impact on risk taking, compliance with care,
      and the morbidity of somatic and psychiatric disorders, as well as access to
      optimal care and the life span of patients suffering from psychiatric disorders.
      The development of addictology care, with integrative treatment programs, is
      recommended in response to these public health issues. Nevertheless, specific
      addictology practices and partners with addictology care structures are still
      scarcely developed in psychiatry. Firstly, it would be necessary to set up such
      integrated treatments through the systematisation of an "addictology" checkup on
      admission, a global assessment of addictive behaviour and cognitive disorders,
      using pragmatic tools that are user-friendly for the care teams, maintain the
      reduction in risk taking, and apply prescriptions for addiction to psychotropic
      treatments, in liaison with the referring general practitioner. As early as
      possible, accompanied by specific training in addictology for the psychiatrists
      and the mental health nursing teams, such care could be enhanced by the
      development of liaison and advanced psychiatric consultation teams, specialised
      in addictology, together with the installation of a addictology care network in
      supplementary psychiatry of levels 1, 2 and 3 in addictology. This network of
      specific care would notably permit the integrated management of patients
      suffering from acute psychiatric disorders or requiring care under constraint.
      More specific care networks for particular problems (maternity issues,
      adolescence, HIV and hepatitis, cognitive disorders...) and programs of
      therapeutic education could reinforce this proposal within a protocol of care
      that should be legible, coherent and coordinated. The psychiatrist and the
      addictologist must therefore learn to work together over and above the dogmatic
      boundaries and positioning in a constructive and efficient partnership,
      beneficial for the patient. 

PMID- 25113420
TI  - Anti-SLA/LP alone or in combination with anti-Ro52 and fine specificity of anti
      Ro52 antibodies in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Antibodies (Abs) to soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas (anti
      SLA/LP) are considered markers of worse prognosis and outcome in patients with
      autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) although this assumption has recently been attributed
      to their frequent co-expression with Abs against Ro52 (anti-Ro52). To assess the
      clinical significance of anti-SLA/LP Abs alone or in combination with anti-Ro52
      in AIH patients and determine the immunodominant Ro52 epitopes according to the
      anti-SLA/LP status. METHODS: Twenty-three anti-SLA/LP-positive and 106 anti
      SLA/LP-negative AIH patients were included. Anti-SLA/LP were determined by ELISA
      using recombinant antigen, and confirmed by immunoblot using cytosolic rat liver
      fraction or HuH-7 extract. Anti-Ro52 Abs were determined by ELISA using
      recombinant antigen. Epitope mapping was assessed by ELISA using overlapping
      peptides covering the whole Ro52 protein in 26 AIH patients and 12 patients with
      Sjogren's syndrome. RESULTS: Anti-SLA/LP positivity was not associated with the
      clinical, laboratory or histological characteristics of AIH patients. Treatment
      response, corticosteroid withdrawal, relapse after stopping treatment and
      outcome, were not associated with the presence of anti-SLA/LP, anti-Ro52 or
      double reactivity. Moreover, Ro52 epitope mapping revealed new epitopes unique
      for AIH and independent from anti-SLA/LP positivity. CONCLUSIONS: Neither anti
      SLA/LP nor anti-Ro52 Abs or their combination could specify a distinct group of
      AIH patients in terms of clinical characteristics, treatment response and
      outcome. Further studies are needed to clarify whether the newly discovered
      immunodominant epitopes of Ro52 antigen which were associated specifically with
      AIH have any clinical or pathogenetic significance in AIH.

PMID- 25113421
TI  - GlycoMaster DB: software to assist the automated identification of N-linked
      glycopeptides by tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - Glycosylation is one of the most commonly observed post-translational
      modifications (PTMs) in eukaryotes. It is believed that more than 50% eukaryotic
      proteins are glycosylated. To reveal the biological functions of protein-linked
      glycans involved in numerous biological processes, the high-throughput
      identification of both glycoproteins and the attached glycan structures becomes
      fundamentally important. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is an effective method
      for glycoproteomic analysis because of its high sensitivity and selectivity. Two
      experimental approaches exist to obtain MS/MS spectral data of glycopeptides. One
      consists of isolating glycans from glycopeptides and generating MS/MS spectra of
      the glycans and peptides separately. The other approach produces spectra directly
      from intact glycopeptides. The latter approach has the advantage of retaining the
      glycosylation site information. However, the spectral data cannot be readily
      analyzed because of the lack of software specifically designed for the
      identification of intact glycopeptides. To address this need, we developed a
      novel software tool, GlycoMaster DB, to assist the automated and high-throughput
      identification of intact N-linked glycopeptides from MS/MS spectra. The software
      simultaneously searches a protein sequence database and a glycan structure
      database to find the best pair of peptide and glycan for each input spectrum.
      GlycoMaster DB can analyze mass spectral data produced with HCD/ETD mixed
      fragmentation, where HCD spectra are used to identify glycans and ETD spectra are
      used to determine peptide sequences. When only HCD spectra are available,
      GlycoMaster DB can still help to identify the glycans, and a list of possible
      peptide sequences are reported according to the accurate precursor mass and the N
      linked glycopeptide sequon. GlycoMaster DB is freely accessible at http://www
      novo.cs.uwaterloo.ca:8080/GlycoMasterDB .

PMID- 25113423
TI  - Fires in Indian hospitals: root cause analysis and recommendations for their
      prevention.
AB  - There is an increase in the incidence of intraoperative fire in Indian hospitals.
      It is hypothesized that oxygen (O2) enrichment of air, is primarily responsible
      for most of the fires, particularly in intensive care units. As the amount of
      ignition energy needed to initiate fire reduces in the presence of higher O2
      concentration, any heat or spark, may be the source of ignition when the air is
      O2-rich. The split air conditioner is the source of many such fires in the ICU,
      neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and operating room (OR), though several
      other types of equipment used in hospitals have similar vulnerability. Indian
      hospitals need to make several changes in the arrangement of equipment and
      practice of handling O2 gas, as well as create awareness among hospital staff,
      doctors, and administrators. Recommendations for changes in system practice,
      which are in conformity with the National Fire Protection Association USA, are
      likely to be applicable in preventing fires at hospitals in all developing
      countries of the world with warm climates. 

PMID- 25113422
TI  - Quantification of clonal circulating plasma cells in relapsed multiple myeloma.
AB  - The presence of clonal circulating plasma cells (cPCs) remains a marker of high
      risk disease in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. However, its
      prognostic utility in MM patients with previously treated disease is unknown. We
      studied 647 consecutive patients with previously treated MM seen at the Mayo
      Clinic, Rochester who had their peripheral blood evaluated for cPCs by multi
      parameter flow cytometry. Of these patients, 145 had actively relapsing disease
      while the remaining 502 had disease that was in a plateau and included 68
      patients in complete remission (CR) and 434 patients with stable disease.
      Patients with actively relapsing disease were more likely to have clonal cPCs
      than those in a plateau (P < 0.001). None of the patients in CR had any clonal
      cPCs detected. Among patients whose disease was in a plateau, the presence of
      clonal cPCs predicted for a worse median survival (22 months vs. not reached; P =
      0.004). Among actively relapsing patients, the presence of >=100 cPCs predicted
      for a worse survival after flow cytometry analysis (12 months vs. 33 months; P <
      0.001). Future studies are needed to determine the role of these findings in
      developing a risk-adapted treatment approach in MM patients with actively
      relapsing disease.

PMID- 25113424
TI  - Retrospective review of predisposing factors for intraoperative pressure ulcer
      development.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the comorbidities and surgical factors involved in
      the genesis of intraoperative pressure ulcers. DESIGN: Retrospective chart
      review. SETTING: Anesthesiology department of a university medical center.
      MEASUREMENTS: The charts of 222 patients with varying illness, who underwent an
      operation of at least two hours' duration, were analyzed retrospectively. Data on
      surgery type, case length, comorbidities, intraoperative surgical position, and
      area of ulceration were recorded. MAIN RESULTS: Risk factors for intraoperative
      pressure ulcer development include surgical times of 4 hours or longer;
      comorbidities affecting tissue perfusion (namely, diabetes, hypertension, and
      nonspecific cardiac issues); supine placement during surgery; and abdominal,
      noncardiac thoracic, and orthopedic operations. Regions of the body most at risk
      for ulceration include the coccygeal/sacral region, the buttocks, genitalia, and
      heels. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure ulcers are a costly, debilitating, and avoidable
      complication of surgery.

PMID- 25113425
TI  - Which nostril should be used for nasotracheal intubation: the right or left? A
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine which nostril is more suitable for nasotracheal
      intubation in patients with normal patency of both nostrils. DESIGN: Prospective,
      randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Operating room of a university medical
      center. PATIENTS: 191 ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients scheduled for elective
      oral surgery requiring general anesthesia with nasotracheal intubation.
      INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to two groups to undergo nasotracheal
      intubation through the right nostril (Group R; n = 96) or the left nostril (n =
      95). Standard traditional nasotracheal intubation was performed using the
      Macintosh laryngoscope. Tube rotation was attempted for alignment toward the
      glottis, and Magill forceps were then used to assist intubation, as necessary.
      MEASUREMENTS: Epistaxis was inspected in the pharynx after the tube tip was
      passed through the nasal cavity and 15 minutes after nasotracheal intubation was
      completed. Intubation time was the interval between when the anesthesiologist
      opened the patient's mouth with the cross finger maneuver and when the tube was
      connected to the anesthetic circuit after nasotracheal completion. MAIN RESULTS:
      The frequency of epistaxis was significantly lower in Group R than Group L (P =
      0.0006). Although there was no significant difference in nasal passage time
      between two groups, the intubation time in Group R (24.5 +/- 9.4 sec) was shorter
      than in Group L (30.5 +/- 15.6 sec; P = 0.0015). CONCLUSION: Nasal intubation via
      the right nostril is more safely performed than with the left nostril. Because of
      less epistaxis and faster intubation.

PMID- 25113426
TI  - The effects of physical and geochemical heterogeneities on hydro-geochemical
      transport and effective reaction rates.
AB  - The role of coupled physical and geochemical heterogeneities in hydro-geochemical
      transport is investigated by simulating three-dimensional transport in a
      heterogeneous system with kinetic mineral reactions. Ensembles of 100 physically
      heterogeneous realizations were simulated for three geochemical conditions: 1)
      spatially homogeneous reactive mineral surface area, 2) reactive surface area
      positively correlated to hydraulic heterogeneity, and 3) reactive surface area
      negatively correlated to hydraulic heterogeneity. Groundwater chemistry and the
      corresponding effective reaction rates were calculated at three transverse planes
      to quantify differences in plume evolution due to heterogeneity in mineral
      reaction rates and solute residence time (tau). The model is based on a
      hypothetical CO2 intrusion into groundwater from a carbon capture utilization and
      storage (CCUS) operation where CO2 dissolution and formation of carbonic acid
      created geochemical dis-equilibrium between fluids and the mineral galena that
      resulted in increased aqueous lead (Pb(2+)) concentrations. Calcite dissolution
      buffered the pH change and created conditions of galena oversaturation, which
      then reduced lead concentrations along the flow path. Near the leak kinetic
      geochemical reactions control the release of solutes into the fluid, but further
      along the flow path mineral solubility controls solute concentrations. Simulation
      results demonstrate the impact of heterogeneous distribution of geochemical
      reactive surface area in coordination with physical heterogeneity on the
      effective reaction rate (Krxn,eff) and Pb(2+) concentrations within the plume.
      Dissimilarities between ensemble Pb(2+) concentration and Krxn,eff are attributed
      to how geochemical heterogeneity affects the time (taueq) and therefore advection
      distance (Leq) required for the system to re-establish geochemical equilibrium.
      Only after geochemical equilibrium is re-established, Krxn,eff and Pb(2+)
      concentrations are the same for all three geochemical conditions. Correlation
      between reactive surface area and hydraulic conductivity, either positive or
      negative, results in variation in taueq and Leq. 

PMID- 25113427
TI  - The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey.
AB  - AIM: The survey aimed to assess how often and in what ways herbal practitioners
      use comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) externally in everyday practice. METHODS: A
      2-sided A4 survey was sent to all UK members of the National Institute of Medical
      Herbalists, the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy and the Association of
      Master Herbalists with viable practice addresses (n = 598). RESULTS: 239
      herbalists responded, of whom 179 (75%) reported regularly using comfrey, in 15%
      of their consultations. It was most commonly prescribed as a cream for tendon,
      ligament and muscle problems, for fractures, and for wounds, the indications for
      which it was also perceived to be most effective. Comfrey was rated least
      effective for haemorrhoids, varicose veins and boils and was considered to carry
      the greatest risk when prescribed for ulcers, wounds and boils. CONCLUSION:
      Practitioner experience suggests that comfrey can be used safely and effectively
      externally for certain indications.

PMID- 25113428
TI  - Long-term inverse modeling of Chinese CO emission from satellite observations.
AB  - Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions in China in 2005-2010 were estimated by inversion,
      using the Green's function method from vertical CO profiles derived from MOPITT
      Version 5 satellite data and a tagged CO simulation, and validated with
      independent in situ observations from the World Data Centre for Greenhouse Gases.
      Modeling with a posteriori emission successfully reproduced CO outflow from the
      continent to the East China Sea, Sea of Japan, and Japanese islands during winter
      and spring, and compensated for underestimates in central and eastern China in
      summer. A posteriori emissions showed large seasonal variations in which December
      and March emissions were on average 23% larger than August emissions, consistent
      with other studies. Estimated Chinese CO emissions were 184.4, 173.1, 184.6,
      158.4, 157.4, and 157.3 Tg/year for 2005-2010, respectively. The decrease after
      2007 is partly attributed to Chinese socioeconomic conditions and improved
      combustion efficiency. 

PMID- 25113429
TI  - Crystallization and its effect on the mechanical properties of a medium chain
      length polyhydroxyalkanoate.
AB  - Medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs) could play a role in the
      growing demand for highly elastic and biodegradable materials in the medical
      field. In this study, a poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (P(3HO-co
      3HH)) was first fully characterized in terms of molecular weight, microstructural
      chain parameters and chemical structure by means of gel permeation chromatography
      (GPC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). As
      determined by NMR, the synthesized polymer contained 94.3% and 5.7% molar content
      of 3-hydroxyoctanoate and 3-hydroxyhexanoate, respectively. Since mechanical
      properties are closely related to thermal history, the effect of crystallization
      on tensile properties was also investigated in the present study. Three
      crystallization temperatures were selected (0, 23 and 37 degrees C), the
      conclusion reached is that the maximum crystallization rate for this copolymer
      was achieved at 0 degrees C. On the other hand, evolution of tensile properties
      of P(3HO-co-3HH) films stored at room temperature demonstrated that, as
      crystallization occurred toward the equilibrium state, the polymer underwent a
      stiffening process. In this sense, secant modulus and tensile strength increased
      respectively from 8.3 +/- 1.0 MPa and 6.4 +/- 0.8 MPa after 1 day stored at room
      temperature to 36.2 +/- 3.3 MPa and 16.3 +/- 2.1 MPa after 16 weeks.

PMID- 25113430
TI  - Targeted SLNs for management of HIV-1 associated dementia.
AB  - CONTEXT: HIV-1 associated dementia (HAD) is an evolving disease in the category
      of neurological disorders. OBJECTIVE: Nifedipine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles
      (SLNs) were developed and coated with Tween 80 to facilitate enhanced brain drug
      delivery for the treatment of HAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SLNs were prepared
      using solvent injection method. Lipids consisted of tristearin, hydrogenated soya
      phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) (1.5:1 w/w). Nifedipine was model drug in this study.
      Tween 80 (0.5% v/v) was taken as key modulator. SLNs were characterized for
      particle shape, size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug
      release, DNA fragmentation, cytotoxicity potential and in vivo studies. RESULTS:
      The SLNs (plain and coated) were found to be in nanometric in size (~120 nm) with
      more than 70% entrapment efficiency. In vitro drug release profile reflected
      sustained release up to 48 h. Tween 80-coated SLNs showed higher percentage of
      DNA fragmentation in vitro and enhanced cell viability in sulforhodamine assay
      (rat cortical cells) as compared to plain drug and uncoated SLNs due to
      facilitated uptake of SLNs and reversal of P-gp efflux by virtue of Tween 80.
      Biodistribution study performed on vital organs, i.e. brain, heart, liver,
      spleen, lungs and kidney showed increased accumulation of Tween 80-coated SLNs in
      the brain. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Tween 80 enhanced localization of SLNs in
      the brain as compared to uncoated SLNs. This approach can be employed effectively
      to transport chemotherapeutics across the BBB for management of HIV-1 associated
      dementia and other ailments.

PMID- 25113431
TI  - Development of ocular drug delivery systems using molecularly imprinted soft
      contact lenses.
AB  - Recently, significant advances have been made in order to optimize drug delivery
      to ocular tissues. The main problems in ocular drug delivery are poor
      bioavailability and uncontrollable drug delivery of conventional ophthalmic
      preparations (e.g. eye drops). Hydrogels have been investigated since 1965 as new
      ocular drug delivery systems. Increase of hydrogel loading capacity, optimization
      of drug residence time on the ocular surface and biocompatibility with the eye
      tissue has been the main focus of previous studies. Molecular imprinting
      technology provided the opportunity to fulfill the above-mentioned objectives.
      Molecularly imprinted soft contact lenses (SCLs) have high potentials as novel
      drug delivery systems for the treatment of eye disorders. This technique is used
      for the preparation of polymers with specific binding sites for a template
      molecule. Previous studies indicated that molecular imprinting technology could
      be successfully applied for the preparation of SCLs as ocular drug delivery
      systems. Previous research, particularly in vivo studies, demonstrated that
      molecular imprinting is a versatile and effective method in optimizing the drug
      release behavior and enhancing the loading capacity of SCLs as new ocular drug
      delivery systems. This review highlights various potentials of molecularly
      imprinted contact lenses in enhancing the drug-loading capacity and controlling
      the drug release, compared to other ocular drug delivery systems. We have also
      studied the effects of contributing factors such as the type of comonomer,
      template/functional monomer molar ratio, crosslinker concentration in drug
      loading capacity, and the release properties of molecularly imprinted hydrogels. 

PMID- 25113432
TI  - Enhancement of the oral bioavailability of breviscapine by nanoemulsions drug
      delivery system.
AB  - Aim to design an effective breviscapine nanoscale drug delivery system to realize
      the improvement of its oral bioavailability. Based on the investigations of the
      stabilities in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), permeation and efflux across the
      cell membrane, the breviscapine nanoemulsion (NE) was formulated and evaluated in
      vitro and in vivo. The globule size and polydispersity index of the NE was 45.6
      nm and 0.105, and the efficient encapsulation was 95.2%. In vitro, the drug
      release from NEs in pH 6.8 PBS fit to the first-order kinetics. The Caco-2 cell
      transport experiments showed that the breviscapine NE facilitated the improvement
      of the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) from the apical side to basilar
      side compared with the free drug. In vivo, the relative bioavailability of
      breviscapine NE reached to 249.7%. All the studies implicated that the NE carrier
      contributed to the enhancement of the oral absorption of breviscapine due to the
      improved stability and permeation in the GIT. The nanoemulsions technology is
      better for the poor permeable and unstable active agents in GIT as well as helps
      the industrial scale process.

PMID- 25113435
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of inorganic-organic hybrid gallium selenides.
AB  - Two semiconducting hybrid gallium selenides, [Ga6Se9(C6H14N2)4][H2O] (1) and
      [C6H14N2][Ga4Se6(C6H14N2)2] (2), were prepared using a solvothermal method in the
      presence of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (1,2-DACH). Both materials consist of neutral
      inorganic layers, in which 1,2-DACH is covalently bonded to gallium. In 1, the
      organic amine acts as a monodentate and a bidentate ligand, while in 2, bidentate
      and uncoordinated 1,2-DACH molecules coexist. 

PMID- 25113436
TI  - Optical coherence tomography-based retinal vessel analysis for the evaluation of
      hypertensive vasculopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evaluation of retinal vessels in cardiovascular disease traditionally
      relies upon funduscopy, but more recently digital photo analysis has expanded the
      spectrum. As spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows an in-vivo
      assessment of retinal tissue and its vessels on a histological scale, our study
      aimed at using this tool for the analysis of the retinal vasculature. METHODS:
      Circumferential peripapillary OCT scans (3DOCT-2000; Topcon Inc., Tokyo, Japan),
      with centration on the optic nerve head, were taken from 20 eyes (20
      participants) with normal blood pressure and 20 eyes (20 participants) with
      arterial hypertension above 120 mmHg (mean blood pressure). The diameter of all
      vessels intersecting the scan line was measured in the OCT and used to calculate
      central vessel equivalents, and the A/V ratios were calculated. Bland-Altman
      analysis was performed to evaluate reliability. Correlation coefficients were
      determined for reliability of the method as well as with the individual mean
      arterial blood pressures. RESULTS: Forty eyes (40 participants) were included in
      the study. Mean arterial blood pressure was 96+/-4 mmHg in the control group and
      132+/-7 mmHg in the hypertonic group. Mean A/V ratio as determined from OCT scans
      was 0.82+/-0.13 (normotonic) versus 0.62+/-0.11 (hypertonic). A Pearson's
      correlation coefficient of 0.67 (p<0.001) was determined between A/V ratio and
      blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the feasibility of retinal
      vessel measurements in spectral domain OCT. A relation between mean arterial
      blood pressure and OCT-based A/V ratio was established. Further research will
      elucidate influencing factors and provide a broader basis for therapeutic
      approaches.

PMID- 25113434
TI  - A meta-analysis of the relationship between trait mindfulness and substance use
      behaviors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between trait mindfulness and substance use
      behaviors has been inconsistent across studies. The current meta-analysis aimed
      at quantifying the magnitude of this relationship, and at determining how this
      relationship varies in context of (1) mindfulness facets, (2) substance type, (3)
      sample characteristics, and (4) substance use severity. METHODS: Using electronic
      databases, the literature search yielded 303 articles, but only 39 articles met
      inclusion criteria to be included in this meta-analysis. The relationship was
      quantified as a Pearson's r correlation coefficient for all studies. RESULTS:
      Findings indicated a small, negative, and significant trait mindfulness-substance
      use behaviors relationship (r=-0.13). This relationship varied across substance
      type, clinical status of the sample, and substance use severity. Mindfulness
      facet was not a significant moderator; however, only particular facets (e.g.,
      acting with awareness, non-judgment, and non-reactivity) were consistently
      associated with substance use behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis
      quantified the trait mindfulness-substance use behaviors relationship, which can
      be used as future effect size estimates. Findings also indicated that the trait
      mindfulness-substance use behaviors relationship was more robust: (1) for alcohol
      and tobacco use compared to marijuana use behaviors; (2) for problematic compared
      to non-problematic substance use behaviors; and (3) with inpatient compared to
      outpatient and non-clinical samples. Further work should continue to examine if
      acting with awareness, non-judgment, and non-reactivity mindfulness facets are
      more robustly associated with substance use behaviors. Failure to consider these
      factors, or collapsing across these factors, could explain the smaller or
      inconsistently reported associations across previous studies.

PMID- 25113437
TI  - Dehydrative cross-coupling reactions of allylic alcohols with olefins.
AB  - The direct dehydrative activation of allylic alcohols and subsequent cross
      coupling with alkenes by using palladium catalyst containing a phosphoramidite
      ligand is described. The activation of the allyl alcohol does not require
      stoichiometric additives, thus allowing clean, waste-free reactions. The scope is
      demonstrated by application of the protocol to a series allylic alcohols and
      vinyl arenes, leading to variety of 1,4-diene products. Based on kinetic studies,
      a mechanism is proposed that involves a palladium hydride species that activates
      the allyl alcohol to form the allyl intermediate. 

PMID- 25113438
TI  - Factors that characterize bone health with aging in healthy postmenopausal women.
AB  - The exponential increase in the incidence of fragility fractures in older people
      is attributed to attenuation of both bone strength and neuromuscular function.
      Decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) does not entirely explain this increase.
      The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of age on various
      parameters related to bone health with aging, and to identify combinations of
      factors that collectively express the bone metabolic state in healthy
      postmenopausal women. Height, weight, and grip strength were measured in 135
      healthy postmenopausal volunteer women. Hip BMD, biomechanical indices derived
      from quantitative computed tomography (QCT), cross-sectional areas of muscle and
      fat of the proximal thigh, and various biochemical markers of bone metabolism
      were measured. A smaller group of factors explanatory for bone health was
      identified using factor analysis and each was newly named. As a result, the
      factors bone mass, bone turnover, bone structure, and muscle strength had the
      greatest explanatory power for assessing the bone health of healthy
      postmenopausal women. Whereas dual X-ray absorptiometry parameters only loaded on
      the factor bone mass, QCT parameters loaded on both the factors bone mass and
      bone structure. Most bone turnover markers loaded on the factor bone turnover,
      but deoxypyridinoline loaded on both bone turnover and muscle strength. Age was
      negatively correlated with bone mass (r = -0.49, p < 0.001) and muscle strength
      (r = -0.67, p < 0.001). We conclude that aging is associated as much with muscle
      weakening as with low BMD. More attention should be paid to the effects of muscle
      weakening during aging in assessments of bone health.

PMID- 25113439
TI  - Regulatory T cells with CD62L or TNFR2 expression in young type 1 diabetic
      patients: relation to inflammation, glycemic control and micro-vascular
      complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alteration of regulatory T cells (Tregs) may contribute to
      ineffective suppression of proinflammatory cytokines in type 1 diabetes. AIM: We
      determined the percentage of Tregs expressing CD62L or tumor necrosis factor
      receptor type 2 (TNFR2) in 70 young type 1 diabetic patients compared with 30
      controls and assessed their relation to inflammation, glycemic control and micro
      vascular complications. METHODS: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP),
      hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin
      10 (IL-10) were assessed with flow cytometric analysis of Tregs, Tregs expressing
      CD62L or TNFR2. RESULTS: The percentage of CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells and
      CD4(+)CD25(high)CD62L(high) cells were significantly decreased while
      CD4(+)CD25(high)TNFR2(+) T cells were elevated in patients with micro-vascular
      complications than those without and controls (p<0.001). ROC curve revealed that
      the cutoff values of Tregs, Tregs expressing CD62L and Tregs expressing TNFR2
      (7.46%, 24.2% and 91.9%, respectively) could detect micro-vascular complications.
      Significant negative correlations were observed between Tregs expressing CD62L
      and disease duration, FBG, HbA1c, urinary albumin excretion and hs-CRP, whereas,
      positive correlations were found between Tregs expressing TNFR2 and these
      variables (p<0.05). TNF-alpha was significantly increased while IL-10 was
      decreased among patients with micro-vascular complications than those without
      (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Alteration in the frequency of Tregs and Tregs expressing
      CD62L or TNFR2 in type 1 diabetes is associated with increased inflammation, poor
      glycemic control and risk of micro-vascular complications.

PMID- 25113441
TI  - A two-hybrid screen identifies an unconventional role for the intermediate
      filament peripherin in regulating the subcellular distribution of the SNAP25
      interacting protein, SIP30.
AB  - Peripherin is a type III intermediate filament protein, the expression of which
      is associated with the acquisition and maintenance of a terminally differentiated
      neuronal phenotype. Peripherin up-regulation occurs during acute neuronal injury
      and in degenerating motor neurons of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The
      functional role(s) of peripherin during normal, injurious, and disease conditions
      remains unknown, but may be related to differential expression of spliced
      isoforms. To better understand peripherin function, we performed a yeast two
      hybrid screen on a mouse brain cDNA library using an assembly incompetent
      peripherin isoform, Per-61, as bait. We identified new peripherin interactors
      with roles in vesicular trafficking, signal transduction, DNA/RNA processing,
      protein folding, and mitochondrial metabolism. We focused on the interaction of
      Per-61 and the constitutive isoform, Per-58, with SNAP25 interacting protein 30
      (SIP30), a neuronal protein involved in SNAP receptor-dependent exocytosis. We
      found that peripherin and SIP30 interacted through coiled-coil domains and
      colocalized in cytoplasmic aggregates in SW13vim(-) cells. Interestingly, Per-61
      and Per-58 differentially altered the subcellular distribution of SIP30 and
      SNAP25 in primary motor neurons. Our findings suggest a novel role of peripherin
      in vesicle trafficking.

PMID- 25113440
TI  - Mutational and functional analysis of the tumor-suppressor PTPRD in human
      melanoma.
AB  - Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) tightly regulate tyrosine phosphorylation
      essential for cell growth, adhesion, migration, and survival. We performed a
      mutational analysis of the PTP gene family in cutaneous metastatic melanoma and
      identified 23 phosphatase genes harboring somatic mutations. Among these,
      receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase delta (PTPRD) was one of the most
      highly mutated genes, harboring 17 somatic mutations in 79 samples, a prevalence
      of 21.5%. Functional evaluation of six PTPRD mutations revealed enhanced
      anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth. Interestingly, melanoma
      cells expressing mutant PTPRD were significantly more migratory than cells
      expressing wild-type PTPRD or vector alone, indicating a novel gain-of-function
      associated with mutant PTPRD. To understand the molecular mechanisms of PTPRD
      mutations, we searched for its binding partners by converting the active PTPRD
      enzyme into a "substrate trap" form. Using mass spectrometry and
      coimmunoprecipitation, we report desmoplakin, a desmosomal protein that is
      implicated in cell-cell adhesion, as a novel PTPRD substrate. Further analysis
      showed reduced phosphatase activity of mutant PTPRD against desmoplakin. Our
      findings identify an essential signaling cascade that is disrupted in melanoma.
      Moreover, because PTPRD is also mutated in glioblastomas and adenocarcinoma of
      the colon and lung, our data might be applicable to a large number of human
      cancers. 

PMID- 25113442
TI  - Ophthalmologic impairment during adulthood in central congenital hypoventilation
      syndrome: a longitudinal cohort analysis of nine patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare
      dysgenetic form of neurocristopathy associated with dysfunction of the autonomic
      nervous system. Ophthalmologic abnormalities are reported in CCHS children, and
      range from pupillary and iris abnormalities to ptosis, strabismus and convergence
      deficiency. Since earlier CCHS diagnosis and multidisciplinary management,
      combined with improved ventilatory support techniques, the lifespan of children
      with CCHS has been considerably lengthened. The oldest of them have now reached
      adult age and we report in this study the results of their ophthalmologic
      examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine CCHS adult patients were prospectively
      included during a 14-month period. Each patient underwent complete ophthalmologic
      examination, static pupillometry with scotopic and photopic pupillary diameter
      (PD) measures, Humphrey 24-2 visual field analysis, macular OCT and complete
      orthoptic assessment including a Hess-Lancaster test. RESULTS: Ophthalmologic
      abnormalities were found in six of the nine patients (66%). The main features
      were strabismus in six patients (66%). Four patients (44%) displayed abnormal
      pupillary function, with a decrease in average scotopic PD (3.8 +/- 1.4 mm),
      average photopic PD (3.5 +/- 1.2 mm), and average percentage of pupillary
      constriction (7.6 +/- 8.5%). Three patients (33%) exhibited iris abnormalities
      such as iris atrophy, smooth iris surface and atrophic sphincter. CONCLUSION:
      This study allowed the description of ophthalmologic abnormalities occurring in
      CCHS in a series of adult patients, thus improving current knowledge of the
      disease. The prevalence of pupillary and iris lesions were lower than those
      observed in a series of children, suggesting that they could be considered as
      systemic disease severity markers.

PMID- 25113445
TI  - Lessons from crop plants struggling with salinity.
AB  - Salinity is a persistent problem, causing important losses in irrigated
      agriculture. According to global climate change prediction models, salinity is
      expected to expand in the near future. Although intensive studies have been
      conducted on the mechanisms by which plants cope with saline conditions, the
      multi-component nature of salt stress tolerance has rendered most plant breeding
      efforts to improve the plant's response to salinity unsuccessful. This occurs
      despite the extensive genetic diversity shown by higher plants for salt tolerance
      and the similar mechanisms found in salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant genotypes in
      response to the presence of excess of salts in the growth media. On the other
      hand, there is an urge to increase crop yield to the maximum to cope with the
      growing world population demands for food and fuel. Here, we examine some major
      elements and signaling mechanisms involved in the plant's response to salinity
      following the pathway of salt-footprints from the soil environment to leaf. Some
      of the possible contrasting determinants for a better-balanced resource
      allocation between salt tolerance and plant growth and yield are considered. 

PMID- 25113446
TI  - Mechanistic insights on the responses of plant and ecosystem gas exchange to
      global environmental change: lessons from Biosphere 2.
AB  - Scaling up leaf processes to canopy/ecosystem level fluxes is critical for
      examining feedbacks between vegetation and climate. Collectively, studies from
      Biosphere 2 Laboratory have provided important insight of leaf-to-ecosystem
      investigations of multiple environmental parameters that were not before possible
      in enclosed or field studies. B2L has been a testing lab for the applicability of
      new technologies such as spectral approaches to detect spatial and temporal
      changes in photosynthesis within canopies, or for the development of cavity ring
      down isotope applications for ecosystem evapotranspiration. Short and long term
      changes in atmospheric CO2, drought or temperature allowed for intensive
      investigation of the interactions between photosynthesis and leaf, soil and
      ecosystem respiration. Experiments conducted in the rainforest biome have
      provided some of the most comprehensive dataset to date on the effects of climate
      change variables on tropical ecosystems. Results from these studies have been
      later corroborated in natural rainforest ecosystems and have improved the
      predictive capabilities of models that now show increased resilience of tropics
      to climate change. Studies of temperature and CO2 effects on ecosystem
      respiration and its leaf and soil components have helped reconsider the use of
      simple first-order kinetics for characterizing respiration in models. The B2L
      also provided opportunities to quantify the rhizosphere priming effect, or
      establish the relationships between net primary productivity, atmospheric CO2 and
      isoprene emissions. 

PMID- 25113443
TI  - Novel C8orf37 Mutations in Patients with Early-onset Retinal Dystrophy, Macular
      Atrophy, Cataracts, and High Myopia.
AB  - PURPOSE: More than 50 genes are reported as causative genes of autosomal
      recessive (ar) retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and cone-rod dystrophy (CRD). It is
      challenging to identify causative mutations for arRP and arCRD. The purpose of
      the present study was to investigate clinical and genetic features of two
      siblings with early-onset retinal dystrophy. METHODS: Whole-exome sequencing was
      conducted for the two affected siblings and their unaffected brother and mother
      from a Japanese family. We performed complete ophthalmic examinations, including
      visual acuity, funduscopy, visual-field testing, electroretinography and optical
      coherence tomography. RESULTS: Whole-exome sequencing analysis identified novel
      compound heterozygous mutations, a splice site mutation (c.374 + 2T > C in intron
      4) and a deletion mutation (c.575delC [p.T192MfsX28] in exon 6) of chromosome 8
      open reading frame 37 (C8orf37) gene, which encodes a ciliary protein, in both
      patients. The mother carried the truncating mutation, and the brother carried
      neither mutation. Ophthalmic examinations revealed diffuse retinal degeneration,
      macular atrophy, non-recordable electroretinography responses, cataracts, and
      high myopia in both patients, who could not be diagnosed with either RP or CRD
      because of the severe retinal degeneration and early onset disease. Longitudinal
      follow-up of the patients revealed highly progressive retinal degeneration,
      macular atrophy, and visual field loss. CONCLUSIONS: Recessive C8orf37 mutations
      have been identified in early to adolescent-onset arRP and arCRD with macular
      involvement. Our study identified two novel truncating mutations of the C8orf37
      gene in siblings with early-onset retinal dystrophy, macular atrophy, cataracts,
      and high myopia.

PMID- 25113447
TI  - Growth, photosynthetic acclimation and yield quality in legumes under climate
      change simulations: an updated survey.
AB  - Continued emissions of CO2, derived from human activities, increase atmospheric
      CO2 concentration. The CO2 rise stimulates plant growth and affects yield
      quality. Effects of elevated CO2 on legume quality depend on interactions with N2
      fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. Growth at elevated CO2 increases
      photosynthesis under short-term exposures in C3 species. Under long-term
      exposures, however, plants generally acclimate to elevated CO2 decreasing their
      photosynthetic capacity. An updated survey of the literature indicates that a key
      factor, perhaps the most important, that characteristically influences this
      phenomenon, its occurrence and extent, is the plant source-sink balance. In
      legumes, the ability of exchanging C for N at nodule level with the N2-fixing
      symbionts creates an extra C sink that avoids the occurrence of photosynthetic
      acclimation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonizing roots may also result in
      increased C sink, preventing photosynthetic acclimation. Defoliation (Anthyllis
      vulneraria, simulated grazing) or shoot cutting (alfalfa, usual management as
      forage) largely increases root/shoot ratio. During re-growth at elevated CO2, new
      shoots growth and nodule respiration function as strong C sinks that counteracts
      photosynthetic acclimation. In the presence of some limiting factor, the legumes
      response to elevated CO2 is weakened showing photosynthetic acclimation. This
      survey has identified limiting factors that include an insufficient N supply from
      bacterial strains, nutrient-poor soils, low P supply, excess temperature
      affecting photosynthesis and/or nodule activity, a genetically determined low
      nodulation capacity, an inability of species or varieties to increase growth (and
      therefore C sink) at elevated CO2 and a plant phenological state or season when
      plant growth is stopped. 

PMID- 25113448
TI  - Methodological advances: using greenhouses to simulate climate change scenarios.
AB  - Human activities are increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration and temperature.
      Related to this global warming, periods of low water availability are also
      expected to increase. Thus, CO2 concentration, temperature and water availability
      are three of the main factors related to climate change that potentially may
      influence crops and ecosystems. In this report, we describe the use of growth
      chamber - greenhouses (GCG) and temperature gradient greenhouses (TGG) to
      simulate climate change scenarios and to investigate possible plant responses. In
      the GCG, CO2 concentration, temperature and water availability are set to act
      simultaneously, enabling comparison of a current situation with a future one.
      Other characteristics of the GCG are a relative large space of work, fine control
      of the relative humidity, plant fertirrigation and the possibility of light
      supplementation, within the photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) region and/or
      with ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light. In the TGG, the three above-mentioned factors
      can act independently or in interaction, enabling more mechanistic studies aimed
      to elucidate the limiting factor(s) responsible for a given plant response.
      Examples of experiments, including some aimed to study photosynthetic
      acclimation, a phenomenon that leads to decreased photosynthetic capacity under
      long-term exposures to elevated CO2, using GCG and TGG are reported. 

PMID- 25113450
TI  - Inconsistency of mesophyll conductance estimate causes the inconsistency for the
      estimates of maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylation among the linear, rectangular
      and non-rectangular hyperbola biochemical models of leaf photosynthesis--a case
      study of CO2 enrichment and leaf aging effects in soybean.
AB  - The responses of CO2 assimilation to [CO2] (A/Ci) were investigated at two
      developmental stages (R5 and R6) and in several soybean cultivars grown under two
      levels of CO2, the ambient level of 370 MUbar versus the elevated level of 550
      MUbar. The A/Ci data were analyzed and compared by either the combined iterations
      or the separated iterations of the Rubisco-limited photosynthesis (Ac) and/or the
      RuBP-limited photosynthesis (Aj) using various curve-fitting methods: the linear
      2-segment model; the non-rectangular hyperbola model; the rectangular hyperbola
      model; the constant rate of electron transport (J) method and the variable J
      method. Inconsistency was found among the various methods for the estimation of
      the maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcmax), the mitochondrial respiration rate in
      the light (Rd) and mesophyll conductance (gm). The analysis showed that the
      inconsistency was due to inconsistent estimates of gm values that decreased with
      an instantaneous increase in [CO2], and varied with the transition Ci cut-off
      between Rubisco-limited photosynthesis and RuBP-regeneration-limited
      photosynthesis, and due to over-parameters for non-linear curve-fitting with gm
      included. We proposed an alternate solution to A/Ci curve-fitting for estimates
      of Vcmax, Rd, Jmax and gm with the various A/Ci curve-fitting methods. The study
      indicated that down-regulation of photosynthetic capacity by elevated [CO2] and
      leaf aging was due to partially the decrease in the maximum rates of
      carboxylation and partially the decrease in gm. Mesophyll conductance lowered
      photosynthetic capacity by 18% on average for the case of soybean plants.

PMID- 25113449
TI  - Stomatal and mesophyll conductances to CO2 in different plant groups: underrated
      factors for predicting leaf photosynthesis responses to climate change?
AB  - The climate change conditions predicted for the end of the current century are
      expected to have an impact on the performance of plants under natural conditions.
      The variables which are foreseen to have a larger effect are increased CO2
      concentration and temperature. Although it is generally considered CO2
      assimilation rate could be increased by the increasing levels of CO2, it has been
      reported in previous studies that acclimation to high CO2 results in reductions
      of physiological parameters involved in photosynthesis, like the maximum
      carboxylation rate (Vc,max), stomatal conductance (gs) and mesophyll conductance
      to CO2 (gm). On the one hand, most of the previous modeling efforts have
      neglected the potential role played by the acclimation of gm to high CO2 and
      temperature. On the other hand, the effect of climate change on plant clades
      other than angiosperms, like ferns, has received little attention, and there are
      no studies evaluating the potential impact of increasing CO2 and temperature on
      these species. In this study we predicted responses of several representative
      species among angiosperms, gymnosperms and ferns to increasing CO2 and
      temperature. Our results show that species with lower photosynthetic capacity -
      such as some ferns and gymnosperms - would be proportionally more favored under
      these foreseen environmental conditions. The main reason for this difference is
      the lower diffusion limitation imposed by gs and gm in plants having high
      capacity for photosynthesis among the angiosperms, which reduces the positive
      effect of increasing CO2. However, this apparent advantage of low-diffusion
      species would be canceled if the two conductances - gs and gm - acclimate and are
      down regulated to high CO2, which is basically unknown, especially for
      gymnosperms and ferns. Hence, for a better understanding of different plant
      responses to future climate, studies are urged in which the actual photosynthetic
      response/acclimation to increased CO2 and temperature of ferns, gymnosperms and
      other under-evaluated plant groups is assessed. 

PMID- 25113451
TI  - Rubisco catalytic properties optimized for present and future climatic
      conditions.
AB  - Because of its catalytic inefficiencies, Rubisco is the most obvious target for
      improvement to enhance the photosynthetic capacity of plants. Two hypotheses are
      tested in the present work: (1) existing Rubiscos have optimal kinetic properties
      to maximize photosynthetic carbon assimilation in existing higher plants; (2)
      current knowledge allows proposal of changes to kinetic properties to make
      Rubiscos more suited to changed conditions in chloroplasts that are likely to
      occur with climate change. The catalytic mechanism of Rubisco results in higher
      catalytic rates of carboxylation being associated with decreased affinity for
      CO2, so that selection for different environments involves a trade-off between
      these two properties. The simulations performed in this study confirm that the
      optimality of Rubisco kinetics depends on the species and the environmental
      conditions. In particular, environmental drivers affecting the CO2 availability
      for carboxylation (Cc) or directly shifting the photosynthetic limitations
      between Rubisco and RuBP regeneration determine to what extend Rubisco kinetics
      are optimally suited to maximize CO2 assimilation rate. In general, modeled
      values for optimal kinetic reflect the predominant environmental conditions
      currently encountered by the species in the field. Under future climatic
      conditions, photosynthetic CO2 assimilation will be limited by RuBP-regeneration,
      especially in the absence of water stress, the largest rise in [CO2] and the
      lowest increases in temperature. Under these conditions, the model predicts that
      optimal Rubisco should have high Sc/o and low kcat(c). 

PMID- 25113452
TI  - Will carbon isotope discrimination be useful as a tool for analysing the
      functional response of barley plants to salinity under the future atmospheric CO2
      conditions?
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the response of barley's carbon
      isotope composition and other physiological parameters to the interaction of salt
      stress and elevated CO2 levels, and the usefulness of carbon isotope
      discrimination (Delta(13)C) as indicative of the functional performance of barley
      (Hordeum vulgare L.). Barley plants were grown under ambient (350 MUmol mol(-1))
      and elevated (700 MUmol mol(-1)) CO2 conditions and subjected to salt stress (0,
      80, 160, and 240 mM NaCl) for 14 days. Elevated CO2 levels increased biomass
      production, water use efficiency and the photosynthetic rate, although this
      parameter was partly acclimated to elevated CO2 levels. Salt stress decreased
      this acclimation response because it enhanced the sink strength of the plant.
      Elevated CO2 significantly decreased the (13)C isotopic composition (delta(13)C)
      in all plant organs; however, the ratio of delta(13)C between the root and the
      leaf was increased, indicating a higher allocation of delta(13)C to the below
      ground parts. Conversely, salt stress increased plant delta(13)C, showing
      differences between plant organs. From the strong correlations between Delta(13)C
      and biomass production, the photosynthetic rate or water use efficiency both at
      ambient and elevated CO2, we concluded that Delta(13)C is a useful parameter for
      evaluating leaf and whole plant responses to salinity and can provide an
      integrated index of processes to understand the mechanisms underlying salt
      tolerance of barley both under current and future environmental CO2 conditions.

PMID- 25113453
TI  - Isoprene emission aids recovery of photosynthetic performance in transgenic
      Nicotiana tabacum following high intensity acute UV-B exposure.
AB  - Isoprene emission by terrestrial plants is believed to play a role in mitigating
      the effects of abiotic stress on photosynthesis. Ultraviolet-B light (UV-B)
      induces damage to the photosynthetic apparatus of plants, but the role of
      isoprene in UV-B tolerance is poorly understood. To investigate this putative
      protective role, we exposed non-emitting (NE) control and transgenic isoprene
      emitting (IE) Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) plants to high intensity UV-B exposure.
      Methanol emissions increased with UV-B intensity, indicating oxidative damage.
      However, isoprene emission was unaffected during exposure to UV-B radiation, but
      declined in the 48 h following UV-B treatment at the highest UV-B intensities of
      9 and 15 Wm(-2). Photosynthesis and the performance of photosystem II (PSII)
      declined to similar extents in IE and NE plants following UV-B exposure,
      suggesting that isoprene emission did not ameliorate the immediate impact of UV-B
      on photosynthesis. However, after the stress, photosynthesis and PSII recovered
      in IE plants, which maintained isoprene formation, but not in NE plants. Recovery
      of IE plants was also associated with elevated antioxidant levels and cycling;
      suggesting that both isoprene formation and antioxidant systems contributed to
      reinstating the integrity and functionality of cellular membranes and
      photosynthesis following exposure to excessive levels of UV-B radiation.

PMID- 25113454
TI  - Overexpression of monoubiquitin improves photosynthesis in transgenic tobacco
      plants following high temperature stress.
AB  - The ubiquitin/26S proteasome system (Ub/26S) is implicated in abiotic stress
      responses in plants. In this paper, transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing Ta
      Ub2 from wheat were used to study the functions of Ub in the improvement of
      photosynthesis under high temperature (45 degrees C) stress. We observed higher
      levels of Ub conjugates in transgenic plants under high temperature stress
      conditions compared to wild type (WT) as a result of the constitutive
      overexpression of Ta-Ub2, suggesting increased protein degradation by the 26S
      proteasome system under high temperature stress. Overexpressing Ub increased the
      photosynthetic rate (Pn) of transgenic tobacco plants, consistent with the
      improved ATPase activity in the thylakoid membrane and enhanced efficiency of
      PSII photochemistry. The higher D1 protein levels following high temperature
      stress in transgenic plants than WT were also observed. These findings imply that
      Ub may be involved in tolerance of photosynthesis to high temperature stress in
      plants. Compared with WT, the transgenic plants showed lower protein
      carbonylation and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, less reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) accumulation, but higher antioxidant enzyme activity under high temperature
      stress. These findings suggest that the improved antioxidant capacity of
      transgenic plants may be one of the most important mechanisms underlying Ub
      regulated high temperature tolerance. 

PMID- 25113455
TI  - Foliar CO2 in a holm oak forest subjected to 15 years of climate change
      simulation.
AB  - A long-term experimental drought to simulate future expected climatic conditions
      for Mediterranean forests, a 15% decrease in soil moisture for the following
      decades, was conducted in a holm oak forest since 1999. Net photosynthetic rate,
      stomatal conductance and leaf water potential were measured from 1999 to 2013 in
      Quercus ilex and Phillyrea latifolia, two co-dominant species of this forest.
      These measurements were performed in four plots, two of them received the drought
      treatment and the two other plots were control plots. The three studied variables
      decreased with increases in VPD and decreases in soil moisture in both species,
      but the decrease of leaf water potential during summer drought was larger in P.
      latifolia, whereas Q. ilex reached higher net photosynthetic rates and stomatal
      conductance values during rainy periods than P. latifolia. The drought treatment
      decreased ca. 8% the net photosynthetic rates during the overall studied period
      in both Q. ilex and P. latifolia, whereas there were just non-significant trends
      toward a decrease in leaf water potential and stomatal conductance induced by
      drought treatment. Future drier climate may lead to a decrease in the carbon
      balance of Mediterranean species, and some shrub species well resistant to
      drought could gain competitive advantage relative to Q. ilex, currently the
      dominant species of this forest. 

PMID- 25113456
TI  - Opportunities for improving leaf water use efficiency under climate change
      conditions.
AB  - WUEi (intrinsic water use efficiency) is a complex (multi)-trait, that depends on
      several physiological processes, driving plant productivity and its relation with
      a changing environment. Climatic change predictions estimate increases in
      temperature and drought in the semi-arid regions, rendering improved water use
      efficiency is a mandatory objective to maintain the current global food supply.
      The aims of this review were (i) to identify through a meta-analysis the leaf
      traits mostly related to intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi, the ratio between
      A - net photosynthesis and gs - stomatal conductance), based on a newly compiled
      dataset covering more than 200 species/varieties and 106 genus of C3 plants (ii)
      to describe the main potential targets for WUEi improvement via biotechnological
      manipulations and (iii) to introduce emergent and innovative technologies
      including UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to scale up levels from leaf to whole
      plant water status. We confirmed that increases in gm/gs and Vcmax/gs ratios are
      systematically related with increases in WUEi maintained across species,
      habitats, and environmental conditions. Other emergent opportunities to improve
      WUEi are described such as the relationship between photosynthesis and
      respiration and their link with metabolomics. Finally, we outline our hypothesis
      that we are observing the advent of a "smart" agriculture, wherein new
      technologies, such as UAVs equipped with remote sensors will rapidly facilitate
      an efficient water use regulating the irrigation schedule and determination,
      under field conditions, of cultivars with improved water use efficiency. We,
      therefore, conclude that the multi-disciplinary challenge toward WUE has only
      just begun.

PMID- 25113457
TI  - Leaf respiration in darkness and in the light under pre-industrial, current and
      elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
AB  - Our study sought to understand how past, low atmospheric CO2 concentrations
      ([CO2]) impact respiration (R) of soybean (Glycine max), when compared to plants
      grown under current and future [CO2]s. Experiments were conducted using plants
      grown under 290, 400 and 700 ppm [CO2]. Leaf R was measured in both darkness (RD)
      and in the light (RL; using the Kok method), with short-term changes in
      measurement [CO2] and [O2] being used to explore the relationship between light
      inhibition of leaf R and photorespiration. Root R, photosynthesis (A), leaf [N]
      and biomass allocation traits were also quantified. In contrast to the inhibitory
      effect of low growth [CO2] on A, growth [CO2] had no significant effect on leaf
      RD or root R. Irrespective of growth [CO2], RL was always lower than RD, with
      light inhibiting leaf R by 17-47%. Importantly, the degree of light inhibition of
      leaf R was lowest in plants grown under low [CO2], with variations in RL being
      positively correlated with RD and photorespiration. Irrespective of whether leaf
      R was measured in the light or dark, a greater proportion of the carbon fixed by
      leaf photosynthesis was released by leaf R in plants grown under low [CO2] than
      under current/future [CO2]'s. Collectively, our results highlight the
      differential responses of A and R to growth of plants under low to elevated
      atmospheric [CO2].

PMID- 25113458
TI  - Limitations to soybean photosynthesis at elevated carbon dioxide in free-air
      enrichment and open top chamber systems.
AB  - It has been suggested that the stimulation of soybean photosynthesis by elevated
      CO2 was less in free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) systems than in open
      top chambers (OTC), which might explain smaller yield increases at elevated CO2
      in FACE systems. However, this has not been tested using the same cultivars grown
      in the same location. I tested whether soybean photosynthesis at high light and
      elevated CO2 (ambient+180 MUmol mol(-1)) was limited by electron transport (J) in
      FACE systems but by ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylation capacity (VCmax) in OTC.
      FACE systems with daytime and continuous CO2 enrichment were also compared. The
      results indicated that in both cultivars examined, midday photosynthesis at high
      light was always limited by VCmax, both in the FACE and in the OTC systems.
      Daytime only CO2 enrichment did not affect photosynthetic parameters or
      limitations, but did result in significantly smaller yields in both cultivars
      than continuous elevation. Photosynthesis measured at low photosynthetic photon
      flux density (PPFD) was not higher at elevated than at ambient CO2, because of an
      acclimation to elevated CO2 which was only evident at low measurement PPFDs.

PMID- 25113459
TI  - Biochemical acclimation, stomatal limitation and precipitation patterns underlie
      decreases in photosynthetic stimulation of soybean (Glycine max) at elevated
      [CO2] and temperatures under fully open air field conditions.
AB  - The net effect of elevated [CO2] and temperature on photosynthetic acclimation
      and plant productivity is poorly resolved. We assessed the effects of canopy
      warming and fully open air [CO2] enrichment on (1) the acclimation of two
      biochemical parameters that frequently limit photosynthesis (A), the maximum
      carboxylation capacity of Rubisco (Vc,max) and the maximum potential linear
      electron flux through photosystem II (Jmax), (2) the associated responses of leaf
      structural and chemical properties related to A, as well as (3) the stomatal
      limitation (l) imposed on A, for soybean over two growing seasons in a
      conventionally managed agricultural field in Illinois, USA. Acclimation to
      elevated [CO2] was consistent over two growing seasons with respect to Vc,max and
      Jmax. However, elevated temperature significantly decreased Jmax contributing to
      lower photosynthetic stimulation by elevated CO2. Large seasonal differences in
      precipitation altered soil moisture availability modulating the complex effects
      of elevated temperature and CO2 on biochemical and structural properties related
      to A. Elevated temperature also reduced the benefit of elevated [CO2] by
      eliminating decreases in stomatal limitation at elevated [CO2]. These results
      highlight the critical importance of considering multiple environmental factors
      (i.e. temperature, moisture, [CO2]) when trying to predict plant productivity in
      the context of climate change. 

PMID- 25113460
TI  - Impacts of rising tropospheric ozone on photosynthesis and metabolite levels on
      field grown soybean.
AB  - The response of leaf photosynthesis and metabolite profiles to ozone (O3)
      exposure ranging from 37 to 116 ppb was investigated in two soybean cultivars
      Dwight and IA3010 in the field under fully open-air conditions. Leaf
      photosynthesis, total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC) and total free amino
      acids (TAA) decreased linearly with increasing O3 levels in both cultivars with
      average decrease of 7% for an increase in O3 levels by 10 ppb. Ozone interacted
      with developmental stages and leaf ages, and caused higher damage at later
      reproductive stages and in older leaves. Ozone affected yield mainly via
      reduction of maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylation (Vcmax) and maximum rates of
      electron transport (Jmax) as well as a shorter growing season due to earlier
      onset of canopy senescence. For all parameters investigated the critical O3
      levels (~50 ppb) for detectable damage fell within O3 levels that occur routinely
      in soybean fields across the US and elsewhere in the world. Strong correlations
      were observed in O3-induced changes among yield, photosynthesis, TNC, TAA and
      many metabolites. The broad range of metabolites that showed O3 dose dependent
      effect is consistent with multiple interaction loci and thus multiple targets for
      improving the tolerance of soybean to O3.

PMID- 25113461
TI  - Acclimation of photosynthetic tolerance to acute heat stress at elevated CO2 and
      N.
AB  - Determining interactive effects of pre-heat-stress, CO2 and N on photosynthetic
      thermotolerance is necessary for predicting plant responses to global change. We
      grew Hordeum vulgare (barley, C3) and Zea mays (corn, C4) at current or elevated
      CO2 (370 and 700 ppm) and limiting or optimal soil N (0.5 and 7.5mM). We assessed
      basal and inducible thermotolerance of net photosynthesis (Pn), photosystem II
      efficiency [Formula: see text] , photochemical quenching (qp), carboxylation
      efficiency (CE), and rubisco activase content. Inducible thermotolerance was
      measured on plants which were pre-heat-stressed (PHS) for 4h before heat stress.
      We also assayed content of several major heat-shock proteins (HSPs), as HSPs are
      primary adaptations to heat stress and affected by N. Acclimation of
      photosynthetic thermotolerance was dependent on species, CO2 and N treatment and
      the component in the photosynthetic processes. PHS had a positive effect on the
      production of HSP60 and sHSP in low-N barley and corn. These results indicate
      that stimulatory effects of elevated CO2 at normal temperatures on photosynthesis
      may be partly changed by the different interactive effects of CO2, heat stress
      and N for species with different photosynthetic pathways. Thus, PHS, CO2 and N
      effects on photosynthetic thermotolerance may contribute to changes in plant
      productivity, distribution, and diversity.

PMID- 25113462
TI  - Effects of elevated O3 exposure on seed yield, N concentration and photosynthesis
      of nine soybean cultivars (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in Northeast China.
AB  - Nine soybean cultivars widely cultivated in Northeast China were investigated in
      present study to assess their O3 sensitivities on the basis of the response of
      photosynthesis and seed yield to ambient and future ozone (O3) concentrations,
      and determine whether the effects of O3 vary with the developmental stages
      (flowering and seed filling stages). Relative to charcoal-filtered air (CF),
      elevated O3 concentration (E-O3, ambient air+40 ppb) significantly reduced
      soybean yields by 40%, with a range of 32-46% among cultivars. E-O3 also induced
      significant decreases in pigment contents, net photosynthetic rate and
      chlorophyll a fluorescence at both flowering and seed filling stages in most
      cultivars. Except net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance (gs) at seed
      filling stage, all variables showed no significant interaction between O3 and
      cultivar, suggesting that all tested cultivars had similar sensitivities to O3.
      The responses of seed N content to E-O3 differed among cultivars. Ambient O3
      concentration (mean of daily concentration of 19 ppb) did not induce any change
      relative to CF. Significant positive relationship between endogenous gs in CF and
      yield loss among cultivars was found only at seed filling stage. Positive
      correlation between effects of E-O3 on leaf N content and effects on light
      saturated photosynthetic rate (Asat) indicated that gs and leaf N content at seed
      filling stage contributes to yield loss and decreased photosynthesis by E-O3,
      respectively. It can be inferred that E-O3 had a larger negative effects on seed
      filling stage than flowering stage of soybean.

PMID- 25113463
TI  - Impacts of elevated ozone on growth and photosynthesis of Metasequoia
      glyptostroboides Hu et Cheng.
AB  - One-year-old Metasequoia glyptostroboides seedlings were exposed to non-filtered
      ambient air (NF) and elevated ozone (E-O3, NF+60 ppb) in open-top chambers for
      two years. E-O3 accelerated leaf senescence, as indicated by significant
      decreases in photosynthetic pigment contents with the elongation of O3 exposure.
      E-O3 significantly affected gas exchange and carboxylation, inducing reductions
      in light-saturated photosynthesis (Asat), the maximum activity of Rubisco
      (Vc,max) and the maximum electron transport rate (Jmax). Chl a/b, Vc,max/Jmax and
      stomatal limitation (l) were not affected. Stomatal conductance (gs) was
      significantly decreased by E-O3 in the first year, but remained unchanged in the
      second year. It can be inferred that the decrease in Asat by E-O3 was mainly
      attributed to the changes in non-stomatal factors. After two years' exposure, E
      O3 caused significant decreases in canopy photosynthesis and leaf mass per area,
      and a significant increase in the number of branches, but induced slight, not
      significant decreases in growth and biomass. Therefore, it can be concluded that
      the carbon accumulation of the species M. glyptostroboides could be negatively
      affected after long-term exposure to high O3 concentration.

PMID- 25113465
TI  - Transcriptional networks leading to symbiotic nodule organogenesis.
AB  - The symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria leading to root nodules is a
      relatively recent evolutionary innovation and limited to a distinct order of land
      plants. It has long been a mystery how plants have invented this complex trait.
      However, recent advances in molecular genetics of model legumes has elucidated
      genes involved in the development of root nodules, providing insights into this
      process. Here we discuss how the de novo assembly of transcriptional networks may
      account for the predisposition to nodulate. Transcriptional networks and modes of
      gene regulation from the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, nitrate responses and
      aspects of lateral root development have likely all contributed to the emergence
      and development of root nodules. 

PMID- 25113466
TI  - Au nanoparticle sensitized ZnO nanopencil arrays for photoelectrochemical water
      splitting.
AB  - This paper describes the synthesis of Au nanoparticle sensitized ZnO nanopencil
      arrays on F-doped SnO2 substrates by an aqueous chemical growth and subsequent
      photoreduction method. The Au-ZnO nanopencil arrays yield a photocurrent of ~ 1.5
      mA cm(-2) at 1 V versus Ag/AgCl. The enhanced photocurrent is attributed to the
      surface plasmon resonance effect of Au nanoparticles and the prolonged lifetime
      of the photo-generated electron-hole pairs. The improved stability of ZnO is due
      to the plasmon resonance energy transfer process enabled by the Au nanoparticles,
      which enhances the electric field intensity in a small, well-defined location of
      the ZnO semiconductor.

PMID- 25113467
TI  - Revision of Siobla (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae) from Japan.
AB  - The Japanese species of the sawfly genus Siobla Cameron, 1877, are revised and
      keyed. The following nine species are recognized: S. apicalis Takeuchi, 1929, S.
      ferox (Smith, 1874), S. hirasana Takeuchi, 1929, S. jucunda (Mocsary, 1909), S.
      metallica Takeuchi, 1929, S. sturmii (Klug, 1817), S. japonica, sp. nov., S.
      pulchra, sp. nov., and S. takeuchii, sp. nov.  Siobla pacifica (Smith, 1874) is
      synonymized with S. sturmii. Lectotypes are designated for Macrophya ferox Smith,
      1874, Macrophya pacifica Smith, 1874, Encarsioneura jucunda Mocsary, 1909, and
      Siobla grandis Matsumura, 1912. Previous records of S. ruficornis (Gimmerthal,
      1834) and S. villosa Malaise, 1931, from Japan have been found erroneous. Siobla
      jucunda is newly recorded from Japan.  

PMID- 25113468
TI  - Revision of the Siobla formosana group (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae).
AB  - 14 species of the Siobla formosana species-group are revised. Three new species:
      Siobla jiangi Niu & Wei, sp. nov., S. parallela Niu & Wei, sp. nov., S. weiweii
      Niu & Wei, sp. nov. are described. Siobla rufipes Malaise, 1945 is a new synonym
      of S. atra Malaise, 1945. The males formerly assigned to S. atra belong to S.
      semipicta Malaise, 1945. The previously unknown female of Siobla rufopropodea
      Wei, 1998 is described. Lectotypes are designated for Siobla rufipes Malaise,
      1945, Siobla atra Malaise, 1945 and Siobla semipicta Malaise, 1945. The
      previously described species are illustrated and partly redescribed. A key to
      species of the group is given. Distribution records of each species of the group
      except S. takeuchii are given. 

PMID- 25113470
TI  - A checklist of the Kateretidae and Nitidulidae of Iran (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea).
AB  - The current knowledge of the geographic distribution of short-winged flower
      beetles and sap beetles (Kateretidae and Nitidulidae, respectively) from Iran is
      summarized. In total, 84 species of Nitidulidae (in 22 genera and 5 subfamilies:
      Epuraeinae, Carpophilinae, Cryptarchinae, Nitidulinae, Meligethinae) and 6
      species of Kateretidae (in 4 genera: Brachyleptus Motschulsky, Brachypterolus
      Grouvelle, Brachypterus Kugelann, Kateretes Herbst) are listed. Brachyleptus
      discolor Reitter, Brachypterus glaber (Newman) (both Kateretidae), Epuraea
      distincta (Grimmer), Soronia oblonga (Brisout), Lamiogethes bidens (Brisout),
      Lamiogethes medvedevi (Kirejtshuk), Sagittogethes devillei (Grouvelle) and
      Xerogethes rotundicollis (Brisout) (Nitidulidae) are new records for Iran.  

PMID- 25113469
TI  - Review of the Eulamprotes wilkella species-group based on morphology and DNA
      barcodes, with descriptions of new taxa (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae).
AB  - The Eulamprotes wilkella species-group is revised based on morphological
      characters and on DNA barcodes of the mtCOI (Cytochrome c Oxidase 1) gene. Adult
      morphology combined with sequence information for 9 species supports the
      existence of 12 species, 7 of which are described as new to science: E. mirusella
      Huemer & Karsholt sp. nov. (France), E. baldizzonei Karsholt & Huemer sp. nov.
      (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia), E. atrifrontella Karsholt & Huemer sp. nov. (Turkey),
      E. wieseri Huemer & Karsholt sp. nov. (Kyrgizia), E. altaicella Huemer & Karsholt
      sp. nov. (Russia: Altai, Buryatia, Tuva Republic), E. kailai Karsholt & Huemer
      sp. nov. (Kazakhstan, Kyrgizia, Russia: Buryatia, Tuva Republic) and E.
      gemerensis Elsner sp. nov. (Slovakia). E. buvati Leraut, 1991 syn. nov. is
      synonymized with E. ochricapilla (Rebel, 1903). 

PMID- 25113471
TI  - A cryptic new species of Miniopterus from south-eastern Africa based on molecular
      and morphological characters.
AB  - Resolving species limits within the genus Miniopterus has traditionally been
      complicated by the presence of cryptic species with overlapping morphological
      features. We use molecular techniques, cranio-dental characters and tragus shape
      to describe a new species of Miniopterus from Mozambique, M. mossambicus.
      Miniopterus mossambicus shows > 12% divergence in cytochrome-b sequence from its
      nearest congeners (the Malagasy M. gleni and M. griveaudi) and > 15% divergence
      from the morphologically similar M. natalensis, M. fraterculus and M. minor (all
      of which occur in southern and eastern Africa). There is considerable overlap in
      cranio-dental characters of the southern African species, particularly M.
      natalensis and M. mossambicus. However, tragus shape and multivariate comparisons
      of skull measurements can be used to separate these species. Based on
      morphological comparisons of museum specimens, this species may also be present
      in neighbouring Malawi and Zimbabwe, suggesting that it is probably distributed
      widely in south-central Africa.  

PMID- 25113472
TI  - Review of the genus Cidariplura Butler, 1879 (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Herminiinae)
      in Taiwan with descriptions of four new species.
AB  - The genus Cidariplura Butler, 1879 from Taiwan is reviewed. A total of seven
      species are confirmed to occur in this old landbridge island, and four new
      species are described: C. shanmeii Wu & Owada sp. nov., C. maraho Wu & Owada sp.
      nov., C. atayal Wu & Owada sp. nov. and C. ilana Wu & Owada sp. nov. The
      Taiwanese C. bilineata (Wileman & South, 1919) is superficially similar to the
      Indian and Nepalese C. brevivittalis (Moore, 1867) but their genitalia show
      distinct differences. Elyra albifascia Hampson 1929 is regarded as a junior
      synonym of C. brevivittalis (syn. nov.). All diagnostic characteristics of
      Cidariplura from Taiwan and its adjacent areas are illustrated. 

PMID- 25113473
TI  - New records of Recent Brachiopoda from the Red Sea with a description of a new
      species .
AB  - A revised checklist of 14 Recent brachiopod species from Egypt and the Sudan in
      the Red Sea has been compiled. New records of Minutella minuta (Cooper),
      Thecidellina blochmanni Dall and Argyrotheca somaliensis Cooper are described and
      a new species Argyrotheca cooperi is erected for specimens with few but very
      strong costae. The new records support earlier suggestions that the affinities of
      the Red Sea brachiopod fauna are with those of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific
      areas. 

PMID- 25113474
TI  - A new species of fiddler crab from the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands, Japan,
      separated from the widely-distributed sister species Uca (Paraleptuca) crassipes
      (White, 1847) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Ocypodidae).
AB  - A new species of fiddler crab (Brachyura: Ocypodidae), Uca boninensis sp. nov.,
      is described from the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands, Japan. The new species has
      previously been identified with the widely distributed U. crassipes (White,
      1847), from which it differs by having a slightly differently shaped carapace,
      and relatively stouter male first gonopods (G1). The recognition of the new
      species is also supported by differences in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase
      I (COI) and control region (CR) genes. U. boninensis sp. nov., appears to be
      endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, and as the only known population is small,
      urgent conservation measures are needed for its protection. Our study brings the
      total number of the Japanese fiddler crab species to 12. 

PMID- 25113475
TI  - A new form of Elongatoolithidae, Undulatoolithus pengi oogen. et oosp. nov. from
      Pingxiang, Jiangxi, China.
AB  - A new oogenus and oospecies of the Elongatoolithidae, Undulatoolithus pengi
      oogen. et oosp. nov., is described on the basis of specimens from the Upper
      Cretaceous Zhoutian Formation of the Pingxiang Basin, Jiangxi Province, China.
      The eggs are slightly asymmetrical, paired, and lay radially-oriented in a
      circular configuration within the clutch, and most suggestive of Macroolithus of
      the Elongatoolithidae by medium-sized eggs with average polar axis and equatorial
      diameter of 19.36 and 8.35 cm, and the ornamentation pattern of nodes and ridges
      on the outer surface. The new oogenus differs from Macroolithus in its prominent
      ridges 0.67 mm in height, about half of the entire eggshell thickness,
      gradational boundary between the cone layer and the overlying columnar layer,
      cone layer-to-columnar layer thickness ratio of 1/8 or 1/4. This discovery adds
      new data on the morphology and diversification of Late Cretaceous elongatoolithid
      ootaxa.  

PMID- 25113476
TI  - A new dasyurid marsupial from Kroombit Tops, south-east Queensland, Australia:
      the Silver-headed Antechinus, Antechinus argentus sp. nov. (Marsupialia:
      Dasyuridae).
AB  - Antechinus argentus sp. nov. is currently only known from the plateau at the
      eastern escarpment of Kroombit Tops National Park, about 400km NNW of Brisbane
      and 60km SSW of Gladstone, south-east Queensland, Australia. Antechinus flavipes
      (Waterhouse) is also known from Kroombit Tops NP, 4.5km W of the nearest known
      population of A. argentus; A. mysticus Baker, Mutton and Van Dyck has yet to be
      found within Kroombit Tops, but is known from museum specimens taken at Bulburin
      NP, just 40km ESE, as well as extant populations about 400km to both the south
      east and north-west of Kroombit NP. A. argentus can be easily distinguished in
      the field, having an overall silvery/grey appearance with much paler silver feet
      and drabber deep greyish-olive rump than A. flavipes, which has distinctive
      yellow-orange toned feet, rump and tail-base; A. argentus fur is also less coarse
      than that of A. flavipes. A. argentus has a striking silver-grey head, neck and
      shoulders, with pale, slightly broken eye-rings, which distinguish it from A.
      mysticus which has a more subtle greyish-brown head, pale buff dabs of eyeliner
      and more colourful brownish-yellow rump. Features of the dentary can also be used
      for identification: A. argentus differs from A. flavipes in having smaller molar
      teeth, as well as a narrower and smaller skull and from A. mysticus in having on
      average a narrower snout, smaller skull and dentary lengths and smaller posterior
      palatal vacuities in the skull. A. argentus is strongly divergent genetically (at
      mtDNA) from both A. flavipes (9.0-11.2%) and A. mysticus (7.2-7.5%), and forms a
      very strongly supported clade to the exclusion of all other antechinus species,
      in both mtDNA and combined (mtDNA and nDNA) phylogenies inferred here. We are yet
      to make detailed surveys in search of A. argentus from forested areas to the
      immediate east and north of Kroombit Tops. However, A. mysticus has only been
      found at these sites in low densities in decades past and not at all in several
      recent trapping expeditions conducted by the authors. With similar habitat types
      in close geographic proximity, it is plausible that A. argentus may be found
      outside Kroombit. Nevertheless, it is striking that from a range of surveys
      conducted at Kroombit Tops in the last 15 years and intensive surveys by the
      authors in the last 3 years, totalling more than 5 080 trap nights, just 13 A.
      argentus have been captured from two sites less than 6 km apart. If this is even
      close to the true geographic extent of the species, it would possess one of the
      smallest distributions of an Australian mammal species. With several threats
      identified, we tentatively recommend that A. argentus be listed as Endangered,
      pending an exhaustive trapping survey of Kroombit and surrounds.  

PMID- 25113477
TI  - Revision of the genus Ortopla Walker, [1859] with description of two new species
      from Southeast Asia (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Pantheinae). Revision of Pantheinae,
      contribution X.
AB  - The pantheine genus Ortopla Walker, [1859] 1858 is revised. Two new species,
      Ortopla witti sp. n. from the Philippines and O. longiuncus sp. n. from Nepal,
      Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and South China are described. The name O. commutanda
      Warren, 1891 (syn. n.) is synonymised with O. iarbasalis Walker, [1859] 1858. The
      distribution of species in East Asia is clarified. A checklist of the genus
      Ortopla is presented. Imagines, male and female genitalia of all species are
      illustrated. 

PMID- 25113478
TI  - Review and revision of Australian Germalus Stal, with new genera and further new
      species of Australian Geocorinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Geocoridae).
AB  - During a review of Australian Germalus Stal, types of all species recorded from
      Australia, as well as of the type species G. kinbergi Stal, originally described
      from Mauritius Island, were examined and illustrated to redefine and redescribe
      the genus as well as all the included species. As a result of this, the following
      synonymies have become necessary: G. humeralis Distant as junior synonym of G.
      victoriae Bergroth; G. roseobistriatus Kirkaldy as junior synonym of G.
      lineolosus Distant. Lectotype females have been designated for Germalus victoriae
      Bergroth, and Germalus lineolosus Distant. The following new taxa have been
      discovered in the material available for this study: Germalus australis Malipatil
      sp. nov., Germalus fuscovittatus Malipatil sp. nov., Germalus littoralis
      Malipatil sp. nov., Capitostylus kurandae Malipatil gen. et sp. nov.,
      Unicageocoris griseus Malipatil gen. et sp. nov., and Ausogeocoris westraliensis
      Malipatil gen. et sp. nov. Keys to the six genera of Geocorinae, and to the six
      species of Germalus, now recognised in Australia, are provided. 

PMID- 25113479
TI  - Revised world catalogue of Eucopina, Eucosma, Pelochrista, and Phaneta
      (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Eucosmini).
AB  - A revised world catalogue of Eucopina, Eucosma, Pelochrista, and Phaneta is
      provided. Assignment to genus is based on generic redescriptions by Gilligan et
      al. (2013). A total of 709 names (including subspecies and synonyms) are listed,
      including 251 new combinations and 52 revised combinations. 

PMID- 25113480
TI  - Four new species of Noeetomima Enderlein (Diptera: Lauxaniidae), with a key to
      world species.
AB  - The following four species are described as new to science: Noeetomima chinensis
      sp. nov. (China), N. jinpingensis sp. nov. (China, Nepal), N. tengchongica sp.
      nov. (China) and N. yunnanica sp. nov. (China). The species Noeetomima aberrans
      Shatalkin and N. nepalensis Stuckenberg are newly recorded for Japan and India,
      respectively, and the male genitalia for N. thaiensis Sasakawa are described and
      illustrated for the first time. A key to separate world species is presented, as
      is a detailed checklist of all species. 

PMID- 25113481
TI  - Phytoseiid mites (Acari) associated with yerba mate in southern Brazil, with
      description of a new species.
AB  - Yerba mate is a plant of great socioeconomic importance in southern South
      America. Little has been published about the phytoseiid mite fauna of yerba mate.
      This paper presents information about the morphology and distribution of
      phytoseiid mites collected in yerba mate in the Ilopolis and Putinga counties of
      Brazil between 2002 and 2004. Four areas with of different forms of cultivation
      in every county were sampled. A list of the species recorded from that state, and
      a key for their identification are provided. Sixteen phytoseiid mites species
      were identified, belonging to 11 genera in the subfamilies Amblyseiinae (13
      species) and Typhlodrominae (three species). The most abundant genus was
      Amblyseius with three species. Phytoscutus sexpilis Muma, 1961 and Typhloseiopsis
      dorsoreticulatus Lofego, Demite & Feres, 2011 are reported for the first time
      from Rio Grande do Sul state. This study also includes the description of a new
      species, Typhlodromips pallinii n. sp. 

PMID- 25113482
TI  - Timoides agassizii Bigelow, 1904, little-known hydromedusa (Cnidaria), appears
      briefly in large numbers off Oman, March 2011, with additional notes about
      species of the genus Timoides.
AB  - A bloom of the hydromedusan jellyfish, Timoides agassizii, occurred in February
      2011 off the coast of Sohar, Al Batinah, Sultanate of Oman, in the Gulf of Oman.
      This species was first observed in 1902 in great numbers off Haddummati Atoll in
      the Maldive Islands in the Indian Ocean and has rarely been seen since. The
      species appeared briefly in large numbers off Oman in 2011 and subsequent
      observation of our 2009 samples of zooplankton from Sohar revealed that it was
      also present in low numbers (two collected) in one sample in 2009; these are the
      first records in the Indian Ocean north of the Maldives. Medusae collected off
      Oman were almost identical to those recorded previously from the Maldive Islands,
      Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, Guam, the South China Sea, and Okinawa.
      T. agassizii is a species that likely lives for several months. It was present in
      our plankton samples together with large numbers of the oceanic siphonophore
      Physalia physalis only during a single month's samples, suggesting that the
      temporary bloom off Oman was likely due to the arrival of mature, open ocean
      medusae into nearshore waters. We see no evidence that T. agassizii has
      established a new population along Oman, since if so, it would likely have been
      present in more than one sample period. We are unable to deduce further details
      of the life cycle of this species from blooms of many mature individuals
      nearshore, about a century apart. Examination of a single damaged T. agassizii
      medusa from Guam, calls into question the existence of its congener, T.
      latistyla, known only from a single specimen. 

PMID- 25113484
TI  - First record of the bee genus Homalictus Cockerell for China with description of
      a new species (Hymenoptera: Halictidae: Halictini).
AB  - This paper reports the first record of the genus Homalictus from China. We
      describe and illustrate H. (H.) nabanensis sp. n. collected from the Naban River
      Watershed National Nature Reserve, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China. The type
      specimens are deposited in Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences,
      Beijing, China. 

PMID- 25113483
TI  - New bioacoustic and distributional data on Bokermannohyla sapiranga Brandao et
      al., 2012 (Anura: Hylidae): revisiting its diagnosis in comparison with B.
      pseudopseudis (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1937).
AB  - In this paper, we provide new bioacoustic and distributional data on
      Bokermannohyla sapiranga, as well as additional comparative bioacoustic data on
      topotypes of B. pseudopseudis, and re-evaluate the differential diagnosis of the
      former species with respect to the latter. Head shapes (dorsal and lateral views)
      presented such variation that should not be used to differentially diagnose them
      as originally proposed. On the other hand, the presence of a dermal ridge along
      outer tarsi, and color patterns of the eyes and dorsal surface of hand/toe disks
      still represent diagnostic characters between both species. We also found
      differences in temporal (call duration; notes per call), spectral (dominant
      frequency; harmonics), and structural (pulsed/non-pulsed note structure) traits
      of their calls. Distribution of B. sapiranga is extended eastward (Paracatu),
      which corresponds to the first record for the State of Minas Gerais, whereas B.
      pseudopseudis distribution seems to be restricted to rocky montane field
      environments of northern Goias State. 

PMID- 25113485
TI  - An integrative appraisal of the diagnosis and distribution of Allobates sumtuosus
      (Morales, 2002) (Anura, Aromobatidae).
AB  - We describe the advertisement calls and color in life of Allobates sumtuosus
      (Morales 2002) based on specimens recorded and collected at its type locality in
      Reserva Biologica do Rio Trombetas, Brazilian Amazonia. We also improve the
      species diagnosis by adding information on states of characters frequently used
      in current Allobates taxonomy. Finally, we analyze genetic distances and the
      evolutionary relationships between typical A. sumtuosus and other Allobates
      species distributed in Brazil and along the Guiana Shield region using a fragment
      of the 16S rDNA mitochondrial gene. Based on this integrative analysis, we
      propose the synonym of Allobates spumaponens Kok & Ernst 2007 with A. sumtuosus
      and provide an updated geographic distribution of the species. 

PMID- 25113486
TI  - Revision of the Old World genera Panthea Hubner, [1820] 1816 and Pantheana
      Hreblay, 1998 with description two new species from China (Lepidoptera,
      Noctuidae: Pantheinae). Revision of Pantheinae, contribution IX.
AB  - The Old World species of the genus Panthea Hubner [1820] 1816 are revised. The
      article contains the description of two new species Panthea fuscogrisea sp. n.
      and Panthea florianii sp. n. from continental China and re-description of two
      species P. roberti Joannis 1928 and P. grisea Wileman, 1919 with illustration of
      male and female genitalia. Diphthera hoenei Draudt, 1950 (syn. n.) is synonymised
      with P. roberti Joannis 1928. The species Panthea ronnyi Thony, 1996 is excluded
      from the genus Panthea. Lectotypes for Diphthera hoenei and Panthea roberti are
      designated. The genus includes five species in the Old World, distributed mainly
      in Sino-Himalayan subregion of the Palaearctic. A checklist of species of the
      genus Panthea is presented. The little-known genus Pantheana Hreblay, 1998 with
      the sole species Pantheana yangzisherpana Hreblay, 1998 is reviewed. The
      imagines, male and female genitalia of all Old World species of Panthea and
      Pantheana are illustrated. 

PMID- 25113488
TI  - A new species of water mite (Acari, Hydrachnidia) from Assam, India, found in the
      gut contents of the fish Botia dario (Botiidae).
AB  - Water mites (Hydrachnidia) occur sporadically in the gut of freshwater fishes. In
      this study, nine water mite items were found in the gut contents of the fish
      Botia dario (Hamilton, 1822) (Botiidae) collected in a floodplain wetland (beel)
      in the river island Majuli, Assam, India. Torrenticola episce is described as new
      to science; Torrenticola haliki Pesic & Smit 2010, Monatractides oxystomus (K.
      Viets, 1935) and Hygrobates cf. sinensis Uchida & Imamura, 1951, are reported for
      the first time from India.  

PMID- 25113487
TI  - The "Rhampholeon uluguruensis complex" (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae) and the
      taxonomic status of the pygmy chameleons in Tanzania.
AB  - The specific status of several pygmy chameleons endemic to mountain massifs in
      the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania has long been controversial due to their lack
      of distinctive morphological characters. In this work we extend our previous
      sampling of Rieppeleon and Rhampholeon species, especially from the Rhampoleon
      moyeri/Rhampholeon uluguruensis complex, and add data from a new mitochondrial
      marker to address this problem. Our results show that there is geographical
      structure between populations of pygmy chameleons from different mountains. This
      structure is especially well defined for Rhampholeon (Rhinodigitum). Phylogenetic
      analyses confirm that both Rh. uluguruensis Tilbury and Emmrich, 1995 and Rh.
      moyeri Menegon, Salvidio and Tilbury, 2002 are distinct lineages, the former from
      the Uluguru Mountains and the latter from the Udzungwa Mountains. However, the
      paratype material used to erect Rh. moyeri belongs to a separate lineage from the
      holotype. Similarly, a number of additional lineages within the Rh. moyeri/Rh.
      uluguruensis complex recovered in the analysis may deserve specific status. At
      present, there is a lack of morphological characters that can be used to
      distinguish these lineages, suggesting that there are multiple cryptic taxa in
      this complex.  

PMID- 25113489
TI  - A new species of karst-adapted Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae)
      from a threatened karst region in Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia.
AB  - A new species of karst-adapted gekkonid lizard of the genus Cnemaspis Strauch is
      described from Gua Gunting and Gua Goyang in a karst region of Merapoh, Pahang,
      Peninsular Malaysia whose unique limestone formations are in immediate danger of
      being quarried. The new species differs from all other species of Cnemaspis based
      on its unique suite of morphological and color pattern characters. Its discovery
      underscores the unique biodiversity endemic to karst regions and adds to a
      growing list of karst-adapted reptiles from Peninsular Malaysia. We posit that
      new karst-adapted species endemic to limestone forests will continue to be
      discovered and these regions will harbor a significant percentage of Peninsular
      Malaysia's biodiversity and thusly should be conserved rather than quarried. 

PMID- 25113490
TI  - New and little known species of Nemouridae (Plecoptera) from Inner Mongolia of
      China.
AB  - Four species of the family Nemouridae, Amphinemura helanshana sp. n., A. didyma
      Zhu & Yang, Nemoura geei Wu, and Nemoura cf. securigera Klapalek were collected
      during a two years survey of the Helan Mountains of Inner Mongolia, China.
      Nemoura cf. securigera has not been collected for more than one hundred years. 

PMID- 25113491
TI  - Two new species of the leafhopper genus Anidiocerus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae:
      Idiocerinae) from China.
AB  - Two new species of Anidiocerus from China, A. brevispinus Xue & Zhang sp. nov.
      and A. longimus Xue & Zhang sp. nov. are described and illustrated, and A.
      variabilis Maldonado-Capriles, 1976 is placed as a senior synonym of A. flavidus
      Cai & Shen, 1998, syn. nov. A redescription of the genus is provided together
      with a checklist and key for the separation of males.  

PMID- 25113492
TI  - Heleodromia Haliday newly found in Tibet with description of one new species
      (Diptera: Empidoidea: Trichopezinae).
AB  - Heleodromia Haliday is recorded from Tibet for the first time with the following
      three species belonging to the subgenus Heleodromia: Heleodromia (Heleodromia)
      ausobskyi Wagner, Heleodromia (Heleodromia) basiflava sp. nov. and H. (H.)
      immaculata Haliday. This finding extends the distribution of Heleodromia in China
      from Northwest China to Southwest China. A key to the known species of
      Heleodromia from the Himalayas is presented. 

PMID- 25113493
TI  - The male and larvae of Nigritothrips longistylosus (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) with
      observations on its biology.
AB  - The male and larvae of Nigritothrips longistylosus (Priesner) are described for
      the first time. The life cycle, seasonal abundance, natural enemies and host
      plant relationships are described. This is the first record of this species from
      the Iberian Peninsula. 

PMID- 25113494
TI  - Thailand Agromyzidae (Diptera)-2.
AB  - The 29 species of the subfamily Agromyzinae in Thailand are revised, among these
      13 species are described as new to science: Melanagromyza ancyla sp. nov., M.
      catalexis sp. nov., M. cirrappendicula sp. nov., M. lunulata sp. nov., M.
      macilenta sp. nov., M. multistriata sp. nov., M. pandiculata sp. nov., M.
      sexseriata sp. nov., M. spinuliloba sp. nov., M. turgida sp. nov., Ophiomyia
      flagellata sp. nov., O. quadrifida sp. nov., O. striata sp. nov.; and nine
      species (three species of Agromyza, two of Melanagromyza and four of Ophiomyia)
      are recorded as new to Thailand. One new synonym is established: Melanagromyza
      cordiophoeta Spencer, 1961, as a junior synonym of M. dolichostigma Meijere,
      1922. Keys to the Thailand species of the genera Agromyza, Melanagromyza and
      Ophiomyia are given.  

PMID- 25113495
TI  - Calappid and leucosiid crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) from Kerala, India,
      with the description of a new species of Mursia Desmarest, 1823, from the Arabian
      Sea and redescription of M. bicristimana Alcock & Anderson, 1894.
AB  - Eleven species of calappid and leucosiid crabs were identified from by-catch
      landed by trawlers at four fishing ports in Kerala, India that were surveyed in
      2007 and supplemented by material obtained in January 2013. Four species are
      reported for the first time from India, six are new records for Kerala. The
      status of Mursia bicristimana Alcock & Anderson, 1894, is clarified and the
      species redescribed. A new species of Mursia is described from the Gulf of Aden,
      Arabian Sea.  

PMID- 25113496
TI  - Taxonomic study of Bathygadidae fishes (Gadiformes) from Atlantic Spanish waters
      combining morphological and molecular approaches.
AB  - From 2009 to 2011 eleven specimens belonging to four bathygadid species of the
      family Bathygadidae were captured in two different locations in the northern
      waters of Spain. The morphometric measurements and meristic characters of these
      specimens are given. The specimens were identified as belonging to the genera
      Gadomus Regan, 1903, and Bathygadus Gunther, 1878, including the following
      species: Gadomus dispar (Vaillant, 1888), Gadomus longifilis (Goode & Bean,
      1885), Gadomus arcuatus (Goode & Bean, 1886) and Bathygadus melanobranchus
      Vaillant, 1888. As a result, a new northern limit of distribution of G. arcuatus
      from the northeastern Atlantic is reported. The first molecular identification
      and genetic interrelationships of Bathygadidae species, based on the
      mitochondrial COI nucleotide sequences -DNA barcodes- is reported. Sequences
      corresponding to specimens from the same species were identical and the overall
      mean genetic diversity (uncorrected p-distance) was 0.096 +/- 0.008. Based on a
      morphological and meristic examination of the specimens, as well as on the
      available literature, an updated key of the members of the family Bathygadidae
      from the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean is provided. 

PMID- 25113497
TI  - A new species of Murina (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from peninsular
      Thailand.
AB  - A new species of Murina belonging to 'suilla-group' is described based on two
      specimens collected with harp traps in lowland evergreen forest in the
      southernmost part of peninsular Thailand. Morphology and molecular (mitochondrial
      COI) data suggest that the new species is most closely related to M. eleryi,
      which is currently known from Indochina. The new species, however, can be
      distinguished by the size and shape of the upper canine, the shape of the upper
      and lower premolars, and the colour of the ventral pelage. Additional data on
      bacular morphology, echolocation, ecology, and distribution are included. 

PMID- 25113498
TI  - The identity of the genus Scatocoenosia Schnabl, 1915 (Diptera: Muscidae).
AB  - A re-description is given of the problematic genus and species Scatocoenosia
      cordyluraeformis Schnabl, 1915. Illustrations of the male and female terminalia,
      and images of the female holotype and the male of this species, are given. The
      syno-nymy of Scatocoenosia Schnabl, 1915 with Spilogona Schnabl, 1911 is
      confirmed, and notes are given on the relationships of S. cordyluraeformis with
      other Spilogona species.  

PMID- 25113499
TI  - Description of the male genitalia of Belminus rugulosus Stal and Belminus
      corredori Galvao & Angulo, and comments on the holotype of Parabelminus yurupucu
      Lent & Wygodzinsky (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae:
      Bolboderini).
AB  - The male genitalia of Belminus rugulosus Stal and Belminus corredori Galvao &
      Angulo are described and illustrated for the first time. Comments on the holotype
      of Parabelminus yurupucu Lent & Wygodzinsky are presented (Hemiptera:
      Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae: Bolboderini). A discussion on previous data
      in the literature on male genitalia of species of Belminus Stal is provided. 

PMID- 25113500
TI  - The genus Orestias (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae): nomenclatural errors in the
      assignation of species names.

PMID- 25113504
TI  - The biosafety of lanthanide upconversion nanomaterials.
AB  - Lanthanide upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) show unique upconversion
      luminescence where lower-energy photons (such as near-infrared (NIR) excitation)
      are converted into higher-energy photons covering the NIR to the UV region, and
      are considered to have a bright future in clinical translation. As UCNPs are used
      in a significant number of potential bio-applications, their biosafety is
      important and has attracted significant attention. In this critical review,
      recent reports regarding the cellular internalization, biodistribution,
      excretion, cytotoxicity and in vivo toxic effects of UCNPs are reviewed. In
      particular, the studies which evaluated the association between the chemical and
      physical properties of UCNPs and their biodistribution, excretion, and toxic
      effects are presented in detail. Finally, we also discuss the challenges of
      ensuring the biosafety of UCNPs in vivo. 

PMID- 25113502
TI  - Fair and unfair punishers coexist in the Ultimatum Game.
AB  - In the Ultimatum Game, a proposer suggests how to split a sum of money with a
      responder. If the responder rejects the proposal, both players get nothing.
      Rejection of unfair offers is regarded as a form of punishment implemented by
      fair-minded individuals, who are willing to impose the cooperation norm at a
      personal cost. However, recent research using other experimental frameworks has
      observed non-negligible levels of antisocial punishment by competitive, spiteful
      individuals, which can eventually undermine cooperation. Using two large-scale
      experiments, this note explores the nature of Ultimatum Game punishers by
      analyzing their behavior in a Dictator Game. In both studies, the coexistence of
      two entirely different sub-populations is confirmed: prosocial punishers on the
      one hand, who behave fairly as dictators, and spiteful (antisocial) punishers on
      the other, who are totally unfair. The finding has important implications
      regarding the evolution of cooperation and the behavioral underpinnings of stable
      social systems. 

PMID- 25113503
TI  - [Abdominal pain and ascites formation in a 72-year-old woman].
AB  - A 72-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain after micturition. Abdominal
      ultrasound screening revealed ascites associated with acute renal failure.
      Paracentesis of the peritoneal fluid was performed. Biochemical analysis
      indicated a peritoneal transsudate and increased creatinine. Cystoscopy detected
      a rupture of the urinary bladder. Catheterization and antibiotic therapy resulted
      in an improvement of pain and closure of the hole in the urinary bladder wall.
      Several different disorders can induce a rupture of the urinary bladder. In this
      case, severe chronic constipation was the most probable causative disease. 

PMID- 25113505
TI  - Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura with Doege-Potter syndrome: a case report
      and three-decade review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No case of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura with Doege-Potter
      syndrome has been reported in China. This study was to report a rare repeatedly
      recurrent case of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura with Doege-Potter syndrome
      diagnosed in China and a three-decade literature review of solitary fibrous tumor
      of the pleura with Doege-Potter syndrome worldwide. CASE PRESENTATION: A rare
      case of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura with Doege-Potter syndrome was
      diagnosed in 2005 with follow-up to 2011. All medical records were collected and
      literature of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura with Doege-Potter syndrome
      from 1979 to 2011 was obtained through Medline. This typical case, diagnosed and
      confirmed by histopathologic results, was a 72-year-old Chinese woman who had a
      complaint of night sweat for a month. A localized mass 12 cm * 11 cm * 8 cm in
      size was found associated with pleural effusion in her left low chest cavity, and
      blood tests showed severe hypoglycemia. Removal of the mass solved the
      hypoglycemia. The case was repeatedly recurrent in April, 2010 and March, 2011
      and had no signs of recurrence up to the end of 2011 after surgery. A review of
      45 cases of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura with Doege-Potter syndrome
      compared and summarized clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes by
      benign and malignant tumor nature. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of solitary fibrous
      tumor of the pleura with Doege-Potter syndrome is similar between genders. There
      are no significant differences in clinical characteristics between benign and
      malignant cases. Surgery is the first effective treatment for solitary fibrous
      tumor of the pleura with Doege-Potter syndrome and the completeness of the
      initial resection is the key to preventing recurrence. Routine follow-up
      examinations are recommended for early detection of recurrence.

PMID- 25113506
TI  - Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor regulates apoptotic sensitivity of
      colon cancer HCT116 cell line to TRAIL via JNK-p53 pathway.
AB  - The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) serves not only as an
      anchor for urokinase-type plasminogen activator but also participates in
      intracellular signal transduction events. In this study, we investigated whether
      uPAR could modulate TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human colon cancer cells HCT116.
      Using an antisense strategy, we established a stable HCT116 cell line with down
      regulated uPAR. The sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis was evaluated by FACS
      analysis. Our results show that the inhibition of uPAR could sensitize HCT116 to
      TRAIL-induced apoptosis. uPAR inhibition changed the expression of mitochondrial
      apoptotic pathway proteins, including Bcl-2, Bax, Bid and p53, in a pro-apoptotic
      manner. We also found that the inhibition of uPAR down-regulated the
      phosphorylation of FAK, ERK and JNK. The inhibition of p53 by RNA interference
      rescued cells from enhanced apoptosis, thus indicating that p53 is critical for
      enhancing TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, JNK, but not ERK, inhibition
      involved in the up-regulation of p53. JNK negatively regulated p53 protein level.
      Overall, our results show that uPAR inhibition can sensitize colon cancer cells
      HCT116 to TRAIL-induced apoptosis via active p53 and mitochondrial apoptotic
      pathways that JNK inhibition is involved. 

PMID- 25113507
TI  - XI-011 enhances cisplatin-induced apoptosis by functional restoration of p53 in
      head and neck cancer.
AB  - Head and neck cancer (HNC), one of the most common cancers worldwide, frequently
      involves mutation of the TP53 gene and dysregulation of the p53 pathway.
      Overexpression of MDM2 or MDM4 inactivates the tumor-suppressive function of p53.
      Restoration of p53 function that counteracts these p53 repressors can lead to in
      vivo tumor regression. Therefore, the present study assessed the ability of the
      small molecule p53 activator XI-011 (NSC146109) to induce apoptosis in HNC by
      restoring p53 function. We tested the effects of XI-011 treatment in HNC cell
      lines, either individually or in combination with cisplatin and assessed growth
      suppression, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. The drug effects on in vivo growth
      of HNC cells were examined in mice xenograft model. XI-011 exerted the highest
      growth suppression in tumor cells that overexpress MDM4, in which p53 is
      degraded. XI-011 treatment downregulated MDM4 mRNA and protein levels, and
      upregulated expression of proapoptotic genes and promoted apoptosis, in a dose
      dependent manner. The apoptotic response was blocked by inhibition of p53 or
      expression of MDM4, demonstrating that the effects of XI-011 depend on p53 and
      MDM4. In combination treatments, XI-011 acted synergistically with cisplatin to
      inhibit growth of HNC cells in vitro and in vivo. MDM4 inhibition and functional
      restoration of p53 by XI-011 effectively enhanced cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity
      in HNC cells, an activity that suggests a promising strategy for treating HNC.

PMID- 25113508
TI  - Dexamethasone's effect in the retrocochlear auditory centers of a noise-induced
      hearing loss mouse model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Examine prophylactic effects of dexamethasone (Dex) in retrocochlear
      auditory centers in a noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) mouse model. STUDY
      DESIGN: Prospective animal study. SETTING: Academic research center. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: Thirty-two mice were divided into control, untreated, saline (2 and 10
      uL), and Dex (2 and 10 uL) groups. Dex was applied intratympanically (IT) prior
      to 110 to 120 dB noise over 6 hours. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) and
      distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) were performed at 1 day, 1 week,
      1 month, and 2 months. Retrocochlear neuronal cells were labeled with FluoroGold
      and counted. Hair cells of the organ of Corti were labeled with fluorescein
      isothiocyanate-conjugated phalloidin and counted. RESULTS: Auditory brainstem
      response thresholds of untreated NIHL, 2 and 10 uL IT saline, and 2 and 10 uL IT
      Dex were 21.7 +/- 2.9 dB, 20 +/- 0 dB, 20 +/- 5 dB, 18.3 +/- 2.9 dB, and 18.3 +/-
      2.9 dB, respectively. At 1-day post NIHL, all groups demonstrated profound
      hearing loss. At 2 weeks, 2 and 10 uL Dex thresholds improved to 47.5 +/- 3.5 dB
      and 48.8 +/- 18.9 dB, respectively, whereas the untreated and saline groups
      remained unchanged. Mean cell counts in the cochlear nucleus (CN), superior
      olivary complex (SOC), and lateral lemniscus (LL) of control mice were 1483 +/-
      190, 2807 +/- 67, and 112 +/- 20, respectively. After acoustic trauma, the
      untreated, saline, and 2 uL Dex groups yielded decreased neuronal counts in the
      SOC. In contrast, the 10 uL Dex group had 1883 +/- 186 (CN), 2774 +/- 182 (SOC),
      and 166 +/- 18 (LL). There was sporadic hair cell loss for all traumatized
      groups. CONCLUSION: Our NIHL mouse model demonstrated dose-dependent Dex
      pretreatment otoprotection against NIHL with preservation of retrocochlear
      auditory neurons.

PMID- 25113509
TI  - Preemptive submucosal infiltration with ropivacaine for
      uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preemptive analgesic effect of submucosal infiltration
      of ropivacaine for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled
      trial. SETTING: Comprehensive clinical center and academic hospital. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: Fifty consecutive male patients scheduled for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
      were divided randomly into group A and group B. In group A, 4 mL of 0.33%
      ropivacaine and normal saline with epinephrine was preincisionally injected under
      the mucosa on both sides of the tonsillar fossa, soft palate, and the lower part
      of palatoglossal arch, whereas the upper and middle parts of the palatoglossal
      arch and the upper part of the palatopharyngeal arch were infiltrated with 2 mL
      of the same mixture. In group B, an identical volume of normal saline with
      epinephrine was administered. In both groups, postoperative pain was initially
      controlled by intravenous morphine titration until patient-controlled analgesia
      with morphine could be used. Cumulative patient-controlled analgesic morphine
      consumption; visual analog scale scores at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours
      postoperatively at rest and during swallowing; and opioid-related adverse effects
      were recorded. RESULTS: The visual analog score was lower at rest during the 48
      hour postoperative period and during swallowing within the first 12 hours for
      group A versus group B (P < .05). Patients in group A required 44.1%, 38.2%, and
      41.1% less morphine during the first 24 hours, 24 hours to 48 hours, and 48 hours
      postoperatively, respectively, and fewer patients experienced nausea, vomiting,
      and pruritus (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Preemptive submucosal infiltration with 0.33%
      ropivacaine effectively controlled pain after uvulopalato-pharyngoplasty.

PMID- 25113510
TI  - Improving atrial fibrillation detection in patients with implantable cardiac
      devices by means of a remote monitoring and management application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with cardiac
      implantable electronic devices (CIED) and has been associated with an increased
      stroke risk. The aim of our project was to assess the clinical value of a web
      based application, Discovery Link AFinder, in improving AF detection in CIED
      patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seven Italian hospitals performed an observational
      study consisting of four phases. During phase 1, expert nurses and cardiologists
      prospectively followed-up CIED patients via in-hospital examinations and remote
      monitoring, and classified clinically relevant events, particularly AF
      occurrence. During phase 2, Discovery Link AFinder was exploited to identify
      patients who had suffered AF in the previous 12 months through the systematic
      scanning of device data remote transmissions. Phases 3 and 4 were repetitions of
      phases 1 and 2, respectively, and were implemented 6 months after the previous
      phases. A total of 472 consecutive patients were included in phase 1; AF occurred
      in 170 patients, 61 of whom were identified as new AF patients. Evidence of AF
      during this phase prompted prescription of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy in
      30 patients. In phase 2, AFinder uncovered new AF, unidentified in phase 1, in 54
      patients and prompted implementation of OAC therapy in 11 patients. During phase
      3, 30 new AF patients were identified by means of remote monitoring, while during
      phase 4, a further three AF patients were identified by AFinder only.
      CONCLUSIONS: The AFinder web-based software, applied on top of standard in
      hospital and remote monitoring, improved AF detection and enabled OAC treatment
      to be undertaken.

PMID- 25113511
TI  - Distribution of tension wood like gelatinous fibres in the roots of Acacia
      nilotica (Lam.) Willd.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: The present study unravels the anatomical characteristics and
      distribution patterns of cell wall polymers in the G-fibres found in the roots of
      A. nilotica using different microscopy techniques (light, electron and
      immunofluorescence microscopy). The present study was aimed to investigate the
      anatomy of reaction xylem in the positively gravitropic roots of Acacia nilotica
      growing in compact and waterlogged soils. The roots collected from the two
      different sites showed occurrence of gelatinous fibres throughout xylem radii
      from a distance of 4 cm from the soil surface. The thickness of gelatinous layer
      (G-layer) increased in the root collected from the deeper soil. Further, the
      ultrastructural studies revealed a complete replacement of S2 and S3 layers in G
      fibres nearer to root tip region as compared to the root portion close to upper
      part of the soil surface. In addition, these fibres demonstrated intense
      lignification in compound middle lamellae region of G-fibre walls. Moreover, the
      vessel density and their width increased considerably near the root tip region.
      The immunofluorescence analysis suggested that the beta-1,4-galactans were
      prevalent in G-layer, whereas the xylan was restricted to only regions of
      lignified secondary wall. The similarities in distribution pattern and anatomical
      features of G-fibres in waterlogged and non-waterlogged roots suggest the
      occurrence of G-fibres as inherent characteristics in the roots of Acacia
      nilotica.

PMID- 25113512
TI  - Connection between expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in skull
      base chordoma and lower urinary tract symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide first insights into the potential role of iNOS expressed by
      skull base chordoma, which causes brainstem compression in and around
      Barrington's nucleus, and its effect on the micturition center. METHODS:
      Urodynamic testing of 22 symptomatic patients was performed. All women and men
      with skull base chordoma treated in two hospitals in Germany between 1986 and
      2007 were studied. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were documented in
      patients with acute brainstem compression due to local chordoma growth positive
      for iNOS expression. Brain magnetic resonance (MRI) images of the lesions of the
      symptomatic patients were performed. RESULTS: Of 74 treated patients, 22 (7
      women, 15 men) with a median age of 37 years were evaluated with voiding diaries
      and computer urodynamic investigation. Urodynamic testing of 22 symptomatic
      patients with positive iNOS expression of skull base chordoma revealed detrusor
      overactivity in 55 %, low-compliance bladder in 14 %, detrusor sphincter
      dyssynergia in 45 % and uninhibited sphincter relaxation in 27 %. There was a
      significant correlation between strong iNOS expression (score 3-6) in skull base
      chordoma and severe urinary symptoms (p = 0.003, Spearman rho = 0.526).
      CONCLUSIONS: The expression of iNOS in skull base chordoma compressing the
      dorsolateral pons, in and around Barrington's nucleus, may influence the pontine
      micturition center (PMC) and be responsible for lower urinary tract symptoms.
      Nitric oxide may possibly act as a neurotransmitter. We assume that the high
      infiltration of chordoma with monocyte/macrophages enhances the release of nitric
      oxide, as monocyte/macrophages are the main source of iNOS.

PMID- 25113513
TI  - Incidence of pineal tumours. A review of the literature.
AB  - The knowledge of the incidence of pineal tumours is important not only for
      diagnostic care but also for its therapeutic programme. We reviewed the incidence
      of pineal tumours reported in literature in an attempt to establish if a
      difference existed between pineal gland tumours and the pineal region tumours as
      different authors use both expressions to indicate the same thing. The rate of
      frequency of these tumours is useful to guide the therapeutic choice for patients
      as the decisional tree is completely different for either germ cell tumours,
      pineal gland tumours or pineal gliomas and eventually papillary tumours of the
      pineal region. According to the French Register of pineal tumours, true pineal
      tumours represent: 27% pineal parenchymal tumours (PPT), 27% germ cell tumours,
      17% gliomas, 8% papillary tumours. True pineal gland tumours are represented by:
      pineocytomas - (13%), pineal parenchymal tumours with intermediary
      differentiation PTT-ID - (66%) and pinealoblastomas - (21%). There was no
      statistical difference found between the French register and the Lyon series
      concerning histological diagnosis. It seemed to us important to discover its true
      incidence by comparing the data published in the literature and to stress the
      utility of the French Register for these uncommon tumours not only for recording
      new histological cases but also to document clinical symptomatology, therapeutic
      programmes, length of follow-up and clinical results for each patient treated. A
      better understanding of their natural history and improved evaluation of
      different treatments and their complications should contribute to improve
      clinical results. 

PMID- 25113514
TI  - Review of environmental exposure concentrations of chemical warfare agent
      residues and associated the fish community risk following the construction and
      completion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline between Russia and Germany.
AB  - This paper compiles all the measured chemical warfare agent (CWA) concentrations
      found in relation to the Nord Stream pipeline work in Danish waters for the past
      5 years. Sediment and biota sampling were performed along the pipeline route in
      four campaigns, prior to (in 2008 and 2010), during (in 2011) and after (in 2012)
      the construction work. No parent CWAs were detected in the sediments. Patchy
      residues of CWA degradation products of Adamsite, Clark I, phenyldichloroarsine,
      trichloroarsine and Lewisite II, were detected in a total of 29 of the 391
      sediment samples collected and analyzed the past 5 years. The cumulative fish
      community risk quotient for the different locations, calculated as a sum of
      background and added risk, ranged between 0 and 0.017 suggesting a negligible
      acute CWA risk toward the fish community. The added risk from sediment
      disturbance in relation to construction of the pipelines represents less than 2%
      of the total risk in the areas with the highest calculated risk. The analyses of
      benthic infauna corroborate the finding of CWA related low risk across the years.
      There was no significant difference in CWA risk before (2008) and after the
      pipeline construction (2012). 

PMID- 25113515
TI  - K4Nb6O17.4.5H2O: a novel dual functional material with quick photoreduction of
      Cr(VI) and high adsorptive capacity of Cr(III).
AB  - A series of orthorhombic phase K4Nb6O17.4.5H2O was synthesized via a hydrothermal
      approach. When presented in an acidic pH range, K4Nb6O17.4.5H2O showed a strong
      ability in quick reduction from Cr(VI) to Cr(III). The resulted Cr(III) ions were
      removed by an effective adsorption through simply adjusting the solution pH from
      strong acidity to near neutrality, owing to the sample's unique nano-sheet
      structure with a wide layer spacing. The Cr(III) ions adsorbed onto samples were
      released again for reusing by eluting with 1molL(-1) HCl solution, and
      K4Nb6O17.4.5H2O regenerated by immersing in a KOH solution. The reduction
      efficiency of Cr(VI) was still up to 98% after irradiation for 60min, and the
      removal efficiency of Cr(III) ions was as high as 83% even after five cycles.
      Therefore, K4Nb6O17.4.5H2O is clearly demonstrated to be an excellent dual
      functional material with quick photoreduction of Cr(VI) and high adsorptive
      capacity of Cr(III). The relevant materials reported herein might be found
      various environment-related applications. 

PMID- 25113516
TI  - Iron amendments to reduce bioaccessible arsenic.
AB  - Former sugarcane lands on the Island of Hawaii have elevated levels of soil
      arsenic (As) from historical use of arsenical pesticides. The bioaccessible
      fraction of total As (AsTOT), a measure of the potential for human As uptake by
      incidental ingestion of soil, is used in the assessment of human health risk and
      the determination of the need for remedial action. Ferric chloride plus lime and
      ferrous sulfate plus lime were applied to As-contaminated soils in a field plot
      setting to determine the potential for reducing in vitro bioaccessible As
      (AsIVBA) by increasing As sequestration by the formation of additional iron (Fe)
      oxyhydroxides. The two Fe sources performed similarly in reducing AsIVBA over a 2
      year observation period, with 30-41% reduction in AsIVBA for 0.25wt% Fe dosing
      (dry soil basis) and 59-63% reduction for 0.5wt% Fe dosing. Addition of phosphate
      (PO4) to treated and untreated soils caused a significant increase in AsIVBA.
      Iron-treated and control soils showed more than twice the AsIVBA after the
      addition of 1500mgPkg(-1). The cost of in situ treatment of As-contaminated soil
      with ferrous sulfate plus lime to lower AsIVBA was estimated to be an order of
      magnitude less than excavation and landfill disposal on the Island of Hawaii,
      making the technology a viable alternative when remedial action objectives were
      based on AsIVBA levels. 

PMID- 25113518
TI  - The efficiency of quartz addition on electric arc furnace (EAF) carbon steel slag
      stability.
AB  - Electric arc furnace slag (EAF) has the potential to be re-utilized as an
      alternative to stone material, however, only if it remains chemically stable on
      contact with water. The presence of hydraulic phases such as larnite (2CaO SiO2)
      could cause dangerous elements to be released into the environment, i.e. Ba, V,
      Cr. Chemical treatment appears to be the only way to guarantee a completely
      stable structure, especially for long-term applications. This study presents the
      efficiency of silica addition during the deslagging period. Microstructural
      characterization of modified slag was performed by SEM and XRD analysis. Elution
      tests were performed according to the EN 12457-2 standard, with the addition of
      silica and without, and the obtained results were compared. These results
      demonstrate the efficiency of the inertization process: the added silica induces
      the formation of gehlenite, which, even in caustic environments, does not exhibit
      hydraulic behaviour. 

PMID- 25113517
TI  - The critical role of the operating conditions on the Fenton oxidation of 2
      chlorophenol: assessment of PCDD/Fs formation.
AB  - This work assesses the influence of the operating conditions H2O2 dose (20 or
      100% of the stoichiometric amount), temperature (20 or 70 degrees C), and the
      presence of chloride in the oxidation medium in the formation of polychlorinated
      dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) during Fenton treatment of aqueous
      samples of 2-chlorophenol, 2-CP, one of the strongest precursor of PCDD/Fs. After
      4h of oxidation in the experiments carried out with 20% H2O2 chlorinated
      phenoxyphenols and biphenyls, which are intermediates in PCDD/Fs formation, as
      well as PCDD/Fs were observed, resulting in concentrations 11 times higher than
      in the untreated sample. Additionally, when NaCl was also present in the reaction
      medium, PCDD/Fs were formed at higher extent, with a total concentration 74.4
      times higher than in the untreated 2-CP solution. Results depicted a preferential
      formation of PCDFs over PCDDs, with dominance of lower chlorinated PCDD/Fs (tetra
      and penta-PCDD/Fs). Besides, the formation of the most toxic PCDD/Fs congeners
      (2,3,7,8-PCDD/Fs) was not favored under the operating conditions used in this
      work. 

PMID- 25113519
TI  - The effects of dexmedetomidine administration on the pulmonary artery pressure
      and the transpulmonary pressure gradient after the bidirectional superior
      cavopulmonary shunt.
AB  - The hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on pulmonary artery pressure
      (PAP) are not fully understood in patients with a single-ventricle physiology.
      The objective of this retrospective study was to characterize the effect of
      perioperative DEX infusion on PAP and the transpulmonary pressure gradient after
      a bidirectional superior cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) operation. We retrieved
      physiologic data including the heart rate, incidence of cardiac pacing, systolic
      and diastolic arterial blood pressure (ABP), and superior vena cava (SVC) and
      inferior vena cava (IVC) pressures from the medical records of all patients <12
      months of age who underwent a BCPS operation. Patients with an additional Norwood
      or Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure, those with additional pulmonary blood flow, and
      those without both a SVC and an IVC catheter were excluded from the present
      study. Following the BCPS operation, the SVC pressure is equivalent to the PAP.
      Similarly, the IVC pressure is equivalent to the common atrial pressure (CAP).
      Accordingly, we can directly assess the transpulmonary pressure gradient, defined
      as the difference between the PAP and the CAP, using simultaneous SVC and IVC
      pressure measurements. Twenty-nine patients were included in the present study.
      We did not find any increase in the PAP, CAP, PAP/systolic ABP ratio, or the
      transpulmonary pressure gradient as of 6 h after admission to the intensive care
      unit when the patients were treated with DEX infusion at a median (interquartile
      ranges) dose of 0.6 mcg/kg/h (0.4, 0.64 mcg/kg/h). We concluded that the
      administration of DEX to children with a single-ventricle physiology is
      acceptable.

PMID- 25113520
TI  - Development of a charge adjustment model for cardiac catheterization.
AB  - A methodology that would allow for comparison of charges across institutions has
      not been developed for catheterization in congenital heart disease. A single
      institution catheterization database with prospectively collected case
      characteristics was linked to hospital charges related and limited to an episode
      of care in the catheterization laboratory for fiscal years 2008-2010.
      Catheterization charge categories (CCC) were developed to group types of
      catheterization procedures using a combination of empiric data and expert
      consensus. A multivariable model with outcome charges was created using CCC and
      additional patient and procedural characteristics. In 3 fiscal years, 3,839 cases
      were available for analysis. Forty catheterization procedure types were
      categorized into 7 CCC yielding a grouper variable with an R (2) explanatory
      value of 72.6%. In the final CCC, the largest proportion of cases was in CCC 2
      (34%), which included diagnostic cases without intervention. Biopsy cases were
      isolated in CCC 1 (12%), and percutaneous pulmonary valve placement alone made up
      CCC 7 (2%). The final model included CCC, number of interventions, and cardiac
      diagnosis (R (2) = 74.2%). Additionally, current financial metrics such as APR
      DRG severity of illness and case mix index demonstrated a lack of correlation
      with CCC. We have developed a catheterization procedure type financial grouper
      that accounts for the diverse case population encountered in catheterization for
      congenital heart disease. CCC and our multivariable model could be used to
      understand financial characteristics of a population at a single point in time,
      longitudinally, and to compare populations.

PMID- 25113521
TI  - Effect of hypercrosslinking conditions on pore size distribution and efficiency
      of monolithic stationary phases.
AB  - Three dihalogenic solvents differing in the length of alkyl chain (1,2
      dichloroethane, 1,4-dichlorobutane, and 1,6-dichlorohexane) with three Friedel
      Crafts alkylation catalysts varying in reactivity (AlCl3 , FeCl3 , and SnCl4 )
      have been used to prepare hypercrosslinked poly(styrene-co-vinylbenzyl chloride
      co-divinylbenzene) columns. Hydrodynamic characteristics as well as column
      efficiency and mass transfer resistance were tuned by the combination of swelling
      solvent and alkylation reaction catalyst in the modification mixture. The column
      swelled in 1,6-dichlorohexane and hypercrosslinked in the presence of AlCl3
      provided the highest column efficiency and enabled fast isocratic separations of
      small molecules in a RP mode. To uncover factors controlling the efficiency of
      hypercrosslinked monolithic columns, we have studied pore volume distribution of
      prepared columns. We found that column efficiency increases with the higher pore
      volume of pores smaller than 2 nm. 

PMID- 25113522
TI  - A combined high CYP2D6-CYP2C19 metabolic capacity is associated with the severity
      of suicide attempt as measured by objective circumstances.
AB  - This study examined, for the first time, whether a high CYP2D6-CYP2C19 metabolic
      capacity combination increases the likelihood of suicidal intent severity in a
      large study cohort. Survivors of a suicide attempt (n=587; 86.8% women) were
      genotyped for CYP2C19 (*2, *17) and CYP2D6 (*3, *4, *4xN, *5, *6, *10, wtxN)
      genetic variation and evaluated with the Beck Suicide Intent Scale (SIS).
      Patients with a high CYP2D6-CYP2C19 metabolic capacity showed an increased risk
      for a severe suicide attempt (P<0.01) as measured by the SIS-objective
      circumstance subscale (odds ratio (OR)=1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.05
      1.78; P=0.02) after adjusting for confounders (gender, age, level of studies,
      marital status, mental disorders, tobacco use, family history of suicide,
      personal history of attempts and violence of the attempt). Importantly, the risk
      was greater in those without a family history of suicide (OR=1.82; CI=1.19-2.77;
      P=0.002). Further research is warranted to evaluate whether the observed
      relationship is mediated by the role of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 involvement in the
      endogenous physiology or drug metabolism or both. 

PMID- 25113523
TI  - Societal cost-of-illness in patients with borderline personality disorder one
      year before, during and after dialectical behavior therapy in routine outpatient
      care.
AB  - Societal cost-of-illness in a German sample of patients with borderline
      personality disorder (BPD) was calculated for 12 months prior to an outpatient
      Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program, during a year of DBT in routine
      outpatient care and during a follow-up year. We retrospectively assessed resource
      consumption and productivity loss by means of a structured interview. Direct
      costs were calculated as opportunity costs and indirect costs were calculated
      according to the Human Capital Approach. All costs were expressed in Euros for
      the year 2010. Total mean annual BPD-related societal cost-of-illness was ?28026
      (SD = ?33081) during pre-treatment, ?18758 (SD = ?19450) during the DBT treatment
      year for the 47 DBT treatment completers, and ?14750 (SD = ?18592) during the
      follow-up year for the 33 patients who participated in the final assessment. Cost
      savings were mainly due to marked reductions in inpatient treatment costs, while
      indirect costs barely decreased. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence
      that the treatment of BPD patients with an outpatient DBT program is associated
      with substantial overall cost savings. Already during the DBT treatment year,
      these savings clearly exceed the additional treatment costs of DBT and are
      further extended during the follow-up year. Correspondingly, outpatient DBT has
      the potential to be a cost-effective treatment for BPD patients. Efforts
      promoting its implementation in routine care should be undertaken. 

PMID- 25113525
TI  - Prevalence, correlates, and comorbidities of DSM-IV psychiatric disorders in
      children in Seoul, Korea.
AB  - The present study reports past-year prevalence of and comorbidities associated
      with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition
      (DSM-IV) disorders in 1645 children aged 6 to 12 years in Seoul, Korea. The
      diagnosis was based on the parental version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule
      for Children (DISC-IV). Our participants completed the Children's Depression
      Inventory (CDI). The estimated prevalence of any full-syndrome and subthreshold
      DSM-IV disorders were 16.2% and 28.1%, respectively. The most prevalent disorders
      were specific phobia (9.6%), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD;
      5.9%), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD; 4.9%). The estimated prevalence of
      depressive disorder was 0.1% according to the DISC-IV and1.9% according to the
      CDI. ADHD, ODD, and anxiety disorders were highly comorbid. Our study highlights
      the importance of obtaining children's self-report data in addition to the
      parents' interview, particularly for depression, and the importance of early
      detection of subthreshold conditions and considering comorbid diagnoses. 

PMID- 25113526
TI  - The impact of the environment on health in Mongolia: a systematic review.
AB  - Mongolia has significant exposure to environmental risk factors because of poor
      environmental management and behaviors, and children are increasingly vulnerable
      to these threats. This study aimed to assess levels of exposure and summarize the
      evidence for associations between exposures to environmental risk factors and
      adverse health outcomes in Mongolia, with a particular focus on children. A
      systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global
      Health Library, CINAHL, CABI, Scopus, and mongolmed.mn electronic databases up to
      April 2014 . A total of 59 studies meeting the predetermined criteria were
      included. Results indicate that the Mongolian population has significant exposure
      to outdoor and indoor air pollution, metals, environmental tobacco smoke, and
      other chemical toxins, and these risk factors have been linked to respiratory and
      cardiovascular diseases among adults and respiratory diseases and
      neurodevelopmental disorders among children. Well-designed epidemiological
      investigations in vulnerable populations especially in pregnant women and
      children are recommended. 

PMID- 25113524
TI  - A randomized controlled trial of an internet-based therapist-assisted indicated
      preventive intervention for prolonged grief disorder.
AB  - This trial assessed the feasibility, acceptability, tolerability, and efficacy of
      an Internet-based therapist-assisted cognitive-behavioral indicated prevention
      intervention for prolonged grief disorder (PGD) called Healthy Experiences After
      Loss (HEAL). Eighty-four bereaved individuals at risk for PGD were randomized to
      either an immediate treatment group (n = 41) or a waitlist control group (n =
      43). Assessments were conducted at four time-points: prior to the wait-interval
      (for the waitlist group), pre-intervention, post-intervention, 6 weeks later, and
      3 months later (for the immediate group only). Intent-to-treat analyses indicated
      that HEAL was associated with large reductions in prolonged grief (d = 1.10),
      depression (d = .71), anxiety (d = .51), and posttraumatic stress (d = .91).
      Also, significantly fewer participants in the immediate group met PGD criteria
      post-intervention than in the waitlist group. Pooled data from both groups also
      yielded significant reductions and large effect sizes in PGD symptom severity at
      each follow-up assessment. The intervention required minimal professional
      oversight and ratings of satisfaction with treatment and usability of the
      Internet interface were high. HEAL has the potential to be an effective, well
      tolerated tool to reduce the burden of significant pre-clinical PGD. Further
      research is needed to refine HEAL and to assess its efficacy and mechanisms of
      action in a large-scale trial. 

PMID- 25113527
TI  - Efavirenz modulation of sleep spindles and sleep spectral profile.
AB  - Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are important antiretroviral
      agents for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus. Some non-nucleoside
      reverse transcriptase inhibitors, in particular efavirenz, have prominent effects
      on sleep, cognition and psychiatric variables that limit their tolerability. To
      avoid confounds due to drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, we assessed the
      effects of efavirenz in healthy volunteers on sleep, cognition and psychological
      endpoints during the first week of treatment. Forty healthy male subjects were
      randomized to receive placebo or efavirenz 600 mg nightly for 7 days after
      completion of a 3-day placebo run-in period. Treatment with efavirenz was
      associated with reduced time to sleep onset in the Maintenance of Wakefulness
      Test, an increase in non-rapid eye movement sleep, a large exposure-related
      decrease in sigma band spectral density and sleep spindle density during non
      rapid eye movement sleep, and reduced performance on an attention switching task.
      Because efavirenz has been shown to have serotonin 2A receptor partial-agonist
      properties, we reasoned that antagonism of serotonin 2A receptor signalling in
      the thalamic reticular nucleus, which generates sleep spindles and promotes
      attention, may be responsible. Consistent with predictions, treatment of healthy
      volunteers with a single dose of a serotonin 2A receptor antagonist was found to
      significantly suppress sigma band spectral density in an exposure-related manner
      and modulated the overall spectral profile in a manner highly similar to that
      observed with efavirenz, consistent with the notion that efavirenz exhibits
      serotonin 2A receptor partial-agonist pharmacology in humans.

PMID- 25113531
TI  - Rapid progression of perianal abscess into Fournier's gangrene.

PMID- 25113528
TI  - Quality of life among people living with hypertension in a rural Vietnam
      community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To respond to growing prevalence of hypertension in Vietnam, it is
      critical to have an in-depth understanding about quality of life (QOL) among
      people living with hypertension and related factors. This study aimed to measure
      QOL among hypertensive people in a rural community in Vietnam, and its
      association with socio-demographic characteristics and factors related to
      treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted in a rural community located 60 km
      from Ho Chi Minh City. Face-to-face interviews were conducted among 275
      hypertensive people aged 50 years and above using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.
      Descriptive statistics were used to examine mean scores of quality of life.
      Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Pearson's correlation coefficient were applied
      to estimate the internal consistency, and the level of agreement between
      different domains of WHOQOL-BREF, respectively. Independent T-test and ANOVA test
      followed by multiple linear regression analyses were used to measure the
      association between QOL domains and independent variables. RESULTS: Both overall
      WHOQOL-BREF and each domain had a good internal consistency, ranging from 0.65 to
      0.88. The QOL among hypertensive patients was found moderate in all domains,
      except for psychological domain that was fairly low (mean = 49.4). Backward
      multiple linear regressions revealed that being men, married, attainment of
      higher education, having physical activities at moderate level, and adherence to
      treatment were positively associated with QOL. However, older age and presence of
      co-morbidity were negatively associated with QOL. CONCLUSION: WHOQOL-BREF is a
      reliable instrument to measure QOL among hypertensive patients. The results
      revealed low QOL in psychological domain and inequality in QOL across socio
      demographic characteristics. Given the results, encouraging physical activities
      and strengthening treatment adherence should be considered to improve QOL of
      hypertensive people, especially for psychological aspect. Actions to improve QOL
      among hypertensive patients targeted towards women, lower educated and unmarried
      patients are needed in the setting.

PMID- 25113533
TI  - Special issue on "Oxidative stress and mitochondrial alterations in aging and
      disease".

PMID- 25113532
TI  - Infection with human rhinovirus 16 promotes enhanced IgE responsiveness in
      basophils of atopic asthmatics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rhinovirus and IgE act in concert to promote asthma exacerbations.
      While basophils are the principal cell type in the blood that is activated by
      IgE, their role in virus-induced asthma episodes remains elusive. OBJECTIVE: To
      monitor IgE responsiveness in circulating basophils of rhinovirus-infected atopic
      asthmatics during acute infection and convalescence. METHODS: The capacity for
      basophils to respond to IgE was assessed by testing the effects of allergen, or
      cross-linking anti-FcepsilonRI and anti-IgE antibodies, on surface TSLP receptor
      in 24-hour PBMC cultures. Activation profiles of basophils from atopic asthmatics
      challenged intranasally with human rhinovirus 16 were monitored directly ex vivo
      or else in 24-hour cultures, at baseline (day 0), and then at days 4 and 21 post
      challenge. RESULTS: Basophils in atopic asthmatics, but not in non-atopic
      controls, upregulated TSLP receptor upon IgE receptor ligation. The magnitude of
      this response was correlated with the proportion of serum total IgE that was
      allergen-specific (r = 0.615, P < 0.05). Following rhinovirus infection, all
      subjects developed nasal symptoms that peaked 3-5 days after viral challenge.
      Basophils displayed maximal IgE responsiveness 3 weeks post-challenge as judged
      by TSLP receptor levels in 24-hour cultures. No significant change in total IgE
      or specific IgE antibodies was detected during rhinovirus infection. By contrast,
      levels of IgE receptor-associated spleen tyrosine kinase, Syk, were increased on
      day 4 (P < 0.05), and elevated levels were also detected three weeks post
      challenge. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Circulating basophils display
      increased IgE responsiveness 3 weeks after rhinovirus infection in atopic
      asthmatics. This observation, coupled with increased expression of Syk,
      implicates basophils in promoting, or else prolonging, rhinovirus-induced
      inflammation in atopic asthmatics.

PMID- 25113535
TI  - Improved synthesis of [(18)F]FLETT via a fully automated vacuum distillation
      method for [(18)F]2-fluoroethyl azide purification.
AB  - The synthesis of [(18)F]2-fluoroethyl azide and its subsequent click reaction
      with 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) to form [(18)F]FLETT was performed using an
      iPhase FlexLab module. The implementation of a vacuum distillation method
      afforded [(18)F]2-fluoroethyl azide in 87+/-5.3% radiochemical yield. The use of
      Cu(CH3CN)4PF6 and TBTA as catalyst enabled us to fully automate the [(18)F]FLETT
      synthesis without the need for the operator to enter the radiation field.
      [(18)F]FLETT was produced in higher overall yield (41.3+/-6.5%) and shorter
      synthesis time (67min) than with our previously reported manual method (32.5+/
      2.5% in 130min). 

PMID- 25113536
TI  - Excel2Genie: A Microsoft Excel application to improve the flexibility of the
      Genie-2000 Spectroscopic software.
AB  - Excel2Genie, a simple and user-friendly Microsoft Excel interface, has been
      developed to the Genie-2000 Spectroscopic Software of Canberra Industries. This
      Excel application can directly control Canberra Multichannel Analyzer (MCA),
      process the acquired data and visualize them. Combination of Genie-2000 with
      Excel2Genie results in remarkably increased flexibility and a possibility to
      carry out repetitive data acquisitions even with changing parameters and more
      sophisticated analysis. The developed software package comprises three
      worksheets: display parameters and results of data acquisition, data analysis and
      mathematical operations carried out on the measured gamma spectra. At the same
      time it also allows control of these processes. Excel2Genie is freely available
      to assist gamma spectrum measurements and data evaluation by the interested
      Canberra users. With access to the Visual Basic Application (VBA) source code of
      this application users are enabled to modify the developed interface according to
      their intentions. 

PMID- 25113534
TI  - Microscopy and genomic analysis of Mycoplasma parvum strain Indiana.
AB  - Mycoplasma parvum [Eperythrozoon parvum] is the second hemotrophic mycoplasma
      (hemoplasma) described in pigs. Unlike M. suis, its closest phylogenetic
      relative, M. parvum, is considered a non-pathogenic bacterium in this host
      species. Natural infection of a domestic, 6-month-old splenectomized pig with M.
      parvum strain Indiana is described herein. Light and scanning electron microscopy
      of the bacteria were performed in addition to whole genome sequencing, analysis,
      and comparison to the genome of M. suis strain Illinois. Neither clinical signs
      nor anemia were observed during the infection. Microscopy analyses revealed
      coccoid to rod- shaped organisms varying from 0.2 to 0.5 MUm; they were observed
      individually or in short chains by both light and electron microscopy, however
      less than 30% of the red blood cells were infected at peak bacteremia. The single
      circular chromosome of M. parvum was only 564 395 bp, smaller than M. genitalium,
      previously considered the tiniest member of the Mollicutes. Its general genomic
      features were similar to others in this class and species circumscription was
      verified by phylogenomic analysis. A gene-by-gene comparison between M. suis and
      M. parvum revealed all protein coding sequences (CDS) with assigned functions
      were shared, including metabolic functions, transporters and putative virulence
      factors. However, the number of CDS in paralogous gene families was remarkably
      different with about half as many paralogs in M. parvum. The differences in
      paralogous genes may be implicated in the different pathogenic potential of these
      two species, however variable gene expression may also play a role. Both are
      areas of ongoing investigation. 

PMID- 25113537
TI  - A semi-empirical approach to analyze the activities of cylindrical radioactive
      samples using gamma energies from 185 to 1764 keV.
AB  - This work suggests a method for determining the activities of cylindrical
      radioactive samples. The self-attenuation factor was applied for providing the
      self-absorption correction of gamma rays in the sample material. The experimental
      measurement of a (238)U reference sample and the calculation using the MCNP5 code
      allow obtaining the semi-empirical formulae of detecting efficiencies for the
      gamma energies ranged from 185 to 1764keV. These formulae were used to determine
      the activities of the (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th, (137)Cs and (40)K nuclides in the
      IAEA RGU-1, IAEA-434, IAEA RGTh-1, IAEA-152 and IAEA RGK-1 radioactive standards.
      The coincidence summing corrections for gamma rays in the (238)U and (232)Th
      series were applied. The activities obtained in this work were in good agreement
      with the reference values. 

PMID- 25113538
TI  - [Tuberculosis, "a sustainable challenge"].

PMID- 25113540
TI  - Species identification of strains belonging to genus Citrobacter using the
      biochemical method and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
AB  - Strains of genus Citrobacter (152 isolates from 1950 to 1988 deposited in the
      Czech National Collection of Type Cultures, Prague) were re-classified using
      biological and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) methods. One-hundred thirty-six strains (ca. 90 %)
      were identified to the species level using the biological method with evaluation
      by Farmer matrix. MALDI-TOF MS exhibited better identification capability, the
      data being more compact; the method was unambiguously successful in typing 145
      (95 %) strains. Comparison of the results of identification by the two methods
      revealed differences (for 12 samples) in identified species which, considering
      all biochemical and/or MS characteristics, could be attributed to the natural
      variability of strains and close relation of the misidentified species (all of
      them belonged to the Citrobacter freundii complex). Taking into account all the
      above data, both methods can be considered reliable; however, the MALDI-TOF MS
      exhibits higher accuracy, efficiency, and rapidity. 

PMID- 25113541
TI  - Variation in riparian consumer diet composition and differential bioaccumulation
      by prey influence the risk of exposure to elements from a recently remediated fly
      ash spill.
AB  - Emerging aquatic insects play a key role in transporting aquatic nutrients and
      contaminants to riparian consumers. However, little is known about how within-
      and between-year variation in the diet or patterns of element bioaccumulation in
      emerging insect taxa may influence the risk of exposure to wildlife. During 2
      breeding seasons, the composition of the diet of tree swallows (Tachycineta
      bicolor) was examined at several colonies that were exposed to element
      contamination from a remediated coal fly ash spill to determine how variation in
      the diet influenced the risk of exposure to elements. The proportion of the diet
      that consisted of insects with an aquatic larval stage was positively related to
      concentrations of As, Fe, Se, and Tl in the samples. The proportion of the diet
      that consisted of Chironomidae (midges) was positively related to exposure to
      these elements at most colonies within and between years. Ephemeroptera
      (mayflies) contained higher concentrations of Se than midges, including 17
      samples with concentrations of Se above 5 ug/g dry mass, the threshold of
      toxicological concern for birds. This was even the case at colonies several
      kilometers downstream from the spill. The results indicate that greater
      consideration should be given to the pattern of element bioaccumulation among
      different prey taxa and their relative importance in the diet to better assess
      the risk of contaminant exposure.

PMID- 25113539
TI  - Genetics of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The analyses of genetic factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and
      other dementias have evolved at the same pace as genetic and genomic technologies
      are developed and improved. The identification of the first genes involved in AD
      arose from family-based studies, but risk factors have mainly been identified by
      studies comparing groups of patients with groups of controls. The best outcomes
      have been heavily associated with the capacity of interrogating genetic
      variability at the genome level without any particular a priori hypothesis. In
      this review we assess the role of genetic family studies in Alzheimer's disease
      and other dementias within the current status of dementias' and, particularly,
      AD's genetic architecture. 

PMID- 25113542
TI  - Mechanical bowel obstruction due to occlusion with a biliary calculus: a case of
      a 91-year-old woman with nausea and vomiting.

PMID- 25113543
TI  - Molecular characterization of rice sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase gene OsSPL1 and
      functional analysis of its role in disease resistance response.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Our results indicate that overexpression of OsSPL1 in transgenic
      tobacco plants attenuated disease resistance and facilitated programmed cell
      death. Long-chain base phosphates including sphingosine-1-phosphate have been
      shown to act as signaling mediators in regulating programmed cell death (PCD) and
      stress responses in mammals. In the present study, we characterized a rice gene
      OsSPL1, encoding a putative sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase that is involved in
      metabolism of sphingosine-1-phosphate. Expression of OsSPL1 was down-regulated in
      rice plants after treatments with salicylic acid, benzothiadiazole and 1-amino
      cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, but was induced by infection with a virulent
      strain of Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast disease. Transgenic
      tobacco lines with overexpression of OsSPL1 were generated and analyzed for the
      possible role of OsSPL1 in disease resistance response and PCD. The OsSPL1
      overexpressing tobacco plants displayed increased susceptibility to infection of
      Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci (Pst), the causal agent of wildfire disease,
      showing severity of disease symptom and bacterial titers in inoculated leaves,
      and attenuated pathogen-induced expression of PR genes after infection of Pst as
      compared to the wild-type and vector-transformed plants. Higher level of cell
      death, as revealed by dead cell staining, leakage of electrolyte and expression
      of hypersensitive response indicator genes, was observed in the OsSPL1
      overexpressing plants after treatment with fumonisin B1, a fungal toxin that
      induces PCD in plants. Our results suggest that OsSPL1 has different functions in
      regulating disease resistance response and PCD in plants.

PMID- 25113546
TI  - Single-cell transcriptome in the identification of disease biomarkers:
      opportunities and challenges.
AB  - Single cell transcriptome defined as the entire RNA or polyadenylated products of
      RNA polymerase II on a cell can describe the gene regulation networks responsible
      for physiological functions, behaviours, and phenotypes in response to signals
      and microenvironmental changes. Single cell transcriptome/sequencing has the
      special power to investigate small groups of differentiating cells, circulating
      tumour cells, or tissue stem cells. A large number of factors may influence the
      extent of single-cell heterogeneity within a system. It is the opportunity that
      the single-cell sequencing can be used for the identification of genetic changes
      in rare cells, e.g. cancer and tissue stem cells, in clinical samples. The
      methodologies of single-cell sequencing have been improved and developed with the
      increase of the understanding and attention. The clinical research and
      application of the single cell sequencing analysis are expected to identify and
      validate disease-specific biomarkers, network biomarkers, dynamic network
      biomarkers. The single cell research and value will be also dependent upon the
      understanding of genomic heterogeneity, planning and design of study protocol,
      representative of selected and targeted cells, and sensitivity and repeatability
      of the methodology. The single cell sequencing can be used to develop new
      diagnostics, monitor disease progresses, measure responses to therapies, and
      predict the prognosis of patients, although there are still a large number of
      challenges and difficulties to be faced. It would be more values and
      specificities of the single cell sequencing to integrate with the function of
      cells, organs, and systems of the body, the clinical phenotypes of patients, and
      the description of clinical bioinformatics. 

PMID- 25113544
TI  - Molecular and physiological stages of priming: how plants prepare for
      environmental challenges.
AB  - Being sessile organisms, plants must respond to various challenges in the
      environment. The priming process consists of three clear stages. The first stage
      includes all the cellular changes in the absence of the challenge so-called pre
      challenge priming stage. These changes are expected to be rather subtle,
      affecting the preparation of the plant to properly manage subsequent responses to
      pathogens with no major fitness costs. Most of the research that has been
      conducted at this stage has been dedicated to the study of changes in gene
      expression and protein phosphorylation. However, the metabolic changes that occur
      during the pre-challenge priming stage are poorly understood. The second stage
      affects the early to late stages of the defence response, which occurs after the
      interaction with a pathogen has been established. Most studies involving priming
      are dedicated to the molecular events that take place during this stage. Most
      studies have shown that defence priming is strongly hormonally regulated;
      however, there is also evidence of the involvement of phenolic derivative
      compounds and many other secondary metabolites, leading to stronger and faster
      plant responses. The third priming phase ranges from long lasting defence priming
      to trans-generational acquired resistance. Long-term metabolic transitions, that
      occur in the offspring of primed plants, remain to be elucidated. Here we review
      existing information in the literature that relates to the metabolic changes that
      occur during all three defence priming stages and highlight the metabolic
      transitions that are associated with the stimulation of priming and the
      characteristics of the pathogens whenever possible. 

PMID- 25113548
TI  - [Concordance between central venous and arterial blood gases in post-surgical
      myocardial revascularization patients in stable condition].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The concordance between the parameters of arterial and central venous
      blood gases has not been defined yet. We studied the concordance between both
      parameters in post-surgical myocardial revascularization patients in stable
      condition. METHODS: Consecutive subjects were studied in a cross-sectional
      design. The position of the central venous catheter was performed and
      simultaneously we obtained arterial and central venous blood samples prior to
      discharge from the intensive care unit. Data are expressed according to Bland
      Altman statistical method and the intraclass correlation coefficient. Statistical
      result was accepted at P<.05. RESULTS: Two hundred and six samples were studied
      of 103 post-surgical patients, pH and lactate had a mean difference (limits of
      agreement) 0.029+/-0.048 (-0018, 0.077) and -0.12+/-0.22 (-0.57, 0.33)
      respectively. The magnitude of the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.904
      and 0.943 respectively. The values related to oxygen pressure were 27.86+/-6.08
      (15.9, 39.8) and oxygen saturation 33.02+/-6.13 (21, 45), with magnitude of 0.258
      and 0.418 respectively. CONCLUSION: The best matching parameters between arterial
      and central venous blood samples were pH and lactate.

PMID- 25113549
TI  - Preparation, biodistribution, and scintigraphic evaluation of (99m)Tc
      clindamycin: an infection imaging agent.
AB  - Bacterial infection is found to be the cause of death throughout the world.
      Nuclear medicine imaging with the help of radiopharmaceuticals has great
      potential for treating infections. In the present work, clindamycin, a
      lincosamide antibiotic, was labeled with technetium-99 m (~380 MBq). Clindamycin
      has been proven to be efficient for treating serious infections caused by
      bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Quality control, characterization,
      biodistribution, and scintigraphy of radiolabeled clindamycin were done, and
      labeling efficiency was determined by ascending paper chromatography. More than
      95 % labeling efficiency with technetium-99 m ((99m)Tc) was achieved at pH 6-7
      while using 2.5-3 MUg SnCl2 . H2O as a reducing agent and 100 MUg of ligand at
      room temperature. The characterization of the compound was performed by using
      electrophoresis, HPLC and shake flask assay. Electrophoresis indicates the
      neutral behavior of (99m)Tc-clindamycin. HPLC analysis confirms the single specie
      of the labeled compound, while shake flask assay confirms high lipophilicity. The
      biodistribution studies of (99m)Tc-clindamycin were performed Sprague Dawley rats
      bearing bacterial infection. Scintigraphy and biodistribution studies showed a
      high uptake of (99m)Tc-clindamycin in the liver, heart, lung, and stomach as well
      as at S. aureus-infected sites in rabbits. 

PMID- 25113547
TI  - Digging a little deeper: the stages of invadopodium formation and maturation.
AB  - Invadopodia are actin-rich protrusions that degrade the extracellular matrix and
      are required for penetration through the basement membrane, stromal invasion and
      intravasation. Invadopodia are enriched in actin regulators, such as cortactin,
      cofilin, N-WASp, Arp2/3 and fascin. Much of the work to date has centered around
      identifying the proteins involved in regulating actin polymerization and matrix
      degradation. Recently, there have been significant advances in characterization
      of the very early stages of invadopodium precursor assembly and the role of
      adhesion proteins, such as beta1 integrin, talin, FAK and Hic-5, in promoting
      invadopodium maturation. This review summarizes these findings in the context of
      our current model of invadopodial function and highlights some of the important
      unanswered questions in the field. 

PMID- 25113550
TI  - Bioremediation of distillery sludge into soil-enriching material through
      vermicomposting with the help of Eisenia fetida.
AB  - The aim of the present study was bioremediation of distillery sludge into a soil
      enriching material. It was mixed with a complementary waste, cattle dung, and
      subjected to vermicomposting with (V) and without (T, control) Eisenia fetida in
      the ratio of 0:100 % (V1, T1), 10:90 (V2, T2), 25:75 (V3, T3), 50:50 (V4, T4),
      75:25 (V5, T5) and 100:0 % (V6, T6), respectively. Survival rate, growth rate,
      onset of maturity, cocoon production and population build-up increased with
      increasing ratio of cattle dung. Maximum mortality of earthworm was observed in
      V6 mixture. On the basis of response surface design, the concentration of sludge
      giving highest number of worms, cocoons and hatchlings came out to be 21.11,
      24.51 and 17.19 %, respectively. Nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium and pH increased
      during vermicomposting but decreased in the products without earthworm and there
      was increase in the contents of transition metals in the products of both the
      techniques. However, organic carbon, electrical conductivity and potassium showed
      an opposite trend. 

PMID- 25113551
TI  - Impact of xylan on synergistic effects of xylanases and cellulases in enzymatic
      hydrolysis of lignocelluloses.
AB  - Supplementation of xylanase (XYL) has been found to synergistically improve the
      performance of cellulases (CEL) in the hydrolysis of lignocelluloses. However,
      the effect of xylan on the synergistic effects of XYL and CEL is still unclear.
      In this work, the effect of xylan on the synergy between CEL and XYL was
      investigated. Xylan content in corn stover was generally a good indicator of the
      degree of the synergism between CEL and XYL. Strongest synergism was observed in
      the hydrolysis of cellulose in corn stover with the highest xylan contents. A
      more evident synergistic effect of CEL in xylan hydrolysis was observed in the
      substrates with low original xylan content. It was also found that the ratio of
      cellulose to xylan in substrates correlated to the synergism between the two
      types of enzymes. The results indicated that supplementation of XYL with CEL was
      most effective in the hydrolysis of corn stover with the highest xylan content.
      For efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocelluloses, both cellulases and
      xylanase were important because cellulose and xylan coved each other and these
      enzymes could improve their performance each other in the hydrolysis of cellulose
      and xylan in lignocelluloses. 

PMID- 25113552
TI  - Fluidized bed layer-by-layer microcapsule formation.
AB  - Polymer microcapsules can be used as bioreactors and artificial cells; however,
      preparation methods for cell-like microcapsules are typically time-consuming, low
      yielding, and/or involve custom microfluidics. Here, we introduce a rapid (~30
      min per batch, eight layers), scalable (up to 500 mg of templates), and efficient
      (98% yield) microcapsule preparation technique utilizing a fluidized bed for the
      layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of polymers, and we investigate the parameters that
      govern the formation of robust capsules. Fluidization in water was possible for
      particles of comparable diameter to mammalian cells (>5 MUm), with the
      experimental flow rates necessary for fluidization matching well with the
      theoretical values. Important variables for polymer film deposition and capsule
      formation were the concentration of polymer solution and the molecular weight of
      the polymer, while the volume of the polymer solution had a negligible impact. In
      combination, increasing the polymer molecular weight and polymer solution
      concentration resulted in improved film deposition and the formation of robust
      microcapsules. The resultant polymer microcapsules had a thickness of ~5.5 nm per
      bilayer, which is in close agreement with conventionally prepared (quiescent
      (nonflow) adsorption/centrifugation/wash) LbL capsules. The technique reported
      herein provides a new way to rapidly generate microcapsules (approximately 8
      times quicker than the conventional means), while being also amenable to scale-up
      and mass production. 

PMID- 25113553
TI  - Contraceptive confidence and timing of first birth in Moldova: an event history
      analysis of retrospective data.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test the contraceptive confidence hypothesis in a modern context.
      The hypothesis is that women using effective or modern contraceptive methods have
      increased contraceptive confidence and hence a shorter interval between marriage
      and first birth than users of ineffective or traditional methods. We extend the
      hypothesis to incorporate the role of abortion, arguing that it acts as a
      substitute for contraception in the study context. SETTING: Moldova, a country in
      South-East Europe. Moldova exhibits high use of traditional contraceptive methods
      and abortion compared with other European countries. PARTICIPANTS: Data are from
      a secondary analysis of the 2005 Moldovan Demographic and Health Survey, a
      nationally representative sample survey. 5377 unmarried women were selected.
      PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measure was the interval
      between marriage and first birth. This was modelled using a piecewise-constant
      hazard regression, with abortion and contraceptive method types as primary
      variables along with relevant sociodemographic controls. RESULTS: Women with high
      contraceptive confidence (modern method users) have a higher cumulative hazard of
      first birth 36 months following marriage (0.88 (0.87 to 0.89)) compared with
      women with low contraceptive confidence (traditional method users, cumulative
      hazard: 0.85 (0.84 to 0.85)). This is consistent with the contraceptive
      confidence hypothesis. There is a higher cumulative hazard of first birth among
      women with low (0.80 (0.79 to 0.80)) and moderate abortion propensities (0.76
      (0.75 to 0.77)) than women with no abortion propensity (0.73 (0.72 to 0.74)) 24
      months after marriage. CONCLUSIONS: Effective contraceptive use tends to increase
      contraceptive confidence and is associated with a shorter interval between
      marriage and first birth. Increased use of abortion also tends to increase
      contraceptive confidence and shorten birth duration, although this effect is non
      linear-women with a very high use of abortion tend to have lengthy intervals
      between marriage and first birth.

PMID- 25113554
TI  - Long-term follow-up results in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents: results from a single high-volume
      PCI centre.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess both short-term and long-term prognosis in consecutive
      patients with coronary heart disease treated with drug-eluting stents in a high
      volume percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centre. DESIGN: Observational
      cohort study. SETTING: A hospital in the Henan province, China, between 2009 and
      2011. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2533 patients were enrolled. Patients with ST
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with urgent PCI accounted for
      3.9% of cases; patients with STEMI treated with delayed PCI accounted for 20.5%
      of cases; patients with stable angina accounted for 16.5% of cases; and patients
      with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) accounted for 58.6% of
      cases. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Death, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events
      (MACCE: death/myocardial infarction/stroke), and target vessel revascularisation.
      RESULTS: Follow-up after a median of 29.8 months was obtained for 2533 patients
      (92.6%). The mortality rate during hospitalisation was highest in the urgent PCI
      group (p<0.001). During follow-up, although the incidences of death and MACCE
      were highest in the urgent PCI group, no significant differences were observed
      among the different groups. The incidences of cardiac death and myocardial
      infarction were significantly higher in the paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) group
      than in the sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) group. Independent predictors of death
      during follow-up were age, left ventricular ejection function <40%, diabetes
      mellitus, prior coronary artery bypass graft and chronic total occlusion.
      CONCLUSIONS: PCI patients with STEMI had the worst hospital and long-term
      prognosis. The mortality rate after hospital increased markedly in patients with
      NSTE-ACS. SESs seem to be more effective than PESs.

PMID- 25113555
TI  - Effects of the First Line Diabetes Care (FiLDCare) self-management education and
      support project on knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, self-management practices
      and glycaemic control: a quasi-experimental study conducted in the Northern
      Philippines.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of implementing a context-adapted diabetes
      self-management education and support (DSME/S) project based on chronic care
      models in the Philippines, on knowledge, attitudes, self-management practices,
      adiposity/obesity and glycaemia of people with diabetes. DESIGN: Prospective
      quasi-experimental before-after study. PARTICIPANTS: 203 people with type 2
      diabetes mellitus from two local government units in the Northern Philippines
      fulfilling set criteria. OUTCOME MEASURES: Context-adapted DSME/S was given to a
      cohort of people with diabetes by trained pre-existing local government
      healthcare personnel. Changes in knowledge, attitudes and self-management
      practices, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR) and
      glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured 1 year after full project
      implementation. Non-parametric and parametric descriptive and inferential
      statistics including logistic regression analysis were done. RESULTS: Complete
      data were collected from 164 participants. Improvements in glycaemia, waist
      circumference, WHR, knowledge, some attitudes, adherence to medications and
      exercise, and an increase in fear of diabetes were significant. Reductions in
      HbA1c, regardless of level of control, were noted in 60.4%. Significant increase
      in knowledge (p<0.001), positive attitude (p=0.013), perceived ability to control
      blood glucose (p=0.004) and adherence to medications (p=0.001) were noted among
      those whose glycaemia improved. Significant differences between the subgroups
      whose HbA1c improved and those whose HbA1c deteriorated include male gender
      (p=0.042), shorter duration of diabetes (p=0.001) and increased perceived ability
      to control blood glucose (p=0.042). Significant correlates to improved glycaemia
      were male gender (OR=2.655; p=0.034), duration of diabetes >10 years (OR=0.214;
      p=0.003) and fear of diabetes (OR=0.490; p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Context-adapted
      DSME/S introduced in resource-constrained settings and making use of established
      human resources for health may improve knowledge, attitudes, self-management
      practices and glycaemia of recipients. Further investigations on addressing fear
      of diabetes and tailoring DSME/S to females with diabetes and those who have had
      diabetes for a longer period of time may help improve glycaemia.

PMID- 25113556
TI  - Assessing the feasibility of a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled
      trial to investigate the role of intraperitoneal ropivacaine in gastric bypass
      surgery: a protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Postoperative pain control remains a major challenge for surgical
      procedures, including laparoscopic gastric bypass. Pain management is
      particularly relevant in obese patients who experience a higher number of
      cardiovascular and pulmonary events. Effective pain management may reduce their
      risk of serious postoperative complication, such as deep vein thrombosis and
      pulmonary emboli. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of
      intraperitoneal local anaesthetic, ropivacaine, to reduce postoperative pain in
      patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. METHODS AND ANALYSIS:
      A randomised controlled trial will be conducted to compare intraperitoneal
      ropivacaine (intervention) versus normal saline (placebo) in 120 adult patients
      undergoing bariatric bypass surgery. Ropivacaine will be infused over the
      oesophageal hiatus and throughout the abdomen. Patients in the control arm will
      undergo the same treatment with normal saline. The primary end point will be
      postoperative pain at 1, 2 and 4 h postoperatively. Pain measurements will then
      occur every 4 h for 24 h and every 8 h until discharge. Secondary end points will
      include opioid use, peak expiratory flow, 6 min walk distance and quality of life
      assessed in the immediate postoperative period. Intention-to-treat analysis will
      be used and repeated measures will be analysed using mixed modelling approach.
      Post-hoc pairwise comparison of the treatment groups at different time points
      will be carried out using multiple comparisons with adjustment to the type 1
      error. Results of the study will inform the feasibility of recruitment and inform
      sample size of a larger definitive randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness
      of intraperitoneal ropivacaine. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been
      approved by the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board and Health
      Canada in April 2014. The findings of the study will be disseminated through
      national and international conferences and peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinicaltrial.gov NCT02154763.

PMID- 25113557
TI  - Pneumococcal colonisation density: a new marker for disease severity in HIV
      infected adults with pneumonia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A high genomic load of Pneumococcus from blood or cerebrospinal fluid
      has been associated with increased mortality. We aimed to analyse whether
      nasopharyngeal colonisation density in HIV-infected patients with community
      acquired pneumonia (CAP) is associated with markers of disease severity or poor
      outcome. METHODS: Quantitative lytA real-time PCR was performed on nasopharyngeal
      swabs in HIV-infected South African adults hospitalised for acute CAP at Chris
      Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto, South Africa. Pneumonia aetiology was
      considered pneumococcal if any sputum culture or Gram stain, urinary pneumococcal
      C-polysaccharide-based antigen, blood culture or whole blood lytA real-time PCR
      revealed pneumococci. RESULTS: There was a moderate correlation between the mean
      nasopharyngeal colonisation densities and increasing CURB65 scores among all
      cause patients with pneumonia (Spearman correlation coefficient r=0.15, p=0.06)
      or with the Pitt bacteraemia score among patients with pneumococcal bacteraemia
      (p=0.63). In patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, nasopharyngeal pneumococcal
      colonisation density was higher among non-survivors than survivors (7.7 vs 6.1
      log10 copies/mL, respectively, p=0.02) and among those who had pneumococci
      identified from blood cultures and/or by whole blood lytA real-time PCR than
      those with non-bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia (6.6 vs 5.6 log10 copies/mL,
      p=0.03). Nasopharyngeal colonisation density correlated positively with the
      biomarkers procalcitonin (Spearman correlation coefficient r=0.37, p<0.0001),
      proadrenomedullin (r=0.39, p=0.008) and copeptin (r=0.30, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      In addition to its previously reported role as a diagnostic tool for pneumococcal
      pneumonia, quantitative nasopharyngeal colonisation density also correlates with
      mortality and prognostic biomarkers. It may also be useful as a severity marker
      for pneumococcal pneumonia in HIV-infected adults.

PMID- 25113558
TI  - PERK-dependent activation of JAK1 and STAT3 contributes to endoplasmic reticulum
      stress-induced inflammation.
AB  - Neuroinflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are associated with many
      neurological diseases. Here, we have examined the interaction between ER stress
      and JAK/STAT-dependent inflammation in glial cells. We show that ER stress is
      present in the central nervous system (CNS) concomitant with inflammation and
      astrogliosis in the multiple sclerosis (MS) mouse model of experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Astrocytes do not easily succumb to ER stress
      but rather activate an inflammatory program involving activation of STAT3 in a
      JAK1-dependent fashion. ER stress-induced activation of the JAK1/STAT3 axis leads
      to expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and several chemokines. Moreover, the
      activation of STAT3 signaling is dependent on PERK, a central component of the ER
      stress response, which we show is phosphorylated by JAK1. Disruption of PERK
      abrogates ER stress-induced activation of STAT3 and subsequent gene expression.
      Additionally, ER-stressed astrocytes, via paracrine signaling, can stimulate
      activation of microglia, leading to production of IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM).
      These IL-6 cytokines can then synergize with ER stress in astrocytes to drive
      inflammation. Together, this work describes a new PERK/JAK1/STAT3 signaling
      pathway that elicits a feed-forward inflammatory loop involving astrocytes and
      microglia to drive neuroinflammation, which may be relevant in diseases such as
      MS. 

PMID- 25113561
TI  - Plakophilin-2 promotes activation of epidermal growth factor receptor.
AB  - While growth factor-driven dimerization of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is a
      simple and intuitive mechanism of activating RTKs, K.-I. Arimoto et al. (Mol.
      Cell. Biol. 34:3843-3854, 2014, doi:10.1128/MCB.00758-14) describe a novel means
      of promoting the activity of RTKs. Namely, plakophilin-2 (PKP2) associates with
      the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and enhances its ligand-dependent and
      ligand-independent activity. This discovery suggests that antagonizing PKP2 may
      be a new therapeutic opportunity to combat tumors in which activation of EGFR
      contributes to pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25113559
TI  - Regulation of the protocadherin Celsr3 gene and its role in globus pallidus
      development and connectivity.
AB  - The globus pallidus (GP) is a central component of basal ganglia whose
      malfunctions cause a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders as well as cognitive
      impairments in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Here we
      report that the protocadherin gene Celsr3 is regulated by the insulator CCCTC
      binding factor (CTCF) and the repressor neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF,
      also known as REST) and is required for the development and connectivity of GP.
      Specifically, CTCF/cohesin and NRSF inhibit the expression of Celsr3 through
      specific binding to its promoter. In addition, we found that the Celsr3 promoter
      interacts with CTCF/cohesin-occupied neighboring promoters. In Celsr3 knockout
      mice, we found that the ventral GP is occupied by aberrant calbindin-positive
      cholinergic neurons ectopic from the nucleus basalis of Meynert. Furthermore, the
      guidepost cells for thalamocortical axonal development are missing in the caudal
      GP. Finally, axonal connections of GP with striatum, subthalamic nucleus,
      substantia nigra, and raphe are compromised. These data reveal the essential role
      of Celsr3 in GP development in the basal forebrain and shed light on the
      mechanisms of the axonal defects caused by the Celsr3 deletion. 

PMID- 25113560
TI  - Plakophilin-2 promotes tumor development by enhancing ligand-dependent and 
      independent epidermal growth factor receptor dimerization and activation.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) has been implicated in tumor
      development and invasion. Dimerization and autophosphorylation of EGFR are the
      critical events for EGFR activation. However, the regulation of EGF-dependent and
      EGF-independent dimerization and phosphorylation of EGFR has not been fully
      understood. Here, we report that cytoplasmic protein plakophilin-2 (PKP2) is a
      novel positive regulator of EGFR signaling. PKP2 specifically interacts with EGFR
      via its N-terminal head domain. Increased PKP2 expression enhances EGF-dependent
      and EGF-independent EGFR dimerization and phosphorylation. Moreover, PKP2
      knockdown reduces EGFR phosphorylation and attenuates EGFR-mediated signal
      activation, resulting in a significant decrease in proliferation and migration of
      cancer cells and tumor development. Our results indicate that PKP2 is a novel
      activator of the EGFR signaling pathway and a potential new drug target for
      inhibiting tumor growth. 

PMID- 25113563
TI  - Special issue of BJP on nanomedicine.

PMID- 25113562
TI  - Piwil2 inhibits keratin 8 degradation through promoting p38-induced
      phosphorylation to resist Fas-mediated apoptosis.
AB  - The piwi-like 2 (piwil2) gene is widely expressed in tumors and protects cells
      from apoptosis induced by a variety of stress stimuli. However, the role of
      Piwil2 in Fas-mediated apoptosis remains unknown. Here, we present evidence that
      Piwil2 inhibits Fas-mediated apoptosis. By a bacterial two-hybrid screening, we
      identify a new Piwil2-interacting partner, keratin 8 (K8), a major intermediate
      filament protein protecting the cell from Fas-mediated apoptosis. Our results
      show that Piwil2 binds to K8 and p38 through its PIWI domain and forms a
      Piwil2/K8/P38 triple protein-protein complex. Thus, Piwil2 increases the
      phosphorylation level of K8 Ser-73 and then inhibits ubiquitin-mediated
      degradation of K8. As a result, the knockdown of Piwil2 increases the Fas protein
      level at the membrane. In addition to our previous finding that Piwil2 inhibits
      the expression of p53 through the Src/STAT3 pathway, here we demonstrate that
      Piwil2 represses p53 phosphorylation through p38. Our present study indicates
      that Piwil2 plays a role in Fas-mediated apoptosis for the first time and also
      can affect p53 phosphorylation in tumor cells, revealing a novel mechanism of
      Piwil2 in apoptosis, and supports that Piwil2 plays an active role in
      tumorigenesis. 

PMID- 25113564
TI  - Human fibrocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells express IDO and promote
      tolerance via Treg-cell expansion.
AB  - By restraining T-cell activation and promoting Treg-cell expansion, myeloid
      derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tolerogenic DCs can control self-reactive
      and antigraft effector T cells in autoimmunity and transplantation. Their
      therapeutic use and characterization, however, is limited by their scarce
      availability in the peripheral blood of tumor-free donors. In the present study,
      we describe and characterize a novel population of human myeloid suppressor
      cells, named fibrocytic MDSC, which are differentiated from umbilical cord blood
      precursors by 4-day culture with FDA-approved cytokines (recombinant human-GM-CSF
      and recombinant human-G-CSF). This MDSC subset, characterized by the expression
      of MDSC-, DC-, and fibrocyte-associated markers, promotes Treg-cell expansion and
      induces normoglycemia in a xenogeneic mouse model of Type 1 diabetes. In order to
      exert their protolerogenic function, fibrocytic MDSCs require direct contact with
      activated T cells, which leads to the production and secretion of IDO. This new
      myeloid subset may have an important role in the in vitro and in vivo production
      of Treg cells for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, and in either the
      prevention or control of allograft rejection. 

PMID- 25113565
TI  - Genistein attenuates choroidal neovascularization.
AB  - Genistein is a dietary-derived flavonoid abundantly present in soybeans and known
      to possess various biological effects including anti-inflammation and anti
      angiogenic activity. To investigate the effects of genistein on intraocular
      neovascularization, we used an animal model of laser-induced choroidal
      neovascularization (CNV). Male C57BL/6J mice were treated in accordance with the
      ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research. CNV was
      induced by laser photocoagulation. The animals were fed a mixture diet containing
      0.5% genistein or a control diet ad libitum for 7 days before laser
      photocoagulation and the treatment was continued until the end of the study.
      Seven days after laser injury, the size of CNV lesions was quantified. Retinal
      pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid complex was also harvested 1 or 3 days after
      laser injury and the level of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1,
      intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9
      were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression levels of Ets-1
      and F4/80 were examined by real-time PCR. A significant decrease in CNV size was
      observed in animals treated with genistein (15441.9+/-1511.8 MUm(2)) compared to
      control mice (21074.0+/-1940.7MUm(2), P<.05). Genistein significantly reduced the
      protein level of MCP-1, ICAM-1, and MMP-9 in the RPE-choroid complex (P<.05). In
      addition, genistein suppressed the expression levels of Ets-1 and F4/80 (P<.05).
      The current data indicate the anti-angiogenic property of genistein during CNV
      formation. 

PMID- 25113566
TI  - What can genes tell us about the relationship between education and health?
AB  - We use genome wide data from respondents of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS)
      to evaluate the possibility that common genetic influences are associated with
      education and three health outcomes: depression, self-rated health, and body mass
      index. We use a total of 1.7 million single nucleotide polymorphisms obtained
      from the Illumina HumanOmni2.5-4v1 chip from 4233 non-Hispanic white respondents
      to characterize genetic similarities among unrelated persons in the HRS. We then
      used the Genome Wide Complex Trait Analysis (GCTA) toolkit, to estimate
      univariate and bivariate heritability. We provide evidence that education (h(2) =
      0.33), BMI (h(2) = 0.43), depression (h(2) = 0.19), and self-rated health (h(2) =
      0.18) are all moderately heritable phenotypes. We also provide evidence that some
      of the correlation between depression and education as well as self-rated health
      and education is due to common genetic factors associated with one or both
      traits. We find no evidence that the correlation between education and BMI is
      influenced by common genetic factors. 

PMID- 25113568
TI  - Adding insult to injury: The development of psychosocial stress in Ontario wind
      turbine communities.
AB  - Though historically dismissed as not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) attitudes, reports of
      psychosocial stress linked to wind energy developments have emerged in Ontario,
      Canada. While the debate and rhetoric intensify concerning whether wind turbines
      'actually' cause 'health' effects, less sincere attention has been given to the
      lived experience and mental well-being of those near turbines. Drawing on
      theories of environmental stress, this grounded theory, mixed-method (n = 26
      interviews; n = 152 questionnaires) study of two communities in 2011 and 2012
      traces how and why some wind turbine community residents suffer substantial
      changes to quality of life, develop negative perceptions of 'the other' and in
      some cases, experience intra-community conflict. Policy-related forces, along
      with existing community relationships may help explain much of these differences
      between communities. We suggest a move beyond debating simply whether or not
      'annoyance' represents a 'health impact' and instead focus on ways to minimize
      and attenuate these feelings of threat (risk) and stress at the community level. 

PMID- 25113567
TI  - When does education matter? The protective effect of education for cohorts
      graduating in bad times.
AB  - Using Eurobarometer data, we document large variation across European countries
      in education gradients in income, self-reported health, life satisfaction,
      obesity, smoking and drinking. While this variation has been documented
      previously, the reasons why the effect of education on income, health and health
      behaviors varies is not well understood. We build on previous literature
      documenting that cohorts graduating in bad times have lower wages and poorer
      health for many years after graduation, compared to those graduating in good
      times. We investigate whether more educated individuals suffer smaller income and
      health losses as a result of poor labor market conditions upon labor market
      entry. We confirm that a higher unemployment rate at graduation is associated
      with lower income, lower life satisfaction, greater obesity, more smoking and
      drinking later in life. Further, education plays a protective role for these
      outcomes, especially when unemployment rates are high: the losses associated with
      poor labor market outcomes are substantially lower for more educated individuals.
      Variation in unemployment rates upon graduation can potentially explain a large
      fraction of the variance in gradients across different countries. 

PMID- 25113570
TI  - Recreational participation and the development of social competence in preschool
      aged children with disabilities: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the association between participation and social competence
      for preschool aged children with and without disabilities. METHODS: The sample
      was drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (n = 4983) which
      included children aged 4-5 years reported to have hearing problems (n = 164),
      vision problems (n = 146) and other physical disabilities (n = 114). Chi-square,
      correlation and logistic regression analyses were used to describe the
      participation and social competence of children with and without these
      conditions, as well as examine the association between these constructs. RESULTS:
      Children with disabilities had similar levels of participation but lower social
      competence than children without these disabilities. Further analyses revealed a
      small negative correlation between the two variables (ranging from -0.120 to 
      0.300 for the three groups) and that children who have low participation are more
      likely to have abnormal levels of social competence than children with higher
      participation. CONCLUSIONS: The association between participation and social
      competence may not be as strong for this age group as anticipated in the
      literature, additional factors may be influential. Examination of the social
      competence scores identified two factors which may assist in explaining the
      variance in scores: (1) the experience of disability and (2) the quality of
      interactions. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Children with disabilities who
      participate in similar activities to their typically developing peers may not
      necessarily develop commensurate levels of social competence. As well as focusing
      on increasing the participation of children in activities other factors that may
      have a stronger influence on social competence should be considered, such as
      supporting (1) the social experience of disability and (2) the quality of
      interactions that children with disabilities experience.

PMID- 25113571
TI  - A day in the life of older people in a rehabilitation setting: an observational
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nurses' contribution during inpatient rehabilitation is well documented.
      However, despite being the largest professional group in this setting, the
      specialty of rehabilitation nursing is poorly recognised. This article reports on
      the first of a four-phase study that aimed to clarify and develop the nursing
      contribution to inpatient rehabilitation for older persons. The aim of this study
      was to identify activity patterns and time use during daytime and evenings of
      older adult patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS: Direct
      observation using behavioural modelling was undertaken of a convenience sample of
      37 older people undergoing inpatient rehabilitation in a specialist unit of a
      large tertiary hospital in New Zealand. The primary outcome was the observation
      of meaningful activity. Binomial logistic regression was used to study the
      association between relevant variables. FINDINGS: Meaningful activity was most
      likely to involve walking without assistance and to occur 08:00 to 14:00 h and
      16:00 to 21:00 h during weekdays. Patients were more likely to receive treatment
      during the weekend. Irrespective of time, registered nurses were the health
      professionals most often present with patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is likely to
      be unrealised opportunities for registered nurses to support improved
      rehabilitation outcomes. Registered nurses' involvement in rehabilitation needs
      to be actively optimised. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Nurses' engagement
      with older adults in rehabilitation settings is likely to be substantial, placing
      them as key members of the rehabilitation team. Nurses make a pivotal
      contribution to inpatient rehabilitation based on specialised knowledge and
      skills but this contribution is not well understood. Opportunities are likely, at
      times when allied health professionals are less often present, e.g. evenings and
      weekends, for registered nurses to more intentionally overlap rehabilitation
      activities with other care requirements.

PMID- 25113572
TI  - Supporting the Loewenstein occupational therapy cognitive assessment using
      distributed user interfaces.
AB  - PURPOSE: Improve the quantity and quality of information obtained from
      traditional Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment Battery systems
      to monitor the evolution of patients' rehabilitation process as well as to
      compare different rehabilitation therapies. METHODS: The system replaces
      traditional artefacts with virtual versions of them to take advantage of cutting
      edge interaction technology. The system is defined as a Distributed User
      Interface (DUI) supported by a display ecosystem, including mobile devices as
      well as multi-touch surfaces. Due to the heterogeneity of the devices involved in
      the system, the software technology is based on a client-server architecture
      using the Web as the software platform. RESULTS: The system provides therapists
      with information that is not available (or it is very difficult to gather) using
      traditional technologies (i.e. response time measurements, object tracking,
      information storage and retrieval facilities, etc.). CONCLUSIONS: The use of DUIs
      allows therapists to gather information that is unavailable using traditional
      assessment methods as well as adapt the system to patients' profile to increase
      the range of patients that are able to take this assessment. Implications for
      Rehabilitation Using a Distributed User Interface environment to carry out LOTCAs
      improves the quality of the information gathered during the rehabilitation
      assessment. This system captures physical data regarding patient's interaction
      during the assessment to improve the rehabilitation process analysis. Allows
      professionals to adapt the assessment procedure to create different versions
      according to patients' profile. Improves the availability of patients' profile
      information to therapists to adapt the assessment procedure.

PMID- 25113573
TI  - A stair-climbing test for measuring mechanical efficiency of ambulation in adults
      with chronic stroke.
AB  - PURPOSE: Mechanical efficiency can assess motor performance in individuals with
      physical disabilities. The purpose was to determine the utility of predicting it
      from heart rate (HR) during a self-paced stair-climbing test in adults with
      chronic hemiparesis after stroke and to determine the minimal detectable change
      of net mechanical efficiency (MEnet) measured by this exercise. METHODS: First,
      15 subjects with chronic hemiparesis participated in a validation study (A) and
      then 28 took part in a repeatability study (B). In study A the MEnet was
      calculated from external work and oxygen uptake above rest (dVO2), as directly
      measured and as predicted from body weight and increase in heart rate (dHR). In
      study B, predicted dVO2 was used to obtain MEnet for duplicate stair-climbing
      tests (T1, T2) with >30 min rest between. RESULTS: Measured MEnet was closely
      related to predicted MEnet (r = 0.97, p < 0.001). In study B predicted MEnet for
      T2 and T1 were closely related (r = 0.91, ICC = 0.90). CONCLUSION: With a minimal
      detectable change of 0.6% (0.053 of average MEnet score of 10.4%), MEnet values
      from the stair-climbing test seem sufficiently meaningful to estimate ambulatory
      ability and its changes with interventions or walking aids in adults with
      hemiparesis. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Ambulatory ability can be estimated
      from mechanical efficiency, obtained from a 5-min stair-climbing test utilizing a
      4-step stair, to measure external work, and the change in heart rate above rest
      to estimate the metabolic cost of the task. A change of > 0.6% in mechanical
      efficiency by this stair-climbing test indicates a significant change in
      ambulatory ability of persons with hemiparesis.

PMID- 25113574
TI  - Serratus anterior muscle pedicle as the recipient site in DIEP flap transfer for
      breast reconstruction: why not the first choice?

PMID- 25113575
TI  - A structural and spectroscopic investigation of octahedral platinum
      bis(dithiolene)phosphine complexes: platinum dithiolene internal redox chemistry
      induced by phosphine association.
AB  - The complexes [Pt(mdt)2] (4; mdt = methyldithiolene, [Me2C2S2](n-)), [Pt(adt)2]
      (5; adt = p-anisyldithiolene, [(MeO-p-C6H4)2C2S2](n-)), and [Pd(adt)2] (10) have
      been prepared in yields of >=90% via transmetalation reactions with the
      corresponding [R2Sn(S2C2R'2)] complexes (R = (n)Bu, R' = Me; R = Me, R' = -C6H4-p
      OMe, 3). Intraligand C-S and C-Cchelate bond lengths (~1.71 and ~1.40 A,
      respectively) obtained by X-ray crystallography show these compounds to be
      comprised of radical monoanions mdt(*-) and adt(*-). The six-coordinate
      octahedral adducts [Pt(adt)2(dppe)] [6; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane],
      trans-[Pt(adt)2(PMe3)2] (8), and trans-[Pt(mdt)2(PMe3)2] (9) have also been
      prepared, and crystal structures reveal dithiolene ligands that are fully reduced
      ene-1,2-dithiolates (C-S and C-C(chelate) = ~1.77 and 1.35 A, respectively).
      Reduction of the dithiolene ligand thus occurs to accommodate the +IV oxidation
      state typical of octahedral six-coordinate platinum. The cyclic voltammogram of 5
      shows two fully reversible reductions at -0.11 and -0.84 V in CH2Cl2 (vs
      Ag/AgCl), attributed to successive (adt(*-) + e(-) -> adt(2-)) processes, and a
      reversible oxidation at +1.01 V. The cyclic voltammogram of 9 shows two
      reversible oxidations at +0.38 and +0.86 V, which are assigned as successive
      (adt(2-) -> adt(*-) + e(-)) oxidations. Consistent with their formulation as
      having fully reduced dithiolene ligands, the UV-vis spectra for 6, 8, and 9 show
      no low-energy absorptions below 700 nm, and the S K-edge XAS spectra of 6 and 8
      show dithiolene sulfur that is reduced relative to that in 5. The introduction of
      PMe3 to 10 did not produce the palladium analogue of 8 but rather
      [Pd(adt)(PMe3)2] (11). The reaction of [PdCl2(PPh3)2] with Li2(mdt) produced a
      mixture of [Pd(mdt)(PPh3)2] (12, 20%) and [(Ph3P)Pd(MU-1,2-mdt-S,S':S)2Pd(PPh3)]
      (13, 28%), with the latter having C2 symmetry with a Pd2S2 core structure folded
      along the S...S axis.

PMID- 25113576
TI  - Familias 3 - Extensions and new functionality.
AB  - In relationship testing the aim is to determine the most probable pedigree
      structure given genetic marker data for a set of persons. Disaster Victim
      Identification (DVI) based on DNA data from presumed relatives of the missing
      persons can be considered to be a collection of relationship problems. Forensic
      calculations in investigative mode address questions like "How many markers and
      reference persons are needed?" Such questions can be answered by simulations.
      Mutations, deviations from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (or more generally,
      accounting for population substructure) and silent alleles cannot be ignored when
      evaluating forensic evidence in case work. With the advent of new markers, so
      called microvariants have become more common. Previous mutation models are no
      longer appropriate and a new model is proposed. This paper describes methods
      designed to deal with DVI problems and a new simulation model to study
      distribution of likelihoods. There are softwares available, addressing similar
      problems. However, for some problems including DVI, we are not aware of freely
      available validated software. The Familias software has long been widely used by
      forensic laboratories worldwide to compute likelihoods in relationship scenarios,
      though previous versions have lacked desired functionality, such as the above
      mentioned. The extensions as well as some other novel features have been
      implemented in the new version, freely available at www.familias.no. The
      implementation and validation are briefly mentioned leaving complete details to
      Supplementary sections. 

PMID- 25113577
TI  - Choosing supplementary markers in forensic casework.
AB  - The vast majority of human familial identifications based on DNA end up with a
      well founded conclusion, normally using a standard set of genetic short tandem
      repeat (STR) loci. There are, however, a proportion of cases that show ambiguous
      results. For such occasions a number of different supplementary markers could be
      typed in order to gain further information. There are numerous markers available
      for such supplementary DNA typing, including STRs, deletion and insertion
      polymorphisms (DIPs), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The purpose of
      this work was to describe a precise method for decision making, aiming to aid the
      comparison of different sets of markers for different case scenarios in order to
      find the most efficient set for routine casework. Comparisons are based on a
      particular function relating the expected additional value of information from
      new data to the amount of information already obtained from initial data. The
      function can be computed approximately by approximating likelihood-based error
      rates using simulation. In this paper we focused on paternity investigations,
      more specifically the use of supplementary markers in cases where a smaller
      number of genetic inconsistencies make the matter inconclusive. We applied the
      method to a comparison of three different kits: Investigator HDplex (STRs),
      Investigator DIPplex (DIPs), and the SNPforID-plex (SNPs) to study their
      efficiencies in gaining information in different case scenarios involving various
      alternative relationships between the tested man and the tested child. We show
      that the Investigator HDplex was the most efficient set of supplementary markers
      for the standard paternity case. However, for paternity cases with a close
      relative being the alternative father, the Investigator HDplex and the SNPforID
      plex showed similar patterns in their ability to deliver a well-founded
      conclusion. The Investigator DIPplex was the least efficient set. 

PMID- 25113580
TI  - Anterior segment optical coherence tomography in autosomal recessive cornea
      plana.

PMID- 25113582
TI  - Oxygenation by ruthenium monosubstituted polyoxotungstates in aqueous solution:
      experimental and computational dissection of a Ru(III)-Ru(V) catalytic cycle.
AB  - Molecular polyoxometalates with one embedded ruthenium center, with general
      formula [Ru(II/III)(DMSO)XW11O39](n-) (X = P, Si; n = 4-6), are readily
      synthesized in gram scale under microwave irradiation by a flash hydrothermal
      protocol. These nanodimensional and polyanionic complexes enable aerobic
      oxygenation in water. Catalytic oxygen transfer to dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)
      yielding the corresponding sulfone (DMSO2 ) has been investigated with a combined
      kinetic, spectroscopic and computational approach addressing: (i ) the Ru(III)
      catalyst resting state; (ii ) the bimolecular event dictating its transformation
      in the rate-determining step; (iii ) its aerobic evolution to a high-valent
      ruthenium oxene species; (iv ) the terminal fate to diamagnetic dimers. This
      pathway is reminiscent of natural heme systems and of bioinspired artificial
      porphyrins. The in silico characterization of a key bis-Ru(IV)-MU-peroxo-POM
      dimeric intermediate has been accessed by density functional theory. This
      observation indicates a new landmark for tracing POM-based manifolds for
      multiredox oxygen reduction/activation, where metal-centered oxygenated species
      play a pivotal role.

PMID- 25113581
TI  - Fluoride inhibition of Sporosarcina pasteurii urease: structure and
      thermodynamics.
AB  - Urease is a nickel-dependent enzyme and a virulence factor for ureolytic
      bacterial human pathogens, but it is also necessary to convert urea, the most
      worldwide used fertilizer, into forms of nitrogen that can be taken up by crop
      plants. A strategy to control the activity of urease for medical and agricultural
      applications is to use enzyme inhibitors. Fluoride is a known urease inhibitor,
      but the structural basis of its mode of inhibition is still undetermined. Here,
      kinetic studies on the fluoride-induced inhibition of urease from Sporosarcina
      pasteurii, a widespread and highly ureolytic soil bacterium, were performed using
      isothermal titration calorimetry and revealed a mixed competitive and
      uncompetitive mechanism. The pH dependence of the inhibition constants,
      investigated in the 6.5-8.0 range, reveals a predominant uncompetitive mechanism
      that increases by increasing the pH, and a lesser competitive inhibition that
      increases by lowering the pH. Ten crystal structures of the enzyme were
      independently determined using five crystals of the native form and five crystals
      of the protein crystallized in the presence of fluoride. The analysis of these
      structures revealed the presence of two fluoride anions coordinated to the Ni(II)
      ions in the active site, in terminal and bridging positions. The present study
      consistently supports an interaction of fluoride with the nickel centers in the
      urease active site in which one fluoride competitively binds to the Ni(II) ion
      proposed to coordinate urea in the initial step of the catalytic mechanism, while
      another fluoride uncompetitively substitutes the Ni(II)-bridging hydroxide,
      blocking its nucleophilic attack on urea. 

PMID- 25113584
TI  - Concise review: understanding clonal dynamics in homeostasis and injury through
      multicolor lineage tracing.
AB  - Lineage tracing is an essential tool to study stem cell fate. Although
      traditional lineage tracing techniques have considerably advanced our
      understanding of stem cell behavior, they pose significant limitations for
      identification and longitudinal tracking of the progeny of individual stem cells,
      to compare their behaviors. This is of importance given the well-established
      heterogeneity among stem cells both in terms of potentialities and proliferative
      capacities. The recent development of multicolor genetic reporters addressable to
      specific cell populations largely overcomes these issues. These new "rainbow"
      technologies provide increased resolution in clonal identification and offer the
      possibility to study the relative distribution, contacts, tiled arrangement, and
      competitive interactions among cells or groups of cells of the same type.

PMID- 25113583
TI  - Effect of genetic and pharmacological blockade of GABA receptors on the 5-HT2C
      receptor function during stress.
AB  - Serotonin (5-HT)2C receptors play a role in psychoaffective disorders and often
      contribute to the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of psychotropic drugs.
      During stress, activation of these receptors exerts a negative feedback on 5-HT
      release, probably by increasing the activity of GABAergic interneurons. However,
      to date, the GABA receptor types that mediate the 5-HT2C receptor-induced
      feedback inhibition are still unknown. To address this question, we assessed the
      inhibition of 5-HT turnover by a 5-HT2C receptor agonist (RO 60-0175) at the
      hippocampal level and under conditions of stress, after pharmacological or
      genetic inactivation of either GABA-A or GABA-B receptors in mice. Neither the
      GABA-B receptor antagonist phaclofen nor the specific genetic ablation of either
      GABA-B1a or GABA-B1b subunits altered the inhibitory effect of RO 60-0175,
      although 5-HT turnover was markedly decreased in GABA-B1a knock-out mice in both
      basal and stress conditions. In contrast, the 5-HT2C receptor-mediated inhibition
      of 5-HT turnover was reduced by the GABA-A receptor antagonist bicuculline.
      However, a significant effect of 5-HT2C receptor activation persisted in mutant
      mice deficient in the alpha3 subunit of GABA-A receptors. It can be inferred that
      non-alpha3 subunit-containing GABA-A receptors, but not GABA-B receptors, mediate
      the 5-HT2C -induced inhibition of stress-induced increase in hippocampal 5-HT
      turnover in mice.

PMID- 25113586
TI  - Spatio-temporal variability of bovine tuberculosis eradication in Spain (2006
      2011).
AB  - In this study we analyzed the space-time variation of the risk of bovine
      tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle between 2006 and 2011. The results indicated that at
      country level, there were no significant temporal changes between years, but, at
      county level bTB evolution was more heterogeneous. In some counties, between some
      years, the prevalence and the incidence of the disease was higher as compared to
      the global rate in the rest of the counties of Spain. The analysis of potential
      risk factors indicated that both, a large number of movements from counties with
      high incidence (>1%), and presence of bullfighting cattle herds increased bTB
      risk. Red deer abundance, number of goats and number of mixed cattle-goat farms
      were not significantly associated with the prevalence/incidence of bTB. 

PMID- 25113587
TI  - The choice of spatial scales and spatial smoothness priors for various spatial
      patterns.
AB  - Given the drawbacks for using geo-political areas in mapping outcomes unrelated
      to geo-politics, a compromise is to aggregate and analyse data at the grid level.
      This has the advantage of allowing spatial smoothing and modelling at a
      biologically or physically relevant scale. This article addresses two consequent
      issues: the choice of the spatial smoothness prior and the scale of the grid.
      Firstly, we describe several spatial smoothness priors applicable for grid data
      and discuss the contexts in which these priors can be employed based on different
      aims. Two such aims are considered, i.e., to identify regions with clustering and
      to model spatial dependence in the data. Secondly, the choice of the grid size is
      shown to depend largely on the spatial patterns. We present a guide on the
      selection of spatial scales and smoothness priors for various point patterns
      based on the two aims for spatial smoothing. 

PMID- 25113588
TI  - GEOMED 2013--from spatial analysis to public health practice.

PMID- 25113585
TI  - Low adherence to secondary prophylaxis among clients diagnosed with rheumatic
      fever, Jamaica.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of adherence and possible barriers to
      secondary prophylaxis among clients with rheumatic fever in Kingston, Jamaica.
      METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of 39 clients diagnosed with rheumatic fever,
      receiving penicillin prophylaxis for more than a year using a 22-item self
      administered questionnaire on adherence to secondary prophylaxis and knowledge of
      rheumatic fever. The patients' records were reviewed to determine the number of
      prophylaxis injections the patients received for the year 2010. RESULTS: The
      majority of participants (74%) were females and 51% were adults. Only 48.7% had a
      high level of adherence. The majority (72%) had low knowledge levels regarding
      their illness, while only 5% had a high knowledge level score. Most clients (70%)
      strongly agreed that nurses and doctors encouraged them to take their
      prophylaxis. However, over 60% reported that they travelled long distances and or
      waited long periods to get their injections. One-third reported that they missed
      appointments because of fear of injections and having to take time off from work
      or school. DISCUSSION: Clients attending the health centers studied had limited
      knowledge about rheumatic fever. Barriers to adherence included fear of the
      injections, long commutes, and long waiting periods at the facilities studied.

PMID- 25113589
TI  - A spatio-temporal model for estimating the long-term effects of air pollution on
      respiratory hospital admissions in Greater London.
AB  - It has long been known that air pollution is harmful to human health, as many
      epidemiological studies have been conducted into its effects. Collectively, these
      studies have investigated both the acute and chronic effects of pollution, with
      the latter typically based on individual level cohort designs that can be
      expensive to implement. As a result of the increasing availability of small-area
      statistics, ecological spatio-temporal study designs are also being used, with
      which a key statistical problem is allowing for residual spatio-temporal
      autocorrelation that remains after the covariate effects have been removed. We
      present a new model for estimating the effects of air pollution on human health,
      which allows for residual spatio-temporal autocorrelation, and a study into the
      long-term effects of air pollution on human health in Greater London, England.
      The individual and joint effects of different pollutants are explored, via the
      use of single pollutant models and multiple pollutant indices. 

PMID- 25113590
TI  - Bayesian tracking of emerging epidemics using ensemble optimal statistical
      interpolation.
AB  - We present a preliminary test of the Ensemble Optimal Statistical Interpolation
      (EnOSI) method for the statistical tracking of an emerging epidemic, with a
      comparison to its popular relative for Bayesian data assimilation, the Ensemble
      Kalman Filter (EnKF). The spatial data for this test was generated by a spatial
      susceptible-infectious-removed (S-I-R) epidemic model of an airborne infectious
      disease. Both tracking methods in this test employed Poisson rather than Gaussian
      noise, so as to handle epidemic data more accurately. The EnOSI and EnKF tracking
      methods worked well on the main body of the simulated spatial epidemic, but the
      EnOSI was able to detect and track a distant secondary focus of infection that
      the EnKF missed entirely. 

PMID- 25113591
TI  - Real geographies and virtual landscapes: exploring the influence on place and
      space on mortality Lexis surfaces using shaded contour maps.
AB  - This paper describes how shaded contour plots, applied to mortality data from the
      Human Mortality Database, can be used to compare between nations, and start to
      tease out some of the ways that place and space matters. A number of shaded
      contour plots are presented, in order to describe the age, period and cohort
      effects which are apparent within them. They show variations between different
      subpopulations within the same nation, over time, and between nations. In
      illustrating these intra- and international variations in the patterns, we hope
      to encourage the development of hypotheses about the influence of such factors on
      mortality rates. We conclude with a brief discussion about how such hypotheses
      might be developed into statistical models, allowing for more rigourous testing
      of hypotheses and projection across time, place and space. 

PMID- 25113592
TI  - Using geographical information systems and cartograms as a health service quality
      improvement tool.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Disease prevalence can be spatially analysed to provide support for
      service implementation and health care planning, these analyses often display
      geographic variation. A key challenge is to communicate these results to decision
      makers, with variable levels of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) knowledge,
      in a way that represents the data and allows for comprehension. The present
      research describes the combination of established GIS methods and software tools
      to produce a novel technique of visualising disease admissions and to help
      prevent misinterpretation of data and less optimal decision making. The aim of
      this paper is to provide a tool that supports the ability of decision makers and
      service teams within health care settings to develop services more efficiently
      and better cater to the population; this tool has the advantage of information on
      the position of populations, the size of populations and the severity of disease.
      METHODS: A standard choropleth of the study region, London, is used to visualise
      total emergency admission values for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and
      bronchiectasis using ESRI's ArcGIS software. Population estimates of the Lower
      Super Output Areas (LSOAs) are then used with the ScapeToad cartogram software
      tool, with the aim of visualising geography at uniform population density. An
      interpolation surface, in this case ArcGIS' spline tool, allows the creation of a
      smooth surface over the LSOA centroids for admission values on both standard and
      cartogram geographies. The final product of this research is the novel Cartogram
      Interpolation Surface (CartIS). RESULTS: The method provides a series of outputs
      culminating in the CartIS, applying an interpolation surface to a uniform
      population density. The cartogram effectively equalises the population density to
      remove visual bias from areas with a smaller population, while maintaining
      contiguous borders. CartIS decreases the number of extreme positive values not
      present in the underlying data as can be found in interpolation surfaces.
      DISCUSSION: This methodology provides a technique for combining simple GIS tools
      to create a novel output, CartIS, in a health service context with the key aim of
      improving visualisation communication techniques which highlight variation in
      small scale geographies across large regions. CartIS more faithfully represents
      the data than interpolation, and visually highlights areas of extreme value more
      than cartograms, when either is used in isolation.

PMID- 25113593
TI  - Assessment of land use factors associated with dengue cases in Malaysia using
      Boosted Regression Trees.
AB  - The transmission of dengue disease is influenced by complex interactions among
      vector, host and virus. Land use such as water bodies or certain agricultural
      practices have been identified as likely risk factors for dengue because of the
      provision of suitable habitats for the vector. Many studies have focused on the
      land use factors of dengue vector abundance in small areas but have not yet
      studied the relationship between land use factors and dengue cases for large
      regions. This study aims to clarify if land use factors other than human
      settlements, e.g. different types of agricultural land use, water bodies and
      forest are associated with reported dengue cases from 2008 to 2010 in the state
      of Selangor, Malaysia. From the correlative relationship, we aim to generate a
      prediction risk map. We used Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) to account for
      nonlinearities and interactions between the factors with high predictive
      accuracies. Our model with a cross-validated performance score (Area Under the
      Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve, ROC AUC) of 0.81 showed that the most
      important land use factors are human settlements (model importance of 39.2%),
      followed by water bodies (16.1%), mixed horticulture (8.7%), open land (7.5%) and
      neglected grassland (6.7%). A risk map after 100 model runs with a cross
      validated ROC AUC mean of 0.81 (+/-0.001 s.d.) is presented. Our findings may be
      an important asset for improving surveillance and control interventions for
      dengue. 

PMID- 25113595
TI  - Terrestrial and freshwater Tardigrada of the Americas.
AB  - This paper provides a comprehensive list of the freshwater and terrestrial
      tardigrade fauna reported from the Americas (North America, South America,
      Central America and the West Indies), their distribution in the Americas, and the
      substrates from which they have been reported. Data were obtained from 316
      published references. Authors' identifications were accepted at face value unless
      subsequently amended. Taxa were assigned to sub-national units (states,
      provinces, etc.). Many areas, in particular large portions of Central America and
      the West Indies, have no reported tardigrade fauna. The presence of 54 genera and
      380 species has been reported for the Americas; 245 species have been collected
      in the Nearctic ecozone and 251 in the Neotropical ecozone. Among the tardigrade
      species found in the Americas, 52 are currently considered cosmopolitan, while
      153 species have known distributions restricted to the Americas. Based on recent
      taxonomic revision of the genus Milnesium, the vast majority of records of M.
      tardigradum in the Americas should now be reassigned to Milnesium tardigradum
      sensu lato, either because the provided description differs from M. tardigradum
      sensu stricto or because insufficient description is provided to make a
      determination; the remainder should be considered Milnesium cf. tardigradum. Most
      terrestrial tardigrade sampling in the Americas has focused on cryptogams
      (mosses, lichens and liverworts); 90% of the species have been collected in such
      substrates. The proportion of species collected in other habitats is lower: 14%
      in leaf litter, 20% in soil, and 24% in aquatic samples (in other terrestrial
      substrates the proportion never exceeds 5%). Most freshwater tardigrades have
      been collected from aquatic vegetation and sediment. For nine species in the
      Americas no substrates have been reported.  

PMID- 25113594
TI  - Assessing the impact of selective migration and care homes on geographical
      inequalities in health--a total population cohort study in Sheffield.
AB  - Selective migration and moves to care homes may potentially contribute to
      observed socioeconomic gradients in mortality across cities and regions.
      Sheffield has striking socioeconomic gradients in area-level mortality across the
      city. We examined for evidence of selective migration and assessed the
      contribution of migration to observed mortality gradients. We used a total
      population cohort (539737 in 2001), linked mortality data (2001-2010) and linked
      data from a health survey carried out in 2000 (66% response rate yielding 10185
      responses). We used lower super-output areas and electoral wards as the spatial
      units of analysis. We found clear evidence of selective migration. In the 25-44
      age band, relative risks of mortality were 1.71 (95% CI 1.37-2.12) in migrants
      from low to high deprivation areas compared with people remaining in low
      deprivation areas, and 0.53 (0.42-0.65) in migrants from high to low deprivation
      areas compared with people remaining in high deprivation areas. Relative risks
      shrank towards unity with increasing age. Characteristics of migrants and non
      migrants (illness prevalence, indicators of socioeconomic status, smoking
      prevalence) ascertained before migration were largely consistent with the
      relative risks for mortality and indicated that people carried their risks with
      them. There was also a clear care homes effect, with higher mortality in
      electoral wards with higher care home bed provision rates. Overall, however,
      adjustment for selective migration, which included moves to care homes, made
      little difference to gradients in inequality across the city. Our results suggest
      that selective migration, including moves to care homes, do not explain existing
      socioeconomic gradients in area level mortality across Sheffield. 

PMID- 25113596
TI  - A taxonomic review of the genus Megalostomis Chevrolat (Coleoptera,
      Cryptocephalinae, Chrysomelidae).
AB  - A taxonomic revision of the genus Megalostomis Chevrolat, 1836 (Coleoptera:
      Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae: Clytrini: Megalostomina) is provided, including
      new data on geographic ranges. Two new species and 34 new synonymies are proposed
      within the genus Megalostomis, leaving 42 valid species in the genus. A checklist
      of the species of Megalostomis is provided, with information on host plants, ant
      associations, and natural enemies. The study includes a key to all species,
      diagnoses, descriptions, habitat, photographs, and distribution maps. This
      comparative study of the external and internal adult morphology includes the male
      and female genitalia. Nomenclatural acts proposed in this revision are as follow:
      Change of status: M. dynamica stat. rev. (=M. flavipennis dynamica Monros, 1952).
      New synonymy: M. anachoreta Lacordaire, 1848 (=M. gratiosa Lacordaire, 1848, syn.
      nov., M. amazona Jacoby, 1876, syn. nov., M. generosa Baly, 1877a, syn. nov., M.
      balyi Monros, 1951a, syn. nov., M. mariae Monros 1951a, new status syn., M.
      hespenheidi Moldenke, 1981, syn. nov.); M. basilaris Jacoby, 1880 (= M. runa
      Monros, 1952, syn. nov.); M. cornuta Lacordaire, 1848 (=M. cornuta var. divisa
      Guerin, 1949, syn. nov.); M. dimidiata dimidiata (Lacordaire, 1848) (= M.
      tomentosa tomentosa Jacoby, 1880, syn. nov., M. punctatissima (Jacoby, 1888),
      syn. nov., M. tomentosa orientalis Moldenke, 1970, syn. nov., M. tomentosa
      sinaloensis Moldenke, 1970, syn. nov., M. tomentosa guatemalensis Achard, 1926
      (2<sup>nd</sup> specimen only), syn. nov., M. dimidiata nayaritensis Moldenke,
      1970, syn. nov., M. dimidiata sonorensis Moldenke, 1970, syn. nov.); M.
      flavocincta Lacordaire, 1848 (=M. flavomaculata Lacordaire, 1848, syn. nov.); M.
      fulvipes fulvipes Jacoby, 1888 (=M. fulvipes yucatanensis Moldenke, 1970, syn.
      nov.); M. gazella Lacordaire 1848 (=M. bicingulata, Lacordaire, 1848, syn. nov.,
      M. meretrix Lacordaire, 1848, syn. nov.); M. luctuosa Lacordaire, 1848 (=M.
      iracunda Lacordaire, 1848, syn. nov.); M. microcephala Lacordaire, 1848 [=M.
      tosta (Monros, 1950), syn. nov.]; M. notabilis notabilis Lacordaire, 1848 (=M.
      notabilis linearis Moldenke, 1970, syn. nov.); M. pyropiga pyropiga Lacordaire,
      1848 (=M. pyropiga chiapensis Moldenke, 1970, syn. nov.); M. querula Lacordaire,
      1848 (=M. propinqua Lacordaire, 1848, syn. nov., M. univittata pacifica Monros,
      1953a, syn. nov.); M. religiosa Lacordaire, 1848 (=M. distincta Lacordaire, 1848,
      syn. nov.); M. splendida splendida Lacordaire, 1848 (=M. splendida affinis
      Jacoby, 1888, syn. nov.; M. splendida regalis Achard, 1926, syn. nov.); M.
      subfasciata subfasciata (LeConte, 1868) [= M. subfasciata majorubrofasciata
      Moldenke, 1970, syn. nov.; M. subfasciata murina (Monros, 1952), syn. nov.]; M.
      tricincta (Germar, 1824) (=M. bubalus bubalus Lacordaire, 1848 syn. nov., M.
      bubalus bubaloides Monros, 1953a, syn. nov.); M. univittata Lacordaire, 1848 (=M.
      univittata oblita Monros, 1953a, syn. nov.); M. viridana Lacordaire, 1848 (=M.
      metallica Jacoby, 1888, syn. nov.). Type designations: lectotypes are designated
      for the following species: M. anachoreta Lacordaire, 1848; M. chalybeosoma
      Lacordaire, 1848; M. coerulea Baly, 1877a; M. cornuta Lacordaire, 1848; M.
      dimidiata Lacordaire, 1848; M. flavipennis Jacoby, 1880; M. flavocincta
      Lacordaire, 1848; M. gazella Lacordaire, 1848; M. gigas Lacordaire, 1848; M.
      interruptofasciata Baly, 1877a; M. luctuosa Lacordaire, 1848; M. notabilis
      Lacordaire, 1848; M. obesa Lacordaire, 1848; M. placida Baly, 1877b; M. pyropiga
      Lacordaire, 1848; M. religiosa Lacordaire, 1848; M. splendida Lacordaire, 1848;
      M. subfasciata (LeConte, 1868); M. tricincta (Germar, 1824); M. unicincta
      Lefevre, 1884; M. univittata Lacordaire, 1848; M. viridana Lacordaire, 1848; M.
      microcephala Lacordaire, 1848.  

PMID- 25113597
TI  - Shared but overlooked: 30 species of Holarctic Microlepidoptera revealed by DNA
      barcodes and morphology.
AB  - This study reports 30 species of Lepidoptera previously known from either the
      Palearctic or the Nearctic that are newly recorded as Holarctic. For 28 of these
      species, their intercontinental distributions were initially detected through DNA
      barcode analysis and subsequently confirmed by morphological examination; two
      Palearctic species were first detected in North America through morphology and
      then barcoded. When possible, the origin and status of each species (introduced,
      overlooked Holarctic species, or unknowingly re-described) is discussed, and its
      morphology is diagnosed and illustrated. The species involved include Tineidae:
      Scardia amurensis Zagulajev, Triaxomera parasitella (Hubner), Nemapogon cloacella
      (Haworth), Elatobia montelliella (Schantz), Tinea svenssoni Opheim;
      Gracillariidae: Caloptilia suberinella (Tengstrom), Parornix betulae (Stainton);
      Phyllonorycter maestingella (Muller); Yponomeutidae: Paraswammerdamia
      albicapitella (Scharfenberg), P. conspersella (Tengstrom); Plutellidae: Plutella
      hyperboreella Strand; Lyonetiidae: Lyonetia pulverulentella Zeller;
      Autostichidae: Oegoconia deauratella (Herrich-Schaffer), O. novimundi (Busck);
      Blastobasidae: Blastobasis glandulella (Riley), B. maroccanella (Amsel), B. tarda
      Meyrick; Depressariidae: Agonopterix conterminella (Zeller), Depressaria
      depressana (F.); Coleophoridae: Coleophora atriplicis Meyrick, C. glitzella
      Hofmann, C. granulatella Zeller, C. texanella Chambers, C. vitisella Gregson;
      Scythrididae: Scythris sinensis (Felder & Rogenhofer); Gelechiidae: Altenia
      perspersella (Wocke), Gnorimoschema jalavai Povolny, Scrobipalpa acuminatella
      (Sircom), Sophronia gelidella Nordman; Choreutidae: Anthophila fabriciana (L.);
      and Tortricidae: Phiaris bipunctana (F.). These cases of previously unrecognized
      faunal overlap have led to their redescription in several instances. Five new
      synonyms are proposed: Blastobasis glandulella (Riley, 1871) = B. huemeri Sinev,
      1993, syn. nov.; B. tarda Meyrick, 1902 = Neoblastobasis ligurica Nel & Varenne,
      2004, syn. nov.; Coleophora atriplicis Meyrick, 1928 = C. cervinella McDunnough,
      1946, syn. nov.; C. texanella Chambers, 1878 = C. coxi Baldizzone & van der Wolf,
      2007, syn. nov., and = C. vagans Walsingham, 1907, syn. nov. Lectotypes are
      designated for Blastobasis tarda Meyrick and Coleophora texanella Chambers. Type
      specimens were examined where pertinent to establish new synonymies. We identify
      12 previously overlooked cases of species introductions, highlighting the power
      of DNA barcoding as a tool for biosurveillance. 

PMID- 25113599
TI  - Facile synthesis of 5-hydroxy-L-lysine from D-galactose as a chiral-precursor.
AB  - A concise synthesis of (2S,5R) and (2S,5S)-5-hydroxy-lysine was achieved by
      utilizing D-galactose as a chiral-precursor with stereo retention. This synthetic
      strategy showcased the potential of utilizing carbohydrates as starting materials
      to prepare amino acids. Using the diazido intermediate, the derived beta-D
      galactopyranosyl and alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-beta-D-galactosyl moieties
      were synthesized.

PMID- 25113598
TI  - Fixed-target protein serial microcrystallography with an x-ray free electron
      laser.
AB  - We present results from experiments at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS)
      demonstrating that serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) can be performed to
      high resolution (~2.5 A) using protein microcrystals deposited on an ultra-thin
      silicon nitride membrane and embedded in a preservation medium at room
      temperature. Data can be acquired at a high acquisition rate using x-ray free
      electron laser sources to overcome radiation damage, while sample consumption is
      dramatically reduced compared to flowing jet methods. We achieved a peak data
      acquisition rate of 10 Hz with a hit rate of ~38%, indicating that a complete
      data set could be acquired in about one 12-hour LCLS shift using the setup
      described here, or in even less time using hardware optimized for fixed target
      SFX. This demonstration opens the door to ultra low sample consumption SFX using
      the technique of diffraction-before-destruction on proteins that exist in only
      small quantities and/or do not produce the copious quantities of microcrystals
      required for flowing jet methods.

PMID- 25113600
TI  - Endogenous peptide ligand-receptor systems for diverse signaling networks in
      plants.
AB  - Endogenous peptide ligand-receptor systems regulate cell-cell communications in
      various developmental processes in plants. Recent studies have revealed that the
      peptide-receptor combinations are not simply one-on-one with single roles. One
      peptide activates multiple downstream signaling through different receptors,
      while one receptor transmits different signals depending on peptide partners.
      Peptide signaling pathways also crosstalk with signaling pathways of
      phytohormones such as auxin, cytokinin and brassinosteroids. Furthermore,
      environmental cues such as temperature, nutrient, and microbes activate or
      inactivate peptide signaling pathways, which in turn modulate developmental
      processes. This report summarizes recent advance on peptide-receptor signaling,
      which makes a signaling network with phytohormone signaling pathways and
      environmental responses. 

PMID- 25113602
TI  - Two coordination polymers constructed from a multidentate carboxylic acid ligand
      with a tertiary amine serve as acid-base catalysts for the synthesis of
      chloropropene carbonate from CO2 under atmospheric pressure.
AB  - Two new coordination polymers, [Ni(H2O)(Hpdcd)(H2O)2].DMF (1) and
      [Co(H2O)(Hpdcd)(H2O)2].DMF (2) (H3pdcd = 1-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2,5-dimethyl, 1H
      pyrrole-3,4-dicarboxylic acid), which were designed based on a tertiary amine
      ligand, were synthesized and characterized using multiple spectroscopy
      techniques, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These two 1D linear
      chains possess the properties of both a Lewis acid and organic base, which was
      confirmed by temperature programmed desorption of ammonia and on-line mass
      spectrometry (NH3-TPD-MS), and selective sorption for carbon dioxide. Due to
      their acid-base properties, the compounds exhibited high catalytic activity, in
      the absence of co-catalysts, for solvent-free synthesis of chloropropene
      carbonate from CO2 and epichlorohydrin under atmospheric CO2 pressure. The yields
      of chloropropene carbonate were 88% and 87% for 1 and 2, respectively, under the
      optimized conditions. 

PMID- 25113603
TI  - An algorithm for score aggregation over causal biological networks based on
      random walk sampling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We recently published in BMC Systems Biology an approach for
      calculating the perturbation amplitudes of causal network models by integrating
      gene differential expression data. This approach relies on the process of score
      aggregation, which combines the perturbations at the level of the individual
      network nodes into a global measure that quantifies the perturbation of the
      network as a whole. Such "bottom-up" aggregation relates the changes in molecular
      entities measured by omics technologies to systems-level phenotypes. However, the
      aggregation method we used is limited to a specific class of causal network
      models called "causally consistent", which is equivalent to the notion of balance
      of a signed graph used in graph theory. As a consequence of this limitation, our
      aggregation method cannot be used in the many relevant cases involving "causally
      inconsistent" network models such as those containing negative feedbacks.
      FINDINGS: In this note, we propose an algorithm called "sampling of spanning
      trees" (SST) that extends our published aggregation method to causally
      inconsistent network models by replacing the signed relationships between the
      network nodes by an appropriate continuous measure. The SST algorithm is based on
      spanning trees, which are a particular class of subgraphs used in graph theory,
      and on a sampling procedure leveraging the properties of specific random walks on
      the graph. This algorithm is applied to several cases of biological interest.
      CONCLUSIONS: The SST algorithm provides a practical means of aggregating nodal
      values over causally inconsistent network models based on solid mathematical
      foundations. We showed its utility in systems biology, where the nodal values can
      be perturbation amplitudes of protein activities or gene differential
      expressions, while the networks can be models of cellular signaling or expression
      regulation. Since the SST algorithm is based on general graph-theoretical
      considerations, it is scalable to arbitrary graph sizes and can potentially be
      used for performing quantitative analyses in any context involving signed graphs.

PMID- 25113604
TI  - PI3K, MAPK EPK1/2 and p38 are involved in the realization of growth potential of
      mesenchymal progenitor cells under the influence of basic fibroblast growth
      factor.
AB  - We studied PI3K, MAPK/EPK1/2 and p38-dependent signaling cascade under
      stimulation of the functions of mesenchymal progenitor cells by fibroblast growth
      factor. The important role of PI3K and EPK1/2 in the realization of their growth
      potential has been revealed. Experiments have demonstrated a blocking effect of
      PI3K inhibitor on proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells and
      EPK1/2 inhibitor on mitotic activity of the progenitor cells. The p38-mediated
      MAPK pathway did not play a role in determining the proliferative and
      differentiation status of fibroblast CFU.

PMID- 25113601
TI  - 17beta-estradiol differentially regulates stress circuitry activity in healthy
      and depressed women.
AB  - Many regions within stress neurocircuitry, including the anterior hypothalamus,
      amygdala, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex, are densely populated with
      sex steroid receptors. Substantial evidence from animal studies indicates that
      the gonadal hormone 17beta-estradiol (E2) impacts the structure and function of
      these regions, but human studies are limited. Characterizing estradiol's role in
      stress circuitry in vivo in humans may have important clinical implications given
      the comorbidity between major depressive disorder (MDD), stress circuitry
      dysfunction and endocrine dysregulation. In this study, we determined estradiol's
      role in modulating activity within cortical and subcortical stress circuitry
      regions in healthy and MDD women. Subjects were part of a population-based birth
      cohort, the New England Family Study. Capitalizing on the endogenous fluctuation
      in E2 during the menstrual cycle, we conducted a within-person repeated-measures
      functional neuroimaging study in which 15 women with recurrent MDD, in remission,
      and 15 healthy control women underwent hormonal evaluations, behavioral testing,
      and fMRI scanning on two occasions, under low and high E2 conditions. Subjects
      completed an fMRI scan while undergoing a mild visual stress challenge that
      reliably activated stress neural circuitry. Results demonstrate that E2 modulates
      activity across key stress circuitry regions, including bilateral amygdala,
      hippocampus, and hypothalamus. In healthy women, robust task-evoked BOLD signal
      changes observed under low E2 conditions were attenuated under high E2
      conditions. This hormonal capacity to regulate activity in stress circuitry was
      not observed in MDD women, despite their remitted status, suggesting that
      dysregulation of gonadal hormone function may be a characteristic trait of the
      disease. These findings serve to deepen our understanding of estradiol's actions
      in the healthy brain and the neurobiological mechanisms that may underlie the
      pronounced sex difference in MDD risk.

PMID- 25113605
TI  - Functional and metabolic changes in the brain in neuropathic pain syndrome
      against the background of chronic epidural electrostimulation of the spinal cord.
AB  - Changes in functional and metabolic activities of the brain were evaluated by EEG
      and positron-emission/computer tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose in patients
      with neuropathic pain syndrome previous to and 3 months after implantation of a
      system for chronic epidural spinal cord stimulation. In most cases, the use of a
      nerve stimulator was followed by alleviation of neuropathic pain and partial
      normalization of functional and metabolic activities of brain structures
      responsible for pain perception, emotiogenic, behavioral, and autonomic
      responses.

PMID- 25113607
TI  - Relationship between brain natriuretic peptides and recurrence of atrial
      fibrillation after successful direct current cardioversion: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence is common after successful direct
      current cardioversion (DCCV), with a 40% rate of recurrence within the first
      month. Several studies have investigated the potential association between brain
      natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal (NT)-proBNP levels before DCCV and the
      risk of AF recurrence, but results have been inconsistent. We, therefore,
      conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available data to
      determine whether sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance after successful DCCV may be
      determined by preprocedural BNP and NT-proBNP levels. METHODS: We systematically
      searched Scopus, the Cochrane library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases to identify
      publications evaluating BNP or NT-proBNP levels in relation to post-DCCV AF
      recurrence, indexed from inception to September 2013. Among the initial 1,067
      citations, 18 studies fulfilled the specified criteria. The difference in BNP and
      NT-proBNP concentrations in the AF recurrence and the SR-maintaining group was
      estimated by the standardized mean difference and the estimates of the pooled
      outcomes were evaluated using random-effects models. RESULTS: Baseline BNP levels
      in the AF recurrence group were significantly higher compared to BNP levels in
      the SR-maintaining group (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.51, confidence
      interval [CI] [-2.53, -0.48], P = 0.004). Similar results were observed for NT
      proBNP levels, which were significantly higher in the AF recurrence group
      compared with the SR-maintaining group (SMD -0.63, CI [-1.13, -0.14], P = 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that low preprocedural BNP/NT-proBNP levels
      are associated with SR maintenance. The use of BNP or NT-proBNP for prediction of
      long-term response to DCCV appears to be useful and should be further evaluated.

PMID- 25113608
TI  - Developmental profiles of GFAP-positive astrocytes in sheep cerebellum.
AB  - Astroglial account for the largest glial population in the brain and play a
      variety of vital functions in the development of the central nervous system
      (CNS). An immunohistochemical study was performed in 19 ovine foetuses ranging
      from 2 to 5 months of gestation, one newborn lamb and three adult sheep. Using
      the anit-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) marker, several variations were
      found in the degree of GFAP positive (GFAP+) astrocyte distribution between the
      different zones in the cerebellum of sheep during brain development. Our study
      indicates that the first appearance of astrocytes from restricted zones in the
      cerebellum occurs around the eighth week of gestation. Bergmann cells were found
      to be present from around the 15th week of gestation onwards. Our findings
      suggest that the maturation of astrocytes begins in the caudal parts of the
      cerebellum, developing from their initial ventral regions to spread first to
      dorsal regions radially within the white matter, then followed by the more
      rostral parts of the cerebellum. Astrocytes were also found to proliferate in the
      vermis before appearing in the cerebellar hemispheres. 

PMID- 25113610
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of selective laser
      trabeculoplasty in open-angle glaucoma.
AB  - Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a relatively new type of laser used in
      treating open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and is reported to be equally efficacious to a
      first-line medication and argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT). We summarize
      available evidence for considering SLT as an alternative treatment in OAG through
      systematic review and meta-analysis. Among OAG patients who range from newly
      diagnosed to those on maximally tolerated medical therapy, SLT results in a 6.9
      35.9% intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. Complications are rare and include an
      IOP spike requiring surgery, persistent macular edema, and corneal haze and
      thinning. Meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials shows that SLT is non
      inferior to ALT and medication in IOP reduction and also in achieving treatment
      success. Number of medications reduction is similar between SLT and ALT. More
      robust evidence is needed to determine its efficacy as a repeated procedure. 

PMID- 25113606
TI  - Spatial patterns of neuronal activity in rat cerebral cortex during non-rapid eye
      movement sleep.
AB  - It is commonly assumed that cortical activity in non-rapid eye movement sleep
      (NREMS) is spatially homogeneous on the mesoscopic scale. This is partly due to
      the limited observational scope of common metabolic or imaging methods in sleep.
      We used the recently developed technique of thallium-autometallography (TlAMG) to
      visualize mesoscopic patterns of activity in the sleeping cortex with single-cell
      resolution. We intravenously injected rats with the lipophilic chelate complex
      thallium diethyldithiocarbamate (TlDDC) during spontaneously occurring periods of
      NREMS and mapped the patterns of neuronal uptake of the potassium (K+) probe
      thallium (Tl+). Using this method, we show that cortical activity patterns are
      not spatially homogeneous during discrete 5-min episodes of NREMS in unrestrained
      rats-rather, they are complex and spatially diverse. Along with a relative
      predominance of infragranular layer activation, we find pronounced differences in
      metabolic activity of neighboring neuronal assemblies, an observation which lends
      support to the emerging paradigm that sleep is a distributed process with
      regulation on the local scale.

PMID- 25113609
TI  - Palinopsia revamped: a systematic review of the literature.
AB  - Palinopsia, the persistence or recurrence of visual images after the stimulus has
      been removed, is a nonspecific term that describes multiple types of visual
      symptoms with a wide variety of etiologies. For example, palinopsia may be the
      presenting symptom of a potentially life-threatening posterior cortical lesion,
      yet it may also be a benign medication side effect. We comprehensively review all
      published cases and subdivide palinopsia into two clinically relevant categories:
      illusory palinopsia and hallucinatory palinopsia. 

PMID- 25113611
TI  - Systematic review of 342 cases of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis.
AB  - We review a total of 342 cases of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis reported
      between 1986 and 2012. Predisposing conditions were present in 60%, most commonly
      diabetes, intravenous drug use, and malignancy. The most common sources of
      infection were liver, lung, endocardium, urinary tract, and meninges. Systemic
      features such as fever were present in 74%, hypopyon in 35%, and an absent fundal
      view in 40%. Diagnostic delay occurred in 26%. Blood cultures were positive in
      56%, and at least one intraocular sample was positive in 58% (comprising 26%
      anterior chamber samples, 59% vitreous taps, and 41% vitrectomy specimens).
      Worldwide, Gram negative infections (55%) were more frequent than Gram positive
      (45%) infections, particularly in Asia. Over the last decade, 11% of eyes were
      treated with systemic antibiotics alone, 10% intravitreal antibiotics alone, 36%
      systemic plus intravitreal antibiotics, and 20% systemic plus intravitreal
      antibiotics plus pars plana vitrectomy. The most commonly used intravitreal
      antibiotics were vancomycin (for Gram positive infection) and ceftazidime (Gram
      negative). The median final visual acuity was 20/100, with 44% worse than 20/200.
      Among all cases, 24% required evisceration or enucleation, and mortality was 4%.
      Both intravitreal dexamethasone and vitrectomy were each associated with a
      significantly greater chance of retaining 20/200 or better and significantly
      fewer eviscerations or enucleations-these warrant further study. For most
      patients, treatment should include a thorough systemic evaluation and prompt
      intravitreal and systemic antibiotics.

PMID- 25113612
TI  - Acoustic reflectors are visible in the right heart during radiofrequency ablation
      of varicose veins.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cerebrovascular events have been noted after foam sclerotherapy for
      varicose veins. One hypothesis is migration of microemboli to the brain through a
      cardiac septal defect. The aim of this study was to identify whether acoustic
      reflectors are found in the right side of the heart during radiofrequency
      ablation of varicose veins, as neurological events are not reported during these
      procedures. METHODS: Transthoracic echocardiography was performed during local
      anaesthetic radiofrequency ablation (VNUS ClosureFast) of the great saphenous
      vein in 14 patients. An apical view was captured at the start of the procedure,
      during each cycle of heating and at 1 min post-treatment. Patients were monitored
      for 1 h. Video loops were read by an independent cardiologist. The presence of
      acoustic reflectors was classified as: 0 = absent, 1 = occasional, 2 = stream, 3
      = complete opacification. RESULTS: Loops were of diagnostic quality in 11/14
      (79%) patients. After the second cycle of heating, acoustic reflectors moving
      through the right heart were seen in 5/11 (45%) patients. These were classified
      as grade 1 in four patients and grade 2 in one patient. No acoustic reflectors
      were seen in the left heart. No neurological symptoms were reported. CONCLUSION:
      Acoustic reflectors in the right heart are a common finding during radiofrequency
      ablation of varicose veins. Considering the prevalence of cardiac septal defects
      (17%), more neurological events would be expected if these particles were indeed
      responsible for these events. Further work is required to elicit the mechanisms
      underlying neurological complications following sclerotherapy.

PMID- 25113613
TI  - Synthesis and role of salicylic acid in wheat varieties with different levels of
      cadmium tolerance.
AB  - Wheat genotypes with different endogenous SA contents were investigated, in order
      to reveal how cadmium influences salicylic acid (SA) synthesis, and to find
      possible relationships between SA and certain protective compounds (members of
      the antioxidants and the heavy metal detoxification system) and between the SA
      content and the level of cadmium tolerance. Cadmium exposure induced SA
      synthesis, especially in the leaves, and it is suggested that the phenyl
      propanoid synthesis pathway is responsible for the accumulation of SA observed
      after cadmium stress. Cadmium influenced the synthesis and activation of
      protective compounds to varying extents in wheat genotypes with different levels
      of tolerance; the roots and leaves also responded differently to cadmium stress.
      Although a direct relationship was not found between the initial SA levels and
      the degree of cadmium tolerance, the results suggest that the increase in the
      root SA level during cadmium stress in the Mv varieties could be related with the
      enhancement of the internal glutathione cycle, thus inducing the antioxidant and
      metal detoxification systems, which promote Cd stress tolerance in wheat
      seedlings. The positive correlation between certain SA-related compounds and
      protective compounds suggests that SA-related signalling may also play a role in
      the acclimation to heavy metal stress. 

PMID- 25113615
TI  - Static headspace-multicapillary column with gas chromatography coupled to ion
      mobility spectrometry as a simple approach for the discrimination of crude and
      processed traditional Chinese medicines.
AB  - The processing procedure can alter the nature and chemical transformation of
      traditional Chinese medicine to accommodate different clinical dispensing and
      preparation requirements. In this study, static headspace-multicapillary column
      with gas chromatography coupled to ion mobility spectrometry was developed for
      the rapid and sensitive discrimination of crude and processed traditional Chinese
      medicine. Using Radix Paeoniae Alba as a traditional Chinese medicine model, the
      combined power of this approach was illustrated by classifying the crude and
      processed Radix Paeoniae Alba samples into two main categories. The contents of
      the main components in Radix Paeoniae Alba varied significantly. The established
      method could promote the use of ion mobility spectrometry in intrinsic quality
      control and differentiation of herbal medicines from other processed products or
      preparations. 

PMID- 25113614
TI  - Effect of paddy-upland rotation on methanogenic archaeal community structure in
      paddy field soil.
AB  - Methanogenic archaea are strict anaerobes and demand highly reduced conditions to
      produce methane in paddy field soil. However, methanogenic archaea survive well
      under upland and aerated conditions in paddy fields and exhibit stable community.
      In the present study, methanogenic archaeal community was investigated in fields
      where paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.) under flooded conditions was rotated with
      soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) under upland conditions at different rotation
      histories, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis (DGGE) and real-time quantitative PCR methods targeting 16S rRNA
      and mcrA genes, respectively. Soil samples collected from the fields before
      flooding or seeding, during crop cultivation and after harvest of crops were
      analyzed. The abundance of the methanogenic archaeal populations decreased to
      about one-tenth in the rotational plots than in the consecutive paddy (control)
      plots. The composition of the methanogenic archaeal community also changed. Most
      members of the methanogenic archaea consisting of the orders Methanosarcinales,
      Methanocellales, Methanomicrobiales, and Methanobacteriales existed
      autochthonously in both the control and rotational plots, while some were
      strongly affected in the rotational plots, with fatal effect to some members
      belonging to the Methanosarcinales. This study revealed that the upland
      conversion for one or longer than 1 year in the rotational system affected the
      methanogenic archaeal community structure and was fatal to some members of
      methanogenic archaea in paddy field soil.

PMID- 25113616
TI  - Anthropometric and craniofacial sexual dimorphism in obstructive sleep apnea
      patients: is there male-female phenotypical convergence?
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common in men than women. Body size is
      greater in males (sexual dimorphism), but large body habitus is associated with
      OSA for both genders. We speculated that male-female phenotypical convergence
      (reduced sexual dimorphism via identical phenotype acquisition) occurs with OSA
      and tested hypotheses: (1) phenotypical features pathogenic for OSA differ
      between OSA and healthy subjects irrespective of gender; and (2) such
      characteristics exhibit phenotypical convergence. Utilizing an existing database,
      we calculated male-female (group average) ratios for eight anthropometric and 33
      surface cephalometric variables from 104 Caucasian OSA patients [72 males; apnea
      hypopnea index (events h(-1) ): males: 42.3 +/- 24.7 versus females: 42.6 +/-
      26.1 (P > 0.9)] and 85 Caucasian, healthy, non-OSA, community volunteers (36
      males). Log-transformed data were analysed using a general linear model with post
      hoc unpaired t-tests and significance at P < 0.0012 (Bonferroni multiple
      comparison correction). OSA patients were older (56.9 +/- 14.4 versus 38.0 +/-
      13.8 years), but there were no within-group gender-based age differences. All
      anthropometric variables (except height), plus cranial base width, mandibular
      breadth and retromandibular width diagonal were larger in gender-matched OSA
      versus healthy comparisons; thus satisfying hypothesis (1). Male-female ratios
      were mostly >1.0 across groups, but with no significant group * gender
      interactions no variable satisfied hypothesis (2). Thus, in this exploratory
      study, OSA patients had gender-common phenotypical differences to healthy
      subjects, but sexual dimorphism was preserved. Lack of complete phenotypical
      convergence may indicate gender-based critical phenotype-level attainment for OSA
      and/or gender-based OSA prevalence arises from factors other than those in this
      study.

PMID- 25113617
TI  - N-alkylacylamides in thin films display infrared spectra of 310-, alpha-, and pi
      helices with visible static and dynamic growth phases.
AB  - A peptide model is a physical system containing a CONH group, the simplest being
      HCONHCH3 , N-methylformamide (NMF). We have discovered that NMF and N
      methylacetamide (NMA), which form hydrogen-bonded oligomers in thin films on a
      planar AgX fiber, display infrared (IR) spectra with peaks like those of
      polypeptide helices. Structures can be assigned by their amide I maxima near 1672
      (3(10)), 1655 (3(10)), 1653 (alpha), 1655 (pi), and 1635 cm(-1) (pi), which are
      the first IR data for the pi-helix. Sharp peaks are an outcome of immobilization
      of polar species on the polar surface of silver halides. We report the first use
      of expanded thin-film IR spectroscopy, in which plots of every spectrum over the
      amide I-II range show pauses or slow stages in the increase or decrease of
      absorption. These are identified as static phases followed by dynamic phases,
      with the incremental gain or loss of a helix turn. A general theory can be stated
      for such processes. Density functional calculations show that the NMA alpha-helix
      pentamer (crystal structure geometry) is transformed into a pi-helix-like form.
      For the first time, an entire sequence (3(10)-helix, alpha-helix, pi-helix,
      quasiplanar species) of spectra has been recorded for NMA.

PMID- 25113618
TI  - The gene expression profile of cumulus cells reveals altered pathways in patients
      with endometriosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this experimental study was to compare the global gene
      expression profile of CC of mature oocytes in 18 patients with severe
      endometriosis and CC in 18 control patients affected by a severe male factor.
      METHODS: For each group, the CC were pooled, RNA was extracted and a microarray
      performed. For validating the microarray, a quantitative real-time PCR was
      performed in the CC of an independent set of patients with endometriosis (n = 5)
      and controls (n = 7). RESULTS: 595 differentially expressed genes (320 down
      regulated, 275 up-regulated, p < 0.05, fold change >=1.5) were identified. The
      most significant changes were observed in genes involved in the chemokine
      signaling and cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix adhesion pathways. Several
      genes of these pathways were down-regulated in endometriosis. Individual RT-PCR
      assays confirmed the microarray for ten genes. CONCLUSIONS: Several genes
      involved in the chemokine mediated-signaling pathway and in the functional cross
      talk between CC and the oocyte are down-regulated in endometriosis CC. The
      impairment of these processes could explain the reduction of oocyte competence in
      endometriosis. This preliminary knowledge could be the starting point for a more
      detailed elucidation of the relationship between endometriosis and oocyte
      competence.

PMID- 25113619
TI  - Protein modification as oxidative stress marker in follicular fluid from women
      with polycystic ovary syndrome: the effect of inositol and metformin.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress status
      (OS) of follicular fluid (FF) and the oocyte quality in women with polycystic
      ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing different ovarian stimulation protocols.
      METHODS: FF samples were collected after gonadotropin administration in
      association or not with metformin or D-chiro-inositol (DCI). OS status was then
      evaluated by checking the follicular fluid protein oxidation profile after
      specific labeling of aminoacidic free-SH groups, and two-dimensional
      electrophoresis followed by qualitative and semiquantitative analysis. Oocyte
      quality was assessed by international morphological criteria. RESULTS: Our data
      indicated that both treatments, even if to different extent, recovered a
      significantly high level of free-SH groups in FF proteins of PCOS women clearly
      indicating a decrease of OS level with respect to that found in FF samples from
      gonadotropins alone treated women. A higher number of good quality MII oocytes
      was also observed in DCI (P < 0.05) or metformin (P < 0.05) study groups in
      comparison to untreated control group. CONCLUSION: A natural supplement and a
      drug both showed a statistically significant positive effect on follicular milieu
      by decreasing the oxidative damage on FF proteins, as well as in recovering good
      quality oocytes.

PMID- 25113621
TI  - Clinical pregnancy in a woman with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and
      low AMH: utility of ovarian reserve markers in IHH.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) has been proposed as a useful
      marker of ovarian reserve that is cycle-independent and predictive of outcome in
      assisted reproduction cycles. However, there is evidence that AMH production is
      gonadotropin-dependent, and that under the influence of FSH, growing follicles
      contribute to circulating AMH levels. Therefore, AMH testing may not be
      universally reflective of the primordial follicle pool in certain conditions. We
      demonstrate that in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH)
      and deficient gonadotropin production, AMH and antral follicle count (AFC) may
      not be reliable markers of ovarian reserve. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING:
      Fertility clinic at a tertiary academic hospital. PATIENT: A 30-year-old
      nulligravid patient with IHH who presented for fertility treatment with low FSH
      (0.3 IU/L), LH (0.1 IU/L), estradiol (77 pmol/L) and AMH levels (0.65 pmol/L),
      and an unmeasurable AFC. INTERVENTION: A three-month course of priming with oral
      micronized 17beta-estradiol, followed by daily injections of human menopausal
      gonadotropins (hMG). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: AMH level and follicular development.
      RESULTS: After 60 days of stimulation with hMG, the patient's AMH level increased
      to a peak of 1.27 pmol/L. After 102 days of stimulation, her estradiol level rose
      to 480 pmol/L and a 19 mm dominant follicle was detected. The patient
      successfully conceived with intrauterine insemination. CONCLUSION: Ovarian
      reserve testing in patients with IHH can be challenging due to the contracted
      appearance of the ovaries and deficient FSH production. In these patients, AMH
      levels may underestimate ovarian reserve due to the lack of FSH-dependent growing
      follicles. When treated with a long course of hMG, these patients may exhibit
      increased AMH levels and demonstrate adequate follicular development.

PMID- 25113622
TI  - Controlling adverse and beneficial effects of solar UV radiation by wearing
      suitable clothes - spectral transmission of different kinds of fabrics.
AB  - Humans should avoid prolonged exposure to the Sun during the warm subperiod of
      the year with naturally high solar UV level. One of the known recommendations to
      avoid excessive UV radiation is wearing clothes with UV protection additives.
      However there is an important question: how do we get an adequate solar UV
      radiation, which maintains a healthy status of vitamin D, without facing
      overexposure risks? It is found that some kind of 100% cotton knitted fabric,
      used in the production of normal daily clothing, has ~15% transmittance of solar
      UV. Model studies show that a garment made of this fabric allows larger synthesis
      of vitamin D3 in human body without the erythema risks (skin redness). Thus the
      adequate level of vitamin D could be attained safely by a person exposing only
      small part of the body (face, palms) during the period (May-August) of the year. 

PMID- 25113620
TI  - Effects of group culture on the development of discarded human embryos and the
      construction of human embryonic stem cell lines.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the effect of group culture on the developmental potential of
      discarded embryos in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection
      (IVF/ICSI) cycles and establish the human embryonic stem cell lines for future
      research. METHORDS: Fresh discarded embryos were collected from the IVF/ICSI-ET
      program in the reproductive medical center of the first affiliated hospital of
      Zhengzhou university in this study. All zygotes were individually cultured from
      Day 1 to Day 3. On Day 3, discard embryos were then cultured in group of 1-4
      embryos per droplet (30 MUl/droplets) with a constant culture medium until Day 5
      or 6. Mechanical method was used to isolate the inner cell mass (ICM) of
      blastocyst from the embryo. Then we inoculated the ICM on feeder layer. After
      identification of those cells, the human embryonic stem cell lines (hESCs) were
      established. RESULTS: In this study, we collected 1,223 fresh discarded embryos
      and they were sequential cultured to the blastocysts (18.07 %, 221/1,223), in
      which good quality blastocysts were 61(4.98 %, 61/1,223). There was no
      significant difference in the patients. The embryos from 1PN, 2PN, 3PN were
      sequential cultured to the blastocyst s(39.31 %,92/234;12.87 %,64/497;13.21
      %,65/492),in which good quality blastocysts was 13.6 %(32/92),2.61 %(13/64), 3.04
      %(15/65).1PN embryo's blastulation rate and quality embryo formation rate was
      significantly higher than the 2PN and 3PN embryos' (P <0.05). Three embryos group
      cultivation has the highest blastulation rate and quality embryo formation rate
      (P <0.05). In total, we successfully established 4 hESCs lines. CONCLUSION: The
      group culture of human discard embryos can improve the blastulation rate and
      blastocyst quality to some extent. Three embryos group cultivate is the better
      culture number. Human discard embryos are good source for establishment of hESCs.

PMID- 25113623
TI  - Extramammary Paget's disease of the perianal region: a 20-year experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the results obtained from cases of perianal Paget's
      disease (PPD) and to provide a current perspective in the diagnostic evaluation
      and surgical management of this condition. METHODS: A retrospective review of a
      single quaternary referral centre's experience with PPD from January 1994 to
      December 2013 was performed. Medical records were reviewed to collect data on
      demographics, preoperative investigations, complications, pathology and
      recurrence. A review of existing literature was also performed. RESULTS: Five
      patients (four females, one male) with histologically confirmed PPD were
      identified. The median age of presentation was 72 (range 61 to 78). Three
      patients were recurrences following previous excisions and first presentations in
      two patients. Only one patient had an underlying diagnosis of cancer. The median
      time to diagnosis was 24 months. Four patients underwent wide local excision with
      skin graft and/or local flap reconstruction and one patient required an
      abdominoperineal excision for recurrence. Four patients had involved lateral
      margins despite wide local excision but follow-up to date has only revealed one
      local recurrence. A review of available literature suggests that synchronous
      cancers can occur in up to 33% of patients and that a further 10% may be
      associated with metachronous cancers. Surveillance recommendations seem anecdotal
      and do not appear to be supported by available literature. CONCLUSION: PPD is a
      management challenge. Association with synchronous and metachronous carcinomas
      may not be as strong as initially thought. Surgery is the mainstay treatment with
      the need to balance between minimizing disease recurrence and functional sequelae
      from excessive tissue loss.

PMID- 25113624
TI  - A systematic review of the effectiveness of individual, community and societal
      level interventions at reducing socioeconomic inequalities in obesity amongst
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tackling childhood obesity is one of the major contemporary public
      health policy challenges and vital in terms of addressing socioeconomic health
      inequalities.We aimed to systematically review studies of the effectiveness of
      interventions (individual, community and societal) operating via different
      approaches (targeted or universal) in reducing socio-economic inequalities in
      obesity-related outcomes amongst children. METHODS: Nine electronic databases
      were searched from start date to October 2012 along with website and grey
      literature searches. The review examined the best available international
      evidence from interventions that aimed to prevent obesity, treat obesity, or
      improve obesity-related behaviours (diet and/or physical activity) amongst
      children (aged 0-18 years) in any setting and country, so long as they provided
      relevant information and analysis on both socioeconomic status and obesity
      related outcomes. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted using
      established mechanisms and narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS: We located
      23 studies that provided the 'best available' (strongest methodologically)
      international evidence. At the individual level (n = 4), there was indicative
      evidence that screen time reduction and mentoring health promotion interventions
      could be effective in reducing inequalities in obesity. For the community level
      interventions (n = 17), evidence was inconclusive - with some studies suggesting
      that school-based health promotion activities and community-based group-based
      programmes were effective in reducing obesity - others not. Societal level
      evaluations were few (n = 1). However, there was no evidence to suggest that any
      of these intervention types increase inequalities and several studies found that
      interventions could at least prevent the widening of inequalities in obesity. The
      majority of studies were from America and were of 6-12 year old children.
      CONCLUSIONS: The review has found only limited evidence although some individual
      and community based interventions may be effective in reducing socio-economic
      inequalities in obesity-related outcomes amongst children but further research is
      required, particularly of more complex, societal level interventions and amongst
      adolescents.

PMID- 25113625
TI  - A semi-probabilistic modelling approach for the estimation of dietary exposure to
      phthalates in the Belgian adult population.
AB  - In this study, a semi-probabilistic modelling approach was applied for the
      estimation of the long-term human dietary exposure to phthalates--one of world's
      most used families of plasticisers. Four phthalate compounds were considered:
      diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP)
      and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Intake estimates were calculated for the
      Belgian adult population and several subgroups of this population for two
      considered scenarios using an extended version of the EN-forc model. The highest
      intake rates were found for DEHP, followed by DnBP, BBP and DEP. In the Belgian
      adult population, men and young adults generally had the highest dietary
      phthalate intake estimates. Nevertheless, predicted dietary intake rates for all
      four investigated phthalates were far below the corresponding tolerable daily
      intake (TDI) values (i.e. P99 intake values were 6.4% of the TDI at most), which
      is reassuring because adults are also exposed to phthalates via other
      contamination pathways (e.g. dust ingestion and inhalation). The food groups
      contributing most to the dietary exposure were grains and grain-based products
      for DEP, milk and dairy products for DnBP, meat and meat products or grains and
      grain-based products (depending on the scenario) for BBP and meat and meat
      products for DEHP. Comparison of the predicted intake results based on modelled
      phthalate concentrations in food products with intake estimates from other
      surveys (mostly based on measured concentrations) showed that the extended
      version of the EN-forc model is a suitable semi-probabilistic tool for the
      estimation and evaluation of the long-term dietary intake of phthalates in
      humans.

PMID- 25113626
TI  - Effect modification of ozone-related mortality risks by temperature in 97 US
      cities.
AB  - Many time-series studies have characterized the relationship between short-term
      ozone exposure and adverse health outcomes, controlling for temperature as a
      confounder. Temperature may also modify ozone effects, though this has been
      largely under-investigated. In this study, we explored whether temperature
      modifies the effect of short-term ozone exposure on mortality. We used the
      database developed for the National Morbidity and Mortality Air Pollution Study
      to estimate ozone mortality risks in 97 US cities in May through September, 1987
      2000. We treated temperature as a confounder as well as an effect modifier by
      estimating risks at low, moderate, and high temperature categories. When
      temperature was treated as a confounder, a 10-ppb increase in daily 24-h ozone
      was associated with a 0.47% (95% CI: 0.19%-0.76%) increase in mortality. When we
      assessed effect modification by temperature, the interaction between ozone and
      temperature was not statistically significant. However, there was a U-shaped
      pattern in mortality risk, which was greater at the low (<25th percentile) and
      high (>75th percentile) temperature levels than moderate temperature levels. At
      the high temperature category, a 10% increase in AC prevalence mitigated
      mortality risk associated with 10-ppb of ozone exposure by -0.18% (95% CI: 
      0.35%, -0.02%). Furthermore, ozone mortality risk in the high temperature
      category increased as we restricted our analyses to hotter days. On days where
      temperatures exceeded the 75th, 90th, and 95th percentile temperatures, a 10-ppb
      increase in ozone was associated with a 0.65% (95% CI: 0.20%-1.09%), 0.83% (95%
      CI: 0.17%-1.48%), and 1.35% (95% CI: 0.44%-2.27%) increase in mortality,
      respectively. These results suggested that high temperatures may exacerbate
      physiological responses to short-term ozone exposure. 

PMID- 25113627
TI  - Photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, and chlorophyll content
      of soybean seedlings under combined stress of bisphenol A and cadmium.
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA) is ubiquitous in the environment because of its continual
      application in plastics and the epoxy resin industry. Cadmium (Cd) is a highly
      toxic heavy metal element mainly used in smelting, electroplating, and plastic
      and dye manufacturing. Pollution as a result of BPA and Cd exists simultaneously
      in many agricultural regions. However, little information is available regarding
      the combined effects of BPA and Cd on plants. The combined effects of BPA and Cd
      on the photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and chlorophyll content of
      soybean seedlings were investigated using noninvasive technology. Combined
      treatment with 1.5 mg/L BPA and 0.2 mg/L Cd synergistically improved the net
      photosynthetic rate (Pn ), initial fluorescence (F0 ), maximal photochemical
      efficiency (Fv /Fm ), effective quantum yield of photosystem II (PhiPSII ),
      photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR), and chlorophyll content. Combined
      treatment with 1.5 mg/L BPA and 3.0 mg/L Cd increased the F0 and decreased the Pn
      , Fv /Fm , PhiPSII , and ETR, whereas BPA and Cd exhibited an antagonistic
      effect. Furthermore, combined treatment with 17.2/50.0 mg/L BPA and 3.0/10.0 mg/L
      Cd synergistically decreased the Pn , Fv /Fm , PhiPSII , ETR, and chlorophyll
      content, although it increased the F0 . Finally, the effects of BPA and Cd on
      photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and chlorophyll content ceased when BPA
      stress was stopped.

PMID- 25113628
TI  - Intranasally administered serelaxin abrogates airway remodelling and attenuates
      airway hyperresponsiveness in allergic airways disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The peptide hormone relaxin plays a key role in the systemic
      hemodynamic and renovascular adaptive changes that occur during pregnancy, which
      is linked to its antiremodelling effects. Serelaxin (a recombinant form of human
      gene-2 relaxin) has been shown to inhibit lung fibrosis in various disease models
      and reverse airway remodelling and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in allergic
      airways disease (AAD). OBJECTIVE: Although continuous systemic delivery of
      exogenous serelaxin alleviates allergic fibrosis and AHR, more direct routes for
      administration into the lung have not been investigated. Thus, intranasal
      administration of serelaxin was evaluated for its ability to reverse airway
      remodelling and AHR associated with AAD. METHODS: Female Balb/c mice were
      subjected to a 9-week model of chronic AAD. Subgroups of animals (n = 12/group)
      were then treated intranasally with serelaxin (0.8 mg/mL) or vehicle once daily
      for 14 days (from weeks 9-11). Saline-sensitized/challenged mice treated with
      intranasal saline served as additional controls. Differential bronchoalveolar
      lavage (BAL) cell counts, ovalbumin (OVA)-specific IgE levels, tissue
      inflammation, parameters of airway remodelling and AHR were then assessed.
      RESULTS: Chronic AAD was associated with significant increases in differential
      BAL cell counts, OVA-specific IgE levels, inflammation, epithelial thickening,
      goblet cell metaplasia, TGF-beta1 expression, epithelial Smad2 phosphorylation
      (pSmad2), subepithelial collagen thickness, total lung collagen concentration and
      AHR (all P < 0.05 vs. respective measurements from saline-treated mice). Daily
      intranasal delivery of serelaxin significantly diminished AAD-induced epithelial
      thickening, epithelial pSmad2, subepithelial and total lung collagen content
      (fibrosis) and AHR (all P < 0.05 vs. vehicle-treated AAD mice). CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intranasal delivery of serelaxin can effectively reduce
      airway remodelling and AHR, when administered once daily. Respirable preparations
      of serelaxin may have therapeutic potential for the prevention and/or reversal of
      established airway remodelling and AHR in asthma.

PMID- 25113629
TI  - Experimental investigation of the 2D ion beam profile generated by an ESI
      octopole-QMS system.
AB  - In this paper, we have employed an ion imaging approach to investigate the
      behavior of ions exiting from a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) system that
      employs a radio frequency octopole ion guide before the QMS. An in-vacuum active
      pixel detector (Timepix) is employed at the exit of the QMS to image the ion
      patterns. The detector assembly simultaneously records the ion impact position
      and number of ions per pixel in every measurement frame. The transmission
      characteristics of the ion beam exiting the QMS are studied using this imaging
      detector under different operating conditions. Experimental results confirm that
      the ion spatial distribution exiting the QMS is heavily influenced by ion
      injection conditions. Furthermore, ion images from Timepix measurements of
      protein standards demonstrate the capability to enhance the quality of the mass
      spectral information and provide a detailed insight in the spatial distribution
      of different charge states (and hence different m/z) ions exiting the QMS. 

PMID- 25113630
TI  - Subtotal supracricoid laryngectomy: changing in indications, surgical techniques
      and use of new surgical devices.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the evolution of supracricoid
      partial laryngectomy (SCPL) in indications, surgical techniques and outcomes
      through last decades. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 146
      patients affected by laryngeal cancer treated with SCPL was carried on. We
      defined: (1) group A, 100 patients treated by cold instruments between 1995 and
      2004; (2) group B, 46 patients treated by harmonic scalpel between 2005 and 2010.
      Complications rate, and functional and oncological results were documented and a
      comparison between the two groups was made; histopathological analysis of
      surgical margins was evaluated and correlated with local incidence of recurrence.
      RESULTS: Significant differences in age mean-value (p=0.02), T classification
      (p=0.007), and in indication for more advanced-staged patients were found in
      group B (p=0.001). Surgical procedure was shorter in group B (p<0.001), with
      shorter swallowing recovery (p=0.003). Oncological outcomes did not report any
      significant differences. Group B showed a higher incidence of post- operative
      arytenoid edema (p=0.03) associated with a lower rate of pneumonia (p=0.038).
      Despite a higher rate of close or positive-margins found in group B no higher
      incidence of local-recurrence was reported (p=0.02) compared to group A.
      CONCLUSIONS: We documented changing in indications and surgical technique for
      SCPL because of the development of modern diagnostic techniques and the
      introduction of low-thermal injury device allowing a more challenging tumor
      excision as well as with a shorter swallowing recovery in our series.

PMID- 25113631
TI  - Long-term efficacy of inferior meatal antrostomy for treatment of postoperative
      maxillary mucoceles.
AB  - PURPOSE: Transnasal endoscopic marsupialization has replaced the conventional
      Caldwell-Luc operation for managing postoperative maxillary mucoceles. Inferior
      meatal antrostomy (IMA) may be an easier and more effective method than middle
      meatal antrostomy (MMA) because of anatomical and structural changes of the
      maxillary sinus. We evaluated the long-term efficacy and technical simplicity of
      both methods. METHODS: This study included 21 and 32 patients who underwent MMA
      and IMA, respectively. They were diagnosed with a unilateral postoperative
      maxillary mucocele, and medical records were reviewed for history, clinical
      presentation, radiographic findings, surgical intervention, complications, and
      outcomes. During follow-up, the size of the opening and stenosis or obstruction
      of the antrostomy site were evaluated. RESULTS: Preoperative symptoms and mean
      follow-up period were similar in both groups. All patients in the IMA group
      received the operation as planned, whereas in four MMA patients, the attempt to
      create an opening failed because of thick bones and anatomical changes from the
      previous operation; in these patients, IMA was performed. The opening remained
      large enough for ventilation and drainage between the mucocele and the nasal
      cavity in both groups. There were no major complications, such as profuse
      bleeding, wound infection, or orbital or nasolacrimal duct injury. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although both surgical procedures seem to be effective for managing postoperative
      maxillary mucoceles, IMA is easier to perform, and no instances of failure to
      create antrostomy openings occurred. We recommend IMA as the surgical technique
      of choice, but providing an opening of sufficient size is necessary to ensure
      long-term efficacy.

PMID- 25113633
TI  - Improving complex kinship analyses with additional STR loci.
AB  - In a standard paternity testing, mother, child, and alleged father are analyzed
      with STR markers using commercially available kits. Since Italian civil
      legislation does not have thresholds to confirm a paternity, paternity is
      practically proven when likelihood ratio increases prior probability of paternity
      to posterior, accepted by court as sufficient. However, in some cases the number
      of markers included in a commercial kit may be insufficient to conclusively prove
      or disprove a relationship between individuals, especially when complex family
      scenarios are suspected or indirect analyses are required. Additional genetic
      information can increase the values of the likelihood ratio regarding the
      detection of true parental relationships in a pedigree, while reducing the
      chances of false attributions (e.g. false paternities). In these cases the
      introduction of a 26Plex amplification system allows to examine 23-26 additional
      markers depending on the commercial kit used, thus increasing the statistical
      power of the kinship analysis. The PCR conditions were optimized for a multiplex
      amplification system and a new generation CE instrument. In order to demonstrate
      the utility of additional STRs markers, four complex kinship cases are presented.

PMID- 25113632
TI  - Linking mother and youth parenting attitudes: indirect effects via maltreatment,
      parent involvement, and youth functioning.
AB  - Evidence suggests that parenting attitudes are transmitted within families.
      However, limited research has examined this prospectively. The current
      prospective study examined direct effects of early maternal attitudes toward
      parenting (as measured at child age 4 by the Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory
      [AAPI]) on later youth parenting attitudes (as measured by the AAPI at youth age
      18). Indirect effects via child maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse,
      neglect, and emotional maltreatment), parent involvement, and youth functioning
      (internalizing and externalizing problems) were also assessed. Analyses were
      conducted on data from 412 families enrolled in the Longitudinal Studies of Child
      Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). There were significant direct effects for three of
      the four classes of mother parenting attitudes (appropriate developmental
      expectations of children, empathy toward children, and appropriate family roles)
      on youth attitudes but not for rejection of punishment. In addition, the
      following indirect effects were obtained: Mother expectations influenced youth
      expectations via neglect; mother empathy influenced youth empathy via both
      parental involvement and youth externalizing problems; and mother rejection of
      punishment influenced youth rejection of punishment via youth internalizing
      problems. None of the child or family process variables, however, affected the
      link between mother and youth attitudes about roles. 

PMID- 25113634
TI  - Weaknesses of histological analysis in celiac disease diagnosis: new possible
      scenarios.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the
      ingestion of gluten. Serology and organ culture system can support CD diagnosis,
      despite histology being the gold standard. AIM: We wanted to test the uniformity
      of application of Marsh-Oberhuber criteria by five different histologists. We
      also compared histological and serological data with cultural results to consider
      new possible strategies in CD diagnosis. METHODS: We studied 114 patients, who
      were divided in two groups. Group A was composed of 66 patients on a gluten
      containing diet, with gluten-related signs and symptoms, showing positive
      serological anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) and anti-tissue transglutaminase
      (anti- tTG). Group B was composed of 48 disease-control patients, presenting
      serological EMA and anti-tTG negative results. All patients studied underwent
      esophagogastroduodenoscopy with duodenal biopsy and duodenal mucosa organ
      culture. All histological samples were evaluated by five different histologists
      according to an appropriate questionnaire following Marsh-Oberhuber
      classification. Cohen kappa inter-test was used for evaluating the agreement
      between histologists regarding group A. RESULTS: Strength of agreement was
      fair/moderate for villous:crypt ratio, moderate/good for villous height and crypt
      depth, and poor for intraepithelial lymphocytosis. Patients belonging to group A
      presented positive serological as well as cultural results in 100% of cases. None
      of the patients belonging to group B presented serological or cultural positive
      results. DISCUSSION: Our study stresses the limits of histological interpretation
      due to the lack of uniformity in the use of Marsh-Oberhuber classification. These
      findings could cast doubt on the role of histology as CD gold standard and could
      open a debate on the most appropriate CD diagnostic procedure.

PMID- 25113635
TI  - Host defense peptides: front-line immunomodulators.
AB  - Although first studied for their antimicrobial activity, host defense peptides
      (HDPs) are now widely recognized for their multifunctional roles in both the
      innate and adaptive immune responses. Their diverse immunomodulatory capabilities
      include the modulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses, chemoattraction,
      enhancement of extracellular and intracellular bacterial killing, cellular
      differentiation and activation of the innate and adaptive compartments, wound
      healing, and modulation of autophagy as well as apoptosis and pyroptosis. We
      review the various immunomodulatory roles of HDPs and their synthetic analogs,
      the innate defense regulators (IDRs). We discuss their potential as host-directed
      therapies, the hurdles they face in clinical development, and propose ways
      forward. 

PMID- 25113636
TI  - Long non-coding RNAs in the regulation of the immune response.
AB  - It is increasingly clear that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate a variety
      biological responses, and that they do so by a diverse range of mechanisms. In
      the field of immunology, recent publications have shown widespread changes in the
      expression of lncRNAs during the activation of the innate immune response and T
      cell development, differentiation, and activation. These lncRNAs control
      important aspects of immunity such as production of inflammatory mediators,
      differentiation, and cell migration through regulating protein-protein
      interactions or via their ability to basepair with RNA and DNA. We review the
      current understanding of the mechanism of action of these immune-related lncRNAs,
      discuss their impact on physiological and pathological processes, and highlight
      important areas of inquiry at the intersection between immunology and lncRNA
      biology. 

PMID- 25113637
TI  - Influence of the microbiota on vaccine effectiveness.
AB  - Studies of the relationship between the microbiome and the development and
      function of the immune system are demonstrating novel concepts that could
      significantly alter the way we treat disease and promote wellness. Several
      diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, allergy/asthma, and diabetes, are
      associated with changes in composition of the microbiome. Recent findings suggest
      novel complex mechanisms by which the microbiome impacts immune cell development
      and differentiation. A major implication of these findings is that the
      composition of microbiome may ultimately affect vaccine efficacy. We explore here
      the potential role of the microbiome in vaccine responses in the context of our
      growing understanding of the relationship between the gastrointestinal
      microbiota, resident immune cell populations, and systemic immunity.

PMID- 25113640
TI  - Expression and localization of estrogen receptor in human breast cancer and its
      clinical significance.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the clinicopathologic significance of
      ERalpha protein that localized in the cell cytoplasm and/or cell membrane of
      human breast cancer and explore what kind of protein that the cytoplasm/membrane
      ERalpha belongs to. ERalpha expressions in 61 cases of breast cancer are detected
      by immunohistochemistry, grouping is performed according to the positive staining
      of different subcellular localizations, the expression levels of ERalpha66 and
      ERalpha36 in cancer tissues of groups with different subcellular localizations
      are detected by Western blot, and correlation between the indicators and its
      clinicopathologic significance are analyzed by combining with the clinical
      pathological parameters. Localization by immunohistochemical staining in breast
      cancer cells shows that there are two types of ERalpha-in the cell nucleus and/or
      the cell membrane; there are four groups as ER nuclear staining positive +
      membrane staining positive (N+/C+), 23 cases; ER nuclear staining positive +
      membrane staining negative (N+/C-), 16 cases; ER nuclear staining negative +
      membrane staining positive (N-/C+), 8 cases; and ER nuclear staining negative +
      membrane staining negative (N+/C+), 14 cases. ER expression in the cytoplasm
      and/or membrane of cancer cells is correlated with the high expression of HER-2,
      the lymphatic metastasis, and the late clinical stage. Western blot results show
      that ER protein in breast cancer tissues mainly consists of ERalpha66 and
      ERalpha36 bands, and among all the groups, all the cases from the N+/C+ group (n
      = 23) have both ERalpha66 and ERalpha36 expressions; in the N+/C- group, 14 cases
      of which only have the ERalpha66 expression without ERalpha36 expression and 2
      cases of which have both ERalpha66 and ERalpha36 expression; all the cases from
      the N-/C+ group have only the ERalpha36 expression without ERalpha66 expression;
      and in the N-/C- group, there is no either ERalpha66 or ERalpha36 expression. The
      expression level of ERalpha36 relates to the age of patients, the menopause, the
      lymphatic metastasis, and the tumor size (p < 0.05), and no statistical
      significance was shown between it and the family history of patients as well as
      the clinical staging parameters (p > 0.05). The expression level of ERalpha66
      relates to the tumor size of breast cancer and the clinical stages (p < 0.05),
      and no statistical significance was shown between it and the age of patients, the
      history of menopause, and the family history as well as the parameters of
      lymphatic metastasis (p > 0.05). ER protein expression of human breast cancer is
      localized in the cell nucleus and/or the cell membrane, with poor prognosis of
      cytoplasm/membrane-positive patients; ER protein that localized in the nucleus is
      mainly ERalpha66 and that localized in the cytoplasm and/or membrane is mainly
      ERalpha36.

PMID- 25113638
TI  - Prostaglandin D2-supplemented "functional eicosanoid testing and typing" assay
      with peripheral blood leukocytes as a new tool in the diagnosis of systemic mast
      cell activation disease: an explorative diagnostic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systemic mast cell activation disease (MCAD) is characterized by an
      enhanced release of mast cell-derived mediators, including eicosanoids, which
      induce a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms. Accordingly, the diagnostic
      algorithm of MCAD presupposes the proof of increased mast cell mediator release,
      but only a few mediators are currently established as routine laboratory
      parameters. We thus initiated an explorative study to evaluate in vitro typing of
      individual eicosanoid pattern of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) as a new
      diagnostic tool in MCAD. METHODS: Using the "functional eicosanoid testing and
      typing" (FET) assay, we investigated the balance (i.e. the complex pattern of
      formation, release and mutual interaction) of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and peptido
      leukotrienes (pLT) release from PBLs of 22 MCAD patients and 20 healthy
      individuals. FET algorithms thereby consider both basal and arachidonic acid (AA)
      , acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-, and substance P (SP)-triggered release of PGE2 and
      pLT. The FET assay was further supplemented by analyzing prostaglandin D2 (PGD2),
      as mast cell-specific eicosanoid. RESULTS: We observed marked PGE2-pLT imbalances
      for PBLs of MCAD patients, as indicated by a markedly enhanced mean FET value of
      1.75 +/- 0.356 (range: 1.14-2.36), compared to 0.53 +/- 0.119 (range: 0.36-0.75)
      for healthy individuals. In addition, mean PGD2 release from PBLs of MCAD
      patients was significantly, 6.6-fold higher than from PBLs of healthy individuals
      (946 +/- 302.2 pg/ml versus 142 +/- 47.8 pg/ml; P < 0.001). In contrast to
      healthy individuals, PGD2 release from PBLs of MCAD patients was markedly
      triggered by SP (mean: 1896 +/- 389.7 pg/ml; P < 0.001), whereas AA and ASA
      caused individually varying effects on both PGD2 and pLT release. CONCLUSIONS:
      The new in-vitro FET assay, supplemented with analysis of PGD2, demonstrated that
      the individual patterns of eicosanoid release from PBLs can unambiguously
      distinguish MCAD patients from healthy individuals. Notably, in our analyses, the
      FET value and both basal and triggered PGD2 levels were not significantly
      affected by MCAD-specific medication. Thus, this approach may serve as an in
      vitro diagnostic tool to estimate mast cell activity and to support
      individualized therapeutic decision processes for patients suffering from MCAD.

PMID- 25113641
TI  - New insight into improvement of cardiovascular outcomes with intensive glycemic
      control in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus
      included.
AB  - The epidemiology of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is very concerning since this is a
      widespread chronic disease in adult and elderly population. Different
      epidemiological studies confirmed strong relationship between type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (DM2) inclusive MetS and the occurrence of microvascular and
      macrovascular complications in these patients. Therefore, we are discussing
      molecular mechanisms and pathways recently introduced and intensively researched.
      These molecules have been held responsible for direct and indirect correlative
      trends important in the assessment of potential benefit of intensive glycemic
      control. Novel substances may improve patient's outcome in recent future
      regarding cardiovascular complications though their acting mechanisms have not
      been completely elucidated. We are reviewing whether it would intensive glycemic
      control be a reasonable approach in patients with MetS when DM2 is included and
      which recommendations are currently widely applied. The aim was therefore to
      emphasize current need for further investigations in the field since the utility
      of intensive glycemic control in all DM/MetS patients as mean for reduction of
      cardiovascular complications still remains controversial. 

PMID- 25113639
TI  - Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (-238 / -308) and TNFRII-VNTR (-322) Polymorphisms as
      Genetic Biomarkers of Susceptibility to Develop Cervical Cancer Among Tunisians.
AB  - Host genetic factors may confer susceptibility to Cervical Cancer. TNF-alpha as
      pro-inflammatory cytokine participates in the maintenance of immune homeostasis.
      Allelic variation of immuno-modulatory genes is associated with alteration in
      immune function. This study investigated the associations between TNF-alpha
      308G>A, -238G>A, and TNFRII - VNTR-322 and cervical cancer in Tunisian women.
      Genotypes of those polymorphisms were detected in 130 cases and 260 controls. The
      variant heterozygote -308 G/A was associated with a 41% decreased risk of
      cervical cancer (GG vs A/A; p = 0.002; OR = 0.41; 95% CI =0.23-0.76).
      Furthermore, compared with dominant variant G/G, the (G/A+A/A) genotypes was
      significantly associated with a decreased risk of CC (GG vs G/A+A/A; p = 0.026;
      OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.40-0.97). The FIGO stratified analysis showed that the
      minor variant A/A and combined G/A+A/A of TNFalpha-238 G>A and TNFalpha-308 G>A
      increased the risk of the tumor evolution, respectively, (P = 0.011; OR = 2.98;
      95% CI = 1.16-7.72) (P = 0.008; OR = 2.76; 95% CI = 1.20-6.41), (P = 0.000; OR =
      16.33; 95% CI = (5.10-55.23) (P = 0.000; OR = 7.54; 95% CI = 2.68-22.29). There
      was statistically significant relationship between the incidence of the TNF-alpha
      mutations and the clinical progression of cancer according to the FIGO
      classification. In our study, the haploview analysis revealed no LD between
      rs1800629 and rs361525. TNF-alpha and TNFRII polymorphisms might be genetic risk
      factors for cervical cancer in Tunisian population.

PMID- 25113642
TI  - Relation of PAI-1 and TPA genes polymorphisms to acute myocardial infarction and
      its outcomes in Egyptian patients.
AB  - Endogenous fibrinolysis is a protective mechanism against arterial thrombotic
      occlusion, which would otherwise lead to permanent tissue damage as acute
      myocardial infarction (AMI). We aimed to investigate the association of
      plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (TPA)
      genes polymorphisms with myocardial infarction and its outcomes in Egyptian
      patients. 184 patients with AMI and 184 controls were included in the study. PAI
      1 and TPA genes polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. All
      patients were followed for AMI complications during their hospitalization. We
      found a significant association among TPA ID, II genotypes, and I allele and
      increased risk of AMI by 2.1, 3.2, and 1.9 fold, respectively. Also, the
      frequencies of PAI-1 4G/4G genotype and 4G allele were significantly increased in
      patients with AMI as compared to the control group. Furthermore, AMI patients
      with PAI-1 4G/4G genotype were significantly more likely to have morbidity and
      mortality complications as compared to AMI patients without complications (P =
      0.00 and 0.048, respectively). We concluded that 4G/4G genotype and 4G allele of
      the PAI-1 gene are associated with risk of AMI and its morbidity. The PAI-1 4G/4G
      genotype is associated with mortality of AMI. There is also an association
      between TPA ID, II genotypes, and I allele with increased risk of AMI.

PMID- 25113643
TI  - Posterior trochanteric osteotomy in acetabular fractures for 32 cases.
AB  - The aim of this study is to explore the method and clinical outcome of posterior
      trochanteric osteotomy in acetabular fractures. From January 2000 to January
      2008, 32 cases of acetabular fractures involving the dome of acetabulum underwent
      posterior trochanteric osteotomy for a better exposure and internal fixation with
      acetabular tridimensional memory fixation system. 28 cases (16 men and 12 women,
      mean age 39.9 years, range 16-73 years) were followed up with an average of 48.9
      months (range of 19-95 months) and four were lost during follow up. Of 28 cases,
      19 were fresh fractures and 9 were old fractures. The reduction was evaluated
      with Matta criteria. Clinical evaluation was based on modified Merle d'Aubigne
      and Postel scoring. Motor strength of the abductors was evaluated according to
      the Medical Research Council grading system. Ectopic ossification was classified
      according to Brooker criteria. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 17 cases and
      satisfied reduction in 10 patients. Poor reduction happened in an old fracture.
      All acetabular fractures got a direct bone union and no displacement and deep
      infection occurred. All osteotomies healed within 3.5 months without any
      nonunion, proximal migration of the greater trochanter, loosing or broken of
      instrumentation, and deep infection. Two superficial infections were healed with
      a regular dressing. Two patients underwent removal of implants from greater
      trochanter because of irritation. The strength of the abductors was of Grade 3/5
      in two patients, Grade 4/5 in five patients, and normal in the rest. Clinical
      scoring was excellent to good in 84 %. Ectopic ossification occurred in five
      patients, grade 1 in two patients, grade 2 in two, and grade 3 in one. But
      function of hip joint was not seriously affected. Posterior trochanteric
      osteotomy can provide an adequate exposure of the dome of acetabulum without the
      associated complications like nonunion, proximal replacement, and weak of the
      abductors which often occur with standard oblique osteotomy.

PMID- 25113644
TI  - Gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,6,8-dienyne carbonates and esters to cis
      cyclohepta-4,8-diene-fused pyrrolidines.
AB  - A synthetic approach that provides access to cis-cyclohepta-4,8-diene-fused
      pyrrolidines efficiently through Au(I) -catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,6,8
      dienyne carbonates and esters at a low catalyst loading of 2 mol % is reported.
      Starting carbonates and esters with a pendant alkyl group on the terminal alkenyl
      carbon center were found to favor tandem 1,2-acyloxy migration/cyclopropanation
      followed by Cope rearrangement of the resulting cis-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane
      intermediate. On the other hand, substrates containing a terminal diene or
      starting materials in which the distal alkene moiety bears a phenyl substituent
      were observed to undergo competitive but reversible 1,3-acyloxy migration prior
      to the nitrogen-containing bicyclic ring formation. The delineated reaction
      mechanism also provides experimental evidence for the reversible interconversion
      between the oft-proposed organogold intermediates obtained in this step of the
      tandem process. 

PMID- 25113645
TI  - Aging and the novelty pressor effect in men on the first day of 7-day/24-hour
      ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

PMID- 25113646
TI  - Elevated serum CA 19-9 at screening tests: underlying conditions and role of
      abdominopelvic CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate underlying conditions of patients with elevated CA 19
      9 at screening tests and to evaluate diagnostic performance of abdominopelvic CT.
      METHODS: One hundred and thirteen patients with elevated CA 19-9 (>37 U/ml) who
      underwent abdominopelvic CT in a screening program were selected. Underlying
      conditions were determined by reviewing all available data and follow-up records.
      Patients were categorized into malignancy, benign, and normal/non-related disease
      groups. Their mean CA 19-9 and percent of patients with CA 19-9 >= 100 U/ml were
      compared. Diagnostic sensitivity of CT for detecting underlying conditions of
      elevated CA 19-9 was analysed. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (17/113, 15 %) had 17
      elevated CA 19-9-related malignancies, and 55 patients (55/113, 48.7 %) had 70
      benign diseases. Mean CA 19-9 and percent of patients with CA 19-9 >= 100 U/ml in
      the malignancy group were significantly higher than in the two other groups. CT
      detected all except one malignant lesion with a detection sensitivity of 94.1 %
      (16/17). Of 70 CA 19-9-related benign diseases, CT detected 34 benign diseases
      (48.6 %) providing an alternative diagnosis for elevated CA 19-9. CONCLUSION:
      Abdominopelvic CT is not only useful in detecting malignancies, but can also
      diagnose alternative benign causes of elevated CA 19-9 in asymptomatic screening
      tests. KEY POINTS: * Fifteen percent of asymptomatic patients with elevated CA19
      9 may have intra-abdominal malignancies. * Mean value of CA19-9 is different
      among malignant, benign, and non-related groups. * CT shows excellent sensitivity
      for intra-abdominal malignancies as causatives of elevated CA19-9. * CT provides
      alternative benign diagnoses as causatives of elevated CA19-9. * Detection of
      causatives of elevated CA19-9 using CT alleviates concerns and uncertainty.

PMID- 25113647
TI  - Diffusion-weighted imaging for the detection of mesenteric small bowel tumours
      with Magnetic Resonance--enterography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To retrospectively investigate the added value of diffusion-weighted MR
      imaging (DWI) for detecting mesenteric small bowel tumours (MSBTs) via MR
      enterography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR-enterographies of 98 patients with
      suspected MSBTs were blindly analyzed by two independent readers for the presence
      of MSBTs. Four imaging sets including "standard" (Haste and TrueFisp), "standard
      + DWI," "standard + gadolinium-enhanced" and "standard + DWI + gadolinium
      enhanced" were reviewed. Diagnostic performance of different readings were
      compared with McNemar's test. RESULTS: Twenty-nine MSBTs were pathologically
      confirmed. For R1 (junior radiologist) sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and
      accuracy for the detection of MSBTs via standard MRI were 52 % [95 % CI: 34 %-70
      %] (15/29), 94 % [95 % CI: 89 %-100 %] (65/69), 79 % [95 % CI: 61 %-97 %]
      (15/19), 82 % [95 % CI: 74 %-91 %] (65/79) and 82 % [95 % CI: 74 %-89 %] (80/98),
      respectively. For R2 (senior radiologist) they were 76 % [95 % CI: 60 %-91 %]
      (22/29), 96 % [95 % CI: 91-100 %] (66/69), 88 % [95 % CI: 75 %-100 %] (22/25), 90
      % [95 % CI: 84 %-97 %] (66/73) and 90 % [95 % CI: 84 %-96 %] (88/98),
      respectively. Adding DWI they were 72 % [95 % CI: 56 %-89 %] (21/29), 91 % [95 %
      CI: 85 %-98 %] (63/69), 78 % [95 % CI: 62 %-94 %] (21/27), 89 % [95 % CI: 81 %-96
      %] (63/71) and 87 % [95 % CI: 80 %-94 %] (85/98) for R1 and 79 % [95 % CI: 65 %
      94 %] (23/29), 97 % [95 % CI: 93 %-100 %] (67/69), 92 % [95 % CI: 81 %-100 %]
      (23/25), 92 % [95 % CI: 86 %-98 %] (67/73) and 92 % [95 % CI: 86 %-97 %] (90/98)
      for R2. Sensitivities for tumour detection were higher after adding DWI to
      standard MRI, although only for R1 was this significant (P = 0.03). Adding DWI to
      standard + gadolinium-enhanced MRI did not significantly increase MR performance.
      CONCLUSION: DWI improves MSBT detection via MR-enterography compared to standard
      unenhanced MR-enterography, especially for unexperienced readers. KEY POINTS: *
      MR-enterography is accurate for the detection of mesenteric small-bowel tumours.
      * Diffusion-weighted sequencing helps inexperienced readers detect small-bowel
      tumours with MR-enterography. * Diffusion-weighted sequencing adds value to
      standard MR-enterography when gadolinium is contraindicated.

PMID- 25113648
TI  - Diagnostic performance of shear wave elastography in the identification of
      malignant thyroid nodules: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the performance of shear wave
      elastography (SWE) in the identification of malignant thyroid nodules. METHODS:
      Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and the references of narrative reviews were
      searched for relevant studies with a publication date through October 2013. The
      methodological quality was assessed using QUADAS tools. Data synthesis was
      calculated using the bivariate mixed-effects regression model. RESULTS: Of the
      131 studies identified, 15 (11.5 %) were included, in which SWE, point-SWE or 2D
      SWE, was used to evaluate 1,867 thyroid nodules in 1,525 patients. Methodological
      assessment revealed study quality was moderate to high. The pooled sensitivity,
      specificity, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve
      of SWE for detecting malignant thyroid nodules were 84.3 % (95 % confidence
      interval [CI], 76.9-89.7 %), 88.4 % (95 % CI, 84.0-91.7 %), and 93 % (95 % CI, 90
      95 %), respectively. As a screening tool, positive and negative predictive values
      were 27.7-44.7 % and 98.1-99.1 %, respectively, calculated with a malignance
      prevalence of 5-10 % in thyroid nodules. A publication bias regression test
      revealed no significant small-study bias. CONCLUSIONS: SWE is a highly accurate
      diagnostic modality for the identification of malignant thyroid nodules, with
      promise for integration into routine imaging protocols for thyroid nodules. KEY
      POINTS: * Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a group of novel ultrasound-based
      technologies. * Meta-analysis was employed to assess relevant studies of SWE of
      thyroid nodules. * SWE had high sensitivity and specificity in identifying
      malignant thyroid nodules. * The high negative predictive value of SWE can reduce
      unnecessary biopsies.

PMID- 25113649
TI  - Quantitative assessment of right ventricular function and pulmonary regurgitation
      in surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot using 256-slice CT: comparison with 3
      Tesla MRI.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare 256-slice cardiac computed tomography (CCT) with cardiac
      magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to assess right ventricular (RV) function and
      pulmonary regurgitant fraction (PRF) in patients with repaired tetralogy of
      Fallot (TOF). METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive patients with repaired TOF
      underwent retrospective ECG-gated CCT and 3-Tesla CMR. RV and left ventricular
      (LV) end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV)
      and ejection fraction (EF) were measured using CCT and CMR. PRF-CCT (%) was
      defined as (RVSV - LVSV)/RVSV. PRF-CMR (%) was measured by the phase-contrast
      method. Repeated measurements were performed to determine intra- and
      interobserver variability. RESULTS: CCT measurements, including PRF, correlated
      highly with the CMR reference (r = 0.71-0.96). CCT overestimated RVEDV (mean
      difference, 17.1 +/- 2.9 ml), RVESV (12.9 +/- 2.1 ml) and RVSV (4.2 +/- 2.0 ml),
      and underestimated RVEF (-2.6 +/- 1.0%) and PRF (-9.1 +/- 2.0%) compared with
      CMR. The limits of agreement between CCT and CMR were in a good range for all
      measurements. The variability in CCT measurements was lower than those in CMR.
      The estimated effective radiation dose was 7.6 +/- 2.6 mSv. CONCLUSIONS: 256
      slice CCT can assess RV function and PRF with relatively low dose radiation
      exposure in patients with repaired TOF, but overestimates RV volume and
      underestimates PRF. KEY POINTS: 256-slice CT assessment of RV function is highly
      reproducible in repaired TOF. Pulmonary regurgitation can be evaluated by
      biventricular systolic volume difference. CT overestimates RV volume and
      underestimates pulmonary regurgitation, compared with MRI.

PMID- 25113650
TI  - A new technique for noise reduction at coronary CT angiography with multi-phase
      data-averaging and non-rigid image registration.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of a newly developed noise reduction
      technique at coronary CT angiography (CTA) that uses multi-phase data-averaging
      and non-rigid image registration. METHODS: Sixty-five patients underwent coronary
      CTA with prospective ECG-triggering. The range of the phase window was set at 70
      80% of the R-R interval. First, three sets of consecutive volume data at 70%, 75%
      and 80% of the R-R interval were prepared. Second, we applied non-rigid
      registration to align the 70% and 80% images to the 75% image. Finally, we
      performed weighted averaging of the three images and generated a de-noised image.
      The image noise and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the proximal coronary
      arteries between the conventional 75% and the de-noised images were compared. Two
      radiologists evaluated the image quality using a 5-point scale (1, poor; 5,
      excellent). RESULTS: On de-noised images, mean image noise was significantly
      lower than on conventional 75% images (18.3 HU +/- 2.6 vs. 23.0 HU +/- 3.3, P <
      0.01) and the CNR was significantly higher (P < 0.01). The mean image quality
      score for conventional 75% and de-noised images was 3.9 and 4.4, respectively (P
      < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our method reduces image noise and improves image quality
      at coronary CTA. KEY POINTS: * We introduce a new method for image noise
      reduction at cardiac CT. * Multiple data acquisitions of an object and their
      averaging yield lower noise. * Our method uses multi-phase images reconstructed
      from unused redundant imaging data. * It reduces image noise by averaging multi
      phase images transformed by non-rigid registration. * This method achieves a 20%
      image noise reduction at cardiac CT.

PMID- 25113651
TI  - Ethical issues for late-stage trials of multipurpose prevention technologies for
      HIV and pregnancy.
AB  - Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) designed to simultaneously prevent
      pregnancy and HIV could provide urgently needed tools to address unmet sexual and
      reproductive health needs of women worldwide. Late-stage clinical trials will be
      complex given the need to demonstrate efficacy for HIV and contraceptive
      indications simultaneously from a single product. Currently, HIV and pregnancy
      prevention trials have distinctive design features that will need to be
      reconciled in MPT trials. This article identifies several ethical issues uniquely
      associated with this research that will benefit from future deliberation and
      guidance to ensure that this globally important research can proceed efficiently
      and expeditiously. 

PMID- 25113652
TI  - Prediction of domestic violence against married women in southwestern Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of, and independent risk factors for
      various domestic violence categories among married women of reproductive age in
      southwestern Turkey. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study included 260
      randomly selected women registered to a family physician in the district of
      Gonen, Isparta. During home visits between October 1 and December 31, 2012, the
      women completed a questionnaire that included between four and eight questions
      for each violence category (physical, verbal, economic, emotional, and sexual) to
      assess the lifetime presence of domestic violence. Logistic regression models
      with backward elimination were constructed to define independent risk factors for
      domestic violence. RESULTS: In total, 176 (67.7%) women reported any type of
      domestic violence at least once in their lifetime. Verbal/psychological abuse was
      the most frequent type (reported by 121 [46.5%] women). Living in a village,
      young age (19-29 years) of the husband, adolescent age (<19 years) of the husband
      at marriage, and problem alcohol use or problem gambling in the partner were
      independent predictors of domestic violence. CONCLUSION: Attention should be
      given to area of residence, age of both partners at marriage, adolescent
      marriage, and husband characteristics during screening for domestic violence.

PMID- 25113653
TI  - Relationship between serum gamma-glutamyltransferase levels and prehypertension
      in Chinese adults: the cardiometabolic risk in Chinese study.
AB  - The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between serum gamma
      glutamyltransferase (GGT) and prehypertension, as well as the modification of
      other metabolic risk factors in a large cohort of Chinese individuals. The data
      were collected via a community-based health examination survey in central China.
      Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and levels of GGT, fasting blood glucose,
      aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lipid
      indicators were measured. In total, data from 18,302 patients with available
      biomarkers were included in the present study. Elevated blood pressure was
      associated with increased GGT concentration (P<.001). After adjusting for age,
      sex, BMI, fasting blood glucose, lipid indicators, AST, and family history of
      hypertension, the association between GGT levels and prehypertension remained
      significant (P=.021). The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for
      prehypertension across quintiles of GGT level were 1.00, 1.057 (1.012-1.334),
      1.068 (0.916-1.254), 1.024 (0.851-1.368), and 1.272 (1.027-1.593), respectively.
      In stratified analyses, the association between GGT levels and prehypertension
      was significant in women but was not significant in men. Moreover, additive
      effect of BMI and age on the effect of GGT levels on prehypertension (both P for
      interaction <.001) was observed. In summary, GGT levels were positively
      associated with prehypertension in women, independent of other metabolic factors.
      Furthermore, BMI and age may amplify the effects of GGT levels on
      prehypertension. These findings suggest that monitoring the levels of GGT could
      help in the diagnosis and monitoring of prehypertension.

PMID- 25113657
TI  - A brief history of cancer: age-old milestones underlying our current knowledge
      database.
AB  - This mini-review chronicles the history of cancer ranging from cancerous growths
      discovered in dinosaur fossils, suggestions of cancer in Ancient Egyptian papyri
      written in 1500-1600 BC, and the first documented case of human cancer 2,700
      years ago, to contributions by pioneers beginning with Hippocrates and ending
      with the originators of radiation and medical oncology. Fanciful notions that
      soon fell into oblivion are mentioned such as Paracelsus and van Helmont
      substituting Galen's black bile by mysterious ens or archeus systems. Likewise,
      unfortunate episodes such as Virchow claiming Remak's hypotheses as his own
      remind us that human shortcomings can affect otherwise excellent scientists.
      However, age-old benchmark observations, hypotheses, and practices of historic
      and scientific interest are underscored, excerpts included, as precursors of
      recent discoveries that shaped modern medicine. Examples include: Petit's total
      mastectomy with excision of axillary glands for breast cancer; a now routine
      practice, Peyrilhe's ichorous matter a cancer-causing factor he tested for
      transmissibility one century before Rous confirmed the virus-cancer link, Hill's
      warning of the dangers of tobacco snuff; heralding today's cancer pandemic caused
      by smoking, Pott reporting scrotum cancer in chimney sweepers; the first proven
      occupational cancer, Velpeau's remarkable foresight that a yet unknown
      subcellular element would have to be discovered in order to define the nature of
      cancer; a view confirmed by cancer genetics two centuries later, ending with
      Rontgen and the Curies, and Gilman et al. ushering radiation (1896, 1919) and
      medical oncology (1942), respectively. 

PMID- 25113654
TI  - Ultrasound imaging of the trapeziometacarpal articular cavity to investigate the
      presence of intraarticular gas bubbles after chiropractic manipulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of
      intraarticular gas bubbles in the trapeziometacarpal joint cavity after
      chiropractic manipulation with audible cavitation and to assess the state of the
      gas bubbles after a 20-minute refractory period. METHODS: This investigation
      included 18 asymptomatic male and female participants between the ages of 21 and
      26 years. High-resolution (15 MHz) sonograms of the trapeziometacarpal articular
      cavity were obtained by an experienced musculoskeletal ultrasonographer at 3
      intervals: premanipulation, within 30 seconds postmanipulation, and at 20 minutes
      postmanipulation. The sonograms were saved as digital copies for subsequent
      reports that were correlated with reports compiled during dynamic visualization
      of the articular cavity. Data were extracted from the reports for analysis.
      RESULTS: The premanipulative sonograms showed that 27.78% of joints contained
      minute gas bubbles, also known as microcavities, within the synovial fluid before
      the joint was manipulated. The remaining 72.22% of joints contained no
      intraarticular microcavities. All of the postmanipulative sonograms revealed
      numerous large conspicuous gas bubbles within the synovial fluid. The
      postrefractory sonograms showed that, in 66.66% of the synovial fluid, gas
      bubbles were still visible, whereas the remaining 33.34% had no presence of gas
      bubbles or microcavities, and the synovial fluid had returned to its
      premanipulative state. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that
      synovial fluid may contain intraarticular microcavities even before a
      manipulation is performed. Numerous large intraarticular gas bubbles are formed
      during manipulation due to cavitation of the synovial fluid and were observed in
      the absence of an axial distractive load at the time of imaging. In most cases,
      these gas bubbles remained within the joint for longer than 20 minutes.

PMID- 25113655
TI  - Paediatric hereditary angioedema: a survey of UK service provision and patient
      experience.
AB  - Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disease characterized by episodes of
      potentially life-threatening angioedema. For affected children in the United
      Kingdom, there are relatively few data regarding disease prevalence, service
      organization and the humanistic burden of the disease. To improve knowledge in
      these areas, we surveyed major providers of care for children with HAE. A
      questionnaire was sent to major paediatric centres to determine patient numbers,
      symptoms, diagnostic difficulties, management and available services. In
      addition, all patients at a single centre were given a questionnaire to determine
      the experiences of children and their families. Sixteen of 28 centres responded,
      caring for a total of 111 UK children. Seven children had experienced life
      threatening crises. One-third of patients were on long-term prophylactic
      medication, including C1 inhibitor prophylaxis in four children. Eight centres
      reported patients who were initially misdiagnosed. Broad differences in
      management were noted, particularly regarding indications for long-term
      prophylaxis and treatment monitoring. We also noted substantial variation in the
      organization of services between centres, including the number of consultants
      contributing to patient care, the availability of specialist nurses, the
      availability of home therapy training and the provision of patient information.
      Ten of 12 patient/carer questionnaires were returned, identifying three common
      themes: the need to access specialist knowledge, the importance of home therapy
      and concerns around the direct effect of angioedema on their life. To our
      knowledge, this study represents the first dedicated survey of paediatric HAE
      services in the United Kingdom and provides useful information to inform the
      optimization of services. 

PMID- 25113658
TI  - Phase II drugs currently being investigated for the treatment of hypogonadism.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypogonadism is the most common endocrine disorder, which affects
      men of all age groups. Recent shifts in public awareness, increased screening and
      recognition of symptoms and updated diagnostic criteria have led to an increase
      in men diagnosed as hypogonadal, including middle-aged and older men who
      previously would have been considered eugonadal. The increase in testosterone
      replacement therapy (TRT) has paralleled an increase in advancements of treatment
      options. Although current therapies are highly efficacious for many men, there
      remains a need for newer therapies that are more cost-effective, preserve ease of
      use and administration, mitigate undesirable effects and closely mimic
      physiological levels of testosterone. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors
      discuss current TRTs and therapies in development for the treatment of
      hypogonadism. The focus is on therapies under Phase II investigation or those who
      have recently completed Phase II study. EXPERT OPINION: With several new
      therapies in development, the authors expect advancements in achieving treatment
      benchmarks that meet the needs of the individual symptomatic hypogonadal male.
      Increased public awareness of hypogonadism and TRT has led to a welcomed
      expansion in the choice of TRT options. These include new delivery systems,
      formulations, routes of administration and non-testosterone modalities.

PMID- 25113659
TI  - A simple and sensitive fluorescence based biosensor for the determination of uric
      acid using H2O2-sensitive quantum dots/dual enzymes.
AB  - A novel optical detection system consisting of combination of uricase/HRP-CdS
      quantum dots (QDs) for the determination of uric acid in urine sample is
      described. The QDs was used as an indicator to reveal fluorescence property of
      the system resulting from enzymatic reaction of uricase and HRP (horseradish
      peroxidase), which is involved in oxidizing uric acid to allaintoin and hydrogen
      peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide produced was able to quench the QDs fluorescence,
      which was proportional to uric acid concentration. The system demonstrated
      sufficient activity of uricase and HRP at a ratio of 5U:5U and pH 7.0. The
      linearity of the system toward uric acid was in the concentration range of 125
      1000 uM with detection limit of 125 uM.

PMID- 25113660
TI  - Examining the link between adolescent brain development and risk taking from a
      social-developmental perspective (reprinted).
AB  - The adolescent age period is often characterized as a health paradox because it
      is a time of extensive increases in physical and mental capabilities, yet overall
      mortality/morbidity rates increase significantly from childhood to adolescence,
      often due to preventable causes such as risk taking. Asynchrony in developmental
      time courses between the affective/approach and cognitive control brain systems,
      as well as the ongoing maturation of neural connectivity are thought to lead to
      increased vulnerability for risk taking in adolescence. A critical analysis of
      the frequency of risk taking behaviors, as well as mortality and morbidity rates
      across the lifespan, however, challenges the hypothesis that the peak of risk
      taking occurs in middle adolescence when the asynchrony between the different
      developmental time courses of the affective/approach and cognitive control
      systems is the largest. In fact, the highest levels of risk taking behaviors,
      such as alcohol and drug use, often occur among emerging adults (e.g.,
      university/college students), and highlight the role of the social context in
      predicting risk taking behavior. Moreover, risk taking is not always unregulated
      or impulsive. Future research should broaden the scope of risk taking to include
      risks that are relevant to older adults, such as risky financial investing,
      gambling, and marital infidelity. In addition, a lifespan perspective, with a
      focus on how associations between neural systems and behavior are moderated by
      context and trait-level characteristics, and which includes diverse samples
      (e.g., divorced individuals), will help to address some important limitations in
      the adolescent brain development and risk taking literature. 

PMID- 25113662
TI  - Mechanochemical preparation of nanocrystalline BaFCl doped with samarium in the
      2+ oxidation state.
AB  - We report a facile mechanochemical preparation method for nanocrystalline BaFCl
      doped with samarium in the 2+ oxidation state by ball milling BaCl2, BaF2, and
      SmI2 under a nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting phosphors were characterized by
      powder X-ray diffraction; electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy;
      and photoluminescence, photoexcitation, cathodoluminescence, and diffuse
      reflectance spectroscopy. This is the first report of a direct preparation method
      of Sm(2+) doped alkaline earth fluorohalides at room temperature and points to a
      significant potential for the preparation of a wide range of related X-ray
      storage phosphors containing rare earth ions in divalent and trivalent cationic
      states by mechanochemical methods. 

PMID- 25113661
TI  - Laparoscopic repair of posttraumatic diaphragmatic rupture. Report of three
      cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Posttraumatic diaphragmatic rupture (PTDR) is a rare complication
      of thoracoabdominal injuries. In the emergency phase, it is generally treated via
      wide laparotomy. The laparoscopic approach is controversial and it is reserved
      for the chronic type of PTDR. Herein we present three cases of laparoscopic
      treatment of PTDR, one of which was conducted early after the injury.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: The patients' age was 42, 66 and 53 years and the time from
      the injury until the operation 1 week, 2 months and 4 years, respectively. Hernia
      involved the left hemidiaphragm in two patients and the right hemidiaphragm in
      the second patient. Prolapsing viscera were the omentum/stomach/spleen, the small
      intestine and the omentum/large bowel, respectively. The PTDR was diagnosed right
      after the injury of the first patient but its treatment was postponed until the
      fourth day of hospitalization because of severe respiratory distress due to
      bilateral pneumothorax, flail chest and extended bilateral lung contusions. All
      patients underwent laparoscopic operation and correction of the hernia with the
      use of non-absorbable sutures or endoclips in two patients. There were no serious
      intra- or postoperative complications and the patients were discharged 30, 5, 6
      days after the operation. After a period of 1, 8 and 9 years, respectively the
      patients remain without clinical evidence of recurrence. DISCUSSION: Trauma is
      the major cause of acquired diaphragmatic hernias. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is an
      attractive approach for the management of chronic PTDR. Moreover, it may offer
      the benefits of minimally invasive surgery during the acute phase of injury in
      highly selected patients.

PMID- 25113663
TI  - Relighting behaviour among cigarette smokers seeking treatment: implications for
      tobacco treatment and policy.
AB  - AIMS: During the recent economic downturn, trends towards fewer cigarettes smoked
      per day have emerged along with the practice of extinguishing and relighting
      cigarettes. Few studies have characterised factors related to relighting
      cigarettes and none have explored this behaviour in those seeking tobacco
      treatment. This study describes treatment-seeking patients who relight cigarettes
      and examines implications on tobacco policy and treatment. METHODS: Data were
      collected from a cross-sectional sample of 496 patients at a specialty tobacco
      treatment programme in New Jersey from 2010 to 2012. RESULTS: Forty-six per cent
      of the sample reported relighting, and those subjects smoked significantly fewer
      cigarettes per day (CPD), despite similar levels of dependence and exhaled carbon
      monoxide (CO) values. In unadjusted analyses, significantly higher rates of
      relighting were found among females, African-Americans, smokers who had a high
      school diploma or less, and were unemployed, sick or disabled. Relighting was
      more prevalent among smokers with higher markers of dependence, menthol smoking
      and night smoking. In multivariate analyses, markers of dependence and economic
      factors (employment and education) remained significant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Characteristics linked to economic factors were related to increased relighting.
      Implications for tobacco treatment include the impact on pharmacotherapy dosing
      and counselling interventions. The tobacco control community needs to be aware of
      this phenomenon. Collecting data on 'smoking sessions per day' might be a more
      accurate depiction of smoking exposure than CPD.

PMID- 25113664
TI  - Time to analgesia for care delivered by nurse practitioners in the emergency
      department - a retrospective chart audit.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate quality of care delivered to patients presenting to the
      emergency department (ED) with pain and managed by emergency nurse practitioners
      by: 1 Evaluating time to analgesia from initial presentation 2 Evaluating time
      from being seen to next analgesia 3 Measuring pain score documentation
      BACKGROUND: The delivery of quality care in the emergency department (ED) is
      emerging as one of the most important service indicators being measured by health
      services. Emergency nurse practitioner services are designed to improve timely,
      quality care for patients. One of the goals of quality emergency care is the
      timely and effective delivery of analgesia for patients. Timely analgesia is an
      important indicator of ED service performance. METHODS: A retrospective explicit
      chart review of 128 consecutive patients with pain and managed by emergency nurse
      practitioners was conducted. Data collected included demographics, presenting
      complaint, pain scores, and time to first dose of analgesia. Patients were
      identified from the ED patient information system (Cerner log) and data were
      extracted from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Pain scores were documented
      in 67 (52.3%; 95% CI: 43.3-61.2) patients. The median time to analgesia from
      presentation was 60.5 (IQR 30-87) minutes, with 34 (26.6%; 95% CI: 19.1-35.1)
      patients receiving analgesia within 30 minutes of presentation to hospital. There
      were 22 (17.2%; 95% CI: 11.1-24.9) patients who received analgesia prior to
      assessment by a nurse practitioner. Among patients who received analgesia after
      assessment by a nurse practitioner, the median time to analgesia after assessment
      was 25 (IQR 12-50) minutes, with 65 (61.3%; 95% CI: 51.4-70.6) patients receiving
      analgesia within 30 minutes of assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients
      assessed by nurse practitioners received analgesia within 30 minutes after
      assessment. However, opportunities for substantial improvement in such times
      along with documentation of pain scores were identified and will be targeted in
      future research.

PMID- 25113665
TI  - A new method for modeling coalescent processes with recombination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recombination plays an important role in the maintenance of genetic
      diversity in many types of organisms, especially diploid eukaryotes.
      Recombination can be studied and used to map diseases. However, recombination
      adds a great deal of complexity to the genetic information. This renders
      estimation of evolutionary parameters more difficult. After the coalescent
      process was formulated, models capable of describing recombination using graphs,
      such as ancestral recombination graphs (ARG) were also developed. There are two
      typical models based on which to simulate ARG: back-in-time model such as ms and
      spatial model including Wiuf&Hein's, SMC, SMC', and MaCS. RESULTS: In this study,
      a new method of modeling coalescence with recombination, Spatial Coalescent
      simulator (SC), was developed, which considerably improved the algorithm
      described by Wiuf and Hein. The present algorithm constructs ARG spatially along
      the sequence, but it does not produce any redundant branches which are inevitable
      in Wiuf and Hein's algorithm. Interestingly, the distribution of ARG generated by
      the present new algorithm is identical to that generated by a typical back-in
      time model adopted by ms, an algorithm commonly used to model coalescence. It is
      here demonstrated that the existing approximate methods such as the sequentially
      Markov coalescent (SMC), a related method called SMC', and Markovian coalescent
      simulator (MaCS) can be viewed as special cases of the present method. Using
      simulation analysis, the time to the most common ancestor (TMRCA) in the local
      trees of ARGs generated by the present algorithm was found to be closer to that
      produced by ms than time produced by MaCS. Sample-consistent ARGs can be
      generated using the present method. This may significantly reduce the
      computational burden. CONCLUSION: In summary, the present method and algorithm
      may facilitate the estimation and description of recombination in population
      genomics and evolutionary biology.

PMID- 25113666
TI  - The palmar approach for PIP-arthroplasty according to Simmen: results after 8
      years follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alloarthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint is indicated
      for patients with osteoarthritis, an inflammatory disease of the joint. According
      to the current literature, implants made of silicone are not inferior to newer
      implants and the complications are well known. Therefore, focus should be shifted
      to the operative approach to improve the results. METHODS: Eleven silicone
      arthroplasties in 7 patients with arthritis and 35 silicone arthroplasties in 23
      patients with osteoarthritis were reviewed after 15.6 months and after 105.3
      months. All implants were inserted using the palmar approach according to Simmen.
      We compared the pre- and postoperative arc of motion, pain, and strength, and
      present postoperative complications and satisfaction. RESULTS: Patients with
      arthritis showed a gain in range of motion of 36 degrees  and patients with
      osteoarthritis of 39 degrees . No implant failure occurred, and one revision was
      performed,. Average extension lag over all operated joints of patients was 2.8
      degrees . No swan-neck deformity or extensor tendon adhesion was observed. There
      was no significant difference in the postoperative results between patients with
      osteoarthritis and arthritis or between first and second follow-up. CONCLUSION:
      Silicone arthroplasty restores the functionality of proximal interphalangeal
      joints in patients with osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint disease. Using a
      palmar approach, the surgeon can reach palmar and dorsal osteophytes. The
      extensor mechanism stays intact reducing the risk for extensor lag and other
      complications compared to the dorsal approach. The results do not change
      significantly between 1 and 8 years postoperatively.

PMID- 25113667
TI  - Bone substitute first or screws first? A biomechanical comparison of two
      operative techniques for tibial-head depression fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate a drillable and injectable
      bone substitute (calcium phosphate cement) and the operative technique enabled by
      the drillable option in a new biomechanical fracture model for tibial depression
      fractures in synthetic bones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lateral depression fractures
      of the tibial plateau (AO 41-B2, Schatzker III) were created in a biomechanical
      fracture model in three different synthetic bones (Sawbone 3401, Synbone
      1110/1116). Reproducible fractures were generated employing Synbone 1110, which
      exhibited a comparable strength to human osteoporotic bones and was used for the
      further experiments. After reduction of the fractures, the stabilization was
      performed with two different operative techniques. In group 1, first an
      osteosynthesis with four screws was performed and then the metaphyseal defect was
      filled up with calcium phosphate cement (Norian drillable). In group 2, initially
      the filling up with Norian drillable was done enabling a complete filling of the
      defect, followed by placing of the screws. Displacement under cyclic loading with
      250 N for 3,000 cycles, stiffness, and maximum load in load-to-failure tests were
      determined. RESULTS: A comparison of the two operative techniques of
      stabilization showed a distinctly lower displacement and higher stiffness for
      group 2 when the defect was filled up first. For the maximum load, no significant
      differences could be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: A complete filling of the defect
      by first applying the calcium phosphate cement significantly reduces the
      secondary loss of reduction of the depression fracture fragment under cyclic
      loading with a clinically relevant partial weight bearing. The beneficial effects
      of drillable calcium phosphate cement may also be transferable to defects other
      than tibial-head depression fractures.

PMID- 25113669
TI  - Alkene carboboration enabled by synergistic catalysis.
AB  - A synergistic Pd/Cu system for the coupling of alkenes, (Bpin)2 (pin =
      pinacolate), and aryl/vinyl bromides is disclosed. This method allows for the
      catalytic generation of secondary Csp(3)-Cu nucleophiles in situ and subsequent
      Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling.

PMID- 25113668
TI  - Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 recycles to the cell surface in protein
      phosphatase 2A-dependent manner in non-neuronal and neuronal cell lines.
AB  - Trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors plays a crucial role in controlling
      the precise signalling of the receptor as well as its proper regulation.
      Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1), a G protein-coupled receptor, is a
      member of the group I mGluR family. mGluR1 plays a critical role in neuronal
      circuit formation and also in multiple types of synaptic plasticity. This
      receptor has also been reported to be involved in various neuropsychiatric
      diseases. Other than the central nervous system, mGluR1 plays crucial roles in
      various non-neuronal cells like hepatocytes, skin cells, etc. Although it has
      been reported that mGluR1 gets endocytosed on ligand application, the events
      after the internalization of the receptor has not been studied. We show here that
      mGluR1 internalizes on ligand application. Subsequent to endocytosis, majority of
      the receptors localize at the recycling compartment and no significant presence
      of the receptor was noticed in the lysosome. Furthermore, mGluR1 returned to the
      cell membrane subsequent to ligand-mediated internalization. We also show here
      that the recycling of mGluR1 is dependent on the activity of protein phosphatase
      2A. Thus, our data suggest that the ligand-mediated internalized receptors
      recycle back to the cell surface in protein phosphatase 2A-dependent manner.

PMID- 25113671
TI  - Investigation of phase diagrams and physical stability of drug-polymer solid
      dispersions.
AB  - Solid dispersion technology has been widely explored to improve the solubility
      and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble compounds. One of the critical
      drawbacks associated with this technology is the lack of physical stability, i.e.
      the solid dispersion would undergo recrystallization or phase separation thus
      limiting a product's shelf life. In the current study, the melting point
      depression method was utilized to construct a complete phase diagram for
      felodipine (FEL)-Soluplus(r) (SOL) and ketoconazole (KTZ)-Soluplus(r) (SOL)
      binary systems, respectively, based on the Flory-Huggins theory. The miscibility
      or solubility of the two compounds in SOL was also determined. The Flory-Huggins
      interaction parameter chi values of both systems were calculated as positive at
      room temperature (25  degrees C), indicating either compound was miscible with
      SOL. In addition, the glass transition temperatures of both solid dispersion
      systems were theoretically predicted using three empirical equations and compared
      with the practical values. Furthermore, the FEL-SOL solid dispersions were
      subjected to accelerated stability studies for up to 3 months.

PMID- 25113672
TI  - Complete genome sequence analysis of goatpox virus isolated from China shows high
      variation.
AB  - Goatpox virus (GTPV), a member of the Capripoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae
      family, is the causative agent of variolo caprina (goatpox). GTPV can cause
      significant economic losses of domestic ruminants in endemic regions and can
      threaten breeding stocks. In this study, we report on the compilation of the
      complete genomic sequence of an isolated GTPV field strain FZ (GTPV_FZ). The
      150,194bp GTPV genome consists of a central coding region bounded by two
      identical 2301bp inverted terminal repeats and contains 151 putative genes.
      Comparative genomic analysis reveals the apparent genetic relationships among
      Capripoxviruses are close, but sufficient genomic variants in the field isolate
      strain FZ have been identified to distinguish it from other GTPV strains and
      other Capripoxvirus species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the p32 and complete
      GTPV genome can be used to differentiate SPPVs, GTPVs and LSDVs. These data may
      contribute to the epidemiological study of the Chinese capripoxvirus and help to
      develop more specific detection methods to distinguish GTPVs, SPPVs and LSDVs. 

PMID- 25113670
TI  - Intrathecal delivery of mesenchymal stromal cells protects the structure of
      altered perineuronal nets in SOD1 rats and amends the course of ALS.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder
      resulting in a lethal outcome. We studied changes in ventral horn perineuronal
      nets (PNNs) of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) rats during the normal disease
      course and after the intrathecal application (5 * 10(5) cells) of human bone
      marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) postsymptom manifestation. We found that
      MSCs ameliorated disease progression, significantly improved motor activity, and
      prolonged survival. For the first time, we report that SOD1 rats have an abnormal
      disorganized PNN structure around the spinal motoneurons and give different
      expression profiles of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), such as
      versican, aggrecan, and phosphacan, but not link protein-1. Additionally, SOD1
      rats had different profiles for CSPG gene expression (Versican, Hapln1, Neurocan,
      and Tenascin-R), whereas Aggrecan and Brevican profiles remained unchanged. The
      application of MSCs preserved PNN structure, accompanied by better survival of
      motorneurons. We measured the concentration of cytokines (IL-1alpha, MCP-1, TNF
      alpha, GM-CSF, IL-4, and IFN-gamma) in the rats' cerebrospinal fluid and found
      significantly higher concentrations of IL-1alpha and MCP-1. Our results show that
      PNN and cytokine homeostasis are altered in the SOD1 rat model of ALS. These
      changes could potentially serve as biological markers for the diagnosis,
      assessment of treatment efficacy, and prognosis of ALS. We also show that the
      administration of human MSCs is a safe procedure that delays the loss of motor
      function and increases the overall survival of symptomatic ALS animals, by
      remodeling the recipients' pattern of gene expression and having neuroprotective
      and immunomodulatory effects.

PMID- 25113674
TI  - Six new species, complementary descriptions and new records from the Neotropical
      Region of the spider genus Dipoena (Araneae: Theridiidae).
AB  - The theridiid genus Dipoena Thorell, 1869 is distributed worldwide. Dipoena are
      recognized by male with carapace often high, cylindrical, with grooves or
      depression on dorsum; carapace of female rarely modified, sometimes high. In this
      paper six new species of Dipoena are described from Brazil, one from the state of
      Mato Grosso do Sul: Dipoena bonitensis new species, three from Sao Paulo: Dipoena
      cidae new species, Dipoena ericae new species and Dipoena
      santaritadopassaquatrensis new species and two from Parana: Dipoena guaraquecaba
      new species and Dipoena fozdoiguacuensis new species, all based on males and
      females. The males of Dipoena pusilla (Keyserling, 1886); D. peruensis Levi,
      1963; D. olivenca Levi, 1963 and D. esra Levi, 1963 and the female of Dipoena
      niteroi Levi, 1963 are here described and illustrated for the first time. New
      records from Brazil include Dipoena augara Levi, 1963; D. bryantae Chickering,
      1943; D. duodecimpunctata Chickering, 1943; D. isthmia Chickering, 1943; D.
      kuyuwini Levi, 1963; D. mendoza Levi, 1967; D. puertoricensis Levi, 1963; D. tiro
      Levi, 1963 and D. trinidensis Levi, 1963; and new records from Bolivia include
      Dipoena atlantica Chickering, 1943, D. cornuta Chickering, 1943 and D. kuyuwini.
      New distribution records within Brazil are presented for Dipoena cordiformis
      Keyserling, 1886; D. hortoni Chickering, 1943; D. ira Levi, 1963; D. militaris
      Chickering, 1943; D. obscura Keyserling, 1891; D. pumicata (Keyserling, 1886); D.
      santacatarinae Levi, 1963; D. tingo Levi, 1963 and D. variabilis (Keyserling,
      1886).

PMID- 25113673
TI  - Pheno- and genotyping of Brucella abortus biovar 5 isolated from a water buffalo
      (Bubalus bubalis) fetus: First case reported in the Americas.
AB  - An isolate of Brucella spp. from an aborted water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) fetus
      was characterized based on its pheno- and genotype. The phenotype was defined by
      carbon dioxide requirement, hydrogen sulfide production, sensitivity to thionin
      and basic fuchsin and agglutination with Brucella A and M monospecific antisera.
      The genotype was based on the amplification of the following genes: bcsp31,
      omp2ab, and eri and the species-specific localization of the insertion sequence
      IS711 in the Brucella chromosome via B. abortus-B. melitensis-B. ovis-B. suis
      (AMOS)-PCR. Unexpectedly, the isolate showed a phenotype different from B.
      abortus bv 1, the most prevalent strain in cattle in Argentina, and from vaccine
      strain 19, currently used in bovines and water buffaloes. Genotyping supported
      the phenotypic results, as the analysis of the omp2ab gene sequence showed an
      identical pattern to either B. abortus bv 5 or B. melitensis. Finally, the AMOS
      PCR generated a 1700-bp fragment from the isolate, different than those amplified
      from B. abortus bv 1 (498bp) and B. melitensis (731bp), confirming the presence
      of B. abortus bv 5. The OIE/FAO Reference Laboratory for Brucellosis confirmed
      this typing. This is the first report of B. abortus bv 5 from a water buffalo in
      the Americas. 

PMID- 25113675
TI  - A taxonomic revision of South African Sharphydrus, with the description of two
      new species (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Bidessini).
AB  - Sharphydrus Omer-Cooper, 1958 is one of two endemic bidessine genera currently
      recognised from South Africa. Here Sharphydrus brincki sp. nov. and Sharphydrus
      kamiesbergensis sp. nov. are described from the Cederberg and Gydopas areas of
      the Western Cape, and the high Kamiesberg of the Northern Cape respectively,
      doubling the known species of this genus. It is shown that S. brincki sp. nov.
      has been included under S. capensis (Omer-Cooper, 1955) in the past, but that
      these are quite distinct taxa, differing in the extent of their elytral keels and
      male genitalia. Sharphydrus species are inhabitants of pools in seasonally
      fluctuating rivers, the new species described here occurring in areas which are
      somewhat transitional between fynbos and karoo biomes. An updated key is
      presented to Sharphydrus species, together with data on the distribution and
      ecology of known species, and a discussion of the status of the genus within the
      Bidessini. 

PMID- 25113676
TI  - Psorodonotus venosus group (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae; Tettigoniinae): geometric
      morphometry revealed two new species in the group.
AB  - Psorodonotus (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) includes 11 species distributed in
      Caucasus, Anatolia and Balkans. Although its present taxonomy is problematic,
      mainly three species groups can be distinguished; (i) The Specularis Group, (ii)
      The Caucasicus Group and (iii) The Venosus Group. Our recent studies on the genus
      have revealed presence of two new species in the last species group. Morphology
      of the species group studied both qualitatively and quantitatively using linear
      metric data of pronotum, tegmina and hind femur, and geometric data of male cerci
      and ovipositor. Morphological data were accompanied by data obtained from male
      calling song. Morphological and song data were produced from six different
      populations from North and Eastern part of Turkey: (1) Hakkari, (2) Tendurek, (3)
      Giresun, (4) Artvin, (5) Kars and (6) Agri. Qualitative and quantitative
      morphology, either linear-metric or geometric, suggest last three population as
      members of the same unit, but each of other three as different units. Song data
      are also largely in support of the morphological results. Necessary illustrations
      were provided to document results visually. Following conclusions were made: (1)
      the Artvin, Kars and Agri populations represent typical P. venosus and the
      Giresun population P. rugulosus, (2) each of the Hakkari and Tendurek populations
      represents a new species and P. hakkari sp. n. and P. tendurek sp. n. described
      by comparing with other members of P. venosus group, (3) P. rugulosus, P. hakkari
      sp. n. and P. tendurek sp. n. differ from P. venosus mainly by the longer cerci
      (extend to or beyond end of abdomen) and indistinct tubercles on surface of
      pronotal disc in female. P. rugulosus and P. tendurek sp. n. are also similar by
      sharing presence of two loud elements in a syllable (one in P. venosus, song of
      P. hakkari sp. n. is not available). But, similarities in phenotype are in
      conflict with relationships suggested by genetic data.  

PMID- 25113677
TI  - Revision of the genus Alkindus Distant (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Thyreocoridae:
      Corimelaeninae).
AB  - The neotropical genus Alkindus Distant is revised based on morphological
      characters (general morphology, including the external scent efferent system and
      leg structures, and external genital morphology). The male of Alkindus
      crassicosta Horvath is here described for the first time. Illustrations, an
      adapted key to species, and a compiled list of plants associated with both
      species are provided. Distribution records are expanded to include Guatemala and
      Brazil (Roraima) for Alkindus atratus Distant and Brazil (Santa Catarina) for A.
      crassicosta. 

PMID- 25113678
TI  - Two new species of Gaeolaelaps (Acari: Laelapidae) from Iran.
AB  - This paper reports on two new species of mites of the genus Gaeolaelaps in soil
      from Iran, G. farajii sp. nov., and G. orbiculatus sp. nov.. A key to the species
      of Gaeolaelaps with short peritremes is presented. 

PMID- 25113679
TI  - The red-listed species Thamnurgus rossicus in East Europe is a synonym of the
      rare Central European species, T. petzi (Curculionidae: Scolytinae).
AB  - The taxonomic status of Thamnurgus rossicus was evaluated with respect to the
      morphologically similar T. petzi using genetic markers. Nucleotide data from the
      mitochondrial COI gene revealed 2.4% variation between the European Alps and
      Russian steppe populations. The two nuclear DNA markers CAD and EF1a were
      identical across populations. In view of their similar morphology, genetic
      composition, and the partial overlap in host plant preferences (Ranunculaceae:
      Aconitum and Delphinium), T. rossicus is placed in synonymy with T. petzi. 

PMID- 25113680
TI  - A new species of the genus Thoracochirus Bernhauer (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae:
      Osoriinae) from Yunnan, China.
AB  - Thoracochirus yunxianius sp. nov. is described from Yunnan, China. Color images
      of the habitus and aedeagus of the new species are included. A key to the genus
      Thoracochirus of mainland China species is provided. 

PMID- 25113681
TI  - A new species of Labiobaetis Novikova & Kluge, 1987 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae)
      from Washington, USA.
AB  - Labiobaetis sonajuventus n.sp. is described from nymphs collected in a tributary
      of the Okanogan River in north-central Washington, USA. The new species is
      distinguished from North American congeners by the well-developed keel between
      the bases of the antennae, the concave lateral margin of labial palp segment 2,
      the apically expanded submarginal setae on the labrum, and its western Nearctic
      distribution. 

PMID- 25113683
TI  - Adults and larvae of two Leucochrysa (Leucochrysa) species (Neuroptera:
      Chrysopidae): descriptions, biological notes, and relationships.
AB  - This taxonomic study includes: (i) a redescription of Leucochrysa (Leucochrysa)
      nigrilabris (Banks) (? and ?), based on the type specimen and new material and
      (ii) images of the Leucochrysa (L.) insularis (Walker) type, adult color
      polymorphism, and genital characters (? and ?). For both species, it provides:
      (iii) descriptions of the larvae, (iv) biological notes, and (v) geographic
      records. Using the above information, we compare the two species with each other
      and with other Leucochrysa (Leucochrysa) species that purportedly are closely
      related. We conclude: First, the larval features of L. (L.) nigrilabris and L.
      (L.) insularis coincide with those previously described as characteristic of the
      genus Leucochrysa and its subgenus Leucochrysa. Second, based on their genitalia
      (? and ?), larval morphology, and biology (e.g., deposition of eggs in clusters),
      the two species are distinct, but very closely related. And, third, L. (L.)
      nigrilabris and L. (L.) insularis share several characteristics with the
      Leucochrysa (L.) "varia-like" species; these include similar adult color
      polymorphisms and aspects of their larval morphology. However, their genitalia (?
      and ?) differ significantly from those of the described L. (L.) "varia-like"
      species, and thus we consider the two sets of species to be distinct. 

PMID- 25113684
TI  - A new genus and species of Discozerconidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) from carabid
      beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in New Zealand .
AB  - Berzercon ferdinandi gen. nov., sp. nov. (Acari: Mesostigmata: Discozerconidae)
      is described from carabid beetles in New Zealand. As in all Discozerconidae,
      Berzercon has large ventrally-directed opisthogastric suckers. However it is
      distinctive in its long marginal setae, tripartite gnathotectum, fused palp tibia
      and tarsus, the female's large dome-shaped genital shield and the male's highly
      modified hypostomal seta h1. This new species also represents the first
      Heterozerconina from an insect host.  

PMID- 25113685
TI  - Taxonomic review of the genus Rhinoncomimus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae:
      Ceutorhynchinae) with description of a new species from Yunnan, China.
AB  - The genus Rhinoncomimus Wagner, 1940 includes seven species from Eastern Asia.
      One new species, Rh. continuus sp. nov. from Yunnan, China, is described. Habitus
      photos, illustrations and descriptions of all species except Rh. rubripes
      Korotyaev, 2006 (a possible junior synonym of R. niger Chujo and Morimoto, 1959)
      are provided in detail, as well as key to species and distribution maps. In
      addition, the host plant of the type species Rh. klapperichi Wagner, 1940,
      Polygonum hydropiper L. (Polygonaceae) is newly recorded. 

PMID- 25113686
TI  - Paratylenchus shenzhenensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Paratylenchinae) from the
      rhizosphere soil of Anthurium andraeanum in China.
AB  - Paratylenchus shenzhenensis n. sp. was collected from the rhizosphere soil of
      Anthurium andraeanum in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. The new species is
      characterized by having a female with a small body (249-302 MUm), well developed
      stylet (17-21 MUm), rounded head with four submedian lobes and lip-region with a
      slight depression at the oral area, small post-vulval uterine sac with a few
      vestigial cells; male with body dorsally curved behind the cloacal opening,
      stylet absent, pharynx degenerate, prominent penial sheath; and juveniles with a
      stylet. It is morphologically similar to P. minutus. The internal transcribed
      spacer sequences of ribosomal DNA (ITS-rDNA) of the new species only have 72-73%
      identity with P. minutus, confirming its status as a separate species. The D2/D3
      region of 28S ribosomal DNA (28S rDNA) and 18S small subunit ribosomal DNA (18S
      rDNA) from P. shenzhenensis n. sp. were also amplified and sequenced in this
      study.  

PMID- 25113687
TI  - Two new species of the genus Cicadatra Kolenati (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from
      Pakistan.
AB  - Two new species of the genus Cicadatra Kolenati, C. ashrafi sp.n. and C.
      tandojamensis sp.n. are described from Pakistan. Male genitalia, timbals and
      opercula are described and illustrated as important diagnostic characters. Host
      affinity for one species is also provided. A key to the known species of
      Pakistani Cicadatra is also given. 

PMID- 25113688
TI  - The female of Heteropoda schwalbachorum Jager, 2008 (Araneae: Sparassidae).

PMID- 25113690
TI  - On the Australian linyphiid spider Alaxchelicera ordinaria Butler, 1932
      (Araneae).

PMID- 25113689
TI  - A simple device to collect, store and study samples of two-dimensional spider
      webs.

PMID- 25113691
TI  - The use of the prefix Pan- and other problems in zoological family-series
      nomenclature.

PMID- 25113692
TI  - On the identities of Barbus mussullah Sykes and Cyprinus curmuca Hamilton with
      notes on the status of Gobio canarensis Jerdon (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).
AB  - The identity and generic placement of Barbus mussullah Sykes, the type species of
      Hypselobarbus Bleeker, have for long been unclear, variously having been
      considered a synonym of Cyprinus curmuca Hamilton or a species of Tor Gray or
      Gonoproktopterus Bleeker. Here, through a re-examination of the original
      descriptions and the examination of specimens from western peninsular India, we
      redescribe H. mussullah and show that Hypselobarbus is a valid genus, of which
      Gonoproktopertus is a junior synonym. Hypselobarbus mussullah is distinguished
      from all other species of Hypselobarbus by possessing both rostral and maxillary
      barbels; having the last simple dorsal-fin ray weak and smooth; the lateral line
      complete, with 41 +1 pored scales; 9/1/4 scales in transverse line between
      origins of dorsal and pelvic fins; and 51/2 scales between lateral line and anal
      fin origin. Species of Hypselobarbus are distinguished from other genera of
      Cyprinidae by possessing long, branched gill rakers and the anal fin distally
      rounded in adults. Hypselobarbus canarensis was found to be a valid species and
      H. kurali is considered its synonym. Hypselobarbus canarensis can be
      distinguished from all congeners by possessing both rostral and maxillary
      barbels; having the last simple dorsal-fin ray weak and smooth; the lateral line
      complete, with 40-42+1 pored scales; 1/27-1/28/1/31/2 scales in transverse line
      from dorsal-fin origin to pelvic-fin origin; 41/2 scales between lateral line and
      anal-fin origin. Hypselobarbus kolus is considered a synonym of H. curmuca, which
      is redescribed: it is distinguished from all congeners by possessing maxillary
      barbels only; the last simple dorsal-fin ray weak and smooth; 41-43+1 lateral
      line scales; 9-10/1/41/2-5 scales in transverse line between origins of dorsal
      and pelvic fins; and 51/2-6 scales between lateral line and anal-fin origin.  

PMID- 25113693
TI  - Acanthoplesiops cappuccino, a new species of acanthoclinine fish from the Red Sea
      (Teleostei: Plesiopidae) .
AB  - Acanthoplesiops cappuccino is described from the 16.4 mm SL holotype collected
      from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea. The following combination of characters
      distinguishes it from congeners: dorsal-fin rays XVIII,4; anal-fin rays VII,4;
      pectoral-fin rays 18; caudal fin not connected to last rays of dorsal and anal
      fins by membrane; and caudal peduncle with a pale yellowish brown bar, which
      extends broadly on to caudal fin. An underwater photo of the anaesthetised
      holotype is provided, as well as one of the freshly dead holotype and only known
      specimen of the similar species A. naka. Tables summarizing diagnostic characters
      of the six known species of Acanthoplesiops are included. congeners by possessing
      both rostral and maxillary barbels; having the last simple dorsal-fin ray weak
      and smooth; the lateral line complete, with 40-42+1 pored scales; 1/27
      1/28/1/31/2 scales in transverse line from dorsal-fin origin to pelvic-fin
      origin; 41/2 scales between lateral line and anal-fin origin. Hypselobarbus kolus
      is considered a synonym of H. curmuca, which is redescribed: it is distinguished
      from all congeners by possessing maxillary barbels only; the last simple dorsal
      fin ray weak and smooth; 41-43+1 lateral-line scales; 9-10/1/41/2-5 scales in
      transverse line between origins of dorsal and pelvic fins; and 51/2-6 scales
      between lateral line and anal-fin origin.   

PMID- 25113694
TI  - Cambarus (C.) hatfieldi, a new species of crayfish (Decapoda:Cambaridae) from the
      Tug Fork River Basin of Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia, USA.
AB  - Cambarus (Cambarus) hatfieldi is a stream-dwelling crayfish that appears to be
      endemic to the Tug Fork River system of West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky.
      Within this region, it is prevalent in all major tributaries in the basin as well
      as the Tug Fork River's mainstem. The new species is morphologically most similar
      to Cambarus sciotensis and Cambarus angularis. It can be differentiated from C.
      sciotensis by its squamous, subtrinagular chelae compared to the elongate
      triangular chelae of C. sciotensis; its shorter palm length/palm depth ratio
      (1.9) compared to C. sciotensis (2.3); and a smaller areola length/total carapace
      length ratio (30.4% vs.36.5% respectively). Cambarus hatfieldi can be
      differentiated from C. angularis by its smaller areola length/total carapace
      length ratio (30.4% vs. 36.7% respectively); a smaller rostrum width/rostral
      length ratio (59.4% vs. 67.2% respectively); its rounded abdominal pleura as
      compared to the subtruncated pleura of C. angularis; the length of the central
      projection and mesial process of C. hatfieldi which both extend to the margin of
      the gonopod shaft or slightly beyond the margin compared to the central
      projection of C. sciotensis and C. angularis where both extend well beyond the
      margin of the gonopod shaft.  

PMID- 25113695
TI  - An update of the blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) of the Galapagos Islands,
      and first record of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) from mainland Ecuador.
AB  - Seven species of Calliphoridae are reported from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador:
      Lucilia pionia (Walker), L. setosa (James), L. deceptor (Curran), L. eximia
      (Wiedemann), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann),
      and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius). Lucilia eximia is newly recorded from the
      islands. Lucilia sp. near pionia is recorded from the island of Espanola. The
      distribution and collection records of these species are discussed and listed,
      and a key to their identification is provided. Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) is
      reported for the first time from mainland Ecuador and the identification of this
      species is outlined. 

PMID- 25113696
TI  - Terataki, a new genus of Staphylinini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae)
      from South America.
AB  - A new genus of Xanthopygina is described here as Terataki gen. n. and includes
      the following species: Te. badiipennis comb. n., Te. caterinoi sp. n., Te.
      erithracus comb. n. and Te. liliputanum comb. n. Lectotypes are designated for
      Creophilus badiipennis Nordmann, C. chloris Nordmann, C. erithracus Nordmann and
      Polyphematiana liliputana Bernhauer. Creophilus chloris is shown to be a junior
      synonym of C. erithracus and Trigonopselaphus nobilis Wendeler a junior synonym
      of C. badiipennis. A key and illustrations of structural features are provided
      for the identification of specimens.  

PMID- 25113697
TI  - The salmon, the lungfish (or the coelacanth) and the cow: a revival?

PMID- 25113698
TI  - On three monotypic nursery web spider genera from Madagascar with first
      description of the male of Tallonia picta Simon, 1889 and redescription of the
      type-species of Paracladycnis Blandin, 1979 and Thalassiopsis Roewer, 1955
      (Araneae: Lycosoidea: Pisauridae).

PMID- 25113699
TI  - The Neotropical chloropine genus Ischnochlorops Paganelli 2002 (Diptera:
      Chloropidae), with the description of a new species.
AB  - A new species is described for the Neotropical genus Ischnochlorops Paganelli
      (Diptera: Chloropidae), so far known only from the type-species, I. trilineatus
      Paganelli. The type-species is redescribed based on an additional male from the
      State of Parana. A new species, I. lefevrei sp. nov., from Campos do Jordao,
      State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, is described. An emended diagnosis is proposed for
      Ischnochlorops and a key to the species is provided. Photographs of the habitus,
      head, and wing of both species are provided, as well as drawings of the male
      terminalia. 

PMID- 25113700
TI  - A new genus and species of Vartini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)
      from Africa.
AB  - A new genus and species of the leafhopper tribe Vartini are described.  Afrovarta
      angelae gen. & sp. nov. are described based on specimens from Ghana, Cameroon,
      and Gabon. 

PMID- 25113701
TI  - Morphological and acoustic characterization of Proceratophrys goyana
      (Lissamphibia: Anura: Odontophrynidae), with the description of a sympatric and
      related new species.
AB  - Proceratophrys goyana was until recently the only species of the genus described
      from central Brazil. In this paper we characterize the adult morphology and
      advertisement call of this species, based on data collected at its type-locality
      (Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goias, Brazil). These new data allowed us to recognize a
      new species of Proceratophrys, sympatric to P. goyana, which is described herein.
      Proceratophrys goyana is mainly characterized by the male SVL = 38.8-46.5 mm; a
      well-developed and continuous pair of dorsal sagittal ridges; upper eyelids
      triangular; developed frontoparietal crests, delimiting a shallow depression
      between them; overall color pattern browned, with the symmetrical dorsal ridges
      bordered laterally by dark brown undulations. Proceratophrys rotundipalpebra sp.
      nov. is characterized by the male SVL = 30.4-39.3 mm; the pair of symmetrical
      dorsal ridges well-developed anteriorly and somewhat interrupted in the sacral
      region; upper eyelids short and rounded; frontoparietal crests not well
      developed; overall color pattern stained by 3-4 tonalities of gray, without a
      clear background color. The advertisement calls of both species are emitted in a
      multi-note pattern, each note pulsed, the first and last notes differing from
      each other and from those amidst the call in temporal features. The description
      of this new species is another example of the underestimated diversity of
      Proceratophrys in the Cerrado of central Brazil.  

PMID- 25113702
TI  - Three new species of Proceratophrys Miranda-Ribeiro 1920 from Brazilian Cerrado
      (Anura, Odontophrynidae).
AB  - Based on the analyses of specimens collected at several areas in the Cerrado
      domain from Central Brazil and others housed in scientific collections and on
      specimens collected at the type-locality, herein we describe three new species
      belonging to the P. cristiceps group: Proceratophrys bagnoi sp. nov., from UHE
      Serra da Mesa power plant (13 degrees 49'47.5"S, 48 degrees 19'17"W; 570 m
      a.s.l.; WGS84 datum), Municipality of Minacu, State of Goias; Proceratophrys
      branti sp. nov., from Jalapao, Municipality of Mateiros (05<sup>o</sup>15'25"S,
      48<sup>o</sup>12'00"W; 109 m a.s.l.; WGS84 datum), State of Tocantins; and
      Proceratophrys dibernardoi sp. nov., Municipality of Mineiros
      (17<sup>o</sup>33'52"S, 52<sup>o</sup>33'20"W; 803 m a.s.l.; WGS84 datum), State
      of Goias. The diversity of Proceratophrys in Brazilian Cerrado is still
      underscored and several species will be described in the following years. 

PMID- 25113703
TI  - Ultrastructure and morphometry of eggs of Triatoma rubrovaria (Blanchard, 1843),
      Triatoma carcavalloi Juberg, Rocha & Lent, 1998 and Triatoma circummaculata
      (Stal, 1859) (Hemiptera-Reduviidae-Triatominae).
AB  - This study analyzed the body and the operculum of eggs of Triatoma rubrovaria, T.
      carcavalloi and T. circummaculata, considered sylvatic species that live in
      sympatry.Triatoma rubrovaria is currently considered the most important vector of
      Trypanosoma cruzi in the rural areas of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, followed
      by T.circummaculata. Significant differences other than morphometry have been
      observed in the egg structures of the three species using traditional microscopy
      and scanning electron microscopy. Triatoma circummaculata eggs are smaller than
      those of T.rubrovaria and T. carcavalloi. The average number of perforations in
      corionic cells in the egg body is higher for the T. rubrovaria. The average
      number of perforations in the operculum cell is higher in T. circummaculata. This
      is the first morpho-structural description of T. carcavalloi eggs. These results
      widen the concept of these three species and create new subsidies for the
      entomological monitoring in areas in which these vectors may infest human living
      quarters. 

PMID- 25113704
TI  - Two new species of Aaptos (Demospongiae, Hadromerida) from Brazil (western
      Atlantic).
AB  - Twenty-one species of Aaptos Gray, 1867 are known world-wide, of which only three
      were reported from Brazil. Two new species of this genus are here described from
      the Brazilian coast (Potiguar Basin, Northeastern Brazil): A. hajdui sp. nov. and
      A. potiguarensis sp. nov. Both possess only one category of strongyloxeas and one
      of styles, although both with wide size variation, suggesting that the diagnosis
      of the genus should be revised. Previous Brazilian records of A. aaptos have
      their status re-evaluated here, and only three species of the genus can be
      considered valid in Brazil: A. glutinans, A. hajdui sp. nov. and A. potiguarensis
      sp. nov. 

PMID- 25113705
TI  - First zoeal stage of the partner shrimp Periclimenes paivai Chace, with remarks
      on the genus Periclimenes O.G. Costa (Caridea, Palaemonidae.
AB  - The morphology of the first zoeal stage of Periclimenes paivai Chace is described
      and illustrated for the first time. Larvae were obtained from three females with
      embryos, caught in the type locality (Cananeia, Sao Paulo state, Brazil). The
      morphological characters are detailed and compared with all previous descriptions
      of larvae in the genus (P. amethysteus, P. brevicarpalis, P. diversipes, P.
      pandionis, P. sagittifer and P. soror). The zoeae I of Periclimenes species are
      very similar, but P. paivai can be separated from the other six species by means
      of five characteristics: 8 plumose setae on the inner margin of the antennal
      scale, one spine on the endopod of the maxillule, one cuspidate seta on the basal
      endite of the maxilulle, one plumose seta on the single coxal endite of the
      maxilla, and one plumose seta on the endopod of the maxilla. Remarks from a
      comparative analysis of available descriptions of the genus are furnished.  

PMID- 25113706
TI  - Cliona tumula sp. nov., a conspicuous, massive Symbiodinium-bearing clionaid from
      the lower Florida Keys (USA)(Demospongiae: Hadromerida: Clionaidae).
AB  - Cliona tumula sp. nov. is described from the Florida Keys, Florida, USA. The new
      species is compared to representative Cliona spp. from the Caribbean and Indo
      Pacific. Cliona tumula sp. nov. is a massive, mound-shaped zooxanthellate
      clionaid with a central, apical cluster of numerous oscula, slender tylostyles
      with variable heads and abundant, delicate spirasters with compound spines that
      can be concentrated at the ends, which in this species can appear as mushroom
      like caps, with a skeleton in typical clionaid arrangement. It is distinguished
      from congeners by its epibenthic growth form that extends for 20-40 cm above the
      substratum, centrally located concentration of oscula, and calcareous fragments
      obtained from surrounding sediment that C. tumula sp. nov. incorporates in tracts
      that run through the choanosome perpendicular to the ectosome. This species can
      be locally abundant in the Florida Keys in patch reefs near sand flats, but may
      be restricted to the lower keys as it has not been observed on reefs to the east.

PMID- 25113707
TI  - Three new species of the tribe Meconematini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from
      Taiwan.
AB  - The paper reported three new species from Taiwan, i.e. Xizicus (Eoxizicus)
      taiwanensis sp. nov., Xizicus (Axizicus) falcata sp. nov. and Decma (Decma)
      brachyptera sp. nov., supplied the descriptions and illustrations.  

PMID- 25113708
TI  - New species of Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Fanniidae) from Colombia.
AB  - Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy is a genus of calyptrate Diptera that comprises 89
      Neotropical species, of which only 23 occur in Colombia. Based on male characters
      (including terminalia), two new species from the Department of Antioquia (Fannia
      colazorrensis sp. nov. and Fannia laclara sp. nov.) are described. Illustrations
      of the male are presented. 

PMID- 25113709
TI  - Two new species of Dryophthorinae in the genera Metamasius and Melchus from the
      Lesser Antilles (Coleoptera: urculionidae).
AB  - Metamasius planatus and Melchus jessae, are described and illustrated from the
      Lesser Antilles islands of Dominica and St. Lucia.  Metamasius planatus
      (Dominica) is distinguished by a relatively flat profile and presence of dense,
      very fine, golden micropilosity covering most of the dorsal surface.  Melchus
      jessae (Dominica and St. Lucia) is the sixth species known in the genus and is
      distinguished by the cylindrical rostrum (not laterally compressed apically). 
      Information on natural history for both species is limited: some Metamasius
      planatus and one Melchus jessae were collected in bases of Euterpe globosa
      fronds. A revised key to genera of Neotropical Litosomini is presented. 

PMID- 25113710
TI  - The genus Colletes (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Colletidae) in Central Asia .
AB  - Available information about bees of the genus Colletes in Central Asia is
      summarized. Eighty species are currently known from this area. Six new species
      are described: Colletes transitus sp. nov., C. askhabadoides sp. nov., C. kaline
      sp. nov., C. muellermotzfeldi sp. nov., C. pesenkoi sp. nov., and C. mirabilis
      sp. nov. Five species are newly recorded from Central Asia: Colletes idoneus
      Cockerell 1922, C. cunicularius (Linnaeus 1761), C. ebmeri Kuhlmann 2002, C.
      friesei Cockerell 1918, and C. impunctatus Nylander 1852. The subspecies C.
      tuberculatus anatolicus Noskiewicz 1959 syn. nov. and C. t. siculus Noskiewicz
      1959 syn. nov. are synonymized with C. tuberculatus Morawitz 1894. Lectotypes are
      designated for Colletes arenarius Morawitz 1876 and C. flavicornis Morawitz 1876.
      Additionally one new species from Turkey and Iran, Colletes comatoides sp. nov.,
      is here described as new and included due to its close relationship to the
      Central Asian C. bernadettae Kuhlmann and C. comatus Noskiewicz. 

PMID- 25113711
TI  - Redescription and lectotype designation of the endemic South African mayfly
      Lestagella penicillata (Barnard, 1932) (Ephemeroptera: Teloganodidae).
AB  - The imago and nymph of Lestagella penicillata are redescribed based on historic
      specimens and new material from Table Mountain slopes (Skeleton Gorge and Window
      Stream), Western Cape, South Africa. A male from Barnard's syntype series is
      designated as the lectotype. Wear-and-tear of mouthparts, particularly the
      mandibles, has led to errors in identification of diagnostic characters for the
      nymphs in earlier publications. Previous descriptions of the mandibles being
      atrophied, in terms of dentition, are erroneous. The generic diagnosis of
      Lestagella is modified to account for these errors and intraspecific variability.
      Adults are distinguished from other Teloganodidae by the combination of a short,
      detached iMP vein on the forewing, three caudal filaments and gill socket
      vestiges on segments II - IV. Nymphs are distinguished from other Teloganodidae
      by a conspicuous head fringe, lamellate gills on abdominal segments II-IV and a
      dorso-ventrally flattened body.  

PMID- 25113712
TI  - A molecular phylogeny of the African plated lizards, genus Gerrhosaurus Wiegmann,
      1828 (Squamata: Gerrhosauridae), with the description of two new genera.
AB  - We constructed a molecular phylogeny of the African plated lizard family
      Gerrhosauridae using two mitochondrial markers (ND2, 732 bp; 16S, 576 bp) and one
      nuclear marker (PRLR, 538 bp). This analysis showed that the subfamily
      Gerrhosaurinae consists of five major clades which we interpret as representing
      five genera. The genera Tetradactylus and Cordylosaurus were each recovered as
      monophyletic, but Gerrhosaurus as currently conceived is paraphyletic, consisting
      of three distinct genus-level assemblages. The two clades consisting of
      Gerrhosaurus major Dumeril, 1851 and Gerrhosaurus validus Smith, 1849 are both
      described here as new genera, namely Broadleysaurus Bates & Tolley gen. nov. and
      Matobosaurus Bates & Tolley gen. nov., respectively. Two subspecies of
      'Gerrhosaurus major' that were historically separated on the basis of differences
      in colour pattern are not reciprocally monophyletic, so Gerrhosaurus bottegoi Del
      Prato, 1895 is relegated to the synonomy of Broadleysaurus major (Dumeril, 1851)
      comb. nov., which is rendered monotypic. Gerrhosaurus validus maltzahni De Grys,
      1938 is genetically and morphologically well differentiated from G. v. validus
      and the two taxa also occur in allopatry. We therefore re-instate the former as
      Matobosaurus maltzahni (De Grys, 1938) comb. nov., rendering Matobosaurus validus
      (Smith, 1849) comb. nov. a monotypic species. Our analysis also showed that
      Gerrhosaurus sensu stricto comprises two major subclades, one consisting of
      Gerrhosaurus typicus (Smith, 1837) + Gerrhosaurus skoogi Andersson, 1916, and the
      other containing the remaining species. In this latter subclade we show that west
      Central African Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus Hallowell, 1857 is most closely
      related to Gerrhosaurus auritus Boettger, 1887 rather than to G. nigrolineatus
      from East and Southern Africa. The west-Central African clade of G. nigrolineatus
      differs from the East and Southern African clade by a p-distance of 13.0% (ND2)
      and 6.9% (16S), and can be differentiated morphologically. We accordingly apply
      the name Gerrhosaurus intermedius Lonnberg, 1907 comb. nov. to populations from
      Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa
      previously identified under the name G. nigrolineatus. Our analysis also confirms
      that Gerrhosaurus bulsi Laurent, 1954 is a distinct species and sister taxon to a
      clade containing G. nigrolineatus, G. auritus and G. intermedius. The latter four
      taxa form a closely-related 'G. nigrolineatus species complex' with a widespread
      distribution in Africa. Most closely related to this complex of species is
      Gerrhosaurus flavigularis Wiegmann, 1828 which has an extensive range in East and
      Southern Africa, and displays genetic substructure which requires further
      investigation. The status of Gerrhosaurus multilineatus Bocage, 1866, and Angolan
      populations referred to G. nigrolineatus, remains problematic. 

PMID- 25113713
TI  - Review of the Neotropical species of Stauropoctonus Brauns, 1889 (Hymenoptera:
      Ichneumonidae: Ophioninae).
AB  - The taxonomy of Neotropical species of Stauropoctonus is reviewed, with
      redescriptions of S. bicarinatus and S. excarinatus, the description of four new
      Brazilian species, S. amazonensis sp. n., S. leotacilioi sp. n., S. michelle sp.
      n., and S. rectus sp. n., and for the first time with a detailed study of the
      male genitalia of the genus. Additionally, we provide a key to the world
      Stauropoctonus species. 

PMID- 25113714
TI  - Taxonomic study of the genus Scaphoideus Uhler (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae,
      Deltocephalinae) from Japan.
AB  - The Japanese species of the genus Scaphoideus are revised. Eight species are
      recognized from Japan, including four new species: S. ryukyuensis sp. nov. from
      the Ryukyus, S. pristiophorus sp. nov. from Honshu and Kyushu, S. aurantius sp.
      nov. from the Ryukyus and S. brevistylus sp. nov. from Honshu, Kyushu and the
      Ryukyus. 

PMID- 25113715
TI  - Bird fossils from Ankilitelo Cave: inference about Holocene environmental changes
      in southwestern Madagascar.
AB  - The identifications of non-permineralized fossil bird bones recovered from
      Ankilitelo Cave in southwestern Madagascar are presented. Among the more than 560
      elements recovered, 29 different taxa were identified, the vast majority being
      species that still occur in this region of the island. Eggshell remains from the
      extinct elephant bird (Family Aepyornithidae) and assigned to Aepyornis sp. were
      found at the site. Two identified extant taxa, Scopus umbretta and Monias
      benschi, no longer occur in the area immediately surrounding the cave. The
      available radiocarbon measurements of collagen from fossil bird bones and avian
      eggshell carbonate of recovered from the cave range from 13,270 Cal yr BP to
      modern times. Hence, the presumed ecological shifts that took place resulting in
      the disappearance or range contractions of these three taxa is within the
      Holocene and are presumed to be associated with natural climatic change and in
      more recent centuries associated human pressures. Information is also presented
      on the origin of guinea fowl (Numida) and inference on the period of colonization
      of Corvus albus on Madagascar.  

PMID- 25113716
TI  - Revision of the Neotropical genus Alloraphes Franz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae:
      Scydmaeninae).
AB  - The Neotropical genus Alloraphes Franz belonging to the tribe Cyrtoscydmini is
      revised. Alloraphes is redefined based on a detailed morphological study, and
      Parastenichnaphes myrmecophilus (Franz) is transferred back to Alloraphes, where
      it was originally placed. Alloraphes jamaicae Franz, A. peruanus Franz, A. lenkoi
      Franz, A. yucatani Franz, A. chiapasensis Franz and A. myrmecophilus Franz, stat.
      rest. are redescribed; A. dentatus sp. n. from Peru and A. peckorum sp. n. from
      Bolivia are described. Alloraphes magnus Franz and A. bolivarensis Franz are
      treated as species inquirendae pending further study. The placement of
      ?Alloraphes magnus, known from a single female only, remains unclear. The type
      material of A. bolivarensis was not found in the Franz Collection and the
      original description hardly allows for the species identification.  

PMID- 25113717
TI  - A new species of the genus Pristimantis (Amphibia, Craugastoridae) associated
      with the moderately elevated massifs of French Guiana.
AB  - We describe a new Pristimantis from French Guiana, northern South America, which
      is mainly distinguished from known phenotypically related congeners (i.e. species
      from the polyphyletic unistrigatus species group) occurring at low and middle
      elevations in the Guiana Shield by the combination of a distinct tympanum, a
      lower ratio of tibia vs. hand length, a reddish groin region, and a distinct
      advertisement call consisting of clusters of generally four short notes. The new
      species inhabits pristine primary forests on the slopes of isolated massifs
      reaching more than 400 m elevation, and seems not to occur below ca. 200 m above
      sea level. Such a sharp altitudinal limit suggests a strong influence of thermal
      variation on the distribution of the species, and therefore a potential
      sensitivity to climate change. With only nine isolated populations documented so
      far, the new species should be prioritized for conservation. Historical climate
      fluctuations during the Quaternary are likely responsible for the distribution
      pattern of the new species.  

PMID- 25113718
TI  - The genus Leucophenga (Diptera, Drosophilidae), part III: the interrupta species
      group from the Oriental region, with morphological and molecular evidence.
AB  - A new species group, the interrupta group, is established within the genus
      Leucophenga based on two known and three new species, all of which are endemic to
      the Oriental region: L. interrupta Duda, 1924, L. neointerrupta Fartyal & Toda,
      2005, L. bifurcata sp. nov., L. quadrifurcata sp. nov. and L. retifoliacea sp.
      nov. A key to the five species of the interrupta group is provided. Sixteen mtDNA
      COI sequences of the five species are analyzed; the molecular data are used as
      complementary evidence for the species boundaries defined by the morphological
      data.  

PMID- 25113719
TI  - WITHDRAWN: The Impact of Skills Training on Cognitive Functioning in Older People
      with Serious Mental Illness.

PMID- 25113721
TI  - [Infections due to unusual bacteria and bacterial oncogenesis].
AB  - The recovery of an unusual organism in the clinical microbiology laboratory may
      be an indicator of an immunological abnormality in the patient. For instance, an
      important relationship between Clostridium septicum and colon carcinoma as well
      as between leukemia or lymphoma with species frequently considered contaminants
      (Bacillus spp., Corynebacterium spp.) or others rarely isolated from different
      contexts (Capnocytophaga spp.) were described. Some bacteria are almost
      exclusively isolated from AIDS patients (Rhodococcus equi). Campylobacter spp.,
      Aeromonas spp., group G and mitis group streptococci were more frequently
      isolated in individuals suffering from any type of cancer than in other patients.
      Furthermore, some other bacteria can be considered markers of an undetected
      cancer that can be found mostly in neutropenic patients rather than in
      immunologically normal individuals. Possible mechanisms of bacterial oncogenesis
      include a modification of the inflammatory response, antigen-derived
      lymphoproliferation, and induction of hormones that increase epithelial cell
      proliferation. Typical examples of the above are: gastric adenocarcinoma induced
      by Helicobacter pylori, the association between group bovis bacteremia and colon
      carcinoma and the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) related to
      Helicobacter species (gastric MALT) and Chlamydophila spp. (ocular MALT).
      Isolation of any of these pathogens should require a thorough search for possible
      malignant diseases.

PMID- 25113720
TI  - A Longitudinal Study of the Outcome and Associated Factors of Subsyndromal and
      Syndromal Depression in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Schizophrenia
      Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Studies examining depression in older adults with schizophrenia have
      been limited by cross-sectional data. This study examines longitudinal changes in
      depression, predictors of depression, and the impact of depression on clinical
      and psychosocial variables in this population. METHODS: The sample consisted of
      104 community-dwelling persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorder aged 55 and
      over who developed the disorder before age 45. Mean follow-up was 54 months
      (range: 12-116 months), mean age was 61 years, 55% were men, and 55% were white.
      Presence of subsyndromal or syndromal depression (SSSD) was defined as scoring >7
      on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). RESULTS: There
      were no significant differences in SSSD rates between interviews (61% baseline;
      54% follow-up); 44% of the sample had SSSD at both assessments, 30% did not have
      SSSD at either assessment, 16% went from SSSD to nondepression, and 10% went from
      nondepression to SSSD. Similarly, 20%, 27%, and 53% of the sample exhibited >0.5
      effect size increase, decrease, or no change, respectively, in their CES-D scores
      between assessments. There were two significant time 1 predictors of SSSD at time
      2: SSSD and greater number of psychotropic medications. SSSD at time 1 predicted
      having higher time 2 anxiety scores. CONCLUSION: Persistent ("core") depression
      occurs in about two-fifths of persons, 30% remain persistently nondepressed, and
      one-fourth may fluctuate between depression and nondepression. No association was
      found between depression and most predictor variables. This study supports recent
      findings that schizophrenia in later life is not a quiescent state or one of
      affective withdrawal.

PMID- 25113723
TI  - Preoperative evaluation of the vascular surgery patient.
AB  - Patients undergoing vascular surgery present a myriad of perioperative challenges
      due to the complex comorbidities affecting them in conjunction with high-risk
      surgical procedures. Additionally, advances in endovascular technology have
      enabled surgical procedures to be performed on patients who would not have been
      considered surgical candidates in the past. This combination of increasing
      patient morbidity and evolving surgical technique requires a well-planned
      preoperative assessment and close communication with surgical and perioperative
      colleagues. This article outlines an appropriate approach by first considering
      each organ system, followed by review of considerations unique to various
      surgical procedures, and then an overall assessment of risk. 

PMID- 25113724
TI  - Optimal perioperative medical management of the vascular surgery patient.
AB  - Perioperative medical management of patients undergoing vascular surgery can be
      challenging because they represent the surgical population at highest risk. beta
      Blockers should be continued perioperatively in patients already taking them
      preoperatively. Statins may be used in the perioperative period in patients who
      are not on statin therapy preoperatively. Institutional guidelines should be used
      to guide insulin replacement. Recent research suggests that measurement of
      troponins may provide some risk stratification in clinically stable patients
      following vascular surgery. Multimodal pain therapy including nonopioid
      strategies is necessary to improve the efficacy of pain relief and decrease the
      risk of side effects and complications. 

PMID- 25113725
TI  - Regional anesthesia for vascular surgery.
AB  - Patients presenting for vascular surgery present a challenge to anesthesiologists
      because of their severe systemic comorbidities. Regional anesthesia has been used
      as a primary anesthetic technique for many vascular procedures to avoid the
      cardiovascular and pulmonary perturbations associated with general anesthesia. In
      this article the use of regional anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy, open and
      endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, infrainguinal arterial bypass,
      lower extremity amputation, and arteriovenous fistula formation is described. A
      focus is placed on reviewing the literature comparing anesthetic techniques, with
      brief descriptions of the techniques themselves. 

PMID- 25113726
TI  - Perioperative management of lower extremity revascularization.
AB  - Patients presenting for lower extremity revascularization often have multiple
      systemic comorbidities, making them high-risk surgical candidates. Neuraxial
      anesthesia and general anesthesia are equivocal in their effect on perioperative
      cardiac morbidity and improved graft patency. Postoperative epidural analgesia
      may improve perioperative cardiac morbidity. Systemic antithrombotic and
      anticoagulation therapy is common among this patient population and may affect
      anesthetic techniques. 

PMID- 25113727
TI  - Intraoperative management of carotid endarterectomy.
AB  - First reports on surgical treatment of cerebrovascular atherosclerosis date to
      the early 1950s. With advancements in surgical technique, carotid endarterectomy
      (CEA) has become the treatment of choice for patients with both symptomatic and
      asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis. Given the benefits that surgery offers
      beyond medical management, the number of CEA procedures continues to increase.
      The intraoperative management of patients undergoing CEA is challenging because
      of the combination of patient and surgical factors. This article explores and
      reviews the literature on anesthetic management and considerations of patients
      undergoing CEA. 

PMID- 25113728
TI  - Perioperative management of combined carotid and coronary artery bypass grafting
      procedures.
AB  - The objective of this review is to provide a high level overview on current
      thinking for treatment of patients with combined carotid and coronary artery
      disease given that these patients are at higher risk of adverse cardiac events,
      stroke, and death. This review discusses (1) the current literature addressing
      perioperative stroke risk in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft, (2) the
      literature regarding different surgical approaches when both carotid and coronary
      revascularization are being considered, and (3) the data available to guide
      optimal management of this complex patient population to minimize complications
      regardless of the surgical approach taken. 

PMID- 25113729
TI  - Considerations for patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm
      repair.
AB  - Endovascular aneurysm repair has taken over open surgery as the primary strategy
      for treatment of patients with abdominal and thoracic aneurysms. The minimally
      invasive nature of these techniques requires alterations in preoperative workup,
      intraoperative management, and familiarity with unique complications that can
      occur. Familiarity from the anesthetic standpoint of endovascular techniques,
      including treatment of patients with fenestrated, chimney, snorkel, and periscope
      grafts, is necessary for the contemporary cardiac anesthesiologist. 

PMID- 25113730
TI  - Postoperative ICU management of vascular surgery patients.
AB  - Critical care management of vascular surgical patients poses significant
      challenges owing to patients' comorbidities and the magnitude of the surgical
      procedures. The primary goals of the anesthesiologist and intensivist are
      reestablishing preoperative homeostasis, optimizing hemodynamics until return of
      normal organ function, and managing postoperative complications promptly and
      effectively. Postoperative critical care management demands a detailed knowledge
      of the various vascular surgical procedures and the potential postoperative
      complications. In this review, the authors describe the postoperative
      complications related to the major specific vascular surgical procedures and
      their perioperative management. 

PMID- 25113732
TI  - Vascular anesthesia. Preface.

PMID- 25113734
TI  - Structure and photoluminescence studies of CeO2.CuAlO2 mixed metal oxide
      fabricated by co-precipitation method.
AB  - A novel mixed metal oxide, CeO2.CuAlO2 was fabricated by co-precipitation method
      in aqueous medium. CeO2.CuAlO2 was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, FTIR and
      PL spectra. The optical properties of the nanoparticles were studied by
      photoluminescence (PL) spectra. PL spectra at different excitations were
      recorded. The composite showed emission in UV, visible and NIR region depending
      on the excitation wavelength. The special spectral feature observed for this
      composite is that it showed six emission bands at 364, 409, 434, 448, 465 and 481
      nm when excited at 298 nm. The green and red emissions observed at 512 and 669 nm
      are originated from cubic CeO2 phase when excited at 450 nm. The PL spectra were
      found to be dependent on excitation wavelength violating Kasha's rule. The X-ray
      diffraction reveals a cubic CeO2 phase and hexagonal CuAlO2 phase. EDS spectra
      revealed the presence of cerium (Ce), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al) and oxygen (O)
      elements. The particle size of the CeO2.CuAlO2 mixed oxide was estimated using
      Scherrer's formula, which was found to be in the range of 17.2-34.2 nm. The TEM
      image showed particles are almost uniform size of approximately 15-50 nm with
      spherical morphology.

PMID- 25113733
TI  - Continuous dopaminergic stimulation (CDS)-based treatment in Parkinson's disease
      patients with motor complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify randomized trials
      involving continuous dopaminergic stimulation (CDS) in PD patients with motor
      complications. Difference between n groups was assessed by partitioning
      heterogeneity and using the chi2 distribution with n-1 degrees of freedom, where
      n equals the number of groups. We looked for publication bias using funnel
      plotting, Egger's test and Begg's test. Twenty Randomized Controlled Trials
      (RCTs) were included. The results showed that CDS could evidently improve the
      Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part II (p < 0.0001), part III
      (P < 0.00001) and UPDRS total score (p < 0.00001). There was also a statistical
      discrepancy in off time reduction (p < 0.00001) and prolongation of on time (p <
      0.00001) by the CDS therapy compared with control groups. Meanwhile, the results
      of this study showed obvious side effects in the CDS therapy compared with the
      placebo, especially at the expense of increased dyskinesia (23.4% vs 11.7%). The
      present study showed that CDS was beneficial in the treatment of PD patients with
      motor complications. But the incidence of the side events is more common than
      placebo. 

PMID- 25113735
TI  - Validated spectrofluorimetric method for determination of selected
      aminoglycosides.
AB  - New, sensitive, and selective spectrofluorimetric method was developed for
      determination of three aminoglycoside drugs in different dosage forms, namely;
      neomycin sulfate (NEO), tobramycin (TOB) and kanamycin sulfate (KAN). The method
      is based on Hantzsch condensation reaction between the primary amino group of
      aminoglycosides with acetylacetone and formaldehyde in pH 2.7 yielding highly
      yellow fluorescent derivatives measured emission (471 nm) and excitation (410 nm)
      wavelengths. The fluorescence intensity was directly proportional to the
      concentration over the range 10-60, 40-100 and 5-50 ng/mL for NEO, TOB and KAN
      respectively. The proposed method was applied successfully for determination of
      these drugs in their pharmaceutical dosage forms.

PMID- 25113737
TI  - Switchable regioselectivity in the PIFA-BF3.Et2O mediated oxidative coupling of
      meso-brominated Ni(II) porphyrin.
AB  - A simple and efficient method has been developed for the switchable synthesis of
      directly linked meso-brominated Ni(II) porphyrin dimers through PIFA-BF3.Et2O
      mediated oxidative coupling. The respective syntheses of meso-meso or meso-beta
      singly, doubly, and triply linked porphyrin dimers can be easily realized with
      the same reagent system.

PMID- 25113736
TI  - Application of central composite design for simultaneous removal of methylene
      blue and Pb(2+) ions by walnut wood activated carbon.
AB  - Activated carbon was prepared from walnut wood which was locally available, non
      toxic, abundant and cheap. This new adsorbent was characterized using BET, FTIR
      and SEM. Point of zero charge (pHpzc) and oxygen containing functional groups
      were also determined. The prepared adsorbent was applied for simultaneous removal
      of Pb(2+) ions and methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution. The prominent
      effect and interaction of variables such as amount of adsorbent, contact time,
      concentration of MB and Pb(2+) ions were optimized by central composite design.
      The equilibrium data obtained at optimum condition were fitted to conventional
      isotherm models and found that Langmuir model was the best fitted isotherm.
      Kinetic data were fitted using various models. It was revealed that the
      adsorption rate follows pseudo-second order kinetic model and intraparticle
      diffusion model. 

PMID- 25113738
TI  - Synthesis of a poly-pendant 1-D chain based on 'trans-vanadium' bicapped, Keggin
      type vanadtungstate and its photocatalytic properties.
AB  - A vanadtungstate cluster-based organic-inorganic hybrid material
      [NiL4V(IV)W(VI)10W(V)2O40(V(IV)O)2] (1, L = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene)
      was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermal
      gravimetric analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Structural
      analysis reveals that compound 1 contains a transition metal-centered, bicapped
      Keggin-type {VW12O40(VO)2} core, connected by nickel linkers into a 1-D chain.
      These 1D chains interdigitated with each other, achieving an interdigitated 3D
      supermolecular architecture. Photocatalytic studies indicate that compound 1
      exhibits not only active photocatalytic degradation of dye molecules, but also
      selective photocatalytic activity for degradation of cationic dyes in aqueous
      solution. Further, this photocatalyst is stable and easily separated from the
      photocatalytic system for reuse as well.

PMID- 25113739
TI  - Inverse association between cancer and neurodegenerative disease: review of the
      epidemiologic and biological evidence.
AB  - Growing evidence suggests an unusual epidemiologic association between cancer and
      certain neurological conditions, particularly age-related neurodegenerative
      diseases. Cancer survivors have a 20-50% lower risk of developing Parkinson's and
      Alzheimer's disease, and patients with these neurodegenerative conditions have a
      substantially lower incidence of cancer. We review the epidemiologic evidence for
      this inverse co-morbidity and show that it is not simply an artifact of survival
      bias or under-diagnosis. We then review the potential biological explanations for
      this association, which is intimately linked to the very different nature of
      dividing cells and neurons. The known genetic and metabolic connections between
      cancer and neurodegeneration generally fall within two categories. The first
      includes shared genes and pathways such as Pin1 and the ubiquitin proteasome
      system that are dysregulated in different directions to cause one disease or the
      other. The second includes common pathophysiological mechanisms such as
      mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and DNA damage that drive both
      conditions, but with different cellular fates. We discuss examples of these
      biological links and their implications for developing new approaches to
      prevention and treatment of both diseases.

PMID- 25113740
TI  - International recognition for ageing research: John Scott Award-2014 to Leonard
      Hayflick and Paul Moorhead.

PMID- 25113741
TI  - Does bird species diversity vary among forest types? A local-scale test in
      southern Chile.
AB  - Birds are the most diverse vertebrate group in Chile, characterized by low
      species turnover at the country-size scale (high alpha but low beta diversities),
      resembling an island biota. We tested whether this low differentiation is valid
      at a local scale, among six forest habitat types. We detected 25 bird species;
      avifauna composition was significantly different among habitat types, with five
      species accounting for 60% of the dissimilarity. We found a higher level of bird
      assemblage differentiation across habitats at the local scale than has been found
      at the country-size scale. Such differentiation might be attributed to structural
      differences among habitats.

PMID- 25113742
TI  - Streptococcal pharyngitis in children: to treat or not to treat?
AB  - Controversy remains about the need for antibiotic therapy of group A
      streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis in high-resource settings. Guidelines on the
      management of GAS pharyngitis differ considerably, especially in children. We
      performed a literature search on the diagnosis and treatment of GAS pharyngitis
      in children and compared different guidelines with current epidemiology and the
      available evidence on management. Some European guidelines only recommend
      antibiotic treatment in certain high-risk patients, while many other, including
      all American, still advise antimicrobial treatment for all children with GAS
      pharyngitis, given the severity and re-emerging incidence of complications.
      Empirical antimicrobial treatment in children with sore throat and a high
      clinical suspicion of GAS pharyngitis will still result in significant
      overtreatment of nonstreptococcal pharyngitis. This is costly and leads to
      emerging antibiotic resistance. Early differential diagnosis between viral and
      GAS pharyngitis, by means of a 'rapid antigen detection test' (RADT) and/or a
      throat culture, is therefore needed if 'pro treatment' guidelines are used.
      CONCLUSION: Large scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to assess the
      value of antibiotics for GAS pharyngitis in high-resource countries, in order to
      achieve uniform and evidence-based guidelines. The severity and the possibly
      increasing incidence of complications in school-aged children suggests that
      testing and treating proven GAS pharyngitis can still be beneficial.

PMID- 25113743
TI  - Inclusion of mobile telephone numbers into an ongoing population health survey in
      New South Wales, Australia, using an overlapping dual-frame design: impact on the
      time series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 1997, the NSW Population Health Survey (NSWPHS) had selected
      the sample using random digit dialing of landline telephone numbers. When the
      survey began coverage of the population by landline phone frames was high (96%).
      As landline coverage in Australia has declined and continues to do so, in 2012, a
      sample of mobile telephone numbers was added to the survey using an overlapping
      dual-frame design. Details of the methodology are published elsewhere. This paper
      discusses the impacts of the sampling frame change on the time series, and
      provides possible approaches to handling these impacts. METHODS: Prevalence
      estimates were calculated for type of phone-use, and a range of health
      indicators. Prevalence ratios (PR) for each of the health indicators were also
      calculated using Poisson regression analysis with robust variance estimation by
      type of phone-use. Health estimates for 2012 were compared to 2011. The full time
      series was examined for selected health indicators. RESULTS: It was estimated
      from the 2012 NSWPHS that 20.0% of the NSW population were mobile-only phone
      users. Looking at the full time series for overweight or obese and current
      smoking if the NSWPHS had continued to be undertaken only using a landline frame,
      overweight or obese would have been shown to continue to increase and current
      smoking would have been shown to continue to decrease. However, with the
      introduction of the overlapping dual-frame design in 2012, overweight or obese
      increased until 2011 and then decreased in 2012, and current smoking decreased
      until 2011, and then increased in 2012. Our examination of these time series
      showed that the changes were a consequence of the sampling frame change and were
      not real changes. Both the backcasting method and the minimal coverage method
      could adequately adjust for the design change and allow for the continuation of
      the time series. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of the mobile telephone numbers,
      through an overlapping dual-frame design, did impact on the time series for some
      of the health indicators collected through the NSWPHS, but only in that it
      corrected the estimates that were being calculated from a sample frame that was
      progressively covering less of the population.

PMID- 25113744
TI  - Altered phenotype and Stat1 expression in Toll-like receptor 7/8 stimulated
      monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dendritic cells (DC) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells
      of the immune system, involved in both initiating immune responses and
      maintaining tolerance. Dysfunctional and via toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands
      activated DC have been implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases, but
      their role in the etiology of Sjogren's syndrome, a chronic inflammatory
      autoimmune disease characterized by progressive mononuclear cell infiltration in
      the exocrine glands, has not been revealed yet. Therefore, the aim of this study
      was to investigate phenotype and functional properties of immature and TLR7/8
      stimulated monocyte-derived DC (moDC) of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome
      (pSS) and compare them to healthy controls. METHODS: The phenotype, apoptosis
      susceptibility and endocytic capacity of moDC were analyzed by flow cytometry.
      Secretion of cytokines was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
      and multiplex Luminex analyses in moDC cell culture supernatants. The expression
      of TLR7 was analyzed by flow cytometry and real-time quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction (qPCR). Expression of Ro/Sjogren's syndrome-associated autoantigen
      A (Ro52/SSA), interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF-8), Bim, signal transduction
      and activators of transcription (Stat) 1, p-Stat1 (Tyrosin 701), p-Stat1 (Serin
      727), Stat3, pStat3 (Tyrosin 705) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphatase dehydrogenase
      (GAPDH) was measured by Western blotting. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain
      enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB) family members were quantified using
      the ELISA-based TransAM NF-kappaB family kit. RESULTS: We could not detect
      differences in expression of co-stimulatory molecules and maturation markers such
      as cluster of differentiation (CD) 86, CD80, CD40 or CD83 on moDC from patients
      compared to healthy controls. Moreover, we could not observe variations in
      apoptosis susceptibility, Bim and Ro52/SSA expression and the endocytic capacity
      of the moDC. However, we found that moDC from pSS patients expressed increased
      levels of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule human
      leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR. We also found significant differences in cytokine
      production by moDC, where increased interleukin (IL)-12p40 secretion in mature
      pSS moDC correlated with increased RelB expression. Strikingly, moDC from pSS
      patients matured for 48 hours with TLR7/8 ligand CL097 expressed significantly
      less Stat1. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a role for moDC in the pathogenesis
      of Sjogren's syndrome.

PMID- 25113745
TI  - Chikungunya virus was isolated in Thailand, 2010.
AB  - Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) is an acute febrile illness caused by a mosquito-borne
      alphavirus, chikungunya virus (CHIKV). This disease re-emerged in Kenya in 2004,
      and spread to the countries in and around the Indian Ocean. The re-emerging
      epidemics rapidly spread to regions like India and Southeast Asia, and it was
      subsequently identified in Europe in 2007, probably as a result of importation of
      chikungunya cases. On the one hand, chikungunya is one of the neglected diseases
      and has only attracted strong attention during large outbreaks. In 2008-2009,
      there was a major outbreak of chikungunya fever in Thailand, resulting in the
      highest number of infections in any country in the region. However, no update of
      CHIKV circulating in Thailand has been published since 2009. In this study, we
      examined the viral growth kinetics and sequences of the structural genes derived
      from CHIKV clinical isolates obtained from the serum specimens of CHIKF-suspected
      patients in Central Thailand in 2010. We identified the CHIKV harboring two
      mutations E1-A226V and E2-I211T, indicating that the East, Central, and South
      African lineage of CHIKV was continuously circulating as an indigenous population
      in Thailand.

PMID- 25113746
TI  - A murine model of neurofibromatosis type 2 that accurately phenocopies human
      schwannoma formation.
AB  - Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder
      resulting from germline mutations in the NF2 gene. Bilateral vestibular
      schwannomas, tumors on cranial nerve VIII, are pathognomonic for NF2 disease.
      Furthermore, schwannomas also commonly develop in other cranial nerves, dorsal
      root ganglia and peripheral nerves. These tumors are a major cause of morbidity
      and mortality, and medical therapies to treat them are limited. Animal models
      that accurately recapitulate the full anatomical spectrum of human NF2-related
      schwannomas, including the characteristic functional deficits in hearing and
      balance associated with cranial nerve VIII tumors, would allow systematic
      evaluation of experimental therapeutics prior to clinical use. Here, we present a
      genetically engineered NF2 mouse model generated through excision of the Nf2 gene
      driven by Cre expression under control of a tissue-restricted 3.9kbPeriostin
      promoter element. By 10 months of age, 100% of Postn-Cre; Nf2(flox/flox) mice
      develop spinal, peripheral and cranial nerve tumors histologically identical to
      human schwannomas. In addition, the development of cranial nerve VIII tumors
      correlates with functional impairments in hearing and balance, as measured by
      auditory brainstem response and vestibular testing. Overall, the Postn-Cre;
      Nf2(flox/flox) tumor model provides a novel tool for future mechanistic and
      therapeutic studies of NF2-associated schwannomas. 

PMID- 25113749
TI  - Coronary artery disease: Predicting the progression of coronary artery
      calcification.

PMID- 25113747
TI  - Dyclonine rescues frataxin deficiency in animal models and buccal cells of
      patients with Friedreich's ataxia.
AB  - Inherited deficiency in the mitochondrial protein frataxin (FXN) causes the rare
      disease Friedreich's ataxia (FA), for which there is no successful treatment. We
      identified a redox deficiency in FA cells and used this to model the disease. We
      screened a 1600-compound library to identify existing drugs, which could be of
      therapeutic benefit. We identified the topical anesthetic dyclonine as
      protective. Dyclonine increased FXN transcript and FXN protein dose-dependently
      in FA cells and brains of animal models. Dyclonine also rescued FXN-dependent
      enzyme deficiencies in the iron-sulfur enzymes, aconitase and succinate
      dehydrogenase. Dyclonine induces the Nrf2 [nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)
      like 2] transcription factor, which we show binds an upstream response element in
      the FXN locus. Additionally, dyclonine also inhibited the activity of histone
      methyltransferase G9a, known to methylate histone H3K9 to silence FA chromatin.
      Chronic dosing in a FA mouse model prevented a performance decline in balance
      beam studies. A human clinical proof-of-concept study was completed in eight FA
      patients dosed twice daily using a 1% dyclonine rinse for 1 week. Six of the
      eight patients showed an increase in buccal cell FXN levels, and fold induction
      was significantly correlated with disease severity. Dyclonine represents a novel
      therapeutic strategy that can potentially be repurposed for the treatment of FA. 

PMID- 25113748
TI  - An ALS-mutant TDP-43 neurotoxic peptide adopts an anti-parallel beta-structure
      and induces TDP-43 redistribution.
AB  - TDP-43 proteinopathies are clinically and genetically heterogeneous diseases that
      had been considered distinct from classical amyloid diseases. Here, we provide
      evidence for the structural similarity between TDP-43 peptides and other amyloid
      proteins. Atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy examination of peptides
      spanning a previously defined amyloidogenic fragment revealed a minimal core
      region that forms amyloid fibrils similar to the TDP-43 fibrils detected in FTLD
      TDP brain tissues. An ALS-mutant A315E amyloidogenic TDP-43 peptide is capable of
      cross-seeding other TDP-43 peptides and an amyloid-beta peptide. Sequential
      Nuclear Overhauser Effects and double-quantum-filtered correlation spectroscopy
      in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses of the A315E-mutant TDP-43 peptide
      indicate that it adopts an anti-parallel beta conformation. When added to cell
      cultures, the amyloidogenic TDP-43 peptides induce TDP-43 redistribution from the
      nucleus to the cytoplasm. Neuronal cultures in compartmentalized microfluidic
      chambers demonstrate that the TDP-43 peptides can be taken up by axons and induce
      axonotoxicity and neuronal death, thus recapitulating key neuropathological
      features of TDP-43 proteinopathies. Importantly, a single amino acid change in
      the amyloidogenic TDP-43 peptide that disrupts fibril formation also eliminates
      neurotoxicity, supporting that amyloidogenesis is critical for TDP-43
      neurotoxicity. 

PMID- 25113751
TI  - Trials of implantable monitoring devices in heart failure: which design is
      optimal?
AB  - Implantable monitoring devices have been developed to detect early evidence of
      heart failure (HF) decompensation, with the hypothesis that early detection might
      enable clinicians to commence therapy sooner than would otherwise be possible,
      and potentially to reduce the rate of hospitalization. In addition to the usual
      challenges inherent to device trials (such as the difficulty of double-blinding
      and potential for bias), studies of implantable monitoring devices present unique
      difficulties because they involve assessment of therapeutic end points for
      diagnostic devices. Problems include the lack of uniform approaches to treatment
      in study protocols for device alerts or out-of-range values, and the requirement
      of levels of evidence traditionally associated with therapeutic devices to
      establish effectiveness and safety. In this Review, the approaches used to deal
      with these issues are discussed, including the use of objective primary end
      points with blinded adjudication, identical duration of follow-up and number of
      encounters for patients in active monitoring and control groups, and treatment
      recommendations between groups that are consistent with international guidelines.
      Remote monitoring devices hold promise for reducing the rate of hospitalization
      among patients with HF. However, optimization of regulatory approaches and
      clinical trial design is needed to facilitate further evaluation of the
      effectiveness of combining health information technology and medical devices.

PMID- 25113752
TI  - Acute improvement of left ventricular relaxation as a predictor of volume
      reduction after cardiac resynchronization therapy: a pilot study assessing the
      value of left ventricular hemodynamic parameter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves cardiac function,
      but CRT recipients with advanced heart failure (HF) do not always respond well.
      Because the best parameters for the prediction of CRT response are not
      established, we investigated whether improvement of invasive left ventricular
      (LV) hemodynamic diastolic parameters could identify CRT responders. METHODS: A
      total of 34 consecutive patients (age, 69 +/- 9 years; 70% men) who received CRT
      devices for HF were assessed as to whether acute invasive hemodynamic parameters
      with and without CRT function could predict LV volume responders. RESULTS: These
      patients demonstrated an improvement in LV dP/dtmax (11.1 +/- 11.7%), LV dP/dtmin
      (4.6 +/- 12.1%), and tau (3.7 +/- 11.6%) by biventricular pacing. Nineteen
      patients (55%) were classified as CRT responders, which was defined by a >15%
      decrease in LV end-systolic volume (ESV) at the 6-month follow-up evaluation. The
      area under the receiver operator characteristic curve to detect CRT volume
      response was 0.93 for the shortening of tau, which was superior to any other
      hemodynamic parameter. The multivariate analysis revealed that this improvement
      in tau was the strongest predictive factor for identifying CRT volume responders.
      Of note, the magnitude of tau shortening during biventricular pacing was
      significantly correlated with the reduction in LVESV at the 6-month follow-up
      evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of acute improvement in LV isovolumic
      relaxation time, as assessed by tau, was associated with favorable response to
      CRT. The assessment of invasive diastolic function could provide valuable
      information about CRT volume response.

PMID- 25113750
TI  - Global epidemiology of atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major public health burden worldwide, and its
      prevalence is set to increase owing to widespread population ageing, especially
      in rapidly developing countries such as Brazil, China, India, and Indonesia.
      Despite the availability of epidemiological data on the prevalence of AF in North
      America and Western Europe, corresponding data are limited in Africa, Asia, and
      South America. Moreover, other observations suggest that the prevalence of AF
      might be underestimated-not only in low-income and middle-income countries, but
      also in their high-income counterparts. Future studies are required to provide
      precise estimations of the global AF burden, identify important risk factors in
      various regions worldwide, and take into consideration regional and ethnic
      variations in AF. Furthermore, in response to the increasing prevalence of AF,
      additional resources will need to be allocated globally for prevention and
      treatment of AF and its associated complications. In this Review, we discuss the
      available data on the global prevalence, risk factors, management, financial
      costs, and clinical burden of AF, and highlight the current worldwide inadequacy
      of its treatment. 

PMID- 25113754
TI  - Retrospective propensity score matching and the selection of surgical procedures:
      how precise can a propensity estimate be?

PMID- 25113755
TI  - Reply to M. Honda et al.

PMID- 25113753
TI  - Recommendations for initial evaluation, staging, and response assessment of
      Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: the Lugano classification.
AB  - The purpose of this work was to modernize recommendations for evaluation,
      staging, and response assessment of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non
      Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A workshop was held at the 11th International Conference
      on Malignant Lymphoma in Lugano, Switzerland, in June 2011, that included leading
      hematologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists,
      and nuclear medicine physicians, representing major international lymphoma
      clinical trials groups and cancer centers. Clinical and imaging subcommittees
      presented their conclusions at a subsequent workshop at the 12th International
      Conference on Malignant Lymphoma, leading to revised criteria for staging and of
      the International Working Group Guidelines of 2007 for response. As a result,
      fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography
      (CT) was formally incorporated into standard staging for FDG-avid lymphomas. A
      modification of the Ann Arbor descriptive terminology will be used for anatomic
      distribution of disease extent, but the suffixes A or B for symptoms will only be
      included for HL. A bone marrow biopsy is no longer indicated for the routine
      staging of HL and most diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. However, regardless of
      stage, general practice is to treat patients based on limited (stages I and II,
      nonbulky) or advanced (stage III or IV) disease, with stage II bulky disease
      considered as limited or advanced disease based on histology and a number of
      prognostic factors. PET-CT will be used to assess response in FDG-avid
      histologies using the 5-point scale. The product of the perpendicular diameters
      of a single node can be used to identify progressive disease. Routine
      surveillance scans are discouraged. These recommendations should improve
      evaluation of patients with lymphoma and enhance the ability to compare outcomes
      of clinical trials.

PMID- 25113757
TI  - Targeting inhibitor of apoptosis proteins for cancer therapy: a double-edge
      sword?

PMID- 25113756
TI  - Phase I dose-escalation study of LCL161, an oral inhibitor of apoptosis proteins
      inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: LCL161 antagonizes the function of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins
      (IAPs), thereby promoting cancer cell death. This first-in-human dose-escalation
      study assessed the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and
      pharmacodynamics of LCL161 in patients with advanced solid tumors. A second part
      of the study assessed the relative bioavailability of a tablet versus solution
      formulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: LCL161 was administered orally, once weekly,
      on a 21-day cycle to adult patients with advanced solid tumors by using an
      adaptive Bayesian logistic regression model with overdose control-guided dose
      escalation. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients received at least one dose of LCL161
      (dose range, 10 to 3,000 mg). LCL161 was well tolerated at doses up to 1,800 mg.
      Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was the only dose-limiting toxicity (in three
      [6%] of 53 patients) and was the most common grades 3 to 4 event (in five [9%] of
      53 patients). Vomiting, nausea, asthenia/fatigue, and anorexia were common but
      not severe. Although the MTD was not formally determined, an 1,800-mg dose was
      selected in compliance with the protocol for additional study, given the dose
      limiting CRS at higher doses and pharmacodynamic activity at lower doses. LCL161
      was rapidly absorbed, and exposure was generally increased with dose. The tablet
      formulation of LCL161 was better tolerated than the solution; tablet and solution
      formulations had similar exposures, and the solution was discontinued. No patient
      had an objective response. LCL161 induced degradation of cellular IAP1 protein in
      the blood, skin, and tumor and increased circulating cytokine levels. CONCLUSION:
      The 1,800-mg dose of LCL161, administered as a single agent once weekly, in
      tablet formulation is the recommended dose for additional study. This combined
      dose and formulation was well tolerated and had significant pharmacodynamic
      activity, which warrants additional investigation.

PMID- 25113758
TI  - Stereotactic body radiation therapy as a derivative of stereotactic radiosurgery:
      clinically independent but with enduring common themes.

PMID- 25113759
TI  - Value: a framework for radiation oncology.
AB  - In the current health care system, high costs without proportional improvements
      in quality or outcome have prompted widespread calls for change in how we deliver
      and pay for care. Value-based health care delivery models have been proposed.
      Multiple impediments exist to achieving value, including misaligned patient and
      provider incentives, information asymmetries, convoluted and opaque cost
      structures, and cultural attitudes toward cancer treatment. Radiation oncology as
      a specialty has recently become a focus of the value discussion. Escalating costs
      secondary to rapidly evolving technologies, safety breaches, and variable,
      nonstandardized structures and processes of delivering care have garnered
      attention. In response, we present a framework for the value discussion in
      radiation oncology and identify approaches for attaining value, including
      economic and structural models, process improvements, outcome measurement, and
      cost assessment. 

PMID- 25113760
TI  - Patient-reported outcomes and survivorship in radiation oncology: overcoming the
      cons.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have become a key component of
      clinical oncology trials, many challenges exist regarding their optimal
      application. The goal of this article is to methodically review these barriers
      and suggest strategies to overcome them. This review will primarily focus on
      radiation oncology examples, will address issues regarding the "why, how, and
      what" of PROs, and will provide strategies for difficult problems such as methods
      for reducing missing data. This review will also address cancer survivorship
      because it closely relates to PROs. METHODS: Key articles focusing on PROs,
      quality of life, and survivorship issues in oncology trials are highlighted, with
      an emphasis on radiation oncology clinical trials. Publications and Web sites of
      various governmental and regulatory agencies are also reviewed. RESULTS: The
      study of PROs in clinical oncology trials has become well established. There are
      guidelines provided by organizations such as the US Food and Drug Administration
      that clearly indicate the importance of and methodology for studying PROs.
      Clinical trials in oncology have repeatedly demonstrated the value of studying
      PROs and suggested ways to overcome some of the key challenges. The Radiation
      Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) has led some of these efforts, and their
      contributions are highlighted. The current state of cancer survivorship
      guidelines is also discussed. CONCLUSION: The study of PROs presents significant
      benefits in understanding and treating toxicities and enhancing quality of life;
      however, challenges remain. Strategies are presented to overcome these hurdles,
      which will ultimately improve cancer survivorship.

PMID- 25113761
TI  - Emergence of stereotactic body radiation therapy and its impact on current and
      future clinical practice.
AB  - Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is generally a tumor-ablative
      radiation modality using essential technologies capable of accurately and
      precisely damaging the target with a high dose while geometrically sparing
      innocent normal tissues. The intent, conduct, and tissue biology are all
      dramatically distinct from conventionally fractionated radiotherapy such that new
      understanding is required for its optimization. It is most practical, tolerable,
      and tumoricidal in its most potent form treating tumors in the lung and liver.
      However, it is increasingly being used for tumors adjacent to bowels and nervous
      tissue, albeit with somewhat less ablative potency. Its strengths include high
      rates of tumor eradication via a noninvasive, convenient outpatient treatment.
      Its weakness relates to the possibility of causing difficult-to-manage toxicity
      (eg, ulceration, stenosis, fibrosis, and even necrosis) that may occur
      considerably later after treatment, particularly in the vicinity of the body's
      many tubular structures (eg, organ hila, bowel). However, clinical trials in a
      variety of organs and sites have shown SBRT to result in good outcomes in
      properly selected patients. Given its short course, lack of need for recovery,
      and favorable overall toxicity profile, there is great hope that SBRT will find a
      prominent place in the treatment of metastatic cancer as a consolidative partner
      with systemic therapy. With considerable published experience, available required
      technologies and training, and many patients in need of local therapy, SBRT has
      found a place in the routine cancer-fighting arsenal. 

PMID- 25113763
TI  - Psychosexual functioning among adult female survivors of childhood cancer: a
      report from the childhood cancer survivor study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Childhood cancer survivors may be at risk for impaired psychosexual
      functioning as a direct result of their cancer or its treatments, psychosocial
      difficulties, and/or diminished quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two
      thousand one hundred seventy-eight female adult survivors of childhood cancer and
      408 female siblings from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) completed a
      self-report questionnaire about their psychosexual functioning and quality of
      life. On average, participants were age 29 years (range, 18 to 51 years) at the
      time of the survey, had been diagnosed with cancer at a median age of 8.5 years
      (range, 0 to 20) and were most commonly diagnosed with leukemia (33.2%) and
      Hodgkin lymphoma (15.4%). RESULTS: Multivariable analyses suggested that after
      controlling for sociodemographic differences, survivors reported significantly
      lower sexual functioning (mean difference [MnD], -0.2; P = .01), lower sexual
      interest (MnD, -0.2; P < .01), lower sexual desire (MnD, -0.3; P < .01), lower
      sexual arousal (MnD, -0.3; P < .01), lower sexual satisfaction (MnD, -0.2; P =
      .01), and lower sexual activity (MnD, -0.1; P = .02) compared with siblings. Risk
      factors for poorer psychosexual functioning among survivors included older age at
      assessment, ovarian failure at a younger age, treatment with cranial radiation,
      and cancer diagnosis during adolescence. CONCLUSION: Decreased sexual functioning
      among female survivors of childhood cancers seems to be unrelated to emotional
      factors and is likely to be an underaddressed issue. Several risk factors among
      survivors have been identified that assist in defining high-risk subgroups who
      may benefit from targeted screening and interventions.

PMID- 25113764
TI  - Frontiers in radiotherapy for early-stage invasive breast cancer.
AB  - The development of breast-conserving treatment for early-stage breast cancer is
      one of the most important success stories in radiation oncology in the latter
      half of the twentieth century. Lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy provides an
      appealing alternative to mastectomy for many women. In recent years, there has
      been a shift in clinical investigational focus toward refinements in the methods
      of delivering adjuvant radiotherapy that provide shorter, more convenient
      schedules of external-beam radiotherapy and interstitial treatment. Expedited
      courses of whole-breast treatment have been demonstrated to be equivalent to
      traditional lengthier courses in terms of tumor control and cosmetic outcome and
      to provide an opportunity for cost efficiencies. 

PMID- 25113762
TI  - Cranial stereotactic radiosurgery: current status of the initial paradigm
      shifter.
AB  - The concept of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was first described by Lars
      Leksell in 1951. It was proposed as a noninvasive alternative to open
      neurosurgical approaches to manage a variety of conditions. In the following
      decades, SRS emerged as a unique discipline involving a collegial partnership
      among neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists. SRS relies on
      the precisely guided delivery of high-dose ionizing radiation to an intracranial
      target. The focused convergence of multiple beams yields a potent therapeutic
      effect on the target and a steep dose fall-off to surrounding structures, thereby
      minimizing the risk of collateral damage. SRS is typically administered in a
      single session but can be given in as many as five sessions or fractions. By
      providing an ablative effect noninvasively, SRS has altered the treatment
      paradigms for benign and malignant intracranial tumors, functional disorders, and
      vascular malformations. Literature on extensive intracranial radiosurgery has
      unequivocally demonstrated the favorable benefit-to-risk profile that SRS affords
      for appropriately selected patients. In a departure from conventional
      radiotherapeutic strategies, radiosurgical principles have recently been extended
      to extracranial indications such as lung, spine, and liver tumors. The paradigm
      shift resulting from radiosurgery continues to alter the landscape of related
      fields. 

PMID- 25113766
TI  - Enhancing the efficacy of radiation therapy: premises, promises, and
      practicality.

PMID- 25113767
TI  - Impact of informative censoring on the Kaplan-Meier estimate of progression-free
      survival in phase II clinical trials.
AB  - Informative censoring in a progression-free survival (PFS) analysis arises when
      patients are censored for initiation of an effective anticancer treatment before
      the protocol-defined progression, and these patients are at a different risk for
      treatment failure than those who continue on therapy. This may cause bias in the
      estimated PFS when using the Kaplan-Meier method for analysis. Although there are
      several articles that discuss this issue from a theoretical perspective or in
      randomized phase III studies, there are little data to demonstrate the magnitude
      of the bias on the estimated quantities from a phase II trial. This article
      describes the issues by using two oncology phase II trials as examples, evaluates
      the impact of the bias using simulations, and provides recommendations. The two
      trials were selected because they demonstrate two different reasons for
      censoring. Simulations show that the magnitude of the bias depends primarily on
      the proportion of patients who are informatively censored and secondarily on the
      hazard ratio between the group of patients who remain on study and the group of
      patients who are informatively censored. Recommendations include using an
      alternative end point, which includes inadequate response and initial signs of
      clinical progression as treatment failure, and a competing risk analysis for
      studies in which competing events preclude or modify the probability of observing
      the primary event of interest. If informative censoring cannot be avoided, then
      all patients should be observed until progression, and sensitivity analyses
      should be used as appropriate.

PMID- 25113765
TI  - Radical irradiation of extracranial oligometastases.
AB  - Advances in radiotherapy planning and delivery have been used to treat patients
      with limited metastatic disease. With these techniques, high rates of treated
      metastasis control and low toxicity have been reported. Some patients have long
      disease-free intervals after radiotherapy similar to those seen after surgical
      resection. Ongoing studies will determine the benefit of these irradiation
      techniques to treat limited metastases, identify appropriate candidates, and
      assist in integrating these treatments into management strategies for specific
      diseases. 

PMID- 25113768
TI  - Molecular radiobiology: the state of the art.
AB  - Traditional cytotoxic agents used in cancer therapy were initially discovered
      based on their ability to kill rapidly dividing cells. The targets of these early
      generation agents were typically one or more aspects of DNA synthesis or mitosis.
      Thus, dose-limiting toxicities commonly associated with these agents include GI
      dysfunction, immunosuppression, and other consequences of injury to normal
      tissues in which cells are replicating under normal physiologic conditions.
      Although many of these agents still play an important role in cancer therapy when
      given concurrently with radiation therapy, the major thrust of radiobiology
      research in the last two decades has focused on discovering tumor-specific traits
      that might be exploited for more selective targeting that would enhance the
      efficacy of radiotherapy with less normal tissue toxicity. These newer generation
      molecular targeted therapies interfere with the growth of tumor cells by
      inhibiting genes and their protein products that are needed specifically by the
      tumor for survival and expansion. These agents can be complementary to
      radiotherapy, a spatially targeted agent. Although there have been extraordinary
      technical advances in radiotherapy in recent years, we are reaching the limits of
      improvements that radiotherapy delivery technology can bring and need different
      approaches. This review will highlight promising new tumor biology-based targets
      and other novel strategies to reduce normal tissue injury, increase tumor
      control, and expand the use of radiotherapy to treat widespread metastatic
      disease. 

PMID- 25113769
TI  - Nanotechnology in radiation oncology.
AB  - Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter on atomic and molecular scales, is a
      relatively new branch of science. It has already made a significant impact on
      clinical medicine, especially in oncology. Nanomaterial has several
      characteristics that are ideal for oncology applications, including preferential
      accumulation in tumors, low distribution in normal tissues, biodistribution,
      pharmacokinetics, and clearance, that differ from those of small molecules.
      Because these properties are also well suited for applications in radiation
      oncology, nanomaterials have been used in many different areas of radiation
      oncology for imaging and treatment planning, as well as for radiosensitization to
      improve the therapeutic ratio. In this article, we review the unique properties
      of nanomaterials that are favorable for oncology applications and examine the
      various applications of nanotechnology in radiation oncology. We also discuss the
      future directions of nanotechnology within the context of radiation oncology. 

PMID- 25113770
TI  - Interaction of radiation therapy with molecular targeted agents.
AB  - The development of molecular targeted therapeutics in oncology builds on many
      years of scientific investigation into the cellular mechanics of malignant
      transformation and progression. The past two decades have brought an accelerating
      pace to the clinical investigation of new molecular targeted agents, particularly
      in the setting of metastatic disease. The integration of molecular targeted
      agents into phase III clinical trial design has lagged in the curative treatment
      setting, particularly in combination with established therapeutic modalities such
      as radiation. In this review, we discuss the interaction of radiation and
      molecular targeted therapeutics. The dynamics of cellular and tumor response to
      radiation offer unique opportunities for beneficial interplay with molecular
      targeted agents that may go unrecognized with conventional screening and
      monotherapy clinical testing of novel agents. By using epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) as a primary example, we discuss recent clinical studies that
      illustrate the potential synergy of molecular targeted agents with radiation and
      highlight the clinical value of such interactions. For various molecular targeted
      agents, their greatest clinical impact may rest in combination with radiation,
      and efforts to facilitate systematic investigation of this approach appear highly
      warranted. 

PMID- 25113774
TI  - Radiation oncology: a snapshot in time, 2014.

PMID- 25113772
TI  - Promise and pitfalls of heavy-particle therapy.
AB  - Proton beam therapy, the most common form of heavy-particle radiation therapy, is
      not a new invention, but it has gained considerable public attention because of
      the high cost of installing and operating the rapidly increasing number of
      treatment centers. This article reviews the physical properties of proton beam
      therapy and focuses on the up-to-date clinical evidence comparing proton beam
      therapy with the more standard and widely available radiation therapy treatment
      alternatives. In a cost-conscious era of health care, the hypothetical benefits
      of proton beam therapy will have to be supported by demonstrable clinical gains.
      Proton beam therapy represents, through its scale and its cost, a battleground
      for the policy debate around managing expensive technology in modern medicine. 

PMID- 25113773
TI  - Role of radiation therapy in palliative care of the patient with cancer.
AB  - Radiotherapy is a successful, time-efficient, well-tolerated, and cost-effective
      intervention that is crucial for the appropriate delivery of palliative oncology
      care. The distinction between curative and palliative goals is blurred in many
      patients with cancer, requiring that treatments be chosen on the basis of factors
      related to the patient (ie, poor performance status, advanced age, significant
      weight loss, severe comorbid disease), the cancer (ie, metastatic disease,
      aggressive histology), or the treatment (ie, poor response to systemic therapy,
      previous radiotherapy). Goals may include symptom relief at the site of primary
      tumor or from metastatic lesions. Attention to a patient's discomfort and
      transportation limitations requires hypofractionated courses, when feasible.
      Innovative approaches include rapid response palliative care clinics as well as
      the formation of palliative radiotherapy specialty services in academic centers.
      Guidelines are providing better definitions of appropriate palliative
      radiotherapy interventions, and bone metastases fractionation has become the
      first radiotherapy quality measure accepted by the National Quality Forum.
      Further advances in the palliative radiation oncology subspecialty will require
      integration of education and training between the radiotherapy and palliative
      care specialties. 

PMID- 25113775
TI  - Simultaneous determination of nine lignans from Schisandra chinensis extract
      using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in
      rat plasma, urine, and gastrointestinal tract samples: application to the
      pharmacokinetic study of Schisandra chinensis.
AB  - The fruit of Schisandra chinensis is a well-known herbal medicine and dietary
      supplement due to a variety of biological activities including antihepatotoxic
      and antihyperlipidemic activities. However, the simultaneous validation
      methodology and pharmacokinetic investigation of nine lignans of S. chinensis
      extract in biological samples have not been proved yet. Thus, the present study
      was undertaken to develop the proper sample preparation method and simultaneous
      analytical method of schisandrol A, gomisin J, schisandrol B, tigloylgomisin H,
      angeloylgomisin H, schisandrin A, schisandrin B, gomisin N, and schisandrin C in
      the hexane-soluble extract of S. chinensis to apply for the pharmacokinetic study
      in rats. All intra- and interprecisions of nine lignans were below 13.7% and
      accuracies were 85.1-115% and it is enough to evaluate the pharmacokinetic
      parameters after both intravenous and oral administration of hexane-soluble
      extract of S. chinensis to rats. 

PMID- 25113776
TI  - Electrical resistivity behaviors of liquid Pb-Sn binary alloy in the presence of
      ultrasonic field.
AB  - Electrical resistivity behaviors of liquid Pb-Sn alloys have been investigated in
      the presence of ultrasonic field. The process demonstrated significantly that
      electrical resistivity could reveal the precise influence caused by ultrasound.
      Details revealed by applying the resistivity measuring approach to the liquid Pb
      Sn alloy show that the short ordered structures in the liquid could be modified
      by ultrasonic irradiation, and the resistivity approach could have application
      value in the ultrasonic irradiation process on the specific liquid metals and
      alloys. 

PMID- 25113771
TI  - Role of imaging in the staging and response assessment of lymphoma: consensus of
      the International Conference on Malignant Lymphomas Imaging Working Group.
AB  - PURPOSE: Recent advances in imaging, use of prognostic indices, and molecular
      profiling techniques have the potential to improve disease characterization and
      outcomes in lymphoma. International trials are under way to test image-based
      response-adapted treatment guided by early interim positron emission tomography
      (PET)-computed tomography (CT). Progress in imaging is influencing trial design
      and affecting clinical practice. In particular, a five-point scale to grade
      response using PET-CT, which can be adapted to suit requirements for early- and
      late-response assessment with good interobserver agreement, is becoming widely
      used both in practice- and response-adapted trials. A workshop held at the 11th
      International Conference on Malignant Lymphomas (ICML) in 2011 concluded that
      revision to current staging and response criteria was timely. METHODS: An imaging
      working group composed of representatives from major international cooperative
      groups was asked to review the literature, share knowledge about research in
      progress, and identify key areas for research pertaining to imaging and lymphoma.
      RESULTS: A working paper was circulated for comment and presented at the Fourth
      International Workshop on PET in Lymphoma in Menton, France, and the 12th ICML in
      Lugano, Switzerland, to update the International Harmonisation Project guidance
      regarding PET. Recommendations were made to optimize the use of PET-CT in staging
      and response assessment of lymphoma, including qualitative and quantitative
      methods. CONCLUSION: This article comprises the consensus reached to update
      guidance on the use of PET-CT for staging and response assessment for
      [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-avid lymphomas in clinical practice and late-phase
      trials.

PMID- 25113777
TI  - N-methyl-trimethylacetamide in thin films displays infrared spectra of pi
      helices, with visible static and dynamic growth phases, and then a beta-sheet.
AB  - The simplest (minimal) peptide model is HCONHCH3. An increase in the pi-helix
      content with increased substitution in the acyl portion suggested the examination
      of N-methyl-trimethylacetamide) (NMT). NMT displays spectra, in which there is
      evolution of a set of helices defined by their amide I maxima near 1686 (3(10)),
      1655 (first pi), and, most importantly, at 1637 cm(-1) (pi). Expanded thin-film
      infrared spectroscopy (XTFIS) shows pauses or slow stages, which are identified
      as static phases followed by dynamic phases with the incremental gain or loss of
      a helix turn. In addition, absorbance at 1637 cm(-1) suddenly increases at 82.1 s
      (30% over 0.3 s), indicating a phase change and crystallization of the pi-helix,
      along with a coincidental decrease in the absorbance for the first pi-helix. A
      sharp peak occurs at the maximum of the phase change at 82.5 s, representing a
      pure NMT pi-helix. The spectra then undergo a decreasing general absorption loss
      over 150 s, with the pi-helix evolving further to an antiparallel beta-sheet
      fragment. The spectral quality arises from the immobilization of polar molecules
      on polar surfaces. The crystal structure is that of an antiparallel beta-sheet.

PMID- 25113778
TI  - Co-inheritance of the rare beta hemoglobin variants Hb Yaounde, Hb Gorwihl and Hb
      City of Hope with other alterations in globin genes: impact in genetic
      counseling.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nearly 1183 different molecular defects of the globin genes leading to
      hemoglobin variants have been identified (http://globin.bx.psu.edu) over the past
      decades. The purpose of this study was to report three cases, never described in
      the literature, of co-inheritance of three beta hemoglobin variants with other
      alterations in globin genes and to evaluate the clinical significance to conduct
      an appropriate genetic counseling. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report the molecular
      study performed in three probands and their families, sampling during the
      screening program conducted at the Laboratory for Molecular Prenatal Diagnosis of
      Hemoglobinopathies at Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital in Palermo, Italy. RESULTS:
      This work allowed us to describe the co-inheritance of three rare beta hemoglobin
      variants with other alterations in globin genes: the beta hemoglobin variant Hb
      Yaounde [beta134(H12)Val>Ala], found for the first time in combination with
      alphaalphaalpha(anti3.7) arrangement, and the beta hemoglobin variants Hb Gorwihl
      [beta5(A2)Pro>Ala] and Hb City of Hope [beta69(E13)Gly>Ser], found both in
      association with beta(0) -thalassemia. CONCLUSION: The present work emphasizes
      the importance of a careful evaluation of the hematological data, especially in
      cases of atypical hematological parameters, to carry out an adequate and complete
      molecular study and to formulate an appropriate genetic counseling for couples at
      risk.

PMID- 25113779
TI  - Scientific and technical data sharing: a trading perspective.
AB  - It is arguably a precept that the open sharing of data maximises the scientific
      utility of the research that generated that data. Indeed, progress depends on
      individual scientists being able to build on the results produced by others. The
      means to facilitate sharing undoubtedly exist, but various studies have
      identified reluctance among researchers to share information with their peers, at
      least until the professional priorities of the original researchers have been
      accommodated. With a view to encouraging less inhibited collaboration, we
      appraise the processes of data exchange from the perspective of a trading
      environment and consider how data exchanges might promote (or perhaps hinder)
      collaboration in data-rich scientific research disciplines and how such an
      exchange might be set up. We suggest an exchange with trusted brokers (akin to
      the commodity markets) as a way to overcome the challenges of the current
      environment. We conclude by encouraging the scientific and technical community to
      debate the merits of a trading perspective on data sharing and exchange. 

PMID- 25113782
TI  - Doctor, what does my knee arthroplasty weigh?
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the weight of the total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA) implants and the weight of the natural knee. A prospective study was
      conducted with two different brands of cemented primary TKA. During the
      procedure, we collected the removed bone, soft tissues and the post-implantation
      cement and weighed them all separately at the end. In both groups, the implants
      plus cement were significantly heavier than the removed bone and soft tissues.
      The average weight gained was 266.7 +/- 35.1 g for group 1 and 279.1 +/- 48.7 g
      for group 2. This significant local weight gained after TKA is a new parameter
      that should be taken into account for further studies and when creating new
      implants.

PMID- 25113781
TI  - Cardiorespiratory responses to 6-minute walk test in interstitial lung disease:
      not always a submaximal test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) is used to measure exercise capacity
      and assess prognosis in interstitial lung disease (ILD). Although the 6 MWT is
      usually considered to be a test of submaximal exercise capacity in ILD, the
      physiological load imposed by this test is not well described and 6 MWT outcomes
      are poorly understood. This study aimed to compare cardiorespiratory responses to
      6 MWT and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in people with ILD. METHODS: 47
      participants with ILD (27 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), mean age 71 (SD
      12) years, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (TLCO) 49(15) %predicted)
      undertook CPET and 6 MWT on the same day in random order. Oxygen uptake (VO(2)),
      ventilation (VE) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) were assessed during each
      test using a portable metabolic cart. RESULTS: The VO(2)peak during the 6 MWT was
      lower than during CPET (1.17(0.27) vs 1.30(0.37) L.min-1, p = 0.001),
      representing an average of 94% (range 62-135%) of CPET VO(2)peak. Achieving a
      higher percentage of CPET VO(2)peak on 6 MWT was associated with lower TLCO
      %predicted (r = -0.43, p = 0.003) and more desaturation during walking (r = 
      0.46, p = 0.01). The VEpeak and VCO(2)peak were significantly lower during 6 MWT
      than CPET (p < 0.05). However, participants desaturated more during the 6 MWT
      (86(6)% vs 89(4)%, p < 0.001). The degree of desaturation was not affected by the
      percent of peak VO2 achieved during the 6 MWT. Responses were similar in the
      subgroup with IPF. CONCLUSIONS: On average, the 6 MWT elicits a high but
      submaximal oxygen uptake in people with ILD. However the physiological load
      varies between individuals, with higher peak VO2 in those with more severe
      disease that may match or exceed that achieved on CPET. The 6 MWT is not always a
      test of submaximal exercise capacity in people with ILD.

PMID- 25113783
TI  - Patient-related predictors of treatment failure after primary total knee
      arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.
AB  - The aim was to identify patient-related predictors of treatment failure after
      primary total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. Treatment failure included
      surgical revision or clinical failure, which was defined by less than 70 in any
      score of the Knee Society. Prospective follow-up was performed in 412 consecutive
      patients with a minimum of 5 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis
      revealed that higher Charlson index, worse preoperative Knee Society function,
      and Western Ontario McMaster University pain component were significantly
      associated with treatment failure. This study identified clinically important
      patient-related predictors of treatment failure after TKA, which may be useful
      preoperatively in identifying patients with risk of failure.

PMID- 25113784
TI  - Prevalence and predictors of post-operative coronal alignment outliers and their
      association with the functional outcomes in navigated total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors for being an outlier after
      navigated TKA and asked whether navigated TKAs with perfect coronal alignment
      have better functional outcomes than those without it. Alignment was measured in
      124 patients (191 knees) with navigated TKAs who were available for 1year
      functional outcome assessment. The outcomes were compared among the 3 subgroups
      divided by the deviation of mechanical axis from neutral (0 degrees ): the
      perfect, 0 degrees  or within 1 degrees ; the acceptable, 1 degrees -3 degrees ;
      and the outlier, beyond 3 degrees . The prevalence of outliers was 20.4%, and the
      severity of preoperative varus deformity was the strongest predictor. Accuracy of
      coronal alignment in radiographs did not correlate consistently with functional
      outcomes. 

PMID- 25113785
TI  - Cell blocks in cytopathology: a review of preparative methods, utility in
      diagnosis and role in ancillary studies.
AB  - The cell block (CB) is a routine procedure in cytopathology that has gained
      importance because of its pivotal role in diagnosis and ancillary studies. There
      is no precise review in the published literature that deals with the various
      methods of preparation of CB, its utility in diagnosis, immunocytochemistry (ICC)
      or molecular testing, and its drawbacks. An extensive literature search on CB in
      cytology using internet search engines was performed for this review employing
      the following keywords: cell block, cytoblock, cytology, cytopathology, methods,
      preparation, fixatives, diagnostic yield, ancillary and molecular studies. Ever
      since its introduction more than a century ago, the CB technique has undergone
      numerous modifications to improve the quality of the procedure; however, the
      overall principle remains the same in each method. CBs can be prepared from
      virtually all varieties of cytological samples. In today's era of personalized
      medicine, cytological specimens, including CBs, augment the utility of
      cytological samples in analysing the molecular alterations as effectively as
      surgical biopsies or resection specimens. With the availability of molecular
      targeted therapy for many cancers, a large number of recent studies have used
      cytological material or CBs for molecular characterization. The various
      techniques of CB preparation with different fixatives, their advantages and
      limitations, and issues of diagnostic yield are discussed in this review. 

PMID- 25113786
TI  - Comparative effects of biological and chemical dispersants on the bioavailability
      and toxicity of crude oil to early life stages of marine medaka (Oryzias
      melastigma).
AB  - The authors assessed the bioavailability and chronic toxicity of water
      accommodated fractions of crude oil (WAFs) and 2 dispersants plus dispersed crude
      oil (chemical dispersant + crude oil [CE-WAF] and biological dispersant + crude
      oil [BE-WAF]) on the early life stages of marine medaka, Oryzias melastigma. The
      results showed that the addition of the 2 dispersants caused a 3- and 4-fold
      increase in concentrations of summed priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      (PAHs) and high-molecular-weight PAHs with 3 or more benzene rings. The chemical
      and biological dispersants increased the bioavailability (as measured by
      ethoxyresorufin-O-dethylase activity) of crude oil 6-fold and 3-fold,
      respectively. Based on nominal concentrations, chronic toxicity (as measured by
      deformity) in WAFs exhibited a 10-fold increase in CE-WAF and a 3-fold increase
      in BE-WAF, respectively. When total petroleum hydrocarbon was measured, the
      differences between WAF and CE-WAF treatments disappeared, and CE-WAF was
      approximately 10 times more toxic than BE-WAF. Compared with the chemical
      dispersant, the biological dispersant possibly modified the toxicity of oil
      hydrocarbons because of the increase in the proportion of 2- and 3-ringed PAHs in
      water. The chemical and biological dispersants enhanced short-term
      bioaccumulation and toxicity, through different mechanisms. These properties
      should be considered in addition to their efficacy in degrading oil when oil
      spill management strategies are selected.

PMID- 25113787
TI  - Two novel mutations in conserved codons indicate that CHCHD10 is a gene
      associated with motor neuron disease.

PMID- 25113788
TI  - Reply: Two novel mutations in conserved codons indicate that CHCHD10 is a gene
      associated with motor neuron disease.

PMID- 25113789
TI  - The evolution of primary progressive apraxia of speech.
AB  - Primary progressive apraxia of speech is a recently described neurodegenerative
      disorder in which patients present with an isolated apraxia of speech and show
      focal degeneration of superior premotor cortex. Little is known about how these
      individuals progress over time, making it difficult to provide prognostic
      estimates. Thirteen subjects with primary progressive apraxia of speech underwent
      two serial comprehensive clinical and neuroimaging evaluations 2.4 years apart
      [median age of onset = 67 years (range: 49-76), seven females]. All underwent
      detailed speech and language, neurological and neuropsychological assessments,
      and magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and (18)F
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography at both baseline and follow-up.
      Rates of change of whole brain, ventricle, and midbrain volumes were calculated
      using the boundary-shift integral and atlas-based parcellation, and rates of
      regional grey matter atrophy were assessed using tensor-based morphometry. White
      matter tract degeneration was assessed on diffusion-tensor imaging at each time
      point. Patterns of hypometabolism were assessed at the single subject-level.
      Neuroimaging findings were compared with a cohort of 20 age, gender, and scan
      interval matched healthy controls. All subjects developed extrapyramidal signs.
      In eight subjects the apraxia of speech remained the predominant feature. In the
      other five there was a striking progression of symptoms that had evolved into a
      progressive supranuclear palsy-like syndrome; they showed a combination of severe
      parkinsonism, near mutism, dysphagia with choking, vertical supranuclear gaze
      palsy or slowing, balance difficulties with falls and urinary incontinence, and
      one was wheelchair bound. Rates of whole brain atrophy (1.5% per year; controls =
      0.4% per year), ventricular expansion (8.0% per year; controls = 3.3% per year)
      and midbrain atrophy (1.5% per year; controls = 0.1% per year) were elevated (P
      <= 0.001) in all 13, compared to controls. Increased rates of brain atrophy over
      time were observed throughout the premotor cortex, as well as prefrontal cortex,
      motor cortex, basal ganglia and midbrain, while white matter tract degeneration
      spread into the splenium of the corpus callosum and motor cortex white matter.
      Hypometabolism progressed over time in almost all subjects. These findings
      demonstrate that some subjects with primary progressive apraxia of speech will
      rapidly evolve and develop a devastating progressive supranuclear palsy-like
      syndrome ~ 5 years after onset, perhaps related to progressive involvement of
      neocortex, basal ganglia and midbrain. These findings help improve our
      understanding of primary progressive apraxia of speech and provide some important
      prognostic guidelines.

PMID- 25113791
TI  - A novel CDC73 gene mutation in an Italian family with hyperparathyroidism-jaw
      tumour (HPT-JT) syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: The CDC73 gene, encoding parafibromin, has been identified as a tumour
      suppressor gene both in hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour (HPT-JT) syndrome and in
      sporadic parathyroid carcinoma. While the vast majority of CDC73 mutations affect
      the N-terminus or the central core of the encoded protein, as yet few mutations
      have been reported affecting the C-terminus. Here, we report a case (Caucasian
      female, 28 years) with an invasive ossifying fibroma of the left mandible and
      hyperparathyroidism (sCa = 16 mg/dl, PTH = 660 pg/mL) due to a parathyroid lesion
      of 20 mm, hystologically diagnosed as carcinoma. METHODS: The whole CDC73 gene
      was screened for the presence of mutations by Sanger sequencing.
      Immunohistochemistry, in vitro functional assays, Western blotting, MTT assays
      and in-silico modelling were performed to assess the effect of the detected
      mutation. RESULTS: Sequence analysis of the CDC73 gene in the proband revealed
      the presence of a novel deletion affecting the C-terminus of the encoded protein
      (c.1379delT/p.L460Lfs*18). Clinical and genetic analyses of the available
      relatives led to the identification of three additional carriers, one of whom was
      also affected by a parathyroid lesion. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting,
      MTT and in-silico modelling assays revealed that the deletion leads to down
      regulation of the mutated protein, most likely through a proteasome-mediated
      pathway. We also found that the deletion may cause a conformational change in the
      C-terminus of the protein, possibly affecting its interaction with partner
      proteins. Finally, we found that the mutant protein enhances cellular growth.
      CONCLUSIONS: We report a novel mutation in the CDC73 gene that may underlie HPT
      JT syndrome. This mutation appears to affect the C-terminal moiety of the encoded
      protein, which is thought to interact with other protein partners. The
      identification of these partners may be instrumental for our understanding of the
      CDC73-associated phenotype.

PMID- 25113792
TI  - Sinoatrial node dysfunction induces cardiac arrhythmias in diabetic mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to probe cardiac complications, including
      heart-rate control, in a mouse model of type-2 diabetes. Heart-rate development
      in diabetic patients is not straight forward: In general, patients with diabetes
      have faster heart rates compared to non-diabetic individuals, yet diabetic
      patients are frequently found among patients treated for slow heart rates. Hence,
      we hypothesized that sinoatrial node (SAN) dysfunction could contribute to our
      understanding of the mechanism behind this conundrum and the consequences
      thereof. METHODS: Cardiac hemodynamic and electrophysiological characteristics
      were investigated in diabetic db/db and control db/+ mice. RESULTS: We found
      improved contractile function and impaired filling dynamics of the heart in db/db
      mice, relative to db/+ controls. Electrophysiologically, we observed comparable
      heart rates in the two mouse groups, but SAN recovery time was prolonged in
      diabetic mice. Adrenoreceptor stimulation increased heart rate in all mice and
      elicited cardiac arrhythmias in db/db mice only. The arrhythmias emanated from
      the SAN and were characterized by large RR fluctuations. Moreover, nerve density
      was reduced in the SAN region. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced systolic function and
      reduced diastolic function indicates early ventricular remodeling in obese and
      diabetic mice. They have SAN dysfunction, and adrenoreceptor stimulation triggers
      cardiac arrhythmia originating in the SAN. Thus, dysfunction of the intrinsic
      cardiac pacemaker and remodeling of the autonomic nervous system may conspire to
      increase cardiac mortality in diabetic patients.

PMID- 25113795
TI  - Contactless conductivity detection for analytical techniques-developments from
      2012 to 2014.
AB  - The review covers the progress of capacitively coupled contactless conductivity
      detection over the 2 years leading up to mid-2014. During this period many new
      applications for conventional CE as well as for microchip separation devices have
      been reported; prominent areas have been clinical, pharmaceutical, forensic, and
      food analyses. Further progress has been made in the development of field
      portable instrumentation based on CE with contactless conductivity detection.
      Several reports concern the combination with sample pretreatment techniques, in
      particular electrodriven extractions. Accounts of arrays of contactless
      conductivity detectors have appeared, which have been created for quite different
      tasks requiring spatially resolved information. The trend of the use of
      contactless conductivity measurements for applications other than CE has
      continued. 

PMID- 25113794
TI  - 7T T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging reveals cortical phase differences
      between early- and late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The aim of this study is to explore regional iron-related differences in the
      cerebral cortex, indicative of Alzheimer's disease pathology, between early- and
      late-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD, LOAD, respectively) patients using 7T
      magnetic resonance phase images. High-resolution T2(*)-weighted scans were
      acquired in 12 EOAD patients and 17 LOAD patients with mild to moderate disease
      and 27 healthy elderly control subjects. Lobar peak-to-peak phase shifts and
      regional mean phase contrasts were computed. An increased peak-to-peak phase
      shift was found for all lobar regions in EOAD patients compared with LOAD
      patients (p < 0.05). Regional mean phase contrast in EOAD patients was higher
      than in LOAD patients in the superior medial and middle frontal gyrus, anterior
      and middle cingulate gyrus, postcentral gyrus, superior and inferior parietal
      gyrus, and precuneus (p <= 0.042). These data suggest that EOAD patients have an
      increased iron accumulation, possibly related to an increased amyloid deposition,
      in specific cortical regions as compared with LOAD patients.

PMID- 25113796
TI  - Beta-blockers in cirrhosis and refractory ascites: a retrospective cohort study
      and review of the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It is currently discussed if beta-blockers exert harmful effects and
      increase mortality in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites. In this
      study, we provide an overview of the available literature in this field in
      combination with a retrospective analysis of 61 patients with cirrhosis and
      refractory ascites in a tertiary unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a
      systematic search of literature in May 2014. In addition, 61 patients with
      cirrhosis and ascites were identified and followed from development of refractory
      ascites until death or end of follow-up. RESULTS: Fourteen trials (9 trials on
      propranolol, 1 case-control study and 4 retrospective analyses) were identified.
      One trial suggested an increased mortality in patients treated with beta-blockers
      and refractory ascites. The results of the remaining trials were inconclusive. No
      increase in mortality among beta-blocker-treated patients was found in the
      present retrospective analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with beta-blockers may
      increase mortality in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites. However,
      the current evidence is sparse and high-quality studies are warranted to clarify
      the matter.

PMID- 25113790
TI  - Long non-coding RNAs in cancer: implications for personalized therapy.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs, pseudogenes and circRNAs) have recently come into
      light as powerful players in cancer pathogenesis and it is becoming increasingly
      clear that they have the potential of greatly contributing to the spread and
      success of personalized cancer medicine. In this concise review, we briefly
      introduce these three classes of long non-coding RNAs. We then discuss their
      applications as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Finally, we describe their
      appeal as targets and as drugs, while pointing out the limitations that still lie
      ahead of their definitive entry into clinical practice. 

PMID- 25113797
TI  - Impact of implementation of the Surgical Care Improvement Project and future
      strategies for improving quality in surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present a comprehensive systematic review of the effect of
      Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) measures on surgical site infections
      (SSIs) as related to SCIP compliance. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of the
      peer-reviewed literature was performed on PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane database
      group using their own search engines. Keywords used were Surgical Care
      Improvement Project (SCIP), adherence, compliance, surgical site infection (SSI),
      infection bundle, antibiotics, perioperative antibiotics, and combinations
      thereof. Furthermore, reference lists of selected articles were cross-searched
      for additional literature. Papers published from January 1, 1998 to January 1,
      2014 were included. RESULTS: A comprehensive analysis of these data demonstrated
      an 18% decrease in the odds of developing SSI and a cumulative 4% decrease in
      SSI. The largest increases in compliance for individual SCIP measures were
      reported between 2004 and 2006. However, compliance with multiple measures
      simultaneously had the sharpest increase between 2006 and 2009 without a
      definitive asymptote ascertained from the current data. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results represent some positive progress toward the SCIP task force's 2006 goal
      of a 25% decrease in SSI by 2010. Suggestions for improved future papers in this
      area were also added.

PMID- 25113793
TI  - Relationships between default-mode network connectivity, medial temporal lobe
      structure, and age-related memory deficits.
AB  - Advanced aging negatively impacts memory performance. Brain aging has been
      associated with shrinkage in medial temporal lobe structures essential for memory
      -including hippocampus and entorhinal cortex--and with deficits in default-mode
      network connectivity. Yet, whether and how these imaging markers are relevant to
      age-related memory deficits remains a topic of debate. Using a sample of 182
      older (age 74.6 +/- 6.2 years) and 66 young (age 22.2 +/- 3.6 years)
      participants, this study examined relationships among memory performance,
      hippocampus volume, entorhinal cortex thickness, and default-mode network
      connectivity across aging. All imaging markers and memory were significantly
      different between young and older groups. Each imaging marker significantly
      mediated the relationship between age and memory performance and collectively
      accounted for most of the variance in age-related memory performance. Within
      older participants, default-mode connectivity and hippocampus volume were
      independently associated with memory. Structural equation modeling of cross
      sectional data within older participants suggest that entorhinal thinning may
      occur before reduced default-mode connectivity and hippocampal volume loss, which
      in turn lead to deficits in memory performance.

PMID- 25113799
TI  - Embryonic aneuploidy: overcoming molecular genetics challenges improves outcomes
      and changes practice patterns.
AB  - Since its inception, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has pursued molecular
      technology to improve patient outcomes, leading to enhanced methods of embryo
      selection. Comprehensive chromosomal screening (CCS) is a powerful tool that
      decreases maternal and neonatal morbidity due to multiple gestations by allowing
      the transfer of fewer embryos while maintaining success rates. To optimize this
      genetic test, physiological principles limiting the timing and type of cells to
      be removed had to be realized. Molecular barriers involved in genome
      amplification and ensuring the accuracy and validity of the CCS platform required
      a multistep approach to ensure that this technology was not used prematurely.
      Only after ensuring that the potential for harm was minimized and benefit
      maximized could clinicians use this technology to improve patient care. 

PMID- 25113800
TI  - Evaluation of tumor response to cytokine-induced killer cells therapy in
      malignant solid tumors.
AB  - CIK cells therapy has been evaluated as an adoptive cell immunotherapy for cancer
      patients, but there still have not been any standardized systems for evaluating
      the antitumor efficacy yet. The WHO and RECIST criteria have already been
      established for a few years but not sufficient to fully characterize the activity
      of immunotherapy. Based on these two criteria, the irRC was proposed for
      evaluating the efficacy of immunotherapy. A variety of bioassays for immune
      monitoring including the specific and non-specific methods, have been
      established. We recommend detect levels of various immunocytes, immune molecules
      and soluble molecules to find the correlations among them and clinicopathological
      characteristics to establish criteria for immunological classification. We also
      recommend a paradigm shift for the oncologists in the evaluation of immune
      therapies to ensure assessment of activity based on clinically relevant criteria
      and time points. 

PMID- 25113802
TI  - Carcinoid tumor of the minor duodenal papilla: a rare entity in elderly
      individuals.

PMID- 25113803
TI  - High-capacity anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.
AB  - Na-ion batteries are an attractive alternative to Li-ion batteries for large
      scale energy storage systems because of their low cost and the abundant Na
      resources. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of selected anode
      materials with high reversible capacities that can increase the energy density of
      Na-ion batteries. Moreover, we discuss the reaction and failure mechanisms of
      those anode materials with a view to suggesting promising strategies for
      improving their electrochemical performance. 

PMID- 25113805
TI  - Different regions of bovine deep digital flexor tendon exhibit distinct elastic,
      but not viscous, mechanical properties under both compression and shear loading.
AB  - Tendons in different locations function in unique, and at times complex, in vivo
      loading environments. Specifically, some tendons are subjected to compression,
      shear and/or torsion in addition to tensile loading, which play an important role
      in regulating tendon properties. To date, there have been few studies evaluating
      tendon mechanics when loaded in compression and shear, which are particularly
      relevant for understanding tendon regions that experience such non-tensile
      loading during normal physiologic function. The objective of this study was to
      evaluate mechanical responses of different regions of bovine deep digital flexor
      tendons (DDFT) under compressive and shear loading, and correlate structural
      characteristics to functional mechanical properties. Distal and proximal regions
      of DDFT were evaluated in a custom-made loading system via three-step incremental
      stress-relaxation tests. A two-relaxation-time solid linear model was used to
      describe the viscoelastic response. Results showed large differences in the
      elastic behavior between regions: distal region stresses were 4-5 times larger
      than proximal region stresses during compression and 2-3 times larger during
      shear. Surprisingly, the viscous (i.e., relaxation) behavior was not different
      between regions for either compression or shear. Histological analysis showed
      that collagen and proteoglycan in the distal region distributed differently from
      the proximal region. Results demonstrate mechanical differences between two
      regions of DDFT under compression and shear loading, which are attributed to
      variations of composition and microstructural organization. These findings deepen
      our understanding of structure-function relationships of tendon, particularly for
      tissues adapted to supporting combinations of tension, compression, and shear in
      physiological loading environments.

PMID- 25113804
TI  - Docetaxel followed by abiraterone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate
      cancer: efficacy and predictive parameters in a large single center cohort.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the outcome and course of disease in patients with metastatic
      castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with first-line docetaxel
      followed by abiraterone acetate in a single center. METHODS: In this
      retrospective observational study, we reviewed the course of disease of all
      applicable patients with mCRPC treated with docetaxel followed by abiraterone at
      our center. We analyzed progression-free survival (PFS) of docetaxel and
      abiraterone treatments. We further searched for predictive factors for the
      duration of treatment response. RESULTS: Median PFS between initiation of
      androgen deprivation therapy and the diagnosis of mCRPC was 32 months. Median PFS
      on docetaxel treatment was 9 months. Median PFS on abiraterone treatment was 11
      months. Patients with higher Gleason scores (GS) (8-10) at initial diagnosis had
      a significantly longer median PFS on docetaxel as compared to patients with GS 6
      7, p = 0.01. We demonstrate a significant correlation between the PFS on
      docetaxel and PFS on abiraterone in the post-docetaxel setting (Kendall tau r =
      0.32, p = 0.019) as well as a significant negative correlation between the PSA
      nadir under abiraterone treatment and the time to progression under abiraterone
      (Kendall tau r = -0.43, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: High Gleason score appears to be
      predictive of duration of response to docetaxel. Interestingly, progression-free
      survival with abiraterone appears to be correlated with the duration of response
      with docetaxel, whereas PSA decline and low nadir appear to be predictive of
      response to abiraterone.

PMID- 25113806
TI  - About the inevitable compromise between spatial resolution and accuracy of strain
      measurement for bone tissue: a 3D zero-strain study.
AB  - The accurate measurement of local strain is necessary to study bone mechanics and
      to validate micro computed tomography (uCT) based finite element (FE) models at
      the tissue scale. Digital volume correlation (DVC) has been used to provide a
      volumetric estimation of local strain in trabecular bone sample with a reasonable
      accuracy. However, nothing has been reported so far for uCT based analysis of
      cortical bone. The goal of this study was to evaluate accuracy and precision of a
      deformable registration method for prediction of local zero-strains in bovine
      cortical and trabecular bone samples. The accuracy and precision were analyzed by
      comparing scans virtually displaced, repeated scans without any repositioning of
      the sample in the scanner and repeated scans with repositioning of the samples.
      The analysis showed that both precision and accuracy errors decrease with
      increasing the size of the region analyzed, by following power laws. The main
      source of error was found to be the intrinsic noise of the images compared to the
      others investigated. The results, once extrapolated for larger regions of
      interest that are typically used in the literature, were in most cases better
      than the ones previously reported. For a nodal spacing equal to 50 voxels (498
      um), the accuracy and precision ranges were 425-692 uepsilon and 202-394
      uepsilon, respectively. In conclusion, it was shown that the proposed method can
      be used to study the local deformation of cortical and trabecular bone loaded
      beyond yield, if a sufficiently high nodal spacing is used.

PMID- 25113801
TI  - Impact of tissue-specific stem cells on lineage-specific differentiation: a focus
      on the musculoskeletal system.
AB  - Tissue-specific stem cells are found throughout the body and, with proper
      intervention and environmental cues, these stem cells exercise their capabilities
      for differentiation into several lineages to form cartilage, bone, muscle, and
      adipose tissue in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, it has been widely
      demonstrated that they do not differentiate with the same efficacy during lineage
      specific differentiation studies, as the tissue-specific stem cells are generally
      more effective when differentiating toward the tissues from which they were
      derived. This review focuses on four mesodermal lineages for tissue-specific stem
      cell differentiation: adipogenesis, chondrogenesis, myogenesis, and osteogenesis.
      It is intended to give insight into current multilineage differentiation and
      comparative research, highlight and contrast known trends regarding
      differentiation, and introduce supporting evidence which demonstrates particular
      tissue-specific stem cells' superiority in lineage-specific differentiation,
      along with their resident tissue origins and natural roles. In addition, some
      epigenetic and transcriptomic differences between stem cells which may explain
      the observed trends are discussed. 

PMID- 25113807
TI  - The role of transmembrane proteins on force transmission in skeletal muscle.
AB  - Lateral transmission of force from myofibers laterally to the surrounding
      extracellular matrix (ECM) via the transmembrane proteins between them is
      impaired in old muscles. Changes in geometrical and mechanical properties of ECM
      of skeletal muscle do not fully explain the impaired lateral transmission with
      aging. The objective of this study was to determine the role of transmembrane
      proteins on force transmission in skeletal muscle. In this study, a 2D finite
      element model of single muscle fiber composed of myofiber, ECM, and the
      transmembrane proteins between them was developed to determine how changes in
      spatial density and mechanical properties of transmembrane proteins affect the
      force transmission in skeletal muscle. We found that force transmission and
      stress distribution are not affected by mechanical stiffness of the transmembrane
      proteins due to its non-linear stress-strain relationship. Results also showed
      that the muscle fiber with insufficient transmembrane proteins near the end of
      muscle fiber transmitted less force than that with more proteins does. Higher
      stress was observed in myofiber, ECM, and proteins in the muscle fiber with fewer
      proteins. 

PMID- 25113808
TI  - 3D finite element model of the diabetic neuropathic foot: a gait analysis driven
      approach.
AB  - Diabetic foot is an invalidating complication of diabetes that can lead to foot
      ulcers. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA) allows
      characterizing the loads developed in the different anatomical structures of the
      foot in dynamic conditions. The aim of this study was to develop a subject
      specific 3D foot FE model (FEM) of a diabetic neuropathic (DNS) and a healthy
      (HS) subject, whose subject specificity can be found in term of foot geometry and
      boundary conditions. Kinematics, kinetics and plantar pressure (PP) data were
      extracted from the gait analysis trials of the two subjects with this purpose.
      The FEM were developed segmenting bones, cartilage and skin from MRI and drawing
      a horizontal plate as ground support. Materials properties were adopted from
      previous literature. FE simulations were run with the kinematics and kinetics
      data of four different phases of the stance phase of gait (heel strike, loading
      response, midstance and push off). FEMs were then driven by group gait data of 10
      neuropathic and 10 healthy subjects. Model validation focused on agreement
      between FEM-simulated and experimental PP. The peak values and the total
      distribution of the pressures were compared for this purpose. Results showed that
      the models were less robust when driven from group data and underestimated the PP
      in each foot subarea. In particular in the case of the neuropathic subject's
      model the mean errors between experimental and simulated data were around the 20%
      of the peak values. This knowledge is crucial in understanding the aetiology of
      diabetic foot.

PMID- 25113809
TI  - Regarding: Udeh BL, et al. The 2-year Cost-effectiveness of 3 Options to Treat
      Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patients. Pain Pract 2014 Jan 3 [epub ahead of print].

PMID- 25113810
TI  - Relationship of CD146 expression to secretion of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-22 and
      interferon-gamma by CD4(+) T cells in patients with inflammatory arthritis.
AB  - Expression of the adhesion molecule, CD146/MCAM/MelCAM, on T cells has been
      associated with recent activation, memory subsets and T helper type 17 (Th17)
      effector function, and is elevated in inflammatory arthritis. Th17 cells have
      been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and
      spondyloarthritides (SpA). Here, we compared the expression of CD146 on CD4(+) T
      cells between healthy donors (HD) and patients with RA and SpA [ankylosing
      spondylitis (AS) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA)] and examined correlations with
      surface markers and cytokine secretion. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)
      were obtained from patients and controls, and synovial fluid mononuclear cells
      (SFMC) from patients. Cytokine production [elicited by phorbol myristate acetate
      (PMA)/ionomycin] and surface phenotypes were evaluated by flow cytometry.
      CD146(+) CD4(+) and interleukin (IL)-17(+) CD4(+) T cell frequencies were
      increased in PBMC of PsA patients, compared with HD, and in SFMC compared with
      PBMC. CD146(+) CD4(+) T cells were enriched for secretion of IL-17 [alone or with
      IL-22 or interferon (IFN)-gamma] and for some putative Th17-associated surface
      markers (CD161 and CCR6), but not others (CD26 and IL-23 receptor). CD4(+) T
      cells producing IL-22 or IFN-gamma without IL-17 were also present in the
      CD146(+) subset, although their enrichment was less marked. Moreover, a majority
      of cells secreting these cytokines lacked CD146. Thus, CD146 is not a sensitive
      or specific marker of Th17 cells, but rather correlates with heterogeneous
      cytokine secretion by subsets of CD4(+) helper T cells. 

PMID- 25113812
TI  - Using a thermoluminescent dosimeter to evaluate the location reliability of the
      highest-skin dose area detected by treatment planning in radiotherapy for breast
      cancer.
AB  - Acute skin reaction during adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer is an
      inevitable process, and its severity is related to the skin dose. A high-skin
      dose area can be speculated based on the isodose distribution shown on a
      treatment planning. To determine whether treatment planning can reflect high-skin
      dose location, 80 patients were collected and their skin doses in different areas
      were measured using a thermoluminescent dosimeter to locate the highest-skin dose
      area in each patient. We determined whether the skin dose is consistent with the
      highest-dose area estimated by the treatment planning of the same patient. The
      chi(2) and Fisher exact tests revealed that these 2 methods yielded more
      consistent results when the highest-dose spots were located in the axillary and
      breast areas but not in the inframammary area. We suggest that skin doses shown
      on the treatment planning might be a reliable and simple alternative method for
      estimating the highest skin doses in some areas.

PMID- 25113813
TI  - Dosimetric comparison of intensity-modulated solutions for intact prostate
      cancer.
AB  - The purpose of this study is intended to investigate the implementation of a
      modified class solution for intact prostate intensity-modulated radiation therapy
      (IMRT). The class solution uses 2 additional optimization structures intended to
      increase target conformity and decrease unnecessary dose to healthy tissue. A
      total of 10 randomly selected intact prostate IMRT patients were chosen for this
      retrospective study. Each of the original IMRT plans was compared with a modified
      class solution. The class solution implemented 2 additional optimization
      structures. The 95_OPT was intended to increase target conformity, and the
      Avoidance_3780 was intended to reduce normal tissue. Each plan was evaluated for
      minimum, maximum, and mean doses to the target. Additionally, mean normal tissue
      dose, total monitor units (MUs), and segments were investigated. Conformity index
      and normal healthy index were also compared. All comparisons were evaluated using
      a paired t-test using GraphPad software. Evaluations of MUs; segments; minimum,
      maximum, mean target doses; mean normal tissue dose; and conformity index did not
      demonstrate a significant difference between the modified class solution and the
      original plans. However, evaluation of healthy tissue conformity index indicated
      a significant difference. Overall, 70% of the original plans failed to
      demonstrate a satisfactory score (< 0.6) of properly sparing normal healthy
      tissue, whereas 70% of the modified plans exhibited a satisfactory score (> 0.6).
      Most (90%) of the modified plans demonstrated a greater number of segments than
      the compared original plan. A modified class solution provides a good starting
      point for planning intact prostate cancer. The addition of the Avoidance_3780
      structure increases the healthy tissue conformity index score. 

PMID- 25113814
TI  - Effect of local heating on postprandial blood glucose excursions using the
      InsuPad device: results of an outpatient crossover study.
AB  - The InsuPad is a medical device to accelerate insulin resorption by applying
      local heat at the insulin injection site. This crossover study examined the
      impact of the InsuPad use on postprandial glucose excursions under daily life
      conditions. In 1 study phase, diabetic patients used the InsuPad when injecting
      bolus insulin before breakfast and dinner and measured their blood glucose 5
      times daily (before breakfast, lunch, and dinner and after breakfast and dinner).
      In the other study phase, blood glucose measurements were maintained without
      using the InsuPad. The order of the study phases was randomized. Twenty patients
      with a high insulin demand took part (30% type 1 diabetes, age 53.7 +/- 8.9
      years, diabetes duration 14.9 +/- 7.4 years; HbA1c 8.3 +/- 0.8%; total daily
      insulin demand 0.97 +/- 0.32 IU per kg). Postprandial glucose excursion was
      reduced by 15.4 mg/dl (95% CI 9.7-21.2 mg/dl; P = .011) after breakfast and
      dinner if InsuPad was used. The mean blood glucose was lower by 8.8 mg/dl (95% CI
      0:3-18:0 mg/dl; P = .099) when using the InsuPad. Safety parameters and the
      percentage of hypoglycemic (< 60 mg/dl) or hyperglycemic (> 300 mg/dl) blood
      glucose measurements were not negatively affected by InsuPad use (hypoglycemic
      values 1.4% vs 1.5%, P = .961; hyperglycemic values 2.6% vs 4.0%, P = .098).
      Local heating of the insulin injection site by use of the InsuPad device is an
      effective and safe method to reduce postprandial blood glucose excursions under
      daily life conditions without negative side effects on the occurrence of low or
      high blood glucose values.

PMID- 25113815
TI  - Nitric oxide reactivity of [2Fe-2S] clusters leading to H2S generation.
AB  - The crosstalk between two biologically important signaling molecules, nitric
      oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), proceeds via elusive mechanism(s). Herein
      we report the formation of H2S by the action of NO on synthetic [2Fe-2S] clusters
      when the reaction environment is capable of providing a formal H(*) (e(-)/H(+)).
      Nitrosylation of (NEt4)2[Fe2S2(SPh)4] (1) in the presence of PhSH or (t)Bu3PhOH
      results in the formation of (NEt4)[Fe(NO)2(SPh)2] (2) and H2S with the
      concomitant generation of PhSSPh or (t)Bu3PhO(*). The amount of H2S generated is
      dependent on the electronic environment of the [2Fe-2S] cluster as well as the
      type of H(*) donor. Employment of clusters with electron-donating groups or H(*)
      donors from thiols leads to a larger amount of H2S evolution. The 1/NO reaction
      in the presence of PhSH exhibits biphasic decay kinetics with no deuterium
      kinetic isotope effect upon PhSD substitution. However, the rates of decay
      increase significantly with the use of 4-MeO-PhSH or 4-Me-PhSH in place of PhSH.
      These results provide the first chemical evidence to suggest that [Fe-S] clusters
      are likely to be a site for the crosstalk between NO and H2S in biology. 

PMID- 25113816
TI  - Determinants of glycaemic control in a practice setting: the role of weight loss
      and treatment adherence (The DELTA Study).
AB  - AIMS: Examine the association between weight loss and adherence with glycaemic
      goal attainment in patients with inadequately controlled T2DM. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients >= 18 years with T2DM from a US integrated health system
      starting a new class of diabetes medication between 11/1/10 and 4/30/11 (index
      date) with baseline HbA1c >= 7.0% were included in this cohort study. Target
      HbA1c and weight change were defined at 6-months as HbA1c < 7.0% and >= 3% loss
      in body weight. Patient-reported medication adherence was assessed per the
      Medication Adherence Reporting Scale. Structural equation modelling was used to
      describe simultaneous associations between adherence, weight loss and HbA1c goal
      attainment. RESULTS: Inclusion criteria were met by 477 patients; mean (SD) age
      59.1 (11.6) years; 50.9% were female; 30.4% were treatment naive; baseline HbA1c
      8.6% (1.6); weight 102.0 kg (23.0). Most patients (67.9%) reported being adherent
      to the index diabetes medication. At 6 months mean weight change was -1.3 (5.1)
      kg (p = 0.39); 28.1% had weight loss of >= 3%. Mean HbA1c change was -1.2% (1.8)
      (p< 0.001); 42.8% attained HbA1c goal. Adherent patients (OR 1.70; p = 0.02) and
      diabetes therapies that lead to weight loss (metformin, GLP-1) were associated
      with weight loss >= 3% (OR 2.96; p< 0.001). Weight loss (OR 3.60; p < 0.001) and
      adherence (OR 1.59; p < 0.001) were associated with HbA1c goal attainment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss >= 3% and medication adherence were associated with
      HbA1c goal attainment in T2DM; weight loss was a stronger predictor of goal
      attainment than medication adherence in this study population. It is important to
      consider weight-effect properties, in addition to patient-centric adherence
      counselling, when prescribing diabetes therapy.

PMID- 25113817
TI  - A feature selection method for classification within functional genomics
      experiments based on the proportional overlapping score.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microarray technology, as well as other functional genomics
      experiments, allow simultaneous measurements of thousands of genes within each
      sample. Both the prediction accuracy and interpretability of a classifier could
      be enhanced by performing the classification based only on selected
      discriminative genes. We propose a statistical method for selecting genes based
      on overlapping analysis of expression data across classes. This method results in
      a novel measure, called proportional overlapping score (POS), of a feature's
      relevance to a classification task. RESULTS: We apply POS, along-with four widely
      used gene selection methods, to several benchmark gene expression datasets. The
      experimental results of classification error rates computed using the Random
      Forest, k Nearest Neighbor and Support Vector Machine classifiers show that POS
      achieves a better performance. CONCLUSIONS: A novel gene selection method, POS,
      is proposed. POS analyzes the expressions overlap across classes taking into
      account the proportions of overlapping samples. It robustly defines a mask for
      each gene that allows it to minimize the effect of expression outliers. The
      constructed masks along-with a novel gene score are exploited to produce the
      selected subset of genes.

PMID- 25113818
TI  - Effects of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding at birth on the incidence of
      PPH: A physiologically based theory.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The importance of optimising maternal/baby psychophysiology has been
      integrated into contemporary midwifery theories but not in the detail required to
      really understand the underpinning biological basis. METHOD: The functioning of
      the autonomic nervous system, as it relates to the uterus is reviewed. The
      physiology of myometrial cell contraction and relaxation is outlined. The main
      focus is on the factors that affect the availability and uptake of oxytocin and
      adrenaline/noradrenaline in the myometrial cells. These are the two key neuro
      hormones, active in the 3rd and 4th stages of labour, that affect uterine
      contraction and retraction and therefore determine whether the woman will have an
      atonic PPH or not. DISCUSSION: The discussion explains and predicts the
      physiological functioning of the uterus during the 3rd and 4th stages of labour
      when skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding occurs and when it does not.
      CONCLUSION: This biologically based theory hypothesises that to achieve and
      maintain eutony and eulochia, midwives and birthing women should ensure early,
      prolonged and undisturbed skin-to-skin contact for mother and baby at birth
      including easy access for spontaneous breastfeeding.

PMID- 25113819
TI  - Targeting perfectionism in anorexia nervosa using a group-based cognitive
      behavioural approach: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore whether a six session cognitive
      behavioural group intervention targeting perfectionism is efficacious in reducing
      perfectionism in adults with anorexia nervosa in an inpatient setting. METHOD:
      Adults with anorexia nervosa received a group perfectionism intervention in an
      inpatient setting. Self-report and patient satisfaction questionnaires were
      completed at the beginning of the first session and end of the last session.
      RESULTS: Significant changes of moderate effect size were observed for overall
      perfectionism, concern over mistakes and personal standards dimensions of
      perfectionism following participation in the group. These changes were found to
      be independent of change in body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: A group cognitive
      behavioural approach appears to be efficacious in reducing perfectionism in
      adults with anorexia nervosa.

PMID- 25113820
TI  - Characteristics impacting on session rating of perceived exertion training load
      in Australian footballers.
AB  - The relationship between external training load and session rating of perceived
      exertion (s-RPE) training load and the impact that playing experience, playing
      position and 2-km time-trial performance had on s-RPE training load were
      explored. From 39 Australian Football players, 6.9 +/- 4.6 training sessions were
      analysed, resulting in 270 samples. Microtechnology devices provided external
      training load (distance, average speed, high-speed running distance, player load
      (PL) and player loadslow (PLslow)). The external training load measures had
      moderate to very large associations (r, 95% CI) with s-RPE training load, average
      speed (0.45, 0.35-0.54), high-speed running distance (0.51, 0.42-0.59), PLslow
      (0.80, 0.75-0.84), PL (0.86, 0.83-0.89) and distance (0.88, 0.85-0.90).
      Differences were described using effect sizes (d +/-95% CL). When controlling for
      external training load, the 4- to 5-year players had higher s-RPE training load
      than the 0- to 1- (0.44 +/- 0.33) and 2- to 3-year players (0.51 +/- 0.30),
      ruckmen had moderately higher s-RPE training load than midfielders (0.82 +/-
      0.58), and there was a 0.2% increase in s-RPE training load per 1 s increase in
      time-trial (95% CI: 0.07-0.34). Experience, position and time-trial performance
      impacted the relationship between external training load and s-RPE training load.
      This suggests that a given external training load may result in different
      internal responses between athletes, potentially leaving individuals at risk of
      overtraining or failing to elicit positive adaptation. It is therefore vital that
      coaches and trainers give consideration to these mediators of s-RPE training
      load.

PMID- 25113824
TI  - Revision of the fish family Kyphosidae (Teleostei: Perciformes).
AB  - A molecular phylogenetic analysis with complete species sampling of the family
      Kyphosidae revealed several discrepancies with the current taxonomy. We thus
      undertook a complete taxonomic revision of all kyphosid genera, i.e. Kyphosus
      Lacepede, 1801, and the monotypic Hermosilla Jenkins and Evermann, 1889, Sectator
      Jordan and Evermann, 1903 and Neoscorpis Smith, 1931. Species delimitation was
      determined on the basis of congruence between (a) monophyletic groupings in the
      molecular phylogeny, and (b) clusters of morphological variation in type
      material. Twelve species are supported and redescribed. Both Hermosilla and
      Sectator are considered junior synonyms of Kyphosus. Kyphosus azureus (Jenkins &
      Evermann, 1889) and K. ocyurus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) are redescribed
      accordingly. We designate a neotype for Kyphosus cornelii (Whitley, 1944), as the
      original material is lost, and new material was collected at the type locality
      for this study to facilitate comparison with other species of Kyphosus. Kyphosus
      sandwicensis (sensu Sauvage, 1880) was found to be a junior synonym of K. elegans
      (Peters, 1869). Kyphosus incisor (Cuvier in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1831) and K.
      analogus (Gill, 1862) are considered junior synonyms of K. vaigiensis (Quoy &
      Gaimard, 1825). Kyphosus gallveii (Cunningham, 1910), K. pacificus Sakai and
      Nakabo, 2004 and K. lutescens (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) are all considered junior
      synonyms of K. sectatrix (Linnaeus, 1758). One of the two syntype specimens of K.
      sectatrix was identified as the holotype of Pimelepterus bosquii (Lacepede,
      1802), and proved to be a specimen of K. bigibbus Lacepede, 1801. This specimen
      is re-assigned as a non-type of K. bigibbus. Full re-descriptions of the
      following valid species are presented: K. bigibbus, K. cinerascens (Forsskal,
      1775), K. cornelii, K. elegans, K. hawaiiensis Sakai and Nakabo, 2004, K. gladius
      Knudsen and Clements, 2013, K. sydneyanus (Gunther, 1886) and K. vaigiensis,
      together with a key to the family. The distribution of Kyphosus species is
      reconsidered based on our taxonomic revision, indicating that four species (K.
      bigibbus, K. cinerascens, K. sectatrix and K. vaigiensis) occur in both the
      Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. 

PMID- 25113821
TI  - Impact of single-cell genomics and metagenomics on the emerging view of
      extremophile "microbial dark matter".
AB  - Despite >130 years of microbial cultivation studies, many microorganisms remain
      resistant to traditional cultivation approaches, including numerous candidate
      phyla of bacteria and archaea. Unraveling the mysteries of these candidate phyla
      is a grand challenge in microbiology and is especially important in habitats
      where they are abundant, including some extreme environments and low-energy
      ecosystems. Over the past decade, parallel advances in DNA amplification, DNA
      sequencing and computing have enabled rapid progress on this problem,
      particularly through metagenomics and single-cell genomics. Although each
      approach suffers limitations, metagenomics and single-cell genomics are
      particularly powerful when combined synergistically. Studies focused on extreme
      environments have revealed the first substantial genomic information for several
      candidate phyla, encompassing putative acidophiles (Parvarchaeota), halophiles
      (Nanohaloarchaeota), thermophiles (Acetothermia, Aigarchaeota, Atribacteria,
      Calescamantes, Korarchaeota, and Fervidibacteria), and piezophiles
      (Gracilibacteria). These data have enabled insights into the biology of these
      organisms, including catabolic and anabolic potential, molecular adaptations to
      life in extreme environments, unique genomic features such as stop codon
      reassignments, and predictions about cell ultrastructure. In addition, the rapid
      expansion of genomic coverage enabled by these studies continues to yield
      insights into the early diversification of microbial lineages and the
      relationships within and between the phyla of Bacteria and Archaea. In the next 5
      years, the genomic foliage within the tree of life will continue to grow and the
      study of yet-uncultivated candidate phyla will firmly transition into the post
      genomic era. 

PMID- 25113823
TI  - Natural anionic polymer acts as highly efficient trypsin inhibitor based on an
      electrostatic interaction mechanism.
AB  - Sodium alginate (SA), acting as a trypsin inhibitor by means of electrostatic
      interaction, is studied. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 = 0.05
      MUg mL(-1) ) of this natural anionic polymer is about 400 times lower than that
      of commercial soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI). Unlike the Ca(2+) -deprivation
      mechanisms, its inhibition may be attributed to preventing the trypsin active
      site (TAS) from accessing the macromolecular substrates instead of denaturing it.
      SA is an efficient, innocuous, and cost-effective inhibitory excipient that can
      be conveniently used in many peptide and protein dosage formulations.

PMID- 25113822
TI  - Dark matter in archaeal genomes: a rich source of novel mobile elements, defense
      systems and secretory complexes.
AB  - Microbial genomes encompass a sizable fraction of poorly characterized, narrowly
      spread fast-evolving genes. Using sensitive methods for sequences comparison and
      protein structure prediction, we performed a detailed comparative analysis of
      clusters of such genes, which we denote "dark matter islands", in archaeal
      genomes. The dark matter islands comprise up to 20% of archaeal genomes and show
      remarkable heterogeneity and diversity. Nevertheless, three classes of entities
      are common in these genomic loci: (a) integrated viral genomes and other mobile
      elements; (b) defense systems, and (c) secretory and other membrane-associated
      systems. The dark matter islands in the genome of thermophiles and mesophiles
      show similar general trends of gene content, but thermophiles are substantially
      enriched in predicted membrane proteins whereas mesophiles have a greater
      proportion of recognizable mobile elements. Based on this analysis, we predict
      the existence of several novel groups of viruses and mobile elements, previously
      unnoticed variants of CRISPR-Cas immune systems, and new secretory systems that
      might be involved in stress response, intermicrobial conflicts and biogenesis of
      novel, uncharacterized membrane structures.

PMID- 25113825
TI  - Topological defects in cholesteric liquid crystals induced by monolayer domains
      with orientational chirality.
AB  - Unless stabilized by colloids or confinement with well-defined boundary
      conditions, defects in liquid crystals remain elusive short-lived objects that
      tend to disappear with time to minimize the medium's free energy. In this work we
      use multimodal three-dimensional imaging to visualize cholesteric director
      structures to show that self-assembled chiral molecular monolayer domains can
      stabilize topologically constrained defect configurations when in contact with a
      cholesteric liquid crystal. The cholesteric liquid crystal, having features of
      both coarse-grained lamellar and nematic liquid crystal with chiral symmetry
      breaking, allows us to explore the interplay of chirality and implications of
      layering on the formed defects and director configurations. 

PMID- 25113826
TI  - Desulfurization of thianthrene by a Gordonia sp. IITR100.
AB  - Thianthrene (TA) was desulfurized by an isolated strain, Gordonia sp. IITR100.
      The reaction is accompanied with the formation of TA-sulfoxide, TA-sulfone and 2
      phenylsulfanylphenol. The formed 2-phenylsulfanylphenol undergoes further
      oxidation to o-hydroxyphenyl phenylsulfone that accumulates as an end product.
      Metabolism of TA to TA-sulfone can also occur by E. coli-DszC i.e. E. coli cells
      that were harboring the gene coding for the enzyme dibenzothiophene desulfurase
      C. When presented to E. coli-DszC in a binary combination with dibenzothiophene,
      TA metabolism was completely inhibited. Metabolism of TA-TA-sulfone by E. coli
      DszC, as well as the nature of metabolites formed by IITR100, suggests that the
      desulfurization pathway for TA is similar to that of the thiophenic compounds.
      This is first report on the desulfurization of thianthrene, and has implications
      on biodesulfurization when multiple sulfur compounds are present together. 

PMID- 25113827
TI  - [Organ and function preservation in urethral cancer].
AB  - Primary urethral carcinomas are rare tumors that can occur both in men and women.
      Histological patterns of these tumors are mixed, urothelial tumors occur as well
      as squamous cell tumors or adenocarcinomas.There are different clinical factors
      that define clinical prognosis, and the 1- and 5-year cancer-free survival is 75%
      and 54%. Therapy of locally limited disease is surgical resection, and organ
      preserving treatment is possible if negative frozen sections prove complete
      surgical resection. However, in men a perineal urethrostomy might be necessary,
      and in women there is a high risk of urinary incontinence if more than 2 cm of
      the distal urethra is resected.In case of locally advanced tumors or tumors of
      the proximal urethra, a radical urethrectomy with supravesical urinrary diversion
      is necessary. In some cases neoadjuvant (radio-)chemotherapy may be an option. 

PMID- 25113828
TI  - Facile, one-pot solvothermal method to synthesize ultrathin Sb2S3 nanosheets
      anchored on graphene.
AB  - Ultrathin, two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets of layered transition-metal
      chalcogenides are theoretically and technologically intriguing. However, it still
      remains a great challenge to synthesize ultrathin nanosheets because of the lack
      of an intrinsic driving force for the anisotropic growth of 2D superposed
      microstructures. Here we demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, the in
      situ synthesis of large-scale ultrathin Sb2S3 nanosheets on graphene sheets (G)
      by solvothermal method in a water-ethylene glycol mixed solvent. Owing to the
      synergetic chemical coupling effects between G and Sb2S3, Sb2S3-G hybrid
      nanosheets exhibit high catalytic performance for the degradation of methylene
      blue in the presence of H2O2. Moreover, it was found that the resulting Sb2S3-G
      shows good electrocatalytic activity towards hydrazine oxidation. This work not
      only offers a low-cost and high performance alternative technology for
      synthesizing sheet-like Sb2S3, but also opens the door toward the fabrication of
      varying types of metal sulfide-graphene nanomaterials that will have wide
      applications in catalysis, environmental, and new energy fields. 

PMID- 25113830
TI  - External NAD(P)H dehydrogenases in Acanthamoeba castellanii mitochondria.
AB  - The mitochondrial respiratory chain of plants and some fungi contains multiple
      rotenone-insensitive NAD(P)H dehydrogenases, of which at least two are located on
      the outer surface of the inner membrane (i.e., external NADH and external NADPH
      dehydrogenases). Annotated sequences of the putative alternative NAD(P)H
      dehydrogenases of the protozoan Acanthamoeba castellanii demonstrated similarity
      to plant and fungal sequences. We also studied activity of these dehydrogenases
      in isolated A. castellanii mitochondria. External NADPH oxidation was observed
      for the first time in protist mitochondria. The coupling parameters were similar
      for external NADH oxidation and external NADPH oxidation, indicating similar
      efficiencies of ATP synthesis. Both external NADH oxidation and external NADPH
      oxidation had an optimal pH of 6.8 independent of relevant ubiquinol-oxidizing
      pathways, the cytochrome pathway or a GMP-stimulated alternative oxidase. The
      maximal oxidizing activity with external NADH was almost double that with
      external NADPH. However, a lower Michaelis constant (K(M)) value for external
      NADPH oxidation was observed compared to that for external NADH oxidation.
      Stimulation by Ca(2+) was approximately 10 times higher for external NADPH
      oxidation, while NADH dehydrogenase(s) appeared to be slightly dependent on
      Ca(2+). Our results indicate that external NAD(P)H dehydrogenases similar to
      those in plant and fungal mitochondria function in mitochondria of A.
      castellanii.

PMID- 25113829
TI  - The social amoeba Polysphondylium pallidum loses encystation and sporulation, but
      can still erect fruiting bodies in the absence of cellulose.
AB  - Amoebas and other freely moving protists differentiate into walled cysts when
      exposed to stress. As cysts, amoeba pathogens are resistant to biocides,
      preventing treatment and eradication. Lack of gene modification procedures has
      left the mechanisms of encystation largely unexplored. Genetically tractable
      Dictyostelium discoideum amoebas require cellulose synthase for formation of
      multicellular fructifications with cellulose-rich stalk and spore cells. Amoebas
      of its distant relative Polysphondylium pallidum (Ppal), can additionally encyst
      individually in response to stress. Ppal has two cellulose synthase genes, DcsA
      and DcsB, which we deleted individually and in combination. Dcsa- mutants formed
      fruiting bodies with normal stalks, but their spore and cyst walls lacked
      cellulose, which obliterated stress-resistance of spores and rendered cysts
      entirely non-viable. A dcsa-/dcsb- mutant made no walled spores, stalk cells or
      cysts, although simple fruiting structures were formed with a droplet of amoeboid
      cells resting on an sheathed column of decaying cells. DcsB is expressed in
      prestalk and stalk cells, while DcsA is additionally expressed in spores and
      cysts. We conclude that cellulose is essential for encystation and that cellulose
      synthase may be a suitable target for drugs to prevent encystation and render
      amoeba pathogens susceptible to conventional antibiotics. 

PMID- 25113831
TI  - Molecular revision of the genus Wallaceina.
AB  - This work is focused on the molecular revision of the genus Wallaceina
      established in the very twilight of the classical morphotype-based approach to
      classification of the Trypanosomatidae. The genus was erected due to the presence
      of a unique variant of endomastigotes. In molecular phylogenetic studies four
      described species of Wallaceina were shown to be extremely close to each other
      and to some other undescribed isolates clustered within Leishmaniinae clade,
      while three recently included species formed a separate clade. Our results of
      morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that all
      Leishmaniinae-bound wallaceinas are just different isolates of the same species
      that we rename back to Crithidia brevicula Frolov, Malysheva, 1989. To
      accommodate former Wallaceina spp. phylogenetically distant from the genus
      Crithidia, we propose a new generic name Wallacemonas Kostygov et Yurchenko,
      2014. 

PMID- 25113832
TI  - Associations between body mass and papillary thyroid cancer stage and tumor size:
      a population-based study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The incidence of large thyroid tumors has increased over the past
      decades, suggesting that improved diagnosis is not the only driver of increased
      thyroid cancer incidence. Obesity has recently been implicated as an independent
      risk factor for thyroid cancer in specific populations. We aimed to investigate
      whether thyroid tumor size and advanced stage of diagnosis is associated with the
      obesity epidemic, for the first time, in a US population-based cohort. METHODS:
      We leveraged existing data and linked 1,077 papillary thyroid cancer patients
      from the Nevada Central Cancer Registry to the Department of Motor Vehicle
      dataset. Tumor size and cancer stage were assessed from cancer registry records,
      and obesity was obtained using height and weight in the Department of Motor
      Vehicle records and measured by a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m(2).
      RESULTS: Crude analysis showed obesity as was associated with tumors larger than
      2 cm [odds ratio (OR) 1.50, p = 0.0423] and advanced cancer stage (stage III and
      IV) (OR 1.40, p = 0.0111). After adjusting for confounders, a significant
      association was still observed between obesity and tumor larger than 2 cm (OR
      1.53, p = 0.0339). A marginally significant association was shown between obesity
      and advanced cancer stage (OR 1.29, p = 0.0649). CONCLUSION: As thyroid cancer
      incidence continues to increase, this study's finding that obesity was
      significantly associated with larger tumor size and marginally significantly
      associated with advanced tumor stage can help establish new preventative actions
      and identify new target populations for interventions.

PMID- 25113833
TI  - Effect of different sulfides on cadmium distribution during sludge combustion
      based on experimental and thermodynamic calculation approaches.
AB  - The effects of sulfur compounds on the migration of a semi-volatile heavy metal
      (cadmium) during sludge incineration were investigated with two methods, i.e.,
      experiments in a tubular furnace reactor and thermodynamic equilibrium
      calculations. The representative typical sludge with and without the addition of
      sulfur compounds was incinerated at 850  degrees C. The partitioning of Cd among
      the solid phase (bottom ash) and gas phase (fly ash and flue gas) was quantified.
      The results indicate that sulfur compounds in the elemental form and a reduced
      state could stabilize Cd in the form of CdS, aluminosilicate minerals, and
      polymetallic sulfides, whereas sulfur in the oxidized forms slightly increases Cd
      volatilization during incineration. For Cd solidification points, the inhibition
      effect on the volatilization of Cd is as follows: S > Na2SO4 > Na2S. Chemical
      equilibrium calculations indicate that sulfur binds with Cd and alters Cd
      speciation at low temperatures (<950 K). Furthermore, SiO2- and Al2O3-containing
      minerals can function as sorbents stabilizing Cd as condensed phase solids
      (CdSiO4 and CdAl2O4) according to the results of equilibrium calculations. These
      findings provide useful information for understanding the partitioning of Cd and
      thus facilitate the development of strategies to control Cd volatilization during
      sludge incineration.

PMID- 25113834
TI  - In vivo toxicity of orally administrated silicon dioxide nanoparticles in healthy
      adult mice.
AB  - The increasing use of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in various applications
      including industrial, agriculture, and medicine has raised concerns about their
      potential risks to human health. Various nanotoxicity researches have been done
      on the assessment of SiNPs' toxic effects; however, a few in vivo investigations
      exist. In this investigation, an in vivo study was done in order to evaluate the
      oral toxicity of SiNPs. The biochemical levels of 19 different serum parameters
      were assessed. Moreover, the histopathological changes have been examined as
      well. We showed that SiNPs with diameters of 10-15 nm in size can cause
      significant changes in albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, urea,
      HDL, and LDL as well as in alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase
      activity. In addition, histopathological examinations demonstrated that SiNPs
      have toxic effects on various tissues including liver, kidney, lung, and testis.

PMID- 25113835
TI  - PEGylated carboxyhemoglobin bovine (SANGUINATE): results of a phase I clinical
      trial.
AB  - PEGylated carboxyhemoglobin bovine (SANGUINATE) is a dual action carbon monoxide
      releasing (CO)/oxygen (O2 ) transfer agent for the treatment of hypoxia. Its
      components inhibit vasoconstriction, decrease extravasation, limit reactive
      oxygen species production, enhance blood rheology, and deliver oxygen to the
      tissues. Animal models of cerebral ischemia, peripheral ischemia, and myocardial
      ischemia demonstrated SANGUINATE's efficacy in reducing myocardial infarct size,
      limiting necrosis from cerebral ischemia, and promoting more rapid recovery from
      hind limb ischemia. In a Phase I trial, three cohorts of eight healthy volunteers
      received single ascending doses of 80, 120, or 160 mg/kg of SANGUINATE. Two
      volunteers within each cohort served as a saline control. There were no serious
      adverse events. Serum haptoglobin decreased, but did not appear to be dose
      related. The T1/2 was dose dependent and ranged from 7.9 to 13.8 h. In addition
      to the Phase I trial, SANGUINATE was used under an expanded access emergency
      Investigational New Drug. SANGUINATE was found to be safe and well tolerated in a
      Phase I clinical trial, and therefore it will advance into further clinical
      trials in patients. 

PMID- 25113836
TI  - Mitochondrial dynamics controlled by mitofusins define organelle positioning and
      movement during mouse oocyte maturation.
AB  - Mitochondria are abundant in fully grown mammalian oocytes with a unique
      spherical morphology, but the mechanisms controlling mitochondria behavior are
      not well understood. Here we describe for the first time the control of
      mitochondrial behavior in mouse oocytes by a fusion/fission mechanism. Mitofusins
      (Mfn1 and Mfn2) and OPA1 proteins are required for outer and inner mitochondrial
      membrane fusion, respectively, whereas Drp1 is the key regulator of mitochondrial
      fission. We show that mouse oocytes express the Mfn1, Mfn2, Opa1 and Drp1
      proteins, both in immature and mature oocytes at similar levels. Overexpression
      of Mfn1 or Mfn2 causes marked mitochondrial aggregation, particularly in the
      perinuclear region during meiotic progression. Tracking of mitochondria with
      chromosomes or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) throughout oocyte maturation
      demonstrates that Mfn1 and Mfn2-promoted mitochondrial aggregation disturbs the
      spatiotemporal dynamic of the chromosomes and ER, respectively. Our findings
      suggest that organelle dynamics are co-ordinately controlled during meiotic
      division, and an imbalance of mitochondrial fusion/fission leads to
      disorganization of the organelle compartments. 

PMID- 25113837
TI  - Fluid overload in a South African pediatric intensive care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fluid resuscitation is integral to resuscitation guidelines and
      critical care. However, fluid overload (FO) yields increased morbidity. METHODS:
      Prospective observational study of Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital
      pediatric intensive care unit admissions (February to March 2013). FO % = (fluid
      in minus fluid out) [liters]/weight [kg] * 100%. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: FO >= 10%, 28
      day mortality. RESULTS: Median [interquartile range (IQR)] age: 9.5 (2.0-39.0)
      months, median (IQR) admission weight: 7.9 (3.6-13.7) kg. Median (IQR) FO with
      admission weight: 3.5 (2.1-4.9)%; three patients had FO >= 10%. The 28 day
      mortality was 10% (n = 10). Patients who died had higher mean (IQR) FO using
      admission weight [4.9 (2.9-9.3)% vs. 3.4 (1.9-4.8)%; p = 0.04]. CONCLUSIONS: Low
      FO >= 10% prevalence with 28 day mortality 10%. Higher FO% with admission weight
      associated with mortality (p = 0.04). We advocate further investigation of FO% as
      a simple bedside tool.

PMID- 25113838
TI  - Drug therapy: keeping rats in the dark sheds light on tamoxifen resistance.

PMID- 25113841
TI  - Genetics: new molecular classification of gastric adenocarcinoma proposed by The
      Cancer Genome Atlas.

PMID- 25113839
TI  - Cancer-related fatigue--mechanisms, risk factors, and treatments.
AB  - Fatigue is one of the most common adverse effects of cancer that might persist
      for years after treatment completion in otherwise healthy survivors. Cancer
      related fatigue causes disruption in all aspects of quality of life and might be
      a risk factor of reduced survival. The prevalence and course of fatigue in
      patients with cancer have been well characterized and there is growing
      understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms. Inflammation seems to have
      a key role in fatigue before, during, and after cancer-treatment. However, there
      is a considerable variability in the presentation of cancer-related fatigue, much
      of which is not explained by disease-related or treatment-related
      characteristics, suggesting that host factors might be important in the
      development and persistence of this symptom. Indeed, longitudinal studies have
      identified genetic, biological, psychosocial, and behavioural risk factors
      associated with cancer-related fatigue. Although no current gold-standard
      treatment for fatigue is available, a variety of intervention approaches have
      shown beneficial effects in randomized controlled trials, including physical
      activity, psychosocial, mind-body, and pharmacological treatments. This Review
      describes the mechanisms, risk factors, and possible interventions for cancer
      related fatigue, focusing on recent longitudinal studies and randomized trials
      that have targeted fatigued patients. 

PMID- 25113843
TI  - l-carnitine supplementation during vitrification of mouse germinal vesicle stage
      oocytes and their subsequent in vitro maturation improves meiotic spindle
      configuration and mitochondrial distribution in metaphase II oocytes.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: How does l-carnitine (LC) supplementation during vitrification
      and in vitro maturation (IVM) of germinal vesicle stage (GV)-oocytes improve the
      developmental competence of the resultant metaphase II (MII) oocytes? SUMMARY
      ANSWER: LC supplementation during both vitrification of GV-oocytes and their
      subsequent IVM improved nuclear maturation as well as meiotic spindle assembly
      and mitochondrial distribution in MII oocytes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:
      Vitrification of GV-oocytes results in a lower success rate of blastocyst
      development compared with non-vitrified oocytes. LC supplementation during both
      vitrification and IVM of mouse GV-oocytes significantly improves embryonic
      development after IVF. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: GV-oocytes were collected
      from (B6.DBA)F1 and B6 mouse strains and subjected to vitrification and warming
      with or without 3.72 mM LC supplementation. After IVM with or without LC
      supplementation, the rate of nuclear maturation and the quality of MII oocytes
      were evaluated. At least 20 oocytes/group were examined, and each experiment was
      repeated at least three times. All experiments were conducted during 2013-2014.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Extrusion of the first polar body in
      IVM oocytes was observed as an indication of nuclear maturation. Spindle assembly
      and chromosomal alignment were examined by immunostaining of alpha-tubulin and
      nuclear staining with 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Mitochondrial
      distribution and oxidative activity were measured by staining with Mitotracker
      Green Fluorescence Mitochondria (Mitotracker Green FM) and
      chloromethyltetramethylrosamine (Mitotracker Orange CMTMRos), respectively. ATP
      levels were determined by using the Bioluminescent Somatic Cell Assay Kit. MAIN
      RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: LC supplementation during both vitrification and
      IVM of GV-oocytes significantly increased the proportions of oocytes with normal
      MII spindles to the levels comparable with those of non-vitrified oocytes in both
      mouse strains. While vitrification of GV-oocytes lowered the proportions of MII
      oocytes with peripherally concentrated mitochondrial distribution compared with
      non-vitrified oocytes, LC supplementation significantly increased the proportion
      of such oocytes in the (B6.DBA)F1 strain. LC supplementation decreased the
      proportion of oocytes with mitochondrial aggregates in both vitrified and non
      vitrified oocytes in the B6 strain. The oxidative activity of mitochondria was
      mildly decreased by vitrification and drastically increased by LC supplementation
      irrespective of vitrification in both mouse strains. No change was found in ATP
      levels irrespective of vitrification or LC supplementation. Results were
      considered to be statistically significant at P < 0.05 by either chi(2)- or t
      test. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: It remains to be tested whether
      beneficial effect of LC supplementation during vitrification and IVM of GV
      oocytes leads to fetal development and birth of healthy offspring after embryo
      transfer to surrogate females. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This protocol
      has the potential to improve the quality of vitrified human oocytes and embryos
      during assisted reproduction treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST:
      Partially supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of
      Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant and Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship,
      Canada.

PMID- 25113842
TI  - Quantitative multimodality imaging in cancer research and therapy.
AB  - Advances in hardware and software have enabled the realization of clinically
      feasible, quantitative multimodality imaging of tissue pathophysiology. Earlier
      efforts relating to multimodality imaging of cancer have focused on the
      integration of anatomical and functional characteristics, such as PET-CT and
      single-photon emission CT (SPECT-CT), whereas more-recent advances and
      applications have involved the integration of multiple quantitative, functional
      measurements (for example, multiple PET tracers, varied MRI contrast mechanisms,
      and PET-MRI), thereby providing a more-comprehensive characterization of the
      tumour phenotype. The enormous amount of complementary quantitative data
      generated by such studies is beginning to offer unique insights into
      opportunities to optimize care for individual patients. Although important
      technical optimization and improved biological interpretation of multimodality
      imaging findings are needed, this approach can already be applied informatively
      in clinical trials of cancer therapeutics using existing tools. These concepts
      are discussed herein. 

PMID- 25113845
TI  - Quality testing of human albumin by capillary electrophoresis using thermally
      cross-linked poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-coated fused-silica capillary.
AB  - To detect the quality of medicinal human albumin by capillary electrophoresis, we
      produced a fused-silica capillary coated with thermally cross-linked poly(vinyl
      pyrrolidone) to prohibit protein adsorption. This type of capillary was easily
      obtained by injecting an aqueous poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) solution into a fused
      silica capillary and thermally annealing it at 200 degrees C. Notably, stable and
      low electro-osmotic flow was obtained in the poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-coated
      capillary at pH 2.20-9.00, and the separation of a mixture of four basic proteins
      indicated that the poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-coated capillary exhibits excellent
      repeatability and separation efficiency; moreover, the separation of these four
      basic proteins could even be achieved at pH 7.00. The protein recovery percentage
      of human serum albumin in a single-protein solution and a mixed blood proteins
      solution was determined to be 97.03 and 95.40% in the poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)50-3
      (representing the concentration of the capillary-injected poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)
      aqueous solution, 50 mg/mL, and thermal annealing time, 3 h) capillary,
      respectively. Based on these results, we used the poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)50-3
      coated capillary to quantify the protein content of human albumin, and the
      results obtained from run to run, day to day and capillary to capillary
      demonstrated that the coated capillary could be used for quality testing
      commercially available human albumin.

PMID- 25113840
TI  - Vessel caliber--a potential MRI biomarker of tumour response in clinical trials.
AB  - Our understanding of the importance of blood vessels and angiogenesis in cancer
      has increased considerably over the past decades, and the assessment of tumour
      vessel calibre and structure has become increasingly important for in vivo
      monitoring of therapeutic response. The preferred method for in vivo imaging of
      most solid cancers is MRI, and the concept of vessel-calibre MRI has evolved
      since its initial inception in the early 1990s. Almost a quarter of a century
      later, unlike traditional contrast-enhanced MRI techniques, vessel-calibre MRI
      remains widely inaccessible to the general clinical community. The narrow
      availability of the technique is, in part, attributable to limited awareness and
      a lack of imaging standardization. Thus, the role of vessel-calibre MRI in early
      phase clinical trials remains to be determined. By contrast, regulatory approvals
      of antiangiogenic agents that are not directly cytotoxic have created an urgent
      need for clinical trials incorporating advanced imaging analyses, going beyond
      traditional assessments of tumour volume. To this end, we review the field of
      vessel-calibre MRI and summarize the emerging evidence supporting the use of this
      technique to monitor response to anticancer therapy. We also discuss the
      potential use of this biomarker assessment in clinical imaging trials and
      highlight relevant avenues for future research. 

PMID- 25113846
TI  - Three dimensional analysis of the composition in solid alloys by variable probe
      in scanning transmission electron microscopy.
AB  - This paper reports on a novel approach to quantitatively reconstruct the column
      by column composition and the 3D distribution of guest atoms inside a host matrix
      by scanning transmission electron microscopy high angle annular dark field
      technique. We propose a new mathematical framework that allows to jointly analyze
      the information from a set of experiments with variable beam convergence and/or
      defocus. Our scheme allows to reconstruct the atomic distribution along the
      imaged columns from the measured intensity, for any dependence of the probe
      intensity on the depth. It is therefore well suited to incorporate channeling
      effects that are usually neglected in other approaches. As a case study, we focus
      here on the systematic variation of the beam convergence that permits to set the
      maximum of the channeling oscillations at different depths. We aim here to define
      the reliability and the limitation of this technique by the application of the
      method to accurate dynamic simulations in the case of the InGaN alloy. 

PMID- 25113844
TI  - Transcriptome profiling of CTLs regulated by rapamycin using RNA-Seq.
AB  - Memory programming of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) by inflammatory cytokines can be
      regulated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). We have shown that inhibition
      of mTOR during CTL activation leads to the enhancement of memory, but the
      molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Using high-throughput RNA-Seq, we
      identified genes and functions in mouse CTLs affected by mTOR inhibition through
      rapamycin. Of the 43,221 identified transcripts, 184 transcripts were
      differentially expressed after rapamycin treatment, corresponding to 128
      annotated genes. Of these genes, 114 were downregulated and only 14 were
      upregulated. Most importantly, 50 of them are directly related to cell death and
      survival. In addition, several genes such as CD62L are related to migration.
      Furthermore, we predicted downregulation of transcriptional regulators based on
      the total differentially expressed genes, as well as the subset of apoptosis
      related genes. Quantitative PCR confirmed the differential expressions detected
      in RNA-Seq. We conclude that the regulatory function of rapamycin may work
      through inhibition of multiple genes related to apoptosis and migration, which
      enhance CTL survival into memory. 

PMID- 25113847
TI  - Theoretical modeling of low-energy electronic absorption bands in reduced
      cobaloximes.
AB  - The reduced Co(I) states of cobaloximes are powerful nucleophiles that play an
      important role in the hydrogen-evolving catalytic activity of these species. In
      this work we analyze the low-energy electronic absorption bands of two cobaloxime
      systems experimentally and use a variety of density functional theory and
      molecular orbital ab initio quantum chemical approaches. Overall we find a
      reasonable qualitative understanding of the electronic excitation spectra of
      these compounds but show that obtaining quantitative results remains a
      challenging task. 

PMID- 25113849
TI  - The role of the cytopathologist's interpretation in achieving diagnostic adequacy
      of head and neck fine needle aspirates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the potential role of interpretation by
      cytopathologists on the level of diagnostic adequacy of head and neck fine needle
      aspirations (FNAs). METHODS: An audit ('first audit') was performed between 1 May
      2007 and 30 April 2008 using data from three different hospitals (A, B and C).
      The specimens were interpreted by two cytopathologists with specific experience
      in head and neck pathology in hospitals A and B, and by any of the eight
      cytopathologists (only two of whom were experienced in head and neck
      cytopathology) in hospital C. Following the analysis of the initial findings,
      there was a change in practice in hospital C, after which specimens were also
      read only by two experienced cytopathologists. A new audit ('second audit') was
      then performed between 20 January 2011 and 20 December 2012 in the same three
      hospitals. RESULTS: During the first audit, the diagnostic adequacy of FNAs from
      hospital C was 84.2% compared with 96.6% in hospital A and 97.7% in hospital B (P
      = 0.000). No significant difference in the diagnostic adequacy rate of the FNAs
      performed in hospitals A and B was found when comparing the first and second
      audits. The FNA diagnostic adequacy for hospital C increased significantly in the
      second relative to the first audit (95.5% versus 84.2%, P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS:
      Our study confirms that expert cytology interpretation is important in achieving
      optimal diagnostic adequacy of head and neck FNAs.

PMID- 25113848
TI  - Identification of germinal centres in the lymph node of a patient with
      hyperimmunoglobulin M syndrome associated with congenital rubella.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hyper immunoglobulin M syndrome (HIM) associated with congenital
      rubella infection (rHIM) is an extremely rare disorder, where patients have
      elevated serum IgM in association with reduced IgG and IgA. We have previously
      shown that in contrast to X-linked HIM (XHIM), a patient with well-characterised
      rHIM is able to express functional CD40 ligand, undergo immunoglobulin isotype
      switching and to generate memory B cells. Here we describe the ultrastructural
      features of an excised lymph node from this patient. METHODS: An inguinal lymph
      node was surgically removed and examined histologically as well as by
      immunohistochemistry. It was then stained with multiple fluorescent dyes to
      visualize the cellular interactions within the node. Flow cytometry was
      undertaken on a cellular suspension from the node. FINDINGS: Our patient has
      normal lymph node architecture by light microscopy. Immunohistochemistry studies
      showed the presence of scattered germinal centres. Polychromatic
      immunofluorescence staining showed disruption of the architecture with mostly
      abnormal germinal centres. A small number of relatively intact germinal centres
      were identified. Both IgM and IgG bearing cells were identified in germinal
      centres. INTERPRETATION: In contrast to XHIM where germinal centres are absent,
      the presence of small numbers of relatively normal germinal centres explain our
      previous identification of isotype switched memory B cells in rHIM.

PMID- 25113850
TI  - Diurnal and nocturnal activity budgets of zoo elephants in an outdoor facility.
AB  - The present study examined the activity budgets of 15 African elephants (1 bull,
      6 cows, 2 male juveniles, 2 female juveniles, and 4 male calves) living at the
      San Diego Zoo Safari Park during the summers of 2010 and 2011. Onsite behavioral
      data (n = 600 hr) were collected for approximately 12 weeks from 0400 to 0830 and
      1100 to 2400 during the 2010 and 2011 summer season. Foraging was the most common
      behavior state during the day followed by resting, and walking. During the
      evening hours, the elephants spent majority of their time foraging, resting, and
      sleeping. The average rate of self-maintenance behavior events (dust, wallow,
      etc.) increased from 0600 to 0700, 1100 to 1500, and from 1700 to 1900. Positive
      social behavior events (touch other, play, etc.) remained high from 0500 to 2300,
      with peaks at 0600, 1300, 1500, and 1900. Negative social events occurred at low
      rates throughout the day and night, with peaks at 0600, 1900, and 2200. The
      majority of positive behavior events during the daylight and nighttime hours
      involved the mother-calf pairs. Furthermore, the calves and juveniles initiated
      approximately 60% of all social events during the daytime and 57% of all social
      interactions at night. The results of this study demonstrate the differences
      between diurnal and nocturnal activity budgets of a multi-age and sex elephant
      herd in a zoological facility, which highlights the importance of managing
      elephants to meet their 24 hr behavioral needs.

PMID- 25113851
TI  - Diagnostic value of the 4Ts score for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the
      critically ill.

PMID- 25113852
TI  - Finding faces among faces: human faces are located more quickly and accurately
      than other primate and mammal faces.
AB  - We tested the specificity of human face search efficiency by examining whether
      there is a broad window of detection for various face-like stimuli-human and
      animal faces-or whether own-species faces receive greater attentional allocation.
      We assessed the strength of the own-species face detection bias by testing
      whether human faces are located more efficiently than other animal faces, when
      presented among various other species' faces, in heterogeneous 16-, 36-, and 64
      item arrays. Across all array sizes, we found that, controlling for distractor
      type, human faces were located faster and more accurately than primate and mammal
      faces, and that, controlling for target type, searches were faster when
      distractors were human faces compared to animal faces, revealing more efficient
      processing of human faces regardless of their role as targets or distractors
      (Experiment 1). Critically, these effects remained when searches were for
      specific species' faces (human, chimpanzee, otter), ruling out a category-level
      explanation (Experiment 2). Together, these results suggest that human faces may
      be processed more efficiently than animal faces, both when task-relevant
      (targets) and task-irrelevant (distractors), even in direct competition with
      other faces. These results suggest that there is not a broad window of detection
      for all face-like patterns but that human adults process own-species' faces more
      efficiently than other species' faces. Such own-species search efficiencies may
      arise through experience with own-species faces throughout development or may be
      privileged early in development, due to the evolutionary importance of
      conspecifics' faces. 

PMID- 25113854
TI  - Association between non-medical prescription drug use and personality traits
      among young Swiss men.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the relationships between six classes of non-medical
      prescription drug use (NMPDU) and five personality traits. METHODS:
      Representative baseline data on 5777 Swiss men around 20 years old were taken
      from the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors. NMPDU of opioid analgesics,
      sedatives/sleeping pills, anxiolytics, antidepressants, beta-blockers and
      stimulants over the previous 12 months was measured. Personality was assessed
      using the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale; attention deficit-hyperactivity (ADH)
      using the Adult Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale; and
      aggression/hostility, anxiety/neuroticism and sociability using the Zuckerman
      Kuhlmann Personality Questionnaire. Logistic regression models for each
      personality trait were fitted, as were seven multiple logistic regression models
      predicting each NMPDU adjusting for all personality traits and covariates.
      RESULTS: Around 10.7% of participants reported NMPDU in the last 12 months, with
      opioid analgesics most prevalent (6.7%), then sedatives/sleeping pills (3.0%),
      anxiolytics (2.7%), and stimulants (1.9%). Sensation seeking (SS), ADH,
      aggression/hostility, and anxiety/neuroticism (but not sociability) were
      significantly positively associated with at least one drug class (OR varied
      between 1.24, 95%CI: 1.04-1.48 and 1.86, 95%CI: 1.47-2.35). Aggression/hostility,
      anxiety/neuroticism and ADH were significantly and positively related to almost
      all NMPDU. Sociability was inversely related to NMPDU of sedatives/sleeping pills
      and anxiolytics (OR, 0.70; 95%CI: 0.51-0.96 and OR, 0.64; 95%CI: 0.46-0.90,
      respectively). SS was related only to stimulant use (OR, 1.74; 95%CI: 1.14-2.65).
      CONCLUSION: People with higher scores for ADH, aggression/hostility and
      anxiety/neuroticism are at higher risk of NMPDU. Sociability appeared to protect
      from NMPDU of sedatives/sleeping pills and anxiolytics.

PMID- 25113853
TI  - Task specificity of attention training: the case of probability cuing.
AB  - Statistical regularities in our environment enhance perception and modulate the
      allocation of spatial attention. Surprisingly little is known about how learning
      induced changes in spatial attention transfer across tasks. In this study, we
      investigated whether a spatial attentional bias learned in one task transfers to
      another. Most of the experiments began with a training phase in which a search
      target was more likely to be located in one quadrant of the screen than in the
      other quadrants. An attentional bias toward the high-probability quadrant
      developed during training (probability cuing). In a subsequent, testing phase,
      the target's location distribution became random. In addition, the training and
      testing phases were based on different tasks. Probability cuing did not transfer
      between visual search and a foraging-like task. However, it did transfer between
      various types of visual search tasks that differed in stimuli and difficulty.
      These data suggest that different visual search tasks share a common and
      transferrable learned attentional bias. However, this bias is not shared by high
      level, decision-making tasks such as foraging. 

PMID- 25113855
TI  - Contemporary sample stacking in analytical electrophoresis.
AB  - This contribution is a methodological review of the publications about the topic
      from the last 2 years. Therefore, it is primarily organized according to the
      methods and procedures used in surveyed papers and the origin and type of sample
      and specification of analytes form the secondary structure. The introductory part
      about navigation in the architecture of stacking brings a brief characterization
      of the various stacking methods, with the description of mutual links to each
      other and important differences among them. The main body of the article brings a
      survey of publications organized according to main principles of stacking and
      then according to the origin and type of the sample. Provided that the paper
      cited gave explicitly the relevant data, information about the BGE(s) used,
      procedure, detector employed, and reached LOD and/or concentration effect is
      given. The papers where the procedure used is a combination of diverse fragments
      and parts of various stacking techniques are mentioned in a special section on
      combined techniques. The concluding remarks in the final part of the review
      evaluate present state of art and the trends of sample stacking in CE. 

PMID- 25113856
TI  - pANCA-vasculitis associated with rectal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - We report the case of a 69-year-old male patient who was admitted for fever, dry
      cough, recurrent sinusitis with epistaxis, anorexia with weight loss of 20 kg
      over a 3-month period, myalgia, and mononeuritis multiplex. He was diagnosed with
      pANCA/anti-MPO associated vasculitis and rectal adenocarcinoma. The tumor was
      treated by surgical resection. Recurrence of vasculitis occurred during steroid
      tapering which prompted us to add Mycophenolate mofetyl. A complete remission was
      achieved. We conclude that in the present case the vasculitis was an independent
      disease, not a paraneoplastic phenomenon. We discuss the value of different ANCA
      serologies for diagnostics and follow-up, the epidemiology of vasculitis
      associated with malignancy, and the concept of vasculitis as a paraneoplastic
      syndrome. 

PMID- 25113857
TI  - Silencing the mob: disrupting quorum sensing as a means to fight plant disease.
AB  - Bacteria are able to sense their population's density through a cell-cell
      communication system, termed 'quorum sensing' (QS). This system regulates gene
      expression in response to cell density through the constant production and
      detection of signalling molecules. These molecules commonly act as auto-inducers
      through the up-regulation of their own synthesis. Many pathogenic bacteria,
      including those of plants, rely on this communication system for infection of
      their hosts. The finding that the countering of QS-disrupting mechanisms exists
      in many prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms offers a promising novel method to
      fight disease. During the last decade, several approaches have been proposed to
      disrupt QS pathways of phytopathogens, and hence to reduce their virulence. Such
      studies have had varied success in vivo, but most lend promising support to the
      idea that QS manipulation could be a potentially effective method to reduce
      bacterial-mediated plant disease. This review discusses the various QS-disrupting
      mechanisms found in both bacteria and plants, as well as the different approaches
      applied artificially to interfere with QS pathways and thus protect plant health.

PMID- 25113858
TI  - Effect of glucosamine conjugation to zinc(II) complexes of a bis-pyrazole ligand:
      syntheses, characterization and anticancer activity.
AB  - The bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H- pyrazol-1yl)acetic acid (bdmpza) ligand was conjugated
      with tert-butyl-N-(2-aminoethyl) carbonate, methyl-2-amino-4
      (methylthio)butanoate and 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-d-glucosamine hydrochloride
      via amide coupling method to form three ligands L1-L3 which were then reacted
      with Zn(II) salts to form four zinc complexes (1-4). The complexes were
      characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
      (ESI-MS), FT-IR, CHN analyses. Complexes 1, 2 and 4 were also characterized by
      single crystal X-ray diffraction. It was found that Zn(II) salts could
      selectively remove the acetyl group from anomeric position leaving everything
      else intact. The cytotoxicity studies of the ligand and the complexes showed that
      the conjugation to acetylated glucosamine enhances cytotoxic ability although the
      complexes become more hydrophilic. Cytotoxicity studies in human breast
      adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), human cervical cancer (HeLa WT) and human lung
      adenocarcinoma (A549) showed that the acetylated glucosamine conjugation to the
      bis-pyrazole ligated Zn(II) complex led to 2-4 fold increase in cytotoxicity
      (IC50 values ca. 57-80MUM) against HeLa WT and MCF-7 cell lines. The Zn(II)
      complex bearing the acetylated glucosamine inhibits the cell cycle in the G2/M
      phase of MCF-7 cell line. ICP-MS data shows more accumulation of Zn(II) inside
      the cell upon use of complex 4 as compared to Zn(II) salts or the other presented
      complexes. Further studies suggest that the mitochondrial transmembrane potential
      changes in the presence of complex 4 and caspase-7 is activated by Zn(II) salts
      but the activation is much more by complex 4 and hence there is apoptosis and
      dose dependent chromatin condensation/nuclear fragmentation as observed by
      microscopy. 

PMID- 25113859
TI  - CD36 and malaria: friends or foes? A decade of data provides some answers.
AB  - The past 10 years have generated new insights into the complex interaction
      between CD36 (cluster of differentiation 36) and malaria. These range from the
      crystallization of the CD36 homolog, LIMPII (lysosomal integral membrane protein
      II), permitting modeling of CD36 and its binding to diverse ligands, to cell
      biology-based studies of CD36 and large population genetic studies assessing the
      association of CD36 polymorphisms and malarial disease severity. Collectively
      these lines of evidence indicate that a receptor other than CD36 is associated
      with severity. CD36 plays an important role in innate immunity and in the
      phagocytic uptake of multiple pathogens including malaria. CD36 polymorphisms
      lack association with severity, and isolates that cause severe disease primarily
      bind to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) rather than to CD36. 

PMID- 25113860
TI  - [Cameron ulcers: two clinical presentations of an unusual upper gastrointestinal
      hemorrhage].

PMID- 25113861
TI  - [MALT lymphoma of the gallbladder].

PMID- 25113863
TI  - [A trichobezoar causing intestinal obstruction in an adolescent girl].

PMID- 25113862
TI  - [Small bowel volvulus: an unusual radiological diagnosis in adults].

PMID- 25113864
TI  - Evaluating the physical demands on firefighters using track-type stair descent
      devices to evacuate mobility-limited occupants from high-rise buildings.
AB  - The physical demands on firefighting personnel were investigated when using
      different types of track-type stair descent devices designed for the emergency
      evacuation of high rise buildings as a function of staircase width and evacuation
      urgency. Twelve firefighters used five track-type stair descent devices during
      simulated urgent and non-urgent evacuations. The devices were evaluated under two
      staircase width conditions (1.12, and 1.32 m), and three devices were also
      evaluated under a narrower staircase condition (0.91 m). Dependent measures
      included electromyographic (EMG) data, spine motion, heart rates, Borg Scale
      ratings, task durations and descent velocities. Stair descent speeds favored the
      devices that had shorter fore/aft dimensions when moving through the landing. EMG
      results indicated that there were tradeoffs due to design features, particularly
      on the landings where the physical demands tended to be greater. On the landings,
      devices that could be rolled on four wheels reduced the deltoid and bicep
      activation levels.

PMID- 25113865
TI  - Surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism in older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the feasibility, safety, and outcome of parathyroidectomy
      in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in individuals aged 75
      and older with that of those younger than 50. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.
      SETTING: Department of Endocrine Surgery, Hospital Paul Desbief (Marseille,
      France). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals who underwent surgery from June 2005 to
      February 2013 (N = 526) had a clinical examination and laboratory and imaging
      assessments to diagnose PHPT. MEASUREMENTS: The clinical and biochemical
      characteristics and surgery outcomes of individuals younger than 50 (n = 80) were
      compared with the characteristics and outcomes of those aged 75 and older (n =
      89). RESULTS: Most of the participants did not have any specific signs of PHPT,
      and the diagnosis of PHPT was established in some participants during routine
      clinical and laboratory examination. Nephrolithiasis and osteitis fibrosa cystica
      were observed only in the younger group. Urinary calcium decreased with age. Nine
      participants aged 75 and older did not undergo surgery (four declined, five had
      medical contraindications). Conventional surgery through transverse cervicotomy
      was used in the majority of participants. Cure rate was excellent (158/160), with
      few and reversible minor complications. The coexistence of thyroid lesions was
      significantly higher in the older (47.5%) than in the younger group (32.3%).
      Nodules and multinodular goiters were removed in the majority of participants
      during the parathyroidectomy procedure. CONCLUSION: With the exception of a few
      cases with severe associated comorbidities, parathyroidectomy is safe and
      curative and should be considered as first-line choice for older adult with PHPT.

PMID- 25113867
TI  - [Current recommendations on optic neuritis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnostics and therapy of optic neuritis are complex and require
      interdisciplinary cooperation. AIM: Compact, up-to-date recommendations for the
      clinician appear to be desirable. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A selective literature
      search including the authors' professional experience was carried out. An
      algorithm for the practical approach to optic neuritis was derived from the best
      available evidence. RESULTS: Our recommendation distinguishes between compulsory
      and optional investigations. Differential diagnostic cues with regard to atypical
      optic neuritis and other optic neuropathies are shown. Standard therapy patterns
      and means of escalation are suggested. Indications for referral are presented.
      CONCLUSION: The algorithm suggested in this article provides ophthalmologists
      with an effective orientation aid for the complete treatment procedure of optic
      neuritis.

PMID- 25113868
TI  - Control of the single-molecule magnet behavior of lanthanide-diarylethene
      photochromic assemblies by irradiation with light.
AB  - Lanthanide-based extended coordination frameworks showing photocontrolled single
      molecule magnet (SMM) behavior were prepared by combining highly anisotropic
      Dy(III) and Ho(III) ions with the carboxylato-functionalized photochromic
      molecule 1,2-bis(5-carboxyl-2-methyl-3-thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (H2 dae),
      which acts as a bridging ligand. As a result, two new compounds of the general
      formula [{Ln(III) 2 (dae)3 (DMSO)3 (MeOH)}?10 MeOH]n (M=Dy for 1 a and Ho for 2)
      and two additional pseudo-polymorphs [{Dy(III) 2 (dae)3 (DMSO)3 (H2 O)}?x MeOH]n
      (1 b) and [{Dy(III) 2 (dae)3 (DMSO)3 (DMSO)}?x MeOH]n (1 c) were obtained. All
      four compounds have 2D coordination-layer topologies, in which carboxylate
      bridged Ln2 units are linked together by dae(2-) anions into grid-like
      frameworks. All four compounds exhibited a strong reversible photochromic
      response to UV/Vis light. Moreover, both 1 a and 2 show field-induced SMM
      behavior. The slow magnetic relaxation of 1 a is influenced by the
      photoisomerization reaction leading to the observation of the cross-effect:
      photocontrolled SMM behavior. 

PMID- 25113866
TI  - Direct effect of bevacizumab on glioblastoma cell lines in vitro.
AB  - Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the pro
      angiogenic factor vascular and endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) used in the
      treatment of glioblastomas. Although most patients respond initially to this
      treatment, studies have shown that glioblastomas eventually recur. Several non
      mutually exclusive theories based on the anti-angiogenic effect of bevacizumab
      have been proposed to explain these mechanisms of resistance. In this report, we
      studied whether bevacizumab can act directly on malignant glioblastoma cells. We
      observe changes in the expression profiles of components of the VEGF/VEGF-R
      pathway and in the response to a VEGF-A stimulus following bevacizumab treatment.
      In addition, we show that bevacizumab itself acts on glioblastoma cells by
      activating the Akt and Erks survival signaling pathways. Bevacizumab also
      enhances proliferation and invasiveness of glioblastoma cells in hyaluronic acid
      hydrogel. We propose that the paradoxical effect of bevacizumab on glioblastoma
      cells could be due to changes in the VEGF-A-dependent autocrine loop as well as
      in the intracellular survival pathways, leading to the enhancement of tumor
      aggressiveness. Investigation of how bevacizumab interacts with glioblastoma
      cells and the resulting downstream signaling pathways will help targeting
      populations of resistant glioblastoma cells. 

PMID- 25113869
TI  - Outcomes, impact on management, and costs of fungal eye disease consults in a
      tertiary care setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of clinical management changes resulting
      from inpatient ophthalmic consultations for fungemia and the associated costs.
      DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred forty-eight
      inpatients at a tertiary care center between 2008 and 2012 with positive fungal
      blood culture results, 238 of whom underwent an ophthalmologic consultation.
      METHODS: Inpatient charts of all fungemic patients were reviewed. Costs were
      standardized to the year 2014. The Student t test was used for all continuous
      variables and the Pearson chi-square test was used for categorical variables.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of ocular involvement, rate of change in
      clinical management, mortality rate of fungemic patients, and costs of ophthalmic
      consultation. RESULTS: Twenty-two (9.2%) of 238 consulted patients with fungemia
      had ocular involvement. Twenty patients had chorioretinitis and 2 had
      endophthalmitis. Only 9 patients (3.7%) had a change in management because of the
      ophthalmic consultation. One patient underwent bilateral intravitreal injections.
      Thirty percent of consulted patients died before discharge or were discharged to
      hospice. The total cost of new consults was $36 927.54 ($204.19/initial level 5
      visit and $138.63/initial level 4). The cost of follow-up visits was $13 655.44
      ($104.24/visit). On average, 26.4 patients were evaluated to find 1 patient
      needing change in management, with an average cost of $5620.33 per change in 1
      patient's management. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical management changes resulting from
      ophthalmic consultation in fungemic patients were uncommon. Associated costs were
      high for these consults in a patient population with a high mortality rate.
      Together, these data suggest that the usefulness of routine ophthalmic
      consultations for all fungemic patients is likely to be low.

PMID- 25113871
TI  - Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatographic analysis of anthocyanins.
AB  - Anthocyanins are naturally occurring plant pigments whose accurate analysis is
      hampered by their complexity and unique chromatographic behaviour associated with
      on-column conversion reactions. This paper reports the evaluation of off-line
      comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC*LC) for the analysis of
      anthocyanins. Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) was used in the
      first dimension in combination with reversed phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC)
      in the second dimension. For the selective detection of anthocyanins, diode array
      detection was used, while high resolution quadrupole-time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (Q-TOF) was used for compound identification. As application, the
      HILIC*RP-LC separation of diverse anthocyanins in blueberries, red radish, black
      beans, red grape skins and red cabbage is demonstrated. Off-line HILIC*RP-LC
      revealed information which could not be obtained by one-dimensional HPLC methods,
      while the structured elution order for the anthocyanins simplifies compound
      identification and facilitates the comparison of anthocyanin content of natural
      products by means of contour plots. 

PMID- 25113870
TI  - Walking deficits and centrophobism in an alpha-synuclein fly model of Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a movement neurodegenerative disorder, characterized
      by bradykinesia, rigidity and tremor, constituting difficulties in walking and
      abnormal gait. Previous research shows that Drosophila expressing human alpha
      synuclein A30P (A30P) develop deficits in geotaxis climbing; however, geotaxis
      climbing is a different movement modality from walking. Whether A30P flies would
      exhibit abnormal walking in a horizontal plane, a measure more relevant to PD, is
      not known. In this study, we characterized A30P fly walking using a high-speed
      camera and an automatic behavior tracking system. We found that old but not young
      A30P flies exhibited walking abnormalities, specifically decreased total moving
      distance, distance per movement, velocity, angular velocity and others, compared
      with old control flies. Those features match the definition of bradykinesia.
      Multivariate analysis further suggested a synergistic effect of aging and A30P,
      resulting in a distinct pattern of walking deficits, as seen in aged A30P flies.
      Psychiatric problems are common in PD patients with anxiety affecting 40-69% of
      patients. Central avoidance is one assessment of anxiety in various animal
      models. We found old but not young A30P flies exhibited increased centrophobism,
      suggesting possible elevated anxiety. Here, we report the first quantitative
      measures of walking qualities in a PD fly model and propose an alternative
      behavior paradigm for evaluating motor functions apart from climbing assay.

PMID- 25113872
TI  - In situ derivatization combined to automated microextraction by packed sorbents
      for the determination of chlorophenols in soil samples by gas chromatography mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - A method based on the coupling of in situ extraction and derivatization of
      chlorophenols (CPs) (2-chlorophenol, 4-chloro-3-methylphenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol,
      and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol) from soils, accomplishing their preconcentration by
      means of automated microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS), is proposed. After
      extraction and acylation of the chlorophenols in aqueous medium, the liquid phase
      obtained is subjected to the MEPS procedure. The QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap,
      Effective, Rugged and Safe) and MEPS techniques were compared and the results
      confirmed the preconcentration carried out with MEPS. The existence of a matrix
      effect was checked and the analytical characteristics of the method were
      determined in a soil sample. The method provided good linearity (from 1 to
      12MUgkg(-1)), together with good repeatability and reproducibility values (RSD
      equal to or less than 10%). The limits of detection were in the 0.118-0.894MUgkg(
      1) range. A certified reference material was applied to validate the proposed
      methodology. 

PMID- 25113873
TI  - Optimum pH for the determination of bisphenols and their corresponding diglycidyl
      ethers by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Migration kinetics of bisphenol A
      from polycarbonate glasses.
AB  - This paper presents, on the one hand, the study of the influence of the pH of the
      medium on the determination of bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol A (BPA) and their
      corresponding diglycidyl ethers (BFDGE and BADGE, respectively) by GC-MS after a
      solid-phase extraction step, using BPA-d16 as internal standard and Parallel
      Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) decomposition as a multi-way tool for the unequivocal
      identification and quantification of the four analytes. As the structure of both
      BFDGE and BADGE has two 2,3-epoxypropoxy groups that can undergo an acid- or base
      catalyzed ring-opening via nucleophilic substitution reactions, several samples
      spiked with the four analytes were set to different pH values between 2 and 12.
      The best results were obtained in the pH region 8-10, being 9 the most suitable
      value. Coelution of interferents was overcome using the PARAFAC decomposition;
      otherwise, the presence of some analytes could not have been ensured according to
      the regulations currently in force. Secondly, the release of BPA from
      polycarbonate glasses into food simulant D1 (ethanol 50% (v/v)) over time was
      studied through seven migration tests and the differences found in this migration
      process with the incubation temperature (50 and 70 degrees C) were evaluated. A
      nonlinear regression was used to fit the experimental data following an
      exponential relation between the concentration of BPA transferred from every
      glass and the respective migration test. None of the quantities of BPA released
      exceeded the specific migration limit of 0.6mgkg(-1) laid down for this compound
      in the Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, so the compliance of the glasses
      evaluated was ensured. The average recovery percentages of the four analytes at a
      fortification level of 800ngL(-1) ranged from 50.14 to 92.75%. The detection
      capability (CCbeta) of the method for BPA was 2.60MUgL(-1) for n=2 replicates,
      with probabilities of false positive and false negative fixed at 0.05. 

PMID- 25113874
TI  - Photoactivated cytotoxicity of ferrocenyl-terpyridine oxovanadium(IV) complexes
      of curcuminoids.
AB  - Oxovanadium(IV) complexes, viz. [VO(Fc-tpy)(Curc)](ClO4) (1), [VO(Fc
      tpy)(bDHC)](ClO4) (2), [VO(Fc-tpy)(bDMC)](ClO4) (3) and [VO(Ph-tpy)(Curc)](ClO4)
      (4), of 4'-ferrocenyl-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine (Fc-tpy) and 4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2"
      terpyridine (Ph-tpy) and monoanionic curcumin (Curc), bis-dehydroxycurcmin (bDHC)
      and bis-demethoxycurcumin (bDMC) were prepared, characterized and their photo
      induced DNA cleavage activity and photocytotoxicity in visible light studied. The
      ferrocenyl complexes 1-3 showed an intense metal-to-ligand charge transfer band
      near 585 nm in DMF and displayed Fc(+)/Fc and V(IV)/V(III) redox couples near
      0.65 V and -1.05 V vs. SCE in DMF-0.1 M TBAP. The complexes as avid binders to
      calf thymus DNA showed significant photocleavage of plasmid DNA in red light of
      647 nm forming OH radicals. The complexes showed photocytotoxicity in HeLa and
      Hep G2 cancer cells in visible light of 400-700 nm with low dark toxicity. ICP-MS
      and fluorescence microscopic studies exhibited significant cellular uptake of the
      complexes within 4 h of treatment with complexes. The treatment with complex 1
      resulted in the formation of reactive oxygen species inside the HeLa cells which
      was evidenced from the DCFDA assay. 

PMID- 25113875
TI  - Indole-3-ethylsulfamoylphenylacrylamides: potent histone deacetylase inhibitors
      with anti-inflammatory activity.
AB  - A series of 2-methyl-1H-indol-3-ethylsulfamoylphenylacrylamides based on LBH589
      PXD101 core have been synthesized and evaluated for their histone deacetylase
      (HDAC) inhibitory and anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro, compounds 9-12 show
      2.6-fold better HDAC inhibition and 3-fold better IL-6 suppression compared to
      LBH589.HCl (1.HCl). Furthermore, these compounds did not show apparent cell
      viability suppression on macrophages while in contrast, treatment with 1.HCl
      resulted in significant reduction in cell viability as demonstrated by an MTT
      assay. Repressed expression of iNOS, COX-2 and reduced phosphorylation of p65
      revealed the inhibitory effect of these analogues on inflammatory mediator
      release which is related to inhibited NF-KB signals. (N-Hydroxy-3-{3-[2-(2-methyl
      1H-indol-3-yl)-ethylsulfamoyl]-phenyl}-acrylamide) (9), exhibited ability
      superior to that of 1.HCl, was able to reduce carrageenan-induced acute
      inflammation in an animal model. Compounds 9-12 have potential anti-inflammatory
      activity and compound 9 can serve as lead compound for further development. 

PMID- 25113876
TI  - Improvement of antibacterial activity of some sulfa drugs through linkage to
      certain phthalazin-1(2H)-one scaffolds.
AB  - RAB1 5 is a lead antibacterial agent in which trimethoprim is linked to
      phthalazine moiety. Similarly, our strategy in this research depends on the
      interconnection between some sulfa drugs and certain phthalazin-1(2H)-one
      scaffolds in an attempt to enhance their antibacterial activity. This approach
      was achieved through the combination of 4-substituted phthalazin-1(2H)-ones 9a, b
      or 14a, b with sulfanilamide 1a, sulfathiazole 1b or sulfadiazine 1c through
      amide linkers 6a, b to produce the target compounds 10a-d and 15a-e,
      respectively. The antibacterial activity of the newly synthesized compounds
      showed that all tested compounds have antibacterial activity higher than that of
      their reference sulfa drugs 1a-c. Compound 10c represented the highest
      antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus pneumonia and
      Staphylococcus aureus with MIC = 0.39 MUmol/mL. Moreover, compound 10d displayed
      excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli
      and Salmonella typhimurium with MIC = 0.39 and 0.78 MUmol/mL, respectively. 

PMID- 25113877
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 1-hydroxyl-3-aminoalkoxy
      xanthone derivatives as potent anticancer agents.
AB  - A series of novel 1-hydroxyl-3-aminoalkoxy xanthone derivatives were designed,
      synthesized and evaluated for in vitro anticancer activity against four selected
      human cancer cell lines (nasopharyngeal neoplasm CNE, liver cancer BEL-7402,
      gastric cancer MGC-803, lung adenocarcinoma A549). Most of the synthesized
      compounds exhibit effective cytotoxic activity against the four tested cancer
      cell lines with the IC50 values at micromolar concentration level. Some
      preliminary structure-activity relationships were also discussed. In this series
      of derivatives, compound 3g shows excellent broad spectrum anticancer activity
      with IC50 values ranging from 3.57 to 20.07 MUM. The in vitro anticancer activity
      effect and action mechanism of compound 3g on human gastric carcinoma MGC-803
      cell were further investigated. The results showed that compound 3g exhibits dose
      and time-dependent anticancer effects on MGC-803 cells through apoptosis, which
      might be associated with its decreasing intracellular calcium and the
      mitochondrial membrane potential. 

PMID- 25113878
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of novel podophyllotoxin derivatives as potential
      antitumor agents.
AB  - Cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) is a common cause of treatment failure in
      cancer patients. Increased expression of permeability glycoprotein (P-gp), which
      is also known as MDR-1, is the main cause of multidrug resistance.
      Podophyllotoxin derivatives hold great promise in the battle to overcome
      multidrug resistance, as they can induce cytotoxicity through multiple
      mechanisms. Here, we synthesized sixteen novel podophyllotoxin derivatives and
      evaluated their cytotoxicities in human cancer cell lines, HeLa, K562 and
      K562/A02. Some of these compounds were more potent than etoposide, a clinically
      relevant inhibitor of DNA repair enzymes. In particular, compound 5p exhibited
      the most potent activity toward drug-resistant K562/A02 cells, as it robustly
      inhibited tumor cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Furthermore,
      preliminary investigation suggested that 5p inhibited the expression of MDR-1 in
      K562/A02 cells more effectively than etoposide. 

PMID- 25113879
TI  - Synthesis and bioevaluation of 2-phenyl-4-methyl-1,3-selenazole-5-carboxylic
      acids as potent xanthine oxidase inhibitors.
AB  - A series of 2-phenyl-4-methyl-1,3-selenazole-5-carboxylic acid derivatives (8a-f,
      9a-m) were synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory activity against xanthine
      oxidase in vitro. Structure-activity relationship analyses have also been
      presented. Most of the target compounds exhibited potency levels in the nanomolar
      range. Compound 9e emerged as the most potent xanthine oxidase inhibitor (IC50 =
      5.5 nM) in comparison to febuxostat (IC50 = 18.6 nM). Steady-state kinetics
      measurements with the bovine milk enzyme indicated a mixed type inhibition with
      Ki and Ki' values of 0.9 and 2.3 nM, respectively. A molecular modeling study on
      compounds 9e was performed to gain an insight into its binding mode with xanthine
      oxidase, and to provide the basis for further structure-guided design of new non
      purine xanthine oxidase inhibitors related with 2-phenyl-4-methyl-1,3-selenazole
      5-carboxylic acid scaffold. 

PMID- 25113881
TI  - Experimental and economical evaluation of bioconversion of forest residues to
      biogas using organosolv pretreatment.
AB  - The methane potential of forest residues was compared after applying organic
      solvent, i.e., acetic acid, ethanol, and methanol pretreatments using batch
      anaerobic digestion (AD). The pretreatments were performed at 190  degrees C with
      50% (V/V) organic solvent for 60 min. The accumulated methane yields after 40
      days of AD from pretreated forest residues were between 0.23 and 0.34 m(3) CH4/kg
      VS, which shows a significant improvement compared to 0.05 m(3) CH4/kg VS, from
      untreated forest residues. These improvements count up to 50% increase in the
      methane yields from the pretreated substrates based on expected theoretical yield
      from carbohydrates. Among the organic solvents, pretreatments with acetic acid
      and ethanol led to highest methane yields, i.e., over 0.30 m(3) CH4/kg VS.
      However, techno-economical evaluation showed, pretreatment with methanol was more
      viable financially. The capital investments of the plant operating 20,000 tons of
      forest residues varied between 56 and 60 million USD, which could be recovered in
      less than 8 years of operation.

PMID- 25113882
TI  - Effect of liquefaction temperature on hydroxyl groups of bio-oil from loblolly
      pine (Pinus taeda).
AB  - Loblolly pine was liquefied with ethylene glycol at 100, 150, 200 and 250 
      degrees C in order to analyze the effect of liquefaction temperature on hydroxyl
      groups of bio-oil, and to determine the source and variation of hydroxyl groups.
      The optimum temperature was found to be 150-200  degrees C. Hydroxyl number (OHN)
      of the bio-oil was ranged from 632 to 1430 mg KOH/g. GC-MS analysis showed that
      70-90% of OHN was generated from unreacted EG. (31)P NMR analysis showed that the
      majority of hydroxyl groups were aliphatic, and none of the bio-oil exhibited any
      detectable hydroxyl groups from phenolic sources. Finally, it was found that all
      bio-oils were stable in terms of OHN for 2 months when stored at -10  degrees C.

PMID- 25113883
TI  - Fast pyrolysis product distribution of biopretreated corn stalk by methanogen.
AB  - After pretreated by methanogen for 5, 15 and 25 days, corn stalk (CS) were
      pyrolyzed at 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500  degrees C by Py-GC/MS and product
      distribution in bio-oil was analyzed. Results indicated that methanogen
      pretreatment changed considerably the product distribution: the contents of sugar
      and phenols increased; the contents of linear carbonyls and furans decreased; the
      contents of linear ketones and linear acids changed slightly. Methanogen
      pretreatment improved significantly the pyrolysis selectivity of CS to phenols
      especially 4-VP. At 250  degrees C, the phenols content increased from 42.25% for
      untreated CS to 79.32% for biopretreated CS for 5 days; the 4-VP content
      increased from 28.6% to 60.9%. Increasing temperature was contributed to convert
      more lignin into 4-VP, but decreased its content in bio-oil due to more other
      chemicals formed. The effects of biopretreatment time on the chemicals contents
      were insignificant.

PMID- 25113884
TI  - Cationic polymers for successful flocculation of marine microalgae.
AB  - Flocculation of microalgae is a promising technique to reduce the costs and
      energy required for harvesting microalgae. Harvesting marine microalgae requires
      suitable flocculants to induce the flocculation under marine conditions. This
      study demonstrates that cationic polymeric flocculants can be used to harvest
      marine microalgae. Different organic flocculants were tested to flocculate
      Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Neochloris oleoabundans grown under marine
      conditions. Addition of 10 ppm of the commercial available flocculants Zetag 7557
      and Synthofloc 5080H to P. tricornutum showed a recovery of, respectively, 98% +/
      2.0 and 94% +/- 2.9 after flocculation followed by 2h sedimentation. Using the
      same flocculants and dosage for harvesting N. oleoabundans resulted in a recovery
      of 52% +/- 1.5 and 36% +/- 11.3. This study shows that cationic polymeric
      flocculants are a viable option to pre-concentrate marine cultivated microalgae
      via flocculation prior to further dewatering.

PMID- 25113886
TI  - Identification and analysis of ADP-ribosylated proteins.
AB  - The analysis of ADP-ribosylated proteins is a challenging task, on the one hand
      because of the diversity of the target proteins and the modification sites, on
      the other hand because of the particular problems posed by the analysis of ADP
      ribosylated peptides. ADP-ribosylated proteins can be detected in in vitro
      experiments after the incorporation of radioactively labeled or chemically
      modified ADP-ribose. Endogenously ADP-ribosylated proteins may be detected and
      enriched by antibodies directed against the ADP-ribosyl moiety or by ADP-ribosyl
      binding macro domains. The determination of the exact attachment site of the
      modification, which is a prerequisite for the understanding of the specificity of
      the various ADP-ribosyl transferases and the structural consequences of ADP
      ribosylation, necessitates the proteolytic cleavage of the proteins. The
      resulting peptides can afterwards be enriched either by IMAC (using the affinity
      of the pyrophosphate group for heavy metal ions) or by immobilized boronic acid
      beads (using the affinity of the vicinal ribose hydroxy groups for boronic acid).
      The identification of the modified peptides usually requires tandem mass
      spectrometric measurements. Problems that hamper the mass spectrometric analysis
      by collision-induced decay (CID) can be circumvented either by the application of
      different fragmentation techniques (electron transfer or electron capture
      dissociation; ETD or ECD) or by enzymatic cleavage of the ADP-ribosyl group to
      ribosyl-phosphate. 

PMID- 25113887
TI  - Will new insights into neural networks help us improve our models of suicidal
      behavior?

PMID- 25113885
TI  - Combination of glucosamine and low-dose cyclosporine for atopic dermatitis
      treatment: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel clinical
      trial.
AB  - Our recent pilot study showed better outcomes using a combination of low-dose
      cyclosporine and glucosamine than cyclosporine alone in the treatment of atopic
      dermatitis (AD). Here, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel
      designed study was planned to compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose
      cyclosporine and glucosamine combination to low-dose cyclosporine alone for the
      treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD. AD patients with a Severity
      Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index >= 30 were randomly assigned in a 1:1
      ratio to receive either cyclosporine 2 mg/kg and glucosamine 25 mg/kg (group A)
      or cyclosporine and placebo (group B) for 8 weeks. SCORAD indices, serum levels
      of chemokine ligand 17 and interleukin-31, eosinophil counts, and blood
      cyclosporine levels were examined before and after treatment. The SCORAD indices
      for group A (n = 19) were significantly reduced after the treatment and a
      significant correlation between the changes in the SCORAD indices and changes in
      the serum levels of chemokine ligand 17, but not interleukin-31, was detected.
      Glucosamine combined with cyclosporine did not increase adverse events and serum
      cyclosporine levels compared with cyclosporine alone. Therefore, combination of
      low-dose cyclosporine and glucosamine may be useful to allow the long-term use of
      cyclosporine in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD.

PMID- 25113888
TI  - Exploring prospective predictors of completed suicides: evidence from the general
      social survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was based on over 30,000 respondents who completed General
      Social Surveys between 1978 and 2002. AIMS: We approached these respondents
      prospectively, comparing and contrasting the responses of those who subsequently
      died by suicide (N = 141) with those who died from all other causes (N = 9,115).
      METHOD: We employed chi-square and logistic regression analyses of important
      demographic confounders to test for statistically significant differences between
      suicide decedents and all other decedents. RESULTS: Suicide decedents died on
      average 2 years sooner than all other decedents. When covariates of age and
      gender were applied, suicide decedents exhibited greater acceptance of suicide
      for dealing with various adverse life circumstances, were more likely to have
      been the gun owners in their households, lived in regions where gun ownership was
      more commonplace, and held less strong religious beliefs and less of a belief of
      an afterlife. CONCLUSION: The observed affinity between attitudes of suicide
      acceptability and completed suicide suggests a potential for creating a
      meaningful assessment tool to identify those positioned at the extreme end of the
      suicide risk continuum.

PMID- 25113889
TI  - The rate of fatality and demographic characteristics associated with various
      suicide methods: a community-based study in Northern Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding lethality and risk factors of suicide methods is an
      initial step in suicide prevention. AIMS: To investigate the fatality rate and
      demographic characteristics of various suicide methods. METHOD: This study
      enrolled consecutive individuals with episodes of suicide attempts registered in
      a surveillance database in a city with a high rate of suicide mortality in
      Taiwan, from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2010. In total, 3,089 suicide
      attempt events (including 2,583 nonfatal suicides and 506 completed suicides)
      occurred during the study period. RESULTS: Overall, the fatality rate of suicides
      was 16.4%. Charcoal burning accounted for the most suicide deaths (37.6%), with a
      fatality rate of 50.1%. Suicide by hanging carried the highest fatality rate
      (81.2%). Males tended to choose more lethal methods and had higher fatality rates
      compared with females. Elders and married persons were less likely to attempt
      suicide by charcoal burning. The case fatality ratio increased along with age
      among suicide attempts, but not in those using charcoal burning. CONCLUSION: The
      choice of suicide methods and lethality might be influenced by one's demographic
      characteristics. RESULTS from this study may provide clues for establishing
      suicide prevention strategies such as restricting access to common lethal suicide
      methods in the high-risk group.

PMID- 25113890
TI  - Shadows from the past: the situated meaning of being suicidal among depressed
      older people living in the community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most depressed older people in a suicidal state have mixed feelings,
      where the wish to live and the wish to die wage a battle. AIMS: To explore and
      describe depressed older people's experiences of being suicidal and their search
      for meaning. METHOD: Data were collected from 29 participants resident in the
      Rogaland and Vestfold districts of Norway, by means of individual interviews,
      after which a thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: For the participants in
      this study, the lived experiences of the situated meaning of survival after being
      suicidal comprised a main theme - "shadows from the past" - and two themes -
      "feeling that something inside is broken" and "a struggle to catch the light."
      CONCLUSION: Mental health-care professionals might be able to reduce the risk of
      suicide and perturbation by helping depressed older people to explore, resolve,
      and ultimately come to terms with their unresolved historical issues. Additional
      valuable strategies in primary care settings include encountering patients
      frequently, monitoring adherence to care plans, and providing support to address
      the source of emotional pain and distress.

PMID- 25113891
TI  - Ethnic differences in self-poisoning across South London.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-poisoning (overdose) is the commonest form of self-harm cases
      presenting to acute secondary care services in the UK, where there has been
      limited investigation of self-harm in black and minority ethnic communities.
      London has the UK's most ethnically diverse areas but presents challenges in
      resident-based data collection due to the large number of hospitals. AIMS: To
      investigate the rates and characteristics of self-poisoning presentations in two
      central London boroughs. METHOD: All incident cases of self-poisoning
      presentations of residents of Lambeth and Southwark were identified over a 12
      month period through comprehensive acute and mental health trust data collection
      systems at multiple hospitals. Analysis was done using STATA 12.1. RESULTS: A
      rate of 121.4/100,000 was recorded across a population of more than half a
      million residents. Women exceeded men in all measured ethnic groups. Black women
      presented 1.5 times more than white women. Gender ratios within ethnicities were
      marked. Among those aged younger than 24 years, black women were almost 7 times
      more likely to present than black men were. CONCLUSION: Self-poisoning is the
      commonest form of self-harm presentation to UK hospitals but population-based
      rates are rare. These results have implications for formulating and managing risk
      in clinical services for both minority ethnic women and men.

PMID- 25113892
TI  - History of suicide attempts in adults with Asperger syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS) may be at higher risk for
      attempting suicide compared to the general population. AIMS: This study examines
      the issue of suicidality in adults with AS. METHOD: An online survey was
      completed by 50 adults from across Ontario. The sample was dichotomized into
      individuals who had attempted suicide (n = 18) and those who had not (n = 32). We
      examined the relationship between predictor variables and previous attempts, and
      compared the services that both groups are currently receiving. RESULTS: Over 35%
      of individuals with AS reported that they had attempted suicide in the past.
      Individuals who attempted suicide were more likely to have a history of
      depression and self-reported more severe autism symptomatology. Those with and
      without a suicidal history did not differ in terms of the services they were
      currently receiving. This study looks at predictors retrospectively and cannot
      ascertain how long ago the attempt was made. Although efforts were made to obtain
      a representative sample, there is the possibility that the individuals surveyed
      may be more or less distressed than the general population with AS. CONCLUSION:
      The suicide attempt rate in our sample is much higher than the 4.6% lifetime
      prevalence seen in the general population. These findings highlight a need for
      more specialized services to help prevent future attempts and to support this
      vulnerable group.

PMID- 25113893
TI  - Lipophilic statin use and suicidal ideation in a sample of adults with mood
      disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mood disorders are associated with a high risk of suicide. Statin
      therapy has been implicated in this relationship. AIMS: To further clarify
      reported associations between suicide and cholesterol in mental health
      conditions, we conducted an analysis of dietary, clinical, and suicidal ideation
      measures in community-living adults with mood disorders. METHOD: Data were used
      from a cross-sectional study of a randomly selected community-based sample (> 18
      years; n = 97) with verified mood disorders. Dietary (e.g., fat, iron, vitamin
      intakes), clinical (e.g., current depression and mania symptoms, medications),
      and sociodemographic (age, sex, and income) measures were analyzed using
      bivariate statistics and Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS:
      Participants were predominantly female (71.1%) with bipolar disorder (59.8%);
      almost one-third (28.9%) were taking lipophilic statins. The prevalence of
      suicidal ideation was more than 2.5 times in those taking statins, PR = 2.59, 95%
      CI 1.27-5.31, p < .05. The prevalence ratio for suicidal ideation was 1.10, 95%
      CI 1.06-1.15, p < .001, for each unit increase in mania symptom scores. No
      associations between suicidal ideation and dietary intake measures were
      identified. CONCLUSION: Individuals with mood disorders may be susceptible to
      neuropsychiatric effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs, which warrants further
      research.

PMID- 25113897
TI  - Improving prediction of binge episodes by modelling chronicity of dietary
      restriction.
AB  - This study evaluates the influences of chronicity of, and time lag between,
      dietary restriction and binge outcome for predicting binge episode onset. Sixty
      two women aged 18 to 40 years old completed an online survey at random intervals
      seven times daily for a 7-day period. Participants self-reported engagement in
      dietary restriction and/or binging, and temptation to binge. Consecutive
      instances of reported dietary restriction better predicted subsequent binges than
      single instances. As the time lag between the first report of dietary restriction
      and binge onset increased, a clear linear trend emerged, such that the value of
      restriction for predicting binges increased with the number of consecutive
      assessments in which they reported dietary restriction. A similar pattern was
      found when predicting temptation to binge. Present findings suggest that duration
      of restriction is a crucial determinant of binge onset. These findings have
      implications for clinical practice by highlighting the time course from dietary
      restriction to binging.

PMID- 25113896
TI  - Influence of RNA extraction methods and library selection schemes on RNA-seq
      data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gene expression analysis by RNA sequencing is now widely used in a
      number of applications surveying the whole transcriptomes of cells and tissues.
      The recent introduction of ribosomal RNA depletion protocols, such as RiboZero,
      has extended the view of the polyadenylated transcriptome to the poly(A)-
      fraction of the RNA. However, substantial amounts of intronic transcriptional
      activity has been reported in RiboZero protocols, raising issues regarding their
      potential nuclear origin and the impact on the actual sequence depth in exonic
      regions. RESULTS: Using HEK293 human cells as source material, we assessed here
      the impact of the two commonly used RNA extraction methods and of the library
      construction protocols (rRNA depletion versus mRNA) on 1) the relative abundance
      of intronic reads and 2) on the estimation of gene expression values. We
      benchmarked the rRNA depletion-based sequencing with a specific analysis of the
      cytoplasmic and nuclear transcriptome fractions, suggesting that the large
      majority of the intronic reads correspond to unprocessed nuclear transcripts
      rather than to independent transcriptional units. We show that Qiagen or TRIzol
      extraction methods retain differentially nuclear RNA species, and that
      consequently, rRNA depletion-based RNA sequencing protocols are particularly
      sensitive to the extraction methods. CONCLUSIONS: We could show that the
      combination of Trizol-based RNA extraction with rRNA depletion sequencing
      protocols led to the largest fraction of intronic reads, after the sequencing of
      the nuclear transcriptome. We discuss here the impact of the various strategies
      on gene expression and alternative splicing estimation measures. Further, we
      propose guidelines and a double selection strategy for minimizing the expression
      biases, without loss of information.

PMID- 25113899
TI  - Temporal trends in non-stricturing and non-penetrating behaviour at diagnosis of
      Crohn's disease in Orebro, Sweden: a population-based retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) is continuing to rise
      in several countries and in others it appears to have already levelled off after
      a period of increase. We updated our previous population-based study, by re
      extraction of all information on patients diagnosed with CD between 1963 and
      2010. Our aim was to assess temporal trends in incidence, prevalence and disease
      phenotype at diagnosis. METHODS: Patients of all ages with a potential diagnosis
      of CD were identified retrospectively by evaluation of medical notes of all
      current and previous patients at the colitis clinic, Orebro University Hospital
      amended by computerised search in the inpatient, outpatient, primary care and
      histopathological records. Diagnosis was confirmed by subsequent evaluation of
      medical notes. Disease phenotype was defined according to the Montreal
      classification. RESULTS: The incidence increased over time, especially among
      Crohn's disease, A1 and A3. SaTScan model revealed a statistically significant
      high incidence during 1991-2010 (p=0.0001). The median age at diagnosis increased
      from 28 (3-79) years to 37 (5-87) years (p=0.0002). The point prevalence
      increased from 21/10(5) (14-32) in 1965 to 267/10(5) (244-291) in 2010. Non
      stricturing and non-penetrating disease at diagnosis increased from 12.5% in 1963
      1965 to 82.3% in 2006-2010 (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of CD increased
      over time, although it seemed to be plateauing during the most recent decades. A
      striking increase in non-stricturing, non-penetrating disease at diagnosis was
      observed, suggesting earlier diagnosis or phenotypic change. The observed point
      prevalence in 2010 is among the highest reported.

PMID- 25113900
TI  - Kinetic analysis of mechanochemical chain scission of linear
      poly(phthalaldehyde).
AB  - The kinetics of mechanochemical chain scission of poly(phthalaldehyde) (PPA) are
      investigated. Ultrasound-induced cavitation is capable of causing chain scission
      in the PPA backbone that ultimately leads to rapid depolymerization of each
      resulting polymer fragment when above the polymer's ceiling temperature (Tc ). An
      interesting feature of the mechanochemical breakdown of PPA is that "half-chain"
      daughter fragments are not observed, since the depolymerization is rapid
      following chain scission. These features facilitate the determination of rate
      constants of activation for multiple molecular weights from a single sonication
      experiment. Additionally, the degradation kinetics are modified with chain-end
      trapping agents through variation of the nature and amount of small molecule
      nucleophile or electrophile. 

PMID- 25113901
TI  - Early bovine embryos regulate oviduct epithelial cell gene expression during in
      vitro co-culture.
AB  - In mammals, the oviduct may participate to the regulation of early embryo
      development. In vitro co-culture of early bovine embryos with bovine oviduct
      epithelial cells (BOEC) has been largely used to mimic the maternal environment.
      However, the mechanisms of BOEC action have not been clearly elucidated yet. The
      aim of this study was to determine the response of BOEC cultures to the presence
      of developing bovine embryos. A 21,581-element bovine oligonucleotide array was
      used compare the gene expression profiles of confluent BOEC cultured for 8 days
      with or without embryos. This study revealed 34 differentially expressed genes
      (DEG). Of these 34 genes, IFI6, ISG15, MX1, IFI27, IFI44, RSAD2, IFITM1, EPSTI1,
      USP18, IFIT5, and STAT1 expression increased to the greatest extent due to the
      presence of embryos with a major impact on antiviral and immune response. Among
      the mRNAs at least 25 are already described as induced by interferons. In
      addition, transcript levels of new candidate genes involved in the regulation of
      transcription, modulation of the maternal immune system and endometrial
      remodeling were found to be increased. We selected 7 genes and confirmed their
      differential expression by quantitative RT-PCR. The immunofluorescence imaging of
      cellular localization of STAT1 protein in BOEC showed a nuclear translocation in
      the presence of embryos, suggesting the activation of interferon signaling
      pathway. This first systematic study of BOEC transcriptome changes in response to
      the presence of embryos in cattle provides some evidences that these cells are
      able to adapt their transcriptomic profile in response to embryo signaling.

PMID- 25113898
TI  - Patient and physician views on the quality of care in inflammatory bowel disease:
      results from SOLUTION-1, a prospective IG-IBD study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Remarkable differences in quality of care (QoC) might be observed
      in different countries, affecting quality of life of inflammatory bowel disease
      (IBD) patients. The aim of this study was to assess patient and physician
      perceptions of the QoC in Italy. METHODS: A multicentre observational study on
      the quality of care in IBD (SOLUTION-1) was conducted in 36 IG-IBD (Italian Group
      for Inflammatory Bowel Disease) centres in Italy. The QUOTE-IBD (Quality of Care
      Through the Patient's Eyes) questionnaire was administered to IBD patients and to
      the attending physicians. The Quality Impact (QI) score summarises the QUOTE-IBD
      questionnaire, and a QI >9 is considered satisfactory. RESULTS: Nine-hundred
      ninety-two patients and 75 physicians completed the QUOTE-IBD questionnaire. The
      patients scored the domains of competence (9.47 vs. 8.55) and costs (9.54 vs.
      8.26) higher that the physicians, while information (9.31 vs. 9.43) and
      continuity of care (8.40 vs. 9.01) were scored lower. The QI score was rated
      worse by physicians with less experience (<12 years) with regard to competence
      (8.0 vs. 9.01), courtesy (8.12 vs. 10.0) and autonomy (8.97 vs. 10.0). Physicians
      considered the cost domain unsatisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare was rated as
      satisfactory overall for Italian patients and physicians. The physicians
      underestimate their competence and consider the cost of medical management
      unsatisfactory. The patients are more critical regarding the continuity of care
      and information. Country-specific data on QoC allow local governments to allocate
      resources more effectively.

PMID- 25113904
TI  - Patchwork structure-function analysis of the Sendai virus matrix protein.
AB  - Paramyxoviruses contain a bi-lipidic envelope decorated by two transmembrane
      glycoproteins and carpeted on the inner surface with a layer of matrix proteins
      (M), thought to bridge the glycoproteins with the viral nucleocapsids. To
      characterize M structure-function features, a set of M domains were mutated or
      deleted. The genes encoding these modified M were incorporated into recombinant
      Sendai viruses and expressed as supplemental proteins. Using a method of
      integrated suppression complementation system (ISCS), the functions of these M
      mutants were analyzed in the context of the infection. Cellular membrane
      association, localization at the cell periphery, nucleocapsid binding, cellular
      protein interactions and promotion of viral particle formation were characterized
      in relation with the mutations. At the end, lack of nucleocapsid binding go
      together with lack of cell surface localization and both features definitely
      correlate with loss of M global function estimated by viral particle production. 

PMID- 25113902
TI  - Marital conflict in early childhood and adolescent disordered eating: emotional
      insecurity about the marital relationship as an explanatory mechanism.
AB  - Disordered eating behaviors, including frequent dieting, unhealthy weight control
      behaviors (e.g., vomiting and skipping meals for weight loss) and binge eating
      are prevalent among adolescents. While negative, conflict-ridden family
      environments have long been implicated as problematic and a contributing factor
      to the development of disordered eating, few studies have examined the influence
      of marital conflict exposure in childhood to understand the development of these
      behaviors in adolescence. The current study investigates the impact of marital
      conflict, children's emotional insecurity about the marital relationship, and
      disordered eating behaviors in early adolescence in a prospective, longitudinal
      study of a community sample of 236 families in Midwest and Northeast regions of
      the U.S. Full structural mediation analyses utilizing robust latent constructs of
      marital conflict and emotional insecurity about the marital relationship, support
      children's emotional insecurity as an explanatory mechanism for the influence of
      marital conflict on adolescent disordered eating behaviors. Findings are
      discussed with important implications for the long-term impact of marital
      conflict and the development of disordered eating in adolescence.

PMID- 25113905
TI  - Functional characterization of Autographa californica multiple
      nucleopolyhedrovirus gp16 (ac130).
AB  - To investigate the function of Autographa californica multiple
      nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) gp16, multiple gp16-knockout and repair mutants
      were constructed and characterized. No obvious difference in productivity of
      budded virus, DNA synthesis, late gene expression and morphogenesis was observed
      between gp16-knockout and repair viruses, but gp16 deletion resulted in six hours
      of lengthening in ST50 to the third instar Spodoptera exigua larvae in bioassays.
      GP16 was fractionated mainly in the light membrane fraction, by subcellular
      fractionation. A GP16-EGFP fusion protein was predominantly localized close
      around the nuclear membrane in infected cells, being coincident with formation of
      the vesicles associated with the nuclear membrane, which hosted nucleocapsids
      released from the nucleus. These data suggest that gp16 is not required for viral
      replication, but may be involved in membrane trafficking associated with the
      envelopment/de-envelopment of budded viruses when they cross over the nuclear
      membrane and pass through cytoplasm. 

PMID- 25113903
TI  - 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA--Ecstasy) decreases neutrophil activity
      through the glucocorticoid pathway and impairs host resistance to Listeria
      monocytogenes infection in mice.
AB  - Ecstasy is the popular name of the abuse drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
      (MDMA) that decreases immunity in animals. The mechanisms that generate such
      alterations are still controversial. Seven independent pharmacological approaches
      were performed in mice to identify the possible mechanisms underlying the
      decrease of neutrophil activity induced by MDMA and the possible effects of MDMA
      on host resistance to Listeria monocytogenes. Our data showed that MDMA (10 mg
      kg(-1)) administration decreases NFkappaB expression in circulating neutrophils.
      Metyrapone or RU-486 administration prior to MDMA treatment abrogated MDMA
      effects on neutrophil activity and NFkappaB expression, while 6-OHDA or ICI
      118,551 administration did not. As MDMA treatment increased the plasmatic levels
      of adrenaline and noradrenaline, propranolol pre-treatment effects were also
      evaluated. Propranolol suppressed both MDMA-induced increase in corticosterone
      serum levels and its effects on neutrophil activity. In a L. monocytogenes
      experimental infection context, we showed that MDMA: induced myelosuppression by
      decreasing granulocyte-macrophage hematopoietic progenitors (CFU-GM) in the bone
      marrow but increased CFU-GM in the spleen; decreased circulating leukocytes and
      bone marrow cellularity and increased spleen cellularity; decreased pro
      inflammatory cytokine (IL-12p70, TNF, IFN-gamma, IL-6) and chemokine (MCP-1)
      production 24 h after the infection; increased the production of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines and chemokines 72 h after infection and decreased IL-10 levels at all
      time points analyzed. It was proposed that MDMA immunosuppressive effects on
      neutrophil activity and host resistance to L monocytogenes rely on NFkappaB
      signaling, being mediated by HPA axis activity and corticosterone.

PMID- 25113906
TI  - The identification and characterization of nucleic acid chaperone activity of
      human enterovirus 71 nonstructural protein 3AB.
AB  - Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) belongs to the genus Enterovirus in the family
      Picornaviridae and has been recognized as one of the most important pathogens
      that cause emerging infectious disease. Despite of the importance of EV71, the
      nonstructural protein 3AB from this virus is little understood for its function
      during EV71 replication. Here we expressed EV71 3AB protein as recombinant
      protein in a eukaryotic expression system and uncovered that this protein
      possesses a nucleic acid helix-destabilizing and strand annealing acceleration
      activity in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that EV71 3AB is a nucleic acid
      chaperone protein. Moreover, we characterized the RNA chaperone activity of EV71
      3AB, and revealed that divalent metal ions, such as Mg(2+) and Zn(2+), were able
      to inhibit the RNA helix-destabilizing activity of 3AB to different extents.
      Moreover, we determined that 3B plus the last 7 amino acids at the C-terminal of
      3A (termed 3B+7) possess the RNA chaperone activity, and five amino acids, i.e.
      Lys-80, Phe-82, Phe-85, Tyr-89, and Arg-103, are critical and probably the active
      sites of 3AB for its RNA chaperone activity. This report reveals that EV71 3AB
      displays an RNA chaperone activity, adds a new member to the growing list of
      virus-encoded RNA chaperones, and provides novel knowledge about the virology of
      EV71. 

PMID- 25113907
TI  - Infectious cDNA clones of the crinivirus Tomato chlorosis virus are competent for
      systemic plant infection and whitefly-transmission.
AB  - Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) (genus Crinivirus, family Closteroviridae) causes
      important emergent diseases in tomato and other solanaceous crops. ToCV is not
      transmitted mechanically and is naturally transmitted by whiteflies. The ToCV
      genome consists of two molecules of linear, positive-sense RNA encapsidated into
      long flexuous virions. We present the construction of full-length cDNA clones of
      the ToCV genome (RNA1 and RNA2) fused to the SP6 RNA polymerase promoter and
      under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter. RNA1 replicated in the absence of
      RNA2 in Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato protoplasts after inoculation with cDNA
      derived in vitro transcripts. Agroinfiltration of RNA1 and RNA2 under the 35S
      promoter resulted in systemic infection in N. benthamiana plants. In addition,
      tomato plants were infected by grafting with agroinfected N. benthamiana scions,
      showing the typical ToCV symptoms. The viral progeny generated in tomato was
      transmissible by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. 

PMID- 25113909
TI  - Palmitoylation of the Alphacoronavirus TGEV spike protein S is essential for
      incorporation into virus-like particles but dispensable for S-M interaction.
AB  - The spike protein S of coronaviruses contains a highly conserved cytoplasmic
      cysteine-rich motif adjacent to the transmembrane region. This motif is
      palmitoylated in the Betacoronaviruses MHV and SARS-CoV. Here, we demonstrate by
      metabolic labeling with [(3)H]-palmitic acid that the S protein of transmissible
      gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV), an Alphacoronavirus, is palmitoylated as
      well. This is relevant for TGEV replication as virus growth was compromised by
      the general palmitoylation inhibitor 2-bromopalmitate. Mutation of individual
      cysteine clusters in the cysteine-rich motif of S revealed that all cysteines
      must be replaced to abolish acylation and incorporation of S into virus-like
      particles (VLP). Conversely, the interaction of S with the M protein, essential
      for VLP incorporation of S, was not impaired by lack of palmitoylation. Thus,
      palmitoylation of the S protein of Alphacoronaviruses is dispensable for S-M
      interaction, but required for the generation of progeny virions. 

PMID- 25113908
TI  - HIV-1 Vpu mediated downregulation of CD155 requires alanine residues 10, 14 and
      18 of the transmembrane domain.
AB  - HIV-1 NL4-3 Vpu induces downregulation of cell surface CD155, a ligand for the
      DNAM-1 activating receptor of NK and CD8(+) T cells, to evade NK cell mediated
      immune response. Here we show that the conserved alanine residues at positions
      10, 14 and 18 in the TM domain of Vpu are required for the efficient
      downregulation of cell surface CD155. In contrast, the CK-2 phosphorylation sites
      and the second alpha-helix in the cytoplasmic Vpu domain have no influence on the
      surface expression of CD155. Thus, compared to Vpu's effect on CD4, NTB-A and
      tetherin, the Vpu mediated downregulation of CD155 is an independent Vpu
      function. We finally show that in contrast to other lentiviral strains, only Vpu
      and Nef from HIV-1 M NL4-3 potently interfere with CD155 surface expression.
      Thus, Vpu seems to subvert NK cell responses against HIV-1 infected T cells by
      modulation of receptors necessary for NK cell activation. 

PMID- 25113910
TI  - 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine as a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage induced by
      perfluorinated compounds in TK6 cells.
AB  - 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is the most common biomarker of oxidative
      DNA damage, it is formed by chemical carcinogens and can be measured in any
      species. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) are
      suspected genotoxic carcinogens through induction of reactive oxygen species that
      are responsible for oxidative DNA damage. This study was conducted to investigate
      the in vitro genotoxicity of PFOA and PFNA in human lymphoblastoid (TK6) cell
      line. TK6 cells were exposed to PFOA at 0, 125, 250, and 500 ppm and PFNA at 125
      and 250 ppm for 2 h. Single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) was used to
      measure DNA damage; at least 50 cells per sample were analyzed using comet Assay
      Software Project (CASP). 8-OHdG was measured in DNA of exposed cells using high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS. Results
      showed that both PFOA and PFNA induced DNA damage indicated by increased tail
      length (DNA migration). The level of 8-OHdG was increased in a dose-dependent
      manner in both PFOA and PFNA exposure. We concluded that PFOA and PFNA induced
      DNA damage and the biomarker of oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG) could be measured
      by HPLC-MS/MS. In addition, PFNA produced high level of 8-OHdG at concentrations
      lower than PFOA, this may indicate that PFNA is more potent genotoxicant for TK6
      cells than PFOA.

PMID- 25113911
TI  - Simultaneous T1 and T2 quantification of the myocardium using cardiac balanced
      SSFP inversion recovery with interleaved sampling acquisition (CABIRIA).
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a novel sequence for simultaneous quantification of T1 and T2
      relaxation times in the myocardium based on the transient phase of the balanced
      steady-state free precession. METHODS: A new prototype sequence, named "cardiac
      balanced-SSFP inversion recovery with interleaved sampling acquisition" (CABIRIA)
      was developed based on a single-shot bSSFP readout following an inversion pulse.
      With this method, T1 and T2 values can be calculated from the analysis of signal
      evolution. The scan duration for a single slice in vivo was 8 heartbeats, thus
      feasible in a breath-hold. The sequence was validated both in vitro by comparing
      it to conventional inversion recovery and multi-echo spin-echo methods and in 5
      healthy volunteers by comparing it to the Modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery
      (MOLLI) sequence and to a T2 quantification sequence based on multi-T2 -prepared
      bSSFP. RESULTS: The method showed good agreement with conventional methods for
      both T1 and T2 measurements (concordance correlation coefficient >= 0.99) in
      vitro. In healthy volunteers the measured T1 values were 1227 +/- 68 ms and T2
      values 37.9 +/- 2.4 ms, with similar inter- and intrasubject variability with
      respect to existing methods. CONCLUSION: The proposed CABIRIA method enables
      simultaneous quantification of myocardial T1 and T2 values with good accuracy and
      precision.

PMID- 25113913
TI  - A simple and precise diagnostic method for spinal muscular atrophy using a
      quantitative SNP analysis system.
AB  - A simple and precise diagnostic method for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) using
      high-resolution CE-based single-strand conformation polymorphism (CE-SSCP) was
      developed in this study. SMA is a common genetic disorder caused by an
      abnormality in the relative copy numbers of SMN1 and its centromeric copy SMN2,
      which differ only in two nucleotides, namely at exons 7 and 8. Therefore, the
      precise discrimination of the differences in sequence as well as their relative
      quantities is crucial for the diagnosis of SMA. Multiplex ligation-dependent
      probe amplification and sequence-sensitive DNA separation using hydroxyethyl
      cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose blended polymer matrix are currently the
      available methods used in the diagnosis of SMA. However, these methods are
      limited by their extended hybridization step and low resolution. In this study,
      the simultaneous discrimination of SMN exons 7 and 8 was successfully
      demonstrated using high-resolution CE-SSCP. Unlike the previously reported
      alternative method, single base differing amplicons were baseline-separated
      because of its extraordinary resolution, thus providing accurate and precise
      quantification of each paralog. 

PMID- 25113912
TI  - Cooperative signaling between homodimers of metabotropic glutamate receptors 1
      and 5.
AB  - Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) function as dimers. Recent work
      suggests that mGluR1 and mGluR5 may physically interact, but the nature and
      functional consequences of this relationship have not been addressed. In this
      study, the functional and pharmacological consequences of this interaction were
      investigated. Using heterologous expression of mGluR cDNA in rat sympathetic
      neurons from the superior cervical ganglion and inhibition of the native calcium
      currents as an assay for receptor activation, a functional interdependence
      between mGluR1 and mGluR5 was demonstrated. In neurons coexpressing these
      receptors, combining a selective mGluR1 competitive antagonist with either an
      mGluR1- or mGluR5-selective negative allosteric modulator (NAM) BAY36-7620
      [(3aS,6aS)-hexahydro-5-methylene-6a-(2-naphthalenylmethyl)-1H-cyclopenta[c]furan
      1-one] or MPEP [2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride], respectively,
      strongly occluded signaling by both receptors to an approximately equal degree.
      By contrast, in cells coexpressing mGluR1 and mGluR2, combining the same mGluR1
      competitive inhibitor with an mGluR1 or mGluR2 NAM yielded partial and full
      inhibition of the response, respectively, as expected for independently acting
      receptors. In neurons expressing mGluR1 and mGluR5, the selective NAMs each
      strongly inhibited the response to glutamate, suggesting that these receptors do
      not interact as heterodimers, which would not be inhibited by selective NAMs.
      Finally, evidence for a similar mGluR1/mGluR5 functional dependence is shown in
      medium spiny striatal neurons. Together, these data demonstrate cooperative
      signaling between mGluR1 and mGluR5 in a manner inconsistent with
      heterodimerization, and thus suggest an interaction between homodimers. 

PMID- 25113914
TI  - ODE/PDE analysis of corneal curvature.
AB  - The starting point for this paper is a nonlinear, two-point boundary value
      ordinary differential equation (BVODE) that defines corneal curvature according
      to a static force balance. A numerical solution to the BVODE is computed by first
      converting the BVODE to a parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) by adding
      an initial value (t, pseudo-time) derivative to the BVODE. A numerical solution
      to the PDE is then computed by the method of lines (MOL) with the calculation
      proceeding to a sufficiently large value of t such that the derivative in t
      reduces to essentially zero. The PDE solution at this point is also the solution
      for the BVODE. This procedure is implemented in R (an open source scientific
      programming system) and the programming is discussed in some detail. A series
      approximation to the solution is derived from which an estimate for the rate of
      convergence is obtained. This is compared to a fitted exponential model. Also,
      two linear approximations are derived, one of which leads to a closed form
      solution. Both provide solutions very close to that obtained from the full
      nonlinear model. An estimate for the cornea radius of curvature is also derived.
      The paper concludes with a discussion of the features of the solution to the
      ODE/PDE system. 

PMID- 25113916
TI  - Infants' ability to respond to depth from the retinal size of human faces:
      comparing monocular and binocular preferential-looking.
AB  - To examine sensitivity to pictorial depth cues in young infants (4 and 5 months
      of-age), we compared monocular and binocular preferential looking to a display on
      which two faces were equidistantly presented and one was larger than the other,
      depicting depth from the size of human faces. Because human faces vary little in
      size, the correlation between retinal size and distance can provide depth
      information. As a result, adults perceive a larger face as closer than a smaller
      one. Although binocular information for depth provided information that the faces
      in our display were equidistant, under monocular viewing, no such information was
      provided. Rather, the size of the faces indicated that one was closer than the
      other. Infants are known to look longer at apparently closer objects. Therefore,
      we hypothesized that infants would look longer at a larger face in the monocular
      than in the binocular condition if they perceived depth from the size of human
      faces. Because the displays were identical in the two conditions, any difference
      in looking-behavior between monocular and binocular viewing indicated sensitivity
      to depth information. Results showed that 5-month-old infants preferred the
      larger, apparently closer, face in the monocular condition compared to the
      binocular condition when static displays were presented. In addition, when
      presented with a dynamic display, 4-month-old infants showed a stronger 'closer'
      preference in the monocular condition compared to the binocular condition. This
      was not the case when the faces were inverted. These results suggest that even 4
      month-old infants respond to depth information from a depth cue that may require
      learning, the size of faces. 

PMID- 25113915
TI  - Chronic Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol administration may not attenuate simian
      immunodeficiency virus disease progression in female rhesus macaques.
AB  - Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) frequently use cannabinoids, either
      recreationally by smoking marijuana or therapeutically (delta-9
      tetrahydrocannabinol; Delta(9)-THC dronabinol). Previously, we demonstrated that
      chronic Delta(9)-THC administration decreases early mortality in male simian
      immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques. In this study, we sought to
      examine whether similar protective effects resulted from chronic cannabinoid
      administration in SIV-infected female rhesus macaques. Clinical and viral
      parameters were evaluated in eight female rhesus macaques that received either
      Delta(9)-THC (0.18-0.32 mg/kg, intramuscularly, twice daily) or vehicle (VEH)
      starting 28 days prior to intravenous inoculation with SIVmac251. SIV disease
      progression was assessed by changes in body weight, mortality, viral levels in
      plasma and mucosal sites, and lymphocyte subsets. In contrast to our results in
      male animals, chronic Delta(9)-THC did not protect SIV-infected female rhesus
      macaques from early mortality. Markers of SIV disease, including viral load and
      CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio, were not altered by Delta(9)-THC compared to control
      females; however, females that received chronic Delta(9)-THC did not gain as much
      weight as control animals. In addition, Delta(9)-THC administration increased
      total CXCR4 expression in both peripheral and duodenal CD4(+) and CD8(+) T
      lymphocytes prior to SIV inoculation. Although protection from early mortality
      was not evident, chronic Delta(9)-THC did not affect clinical markers of SIV
      disease progression. The contrasting effects of chronic Delta(9)-THC in males
      versus females remain to be explained, but highlight the need for further studies
      to explore the sex-dependent effects of Delta(9)-THC and other cannabinoids on
      the HIV disease course and their implications for virus transmission.

PMID- 25113918
TI  - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura presenting with pathologic fracture: a case
      report.
AB  - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is an acute syndrome with abnormalities in
      multiple organ systems, which becomes manifest with microangiopathic hemolytic
      anemia and thrombocytopenia. The hereditary or acquired deficiency of ADAMTS-13
      activity leads to an excess of high molecular weight von Willebrand factor
      multimers in plasma, leading to platelet aggregation and diffuse intravascular
      thrombus formation, resulting in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Thrombotic
      lesions occurring in TTP leads to ischemia and convulsion. Depending on the
      properties of the bony tissue, fractures are divided into three groups as
      traumatic, pathological, and stress fractures. A pathologic fracture is a broken
      bone caused by disease leading to weakness of the bone. This process is most
      commonly due to osteoporosis, but may also be due to other pathologies such as
      cancer, infections, inherited bone disorders, or a bone cyst. We herein report a
      case with a pathologic fracture due to convulsion secondary to thrombotic
      thrombocytopenic pupura. Thrombotic lesions occurring in TTP may lead to ischemia
      and convulsion, as in our patient and pathological fractures presented in our
      case report may occur as a result of severe muscle contractions associated with
      convulsive activity. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic pupura is a disease that
      involves many organ systems and thus may have a very wide spectrum of clinical
      presentations. 

PMID- 25113917
TI  - Maternal prenatal stress and infant regulatory capacity in Mexican Americans.
AB  - The early postpartum period lays important groundwork for later self-regulation
      as infants' dispositional traits interact with caregivers' co-regulatory
      behaviors to produce the earliest forms of self-regulation. Although emerging
      literature suggests that fetal exposure to maternal stress may be integral in
      determining child self-regulatory capacity, the complex pathways that
      characterize these early developmental processes remain unclear. The current
      study considers these complex, transactional processes in a low income, Mexican
      American sample. Data were collected from 295 Mexican American infants and their
      mothers during prenatal, 6- and 12-week postpartum home interviews. Mother
      reports of stress were obtained prenatally, and mother reports of infant
      temperament were obtained at 6 weeks. Observer ratings of maternal sensitivity
      and infant regulatory behaviors were obtained at the 6- and 12-week time points.
      Study results indicate that prenatal stress predicts higher levels of infant
      negativity and surgency, both of which directly or interactively predict later
      engagement in regulatory behaviors. Unexpectedly, prenatal stress also predicted
      more engagement in orienting, but not self-comforting behaviors. Advancing
      understandings about the nature of these developmental pathways may have
      significant implications for targets of early intervention in this high risk
      population. 

PMID- 25113919
TI  - Response to Dr. Rice M and colleagues on their letter to editor regarding
      "validation of a non-invasive pulse CO-oximetry based hemoglobin estimation in
      normal blood donors," Transfusion and Apheresis Science 2013 Nov 4. Accurate
      enough for the spectrum tested.

PMID- 25113920
TI  - [Transferable skills of healthcare professionals in providing homecare in
      chronically ill patients].
AB  - AIM: To determine the relevance level of non-technical skills of those
      professionals dedicated to the healthcare of patients with chronic diseases, from
      an analysis of home care professionals. DESIGN: Quantitative and qualitative
      research conducted in 2 phases: 1.st from November 2010 to March 2011 and 2.nd
      from December 2012 to August 2013. SETTING: Health Region of Barcelona city.
      PARTICIPANTS: During the 1.st phase, 30 professionals from homecare teams (3 from
      Primary Care and 3 from Hospitals). In 2.nd phase, 218 professionals from 50
      Primary Healthcare Centres and 7 home care programmes. METHOD: Purposive sampling
      in was used in the1st phase, and randomized sampling in the 2.nd phase. Likert
      scales and focus group were used. RESULTS: A total of 19 skill categories were
      identified in the 1.st phase. In the 2.nd phase 3 metacategories were
      established: comprehensive patient-centered care, interprofessional organization,
      and inter-health care fields and interpersonal skills. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      necessary to improve and secure the professionals relationships between levels of
      healthcare, continuity of healthcare, biopsychosocial model and holistic
      attention to patients and relatives, looking at emotions, expectations, feelings,
      beliefs and values. It is essential to design and implement continuing training
      in transferable skills in every healthcare centre, through active methodologies.

PMID- 25113921
TI  - [Inappropriate prescribing in polymedicated patients over 64 years-old in primary
      care].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe inappropriate prescribing (IP) in the polymedicated
      population over 64 years-old in primary care using the STOPP/START criteria.
      DESIGN: The study design was descriptive, cross-sectional and multicenter.
      LOCATION: Four urban primary care centers in Barcelona. Participants Patients
      over 64 years-old with more than 5 prescribed drugs for at least 6 months
      (n=467). Main measurements Major health problems, chronically prescribed drugs,
      and percentage of IP using the STOPP/START criteria were studied. Percentage of
      IP considered as the percentage of patients with at least one STOPP or START non
      compliance criterion was calculated with a 95%CI. Chi-square was used for
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 77.3 (+/- 7.0 SD) with a mean of
      8.9 (+/- 2.8 SD) prescribed drugs. IP was higher the greater the number of drugs
      prescribed (p<0,01). 326 patients (76.4% [95%CI: 72.2 to 80.6]) had at least one
      IP, according to STOPP/START criteria. STOPP IP affected 51.4% of the patients
      and START IP 53.6%. The most frequent causes of IP were antiplatelet agents, for
      both over-prescribing (10.2%) and omission (17.9%). Prolonged use of
      benzodiazepines (6.6%) and duplications (6.4%) followed in prevalence.
      CONCLUSIONS: IP in polymedicated patients in primary care was very high. IP was
      similar for drugs that should be withdrawn or started. The most common causes of
      IP were antiplatelet agents, benzodiazepines and drug duplication.

PMID- 25113922
TI  - [The adaptation and validation to Spanish of the questionnaire Aid to Capacity
      Evaluation (ACE), for the assessment of the ability of patients in medical
      decision-making].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Aid to Capacity
      Evaluation scale, designed to assess the capacity of the adult in medical
      decision-making, both in diagnosis and treatment processes. DESIGN: Observational
      study of prospective validation. SETTING: Primary and hospital care of the basic
      health area of Jaen. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty-nine patients. MAIN
      MEASUREMENTS: Questionnaire which included sociodemographic variables, concerning
      the decision (scope, type of decision, the need for written informed consent),
      assessment of the capacity to the Aid to Capacity Evaluation scale and other
      related comorbidity (hearing loss, alcoholism, cognitive level variables with the
      Mini-Mental State Examination and depression by Goldberg or Yesavage test).
      RESULTS: The tool is considered viable. The conclusions of the expert panel were
      favorable. The result of the criteria' validity, comparing the results with the
      assessment of the experts (forensic and psychiatrist) was very satisfying
      (P<.001). The intra-observer reliability was low (kappa=0,135). Interobserver
      reliability remained high (kappa=0.74). The internal consistency was awarded an
      alpha of Cronbach's 0,645 for the reduced model of 6 items. CONCLUSIONS: The Aid
      to Capacity Evaluation scale was adapted to Spanish, demonstrating adequate
      internal consistency and construct validity. Its use in clinical practice could
      contribute to the identification of patients unable to make a particular medical
      decision and/or to give an informed consent.

PMID- 25113923
TI  - Can the therapeutic relationship predict 18 month outcomes for individuals with
      psychosis?
AB  - Therapeutic relationships (TRs) are considered a key component of good
      psychiatric care, yet its association with outcomes for individuals with
      psychosis remains unclear. Five hundred and sixty-nine service users with
      psychotic disorders and care coordinators in community settings rated their
      therapeutic relationship; outcomes were assessed 18 months later. In multivariate
      analyses, a small but significant association was found between service user
      ratings and instances of psychiatric hospital admissions, self harm and suicide
      attempts over an 18 month period. Care coordinator ratings were associated with
      instances of psychiatric hospital admissions and harm to others over the 18
      months and level of functioning at 18 months. The differential findings and small
      effect size suggests that the therapeutic relationship needs further definition
      for this patient group in this setting. Nevertheless, clinicians should
      prioritise interactions that strengthen therapeutic relationships. 

PMID- 25113924
TI  - Prevalence of schizophrenia disability and associated mortality among Chinese men
      and women.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a major cause of psychiatric disability in China. In the present
      study, we estimated total and age-specific prevalence of both schizophrenia
      disability and associated mortality among Chinese women and men. We further
      examined whether sex differences in prevalence were attributable to mortality
      differences between men and women. Data from the Second China National Sample
      Survey on Disability (2006) and the 2007-2010 follow-up studies were utilized.
      Possibly psychiatrically disabled individuals were administered the World Health
      Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, Version II and the ICD-10 Symptom
      Checklist for Mental Disorders by trained clinical psychiatrists. In total, 0.37%
      of men and 0.44% of women were living with schizophrenia disability in China. We
      did not find statistically significant differences in the 4-year cumulative
      mortality between men and women. Overall standardized mortality ratios for the
      age groups of 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+ years were 120.89,
      29.56, 15.06, 9.16, 10.57, and 4.95, respectively. In conclusion, mortality
      differences between men and women were unlikely to be a major contributor to sex
      differences in prevalence. Premature death among younger individuals experiencing
      schizophrenia disability warrants urgent attention. 

PMID- 25113925
TI  - Sweet taste sensitivity is influenced by 5-HTTLPR genotype and affected in
      seasonal affective disorder.

PMID- 25113926
TI  - Biogenetic explanations and emotional reactions to people with schizophrenia and
      major depressive disorder.
AB  - Using population-based data, the relationship between biogenetic causal beliefs
      and emotional reactions to persons with schizophrenia or depression was examined.
      Biogenetic attributions elicited either negative emotions alone or pro-social and
      negative emotions at the same time. Biogenetic attributions seem not helpful for
      improving emotional reactions to people with mental disorders. 

PMID- 25113927
TI  - Phosphathiahelicenes: synthesis and uses in enantioselective gold catalysis.
AB  - Enantiomerically pure thiahelicenes displaying a terminal phosphole unit and a
      stereogenic phosphorus center have been prepared by oxidative photocyclization of
      a diaryl-olefin precursor. Starting from one of these phosphathiahelicene oxides,
      the corresponding trivalent phosphine-Au(I) complex is obtained with complete
      diastereoselectivity. It affords a new, excellent precatalyst for the
      enantioselective cycloisomerization of N-tethered enynes (up to 96 % ee). 

PMID- 25113928
TI  - High accuracy NMR chemical shift corrected for bulk magnetization as a tool for
      structural elucidation of dilutable microemulsions. Part 1 - Proof of concept.
AB  - In microemulsions, changes in droplet size and shape and possible transformations
      occur under various conditions. They are difficult to characterize by most
      analytical tools because of their nano-sized structure and dynamic nature.
      Several methods are usually combined to obtain reliable information, guiding the
      scientist in understanding their physical behavior. We felt that there is a need
      for a technique that complements those in use today in order to provide more
      information on the microemulsion behavior, mainly as a function of dilution with
      water. The improvement of NMR chemical shift measurements independent of bulk
      magnetization effects makes it possible to study the very weak intermolecular
      chemical shift effects. In the present study, we used NMR high resolution magic
      angle spinning to measure the chemical shift very accurately, free of bulk
      magnetization effects. The chemical shift of microemulsion components is measured
      as a function of the water content in order to validate the method in an
      interesting and promising, U-type dilutable microemulsion, which had been
      previously studied by a variety of techniques. Phase transition points of the
      microemulsion (O/W, bicontinuous, W/O) and changes in droplet shape were
      successfully detected using high-accuracy chemical shift measurements. We
      analyzed the results and found them to be compatible with the previous studies,
      paving the way for high-accuracy chemical shifts to be used for the study of
      other microemulsion systems. We detected two transition points along the water
      dilution line of the concentrate (reverse micelles) corresponding to the
      transition from swollen W/O nano-droplets to bicontinuous to the O/W droplets
      along with the changes in the droplets' sizes and shapes. The method seems to be
      in excellent agreement with other previously studied techniques and shows the
      advantage of this easy and valid technique. 

PMID- 25113929
TI  - Radium isotopes ((226)Ra and (228)Ra) in Na-Cl type groundwaters from Tohoku
      District (Aomori, Akita and Yamagata Prefectures) in Japan.
AB  - A total of 28 Na-Cl type groundwater samples were collected from Aomori, Akita
      and Yamagata Prefectures, in the Tohoku District of Japan, and their radium
      isotope ((226)Ra and (228)Ra) concentrations were measured along with their
      chemical components and stable isotope ratios (delta(2)H and delta(18)Os). The
      (226)Ra concentrations in groundwater samples varied widely, ranging from 8.8 to
      1587 mBq kg(-1). These concentrations showed an increasing tendency with the
      increase of the total dissolved solid (TDS) contents. The (228)Ra/(226)Ra
      activity ratios were in the range from 0.3 to 4.2, with most data being around
      0.5-2. These ratios were within those of (232)Th/(238)U found in granitic and
      related rocks and so on in Japan, indicating that Ra isotopes mainly ejected into
      the groundwater by the alpha-recoil process. The relationship between (226)Ra and
      other parameters suggested that Ra isotopes in groundwater samples in this study
      were mainly constrained by adsorption-desorption reactions depending on salinity
      with wide variation. Clear correlation between (226)Ra-Ca, (226)Ra-Sr, (226)Ra-Ba
      and (226)Ra-TDS observed in sulfate-free groundwater samples indicated that Ra
      isotopes of them were constrained by adsorption-desorption reactions depending on
      salinity under reducing condition. In contrast, relationship of (226)Ra-Ca,
      (226)Ra-Sr, (226)Ra-Ba and (226)Ra-TDS in sulfate-containing groundwater samples
      varied widely, and then, removal or enhanced mobility of Ra isotopes of them were
      observed. 

PMID- 25113931
TI  - In search of next generation antimalarials.
AB  - Compounds 7-10 displayed potency without any apparent toxicity, in animal models
      of both relapsing and non-relapsing forms of malaria offering hope of a single
      molecule that can cure both relapsing and non relapsing forms of malaria. 

PMID- 25113930
TI  - Kinase domain inhibition of leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) using a
      [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine scaffold.
AB  - Leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has been genetically linked to Parkinson's
      disease (PD). The most common mutant, G2019S, increases kinase activity, thus
      LRRK2 kinase inhibitors are potentially useful in the treatment of PD. We herein
      disclose the structure, potential ligand-protein binding interactions, and
      pharmacological profiling of potent and highly selective kinase inhibitors based
      on a triazolopyridazine chemical scaffold. 

PMID- 25113932
TI  - Optimization of 2-phenyl-pyrimidine-4-carboxamides towards potent, orally
      bioavailable and selective P2Y(12) antagonists for inhibition of platelet
      aggregation.
AB  - 2-Phenyl-pyrimidine-4-carboxamide analogs were identified as P2Y12 antagonists.
      Optimization of the carbon-linked or nitrogen-linked substituent at the 6
      position of the pyrimidine ring provided compounds with excellent ex vivo potency
      in the platelet aggregation assay in human plasma. Compound 23u met the
      objectives for activity, selectivity and ADMET properties. 

PMID- 25113934
TI  - Discovery of pyrrolo-benzo-1,4-diazines as potent Na(v)1.7 sodium channel
      blockers.
AB  - A series of pyrrolo-benzo-1,4-diazine analogs have been synthesized and displayed
      potent Nav1.7 inhibitory activity and moderate selectivity over Nav1.5. The
      syntheses, structure-activity relationships, and selected pharmacokinetic data of
      these analogs are described. Compound 41 displayed anti-nociceptive efficacy in
      the rat CFA pain model at 100 mpk oral dosing.

PMID- 25113933
TI  - Oleanolic acid analogs as NO, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta inhibitors: synthesis,
      biological evaluation and docking studies.
AB  - A series of oleanolic acid analogs, characterized by structural modifications at
      position C-3 and C-28 of oleanane skeleton were synthesized and assessed for
      antiinflammatory potential towards lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide
      (NO) production in macrophages. Results revealed that all the synthesized analogs
      of oleanolic acid inhibit NO production with an IC50 of 2.66-41.7 MUM as compared
      to the specific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME (IC50=69.21 and
      73.18 MUM on RAW 264.7 and J774A.1 cells, respectively) without affecting the
      cell viability when tested at their half maximal concentration. The most potent
      NO inhibitors (2, 8, 9 and 10) at a concentration of 20 MUg/mL also demonstrated
      mild inhibition (27.9-51.9%) of LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF
      alpha) and weak inhibition (11.1-37.5%) towards interleukin 1-beta (IL-1beta)
      production in both the cells. The present study paves a direction that analogs of
      oleanolic acid can be employed as a lead in the development of potent NO
      inhibitors. Molecular docking studies also showed that 10 (with top Goldscore
      docking pose 19.05) showed similar interaction as that of co-crystallized
      inhibitor and, thereby, helps to design the potent inhibitors of TNF-alpha.

PMID- 25113935
TI  - Cellular differentiation assessments by measuring the degree of cellular
      internalization and membrane adsorption using designed peptides.
AB  - We demonstrate examples of cellular differentiation assessments, including
      cellular neurite outgrowth and fat cell maturation, by measuring the degree of
      membrane adsorption or cellular internalization using designed peptides. Because
      changes in the cellular membrane and cytosol during differentiation were shown to
      influence membrane adsorption and cellular internalization, we could successfully
      evaluate the extent of differentiation simply like stain indicators. 

PMID- 25113936
TI  - Online dietary intake estimation: reproducibility and validity of the Food4Me
      food frequency questionnaire against a 4-day weighed food record.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advances in nutritional assessment are continuing to embrace
      developments in computer technology. The online Food4Me food frequency
      questionnaire (FFQ) was created as an electronic system for the collection of
      nutrient intake data. To ensure its accuracy in assessing both nutrient and food
      group intake, further validation against data obtained using a reliable, but
      independent, instrument and assessment of its reproducibility are required.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the reproducibility and validity of the Food4Me
      FFQ against a 4-day weighed food record (WFR). METHODS: Reproducibility of the
      Food4Me FFQ was assessed using test-retest methodology by asking participants to
      complete the FFQ on 2 occasions 4 weeks apart. To assess the validity of the
      Food4Me FFQ against the 4-day WFR, half the participants were also asked to
      complete a 4-day WFR 1 week after the first administration of the Food4Me FFQ.
      Level of agreement between nutrient and food group intakes estimated by the
      repeated Food4Me FFQ and the Food4Me FFQ and 4-day WFR were evaluated using Bland
      Altman methodology and classification into quartiles of daily intake. Crude
      unadjusted correlation coefficients were also calculated for nutrient and food
      group intakes. RESULTS: In total, 100 people participated in the assessment of
      reproducibility (mean age 32, SD 12 years), and 49 of these (mean age 27, SD 8
      years) also took part in the assessment of validity. Crude unadjusted
      correlations for repeated Food4Me FFQ ranged from .65 (vitamin D) to .90
      (alcohol). The mean cross-classification into "exact agreement plus adjacent" was
      92% for both nutrient and food group intakes, and Bland-Altman plots showed good
      agreement for energy-adjusted macronutrient intakes. Agreement between the
      Food4Me FFQ and 4-day WFR varied, with crude unadjusted correlations ranging from
      .23 (vitamin D) to .65 (protein, % total energy) for nutrient intakes and .11
      (soups, sauces and miscellaneous foods) to .73 (yogurts) for food group intake.
      The mean cross-classification into "exact agreement plus adjacent" was 80% and
      78% for nutrient and food group intake, respectively. There were no significant
      differences between energy intakes estimated using the Food4Me FFQ and 4-day WFR,
      and Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement for both energy and energy
      controlled nutrient intakes. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that the online
      Food4Me FFQ is reproducible for assessing nutrient and food group intake and has
      moderate agreement with the 4-day WFR for assessing energy and energy-adjusted
      nutrient intakes. The Food4Me FFQ is a suitable online tool for assessing dietary
      intake in healthy adults.

PMID- 25113939
TI  - Estimated life expectancy and risk of death from cancer by quartiles in the older
      Japanese population: 2010 vital statistics.
AB  - Data on life expectancies and risk of death from cancer are essential information
      to have when making informed decisions about cancer screening and treatment
      options, but has never been presented in a way that is readily available to use
      for physicians in Japan. We provided estimates of life expectancies and predicted
      risk of death from seven most common types of cancer (lung, gastric, liver,
      colon, prostate, breast, and cervical) by quartiles for the older Japanese
      population above 50 years old, using 2010 life tables and cancer mortality
      statistics data. We found that there was a large difference in life expectancy
      between older persons in the upper and lower quartiles. Risk of death from breast
      cancer was low. By using this data, physicians can more accurately obtain life
      expectancy estimates by assessing which quartile the patient is most likely to
      fall under, and help patients make better informed decisions. 

PMID- 25113940
TI  - Epidemiology of childhood leukemia in the presence and absence of Down syndrome.
AB  - Down syndrome (DS) is a common congenital anomaly, and children with DS have a
      substantially higher risk of leukemia. Although understanding of genetic and
      epigenetic changes of childhood leukemia has improved, the causes of childhood
      leukemia and the potential role of environmental exposures in leukemogenesis
      remain largely unknown. Although many epidemiologic studies have examined a
      variety of environmental exposures, ionizing radiation remains the only generally
      accepted environmental risk factor for childhood leukemia. Among suspected risk
      factors, infections, exposure to pesticides, and extremely low frequency magnetic
      fields are notable. While there are well-defined differences between leukemia in
      children with and without DS, studies of risk factors for leukemia among DS
      children are generally consistent with trends seen among non-DS (NDS) children.
      We provide background on DS epidemiology and review the similarities and
      differences in biological and epidemiologic features of leukemia in children with
      and without DS. We propose that both acute lymphoblastic and acute myeloblastic
      leukemia among DS children can serve as an informative model for development of
      childhood leukemia. Further, the high rates of leukemia among DS children make it
      possible to study this disease using a cohort approach, a powerful method that is
      unfeasible in the general population due to the rarity of childhood leukemia. 

PMID- 25113938
TI  - Statin use and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a U.S. population.
AB  - PURPOSE: Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are
      medications widely prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels. Observational studies
      in high-risk populations, mostly in Asia, have suggested that statins are
      associated with a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current
      study sought to evaluate the association of statin use and HCC in a U.S.-based,
      low-risk, general population. METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted
      among members of the Health Alliance Plan HMO of the Henry Ford Health System
      enrolled between 1999 and 2010. Electronic pharmacy records of statin use were
      compared among tumor registry-confirmed cases of HCC (n=94) and controls (n=468)
      matched on age, sex, diagnosis date, and length of HMO enrolment. RESULTS: In
      multivariate analyses, ever-use of statins was significantly inversely associated
      with development of HCC (Odds ratio (OR): 0.32, 95%CI: 0.15-0.67). No clear dose
      response relationship was evident as statin use for <2 years (OR=0.32, 95%CI=0.13
      0.83) and >2 years (OR=0.31, 95CI%=0.12-9.81) resulted in very similar ORs.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of statins among populations in low-risk HCC areas may be
      associated with decreased risk of HCC.

PMID- 25113942
TI  - A practical tool to evaluate dose distributions using radiochromic film in
      radiation oncology.
AB  - PURPOSE: Triple channel algorithm and specific procedures make more reliable
      radiochromic dosimetry for treatment planning verification and quality assurance
      in radiation therapy. A tool to obtain radiochromic dose distributions and
      compare them with the ones resulting from a treatment planning system was
      developed and applied. METHODS: The tool was developed as Microsoft Excel macro;
      it builds dose calibration curves against net optical density of Gafchromic EBT3
      film, produces axial, coronal and sagittal dose maps and allows to evaluate them
      against dose distributions calculated by the Varian treatment planning system
      Eclipse using gamma index and gamma angle. RESULTS: The net optical density
      standard errors of estimate of calibration curves at 6 MV Varian DBX600 linac
      energy were 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.2% for the red, green and blue channels. Tests of
      these curves by means of three independent eight dose points measurement series,
      at 15 MV and 6 MV Varian 2100C linac and at 6 MV DBX600 linac energies, showed
      less than 2% of dose errors for the red channel and less than 3% for the green
      channel in the range 100-450 cGy. The comparisons between dose distributions from
      Gafchromic EBT3 triple channel algorithm and the ones from Eclipse analytic
      anisotropic algorithm (AAA) showed values of gamma index 95th percentile between
      0.6 and 1.0. CONCLUSION: The obtained results encourage the application of this
      tool in radiation therapy quality assurance.

PMID- 25113941
TI  - Cell-friendly inverse opal-like hydrogels for a spatially separated co-culture
      system.
AB  - Three-dimensional macroporous scaffolds have extensively been studied for cell
      based tissue engineering but their use is mostly limited to mechanical support
      for cell adhesion and growth on the surface of macropores. Here, a templated
      fabrication method is described to prepare cell-friendly inverse opal-like
      hydrogels (IOHs) allowing both cell encapsulation within the hydrogel matrix and
      cell seeding on the surface of macropores. Ionically crosslinked alginate
      microbeads and photocrosslinkable biocompatible polymers are used as a
      sacrificial template and as a matrix, respectively. The alginate microbeads are
      easily removed by a chelating agent, with minimal toxicity for the encapsulated
      cells during template removal. The outer surface of macropores in IOHs can also
      provide a space for cell adherence. The cells encapsulated or attached in IOHs
      are able to remain viable and to proliferate over time. The elastic modulus and
      cell-adhesion properties of IOHs can be easily controlled and tuned. Finally, it
      is demonstrated that IOH can be used to co-culture two distinct cell populations
      in different spatial positions. This cell-friendly IOH system provides a 3D
      scaffold for organizing different cell types in a controllable microenvironment
      to investigate biological processes such as stem cell niches or tumor
      microenvironments.

PMID- 25113944
TI  - Systemic progesterone therapy--oral, vaginal, injections and even transdermal?
AB  - Several medicinal products containing progesterone are in widespread use orally
      for protection of the endometrium during concurrent oestrogen treatment, and
      injections or vaginally for support of luteal function during assisted
      reproduction. These indications have been established in extensive clinical
      testing programmes. In addition, the results of recent studies and meta-analyses
      suggest that vaginal progesterone is an effective method for preventing premature
      births in singleton pregnancies in women with a shortened cervix. In US, 17alpha
      hydroxyprogesterone caproate is licensed to reduce the risk of preterm birth in
      women with a singleton pregnancy who have a history of singleton spontaneous
      preterm birth. There is insufficient evidence from scientific studies to
      substantiate the transdermal application of progesterone. In particular, these
      preparations should not be used to oppose the effects of oestrogen on the
      endometrium, because even with low doses of estradiol a reliable progestogenic
      effect to protect the endometrium has not been proved. On the other hand, the
      application of transdermal progesterone preparations alone is not known to pose
      any risks to health. 

PMID- 25113943
TI  - Static and rotational intensity modulated techniques for head-neck cancer
      radiotherapy: a planning comparison.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare helical Tomotherapy (HT), two volumetric-modulated arc
      techniques and conventional fixed-field intensity modulated techniques (S-IMRT)
      for head-neck (HN) cancers. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eighteen HN patients were
      considered. Four treatment plans were generated for each patient: HT, S-IMRT
      optimised with Eclipse treatment planning system and two volumetric techniques
      using Elekta-Oncentra approach (VMAT) and Varian-RapidArc (RA), using two full
      arcs. All techniques were optimised to simultaneously deliver 66Gy to PTV1 (GTV
      and enlarged nodes) and 54Gy to PTV2 (subclinical and electively treated nodes).
      Comparisons were assessed on several dosimetric parameters and, secondarily, on
      planned MUs and delivery time. RESULTS: Concerning PTV coverage, significantly
      better results were found for HT and RA. HT significantly improved the target
      coverage both compared to S-IMRT and VMAT. No significant differences were found
      between S-IMRT and volumetric techniques in terms of dose homogeneity. For OARs,
      all the techniques were able to satisfy all hard constraints; significantly
      better results were found for HT, especially in the intermediate dose range (15
      30 Gy). S-IMRT reached a significantly better OARs sparing with respect to VMAT
      and RA. No significant differences were found for body mean dose, excepting
      higher values of V5-V10 for HT. A reduction of planned MUs and delivery treatment
      time was found with volumetric techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The objectives of
      satisfying target coverage and sparing of critical structures were reached with
      all techniques. S-IMRT techniques were found more advantageous compared to RA and
      VMAT for OARs sparing. HT reached the best overall treatment plan quality.

PMID- 25113945
TI  - Recently targeted kinases and their inhibitors-the path to clinical trials.
AB  - Protein kinases have emerged as one of the most important drug target families
      for the treatment of cancer. To date, 28 inhibitors with reported activity versus
      one or multiple kinases have been approved for clinical use. However, the
      majority of new clinical trials are focused on new subindications using already
      approved kinase inhibitors or target well validated kinase targets with novel
      inhibitors. In contrast, relatively few clinical trials have been initiated using
      specific inhibitors that inhibit novel kinase targets, despite significant
      validation efforts in the public domain. Analysis of the target validation
      history of first in class kinase inhibitors revealed a long delay between initial
      disease association and development of inhibitors. As part of this analysis, we
      have investigated which first in class inhibitor that entered phase I clinical
      trials over the last five years and also considered which research approaches
      that were used to validate them. 

PMID- 25113946
TI  - Metabolic modeling of spatial heterogeneity of biofilms in microbial fuel cells
      reveals substrate limitations in electrical current generation.
AB  - Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been proposed as an alternative energy resource
      for the conversion of organic compounds to electricity. In an MFC, microorganisms
      such as Geobacter sulfurreducens form an anode-associated biofilm that can
      completely oxidize organic matter (electron donor) to carbon dioxide with direct
      electron transfer to the anode (electron acceptor). Mathematical models are
      useful in analyzing biofilm processes; however, existing models rely on Nernst
      Monod type expressions, and evaluate extracellular processes separated from the
      intracellular metabolism of the microorganism. Thus, models that combine both
      extracellular and intracellular components, while addressing spatial
      heterogeneity, are essential for improved representation of biofilm processes.
      The goal of this work is to develop a model that integrates genome-scale
      metabolic models with the model of biofilm environment. This integrated model
      shows the variations of electrical current production and biofilm thickness under
      the presence/absence of NH4 in the bulk solution, and under varying maintenance
      energy demands. Further, sensitivity analysis suggested that conductivity is not
      limiting electrical current generation and that increasing cell density can lead
      to enhanced current generation. In addition, the modeling results also highlight
      instances such as the transformation into respiring cells, where the mechanism of
      electrical current generation during biofilm development is not yet clearly
      understood. 

PMID- 25113948
TI  - Microalgal and cyanobacterial cultivation: the supply of nutrients.
AB  - Microalgae and cyanobacteria are a promising new source of biomass that may
      complement agricultural crops to meet the increasing global demand for food,
      feed, biofuels and chemical production. Microalgae and cyanobacteria cultivation
      does not interfere directly with food production, but care should be taken to
      avoid indirect competition for nutrient (fertilizer) supply. Microalgae and
      cyanobacteria production requires high concentrations of essential nutrients
      (C,N,P,S,K,Fe, etc.). In the present paper the application of nutrients and their
      uptake by microalgae and cyanobacteria is reviewed. The main focus is on the
      three most significant nutrients, i.e. carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus; however
      other nutrients are also reviewed. Nutrients are generally taken up in the
      inorganic form, but several organic forms of them are also assimilable. Some
      nutrients do not display any inhibition effect on microalgal or cyanobacterial
      growth, while others, such as NO2 or NH3 have detrimental effects when present in
      high concentrations. Nutrients in the gaseous form, such as CO2 and NO face a
      major limitation which is related mainly to their mass transfer from the gaseous
      to the liquid state. Since the cultivation of microalgae and cyanobacteria
      consumes considerable quantities of nutrients, strategies to improve the nutrient
      application efficiency are needed. Additionally, a promising strategy to improve
      microalgal and cyanobacterial production sustainability is the utilization of
      waste streams by recycling of waste nutrients. However, major constraints of
      using waste streams are the reduction of the range of the biomass applications
      due to production of contaminated biomass and the possible low bio-availability
      of some nutrients. 

PMID- 25113947
TI  - Hybrid ferrihydrite-MF/UF membrane filtration for the simultaneous removal of
      dissolved organic matter and phosphate.
AB  - Dissolved organic matter (DOM) and phosphorus promote microbial regrowth in water
      distribution networks. Ferrihydrite (Fh) has a high adsorption affinity with DOM
      and phosphate. Hence, a lab-scale unit of the hybrid Fh-MF/UF membrane filtration
      system was used to evaluate membrane fouling and the removal efficiency of DOM
      and phosphate. Suwannee River natural organic matter (SRNOM) was used as a
      surrogate for DOM in natural water. The Fh-membrane system demonstrated removal
      rates of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), UV254 and phosphate up to 50%, 80% and
      90%, respectively, at the Fh dose of 17.5 mg/L. The effect of phosphate on the
      removal of DOM was different without or with the addition of Fh; namely,
      phosphate increased the DOM removal without Fh by interacting with the UF
      membrane made of regenerated cellulose (RC), but phosphate decreased the DOM
      removal by Fh due to the strong affinity of phosphate with Fh. Size exclusion
      chromatography revealed that phosphate mainly competed against smaller DOM
      molecules for Fh adsorption sites. Although the addition of Fh caused only a
      moderate flux decline with the RC membranes, the deposition of positively charged
      Fh on the surface of a negatively charged high-flux membrane, i.e.,
      polyethersulfone (PES), caused a rapid decline of the permeation flux.

PMID- 25113949
TI  - Development of a polydimethylsiloxane-thymol/nitroprusside composite based sensor
      involving thymol derivatization for ammonium monitoring in water samples.
AB  - This report describes a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-thymol/nitroprusside delivery
      composite sensor for direct monitoring of ammonium in environmental water
      samples. The sensor is based on a PDMS support that contains the Berthelot's
      reaction reagents. To prepare the PDMS-thymol/nitroprusside composite discs,
      thymol and nitroprusside have been encapsulated in the PDMS matrix, forming a
      reagent release support which significantly simplifies the analytical
      measurements, since it avoids the need to prepare derivatizing reagents and
      sample handling is reduced to the sampling step. When, the PDMS
      thymol/nitroprusside composite was introduced in water samples spontaneous
      release of the chromophore and catalyst was produced, and the derivatization
      reaction took place to form the indothymol blue. Thus, qualitative analysis of
      NH4(+) could be carried out by visual inspection, but also, it can be quantified
      by measuring the absorbance at 690 nm. These portable devices provided good
      sensitivity (LOD<0.4 mg L(-1)) and reproducibility (RSD <10%) for the rapid
      detection of ammonium. The PDMS-NH4(+) sensor has been successfully applied to
      determine ammonium in water samples and in the aqueous extracts of particulate
      matter PM10 samples. Moreover, the reliability of the method for qualitative
      analysis has been demonstrated. Finally, the advantages of the PDMS-NH4(+) sensor
      have been examined by comparing some analytical and complementary characteristics
      with the properties of well-established ammonium determination methods.

PMID- 25113950
TI  - Heart rate control with single administration of a long-acting beta-blocker at
      bedtime before coronary computed tomography angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Beta-blockers are used to control the heart rate prior to coronary
      computed tomography (CT) angiography. However, in-hospital administration is time
      consuming, and it is hard to decrease the heart rate to <60 beats per minute
      (bpm) when the initial heart rate is increased. In this study, we examined
      whether the single administration of long-acting beta-blocker at bedtime before
      angiography is effective for achieving the target heart rate. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: A total of 314 consecutive patients with a resting heart rate >60bpm who
      underwent coronary CT angiography were retrospectively collected. Either
      bisoprolol or atenolol was orally administered the night before to 166 patients
      (beta group), and no additional medication was administered to the other 148
      patients (control group). When the heart rate was >60bpm on arrival, a beta
      blocker or verapamil was orally administered at the discretion of the physician.
      Although the baseline heart rate was not significantly different between the
      groups, the beta-blocker treatment the night before significantly reduced the
      heart rate compared to control group upon arrival at the hospital and at the time
      of angiography. The rate of achievement of a heart rate <=60bpm on arrival at the
      hospital was significantly higher in the beta group, and even after the
      additional treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Bedtime administration of a long-acting beta
      blocker the night before coronary CT angiography is an effective option to
      achieve the target heart rate at the time of examination.

PMID- 25113951
TI  - Management of ostium secundum atrial septal defect in the era of percutaneous
      trans-catheter device closure: 7-Year experience at a single institution.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to review the single institutional experience of the
      repair of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) after the initiation of
      percutaneous trans-catheter device closure, to confirm the current management
      strategy and outcomes. METHODS: From August 2005 to December 2012, a total of
      1026 (659 females, age 27+/-21 years) consecutive patients underwent the repair
      of ASD. Including eight patients who converted to surgical repair, 317 patients
      (31%) underwent surgical repair and 709 (69%) underwent trans-catheter device
      closure. RESULTS: An embolized device into the left atrium was surgically
      retrieved in one patient soon after trans-catheter device closure without any
      postoperative complications. The other patient developed left atrium to aorta
      fistula due to late erosion, and required the removal of implanted device and
      patch closure of fistula and ASD 3 months after trans-catheter device closure.
      Whereas serious central nerve system complications occurred in three patients
      after the surgical repair including a 75-year-old patient with postoperative
      transient atrial fibrillation who subsequently developed aspiration pneumonia and
      died; there were no mortalities and no morbidities associated with cranial nerve
      function after trans-catheter device closure. A number of patients approached
      through partial sternotomy with limited skin incision have increased per year,
      and the length of skin incision was 5.1+/-1.2cm in pediatric patients weighing
      less than 15kg (n=40), 6.9+/-1.9cm in the remaining pediatric patients (n=91),
      and 10.0+/-2.5cm in young adult females (n=10). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous trans
      catheter ASD closure was safely performed under the support of a surgical team.
      The cosmetic outcome of surgical closure is improving after initiation of partial
      sternotomy via limited skin incision for the pediatric population and young adult
      females. Prior to the treatment, the physicians must thoroughly inform patients
      and families of the advantages and disadvantages of both treatment options.

PMID- 25113953
TI  - Genotyping of exons 1 to 20 in Duchenne muscular dystrophy by universal multiplex
      PCR and short-end capillary electrophoresis.
AB  - One rapid CE method was established to diagnose Duchenne muscular dystrophy
      (DMD). DMD is a severe recessive inherited disorder frequently caused by gene
      deletions. Among them, exons 1-20 account for nearly 30% of occurrences. In this
      study, the universal multiplex PCR was used to enhance the fluorescently labeling
      efficiency, which was performed only by one universal fluorescent primer. After
      PCR, a short-end injection CE (short-end CE) speeded up the genotyping of the DMD
      gene. This method involved no extra purification, and was completed within 9 min.
      The CE conditions contained a polymer solution of 1.5% hydroxylethylcellulose in
      1* TBE buffer at 6 kV for separation. This method was applied to test six DMD
      patients and one healthy male person. The results showed good agreement with
      those of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. This method can be
      applied for clinical diagnosis of DMD disease. Accurate diagnosis of the DMD gene
      is the best way to prevent the disease. 

PMID- 25113952
TI  - Results of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in hypertrophied hearts -
      Comparison between primary and secondary hypertrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Approximately 20-25% of the patients with hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy (HCM) develop atrial fibrillation (AF) during the clinical course
      of the disease, a percentage significantly larger than that of the general
      population. The purpose of the present study was to report on the procedural
      results of patients with AF and either primary or secondary left ventricular
      hypertrophy (LVH). METHODS AND SUBJECTS: Twenty-two consecutive HCM patients (55%
      male, mean age 57+/-8 years) with symptomatic AF, having undergone AF ablation
      procedures between September 2009 and July 2012 were compared with respect to
      procedural outcome and follow-up characteristics with 22 matched controls with
      secondary cardiac hypertrophy (64% male, 63+/-10 years) from our prospective AF
      catheter ablation registry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency catheter
      ablation (RFCA) was successful in restoring long-term sinus rhythm in patients
      with LVH due to HCM and due to secondary etiology. However, patients with HCM
      needed more RFCA procedures and frequently additional antiarrhythmic drug therapy
      in order to maintain sinus rhythm.

PMID- 25113954
TI  - Two distinct neural mechanisms in early visual cortex determine subsequent visual
      processing.
AB  - Neuroscience research has conventionally focused on how the brain processes
      sensory information, after the information has been received. Recently, increased
      interest focuses on how the state of the brain upon receiving inputs determines
      and biases their subsequent processing and interpretation. Here, we investigated
      such 'pre-stimulus' brain mechanisms and their relevance for objective and
      subjective visual processing. Using non-invasive focal brain stimulation
      [transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)] we disrupted spontaneous brain state
      activity within early visual cortex (EVC) before onset of visual stimulation, at
      two different pre-stimulus-onset-asynchronies (pSOAs). We found that TMS pulses
      applied to EVC at either 20 msec or 50 msec before onset of a simple orientation
      stimulus both prevented this stimulus from reaching visual awareness.
      Interestingly, only the TMS-induced visual suppression following TMS at a pSOA of
      ?20 msec was retinotopically specific, while TMS at a pSOA of ?50 msec was not.
      In a second experiment, we used more complex symbolic arrow stimuli, and found
      TMS-induced suppression only when disrupting EVC at a pSOA of ? ?60 msec, which,
      in line with Experiment 1, was not retinotopically specific. Despite this
      topographic unspecificity of the ?50 msec effect, the additional control
      measurements as well as tracking and removal of eye blinks, suggested that also
      this effect was not the result of an unspecific artifact, and thus neural in
      origin. We therefore obtained evidence of two distinct neural mechanisms taking
      place in EVC, both determining whether or not subsequent visual inputs are
      successfully processed by the human visual system. 

PMID- 25113955
TI  - Relevance of subcortical visual pathways disruption to visual symptoms in
      dementia with Lewy bodies.
AB  - Visual hallucinations represent a core diagnostic criterion for dementia with
      Lewy bodies (DLB). We hypothesized that thalamic regions, which are critically
      involved in the modulation of visual transmission, may be differentially
      disrupted in DLB as compared to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and that these deficits
      could relate to visual dysfunction in DLB patients. Magnetic Resonance and
      Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) were performed with a 3 T scanner on a sample
      population of 15 DLB patients, 15 AD patients and 13 healthy volunteers. Regional
      thalamic micro-structural changes were assessed by parcelling the thalamus based
      on its connectivity to cortex and to amygdala and by measuring the mean
      diffusivity (MD) in each connectivity-defined sub-region. Micro-structural grey
      matter damage associated to higher MD values was found bilaterally in DLB
      compared to controls in the sub-regions projecting from thalamus to prefrontal
      and parieto-occipital cortices. Right thalamic sub-region projecting to amygdala
      and left thalamic sub-region projecting to motor cortex were also affected in DLB
      compared to controls. Higher MD values were found bilaterally in AD compared to
      controls in the thalamic sub-regions projecting to temporal cortex. Specific
      comparison between the two forms of dementia found differences: the sub-regions
      which project from thalamus to parieto-occipital cortex and to amygdala showed
      higher MD values in DLB compared to AD patients. In DLB patients, correlation
      analysis showed a significant correlation between NPI hallucinations item scores
      and MD values in the right thalamic sub-regions projecting to parietal and
      occipital cortices. The present study demonstrates how thalamic connectivity
      alterations between higher and lower visual areas may be relevant in explaining
      visual hallucinations in DLB. 

PMID- 25113956
TI  - Impact of spinal dysraphism on urinary and faecal prognosis in 25 cases of
      cloacal malformation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Urinary and faecal continence are key challenges goal of cloacal
      malformation management. Most well-known prognostic factors are the length of
      common channel (CC) and the presence of a sacral defect, but the impact of
      associated spinal dysraphism is less well documented. The aim of this study was
      to investigate the impact of different types of dysraphism on urinary and faecal
      continence in this patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1991 to 2011,
      charts and office notes of 25 patients with cloacal malformation were
      retrospectively reviewed. At last clinic visit, urinary and faecal continence
      status according to Krickenbeck criteria were correlated with the length of CC,
      the presence of a sacral defect (sacral ratio), and the presence of different
      types of spinal cord dysraphism using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 8 years (4 months-21 years). The
      sacral ratio was abnormal (below 0.74) in 18 cases out of 25 (72%). MRI review
      showed normal spinal cord in eight out of 23 cases (Group 1), spinal cord anomaly
      in 15 out of 23 cases (65%) including nine cases of tethered cord complex (Group
      2) and six cases of a short spinal cord (Group 3). While statistical analysis
      showed a difference regarding urinary prognosis between the groups (p=0.005), no
      significant difference was found regarding faecal prognosis. None of the six
      patients with short spinal cord were continent for both urinary and faecal
      prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study, which highlights the impact of
      different types of spinal dysraphism on functional outcome in patients with
      cloaca. Short spinal cord seemed to carry the worst prognosis. A prospective
      study with a larger series is mandatory to confirm these preliminary results.

PMID- 25113957
TI  - Methodological approaches and magnitude of the clinical unmet need associated
      with amotivation in mood disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing research interest in studying motivational deficits
      in different neuropsychiatric disorders because these symptoms appear to be more
      common than originally reported and negatively impact long-term functional
      outcomes. However, there is considerable ambiguity in the terminology used to
      describe motivational deficits in the scientific literature. For the purposes of
      this manuscript, the term "amotivation" will be utilised in the context of mood
      disorders, since this is considered a more inclusive/appropriate term for this
      patient population. Other challenges impacting the study of amotivation in mood
      disorders, include: appropriate patient population selection; managing or
      controlling for potential confounding factors; the lack of gold-standard
      diagnostic criteria and assessment scales; and determination of the most
      appropriate study duration. METHODS: This paper summarises the search for a
      consensus by a group of experts in the optimal approach to studying amotivation
      in mood disorders. RESULTS: The consensus of this group is that amotivation in
      mood disorders is a legitimate therapeutic target, given the magnitude of the
      associated unmet needs, and that proof-of-concept studies should be conducted in
      order to facilitate subsequent larger investigations. The focus of this
      manuscript is to consider the study of amotivation, as a residual symptom of
      major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar depression (BD), following adequate
      treatment with a typical antidepressant or mood stabiliser/antipsychotic,
      respectively. DISCUSSION: There is a paucity of data studying amotivation in mood
      disorders. This manuscript provides general guidance on the most appropriate
      study design(s) and methodology to assess potential therapeutic options for the
      management of residual amotivation in mood disorders.

PMID- 25113959
TI  - Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and personal disposition, family coherence and
      school environment in Chinese adolescents: a resilience approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risk factors of adolescents with obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OC)
      have been extensively examined, but protective resilience factors have not been
      explored, particularly in Chinese adolescents. AIM: This study aimed to
      investigate the association of resilience factors with the occurrence of OC and
      its symptoms in Chinese adolescents. METHOD: This study consisted of two phases.
      The first phase used a cross-sectional design involving a stratified clustered
      non-clinical sample of 3185 secondary school students. A clinical interview
      procedure was then employed to diagnose OC in students who had a Leyton
      Obsessional Inventory 'yes' score of >=15. The second phase used a case-control
      study design to analyse the relationship between resilience factors and OC in a
      matched sample of 288 adolescents with diagnosed OC relative to 246 healthy
      adolescents. RESULTS: Low personal disposition scores in self-fulfilment,
      flexibility and self-esteem, and low peer relation scores in the school
      environment were associated with a higher probability of having OC. Canonical
      correlation analysis indicated that OC symptoms were significantly associated
      with personal dispositions, poor peer relationships and maladaptive social life,
      but not to family coherence. LIMITATIONS: The study is not prospective in nature,
      so the causal relationship between OC occurrence and resilience factors cannot be
      confirmed. Second, the use of self-report instruments in personal disposition,
      family coherence, and school environment may be a source of error. CONCLUSIONS:
      Resilience factors at both the personal disposition and school environment levels
      are important predictors of OC symptoms and caseness. Future studies using
      prospective designs are needed to confirm these relationships.

PMID- 25113958
TI  - "Someone like us": delivering maternal mental health through peers in two South
      Asian contexts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peer-led psychosocial interventions are one solution to address the
      great paucity of skilled mental health human resources in South Asia. The aim of
      this study was to explore peer-delivered care for maternal depression in two
      diverse contexts in South Asia. METHODS: The study was carried out in the urban
      setting of Goa, India and rural setting in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. In total, 61 in
      depth interviews (IDIs) and 3 focus group discussions (FGDs), and 38 IDIs and 10
      FGDs, were conducted with multiple stakeholders in urban Goa and rural Rawalpindi
      respectively. We used the framework approach to analyze data. RESULTS: Peers from
      the same community were the most preferred delivery agents of a community-based
      psychosocial intervention in both sites. There were contextual similarities and
      differences between the two sites. Preferred characteristics among peers included
      local, middle-aged, educated mothers with similar experiences to participants,
      good communication skills and a good character. Key differences between the two
      contexts included a greater emphasis on the peer's family social standing in
      rural Rawalpindi and financial incentives as motivators for individual peers in
      urban Goa. LIMITATIONS: Generalizability of our findings is limited to two
      specific contexts in a vast and diverse region. DISCUSSION: Our study
      demonstrates that peers have the potential to deliver maternal psychosocial
      interventions in low-income settings. There are contextual differences in the
      preferred characteristics and motivators between the sites, and these should be
      carefully considered in program implementation.

PMID- 25113960
TI  - Characteristics of deaths by suicide in Northern Ireland from 2005 to 2011 and
      use of health services prior to death.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Service presentation may offer an opportunity for intervention prior
      to suicide. The study aimed to examine the characteristics, disorders and service
      use profiles of those who had died by suicide in Northern Ireland (NI) from 2005
      to 2011. METHODS: An analysis of a database of deaths by suicide and undetermined
      intent based on data in the NI Coronial files from 2005 to 2011 (N=1667).
      RESULTS: Males are three times as likely to die by suicide as females and suicide
      rates similar among those aged 20-60 years. Females have increased service use
      prior to suicide; males tend to disengage with services prior to death. Females
      are more likely to have recorded prior attempts, service use, diagnosis and
      referral. The most common health service used was primary care. LIMITATIONS:
      Despite the inclusion of undetermined deaths (probable suicides) a proportion of
      deaths by suicide remain unrecorded as such. Data on marital status and mental
      and physical disorders were based on information recorded by police officers from
      relatives, other informants and medical records. The reliability of this data may
      therefore be questioned. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care has an important role in
      suicide prevention. Gendered patterns in service use prior to death should be
      considered in suicide prevention programmes. It is important to strengthen
      clinicians' knowledge of the manifestations of suicidal ideation in males and
      ways of encouraging service use in males. The NI population who were exposed to
      the height of the violence of the conflict appear to be at increased risk of
      suicide as they age.

PMID- 25113961
TI  - [Mortality in patients with infective endocarditis treated in 2 different centers
      with on-site cardiac surgery. Reply].

PMID- 25113962
TI  - Anti-lymphoproliferative activity of alpha-2-macroglobulin in the plasma of
      hibernating 13-lined ground squirrels and woodchucks.
AB  - Plasma from hibernating (HIB) woodchucks (Marmota monax) or 13-lined ground
      squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) suppressed (3)H-thymidine uptake in mouse
      spleen cell cultures stimulated with Concanavalin A (ConA); plasma from non
      hibernating animals were only slightly inhibitory. Maximum inhibition occurred
      when HIB plasma was added to the cultures prior to ConA. After HPLC size
      exclusion chromatography of the HIB ground squirrel plasma, a single fraction
      (fraction-14) demonstrated inhibitory activity. Assay of fraction-14 from 8 HIB
      squirrels showed inhibition ranging from 13 to 95%; inhibition was correlated to
      the time the squirrels were exposed to cold prior to hibernation. Western blot
      analysis showed the factor to be a large molecular weight protein (>300 kDa), and
      mass spectrometry identified sequences that were 100% homologous with alpha-2
      macroglobulin from humans and other species. These findings indicate a
      hibernation-related protein that may be responsible for immune system down
      regulation.

PMID- 25113963
TI  - Pex11a deficiency is associated with a reduced abundance of functional
      peroxisomes and aggravated renal interstitial lesions.
AB  - Although proteinuria is known to be associated with the deterioration of chronic
      kidney disease, the molecular basis of this mechanism is not fully understood. We
      previously found that Pex11a deficiency was associated with a reduction of
      functional peroxisomes and impaired fatty acid metabolism in hepatocytes and
      resulted in steatosis. Proximal tubule cells are rich in peroxisomes. We assessed
      whether Pex11a deficiency might result in the derangement of peroxisome systems
      in proximal tubule cells and the aggravation of tubulointerstitial lesions in
      chronic kidney disease. Histological analyses showed that the number of
      functional peroxisomes in proximal tubule cells was reduced in Pex11a knockout
      (Pex11a(-/-)) mice. To clarify whether a decrease in the number of tubular
      peroxisomes might aggravate interstitial lesions, we assessed 2 models in which
      proximal tubule cells are overloaded with fatty acids (ie, deoxycorticosterone
      acetate and salt hypertension and the overload of fatty acid-bound albumin).
      Deoxycorticosterone acetate -salt-treated Pex11a(-/-) mice exhibited greater
      interstitial lesions than deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-treated wild-type mice
      in terms of tubular lipid accumulation, blood pressure, urinary albumin, urinary
      N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase, urinary 8-iso-prostane, and the histological
      evaluation of fibrosis and inflammation. An overload of fatty acid-bound albumin
      also resulted in more severe tubulointerstitial lesions in Pex11a(-/-) mice than
      in wild-type mice. Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      alpha agonist, restored the abundance of peroxisomes and reduced the
      tubulointerstitial lesions induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt
      hypertension. In conclusion, our results indicate that proximal tubule
      peroxisomes play an important role in proteinuria-induced interstitial lesions.
      The activation of tubular peroxisomes might be an excellent therapeutic strategy
      against chronic kidney disease. 

PMID- 25113965
TI  - If I had resistant hypertension.

PMID- 25113966
TI  - The influence of speaker and listener variables on intelligibility of dysarthric
      speech.
AB  - This study compared changes in speech clarity as a function of speaking context.
      It is well documented that words produced in sentence contexts yield higher
      intelligibility than words in isolation for speakers with mild to moderate
      dysarthria. To tease apart the effect of speaker and listener variables, the
      current study aimed to quantify differences in word intelligibility by speaking
      task. Eighteen speakers with dysarthria produced a set of 25 words in isolation
      and within the context of a sentence. Eighteen listeners heard a randomized
      sample of the isolated productions, single words extracted from the sentences,
      and the full unaltered sentences. Listeners transcribed what they heard and rated
      their confidence. Words produced in isolation were just as intelligible as words
      produced in sentence context, both of which were more intelligible than extracted
      words. In other words, speakers reduced articulatory clarity in sentence
      production compared to isolated productions; listeners were able to cope with
      this reduction in clarity when they had access to contextual information but not
      when these cues were removed in the extracted condition. These findings are
      consistent with Lindblom's hypo-hyperarticulation theory in that adults with
      dysarthria appear to be modulating articulatory precision based on listener/task
      variables. This work has implications for clinical practice in that isolated word
      and sentence production tasks yielded equivalent intelligibility findings.
      LEARNING OUTCOMES: Readers will recognize that speech intelligibility is
      influenced by speaker and listener variables and thus the choice of speaking and
      listening task may yield different results. Commonly held clinical belief is that
      sentence production tasks yield inflated intelligibility scores but we did not
      find that in this sample. Findings also indicate that speakers with dysarthria
      may modulate articulatory clarity in response to listener needs which should be
      considered in treatment planning.

PMID- 25113964
TI  - WNK-SPAK-NCC cascade revisited: WNK1 stimulates the activity of the Na-Cl
      cotransporter via SPAK, an effect antagonized by WNK4.
AB  - The with-no-lysine (K) kinases, WNK1 and WNK4, are key regulators of blood
      pressure. Their mutations lead to familial hyperkalemic hypertension (FHHt),
      associated with an activation of the Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC). Although it is
      clear that WNK4 mutants activate NCC via Ste20 proline-alanine-rich kinase, the
      mechanisms responsible for WNK1-related FHHt and alterations in NCC activity are
      not as clear. We tested whether WNK1 modulates NCC through WNK4, as predicted by
      some models, by crossing our recently developed WNK1-FHHt mice (WNK1(+/FHHt))
      with WNK4(-/-) mice. Surprisingly, the activated NCC, hypertension, and
      hyperkalemia of WNK1(+/FHHt) mice remain in the absence of WNK4. We demonstrate
      that WNK1 powerfully stimulates NCC in a WNK4-independent and Ste20 proline
      alanine-rich kinase-dependent manner. Moreover, WNK4 decreases the WNK1 and WNK3
      mediated activation of NCC. Finally, the formation of oligomers of WNK kinases
      through their C-terminal coiled-coil domain is essential for their activity
      toward NCC. In conclusion, WNK kinases form a network in which WNK4 associates
      with WNK1 and WNK3 to regulate NCC. 

PMID- 25113967
TI  - Interactions with John Gurdon--muscle as a mesodermal read-out and the community
      effect.
AB  - John Gurdon has made major contributions to developmental biology in addition to
      his Nobel prize winning work on nuclear reprogramming. With the frog, Xenopus, as
      a vertebrate model, his work on mesoderm induction led him to identify a
      community effect required for tissue differentiation after progenitor cells have
      entered a specific mesodermal programme. It is in the context of this
      biologically important concept, with myogenesis as an example, that we have had
      most scientific exchanges. Here I trace my contacts with him, from an interest in
      histone regulation of gene expression and reprogramming, to myogenic
      determination factors as markers of early mesodermal induction, to the role of
      the community effect in the spatiotemporal control of skeletal muscle formation.
      I also recount some personal anecdotes from encounters in Oxford, Paris and
      Cambridge, to illustrate my appreciation of him as a scientist and a colleague. 

PMID- 25113968
TI  - Impact of urbanization level on urban air quality: a case of fine particles
      (PM(2.5)) in Chinese cities.
AB  - We examined and compared PM2.5 concentrations in urban and the surrounding
      regions, and further investigated the impact of urbanization on urban PM2.5
      concentrations at the Chinese prefectures. Annual PM2.5 concentrations in most
      prefectures were greater than 10 MUg/m(3), the air quality guideline of the World
      Health Organization. Those prefectures were mainly distributed along the east
      coast and southeast of Sichuan province; The urban PM2.5 concentrations (
      [Formula: see text] ) in 85 cities were greater than (>10 MUg/m(3)) those in the
      surrounding area. Those cities were mainly located in the Beijing-Sichuan and
      Shanghai-Guangxi belts. In addition, [Formula: see text] was less than (<0
      MUg/m(3)) that in surrounding areas in only 41 prefectures, which were located in
      western China or nearby mega cities; Significant positive correlations were found
      between [Formula: see text] and urban population (R(2) = 0.99, P < 0.05), and
      between [Formula: see text] and urban second industry fraction (R(2) = 0.71, P <
      0.05), suggesting that urbanization had considerable impact on PM2.5
      concentrations. 

PMID- 25113969
TI  - Pathological mechanisms underlying aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and
      vasospasm.
AB  - Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage is a cerebrovascular disease associated with
      an overall mortality as high as 50%. Delayed ischaemic neurologic deficits are a
      major contributor to this statistic, as well as the significant morbidity
      associated with the disease. Studies examining the pathophysiologic events
      causing these devastating changes in cerebral blood flow have identified several
      mechanisms which are thought to contribute to the development of delayed
      ischaemic neurological deficits, perhaps the most damaging of which are increased
      intracranial pressure and cerebral vasospasm. In addition, the presence of blood
      in the subarachnoid space can trigger a myriad of reactions resulting in
      increased capillary permeability, breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, and
      inflammation in surrounding neural tissue that adds to the devastating effects of
      haemorrhage. A detailed understanding of the post-haemorrhagic cellular and
      molecular changes that contribute to the development of cerebral ischaemia and
      vasospasm is imperative to the formulation of treatment and prevention options
      for subarachnoid haemorrhage patients. Despite a large body of research within
      this field, a complete understanding of rupture and vasospasm remains elusive.
      This study reviews the role of vasoactive substances, such as endothelin-1, as
      well as the histochemistry and molecular pathology of post-haemorrhage
      inflammation in the development of vasospasm and cerebral ischaemia. 

PMID- 25113971
TI  - Retraction. The requirements for natural Th17 cell development are distinct from
      those of conventional Th17 cells.

PMID- 25113970
TI  - Nfil3 is crucial for development of innate lymphoid cells and host protection
      against intestinal pathogens.
AB  - The bZIP transcription factor Nfil3 (also known as E4BP4) is required for the
      development of natural killer (NK) cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells
      (ILC1s). We find that Nfil3 plays a critical role in the development of other
      mucosal tissue-associated innate lymphocytes. Type 3 ILCs (ILC3s), including
      lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi)-like cells, are severely diminished in both numbers
      and function in Nfil3-deficient mice. Using mixed bone marrow chimeric mice, we
      demonstrate that Nfil3 is critical for normal development of gut-associated ILC3s
      in a cell-intrinsic manner. Furthermore, Nfil3 deficiency severely compromises
      intestinal innate immune defense against acute bacterial infection with
      Citrobacter rodentium and Clostridium difficile. Nfil3 deficiency resulted in a
      loss of the recently identified ILC precursor, yet conditional ablation of Nfil3
      in the NKp46(+) ILC3 subset did not perturb ILC3 numbers, suggesting that Nfil3
      is required early during ILC3 development but not for lineage maintenance.
      Lastly, a marked defect in type 2 ILCs (ILC2s) was also observed in the lungs and
      visceral adipose tissue of Nfil3-deficient mice, revealing a general requirement
      for Nfil3 in the development of all ILC lineages.

PMID- 25113973
TI  - Interplay between regulatory T cells and PD-1 in modulating T cell exhaustion and
      viral control during chronic LCMV infection.
AB  - Regulatory T (T reg) cells are critical for preventing autoimmunity mediated by
      self-reactive T cells, but their role in modulating immune responses during
      chronic viral infection is not well defined. To address this question and to
      investigate a role for T reg cells in exhaustion of virus-specific CD8 T cells,
      we depleted T reg cells in mice chronically infected with lymphocytic
      choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). T reg cell ablation resulted in 10-100-fold
      expansion of functional LCMV-specific CD8 T cells. Rescue of exhausted CD8 T
      cells was dependent on cognate antigen, B7 costimulation, and conventional CD4 T
      cells. Despite the striking recovery of LCMV-specific CD8 T cell responses, T reg
      cell depletion failed to diminish viral load. Interestingly, T reg cell ablation
      triggered up-regulation of the molecule programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1),
      which upon binding PD-1 on T cells delivers inhibitory signals. Increased PD-L1
      expression was observed especially on LCMV-infected cells, and combining T reg
      cell depletion with PD-L1 blockade resulted in a significant reduction in viral
      titers, which was more pronounced than that upon PD-L1 blockade alone. These
      results suggest that T reg cells effectively maintain CD8 T cell exhaustion, but
      blockade of the PD-1 inhibitory pathway is critical for elimination of infected
      cells.

PMID- 25113972
TI  - Dissecting the complement pathway in hepatic injury and regeneration with a novel
      protective strategy.
AB  - Liver resection is commonly performed under ischemic conditions, resulting in two
      types of insult to the remnant liver: ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) and loss
      of liver mass. Complement inhibition is recognized as a potential therapeutic
      modality for IRI, but early complement activation products are also essential for
      liver regeneration. We describe a novel site-targeted murine complement
      inhibitor, CR2-CD59, which specifically inhibits the terminal membrane attack
      complex (MAC), and we use this protein to investigate the complement-dependent
      balance between liver injury and regeneration in a clinical setting of
      pharmacological inhibition. CR2-CD59 did not impact in vivo generation of C3 and
      C5 activation products but was as effective as the C3 activation inhibitor CR2
      Crry at ameliorating hepatic IRI, indicating that the MAC is the principle
      mediator of hepatic IRI. Furthermore, unlike C3 or C5 inhibition, CR2-CD59 was
      not only protective but significantly enhanced hepatocyte proliferation after
      partial hepatectomy, including when combined with ischemia and reperfusion.
      Remarkably, CR2-CD59 also enhanced regeneration after 90% hepatectomy and
      improved long-term survival from 0 to 70%. CR2-CD59 functioned by increasing
      hepatic TNF and IL-6 levels with associated STAT3 and Akt activation, and by
      preventing mitochondrial depolarization and allowing recovery of ATP stores.

PMID- 25113974
TI  - Tight regulation of ubiquitin-mediated DNA damage response by USP3 preserves the
      functional integrity of hematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - Histone ubiquitination at DNA breaks is required for activation of the DNA damage
      response (DDR) and DNA repair. How the dynamic removal of this modification by
      deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) impacts genome maintenance in vivo is largely
      unknown. To address this question, we generated mice deficient for Ub-specific
      protease 3 (USP3; Usp3Delta/Delta), a histone H2A DUB which negatively regulates
      ubiquitin-dependent DDR signaling. Notably, USP3 deletion increased the levels of
      histone ubiquitination in adult tissues, reduced the hematopoietic stem cell
      (HSC) reserves over time, and shortened animal life span. Mechanistically, our
      data show that USP3 is important in HSC homeostasis, preserving HSC self-renewal,
      and repopulation potential in vivo and proliferation in vitro. A defective DDR
      and unresolved spontaneous DNA damage contribute to cell cycle restriction of
      Usp3Delta/Delta HSCs. Beyond the hematopoietic system, Usp3Delta/Delta animals
      spontaneously developed tumors, and primary Usp3Delta/Delta cells failed to
      preserve chromosomal integrity. These findings broadly support the regulation of
      chromatin ubiquitination as a key pathway in preserving tissue function through
      modulation of the response to genotoxic stress.

PMID- 25113975
TI  - Increased severity of respiratory infections associated with elevated anti-LPS
      IgG2 which inhibits serum bactericidal killing.
AB  - Although specific antibody induced by pathogens or vaccines is a key component of
      protection against infectious threats, some viruses, such as dengue, induce
      antibody that enhances the development of infection. In contrast, antibody
      dependent enhancement of bacterial infection is largely unrecognized. Here, we
      demonstrate that in a significant portion of patients with bronchiectasis and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection, antibody can protect the bacterium from
      complement-mediated killing. Strains that resist antibody-induced, complement
      mediated killing produce lipopolysaccharide containing O-antigen. The inhibition
      of antibody-mediated killing is caused by excess production of O-antigen-specific
      IgG2 antibodies. Depletion of IgG2 to O-antigen restores the ability of sera to
      kill strains with long-chain O-antigen. Patients with impaired serum-mediated
      killing of P. aeruginosa by IgG2 have poorer respiratory function than infected
      patients who do not produce inhibitory antibody. We suggest that excessive
      binding of IgG2 to O-antigen shields the bacterium from other antibodies that can
      induce complement-mediated killing of bacteria. As there is significant sharing
      of O-antigen structure between different Gram-negative bacteria, this IgG2
      mediated impairment of killing may operate in other Gram-negative infections.
      These findings have marked implications for our understanding of protection
      generated by natural infection and for the design of vaccines, which should avoid
      inducing such blocking antibodies. 

PMID- 25113976
TI  - Aroclor 1254-induced genotoxicity in male gonads through oxidatively damaged DNA
      and inhibition of DNA repair gene expression.
AB  - The present study aimed to examine if multiple exposure to Aroclor 1254, a
      commercial mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls, had any genotoxic potential on
      gonads of male mice; moreover, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying this
      deleterious effects were elucidated. In the standard comet assay, there were
      significant increases in the incidence of DNA strand breaks in sperm of mice
      killed after 3 and 24h of last treatment with 4 mg/kg/day Aroclor 1254 for 5
      weeks, while no significant difference in the DNA strand breaks was found in mice
      treatment with 1 and 2 mg/kg/day Aroclor 1254. The same results were also
      observed with spermatocyte chromosomal analysis as obvious aberrant primary
      spermatocytes were noted with the highest dose of Aroclor 1254 when testes were
      examined at 24h after the last exposure. Moreover, digestion with EndoIII
      resulted in significantly increased levels of DNA damage at 3 and 24h after the
      last exposure to 2mg/kg/day Aroclor 1254; digestion with Fpg resulted in a
      significant increase in DNA damage at the 3-h sampling time only as detected by
      oxidative comet assays. The expression of DNA repair genes p53, PARP1 and BAX
      were up-regulated in testes of mice killed after 3 and 24h of last administration
      of 4 mg/kg/day Aroclor 1254. On the other hand, no significant alteration in the
      expression of XRCC1 gene was observed at both sampling times. It is noteworthy
      that the expression of OGG1 and APEX1 was significantly decreased at 3h after the
      last exposure to 4 mg/kg/day Aroclor 1254. On the other hand, only the expression
      level of APEX1 was recovered at the 24-h sampling times. The unrecovered OGG1 may
      suggest that inhibition of DNA repair can be considered as a potential mode of
      action of Aroclor 1254 gonadal toxicity and carcinogenesis.

PMID- 25113978
TI  - The life cycle and occurrence of Haemaphysalis concinna (Acari: Ixodidae) under
      field conditions.
AB  - The life cycle and occurrence of Haemaphysalis concinna were investigated under
      field conditions from April 2012 to March 2013 in Eerguna National Natural
      Reserve Area situated on the China-Russia border in Inner Mongolia, China. Under
      natural conditions, the whole life cycle of H. concinna was allowed to complete
      in a natural tick habitat. With domestic rabbits supplied as hosts, the seasonal
      occurrence and behaviors of H. concinna were also observed in the field plot
      which was chosen in a natural tick habitat from April to October 2012. Results
      indicated that the durations of the life cycle from unfed adults to the next
      generation unfed adults of H. concinna ranged from 124 to 186 days (average
      periods of 153.1 days). The incubation time of eggs ranged from 39 to 57 days
      (average periods of 41.3 days), which is the longest period among the four
      developmental stages, followed by the premolt periods for larvae (averaged 37.7
      days) and nymphs (averaged 26.0 days). The number of eggs was positively
      correlated with the weight of engorged females (r=0.8562, p<0.001). Eggs were
      laid in high amounts in the first week, subsequently, the egg amount declined
      gradually with small peaks occasionally observed. The female reproductive
      efficiency index (REI) and reproductive fitness index (RFI) was 6.2 and 4.3,
      respectively. Observations on the occurrence of H. concinna indicated that, in
      the confined plot under field conditions, larvae appeared in late May and peaked
      in early July, and nymphs were active during July and August. Therefore, there
      was an overlap in the occurrence of larvae and nymphs in both June and July. 

PMID- 25113977
TI  - Blood feeding on large grazers affects the transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi
      sensu lato by Ixodes ricinus.
AB  - The presence of Ixodes ricinus and their associated Borrelia infections on large
      grazers was investigated. Carcases of freshly shot red deer, mouflon and wild
      boar were examined for the presence of any stage of I. ricinus. Questing ticks
      were collected from locations where red deer and wild boar are known to occur.
      Presence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. DNA was examined in a fraction of the
      collected ticks. Larvae, nymphs and adult ticks were found on the three large
      grazers. Red deer had the highest tick burden, with many of the nymphs and adult
      females attached for engorgement. Most larvae had not attached. The mean number
      of ticks on the animals varied from 13 to 67. Ticks were highly aggregated
      amongst the animals: some animals had no ticks, while others had high numbers.
      Larvae and nymphs were mostly found on the ears, while adult ticks were attached
      to the axillae. The Borrelia infection rate of questing nymphs was 8.5%.
      Unengorged wandering nymphs on deer had a Borrelia infection rate of 12.5%, while
      only 0.9% of feeding nymphs carried a Borrelia infection. The infection rate of
      unengorged adult male ticks was 4.5%, and that of feeding female ticks was 0.7%.
      The data suggest that ticks feeding on red deer and wild boar lose their Borrelia
      infections. The implications of the results are discussed with respect to
      Borrelia epidemiology and maintenance of a Borrelia reservoir as well as the role
      of reproductive hosts for Ixodes ricinus. 

PMID- 25113979
TI  - Genetic variability of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks and voles from Ixodes
      persulcatus/Ixodes trianguliceps sympatric areas from Western Siberia, Russia.
AB  - Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis in
      different mammals. The presence of A. phagocytophilum was assayed in Ixodes
      persulcatus, Ixodes trianguliceps ticks and Myodes spp. voles from two I.
      persulcatus/I. trianguliceps sympatric areas in the Omsk region (Western Siberia,
      Russia). In total, A. phagocytophilum was found in 42/108 (38.9%) of vole blood
      samples, 13/34 (38.2%) of I. trianguliceps ticks removed from voles, 1/12 (8.3%)
      of I. persulcatus removed from voles, and 18/279 (7.2%) of questing I.
      persulcatus. GroESL operon sequence analysis of positive samples revealed three
      distinct A. phagocytophilum genetic groups previously identified in ticks and
      mammals in Russia. Genetic group 1 was found in 6/36 (16.7%) of sequenced
      positive blood samples; this group was previously revealed in I. persulcatus and
      Myodes spp. voles in different regions of Russia. Genetic group 2 was found in
      30/36 (83.3%) of sequenced positive blood samples and all positive I.
      trianguliceps; this group was previously revealed only in Myodes spp. voles and
      common shrews (Sorex araneus) in I. persulcatus/I. trianguliceps sympatric areas
      in the Northern Ural. Genetic group 3 was found in all positive questing I.
      persulcatus and one blood sample; this group was previously revealed in I.
      persulcatus and Siberian chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus). We suppose that I.
      trianguliceps is the most probable vector for A. phagocytophilum of group 2.
      Analysis of the msp4 gene, intergenic region DOV1, and some other genetic loci
      has shown that isolates from different genetic groups significantly differ in all
      studied loci and that A. phagocytophilum of group 2 is closely related to A.
      phagocytophilum isolates revealed in voles and I. trianguliceps in Europe. A.
      phagocytophilum of groups 1 and 2 are the most similar to each other, while A.
      phagocytophilum of group 3 clusters with European A. phagocytophilum isolates
      from I. ricinus and various mammalian species. 

PMID- 25113980
TI  - Seasonal activity patterns of the western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus, in
      relation to onset of human Lyme disease in northwestern California.
AB  - Seasonal activity patterns of questing western black-legged ticks, Ixodes
      pacificus were investigated in northwestern California. Adult I. pacificus became
      active in the fall (late October/early November) and their appearance was
      associated with the first rain of the season. Following a peak in January, the
      abundance of adult ticks declined such that they were rare or absent by
      June/July. The nymphal tick activity season occurred from January through
      October, and larval activity occurred from April to June, but sometimes extended
      into October. Thus, potentially infectious ticks (nymphs and adults) present a
      year-round risk of Lyme disease transmission in northwestern California. The
      seasonality of Lyme disease cases in humans, based on the onset of erythema
      migrans, mirrored tick activity patterns and was year-round in cases infected in
      California. Peak incidence in humans occurs from May through July, and indicates
      that most disease transmission is from nymphal ticks. This study demonstrates
      that tick activity patterns are more extended than previously recognized in
      northwestern California. 

PMID- 25113981
TI  - In vitro isolation and infection intensity of Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma
      triste ticks from the Parana River Delta region, Argentina.
AB  - In the present study, we report the first in vitro isolation and infection
      intensity of Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma triste ticks from Argentina. No
      genetic differences in the molecular targets evaluated were found between R.
      parkeri isolates from Argentina and those R. parkeri isolates reported in Uruguay
      and Brazil, both obtained from A. triste. Only a minor difference was observed
      when compared to R. parkeri isolated from Amblyomma maculatum from United States.
      Moreover, the prevalence of infection by R. parkeri in ticks collected from the
      vegetation in the Parana Delta was high (20.4%). Interestingly, the distribution
      of R. parkeri infection intensity observed in A. triste ticks was distinctly
      bimodal, with approximately 60% of the infected ticks presenting high rickettsial
      loads (3.8*10(5)-4.5*10(7) ompA copies/tick) and the remainder with low
      rickettsial levels (5.6*10(1)-6.5*10(3) ompA copies/tick). This bimodality in R.
      parkeri infection intensity in ticks could determine differences in the severity
      of the disease, but also be important for the infection dynamics of this
      pathogen. Further research exploring the distribution of rickettsial infection
      levels in ticks, as well as its determinants and implications, is warranted.

PMID- 25113982
TI  - Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus group
      ticks.
AB  - The Rhipicephalus sanguineus group includes some of the most widespread dog
      ticks, whose identification currently represents a difficult task due to the
      morphological similarities of these ixodid species. Recently, following the
      morphological and molecular characterization of tick specimens collected from
      dogs in all continents, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), Rhipicephalus
      turanicus and three different operational taxonomic units (namely Rhipicephalus
      sp. I-III) have been identified. Therefore, a comprehensive molecular study has
      been herein carried out to detect selected canine vector-borne pathogens (i.e.,
      Anaplasma platys, Cercopithifilaria spp., Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis)
      in ticks belonging to the R. sanguineus group. A total of 204 tick specimens from
      dogs were examined and identified as R. sanguineus s.l. (n=81), R. turanicus
      (n=17), Rhipicephalus sp. I (n=66), Rhipicephalus sp. II (n=37), and
      Rhipicephalus sp. III (n=3). PCR assays were performed to detect mitochondrial
      and ribosomal target genes of Cercopithifilaria spp., A. platys, E. canis and H.
      canis. Out of 204 specimens examined, 2.5%, 7.4% and 21.6% scored positive to A.
      platys, H. canis and Cercopithifilaria spp., respectively. In addition, co
      infections with two pathogens (i.e., Cercopithifilaria bainae and A. platys or H.
      canis) were detected in four tick specimens. This study suggests a relationship
      between ticks belonging to the R. sanguineus group and the geographical
      distribution of A. platys, H. canis and Cercopithifilaria spp. However, the role
      of each representative tick species within the R. sanguineus group in the
      transmission of these canine pathogens needs to be further investigated. 

PMID- 25113983
TI  - Differential diagnosis of three common Ixodes spp. ticks infesting songbirds of
      Western Europe: Ixodes arboricola, I. frontalis and I. ricinus.
AB  - The three most common Ixodes spp. ticks found on songbirds in Western Europe are
      Ixodes frontalis, I. arboricola and I. ricinus. As the latter species is a
      generalist, it shares several avian hosts with the two strictly ornithophilic
      species. Infestations of the three species can overlap in time and space,
      implying that tick-borne pathogens maintained by the ornithophilic ticks and
      their hosts could be bridged by I. ricinus to non-avian hosts. Whereas the
      endophilic Ixodes arboricola only occurs in cavities, I. frontalis has been
      collected frequently by flagging methods from understory vegetation, which is
      also the habitat of the field-dwelling I. ricinus. As the latter two species have
      rather similar morphological characteristics, they can easily be confused with
      each other. In this study, we present scanning electron photomicrographs of all
      developmental stages of I. arboricola and I. frontalis, and provide a
      differential diagnosis key to distinguish the ornithophilic ticks from I.
      ricinus. In addition, we interpreted their phylogenetic associations based on
      mitochondrial 16S rDNA with other Ixodes spp. ticks (I. lividus, I. turdus, I.
      brunneus, I. vespertilionis, I. trianguliceps, I. hexagonus, I. scapularis). 

PMID- 25113984
TI  - Taxonomic key to nymphs of the genus Amblyomma (Acari: Ixodidae) in Argentina,
      with description and redescription of the nymphal stage of four Amblyomma
      species.
AB  - In the present study, we provide morphological descriptions of the nymph of
      Amblyomma parvitarsum, A. tonelliae, and redescriptions of A. argentinae and A.
      sculptum. A taxonomic key, with relevant morphological characters illustrated by
      scanning electron micrographs, is provided for nymphs of the 24 species of the
      genus Amblyomma occurring in Argentina. Species included are A. argentinae, A.
      aureolatum, A. auricularium, A. boeroi, A. brasiliense, A. calcaratum, A.
      coelebs, A. dissimile, A. dubitatum, A. incisum, A. longirostre, A. neumanni, A.
      nodosum, A. ovale, A. parvitarsum, A. parvum, A. pseudoconcolor, A. pseudoparvum,
      A. rotundatum, A. sculptum, A. tigrinum, A. tonelliae, A. triste and A. varium.
      Principal morphological characters used for discrimination among species are
      presence/absence of auriculae, cornua and festoons with tubercles, size and shape
      of spurs of coxa I, margin and punctations of scutum, shape of basis capituli and
      length of cervical grooves. The geographical distribution of each tick species
      included in this work is presented and the importance of an accurate
      determination to species level of the Amblyomma nymphs to make epidemiological
      inferences is also discussed. 

PMID- 25113985
TI  - Peri-urbanisation, counter-urbanisation, and an extension of residential exposure
      to ticks: a clue to the trends in Lyme borreliosis incidence in the Czech
      Republic?
AB  - The incidence of tick-borne human diseases (TBD) in the Czech Republic (CZ) is on
      the increase, driven by infections increasingly acquired in residential
      locations, earlier in spring and later in autumn, and among children and the
      elderly. To interpret these trends, data on Lyme borreliosis (LB) incidence
      between 1997 and 2010 were analysed in the context of population migration flows
      registered in the CZ during the same period. Analysis showed that a migration
      stream of families with children, and of the elderly, flowed from more urbanized
      and densely populated localities to those more rural and less populated, where
      the chance of acquiring LB in the home vicinity was greater than in the urban
      settings. By contrast, a stream of people in the life phase between early
      adulthood and family formation flowed reversely, corresponding to a prominent
      absence of this age category from the patient spectrum. The data further showed
      that the more the residential exposure became prevalent, the more people were in
      year-round (rather than in summertime only) contact with ticks, which accounts
      for an extension of the cases' seasonal distribution as well as for an overall
      increase in case numbers. Finally, the fact that majority of the urban-to-rural
      migrants could be categorised as wealthier people could explain the previously
      noticed lack of low-status people among TBD patients in the CZ. 

PMID- 25113986
TI  - Seasonality of immature stages of Ixodes loricatus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the
      Parana Delta, Argentina.
AB  - In this study we analyzed seasonal trends of immature stages of Ixodes loricatus
      parasitizing Akodon azarae (Sigmodontinae) in a locality of the Parana Delta,
      Buenos Aires, Argentina. The data encompassed two consecutive years and the
      analysis included the control of potential confounders using Generalized Linear
      Mixed Models (GLMM) with a negative binomial response. Larvae had within-year
      differences in abundance, but the peak months differed drastically between both
      sampling years, indicating that there was no consistent seasonal pattern.
      Regarding nymphs, a seasonal pattern was first apparent, but it vanished
      completely when potential confounders were considered, strongly suggesting that
      the association with season was spurious and caused by the confounders. Our
      results showed that the occurrence of immature I. loricatus in its hosts does not
      follow a distinct seasonal pattern, and highlight the usefulness of controlling
      for confounding and statistically assessing consistency between years when
      establishing tick seasonality. 

PMID- 25113987
TI  - Serological evidence of exposure to Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum
      in Central Italian healthy domestic cats.
AB  - The aim of the present survey was to estimate the seroprevalences of Ehrlichia
      canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in the Central Italian feline population.
      Serum samples of 560 healthy domestic cats were examined by indirect
      immunofluorescence assay (IFAT), considering an antibody titre of 1:40 as cut
      off. Seroprevalences of 6.4% and 4.5% were found for E. canis and A.
      phagocytophilum, respectively. Adult, mixed breed cats showed seroprevalences
      higher than younger and purebred subjects, whereas no differences were observed
      in relation to gender and living conditions. 

PMID- 25113988
TI  - Prevalence of antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus in wild game from
      Saxony, Germany.
AB  - Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most important tick-transmitted viral
      disease in Europe and is caused by the flavivirus TBE-virus (TBEV). In Germany
      TBE is unevenly distributed with the vast majority of cases occurring in the
      south in so-called risk areas defined as regions with an incidence of at least 1
      case in 100,000 inhabitants. However, in low endemic areas with lesser TBE cases
      the respective risk assessment is hard to achieve. We therefore intend to use the
      prevalence of antibodies against TBEV in wildlife to trace TBEV endemic areas as
      a surrogate marker for the notification of human cases. This study was conducted
      in Saxony, Germany, where 34 autochthonous cases were reported since 2001,
      thereby not allowing a geographic allocation within the state. A total of 1,851
      sera from wild boar and 35 sera from roe deer from all Saxon districts shot
      between April 2011 and March 2013 were screened for the presence of antibodies
      against TBEV. The overall seropositivity for Saxony was 10.5%. Among the wild
      boar sera, most positive samples could be found in the districts Meibetaen (23%)
      and Vogtlandkreis (20%) followed by Dresden (18%), Erzgebirgskreis and Gorlitz
      (both 10%). We conclude that seroprevalence studies in game animals represent a
      promising surrogate marker and should be considered for future determination of
      risk areas. Although we are currently unable to explain the discrepancy of the
      few human cases and the high seroprevalence in some districts, vaccination
      against TBE should be considered for people planning outdoor activities in
      Dresden, Meibetaen or Vogtlandkreis. 

PMID- 25113989
TI  - Tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from breeding and migratory birds in
      Switzerland.
AB  - From 2007 to 2010, 4558 migrating and breeding birds of 71 species were caught
      and examined for ticks in Switzerland. A total of 1205 specimens were collected;
      all were Ixodes ricinus ticks except one Ixodes frontalis female, which was found
      on a common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) for the first time in Switzerland. Each
      tick was analysed individually for the presence of Borrelia spp., Rickettsia
      spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV).
      Altogether, 11.4% of birds (22 species) were infested by ticks and 39.8% of them
      (15 species) were carrying infected ticks. Bird species belonging to the genus
      Turdus were the most frequently infested with ticks and they were also carrying
      the most frequently infected ticks. Each tick-borne pathogen for which we tested
      was identified within the sample of bird-feeding ticks: Borrelia spp. (19.5%) and
      Rickettsia helvetica (10.5%) were predominantly detected whereas A.
      phagocytophilum (2%), Rickettsia monacensis (0.4%) and TBEV (0.2%) were only
      sporadically detected. Among Borrelia infections, B. garinii and B. valaisiana
      were largely predominant followed by B. afzelii, B. bavariensis, B. miyamotoi and
      B. burgdorferi ss. Interestingly, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis was
      identified in a few ticks (3.3%), mainly from chaffinches. Our study emphasizes
      the role of birds in the natural cycle of tick-borne pathogens that are of human
      medical and veterinary relevance in Europe. According to infection detected in
      larvae feeding on birds we implicate the common blackbird (Turdus merula) and the
      tree pipit (Anthus trivialis) as reservoir hosts for Borrelia spp., Rickettsia
      spp. and A. phagocytophilum. 

PMID- 25113992
TI  - Multiple EPS interactions involved in the cohesion and structure of aerobic
      granules.
AB  - This study aims to clarify the biochemical nature and interactions of
      Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) involved in the structure and cohesive
      properties of aerobic granules. Granules were incubated with selective hydrolytic
      enzymes or with chemicals and the resistance of digested granules to shear stress
      was evaluated. After alpha-amylase digestion, the hydrodynamic stress released
      macro-particles (>315 MUm) while soluble molecules (<1.5 MUm) and micro-particles
      (1.5-315 MUm) where mainly recovered after savinase and EDTA treatments. These
      data show that alpha (1-4) glucans and proteins are key polymers for granule
      cohesion and that divalent cationic bridging is a major aggregative mechanism. On
      the basis of these experiments and microscopy observations, a model is proposed
      for the spatial organization of EPS in the granular structure, in which alpha
      glucans are arranged in a capsular layer surrounding bacterial clusters while
      anionic proteins constitute the intercellular cement that may reinforce cohesion
      inside the bacterial clusters.

PMID- 25113991
TI  - Duodenal luminal nutrient sensing.
AB  - The gastrointestinal mucosa is exposed to numerous chemical substances and
      microorganisms, including macronutrients, micronutrients, bacteria, endogenous
      ions, and proteins. The regulation of mucosal protection, digestion, absorption
      and motility is signaled in part by luminal solutes. Therefore, luminal
      chemosensing is an important mechanism enabling the mucosa to monitor luminal
      conditions, such as pH, ion concentrations, nutrient quantity, and microflora.
      The duodenal mucosa shares luminal nutrient receptors with lingual taste
      receptors in order to detect the five basic tastes, in addition to essential
      nutrients, and unwanted chemicals. The recent 'de-orphanization' of nutrient
      sensing G protein-coupled receptors provides an essential component of the
      mechanism by which the mucosa senses luminal nutrients. In this review, we will
      update the mechanisms of and underlying physiological and pathological roles in
      luminal nutrient sensing, with a main focus on the duodenal mucosa. 

PMID- 25113993
TI  - Spectrometric characterization of the effluent dissolved organic matter from an
      anammox reactor shows correlation between the EEM signature and anammox growth.
AB  - Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a cost-effective process to treat high
      strength nitrogenous wastewater. Even without organic carbon input, the effluent
      contains bioproducts from autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria. In this work,
      excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy was used to
      characterize the effluent dissolved organic matter (EfOM) from an anammox reactor
      treating synthetic wastewater. Two dominant EEM components were identified as
      humic acid-like (component 1) and protein-like (component 2) substances with
      excitation/emission peaks at <240, 355, 420/464 nm and <240, 280, 330/346 nm,
      respectively. The presence of both compounds in the effluent was tracked during
      an activity recovery period (nitrogen load increased from 0.2 to 1.3 kg Nm(-3)d(
      1)). The effluent concentration of both components increased during this period,
      indicating correlation between production and bacterial activity. The dynamics of
      these bioproducts during both substrate consumption and starvation phases was
      analyzed in batch experiments. Component 1 was only formed during substrate
      consumption in a rate proportional to ammonium removal and was considered an up
      take associated product characteristic of anammox activity. The results show that
      the composition of the EfOM was qualitatively and quantitatively influenced by
      process performance. Monitoring the EfOM could, therefore, offer a useful
      approach to assess anammox process performance and must be further explored.

PMID- 25113994
TI  - Coke dust enhances coke plant wastewater treatment.
AB  - Coke plant wastewater contain many toxic pollutants. Despite physico-chemical and
      biological treatment this specific type of wastewater has a significant impact on
      environment and human health. This article presents results of research on
      industrial adsorptive coke plant wastewater treatment. As a sorbent the coke
      dust, dozen times less expensive than pulverized activated carbon, was used.
      Treatment was conducted in three scenarios: adsorptive after full treatment with
      coke dust at 15 g L(-1), biological treatment enhanced with coke dust at 0.3-0.5
      g L(-1) and addition of coke dust at 0.3 g L(-1) prior to the biological
      treatment. The enhanced biological treatment proved the most effective. It
      allowed additional removal of 147-178 mg COD kg(-1) of coke dust.

PMID- 25113990
TI  - EPICO 2.0 project. Development of educational therapeutic recommendations using
      the DELPHI technique on invasive candidiasis in critically ill adult patients in
      special situations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there has been an improved management of invasive
      candidiasis in the last decade, still controversial issues remain, especially in
      different therapeutic critical care scenarios. AIMS: We sought to identify the
      core clinical knowledge and to achieve high agreement recommendations required to
      care for critically ill adult patients with invasive candidiasis for antifungal
      treatment in special situations and different scenarios. METHODS: Second
      prospective Spanish survey reaching consensus by the DELPHI technique, conducted
      anonymously by electronic e-mail in the first phase to 23 national
      multidisciplinary experts in invasive fungal infections from five national
      scientific societies including intensivists, anesthesiologists, microbiologists,
      pharmacologists and infectious disease specialists, answering 30 questions
      prepared by a coordination group after a strict review of literature in the last
      five years. The educational objectives spanned four categories, including
      peritoneal candidiasis, immunocompromised patients, special situations, and organ
      failures. The agreement among panelists in each item should be higher than 75% to
      be selected. In a second phase, after extracting recommendations from the
      selected items, a meeting was held with more than 60 specialists in a second
      round invited to validate the preselected recommendations. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: In the first phase, 15 recommendations were preselected (peritoneal
      candidiasis (3), immunocompromised patients (6), special situations (3), and
      organ failures (3)). After the second round the following 13 were validated:
      Peritoneal candidiasis (3): Source control and early adequate antifungal
      treatment is mandatory; empirical antifungal treatment is recommended in
      secondary nosocomial peritonitis with Candida spp. colonization risk factors and
      in tertiary peritonitis. Immunocompromised patients (5): consider hepatotoxicity
      and interactions before starting antifungal treatment with azoles in transplanted
      patients; treat candidemia in neutropenic adult patients with antifungal drugs at
      least 14 days after the first blood culture negative and until normalization of
      neutrophils is achieved. Caspofungin, if needed, is the echinocandin with most
      scientific evidence to treat candidemia in neutropenic adult patients;
      caspofungin is also the first choice drug to treat febrile candidemia; in
      neutropenic patients with candidemia remove catheter. Special situations (2): in
      moderate hepatocellular failure, patients with invasive candidiasis use
      echinocandins (preferably low doses of anidulafungin and caspofungin) and try to
      avoid azoles; in case of possible interactions review all the drugs involved and
      preferably use anidulafungin. Organ failures (3): echinocandins are the safest
      antifungal drugs; reconsider the use of azoles in patients under renal
      replacement therapy; all of the echinocandins to treat patients under continuous
      renal replacement therapy are accepted and do not require dosage adjustment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of invasive candidiasis in ICU patients requires a broad
      range of knowledge and skills as summarized in our recommendations. These
      recommendations may help to optimize the therapeutic management of these patients
      in special situations and different scenarios and improve their outcome based on
      the DELPHI methodology.

PMID- 25113995
TI  - Development of aptamer oligonucleotides as anticoagulants and antithrombotics for
      cardiovascular diseases: current status.
AB  - Aptamers are short DNA/RNA oligonucleotides selected by a process known as
      Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) based on
      affinity for target molecules. Since aptamers have several advantages over
      monoclonal antibodies, such as high specificity and affinity, flexible
      modification and stability, and lack of toxicity and immunogenicity, they are
      promising novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In this review, we will
      describe the development of aptamers against thrombin, von Willebrand factor
      (vWF), factor IX, and factor XII as potential anticoagulants or antithrombotics
      for cardiovascular diseases, especially those that have entered clinical trials.

PMID- 25114006
TI  - LOX-1 and mitochondria: an inflammatory relationship.

PMID- 25114007
TI  - Press imprint smear: a rapid, simple, and cheap method for the diagnosis of
      cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis.
AB  - A modified imprint method, Press-Imprint-Smear, was compared with histopathology
      for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Amastigotes were seen in 69 (92%)
      of 75 individuals in one or both assays. The Press-Imprint-Smear was positive in
      85.3%, and histopathology was positive in 44%. Press-Imprint-Smear is a rapid and
      relatively sensitive method for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

PMID- 25113996
TI  - CDC42 inhibition suppresses progression of incipient intestinal tumors.
AB  - Mutations in the APC or beta-catenin genes are well-established initiators of
      colorectal cancer, yet modifiers that facilitate the survival and progression of
      nascent tumor cells are not well defined. Using genetic and pharmacologic
      approaches in mouse colorectal cancer and human colorectal cancer xenograft
      models, we show that incipient intestinal tumor cells activate CDC42, an APC
      interacting small GTPase, as a crucial step in malignant progression. In the
      mouse, Cdc42 ablation attenuated the tumorigenicity of mutant intestinal cells
      carrying single APC or beta-catenin mutations. Similarly, human colorectal cancer
      with relatively higher levels of CDC42 activity was particularly sensitive to
      CDC42 blockade. Mechanistic studies suggested that Cdc42 may be activated at
      different levels, including at the level of transcriptional activation of the
      stem cell-enriched Rho family exchange factor Arhgef4. Our results indicate that
      early-stage mutant intestinal epithelial cells must recruit the pleiotropic
      functions of Cdc42 for malignant progression, suggesting its relevance as a
      biomarker and therapeutic target for selective colorectal cancer intervention.

PMID- 25114008
TI  - Chromosomal rearrangement features of Yersinia pestis strains from natural plague
      foci in China.
AB  - The Yersinia pestis chromosome contains a large variety and number of insert
      sequences that have resulted in frequent chromosome rearrangement events. To
      identify the chromosomal rearrangement features of Y. pestis strains from five
      typical plague foci in China and study spontaneous DNA rearrangements potentially
      stabilized in certain lineages of Y. pestis genomes, we examined the linking mode
      of locally collinear blocks (LCBs) in 30 Y. pestis strains by a polymerase chain
      reaction-based method. Our results suggest most strains have relatively stable
      chromosomal arrangement patterns, and these rearrangement characteristics also
      have a very close relationship with the geographical origin. In addition, some
      LCB linking modes are only present in specific strains. We conclude Y. pestis
      chromosome rearrangement patterns may reflect the genetic features of specific
      geographical areas and can be applied to distinguish Y. pestis isolates;
      furthermore, most of the rearrangement events are stable in certain lineages of
      Y. pestis genomes. 

PMID- 25114009
TI  - Standardization of a TaqMan-based real-time PCR for the detection of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis-complex in human sputum.
AB  - Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was optimized for detecting
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum. Sputum was collected from patients (N =
      112) with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis, tested by smear microscopy,
      decontaminated, and split into equal aliquots that were cultured in Lowenstein
      Jensen medium and tested by qPCR for the small mobile genetic element IS6110. The
      human ERV3 sequence was used as an internal control. 3 of 112 (3%) qPCR failed.
      For the remaining 109 samples, qPCR diagnosed tuberculosis in 79 of 84 patients
      with culture-proven tuberculosis, and sensitivity was greater than microscopy
      (94% versus 76%, respectively, P < 0.05). The qPCR sensitivity was similar (P =
      0.9) for smear-positive (94%, 60 of 64) and smear-negative (95%, 19 of 20)
      samples. The qPCR was negative for 24 of 25 of the sputa with negative microscopy
      and culture (diagnostic specificity 96%). The qPCR had 99.5% sensitivity and
      specificity for 211 quality control samples including 84 non-tuberculosis
      mycobacteria. The qPCR cost ~5US$ per sample and provided same-day results
      compared with 2-6 weeks for culture. 

PMID- 25114010
TI  - Sperm morphological features associated with chronic Chagas disease in the semen
      of experimentally infected dogs.
AB  - The presence of trypanosomatids in the reproductive systems of different mammals
      (causing genital lesions in the acute stage of the disease) may predispose the
      animals to low semen quality. However, there are no studies examining the
      alterations in the sperm morphological features in the chronic stage of
      Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Knowledge of these aspects is important to
      understand the other ways of transmission of the Chagas disease. Progressive
      motility, mass motility, concentration, and sperm morphology of 84 ejaculates of
      dogs that were chronically infected with T. cruzi were evaluated. Most of the
      findings were consistent with the reference values and with those obtained from
      healthy control dogs. The scrotal circumference was not correlated with
      spermatozoa concentration in the infected animals. In conclusion, the T. cruzi
      Ninoa (MHOM/MX/1994/Ninoa) strain does not cause significant alterations in the
      semen quality of dogs experiencing chronic Chagas disease (at concentrations of 5
      * 10(4) to 1 * 10(6) parasites per animal). 

PMID- 25114011
TI  - Preliminary study on tubuloglomerular dysfunction and evidence of renal
      inflammation in patients with visceral leishmaniasis.
AB  - Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a re-emerging zoonosis of worldwide distribution.
      Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and malondialdehyde (MDA) are inflammation
      biomarkers that have never been investigated in VL. The aim of this study is to
      investigate the association between renal abnormalities and inflammation
      biomarkers in VL. This study is a preliminary prospective study with 16 VL adult
      patients evaluated before treatment compared with a group of 13 healthy
      volunteers and 5 VL patients evaluated after treatment. Urinary concentration and
      acidification tests were performed. MCP-1 and MDA were quantified in urine.
      Urinary concentration deficit was found in all VL patients before (100%) and four
      VL patients after (80%) treatment. Urinary acidification deficit was found in
      nine cases before (56.2%) and two cases after (40%) treatment. Urinary MCP-1 (374
      +/- 359 versus 42 +/- 29 pg/mg creatinine, P = 0.002) as well as urinary MDA (5.4
      +/- 2.6 versus 2.0 +/- 0.8 MUmol/mL) showed significant differences between VL
      patients and controls. These data show that VL patients present urinary
      concentration and acidification deficit, which can persist even after specific
      treatment. Urinary MCP-1 and MDA are elevated in patients with VL, which suggests
      renal inflammation and incipient renal damage.

PMID- 25114012
TI  - Bacterial shedding in household contacts of cholera patients in Dhaka,
      Bangladesh.
AB  - Multiple Vibrio cholerae infections within the same household are common.
      Household contacts of patients with cholera were observed with daily clinical
      assessments and collection of rectal swab cultures for nine days after
      presentation of the index case. During the follow-up period, 71 (24%) of 294
      household contacts developed a positive V. cholerae rectal swab, signifying
      bacterial shedding. The average length of bacterial shedding was 2.0 days (95%
      confidence interval 1.7-2.4). However, 16 (5%) of 294 contacts shed V. cholerae
      for >= 4 days. In a multivariate analysis, malnutrition was predictive of long
      term shedding (odds ratio = 1.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-13, P = 0.02).
      High rates of V. cholerae infection and bacterial shedding among household
      contacts of cholera patients represent an opportunity for intervention to reduce
      V. cholerae transmission. 

PMID- 25114013
TI  - Development of conventional and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction assays to detect Tembusu virus in Culex tarsalis mosquitoes.
AB  - Tembusu virus (TMUV) is an important emerging arthropod-borne virus that may
      cause encephalitis in humans and has been isolated in regions of southeast Asia,
      including Malaysia, Thailand, and China. Currently, detection and identification
      of TMUV are limited to research laboratories, because quantitative rapid
      diagnostic assays for the virus do not exist. We describe the development of
      sensitive and specific conventional and real-time quantitative reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction assays for detecting TMUV RNA in infected
      cell culture supernatant and Culex tarsalis mosquitoes. We used this assay to
      document the replication of TMUV in Cx. tarsalis, where titers increased 1,000
      fold 5 days after inoculation. These assays resulted in the detection of virus
      specific RNA in the presence of copurified mosquito nucleic acids. The use of
      these rapid diagnostic assays may have future applications for field pathogen
      surveillance and may assist in early detection, diagnosis, and control of the
      associated arthropod-borne pathogens. 

PMID- 25114015
TI  - Nitrogen signalling in plant interactions with associative and endophytic
      diazotrophic bacteria.
AB  - Some beneficial plant-interacting bacteria can biologically fix N2 to plant
      available ammonium. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is an important source of
      nitrogen (N) input in agriculture and represents a promising substitute for
      chemical N fertilizers. Diazotrophic bacteria have the ability to develop
      different types of root associations with different plant species. Among the
      highest rates of BNF are those measured in legumes nodulated by endosymbionts, an
      already very well documented model of plant-diazotrophic bacterial association.
      However, it has also been shown that economically important crops, especially
      monocots, can obtain a substantial part of their N needs from BNF by interacting
      with associative and endophytic diazotrophic bacteria, that either live near the
      root surface or endophytically colonize intercellular spaces and vascular tissues
      of host plants. One of the best reported outcomes of this association is the
      promotion of plant growth by direct and indirect mechanisms. Besides fixing N,
      these bacteria can also produce plant growth hormones, and some species are
      reported to improve nutrient uptake and increase plant tolerance against biotic
      and abiotic stresses. Thus, this particular type of plant-bacteria association
      consists of a natural beneficial system to be explored; however, the regulatory
      mechanisms involved are still not clear. Plant N status might act as a key
      signal, regulating and integrating various metabolic processes that occur during
      association with diazotrophic bacteria. This review will focus on the recent
      progress in understanding plant association with associative and endophytic
      diazotrophic bacteria, particularly on the knowledge of the N networks involved
      in BNF and in the promotion of plant growth. 

PMID- 25114014
TI  - Regulation of amino acid metabolic enzymes and transporters in plants.
AB  - Amino acids play several critical roles in plants, from providing the building
      blocks of proteins to being essential metabolites interacting with many branches
      of metabolism. They are also important molecules that shuttle organic nitrogen
      through the plant. Because of this central role in nitrogen metabolism, amino
      acid biosynthesis, degradation, and transport are tightly regulated to meet
      demand in response to nitrogen and carbon availability. While much is known about
      the feedback regulation of the branched biosynthesis pathways by the amino acids
      themselves, the regulation mechanisms at the transcriptional, post
      transcriptional, and protein levels remain to be identified. This review focuses
      mainly on the current state of our understanding of the regulation of the enzymes
      and transporters at the transcript level. Current results describing the effect
      of transcription factors and protein modifications lead to a fragmental picture
      that hints at multiple, complex levels of regulation that control and coordinate
      transport and enzyme activities. It also appears that amino acid metabolism,
      amino acid transport, and stress signal integration can influence each other in a
      so-far unpredictable fashion. 

PMID- 25114017
TI  - Recent recreational physical activity and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal
      women in the E3N cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical activity probably protects against the risk of breast cancer
      after menopause, but questions remain about how rapidly and for how long this
      protective effect exists. METHODS: We analyzed data from 59,308 postmenopausal
      women (2,155 incident invasive breast cancers) followed between 1993 and 2005
      (8.5 years postmenopause on average) through biennial questionnaires.
      Multivariable Cox models included time-varying exposure data, using levels of
      recreational physical activity self-reported in 1993, 1997, and 2002. RESULTS:
      Women with recent (within the previous 4 years) recreational physical activity
      levels >=12 metabolic equivalent task-hours (MET-h)/week had a lower risk of
      invasive breast cancer than women with lower levels [HR, 0.90; 95% confidence
      interval (CI), 0.82-0.99], with no apparent dose-response relation beyond 12 MET
      h/week. Associations did not vary significantly across ER/PR subtypes. Risk
      reductions were of the same magnitude order regardless of weight change, body
      mass index, waist circumference, or less recent (5-9 years earlier) physical
      activity levels. Among women with levels of physical activity >=12 MET-h/week 5
      to 9 years earlier, those who became less active (<12 MET-h/week) had a
      significantly increased risk of breast cancer compared with those who did not
      (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.35). And, compared with the least active women at both
      time points, they had no significantly decreased risk of breast cancer (HR, 1.06;
      95% CI, 0.87-1.29). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a decrease in risk
      associated with recent recreational physical activity even of modest levels.
      IMPACT: Starting or maintaining physical activity after menopause may be
      beneficial regarding breast cancer risk.

PMID- 25114018
TI  - Effects of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery on retinal vascular caliber,
      ocular pulse amplitude and retinal thickness measurements.
AB  - AIM: The retina and ocular vasculature are vulnerable to alterations in systemic
      hemodynamics, such as in open heart surgeries. Our aim was to investigate retinal
      vascular caliber (RVC), ocular pulse amplitude (OPA), peripapillary retinal nerve
      fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness in coronary artery bypass grafting
      (CABG) surgery patients. METHODS: Twenty-six patients who had a history of CABG
      surgery and 26 age-sex-matched healthy participants were recruited for this
      prospective, cross-sectional and comparative study. The RVC, peripapillary RNFL
      and macular thickness measurements were taken with spectral-domain optical
      coherence tomography. The OPA, a surrogate of pulsatile ocular blood flow, was
      measured with the Pascal dynamic contour tonometer. RESULTS: There were no
      statistically significant differences between the CABG surgery patients and the
      controls with regard to RVC, OPA, peripapillary RNFL thickness and macular
      thickness measurements (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CABG surgery does not affect
      retinal structures and pulsatile ocular blood flow in the long-term follow-up.

PMID- 25114019
TI  - Is it safe to leave an ECMO circuit primed?
AB  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a means of life support for failing
      patients who require extreme life-saving measures due to failure of their heart,
      lungs or both organs. In a patient suffering cardiac arrest, the faster
      circulation via cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be instituted the better
      the outcome is. If an ECMO circuit needs to be built and primed it may add
      significant minutes to the response time. The purpose of this study is to test
      for any growth in primed ECMO circuits at given time intervals to prove the
      safety of leaving an ECMO circuit primed. This, in turn, may lead to decreased
      response time, with an arrest and the placement of the arresting patient on ECMO.
      Five ECMO circuits were set up, primed and sampled for bacterial growth at 0, 24,
      48 and 72 hours and then at one-week intervals, with an end point of four weeks.
      No bacterial growth was found at any point during the sampling process. 

PMID- 25114016
TI  - Arabidopsis ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 promotes systemic acquired
      resistance via azelaic acid and its precursor 9-oxo nonanoic acid.
AB  - Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a form of inducible disease resistance that
      depends on salicylic acid and its upstream regulator ENHANCED DISEASE
      SUSCEPTIBILITY1 (EDS1). Although local Arabidopsis thaliana defence responses
      activated by the Pseudomonas syringae effector protein AvrRpm1 are intact in eds1
      mutant plants, SAR signal generation is abolished. Here, the SAR-specific
      phenotype of the eds1 mutant is utilized to identify metabolites that contribute
      to SAR. To this end, SAR bioassay-assisted fractionation of extracts from the
      wild type compared with eds1 mutant plants that conditionally express AvrRpm1 was
      performed. Using high-performance liquid chromatography followed by mass
      spectrometry, systemic immunity was associated with the accumulation of 60
      metabolites, including the putative SAR signal azelaic acid (AzA) and its
      precursors 9-hydroperoxy octadecadienoic acid (9-HPOD) and 9-oxo nonanoic acid
      (ONA). Exogenous ONA induced SAR in systemic untreated leaves when applied at a 4
      fold lower concentration than AzA. The data suggest that in planta oxidation of
      ONA to AzA might be partially responsible for this response and provide further
      evidence that AzA mobilizes Arabidopsis immunity in a concentration-dependent
      manner. The AzA fragmentation product pimelic acid did not induce SAR. The
      results link the C9 lipid peroxidation products ONA and AzA with systemic rather
      than local resistance and suggest that EDS1 directly or indirectly promotes the
      accumulation of ONA, AzA, or one or more of their common precursors possibly by
      activating one or more pathways that either result in the release of these
      compounds from galactolipids or promote lipid peroxidation. 

PMID- 25114020
TI  - Commentary on: Is it safe to leave an ECMO circuit primed?

PMID- 25114021
TI  - One course of adjuvant BEP in clinical stage I nonseminoma mature and expanded
      results from the SWENOTECA group.
AB  - BACKGROUND: SWENOTECA has since 1998 offered patients with clinical stage I (CS
      I) nonseminoma, adjuvant chemotherapy with one course of bleomycin, etoposide and
      cisplatin (BEP). The aim has been to reduce the risk of relapse, sparing patients
      the need of toxic salvage treatment. Initial results on 312 patients treated with
      one course of adjuvant BEP, with a median follow-up of 4.5 years, have been
      previously published. We now report mature and expanded results. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: In a prospective, binational, population-based risk-adapted treatment
      protocol, 517 Norwegian and Swedish patients with CS I nonseminoma received one
      course of adjuvant BEP. Patients with lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in the
      primary testicular tumor were recommended one course of adjuvant BEP. Patients
      without LVI could choose between surveillance and one course of adjuvant BEP.
      Data for patients receiving one course of BEP are presented in this study.
      RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 7.9 years, 12 relapses have occurred, all with
      IGCCC good prognosis. The latest relapse occurred 3.3 years after adjuvant
      treatment. The relapse rate at 5 years was 3.2% for patients with LVI and 1.6%
      for patients without LVI. Five-year cause-specific survival was 100%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The updated and expanded results confirm a low relapse rate
      following one course of adjuvant BEP in CS I nonseminoma. One course of adjuvant
      BEP should be considered a standard treatment in CS I nonseminoma with LVI. For
      patients with CS I nonseminoma without LVI, one course of adjuvant BEP is also a
      treatment option.

PMID- 25114022
TI  - Phase II study of stereotactic body radiotherapy to primary tumor and metastatic
      locations in oligometastatic nonsmall-cell lung cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as a treatment
      modality in patients presenting with oligometastatic nonsmall-cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). SBRT is used as a local consolidative treatment to metastatic disease
      sites. The majority of patients included in SBRT trials for oligometastatic NSCLC
      have controlled primary tumors and brain metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Oligometastatic NSCLC patients with <=5 metastatic lesions were included in a
      prospective phase II trial to evaluate efficacy and toxicity of SBRT to all
      disease sites, primary tumor and metastatic locations. SBRT to a dose of 50 Gy in
      10 fractions was delivered. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET
      CT) was carried out at baseline and 3 months after SBRT to evaluate the metabolic
      response rate according to PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (PERCIST). The
      progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using
      Kaplan-Meier method from start of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Side-effects were
      scored using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for
      Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) version 3.0. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients received
      SBRT after induction chemotherapy (n = 17) or as a primary treatment (n = 9).
      Median follow-up was 16.4 months. Overall metabolic response rate was 60% with
      seven patients (30%) achieving a complete metabolic remission and 7 (30%) a
      partial metabolic response. Any acute grade 2 toxicity was observed in four
      patients (15%) and grade 3 pulmonary toxicity in two patients (8%). Median PFS
      and OS were 11.2 and 23 months. The 1-year PFS and 1-year OS rate were 45% and
      67%, respectively. CONCLUSION: SBRT to all disease sites, primary tumor and
      metastatic locations, in oligometastatic NSCLC patients produced an acceptable
      median PFS of 11.2 months.

PMID- 25114023
TI  - Ion conduction and selectivity in acid-sensing ion channel 1.
AB  - The ability of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) to discriminate among cations
      was assessed based on changes in conductance and reversal potential with ion
      substitution. Human ASIC1a was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and acid
      induced currents were measured using two-electrode voltage clamp. Replacement of
      extracellular Na(+) with Li(+), K(+), Rb(+), or Cs(+) altered inward conductance
      and shifted the reversal potentials consistent with a selectivity sequence of Li
      ~ Na > K > Rb > Cs. Permeability decreased more rapidly than conductance as a
      function of atomic size, with P(K)/P(Na) = 0.1 and G(K)/G(Na) = 0.7 and
      P(Rb)/P(Na) = 0.03 and G(Rb)/G(Na) = 0.3. Stimulation of Cl(-) currents when
      Na(+) was replaced with Ca(2+), Sr(2+), or Ba(2+) indicated a finite permeability
      to divalent cations. Inward conductance increased with extracellular Na(+) in a
      hyperbolic manner, consistent with an apparent affinity (K(m)) for Na(+)
      conduction of 25 mM. Nitrogen-containing cations, including NH4(+), NH3OH(+), and
      guanidinium, were also permeant. In addition to passing through the channels,
      guanidinium blocked Na(+) currents, implying competition for a site within the
      pore. The role of negative charges in an external vestibule of the pore was
      evaluated using the point mutation D434N. The mutant channel had a decreased
      single-channel conductance, measured in excised outside-out patches, and a
      macroscopic slope conductance that increased with hyperpolarization. It had a
      weakened interaction with Na(+) (K(m) = 72 mM) and a selectivity that was shifted
      toward larger atomic sizes. We conclude that the selectivity of ASIC1 is based at
      least in part on interactions with binding sites both within and internal to the
      outer vestibule.

PMID- 25114025
TI  - Three-dimensional bioprinting: new horizon for cardiac surgery.

PMID- 25114024
TI  - Voltage control of Ca2+ permeation through N-type calcium (Ca(V)2.2) channels.
AB  - Voltage-gated calcium (Ca(V)) channels deliver Ca(2+) to trigger cellular
      functions ranging from cardiac muscle contraction to neurotransmitter release.
      The mechanism by which these channels select for Ca(2+) over other cations is
      thought to involve multiple Ca(2+)-binding sites within the pore. Although the
      Ca(2+) affinity and cation preference of these sites have been extensively
      investigated, the effect of voltage on these sites has not received the same
      attention. We used a neuronal preparation enriched for N-type calcium (Ca(V)2.2)
      channels to investigate the effect of voltage on Ca(2+) flux. We found that the
      EC50 for Ca(2+) permeation increases from 13 mM at 0 mV to 240 mM at 60 mV,
      indicating that, during permeation, Ca(2+) ions sense the electric field. These
      data were nicely reproduced using a three-binding-site step model. Using
      roscovitine to slow Ca(V)2.2 channel deactivation, we extended these measurements
      to voltages <0 mV. Permeation was minimally affected at these hyperpolarized
      voltages, as was predicted by the model. As an independent test of voltage
      effects on permeation, we examined the Ca(2+)-Ba(2+) anomalous mole fraction (MF)
      effect, which was both concentration and voltage dependent. However, the Ca(2+)
      Ba(2+) anomalous MF data could not be reproduced unless we added a fourth site to
      our model. Thus, Ca(2+) permeation through Ca(V)2.2 channels may require at least
      four Ca(2+)-binding sites. Finally, our results suggest that the high affinity of
      Ca(2+) for the channel helps to enhance Ca(2+) influx at depolarized voltages
      relative to other ions (e.g., Ba(2+) or Na(+)), whereas the absence of voltage
      effects at negative potentials prevents Ca(2+) from becoming a channel blocker.
      Both effects are needed to maximize Ca(2+) influx over the voltages spanned by
      action potentials.

PMID- 25114026
TI  - Positive psychological states and health behaviors in acute coronary syndrome
      patients: A qualitative study.
AB  - Positive psychological states are linked to superior cardiac outcomes, possibly
      mediated through increased participation in health behaviors. Trained study staff
      conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews in the hospital and 3 months later
      for 34 patients diagnosed with an acute coronary syndrome. These interviews
      focused on positive psychological states, cardiac health behaviors, and their
      connection; the interviews were transcribed and independently coded using
      directed content analysis. Both optimism and positive affect were associated with
      completion of physical activity and healthy eating in a bidirectional manner. In
      contrast, gratitude, while common, was infrequently linked to completion of
      health behaviors.

PMID- 25114028
TI  - Mode of swine hepatitis E virus infection and replication in primary human
      hepatocytes.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the infection and replication of swine
      derived hepatitis E virus (HEV) in primary cultured human hepatocytes (PHCs).
      Hepatocytes were cultured from the resected normal livers of patients with
      metastatic tumours. These cultured hepatocytes were infected with swine-derived
      genotype 3 or 4 HEV. Viral replication was monitored using reverse transcriptase
      quantitative PCR. The amount of HEV RNA increased in the culture media and cells
      following infection. Immunofluorescence staining implied that the spread of HEV
      infection in hepatocytes was attributed mainly to cell-to-cell transmission via
      the cell membrane. The sequences of the inoculated and propagated HEV were
      determined to examine whether sequence variation occurred during infection.
      Sequence analysis showed that there were no differences between inoculated and
      propagated HEV, demonstrating that in vitro infection and replication of swine
      HEV in PHCs occurred without sequence variation. 

PMID- 25114030
TI  - MitraClip procedure for the treatment of a pseudo-cleft in the posterior mitral
      leaflet.

PMID- 25114029
TI  - Identification and functional analysis of inter-subunit disulfide bonds of the F
      protein of Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus.
AB  - The major envelope fusion protein F of the budded virus of baculoviruses consists
      of two disulfide-linked subunits: an N-terminal F2 subunit and a C-terminal,
      membrane-anchored F1 subunit. There is one cysteine in F2 and there are 15
      cysteines in F1, but their role in disulfide linking is largely unknown. In this
      study, the inter- and intra-subunit disulfide bonds of the Helicoverpa armigera
      single nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) F protein were analysed by
      site-directed mutagenesis. Results indicated that in a functional F protein, an
      inter-subunit disulfide bond exists between amino acids C108 (F2) and C241 (F1).
      When C241 was mutated, an alternative disulfide bond was formed between C108 and
      C232, rendering F non-functional. No inter-subunit bridge was observed in a
      double C232/C241 mutant of F1. C403 was not involved in the formation of inter
      subunit disulfide bonding, but mutation of this amino acid decreased viral
      infectivity significantly, suggesting that it might be involved in intra-subunit
      disulfide bonds. The influence of reductant [tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine
      (TCEP)] and free-thiol inhibitors [4-acetamido-4'-maleimidylstilbene 2,2'
      disulfonic acid (AMS) and 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB)] on the
      infectivity of HearNPV was tested. The results indicated that TCEP greatly
      decreased the infection of HzAm1 cells by HearNPV. In contrast, AMS and DTNB had
      no inhibitory effect on viral infectivity. The data suggested that free
      thiol/disulfide isomerization was not likely to play a role in viral entry and
      infectivity. 

PMID- 25114027
TI  - Translating advances in cardiogenetics into effective clinical practice.
AB  - In this article we describe a qualitative research study in which we explored
      individuals' subjective experiences of both genetic testing and cardiogenetic
      disorders. Using a grounded theory approach, we coded and analyzed interview and
      focus group transcripts from 50 participants. We found that just under half of
      the participants who received their diagnosis during the study reported
      difficulty understanding information about both the purpose of genetic testing
      and their cardiac disease. A high level of anxiety about genetic testing and
      cardiac symptoms exacerbated individuals' cognitive confusion. Participants
      reported both positive and negative interactions with the medical community,
      depending on health care professionals' knowledge of cardiogenetic disorders.
      Overall, participants expressed a range of attitudes--positive, negative, and
      ambivalent--toward genetic testing. We conclude with a discussion of the barriers
      to achieving effective clinical care for genetic conditions and offer suggestions
      for improving collaborative decision making between physicians and patients.

PMID- 25114031
TI  - Emerging epidemic of hepatitis C virus infections among young nonurban persons
      who inject drugs in the United States, 2006-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reports of acute hepatitis C in young persons in the United States
      have increased. We examined data from national surveillance and supplemental case
      follow-up at selected jurisdictions to describe the US epidemiology of hepatitis
      C virus (HCV) infection among young persons (aged <=30 years). METHODS: We
      examined trends in incidence of acute hepatitis C among young persons reported to
      the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during 2006-2012 by state,
      county, and urbanicity. Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of HCV
      infected young persons newly reported from 2011 to 2012 were analyzed from case
      interviews and provider follow-up at 6 jurisdictions. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2012,
      reported incidence of acute hepatitis C increased significantly in young persons
      13% annually in nonurban counties (P = .003) vs 5% annually in urban counties (P
      = .028). Thirty (88%) of 34 reporting states observed higher incidence in 2012
      than 2006, most noticeably in nonurban counties east of the Mississippi River. Of
      1202 newly reported HCV-infected young persons, 52% were female and 85% were
      white. In 635 interviews, 75% of respondents reported injection drug use. Of
      respondents reporting drug use, 75% had abused prescription opioids, with first
      use on average 2.0 years before heroin. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate an
      emerging US epidemic of HCV infection among young nonurban persons of
      predominantly white race. Reported incidence was higher in 2012 than 2006 in at
      least 30 states, with largest increases in nonurban counties east of the
      Mississippi River. Prescription opioid abuse at an early age was commonly
      reported and should be a focus for medical and public health intervention.

PMID- 25114033
TI  - Editorial commentary: protease inhibitor monotherapy: safe for the CNS in durably
      suppressed patients?

PMID- 25114034
TI  - Immunogenic cell death inducers as anticancer agents.

PMID- 25114036
TI  - Ras in epidermal proliferation.

PMID- 25114032
TI  - A prospective cohort study of neurocognitive function in aviremic HIV-infected
      patients treated with 1 or 3 antiretrovirals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evolution of neurocognitive performance in aviremic human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients treated with <3 antiretrovirals is
      unknown. METHODS: We prospectively included aviremic (>=1 year) HIV-positive
      patients, without concomitant major neurocognitive confounders, currently
      receiving boosted lopinavir or darunavir as monotherapy (n = 67) or triple
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) (n = 67) for >=1 year. We evaluated neurocognitive
      function (7 domains) at baseline and after 1 year. We performed analysis of
      covariance to evaluate if 1 additional year of exposure to monotherapy compared
      with triple ART had an effect on Global Deficit Score (GDS) changes after
      adjustment for potential confounders. We also compared the evolution of
      neurocognitive performance and impairment rates. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat
      analysis showed that monotherapy did not influence 1-year GDS change after
      adjustment for significant confounders (age, ethnicity, duration of therapy,
      hepatitis C virus status, and HOMA-IR index); the adjusted effect was -0.04 (95%
      confidence interval, -.14 to .05; P = .38). Neurocognitive stability was observed
      with monotherapy and triple therapy (GDS crude mean change, -0.09 [95% confidence
      interval, -.16 to -.01] vs -0.08 [-.14 to -.02]), after 1 year of follow-up,
      similar proportions of patients changed neurocognitive status from impaired to
      unimpaired (monotherapy, 4 of 18 [22.2%]; triple therapy, 4 of 19 [21.1%]; P =
      .91) and vice versa (monotherapy, 5 of 44 [10.2%] and triple therapy, 3 of 45
      [6.3%]; P = .48). Similar results were observed in an on-treatment analysis and
      with use of clinical ratings instead of GDS changes. CONCLUSIONS: The number of
      antiretrovirals included in the ART regimen does not seem to influence the
      evolution of neurocognitive function in HIV-infected patients with suppressed
      plasma viremia.

PMID- 25114037
TI  - Knowledge-based computational models.

PMID- 25114035
TI  - Targeting lemurs against cancer metastasis.

PMID- 25114039
TI  - Caspase-2 regulates oncogene-induced senescence.
AB  - Cellular senescence is activated by numerous cellular insults, in particular
      those driving cancer formation, resulting in stable proliferation arrest and
      acquisition of specific features. By self-opposing to oncogenic stimulation,
      senescence is considered as a failsafe program, allowing, when functional, to
      inhibit cancers occurrence. Compelling evidences suggest a tumor suppressive
      activity of caspase-2, eventually independently of its effect on cell death. The
      original results described here demonstrate that this tumor suppressive activity
      of caspase-2 is mediated, at least in part, by its pro-senescing activity.
      Indeed, we have demonstrated in vitro and in vivo that loss of function of
      caspase-2 allows to escape oncogenic stress induced senescence. These results are
      discussed in the context of known tumor suppressive activity of caspase-2.

PMID- 25114040
TI  - Development of a real-time PCR for the detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in
      California sea lions.
AB  - Several real-time PCR assays are currently used for detection of pathogenic
      Leptospira spp.; however, few methods have been described for the successful
      evaluation of clinical urine samples. This study reports a rapid assay for the
      detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in California sea lions Zalophus
      californianus using real-time PCR with primers and a probe targeting the lipL32
      gene. The PCR assay had high analytic sensitivity-the limit of detection was 3
      genome copies per PCR volume using L. interrogans serovar Pomona DNA and 100%
      analytic specificity; it detected all pathogenic leptospiral serovars tested and
      none of the non-pathogenic Leptospira species (L. biflexa and L. meyeri serovar
      Semaranga), the intermediate species L. inadai, or the non-Leptospira pathogens
      tested. Our assay had an amplification efficiency of 1.00. Comparisons between
      the real-time PCR assay and culture isolation for detection of pathogenic
      Leptospira spp. in urine and kidney tissue samples from California sea lions
      showed that samples were more often positive by real-time PCR than by culture
      methods. Inclusion of an internal amplification control in the real-time PCR
      assay showed no inhibitory effects in PCR negative samples. These studies
      indicated that our real-time PCR assay has high analytic sensitivity and
      specificity for the rapid detection of pathogenic Leptospira species in urine and
      kidney tissue samples. 

PMID- 25114038
TI  - Tumor suppressor p53 negatively regulates glycolysis stimulated by hypoxia
      through its target RRAD.
AB  - Cancer cells display enhanced glycolysis to meet their energetic and biosynthetic
      demands even under normal oxygen concentrations. Recent studies have revealed
      that tumor suppressor p53 represses glycolysis under normoxia as a novel
      mechanism for tumor suppression. As a common microenvironmental stress for
      tumors, hypoxia drives the metabolic switch from the oxidative phosphorylation to
      glycolysis, which is crucial for survival and proliferation of cancer cells under
      hypoxia. The p53's role and mechanism in regulating glycolysis under hypoxia is
      poorly understood. Here, we found that p53 represses hypoxia-stimulated
      glycolysis in cancer cells through RRAD, a newly-identified p53 target. RRAD
      expression is frequently decreased in lung cancer. Ectopic expression of RRAD
      greatly reduces glycolysis whereas knockdown of RRAD promotes glycolysis in lung
      cancer cells. Furthermore, RRAD represses glycolysis mainly through inhibition of
      GLUT1 translocation to the plasma membrane. Under hypoxic conditions, p53 induces
      RRAD, which in turn inhibits the translocation of GLUT1 and represses glycolysis
      in lung cancer cells. Blocking RRAD by siRNA greatly abolishes p53's function in
      repressing glycolysis under hypoxia. Taken together, our results revealed an
      important role and mechanism of p53 in antagonizing the stimulating effect of
      hypoxia on glycolysis, which contributes to p53's function in tumor suppression.

PMID- 25114041
TI  - Benign effect of the fish parasitic isopod Ceratothoa cf. imbricata on Selenotoca
      multifasciata (Scatophagidae) from Australia.
AB  - The tongue-biter cymothoid isopod Ceratothoa cf. imbricata is nearly ubiquitous
      in buccal cavities of the banded scat Selenotoca multifasciata (Scatophagidae)
      from Waterloo Bay, south-east Queensland. To test whether infestation affects
      fish growth or condition significantly, we explored parasitism and condition in
      122 S. multifasciata specimens. The internal area of the buccal cavity and that
      occupied by ovigerous female isopods were measured, allowing the relative
      proportion of free internal area of the buccal cavity (PFIAO) to be calculated.
      Of 122 fish, 119 (97.5%) were infected; 35.3% had large female isopods, the
      remaining infections comprised much smaller mancae, juveniles and adult males.
      Mean intensity of infection was significantly correlated with fish total length
      (TL). In some fish, the female isopod occupied up to 80% of the buccal cavity
      area. There was little evidence of attachment damage in the buccal cavity; only 9
      of 43 hosts analysed had restricted damage to the tissues at the points of
      attachment of the female isopod. Condition factor, food intensity index and
      stomach weight did not differ between fish with and without female C. cf.
      imbricata. The relative proportion of free internal area of the buccal cavity
      with respect to the fish total length (PFIAO/TL2 ratio) of fish infected with
      females correlated with food intensity and condition factor. Although the
      correlation was significant, the actual effect was not large because more than
      70% of these 2 indices was not explained by the PFIAO/TL2 ratio (r2 < 0.3 in both
      cases). Despite the dramatic appearance of infestations and the high prevalence
      of C. cf. imbricata in the population, the near-absence of pathological
      alterations and the limited effect of the isopod on the condition indices and
      food intensity suggest that this isopod is relatively benign for S.
      multifasciata. 

PMID- 25114042
TI  - Identification and analysis of three virulence-associated TonB-dependent outer
      membrane receptors of Pseudomonas fluorescens.
AB  - Pseudomonas fluorescens is a Gram-negative bacterium that can infect a wide range
      of farmed fish. However, very little is known about the virulence mechanism of P.
      fluorescens as a fish pathogen. In this study, we identified and analyzed 3 TonB
      dependent outer membrane receptors (TDRs) from a pathogenic P. fluorescens strain
      isolated from fish. In silico analysis revealed that all 3 proteins (named Tdr1
      to 3) possess structural domains typical of TDRs. Quantitative real time RT-PCR
      analysis showed that tdr1, tdr2, and tdr3 expressions were upregulated under iron
      depleted conditions. Compared to the wild type, mutants defective in tdr1, tdr2,
      and tdr3 were retarded in growth to different extents. Infection in a turbot
      Scophthalmus maximus model showed that all 3 mutants were impaired in their
      ability to desseminate into and colonize host tissues. In addition, the tdr1 and
      tdr3 mutants exhibited significantly reduced virulence. When used as subunit
      vaccines, purified recombinant proteins of Tdr1, Tdr2, and, in particular, Tdr3
      elicited significant protection in turbot against lethal P. fluorescens
      challenge. The vaccinated fish produced specific serum antibodies, which, when
      incubated with P. fluorescens, blocked infection of P. fluorescens in fish cells.
      Together these results indicate that Tdr1, Tdr2, and Tdr3 are iron-regulated
      factors that participate in bacterial virulence and induce protective immunity as
      subunit vaccines. 

PMID- 25114043
TI  - Effects of experimentally induced infections of goldfish Carassius auratus with
      cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) at various water temperatures.
AB  - In this study, we examined the influence of water temperature on the development
      of herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis (HVHN) in goldfish Carassius auratus after
      experimentally induced infection with cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2). In Expt 1,
      Ryukin goldfish were infected with CyHV-2 by intraperitoneal injection and
      maintained at 4 different water temperatures. Cumulative mortalities of the 15,
      20, 25 and 30 degrees C groups were 10, 90, 90 and 60%, respectively. Therefore,
      the temperature range of 20-25 degrees C is considered highly permissive for
      HVHN. One of 6 surviving fish of the 15 degrees C group died after a rapid
      temperature increase to 25 degrees C at 30 d post infection. All 3 Edonishiki
      goldfish, co-reared with the surviving Ryukin in tanks where the water
      temperature was increased from 15 to 25 degrees C, died. In Expt 2, Edonishiki
      goldfish were exposed to CyHV-2 by bath immersion at 13 or 24 degrees C,
      resulting in cumulative mortalities of 0 and 87%, respectively, at 28 d post
      exposure. No mortality of the surviving Edonishiki in the 13 degrees C treatment
      was observed when the water temperature was increased to 24 degrees C. In
      addition, in Expt 2, no mortality was observed in any Ranchu co-reared with CyHV
      2-immersed Edonishiki in the group where water temperature was increased from 13
      to 24 degrees C, even after re-immersion challenge with CyHV-2. It is interesting
      to note that CyHV-2 DNA was detected in the kidneys of 4 of the 5 surviving
      Ranchu co-reared with the CyHV-2-immersed Edonishiki group where the water
      temperature was increased from 13 to 24 degrees C. Therefore, it is likely that
      the surviving Edonishiki of the 13 degrees C group were virus carriers. This
      study indicates that most fish infected with CyHV-2 at 13-15 degrees C acquire
      resistance to HVHN, but as carriers they are able to infect naive fish.

PMID- 25114044
TI  - Rearing practices identified as risk factors for ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1)
      infection in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas spat.
AB  - Early detection of Pacific oyster spat infected with ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV
      1) could prevent introduction of OsHV-1-infected individuals into farming areas
      or onshore rearing facilities, thus reducing the risk of infection of naive
      oysters in such production systems. Experiments were conducted on several hundred
      oyster spat provided by producers in order to examine whether early rearing
      practices could be considered as potential risk factors for (1) OsHV-1 infection
      as detected by molecular methods and (2) spat mortality experimentally induced
      through thermal challenge. Spat groups collected on oyster beds and hatchery spat
      reared in growout areas during summer exhibited higher viral DNA contamination
      and mortalities during the trial than spat kept in onshore rearing facilities.
      Quantification of viral DNA before and during the trial showed that infection
      prevalence and intensity changed over time and revealed latent infection
      initially unsuspected in 3 of 10 groups. Thermal challenge induced a clear
      increase in the probability of detecting infected individuals, particularly for
      groups exhibiting significant prevalence of OsHV-1-contaminated spat prior to the
      challenge. The use of detection methods are discussed in relation to early
      rearing practices and disease control strategies. 

PMID- 25114045
TI  - Ameson metacarcini sp. nov. (Microsporidia) infecting the muscles of Dungeness
      crabs Metacarcinus magister from British Columbia, Canada.
AB  - The Dungeness crab Metacarcinus magister supports a large and valuable fishery
      along the west coast of North America. Since 1998, Dungeness crabs exhibiting
      pink- to orange-colored joints and opaque white musculature have been
      sporadically observed in low prevalence from the Fraser River delta of British
      Columbia, Canada. We provide histological, ultrastructural, and molecular
      evidence that this condition is caused by a new microsporidian parasite. Crabs
      displaying gross symptoms were confirmed to have heavy infections of ovoid-shaped
      microsporidian spores (~1.8 * 1.4 um in size) within muscle bundles of the
      skeletal musculature. The parasite apparently infected the outer periphery of
      each muscle bundle, and then proliferated into the muscle fibres near the centre
      of each infected bundle. Light infections were observed in heart tissues, and
      occasionally spores were observed within the fixed phagocytes lining the blood
      vessels of the hepatopancreas. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed
      multiple life stages of a monokaryotic microsporidian parasite within the
      sarcoplasm of muscle fibres. Molecular analysis of partial small subunit rRNA
      sequence data from the new species revealed an affinity to Ameson, a genus of
      Microsporidia infecting marine crustaceans. Based on morphological and molecular
      data, the new species is distinct from Nadelspora canceri, a related
      microsporidian that also infects the muscles of this host. At present, little is
      known about the distribution, seasonality, and transmission of A. metacarcini in
      M. magister. 

PMID- 25114046
TI  - Variation in black and white band disease progression in corals of the Gulf of
      Mannar and Palk Bay, Southeastern India.
AB  - Information on the progression of coral diseases and transmission to live corals
      is scarce despite the fact that coral disease poses one of the most lethal
      threats to the survival of coral reefs. In this study, in situ progression rates
      of lesions similar to black band disease (BBD) and white band disease (WBD) were
      measured in different species of corals from the Gulf of Mannar (GoM) and Palk
      Bay, southeastern India, during the period between January and December of 2009.
      Maximum progression rates of 3 and 1.6 cm mo-1 for BBD and WBD, respectively,
      were observed during May, when the temperature exceeded 30 degrees C. The annual
      progression rate was 10.9 and 4.9 cm yr-1 for BBD at GoM and Palk Bay,
      respectively. Significant variation in the progression rate (p < 0.001) was
      observed between months in all the examined species. Significant correlation
      between temperature and disease progression rates for BBD (R2 = 0.875, p <=
      0.001) and WBD (R2 = 0.776, p <= 0.001) was recorded. Rates of disease
      progression were higher in Palk Bay than in GoM. This could be attributed to the
      higher temperature coupled with higher anthropogenic activities in Palk Bay.
      Severe mortality was observed due to both BBD and WBD. No sign of recovery was
      noticed in the disease-affected colonies at either study site. Anthropogenic
      activities should be checked, and further research on both the transmission and
      progression rate and role of the diseases in reef dynamics should be carried out
      to understand the causal factors in reef degradation and generate a plan to
      manage the reef properly. 

PMID- 25114047
TI  - Detection of the emerging amphibian pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and
      ranavirus in Russia.
AB  - In a population of the European common toad Bufo bufo from a rural pond in the
      region of Lake Glubokoe Regional Reserve in Moscow province, Russia, unexplained
      mass mortality events involving larvae and metamorphs have been observed over a
      monitoring period of >20 yr. We tested toads from this and a nearby site for the
      emerging amphibian pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and ranavirus
      (Rv). Both pathogens were detected, and at the rural pond site, with the above
      noted losses and decline in toad breeding success, 40% of B. bufo metamorphs were
      Bd positive, 46% were Rv positive and 20% were co-infected with both pathogens.
      Toad metamorphs from a neighbouring water body were also Bd and Rv positive (25
      and 55%, respectively). This is the first confirmation of these pathogens in
      Russia. Questions remain as to the origins of these pathogens in Russia and their
      roles in documented mass mortality events. 

PMID- 25114048
TI  - Rrd1p, an RNA polymerase II-specific prolyl isomerase and activator of
      phosphoprotein phosphatase, promotes transcription independently of rapamycin
      response.
AB  - Rrd1p (resistance to rapamycin deletion 1) has been previously implicated in
      controlling transcription of rapamycin-regulated genes in response to rapamycin
      treatment. Intriguingly, we show here that Rrd1p associates with the coding
      sequence of a galactose-inducible and rapamycin non-responsive GAL1 gene, and
      promotes the association of RNA polymerase II with GAL1 in the absence of
      rapamycin treatment following transcriptional induction. Consistently,
      nucleosomal disassembly at GAL1 is impaired in the absence of Rrd1p, and GAL1
      transcription is reduced in the Deltarrd1 strain. Likewise, Rrd1p associates with
      the coding sequences of other rapamycin non-responsive and inducible GAL genes to
      promote their transcription in the absence of rapamycin treatment. Similarly,
      inducible, but rapamycin-responsive, non-GAL genes such as CTT1, STL1 and CUP1
      are also regulated by Rrd1p. However, transcription of these inducible GAL and
      non-GAL genes is not altered in the absence of Rrd1p when the steady-state is
      reached after long transcriptional induction. Consistently, transcription of the
      constitutively active genes is not changed in the Deltarrd1 strain. Taken
      together, our results demonstrate a new function of Rrd1p in stimulation of
      initial rounds of transcription, but not steady-state/constitutive transcription,
      of both rapamycin-responsive and non-responsive genes independently of rapamycin
      treatment. 

PMID- 25114049
TI  - Structure and function of TatD exonuclease in DNA repair.
AB  - TatD is an evolutionarily conserved protein with thousands of homologues in all
      kingdoms of life. It has been suggested that TatD participates in DNA
      fragmentation during apoptosis in eukaryotic cells. However, the cellular
      functions and biochemical properties of TatD in bacterial and non-apoptotic
      eukaryotic cells remain elusive. Here we show that Escherichia coli TatD is a
      Mg(2+)-dependent 3'-5' exonuclease that prefers to digest single-stranded DNA and
      RNA. TatD-knockout cells are less resistant to the DNA damaging agent hydrogen
      peroxide, and TatD can remove damaged deaminated nucleotides from a DNA chain,
      suggesting that it may play a role in the H2O2-induced DNA repair. The crystal
      structure of the apo-form TatD and TatD bound to a single-stranded three
      nucleotide DNA was determined by X-ray diffraction methods at a resolution of 2.0
      and 2.9 A, respectively. TatD has a TIM-barrel fold and the single-stranded DNA
      is bound at the loop region on the top of the barrel. Mutational studies further
      identify important conserved metal ion-binding and catalytic residues in the TatD
      active site for DNA hydrolysis. We thus conclude that TatD is a new class of TIM
      barrel 3'-5' exonuclease that not only degrades chromosomal DNA during apoptosis
      but also processes single-stranded DNA during DNA repair. 

PMID- 25114050
TI  - Hydration of protein-RNA recognition sites.
AB  - We investigate the role of water molecules in 89 protein-RNA complexes taken from
      the Protein Data Bank. Those with tRNA and single-stranded RNA are less hydrated
      than with duplex or ribosomal proteins. Protein-RNA interfaces are hydrated less
      than protein-DNA interfaces, but more than protein-protein interfaces. Majority
      of the waters at protein-RNA interfaces makes multiple H-bonds; however, a
      fraction do not make any. Those making H-bonds have preferences for the polar
      groups of RNA than its partner protein. The spatial distribution of waters makes
      interfaces with ribosomal proteins and single-stranded RNA relatively 'dry' than
      interfaces with tRNA and duplex RNA. In contrast to protein-DNA interfaces,
      mainly due to the presence of the 2'OH, the ribose in protein-RNA interfaces is
      hydrated more than the phosphate or the bases. The minor groove in protein-RNA
      interfaces is hydrated more than the major groove, while in protein-DNA
      interfaces it is reverse. The strands make the highest number of water-mediated H
      bonds per unit interface area followed by the helices and the non-regular
      structures. The preserved waters at protein-RNA interfaces make higher number of
      H-bonds than the other waters. Preserved waters contribute toward the affinity in
      protein-RNA recognition and should be carefully treated while engineering protein
      RNA interfaces. 

PMID- 25114051
TI  - Molecular basis for the differential interaction of plant mitochondrial VDAC
      proteins with tRNAs.
AB  - In plants, the voltage-dependent anion-selective channel (VDAC) is a major
      component of a pathway involved in transfer RNA (tRNA) translocation through the
      mitochondrial outer membrane. However, the way in which VDAC proteins interact
      with tRNAs is still unknown. Potato mitochondria contain two major mitochondrial
      VDAC proteins, VDAC34 and VDAC36. These two proteins, composed of a N-terminal
      alpha-helix and of 19 beta-strands forming a beta-barrel structure, share 75%
      sequence identity. Here, using both northwestern and gel shift experiments, we
      report that these two proteins interact differentially with nucleic acids. VDAC34
      binds more efficiently with tRNAs or other nucleic acids than VDAC36. To further
      identify specific features and critical amino acids required for tRNA binding, 21
      VDAC34 mutants were constructed and analyzed by northwestern. This allowed us to
      show that the beta-barrel structure of VDAC34 and the first 50 amino acids that
      contain the alpha-helix are essential for RNA binding. Altogether the work shows
      that during evolution, plant mitochondrial VDAC proteins have diverged so as to
      interact differentially with nucleic acids, and this may reflect their
      involvement in various specialized biological functions. 

PMID- 25114052
TI  - Quantitative models for accelerated protein dissociation from nucleosomal DNA.
AB  - Binding of transcription factors to their binding sites in promoter regions is
      the fundamental event in transcriptional gene regulation. When a transcription
      factor binding site is located within a nucleosome, the DNA has to partially
      unwrap from the nucleosome to allow transcription factor binding. This reduces
      the rate of transcription factor binding and is a known mechanism for regulation
      of gene expression via chromatin structure. Recently a second mechanism has been
      reported where transcription factor off-rates are dramatically increased when
      binding to target sites within the nucleosome. There are two possible
      explanations for such an increase in off-rate short of an active role of the
      nucleosome in pushing the transcription factor off the DNA: (i) for dimeric
      transcription factors the nucleosome can change the equilibrium between monomeric
      and dimeric binding or (ii) the nucleosome can change the equilibrium between
      specific and non-specific binding to the DNA. We explicitly model both scenarios
      and find that dimeric binding can explain a large increase in off-rate while the
      non-specific binding model cannot be reconciled with the large, experimentally
      observed increase. Our results suggest a general mechanism how nucleosomes
      increase transcription factor dissociation to promote exchange of transcription
      factors and regulate gene expression. 

PMID- 25114053
TI  - Eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF5 promotes the accuracy of start
      codon recognition by regulating Pi release and conformational transitions of the
      preinitiation complex.
AB  - eIF5 is the GTPase activating protein (GAP) for the eIF2 . GTP . Met-tRNAi (Met)
      ternary complex with a critical role in initiation codon selection. Previous work
      suggested that the eIF5 mutation G31R/SUI5 elevates initiation at UUG codons by
      increasing GAP function. Subsequent work implicated eIF5 in rearrangement of the
      preinitiation complex (PIC) from an open, scanning conformation to a closed state
      at AUG codons, from which Pi is released from eIF2 . GDP . Pi. To identify eIF5
      functions crucial for accurate initiation, we investigated the consequences of
      G31R on GTP hydrolysis and Pi release, and the effects of intragenic G31R
      suppressors on these reactions, and on the partitioning of PICs between open and
      closed states. eIF5-G31R altered regulation of Pi release, accelerating it at UUG
      while decreasing it at AUG codons, consistent with its ability to stabilize the
      closed complex at UUG. Suppressor G62S mitigates both defects of G31R, accounting
      for its efficient suppression of UUG initiation in G31R,G62S cells; however
      suppressor M18V impairs GTP hydrolysis with little effect on PIC conformation.
      The strong defect in GTP hydrolysis conferred by M18V likely explains its broad
      suppression of Sui(-) mutations in numerous factors. We conclude that both of
      eIF5's functions, regulating Pi release and stabilizing the closed PIC
      conformation, contribute to stringent AUG selection in vivo.

PMID- 25114054
TI  - A statistical model of ChIA-PET data for accurate detection of chromatin 3D
      interactions.
AB  - Identification of three-dimensional (3D) interactions between regulatory elements
      across the genome is crucial to unravel the complex regulatory machinery that
      orchestrates proliferation and differentiation of cells. ChIA-PET is a novel
      method to identify such interactions, where physical contacts between regions
      bound by a specific protein are quantified using next-generation sequencing.
      However, determining the significance of the observed interaction frequencies in
      such datasets is challenging, and few methods have been proposed. Despite the
      fact that regions that are close in linear genomic distance have a much higher
      tendency to interact by chance, no methods to date are capable of taking such
      dependency into account. Here, we propose a statistical model taking into account
      the genomic distance relationship, as well as the general propensity of anchors
      to be involved in contacts overall. Using both real and simulated data, we show
      that the previously proposed statistical test, based on Fisher's exact test,
      leads to invalid results when data are dependent on genomic distance. We also
      evaluate our method on previously validated cell-line specific and constitutive
      3D interactions, and show that relevant interactions are significant, while
      avoiding over-estimating the significance of short nearby interactions. 

PMID- 25114055
TI  - A combination of computational and experimental approaches identifies DNA
      sequence constraints associated with target site binding specificity of the
      transcription factor CSL.
AB  - Regulation of transcription is fundamental to development and physiology, and
      occurs through binding of transcription factors to specific DNA sequences in the
      genome. CSL (CBF1/Suppressor of Hairless/LAG-1), a core component of the Notch
      signaling pathway, is one such transcription factor that acts in concert with co
      activators or co-repressors to control the activity of associated target genes.
      One fundamental question is how CSL can recognize and select among different DNA
      sequences available in vivo and whether variations between selected sequences can
      influence its function. We have therefore investigated CSL-DNA recognition using
      computational approaches to analyze the energetics of CSL bound to different DNAs
      and tested the in silico predictions with in vitro and in vivo assays. Our
      results reveal novel aspects of CSL binding that may help explain the range of
      binding observed in vivo. In addition, using molecular dynamics simulations, we
      show that domain-domain correlations within CSL differ significantly depending on
      the DNA sequence bound, suggesting that different DNA sequences may directly
      influence CSL function. Taken together, our results, based on computational
      chemistry approaches, provide valuable insights into transcription factor-DNA
      binding, in this particular case increasing our understanding of CSL-DNA
      interactions and how these may impact on its transcriptional control. 

PMID- 25114056
TI  - Characterizing RNA ensembles from NMR data with kinematic models.
AB  - Functional mechanisms of biomolecules often manifest themselves precisely in
      transient conformational substates. Researchers have long sought to structurally
      characterize dynamic processes in non-coding RNA, combining experimental data
      with computer algorithms. However, adequate exploration of conformational space
      for these highly dynamic molecules, starting from static crystal structures,
      remains challenging. Here, we report a new conformational sampling procedure,
      KGSrna, which can efficiently probe the native ensemble of RNA molecules in
      solution. We found that KGSrna ensembles accurately represent the conformational
      landscapes of 3D RNA encoded by NMR proton chemical shifts. KGSrna resolves
      motionally averaged NMR data into structural contributions; when coupled with
      residual dipolar coupling data, a KGSrna ensemble revealed a previously
      uncharacterized transient excited state of the HIV-1 trans-activation response
      element stem-loop. Ensemble-based interpretations of averaged data can aid in
      formulating and testing dynamic, motion-based hypotheses of functional mechanisms
      in RNAs with broad implications for RNA engineering and therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 25114058
TI  - Can we improve the performance and reporting of investigator-initiated clinical
      trials? Rheumatoid arthritis as an example.
AB  - Investigator-initiated trials, some of which have been referred to as comparative
      effectiveness trials, pragmatic trials, or strategy trials, are sometimes
      considered to be of greater clinical importance than industry-driven trials,
      because they address important but unresolved clinical questions that differ from
      the questions asked in industry-driven trials. Regulatory authorities have
      provided methodological guidance for industry-driven trials for the approval of
      new treatments, but such guidance is less clear for investigator-initiated
      trials. The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) task force for the update
      of the recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis has critically
      looked at the methodological quality and conduct of many investigator-initiated
      trials, and has identified a number of concerns. In this Viewpoint paper, we
      highlight commonly encountered issues that are discussed using examples of well
      known investigator-initiated trials. These issues cover three themes: (1) design
      choice (superiority vs non-inferiority designs); (2) statistical power and (3)
      convenience reporting. Since we acknowledge the importance of investigator
      initiated research, we also propose a shortlist of points-to-consider when
      designing, performing and reporting investigator-initiated trials. 

PMID- 25114059
TI  - Estimation of heritability of different outcomes for genetic studies of TNFi
      response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pharmacogenetic studies of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi)
      response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have largely relied on the
      changes in complex disease scores, such as disease activity score 28 (DAS28), as
      a measure of treatment response. It is expected that genetic architecture of such
      complex score is heterogeneous and not very suitable for pharmacogenetic studies.
      We aimed to select the most optimal phenotype for TNFi response using
      heritability estimates. METHODS: Using two linear mixed-modelling approaches
      (Bayz and GCTA), we estimated heritability, together with genomic and
      environmental correlations for the TNFi drug-response phenotype DeltaDAS28 and
      its separate components: Delta swollen joint count (SJC), Delta tender joint
      count (TJC), Delta erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and Delta visual-analogue
      scale of general health (VAS-GH). For this, we used genome-wide single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) data from 878 TNFi-treated Dutch patients with RA.
      Furthermore, a multivariate genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach was
      implemented, analysing separate DAS28 components simultaneously. RESULTS: The
      highest heritability estimates were found for DeltaSJC (h(2)gbayz=0.76 and
      h(2)gGCTA=0.87) and DeltaTJC (h(2)gbayz=0.62 and h(2)gGCTA=0.82); lower
      heritability was found for DeltaDAS28 (h(2)gbayz=0.59 and h(2)gGCTA=0.71) while
      estimates for DeltaESR and DeltaVASGH were near or equal to zero. The highest
      genomic correlations were observed for DeltaSJC and DeltaTJC (0.49), and the
      highest environmental correlation was seen between DeltaTJC and DeltaVASGH
      (0.62). The multivariate GWAS did not generate excess of low p values as compared
      with a univariate analysis of DeltaDAS28. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that
      multiple SNPs together explain a substantial portion of the variation in change
      in joint counts in TNFi-treated patients with RA. In conclusion, of the outcomes
      studied, the joint counts are most suitable for TNFi pharmacogenetics in RA.

PMID- 25114061
TI  - Development of a patient-reported outcome measure of tophus burden: the Tophus
      Impact Questionnaire (TIQ-20).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tophus burden is currently measured using physical examination and
      imaging methods. The aim of this study was to develop a patient-reported outcome
      (PRO) tool to assess tophus burden in people with gout. METHODS: The responses
      from interviews with 25 people with tophaceous gout were used to generate items
      for a preliminary PRO tool. Following cognitive testing of each item, a
      preliminary 34-item questionnaire was administered to 103 people with tophaceous
      gout. Rasch analysis generated a 20-item Tophus Impact Questionnaire (TIQ-20).
      Test-retest reproducibility and construct validity of the TIQ-20 were assessed.
      RESULTS: The TIQ-20 responses fit the Rasch model and demonstrated
      unidimensionality, adequate precision, absence of differential item functioning
      and adequate person separation index. The TIQ-20 included items related to pain,
      activity limitation, footwear modification, participation, psychological impact
      and healthcare use due to tophi. In the 103 patients with tophaceous gout, floor
      effects were observed in 4.9% and ceiling effects in 1%. The TIQ-20 test-retest
      intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.76 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.85). All predicted
      correlations for construct validity testing were observed, including weak
      correlation with serum urate concentrations (r<0.30), moderate correlation with
      subcutaneous tophus count and dual energy CT urate volume (r=0.30-0.50), and
      stronger correlation with Health Assessment Questionnaire scores (r>0.50).
      CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a tophus-specific PRO in patients with tophaceous
      gout. The TIQ-20 demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties. Initial results
      show internal, face and construct validity, reproducibility and feasibility.
      Further research is required to determine responsiveness to change.

PMID- 25114060
TI  - Safety, tolerability and potential efficacy of injection of autologous adipose
      derived stromal vascular fraction in the fingers of patients with systemic
      sclerosis: an open-label phase I trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc), impaired hand
      function greatly contributes to disability and reduced quality of life, and is
      insufficiently relieved by currently available therapies. Adipose tissue-derived
      stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is increasingly recognised as an easily
      accessible source of regenerative cells with therapeutic potential in ischaemic
      or autoimmune diseases. We aimed to measure for the first time the safety,
      tolerability and potential efficacy of autologous SVF cells local injections in
      patients with SSc with hand disability. METHODS: We did an open-label, single
      arm, at one study site with 6-month follow-up among 12 female SSc patients with
      Cochin Hand Function Scale score >20/90. Autologous SVF was obtained from
      lipoaspirates, using an automated processing system, and subsequently injected
      into the subcutaneous tissue of each finger in contact with neurovascular
      pedicles. Primary outcome was the number and the severity of adverse events
      related to SVF-based therapy. Secondary endpoints were changes in hand disability
      and fibrosis, vascular manifestations, pain and quality of life from baseline to
      2 and 6 months after cell therapy. FINDINGS: All enrolled patients had surgery,
      and there were no dropouts or patients lost to follow-up. No severe adverse
      events occurred during the procedure and follow-up. Four minor adverse events
      were reported and resolved spontaneously. A significant improvement in hand
      disability and pain, Raynaud's phenomenon, finger oedema and quality of life was
      observed. INTERPRETATION: This study outlines the safety of the autologous SVF
      cells injection in the hands of patients with SSc. Preliminary assessments at 6
      months suggest potential efficacy needing confirmation in a randomised placebo
      controlled trial on a larger population. FUNDING: GFRS (Groupe Francophone de
      Recherche sur la Sclerodermie). CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER: NCT01813279.

PMID- 25114063
TI  - Electrogram-gated radiofrequency ablations with duty cycle power delivery negate
      effects of ablation catheter motion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac and respiratory movements cause catheter instability. Lateral
      catheter sliding over target endocardial surface can lead to poor tissue contact
      and unpredictable lesion formation. We describe a novel method of overcoming the
      effects of lateral catheter sliding movements using an electrogram-gated pulsed
      power ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: All ablations were performed on a
      thermochromic gel myocardial phantom. Ablation settings were randomized to
      conventional (nongated) 30 W versus electrogram-gated at 20% duty cycle (30 W
      average power) at 0-, 3-, 6-, and 9-mm lateral sliding distances. Forty-eight
      radiofrequency ablations were performed. Deeper lesions were created in
      electrogram-gated versus conventional ablations at 3 mm (4.36+/-0.08 versus
      4.05+/-0.17 mm; P=0.009), 6 mm (4.39+/-0.10 versus 3.44+/-0.15 mm; P<0.001), and
      9 mm (4.41+/-0.06 versus 2.94+/-0.16 mm; P<<0.001) sliding distances. Electrogram
      gated ablations created consistent lesions at a quicker rate of growth in depth
      when compared with conventional ablations (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: (1) Lesion
      depth decreases and length increases in conventional ablations with greater
      degrees of lateral catheter movements; (2) electrogram-gated pulsed
      radiofrequency delivery negated the effects from lateral catheter movement by
      creating consistently deeper lesions irrespective of the degree of catheter
      movement; and (3) target lesion depths were reached significantly faster in
      electrogram-gated than in conventional ablations.

PMID- 25114064
TI  - Deafblindness: a review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deafblindness or dual sensory loss is a rare condition among young
      people, but more frequent among older people. Deafblindness is a heterogeneous
      condition that varies with regard to time of onset and degree of vision and
      hearing impairment, as well as communication mode, medical aetiology, and number
      and severity of co-morbidity. METHOD: We conducted a comprehensive review of
      public health issues related to deafblindness. RESULTS: Deafblindness often lead
      to barriers in language and communication, access to information and social
      interaction, which can lead to a number of health-related difficulties. Some of
      the reported consequences are a higher risk of depression, cognitive decline,
      developmental disorder in children and psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS:
      Deafblindness is associated with a number of health-related issues and more
      knowledge is needed about the impact of dual sensory loss to be able to offer the
      best support.

PMID- 25114062
TI  - Adverse remodeling of the electrophysiological response to ischemia-reperfusion
      in human heart failure is associated with remodeling of metabolic gene
      expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ventricular arrhythmias occur more frequently in heart failure during
      episodes of ischemia-reperfusion although the mechanisms underlying this in
      humans are unclear. We assessed, in explanted human hearts, the remodeled
      electrophysiological response to acute ischemia-reperfusion in heart failure and
      its potential causes, including the remodeling of metabolic gene expression.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: We optically mapped coronary-perfused left ventricular wedge
      preparations from 6 human end-stage failing hearts (F) and 6 donor hearts
      rejected for transplantation (D). Preparations were subjected to 30 minutes of
      global ischemia, followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. Failing hearts had
      exaggerated electrophysiological responses to ischemia-reperfusion, with greater
      action potential duration shortening (P<0.001 at 8-minute ischemia; P=0.001 at 12
      minute ischemia) and greater conduction slowing during ischemia, delayed recovery
      of electric excitability after reperfusion (F, 4.8+/-1.8 versus D, 1.0+/-0
      minutes; P<0.05), and incomplete restoration of action potential duration and
      conduction velocity early after reperfusion. Expression of 46 metabolic genes was
      probed using custom-designed TaqMan arrays, using extracted RNA from 15 failing
      and 9 donor hearts. Ten genes important in cardiac metabolism were downregulated
      in heart failure, with SLC27A4 and KCNJ11 significantly downregulated at a false
      discovery rate of 0%. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate, for the first time in human
      hearts, that the electrophysiological response to ischemia-reperfusion in heart
      failure is accelerated during ischemia with slower recovery after reperfusion.
      This can enhance spatial conduction and repolarization gradients across the
      ischemic border and increase arrhythmia susceptibility. This adverse response was
      associated with downregulation of expression of cardiac metabolic genes.

PMID- 25114065
TI  - A case of community-based fall prevention: Survey of organization and content of
      minor home help services in Swedish municipalities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to survey minor home help services provided
      by Swedish municipalities with the main purpose to prevent fall injuries.
      METHODS: If minor home help services were presented on the homepage of a
      municipality, an initial telephone contact was taken. Thereafter a questionnaire
      was administered, including questions about target groups, aim with the services,
      tasks included, costs and restrictions for users, budget, and experienced gains
      with the services. Municipalities not providing minor home help services were
      asked about the reason therefore and if the municipality had previously provided
      the services Results: The questionnaire response rate was 92%. In 191 of Sweden's
      290 municipalities services were provided by, or in cooperation with, the
      municipality. Reasons for not providing the services were mainly financial and
      lack of demand. Services were more often provided in larger cities and in
      municipalities located in populous regions. In some municipalities services were
      performed by persons with functional disabilities or unemployed persons.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both providers and users expressed satisfaction with the services
      aspects expressed were that services lead to greater sense of safety and social
      gains the effect of the services in terms of fall prevention is yet to be proved
      with only a small fall-preventive effect services are probably cost-effective
      improved quality of life, sense of safety, and being able to offer meaningful
      work to otherwise unemployed persons are important aspects that might in
      themselves motivate the provision of minor home help services.

PMID- 25114066
TI  - The association between erectile dysfunction, depressive symptoms and
      testosterone levels among middle-aged men.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between erectile
      dysfunction and depressive symptoms and testosterone levels among middle-aged men
      at the community level. METHODS: The study population consisted of 614 men born
      in 1945 and living in the city of Oulu, Finland. Erectile dysfunction was
      assessed by the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile
      Function questionnaire and depressive symptoms by the Beck Depression Inventory.
      Blood samples were collected to measure testosterone and sex hormone-binding
      globulin level. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounders, erectile dysfunction
      was statistically significantly associated with depressive symptoms (risk ratio
      (RR) 1.66, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.29-2.15), as well as with obesity
      (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.12-2.62). Neither total nor free testosterone level was
      associated with erectile dysfunction among our study group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Depressive symptoms rather than testosterone levels should be taken into
      consideration while treating middle-aged men with erectile problems at the
      community level.

PMID- 25114067
TI  - Divorce and risk of hospital-diagnosed infectious diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although, divorce is considered to have a negative impact on
      morbidity, very little is known concerning exposure to divorce and risk of
      infectious diseases. We aimed to investigate the association between divorce and
      subsequent hospital contacts with infectious diseases. METHODS: We performed a
      nation-wide cohort study, including all Danish men and women (n~5.6 million)
      alive on the 1 January 1982 or later, and followed them for infectious disease
      diagnosed in hospital settings from 1982 to 2010. The association between divorce
      and risk of infectious diseases was evaluated through rate ratios (RRs) comparing
      incidence rates of infectious diseases between divorced and married pesons.
      RESULTS: Compared with married persons, divorced persons were overall at a 1.48
      fold (RR=1.48 (95% CI: 1.47-1.50)) increased risk of hospital-diagnosed
      infectious diseases (RR adjusted for sex, age, period, income and education). The
      risk of infectious diseases was slightly more pronounced for divorced women
      (RR=1.54 (1.52-1.56)) than divorced men ((RR=1.42 (1.41-1.44)). The increased
      risk remained almost unchanged even more than 15 years after the divorce. Young
      age at divorce, short duration of marriage and number of divorces further
      increased the risk of infectious diseases, whereas number of children at time of
      divorce had no impact on risk of hospital-diagnosed infectious diseases following
      the divorce. CONCLUSIONS: Divorce appears to have a moderate but long lasting
      impact on the risk of infectious diseases the underlying mechanism is unknown but
      shared risk factors predicting divorce and infectious diseases could contribute
      to our findings.

PMID- 25114069
TI  - Inhibition of glutaminyl cyclase ameliorates amyloid pathology in an animal model
      of Alzheimer's disease via the modulation of gamma-secretase activity.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder,
      characterized by neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaques, and neuron loss.
      Amyloid beta peptides are generated from amyloid beta precursor protein by
      consecutive catalysis by beta and gamma-secretases. Diversely modified forms of A
      have been N3pE-42 Abeta has received considerable attention as one of the major
      constituents of the senile plaques of AD brains due to its higher aggregation
      velocity, stability, and hydrophobicity compared to the full-length A. A previous
      study suggested that is catalyzed by glutaminyl cyclase (QC) following limited
      proteolysis of Abeta at the N-terminus. Here, we reveal that decreasing the QC
      activity via application of a QC inhibitor modulates-gamma-secretase activity,
      resulting in diminished plaque formation as well as reduced N3pE 42 Abeta
      aggregates in the subiculum of the 5XFAD mouse model of AD. This study suggests a
      possible novel mechanism by which QC regulates Abeta formation , namely
      modulation of gamma-secretase activity.

PMID- 25114068
TI  - Genetic determinants of disease progression in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - There is a strong genetic basis for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD); thus
      far 22 genes/loci have been identified that affect the risk of LOAD. However, the
      relationships among the genetic variations at these loci and clinical progression
      of the disease have not been fully explored. In the present study, we examined
      the relationships of 22 known LOAD genes to the progression of AD in 680 AD
      patients recruited from the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer's Disease Research
      Center. Patients were classified as "rapid progressors" if the Mini-Mental State
      Examination (MMSE) changed >=3 points in 12 months and "slow progressors" if the
      MMSE changed <=2 points. We also performed a genome-wide association study in
      this cohort in an effort to identify new loci for AD progression. Association
      analysis between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the progression
      status of the AD cases was performed using logistic regression model controlled
      for age, gender, dementia medication use, psychosis, and hypertension. While no
      significant association was observed with either APOE*4 (p = 0.94) or APOE*2 (p =
      0.33) with AD progression, we found multiple nominally significant associations
      (p < 0.05) either within or adjacent to seven known LOAD genes (INPP5D, MEF2C,
      TREM2, EPHA1, PTK2B, FERMT2, and CASS4) that harbor both risk and protective
      SNPs. Genome-wide association analyses identified four suggestive loci (PAX3,
      CCRN4L, PIGQ, and ADAM19) at p < 1E-05. Our data suggest that short-term clinical
      disease progression in AD has a genetic basis. Better understanding of these
      genetic factors could help to improve clinical trial design and potentially
      affect the development of disease modifying therapies. 

PMID- 25114070
TI  - Brain changes within the visuo-spatial attentional network in posterior cortical
      atrophy.
AB  - Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is characterized by basic visual and high order
      visual-spatial dysfunctions. In this study, we investigated long-distance
      deafferentation processes within the frontal-parietal-occipital network in ten
      PCA patients using a MRI-PET combined approach. Objective voxel-based [18F]FDG
      PET imaging measured metabolic changes in single patients. Comprehensive
      investigation of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics and grey-matter density
      with voxel-based morphometry were obtained in a subgroup of 6 patients.
      Fractional anisotropy in the superior longitudinal fasciculus correlated with the
      PET metabolic changes within the inferior parietal and frontal eye field regions.
      [18F]FDG-PET analysis showed in each PCA case the typical bilateral hypometabolic
      pattern, involving posterior temporal, parietal, and occipital cortex, with
      additional hypometabolic foci in the frontal eye fields. Voxel-based morphometry
      showed right-sided atrophy in the parieto-occipital cortex, as well as a limited
      temporal involvement. DTI revealed extensive degeneration of the major anterior
      posterior connecting fiber bundles and of commissural frontal lobe tracts.
      Microstructural measures in the superior longitudinal fasciculus were correlated
      with the PET metabolic changes within the inferior parietal and frontal eye field
      regions. Our results confirmed the predominant occipital-temporal and occipital
      parietal degeneration in PCA patients. [18F]FDG-PET and DTI-MRI combined
      approaches revealed neurodegeneration effects well beyond the classical posterior
      cortical involvement, most likely as a consequence of deafferentation processes
      within the occipital-parietal-frontal network that could be at the basis of visuo
      perceptual, visuo-spatial integration and attention deficits in PCA. 

PMID- 25114071
TI  - Classification of non-demented patients attending a memory clinic using the new
      diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease with disease-related biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New diagnostic criteria for predemential Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      advocate the use of biomarkers. However, the benefit of using biomarkers has not
      been clearly demonstrated in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether
      a combination of biomarkers may be helpful in classifying a population of non
      demented patients attending a Memory Clinic. METHODS: Sixty non-demented patients
      were compared with 31 healthy elderly subjects. All subjects underwent a
      neuropsychological examination, brain 3T magnetic resonance imaging, [F18]
      fluorodeoxyglucose and [F18]-flutemetamol positron emission tomography. According
      to their performance on memory, language, executive, and visuo-spatial domains,
      the patients were classified as mild cognitive impairment (amnestic, non
      amnestic, single, or multiple domain) or subjective cognitive impairment.
      Patients were then classified according to the National Institute on Aging
      Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) criteria, using the normalized mean hippocampal
      volume (Freesurfer), [F18]-FDG PALZAD, and [F18]-flutemetamol standard uptake
      value ratio (SUVr) (cut-off at the 10th percentile of controls). The standard of
      truth was the clinical status at study entry (patient versus control). RESULTS:
      The sensitivity/specificity of the clinical classification was 65/84%. The NIA-AA
      criteria were applicable in 85% of patients and 87% of controls. For biomarkers
      the best sensitivity (72%) at a fixed specificity of 84% was achieved by a
      combination of the three biomarkers. The clinical diagnosis was reconsidered in
      more than one third of the patients (42%) as a result of including the biomarker
      results. CONCLUSIONS: Application of the new NIA-AA AD diagnostic criteria based
      on biomarkers in an unselected sample of non-demented patients attending a Memory
      Clinic was useful in allowing for a better classification of the subjects.

PMID- 25114072
TI  - A candidate plasma protein classifier to identify Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Biomarkers currently used in the aid for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) are cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein markers and brain neuroimaging
      markers. These biomarkers, however, either involve semi-invasive procedures or
      are costly to measure. Thus, AD biomarkers from more easily accessible body
      fluids, such as plasma, are very enticing. Using an aptamer-based proteomic
      technology, we profiled 1,129 plasma proteins of AD patients and non-demented
      control individuals. A 5-protein classifier for AD identification was constructed
      in the discovery study with excellent 10-fold cross-validation performance (90.1%
      sensitivity, 84.2% specificity, 87.9% accuracy, and AUC as 0.94). In an
      independent validation study, the classifier was applied and correctly predicted
      AD with 100.0% sensitivity, 80.0% specificity, and 90.0% accuracy, matching or
      outperforming the CSF Abeta42 and tau biomarkers whose performance were assessed
      in individual-matched CSF samples obtained at the same visit as plasma sample
      collection. Moreover, the classifier also correctly predicted mild cognitive
      impairment, an early pre-dementia state of the disease, with 96.7% sensitivity,
      80.0% specificity, and 92.5% accuracy. These studies demonstrate that plasma
      proteins could be used effectively and accurately to contribute to the clinical
      diagnosis of AD. Although additional and more diverse cohorts are needed for
      further validation of the robustness, including the support of postmortem
      diagnosis, the 5-protein classifier appears to be a promising blood test to
      contribute diagnosis of AD. 

PMID- 25114073
TI  - Increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier and Alzheimer's disease-like
      alterations in slit-2 transgenic mice.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily
      affects memory, and its prevalence is rising. Increasing evidence suggests that
      dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may be involved in AD and other
      neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we report that the permeability of the BBB is
      increased and that AD-like alterations are present in Slit-2 overexpressing
      transgenic mice. We found that behavioral change and the corresponding molecular
      diagnostic markers of AD, such as hippocampal neuron apoptosis, amyloid-beta
      (Abeta) protein deposition, and acetylcholinesterase expression, were increased
      in the Slit-2 transgenic mice. Moreover, the endothelial cells were
      dysfunctional, the size of the lateral ventricle cavity increased, and the
      permeability of the BBB increased. Additionally, there was an increased serum
      level of glutamate indicating that the BBB is related to AD. Finally,
      histopathological analysis of other organs in the Slit-2 overexpressing mice did
      not show any marked abnormalities. These findings demonstrate that Slit2
      overexpression may be responsible for AD-like alterations and the increased BBB
      permeability in these mice. Our study provides a potential novel mechanism for
      the development of AD. 

PMID- 25114074
TI  - Optimizing regions-of-interest composites for capturing treatment effects on
      brain amyloid in clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) positron emission tomography (PET)
      neuroimaging is a powerful research tool to characterize amyloid evolution in the
      brain. Quantification of amyloid load critically depends on (i) the choice of a
      reference region (RR) and (ii) on the selection of regions of interest (ROIs) to
      derive the standard uptake value ratios (SUVRs). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      stability, i.e., negligible amyloid accumulation over time, of different RRs, and
      the performance of different PiB summary measures defined by selected ROIs and
      RRs for their sensitivity to detecting longitudinal change in amyloid burden.
      METHODS: To evaluate RRs, cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of focal
      regional and composite measures of amyloid accumulation were carried out on the
      standardized PiB-PET regional data for cerebellar grey matter (CER), subcortical
      white matter (SWM), and pons (PON). RRs and candidate composite SUVR measures
      were further evaluated to select regions and develop novel composites, using
      standardized 2-year change from baseline. RESULTS: Longitudinal trajectories of
      PiB4-average of anterior cingulate (ACG), frontal cortex (FRC), parietal cortex,
      and precuneus-demonstrated marked variability and small change from baseline when
      normalized to CER, larger changes and less variability when normalized to SWM,
      which was further enhanced for the composite in PON-normalized settings. Novel
      composite PiB3, comprised of the average SUVRs of lateral temporal cortex, ACG,
      and FRC was created. CONCLUSION: PON and SWM appeared to be more stable RRs than
      the CER. PiB3 showed compelling sample size reduction and gains in power
      calculations for clinical trials over conventional PiB4 composite.

PMID- 25114075
TI  - AMPK activation ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-like pathology and spatial memory
      impairment in a streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's disease model in rats.
AB  - Collecting evidence has shown that type 2 diabetes mellitus is a high risk factor
      of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD); the energy metabolic dysfunction is
      thought to be a convergent point of the two diseases. However, the underlying
      mechanisms of diabetes-associated AD are still unclear. In the current study, we
      investigated the roles of AMPK in diabetes-related AD-like pathologic features in
      models of intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) animals. Rats infused
      with STZ (3 mg/kg, once) were followed by injection of AICAR (AMPK activator) or
      vehicle via ICV. We found that the level of p-AMPK (active type of AMPK) and
      SIRT1 activity were decreased and the level of phosphorylated tau was increased
      at Ser396 and Thr231 sites in ICV-STZ rats when compared with control rats.
      Mitochondria from ICV-STZ rats displayed a significant decrease in mitochondrial
      membrane potential, complex I activity, ATP level, and superoxide dismutase
      activity as well as an increase of reactive oxygen species production when
      compared with that from control rats. Meanwhile the number of apoptotic cell
      confirmed by cleaved caspase-3 (active type of caspase-3) staining was also
      stronger in ICV-STZ rats than control rats. All pathological changes including
      biochemistry and cognitive function could be mitigated through rescuing AMPK
      activity with its specific activator (AICAR) in ICV-STZ rats. Taken together,
      these results suggested that AMPK activation improves AD-like pathological
      changes via repairing mitochondrial functions in ICV-STZ rats. 

PMID- 25114076
TI  - Amyloid-beta related memory decline is not associated with subjective or
      informant rated cognitive impairment in healthy adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The detection of early Alzheimer's disease (AD) can rely on
      subjective and informant reports of cognitive impairment. However, relationships
      between subjective cognitive impairment, objectively measured cognitive function,
      and amyloid-beta (Abeta) biomarkers remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the
      extent to which impairment or decline in subjective and informant rated cognitive
      impairment was associated with memory in healthy older adults with high Abeta.
      METHODS: Healthy older adults (n = 289) enrolled in the Australian Imaging,
      Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study were studied at baseline. Pittsburgh
      Compound B was used to determine Abeta status at baseline. At baseline and 18
      months assessments, subjective memory impairment was assessed using the Memory
      Complaint Questionnaire and the Short Form of the Informant Questionnaire on
      Cognitive Decline in the Elderly. Cognition was measured using the Cogstate Brief
      Battery. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no differences between low and high
      Abeta groups in subjective or informant-rated cognitive impairment, depressive
      and anxiety symptoms, or cognitive function. Longitudinal analyses showed
      moderate decline in learning and working memory over the 18 months in the high
      Abeta group. However there was no change over time in subjective or informant
      rated cognitive impairment, depressive and anxiety symptoms, or cognition in
      either Abeta group. CONCLUSIONS: Although healthy older adults with high Abeta
      levels show decline in learning and working memory over 18 months, subjective or
      informant ratings of cognitive impairment do not change over the same period
      suggesting subjective cognitive impairment may have limited utility for the very
      early identification of AD.

PMID- 25114077
TI  - Default mode network connectivity patterns associated with visual processing at
      different stages of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The default mode network (DMN) decreases its activity when switching
      from a resting state to a cognitive task condition, while activity of the network
      engaged in the given task increases. Visual processing is typically disturbed in
      Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). OBJECTIVE: Using functional MRI, we studied
      the DMN effective connectivity patterns in PDD as compared with cognitively
      normal patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy controls (HC) when
      switching from baseline to a visual cognitive task condition. METHODS: In all, 14
      PDD, 18 PD, and 18 age-matched healthy controls participated in this functional
      MRI study. We used a psychophysiological interaction analysis with the precuneus
      (PCu) as a seed. The threshold was set at p(FWE) <0.05. RESULTS: The healthy
      controls showed greater PCu connectivity with the bilateral middle
      temporal/middle occipital gyri at baseline than during the task condition. The
      correlation direction changed from positive to negative. Both PD and PDD showed
      disturbed DMN connectivity with the brain regions that are involved in bottom-up
      visual processing. In PD, we also found impaired integration of the areas engaged
      in the ventral attentional network, which might reflect specific attentional
      deficits observed during the early course of PD. In mild PDD, we detected
      increased engagement of areas involved in the dorsal attentional network, which
      corresponds to increased top-down control in this patient group as compared to
      the healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Our results show impaired dynamic interplay
      between large scale brain networks in PD that spread far beyond the motor system.

PMID- 25114078
TI  - Cholinergic subcortical hyperintensities in Alzheimer's disease patients from the
      Sunnybrook Dementia Study: relationships with cognitive dysfunction and
      hippocampal atrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subcortical hyperintensities within the cholinergic fiber projections
      (chSH) on MRI are believed to reflect cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) which
      may adversely impact cognition. Additionally, hippocampal atrophy represents a
      commonly used biomarker to support the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      OBJECTIVE: To examine potential differences in neuropsychological test
      performance between AD patients (n = 234) with high and low chSH volumes and
      whether these differences corresponded to hippocampal atrophy. METHODS: A
      modified version of Lesion Explorer was used to volumetrically quantify chSH
      severity. The Sunnybrook Hippocampal Volumetry Tool was applied to obtain
      hippocampal volumes. Composite z-scores to assess executive, memory, and
      visuospatial functioning were generated from standardized neuropsychological test
      performance scores. RESULTS: Inter-method technique validation demonstrated a
      high degree of correspondence with the Cholinergic Pathways Hyperintensities
      Scale (n = 40, rho = 0.84, p < 0.001). After adjusting for brain atrophy, disease
      severity, global SH volumes, and demographic variables, multivariate analyses
      revealed a significant group difference, with the high chSH group demonstrating
      poorer memory function compared to the low chSH group (p = 0.03). A significant
      difference was found between low and high chSH groups in total (p < 0.05) and
      left (p < 0.01) hippocampal volume. CONCLUSION: These results suggest degradation
      of the cholinergic projections due to strategic SVD may independently contribute
      to memory dysfunction and hippocampal atrophy. Future studies examining
      subcortical vasculopathy in the cholinergic pathways may have implications on the
      development of therapeutic strategies for dementia and SVD.

PMID- 25114079
TI  - Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and
      dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research into Ginkgo biloba has been ongoing for many years, while
      the benefit and adverse effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 for cognitive
      impairment and dementia has been discussed controversially. OBJECTIVE: To discuss
      new evidence on the clinical and adverse effects of standardized Ginkgo biloba
      extract EGb761 for cognitive impairment and dementia. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      Cochrane, and other relevant databases were searched in March 2014 for eligible
      randomized controlled trials of Ginkgo biloba EGb761 therapy in patients with
      cognitive impairment and dementia. RESULTS: Nine trials met our inclusion
      criteria. Trials were of 22-26 weeks duration and included 2,561 patients in
      total. In the meta-analysis, the weighted mean differences in change scores for
      cognition were in favor of EGb761 compared to placebo (-2.86, 95%CI -3.18; 
      2.54); the standardized mean differences in change scores for activities in daily
      living (ADLs) were also in favor of EGb761 compared to placebo (-0.36, 95%CI 
      0.44; -0.28); Peto OR showed a statistically significant difference from placebo
      for Clinicians' Global Impression of Change (CGIC) scale (1.88, 95%CI 1.54;
      2.29). All these benefits are mainly associated with EGb761 at a dose of 240
      mg/day. For subgroup analysis in patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms, 240
      mg/day EGb761 improved cognitive function, ADLs, CGIC, and also neuropsychiatric
      symptoms with statistical superiority than for the whole group. For the
      Alzheimer's disease subgroup, the main outcomes were almost the same as the whole
      group of patients with no statistical superiority. Finally, safety data revealed
      no important safety concerns with EGb761. CONCLUSIONS: EGb761 at 240 mg/day is
      able to stabilize or slow decline in cognition, function, behavior, and global
      change at 22-26 weeks in cognitive impairment and dementia, especially for
      patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms.

PMID- 25114081
TI  - Transmembrane protein 106B gene (TMEM106B) variability and influence on
      progranulin plasma levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - We carried out an association study of transmembrane protein 106B gene (TMEM106B)
      rs1020004 A/G, rs6966915C/T, and rs1990622 A/G in a population of 656 patients
      with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 619 controls, and tested whether the rs1990622
      influences plasma progranulin levels. No differences in allele and genotype
      distribution were observed between cases and controls, even stratifying according
      to APOE status (p > 0.05). No differences in progranulin plasma levels were found
      between carriers of the rs1990622 and non-carriers. TMEM106b variability does not
      influence AD risk or plasma levels. Replication, preferably in a population with
      pathological confirmation, is required to confirm these results. 

PMID- 25114082
TI  - Characterizing topological patterns in amnestic mild cognitive impairment by
      quantitative water diffusivity.
AB  - Mean diffusivity (MD) derived from diffusion tensor imaging has shown its ability
      to assess the microscopic structural integrity damage of gray matter in amnestic
      mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      However, little is known about the small world topology networks constructed by
      cortical MD in cognitive disease. In this work, we measured the cortical MD in
      the entire brain in patients with aMCI (n = 30) and AD (n = 30) compared with
      cognitive-normal (CNs) controls (n = 30), and then constructed the cortical
      diffusivity network by using graph-theoretical analysis. Compared with CNs,
      patients with aMCI and AD showed abnormal small-world property of cortical
      diffusivity networks (higher degree of clustering and longer path length),
      reflecting a less optimal topological organization. Moreover, the mean degree of
      connections of network in aMCI patients was characterized by lower than CNs but
      higher than AD. In addition, 11 hub regions were identified by negative
      correlations between MD and the score of Montreal Cognitive Assessment after
      multiple regression analysis, including bilateral hippocampi and related limbic
      system. Among those hub regions, the connectivity of the right olfactory cortex
      and middle orbital gyrus to the rest of brain regions were disrupted earlier than
      the other 9 regions in aMCI when compared to CN. In conclusion, the change of
      cortical diffusivity in topological network organization, mean degree of
      connections, and disrupted hub regions in aMCI may serve to identify patients in
      the prodromal stage of AD and reflect microstructural deterioration of
      neurodegeneration. 

PMID- 25114080
TI  - Overexpression of heme oxygenase 1 causes cognitive decline and affects pathways
      for tauopathy in mice.
AB  - The stress protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is upregulated and co-localizes to
      pathological features, including tauopathies in the brains of individuals with
      Alzheimer's disease. However, the relationship between HO-1 and Alzheimer's
      disease remains unclear. In our previous research, the long-term overexpression
      of HO-1 was shown to promote tau aggregation by inducing tau phosphorylation in
      the mouse brain. In this study, we found that the long-term overexpression of HO
      1 led to cognitive decline in transgenic mice, as determined by the water maze
      test, and that HO-1 can affect two pathways for tauopathy. Through one pathway,
      HO-1 promotes the expression of CDK5 by accumulating reactive oxygen species,
      which are produced by HO-1 downstream products of iron in neuro2a cell lines and
      mouse brain. Through the second pathway, HO-1 induces tau truncation at D421 in
      vivo and in vitro. Clearly, there is a HO-1-dependent mechanism responsible for
      tau protein phosphorylation and tau truncation in vivo and in vitro. Taken
      together, our results suggest that HO-1 plays an important role in the disease
      process of tauopathies in AD. 

PMID- 25114084
TI  - Contributions of a risk assessment approach to the prevention of Alzheimer's
      disease and dementia.
AB  - The development and integration of risk assessment and clinical risk management
      for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia is a rapidly emerging field of research
      and practice. At present, risk management is the only available approach with
      potential for a large impact on the projected rates of dementia, given population
      aging. This review describes six available risk assessment tools, including those
      developed specifically for AD and those for dementia. These tools differ along
      several important dimensions, including whether they (a) include clinical
      measures, (b) require a clinician's ratings, (c) are predominantly self-report,
      (d) are independently validated, and (e) are available online. A narrative review
      of recently identified risk factors not included in these instruments is
      included, indicating future directions for risk assessment. Finally,
      consideration is given to the prioritization of risk advice according to the ease
      of risk modification and the potential for synergies among risk factors. 

PMID- 25114085
TI  - Cognitively-based methods of enhancing and maintaining functioning in those at
      risk of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Projections indicate that the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other
      dementias will increase two to three fold in the coming decades. As a result,
      there has been considerable interest in identifying methods that maintain or
      enhance cognitive functioning in these older adults. Existing pharmacological
      agents are limited in this respect and disease-modifying agents are years away
      from being available. Cognitively based interventions (i.e., cognitive training,
      cognitive rehabilitation) hold particular promise for maximizing patients'
      functioning, are relatively inexpensive, and have virtually no side effects.
      Everyday life is complex and multifaceted, which means that a personalized
      approach is essential for maximizing and prolonging functioning in each patient.
      Unfortunately, little is known about the factors contributing to such an
      approach. The current review first identifies several lifestyle factors that have
      been shown to be neuroprotective as well as risk factors that may ultimately
      contribute to the efficacy of different cognitive intervention techniques. There
      is a critical need to understand the conditions under which individual techniques
      are effective; an issue examined through characteristic examples across the AD
      spectrum. While limited at this time, there is some evidence of the long-term
      benefits of cognitive intervention. We conclude by describing several critical
      areas of investigation and proposing a clinically oriented framework for both
      furthering cognitive intervention research and providing patient-centered care. 

PMID- 25114083
TI  - A phenotype of atypical apraxia of speech in a family carrying SQSTM1 mutation.
AB  - SQSTM1 mutations, coding for the p62 protein, were identified as a monogenic
      cause of Paget disease of bone and of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. More
      recently, SQSTM1 mutations were identified in few families with frontotemporal
      dementia. We report a new family carrying SQSTM1 mutation and presenting with a
      clinical phenotype of speech apraxia or atypical behavioral disorders, associated
      with early visuo-contructional deficits. This study further supports the
      implication of SQSTM1 in frontotemporal dementia, and enlarges the phenotypic
      spectrum associated with SQSTM1 mutations. 

PMID- 25114086
TI  - Tofu intake is associated with poor cognitive performance among community
      dwelling elderly in China.
AB  - Tofu is a soy product which is commonly consumed in Asian countries, such as
      China and Indonesia. Several studies found negative associations of high tofu
      consumption with cognitive function in older Asian populations. However, the
      effect of tofu on cognitive function remains disputed as it was not found in
      Western populations. In the present study, the effect of weekly tofu intake on
      cognitive performance was investigated in an observational cross sectional study
      of 517 Chinese elderly from Shanghai. Similar to earlier studies, results showed
      that a higher weekly intake of tofu was associated with worse memory performance
      using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (beta = -0.10, p = 0.01) after controlling
      for age, gender, education, being vegetarian, and weekly intake of fruit/juice,
      green vegetables, and orange/red vegetables. Furthermore, among older elderly
      (>=68 years of age), high tofu intake increased the risk of cognitive impairment
      indicative of dementia (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.99-1.64, p = 0.04), after adjusting
      for all covariates. Consumption of meat and green vegetables independently also
      reduced risk of dementia. To conclude, high intake of tofu was negatively related
      to cognitive performance among community-dwelling elderly in China. Similar
      findings were reported in Indonesia and in Japanese Americans in the US. These
      findings suggest that the effect of tofu on cognition in elderly should be
      further investigated. 

PMID- 25114087
TI  - The Florence VAS-COG clinic: a model for the care of patients with cognitive and
      behavioral disturbances consequent to cerebrovascular diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Services dedicated to patients with cognitive and
      behavioral consequences of cerebrovascular diseases are not well established. In
      this paper, we report on the general organization of such a service (the Florence
      VAS-COG Clinic) after 9 years of activity, updating a previous work related to
      the first 5 years. METHODS: The Florence VAS-COG clinic, started in 2006, is an
      outpatient service dedicated to the assessment and follow-up of patients with
      cerebrovascular diseases and related cognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral
      disturbances. The staff involved in the clinic is composed of certified
      neurologists, one neuropsychologist, and neurology residents. The diagnostic
      protocol includes detailed personal and family history, general and neurologic
      examinations, and functional, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging assessment.
      After this work-up, comprehensive diagnoses are made. RESULTS: From January 2006
      to March 2014, 600 patients (mean age 67.3 years +/- 13.9; 52% females) have been
      evaluated in the clinic. Cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive
      impairment and dementia, mainly of vascular origin, was the most common (36.4%)
      diagnostic category, followed by suspected or confirmed familial micro-angiopathy
      (35.8%). Compared to the first years of activity, we are now facing the need of
      augmenting the number of visits due to increasing request and to better implement
      the multidisciplinarity of the team. Efforts are currently directed towards the
      definition of management protocols in pharmacological and non-pharmacological
      strategies. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of a VAS-COG clinic represents an
      important step for the appreciation of the patient clinical needs and for the
      implementation of screening, diagnostic, and treatment options in the field of
      the neuropsychiatric consequences of cerebrovascular diseases.

PMID- 25114089
TI  - In-house heart-brain clinics to reduce Alzheimer's disease incidence.
AB  - The incidence rate in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is expected to quadruple worldwide
      by 2050. To limit this impending socio-medical calamity, a fulcrum change from
      how AD is presently managed is crucial. The present approach has not averted the
      stress of AD on medical resources nor reduced the already cost-strained
      government health care programs. Since substantial evidence indicates that
      sporadic AD is directly associated with vascular risk factors, a strategic plan
      is proposed to target this association and markedly reduce the onset of AD. This
      plan would establish in-house heart-brain clinics devoted to identifying,
      detecting, and preventing the progression of vascular risk factors that
      predispose to cognitive impairment and development of AD. The heart-brain clinics
      would be staffed with a multidisciplinary group of neurologists, psychologists,
      neuroradiologists, cardiovascular specialists, and technical personnel Their goal
      would be to apply and interpret non-invasive, cost-effective multidiagnostic
      testing of heart and brain function in outpatient asymptomatic and symptomatic
      patients at risk of dementia. Multidiagnostic testing would permit better risk
      stratification, medical decision-making, and a tailored intervention of patients
      at-risk of dementia than the present monotherapeutic approach. Personalized
      intervention, moreover, should achieve better patient compliance and outcome
      through periodic follow-up visits to the clinics where the medical plan of action
      could be monitored and modified as needed. Multidisciplinary heart-brain clinics
      will be costly at first but eventually should become cost-effective while
      providing an invaluable medical service to an aging population and possibly
      extending years of full-health lived in those at risk of dementia. 

PMID- 25114090
TI  - The interaction of APOE genotype by age in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a
      voxel-based morphometric study.
AB  - The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene has been confirmed as the major genetic risk
      factor for the conversion of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) to
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study was to assess whether there was a
      specific interaction of APOE by the aging process on brain morphology in aMCI.
      The analysis of gray matter (GM) voxel-based morphometry was performed in 85 aMCI
      and 100 healthy controls (HC). A significant interaction of APOE genotype by age
      on GM volume was found in the left calcarine, the left insula, and the left
      medial frontal gyrus in aMCI. GM volume in aMCI decreased significantly with
      epsilon 2-carriers < epsilon3/epsilon3 < epsilon4-carriers in above brain regions
      (except the left insula) while there was only a reduced tendency in HC. The
      multivariate regression analysis showed the well-known negative relationship for
      epsilon4-carriers and the positive relationship for epsilon2-carriers (except the
      left insula), while no correlations were found for epsilon3/epsilon3 between age
      and GM volumes on above brain regions. Moreover, the reduced GM volumes in the
      left calcarine and insula correlated with the impairment of visuo-spatial
      cognition and episodic memory in epsilon4- and epsilon2-carriers but not
      epsilon3/epsilon3, respectively. These results suggest that the APOE epsilon4 and
      epsilon2 alleles have the opposing effects on brain morphology across the
      spectrum of cognitive aging. Moreover, the interaction of APOE by age on brain
      morphology may accelerate the pathological progression of late-life cognitive
      decline in aMCI with epsilon4-carriers and delay the possible conversion from
      aMCI with epsilon2-carriers to AD. 

PMID- 25114091
TI  - PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome: early tumour development in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the earliest age of diagnosis of
      common clinical findings in children with PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome (PHTS).
      DESIGN: Medical records of children with PHTS were reviewed; data included growth
      measurements, presence or absence of specific clinical manifestations and
      tumours, and documented ages of diagnosis. SETTING: Children with PHTS evaluated
      at Boston Children's Hospital from 1996 to 2011. PATIENTS: The cohort included 34
      children diagnosed with PHTS via genetic testing, under the age of 21 years. Of
      these, 23 were male and 11 female. The mean age at their last documented clinical
      evaluation was 13.6 years. The mean follow-up time was 7.5 years. RESULTS:
      Macrocephaly and developmental/intellectual disability were consistent findings.
      Pigmented penile macules were noted in all males examined for this finding.
      Thyroid nodules, found in half the children screened with ultrasound, were
      diagnosed as early as at 5 years of age. Thyroid carcinoma, identified in 12% of
      the children in this cohort, was diagnosed as early as at 7 years of age. Other
      tumours included renal cell carcinoma diagnosed at 11 years of age and granulosa
      cell tumour of the ovary and colonic ganglioneuroma, each diagnosed at 16 years
      of age. CONCLUSIONS: Specific clinical findings and tumours are characteristic in
      children with PHTS. Tumour development occurs in young children with this
      condition, which necessitates early surveillance, especially of the thyroid.

PMID- 25114088
TI  - Common mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and ischemic stroke: the role of protein
      kinase C in the progression of age-related neurodegeneration.
AB  - Ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD), despite being distinct disease
      entities, share numerous pathophysiological mechanisms such as those mediated by
      inflammation, immune exhaustion, and neurovascular unit compromise. An important
      shared mechanistic link is acute and chronic changes in protein kinase C (PKC)
      activity. PKC isoforms have widespread functions important for memory, blood
      brain barrier maintenance, and injury repair that change as the body ages.
      Disease states accelerate PKC functional modifications. Mutated forms of PKC can
      contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. In some cases the PKC
      isoforms are still functional but are not successfully translocated to
      appropriate locations within the cell. The deficits in proper PKC translocation
      worsen stroke outcome and amyloid-beta toxicity. Cross talk between the innate
      immune system and PKC pathways contribute to the vascular status within the aging
      brain. Unfortunately, comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension
      disrupt normal communication between the two systems. The focus of this review is
      to highlight what is known about PKC function, how isoforms of PKC change with
      age, and what additional alterations are consequences of stroke and AD. The goal
      is to highlight future therapeutic targets that can be applied to both the
      treatment and prevention of neurologic disease. Although the pathology of
      ischemic stroke and AD are different, the similarity in PKC responses warrants
      further investigation, especially as PKC-dependent events may serve as an
      important connection linking age-related brain injury. 

PMID- 25114094
TI  - A review of anomalous origination of a coronary artery from an opposite sinus of
      Valsalva (ACAOS) impact on major adverse cardiovascular events based on coronary
      computerized tomography angiography: a 6-year single center review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anomalous origination of a coronary artery from an opposite sinus of
      Valsalva (ACAOS) is a rare finding that is typically found on autopsy in a person
      with sudden cardiac death or during routine cardiovascular testing. The true
      prevalence is unknown for this reason. There is also question to the specific
      anatomy of the anomalies themselves and how best to correct them. METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective chart review of all coronary computed tomography
      angiography (CCTA) studies to evaluate the incidence of all-cause mortality,
      nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke and late revascularization (>90 days
      following CCTA) from January 2005 until July 2012. We describe the origin of the
      artery, its course, slit-like appearance and treatment in this population.
      RESULTS: We reviewed 1518 CCTA reports and identified 22 patients with ACAOS with
      an incidence of 1.4% of our original study population over a review period of 6
      years with a resultant median follow-up period of 25 months [interquartile range
      (IQR)25,75 12-34 months]. The indication for CCTA was for chest pain in the
      majority of patients (73%). We had one patient undergo surgical repair and one
      with coronary bypass grafting for unrelated symptomatic coronary artery disease.
      CONCLUSION: ACAOS continues to be a rare but presumed fatal condition in subsets
      identified to carry high risk features. As the characteristics of the anomalous
      vessels that increase risk are still debated, over an intermediate to long follow
      up in a single large center, none of the different anomalous findings with
      varying degrees of high risk findings were associated with sudden death.

PMID- 25114095
TI  - A rare cause of cardiogenic shock: variant angina.
AB  - Variant angina (VA) is a clinical syndrome caused by spontaneous vasospasm of the
      epicardial coronary artery which is characterized by episodes of angina.
      Endothelial dysfunction and neurohormonal hyperactivity are important factors in
      pathogenesis of VA. Although patient prognosis is good, VA may be one of the
      reasons of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in case of persistent ST segment elevation
      and malignant arrhythmias. Therefore, early treatment of VA is crucial for
      prevention of malignant arrhythmias and SCD. In this case report we describe a
      case of VA presented with cardiogenic shock and malignant ventricular arrhythmia.

PMID- 25114092
TI  - Direct measurement of the mechanical work during translocation by the ribosome.
AB  - A detailed understanding of tRNA/mRNA translocation requires measurement of the
      forces generated by the ribosome during this movement. Such measurements have so
      far remained elusive and, thus, little is known about the relation between force
      and translocation and how this reflects on its mechanism and regulation. Here, we
      address these questions using optical tweezers to follow translation by
      individual ribosomes along single mRNA molecules, against an applied force. We
      find that translocation rates depend exponentially on the force, with a
      characteristic distance close to the one-codon step, ruling out the existence of
      sub-steps and showing that the ribosome likely functions as a Brownian ratchet.
      We show that the ribosome generates ~13 pN of force, barely sufficient to unwind
      the most stable structures in mRNAs, thus providing a basis for their regulatory
      role. Our assay opens the way to characterizing the ribosome's full mechano
      chemical cycle.

PMID- 25114096
TI  - Elucidation of primary metabolic pathways in Aspergillus species: orphaned
      research in characterizing orphan genes.
AB  - Primary metabolism affects all phenotypical traits of filamentous fungi.
      Particular examples include reacting to extracellular stimuli, producing
      precursor molecules required for cell division and morphological changes as well
      as providing monomer building blocks for production of secondary metabolites and
      extracellular enzymes. In this review, all annotated genes from four Aspergillus
      species have been examined. In this process, it becomes evident that 80-96% of
      the genes (depending on the species) are still without verified function. A
      significant proportion of the genes with verified metabolic functions are
      assigned to secondary or extracellular metabolism, leaving only 2-4% of the
      annotated genes within primary metabolism. It is clear that primary metabolism
      has not received the same attention in the post-genomic area as many other
      research areas--despite its role at the very centre of cellular function.
      However, several methods can be employed to use the metabolic networks in tandem
      with comparative genomics to accelerate functional assignment of genes in primary
      metabolism. In particular, gaps in metabolic pathways can be used to assign
      functions to orphan genes. In this review, applications of this from the
      Aspergillus genes will be examined, and it is proposed that, where feasible, this
      should be a standard part of functional annotation of fungal genomes.

PMID- 25114099
TI  - Co-author responsibility: Distinguishing between the moral and epistemic aspects
      of trust.

PMID- 25114097
TI  - Adipose stromal cells differentiate along a smooth muscle lineage pathway upon
      endothelial cell contact via induction of activin A.
AB  - RATIONALE: Adipose stromal cells (ASC) are therapeutically potent progenitor
      cells that possess properties of pericytes. In vivo, ASC in combination with
      endothelial cells (EC) establish functional multilayer vessels, in which ASC form
      the outer vessel layer and differentiate into mural cells. OBJECTIVE: To identify
      factors responsible for ASC differentiation toward the smooth muscle cell
      phenotype via interaction with EC. METHODS AND RESULTS: An in vitro model of EC
      cocultivation with ASC was used, in which EC organized into vascular cords,
      accompanied by ASC migration toward EC and upregulation of alpha-smooth muscle
      actin, SM22alpha, and calponin expression. Conditioned media from EC-ASC, but not
      from EC cultures, induced smooth muscle cell protein expression in ASC
      monocultures. EC-ASC cocultivation induced marked accumulation of activin A but
      not transforming growth factor-beta1 in conditioned media. This was attributed to
      induction of activin A expression in ASC on contact with EC. Although
      transforming growth factor-beta and activin A were individually sufficient to
      initiate expression of smooth muscle cell antigens in ASC, only activin A IgG
      blocked the effect of EC-ASC conditioned media. Although transforming growth
      factor-beta was able to induce activin A expression in ASC, in cocultures this
      induction was transforming growth factor-beta independent. In EC-ASC cocultures,
      activin A IgG or ALK4/5/7 receptor inhibitors blocked expression of alpha-smooth
      muscle actin in ASC in the absence of direct EC-cord contact, but this inhibition
      was circumvented in ASC by direct EC contact. CONCLUSIONS: EC initiate a smooth
      muscle cell differentiation program in adjacent ASC and propagate this
      differentiation in distant ASC by induction of activin A expression.

PMID- 25114098
TI  - Epigenetic modification at Notch responsive promoters blunts efficacy of inducing
      notch pathway reactivation after myocardial infarction.
AB  - RATIONALE: The Notch pathway plays a key role in stimulating mammalian
      cardiomyocyte proliferation during development and in the early postnatal life;
      in adult zebrafish, reactivation of this pathway is also essential to drive
      cardiac regeneration after injury. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to assess efficacy of
      Notch pathway stimulation in neonatal and adult hearts as a means to induce
      cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: In
      early postnatal life, cardiomyocyte exit from the cell cycle was paralleled by
      decreased Notch signaling and the establishment of a repressive chromatin
      environment at Notch-responsive genes, characterized by recruitment of the
      polycomb group enhancer of zeste homolog 2 methyltransferase and the acquisition
      of the histone 3 Lysine 27 trimethylation histone mark, as detected by chromatin
      immunoprecipitation. Forced Notch pathway activation by adenoassociated virus
      gene transfer of activated Notch1 or its ligand Jagged1 expanded the
      proliferative capacity of neonatal cardiomyocytes; this correlated with increased
      transcription of Notch target genes and maintenance of an open chromatin
      conformation at their promoters. The same adenoassociated virus vectors, however,
      were largely ineffective in stimulating cardiac repair after myocardial
      infarction in adult mice, despite optimal and long-lasting transgene expression.
      Analysis of Notch-responsive promoters in adult cardiomyocytes showed marks of
      repressed chromatin and irreversible CpG DNA methylation. Induction of adult
      cardiomyocyte re-entry into the cell cycle with microRNAs was independent from
      Notch pathway reactivation. CONCLUSIONS: Notch pathway activation is crucial in
      regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation during the early postnatal life, but it is
      largely ineffective in driving cardiac regeneration in adults, because of
      permanent epigenetic modification at Notch-responsive promoters.

PMID- 25114100
TI  - Hepatocyte growth factor limits autoimmune neuroinflammation via glucocorticoid
      induced leucine zipper expression in dendritic cells.
AB  - Autoimmune neuroinflammation, including multiple sclerosis and its animal model,
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a prototype for T cell-mediated
      autoimmunity, is believed to result from immune tolerance dysfunction leading to
      demyelination and substantial neurodegeneration. We previously showed that CNS
      restricted expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a potent neuroprotective
      factor, reduced CNS inflammation and clinical deficits associated with EAE. In
      this study, we demonstrate that systemic HGF treatment ameliorates EAE through
      the development of tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) with high expression levels
      of glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ), a transcriptional repressor of
      gene expression and a key endogenous regulator of the inflammatory response. RNA
      interference-directed neutralization of GILZ expression by DCs suppressed the
      induction of tolerance caused by HGF. Finally, adoptive transfer of HGF-treated
      DCs from wild-type but not GILZ gene-deficient mice potently mediated functional
      recovery in recipient mice with established EAE through effective modulation of
      autoaggressive T cell responses. Altogether, these results show that by inducing
      GILZ in DCs, HGF reproduces the mechanism of immune regulation induced by potent
      immunomodulatory factors such as IL-10, TGF-beta1, and glucocorticoids and
      therefore that HGF therapy may have potential in the treatment of autoimmune
      dysfunctions. 

PMID- 25114101
TI  - Innate immune cell CD45 regulates lymphopenia-induced T cell proliferation.
AB  - The leukocyte-specific tyrosine phosphatase, CD45, severely impacts T cell
      development and activation by modulating TCR signaling. CD45-deficient (CD45KO)
      mice have reduced peripheral T cell numbers where CD8 T cells are
      underrepresented. In this article, we show that CD45KO mice are unable to support
      efficient homeostatic proliferation, affecting CD8 T cells more than CD4 T cells.
      Using CD45-RAG1 double-deficient (45RAGKO) mice, we show that lymphopenia-induced
      proliferation (LIP) of CD45-sufficient T cells is defective in a host environment
      lacking CD45 on innate immune cells. We identify two deficiencies in the 45RAGKO
      mice that affect LIP. One involves CD11c(+) cells and the second the production
      of IL-7 by lymphoid stromal cells. CD45KO dendritic cells were not defective in
      foreign Ag-induced T cell proliferation, yet CD45KO CD11c(+) cells were unable to
      rescue the spontaneous LIP in the 45RAGKO mice. This was in contrast with the
      CD45-sufficient CD11c(+) cells that partially rescued this spontaneous
      proliferation and did so without affecting IL-7 levels. The absence of CD45 also
      led to reduced IL-7 production by lymphoid stromal cells, suggesting an indirect
      effect of CD45 on innate immune cells in influencing IL-7 production by lymphoid
      stromal cells. These findings demonstrate a novel role for CD45 on innate immune
      cells in promoting lymphopenia-induced T cell proliferation and suggest that
      innate immune cells may communicate with stromal cells to regulate IL-7
      production. 

PMID- 25114102
TI  - Chlamydia trachomatis inhibits inducible NO synthase in human mesenchymal stem
      cells by stimulating polyamine synthesis.
AB  - Chlamydia trachomatis is considered the most common agent of sexually transmitted
      disease worldwide. As an obligate intracellular bacterium, it relies on the host
      for survival. Production of NO is an effective antimicrobial defense mechanism of
      the innate immune system. However, whether NO is able to arrest chlamydial growth
      remains unclear. Similarly, little is known about the mechanisms underlying
      subversion of cellular innate immunity by C. trachomatis. By analyzing protein
      and mRNA expression in infected human mesenchymal stem cells, combined with RNA
      interference and biochemical assays, we observed that infection with C.
      trachomatis led to downregulated expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in
      human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Furthermore, infection upregulated the
      expression of the rate-limiting enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway,
      ornithine decarboxylase, diverting the iNOS substrate l-arginine toward the
      synthesis of polyamines. Inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase activity using
      small interfering RNA or the competitive inhibitor difluoromethylornithine
      restored iNOS protein expression and activity in infected cells and inhibited
      chlamydial growth. This inhibition was mediated through tyrosine nitration of
      chlamydial protein by peroxynitrite, an NO metabolite. Thus, Chlamydia evades
      innate immunity by inhibiting NO production through induction of the alternative
      polyamine pathway. 

PMID- 25114105
TI  - The proto-MHC of placozoans, a region specialized in cellular stress and
      ubiquitination/proteasome pathways.
AB  - The MHC is a large genetic region controlling Ag processing and recognition by T
      lymphocytes in vertebrates. Approximately 40% of its genes are implicated in
      innate or adaptive immunity. A putative proto-MHC exists in the chordate
      amphioxus and in the fruit fly, indicating that a core MHC region predated the
      emergence of the adaptive immune system in vertebrates. In this study, we
      identify a putative proto-MHC with archetypal markers in the most basal branch of
      Metazoans--the placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens, indicating that the proto-MHC is
      much older than previously believed--and present in the common ancestor of
      bilaterians (contains vertebrates) and placozoans. Our evidence for a T.
      adhaerens proto-MHC was based on macrosynteny and phylogenetic analyses revealing
      approximately one third of the multiple marker sets within the human MHC-related
      paralogy groups have unique counterparts in T. adhaerens, consistent with two
      successive whole genome duplications during early vertebrate evolution. A genetic
      ontologic analysis of the proto-MHC markers in T. adhaerens was consistent with
      its involvement in defense, showing proteins implicated in antiviral immunity,
      stress response, and ubiquitination/proteasome pathway. Proteasome genes psma,
      psmb, and psmd are present, whereas the typical markers of adaptive immunity,
      such as MHC class I and II, are absent. Our results suggest that the proto-MHC
      was involved in intracellular intrinsic immunity and provide insight into the
      primordial architecture and functional landscape of this region that later in
      evolution became associated with numerous genes critical for adaptive immunity in
      vertebrates.

PMID- 25114103
TI  - Peptidoglycan recognition protein 3 and Nod2 synergistically protect mice from
      dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis.
AB  - Aberrant immune response and changes in the gut microflora are the main causes of
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (Pglyrp1,
      Pglyrp2, Pglyrp3, and Pglyrp4) are bactericidal innate immunity proteins that
      maintain normal gut microbiome, protect against experimental colitis, and are
      associated with IBD in humans. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (Nod2)
      is an intracellular bacterial sensor and may be required for maintaining normal
      gut microbiome. Mutations in Nod2 are strongly associated with Crohn's disease,
      but the causative mechanism is not understood, and the role of Nod2 in ulcerative
      colitis is not known. Because IBD is likely caused by variable multiple mutations
      in different individuals, in this study, we examined the combined role of Pglyrp3
      and Nod2 in the development of experimental colitis in mice. We demonstrate that
      a combined deficiency of Pglyrp3 and Nod2 results in higher sensitivity to
      dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis compared with a single deficiency.
      Pglyrp3(-/-)Nod2(-/-) mice had decreased survival and higher loss of body weight,
      increased intestinal bleeding, higher apoptosis of colonic mucosa, elevated
      expression of cytokines and chemokines, altered gut microbiome, and increased
      levels of ATP in the colon. Increased sensitivity to dextran sodium sulfate
      induced colitis in Pglyrp3(-/-)Nod2(-/-) mice depended on increased apoptosis of
      intestinal epithelium, changed gut microflora, and elevated ATP. Pglyrp3
      deficiency contributed colitis-predisposing intestinal microflora and increased
      intestinal ATP, whereas Nod2 deficiency contributed higher apoptosis and
      responsiveness to increased level of ATP. In summary, Pglyrp3 and Nod2 are both
      required for maintaining gut homeostasis and protection against colitis, but
      their protective mechanisms differ. 

PMID- 25114106
TI  - 6-Methoxyflavone inhibits NFAT translocation into the nucleus and suppresses T
      cell activation.
AB  - NFAT plays a crucial role in the immune system by regulating the transcription of
      inducible genes during immune responses. In T cells, NFAT proteins govern various
      cellular events related to T cell development, activation, tolerance induction,
      and differentiation. We previously reported the NFAT1-dependent enhancer activity
      of conserved noncoding sequence (CNS)-9, a distal cis-acting element, in the
      regulation of IL-10 transcription in T cells. In this study, we developed a T
      cell-based reporter system to identify compounds that modulate the regulatory
      activity of CNS-9. Among the identified candidates, 6-methoxyflavone (6-MF)
      significantly inhibited the enhancer activity of CNS-9, thereby reducing IL-10
      expression in T cells without affecting cell viability. 6-MF also downregulated
      the transcription of NFAT1 target genes such as IL-4, IL-13, and IFN-gamma.
      Treatment of 6-MF inhibited the translocation of NFAT1 into the nucleus, which
      consequently interrupted NFAT1 binding to the target loci, without affecting the
      expression or dephosphorylation of NFAT1. Treatment of 6-MF to CD4(+) T cells or
      B cells isolated from mice with atopic dermatitis significantly reduced disease
      associated cytokine production, as well as the levels of IgE. In addition, oral
      administration of 6-MF to atopic dermatitis mice ameliorated disease symptoms by
      reducing serum IgE levels and infiltrating lymphocytes. Conclusively, our results
      suggest that 6-MF can be a potential candidate for the development of an
      effective immunomodulator via the suppression of NFAT-mediated T cell activation.

PMID- 25114104
TI  - MyD88 signaling inhibits protective immunity to the gastrointestinal helminth
      parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus.
AB  - Helminth parasites remain one of the most common causes of infections worldwide,
      yet little is still known about the immune signaling pathways that control their
      expulsion. C57BL/6 mice are chronically susceptible to infection with the
      gastrointestinal helminth parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus. In this article, we
      report that C57BL/6 mice lacking the adapter protein MyD88, which mediates
      signaling by TLRs and IL-1 family members, showed enhanced immunity to H.
      polygyrus infection. Alongside increased parasite expulsion, MyD88-deficient mice
      showed heightened IL-4 and IL-17A production from mesenteric lymph node CD4(+)
      cells. In addition, MyD88(-/-) mice developed substantial numbers of intestinal
      granulomas around the site of infection, which were not seen in MyD88-sufficient
      C57BL/6 mice, nor when signaling through the adapter protein TRIF (TIR domain
      containing adapter-inducing IFN-beta adapter protein) was also ablated. Mice
      deficient solely in TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, or TLR9 did not show enhanced parasite
      expulsion, suggesting that these TLRs signal redundantly to maintain H. polygyrus
      susceptibility in wild-type mice. To further investigate signaling pathways that
      are MyD88 dependent, we infected IL-1R1(-/-) mice with H. polygyrus. This
      genotype displayed heightened granuloma numbers compared with wild-type mice, but
      without increased parasite expulsion. Thus, the IL-1R-MyD88 pathway is implicated
      in inhibiting granuloma formation; however, protective immunity in MyD88
      deficient mice appears to be granuloma independent. Like IL-1R1(-/-) and MyD88(-/
      ) mice, animals lacking signaling through the type 1 IFN receptor (i.e., IFNAR1(
      /-)) also developed intestinal granulomas. Hence, IL-1R1, MyD88, and type 1 IFN
      receptor signaling may provide pathways to impede granuloma formation in vivo,
      but additional MyD88-mediated signals are associated with inhibition of
      protective immunity in susceptible C57BL/6 mice. 

PMID- 25114107
TI  - Prevention of neutrophil extravasation by alpha2-adrenoceptor-mediated
      endothelial stabilization.
AB  - Adrenergic receptors are expressed on the surface of inflammation-mediating
      cells, but their potential role in the regulation of the inflammatory response is
      still poorly understood. The objectives of this work were to study the effects of
      alpha2-adrenergic agonists on the inflammatory response in vivo and to determine
      their mechanism of action. In two mouse models of inflammation, zymosan air pouch
      and thioglycolate-induced peritonitis models, the i.m. treatment with xylazine or
      UK14304, two alpha2-adrenergic agonists, reduced neutrophil migration by 60%. The
      alpha2-adrenergic antagonist RX821002 abrogated this effect. In flow cytometry
      experiments, the basal surface expression of L-selectin and CD11b was modified
      neither in murine nor in human neutrophils upon alpha2-agonist treatment. Similar
      experiments in HUVEC showed that UK14304 prevented the activation-dependent
      upregulation of ICAM-1. In contrast, UK14304 augmented electrical resistance and
      reduced macromolecular transport through a confluent HUVEC monolayer. In flow
      chamber experiments, under postcapillary venule-like flow conditions, the
      pretreatment of HUVECs, but not neutrophils, with alpha2-agonists decreased
      transendothelial migration, without affecting neutrophil rolling. Interestingly,
      alpha2-agonists prevented the TNF-alpha-mediated decrease in expression of the
      adherens junctional molecules, VE-cadherin, beta-catenin, and plakoglobin, and
      reduced the ICAM-1-mediated phosphorylation of VE-cadherin by immunofluorescence
      and confocal analysis and Western blot analysis, respectively. These findings
      indicate that alpha2-adrenoceptors trigger signals that protect the integrity of
      endothelial adherens junctions during the inflammatory response, thus pointing at
      the vascular endothelium as a therapeutic target for the management of
      inflammatory processes in humans. 

PMID- 25114108
TI  - Glycosylation and immunoreactivity of the Histoplasma capsulatum Cfp4 yeast-phase
      exoantigen.
AB  - The yeast phase of Histoplasma capsulatum is the virulent form of this thermally
      dimorphic fungal pathogen. Among the secreted proteome of Histoplasma, culture
      filtrate protein 4 (Cfp4) is a heavily glycosylated factor produced abundantly
      and specifically by Histoplasma yeast cells, suggesting its role in pathogenesis.
      We have generated three monoclonal antibodies as tools for characterization and
      detection of Cfp4 and determined the epitope each recognizes. Through site
      directed mutagenesis of Cfp4, we identified three asparagines that function as
      the principal sites of N-linked glycan modification. To test the function of Cfp4
      in Histoplasma pathogenesis, we generated Cfp4-deficient strains by insertional
      mutagenesis and by RNA interference. Cfp4-deficient strains are not attenuated in
      virulence in human macrophages or during lung infection in a murine model of
      histoplasmosis. Coinfection of differentially marked Cfp4-producing and Cfp4
      deficient strains demonstrates that production of Cfp4 does not confer a fitness
      advantage to Histoplasma yeasts during murine lung infection. Despite no apparent
      role in acute virulence in mice, secretion of the Cfp4 glycoprotein by yeast
      cells is consistent across clinical and laboratory isolates of the North American
      type 1 and type 2 phylogenetic groups as well as a strain from Panama. In
      addition, human immune sera recognize the Histoplasma Cfp4 protein, confirming
      Cfp4 production during infection of human hosts. These results suggest the
      potential utility of Cfp4 as a diagnostic exoantigen for histoplasmosis. 

PMID- 25114111
TI  - Tick passage results in enhanced attenuation of Babesia bovis.
AB  - Serial blood passage of virulent Babesia bovis in splenectomized cattle results
      in attenuated derivatives that do not cause neurologic disease. Tick
      transmissibility can be lost with attenuation, but when retained, attenuated B.
      bovis can revert to virulence following tick passage. This study provides data
      showing that tick passage of the partially attenuated B. bovis T2Bo derivative
      strain further decreased virulence compared with intravenous inoculation of the
      same strain in infected animals. Ticks that acquired virulent or attenuated
      parasites by feeding on infected cattle were transmission fed on naive,
      splenectomized animals. While there was no significant difference between groups
      in the number of parasites in the midgut, hemolymph, or eggs of replete female
      ticks after acquisition feeding, animals infected with the attenuated parasites
      after tick transmission showed no clinical signs of babesiosis, unlike those
      receiving intravenous challenge with the same attenuated strain prior to tick
      passage. Additionally, there were significantly fewer parasites in blood and
      tissues of animals infected with tick-passaged attenuated parasites. Sequencing
      analysis of select B. bovis genes before and after tick passage showed
      significant differences in parasite genotypes in both peripheral blood and
      cerebral samples. These results provide evidence that not only is tick
      transmissibility retained by the attenuated T2Bo strain, but also it results in
      enhanced attenuation and is accompanied by expansion of parasite subpopulations
      during tick passage that may be associated with the change in disease phenotype. 

PMID- 25114110
TI  - Masking of beta(1-3)-glucan in the cell wall of Candida albicans from detection
      by innate immune cells depends on phosphatidylserine.
AB  - The virulence of Candida albicans in a mouse model of invasive candidiasis is
      dependent on the phospholipids phosphatidylserine (PS) and
      phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Disruption of the PS synthase gene CHO1 (i.e.,
      cho1Delta/Delta) eliminates PS and blocks the de novo pathway for PE
      biosynthesis. In addition, the cho1Delta/Delta mutant's ability to cause invasive
      disease is severely compromised. The cho1Delta/Delta mutant also exhibits cell
      wall defects, and in this study, it was determined that loss of PS results in
      decreased masking of cell wall beta(1-3)-glucan from the immune system. In wild
      type C. albicans, the outer mannan layer of the wall masks the inner layer of
      beta(1-3)-glucan from exposure and detection by innate immune effector molecules
      like the C-type signaling lectin Dectin-1, which is found on macrophages,
      neutrophils, and dendritic cells. The cho1Delta/Delta mutant exhibits increases
      in exposure of beta(1-3)-glucan, which leads to greater binding by Dectin-1 in
      both yeast and hyphal forms. The unmasking of beta(1-3)-glucan also results in
      increased elicitation of TNF-alpha from macrophages in a Dectin-1-dependent
      manner. The role of phospholipids in fungal pathogenesis is an emerging field,
      and this is the first study showing that loss of PS in C. albicans results in
      decreased masking of beta(1-3)-glucan, which may contribute to our understanding
      of fungus-host interactions. 

PMID- 25114109
TI  - LcrV delivered via type III secretion system of live attenuated Yersinia
      pseudotuberculosis enhances immunogenicity against pneumonic plague.
AB  - Here, we constructed a Yersinia pseudotuberculosis mutant strain with arabinose
      dependent regulated and delayed shutoff of crp expression (araC P(BAD) crp) and
      replacement of the msbB gene with the Escherichia coli msbB gene to attenuate it.
      Then, we inserted the asd mutation into this construction to form chi10057
      [Deltaasd-206 DeltamsbB868::P(msbB) msbB(EC) DeltaP(crp21)::TT araC P(BAD) crp]
      for use with a balanced-lethal Asd-positive (Asd(+)) plasmid to facilitate
      antigen synthesis. A hybrid protein composed of YopE (amino acids [aa]1 to 138)
      fused with full-length LcrV (YopE(Nt138)-LcrV) was synthesized in chi10057
      harboring an Asd(+) plasmid (pYA5199, yopE(Nt138)-lcrV) and could be secreted
      through a type III secretion system (T3SS) in vitro and in vivo. Animal studies
      indicated that mice orally immunized with chi10057(pYA5199) developed titers of
      IgG response to whole-cell lysates of Y. pestis (YpL) and subunit LcrV similar to
      those seen with chi10057(pYA3332) (chi10057 plus an empty plasmid). However, only
      immunization of mice with chi10057(pYA5199) resulted in a significant secretory
      IgA response to LcrV. chi10057(pYA5199) induced a higher level of protection (80%
      survival) against intranasal (i.n.) challenge with ~240 median lethal doses
      (LD50) (2.4 * 10(4) CFU) of Y. pestis KIM6+(pCD1Ap) than chi10057(pYA3332) (40%
      survival). Splenocytes from mice vaccinated with chi10057(pYA5199) produced
      significant levels of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor alpha
      (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) after restimulation with LcrV and YpL
      antigens. Our results suggest that it is possible to use an attenuated Y.
      pseudotuberculosis strain delivering the LcrV antigen via the T3SS as a potential
      vaccine candidate against pneumonic plague.

PMID- 25114112
TI  - The serine/threonine kinase STK11 promotes Shigella flexneri dissemination
      through establishment of cell-cell contacts competent for tyrosine kinase
      signaling.
AB  - Shigella flexneri is an intracellular pathogen that disseminates in the
      intestinal epithelium by displaying actin-based motility. We found that although
      S. flexneri displayed comparable actin-based motilities in the cytosols of
      HeLa229 and HT-29 epithelial cell lines, the overall dissemination process was
      much more efficient in HT-29 cells. Time-lapse microscopy demonstrated that as
      motile bacteria reached the cell cortex in HT-29 cells, they formed membrane
      protrusions that resolved into vacuoles, from which the bacteria escaped and
      gained access to the cytosol of adjacent cells. In HeLa229 cells, S. flexneri
      also formed membrane protrusions that extended into adjacent cells, but the
      protrusions rarely resolved into vacuoles. Instead, the formed protrusions
      collapsed and retracted, bringing the bacteria back to the cytosol of the primary
      infected cells. Silencing the serine/threonine kinase STK11 (also known as LKB1)
      in HT-29 cells decreased the efficiency of protrusion resolution into vacuoles.
      Conversely, expressing STK11 in HeLa229 cells, which lack the STK11 locus,
      dramatically increased the efficiency of protrusion resolution into vacuoles. S.
      flexneri dissemination in HT-29 cells led to the local phosphorylation of
      tyrosine residues in protrusions, a signaling event that was not observed in
      HeLa229 cells but was restored in STK11-expressing HeLa229 cells. Treatment of HT
      29 cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib abrogated tyrosine kinase
      signaling in protrusions, which correlated with a severe decrease in the
      efficiency of protrusion resolution into vacuoles. We suggest that the formation
      of STK11-dependent lateral cell-cell contacts competent for tyrosine kinase
      signaling promotes S. flexneri dissemination in epithelial cells.

PMID- 25114113
TI  - Epithelial innate immune response to Acinetobacter baumannii challenge.
AB  - Currently, Acinetobacter baumannii is recognized as one of the major pathogens
      seriously threatening our health care delivery system. Aspects of the innate
      immune response to A. baumannii infection are not yet well understood. Human beta
      defensins (hBDs) are epithelial cell-derived cationic antimicrobial peptides
      (AMPs) that also function to bridge the innate and adaptive immune system. We
      tested the induction of hBD-2 and -3 by A. baumannii on primary oral and skin
      epithelial cells and found that A. baumannii induces hBD-3 transcripts to a
      greater extent than it induces hBD-2 transcripts on both types of cells. In
      addition, we found that A. baumannii is susceptible to hBD-2 and -3 killing at
      submicromolar concentrations. Moreover, hBD-3 induction by A. baumannii was found
      to be dependent on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Inhibition
      of mitogen-activated protein kinase resulted in reduced expression of both hBD-2
      and -3. Lastly, a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17; also known as TACE)
      was found to be critical for hBD-3 induction, while ADAM10 and dual oxidase 1
      (Duox1) were not required for hBD-3 induction. Induction of AMPs is an important
      component of innate sensing of pathogens and may play an important role in
      triggering systemic immune responses to A. baumannii infection. Further studies
      on the interactions between epithelial cells and A. baumannii will help us
      understand early stages of infection and may shed light on why some individuals
      are more vulnerable to A. baumannii infection. 

PMID- 25114114
TI  - BDCA1-positive dendritic cells (DCs) represent a unique human myeloid DC subset
      that induces innate and adaptive immune responses to Staphylococcus aureus
      Infection.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (bacteremia) is a major cause of
      morbidity and mortality and places substantial cost burdens on health care
      systems. The role of peripheral blood dendritic cells (PBDCs) in the immune
      responses against S. aureus infection has not been well characterized. In this
      study, we demonstrated that BDCA1(+) myeloid DCs (mDCs) represent a unique PBDC
      subset that can induce immune responses against S. aureus infection. BDCA1(+)
      mDCs could engulf S. aureus and strongly upregulated the expression of
      costimulatory molecules and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore,
      BDCA1(+) mDCs expressed high levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
      class I and II molecules in response to S. aureus and greatly promoted
      proliferation and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production in CD4 and CD8 T cells.
      Moreover, BDCA1(+) mDCs expressed higher levels of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2)
      and scavenger receptor A (SR-A) than those on CD16(+) and BDCA3(+) mDCs, and
      these two receptors were both required for the recognition of S. aureus and the
      subsequent activation of BDCA1(+) mDCs. Finally, BDCA1(+) mDC-mediated immune
      responses against S. aureus were dependent on MyD88 signaling pathways. These
      results demonstrate that human BDCA1(+) mDCs represent a unique subset of mDCs
      that can respond to S. aureus to undergo maturation and activation and to induce
      Th1 and Tc1 immune responses.

PMID- 25114116
TI  - Blockade of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase reduces mortality from peritonitis and
      sepsis in mice by regulating functions of CD11b+ peritoneal cells.
AB  - Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (Ido), which catalyzes the first and limiting step
      of tryptophan catabolism, has been implicated in immune tolerance. However, the
      roles of Ido in systemic bacterial infection are complicated and remain
      controversial. To explore this issue, we examined the roles of Ido in bacterial
      peritonitis and sepsis after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice by using
      the Ido inhibitor 1-methyl-d,l-tryptophan (1-MT), by comparing Ido(+/+) and Ido(
      /-) mice, or by using chimeric mice in which Ido in the bone marrow-derived cells
      was deficient. Ido expression in the peritoneal CD11b(+) cells and its metabolite
      l-kynurenine in the serum were increased after CLP. 1-MT treatment or Ido
      deficiency, especially in bone marrow-derived cells, reduced mortality after CLP.
      Compared to Ido(+/+) mice, Ido(-/-) mice showed increased recruitment of
      neutrophils and mononuclear cells into the peritoneal cavity and a decreased
      bacterial count in the blood accompanied by increased CXCL-2 and CXCL-1 mRNA in
      the peritoneal cells. Ido has an inhibitory effect on LPS-induced CXCL-2 and CXCL
      1 production in cultured peritoneal cells. These findings indicate that
      inhibition of Ido reduces mortality from peritonitis and sepsis after CLP via
      recruitment of neutrophils and mononuclear cells by chemokine production in
      peritoneal CD11b(+) cells. Thus, blockade of Ido plays a beneficial role in host
      protection during bacterial peritonitis and sepsis. 

PMID- 25114115
TI  - New insights into the antimicrobial effect of mast cells against Enterococcus
      faecalis.
AB  - Enterococcus faecalis has emerged as an important cause of life-threatening
      multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in the hospital setting. The
      pathogenesis of enterococcal infections has remained a relatively neglected field
      despite their obvious clinical relevance. The objective of this study was to
      characterize the interactions between mast cells (MCs), an innate immune cell
      population abundant in the intestinal lamina propria, and E. faecalis. This study
      was conducted with primary bone marrow-derived murine MCs. The results
      demonstrated that MCs exerted an antimicrobial effect against E. faecalis that
      was mediated both by degranulation, with the concomitant discharge of the
      antimicrobial effectors contained in the granules, and by the release of
      extracellular traps, in which E. faecalis was snared and killed. In particular,
      the cathelicidin LL-37 released by the MCs had potent antimicrobial effect
      against E. faecalis. We also investigated the specific receptors involved in the
      recognition of E. faecalis by MCs. We found that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are
      critically involved in the MC recognition of E. faecalis, since MCs deficient in
      the expression of MyD88, an adaptor molecule required for signaling by most TLRs,
      were significantly impaired in their capacity to degranulate, to reduce E.
      faecalis growth as well as to release tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and
      interleukin 6 (IL-6) after encountering this pathogen. Furthermore, TLR2 was
      identified as the most prominent TLR involved in the recognition of E. faecalis
      by MCs. The results of this study indicate that MCs may be important contributors
      to the host innate immune defenses against E. faecalis.

PMID- 25114117
TI  - The interleukin-1beta/CXCL1/2/neutrophil axis mediates host protection against
      group B streptococcal infection.
AB  - Previous studies have indicated that group B streptococcus (GBS), a frequent
      human pathogen, potently induces the release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), an
      important mediator of inflammatory responses. Since little is known about the
      role of this cytokine in GBS disease, we analyzed the outcome of infection in IL
      1beta-deficient mice. These animals were markedly sensitive to GBS infection,
      with most of them dying under challenge conditions that caused no deaths in wild
      type control mice. Lethality was due to the inability of the IL-1beta-deficient
      mice to control local GBS replication and dissemination to target organs, such as
      the brain and the kidneys. Moreover, in a model of inflammation induced by the
      intraperitoneal injection of killed GBS, a lack of IL-1beta was associated with
      selective impairment in the production of the neutrophil chemokines CXCL1 and
      CXCL2 and in neutrophil recruitment to the peritoneal cavity. Decreased blood
      neutrophil counts and impaired neutrophil recruitment to the brain and kidneys
      were also observed during GBS infection in IL-1beta-deficient mice concomitantly
      with a reduction in CXCL1 and CXCL2 tissue levels. Notably, the
      hypersusceptibility to GBS infection observed in the immune-deficient animals was
      recapitulated by neutrophil depletion with anti-Gr1 antibodies. Collectively, our
      data identify a cytokine circuit that involves IL-1beta-induced production of
      CXCL1 and CXCL2 and leads the recruitment of neutrophils to GBS infection sites.
      Moreover, our data point to an essential role of these cells in controlling the
      progression and outcome of GBS disease.

PMID- 25114119
TI  - Characterization of a lipopolysaccharide-targeted monoclonal antibody and its
      variable fragments as candidates for prophylaxis against the obligate
      intracellular bacterial pathogen Coxiella burnetii.
AB  - Our previous study demonstrated that treatment of Coxiella burnetii with the
      phase I lipopolysaccharide (PI-LPS)-targeted monoclonal antibody (MAb) 1E4
      significantly inhibited C. burnetii infection in mice, suggesting that 1E4 is a
      protective MAb. To determine whether passive transfer of antibodies (Abs) can
      provide protection against C. burnetii natural infection, we examined if passive
      transfer of 1E4 would protect SCID mice against C. burnetii aerosol infection.
      The results indicated that 1E4 conferred significant protection against
      aerosolized C. burnetii, suggesting that 1E4 may be useful for preventing C.
      burnetii natural infection. To further understand the mechanisms of 1E4-mediated
      protection and to test the possibility of using humanized 1E4 to prevent C.
      burnetii infection, we examined whether the Fab fragment of 1E4 (Fab1E4), a
      recombinant murine single-chain variable fragment (muscFv1E4), and a humanized
      single-chain variable fragment (huscFv1E4) retained the ability of 1E4 to inhibit
      C. burnetii infection. The results indicated that Fab1E4, muscFv1E4, and
      huscFv1E4 were able to inhibit C. burnetii infection in mice but that their
      ability to inhibit C. burnetii infection was lower than that of 1E4. In addition,
      treatment of C. burnetii with Fab1E4, muscFv1E4, or huscFv1E4 can block C.
      burnetii infection of macrophages. Interestingly, treatment of C. burnetii with
      huscFv1E4 can significantly reduce C. burnetii infectivity in human macrophages.
      This report provides the first evidence to demonstrate that the humanized
      variable fragments of an LPS-specific MAb can neutralize C. burnetii infection
      and appears to be a promising step toward the potential use of a humanized MAb as
      emergency prophylaxis against C. burnetii exposure.

PMID- 25114121
TI  - Human monocyte subsets at homeostasis and their perturbation in numbers and
      function in filarial infection.
AB  - To characterize the function and plasticity of the major human circulating
      monocyte populations and to explore their role in systemic helminth infection,
      highly purified (by flow-based sorting) human monocyte subsets
      (CD14(hi)/CD16(neg) [classical], CD14(+ or hi)/CD16(med) [intermediate], and
      CD14(neg)/CD16(hi) [nonclassical]) were examined at homeostasis and after
      activation. Among these three subsets the classical and intermediate subsets were
      found to be the major sources of inflammatory and regulatory cytokines, as well
      as cytokines/chemokines associated with alternative activation, whereas the
      nonclassical and classical populations demonstrated an ability to transmigrate
      through endothelial monolayers. Moreover, it was primarily the classical subset
      that was the most efficient in promoting autologous T cell proliferation. The
      distribution of these subsets changed in the context of a systemic helminth
      (Wuchereria bancrofti) infection such that patent infection altered the frequency
      and distribution of these monocyte subsets with the nonclassical monocytes being
      expanded (almost 2-fold) in filarial infection. To understand further the
      filarial/monocyte interface, in vitro modeling demonstrated that the classical
      subset internalized filarial antigens more efficiently than the other two subsets
      but that the parasite-driven regulatory cytokine interleukin-10 was exclusively
      coming from the intermediate subset. Our data suggest that monocyte subsets have
      a differential function at homeostasis and in response to helminth parasites.

PMID- 25114118
TI  - Polymorphonuclear leukocytes restrict growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the
      lungs of cystic fibrosis patients.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have increased susceptibility to chronic lung
      infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but the ecophysiology within the CF lung
      during infections is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate
      the in vivo growth physiology of P. aeruginosa within lungs of chronically
      infected CF patients. A novel, quantitative peptide nucleic acid (PNA)
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH)-based method was used to estimate
      the in vivo growth rates of P. aeruginosa directly in lung tissue samples from CF
      patients and the growth rates of P. aeruginosa in infected lungs in a mouse
      model. The growth rate of P. aeruginosa within CF lungs did not correlate with
      the dimensions of bacterial aggregates but showed an inverse correlation to the
      concentration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) surrounding the bacteria. A
      growth-limiting effect on P. aeruginosa by PMNs was also observed in vitro, where
      this limitation was alleviated in the presence of the alternative electron
      acceptor nitrate. The finding that P. aeruginosa growth patterns correlate with
      the number of surrounding PMNs points to a bacteriostatic effect by PMNs via
      their strong O2 consumption, which slows the growth of P. aeruginosa in infected
      CF lungs. In support of this, the growth of P. aeruginosa was significantly
      higher in the respiratory airways than in the conducting airways of mice. These
      results indicate a complex host-pathogen interaction in chronic P. aeruginosa
      infection of the CF lung whereby PMNs slow the growth of the bacteria and render
      them less susceptible to antibiotic treatment while enabling them to persist by
      anaerobic respiration. 

PMID- 25114120
TI  - Bacterial heterogeneity is a requirement for host superinfection by the Lyme
      disease spirochete.
AB  - In nature, mixed Borrelia burgdorferi infections are common and possibly can be
      acquired by either superinfection or coinfection. Superinfection by heterologous
      B. burgdorferi strains has been established experimentally, although the ability
      of homologous B. burgdorferi clones to superinfect a host has not been studied in
      detail. Information regarding any potential immune barriers to secondary
      infection also currently is unavailable. In the present study, the ability to
      superinfect various mouse models by homologous wild-type clones was examined and
      compared to superinfection by heterologous strains. To assess the ability of
      homologous B. burgdorferi clones to successfully superinfect a mouse host,
      primary- and secondary-infecting spirochetes were recovered via in vitro
      cultivation of collected blood or tissue samples. This was accomplished by
      generating two different antibiotic-resistant versions of the wild-type B31-A3
      clone in order to distinguish superinfecting B. burgdorferi from primary
      infecting spirochetes. The data demonstrate an inability of homologous B.
      burgdorferi to superinfect immunocompetent mice as opposed to heterologous
      strains. Attempts to superinfect different types of immunodeficient mice with
      homologous B. burgdorferi indicate that the murine innate immune system
      represents a major barrier to intrastrain superinfection. Consequently, the
      possibility of innate immunity as a driving force for B. burgdorferi
      heterogeneity during the enzootic cycle is discussed.

PMID- 25114123
TI  - Fixed versus removable orthodontic appliances to correct anterior crossbite in
      the mixed dentition--a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of fixed and removable orthodontic
      appliances in correcting anterior crossbite with functional shift in the mixed
      dentition. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Consecutive recruitment of 64 patients who met
      the following inclusion criteria: early to late mixed dentition, anterior
      crossbite with functional shift, moderate space deficiency in the maxilla, i.e.
      up to 4mm, a non-extraction treatment plan, the ANB angle > 0 degree, and no
      previous orthodontic treatment. Sixty-two patients agreed to participate. The
      study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms. After
      written consent was obtained, the patients were randomized, in blocks of 10, for
      treatment either with a removable appliance with protruding springs or a fixed
      appliance with multi-brackets. The main outcome measures assessed were success
      rate, duration of treatment, and changes in overjet, overbite, and arch length.
      The results were also analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: The
      crossbite was successfully corrected in all patients in the fixed appliance group
      and all except one in the removable appliance group. The average duration of
      treatment was significantly less, 1.4 months, for the fixed appliance group (P <
      0.05). There were significant increases in arch length and overjet in both
      treatment groups, but significantly more in the fixed appliance group (P < 0.05
      and P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Anterior crossbite with functional shift in the mixed
      dentition can be successfully corrected by either fixed or removable appliance
      therapy in a short-term perspective.

PMID- 25114124
TI  - Alveolar bone mapping in subjects with different vertical facial dimensions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in alveolar
      and skeletal dimensions among subjects with different vertical facial dimensions
      using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). To date, this is the first study that
      investigates the relationship between facial type and posterior alveolar
      thickness in both maxilla and mandible, using CBCT data. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      From a sample of 152 CBCT scans, 45 scans were selected to be included in the
      study. CBCT-synthesized lateral cephalograms were used to categorize subjects
      into three groups based on their vertical skeletal pattern. Using iCATVisionTM
      software, measurements of alveolar height and thickness were carried out in the
      entire tooth-bearing region. In addition, AutoCADTM software was used to carry
      out measurements for the anatomical limitation to labio-lingual incisor movement.
      Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests with the Bonferroni adjustment were done
      for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Compared to the other two groups, high-angle
      group had larger anterior dentoalveolar height with no significant differences in
      alveolar height posteriorly, in both the maxilla and mandible. Furthermore, high
      angle group presented thinner alveolus anteriorly in the maxilla and at almost
      all sites in the mandible. Low-angle group had higher mean values for some
      measurements of the anatomical limitation to labio-lingual incisor movement for
      all upper and lower incisors. LIMITATIONS: Inherent limitations of CBCT scanning
      as related to physical spatial resolution of the image and limitations posed by
      the study sample size should be considered. CONCLUSIONS: There is a statistically
      significant relationship between facial type and alveolar height and thickness.
      High-angle subjects can be at increased risk of moving incisors beyond alveolar
      bone support when subjected to marked antero-posterior incisor movement.

PMID- 25114122
TI  - Role of pathogen-derived cell wall carbohydrates and prostaglandin E2 in immune
      response and suppression of fish immunity by the oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica.
AB  - Saprolegnia parasitica is a freshwater oomycete that is capable of infecting
      several species of fin fish. Saprolegniosis, the disease caused by this microbe,
      has a substantial impact on Atlantic salmon aquaculture. No sustainable treatment
      against saprolegniosis is available, and little is known regarding the host
      response. In this study, we examined the immune response of Atlantic salmon to S.
      parasitica infection and to its cell wall carbohydrates. Saprolegnia triggers a
      strong inflammatory response in its host (i.e., induction of interleukin-1beta1
      [IL-1beta1], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha), while severely suppressing
      the expression of genes associated with adaptive immunity in fish, through
      downregulation of T-helper cell cytokines, antigen presentation machinery, and
      immunoglobulins. Oomycete cell wall carbohydrates were recognized by fish
      leukocytes, triggering upregulation of genes involved in the inflammatory
      response, similar to what is observed during infection. Our data suggest that S.
      parasitica is capable of producing prostaglandin [corrected] E2 (PGE2) in vitro,
      a metabolite not previously shown to be produced by oomycetes, and two proteins
      with homology to vertebrate enzymes known to play a role in prostaglandin
      biosynthesis have been identified in the oomycete genome. Exogenous PGE2 was
      shown to increase the inflammatory response in fish leukocytes incubated with
      cell wall carbohydrates while suppressing genes involved in cellular immunity
      (gamma interferon [IFN-gamma] and the IFN-gamma-inducible protein [gamma-IP]).
      Inhibition of S. parasitica zoospore germination and mycelial growth by two
      cyclooxygenase inhibitors (aspirin and indomethacin) also suggests that
      prostaglandins may be involved in oomycete development.

PMID- 25114125
TI  - Does coronary endarterectomy technique affect surgical outcome when combined with
      coronary artery bypass grafting?
AB  - A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured
      protocol. The question addressed was whether open coronary endarterectomy (CE)
      and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) compares favourably with closed
      endarterectomy and CABG in the myocardial revascularization of patients
      presenting with diffuse coronary artery disease (DCAD). One hundred and fifty
      five articles were identified by a systematic search, of which 10 best answered
      the clinical question incorporating a total of 1203 patients (915 open-CE, 288
      closed-CE). All were observational studies. Two were comparative and the
      remaining eight were case series. The authors, journal, date, country of
      publication, patient group, study type, relevant outcomes and results were
      recorded. The open technique involved removal of atheroma under direct vision
      through an arteriotomy along the length of diffusely stenotic artery, whereas the
      closed technique involved a smaller arteriotomy and removal via traction on the
      proximal plaque. The overall postoperative mortality rate associated with open-CE
      ranged from 2.3 to 10.5%. Both comparative studies demonstrated at least
      equivalent 30-day mortality between open-CE and closed-CE. Notably, the four
      studies with highest overall postoperative mortality used a saphenous vein (SV)
      graft in the majority of patients. Furthermore, two-vessel CE was associated with
      higher mortality rates. Among these best evidence series, the overall incidence
      rate of postoperative myocardial infarction (MI) was 7.3% (88/1203). Whether open
      CE or the use of internal thoracic artery (ITA) conduit over SV affects
      postoperative MI rates remains inconclusive. Mid-term and long-term graft
      patency, and 3-, 4- and 5-year survival rates are all improved when open-CE is
      combined with the ITA bypass conduit, when compared with closed-CE or open-CE
      using another conduit. In summary, open-CE with CABG in the setting of DCAD may
      carry lower 30-day mortality than closed-CE with CABG. Utilization of ITA appears
      to improve mortality, whereas the SV conduit and multivessel CE may worsen
      clinical outcome. Furthermore, the ITA may also improve graft patency when
      combined with open-CE. There is currently insufficient evidence to determine the
      effect of open-CE on MI incidence. Future large, prospective studies are now
      required with defined subgroups, stratifying technique, number and territory of
      the endarterectomy and conduit type in order to determine the patients in whom
      open-CE may confer the greatest benefit. 

PMID- 25114126
TI  - Identification of Acinetobacter baumannii serum-associated antibiotic efflux pump
      inhibitors.
AB  - Adaptive antibiotic resistance is a newly described phenomenon by which
      Acinetobacter baumannii induces efflux pump activity in response to host
      associated environmental cues that may, in part, account for antibiotic treatment
      failures against clinically defined susceptible strains. To that end, during
      adaptation to growth in human serum, the organism induces approximately 22
      putative efflux-associated genes and displays efflux-mediated minocycline
      tolerance at antibiotic concentrations corresponding to patient serum levels.
      Here, we show that in addition to minocycline, growth in human serum elicits A.
      baumannii efflux-mediated tolerance to the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, meropenem,
      tetracycline, and tigecycline. Moreover, using a whole-cell high-throughput
      screen and secondary assays, we identified novel serum-associated antibiotic
      efflux inhibitors that potentiated the activities of antibiotics toward serum
      grown A. baumannii. Two compounds, Acinetobacter baumannii efflux pump inhibitor
      1 (ABEPI1) [(E)-4-((4-chlorobenzylidene)amino)benezenesulfonamide] and ABEPI2 [N
      tert-butyl-2-(1-tert-butyltetrazol-5-yl)sulfanylacetamide], were shown to lead to
      minocycline accumulation within A. baumannii during serum growth and inhibit the
      efflux potential of the organism. While both compounds also inhibited the
      antibiotic efflux properties of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
      they did not display significant cytotoxicity toward human cells or mammalian
      Ca(2+) channel inhibitory effects, suggesting that ABEPI1 and ABEPI2 represent
      promising structural scaffolds for the development of new classes of bacterial
      antibiotic efflux pump inhibitors that can be used to potentiate the activities
      of current and future antibiotics for the therapeutic intervention of Gram
      negative bacterial infections. 

PMID- 25114127
TI  - A first-in-human randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single- and
      multiple-ascending oral dose study of novel antimalarial Spiroindolone KAE609
      (Cipargamin) to assess its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy
      adult volunteers.
AB  - This first-in-human randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, ascending
      single and -multiple oral dose study was designed to evaluate the safety,
      tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers of KAE609 (cipargamin;
      formerly NITD609), a spiroindolone now in trials for malaria treatment. It was
      studied in single-dose cohorts (1 to 300 mg, including one 30-mg food effect
      cohort) with 4 to 10 subjects in each cohort and in multiple-dose cohorts (10 to
      150 mg once daily for 3 days) with 8 subjects in each cohort. The follow-up
      period was 6 to 8 days post-last dose. Safety and pharmacokinetics were assessed
      at scheduled time points during the study. Systemic exposure in terms of the area
      under the concentration-time curve from 0 h extrapolated to infinity (AUC0
      infinity) increased in a dose-proportional manner over the dose range of 1 to 300
      mg. The AUC from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration
      (AUClast) and the maximum concentration of drug in plasma (Cmax) also increased
      in an approximately dose-proportional manner. When administered daily for 3 days,
      the accumulation ratio on day 3 (the AUC from time zero to 24 h postdosing [AUC0
      24] on day 3/AUC0-24 on day 1) was in the range of 1.5 to 2 in the studied dose
      range (10 to 150 mg) and was consistent with an elimination half-life of around
      24 h. Urine analysis for unchanged KAE609 revealed negligible amounts (<=0.01%)
      were excreted renally. The high fat food intake did not affect the extent of
      KAE609 absorption (AUC); however, the Cmax was reduced by around 27%. KAE609 was
      tolerated in this study, with transient gastrointestinal and genitourinary
      adverse events of mild to moderate intensity (semen discoloration, diarrhea,
      nausea and abdominal discomfort, dizziness and headache, catheter site hematoma).
      Gastrointestinal and genitourinary adverse events increased with rising doses. 

PMID- 25114128
TI  - Ascorbate peroxidase, a key molecule regulating amphotericin B resistance in
      clinical isolates of Leishmania donovani.
AB  - Amphotericin B (AmB), a polyene macrolide, is now a first-line treatment of
      visceral leishmaniasis cases refractory to antimonials in India. AmB relapse
      cases and the emergence of secondary resistance have now been reported. To
      understand the mechanism of AmB, differentially expressed genes in AmB resistance
      strains were identified by a DNA microarray and real-time reverse transcriptase
      PCR (RT-PCR) approach. Of the many genes functionally overexpressed in the
      presence of AmB, the ascorbate peroxidase gene from a resistant Leishmania
      donovani strain (LdAPx gene) was selected because the gene is present only in
      Leishmania, not in humans. Apoptosis-like cell death after exposure to AmB was
      investigated in a wild-type (WT) strain in which the LdAPx gene was overexpressed
      and in AmB-sensitive and -resistant strains. A higher percentage of apoptosis
      like cell death after AmB treatment was noticed in the sensitive strain than in
      both the resistant isolate and the strain sensitive to LdAPx overexpression. This
      event is preceded by AmB-induced formation of reactive oxygen species and
      elevation of the cytosolic calcium level. Enhanced cytosolic calcium was found to
      be responsible for depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the
      release of cytochrome c (Cyt c) into the cytosol. The redox behavior of Cyt c
      showed that it has a role in the regulation of apoptosis-like cell death by
      activating metacaspase- and caspase-like proteins and causing concomitant nuclear
      alterations, as determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP
      biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) and DNA fragmentation in the resistant strain.
      The present study suggests that constitutive overexpression of LdAPx in the L.
      donovani AmB-resistant strain prevents cells from the deleterious effect of
      oxidative stress, i.e., mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular death induced by
      AmB. 

PMID- 25114129
TI  - Resveratrol is active against Leishmania amazonensis: in vitro effect of its
      association with Amphotericin B.
AB  - Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in black grapes and red wine and has many
      biological activities. In this study, we evaluated the effect of resveratrol
      alone and in association with amphotericin B (AMB) against Leishmania
      amazonensis. Our results demonstrate that resveratrol possesses both
      antipromastigote and antiamastigote effects, with 50% inhibitory concentrations
      (IC50s) of 27 and 42 MUM, respectively. The association of resveratrol with AMB
      showed synergy for L. amazonensis amastigotes, as demonstrated by the mean sums
      of fractional inhibitory index concentration (mean SigmaFIC) of 0.483, although
      for promastigotes, this association was indifferent. Treatment with resveratrol
      increased the percentage of promastigotes in the sub-G0/G1 phase of the cell
      cycle, reduced the mitochondrial potential, and showed an elevated choline peak
      and CH2-to-CH3 ratio in the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
      analysis; all these features indicate parasite death. Resveratrol also decreased
      the activity of the enzyme arginase in uninfected and infected macrophages with
      and without stimulation with interleukin-4 (IL-4), also implicating arginase
      inhibition in parasite death. The anti-Leishmania effect of resveratrol and its
      potential synergistic association with AMB indicate that these compounds should
      be subjected to further studies of drug association therapy in vivo. 

PMID- 25114130
TI  - Combination of the CCL5-derived peptide R4.0 with different HIV-1 blockers
      reveals wide target compatibility and synergic cobinding to CCR5.
AB  - R4.0, a synthetic CCL5/RANTES-derived peptide, exerts potent anti-HIV-1 activity
      via its nonactivating interaction with CCR5, the major HIV-1 coreceptor. CCR5
      chronic activation may promote undesirable inflammatory effects and enhance viral
      infection; thus, receptor antagonism is a necessary requisite. HIV-1 gp120, CCL5,
      and maraviroc dock on CCR5 by sharing two receptor sites: the N terminus and the
      second extracellular loop. In combination studies, R4.0, CCL5, and maraviroc
      exhibited concomitant interactions with CCR5 and promoted synergic inhibition of
      HIV-1 in acute-infection assays. Furthermore, various degrees of
      additive/synergic HIV-1 inhibition were observed when R4.0 was tested in
      combination with drugs and lead compounds directed toward different viral targets
      (gp120, gp41, reverse transcriptase, and protease). In combination with
      tenofovir, R4.0 provides cross-clade synergic inhibition of primary HIV-1
      isolates. Remarkably, an in vitro-generated maraviroc-resistant R5 HIV-1 strain
      was inhibited by R4.0 comparably to the wild-type strain, suggesting the presence
      of viral resistance barriers similar to those reported for CCL5. Overall, R4.0
      appears to be a promising lead peptide with potential for combination in anti-HIV
      1 therapy and in microbicide development to prevent sexual HIV-1 transmission. 

PMID- 25114131
TI  - Chloroquine has a cytotoxic effect on Acanthamoeba encystation through modulation
      of autophagy.
AB  - Encystation of Acanthamoeba castellanii is associated with resistance to
      chemotherapeutic agents. Blocking the encystation process could potentiate the
      efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents and biocides. During encystation, autophagy
      is highly stimulated and required for proper encystation of Acanthamoeba. In this
      study, the cytotoxic effect of chloroquine, a well-known autophagy-inhibitory
      drug, was tested in A. castellanii. Chloroquine was able to selectively reduce
      cell survival during the encystation of A. castellanii. However, A. castellanii
      trophozoites and mature cysts were resistant to chloroquine. Chloroquine
      treatment led to an increase in the number and size of lysosomes in encysting
      cells. Moreover, chloroquine inhibited the degradation of long-lived proteins in
      the encysting cells. Decreased autophagic flux, indicated by an increased number
      of lysosomes and decreased degradation of long-lived proteins, may be the
      mechanism by which cell death is induced by chloroquine in encysting
      Acanthamoeba. These results suggest a potential novel therapeutic application of
      chloroquine as an anti-Acanthamoeba drug. Our findings also suggest that
      targeting autophagy could be a therapeutic strategy against Acanthamoeba
      infection. 

PMID- 25114132
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of para-aminosalicylic acid in HIV-uninfected and HIV-coinfected
      tuberculosis patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, managed for multidrug
      resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.
AB  - The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR)
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis prompted the reintroduction of para-aminosalicylic
      acid (PAS) to protect companion anti-tuberculosis drugs from additional acquired
      resistance. In sub-Saharan Africa, MDR/XDR tuberculosis with HIV coinfection is
      common, and concurrent treatment of HIV infection and MDR/XDR tuberculosis is
      required. Out of necessity, patients receive multiple drugs, and PAS therapy is
      frequent; however, neither potential drug interactions nor the effects of HIV
      infection are known. Potential drug-drug interaction with PAS and the effect of
      HIV infection was examined in 73 pulmonary tuberculosis patients; 22 (30.1%) were
      HIV coinfected. Forty-one pulmonary MDR or XDR tuberculosis patients received 4 g
      PAS twice daily, and in a second crossover study, another 32 patients were
      randomized, receiving 4 g PAS twice daily or 8 g PAS once daily. A PAS population
      pharmacokinetic model in two dosing regimens was developed; potential covariates
      affecting its pharmacokinetics were examined, and Monte Carlo simulations were
      conducted evaluating the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic index. The probability
      of target attainment (PTA) to maintain PAS levels above MIC during the dosing
      interval was estimated by simulation of once-, twice-, and thrice-daily dosing
      regimens not exceeding 12 g daily. Concurrent efavirenz (EFV) medication resulted
      in a 52% increase in PAS clearance and a corresponding >30% reduction in mean PAS
      area under the concentration curve in 19 of 22 HIV-M. tuberculosis-coinfected
      patients. Current practice recommends maintenance of PAS concentrations at >=1
      MUg/ml (the MIC of M. tuberculosis), but the model predicts that at only a
      minimum dose of 4 g twice daily can this PTA be achieved in at least 90% of the
      population, whether or not EFV is concomitantly administered. Once-daily dosing
      of 12 g PAS will not provide PAS concentrations exceeding the MIC over the entire
      dosing interval if coadministered with EFV, while 4 g twice daily ensures
      concentrations exceeding MIC over the entire dosing interval, even in HIV
      infected patients who received EFV. 

PMID- 25114133
TI  - Molecular mechanism of MBX2319 inhibition of Escherichia coli AcrB multidrug
      efflux pump and comparison with other inhibitors.
AB  - Efflux pumps of the resistance nodulation division (RND) superfamily, such as
      AcrB, make a major contribution to multidrug resistance in Gram-negative
      bacteria. The development of inhibitors of the RND pumps would improve the
      efficacy of current and next-generation antibiotics. To date, however, only one
      inhibitor has been cocrystallized with AcrB. Thus, in silico structure-based
      analysis is essential for elucidating the interaction between other inhibitors
      and the efflux pumps. In this work, we used computer docking and molecular
      dynamics simulations to study the interaction between AcrB and the compound
      MBX2319, a novel pyranopyridine efflux pump inhibitor with potent activity
      against RND efflux pumps of Enterobacteriaceae species, as well as other known
      inhibitors (D13-9001, 1-[1-naphthylmethyl]-piperazine, and phenylalanylarginine
      beta-naphthylamide) and the binding of doxorubicin to the efflux-defective F610A
      variant of AcrB. We also analyzed the binding of a substrate, minocycline, for
      comparison. Our results show that MBX2319 binds very tightly to the lower part of
      the distal pocket in the B protomer of AcrB, strongly interacting with the
      phenylalanines lining the hydrophobic trap, where the hydrophobic portion of D13
      9001 was found to bind by X-ray crystallography. Additionally, MBX2319 binds to
      AcrB in a manner that is similar to the way in which doxorubicin binds to the
      F610A variant of AcrB. In contrast, 1-(1-naphthylmethyl)-piperazine and
      phenylalanylarginine-beta-naphthylamide appear to bind to somewhat different
      areas of the distal pocket in the B protomer of AcrB than does MBX2319. However,
      all inhibitors (except D13-9001) appear to distort the structure of the distal
      pocket, impairing the proper binding of substrates. 

PMID- 25114134
TI  - UDP-N-acetylmuramic acid l-alanine ligase (MurC) inhibition in a tolC mutant
      Escherichia coli strain leads to cell death.
AB  - The Mur ligases play an essential role in the biosynthesis of bacterial
      peptidoglycan and hence are attractive antibacterial targets. A screen of the
      AstraZeneca compound library led to the identification of compound A, a
      pyrazolopyrimidine, as a potent inhibitor of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa MurC. However, cellular activity against E. coli or P. aeruginosa was
      not observed. Compound A was active against efflux pump mutants of both strains.
      Experiments using an E. coli tolC mutant revealed accumulation of the MurC
      substrate and a decrease in the level of product upon treatment with compound A
      ,: indicating inhibition of MurC enzyme in these cells. Such a modulation was not
      observed in the E. coli wild-type cells. Further, overexpression of MurC in the
      E. coli tolC mutant led to an increase in the compound A MIC by >=16-fold,
      establishing a correlation between MurC inhibition and cellular activity. In
      addition, estimation of the intracellular compound A level showed an accumulation
      of the compound over time in the tolC mutant strain. A significant compound A
      level was not detected in the wild-type E. coli strain even upon treatment with
      high concentrations of the compound. Therefore, the lack of MIC and absence of
      MurC inhibition in wild-type E. coli were possibly due to suboptimal compound
      concentration as a consequence of a high efflux level and/or poor permeativity of
      compound A. 

PMID- 25114135
TI  - A clinical adverse drug reaction prediction model for patients with chagas
      disease treated with benznidazole.
AB  - Benznidazole (BZN) is the main trypanocidal drug used to treat Chagas disease,
      and the evidence supporting the benefits of BZN use during the chronic phase of
      the disease will favor its use in millions of individuals. However, more than 30%
      of patients treated with BZN may suffer adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and the
      development of tools to identify those patients at risk is highly desirable. In
      the present study, we aimed to identify predictive factors for ADRs in Chagas
      disease patients treated with BZN. Among 195 patients included in the study,
      48.7% experienced ADRs and 31.3% had ADRs that caused BZN treatment
      discontinuation. Overall ADRs and ADRs that caused BZN treatment discontinuation
      were more common among women and in those who graduated from elementary school.
      Overall ADRs were also less frequent among black individuals. Based on logistic
      regression analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 1.5 to 5.4), graduation from elementary school (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1 to
      3.8), and white (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.0 to 24.1) and mulatto (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.1
      to 28.7) races were considered to predict overall ADRs, and female sex (OR, 2.3;
      95% CI, 1.2 to 4.3) was considered to predict ADRs that caused BZN treatment
      discontinuation. Graduation from elementary school also presented a tendency to
      predict ADRs that caused BZN treatment discontinuation (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.9 to
      3.6). The logistic regression (LR) models to predict ADRs to BZN described in
      this study may become important tools to minimize ADRs and improve patients'
      compliance and thus assist physicians treating patients with Chagas disease with
      BZN. 

PMID- 25114136
TI  - Emergence of KPC-2-Producing Salmonella enterica Serotype Schwarzengrund in
      Argentina.

PMID- 25114137
TI  - Overproduction of Ristomycin A by activation of a silent gene cluster in
      Amycolatopsis japonicum MG417-CF17.
AB  - The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria within the last decades
      is one reason for the urgent need for new antibacterial agents. A strategy to
      discover new anti-infective compounds is the evaluation of the genetic capacity
      of secondary metabolite producers and the activation of cryptic gene clusters
      (genome mining). One genus known for its potential to synthesize medically
      important products is Amycolatopsis. However, Amycolatopsis japonicum does not
      produce an antibiotic under standard laboratory conditions. In contrast to most
      Amycolatopsis strains, A. japonicum is genetically tractable with different
      methods. In order to activate a possible silent glycopeptide cluster, we
      introduced a gene encoding the transcriptional activator of balhimycin
      biosynthesis, the bbr gene from Amycolatopsis balhimycina (bbrAba), into A.
      japonicum. This resulted in the production of an antibiotically active compound.
      Following whole-genome sequencing of A. japonicum, 29 cryptic gene clusters were
      identified by genome mining. One of these gene clusters is a putative
      glycopeptide biosynthesis gene cluster. Using bioinformatic tools, ristomycin
      (syn. ristocetin), a type III glycopeptide, which has antibacterial activity and
      which is used for the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease and Bernard-Soulier
      syndrome, was deduced as a possible product of the gene cluster. Chemical
      analyses by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC
      MS), tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
      spectroscopy confirmed the in silico prediction that the recombinant A.
      japonicum/pRM4-bbrAba synthesizes ristomycin A. 

PMID- 25114139
TI  - resistome analysis of Enterobacter cloacae CY01, an extensively drug-resistant
      strain producing VIM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase from China.
AB  - Resistome analysis of clinical VIM-1-producing Enterobacter cloacae strain CY01
      from China revealed the presence of multiple resistance determinants. Two
      resistance plasmids were identified in CY01. The pCY-VIM plasmid was 14 kb in
      size and possessed a replicase gene (repA), a gene cluster encoding the
      partitioning function (parABC), and a carbapenemase gene (blaVIM-1). Another 5.9
      kb plasmid, pCY-MdT, with an aac(6')-Ib gene, was very closely related (13
      nucleotide differences) to pMdT1, a ColE1 plasmid carrying aac(6')-Ib-cr4. 

PMID- 25114138
TI  - Antimalarial activity of the myxobacterial macrolide chlorotonil a.
AB  - Myxobacteria are Gram-negative soil-dwelling bacteria belonging to the phylum
      Proteobacteria. They are a rich source of promising compounds for clinical
      application, such as epothilones for cancer therapy and several new antibiotics.
      In the course of a bioactivity screening program of secondary metabolites
      produced by Sorangium cellulosum strains, the macrolide chlorotonil A was found
      to exhibit promising antimalarial activity. Subsequently, we evaluated
      chlorotonil A against Plasmodium falciparum laboratory strains and clinical
      isolates from Gabon. Chlorotonil A was highly active, with a 50% inhibitory
      concentration between 4 and 32 nM; additionally, no correlations between the
      activities of chlorotonil A and artesunate (rho, 0.208) or chloroquine (rho, 
      0.046) were observed. Per os treatment of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice with
      four doses of as little as 36 mg of chlorotonil A per kg of body weight led to
      the suppression of parasitemia with no obvious signs of toxicity. Chlorotonil A
      acts against all stages of intraerythrocytic parasite development, including ring
      stage parasites and stage IV to V gametocytes, and it requires only a very short
      exposure to the parasite to exert its antimalarial action. Conclusively,
      chlorotonil A has an exceptional and unprecedented profile of action and
      represents an urgently required novel antimalarial chemical scaffold. Therefore,
      we propose it as a lead structure for further development as an antimalarial
      chemotherapeutic. 

PMID- 25114140
TI  - Impact of lopinavir-ritonavir or nevirapine on bedaquiline exposures and
      potential implications for patients with tuberculosis-HIV coinfection.
AB  - Concomitant treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV is recommended and improves
      outcomes. Bedaquiline is a novel drug for the treatment of multidrug-resistant
      (MDR) TB; combined use with antiretroviral drugs, nevirapine, or ritonavir
      boosted lopinavir (LPV/r) is anticipated, but no clinical data from coinfected
      patients are available. Plasma concentrations of bedaquiline and its M2
      metabolite after single doses were obtained from interaction studies with
      nevirapine or LPV/r in healthy volunteers. The antiretrovirals' effects on
      bedaquiline and M2 pharmacokinetics were assessed by nonlinear mixed-effects
      modeling. Potential dose adjustments were evaluated with simulations. No
      significant effects of nevirapine on bedaquiline pharmacokinetics were
      identified. LPV/r decreased bedaquiline and M2 clearances to 35% (relative
      standard error [RSE], 9.2%) and 58% (RSE, 8.4%), respectively, of those without
      comedication. As almost 3-fold (bedaquiline) and 2-fold (M2) increases in
      exposures during chronic treatment with LPV/r are expected, dose adjustments are
      suggested for evaluation. Efficacious, safe bedaquiline dosing for MDR-TB
      patients receiving antiretrovirals is important. Modeling results suggest that
      bedaquiline can be coadministered with nevirapine without dose adjustments. The
      predicted elevation of bedaquiline and M2 levels during LPV/r coadministration
      may be a safety concern, and careful monitoring is recommended. Further data are
      being collected in coinfected patients to determine whether dose adjustments are
      needed. (These studies have been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under
      registration numbers NCT00828529 [study C110] and NCT00910806 [study C117].). 

PMID- 25114141
TI  - In vitro susceptibility of Plasmodium vivax to antimalarials in Colombia.
AB  - The in vitro susceptibilities of 30 isolates of Plasmodium vivax to a number of
      antimalarials (chloroquine [CQ], mefloquine, amodiaquine, quinine, and artesunate
      [AS]) were evaluated. The isolates came from the region of Uraba in Colombia, in
      which malaria is endemic, and were evaluated by the schizont maturation test. The
      50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 0.6 nM (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3
      to 1.0 nM) for artesunate, 8.5 nM (95% CI, 5.6 to 13.0 nM) for amodiaquine, 23.3
      nM (95% CI, 12.4 to 44.1 nM) for chloroquine, 55.6 nM (95% CI, 36.8 to 84.1 nM)
      for mefloquine, and 115.3 nM (95% CI, 57.7 to 230.5 nM) for quinine. The isolates
      were classified according to whether the initial parasites were mature or
      immature trophozoites (Tfz). It was found that the IC50s for chloroquine and
      artesunate were significantly different in the two aforementioned groups (P <
      0.001). The IC50s of CQ and AS were higher in the isolates from mature Tfz (CQ,
      39.3 nM versus 17 nM; AS, 1.4 nM versus 0.3 nM), and 10% of the isolates showed
      lower susceptibilities to one of the antimalarial drugs, 13.3% to two
      antimalarial drugs, and 3.3% to more than three antimalarial drugs. It should be
      highlighted that despite the extensive use of chloroquine in Colombia, P. vivax
      continues to be susceptible to antimalarials. This is the first report, to our
      knowledge, showing in vitro susceptibilities of P. vivax isolates to
      antimalarials in Colombia. 

PMID- 25114144
TI  - Death of an alienist: Louis-Victor Marce's final year.
AB  - The cause of death, at the age of 37, of Louis-Victor Marce (1828-64), one of the
      most innovative alienists of the nineteenth century, was concealed by his
      contemporaries and colleagues. Recently it has been discovered that he committed
      suicide, but the circumstances and reasons for this were unknown. Information has
      now been found about his family, the events of the last year of his life and an
      unprecedented correspondence from his father-in-law, the chemist and academician
      Jules Pelouze, describing Marce's condition during the last month of his life.
      All of these point towards a diagnosis of melancholy, for which none of the
      appropriate measures were taken, probably as a result of the ailing Marce's
      social situation.

PMID- 25114142
TI  - Comparison of the antibiotic activities of Daptomycin, Vancomycin, and the
      investigational Fluoroquinolone Delafloxacin against biofilms from Staphylococcus
      aureus clinical isolates.
AB  - Biofilm-related infections remain a scourge. In an in vitro model of biofilms
      using Staphylococcus aureus reference strains, delafloxacin and daptomycin were
      found to be the most active among the antibiotics from 8 different
      pharmacological classes (J. Bauer, W. Siala, P. M. Tulkens, and F. Van Bambeke,
      Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 57:2726-2737, 2013, doi:10.1128/AAC.00181-13). In
      this study, we compared delafloxacin to daptomycin and vancomycin using biofilms
      produced by 7 clinical strains (S. aureus epidemic clones CC5 and CC8) in order
      to rationalize the differences observed between the antibiotics and strains. The
      effects of the antibiotics on bacterial viability (resazurin reduction assay) and
      biomass (crystal violet staining) were measured and correlated with the
      proportion of polysaccharides in the matrix, the local microenvironmental pH
      (micro-pH), and the antibiotic penetration in the biofilm. At clinically
      meaningful concentrations, delafloxacin, daptomycin, and vancomycin caused a
      >=25% reduction in viability against the biofilms formed by 5, 4, and 3 strains,
      respectively. The antibiotic penetration within the biofilms ranged from 0.6 to
      52% for delafloxacin, 0.2 to 10% for daptomycin, and 0.2 to 1% for vancomycin;
      for delafloxacin, this was inversely related to the polysaccharide proportion in
      the matrix. Six biofilms were acidic, explaining the high potency of delafloxacin
      (lower MICs at acidic pH). Norspermidine and norspermine (disassembling the
      biofilm matrix) drastically increased delafloxacin potency and efficacy (50%
      reduction in viability for 6 biofilms at clinically meaningful concentrations) in
      direct correlation with its increased penetration within the biofilm, while they
      only modestly improved daptomycin efficacy (50% reduction in viability for 2
      biofilms) and penetration, and they showed marginal effects with vancomycin.
      Delafloxacin potency and efficacy against biofilms are benefited by its
      penetration into the matrix and the local acidic micro-pH. 

PMID- 25114145
TI  - 'The world is full of big bad wolves': investigating the experimental therapeutic
      spaces of R.D. Laing and Aaron Esterson.
AB  - In conjunction with the recent critical assessments of the life and work of R.D.
      Laing, this paper seeks to demonstrate what is revealed when Laing's work on
      families and created spaces of mental health care are examined through a
      geographical lens. The paper begins with an exploration of Laing's time at the
      Tavistock Clinic in London during the 1960s, and of the co-authored text with
      Aaron Esterson entitled, Sanity, Madness and the Family (1964). The study then
      seeks to demonstrate the importance Laing and his colleague placed on the time
      space situatedness of patients and their worlds. Finally, an account is provided
      of Laing's and Esterson's spatial thinking in relation to their creation of both
      real and imagined spaces of therapeutic care.

PMID- 25114143
TI  - Evolution of oseltamivir resistance mutations in Influenza A(H1N1) and A(H3N2)
      viruses during selection in experimentally infected mice.
AB  - The evolution of oseltamivir resistance mutations during selection through serial
      passages in animals is still poorly described. Herein, we assessed the evolution
      of neuraminidase (NA) and hemagglutinin (HA) genes of influenza A/WSN/33 (H1N1)
      and A/Victoria/3/75 (H3N2) viruses recovered from the lungs of experimentally
      infected BALB/c mice receiving suboptimal doses (0.05 and 1 mg/kg of body
      weight/day) of oseltamivir over two generations. The traditional phenotypic and
      genotypic methods as well as deep-sequencing analysis were used to characterize
      the potential selection of mutations and population dynamics of oseltamivir
      resistant variants. No oseltamivir-resistant NA or HA changes were detected in
      the recovered A/WSN/33 viruses. However, we observed a positive selection of the
      I222T NA substitution in the recovered A/Victoria/3/75 viruses, with a frequency
      increasing over time and with an oseltamivir concentration from 4% in the initial
      pretherapy inoculum up to 28% after two lung passages. Although the presence of
      mixed I222T viral populations in mouse lungs only led to a minimal increase in
      oseltamivir 50% enzyme-inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) (by a mean of 5.7-fold)
      compared to that of the baseline virus, the expressed recombinant A/Victoria/3/75
      I222T NA protein displayed a 16-fold increase in the oseltamivir IC50 level
      compared to that of the recombinant wild type (WT). In conclusion, the
      combination of serial in vivo passages under neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI)
      pressure and temporal deep-sequencing analysis enabled, for the first time, the
      identification and selection of the oseltamivir-resistant I222T NA mutation in an
      influenza H3N2 virus. Additional in vivo selection experiments with other
      antivirals and drug combinations might provide important information on the
      evolution of antiviral resistance in influenza viruses. 

PMID- 25114147
TI  - Karl Jaspers on the disease entity: Kantian ideas and Weberian ideal types.
AB  - Jaspers' nosology is indebted to Immanuel Kant's theory of knowledge. He drew the
      distinction of form and content from the Transcendental Analytic of Kant's
      Critique of Pure Reason. The distinction is universal to all knowledge, including
      psychopathology. Individual experience is constituted by a form or category of
      the Understanding to give a determinate or knowable object classified into the
      generic type of a real disease entity. The application of form and content is
      limited by the boundaries of experience. Beyond this boundary are wholes whose
      conception requires Ideas of reason drawn from the Transcendental Dialectic.
      Wholes are regulated by Ideas of reason to give an object or schema of the Idea
      collected into ideal types of an ideal typical disease entity. Jaspers drew ideal
      types from Max Weber's social theory. He anticipated that, as knowledge advanced,
      ideal typical disease entities would become real disease entities. By 1920, this
      had been the destiny of general paralysis as knowledge of its neuropathology,
      serology and microbiology emerged. As he presented the final edition of General
      Psychopathology in 1946, Jaspers was anticipating the transition of schizophrenia
      from ideal typical to real disease entity. Almost 70 years later, with knowledge
      of its aetiology still unclear, schizophrenia remains marooned as an ideal
      typical disease entity - still awaiting that crucial advance!

PMID- 25114146
TI  - From paranoia querulans to vexatious litigants: a short study on madness between
      psychiatry and the law. Part 1.
AB  - The first part of this two-part paper presents a comparative history of paranoia
      querulans, also known as litigants' delusion, in German-speaking countries and
      France from the nineteenth century onwards. We first focus on two classic
      literary works which describe litigious behaviours that were later pathologized,
      then give an insight into the history of Querulantenwahn (litigants' delusion), a
      term coined in 1857 by Johann Ludwig Casper and adopted by German-speaking
      psychiatrists and forensic experts. The last section is devoted to its French
      equivalent, the delusion of the litigious persecuted-persecutors. We show how
      this category, widely popular among French fin-de-siecle alienists, was replaced
      by another: the delusion of revendication (litigious subtype). The history of the
      vexatious litigants in the English-speaking world will be explored in the Part 2.

PMID- 25114149
TI  - From the Netherlands to Japan: communicating psychiatric practice in the 1830s.
AB  - This article explores an example of the transmission of Dutch psychiatric
      knowledge to Japan in the Edo period (1600-1868), through the translation of a
      case study first published by Schroeder van der Kolk in 1826. The translation
      appeared in an innovative new journal of Western medicine edited by the Japanese
      rangaku (Dutch-learning) scholar, Mitsukuri Genpo. The case study describes the
      symptoms and treatment of a woman who experienced delusions following an ear
      infection, in terms largely familiar to the Japanese doctors of the time. This
      translation provides opportunities to consider the globalization and localization
      of psychiatric knowledge, the medicalization of mental health care in Japan, and
      the growing interest in Western psychiatry before its official introduction to
      Japan after 1868.

PMID- 25114148
TI  - Demonic possession and the historical construction of melancholy and hysteria.
AB  - Contrary to the often-voiced opinion that the birth of modern psychiatry should
      be regarded as a victory of enlightened science and rationality over outdated
      religious beliefs and ecclesiastical authority, it is argued in this article that
      the emergence of medical and psychiatric approaches to pathology in modernity
      takes place in the context of intensified religious life and mutual rivalry
      between the various religious denominations. Notably the two main types of
      demonological possession appearing in the context of Protestant and Catholic
      religious life, theological reflections and pastoral practices play a major role
      in the conceptualizations of melancholy and hysteria. The heritage of this can be
      viewed in the works of psychiatrists such as Charcot and Kraepelin, and also in
      Freud's psychoanalysis.

PMID- 25114150
TI  - J.H. Pons on 'Sympathetic insanity': With an introduction by GE Berrios.
AB  - The ancient concept of 'sympathy' originally referred to a putative affinity or
      force that linked all natural objects together. This notion was later used to
      explain the manner in which human beings related and felt for each other. A large
      literature exists on both the physical and psychological definitions of sympathy.
      Until the nineteenth century the conceptual apparatus of medicine preserved the
      view that the organs of the human body had a sympathetic affinity for each other.
      In addition to these 'physiological' (normal) sympathies there were morbid ones
      which explained the existence of various diseases. A morbid sympathy link also
      explained the fact that insanity followed the development of pathological changes
      in the liver, spleen, stomach and other bodily organs. These cases were
      classified as 'sympathetic insanities'. After the 1880s, the sympathy narrative
      was gradually replaced by physiological, endocrinological and psychodynamic
      explanations. The clinical states involved, however, are often observed in
      hospital practice and constitute the metier of 'consultation-liaison psychiatry'.
      Hence, it is surprising that historical work on the development of this
      discipline has persistently ignored the concept of 'sympathetic insanity'. 

PMID- 25114157
TI  - Minicystis rosea gen. nov., sp. nov., a polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich and
      steroid-producing soil myxobacterium.
AB  - A bacterial strain designated SBNa008(T) was isolated from a Philippine soil
      sample. It exhibited the general characteristics associated with myxobacteria,
      such as swarming of Gram-negative vegetative rod cells, fruiting body and
      myxospore formation and predatory behaviour in lysing micro-organisms. The novel
      strain was characterized as mesophilic, chemoheterotrophic and aerobic. The major
      fatty acids were C(20:4)omega6,9,12,15 all cis (arachidonic acid), iso-C(15 : 0),
      C(17 : 1) 2-OH and iso-C(15 : 0) dimethylacetal. Interestingly, SBNa008(T)
      contained diverse fatty acids belonging to the commercially valuable
      polyunsaturated omega-6 and omega-3 families, and a highly conjugated
      dihydroxylated C28 steroid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 67.3 mol%. The
      16S rRNA gene sequence revealed 95-96% similarity to sequences derived from
      clones of uncultured bacteria and 94-95% similarity to cultured members of the
      suborder Sorangiineae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain SBNa008(T)
      formed a novel lineage in the suborder Sorangiineae. Based on a polyphasic
      taxonomic characterization, we propose that strain SBNa008(T) represents a novel
      genus and species, Minicystis rosea gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of
      Minicystis rosea is SBNa008(T) ( =DSM 24000(T) =NCCB 100349(T)).

PMID- 25114159
TI  - Demographic evidence of sex differences in vulnerability to infectious diseases.

PMID- 25114158
TI  - Mesoflavibacter sabulilitoris sp. nov., isolated from seashore sand.
AB  - A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-flagellated, gliding and
      rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated GJMS-9(T), was isolated from seashore
      sand collected at Geoje island in the South Sea, South Korea. Strain GJMS-9(T)
      grew optimally at 30  degrees C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0% (w/v)
      NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain
      GJMS-9(T) clustered with the type strain of Mesoflavibacter zeaxanthinifaciens,
      showing the highest sequence similarity of 99.1%. Strain GJMS-9(T) exhibited 16S
      rRNA gene sequence similarity of 96.5% to the type strain of Mesoflavibacter
      aestuarii and of less than 96.1% to the type strains of other recognized species.
      Strain GJMS-9(T) contained MK-6 as the only menaquinone and iso-C(15:1) G, iso
      C(16:0) 3-OH, iso-C(15:0) and iso-C(17:0) 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The
      polar lipid profile of strain GJMS-9(T) containing phosphatidylethanolamine, one
      unidentified lipid and one unidentified glycolipid as major components was
      similar to that of the type strain of M. zeaxanthinifaciens. The DNA G+C content
      of strain GJMS-9(T) was 32.2 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness with M.
      zeaxanthinifaciens DSM 18436(T) was 38 +/- 6.1%. The differential phenotypic
      properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed
      that strain GJMS-9(T) is separated from other species of the genus
      Mesoflavibacter. On the basis of the data presented, strain GJMS-9(T) is
      considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mesoflavibacter, for which
      the name Mesoflavibacter sabulilitoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is
      GJMS-9(T) ( =KCTC 42117(T) =CECT 8597(T)).

PMID- 25114160
TI  - A multi-host approach for the systematic analysis of virulence factors in
      Cryptococcus neoformans.
AB  - A multi-host approach was followed to screen a library of 1201 signature-tagged
      deletion strains of Cryptococcus neoformans mutants to identify previously
      unknown virulence factors. The primary screen was performed using a
      Caenorhabditis elegans-C. neoformans infection assay. The hits among these
      strains were reconfirmed as less virulent than the wild type in the insect
      Galleria mellonella-C. neoformans infection assay. After this 2-stage screen, and
      to prioritize hits, we performed serial evaluations of the selected strains,
      using the C. elegans model. All hit strains identified through these studies were
      validated in a murine model of systemic cryptococcosis. Twelve strains were
      identified through a stepwise screening assay. Among them, 4 (CSN1201, SRE1,
      RDI1, and YLR243W) were previously discovered, providing proof of principle for
      this approach, while the role of the remaining 8 genes (CKS101, CNC5600, YOL003C,
      CND1850, MLH3, HAP502, MSL5, and CNA2580) were not previously described in
      cryptococcal virulence. The multi-host approach is an efficient method of
      studying the pathogenesis of C. neoformans. We used diverse model hosts, C.
      elegans, G. mellonella, and mice, with physiological differences and identified
      12 genes associated with mammalian infection. Our approach may be suitable for
      large pathogenesis screens. 

PMID- 25114161
TI  - Appropriateness of clopidogrel use according to current recommendations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clopidogrel is widely used in cardiovascular prevention. However, the
      prescription of clopidogrel in clinical practice does not match the
      recommendations concerning its indication and treatment duration. OBJECTIVE: To
      assess the appropriateness of clopidogrel prescription according to the accepted
      indications. METHODS: We undertook a retrospective observational analytical audit
      of the electronic clinical records in the region of Valencia, Spain (5 million
      inhabitants), selecting those patients on treatment with clopidogrel between 2007
      and 2010. The primary outcome measure was the duration of the treatment. RESULTS:
      A total of 45721 patients started clopidogrel treatment during the study period.
      Treatment was for cardiologic disorders (CD) in 56.85% of the patients,
      neurologic disorders (ND) in 37.06% and peripheral arterial disease in 6.08%.
      Treatment duration was longer than that expected from clinical recommendations in
      38.8% of the CD patients and 87.8% of the ND patients. The estimated avoidable
      cost ranged from 2 to 4.4 million Euros per year, according to whether a cheaper
      generic clopidogrel or a more expensive version was considered. CONCLUSIONS:
      Almost 40% of the cardiologic patients and 90% of the neurologic patients
      received excess treatment. Adjustment of treatment duration to international
      recommendations would result in savings of between 80.1 and 176.3 Euros per year
      and per patient treated.

PMID- 25114163
TI  - Initiation of rilpivirine, tenofovir and emtricitabine (RPV/TDF/FTC) regimen in
      363 patients with virological vigilance assessment in 'real life'.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the single-tablet regimen (STR) combination
      rilpivirine/tenofovir/emtricitabine (RPV/TDF/FTC) as soon as it became available.
      We describe a 14 month follow-up in a real clinical setting with a focus on
      resistance to RPV/TDF/FTC and polymorphisms associated with these drugs. METHODS:
      We estimated drug resistance at STR baseline by combining all available
      resistance tests, resulting in a cumulative virtual genotype. Physicians were
      advised of current or archived resistance mutations for the three drugs.
      Virological response was analysed according to resistance genotype at baseline.
      RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-three patients received RPV/TDF/FTC; 79% had
      received previous treatment and RPV/TDF/FTC was the result of a switch of one
      drug to rilpivirine in two-thirds of cases. The cumulative genotype showed 4% of
      rilpivirine resistance mutations at baseline and 16% of polymorphisms concerning
      non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). With a median duration
      of STR of 8 months, 78% of patients with these polymorphisms were virologically
      suppressed compared with 96% with wild-type genotypes. Five genotypes were
      determined during the follow-up, revealing three rilpivirine resistance
      associated mutations: E138Q/Y181I, M230L and K101P (potentially with a K101Q
      intermediate). CONCLUSIONS: This observational study reflects routine clinical
      practice and the relevance of virological advice. It also confirms the efficacy
      of this STR (RPV/TDF/FTC) for naive and virologically suppressed pretreated
      patients with a low prevalence of virological failure and resistance if the
      cumulative baseline genotype is free of resistance to NNRTIs and/or polymorphisms
      associated with NNRTIs.

PMID- 25114162
TI  - HMBPP-deficient Listeria mutant immunization alters pulmonary/systemic responses,
      effector functions, and memory polarization of Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells.
AB  - Whereas infection or immunization of humans/primates with microbes coproducing
      HMBPP/IPP can remarkably activate Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells, in vivo studies have
      not been done to dissect HMBPP- and IPP-driven expansion, pulmonary trafficking,
      effector functions, and memory polarization of Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells. We define
      these phosphoantigen-host interplays by comparative immunizations of macaques
      with the HMBPP/IPP-coproducing Listeria DeltaactA prfA* and HMBPP-deficient
      Listeria DeltaactA DeltaGCPE: prfA* mutant. The HMBPP-deficient DeltaGCPE: mutant
      shows lower ability to expand Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells in vitro than the parental
      HMBPP-producing strain but displays comparably attenuated infectivity or
      immunogenicity. Respiratory immunization of macaques with the HMBPP-deficient
      mutant elicits lower pulmonary and systemic responses of Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells
      compared with the HMBPP-producing vaccine strain. Interestingly, HMBPP-deficient
      mutant reimmunization or boosting elicits enhanced responses of Vgamma2Vdelta2 T
      cells, but the magnitude is lower than that by HMBPP-producing listeria. HMBPP
      deficient listeria differentiated fewer Vgamma2Vdelta2 T effector cells capable
      of coproducing IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha and inhibiting intracellular listeria than
      HMBPP-producing listeria. Furthermore, HMBPP deficiency in listerial immunization
      influences memory polarization of Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells. Thus, both HMBPP and
      IPP production in listerial immunization or infection elicit systemic/pulmonary
      responses and differentiation of Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells, but a role for HMBPP is
      more dominant. Findings may help devise immune intervention. 

PMID- 25114164
TI  - Antibiotic prophylaxis for transrectal prostate biopsy-a new strategy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluoroquinolones are extensively used as prophylaxis for transrectal
      ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate (TRUBP). Emerging fluoroquinolone
      resistance and selection of multiresistant organisms warrant new prophylactic
      strategies. Pivmecillinam and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid have mutual synergistic
      activity and the combination of these agents has a broad coverage of the majority
      of microorganisms causing infectious complications after TRUBP and may be a
      valuable future prophylactic regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a
      retrospective cohort study of 2624 men that underwent TRUBP at a Danish
      university hospital. The patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n =
      1220) received ciprofloxacin before TRUBP, Group 2 (n = 240) received a
      combination of pivmecillinam and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid before TRUBP and
      Group 3 (n = 1161) received an extended prophylaxis with pivmecillinam and
      amoxicillin/clavulanic acid before and for 2 days after TRUBP. RESULTS: One
      hundred and ten out of 148 (74.3%) post-TRUBP infections were caused by
      Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Enterococcus faecalis. Group 3 with
      the extended prophylaxis with pivmecillinam and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid had a
      significantly lower rate of bacteraemia (0.9%) as compared with Group 1 (1.8%)
      and Group 2 (3.7%). A significant fall in the proportion of ESBL-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae was observed from the period when ciprofloxacin was used as
      prophylaxis (8.1%) compared with the subsequent period when pivmecillinam and
      amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was used (5.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of
      pivmecillinam and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is an attractive prophylaxis for
      TRUBP from a clinical, bacteriological and ecological point of view as compared
      with ciprofloxacin.

PMID- 25114165
TI  - Kinetics of recA and recX induction in drug-susceptible and MDR clinical strains
      of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate and compare the expression of recA and recX,
      components of the SOS pathway, following rifampicin treatment in drug-susceptible
      and MDR clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS: Strains (M.
      tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis) were subjected to rifampicin- and
      mitomycin-induced stress for 36 h followed by RNA extraction. recA and recX in
      the RNA extract were estimated using qRT-PCR. RESULTS: The MDR clinical strain
      induced faster (24 h) and higher (7-fold) levels of recA as compared with the
      drug-susceptible strain (36 h) in response to rifampicin. recX levels were found
      to rise with an increase in levels of recA; however, the levels were relatively
      higher than recA. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-susceptible and MDR strains have different
      kinetics of induction of DNA repair.

PMID- 25114166
TI  - Proteus genomic island 1 (PGI1), a new resistance genomic island from two Proteus
      mirabilis French clinical isolates.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyse the genetic environment of the antibiotic resistance genes
      in two clinical Proteus mirabilis isolates resistant to multiple antibiotics.
      METHODS: PCR, gene walking and whole-genome sequencing were used to determine the
      sequence of the resistance regions, the surrounding genetic structure and the
      flanking chromosomal regions. RESULTS: A genomic island of 81.1 kb named Proteus
      genomic island 1 (PGI1) located at the 3'-end of trmE (formerly known as thdF)
      was characterized. The large MDR region of PGI1 (55.4 kb) included a class 1
      integron (aadB and aadA2) and regions deriving from several transposons: Tn2
      (blaTEM-135), Tn21, Tn6020-like transposon (aphA1b), a hybrid Tn502/Tn5053
      transposon, Tn501, a hybrid Tn1696/Tn1721 transposon [tetA(A)] carrying a class 1
      integron (aadA1) and Tn5393 (strA and strB). Several ISs were also present
      (IS4321, IS1R and IS26). The PGI1 backbone (25.7 kb) was identical to that
      identified in Salmonella Heidelberg SL476 and shared some identity with the
      Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1) backbone. An IS26-mediated recombination event
      caused the division of the MDR region into two parts separated by a large
      chromosomal DNA fragment of 197 kb, the right end of PGI1 and this chromosomal
      sequence being in inverse orientation. CONCLUSIONS: PGI1 is a new resistance
      genomic island from P. mirabilis belonging to the same island family as SGI1. The
      role of PGI1 in the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes among
      Enterobacteriaceae of medical importance needs to be evaluated.

PMID- 25114167
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of oral isavuconazole in a patient after Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass surgery.

PMID- 25114168
TI  - A multisystem investigation of raltegravir association with intestinal tissue:
      implications for pre-exposure prophylaxis and eradication.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent clinical data have suggested high raltegravir concentrations
      in gut tissue after oral administration, with implications for treatment and
      prevention. We have used in silico, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models to
      further investigate the accumulation of raltegravir in gut tissue. METHODS:
      Affinity of raltegravir for gut tissue was assessed in silico (Poulin-Theil
      method), in vitro (Caco-2 accumulation) and ex vivo (rat intestine) and compared
      with the lipophilic drug lopinavir. Finally, raltegravir concentrations in
      plasma, gut contents, small intestine and large intestine were determined after
      oral dosing to Wistar rats 1 and 4 h post-dose. Samples were analysed using LC
      MS/MS and scintillation counting. RESULTS: Gut tissue accumulation of raltegravir
      was less than for lopinavir in silico, in vitro and ex vivo (P < 0.05). After
      oral administration to rats, raltegravir concentrations 4 h post-dose were lower
      in plasma (0.05 MUM) compared with small intestine (0.47 MUM, P = 0.06) and large
      intestine (1.36 MUM, P < 0.05). However, raltegravir concentrations in the
      contents of both small intestine (4.0 MUM) and large intestine (40.6 MUM) were
      also high. CONCLUSIONS: In silico, in vitro and ex vivo data suggest low
      raltegravir accumulation in intestinal tissue. In contrast, in vivo animal data
      suggest raltegravir concentrates in intestinal tissue even when plasma
      concentrations are minimal. However, high raltegravir concentrations in gut
      contents are the likely driving factor behind this observation, rather than blood
      to-tissue drug distribution. The methods described can be combined with clinical
      investigations to provide a complete strategy for selection of drugs with high
      gut accumulation.

PMID- 25114169
TI  - Separation and quantification of 2-acyl-1-lysophospholipids and 1-acyl-2
      lysophospholipids in biological samples by LC-MS/MS.
AB  - Lysophospholipids (LysoGPs) serve as lipid mediators and precursors for synthesis
      of diacyl phospholipids (GPs). LysoGPs detected in cells have various acyl chains
      attached at either the sn-1 or sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone. In
      general, acyl chains at the sn-2 position of 2-acyl-1-LysoGPs readily move to the
      sn-1 position, generating 1-acyl-2-lyso isomers by a nonenzymatic reaction called
      intra-molecular acyl migration, which has hampered the detection of 2-acyl-1
      LysoGPs in biological samples. In this study, we developed a simple and versatile
      method to separate and quantify 2-acyl-1- and 1-acyl-2-LysoGPs. The main point of
      the method was to extract LysoGPs at pH 4 and 4 degrees C, conditions that were
      found to completely eliminate the intra-molecular acyl migration. Under the
      present conditions, the relative amounts of 2-acyl-1-LysoGPs and 1-acyl-2-LysoGPs
      did not change at least for 1 week. Further, in LysoGPs extracted from cells and
      tissues under the present conditions, most of the saturated fatty acids (16:0 and
      18:0) were found in the sn-1 position of LysoGPs, while most of the PUFAs (18:2,
      20:4, 22:6) were found in the sn-2 position. Thus the method can be used to
      elucidate the in vivo role of 2-acyl-1-LysoGPs. 

PMID- 25114170
TI  - Acyl-CoA thioesterase-2 facilitates mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in the
      liver.
AB  - Acyl-CoA thioesterase (Acot)2 localizes to the mitochondrial matrix and
      hydrolyses long-chain fatty acyl-CoA into free FA and CoASH. Acot2 is expressed
      in highly oxi-dative tissues and is poised to modulate mitochondrial FA oxidation
      (FAO), yet its biological role is unknown. Using a model of adenoviral Acot2
      overexpression in mouse liver (Ad-Acot2), we show that Acot2 increases the
      utilization of FA substrate during the daytime in ad libitum-fed mice, but the
      nighttime switch to carbohydrate oxidation is similar to control mice. In further
      support of elevated FAO in Acot2 liver, daytime serum ketones were higher in Ad
      Acot2 mice, and overnight fasting led to minimal hepatic steatosis as compared
      with control mice. In liver mitochondria from Ad-Acot2 mice, phosphorylating O2
      consumption was higher with lipid substrate, but not with nonlipid substrate.
      This increase depended on whether FA could be activated on the outer
      mitochondrial membrane, suggesting that the FA released by Acot2 could be
      effluxed from mitochondria then taken back up again for oxidation. This circuit
      would prevent the build-up of inhibitory long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters.
      Altogether, our findings indicate that Acot2 can enhance FAO, possibly by
      mitigating the accumulation of FAO intermediates within the mitochondrial matrix.

PMID- 25114173
TI  - A reciprocal antagonism between miR-376c and TGF-beta signaling regulates neural
      differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Differentiation of neural lineages from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)
      raises the hope of generating functional cells for the treatment of neural
      diseases. However, current protocols for differentiating hPSCs into neural
      lineages remain inefficient and largely variable between different hPSC lines. We
      report that microRNA 376c (miR-376c) significantly enhanced neural
      differentiation of hPSCs in a defined condition by suppressing SMAD4, the co-SMAD
      for TGF-beta signaling. Downstream, SMAD4 directly bound and suppressed PAX6, the
      critical neural lineage specification factor. Interestingly, we also found that
      SMAD4 binds and suppresses miR-376c clusters in undifferentiated hESCs. In
      summary, our findings revealed a reciprocal antagonism between miR-376c and SMAD
      signaling that regulates cell fate during human neural differentiation.

PMID- 25114171
TI  - Functional characterization of cytochrome P450-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids
      in adipogenesis and obesity.
AB  - Adipogenesis plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of obesity.
      Although cytochrome P450 (CYP)-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) have
      emerged as a potential therapeutic target for cardiometabolic disease, the
      functional contribution of EETs to adipogenesis and the pathogenesis of obesity
      remain poorly understood. Our studies demonstrated that induction of adipogenesis
      in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells (in vitro) and obesity-associated adipose
      expansion in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice (in vivo) significantly dysregulate the
      CYP epoxygenase pathway and evoke a marked suppression of adipose-derived EET
      levels. Subsequent in vitro experiments demonstrated that exogenous EET analog
      administration elicits potent anti-adipogenic effects via inhibition of the early
      phase of adipogenesis. Furthermore, EET analog administration to mice
      significantly mitigated HFD-induced weight gain, adipose tissue expansion, pro
      adipogenic gene expression, and glucose intolerance. Collectively, these findings
      suggest that suppression of EET bioavailability in adipose tissue is a key
      pathological consequence of obesity, and strategies that promote the protective
      effects of EETs in adipose tissue offer enormous therapeutic potential for
      obesity and its downstream pathological consequences. 

PMID- 25114174
TI  - Exploration of salivary proteins in buffalo: an approach to find marker proteins
      for estrus.
AB  - Saliva is considered as the best source of biological material for biomarker
      discovery studies since it is noninvasive in comparison to other body sources.
      Usually buffalo cannot precisely express estrus signals. Hence, there is a need
      for concise methods to detect the time of estrus to ensure the success of
      artificial insemination. Therefore, we have established a reference proteome map
      on the whole saliva of buffalo during their estrous cycle with special reference
      to estrus. Nearly 12 bands have been observed using sodium dodecyl sulfate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of whole saliva. Collectively, 179
      proteins are identified with respect to different phases of the estrous cycle
      using mass spectrometry. On the whole, 37 proteins are exclusively expressed in
      the estrus phase, which include beta-enolase, Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4,
      clusterin, lactoperoxidase, serotransferrin, TGM3, UBA6, and transducin. Among
      the proteins, beta-enolase and TLR 4 were validated, and their specific
      expression was found during estrus as compared to other phases using immunoblot.
      The functional annotation reveals many as binding proteins in the estrus saliva
      when compared to the other phases. The present findings conclude that the
      proteomic approach adopted to identify the proteins from buffalo saliva around
      the estrous cycle may provide a new tool for screening the estrus phase. The
      results further conclude that the specific expression of beta-enolase and TLR 4
      can be taken as the indicator of estrus in buffalo.

PMID- 25114172
TI  - Adipose triglyceride lipase regulates eicosanoid production in activated human
      mast cells.
AB  - Human mast cells (MCs) contain TG-rich cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs) with high
      arachidonic acid (AA) content. Here, we investigated the functional role of
      adipose TG lipase (ATGL) in TG hydrolysis and the ensuing release of AA as
      substrate for eicosanoid generation by activated human primary MCs in culture.
      Silencing of ATGL in MCs by siRNAs induced the accumulation of neutral lipids in
      LDs. IgE-dependent activation of MCs triggered the secretion of the two major
      eicosanoids, prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4). The immediate
      release of PGD2 from the activated MCs was solely dependent on cyclooxygenase
      (COX) 1, while during the delayed phase of lipid mediator production, the
      inducible COX-2 also contributed to its release. Importantly, when ATGL-silenced
      MCs were activated, the secretion of both PGD2 and LTC4 was significantly
      reduced. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect on the release of LTC4 was even
      more pronounced in ATGL-silenced MCs than in cytosolic phospholipase A2-silenced
      MCs. These data show that ATGL hydrolyzes AA-containing TGs present in human MC
      LDs and define ATGL as a novel regulator of the substrate availability of AA for
      eicosanoid generation upon MC activation. 

PMID- 25114175
TI  - Structure of Toxoplasma gondii coronin, an actin-binding protein that relocalizes
      to the posterior pole of invasive parasites and contributes to invasion and
      egress.
AB  - Coronins are involved in the regulation of actin dynamics in a multifaceted way,
      participating in cell migration and vesicular trafficking. Apicomplexan
      parasites, which exhibit an actin-dependent gliding motility that is essential
      for traversal through tissues, as well as invasion of and egress from host cells,
      express only a single coronin, whereas higher eukaryotes possess several
      isoforms. We set out to characterize the 3-D structure, biochemical function,
      subcellular localization, and genetic ablation of Toxoplasma gondii coronin
      (TgCOR), to shed light on its biological role. A combination of X-ray
      crystallography, small-angle scattering of X-rays, and light scattering revealed
      the atomic structure of the conserved WD40 domain and the dimeric arrangement of
      the full-length protein. TgCOR binds to F-actin and increases the rate and extent
      of actin polymerization. In vivo, TgCOR relocalizes transiently to the posterior
      pole of motile and invading parasites, independent of actin dynamics, but
      concomitant to microneme secretory organelle discharge. TgCOR contributes to, but
      is not essential for, invasion and egress. Taken together, our data point toward
      a role for TgCOR in stabilizing newly formed, short filaments and F-actin cross
      linking, as well as functions linked to endocytosis and recycling of membranes.

PMID- 25114176
TI  - TRPV4, TRPC1, and TRPP2 assemble to form a flow-sensitive heteromeric channel.
AB  - Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, a superfamily of ion channels, can
      be divided into 7 subfamilies, including TRPV, TRPC, TRPP, and 4 others.
      Functional TRP channels are tetrameric complexes consisting of 4 pore-forming
      subunits. The purpose of this study was to explore the heteromerization of TRP
      subunits crossing different TRP subfamilies. Two-step coimmunoprecipitation (co
      IP) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) were used to determine the
      interaction of the different TRP subunits. Patch-clamp and cytosolic Ca(2+)
      measurements were used to determine the functional role of the ion channels in
      flow conditions. The analysis demonstrated the formation of a heteromeric TRPV4
      C1-P2 complex in primary cultured rat mesenteric artery endothelial cells (MAECs)
      and HEK293 cells that were cotransfected with TRPV4, TRPC1, and TRPP2. In
      functional experiments, pore-dead mutants for each of these 3 TRP isoforms nearly
      abolished the flow-induced cation currents and Ca(2+) increase, suggesting that
      all 3 TRPs contribute to the ion permeation pore of the channels. We identified
      the first heteromeric TRP channels composed of subunits from 3 different TRP
      subfamilies. Functionally, this heteromeric TRPV4-C1-P2 channel mediates the flow
      induced Ca(2+) increase in native vascular endothelial cells.

PMID- 25114177
TI  - A novel CRIg-targeted complement inhibitor protects cells from complement damage.
AB  - The inappropriate activation of complement may contribute to various immune
      diseases. The alternative pathway (AP) predominates during complement activation
      regardless of the initiating pathways. Hence, the main AP regulator factor H (FH)
      holds great potential as an attractive therapeutic intervention. In addition,
      complement receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily (CRIg) has been
      demonstrated to inhibit AP and, more notably, still specifically binds to
      C3b/iC3b. We thus developed novel CRIg-targeted complement inhibitors by
      connecting the functional domains of CRIg and FH, which we termed CRIg-FH and
      CRIg-L-FH. CRIg-L-FH, slightly more potent than CRIg-FH, considerably inhibited
      both AP- and also classical pathway (CP)-mediated hemolysis and successfully
      eliminated the deposition of C3b/iC3b. Kinetic analysis further revealed that the
      binding affinity constant (KD) of CRIg/FH was in the micromolar range, consistent
      with its long-lasting binding to complement-attacked cells. CRIg-L-FH efficiently
      protected aberrant erythrocytes of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal
      hemoglobinuria (PNH) from AP- and CP-mediated complement damage (IC50 was 22.43
      and 64.69 nM, respectively). Moreover, CRIg-L-FH was found to inhibit complement
      activation induced by the anti-Thy1 antibody in a mesangioproliferative
      glomerulonephritis (MPGN) rat model. Hence, CRIg-L-FH protects glomerular
      mesangial cells (GMCs) from complement-mediated injury and proliferative lesions.
      These findings strongly suggest that CRIg/FH is a potential therapeutic drug
      candidate for a range of complement-mediated diseases.

PMID- 25114178
TI  - An intracellular antifreeze protein from an Antarctic microalga that responds to
      various environmental stresses.
AB  - The structure and function of the Antarctic marine diatom Chaetoceros neogracile
      antifreeze protein (Cn-AFP), as well as its expression levels and characteristics
      of the ice-binding site, were analyzed in the present study. In silico analysis
      revealed that the Cn-AFP promoter contains both light- and temperature-responsive
      elements. Northern and Western blot analyses demonstrated that both Cn-AFP
      transcript and protein expression were strongly and rapidly stimulated by
      freezing, as well as temperature and high light stress. Immunogold labeling
      revealed that Cn-AFP is preferentially localized to the intracellular space near
      the chloroplast membrane. Recombinant Cn-AFP had clear antifreeze activity.
      Protein-folding simulation was used to predict the putative ice-binding sites in
      Cn-AFP, and site-directed mutagenesis of the Cn-AFP b-face confirmed their
      identification.

PMID- 25114179
TI  - Functional and structural characterization of the kinase insert and the carboxy
      terminal domain in VEGF receptor 2 activation.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) regulate blood and lymphatic vessel
      development and homeostasis. VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) is the major receptor
      involved in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis and regulates endothelial cell
      survival, migration, and mitogenesis. Ligand-mediated receptor dimerization
      instigates transmembrane signaling, thereby promoting activation of the
      intracellular kinase domain. The intracellular part of the receptor comprises the
      juxtamembrane domain, the catalytic kinase domain, the kinase insert domain
      (KID), and the carboxy terminal domain (CD). Here we show that the CD inhibits
      VEGFR-2 activity in the absence of ligand, whereas the KID, particularly a
      tyrosine residue in this domain (Y951), is indispensable for downstream signaling
      by the activated kinase. Because of the lack of crystallographic data for the
      complete kinase domain, we applied size-exclusion chromatography, multiangle
      laser scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, and small-angle X-ray
      scattering to build and functionally validate structural models. Our data show
      substantial conformational changes of the kinase when it is switched from the
      inactive, unphosphorylated state to the active, phosphorylated state. Finally, we
      structurally characterized recombinantly produced protein complexes between VEGFR
      2 and T cell-specific adapter protein, a molecule involved in downstream
      signaling by VEGFR-2.

PMID- 25114180
TI  - Inducible factors with antimicrobial activity after immune challenge in the
      haemolymph of Red Palm Weevil (Insecta).
AB  - Insects are capable of innate immune responses elicited after microbial
      infection. In this process, the receptor-mediated recognition of foreign bodies
      and the subsequent activation of immunocompetent cells lead to the synthesis ex
      novo of a peptide pool with antimicrobial activity. We investigated the inducible
      immune response of a coleopteran, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, challenged with both
      Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. After immunization, we evaluated the
      presence of antimicrobial peptides using either biochemical analyses or
      microbiological techniques. The antimicrobial properties of the newly synthesized
      protein pool, detectable in haemolymph fractions of low molecular mass, showed
      strong antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains (Escherichia
      coli, Pseudomonas sp. OX1, Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus). In addition
      to the preliminary study of the mechanism of action of the pool of antimicrobial
      peptides, we also investigated its effects on bacterial cell walls by means of
      fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The data suggest that
      the main effects seem to be directed at destabilizing and damaging the bacterial
      wall. This study provides data that help us to understand some aspects of the
      inducible innate immunity in a system model that lacks anticipatory responses.
      However, the weevil has finely tuned its defensive strategies to counteract
      effectively microbial infection. 

PMID- 25114181
TI  - The IOC Centres of Excellence bring prevention to sports medicine.
AB  - The protection of an athlete's health and preventing injuries and illnesses in
      sport are top priorities for the IOC and its Medical Commission. The IOC
      therefore partners with selected research centres around the world and supports
      research in the field of sports medicine. This has enabled the IOC to develop an
      international network of expert scientists and clinicians in sports injury and
      disease prevention research. The IOC wants to promote injury and disease
      prevention and the improvement of physical health of the athlete by: (1)
      establishing long-term research programmes on injury and disease prevention
      (including studies on basic epidemiology, risk factors, injury mechanisms and
      intervention), (2) fostering collaborative relationships with individuals,
      institutions and organisations to improve athletes' health, (3) implementing and
      collaborating with applied, ongoing and novel research and development within the
      framework and long-term strategy of the IOC and (4) setting up knowledge
      translation mechanisms to share scientific research results with the field
      throughout the Olympic Movement and sports community and converting these results
      into concrete actions to protect the health of the athletes. In 2009, the IOC
      also identified four research centres that had an established track record in
      research, educational and clinical activities to achieve these ambitions: (1) the
      Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP),
      Australia; (2) the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre (SIPRC), Canada; (3)
      the Clinical Sport and Exercise Medicine Research (CSEM), South Africa and (4)
      the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC), Norway. This paper highlights the
      work carried out by these four IOC Centres of Excellence over the past 6 years
      and their contribution to the world of sports medicine. 

PMID- 25114183
TI  - Republished research: Impact of autologous blood injections in treatment of mid
      portion Achilles tendinopathy: double blind randomised controlled trial.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Do peritendinous autologous blood injections improve pain and
      function in people with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy? SUMMARY ANSWER: The
      administration of two unguided peritendinous autologous blood injections one
      month apart, in addition to a standardised eccentric training programme, provides
      no additional benefit in the treatment of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. WHAT
      IS KNOWN AND WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Several studies have suggested that injection
      of autologous blood can help in the treatment of various tendinopathies. There is
      a lack of high quality evidence showing relevant benefit for autologous blood
      injections, particularly in the management of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.
      We found no additional reduction in pain or improvement in function when these
      injections were combined with an eccentric calf training programme.

PMID- 25114184
TI  - Extensive blueberry muffin rash in a neonate.

PMID- 25114185
TI  - The current status of neonatal organ donation in the UK.

PMID- 25114187
TI  - Varicose veins.

PMID- 25114186
TI  - Novel wireless devices for cardiac monitoring.

PMID- 25114188
TI  - ECG Response: August 12, 2014.

PMID- 25114190
TI  - Pseudo-pre-excitation unraveled down to its core.

PMID- 25114189
TI  - Left ventricular hypertrophy in a runner: things are not always what they seem.

PMID- 25114191
TI  - Cardiology patient page. Varicose veins.

PMID- 25114192
TI  - Letter by Takahashi regarding article "targeting interleukin-1 in heart disease".

PMID- 25114193
TI  - Response to letter regarding article, "targeting interleukin-1 in heart disease".

PMID- 25114197
TI  - Neurology in Africa.

PMID- 25114196
TI  - In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel collagen/cellulose nanocrystals
      scaffold for achieving the sustained release of basic fibroblast growth factor.
AB  - Tissue-engineered dermis is thought to be the best treatment for skin defects;
      however, slow vascularization of these biomaterial scaffolds limits their
      clinical application. Exogenous administration of angiogenic growth factors is
      highly desirable for tissue regeneration. In this study, biodegradable gelatin
      microspheres (GMs) containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were
      fabricated and incorporated into a porous collagen/cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)
      scaffold, as a platform for long-term release and consequent angiogenic boosting.
      The physicochemical properties of these scaffolds were examined and the in vitro
      release pattern of bFGF from scaffolds was measured by ELISA. Collagen/CNCs
      scaffolds with and without bFGF-GMs were incubated with human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells for 1 week, results showed that the scaffolds with bFGF-GMs
      significantly augmented cell proliferation. Then, four different groups of
      scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously into Sprague-Dawley rats to study
      angiogenesis in vivo via macroscopic observation, and hematoxylin and eosin and
      immunohistochemical staining. The results suggested that the collagen/CNCs/bFGF
      GMs scaffolds had a significantly higher number of newly formed and mature blood
      vessels, and the fastest degradation rate. This study demonstrated that
      collagen/CNCs/bFGF-GMs scaffolds have great potential in skin tissue engineering.

PMID- 25114198
TI  - Inflammatory neurologic disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

PMID- 25114199
TI  - Prune belly and schizencephaly.

PMID- 25114200
TI  - Wrong side dilated pupil.

PMID- 25114201
TI  - Clinical Reasoning: An unusual cause of transverse myelitis?

PMID- 25114203
TI  - Clinical Reasoning: A 38-year-old woman with childhood-onset weakness.

PMID- 25114204
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: Infantile herpes simplex encephalitis.

PMID- 25114205
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: Ocular bruit in carotid-cavernous sinus fistula.

PMID- 25114206
TI  - Recent research on the growth plate: Advances in fibroblast growth factor
      signaling in growth plate development and disorders.
AB  - Skeletons are formed through two distinct developmental actions, intramembranous
      ossification and endochondral ossification. During embryonic development, most
      bone is formed by endochondral ossification. The growth plate is the
      developmental center for endochondral ossification. Multiple signaling pathways
      participate in the regulation of endochondral ossification. Fibroblast growth
      factor (FGF)/FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling has been found to play a vital role in
      the development and maintenance of growth plates. Missense mutations in FGFs and
      FGFRs can cause multiple genetic skeletal diseases with disordered endochondral
      ossification. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of FGFs/FGFRs signaling in
      skeletal development and genetic skeletal diseases will have implications for the
      development of therapies for FGF-signaling-related skeletal dysplasias and growth
      plate injuries. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in elucidating
      the role of FGFs/FGFRs signaling in growth plate development, genetic skeletal
      disorders, and the promising therapies for those genetic skeletal diseases
      resulting from FGFs/FGFRs dysfunction. Finally, we also examine the potential
      important research in this field in the future. 

PMID- 25114207
TI  - Recent research on the growth plate: Mechanisms for growth plate injury repair
      and potential cell-based therapies for regeneration.
AB  - Injuries to the growth plate cartilage often lead to bony repair, resulting in
      bone growth defects such as limb length discrepancy and angulation deformity in
      children. Currently utilised corrective surgeries are highly invasive and limited
      in their effectiveness, and there are no known biological therapies to induce
      cartilage regeneration and prevent the undesirable bony repair. In the last 2
      decades, studies have investigated the cellular and molecular events that lead to
      bony repair at the injured growth plate including the identification of the four
      phases of injury repair responses (inflammatory, fibrogenic, osteogenic and
      remodelling), the important role of inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor
      alpha in regulating downstream repair responses, the role of chemotactic and
      mitogenic platelet-derived growth factor in the fibrogenic response, the
      involvement and roles of bone morphogenic protein and Wnt/B-catenin signalling
      pathways, as well as vascular endothelial growth factor-based angiogenesis during
      the osteogenic response. These new findings could potentially lead to
      identification of new targets for developing a future biological therapy. In
      addition, recent advances in cartilage tissue engineering highlight the promising
      potential for utilising multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for inducing
      regeneration of injured growth plate cartilage. This review aims to summarise
      current understanding of the mechanisms for growth plate injury repair and
      discuss some progress, potential and challenges of MSC-based therapies to induce
      growth plate cartilage regeneration in combination with chemotactic and
      chondrogenic growth factors and supporting scaffolds. 

PMID- 25114208
TI  - Type 1 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease: a scientific statement from
      the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association.

PMID- 25114209
TI  - Murine CD27(-) Vgamma6(+) gammadelta T cells producing IL-17A promote ovarian
      cancer growth via mobilization of protumor small peritoneal macrophages.
AB  - Cancer-associated inflammation mobilizes a variety of leukocyte populations that
      can inhibit or enhance tumor cell growth in situ. These subsets include
      gammadelta T cells, which can infiltrate tumors and typically provide large
      amounts of antitumor cytokines, such as IFN-gamma. By contrast, we report here
      that in a well-established transplantable (ID8 cell line) model of
      peritoneal/ovarian cancer, gammadelta T cells promote tumor cell growth.
      gammadelta T cells accumulated in the peritoneal cavity in response to tumor
      challenge and could be visualized within solid tumor foci. Functional
      characterization of tumor-associated gammadelta T cells revealed preferential
      production of interleukin-17A (IL-17), rather than IFN-gamma. Consistent with
      this finding, both T cell receptor (TCR)delta-deficient and IL-17-deficient mice
      displayed reduced ID8 tumor growth compared with wild-type animals. IL-17
      production by gammadelta T cells in the tumor environment was essentially
      restricted to a highly proliferative CD27((-)) subset that expressed Vgamma6
      instead of the more common Vgamma1 and Vgamma4 TCR chains. The preferential
      expansion of IL-17-secreting CD27((-)) Vgamma6((+)) gammadelta T cells associated
      with the selective mobilization of unconventional small peritoneal macrophages
      (SPMs) that, in comparison with large peritoneal macrophages, were enriched for
      IL-17 receptor A, and for protumor and proangiogenic molecular mediators, which
      were up-regulated by IL-17. Importantly, SPMs were uniquely and directly capable
      of promoting ovarian cancer cell proliferation. Collectively, this work
      identifies an IL-17-dependent lymphoid/myeloid cross-talk involving gammadelta T
      cells and SPMs that promotes tumor cell growth and thus counteracts cancer
      immunosurveillance. 

PMID- 25114212
TI  - Modeling morphological diversity in the oldest large multicellular organisms.

PMID- 25114210
TI  - Characterizing the proton loading site in cytochrome c oxidase.
AB  - Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) uses the energy released by reduction of O2 to H2O to
      drive eight charges from the high pH to low pH side of the membrane, increasing
      the electrochemical gradient. Four electrons and protons are used for chemistry,
      while four more protons are pumped. Proton pumping requires that residues on a
      pathway change proton affinity through the reaction cycle to load and then
      release protons. The protonation states of all residues in CcO are determined in
      MultiConformational Continuum Electrostatics simulations with the protonation and
      redox states of heme a, a3, Cu(B), Y288, and E286 used to define the catalytic
      cycle. One proton is found to be loaded and released from residues identified as
      the proton loading site (PLS) on the P-side of the protein in each of the four
      CcO redox states. Thus, the same proton pumping mechanism can be used each time
      CcO is reduced. Calculations with structures of Rhodobacter sphaeroides,
      Paracoccus denitrificans, and bovine CcO derived by crystallography and molecular
      dynamics show the PLS functions similarly in different CcO species. The PLS is a
      cluster rather than a single residue, as different structures show 1-4 residues
      load and release protons. However, the proton affinity of the heme a3 propionic
      acids primarily determines the number of protons loaded into the PLS; if their
      proton affinity is too low, less than one proton is loaded.

PMID- 25114211
TI  - Mapping of SUMO sites and analysis of SUMOylation changes induced by external
      stimuli.
AB  - SUMOylation is an essential ubiquitin-like modification involved in important
      biological processes in eukaryotic cells. Identification of small ubiquitin
      related modifier (SUMO)-conjugated residues in proteins is critical for
      understanding the role of SUMOylation but remains experimentally challenging. We
      have set up a powerful and high-throughput method combining quantitative
      proteomics and peptide immunocapture to map SUMOylation sites and have analyzed
      changes in SUMOylation in response to stimuli. With this technique we identified
      295 SUMO1 and 167 SUMO2 sites on endogenous substrates of human cells. We further
      used this strategy to characterize changes in SUMOylation induced by
      listeriolysin O, a bacterial toxin that impairs the host cell SUMOylation
      machinery, and identified several classes of host proteins specifically
      deSUMOylated in response to this toxin. Our approach constitutes an unprecedented
      tool, broadly applicable to various SUMO-regulated cellular processes in health
      and disease. 

PMID- 25114213
TI  - Vectored antibody gene delivery protects against Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite
      challenge in mice.
AB  - Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum kills nearly one million children each
      year and imposes crippling economic burdens on families and nations worldwide. No
      licensed vaccine exists, but infection can be prevented by antibodies against the
      circumsporozoite protein (CSP), the major surface protein of sporozoites, the
      form of the parasite injected by mosquitoes. We have used vectored
      immunoprophylaxis (VIP), an adeno-associated virus-based technology, to introduce
      preformed antibody genes encoding anti-P. falciparum CSP mAb into mice. VIP
      vector-transduced mice exhibited long-lived mAb expression at up to 1,200 ug/mL
      in serum, and up to 70% were protected from both i.v. and mosquito bite challenge
      with transgenic Plasmodium berghei rodent sporozoites that incorporate the P.
      falciparum target of the mAb in their CSP. Serum antibody levels and protection
      from mosquito bite challenge were dependent on the dose of the VIP vector. All
      individual mice expressing CSP-specific mAb 2A10 at 1 mg/mL or more were
      completely protected, suggesting that in this model system, exceeding that
      threshold results in consistent sterile protection. Our results demonstrate the
      potential of VIP as a path toward the elusive goal of immunization against
      malaria. 

PMID- 25114214
TI  - Rare earth elements activate endocytosis in plant cells.
AB  - It has long been observed that rare earth elements (REEs) regulate multiple
      facets of plant growth and development. However, the underlying mechanisms remain
      largely unclear. Here, using electron microscopic autoradiography, we show the
      life cycle of a light REE (lanthanum) and a heavy REE (terbium) in horseradish
      leaf cells. Our data indicate that REEs were first anchored on the plasma
      membrane in the form of nanoscale particles, and then entered the cells by
      endocytosis. Consistently, REEs activated endocytosis in plant cells, which may
      be the cellular basis of REE actions in plants. Moreover, we discovered that a
      portion of REEs was successively released into the cytoplasm, self-assembled to
      form nanoscale clusters, and finally deposited in horseradish leaf cells. Taken
      together, our data reveal the life cycle of REEs and their cellular behaviors in
      plant cells, which shed light on the cellular mechanisms of REE actions in living
      organisms. 

PMID- 25114215
TI  - Wnt ligand/Frizzled 2 receptor signaling regulates tube shape and branch-point
      formation in the lung through control of epithelial cell shape.
AB  - Changing the morphology of a simple epithelial tube to form a highly ramified
      branching network requires changes in cell behavior that lead to tissue-wide
      changes in organ shape. How epithelial cells in branched organs modulate their
      shape and behavior to promote bending and sculpting of the epithelial sheet is
      not well understood, and the mechanisms underlying this process remain obscure.
      We show that the Wnt receptor Frizzled 2 (Fzd2) is required for domain branch
      formation during the initial establishment of the respiratory tree. Live imaging
      and transcriptome analysis of lung-branching morphogenesis demonstrate that Fzd2
      promotes changes in epithelial cell length and shape. These changes in cell
      morphology deform the developing epithelial tube to generate and maintain new
      domain branches. Fzd2 controls branch formation and the shape of the epithelial
      tube by regulating Rho signaling and by the localization of phospho-myosin light
      chain 2, in turn controlling the changes in the shape of epithelial cells during
      morphogenesis. This study demonstrates the importance of Wnt/Fzd2 signaling in
      promoting and maintaining changes in epithelial cell shape that affect
      development of a branching network. 

PMID- 25114217
TI  - Natural selection drives the evolution of ant life cycles.
AB  - The genetic origin of advanced social organization has long been one of the
      outstanding problems of evolutionary biology. Here we present an analysis of the
      major steps in ant evolution, based for the first time, to our knowledge, on
      combined recent advances in paleontology, phylogeny, and the study of
      contemporary life histories. We provide evidence of the causal forces of natural
      selection shaping several key phenomena: (i) the relative lateness and rarity in
      geological time of the emergence of eusociality in ants and other animal phylads;
      (ii) the prevalence of monogamy at the time of evolutionary origin; and (iii) the
      female-biased sex allocation observed in many ant species. We argue that a clear
      understanding of the evolution of social insects can emerge if, in addition to
      relatedness-based arguments, we take into account key factors of natural history
      and study how natural selection acts on alleles that modify social behavior. 

PMID- 25114216
TI  - Enhanced killing of antibiotic-resistant bacteria enabled by massively parallel
      combinatorial genetics.
AB  - New therapeutic strategies are needed to treat infections caused by drug
      resistant bacteria, which constitute a major growing threat to human health.
      Here, we use a high-throughput technology to identify combinatorial genetic
      perturbations that can enhance the killing of drug-resistant bacteria with
      antibiotic treatment. This strategy, Combinatorial Genetics En Masse (CombiGEM),
      enables the rapid generation of high-order barcoded combinations of genetic
      elements for high-throughput multiplexed characterization based on next
      generation sequencing. We created ~ 34,000 pairwise combinations of Escherichia
      coli transcription factor (TF) overexpression constructs. Using Illumina
      sequencing, we identified diverse perturbations in antibiotic-resistance
      phenotypes against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Specifically, we
      found multiple TF combinations that potentiated antibiotic killing by up to 10(6)
      fold and delivered these combinations via phagemids to increase the killing of
      highly drug-resistant E. coli harboring New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1.
      Moreover, we constructed libraries of three-wise combinations of transcription
      factors with >4 million unique members and demonstrated that these could be
      tracked via next-generation sequencing. We envision that CombiGEM could be
      extended to other model organisms, disease models, and phenotypes, where it could
      accelerate massively parallel combinatorial genetics studies for a broad range of
      biomedical and biotechnology applications, including the treatment of antibiotic
      resistant infections.

PMID- 25114219
TI  - Demography, not inheritance, drives phenotypic change in hunted bighorn sheep.
AB  - Selective harvest, such as trophy hunting, can shift the distribution of a
      quantitative character such as body size. If the targeted character is heritable,
      then there will be an evolutionary response to selection, and where the trait is
      not, then any response will be plastic or demographic. Identifying the relative
      contributions of these different mechanisms is a major challenge in wildlife
      conservation. New mathematical approaches can provide insight not previously
      available. Here we develop a size- and age-based two-sex integral projection
      model based on individual-based data from a long-term study of hunted bighorn
      sheep (Ovis canadensis) at Ram Mountain, Canada. We simulate the effect of trophy
      hunting on body size and find that the inheritance of body mass is weak and that
      any perceived decline in body mass of the bighorn population is largely
      attributable to demographic change and environmental factors. To our knowledge,
      this work provides the first use of two-sex integral projection models to
      investigate the potential eco-evolutionary consequences of selective harvest. 

PMID- 25114218
TI  - Primary cilia are required in a unique subpopulation of neural progenitors.
AB  - The apical domain of embryonic (radial glia) and adult (B1 cells) neural stem
      cells (NSCs) contains a primary cilium. This organelle has been suggested to
      function as an antenna for the detection of morphogens or growth factors. In
      particular, primary cilia are essential for Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, which plays
      key roles in brain development. Their unique location facing the ventricular
      lumen suggests that primary cilia in NSCs could play an important role in
      reception of signals within the cerebrospinal fluid. Surprisingly, ablation of
      primary cilia using conditional alleles for genes essential for intraflagellar
      transport [kinesin family member 3A (Kif3a) and intraflagellar transport 88
      (Ift88)] and Cre drivers that are activated at early [Nestin; embryonic day 10.5
      (E10.5)] and late [human glial fibrillary acidic protein (hGFAP); E13.5] stages
      of mouse neural development resulted in no apparent developmental defects.
      Neurogenesis in the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) shortly after birth
      was also largely unaffected, except for a restricted ventral domain previously
      known to be regulated by Hh signaling. However, Kif3a and Ift88 genetic ablation
      also disrupts ependymal cilia, resulting in hydrocephalus by postnatal day 4. To
      directly study the role of B1 cells' primary cilia without the confounding
      effects of hydrocephalus, we stereotaxically targeted elimination of Kif3a from a
      subpopulation of radial glia, which resulted in ablation of primary cilia in a
      subset of B1 cells. Again, this experiment resulted in decreased neurogenesis
      only in the ventral V-SVZ. Primary cilia ablation led to disruption of Hh
      signaling in this subdomain. We conclude that primary cilia are required in a
      specific Hh-regulated subregion of the postnatal V-SVZ. 

PMID- 25114220
TI  - Autophagy protects C. elegans against necrosis during Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      infection.
AB  - Autophagy, a conserved pathway that delivers intracellular materials into
      lysosomes for degradation, is involved in development, aging, and a variety of
      diseases. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that autophagy plays a protective
      role against infectious diseases by diminishing intracellular pathogens,
      including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, the mechanism by which
      autophagy regulates innate immunity remains largely unknown. Here, we show that
      autophagy is involved in host defense against a pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa in the metazoan Caenorhabditis elegans. P. aeruginosa infection
      induces autophagy via a conserved extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK).
      Intriguingly, impairment of autophagy does not influence the intestinal
      accumulation of P. aeruginosa, but instead induces intestinal necrosis.
      Inhibition of necrosis results in the survival of autophagy-deficient worms after
      P. aeruginosa infection. These findings reveal a previously unidentified role for
      autophagy in protection against necrosis triggered by pathogenic bacteria in C.
      elegans and implicate that such a function of autophagy may be conserved through
      the inflammatory response in diverse organisms. 

PMID- 25114221
TI  - Inhibitor of MYC identified in a Krohnke pyridine library.
AB  - In a fluorescence polarization screen for the MYC-MAX interaction, we have
      identified a novel small-molecule inhibitor of MYC, KJ-Pyr-9, from a Krohnke
      pyridine library. The Kd of KJ-Pyr-9 for MYC in vitro is 6.5 +/- 1.0 nM, as
      determined by backscattering interferometry; KJ-Pyr-9 also interferes with MYC
      MAX complex formation in the cell, as shown in a protein fragment complementation
      assay. KJ-Pyr-9 specifically inhibits MYC-induced oncogenic transformation in
      cell culture; it has no or only weak effects on the oncogenic activity of several
      unrelated oncoproteins. KJ-Pyr-9 preferentially interferes with the proliferation
      of MYC-overexpressing human and avian cells and specifically reduces the MYC
      driven transcriptional signature. In vivo, KJ-Pyr-9 effectively blocks the growth
      of a xenotransplant of MYC-amplified human cancer cells. 

PMID- 25114222
TI  - Tumorigenicity of hypoxic respiring cancer cells revealed by a hypoxia-cell cycle
      dual reporter.
AB  - Although aerobic glycolysis provides an advantage in the hypoxic tumor
      microenvironment, some cancer cells can also respire via oxidative
      phosphorylation. These respiring ("non-Warburg") cells were previously thought
      not to play a key role in tumorigenesis and thus fell from favor in the
      literature. We sought to determine whether subpopulations of hypoxic cancer cells
      have different metabolic phenotypes and gene-expression profiles that could
      influence tumorigenicity and therapeutic response, and we therefore developed a
      dual fluorescent protein reporter, HypoxCR, that detects hypoxic [hypoxia
      inducible factor (HIF) active] and/or cycling cells. Using HEK293T cells as a
      model, we identified four distinct hypoxic cell populations by flow cytometry.
      The non-HIF/noncycling cell population expressed a unique set of genes involved
      in mitochondrial function. Relative to the other subpopulations, these hypoxic
      "non-Warburg" cells had highest oxygen consumption rates and mitochondrial
      capacity consistent with increased mitochondrial respiration. We found that these
      respiring cells were unexpectedly tumorigenic, suggesting that continued
      respiration under limiting oxygen conditions may be required for tumorigenicity. 

PMID- 25114224
TI  - Predicting hybrid performance in rice using genomic best linear unbiased
      prediction.
AB  - Genomic selection is an upgrading form of marker-assisted selection for
      quantitative traits, and it differs from the traditional marker-assisted
      selection in that markers in the entire genome are used to predict genetic values
      and the QTL detection step is skipped. Genomic selection holds the promise to be
      more efficient than the traditional marker-assisted selection for traits
      controlled by polygenes. Genomic selection for pure breed improvement is based on
      marker information and thus leads to cost-saving due to early selection before
      phenotypes are measured. When applied to hybrid breeding, genomic selection is
      anticipated to be even more efficient because genotypes of hybrids are
      predetermined by their inbred parents. Hybrid breeding has been an important tool
      to increase crop productivity. Here we proposed and applied an advanced method to
      predict hybrid performance, in which a subset of all potential hybrids is used as
      a training sample to predict trait values of all potential hybrids. The method is
      called genomic best linear unbiased prediction. The technology applied to hybrids
      is called genomic hybrid breeding. We used 278 randomly selected hybrids derived
      from 210 recombinant inbred lines of rice as a training sample and predicted all
      21,945 potential hybrids. The average yield of top 100 selection shows a 16%
      increase compared with the average yield of all potential hybrids. The new
      strategy of marker-guided prediction of hybrid yields serves as a proof of
      concept for a new technology that may potentially revolutionize hybrid breeding. 

PMID- 25114225
TI  - Drought stress variability in ancient Near Eastern agricultural systems evidenced
      by delta13C in barley grain.
AB  - The collapse and resilience of political systems in the ancient Near East and
      their relationship with agricultural development have been of wide interest in
      archaeology and anthropology. Despite attempts to link the archaeological
      evidence to local paleoclimate data, the precise role of environmental conditions
      in ancient agricultural production remains poorly understood. Recently, stable
      isotope analysis has been used for reconstructing site-specific ancient growing
      conditions for crop species in semiarid and arid landscapes. To open the
      discussion of the role of regional diversity in past agricultural production as a
      factor in societal development, we present 1.037 new stable carbon isotope
      measurements from 33 archaeological sites and modern fields in the geographic
      area of the Fertile Crescent, spanning the Aceramic Neolithic [10,000 calibrated
      years (cal) B.C.] to the later Iron Age (500 cal B.C.), alongside modern data
      from 13 locations. Our data show that drought stress was an issue in many
      agricultural settlements in the ancient Near East, particularly in correlation
      with the major Holocene climatic fluctuations, but its regional impact was
      diverse and influenced by geographic factors. Although cereals growing in the
      coastal areas of the northern Levant were relatively unaffected by Holocene
      climatic fluctuations, farmers of regions further inland had to apply irrigation
      to cope with increased water stress. However, inland agricultural strategies
      showed a high degree of variability. Our findings suggest that regional
      differences in climatic effects led to diversified strategies in ancient
      subsistence and economy even within spatially limited cultural units. 

PMID- 25114223
TI  - Small-molecule screening identifies inhibition of salt-inducible kinases as a
      therapeutic strategy to enhance immunoregulatory functions of dendritic cells.
AB  - Genetic alterations that reduce the function of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL
      10 contribute to colitis in mouse and man. Myeloid cells such as macrophages
      (MPhis) and dendritic cells (DCs) play an essential role in determining the
      relative abundance of IL-10 versus inflammatory cytokines in the gut. As such,
      using small molecules to boost IL-10 production by DCs-MPhis represents a
      promising approach to increase levels of this cytokine specifically in gut
      tissues. Toward this end, we screened a library of well-annotated kinase
      inhibitors for compounds that enhance production of IL-10 by murine bone-marrow
      derived DCs stimulated with the yeast cell wall preparation zymosan. This
      approach identified a number of kinase inhibitors that robustly up-regulate IL-10
      production including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs
      dasatinib, bosutinib, and saracatinib that target ABL, SRC-family, and numerous
      other kinases. Correlating the kinase selectivity profiles of the active
      compounds with their effect on IL-10 production suggests that inhibition of salt
      inducible kinases (SIKs) mediates the observed IL-10 increase. This was confirmed
      using the SIK-targeting inhibitor HG-9-91-01 and a series of structural analogs.
      The stimulatory effect of SIK inhibition on IL-10 is also associated with
      decreased production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, and
      TNF-alpha, and these coordinated effects are observed in human DCs-MPhis and anti
      inflammatory CD11c(+) CX3CR1(hi) cells isolated from murine gut tissue.
      Collectively, these studies demonstrate that SIK inhibition promotes an anti
      inflammatory phenotype in activated myeloid cells marked by robust IL-10
      production and establish these effects as a previously unidentified activity
      associated with several FDA-approved multikinase inhibitors. 

PMID- 25114226
TI  - MRI-localized biopsies reveal subtype-specific differences in molecular and
      cellular composition at the margins of glioblastoma.
AB  - Glioblastomas (GBMs) diffusely infiltrate the brain, making complete removal by
      surgical resection impossible. The mixture of neoplastic and nonneoplastic cells
      that remain after surgery form the biological context for adjuvant therapeutic
      intervention and recurrence. We performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and
      histological analysis on radiographically guided biopsies taken from different
      regions of GBM and showed that the tissue contained within the contrast-enhancing
      (CE) core of tumors have different cellular and molecular compositions compared
      with tissue from the nonenhancing (NE) margins of tumors. Comparisons with the
      The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset showed that the samples from CE regions resembled
      the proneural, classical, or mesenchymal subtypes of GBM, whereas the samples
      from the NE regions predominantly resembled the neural subtype. Computational
      deconvolution of the RNA-seq data revealed that contributions from nonneoplastic
      brain cells significantly influence the expression pattern in the NE samples.
      Gene ontology analysis showed that the cell type-specific expression patterns
      were functionally distinct and highly enriched in genes associated with the
      corresponding cell phenotypes. Comparing the RNA-seq data from the GBM samples to
      that of nonneoplastic brain revealed that the differentially expressed genes are
      distributed across multiple cell types. Notably, the patterns of cell type
      specific alterations varied between the different GBM subtypes: the NE regions of
      proneural tumors were enriched in oligodendrocyte progenitor genes, whereas the
      NE regions of mesenchymal GBM were enriched in astrocytic and microglial genes.
      These subtype-specific patterns provide new insights into molecular and cellular
      composition of the infiltrative margins of GBM. 

PMID- 25114228
TI  - Synchronization in human musical rhythms and mutually interacting complex
      systems.
AB  - Though the music produced by an ensemble is influenced by multiple factors,
      including musical genre, musician skill, and individual interpretation, rhythmic
      synchronization is at the foundation of musical interaction. Here, we study the
      statistical nature of the mutual interaction between two humans synchronizing
      rhythms. We find that the interbeat intervals of both laypeople and professional
      musicians exhibit scale-free (power law) cross-correlations. Surprisingly, the
      next beat to be played by one person is dependent on the entire history of the
      other person's interbeat intervals on timescales up to several minutes. To
      understand this finding, we propose a general stochastic model for mutually
      interacting complex systems, which suggests a physiologically motivated
      explanation for the occurrence of scale-free cross-correlations. We show that the
      observed long-term memory phenomenon in rhythmic synchronization can be imitated
      by fractal coupling of separately recorded or synthesized audio tracks and thus
      applied in electronic music. Though this study provides an understanding of
      fundamental characteristics of timing and synchronization at the interbrain
      level, the mutually interacting complex systems model may also be applied to
      study the dynamics of other complex systems where scale-free cross-correlations
      have been observed, including econophysics, physiological time series, and
      collective behavior of animal flocks. 

PMID- 25114227
TI  - Nicotinic and muscarinic agonists and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors stimulate a
      common pathway to enhance GluN2B-NMDAR responses.
AB  - Nicotinic and muscarinic ACh receptor agonists and acetylcholinesterase
      inhibitors (AChEIs) can enhance cognitive function. However, it is unknown
      whether a common signaling pathway is involved in the effect. Here, we show that
      in vivo administration of nicotine, AChEIs, and an m1 muscarinic (m1) agonist
      increase glutamate receptor, ionotropic, N-methyl D-aspartate 2B (GluN2B)
      containing NMDA receptor (NR2B-NMDAR) responses, a necessary component in memory
      formation, in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells, and that coadministration of the
      m1 antagonist pirenzepine prevents the effect of cholinergic drugs. These
      observations suggest that the effect of nicotine is secondary to increased
      release of ACh via the activation of nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) and
      involves m1 receptor activation through ACh. In vitro activation of m1 receptors
      causes the selective enhancement of NR2B-NMDAR responses in CA1 pyramidal cells,
      and in vivo exposure to cholinergic drugs occludes the in vitro effect.
      Furthermore, in vivo exposure to cholinergic drugs suppresses the potentiating
      effect of Src on NMDAR responses in vitro. These results suggest that exposure to
      cholinergic drugs maximally stimulates the m1/guanine nucleotide-binding protein
      subunit alpha q/PKC/proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2/Src signaling pathway for the
      potentiation of NMDAR responses in vivo, occluding the in vitro effects of m1
      activation and Src. Thus, our results indicate not only that nAChRs, ACh, and m1
      receptors are on the same pathway involving Src signaling but also that NR2B
      NMDARs are a point of convergence of cholinergic and glutamatergic pathways
      involved in learning and memory. 

PMID- 25114229
TI  - Profile of Alexander D. Johnson.

PMID- 25114231
TI  - Single-shot stand-off chemical identification of powders using random Raman
      lasing.
AB  - The task of identifying explosives, hazardous chemicals, and biological materials
      from a safe distance is the subject we consider. Much of the prior work on stand
      off spectroscopy using light has been devoted to generating a backward
      propagating beam of light that can be used drive further spectroscopic processes.
      The discovery of random lasing and, more recently, random Raman lasing provide a
      mechanism for remotely generating copious amounts of chemically specific Raman
      scattered light. The bright nature of random Raman lasing renders directionality
      unnecessary, allowing for the detection and identification of chemicals from
      large distances in real time. In this article, the single-shot remote
      identification of chemicals at kilometer-scale distances is experimentally
      demonstrated using random Raman lasing. 

PMID- 25114230
TI  - Interleukin-1 deficiency prolongs ovarian lifespan in mice.
AB  - Oocyte endowment dwindles away during prepubertal and adult life until menopause
      occurs, and apoptosis has been identified as a central mechanism responsible for
      oocyte elimination. A few recent reports suggest that uncontrolled inflammation
      may adversely affect ovarian reserve. We tested the possible role of the
      proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 in the age-related exhaustion of ovarian reserve
      using IL-1alpha and IL-1beta-KO mice. IL-1alpha-KO mice showed a substantially
      higher pregnancy rate and litter size compared with WT mice at advanced age. The
      number of secondary and antral follicles was significantly higher in 2.5-mo-old
      IL-1alpha-KO ovaries compared with WT ovaries. Serum anti-Mullerian hormone, a
      putative marker of ovarian reserve, was markedly higher in IL-1alpha-KO mice from
      2.5 mo onward, along with a greater ovarian response to gonadotropins. IL-1beta
      KO mice displayed a comparable but more subtle prolongation of ovarian lifespan
      compared with IL-1alpha-KO mice. The protein and mRNA of both IL-1alpha and IL
      1beta mice were localized within the developing follicles (oocytes and granulosa
      cells), and their ovarian mRNA levels increased with age. Molecular analysis
      revealed decreased apoptotic signaling [higher B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and
      lower BCL-2-associated X protein levels], along with a marked attenuation in the
      expression of genes coding for the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, and
      TNF-alpha in ovaries of IL-1alpha-KO mice compared with WT mice. Taken together,
      IL-1 emerges as an important participant in the age-related exhaustion of ovarian
      reserve in mice, possibly by enhancing the expression of inflammatory genes and
      promoting apoptotic pathways. 

PMID- 25114232
TI  - EFA6 controls Arf1 and Arf6 activation through a negative feedback loop.
AB  - Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) of the exchange factor for Arf6
      (EFA6), brefeldin A-resistant Arf guanine nucleotide exchange factor (BRAG), and
      cytohesin subfamilies activate small GTPases of the Arf family in endocytic
      events. These ArfGEFs carry a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain in tandem with
      their catalytic Sec7 domain, which is autoinhibitory and supports a positive
      feedback loop in cytohesins but not in BRAGs, and has an as-yet unknown role in
      EFA6 regulation. In this study, we analyzed how EFA6A is regulated by its PH and
      C terminus (Ct) domains by reconstituting its GDP/GTP exchange activity on
      membranes. We found that EFA6 has a previously unappreciated high efficiency
      toward Arf1 on membranes and that, similar to BRAGs, its PH domain is not
      autoinhibitory and strongly potentiates nucleotide exchange on anionic liposomes.
      However, in striking contrast to both cytohesins and BRAGs, EFA6 is regulated by
      a negative feedback loop, which is mediated by an allosteric interaction of Arf6
      GTP with the PH-Ct domain of EFA6 and monitors the activation of Arf1 and Arf6
      differentially. These observations reveal that EFA6, BRAG, and cytohesins have
      unanticipated commonalities associated with divergent regulatory regimes. An
      important implication is that EFA6 and cytohesins may combine in a mixed negative
      positive feedback loop. By allowing EFA6 to sustain a pool of dormant Arf6-GTP,
      such a circuit would fulfill the absolute requirement of cytohesins for
      activation by Arf-GTP before amplification of their GEF activity by their
      positive feedback loop. 

PMID- 25114233
TI  - Microbial-induced meprin beta cleavage in MUC2 mucin and a functional CFTR
      channel are required to release anchored small intestinal mucus.
AB  - The mucus that covers and protects the epithelium of the intestine is built
      around its major structural component, the gel-forming MUC2 mucin. The gel
      forming mucins have traditionally been assumed to be secreted as nonattached. The
      colon has a two-layered mucus system where the inner mucus is attached to the
      epithelium, whereas the small intestine normally has a nonattached mucus.
      However, the mucus of the small intestine of meprin beta-deficient mice was now
      found to be attached. Meprin beta is an endogenous zinc-dependent metalloprotease
      now shown to cleave the N-terminal region of the MUC2 mucin at two specific
      sites. When recombinant meprin beta was added to the attached mucus of meprin
      beta-deficient mice, the mucus was detached from the epithelium. Similar to
      meprin beta-deficient mice, germ-free mice have attached mucus as they did not
      shed the membrane-anchored meprin beta into the luminal mucus. The ileal mucus of
      cystic fibrosis (CF) mice with a nonfunctional cystic fibrosis transmembrane
      conductance regulator (CFTR) channel was recently shown to be attached to the
      epithelium. Addition of recombinant meprin beta to CF mucus did not release the
      mucus, but further addition of bicarbonate rendered the CF mucus normal,
      suggesting that MUC2 unfolding exposed the meprin beta cleavage sites. Mucus is
      thus secreted attached to the goblet cells and requires an enzyme, meprin beta in
      the small intestine, to be detached and released into the intestinal lumen. This
      process regulates mucus properties, can be triggered by bacterial contact, and is
      nonfunctional in CF due to poor mucin unfolding. 

PMID- 25114234
TI  - Bioengineered functional brain-like cortical tissue.
AB  - The brain remains one of the most important but least understood tissues in our
      body, in part because of its complexity as well as the limitations associated
      with in vivo studies. Although simpler tissues have yielded to the emerging tools
      for in vitro 3D tissue cultures, functional brain-like tissues have not. We
      report the construction of complex functional 3D brain-like cortical tissue,
      maintained for months in vitro, formed from primary cortical neurons in modular
      3D compartmentalized architectures with electrophysiological function. We show
      that, on injury, this brain-like tissue responds in vitro with biochemical and
      electrophysiological outcomes that mimic observations in vivo. This modular 3D
      brain-like tissue is capable of real-time nondestructive assessments, offering
      previously unidentified directions for studies of brain homeostasis and injury. 

PMID- 25114237
TI  - Fair sampling perspective on an apparent violation of duality.
AB  - In the event in which a quantum mechanical particle can pass from an initial
      state to a final state along two possible paths, the duality principle states
      that "the simultaneous observation of wave and particle behavior is prohibited"
      [Scully MO, Englert B-G, Walther H (1991) Nature 351:111-116]. Whereas wave
      behavior is associated with the observation of interference fringes, particle
      behavior generally corresponds to the acquisition of which-path information by
      means of coupling the paths to a measuring device or part of their environment.
      In this paper, we show how the consequences of duality change when allowing for
      biased sampling, that is, postselected measurements on specific degrees of
      freedom of the environment of the two-path state. Our work gives insight into a
      possible mechanism for obtaining simultaneous high which-path information and
      high-visibility fringes in a single experiment. Further, our results introduce
      previously unidentified avenues for experimental tests of duality. 

PMID- 25114236
TI  - Marine ammonia-oxidizing archaeal isolates display obligate mixotrophy and wide
      ecotypic variation.
AB  - Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are now implicated in exerting significant
      control over the form and availability of reactive nitrogen species in marine
      environments. Detailed studies of specific metabolic traits and physicochemical
      factors controlling their activities and distribution have not been well
      constrained in part due to the scarcity of isolated AOA strains. Here, we report
      the isolation of two new coastal marine AOA, strains PS0 and HCA1. Comparison of
      the new strains to Nitrosopumilus maritimus strain SCM1, the only marine AOA in
      pure culture thus far, demonstrated distinct adaptations to pH, salinity, organic
      carbon, temperature, and light. Strain PS0 sustained nearly 80% of ammonia
      oxidation activity at a pH as low as 5.9, indicating that coastal strains may be
      less sensitive to the ongoing reduction in ocean pH. Notably, the two novel
      isolates are obligate mixotrophs that rely on uptake and assimilation of organic
      carbon compounds, suggesting a direct coupling between chemolithotrophy and
      organic matter assimilation in marine food webs. All three isolates showed only
      minor photoinhibition at 15 uE ? m(-2) ? s(-1) and rapid recovery of ammonia
      oxidation in the dark, consistent with an AOA contribution to the primary nitrite
      maximum and the plausibility of a diurnal cycle of archaeal ammonia oxidation
      activity in the euphotic zone. Together, these findings highlight an unexpected
      adaptive capacity within closely related marine group I Archaea and provide new
      understanding of the physiological basis of the remarkable ecological success
      reflected by their generally high abundance in marine environments.

PMID- 25114235
TI  - Small RNA combination therapy for lung cancer.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and siRNAs have enormous potential as cancer therapeutics, but
      their effective delivery to most solid tumors has been difficult. Here, we show
      that a new lung-targeting nanoparticle is capable of delivering miRNA mimics and
      siRNAs to lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and to tumors in a genetically
      engineered mouse model of lung cancer based on activation of oncogenic Kirsten
      rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Kras) and loss of p53 function. Therapeutic
      delivery of miR-34a, a p53-regulated tumor suppressor miRNA, restored miR-34a
      levels in lung tumors, specifically down-regulated miR-34a target genes, and
      slowed tumor growth. The delivery of siRNAs targeting Kras reduced Kras gene
      expression and MAPK signaling, increased apoptosis, and inhibited tumor growth.
      The combination of miR-34a and siRNA targeting Kras improved therapeutic
      responses over those observed with either small RNA alone, leading to tumor
      regression. Furthermore, nanoparticle-mediated small RNA delivery plus
      conventional, cisplatin-based chemotherapy prolonged survival in this model
      compared with chemotherapy alone. These findings demonstrate that RNA combination
      therapy is possible in an autochthonous model of lung cancer and provide
      preclinical support for the use of small RNA therapies in patients who have
      cancer. 

PMID- 25114238
TI  - Collective credit allocation in science.
AB  - Collaboration among researchers is an essential component of the modern
      scientific enterprise, playing a particularly important role in multidisciplinary
      research. However, we continue to wrestle with allocating credit to the coauthors
      of publications with multiple authors, because the relative contribution of each
      author is difficult to determine. At the same time, the scientific community runs
      an informal field-dependent credit allocation process that assigns credit in a
      collective fashion to each work. Here we develop a credit allocation algorithm
      that captures the coauthors' contribution to a publication as perceived by the
      scientific community, reproducing the informal collective credit allocation of
      science. We validate the method by identifying the authors of Nobel-winning
      papers that are credited for the discovery, independent of their positions in the
      author list. The method can also compare the relative impact of researchers
      working in the same field, even if they did not publish together. The ability to
      accurately measure the relative credit of researchers could affect many aspects
      of credit allocation in science, potentially impacting hiring, funding, and
      promotion decisions. 

PMID- 25114239
TI  - Hybrid biosynthetic gene therapy vector development and dual engineering
      capacity.
AB  - Genetic vaccines offer a treatment opportunity based upon successful gene
      delivery to specific immune cell modulators. Driving the process is the vector
      chosen for gene cargo packaging and subsequent delivery to antigen-presenting
      cells (APCs) capable of triggering an immune cascade. As such, the delivery
      process must successfully navigate a series of requirements and obstacles
      associated with the chosen vector and target cell. In this work, we present the
      development and assessment of a hybrid gene delivery vector containing biological
      and biomaterial components. Each component was chosen to design and engineer gene
      delivery separately in a complimentary and fundamentally distinct fashion. A
      bacterial (Escherichia coli) inner core and a biomaterial [poly(beta-amino
      ester)]-coated outer surface allowed the simultaneous application of molecular
      biology and polymer chemistry to address barriers associated with APC gene
      delivery, which include cellular uptake and internalization, phagosomal escape,
      and intracellular cargo concentration. The approach combined and synergized
      normally disparate vector properties and tools, resulting in increased in vitro
      gene delivery beyond individual vector components or commercially available
      transfection agents. Furthermore, the hybrid device demonstrated a strong,
      efficient, and safe in vivo humoral immune response compared with traditional
      forms of antigen delivery. In summary, the flexibility, diversity, and potential
      of the hybrid design were developed and featured in this work as a platform for
      multivariate engineering at the vector and cellular scales for new applications
      in gene delivery immunotherapy. 

PMID- 25114240
TI  - A new tubulin-binding site and pharmacophore for microtubule-destabilizing
      anticancer drugs.
AB  - The recent success of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in the treatment of cancer
      has led to a revived interest in microtubule-destabilizing agents. Here, we
      determined the high-resolution crystal structure of the complex between tubulin
      and maytansine, which is part of an ADC that is approved by the US Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced breast cancer. We found that
      the drug binds to a site on beta-tubulin that is distinct from the vinca domain
      and that blocks the formation of longitudinal tubulin interactions in
      microtubules. We also solved crystal structures of tubulin in complex with both a
      variant of rhizoxin and the phase 1 drug PM060184. Consistent with biochemical
      and mutagenesis data, we found that the two compounds bound to the same site as
      maytansine and that the structures revealed a common pharmacophore for the three
      ligands. Our results delineate a distinct molecular mechanism of action for the
      inhibition of microtubule assembly by clinically relevant agents. They further
      provide a structural basis for the rational design of potent microtubule
      destabilizing agents, thus opening opportunities for the development of next
      generation ADCs for the treatment of cancer. 

PMID- 25114241
TI  - Nucleoprotein architectures regulating the directionality of viral integration
      and excision.
AB  - The virally encoded site-specific recombinase Int collaborates with its accessory
      DNA bending proteins IHF, Xis, and Fis to assemble two distinct, very large,
      nucleoprotein complexes that carry out either integrative or excisive
      recombination along regulated and essentially unidirectional pathways. The core
      of each complex consists of a tetramer of Integrase protein (Int), which is a
      heterobivalent DNA binding protein that binds and bridges a core-type DNA site
      (where strand cleavage and ligation are executed), and a distal arm-type site,
      that is brought within range by one or more DNA bending proteins. The recent
      determination of the patterns of these Int bridges has made it possible to think
      realistically about the global architecture of the recombinogenic complexes.
      Here, we combined the previously determined Int bridging patterns with in-gel
      FRET experiments and in silico modeling to characterize and differentiate the two
      400-kDa multiprotein Holiday junction recombination intermediates formed during
      lambda integration and excision. The results lead to architectural models that
      explain how integration and excision are regulated in lambda site-specific
      recombination. Our confidence in the basic features of these architectures is
      based on the redundancy and self-consistency of the underlying data from two very
      different experimental approaches to establish bridging interactions, a set of
      strategic intracomplex distances from FRET experiments, and the model's ability
      to explain key aspects of the integrative and excisive recombination pathways,
      such as topological changes, the mechanism of capturing attB, and the features of
      asymmetry and flexibility within the complexes. 

PMID- 25114242
TI  - Coevolutionary information, protein folding landscapes, and the thermodynamics of
      natural selection.
AB  - The energy landscape used by nature over evolutionary timescales to select
      protein sequences is essentially the same as the one that folds these sequences
      into functioning proteins, sometimes in microseconds. We show that genomic data,
      physical coarse-grained free energy functions, and family-specific information
      theoretic models can be combined to give consistent estimates of energy landscape
      characteristics of natural proteins. One such characteristic is the effective
      temperature T(sel) at which these foldable sequences have been selected in
      sequence space by evolution. T(sel) quantifies the importance of folded-state
      energetics and structural specificity for molecular evolution. Across all protein
      families studied, our estimates for T(sel) are well below the experimental
      folding temperatures, indicating that the energy landscapes of natural foldable
      proteins are strongly funneled toward the native state.

PMID- 25114244
TI  - Dopamine challenge reveals neuroadaptive changes in marijuana abusers.

PMID- 25114245
TI  - Quasi-resonant circulation regimes and hemispheric synchronization of extreme
      weather in boreal summer.
AB  - The recent decade has seen an exceptional number of high-impact summer extremes
      in the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes. Many of these events were associated
      with anomalous jet stream circulation patterns characterized by persistent high
      amplitude quasi-stationary Rossby waves. Two mechanisms have recently been
      proposed that could provoke such patterns: (i) a weakening of the zonal mean jets
      and (ii) an amplification of quasi-stationary waves by resonance between free and
      forced waves in midlatitude waveguides. Based upon spectral analysis of the
      midtroposphere wind field, we show that the persistent jet stream patterns were,
      in the first place, due to an amplification of quasi-stationary waves with zonal
      wave numbers 6-8. However, we also detect a weakening of the zonal mean jet
      during these events; thus both mechanisms appear to be important. Furthermore, we
      demonstrate that the anomalous circulation regimes lead to persistent surface
      weather conditions and therefore to midlatitude synchronization of extreme heat
      and rainfall events on monthly timescales. The recent cluster of resonance events
      has resulted in a statistically significant increase in the frequency of high
      amplitude quasi-stationary waves of wave numbers 7 and 8 in July and August. We
      show that this is a robust finding that holds for different pressure levels and
      reanalysis products. We argue that recent rapid warming in the Arctic and
      associated changes in the zonal mean zonal wind have created favorable conditions
      for double jet formation in the extratropics, which promotes the development of
      resonant flow regimes. 

PMID- 25114243
TI  - Structural basis for the recruitment and activation of the Legionella
      phospholipase VipD by the host GTPase Rab5.
AB  - A challenge for microbial pathogens is to assure that their translocated effector
      proteins target only the correct host cell compartment during infection. The
      Legionella pneumophila effector vacuolar protein sorting inhibitor protein D
      (VipD) localizes to early endosomal membranes and alters their lipid and protein
      composition, thereby protecting the pathogen from endosomal fusion. This process
      requires the phospholipase A1 (PLA1) activity of VipD that is triggered
      specifically on VipD binding to the host cell GTPase Rab5, a key regulator of
      endosomes. Here, we present the crystal structure of VipD in complex with
      constitutively active Rab5 and reveal the molecular mechanism underlying PLA1
      activation. An active site-obstructing loop that originates from the C-terminal
      domain of VipD is repositioned on Rab5 binding, thereby exposing the catalytic
      pocket within the N-terminal PLA1 domain. Substitution of amino acid residues
      located within the VipD-Rab5 interface prevented Rab5 binding and PLA1 activation
      and caused a failure of VipD mutant proteins to target to Rab5-enriched endosomal
      structures within cells. Experimental and computational analyses confirmed an
      extended VipD-binding interface on Rab5, explaining why this L. pneumophila
      effector can compete with cellular ligands for Rab5 binding. Together, our data
      explain how the catalytic activity of a microbial effector can be precisely
      linked to its subcellular localization. 

PMID- 25114246
TI  - A cellular solution to an information-processing problem.
AB  - Signaling receptors on the cell surface are mobile and have evolved to
      efficiently sense and process mechanical or chemical information. We pose the
      problem of identifying the optimal strategy for placing a collection of
      distributed and mobile sensors to faithfully estimate a signal that varies in
      space and time. The optimal strategy has to balance two opposing objectives: the
      need to locally assemble sensors to reduce estimation noise and the need to
      spread them to reduce spatial error. This results in a phase transition in the
      space of strategies as a function of sensor density and efficiency. We show that
      these optimal strategies have been arrived at multiple times in diverse cell
      biology contexts, including the stationary lattice architecture of receptors on
      the bacterial cell surface and the active clustering of cell-surface signaling
      receptors in metazoan cells. 

PMID- 25114247
TI  - Mapping the lambda Integrase bridges in the nucleoprotein Holliday junction
      intermediates of viral integrative and excisive recombination.
AB  - The site-specific recombinase encoded by bacteriophage lambda [lambda Integrase
      (Int)] is responsible for integrating and excising the viral chromosome into and
      out of the chromosome of its Escherichia coli host. In contrast to the other well
      studied and highly exploited tyrosine recombinase family members, such as Cre and
      Flp, Int carries out a reaction that is highly directional, tightly regulated,
      and depends on an ensemble of accessory DNA bending proteins acting on 240 bp of
      DNA encoding 16 protein binding sites. This additional complexity enables two
      pathways, integrative and excisive recombination, whose opposite, and effectively
      irreversible, directions are dictated by different physiological and
      environmental signals. Int recombinase is a heterobivalent DNA binding protein
      that binds via its small amino-terminal domain to high affinity arm-type DNA
      sites and via its large, compound carboxyl-terminal domain to core-type DNA
      sites, where DNA cleavage and ligation are executed. Each of the four Int
      protomers, within a multiprotein 400-kDa recombinogenic complex, is thought to
      bind and, with the aid of DNA bending proteins, bridge one arm- and one core-type
      DNA site. Despite a wealth of genetic, biochemical, and functional information
      generated by many laboratories over the last 50 y, it has not been possible to
      decipher the patterns of Int bridges, an essential step in understanding the
      architectures responsible for regulated directionality of recombination. We used
      site-directed chemical cross-linking of Int in trapped Holliday junction
      recombination intermediates and recombination reactions with chimeric
      recombinases, to identify the unique and monogamous patterns of Int bridges for
      integrative and excisive recombination. 

PMID- 25114249
TI  - Electron spin changes during general anesthesia in Drosophila.
AB  - We show that the general anesthetics xenon, sulfur hexafluoride, nitrous oxide,
      and chloroform cause rapid increases of different magnitude and time course in
      the electron spin content of Drosophila. With the exception of CHCl3, these
      changes are reversible. Anesthetic-resistant mutant strains of Drosophila exhibit
      a different pattern of spin responses to anesthetic. In two such mutants, the
      spin response to CHCl3 is absent. We propose that these spin changes are caused
      by perturbation of the electronic structure of proteins by general anesthetics.
      Using density functional theory, we show that general anesthetics perturb and
      extend the highest occupied molecular orbital of a nine-residue alpha-helix. The
      calculated perturbations are qualitatively in accord with the Meyer-Overton
      relationship and some of its exceptions. We conclude that there may be a
      connection between spin, electron currents in cells, and the functioning of the
      nervous system. 

PMID- 25114248
TI  - Distinct isoform of FABP7 revealed by screening for retroelement-activated genes
      in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
AB  - Remnants of ancient transposable elements (TEs) are abundant in mammalian
      genomes. These sequences harbor multiple regulatory motifs and hence are capable
      of influencing expression of host genes. In response to environmental changes,
      TEs are known to be released from epigenetic repression and to become
      transcriptionally active. Such activation could also lead to lineage
      inappropriate activation of oncogenes, as one study described in Hodgkin
      lymphoma. However, little further evidence for this mechanism in other cancers
      has been reported. Here, we reanalyzed whole transcriptome data from a large
      cohort of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) compared with
      normal B-cell centroblasts to detect genes ectopically expressed through
      activation of TE promoters. We have identified 98 such TE-gene chimeric
      transcripts that were exclusively expressed in primary DLBCL cases and confirmed
      several in DLBCL-derived cell lines. We further characterized a TE-gene chimeric
      transcript involving a fatty acid-binding protein gene (LTR2-FABP7), normally
      expressed in brain, that was ectopically expressed in a subset of DLBCL patients
      through the use of an endogenous retroviral LTR promoter of the LTR2 family. The
      LTR2-FABP7 chimeric transcript encodes a novel chimeric isoform of the protein
      with characteristics distinct from native FABP7. In vitro studies reveal a
      dependency for DLBCL cell line proliferation and growth on LTR2-FABP7 chimeric
      protein expression. Taken together, these data demonstrate the significance of
      TEs as regulators of aberrant gene expression in cancer and suggest that LTR2
      FABP7 may contribute to the pathogenesis of DLBCL in a subgroup of patients. 

PMID- 25114250
TI  - Chaperone-enhanced purification of unconventional myosin 15, a molecular motor
      specialized for stereocilia protein trafficking.
AB  - Unconventional myosin 15 is a molecular motor expressed in inner ear hair cells
      that transports protein cargos within developing mechanosensory stereocilia.
      Mutations of myosin 15 cause profound hearing loss in humans and mice; however,
      the properties of this motor and its regulation within the stereocilia organelle
      are unknown. To address these questions, we expressed a subfragment 1-like (S1)
      truncation of mouse myosin 15, comprising the predicted motor domain plus three
      light-chain binding sites. Following unsuccessful attempts to express functional
      myosin 15-S1 using the Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9)-baculovirus system, we
      discovered that coexpression of the muscle-myosin-specific chaperone UNC45B, in
      addition to the chaperone heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) significantly increased
      the yield of functional protein. Surprisingly, myosin 15-S1 did not bind
      calmodulin with high affinity. Instead, the IQ domains bound essential and
      regulatory light chains that are normally associated with class II myosins. We
      show that myosin 15-S1 is a barbed-end-directed motor that moves actin filaments
      in a gliding assay (~ 430 nm . s(-1) at 30  degrees C), using a power stroke of
      7.9 nm. The maximum ATPase rate (k(cat) ~ 6 s(-1)) was similar to the actin
      detachment rate (k(det) = 6.2 s(-1)) determined in single molecule optical
      trapping experiments, indicating that myosin 15-S1 was rate limited by transit
      through strongly actin-bound states, similar to other processive myosin motors.
      Our data further indicate that in addition to folding muscle myosin, UNC45B
      facilitates maturation of an unconventional myosin. We speculate that chaperone
      coexpression may be a simple method to optimize the purification of other myosin
      motors from Sf9 insect cells.

PMID- 25114251
TI  - DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 mediates a conserved coat-dormancy mechanism for the
      temperature- and gibberellin-dependent control of seed germination.
AB  - Seed germination is an important life-cycle transition because it determines
      subsequent plant survival and reproductive success. To detect optimal
      spatiotemporal conditions for germination, seeds act as sophisticated
      environmental sensors integrating information such as ambient temperature. Here
      we show that the delay of germination 1 (DOG1) gene, known for providing dormancy
      adaptation to distinct environments, determines the optimal temperature for seed
      germination. By reciprocal gene-swapping experiments between Brassicaceae species
      we show that the DOG1-mediated dormancy mechanism is conserved. Biomechanical
      analyses show that this mechanism regulates the material properties of the
      endosperm, a seed tissue layer acting as germination barrier to control coat
      dormancy. We found that DOG1 inhibits the expression of gibberellin (GA)
      regulated genes encoding cell-wall remodeling proteins in a temperature-dependent
      manner. Furthermore we demonstrate that DOG1 causes temperature-dependent
      alterations in the seed GA metabolism. These alterations in hormone metabolism
      are brought about by the temperature-dependent differential expression of genes
      encoding key enzymes of the GA biosynthetic pathway. These effects of DOG1 lead
      to a temperature-dependent control of endosperm weakening and determine the
      optimal temperature for germination. The conserved DOG1-mediated coat-dormancy
      mechanism provides a highly adaptable temperature-sensing mechanism to control
      the timing of germination.

PMID- 25114253
TI  - The Holocene temperature conundrum.
AB  - A recent temperature reconstruction of global annual temperature shows Early
      Holocene warmth followed by a cooling trend through the Middle to Late Holocene
      [Marcott SA, et al., 2013, Science 339(6124):1198-1201]. This global cooling is
      puzzling because it is opposite from the expected and simulated global warming
      trend due to the retreating ice sheets and rising atmospheric greenhouse gases.
      Our critical reexamination of this contradiction between the reconstructed
      cooling and the simulated warming points to potentially significant biases in
      both the seasonality of the proxy reconstruction and the climate sensitivity of
      current climate models. 

PMID- 25114254
TI  - Global agriculture and carbon trade-offs.
AB  - Feeding a growing and increasingly affluent world will require expanded
      agricultural production, which may require converting grasslands and forests into
      cropland. Such conversions can reduce carbon storage, habitat provision, and
      other ecosystem services, presenting difficult societal trade-offs. In this
      paper, we use spatially explicit data on agricultural productivity and carbon
      storage in a global analysis to find where agricultural extensification should
      occur to meet growing demand while minimizing carbon emissions from land use
      change. Selective extensification saves ~ 6 billion metric tons of carbon
      compared with a business-as-usual approach, with a value of approximately $1
      trillion (2012 US dollars) using recent estimates of the social cost of carbon.
      This type of spatially explicit geospatial analysis can be expanded to include
      other ecosystem services and other industries to analyze how to minimize
      conflicts between economic development and environmental sustainability.

PMID- 25114252
TI  - Native microbiome impedes vertical transmission of Wolbachia in Anopheles
      mosquitoes.
AB  - Over evolutionary time, Wolbachia has been repeatedly transferred between host
      species contributing to the widespread distribution of the symbiont in
      arthropods. For novel infections to be maintained, Wolbachia must infect the
      female germ line after being acquired by horizontal transfer. Although
      mechanistic examples of horizontal transfer exist, there is a poor understanding
      of factors that lead to successful vertical maintenance of the acquired
      infection. Using Anopheles mosquitoes (which are naturally uninfected by
      Wolbachia) we demonstrate that the native mosquito microbiota is a major barrier
      to vertical transmission of a horizontally acquired Wolbachia infection. After
      injection into adult Anopheles gambiae, some strains of Wolbachia invade the germ
      line, but are poorly transmitted to the next generation. In Anopheles stephensi,
      Wolbachia infection elicited massive blood meal-induced mortality, preventing
      development of progeny. Manipulation of the mosquito microbiota by antibiotic
      treatment resulted in perfect maternal transmission at significantly elevated
      titers of the wAlbB Wolbachia strain in A. gambiae, and alleviated blood meal
      induced mortality in A. stephensi enabling production of Wolbachia-infected
      offspring. Microbiome analysis using high-throughput sequencing identified that
      the bacterium Asaia was significantly reduced by antibiotic treatment in both
      mosquito species. Supplementation of an antibiotic-resistant mutant of Asaia to
      antibiotic-treated mosquitoes completely inhibited Wolbachia transmission and
      partly contributed to blood meal-induced mortality. These data suggest that the
      components of the native mosquito microbiota can impede Wolbachia transmission in
      Anopheles. Incompatibility between the microbiota and Wolbachia may in part
      explain why some hosts are uninfected by this endosymbiont in nature. 

PMID- 25114255
TI  - Fractal branching organizations of Ediacaran rangeomorph fronds reveal a lost
      Proterozoic body plan.
AB  - The branching morphology of Ediacaran rangeomorph fronds has no exact counterpart
      in other complex macroorganisms. As such, these fossils pose major questions as
      to growth patterns, functional morphology, modes of feeding, and adaptive
      optimality. Here, using parametric Lindenmayer systems, a formal model of
      rangeomorph morphologies reveals a fractal body plan characterized by self
      similar, axial, apical, alternate branching. Consequent morphological
      reconstruction for 11 taxa demonstrates an adaptive radiation based on 3D space
      filling strategies. The fractal body plan of rangeomorphs is shown to maximize
      surface area, consistent with diffusive nutrient uptake from the water column
      (osmotrophy). The enigmas of rangeomorph morphology, evolution, and extinction
      are resolved by the realization that they were adaptively optimized for unique
      ecological and geochemical conditions in the late Proterozoic. Changes in ocean
      conditions associated with the Cambrian explosion sealed their fate. 

PMID- 25114258
TI  - Retraction for Schlaberg et al., XMRV is present in malignant prostatic
      epithelium and is associated with prostate cancer, especially high-grade tumors.

PMID- 25114256
TI  - The human dynamic clamp as a paradigm for social interaction.
AB  - Social neuroscience has called for new experimental paradigms aimed toward real
      time interactions. A distinctive feature of interactions is mutual information
      exchange: One member of a pair changes in response to the other while
      simultaneously producing actions that alter the other. Combining mathematical and
      neurophysiological methods, we introduce a paradigm called the human dynamic
      clamp (HDC), to directly manipulate the interaction or coupling between a human
      and a surrogate constructed to behave like a human. Inspired by the dynamic clamp
      used so productively in cellular neuroscience, the HDC allows a person to
      interact in real time with a virtual partner itself driven by well-established
      models of coordination dynamics. People coordinate hand movements with the
      visually observed movements of a virtual hand, the parameters of which depend on
      input from the subject's own movements. We demonstrate that HDC can be extended
      to cover a broad repertoire of human behavior, including rhythmic and discrete
      movements, adaptation to changes of pacing, and behavioral skill learning as
      specified by a virtual "teacher." We propose HDC as a general paradigm, best
      implemented when empirically verified theoretical or mathematical models have
      been developed in a particular scientific field. The HDC paradigm is powerful
      because it provides an opportunity to explore parameter ranges and perturbations
      that are not easily accessible in ordinary human interactions. The HDC not only
      enables to test the veracity of theoretical models, it also illuminates features
      that are not always apparent in real-time human social interactions and the brain
      correlates thereof. 

PMID- 25114257
TI  - Receptor usage and cell entry of bat coronavirus HKU4 provide insight into bat-to
      human transmission of MERS coronavirus.
AB  - Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) currently spreads in
      humans and causes ~ 36% fatality in infected patients. Believed to have
      originated from bats, MERS-CoV is genetically related to bat coronaviruses HKU4
      and HKU5. To understand how bat coronaviruses transmit to humans, we investigated
      the receptor usage and cell entry activity of the virus-surface spike proteins of
      HKU4 and HKU5. We found that dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), the receptor for MERS
      CoV, is also the receptor for HKU4, but not HKU5. Despite sharing a common
      receptor, MERS-CoV and HKU4 spikes demonstrated functional differences. First,
      whereas MERS-CoV prefers human DPP4 over bat DPP4 as its receptor, HKU4 shows the
      opposite trend. Second, in the absence of exogenous proteases, both MERS-CoV and
      HKU4 spikes mediate pseudovirus entry into bat cells, whereas only MERS-CoV
      spike, but not HKU4 spike, mediates pseudovirus entry into human cells. Thus,
      MERS-CoV, but not HKU4, has adapted to use human DPP4 and human cellular
      proteases for efficient human cell entry, contributing to the enhanced
      pathogenesis of MERS-CoV in humans. These results establish DPP4 as a functional
      receptor for HKU4 and host cellular proteases as a host range determinant for
      HKU4. They also suggest that DPP4-recognizing bat coronaviruses threaten human
      health because of their spikes' capability to adapt to human cells for cross
      species transmissions.

PMID- 25114259
TI  - Tip-link protein protocadherin 15 interacts with transmembrane channel-like
      proteins TMC1 and TMC2.
AB  - The tip link protein protocadherin 15 (PCDH15) is a central component of the
      mechanotransduction complex in auditory and vestibular hair cells. PCDH15 is
      hypothesized to relay external forces to the mechanically gated channel located
      near its cytoplasmic C terminus. How PCDH15 is coupled to the transduction
      machinery is not clear. Using a membrane-based two-hybrid screen to identify
      proteins that bind to PCDH15, we detected an interaction between zebrafish
      Pcdh15a and an N-terminal fragment of transmembrane channel-like 2a (Tmc2a).
      Tmc2a is an ortholog of mammalian TMC2, which along with TMC1 has been implicated
      in mechanotransduction in mammalian hair cells. Using the above-mentioned two
      hybrid assay, we found that zebrafish Tmc1 and Tmc2a can interact with the CD1 or
      CD3 cytoplasmic domain isoforms of Pcdh15a, and this interaction depends on the
      common region shared between the two Pcdh15 isoforms. Moreover, an interaction
      between mouse PCDH15-CD3 and TMC1 or TMC2 was observed in both yeast two-hybrid
      assays and coimmunoprecipitation experiments. To determine whether the Pcdh15-Tmc
      interaction is relevant to mechanotransduction in vivo, we overexpressed N
      terminal fragments of Tmc2a in zebrafish hair cells. Overexpression of the Tmc2a
      N terminus results in mislocalization of Pcdh15a within hair bundles, together
      with a significant decrease in mechanosensitive responses, suggesting that a
      Pcdh15a-Tmc complex is critical for mechanotransduction. Together, these results
      identify an evolutionarily conserved association between the fish and mouse
      orthologs of PCDH15 and TMC1 and TMC2, supporting the notion that TMCs are key
      components of the transduction complex in hair cells. 

PMID- 25114261
TI  - Patterned progression of bacterial populations in the premature infant gut.
AB  - In the weeks after birth, the gut acquires a nascent microbiome, and starts its
      transition to bacterial population equilibrium. This early-in-life microbial
      population quite likely influences later-in-life host biology. However, we know
      little about the governance of community development: does the gut serve as a
      passive incubator where the first organisms randomly encountered gain entry and
      predominate, or is there an orderly progression of members joining the community
      of bacteria? We used fine interval enumeration of microbes in stools from
      multiple subjects to answer this question. We demonstrate via 16S rRNA gene
      pyrosequencing of 922 specimens from 58 subjects that the gut microbiota of
      premature infants residing in a tightly controlled microbial environment
      progresses through a choreographed succession of bacterial classes from Bacilli
      to Gammaproteobacteria to Clostridia, interrupted by abrupt population changes.
      As infants approach 33-36 wk postconceptional age (corresponding to the third to
      the twelfth weeks of life depending on gestational age at birth), the gut is well
      colonized by anaerobes. Antibiotics, vaginal vs. Caesarian birth, diet, and age
      of the infants when sampled influence the pace, but not the sequence, of
      progression. Our results suggest that in infants in a microbiologically
      constrained ecosphere of a neonatal intensive care unit, gut bacterial
      communities have an overall nonrandom assembly that is punctuated by microbial
      population abruptions. The possibility that the pace of this assembly depends
      more on host biology (chiefly gestational age at birth) than identifiable
      exogenous factors warrants further consideration. 

PMID- 25114263
TI  - Targeted correction of RUNX1 mutation in FPD patient-specific induced pluripotent
      stem cells rescues megakaryopoietic defects.
AB  - Familial platelet disorder with predisposition to acute myeloid leukemia
      (FPD/AML) is an autosomal dominant disease of the hematopoietic system that is
      caused by heterozygous mutations in RUNX1. FPD/AML patients have a bleeding
      disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia with reduced platelet numbers and
      functions, and a tendency to develop AML. No suitable animal models exist for
      FPD/AML, as Runx11/2 mice and zebra fish do not develop bleeding disorders or
      leukemia. Here we derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from 2 patients
      in a family with FPD/AML, and found that the FPD iPSCs display defects in
      megakaryocytic differentiation in vitro. We corrected the RUNX1 mutation in 1 FPD
      iPSC line through gene targeting, which led to normalization of megakaryopoiesis
      of the iPSCs in culture. Our results demonstrate successful in vitro modeling of
      FPD with patient-specific iPSCs and confirm that RUNX1 mutations are responsible
      for megakaryopoietic defects in FPD patients.

PMID- 25114262
TI  - Expression profiling associates blood and brain glucocorticoid receptor signaling
      with trauma-related individual differences in both sexes.
AB  - Delineating the molecular basis of individual differences in the stress response
      is critical to understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of posttraumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, 7 d after predator-scent-stress (PSS)
      exposure, male and female rats were classified into vulnerable (i.e., "PTSD
      like") and resilient (i.e., minimally affected) phenotypes on the basis of their
      performance on a variety of behavioral measures. Genome-wide expression profiling
      in blood and two limbic brain regions (amygdala and hippocampus), followed by
      quantitative PCR validation, was performed in these two groups of animals, as
      well as in an unexposed control group. Differentially expressed genes were
      identified in blood and brain associated with PSS-exposure and with distinct
      behavioral profiles postexposure. There was a small but significant between
      tissue overlap (4-21%) for the genes associated with exposure-related individual
      differences, indicating convergent gene expression in both sexes. To uncover
      convergent signaling pathways across tissue and sex, upstream
      activated/deactivated transcription factors were first predicted for each tissue
      and then the respective pathways were identified. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR)
      signaling was the only convergent pathway associated with individual differences
      when using the most stringent statistical threshold. Corticosterone treatment 1 h
      after PSS-exposure prevented anxiety and hyperarousal 7 d later in both sexes,
      confirming the GR involvement in the PSS behavioral response. In conclusion,
      genes and pathways associated with extreme differences in the traumatic stress
      behavioral response can be distinguished from those associated with trauma
      exposure. Blood-based biomarkers can predict aspects of brain signaling. GR
      signaling is a convergent signaling pathway, associated with trauma-related
      individual differences in both sexes. 

PMID- 25114264
TI  - Human blood BDCA-1 dendritic cells differentiate into Langerhans-like cells with
      thymic stromal lymphopoietin and TGF-beta.
AB  - The ontogeny of human Langerhans cells (LCs) remains poorly characterized, in
      particular the nature of LC precursors and the factors that may drive LC
      differentiation. Here we report that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a
      keratinocyte-derived cytokine involved in epithelial inflammation, cooperates
      with transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta for the generation of LCs. We show
      that primary human blood BDCA-1(+), but not BDCA-3(+), dendritic cells (DCs)
      stimulated with TSLP and TGF-beta harbor a typical CD1a(+)Langerin(+) LC
      phenotype. Electron microscopy established the presence of Birbeck granules, an
      intracellular organelle specific to LCs. LC differentiation was not observed from
      tonsil BDCA-1(+) and BDCA-3(+) subsets. TSLP + TGF-beta LCs had a mature
      phenotype with high surface levels of CD80, CD86, and CD40. They induced a potent
      CD4(+) T-helper (Th) cell expansion and differentiation into Th2 cells with
      increased production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 compared
      with CD34-derived LCs. Our findings establish a novel LC differentiation pathway
      from BDCA-1(+) blood DCs with potential implications in epithelial inflammation.
      Therapeutic targeting of TSLP may interfere with tissue LC repopulation from
      circulating precursors. 

PMID- 25114265
TI  - "Pictures don't lie, seeing is believing": exploring attitudes to the
      introduction of pictorial warnings on cigarette packs in Ghana.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare perceptions of text and pictorial warning labels on cigarette
      packs among Ghanaian smokers and nonsmokers and to explore their views on the
      introduction of pictorial warnings in Ghana. METHODS: Qualitative study involving
      12 focus group discussions with 50 smokers and 35 nonsmokers aged 15 years and
      older in Kumasi, Ghana. Semistructured discussion guides along with visual
      discussant aids were used to explore the perception, acceptance, and potential
      use of pictorial warning labels in Ghana. RESULTS: Health warnings combining text
      and a picture were perceived by both smokers and nonsmokers to communicate health
      messages more effectively than text-only or picture-only warnings. The effect of
      text-only warnings was considered limited by low levels of literacy and by the
      common practice of single stick sales rather than sales of packs. Of the 6 health
      warnings tested, lung cancer, blindness, stroke, and throat/mouth cancer messages
      were perceived to have the most impact on smoking behavior, including uptake and
      quit attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Warning labels combining pictures and text have the
      potential to reduce smoking uptake, increase quit attempts, and reduce smoking
      appeal among smokers and nonsmokers in Ghana. Measures to prevent single stick
      sales, or to promote health messages to purchasers of single sticks, are
      required.

PMID- 25114266
TI  - Necrotizing fasciitis of the hand and wrist due to Prevotella bivia.

PMID- 25114267
TI  - An adjustable device to keep the thumb in opposition and prevent adduction
      contracture after surgery or injury.

PMID- 25114268
TI  - Read-back improves information transfer in simulated clinical crises.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Safe and effective healthcare is frustrated by failures in
      communication. Repeating back important information (read-back) is thought to
      enhance the effectiveness of communication across many industries. However,
      formal communication protocols are uncommon in healthcare teams. AIMS: We aimed
      to quantify the effect of read-back on the transfer of information between
      members of a healthcare team during a simulated clinical crisis. We hypothesised
      that reading back information provided by other team members would result in
      better knowledge of that information by the receiver than verbal response without
      read-back or no verbal response. METHOD: Postanaesthesia care unit nurses and
      anaesthetic assistants were given clinically relevant items of information at the
      start of 88 simulations. A clinical crisis prompted calling an anaesthetist, with
      no prior knowledge of the patient. Using video recordings of the simulations, we
      noted each time a piece of information was mentioned to the anaesthetist. Their
      response was coded as read-back, verbal response without read-back or no verbal
      response. RESULTS: If the anaesthetists read back the item of information, or
      otherwise verbally responded, they were, respectively, 8.27 (p<0.001) or 3.16
      (p=0.03) times more likely to know the information compared with no verbal
      response. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that training healthcare teams to use
      read-back techniques could increase information transfer between team members
      with the potential for improved patient safety. More work is needed to confirm
      these findings.

PMID- 25114269
TI  - Biomarkers of susceptibility to chemical carcinogens: the example of non-Hodgkin
      lymphomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic susceptibly to suspected chemical and environmental
      carcinogens may modify the response to exposure. The aim of this review was to
      explore the issues involved in the study of gene-environment interactions, and to
      consider the use of susceptibility biomarkers in cancer epidemiology, using non
      Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) as an example. SOURCES OF DATA: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of
      Science were searched for peer-reviewed articles considering biomarkers of
      susceptibility to chemical, agricultural and industrial carcinogens in the
      aetiology of NHL. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: The results suggest a modifying role for
      genetic susceptibility to a number of occupational and environmental exposures
      including organochlorines, chlorinated solvents, chlordanes and benzene in the
      aetiology of NHL. The potential importance of these gene-environment interactions
      in NHL may help to explain the lack of definitive carcinogens identified to date
      for this malignancy. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Although a large number of genetic
      variants and gene-environment interactions have been explored for NHL, to date
      replication is lacking and therefore the findings remain to be validated. GROWING
      POINTS AND AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: These findings highlight the
      need for novel standardized methodologies in the study of genetic susceptibility
      to chemical carcinogens.

PMID- 25114270
TI  - Police exposure to infectious agents: an audit of protective policies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As first responders, police officers may be exposed to infectious
      agents such as hepatitis viruses and human immunodeficiency virus. Their risk of
      infection by these viruses can be reduced with training, monitoring and, with
      some viruses, vaccination. AIMS: To examine infection prevention policies and
      practices among police departments and determine provision of vaccination and
      infection prevention education programmes. METHODS: A questionnaire sent to all
      police departments in five counties of south-eastern Pennsylvania to capture
      information about department size, immunization policies and practices, record
      keeping, infection prevention education and monitoring of exposures. RESULTS:
      Ninety-six of 168 departments responded (57%). Among these, policies requiring
      pre-employment physical examinations were almost universal (95%). Vaccination
      policies were less common with <15% requiring and 50% recommending hepatitis,
      tetanus or influenza vaccination for officers. Few departments took action to
      provide (2%) or cover the cost (21%) of vaccination. Fewer than 12% maintained
      vaccination records. Education about the risk of infectious agents was offered by
      60% of the responding departments, but often just once at the start of
      employment. Fewer than half of the departments had systems to collect exposure
      information. CONCLUSIONS: Police departments have opportunities to improve
      policies and practices for infection prevention and control. Accurate
      documentation of vaccination status is essential to ensure provision of
      appropriate post-exposure assessment and treatment. Better reporting of exposure
      will improve understanding of the infection transmission risk, enhancing the
      ability to offer targeted education and services to officers.

PMID- 25114271
TI  - Re: Microsatellite instability and BRAF mutation testing in colorectal cancer
      prognostication.

PMID- 25114272
TI  - Response.

PMID- 25114273
TI  - Clinical genomics: when whole genome sequencing is like a whole-body CT scan.

PMID- 25114274
TI  - Improving the 510(k) FDA process for cardiac troponin assays: in search of common
      ground.

PMID- 25114275
TI  - EMA's proposal to vet drug research that uses its data is "outdated," say
      critics.

PMID- 25114276
TI  - Response.

PMID- 25114277
TI  - Commentary on the 2014 BP guidelines from the panel appointed to the Eighth Joint
      National Committee (JNC 8).
AB  - The recently published article "2014 Evidence-based guideline for the management
      of high blood pressure in adults: Report from the panel members appointed to the
      Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8)" (James et al., JAMA 311: 507-520, 2014)
      has generated considerable controversy. In this commentary, we evaluate the
      document and compare the recommendations contained within it with those of the
      JNC 7 and other national and international guidelines. The evidence quality
      rating approach followed by the article "2014 Evidence-based guideline for the
      management of high blood pressure in adults: Report from the panel members
      appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8)" (James et al., JAMA
      311: 507-520, 2014) disqualified nearly 98% of previous studies from review; as a
      result, some of the key recommendations were on the basis of expert opinion
      alone. We are especially concerned that the recommendation to raise the
      systolic/diastolic BP levels at which treatment is initiated to >=150/>=90 mmHg
      in adults>=60 years old may affect cardiovascular and renal health in these
      patients. Additionally, we recommend that hypertension guidelines should be
      updated every 3-4 years with a fresh approach to the definition of target BP
      levels, the use of modern technology in the diagnosis of hypertension, and the
      treatment of hypertension in special populations not addressed in earlier
      guidelines. 

PMID- 25114279
TI  - Intrapleural lipoma mimicking a lung cancer.

PMID- 25114280
TI  - Bell's sign with lagophthalmos in leprosy.

PMID- 25114281
TI  - Periprocedural stroke presenting as isolated unilateral internuclear
      ophthalmoplegia.

PMID- 25114278
TI  - Genetic regulation of Zfp30, CXCL1, and neutrophilic inflammation in murine lung.
AB  - Allergic asthma is a complex disease characterized in part by granulocytic
      inflammation of the airways. In addition to eosinophils, neutrophils (PMN) are
      also present, particularly in cases of severe asthma. We sought to identify the
      genetic determinants of neutrophilic inflammation in a mouse model of house dust
      mite (HDM)-induced asthma. We applied an HDM model of allergic asthma to the
      eight founder strains of the Collaborative Cross (CC) and 151 incipient lines of
      the CC (preCC). Lung lavage fluid was analyzed for PMN count and the
      concentration of CXCL1, a hallmark PMN chemokine. PMN and CXCL1 were strongly
      correlated in preCC mice. We used quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping to
      identify three variants affecting PMN, one of which colocalized with a QTL for
      CXCL1 on chromosome (Chr) 7. We used lung eQTL data to implicate a variant in the
      gene Zfp30 in the CXCL1/PMN response. This genetic variant regulates both CXCL1
      and PMN by altering Zfp30 expression, and we model the relationships between the
      QTL and these three endophenotypes. We show that Zfp30 is expressed in airway
      epithelia in the normal mouse lung and that altering Zfp30 expression in vitro
      affects CXCL1 responses to an immune stimulus. Our results provide strong
      evidence that Zfp30 is a novel regulator of neutrophilic airway inflammation. 

PMID- 25114282
TI  - Scleroderma and breast implants.

PMID- 25114283
TI  - Thromboembolic complications in the nephrotic syndrome.

PMID- 25114284
TI  - Seeking a better (residency) match.

PMID- 25114285
TI  - Metal water bottle causing tongue entrapment in a child.

PMID- 25114286
TI  - Health technology assessment: the journey continues.

PMID- 25114288
TI  - Inguinal hernia in a 55-year-old man.

PMID- 25114289
TI  - Exercise prescriptions endorsed.

PMID- 25114290
TI  - Medicare on trial.

PMID- 25114293
TI  - Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) promotes adipogenesis
      and diet-induced obesity.
AB  - Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is known to be involved
      in the anti-inflammatory response and osteoclast development. However, the role
      of TREM2 in adipogenesis or obesity has not yet been defined. The effect of TREM2
      on adipogenesis and obesity was investigated in TREM2 transgenic (TG) mice on a
      high-fat diet (HFD). To block TREM2 signaling, a neutralizing fusion protein
      specific for TREM2 (TREM2-Ig) was used. TG mice were much more obese than wild
      type mice after feeding with an HFD, independent of the quantity of food intake.
      These HFD-fed TG mice manifested adipocyte hypertrophy, glucose and insulin
      resistance, and hepatic steatosis. The expression of adipogenic regulator genes,
      such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and CCAAT/enhancer
      binding protein alpha, was markedly increased in HFD-fed TG mice. Additionally,
      HFD-fed TG mice exhibited decreased Wnt10b expression and increased GSK-3beta
      (glycogen synthase kinase-3beta)-mediated beta-catenin phosphorylation. In
      contrast, the blockade of TREM2 signaling using TREM2-Ig resulted in the
      inhibition of adipocyte differentiation in vitro and a reduction in body weight
      in vivo by downregulating the expression of adipogenic regulators. Our data
      demonstrate that TREM2 promotes adipogenesis and diet-induced obesity by
      upregulating adipogenic regulators in conjunction with inhibiting the Wnt10b/beta
      catenin signaling pathway.

PMID- 25114291
TI  - Generation of catalytic human Ago4 identifies structural elements important for
      RNA cleavage.
AB  - Argonaute proteins bind small RNAs and mediate cleavage of complementary target
      RNAs. The human Argonaute protein Ago4 is catalytically inactive, although it is
      highly similar to catalytic Ago2. Here, we have generated Ago2-Ago4 chimeras and
      analyzed their cleavage activity in vitro. We identify several specific features
      that inactivate Ago4: the catalytic center, short sequence elements in the N
      terminal domain, and an Ago4-specific insertion in the catalytic domain. In
      addition, we show that Ago2-mediated cleavage of the noncanonical miR-451
      precursor can be carried out by any catalytic human Ago protein. Finally,
      phylogenetic analyses establish evolutionary distances between the Ago proteins.
      Interestingly, these distances do not fully correlate with the structural changes
      inactivating them, suggesting functional adaptations of individual human Ago
      proteins. 

PMID- 25114292
TI  - Clinical and molecular characterization of a novel PLIN1 frameshift mutation
      identified in patients with familial partial lipodystrophy.
AB  - Perilipin 1 is a lipid droplet coat protein predominantly expressed in
      adipocytes, where it inhibits basal and facilitates stimulated lipolysis. Loss-of
      function mutations in the PLIN1 gene were recently reported in patients with a
      novel subtype of familial partial lipodystrophy, designated as FPLD4. We now
      report the identification and characterization of a novel heterozygous frameshift
      mutation affecting the carboxy-terminus (439fs) of perilipin 1 in two unrelated
      families. The mutation cosegregated with a similar phenotype including partial
      lipodystrophy, severe insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, extreme
      hypertriglyceridemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in both families. Poor
      metabolic control despite maximal medical therapy prompted two patients to
      undergo bariatric surgery, with remarkably beneficial consequences. Functional
      studies indicated that expression levels of the mutant protein were lower than
      wild-type protein, and in stably transfected preadipocytes the mutant protein was
      associated with smaller lipid droplets. Interestingly, unlike the previously
      reported 398 and 404 frameshift mutants, this variant binds and stabilizes ABHD5
      expression but still fails to inhibit basal lipolysis as effectively as wild-type
      perilipin 1. Collectively, these findings highlight the physiological need for
      exquisite regulation of neutral lipid storage within adipocyte lipid droplets, as
      well as the possible metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery in this serious
      disease.

PMID- 25114295
TI  - GLP-1 and exendin-4 transiently enhance GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic and
      tonic currents in rat hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons.
AB  - Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that stimulates insulin secretion.
      Receptors for GLP-1 are also found in the brain, including the hippocampus, the
      center for memory and learning. Diabetes is a risk factor for decreased memory
      functions. We studied effects of GLP-1 and exendin-4, a GLP-1 receptor agonist,
      on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons.
      GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter and decreases neuronal excitability.
      GLP-1 (0.01-1 nmol/L) transiently enhanced synaptic and tonic currents, and the
      effects were blocked by exendin (9-39). Ten pmol/L GLP-1 increased both the
      spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) amplitudes and frequency by a
      factor of  1.8. In 0.1, 1 nmol/L GLP-1 or 10, 50, or 100 nmol/L exendin-4, only
      the sIPSC frequency increased. The tonic current was enhanced by 0.01-1 nmol/L
      GLP-1 and by 0.5-100 nmol/L exendin-4. When action potentials were inhibited by
      tetrodotoxin (TTX), inhibitory postsynaptic currents decreased and currents were
      no longer potentiated by GLP-1 or exendin-4. In contrast, although the tonic
      current decreased in TTX, it was still enhanced by GLP-1 or exendin-4. The
      results demonstrate GLP-1 receptor regulation of hippocampal function and are
      consistent with GLP-1 receptor agonists enhancing GABAA signaling by pre- and
      postsynaptic mechanisms.

PMID- 25114294
TI  - Perifornical hypothalamic orexin and serotonin modulate the counterregulatory
      response to hypoglycemic and glucoprivic stimuli.
AB  - Previous reports suggested an important role for serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine
      [5-HT]) in enhancing the counterregulatory response (CRR) to hypoglycemia. To
      elucidate the sites of action mediating this effect, we initially found that
      insulin-induced hypoglycemia stimulates 5-HT release in widespread forebrain
      regions, including the perifornical hypothalamus (PFH; 30%), ventromedial
      hypothalamus (34%), paraventricular hypothalamus (34%), paraventricular thalamic
      nucleus (64%), and cerebral cortex (63%). Of these, we focused on the PFH because
      of its known modulation of diverse neurohumoral and behavioral responses. In
      awake, behaving rats, bilateral PFH glucoprivation with 5-thioglucose stimulated
      adrenal medullary epinephrine (Epi) release (3,153%) and feeding (400%), while
      clamping PFH glucose at postprandial brain levels blunted the Epi response to
      hypoglycemia by 30%. The PFH contained both glucose-excited (GE) and glucose
      inhibited (GI) neurons; GE neurons were primarily excited, while GI neurons were
      equally excited or inhibited by 5-HT at hypoglycemic glucose levels in vitro.
      Also, 5-HT stimulated lactate production by cultured hypothalamic astrocytes.
      Depleting PFH 5-HT blunted the Epi (but not feeding) response to focal PFH (69%)
      and systemic glucoprivation (39%), while increasing PFH 5-HT levels amplified the
      Epi response to hypoglycemia by 32%. Finally, the orexin 1 receptor antagonist
      SB334867A attenuated both the Epi (65%) and feeding (47%) responses to focal PFH
      glucoprivation. Thus we have identified the PFH as a glucoregulatory region where
      both 5-HT and orexin modulate the CRR and feeding responses to glucoprivation.

PMID- 25114296
TI  - Contribution of liraglutide in the fixed-ratio combination of insulin degludec
      and liraglutide (IDegLira).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) is a novel combination of
      insulin degludec (IDeg) and liraglutide. This trial investigated the contribution
      of the liraglutide component of IDegLira versus IDeg alone on efficacy and safety
      in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In a 26-week,
      double-blind trial, patients with type 2 diabetes (A1C 7.5-10.0% [58-86
      mmol/mol]) on basal insulin (20-40 units) and metformin with or without
      sulfonylurea/glinides were randomized (1:1) to once-daily IDegLira + metformin or
      IDeg + metformin with titration aiming for fasting plasma glucose between 4 and 5
      mmol/L. Maximum allowed doses were 50 dose steps (equal to 50 units IDeg plus 1.8
      mg liraglutide) and 50 units for IDeg. The primary end point was change in A1C
      from baseline. RESULTS: A total of 413 patients were randomized (mean A1C 8.8%
      [73 mmol/mol]; BMI 33.7 kg/m2). IDeg dose, alone or as part of IDegLira, was
      equivalent (45 units). A1C decreased by 1.9% (21 mmol/mol) with IDegLira and by
      0.9% (10 mmol/mol) with IDeg (estimated treatment difference -1.1% [95% CI -1.3, 
      0.8], -12 mmol/mol [95% CI -14, -9; P < 0.0001). Mean weight reduction with
      IDegLira was 2.7 kg vs. no weight change with IDeg, P < 0.0001. Hypoglycemia
      incidence was comparable (24% for IDegLira vs. 25% for IDeg). Overall adverse
      events were similar, and incidence of nausea was low in both groups (IDegLira
      6.5% vs. IDeg 3.5%). CONCLUSIONS: IDegLira achieved glycemic control superior to
      that of IDeg at equivalent insulin doses without higher risk of hypoglycemia and
      with the benefit of weight loss. These findings establish the efficacy and safety
      of IDegLira and the distinct contribution of the liraglutide component.

PMID- 25114298
TI  - At 15 years of follow-up, bariatric surgery, especially when performed within the
      first year, is associated with diabetes remission and reduced incidence of
      microvascular and macrovascular complications.

PMID- 25114299
TI  - Self-harm in young people.
AB  - Self-harm is a common problem among young people with many presenting to clinical
      services via general hospitals, but many more do not come to the attention of
      clinical services at all. Self-harm is strongly associated with completed suicide
      so it is extremely important that patients are assessed and treated for this
      problem effectively. Despite the scale of the problem in young people, there is a
      very limited evidence base on what interventions may help them to recover from
      self-harm. The evidence is discussed here and some recommendations are made about
      how to engage clinically with young people who self-harm from assessment to
      therapeutic intervention. 

PMID- 25114300
TI  - Cumulative adversity in early childhood is associated with increased BMI and
      behavioural problems.
AB  - Implications for practice and research: Mental health problems and obesity are
      significant outcomes for children experiencing adversity in early life.
      Behavioural outcomes and body mass index (BMI) are more consistently reported for
      children experiencing adversity in early life compared with blood pressure (BP).
      Incomplete data due to drop out over time and a reliance on parental reporting
      are challenges for large longitudinal studies; future research directions include
      balancing and testing such investigations with smaller in-depth studies.

PMID- 25114301
TI  - New approaches to the Moon's isotopic crisis.
AB  - Recent comparisons of the isotopic compositions of the Earth and the Moon show
      that, unlike nearly every other body known in the Solar System, our satellite's
      isotopic ratios are nearly identical to the Earth's for nearly every isotopic
      system. The Moon's chemical make-up, however, differs from the Earth's in its low
      volatile content and perhaps in the elevated abundance of oxidized iron. This
      surprising situation is not readily explained by current impact models of the
      Moon's origin and offers a major clue to the Moon's formation, if we only could
      understand it properly. Current ideas to explain this similarity range from
      assuming an impactor with the same isotopic composition as the Earth to
      postulating a pure ice impactor that completely vaporized upon impact. Several
      recent proposals follow from the suggestion that the Earth-Moon system may have
      lost a great deal of angular momentum during early resonant interactions. The
      isotopic constraint may be the most stringent test yet for theories of the Moon's
      origin. 

PMID- 25114302
TI  - Lunar-forming impacts: processes and alternatives.
AB  - The formation of a protolunar disc by a giant impact with the early Earth is
      discussed, focusing on two classes of impacts: (i) canonical impacts, in which a
      Mars-sized impactor produces a planet-disc system whose angular momentum is
      comparable to that in the current Earth and Moon, and (ii) high-angular-momentum
      impacts, which produce a system whose angular momentum is approximately a factor
      of 2 larger than that in the current Earth and Moon. In (i), the disc originates
      primarily from impactor-derived material and thus is expected to have an initial
      composition distinct from that of the Earth's mantle. In (ii), a hotter, more
      compact initial disc is produced with a silicate composition that can be nearly
      identical to that of the silicate Earth. Both scenarios require subsequent
      processes for consistency with the current Earth and Moon: disc-planet
      compositional equilibration in the case of (i), or large-scale angular momentum
      loss during capture of the newly formed Moon into the evection resonance with the
      Sun in the case of (ii). 

PMID- 25114303
TI  - Terrestrial aftermath of the Moon-forming impact.
AB  - Much of the Earth's mantle was melted in the Moon-forming impact. Gases that were
      not partially soluble in the melt, such as water and CO2, formed a thick, deep
      atmosphere surrounding the post-impact Earth. This atmosphere was opaque to
      thermal radiation, allowing heat to escape to space only at the runaway
      greenhouse threshold of approximately 100 W m(-2). The duration of this runaway
      greenhouse stage was limited to approximately 10 Myr by the internal energy and
      tidal heating, ending with a partially crystalline uppermost mantle and a solid
      deep mantle. At this point, the crust was able to cool efficiently and solidified
      at the surface. After the condensation of the water ocean, approximately 100 bar
      of CO2 remained in the atmosphere, creating a solar-heated greenhouse, while the
      surface cooled to approximately 500 K. Almost all this CO2 had to be sequestered
      by subduction into the mantle by 3.8 Ga, when the geological record indicates the
      presence of life and hence a habitable environment. The deep CO2 sequestration
      into the mantle could be explained by a rapid subduction of the old oceanic
      crust, such that the top of the crust would remain cold and retain its CO2.
      Kinematically, these episodes would be required to have both fast subduction (and
      hence seafloor spreading) and old crust. Hadean oceanic crust that formed from
      hot mantle would have been thicker than modern crust, and therefore only old
      crust underlain by cool mantle lithosphere could subduct. Once subduction
      started, the basaltic crust would turn into dense eclogite, increasing the rate
      of subduction. The rapid subduction would stop when the young partially frozen
      crust from the rapidly spreading ridge entered the subduction zone.

PMID- 25114304
TI  - Lunar and terrestrial planet formation in the Grand Tack scenario.
AB  - We present conclusions from a large number of N-body simulations of the giant
      impact phase of terrestrial planet formation. We focus on new results obtained
      from the recently proposed Grand Tack model, which couples the gas-driven
      migration of giant planets to the accretion of the terrestrial planets. The giant
      impact phase follows the oligarchic growth phase, which builds a bi-modal mass
      distribution within the disc of embryos and planetesimals. By varying the ratio
      of the total mass in the embryo population to the total mass in the planetesimal
      population and the mass of the individual embryos, we explore how different disc
      conditions control the final planets. The total mass ratio of embryos to
      planetesimals controls the timing of the last giant (Moon-forming) impact and its
      violence. The initial embryo mass sets the size of the lunar impactor and the
      growth rate of Mars. After comparing our simulated outcomes with the actual
      orbits of the terrestrial planets (angular momentum deficit, mass concentration)
      and taking into account independent geochemical constraints on the mass accreted
      by the Earth after the Moon-forming event and on the time scale for the growth of
      Mars, we conclude that the protoplanetary disc at the beginning of the giant
      impact phase must have had most of its mass in Mars-sized embryos and only a
      small fraction of the total disc mass in the planetesimal population. From this,
      we infer that the Moon-forming event occurred between approximately 60 and
      approximately 130 Myr after the formation of the first solids and was caused most
      likely by an object with a mass similar to that of Mars. 

PMID- 25114305
TI  - Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf isotope systematics of the lunar Mg-suite: the age of the
      lunar crust and its relation to the time of Moon formation.
AB  - New Rb-Sr, (146,147)Sm-(142,143)Nd and Lu-Hf isotopic analyses of Mg-suite lunar
      crustal rocks 67667, 76335, 77215 and 78238, including an internal isochron for
      norite 77215, were undertaken to better define the time and duration of lunar
      crust formation and the history of the source materials of the Mg-suite. Isochron
      ages determined in this study for 77215 are: Rb-Sr=4450+/-270 Ma, (147)Sm
      (143)Nd=4283+/-23 Ma and Lu-Hf=4421+/-68 Ma. The data define an initial
      (146)Sm/(144)Sm ratio of 0.00193+/-0.00092 corresponding to ages between 4348 and
      4413 Ma depending on the half-life and initial abundance used for (146)Sm. The
      initial Nd and Hf isotopic compositions of all samples indicate a source region
      with slight enrichment in the incompatible elements in accord with previous
      suggestions that the Mg-suite crustal rocks contain a component of KREEP. The
      Sm/Nd-(142)Nd/(144)Nd correlation shown by both ferroan anorthosite and Mg-suite
      rocks is coincident with the trend defined by mare and KREEP basalts, the slope
      of which corresponds to ages between 4.35 and 4.45 Ga. These data, along with
      similar ages for various early Earth differentiation events, are in accord with
      the model of lunar formation via giant impact into Earth at ca 4.4 Ga. 

PMID- 25114306
TI  - Isotopes as tracers of the sources of the lunar material and processes of lunar
      origin.
AB  - Ever since the Apollo programme, isotopic abundances have been used as tracers to
      study lunar formation, in particular to study the sources of the lunar material.
      In the past decade, increasingly precise isotopic data have been reported that
      give strong indications that the Moon and the Earth's mantle have a common
      heritage. To reconcile these observations with the origin of the Moon via the
      collision of two distinct planetary bodies, it has been proposed (i) that the
      Earth-Moon system underwent convective mixing into a single isotopic reservoir
      during the approximately 10(3) year molten disc epoch after the giant impact but
      before lunar accretion, or (ii) that a high angular momentum impact injected a
      silicate disc into orbit sourced directly from the mantle of the proto-Earth and
      the impacting planet in the right proportions to match the isotopic observations.
      Recently, it has also become recognized that liquid-vapour fractionation in the
      energetic aftermath of the giant impact is capable of generating measurable mass
      dependent isotopic offsets between the silicate Earth and Moon, rendering
      isotopic measurements sensitive not only to the sources of the lunar material,
      but also to the processes accompanying lunar origin. Here, we review the isotopic
      evidence that the silicate-Earth-Moon system represents a single planetary
      reservoir. We then discuss the development of new isotopic tracers sensitive to
      processes in the melt-vapour lunar disc and how theoretical calculations of their
      behaviour and sample observations can constrain scenarios of post-impact
      evolution in the earliest history of the Earth-Moon system. 

PMID- 25114307
TI  - Accretion of the Moon from non-canonical discs.
AB  - Impacts that leave the Earth-Moon system with a large excess in angular momentum
      have recently been advocated as a means of generating a protolunar disc with a
      composition that is nearly identical to that of the Earth's mantle. We here
      investigate the accretion of the Moon from discs generated by such 'non
      canonical' impacts, which are typically more compact than discs produced by
      canonical impacts and have a higher fraction of their mass initially located
      inside the Roche limit. Our model predicts a similar overall accretional history
      for both canonical and non-canonical discs, with the Moon forming in three
      consecutive steps over hundreds of years. However, we find that, to yield a lunar
      mass Moon, the more compact non-canonical discs must initially be more massive
      than implied by prior estimates, and only a few of the discs produced by impact
      simulations to date appear to meet this condition. Non-canonical impacts require
      that capture of the Moon into the evection resonance with the Sun reduced the
      Earth-Moon angular momentum by a factor of 2 or more. We find that the Moon's
      semi-major axis at the end of its accretion is approximately 7R?, which is
      comparable to the location of the evection resonance for a post-impact Earth with
      a 2.5 h rotation period in the absence of a disc. Thus, the dynamics of the
      Moon's assembly may directly affect its ability to be captured into the
      resonance. 

PMID- 25114297
TI  - Type 1 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease: a scientific statement from
      the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association.

PMID- 25114309
TI  - Lunar bulk chemical composition: a post-Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory
      reassessment.
AB  - New estimates of the thickness of the lunar highlands crust based on data from
      the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory mission, allow us to reassess the
      abundances of refractory elements in the Moon. Previous estimates of the Moon
      fall into two distinct groups: earthlike and a 50% enrichment in the Moon
      compared with the Earth. Revised crustal thicknesses and compositional
      information from remote sensing and lunar samples indicate that the crust
      contributes 1.13-1.85 wt% Al2O3 to the bulk Moon abundance. Mare basalt Al2O3
      concentrations (8-10 wt%) and Al2O3 partitioning behaviour between melt and
      pyroxene during partial melting indicate mantle Al2O3 concentration in the range
      1.3-3.1 wt%, depending on the relative amounts of pyroxene and olivine. Using
      crustal and mantle mass fractions, we show that that the Moon and the Earth most
      likely have the same (within 20%) concentrations of refractory elements. This
      allows us to use correlations between pairs of refractory and volatile elements
      to confirm that lunar abundances of moderately volatile elements such as K, Rb
      and Cs are depleted by 75% in the Moon compared with the Earth and that highly
      volatile elements, such as Tl and Cd, are depleted by 99%. The earthlike
      refractory abundances and depleted volatile abundances are strong constraints on
      lunar formation processes. 

PMID- 25114308
TI  - Understanding the origin and evolution of water in the Moon through lunar sample
      studies.
AB  - A paradigm shift has recently occurred in our knowledge and understanding of
      water in the lunar interior. This has transpired principally through continued
      analysis of returned lunar samples using modern analytical instrumentation. While
      these recent studies have undoubtedly measured indigenous water in lunar samples
      they have also highlighted our current limitations and some future challenges
      that need to be overcome in order to fully understand the origin, distribution
      and evolution of water in the lunar interior. Another exciting recent development
      in the field of lunar science has been the unambiguous detection of water or
      water ice on the surface of the Moon through instruments flown on a number of
      orbiting spacecraft missions. Considered together, sample-based studies and those
      from orbit strongly suggest that the Moon is not an anhydrous planetary body, as
      previously believed. New observations and measurements support the possibility of
      a wet lunar interior and the presence of distinct reservoirs of water on the
      lunar surface. Furthermore, an approach combining measurements of water abundance
      in lunar samples and its hydrogen isotopic composition has proved to be of vital
      importance to fingerprint and elucidate processes and source(s) involved in
      giving rise to the lunar water inventory. A number of sources are likely to have
      contributed to the water inventory of the Moon ranging from primordial water to
      meteorite-derived water ice through to the water formed during the reaction of
      solar wind hydrogen with the lunar soil. Perhaps two of the most striking
      findings from these recent studies are the revelation that at least some portions
      of the lunar interior are as water-rich as some Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt source
      regions on Earth and that the water in the Earth and the Moon probably share a
      common origin. 

PMID- 25114310
TI  - Contraction or expansion of the Moon's crust during magma ocean freezing?
AB  - The lack of contraction features on the Moon has been used to argue that the Moon
      underwent limited secular cooling, and thus had a relatively cool initial state.
      A cool early state in turn limits the depth of the lunar magma ocean. Recent
      GRAIL gravity measurements, however, suggest that dikes were emplaced in the
      lower crust, requiring global lunar expansion. Starting from the magma ocean
      state, we show that solidification of the lunar magma ocean would most likely
      result in expansion of the young lunar crust, and that viscous relaxation of the
      crust would prevent early tectonic features of contraction or expansion from
      being recorded permanently. The most likely process for creating the expansion
      recorded by the dikes is melting during cumulate overturn of the newly solidified
      lunar mantle. 

PMID- 25114311
TI  - Evaporative fractionation of volatile stable isotopes and their bearing on the
      origin of the Moon.
AB  - The Moon is depleted in volatile elements relative to the Earth and Mars. Low
      abundances of volatile elements, fractionated stable isotope ratios of S, Cl, K
      and Zn, high MU ((238)U/(204)Pb) and long-term Rb/Sr depletion are distinguishing
      features of the Moon, relative to the Earth. These geochemical characteristics
      indicate both inheritance of volatile-depleted materials that formed the Moon and
      planets and subsequent evaporative loss of volatile elements that occurred during
      lunar formation and differentiation. Models of volatile loss through localized
      eruptive degassing are not consistent with the available S, Cl, Zn and K isotopes
      and abundance data for the Moon. The most probable cause of volatile depletion is
      global-scale evaporation resulting from a giant impact or a magma ocean phase
      where inefficient volatile loss during magmatic convection led to the present
      distribution of volatile elements within mantle and crustal reservoirs. Problems
      exist for models of planetary volatile depletion following giant impact. Most
      critically, in this model, the volatile loss requires preferential delivery and
      retention of late-accreted volatiles to the Earth compared with the Moon.
      Different proportions of late-accreted mass are computed to explain present-day
      distributions of volatile and moderately volatile elements (e.g. Pb, Zn; 5 to
      >10%) relative to highly siderophile elements (approx. 0.5%) for the Earth.
      Models of early magma ocean phases may be more effective in explaining the
      volatile loss. Basaltic materials (e.g. eucrites and angrites) from highly
      differentiated airless asteroids are volatile-depleted, like the Moon, whereas
      the Earth and Mars have proportionally greater volatile contents. Parent-body
      size and the existence of early atmospheres are therefore likely to represent
      fundamental controls on planetary volatile retention or loss. 

PMID- 25114312
TI  - Heterogeneity in lunar anorthosite meteorites: implications for the lunar magma
      ocean model.
AB  - The lunar magma ocean model is a well-established theory of the early evolution
      of the Moon. By this model, the Moon was initially largely molten and the
      anorthositic crust that now covers much of the lunar surface directly
      crystallized from this enormous magma source. We are undertaking a study of the
      geochemical characteristics of anorthosites from lunar meteorites to test this
      model. Rare earth and other element abundances have been measured in situ in
      relict anorthosite clasts from two feldspathic lunar meteorites: Dhofar 908 and
      Dhofar 081. The rare earth elements were present in abundances of approximately
      0.1 to approximately 10* chondritic (CI) abundance. Every plagioclase exhibited a
      positive Eu-anomaly, with Eu abundances of up to approximately 20*CI.
      Calculations of the melt in equilibrium with anorthite show that it apparently
      crystallized from a magma that was unfractionated with respect to rare earth
      elements and ranged in abundance from 8 to 80*CI. Comparisons of our data with
      other lunar meteorites and Apollo samples suggest that there is notable
      heterogeneity in the trace element abundances of lunar anorthosites, suggesting
      these samples did not all crystallize from a common magma source. Compositional
      and isotopic data from other authors also suggest that lunar anorthosites are
      chemically heterogeneous and have a wide range of ages. These observations may
      support other models of crust formation on the Moon or suggest that there are
      complexities in the lunar magma ocean scenario to allow for multiple generations
      of anorthosite formation. 

PMID- 25114313
TI  - Siderophile element constraints on the origin of the Moon.
AB  - Discovery of small enrichments in (182)W/(184)W in some Archaean rocks, relative
      to modern mantle, suggests both exogeneous and endogenous modifications to highly
      siderophile element (HSE) and moderately siderophile element abundances in the
      terrestrial mantle. Collectively, these isotopic enrichments suggest the
      formation of chemically fractionated reservoirs in the terrestrial mantle that
      survived the putative Moon-forming giant impact, and also provide support for the
      late accretion hypothesis. The lunar mantle sources of volcanic glasses and
      basalts were depleted in HSEs relative to the terrestrial mantle by at least a
      factor of 20. The most likely explanations for the disparity between the Earth
      and Moon are either that the Moon received a disproportionately lower share of
      late accreted materials than the Earth, such as may have resulted from stochastic
      late accretion, or the major phase of late accretion occurred prior to the Moon
      forming event, and the putative giant impact led to little drawdown of HSEs to
      the Earth's core. High precision determination of the (182)W isotopic composition
      of the Moon can help to resolve this issue. 

PMID- 25114314
TI  - On the evolution of the protolunar disc.
AB  - The structure and viscous evolution of a post-impact, protolunar disc is
      examined. The equations for a silicate disc in two-phase (vapour-liquid)
      equilibrium are employed to derive an analytical solution to vertical structure.
      Both a vertically mixed phase disc and a stratified disc, where a magma layer
      exists in the mid-plane surrounded by a vapour reservoir, are considered. The
      former largely reproduces the low gas mass fraction, x?1, profiles of the disc
      described in earlier literature that proposed that the disc would hover on the
      brink of gravitational instability. In the latter, the vapour layer has x~1 and
      is generally gravitationally stable, while the magma layer is vigorously
      unstable. The viscous evolution of the stratified model is then explored.
      Initially, the disc quickly settles to a quasi-steady state with a vapour
      reservoir containing the majority of the disc mass. The magma layer viscously
      spreads on a time scale of approximately 3-4 years, during which vapour
      continuously condenses into droplets that settle to the mid-plane, maintaining
      the magma surface density in spite of disc spreading. Material flowing inwards is
      accreted by the Earth; material flowing outwards past the Roche boundary can
      become incorporated into accreting moonlets. This evolution persists until the
      vapour reservoir is depleted in approximately 50-100 years, depending on its
      initial mass. 

PMID- 25114315
TI  - The giant impact hypothesis: past, present (and future?).
AB  - At the request of editors, this paper offers a historical review of early work on
      the giant impact hypothesis, as well as comments on new data. The author hereby
      claims (whether believable or not) that his interest is to move towards a correct
      model of lunar origin, not to defend a possibly incorrect idea, just because of
      being a co-author of a relevant early paper. Nonetheless, the 1974 giant impact
      hypothesis appears still to be viable. 

PMID- 25114317
TI  - The iodine-plutonium-xenon age of the Moon-Earth system revisited.
AB  - Iodine-plutonium-xenon isotope systematics have been used to re-evaluate time
      constraints on the early evolution of the Earth-atmosphere system and, by
      inference, on the Moon-forming event. Two extinct radionuclides ((129)I,
      T1/2=15.6 Ma and (244)Pu, T1/2=80 Ma) have produced radiogenic (129)Xe and
      fissiogenic (131-136)Xe, respectively, within the Earth, the related isotope
      fingerprints of which are seen in the compositions of mantle and atmospheric Xe.
      Recent studies of Archaean rocks suggest that xenon atoms have been lost from the
      Earth's atmosphere and isotopically fractionated during long periods of
      geological time, until at least the end of the Archaean eon. Here, we build a
      model that takes into account these results. Correction for Xe loss permits the
      computation of new closure ages for the Earth's atmosphere that are in agreement
      with those computed for mantle Xe. The corrected Xe formation interval for the
      Earth-atmosphere system is [Formula: see text] Ma after the beginning of Solar
      System formation. This time interval may represent a lower limit for the age of
      the Moon-forming impact. 

PMID- 25114316
TI  - Geochemical arguments for an Earth-like Moon-forming impactor.
AB  - Geochemical evidence suggests that the material accreted by the Earth did not
      change in nature during Earth's accretion, presumably because the inner
      protoplanetary disc had uniform isotopic composition similar to enstatite
      chondrites, aubrites and ungrouped achondrite NWA 5363/5400. Enstatite meteorites
      and the Earth were derived from the same nebular reservoir but diverged in their
      chemical evolutions, so no chondrite sample in meteorite collections is
      representative of the Earth's building blocks. The similarity in isotopic
      composition (Delta(17)O, epsilon(50)Ti and epsilon(54)Cr) between lunar and
      terrestrial rocks is explained by the fact that the Moon-forming impactor came
      from the same region of the disc as other Earth-forming embryos, and therefore
      was similar in isotopic composition to the Earth. The heavy delta(30)Si values of
      the silicate Earth and the Moon relative to known chondrites may be due to
      fractionation in the solar nebula/protoplanetary disc rather than partitioning of
      silicon in Earth's core. An inversion method is presented to calculate the Hf/W
      ratios and epsilon(182)W values of the proto-Earth and impactor mantles for a
      given Moon-forming impact scenario. The similarity in tungsten isotopic
      composition between lunar and terrestrial rocks is a coincidence that can be
      explained in a canonical giant impact scenario if an early formed embryo (two
      stage model age of 10-20 Myr) collided with the proto-Earth formed over a more
      protracted accretion history (two-stage model age of 30-40 Myr). 

PMID- 25114319
TI  - The origin of the Moon. Preface.

PMID- 25114318
TI  - Lunar exploration: opening a window into the history and evolution of the inner
      Solar System.
AB  - The lunar geological record contains a rich archive of the history of the inner
      Solar System, including information relevant to understanding the origin and
      evolution of the Earth-Moon system, the geological evolution of rocky planets,
      and our local cosmic environment. This paper provides a brief review of lunar
      exploration to-date and describes how future exploration initiatives will further
      advance our understanding of the origin and evolution of the Moon, the Earth-Moon
      system and of the Solar System more generally. It is concluded that further
      advances will require the placing of new scientific instruments on, and the
      return of additional samples from, the lunar surface. Some of these scientific
      objectives can be achieved robotically, for example by in situ geochemical and
      geophysical measurements and through carefully targeted sample return missions.
      However, in the longer term, we argue that lunar science would greatly benefit
      from renewed human operations on the surface of the Moon, such as would be
      facilitated by implementing the recently proposed Global Exploration Roadmap. 

PMID- 25114320
TI  - Shortening the culture time in cytogenetic dosimetry using PCC-R assay.
AB  - The fast assessment of the dose received by exposed persons is crucial in
      radiological accidents, so the 48 h of cell culture in conventional cytogenetic
      dosimetry in addition to some limitations after high doses becomes a
      disadvantage. The premature chromosome condensation (PCC) assay permits to
      analyse enough cells after high radiation exposure, and the score of PCC-R may
      reduce the culture time up to 40-42 h. Peripheral whole-blood samples were
      exposed to 1-10 Gy of gamma radiation and cultured during 40 and 42 h. No
      statistical difference between frequencies was obtained between 40, 42 and 48 h
      of culture time, and PCC index decreased with the increase of the dose and
      increased with the culture time. The protocol proposed allows reduce the culture
      time down to 40 or 42 h when using the PCC-R assay with adequate precision in
      dose estimation. 

PMID- 25114322
TI  - Verified clinical failure with cefotaxime 1g for treatment of gonorrhoea in the
      Netherlands: a case report.
AB  - We describe the first case of treatment failure of gonorrhoea with a third
      generation cephalosporin, cefotaxime 1g intramuscularly, in the Netherlands. The
      case was from a high-frequency transmitting population (men having sex with men)
      and was caused by the internationally spreading multidrug-resistant gonococcal NG
      MAST ST1407 clone. The patient was clinically cured after treatment with
      ceftriaxone 500 mg intramuscularly and this is the only third generation
      cephalosporin that should be used for first-line empiric treatment of gonorrhoea.
      Increased awareness of failures with third generation cephalosporins, enhanced
      monitoring and appropriate verification of treatment failures including more
      frequent test-of-cures, and strict adherence to regularly updated treatment
      guidelines are essential globally.

PMID- 25114321
TI  - Conformance of mean glandular dose from phantom and patient data in mammography.
AB  - In mammography dosimetry, phantoms are often used to represent breast tissue. The
      conformance of phantom- and patient-based mean glandular dose (MGD) estimates was
      evaluated mainly from the aspect of diagnostic reference levels. Patient and
      phantom exposure data were collected for eight diagnostic and three screening
      mammography devices. More extensive assessments were performed for two devices.
      The average breast thickness was close to the nationally used reference of 50 mm
      in diagnostic (50 mm, SD = 13 mm, n = 5342) and screening (47 mm, SD = 13 mm, n =
      395) examinations. The average MGD for all breasts differed by 2% from the MGD
      determined for breasts in the limited compressed thickness range of 40-60 mm. The
      difference between phantom- and patient-based MGD estimations was up to 30%.
      Therefore, phantom measurements cannot replace patient dose data in MGD
      determination.

PMID- 25114323
TI  - Embolized ductus device extraction and associated iliofemoral artery repair.
AB  - Less-invasive methods for nonsurgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus have
      gained popularity as first-line therapy. An 11-year-old girl underwent
      percutaneous patent ductus arteriosus closure with a device. The device embolized
      into the descending aorta. An attempt at catheter retrieval was complicated by
      iliofemoral arterial injury. Subsequent device extraction was performed with
      repair of the arterial injury using a tube graft. 

PMID- 25114324
TI  - Is serotonin a valuable parameter in peripheral arterial disease?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum
      serotonin levels, which are supposed to affect vascular function, to peripheral
      arterial disease. METHODS: This prospective study was performed in 70 patients
      (57 males, 13 females; mean age 67 +/- 13 years) with peripheral arterial disease
      scheduled for surgery and 70 controls (52 males, 18 females; mean age 58 +/- 12
      years). RESULTS: The rates of diabetes mellitus and hypertension and the fasting
      glucose levels were significantly higher in the peripheral arterial disease group
      (p = 0.001). Total, low-density, and high-density cholesterol, triglycerides,
      urea, and creatinine levels, and the smoking rate were similar in both groups (p
      > 0.05). The serotonin levels were significantly higher in patients with
      peripheral vascular disease scheduled for surgery compared to the control group
      (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The plasma serotonin level is an important parameter in
      peripheral arterial disease.

PMID- 25114325
TI  - Omento-myoplasty for postpneumonectomy empyema.

PMID- 25114326
TI  - Posterior leaflet segment 2 plication in ischemic mitral regurgitation repair.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the medium-term results of plication of posterior leaflet
      segment 2 in addition to ring annuloplasty in patients with functional ischemic
      mitral regurgitation. METHODS: The study included 136 patients who underwent
      mitral valve repair with plication of posterior leaflet segment 2 for ischemic
      mitral regurgitation between 2004 and 2012. The direction and correlation of left
      ventricle sphericity and tethering area were established by Pearson correlation
      analysis in patients with or without recurrent mitral regurgitation in the medium
      term. RESULTS: Medium-term survival was 91.9% and freedom from moderate or severe
      mitral regurgitation was 89.6%. In medium-term follow-up, transthoracic
      echocardiography found a significant decrease in tethering area, coaptation
      height, and distance between the commissures compared to the pre-surgery values
      (p = 0.0001 in all). The distance between the papillary muscles was reduced
      compared to the pre-surgery period but it was not significant (p = 0.204).
      Pearson correlation analysis found no significant correlation between the
      tethering area and left ventricle sphericity in patients without recurrent mitral
      regurgitation (r = 0.15, p = 0.36), a highly positive correlation (r = 0.44, p <
      0.001) in patients with mild recurrent mitral regurgitation, and a moderately
      positive correlation (r = 0.71, p < 0.01) in patients with moderate or severe
      recurrent mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: The tethering area, coaptation
      height, and distance between the commissures decreased significantly, thus
      posterior leaflet segment 2 plication in addition to ring annuloplasty may be the
      optional procedure to ensure freedom from moderate or severe mitral
      regurgitation.

PMID- 25114327
TI  - Serial hemodynamic measurements in post-cardiac arrest cardiogenic shock treated
      with therapeutic hypothermia.
AB  - AIMS: Mortality from cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction
      (MI) remains high despite contemporary treatment. Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH)
      offers cardiovascular and systemic effects that may prove beneficial in this
      population, however, current data are limited. This study sought to evaluate the
      effect of therapeutic hypothermia on serial hemodynamics obtained in subjects
      with post-cardiac arrest cardiogenic shock. METHODS: We analyzed serial
      hemodynamics of 14 consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock after cardiac
      arrest treated with TH. Study inclusion required baseline hemodynamics obtained
      prior to initiation of TH confirming cardiogenic shock defined as cardiac index
      <=2.2 L/min/m(2) with a systolic blood pressure of <=90 mmHg, a vasopressor
      requirement, or need for mechanical circulatory support. RESULTS: In our 14
      patients, the mean age was 58 +/- 13.1 years, mean ejection fraction was 21 +/-
      8%, six had an acute MI, 12 required vasopressors, and 10 required mechanical
      support prior to initiation of TH. When compared to baseline, patients had
      significant improvements in Fick cardiac index, mixed venous O2 saturations, and
      serum lactate concentrations while heart rate was reduced following initiation of
      TH. There was no significant change in mean arterial pressure, however
      vasopressor requirement was reduced. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cardiogenic
      shock following cardiac arrest, initiation of TH was associated with favorable
      changes in invasive hemodynamics suggesting safety in this population. Given
      potential for favorable hemodynamic and systemic effects of TH in cardiogenic
      shock, further prospective study of TH as a potentially novel adjunctive therapy
      to early reperfusion in post-MI cardiogenic shock should be considered.

PMID- 25114328
TI  - Impact of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation in
      patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction admitted for primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention: Impact of ventricular fibrillation in STEMI
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pre-hospital life-threatening ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation
      (VT/VF) is relatively common in the acute phase of ST-elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI). We evaluated the prognostic impact of out-of-hospital cardiac
      arrest (OHCA) due to VT/VF in non-selected patients with STEMI admitted for
      primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Prospective hospital
      registry was used to collect data of consecutive STEMI patients admitted to our
      hospital between 2005 and 2010. Patients with OHCA were identified from this
      registry, and their medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: During the study
      period, 4653 patients were admitted with STEMI. Data regarding OHCA due to VT/VF
      was available in 4643 patients (99.8%). A total of 326 patients (7.0%) had OHCA
      due to VT/VF. Patients with OHCA were younger (60.3 +/- 11.8 vs. 64.1 +/- 12.9
      year, p<0.001), less often had diabetes (5.2% vs. 12.4%, p<0.001) but more often
      presented with signs of heart failure (Killip class >1:17.5% vs. 7.7%, p<0.001)
      and cardiogenic shock (29.6% vs. 2.5%, p<0.001). Coronary angiography was
      performed in 97.5% of the patients. Coronary angiography and primary PCI were
      performed equally in both groups. In patients with OHCA, the left main artery
      (2.3% vs. 1.0%, p=0.04) and LAD (49.2% vs. 41.2%, p=0.01) were more often the
      culprit artery. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher among patients
      with OHCA (13.80% vs. 3.4%, p<0.001). However, in patients who were discharged
      alive from the hospital, the one-year mortality and the combined incidence of
      death and appropriate ICD therapy were similar in patients with and without OHCA.
      CONCLUSION: In a large non-selected STEMI patient population admitted for primary
      PCI, OHCA due to VT/VF was associated with higher in-hospital mortality but did
      not affect the long-term prognosis.

PMID- 25114329
TI  - Excellence in acute cardiac care: an overview of the seminar proceedings.

PMID- 25114330
TI  - Non-contact multi-particle annular patterning and manipulation with ultrasound
      microbeam.
AB  - Multiparticle-trapping offers diverse opportunities and applications in
      biotechnology. It can be applied to creating various functional materials or
      organizing reactive particles. In this paper, we demonstrate that it is possible
      to trap and manipulate multi-particles in an annular pattern with a 24 MHz
      focused ring-type single element ultrasound transducer. Acoustic ring trap can be
      useful in undertaking biotropism studies due to an equal-distance condition from
      the center. Also, this ring trap could serve as a force shield to protect
      analysis area from other cells. The experimental results showed the capability of
      the proposed method as a multi-cell manipulator in formatting specific patterns
      of small cells like sperms.

PMID- 25114331
TI  - Determination of full set material constants of [011]c poled 0.72Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3
      0.28PbTiO3 single crystal from one sample.
AB  - 0.72Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.28PbTiO3 single crystals poled along [011]c have
      macroscopic orthorhombic mm2 symmetry. There are total 17 independent material
      coefficients for this symmetry so that the determination of self-consistent full
      matrix data is extremely difficult because many samples are needed and there is a
      large property variation from sample to sample. To overcome this self-consistency
      difficulty, we have developed a combined ultrasonic pulse-echo and impedance
      spectroscopy method, which can extract all coefficients from only one small
      sample. This method is especially useful for piezoelectric materials whose
      properties are strongly dependent on geometry and for crystals with only limited
      size available.

PMID- 25114332
TI  - Synthesis of mono-dispersed nanofluids using solution plasma.
AB  - Small-sized and well-dispersed gold nanoparticles (NPs) for nanofluidics have
      been synthesized by electrical discharge in liquid environment using termed
      solution plasma processing (SPP). Electrons and the hydrogen radicals are
      reducing the gold ions to the neutral form in plasma gas phase and liquid phase,
      respectively. The gold NPs have the smallest diameter of 4.9 nm when the solution
      temperature was kept at 20  degrees C. Nucleation and growth theory describe the
      evolution of the NP diameter right after the reduction reaction in function of
      the system temperature, NP surface energy, dispersion energy barrier, and
      nucleation rate. Negative charges on the NPs surface during and after SPP
      generate repulsive forces among the NPs avoiding their agglomeration in solution.
      Increasing the average energy in the SPP determines a decrease of the zeta
      potential and an increase of the NPs diameter. An important enhancement of the
      thermal conductivity of 9.4% was measured for the synthesized nanofluids
      containing NPs with the smallest size.

PMID- 25114333
TI  - Significance of coarse cereals in health and nutrition: a review.
AB  - This review assesses the nutritional attributes of coarse cereals and also their
      utilization as food and as formulated foods. These cereals are laden with
      phytochemicals including phenolic acids, tannins, anthocyanins, phytosterols,
      avenenathramides and policosanols. They possess high antioxidant properties in
      vitro than staple cereals and fruits by different purported pathways. There are
      also some anti-nutritional factors that may be reduced by certain processing
      treatments. Several epidemiological studies show that these cereals are helpful
      in reducing several kinds of chronic diseases like cancers, cardiovascular
      diseases, type II diabetes and various gastrointestinal disorders. Being coarse
      in nature, they cannot replace our staple cereals, but can be used in different
      proportions with rice and wheat to formulate various nutritional products. They
      can be used to make porridges, biscuits, cakes, cookies, tortillas, bread,
      probiotic drinks, ladoo, ghatta, flakes and several fermented foods. The coarse
      cereals also have good potential in manufacturing bioethanol, paper, oil and
      biofilms. 

PMID- 25114334
TI  - Nutritional quality of fresh and heated Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) seed
      oil: trans-fatty acid isomers profiles and antioxidant properties.
AB  - Numerous studies have focused on trans fatty acids (TFA) technologically produced
      by partial hydrogenation of oils. However, TFA can also be present in fresh oils.
      For this reason, cis fatty acid (CFA), TFA and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) of
      fresh and heated Aleppo pine seed oil (APSO) at frying temperature (180  degrees
      C) were evaluated and correlated with the antioxidant characteristics. Results
      showed that fresh APSO had a low oleic/linoleic ratio O/L (0.4). Total TFA in
      fresh APSO reached 1%. The predominant TFA was 18:2 n-6 (t9, t12) in both fresh
      and heated APSO. Individual TFA increased with significant differences (p < 0.05)
      with heating time. CLA occurred after 4 h and significantly increased (p < 0.05)
      accounting 10% of total TFA after 10 h. Total TFA are negatively correlated with
      alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol (p < 0.05) and carotenoids (p < 0.01) and
      positively correlated with remaining DPPH. Oil stability index (OSI) showed
      significant negative correlation with TFA (r = -0.925; p = 0.008). A principal
      component analysis (PCA) showed a clear discrimination between fresh and heated
      oils. Temperature, heating time, unsaturation degree and antioxidants are
      combined factors which significantly affect the isomerization rate and
      nutritional quality of APSO. 

PMID- 25114335
TI  - Characterization and storage stability of the extract of Thai mango (Mangifera
      indica Linn. Cultivar Chok-Anan) seed kernels.
AB  - Qualitative analysis of hydrolysable extract from mango (Mangifera indica Linn.
      cultivar Chok-Anan) seed kernel was performed by means of reversed phase high
      performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and
      electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (RPHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS). The main phenolic
      compound was identified as methyl gallate by comparing their retention time, UV
      vis absorption spectra and mass spectra with a reference standard. Quantification
      of phenolic compounds was performed by HPLC-DAD, which revealed that the extract
      contained total phenolics at a concentration of 194.1 mg GAE/g dry weight of
      mango seed kernel (MSK), of which 85.7% was identified as methyl gallate. In
      addition, the antioxidant activities of the extract and the main compound were
      assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis (3
      ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays, by the ferric thiocyanate method
      and by an assay of metal chelating activity. Tyrosinase inhibition was also
      investigated. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity and the total phenolic
      content of MSK extract stored in a plastic (polyethylene) PE bag decreased during
      storage at freezing (-20  degrees C), refrigerated (7  degrees C) and room (28-32
      degrees C) temperature for 182 days. The loss of antioxidant capacity and total
      phenolic content increased at higher storage temperatures for more than 182 days.

PMID- 25114336
TI  - Modification of wheat starch with succinic acid/acetanhydride and azelaic
      acid/acetanhydride mixtures. II. Chemical and physical properties.
AB  - The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of modification with
      succinic acid/acetanhydride and azelaic acid/acetanhydride mixtures on chemical
      and physical properties of wheat starch. Starch was isolated from two wheat
      varieties and modified with mixtures of succinic acid and acetanhydride and
      azelaic acid and acetanhydride in 4, 6 and 8% (w/w). Total starch content,
      resistant starch content, degree of modification, changes in FT-IR spectra,
      colour, gel texture and freeze-thaw stability were determined. Results showed
      that resistant starch content increased by both investigated modifications, and
      degree of modification increased proportionally to amount of reagents used. FT-IR
      analysis of modified starches showed peak around 1,740 cm(-1), characteristic for
      carbonyl group of ester. Total colour difference caused by modifications was
      detectable by trained people. Adhesiveness significantly increased, while freeze
      thaw stability decreased by both investigated modifications. 

PMID- 25114337
TI  - Chemical composition, molecular weight distribution, secondary structure and
      effect of NaCl on functional properties of walnut (Juglans regia L) protein
      isolates and concentrates.
AB  - Chemical composition, molecular weight distribution, secondary structure and
      effect of sodium chloride concentration on functional properties of walnut
      protein isolates, concentrates and defatted walnut flour were study. Compared
      with walnut protein concentrates (75.6%) and defatted walnut flour (52.5%),
      walnut protein isolates contain a relatively high amount of protein (90.5%). The
      yield of walnut protein isolates and concentrates was 43.2% and 76.6%,
      respectively. In molecular weight distribution study, Walnut protein isolates
      showed one peak with molecular weight of 106.33 KDa (100%) and walnut protein
      concentrates showed four peaks with molecular weight of 16,725 KDa (0.8%),104.943
      KDa(63.9%), 7.3 KDa (11.4%), 2.6 KDa (23.9%). The secondary structure of walnut
      protein isolates was similar to that of walnut protein concentrates, but was
      differ from that of defatted walnut flour. The addition of sodium chloride (0 ~ 1
      M) could improve the functionality of walnut protein concentrates, isolates and
      defatted walnut flour. The maximum solubility, water absorption capacity,
      emulsifying properties and foaming properties of walnut protein isolates,
      concentrates and defatted walnut flour were at sodium chloride solutions of 1.0
      M, 0.6 M, 0.4 M, 0.6 M, respectively. The solubility of walnut protein
      concentrates (32.5%) in distilled water with 0 M sodium chloride was lower than
      that of walnut protein isolates (35.2%). The maximum solubility of walnut protein
      isolates, concentrates and defatted walnut flour in solution were 36.8%, 33.7%
      and 9.6% at 1.0 M sodium chloride solutions, respectively. As compared with other
      vegetable proteins, walnut protein isolates and concentrates exhibited better
      emulsifying properties and foam stability. 

PMID- 25114338
TI  - Important nutritional constituents, flavour components, antioxidant and
      antibacterial properties of Pleurotus sajor-caju.
AB  - Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju) cultivated in the laboratory was studied
      for nutritional constituents, flavor components, antioxidant and antibacterial
      properties. Nutritional constituents estimated per 100 g dry weight (d.w.)
      include protein (29.3 g), carbohydrate (62.97 g), crude fat (0.91 g), ash (6.82
      g) and crude fiber (12.3 g). Energy value of this mushroom was about 297.5
      kcal/100 g d.w. Major mineral components estimated include Ca, Fe, and Mg with
      highest level of 505.0, 109.5 and 108.7 mg/100 g respectively. Methanolic extract
      containing significant amounts of phenols and flavonoids showed free radical
      scavenging potential and antibacterial activities against various spp. of Gram
      positive and Gram negative bacteria. Compounds responsible for antibacterial
      activities analyzed by GC-MS include beta- Sistosterol, Cholestanol, 1,5
      Dibenzoylnaphthalene and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid. Flavor components
      extracted by hot extraction method were found to be higher in number and
      concentration than the cold extraction method. The characteristic flavor
      component of mushroom i.e. 1-Octen-3-ol was better extracted by hot than the
      cold. 

PMID- 25114339
TI  - Efficacy of pink guava pulp as an antioxidant in raw pork emulsion.
AB  - Lipid oxidation-induced quality problems can be minimized with the use of natural
      antioxidants. The antioxidant potential of pink guava pulp (PGP) was evaluated at
      different levels (0%; C, 5.0%; T-1, 7.5%; T-2 and 10.0%; T-3) in the raw pork
      emulsion during refrigerated storage of 9 days under aerobic packaging. Lycopene
      and beta-carotene contents increased (P < 0.05) with PGP levels. The redness (a*)
      increased (P < 0.05), whereas L*decreased (P < 0.05) with the incorporation of
      PGP. The visual colour and odour scores were greater (P < 0.05) in PGP-treated
      products than control. Percent metmyoglobin formation was greater (P < 0.05) in
      the control than PGP-treated products, and increased (P < 0.05) during storage in
      all the treatments. Overall, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances and free fatty acid values were lower (P < 0.05) in PGP-treated raw
      emulsion than control throughout storage period. Our results indicated that pink
      guava pulp can be utilized as antioxidants in raw pork products to minimize lipid
      oxidation, off-odour development, and surface discolouration. 

PMID- 25114340
TI  - Optimization of ingredients for noodle preparation using response surface
      methodology.
AB  - In the present investigation, the composite flour combinations using whole wheat
      flour (X1), tapioca flour (X2) and defatted soy flour (X3) for the noodle
      preparation were made through central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The
      analyzed responses were bulk density (BD), proximate composition, water uptake
      ratio (WUR), cooking volume expansion (VE), water absorption capacity (WAC),
      swelling capacity (SC), gruel solid loss (GSL), and sensory characteristics. A
      second order quadratic polynomial equation was fitted to the data of all
      responses for prediction. The maximum protein content of 16 g% was achieved by
      the combination of 75.54 g of whole wheat flour, 10 g of tapioca flour and 19.78
      g of defatted soy flour. Since the inclusion of defatted soy flour >10 g resulted
      negative influence on good quality determining responses, the Chinese salted
      noodles of excellent quality with maximum WAC, WUR, VE, SC, protein,
      carbohydrate, ash and minimum GSL, BD, fat, moisture could be made from ratio of
      combination of three independent variables at 77.33 g (X1): 22.19 g (X2): 8.92 g
      (X3) respectively. The cost of production per kg of noodles with optimum level of
      ingredient was Rs.75.50/-. 

PMID- 25114341
TI  - Study of chemical properties and evaluation of collagen in mantle, epidermal
      connective tissue and tentacle of Indian Squid, Loligo duvauceli Orbigny.
AB  - The chemical composition and evaluation of Indian squid (Loligo duvauceli)
      mantle, epidermal connective tissue and tentacle is investigated in this current
      study. It is observed that squid mantle contains 22.2% total protein; 63.5% of
      the total protein is myofibrillar protein. The unique property of squid
      myofibrillar protein is its water solubility. Squid mantle contains 12.0% total
      collagen. Epidermal connective tissue has highest amounts of total collagen
      (17.8%). SDS-PAGE of total collagen identified high molecular weight alpha-, beta
      and gamma- sub-chains. Amino acid profile analysis indicates that mantle and
      tentacle contain essential amino acids. Arginine forms a major portion of mantle
      collagen (272.5 g/100 g N). Isoleucine, glutamic acid and lysine are other amino
      acids that are found in significantly high amounts in the mantle. Sulphur
      containing cystine is deficit in mantle collagen. Papain digest of mantle and
      epidermal connective tissue is rich in uronic acid, while papain digest,
      collagenase digest and urea digest of epidermal connective tissue has significant
      amounts of sialic acid (25.2, 33.2 and 99.8 MUmol /100 g, respectively). PAS
      staining of papain digest, collagenase digest and urea digest also identify the
      association of hexoses with low molecular weight collagen fragments.
      Histochemical sectioning also emphasized the localized distribution of collagen
      in epidermal and dermal region and very sparse fibres traverse the myotome
      bundles. 

PMID- 25114342
TI  - Suitability of spring wheat varieties for the production of best quality pizza.
AB  - The selection of appropriate wheat cultivars is an imperative issue in product
      development and realization. The nutritional profiling of plants and their
      cultivars along with their suitability for development of specific products is of
      considerable interests for multi-national food chains. In this project, Pizza-Hut
      Pakistan provided funds for the selection of suitable newly developed Pakistani
      spring variety for pizza production. In this regard, the recent varieties were
      selected and evaluated for nutritional and functional properties for pizza
      production. Additionally, emphasis has been paid to assess all varieties for
      their physico-chemical attributes, rheological parameters and mineral content.
      Furthermore, pizza prepared from respective flour samples were further evaluated
      for sensory attributes Results showed that Anmool, Abadgar, Imdad, SKD-1, Shafaq
      and Moomal have higher values for protein, gluten content, pelshenke value and
      SDS sedimentation and these were relatively better in studied parameters as
      compared to other varieties although which were considered best for good quality
      pizza production. TD-1 got significantly highest score for flavor of pizza and
      lowest score was observed from wheat variety Kiran. Moreover, it is concluded
      from current study that all wheat varieties except TJ-83 and Kiran exhibited
      better results for flavor. 

PMID- 25114343
TI  - Quality indices of the set-yoghurt prepared from bovine milk treated with
      horseradish peroxidase.
AB  - Horseradish peroxidase (HRP, EC 1.11.1.7) was applied to treat whole bovine milk
      in the presence or absence of ferulic acid (FA). The treated milk exhibited
      different rheological properties from the control milk, and was used to prepare
      set-yoghurt with commercial direct vat set starter. Some chemical, textural and
      rheological properties of the yoghurt prepared were measured and compared.
      Compared to that prepared with the control milk, the yoghurt prepared with the
      HRP- or HRP and FA-treated bovine milk exhibited an increased hardness and
      adhesiveness, lower syneresis extent, higher apparent viscosity, and higher
      storage modulus and viscous modulus. Observation of the microstructure of the
      yoghurt samples under scanning electron microscopy illustrated that HRP treatment
      of bovine milk led to the prepared yoghurt a more compact and uniform structure.
      The results in the present work stated that treatment of bovine milk with HRP in
      the presence of ferulic acid could be applied to improve the quality of set
      yoghurt. 

PMID- 25114344
TI  - In vitro free radical scavenging and DNA damage protective property of Coriandrum
      sativum L. leaves extract.
AB  - Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander), an everyday spice in the Indian kitchen is
      known to add flavor to the cuisine. It is an annual herb belonging to the
      Apiaceae (Umbellifera) family. The hydro-alcohol extract of Coriandrum sativum L.
      at the dose of 1 mg/ml was subjected to a series of in vitro assays viz. 2, 2'-
      diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid, reducing
      power and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging in order to study its antioxidant
      efficacy in detail. The amount of flavonoids in 70% ethanol extract was found to
      be 44.5 MUg and that of the total phenols was 133.74 MUg gallic acid equivalents
      per mg extract. The extracts of the leaves showed metal chelating power, with
      IC50 values, 368.12 MUg/ml where as that of standard EDTA was 26.7 MUg/ml. The
      IC50 values for 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical
      scavenging was 222 MUg/ml where as that of standard ascorbic acid was 22.6
      MUg/ml. The NO scavenging activity of the extract of the leaves showed IC50 value
      of 815.6 MUg/ml; at the same time the standard BHA had 49.1 MUg/ml. All the plant
      extracts provided DNA damage protection; however, the protection provided at the
      dose of 8 MUg/ml was comparable to that of standard gallic acid. The Coriandrum
      sativum leaf extract was able to prevent in vitro lipid peroxidation with IC50
      values; 589.6 MUg/ml where as that of standard BHA was 16.3 MUg/ml. Our results
      also showed significant ferric reducing power indicating the hydrogen donating
      ability of the extract. This study indicated the potential of the leaf extract as
      a source of natural antioxidants or nutraceuticals that could be of use in food
      industry with potential application to reduce oxidative stress in living system. 

PMID- 25114345
TI  - Drying kinetics and physico-chemical characteristics of Osmo- dehydrated Mango,
      Guava and Aonla under different drying conditions.
AB  - Mango (Mangiferra indica L), guava (Psiduim guajava L.) slices and aonla (Emblica
      officinalis L) segments were osmo-dried under four different dying conditions
      viz., cabinet drier (CD), vacuum oven drier (VOD), low temperature drier (LTD)
      and solar drier (SD) to evaluate the best drying condition for the fruits. It was
      found that vacuum oven drying was superior to other mode of drying as it holds
      maximum nutrients like acidity, ascorbic acid, sugar and water removal and
      moisture ratio of products. It was found through regression analysis that drying
      ratio and rehydration ratio was also superior in vacuum drying followed by
      cabinet drying. In addition, descriptive analysis on sensory score was also found
      best with vacuum drying while the Non-enzymatic browning (NEB), which is
      undesirable character on dried product, was more with solar drier. 

PMID- 25114346
TI  - Antioxidant potential of thuja (Thuja occidentalis) cones and peach (Prunus
      persia) seeds in raw chicken ground meat during refrigerated (4 +/- 1  degrees C)
      storage.
AB  - The antioxidant activity of thuja (Thuja occidentalis) cones extract (TCE) and
      peach (Prunus armeniaca) seeds extract (PSE) were estimated by DPPH free radical
      scavenging activity method. Total phenolics, total flavonoids and reducing power
      were also estimated in these extracts. Antioxidant potential of these by products
      was also evaluated in raw chicken ground meat (GM) during refrigerated (4 +/- 1 
      degrees C) storage. Total phenolics in TCE and PSE were 7.80 +/- 0.04 and 1.92 +/
      0.04 mg TAE/gdw respectively. Both extract also showed remarkable DPPH radical
      scavenging activity (25.52 +/- 1.92% and 24.99 +/- 0.32%). The reducing
      powerOD700 was observed more in TCE as compared to PSE (3.32 +/- 0.01 and 0.49 +/
      0.01). Total flavonoids contents were 7.48 +/- 0.02 and 0.85 +/- 0.01 mg CE/gdw
      respectively. Addition of these extract significantly (P < 0.01) affected cooking
      losses and WHC of GM. During refrigerated storage (4  degrees C) the TBARS values
      at 8 d were significantly (P < 0.01) more in control than TCE and PSE treated
      groups. 

PMID- 25114347
TI  - Effects of gamma irradiation and/or cooking on nutritional quality of faba bean
      (Vicia faba L.) cultivars seeds.
AB  - The effect of gamma irradiation (0.5 and 1.0 kGy) and/or cooking on the proximate
      composition, mineral content, tannin content, phytic acid content and the in
      vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of two Sudanese faba bean cultivars (BB7-S1
      and SH-S2) was investigated in the present study. The results obtained revealed
      that gamma irradiation and/or cooking treatments have slight effect in chemical
      composition and mineral content, while they caused significant (P <= 0.05)
      reduction on tannin content for both cultivars. Cooking of faba bean seeds also
      insignificantly (P <= 0.05) reduced phytic acid content for both cultivars, while
      irradiation process and/or cooking had fluctuated effect. For both cultivars,
      irradiation of seeds and/or cooking increased the in vitro protein digestibility
      (IVPD), with maximum value of IVPD (79.97%) obtained for cultivar BB7-S1. The
      results indicate that the treatments used in this study might improve the
      nutritive quality of faba bean seed due to reduction in antinutritional factors
      with a concomitant increase in IVPD. 

PMID- 25114348
TI  - Quality of osmotically pre-treated and vacuum dried pineapple cubes on storage as
      influenced by type of solutes and packaging materials.
AB  - The quality and stability of osmotically pre-treated and subsequently vacuum
      dried pineapple cubes using three different solutes and packed in three different
      types of packaging materials on storage was evaluated. The experiment was laid
      out in completely randomized block design with two factors and three replications
      for each treatment. Treatment combinations were considered as one factor and
      storage interval as another factor. Pineapple cubes stored in glass bottle showed
      very little percentage variation in moisture content due to its high moisture
      barrier properties. In all treatment combination, acidity values were invariably
      found to increase as the storage progressed. For all three different osmotic
      treatments, HDPE pouch packet always showed highest acidity followed by PVDC
      pouch. Again among three solutes under consideration, invert sugar recorded a
      rapid increase in acidity than other solutes. In pineapple cubes osmotically
      treated with sucrose solution, the rates of decrease of total sugar content were
      lower than that of invert sugar and sorbitol treated pineapple cubes. The
      percentage decrease of total sugar content was highest when the osmotically
      dehydrated pineapple cubes were packed in HDPE pouch and it was least in glass
      bottles. There was a gradual decrease in ascorbic acid content with the extension
      of storage period and this decrease was statistically significant at all storage
      intervals up to six-month. Lowest value of ascorbic acid content (15.210 mg per
      100 g initial solid) was recorded in invert sugar treated pineapple cube packed
      in HDPE pouch after 6 months of storage. 

PMID- 25114349
TI  - Synbiotic yogurt-ice cream produced via incorporation of microencapsulated
      lactobacillus acidophilus (la-5) and fructooligosaccharide.
AB  - Yogurt-ice cream is a nutritious product with a refreshing taste and durability
      profoundly longer than that of yogurt. The probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus
      (La-5) cells either in free or encapsulated form were incorporated into yog-ice
      cream and their survivability were studied. Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) as a
      prebiotic compound at three levels (0, 4 & 8 % w/w) was added to yogurt-ice cream
      mix and its effects on some chemical properties, overrun and firmness of product
      were evaluated. The higher the incorporated FOS concentration, the lower were the
      pH value and higher the total solid content of treatments. FOS incorporation (8
      %) significantly increased the overrun of treatments and reduced their firmness.
      The viable counts of free probiotics decreased from ~9.55 to ~7.3 log cfu/g after
      60 days of frozen storage while that of encapsulated cells merely decreased less
      than 1 log cycle. Encapsulation with alginate microbeads protected the probiotic
      cells against injuries in the freezing stage as well as, during frozen storage. 

PMID- 25114350
TI  - Homogenate extraction of gardenia yellow pigment from Gardenia Jasminoides Ellis
      fruit using response surface methodology.
AB  - Homogenate extraction technology was developed for extraction of gardenia yellow
      pigment from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fruit. The operating parameters affecting
      the color value of gardenia yellow pigment were studied on the basis of a Box
      Behnken design and response surface methodology. Results showed that the optimum
      extraction conditions were as follows: extraction time 41 s, ethanol
      concentration 50 %, ratio of liquid to material 15:1 (mL:g) and particle size 1.7
      mm. Under the optimum condition, the experimental color value was 52.37 g(-1),
      which was in keeping with the predicted one. Compared with the heat extraction
      method, the color value of gardenia yellow pigment of homogenate extraction was
      higher and the extraction time was shorter. Homogenate extraction method is an
      ideal means for extraction of gardenia yellow pigment from Gardenia jasminoides
      Ellis fruit. 

PMID- 25114351
TI  - Effect of different preservative treatments on the shelf-life of sorghum malt
      based fermented milk beverage.
AB  - Studies were conducted to extend the shelf life of sorghum based fermented milk
      beverage (referred to SSL) developed at our Institute. In the first approach
      preservatives namely nisin (N) @ 400RU/ml, MicroGARD (M) @ (1%), potassium
      sorbate (PS) @ (0.15%) were added to the beverage before packaging and in the
      second approach thermization (65  degrees C/5 min) of the packaged samples
      containing above mentioned preservatives was adopted. The shelf life was assessed
      on the basis of sensory, physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. Total
      plate count and lactic acid bacterial count increased till 7th day of storage and
      afterwards decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Yeasts and molds count increased
      significantly (p < 0.01) throughout the storage period and the rate of increase
      was lowest in samples containing PS. Samples containing PS, N and M were found
      sensorily acceptable up to 35, 28 and 21 days, respectively. Though the
      thermization treatment helped in improving the microbiological and chemical
      quality of the beverage, the sensory and physical quality was adversely affected.
      Addition of PS without thermization was found to be the best preservation
      technique for enhancing the shelf life of SSL at refrigeration conditions. 

PMID- 25114352
TI  - Effect of cheese as a fat replacer in fermented sausage.
AB  - The effects of beef fat substitution with kashar cheese were studied in
      traditional Turkish fermented sausage; sucuk. Six sucuk formulations were
      prepared by replacing 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% of beef fat was substituted with
      kashar cheese. The fat substitution of fat with kashar cheese decreased fat
      content and increased protein content of the product that affected the chemical,
      physical and sensorial characteristics of products. Saturated fatty acid content
      increased and unsaturated, mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids
      amount were decreased as the cheese amount increased. The formulation with 10%
      substitution of beef fat with cheese took the best sensory overall acceptability
      scores followed by 20% and control groups. 

PMID- 25114353
TI  - Extracellular chitin deacetylase production in solid state fermentation by native
      soil isolates of Penicillium monoverticillium and Fusarium oxysporum.
AB  - Extracellular chitin deacetylase production by native soil isolates of
      Penicillium monoverticillium CFR 2 and Fusarium oxysporum CFR 8 in solid state
      fermentation (SSF) using commercial wheat bran (CWB) and shrimp processing by
      products (SPP) as solid substrate has been studied. P. monoverticillium produced
      maximum chitin deacetylase activity of 547.7 +/- 45 and 390.2 +/- 31 units/g
      initial dry substrate (U/g IDS) at 96 h of incubation in CWB and SPP media,
      respectively. While, F. oxysporum produced maximum chitin deacetylase activity of
      306.4 +/- 22 U/g IDS at 72 h of incubation in CWB medium and 220.1 +/- 20 U/g IDS
      at 120 h of incubation in SPP medium. Along with chitin deacetylase, P.
      monoverticillium and F. oxysporum produced other chitin degrading enzymes such as
      endo-chitinase and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase. P. monoverticillium produced
      maximum activity (U/g IDS) of endo-chitinase 4.6 +/- 0.20 at 120 h incubation and
      beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase 82.6 +/- 03 at 120 h incubation in CWB medium. While,
      F. oxysporum produced maximum activity (U/g IDS) of endo-chitinase 7.8 +/- 0.20
      at 144 h incubation and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase 38.3 +/- 02 at 120 h
      incubation in CWB medium. Production of extracellular chitin deacetylase by P.
      monoverticillium CFR 2 and F. oxysporum CFR 8 in SSF is being reported for the
      first time. 

PMID- 25114355
TI  - Combined effect of ohmic heating and enzyme assisted aqueous extraction process
      on soy oil recovery.
AB  - This research describes a new technological process for soybean oil extraction.
      The process deals with the combined effect of ohmic heating and enzyme assisted
      aqueous oil extraction process (EAEP) on enhancement of oil recovery from soybean
      seed. The experimental process consisted of following basic steps, namely,
      dehulling, wet grinding, enzymatic treatment, ohmic heating, aqueous extraction
      and centrifugation. The effect of ohmic heating parameters namely electric field
      strength (EFS), end point temperature (EPT) and holding time (HT) on aqueous oil
      extraction process were investigated. Three levels of electric field strength
      (i.e. OH600V, OH750V and OH900V), 3 levels of end point temperature (i.e. 70, 80
      and 90  degrees C) and 3 levels of holding time (i.e. 0, 5 and 10 min.) were
      taken as independent variables using full factorial design. Percentage oil
      recovery from soybean by EAEP alone and EAEP coupled with ohmic heating were
      53.12 % and 56.86 % to 73 % respectively. The maximum oil recovery (73 %) was
      obtained when the sample was heated and maintained at 90  degrees C using
      electric field strength of OH600V for a holding time of 10 min. The free fatty
      acid (FFA) of the extracted oil (i.e. in range of 0.97 to 1.29 %) was within the
      acceptable limit of 3 % (oleic acid) and 0.5-3 % prescribed respectively by PFA
      and BIS. 

PMID- 25114354
TI  - Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis of guar gum using response surface
      methodology.
AB  - Guar gum is a polysaccharide obtained from guar seed endosperm portion.
      Enzymatically hydrolyzed guar gum is low in viscosity and has several health
      benefits as dietary fiber. In this study, response surface methodology was used
      to determine the optimum conditions for hydrolysis that give minimum viscosity of
      guar gum. Central composite was employed to investigate the effects of pH (3-7),
      temperature (20-60  degrees C), reaction time (1-5 h) and cellulase concentration
      (0.25-1.25 mg/g) on viscosity during enzymatic hydrolysis of guar (Cyamopsis
      tetragonolobus) gum. A second order polynomial model was developed for viscosity
      using regression analysis. Results revealed statistical significance of model as
      evidenced from high value of coefficient of determination (R(2) = 0.9472) and P <
      0.05. Viscosity was primarily affected by cellulase concentration, pH and
      hydrolysis time. Maximum viscosity reduction was obtained when pH, temperature,
      hydrolysis time and cellulase concentration were 6, 50  degrees C, 4 h and 1.00
      mg/g, respectively. The study is important in optimizing the enzymatic process
      for hydrolysis of guar gum as potential source of soluble dietary fiber for human
      health benefits. 

PMID- 25114356
TI  - Effect of partial replacement of sugar with stevia on the quality of kulfi.
AB  - Stevia is a natural sweetener obtained from the leaf of Stevia rebaudiana plant.
      Its refined extract powder is 130-300 times sweeter than sucrose. Besides, it
      prevents diabetes, decreases weight, prevents tooth decay, increases digestion
      etc. Dietetic kulfi was produced, in which 50, 60 and 70% sugar was replaced with
      0.05, 0.06 and 0.07% refined stevia extract powder respectively. At higher levels
      of sugar replacement there was a significant decrease in specific gravity,
      melting rate, carbohydrate percentage and total calorie content and a significant
      increase in freezing point, hardness and fat, protein, ash and moisture
      percentage. Kulfi prepared by replacing half the sugar content with stevia was
      adjudged on par with the control in sensory characteristics. Above 50% sugar
      replacement resulted in bitterness, lack of brownish appearance and presence of
      icy texture. 

PMID- 25114358
TI  - Development of post-harvest protocol of okra for export marketing.
AB  - The study was carried out on the harvesting and handling methods of okra with the
      objective to maintain the best quality of pods from harvesting to end consumer
      especially for export marketing. For that purpose okra cv. 'Punjab-8' pods were
      harvested with minimum handling (least injuries to the pubescence on the ridges
      of pod) and normal handling (no safety taken to prevent injuries on pods). Pods
      were precooled at 15 +/- 1oC, 90-95% RH; jumble packed in the CFB boxes of 2.0 Kg
      capacity and than stored at 8 +/- 1oC, 90-95% RH. The quality parameters of okra
      namely texture, chlorophyll content, physiological loss in weight, rotting
      percentage and general appearance were studied. The pods harvested with minimum
      handling and field packaging can retain their green colour, crisp texture
      (maximum force to puncture pod = 500.2 g) with minimum rotting (3.0%) and
      physiological loss in weight (15.8%) and good appearance upto 13 days of cold
      storage whereas normal handled pods can be stored upto 5 days at 8 +/- 1oC, 90
      95% RH and thereafter lost their general appearance on the 7th day of storage and
      were discarded. Therefore, in order to maintain high quality of okra from
      harvesting to the final destination (consumer), the okra pods should be harvested
      with minimum handling followed by field packaging in CFB boxes. 

PMID- 25114357
TI  - Minerals and antinutrients profile of rabadi after different traditional
      preparation methods.
AB  - Rabadi is a cereal and buttermilk based traditional fermented recipe of western
      region of India. There are many traditional preparation methods, which may alter
      biochemical composition of rabadi, therefore, in the present study, role of
      traditional processings (cooking, fermentation, dehulling, utensil, preparation
      methods and cereals) on minerals and antinutrients of pearl millet, wheat flour
      and refined wheat flour rabadi was investigated on fresh weight basis. Results
      showed that the process of cooking and fermentation enhanced minerals (Ca, Fe and
      P) in all types of rabadi samples at different levels of significance, while
      antinutrients (phytic acid, total phenols and oxalates) reflected a declining
      trend. Intercomparison of different types of rabadies exhibited that fermented-
      cooked -fermented samples were better than cooked -fermented rabadies. Dehulling
      caused a loss of minerals, but antinutrients were also degraded after dehulling;
      therefore dehulled sample showed very good nutritional profile after
      fermentation. Earthen pot rabadi samples presented better biochemical composition
      than rabadies prepared in steel pot. Intercomparison of different cereals based
      rabadies reflected superior position of fermented -cooked- fermented pearl millet
      flour rabadi than cooked- fermented pearl millet flour rabadi, wheat and refined
      wheat flour rabadi samples. 

PMID- 25114359
TI  - Antioxidant and antiplatlet aggregation properties of bark extracts of Garcinia
      pedunculata and Garcinia cowa.
AB  - The bark extracts of Garcinia pedunculata and Garcinia cowa, which are abundant
      in the Northeastern regions of India, were screened for their antioxidant and in
      vitro antiplatelet aggregating activities. By beta-carotene linoleate model for
      antioxidant assay, acetone extract of G. pedunculata and hexane extracts of G.
      cowa exhibited higher antioxidant activity (86.47 and 66.94 % respectively, at 25
      ppm) than other extracts. Similar pattern was observed for superoxide radical
      scavenging method for antioxidant assay. The ethyl acetate extract of G.
      pedunculata and hexane extract of G. cowa exhibited higher antiplatelet
      aggregation capacity towards ADP induced platelet aggregation (IC50 0.16 and 0.43
      ug, respectively) than other extracts. 

PMID- 25114360
TI  - Hepatitis A virus in West Africa: Is an epidemiological transition beginning?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies of hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence in sub-Saharan
      Africa have generally found very high anti-HAV IgG seroprevalence rates, but
      economic development and improved drinking water access may be contributing to
      decreasing incidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review evaluates all 19
      articles that have been published on HAV epidemiology in West Africa. RESULTS:
      Nearly all studies conducted before 1990 found that the majority of preschool
      aged children had already developed immunity due to prior infection. However,
      several recent studies have observed that the age at midpoint of population
      immunity in some urban populations has shifted to school-aged children.
      CONCLUSION: There is preliminary evidence that some West-African countries are
      beginning the transition towards lower hepatitis A endemicity levels. Additional
      studies of child seroprevalence rates in diverse parts of West Africa are
      required in order to clarify the extent to which an early transition may be
      occurring.

PMID- 25114361
TI  - Comparison of values of traditionally measured venous bicarbonate with calculated
      arterial bicarbonate in intensive care unit patients of a hospital in a third
      world country.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurement of serum or plasma bicarbonate (HCO3 (-)) from a sample
      of peripheral venous blood is routinely practiced in hospital patient
      managements. HCO3 (-) status can also be obtained by a simple calculation during
      blood gas analysis requiring arterial blood as sample which is cumbersome for
      both patient and doctor. This study compared the measured bicarbonate levels with
      calculated arterial values in intensive care unit (ICU) patients to determine
      whether traditionally measured venous HCO3 (-) and calculated HCO3 (-) values
      [from arterial blood gas (ABG) analyzers] can be used interchangeably. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This prospective study was carried out at a tertiary care teaching
      hospital in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. A total of 56 adult patients with
      diverse medical conditions, presenting at the ICU of the health centre were
      enrolled in this study when deemed by the treating physician to have an ABG
      analysis. Arterial and venous samples were taken as close in time as possible for
      gas analysis and routine blood tests. RESULTS: The HCO3 (-) levels from ABG and
      traditionally measured serum showed acceptably narrow 95% limits of agreement
      using the Bland-Altman method. CONCLUSIONS: More widely prescribed venous HCO3 (
      ) measurements can also be a useful substitute for an expensive ABG analyzer in
      resource-constrained health care sectors when required. However, accuracy of
      venous blood in assessment of additional ABG parameters is yet to be discovered.

PMID- 25114362
TI  - Is total lymphocyte count a predictor for CD4 cell count in initiation
      antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since laboratory assessments of HIV-infected patients by flow
      cytometric methods are expensive and unavailable in resource-limited countries,
      total lymphocyte count by haematology cell counter is supposed to be a suitable
      surrogate marker to initiate and monitor course of the disease in these patients.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of total lymphocyte count as a
      surrogate marker for CD4 count in HIV-infected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In
      a prospective study 560 HIV-positive individuals evaluated for total and CD4
      lymphocyte count. For correlation between CD4 count and total lymphocyte count,
      haemoglobin and haematocrit we defined cut-off values as 200 cell/MUl, 1200
      cell/MUl, 12 gr/dl and 30%, respectively, and compared CD4 count with each
      parameter separately. Positive predictive value, negative predictive value,
      sensitivity and specificity of varying total lymphocyte count cutoffs were
      computed for CD4 count <= 200 cell/MUl and <= 350 cell/MUl. RESULTS: Strong
      degree of correlation was noted between CD4 and total lymphocyte count (r: 0.610,
      P < 0.001). Mean and standard deviation of total lymphocyte count, haemoglobin
      and haematocrit in relation to CD4 count were calculated which indicated
      significant correlation between these variables. Kappa coefficient for agreement
      was also calculated which showed fair correlation between CD4 200 cell/MUl and
      total lymphocyte count 1200 cell/MUl (0.35). CONCLUSION: This study reveals that
      despite low sensitivity and specificity of total lymphocyte count as a surrogate
      marker for CD4, total lymphocyte count is of great importance and benefit in
      resource-limited settings.

PMID- 25114363
TI  - Acceptability of HIV/AIDS testing among pre-marital couples in Iran (2012).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency
      syndrome (AIDS) is a lifestyle-related disease. This disease is transmitted
      through unprotected sex, contaminated needles, infected blood transfusion and
      from mother to child during pregnancy and delivery. Prevention of infection with
      HIV, mainly through safe sex and needle exchange programmes is a solution to
      prevent the spread of the disease. Knowledge about HIV state helps to prevent and
      subsequently reduce the harm to the later generation. The purpose of this study
      was to assess the willingness rate of couples referred to the family regulation
      pre-marital counselling centre for performing HIV test before marriage in Yazd.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this descriptive study, a simple random sampling was
      done among people referred to Akbari clinic. The couples were 1000 men and 1000
      women referred to the premarital counselling centre for pre-marital HIV testing
      in Yazd in the year 2012. They were in situations of pregnancy, delivery or
      nursing and milking. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the
      Social Sciences (SPSS) software and chi-square statistical test. RESULTS: There
      was a significant statistical difference between the age groups about willingness
      for HIV testing before marriage (P < 0.001) and also positive comments about HIV
      testing in asymptomatic individuals (P < 0.001). This study also proved a
      significant statistical difference between the two gender groups about
      willingness to marry after HIV positive test of their wives. CONCLUSION: The
      willingness rate of couples to undergo HIV testing before marriage was
      significant. Therefore, HIV testing before marriage as a routine test was
      suggested.

PMID- 25114364
TI  - Nodal vascularity as an indicator of cervicofacial metastasis in oral cancer: A
      Doppler sonographic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess nodal vascularity by
      Doppler sonography and to find out the correlation between clinical and various
      Doppler sonographic features for the detection of the metastatic nodes in oral
      cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total number of 55 patients of
      histopathologically proven oral cancer presenting with enlarged superficial
      cervicofacial lymph nodes were included in the study. Patients were subjected to
      clinical examination according to a specially designed proforma and the TNM
      staging was done. If more than one enlarged nodes were present, then the node
      with the largest diameter was chosen for further Doppler ultrasonographic
      examination followed by fine needle aspiration cytology test of the same node.
      RESULTS: Correlations of patterns of color Doppler flow signals with cytological
      diagnosis showed that central type of vascular pattern was statistically
      significant parameter for benign lymph nodes and peripheral type of vascularity
      was highly significant parameter for malignant lymphadenopathy. It was found that
      the cut-off value of resistive index 0.6 was statistically significant in the
      assessment of metastatic node (P < 0.01) with a sensitivity of 45.5% and
      specificity of 93.9%. On comparison of the clinical features (TNM staging) with
      Doppler sonographic features, it was found that the characteristic features
      suggestive of malignant lymph nodes on Doppler sonography such as peripheral
      blood flow and high resistive index were more consistently and frequently
      associated with the higher sub-stages of T3 and T4 and N2b and N2c of TNM staging
      system. CONCLUSION: Nodal vascularity may be used to differentiate benign from
      malignant lymphadenopathy. Proper judicious use of non-invasive color Doppler
      ultrasonographic examination provides an opportunity to eliminate the need for
      biopsy in reactive nodes and provide treatment in a more precise manner.

PMID- 25114365
TI  - Respiratory symptom, lung function and exhaled carbon monoxide among a sample of
      traffic workers in Lagos, Nigeria: A pilot survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is a major source of air
      pollution but the impact on health in Nigeria is not well described. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study of road traffic workers and
      university students in Lagos. Eligible, accessible and willing participants were
      included in the sample. Respiratory symptoms and anthropometry were obtained from
      all the participants using an adapted Medical Research Council (MRC)
      questionnaire and they all did a spirometry test and exhaled carbon monoxide (CO)
      test. RESULTS: Fifty-nine individuals participated with complete data, including
      47 traffic policemen and 12 students who acted as controls. The mean age (SD) was
      35.1 (8.0) and 35.4 years (6.3) for the traffic workers and students,
      respectively. All the respondents were men. The mean (SD) duration of occupation
      as a traffic policeman was 4.4 (4.4) and a median of 4 years (range 1-25). There
      was no significant difference in the presentation of respiratory and non
      respiratory symptoms between the two groups. Compared with the students, the
      traffic workers had higher age, height and sex adjusted forced expiratory volume
      in one second and forced vital capacity. Traffic policemen had significantly
      higher levels of exhaled CO than the students (1.18 vs 0.73 ppm, P < 0.006).
      CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms in both traffic
      policemen and non-traffic residents of Lagos metropolis, indicating widespread
      pollution.

PMID- 25114366
TI  - Objective structured clinical examination vs traditional clinical examination: An
      evaluation of students' perception and preference in a Nigerian medical school.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Method of testing clinical competence of medical students in this
      setting has been controversial. This report evaluates the perceptions and
      preferences of 5(th) and 6(th) year medical students about traditional clinical
      examination (TCE) and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire,
      administered to 156 students, who had been previously exposed to TCE and OSCE.
      RESULTS: There were 110 (70.5%) males and 46 (29.5%) females, with median age
      group of 26-30 years. One hundred and thirty-one respondents (84%) felt TCE is
      more difficult and 20 (12.8%) felt OSCE was more difficult. One hundred and forty
      two (91%) felt OSCE was easier to pass, 8 (5.1%) felt TCE was easier to pass and
      6 (3.8%) were undecided. Majority of the 5(th) and 6(th) year students (95.5% and
      100%, respectively) preferred OSCE for assessment. In relation to validity and
      reliability of OSCE, 124 (79.5%) of all the students felt it provides a true
      measure of essential clinical skills, 130 (83.3%) felt its scores are
      standardised, 143 (91.7%) felt it is a practical and useful experience and 135
      (86.5%) felt students' personality, ethnicity and gender will not affect OSCE
      scores. Overall, there were no significant differences in preference and
      perceptions between 5(th) and 6(th) year students and between males and females.
      CONCLUSION: Students preferred OSCE as method of assessing clinical competence
      and considered it a more valid and reliable method of examination.

PMID- 25114367
TI  - Age-predicted vs. measured maximal heart rate in young team sport athletes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although maximal heart rate (HR)max is used widely to assess exercise
      intensity in sport training and particularly in various team sports, there are
      limited data with regards to the use of age-based prediction equations of HRmax
      in sport populations. The aim of this study was to compare the measured-HRmax
      with three prediction equations (Fox-HRmax = 220-age and Tanaka-HRmax = 208
      0.7*age and Nikolaidis-HRmax = 223-1.44*age) in young team sport athletes.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Athletes of soccer, futsal, basketball and water polo,
      classified into three age groups (u-12, 9-12 years, n = 50; u-15, 12-15 years, n
      = 40; u-18, 15-18 years, n = 57), all members of competitive clubs, voluntarily
      performed a graded exercise field test (20 m shuttle run endurance test) to
      assess HRmax. RESULTS: Fox-HRmax and Nikolaidis-HRmax overestimated measured
      HRmax, while Tanaka-HRmax underestimated it (P < 0.001). However, this trend was
      not consistent when examining each group separately; measured-HRmax was similar
      with Tanaka-HRmax in u-12 and u-15, while it was similar with Nikolaidis-HRmax in
      u-18. CONCLUSION: The results of this study failed to validate two widely used
      and one recently developed prediction equations in a large sample of young
      athletes, indicating the need for specific equation in different age groups.
      Therefore, coaches and fitness trainers should prefer Tanaka-HRmax when desiring
      to avoid overtraining, while Fox-HRmax and Nikolaidis-HRmax should be their
      choice in order to ensure adequate exercise intensity.

PMID- 25114368
TI  - The diagnostic value of cervicovaginal and serum ferritin levels in midgestation
      time to predict spontaneous preterm delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine diagnostic value of
      cervicovaginal ferretin and serum ferretin levels at midgestation time in
      predicting preterm delivery in singleton pregnancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      diagnostic test study through a prospective cohort design was carried out on 300
      singleton pregnant women in 2012. A blood sample was obtained from all the
      patients within 22-24 gestational weeks for laboratory assessment of serum
      ferretin, and cervicovaginal sample was also taken to assess cervicovaginal
      ferritin level. Ferritin levels were compared between term and preterm deliveries
      at 37, 34 and 32 weeks of gestation. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC)
      curves were plotted to assess the diagnostic test values. RESULTS: Mean serum
      ferritin level was 55.38 [standard deviation (SD 23.8)] ng/mL in term deliveries
      versus a mean of 91.27 (SD 25.2) ng/mL in preterm deliveries, which showed a
      statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). The ferritin levels in
      cervicovaginal term delivery group had mean of 11.29 (SD 16.2) ng/mL compared
      with a mean of 21.95 (SD 10.1) ng/mL among those with preterm delivery before 37
      weeks of gestational age(P < 0.001). The cervicovaginal ferritin level had a
      moderate to good diagnostic value with an area under curve being above 0.8 for
      all assessments. The serum ferritin level had a moderate to good diagnostic value
      with an area under curve being above 0.8 for all assessments. In both tests, its
      diagnostic value was higher for predicting preterm delivery at earlier
      gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that high levels
      of serum and cervicovaginal ferritin in singleton pregnancies may alert the
      clinician of the risk of preterm delivery. Serum and cervicovaginal ferritin
      measurement at midgestation may be used as a predictive scale for preterm
      delivery in singleton pregnancies.

PMID- 25114369
TI  - Risk factors and drug-resistance patterns among pulmonary tuberculosis patients
      in northern Karnataka region, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: India is one of the high tuberculosis (TB)-burden countries in the
      world. Resistance to anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs has already become an
      important and alarming threat in most of the regions worldwide. India ranks
      second in the world in harbouring multi-drug resistant cases (MDRTB). Prevalence
      of MDR-TB mirrors the functional state and efficacy of TB control programmes and
      realistic attitude of the community towards implementation of such programmes.
      The most important risk factor in the development of MDRTB is improper
      implementation in the guidelines in the management of TB, and high rate of
      defaults on the part of the patients. The study was carried out to evaluate the
      drug resistance pattern to first line anti-TB drugs in Northern Karnataka region,
      India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at J. N. Medical
      College and its associated Hospitals, Belgaum. Between January 2011 and December
      2012, 150 sputum samples of suspected pulmonary TB patients based on the history
      were examined for the AFB culture by Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture technique. A
      total of two early morning samples were collected for the smear [Ziehl-Neelsen
      (ZN) staining] and culture methods. It was observed that ZN staining for AFB was
      positive in 113 patients (75%), while AFB culture by LJ medium yielded growth in
      66 cases (44%). Thus, a total of 66 AFB culture-positive samples by LJ medium
      were subjected for AFB drug-sensitivity testing (DST). DST was done for Isoniazid
      (INH), Rifampicin (RIF), Pyrazinamide (PZA), Ethambutol (EMB) and Streptomycin
      (SM) after isolation by using the resistance proportion method. RESULTS: A total
      of 66 AFB culture-positive specimens, 20 (30.3%) cases were sensitive to all the
      five drugs while 46 (69.7%) cases showed resistance to one or more drugs. Among
      these, the resistance to rifampicin was highest (80.4%), while resistance to
      isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol and streptomycin were observed to be 60%,
      58.7%, 52.1% and 63%, respectively. It was also observed that, resistance to all
      five drugs was highest (39.18%). MDR isolates were obtained in 52.2% of the
      cases. Illiteracy, low socio-economic status, previous history of TB and
      alcoholism were found to have statistically significant association for the
      development of MDR. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of drug resistance in the present
      study was observed to be 69.7%. More than half of the cases were multi-drug
      resistant. The most common resistant pattern observed in this study was
      resistance to all the first-line drugs. Therefore, during initiation of new case
      proper explaining and completion of the treatment is very important to avoid the
      development of future drug resistance in the society.

PMID- 25114370
TI  - Early outcome of incisional hernia repair using polypropylene mesh: A preliminary
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of prosthetics for open repair of incisional hernia is very
      recent in our practice. We highlight our experience repairing incisional hernias
      with polypropylene mesh. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients presenting with
      incisional hernia >5 cm in length or width received open polypropylene mesh
      repair and were followed for two years. Data obtained included age, sex, primary
      surgery causing the hernia, the length of the fascial defect and previous
      attempts at repair. Post-operative wound complications were recorded. The
      integrity of the scar and patient satisfaction or concerns with the repair was
      assessed at each visit. RESULTS: Nineteen females with a mean age of 35 years
      (range 30-54) underwent repair; most arising from obstetric or gynaecological
      procedures. Sixteen (82.2%) had midline, 2 (10.5) transverse and 1 (5.3)
      Pfannenstiel scars. One patient had no previous repair (R0), 7 had undergone one
      repair (R1), 9 had undergone two repairs (R2) and 1 had three previous repairs
      (R3). The length of fascial defects ranged from 8 to 18 cm and seroma collection
      and stitch sinus were the common problems encountered. Two (10.5%) recurrences
      were recorded in two years. CONCLUSION: Open mesh repair of incisional hernia
      carries a low risk of infection and recurrence in two years.

PMID- 25114371
TI  - Accuracy of subjective assessment of fever by Nigerian mothers in under-5
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many mothers still rely on palpation to determine if their children
      have fever at home before deciding to seek medical attention or administer self
      medications. This study was carried out to determine the accuracy of subjective
      assessment of fever by Nigerian mothers in Under-5 Children. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Each eligible child had a tactile assessment of fever by the mother
      after which the axillary temperature was measured. Statistical analysis was done
      using SPSS version 19 (IBM Inc. Chicago Illinois, USA, 2010). RESULT: A total of
      113 mother/child pairs participated in the study. Palpation overestimates fever
      by 24.6%. Irrespective of the surface of the hand used for palpation, the
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive
      value (NPV) of tactile assessment were 82.4%, 37.1%, 51.9% and 71.9%,
      respectively. The use of the palmer surface of the hand had a better sensitivity
      (95.2%) than the dorsum of the hand (69.2%). The use of multiple sites had better
      sensitivity (86.7%) than the use of single site (76.2%). CONCLUSION: Tactile
      assessment of childhood fevers by mothers is still a relevant screening tool for
      the presence or absence fever. Palpation with the palmer surface of the hand
      using multiple sites improves the reliability of tactile assessment of fever.

PMID- 25114372
TI  - Post-graduate surgical training in Nigeria: The trainees' perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality surgical training is crucial to meeting manpower needs and
      creating a vibrant healthcare delivery. Feedback from trainees provides insight
      to understanding training challenges and needs to improve the programme. The
      objective of this study was to determine the challenges faced by surgical
      trainees and their perception of their training in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A questionnaire survey of trainees in 16 academic surgical training
      centres in Nigeria between September and December 2012. RESULTS: Of 235
      respondents, 227 were males (96.6%) and 8 females (3.4%) with mean age of 33.9
      years. A significant proportion (62.3%) of the respondents believed that the
      volume and diversities of surgical cases managed during their training were
      sufficient; however, 53.9% were less satisfied with their operative experience.
      Majority (71.8%) of the respondents felt "supported" by their trainers but they
      also believed that the training was skewed towards service provision. They were
      not actively involved in research due to lack of funds in 77.7%, lack of
      time/motivation in 15.8%, indifference in 11.8% and poor knowledge of research
      methods in 9.2%. Inadequate training facilities (50.7%), poor welfare (67.2%),
      inadequate sponsorship (65.9%) and poor remuneration (88.3%) were identified
      among their challenges. On the whole, majority (62.3%) believed that their
      training would adequately prepare them to function independently. CONCLUSION:
      Surgical residents in Nigeria face a variety of challenges. Based on our
      findings, a training that tracks and keeps trend with global changes through a
      higher investment in surgical training, improved facilities and residents' well
      being from both the teaching authorities and government will more likely improve
      the quality of training.

PMID- 25114373
TI  - Comparison effect of intravenous tranexamic acid and misoprostol for postpartum
      haemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the third-most common cause of
      maternal death in the United States and it is still the first prevalent cause of
      maternal death in developing countries. Active prevention of haemorrhage with an
      uterotonic or other new drugs leads to a decrease in postpartum vaginal
      haemorrhage. The aim of this study was to compare anti-haemorrhagic effect of
      Tranexamic acid (TXA) and Misoprostol for PPH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a double
      blinded randomised control clinical trial, 200 women were included after
      Caesarean or natural vaginal delivery with abnormal PPH. They were divided into
      two equal intervention and control groups. Effect of intravenous TXA and
      Misoprostol for postpartum haemorrhage was examined. RESULTS: The mean age of
      patients was 26.7 +/- 6.5 years which ranged from 14 to 43 years. The sonographic
      gestational age in the group treated with TXA was 37.7 +/- 3.4 weeks and it was
      37.4 +/- 3.3 weeks for the other group (P = 0.44). The haemorrhage in the TXA and
      Misoprostol groups was 1.2 +/- 0.33 litres and 1.18 +/- 0.47 litres, respectively
      (P = 0.79). The haemoglobin levels after 6-12 hours of labour, in TXA group was
      more than that of the Misoprostol group, but this difference was not
      statistically significant (P = 0.22 and P = 0.21, respectively). CONCLUSION:
      Regarding to the superior results in Misoprostol group in one hand and lack of
      significant differences between two groups in haemorrhage during labour, post
      partum haemoglobin level and discharge haemoglobin level, we can state that
      Misoprostol has no specific preferences to TXA, but more studies with greater
      population are needed.

PMID- 25114374
TI  - Cardiac left ventricular thrombus in protein C deficiency.
AB  - We report an exceptional case of, 33-year-old woman presenting with, dyspnoea and
      chest pain, Cardio respiratory sign and symptom related to diastolic dysfunction
      caused by mass effect of thrombosis on diastolic filling of left ventricule (LV).
      The common aetiologies of these devastating complication results in
      thrombophillia diagnosis, and echocardioghraphy showed a large mass in left
      ventricular cavity. In laboratory exam, protein C-S deficiency was confirmed
      however, others related test of thrombophillia were negative. The patient
      underwent cardiopulmonary bypass with thrombosis extraction and her sign and
      symptom, recovered uneventfully. This case report illustrates an exceedingly rare
      case of thrombophilia-induced left ventricular clot formation. 

PMID- 25114375
TI  - Coronary artery spasm: An often overlooked diagnosis.
AB  - Coronary vasospasm can lead to myocardial injury and even sudden cardiac death.
      It has generally been overlooked as a diagnosis since atherosclerosis is a more
      common cause of acute coronary syndromes and because of the dilemma involved in
      its diagnosis. A middle-aged man with a history of smoking and cocaine use
      presented to the emergency department with left-sided arm/chest discomfort and
      diaphoresis. The electrocardiogram showed anterior ST elevation and hyper-acute T
      waves, which completely resolved shortly after sublingual nitroglycerin was
      administered. Subsequent angiogram revealed a 70% focal stenosis in the mid-left
      anterior descending artery. Coronary vasospasm occurs more commonly in arteries
      with underlying atheromatous disease, although normal vessels are not excluded.
      Cigarette smoking and cocaine use are among the major culprits that have been
      implicated as risk factors for the occurrence of coronary vasospasm. Eventually,
      the patient had percutaneous coronary intervention of his left-anterior
      descending artery and remained asymptomatic. 

PMID- 25114376
TI  - See-saw pattern in ventilator graphic: Is there any story behind?
AB  - The importance of ventilator graphics cannot be over emphasized that provide the
      useful information about airway, ventilation, compliance and lung mechanics. Some
      bizarre forms of graphics are usually overlooked in view of artifacts, but
      sometimes these tracings may in fact predict some relevant information. 

PMID- 25114377
TI  - Study of the correlations among some parameters of the oxidative status,
      gelatinases, and their inhibitors in a group of subjects with metabolic syndrome.
AB  - Our aim was to examine some parameters of oxidative status, gelatinases, and
      their inhibitors and to evaluate their interrelationships in subjects with
      metabolic syndrome (MS). We enrolled 65 MS subjects, subdivided according to the
      presence or not of diabetes mellitus. We examined lipid peroxidation (expressed
      as thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, TBARS), protein oxidation (expressed
      as carbonyl groups), nitric oxide metabolites (NO x ), total antioxidant status
      (TAS), MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. We found that MS subjects, diabetics and
      nondiabetics, showed an increase in TBARS, PC, and NO x . A significant decrease
      in TAS was observed only in nondiabetic MS subjects in comparison with diabetic
      MS subjects. We observed increased concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and
      TIMP-2, higher in diabetic subjects. Our data showed a positive correlation
      between TAS and MMP-2, TAS and MMP-9, and TAS and MMP-9/TIMP-1 and a negative
      correlation between TBARS and MMP-2 in diabetic MS subjects in the entire group.
      In MS subjects a prooxidant status and increased levels of gelatinases and their
      inhibitors are evident although the correlations between oxidative stress and
      MMPs or TIMPs are controversial and need further investigation. 

PMID- 25114378
TI  - Overexpression and selectively regulatory roles of IL-23/IL-17 axis in the
      lesions of oral lichen planus.
AB  - Interleukin- (IL-) 23/IL-17 axis is a newly discovered proinflammatory signaling
      pathway and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory
      and immune disorders. Here we investigated whether the IL-23/IL-17 axis was
      present and functional in the lesions of oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic
      inflammatory disease affecting the oral mucosa. Using immunohistochemistry and
      quantitative PCR, we found that the subunits of IL-23 and IL-17 were
      overexpressed in OLP lesions than in normal oral mucosa tissues. In addition, the
      expressions of IL-23 and IL-17 are positively correlated in reticular OLP
      tissues. Results from in vitro studies revealed that exogenous IL-23 could
      increase the percentage of Th17 cells and IL-17 production in the CD4+T cells
      from reticular OLP patients. Furthermore, we also found that exogenous IL-17
      could significantly enhance the mRNA expressions of beta-defensin-2, -3, CCL-20,
      IL-8, and TNF-alpha, but not beta-defensin-1, CXCL-9, -10, -11, CCL-5, and IL-6
      in human oral keratinocytes. Taken together, our results revealed an
      overexpression pattern and selectively regulatory roles of IL-23/IL-17 axis in
      the OLP lesions, suggesting that it may be a pivotal regulatory pathway in the
      complex immune network of OLP lesions. 

PMID- 25114382
TI  - Guest editorial.

PMID- 25114381
TI  - Pursuing a radiology career: Private practice or academic ?

PMID- 25114379
TI  - Overexpression of receptor for advanced glycation end products and high-mobility
      group box 1 in human dental pulp inflammation.
AB  - High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a nonhistone DNA-binding protein, is released
      into the extracellular space and promotes inflammation. HMGB1 binds to related
      cell signaling transduction receptors, including receptor for advanced glycation
      end products (RAGE), which actively participate in vascular and inflammatory
      diseases. The aim of this study was to examine whether RAGE and HMGB1 are
      involved in the pathogenesis of pulpitis and investigate the effect of Prevotella
      intermedia (P. intermedia) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on RAGE and HMGB1 expression
      in odontoblast-like cells (OLC-1). RAGE and HMGB1 expression levels in clinically
      inflamed dental pulp were higher than those in healthy dental pulp. Upregulated
      expression of RAGE was observed in odontoblasts, stromal pulp fibroblasts-like
      cells, and endothelial-like cell lining human pulpitis tissue. Strong cytoplasmic
      HMGB1 immunoreactivity was noted in odontoblasts, whereas nuclear HMGB1
      immunoreactivity was seen in stromal pulp fibroblasts-like cells in human
      pulpitis tissue. LPS stimulated OLC-1 cells produced HMGB1 in a dose-dependent
      manner through RAGE. HMGB1 translocation towards the cytoplasm and secretion from
      OLC-1 in response to LPS was inhibited by TPCA-1, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB
      activation. These findings suggest that RAGE and HMGB1 play an important role in
      the pulpal immune response to oral bacterial infection. 

PMID- 25114380
TI  - Impaired resolution of inflammation in the Endoglin heterozygous mouse model of
      chronic colitis.
AB  - Endoglin is a coreceptor of the TGF-beta superfamily predominantly expressed on
      the vascular endothelium and selective subsets of immune cells. We previously
      demonstrated that Endoglin heterozygous (Eng (+/-)) mice subjected to dextran
      sulfate sodium (DSS) developed persistent gut inflammation and pathological
      angiogenesis. We now report that colitic Eng (+/-) mice have low colonic levels
      of active TGF-beta1, which was associated with reduced expression of
      thrombospondin-1, an angiostatic factor known to activate TGF-beta1. We also
      demonstrate dysregulated expression of BMPER and follistatin, which are
      extracellular regulators of the TGF-beta superfamily that modulate angiogenesis
      and inflammation. Heightened colonic levels of the neutrophil chemoattractant and
      proangiogenic factor, CXCL1, were also observed in DSS-treated Eng (+/-) mice.
      Interestingly, despite increased macrophage and neutrophil infiltration, a gut
      specific reduction in expression of the key phagocytic respiratory burst enzymes,
      NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox-2) and myeloperoxidase, was seen in Eng (+/-) mice
      undergoing persistent inflammation. Taken together, these findings suggest that
      endoglin is required for TGF-beta superfamily mediated resolution of inflammation
      and fully functional myeloid cells. 

PMID- 25114383
TI  - Role of MR spectroscopy in musculoskeletal imaging.
AB  - Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an imaging approach that allows for the
      noninvasive molecular characterization of a region of interest. By detecting
      signals of water, lipids, and other metabolites, MRS can provide metabolic
      information for lesion characterization and assessment of treatment response.
      Although MRS has been routinely used in the brain, clinical applications within
      the musculoskeletal system have only more recently emerged. The aim of this
      article is to review the technical considerations for performing MRS in the
      musculoskeletal system, focusing on proton MRS, and to discuss its potential
      roles in musculoskeletal tumor imaging and the assessment of muscle physiology
      and disease. 

PMID- 25114384
TI  - Peripheral nerve injury grading simplified on MR neurography: As referenced to
      Seddon and Sunderland classifications.
AB  - The Seddon and Sunderland classifications have been used by physicians for
      peripheral nerve injury grading and treatment. While Seddon classification is
      simpler to follow and more relevant to electrophysiologists, the Sunderland
      grading is more often used by surgeons to decide when and how to intervene. With
      increasing availability of high-resolution and high soft-tissue contrast imaging
      provided by MR neurography, the surgical treatment can be guided following the
      above-described grading systems. The article discusses peripheral nerve anatomy,
      pathophysiology of nerve injury, traditional grading systems for classifying the
      severity of nerve injury, and the role of MR neurography in this domain, with
      respective clinical and surgical correlations, as one follows the anatomic paths
      of various nerve injury grading systems. 

PMID- 25114385
TI  - Bone tumor mimickers: A pictorial essay.
AB  - Focal lesions in bone are very common and many of these lesions are not bone
      tumors. These bone tumor mimickers can include numerous normal anatomic variants
      and non-neoplastic processes. Many of these tumor mimickers can be left alone,
      while others can be due to a significant disease process. It is important for the
      radiologist and clinician to be aware of these bone tumor mimickers and
      understand the characteristic features which allow discrimination between them
      and true neoplasms in order to avoid unnecessary additional workup. Knowing which
      lesions to leave alone or which ones require workup can prevent misdiagnosis and
      reduce patient anxiety. 

PMID- 25114386
TI  - Imaging of articular cartilage.
AB  - We tried to review the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in understanding
      microscopic and morphologic structure of the articular cartilage. The optimal
      protocols and available spin-echo sequences in present day practice are reviewed
      in context of common pathologies of articular cartilage. The future trends of
      articular cartilage imaging have been discussed with their appropriateness. In
      diarthrodial joints of the body, articular cartilage is functionally very
      important. It is frequently exposed to trauma, degeneration, and repetitive wear
      and tear. MRI has played a vital role in evaluation of articular cartilage. With
      the availability of advanced repair surgeries for cartilage lesions, there has
      been an increased demand for improved cartilage imaging techniques. Recent
      advances in imaging strategies for native and postoperative articular cartilage
      open up an entirely new approach in management of cartilage-related pathologies. 

PMID- 25114388
TI  - Role of ultrasound in evaluation of peripheral nerves.
AB  - Ultrasonography (USG) is an excellent cost-effective modality in imaging of
      peripheral nerves. With the newer high-frequency probes with different footprints
      which allow high-resolution imaging at relatively superficial location, USG can
      detect and evaluate traumatic, inflammatory, infective, neoplastic, and
      compressive pathologies of the peripheral nerves. This article describes the
      technique for evaluation of nerves by USG as well as the USG appearances of
      normal and diseased peripheral nerves. 

PMID- 25114387
TI  - Imaging of cartilage repair procedures.
AB  - The rationale for cartilage repair is to prevent precocious osteoarthritis in
      untreated focal cartilage injuries in the young and middle-aged population. The
      gamut of surgical techniques, normal postoperative radiological appearances, and
      possible complications have been described. An objective method of recording the
      quality of repair tissue is with the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage
      repair tissue (MOCART) score. This scoring system evaluates nine parameters that
      include the extent of defect filling, border zone integration, signal intensity,
      quality of structure and surface, subchondral bone, subchondral lamina, and
      records presence or absence of synovitis and adhesions. The five common
      techniques of cartilage repair currently offered include bone marrow stimulation
      (microfracture or drilling), mosaicplasty, synthetic resorbable scaffold grafts,
      osteochondral allograft transplants, and autologous chondrocyte implantation
      (ACI). Complications of cartilage repair procedures that may be demonstrated on
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) include plug loosening, graft protuberance,
      graft depression, and collapse in mosaicplasty, graft hypertrophy in ACI, and
      immune response leading to graft rejection, which is more common with synthetic
      grafts and cadaveric allografts. 

PMID- 25114389
TI  - Comparison of conventional MRI and MR arthrography in the evaluation wrist
      ligament tears: A preliminary experience.
AB  - AIMS: To compare conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and direct
      magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in the evaluation of triangular
      fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and intrinsic wrist ligament tears. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: T1-weighted, fat suppressed (FS) proton density plus T2-weighted (FS
      PD/T2), 3D multiple-echo data image combination (MEDIC) sequences and direct MR
      arthrography were performed in 53 patients with wrist pain. Images were evaluated
      for the presence and location of TFCC, scapholunate ligament (SLL) and
      lunatotriquetral ligament (LTL) tears, and imaging findings were compared with
      operative findings in 16 patients who underwent arthroscopy or open surgery (gold
      standard). RESULTS: SIXTEEN PATIENTS UNDERWENT ARTHROSCOPY/OPEN SURGERY: 12 TFCC
      tears were detected arthroscopically out of which 9 were detected on FS PD/T2
      sequence, 10 on MEDIC sequence, and all 12 were detected on MR arthrography. The
      sensitivities of FS PD/T2, MEDIC sequences, and MR arthrography in the detection
      of TFCC tears were 75%, 83.3%, and 100%, respectively. Out of the eight
      arthroscopically confirmed SLL tears, three tears were detected on FS PD/T2
      sequence, five on MEDIC sequence, and all eight were visualized on MR
      arthrography. The sensitivities of FS PD/T2, MEDIC sequences, and MR arthrography
      in detecting SLL tears were 37.5%, 62.5%, and 100%, respectively. One
      arthroscopically confirmed LTL tear was diagnosed on FS PD/T2 sequence, three on
      MEDIC sequence, and all five arthroscopically confirmed LTL tears were detected
      with MR arthrography. The sensitivities of PD, MEDIC sequences, and MR
      arthrography in detecting LTL tears were 20%, 40%, and 100%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: MR arthrography is the most sensitive and specific imaging modality
      for the evaluation of wrist ligament tears.

PMID- 25114390
TI  - Bilateral congenital absence of flexor pollicis longus with thumb hypoplasia and
      thenar atrophy.
AB  - Congenital absence of flexor pollicis longus with or without associated anomalies
      of thenar muscles and thumb is of rare occurrence. Inability to flex the
      interphalangeal joint of the thumb and absent dorsal wrinkles and flexion creases
      of the thumb are important clues to the diagnosis. Routine radiography and cross
      sectional imaging help to confirm and document the condition. This article
      presents an extremely rare case of bilateral congenital absence of flexor
      pollicis longus tendon with thumb hypoplasia and thenar atrophy. 

PMID- 25114391
TI  - Seronegative spondyloarthropathy-related sacroiliitis: CT, MRI features and
      differentials.
AB  - Seronegative spondyloarthropathy is a group of chronic inflammatory rheumatic
      diseases that predominantly affect the axial skeleton. Involvement of sacroiliac
      joint is considered a hallmark for diagnosis of seronegative spondyloarthropathy
      and is usually the first manifestation of this condition. It is essential for the
      radiologist to know the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) features of spondyloarthropathy-related sacroiliitis as imaging plays an
      important role in diagnosis and evaluation of response to treatment. We present a
      pictorial essay of CT and MRI imaging findings in seronegative
      spondyloarthropathy-related sacroiliitis in various stages and highlight common
      differentials that need to be considered. 

PMID- 25114393
TI  - Morel-Lavallee lesion: A closed degloving injury that requires real attention.
AB  - Morel-Lavallee lesions are post-traumatic, closed degloving injuries occurring
      deep to subcutaneous plane due to disruption of capillaries resulting in an
      effusion containing hemolymph and necrotic fat. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      is the modality of choice in the evaluation of Morel-Lavallee lesion. Early
      diagnosis and management is essential as any delay in diagnosis or missed lesion
      will lead to the effusion becoming infected or leading to extensive skin
      necrosis. 

PMID- 25114392
TI  - Bone marrow lesions: A systematic diagnostic approach.
AB  - Bone marrow lesions on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are common and may be seen
      with various pathologies. The authors outline a systematic diagnostic approach
      with proposed categorization of various etiologies of bone marrow lesions.
      Utilization of typical imaging features on conventional MR imaging techniques and
      other problem-solving techniques, such as chemical shift imaging and diffusion
      weighted imaging (DWI), to achieve accurate final diagnosis has been highlighted.

PMID- 25114394
TI  - MRI imaging of displaced meniscal tears: Report of a case highlighting new
      potential pitfalls of the MRI signs.
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been found to be an excellent imaging tool
      for meniscal injuries. Various MRI signs have been described to detect displaced
      meniscal injuries, specifically the bucket-handle tears. Although these signs are
      quite helpful in diagnosing meniscal tears, various pitfalls have also been
      reported for these signs. Double anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sign refers to
      presence of a linear hypointense soft tissue anterior to the ACL, which
      represented the flipped bucket-handle tear of the meniscus. Disproportional
      posterior horn and flipped meniscus signs represent asymmetrically thickened
      horns of the menisci due to overlying displaced meniscal fragments. We report a
      case wherein MRI of the knee showed tear and displacement of the medial
      patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) and vastus medialis complex, medial collateral
      ligament (MCL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) mimicking these signs. To
      our knowledge, internally displaced MPFL and MCLs have not been described as
      mimics for displaced meniscal fragments. 

PMID- 25114395
TI  - Antral follicle count in normal (fertility-proven) and infertile Indian women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antral follicle count (AFC) has been labeled as the most accurate
      biomarker to assess female fecundity. Unfortunately, no baseline Indian data
      exists, and we continue using surrogate values from the Western literature
      (inferred from studies on women, grossly different than Indian women in
      morphology and genetic makeup). AIMS: (1) To establish the role of AFC as a
      function of ovarian reserve in fertility-proven and in subfertile Indian women.
      (2) To establish baseline cut-off AFC values for Indian women. SETTINGS AND
      DESIGN: Prospective observational case-control study. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Thirty patients undergoing workup for infertility were included and compared to
      equal number of controls (women with proven fertility). The basal ovarian volume
      and AFC were measured by endovaginal. USG the relevant clinical data and hormonal
      assays were charted for every patient. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: SPSS platform
      was used to perform the Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test for intergroup
      comparisons. Correlations were determined by Pearson's ranked correlation
      coefficient. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed the highest correlation of AFC
      and age in fertile and infertile patients with difference in mean AFC of both the
      groups. Comparison of the data recorded for cases and controls showed no
      significant difference in the mean ovarian volume. CONCLUSIONS: AFC has the
      closest association with chronological age in normal and infertile Indian women.
      The same is lower in infertile women than in matched controls. Baseline and cut
      off values in Indian women are lower than that mentioned in the Western
      literature.

PMID- 25114396
TI  - Transient angioedema of small bowel secondary to intravenous iodinated contrast
      medium.
AB  - We report the clinical details and imaging findings of a case of transient
      angioedema of the small bowel following intravenous administration of non-ionic
      iodinated contrast material in a 17 year old female with no predisposing risk
      factors. Findings included long segment, symmetric, circumferential, low-density,
      bowel wall thickening involving the duodenum, jejunum, and most of the ileum on
      computed tomography scan obtained at 7 min following intravenous contrast
      material injection. This entity is self-limiting with a favourable clinical
      outcome and requires no specific treatment but only aggressive clinical
      monitoring. 

PMID- 25114397
TI  - Imaging in emphysematous epididymo-orchitis: A rare cause of acute scrotum.
AB  - Emphysematous epididymo-orchitis is an uncommon, acute inflammatory process of
      epididymis and testis characterized by the presence of air within the tissue.
      Patient presents with fever, acute pain, swelling and tenderness in the scrotum.
      Imaging is needed for rapid accurate diagnosis and to differentiate it from other
      causes of acute scrotum such as testicular torsion. We report a case of
      emphysematous epididymo-orchitis with imaging findings on plain radiography,
      ultrasound, CT and MRI and a brief review of the literature. 

PMID- 25114398
TI  - Prevalence of bombay group blood in southern bengal population.

PMID- 25114399
TI  - Primary hepatic lymphoma: dilemmas in diagnostic approach and therapeutic
      management.
AB  - Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is a very rare malignancy and is characterized by
      liver involvement at presentation with no affectation of the spleen, lymph nodes,
      peripheral blood, bone marrow, or other tissues until at least 6 months after
      diagnosis. PHL should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a patient
      with space-occupying liver lesions and normal levels of alpha-fetoprotein and
      CEA. A computed tomography (CT) scan is the commonly used modality for staging
      lymphomas. The widespread use of positron emission tomography/CT results in the
      improvement in the accuracy of detecting the extent of disease, response
      evaluation, and prognostication. The liver biopsy, due to its pleomorphic
      appearances in the needle biopsy specimen, can be very challenging. Current
      literature favors the combination of chemotherapy as the frontline treatment for
      its least invasiveness and improved survival. Favorable prognosis of PHL can be
      obtained by early surgery combined with chemotherapy in strictly selected
      patients. However, the optimal therapy is still unclear and the outcomes are
      uncertain. 

PMID- 25114400
TI  - Blood substitutes: possibilities with nanotechnology.
AB  - Nanotechnology deals with molecules in the nanometer (10(-9)) range and is
      currently being used successfully in the field of medicine. Nanotechnology has
      important implications in nearly all the branches of medicine and it has all the
      capabilities to revolutionize the vast field of medicine in future.
      Nanotechnological advancements have been used for the preparation of artificial
      hemoglobin. It is formed by assembling the hemoglobin molecules into a soluble
      complex. A recent approach includes the assembling of this artificial hemoglobin
      with enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase into a nano-complex. This
      complex acts as an oxygen carrier as well as an antioxidant in conditions with
      ischemia-reperfusion injuries. 

PMID- 25114401
TI  - Ocular adnexal lymphomas: report of 2 cases of mantle cell lymphomas and short
      review of literature.
AB  - Mantle cell lymphoma in ocular region is a rare phenomenon which can be either
      primary or secondary. Most of these cases are usually diagnosed after excisional
      biopsy of the involved area with first visit being in the Ophthalmology OPD. We
      share our experience of two such cases being referred from Ophthalmology OPD. 1st
      case is about a 52-year-old man who came for complaints of redness of left eye
      with excessive lacrimation. Examination revealed congestion of left temporal
      bulbar conjunctiva and a small pinkish outgrowth 2 * 2 cm adherent to temporal
      bulbar conjunctiva. 2nd case is a 55-year-old gentlemen who presented with
      complaints for 8 months duration of swelling left eyelid. Excisional biopsy and
      histopathological examination in both the cases were done to confirm the
      diagnosis. CECT head and neck were done at baseline and during follow up. These
      cases are being presented due to the rarity and dramatic response to
      chemotherapy. 

PMID- 25114402
TI  - Platelet storage media change the expression characteristics of the platelet
      derived microparticles.
AB  - Activated platelets shed microparticles in vivo and definitely in vitro upon
      aging under storage. Studies about the platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs)
      produced in different storage media of PC were very limited. The aim of this
      research was to compare some surface molecules of these microvesicles in
      dissimilar microenvironments; plasma and the candidate medium for the platelet
      concentrate, Composol. Thirty units of PCs were prepared from Iranian Blood
      Transfusion Organization. Each unit was divided into two portions. In one of the
      portions, plasma was replaced with Composol using a connecting device instrument.
      MPs were isolated from PC and the levels of PS exposure (the annexin-binding
      capacity) and binding to vWF were surveyed on their surface using ELISA and flow
      cytometry techniques. The levels of PS exposure were increased on MPs during 7
      days storage in the both media but the differences were not significant (P value
      >0.05). In addition, binding of PMP to vWF was declined during storage. The
      binding capabilities of PMP were significantly higher in Composol than that of
      plasma at the day 4 or 7 of storage (P value = 001). It seemed that the binding
      of PMPs to vWF was affected from the storage media of PC (plasma and Composol)
      but PS exposure was not affected from the type of storage media. 

PMID- 25114403
TI  - Blood transfusion practice in obstetric and gynecology: impact of educational
      programs to create awareness for judicious use of blood components.
AB  - The study presents the data analysis (1) To find out the trend of blood component
      use during the period 2003-2010 and to determine impact of component awareness
      programs on reduction in whole blood (WB) and single unit transfusions. (2) To
      determine Hb trigger. The details about blood units issued were entered in the
      integrated blood bank management software as well as in Microsoft Excel. The data
      of 4,838 cases of pregnancy anemia; 2,244 receiving blood for obstetric (Ob)
      hemorrhage including 270 cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation; 1,413
      women having Gynecological (Gy) bleeding; 911 Ob, 2,032 Gy and 740 surgeries for
      Gy malignancy were analyzed. During the years 2003-2010 there was gradual
      increase in component utilization for pregnancy anemia, Ob/Gy surgeries and Ob/Gy
      bleeding and significant reduction in WB transfusions due to component awareness
      programs. But single unit transfusions showed comparatively lower trend of
      reduction. The mean Hb was 6.4 g/dL for pregnancy anemia, 8.1 g/dL for surgeries
      and 7.3 g/dL for Ob/Gy bleeding. 

PMID- 25114404
TI  - Hairy cell leukemia: clinicopathological and immunophenotypic study.
AB  - Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare neoplasm of mature small B lymphoid cells
      with characteristic circumferential 'hairy projections' involving the peripheral
      blood, bone marrow and splenic red pulp. With the advent of immunophenotyping and
      newer treatment modalities, prolonged remission can be achieved after a
      definitive diagnosis. Due to the rarity of this condition and presence of only a
      few case series from India, this work was undertaken. The aim was to study the
      clinico-pathologic and immunophenotypic features of all cases diagnosed as hairy
      cell leukemia. The cases were retrieved from Hematopathology records, between
      1991 and 2012. The complete clinical details, investigations, treatment and
      follow-up were obtained from Medical Oncology records. The peripheral blood
      picture, bone marrow cytology and trephine sections along with special stains
      were reviewed. There were 12 cases of HCL during the study period with a M:F
      ratio of 11:1. Of these, ten were diagnosed as classical HCL and two as variant
      HCL. The most common clinical manifestations were fever, easy fatigability and
      weakness. Splenomegaly was present in 81.8 % cases. Though all the patients
      showed some form of cytopenia, there were three (25 %) patients with
      leucocytosis. The smears from all patients showed atypical lymphoid cells with
      circumferential hairy projections. TRAP was positive in 9 patients (81.8 %).
      Immunophenotyping was done in six cases, four were confirmed as HCL and two were
      diagnosed as HCL-v. The patients treated with Cladribine generally had a good
      response. The characteristic morphology of the hairy cells; along with
      correlation with the clinical features, TRAP positivity and immunophenotyping by
      flow cytometry is essential for diagnosis. Treatment response with Cladribine is
      good and has prolonged remission rates. 

PMID- 25114405
TI  - Frequency of alloantibodies among chronic renal failure patients in red sea
      state.
AB  - Chronic renal failure patients need regular blood transfusion support to treat
      anemia and the development of erythrocyte alloantibodies complicates transfusion
      therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and specificity of
      alloantibodies against red cell antigens in CRF patients. This was a descriptive
      cross-sectional study done in the blood bank, Port Sudan, during the period of
      May-September 2012. A total of 84 patients (58 male and 26 female) with CRF who
      received at least one unit of RBC matched for ABO & Rh(D) antigens only were
      enrolled. Sera were screened for the presence of alloantibody by antibody
      screening test. The positive samples were subjected for antibody identification.
      The incidence of alloantibody among CRF patients was 13.1 % and the most common
      alloantibodies were Anti-c (27.3 %), anti-C (18.2 %), and anti-K (18.2 %). The
      risk of alloimmunization among CRF patients was 4.8 % with the frequency of 13.1
      % and Anti-c being the commonest alloantibodies identified. 

PMID- 25114406
TI  - Epstein-Barr Viral Load is Associated to Response in AIDS-Related Lymphomas.
AB  - AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL) development is associated to immunodeficiency state
      with proliferation of B-cells driven by HIV itself and EBV infection. However,
      Epstein-Barr DNA is not detected in malignant cells of all ARL subtypes. A
      prospective and controlled study to analyze EBV viral load (VL) in plasma and
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of ARL patients was performed to
      analyze if Epstein-Barr VL could be related to response in these patients.
      Fifteen patients with ARL were included in this study with measurement of EBV VL
      at three different periods of time: at lymphoma diagnosis, upon completion of
      chemotherapy, and 3 months after. Two control groups composed by HIV-negative and
      HIV-positive patients were also evaluated for EBV VL comparison. In situ
      hybridization for EBER was performed on diagnostic samples of all ARL patients.
      Median EBV VL in PBMC and plasma had a significant decrease (p = 0.022 and p =
      0.003, respectively) after ARL treatment. EBER was positive in 7 (46.7 %) cases.
      Median EBV VL in PBMC before lymphoma treatment in patients positive for EBER was
      significantly higher compared to EBER negative cases (p = 0.041). Reduction of
      EBV viral load during treatment of lymphoma could be predictive of response. EBER
      expression was associated to advanced stages of disease and worse immune status.
      Our study suggests that measurement of EBV VL during ARL treatment could be used
      as a marker for response, but further studies are needed to validate this
      association. 

PMID- 25114407
TI  - Pleural effusion as an unusual initial presentation of acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Pleural effusions in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can have wide differential
      diagnosis, however AML presenting as pleural effusion with leukemic infiltration
      is rarely documented. A 22 year old male presented with pleural effusion for 3
      months and subsequently diagnosed as AML M2, which prompted us for this
      communication. 

PMID- 25114408
TI  - Rare case of acquired haemophilia and lupus anticoagulant.
AB  - Acquired haemophilia or factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency, caused by FVIII inhibitor
      antibodies, is a very rare condition that commonly results in severe haemorrhagic
      complications. We report a case of acquired haemophilia presenting with multiple
      bluish patches affecting face, neck, upper & lower limbs, history of gum bleeding
      and left knee haemarthrosis. The patient was found to have acquired FVIII
      inhibitor and lupus anticoagulant (LAC). The simultaneous presence of LAC and
      FVIII inhibitor is exceedingly rare. The differentiation between these two
      conditions is crucial, because both result in a prolongation of the activated
      partial thromboplastin time test, which does not correct when mixed with the
      plasma of a normal control; however, the clinical manifestations range from
      thrombosis in the presence of LAC to massive haemorrhage with FVIII inhibitors. 

PMID- 25114409
TI  - Pseudo chediak-higashi granules in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a rare entity.
AB  - Pseudo-Chediak-Highashi granules are giant cytoplasmic inclusions commonly
      encountered in myeloblasts or other myeloid precursors in acute myeloid leukemia
      and myelodysplastic syndromes. They derive their name from the inherited Chediak
      Higashi syndrome that presents with oculocutaneous albinism, chronic infections
      and platelet dense granule deficiency. We report possibly the third case in world
      literature where these granules were seen in the blast cells of acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia in a 15-year-old male. 

PMID- 25114410
TI  - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
AB  - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an immune disorder characterized by
      uncontrolled inflammation due to defective immune response. It may be familial or
      acquired, but both share a common feature of threatening the life of a patient
      and may lead to death unless treated by appropriate treatment. Here in we report
      a case of adult HLH. 

PMID- 25114411
TI  - A rare case of anti-jk3 antibody detected on pre-transfusion investigation.
AB  - We report a 47-year-old Malay lady, para 4 + 1, with known medical history of
      hypertension whom presented at Emergency Department with severe anaemia, most
      likely secondary to menorrhagia caused by uterine fibroids. Her haemoglobin was
      5.5 g/dl and she was transfused with three units of packed cell without any
      adverse reaction, her haemoglobin level increased to 9.8 g/dl. She was then
      planned for total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
      later. Four months later when she came for the elective surgery, her pre
      transfusion investigations showed blood group as B Rh D positive, with a probable
      R1R1 phenotype. Her antibody screening was positive in all the three panel cells.
      Further testings showed a negative Direct Coomb's test and negative autocontrol,
      antibody identification showed pan-agglutination reaction on all 11 panel cells
      with enzyme enhancement. Patient's red cell phenotype was Jk(a-b-). Anti-Jk3 was
      suspected and further confirmed in the reference laboratory by phenotyping as
      well as negative urea lysis test. This case report highlights an extremely rare
      but clinically significant anti-JK3 antibody detected during pretransfusion
      testing. This phenotype is rare in the white population, more commonly seen in
      various polynesians. Increased awareness among the blood bank personnel regarding
      the variability of the blood group phenotype and the capricious nature of the
      Kidd antibodies may contribute to the better management of these patients. 

PMID- 25114412
TI  - Chronic idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis treated with a mesocaval
      shunt procedure and anticoagulation.
AB  - Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) was first reported in 1868 by Balfour and Stewart
      and is a medical condition in which the lumen of the portal vein is completely or
      partially obstructed due to the presence of a thrombus [1]. Inherited (Factor V
      Leiden and Prothrombin gene mutation G201210A, Protein C, S and Anti thrombin III
      deficiency) and acquired thrombophilias (Lupus Anticoagulant, myeloproliferative
      diseases, malignancy, surgery and trauma) account for majority of the cases of
      PVT. 

PMID- 25114413
TI  - Platelet satellitism: a rare, interesting, in vitro phenomenon.
AB  - Platelet satellitism is a unique, uncommon, in vitro phenomenon seen in
      peripheral blood smears prepared from EDTA-mixed blood. This is seen in the form
      of platelets adhering to polymorphonuclear leucocytes imparting a rosette-like
      appearance. There is no definite causal association with any disease. The cause
      may be immunological or non-immunological. Severe rosetting may lead to a
      misdiagnosis of thrombocytopenia unless peripheral smears are examined. Here, we
      describe a case of incidentally detected platelet satellitism in a healthy 48
      year old male subject during a routine check-up. 

PMID- 25114414
TI  - Fascia lata allograft bridging of a rotator cuff tear in a rabbit animal model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite advances in surgical treatment options, large rotator cuff (r-c)
      tears still represent a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the temporary and spatial histological incorporation of
      fascia lata allografts, used for bridging artificially created defects of the r
      c. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two rabbits were divided into two groups and a
      supraspinatus tendinous defect was created. Half of the rabbit population
      underwent repair only, while in the other half, the defect was bridged utilizing
      fascia lata allograft. The animals were euthanized at 2, 4, and 6 weeks
      postoperative. Half of the specimens were evaluated histologically and the other
      half underwent mechanical testing. RESULTS: There was an increased remodeling
      activity, fibroblastic in growth and strong presence of collagen fibers observed
      at 6 weeks on both groups. A gradually increasing mechanical strength was noticed
      by week 6 and increased toughness was also found at the same time period. There
      was no significant difference observed between the two groups regarding their
      histological and mechanical properties. CONCLUSIONS: In the difficult scenario of
      a large irreparable tear where the simple suture of the remaining r-c is
      impossible, allograft bridging, could be used with satisfactory results. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Treatment Study, Level 1.

PMID- 25114415
TI  - Complications after subpectoral biceps tenodesis using a dual suture anchor
      technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: A variety of fixation techniques for subpectoral biceps tenodeses have
      been described including interference screw and suture anchor fixation.
      Biomechanical data suggests that dual suture anchor fixation has equivalent
      strength compared to interference screw fixation. The purpose of the study is to
      determine the early complication rate after subpectoral biceps tenodesis
      utilizing a dual suture anchor technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 103
      open subpectoral biceps tenodeses were performed over a 3-year period using a
      dual suture anchor technique. There were 72 male and 31 female shoulders. The
      average age at the time of tenodesis was 45.5 years. 41 patients had a minimum of
      6 months clinical follow-up (range, 6 to 45 months). The tenodesis was performed
      for biceps tendonitis, superior labral tears, biceps tendon subluxation, biceps
      tendon partial tears, and revisions of prior tenodeses. RESULTS: There were a
      total of 7 complications (7%) in the entire group. There were 4 superficial wound
      infections (4%). There were 2 temporary nerve palsies (2%) resulting from the
      interscalene block. One patient had persistent numbness of the ear and a second
      patient had a temporary phrenic nerve palsy resulting in respiratory dysfunction
      and hospital admission. One patient developed a pulmonary embolism requiring
      hospital admission and anticoagulation. There were no hematomas, wound
      dehiscences, peripheral nerve injuries, or ruptures. In the sub-group of patients
      with a minimum of 6 months clinical follow-up, the only complication was a single
      wound infection treated with oral antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Subpectoral biceps
      tenodesis utilizing a dual suture anchor technique has a low early complication
      rate with no ruptures or deep infections. The complication rate is comparable to
      those previously reported for interference screw subpectoral tenodesis and should
      be considered as a reasonable alternative to interference screw fixation. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-Retrospective Case Series.

PMID- 25114416
TI  - Sudden severe postoperative dyspnea following shoulder surgery: Remember
      inadvertent phrenic nerve block due to interscalene brachial plexus block.
AB  - Advanced imaging techniques, improved operative techniques, and instrumentation
      combined with better patient awareness and expectations have resulted in an
      exponential increase in upper limb surgical procedures during recent times.
      Surgical teams expect superior analgesia and regional blocks have matched these
      expectations quite often resulting in improved patient satisfaction and early
      rehabilitation to achieve best results. Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial
      plexus block (ISB) is commonly used to provide analgesia for procedures involving
      shoulder girdle. We report a case of symptomatic hemi-diaphragmatic paresis (HDP)
      due to the phrenic nerve block following ISB for arthroscopic sub-acromial
      decompression of the shoulder presenting as severe postoperative dyspnea. There
      is strong evidence of HDP following ISB in anesthetic literature, but not
      reported in related surgical specialties such as orthopedics. We wish to inform
      upper-limb surgeons and educate junior doctors and other ancillary staff working
      in upper-limb units to be aware of this serious but reversible complication. 

PMID- 25114417
TI  - Osteochondral humeral head fracture after posterior shoulder subluxation: A case
      report.
AB  - Traumatic posterior shoulder subluxations are rare entities which require
      clinical suspicion upon presentation. Although literature presents many sequels
      of posterior shoulder subluxations, we have not come across any shearing type
      osteochondral fracture in the literature. In this case report we present
      diagnosis, treatment and follow-up results of this rare fracture in a 26-year-old
      male following a fall from a motorcycle. 

PMID- 25114418
TI  - An unusual cause of mass in the shoulder: A primary hydatid cyst.
AB  - A hydatid cyst is a zoonotic infection which may affect any organ and tissue,
      particularly the liver and the lung. Primary muscular hydatid cysts comprise less
      than 0.7-3% of the cases. The hydatid cysts must be kept in mind to avoid a
      diagnostic puncture in cystic lesions to avoid the spreading of the disease. In
      this case report, we present an exceptionally rare case with an unusual
      localization of a primary hydatid cyst in the left deltoid muscle. 

PMID- 25114419
TI  - Myositis ossificans of the humeral insertion of pectoralis major.
AB  - We report on a rare case of myositis ossificans of the humeral insertion of
      pectoralis major muscle following a single episode of trauma which, to our
      knowledge, has not previously been documented. 

PMID- 25114420
TI  - What's new in emergencies, trauma, and shock? Heparin in severe traumatic brain
      injury: Beyond venous thromboembolism prevention?

PMID- 25114421
TI  - Early initiation of prophylactic heparin in severe traumatic brain injury is
      associated with accelerated improvement on brain imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolic prophylaxis (VTEp) is often delayed following
      traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet animal data suggest that it may reduce cerebral
      inflammation and improve cognitive recovery. We hypothesized that earlier VTEp
      initiation in severe TBI patients would result in more rapid neurologic recovery
      and reduced progression of brain injury on radiologic imaging. STUDY DESIGN:
      Medical charts of severe TBI patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center in 2009
      2010 were queried for admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), head Abbreviated Injury
      Scale, Injury Severity Score (ISS), osmotherapy use, emergency neurosurgery, and
      delay to VTEp initiation. Progression (+1 = better, 0 = no change, -1 = worse) of
      brain injury on head CTs and neurologic exam (by bedside MD, nurse) was collected
      from patient charts. Head CT scan Marshall scores were calculated from the
      initial head CT results. RESULTS: A total of 22, 34, and 19 patients received
      VTEp at early (<3 days), intermediate (3-5 days), and late (>5 days) time
      intervals, respectively. Clinical and radiologic brain injury characteristics on
      admission were similar among the three groups (P > 0.05), but ISS was greatest in
      the early group (P < 0.05). Initial head CT Marshall scores were similar in early
      and late groups. The slowest progression of brain injury on repeated head CT
      scans was in the early VTEp group up to 10 days after admission. CONCLUSION:
      Early initiation of prophylactic heparin in severe TBI is not associated with
      deterioration neurologic exam and may result in less progression of injury on
      brain imaging. Possible neuroprotective effects of heparin in humans need further
      investigation.

PMID- 25114422
TI  - Acute Flaccid paralysis in adults: Our experience.
AB  - Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is a complex clinical syndrome with a broad array
      of potential etiologies that vary with age. We present our experience of acute
      onset lower motor neuron paralysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty
      three consecutive adult patients presenting with weakness of duration less than
      four weeks over 12 months period were enrolled. Detailed history, clinical
      examination, and relevant investigations according to a pre-defined diagnostic
      algorithm were carried out. The patients were followed through their hospital
      stay till discharge or death. RESULTS: The mean age was 33.27 (range 13-89) years
      with male preponderance (67.7%). The most common etiology was neuroparalytic
      snake envenomation (51.9%), followed by Guillain Barre syndrome (33.1%),
      constituting 85% of all patients. Hypokalemic paralysis (7.5%) and acute
      intermittent porphyria (4.5%) were the other important conditions. We did not
      encounter any case of acute polio mylitis in adults. In-hospital mortality due to
      respiratory paralysis was 9%. CONCLUSION: Neuroparalytic snakebite and Guillain
      Barre syndrome were the most common causes of acute flaccid paralysis in adults
      in our study.

PMID- 25114423
TI  - Ultrasound: A novel tool for airway imaging.
AB  - CONTEXT: The scope of ultrasound is emerging in medical science, particularly
      outside traditional areas of radiology practice. AIMS: We designed this study to
      evaluate feasibility of bedside sonography as a tool for airway assessment and to
      describe sonographic anatomy of airway. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective,
      clinical study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 100 adult, healthy volunteers
      of either sex to undergo airway imaging systemically starting from floor of the
      mouth to the sternal notch in anterior aspect of neck by sonography. RESULTS: We
      could visualize mandible and hyoid bone as a bright hyperechoic structure with
      hypoechoic acoustic shadow underneath. Epiglottis, thyroid cartilage, cricoid
      cartilage, and tracheal rings appeared hypoechoic. Vocal cords were visualized
      through thyroid cartilage. Interface between air and mucosa lining the airway
      produced a bright hyperechoic linear appearance. Artifacts created by
      intraluminal air prevented visualization of posterior pharynx, posterior
      commissure, and posterior wall of trachea. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is safe,
      quick, noninvasive, repeatable, and bedside tool to assess the airway and can
      provide real-time dynamic images relevant for several aspects of airway
      management.

PMID- 25114424
TI  - Arrival time pattern and waiting time distribution of patients in the emergency
      outpatient department of a tertiary level health care institution of North India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency Department (ED) of tertiary health care institute in India
      is mostly overcrowded, over utilized and inappropriately staffed. The challenges
      of overcrowded EDs and ill-managed patient flow and admission processes result in
      excessively long waits for patients. AIM: The objective of the present study was
      to analyze the patient flow system by assessing the arrival and waiting time
      distribution of patients in an Emergency out Patient Department (EOPD). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This short cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the
      EOPD of a Tertiary level health care Institution in North India in the month of
      May, 2011. The data was obtained from 591 patients, who were present in the EOPD
      during the month of May, 2011. The waiting time, inter arrival time between two
      consecutive patients were calculated in addition to the daily census data
      (discharge rate, admission rate and transfer out rates etc.) of the emergency.
      RESULTS: Arrival time pattern of patients in the EOPD was highly stochastic with
      the peak arrival hours to be 9.00-12.00 h in which around 26.3% patients arrived
      in the EOPD. The primary waiting areas of patients included patients under
      observation (29.6%); waiting for routine diagnostic tests (16.4%) and waiting for
      discharge (14.6%). Around 71% patients were waiting due to reasons within
      emergency complex. CONCLUSION: The patient flow of the ED could only be addressed
      by multifaceted, multidisciplinary and hospital wide approach.

PMID- 25114425
TI  - Awareness about basic life support and emergency medical services and its
      associated factors among students in a tertiary care hospital in South India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The knowledge and skills about the basic life support (BLS) and the
      advanced life support are the most important determining factors of the
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) success rates. OBJECTIVES: To determine the
      level of awareness on BLS and skills among undergraduate and postgraduate
      students of medical and dental profession, as well as nursing students and
      interns in a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive
      cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India.
      The awareness level on BLS and factors associated which include age, sex, level
      of training (undergraduate, internship, and postgraduate groups), course of study
      (nursing, dental, and medical groups), and previous exposure to BLS were assessed
      by using a structured questionnaire. The association of these variables with
      awareness level was assessed by independent t test, analysis of variance, and
      linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 520 study subjects, 229 were students,
      171 were interns, and 120 were postgraduate students. The overall mean score of
      awareness was 4.16 +/- 1.40 (score range: 0-10). Age, sex, level of training,
      course of study, and previous exposure to BLS were significantly associated with
      awareness level in univariate analysis (P < 0.05). Linear regression model also
      showed that all the above variables were significantly associated with awareness
      level (P < 0.05). About 322 (61.9%) subjects attributed lack of awareness about
      BLS to lack of available professional training. About 479 (92.1%) responded that
      BLS training should be a part of medical curriculum. CONCLUSION: Awareness level
      on BLS is below average indicating the importance of professional training at all
      levels in a tertiary care health institution.

PMID- 25114426
TI  - Management of isolated sternal fractures using a practical algorithm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The implementation of seat belt legislation has led to an increase in
      the frequency of isolated sternal fractures (ISFs) in motor vehicle crash. AIMS:
      We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of our tertiary center in order
      to find out the frequency of ISFs, review our experience in their management, and
      define the mean length of hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January
      2008 to April 2012, 64 patients were admitted to the accident and emergency
      department of the University Hospital of Larissa, Greece, suffering from sternal
      fractures (SFs). Of these 64 patients, 45 had sustained ISF, while the remaining
      19 had SF and additional injuries (intrathoracic and extrathoracic). The files of
      these 45 patients were further investigating as concerning the mechanism of
      injury, hospitalization days, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: All the patients
      had been involved in motor vehicle crashes and most of them were wearing seat
      belts during the accident (91%). The hospital length of stay (LOS) was 1.85 +/-
      1.67. All the patients had upon admission chest radiograms, serial
      electrocardiographs (ECGs), echocardiograms, and cardiac enzyme levels. Two
      patients had abnormal ECG and abnormal cardiac enzymes which contributed in
      prolonged hospitalization. However, there was no incidence of cardiac
      complications or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: ISFs, with normal electrocardiogram,
      cardiac enzymes, and chest X-ray in the absence of complications, require no
      further investigation.

PMID- 25114427
TI  - Epidemiology of trauma in an acute care hospital in Singapore.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trauma injury is the leading cause of mortality and hospitalization
      worldwide and the leading cause of potential years of productive life lost.
      Patients with multiple injuries are prevalent, increasing the complexity of
      trauma care and treatment. Better understanding of the nature of trauma risk and
      outcome could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 1178 trauma patients with Injury
      Severity Score (ISS) >= 9, who were admitted to the Acute and Emergency Care of
      an acute care hospital between January 2011 and December 2012. The statistical
      analysis included calculation of percentages and proportions and application of
      test of significance using Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test where
      appropriate. RESULTS: Over the study period, 1178 patients were evaluated, 815
      (69.2%) males and 363 (30.8%) females. The mean age of patients was 52.08 +/-
      21.83 (range 5-100) years. Falls (604; 51.3%) and road traffic accidents (465;
      39.5%) were the two most common mechanisms of injury. Based on the three most
      common mechanisms of injury, i.e. fall on the same level, fall from height, and
      road traffic accident, the head region (484; 45.40%) was the most commonly
      injured in the body, followed by lower limbs (377; 35.37%) and thorax (299;
      28.05%). CONCLUSION: Fall was the leading cause of injury among the elderly
      population with road traffic injuries being the leading cause among the younger
      group. There is a need to address the issues of injury control and prevention in
      these areas.

PMID- 25114428
TI  - Occupational health surveillance: Pulmonary function testing in emergency
      responders.
AB  - Emergency responders may be exposed to a variety of fumes, gases, and
      particulates during the course of their job that can affect pulmonary function
      (PF) and require the use of respiratory protection. This investigation used
      occupational health monitoring examination data to characterize PF in a
      population currently employed as emergency responders. PF tests for workers who
      required health examinations to ensure fitness for continued respirator use were
      compared to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III Raw
      Spirometry database to determine if decreased PF was associated with employment
      as an emergency responder. The results of this research indicated that the
      emergency responders experienced a modest, but statistically significant,
      increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity
      (FVC) mean values over the NHANES III population in both total and stratified
      analyses, including stratification by age, gender, height, and smoking history.
      Results are likely due to a combination of effectively controlled exposures in
      the workplace, and the healthy worker effect among long-term workers. PF testing
      required by the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) has
      substantial utility for conducting occupational surveillance at the population
      level. In this investigation, we were able to quickly evaluate if abnormal PF
      existed in an industrial sector known to have exposures that, when uncontrolled,
      can lead to PF impairment. 

PMID- 25114429
TI  - Procedural sedation for pediatric patients in the emergency department at King
      Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, K.S.A.
AB  - Procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) has become the standard of care for
      diagnostic and therapeutic procedures undertaken in the Emergency Department
      (ED). In the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) of King Khalid University
      Hospital (KKUH), which is a major teaching hospital in Riyadh Kingdom of Saudi
      Arabia we developed a standard protocol for PSA since 2005. The aim of this
      article is to report the experience at KKUH in pediatric PSA. OBJECTIVES: To
      report the experience at KKUH in pediatric PSA. OBJECTIVES: To report the
      experience at KKUH in pediatric PSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cross
      sectional study of all cases who underwent PSA for painful procedures in
      Pediatric Emergency at KKUH from December 2005 to July 2008. RESULTS: A total of
      183 patients were reviewed. 179 patients were analyzed. Age ranges from 4 months
      to 13 years (mean 6 years). Nearly 66% were male. Ketamine was the most commonly
      used drug. Reduction of fracture/dislocation was the most common indication for
      sedation. Adverse events were identified in only 5.6% of patients. Vomiting was
      the most common recorded side-effect. The length of stay in the ED was ranging
      from 28 to 320 min (mean 111 min). CONCLUSION: Intravenous Ketamine is a
      consistently effective method of producing a rapid, brief period of adequate
      sedation and analgesia in children in the ED with no major side-effects noted in
      our experience.

PMID- 25114430
TI  - Effects of aminoguanidine, a potent nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, on
      myocardial and organ structure in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to increase following hemorrhagic
      shock (HS). Peroxynitrite is produced by the reaction of NO with reactive oxygen
      species, leads to nitrosative stress mediated organ injury. We examined the
      protective effects of a potent inhibitor of NO synthase, aminoguanidine (AG), on
      myocardial and multiple organ structure in a rat model of HS. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley rats (300-350 g) were assigned to 3 experimental
      groups (n = 6 per group): (1) Normotensive rats (N), (2) HS rats and (3) HS rats
      treated with AG (HS-AG). Rats were hemorrhaged over 60 min to reach a mean
      arterial blood pressure of 40 mmHg. Rats were treated with 1 ml of 60 mg/kg AG
      intra-arterially after 60 min HS. Resuscitation was performed in vivo by the
      reinfusion of the shed blood for 30 min to restore normo-tension. Biopsy samples
      were taken for light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Histological examination
      of hemorrhagic shocked untreated rats revealed structural damage. Less
      histological damage was observed in multiple organs in AG-treated rats. AG
      treatment decreased the number of inflammatory cells and mitochondrial swollen in
      myocardial cells. CONCLUSION: AG treatment reduced microscopic damage and injury
      in multiple organs in a HS model in rats.

PMID- 25114431
TI  - The 2014 Academic College of Emergency Experts in India's Education Development
      Committee (EDC) White Paper on establishing an academic department of Emergency
      Medicine in India - Guidelines for Staffing, Infrastructure, Resources,
      Curriculum and Training.
AB  - Emergency medicine services and training in Emergency Medicine (EM) has developed
      to a large extent in developed countries but its establishment is far from
      optimal in developing countries. In India, Medical Council of India (MCI) has
      taken great steps by notifying EM as a separate specialty and so far 20 medical
      colleges have already initiated 3-year training program in EM. However, there has
      been shortage of trained faculty, and ambiguity regarding curriculum, rotation
      policy, infrastructure, teachers' eligibility qualifications and scheme of
      examination. Academic College of Emergency Experts in India (ACEE-India) has been
      a powerful advocate for developing Academic EM in India. The ACEE's Education
      Development Committee (EDC) was created to chalk out guidelines for staffing,
      infrastructure, resources, curriculum, and training which may be of help to the
      MCI and the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to set standards for starting 3
      year training program in EM and develop the departments of EM as centers of
      quality education, research, and treatment across India. This paper has made an
      attempt to give recommendations so as to provide a uniform framework to the
      institutions, thus guiding them towards establishing an academic Department of EM
      for starting the 3-year training program in the specialty of EM. 

PMID- 25114432
TI  - Establishing consensus on the definition of an isolated hip fracture for trauma
      system performance evaluation: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risk-adjusted mortality is widely used to benchmark trauma center
      care. Patients presenting with isolated hip fractures (IHFs) are usually excluded
      from these evaluations. However, there is no standardized definition of an IHF.
      We aimed to evaluate whether there is consensus on the definition of an IHF used
      as an exclusion criterion in studies evaluating the performance of trauma centers
      in terms of mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of
      observational studies. We searched the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      BIOSIS, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, TRIP Database, and PROQUEST for cohort
      studies that presented data on mortality to assess the performance of trauma
      centers and excluded IHF. A standardized, piloted data abstraction form was used
      to extract data on study settings, IHF definitions and methodological quality of
      included studies. Consensus was considered to be reached if more than 50% of
      studies used the same definition of IHF. RESULTS: We identified 8,506 studies of
      which 11 were eligible for inclusion. Only two studies (18%) used the same
      definition of an IHF. Three (27%) used a definition based on Abbreviated Injury
      Scale (AIS) Codes and five (45%) on International Classification of Diseases
      (ICD) codes. Four (36%) studies had inclusion criteria based on age, five (45%)
      on secondary injuries, and four (36%) on the mechanism of injury. Eight studies
      (73%) had good overall methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS: We observed important
      heterogeneity in the definition of an IHF used as an exclusion criterion in
      studies evaluating the performance of trauma centers. Consensus on a standardized
      definition is needed to improve the validity of evaluations of the quality of
      trauma care.

PMID- 25114434
TI  - Newer nonconventional modes of mechanical ventilation.
AB  - The conventional modes of ventilation suffer many limitations. Although they are
      popularly used and are well-understood, often they fail to match the patient
      based requirements. Over the years, many small modifications in ventilators have
      been incorporated to improve patient outcome. The ventilators of newer generation
      respond to patient's demands by additional feedback systems. In this review, we
      discuss the popular newer modes of ventilation that have been accepted in to
      clinical practice. Various intensive care units over the world have found these
      modes to improve patient ventilator synchrony, decrease ventilator days and
      improve patient safety. The various modes discusses in this review are: Dual
      control modes (volume assured pressure support, volume support), Adaptive support
      ventilation, proportional assist ventilation, mandatory minute ventilation, Bi
      level airway pressure release ventilation, (BiPAP), neurally adjusted ventilatory
      assist and NeoGanesh. Their working principles with their advantages and clinical
      limitations are discussed in brief. 

PMID- 25114433
TI  - Surgical management in treatment of Jehovah's witness in trauma surgery in Indian
      subcontinent.
AB  - The Jehovah's Witness religion is a Christian movement, founded in the US in the
      1870s, with 7 million followers worldwide with only 0.002% in India. There is
      minimal to complete absence of awareness about the existence of this community in
      our society. Astonishing is that fact that among medical professionals, there is
      almost no awareness about this unique population, regarding the fact that they
      completely refuse of blood transfusion even if it leads to their death. This is
      integral to their faith. Besides legal and ethical issues in treating these group
      of patients, the biggest challenge exist even in the western world is their
      management in trauma scenario where few options exist. We have discussed the
      issues and recommendations in management in trauma scenario in our Indian
      subcontinent. 

PMID- 25114436
TI  - Operative management of splenic injury in a patient with proteus syndrome.
AB  - A 20-year-old female with Proteus syndrome sustained splenic injury after fall
      from a bike. She was initially managed non-operatively at a different hospital
      for three days and was then referred to our level I trauma center in view of
      increasing abdominal pain and distention. On admission in the Emergency
      Department (ED), her pulse rate was 120 per minute and blood pressure was 108/68
      mm Hg. Clinical examination showed a distended abdomen with left hypochondrial
      pain. Ultrasonogram (USG) and Computed Tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed
      splenomegaly and grade III splenic injury with significant hemoperitoneum. Her
      hemoglobin was 2.9 g/dl with packed cell volume (PCV) of 12%. In view of low
      hemoglobin and possibility of pathologic spleen, splenectomy was done.
      Microscopic examination of the spleen showed hemangiolymphangioma. The patient
      was discharged on the 5(th) post-operative day and is doing well at 6 months of
      follow-up. 

PMID- 25114435
TI  - The therapeutic challenges of degloving soft-tissue injuries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Degloving soft-tissue injuries are serious and debilitating
      conditions. Deciding on the most appropriate treatment is often difficult.
      However, their impact on patients' outcomes is frequently underestimated.
      OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study the incidence, clinical presentation, management
      and outcome of degloving soft-tissue injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      conducted a narrative traditional review using the key words; degloving injury
      and soft-tissue injuries through search engines PubMed, Science Direct, and
      Scopus. RESULTS: There are several therapeutic options for treating degloving
      soft-tissue injuries; however, no evidence-based guidelines have been published
      on how to manage degloving soft-tissue injuries, although numerous articles
      outline the management of such injuries. CONCLUSION: Degloving soft-tissue
      injuries are underreported and potentially devastating. They require early
      recognition, and early management. A multidisciplinary approach is usually needed
      to ensure the effective rehabilitation of these patients.

PMID- 25114437
TI  - Bedside ultrasound diagnosis of intracardiac paperclip.
AB  - Penetrating cardiac injuries are rarely reported in the literature. Foreign
      bodies are rarely seen in the heart and most patients with penetrating cardiac
      injuries die from hemorragic or pericardial tamponade before arriving at the
      hospital. Bedside ultrasonography is a highly valuable and readily learned tool
      that has expanded rapidly since its introduction more than 20 years ago. Our case
      was a 23-year-old convict brought to the emergency department (ED) with a history
      of continuous chest pain in the upper area of the left side of the chest for one
      week. Focused Cardiac Sonography (FOCUS) which was performed by emergency
      physician showed a strong echogenic linear structure with comet tail artifact,
      free floating in the mid-segment of the left ventricule. Exact localizations of
      the paperclips within the chest was obtained with multidetector computed
      tomography and one of them was seen in the left ventricular cavity. FOCUS plays a
      crucial role in these patients by diagnosing the injury and detecting the
      complications in emergency department. 

PMID- 25114438
TI  - A patient fatality following the ingestion of a small amount of chlorfenapyr.
AB  - Chlorfenapyr has been used worldwide for agricultural pest control since 1995.
      Despite its widespread use, acute human poisoning data are insufficient; only a
      small number of fatalities from chlorfenapyr poisoning have been reported. The
      signs and symptoms of chlorfenapyr toxicity include nausea, vomiting, fever,
      rhabdomyolysis, among others. In addition, central nervous system effects in
      association with delayed toxicity have also been observed. Here, we detail a
      fatality resulting from delayed chlorfenapyr toxicity following the ingestion of
      a small amount of pesticide. 

PMID- 25114439
TI  - Recurrent posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome of the brainstem in a
      hypertensive patient with end-stage renal disease.
AB  - A 59-year-old man with end-stage renal disease was brought to our emergency
      department with complaints of headache, nausea, dysarthria, tic, and weakness
      involving the bilateral arms and legs. He had the similar episode 4 month before,
      when he was treated elsewhere. The patient had received hemodialysis three times
      per week. His medications included for hypertension. On examination at his
      arrival, he was alert with reduced concentration and incoherent thoughts. The
      blood pressure was 181/87 mmHg and other vital signs were normal. Neurological
      findings showed slight dysarthria and slow movements but no other abnormalities.
      Laboratory data showed increased serum creatinine and potassium presumably for a
      session of periodical hemodialysis but normal sodium concentration. His
      cerebrospinal fluid examination was normal. We treated him by hemodialysis.
      Diagnosis of PRES was most likely because of the clinical features and the MRI
      findings. His symptoms had disappeared immediately and completely after we
      controlled high blood pressure. MRI on 13 days after admission showed the
      improvement of the abnormal findings. Although the pathophysiology of PRES is
      incompletely understood, renal failure was known as one of the risk factors. A
      relative lack of sympathetic innervation of posterior circulation could not
      protect the area when severe hypertension makes auto-regulatory control
      collapsed. However, PRES of the brainstem is uncommon although the posterior
      circulation involves it. Because control of his hypertension was not appropriate
      in the outpatient settings before this event, it could have contributed to the
      recurrence in this patient. 

PMID- 25114440
TI  - Acute aortic dissection is independent of weather conditions but statistically
      correlates with day of the week.

PMID- 25114441
TI  - Emergency hepatic artery embolization in a patient with post-traumatic ruptured
      hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm.

PMID- 25114442
TI  - A case of transient left bundle branch block after a cervical wound.

PMID- 25114443
TI  - Hair today, gone tomorrow.

PMID- 25114444
TI  - A review of psychiatric disorders comorbidities in patients with alopecia areata.
AB  - This is a review of psychiatric problems in patients with alopecia areata (AA).
      The electronic database of MedLine/PubMed was searched using the determined
      keywords. The rate of depression in children and adolescents with AA is up to
      50%. Stressful life events are associated with AA. A rate of 39% for generalized
      anxiety disorders was reported. AA is highly associated with obsessive compulsive
      disorder (35.7%) in children and adolescents. Schizophrenia tended to be less
      seen in AA patients. 

PMID- 25114445
TI  - Association between androgenetic alopecia and coronary artery disease in young
      male patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated an association between androgenetic
      alopecia (AGA) and cardiovascular disease. Still controversies exist regarding
      the association. Are they truly associated? OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present
      study was to assess the prevalence of AGA and establish its association in young
      (<45 years) Asian Indian Gujarati male patients having coronary artery disease
      (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case-control prospective multicentric study was
      carried out on 424 men. Case group consisted of 212 male subjects having CAD
      (Group 1) and another 212, either sibling or first degree male relative of the
      case subjects (having no evidence of CAD) were considered as the control group
      (Group 2). Age, total cholesterol, incidence of diabetes mellitus, and
      hypertension were similar in both groups. The degree of alopecia was assessed
      using the Norwood-Hamilton scale for men. Statistical analysis was performed
      using Chi-square test. RESULTS: AGA was found in 80 (37.73%) young CAD patients
      (Group 1), whereas 44 (20.7%) of patients had alopecia in the control group
      (Group 2). There was statistically significant association between male AGA and
      CAD (P = 0.001). Odds ratio was 2.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72 +/-
      4.26). Statistically significant association was found between high grade
      baldness (Grades IV-VII) and CAD in young men (P < 0.05). Odds ratio = 2.36 (95%
      CI, 1.108 +/- 5.033). There is statistically significant association of AGA in
      young Asian Gujarati male with CAD and the prevalence of AGA in young CAD patient
      is 37.73%. CONCLUSION: This study implies early onset AGA in male is
      independently associated with CAD, though mechanisms need to be investigated.

PMID- 25114446
TI  - Quality of life in alopecia areata: a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although alopecia areata (AA) is typically seen by medical staff as a
      benign, not life-threatening cosmetic disease, some studies have found
      significant impairment in quality of life (QL) in AA patients. There are no
      studies that assess QL in Brazilian AA patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate QL in AA
      patients, using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The most affected
      SF-36 dimensions were compared to two culturally different AA QL studies.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a case-control study with 37 AA patients and
      49 age- and sex-matched volunteer blood donors. The results of a Turkish and a
      French study were compared to our results. RESULTS: The dimensions social
      functioning (P = 0,001), role emotional (P = 0,019), and mental health (P =
      0,000) scored statistically lower in the AA group in relation to controls,
      suggesting a worse QL. Incomparison to the Turkish and French studies, we found:
      (1) On the dimension role emotional, QL was equally impaired; (2) on the
      dimension social functioning, it was not different than the Turkish study; (3)
      social life of French AA patients was more affected; and (4) vitality and mental
      health dimensions were significantly more affected in French and Turkish
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Impairment in QL in AA patients affected psychological,
      emotional, and social aspects of theirlives. Despite the scores of SF-36
      dimensions varied significantly among different cultural groups, impairment of QL
      was found in all three studies; thus, we can suppose that these findings are not
      linked to a specific culture.

PMID- 25114447
TI  - 'Ho-ver'ing Over Alopecia Areata: Histopathological Study of 50 Cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Different studies have been done on this topic, most of the older
      studies on the vertical section confirm that peribulbar infiltrate is an
      important finding, however the newer studies on the horizontal section, mention
      decreased anagen to telogen ratio, decreased terminal to vellus hair ratio and a
      decreased follicular count. These studies on horizontal (transverse sections)
      have shown that transverse sectioning is superior and more diagnostic in studying
      alopecias. However, these studies are based on multiple cut sections, because in
      a single cut section, we may miss a few hair bulbs above or below, depending on
      where the section is taken. Hence this makes it a time consuming, technically
      challenging and expensive procedure. OBJECTIVES: 1. To compare the
      histopathological features of single vertical section versus a single horizontal
      section cut in the reticular dermis. 2. To determine if a single horizontal
      section is sufficient to report a biopsy of alopecia areata compared to multiple
      sections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To compare the findings, in 50 patients with
      localized alopecia areata, 25 sectioned horizontally and 25 vertically, single
      section. Only three of the common findings, peribulbar infiltrate, intrabulbar
      infiltrate and perifollicular microscarring was considered and reported. RESULTS:
      Once the anagen to telogen ratio is excluded from the comparison, diagnosis made
      on the basis of a single horizontal section is considered sufficient to give us
      an aid toward the prognosis.

PMID- 25114448
TI  - Trichofolliculoma presenting as lobulated mass: a rare presentation.
AB  - Trichofolliculoma represents abortive differentiation of pluripotent skin cells
      toward hair follicles. We present a case of an adult female with lobulated mass
      involving the tip and dorsum of the nose for the last 15 years. The systemic and
      radiological examinations were noncontributory. The clinical diagnosis was
      thought to be dermoid cyst. The fine-needle aspiration cytology of the lobulated
      mass was performed, and the cytology smears showed anucleate squames admixed with
      sebaceous cells. The possibility of a benign skin adnexal lesion was suggested.
      The biopsy was done, and the final diagnosis of trichofolliculoma was made. The
      wide local excision of the mass was performed, and no recurrence was noted during
      the follow-up of 1 year. 

PMID- 25114449
TI  - Three different dermoscopic view of three new cases with pilomatrixoma.
AB  - Pilomatrixoma is a benign soft tissue neoplasm originated from follicular matrix
      of hair and is also known as Malherbe's calcified epithelioma. Some lesions are
      located on the skin and are usually misdiagnosed. A small number of patients had
      been dermoscopically examined. In this article, three patients of pilomatrixoma
      who had three different dermoscopic views were evaluated and discussed in
      concordance with the literature. 

PMID- 25114450
TI  - Trichomegaly of eyelashes after treatment with erlotinib in carcinoma pancreas.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have been widely used for the
      treatment of epithelial malignancies. A wide spectrum of skin toxicities have
      been described in patients receiving EGFR inhibitors. Trichomegaly, especially of
      the eyelashes is a rare side effect of this therapy. We report a case of
      trichomegaly of eyelashes in a 39-year-old male, a case of carcinoma pancreas.
      This side-effect of these medications gives prospects as a therapy to stimulate
      the growth of hair. 

PMID- 25114451
TI  - The action of prostaglandins on ciliary hypertrichosis: a case report of
      pachydermoperiostosis.
AB  - Pachydermoperiostosis or primary hypertropic osteoarthropathy is a rare
      hereditary disorder that was first described in 1868. It is characterized by
      digital clubbing, pachydermia (thickening of the facial skin and/or scalp), and
      periostosis (swelling of periarticular tissue and subperiosteal new bone
      formation). We report a case of a patient with the complete form of the disease,
      and with a unique appearance of the hair shaft and eyelashes. The authors propose
      a possible mechanism to justify the abnormalities observed in the patient's hair
      shafts regarding the metabolism of prostaglandins and its relationship with the
      hair follicle physiological cycle. 

PMID- 25114453
TI  - Trichonodosis.
AB  - Trichonodosis is characterized by knotted hair on the distal portion of the hair
      shaft. This may be spontaneous or secondary to mechanical factors like vigorous
      scratching or combing the hair. We report a case of spontaneous trichonodosis
      with abnormal scalp and body hair. 

PMID- 25114454
TI  - Diode Laser: Permanent hair "Reduction" Not "Removal".

PMID- 25114452
TI  - Primary idiopathic pseudopelade of brocq: five case reports.
AB  - Pseudopelade of Brocq (PPB) is a rare, idiopathic self-limiting hair disorder
      resulting in progressive cicatricial alopecia primarily involving the parietal
      scalp and vertex. The general pathogenesis of scarring alopecias has been focused
      on theories of stem cell failure and sebaceous gland destruction. Acquired
      immunity, Borrelia infection and senescence of follicular stem cell reservoir
      plays suspected role. It classically presents as porcelain white hypopigmented
      and slightly depressed atrophic plaque. There is no standard treatment for PPB.
      Here, we present five cases which were labeled as primary idiopathic PPB, as on
      histopathology no specific changes of any cicatricial alopecia were seen. 

PMID- 25114455
TI  - Is there sufficient research data to use platelet-rich plasma in dermatology?

PMID- 25114456
TI  - Trichotillomania associated with bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive
      disorder: pathoplasty or comorbidity?

PMID- 25114457
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 25114458
TI  - Oral Cavity Cancers -Level v Metastasis.

PMID- 25114459
TI  - Ultrasonic shears versus electrocautery in axillary dissection for breast cancer
      a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Theoretical advantages of use of Ultrasonic shears include less tissue damage and
      better sealing of lymphatic vessels. This may play a role in reducing prolonged
      drainage following axillary dissection for breast cancer. We conducted a
      prospective randomized controlled study to evaluate efficacy of ultrasonic shears
      over cautery for axillary dissection. Between April 2011 and April 2013, 92
      patients were randomized to undergo axillary dissection with either ultrasonic
      shears (n = 46) or electrocautery (n = 46). Primary endpoints were time till
      drain removal and cumulative axillary drainage. Categorical data were compared by
      Pearson's chi-squared test. Continuous variables were compared by Independent t
      test or Mann Whitney U test. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. Both
      groups were comparable with respect to clinical and pathologic characteristics.
      Clinical characteristics of mean age, body mass index, side of tumor, neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy, and type of surgery (breast conservation or mastectomy) were
      similar. Pathologic variables (weight of specimen, number of lymph nodes
      harvested, pathologic T and N status, as well as grade of tumor) were also
      comparable among the two groups. There was no statistically significant
      difference in either primary endpoint of time till drain removal (15 vs. 14.5
      days, p = 0.73) or cumulative axillary drainage (1,260 vs. 1,086.5 ml, p = 0.79).
      Patient and disease characteristics among the two groups were similar. But, there
      was no difference in either primary endpoint of cumulative axillary drainage or
      time to drain removal. We conclude that there is no advantage to use of
      ultrasonic shears over cautery in reducing drainage following axillary dissection
      for breast cancer. 

PMID- 25114460
TI  - Role of frozen section in intraoperative assessment of ovarian masses: a tertiary
      oncology center experience.
AB  - Surgical management of ovarian lesions vary considerably depending on the nature
      of the lesion. As the preoperative imaging and serum tumor marker levels are of
      limited value in the proper categorization of ovarian lesions, intraoperative
      pathological assessment is commonly requested for a primary diagnosis. Aim of the
      study is to assess the accuracy of the frozen section in the diagnosis of ovarian
      masses in our center and to analyze the causes of diagnostic discrepancies. In
      this retrospective study, frozen section diagnosis of 233 cases of ovarian masses
      was compared with the permanent section diagnosis. The overall accuracy of frozen
      section was 91.85 %. The sensitivity of frozen section diagnosis for benign,
      borderline and malignant tumors was 99.2, 88.46 and 82.95 % respectively. The
      corresponding specificity was 96.5, 93.23 and 99.3 %. There were 19 discordant
      cases including 18 false negative cases and one false positive case. Frozen
      section is an important diagnostic tool to determine the nature of ovarian
      masses. Careful macroscopic examination, evaluation of multiple sections along
      with clinical and radiological findings helps to reduce false positive and false
      negative results. Frozen section examination has limitations especially in cases
      of borderline tumors. This modality is most effective when the pathologist and
      surgeon are aware of the advantages and limitations. 

PMID- 25114461
TI  - Cervical node metastasis in T1 squamous cell carcinoma of oral tongue- pattern
      and the predictive factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral tongue is a common
      cancer in India. Elective lymphadenectomy is generally performed in all patients
      with T2-T4 tumors. In this study we have tried to analyze the pattern and risk
      factors associated with lymph node metastasis in T1 tongue cancers. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of the records of 57 patients undergoing surgery for
      treatment of T1 sqamous cell carcinoma of oral tongue was carried out. The
      clinicopatological features of the tumor, pattern of nodal metastasis and the
      risk factors associated with lymph node metastasis were studied. RESULTS: Totally
      57 patients with T1 tumor underwent excision of the primary and modified neck
      dissection (MND). Lymph node metastasis was found in 36.8 % of the patients.
      Level I to Level II was the commonest site of metastasis. Skip metastasis at
      level III and IV was found in 8.5 % of the patients and isolated skip metastasis
      at level IV in 1.5 % of the patients. The risk factors associated with the lymph
      node metastasis on univariete analysis were; higher grade, tumor size >1 cm and
      tumor thickness >3 mm. On multivariate analysis only the tumor thickness was
      found to be a risk factor for the lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio of 21.59).
      CONCLUSIONS: T1 sqamous cell carcinoma of tongue is associated with a high
      incidence of lymph node metastasis. Elective neck dissection should be considered
      in all patients with tumors more than 3 mm in thickness.

PMID- 25114463
TI  - Clinical Outcomes in the Google Era: The PB Desai Oration, ASICON 2013.
AB  - This article is based upon the PB Desai Oration which was given by the author in
      Ahmedabad on 28th December 2013 at the National Congress of the Association of
      Surgeons of India at the invitation of the Executive Board of the Indian
      Association for Surgical Oncology. 

PMID- 25114462
TI  - The risk and pattern of pelvic and para aortic lymph nodal metastasis in patients
      with intermediate and high risk endometrial cancer.
AB  - There is a continuous debate about the extent and prognostic value of
      retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer. Systematic pelvic and para
      aortic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer provides a more accurate assessment
      of neoplastic spread and may help in better individualization of patients for
      adjuvant therapy. To evaluate the risk and pattern of retroperitoneal lymph nodes
      metastasis in patients with endometrial cancers having intermediate and high risk
      factors for nodal metastasis and recurrence. We conducted a prospective
      nonrandomized study of 62 cases of high risk endometrial cancers examined and
      treated at our regional cancer institute between the years 2008 and 2012. The
      inclusion criteria: The intermediate risk; all patients having grade 3 or
      undifferentiated adenocarcinomas with less than half MI and the grade 1, 2 tumors
      having more than half MI with tumor size >2 cm. The high risk group; all the
      patients having grade 3 or undifferentiated adenocarcinomas with more than half
      MI, the grade 1, 2 tumors with lymph vascular space invasion (LVSI) or cervical
      stromal invasion as depicted by pre-operative MRI. The type 2 histology uterine
      papillary serous, clear cell and squamous cell carcinomas. The patients staging
      was carried out according to the classification established by the FIGO for
      endometrial cancer in 2009. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the
      correlation between tumor grade, myometrial invasion, size of the lesion and
      lymph nodes metastasis and Fisher's correction done whenever the frequency
      distribution was less than five. The patients mean age was 58.3 (range 31 to 76
      years). A total of 118 endometrial cancer patients were treated during the study
      period. The 56 (47.5 %) patients belonged to low risk and 62 (52.5 %) patients
      belonged to high risk endometrial cancers. The 52 of 62 cases were eligible for
      the analysis. The 10 patients' were excluded from further analysis as the post
      operative specimens final histopathologic examinations in nine cases revealed
      carcinosarcoma uterus and one case with yolk sac tumor of endometrium. The total
      17(32.7 %) of 52 cases had retroperitoneal nodes metastasis; nine of 17 (52.9 %)
      in this group had both pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodal metastasis and one of
      17 (5.9 %) had isolated para-aortic lymph nodal metastasis. The high grade tumors
      (grade 3) revealed 41.4 % pelvic and 20.7 % para-aortic lymph nodes metastasis
      and there was statistically significant higher nodal metastasis in both pelvic
      and para-aortic lymph nodes with increasing depth of myometrial invasion (P =
      0.0119 and P = 0.0001) and increasing size of the lesion. (P = 0.04 and P =
      0.0501). The intermediate and high risk endometrial cancer is associated with
      greater degree of lymph node metastasis. A complete surgical staging which
      involves extrafascial hysterectomy or a type 3 radical hysterectomy when there is
      a cervical involvement, along with bilateral salphingo-oophorectomy, pelvic, para
      aortic lymphadenectomy and an omentectomy when indicated as in the present study,
      is a valuable modality of treatment in intermediate and high risk cases of
      endometrial cancers for determining the prognosis and appropriate categorization
      of these women for adjuvant therapy. It is also possible to achieve a complete
      surgical staging in these groups of women with acceptable morbidity when
      performed by a trained gynaecologic oncologist. 

PMID- 25114464
TI  - Xeroderma pigmentosum: clinicopathological review of the multiple oculocutaneous
      malignancies and complications.
AB  - Multiple oculo-cutaneous malignancies are a common manifestation on sun-exposed
      facial areas in patients with Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). Commonly seen are the
      basal cell carcinoma and the squamous cell carcinomas which manifest in the early
      first decade in contrast to fifth and sixth decade in the general population. XP
      manifests as photosensitivity, hyperpigmentation, premature skin aging and
      malignant changes like squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma,
      fibrosarcoma and rarely malignant melanoma as well as internal malignancies. We
      report 11 cases of Xeroderma pigmentosa managed in our institute which included
      sex males and five females. All had photosensitivity, hyperpigmentation and
      consanguinity with facial malignant lesions like SCC and BCC. Ocular signs of
      photophobia and excessive lacrimation was seen in all the cases while blurring of
      vision due to corneal clouding, corneal injection, pterygium and limbal SCC were
      seen in 5 cases. SCC of the lids were seen in 7 cases while BCC seen in 8 cases
      and limbal and conjunctival SCC seen in one case. All were managed with excision
      while one case of melanoma with neck secondaries needed radical neck dissection
      while the other orbital exenteration. Oculo-cutaneous malignancies occur in the
      sun exposed areas so patients are advised regular follow up with speciality care.
      Awareness about the rare condition and importance of early detection and
      prevention of UV rays induced skin damage should be propagated. The disease is
      ultimately fatal, life can be prolonged by simple preventive measures to minimize
      sun exposure and early detection of the skin lesions and management. 

PMID- 25114465
TI  - Virtual reality surgical simulators- a prerequisite for robotic surgery.
AB  - The field of computer assisted minimally invasive surgery is rapidly expanding
      worldwide, including in India. With more hospitals in India contemplating the
      acquisition of a robotic platform, training of robotic surgeons is becoming
      essential. Virtual reality simulators can be used for surgeons to become
      acquainted with the robotic console prior to live surgery. Our aim was to
      evaluate the amount of simulator training required before a surgeon first
      operates on the da Vinci(r) Surgical System. Simulations were conducted on the
      Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci(r) Robot Skill Simulator using the software
      obtained from Mimic Technologies. Participants included attending staff surgeons
      experienced in robotic surgery and novices. A set of seven activities were chosen
      for each participant. Based on the mean exercise score from the first attempt,
      staff surgeons outperformed the novices in all exercises. However, the difference
      in score between the staff and the novices decreased after the participants
      repeated the exercises and by the sixth attempt most of the novices obtained
      similar scores to the staff, suggesting that this might be at present the minimum
      set of repetitions indicated (or required) prior to performing life robotic
      surgery. 

PMID- 25114466
TI  - Chondroradionecrosis of larynx a delayed complication of radiotherapy: management
      and review of literature.
AB  - Background/objectives Chondroradionecrosis (CRN) of the larynx is a rare and
      grave complication of radiotherapy which can be fatal if not managed
      aggressively. A recent trend towards organ preservation protocols towards even
      advanced stage laryngeal malignancies and with further advances in terms of
      technology and safety radiation as external beam and intensity modulated
      varieties are preferred for certain stages of squamous cell carcinomas. Materials
      and methods We are reporting a series of 4 cases of CRN of the larynx treated in
      our hospital with 3 cases of stage III carcinoma glottis and one stage III
      carcinoma supraglottis with no nodal metastasis. One glottis cancer had 2
      sittings of laser microlaryngeal excision earlier. All were in grade 4 CRN and
      one improved with medical line and HBO and the other 3 progressed and salvage
      laryngectomy and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap to cover the fistulous skin
      defect was grafted. CONCLUSION: Laryngeal CRN being a rare and intensely morbid
      complication of radiotherapy should be suspected and diagnosed at the earliest by
      endoscopic and imaging methods. Disease progression and chances of tumor
      recurrence should be followed up with PET CT and a call on salvage laryngectomy
      with repair of the anterior neck defects with non irradiated musculocutaneous
      flaps or vascularised tissue transfer should be promptly taken.

PMID- 25114468
TI  - Intussusception of a small bowel large B-cell lymphoma.
AB  - Gastrointestinal tumors can rarely cause intestinal intussusception. Herein, we
      describe a 74 year-old male with a presumed diagnosis of Crohn's disease who
      presented with persistent symptoms refractory to medical management. Radiography
      demonstrated small bowel intussusception into the cecum. Lower endoscopy with
      biopsy diagnosed small bowel large Bcell lymphoma. Management included
      laparoscopic ileocecectomy and adjuvant R-CHOP chemotherapy. Long term outcomes
      of small bowel large B-cell lymphoma are related to disease stage at diagnosis,
      and average close to 75 %. 

PMID- 25114469
TI  - p53: Revealing the Unusual Suspect: a Study and Field Cancerization Minireview.

PMID- 25114467
TI  - Chemotherapy and targeted therapy for gall bladder cancer.
AB  - Gall bladder cancer is a common cancer in the Ganges belt of North-eastern India.
      In view of incidental diagnosis of gall bladder cancer by physicians and
      surgeons, the treatment is not optimised. Most patients present in advanced
      stages and surgery remains the only option to cure. This review highlights the
      current evidence in advances in systemic therapy of gall bladder cancer. 

PMID- 25114470
TI  - The aesthetic and oncological challenges in the management of an atypical nodular
      hidradenoma of the pinna.
AB  - Nodular hidradenomas are benign adenomatous tumours of sweat gland origin, which
      commonly arise from the skin of the head, neck and extremities. Some of these
      benign appearing lesions exhibit aggressive clinical behaviour with rapid growth,
      pigmentation and ulceration. These tumors are designated as "atypical nodular
      hidradenomas" and are known to histologically possess some focal atypical
      features i.e. nuclear pleomorphism, focal necrosis or prominent mitotic activity.
      Nodular hidradenomas involving the pinna are rare and to the best of our
      knowledge there have been no prior reports in the English language literature. We
      describe a unique case of a 45-year-old woman with an atypical nodular
      hidradenoma of the left pinna and discuss the aesthetic and the oncological
      issues pertaining to the reconstruction of the pinna. 

PMID- 25114471
TI  - Pleomorphic adenoma of breast-a case report and review of literature.
AB  - Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is a rare benign tumour of the breast. However
      inadequate surgery of this tumour, which is notorious for its pseudopod like
      extension into adjacent tissue, results in recurrence. We report a case of
      pleomorphic adenoma of the breast that has been excised at a local hospital and
      then referred to a tertiary care hospital for definite management. The diagnostic
      dilemmas and optimal management, of such cases where dependable pathology report
      and details of primary surgery are often not available, are discussed. 

PMID- 25114472
TI  - Primary angiosarcoma of breast: a case report.
AB  - Primary breast sarcomas are rare entities. These malignant tumors originate from
      mesenchymal glandular breast tissue and account for <1 % of all breast cancer
      cases. Angiosarcomas are rare malignant tumors that arise from endothelial cells
      lining vascular channels. Most angiosarcomas are secondary to radiotherapy
      treatments for breast cancer or to an arm lymphoedema subsequent to a modified
      radical mastectomy. Primary angiosarcomas are rare and account for 0.04 % of all
      malignant breast tumors. 

PMID- 25114473
TI  - Aneurysmal bone cyst of medial end of clavicle in a child, a rare case report.
AB  - Aneurysmal bone cyst is a locally aggressive benign tumor accounting for 3 % of
      all benign bone tumors. It most commonly arises from ends of long bones and
      relatively rare in flat bones. Clavicle is a very rare site for bone tumors with
      secondaries more common than primaries. Very few cases of aneurysmal bone cyst
      have been reported in literature. We hereby report interesting and a rare case of
      aneurysmal bone cyst of medial end of clavicle in a eight year old lady which was
      treated with extended curettage and calcium sulfate bone grafting. 

PMID- 25114474
TI  - Steatohepatitic hepatocellular carcinoma-a case report with literature review.
AB  - We report a case of a 65 year old male who presented with complaints of pain
      right upper abdomen for past 3 months. He was a known diabetic and hypertensive.
      On evaluation he was found to have space occupying lesion in the right lobe of
      the liver. USG Guided FNC done showed a Hepatocellular Carcinoma with predominant
      steatosis. He underwent Right Hepetectomy for the same and Histopathological
      examination revealed a Steatohepatitic Hepatocellular Carcinoma with background
      liver showing minimal steatosis and no significant fibrosis. This case is
      reported to provide better insight into the understanding of pathophysiology of
      metabolic syndrome as an etiological agent for development of HCC. 

PMID- 25114475
TI  - Right hepatectomy in icteric type hepatocellular carcinoma-report of a case and
      literature review.

PMID- 25114476
TI  - Recent research about mild cognitive impairment in China.
AB  - The rapid aging of the Chinese population has spurred interest in research about
      the cause and prevention of dementia and its precursor, mild cognitive impairment
      (MCI). This review summarizes the last decade of research in China about MCI.
      Extensive research about the epidemiology, neuropsychological characteristics,
      diagnosis, genetic etiology, neuroimaging and electrophysiological changes, and
      treatment of MCI has provided some new insights but few breakthroughs. Further
      advances in the prevention and treatment of MCI will require a greater emphasis
      on multi-disciplinary prospective studies with large, representative samples that
      use standardized methods to assess and monitor changes in cognitive functioning
      over time. 

PMID- 25114477
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of four protocols of repetitive transcranial magnetic
      stimulation for treating the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The negative symptoms of schizophrenia are not effectively treated
      with antipsychotic medications. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
      (rTMS) is an alternative approach that may be more effective in treating negative
      symptoms, but there has been little research comparing the effectiveness of
      different rTMS stimulation protocols. OBJECTIVE: Compare the effect of four
      different rTMS protocols in the treatment of the negative symptoms of
      schizophrenia. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with schizophrenia who had prominent
      negative symptoms were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: 10 Hz, 20 Hz,
      theta burst stimulation (TBS), and mock rTMS (i.e., the control group). In the
      first three groups, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was stimulated at 80%
      of the motor threshold five times per week for four weeks. Before and after the
      treatment, evaluators who were blind to the group assignment of patients
      administered the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Scale for the
      Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale
      (TESS). RESULTS: Three of the 96 patients dropped out during the trial (two from
      the control group and one from the 20 Hz group). Compared to the control group,
      after 4 weeks of rTMS treatment all three treatment groups had lower scores on
      the PANSS negative symptom subscale, the PANSS general psychopathology subscale,
      and the SANS. The TBS group had significantly larger reductions in these scores
      than the 10 Hz group and the 20 Hz group, but there were no significant
      differences between the 10 Hz and 20 Hz groups. There were no pre- versus post
      treatment differences in the PANSS positive symptom subscale scores between the
      four groups. No serious adverse events occurred and there were no statistically
      significant differences in the TESS scores across the four groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      We find that rTMS, particularly the TBS stimulation protocol for rTMS, is a safe
      and effective treatment method for patients with schizophrenia who have prominent
      negative symptoms. Longitudinal studies with large samples are needed to optimize
      the rTMS treatment, to identify the stimulation protocol, duration, intensity and
      treatment interval that provides the best therapeutic result at the lowest risk
      to the patient.

PMID- 25114478
TI  - Cross-sectional survey of the relationship of symptomatology, disability and
      family burden among patients with schizophrenia in Sichuan, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that leads to high rates of
      disability and high levels of family burden but the interactive relationship
      between these variables remains unclear, particularly in low- and middle-income
      countries where the vast majority of patients live with their families. AIM:
      Assess the symptom severity, level of disability, and family burden among
      clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia in Sichuan, China. METHODS: A
      total of 101 clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia who had a median
      duration of illness of five years were assessed using the World Health
      Organization Disability Assessment Scale 2.0 (WHODAS II), the Positive and
      Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth,
      Affection and Resolve Index scale (APGAR); and their caregivers were surveyed
      using the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS). RESULTS: Among the 101
      patients, 92 lived with their immediate family members, 74 had clinically
      significant disability, and 73 were unemployed. The level of disability was
      associated with the severity of symptoms (r=0.50, p<0.001), duration of illnesses
      (r=0.22, p=0.028), age of onset (r=-0.22, p=0.024) and patients' level of
      satisfaction with family support (r=-0.30, p=0.020). Disability was also
      associated with the overall level of family burden (r=0.40, p<0.001), and with
      several subtypes of family burden: financial burden (r=0.21, p=0.040), the degree
      of disruption in family routines (r=0.33, p=0.001), the effect on family leisure
      activities (r=0.31, p=0.001) and the quality of family interactions (r=0.43, p<
      0.001). Four variables remained significantly associated with the level of
      disability in the stepwise multivariate linear regression: duration of illness,
      severity of symptoms, patient satisfaction with family support, and the overall
      burden of the illness on the family. CONCLUSIONS: Even after adjusting for the
      severity of patients' symptoms, patient disability is independently associated
      with family burden. This highlights the importance of targeting both symptoms and
      disability in treatment strategies for this severe, often lifelong, condition. In
      countries like China where most individuals with schizophrenia live with their
      families, family burden is an important component of the impact of the illness on
      the community that should be included in measures of the relative social and
      economic importance of the condition.

PMID- 25114479
TI  - Five-year follow-up study of multi-domain cognitive training for healthy elderly
      community members.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive training, a safe non-pharmacological intervention, may help
      mitigate cognitive decline and prevent the development of dementia in elderly
      individuals. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the long-term effects of cognitive training
      among healthy elderly community members. METHODS: Healthy individuals 70 years of
      age or older from one urban community in Shanghai were screened and the 151
      individuals who met inclusion criteria were assigned either to an intervention
      group (n=90) or a control group (n=61). The intervention involved twice-weekly
      training in reasoning, memory, and strategy that continued for 12 weeks (a total
      of 24 sessions). Participants were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks, and 5
      years after enrollment using the Chinese versions of the Neuropsychological Test
      Battery for Elderly persons (NTBE), the Stroop Color-Word Test, and a general
      health questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty-nine (54%) intervention group subjects and
      33 (54%) control group subjects completed the 5-year follow-up. There were few
      differences in the baseline neurocognitive measures of those who did and did not
      complete the 5-year follow-up, and there were few differences between those who
      dropped out of the intervention group compared to those who dropped out of the
      control group. At the 5-year follow-up, individuals in the intervention group
      performed better than those in the control group on only 5 measures (in the
      Trails Making A Test and the Cancellation Test 3) of the 61 measures assessed by
      NTBE and the Stroop tests, but none of these differences met the pre-determined
      required level of statistical significance (p=0.0008). CONCLUSION: We do not
      confirm the results of previous studies that report long-term benefits of brief
      cognitive training courses for elderly community residents. Our failure to
      identify differences in cognitive functioning five years after cognitive training
      is not likely due to differential dropout between the intervention and control
      groups but may be related to the relatively small sample and the large number of
      measures being assessed. Future intervention studies for cognitive training in
      the elderly should be hypothesis driven (i.e., focused on a single outcome
      measure of interest), use much larger samples, and include regular booster
      sessions as part of the cognitive training package.

PMID- 25114481
TI  - Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of transsexualism in contemporary
      China.

PMID- 25114480
TI  - Duration of untreated psychosis and clinical outcomes of first-episode
      schizophrenia: a 4-year follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between the duration of untreated psychosis and long
      term clinical outcomes remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: Prospectively assess the
      relationship of the duration of untreated psychosis on clinical outcomes in a
      sample of individuals with first-onset schizophrenia treated at the Pudong Mental
      Health Center from January 2007 to December 2008. METHODS: Information about
      general health, psychotic symptoms and social functioning were collected using
      the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale
      (TESS), Morningside Rehabilitation Status Scale (MRSS), and Social Disability
      Screening Schedule (SDSS) at baseline and in June 2010 and June 2012. RESULTS:
      The 43 individuals with first-episode schizophrenia participating in the study
      were divided into short (<24 weeks) and long (>24weeks) duration of untreated
      psychosis (DUP) groups. The mean (sd) duration of follow-up was 1197 (401) days
      in the short DUP group and 1412 (306) days in the long DUP group (t=9.98,
      p=0.055). Despite less prominent psychotic symptoms at the time of first
      diagnosis among patients who had a long DUP compared to those with a short DUP
      (BPRS mean scores, 42.5 [8.4] v. 50.0 [10.6], t=2.42, p=0.0210) and a similar
      number of clinical relapses (based on positive symptoms assessed by the BPRS),
      patients with a long DUP were more likely to require hospitalization at the time
      of first diagnosis (52% [11/21] v. 9% [2/22], chi(2) =9.55, p=0.002) and more
      likely to require re-hospitalization during the first two years of treatment (67%
      [14/21] v. 32% [7/22], chi(2) =5.22, p=0.022). Moreover, after four years of
      routine treatment, despite a similar severity of positive symptoms, patients who
      had had a long DUP prior to initiating treatment had significantly poorer social
      functioning than those who had had a short DUP (SDSS mean scores, 7.0 [5.2] v.
      3.4 [4.9], t=2.20, p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that despite having
      a similar level of psychotic symptoms - as measured by the BPRS - compared to
      patients with a short DUP, patients with schizophrenia who have a long DUP prior
      to initial treatment have poorer long-term social functioning. This confirms the
      clinical importance of the early recognition and treatment of individuals with
      chronic psychotic conditions.

PMID- 25114482
TI  - Case report of refractory tardive dystonia induced by olanzapine.
AB  - SUMMARY: Tardive dystonia (TDt), a cluster of extrapyramidal symptoms that are
      caused by long-term use of antipsychotic medication, is characterized by
      difficulty in autonomic movements of skeletal (voluntary) muscles and consequent
      deformations of the body. TDt is rarely seen among patients taking olanzapine,
      but olanzapine was the precipitating antipsychotic medication in this 22-year old
      male patient with schizophrenia who developed lip puckering, persistent
      involuntary torticollis, muscular pain, axial dystonia and unstable gait after
      taking a standard dose of olanzapine regularly for about one year. His symptoms
      did not resolve after his olanzapine was stopped. Four months of treatment with
      clozapine combined with magnesium valproate, vitamin E, tiapride, and lorazepam
      did not lead to any improvement in the dystonia.

PMID- 25114484
TI  - Report on the Shanghai Conference of the ICD-11 Field Studies Coordinating Group.

PMID- 25114483
TI  - Establishing a data monitoring committee for clinical trials.
AB  - SUMMARY: A data monitoring committee (DMC) is a group of clinicians and
      biostatisticians appointed by study sponsors who provide independent assessment
      of the safety, scientific validity and integrity of clinical trials. In the
      United States, the Food and Drug Administration requires the formation of DMC in
      all trials that assess new interventions. DMC are also strongly recommended in
      other clinical studies that have substantial safety issues, that have double
      blind treatment assignment or that are expected to have a major impact on
      clinical practice. They are important in clinical research in psychiatry because
      they provide an added layer of protection for the vulnerable populations that are
      often enrolled in such studies. This report describes the role, formation and
      operation of DMC.

PMID- 25114485
TI  - Neuroimaging studies of depressive disorders in China since 2000.
AB  - SUMMARY: This paper reviews neuroimaging studies of depressive disorders
      conducted in Chinese populations since 2000. Both cross-sectional and
      longitudinal studies using structural and functional imaging techniques have
      compared different types of depressed individuals, with and without specific
      genotypes, and the characteristics of depressed individuals before and after
      treatment with antidepressants. Many of the findings are unstable - probably
      because most of the studies are underpowered - but there have been some important
      contributions to the international literature. Future studies in China need to
      use standardized methods, longitudinal designs, and joint application of both
      structural and functional MRI.

PMID- 25114487
TI  - Changes in behavior and in brain glucose metabolism in rats after nine weeks on a
      high fat diet: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A high-fat diet (HFD) is a well-known risk factor for cardio
      cerebrovascular disease but the relationship between a HFD and depressive
      symptoms remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: Compare changes in behavioral and measures
      of brain glucose metabolism in rats fed a HFD to those of rats fed a standard
      diet. METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a study
      group (n=10) that received a high fat diet for 9 weeks or a control group (n=10)
      that received a standard diet for 9 weeks. At baseline and at the end of the 9
      week trial assessments included body weight, serum lipids (total cholesterol,
      triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol), the sucrose preference test, and the open field test. The rate of
      brain glucose metabolism in different brain regions (assessed using micro
      positron emission tomography) at the end of the trial was also compared between
      the two groups of rats. RESULTS: Nine weeks of a HFD in rats resulted in the
      expected increase in weight and changes in serum lipid levels, but it was also
      associated with a decreased preference for sucrose (which may be due to a loss of
      interest in pleasurable activities), increased weight-adjusted water intake, and
      a significant deactivation of the right thalamus and right striatum (based on
      decreased rates of glucose metabolism). In the HFD group the magnitude of the
      drop in the sucrose preference was strongly correlated to the magnitude of the
      deactivation of the right thalamus (r=0.78) and the right striatum (r=0.81).
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings support hypotheses about the role of a HFD in the
      causal pathway for depressive symptoms. Further work is needed to clarify the
      underling mechanism, but it appears that the interaction between the content of
      the diet and the limbic system-striatum-thalamus circuit plays a role in both
      eating behavior and depressive symptoms.

PMID- 25114486
TI  - Two-year prospective case-controlled study of a case management program for
      community-dwelling individuals with schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A community-based rehabilitation program is an essential element of
      the comprehensive treatment of individuals with schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: Assess
      the long-term effects of a community-based case management program for providing
      rehabilitations services to individuals with schizophrenia. METHODS: A total of
      730 community-residing participants who met ICD-10 diagnostic criteriafor
      schizophrenia were enrolled, 380 in the case management group and 350 in the
      control group from two districts in Shanghai. Case management involved monthly
      training visits with patients and their co-resident family members that focused
      on encouraging medication adherence. Participants were assessed every three
      months for 24 months with the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN), Positive and
      Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), WHO-Disability Assessment Scale (WHO-DAS), and
      the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS). Level of discomfort due to side-effects was
      also assessed every three months. Individuals who discontinued their
      antipsychotic medication without physician approval for one month or longer at
      any time during follow-up were classified as 'self-determined medication
      discontinuation'. RESULTS: Compared to the treatment as usual group (i.e., follow
      up management every 3 months), by the end of the two-year follow-up those who
      participated in the case management program had significantly lower rates of
      medication discontinuation, significantly less severe negative symptoms, lower
      relapse rates and lower rehospitalization rates. Other factors that had an
      independent effect on discontinuation of medication included educational level
      (those with more education had higher discontinuation rates), lack of family
      supervision of medication, higher dosages of medication, and greater medication
      related discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Case management is a feasible and effective long
      term method for improving the rehabilitation outcomes of community residents with
      schizophrenia. Our results highlight the need to involve family members in the
      management of patients' medication, to use the minimum effective dosage of
      medication, and to aggressively manage all side-effects.

PMID- 25114488
TI  - Retrospective assessment of factors associated with readmission in a large
      psychiatric hospital in Guangzhou, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most psychiatric inpatients in China are involuntarily admitted by
      their families, resulting in relatively long admissions and relatively low
      readmission rates. However, this pattern may change after implementation of
      China's new national mental health law (promulgated in 2013), which restricts
      involuntary psychiatric admissions to the small proportion of mentally ill
      individuals who are a danger to self or others. AIM: Assess the factors
      associated with readmission rates of psychiatric inpatients in Guangzhou, China.
      METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from the Guangzhou Psychiatric
      Hospital, one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in China, used Cox regression
      models to evaluate the relationship between age, gender, diagnosis, marital
      status, employment status, relationship with the primary caregiver, type of
      medical insurance, length of stay of the index admission, and the number of
      previous admissions to estimate the risk of readmission over the year following
      discharge. Multivariate regression is used to assess factors associated with the
      total time of readmission during the year of follow-up. RESULTS: Among 3455
      patients admitted from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2012 who had a mean (sd)
      length of stay of 65.7 (66.3) days, 476 (13.8%) were readmitted one or more times
      within one year of discharge. After considering all potential predictors of
      readmission in a multivariate survival analysis, the number of previous
      hospitalizations prior to the index admission was the only statistically
      significant predictor of readmission. The only factor that was significantly
      related to the total time of readmission was the duration of the index admission.
      CONCLUSION: Shorter length of stay was not associated with increased readmission
      rates in patients admitted to a large public psychiatric hospital in southern
      China. This suggests that the expected decrease in the length of psychiatric
      inpatient admissions that is likely to occur when, based on China's new
      regulations, most patients are admitted voluntarily may not lead to increased
      rates of readmission. Prospective studies with a more comprehensive set of
      outcome measures (including patient functioning, medication adherence, and family
      burden) are needed to monitor the effect of the law on patients and on the
      distribution of mental health services.

PMID- 25114489
TI  - Retrospective assessment of the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among
      homeless individuals with schizophrenia in Shanghai.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are increasingly important in China, but the
      prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in the indigent mentally
      ill are unknown. AIM: Assess the prevalence of four key risk factors for
      cardiovascular disease -- hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and smoking
      - among homeless patients with schizophrenia and identify factors associated with
      the presence of these risk factors. METHODS: We reviewed medical charts of 181
      homeless and 181 non-homeless patients with schizophrenia or schizophreniform
      disorder admitted to the Shanghai Jiading Mental Health Center between May 2007
      and April 2013. Demographic characteristics and risk factors of cardiovascular
      events were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression models
      identified the factors that were associated with the presence of one or more of
      the four risk factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia
      were 19 to 20% in both males and females in the two groups; these rates are
      similar to those reported in the general population. The prevalence of
      hyperglycemia ranged from 11 to 15% among males and females in the two groups.
      Smoking was highly prevalent in male patients (82% in homeless males and 78% in
      non-homeless males) but, like in China generally, much less prevalent in female
      patients (7% in homeless females and 5% in non-homeless females). The logistic
      regression analysis found that male gender, older age, and urban (vs. rural)
      residence were independently associated with the presence of one or more of the
      four cardiovascular risk factors. Homelessness was not associated with the
      presence of cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: This study is the first
      known report on cardiovascular risk factors among homeless mentally ill in China.
      The study did not assess several important factors (such as the type, dose and
      duration of use of antipsychotic medication) but it was, nevertheless, able to
      show that, unlike in high-income countries, homelessness is not related to
      elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in Chinese individuals with mental
      illnesses. Prospective studies with the growing number of homeless individuals in
      China will be needed to get a clearer picture of the best ways to provide them
      with the health care services they need.

PMID- 25114491
TI  - Opportunities and challenges for promoting psychotherapy in contemporary China.
AB  - China's first mental health law, which went into effect last year, envisages a
      world in which psychotherapy is an integral part of all levels of medical care.
      There are many obstacles to achieving this goal. The new law empowers
      psychiatrists to provide psychotherapy but few of them have the time or
      inclination to do so because of the lower incomes generated by non-biological
      treatments. Trained clinical psychologists are in very short supply partly
      because of the lack of supervised training opportunities and partly because the
      current medical system - and the new mental health law - does not empower them to
      diagnose or treat patients without the direct supervision of a physician.
      Achieving the laudable goals of the new law will require substantial changes in
      the regulations and, perhaps more importantly, in attitudes about the role and
      status of psychologists within the medical care delivery system. 

PMID- 25114492
TI  - Case report of comorbid alcohol-induced psychotic disorder and Madelung's
      disease.
AB  - Madelung's disease, also known as benign symmetric lipomatosis (BSL), multiple
      symmetric lipomatosis (MSL), fatty neck syndrome or Launois-Bensaude syndrome, is
      a rare disease characterized by the presence of multiple, symmetric, loose
      adipose tissues distributed around the neck, occipitalis, shoulder, back or
      chest. The fat masses are non-encapsulated and therefore can move freely between
      adjacent areas. This disease is most commonly seen among middle-aged Caucasian
      men of Mediterranean origins; it is rarely reported in Asia. Among individuals
      with Madelung's syndrome, 60 to 90% have a history of chronic alcohol abuse. We
      report a case of a 51-year-old Chinese man with a history of alcohol use disorder
      who had fat masses in his neck which gradually enlarged over a period of three
      years. Based on the case history and the results of physical examination, neck CT
      and other routine tests, he was diagnosed with Madelung's syndrome. 

PMID- 25114494
TI  - Item response theory for measurement validity.
AB  - Item response theory (IRT) is an important method of assessing the validity of
      measurement scales that is underutilized in the field of psychiatry. IRT
      describes the relationship between a latent trait (e.g., the construct that the
      scale proposes to assess), the properties of the items in the scale, and
      respondents' answers to the individual items. This paper introduces the basic
      premise, assumptions, and methods of IRT. To help explain these concepts we
      generate a hypothetical scale using three items from a modified, binary (yes/no)
      response version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale that
      was administered to 19,399 respondents. We first conducted a factor analysis to
      confirm the unidimensionality of the three items and then proceeded with Mplus
      software to construct the 2-Parameter Logic (2-PL) IRT model of the data, a
      method which allows for estimates of both item discrimination and item
      difficulty. The utility of this information both for clinical purposes and for
      scale construction purposes is discussed. 

PMID- 25114493
TI  - Use of diplotypes - matched haplotype pairs from homologous chromosomes - in gene
      disease association studies.
AB  - Alleles, genotypes and haplotypes (combinations of alleles) have been widely used
      in gene-disease association studies. More recently, association studies using
      diplotypes (haplotype pairs on homologous chromosomes) have become increasingly
      common. This article reviews the rationale of the four types of association
      analyses and discusses the situations in which diplotype-based analyses are more
      powerful than the other types of association analyses. Haplotype-based
      association analyses are more powerful than allele-based association analyses,
      and diplotype-based association analyses are more powerful than genotype-based
      analyses. In circumstances where there are no interaction effects between markers
      and where the criteria for Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) are met, the larger
      sample size and smaller degrees of freedom of allele-based and haplotype-based
      association analyses make them more powerful than genotype-based and diplotype
      based association analyses, respectively. However, under certain circumstances
      diplotype-based analyses are more powerful than haplotype-based analysis. 

PMID- 25114495
TI  - Customized epithelial debridement for thin ectatic corneas undergoing corneal
      cross-linking: epithelial island cross-linking technique.
AB  - Thin corneas with a minimum corneal thickness less than 400 MUm after epithelial
      removal represent a contraindication to standard epithelium-off cross-linking
      (CXL) treatment due to a significant endothelial cell density decrease and
      potentiality of permanent haze development. Preoperative swelling of the cornea
      with hypoosmolar riboflavin solutions broadens the spectrum of CXL indications to
      thin corneas. However the iatrogenic swelling effect might not be durable
      throughout the CXL procedure increasing the risk of postoperative complications.
      The transepithelial CXL technique proposed for thin corneas demonstrated poor
      clinical results and mid- to long-term keratoconus instability. The epithelial
      island CXL technique with customized pachymetry-guided epithelial debridement was
      evaluated by means of in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy, corneal
      topography, and clinical examination in a 1-year follow-up, in order to assess if
      it may be considered an alternative surgical option for keratoconic patients with
      thin corneas undergoing corneal collagen CXL. According to our clinical and in
      vivo micro-morphological results the technique results safe, and efficacious in
      stabilizing progressive keratoconus and may be considered a valid option in the
      treatment of thin ectatic corneas alone or in combination with hypoosmolar or
      dextran-free riboflavin solutions. 

PMID- 25114496
TI  - Grader agreement, and sensitivity and specificity of digital photography in a
      community optometry-based diabetic eye screening program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Digital retinal photography with mydriasis is the preferred modality
      for diabetes eye screening. The purpose of this study was to evaluate agreement
      in grading levels between primary and secondary graders and to calculate their
      sensitivity and specificity for identifying sight-threatening disease in an
      optometry-based retinopathy screening program. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      study using data from 8,977 patients registered in the North Nottinghamshire
      retinal screening program. In all cases, the ophthalmology diagnosis was used as
      the arbitrator and considered to be the gold standard. Kappa statistics were used
      to evaluate the level of agreement between graders. RESULTS: Agreement between
      primary and secondary graders was 51.4% and 79.7% for detecting no retinopathy
      (R0) and background retinopathy (R1), respectively. For preproliferative (R2) and
      proliferative retinopathy (R3) at primary grading, agreement between the primary
      and secondary grader was 100%. Where there was disagreement between the primary
      and secondary grader for R1, only 2.6% (n=41) were upgraded by an
      ophthalmologist. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting R3 was 78.2% and
      98.1%, respectively. None of the patients upgraded from any level of retinopathy
      to R3 required photocoagulation therapy. The observed kappa between the primary
      and secondary grader was 0.3223 (95% confidence interval 0.2937-0.3509), ie, fair
      agreement, and between the primary grader and ophthalmology for R3 was 0.5667
      (95% confidence interval 0.4557-0.6123), ie, moderate agreement. CONCLUSION:
      These data provide information on the safety of a community optometry-based
      retinal screening program for screening as a primary and as a secondary grader.
      The level of agreement between the primary and secondary grader at a higher level
      of retinopathy (R2 and R3) was 100%. Sensitivity and specificity for R3 were
      78.2% and 98.1%, respectively. None of the false-negative results required
      photocoagulation therapy.

PMID- 25114497
TI  - Intermittent acute angle closure glaucoma and chronic angle closure following
      topiramate use with plateau iris configuration.
AB  - This is a case report describing recurrent intermittent acute angle closure
      episodes in the setting of topiramate use in a female suffering from migraines.
      Despite laser peripheral iridotomy placement for the pupillary block component,
      and the discontinuation of topiramate, the acute angle closure did not resolve in
      the left eye with chronic angle closure and the patient required urgent
      trabeculectomy. The right eye responded to laser peripheral iridotomy immediately
      and further improved after the cessation of topiramate. While secondary angle
      closure glaucoma due to topiramate use has been widely reported, its effects in
      patients with underlying primary angle closure glaucoma have not been discussed.
      Our report highlights the importance of recognizing the often multifactorial
      etiology of angle closure glaucoma to help guide clinical management. 

PMID- 25114498
TI  - Learning curve of sutureless transconjunctival 20-gauge vitrectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To report the learning curve of transition from 20-gauge (20 G)
      conventional vitrectomy to a 20 G sutureless vitrectomy technique. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive case study of 32 eyes from 32
      consecutive patients who underwent sutureless 20 G pars plana vitrectomy. A 20 G
      microvitreoretinal blade was introduced, beveled transconjunctivally, slowly,
      parallel with the limbus, creating a conjunctivoscleral tunnel incision. Study
      participants were divided into three groups, and surgical time, induced
      astigmatism, and complications were compared. RESULTS: Of 32 consecutive
      patients, there was no significant difference in induced astigmatism or
      maneuvering between the early learning curve and other groups. The true learning
      curve was the first three patients. There were three cases where suturing the
      sclerotomy was necessary: one port in each case, three of 32 cases (9.3%), or
      three of 96 ports (2.9%). CONCLUSION: There were no significant difficulties in
      surgical maneuvers while performing 20 g sutureless vitrectomy.

PMID- 25114500
TI  - A case of retinopathy of prematurity treated by pattern scan laser
      photocoagulation.
AB  - We experienced a case of retinopathy of prematurity that was successfully treated
      with pattern scan laser. Pattern scan laser treatment should be considered as one
      treatment option for Retinopathy of Prematurity. 

PMID- 25114499
TI  - Relative sensitivity and specificity of 10-2 visual fields, multifocal
      electroretinography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography in
      detecting hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine retinopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the relative sensitivity
      and specificity of 10-2 visual fields (10-2 VFs), multifocal electroretinography
      (mfERG), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in detecting
      hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. METHODS: A total of 121 patients taking
      hydroxychloroquine (n=119) or chloroquine (n=2) with 10-2 VF, mfERG, and SD-OCT
      tests were retrospectively reviewed. Rates of test abnormality were determined.
      RESULTS: Retinopathy was present in 14 and absent in 107. Eleven of 14 (78.6%)
      patients with retinopathy were overdosed. Twelve (85.7%) had cumulative dosing
      greater than 1,000 g. The sensitivities of 10-2 VF, mfERG, and SD-OCT in
      detecting retinopathy were 85.7%, 92.9%, and 78.6%, respectively. The
      specificities of 10-2 VF, mfERG, and SD-OCT in detecting retinopathy were 92.5%,
      86.9%, and 98.1%, respectively. Positive predictive values of 10-2 VF, mfERG, and
      SD-OCT in detecting retinopathy were less than 30% for all estimates of
      hydroxychloroquine retinopathy prevalence. Negative predictive values were >99%
      for all tests. CONCLUSION: Based on published estimates of hydroxychloroquine
      retinopathy prevalence, all three tests are most reliable when negative, allowing
      confident exclusion of retinopathy in patients taking <=6.5 mg/kg/day. Each test
      is less useful in allowing a confident diagnosis of retinopathy when positive,
      especially in patients taking <=6.5 mg/kg/day.

PMID- 25114501
TI  - Comparison of Optomap ultrawide-field imaging versus slit-lamp biomicroscopy for
      assessment of diabetic retinopathy in a real-life clinic.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the agreement between clinical assessment of diabetic
      retinopathy and Optomap ultrawide-field imaging (UWFI) in a real-life clinic
      setting. METHODS: Structured examination findings, from diabetic patients
      attending routine medical retina clinics in July 2011, were retrospectively
      compared with the grade obtained from Optomap UWFI images, graded independently
      by two ophthalmologists, taken at the same visit. RESULTS: A total of 84 eyes (42
      patients) were examined, and 74 eyes (37 patients) were suitable for analysis.
      The hospital Eye Service slit-lamp biomicroscopy grades for retinopathy were: no
      diabetic retinopathy in zero eyes; background retinopathy in 21 eyes;
      preproliferative retinopathy in 34 eyes; and proliferative retinopathy in 19
      eyes. For retinopathy, the agreement between the Optomap UWFI and clinical
      grading was moderate for both graders (kappa=0.57 and kappa=0.63), and there was
      almost perfect agreement between the two graders (kappa=0.92). The clinical
      grades for the presence of photocoagulation scars were: no photocoagulation scars
      in 46 eyes and photocoagulation scars visible in 28 eyes, indicating substantial
      agreement between the Optomap UWFI and clinical grading for both graders
      (kappa=0.73 and kappa=0.64). There were two instances where proliferative
      retinopathy was documented clinically but graded as preproliferative by both
      graders of Optomap UWFI. These were investigated, and neither patient required
      treatment, ie, the difference in retinopathy grade would not have affected the
      patient outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated moderate agreement between
      Optomap UWFI and hospital slit-lamp biomicroscopy grading of patients'
      retinopathy in a real-life medical retina clinic setting. The authors believe
      that Optomap UWFI is, not only a very useful adjunct to clinical examination in
      terms of detection and recording of retinopathy, but also, could have a role in
      standalone "virtual" clinics.

PMID- 25114502
TI  - Artificial tears potpourri: a literature review.
AB  - Numerous brands and types of artificial tears are available on the market for the
      treatment of dysfunctional tear syndrome. Past literature has focused on
      comparing the components of these products on patient's clinical improvement. The
      wide array of products on the market presents challenges to both clinicians and
      patients when trying to choose between available tear replacement therapies.
      Different formulations affect patients based on etiology and severity of disease.
      In order to provide an unbiased comparison between available tear replacement
      therapies, we conducted a literature review of existing studies and National
      Institutes of Health clinical trials on commercially available, brand name
      artificial tears. Outcomes evaluated in each study, as well as the percent of
      patients showing clinical and symptomatic improvement, were analyzed. Fifty-one
      studies evaluating different brands of artificial tears, and their efficacy were
      identified. Out of the 51 studies, 18 were comparison studies testing brand name
      artificial tears directly against each other. Nearly all formulations of
      artificial tears provided significant benefit to patients with dysfunctional tear
      syndrome, but some proved superior to others. From the study data, a recommended
      treatment flowchart was derived. 

PMID- 25114503
TI  - Apoptosis and the FLIP and NF-kappa B proteins as pharmacodynamic criteria for
      biosimilar TNF-alpha antagonists.
AB  - Various criteria are necessary to assess the efficacy and safety of biological
      medications in order to grant companies the right to register these medications
      with the appropriate bodies that regulate their sale. The imminent expiration of
      the patents on reference biological products which block the cytokine TNF-alpha
      (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) raises the possibility of bringing so-called
      biosimilars to the market (similar to the biologicals of reference products).
      This occurrence is inevitable, but criteria to adequately evaluate these
      medications are now needed. Even among controversy, there is a demand from
      publications correlating the pro-apoptotic mechanism of the original TNF-alpha
      antagonists (etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, and certolizumab
      pegol) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases. In this
      article, the authors discuss the possibility of utilizing the pro-apoptotic
      effect correlated with the regulation of the anti-apoptotic proteins FLIP and NF
      kappaB as new criteria for analyzing the pharmacodynamics of possible biosimilar
      TNF-alpha antagonists which should be submitted to regulatory agencies for
      evaluation. 

PMID- 25114504
TI  - The load and release characteristics on a strong cationic ion-exchange fiber:
      kinetics, thermodynamics, and influences.
AB  - Ion-exchange fibers were different from conventional ion-exchange resins in their
      non-cross-linked structure. The exchange was located on the surface of the
      framework, and the transport resistance reduced significantly, which might mean
      that the exchange is controlled by an ionic reaction instead of diffusion.
      Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the load and release characteristics of
      five model drugs with the strong cationic ion-exchange fiber ZB-1. Drugs were
      loaded using a batch process and released in United States Pharmacopoeia (USP)
      dissolution apparatus 2. Opposing exchange kinetics, suitable for the special
      structure of the fiber, were developed for describing the exchange process with
      the help of thermodynamics, which illustrated that the load was controlled by an
      ionic reaction. The molecular weight was the most important factor to influence
      the drug load and release rate. Strong alkalinity and rings in the molecular
      structures made the affinity between the drug and fiber strong, while logP did
      not cause any profound differences. The drug-fiber complexes exhibited sustained
      release. Different kinds and concentrations of counter ions or different amounts
      of drug-fiber complexes in the release medium affected the release behavior,
      while the pH value was independent of it. The groundwork for in-depth exploration
      and further application of ion-exchange fibers has been laid. 

PMID- 25114505
TI  - Pustular drug eruption due to Panax notoginseng saponins.
AB  - Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are a patented product in the People's Republic
      of China, and have extensive effects on the cardiovascular system. Here we report
      on four elderly patients (one male and three female) with drug eruption induced
      by PNS injection. All developed a sudden skin rash with pruritus from head to
      foot, and subsequently accepted hospitalization. In each case, PNS had been used
      for less than 1 week before appearance of the rash. No specific short-term
      medications or changes in diet or exposure to environmental factors immediately
      prior to appearance of the rash were identified. These four patients had some
      interesting features in common, ie, pustules, fever, and elevated circulating
      neutrophil counts, which required high-dose, long-term glucocorticoid therapy. To
      our knowledge, this is the first report of pustular drug eruption induced by PNS
      and provides a useful reference and warning for clinicians. 

PMID- 25114506
TI  - Evaluation of the biological activity of novel monocationic fluoroaryl-2,2'
      bichalcophenes and their analogues.
AB  - A series of bichalcophene fluorobenzamidines 5a-e was synthesized from the
      corresponding mononitriles 4a-e via a direct reaction with lithium
      bis(trimethylsilyl)amide LiN(TMS)2 followed by de-protection with ethanolic HCl
      (gas). Bichalcophene fluorobenzonitriles 4a-e were prepared adopting a Stille
      coupling reaction between the bromo compounds 3a-c and 2-(tri-n
      butylstannyl)furan or analogues. As an approach to drug discovery, the structure
      antimutagenicity relationship of novel fluoroarylbichalcophenes was examined
      using the Ames Salmonella/microsomal assay. At nontoxic concentrations (10 and 20
      MUM), all derivatives alone or in combination with sodium azide (NaN3; 2
      MUg/plate) or benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P; 20 MUM) in the presence of S9 mix were not
      mutagenic. The fluoroaryl derivatives significantly reduced the NaN3-induced and
      B[a]P-induced mutagenicity under pre-exposure and co-exposure conditions. The
      recorded antimutagenic activity of fluoroaryl derivatives varied depending on the
      kind of mutagen and the exposure regimen. Monocationic fluoroarylbichalcophenes
      were superior to the corresponding mononitriles in reducing B[a]P-induced
      mutagenicity. Nevertheless, mononitriles were more active against NaN3,
      especially at low concentrations and under pre-exposure treatments. The
      antimutagenic activity was congruent with a high antioxidant activity that could
      promote the DNA repair system. The fluorine substitution changed the
      antimutagenic signature of bichalcophenes. Some of these compounds could be
      selected for further anticancer studies. 

PMID- 25114507
TI  - Novel artificial cell microencapsulation of a complex gliclazide-deoxycholic bile
      acid formulation: a characterization study.
AB  - Gliclazide (G) is an antidiabetic drug commonly used in type 2 diabetes. It has
      extrapancreatic hypoglycemic effects, which makes it a good candidate in type 1
      diabetes (T1D). In previous studies, we have shown that a gliclazide-bile acid
      mixture exerted a hypoglycemic effect in a rat model of T1D. We have also shown
      that a gliclazide-deoxycholic acid (G-DCA) mixture resulted in better G
      permeation in vivo, but did not produce a hypoglycemic effect. In this study, we
      aimed to develop a novel microencapsulated formulation of G-DCA with uniform
      structure, which has the potential to enhance G pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacodynamic effects in our rat model of T1D. We also aimed to examine the
      effect that DCA will have when formulated with our new G microcapsules, in terms
      of morphology, structure, and excipients' compatibility. Microencapsulation was
      carried out using the Buchi-based microencapsulating system developed in our
      laboratory. Using sodium alginate (SA) polymer, both formulations were prepared:
      G-SA (control) at a ratio of 1:30, and G-DCA-SA (test) at a ratio of 1:3:30.
      Complete characterization of microcapsules was carried out. The new G-DCA-SA
      formulation was further optimized by the addition of DCA, exhibiting
      pseudoplastic-thixotropic rheological characteristics. The size of microcapsules
      remained similar after DCA addition, and these microcapsules showed no chemical
      interactions between the excipients. This was supported further by the spectral
      and microscopy studies, suggesting microcapsule stability. The new
      microencapsulated formulation has good structural properties and may be useful
      for the oral delivery of G in T1D. 

PMID- 25114509
TI  - Antimycobacterial, antimicrobial, and biocompatibility properties of para
      aminosalicylic acid with zinc layered hydroxide and Zn/Al layered double
      hydroxide nanocomposites.
AB  - The treatment of tuberculosis by chemotherapy is complicated due to multiple drug
      prescriptions, long treatment duration, and adverse side effects. We report here
      for the first time an in vitro therapeutic effect of nanocomposites based on para
      aminosalicylic acid with zinc layered hydroxide (PAS-ZLH) and zinc-aluminum
      layered double hydroxides (PAS-Zn/Al LDH), against mycobacteria, Gram-positive
      bacteria, and Gram-negative bacteria. The nanocomposites demonstrated good
      antimycobacterial activity and were found to be effective in killing Gram
      positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A biocompatibility study revealed good
      biocompatibility of the PAS-ZLH nanocomposites against normal human MRC-5 lung
      cells. The para-aminosalicylic acid loading was quantified with high-performance
      liquid chromatography analysis. In summary, the present preliminary in vitro
      studies are highly encouraging for further in vivo studies of PAS-ZLH and PAS
      Zn/Al LDH nanocomposites to treat tuberculosis. 

PMID- 25114508
TI  - Potential roles of GPR120 and its agonists in the management of diabetes.
AB  - Free fatty acids (FFAs) serve not only as nutrients that provide energy but also
      as extracellular signaling molecules that manipulate intracellular physiological
      events through FFA receptors (FFARs) such as FFAR4. FFAR4 is also known as G
      protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120). The main role of GPR120 is to elicit FFA
      regulation on metabolism homeostasis. GPR120 agonism correlates with prevention
      of the occurrence and development of metabolic disorders such as obesity and
      diabetes. GPR120 activation directly or indirectly inhibits inflammation,
      modulates hormone secretion from the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, and
      regulates lipid and/or glucose metabolism in adipose, liver, and muscle tissues,
      which may help prevent obesity and diabetes. This review summarizes recent
      advances in physiological roles of GPR120 in preventing insulin resistance and
      protecting pancreatic islet function, and examines how resident GPR120 in the
      pancreas may be involved in modulating pancreatic islet function. 

PMID- 25114511
TI  - Health state utilities associated with adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: With growing awareness of the importance of adult attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment, cost-effectiveness analyses,
      including utilities, are needed to compare the value of treatment options.
      Although utilities have been reported for childhood ADHD, little is known about
      utilities representing adult ADHD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to
      estimate utilities associated with adult ADHD. METHODS: Health-state descriptions
      of adult ADHD were drafted based on literature review, interviews with four
      clinicians, and clinical trial data. Health states were revised based on a pilot
      study with 26 participants. Final health states were rated in time trade-off
      interviews with general population respondents in London and Edinburgh, UK.
      RESULTS: A total of 158 participants completed interviews (mean age =47.0 years;
      49.4% female; Edinburgh =80 participants). Mean (standard deviation [SD])
      utilities were 0.82 (0.17), 0.68 (0.28), and 0.67 (0.28) for health states
      describing treatment responders (health state A), nonresponders (health state B),
      and untreated patients (health state C), respectively. Most participants rated
      health state A as preferable to B (n=92; 58.2%) and C (n=97; 61.4%). The majority
      rated B and C as equal (n=125; 79.1%). Paired Student's t-tests found that A had
      a significantly greater mean utility than B (t=10.0; P<0.0001) and C (t=10.2;
      P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The current study provides utilities that may be used in
      cost-utility models of treatment for adult ADHD. Results reflected clear
      differences between health states representing treatment responders and
      nonresponders/untreated patients. Current utilities were comparable to those
      previously reported for childhood ADHD.

PMID- 25114510
TI  - Clinical utility of erlotinib for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer in
      Japanese patients: current evidence.
AB  - Gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), has
      been approved in Japan for the treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) based on Phase II clinical trials since 2002. Erlotinib,
      another EGFR-TKI, was also approved a few years thereafter. In 2004, activating
      mutations in the EGFR gene were discovered to be a predictive biomarker for EGFR
      TKI treatment, and gefitinib, which is not effective for patients with EGFR wild
      type NSCLC, has since been used only in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. In
      contrast, erlotinib is potentially effective for the treatment of EGFR wild-type
      NSCLC. Similar to gefitinib, erlotinib is also effective for EGFR-mutated NSCLC
      and has been used as an initial treatment for patients with advanced EGFR-mutated
      NSCLC. Both gefitinib and erlotinib can be used in a Japanese clinical setting.
      The approved daily dose of erlotinib (150 mg) is equal to the maximum tolerated
      dose of erlotinib. In contrast, the daily dose of gefitinib has been set at 250
      mg, which is approximately one-third of the maximum tolerated dose of gefitinib.
      Accordingly, a higher serum concentration can be achieved using erlotinib,
      compared with gefitinib. This advantage can be applied to the treatment of
      central nervous system metastases (brain metastasis and carcinomatous
      meningitis), the treatment of which is complicated by the difficulty drugs have
      penetrating the blood-brain barrier. Although patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC
      respond dramatically to EGFR-TKIs, some patients have a poor response and the
      majority eventually undergo disease progression. To overcome such resistance,
      several novel treatment strategies, such as combination therapy and next
      generation EGFR-TKIs, have been attempted. 

PMID- 25114513
TI  - Medication adherence: process for implementation.
AB  - Improving medication adherence is a critically important, but often enigmatic
      objective of patients, providers, and the overall health care system. Increasing
      medication adherence has the potential to reduce health care costs while
      improving care quality, patient satisfaction and health outcomes. While there are
      a number of papers that describe the benefits of medication adherence in terms of
      cost, safety, outcomes, or quality of life, there are limited reviews that
      consider how best to seamlessly integrate tools and processes directed at
      improving medication adherence. We will address processes for implementing
      medication adherence interventions with the goal of better informing providers
      and health care systems regarding the safe and effective use of medications. 

PMID- 25114512
TI  - What puts heart failure patients at risk for poor medication adherence?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication nonadherence is a major cause of hospitalization in
      patients with heart failure (HF), which contributes enormously to health care
      costs. We previously found, using the World Health Organization adherence
      dimensions, that condition and patient level factors predicted nonadherence in
      HF. In this study, we assessed a wider variety of condition and patient factors
      and interactions to improve our ability to identify those at risk for
      hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medication adherence was measured
      electronically over the course of 6 months, using the Medication Event Monitoring
      System (MEMS). A total of 242 HF patients completed the study, and usable MEMS
      data were available for 218 (90.1%). Participants were primarily white (68.3%),
      male (64.2%), and retired (44.5%). Education ranged from 8-29 years (mean, 14.0
      years; standard deviation, 2.9 years). Ages ranged from 30-89 years (mean, 62.8
      years; standard deviation, 11.6 years). Analyses used adaptive methods based on
      heuristic searches controlled by cross-validation scores. First, individual
      patient adherence patterns over time were used to categorize patients in poor
      versus better adherence types. Then, risk factors for poor adherence were
      identified. Finally, an effective model for predicting poor adherence was
      identified based on identified risk factors and possible pairwise interactions
      between them. RESULTS: A total of 63 (28.9%) patients had poor adherence. Three
      interaction risk factors for poor adherence were identified: a higher number of
      comorbid conditions with a higher total number of daily medicines, older age with
      poorer global sleep quality, and fewer months since diagnosis of HF with poorer
      global sleep quality. Patients had between zero and three risk factors. The odds
      for poor adherence increased by 2.6 times with a unit increase in the number of
      risk factors (odds ratio, 2.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.78-3.86; P<0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Newly diagnosed, older HF patients with comorbid conditions,
      polypharmacy, and poor sleep are at risk for poor medication adherence.
      Interventions addressing these specific barriers are needed.

PMID- 25114514
TI  - Use of family member-based supervision in the management of patients with
      hypertension in rural China.
AB  - Medication nonadherence is a major problem in the management of hypertension. The
      aim of this study was to develop a family member-based supportive therapy for
      patients with hypertension to provide an affordable way to access essential
      health services and to ensure adequate control of blood pressure. This study
      applied a mixed methods approach using qualitative and quantitative study designs
      in Yangzhong County, a rural area in the People's Republic of China. Findings
      from indepth interviews demonstrated that the limited effects of traditional
      health education, a lack of professional advice regarding antihypertensive
      treatment, and age were related to a patient's adherence with regular blood
      pressure measurement and taking medication. We also performed a quantitative
      study, selecting two villages in Yangzhong County as study sites. A total of 188
      patients with hypertension were invited to participate in a 6-month family member
      based intervention trial. The primary outcomes were the acceptability and
      feasibility of the intervention strategy. Secondary outcomes included medication
      adherence and changes in blood pressure. More than 75% of patients expressed a
      wish for external reminders, and 93.5% responded that they would accept the
      family member-based supervision. The patients preferred their spouse or a child
      as the supervisor. After the 6-month intervention, the proportion of patients
      with uncontrolled blood pressure decreased from 87.2% to 45.7%. This pilot study
      shows that external supervision by family members is acceptable and feasible for
      patients with hypertension; it also shows favorable effects with regard to
      improved treatment adherence and blood pressure control. Future randomized
      controlled trials with modified intervention measures are needed to validate this
      finding. 

PMID- 25114515
TI  - Peer-driven contraceptive choices and preferences for contraceptive methods among
      students of tertiary educational institutions in Enugu, Nigeria.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the methods preferred for contraception, evaluate
      preferences and adherence to modern contraceptive methods, and determine the
      factors associated with contraceptive choices among tertiary students in South
      East Nigeria. METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of sexual
      habits, knowledge of contraceptive methods, and patterns of contraceptive choices
      among a pooled sample of unmarried students from the three largest tertiary
      educational institutions in Enugu city, Nigeria was done. Statistical analysis
      involved descriptive and inferential statistics at the 95% level of confidence.
      RESULTS: A total of 313 unmarried students were studied (194 males; 119 females).
      Their mean age was 22.5+/-5.1 years. Over 98% of males and 85% of females made
      their contraceptive choices based on information from peers. Preferences for
      contraceptive methods among female students were 49.2% for traditional methods of
      contraception, 28% for modern methods, 10% for nonpharmacological agents, and 8%
      for off-label drugs. Adherence to modern contraceptives among female students was
      35%. Among male students, the preference for the male condom was 45.2% and the
      adherence to condom use was 21.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that receiving
      information from health personnel/media/workshops (odds ratio 9.54, 95%
      confidence interval 3.5-26.3), health science-related course of study (odds ratio
      3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.3-9.6), and previous sexual exposure prior to
      university admission (odds ratio 3.48, 95% confidence interval 1.5-8.0) all
      increased the likelihood of adherence to modern contraceptive methods.
      CONCLUSION: An overwhelming reliance on peers for contraceptive information in
      the context of poor knowledge of modern methods of contraception among young
      people could have contributed to the low preferences and adherence to modern
      contraceptive methods among students in tertiary educational institutions.
      Programs to reduce risky sexual behavior among these students may need to focus
      on increasing the content and adequacy of contraceptive information held by
      people through regular health worker-led, on-campus workshops.

PMID- 25114516
TI  - Relationship between cognitive impairment and apparent diffusion coefficient
      values from magnetic resonance-diffusion weighted imaging in elderly hypertensive
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine a new method for the early
      diagnosis and assessment of mild cognitive impairment in elderly individuals with
      hypertension. Elderly hypertensive patients with cognitive impairment were
      assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Clinical Dementia Rating
      Assessment (CDR). Cognitive results were compared to apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC) values from magnetic resonance-diffusion weighted imaging.
      METHODS: A total of 191 patients were categorized into four groups: a control
      group (normal cognition and no hypertension; n=20); a normal group (hypertension
      and normal cognition; n=33); an mild cognitive impairment group (n=80); and a
      vascular dementia group (n=58). The MoCA and CDR tests were used to determine
      cognition. ADC values in eight brain regions were calculated with magnetic
      resonance-diffusion weighted imaging. Other characteristics were evaluated, eg,
      blood pressure, MoCA, and CDR scores, and the comparisons of the four groups were
      made. RESULTS: The MoCA and CDR scores differed among the four groups (P<0.001).
      Systolic and diastolic blood pressure values increased as cognitive function
      declined (P<0.001). Cognitive function declined as ADC values increased, and they
      differed between elderly people with and without hypertension (P<0.001). Among
      elderly hypertensive participants, ADC values were significantly increased in the
      cortex and hippocampus. CONCLUSION: The MoCA and CDR tests were sufficiently
      sensitive to evaluate cognition. Blood pressure was closely related to cognition,
      as well as to functional and structural changes in the brain. These alterations
      were evidenced through changes in the ADC values and were most obvious in the
      cortex and hippocampus. Greater cognitive decline was observed in elderly
      participants with hypertension compared to those without. As hypertensive stage
      increased, greater ADC values were observed.

PMID- 25114517
TI  - Subjective well-being in Swedish active seniors and its relationship with
      physical activity and commonly available biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical activity is claimed to be related to well-being and to a
      lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the possible associations of
      well-being with physical activity and biomarkers of somatic health were studied
      in a sample of Swedish active seniors to determine the strength of these
      associations. METHODS: Three hundred and eighty-nine community-dwelling senior
      citizens (127 men and 262 women) of mean age 74 +/- 5 years were recruited for
      this cross-sectional population study. Serum samples were analyzed for
      lipoproteins and markers of inflammation. The Psychological General Well-Being
      (PGWB) index was used to measure subjective well-being. Physical activity was
      assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire modified for the
      elderly. RESULTS: More than 50% of men and women rated their physical activity as
      high; in the women, there was a significant difference between the age groups
      (younger and older than the median age [median =74.1 years], respectively). The
      mean PGWB index indicates a high degree of subjective well-being in this group of
      Swedish seniors. Of the PGWB subdimensions, general health had the strongest
      positive relationship with physical activity (r (2)=5.4%). For the subdimensions
      of depressed mood, positive well-being, vitality, and PGWB index, physical
      activity had an r (2) <= 4%, while the contributions of sex, age, and biomarkers
      were minor. CONCLUSION: We have estimated the contribution of physical activity
      to the variance of subjective well-being in active seniors. Physical activity
      appears to play a greater role as a determinant of subjective well-being than do
      biomarkers of somatic health, especially in females, but most of the variance
      remained unaccounted for by the studied variables.

PMID- 25114518
TI  - Percutaneous coronary intervention in the elderly with ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - As a result of increased life expectancy, octogenarians constitute an increasing
      proportion of patients admitted to hospital for ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI). Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is currently the
      treatment of choice for octogenarians presenting with STEMI. The recent
      literature on this topic has yielded controversial results, even though advances
      in drug-eluting stents and new types of antithrombotic agents are improving the
      management of STEMI and postoperative care. In this paper, we review the current
      status of percutaneous coronary intervention in the elderly with STEMI, including
      the reasons for their high mortality and morbidity, predictors of mortality, and
      strategies to improve outcomes. 

PMID- 25114519
TI  - Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 blood levels' poor association with the severity
      and clinical profile of ex-smokers with COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of interleukins in the severity and clinical profile of
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not known, but evidence supports
      the contribution of systemic inflammation to disease pathophysiology. This study
      evaluated the relationship of serum biomarkers to the severity and clinical
      parameters of COPD. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Serum levels of high-sensitivity C
      reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were measured in
      50 patients with stable COPD and in 16 controls. The levels of these biomarkers
      were compared with parameters of severity, such as the grading of flow
      obstruction using the recommendations of the Global initiative for chronic
      Obstructive Lung Disease, the BMI (body mass index), obstruction, dyspnea,
      exercise capacity (health index) index, the number of exacerbations within the
      last year, and peripheral oxygen saturation after the six-minute walk test, and
      with clinical parameters, such as bronchitis and non-bronchitis phenotypes, the
      number of associated comorbidities, and the smoking burden. COPD patients
      exhibited higher levels of IL-6 and IL-8 compared to the control group. Higher
      levels of IL-6 occurred in COPD groups with body mass index <21 kg/m(2), with
      more than two exacerbations in the past year, with a higher smoking burden, and
      with bronchitis. The increase in serum IL-8 was found only in the group with the
      highest number of exacerbations within the previous year. CONCLUSION: Increased
      IL-6 was mainly associated with smoking burden, in patients who had smoked for
      more than 30 pack-years and exhibited a bronchitis phenotype. No direct
      association was observed for both IL-6 and IL-8 blood levels with the severity of
      COPD in ex-smokers.

PMID- 25114520
TI  - Pulmonary function impairment in patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and
      emphysema with and without airflow obstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The syndrome of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is a
      recently described entity associating upper-lobe emphysema and lower-lobe
      fibrosis. We sought to evaluate differences in pulmonary function between CPFE
      patients with and without airflow obstruction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one
      CPFE patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence
      of irreversible airflow obstruction based on spirometry (forced expiratory volume
      in 1 second/forced vital capacity <70% following inhalation of a beta2-agonist)
      as follows: CPFE patients with airflow obstruction (CPFE OB(+) group, n=11), and
      CPFE patients without airflow obstruction (CPFE OB(-) group, n=20). Pulmonary
      function, including respiratory impedance evaluated using impulse oscillometry
      and dynamic hyperinflation following metronome-paced incremental
      hyperventilation, was retrospectively analyzed in comparison with that observed
      in 49 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (n=49). RESULTS: In
      imaging findings, low-attenuation-area scores on chest high-resolution computed
      tomography, representing the degree of emphysema, were significantly lower in the
      CPFE OB(-) group than in the CPFE OB(+) and COPD groups. In contrast, the
      severity of pulmonary fibrosis was greater in the CPFE OB(-) group than in the
      CPFE OB(+) group. In pulmonary function, lung hyperinflation was not apparent in
      the CPFE OB(-) group. Impairment of diffusion capacity was severe in both the
      CPFE OB(-) and CPFE OB(+) groups. Impulse oscillometry showed that respiratory
      resistance was not apparent in the CPFE OB(-) group compared with the COPD group,
      and that easy collapsibility of small airways during expiration of tidal breath
      was not apparent in the CPFE OB(+) group compared with the COPD group. Dynamic
      hyperinflation following metronome-paced incremental hyperventilation was
      significantly greater in the COPD group than in the CPFE OB(-) group, and also
      tended to be greater in the CPFE OB(+) group than in the CPFE OB(-) group.
      CONCLUSION: The mechanisms underlying impairment of physiological function may
      differ among CPFE OB(+) patients, CPFE OB(-) patients, and COPD patients. CPFE is
      a heterogeneous disease, and may have distinct phenotypes physiologically and
      radiologically.

PMID- 25114521
TI  - Once-daily long-acting beta-agonists for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:
      an indirect comparison of olodaterol and indacaterol.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the absence of head-to-head clinical trials comparing the once-daily,
      long-acting beta2-agonists olodaterol and indacaterol for the treatment of
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an indirect treatment comparison by
      systematic review and synthesis of the available clinical evidence was conducted.
      METHODS: A systematic literature review of randomized, controlled clinical trials
      in patients with COPD was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
      olodaterol and indacaterol. Network meta-analysis and adjusted indirect
      comparison methods were employed to evaluate treatment efficacy, using outcomes
      based on trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Transition Dyspnea
      Index, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score and response, rescue
      medication use, and proportion of patients with exacerbations. RESULTS: Eighteen
      trials were identified for meta-analysis (eight, olodaterol; ten, indacaterol).
      Olodaterol trials included patients of all severities, whilst indacaterol trials
      excluded patients with very severe COPD. Concomitant maintenance bronchodilator
      use was allowed in most olodaterol trials, but not in indacaterol trials. When
      similarly designed trials/data were analyzed for change from baseline in trough
      FEV1 (liters), the following mean differences (95% confidence interval) were
      observed: trials excluding concomitant bronchodilator: indacaterol 75 mcg versus
      olodaterol 5 mcg, -0.005 (-0.077 to 0.067), and indacaterol 150 mcg versus
      olodaterol 5 mcg, 0.020 (-0.036 to 0.077); trials with concomitant tiotropium:
      indacaterol 150 mcg versus olodaterol 5 mcg, 0.000 (-0.043 to 0.042). In
      sensitivity analyses of the full network, results for change from baseline in
      trough FEV1 favored indacaterol, but this dataset suffered from trial design
      heterogeneity. For the other endpoints investigated, no statistically significant
      differences were found when analyzed in the full network. CONCLUSION: When
      compared under similar trial conditions, olodaterol and indacaterol have similar
      efficacy in patients with COPD. This research highlights the importance of
      considering the concomitant COPD medication when evaluating treatment effects in
      COPD.

PMID- 25114522
TI  - Self-assembled nanoparticles based on the c(RGDfk) peptide for the delivery of
      siRNA targeting the VEGFR2 gene for tumor therapy.
AB  - The clinical application of small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been restricted by
      their poor intracellular uptake, low serum stability, and inability to target
      specific cells. During the last several decades, a great deal of effort has been
      devoted to exploring materials for siRNA delivery. In this study, biodegradable,
      tumor-targeted, self-assembled peptide nanoparticles consisting of cyclo(Arg-Gly
      Asp-d-Phe-Lys)-8-amino-3,6-dioxaoctanoic acid-beta-maleimidopropionic acid
      (hereafter referred to as RPM) were found to be an effective siRNA carrier both
      in vitro and in vivo. The nanoparticles were characterized based on transmission
      electron microscopy, circular dichroism spectra, and dynamic light scattering. In
      vitro analyses showed that the RPM/VEGFR2-siRNA exhibited negligible cytotoxicity
      and induced effective gene silencing. Delivery of the RPM/VEGFR2 (zebrafish)
      siRNA into zebrafish embryos resulted in inhibition of neovascularization.
      Administration of RPM/VEGFR2 (mouse)-siRNA to tumor-bearing nude mice led to a
      significant inhibition of tumor growth, a marked reduction of vessels, and a down
      regulation of VEGFR2 (messenger RNA and protein) in tumor tissue. Furthermore,
      the levels of IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-12, and IL-6 in mouse serum, assayed via
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, did not indicate any immunogenicity of the
      RPM/VEGFR2 (mouse)-siRNA in vivo. In conclusion, RPM may provide a safe and
      effective delivery vector for the clinical application of siRNAs in tumor
      therapy. 

PMID- 25114524
TI  - Investigation of the mechanism of enhanced skin penetration by ultradeformable
      liposomes.
AB  - This study aimed to determine the mechanism by which ultradeformable liposomes
      (ULs) with terpenes enhance skin penetration for transdermal drug delivery of
      fluorescein sodium, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal
      laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Skin treated with ULs containing d-limonene,
      obtained from in vitro skin penetration studies, was examined via TEM to
      investigate the effect of ULs on ultrastructural changes of the skin, and to
      evaluate the mechanism by which ULs enhance skin penetration. The receiver medium
      collected was analyzed by TEM and CLSM to evaluate the mechanism of the drug
      carrier system. Our findings revealed that ULs could enhance penetration by
      denaturing intracellular keratin, degrading corneodesmosomes, and disrupting the
      intercellular lipid arrangement in the stratum corneum. As inferred from the
      presence of intact vesicles in the receiver medium, ULs are also able to act as a
      drug carrier system. CLSM images showed that intact vesicles of ULs might
      penetrate the skin via a transappendageal pathway, potentially a major route of
      skin penetration. 

PMID- 25114523
TI  - Developments in human growth hormone preparations: sustained-release, prolonged
      half-life, novel injection devices, and alternative delivery routes.
AB  - Since the availability of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) enabled the
      application of human growth hormone both in clinical and research use in the
      1980s, millions of patients were prescribed a daily injection of rhGH, but
      noncompliance rates were high. To address the problem of noncompliance, numerous
      studies have been carried out, involving: sustained-release preparations,
      prolonged half-life derivatives, new injectors that cause less pain, and other
      noninvasive delivery methods such as intranasal, pulmonary and transdermal
      deliveries. Some accomplishments have been made and launched already, such as the
      Nutropin Depot microsphere and injectors (Zomajet, Serojet, and NordiFlex). Here,
      we provide a review of the different technologies and illustrate the key points
      of these studies to achieve an improved rhGH product.

PMID- 25114525
TI  - Antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Pulicaria
      glutinosa plant extract as a green bioreductant.
AB  - The antibacterial properties of nanoparticles (NPs) can be significantly enhanced
      by increasing the wettability or solubility of NPs in aqueous medium. In this
      study, we investigated the effects of the stabilizing agent on the solubility of
      silver NPs and its subsequent effect on their antimicrobial activities. Silver
      NPs were prepared using an aqueous solution of Pulicaria glutinosa plant extract
      as bioreductant. The solution also acts as a capping ligand. During this study,
      the antimicrobial activities of silver NPs, as well as the plant extract alone,
      were tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus
      aureus, and Micrococcus luteus. Silver NPs were prepared with various
      concentrations of the plant extract to study its effect on antimicrobial
      activity. Interestingly, various concentrations of P. glutinosa extract did not
      show any effect on the growth of tested bacteria; however, a significant effect
      on the antimicrobial property of plant extract capped silver NPs (Ag-NPs-PE) was
      observed. For instance, the half maximal inhibitory concentration values were
      found to decrease (from 4% to 21%) with the increasing concentrations of plant
      extract used for the synthesis of Ag-NPs-PE. These results clearly indicate that
      the addition of P. glutinosa extracts enhances the solubility of Ag-NPs-PE and,
      hence, increases their toxicity against the tested microorganisms. 

PMID- 25114526
TI  - High gene delivery efficiency of alkylated low-molecular-weight polyethylenimine
      through gemini surfactant-like effect.
AB  - To our knowledge, the mechanism underlying the high transfection efficiency of
      alkylated low-molecular-weight polyethylenimine (PEI) is not yet well understood.
      In this work, we grafted branched PEI (molecular weight of 1,800 Da; bPEI1800)
      with lauryl chains (C12), and found that bPEI1800-C12 was structurally similar to
      gemini surfactant and could similarly assemble into micelle-like particles.
      Stability, cellular uptake, and lysosome escape ability of bPEI1800-C12/DNA
      polyplexes were all greatly enhanced after C12 grafting. bPEI1800-C12/DNA
      polyplexes exhibited significantly higher transfection efficiency than
      Lipofectamine 2000 in the presence of serum. Bioluminescence imaging showed that
      systemic injection of bPEI1800-C12/DNA polyplexes resulted in intensive
      luciferase expression in vivo and bioluminescence signals that could be detected
      even in the head. Altogether, the high transfection efficacy of bPEI1800-C12 was
      because bPEI1800-C12, being an analog of gemini surfactant, facilitated lysosome
      escape and induced the coil-globule transition of DNA to assemble into a highly
      organized micelle-like structure that showed high stability.

PMID- 25114527
TI  - Hemorrhage in mouse tumors induced by dodecaborate cluster lipids intended for
      boron neutron capture therapy.
AB  - The potential of boron-containing lipids with three different structures, which
      were intended for use in boron neutron capture therapy, was investigated. All
      three types of boron lipids contained the anionic dodecaborate cluster as the
      headgroup. Their effects on two different tumor models in mice following
      intravenous injection were tested; for this, liposomes with boron lipid,
      distearoyl phosphatidylcholine, and cholesterol as helper lipids, and containing
      a polyethylene glycol lipid for steric protection, were administered
      intravenously into tumor-bearing mice (C3H mice for SCCVII squamous cell
      carcinoma and BALB/c mice for CT26/WT colon carcinoma). With the exception of one
      lipid (B-THF-14), the lipids were well tolerated, and no other animal was lost
      due to systemic toxicity. The lipid which led to death was not found to be much
      more toxic in cell culture than the other boron lipids. All of the lipids that
      were well tolerated showed hemorrhage in both tumor models within a few hours
      after administration. The hemorrhage could be seen by in vivo magnetic resonance
      and histology, and was found to occur within a few hours. The degree of
      hemorrhage depended on the amount of boron administered and on the tumor model.
      The observed unwanted effect of the lipids precludes their use in boron neutron
      capture therapy. 

PMID- 25114528
TI  - Enhanced activity of carbosilane dendrimers against HIV when combined with
      reverse transcriptase inhibitor drugs: searching for more potent microbicides.
AB  - Self-administered topical microbicides or oral preexposure prophylaxis could be
      very helpful tools for all risk groups to decrease the human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV)-1 infection rates. Up until now, antiretrovirals (ARVs) have been the
      most advanced microbicide candidates. Nevertheless, the majority of clinical
      trials has failed in HIV-1 patients. Nanotechnology offers suitable approaches to
      develop novel antiviral agents. Thereby, new nanosystems, such as carbosilane
      dendrimers, have been shown to be safe and effective compounds against HIV with
      great potential as topical microbicides. In addition, because most of the
      attempts to develop effective topical microbicides were unsuccessful,
      combinatorial strategies could be a valid approach when designing new
      microbicides. We evaluated various combinations of anionic carbosilane dendrimers
      with sulfated (G3-S16) and naphthyl sulfonated (G2-NF16) ended groups with
      different ARVs against HIV-1 infection. The G3-S16 and G2-NF16 dendrimers showed
      a synergistic or additive activity profile with zidovudine, efavirenz, and
      tenofovir in the majority of the combinations tested against the X4 and R5 tropic
      HIV-1 in cell lines, as well as in human primary cells. Therefore, the
      combination of ARVs and polyanionic carbosilane dendrimers enhances the antiviral
      potency of the individual compounds, and our findings support further clinical
      research on combinational approaches as potential microbicides to block the
      sexual transmission of HIV-1. 

PMID- 25114531
TI  - Perspectives on perceived stigma and self-stigma in adult male patients with
      depression.
AB  - There are two principal types of stigma in mental illness, ie, "public stigma"
      and "self-stigma". Public stigma is the perception held by others that the
      mentally ill individual is socially undesirable. Stigmatized persons may
      internalize perceived prejudices and develop negative feelings about themselves.
      The result of this process is "self-stigma". Stigma has emerged as an important
      barrier to the treatment of depression and other mental illnesses. Gender and
      race are related to stigma. Among depressed patients, males and African-Americans
      have higher levels of self-stigma than females and Caucasians. Perceived stigma
      and self-stigma affect willingness to seek help in both genders and races.
      African-Americans demonstrate a less positive attitude towards mental health
      treatments than Caucasians. Religious beliefs play a role in their coping with
      mental illness. Certain prejudicial beliefs about mental illness are shared
      globally. Structural modeling indicates that conformity to dominant masculine
      gender norms ("boys don't cry") leads to self-stigmatization in depressed men who
      feel that they should be able to cope with their illness without professional
      help. These findings suggest that targeting men's feelings about their depression
      and other mental health problems could be a more successful approach to change
      help-seeking attitudes than trying to change those attitudes directly. Further,
      the inhibitory effect of traditional masculine gender norms on help-seeking can
      be overcome if depressed men feel that a genuine connection leading to mutual
      understanding has been established with a health care professional. 

PMID- 25114529
TI  - 2'-(2-bromohexadecanoyl)-paclitaxel conjugate nanoparticles for the treatment of
      non-small cell lung cancer in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model.
AB  - A nanoparticle (NP) formulation with 2'-(2-bromohexadecanoyl)-paclitaxel (Br-16
      PX) conjugate was developed in these studies for the treatment of non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC). The lipophilic paclitaxel conjugate Br-C16-PX was
      synthesized and incorporated into lipid NPs where the 16-carbon chain enhanced
      drug entrapment in the drug delivery system and improved in vivo
      pharmacokinetics. The electron-withdrawing bromine group was used to facilitate
      the conversion of Br-C16-PX to paclitaxel at the tumor site. The developed system
      was evaluated in luciferase-expressing A549 cells in vitro and in an orthotopic
      NSCLC mouse model. The results demonstrated that the Br-C16-PX NPs had a higher
      maximum tolerated dose (75 mg/kg) than Taxol (19 mg/kg) and provided
      significantly longer median survival (88 days versus 70 days, P<0.05) in the
      orthotopic NSCLC model. An improved pharmacokinetic profile was observed for the
      Br-C16-PX NPs at 75 mg/kg compared to Taxol at 19 mg/kg. The area under the
      concentration versus time curve (AUC)0-96 h of Br-C16-PX from the NPs was 91.7
      fold and 49.6-fold greater than Taxol in plasma and tumor-bearing lungs,
      respectively, which provided sustained drug exposure and higher antitumor
      efficacy in the NP-treated group.

PMID- 25114532
TI  - Caregiver burden and coping strategies in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes considerable distress in caregivers
      who are continuously required to deal with requests from patients. Coping
      strategies play a fundamental role in modulating the psychologic impact of the
      disease, although their role is still debated. The present study aims to evaluate
      the burden and anxiety experienced by caregivers, the effectiveness of adopted
      coping strategies, and their relationships with burden and anxiety. METHODS:
      Eighty-six caregivers received the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) and the State
      Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Y-1 and Y-2). The coping strategies were assessed
      by means of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), according to
      the model proposed by Endler and Parker in 1990. RESULTS: The CBI scores (overall
      and single sections) were extremely high and correlated with dementia severity.
      Women, as well as older caregivers, showed higher scores. The trait anxiety (STAI
      Y-2) correlated with the CBI overall score. The CISS showed that caregivers
      mainly adopted task-focused strategies. Women mainly adopted emotion-focused
      strategies and this style was related to a higher level of distress. CONCLUSION:
      AD is associated with high distress among caregivers. The burden strongly
      correlates with dementia severity and is higher in women and in elderly subjects.
      Chronic anxiety affects caregivers who mainly rely on emotion-oriented coping
      strategies. The findings suggest providing support to families of patients with
      AD through tailored strategies aimed to reshape the dysfunctional coping styles.

PMID- 25114533
TI  - The relationship between insight and subjective experience in schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between level of insight and various
      subjective experiences for patients with schizophrenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Seventy-four patients with schizophrenia who were discharged from our hospital
      were evaluated. The level of insight into their illness and various subjective
      experiences were evaluated at discharge. We used the Scale to Assess Unawareness
      of Mental Disorder (SUMD) for evaluation of insight. In addition, five different
      rating scales were used to evaluate subjective experiences: Subjective Experience
      of Deficits in Schizophrenia (SEDS), Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptic drug
      treatment Short form (SWNS), Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS), Beck
      Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI)-30. RESULTS:
      The SWNS and the scores for awareness of mental disorder and awareness of the
      social consequences of mental disorder on SUMD showed a weak positive
      correlation. The DAI-30 showed a significant negative correlation with most
      general items on SUMD and a negative correlation between the subscale scores for
      the awareness and attribution of past symptoms. SEDS, SWNS, SQLS, and the BDI
      significantly correlated with the subscale scores for awareness of current
      symptoms on SUMD, and weakly correlated with the subscale scores for attribution
      of current negative symptoms. CONCLUSION: Awareness of subjective distress was
      related to awareness of having a mental disorder. Feeling subjective distress was
      related to awareness of current symptoms, as well as to the ability to attribute
      current negative symptoms to a mental disorder. Positive attitudes toward
      medication correlated with better general insight into the illness.

PMID- 25114534
TI  - Sleep quality changes in insomniacs and non-insomniacs after acute altitude
      exposure and its relationship with acute mountain sickness.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to observe the changes in subjective sleep quality among
      insomniacs and non-insomniacs after acute ascending to 3,700 m and its possible
      relationship with acute mountain sickness (AMS). METHODS: A total of 600 adult
      men were recruited. Subjects' subjective sleep quality was evaluated by the
      Athens Insomnia Scale. AMS was assessed using the Lake Louise scoring system.
      Arterial oxygen saturation was measured. RESULTS: Despite insomnia resolution in
      only a few subjects, the prevalence of insomnia among insomniacs remained stable
      at 90% after rapid ascent to 3,700 m. However, among non-insomniacs, the
      prevalence of insomnia sharply increased to 32.13% in the first day of altitude
      exposure and progressively reduced to 4.26% by the 60th day of altitude stay.
      Moreover, the prevalences of insomnia symptoms decreased more markedly from day 1
      to day 60 at 3,700 m among non-insomniacs than among insomniacs. At 3,700 m, the
      prevalence of AMS among insomniacs was 79.01%, 60.49%, and 32.10% on the first,
      third, and seventh days, respectively, which was significantly higher than that
      among non-insomniacs. Multivariate regression revealed that elevated Athens
      Insomnia Scale scores are an independent risk factor for AMS (adjusted odds ratio
      1.388, 95% confidence interval: 1.314-1.464, P<0.001), whereas high arterial
      oxygen saturation and long duration of altitude exposure are protective factors
      against AMS. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the effect of high-altitude
      exposure on subjective sleep quality is more marked, but disappears more quickly,
      among non-insomniacs than among insomniacs, whereas AMS is especially common
      among insomniacs. Moreover, poor subjective sleep quality is a risk factor for
      AMS.

PMID- 25114535
TI  - Determinants of decision-to-intervention time in the management and therapeutic
      outcome of emergency gynecological surgeries in south east Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prompt and timely response in the management of gynecological
      surgical cases can significantly affect the therapeutic surgical outcome of
      patients in emergency situations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      decision-to-intervention time (DIT), its determinants, and the significance in
      the therapeutic outcome of emergency gynecological surgeries managed at a federal
      teaching hospital in south east Nigeria over an 18-month period. METHODS: This
      was a prospective descriptive study of 105 emergency gynecological cases managed
      at a federal teaching hospital over an 18-month period. Patients were recruited
      at the point of admission and followed up until discharge for outcome. Data were
      abstracted with a data entry pro forma and then analyzed with the Epi InfoTM
      statistical software version 7.0. RESULTS: The incidence of gynecological
      surgical emergencies was 5.1% of the total gynecological cases managed during the
      study period. The mean DIT was 4.25 (range 1.45-5.50) hours with delay in
      intervention, mainly due to delays in securing blood/blood products and other
      materials for resuscitation (46.7%) and a lack of finance (15.2%). Six maternal
      deaths were recorded, giving a case fatality ratio of 5.7%, while the commonest
      maternal complications associated with the delays were hemorrhage (61.9%) and the
      need for blood transfusion (57.1%), respectively. The risk ratio of losing
      >=1,000 mL of blood, anemia, hemorrhagic shock, and wound infection in those with
      DIT >=120 minutes was statistically greater and significant at 95% confidence
      interval. CONCLUSION: Inadequacies in health care services and policies due to
      poor infrastructure, organizational framework, and financing were the major
      determinants of the prolonged DIT and therapeutic outcomes.

PMID- 25114537
TI  - New drugs to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: the case for bedaquiline.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis develops spontaneous resistance mutants to virtually
      every drug in use. Courses of therapy select for these mutants and drug-resistant
      organisms emerge. The development of drug-resistant organisms has reached the
      point that drug resistance now threatens to undermine global success against
      tuberculosis (TB). New drugs are needed. The last new class of drugs specifically
      developed for treatment of TB was the rifamycins over 40 years ago. New funding
      sources and the development of product development partnerships have energized
      the TB drug development effort. There are now more TB drugs in development than
      at any time in the past. The first of these drugs to be developed and marketed
      was bedaquiline. Bedaquiline has an entirely novel mechanism of action and so
      should be active against otherwise highly resistant organisms. It acts on the
      transmembrane component of adenosine triphosphate synthase and acts by preventing
      electron transport. This raises the exciting possibility that bedaquiline may be
      active against less metabolically active organisms. Drug-drug interactions
      between rifamycins and the cytochrome P450-3A system will limit bedaquiline's
      utility and create complexity in treatment regimens. In clinical trials,
      treatment with bedaquiline added to a background multidrug-resistant TB regimen
      was associated with earlier culture conversion and higher cure rates, but there
      were unexplained excess deaths in the bedaquiline arms of these trials. Food and
      Drug Administration approved bedaquiline for the treatment of multidrug-resistant
      TB when an effective treatment regimen cannot otherwise be provided. They
      required a black box warning about excess deaths and require that a phase III
      trial be completed. A planned Phase III trial is being reorganized. While
      bedaquiline is an exciting drug and marks a dramatic moment in the history of TB
      treatment, its ultimate place in the anti-TB drug armamentarium is unclear
      pending the Phase III trial and the development of other new drugs that are in
      the pipeline. 

PMID- 25114538
TI  - Process of implementing collaborative care and its impacts on the provision of
      care and rehabilitation services to patients with a moderate or severe traumatic
      brain injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The introduction of new services in a rehabilitation center is a
      unique opportunity to introduce a new model of care and services between two
      institutions. A hospital and a rehabilitation center experienced a clinical
      management model inspired by an American approach - collaborative care. The
      purpose of this study was to describe the implementation of this approach and to
      provide a perception of the quality of care and services provided to patients
      with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury and to their caregivers. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In this qualitative study, individual semistructured interviews were
      conducted with patients and their caregivers in the hospital and rehabilitation
      center where the patients were treated. Individual semistructured interviews were
      conducted with administrators, and two focus groups were held with clinicians
      before and after the implementation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Ten days' waiting
      time were saved with the collaborative approach. Implementing the collaborative
      care approach has been found to have several benefits, including improved
      communication, coordination of services between institutions, and better
      preparation, awareness, and involvement of patients and their families.
      Administrators, clinicians, patients, and caregivers expressed their opinions on
      the organization of care and services, the needs and expectations of patients and
      their caregivers, their participation in terms of roles and responsibilities,
      their perception of continuity of care, their satisfaction with the care process,
      and their suggestions for improvements.

PMID- 25114536
TI  - Optimal management of renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia.
AB  - Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory angiopathy
      of unknown cause affecting medium-sized (most commonly renal) arteries and
      causing renovascular hypertension. The most common medial multifocal type of FMD
      (with the "string of beads" appearance) is more than four times more prevalent in
      females than in males. FMD accounts for up to 10% of cases of renovascular
      hypertension. Compared with patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis,
      patients with FMD are younger, have fewer risk factors for atherosclerosis, and a
      lower occurrence of atherosclerosis in other vessels. The etiology is
      multifactorial, including vessel wall ischemia and smoking, as well as hormonal
      and genetic factors. Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography is still the
      gold standard for exclusion or confirmation of renal artery stenosis caused by
      FMD, at least in young patients, who more often have lesions in branches of the
      renal artery. For FMD patients with atherosclerosis and those who are older (>50
      55 years), significant renal artery stenosis may be confirmed or excluded with
      ultrasonography. The FMD lesion is typically truncal or distal, whereas
      atherosclerotic lesions are more often proximal or ostial. Treatment options are
      medical, endovascular (percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty [PTRA]), and
      surgical. Invasive treatment should be considered when hypertension cannot be
      controlled with antihypertensive drugs and in patients with impaired renal
      function or ischemic nephropathy. PTRA has become the treatment of choice and
      normally yields good results, especially in unifocal disease and young patients.
      Pressure gradients are normally completely abolished, and there is no indication
      for stent placement. Surgical revascularization is indicated after PTRA
      complications; thrombosis, perforation, progressive dissection, repeated PTRA
      failure or restenosis. Centralization of handling is recommended. 

PMID- 25114541
TI  - Mathematical Modeling and Data Analysis of NMR Experiments using Hyperpolarized
      (13)C Metabolites.
AB  - Rapid-dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) has made significant impact
      in the characterization and understanding of metabolism that occurs on the sub
      minute timescale in several diseases. While significant efforts have been made in
      developing applications, and in designing rapid-imaging radiofrequency (RF) and
      magnetic field gradient pulse sequences, very few groups have worked on
      implementing realistic mathematical/kinetic/relaxation models to fit the emergent
      data. The critical aspects to consider when modeling DNP experiments depend on
      both nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and (bio)chemical kinetics. The former
      constraints are due to the relaxation of the NMR signal and the application of
      'read' RF pulses, while the kinetic constraints include the total amount of each
      molecular species present. We describe the model-design strategy we have used to
      fit and interpret our DNP results. To our knowledge, this is the first report on
      a systematic analysis of DNP data. 

PMID- 25114540
TI  - Safety and efficacy of gadobutrol-enhanced MRI in patients aged under 2 years-a
      single-center, observational study.
AB  - Gadobutrol is a 1-molar gadolinium-based contrast agent with well-characterized
      safety and efficacy for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adults and children
      >= 2 years old. This observational study assessed gadobutrol-enhanced MRI in
      children < 2 years of age. Sixty infants (mean age 11.1 months) underwent MRI
      using gadobutrol at standard dose of 0.1 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) body weight. MRI
      examinations included brain, spine, and neck (n = 24), subcutaneous soft tissues
      (n = 14), chest, abdomen, and pelvis (n = 12), musculoskeletal system (n = 7) and
      vascular system (n = 3). No patients experienced adverse events related to
      gadobutrol injection. In 57 patients with confirmed diagnoses, gadobutrol
      enhanced MRI provided findings consistent with confirmed pathologies. This study
      indicates that gadobutrol at a standard dose for MRI is safe in patients aged < 2
      years and provides diagnostic information for multiple pathologies. 

PMID- 25114539
TI  - Design, implementation, and evaluation of a pediatric and adolescent type 2
      diabetes management program at a tertiary pediatric center.
AB  - Global rates of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents have increased
      significantly over the past three decades. Type 2 diabetes is a relatively new
      disease in this age group, and there is a dearth of information about how to
      structure treatment programs to manage its comorbidities and complications. In
      this paper, we describe the design and implementation of a personalized
      multidisciplinary, family-centered, pediatric and adolescent type 2 diabetes
      program at a tertiary pediatric center in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We report
      the process of designing and implementing such a program, and show that this
      multidisciplinary program led to improvement in glycated hemoglobin (n=17, 8% at
      baseline versus 6.4% at 1 year, 95% confidence interval (0.1-0.28), P-value
      <0.0001) and stabilized body mass index, with lowered C-peptide and no change in
      fitness or metabolic biomarkers of lipid metabolism and liver function. As type 2
      diabetes becomes more prevalent in youth, the need for programs that successfully
      address the complex nature of this disease is central to its management and to
      mitigate its long-term adverse outcomes. 

PMID- 25114542
TI  - Effect of object orientation angle on t2* image and reconstructed magnetic
      susceptibility: numerical simulations.
AB  - The magnetic field resulting from material magnetization in magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) has an object orientation effect, which produces an orientation
      dependence for acquired T2* images. On one hand, the orientation effect can be
      exploited for object anisotropy investigation (via multi-angle imaging); on the
      other hand, it is desirable to remove the orientation dependence using magnetic
      susceptibility reconstruction. In this report, we design a stick-star digital
      phantom to simulate multiple orientations of a stick-like object and use it to
      conduct various numerical simulations. Our simulations show that the object
      orientation effect is not propagated to the reconstructed magnetic susceptibility
      distribution. This suggests that accurate susceptibility reconstruction methods
      should be largely orientation independent. 

PMID- 25114544
TI  - MR Spectroscopic Imaging of Peripheral Zone in Prostate Cancer Using a 3T MRI
      Scanner: Endorectal versus External Phased Array Coils.
AB  - Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) detects alterations in major
      prostate metabolites, such as citrate (Cit), creatine (Cr), and choline (Ch). We
      evaluated the sensitivity and accuracy of three-dimensional MRSI of prostate
      using an endorectal compared to an external phased array "receive" coil on a 3T
      MRI scanner. Eighteen patients with prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent
      endorectal MR imaging and proton (1H) MRSI were included in this study.
      Immediately after the endorectal MRSI scan, the PCa patients were scanned with
      the external phased array coil. The endorectal coil-detected metabolite ratio
      [(Ch+Cr)/Cit] was significantly higher in cancer locations (1.667 +/- 0.663)
      compared to non-cancer locations (0.978 +/- 0.420) (P < 0.001). Similarly, for
      the external phased array, the ratio was significantly higher in cancer locations
      (1.070 +/- 0.525) compared to non-cancer locations (0.521 +/- 0.310) (P < 0.001).
      The sensitivity and accuracy of cancer detection were 81% and 78% using the
      endorectal 'receive' coil, and 69% and 75%, respectively using the external
      phased array 'receive' coil. 

PMID- 25114545
TI  - Understanding the morphological mismatch between magnetic susceptibility source
      and t2* image.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent research has shown that a T2* image (either
      magnitude or phase) is not identical to the internal spatial distribution of a
      magnetic susceptibility (chi) source. In this paper, we examine the reasons
      behind these differences by looking into the insights of T2*-weighted magnetic
      resonance imaging (T2*MRI) and provide numerical characterizations of the
      source/image mismatches by numerical simulations. METHODS: For numerical
      simulations of T2*MRI, we predefine a 3D chi source and calculate the complex
      valued T2* image by intravoxel dephasing in presence and absence of diffusion. We
      propose an empirical alpha-power model to describe the overall source/image
      transformation. For a Gaussian-shaped chi source, we numerically characterize the
      source/image morphological mismatch in terms of spatial correlation and FWHM
      (full width at half maximum). RESULTS: In theory, we show that the chi-induced
      fieldmap is morphologically different from the chi source due to dipole effect,
      and the T2* magnitude image is related to the fieldmap by a quadratic
      transformation in the small phase angle regime, which imposes an additional
      morphological change. The numerical simulations with a Gaussian-shaped chi source
      show that a T2* magnitude image may suffer an overall source/image morphological
      shrinkage of 20% to 25% and that the T2* phase image is almost identical to the
      fieldmap thus maintaining a morphological mismatch from the chi source due to
      dipole effect. CONCLUSION: The morphological mismatch between a bulk chi source
      and its T2* image is caused by the 3D convolution during tissue magnetization
      (dipole effect), the nonlinearity of the T2* magnitude and phase calculation, and
      the spin diffusion effect. In the small phase angle regime, the T2* magnitude
      exhibits an overall morphological shrinkage, and the T2* phase image suffers a
      dipole effect but maintains the chi-induced fieldmap morphology.

PMID- 25114546
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging-derived Flow Parameters for the Analysis of
      Cardiovascular Diseases and Drug Development.
AB  - Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) allows for fast, accurate and noninvasive
      measurement of fluid flow in restricted and non-restricted media. The results of
      such measurements may be possible for a very small B 0 field and can be enhanced
      through detailed examination of generating functions that may arise from
      polynomial solutions of NMR flow equations in terms of Legendre polynomials and
      Boubaker polynomials. The generating functions of these polynomials can present
      an array of interesting possibilities that may be useful for understanding the
      basic physics of extracting relevant NMR flow information from which various
      hemodynamic problems can be carefully studied. Specifically, these results may be
      used to develop effective drugs for cardiovascular-related diseases. 

PMID- 25114543
TI  - Magnetic resonance in the detection of breast cancers of different histological
      types.
AB  - Breast cancer incidence is increasing worldwide. Early detection is critical for
      long-term patient survival, as is monitoring responses to chemotherapy for
      management of the disease. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI/MRS)
      has gained in importance in the last decade for the diagnosis and monitoring of
      breast cancer therapy. The sensitivity of MRI/MRS for anatomical delineation is
      very high and the consensus is that MRI is more sensitive in detection than x-ray
      mammography. Advantages of MRS include delivery of biochemical information about
      tumor metabolism, which can potentially assist in the staging of cancers and
      monitoring responses to treatment. The roles of MRS and MRI in screening and
      monitoring responses to treatment of breast cancer are reviewed here. We
      rationalize how it is that different histological types of breast cancer are
      differentially detected and characterized by MR methods. 

PMID- 25114548
TI  - Measuring restriction sizes using diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging:
      a review.
AB  - This article reviews a new concept in magnetic resonance as applied to cellular
      and biological systems. Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging can be used
      to infer information about restriction sizes of samples being measured. The
      measurements rely on the apparent diffusion coefficient changing with diffusion
      times as measurements move from restricted to free diffusion regimes. Pulsed
      gradient spin echo (PGSE) measurements are limited in the ability to shorten
      diffusion times and thus are limited in restriction sizes which can be probed.
      Oscillating gradient spin echo (OGSE) measurements could provide shorter
      diffusion times so smaller restriction sizes could be probed. 

PMID- 25114547
TI  - Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric patients: review and
      recommendations for current practice.
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), frequently with contrast enhancement, is the
      preferred imaging modality for many indications in children. Practice varies
      widely between centers, reflecting the rapid pace of change and the need for
      further research. Guide-line changes, for example on contrast-medium choice,
      require continued practice reappraisal. This article reviews recent developments
      in pediatric contrast-enhanced MRI and offers recommendations on current best
      practice. Nine leading pediatric radiologists from internationally recognized
      radiology centers convened at a consensus meeting in Bordeaux, France, to discuss
      applications of contrast-enhanced MRI across a range of indications in children.
      Review of the literature indicated that few published data provide guidance on
      best practice in pediatric MRI. Discussion among the experts concluded that MRI
      is preferred over ionizing-radiation modalities for many indications, with
      advantages in safety and efficacy. Awareness of age-specific adaptations in MRI
      technique can optimize image quality. Gadolinium-based contrast media are
      recommended for enhancing imaging quality. The choice of most appropriate
      contrast medium should be based on criteria of safety, tolerability, and
      efficacy, characterized in age-specific clinical trials and personal experience. 

PMID- 25114552
TI  - Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of glycolyl-ester-linked taxol-monosaccharide conjugate
      and its drug delivery system using hepatitis B virus envelope L bio-nanocapsules.
AB  - Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of glycolyl-ester-linked taxol-glucose conjugate, ie, 7
      glycolyltaxol 2"-O-alpha-D-glucoside, was achieved by using alpha-glucosidase as
      a biocatalyst. The water-solubility of 7-glycolyltaxol 2"-O-alpha-D-glucoside (21
      MUM) was 53 fold higher than that of taxol. The hepatitis B virus envelope L
      particles (bio-nanocapsules) are effective for delivering 7-glycolyltaxol 2"-O
      alpha-D-glucoside to human hepatocellular carcinoma NuE cells. 

PMID- 25114549
TI  - MRS-based Metabolomics in Cancer Research.
AB  - Metabolomics is a relatively new technique that is gaining importance very
      rapidly. MRS-based metabolomics, in particular, is becoming a useful tool in the
      study of body fluids, tissue biopsies and whole organisms. Advances in analytical
      techniques and data analysis methods have opened a new opportunity for such
      technology to contribute in the field of diagnostics. In the MRS approach to the
      diagnosis of disease, it is important that the analysis utilizes all the
      essential information in the spectra, is robust, and is non-subjective. Although
      some of the data analytic methods widely used in chemical and biological sciences
      are sketched, a more extensive discussion is given of a 5-stage Statistical
      Classification Strategy. This proposes powerful feature selection methods, based
      on, for example, genetic algorithms and novel projection techniques. The
      applications of MRS-based metabolomics in breast cancer, prostate cancer,
      colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatobiliary cancers, gastric cancer, and
      brain cancer have been reviewed. While the majority of these applications relate
      to body fluids and tissue biopsies, some in vivo applications have also been
      included. It should be emphasized that the number of subjects studied must be
      sufficiently large to ensure a robust diagnostic classification. Before MRS-based
      metabolomics can become a widely used clinical tool, however, certain challenges
      need to be overcome. These include manufacturing user-friendly commercial
      instruments with all the essential features, and educating physicians and medical
      technologists in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of metabolomics
      data. 

PMID- 25114550
TI  - In vivo monitoring of natural killer cell trafficking during tumor immunotherapy.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells are a crucial part of the innate immune system and play
      critical roles in host anti-viral, anti-microbial, and antitumor responses. The
      elucidation of NK cell biology and their therapeutic use are actively being
      pursued with 200 clinical trials currently underway. In this review, we outline
      the role of NK cells in cancer immunotherapies and summarize current noninvasive
      imaging technologies used to track NK cells in vivo to investigate mechanisms of
      action, develop new therapies, and evaluate efficacy of adoptive transfer. 

PMID- 25114554
TI  - Plant-based Paste Fermented by Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeast: Functional
      Analysis and Possibility of Application to Functional Foods.
AB  - A plant-based paste fermented by lactic acid bacteria and yeast (fermented paste)
      was made from various plant materials. The paste was made of fermented food by
      applying traditional food-preservation techniques, that is, fermentation and
      sugaring. The fermented paste contained major nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins,
      and lipids), 18 kinds of amino acids, and vitamins (vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12,
      E, K, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, and folic acid). It contained five kinds
      of organic acids, and a large amount of dietary fiber and plant phytochemicals.
      Sucrose from brown sugar, used as a material, was completely resolved into
      glucose and fructose. Some physiological functions of the fermented paste were
      examined in vitro. It was demonstrated that the paste possessed antioxidant,
      antihypertensive, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy and anti
      tyrosinase activities in vitro. It was thought that the fermented paste would be
      a helpful functional food with various nutrients to help prevent lifestyle
      diseases. 

PMID- 25114551
TI  - Dying for Good: Virus-Bacterium Biofilm Co-evolution Enhances Environmental
      Fitness.
AB  - Commonly used in biotechnology applications, filamentous M13 phage are non-lytic
      viruses that infect E. coli and other bacteria, with the potential to promote
      horizontal gene transfer in natural populations with synthetic biology
      implications for engineering community systems. Using the E. coli strain TG1, we
      have investigated how a selective pressure involving elevated levels of toxic
      chromate, mimicking that found in some superfund sites, alters population
      dynamics following infection with either wild-type M13 phage or an M13-phage
      encoding a chromate reductase (Gh-ChrR) capable of the reductive immobilization
      of chromate (ie, M13-phageGh-ChrR). In the absence of a selective pressure, M13
      phage infection results in a reduction in bacterial growth rate; in comparison,
      in the presence of chromate there are substantial increases in both cellular
      killing and biomass formation following infection of E. coli strain TG1with M13
      phageGh-ChrR that is dependent on chromate-reductase activity. These results are
      discussed in terms of community structures that facilitate lateral gene transfer
      of beneficial traits that enhance phage replication, infectivity, and stability
      against environmental change. 

PMID- 25114553
TI  - Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of ester-linked 2-phenylindole-3-carboxaldehyde
      monosaccharide conjugate as potential prodrug.
AB  - Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of ester-linked 2-phenylindole-3-carboxaldehyde-glucose
      conjugate (2-phenylindole-3-carboxyl-10"-O-beta-D-glucosyl ester) was achieved by
      using plant cell cultures as biocatalysts. The anticancer agent, 2-phenylindole-3
      carboxaldehyde, induced apoptosis in cells, whereas 2-phenylindole-3-carboxyl-10"
      O-beta-D-glucosyl ester showed no cytotoxicity and induced no apoptosis. 

PMID- 25114555
TI  - The impact of a diabetes self-management education program provided through a
      telemedicine link to rural california health care clinics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This project investigated the impact of a DM self-management
      education program provided through a telemedicine link at nine rural health
      clinics in Northern California. METHODS: Two hundred thirty nine patients were
      provided with a single 2-hour class on DM delivered through a live televideo
      connection. Patients provided pre-intervention information on: demographics and
      overall health, self-care behaviors, and knowledge about DM. All participants
      completed a post-education survey on knowledge and self-care behaviors. RESULTS:
      There was a significant decrease in the number of patients who felt overwhelmed
      with their DM; pre-intervention 18.8%; post-intervention 5.4% (P < 0.0001).
      Patients increased the number of days they exercised; pre-intervention 3.4 days;
      post-intervention 3.9 days (P = 0.02). Patients increased the number of days they
      checked their feet; pre-intervention 4.2 days; post-intervention 5.6 days (P <
      0.01). Knowledge about DM improved over the study period (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      A single 2-hour class on DM administered through a telemedicine link to patients
      in rural health clinics resulted in feeling less overwhelmed, more knowledgeable
      about DM, and demonstrated an increase in self-care behavior; ie, exercise and
      foot care.

PMID- 25114556
TI  - Quality of health assistants in primary health centres in rural maharashtra,
      India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Health assistants are important functionaries of the primary health
      care system in India. Their role is supervision of field-based services among
      other things. A quality assurance mechanism for these health assistants is
      lacking. The present study was undertaken with the objectives of developing a
      tool to assess the quality of health assistants in primary health centres (PHCs)
      and to assess their quality using this tool. METHODOLOGY: Health assistants from
      three PHCs in the Wardha district of India were observed for a year using a tool
      developed from primary health care management Aavancement program modules. Data
      was collected by direct observation, interview, and review of records for quality
      of activities. RESULTS: Staff strength of health assistants was 87.5%. None of
      the health assistants were clear about their job descriptions. A supervisory
      schedule for providing supportive supervision to auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs)
      was absent; most field activities pertaining to maternal and child health
      received poor focus. Monthly meetings lacked a clear agenda, and comments on
      quality improvement of services provided by the ANMs were missing. CONCLUSION:
      Continuous training with sensitization on quality issues is required to improve
      the unsatisfactory quality.

PMID- 25114558
TI  - Management options for patients with chronic back pain without an etiology.
AB  - The treatment and management of low back pain is complex when there is no
      specific etiology such as cancer, fracture, or herniated disc. An organized
      approach to management that follows evidence based guidelines will facilitate
      care in a problem that reflects a lifetime prevalence of over 70 percent. The
      purpose of this review is to present a guideline to care for a common disabling
      process with a very heterogeneous etiology. 

PMID- 25114559
TI  - Narcotics in rheumatology.
AB  - Patients with rheumatic conditions often suffer from related chronic pain. When
      first-line traditional medications such as acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory
      medications do not suffice, then other options are needed. The traditional
      medications may ultimately not provide sufficient pain relief, or alternatively,
      they can pose as a contraindication due to underlying hypertension, renal, and/or
      hepatic disease. Therefore, narcotics are an alluring alternative, which if used
      in a multidisciplinary and systematic approach to the patient, can prove to be
      quite beneficial in the lives of these patients. 

PMID- 25114557
TI  - Behavioral lifestyle intervention in the treatment of obesity.
AB  - This article provides an overview of research regarding adult behavioral
      lifestyle intervention for obesity treatment. We first describe two trials using
      a behavioral lifestyle intervention to induce weight loss in adults, the Diabetes
      Prevention Program (DPP) and the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes)
      trial. We then review the three main components of a behavioral lifestyle
      intervention program: behavior therapy, an energy- and fat-restricted diet, and a
      moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity prescription. Research
      regarding the influence of dietary prescriptions focusing on macronutrient
      composition, meal replacements, and more novel dietary approaches (such as
      reducing dietary variety and energy density) on weight loss is examined. Methods
      to assist with meeting physical activity goals, such as shortening exercise
      bouts, using a pedometer, and having access to exercise equipment within the
      home, are reviewed. To assist with improving weight loss outcomes, broadening
      activity goals to include resistance training and a reduction in sedentary
      behavior are considered. To increase the accessibility of behavioral lifestyle
      interventions to treat obesity in the broader population, translation of
      efficacious interventions such as the DPP, must be undertaken. Translational
      studies have successfully altered the DPP to reduce treatment intensity and/or
      used alternative modalities to implement the DPP in primary care, worksite, and
      church settings; several examples are provided. The use of new methodologies or
      technologies that provide individualized treatment and real-time feedback, and
      which may further enhance weight loss in behavioral lifestyle interventions, is
      also discussed. 

PMID- 25114561
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).
AB  - In recent years, there has been an increased focus on placing patients at the
      center of health care research and evaluating clinical care in order to improve
      their experience and ensure that research is both robust and of maximum value for
      the use of medicinal products, therapy, or health services. This paper provides
      an overview of patients' involvement in clinical research and service evaluation
      along with its benefits and limitations. We describe and discuss patient-reported
      outcomes (PROs) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the
      trends in current research. Both the patient-reported experiences measures
      (PREMs) and patient and public involvement (PPI) initiative for including
      patients in the research processes are also outlined. PROs provide reports from
      patients about their own health, quality of life, or functional status associated
      with the health care or treatment they have received. PROMs are tools and/or
      instruments used to report PROs. Patient report experiences through the use of
      PREMs, such as satisfaction scales, providing insight into the patients'
      experience with their care or a health service. There is increasing international
      attention regarding the use of PREMS as a quality indicator of patient care and
      safety. This reflects the ongoing health service commitment of involving patients
      and the public within the wider context of the development and evaluation of
      health care service delivery and quality improvement. 

PMID- 25114562
TI  - Age-friendly primary health care: an assessment of current service provision for
      older adults in Hong Kong.
AB  - There has been no study evaluating whether primary care services are sufficiently
      oriented towards the older population in Hong Kong, particularly those with
      increasing frailty. Since primary care is a key first interface in promotion and
      maintenance of health in older people, an assessment of the age-friendliness of
      service provisions is of critical importance in optimizing the health of aging
      populations. The age-friendliness of primary care services for older people was
      assessed using focus groups of elderly people and also of service providers who
      care for them. Discussion content was based on the WHO guidelines for age
      friendly primary care in the following areas: Information, education and
      training, community-based health care management systems, and the physical
      environment. Desirable improvements were identified in all domains. The findings
      underscore the need for wider dissemination of health care needs of older people
      in the primary care setting. 

PMID- 25114560
TI  - Reducing the risk of harm from medication errors in children.
AB  - MEDICATION ERRORS AFFECT THE PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP IN ALL SETTINGS: outpatient,
      inpatient, emergency department, and at home. Children may be at special risk due
      to size and physiologic variability, limited communication ability, and treatment
      by nonpediatric health care providers. Those with chronic illnesses and on
      multiple medications may be at higher risk of experiencing adverse drug events.
      Some strategies that have been employed to reduce harm from pediatric medication
      errors include e-prescribing and computerized provider order entry with decision
      support, medication reconciliation, barcode systems, clinical pharmacists in
      medical settings, medical staff training, package changes to reduce look
      alike/sound-alike confusion, standardization of labeling and measurement devices
      for home administration, and quality improvement interventions to promote
      nonpunitive reporting of medication errors coupled with changes in systems and
      cultures. Future research is needed to measure the effectiveness of these
      preventive strategies.

PMID- 25114563
TI  - Behavioral interventions associated with smoking cessation in the treatment of
      tobacco use.
AB  - Tobacco smoke is the leading cause of preventable premature death worldwide.
      While the majority of smokers would like to stop, the habitual and addictive
      nature of smoking makes cessation difficult. Clinical guidelines suggest that
      smoking cessation interventions should include both behavioural support and
      pharmacotherapy (e.g. nicotine replacement therapy). This commentary paper
      focuses on the important role of behavioural interventions in encouraging and
      supporting smoking cessation attempts. Recent developments in the field are
      discussed, including 'cut-down to quit', the behaviour change techniques taxonomy
      (BCTT) and very brief advice (VBA) on smoking. The paper concludes with a
      discussion of the important role that health professionals can and should play in
      the delivery of smoking cessation interventions. 

PMID- 25114564
TI  - Maintaining a Sufficient and Quality Physician Workforce: The Role of For-profit
      Medical Schools.
AB  - Currently, in the United States there is a significant physician workforce
      shortage. This problem is likely to persist as there is no quick solution. The
      nature of this shortage is complex and involves factors such as an absolute
      physician shortage, as well as physician shortages in primary care and certain
      specialty care areas. In addition, there is a misdistribution of physicians to
      medically underserved areas and populations. The medical education system trains
      medical school graduates that eventually feed the physician workforce. However,
      several factors are in place which ultimately limits the effectiveness of this
      system in providing an appropriate workforce to meet the population demands. For
      profit medical schools have been in existence in and around the continental US
      for many years and some authors have suggested that they may be a major
      contributor to the physician workforce shortage. There is currently one for
      profit medical school in the US, however the majority exist in the Caribbean. The
      enrollment in and number of these schools have grown to partially meet the ever
      growing demand for an increase in medical school graduates and they continue to
      provide a large number of graduates who return to the US for postgraduate medical
      training and, ultimately, increase the physician workforce. The question is
      whether this source will benefit the workforce quality and quantity needs of our
      growing and aging population. 

PMID- 25114565
TI  - Adolescent sleep and cellular phone use: recent trends and implications for
      research.
AB  - Adolescent sleep needs range from 8.5-10 hours per night, with older adolescents
      requiring less sleep than younger adolescents. On average, however, American
      adolescents receive between 7.5-8.5 hours of sleep per night, with many sleeping
      fewer than 6.5 hours on school nights. Cellular phone use is emerging as an
      important factor that interferes with both sleep quality and quantity,
      particularly as smartphones become more widely available to teens. This review
      paper has three objectives. First, we will describe adolescent sleep patterns and
      the effects of sleep deprivation on adolescent physical and mental health.
      Second, we will describe current trends in technology use among adolescents,
      making associations to how technology impacts sleep. Lastly, we will discuss some
      of the methodological barriers of conducting sleep and technology research with
      adolescents and young adults and offer suggestions for overcoming those barriers.
      We will also discuss implications for healthcare providers. 

PMID- 25114566
TI  - The function of a medical director in healthcare institutions: a master or a
      servant.
AB  - The function of a medical director is presented along with features of efficiency
      and deficiencies from the perspective of healthcare system improvement. A
      MEDLINE/Pubmed research was performed using the terms "medical director" and
      "director", and 50 relevant articles were selected. Institutional healthcare
      quality is closely related to the medical director efficiency and deficiency, and
      a critical discussion of his or her function is presented along with a focus on
      the institutional policies, protocols, and procedures. The relationship between
      the medical director and the executive director is essential in order to
      implement a successful healthcare program, particularly in private facilities.
      Issues related to professionalism, fairness, medical records, quality of care,
      patient satisfaction, medical teaching, and malpractice are discussed from the
      perspective of institutional development and improvement strategies. In summary,
      the medical director must be a servant to the institutional constitution and to
      his or her job description; when his or her function is fully implemented, he or
      she may represent a local health governor or master, ensuring supervision and
      improvement of the institutional healthcare system. 

PMID- 25114567
TI  - Use of GIS Mapping as a Public Health Tool-From Cholera to Cancer.
AB  - The field of medical geographic information systems (Medical GIS) has become
      extremely useful in understanding the bigger picture of public health. The
      discipline holds a substantial capacity to understand not only differences, but
      also similarities in population health all over the world. The main goal of
      marrying the disciplines of medical geography, public health and informatics is
      to understand how countless health issues impact populations, and the trends by
      which these populations are affected. From the 1990s to today, this practical
      approach has become a valued and progressive system in analyzing medical and
      epidemiological phenomena ranging from cholera to cancer. The instruments
      supporting this field include geographic information systems (GIS), disease
      surveillance, big data, and analytical approaches like the Geographical Analysis
      Machine (GAM), Dynamic Continuous Area Space Time Analysis (DYCAST), cellular
      automata, agent-based modeling, spatial statistics and self-organizing maps. The
      positive effects on disease mapping have proven to be tremendous as these
      instruments continue to have a great impact on the mission to improve worldwide
      health care. While traditional uses of GIS in public health are static and
      lacking real-time components, implementing a space-time animation in these
      instruments will be monumental as technology and data continue to grow. 

PMID- 25114569
TI  - A Group Interview Regarding Disaster Preparedness for Food Assistance in a
      University that Offers a Training Course for Registered Dietitians.
AB  - Mass care feeding for disaster evacuees is an important component of public
      health preparedness. If universities that offer a training course for registered
      dietitians could provide food assistance to the evacuated people in their campus,
      it could contribute to maintain their health. Many universities are expected to
      become a base of support activities for people affected by disaster. This study
      aimed to reveal disaster preparedness in a university that offers a training
      course for registered dietitians, from the aspect of provision of mass care
      feeding. As Japan has 124 universities that offer such training courses, this
      case study could serve as a useful reference for them and contribute to the
      improvement of health of the affected people. A group interview was conducted in
      University A in 2012. The participants included two faculty members in the
      course, a vice president, a staff member, and a faculty member in charge of
      disaster preparedness and response. Stockpiled foods were limited to dry bread
      and pre-processed rice. No alternative heat sources were stored. It was concluded
      that to provide nutrients other than carbohydrate, hot meals should be served for
      the evacuees. Additionally, it would be difficult to provide meal service when
      the essential utilities such as gas and electricity are disrupted. 

PMID- 25114568
TI  - Quality of care and quality of life: convergence or divergence?
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the impact of quality of care (QoC) on
      patients' quality of life (QoL). In a cross-sectional study, two domains of QoC
      and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref questionnaire were
      combined to collect data from 1,059 pre-discharge patients in four accredited
      hospitals (ACCHs) and four non-accredited hospitals (NACCHs) in Saudi Arabia.
      Health and well-being are often restricted to the characterization of sensory
      qualities in certain settings such as unrestricted access to healthcare,
      effective treatment, and social welfare. The patients admitted to tertiary health
      care facilities are generally able to present themselves with a holistic approach
      as to how they experience the impact of health policy. The statistical results
      indicated that patients reported a very limited correlation between QoC and QoL
      in both settings. The model established a positive, but ultimately weak and
      insignificant, association between QoC (access and effective treatment) and QoL
      (r = 0.349, P = 0.000; r = 0.161, P = 0.000, respectively). Even though the two
      settings are theoretically different in terms of being able to conceptualize,
      adopt, and implement QoC, the outcomes from both settings demonstrated
      insignificant relationships with QoL as the results were quite similar. Though
      modern medicine has substantially improved QoL around the world, this paper
      proposes that health accreditation has a very limited impact on improving QoL.
      This paper raises awareness of this topic with multiple healthcare professionals
      who are interested in correlating QoC and QoL. Hopefully, it will stimulate
      further research from other professional groups that have new and different
      perspectives. Addressing a transitional health care system that is in the process
      of endorsing accreditation, investigating the experience of tertiary cases, and
      analyzing deviated data may limit the generalization of this study. Global
      interest in applying public health policy underlines the impact of such process
      on patients' outcomes. As QoC accreditation does not automatically produce
      improved QoL outcomes, the proposed study encourages further investigation of the
      value of health accreditation on personal and social well-being. 

PMID- 25114570
TI  - Anonymity: an impediment to performance in healthcare.
AB  - Many teaching hospitals employ a care team structure composed of a broad range of
      healthcare providers with different skill sets. Each member of this team has a
      distinct role and a different level of training ranging from attending physician
      to resident, intern, and medical student. Often times, these different roles lead
      to greater complexity and confusion for both patients and nursing staff. It has
      been demonstrated that patients have a great degree of difficulty in identifying
      members of their care team. This anonymity also exists between nursing staff and
      other care providers. In order to better understand the magnitude of anonymity
      within the teaching hospital, a ten-question survey was sent to nurses across
      three different departments. Results from this survey demonstrated that 71% of
      nurses are "Always" or "Often" able to identify which care team is responsible
      for their patients, while 79% of nurses reported that they either "Often" or
      "Sometimes" page a provider who is not currently caring for a given patient.
      Furthermore, 33% of nurses felt that they were either "Rarely" or "Never" able to
      recognize, by face and name, attending level providers. Residents were "Rarely"
      or "Never" recognized by face and name 37% of the time, and interns 42% of the
      time. Contacting the wrong provider repeatedly leads to de facto delays in
      medication, therapy, and diagnosis. Additionally, these unnecessary interruptions
      slow workflow for both nurses and members of the care team, making hospital care
      less efficient and safe overall. Technological systems should focus on reducing
      anonymity within the hospital in order to enhance healthcare delivery. 

PMID- 25114571
TI  - Ambulatory and Hospital-based Quality Improvement Methods in Israel.
AB  - This review article compares ambulatory and hospital-based quality improvement
      methods in Israel. Data were collected from: reports of the National Program for
      Quality Indicators in community, the National Program for Quality Indicators in
      Hospitals, and from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
      (OECD) Reviews of Health Care Quality. 

PMID- 25114572
TI  - Prognostic significance of thymidylate synthase in postoperative non-small cell
      lung cancer patients.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinicopathologic/prognostic
      significance of thymidylate synthase (TS), orotate phosphoribosyltransferase
      (OPRT), and thymidine phosphorylase (TP) proteins in postoperative non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Microarray slides from a set of 178 NSCLC patients
      were used for the detection of TS, OPRT, and TP expression by
      immunohistochemistry. The correlation between clinicopathologic factors and
      protein expression of three proteins was analyzed. Ninety seven carcinomas
      (57.4%) were TS-positive, 90 carcinomas (53.9%) were OPRT-positive, and 102
      carcinomas (69.4%) were TP-positive. Compared with the TS-positive patients, the
      overall survival (OS) was significantly lower in the TS-negative patients (hazard
      ratio [HR] =1.766, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.212-2.573, P=0.003).
      Significant differences between TS-positive and TS-negative patients was also
      observed in the following stratified analyses: 1) adenocarcinoma subgroup (HR
      =2.079, 95% CI =1.235-3.500, P=0.006); 2) less than 60-year-old subgroup (HR
      =1.890, 95% CI =1.061-3.366, P=0.031); 3) stage II/III subgroup (HR =1.594, 95%
      CI =1.036-2.453, P=0.034); and 4) surgery plus adjuvant therapy subgroup (HR
      =1.976, 95% CI =1.226-3.185, P=0.005). However, the OS was not significantly
      correlated with OPRT or TP protein expression. This study demonstrates that the
      TS level in tumor tissues may be a useful marker to predict the postoperative OS
      in NSCLC patients. 

PMID- 25114574
TI  - Paclitaxel- and/or cisplatin-induced ocular neurotoxicity: a case report and
      literature review.
AB  - Paclitaxel (PTX) and/or cisplatin (CDDP), as important cytotoxic anti-cancer
      agents, are widely used to treat various solid tumors. Both may cause moderate or
      severe neurotoxicity, but ocular neurotoxicity is also occasionally reported. A
      patient diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer suffering acute ocular neurotoxicity
      10 days after paclitaxel and CDDP administration at the recommended dose is
      described in the present case report, and PTX- and/or CDDP-induced ocular
      neurotoxicity are summarized according to previous reports. Possible mechanisms
      and the potential diagnostic, therapeutic and predictive strategies of PTX-
      and/or CDDP-induced ocular neurotoxicity are reviewed, to help the oncologist to
      take the infrequent toxicity of cytotoxic drugs into account and improve patient
      safety during anti-cancer therapy. 

PMID- 25114573
TI  - PD-1 as an emerging therapeutic target in renal cell carcinoma: current evidence.
AB  - Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the
      kidney in adults, representing approximately 4% of all adult cancers in the
      United States. Metastatic RCC is poorly responsive to conventional cytotoxic
      chemotherapies but can be sensitive to T-cell-directed immunotherapies such as
      interferon-alpha or interleukin-2. Despite recent progress in the application of
      antiangiogenic "targeted therapies" for metastatic RCC, high-dose interleukin-2
      remains an appropriate first-line therapy for select patients and is associated
      with durable complete remissions in a small fraction of treated patients. Thus,
      advanced RCC provides a unique opportunity to investigate the requirements for
      effective antitumor immunotherapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that resistance
      mechanisms exploited by RCC and other tumor types may play a dominant role in
      limiting the effectiveness of tumor-reactive adaptive immune responses.
      Expression of the inhibitory coreceptor programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) on tumor
      infiltrating lymphocytes within RCC tumors, as well as the expression of the PD-1
      ligand (PD-L1) on RCC tumor cells, are strong negative prognostic markers for
      disease-specific death in RCC patients. Monoclonal antibodies targeting either PD
      1 or PD-L1 have now entered clinic trials and have demonstrated promising
      antitumor effects for refractory metastatic RCC. This review summarizes the
      results of published and reported studies of PD-1- and PD-L1-targeted therapies
      enrolling patients with advanced RCC, focusing on key safety, toxicity, and
      efficacy end points. Prospects for advanced phase clinical testing and novel
      therapy combinations with PD-1- and PD-L1-targeted agents are discussed. 

PMID- 25114576
TI  - Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components based on a harmonious
      definition among adults in Morocco.
AB  - PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors for diabetes and
      cardiovascular diseases that includes central obesity, hypertension, glucose
      intolerance, high triglyceride, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Its
      prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the
      prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors in a representative
      sample of Morocco adults using the 2009 joint interim statement definition.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed data of 820 patients aged 19 years and older.
      For metabolic syndrome diagnosis, we used the criteria of the recently published
      joint interim statement (2009). RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is
      35.73% among all adults, 18.56% among men, and 40.12% among women. Prevalence
      increased with age, peaking among those aged 50-59 years. The most common
      abnormality highlights abdominal obesity (49.15%). Also, half of patients have
      one or two risk factors for developing this syndrome. CONCLUSION: The prevalence
      of metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors is high among adults in
      Morocco, especially in women. The most prevalent component of metabolic syndrome
      in our population was abdominal obesity.

PMID- 25114575
TI  - Lapatinib for the treatment of breast cancer in the People's Republic of China.
AB  - Lapatinib is an oral, small-molecule, reversible inhibitor of both epidermal
      growth factor receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)
      tyrosine kinases. In March 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration approved
      lapatinib for use in combination with capecitabine for the treatment of women
      with HER2-overexpressing, advanced or metastatic breast cancer. This review
      discusses the available information of lapatinib in Chinese breast cancer
      patients, focusing on its effectiveness and clinical application against advanced
      or metastatic breast cancer. In pivotal phase III trials, a combination of
      lapatinib and capecitabine significantly decreased the risk of disease
      progression compared to capecitabine alone in women with HER2-positive advanced
      or metastatic breast cancer. Other trials were used to evaluate lapatinib in
      combination with hormone therapy, in combination with trastuzumab, and as an
      adjunct to adjuvant therapy for early-stage disease. Preclinical data have
      revealed that lapatinib is active in trastuzumab-resistant cell lines as well as
      synergistic with trastuzumab. In clinical trials, lapatinib has not been
      associated with serious or symptomatic cardiotoxicity. Further, it can cross the
      blood-brain barrier and may therefore have a role in preventing cancer
      progression in the central nervous system. Thus, lapatinib warrants further
      evaluation in HER2-positive metastatic and early-stage breast cancer patients. 

PMID- 25114577
TI  - Elevated body mass index as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease: current
      perspectives.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by the National Kidney Foundation Kidney
      Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative as the presence of reduced kidney function or
      kidney damage for a period of 3 months or greater. Obesity is considered a risk
      factor for CKD development, but its precise role in contributing to CKD and end
      stage kidney disease is not fully elucidated. In this narrative review, the
      objectives are to describe the pathogenesis of CKD in obesity, including the
      impact of altered adipokine secretion in obesity and CKD, and to provide an
      overview of the clinical studies assessing the risk of obesity and CKD
      development. 

PMID- 25114579
TI  - Partners of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: how important is their
      support?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes significant distress
      for patients and their families. Data assessing the need of these patients for
      support and sharing with their partners are scarce. The aim of this study was to
      assess patients' views regarding sharing of information with their partners.
      METHODS: Ambulatory IBD patients treated at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center
      between January 2011 and January 2013 were asked to complete an anonymous
      questionnaire. Patients who had a stable partner and completed more than 95% of
      the questionnaire were included. RESULTS: Of 134 patients who agreed to complete
      the questionnaire, 101 met the inclusion criteria, 53 were men (mean age 45+/-15
      years), and 50% had academic education. Only 42% of patients reported that their
      partner accompanied them to the doctor. However, 93% shared health problems with
      their partner, 64% would have liked their partner to receive more medical
      information, and 70% would like their partner to be more involved. The majority
      (88%) believed that more partner involvement could help them deal better with the
      disease, and 70% thought that support groups for partners should be established.
      No association was found between patients' demographic data and their answers.
      Patients who felt that partner involvement could help them to deal with the
      disease tended to share medical information with their partners and wanted them
      to be more involved in health care decision-making (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Most
      IBD patients in our study wanted their partner to be more involved with their
      health problems, and believed that greater partner involvement could help them
      deal better with their disease. Therefore, more attention should be focused on
      gaining better cooperation from patients' families.

PMID- 25114578
TI  - Is adherence a relevant issue in the self-management education of diabetes? A
      mixed narrative review.
AB  - While therapeutic patient education is now recognized as essential for optimizing
      the control of chronic diseases and patient well-being, adherence to treatment
      and medical recommendations is still a matter of debate. In type 2 diabetes, the
      nonadherence to therapy, estimated at more than 40%, is perceived as a barrier
      for improving the prognosis despite recent therapeutic advances. Interventional
      studies have barely begun to demonstrate the effectiveness of technical and
      behavioral actions. The aim of this review is to question the concept of
      adherence in terms of therapeutic education based on quantitative and qualitative
      data. The research on therapeutic education has shown the effectiveness of
      structured actions in type 2 diabetes, but adherence is rarely an end point in
      randomized trials. A positive but inconsistent or moderate effect of education
      actions on adherence has been shown in heterogeneous studies of varying quality.
      Program types, outlines, theoretical bases, and curricula to set up for action
      effectiveness are still being discussed. Qualitative studies, including
      sociological studies, provide a useful and constructive focus on this
      perspective. Adherence is a soft and flexible tool available to the patient in
      his/her singular chronic disease trajectory, and as such, integrates into
      individual therapeutic strategies, including socio-cultural interactions, beyond
      the medical explanation of the disease and the patient. Four key elements for the
      development of structured therapeutic education are discussed: 1) the access to
      health literacy, 2) the contextualization of education activities, 3) the long
      term chronic dimension of self-management, and 4) the organizational aspects of
      health and care. Rather than focusing the objective on behavioral changes,
      structured therapeutic education actions should attempt to provide tools and
      resources aimed at helping individuals to manage their disease in their own
      context on a long-term basis, by developing health literacy and relational and
      organizational aspects of the health professionals and system. 

PMID- 25114580
TI  - Improving the prognosis of nephropathic cystinosis.
AB  - Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive inherited lysosomal storage disease. It is
      characterized by generalized proximal tubular dysfunction known as renal Fanconi
      syndrome and causes end-stage renal disease by the age of about 10 years if left
      untreated. Extrarenal organs are also affected, including the thyroid gland,
      gonads, pancreas, liver, muscle, and brain. Treatment consists of administration
      of cysteamine, resulting in depletion of cystine that is trapped inside the
      lysosomes. Since cysteamine has a short half-life, it should be administered
      every 6 hours. Recently, a new delayed-release formulation was marketed, that
      should be administered every 12 hours. The first studies comparing both
      cysteamine formulations show comparable results regarding white blood cell
      cystine depletion (which serves as a measure for cystine accumulation in the
      body), while a slightly lower daily dose of cysteamine can be used. 

PMID- 25114581
TI  - CYP19A1 single nucleotide polymorphism associations with CYP19A1, NFkappaB1, and
      IL6 gene expression in human normal colon and normal liver samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estrogen is known to decrease the risk of colon cancer in
      postmenopausal women, and may exert its actions by decreasing interleukin-6 (IL6)
      production via stabilization of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa
      light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkappaB). Estrogens are
      biosynthesized by CYP19A1 (aromatase), so it is possible that genetic variations
      in CYP19A1 influences the risk of colon cancer by altering expression of CYP19A1.
      Further, studies on gene-gene interactions suggest that single nucleotide
      polymorphisms in one gene may affect expression of other genes. The current study
      aims to explore the role of CYP19A1 single nucleotide polymorphisms on CYP19A1,
      NFkappaB1 and IL6 gene expression. METHODS: Phenotype-genotype associations,
      cross-associations between genes, and haplotype analyses were performed in both
      normal human colon (n=82) and liver (n=238) samples. RESULTS: CYP19A1 rs10459592,
      rs1961177, and rs6493497 were associated with CYP19A1 expression in colon samples
      (P=0.042, P=0.041, and P=0.013, respectively). CYP19A1 single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (rs12908960, rs730154, rs8025191, and rs17523880) were correlated
      with NFkappaB1 expression (P=0.047, P=0.04, P=0.05, and P=0.03, respectively),
      and CYP19A1 rs11856927, rs2470152, and rs2470144 (P=0.049, P=0.025, P=0.047,
      respectively) were associated with IL6 expression in the colon. While rs730154
      and rs17523880 could not be analyzed in the liver samples, none of the other
      associations with the colon were replicated in the liver samples. Haplotype
      analysis revealed three separate haplotypes of the CYP19A1 single nucleotide
      polymorphism that were significantly associated with CYP19A1, NFkappaB1, and IL6
      gene expression. CONCLUSION: CYP19A1 single nucleotide polymorphisms are
      associated not only with CYP19A1 expression but also with NFkappaB1 and IL6
      expression. These data demonstrate the possible functional consequences of
      genetic variation within the CYP19A1 gene on other genes in a biologically
      plausible pathway.

PMID- 25114583
TI  - An infant with poor weight gain and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis: a case
      report.
AB  - Bartter syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease manifested by a defect in
      chloride transport in the thick loop of Henle, with different genetic origins and
      molecular pathophysiology. Children with Bartter syndrome generally present in
      early infancy with persistent polyuria and associated dehydration, electrolyte
      imbalance, and failure to thrive. Although early diagnosis and appropriate
      treatment of Bartter syndrome may improve the outcome, some children will
      progress to renal failure. We report a case of an 8-week-old infant who was
      admitted for electrolyte imbalance and failure to thrive. Laboratory studies
      revealed hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis with severe hypokalemia. Health care
      providers should consider Bartter syndrome when excessive chloride losses appear
      to be renal in origin and the patient has normal blood pressure and high levels
      of serum renin and aldosterone. Treatments, including indomethacin,
      spironolactone, and aggressive fluid and electrolyte replacement, may prevent
      renal failure in children with Bartter syndrome. Molecular genetics studies are
      indicated to identify the primary genetic defect. 

PMID- 25114584
TI  - An open-label, long-term study examining the safety and tolerability of
      pregabalin in Japanese patients with central neuropathic pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: Studies of pregabalin for the treatment of central neuropathic pain have
      been limited to double-blind trials of 4-17 weeks in duration. The purpose of
      this study was to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of pregabalin in
      Japanese patients with central neuropathic pain. The efficacy of pregabalin was
      also assessed as a secondary measure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a 53-week,
      multicenter, open-label trial of pregabalin (150-600 mg/day) in Japanese patients
      with central neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or
      cerebral stroke. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients received pregabalin (post
      stroke =60; spinal cord injury =38; and multiple sclerosis =5). A majority of
      patients (87.4%) experienced one or more treatment-related adverse events, most
      commonly somnolence, weight gain, dizziness, or peripheral edema. The adverse
      event profile was similar to that seen in other indications of pregabalin. Most
      treatment-related adverse events were mild (89.1%) or moderate (9.2%) in
      intensity. Pregabalin treatment improved total score, sensory pain, affective
      pain, visual analog scale (VAS), and present pain intensity scores on the Short
      Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and ten-item modified Brief Pain
      Inventory (mBPI-10) total score at endpoint compared with baseline. Improvements
      in SF-MPQ VAS and mBPI-10 total scores were evident in all patient
      subpopulations. Mean changes from baseline in SF-MPQ VAS and mBPI-10 scores at
      endpoint were -20.1 and -1.4, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings
      demonstrate that pregabalin is generally well tolerated and provides sustained
      efficacy over a 53-week treatment period in patients with chronic central
      neuropathic pain.

PMID- 25114582
TI  - MicroRNA binding site polymorphisms as biomarkers in cancer management and
      research.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of eukaryotic gene expression. They
      have been implicated in a broad range of biological processes, and miRNA-related
      genetic alterations probably underlie several human diseases. Single nucleotide
      polymorphisms of transcripts may modulate the posttranscriptional regulation of
      gene expression by miRNAs and explain interindividual variability in cancer risk
      and in chemotherapy response. On the basis of recent association studies
      published in the literature, the present review mainly summarizes the potential
      role of miRNAs as molecular biomarkers for disease susceptibility, diagnosis,
      prognosis, and drug-response prediction in tumors. Many clues suggest a role for
      polymorphisms within the 3' untranslated regions of KRAS rs61764370, SET8
      rs16917496, and MDM4 rs4245739 as SNPs in miRNA binding sites highly promising in
      the biology of human cancer. However, more studies are needed to better
      characterize the composite spectrum of genetic determinants for future use of
      markers in risk prediction and clinical management of diseases, heading toward
      personalized medicine. 

PMID- 25114585
TI  - Challenges in the development of future treatments for breast cancer stem cells.
AB  - The recurrence of tumors after years of disease-free survival has spurred
      interest in the concept that cancers may have a stem cell basis. Current
      speculation holds that as few as 0.1% of the tumor mass may be chemoresistant and
      radioresistant, harboring stem-like properties that drive tumor survival,
      development, and metastasis. There are intense investigations to characterize
      cancer stem cells on the basis of self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation.
      Thus far, no successful targeted therapies have been developed and reached the
      clinic, but as these cells are isolated and characterized, insights may be
      unraveled. In this review, we discuss the controversy over the origins of the
      cancer stem cell hypothesis and the unforeseen factors that may facilitate breast
      cancer stem cell survival and metastasis. We discuss the role of tumor
      microenvironment, including carcinoma-associated fibroblasts, epigenetic factors,
      and the Th1/Th2 balance, in supporting breast cancer stem cells. In addition, we
      have incorporated ideas on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in metastatic
      dissemination of epithelial malignancies. This area is relevant since breast
      cancer stem cells have been suggested to revert to a mesenchymal phenotype during
      the progression of cancer. Finally we discuss prospects of developing targeted
      therapy including novel treatment modalities such as oncolytic viral therapy,
      differentiation therapy, and nanotechnology. 

PMID- 25114588
TI  - Role of trastuzumab emtansine in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.
AB  - Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that is used in the treatment of breast
      cancer. Trastuzumab targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)
      receptor on breast cancer cells that express this tyrosine kinase receptor. These
      cancers are referred to as HER2-positive breast cancer. The original studies of
      trastuzumab showed improved survival in metastatic breast cancer; however,
      resistance often develops. In the adjuvant setting, women often progress despite
      therapy that includes trastuzumab. Antibody-drug conjugates are a new class of
      powerful drugs designed to target high-dose chemotherapy directly to the cancer
      cells. Trastuzumab emtansine is one of these antibody-drug conjugates and was the
      first Food and Drug Administration approved drug for a solid tumor. Emtansine is
      a potent antimicrotubule agent. Trastuzumab is used to target this potent
      chemotherapy agent directly to the HER2-expressing cancer cells. This review
      article will summarize the evidence from the preclinical studies, summarize
      evidence from the clinical trials, discuss current clinical trials, discuss
      current approval of trastuzumab emtansine, and discuss future directions of
      research. 

PMID- 25114587
TI  - Preserving fertility in patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer: current
      perspectives.
AB  - Invasive breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent cancer of young women.
      Considering the trend toward postponing childbearing until the later reproductive
      years, the number of childless women at diagnosis of BC will continue to
      increase. The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society for
      Reproductive Medicine have recommended that the impact of cancer treatments on
      fertility should be addressed with all cancer patients of reproductive age and
      that options for fertility preservation, such as cryopreservation of embryos and
      oocytes, ovarian tissue, in vitro maturation of immature oocytes, and ovarian
      suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs, should be discussed
      routinely. To optimally counsel patients on how to best weigh the risks and
      benefits of fertility preservation, both the health care provider and the patient
      must know about the options, their risks, and their likelihood of success. The
      aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on fertility preservation
      options for young BC patients, surrogates of ovarian function, psychosocial
      aspects of infertility after cancer treatment, women's attitudes towards
      childbearing after cancer treatment, and health care providers' attitudes towards
      fertility preservation. 

PMID- 25114589
TI  - Barrier protective use of skin care to prevent chemotherapy-induced cutaneous
      symptoms and to maintain quality of life in patients with breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chemotherapy with anthracyclines, taxanes, or alkylating agents often
      causes cutaneous side effects. Nonspecific inhibition of the proliferative
      activity of keratinocytes has antidifferentiation effects that lead to defects in
      the barrier function and, thus, to dry, itchy, and irritable skin. These
      cutaneous symptoms reduce the quality of life of the patients considerably.
      Conditioning with topical application of niacinamide uses the cytoprotective and
      barrier stabilizing effect of vitamin B3. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter
      randomized crossover study investigated the influence of the test preparation on
      the quality of life compared to standard care for 73 patients with breast cancer
      undergoing adjuvant or neoadjuvant cytostatic therapy. Primary target parameter
      was the Dermatology Life Quality Index with its respective subscales after 6
      weeks of a twice-daily application of the respective preparations. Additionally,
      specific symptoms such as pruritus, dryness, and irritability have been assessed
      using visual analog scales. RESULTS: Regarding the total score of the Dermatology
      Life Quality Index, no relevant differences could be observed. However, the
      results for the "symptoms and feelings" subscale show a significant advantage in
      favor of the test preparation. Significant superiority of the test preparation
      could also be observed in the secondary target parameters, the visual analog
      scales (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results show for the first time a significant
      superiority of prophylactic application of niacinamide for maintaining quality of
      life while undergoing cytostatic treatment.

PMID- 25114586
TI  - Candidate prognostic markers in breast cancer: focus on extracellular proteases
      and their inhibitors.
AB  - The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the complex network of proteins that surrounds
      cells in multicellular organisms. Due to its diverse nature and composition, the
      ECM has a multifaceted role in both normal tissue homeostasis and
      pathophysiology. It provides structural support, segregates tissues from one
      another, and regulates intercellular communication. Furthermore, the ECM
      sequesters a wide range of growth factors and cytokines that may be released upon
      specific and well-coordinated cues. Regulation of the ECM is performed by the
      extracellular proteases, which are tasked with cleaving and remodeling this
      intricate and diverse protein matrix. Accordingly, extracellular proteases are
      differentially expressed in various tissue types and in many diseases such as
      cancer. In fact, metastatic dissemination of tumor cells requires degradation of
      extracellular matrices by several families of proteases, including
      metalloproteinases and serine proteases, among others. Extracellular proteases
      are emerging as strong candidate cancer biomarkers for aiding and predicting
      patient outcome. Not surprisingly, inhibition of these protumorigenic enzymes in
      animal models of metastasis has shown impressive therapeutic effects. As such,
      many of these proteolytic inhibitors are currently in various phases of clinical
      investigation. In addition to direct approaches, aberrant expression of
      extracellular proteases in disease states may also facilitate the selective
      delivery of other therapeutic or imaging agents. Herein, we outline extracellular
      proteases that are either bona fide or probable prognostic markers in breast
      cancer. Furthermore, using existing patient data and multiple robust statistical
      analyses, we highlight several extracellular proteases and associated inhibitors
      (eg, uPA, ADAMs, MMPs, TIMPs, RECK) that hold the greatest potential as clinical
      biomarkers. With the recent advances in high-throughput technology and targeted
      therapies, the incorporation of extracellular protease status in breast cancer
      patient management may have a profound effect on improving outcomes in this
      deadly disease. 

PMID- 25114590
TI  - The epidemiology of Sjogren's syndrome.
AB  - Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by
      lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands. It can present as an entity by
      itself, primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), or in addition to another autoimmune
      disease, secondary Sjogren's syndrome (sSS). pSS has a strong female propensity
      and is more prevalent in Caucasian women, with the mean age of onset usually in
      the 4th to 5th decade. Clinical presentation varies from mild symptoms, such as
      classic sicca symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and
      xerostomia, to severe systemic symptoms, involving multiple organ systems.
      Furthermore, a range of autoantibodies can be present in Sjogren's syndrome (anti
      SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies, rheumatoid factor, cryoglobulins, antinuclear
      antibodies), complicating the presentation. The heterogeneity of signs and
      symptoms has led to the development of multiple classification criteria. However,
      there is no accepted universal classification criterion for the diagnosis of
      Sjogren's syndrome. There are a limited number of studies that have been
      published on the epidemiology of Sjogren's syndrome, and the incidence and
      prevalence of the disease varies according to the classification criteria used.
      The data is further confounded by selection bias and misclassification bias,
      making it difficult for interpretation. The aim of this review is to understand
      the reported incidence and prevalence on pSS and sSS, the frequency of
      autoantibodies, and the risk of malignancy, which has been associated with pSS,
      taking into account the different classification criteria used. 

PMID- 25114591
TI  - A comparison of the treatment effects of the Forsus Fatigue Resistance Device and
      the Twin Block appliance in patients with class II malocclusions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects of the Forsus
      Fatigue Resistance Device (FRD) and the Twin Block appliance (TB) in comparison
      with nontreated controls in the treatment of patients with class II division 1
      malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: THIS RETROSPECTIVE STUDY INCLUDED THREE
      GROUPS: TB (n=37; mean age, 11.2 years), FRD (n=30; mean age, 12.9 years), and
      controls (n=25; mean age, 12.6 years). Lateral cephalograms were evaluated at T1
      (pretreatment) and at T2 (postappliance removal/equivalent time frame in
      controls). Cephalometric changes were evaluated using the Clark analysis,
      including 27 measurements. RESULTS: Sagittal correction of class II malocclusion
      appeared to be mainly achieved by dentoalveolar changes in the FRD group. The TB
      was able to induce both skeletal and dentoalveolar changes. A favorable influence
      on facial convexity was achieved by both groups. Significant upper incisor
      retroclination occurred with the TB (-12.42 degrees ), whereas only -4 degrees 
      was observed in the FRD group. The lower incisors proclined more in the FRD group
      than the TB group. Incisor overjet reduction was 62% in the TB group versus 56%
      in the FRD group. Molar relation was corrected in both functional groups,
      resulting in a class I relation, although no change appeared in the control
      sample. CONCLUSION: Both appliances were effective in correcting the class II
      malocclusion. Both the FRD and the TB induced significant maxillary and
      mandibular dentoalveolar changes; skeletal changes were induced by TB but not FRD
      therapy.

PMID- 25114592
TI  - Arguments for and against HIV self-testing.
AB  - Approximately 60% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals are
      unaware of their infection, and stigma and discrimination continue to threaten
      acceptance of HIV testing services worldwide. Self-testing for HIV has garnered
      controversy for years and the debate reignited with the approval of a point-of
      care test for over-the-counter sale in the US in 2012. Here, we present arguments
      for and against HIV self-testing. The case in support of HIV self-testing
      contends that: the modality is highly acceptable, especially among the most at
      risk individuals; self-testing empowers users, thus helping to normalize testing;
      and mutual partner testing has the potential to increase awareness of risk and
      avert condomless sex between discordant partners. Arguments against HIV self
      testing include: cost limits access to those who need testing most; false
      negative results, especially during the window period, may lead to false
      reassurance and could promote sex between discordant partners at the time of
      highest infectivity; opportunities for counseling, linkage to care, and diagnosis
      of other sexually transmitted infections may be missed; and self-testing leads to
      potential for coercion between partners. Research is needed to better define the
      risks of self-testing, especially as performance of the assays improves, and to
      delineate the benefits of programs designed to improve access to self-test kits,
      because this testing modality has numerous potential advantages and drawbacks. 

PMID- 25114593
TI  - Risk management of seasonal influenza during pregnancy: current perspectives.
AB  - Influenza poses unique risks to pregnant women, who are particularly susceptible
      to morbidity and mortality. Historically, pregnant women have been
      overrepresented among patients with severe illness and complications from
      influenza, and have been more likely to require hospitalization and intensive
      care unit admission. An increased risk of adverse outcomes is also present for
      fetuses/neonates born to women affected by influenza during pregnancy. These
      risks to mothers and babies have been observed during both nonpandemic and
      pandemic influenza seasons. During the H1N1 influenza pandemic of 2009-2010,
      pregnant women were more likely to be hospitalized or admitted to intensive care
      units, and were at higher risk of death compared to nonpregnant adults.
      Vaccination remains the most effective intervention to prevent severe illness,
      and antiviral medications are an important adjunct to ameliorate disease when it
      occurs. Unfortunately, despite national guidelines recommending universal
      vaccination for women who are pregnant during influenza season, actual
      vaccination rates do not achieve desired targets among pregnant women. Pregnant
      women are also sometimes reluctant to use antiviral medications during pregnancy.
      Some of the barriers to use of vaccines and medications during pregnancy are a
      lack of knowledge of recommendations and of safety data. By improving knowledge
      and understanding of influenza and vaccination recommendations, vaccine
      acceptance rates among pregnant women can be improved. Currently, the appropriate
      use of vaccination and antiviral medications is the best line of defense against
      influenza and its sequelae among pregnant women, and strategies to increase
      acceptance are crucial. This article will review the importance of influenza in
      pregnancy, and discuss vaccination and antiviral medications for pregnant women. 

PMID- 25114595
TI  - Correlation between MRI results and intraoperative findings in patients with
      silicone breast implants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Silicone gel breast implants may silently rupture without detection.
      This has been the main reason for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the
      augmented or reconstructed breast. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the accuracy of MRI for implant rupture. METHODS: Fifty consecutive
      patients with 85 silicone gel implants were included in the study. The mean age
      of the patients was 51 (range 21-72) years, with a mean duration of implantation
      of 3.8 (range 1-28) years. All patients underwent clinical examination and breast
      MRI. Intraoperative implant rupture was diagnosed by the operating surgeon.
      RESULTS: Nineteen of the 50 patients suffered from clinical symptoms. An implant
      rupture was diagnosed by MRI in 22 of 85 implants (26%). In seven of 17 removed
      implants (41%), the intraoperative diagnosis corresponded with the positive MRI
      result. However, only 57% of these patients were symptomatic. Ultrasound imaging
      of the harvested implants showed signs of interrupted inner layers of the implant
      despite integrity of the outer shell. By microsurgical separation of the
      different layers of the implant shell, we were able to reproduce this phenomenon
      and to produce signs of implant rupture on MRI. CONCLUSION: Our results show that
      rupture of only the inner layers of the implant shell with integrity of the outer
      shell leads to a misdiagnosis on MRI. Correlation with clinical symptoms and the
      specific wishes of the patient should guide the indication for implant removal.

PMID- 25114596
TI  - Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia in Hispanic male: case report and literature
      review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+) T-cell
      lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a rare non human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related
      syndrome with unclear natural history and prognosis that was first reported and
      defined in 1992. ICL has been observed in patients after the onset of an
      opportunistic infection without known immunosuppression. CASE PRESENTATION: A 20
      year-old Hispanic male patient without significant past medical history presented
      with progressive shortness of breath and cough for 3 weeks. Chest computed
      tomography showed bilateral cavitary lesions in the upper lung lobes. The HIV
      rapid screening test as well as the sputum acid-fast bacilli test were both
      positive. The patient was started on antituberculosis therapy. The CD4 count was
      noticed to be low. However, the HIV Western blot test was negative, and the HIV
      viral load was within normal limit. Further radiologic studies, hemato-oncologic,
      and autoimmune workups were normal. The patient was discharged on the treatment
      for tuberculosis. Follow-up after 8 weeks revealed a persistent low CD4+ count,
      and the repeated HIV tests were negative. CONCLUSION: The clinical features of
      ICL range from an asymptomatic condition to life-threatening complications that
      imitate the clinical course of HIV-infected patients. The differential diagnosis
      in adults comprises primarily HIV infection and other diseases or drug side
      effects. ICL is very rare and should be considered in the absence of any defined
      immunodeficiency or therapy associated with depressed levels of CD4+ T-cells.
      Early detection and recognition of the disease allow purposeful and systemic
      treatment approach and screening for the affected patients.

PMID- 25114594
TI  - Preserving fertility in young patients with endometrial cancer: current
      perspectives.
AB  - Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed
      countries and affects predominantly postmenopausal women. It is estimated,
      however, that 15%-25% of women will be diagnosed before menopause. As more women
      choose to defer childbearing until later in life, the feasibility and safety of
      fertility-sparing EC management have been increasingly studied. Definitive
      treatment of total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy precludes
      future fertility and may thus be undesirable by women who wish to maintain their
      reproductive potential. However, the consideration of conservative management
      carries the oncologic risks of unstaged EC and the risk of missing a synchronous
      ovarian cancer. It is further complicated by the lack of consensus regarding the
      initial assessment, treatment, and surveillance. Conservative treatment with
      progestins has been shown to be a feasible and safe fertility-sparing approach
      for women with low grade, early stage EC with no myometrial invasion. The two
      most commonly adopted regimens are medroxyprogesterone acetate at 500-600 mg
      daily and megestrol acetate at 160 mg daily for a minimum of 6-9 months, with
      initial response rates commonly reported between 60% and 80% and recurrence rates
      between 25% and 40%. Photodynamic therapy and hysteroscopic EC excision have
      recently been reported as alternative approaches to progestin therapy alone.
      However, limited efficacy and safety data exist. Live birth rates after progestin
      therapy have typically been reported around 30%; however, when focusing only on
      those who do pursue fertility after successful treatment, the live birth rates
      were found to be higher than 60%. Assisted reproductive technology has been
      associated with a higher live birth rate compared with spontaneous conception,
      most likely reflecting the presence of infertility at baseline. Close follow-up
      is of paramount importance, and definitive treatment after completion of
      childbearing is advised. 

PMID- 25114597
TI  - Differential renal adverse effects of ibuprofen and indomethacin in preterm
      infants: a review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent of renal
      adverse effects caused by ibuprofen or indomethacin in order to choose the safer
      drug to administer to preterm infants. METHODS: THE FOLLOWING THREE PARAMETERS OF
      RENAL FUNCTION WERE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION: 1) the urine output; 2) the serum
      creatinine concentration; and 3) the frequency of oliguria. The bibliographic
      search was performed using PubMed and Embase databases as search engines.
      RESULTS: Urine output ranged from 3.5+/-1.2 to 4.0+/-1.4 mL/kg/h after ibuprofen
      treatment, and from 2.8+/-1.1 to 3.6+/-1.4 mL/kg/h after indomethacin treatment.
      The values for ibuprofen are significantly (P<0.05) higher than those for
      indomethacin. The serum creatinine concentrations ranged from 0.98+/-0.24 to
      1.48+/-0.2 mg/dL after ibuprofen treatment, and from 1.06+/-0.24 and 2.03+/-2.10
      mg/dL after indomethacin treatment. The values for ibuprofen are significantly
      (P<0.05) lower than those for indomethacin. The frequency of oliguria ranged from
      1.0% to 9.6% (ibuprofen) and from 14.8% to 40.0% (indomethacin), and was
      significantly lower following ibuprofen than indomethacin administration. In
      infants with body weight lower than 1,000 g, oliguria appeared in 5% (ibuprofen)
      and 40% (indomethacin; P=0.02). CONCLUSION: Indomethacin is associated with more
      severe renal adverse effects than ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is less nephrotoxic than
      indomethacin and should be used to treat patent ductus arteriosus in preterm
      infants. Immaturity increases the frequency of adverse effects of indomethacin.

PMID- 25114598
TI  - Evaluation of the angled Episcissors-60((r)) episiotomy scissors in spontaneous
      vaginal deliveries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs) are the leading cause of
      anal incontinence in women. Episiotomies with a postdelivery suture angle of less
      than 30 degrees  to the midline are more likely to injure the anal sphincter
      directly, while those with a suture angle of more than 60 degrees  are associated
      with increased incidence of OASIs, as they do not relieve the pressure on the
      perineum. A safe zone of 40 degrees -60 degrees  has been proposed. Recently, two
      new types of episiotomy scissors (Episcissors-60((r)) Straight version and angled
      version) were introduced to ensure a standardized cutting angle of 60 degrees  to
      the midline. We audited our results with the angled Episcissors-60 in spontaneous
      vaginal deliveries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients delivering in two
      private maternity hospitals in Thane, India undergoing clinically indicated
      episiotomies were included. Only patients delivering spontaneously were included.
      The scissors were introduced vaginally at crowning, and aligned to orient the
      guide limb vertically from the posterior fourchette to the anus. While a single
      cut was preferred, a stagger cut was needed for some women. Postdelivery angles
      were measured by placing a protractor transparency on the perineum after delivery
      and marking the angle with an indelible ink pen. Per rectal examination was
      performed prior to suturing to detect OASIs. RESULTS: A total of 25 women
      underwent clinically indicated episiotomies. Of these, 16 women were nulliparous,
      eight women were para 1, and one woman was a para 2. One woman had a vaginal
      breech delivery (para 2), and the rest were cephalic vertex deliveries. The
      average age was 27 (range 20-35) years. The median birth weight was 2,800 g
      (standard deviation 312 g, interquartile range 2,500-3,000 g). The median
      postdelivery suture angle of the episiotomy was 50 degrees  (standard deviation
      3.5 degrees , interquartile range 48 degrees -54 degrees , range 45 degrees -55
      degrees ). No cases of OASI were detected in this series. CONCLUSION: The
      Episcissors-60 angled version demonstrated a postdelivery suture angle of 50
      degrees  in a cohort of Indian women undergoing spontaneous vaginal deliveries.

PMID- 25114599
TI  - Laser speckle contrast imaging for intraoperative assessment of liver
      microcirculation: a clinical pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver microcirculation can be affected by a wide variety of causes
      relevant to liver transplantation and resectional surgery. Intraoperative
      assessment of the microcirculation could possibly predict postoperative outcome.
      The present pilot study introduces laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) as a new
      clinical method for assessing liver microcirculation. METHODS: LSCI measurements
      of liver microcirculation were performed on ten patients undergoing liver
      resection. Measurements were made during apnea with and without liver blood
      inflow occlusion. Hepatic blood flow was assessed by subtracting zero inflow
      signal from the total signal. Zero inflow signal was obtained after hepatic
      artery and portal vein occlusion. Perfusion was expressed in laser speckle
      perfusion units, and intraindividual and interindividual variability in liver
      perfusion was investigated using the coefficient of variability. RESULTS: Hepatic
      microcirculation measurements were successfully made in all patients resulting in
      analyzable speckle contrast images. Mean hepatic blood flow was 410+/-36 laser
      speckle perfusion units. Zero inflow signal amounted to 40%+/-4% of the total
      signal. Intraindividual and interindividual coefficients of variability in liver
      perfusion were 25% and 28%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of
      this pilot study, LSCI allows rapid noncontact measurements of hepatic blood
      perfusion over wide areas. More studies are needed on methods of handling
      movement artifacts.

PMID- 25114600
TI  - Sealing vessels up to 7 mm in diameter solely with ultrasonic technology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonic energy is a mainstay in the armamentarium of surgeons,
      providing multifunctionality, precision, and control when dissecting and sealing
      vessels up to 5 mm in diameter. Historically, the inability to seal vessels in
      the 5-7 mm range has been perceived as an inherent limitation of ultrasonic
      technology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sealing of vessels up to 7
      mm in diameter with an ultrasonic device that modulates energy delivery during
      the sealing period. METHODS: In ex vivo benchtop and in vivo acute and survival
      preclinical models, a new ultrasonic device, Harmonic ACE((r))+7 Shears (Harmonic
      7), was compared with advanced bipolar devices in sealing vessels 1-7 mm in
      diameter with respect of burst pressure, seal reliability, and seal durability.
      Lateral thermal damage and transection time were also evaluated. RESULTS: Ex vivo
      tests of Harmonic 7 demonstrated significantly greater median burst pressures
      than an advanced bipolar device both for vessels <5 mm in diameter (1,078 mmHg
      and 836 mmHg, respectively, P=0.046) and for those in the range of 5-7 mm (1,419
      mmHg and 591 mmHg, P<0.001). In vivo tests in porcine and caprine models
      demonstrated similar rates of hemostasis between Harmonic 7 and advanced bipolar
      devices, with high success rates at initial transection and seal durability of
      100% after a 30-day survival period. CONCLUSION: Sealing 5-7 mm vessels is not a
      limitation of the type of energy used but of how energy is delivered to tissue.
      These studies document the ability of ultrasonic energy alone to reliably seal
      large vessels 5-7 mm in diameter, with significantly greater burst pressure
      observed in in vitro studies than those observed with an advanced bipolar
      technology when energy delivery is modulated during the sealing cycle.
      Furthermore, the seals created in 5-7 mm vessels are shown to be reliable and
      durable in in vivo preclinical studies.

PMID- 25114603
TI  - Transarterial chemoembolization using iodized oil for unresectable hepatocellular
      carcinoma: perspective from multistep hepatocarcinogenesis.
AB  - Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using iodized oil (Lipiodol((r))) (Lp
      TACE) as a carrier of chemotherapeutic agents has been routinely performed to
      control hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) in Japan, and its use has yielded fairly
      beneficial therapeutic results. Lipiodol is thought to pass through the tumor
      sinusoids of HCC and reach the outflow drainage areas, namely, the portal venous
      side of the tumor. By doing this, Lipiodol blocks not only the tumor's arterial
      inflow but also its portal venous outflow, providing sufficient ischemic effects.
      It is known that the inflow blood system, tumor sinusoids, and outflow blood
      system change drastically during the process of multistep hepatocarcinogenesis;
      thus, it is reasonable to postulate that the distribution of Lipiodol and the
      subsequent therapeutic effect of Lp-TACE may also change during that process.
      Arterial inflow to HCC is highest for moderately differentiated HCC (mHCC) and is
      relatively low in well or poorly differentiated HCC (wHCC and pHCC,
      respectively). It has been suggested that the metabolic state of wHCC and mHCC is
      aerobic, while that of pHCC is anaerobic. The tumor sinusoids in wHCC and mHCC
      are small in size and large in number, while those in pHCC are large in size and
      small in number. This finding results in a greater chance of tumor cell exposure
      to chemotherapeutic agents in the former and a lesser chance in the latter. The
      outflow tract, namely, the drainage system via the residual portal venous
      branches within the pseudocapsule, is more complete in mHCC and pHCC and less so
      in wHCC. Considering all of these components of HCC of different histological
      grades, Lp-TACE should have the greatest effect on mHCC and a relatively low
      effect on wHCC and pHCC. To achieve consistently high therapeutic results, it is
      important to consider these components, which affect the sensitivity of HCC to Lp
      TACE, to maximize both the chemotherapeutic and ischemic effects of this therapy.

PMID- 25114602
TI  - Ending hepatitis C in the United States: the role of screening.
AB  - The US faces at least two distinct epidemics of hepatitis C virus infection
      (HCV), and due largely to revised screening recommendations and novel therapeutic
      agents, corresponding opportunities. As only 49%-75% of HCV-infected persons in
      the US are aware of their infection, any chance of addressing HCV in the US is
      dependent upon screening to identify undiagnosed infections. Most HCV in the US
      consists of longstanding infections among persons born during 1945-1965 who are
      suffering escalating rates of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Mathematical
      modeling supports aggressive action to reach and treat these persons to minimize
      the subsequent burden of advanced liver disease on patients and the health care
      system. Incident infection is primarily among persons who inject drugs, less than
      10% of whom have been treated for HCV. Expanded screening and treatment of active
      persons who inject drugs raises the prospect of utilizing "treatment as
      prevention" to stem the tide of incident HCV infections in this population. HIV
      positive men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a population at risk for
      sexually transmitted HCV who may also benefit from adjusted screening guidelines
      to identify both acute and chronic infections. Prisoners also represent a
      critical population for aggressive screening and treatment. Finally, the two
      stage testing algorithm for HCV diagnosis is problematic and difficult for
      patients and providers to navigate. While emerging therapeutics raise the
      prospect of reducing HCV-related morbidity and mortality, as well as eliminating
      new infections, major barriers remain with regard to identifying infections,
      improving access to treatment, and ensuring payer coverage of costly new
      therapeutic regimens. 

PMID- 25114601
TI  - Pharmacogenetics of hepatitis C: transition from interferon-based therapies to
      direct-acting antiviral agents.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as a major viral pandemic over the past two
      decades, infecting 170 million individuals, which equates to approximately 3% of
      the world's population. The prevalence of HCV varies according to geographic
      region, being highest in developing countries such as Egypt. HCV has a high
      tendency to induce chronic progressive liver damage in the form of hepatic
      fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. To date, there is no vaccine against HCV
      infection. Combination therapy comprising PEGylated interferon-alpha and
      ribavirin has been the standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C for
      more than a decade. However, many patients still do not respond to therapy or
      develop adverse events. Recently, direct antiviral agents such as protease
      inhibitors, polymerase inhibitors, or NS5A inhibitors have been used to augment
      PEGylated interferon and ribavirin, resulting in better efficacy, better
      tolerance, and a shorter treatment duration. However, most clinical trials have
      focused on assessing the efficacy and safety of direct antiviral agents in
      patients with genotype 1, and the response of other HCV genotypes has not been
      elucidated. Moreover, the prohibitive costs of such triple therapies will limit
      their use in patients in developing countries where most of the HCV infection
      exists. Understanding the host and viral factors associated with viral clearance
      is necessary for individualizing therapy to maximize sustained virologic response
      rates, prevent progression to liver disease, and increase the overall benefits of
      therapy with respect to its costs. Genome wide studies have shown significant
      associations between a set of polymorphisms in the region of the interleukin-28B
      (IL28B) gene and natural clearance of HCV infection or after PEGylated interferon
      alpha and ribavirin treatment with and without direct antiviral agents. This
      paper synthesizes the recent advances in the pharmacogenetics of HCV infection in
      the era of triple therapies. 

PMID- 25114604
TI  - Transtendon rotator-cuff repair of partial-thickness articular surface tears can
      lead to medial rotator-cuff failure.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and anatomic outcomes
      of patients following transtendon rotator-cuff repair of partial articular
      supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients in
      the senior author's practice who had isolated PASTA lesions treated by
      transtendon rotator-cuff repair were included (n=8) and retrospectively reviewed.
      All patients were evaluated preoperatively and at a mean of 21.2 months (+/-9.7
      months) postoperatively using standardized clinical evaluation (physical exam,
      American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and Simple Shoulder Test). All patients
      underwent postoperative imaging with a magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram.
      RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in American Shoulder and Elbow
      Surgeons (42.7+/-17.5 to 86.9+/-25.2) and Simple Shoulder Test (4.6+/-3.2 to
      10.1+/-3.8) scores from pre- to postoperative, respectively. Postoperative
      imaging demonstrated full-thickness medial cuff tearing in seven patients, and
      one patient with a persistent partial articular surface defect. CONCLUSION:
      Transtendon repair of PASTA lesions may lead to improvements in clinical outcome.
      However, postoperative imaging demonstrated a high incidence of full-thickness
      rotator-cuff defects following repair.

PMID- 25114605
TI  - Sex difference in top performers from Ironman to double deca iron ultra
      triathlon.
AB  - This study investigated changes in performance and sex difference in top
      performers for ultra-triathlon races held between 1978 and 2013 from Ironman (3.8
      km swim, 180 km cycle, and 42 km run) to double deca iron ultra-triathlon
      distance (76 km swim, 3,600 km cycle, and 844 km run). The fastest men ever were
      faster than the fastest women ever for split and overall race times, with the
      exception of the swimming split in the quintuple iron ultra-triathlon (19 km
      swim, 900 km cycle, and 210.1 km run). Correlation analyses showed an increase in
      sex difference with increasing length of race distance for swimming (r (2)=0.67,
      P=0.023), running (r (2)=0.77, P=0.009), and overall race time (r (2)=0.77,
      P=0.0087), but not for cycling (r (2)=0.26, P=0.23). For the annual top
      performers, split and overall race times decreased across years nonlinearly in
      female and male Ironman triathletes. For longer distances, cycling split times
      decreased linearly in male triple iron ultra-triathletes, and running split times
      decreased linearly in male double iron ultra-triathletes but increased linearly
      in female triple and quintuple iron ultra-triathletes. Overall race times
      increased nonlinearly in female triple and male quintuple iron ultra-triathletes.
      The sex difference decreased nonlinearly in swimming, running, and overall race
      time in Ironman triathletes but increased linearly in cycling and running and
      nonlinearly in overall race time in triple iron ultra-triathletes. These findings
      suggest that women reduced the sex difference nonlinearly in shorter ultra
      triathlon distances (ie, Ironman), but for longer distances than the Ironman, the
      sex difference increased or remained unchanged across years. It seems very
      unlikely that female top performers will ever outrun male top performers in
      ultratriathlons. The nonlinear change in speed and sex difference in Ironman
      triathlon suggests that female and male Ironman triathletes have reached their
      limits in performance. 

PMID- 25114606
TI  - Weight status and the perception of body image in men.
AB  - Understanding the role of body size in relation to the accuracy of body image
      perception in men is an important topic because of the implications for avoiding
      and treating obesity, and it may serve as a potential diagnostic criterion for
      eating disorders. The early research on this topic produced mixed findings. About
      one-half of the early studies showed that obese men overestimated their body
      size, with the remaining half providing accurate estimates. Later, improvements
      in research technology and methodology provided a clearer indication of the role
      of weight status in body image perception. Research in our laboratory has also
      produced diverse findings, including that obese subjects sometimes overestimate
      their body size. However, when examining our findings across several studies,
      obese subjects had about the same level of accuracy in estimating their body size
      as normal-weight subjects. Studies in our laboratory also permitted the
      separation of sensory and nonsensory factors in body image perception. In all but
      one instance, no differences were found overall between the ability of obese and
      normal-weight subjects to detect overall changes in body size. Importantly,
      however, obese subjects are better at detecting changes in their body size when
      the image is distorted to be too thin as compared to too wide. Both obese and
      normal-weight men require about a 3%-7% change in the width of their body size in
      order to detect the change reliably. Correlations between a range of body mass
      index values and body size estimation accuracy indicated no relationship between
      these variables. Numerous studies in other laboratories asked men to place their
      body size into discrete categorizes, ranging from thin to obese. Researchers
      found that overweight and obese men underestimate their weight status, and that
      men are less accurate in their categorizations than are women. Cultural
      influences have been found to be important, with body size underestimations
      occurring in cultures where a larger body is found to be desirable.
      Methodological issues are reviewed with recommendations for future studies. 

PMID- 25114609
TI  - Examining the relationship between ethnicity and the use of drug-related
      services: an ethnographic study of Nepali drug users in Hong Kong.
AB  - A recent survey has shown that Nepali drug users in Hong Kong tend to have a low
      rate of usage of day-care and residential rehabilitation services, but a high
      rate of usage of methadone services. Little is known about the reasons behind
      such a pattern. Therefore, in this study, a 12-month ethnographic examination has
      been implemented in three sites, including a day-care center, residential
      rehabilitation center, and methadone clinic, to explore the experiences of 20
      Nepali drug users in their use of drug-related services in Hong Kong and to
      examine the relationship between ethnicity and the use of drug-related services.
      The result shows that the reason for this pattern of service use is related to
      the approach of the services and the cultural perception of the service providers
      about the service users. The day-care and residential rehabilitation services
      emphasize an integrated approach, but the staff tend to overlook the
      heterogeneity of their clients, for example, the differences in caste and sex,
      and fail to provide suitable services to them, whereas the methadone service
      follows a biomedical model, which seldom addresses the social characteristics of
      the service users, which in turn minimizes the opportunity for misunderstandings
      between the staff and the clients. This research shows that ethnicity is a
      significant factor in drug treatment and that culture-specific treatment that
      takes into consideration the treatment approach and the heterogeneity of the
      clients is strongly needed. 

PMID- 25114610
TI  - Program- and service-level costs of seven screening, brief intervention, and
      referral to treatment programs.
AB  - This paper examines the costs of delivering screening, brief intervention, and
      referral to treatment (SBIRT) services within the first seven demonstration
      programs funded by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
      Administration. Service-level costs were estimated and compared across
      implementation model (contracted specialist, inhouse specialist, inhouse
      generalist) and service delivery setting (emergency department, hospital
      inpatient, outpatient). Program-level costs were estimated and compared across
      grantee recipient programs. Service-level data were collected through timed
      observations of SBIRT service delivery. Program-level data were collected during
      key informant interviews using structured cost interview guides. At the service
      level, support activities that occur before or after engaging the patient
      comprise a considerable portion of the cost of delivering SBIRT services,
      especially short duration services. At the program level, average costs decreased
      as more patients were screened. Comparing across program and service levels, the
      average annual operating costs calculated at the program level often exceeded the
      cost of actual service delivery. Provider time spent in support of service
      provision may comprise a large share of the costs in some cases because of
      potentially substantial fixed and quasifixed costs associated with program
      operation. The cost structure of screening, brief intervention, and referral to
      treatment is complex and discontinuous of patient flow, causing annual operating
      costs to exceed the costs of actual service provision for some settings and
      implementation models. 

PMID- 25114607
TI  - The role of the monoamine oxidase A gene in moderating the response to adversity
      and associated antisocial behavior: a review.
AB  - Hereditary factors are increasingly attracting the interest of behavioral
      scientists and practitioners. Our aim in the present article is to introduce some
      state-of-the-art topics in behavioral genetics, as well as selected findings in
      the field, in order to illustrate how genetic makeup can modulate the impact of
      environmental factors. We focus on the most-studied polymorphism to date for
      antisocial responses to adversity: the monoamine oxidase A gene. Advances,
      caveats, and promises of current research are reviewed. We also discuss
      implications for the use of genetic information in applied settings. 

PMID- 25114611
TI  - Expanding the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network to address
      the management of substance use disorders in general medical settings.
AB  - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010) and the Mental Health
      Parity and Addiction Equity Act (2008) expand substance use disorder (SUD) care
      services in the USA into general medical settings. Care offered in these settings
      will engage substance-using patients in an integrated and patient-centered
      environment that addresses physical and mental health comorbidities and follows a
      chronic care model. This expansion of SUD services presents a great need for
      evidence-based practices useful in general medical settings, and reveals several
      research gaps to be addressed. The National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials
      Network of the National Institute on Drug Abuse can serve an important role in
      this endeavor. High-priority research gaps are highlighted in this commentary. A
      discussion follows on how the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials
      Network can transform to address changing patterns in SUD care to efficiently
      generate evidence to guide SUD treatment practice within the context of recent US
      health care legislation. 

PMID- 25114613
TI  - Back from the brink - a note of thanks.

PMID- 25114612
TI  - Patient registries for substance use disorders.
AB  - This commentary discusses the need for developing patient registries of substance
      use disorders (SUD) in general medical settings. A patient registry is a tool
      that documents the natural history of target diseases. Clinicians and researchers
      use registries to monitor patient comorbidities, care procedures and processes,
      and treatment effectiveness for the purpose of improving care quality. Enactments
      of the Affordable Care Act 2010 and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity
      Act 2008 open opportunities for many substance users to receive treatment
      services in general medical settings. An increased number of patients with a wide
      spectrum of SUD will initially receive services with a chronic disease management
      approach in primary care. The establishment of computer-based SUD patient
      registries can be assisted by wide adoption of electronic health record systems.
      The linkage of SUD patient registries with electronic health record systems can
      facilitate the advancement of SUD treatment research efforts and improve patient
      care. 

PMID- 25114614
TI  - Pediatric facial transplantation: Ethical considerations.
AB  - Facial transplantation is becoming increasingly accepted as a method of
      reconstructing otherwise unreconstructable adult faces. As this modality is made
      more available, we must turn our attention to pediatric patients who may benefit
      from facial transplantation. In the current article, the authors present and
      briefly examine the most pressing ethical challenges posed by the possibility of
      performing facial transplantation on pediatric patients. Furthermore, they issue
      a call for a policy statement on pediatric facial transplantation. The present
      article may serve as a first step in that direction, highlighting ethical issues
      that would need to be considered in the creation of such a statement. 

PMID- 25114615
TI  - Tracking the aesthetic outcomes of prosthetic breast reconstructions that have
      complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aesthetic results following breast reconstruction have been shown to
      be a major contributor to patient satisfaction. While many presume that
      complications after reconstruction impact final aesthetic results, little data
      exist to substantiate this putative relationship. OBJECTIVE: To track and
      evaluate aesthetic outcomes following implant reconstructions with complications.
      METHODS: A chart review was conducted on a series of consecutive expander-implant
      breast reconstructions performed by the senior author between 2004 and 2012.
      Included patients completed their prosthetic reconstruction or converted to
      autologous methods and had a minimum follow-up period of 130 days. Four blinded
      members of the division of plastic surgery independently rated postoperative
      anterior photographs of patients' breasts using a validated scoring scale with
      respect to five distinct aesthetic domains: breast mound volume, contour,
      placement, scarring and inframammary fold. RESULTS: Of the 172 patients who met
      the inclusion criteria, 36 experienced a complication. The tissue expander in one
      half of these patients was salvaged and the remaining patients converted to
      autologous reconstruction. The average aesthetic scores for each domain did not
      differ significantly between patients who experienced a complication and retained
      their expander and those who did not experience a complication. Patients who
      converted to autologous tissue reconstruction after experiencing a complication
      had the highest aesthetic scores. DISCUSSION: The ability to obtain aesthetic
      results following a complication that were not statistically different from
      results in those without complications may reflect the surgeon's refined attempt
      to salvage the initial implant reconstruction; in other circumstances, the
      improved cosmesis was achieved through conversion to an autologous tissue-based
      method. CONCLUSION: The present study quantitatively assessed the impact of
      complications on aesthetic outcomes following implant breast reconstruction.
      Continuance of prosthetic reconstruction and conversion to autologous
      reconstruction serve as viable options to obtain adequate aesthetic scores
      following a complication. Information gained from the present analysis will help
      manage patient expectations.

PMID- 25114616
TI  - Are online learning modules an effective way to deliver hand trauma management
      continuing medical education to emergency physicians?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The enormity of modern medical knowledge and the rapidity of change
      have created increased need for ongoing or continuing medical education (CME) for
      physicians. Online CME is attractive for its availability at any time and any
      place, low cost and potentially increased effectiveness compared with traditional
      face-to-face delivery. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether online CME modules are an
      effective method for delivering plastic surgery CME to primary care physicians.
      METHODS: A needs assessment survey was conducted among all emergency and family
      physicians in Nova Scotia. Results indicated that this type of program was
      appealing, and that hand trauma related topics were most desired for CME. 7
      Lesson Builder (SoftChalk LLC, www.softchalk.com) was used to construct a
      multimedia e-learning module that was distributed along with a pretest, post-test
      and feedback questionnaire. Quantitative (pre- and post-test scores) and
      qualitative (feedback responses) data were analyzed. RESULTS: The 32 participants
      who completed the study indicated that it was a positive and enjoyable
      experience, and that there was a need for more resources like this. Compared with
      pretest scores, there was a significant gain in knowledge following completion of
      the module (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that an e
      learning format is attractive for this population and effective in increasing
      knowledge. This positive outcome will lead to development of additional modules.

PMID- 25114617
TI  - Early outcomes of arthroplasty of the first carpometacarpal joint using
      pyrocarbon spherical implants.
AB  - The first carpometacarpal joint (CMC) is the most common hand joint to develop
      osteoarthritis. A survey found that many hand surgeons have revisited implant
      arthroplasty because it preserves critical structures. However, there is
      currently no implant with an ideal design and material composition. The present
      study was the first to use and evaluate early outcomes of pyrocarbon spherical
      implants for arthroplasty of the first CMC in patients with Eaton-Littler stage
      II and III osteoarthritis. A single surgeon performed 24 arthroplasties (23
      patients [20 women, three men] with a mean age of 56 years [range 46 to 75
      years]) of the first CMC (nine right hands and 15 left hands) using pyrocarbon
      spherical implants from May 2010 to April 2013. All patients failed conservative
      management. At a mean (+/- SD) of 18.5+/-11.16 months postoperatively (range 4.3
      to 38.9 months), the mean Kapandji score was 8.8 of 10 (range 7 to 10), the
      average pre- and postoperative values on the visual pain scale were 8.96+/-0.64
      of 10 (range 8 to 10) and 1.13+/-1.22 of 10 (range 0 to 4), respectively. All
      patients were either very satisfied (score = 5) or satisfied (score = 4) with the
      procedure, with a mean satisfaction score of 4.76+/-0.44 of 5.00 (range 4 to 5).
      The mean postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score
      was 11.79+/-14.29 (range 0 to 49.17). The most recent radiographic evaluations
      confirmed that all implants were stable with no erosion of nearby cancellous
      bone. There were no implant subluxations, dislocations or revisions. Early
      outcomes show promising results and support continued use of this implant for
      arthroplasty. However, longer-term follow-up will be needed to confirm these
      results. 

PMID- 25114618
TI  - Testing the effects of long-acting steroids in edema and ecchymosis after closed
      rhinoplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Steroids have proven to be of some benefit in rhinoplasty edema and
      ecchymosis when administered at a high and repeated dose. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      the effects of single-dose, long-acting intramuscular steroids on postoperative
      edema and ecchymosis after closed rhinoplasty with osteotomies compared with
      placebo. METHODS: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was
      performed. Fifty-four patients were randomly assigned to two groups: 28 received
      a single dose of long-acting dexamethasone (mean [+/- SD] dose 16+/-4 mg)
      immediately before anesthetic induction; the remaining 26 received an
      intramuscular injection of saline solution. The same surgeon performed all
      surgeries, with patients under general anesthesia. Acetaminophen was the only
      analgesic used to control postoperative pain. High-resolution digital photographs
      were taken on postoperative days 1, 3, 7 and 14. Scoring was performed separately
      for eyelid swelling and ecchymosis by an independent observer using a graded
      scale (0 to 5) for edema and a scoring system (0 to 13) for ecchymosis. RESULTS:
      No statistically significant differences in terms of age, sex or amount of
      bleeding during surgery were found between the two groups. No statistically
      significant difference was observed in the decrease of both ecchymosis and edema
      between placebo and high-dose, long-acting dexamethasone. A statistically
      significant difference in operation time was found, favouring the steroid group.
      No severe complications were observed due to steroid use. DISCUSSION: Osteotomies
      are basically a form of (controlled) trauma, with considerable disruption of the
      abundant blood vessels in this facial region and, therefore, are associated with
      with undesirable effects. A recent meta-analysis failed to show benefits of the
      use of steroids after postoperative day 3. Only a trend toward reduction in edema
      and ecchymosis with the use of long-acting steroids compared with placebo was
      demonstrated in the present study. CONCLUSION: There was no benefit in
      administering single-dose, long-acting steroids in patients undergoing closed
      rhinoplasty with osteotomies.

PMID- 25114619
TI  - The unfunded costs incurred by patients accessing plastic surgical care in
      Northern Saskatchewan.
AB  - The Canadian health care system was designed to ensure that all Canadian citizens
      would receive equal access to health care. However, in rural areas of Canada,
      patients are required to travel long distances and pay significant out-of-pocket
      expenses to access health care. The present study attempted to quantify the added
      out-of-pocket costs that rural Saskatchewan residents must pay to receive plastic
      surgical specialist care compared with urban residents of Saskatoon. A cost
      analysis was performed to generate a numerical value that would represent a
      minimum cost for patients travelling from three different locations within the
      province. The cost analysis performed in the present study approximated that the
      unfunded costs for common plastic surgical procedures are, at a minimum, 30 times
      greater for rural patients in La Ronge compared with their urban counterparts in
      Saskatoon. The fundamental principle of the Canadian health care system is equal
      access to necessary health care for all Canadians. Despite this, inequalities
      persist. The present cost-analysis study demonstrated that the unfunded (out-of
      pocket) expenses for rural Saskatchewan patients seeking plastic surgical
      treatment is significantly higher than for their urban counterparts. These
      unfunded costs represent a significant barrier to health care access in Canada
      and serve to propagate inequalities in the nation's heath care system. 

PMID- 25114620
TI  - Meta-analysis of antibiotic prophylaxis in breast reduction surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast reduction surgery is a very common procedure; however, there
      is still no consensus as to whether antibiotics should be used perioperatively.
      OBJECTIVE: To review the world literature and perform a meta-analysis of studies
      comparing wound infection rates with antibiotic use in breast reduction surgery.
      METHODS: A literature search was performed using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Database
      of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Database of Clinical Trials, Embase and CINAHL
      databases. Subject headings and relevant subheadings for "Breast", "Breast
      Reduction", "Reduction Mammaplasty", "Mammaplasty" were combined with
      "Antibiotics" and "Antibacterial Agents". The list of titles was assessed by the
      study's authors and abstracts were reviewed. All relevant articles were then
      independently reviewed by the two primary authors, and Jadad scoring was used to
      assess the quality of the included articles. RESULTS: From the original search,
      three randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis of
      preoperative antibiotics. The meta-analysis revealed a 75% reduction in wound
      infections with preoperative antibiotics (OR 0.25 [95% CI 0.09 to 0.72]). Because
      only one randomized controlled trial analyzed postoperative antibiotics, no meta
      analysis could be performed. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative antibiotics should
      routinely be used before breast reduction surgery. The use of postoperative
      antibiotics remains controversial. Additional randomized studies investigating
      postoperative antibiotics are needed.

PMID- 25114621
TI  - A review of hydrofluoric acid burn management.
AB  - Hydrofluoric acid (HF) causes a unique chemical burn. Much of the current
      treatment knowledge of HF burns is derived from case reports, small case series,
      animal studies and anecdotal evidence. The management can be challenging because
      clinical presentation and severity of these burns vary widely. Plastic surgeons
      managing burn patients must have a basic understanding of the pathophysiology,
      the range of severity in presentation and the current treatment options available
      for HF burns. The present article reviews the current understanding of the
      pathophysiology and systemic effects associated with severe HF burns.
      Furthermore, it distinguishes between minor and life-threatening HF burns and
      describes several of the basic techniques that are available to treat patients
      with HF burns. 

PMID- 25114622
TI  - Inpatient silver sulphadiazine versus outpatient nanocrystalline silver models of
      care for pediatric scald burns: A value analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Scalds represent the most frequent pediatric burn injury.
      Inpatient nonsurgical wound management of small or medium-size burns (<20% total
      body surface area) represents a significant proportion of the cost of care, with
      nanocrystalline silver (NCS) and silver sulphadiazine (SSD) among the most
      commonly used dressings. Although several articles have described healing
      outcomes using these dressings, there are few concurrent economic analyses. To
      analyze overall health care value (outcomes/cost) in burns not requiring surgery,
      the authors compared management of scald burns with NCS versus SSD from both a
      quality perspective and using bottom-up microcosting to determine which dressing
      option optimizes health care value. METHODS: A value analysis was performed.
      Published studies investigating NCS and/or SSD in the treatment of pediatric
      burns over the past 25 years were analyzed. Healing time, hospital duration and
      frequency of dressings were chosen as quality metrics. A bottom-up microcosting
      analysis was performed to estimate costs associated with the two dressing
      options. RESULTS: Over the 25-year period, 356 studies investigated the use of
      SSD in burns, while 55 studies evaluated the use of NCS. Mean age and burn size
      were equivalent. Mean time to healing was 14.9 days for NCS and 17.2 days for
      SSD. The mean duration of hospital stay was 14.9 days for SSD and 5.9 days for
      NCS. Dressings were performed twice per week for NCS, and once or twice per day
      for SSD. The mean total cost per patient to the health care system was estimated
      to be $61,140 for SSD and $17,220 for NCS. CONCLUSION: Published outcomes of
      healing time are equivalent or slightly better using NCS over SSD for pediatric
      scalds. The financial model illustrated a potential significant cost saving with
      NCS, primarily as a result of an outpatient model of care. Overall health care
      value is optimized using NCS for pediatric scalds.

PMID- 25114625
TI  - Oral exam.

PMID- 25114626
TI  - The instruments of debt.

PMID- 25114624
TI  - Is routine pathological evaluation of tissue from gynecomastia necessary? A 15
      year retrospective pathological and literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To reconsider the routine plastic surgical practice of requesting
      histopathological evaluation of tissue from gynecomastia. METHOD: The present
      study was a retrospective histopathological review (15-year period [1996 to
      2012]) involving gynecomastia tissue samples received at the pathology laboratory
      in the Saskatoon Health Region (Saskatchewan). The Laboratory Information System
      (LIS) identified all specimens using the key search words "gynecomastia",
      "gynaecomastia", "gynecomazia" and "gynaecomazia". A literature review to
      identify all cases of incidentally discovered malignancies in gynecomastia tissue
      specimens over a 15-year period (1996 to present) was undertaken. RESULTS: The 15
      year LIS search detected a total of 452 patients that included two cases of
      pseudogynecomastia (0.4%). Patients' age ranged from five to 92 years and 43% of
      the cases were bilateral (28% left sided, 29% right sided). The weight of the
      specimens received ranged from 0.2 g to 1147.2 g. All cases showed no significant
      histopathological concerns. The number of tissue blocks sampled ranged from one
      to 42, averaging four blocks/case (approximately $105/case), resulting in a cost
      of approximately $3,200/year, with a 15-year expenditure of approximately
      $48,000. The literature review identified a total of 15 incidental findings:
      ductal carcinoma in situ (12 cases), atypical ductal hyperplasia (two cases) and
      infiltrating ductal carcinoma (one case). CONCLUSIONS: In the context of evidence
      based literature, and because no significant pathological findings were detected
      in this particular cohort of 452 cases with 2178 slides, the authors believe it
      is time to re-evaluate whether routine histopathological examination of tissue
      from gynecomastia remains necessary. The current climate of health care budget
      fiscal restraints warrants reassessment of the current policies and practices of
      sending tissue samples of gynecomastia incurring negative productivity costs on
      routine histopathological examination.

PMID- 25114623
TI  - Breast reconstruction following prophylactic or therapeutic mastectomy for breast
      cancer: Recommendations from an evidence-based provincial guideline.
AB  - The side effects of mastectomy can be significant. Breast reconstruction may
      alleviate some distress; however, there are currently no provincial
      recommendations regarding the integration of reconstruction with breast cancer
      therapy. The purpose of the present article is to provide evidence-based
      strategies for the management of patients who are candidates for reconstruction.
      A systematic review of meta-analyses, guidelines, clinical trials and comparative
      studies published between 1980 and 2013 was conducted using the PubMed and EMBASE
      databases. Reference lists of publications were manually searched for additional
      literature. The National Guidelines Clearinghouse and SAGE directory, as well as
      guideline developers' websites, were also searched. Recommendations were
      developed based on the available evidence. Reconstruction consultation should be
      made available for patients undergoing mastectomy. Tumour characteristics, cancer
      therapy, patient comorbidities, body habitus and smoking history may affect
      reconstruction outcomes. Although immediate reconstruction should be considered
      whenever possible, delayed reconstruction is acceptable when immediate is not
      available or appropriate. The integration of reconstruction and postmastectomy
      radiotherapy should be addressed in a multidisciplinary setting. The decision as
      to which type of procedure to perform (autologous or alloplastic with or without
      acellular dermal matrices) should be left to the discretion of the surgeons and
      the patient after providing counselling. Skin-sparing mastectomy is safe and
      appropriate. Nipple-sparing is generally not recommended for patients with
      malignancy, but could be considered for carefully selected patients. Immediate
      reconstruction requires resources to coordinate operating room time between the
      general and plastic surgeons, to provide supplies including acellular dermal
      matrices, and to develop the infrastructure needed to facilitate
      multidisciplinary discussions. 

PMID- 25114627
TI  - Development of positive antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor in systemic
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis points toward an autoimmune phenotype later in the
      disease course.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is commonly considered
      an autoinflammatory disease. However, sJIA patients may develop aggressive
      arthritis without systemic inflammation later in the disease, resembling an
      autoimmune phenotype similar to other subtypes of JIA. The objective of this
      study was to determine whether antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and rheumatoid factor
      (RF) will develop in patients with sJIA over the course of the disease. FINDINGS:
      A single center sample of sJIA patients with follow-up of more than one year was
      obtained. A retrospective chart survey was used to extract demographic and
      clinical data as well as presence and titers of ANA and RF at diagnosis and
      during follow-up. 32 patients were included in the study, with a median age of
      4.2 years and median follow-up of 6.0 years. 8/32 patients had ANA titers >= 1:80
      at diagnosis, with 22/32 patients showing rising ANA titers with titers >= 1:80
      at last follow-up (p =0.001). 10/32 patients had a positive RF at least once
      during follow-up, compared to 0/32 at diagnosis (p = 0.001). In 5/10 patients,
      positive RF was documented at least twice, more than twelve weeks apart. Patients
      treated with TNF antagonists were not significantly more likely to develop
      positive ANA titers (p = 0.425) or positive RF (p = 0.703). CONCLUSIONS: Patients
      with sJIA developed increased ANA titers and positive RF over the course of the
      disease, independent of treatment with TNF antagonists. This might point towards
      an autoimmune, rather than an autoinflammatory phenotype later in the course of
      sJIA.

PMID- 25114628
TI  - Regorafenib: an evidence-based review of its potential in patients with advanced
      liver cancer.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second-most common cause of cancer-related
      death in the world. In spite of HCC surveillance with repeated imaging, about 50%
      of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and are not amenable to curative
      treatment options. Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, remains the standard of
      care for advanced HCC. Over the last 5 years, several other medications have been
      tested in Phase III trials. However, they have not shown any added benefit over
      sorafenib. Regorafenib, another multikinase inhibitor, has demonstrated
      inhibition of a broader range of kinases, along with higher inhibition potential
      in preclinical models. After its safety and pharmacological properties was
      studied in Phase I trials, a Phase II study evaluating the role of Regorafenib in
      patients with advanced HCC who progressed on sorafenib therapy demonstrated
      efficacy and a manageable safety profile. A Phase III trial is ongoing, and its
      result will help us better evaluate the role of Regorafenib in patients with
      advanced HCC. 

PMID- 25114629
TI  - Structural damage of chicken red blood cells exposed to platinum nanoparticles
      and cisplatin.
AB  - Side effects and resistance of cancer cells to cisplatin are major drawbacks to
      its application, and recently, the possibility of replacing cisplatin with
      nanocompounds has been considered. Most chemotherapeutic agents are administered
      intravenously, and comparisons between the interactions of platinum nanoparticles
      (NP-Pt) and cisplatin with blood compartments are important for future
      applications. This study investigated structural damage, cell membrane
      deformation and haemolysis of chicken embryo red blood cells (RBC) after
      treatment with cisplatin and NP-Pt. Cisplatin (4 MUg/ml) and NP-Pt (2,6 MUg/ml),
      when incubated with chicken embryo RBC, were detrimental to cell structure and
      induced haemolysis. The level of haemolytic injury was increased after cisplatin
      and NP-Pt treatments compared to the control group. Treatment with cisplatin
      caused structural damage to cell membranes and the appearance of keratocytes,
      while NP-Pt caused cell membrane deformations (discoid shape of cells was lost)
      and the formation of knizocytes and echinocytes. This work demonstrated that NP
      Pt have potential applications in anticancer therapy, but potential toxic side
      effects must be explored in future preclinical research. 

PMID- 25114630
TI  - Synthesis of mixed-sequence oligonucleotides on mesoporous silicon: chemical
      strategies and material stability.
AB  - Rapid screening tests in medical diagnostic and environmental analysis are often
      based on oligonucleotide biochips. In this paper, we studied the stability of
      functionalized mesoporous silicon supports in the solid-phase synthesis of
      oligonucleotides, exploiting several chemical procedures. A 19-mer mixed sequence
      has been successfully synthesized on aminosilane-modified porous silicon photonic
      structures. The process and the materials have been characterized by optical
      reflectivity, atomic force microscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography.

PMID- 25114631
TI  - Thermal conductivity of highly porous Si in the temperature range 4.2 to 20 K.
AB  - We report on experimental results of the thermal conductivity k of highly porous
      Si in the temperature range 4.2 to 20 K, obtained using the direct current (dc)
      method combined with thermal finite element simulations. The reported results are
      the first in the literature for this temperature range. It was found that porous
      Si thermal conductivity at these temperatures shows a plateau-like temperature
      dependence similar to that obtained in glasses, with a constant k value as low as
      0.04 W/m.K. This behavior is attributed to the presence of a majority of non
      propagating vibrational modes, resulting from the nanoscale fractal structure of
      the material. By examining the fractal geometry of porous Si and its fractal
      dimensionality, which was smaller than two for the specific porous Si material
      used, we propose that a band of fractons (the localized vibrational excitations
      of a fractal lattice) is responsible for the observed plateau. The above results
      complement previous results by the authors in the temperature range 20 to 350 K.
      In this temperature range, a monotonic increase of k with temperature is
      observed, fitted with simplified classical models. The extremely low thermal
      conductivity of porous Si, especially at cryogenic temperatures, makes this
      material an excellent substrate for Si-integrated microcooling devices (micro
      coldplate). PACS: 61.43.-j; 63.22.-m; 65.8.-g.

PMID- 25114632
TI  - Efficiency enhancement of non-selenized Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells employing
      scalable low-cost antireflective coating.
AB  - In this study, a non-selenized CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) solar device with textured zinc
      oxide (ZnO) antireflection coatings was studied. The ZnO nanostructure was
      fabricated by a low-temperature aqueous solution deposition method. With
      controlling the morphology of the solution-grown tapered ZnO nanorod coatings,
      the average reflectance of the CIGS solar device decreased from 8.6% to 2.1%, and
      the energy conversion efficiency increased from 9.1% to 11.1%. The performance
      improvement in the CuInGaSe2 thin-film solar cell was well explained due to the
      gradual increase of the refractive index between air and the top electrode of
      solar cell device by the insertion of the ZnO nanostructure. The results
      demonstrate a potential application of the ZnO nanostructure array for efficient
      solar device technology. 

PMID- 25114634
TI  - Growth of arrays of oriented epitaxial platinum nanoparticles with controlled
      size and shape by natural colloidal lithography.
AB  - We developed a method for production of arrays of platinum nanocrystals of
      controlled size and shape using templates from ordered silica bead monolayers.
      Silica beads with nominal sizes of 150 and 450 nm were self-assembled into
      monolayers over strontium titanate single crystal substrates. The monolayers were
      used as shadow masks for platinum metal deposition on the substrate using the
      three-step evaporation technique. Produced arrays of epitaxial platinum islands
      were transformed into nanocrystals by annealing in a quartz tube in nitrogen
      flow. The shape of particles is determined by the substrate crystallography,
      while the size of the particles and their spacing are controlled by the size of
      the silica beads in the monolayer mask. As a proof of concept, arrays of platinum
      nanocrystals of cubooctahedral shape were prepared on (100) strontium titanate
      substrates. The nanocrystal arrays were characterized by atomic force microscopy,
      scanning electron microscopy, and synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques. 

PMID- 25114633
TI  - Nitric oxide-releasing porous silicon nanoparticles.
AB  - In this study, the ability of porous silicon nanoparticles (PSi NPs) to entrap
      and deliver nitric oxide (NO) as an effective antibacterial agent is tested
      against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. NO was entrapped
      inside PSi NPs functionalized by means of the thermal hydrocarbonization (THC)
      process. Subsequent reduction of nitrite in the presence of d-glucose led to the
      production of large NO payloads without reducing the biocompatibility of the PSi
      NPs with mammalian cells. The resulting PSi NPs demonstrated sustained release of
      NO and showed remarkable antibacterial efficiency and anti-biofilm-forming
      properties. These results will set the stage to develop antimicrobial
      nanoparticle formulations for applications in chronic wound treatment. 

PMID- 25114636
TI  - Magnetic field dependence of singlet oxygen generation by nanoporous silicon.
AB  - Energy transfer from photoexcited excitons localized in silicon nanoparticles to
      adsorbed oxygen molecules excites them to the reactive singlet spin state. This
      process has been studied experimentally as a function of nanoparticle size and
      applied external magnetic field as a test of the accepted understanding of this
      process in terms of the exchange coupling between the nano-Si exciton and the
      adsorbed O2 molecules. 

PMID- 25114635
TI  - Preparation and nanoencapsulation of l-asparaginase II in chitosan
      tripolyphosphate nanoparticles and in vitro release study.
AB  - This paper describes the production, purification, and immobilization of l
      asparaginase II (ASNase II) in chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs). ASNase II is an
      effective antineoplastic agent, used in the acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      chemotherapy. Cloned ASNase II gene (ansB) in pAED4 plasmid was transformed into
      Escherichia coli BL21pLysS (DE3) competent cells and expressed under optimal
      conditions. The lyophilized enzyme was loaded into CSNPs by ionotropic gelation
      method. In order to get optimal entrapment efficiency, CSNP preparation,
      chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) ratio, and protein loading were investigated.
      ASNase II loading into CSNPs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
      spectroscopy, and morphological observation was carried out by transmission
      electron microscopy. Three absolute CS/TPP ratios were studied. Entrapment
      efficiency and loading capacity increased with increasing CS and TPP
      concentration. The best ratio was applied for obtaining optimal ASNase II-loaded
      CSNPs with the highest entrapment efficiency. Size, zeta potential, entrapment
      efficiency, and loading capacity of the optimal ASNase II-CSNPs were 340 +/- 12
      nm, 21.2 +/- 3 mV, 76.2% and 47.6%, respectively. The immobilized enzyme showed
      an increased in vitro half-life in comparison with the free enzyme. The pH and
      thermostability of the immobilized enzyme was comparable with the free enzyme.
      This study leads to a better understanding of how to prepare CSNPs, how to
      achieve high encapsulation efficiency for a high molecular weight protein, and
      how to prolong the release of protein from CSNPs. A conceptual understanding of
      biological responses to ASNase II-loaded CSNPs is needed for the development of
      novel methods of drug delivery. 

PMID- 25114637
TI  - Bovine serum albumin nanoparticles as controlled release carrier for local drug
      delivery to the inner ear.
AB  - Nanoparticles have attracted increasing attention for local drug delivery to the
      inner ear recently. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles were prepared by
      desolvation method followed by glutaraldehyde fixation or heat denaturation. The
      nanoparticles were spherical in shape with an average diameter of 492 nm. The
      heat-denatured nanoparticles had good cytocompatibility. The nanoparticles could
      adhere on and penetrate through the round window membrane of guinea pigs. The
      nanoparticles were analyzed as drug carriers to investigate the loading capacity
      and release behaviors. Rhodamine B was used as a model drug in this paper.
      Rhodamine B-loaded nanoparticles showed a controlled release profile and could be
      deposited on the osseous spiral lamina. We considered that the bovine serum
      albumin nanoparticles may have potential applications in the field of local drug
      delivery in the treatment of inner ear disorders. 

PMID- 25114638
TI  - Fabrication and sensing behavior of one-dimensional ZnO-Zn2GeO4 heterostructures.
AB  - Well-crystalline one-dimensional ZnO-Zn2GeO4 (ZGO) heterostructures were
      successfully synthesized using a high-temperature solid-state reaction between
      the ZnO and Ge layers of ZnO-Ge core-shell nanostructures. The polycrystalline
      ZGO crystallites had a thickness in the range of 17 to 26 nm. The high
      temperature solid-state reaction induced grooves and crystal defects on the
      surfaces of the ZGO crystallites. The sensors made from the ZnO-ZGO
      heterostructures exhibited a marked photocurrent response to UV light at room
      temperature and a gas sensing response to acetone gas at 325 degrees C. The
      observed sensing properties are attributed to the rugged surface of the ZGO
      heterointerfaces between ZnO and ZGO, surface crystal defects of ZGO, and cross
      linked contact regions of ZnO-ZGO. 

PMID- 25114639
TI  - Controlled atom transfer radical polymerization of MMA onto the surface of high
      density functionalized graphene oxide.
AB  - We report on the grafting of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) onto the surface of
      high-density functionalized graphene oxides (GO) through controlled radical
      polymerization (CRP). To increase the density of surface grafting, GO was first
      diazotized (DGO), followed by esterification with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide,
      which resulted in an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator
      functionalized DGO-Br. The functionalized DGO-Br was characterized by X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman, and XRD patterns. PMMA chains were then
      grafted onto the DGO-Br surface through a 'grafting from' technique using ATRP.
      Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results revealed that polymerization of
      methyl methacrylate (MMA) follows CRP. Thermal studies show that the resulting
      graphene-PMMA nanocomposites have higher thermal stability and glass transition
      temperatures (T g) than those of pristine PMMA. 

PMID- 25114640
TI  - Size evolution of ion beam synthesized Pb nanoparticles in Al.
AB  - The size evolution of Pb nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by ion implantation in
      an epitaxial Al film has been experimentally investigated. The average radius R
      of Pb NPs was determined as a function of implantation fluence f. The R(f) data
      were analyzed using various growth models. Our observations suggest that the size
      evolution of Pb NPs is controlled by the diffusion-limited growth kinetics (R
      (2)?f). With increasing implantation current density, the diffusion coefficient
      of Pb atoms in Al is evident to be enhanced. By a comparative analysis of the
      R(f) data, values of the diffusion coefficient of Pb in Al were obtained. 

PMID- 25114641
TI  - Low-temperature growth of highly crystalline beta-Ga2O3 nanowires by solid-source
      chemical vapor deposition.
AB  - Growing Ga2O3 dielectric materials at a moderately low temperature is important
      for the further development of high-mobility III-V semiconductor-based
      nanoelectronics. Here, beta-Ga2O3 nanowires are successfully synthesized at a
      relatively low temperature of 610 degrees C by solid-source chemical vapor
      deposition employing GaAs powders as the source material, which is in a distinct
      contrast to the typical synthesis temperature of above 1,000 degrees C as
      reported by other methods. In this work, the prepared beta-Ga2O3 nanowires are
      mainly composed of Ga and O elements with an atomic ratio of approximately 2:3.
      Importantly, they are highly crystalline in the monoclinic structure with varied
      growth orientations in low-index planes. The bandgap of the beta-Ga2O3 nanowires
      is determined to be 251 nm (approximately 4.94 eV), in good accordance with the
      literature. Also, electrical characterization reveals that the individual
      nanowire has a resistivity of up to 8.5 * 10(7) Omega cm, when fabricated in the
      configuration of parallel arrays, further indicating the promise of growing these
      highly insulating Ga2O3 materials in this III-V nanowire-compatible growth
      condition. PACS: 77.55.D; 61.46.Km; 78.40.Fy.

PMID- 25114643
TI  - Tailoring the grooved texture of electrospun polystyrene nanofibers by
      controlling the solvent system and relative humidity.
AB  - In this study, we have successfully fabricated electrospun polystyrene (PS)
      nanofibers having a diameter of 326 +/- 50 nm with a parallel grooved texture
      using a mixed solvent of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF).
      We discovered that solvent system, solution concentration, and relative humidity
      were the three key factors to the formation of grooved texture and the diameter
      of nanofibers. We demonstrated that grooved nanofibers with desired properties
      (e.g., different numbers of grooves, widths between two adjacent grooves, and
      depths of grooves) could be electrospun under certain conditions. When THF/DMF
      ratio was higher than 2:1, the formation mechanism of single grooved texture
      should be attributed to the formation of voids on the jet surface at the early
      stage of electrospinning and subsequent elongation and solidification of the
      voids into a line surface structure. When THF/DMF ratio was 1:1, the formation
      mechanism of grooved texture should be ascribed to the formation of wrinkled
      surface on the jet surface at the early stage of electrospinning and subsequent
      elongation into a grooved texture. Such findings can serve as guidelines for the
      preparation of grooved nanofibers with desired secondary morphology. 

PMID- 25114642
TI  - Graphene as a transparent conducting and surface field layer in planar Si solar
      cells.
AB  - This work presents an experimental and finite difference time domain (FDTD)
      simulation-based study on the application of graphene as a transparent conducting
      layer on a planar and untextured crystalline p-n silicon solar cell. A high
      quality monolayer graphene with 97% transparency and 350 Omega/? sheet resistance
      grown by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition method was transferred
      onto planar Si cells. An increase in efficiency from 5.38% to 7.85% was observed
      upon deposition of graphene onto Si cells, which further increases to 8.94% upon
      SiO2 deposition onto the graphene/Si structure. A large increase in photon
      conversion efficiency as a result of graphene deposition shows that the
      electronic interaction and the presence of an electric field at the graphene/Si
      interface together play an important role in this improvement and additionally
      lead to a reduction in series resistance due to the conducting nature of
      graphene. 

PMID- 25114644
TI  - Well-ordered polymer nano-fibers with self-cleaning property by disturbing
      crystallization process.
AB  - Bionic self-cleaning surfaces with well-ordered polymer nano-fibers are firstly
      fabricated by disturbing crystallization during one-step coating-curing process.
      Orderly thin (100 nm) and long (5-10 MUm) polymer nano-fibers with a certain
      direction are fabricated by external macroscopic force (F blow) interference
      introduced by H2 gas flow, leading to superior superhydrophobicity with a water
      contact angle (WCA) of 170 degrees  and a water sliding angle (WSA) of 0-1
      degrees . In contrast, nano-wires and nano-bridges (1-8 MUm in length/10-80 nm in
      width) are generated by "spinning/stretching" under internal microscopic force (F
      T) interference due to significant temperature difference in the non-uniform
      cooling medium. The findings provide a novel theoretical basis for controllable
      polymer "bionic lotus" surface and will further promote practical application in
      many engineering fields such as drag-reduction and anti-icing. 

PMID- 25114645
TI  - Nylon 6 electrospun nanofibers mat as effective sorbent for the removal of
      estrogens: kinetic and thermodynamic studies.
AB  - Nylon 6 electrospun nanofibers mat was prepared via electrospinning for the
      removal of three estrogens, namely, diethylstilbestrol (DES), dienestrol (DS),
      and hexestrol (HEX) from aqueous solution. Static adsorption as well as the
      dynamic adsorption was evaluated by means of batch and dynamic disk flow mode,
      respectively. The kinetic study indicated that the adsorption of the target
      compounds could be well fitted by the pseudo-second-order equation, suggesting
      the intra-particle/membrane diffusion process as the rate-limiting step of the
      adsorption process. The adsorption equilibrium data were all fitted well to the
      Freundlich isotherm models, with a maximum adsorption capacity values in the
      range of 97.71 to 208.95 mg/g, which can be compared to or moderately higher than
      other sorbents published in the literatures. The dynamic disk mode studies
      indicated that the mean removal yields of three model estrogens were over 95%
      with a notable smaller amount of adsorbent (4 mg). Thermodynamic study revealed
      that the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous in nature. Desorption
      results showed that the adsorption capacity can remain up to 80% after seven
      times usage. It was suggested that Nylon 6 electrospun nanofibers mat has great
      potential as a novel effective sorbent material for estrogens removal. 

PMID- 25114646
TI  - Redistribution of elements of metals in plant tissues under treatment by non
      ionic colloidal solution of biogenic metal nanoparticles.
AB  - The content of metal elements in plant tissues of 10-day wheat seedlings after
      seed pre-treatment and foliar treatment with non-ionic colloidal solution of
      metal nanoparticles (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) was determined by an atomic absorption
      spectrometer. It was shown that metal nanoparticles due to their physical
      properties (nanoscale and uncharged state) were capable of penetrating rapidly
      into plant cells and optimizing plant metabolic processes at the early stages of
      growth and development. 

PMID- 25114647
TI  - The obtaining of high-density specimens and analysis of mechanical strength
      characteristics of a composite based on ZrO2-WC nanopowders.
AB  - The structures, processes of shrinkage, and phase composition of the compact
      system ZrO2-WC, obtained by hot pressing with the transmission of high current,
      are considered in the article. We found that as a result of compaction, the ZrO2
      WC-ceramics have uniform density distribution, with the following optimal mode
      consolidation values T = 1,350 degrees C, P = 30 MPa and t = 2 min. These
      conditions allow us to achieve the best combination of ceramic properties by
      criteria density and strength. 

PMID- 25114648
TI  - Scandium effect on the luminescence of Er-Sc silicates prepared from multi
      nanolayer films.
AB  - Polycrystalline Er-Sc silicates (Er x Sc2-x Si2O7 and Er x Sc2-x SiO5) were
      fabricated using multilayer nanostructured films of Er2O3/SiO2/Sc2O3 deposited on
      SiO2/Si substrates by RF sputtering and thermal annealing at high temperature.
      The films were characterized by synchrotron radiation grazing incidence X-ray
      diffraction, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive
      X-ray spectroscopy, and micro-photoluminescence measurements. The Er-Sc silicate
      phase Er x Sc2-x Si2O7 is the dominant film, and Er and Sc are homogeneously
      distributed after thermal treatment because of the excess of oxygen from SiO2
      interlayers. The Er concentration of 6.7 * 10(21) atoms/cm(3) was achieved due to
      the presence of Sc that dilutes the Er concentration and generates concentration
      quenching. During silicate formation, the erbium diffusion coefficient in the
      silicate phase is estimated to be 1 * 10(-15) cm(2)/s at 1,250 degrees C. The
      dominant Er x Sc2 - x Si2O7 layer shows a room-temperature photoluminescence peak
      at 1,537 nm with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 1.6 nm. The peak
      emission shift compared to that of the Y-Er silicate (where Y and Er have almost
      the same ionic radii) and the narrow FWHM are due to the small ionic radii of
      Sc(3+) which enhance the crystal field strength affecting the optical properties
      of Er(3+) ions located at the well-defined lattice sites of the Sc silicate. The
      Er-Sc silicate with narrow FWHM opens a promising way to prepare photonic crystal
      light-emitting devices. 

PMID- 25114649
TI  - Beneficial defects: exploiting the intrinsic polishing-induced wafer roughness
      for the catalyst-free growth of Ge in-plane nanowires.
AB  - We outline a metal-free fabrication route of in-plane Ge nanowires on Ge(001)
      substrates. By positively exploiting the polishing-induced defects of standard
      quality commercial Ge(001) wafers, micrometer-length wires are grown by physical
      vapor deposition in ultra-high-vacuum environment. The shape of the wires can be
      tailored by the epitaxial strain induced by subsequent Si deposition, determining
      a progressive transformation of the wires in SiGe faceted quantum dots. This
      shape transition is described by finite element simulations of continuous
      elasticity and gives hints on the equilibrium shape of nanocrystals in the
      presence of tensile epitaxial strain. PACS: 81.07.Gf; 68.35.bg; 68.35.bj;
      62.23.Eg.

PMID- 25114650
TI  - Complex microstructures of ABC triblock copolymer thin films directed by polymer
      brushes based on self-consistent field theory.
AB  - The morphology and the phase diagram of ABC triblock copolymer thin film directed
      by polymer brushes are investigated by the self-consistent field theory in three
      dimensions. The polymer brushes coated on the substrate can be used as a good
      soft template to tailor the morphology of the block copolymer thin films compared
      with those on the hard substrates. The polymer brush is identical with the middle
      block B. By continuously changing the composition of the block copolymer, the
      phase diagrams are constructed for three cases with the fixed film thickness and
      the brush density: identical interaction parameters, frustrated and non
      frustrated cases. Some ordered complex morphologies are observed: parallel
      lamellar phase with hexagonally packed pores at surfaces (LAM3 (ll) -HFs),
      perpendicular lamellar phase with cylinders at the interface (LAM(?)-CI), and
      perpendicular hexagonally packed cylinders phase with rings at the interface (C2
      (?)-RI). A desired direction (perpendicular or parallel to the coated surfaces)
      of lamellar phases or cylindrical phases can be obtained by varying the
      composition and the interactions between different blocks. The phase diagram of
      ABC triblock copolymer thin film wetted between the polymer brush-coated surfaces
      is very useful in designing the directed pattern of ABC triblock copolymer thin
      film. 

PMID- 25114651
TI  - Low-cost carbon-silicon nanocomposite anodes for lithium ion batteries.
AB  - The specific energy of the existing lithium ion battery cells is limited because
      intercalation electrodes made of activated carbon (AC) materials have limited
      lithium ion storage capacities. Carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon nanofibers
      are the most sought alternatives to replace AC materials but their synthesis cost
      makes them highly prohibitive. Silicon has recently emerged as a strong candidate
      to replace existing graphite anodes due to its inherently large specific capacity
      and low working potential. However, pure silicon electrodes have shown poor
      mechanical integrity due to the dramatic expansion of the material during battery
      operation. This results in high irreversible capacity and short cycle life. We
      report on the synthesis and use of carbon and hybrid carbon-silicon
      nanostructures made by a simplified thermo-mechanical milling process to produce
      low-cost high-energy lithium ion battery anodes. Our work is based on an
      abundant, cost-effective, and easy-to-launch source of carbon soot having
      amorphous nature in combination with scrap silicon with crystalline nature. The
      carbon soot is transformed in situ into graphene and graphitic carbon during
      mechanical milling leading to superior elastic properties. Micro-Raman mapping
      shows a well-dispersed microstructure for both carbon and silicon. The fabricated
      composites are used for battery anodes, and the results are compared with
      commercial anodes from MTI Corporation. The anodes are integrated in batteries
      and tested; the results are compared to those seen in commercial batteries. For
      quick laboratory assessment, all electrochemical cells were fabricated under
      available environment conditions and they were tested at room temperature.
      Initial electrochemical analysis results on specific capacity, efficiency, and
      cyclability in comparison to currently available AC counterpart are promising to
      advance cost-effective commercial lithium ion battery technology. The
      electrochemical performance observed for carbon soot material is very interesting
      given the fact that its production cost is away cheaper than activated carbon.
      The cost of activated carbon is about $15/kg whereas the cost to manufacture
      carbon soot as a by-product from large-scale milling of abundant graphite is
      about $1/kg. Additionally, here, we propose a method that is environmentally
      friendly with strong potential for industrialization. 

PMID- 25114652
TI  - Large-diameter titanium dioxide nanotube arrays as a scattering layer for high
      efficiency dye-sensitized solar cell.
AB  - Large-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube arrays with an outer diameter of
      approximately 500 nm have been successfully synthesized by potentiostatic
      anodization at 180 V in a used electrolyte with the addition of 1.5 M lactic
      acid. It is found that the synthesized large-diameter TiO2 nanotube array shows a
      superior light scattering ability, which can be used as a light scattering layer
      to significantly enhance the efficiency of TiO2 nanoparticle-based dye-sensitized
      solar cells from 5.18% to 6.15%. The remarkable light scattering ability makes
      the large-diameter TiO2 nanotube array a promising candidate for light management
      in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). 

PMID- 25114653
TI  - Validation of a Janus role of methotrexate-based PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles
      in vitro.
AB  - Recently, methotrexate (MTX) has been used to target to folate (FA) receptor
      overexpressing cancer cells for targeted drug delivery. However, the systematic
      evaluation of MTX as a Janus-like agent has not been reported before. Here, we
      explored the validity of using MTX playing an early-phase cancer-specific
      targeting ligand cooperated with a late-phase therapeutic anticancer agent based
      on the PEGylated chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) as drug carriers. Some
      advantages of these nanoscaled drug delivery systems are as follows: (1) the NPs
      can ensure minimal premature release of MTX at off-target site to reduce the side
      effects to normal tissue; (2) MTX can function as a targeting ligand at target
      site prior to cellular uptake; and (3) once internalized by the target cell, the
      NPs can function as a prodrug formulation, releasing biologically active MTX
      inside the cells. The (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs presented a sustained/proteases-mediated
      drug release. More importantly, compared with the PEG-CS-NPs and (FA + PEG)-CS
      NPs, the (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs showed a greater cellular uptake. Furthermore, the
      (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs demonstrated a superior cytotoxicity compare to the free MTX.
      Our findings therefore validated that the MTX-loaded PEGylated CS-NPs can
      simultaneously target and treat FA receptor-overexpressing cancer cells. 

PMID- 25114654
TI  - Internal resistor of multi-functional tunnel barrier for selectivity and
      switching uniformity in resistive random access memory.
AB  - In this research, we analyzed the multi-functional role of a tunnel barrier that
      can be integrated in devices. This tunnel barrier, acting as an internal
      resistor, changes its resistance with applied bias. Therefore, the current flow
      in the devices can be controlled by a tunneling mechanism that modifies the
      tunnel barrier thickness for non-linearity and switching uniformity of devices.
      When a device is in a low-resistance state, the tunnel barrier controls the
      current behavior of the device because most of the bias is applied to the tunnel
      barrier owing to its higher resistance. Furthermore, the tunnel barrier induces
      uniform filament formation during set operation with the tunnel barrier
      controlling the current flow. 

PMID- 25114655
TI  - Green synthesis of protein capped silver nanoparticles from phytopathogenic
      fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid with antimicrobial properties against
      multidrug-resistant bacteria.
AB  - In recent years, green synthesis of nanoparticles, i.e., synthesizing
      nanoparticles using biological sources like bacteria, algae, fungus, or plant
      extracts have attracted much attention due to its environment-friendly and
      economic aspects. The present study demonstrates an eco-friendly and low-cost
      method of biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using cell-free filtrate of
      phytopathogenic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina. UV-visible spectrum showed a peak
      at 450 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles.
      Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the presence of spherical silver
      nanoparticles of the size range 5 to 40 nm, most of these being 16 to 20 nm in
      diameter. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum of the nanoparticles exhibited 2theta
      values corresponding to silver nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were found to
      be naturally protein coated. SDS-PAGE analysis showed the presence of an 85-kDa
      protein band responsible for capping and stabilization of the silver
      nanoparticles. Antimicrobial activities of the silver nanoparticles against human
      as well as plant pathogenic multidrug-resistant bacteria were assayed. The
      particles showed inhibitory effect on the growth kinetics of human and plant
      bacteria. Furthermore, the genotoxic potential of the silver nanoparticles with
      increasing concentrations was evaluated by DNA fragmentation studies using
      plasmid DNA. 

PMID- 25114656
TI  - Van der Waals epitaxy and characterization of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets
      on graphene.
AB  - Graphene is highly sensitive to environmental influences, and thus, it is
      worthwhile to deposit protective layers on graphene without impairing its
      excellent properties. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), a well-known dielectric
      material, may afford the necessary protection. In this research, we demonstrated
      the van der Waals epitaxy of h-BN nanosheets on mechanically exfoliated graphene
      by chemical vapor deposition, using borazine as the precursor to h-BN. The h-BN
      nanosheets had a triangular morphology on a narrow graphene belt but a polygonal
      morphology on a larger graphene film. The h-BN nanosheets on graphene were highly
      crystalline, except for various in-plane lattice orientations. Interestingly, the
      h-BN nanosheets preferred to grow on graphene than on SiO2/Si under the chosen
      experimental conditions, and this selective growth spoke of potential promise for
      application to the preparation of graphene/h-BN superlattice structures
      fabricated on SiO2/Si. 

PMID- 25114657
TI  - Facile synthesis and electrochemical performances of hollow graphene spheres as
      anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
AB  - The hollow graphene oxide spheres have been successfully fabricated from graphene
      oxide nanosheets utilizing a water-in-oil emulsion technique, which were prepared
      from natural flake graphite by oxidation and ultrasonic treatment. The hollow
      graphene oxide spheres were reduced to hollow graphene spheres at 500 degrees C
      for 3 h under an atmosphere of Ar(95%)/H2(5%). The first reversible specific
      capacity of the hollow graphene spheres was as high as 903 mAh g(-1) at a current
      density of 50 mAh g(-1). Even at a high current density of 500 mAh g(-1), the
      reversible specific capacity remained at 502 mAh g(-1). After 60 cycles, the
      reversible capacity was still kept at 652 mAh g(-1) at the current density of 50
      mAh g(-1). These results indicate that the prepared hollow graphene spheres
      possess excellent electrochemical performances for lithium storage. The high rate
      performance of hollow graphene spheres thanks to the hollow structure, thin and
      porous shells consisting of graphene sheets. PACS: 81.05.ue; 61.48.Gh; 72.80.Vp.

PMID- 25114658
TI  - Current-voltage characteristics of nanoplatelet-based conductive nanocomposites.
AB  - In this study, a numerical modeling approach was used to investigate the current
      voltage behavior of conductive nanoplatelet-based nanocomposites. A three
      dimensional continuum Monte Carlo model was employed to randomly disperse the
      nanoplatelets in a cubic representative volume element. A nonlinear finite
      element-based model was developed to evaluate the electrical behavior of the
      nanocomposite for different levels of the applied electric field. Also, the
      effect of filler loading on nonlinear conductivity behavior of nanocomposites was
      investigated. The validity of the developed model was verified through
      qualitative comparison of the simulation results with results obtained from
      experimental works. 

PMID- 25114659
TI  - Conductance modulation of charged lipid bilayer using electrolyte-gated graphene
      field effect transistor.
AB  - Graphene is an attention-grabbing material in electronics, physics, chemistry,
      and even biology because of its unique properties such as high surface-area-to
      volume ratio. Also, the ability of graphene-based materials to continuously tune
      charge carriers from holes to electrons makes them promising for biological
      applications, especially in lipid bilayer-based sensors. Furthermore, changes in
      charged lipid membrane properties can be electrically detected by a graphene
      based electrolyte-gated graphene field effect transistor (GFET). In this paper, a
      monolayer graphene-based GFET with a focus on the conductance variation caused by
      membrane electric charges and thickness is studied. Monolayer graphene
      conductance as an electrical detection platform is suggested for neutral,
      negative, and positive electric-charged membrane. The electric charge and
      thickness of the lipid bilayer (Q LP and L LP) as a function of carrier density
      are proposed, and the control parameters are defined. Finally, the proposed
      analytical model is compared with experimental data which indicates good overall
      agreement. 

PMID- 25114660
TI  - Controlled nanodot fabrication by rippling polycarbonate surface using an AFM
      diamond tip.
AB  - The single scratching test of polymer polycarbonate (PC) sample surface using an
      atomic force microscope (AFM) diamond tip for fabricating ripple patterns has
      been studied with the focus on the evaluation of the effect of the tip scratching
      angle on the pattern formation. The experimental results indicated that the
      different oriented ripples can be easily machined by controlling the scratching
      angles of the AFM. And, the effects of the normal load and the feed on the
      ripples formation and their periods were also studied. Based on the ripple
      pattern formation, we firstly proposed a two-step scratching method to fabricate
      controllable and oriented complex three-dimensional (3D) nanodot arrays. These
      typical ripple formations can be described via a stick-slip and crack formation
      process. 

PMID- 25114661
TI  - Electrical behavior and positive temperature coefficient effect of
      graphene/polyvinylidene fluoride composites containing silver nanowires.
AB  - Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites filled with in situ thermally reduced
      graphene oxide (TRG) and silver nanowire (AgNW) were prepared using solution
      mixing followed by coagulation and thermal hot pressing. Binary TRG/PVDF
      nanocomposites exhibited small percolation threshold of 0.12 vol % and low
      electrical conductivity of approximately 10(-7) S/cm. Hybridization of TRGs with
      AgNWs led to a significant improvement in electrical conductivity due to their
      synergistic effect in conductivity. The bulk conductivity of hybrids was higher
      than a combined total conductivity of TRG/PVDF and AgNW/PVDF composites at the
      same filler loading. Furthermore, the resistivity of hybrid composites increased
      with increasing temperature, giving rise to a positive temperature coefficient
      (PTC) effect at the melting temperature of PVDF. The 0.04 vol % TRG/1 vol %
      AgNW/PVDF hybrid exhibited pronounced PTC behavior, rendering this composite an
      attractive material for making current limiting devices and temperature sensors. 

PMID- 25114663
TI  - Integration of care systems in Portugal: anatomy of recent reforms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integrated care is increasingly present in the agenda of policy
      makers, health professionals and researchers as a way to improve care services in
      relation to access, quality, user satisfaction and efficiency. These are
      overarching objectives of most sectoral reforms. However, health care and social
      care services and systems are more and more dependent on the performance of each
      other, imposing the logic of network. Demographic, epidemiologic and cultural
      changes result in pressure to increase efficiency and efficacy of services and
      organisations in both sectors and that is why integrated care has become so
      relevant in the last years. METHODS: We first used concept maps to organise and
      systematise information that we had gathered through deep literature review in
      order to set a framework where to base the subsequent work. Then, we interviewed
      informants at several levels of the health and social care systems and we built a
      list of major recent reforms addressing integrated care in Portugal. In a third
      step, we conducted two independent focus groups where those reforms were
      discussed and evaluated within the context of the concepts and frameworks
      identified from the literature. Results were confronted and reconciled, giving
      place to a list of requisites and guidelines that oriented further search for
      documentation on those reforms. RESULTS: Several important health reforms are in
      course in primary and hospital care in Portugal, while a so-called third level of
      care has been introduced with the launch of the National Network of Long-Term
      Integrated Care (RNCCI - Rede Nacional de Cuidados Continuados Integrados). The
      social care sector has itself been a subject of alternative models springing from
      opposite political orientations. All these changes are having repercussions on
      the way the systems work with each other as they are leading to ongoing and ill
      evaluated reformulations on the way they are governed, financed, structured and
      operated. CONCLUSIONS: Care integration is not absent from policy-making and
      implementation endeavour in Portugal. However, recurrent issues seem to be
      consistently hampering the efforts regarding the integration of care in the
      country. It is urgent to assess current situation as experienced by those closely
      involved and directly affected.

PMID- 25114662
TI  - Validation of a blood protein signature for non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CT screening for lung cancer is effective in reducing mortality, but
      there are areas of concern, including a positive predictive value of 4% and
      development of interval cancers. A blood test that could manage these limitations
      would be useful, but development of such tests has been impaired by variations in
      blood collection that may lead to poor reproducibility across populations.
      RESULTS: Blood-based proteomic profiles were generated with SOMAscan technology,
      which measured 1033 proteins. First, preanalytic variability was evaluated with
      Sample Mapping Vectors (SMV), which are panels of proteins that detect
      confounders in protein levels related to sample collection. A subset of well
      collected serum samples not influenced by preanalytic variability was selected
      for discovery of lung cancer biomarkers. The impact of sample collection
      variation on these candidate markers was tested in the subset of samples with
      higher SMV scores so that the most robust markers could be used to create disease
      classifiers. The discovery sample set (n = 363) was from a multi-center study of
      94 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases and 269 long-term smokers and benign
      pulmonary nodule controls. The analysis resulted in a 7-marker panel with an AUC
      of 0.85 for all cases (68% adenocarcinoma, 32% squamous) and an AUC of 0.93 for
      squamous cell carcinoma in particular. This panel was validated by making blinded
      predictions in two independent cohorts (n = 138 in the first validation and n =
      135 in the second). The model was recalibrated for a panel format prior to
      unblinding the second cohort. The AUCs overall were 0.81 and 0.77, and for
      squamous cell tumors alone were 0.89 and 0.87. The estimated negative predictive
      value for a 15% disease prevalence was 93% overall and 99% for squamous lung
      tumors. The proteins in the classifier function in destruction of the
      extracellular matrix, metabolic homeostasis and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Selecting biomarkers resistant to sample processing variation led to robust lung
      cancer biomarkers that performed consistently in independent validations. They
      form a sensitive signature for detection of lung cancer, especially squamous cell
      histology. This non-invasive test could be used to improve the positive
      predictive value of CT screening, with the potential to avoid invasive evaluation
      of nonmalignant pulmonary nodules.

PMID- 25114664
TI  - Do telemonitoring projects of heart failure fit the Chronic Care Model?
AB  - This study describes the characteristics of extramural and transmural
      telemonitoring projects on chronic heart failure in Belgium. It describes to what
      extent these telemonitoring projects coincide with the Chronic Care Model of
      Wagner. BACKGROUND: The Chronic Care Model describes essential components for
      high-quality health care. Telemonitoring can be used to optimise home care for
      chronic heart failure. It provides a potential prospective to change the current
      care organisation. METHODS: This qualitative study describes seven non-invasive
      home-care telemonitoring projects in patients with heart failure in Belgium. A
      qualitative design, including interviews and literature review, was used to
      describe the correspondence of these home-care telemonitoring projects with the
      dimensions of the Chronic Care Model. RESULTS: The projects were situated in
      primary and secondary health care. Their primary goal was to reduce the number of
      readmissions for chronic heart failure. None of these projects succeeded in a
      final implementation of telemonitoring in home care after the pilot phase. Not
      all the projects were initiated to accomplish all of the dimensions of the
      Chronic Care Model. A central role for the patient was sparse. CONCLUSION:
      Limited financial resources hampered continuation after the pilot phase.
      Cooperation and coordination in telemonitoring appears to be major barriers but
      are, within primary care as well as between the lines of care, important links in
      follow-up. This discrepancy can be prohibitive for deployment of good chronic
      care. Chronic Care Model is recommended as basis for future.

PMID- 25114665
TI  - Identification of mechanisms enabling integrated care for patients with chronic
      diseases: a literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Notwithstanding care for chronically ill patients requires a shift
      towards care that is well coordinated and focused on prevention and self-care,
      the concept of integrated care lacks specificity and clarity. This article
      presents a literature review to identify mechanisms for achieving integrated care
      objectives. THEORY AND METHODS: Existing models often present a large variety of
      dimensions, archetypes and categories of integration without specifying them.
      Models and programmes describing integrated care for chronic diseases were
      reviewed. Data were extracted related to objectives and clusters of mechanisms of
      integration. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies presented four objectives: functional,
      organisational, professional and service integration. We categorised approaches
      and interventions to achieve these objectives by strategy and clusters of
      'mechanisms of integration': degree, patient centredness and normative aspects.
      CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION: The clarification of mechanisms to achieve objectives
      of integrated care as presented may be used as starting point for the development
      and refinement of integrated care programmes, including methodological grounding
      of their evaluation. Given that most studies reviewed lack both empirical data
      and descriptions of the methods used, future research needs to close these gaps.
      Validation of the findings by a large panel of experts is suggested as
      recommendation to work towards a grounded framework.

PMID- 25114666
TI  - A neuropsychiatric complication of oligomenorrhea according to iranian
      traditional medicine.
AB  - Oligomenorrhea, a prevalent disease with serious complications, has been declared
      in the Avicenna traditional medicine in detail. Avicenna in his famous book,
      Cannon of Medicine, presents a syndrome termed 'uterine strangulation', as a
      complication of menstrual bleeding cessation and lack of sexual satisfaction. We
      have explained this syndrome from both traditional and conventional medicine
      viewpoints to propose a new hypothesis for diagnosis and treatment of women with
      oligomenorrhea and systemic signs/symptoms admitting to clinics for further
      evaluation. This hypothesis definitely needs to be further assessed and confirmed
      by strong clinical trials. 

PMID- 25114667
TI  - Evaluating the effects of Escanbil (Calligonum) extract on the expression level
      of Catsper gene variants and sperm motility in aging male mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Catsper proteins are responsible for entering Ca(2+) to the cell and
      play an important role in sperm motility and male fertility. Antioxidants are
      vital for sperm motility too. Escanbil (Calligonum) extract possess some of the
      important antioxidant like Catechin and Quercetin. OBJECTIVE: Here we
      investigated the effects of Escanbil (Calligonum) extract on the sperm parameters
      and the expressing of Catsper gene in aging male mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      this animal study, firstly, dose response was performed by using these three
      doses of Escanbil (Calligonum) (10, 30 and 50 mg/kg). 5 mice in each group were
      considered and Intra Peritoneal injection was done for 5 weeks. the sperm
      parameters analyzed and dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL )staining was done. 30
      mg/kg dose was considered as optimum dose. Secondly: fifteen aging male mice (11
      13 months) were divided into three groups: control, sham and experiment. The
      experiments were injected Intra peritonealy with Escanbil (Calligonum) extract
      (30mg/kg) weekly for up to 5 weeks. The sham group was injected Intra Peritoneal
      (DMSO). Sperm parameters were analyzed. Expression of Catsper genes was analyzed
      by Real time PCR. RESULTS: Our results showed that after Escanbil (Calligonum)
      treatment (30 mg/kg), the sperm parameters were improved in experimental group
      (p<0.05). Our data showed that there was a statistical significance difference
      between the expressions of Catsper 2, 4 in aging experiment group comparison with
      aging control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We investigated that the Escanbil
      (Calligonum) extract (30 mg/kg) can improve sperm parameters and change the
      expression of Catsper genes in aging male mice. This herbal extract can be used
      as an antioxidant component for clinical usages.

PMID- 25114668
TI  - Recurrent IVF failure and hereditary thrombophilia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The largest percentage of failed invitro fertilization (IVF (cycles,
      are due to lack of implantation. As hereditary thrombophilia can cause in
      placentation failure, it may have a role in recurrent IVF failure. OBJECTIVE: Aim
      of this case-control study was to determine whether hereditary thrombophilia is
      more prevalent in women with recurrent IVF failures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case
      group comprised 96 infertile women, with a history of recurrent IVF failure.
      Control group was comprised of 95 healthy women with proven fertility who had
      conceived spontaneously. All participants were assessed for the presence of
      inherited thrombophilias including: factor V Leiden, methilen tetrahydrofolate
      reductase (MTHFR) mutation, prothrombin mutation, homocystein level, protein S
      and C deficiency, antithrombin III (AT-III) deficiency and plasminogen activator
      inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mutation. Presence of thrombophilia was compared between
      groups. RESULTS: Having at least one thrombophilia known as a risk factor for
      recurrent IVF failure (95% CI=1.74-5.70, OR=3.15, p=0.00). Mutation of factor V
      Leiden (95% CI=1.26-10.27, OR=3.06, P=0.01) and homozygote form of MTHFR mutation
      (95% CI=1.55-97.86, OR=12.33, p=0.05) were also risk factors for recurrent IVF
      failure. However, we could not find significant difference in other inherited
      thrombophilia's. CONCLUSION: Inherited thrombophilia is more prevalent in women
      with recurrent IVF failure compared with healthy women. Having at least one
      thrombophilia, mutation of factor V Leiden and homozygote form of MTHFR mutation
      were risk factors for recurrent IVF failure.

PMID- 25114670
TI  - Subclinical hypothyroidism and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome:
      is there a relationship?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hyperandrogenic
      disorder among women and is often defined as hyperandrogenic syndrome. These
      patients are at risk for oligo/amenorrhea, chronic anovulation, infertility,
      obesity, spontaneous abortion, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and metabolic
      syndrome. Thyroid disorders especially hypothyroidism is more common in these
      people. In PCOS patients, subclinical hypothyroidism may aggravate insulin
      resistance. OBJECTIVE: The goal was to find any relationship between subclinical
      hypothyroidism and insulin resistance in PCOS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      this prospective cross sectional study we included all PCOS patients coming to
      infertility clinic of Taleghani Hospital in 2010-2012 who had the criteria of
      Rotterdam for PCOS. Then the clinical examination was done for them and height,
      weight, body mass index and lab data were measured including thyroid hormone and
      biochemical profile. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 20. RESULTS:
      Among 75 PCOS patients, 19 (25.5%) had subclinical hypothyroidism and 56 patients
      (74.4%) were euthyroid. The prevalence of insulin resistance was 22.7% and 77.3%
      of patients had no insulin resistance were normal. CONCLUSION: We could find no
      relationship between insulin resistance and subclinical hypothyroidism in PCOS
      patients.

PMID- 25114669
TI  - Emotional experiences in surrogate mothers: A qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surrogacy is one of the new techniques of assisted reproduction
      technology in which a woman carries and bears a child for another woman. In Iran,
      many Shia clerics and jurists considered it permissible so there is no religious
      prohibition for it. In addition to the risk of physical complications for
      complete surrogate mothers, the possibility of psychological complications
      resulted from emotional attachment to a living creature in the surrogate mother
      as another injury requires counseling and assessment prior to acceptance by
      infertile couples and complete surrogate mothers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      study was to assess the emotional experiences of surrogate mothers. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This was a qualitative, phenomenological study. We selected eight
      complete surrogate mothers in Isfahan. We used convenient sampling method and in
      depth interview to collect the information. The data analysis was fulfilled via
      Colaizzi's seven-stage method. Reliability and validity study of the roots in the
      four-axis was done. RESULTS: The findings of these interviews were classified
      into two main themes and four sub themes: acquired experiences in pregnancy
      (feelings toward pregnancy, relationship with family, relatives and commissioning
      couple) and consequences of surrogacy (complications of pregnancy, religious and
      financial problems of surrogacy). CONCLUSION: Surrogacy pregnancy should be
      considered as high-risk emotional experience because many of surrogate mothers
      may face negative experiences. Therefore, it is recommended that surrogates
      should receive professional counseling prior to, during and following pregnancy.

PMID- 25114671
TI  - Diagnostic value of gastric shake test for hyaline membrane disease in preterm
      infant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) has remained a common neonatal problem
      and is a cause of morbidity in infants. The shake test can be used to assess
      whether surfactant is present in the infant's lungs at birth. OBJECTIVE: The goal
      of this study was to determine the usefulness and accuracy of gastric aspirate
      shake test for the diagnosis of two HMD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a
      diagnostic accuracy study carried out on 49 preterm infant born at Shahid
      Sadoughi hospital in 2012 (25 newborns without pulmonary diseases and 24 newborns
      with HMD). Shortly after birth, the shake test was performed using gastric fluid.
      The results of the shake test were correlated with definitive diagnosis of HMD.
      RESULTS: All infants who developed HMD had negative test results. In 23 of 25
      infants with no respiratory distress, the test was positive. Our findings
      indicated that the gastric aspirate shake test has 100% sensitivity, 92%
      specificity, a 92.3% predictive value for surfactant deficiency, and 100%
      predictive value for surfactant sufficiency. CONCLUSION: According to this study
      gastric shake test (GST) is a reliable test and is a simple procedure to identify
      those neonates who will develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and therefore
      to decide prophylactic exogenous surfactant replacement.

PMID- 25114672
TI  - Ovarian stimulation medications and patients' responses as prognostic factors in
      IUI-treated infertile Saudi patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) remains the first thought of
      infertility treatment. OBJECTIVE: To compare the stimulation effects and
      Pregnancy rate (PR) outcomes of two ovulation induction (OI) medications, human
      derived menopausal gonadotrophins (hMGH), Merional (MER), and recombinant
      follicular stimulating hormone (rFSH), Puregon (PUR), in a cohort of Saudi
      infertile patients, for better predictability of treatment results. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: During a 24-month period, 296 women underwent IUI single treatments.
      PR's were correlated with the type of stimulation medication that were
      prospectively and randomly assigned to each patient, and with the number and size
      of maturing follicles detected on the hCG injection day. RESULTS: MER and PUR
      needed comparable number of days (9.26+/-4.74 and 9.73+/-6.27 respectively)
      before follicles were ready for IUI, although the average amount used from MER,
      1199.90 IU, was about double that was used from PUR, 621.08 IU. The overall PR in
      case of PUR however was nearly double that of MER, 13.28% and 7.14% respectively.
      The best PR, 16.22%, occurred when the follicles matured within 12-13 days. Three
      follicles of at least 15-mm diameter on the hCG day had better PR's than one or
      two, however when the follicles' diameters were at least 18-mm, PR was
      significantly higher, (p=0.013). CONCLUSION: MER and PUR had comparable
      stimulation effects; however PUR had noticeably higher PR. The best PR occurred
      when the follicles matured within 12-13 days. PR in case of three maturing
      follicles on the hCG day was better than only one or two, and significantly
      better when their diameters were at least 18 mm.

PMID- 25114673
TI  - INSR gene variation is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity in Iraqi
      women with PCOs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex, heterogeneous
      disorder of uncertain etiology with strong genetic background. Insulin resistance
      is present in the majority of PCOS cases with linkage and association between
      single nucleotide polymorphisms of insulin receptor (INSR) gene and PCOS.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the exon 17 of INSR gene contributes to genetic
      susceptibility to PCOS in Iraqi women and its effects on glucose tolerance test
      and lipid profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five healthy Iraqi women and
      eighty-four infertile women with PCOS, divided into two subgroups depending on
      the BMI were studied. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP-PCR)
      analysis was performed to determine the genotypes for the His 1058 C/T
      polymorphism at the tyrosine kinase domain in the INSR gene. Clinical,
      anthropometric and biochemical parameters were also estimated. RESULTS: The C/T
      polymorphism at His 1058 in exon 17 of INSR was associated with PCOS (obese and
      non-obese). CC genotype frequency was higher in PCOS patients whereas TT genotype
      was higher in control women. Those with CC genotype had higher BMI, GTT and lipid
      profile than those with TT genotype. CONCLUSION: An association of C/T
      polymorphism at His1058 of INSR with PCOS in Iraqi women was observed. Its
      association with indices of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia were also
      noticed.

PMID- 25114674
TI  - Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in Kashan city, Iran (2012-2013).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trichomonas vaginalis infection is one of the most common sexually
      transmitted diseases in humans. T.vaginalis is a parasitic protozoan with a
      predilection for human urogenital tract and causative agent for vaginitis,
      cervicitis and urethritis in females. T.vaginalis infection is associated with
      risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infectivity and pregnancy complication.
      OBJECTIVE: In this study, the prevalence of T.vaginalis in individuals who
      referred to public health units in Kashan city, Iran was investigated. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 970 women and 235 men who referred to 5
      government health centers in Kashan, Iran during October 2012 to August 2013.
      Demographic information was collected as per the study protocol. Vaginal
      discharges and urine samples were obtained and examined by Trypticase-Yeast
      Extract Maltose (TYM) culture medium and wet-mount methods. The prevalence of T.
      vaginalis was determined using culture based method and wet-mount examinations.
      RESULTS: The overall prevalence of trichomonal infection was 2% (95% CI, 2+/
      0.08). The age of infected individual was 33.7+/-9.4 years. All of those
      infected, were married housewives and 58.3% of them had primary school education.
      No statistical correlation was observed between clinical manifestations and
      parasitological results (p=0.8). CONCLUSION: This study showed a relatively low
      prevalence of T.vaginalis infection in the study population. Since the clinical
      signs of trichomoniasis are the same of other Sexually Transmitted Diseases
      (STDs), confirmatory laboratory tests are necessary. Due to adverse outcomes of
      disease, there is a great need for public education regarding implementation of
      personal hygienic measures and prevention of inappropriate sexual contacts.

PMID- 25114675
TI  - Evaluation of clinical factors influencing pregnancy rate in frozen embryo
      transfer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frozen embryo transfer (FET) is one of the most important
      supplementary procedures in the treatment of infertile couples. While general
      information concerning the outcome of fresh embryo transfer has been documented,
      paucity of investigations has addressed the clinical factors influenced on
      pregnancy rates in FET. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we performed a retrospective
      analysis of clinical factors that potentially influence the outcome of FET.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the data from 372 women who were subjected to
      FET registered from April 2009-2011 at the Research and clinical center, Shahid
      Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Baseline data and pregnancy
      rate were collected. The data were analyzed statistically using the Kolmogorov
      Smirnov, and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rate was 57.7
      and 29.2% in women <35 years old, and women >35 years old, respectively
      (p<0.0001). Clinical pregnancy rates in women with FSH <10 IU/ml, and FSH >10
      IU/ml were 56.3% and 17.5 %, respectively (p<0.0001). Whereas the other clinical
      parameters consist of reason of fetus freezing, primary IVF protocol, IVF
      procedure, endometrial thickness, treatment duration to fetal transfer found to
      be unrelated to FET outcomes (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Female age and basal FSH level
      are the most important factors influencing the clinical pregnancy rate following
      FET.

PMID- 25114676
TI  - Feature and score fusion based multiple classifier selection for iris
      recognition.
AB  - The aim of this work is to propose a new feature and score fusion based iris
      recognition approach where voting method on Multiple Classifier Selection
      technique has been applied. Four Discrete Hidden Markov Model classifiers output,
      that is, left iris based unimodal system, right iris based unimodal system, left
      right iris feature fusion based multimodal system, and left-right iris likelihood
      ratio score fusion based multimodal system, is combined using voting method to
      achieve the final recognition result. CASIA-IrisV4 database has been used to
      measure the performance of the proposed system with various dimensions.
      Experimental results show the versatility of the proposed system of four
      different classifiers with various dimensions. Finally, recognition accuracy of
      the proposed system has been compared with existing N hamming distance score
      fusion approach proposed by Ma et al., log-likelihood ratio score fusion approach
      proposed by Schmid et al., and single level feature fusion approach proposed by
      Hollingsworth et al. 

PMID- 25114677
TI  - IL1RN and KRT13 Expression in Bladder Cancer: Association with Pathologic
      Characteristics and Smoking Status.
AB  - Purpose. To validate microarray data on cytokeratin 13 (KRT13) and interleukin-1
      receptor antagonist (IL1RN) expression in urothelial carcinoma of the urinary
      bladder (UCB) and to correlate our findings with pathologic characteristics and
      tobacco smoking. Methods. UCB tissue samples (n = 109) and control samples (n =
      14) were obtained from transurethral resection and radical cystectomy specimens.
      Immunohistochemical staining of KRT13 and IL1RN was performed and
      semiquantitative expression scores were assessed. Smoking status was evaluated
      using a standardized questionnaire. Expression scores were correlated with
      pathologic characteristics (tumor stage and grade) and with smoking status.
      Results. Loss of KRT13 and IL1RN expression was observed in UCB tissue samples
      when compared to controls (P = 0.007, P = 0.008) in which KRT13 and IL1RN
      expression were high. IL1RN expression was significantly reduced in muscle
      invasive tumors (P = 0.003). In tissue samples of current smokers, a significant
      downregulation of IL1RN was found when compared to never smokers (P = 0.013).
      Conclusion. Decreased expressions of KRT13 and IL1RN are common features of UCB
      and are associated with aggressive disease. Tobacco smoking may enhance the loss
      of IL1RN, indicating an overweight of proinflammatory mediators involved in UCB
      progression. Further validation of the influence of smoking on IL1RN expression
      is warranted. 

PMID- 25114678
TI  - Pharmacophore Modeling and Molecular Docking Studies on Pinus roxburghii as a
      Target for Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - The present study attempts to establish a relationship between
      ethnopharmacological claims and bioactive constituents present in Pinus
      roxburghii against all possible targets for diabetes through molecular docking
      and to develop a pharmacophore model for the active target. The process of
      molecular docking involves study of different bonding modes of one ligand with
      active cavities of target receptors protein tyrosine phosphatase 1-beta (PTP
      1beta), dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), aldose reductase (AR), and insulin
      receptor (IR) with help of docking software Molegro virtual docker (MVD). From
      the results of docking score values on different receptors for antidiabetic
      activity, it is observed that constituents, namely, secoisoresinol, pinoresinol,
      and cedeodarin, showed the best docking results on almost all the receptors,
      while the most significant results were observed on AR. Then, LigandScout was
      applied to develop a pharmacophore model for active target. LigandScout revealed
      that 2 hydrogen bond donors pointing towards Tyr 48 and His 110 are a major
      requirement of the pharmacophore generated. In our molecular docking studies, the
      active constituent, secoisoresinol, has also shown hydrogen bonding with His 110
      residue which is a part of the pharmacophore. The docking results have given
      better insights into the development of better aldose reductase inhibitor so as
      to treat diabetes related secondary complications. 

PMID- 25114679
TI  - The Association between IGF-1 Polymorphisms, IGF-1 Serum Levels, and Cognitive
      Functions in Healthy Adults: The Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study.
AB  - Several studies have demonstrated an association between polymorphisms in the
      insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene and IGF-1 serum levels. IGF-1 levels
      have been associated with cognitive functioning in older persons and growth
      hormone deficient patients. The present study investigates whether IGF-1
      polymorphisms, IGF-1 levels, and cognition are interconnected in healthy adults.
      Data of 277 participants (mean age: 42.4 years) of the Amsterdam Growth and
      Health Longitudinal Study on IGF-1 promoter polymorphisms, IGF-1 serum level,
      spatial working memory (SWM), paired associate learning (PAL), and IQ tests were
      analyzed. (M)ANOVAs were applied to confirm the associations between IGF-1
      polymorphisms and IGF-1 levels and between IGF-1 levels and cognition. Three
      groups were distinguished based on specific IGF-1 polymorphism alleles: a
      homozygote 192 bp/192 bp genotype, a heterozygote 192 bp/x genotype, and a
      noncarrier x/x genotype. Although different IGF-1 levels were found for the three
      genotypes, performance on all cognitive tasks and IQ measures was similar.
      Despite the associations between IGF-1 polymorphisms and IGF-1 levels, no
      association was found between cognition and IGF-1 levels. It seems that IGF-1
      does not play a role in the cognitive performance of healthy middle-aged adults.
      Possible, IGF-1 fulfills a more developmental and protective role in cognition
      which becomes apparent during childhood, old-age, or disease. 

PMID- 25114681
TI  - Response to initial therapy of differentiated thyroid cancer predicts the long
      term outcome better than classical risk stratification systems.
AB  - Objective. Although differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) usually has an indolent
      course, some cases show a poor prognosis; therefore, risk stratification is
      required. The objective of this study is to compare the predictive ability of
      classical risk stratification systems proposed by the European Thyroid
      Association (ETA) and American Thyroid Association (ATA) with the system proposed
      by Tuttle et al. in 2010, based on the response to initial therapy (RIT).
      Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 176 cases of DTC with a median follow-up
      period of 7.0 years. Each patient was stratified using ETA, ATA, and RIT systems.
      Negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were
      determined. The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was
      calculated in order to compare the predictive ability. Results. RIT showed a NPV
      of 97.7%, better than NPV of ETA and ATA systems (93.9% and 94.9%, resp.). ETA
      and ATA systems showed poor PPV (40.3% and 41%, resp.), while RIT showed a PPV of
      70.8%. The area under ROC curve was 0.7535 for ETA, 0.7876 for ATA, and 0.9112
      for RIT, showing statistical significant differences (P < 0.05). Conclusions. RIT
      predicts the long-term outcome of DTC better than ETA/ATA systems, becoming a
      useful system to adapt management strategies. 

PMID- 25114680
TI  - ATP Synthase beta-Chain Overexpression in SR-BI Knockout Mice Increases HDL
      Uptake and Reduces Plasma HDL Level.
AB  - HDL cholesterol is known to be inversely correlated with cardiovascular disease
      due to its diverse antiatherogenic functions. SR-BI mediates the selective uptake
      of HDL-C. SR-BI knockout diminishes but does not completely block the transport
      of HDL; other receptors may be involved. Ectopic ATP synthase beta-chain in
      hepatocytes has been previously characterized as an apoA-I receptor, triggering
      HDL internalization. This study was undertaken to identify the overexpression of
      ectopic ATP synthase beta-chain on DIL-HDL uptake in primary hepatocytes in vitro
      and on plasma HDL levels in SR-BI knockout mice. Human ATP synthase beta-chain
      cDNA was delivered to the mouse liver by adenovirus and GFP adenovirus as
      control. The adenovirus-mediated overexpression of beta-chain was identified at
      both mRNA and protein levels on mice liver and validated by its increasing of DiL
      HDL uptake in primary hepatocytes. In response to hepatic overexpression of beta
      chain, plasma HDL-C levels and cholesterol were reduced in SR-BI knockout mice,
      compared with the control. The present data suggest that ATP synthase beta-chain
      can serve as the endocytic receptor of HDL, and its overexpression can reduce
      plasma HDL-C. 

PMID- 25114682
TI  - Body Mass Index Is Associated with Hypercholesterolemia following Thyroid Hormone
      Withdrawal in Thyroidectomized Patients.
AB  - Thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) for postoperative radioiodine adjuvant therapy
      or diagnostic radioiodine whole body scan in patients with differentiated thyroid
      cancers results in acute thyroid hormone deficiency and abnormal lipid profiles.
      To better clarify the clinical pattern of dyslipidemia occurring after THW, we
      retrospectively analyzed the association between serum total cholesterol level
      after THW and various clinical factors in a total of 61 patients who underwent
      total thyroidectomy due to papillary thyroid cancers from January 2010 to March
      2012, in Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. Preoperative baseline total
      cholesterol was significantly correlated with post-THW total cholesterol level;
      however, age, gender, or elevated TSH level after THW itself was not correlated
      with post-THW total cholesterol level. A significant correlation between
      preoperative measured BMI and post-THW total cholesterol level was found (r =
      0.263, P = 0.041). In multiple logistic analysis, BMI was an independent
      determining factor of post-THW total cholesterol level (P = 0.012). 

PMID- 25114683
TI  - Computer-based diagnostic expert systems in rheumatology: where do we stand in
      2014?
AB  - Background. The early detection of rheumatic diseases and the treatment to target
      have become of utmost importance to control the disease and improve its
      prognosis. However, establishing a diagnosis in early stages is challenging as
      many diseases initially present with similar symptoms and signs. Expert systems
      are computer programs designed to support the human decision making and have been
      developed in almost every field of medicine. Methods. This review focuses on the
      developments in the field of rheumatology to give a comprehensive insight.
      Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched. Results. Reports of 25
      expert systems with different design and field of application were found. The
      performance of 19 of the identified expert systems was evaluated. The proportion
      of correctly diagnosed cases was between 43.1 and 99.9%. Sensitivity and
      specificity ranged from 62 to 100 and 88 to 98%, respectively. Conclusions.
      Promising diagnostic expert systems with moderate to excellent performance were
      identified. The validation process was in general underappreciated. None of the
      systems, however, seemed to have succeeded in daily practice. This review
      identifies optimal characteristics to increase the survival rate of expert
      systems and may serve as valuable information for future developments in the
      field. 

PMID- 25114685
TI  - Postpartum ovarian vein and inferior vena cava thrombosis.
AB  - Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis (POVT), which generally occurs 2-15 days
      postpartum, is a rare complication. It can be confused with acute appendicitis,
      pelvic infection, ovarian torsion, tubo-ovarian abscess, and pyelonephritis. It
      is associated with morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a patient with
      postpartum OVT and IVC diagnosed by US and CT findings. She was treated
      successfully with no further need for any interventional procedures. 

PMID- 25114684
TI  - HBV Reactivation in Patients Treated with Antitumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF
      alpha) Agents for Rheumatic and Dermatologic Conditions: A Systematic Review and
      Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Introduction. Antitumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) agents are widely used
      for treatment of rheumatic and dermatological diseases. We conducted the
      systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of HBV reactivation
      among patients treated with anti-TNF-alpha. Methods and Findings. A comprehensive
      literature search of MEDLINE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases was
      conducted. From 21 studies included in the systematic review, 9 included patients
      with occult chronic HBV infection and 6 included patients with overt infection
      while 6 addressed both groups. Based on 10 studies eligible for meta-analysis we
      report pooled estimate of HBV reactivation of 4.2% (95% CI: 1.4-8.2%, I (2):
      74.7%). The pooled prevalence of reactivation was 3.0% (95% CI: 0.6-7.2, I (2):
      77.1%) for patients with occult infection, and 15.4% (95% CI: 1.2-41.2%, I (2):
      79.9%) for overt infection. The prevalence of reactivation was 3.9% (95% CI: 1.1
      8.4%, I (2): 51.1%) for treatment with etanercept and 4.6% (95% CI: 0.5-12.5%, I
      (2): 28.7%) for adalimumab. For subgroup of patients without any antiviral
      prophylaxis the pooled reactivation was 4.0% (95% CI: 1.2-8.3%, I (2): 75.6%).
      Conclusion. Although HBV reactivation rate is relatively low in patients treated
      with anti-TNF-alpha for rheumatic and dermatological conditions, the antiviral
      prophylaxis would be recommended in patients with overt chronic HBV infection. 

PMID- 25114687
TI  - Giant solitary fibrous tumor of the parotid gland.
AB  - Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare tumors that are mostly found arising from
      the pleura. SFT of the parotid gland is a rare tumor; only a few cases have been
      described in the literature. SFTs are benign in most cases. Clinically, SFTs
      usually manifest as well circumscribed, slow-growing, smooth, and painless
      masses. CT-Scan and MRI are the most sensitive imaging procedures used. The
      treatment of choice is complete surgical excision of the lesion. Since recurrence
      and metastasis can take place after several years, a lifelong clinical and
      imaging regular follow-up is compulsory. In this paper, we describe the
      diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of the up-to-now biggest parotid SFT. The
      clinical presentation, surgical management, and pathological and
      immunohistochemistry findings are described. 

PMID- 25114686
TI  - Wolff-Parkinson-white syndrome mimics a conduction disease.
AB  - Background. It is important to recognise Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome in
      electrocardiograms (ECG), as it may mimic ischaemic heart disease, ventricular
      hypertrophy, and bundle branch block. Recognising WPW syndrome allows for risk
      stratification, the identification of associated conditions, and the institution
      of appropriate management. Objective. The present case showed that
      electrophysiological study is indicated in patients with abnormal ECG and
      syncope. Case Report. A 40-year-old man with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome was
      presented to emergency with syncope. A baseline ECG was a complete right branch
      block and posterior left hemiblock. He was admitted to the cardiac care unit for
      pacemaker implantation. The atypical figure of complete right branch block and
      posterior left hemiblock was thought to be a "false positive" of conduction
      abnormality. But the long anterograde refractory period of the both accessory
      pathway and atrioventricular conduction may cause difficulty in diagnosing Wolff
      Parkinson-White syndrome, Conclusion. A Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome may mimic
      a conduction disease. No reliable algorithm exists for making an ECG diagnosis of
      a preexcitation syndrome with conduction disorders. This can lead to diagnostic
      and therapeutic dilemmas in the context of syncope. 

PMID- 25114688
TI  - Clinical presentation and magnetic resonance findings in sellar tuberculomas.
AB  - Background and Importance. Sellar tuberculomas are extremely rare lesions with
      nonspecific clinical manifestations. The tuberculous infection of the pituitary
      gland and sellar region is characterized by the presence of an acute or chronic
      inflammatory reaction and may occur in the absence of systemic tuberculosis. The
      diagnosis is difficult prior to the surgery. An adequate diagnostic and
      antituberculous drugs usually result in a good outcome. Clinical Presentation. We
      report four cases of sellar tuberculoma, 3/1 female/male, age range: 50-57 years.
      All patients had visual disturbances and low levels of cortisol. Conclusion. The
      clinical diagnosis of sellar tuberculoma is a challenge and should be suspected
      when a sellar lesion shows abnormal enhancement pattern and stalk involvement,
      and absence of signal suppression in FLAIR. 

PMID- 25114689
TI  - Comprehensive understanding of atrial septal defects by imaging studies for
      successful transcatheter closure.
AB  - Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects has become a popular procedure.
      The availability of a preprocedural imaging study is crucial for a safe and
      successful closure. Both the anatomy and morphology of the defect should be
      precisely evaluated before the procedure. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography
      and cardiac computed tomography are helpful for understanding the morphology of a
      defect, which is important because different defect morphologies could variously
      impact the results. During the procedure, real-time 3D echocardiography can be
      used to guide an accurate closure. The safety and efficiency of transcatheter
      closures of atrial septal defects could be improved through the use of detailed
      imaging studies. 

PMID- 25114691
TI  - Prader-Willi syndrome: a single center's experience in Korea.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder that results
      from the lack of paternally expressed genes in the chromosome 15q11-q13 region.
      This study was performed to delineate the clinical features of PWS infants and
      toddlers and the effects of two-year growth hormone (GH) treatment according to
      gender and age at the start of treatment. METHODS: The clinical characteristics
      and the results of the GH treatment were reviewed retrospectively for 30 PWS
      patients diagnosed by molecular genetic testing and clinical manifestations.
      RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis with PWS was 13.7 months (2-47 months of age).
      All patients showed the characteristics of facial dysmorphism, including brown
      hair and almond-shaped eyes. Most patients showed developmental delays/mental
      retardation (93.3%), cryptorchidism (75%), feeding problems in infancy (73.3%),
      and neonatal or infantile hypotonia (66.7%). Among 30 patients, 14 PWS infants
      and toddlers had been treated with GH for more than two years. Two years of GH
      treatment resulted in an improvement in head circumference-standard deviation
      score (HC-SDS), body weight-SDS, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) SDS, IGF
      binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) SDS, lean body mass, and bone mineral content,
      especially in IGFBP-3 SDS and motor development in PWS patients younger than two
      years of age. There was significant increase in IGF-1 SDS and IGFBP-3 SDS among
      male PWS patients after GH treatment. CONCLUSION: Our study showed increases in
      IGFBP-3 SDS and an improvement in motor development among individuals under two
      years of age after GH treatment, and significant difference in IGF-1 SDS and
      IGFBP-3 SDS by gender.

PMID- 25114690
TI  - Benign convulsion with mild gastroenteritis.
AB  - Benign convulsion with mild gastroenteritis (CwG) is a type of afebrile seizure
      that occurs in children. CwG is defined as a convulsion in a previously healthy
      child with no known central nervous system infection or encephalopathy,
      accompanying mild diarrhea without fever, electrolyte imbalance, or moderate to
      severe dehydration. Convulsions in CwG are characterized by multiple brief
      episodes of generalized or focal seizures. Although the etiology and
      pathophysiology have yet to be fully explained, many pathogenic mechanisms have
      been proposed including the possibility of direct invasion of the central nervous
      system by a gastrointestinal virus such as rotavirus or the possibility of
      indirect influence by the production and effects of certain mediators. The
      electroencephalogram findings are benign and long-term antiepileptic treatment is
      typically not required. Long-term prognosis has been favorable with normal
      psychomotor development. This review provides a general overview of CwG with the
      goal of allowing physicians practicing in the field of pediatrics to better
      recognize this unique entity and, ultimately, to minimize unnecessary evaluation
      and treatment. 

PMID- 25114692
TI  - Prevalence of restless legs syndrome and sleep problems in Korean children and
      adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a single institution
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder in
      school-aged children. Patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) often present
      with ADHD symptoms and vice versa. This study was the first to attempt to
      identify the prevalence of RLS and sleep problems in children with ADHD in Korea.
      METHODS: Patients diagnosed with ADHD were asked to complete a sleep
      questionnaire. The sleep questionnaire included items to help identify the
      presence of four typical symptoms that are used as diagnostic criteria for RLS.
      RESULTS: A total of 56 patients, including 51 boys and 5 girls (mean age, 10.7
      years old) participated. Of these, 24 complained of pain, discomfort, or an
      unpleasant sensation in the legs. Based on the RLS diagnostic criteria, 2
      patients were diagnosed with definite RLS and 4 with probable RLS. There were no
      significant differences in age, medication dosage, or neuropsychological test
      scores between the patients with and without RLS symptoms. CONCLUSION:
      Approximately 42.9% of patients with ADHD presented with RLS symptoms and 7.1% of
      these were diagnosed with RLS. Patients with ADHD also experienced various other
      sleep disorders. Thus, appropriate assessment and treatment for sleep disorders
      in patients with ADHD is essential.

PMID- 25114693
TI  - Articulation error of children with adenoid hypertrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Adenoid hypertrophy is a physical alteration that may affect speech, and
      a speech disorder can have other negative effects on a child's life. Airway
      obstruction leads to constricted oral breathing and causes postural alterations
      of several oro-facial structures, including the mouth, tongue, and hyoid bone.
      The postural modifications may affect several aspects of speech production.
      METHODS: In this study, we compared articulation errors in 19 children with
      adenoid hypertrophy (subject group) to those of 33 children with functional
      articulation disorders independent of anatomical problems (control group).
      RESULTS: The mean age of the subject group was significantly higher (P=0.016).
      Substitution was more frequent in the subject group (P=0.003; odds ratio [OR],
      1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-2.62), while omission was less frequent
      (P<0.001; OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.27-0.67). Articulation errors were significantly
      less frequent in the palatal affricative in the subject group (P=0.047; OR, 0.25;
      95% CI, 0.07-0.92). The number of articulation errors in other consonants was not
      different between the two groups. Nasalization and aspiration were significantly
      more frequent in the subject group (P=0.007 and 0.014; OR, 14.77 and 0.014; 95%
      CI, [1.62-135.04] and NA, respectively). Otherwise, there were no differences
      between the two groups. CONCLUSION: We identified the characteristics of
      articulation errors in children with adenoid hypertrophy, but our data did not
      show the relationship between adenoid hypertrophy and oral motor function that
      has been observed in previous studies. The association between adenoid
      hypertrophy and oral motor function remains doubtful.

PMID- 25114694
TI  - Asymptomatic maternal 3-methylcrotonylglycinuria detected by her unaffected
      baby's neonatal screening test.
AB  - 3-methylcrotonyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (3MCC) deficiency is an autosomal
      recessive disorder in which leucine catabolism is hampered, leading to increased
      urinary excretion of 3-methylcrotonylglycine. In addition, 3
      hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine levels increase in the blood, and the elevated levels
      form the basis of neonatal screening. 3MCC deficiency symptoms are variable,
      ranging from neonatal onset with severe neurological abnormality to a normal,
      asymptomatic phenotype. Although 3MCC deficiency was previously considered to be
      rare, it has been found to be one of the most common metabolic disorders in
      newborns after the neonatal screening test using tandem mass spectrometry was
      introduced. Additionally, asymptomatic 3MCC deficient mothers have been
      identified due to abnormal results of unaffected baby's neonatal screening test.
      Some of the 3MCC-deficient mothers show symptoms such as fatigue, myopathy, or
      metabolic crisis with febrile illnesses. In the current study, we identified an
      asymptomatic 3MCC deficient mother when she showed abnormal results during a
      neonatal screening test of a healthy infant. 

PMID- 25114695
TI  - Atypical teratoid rhabdoid brain tumor in an infant with ring chromosome 22.
AB  - Reports of constitutional ring chromosome 22, r(22) are rare. Individuals with
      r(22) present similar features as those with the 22q13 deletion syndrome. The
      instability in the ring chromosome contributes to the development of variable
      phenotypes. Central nervous system (CNS) atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors
      (ATRTs) are rare, highly malignant tumors, primarily occurring in young children
      below 3 years of age. The majority of ATRT cases display genetic alterations of
      SMARCB1 (INI1/hSNF5), a tumor suppressor gene located on 22q11.2. The coexistence
      of a CNS ATRT in a child with a r(22) is rare. We present a case of a 4-month-old
      boy with 46,XY,r(22)(p13q13.3), generalized hypotonia and delayed development.
      High-resolution microarray analysis revealed a 3.5-Mb deletion at 22q13.31q13.33.
      At 11 months, the patient had an ATRT (5.6 cm*5.0 cm*7.6 cm) in the cerebellar
      vermis, which was detected in the brain via magnetic resonance imaging. 

PMID- 25114696
TI  - Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease
      in Korea.
AB  - The recovery of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from respiratory specimens and
      the number of patients with NTM lung disease have been rapidly increasing in
      Korea. An early differential diagnosis of NTM lung disease from pulmonary
      tuberculosis (TB) is important, as the therapeutic regimen differs from that of
      pulmonary TB, and it is not necessary to track the contacts of patients with NTM
      lung disease. However, differentiating NTM lung disease from pulmonary TB remains
      difficult, because the clinical presentations of the two diseases are similar and
      a definite diagnosis of NTM lung disease based on sputum culture takes time. This
      review focuses on the changing epidemiology, clinical and radiographic
      manifestation, and laboratory diagnosis of pulmonary TB and NTM lung disease in
      Korea. 

PMID- 25114697
TI  - Clinical year in review 2014: critical care medicine.
AB  - Severe sepsis is the most common cause of death among critically ill patients in
      non-coronary intensive care units. In 2002, the guideline titled "Surviving
      Sepsis Campaign" was published by American and European Critical Care Medicine to
      decrease the mortality of severe sepsis and septic shock patients, which has been
      the basis of the treatment for those patients. After the first revised guidelines
      were published on 2008, the most current version was published in 2013 based on
      the updated literature of until fall 2012. Other important revised guidelines in
      critical care field such as 'Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of
      Pain, Agitation, and Delirium in Adult Patients in the Intensive Care Unit' were
      revised in 2013. This article will review the revised guidelines and several
      additional interesting published papers of until March 2014, including the part
      of ventilator-induced lung injury and the preventive strategies. 

PMID- 25114698
TI  - Outcomes of second-line chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer in
      one institution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the negative prognostic factors in patients who
      received second-line chemotherapy for advanced inoperable non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 137 patients
      with inoperable stage III-IV NSCLC who received second-line chemotherapy. The
      effects of clinical parameters on survival were analyzed and the hazard ratios
      (HR) for mortality were identified by a Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Sex,
      age older than 65 years, smoking history, cell type, T-stage, best response to
      first-line chemotherapy and first-line chemotherapy regimen were significant
      negative predictors in univariate analysis. The multivariate analysis showed that
      patients older than 65 years (HR, 1.530; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.020
      2.297), advanced T stage (T4 vs. T1; HR, 2.273; 95% CI, 1.010-5.114) and non
      responders who showed progression with first-line chemotherapy (HR, 1.530; 95%
      CI, 1.063-2.203) had higher HR for death. CONCLUSION: The age factor, T stage and
      responsiveness to first-line chemotherapy were important factors in predicting
      the outcome of patients with advanced NSCLC who received second-line
      chemotherapy. The results may help to predict outcomes for these patients in the
      future.

PMID- 25114699
TI  - Annual Change in Pulmonary Function and Clinical Characteristics of Combined
      Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Over a 3-Year
      Follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) have different
      pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and outcomes than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
      (IPF). The intention of this study was to identify unknown differences between
      CPFE and IPF by a retrospective comparison of clinical data including baseline
      and annual changes in pulmonary function, comorbidities, laboratory findings,
      clinical characteristics and cause of hospitalization. METHODS: This study
      retrospectively enrolled patients with CPFE and IPF who had undergone PFTs once
      or several times per year during a follow-up period of three years. Baseline
      clinical characteristics and the annual changes in the pulmonary function during
      the follow-up period were compared between 26 with CPFE and 42 patients with IPF.
      RESULTS: The baseline ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced
      vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%) in patients with CPFE was lower than that in patients
      with IPF (78.6+/-1.7 vs. 82.9+/-1.1, p=0.041). The annual decrease in FEV1/FVC in
      the CPFE was significantly higher than in the IPF. The annual decreases in
      diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide and FVC showed no significant differences
      between the two groups. The symptom durations of cough and sputum were in the
      CPFE significantly lower than in the IPF. The serum erythrocyte sedimentation
      rate level at the acute stage was significantly higher than in the IPF. There
      were no significant differences in the hospitalization rate and pneumonia was the
      most common cause of hospitalization in both study groups. CONCLUSION: The annual
      decrease of FEV1/FVC was in patients with CPFE significantly higher than in the
      patients with IPF.

PMID- 25114700
TI  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy caused by pulmonary tuberculosis: a case report.
AB  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is defined as a reversible, acute ventricular
      dysfunction without any evidence of coronary artery obstruction. There have been
      reports of TTC caused by emotional or physical stress, drug use, hormone
      imbalance, or medical conditions such as pulmonary disease, sepsis, and trauma,
      but a relationship between TTC and pulmonary tuberculosis has not previously been
      reported. From our knowledge, this is the first report of TTC caused by pulmonary
      tuberculosis. 

PMID- 25114701
TI  - A case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with direct invasion of the
      mediastinum and the left atrium in an immunocompetent patient.
AB  - We report a case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis invading the mediastinum and
      the left atrium. A 70-year-old woman was hospitalized for dyspnea. She had been
      well controlled for her diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The chest X-ray
      disclosed mediastinal widening, and the computed tomography scan of the chest
      showed that there was a large mediastinal mass and this lesion extended into the
      left atrium and right bronchus. The cardiac echocardiography showed that a huge
      mediastinal cystic mass compressed in the right atrium and a hyperechoic polypoid
      lesion in the left. The pathology from the bronchoscopic biopsy observed abundant
      fungal hyphae which was stained with periodic acid-Schiff and Gomori's
      methenamine silver. Despite the treatment with antifungal agents, she died from
      cardiac tamponade after three months. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, which
      involves the mediastinum and the heart, is very rare in immunocompetent patients.

PMID- 25114702
TI  - Multiple hypercoagulability disorders at presentation of non-small-cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - Hypercoagulability disorders are commonly encountered in clinical situations in
      patients with a variety of cancers. However, several hypercoagulability disorders
      presenting as first symptoms or signs in cancer patients have rarely been
      reported. We herein described a case of a woman with adenocarcinoma of the lung
      presenting with deep vein thrombosis, nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis,
      recurrent cerebral embolic infarction, and heart failure. 

PMID- 25114703
TI  - A case of lung carcinoma with rhabdoid phenotype mimicking an aspergilloma in
      patient with recurrent hemoptysis.
AB  - Malignant rhabdoid tumor was first discovered in the kidney, and rhabdoid tumor
      of the lung was first reported in 1995. These were included as the variants of
      large-cell carcinoma, according to the 1999 World Health Organization
      classification of lung tumors. The rhabdoid tumor of the lung exhibits aggressive
      biological behavior and has a poor prognosis, and only a few reports of this
      tumor exist. We report a case of lung carcinoma with a rhabdoid phenotype,
      initially misdiagnosed as an aspergilloma, in a 48-year-old man who presented
      with recurrent hemoptysis. The chest computed tomography scans showed a huge
      consolidative lesion with an air crescent sign in the left upper lung and no
      contrast-enhancing lesion. An aspergilloma was diagnosed by the radiologist.
      However, after surgical excision and pathological examination, rhabdoid carcinoma
      was diagnosed. A surgical resection helps to make it possible to pathologically
      distinguish a malignancy from an aspergilloma. 

PMID- 25114705
TI  - Analgesia Synergism of Essential Oil from Pericarp of Zanthoxylum schinifolium
      and Verapamil.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate the synergistic analgesic effect of essential oil of
      Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sieb. et Zucc. (EOZ) and verapamil (Ver). Method. The
      qualitative and quantitative composition of EOZ were determined with gas
      chromatography/Mass spectrometer. The interaction between EOZ and Ver in
      antinociceptive activity was evaluated by using acetic acid-induced writhing, hot
      plate, and tail flick tests in mice and in isolated toad sciatic nerve test.
      Results. Linalool, limonene, and sabinene are the major components of EOZ. EOZ
      (middle-dose: 40 mg.kg(-1), high-dose: 80 mg.kg(-1)) and EOZ + Ver (Each dose
      group) have remarkable analgesic effects on pain in mice induced by acetic acid
      induced writhing, hot plate, and tail flick tests. Low-dose EOZ (20 mg.kg(-1))
      had no analgesic action, but when it is combined with Ver it has shown
      significant antinociception. Verapamil has a faint analgesic effect but was not
      able to inhibit action potential transmission in toad sciatic nerve. EOZ (0.2%)
      and EOZ + Ver (0.2% + 0.05%) also inhibited action potential transmission in toad
      sciatic nerve. Combination of EOZ with Ver had a greater analgesic effect and
      inhibition of nerve action potential transmission compared to its components EOZ
      and Ver. Conclusion. The combination of EOZ with Ver produces a synergistic
      analgesic effect. 

PMID- 25114704
TI  - Miniscalpel-Needle versus Steroid Injection for Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized
      Controlled Trial with a 12-Month Follow-Up.
AB  - Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. A novel
      alternative medical instrument, the miniscalpel-needle (MSN), which is based on
      an acupuncture needle, has been recently developed in China. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the MSN release treatment versus
      that of traditional steroid injection for plantar fasciitis. Patients with
      plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to 2 groups and followed up for 12
      months, with 29 receiving MSN treatment and 25 receiving steroid injection
      treatment. The results showed that visual analog scale scores for morning pain,
      active pain, and overall heel pain all were decreased significantly in the MSN
      group from 1 to 12 months after treatment. In contrast, treatment with steroid
      injection showed a significant effect only at the 1-month follow-up but not at 6
      or 12 months after treatment. Moreover, the MSN group achieved more rapid and
      sustained improvements than the steroid group throughout the duration of this
      study. No severe side effects were observed with MSN treatment. Our data suggest
      that the MSN release treatment is safe and has a significant benefit for plantar
      fasciitis compared to steroid injection. 

PMID- 25114706
TI  - The Comparative Study on Expression of SIRT1 Signal Transduction by Xuefuzhuyu
      Capsule.
AB  - The Xuefuzhuyu capsule (XFZY) is widely used for the treatment of ischemic heart
      disease (IHD) in China. We previously demonstrated that XFZY could reduce
      apoptosis in Sprague-Dawley rat cardiomyocytes with the similar effect of
      resveratrol (Res) Hori et al. (2013), although its molecular mechanism underlying
      this protective effect is still unclear. Silent information regulator of
      transcription 1 (SIRT1) had been demonstrated to be responsible for
      cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury via long-term
      transcriptionally regulatory mechanism Braunersreuther and Jaquet (2012).
      Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to test if XFZY might contribute to the
      protection of ischemic myocardial cells induced by ischemia through SIRT1
      mediated signal transduction pathway by using electron micrograph, RT-PCR assay,
      and western-blot test. All the result showed that the target genes of SIRT1
      pathway including P53, NF-kB, FOXO1, FOXO3, and FOXO4 were significantly
      downregulated to SIRT1, suggesting that apoptosis pathway might transcriptionally
      be regulated to SIRT1. In addition, the expression level of SIRT1 was
      significantly increased by XFZ, it might prove that SIRT1 is the target of XFZY
      working on ischemia heart disease. Our findings supported that XFZY might
      function to protect myocardial cells and reduce myocardial injury though SIRT1
      signaling pathway and has the same pharmacological effect with Res. 

PMID- 25114707
TI  - Acupuncture and depth: future direction for acupuncture research.
AB  - The research on acupuncture has increased steadily over the years and regular
      review and revision of the direction of future acupuncture research are
      necessary. This paper aims to review and explore the significance of acupuncture
      depth in modern acupuncture research. Searches conducted in Science Direct and
      China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases reflected a lack of
      focus on depth of acupuncture. We propose that the research trends of acupuncture
      should progress to the depth of insertion. It is suggested that future
      acupuncture research, especially randomized controlled trials (RCTs), should take
      into consideration the depth of insertion. Comparison between databases using
      different language of medium suggests the need for international collaboration of
      researchers from the same field. It is also crucial to inherit and innovate
      traditional medicine (TM) through modern technology. The use of bibliometric
      method is also suitable for development of TM research trends. Acupuncture and
      depth should be considered as one of the future directions of acupuncture
      research. 

PMID- 25114708
TI  - Identification of chinese herbal medicines from zingiberaceae family using
      feature extraction and cascade classifier based on response signals from e-nose.
AB  - Identification of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) by human experience is often
      inaccurate because individual ability and external factors may influence the
      outcome. However, it might be promising to employ an electronic nose (E-nose) to
      identify them. This paper presents a rapid and reliable method for identification
      of ten different species of CHMs from Zingiberaceae family based on their
      response signals from E-nose. Ten Zingiberaceae CHMs were measured and their
      maximum response values were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA).
      Result shows that E Zhu (Curcuma phaeocaulis Val.) and Yi Zhi (Alpinia oxyphylla
      Miq.) could not be distinguished completely by PCA. Two solutions were proposed:
      (i) using BestFirst+CfsSubsetEval (BC) method to extract more discriminative
      features to select sensors with higher contribution rate and remove the redundant
      signals; (ii) employing a novel cascade classifier with two stages to enhance the
      distinguishing-positive rate (DPR). Based on these strategies, six features were
      extracted and used in different stages of the cascade classifier with higher
      DPRs. 

PMID- 25114709
TI  - Effects of young barley leaf powder on gastrointestinal functions in rats and its
      efficacy-related physicochemical properties.
AB  - Young barley leaf is consumed as a popular green-colored drink, which is named
      "Aojiru" in Japan. In the present study, we examined effects of young barley leaf
      powder (BL) on gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) and fecal moisture and weight
      in comparison with wheat bran (WB) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, an
      attempt was made to identify BL components responsible for these effects by using
      various fractions of BL. Additionally, we examined the water-holding capacity and
      setting volume of BL in vitro. We also examined the granular structures of BL
      with a scanning electron microscope. As a result, BL supplementation in the diet
      increased the fecal weight and shortened GTT. Our results demonstrate that the
      active component responsible for the effect on increasing the fecal volume in BL
      is the water-insoluble dietary fiber fraction and that this effect is thought to
      be caused by stimulation of the gut tract by the pH lowering. Furthermore, the
      high laxative action of BL was thought to be ascribable to the high water-holding
      capacity due to the complicated structures of BL. 

PMID- 25114710
TI  - Sudachitin, a polymethoxylated flavone, improves glucose and lipid metabolism by
      increasing mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major risk factor for insulin resistance, type 2
      diabetes, and stroke. Flavonoids are effective antioxidants that protect against
      these chronic diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of sudachitin, a
      polymethoxylated flavonoid found in the skin of the Citrus sudachi fruit, on
      glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity
      and db/db diabetic mice. In our current study, we show that sudachitin improves
      metabolism and stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby increasing energy
      expenditure and reducing weight gain. METHODS: C57BL/6 J mice fed a high-fat diet
      (40% fat) and db/db mice fed a normal diet were treated orally with 5 mg/kg
      sudachitin or vehicle for 12 weeks. Following treatment, oxygen expenditure was
      assessed using indirect calorimetry, while glucose tolerance, insulin
      sensitivity, and indices of dyslipidemia were assessed by serum biochemistry.
      Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the effect of
      sudachitin on the transcription of key metabolism-regulating genes in the
      skeletal muscle, liver, and white and brown adipose tissues. Primary myocytes
      were also prepared to examine the signaling mechanisms targeted by sudachitin in
      vitro. RESULTS: Sudachitin improved dyslipidemia, as evidenced by reduction in
      triglyceride and free fatty acid levels, and improved glucose tolerance and
      insulin resistance. It also enhanced energy expenditure and fatty acid beta
      oxidation by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and function. The in vitro assay
      results suggest that sudachitin increased Sirt1 and PGC-1alpha expression in the
      skeletal muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Sudachitin may improve dyslipidemia and metabolic
      syndrome by improving energy metabolism. Furthermore, it also induces
      mitochondrial biogenesis to protect against metabolic disorders.

PMID- 25114711
TI  - Three-graded stratification of carbohydrate restriction by level of baseline
      hemoglobin A1c for type 2 diabetes patients with a moderate low-carbohydrate
      diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A moderate low-carbohydrate diet has been receiving attention in the
      dietary management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). A fundamental issue has still to be
      addressed; how much carbohydrate delta-reduction (Deltacarbohydrate) from
      baseline would be necessary to achieve a certain decrease in hemoglobin A1c
      (HbA1c) levels. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of three-graded
      stratification of carbohydrate restriction by patient baseline HbA1c levels on
      glycemic control and effects of Deltacarbohydrate on decreases in HbA1c levels
      (DeltaHbA1c) in each group. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We treated 122
      outpatients with T2DM by three-graded carbohydrate restriction according to
      baseline HbA1c levels (<= 7.4% for Group 1, 7.5%-8.9% for Group 2 and >= 9.0% for
      Group 3) and assessed their HbA1c levels, doses of anti-diabetic drugs and
      macronutrient intakes over 6 months. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean HbA1c level
      and carbohydrate intake were 6.9 +/- 0.4% and 252 +/- 59 g/day for Group 1 (n =
      55), 8.1 +/- 0.4% and 282 +/- 85 g/day for Group 2 (n = 41) and 10.6 +/- 1.4% and
      309 +/- 88 g/day for Group 3 (n = 26). Following three-graded carbohydrate
      restriction for 6 months significantly decreased mean carbohydrate intake (g/day)
      and HbA1c levels for all patients, from 274 +/- 78 to 168 +/- 52 g and from 8.1
      +/- 1.6 to 7.1 +/- 0.9% (n = 122, P < 0.001 for both) and anti-diabetic drugs
      could be tapered. DeltaHbA1c and Deltacarbohydrate were -0.4 +/- 0.4% and -74 +/-
      69 g/day for Group 1, -0.6 +/- 0.9% and -117 +/- 78 g/day for Group 2 and -3.1 +/
      1.4% and -156 +/- 74 g/day for Group 3. Linear regression analysis showed that
      the greater the carbohydrate intake, the greater the HbA1c levels at baseline (P
      = 0.001). Also, the greater the reduction in carbohydrate intake (g/day), the
      greater the decrease in HbA1c levels (P < 0.001), but DeltaHbA1c was not
      significantly influenced by changes in other macronutrient intakes (g/day).
      CONCLUSIONS: Three-graded stratification of carbohydrate restriction according to
      baseline HbA1c levels may provide T2DM patients with optimal objectives for
      carbohydrate restriction and prevent restriction from being unnecessarily strict.

PMID- 25114712
TI  - A novel cost effective and high-throughput isolation and identification method
      for marine microalgae.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Marine microalgae are of major ecologic and emerging economic
      importance. Biotechnological screening schemes of microalgae for specific traits
      and laboratory experiments to advance our knowledge on algal biology and
      evolution strongly benefit from culture collections reflecting a maximum of the
      natural inter- and intraspecific diversity. However, standard procedures for
      strain isolation and identification, namely DNA extraction, purification,
      amplification, sequencing and taxonomic identification still include considerable
      constraints increasing the time required to establish new cultures. RESULTS: In
      this study, we report a cost effective and high-throughput isolation and
      identification method for marine microalgae. The throughput was increased by
      applying strain isolation on plates and taxonomic identification by direct PCR
      (dPCR) of phylogenetic marker genes in combination with a novel sequencing
      electropherogram based screening method to assess the taxonomic diversity and
      identity of the isolated cultures. For validation of the effectiveness of this
      approach, we isolated and identified a range of unialgal cultures from natural
      phytoplankton communities sampled in the Arctic Ocean. These cultures include the
      isolate of a novel marine Chlorophyceae strain among several different diatoms.
      CONCLUSIONS: We provide an efficient and effective approach leading from natural
      phytoplankton communities to isolated and taxonomically identified algal strains
      in only a few weeks. Validated with sensitive Arctic phytoplankton, this approach
      overcomes the constraints of standard molecular characterisation and
      establishment of unialgal cultures.

PMID- 25114713
TI  - Predicting tooth surface loss using genetic algorithms-optimized artificial
      neural networks.
AB  - Our aim was to predict tooth surface loss in individuals without the need to
      conduct clinical examinations. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used to
      construct a mathematical model. Input data consisted of age, smoker status, type
      of tooth brush, brushing, and consumption of pickled food, fizzy drinks, orange,
      apple, lemon, and dried seeds. Output data were the sum of tooth surface loss
      scores for selected teeth. The optimized constructed ANN consisted of 2-layer
      network with 15 neurons in the first layer and one neuron in the second layer.
      The data of 46 subjects were used to build the model, while the data of 15
      subjects were used to test the model. Accepting an error of +/-5 scores for all
      chosen teeth, the accuracy of the network becomes more than 80%. In conclusion,
      this study shows that modeling tooth surface loss using ANNs is possible and can
      be achieved with a high degree of accuracy. 

PMID- 25114714
TI  - RNA-RNA interaction prediction using genetic algorithm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: RNA-RNA interaction plays an important role in the regulation of gene
      expression and cell development. In this process, an RNA molecule prohibits the
      translation of another RNA molecule by establishing stable interactions with it.
      In the RNA-RNA interaction prediction problem, two RNA sequences are given as
      inputs and the goal is to find the optimal secondary structure of two RNAs and
      between them. Some different algorithms have been proposed to predict RNA-RNA
      interaction structure. However, most of them suffer from high computational time.
      RESULTS: In this paper, we introduce a novel genetic algorithm called GRNAs to
      predict the RNA-RNA interaction. The proposed algorithm is performed on some
      standard datasets with appropriate accuracy and lower time complexity in
      comparison to the other state-of-the-art algorithms. In the proposed algorithm,
      each individual is a secondary structure of two interacting RNAs. The minimum
      free energy is considered as a fitness function for each individual. In each
      generation, the algorithm is converged to find the optimal secondary structure
      (minimum free energy structure) of two interacting RNAs by using crossover and
      mutation operations. CONCLUSIONS: This algorithm is properly employed for joint
      secondary structure prediction. The results achieved on a set of known
      interacting RNA pairs are compared with the other related algorithms and the
      effectiveness and validity of the proposed algorithm have been demonstrated. It
      has been shown that time complexity of the algorithm in each iteration is as
      efficient as the other approaches.

PMID- 25114716
TI  - How can a change in the operating system of the mental health review board
      promote the discharge of long-term hospitalized psychiatric patients? A case
      study of Seoul city.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the most typical and chronic problem in Korean mental health
      system is the prolonged length of hospital stay. In contrast to there are many
      components which leads to long length of stay of psychiatric patients in Korean
      situation such as low and fixed medical fee for psychiatric inpatient treatment,
      shortage of community resources, lack of care-givers' awareness and so on, there
      are just few mechanisms to handle this issue such as Mental Health Review Board
      (MHRB) which is based on Mental Health Act since 1995. However, the discharge
      order rate was very low and there community care system after discharge order is
      still very weak. CASE DESCRIPTION: The Korean government has revised the Mental
      Health Act in 2008 and changed the operating principals of the MHRB from a
      regional level to a local level to strengthen the function of MHRB. However, the
      discharge order rate versus the whole evaluation requests still remains at a very
      low level or less than 5%. And it is still very difficult to execute a discharge
      order against a patient whose symptoms and conditions become psychiatrically
      stabilized enough for discharge, due to a shortage of community care facilities
      and a lack of social support system. These results are exactly same with former
      studies. DISCUSSION: Any policies to promote psychiatric discharge including MHRB
      are needed to take the comprehensive factors into consideration, such as payment
      program, community infrastructure, increasing care-givers' acceptance and so on.
      CONCLUSION: Despite of the political trial of Korean government to reduce length
      of stay of chronic psychiatric patients, it was not successful. Still it had
      failed to propose a detailed policy measure in terms of the above-mentioned
      prerequisites. Therefore, new system and program developments including reform of
      payment system which reflect prior studies' recommendations are essential.

PMID- 25114717
TI  - Clinical and epidemiological profile of cases of deaths from stomach cancer in
      the National Cancer Institute, Brazil.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stomach cancer is the third most common cause of death worldwide,
      mainly affecting people with low socioeconomic status. In Brazil, we expect
      20,390 new cases of stomach cancer in 2014, in both sexes, and according to the
      proportional distribution of the ten most prevalent types of cancer (except non
      melanoma skin cancer) expected for 2014, this type of cancer was estimated to be
      the fourth most common in men and sixth in women. AIM: To investigate and analyse
      the clinical and epidemiological profile of deaths caused by stomach
      adenocarcinoma in patients enrolled in the National Cancer Institute, Brazil.
      METHODS: Cross-sectional study, with samples which consisted of data from the
      medical records of deaths from stomach cancer, enrolled in the period from 1
      February 2009 to 31 March 2012 and who had died as of 30 April 2012. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS USED: The Epi Info (r), version 7. RESULTS: We included 264 cases,
      mostly male. The mean age was 61.7 years. They were smokers, drinkers, white, and
      married, with elementary education and an income of one minimum salary. They had
      advanced stage disease (E IV), with symptoms characteristic of this phase, and
      the majority died within six months. CONCLUSION: The findings are similar to
      other studies. The advanced stage of the disease at the time of admission of the
      patients reflects the difficulty for users of the Unified Health System to access
      early diagnosis, demonstrating the need for efforts to identify groups and risk
      factors for the development of gastric cancer. Training of health professionals
      will facilitate planning and implementation of programmes for the prevention and
      control of disease, considering socioeconomic conditions, as seen in the sample,
      which is common among most users.

PMID- 25114718
TI  - Sympathetic nervous system alterations with HER2+ antagonism: an early marker of
      cardiac dysfunction with breast cancer treatment?
AB  - BACKGROUND: HER2 antagonists (anti-HER2; e.g., trastuzumab and lapatinib) are
      effective in treating an aggressive form of breast cancer (BC), but can cause
      cardiotoxicity due to the disruption in neuregulin (NRG)/HER2+ ligand receptor
      signalling. The recent data show that NRG-HER2 receptors located in the medulla
      oblongata are important regulators of vasomotor tone. Disrupting the NRG-HER2
      signalling in mouse medulla results in increased sympathetic nerve output and
      blood pressure. We hypothesized that anti-HER2 agents would cause increased
      sympathetic tone with changes in plasma catecholamines and NRG. METHODS: In 15
      newly diagnosed HER2+ BC patients receiving anti-HER2 agents, vital signs were
      measured along with supine plasma epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), and NRG
      at baseline and three months. Serial echocardiography was performed. RESULTS:
      With three months of anti-HER2 treatment, NE increased (2.334 +/- 1.294 nmol/L
      vs. 3.262 +/- 2.103 nmol/L; p = 0.004) and NRG decreased (12.7+/-15.7 ng/ml vs.
      10.9 +/- 13.3 ng/ml; p = 0.036) with a corresponding increase in systolic blood
      pressure (110 +/- 10 mmHg vs. 120 +/- 16 mmHg, p = 0.049) and diastolic blood
      pressure (67 +/- 14 vs. 77 +/- 10, p = 0.009). There was no change, however, in
      EPI (0.183 +/- 0.151 nmol/L vs. 0.159 +/- 0.174 nmol/L; p = 0.519) or heart rate
      (73 +/- 12 bpm vs. 77 +/- 10 bpm, p = 0.146). Left ventricular ejection function
      declined over the follow-up period (baseline 63 +/- 6% vs. follow-up 56 +/- 5%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Anti-HER2 treatment results in increased NE, blood pressure, and
      decreased NRG; this suggests that the inhibition of NRGHER2 signalling leads to
      increased sympathoneural tone. Larger studies are needed to determine if these
      observations have prognostic value and may be offset with medical interventions,
      such as beta-blockers. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered with
      www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00875238).

PMID- 25114715
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of perforated or bleeding peptic ulcers: 2013 WSES
      position paper.

PMID- 25114719
TI  - Spindle cell carcinoma of the tongue: a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC), a rare, aggressive variant of squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC), is characterised by proliferation of epithelial and mesenchymal
      components. It is important to diagnose this variant of SCC, because of its
      tendency to recur and early metastasis. It accounts for 1% of all tumours in the
      oral cavity. In this paper, we have reported a case of SpCC of the tongue in a 65
      year-old male who presented with a polypoidal growth over the lateral border of
      his tongue with a short history of one month. Immunohistochemical expression of
      cytokeratin was strongly positive in the epithelial component and focally in the
      spindle cell component. The spindle cell component showed a strong positivity for
      vimentin. 

PMID- 25114720
TI  - Clinicopathologic subtypes and compromise of lymph nodes in patients with breast
      cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer (BC) is currently a heterogeneous disease with variations in
      clinical behaviour. Classification according to subtypes has allowed progress in
      the individualisation of treatment. The objective of this study is to evaluate
      the risk of axillary node compromise in patients with BC, according to
      clinicopathologic subtypes. Materials and methods are a retrospective,
      descriptive-analytical study. All patients that had undergone surgery for
      invasive BC were included, with the study of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) at
      Hospital Clinico de la Pontificia Universidad Catolica, between May 1999 and
      December 2012. The results showed 632 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria,
      with the median age being 55 years (range: 28-95), and 559 (88.4%) patients
      presented with estrogen receptor and/or progesterone receptor positive tumours.
      Luminal A: 246 patients (38.9%), luminal B: 243 (38.4%), luminal not otherwise
      specified: 70 (11.1%) triple negative (TN): 60 (9.5%) and over expression of
      epidermal growth factor type 2 receptor (HER2 positive): 13 (2.1%). Luminal
      tumours displayed a greater risk of metastasis in the SLNs, but this difference
      was not statistically significant (p = 0.67). TN and HER2 positive tumours
      presented the greatest proportion of metastatic compromise in non-sentinel lymph
      nodes (non-SLNs) (57.1% and 50%, respectively). The presence of macrometastasis
      (MAM) in the SLN was associated with a greater risk of compromise of the non-SLN.
      CONCLUSIONS: Luminal tumours are the most frequent and present a greater
      proportion of axillary lymph node compromise, without being statistically
      significant. TN and HER2 positive tumours tend to have a higher axillary
      compromise; however, this was not statistically significant in either. Only the
      presence of MAM in SLNs displayed a statistically significantly association in
      the compromise of non-SLNs.

PMID- 25114721
TI  - Anaplastic thyroid cancer: multimodal treatment results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare and lethal disease. It accounts
      for 1-2% of thyroid malignancies, but specific mortality is higher than 90%. It
      is an aggressive locoregional disease with a high metastatic capacity. There is
      no agreement with regards to the best treatment. We analysed the results of
      treatment in a mestizo population treated in the National Cancer Institute
      (Mexico). METHODS: We reviewed 1,581 files of thyroid carcinomas; of these, 29
      (1.83%) had anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Demographic variables, clinical
      manifestations, tumour characteristics, and treatments were analysed. RESULTS:
      The median age was 64.5 +/- 13.2 years. Females were more affected (female/male
      ratio: 2.6:1); 21 cases occurred in women (72.4%), and eight in males (27.6%).
      The most common manifestations were neck enlargement (93.10%) and hoarseness
      (71.31%). The median tumour size was 8 cm (range: 4-20 cm). The percentage of
      cases which presented in clinical stage IVA was 10.3%, with 62.1% presenting in
      clinical stage IVb and 27.6% presenting in clinical stage VIc. Complete resection
      (R0) (p = 0.05), radiation doses of higher than 33.1 Gy (p = 0.04), and
      multimodal therapy were associated with better survival. Surgery plus
      radiotherapy with or without systemic treatment (p = 0.006). The median overall
      survival was 119 days (IC 95%, 36.3-201.6). Six-month, one-year and two-year
      survival was 37.9%, 21% and 13%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Complete surgical
      resection is associated with better survival but is very difficult to achieve due
      to aggressive biological behaviour. Multimodal therapy is associated with better
      survival and a better quality of life. There is a need for more effective
      systemic treatments as extensive surgical resections have little overall benefit
      in highly invasive and metastatic disease.

PMID- 25114723
TI  - NHS reforms in England: the implications for chemotherapy commissioning.
AB  - For oncology, one of the biggest effects of the reforms to the National Health
      Service (NHS) in England has been the designation of systemic anticancer
      treatments (other than hormonal agents) as a specialised service. This means that
      all decisions regarding the commissioning of chemotherapy are made at the
      national level via NHS England (NHSE), under expert guidance from the
      Chemotherapy Clinical Reference Group (CRG). Commissioning decisions will be
      based on several factors, not only clinical efficacy and cost/affordability, but
      also the 'added value' that a new treatment may offer in terms of patient
      outcomes, resource utilisation, and/or wider benefits to society. Oncology health
      care professionals (HCPs) are in a position to affect cancer commissioning
      decisions in the reformed NHS, not only the small number who are members of the
      Chemotherapy CRG, but also as advisors to the Chemotherapy CRG via disease
      specific consensus work, and through participation in the collection and
      reporting of real-life data on patient outcomes. With the emerging emphasis on
      both consensus work and outcomes data, a step change can also be expected in the
      relationship between HCPs and the pharmaceutical industry, including a
      strengthened role for non-promotional education, support for forums and consensus
      groups, and facilitation of the development, collection, and dissemination of
      findings from real-life practice. In addition, there will be an onus on the
      pharmaceutical industry to provide information on the implications that new
      products may have for service delivery and capacity and for meeting patients' and
      society's expectations. This information will need to be developed and delivered
      in a timely way, well in advance of the launch of a new product. 

PMID- 25114724
TI  - Watching as an ordinary affect: Care and mothers' preemption of injury in child
      supervision.
AB  - As unintentional injuries continue to be the leading cause of hospitalization and
      death for toddlers between the ages of 1 and 4, the Centers for Disease Control
      has argued that child supervision is a key factor in reducing these injuries and
      fatalities. This article focuses on the affective relationships in the concept of
      supervision and practice of watching as an injury prevention method. Three parts
      frame our argument. First, we describe how watching is an ordinary affect.
      Second, as part of the ethos of caring, watching is embedded in a temporal frame
      of anticipation and gives rise to an affectsphere of watching and to a parents'
      subjectivity as 'good' or 'bad' supervisors. Third, these affective relationships
      generate seemingly contradictory outcomes wherein children are expected to gain
      independence and experience injury. The affective qualities of watching provide a
      critique of the individualizing forces of supervision and an analysis of
      subjectivities generated by gender and class.

PMID- 25114722
TI  - Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix presenting as intractable hyponatremic
      seizures due to paraneoplastic SIADH-a rare case report and brief review of the
      literature.
AB  - Herein is presented an interesting case of small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of
      the cervix which initially manifests as seizures due to hyponatremia caused by
      paraneoplastic syndrome of inappropriate anti diuretic hormone (SIADH). Awareness
      of a paraneoplastic syndrome at presentation can lead to early diagnosis and
      early initiation of treatment. The management is also unique in that it combines
      treating the paraneoplastic aspects as well as targeting the tumour itself.
      Multimodality treatment gives the best outcome in this aggressive tumour. 

PMID- 25114725
TI  - Use of diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of gastrointestinal tract
      duplications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal tract duplication is a rare malformation associated
      with the presence of additional segment of the fetal gut. The aim of this study
      was to retrospectively review clinical features and imaging findings in
      intraoperatively confirmed cases of gastrointestinal tract duplication in
      children. MATERIAL/METHODS: The analysis included own material from the years
      2002-2012. The analyzed group included 14 children, among them 8 boys and 6
      girls. The youngest patient was diagnosed at the age of three weeks, and the
      oldest at 12 years of age. RESULTS: The duplication cysts were identified in the
      esophagus (n=2), stomach (n=5), duodenum (n=1), terminal ileum (n=5), and rectum
      (n=1). In four cases, the duplication coexisted with other anomalies, such as
      patent urachus, Meckel's diverticulum, mesenteric cyst, and accessory pancreas.
      Clinical manifestation of gastrointestinal duplication cysts was variable, and
      some of them were detected accidently. Thin- or thick-walled cystic structures
      adjacent to the wall of neighboring gastrointestinal segment were documented on
      diagnostic imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound and computed tomography are the
      methods of choice in the evaluation of gastrointestinal duplication cysts. Apart
      from the diagnosis of the duplication cyst, an important issue is the detection
      of concomitant developmental pathologies, including pancreatic heterotopy.

PMID- 25114726
TI  - Effect of a short time concentric versus eccentric training program on
      electromyography activity and peak torque of quadriceps.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an 8-week concentric (CON)
      versus eccentric (ECC) isokinetic training program on the electromyography (EMG)
      signal amplitude of vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus
      femoris (RF). Also, the isometric (ISO) and dynamic maximum strength of the knee
      extensors were assessed. Eighteen physically healthy male subjects (age 22 +/- 1
      years, body height 177 +/- 4 cm, body mass 73 +/- 7 kg) performed four weeks of
      unilateral CON isokinetic training for the quadriceps of the dominant leg on a
      REV9000 dynamometer. At the end of the fourth week, the sample was divided into
      two groups, with one group performing additional four weeks of unilateral ECC
      training and the other continuing with CON training. The training sessions
      consisted of three sets of ten maximal repetitions at a velocity of 60os-1, three
      days per week for eight weeks. The results showed that CON and ECC groups
      improved the peak torque in all types of contractions. Also, both groups
      presented increases in the avgEMG for VL, VM and RF. The present investigation
      showed that CON training elicited increases of the ISO peak torque and VM avgEMG
      in the CON contraction. Additionally, significant gains were reported after the
      ECC training on the VM avgEMG in all contractions and RM avgEMG in CON
      contraction. 

PMID- 25114727
TI  - Lower Extremity Muscle Activity During a Women's Overhand Lacrosse Shot.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to describe lower extremity muscle activity during
      the lacrosse shot. Participants (n=5 females, age 22+/-2 years, body height
      162.6+/-15.2 cm, body mass 63.7+/-23.6 kg) were free from injury and had at least
      one year of lacrosse experience. The lead leg was instrumented with
      electromyography (EMG) leads to measure muscle activity of the rectus femoris
      (RF), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), and medial gastrocnemius (GA).
      Participants completed five trials of a warm-up speed shot (Slow) and a game
      speed shot (Fast). Video analysis was used to identify the discrete events
      defining specific movement phases. Full-wave rectified data were averaged per
      muscle per phase (Crank Back Minor, Crank Back Major, Stick Acceleration, Stick
      Deceleration). Average EMG per muscle was analyzed using a 4 (Phase) * 2 (Speed)
      ANOVA. BF was greater during Fast vs. Slow for all phases (p<0.05), while TA was
      not influenced by either Phase or Speed (p>0.05). RF and GA were each influenced
      by the interaction of Phase and Speed (p<0.05) with GA being greater during Fast
      vs. Slow shots during all phases and RF greater during Crank Back Minor and Major
      as well as Stick Deceleration (p<0.05) but only tended to be greater during Stick
      Acceleration (p=0.076) for Fast vs. Slow. The greater muscle activity (BF, RF,
      GA) during Fast vs. Slow shots may have been related to a faster approach speed
      and/or need to create a stiff lower extremity to allow for faster upper extremity
      movements. 

PMID- 25114728
TI  - Neuromuscular responses of elite skaters during different roller figure skating
      jumps.
AB  - This study aimed to describe the neuromuscular activity of elite athletes who
      performed various roller figure skating jumps, to determine whether the muscle
      activation is greater during jumps with more rotations and in which phase the
      muscles are more active. This study also aimed to analyze if there is any
      difference in the muscle activity pattern between female and male skaters. Four
      elite skaters were evaluated, and each participated in two experimental sessions.
      During the first session, anthropometric data were collected, and the consent
      forms were signed. For the second session, neuromuscular data were collected
      during jumps, which were performed with skates at a rink. The following four
      roller figure skating jumps were evaluated: single Axel, double Axel, double
      Mapes and triple Mapes. The neuromuscular activity of the following seven muscles
      was obtained with an electromyograph which was fixed to the waist of each skater
      with a strap: biceps femoris, lateral gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, rectus
      femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and gluteus maximus. The signal was
      transmitted wirelessly to a laptop. During the roller figure skating jumps, the
      lateral gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris and
      gluteus maximus, showed more activation during the jumps with more rotations, and
      the activation mainly occurred during the propulsion and flight phases. Female
      skaters demonstrated higher muscle activities in tibialis anterior, vastus
      lateralis, vastus medialis and gluteus maximus during the landing phase of the
      triple Mapes, when compared to their male counterparts. The results obtained in
      this study should be considered when planning training programs with specific
      exercises that closely resemble the roller figure skating jumps. This may be
      important for the success of elite skaters in competitions. 

PMID- 25114729
TI  - Comparison of static balance and the role of vision in elite athletes.
AB  - When prescribing balance exercises to athletes in different sports, it may be
      important to recognize performance variations. Indeed, how athletes from
      different sports perform on balance tests is not well understood. The goal of the
      present study was to compare static balance and the role of vision among elite
      sprinters, jumpers and rugby players. The modified clinical test of sensory
      interaction on balance (mCTSIB) was used to assess the velocity of the center-of
      pressure (CoP) on a force platform during a 30 s bipedal quiet standing posture
      in 4 conditions: firm surface with opened and closed eyes, foam surface with
      opened and closed eyes. Three-factor ANOVA indicated a significant main effect
      for groups (F=21.69, df=2, p<0.001, eta(2) = 0.34). Significant main effect of
      vision (F=43.20, df=1, p<0.001, eta(2) = 0.34) and surface (F=193.41, df=1,
      p<0.001, eta(2) = 0.70) as well as an interaction between vision (eyes open, eyes
      closed) and surface (firm and foam) (F=21.79, df=1, p=0.001) were reported in all
      groups. The subsequent Bonferroni-Dunn post hoc test indicated that rugby players
      displayed better static balance than sprinters and jumpers (p=0.001). The
      comparison of sprinters and jumpers did not reveal significant differences
      (p>0.05). The nature of the sport practiced and the absence of visual control are
      linked to modify static balance in elite athletes. Coaches and strength and
      conditioning professionals are recommended to use a variety of exercises to
      improve balance, including both exercises with opened and closed eyes on
      progressively challenging surfaces in order to make decisions about tasks and
      sensory availability during assessment and training. 

PMID- 25114730
TI  - Effect of training mode on post-exercise heart rate recovery of trained cyclists.
AB  - The sympathetic nervous system dominates the regulation of body functions during
      exercise. Therefore after exercise, the sympathetic nervous system withdraws and
      the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body return to a resting state. In
      the examination of this relationship, the purpose of this study was to compare
      recovery heart rates (HR) of anaerobically versus aerobically trained cyclists.
      With all values given as means +/- SD, anaerobically trained track cyclists
      (n=10, age=25.9 +/- 6.0 yrs, body mass=82.7 +/- 7.1 kg, body fat=10.0 +/- 6.3%)
      and aerobically trained road cyclists (n=15, age=39.9 +/- 8.5 yrs, body mass=75.3
      +/- 9.9 kg, body fat=13.1 +/- 4.5%) underwent a maximal oxygen uptake test. Heart
      rate recovery was examined on a relative basis using heart rate reserve as well
      as the absolute difference between maximum HR and each of two recovery HRs. The
      post-exercise change in HR at minute one for the track cyclists and road cyclists
      respectively were 22 +/- 8 bpm and 25 +/- 12 bpm. At minute two, the mean drop
      for track cyclists was significantly (p<0.05) greater than the road cyclists (52
      +/- 15 bpm and 64 +/- 11 bpm). Training mode showed statistically significant
      effects on the speed of heart rate recovery in trained cyclists. Greater
      variability in recovery heart rate at minute two versus minute one suggests that
      the heart rate should be monitored longer than one minute of recovery for a
      better analysis of post-exercise autonomic shift. 

PMID- 25114731
TI  - The kinematic control during the backward gait and knee proprioception: insights
      from lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament.
AB  - An already existing large volume of work on kinematics documents a reduction of
      step length during unusual gaits, such as backward walking. This is mainly
      explained in terms of modifications of some biomechanical properties. In the
      present study, we propose that the proprioceptive information from the knee may
      be involved in this change of motor strategy. Specifically, we show that a non
      automated condition such as backward walking can elicit different motor
      strategies in subjects with reduced proprioceptive feedback after anterior
      cruciate ligament lesion (ACL). For this purpose, the kinematic parameters during
      forward and backward walking in subjects with ACL deficit were compared to two
      control groups: a group with intact ACL and a group with surgically reconstructed
      ACL. The knee proprioception was tested measuring the threshold for detection of
      passive knee motion. Subjects were asked to walk on a level treadmill at five
      different velocities (1-5km/h) in forward and backward direction, thereby
      calculating the cadence and step length. Results showed that forward walking
      parameters were largely unaffected in subjects with ACL damage. However, they
      failed to reduce step length during backward walking, a correction that was
      normally observed in all control subjects and in subjects with normal
      proprioceptive feedback after ACL reconstruction. The main result of the present
      study is that knee proprioception is an important signal used by the brain to
      reduce step length during the backward gait. This can have a significant impact
      on clinical evaluation and rehabilitation. 

PMID- 25114732
TI  - Effectiveness of Selected Fitness Exercises on Stress of Femoral Neck using
      Musculoskeletal Dynamics Simulations and Finite Element Model.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to establish a dynamics model and a three
      dimensional (3D) finite element model to analyze loading characteristics of
      femoral neck during walking, squat, single-leg standing, and forward and lateral
      lunges. One male volunteer performed three trials of the five movements. The 3D
      kinematic data were captured and imported into the LifeMOD to establish a
      musculoskeletal dynamics model to obtain joint reaction and muscle forces of
      iliacus, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, psoas major and adductor magnus. The
      loading data LfeMOD were imported and transformed into a hip finite-element
      model. The results of the finite element femur model showed that stress was
      localized along the compression arc and the tension arc. In addition, the
      trabecular bone and tension lines of the Ward's triangle also demonstrated high
      stress. The compact bone received the greatest peak stress in the forward lunge
      and the least stress in the squat. However, the spongy bone in the femoral neck
      region had the greatest stress during the walk and the least stress in the squat.
      The results from this study indicate that the forward lunge may be an effective
      method to prevent femoral neck fractures. Walking is another effective and simple
      method that may improve bone mass of the Ward's triangle and prevent osteoporosis
      and femoral neck fracture. 

PMID- 25114733
TI  - Effects of regular physical exercises in the water on the metabolic profile of
      women with abdominal obesity.
AB  - Recreational physical exercise in the water is predominantly based on aerobic
      metabolism. Since it involves both carbohydrate and lipid sources of energy, aqua
      aerobics has a beneficial effect on metabolism of these substrates. The aim of
      the study was to assess the impact of a 3 month aqua aerobics training program on
      the metabolic profile of women with abdominal obesity. The study sample comprised
      32 women aged 41-72 years. Somatic characteristics and variables characterizing
      carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were measured before the commencement and after
      the completion of the training program. During the 2nd measurement all mean
      anthropometric variables were found to be significantly lower (p<=0.01). In the
      blood lipid profile, the concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and
      HOMAIR were significantly lower (p<0.01). Furthermore, the levels of fasting
      triglycerides, glucose and insulin were reduced significantly (p<=0.05) after the
      training program. The aqua aerobics program contributed to positive changes in
      lipid metabolism, anthropometric variables, as well as the fasting insulin,
      glucose levels and insulin resistance index in women with abdominal obesity. 

PMID- 25114734
TI  - Multi-Stage 20-m Shuttle Run Fitness Test, Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Velocity at
      Maximal Oxygen Uptake.
AB  - The multi-stage 20-m shuttle run fitness test (20mMSFT) is a popular field test
      which is widely used to measure aerobic fitness by predicting maximum oxygen
      uptake (VO2max) and performance. However, the velocity at which VO2max occurs
      (vVO2max) is a better indicator of performance than VO2max, and can be used to
      explain inter-individual differences in performance that VO2max cannot. It has
      been reported as a better predictor for running performance and it can be used to
      monitor athletes' training for predicting optimal training intensity. This study
      investigated the validity and suitability of predicting VO2max and vVO2max of
      adult subjects on the basis of the performance of the 20mMST. Forty eight (25
      male and 23 female) physical education students performed, in random order, a
      laboratory based continuous horizontal treadmill test to determine VO2max,
      vVO2max and a 20mMST, with an interval of 3 days between each test. The results
      revealed significant correlations between the number of shuttles in the 20mMSFT
      and directly determined VO2max (r = 0.87, p<0.05) and vVO2max (r = 0.93, p<0.05).
      The equation for prediction of VO2max was y = 0.0276x + 27.504, whereas for
      vVO2max it was y = 0.0937x + 6.890. It can be concluded that the 20mMSFT can
      accurately predict VO2max and vVO2max and this field test can provide useful
      information regarding aerobic fitness of adults. The predicted vVO2max can be
      used in monitoring athletes, especially in determining optimal training
      intensity. 

PMID- 25114735
TI  - The effect of a single session of whole-body vibration training in recreationally
      active men on the excitability of the central and peripheral nervous system.
AB  - Vibration training has become a popular method used in professional sports and
      recreation. In this study, we examined the effect of whole-body vibration
      training on the central nervous system and muscle excitability in a group of 28
      active men. Subjects were assigned randomly to one of two experimental groups
      with different variables of vibrations. The chronaximetry method was used to
      evaluate the effect of a single session of whole-body vibration training on the
      excitability of the rectus femoris and brachioradialis muscles. The examination
      of the fusing and flickering frequencies of the light stimulus was performed. An
      increase in the excitability of the quadriceps femoris muscle due to low
      intensity vibrations (20 Hz frequency, 2 mm amplitude) was noted, and a return to
      the initial values was observed 30 min after the application of vibration. High
      intensity vibrations (60 Hz frequency, 4 mm amplitude) caused elongations of the
      chronaxy time; however, these differences were not statistically significant.
      Neither a low intensity vibration amplitude of 2 mm (frequency of 20 Hz) nor a
      high intensity vibration amplitude of 4 mm (frequency of 60 Hz) caused a change
      in the excitability of the central nervous system, as revealed by the average
      frequency of the fusing and flickering of the light stimulus. A single session of
      high intensity whole-body vibration did not significantly decrease the
      excitability of the peripheral nervous system while the central nervous system
      did not seem to be affected. 

PMID- 25114736
TI  - Insights into Supplements with Tribulus Terrestris used by Athletes.
AB  - Herbal and nutritional supplements are more and more popular in the western
      population. One of them is an extract of an exotic plant, named Tribulus
      terrestris (TT). TT is a component of several supplements that are available over
      the-counter and widely recommended, generally as enhancers of human vitality. TT
      is touted as a testosterone booster and remedy for impaired erectile function;
      therefore, it is targeted at physically active men, including male athletes.
      Based on the scientific literature describing the results of clinical trials,
      this review attempted to verify information on marketing TT with particular
      reference to the needs of athletes. It was found that there are few reliable data
      on the usefulness of TT in competitive sport. In humans, a TT extract used alone
      without additional components does not improve androgenic status or physical
      performance among athletes. The results of a few studies have showed that the
      combination of TT with other pharmacological components increases testosterone
      levels, but it was not discovered which components of the mixture contributed to
      that effect. TT contains several organic compounds including alkaloids and
      steroidal glycosides, of which pharmacological action in humans is not completely
      explained. One anti-doping study reported an incident with a TT supplement
      contaminated by a banned steroid. Toxicological studies regarding TT have been
      carried out on animals only, however, one accidental poisoning of a man was
      described. The Australian Institute of Sport does not recommend athletes' usage
      of TT. So far, the published data concerning TT do not provide strong evidence
      for either usefulness or safe usage in sport. 

PMID- 25114737
TI  - Changes in urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels during heptathlon race in
      professional female athletes.
AB  - Acute strenuous exercise can induce a state of oxidative stress affecting the
      involved muscles. Heptathlon is a multi-event exercise of two days duration and
      can be considered an acute, intensive endurance exercise. The purpose of this
      study is to compare the oxidative stress response to heptathlon events day by day
      and to determine the impact of this type of exercise on oxidative stress
      biomarkers. The study subjects included eight heptathlon athletes who
      participated in the National First Class Republic competition in Egypt (October
      19-21, 2011). Blood samples were collected at rest after exercise for two
      successive days and analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA). Morning urine samples
      were collected one hour after exercise for each day and were analyzed for 8
      hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Results revealed a significant increase (p<0.05)
      in both plasma MDA and urine 8-OHdG levels after exercise regardless of the day.
      We concluded that exercise generates higher MDA levels compared to DNA strand
      breaks and oxidative DNA damage in athletes with antioxidant supplementation. 

PMID- 25114738
TI  - Effect of number of touches and exercise duration on the kinematic profile and
      heart rate response during small-sided games in soccer.
AB  - This study aimed to examine the effect of exercise duration and the number of
      touches allowed during possession on time-motion characteristics and the
      physiological responses of soccer players in 6 vs. 6 small-sided games (SSGs)
      lasting 12 minutes. The analysis divided each game into two 6-min periods and we
      compared two formats: free play (SSGFP) vs. a maximum of two touches per
      individual possession (SSG2T). Participants were 12 semi-professional players
      (age: 22.7+/-4.3 years; body height: 177.5+/-4.9 cm; body mass: 74.9+/-6.3 kg)
      and the following variables were measured by means of heart rate monitors and GPS
      devices: mean heart rate (HRmean), time spent in each exercise intensity zone,
      total distance covered, total distance covered in different speed zones, number
      of accelerations at different intensities, maximum speed reached, player load,
      and the work-to-rest ratio. The results showed that in SSGFP there was a decrease
      in the intensity of physical parameters during the second 6-min period (6-12
      min), whereas this decrease was not observed when a maximum of two touches per
      individual possession was allowed. During the second period (6-12 min) of SSG2T
      there was an increase in HRmean and in the time spent in high exercise intensity
      zones, but these differences were not observed in SSGFP. The value of these
      findings for soccer coaches is that they illustrate how different technical,
      tactical or conditioning objectives could be addressed by altering the length and
      format of the SSG used in training. 

PMID- 25114739
TI  - Effects of Strength Training Combined with Specific Plyometric exercises on body
      composition, vertical jump height and lower limb strength development in elite
      male handball players: a case study.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to identify the effects of a strength
      training program combined with specific plyometric exercises on body composition,
      vertical jump (VJ) height and strength development of lower limbs in elite male
      handball players. A 12-week program with combined strength and specific
      plyometric exercises was carried out for 7 weeks. Twelve elite male handball
      players (age: 21.6 +/- 1.73) competing in the Portuguese Major League
      participated in the study. Besides the anthropometric measurements, several
      standardized jump tests were applied to assess VJ performance together with the
      strength development of the lower limbs in an isokinetic setting. No significant
      changes were found in body circumferences and diameters. Body fat content and fat
      mass decreased by 16.4 and 15.7% respectively, while lean body mass increased by
      2.1%. Despite small significance, there was in fact an increase in squat jump
      (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ) and 40 consecutive jumps after the training
      period (6.1, 3.8 and 6.8%, respectively). After the applied protocol, peak torque
      increased in lower limb extension and flexion in the majority of the movements
      assessed at 90os-1. Consequently, it is possible to conclude that combining
      general strength-training with plyometric exercises can not only increase lower
      limb strength and improve VJ performance but also reduce body fat content. 

PMID- 25114740
TI  - Prediction of rowing ergometer performance from functional anaerobic power,
      strength and anthropometric components.
AB  - The aim of this research was to develop different regression models to predict
      2000 m rowing ergometer performance with the use of anthropometric, anaerobic and
      strength variables and to determine how precisely the prediction models
      constituted by different variables predict performance, when conducted together
      in the same equation or individually. 38 male collegiate rowers (20.17 +/- 1.22
      years) participated in this study. Anthropometric, strength, 2000 m maximal
      rowing ergometer and rowing anaerobic power tests were applied. Multiple linear
      regression procedures were employed in SPSS 16 to constitute five different
      regression formulas using a different group of variables. The reliability of the
      regression models was expressed by R2 and the standard error of estimate (SEE).
      Relationships of all parameters with performance were investigated through
      Pearson correlation coefficients. The prediction model using a combination of
      anaerobic, strength and anthropometric variables was found to be the most
      reliable equation to predict 2000 m rowing ergometer performance (R2 = 0.92, SEE=
      3.11 s). Besides, the equation that used rowing anaerobic and strength test
      results also provided a reliable prediction (R2 = 0.85, SEE= 4.27 s). As a
      conclusion, it seems clear that physiological determinants which are affected by
      anaerobic energy pathways should also get involved in the processes and models
      used for performance prediction and talent identification in rowing. 

PMID- 25114741
TI  - The impact of immediate verbal feedback on the improvement of swimming technique.
AB  - The present research attempts to ascertain the impact of immediate verbal
      feedback (IVF) on modifications of stroke length (SL). In all swimming styles,
      stroke length is considered an essential kinematic parameter of the swimming
      cycle. It is important for swimming mechanics and energetics. If SL shortens
      while the stroke rate (SR) remains unchanged or decreases, the temporal-spatial
      structure of swimming is considered erroneous. It results in a lower swimming
      velocity. Our research included 64 subjects, who were divided into two groups:
      the experimental - E (n=32) and the control - C (n=32) groups. A pretest and a
      post-test were conducted. The subjects swam the front crawl over the test
      distance of 25m at Vmax. Only the E group subjects were provided with IVF aiming
      to increase their SL. All tests were filmed by two cameras (50 samples*s-1). The
      kinematic parameters of the swimming cycle were analyzed using the SIMI Reality
      Motion Systems 2D software (SIMI Reality Motion Systems 2D GmbH, Germany). The
      movement analysis allowed to determine the average horizontal swimming velocity
      over 15 meters. The repeated measures analysis of variance ANOVA with a post-hoc
      Tukey range test demonstrated statistically significant (p<0.05) differences
      between the two groups in terms of SL and swimming velocity. IVF brought about a
      6.93% (Simi method) and a 5.09% (Hay method) increase in SL, as well as a 2.92%
      increase in swimming velocity. 

PMID- 25114742
TI  - Reliability of tethered swimming evaluation in age group swimmers.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to examine the reliability of tethered swimming
      in the evaluation of age group swimmers. The sample was composed of 8 male
      national level swimmers with at least 4 years of experience in competitive
      swimming. Each swimmer performed two 30 second maximal intensity tethered
      swimming tests, on separate days. Individual force-time curves were registered to
      assess maximum force, mean force and the mean impulse of force. Both consistency
      and reliability were very strong, with Cronbach's Alpha values ranging from 0.970
      to 0.995. All the applied metrics presented a very high agreement between tests,
      with the mean impulse of force presenting the highest. These results indicate
      that tethered swimming can be used to evaluate age group swimmers. Furthermore,
      better comprehension of the swimmers ability to effectively exert force in the
      water can be obtained using the impulse of force. 

PMID- 25114744
TI  - Game-Related Volleyball Skills that Influence Victory.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to identify the volleyball skills that
      discriminate in favour of victory. Twenty-four games (n=24) from the Senior Men's
      Volleyball World Championship played in Italy in 2010 were chosen and analyzed
      with Data Volley software. The discriminating function was used to identify the
      discriminating variables, using a canonical structuring coefficient of |SC| >=
      .30. The results suggest that service points, reception errors, and blocking
      errors were the discriminating variables that identify the final outcome of the
      match (victory/defeat). Moreover, successful service points were the major
      variable most likely associated with match success (victory). In this sense,
      increasing the effectiveness of service should be a top priority in coaching
      elite volleyball teams. 

PMID- 25114743
TI  - Effects of high-intensity blood flow restriction exercise on muscle fatigue.
AB  - Strength training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) have been used to
      improve the levels of muscle adaptation. The aim of this paper was to investigate
      the acute effect of high intensity squats with and without blood flow restriction
      on muscular fatigue levels. Twelve athletes (aged 25.95 +/- 0.84 years) were
      randomized into two groups: without Blood Flow Restriction (NFR, n = 6) and With
      Blood Flow Restriction (WFR, n = 6) that performed a series of free weight squats
      with 80% 1-RM until concentric failure. The strength of the quadriceps extensors
      was assessed in a maximum voluntary isometric contraction integrated to signals
      from the surface electromyogram. The average frequency showed significant
      reductions in the WFR group for the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles,
      and intergroup only for the vastus medialis. In conclusion, a set of squats at
      high intensity with BFR could compromise muscle strength immediately after
      exercise, however, differences were not significant between groups. 

PMID- 25114745
TI  - The reliability of a functional agility test for water polo.
AB  - Few functional agility tests for water polo take into consideration its specific
      characteristics. The preliminary objective of this study was to evaluate the
      reliability of an agility test for water polo players. Fifteen players (16.3 +/-
      1.8 years old) with a minimum of two years of competitive experience were
      evaluated. A Functional Test for Agility Performance (FTAP) was designed to
      represent the context of this sport. Several trials were performed to familiarize
      the athlete with the movement. Two experienced coaches measured three repetitions
      of the FTAP. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures analysis of variance
      (ANOVA), 95% limit of agreement (LOA), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)
      and standard error of measurements (SEM) were used for data analysis. It was
      considered that certain criteria of reliability measures were met. There was no
      significant difference between the repetitions, which may be explained by an
      effect of the evaluator, the ability of the players or fatigue (p > 0.05). The
      ICC average from evaluators was high (0.88). The SEM varied between 0.13 s and
      0.49 s. The CV average considering each individual was near 6-7%. These values
      depended on the condition of measurement. As the FTAP contains some
      characteristics that create a degree of unpredictability, the same athlete may
      reach different performance results, increasing variability. An adjustment in the
      sample, familiarization and careful selection of subjects help to improve this
      situation and enhance the reliability of the indicators. 

PMID- 25114746
TI  - Comparing Tactical Behaviour of Soccer Players in 3 vs. 3 and 6 vs. 6 Small-Sided
      Games.
AB  - The present study aimed to compare players' tactical behaviour in 3 vs. 3 and 6
      vs. 6 soccer small-sided games (SSGs). The sample comprised 3,482 tactical
      actions performed by 18 U-11 youth soccer players from a Portuguese club, in 3
      vs. 3 and 6 vs. 6 SSGs. All participants played eight minutes in both situations
      and field size was adapted according to the number of players involved (30 m *
      19.5 m for 3 vs. 3 and 60 m * 39 m for 6 vs. 6). The System of Tactical
      Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT) was used for data collection and analyses.
      Descriptive analysis was conducted to verify frequencies and percentages of the
      variables assessed. The chi-squared (chi(2)) test was performed to compare the
      frequencies of the variables between 3 vs. 3 and 6 vs. 6 SSGs and Standardized
      Residuals (e) were used to examine the influence of the frequency of one or more
      variables within 3 vs. 3 and 6 vs. 6 SSGs. Data treatment was performed through
      SPSS for Windows(r), version 18.0. Results indicated that players displayed safer
      behaviours in 6 vs. 6 SSG and more aggressive behaviours in 3 vs. 3 SSG. Findings
      can aid coaches and teachers to develop different players' tactical skills
      according to the chosen SSG (3 vs. 3 or 6 vs. 6) form. 

PMID- 25114747
TI  - Effects of Match Location, Match Status and Quality of Opposition on Regaining
      Possession in UEFA Champions League.
AB  - The present study aimed to examine the independent and interactive effects of
      match location, match status, and quality of opposition on regaining possession,
      analysed by the type and zone of ball recovery, in matches played in the 2011
      2012 UEFA Champions League. Twenty-eight matches of the knockout phase were
      evaluated post-event using a computerized notational analysis system. Multinomial
      logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the effects of the
      previously mentioned situational variables on ball recovery type and zone. Match
      status and quality of opposition main effects were observed for both dependent
      variables, while main effects of match location were only evident for ball
      recovery zone. Additionally, the interactions Match location (*) Quality of
      opposition and Match status (*) Quality of opposition were significant for both
      type and zone of ball recovery. Better teams employed more proactive defensive
      strategies, since, even when winning, they tried to sustain their defensive
      success on actions that aimed to gain the ball from the opponents. Results
      emphasized the tendency for home and losing teams to defend in more advanced
      pitch zones. Better-ranked teams were also more effective than worse-ranked teams
      in applying defensive pressure in more advanced pitch positions. The findings of
      the study suggest that the defensive strategies used by better teams imply more
      intense and organized collective processes in order to recover the ball directly
      from the opposing team. Furthermore, defending away from own goal and near the
      opponent's one seems to be associated with success in elite soccer. 

PMID- 25114748
TI  - The examination of different tests for the evaluation of the efficiency of the
      eggbeater kicks.
AB  - The eggbeater kick presents an important basic technical skill in water polo. The
      aim of this study was to examine some different tests in order to recommend the
      best ones for the evaluation of the eggbeater kick. Twenty eight young male water
      polo players performed one test (squat jump) on land and ten tests in water:
      tethered swimming with legs only, using alternating and simultaneous eggbeater
      kicks, jumps out of water from basic and vertical (arms vertically above the
      head) position, water start and swimming two meters and swimming horizontally
      with legs only five meters with a flying start. The differences between tests
      were checked by executing dependent t-tests, while Pearson's correlation
      coefficients were calculated to evaluate the correlation between different
      parameters. Results showed that when performing alternate eggbeater kicks greater
      average forces were produced by the water polo players when compared to
      consecutive simultaneous eggbeater kicks. However, a short time maximal
      acceleration of the body in the vertical and horizontal plane was greater when
      the single simultaneous kick was performed. It was determined that horizontal
      swimming using legs only and a squat jump were less useful for the evaluation of
      the eggbeater kick. Therefore, the recommendation was to measure the average
      force of successive alternating eggbeater kicks, the height of the jump out of
      the water from the basic position and the water start and swim over a distance of
      2 meters. 

PMID- 25114749
TI  - Isokinetic leg strength and power in elite handball players.
AB  - Isokinetic strength evaluation of the knee flexion and extension in concentric
      mode of contraction is an important part of the comprehensive evaluation of
      athletes. The aims of this study were to evaluate the isokinetic knee peak torque
      in both the extension and flexion movement in the dominant and non-dominant leg,
      and the relationship with jumping performance. Twelve elite male handball players
      from the top Spanish handball division voluntary participated in the study (age
      27.68 +/- 4.12 years; body mass 92.89 +/- 12.34 kg; body height 1.90 +/- 0.05 m).
      The knee extensor and flexor muscle peak torque of each leg were concentrically
      measured at 60o/s and 180o/s with an isokinetic dynamometer. The Squat Jump and
      Countermovement Jump were performed on a force platform to determine power and
      vertical jump height. Non-significant differences were observed between legs in
      the isokinetic knee extension (dominant= 2.91 +/- 0.53 Nm/kg vs non-dominant =
      2.70 +/- 0.47 Nm/kg at 60o/s; dominant = 1.90 +/- 0.31 Nm/kg vs non-dominant =
      1.83 +/- 0.29 Nm/kg at 180o/s) and flexion peak torques (dominant = 1.76 +/- 0.29
      Nm/kg vs non-dominant = 1.72 +/- 0.39 Nm/kg at 60o/s; dominant = 1.30 +/- 0.23
      Nm/kg vs non-dominant = 1.27 +/- 0.35 Nm/kg at 180o/s). Low and non-significant
      correlation coefficients were found between the isokinetic peak torques and
      vertical jumping performance (SJ = 31.21 +/- 4.32 cm; CMJ = 35.89 +/- 4.20 cm).
      Similar isokinetic strength was observed between the legs; therefore, no
      relationship was found between the isokinetic knee flexion and extension peak
      torques as well as vertical jumping performance in elite handball players. 

PMID- 25114750
TI  - Fitness profiles of elite portuguese rugby union players.
AB  - The aim of this study was to describe the fitness profiles of senior elite
      Portuguese rugby players. Forty-six senior Portuguese rugby players, classified
      as backs (n=22; age 26.2+/-2.8) and forwards (n=24; age 26.7+/-2.9) were assessed
      during physical testing sessions carried out for the Portuguese National rugby
      team. The body composition, maximum strength and anaerobic capacity of players
      are hypothesized to be important physical characteristics as successful
      performance in rugby is predicated on the ability to undertake skilled behaviours
      both quickly and whilst withstanding large forces when in contact situations. No
      absolute differences were found between the backs and forwards for the speed
      performance variables although positional differences were found across all
      speeds when assessed relative to body mass since the forwards were significantly
      heavier. Coaches and the management team can use this information for monitoring
      progressive improvements in the physiological capacities of rugby players. These
      physical characteristics of elite rugby players provide normative profiles for
      specific positions and should form the basis of developmental programmes for
      adolescents. 

PMID- 25114751
TI  - Physical Fitness Differences between Freestyle and Greco-Roman Junior Wrestlers.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to examine physical fitness differences between
      Freestyle and Greco-Roman junior wrestlers. One hundred twenty-six junior
      wrestlers, comprising 70 Freestyle and 56 Greco-Roman wrestlers, participated in
      this study. The somatic and physical fitness profile included body mass, body
      height, body mass index, body composition, flexibility, maximal anaerobic power
      of the legs and arms, aerobic endurance, hand grip strength, leg and back
      strength, and speed. No significant differences were found in the anthropometric
      and physical features between Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers. The Greco
      Roman wrestlers had a significantly higher level of relative leg power, peak arm
      power, relative peak arm power, and relative average arm power than Freestyle
      wrestlers (p < 0.05). Greco-Roman wrestlers were significantly faster, had better
      agility, and had a greater level of leg strength than Freestyle wrestlers, but
      Freestyle wrestlers were more flexible than Greco-Roman wrestlers (p < 0.05).
      Discriminant function analysis indicated that peak arm power, agility, speed, and
      flexibility were selective factors for the differences between Freestyle and
      Greco-Roman wrestlers. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the
      differences between these wrestling styles promote physical fitness differences
      in elite wrestlers. The results reflect specific features of each wrestling
      style. 

PMID- 25114752
TI  - Knowledge of errors in the teaching-learning process of judo-techniques: osoto
      guruma as a case study.
AB  - The aim of this article was to suggest some changes in the teaching-learning
      process methodology of the judo osoto-guruma technique, establishing the action
      sequences and the most frequent technical errors committed when performing them.
      The study was carried out with the participation of 45 students with no
      experience regarding the fundamentals of judo (21 men and 24 women; age=24.02+/
      3.98 years old) from the Bachelor of Science of Physical Activity and Sport
      Science at the University of Vigo. The proceeding consisted of a systematic
      observation of a video recording registered during the technique execution. Data
      obtained were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and sequential analysis
      of T-Patterns (obtained with THEME v.5. Software), identifying: a) the presence
      of typical inaccuracies during the technique performance; b) a number of chained
      errors affecting body balance, the position of the supporting foot, the blocking
      action and the final action of the arms. Findings allowed to suggest some motor
      tasks to correct the identified inaccuracies, the proper sequential actions to
      make the execution more effective and some recommendations for the use of
      feedback. Moreover, these findings could be useful for other professionals in
      order to correct the key technical errors and prevent diverse injuries. 

PMID- 25114753
TI  - Transference of traditional versus complex strength and power training to sprint
      performance.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of two different strength
      power training models on sprint performance. Forty-eight soldiers of the
      Brazilian brigade of special operations with at least one year of army training
      experience were divided into a control group (CG: n = 15, age: 20.2 +/- 0.7
      years, body height: 1.74 +/- 0.06 m, and body mass: 66.7 +/- 9.8 kg), a
      traditional training group (TT: n = 18, age: 20.1 +/- 0.7 years, body height:
      1.71 +/- 0.05 m, and body mass: 64.2 +/- 4.7 kg), and a complex training group
      (CT: n = 15, age: 20.3 +/- 0.8 years, body height: 1.71 +/- 0.07 m; and body
      mass: 64.0 +/- 8.8 kg). Maximum strength (25% and 26%), CMJ height (36% and 39%),
      mean power (30% and 35%) and mean propulsive power (22% and 28%) in the loaded
      jump squat exercise, and 20-m sprint speed (16% and 14%) increased significantly
      (p<=0.05) following the TT and CT, respectively. However, the transfer effect
      coefficients (TEC) of strength and power performances to 20-m sprint performance
      following the TT were greater than the CT throughout the 9-week training period.
      Our data suggest that TT is more effective than CT to improve sprint performance
      in moderately trained subjects. 

PMID- 25114755
TI  - Contemporary transcatheter interventions in adult congenital heart disease.

PMID- 25114756
TI  - Developing tools to measure quality in congenital catheterization and
      interventions: the congenital cardiac catheterization project on outcomes (C3PO).
AB  - The broad range of relatively rare procedures performed in pediatric cardiac
      catheterization laboratories has made the standardization of care and risk
      assessment in the field statistically quite problematic. However, with the
      growing number of patients who undergo cardiac catheterization, it has become
      imperative that the cardiology community overcomes these challenges to study
      patient outcomes. The Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcomes was
      able to develop benchmarks, tools for measurement, and risk adjustment methods
      while exploring procedural efficacy. Based on the success of these efforts, the
      collaborative is pursuing a follow-up project, the Congenital Cardiac
      Catheterization Project on Outcomes-Quality Improvement, aimed at improving the
      outcomes for all patients undergoing catheterization for congenital heart disease
      by reducing radiation exposure. 

PMID- 25114758
TI  - Stem cell therapies in patients with single ventricle physiology.
AB  - Single ventricle physiology, especially hypoplastic left heart syndrome, is one
      of the most high-risk lesions in children with congenital heart disease, and the
      ensuing heart failure remains as a major problem related to adverse outcomes in
      these patients. The field of stem cell therapy for heart failure has shown
      striking advances during the past 10 years, and many clinical trials using stem
      cell technologies have been conducted in adults, which suggest that stem cell
      therapy is associated with long-term improvement in cardiac function. Cardiac
      progenitor cells have recently been discovered, and their strong regenerative
      ability has been demonstrated in several studies. Although no large clinical
      trials have been performed in the field of congenital heart disease, recent
      investigations indicate that stem cell therapy may hold great potential to treat
      children with cardiac defects. 

PMID- 25114759
TI  - Intravascular stent therapy for coarctation of the aorta.
AB  - Intravascular stent therapy is considered a primary therapeutic option for most
      adults and adolescents with coarctation of the aorta. This review highlights the
      indications, technical considerations, procedural aspects, and limited long-term
      outcome data when using this intervention. Stent technology has continued to
      evolve with potential for further modifications since its inception in the early
      1990s. The best therapeutic approach, e.g., stenting versus surgery, in the
      treatment of native coarctation continues to be debated due to the paucity of
      long-term clinical and imaging data in both groups. 

PMID- 25114757
TI  - Multimodality 3-dimensional image integration for congenital cardiac
      catheterization.
AB  - Cardiac catheterization procedures for patients with congenital and structural
      heart disease are becoming more complex. New imaging strategies involving
      integration of 3-dimensional images from rotational angiography, magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), and transesophageal
      echocardiography (TEE) are employed to facilitate these procedures. We discuss
      the current use of these new 3D imaging technologies and their advantages and
      challenges when used to guide complex diagnostic and interventional
      catheterization procedures in patients with congenital heart disease. 

PMID- 25114760
TI  - Hybrid interventional procedures in congenital heart disease.
AB  - The evolution of congenital cardiac surgery has seen significant innovative
      advances in collaborative efforts between congenital cardiac surgeons and
      interventionalists to provide the least invasive intervention with the greatest
      hemodynamic benefit for patients with congenital heart disease. This review looks
      at how this collaborative approach has evolved and is being applied to treat a
      number of congenital conditions across the age ranges. 

PMID- 25114761
TI  - Modern medical management of acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - The modern management of patients with ischemic stroke begins by having a system
      in place that organizes the provision of preventive, acute treatment, and
      rehabilitative services. In the acute setting, initial evaluation is aimed at
      rapidly establishing a diagnosis by excluding stroke mimics, distinguishing
      between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and determining if the patient is a
      candidate for treatment with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA,
      alteplase). In some centers, select patients who do not qualify for
      administration of IV-tPA may be considered for endovascular intervention. General
      measures include the use of platelet antiaggregants, treatment of fever, blood
      pressure management, and continuation of statins if the patient has already been
      taking them. Post-acute evaluation and management is aimed at secondary
      prevention and optimizing recovery, including recognition and treatment of post
      stroke depression. 

PMID- 25114762
TI  - Modern interventional management of stroke.
AB  - Acute ischemic stroke continues to be one of the leading causes of disability and
      death and is a financial burden to an already taxed health care system. Much
      research and investigation has been carried out over the past decade on various
      recanalization devices aimed at restoring cerebral blood flow. Despite the
      rapidly improving technical abilities of these devices, it has been difficult to
      demonstrate corresponding improved clinical outcomes. This article will describe
      the application of the most recent generation of these devices and briefly
      discuss the ongoing discrepancy between these technical achievements and stroke
      outcomes. 

PMID- 25114764
TI  - Case report: incidental finding of a giant cardiac mass.
AB  - Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a rare anomalous connection between a coronary
      artery and another coronary artery, major vessel, or cardiac chamber. Prevalence
      of CAF is reportedly 1% to 2% in patients who undergo coronary angiography.1 One
      of the most common complications of CAF is formation of a coronary artery
      aneurysm (CAA). A study conducted by Said and colleagues in 1995 found that CAA
      formation was present in 26% of patients who had proven CAF by way of
      angiography.2 Although a precise definition of the term "giant" CAA is still
      lacking, it generally refers to a dilatation that exceeds the reference vessel
      diameter by four times.3 We report an interesting case of a 38-year-old patient
      who was incidentally found to have a presumed large right ventricular aneurysm,
      which after an open-heart surgery was identified as a CAF with formation of an
      unruptured giant CAA. 

PMID- 25114763
TI  - Comparison of dexmedetomidine versus propofol for sedation in mechanically
      ventilated patients after cardiovascular surgery.
AB  - Many cardiovascular surgeries are fast-tracked to extubation and require short
      term sedation. Dexmedetomidine and propofol have very different mechanisms of
      action and pharmacokinetic profiles that make them attractive sedative agents in
      this patient population. Recently, there has been increased use of
      dexmedetomidine in the intensive care unit (ICU), but few studies exist or have
      been published directly comparing both agents in this setting. We conducted a
      retrospective cohort study with patients admitted to the ICU after cardiovascular
      surgery from January through June 2011. Adult patients who underwent coronary
      artery bypass and/or cardiac valve surgery received either dexmedetomidine or
      propofol continuous infusion for short-term sedation after cardiovascular
      surgery. The primary end point was time (hours) on mechanical ventilation after
      surgery. Secondary end points included ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS,
      incidence of delirium, and requirement of a second sedative agent. A total of 352
      patients met study inclusion criteria, with 33 enrolled in the dexmedetomidine
      group and 319 in the propofol group. Time on mechanical ventilation was shorter
      in the dexmedetomidine group (7.4 hours vs. 12.9 hours, P = .042). No difference
      was seen in ICU or hospital LOS. The need for a second sedative agent to achieve
      optimal sedation (24% vs. 27%, P = .737) and incidence of delirium (9% vs. 7.5%,
      P = .747) were similar between both groups. Sedation with dexmedetomidine
      resulted in a significant reduction in time on mechanical ventilation. However,
      no difference was seen in ICU or hospital LOS, incidence of delirium, or
      mortality. 

PMID- 25114765
TI  - Case report: single coronary artery with ischemia and sudden cardiac arrest.
AB  - Single coronary artery (SCA) is a very rare finding. Although most cases of SCA
      are found incidentally on coronary angiography, it can potentially lead to
      different clinical repercussions.1, 2 Herein we describe a patient with SCA who
      had unstable angina with subsequent sudden cardiac arrest, and we provide a brief
      review of the recent literature. 

PMID- 25114767
TI  - Museum of TMH multimodality imaging center: ruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm
      with an odd presentation.

PMID- 25114766
TI  - Case report: cardiac tamponade resembling an acute myocardial infarction as the
      initial manifestation of metastatic pericardial adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Pericardial malignancies are uncommon, usually metastatic, linked to terminal
      oncology patients, and rarely diagnosed premortem. A very small number of
      patients will develop signs and symptoms of malignant pericardial effusion as
      initial clinical manifestation of neoplastic disease. Among these patients, a
      minority will progress to a life-threatening cardiac tamponade. It is exceedingly
      rare for a cardiac tamponade to be the unveiling clinical manifestation of an
      unknown malignancy, either primary or metastatic to pericardium. We present the
      case of a 50-year-old male who was admitted to the emergency department with an
      acute myocardial infarction diagnosis that turned out to be a cardiac tamponade
      of unknown etiology. Further studies revealed a metastatic pericardial
      adenocarcinoma with secondary cardiac tamponade. We encourage considering
      malignancies metastatic to pericardium as probable etiology for large pericardial
      effusions and cardiac tamponade of unknown etiology. 

PMID- 25114768
TI  - Museum of TMH multimodality imaging center: cardiac amyloidosis.

PMID- 25114769
TI  - Points to remember: frequently encountered urologic problems after cardiovascular
      surgery.

PMID- 25114774
TI  - On being a doctor: ask, why?

PMID- 25114776
TI  - 5-(Methylthio)tetrazoles as Versatile Synthons in the Stereoselective Synthesis
      of Polycyclic Pyrazolines via Photoinduced Intramolecular Nitrile Imine-Alkene
      1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition.
AB  - A key thioether substituent in readily accessible 2-alkyl-5
      (methylthio)tetrazoles enables facile photoinduced denitrogenation and
      intramolecular nitrile imine 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to afford a wide range of
      polycyclic pyrazoline products with excellent diastereoselectivity. The
      methylthio group red-shifts the UV absorbance of the tetrazole, obviating the
      requirement in all previous substrate systems for at least one aryl substituent,
      and can subsequently be converted into a variety of other functionalities. This
      synthetic platform has been applied to the concise total syntheses of the
      alkaloid natural products (+/-)-newbouldine and withasomnine.

PMID- 25114777
TI  - A study on drug-drug interactions through prescription analysis in a South Indian
      teaching hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the drug-drug interactions
      (DDIs) through prescription analysis among the inpatients of a South Indian
      teaching hospital. METHODS: The study was a prospective observational
      prescription analysis conducted for a period of 6 months, from October 2010 to
      March 2011. The prescriptions having two or more drugs and where a DDI was
      suspected were selected by the physician in charge of the ward. The drugs in the
      prescription were then entered into the drug interaction checker software. The
      DDIs were classified based on the mechanism of interactions, severity of
      interactions, relation to the number of drugs prescribed, and disease conditions
      were also determined. RESULTS: A total of 204 prescriptions were analyzed, of
      which 186 prescriptions had 856 DDIs. Most of the DDIs were pharmacokinetic drug
      interactions (42%) followed by unknown mechanisms (34%) and pharmacodynamic
      mechanisms (24%). The study findings showed that the prescriptions for
      cardiovascular with respiratory disease conditions had the greatest number of
      drug interactions on average. A severity assessment showed that majority of the
      DDIs were moderate (70%) followed by minor (28%). The study results showed that
      as the number of drugs increases in a prescription, the number of DDIs also
      increases. The interventions determined showed that dosage adjustment (12%) was
      to be followed in most of the DDIs. CONCLUSION: This study assists in
      understanding the factors associated with DDIs that can help in safe and
      effective use of drugs in the future.

PMID- 25114775
TI  - SOX2 and cancer: current research and its implications in the clinic.
AB  - SOX2 is a gene that encodes for a transcription factor belonging to the SOX gene
      family and contains a high-mobility group (HMG) domain, which permits highly
      specific DNA binding. Consequently, SOX2 functions as an activator or suppressor
      of gene transcription. SOX2 has been described as an essential embryonic stem
      cell gene and moreover, a necessary factor for induced cellular reprogramming.
      SOX2 research has only recently switched focus from embryogenesis and development
      to SOX2's function in disease. Particularly, the role of SOX2 in cancer
      pathogenesis has become of interest in the field. To date, studies have shown
      SOX2 to be amplified in various cancer types and affect cancer cell physiology
      via involvement in complicated cell signaling and protein-protein interactions.
      Recent reviews in this field have highlighted SOX2 in mammalian physiology,
      development and pathology. In this review, we comprehensively compile what is
      known to date about SOX2's involvement in cancer biology, focusing on the most
      recent findings in the fields of cellular signaling and cancer stem cells.
      Lastly, we underscore the role of SOX2 in the clinic and highlight new findings,
      which may provide novel clinical applications for SOX2 as a prognostic marker,
      indicator of metastasis, biomarker or potential therapeutic target in some cancer
      types. 

PMID- 25114778
TI  - Drug-related falls in older patients: implicated drugs, consequences, and
      possible prevention strategies.
AB  - Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults, aged 65 years and
      older. Furthermore, falls are an increasing public health problem because of
      ageing populations worldwide due to an increase in the number of older adults,
      and an increase in life expectancy. Numerous studies have identified risk factors
      and investigated possible strategies to prevent (recurrent) falls in community
      dwelling older people and those living in long-term care facilities. Several
      types of drugs have been associated with an increased fall risk. Since drugs are
      a modifiable risk factor, periodic drug review among older adults should be
      incorporated in a fall prevention programme. 

PMID- 25114779
TI  - Safety of antiobesity drugs.
AB  - Obesity is a major health problem worldwide. Although diet and physical activity
      are crucial in the management of obesity, the long-term success rate is low.
      Therefore antiobesity drugs are of great interest, especially when lifestyle
      modification has failed. As obesity is not an immediate life-threatening disease,
      these drugs are required to be safe. Antiobesity drugs that have been developed
      so far have limited efficacies and considerable adverse effects affecting
      tolerability and safety. Therefore, most antiobesity drugs have been withdrawn.
      Fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine were withdrawn because of the potential damage
      to heart valves. Sibutramine was associated with an increase in major adverse
      cardiovascular events in the Sibutramine Cardiovascular Outcomes (SCOUT) trial
      and it was withdrawn from the market in 2010. Rimonabant was withdrawn because of
      significant psychiatric adverse effects. Orlistat was approved in Europe and the
      United States for long-term treatment of obesity, but many patients cannot
      tolerate its gastrointestinal side effects. Phentermine and diethylpropion can
      only be used for less than 12 weeks because the long-term safety of these drugs
      is unknown. Ephedrine and caffeine are natural substances but the effects on
      weight reduction are modest. As a result there is a huge unmet need for effective
      and safe antiobesity drugs. Recently lorcaserin and topiramate plus phentermine
      have been approved for the treatment of obesity but long-term safety data are
      lacking. 

PMID- 25114782
TI  - Monitoring product safety in the postmarketing environment.
AB  - The safety profile of a medicinal product may change in the postmarketing
      environment. Safety issues not identified in clinical development may be seen and
      need to be evaluated. Methods of evaluating spontaneous adverse experience
      reports and identifying new safety risks include a review of individual reports,
      a review of a frequency distribution of a list of the adverse experiences, the
      development and analysis of a case series, and various ways of examining the
      database for signals of disproportionality, which may suggest a possible
      association. Regulatory agencies monitor product safety through a variety of
      mechanisms including signal detection of the adverse experience safety reports in
      databases and by requiring and monitoring risk management plans, periodic safety
      update reports and postauthorization safety studies. The United States Food and
      Drug Administration is working with public, academic and private entities to
      develop methods for using large electronic databases to actively monitor product
      safety. Important identified risks will have to be evaluated through
      observational studies and registries. 

PMID- 25114780
TI  - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and torsade de pointes: new concepts and
      new directions derived from a systematic review of case reports.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In the light of the recent United States Food and Drug Administration
      (FDA) warning to clinicians on using previously approved doses of citalopram
      because of the purported higher risk of torsade de pointes (TdP), we pursued the
      broader question: are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
      antidepressant agents as a group unsafe because they might induce QTc interval
      prolongation and TdP? METHOD: We reviewed the literature and found only 15 case
      reports (6 of fluoxetine, 1 of sertraline and 8 of citalopram) of SSRI-associated
      QTc interval prolongation linking to TdP. RESULTS: A total of 13 cases contained
      sufficient information for analysis. In the setting of TdP, QTc interval
      prolongation does not clearly relate to SSRI dose. CONCLUSION: Applying
      conventional statistics as the FDA does may not be the best tool to study this
      phenomenon because SSRI-associated TdP is a very rare event and hence best
      understood as an 'extreme outlier'. Despite the limitations inherent in case
      report material, case reports on drug-associated QTc interval prolongation and
      TdP provide valuable information that should be considered along with other
      sources of information for clinical guidance.

PMID- 25114783
TI  - Preparing for safety issues following drug approval: pre-approval risk management
      considerations.
AB  - Risk management plans and risk minimization plans as well as postapproval
      commitment studies are based on risks identified pre-approval that need to be
      further characterized or minimized in the postmarketing environment. Although the
      implementation of these activities are conducted in the postapproval arena, the
      design of the plans and studies as well as the development of effective
      postapproval tools and mitigation strategies should be carried out pre-approval.
      The pre-approval period also provides the opportunity to fully understand the
      treatment population that is included in the clinical trial program and to
      determine how the target population for the drug after approval may differ from
      the clinical trial patient population. When regulators or sponsors have expressed
      concerns about safety issues identified during clinical development, the result
      may be a postapproval commitment in the form of a registry or an observational
      safety study or, in the US, a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) as a
      condition of approval. Specific examples are given for risk mitigation activities
      that can be conducted pre-approval. 

PMID- 25114781
TI  - Calcium supplements and cardiovascular risk: 5 years on.
AB  - Calcium supplements have been widely used by older men and women. However, in
      little more than a decade, authoritative recommendations have changed from
      encouraging the widespread use of calcium supplements to stating that they should
      not be used for primary prevention of fractures. This substantial shift in
      recommendations has occurred as a result of accumulated evidence of marginal
      antifracture efficacy, and important adverse effects from large randomized
      controlled trials of calcium or coadministered calcium and vitamin D supplements.
      In this review, we discuss this evidence, with a particular focus on increased
      cardiovascular risk with calcium supplements, which we first described 5 years
      ago. Calcium supplements with or without vitamin D marginally reduce total
      fractures but do not prevent hip fractures in community-dwelling individuals.
      They also cause kidney stones, acute gastrointestinal events, and increase the
      risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Any benefit of calcium supplements on
      preventing fracture is outweighed by increased cardiovascular events. While there
      is little evidence to suggest that dietary calcium intake is associated with
      cardiovascular risk, there is also little evidence that it is associated with
      fracture risk. Therefore, for the majority of people, dietary calcium intake does
      not require close scrutiny. Because of the unfavorable risk/benefit profile,
      widespread prescribing of calcium supplements to prevent fractures should be
      abandoned. Patients at high risk of fracture should be encouraged to take agents
      with proven efficacy in preventing vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. 

PMID- 25114784
TI  - Associations between different measures of anticholinergic drug exposure and
      Barthel Index in older hospitalized patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare associations between four measures of anticholinergic
      exposure (anticholinergic risk scale, ARS; anticholinergic drug burden, DBAC;
      number and use versus no use of anticholinergic drugs), Barthel Index (BI,
      physical function) and Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT, cognitive function) on
      admission in older hospitalized patients. METHODS: Prospective observational
      study of a consecutive series of 271 older patients (age 83 +/- 7 years) from
      community-dwelling and institutionalized settings, admitted to an acute geriatric
      admission unit between 28 September 2011 and 18 December 2011. The main outcome
      measures were BI quartiles (primary outcome) and AMT (secondary outcome) on
      admission. RESULTS: Anticholinergic prevalence was 47%. Multinomial logistic
      regression showed higher DBAC was associated with a greater risk of being in the
      lower BI quartiles versus highest BI quartile (Q4). This risk was significant for
      Q3 (p = 0.04) and Q2 (p = 0.02) but not for Q1 (p = 0.06). A greater number of
      anticholinergic drugs was associated with a higher risk of being in Q2 (p =
      0.02). This risk was not significant for either Q3 (p = 0.10) or Q1 (p = 0.06).
      No significant associations were observed either with use of anticholinergic
      medication or with ARS and BI quartiles. AMT did not show independent
      associations with any of the four measures of anticholinergic exposure.
      CONCLUSION: In older hospitalized patients, DBAC and some crude measures of
      anticholinergic exposure, but not ARS, showed independent associations with lower
      BI, but not AMT. These results highlight differences between various measures of
      anticholinergic drug exposure when studying their associations with functional
      status.

PMID- 25114785
TI  - The risk of cutaneous adverse reactions among patients with the HLA-A* 31:01
      allele who are given carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine or eslicarbazepine: a
      perspective review.
AB  - Carbamazepine is a drug that is widely used for the treatment of epilepsy,
      trigeminal neuralgia and bipolar disorder. This drug is also known to cause
      cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADRs) in up to 10% of patients. The recent
      progress in pharmacogenetics has revealed that human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      genotypes are associated with a susceptibility to the cADRs caused by particular
      drugs. For carbamazepine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal
      necrolysis, very strong associations with HLA-B*15:02 have been found mainly in
      patients of Southeastern Asian origin. In some countries, prescreening HLA
      B*15:02 allele has already been put to practical use as a biomarker to avoid the
      life-threatening adverse drug reactions. In this review, another risk factor for
      carbamazepine-induced cADRs is discussed, namely HLA-A*31:01. We compare the
      strength of the association between HLA-A*31:01 and carbamazepine-induced cADRs
      based on reports for various ethnic populations; discuss the difference between
      the HLA-A*31:01 and HLA-B*15:02 biomarkers and the usefulness of prescreening HLA
      A*31:01 to detect patients at high risk for carbamazepine-induced cADRs; and
      refer to points that remain to be resolved. 

PMID- 25114786
TI  - Safety of long-acting beta agonists and inhaled corticosteroids in children and
      adolescents with asthma.
AB  - The introduction of long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) was considered a major
      advance in bronchodilator therapy for adult, as well as pediatric, patients with
      asthma. However, the use of LABAs has raised safety concerns, especially the
      potential for severe asthma exacerbations (SAEs) resulting in hospitalizations or
      even death. Meanwhile, the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), a cornerstone
      in the treatment of mild-to-severe persistent asthma, has been associated with
      growth suppression in children. The purpose of this review was to identify and
      discuss the major published safety studies surrounding LABA, ICS, and combined
      LABA/ICS usage in children. By way of a critical search for influential published
      clinical trials, meta-analyses, and observational studies, six studies relevant
      to the safety of LABA monotherapy, seven studies relevant to ICS monotherapy, and
      four studies on the subject of LABA/ICS combination usage were identified and
      reviewed. Based on the reviewed literature, the controversy surrounding these
      anti-asthma medications was clearly exposed. On the one hand, there is some
      evidence that LABA monotherapy may be associated with SAEs and asthma-related
      death, while ICS monotherapy may be associated with a higher risk of growth
      suppression. On the other hand, the concurrent use of a LABA with an ICS has been
      associated with positive outcomes including symptom reduction and reduced rate
      and severity of exacerbations. Further clinical research is warranted and has
      been called for by the US Food and Drug Administration. 

PMID- 25114787
TI  - Evaluation of side effects of radiofrequency capacitive hyperthermia with
      magnetite on the blood vessel walls of tumor metastatic lesion surrounding the
      abdominal large vessels: an agar phantom study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Magnetite used in an 8-MHz radiofrequency (RF) capacitive heating
      device can increase the temperature of a specific site up to 45 degrees C. When
      treating a metastatic lesion around large abdominal vessels via hyperthermia with
      magnetite, heating-induced adverse effects on these vessels need to be
      considered. Therefore, this study examined hyperthermia-induced damage to blood
      vessel walls in vitro. METHODS: A large agar phantom with a circulatory system
      consisting of a swine artery and vein connected to a peristaltic pump was
      prepared. The blood vessels were placed on the magnetite-containing agar piece.
      Heating was continued for 30 min at 45 degrees C. After heating, a histological
      study for injury to the blood vessels was performed. RESULTS: The inner membrane
      temperature did not reach 45 degrees C due to the cooling effect of the blood
      flow. In the heated vessels, vascular wall collagen degenerated and smooth muscle
      cells were narrowed; however, no serious changes were noted in the vascular
      endothelial cells or vascular wall elastic fibers. The heated vessel wall was not
      severely damaged; this was attributed to cooling by the blood flow. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our findings indicate that RF capacitive heating therapy with magnetite may be
      used for metastatic lesions without injuring the surrounding large abdominal
      vessels.

PMID- 25114788
TI  - Active video gaming in patients with renal transplant: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with renal transplant are at higher risk of mortality from
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with the general population. Physical
      activity has been shown to reduce the risk of CVD mortality in these patients.
      Unfortunately, barriers such as the harsh Canadian climate prevent patients from
      engaging in and harvesting the health benefits of physical activity. This pilot
      study explored active video gaming (AVG) as a way for patients with renal
      transplant to obtain physical activity and examined its effect on their
      functional status and quality of life (QOL). MAIN TEXT: We recruited nine
      patients for an 8-week prospective pilot study. All patients received a Microsoft
      Xbox 360TM video gaming console, a Microsoft KinectTM sensor, and the video game
      Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012. Assessment of each participant before and after
      the intervention included blood pressure measures, a 6-minute walk test, and the
      Godin Leisure Time Questionnaire (GLTQ). We analyzed all nine patients at the end
      of the 8-week study period, and found no changes in blood pressure or GLTQ
      scores. However, there was a significant increase in the 6-minute walk distance
      (P = 0.022), which represented a consistent increase for most patients
      (correlation = 0.977). In addition, participants over the age of 45 years (n = 4)
      were more likely to use the AVG system (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: AVG has the
      potential to improve the functional status in patients with renal transplant.
      Further research is required to corroborate the full health benefits of AVG in
      this patient population.

PMID- 25114789
TI  - The efficacy and safety of pramipexole ER versus IR in Chinese patients with
      Parkinson's disease: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the non-inferiority of pramipexole extended-release (ER)
      versus immediate-release (IR) in Chinese patients with Parkinson's disease (PD)
      in a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study. METHODS: Subjects were
      Chinese patients with idiopathic PD with diagnosis >= 2 years prior to trial, age
      >= 30 years old at diagnosis, and Modified Hoehn and Yahr score 2-4 during 'on'
      time. Subjects received treatment with pramipexole ER (n=234) or IR (n=239). Non
      inferiority was based on the primary endpoint, the change from baseline to end of
      maintenance (week 18) in the UPDRS (Parts II + III) total score. RESULTS: For the
      primary endpoint, the adjusted mean changes (standard error) of UPDRS Parts II +
      III at week 18 were -13.81 (0.655) and -13.05 (0.643) for ER and IR formulations,
      respectively, using ANCOVA adjusted for treatment and centre (fixed effect) and
      baseline (covariate). The adjusted mean between group difference was 0.8 for the
      2-sided 95% CI (-1.047, 2.566). Since the lower limit of the 2-sided 95% CI (
      1.047) for treatment difference was higher than the non-inferiority margin of -4,
      non-inferiority between pramipexole ER and IR was demonstrated. The incidence of
      adverse events (AEs) was 68.8% in the ER arm and 73.6% in the IR arm with few
      severe AEs (ER: 2.1%; IR: 3.8%). CONCLUSION: Based on the UPDRS II + III score,
      pramipexole ER was non-inferior to pramipexole IR. The safety profiles of
      pramipexole ER and IR were similar. These results were based on comparable mean
      daily doses and durations of treatment for both formulations.

PMID- 25114790
TI  - Measles-mumps-rubella vaccination timing and autism among young African American
      boys: a reanalysis of CDC data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A significant number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum
      disorder suffer a loss of previously-acquired skills, suggesting
      neurodegeneration or a type of progressive encephalopathy with an etiological
      basis occurring after birth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the
      effectof the age at which children got their first Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
      vaccine on autism incidence. This is a reanalysis of the data set, obtained from
      the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), used for the Destefano
      et al. 2004 publication on the timing of the first MMR vaccine and autism
      diagnoses. METHODS: The author embarked on the present study to evaluate whether
      a relationship exists between child age when the first MMR vaccine was
      administered among cases diagnosed with autism and controls born between 1986
      through 1993 among school children in metropolitan Atlanta. The Pearson's chi
      squared method was used to assess relative risks of receiving an autism diagnosis
      within the total cohort as well as among different race and gender categories.
      RESULTS: When comparing cases and controls receiving their first MMR vaccine
      before and after 36 months of age, there was a statistically significant increase
      in autism cases specifically among African American males who received the first
      MMR prior to 36 months of age. Relative risks for males in general and African
      American males were 1.69 (p=0.0138) and 3.36 (p=0.0019), respectively.
      Additionally, African American males showed an odds ratio of 1.73 (p=0.0200) for
      autism cases in children receiving their first MMR vaccine prior to 24 months of
      age versus 24 months of age and thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: The present study
      provides new epidemiologic evidence showing that African American males receiving
      the MMR vaccine prior to 24 months of age or 36 months of age are more likely to
      receive an autism diagnosis.

PMID- 25114791
TI  - A review of the use of health examination data from the Health Survey for England
      in government policy development and implementation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information is needed at all stages of the policy making process. The
      Health Survey for England (HSE) is an annual cross-sectional health examination
      survey of the non-institutionalised general population in England. It was
      originally set up to inform national policy making and monitoring by the
      Department of Health. This paper examines how the nurse collected physical and
      biological measurement data from the HSE have been essential or useful for
      identification of a health issue amenable to policy intervention; initiation,
      development or implementation of a strategy; choice and monitoring of targets; or
      assessment and evaluation of policies. METHODS: Specific examples of use of HSE
      data were identified through interviews with senior members of staff at the
      Department of Health and the Health and Social Care Information Centre. Policy
      documents mentioned by interviewees were retrieved for review, and reference
      lists of associated policy documents checked. Systematic searches of Chief
      Medical Officer Reports, Government 'Command Papers', and clinical guidance
      documents were also undertaken. RESULTS: HSE examination data have been used at
      all stages of the policy making process. Data have been used to identify an issue
      amenable to policy-intervention (e.g. quantifying prevalence of undiagnosed
      chronic kidney disease), in strategy development (in models to inform chronic
      respiratory disease policy), for target setting and monitoring (the 1992 blood
      pressure target) and in evaluation of health policy (the effect of the smoking
      ban on second hand smoke exposure). CONCLUSIONS: A health examination survey is a
      useful part of a national health information system.

PMID- 25114792
TI  - Factors associated with data quality in the routine health information system of
      Benin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine health information systems (RHIS) are crucial to the
      acquisition of data for health sector planning. In developing countries, the
      insufficient quality of the data produced by these systems limits their
      usefulness in regards to decision-making. The aim of this study was to identify
      the factors associated with poor data quality in the RHIS in Benin. METHODS: This
      cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study included health workers who were
      responsible for data collection in public and private health centers. The
      technique and tools used were an interview with a self-administered
      questionnaire. The dependent variable was the quality of the data. The
      independent variables were socio-demographic and work-related characteristics,
      personal and work-related resources, and the perception of the technical factors.
      The quality of the data was assessed using the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling
      method. We used survival analysis with univariate proportional hazards (PH) Cox
      models to derive hazards ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).
      Focus group data were evaluated with a content analysis. RESULTS: A significant
      link was found between data quality and level of responsibility (p = 0.011),
      sector of employment (p = 0.007), RHIS training (p = 0.026), level of work
      engagement (p < 0.001), and the level of perceived self-efficacy (p = 0.03). The
      focus groups confirmed a positive relationship with organizational factors such
      as the availability of resources, supervision, and the perceived complexity of
      the technical factors. CONCLUSION: This exploratory study identified several
      factors associated with the quality of the data in the RHIS in Benin. The results
      could provide strategic decision support in improving the system's performance.

PMID- 25114794
TI  - Community based interventions for the prevention and control of Non-Helmintic
      NTD.
AB  - In this paper, we aim to systematically analyze the effectiveness of community
      based interventions (CBI) for the prevention and control of non-helminthic
      diseases including dengue, trypanosomiasis, chagas, leishmaniasis, buruli ulcer,
      leprosy and trachoma. We systematically reviewed literature published up to May
      2013 and included 62 studies in this review. Findings from our review suggest
      that CBI including insecticide spraying; insecticide treated bednets and
      curtains; community education and cleanliness campaigns; chemoprophylaxis through
      mass drug administration; and treatment have the potential to reduce the
      incidence and burden of non-helminthic diseases. Lack of data limited the
      subgroup analysis for integrated and non-integrated delivery strategies however,
      qualitative synthesis suggest that integrated delivery is more effective when
      compared to vertical interventions; however, such integration was possible only
      because of the existing vertical vector control programs. Community delivered
      interventions have the potential to achieve wider coverage and sustained
      community acceptance. Eradicating these diseases will require a multipronged
      approach including drug administration, health education, vector control and
      clean water and sanitation facilities. This would require high level governmental
      commitment along with strong partnerships among major stakeholders. 

PMID- 25114793
TI  - Community-based interventions for the prevention and control of helmintic
      neglected tropical diseases.
AB  - In this paper, we aim to systematically analyze the effectiveness of community
      based interventions (CBIs) for the prevention and control of helminthiasis
      including soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) (ascariasis, hookworms, and
      trichuriasis), lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, dracunculiasis, and
      schistosomiasis. We systematically reviewed literature published before May 2013
      and included 32 studies in this review. Findings from the meta-analysis suggest
      that CBIs are effective in reducing the prevalence of STH (RR: 0.45, 95% CI:
      0.38, 0.54), schistosomiasis (RR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.50), and STH intensity
      (SMD: -3.16, 95 CI: -4.28, -2.04). They are also effective in improving mean
      hemoglobin (SMD: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.47) and reducing anemia prevalence (RR:
      0.90, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.96). However, it did not have any impact on ferritin,
      height, weight, low birth weight (LBW), or stillbirths. School-based delivery
      significantly reduced STH (RR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.63) and schistosomiasis
      prevalence (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.75), STH intensity (SMD: -0.22, 95% CI: 
      0.26, -0.17), and anemia prevalence (RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.94). It also
      improved mean hemoglobin (SMD: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.32). We did not find any
      conclusive evidence from the quantitative synthesis on the relative effectiveness
      of integrated and non-integrated delivery strategies due to the limited data
      available for each subgroup. However, the qualitative synthesis from the included
      studies supports community-based delivery strategies and suggests that integrated
      prevention and control measures are more effective in achieving greater coverage
      compared to the routine vertical delivery, albeit it requires an existing strong
      healthcare infrastructure. Current evidence suggests that effective community
      based strategies exist and deliver a range of preventive, promotive, and
      therapeutic interventions to combat helminthic neglected tropical diseases
      (NTDs). However, there is a need to implement and evaluate efficient integrated
      programs with the existing disease control programs on a larger scale throughout
      resource-limited regions especially to reach the unreachable. 

PMID- 25114796
TI  - Biomineralized matrix-assisted osteogenic differentiation of human embryonic stem
      cells.
AB  - The physical and chemical properties of a matrix play an important role in
      determining various cellular behaviors, including lineage specificity. We
      demonstrate that the differentiation commitment of human embryonic stem cells
      (hESCs), both in vitro and in vivo, can be solely achieved through synthetic
      biomaterials. hESCs were cultured using mineralized synthetic matrices mimicking
      a calcium phosphate (CaP)-rich bone environment differentiated into osteoblasts
      in the absence of any osteogenic inducing supplements. When implanted in vivo,
      these hESC-laden mineralized matrices contributed to ectopic bone tissue
      formation. In contrast, cells within the corresponding non-mineralized matrices
      underwent either osteogenic or adipogenic fate depending upon the local cues
      present in the microenvironment. To our knowledge, this is the first
      demonstration where synthetic matrices are shown to induce terminal cell fate
      specification of hESCs exclusively by biomaterial-based cues both in vitro and in
      vivo. Technologies that utilize tissue specific cell-matrix interactions to
      control stem cell fate could be a powerful tool in regenerative medicine. Such
      approaches can be used as a tool to advance our basic understanding and assess
      the translational potential of stem cells.

PMID- 25114795
TI  - Impact of community-based interventions for the prevention and control of malaria
      on intervention coverage and health outcomes for the prevention and control of
      malaria.
AB  - In this paper, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based
      interventions (CBIs) for the prevention and management of malaria. We conducted a
      systematic review and identified 42 studies for inclusion. Twenty-five of the
      included studies evaluated the impact of the community-based distribution of
      insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), or impregnated
      bed sheets; 14 studies evaluated intermittent preventive therapy (IPT) delivered
      in community settings; two studies focused on community-based education for
      malaria prevention; and one study evaluated environmental management through
      drain cleaning. Our analysis suggests that, overall, the community-based delivery
      of interventions to prevent and control malaria resulted in a significant
      increase in ITNs ownership (RR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.86, 2.52) and usage (RR: 1.77,
      95% CI: 1.48, 2.11). However, usage of ITNs was limited to two-thirds of the
      population who owned them. Community-based strategies also led to a significant
      decrease in parasitemia (RR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.74), malaria prevalence (RR:
      0.46, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.73), malaria incidence (RR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.90), and
      anemia prevalence (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.97). We found a non-significant
      impact on splenomegaly, birth outcomes (low birth weight, prematurity,
      stillbirth/miscarriage), anthropometric measures (stunting, wasting, and
      underweight), and mortality (all-cause and malaria-specific). The subgroup
      analysis suggested that community-based distribution of ITNs, impregnated bed
      sheets and IRS, and IPT are effective strategies. Qualitative synthesis suggests
      that high coverage could be achieved at a lower cost with the integration of CBIs
      with existing antenatal care and immunization campaigns. Community-based delivery
      of interventions to prevent and control malaria are effective strategies to
      improve coverage and access and reduce malaria burden, however, efforts should
      also be concerted to prevent over diagnosis and drug resistance. 

PMID- 25114797
TI  - Rapid clearance of epigenetic protein reporters from wound edge cells in
      Drosophila larvae does not depend on the JNK or PDGFR/VEGFR signaling pathways.
AB  - The drastic cellular changes required for epidermal cells to dedifferentiate and
      become motile during wound closure are accompanied by changes in gene
      transcription, suggesting corresponding alterations in chromatin. However, the
      epigenetic changes that underlie wound-induced transcriptional programs remain
      poorly understood partly because a comprehensive study of epigenetic factor
      expression during wound healing has not been practical. To determine which
      chromatin modifying factors might contribute to wound healing, we screened
      publicly available fluorescently-tagged reporter lines in Drosophila for altered
      expression at the wound periphery during healing. Thirteen reporters tagging
      seven different proteins showed strongly diminished expression at the wound edge.
      Three downregulated proteins, Osa, Kismet, and Spt6, are generally associated
      with active chromatin, while four others, Sin3A, Sap130, Mi-2, and Mip120, are
      associated with repressed chromatin. In all cases reporter down regulation was
      independent of the Jun N-terminal Kinase and Pvr pathways, suggesting that novel
      signals control reporter clearance. Taken together, our results suggest that
      clearance of chromatin modifying factors may enable wound edge cells to rapidly
      and comprehensively change their transcriptional state following tissue damage.

PMID- 25114798
TI  - Donor Heart Utilization following Cardiopulmonary Arrest and Resuscitation:
      Influence of Donor Characteristics and Wait Times in Transplant Regions.
AB  - Background. Procurement of hearts from cardiopulmonary arrest and resuscitated
      (CPR) donors for transplantation is suboptimal. We studied the influences of
      donor factors and regional wait times on CPR donor heart utilization. Methods.
      From UNOS database (1998 to 2012), we identified 44,744 heart donors, of which
      4,964 (11%) received CPR. Based on procurement of heart for transplantation, CPR
      donors were divided into hearts procured (HP) and hearts not procured (HNP)
      groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of heart
      procurement. Results. Of the 4,964 CPR donors, 1,427 (28.8%) were in the HP
      group. Donor characteristics that favored heart procurement include younger age
      (25.5 +/- 15 yrs versus 39 +/- 18 yrs, P <= 0.0001), male gender (34% versus 23%,
      P <= 0.0001), shorter CPR duration (<15 min versus >30 min, P <= 0.0001), and
      head trauma (60% versus 15%). Among the 11 UNOS regions, the highest procurement
      was in Region 1 (37%) and the lowest in Region 3 (24%). Regional transplant
      volumes and median waiting times did not influence heart procurement rates.
      Conclusions. Only 28.8% of CPR donor hearts were procured for transplantation.
      Factors favoring heart procurement include younger age, male gender, short CPR
      duration, and traumatic head injury. Heart procurement varied by region but not
      by transplant volumes or wait times. 

PMID- 25114799
TI  - Intravitreal bevacizumab alone or combined with macular laser photocoagulation
      for recurrent or persistent macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein
      occlusion.
AB  - Background. To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection
      with or without macular laser photocoagulation (MLP) for recurrent or persistent
      macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods.
      Thirty-four eyes underwent IVB injection for ME secondary to BRVO as a primary
      treatment. Twenty of the 34 eyes experienced recurrent or persistent ME after the
      first IVB. Nine of the 20 eyes (Group 1) were retreated with IVB combined with
      MLP. The remaining 11 eyes (Group 2) were retreated with IVB alone. Results. In
      Group 1, the postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved compared
      with the preoperative value at all follow-up visits, although no statistically
      significant improvement was observed at 6 months. In contrast, BCVA significantly
      improved from 0.53 to 0.40 at 6 months (P < 0.05) in Group 2. Conclusion.
      Combined therapy tended to have a smaller effect on visual acuity compared with
      IVB monotherapy. 

PMID- 25114800
TI  - The trajectory and the related physical and social determinants of body mass
      index in elementary school children: results from the child and adolescent
      behaviors in long-term evolution study.
AB  - This study explored developmental trajectory patterns of BMI and associated
      factors. Participants included 1,609 students who were followed from age 7 to 12
      years. Data collection involved annual self-administered questionnaires and
      records of height and weight. An ecological model was used to identify the
      factors associated with BMI trajectories. Group-based trajectory models and
      multinomial logit models were used in the statistical analysis. There were gender
      differences in BMI trajectories. Among boys, four BMI trajectories were normal or
      slightly underweight, persistently normal weight, overweight becoming obese, and
      persistently obese. Among girls, four BMI trajectories were persistently slightly
      underweight, persistently normal weight, persistently overweight, and
      persistently obese. The mean BMI in each trajectory group demonstrated an upward
      trend over time. In boys, BMI trajectories were significantly associated with
      after-school exercise, academic performance, family interactions, overweight
      parents, and father's education level. In girls, BMI trajectories were
      significantly associated with television viewing or computer use, family
      interactions, peer interactions, and overweight parents. Children under age 7
      years who are already overweight or obese are an important target for
      interventions. The different factors associated with BMI trajectories can be used
      for targeting high risk groups. 

PMID- 25114802
TI  - Biologic collagen cylinder with skate flap technique for nipple reconstruction.
AB  - A surgical technique using local tissue skate flaps combined with cylinders made
      from a naturally derived biomaterial has been used effectively for nipple
      reconstruction. A retrospective review of patients who underwent nipple
      reconstruction using this technique was performed. Comorbidities and type of
      breast reconstruction were collected. Outcome evaluation included complications,
      surgical revisions, and nipple projection. There were 115 skate flap
      reconstructions performed in 83 patients between July 2009 and January 2013.
      Patients ranged from 32 to 73 years old. Average body mass index was 28.0. The
      most common comorbidities were hypertension (39.8%) and smoking (16.9%). After
      breast reconstruction, 68.7% of the patients underwent chemotherapy and 20.5%
      underwent radiation. Seventy-one patients had immediate breast reconstruction
      with expanders and 12 had delayed reconstruction. The only reported complications
      were extrusions (3.5%). Six nipples (5.2%) in 5 patients required surgical
      revision due to loss of projection; two patients had minor loss of projection but
      did not require surgical revision. Nipple projection at time of surgery ranged
      from 6 to 7 mm and average projection at 6 months was 3-5 mm. A surgical
      technique for nipple reconstruction using a skate flap with a graft material is
      described. Complications are infrequent and short-term projection measurements
      are encouraging. 

PMID- 25114801
TI  - Exploration of the Effect of Tobacco Smoking on Metabolic Measures in Young
      People Living with HIV.
AB  - We conducted cross-sectional, multicenter studies in HIV-positive young women and
      men to assess metabolic and morphologic complications from tobacco smoking in 372
      behaviorally infected HIV-positive youth, aged 14-25 years. Measurements included
      self-reported tobacco use, fasting lipids, glucose, fat distribution, and bone
      mineral density (BMD; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans). Overall, 144
      (38.7%) self-reported smoking tobacco and 69 (47.9%) of these reported smoking
      greater than five cigarettes per day. Smokers versus nonsmokers had lower mean
      total cholesterol (146.0 versus 156.1 mg/dL; P < 0.01) and lower mean total body
      fat percent (24.1% versus 27.2%, P = 0.03). There was no difference between
      smokers and nonsmokers in fasting glucose or BMD. There appear to be only minimal
      effects from tobacco smoking on markers of cardiac risk and bone health in this
      population of HIV-positive youth. While these smokers may not have had sufficient
      exposure to tobacco to detect changes in the outcome measures, given the long
      term risks associated with smoking and HIV, it is critical that we encourage HIV
      positive youth smokers to quit before the deleterious effects become apparent. 

PMID- 25114803
TI  - Tsc2 Haploinsufficiency Has Limited Effects on Fetal Brain Cytokine Levels during
      Gestational Immune Activation.
AB  - Dysregulated TSC/mTOR signaling may play a pathogenetic role in forms of
      syndromic autism, such as autism associated with tuberous sclerosis, a genetic
      disorder caused by heterozygous TSC1 or TSC2 mutations. Environmental risk
      factors, such as gestational viral infections, may, in some cases, also
      contribute to the pathogenesis of autism and related neuropsychiatric disorders.
      We have recently found that a heterozygous Tsc2 mutation and the poly I:C model
      of maternal immune activation (MIA) interactively perturb fetal development and
      adult social behavior in mice, suggesting that these factors converge on shared
      pathways. TSC/mTOR signaling plays an important role in the modulation of immune
      responses, raising the possibility that the damage caused by MIA was greater in
      Tsc2(+/-) than in wildtype fetuses because of an exacerbated immune response in
      the mutants. Here, cytokine antibody arrays were employed to measure relative
      cytokine abundances in the fetal brain and the placenta during MIA. Cytokines
      were induced by gestational poly I:C but there was no obvious modulatory effect
      of Tsc2 haploinsufficiency. The data indicate that cytokine exposure during MIA
      is comparable in Tsc2 haploinsufficient and wildtype control fetuses, suggesting
      that downstream molecular and cellular processes may account for the interactive
      effects of Tsc2 haploinsufficiency and MIA. 

PMID- 25114804
TI  - Lifestyle and Dietary Behaviors among Saudi Preschool Children Attending Primary
      Health Care Centers, Eastern Saudi Arabia.
AB  - Objective. To study life styles and dietary behaviors among Saudi preschool
      children (1-5 years) attending primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Dammam and
      Qatif areas, eastern province, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods. Cross
      sectional study. Data were collected using structured, interviewer-filled
      questionnaire. Children and their mothers were encountered during their well-baby
      clinic visits. A total number of 300 preschool children and their mothers were
      interviewed during study period. Results. Unsatisfactory areas include smoking
      fathers (32%), smoking in front of children (11.3%), overweight and obesity among
      mothers (60.3%), noncompliance using seat belts for both parents (56.3%) and
      children (68%), children watching television (T.V) more than 2 hours (50%),
      adherence to exclusive breast feeding (only 20.7%), and late solid food
      introduction (65.3%). Frequent intake of unhealthy food items was 26%, 25%, and
      24% for pizza, burger, and soft drinks. Unfortunately frequent intake of the
      following unhealthy food items was high: biscuits, deserts/chocolates, and chips
      which was 78%, 67%, and 72%, respectively. Conclusion. This study provides
      benchmark about the current situation. It provides health care workers and
      decision makers with important information that may help to improve health
      services. 

PMID- 25114805
TI  - Emergency sonography AIDS diagnostic accuracy of torso injuries: a study in a
      resource limited setting.
AB  - Introduction. Clinical evaluation of patients with torso trauma is often a
      diagnostic challenge. Extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma
      (EFAST) is an emergency ultrasound scan that adds to the evaluation of
      intrathoracic abdominal and pericardial cavities done in FAST (focused assessment
      with sonography for trauma). Objective. This study compares EFAST (the index
      test) with the routine standard of care (SoC) investigations (the standard
      reference test) for torso trauma injuries. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive
      study was conducted over a 3-month period. Eligible patients underwent EFAST
      scanning and the SoC assessment. The diagnostic accuracy of EFAST was calculated
      using sensitivity and specificity scores. Results. We recruited 197 patients; the
      M : F ratio was 5 : 1, with mean age of 27 years (SD 11). The sensitivity of
      EFAST was 100%, the specificity was 97%, the PPV was 87%, and the NPV was 100%.
      It took 5 minutes on average to complete an EFAST scan. 168 (85%) patients were
      EFAST-scanned. Most patients (82) (48%) were discharged on the same day of
      hospitalization, while 7 (4%) were still at the hospital after two weeks. The
      mortality rate was 18 (9%). Conclusion. EFAST is a reliable method of diagnosing
      torso injuries in a resource limited context. 

PMID- 25114807
TI  - Failure of ketamine anesthesia in a patient with lamotrigine overdose.
AB  - Introduction. It is important to know which clinical situations prevent ketamine
      from working. Case Report. We present the case of the psychiatric inpatient who
      was admitted to our emergency department after ingesting a toxic dose of
      lamotrigine, unknown at that time. On admission, she was clearly in distress,
      displaying extreme agitation and violent ataxic movements. We opted to achieve
      sedation using intravenous ketamine boluses. Unexpectedly, after being injected
      with a total of 250 mg ketamine, our patient displayed no signs of dissociative
      anaesthesia. Discussion. There was no apparent reason for why ketamine failed,
      but an interaction between lamotrigine and ketamine was suspected. A literature
      search was performed. Very few articles describe interactions between lamotrigine
      and ketamine. Experimental studies, however, demonstrate how lamotrigine
      attenuates the neuropsychiatric effects of ketamine. Ketamine is classically
      described as an NMDA antagonist. Ketamine's dissociative effects, however, are
      thought to be mediated by increased glutamate release via a pathway not dependent
      on NMDA receptors. Lamotrigine, on the other hand, is known to reduce cortical
      glutamate release. Conclusion. Lamotrigine reduces the glutamate release needed
      to mediate ketamine's dissociative anaesthesia. This is important knowledge for
      anaesthesiologists in the emergency room where ketamine is often administered to
      unstable patients. 

PMID- 25114806
TI  - Combination of acellular nerve graft and schwann cells-like cells for rat sciatic
      nerve regeneration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of tissue engineering nerve on repair of rat
      sciatic nerve defect. METHODS: Forty-five rats with defective sciatic nerve were
      randomly divided into three groups. Rats in group A were repaired by acellular
      nerve grafts only. Rats in group B were repaired by tissue engineering nerve. In
      group C, rats were repaired by autogenous nerve grafts. After six and twelve
      weeks, sciatic nerve functional index (SFI), neural electrophysiology (NEP),
      histological and transmission electron microscope observation, recovery ratio of
      wet weight of gastrocnemius muscle, regenerated myelinated nerve fibers number,
      nerve fiber diameter, and thickness of the myelin sheath were measured to assess
      the effect. RESULTS: After six and twelve weeks, the recovery ratio of SFI and
      wet weight of gastrocnemius muscle, NEP, and the result of regenerated myelinated
      nerve fibers in groups B and C were superior to that of group A (P < 0.05), and
      the difference between groups B and C was not statistically significant (P >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: The tissue engineering nerve composed of acellular allogenic
      nerve scaffold and Schwann cells-like cells can effectively repair the nerve
      defect in rats and its effect was similar to that of the autogenous nerve grafts.

PMID- 25114808
TI  - CTCFL (BORIS) mRNA Expression in a Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma of the Oral
      Cavity.
AB  - Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a relatively common benign reactive
      lesion of the oral cavity which can occur at any age. CTCFL/BORIS (CTCF
      like/Brother of the Regulator of Imprinted Sites) and CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor)
      are paralogous genes with an important role in the regulation of gene expression,
      genomic imprinting, and nuclear chromatin insulators regulation. BORIS expression
      promotes cell immortalization and growth while CTCF has tumor suppressor
      activity; the expression pattern may reflect the reverse transcription silencing
      of BORIS. The aim of this work was to describe a histopathological and molecular
      approach of an 8-year-old pediatric male patient with PGCG diagnosis. It was
      observed that the PGCG under study expressed CTCF as well as BORIS mRNAs
      alongside with the housekeeping gene GAPDH, which may be related to possible
      genetic and epigenetic changes in normal cells of oral cavity. 

PMID- 25114809
TI  - Odontogenic keratocyst mimicking paradental cyst.
AB  - Objective. The aim of this paper is to present an uncommon clinical and
      radiographic aspect of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) mimicking paradental cyst.
      Methods. A 32-year-old female patient showed a well-delimited radiolucent lesion
      connected with the root of the left third molar with close anatomical
      relationship with the mandibular canal. The clinical, radiographic, and
      anamnestic features lead us to diagnose a paradental cyst that was treated by
      enucleation after extraction of the partially impacted tooth. Results.
      Histological analysis showed typical histological features of PKC such as the
      presence of a lining of stratified squamous epithelium with a well-defined basal
      layer of palisading columnar of cuboidal cells. Conclusion. Initial X-ray
      analysis and the position of the lesion related to the third mandibular tooth
      caused us to mistakenly diagnose a paradental cyst. We were only able to identify
      the cyst as an PKC rather than a paradental cyst after histological analysis. 

PMID- 25114810
TI  - Acute Testicular Ischemia following Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
      Identified in the Emergency Department.
AB  - Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is perhaps the most widely utilized surgical
      procedure for patients with large abdominal aortic aneurysms. This procedure is
      minimally invasive and reduces inpatient hospitalization requirements. The case
      involves a 72-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with right
      testicular ischemia two days following EVAR. Given the minimal inpatient
      hospitalization associated with this procedure, emergency physicians are likely
      to encounter associated complications. Ischemic and thromboembolic events
      following EVAR are extremely rare but require prompt vascular surgery
      intervention to minimize morbidity and mortality. 

PMID- 25114812
TI  - Long-Term Follow-Up of a Child with Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Recurrent
      Hyperthyroidism in the Absence of TSH Receptor Antibodies.
AB  - Hashitoxicosis is an initial, transient, hyperthyroid phase that rarely affects
      patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis. We present here an unusual case of a child
      with Hashimoto thyroiditis and recurrent hyperthyroidism. A 4 yr 6/12 old male
      was diagnosed by us with autoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism (normal free T4,
      slightly elevated TSH, and elevated TG antibody titer). Two years and 6/12 later
      he experienced increased appetite and poor weight gain; a laboratory evaluation
      revealed suppressed TSH, elevated free T4, and normal TSI titer. In addition, an
      I(123) thyroid uptake was borderline-low. A month later, the free T4 had
      normalized. After remaining asymptomatic for 3 years, the patient presented again
      with increased appetite, and he was found with low TSH and high free T4. Within
      the following 3 months, his free T4 and TSH normalized. At his most recent
      evaluation, his TSH was normal and the free T4 was borderline-high; the TG
      antibody titer was still elevated and the TSI titer was negative. To our
      knowledge, this is the first patient reported with Hashimoto thyroiditis and
      recurrent hyperthyroidism. This case exemplifies the variability of the
      manifestations and natural history of Hashimoto thyroiditis and supports the need
      for a long-term evaluation of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. 

PMID- 25114811
TI  - Pneumomediastinum in blunt chest trauma: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Blunt trauma is the most common mechanism of injury in patients with
      pneumomediastinum and may occur in up to 10% of patients with severe blunt
      thoracic and cervical trauma. In this case report we present a 24-year-old man
      with pneumomediastinum due to blunt chest trauma after jumping from a bridge into
      a river. He complained of persistent retrosternal pain with exacerbation during
      deep inspiration. Physical examination showed only a slight tenderness of the
      sternum and the extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (e-FAST)
      was normal. Pneumomediastinum was suspected by chest X-ray and confirmed by
      computed tomography, which showed a lung contusion as probable cause of the
      pneumomediastinum due to the "Mackling effect." Sonographic findings consistent
      with pneumomediastinum, like the "air gap" sign, are helpful for quick bedside
      diagnosis, but the diagnostic criteria are not yet as well established as for
      pneumothorax. This present case shows that despite minimal findings in physical
      examination and a normal e-FAST a pneumomediastinum is still possible in a
      patient with chest pain after blunt chest trauma. Therefore, pneumomediastinum
      should always be considered to prevent missing major aerodigestive injuries,
      which can be associated with a high mortality rate. 

PMID- 25114813
TI  - Novel Mutation in the PKHD1 Gene Diagnosed Prenatally in a Fetus with Autosomal
      Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease.
AB  - We report a 29-year-old gravida 2, para 0100, who presented at 19 weeks and 4
      days of gestation for ultrasound to assess fetal anatomy. Routine midtrimester
      fetal anatomy ultrasound revealed enlarged, hyperechoic fetal kidneys and normal
      amniotic fluid index. Follow-up ultrasound at 23 weeks and 5 days revealed
      persistently enlarged, hyperechoic fetal kidneys. Progressive oligohydramnios was
      not evident until 29 weeks of gestation, with anhydramnios noted by 35 weeks of
      gestation. Amniocentesis was performed for karyotype and to search for mutations
      in the PKHD1 for the presumptive diagnosis of autosomal recessive polycystic
      kidney disease (ARPKD). In our patient, a maternally inherited, previously
      reported pathogenic missense mutation in the PKHD1 gene, c.10444C>T, was
      identified. A second, previously unreported de novo mutation, c.5909-2delA, was
      also identified. This mutation affects the canonical splice site and is most
      likely pathogenic. Our case highlights PKHD1 allelic heterogeneity and the
      importance of genetic testing in the prenatal setting where many other genetic
      etiologies can phenocopy ARPKD. 

PMID- 25114814
TI  - Failure of Recombinant Activated Factor VII in Treatment of Diffuse Alveolar
      Hemorrhage due to Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis.
AB  - Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a serious complication of the small vessel
      vasculitis syndromes and carries a high mortality. Recombinant activated factor
      VII (rFVIIa) is used to treat bleeding in patients with hemophilia and antibodies
      to factor VIII or IX. It is increasingly being used in life-threatening
      hemorrhage in a variety of other settings in which conventional therapy is
      unsuccessful. Randomized controlled trials of rFVIIa in DAH are lacking. However,
      several case reports have described a complete or sustained control of DAH using
      rFVIIa after patients failed to respond to medical treatment. There are no case
      reports in the literature describing the use or the failure of rFVIIa in DAH
      associated with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. We here report the failure of rFVIIa
      to control DAH in a patient with CD5+ B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and
      cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. 

PMID- 25114815
TI  - Disseminated abdominal hydatidosis: a rare presentation of common infectious
      disease.
AB  - Hydatid disease is one of the most geographically widespread zoonoses with
      substantial disease burden. In this report we are discussing an unusual case of
      intra-abdominal HD that was ongoing for 22 years despite two surgical
      interventions. Significant symptomatic relief was achieved within the first two
      months of combination therapy with albendazole and praziquantel. HD is still of
      public health concern in the Middle East that needs optimized care. 

PMID- 25114816
TI  - Chryseobacterium indologenes Septicemia in an Infant.
AB  - Chryseobacterium indologenes is a rare cause of infection in children. The
      organism causes infections mostly in hospitalised patients with severe underlying
      diseases. The choice of an effective drug for the treatment of infections due to
      C. indologenes is difficult as the organism has a limited spectrum of
      antimicrobial sensitivity. We present a case of nosocomial septicemia caused by
      C. indologenes in an infant with congenital heart disease who was successfully
      treated with trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and also reviewed fourteen additional
      cases of C. indologenes infections reported in the English literature in this
      report. 

PMID- 25114817
TI  - Subphrenic abscess as a complication of hemodialysis catheter-related infection.
AB  - We describe an unusual case of subphrenic abscess complicating a central venous
      catheter infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a 59-year-old woman
      undergoing hemodialysis. The diagnosis was made through computed tomography, and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from the purulent drainage of the subphrenic
      abscess, the catheter tip and exit site, and the blood culture samples. A
      transesophageal echocardiography showed a large tubular thrombus in superior vena
      cava, extending to the right atrium, but no evidence of endocarditis or other
      metastatic infectious foci. Catheter removal, percutaneous abscess drainage,
      anticoagulation, and antibiotics resulted in a favourable outcome. 

PMID- 25114818
TI  - Concurrent Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor Arising from the Omentum and Grade 3
      Endometrial Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma of the Uterus with p53 Immunoreactivity.
AB  - A malignant solitary fibrous tumor arising from the omentum is extremely rare. To
      our knowledge, this is the first case of a malignant solitary fibrous omentum
      tumor coexisting with uterine corpus cancer. A 62-year-old woman presented to our
      hospital with vaginal discharge. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma was diagnosed by
      endometrial curettage. In addition, a solid tumor in front of the uterus was
      detected following computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging, which
      was suspected to be a primary (or secondary) malignant tumor arising from the
      omentum. Hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and
      lymphadenectomy were performed. A malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the omentum
      and grade 3 endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterus were diagnosed by
      pathohistological analysis. Interestingly, the tumor cells were immunoreactive
      for p53. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered for the uterine corpus cancer and
      the patient remains healthy 48 months after the surgery. These tumors may have
      become malignant due to the presence of p53 mutations. 

PMID- 25114819
TI  - Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum due to Rupture of Uterine Varicose Veins during Labor
      Successfully Treated by Percutaneous Embolization.
AB  - Hemoperitoneum during pregnancy is a rare but potentially lethal clinical
      condition. Improvements in antenatal and intrapartum care, especially in surgical
      and anesthetic techniques, have reduced maternal mortality; perinatal mortality
      remains very high (31%). Treatment is based on the systemic correction of
      hypovolemia and immediate surgery via laparotomy or laparoscopy in cases in the
      first trimester of pregnancy for hemostatic purposes. Sometimes, hysterectomy is
      needed. A 35-year-old Asiatic primigravid woman at 37 weeks' gestation with
      otherwise uneventful pregnancy came to the hospital referring abrupt-onset lumbar
      and abdominal pain. A bleeding uterine superficial varicocele of about 7 cm was
      found on the left uterine horn during Caesarean section. Interventional
      radiologic embolization of both uterine arteries was successfully performed.
      Posterior evolution of the patient was favorable. Percutaneous vascular
      embolization of the uterine arteries is an effective alternative treatment for
      many obstetrical and gynecological causes of bleeding. The main advantage of this
      technique is the low rate of serious complications and the preservation of
      reproductive function. To our knowledge, this is the first case of spontaneous
      intrapartum hemoperitoneum treated with this technique. An early diagnosis and a
      rapid indication of this therapeutic option are essential. Hemodynamic stability
      is needed to decide this conservative management. 

PMID- 25114820
TI  - Retracted: Intravenous leiomyoma with extension to the heart: a case report and
      review of the literature.

PMID- 25114821
TI  - Malignant mesenteric perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasm presenting as an
      intra-abdominal fistula in a 49-year-old female.
AB  - Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors are rare mesenchymal tumors arising from
      histologically and immunohistochemically distinctive perivascular epithelioid
      cells that express both myogenic and melanocytic markers. These tumors are known
      to arise from different organs in the body and usually have an unpredictable
      clinical course. We report a case of a 49-year-old female who presented with
      diffuse abdominal pain, fever, chills, and nonbilious vomiting for a day. Work-up
      revealed a mesenteric mass measuring 13.5 * 7.7 * 9.5 cm, arising in the
      mesentery of the hepatic flexure, with adjacent gas suggestive of fistularization
      into the right colon. An exploratory laparotomy with resection of the mesenteric
      mass was performed, and the initial histopathology results were compatible with
      either an adenocarcinoma or a sarcoma; however, because of poor differentiation
      it was difficult to make a definitive diagnosis. However, final histopathology
      results revealed a malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (with
      reservation that a S100 negative metastatic melanoma must be excluded
      clinically). Following surgery the patient was started on everolimus, an m-TOR
      inhibitor, and has shown good response to this medication. 

PMID- 25114822
TI  - Bioabsorbable suture anchor migration to the acromioclavicular joint: how far can
      these implants go?
AB  - Few complications regarding the use of bioabsorbable suture anchors in the
      shoulder have been reported. What motivated this case report was the unusual
      location of the anchor, found in the acromioclavicular joint which, to our
      knowledge, has never been reported so far. A 53-year old male with previous
      rotator cuff (RC) repair using bioabsorbable suture anchors presented with pain
      and weakness after 2 years of surgery. A suspicion of retear of the RC led to
      request of a magnetic resonance image, in which the implant was found located in
      the acromioclavicular joint. The complications reported with the use of metallic
      implants around the shoulder led to the development of bioabsorbable anchors.
      Advantages are their absorption over time, minimizing the risk of migration or
      interference with revision surgery, less artifacts with magnetic resonance
      imaging, and tendon-to-bone repair strength similar to metallic anchors. Since
      the use of bioabsorbable suture anchors is increasing, it is important to know
      the possible complications associated with these devices. 

PMID- 25114823
TI  - Solitary fibrous tumor of the lumbar spine: the great mimicker-report of the
      fifth case.
AB  - Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare neoplasm occurring in the central nervous
      system. It rarely occurs in the spine. This paper reports the fifth case of SFT
      in a 34-year-old female and focusses on differential diagnosis and importance of
      surgical treatment. 

PMID- 25114824
TI  - Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma associated with adjacent sessile serrated lesion
      of the appendix vermiform: a case report.
AB  - Although the definition of sessile serrated lesion (SSL) of colon is
      controversial and the risk of progression to malignancy is also under
      investigation at present, SSL is generally described as a polyp characterized by
      a serrated architecture. It is estimated to represent a feature of a new
      cancerization pathway, coined "serrated neoplasia pathway," particularly in right
      sided colon adenocarcinomas. On the other hand, in appendix, the role of this
      pathway remains uncertain, probably because very few cases of appendiceal
      adenocarcinoma associated with SSL were reported, and furthermore,
      immunohistochemical examination was rarely carried out. We herein report an
      interesting case of invasive appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma exhibiting SSL,
      which was pathologically estimated as a potential precursor lesion, and performed
      representative immunohistochemistry for both the mucinous adenocarcinoma and SSL
      in the same specimen. To further elucidate the progression of the appendiceal
      carcinoma from SSL, both an adequate sectioning of the lesion and systematic
      immunohistochemical examination of a large number of appendiceal carcinoma cases
      containing adjacent SSL would be required. 

PMID- 25114825
TI  - Perilobar nephroblastomatosis: natural history and management.
AB  - Nephroblastomatosis (NB) has been considered as a precursor of Wilms tumor (WT).
      The natural history of NB seems to present significant variation as some lesions
      may regress spontaneously, while others may grow and expand or relapse and
      develop into WT later in childhood. Although, most investigators suggest adjutant
      chemotherapy, the effect and duration of treatment are not well established.
      Children with diffuse perilobar NB, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and
      hemihypertrophy seem to particularly benefit from treatment. We discuss our
      experience on two cases of NB and we review the literature for the management of
      this rare condition. 

PMID- 25114826
TI  - Immunosuppressant-associated neurotoxicity responding to olanzapine.
AB  - Immunosuppressants, particularly tacrolimus, can induce neurotoxicity in solid
      organ transplantation cases. A lower clinical threshold to switch from tacrolimus
      to another immunosuppressant agent has been a common approach to reverse this
      neurotoxicity. However, immunosuppressant switch may place the graft at risk,
      and, in some cases, continuation of the same treatment protocol may be necessary.
      We report a case of immunosuppressant-associated neurotoxicity with prominent
      neuropsychiatric manifestation and describe psychiatric intervention with
      olanzapine that led to clinical improvement while continuing tacrolimus
      maintenance. 

PMID- 25114827
TI  - Treatment of anxiety and depression in a patient with brugada syndrome.
AB  - Background. Brugada syndrome is rare and has been a clinically diagnosable entity
      since 1992. Its clinical manifestations are highly variable, and while some
      patients remain asymptomatic, others endure sudden cardiac death. Initial
      presenting symptoms may include palpitations, seizures, syncope, and nocturnal
      agonal respiration. The diagnosis of Brugada syndrome relies on both clinical
      findings and characteristic ECG patterns that occur spontaneously or are induced
      by usage of sodium-channel blocking agents. Aims of Case Report. Many
      psychiatrists may be unaware of the possibility of medical cocontributing
      etiologies to physical symptoms of anxiety and depression. We present a case of a
      patient who was treated psychiatrically for anxiety and panic attacks and who was
      subsequently diagnosed with Brugada syndrome and treated medically with an
      implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), the only treatment option
      demonstrated to be effective. Her psychiatric symptoms predated her diagnosis of
      Brugada syndrome by at least fifteen years. Conclusion. The patient's eventual
      diagnosis of Brugada syndrome altered the course of her psychopharmacologic
      medication management and illustrates the utility of a psychosomatic approach to
      psychiatric symptom management. 

PMID- 25114828
TI  - Response to rituximab in a case of lupus associated digital ischemia.
AB  - We report the case of a 38-year-old female patient with systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE) and Jaccoud arthritis (JA) that sequentially developed
      digital ischemic lesions of the hands. In spite of follow-up treatment with
      glucocorticoids, immunosuppressant, antiaggregant, and potent vasodilatator
      agents, a serious progression to digital gangrene over a one-month period was
      observed. Surprisingly, her nonhealing digital lesions improved after two cycles
      of rituximab (RTX) administration. 

PMID- 25114830
TI  - Notch and TGFbeta: Functional partners facilitating tumor progression.
AB  - Cell signals integral to the tumor microenvironment influence cancer progression.
      Tumor-associated myeloid cells secrete pro-tumorigenic agents including, but not
      limited to, the potent cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta). We
      have discovered a network of extrinsic signals including delta-like 4 (Dll4),
      Notch and TGFbeta, linking malignant cells and tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells,
      a nexus portending a clinically-relevant anticancer treatment.

PMID- 25114829
TI  - The methodological quality of animal research in critical care: the public face
      of science.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal research (AR) findings often do not translate to humans; one
      potential reason is the poor methodological quality of AR. We aimed to determine
      this quality of AR reported in critical care journals. METHODS: All AR published
      from January to June 2012 in three high-impact critical care journals were
      reviewed. A case report form and instruction manual with clear definitions were
      created, based on published recommendations, including the ARRIVE guidelines.
      Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Seventy-seven AR
      publications were reviewed. Our primary outcome (animal strain, sex, and weight
      or age described) was reported in 52 (68%; 95% confidence interval, 56% to 77%).
      Of the 77 publications, 47 (61%) reported randomization; of these, 3 (6%)
      reported allocation concealment, and 1 (2%) the randomization procedure. Of the
      77 publications, 31 (40%) reported some type of blinding; of these, disease
      induction (2, 7%), intervention (7, 23%), and/or subjective outcomes (17, 55%)
      were blinded. A sample size calculation was reported in 4/77 (5%). Animal numbers
      were missing in the Methods section in 16 (21%) publications; when stated, the
      median was 32 (range 6 to 320; interquartile range, 21 to 70). Extra animals used
      were mentioned in the Results section in 31 (40%) publications; this number was
      unclear in 23 (74%), and >100 for 12 (16%). When reporting most outcomes, numbers
      with denominators were given in 35 (45%), with no unaccounted numbers in 24
      (31%), and no animals excluded from analysis in 20 (26%). Most (49, 64%) studies
      reported >40, and another 19 (25%) reported 21 to 40 statistical comparisons.
      Internal validity limitations were discussed in 7 (9%), and external validity (to
      humans) discussed in 71 (92%), most with no (30, 42%) or only a vague (9, 13%)
      limitation to this external validity mentioned. CONCLUSIONS: The reported
      methodological quality of AR was poor. Unless the quality of AR significantly
      improves, the practice may be in serious jeopardy of losing public support.

PMID- 25114831
TI  - Tumor-associated autoantibodies correlate with poor outcome in prostate cancer
      patients treated with androgen deprivation and external beam radiation therapy.
AB  - Standard cancer treatments trigger immune responses that may influence tumor
      control. The nature of these responses varies depending on the tumor and the
      treatment modality. We previously reported that radiation and androgen
      deprivation therapy (ADT) induce tumor-associated autoantibody responses in
      prostate cancer patients. This follow-up analysis was conducted to assess the
      relationship between autoantibody responses and clinical outcome. Patients with
      non-metastatic prostate cancer received external beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
      plus neoadjuvant and concurrent androgen deprivation. Treatment-induced
      autoantibodies were detected in almost a third of patients receiving
      combinatorial ADT and EBRT. Unexpectedly, patients that developed autoantibody
      responses to tumor antigens had a significantly lower 5-year biochemical failure
      free survival (BFFS) than patients that did not develop an autoantibody response.
      Thus, tumor-reactive autoantibodies may be associated with increased risk of
      biochemical failure and immunomodulation to prevent autoantibody development may
      improve BFFS for select, high-risk prostate cancer patients receiving both ADT
      and EBRT.

PMID- 25114833
TI  - Targeting COX-2 abrogates mammary tumorigenesis: Breaking cancer-associated
      suppression of immunosurveillance.
AB  - Three studies addressed the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in mammary
      tumorigenesis using epithelial and macrophage COX-2 knockout mice. Deletion of
      COX-2 in either cell restored, at least partially, tumor immunosurveillance
      either by changing macrophage function to offset pro-tumor effects, or by
      attracting more cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells to the tumor.
      These studies suggest benefits from targeted COX-2 selective inhibition in
      combination with immunotherapies.

PMID- 25114832
TI  - STING-dependent cytosolic DNA sensor pathways regulate NKG2D ligand expression.
AB  - The DNA damage response (DDR) upregulates the expression of NKG2D ligands
      (NKG2DLs).1,2 We have recently reported that the DDR also induces the presence of
      cytosolic DNA in B-cell lymphoma cells, which leads to the activation of STING
      dependent cytosolic DNA sensor pathways and the expression of RAE-1 ligands for
      NKG2D.3.

PMID- 25114834
TI  - Linking tumor hypoxia with VEGFR2 signaling and compensatory angiogenesis:
      Glycans make the difference.
AB  - Although blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling is
      clinically beneficial in certain cancers, tumor regrowth in treated patients
      suggests that compensatory angiogenic programs may limit the efficacy of anti
      VEGF treatment. We found that association of galectin-1 with complex N-glycans on
      VEGFR2 links tumor hypoxia to VEGFR2 signaling and preserves angiogenesis in
      response to VEGF blockade.

PMID- 25114835
TI  - The fatal alliance of cancer and T cells: How pancreatic tumor cells gather
      immunosuppressive T cells.
AB  - Immune evasion is a hallmark of cancer. We recently identified the adhesion
      molecule L1CAM as biomarker of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) associated
      with poor prognosis. During inflammation-associated carcinogenesis, L1CAM drives
      the enrichment of highly immunosuppressive CD4+CD25-CD69+ T cells. Thus, L1CAM
      may serve as a target in immunomodulatory therapy for PDAC.

PMID- 25114836
TI  - Adaptation and fatigue model for neuron networks and large time asymptotics in a
      nonlinear fragmentation equation.
AB  - Motivated by a model for neural networks with adaptation and fatigue, we study a
      conservative fragmentation equation that describes the density probability of
      neurons with an elapsed time s after its last discharge. In the linear setting,
      we extend an argument by Laurencot and Perthame to prove exponential decay to the
      steady state. This extension allows us to handle coefficients that have a large
      variation rather than constant coefficients. In another extension of the
      argument, we treat a weakly nonlinear case and prove total desynchronization in
      the network. For greater nonlinearities, we present a numerical study of the
      impact of the fragmentation term on the appearance of synchronization of neurons
      in the network using two "extreme" cases. Mathematics Subject Classification
      (2000)2010: 35B40, 35F20, 35R09, 92B20. 

PMID- 25114838
TI  - Towards optimal treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ.
AB  - Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-obligate precursor of invasive breast
      cancer with a variable biological behavior which is difficult to accurately
      predict using the current clinico-pathological parameters. Randomized controlled
      trials have demonstrated that adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) reduces the risk of
      local recurrence after adequate local excision of DCIS. Tamoxifen may be
      considered as an adjuvant endocrine treatment in patients with high risk estrogen
      receptor positive disease. There is however a growing consensus that RT can be
      safely omitted in a subgroup of patients with favorable biological features in
      order to avoid overtreatment. The sentinel node biopsy is not routinely indicated
      but should be considered in women undergoing mastectomy for DCIS. The discovery
      of molecular signatures that accurately predict the biological behavior of this
      common malignancy will facilitate a personalized treatment approach in the
      future. 

PMID- 25114837
TI  - Free radical derivatives formed from cyclooxygenase-catalyzed dihomo-gamma
      linolenic acid peroxidation can attenuate colon cancer cell growth and enhance 5
      fluorouracil's cytotoxicity.
AB  - Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and its downstream fatty acid arachidonic acid
      (AA) are both nutritionally important omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega
      6s). Evidence shows that, via COX-mediated peroxidation, DGLA and its metabolites
      (1-series prostaglandins) are associated with anti-tumor activity, while AA and
      its metabolites (2-series prostaglandins) could be tightly implicated in various
      cancer diseases. However, it still remains a mystery why DGLA and AA possess
      contrasting bioactivities. Our previous studies showed that DGLA could go through
      an exclusive C-8 oxygenation pathway during COX-catalyzed lipid peroxidation in
      addition to a C-15 oxygenation pathway shared by both DGLA and AA, and that the
      exclusive C-8 oxygenation could lead to the production of distinct DGLA's free
      radical derivatives that may be correlated with DGLA's anti-proliferation
      activity. In the present work, we further investigate the anti-cancer effect of
      DGLA's free radical derivatives and their associated molecular mechanisms. Our
      study shows that the exclusive DGLA's free radical derivatives from C-8
      oxygenation lead to cell growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in
      the human colon cancer cell line HCA-7 colony 29, probably by up-regulating the
      cancer suppressor p53 and the cell cycle inhibitor p27. In addition, these
      exclusive radical derivatives were also able to enhance the efficacy of 5
      Fluorouracil (5-FU), a widely used chemo-drug for colon cancer. For the first
      time, we show how DGLA's radical pathway and metabolites are associated with
      DGLA's anti-cancer activities and able to sensitize colon cancer cells to chemo
      drugs such as 5-FU. Our findings could be used to guide future development of a
      combined chemotherapy and dietary care strategy for colon cancer treatment. 

PMID- 25114841
TI  - Breast cancer-related lymphedema: Symptoms, diagnosis, risk reduction, and
      management.
AB  - The global burden of breast cancer continues to increase largely because of the
      aging and growth of the world population. More than 1.38 million women worldwide
      were estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, accounting for 23% of
      all diagnosed cancers in women. Given that the 5-year survival rate for breast
      cancer is now 90%, experiencing breast cancer is ultimately about quality of
      life. Women treated for breast cancer are facing a life-time risk of developing
      lymphedema, a chronic condition that occurs in up to 40% of this population and
      negatively affects breast cancer survivors' quality of life. This review offers
      an insightful understanding of the condition by providing clinically relevant and
      evidence based knowledge regarding lymphedema symptoms, diagnosis, risk
      reduction, and management with the intent to inform health care professionals so
      that they might be better equipped to care for patients. 

PMID- 25114840
TI  - Targeting autophagy in breast cancer.
AB  - Macroautophagy (referred to as autophagy here) is an intracellular degradation
      pathway enhanced in response to a variety of stresses and in response to nutrient
      deprivation. This process provides the cell with nutrients and energy by
      degrading aggregated and damaged proteins as well as compromised organelles.
      Since autophagy has been linked to diverse diseases including cancer, it has
      recently become a very interesting target in breast cancer treatment. Indeed,
      current clinical trials are trying to use chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine,
      alone or in combination with other drugs to inhibit autophagy during breast
      cancer therapy since chemotherapy and radiation, regimens that are used to treat
      breast cancer, are known to induce autophagy in cancer cells. Importantly, in
      breast cancer, autophagy has been involved in the development of resistance to
      chemotherapy and to anti-estrogens. Moreover, a close relationship has recently
      been described between autophagy and the HER2 receptor. Here, we discuss some of
      the recent findings relating autophagy and cancer with a particular focus on
      breast cancer therapy. 

PMID- 25114843
TI  - Diagnosis and surgical management of breast cancer metastatic to the spine.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of death
      in Western women. Breast cancer most commonly metastasizes to the bone and has a
      particular affinity with the spine, accounting for 2/3 of osseous metastases
      discovered. With significant improvements in cancer therapies, the number of
      patients at risk for symptomatic spinal metastases is likely to increase.
      Patients may suffer from intractable pain and neurological dysfunction,
      negatively influencing their quality of life. Timely diagnosis of patients is
      crucial and has been aided by several breakthrough advances in imaging techniques
      which aid in detection, staging, and follow-up of bone metastases. Breast
      metastases are usually responsive to hormonal therapy and pharmacologic
      interventions, but skeletal metastases often require surgical intervention. The
      treatments are palliative but goals include the preserving or restoring
      neurologic function, ensuring spinal stability, and relieving pain. Advances in
      surgical techniques and instrumentation have allowed more effective decompression
      and stabilization of the spine, and with the support of recent evidence the trend
      has shifted towards using more advanced surgical options in appropriately
      selected patients. In this review, the clinical presentation, diagnosis, patient
      selection, and surgical management of breast cancer metastatic to the spine are
      discussed. 

PMID- 25114842
TI  - Mechanisms and therapeutic advances in the management of endocrine-resistant
      breast cancer.
AB  - The estrogen receptor (ER) pathway plays a critical role in breast cancer
      development and progression. Endocrine therapy targeting estrogen action is the
      most important systemic therapy for ER positive breast cancer. However its
      efficacy is limited by intrinsic and acquired resistance. Mechanisms responsible
      for endocrine resistance include deregulation of the ER pathway itself, including
      loss of ER expression, post-translational modification of ER, deregulation of ER
      co-activators; increased receptor tyrosine kinase signaling leading to activation
      of various intracellular pathways involved in signal transduction, proliferation
      and cell survival, including growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases human
      epidermal growth factor receptor-2, epidermal growth factor receptor,
      PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Mitogen activated kinase
      (MAPK)/ERK, fibroblast growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor-1
      receptor; alterations in cell cycle and apoptotic machinery; Epigenetic
      modification including dysregulation of DNA methylation, histone modification,
      and nucleosome remodeling; and altered expression of specific microRNAs.
      Functional genomics has helped us identify a catalog of genetic and epigenetic
      alterations that may be exploited as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers
      of response. New treatment combinations targeting ER and such oncogenic signaling
      pathways which block the crosstalk between these pathways have been proven
      effective in preclinical models. Results of recent clinical studies suggest that
      subsets of patients benefit from the combination of inhibitor targeting certain
      oncogenic signaling pathway with endocrine therapy. Especially, inhibition of the
      mTOR signaling pathway, a key component implicated in mediating multiple
      signaling cascades, offers a promising approach to restore sensitivity to
      endocrine therapy in breast cancer. We systematically reviewed important
      publications cited in PubMed, recent abstracts from ASCO annual meetings and San
      Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, and relevant trials registered at
      ClinicalTrials.gov. We present the molecular mechanisms contributing to endocrine
      resistance, in particular focusing on the biological rationale for the clinical
      development of novel targeted agents in endocrine resistant breast cancer. We
      summarize clinical trials utilizing novel strategies to overcome therapeutic
      resistance, highlighting the need to better identify the appropriate patients
      whose diseases are most likely to benefit from these specific strategies. 

PMID- 25114844
TI  - Weight gain following breast cancer diagnosis: Implication and proposed
      mechanisms.
AB  - Weight gain occurs in the majority of women following breast cancer treatment. An
      overview of studies describing weight gain amongst women treated with early to
      modern chemotherapy regimens is included. Populations at higher risk include
      women who are younger, closer to ideal body weight and who have been treated with
      chemotherapy. Weight gain ranges between 1 to 5 kg, and may be associated with
      change in body composition with gain in fat mass and loss in lean body mass.
      Women are unlikely to return to pre-diagnosis weight. Possible mechanisms
      including inactivity and metabolic changes are explored. Potential interventions
      are reviewed including exercise, dietary changes and pharmacologic agents.
      Although breast cancer prognosis does not appear to be significantly impacted,
      weight gain has negative consequences on quality of life and overall health.
      Future studies should explore change in body composition, metabolism and insulin
      resistance. Avoiding weight gain in breast cancer survivors following initial
      diagnosis and treatment should be encouraged. 

PMID- 25114839
TI  - Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer.
AB  - Paraneoplastic syndromes are signs or symptoms that occur as a result of organ or
      tissue damage at locations remote from the site of the primary tumor or
      metastases. Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer can impair
      various organ functions and include neurologic, endocrine, dermatologic,
      rheumatologic, hematologic, and ophthalmological syndromes, as well as
      glomerulopathy and coagulopathy (Trousseau's syndrome). The histological type of
      lung cancer is generally dependent on the associated syndrome, the two most
      common of which are humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy in squamous cell
      carcinoma and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in
      small cell lung cancer. The symptoms often precede the diagnosis of the
      associated lung cancer, especially when the symptoms are neurologic or
      dermatologic. The proposed mechanisms of paraneoplastic processes include the
      aberrant release of humoral mediators, such as hormones and hormone-like
      peptides, cytokines, and antibodies. Treating the underlying cancer is generally
      the most effective therapy for paraneoplastic syndromes, and treatment soon after
      symptom onset appears to offer the best potential for symptom improvement. In
      this article, we review the diagnosis, potential mechanisms, and treatments of a
      wide variety of paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer. 

PMID- 25114845
TI  - Pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Prediction
      models stratify a woman's risk for developing cancer and can guide screening
      recommendations based on the presence of known and quantifiable hormonal,
      environmental, personal, or genetic risk factors. Mammography remains the
      mainstay breast cancer screening and detection but magnetic resonance imaging and
      ultrasound have become useful diagnostic adjuncts in select patient populations.
      The management of breast cancer has seen much refinement with increased
      specialization and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams that include
      surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, geneticist, reconstructive
      surgeons and patients. Evidence supports a less invasive surgical approach to the
      staging and management of the axilla in select patients. In the era of
      patient/tumor specific management, the advent of molecular and genomic profiling
      is a paradigm shift in the treatment of a biologically heterogenous disease. 

PMID- 25114846
TI  - Evolution of breast cancer therapeutics: Breast tumour kinase's role in breast
      cancer and hope for breast tumour kinase targeted therapy.
AB  - There have been significant improvements in the detection and treatment of breast
      cancer in recent decades. However, there is still a need to develop more
      effective therapeutic techniques that are patient specific with reduced toxicity
      leading to further increases in patients' overall survival; the ongoing progress
      in understanding recurrence, resistant and spread also needs to be maintained.
      Better understanding of breast cancer pathology, molecular biology and
      progression as well as identification of some of the underlying factors involved
      in breast cancer tumourgenesis and metastasis has led to the identification of
      novel therapeutic targets. Over a number of years interest has risen in breast
      tumour kinase (Brk) also known as protein tyrosine kinase 6; the research field
      has grown and Brk has been described as a desirable therapeutic target in
      relation to tyrosine kinase inhibition as well as disruption of its kinase
      independent activity. This review will outline the current "state of play" with
      respect to targeted therapy for breast cancer, as well as discussing Brk's role
      in the processes underlying tumour development and metastasis and its potential
      as a therapeutic target in breast cancer. 

PMID- 25114847
TI  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factors and miRNAs: "Plastic
      surgeons" of breast cancer.
AB  - Growing evidence suggests that breast cancer cell plasticity arises due to a
      partial reactivation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs in order
      to give cells pluripotency, leading to a stemness-like phenotype. A complete EMT
      would be a dead end program that would render cells unable to fully metastasize
      to distant organs. Evoking the EMT-mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET)
      cascade promotes successful colonization of distal target tissues. It is unlikely
      that direct reprogramming or trans-differentiation without passing through a
      pluripotent stage would be the preferred mechanism during tumor progression. This
      review focuses on key EMT transcriptional regulators, EMT-transcription factors
      involved in EMT (TFs) and the miRNA pathway, which are deregulated in breast
      cancer, and discusses their implications in cancer cell plasticity. Cross
      regulation between EMT-TFs and miRNAs, where miRNAs act as co-repressors or co
      activators, appears to be a pivotal mechanism for breast cancer cells to acquire
      a stem cell-like state, which is implicated both in breast metastases and tumor
      recurrence. As a master regulator of miRNA biogenesis, the ribonuclease type III
      endonuclease Dicer plays a central role in EMT-TFs/miRNAs regulating networks.
      All these EMT-MET key regulators represent valuable new prognostic and predictive
      markers for breast cancer as well as promising new targets for drug-resistant
      breast cancers. 

PMID- 25114848
TI  - Regulation of the mRNA half-life in breast cancer.
AB  - The control of the half-life of mRNA plays a central role in normal development
      and in disease progression. Several pathological conditions, such as breast
      cancer, correlate with deregulation of the half-life of mRNA encoding growth
      factors, oncogenes, cell cycle regulators and inflammatory cytokines that
      participate in cancer. Substantial stability means that a mRNA will be available
      for translation for a longer time, resulting in high levels of protein gene
      products, which may lead to prolonged responses that subsequently result in over
      production of cellular mediators that participate in cancer. The stability of
      these mRNA is regulated at the 3'UTR level by different mechanisms involving mRNA
      binding proteins, micro-RNA, long non-coding RNA and alternative polyadenylation.
      All these events are tightly inter-connected to each other and lead to steady
      state levels of target mRNAs. Compelling evidence also suggests that both mRNA
      binding proteins and regulatory RNAs which participate to mRNA half-life
      regulation may be useful prognostic markers in breast cancers, pointing to a
      potential therapeutic approach to treatment of patients with these tumors. In
      this review, we summarize the main mechanisms involved in the regulation of mRNA
      decay and discuss the possibility of its implication in breast cancer
      aggressiveness and the efficacy of targeted therapy. 

PMID- 25114849
TI  - Molecular pathogenesis of bone metastases in breast cancer: Proven and emerging
      therapeutic targets.
AB  - Metastatic occurrence is the principal cause of death in breast cancer patients.
      The high osteotropism makes breast cancer the most common primary tumor type
      associated with metastatic bone disease. The peculiar clinical aspects associated
      with metastases limited to the skeletal system suggest considering these cases as
      a distinctive subset of metastatic patients with a better prognosis. Because bone
      is frequently the first metastatic site in disease relapse, it is feasible that
      the next improvement in therapeutic options for bone metastatic disease could be
      associated with an improvement of survival expectation and quality of life in
      breast cancer patients. Study of the molecular basis of bone remodeling and
      breast cancer osteotropism has allowed identification of several therapeutic
      candidates involved in formation and progression of bone metastases. These
      targets are frequently the determinants of positive feedback between the tumor
      and bone cells whose clinical outcome is osteolytic lesions. In this review, we
      discuss the physiopathologic features underlying targeted therapeutic strategies
      aimed at interfering with the aberrant bone remodeling associated with breast
      cancer metastases. 

PMID- 25114850
TI  - Effects of psoralens as anti-tumoral agents in breast cancer cells.
AB  - This review examines the biological properties of coumarins, widely distributed
      at the highest levels in the fruit, followed by the roots, stems and leaves, by
      considering their beneficial effects in the prevention of some diseases and as
      anti-cancer agents. These compounds are well known photosensitizing drugs which
      have been used as pharmaceuticals for a broad number of therapeutic applications
      requiring cell division inhibitors. Despite this, even in the absence of
      ultraviolet rays they are active. The current paper mainly focuses on the effects
      of psoralens on human breast cancer as they are able to influence many aspects of
      cell behavior, such as cell growth, survival and apoptosis. In addition,
      analytical and pharmacological data have demonstrated that psoralens antagonize
      some metabolizing enzymes, affect estrogen receptor stability and counteract cell
      invasiveness as well as cancer drug resistance. The scientific findings
      summarized highlight the pleiotropic functions of phytochemical drugs, given that
      recently their target signals and how these are modified in the cells have been
      identified. The encouraging results in this field suggest that multiple
      modulating strategies based on coumarin drugs in combination with canonical
      chemotherapeutic agents or radiotherapy could be a useful approach to address the
      treatment of many types of cancer. 

PMID- 25114852
TI  - Impact of CYP2D*6 in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer patients with
      tamoxifen.
AB  - Biotransformation of tamoxifen to the potent antiestrogen endoxifen is performed
      by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, in particular the CYP2D6 isoform. CYP2D6*4 is
      one of the most frequent alleles associated with loss of enzymatic activity. The
      incidence of CYP2D6*4 among Caucasians is estimated up to 27%, while it is
      present in up to 90% of all poor metabolizers within the Caucasian population.
      The hypothesis under question is whether the presence of one or two non
      functioning (null) alleles predicts an inferior outcome in postmenopausal women
      with breast cancer receiving adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen. The numerous
      existing studies investigating the association of CYP2D6 with treatment failure
      in breast cancer are inconsistent and give rather conflicting results. Currently,
      routine CYP2D6 testing among women with breast cancer is not recommended and the
      significance of CYP2D6 phenotype in decision making regarding the administration
      of tamoxifen is unclear. The present study summarizes current literature
      regarding clinical studies on CYP2D6*4, particularly in terms of response to
      tamoxifen therapy and breast cancer outcome. 

PMID- 25114851
TI  - Main controversies in breast cancer.
AB  - In this article, we have reviewed available evidence for diagnosis, treatment,
      and follow-up in female breast cancer (BC). Into daily clinical practice some
      controversies are occurred. Especially, in the diagnosis field, despite the fact
      that the optimal age in which screening mammography should start is a subject of
      intense controversy, there is a shift toward the beginning at the age of 40
      although it is suggested that the net benefit is small for women aged 40 to 49
      years. In addition, a promising tool in BC screening seems to be breast
      tomosynthesis. Other tools such as 3D ultrasound and shear wave elastography
      (SWE) are full of optimism in BC screening although ultrasonography is not yet a
      first-line screening method and there is insufficient evidence to recommend the
      systemic use of the SWE for BC screening. As for breast magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI), even if it is useful in BC detection in women who have a strong
      family history of BC, it is not generally recommended as a screening tool.
      Moreover, based on the lack of randomized clinical trials showing a benefit of
      presurgical breast MRI in overall survival, it's integration into breast surgical
      operations remains debatable. Interestingly, in contrast to fine needle
      aspiration, core biopsy has gained popularity in presurgical diagnosis.
      Furthermore, after conservative surgery in patients with positive sentinel lymph
      nodes, the recent tendency is the shift from axillary dissection to axillary
      conserving strategies. While the accuracy of sentinel lymph node after
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy and second BC surgery remains controversial, more time
      is needed for evaluation and for determining the optimal interval between the two
      surgeries. Additionally, in the decision between immediate or delayed breast
      reconstruction, there is a tendency in the immediate use. In the prevention of
      BC, the controversial issue between tamoxifen and raloxifene becomes clear with
      raloxifene be more profitable through the toxicities of tamoxifen. However, the
      prevention of bone metastasis with bisphosphonates is still conflicting. Last but
      not least, in the follow-up of BC survivors, mammography, history and physical
      examination are the means of an early detection of BC recurrence. ed. 

PMID- 25114853
TI  - Significance of immunohistochemistry in breast cancer.
AB  - The biological characteristics of the tumour are used to estimate prognosis and
      select appropriate systemic therapy for patients with (breast) cancer. The advent
      of molecular technology has incorporated new biomarkers along with
      immunohistochemical and serum biomarkers. Immunohistochemical markers are often
      used to guide treatment decisions, to classify breast cancer into subtypes that
      are biologically distinct and behave differently, and both as prognostic and
      predictive factors. Steroid hormone receptors, markers of tumour proliferation,
      and factors involved in angiogenesis and apoptosis are of scientific interest. In
      this review we will provide information on the immunohistochemical markers used
      in the management of breast cancer patients using available data from the
      literature. We consider the utility of established immunohistochemical markers,
      and discuss the challenges involved in integrating novel molecular markers into
      clinical practice. 

PMID- 25114854
TI  - Toremifene in the treatment of breast cancer.
AB  - Although more widespread screening and routine adjuvant therapy has improved the
      outcome for breast cancer patients in recent years, there remains considerable
      scope for improving the efficacy, safety and tolerability of adjuvant therapy in
      the early stage disease and the treatment of advanced disease. Toremifene is a
      selective estrogen receptor modifier (SERM) that has been widely used for decades
      in hormone receptor positive breast cancer both in early and late stage disease.
      Its efficacy has been well established in nine prospective randomized phase III
      trials compared to tamoxifen involving more than 5500 patients, as well as in
      several large uncontrolled and non-randomized studies. Although most studies show
      therapeutic equivalence between the two SERMs, some show an advantage for
      toremifene. Several meta-analyses have also confirmed that the efficacy of
      toremifene is at least as good as that of tamoxifen. In terms of safety and
      tolerability toremifene is broadly similar to tamoxifen although there is some
      evidence that toremifene is less likely to cause uterine neoplasms, serious
      vascular events and it has a more positive effect on serum lipids than does
      tamoxifen. Toremifene is therefore effective and safe in the treatment of breast
      cancer. It provides not only a useful therapeutic alternative to tamoxifen, but
      may bring specific benefits. 

PMID- 25114855
TI  - Exercise in patients coping with breast cancer: An overview.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, but fortunately has
      high survival rates. Many studies have been performed to investigate the effects
      of exercise in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. There is evidence that
      exercise after the diagnosis of breast cancer improves mortality, morbidity,
      health related quality of life, fatigue, physical functioning, muscle strength,
      and emotional wellbeing. Based on scientific data, breast cancer patients should
      be recommended to participate in rehabilitation programs including aerobic and
      strength training. The aim of this article is to review the recently published
      data on the effect of exercise in patients with breast cancer in order to present
      the current perspective on the topic. 

PMID- 25114856
TI  - Biological subtypes of breast cancer: Prognostic and therapeutic implications.
AB  - Breast cancer is a heterogeneous complex of diseases, a spectrum of many subtypes
      with distinct biological features that lead to differences in response patterns
      to various treatment modalities and clinical outcomes. Traditional classification
      systems regarding biological characteristics may have limitations for patient
      tailored treatment strategies. Tumors with similar clinical and pathological
      presentations may have different behaviors. Analyses of breast cancer with new
      molecular techniques now hold promise for the development of more accurate tests
      for the prediction of recurrence. Gene signatures have been developed as
      predictors of response to therapy and protein gene products that have direct
      roles in driving the biology and clinical behavior of cancer cells are potential
      targets for the development of novel therapeutics. The present review summarizes
      current knowledge in breast cancer molecular biology, focusing on novel
      prognostic and predictive factors. 

PMID- 25114857
TI  - Current role of modern radiotherapy techniques in the management of breast
      cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancy in females. Advances in
      systemic therapies and radiotherapy (RT) provided long survival rates in breast
      cancer patients. RT has a major role in the management of breast cancer. During
      the past 15 years several developments took place in the field of imaging and
      irradiation techniques, intensity modulated RT, hypofractionation and partial
      breast irradiation. Currently, improvements in the RT technology allow us a
      subsequent decrease in the treatment-related complications such as fibrosis and
      long-term cardiac toxicity while improving the loco-regional control rates and
      cosmetic results. Thus, it is crucial that modern radiotherapy techniques should
      be carried out with maximum care and efficiency. Several randomized trials
      provided evidence for the feasibility of modern radiotherapy techniques in the
      management of breast cancer. However, the role of modern radiotherapy techniques
      in the management of breast cancer will continue to be defined by the mature
      results of randomized trials. Current review will provide an up-to-date evidence
      based data on the role of modern radiotherapy techniques in the management of
      breast cancer. 

PMID- 25114858
TI  - Therapeutic options for HER-2 positive breast cancer: Perspectives and future
      directions.
AB  - During the last 15 years we have witnessed an unprecedented expansion in the
      drugs developed to target human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)
      positive breast cancer. Trastuzumab, pertuzumab, ado-trastuzumab emtansine and
      lapatinib are currently food and drug administration (FDA)-approved for the
      treatment of breast cancer patients with HER-2 over-expressed. However, given the
      amount of information gathered from years of uninterrupted clinical research, it
      is essential to have periodic updates that succinctly recapitulate what we have
      learnt over these last years and help us to apply that information in our daily
      practice. This review will pursue that objective. We will summarize the most
      relevant and updated information related to the state of the art management of
      HER-2 positive breast cancer in all the clinical scenarios including the
      adjuvant, neoadjuvant and metastatic settings. But we will also critically
      appraise that literature in order to highlight some key clinical concepts that
      should not be overlooked. Lastly, this review will also point out some of the
      most promising strategies that are currently being tested and may soon become
      available. 

PMID- 25114859
TI  - Modification in the diet can induce beneficial effects against breast cancer.
AB  - The population tends to consume foods that in addition to their nutritional
      values can offer some benefits to their health. There are many epidemiological
      evidences and research studies in animal models suggesting that diet plays an
      important role in breast cancer prevention or progression. This review summarized
      some of the relevant researches about nutrition and cancer during the last years,
      especially in breast cancer. The analysis of probiotics and fermented products
      containing lactic acid bacteria in cancer prevention and/or treatment was
      especially discussed. It was observed that a balance of fatty acids similar to
      those of traditional Mediterranean diet, the consumption of fruits and
      vegetables, dietary fiber intake, vitamin supplementation are, along with the
      intake of probiotic products, the most extensively studied by the negative
      association to breast cancer risk. The consumption of probiotics and fermented
      products containing lactic acid bacteria was associated to reduce breast cancer
      risk in some epidemiological studies. The use of animal models showed the
      modulation of the host's immune response as one of the important effects
      associated to the benefices observed with most probiotics. However; future assays
      in human are very important before the medical community can accept the addition
      of probiotic or fermented milks containing lactic acid bacteria as supplements
      for cancer patients. 

PMID- 25114860
TI  - Challenges to the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in developing
      countries.
AB  - This critical review of the literature assembles and compares available data on
      breast cancer clinical stage, time intervals to care, and access barriers in
      different countries. It provides evidence that while more than 70% of breast
      cancer patients in most high-income countries are diagnosed in stages I and II,
      only 20%-50% patients in the majority of low- and middle-income countries are
      diagnosed in these earlier stages. Most studies in the developed world show an
      association between an advanced clinical stage of breast cancer and delays
      greater than three months between symptom discovery and treatment start. The
      evidence assembled in this review shows that the median of this interval is 30-48
      d in high-income countries but 3-8 mo in low- and middle-income countries. The
      longest delays occur between the first medical consultation and the beginning of
      treatment, known as the provider interval. The little available evidence suggests
      that access barriers and quality deficiencies in cancer care are determinants of
      provider delay in low- and middle-income countries. Research on specific access
      barriers and deficiencies in quality of care for the early diagnosis and
      treatment of breast cancer is practically non-existent in these countries, where
      it is the most needed for the design of cost-effective public policies that
      strengthen health systems to tackle this expensive and deadly disease. 

PMID- 25114861
TI  - Immediate nipple-areola-sparing mastectomy reconstruction: An update on
      oncological and reconstruction techniques.
AB  - Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is a safe technique in patients who are
      candidates for conservation breast surgery. However, there is worry concerning
      its oncological safety and surgical outcome in terms of postoperative
      complications. The authors reviewed the literature to evaluate the oncological
      safety, patient selection, surgical techniques, and also to identify the factors
      influencing postoperative outcome and complication rates. Patient selection and
      safety related to NSM are based on oncological and anatomical parameters. Among
      the main criteria, the oncological aspects include the clinical stage of breast
      cancer, tumor characteristics and location including small, peripherally located
      tumors, without multicentricity, or for prophylactic mastectomy. Surgical success
      depends on coordinated planning with the oncological surgeon and careful
      preoperative and intraoperative management. In general, the NSM reconstruction is
      related to autologous and alloplastic techniques and sometimes include contra
      lateral breast surgery. Choice of reconstructive technique following NSM requires
      accurate consideration of various patient related factors, including: breast
      volume, degree of ptosis, areola size, clinical factors, and surgeon's
      experience. In addition, tumor related factors include dimension, location and
      proximity to the nipple-areola complex. Regardless of the fact that there is no
      unanimity concerning the appropriate technique, the criteria are determined by
      the surgeon's experience and the anatomical aspects of the breast. The positive
      aspects of the technique utilized should include low interference with the
      oncological treatment, reproducibility, and long-term results. Selected patients
      can have safe outcomes and therefore this may be a feasible option for early
      breast cancer management. However, available data demonstrates that NSM can be
      safely performed for breast cancer treatment in selected cases. Additional
      studies and longer follow-up are necessary to define consistent selection
      criteria for NSM. 

PMID- 25114862
TI  - Pattern response of dendritic cells in the tumor microenvironment and breast
      cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant neoplasm and the cause of death
      by cancer among women worldwide. Its development, including malignancy grade and
      patient prognosis, is influenced by various mutations that occur in the tumor
      cell and by the immune system's status, which has a direct influence on the tumor
      microenvironment and, consequently, on interactions with non-tumor cells involved
      in the immunological response. Among the immune response cells, dendritic cells
      (DCs) play a key role in the induction and maintenance of anti-tumor responses
      owing to their unique abilities for antigen cross-presentation and promotion of
      the activation of specific lymphocytes that target neoplasic cells. However, the
      tumor microenvironment can polarize DCs, transforming them into immunosuppressive
      regulatory DCs, a tolerogenic phenotype which limits the activity of effector T
      cells and supports tumor growth and progression. Various factors and signaling
      pathways have been implicated in the immunosuppressive functioning of DCs in
      cancer, and researchers are working on resolving processes that can circumvent
      tumor escape and developing viable therapeutic interventions to prevent or
      reverse the expression of immunosuppressive DCs in the tumor microenvironment. A
      better understanding of the pattern of DC response in patients with BC is
      fundamental to the development of specific therapeutic approaches to enable DCs
      to function properly. Various studies examining DCs immunotherapy have
      demonstrated its great potential for inducing immune responses to specific
      antigens and thereby reversing immunosuppression and related to clinical response
      in patients with BC. DC-based immunotherapy research has led to immense
      scientific advances, both in our understanding of the anti-tumor immune response
      and for the treatment of these patients. 

PMID- 25114863
TI  - Triiodothyronine and breast cancer.
AB  - The thyroid hormones (THs), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), are
      essential for survival; they are involved in the processes of development,
      growth, and metabolism. In addition to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, THs are
      involved in other diseases. The role of THs in the development and
      differentiation of mammary epithelium is well established; however, their
      specific role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC) is controversial. Steroid
      hormones affect many human cancers and the abnormal responsiveness of the mammary
      epithelial cells to estradiol (E2) in particular is known to be an important
      cause for the development and progression of BC. The proliferative effect of T3
      has been demonstrated in various types of cancer. In BC cell lines, T3 may foster
      the conditions for tumor proliferation and increase the effect of cell
      proliferation by E2; thus, T3 may play a role in the development and progression
      of BC. Studies show that T3 has effects similar to E2 in BC cell lines. Despite
      controversy regarding the relationship between thyroid disturbances and the
      incidence of BC, studies show that thyroid status may influence the development
      of tumor, proliferation and metastasis. 

PMID- 25114864
TI  - Preventing breast cancer in LMICs via screening and/or early detection: The real
      and the surreal.
AB  - To review the present status of breast cancer (BC) screening/early detection in
      low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and identify the way forward, an open
      focused search for articles was undertaken in PubMed, Google Scholar and Google,
      and using a snowball technique, further articles were obtained from the reference
      list of initial search results. In addition, a query was put up on ResearchGate
      to obtain more references and find out the general opinion of experts on the
      topic. Experts were also personally contacted for their opinion. Breast cancer
      (BC) is the most common cancer in women in the world. The rise in incidence is
      highest in LMICs where the incidence has often been much lower than high-income
      countries. In spite of more women dying of cancer than pregnancy or childbirth
      related causes in LMICs, most of the focus and resources are devoted to maternal
      health. Also, the majority of women in LMICs present at late stages to a hospital
      to initiate treatment. A number of trials have been conducted in various LMICs
      regarding the use of clinical breast examination and mammography in various
      combinations to understand the best ways of implementing a population level
      screening/early detection of BC; nevertheless, more research in this area is
      badly needed for different LMIC specific contexts. Notably, very few LMICs have
      national level programs for BC prevention via screening/early detection and even
      stage reduction is not on the public health agenda. This is in addition to other
      barriers such as lack of awareness among women regarding BC and the presence of
      stigma, inappropriate attitudes and lack of following proper screening behavior,
      such as conducting breast self-examinations. The above is mixed with the apathy
      and lack of awareness of policy makers regarding the fact that BC prevention is
      much more cost-effective and humane than BC treatment. Implementation of
      population level programs for screening/early detection of BC, along with use of
      ways to improve awareness of women regarding BC, can prove critical in stemming
      the increasing burden of BC in LMICs. Use of newer modalities such as
      ultrasonography which is more suited to LMIC populations and use of mHealth for
      awareness creation and increasing screening compliance are much needed extra
      additions to the overall agenda of LMICs in preventing BC. 

PMID- 25114866
TI  - Adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer: To use or not to use, the anthracyclines.
AB  - Breast cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in
      the world. The treatment generally involves multiple modalities including
      surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. Anthracyclines, one of the first
      chemotherapeutic agents introduced in the 1960s, has been the backbone for the
      last 30 years and has been used extensively so far. However, the cardiac toxicity
      and the concern for secondary hematological malignancy has always been a
      challenge. A better understanding of the tumor biology, role of Her2 expression
      and the discovery of trastuzumab and other anti-Her 2 agents along with other
      effective novel therapeutic options, have revolutionized the treatment for breast
      cancer. The role of anthracyclines has come under close scrutiny, especially in
      the adjuvant setting for patients with early stage breast cancer and those with
      low or intermediate risk of disease recurrence. Recent studies have highlighted
      such a shift in the use of anthracyclines in both the academic and community
      clinical practice. However, in patients with a high risk of relapse,
      anthracyclines still hold promise. Ongoing clinical trials are underway to
      further define the role of anthracyclines in such a patient population. This
      review highlights the development, clinical utility, limitations and potential
      future use of anthracyclines in the adjuvant setting for patients with breast
      cancer. We consulted PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, ASCO annual symposium abstracts,
      and http://clinicaltrials.gov/ for the purpose of this review. 

PMID- 25114867
TI  - Inflammatory breast cancer clusters: A hypothesis.
AB  - Cancer clusters have long been a focus of interest because of the possibility of
      identifying etiologic agents. Only on rare occasions, however, have such cluster
      investigations been successful. One major difficulty in cluster investigations,
      particularly in the area of breast cancer, is the long latent period. There have
      been a number of publications providing a discouraging picture regarding cancer
      cluster investigations. The possibility of learning from a cluster investigation,
      however, is greatly increased if the cancer involved is relatively rare and if it
      has a short latent period. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) fits these criteria
      and is worth pursuing because of the strong evidence that environmental factors
      play a major role. In this report we describe our experience with several
      clusters and the lessons learned which are now being utilized to improve
      investigation of future IBC clusters. The first IBC cluster that we evaluated was
      in 2000, when we were asked to investigate an apparent cluster of IBC in Castro
      Valley, California where three women in an office setting of 24 people were
      diagnosed with IBC in a ten month period from May 1999 to March 2000. Our
      investigation of this striking cluster did not yield a specific trigger for this
      cluster but it did indicate that the women involved all had at least two IBC risk
      factors that may well have made them susceptible to getting IBC. We are now
      investigating another apparent cluster in Texas and are aware of several others
      requiring careful consideration. We see a need for a consistent protocol for the
      evaluation of IBC clusters focusing on the laboratory investigation of
      environmental triggers, primarily infectious agents and chemical carcinogens. 

PMID- 25114868
TI  - Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ of the breast: Can the evidence guide
      practice?
AB  - The clinical significance of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ (PLCIS) is a
      subject of controversy. As a consequence, there is a risk of providing
      inconsistent management to patients presenting with PLCIS. This review aims to
      establish whether the current guidelines for the management of PLCIS are
      consistent with current evidence. A systematic electronic search was performed to
      identify all English language articles regarding PLCIS management. The data was
      analysed, specifically looking at: incidence of concurrent disease, recurrence
      rates, long-term prognosis and PLCIS management. A search was also performed for
      PLCIS management guidelines for the United Kingdom, United States, Canada,
      Australia, Germany and pan-European. The results of the evidence analyses were
      compared to the guidelines in order to establish whether the recommended
      management is consistent with the published evidence. Nine studies (level 3-4
      evidence), involving a total of 176 patients and five management guidelines (from
      United Kingdom, United States, Australia and pan-European) were included in the
      review. From the evidence, 46 of 93 (49%) patients were found to have PLCIS with
      concurrent invasive disease on excision specimen analysis. Regarding recurrence
      rates, 11 of 117 (9.4%) patients developed a recurrence of PLCIS. There were no
      instances of invasive disease or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) on recurrence
      histology. There were no studies assessing long-term outcomes in PLCIS cases.
      With regards to the management guidelines, the Association of Breast Surgery
      (United Kingdom) and the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Care (Australia) do
      not mention PLCIS. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (United States)
      suggest considering excision of PLCIS with negative margins. The NHS Breast
      Screening Programme (United Kingdom) and the European Society of Medical Oncology
      (pan-European) recommend PLCIS should be treated as with DCIS. We conclude that
      high quality evidence to inform guidance is lacking, thus recommendations are
      relatively vague. However, based on the available evidence, it would seem prudent
      to treat PLCIS in a similar manner to DCIS. 

PMID- 25114865
TI  - Green tea compounds in breast cancer prevention and treatment.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In recent years, many in
      vitro and in vivo studies indicate that green tea possesses anti-cancer effects.
      The epidemiological studies, however, have produced inconclusive results in
      humans. Likewise, results from animal models about the preventive or therapeutic
      effects of green tea components are inconclusive. The mechanisms by which green
      tea intake may influence the risk of breast cancer in humans remain elusive
      mechanisms by which green tea intake may influence. Here, we review recent
      studies of green tea polyphenols and their applications in the prevention and
      treatment of breast cancer. Furthermore, we discuss the effect of green tea
      components on breast cancer by reviewing epidemiological studies, animal model
      studies and clinical trials. At last, we discuss the mechanisms by which green
      tea components suppress the development and recurrence of breast cancer. A better
      understanding of the mechanisms will improve the utilization of green tea in
      breast cancer prevention and therapy and pave the way to novel prevention and
      treatment strategies for breast cancer. 

PMID- 25114870
TI  - Subclinical hypothyroidism and pregnancy: the intersection of science, the art of
      medicine, and public health policy.

PMID- 25114869
TI  - Is exercise ignored in palliative cancer patients?
AB  - Exercise and rehabilitation approaches in palliative care programs for cancer
      patients affect patients' symptoms, physical functioning, muscle strength,
      emotional wellbeing, psychological symptoms, functional capacities, quality of
      life, mortality and morbidity positively. Based on scientific data, palliative
      cancer patients should be recommended to participate in exercise programs. There
      is no standard approach to recipe an exercise regimen for a palliative cancer
      survivor. Studies for demonstrating the positive effects of exercising in
      palliative care patients are increasing in number day by day. At this point,
      increasing awareness about exercising in the entire team monitoring the patient
      and our efforts in this matter seems to be very important. 

PMID- 25114872
TI  - Historical note: many steps led to the 'discovery' of thyroid-stimulating
      hormone.
AB  - Finding thyroid-stimulating hormone was a process rather than a circumscribed
      event, and many talented persons participated over many years. Key early
      participants were Bennet M. Allen and Philip E. Smith who had the misfortune just
      prior to World War I of independently and simultaneously starting very similar
      experiments with tadpoles. This led to a series of back and forth publications
      attempting to establish priority for finding evidence of a thyrotropic factor in
      the anterior pituitary. Decades of work by others would be required before
      sophisticated biochemical techniques would bring us to our modern understanding. 

PMID- 25114873
TI  - The TRHR Gene Is Associated with Hypothalamo-Pituitary Sensitivity to
      Levothyroxine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thyroidectomized patients need variable doses of levothyroxine (LT4)
      to obtain target thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Individual feedback
      set-points have been hypothesized and the influence of several genes in the
      regulation of the pituitary-thyroid axis has been demonstrated. OBJECTIVES: We
      hypothesized that genetic variants of the TRHR gene could be associated with a
      different hypothalamo-pituitary sensitivity to thyroid hormone feedback. METHODS:
      We retrospectively analyzed 84 thyroidectomized patients with no residual thyroid
      function and undetectable thyroglobulin levels. Patients were evaluated under LT4
      resulting in TSH levels detectable but <0.5 MUIU/ml. The two SNPs rs3134105 and
      rs3110040 were identified as informative markers of the TRHR gene. Genotyping was
      performed using high-resolution melting technology. Genotype distribution was
      compared between the patients and 99 euthyroid controls. RESULTS: The selected
      SNPs were in linkage disequilibrium and only rs3134105 was further considered. A
      significant difference between the three possible genotypes for rs3134105 was
      found for TSH (p = 0.04) and free thyroxine (fT4)/TSH ratio (p = 0.02). Moreover,
      despite similar serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (fT3) and fT4,
      carriers of at least one A allele of rs3134105 had significantly lower serum TSH
      levels (p = 0.01) as well as higher fT3/TSH (p = 0.01) and fT4/TSH ratios (p <
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated an association between serum TSH levels and
      discrete alleles of the TRHR gene in totally thyroidectomized patients under LT4
      therapy. Therefore, the TRHR gene seems to be a determinant of hypothalamo
      pituitary sensitivity to LT4.

PMID- 25114871
TI  - 2014 European thyroid association guidelines for the management of subclinical
      hypothyroidism in pregnancy and in children.
AB  - This guideline has been produced as the official statement of the European
      Thyroid Association guideline committee. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in
      pregnancy is defined as a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level above the
      pregnancy-related reference range with a normal serum thyroxine concentration.
      Isolated hypothyroxinaemia (defined as a thyroxine level below the 2.5th centile
      of the pregnancy-related reference range with a normal TSH level) is also
      recognized in pregnancy. In the majority of SCH the cause is autoimmune
      thyroiditis but may also be due to iodine deficiency. The cause of isolated
      hypothyroxinaemia is usually not apparent, but iodine deficiency may be a factor.
      SCH and isolated hypothyroxinaemia are both associated with adverse obstetric
      outcomes. Levothyroxine therapy may ameliorate some of these with SCH but not in
      isolated hypothyroxinaemia. SCH and isolated hypothyroxinaemia are both
      associated with neuro-intellectual impairment of the child, but there is no
      evidence that maternal levothyroxine therapy improves this outcome. Targeted
      antenatal screening for thyroid function will miss a substantial percentage of
      women with thyroid dysfunction. In children SCH (serum TSH concentration >5.5-10
      mU/l) normalizes in >70% and persists in the majority of the remaining patients
      over the subsequent 5 years, but rarely worsens. There is a lack of studies
      examining the impact of SCH on the neuropsychological development of children
      under the age of 3 years. In older children, the evidence for an association
      between SCH and impaired neuropsychological development is inconsistent. Good
      quality studies examining the effect of treatment of SCH in children are lacking.

PMID- 25114876
TI  - Recombinant human thyrotropin use resulting in ovarian hyperstimulation: an
      unusual side effect.
AB  - A 43-year-old female was administered recombinant human thyrotropin-alpha
      (Thyrogen(r); Genzyme Corp., Cambridge, Mass., USA) before a fluorodeoxyglucose
      positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan as part of an
      evaluation of thyroid cancer recurrence. She was administered two doses of
      Thyrogen only 4 weeks before for stimulated thyroglobulin measurement. The PET/CT
      scan demonstrated enlarged ovaries which on subsequent conservative follow-up
      resolved. This transient hyperstimulated state of the ovaries was presumed to be
      related to Thyrogen injections received twice within a space of a month. Thyrogen
      is being increasingly used for raising the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone
      (TSH), besides thyroid hormone withdrawal for suspected recurrence of
      differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Ovarian hyperstimulation has been reported as
      an iatrogenic complication for in vitro fertilization with the presence of human
      chorionic gonadotropin being invariably associated. Transient gestational
      thyrotoxicosis has been reported to be related to promiscuous activation of the
      thyrotropin receptor by chorionic gonadotropin. In our case it is possible that
      due to the promiscuous stimulation, thyrotropin caused a follicle-stimulating
      hormone (FSH)-like action resulting in ovarian hyperstimulation. The reason
      behind this could be the shared sequence identity of the hormone-binding domains
      of TSH and FSH receptors, or some mutation in the FSH receptor. In conclusion,
      our case highlights a potential side effect of administering Thyrogen in females
      of the reproductive age group. 

PMID- 25114874
TI  - A Progress Report of the IFCC Committee for Standardization of Thyroid Function
      Tests.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The IFCC Committee for Standardization of Thyroid Function Tests aims
      at equivalence of laboratory test results for free thyroxine (FT4) and
      thyrotropin (TSH). OBJECTIVES: This report describes the phase III method
      comparison study with clinical samples representing a broad spectrum of thyroid
      disease. The objective was to expand the feasibility work and explore the impact
      of standardization/harmonization in the clinically relevant concentration range.
      METHODS: Two sets of serum samples (74 for FT4, 94 for TSH) were obtained in a
      clinical setting. Eight manufacturers participated in the study (with 13 FT4 and
      14 TSH assays). Targets for FT4 were set by the international conventional
      reference measurement procedure of the IFCC; those for TSH were based on the all
      procedure trimmed mean. The manufacturers recalibrated their assays against these
      targets. RESULTS: All FT4 assays were negatively biased in the mid- to high
      concentration range, with a maximum interassay discrepancy of approximately 30%.
      However, in the low range, the maximum deviation was approximately 90%. For TSH,
      interassay comparability was reasonable in the mid-concentration range, but worse
      in the pathophysiological ranges. Recalibration was able to eliminate the
      interassay differences, so that the remaining dispersion of the data was nearly
      entirely due to within-assay random error components. The impact of recalibration
      on the numerical results was particularly high for FT4. CONCLUSIONS:
      Standardization and harmonization of FT4 and TSH measurements is feasible from a
      technical point of view. Because of the impact on the numerical values, the
      implementation needs careful preparation with the stakeholders.

PMID- 25114877
TI  - Simple core-needle biopsy for thyroid nodule, complicated tinnitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration is the procedure of choice for evaluating
      thyroid nodules. Core-needle biopsy (CNB) is not included in the American Thyroid
      Association recommendations for evaluating such nodules. CNB complications are
      classically bleeding and hematomas. To our knowledge, no case of arteriovenous
      fistula (AVF) secondary to a CNB has been reported, nor has any case of tinnitus
      secondary to a post-CNB AVF. OBJECTIVES: To make the clinician aware of possible
      vascular complications caused by CNB and the possibility of difficult pathology
      reading caused by previous CNB. METHODS: A 44-year-old female is described who
      was referred to our tertiary care center for left-sided pulsatile tinnitus. She
      did report having had a CNB right before the tinnitus appeared. Conventional
      angiography demonstrated a focal AVF originating from the left vertebral artery,
      with reflux to the left vertebral venous plexus. A 6-mm stent was placed over the
      site of the fistula via an endovascular approach, which solved both the
      radiological and clinical documented problems. Moreover, CNB greatly complicated
      pathology reading once total thyroidectomy was later performed. The suspected
      area of invasion was an artifact due to the previous biopsies. CONCLUSION:
      Although many authors recommend a CNB as an alternative modality in cases of
      inconclusive cytology with fine-needle aspiration, it is not in the American
      Thyroid Association recommendations. In cases of iatrogenic AVFs caused by a CNB,
      angiography is recommended both as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality.
      Stenting the fistula with an endoprosthesis can correct the problem immediately.

PMID- 25114875
TI  - Development and application of a novel sensitive immunometric assay for
      calcitonin in a large cohort of patients with medullary and differentiated
      thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, and autoimmune thyroid diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum calcitonin (sCT) is a useful biomarker for medullary thyroid
      cancer (MTC). Consensus has not been reached concerning sCT measurements in the
      evaluation of nodular thyroid disease (NTD). OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: We developed
      a new immunofluorometric assay for sCT and have validated it in samples from 794
      patients [203 with MTC, 205 with autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD), 248 with NTD,
      80 with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) 'free of disease', 58 with chronic
      renal failure (CRF)] and 178 normal individuals, including samples after
      pentagastrin tests and samples from the washout of 92 FNA procedures in patients
      with NTD or MTC. We also compared some samples from patients with low or high
      calcitonin levels using both this assay and the Nichols Institute Diagnostics
      (NID) assay. RESULTS: The assay's analytical sensitivity was 1.0 pg/ml.
      Considering MTC patients prior to surgery, the cut-off values for the 95%
      reference range were 11.1 pg/ml for males and 5.5 pg/ml for females and employing
      the ROC curve were 18.4 pg/ml for males and 7.8 pg/ml for females. sCT in
      patients with MTC was strongly correlated with disease status. Patients with NTD
      and ATD did not present false-positive results. sCT measurements were
      significantly correlated with age (excluding MTC and CRF). The NID test had a
      strong correlation with our assay. A hook effect was observed only with
      concentrations >200,000 pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a novel sCT assay and
      validated it in healthy subjects, as well as in a large cohort of patients with
      MTC, NTD, ATD, DTC, and CRF.

PMID- 25114878
TI  - Iodophilic synchronous phalangeal and choroidal metastasis from follicular
      thyroid carcinoma: a case report and review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Follicular thyroid cancers constitute 15-20% of all thyroid tumors.
      The usual mode of dissemination is via the hematogenous route. The most common
      sites of distant metastasis are to the lungs and bones. OBJECTIVE: A case is
      presented to demonstrate the unusual presentation of follicular cancer with
      synchronous digital (distal phalanx of the little finger) and choroidal
      metastasis that was responsive to radioiodine treatment. CASE REPORT: A 54-year
      old female presented with swelling over the terminal part of the left little
      finger with thyromegaly. Investigations revealed metastasis from follicular
      thyroid cancer to the little finger along with pulmonary metastases. She
      underwent total thyroidectomy with central compartment clearance followed by
      (131)I therapy. Subsequent follow-up demonstrated complete regression of the
      digital metastasis and partial regression of the choroidal metastasis which was
      evaluated after the radioiodine scan that picked up the choroidal metastasis.
      CONCLUSION: Follicular thyroid cancers can rarely spread to unusual sites like
      the digits and choroid. This report highlights the synchronous presentation of
      digital and choroidal metastasis which responded to (131)I therapy.

PMID- 25114879
TI  - The Dilemma of Treating Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Risk that Current Guidelines
      Do More Harm than Good.

PMID- 25114880
TI  - Reply on the Letter by Stott et al. 'The Dilemma of Treating Subclinical
      Hypothyroidism: Risk that Current Guidelines Do More Harm than Good'.

PMID- 25114881
TI  - Letter regarding the Paper by Pearce et al. Entitled '2013 ETA Guideline:
      Management of Subclinical Hypothyroidism'.

PMID- 25114882
TI  - Diabetic foot risk factors in type 2 diabetes patients: a cross-sectional case
      control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot is a serious condition in patients with a long lasting
      diabetes mellitus. Diabetic foot treated improperly may lead not only to delayed
      ulceration healing, generalized inflammation, unnecessary surgical intervention,
      but also to the lower limb amputation. The aim of this study was to compare
      diabetic foot risk factors in population with type 2 diabetes and risk factors
      for diabetes in healthy subjects. METHODS: The study included 900 subjects: 145
      with diabetic foot, 293 with type 2 diabetes without diabetic foot and 462
      healthy controls matched in terms of mean age, gender structure and
      cardiovascular diseases absence. Study was conducted in Gastroenterology and
      Metabolic Diseases Department, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. In
      statistical analysis a logistic regression model, U Mann-Whitney's and t-Student
      test were used. RESULTS: The binomial logit models analysis showed that the risk
      of diabetic foot in patients with type 2 diabetes was decreased by patient's age
      (odds ratio [OR] = 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-0.96; p = 0.00001)
      and hyperlipidaemia (OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.36-0.81; p = 0.01). In contrast, male
      gender (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.86-4.28; p = 0.00001) diabetes duration (OR = 1.04;
      95% CI: 1.03-1.06; p = 0.0003), weight (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.03-1.06; p =
      0.00001), height (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.05-1.11; p = 0.00001) and waist
      circumference (OR = 1.028; 95% CI: 1.007-1.050; p = 0.006) increase the risk of
      diabetic foot. The onset of type 2 diabetes in healthy subjects was increased by
      weight (OR = 1.035; 95% CI: 1.024-1.046; p = 0.00001), WC (OR = 1.075; 95% CI:
      1.055-1.096; p = 00001), hip circumference (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05; p =
      0.005), overweight defined with body mass index (BMI) above 24,9 kg/m(2) (OR =
      2.49; 95% CI: 1.77-3.51; p = 0.00001) and hyperlipidaemia (OR = 3.53; 95% CI:
      2.57-4.84; p = 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and
      diabetic foot are only partially common. Study proved that patients who are prone
      to developing diabetic foot experience different risk factors than patients who
      are at risk of diabetes. Identification of relationship between diabetic foot and
      diabetes risk factors in appropriate groups may help clinicians to focus on
      certain factors in diabetic foot prevention.

PMID- 25114883
TI  - Effects of glucose concentration in the medium on rat hepatocyte culture.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the optimum culture conditions by investigating isolated
      rat hepatocytes cultured in medium containing different glucose concentrations.
      METHODS: Hepatocytes were isolated from rats using a two-step perfusion technique
      and divided into the following two groups cultured in medium containing different
      glucose concentrations: (1) low-glucose group and (2) high-glucose group. Total
      cell count and viability of cultured rat hepatocytes and liver function
      parameters (i.e., concentrations of albumin, ammonia, and urea in the culture
      medium) were measured. The morphology of cultured rat hepatocytes was examined by
      staining with hematoxylin and eosin, and albumin receptor expression was
      confirmed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Total cell count and viability showed
      smaller increases in the low-glucose group than the high-glucose group, although
      the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.112 and P = 0.147,
      respectively). The levels of albumin (P = 0.943), ammonia (P = 0.744), and urea
      (P = 0.709) were not significantly different between the two groups. In both
      groups, the function of cultured hepatocytes decreased significantly over time.
      The morphology of hepatocytes was well maintained in both groups at 3 days. On
      day 7, the cytoplasm was transformed into a spindle shape. On day 10, these
      changes were exaggerated, and were more prominent in the high-glucose group.
      CONCLUSION: Morphological assessment indicated that low-glucose culture medium is
      better than high-glucose culture medium for culturing of hepatocytes, although
      there was not significantly different in functional assessment. The cultured
      hepatocytes with low-glucose culture medium could be maintained for 7 days.

PMID- 25114884
TI  - Long-term outcomes of intraoperative and perioperative albendazole treatment in
      hepatic hydatidosis: single center experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term outcome of the
      intraoperative and perioperative albendazole (ALB) treatment on the recurrence
      and/or secondary hydatidosis. METHODS: One hundred and one patients with hepatic
      hydatidosis were treated intraoperatively and perioperatively with ALB, in
      addition to surgery. Perioperative ALB treatment was given in a dose of 12-15
      mg/kg/day. The ALB treatment was started 13.27 +/- 14.34 days before the surgery,
      and it was continued for 4.39 +/- 3.11 months postoperatively. A total of 1.7
      ug/mL of ALB solution was used as a protoscolidal agent. The follow-up period was
      134.55 +/- 51.56 months. RESULTS: Four patients died, with only one death was
      secondary to hydatid disease (cerebral eccinococcus). There was only one
      recurrence (1%) of hepatic hydatidosis. Early and late morbidity rates were 8.91%
      and 7.92%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that intraoperative and
      perioperative ALB is effective for the prevention of hepatic hydatidosis
      recurrence and/or secondary hydatidosis.

PMID- 25114885
TI  - Rationale and surgical technique of laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy using
      endoscopic staples.
AB  - PURPOSE: Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS) has been widely accepted
      due to benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Some surgeons prefer to isolate
      glissonian pedicles to segments II and III and to control individual pedicles
      with surgical clips, whereas opt like to control glissonian pedicles
      simultaneously using endoscopic stapling devices. The aim of this study was to
      find the rationale of LLLS using endoscopic staples. METHODS: We retrospectively
      analyzed and compared the clinical outcomes (operation time, drainage length,
      transfusion, hospital stay, and complication rate) of 35 patients that underwent
      LLLS between April 2004 and February 2012. Patients were dichotomized by surgical
      technique based on whether glissonian pedicles were isolated and controlled (the
      individual group, n = 21) or controlled using endoscopic staples at once (the
      batch group, n = 14). RESULTS: Mean operation time was 265.3 +/- 21.3 minutes
      (mean +/- standard deviation) in the individual group and 170 +/- 22.9 minutes in
      the batch group. Operation time in the batch group was significantly shorter than
      the individual group (P = 0.007). Mean drainage length was 4.8 +/- 1.6 and 2.6 +/
      1.5 days in the individual and the batch group. There was significantly shorter
      in the batch group, also (P = 0.006). No transfusion was required in the batch
      group, but 4 patients in the individual group needed transfusion. Mean hospital
      stay was 10.7 +/- 1.1 and 9.4 +/- 0.8 days in the individual and the batch groups
      (P = 0.460). There were no significant complications or mortality in both groups.
      CONCLUSION: LLLS using endoscopic staples (batch group) was found to be an easier
      and safer technique without morbidity or mortality.

PMID- 25114886
TI  - A comparison between surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation in the
      treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of
      radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and hepatic resection (HR) with regards to
      procedural morbidity, mortality, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival
      (DFS) rates in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS: Retrospective
      studies were performed based on the medical records of 129 patients who underwent
      curative HR, and 57 who patients received RFA for HCC, between 2005 and 2009. The
      inclusion criteria of HCC were the presence of three or fewer nodules 3 cm or
      less in diameter or a single nodule of 5 cm or less. RESULTS: The 1-, 3- and 5
      year OS rates in the HR group were 91.3%, 78.8%, and 64.9%, compared to 94.4%,
      74.0%, and 74.0% in the RFA group, with no significant difference between the two
      groups (P = 0.725). The estimated 1- and 3-year DFS rates were 70.0% and 53.0% in
      the HR group and 65.2% and 24.7% in the RFA group, respectively. The DFS rates of
      HR group were significantly higher than RFA group (P = 0.015). Multivariate
      analysis identified that recurrence (P = 0.036) and portal hypertension (P =
      0.036) were associated with OS and that portal hypertension (P = 0.048) and
      increased serum alpha-FP (P = 0.008) were the factors significantly associated
      with DFS. CONCLUSION: HCC within Milan criteria should consider hepatectomy as
      the primary treatment if the patient's liver function and general conditions are
      good enough to undergo surgical operation. But in that RFA revealed similar
      overall survival to HR, RFA can be an alternative therapy for patients who are
      eligible for surgical resection.

PMID- 25114887
TI  - Four-channel single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a snake
      retractor: comparison between 3- and 4-channel SILC 4-channel single incision
      cholecystectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is a widely used
      method of performing cholecystectomy. A common technique used in SILC is a 3
      channel method. However, exposure of Calot's triangle is limited in conventional
      3-channel SILC. Therefore, we herein report the adequacy and feasibility of 4
      channel SILC using a snake retractor. METHODS: Four hundred and fifteen SILC
      cases were performed between April 2010 and February 2013. We performed 326 SILC
      cases between April 2010 and September 2012 using the 3-channel method. We
      introduced a snake retractor for liver traction in October 2012, and 89 cases of
      4-channel SILC using snake retractor have been performed since. RESULTS: Thirty
      patients (9.2%) in the 3-channel SILC group, and 23 patients (25.8%) in the 4
      channel SILC group, were treated with percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder
      drainage insertion because of acute inflammation of the gallbladder (GB) before
      operation (P < 0.001). The mean operating time was 53.0 +/- 25.8 minutes in the 3
      channel SILC group and 51.9 +/- 18.6 minutes in the 4-channel SILC group (P =
      0.709). In the 3-channel SILC group, mean hospital stay was 3.0 +/- 3.3 days
      whereas it was 2.6 +/- 0.9 days in the 4-channel SILC group (P = 0.043). There
      were a total 9 cases (2.1%) of additional port usages, 6 cases (1.8%) in the 3
      channel SILC group and 3 cases (3.4%) in the 4-channel SILC group (P = 0.411),
      due to cystic artery bleeding and bile leakage from gallbladder bed, but there
      were no open conversions. CONCLUSION: Benign diseases of the GB can be operated
      on using SILC with the 4-channel method using a snake retractor.

PMID- 25114888
TI  - Role of resection for Bismuth type IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma and analysis of
      determining factors for curative resection.
AB  - PURPOSE: Extended liver resection may provide long-term survival in selected
      patients with Bismuth type IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA). The purpose of
      this study was to identify anatomical factors that predict curative-intended
      resection. METHODS: Thirty-three of 159 patients with Bismuth type IV HCCA
      underwent major hepato-biliary resection with curative intent (CIR) between 2000
      and 2010. Disease extent and anatomical variations were analyzed as factors
      enabling CIR. RESULTS: CIR ratio with hilar trifurcation bile duct variation
      (13/16) was significantly higher than that with other bile duct variation types
      (18/25). Hilum to left second bile duct confluence and tumor infiltration over
      left second bile duct confluence lengths in right-sided CIR were significantly
      shorter than those lengths in left-sided CIR (10.8 +/- 4.9 and 2.7 +/- 0.8 mm vs.
      16.5 +/- 8.4 and 7.0 +/- 5.3 mm, respectively). Left-sided CIR patients had a
      marginally higher proportion of tumors invading <=5 mm over the right second
      confluence than that in right-sided CIR patients (13/17 vs. 6/16; P = 0.061). The
      3-year survival rate after CIR (28%) was significantly higher than after non-CIR
      (6.1%). CONCLUSION: We recommend the criteria of CIR as bile duct variation type,
      length of hilum to contralateral second bile duct confluence, and extent of tumor
      infiltration over the second confluence for Bismuth type IV HCCA.

PMID- 25114889
TI  - Pancreaticoduodenectomy for secondary periampullary cancer following extrahepatic
      bile duct cancer resection.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study addressed the feasibility and effect of surgical treatment of
      metachronous periampullary carcinoma after resection of the primary extrahepatic
      bile duct cancer. The performance of this secondary curative surgery is not well
      documented. METHODS: We reviewed, retrospectively, the medical records of 10
      patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for secondary periampullary
      cancer following extrahepatic bileduct cancer resection from 1995 to 2011.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the 10 patients at the second operation was 61 years
      (range, 45-70 years). The primary cancers were 7 hilar cholangiocarcinomas, 2
      middle common bile duct cancers, and one cystic duct cancer. The secondary
      cancers were 8 distal common bile duct cancers and 2 carcinomas of the ampulla of
      Vater. The second operations were 6 Whipple procedures and 4 pylorus-preserving
      pancreaticoduodenectomies. The mean interval between primary treatment and
      metachronous periampullary cancer was 20.6 months (range, 3.4-36.6 months). The
      distal resection margin after primary resection was positive for high grade
      dysplasia in one patient. Metachronous tumor was confirmed by periampullary
      pathology in all cases. Four of the 10 patients had delayed gastric emptying (n =
      2) or pancreatic fistula (n = 2) after reoperation. There were no perioperative
      deaths. Median survival after PD was 44.6 months (range, 8.5-120.5 months).
      CONCLUSION: Based on the postoperative survival rate, PD may provide an
      acceptable protocol for resection in patients with metachronous periampullary
      cancer after resection of the extrahepatic bile duct cancer.

PMID- 25114890
TI  - Extremely rare case of extrahepatic duct phytobezoar treated with intraoperative
      transenteral endoscopy.
AB  - Phytobezoar is a rare cause of gastro-intestinal tract obstruction. Common sites
      of phytobezoar are the stomach and small bowel. Naturally, extrahepatic duct
      phytobezoar is near impossible due to anatomical structure and location such as
      ampulla of vater, common bile duct and bifurcation of bile duct. Here, we present
      an extremely rare case of extrahepatic duct phytobezoar that resulted in
      abdominal pain. We successfully treated the case with extraoperative transenteral
      endoscopic removal of phytobezoar. For its great rarity and particular treatment
      approach, we report this case with review of literature. 

PMID- 25114891
TI  - Acute cholecystitis associated with Clonorchis sinensis infection.
AB  - Clonorchis sinensis is one of the most common causes of trematodiasis that is
      caused by the ingestion of raw fish contaminated with infective cysts. The adult
      flukes are predominantly present in the intrahepatic bile ducts, but occasionally
      they may be found in the pancreatic duct and extrahepatic bile ducts. The
      clinical manifestations depend on the number of flukes, the period of
      infestation, and complications such as pericholangitic abscess, cholangitis, bile
      duct stones, and cholangiocarcinoma. However, primary acute cholecystitis
      associated with C. sinensis infection is extremely rare. Herein, we report on a
      case of primary acute cholecystitis associated with C. sinensis infection. 

PMID- 25114892
TI  - Salvage dual graft living donor liver transplantation after major hepatectomy.
AB  - Salvage living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) after major hepatectomy has
      been considered a challenging procedure due to operative complexity. We report a
      successful case of salvage dual graft LDLT after right hepatectomy. A 48-year-old
      male was transferred to Daegu Catholic University Medical Center because of
      duodenal variceal bleeding. He underwent right hepatectomy due to hepatocellular
      carcinoma four years prior. We performed LDLT with dual graft from his wife and
      sister. During operation, portal vein anastomosis of the right lobe graft was
      performed using an interposing cadaveric iliac vein graft and the right
      gastroepiploic artery was anastomosed to the hepatic artery of the left lobe
      graft. Adequate graft inflow was demonstrated by postoperative imaging studies.
      He has been doing well with normal graft function for 31 months. Salvage dual
      graft LDLT could be undertaken successfully in patients with prior major
      hepatectomy under accurate preoperative planning and proper surgical techniques. 

PMID- 25114894
TI  - Trends in the incidence of human papillomavirus-related noncervical and cervical
      cancers in Alberta, Canada: a population-based study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent epidemiologic studies have suggested that the incidence of
      noncervical cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) is increasing. We
      assessed temporal, age-specific and sex-specific changes in the incidence of HPV
      associated cancers in a population-based study. METHODS: We used the Alberta
      Cancer Registry, a registry of all cancers diagnosed in the province of Alberta,
      Canada, to identify patients with cancers of the oropharynx, cervix, vulva,
      vagina, anus and penis (cancers associated with HPV) between Jan. 1, 1975, and
      Dec. 31, 2009. We estimated the age-standardized incidence of each cancer by sex-
      and age-specific group and assessed the annual percentage change using joinpoint
      regression. RESULTS: The age-standardized incidence of oropharyngeal cancers
      increased for each 5-year interval of the study period among men (annual
      percentage change 3.4, p < 0.001) and women (annual percentage change 1.5, p =
      0.009). For anal cancers, the age-standardized rates increased among women
      (annual percentage change 2.2, p < 0.001) and men (annual percentage change 1.8,
      p = 0.008). The age-standardized incidence of cervical cancer increased with age,
      reaching an annual percentage change of -3.5 among women aged 75-84 years (p =
      0.04). The rates of other HPV-associated cancers (vulvar, vaginal and penile)
      showed little change. INTERPRETATION: Our findings showed increases in the
      incidence of the HPV-associated cancers of the oropharynx and anus among men and
      women, and increases in cervical cancer among younger women. The incidence of HPV
      related cancers in younger age groups should continue to be monitored. Programs
      to prevent HPV infection, such as vaccination, should be considered for males as
      well as females.

PMID- 25114895
TI  - Expression of pain among Mi'kmaq children in one Atlantic Canadian community: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: First Nation children have the highest rates of pain-related
      conditions among Canadian children, yet there is little research on how this
      population expresses its pain or how and whether the pain is successfully
      treated. The aim of this study was to understand how Mi'kmaq children express
      pain and how others interpret it. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative
      ethnographic study in a large Canadian Mi'kmaq community using interviews and
      conversation sessions. Participants included children and youth (n = 76), parents
      (n = 12) teachers (n = 7), elders (n = 6) and health care professionals (n = 13).
      RESULTS: Interpretive descriptive analysis was used and themes regarding pain
      expression, care seeking and pain management were identified. Pain expression
      included stoicism and hiding behaviour, and, when pain was discussed, it was via
      storytelling and descriptive language, such as similes. Participants reported
      feeling unheard, stereotyped and frustrated when they sought pain care.
      Frustration led to avoidance of seeking further care, perceptions of racism and
      repeat visits because of unsuccessful previous treatment. Participants voiced
      concerns about the utility of the numeric and faces pain scales to describe pain
      meaningfully. Positive encounters occurred when participants felt respected and
      heard. INTERPRETATION: Mi'kmaq children are stoic and often hide their pain.
      Community members feel frustrated and discriminated against when their pain is
      not identified, and conventional pain assessment tools may not be useful. If
      clinicians consider cultural context, build trust and allow for additional time
      to assess pain via storytelling or word descriptions as well as a family-centred
      approach, better pain care may occur.

PMID- 25114897
TI  - The construct validity and reliability of an assessment tool for competency in
      cochlear implant surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We introduce a rating tool that objectively evaluates the skills of
      surgical trainees performing cochlear implant surgery. METHODS: Seven residents
      and seven experts performed cochlear implant surgery sessions from mastoidectomy
      to cochleostomy on a standardized virtual reality temporal bone. A total of
      twenty-eight assessment videos were recorded and two consultant otolaryngologists
      evaluated the performance of each participant using these videos. RESULTS:
      Interrater reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation
      coefficient for both the global and checklist components of the assessment
      instrument. The overall agreement was high. The construct validity of this
      instrument was strongly supported by the significantly higher scores in the
      expert group for both components. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the
      proposed assessment tool for cochlear implant surgery is reliable, accurate, and
      easy to use. This instrument can thus be used to provide objective feedback on
      overall and task-specific competency in cochlear implantation.

PMID- 25114896
TI  - Unique pattern of component gene disruption in the NRF2 inhibitor KEAP1/CUL3/RBX1
      E3-ubiquitin ligase complex in serous ovarian cancer.
AB  - The NFE2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway is critical to initiate responses to
      oxidative stress; however, constitutive activation occurs in different cancer
      types, including serous ovarian carcinomas (OVCA). The KEAP1/CUL3/RBX1 E3
      ubiquitin ligase complex is a regulator of NRF2 levels. Hence, we investigated
      the DNA-level mechanisms affecting these genes in OVCA. DNA copy-number loss
      (CNL), promoter hypermethylation, mRNA expression, and sequence mutation for
      KEAP1, CUL3, and RBX1 were assessed in a cohort of 568 OVCA from The Cancer
      Genome Atlas. Almost 90% of cases exhibited loss-of-function alterations in any
      components of the NRF2 inhibitory complex. CNL is the most prominent mechanism of
      component disruption, with RBX1 being the most frequently disrupted component.
      These alterations were associated with reduced mRNA expression of complex
      components, and NRF2 target gene expression was positively enriched in 90% of
      samples harboring altered complex components. Disruption occurs through a unique
      DNA-level alteration pattern in OVCA. We conclude that a remarkably high
      frequency of DNA and mRNA alterations affects components of the KEAP1/CUL3/RBX1
      complex, through a unique pattern of genetic mechanisms. Together, these results
      suggest a key role for the KEAP1/CUL3/RBX1 complex and NRF2 pathway deregulation
      in OVCA. 

PMID- 25114898
TI  - Improvement of oxidative and metabolic parameters by cellfood administration in
      patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases on chelation treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This prospective pilot study aimed at evaluating the effects of
      therapy with antioxidant compounds (Cellfood, and other antioxidants) on patients
      affected by neurodegenerative diseases (ND), who displayed toxic metal burden and
      were subjected to chelation treatment with the chelating agent calcium disodium
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (CaNa2EDTA or EDTA). METHODS: Two groups of
      subjects were studied: (a) 39 patients affected by ND and (b) 11 subjects
      unaffected by ND (controls). The following blood parameters were analyzed before
      and after three months' treatment with chelation+Cellfood or chelation+other
      antioxidants: oxidative status (reactive oxygen species, ROS; total antioxidant
      capacity, TAC; oxidized LDL, oxLDL; glutathione), homocysteine, vitamin B12, and
      folate. RESULTS: After 3-months' chelation+Cellfood administration oxLDL
      decreased, ROS levels were significantly lower, and TAC and glutathione levels
      were significantly higher than after chelation+other antioxidants treatment, both
      in ND patients and in controls. Moreover, homocysteine metabolism had also
      improved in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Chelation+Cellfood treatment was more
      efficient than chelation+other antioxidants improving oxidative status and
      homocysteine metabolism significantly in ND patients and controls. Although
      limited to a small number of cases, this study showed how helpful antioxidant
      treatment with Cellfood was in improving the subjects' metabolic conditions.

PMID- 25114899
TI  - Sensitization of cancer cells through reduction of total Akt and downregulation
      of salinomycin-induced pAkt, pGSk3beta, pTSC2, and p4EBP1 by cotreatment with MK
      2206.
AB  - MK-2206 is an inhibitor of Akt activation. It has been investigated as an
      anticancer drug in clinical trials assessing the potential of pAkt targeting
      therapy. The purpose of this study was to identify conditions that increase the
      sensitivity of cancer cells to MK-2206. We found that the treatment of cancer
      cells with a high concentration of salinomycin (Sal) reduced total Akt protein
      levels but increased activated Akt levels. When cancer cells were cotreated with
      MK-2206 and Sal, both pAkt and total Akt levels were reduced. Using microscopic
      observation, an assessment of cleaved PARP, FACS analysis of pre-G1 region, and
      Hoechst staining, we found that Sal increased apoptosis of MK-2206-treated cancer
      cells. These results suggest that cotreatment with MK-2206 and Sal sensitizes
      cancer cells via reduction of both pAkt and total Akt. Furthermore, cotreatment
      of cancer cells with Sal and MK-2206 reduced pp70S6K, pmTOR, and pPDK1 levels. In
      addition, Sal-induced activation of GSK3beta, TSC2, and 4EBP1 was abolished by MK
      2206 cotreatment. These results suggest that cotreatment using MK-2206 and Sal
      could be used as a therapeutic method to sensitize cancer cells through targeting
      of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Our findings may contribute to the development of
      MK-2206-based sensitization therapies for cancer patients. 

PMID- 25114901
TI  - Aromatherapy: does it help to relieve pain, depression, anxiety, and stress in
      community-dwelling older persons?
AB  - To examine the effectiveness of an aromatherapy programme for older persons with
      chronic pain. The community-dwelling elderly people who participated in this
      study underwent a four-week aromatherapy programme or were assigned to the
      control group, which did not receive any interventions. Their levels of pain,
      depression, anxiety, and stress were collected at the baseline and at the
      postintervention assessment after the conclusion of the four-week programme.
      Eighty-two participants took part in the study. Forty-four participants (37
      females, 7 males) were in the intervention group and 38 participants (30 females,
      8 males) were in the control group. The pain scores were 4.75 (SD 2.32) on a 10
      point scale for the intervention group and 5.24 (SD 2.14) for the control group
      before the programme. There was a slight reduction in the pain score of the
      intervention group. No significant differences were found in the same-group and
      between-group comparisons for the baseline and postintervention assessments. The
      depression, anxiety, and stress scores for the intervention group before the
      programme were 11.18 (SD 6.18), 9.64 (SD 7.05), and 12.91 (SD 7.70),
      respectively. A significant reduction in negative emotions was found in the
      intervention group (P<0.05). The aromatherapy programme can be an effective tool
      to reduce pain, depression, anxiety, and stress levels among community-dwelling
      older adults.

PMID- 25114900
TI  - Novel resveratrol and 5-fluorouracil coencapsulated in PEGylated nanoliposomes
      improve chemotherapeutic efficacy of combination against head and neck squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - Increasing consumption of tobacco and alcohol has led to a steady increase in the
      incidence of head and neck cancers in Asia. The drawbacks associated with the
      existing chemotherapeutic and surgical interventions have necessitated the
      development of a safer alternative for therapy of head and neck cancers. In this
      study we have explored the synergistic therapeutic potential of a phytochemical
      and chemotherapeutic agent using PEGylated liposomes as a delivery vehicle.
      Resveratrol and 5-fluorouracil were successfully coencapsulated in a single
      PEGylated nanoliposome. The thermal analysis and the nuclear magnetic resonance
      results revealed that resveratrol localized near the glycerol backbone of the
      liposomal membrane while 5-fluorouracil localized closer to the phosphate moiety,
      which influenced the release kinetics of both drugs. The nanoformulation was
      tested in vitro on a head and neck cancer cell line NT8e and was found to exhibit
      a GI50 similar to that of free 5-fluorouracil. Further, gene expression studies
      showed that the combination of resveratrol and 5-fluorouracil exhibited different
      effects on different genes that may influence the net antagonistic effect. The
      coencapsulation of resveratrol and 5-fluorouracil in a liposomal nanocarrier
      improved the cytotoxicity in comparison with the free drug combination when
      tested in vitro. 

PMID- 25114903
TI  - miRSeq: a user-friendly standalone toolkit for sequencing quality evaluation and
      miRNA profiling.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) present diverse regulatory functions in a wide range of
      biological activities. Studies on miRNA functions generally depend on determining
      miRNA expression profiles between libraries by using a next-generation sequencing
      (NGS) platform. Currently, several online web services are developed to provide
      small RNA NGS data analysis. However, the submission of large amounts of NGS
      data, conversion of data format, and limited availability of species bring
      problems. In this study, we developed miRSeq to provide alternatives. To test the
      performance, we had small RNA NGS data from four species, including human, rat,
      fly, and nematode, analyzed with miRSeq. The alignments results indicate that
      miRSeq can precisely evaluate the sequencing quality of samples regarding
      percentage of self-ligation read, read length distribution, and read category.
      miRSeq is a user-friendly standalone toolkit featuring a graphical user interface
      (GUI). After a simple installation, users can easily operate miRSeq on a PC or
      laptop by using a mouse. Within minutes, miRSeq yields useful miRNA data,
      including miRNA expression profiles, 3' end modification patterns, and isomiR
      forms. Moreover, miRSeq supports the analysis of up to 105 animal species,
      providing higher flexibility. 

PMID- 25114902
TI  - Comparison of the Freiburg and Charlson comorbidity indices in predicting overall
      survival in elderly patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
AB  - Multiple myeloma occurs primarily in elderly patients. Considering the high
      prevalence of comorbidities, comorbidity is an important issue for the management
      of myeloma. However, the impact of comorbidity on clinical outcomes has not been
      fully investigated. We retrospectively analyzed patients with newly diagnosed
      myeloma. Comorbidities were assessed based on the Charlson comorbidity index
      (CCI) and the Freiburg comorbidity index (FCI). The CCI is a summary measure of
      19 comorbid conditions. FCI is determined by performance status, renal
      impairment, and lung disease. This study included 127 patients with a median age
      of 71 years. Approximately half of the patients had additional disorders at the
      time of diagnosis, and diabetes mellitus was the most frequent diagnosis (18.9%).
      The most significant factors for prognosis among patient-related conditions were
      a history of solid cancer and performance status (ECOG>=2). The FCI score was
      divided into 3 groups (0, 1, and 2-3), and the CCI score was divided into 2
      groups (2-3 and >=4). FCI was a strong prognostic tool for OS (P>0.001) and
      predicted clinical outcome better than CCI (P=0.059). In conclusion, FCI was more
      useful than CCI in predicting overall survival in elderly patients with myeloma.

PMID- 25114904
TI  - A simple model to assess the probability of invasion in ductal carcinoma in situ
      of the breast diagnosed by needle biopsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to develop a clinical prediction model for
      assessing the probability of having invasive cancer in the definitive surgical
      resection specimen in patients with biopsy diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ
      (DCIS) of the breast, to facilitate decision making regarding axillary surgery.
      METHODS: In 349 women with DCIS, predictors of invasion in the definitive
      resection specimen were identified. A model to predict the probability of
      invasion was developed and subsequently simplified to divide patients into two
      risk categories. The model's performance was validated on another patient
      population. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression revealed four independent
      predictors of invasion: (i) suspicious (micro)invasion in the biopsy specimen;
      (ii) visibility of the lesion on ultrasonography; (iii) size of the lesion on
      mammography>30 mm; (iv) clinical palpability of the lesion. The actual frequency
      of invasion in the high-risk patient group in the test and validation population
      was 52.6% and 48.3%, respectively; in the low-risk group it was 16.8% and 7.1%,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The model proved to have good performance. In patients
      with a low probability of invasion, an axillary procedure can be omitted without
      a substantial risk of additional surgery.

PMID- 25114905
TI  - Therapeutic potential of tacrolimus on acute myocardial infarction in minipigs:
      analysis with serial cardiac magnetic resonance and changes at histological and
      protein levels.
AB  - This study investigates the therapeutic potential of intracoronary tacrolimus
      against acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in minipigs with serial cardiac
      magnetic resonance (CMR) and changes at histological and protein levels. Twelve
      minipigs subjected to permanent left anterior descending artery ligation were
      randomized as tac-treated group (n=6, with intracoronary tacrolimus treatment)
      and controls (n=6). CMR with cine and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) studies
      were performed on postoperative days 2, 5, and 21. There were no significant
      differences in left ventricular function (LVF), contractility, and LGE between
      the two groups on day 2. On day 5, the tac-treated group showed a significantly
      higher ejection fraction, smaller infarct, and lower day-5/day-2 infarct ratio
      than controls. On day 21, the controls demonstrated further deterioration of LVF
      and infarct. Contrastingly, the tac-treated animals demonstrated preservation of
      LVF, contractility, significantly smaller infarct, and lower day-21/day-2 infarct
      ratios compared with those on day 5 and controls. The in vivo CMR results were
      correlated with in vitro findings on histology, immunostaining, and Western
      blotting which revealed significantly less fibrosis, higher vascularities, less
      CD68+ and CD40+ inflammatory cells, lower expressions of inflammatory (MMP-9, NF
      kappaB, and TNF-alpha), and apoptotic (Bax, Caspase-3, c-PARP) biomarkers,
      respectively, in tac-treated AMI minipigs than controls.

PMID- 25114906
TI  - Therapeutic efficacy of vitamin E delta-tocotrienol in collagen-induced rat model
      of arthritis.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease primarily
      involving inflammation of the joints. Although the management of the disease has
      advanced significantly in the past three decades, there is still no cure for RA.
      The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of delta
      tocotrienol, in the rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Arthritis was
      induced by intradermal injection of collagen type II emulsified in complete
      Freund's adjuvant. CIA rats were orally treated with delta-tocotrienol (10 mg/kg)
      or glucosamine hydrochloride (300 mg/kg) from day 25 to 50. Efficacy was assessed
      based on the ability to reduce paw edema, histopathological changes, suppression
      of collagen-specific T-cells, and a reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
      It was established that delta-tocotrienol had the most significant impact in
      lowering paw edema when compared to glucosamine treatment. Paw edema changes
      correlated well with histopathological analysis where there was a significant
      reversal of changes in groups treated with delta-tocotrienol. The results suggest
      that delta-tocotrienol is efficient in amelioration of collagen-induced
      arthritis. Vitamin E delta-tocotrienol may be of therapeutic value against
      rheumatoid arthritis. 

PMID- 25114907
TI  - The effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation based on a normal gait
      pattern on subjects with early stroke: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of four-channel FES based on a normal
      gait pattern on improving functional ability in subjects early after ischemic
      stroke. METHODS: Forty-five subjects were randomly assigned into a four-channel
      FES group (n=16), a placebo group (n=15), or a dual-channel group (n=14).
      Stimulation lasted for 30 min in each session with 1 session/day, 5 days a week
      for 3 weeks. All subjects were assessed at baseline, at 3 weeks of treatment, and
      at 3 months after the treatment had finished. The assessments included Fugl-Meyer
      Assessment (FMA), the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS), Berg
      Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and the Modified
      Barthel Index (MBI). RESULTS: All 3 groups demonstrated significant improvements
      in all outcome measurements from pre- to posttreatment and further gains at
      followup. The score of FMA and MBI improved significantly in the four-channel
      group at the end of the 3 weeks of training. And the scores of PASS, BBS, MBI,
      and FAC in the four-channel group were significantly higher than those of the
      placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that four-channel FES can
      improve motor function, balance, walking ability, and performance of activities
      of daily living in subjects with early ischemic stroke.

PMID- 25114908
TI  - The protective effect of Agaricus blazei Murrill, submerged culture using the
      optimized medium composition, on alcohol-induced liver injury.
AB  - Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM), an edible mushroom native to Brazil, is widely
      used for nonprescript and medicinal purposes. Alcohol liver disease (ALD) is
      considered as a leading cause for a liver injury in modern dietary life, which
      can be developed by a prolonged or large intake of alcohol. In this study, the
      medium composition of ABM was optimized using response surface methodology for
      maximum mycelial biomass and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production. The
      model predicts to gain a maximal mycelial biomass and extracellular
      polysaccharide at 1.047 g/100 mL, and 0.367 g/100 mL, respectively, when the
      potato is 29.88 g/100 mL, the glucose is 1.01 g/100 mL, and the bran is 1.02
      g/100 mL. The verified experiments showed that the model was significantly
      consistent with the model prediction and that the trends of mycelial biomass and
      extracellular polysaccharide were predicted by artificial neural network. After
      that, the optimized medium was used for the submerged culture of ABM. Then,
      alcohol-induced liver injury in mice model was used to examine the protective
      effect of ABM cultured using the optimized medium on the liver. And the hepatic
      histopathological observations showed that ABM had a relatively significant role
      in mice model, which had alcoholic liver damage. 

PMID- 25114910
TI  - Phylogenetic and in silico functional analyses of thermostable-direct hemolysin
      and tdh-related encoding genes in Vibrio parahaemolyticus and other Gram-negative
      bacteria.
AB  - Emergence and spread of pandemic strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus have drawn
      attention to make detailed study on their genomes. The pathogenicity of V.
      parahaemolyticus has been associated with thermostable-direct hemolysin (TDH)
      and/or TDH-related hemolysin (TRH). The present study evaluated characteristics
      of tdh and trh genes, considering the phylogenetic and in silico functional
      features of V. parahaemolyticus and other bacteria. Fifty-two tdh and trh genes
      submitted to the GenBank were analyzed for sequence similarity. The promoter
      sequences of these genes were also analyzed from transcription start point to -35
      regions and correlated with amino acid substitution within the coding regions.
      The phylogenetic analysis revealed that tdh and trh are highly distinct and also
      differ within the V. parahaemolyticus strains that were isolated from different
      geographical regions. Promoter sequence analysis revealed nucleotide
      substitutions and deletions at -18 and -19 positions among the pandemic,
      prepandemic, and nonpandemic tdh sequences. Many amino acid substitutions were
      also found within the signal peptide and also in the matured protein region of
      several TDH proteins as compared to TDH-S protein of pandemic V.
      parahaemolyticus. Experimental evidences are needed to recognize the importance
      of substitutions and deletions in the tdh and trh genes. 

PMID- 25114909
TI  - Heavy silicone oil and intraocular inflammation.
AB  - In the past two decades, many advances have been made in vitrectomy
      instrumentation, surgical techniques, and the use of different tamponade agents.
      These agents serve close retinal breaks, confine eventual retinal redetachment,
      and prevent proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Long-acting gases and silicone
      oil are effective internal tamponade agents; however, because their specific
      gravity is lower than that of the vitreous fluid, they may provide adequate
      support for the superior retina but lack efficacy for the inferior retina,
      especially when the fill is subtotal. Thus, a specific role may exist for an
      internal tamponade agent with a higher specific gravity, such as heavy silicone
      oils (HSOs), Densiron 68, Oxane HD, HWS 45-300, HWS 46-3000, and HeavySil. Some
      clinical evidence seems to presume that heavy tamponades are more prone to
      intraocular inflammation than standard silicone if they remain in the eye for
      several months. In this review, we discuss the fundamental clinical and
      biochemical/molecular mechanisms involved in the inflammatory response after the
      use of heavy tamponade: toxicity due to impurities or instability of the agent,
      direct toxicity and immunogenicity, oil emulsification, and mechanical injury due
      to gravity. The physical and chemical properties of various HSOs and their
      efficacy and safety profiles are also described. 

PMID- 25114911
TI  - Epigenetic silencing of CXCR4 promotes loss of cell adhesion in cervical cancer.
AB  - In the network of chemokine signaling pathways, recent reports have described the
      SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 axis and its role in cancer progression and metastasis.
      Interestingly, we found downregulation of CXCR4 at both transcript and protein
      level in cervical cancer cell lines and primary tumors. We also found CXCR4
      promoter hypermethylation in cervical cancer cell lines and primary biopsy
      samples. DNA hypomethylating drug 5-AZA-2'-deoxycytidine and histone deacetylase
      inhibitor Trichostatin A treatments in cell lines reactivate both CXCR4
      transcription and protein expression. Cell adhesion assay demonstrated that
      autocrine SDF-1alpha promotes the loss of cell adhesion while paracrine SDF
      1alpha predominantly protects the normal cervical cells from loss of cell
      adhesion. Cervical cancer cell line C-33A having increased expression of CXCR4
      after TSA treatment showed increased cell adhesion by paracrine source of SDF
      1alpha in comparison to untreated C-33A. These findings demonstrate the first
      evidence that epigenetic silencing of CXCR4 makes the cells inefficient to
      respond to the paracrine source of SDF-1alpha leading to loss of cell adhesion,
      one of the key events in metastases and progression of the disease. Our results
      provide novel insight of SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 signaling in tumor microenvironment
      which may be promising to further delineate molecular mechanism of cervical
      carcinogenesis. 

PMID- 25114912
TI  - Modulation of circulating macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the elderly.
AB  - Aging increases the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Chronic low
      grade inflammation deteriorates vascular function, increases age-related vascular
      stiffness, and affects hemodynamics. The proinflammatory cytokine macrophage
      migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a major mediator of atherosclerosis. Plasma
      MIF levels are associated with arterial stiffness, a hallmark of vascular aging.
      Preclinical studies show that blockade of MIF leads to atherosclerotic plaque
      regression. Nutritional approaches provide opportunities to counteract age
      related inflammation. Following a chronic dietary supplementation with the
      micronutrient nitrate has been demonstrated to improve vascular stiffness.
      Whether dietary nitrate affects circulating MIF levels is not known. In a
      randomized placebo-controlled, double-blinded study, elderly subjects received a
      dietary nitrate supplementation for 4 weeks. Dietary nitrate led to a decrease in
      plasma MIF levels in the elderly and to an improvement in vascular functions.
      This was associated with a reduction in central systolic blood pressure. Our data
      show that supplementation with dietary nitrate is associated with a reduction of
      circulating MIF levels along with an improvement in vascular function. This
      supports the concept of dietary approaches to modulate age-related changes of
      vascular functions. 

PMID- 25114915
TI  - Molecular image-guided theranostic and personalized medicine 2013.

PMID- 25114913
TI  - Profiling of biomarkers for the exposure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons:
      lamin-A/C isoform 3, poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase 1, and mitochondria copy number
      are identified as universal biomarkers.
AB  - This study investigated the profiling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon- (PAH-)
      induced genotoxicity in cell lines and zebrafish. Each type of cells displayed
      different proportionality of apoptosis. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number was
      dramatically elevated after 5-day treatment of fluoranthene and pyrene. The
      notable deregulated proteins for PAHs exposure were displayed as follows: lamin
      A/C isoform 3 and annexin A1 for benzopyrene; lamin-A/C isoform 3 and DNA
      topoisomerase 2-alpha for pentacene; poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP-1) for
      fluoranthene; and talin-1 and DNA topoisomerase 2-alpha for pyrene. Among them,
      lamin-A/C isoform 3 and PARP-1 were further confirmed using mRNA and protein
      expression study. Obvious morphological abnormalities including curved backbone
      and cardiomegaly in zebrafish were observed in the 54 hpf with more than 400 nM
      of benzopyrene. In conclusion, the change of mitochondrial genome (increased
      mtDNA copy number) was closely associated with PAH exposure in cell lines and
      mesenchymal stem cells. Lamin-A/C isoform 3, talin-1, and annexin A1 were
      identified as universal biomarkers for PAHs exposure. Zebrafish, specifically at
      embryo stage, showed suitable in vivo model for monitoring PAHs exposure to
      hematopoietic tissue and other organs. 

PMID- 25114916
TI  - Physiological and behavioral stress and anxiety in children with autism spectrum
      disorders during routine oral care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) commonly exhibit
      uncooperative behaviors which impede oral care. Previous studies have utilized
      dentist-report measures of uncooperative behaviors in children with ASD but none
      have utilized an objective measure of children's behavior or a physiological
      measure of distress. This study investigated behavioral and physiological
      distress in children with ASD during routine oral care and examined factors
      associated with this distress. METHODS: Participants were 44 children (n=22
      typical, n=22 ASD) aged 6-12 receiving routine dental cleanings. Behavioral and
      physiological measures of stress and anxiety were collected during dental
      cleanings. RESULTS: Children with ASD exhibited greater distress, compared to the
      typical group, on dentist-report and researcher-coded measures of overt distress
      behaviors and on physiological measures. Correlations between physiological and
      behavioral measures of distress were found in the ASD but not in the typical
      group. Behavioral distress was correlated with age in the typical group and with
      expressive communication ability and sensory processing difficulties in the ASD
      group; physiological distress was correlated with parent-report of anxiety in the
      typical group and sensory processing difficulties in the ASD group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Novel strategies may be required to decrease behavioral and physiological
      distress in children with ASD in the dental clinic.

PMID- 25114914
TI  - Antidiabetic effect of Sida cordata in alloxan induced diabetic rats.
AB  - Medicinal plants are efficient ameliorator of oxidative stress associated with
      diabetes mellitus. In this study, ethyl acetate fraction (SCEE) of Sida cordata
      was investigated for scientific validation of its folk use in diabetes.
      Antidiabetic effect of SCEE was confirmed by antihyperglycemic activity in normal
      glucose loaded and diabetic glucose loaded animals as well as normal off feed
      animals. Confirmation of antidiabetic activity and toxicity ameliorative role of
      S. cordata was investigated in a chronic multiple dose treatment study of fifteen
      days. A single dose of alloxan (120 mg/kg) produced a decrease in insulin level,
      hyperglycemia, elevated total lipids, triglycerides, and cholesterol and
      decreased the high-density lipoproteins. Concurrent with these changes, there was
      an increase in the concentration of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), H2O2, and nitrite
      in pancreas, liver, and testis. This oxidative stress was related to a decrease
      in glutathione content (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes. Administration of SCEE for
      15 days after diabetes induction ameliorated hyperglycemia, restored lipid
      profile, blunted the increase in TBARS, H2O2, and nitrite content, and stimulated
      the GSH production in the organs of alloxan-treated rats. We suggested that SCEE
      could be used as antidiabetic component in case of diabetes mellitus. This may be
      related to its antioxidative properties. 

PMID- 25114918
TI  - Comparative study of corneal endothelial cell damage after femtosecond laser
      assisted deep stromal dissection.
AB  - PURPOSE: To find a relatively safe designed stromal bed thickness to avoid
      endothelial damage for lamellar keratoplasty with an Allegretto Wavelight FS200
      femtosecond laser. METHODS: Twelve rabbits were randomly divided into 50 MUm and
      150 MUm groups according to the anticipated residue stromal bed thickness
      preparation with a femtosecond laser. Six rabbits without laser cutting were used
      as a control group. Central endothelial images were analyzed with in vivo
      confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The apoptosis of
      endothelium was evaluated with Hoechst 33342 staining and a TUNEL assay. RESULTS:
      The endothelium of the 50 MUm group had extensive injuries upon in vivo confocal
      and scanning electron microscopic observation, and minor injuries were observed
      in the 150 MUm group. Moreover, more apoptotic cells were observed in the 50 MUm
      group. CONCLUSIONS: When using a FS200 femtosecond laser assisted anterior
      lamellar keratoplasty, there was minor endothelium damage with a 150 MUm stromal
      bed, and a more than 150 MUm thickness stromal bed design may prevent the damage
      of corneal endothelium.

PMID- 25114919
TI  - Advances in miniaturized instruments for genomics.
AB  - In recent years, a lot of demonstrations of the miniaturized instruments were
      reported for genomic applications. They provided the advantages of
      miniaturization, automation, sensitivity, and specificity for the development of
      point-of-care diagnostics. The aim of this paper is to report on recent
      developments on miniaturized instruments for genomic applications. Based on the
      mature development of microfabrication, microfluidic systems have been
      demonstrated for various genomic detections. Since one of the objectives of
      miniaturized instruments is for the development of point-of-care device,
      impedimetric detection is found to be a promising technique for this purpose. An
      in-depth discussion of the impedimetric circuits and systems will be included to
      provide total consideration of the miniaturized instruments and their potential
      application towards real-time portable imaging in the "-omics" era. The current
      excellent demonstrations suggest a solid foundation for the development of
      practical and widespread point-of-care genomic diagnostic devices. 

PMID- 25114917
TI  - Gambling disorder during dopamine replacement treatment in Parkinson's disease: a
      comprehensive review.
AB  - Gambling Disorder (GD) is characterized by "the failure to resist gambling
      impulses despite severe personal, family or occupational consequences". In the
      fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM
      V), GD replaces the DSM-IV diagnosis of Pathological Gambling (PG). GD estimated
      prevalence ranges between 0.4% and 3.4% within the adult population and it seems
      to be more common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In this population,
      GD recently has become more widely recognized as a possible complication of
      dopamine agonist (DA) therapy. This association has aroused great interest for
      the dramatic impact GD has on patients' quality of life. Management of PG in
      patients with PD could be demanding. It is based on patient and caregiver
      education, modification of dopamine replacement therapy, and in some cases
      psychoactive drug administration. In this review article, the authors provide an
      overview of GD pathogenesis during DA therapy as well as a summary of available
      treatment options. 

PMID- 25114920
TI  - Exopolysaccharide from Ganoderma applanatum as a promising bioactive compound
      with cytostatic and antibacterial properties.
AB  - A new exopolysaccharide preparation isolated from stationary cultures of the
      white rot fungus Ganoderma applanatum (GpEPS) was tested in terms of its
      bioactive properties including its cytotoxic and immunostimulatory effect. The
      results indicate that the tested GpEPS (at concentrations above 22.85 ug/mL and
      228.5 ug/mL) may exhibit selective activity against tumor cells (cell lines SiHa)
      and stimulate production of TNF-alpha THP-1-derived macrophages at the level of
      752.17 pg/mL. The GpEPS showed antibacterial properties against Staphyloccoccus
      aureus and a toxic effect against Vibrio fischeri cells (82.8% cell damage). High
      cholesterol-binding capacity and triglycerides-binding capacity (57.9% and 41.6%
      after 24 h of incubation with the tested substances, resp.) were also detected
      for the investigated samples of GpEPS. 

PMID- 25114922
TI  - Modelling the aggregation process of cellular slime mold by the chemical
      attraction.
AB  - We put into exercise a comparatively innovative analytical modus operandi, the
      homotopy decomposition method (HDM), for solving a system of nonlinear partial
      differential equations arising in an attractor one-dimensional Keller-Segel
      dynamics system. Numerical solutions are given and some properties show evidence
      of biologically practical reliance on the parameter values. The reliability of
      HDM and the reduction in computations give HDM a wider applicability. 

PMID- 25114921
TI  - Development of new method for simultaneous analysis of piracetam and
      levetiracetam in pharmaceuticals and biological fluids: application in stability
      studies.
AB  - RP-HPLC ultraviolet detection simultaneous quantification of piracetam and
      levetiracetam has been developed and validated. The chromatography was obtained
      on a Nucleosil C18 column of 25 cm*0.46 cm, 10 MUm, dimension. The mobile phase
      was a (70:30 v/v) mixture of 0.1 g/L of triethylamine and acetonitrile. Smooth
      flow of mobile phase at 1 mL/min was set and 205 nm wavelength was selected.
      Results were evaluated through statistical parameters which qualify the method
      reproducibility and selectivity for the quantification of piracetam,
      levetiracetam, and their impurities hence proving stability-indicating
      properties. The proposed method is significantly important, permitting the
      separation of the main constituent piracetam from levetiracetam. Linear behavior
      was observed between 20 ng/mL and 10,000 ng/mL for both drugs. The proposed
      method was checked in bulk drugs, dosage formulations, physiological condition,
      and clinical investigations and excellent outcome was witnessed.

PMID- 25114923
TI  - Biomechanics of interspinous devices.
AB  - A number of interspinous devices (ISD) have been introduced in the lumbar spine
      implant market. Unfortunately, the use of these devices often is not associated
      with real comprehension of their biomechanical role. The aim of this paper is to
      review the biomechanical studies about interspinous devices available in the
      literature to allow the reader a better comprehension of the effects of these
      devices on the treated segment and on the adjacent segments of the spine. For
      this reason, our analysis will be limited to the interspinous devices that have
      biomechanical studies published in the literature. 

PMID- 25114924
TI  - The trend in distribution of Q223R mutation of leptin receptor gene in amoebic
      liver abscess patients from North India: a prospective study.
AB  - Host genetic susceptibility is an important risk factor in infectious diseases.
      We explored the distribution of Q223R mutation in leptin receptor gene of amoebic
      liver abscess (ALA) patients of North India. A total of 55 ALA samples along with
      102 controls were subjected to PCR-RFLP analysis. The frequency of allele "G"
      (coding for arginine) was in general high in Indian population irrespective of
      the disease. Our results of Fisher exact test shows that heterozygous mutant (QQ
      versus QR, P=0.049) and homozygous mutant (QQ versus RR, P=0.004) were
      significantly associated with amoebic liver abscess when compared with homozygous
      wild (QQ).

PMID- 25114925
TI  - Automated tissue classification framework for reproducible chronic wound
      assessment.
AB  - The aim of this paper was to develop a computer assisted tissue classification
      (granulation, necrotic, and slough) scheme for chronic wound (CW) evaluation
      using medical image processing and statistical machine learning techniques. The
      red-green-blue (RGB) wound images grabbed by normal digital camera were first
      transformed into HSI (hue, saturation, and intensity) color space and
      subsequently the "S" component of HSI color channels was selected as it provided
      higher contrast. Wound areas from 6 different types of CW were segmented from
      whole images using fuzzy divergence based thresholding by minimizing edge
      ambiguity. A set of color and textural features describing granulation, necrotic,
      and slough tissues in the segmented wound area were extracted using various
      mathematical techniques. Finally, statistical learning algorithms, namely,
      Bayesian classification and support vector machine (SVM), were trained and tested
      for wound tissue classification in different CW images. The performance of the
      wound area segmentation protocol was further validated by ground truth images
      labeled by clinical experts. It was observed that SVM with 3rd order polynomial
      kernel provided the highest accuracies, that is, 86.94%, 90.47%, and 75.53%, for
      classifying granulation, slough, and necrotic tissues, respectively. The proposed
      automated tissue classification technique achieved the highest overall accuracy,
      that is, 87.61%, with highest kappa statistic value (0.793). 

PMID- 25114926
TI  - GABAB receptors expressed in human aortic endothelial cells mediate intracellular
      calcium concentration regulation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase
      translocation.
AB  - GABAB receptors regulate the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a
      number of cells (e.g., retina, airway epithelium and smooth muscle), but whether
      they are expressed in vascular endothelial cells and similarly regulate the
      [Ca2+]i is not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression
      of GABAB receptors, a subclass of receptors to the inhibitory neurotransmitter
      gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in cultured human aortic endothelial cells
      (HAECs), and to explore if altering receptor activation modified [Ca2+]i and
      endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) translocation. Real-time PCR, western
      blots and immunofluorescence were used to determine the expression of GABAB1 and
      GABAB2 in cultured HAECs. The effects of GABAB receptors on [Ca2+]i in cultured
      HAECs were demonstrated using fluo-3. The influence of GABAB receptors on eNOS
      translocation was assessed by immunocytochemistry. Both GABAB1 and GABAB2 mRNA
      and protein were expressed in cultured HAECs, and the GABAB1 and GABAB2 proteins
      were colocated in the cell membrane and cytoplasm. One hundred MUM baclofen
      caused a transient increase of [Ca2+]i and eNOS translocation in cultured HAECs,
      and the effects were attenuated by pretreatment with the selective GABAB receptor
      antagonists CGP46381 and CGP55845. GABAB receptors are expressed in HAECs and
      regulate the [Ca2+]i and eNOS translocation. Cultures of HAECs may be a useful in
      vitro model for the study of GABAB receptors and vascular biology.

PMID- 25114927
TI  - Butylidenephthalide blocks potassium channels and enhances basal tension in
      isolated guinea-pig trachea.
AB  - Butylidenephthalide (Bdph, 30~300 MUM), a constituent of Ligusticum chuanxiong
      Hort., significantly enhanced tension in isolated guinea-pig trachea. In this
      study, we investigate the mechanism(s) of Bdph-induced contraction in the tissue.
      Isolated trachea was bathed in 5 mL of Krebs solution containing indomethacin (3
      MUM), and its tension changes were isometrically recorded. Cromakalim (3 MUM), an
      ATP-dependent K+ channel opener, significantly antagonized the Bdph-induced
      enhancement of baseline tension. Bdph (300 MUM) also significantly antagonized
      cromakalim-induced relaxation. Bdph (300 MUM) did not significantly influence the
      antagonistic effects of glibenclamide (GBC, 1 MUM) and tetraethylammonium (TEA, 8
      mM) against the cromakalim-induced relaxation. However, Bdph (300 MUM) and 4
      aminopiridine (4-AP, 5 mM), a blocker of K v 1 family of K+ channels, in
      combination significantly rightward shifted the log concentration-relaxation
      curve of cromakalim. The antagonistic effect of the combination almost equals the
      sum of the individual effects of Bdph and 4-AP, suggesting that the antagonistic
      mechanism of Bdph may be similar to that of 4-AP. All calcium channel blockers
      influenced neither the baseline tension nor antagonistic effect of Bdph against
      cromakalim. In conclusion, Bdph may be similar to 4-AP, a blocker of K v 1 family
      of K+ channels, to enhance the baseline tension of guinea-pig trachea.

PMID- 25114928
TI  - Geodermatophilus poikilotrophi sp. nov.: a multitolerant actinomycete isolated
      from dolomitic marble.
AB  - A novel Gram-reaction-positive, aerobic actinobacterium, tolerant to mitomycin C,
      heavy metals, metalloids, hydrogen peroxide, desiccation, and ionizing- and UV
      radiation, designated G18T, was isolated from dolomitic marble collected from
      outcrops in Samara (Namibia). The growth range was 15-35 degrees C, at pH 5.5-9.5
      and in presence of 1% NaCl, forming greenish-black coloured colonies on GYM
      Streptomyces agar. Chemotaxonomic and molecular characteristics of the isolate
      matched those described for other representatives of the genus Geodermatophilus.
      The peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as diagnostic diaminoacid.
      The main phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine,
      phosphatidylinositol, and small amount of diphosphatidylglycerol. MK-9(H4) was
      the dominant menaquinone and galactose was detected as diagnostic sugar. The
      major cellular fatty acids were branched-chain saturated acids iso-C16:0 and iso
      C15:0 and the unsaturated C17:1 omega8c and C16:1 omega7c. The 16S rRNA gene
      showed 97.4-99.1% sequence identity with the other representatives of genus
      Geodermatophilus. Based on phenotypic results and 16S rRNA gene sequence
      analysis, strain G18T is proposed to represent a novel species, Geodermatophilus
      poikilotrophi. Type strain is G18T (=DSM 44209T=CCUG 63018T). The INSDC accession
      number is HF970583. The novel R software package lethal was used to compute the
      lethal doses with confidence intervals resulting from tolerance experiments.

PMID- 25114929
TI  - Ameliorative effect of saffron aqueous extract on hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia,
      and oxidative stress on diabetic encephalopathy in streptozotocin induced
      experimental diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Diabetic encephalopathy is one of the severe complications in patients with
      diabetes mellitus. Findings indicate that saffron extract has antioxidant
      properties but its underlying beneficial effects on diabetic encephalopathy were
      unclear. In the present study, the protective activities of saffron were
      evaluated in diabetic encephalopathy. Saffron at 40 and 80 mg/kg significantly
      increased body weight and serum TNF-alpha and decreased blood glucose levels,
      glycosylated serum proteins, and serum advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs)
      levels. Furthermore, significant increase in HDL and decrease (P<0.05) in
      cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL were observed after 28 days of treatment. At
      the end of experiments, the hippocampus tissue was used for determination of
      glutathione content (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)
      activities. Furthermore, saffron significantly increased GSH, SOD, and CAT but
      remarkably decreased cognitive deficit, serum TNF-alpha, and induced nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS) activity in hippocampus tissue. Our findings indicated that
      saffron extract may reduce hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia risk and also reduce
      the oxidative stress in diabetic encephalopathy rats. This study suggested that
      saffron extract might be a promising candidate for the improvement of chemically
      induced diabetes and its complications.

PMID- 25114930
TI  - Acetylated hyaluronic acid: enhanced bioavailability and biological studies.
AB  - Hyaluronic acid (HA), a macropolysaccharidic component of the extracellular
      matrix, is common to most species and it is found in many sites of the human
      body, including skin and soft tissue. Not only does HA play a variety of roles in
      physiologic and in pathologic events, but it also has been extensively employed
      in cosmetic and skin-care products as drug delivery agent or for several
      biomedical applications. The most important limitations of HA are due to its
      short half-life and quick degradation in vivo and its consequently poor
      bioavailability. In the aim to overcome these difficulties, HA is generally
      subjected to several chemical changes. In this paper we obtained an acetylated
      form of HA with increased bioavailability with respect to the HA free form.
      Furthermore, an improved radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity has
      been evidenced, respectively, on ABTS radical cation and murine
      monocyte/macrophage cell lines (J774.A1). 

PMID- 25114931
TI  - Integrated analysis identifies interaction patterns between small molecules and
      pathways.
AB  - Previous studies have indicated that the downstream proteins in a key pathway can
      be potential drug targets and that the pathway can play an important role in the
      action of drugs. So pathways could be considered as targets of small molecules. A
      link map between small molecules and pathways was constructed using gene
      expression profile, pathways, and gene expression of cancer cell line intervened
      by small molecules and then we analysed the topological characteristics of the
      link map. Three link patterns were identified based on different drug discovery
      implications for breast, liver, and lung cancer. Furthermore, molecules that
      significantly targeted the same pathways tended to treat the same diseases. These
      results can provide a valuable reference for identifying drug candidates and
      targets in molecularly targeted therapy. 

PMID- 25114933
TI  - Solid-nanoemulsion preconcentrate for oral delivery of paclitaxel: formulation
      design, biodistribution, and gamma scintigraphy imaging.
AB  - Aim of present study was to develop a solid nanoemulsion preconcentrate of
      paclitaxel (PAC) using oil [propylene glycol monocaprylate/glycerol monooleate,
      4:1 w/w], surfactant [polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate/polyoxyl 15
      hydroxystearate, 1:1 w/w], and cosurfactant [diethylene glycol monoethyl
      ether/polyethylene glycol 300, 1:1 w/w] to form stable nanocarrier. The prepared
      formulation was characterized for droplet size, polydispersity index, and zeta
      potential. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to assess surface morphology and drug encapsulation
      and its integrity. Cumulative drug release of prepared formulation through
      dialysis bag and permeability coefficient through everted gut sac were found to
      be remarkably higher than the pure drug suspension and commercial intravenous
      product (Intaxel), respectively. Solid nanoemulsion preconcentrate of PAC
      exhibited strong inhibitory effect on proliferation of MCF-7 cells in MTT assay.
      In vivo systemic exposure of prepared formulation through oral administration was
      comparable to that of Intaxel in gamma scintigraphy imaging. Our findings suggest
      that the prepared solid nanoemulsion preconcentrate can be used as an effective
      oral solid dosage form to improve dissolution and bioavailability of PAC.

PMID- 25114935
TI  - Evaluation of medicine prescription pattern using World Health Organization
      prescribing indicators in Iran: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to quantify the specialists' prescription pattern in
      Iran and to point out the prescribing behavioral differences among several
      specialties. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on
      the claim data. National prescription data were obtained on the basis of the
      claims that the pharmacies submitted to the insurers during 1 year period of the
      study. More than 85 million prescriptions were analyzed using "Rx-Analyst"
      software that is designed and applied by National Committee of Rational Use of
      Medicines in Iran. Specified medical specialties were considered and the World
      Health Organization prescription indicators were used to evaluate the physicians'
      prescribing behavior. FINDINGS: Average items per prescription were ranged from
      3.68 in cardiologists' to 2.06 in dermatologists' prescriptions. The highest and
      the lowest mean price were belonged to neurologists' and ophthalmologists'
      prescriptions, respectively. In addition, 45% of patients received antibiotics,
      41% of patients received injectable form of drugs, and 23% received
      corticosteroids. A high tendency toward prescribing corticosteroids and
      antibiotics as well as an injectable form of medicines was observed among general
      physicians. CONCLUSION: There is an inevitable need to improve prescription
      habits among different specialties, especially among general practitioners. This
      causes the policymakers to put more emphasis on priorities such as continuous
      education.

PMID- 25114934
TI  - Simultaneous detection and differentiation of highly virulent and classical
      Chinese-type isolation of PRRSV by real-time RT-PCR.
AB  - Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a leading disease in pig
      industry worldwide and can result in serious economic losses each year. The PRRS
      epidemic situation in China has been very complicated since the unprecedented
      large-scale highly pathogenic PRRS (HP-PRRS) outbreaks in 2006. And now the HP
      PRRS virus (HP-PRRSV) and classical North American type PRRSV strains have
      coexisted in China. Rapid differential detection of the two strains of PRRSV is
      very important for effective PRRS control. The real-time RT-PCR for simultaneous
      detection and differentiation of HP-PRRSV and PRRSV by using both SYBR Green and
      TaqMan probes was developed and validated. Both assays can be used for rapid
      detection and strain-specific identification of HP-PRRSV and PRRSV. However, the
      TaqMan probe method had the highest detection rate whereas the conventional RT
      PCR was the lowest. The real-time RT-PCR developed based on SYBR Green and TaqMan
      probe could be used for simultaneous detection and differentiation of HP-PRRSV
      and PRRSV in China, which will benefit much the PRRS control and research. 

PMID- 25114936
TI  - Identification and management of adverse effects of antipsychotics in a tertiary
      care teaching hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Antipsychotics have revolutionized psychiatry by allowing significant
      numbers of patients in long-term hospital settings to be discharged and
      successfully maintained in the community. However, these medications are also
      associated with a range of adverse events ranging from mostly annoying to rarely
      dangerous. This study is carried out to identify the adverse drug reactions
      (ADRs) to antipsychotics and its management in psychiatric patients. METHODS:
      Prospective interventional study was conducted in the psychiatric unit of a
      tertiary care hospital. Patients of any age and either sex prescribed with at
      least one antipsychotic were included and monitored for ADRs. FINDINGS: Among the
      517 patients receiving antipsychotics, a total of 289 ADRs were identified from
      217 patients at an overall incidence rate of 41.97%. Sixty-seven different kinds
      of ADRs were observed in the study patients. Central and peripheral nervous
      system was the most commonly affected system organ class (n = 59) and weight gain
      (n = 30) was the most commonly observed ADR. Olanzapine was most commonly
      implicated in reported ADRs (n = 92) followed by risperidone (n = 59). Of the 289
      ADRs, 80% required interventions including cessation of drug and/or
      specific/symptomatic/nonpharmacological treatment. CONCLUSION: This post
      marketing surveillance study provides a representative data of the ADR profile of
      the antipsychotics likely to be encountered in psychiatric patients in an Indian
      tertiary care hospital.

PMID- 25114932
TI  - Clinical study of nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated by helical tomotherapy in
      China: 5-year outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the outcomes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients
      treated with helical tomotherapy (HT). METHODS: Between September 2007 and August
      2012, 190 newly diagnosed NPC patients were treated with HT. Thirty-one patients
      were treated with radiation therapy as single modality, 129 with additional
      cisplatin-based chemotherapy with or without anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody
      therapy, and 30 with concurrent anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody therapy. RESULTS:
      Acute radiation related side effects were mainly grade 1 or 2. Grade 3 and
      greater toxicities were rarely noted. The median followup was 32 (3-38) months.
      The local relapse-free survival (LRFS), nodal relapse-free survival (NRFS),
      distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS) were 96.1%,
      98.2%, 92.0%, and 86.3%, respectively, at 3 years. Cox multivariate regression
      analysis showed that age and T stage were independent predictors for 3-year OS.
      CONCLUSIONS: Helical tomotherapy for NPC patients achieved excellent 3-year
      locoregional control, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival,
      with relatively minor acute and late toxicities. Age and T stage were the main
      prognosis factors.

PMID- 25114937
TI  - Education alone is not enough in ventilator associated pneumonia care bundle
      compliance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) described as a secondary and
      preventable consequence in mechanically ventilated patients, emerges 48 h or more
      after patients intubation. Considering the high morbidity and mortality rate of
      VAP and the fact that VAP is preventable, it seemed necessary to evaluate care
      bundle compliance rate and effect of education on its improvement. METHODS: This
      observational study was conducted on 10 Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of four
      university affiliated hospitals in three steps. In the first step, VAP care
      bundle compliance including head of bed (HOB) elevation, endotracheal cuff
      pressure (ETCP), mouthwash time, utilizing close suction systems, subglottic
      secretion drainage, type of suction package, and hand wash before suctioning was
      evaluated. In the second and third steps, ICU staffs were trained and its effect
      on VAP care bundle compliance was investigated. Finally, an inquiry from nurses
      was conducted to evaluate the obtained results. FINDINGS: A total of 552
      checklists consisting of 294 observations in the pre-education group and 258
      observations in the posteducation group were filled. Mean VAP care bundle
      compliance in pre-education and posteducation stages was 36.5% and 41.2%,
      respectively (P > 0.05). Except for patients' mouth washing, there were no
      improvement in HOB elevation (>30 degrees ), hand washing and ETCP after
      education. Based on the results of questionnaire received from nurses at the end
      of study, more than 90% of nurses believed that lack of rigid monitoring of VAP
      care bundle is a main reason of low adherence for VAP care bundle compliance.
      CONCLUSION: The adherence to VAP care bundle was inappropriate. Education seems
      to be ineffective on improving VAP care bundle compliance. Frequent recall of the
      necessity of the VAP care bundle and the continuous supervision of ICU staffs is
      highly recommended.

PMID- 25114938
TI  - Assessing health conditions and medication use among the homeless community in
      Long Beach, California.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Persons experiencing homelessness are a vulnerable population and are
      at increased risk for morbidity and all-cause mortality compared to the general
      population. This study sought to evaluate medication use, regular physician
      visits, and identify health conditions among the homeless population of Long
      Beach, California. METHODS: Two "brown bag" medication review events were held at
      homeless shelters in the Long Beach area. Demographic information, medication
      use, and comorbid disease states were obtained through surveys. FINDINGS: Three
      fourths of the cohort (95 participants) consisted of males, and the average age
      of participants was 48 years. Psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disease
      were the most common disease states reported at 32% and 46%, respectively and so
      were medications used in treating these chronic diseases. Medication adherence
      was found to be a significant problem in this population, where more than 30% of
      patients were nonadherent to medications for chronic diseases. Furthermore, foot
      problems, hearing and vision difficulties constitute the most commonly overlooked
      health problems within the homeless population. CONCLUSION: Based on this and
      other similar finding, we must accept that the homeless represent a vulnerable
      population, and that because of this fact, more programs should be focused at
      improving availability and access to health care among the homeless. Regarding
      the high number of reported health problems in the study, more studies are needed
      and more studies should incorporate screening for foot, hearing, and vision
      issues, both to increase awareness and to provide an opportunity for devising
      possible solutions to these highly preventable conditions.

PMID- 25114939
TI  - Adherence to American society of health-system pharmacists surgical antibiotic
      prophylaxis guidelines in a teaching hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Surgical site infections are the second most common type of adverse
      events occurring in hospitalized patients, whereas an estimated 40-60% of these
      infections are thought to be preventable. Choice of regimen, administration
      timing or duration of antibiotic prophylaxis is reported to be inappropriate in
      approximately 25-50% of cases. We tried to evaluate an antibiotic administration
      pattern for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in a teaching hospital. METHODS: This
      study was conducted at the general surgery and orthopedic wards of a teaching
      hospital affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. The medical
      records of admitted patients who underwent different surgical procedures were
      reviewed. Compliance was assessed with the recommendations of the American
      Society of Health-System Pharmacists' guidelines for every aspect of antibiotic
      prophylaxis. All data were coded and analyzed by SPSS16 software using Student's
      t-test and Chi-square test. FINDINGS: During 1 year, 759 patients who underwent
      different surgeries were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 32.02 +/
      18.79 years. Hand and foot fractures repair were the most frequent surgery
      types. About 56.4% of administered prophylactic antibiotics were in accordance
      with the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) guidelines
      regarding prophylaxis indication. The most commonly antibiotic used was cefazolin
      and antibiotic choices were appropriate in 104 of 168 surgical procedures (62%).
      Gentamicin, metronidazole and ceftriaxone were the most frequently antibiotics
      that used inappropriately. Only in 100 of 168 procedures, duration was concordant
      with the ASHP guideline, whereas in 68 procedures, duration was longer than
      recommended time. In 98 procedures, the dose was lower and in one procedure, it
      was higher than recommended doses. CONCLUSION: Although such guidelines have been
      in place for many years, studies showed that much inappropriate antibiotic use as
      prophylaxis and poor adherence to guidelines are still major issues. It is
      essential for surgeons to be aware to consider the best antibiotic choices, dose
      and duration based on reliable guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis.

PMID- 25114940
TI  - Efficacy of a local-drug delivery gel containing extracts of Quercus brantii and
      Coriandrum sativum as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in moderate chronic
      periodontitis patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recent advances in the field of alternative medicine introduced
      various herbal products for the treatment of periodontitis. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the effects of combined extracts from Quercus brantii and
      Coriandrum sativum on periodontal indices in adult periodontitis patients.
      METHODS: In this randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, performed in Isfahan
      Dental School in 2012, a new herbal medicament containing combined extracts from
      Q. brantii and C. sativum was formulated in the gel form for subgingival
      application. Following scaling and root planing (SRP), both herbal and placebo
      gels were delivered at the experimental and control sites, respectively.
      Periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment level, papilla bleeding index, and
      plaque index were measured at baseline, 1 month and 3 months later. Both intra
      and inter-groups changes were registered. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS
      software, using repeated measure analysis of variance, paired t-test, Mann
      Whitney, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests. Differences with P < 0.05 were considered
      to be significant. FINDINGS: Both groups indicated statistically significant
      improvements in the periodontal indices (P < 0.05), but there were no significant
      differences between two study groups with this regard. CONCLUSION: The herbal gel
      does not have considerable advantages over SRP alone as an adjunct in periodontal
      treatment.

PMID- 25114941
TI  - Ceftriaxone induced drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms.
AB  - Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a drug
      reaction commonly occurring in association with aromatic anticonvulsants and
      allopurinol. It is characterized by triad of fever, skin eruption, and systemic
      involvement. DRESS is rare with beta-lactam antibiotics and even rarer with
      ceftriaxone. We describe a case of pneumonia who developed ceftriaxone-induced
      rash, bicytopenia, eosinophilia, transaminitis and was eventually diagnosed and
      managed successfully as a case of DRESS. 

PMID- 25114942
TI  - Nudging by shaming, shaming by nudging.

PMID- 25114943
TI  - Harnessing the potential to quantify public preferences for healthcare priorities
      through citizens' juries.
AB  - Despite progress towards greater public engagement, questions about the optimal
      approach to access public preferences remain unanswered. We review two
      increasingly popular methods for engaging the public in healthcare priority
      setting and determining their preferences; the Citizens' Jury (CJ) and Discrete
      Choice Experiment (DCE). We discuss the theoretical framework from which each
      method is derived, its application in healthcare, and critique the information it
      can provide for decision-makers. We conclude that combining deliberation of an
      informed public via CJs and quantification of preferences using DCE methods,
      whilst it remains to be tested as an approach to engaging the public in priority
      setting, could potentially achieve much richer information than the application
      of either method in isolation. 

PMID- 25114944
TI  - Factors affecting the technical efficiency of health systems: A case study of
      Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) countries (2004-10).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improving efficiency of health sector is of particular importance in
      all countries. To reach this end, it is paramount to measure the efficiency. On
      the other hand, there are many factors that affect the efficiency of health
      systems. This study aimed to measure the Technical Efficiency (TE) of health
      systems in Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) countries during 2004-10 and
      to determine the factors affecting their TE. METHODS: This was a descriptive
      analytical and panel study. The required data were gathered using library and
      field studies, available statistics and international websites through completing
      data collection forms. In this study, the TE of health systems in 10 ECO
      countries was measured using their available data and Data Envelopment Analysis
      (DEA) through two approaches. The first approach used GDP per capita, education
      and smoking as its inputs and life expectancy and infant mortality rates as the
      outputs. The second approach, also, used the health expenditures per capita, the
      number of physicians per thousand people, and the number of hospital beds per
      thousand people as its inputs and life expectancy and under-5 mortality rates as
      the outputs. Then, the factors affecting the TE of health systems were determined
      using the panel data logit model. Excel 2010, Win4Deap 1.1.2 and Stata 11.0 were
      used to analyze the collected data. RESULTS: According to the first approach, the
      mean TE of health systems was 0.497 and based on the second one it was 0.563.
      Turkey and Turkmenistan had, respectively, the highest and lowest mean of
      efficiency. Also, the results of panel data logit model showed that only GDP per
      capita and health expenditures per capita had significant relationships with the
      TE of health systems. CONCLUSION: In order to maximize the TE of health systems,
      health policy-makers should pay special attention to the proper use of healthcare
      resources according to the people's needs, the appropriate management of the
      health system resources, allocating adequate budgets to the health sector,
      establishing an appropriate referral system to provide better public access to
      health services according to their income and needs, among many others.

PMID- 25114945
TI  - Prevalence and determinants of under-nutrition among children under six: a cross
      sectional survey in Fars province, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood malnutrition as a major public health problem among
      children in developing countries can affect physical and intellectual growth and
      is also considered as a main cause of child morbidity and mortality. The
      objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of under-nutrition and
      identify determinants of malnutrition among children under 6 years of age in Fars
      province, Iran. METHODS: This survey was conducted by house to house visit
      through multi-stage sampling in 30 cities of Fars province, during December 2012
      to January 2013. A total of 15408 children, aged 0-6 years old, were studied for
      nutritional assessment in terms of underweight, stunting, and wasting. Also,
      socio-demographic measures were obtained from structured questionnaire. Backward
      stepwise logistic regression was used to relate underlying factors to the odds of
      under-nutrition indices. RESULTS: The rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting
      were 9.53, 9.66, and 8.19%, respectively. Male children were more stunted
      compared to females (OR= 1.41, CI: 1.26-1.58). Also, stunting was significantly
      associated with lower family income (OR= 3.21, CI: 1.17-8.85) and lower maternal
      education (OR= 0.80, CI: 0.64-0.98). Living in urban areas, and poor water supply
      were identified as significant risk factors of all three types of childhood under
      nutrition. Moreover, Khamse and Arab ethnic groups were more vulnerable to under
      nutrition. There was a suggestion that non-access to health services were
      associated with wasting (OR= 1.87, CI: 1.39-2.52) and also large family size was
      related to underweight (OR= 1.35, CI: 1.10-1.65). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of
      under-nutrition in the study population was categorized in low levels. However,
      planning the public preventive strategies can help to control childhood under
      nutrition according to underlying factors of malnutrition in the study population
      including gender, settlement area, family size, ethnicity, family income,
      maternal education, health services, and also safe water supply.

PMID- 25114946
TI  - Factors influencing healthcare service quality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence
      healthcare quality in the Iranian context. METHODS: Exploratory in-depth
      individual and focus group interviews were conducted with 222 healthcare
      stakeholders including healthcare providers, managers, policy-makers, and payers
      to identify factors affecting the quality of healthcare services provided in
      Iranian healthcare organisations. RESULTS: Quality in healthcare is a production
      of cooperation between the patient and the healthcare provider in a supportive
      environment. Personal factors of the provider and the patient, and factors
      pertaining to the healthcare organisation, healthcare system, and the broader
      environment affect healthcare service quality. Healthcare quality can be improved
      by supportive visionary leadership, proper planning, education and training,
      availability of resources, effective management of resources, employees and
      processes, and collaboration and cooperation among providers. CONCLUSION: This
      article contributes to healthcare theory and practice by developing a conceptual
      framework that provides policy-makers and managers a practical understanding of
      factors that affect healthcare service quality.

PMID- 25114947
TI  - Technical efficiency of teaching hospitals in Iran: the use of Stochastic
      Frontier Analysis, 1999-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospitals are highly resource-dependent settings, which spend a large
      proportion of healthcare financial resources. The analysis of hospital efficiency
      can provide insight into how scarce resources are used to create health values.
      This study examines the Technical Efficiency (TE) of 12 teaching hospitals
      affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) between 1999 and
      2011. METHODS: The Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) method was applied to
      estimate the efficiency of TUMS hospitals. A best function, referred to as output
      and input parameters, was calculated for the hospitals. Number of medical
      doctors, nurses, and other personnel, active beds, and outpatient admissions were
      considered as the input variables and number of inpatient admissions as an output
      variable. RESULTS: The mean level of TE was 59% (ranging from 22 to 81%). During
      the study period the efficiency increased from 61 to 71%. Outpatient admission,
      other personnel and medical doctors significantly and positively affected the
      production (P< 0.05). Concerning the Constant Return to Scale (CRS), an optimal
      production scale was found, implying that the productions of the hospitals were
      approximately constant. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study show a remarkable
      waste of resources in the TUMS hospital during the decade considered. This
      warrants policy-makers and top management in TUMS to consider steps to improve
      the financial management of the university hospitals.

PMID- 25114948
TI  - Addressing diabetes at the crossroads of global pandemic and regional culture:
      Comment on "The curse of wealth - Middle Eastern countries need to address the
      rapidly rising burden of diabetes".
AB  - As diabetes and obesity rates continue to climb at astronomical rates in the
      Middle East, future generations are at an even greater risk for diabetes and the
      associated complications. Many factors are at play and it is clear that creative
      solutions are needed to retool provider resources in the Middle East towards
      prevention of diabetes and its complications while leveraging technology to
      maximize outreach within the accepted cultural norms. Only by building the
      capacity to address the current diabetes burden as well focusing on prevention
      for the future, can Middle East countries create a strong infrastructure for a
      successful future. 

PMID- 25114949
TI  - Global health politics: neither solidarity nor policy: Comment on "Globalization
      and the diffusion of ideas: why we should acknowledge the roots of mainstream
      ideas in global health".
AB  - The global health agenda has been dominating the current global health policy
      debate. Furthermore, it has compelled countries to embrace strategies for
      tackling health inequalities in a wide range of public health areas. The article
      by Robert and colleagues highlights that although globalization has increased
      opportunities to share and spread ideas, there is still great asymmetry of power
      according to the countries' economic and political development. It also
      emphasizes how policy diffusion from High Income Countries (HICs) to Low- and
      Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) have had flaws at understanding their political,
      economic, and cultural backgrounds while they are pursuing knowledge translation.
      Achieving a fair global health policy diffusion of ideas would imply a call for a
      renewal on political elites worldwide at coping global health politics.
      Accordingly, moving towards fairness in disseminating global health ideas should
      be driven by politics not only as one of the social determinants of health, but
      the main determinant of health and well-being among-and within-societies. 

PMID- 25114950
TI  - The search for underlying principles of health impact assessment: progress and
      prospects: Comment on "Investigating underlying principles to guide health impact
      assessment".
AB  - Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a relatively young field of endeavour, and
      hence, future progress will depend on the planning, implementation and rigorous
      evaluation of additional HIAs of projects, programmes and policies the world
      over. In the June 2014 issue of the International Journal of Health Policy and
      Management, Fakhri and colleagues investigated underlying principles of HIA
      through a comprehensive review of the literature and expert consultation. With an
      emphasis on the Islamic Republic of Iran, the authors identified multiple issues
      that are relevant for guiding HIA practice. At the same time, the study
      unravelled current shortcomings in the understanding and definition of HIA
      principles and best practice at national, regional, and global levels. In this
      commentary we scrutinise the research presented, highlight strengths and
      limitations, and discuss the findings in the context of other recent attempts to
      guide HIA. 

PMID- 25114951
TI  - Global health diplomacy: a 'Deus ex Machina' for international development and
      relations: Comment on "A Ghost in the Machine? Politics in Global Health Policy".

PMID- 25114953
TI  - Gas production strategy of underground coal gasification based on multiple gas
      sources.
AB  - To lower stability requirement of gas production in UCG (underground coal
      gasification), create better space and opportunities of development for UCG, an
      emerging sunrise industry, in its initial stage, and reduce the emission of blast
      furnace gas, converter gas, and coke oven gas, this paper, for the first time,
      puts forward a new mode of utilization of multiple gas sources mainly including
      ground gasifier gas, UCG gas, blast furnace gas, converter gas, and coke oven gas
      and the new mode was demonstrated by field tests. According to the field tests,
      the existing power generation technology can fully adapt to situation of high
      hydrogen, low calorific value, and gas output fluctuation in the gas production
      in UCG in multiple-gas-sources power generation; there are large fluctuations and
      air can serve as a gasifying agent; the gas production of UCG in the mode of both
      power and methanol based on multiple gas sources has a strict requirement for
      stability. It was demonstrated by the field tests that the fluctuations in gas
      production in UCG can be well monitored through a quality control chart method. 

PMID- 25114954
TI  - Free convection nanofluid flow in the stagnation-point region of a three
      dimensional body.
AB  - Analytical results are presented for a steady three-dimensional free convection
      flow in the stagnation point region over a general curved isothermal surface
      placed in a nanofluid. The momentum equations in x- and y-directions, energy
      balance equation, and nanoparticle concentration equation are reduced to a set of
      four fully coupled nonlinear differential equations under appropriate similarity
      transformations. The well known technique optimal homotopy analysis method (OHAM)
      is used to obtain the exact solution explicitly, whose convergence is then
      checked in detail. Besides, the effects of the physical parameters, such as the
      Lewis number, the Brownian motion parameter, the thermophoresis parameter, and
      the buoyancy ratio on the profiles of velocities, temperature, and concentration,
      are studied and discussed. Furthermore the local skin friction coefficients in x-
      and y-directions, the local Nusselt number, and the local Sherwood number are
      examined for various values of the physical parameters. 

PMID- 25114952
TI  - Andrographolide inhibits nuclear factor-kappaB activation through JNK-Akt-p65
      signaling cascade in tumor necrosis factor-alpha-stimulated vascular smooth
      muscle cells.
AB  - Critical vascular inflammation leads to vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular
      diseases, including abdominal aortic aneurysms, hypertension, and
      atherosclerosis. Andrographolide is the most active and critical constituent
      isolated from the leaves of Andrographis paniculata, a herbal medicine widely
      used for treating anti-inflammation in Asia. In this study, we investigated the
      mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of andrographolide in vascular smooth muscle
      cells (VSMCs) exposed to a proinflammatory stimulus, tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha). Treating TNF-alpha-stimulated VSMCs with andrographolide suppressed
      the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in a concentration-dependent
      manner. A reduction in TNF-alpha-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Akt, and
      p65 phosphorylation was observed in andrographolide-treated VSMCs. However,
      andrographolide affected neither IkappaBalpha degradation nor p38 mitogen
      activated protein kinase or extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2
      phosphorylation under these conditions. Both treatment with LY294002, a
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt inhibitor, and treatment with SP600125, a JNK
      inhibitor, markedly reversed the andrographolide-mediated inhibition of p65
      phosphorylation. In addition, LY294002 and SP600125 both diminished Akt
      phosphorylation, whereas LY294002 had no effects on JNK phosphorylation. These
      results collectively suggest that therapeutic interventions using andrographolide
      can benefit the treatment of vascular inflammatory diseases, and andrographolide
      mediated inhibition of NF-kappaB activity in TNF-alpha-stimulated VSMCs occurs
      through the JNK-Akt-p65 signaling cascade, an IkappaBalpha-independent mechanism.

PMID- 25114955
TI  - Moving object localization using optical flow for pedestrian detection from a
      moving vehicle.
AB  - This paper presents a pedestrian detection method from a moving vehicle using
      optical flows and histogram of oriented gradients (HOG). A moving object is
      extracted from the relative motion by segmenting the region representing the same
      optical flows after compensating the egomotion of the camera. To obtain the
      optical flow, two consecutive images are divided into grid cells 14 * 14 pixels;
      then each cell is tracked in the current frame to find corresponding cell in the
      next frame. Using at least three corresponding cells, affine transformation is
      performed according to each corresponding cell in the consecutive images, so that
      conformed optical flows are extracted. The regions of moving object are detected
      as transformed objects, which are different from the previously registered
      background. Morphological process is applied to get the candidate human regions.
      In order to recognize the object, the HOG features are extracted on the candidate
      region and classified using linear support vector machine (SVM). The HOG feature
      vectors are used as input of linear SVM to classify the given input into
      pedestrian/nonpedestrian. The proposed method was tested in a moving vehicle and
      also confirmed through experiments using pedestrian dataset. It shows a
      significant improvement compared with original HOG using ETHZ pedestrian dataset.

PMID- 25114956
TI  - Changes in stream peak flow and regulation in Naoli River watershed as a result
      of wetland loss.
AB  - Hydrology helps determine the character of wetlands; wetlands, in turn, regulate
      water flow, which influences regional hydrology. To understand these dynamics, we
      studied the Naoli basin where, from 1954 to 2005, intensive marshland cultivation
      took place, and the watershed's wetland area declined from 94.4 * 10(4)ha to 17.8
      * 10(4)ha. More than 80% of the wetland area loss was due to conversion to
      farmland, especially from 1976 to 1986. The processes of transforming wetlands to
      cultivated land in the whole Naoli basin and subbasins can be described using a
      first order exponential decay model. To quantify the effects of wetlands
      cultivation, we analyzed daily rainfall and streamflow data measured from 1955 to
      2005 at two stations (Baoqing Station and Caizuizi Station). We defined a
      streamflow regulation index (SRI) and applied a Mann-Kendall-Sneyers test to
      further analyze the data. As the wetland area decreased, the peak streamflow at
      the Caizuizi station increased, and less precipitation generated heavier peak
      flows, as the runoff was faster than before. The SRI from 1959 to 2005 showed an
      increasing trend; the SRI rate of increase was 0.05/10a, demonstrating that the
      watershed's regulation of streamflow regulation was declined as the wetlands
      disappeared.

PMID- 25114957
TI  - Fractal analysis of laplacian pyramidal filters applied to segmentation of soil
      images.
AB  - The laplacian pyramid is a well-known technique for image processing in which
      local operators of many scales, but identical shape, serve as the basis
      functions. The required properties to the pyramidal filter produce a family of
      filters, which is unipara metrical in the case of the classical problem, when the
      length of the filter is 5. We pay attention to gaussian and fractal behaviour of
      these basis functions (or filters), and we determine the gaussian and fractal
      ranges in the case of single parameter a. These fractal filters loose less energy
      in every step of the laplacian pyramid, and we apply this property to get
      threshold values for segmenting soil images, and then evaluate their porosity.
      Also, we evaluate our results by comparing them with the Otsu algorithm threshold
      values, and conclude that our algorithm produce reliable test results. 

PMID- 25114958
TI  - Real-time safety risk assessment based on a real-time location system for
      hydropower construction sites.
AB  - The concern for workers' safety in construction industry is reflected in many
      studies focusing on static safety risk identification and assessment. However,
      studies on real-time safety risk assessment aimed at reducing uncertainty and
      supporting quick response are rare. A method for real-time safety risk assessment
      (RTSRA) to implement a dynamic evaluation of worker safety states on construction
      site has been proposed in this paper. The method provides construction managers
      who are in charge of safety with more abundant information to reduce the
      uncertainty of the site. A quantitative calculation formula, integrating the
      influence of static and dynamic hazards and that of safety supervisors, is
      established to link the safety risk of workers with the locations of on-site
      assets. By employing the hidden Markov model (HMM), the RTSRA provides a
      mechanism for processing location data provided by the real-time location system
      (RTLS) and analyzing the probability distributions of different states in terms
      of false positives and negatives. Simulation analysis demonstrated the logic of
      the proposed method and how it works. Application case shows that the proposed
      RTSRA is both feasible and effective in managing construction project safety
      concerns. 

PMID- 25114959
TI  - A high-speed and low-offset dynamic latch comparator.
AB  - Circuit intricacy, speed, low-offset voltage, and resolution are essential
      factors for high-speed applications like analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The
      comparator circuit with preamplifier increases the power dissipation, as it
      requires higher amount of currents than the latch circuitry. In this research, a
      novel topology of dynamic latch comparator is illustrated, which is able to
      provide high speed, low offset, and high resolution. Moreover, the circuit is
      able to reduce the power dissipation as the topology is based on latch circuitry.
      The cross-coupled circuit mechanism with the regenerative latch is employed for
      enhancing the dynamic latch comparator performance. In addition, input-tracking
      phase is used to reduce the offset voltage. The Monte-Carlo simulation results
      for the designed comparator in 0.18 MUm CMOS process show that the equivalent
      input-referred offset voltage is 720 MUV with 3.44 mV standard deviation. The
      simulated result shows that the designed comparator has 8-bit resolution and
      dissipates 158.5 MUW of power under 1.8 V supply while operating with a clock
      frequency of 50 MHz. In addition, the proposed dynamic latch comparator has a
      layout size of 148.80 MUm * 59.70 MUm.

PMID- 25114960
TI  - Cytotoxic activities of flavonoids from Centaurea scoparia.
AB  - Phytochemical studies on the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Centaurea
      scoparia led to the isolation of two new flavonoids, 3',4'-dihydroxy-(3'',4''
      dihydro-3''-hydroxy-4''-acetoxy)-2'',2''-dimethylpyrano-(5'',6'':7,8)-flavone-3-O
      beta -D-glucopyranoside (1) and 3,3',4'-trihydroxy-(3'',4''-dihydro-3'',4''
      dihydroxy)-2'',2''-dimethylpyrano-(5'',6'':7,8)-flavone (2), along with eight
      known flavonoids isolated for the first time from this plant, cynaroside (3),
      Apigetrin (4), centaureidin (5), oroxylin A (6), 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4',5'
      trimethoxyflavone (7), atalantoflavone (8), 5-hydroxy-3',4',8-trimethoxy-2'',2''
      dimethylpyrano (5'',6'':6,7)-flavone (9), and 3',4',5,8-tetramethoxy-2'',2''
      dimethylpyrano (5'',6'':6,7)-flavone (10). The structures of the isolated
      compounds were elucidated by means of spectroscopic tools including 1D and 2D
      NMR, UV, IR, and mass spectroscopy. Cytotoxic activities of the isolated
      compounds were evaluated against human cervical carcinoma HeLa, human
      hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2, and human breast carcinoma MCF-7. Compound 2 was
      the most potent cytotoxic agent against HeLa cells with an IC50 0.079  MUM.

PMID- 25114961
TI  - Research on radiation characteristic of plasma antenna through FDTD method.
AB  - The radiation characteristic of plasma antenna is investigated by using the
      finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) approach in this paper. Through using FDTD
      method, we study the propagation of electromagnetic wave in free space in
      stretched coordinate. And the iterative equations of Maxwell equation are
      derived. In order to validate the correctness of this method, we simulate the
      process of electromagnetic wave propagating in free space. Results show that
      electromagnetic wave spreads out around the signal source and can be absorbed by
      the perfectly matched layer (PML). Otherwise, we study the propagation of
      electromagnetic wave in plasma by using the Boltzmann-Maxwell theory. In order to
      verify this theory, the whole process of electromagnetic wave propagating in
      plasma under one-dimension case is simulated. Results show that Boltzmann-Maxwell
      theory can be used to explain the phenomenon of electromagnetic wave propagating
      in plasma. Finally, the two-dimensional simulation model of plasma antenna is
      established under the cylindrical coordinate. And the near-field and far-field
      radiation pattern of plasma antenna are obtained. The experiments show that the
      variation of electron density can introduce the change of radiation
      characteristic. 

PMID- 25114962
TI  - Toughness condition for a graph to be a fractional (g, f, n)-critical deleted
      graph.
AB  - A graph G is called a fractional (g, f)-deleted graph if G - {e} admits a
      fractional (g, f)-factor for any e ? E(G). A graph G is called a fractional (g,
      f, n)-critical deleted graph if, after deleting any n vertices from G, the
      resulting graph is still a fractional (g, f)-deleted graph. The toughness, as the
      parameter for measuring the vulnerability of communication networks, has received
      significant attention in computer science. In this paper, we present the
      relationship between toughness and fractional (g, f, n)-critical deleted graphs.
      It is determined that G is fractional (g, f, n)-critical deleted if t(G) >= ((b
      (2) - 1 + bn)/a). 

PMID- 25114963
TI  - Riemann boundary value problem for triharmonic equation in higher space.
AB  - We mainly deal with the boundary value problem for triharmonic function with
      value in a universal Clifford algebra: Delta(3)[u](x) = 0, x ? R (n)??Omega, u
      (+)(x) = u (-)(x)G(x) + g(x), x ? ?Omega, (D (j) u)(+)(x) = (D (j) u)(-)(x)A j +
      f j (x), x ? ?Omega, u(infinity) = 0, where (j = 1,..., 5)  ?Omega is a Lyapunov
      surface in R (n) , D = ? k=1 (n) e k (?/?x k) is the Dirac operator, and u(x) = ?
      A e A u A (x) are unknown functions with values in a universal Clifford algebra
      Cl(V n,n). Under some hypotheses, it is proved that the boundary value problem
      has a unique solution.

PMID- 25114965
TI  - A novel clustering algorithm for mobile ad hoc networks based on determination of
      virtual links' weight to increase network stability.
AB  - The stability of clusters is a serious issue in mobile ad hoc networks. Low
      stability of clusters may lead to rapid failure of clusters, high energy
      consumption for reclustering, and decrease in the overall network stability in
      mobile ad hoc network. In order to improve the stability of clusters, weight
      based clustering algorithms are utilized. However, these algorithms only use
      limited features of the nodes. Thus, they decrease the weight accuracy in
      determining node's competency and lead to incorrect selection of cluster heads. A
      new weight-based algorithm presented in this paper not only determines node's
      weight using its own features, but also considers the direct effect of feature of
      adjacent nodes. It determines the weight of virtual links between nodes and the
      effect of the weights on determining node's final weight. By using this strategy,
      the highest weight is assigned to the best choices for being the cluster heads
      and the accuracy of nodes selection increases. The performance of new algorithm
      is analyzed by using computer simulation. The results show that produced clusters
      have longer lifetime and higher stability. Mathematical simulation shows that
      this algorithm has high availability in case of failure. 

PMID- 25114964
TI  - Forest fire smoke layers observed in the free troposphere over Portugal with a
      multiwavelength Raman lidar: optical and microphysical properties.
AB  - Vertically resolved optical and microphysical properties of biomass burning
      aerosols, measured in 2011 with a multiwavelength Raman lidar, are presented. The
      transportation time, within 1-2 days (or less), pointed towards the presence of
      relatively fresh smoke particles over the site. Some strong layers aloft were
      observed with particle backscatter and extinction coefficients (at 355 nm)
      greater than 5 Mm(-1)sr(-1) and close to 300 Mm(-1), respectively. The particle
      intensive optical properties showed features different from the ones reported for
      aged smoke, but rather consistent with fresh smoke. The Angstrom exponents were
      generally high, mainly above 1.4, indicating a dominating accumulation mode. Weak
      depolarization values, as shown by the small depolarization ratio of 5% or lower,
      were measured. Furthermore, the lidar ratio presented no clear wavelength
      dependency. The inversion of the lidar signals provided a set of microphysical
      properties including particle effective radius below 0.2 MUm, which is less than
      values previously observed for aged smoke particles. Real and imaginary parts of
      refractive index of about 1.5-1.6 and 0.02i, respectively, were derived. The
      single scattering albedo was in the range between 0.85 and 0.93; these last two
      quantities indicate the nonnegligible absorbing characteristics of the observed
      particles.

PMID- 25114966
TI  - Combining digital watermarking and fingerprinting techniques to identify
      copyrights for color images.
AB  - This paper presents a copyright identification scheme for color images that takes
      advantage of the complementary nature of watermarking and fingerprinting. It
      utilizes an authentication logo and the extracted features of the host image to
      generate a fingerprint, which is then stored in a database and also embedded in
      the host image to produce a watermarked image. When a dispute over the copyright
      of a suspect image occurs, the image is first processed by watermarking. If the
      watermark can be retrieved from the suspect image, the copyright can then be
      confirmed; otherwise, the watermark then serves as the fingerprint and is
      processed by fingerprinting. If a match in the fingerprint database is found,
      then the suspect image will be considered a duplicated one. Because the proposed
      scheme utilizes both watermarking and fingerprinting, it is more robust than
      those that only adopt watermarking, and it can also obtain the preliminary result
      more quickly than those that only utilize fingerprinting. The experimental
      results show that when the watermarked image suffers slight attacks, watermarking
      alone is enough to identify the copyright. The results also show that when the
      watermarked image suffers heavy attacks that render watermarking incompetent,
      fingerprinting can successfully identify the copyright, hence demonstrating the
      effectiveness of the proposed scheme. 

PMID- 25114967
TI  - A procedure for extending input selection algorithms to low quality data in
      modelling problems with application to the automatic grading of uploaded
      assignments.
AB  - When selecting relevant inputs in modeling problems with low quality data, the
      ranking of the most informative inputs is also uncertain. In this paper, this
      issue is addressed through a new procedure that allows the extending of different
      crisp feature selection algorithms to vague data. The partial knowledge about the
      ordinal of each feature is modelled by means of a possibility distribution, and a
      ranking is hereby applied to sort these distributions. It will be shown that this
      technique makes the most use of the available information in some vague datasets.
      The approach is demonstrated in a real-world application. In the context of
      massive online computer science courses, methods are sought for automatically
      providing the student with a qualification through code metrics. Feature
      selection methods are used to find the metrics involved in the most meaningful
      predictions. In this study, 800 source code files, collected and revised by the
      authors in classroom Computer Science lectures taught between 2013 and 2014, are
      analyzed with the proposed technique, and the most relevant metrics for the
      automatic grading task are discussed. 

PMID- 25114969
TI  - SER performance of enhanced spatial multiplexing codes with ZF/MRC receiver in
      time-varying Rayleigh fading channels.
AB  - We propose enhanced spatial multiplexing codes (E-SMCs) to enable various
      encoding rates. The symbol error rate (SER) performance of the E-SMC is
      investigated when zero-forcing (ZF) and maximal-ratio combining (MRC) techniques
      are used at a receiver. The proposed E-SMC allows a transmitted symbol to be
      repeated over time to achieve further diversity gain at the cost of the encoding
      rate. With the spatial correlation between transmit antennas, SER equations for M
      ary QAM and PSK constellations are derived by using a moment generating function
      (MGF) approximation of a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), based on the assumption of
      independent zero-forced SNRs. Analytic and simulated results are compared for
      time-varying and spatially correlated Rayleigh fading channels that are modelled
      as first-order Markovian channels. Furthermore, we can find an optimal block
      length for the E-SMC that meets a required SER. 

PMID- 25114968
TI  - Exploring a QoS driven scheduling approach for peer-to-peer live streaming
      systems with network coding.
AB  - Most large-scale peer-to-peer (P2P) live streaming systems use mesh to organize
      peers and leverage pull scheduling to transmit packets for providing robustness
      in dynamic environment. The pull scheduling brings large packet delay. Network
      coding makes the push scheduling feasible in mesh P2P live streaming and improves
      the efficiency. However, it may also introduce some extra delays and coding
      computational overhead. To improve the packet delay, streaming quality, and
      coding overhead, in this paper are as follows. we propose a QoS driven push
      scheduling approach. The main contributions of this paper are: (i) We introduce a
      new network coding method to increase the content diversity and reduce the
      complexity of scheduling; (ii) we formulate the push scheduling as an
      optimization problem and transform it to a min-cost flow problem for solving it
      in polynomial time; (iii) we propose a push scheduling algorithm to reduce the
      coding overhead and do extensive experiments to validate the effectiveness of our
      approach. Compared with previous approaches, the simulation results demonstrate
      that packet delay, continuity index, and coding ratio of our system can be
      significantly improved, especially in dynamic environments. 

PMID- 25114971
TI  - Combinatorial efficiency evaluation: the knapsack problem in data envelopment
      analysis.
AB  - The traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) literatures generally
      concentrated on the efficiency evaluation of single decision making unit (DMU).
      However, in many practical problems, the decision makers are required to choose a
      number of DMUs instead of a single one from the DMUs set. Therefore, it is
      necessary to study the combinatorial efficiency evaluation problem which can be
      illustrated as a knapsack problem naturally. It is indicated that the basic model
      proposed by Cook and Green may have some drawbacks and a modified model, which is
      combined with the super efficiency model, is proposed in this paper. What is
      more, our proposed model is more persuasive to the decision makers because it is
      able to provide a unique best combination of DMUs. An adapted local search
      algorithm is developed as a solver of this problem. Finally, numerical examples
      are provided to examine the validity of our proposed model and the adapted local
      search algorithm. 

PMID- 25114973
TI  - Potential rainwater harvesting improvement using advanced remote sensing
      applications.
AB  - The amount of water on earth is the same and only the distribution and the
      reallocation of water forms are altered in both time and space. To improve the
      rainwater harvesting a better understanding of the hydrological cycle is
      mandatory. Clouds are major component of the hydrological cycle; therefore,
      clouds distribution is the keystone of better rainwater harvesting. Remote
      sensing technology has shown robust capabilities in resolving challenges of water
      resource management in arid environments. Soil moisture content and cloud average
      distribution are essential remote sensing applications in extracting information
      of geophysical, geomorphological, and meteorological interest from satellite
      images. Current research study aimed to map the soil moisture content using
      recent Landsat 8 images and to map cloud average distribution of the
      corresponding area using 59 MERIS satellite imageries collected from January 2006
      to October 2011. Cloud average distribution map shows specific location in the
      study area where it is always cloudy all the year and the site corresponding soil
      moisture content map came in agreement with cloud distribution. The overlay of
      the two previously mentioned maps over the geological map of the study area shows
      potential locations for better rainwater harvesting. 

PMID- 25114970
TI  - The p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K mediates cAMP-PKA and insulin biological
      effects on MCF-7 cell growth and motility.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that hyperinsulinemia may increase the cancer risk.
      Moreover, many tumors demonstrate an increased activation of IR signaling
      pathways. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is necessary for insulin action.
      In epithelial cells, which do not express GLUT4 and gluconeogenic enzymes,
      insulin-mediated PI3K activation regulates cell survival, growth, and motility.
      Although the involvement of the regulatory subunit of PI3K (p85alpha (PI3K)) in
      insulin signal transduction has been extensively studied, the function of its N
      terminus remains elusive. It has been identified as a serine (S83) in the
      p85alpha (PI3K) that is phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA). To determine
      the molecular mechanism linking PKA to insulin-mediated PI3K activation, we used
      p85alpha (PI3K) mutated forms to prevent phosphorylation (p85A) or to mimic the
      phosphorylated residue (p85D). We demonstrated that phosphorylation of p85alpha
      (PI3K)S83 modulates the formation of the p85alpha (PI3K)/IRS-1 complex and its
      subcellular localization influencing the kinetics of the insulin signaling both
      on MAPK-ERK and AKT pathways. Furthermore, the p85alpha (PI3K)S83 phosphorylation
      plays a central role in the control of insulin-mediated cell proliferation, cell
      migration, and adhesion. This study highlights the p85alpha (PI3K)S83 role as a
      key regulator of cell proliferation and motility induced by insulin in MCF-7
      cells breast cancer model. 

PMID- 25114972
TI  - Service life assessment of historical building envelopes constructed using
      different types of sandstone: a computational analysis based on experimental
      input data.
AB  - Service life assessment of three historical building envelopes constructed using
      different types of sandstone is presented. At first, experimental measurements of
      material parameters of sandstones are performed to provide the necessary input
      data for a subsequent computational analysis. In the second step, the moisture
      and temperature fields across the studied envelopes are calculated for a
      representative period of time. The computations are performed using dynamic
      climatic data as the boundary conditions on the exterior side of building
      envelope. The climatic data for three characteristic localities are
      experimentally determined by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute and contain
      hourly values of temperature, relative humidity, rainfalls, wind velocity and
      direction, and sun radiation. Using the measured durability properties of the
      analyzed sandstones and the calculated numbers of freeze/thaw cycles under
      different climatic conditions, the service life of the investigated building
      envelopes is assessed. The obtained results show that the climatic conditions can
      play a very significant role in the service life assessment of historical
      buildings, even in the conditions of such a small country as the Czech Republic.
      In addition, the investigations reveal the importance of the material
      characteristics of sandstones, in particular the hygric properties, on their
      service life in a structure. 

PMID- 25114975
TI  - Security techniques for prevention of rank manipulation in social tagging
      services including robotic domains.
AB  - With smartphone distribution becoming common and robotic applications on the
      rise, social tagging services for various applications including robotic domains
      have advanced significantly. Though social tagging plays an important role when
      users are finding the exact information through web search, reliability and
      semantic relation between web contents and tags are not considered. Spams are
      making ill use of this aspect and put irrelevant tags deliberately on contents
      and induce users to advertise contents when they click items of search results.
      Therefore, this study proposes a detection method for tag-ranking manipulation to
      solve the problem of the existing methods which cannot guarantee the reliability
      of tagging. Similarity is measured for ranking the grade of registered tag on the
      contents, and weighted values of each tag are measured by means of synonym
      relevance, frequency, and semantic distances between tags. Lastly, experimental
      evaluation results are provided and its efficiency and accuracy are verified
      through them. 

PMID- 25114974
TI  - Expression of a splice variant of CYP26B1 in betel quid-related oral cancer.
AB  - Betel quid (BQ) is a psychostimulant, an addictive substance, and a group 1
      carcinogen that exhibits the potential to induce adverse health effects.
      Approximately, 600 million users chew a variety of BQ. Areca nut (AN) is a
      necessary ingredient in BQ products. Arecoline is the primary alkaloid in the AN
      and can be metabolized through the cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily by inducing
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Full-length CYP26B1 is related to the
      development of oral pharyngeal cancers. We investigated whether a splice variant
      of CYP26B1 is associated with the occurrence of ROS related oral and pharyngeal
      cancer. Cytotoxicity assays were used to measure the effects of arecoline on cell
      viability in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted
      to evaluate the expression of the CYP26B1 splice variant. The CYP26B1 splice
      variant exhibited lower expression than did full-length CYP26B1 in the human
      gingival fibroblast-1 and Ca9-22 cell models. Increased expression of the CYP26B1
      splice variant was observed in human oral cancer tissue compared with adjacent
      normal tissue, and increased expression was observed in patients at a late tumor
      stage. Our results suggested that the CYP26B1 splice variant is associated with
      the occurrence of BQ-related oral cancer. 

PMID- 25114977
TI  - An efficient image compressor for charge coupled devices camera.
AB  - Recently, the discrete wavelet transforms- (DWT-) based compressor, such as
      JPEG2000 and CCSDS-IDC, is widely seen as the state of the art compression scheme
      for charge coupled devices (CCD) camera. However, CCD images project on the DWT
      basis to produce a large number of large amplitude high-frequency coefficients
      because these images have a large number of complex texture and contour
      information, which are disadvantage for the later coding. In this paper, we
      proposed a low-complexity posttransform coupled with compressing sensing (PT-CS)
      compression approach for remote sensing image. First, the DWT is applied to the
      remote sensing image. Then, a pair base posttransform is applied to the DWT
      coefficients. The pair base are DCT base and Hadamard base, which can be used on
      the high and low bit-rate, respectively. The best posttransform is selected by
      the l p -norm-based approach. The posttransform is considered as the sparse
      representation stage of CS. The posttransform coefficients are resampled by
      sensing measurement matrix. Experimental results on on-board CCD camera images
      show that the proposed approach significantly outperforms the CCSDS-IDC-based
      coder, and its performance is comparable to that of the JPEG2000 at low bit rate
      and it does not have the high excessive implementation complexity of JPEG2000. 

PMID- 25114976
TI  - 3D analysis of D-RaCe and self-adjusting file in removing filling materials from
      curved root canals instrumented and filled with different techniques.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of D-RaCe files and a self
      adjusting file (SAF) system in removing filling material from curved root canals
      instrumented and filled with different techniques by using microcomputed
      tomography (micro-CT). The mesial roots of 20 extracted mandibular first molars
      were used. Root canals (mesiobuccal and mesiolingual) were instrumented with SAF
      or Revo-S. The canals were then filled with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer using
      cold lateral compaction or thermoplasticized injectable techniques. The root
      fillings were first removed with D-RaCe (Step 1), followed by Step 2, in which a
      SAF system was used to remove the residual fillings in all groups. Micro-CT scans
      were used to measure the volume of residual filling after root canal filling,
      reinstrumentation with D-RaCe (Step 1), and reinstrumentation with SAF (Step 2).
      Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests. There were no
      statistically significant differences between filling techniques in the canals
      instrumented with SAF (P = 0.292) and Revo-S (P = 0.306). The amount of remaining
      filling material was similar in all groups (P = 0.363); all of the
      instrumentation techniques left filling residue inside the canals. However, the
      additional use of SAF was more effective than using D-RaCe alone. 

PMID- 25114978
TI  - Density-based penalty parameter optimization on C-SVM.
AB  - The support vector machine (SVM) is one of the most widely used approaches for
      data classification and regression. SVM achieves the largest distance between the
      positive and negative support vectors, which neglects the remote instances away
      from the SVM interface. In order to avoid a position change of the SVM interface
      as the result of an error system outlier, C-SVM was implemented to decrease the
      influences of the system's outliers. Traditional C-SVM holds a uniform parameter
      C for both positive and negative instances; however, according to the different
      number proportions and the data distribution, positive and negative instances
      should be set with different weights for the penalty parameter of the error
      terms. Therefore, in this paper, we propose density-based penalty parameter
      optimization of C-SVM. The experiential results indicated that our proposed
      algorithm has outstanding performance with respect to both precision and recall. 

PMID- 25114979
TI  - The axioms independence of pseudo-weak-R0 algebras and filters.
AB  - The most simplified axiom systems of pseudo-weak-R0 algebras and pseudo-R0
      algebras are obtained, and the mutually independence of axioms is proved. We
      introduce the notions of filters and normal filters in pseudo-weak-R0 algebras.
      The structures and properties of the generated filters and generated normal
      filters in pseudo-weak-R0 algebras are obtained. These can be seen as
      noncommutative generalizations of the corresponding ones in weak-R0 algebras.

PMID- 25114980
TI  - Identification of the causative disease of intermittent claudication through
      walking motion analysis: feature analysis and differentiation.
AB  - Intermittent claudication is a walking symptom. Patients with intermittent
      claudication experience lower limb pain after walking for a short time. However,
      rest relieves the pain and allows the patient to walk again. Unfortunately, this
      symptom predominantly arises from not 1 but 2 different diseases: LSS (lumber
      spinal canal stenosis) and PAD (peripheral arterial disease). Patients with LSS
      can be subdivided by the affected vertebra into 2 main groups: L4 and L5. It is
      clinically very important to determine whether patients with intermittent
      claudication suffer from PAD, L4, or L5. This paper presents a novel SVM-
      (support vector machine-) based methodology for such
      discrimination/differentiation using minimally required data, simple walking
      motion data in the sagittal plane. We constructed a simple walking measurement
      system that is easy to set up and calibrate and suitable for use by
      nonspecialists in small spaces. We analyzed the obtained gait patterns and
      derived input parameters for SVM that are also visually detectable and medically
      meaningful/consistent differentiation features. We present a differentiation
      methodology utilizing an SVM classifier. Leave-one-out cross-validation of
      differentiation/classification by this method yielded a total accuracy of 83%. 

PMID- 25114981
TI  - Models for 31-mode PVDF energy harvester for wearable applications.
AB  - Currently, wearable electronics are increasingly widely used, leading to an
      increasing need of portable power supply. As a clean and renewable power source,
      piezoelectric energy harvester can transfer mechanical energy into electric
      energy directly, and the energy harvester based on polyvinylidene difluoride
      (PVDF) operating in 31-mode is appropriate to harvest energy from human motion.
      This paper established a series of theoretical models to predict the performance
      of 31-mode PVDF energy harvester. Among them, the energy storage one can predict
      the collected energy accurately during the operation of the harvester. Based on
      theoretical study and experiments investigation, two approaches to improve the
      energy harvesting performance have been found. Furthermore, experiment results
      demonstrate the high accuracies of the models, which are better than 95%. 

PMID- 25114982
TI  - Skin cancer by state and territory.
AB  - There is a paucity of Australian state-based data on the incidence of non
      melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC) of the skin are not notifiable diseases and are not collected by
      the state and territory cancer registries. In a 2002 survey, the Australian age
      standardised incidence per 100,000 persons for NMSC was 1170 (BCC 884, SCC 387),
      with a higher incidence in the northern latitudes.

PMID- 25114983
TI  - The role of risk tools in diagnosing cancer in primary care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnosing cancer on the basis of a patient's symptoms and risk
      factors is a core role for general practice. Equally, as part of a cost-effective
      health system, GPs should avoid over-investigation or referral of patients who
      are very unlikely to have cancer. Diagnosing cancer in primary care is not
      straightforward because many of the symptoms of cancer have more common benign
      causes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to review the use of risk tools for
      diagnosing cancer in primary care. DISCUSSION: Certain cancers, such as lung,
      pancreas, ovary and myeloma, are particularly challenging to diagnose early.
      National guidelines exist to support identification of patients who are more
      likely to have an undiagnosed cancer but these list single symptoms as so-called
      'red flags'. Validated risk tools, developed in general practice, exist that
      predict cancer diagnosis on the basis of patterns of symptoms and risk factors.
      These tools might prove useful in supporting cancer diagnosis in general practice
      and also reducing investigation of patients at very low risk of cancer.

PMID- 25114984
TI  - End-of-life care for patients with cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: End-of-life care is a core role of general practice. Patients with
      disseminated cancer have rapidly escalating needs at the end of life that are
      usually predictable and, therefore, planning for future needs is possible. Care
      planning and working with specialist palliative care colleagues improves patient
      outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of end-of
      life care for patients with cancer, including evidence supporting the involvement
      of general practitioners (GPs). DISCUSSION: Care planning is predicated on
      understanding the patient's wishes about how care should be conducted and
      ensuring the plan conforms to these wishes. Not all GPs are willing to undertake
      palliative care, often because of a sense of inadequate knowledge, confidence and
      support. The more palliative care is undertaken, however, the more confident
      practitioners feel. Therefore, starting to treat end-of-life patients early in a
      GP's career is important, and making use of the considerable resources available
      will assist in building knowledge and confidence. Systematically caring for
      carers might be a way of introducing GPs to the care of patients with cancer at
      the end of life.

PMID- 25114985
TI  - Cancer survivorship--the role of the GP.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improvements in cancer detection, treatment and an ageing population
      mean that there are increasing numbers of people living with and beyond cancer.
      Current hospital-centred models of cancer follow-up have tended to focus on
      detection of cancer recurrence, which may result in significant unmet needs,
      particularly psychosocial needs. OBJECTIVE: This paper discusses the evidence
      from previous studies of primary care involvement in cancer survivorship and key
      areas to consider in the follow-up care for common cancers. DISCUSSION: General
      practice has an important role in the holistic care of cancer survivors and could
      take on an expanded role in cancer follow-up.

PMID- 25114986
TI  - Advance care planning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Good Medical Practice: A Code of Conduct for Doctors in Australia
      states that in caring for patients towards the end of their life, good medical
      practice involves facilitating advance care planning. OBJECTIVE: This article
      discusses the role of advance care planning in end-of-life care, with an emphasis
      on the ethical and legal framework for advance care directives. DISCUSSION: There
      has been an increased focus on advanced care planning and advance care directives
      in Australia, partly driven by the ageing population and technological advances,
      as well as the principle of patient-centred care. General practitioners have an
      important role in initiating and facilitating advance care planning.

PMID- 25114987
TI  - Back pain in a cancer patient: a case study.

PMID- 25114988
TI  - 'Help us, she's fading away': How to manage the patient with anorexia nervosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although integral to the early detection and treatment of anorexia
      nervosa, there is a paucity of clear guidance available for general practitioners
      (GPs). This paper attempts to bridge the gap between the specialist and
      generalist literature to assist the busy GP feel confident in identifying and
      managing these patients. OBJECTIVE: On reading this article it is anticipated the
      GP will feel well equipped to screen for and provide ongoing treatment to
      patients who pre-sent with eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa. This
      paper provides guidance for the identification and ongoing management of patients
      with anorexia nervosa, and supporting their carers. DISCUSSION: People affected
      by eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa, may deny having a problem,
      minimise their symptoms and resist treatment yet engage partially with their GP
      throughout the course of their illness. There are well-validated, quick screening
      tools that the non-specialist can use to identify patients at high risk of having
      an eating disorder.

PMID- 25114989
TI  - GP pain management: what are the 'Ps' and 'As' of pain management?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pain is one common reason for clinical encounters in primary care.
      The complex nature of chronic pain syndromes can make assessment and management
      daunting at times. OBJECTIVE: This article presents an easy scheme to help
      general practitioners efficiently assess, manage and review/follow up patients
      with chronic pain. DISCUSSION: The mnemonic presented for assessment is the '4Ps'
      (pain, other pathology/past medical history, performance/function and
      psychological/psychiatric status). For management, we can also use '4Ps'
      (physical, psychological, pharmacological and procedural) and for review there
      are the '6As' (activities, analgesia, adverse effects, aberrance behaviours,
      affects and adequate documentation).

PMID- 25114990
TI  - Exercise in pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercise is an inconsistently managed area in the health of expectant
      mothers. It is an area where family doctors have an opportunity to be well
      informed and willing to give advice. OBJECTIVE: To provide simple advice on safe
      exercise practice in pregnancy. DISCUSSION: Exercise in pregnancy has multiple
      benefits for the mother, including reduced risk of mental health problems,
      diabetes and hypertension, and faster recovery after delivery. There are no
      proven risks to the fetus if practiced safely. Understanding the physiological
      changes of pregnancy and the possible complications of high-intensity or contact
      sport is important but in general, moderate levels of exercise 3-4 times per week
      is safe for both mother and baby in low-risk pregnancies.

PMID- 25114991
TI  - Periorbital oedema after dental extraction: a case study.

PMID- 25114992
TI  - A heavy burden: remaining vigilant with herbal remedies.

PMID- 25114993
TI  - Ulcerated upper lip tumour: diagnostic procedure.
AB  - A Mediterranean Spanish woman, aged 56 years and in good health, presented with a
      nodule above her upper lip, which had rapidly evolved to central ulceration with
      crusting. As part of the work-up, samples were taken for microbiological and
      histopathological investigation. At the follow-up appointment the lesion had
      almost disappeared and a small fibrotic area of scarring remained. The diagnostic
      procedure to distinguish between localised cutaneous leishmaniasis and
      keratoacanthoma, both characterised by rapidly growing nodules on the face, is
      presented in this case-based article. 

PMID- 25114994
TI  - Self-reported access to and quality of healthcare for diabetes: do the severely
      obese experience equal access?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given reported pejorative views that health professionals have about
      patients who are severely obese, we examined the self-reported views of the
      quality and availability of diabetes care from the perspective of adults with
      type 2 diabetes (T2DM), stratified by body mass index (BMI). METHODS: 1795
      respondents to the Diabetes MILES - Australia national survey had T2DM. Of these,
      530 (30%) were severely obese (BMI >=35 kg/m2) and these participants were
      matched with 530 controls (BMI <35 kg/m2). Data regarding participants' self
      reported interactions with health practitioners and services were compared.
      RESULTS: Over 70% of participants reported that their general practitioner was
      the professional they relied on most for diabetes care. There were no between
      group differences in patient-reported availability of health services, quality of
      interaction with health practitioners, resources and support for self-management,
      or access to almost all diabetes services. DISCUSSION: Participants who were
      severely obese did not generally report greater difficulty in accessing diabetes
      care.

PMID- 25114995
TI  - Predicting recovery from whiplash injury in the primary care setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of expectation of recovery on the recovery rate of
      whiplash patients in the primary care setting is not known. METHODS: Whiplash
      patients were assessed in a primary care setting within 1 week of their collision
      for their expectations of recovery and were re-examined 3 months later for
      recovery. RESULTS: Initial expectations of recovery predicted recovery. According
      to adjusted odds ratios, subjects who expected 'to get better slowly' had a
      recovery rate that was nearly 1.9 times that of subjects with poor recovery
      expectations. Subjects who expected 'to get better soon' had a recovery rate that
      was 2.6 times greater than either of those with poor recovery expectations.
      DISCUSSION: In the primary care setting, asking patients with whiplash about
      their expectations of recovery is a useful predictor of their outcome.

PMID- 25114996
TI  - Outpatient alcohol withdrawal management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
      Islander peoples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is concern from within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
      communities about the lack of access to alcohol withdrawal management ('detox')
      services. Outpatient detox is described within national Australian guidelines as
      a safe option for selected drinkers. However, uncertainly exists as to how suited
      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are to this approach. ? METHODS:
      Consultations were conducted with stakeholders of four health services providing
      outpatient detox for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in NSW.
      Thematic analysis was performed to determine elements perceived as important for
      success. RESULTS: Key themes that emerged were individual engagement,
      flexibility, assessment of suitability, Aboriginal staff and community
      engagement, practical support, counselling, staff education and support, coping
      with relapse and contingency planning. ? DISCUSSION: There is a need to improve
      access to alcohol detox services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
      peoples. The outpatient setting seems to be a feasible and safe environment to
      provide this kind of service for selected drinkers.

PMID- 25114997
TI  - Misoprostol for post-partum haemorrhage in the Australian bush.
AB  - Obstetric haemorrhage, particularly post-partum haemorrhage has been noted to be
      the third most common direct cause of maternal deaths. According to the
      Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), bleeding contributed up to 14%
      of maternal deaths caused by obstetric complications between the years 2003 and
      2005. 

PMID- 25114998
TI  - The importance of LPNs.

PMID- 25114999
TI  - Author's response.

PMID- 25115001
TI  - WHO and partners launch Ebola response plan.

PMID- 25115000
TI  - Reply to Lopez et al.: Consumption-based accounting helps mitigate global air
      pollution.

PMID- 25115002
TI  - Multiple crises overwhelm emergency food relief agencies.

PMID- 25115003
TI  - Funding: Wellcome Trust selects sustainable health projects.

PMID- 25115004
TI  - Jeannie Isabelle Rosoff.

PMID- 25115006
TI  - Biotechnology of food additives. Preface.

PMID- 25115005
TI  - Studies of local structural distortions in strained ultrathin BaTiO3 films using
      scanning transmission electron microscopy.
AB  - Ultrathin ferroelectric heterostructures (SrTiO3/BaTiO3/BaRuO3/SrRuO3) were
      studied by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in terms of
      structural distortions and atomic displacements. The TiO2-termination at the top
      interface of the BaTiO3 layer was changed into a BaO-termination by adding an
      additional BaRuO3 layer. High-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) imaging by
      aberration-corrected STEM revealed that an artificially introduced BaO
      termination can be achieved by this interface engineering. By using fast
      sequential imaging and frame-by-frame drift correction, the effect of the
      specimen drift was significantly reduced and the signal-to-noise ratio of the
      HAADF images was improved. Thus, a quantitative analysis of the HAADF images was
      feasible, and an in-plane and out-of-plane lattice spacing of the BaTiO3 layer of
      3.90 and 4.22 A were determined. A 25 pm shift of the Ti columns from the center
      of the unit cell of BaTiO3 along the c-axis was observed. By spatially resolved
      electron energy-loss spectroscopy studies, a reduction of the crystal field
      splitting (CFS, DeltaL3=1.93 eV) and an asymmetric broadening of the eg peak were
      observed in the BaTiO3 film. These results verify the presence of a ferroelectric
      polarization in the ultrathin BaTiO3 film.

PMID- 25115007
TI  - Hellbender genome sequences shed light on genomic expansion at the base of crown
      salamanders.
AB  - Among animals, genome sizes range from 20 Mb to 130 Gb, with 380-fold variation
      across vertebrates. Most of the largest vertebrate genomes are found in
      salamanders, an amphibian clade of 660 species. Thus, salamanders are an
      important system for studying causes and consequences of genomic gigantism.
      Previously, we showed that plethodontid salamander genomes accumulate higher
      levels of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons than do other vertebrates,
      although the evolutionary origins of such sequences remained unexplored. We also
      showed that some salamanders in the family Plethodontidae have relatively slow
      rates of DNA loss through small insertions and deletions. Here, we present new
      data from Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, the hellbender. Cryptobranchus and
      Plethodontidae span the basal phylogenetic split within salamanders; thus,
      analyses incorporating these taxa can shed light on the genome of the ancestral
      crown salamander lineage, which underwent expansion. We show that high levels of
      LTR retrotransposons likely characterize all crown salamanders, suggesting that
      disproportionate expansion of this transposable element (TE) class contributed to
      genomic expansion. Phylogenetic and age distribution analyses of salamander LTR
      retrotransposons indicate that salamanders' high TE levels reflect persistence
      and diversification of ancestral TEs rather than horizontal transfer events.
      Finally, we show that relatively slow DNA loss rates through small indels likely
      characterize all crown salamanders, suggesting that a decreased DNA loss rate
      contributed to genomic expansion at the clade's base. Our identification of
      shared genomic features across phylogenetically distant salamanders is a first
      step toward identifying the evolutionary processes underlying accumulation and
      persistence of high levels of repetitive sequence in salamander genomes.

PMID- 25115008
TI  - Frequent changes in expression profile and accelerated sequence evolution of
      duplicated imprinted genes in arabidopsis.
AB  - Eukaryotic genomes have large numbers of duplicated genes that can evolve new
      functions or expression patterns by changes in coding and regulatory sequences,
      referred to as neofunctionalization. In flowering plants, some duplicated genes
      are imprinted in the endosperm, where only one allele is expressed depending on
      its parental origin. We found that 125 imprinted genes in Arabidopsis arose from
      gene duplication events during the evolution of the Brassicales. Analyses of 46
      gene pairs duplicated by an ancient whole-genome duplication (alpha WGD)
      indicated that many imprinted genes show an accelerated rate of amino acid
      changes compared with their paralogs. Analyses of microarray expression data from
      63 organ types and developmental stages indicated that many imprinted genes have
      expression patterns restricted to flowers and/or seeds in contrast to their
      broadly expressed paralogs. Assays of expression in orthologs from outgroup
      species revealed that some imprinted genes have acquired an organ-specific
      expression pattern restricted to flowers and/or seeds. The changes in expression
      pattern and the accelerated sequence evolution in the imprinted genes suggest
      that some of them may have undergone neofunctionalization. The imprinted genes
      MPC, HOMEODOMAIN GLABROUS6 (HDG6), and HDG3 are particularly interesting cases
      that have different functions from their paralogs. This study indicates that a
      large number of imprinted genes in Arabidopsis are evolutionarily recent
      duplicates and that many of them show changes in expression profiles and
      accelerated sequence evolution. Acquisition of imprinting is a mode of duplicate
      gene divergence in plants that is more common than previously thought.

PMID- 25115009
TI  - The effects of microsatellite selection on linked sequence diversity.
AB  - The genome-wide scan for selection is an important method for identifying loci
      involved in adaptive evolution. However, theory that underlies standard scans for
      selection assumes a simple mutation model. In particular, recurrent mutation of
      the selective target is not considered. Although this assumption is reasonable
      for single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), a microsatellite targeted by selection
      will reliably violate this assumption due to high mutation rate. Moreover, the
      mutation rate of microsatellites is generally high enough to ensure that
      recurrent mutation is pervasive rather than occasional. It is therefore unclear
      if positive selection targeting microsatellites can be detected using standard
      scanning statistics. Examples of functional variation at microsatellites
      underscore the significance of understanding the genomic effects of
      microsatellite selection. Here, we investigate the joint effects of selection and
      complex mutation on linked sequence diversity, comparing simulations of
      microsatellite selection and SNV-based selective sweeps. We find that selection
      on microsatellites is generally difficult to detect using popular summaries of
      the site frequency spectrum, and, under certain conditions, using popular methods
      such as the integrated haplotype statistic and SweepFinder. However, comparisons
      of the number of haplotypes (K) and segregating sites (S) often provide
      considerable power to detect selection on microsatellites. We apply this
      knowledge to a scan of autosomes in the human CEU population (CEPH population
      sampled from Utah). In addition to the most commonly reported targets of
      selection in European populations, we identify numerous novel genomic regions
      that bear highly anomalous haplotype configurations. Using one of these regions
      intron 1 of MAGI2-as an example, we show that the anomalous configuration is
      coincident with a perfect CA repeat of length 22. We conclude that standard
      genome-wide scans will commonly fail to detect mutationally complex targets of
      selection but that comparisons of K and S will, in many cases, facilitate their
      identification.

PMID- 25115010
TI  - Evolutionary dynamics of the mitochondrial genome in the evaniomorpha
      (hymenoptera)-a group with an intermediate rate of gene rearrangement.
AB  - We determined the complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of three evaniomorph
      species, Ceraphron sp. (Ceraphronoidea), Gasteruption sp. (Evanioidea), and
      Orthogonalys pulchella (Trigonalyoidea) as well as the nearly complete mt genome
      from another evaniomorph species, Megalyra sp. (Megalyroidea). Each of them
      possesses dramatic gene rearrangements, including protein-coding or rRNA genes.
      Gene inversions were identified in all of these mt genomes; for example, the two
      rRNA genes have inverted and moved into the nad2-cox1 junction in the Megalyra
      sp. mt genome. In addition, we found two copies of a 10-bp complementary repeat
      at the beginning of rrnS and at the end of trnL(2) in the Gasteruption sp. mt
      genome, consistent with recombination as the possible mechanism for gene
      inversion and long-range movement. Although each of the genomes contains a number
      of repeats of varying size, there was no consistent association of the size or
      number of repeats with the extent or type of gene rearrangement. The breakpoint
      distance analysis showed the Evaniomorpha has an intermediate rate of gene
      rearrangement. Sequence-based phylogenetic analyses of 13 protein-coding and 2
      rRNA genes in 22 hymenopteran taxa recovered a paraphyletic Evaniomorpha with the
      Aculeata nested within it. Within the Evaniomorpha, our analyses confirmed the
      Trigonalyoidea + Megalyroidea as the sister group to the Aculeata and recovered a
      novel clade, Ceraphronoidea + Evanioidea. In contrast to previous hymenopteran
      phylogenetic studies, the internal relationships of the Evaniomorpha were highly
      supported and robust to the variation of alignment approach and phylogenetic
      inference approach.

PMID- 25115011
TI  - Small but powerful, the primary endosymbiont of moss bugs, Candidatus Evansia
      muelleri, holds a reduced genome with large biosynthetic capabilities.
AB  - Moss bugs (Coleorrhyncha: Peloridiidae) are members of the order Hemiptera, and
      like many hemipterans, they have symbiotic associations with intracellular
      bacteria to fulfill nutritional requirements resulting from their unbalanced
      diet. The primary endosymbiont of the moss bugs, Candidatus Evansia muelleri, is
      phylogenetically related to Candidatus Carsonella ruddii and Candidatus Portiera
      aleyrodidarum, primary endosymbionts of psyllids and whiteflies, respectively. In
      this work, we report the genome of Candidatus Evansia muelleri Xc1 from Xenophyes
      cascus, which is the only obligate endosymbiont present in the association. This
      endosymbiont possesses an extremely reduced genome similar to Carsonella and
      Portiera. It has crossed the borderline to be considered as an autonomous cell,
      requiring the support of the insect host for some housekeeping cell functions.
      Interestingly, in spite of its small genome size, Evansia maintains enriched
      amino acid (complete or partial pathways for ten essential and six nonessential
      amino acids) and sulfur metabolisms, probably related to the poor diet of the
      insect, based on bryophytes, which contains very low levels of nitrogenous and
      sulfur compounds. Several facts, including the congruence of host (moss bugs,
      whiteflies, and psyllids) and endosymbiont phylogenies and the retention of the
      same ribosomal RNA operon during genome reduction in Evansia, Portiera, and
      Carsonella, suggest the existence of an ancient endosymbiotic Halomonadaceae
      clade associated with Hemiptera. Three possible scenarios for the origin of these
      three primary endosymbiont genera are proposed and discussed.

PMID- 25115013
TI  - Author response.

PMID- 25115014
TI  - Retraction. "Haemodynamic derangement in human immunodeficiency  virus-infected
      patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis: the role of bacterial
      translocation".

PMID- 25115012
TI  - The molecular evolution of the Qo motif.
AB  - Quinol oxidation in the catalytic quinol oxidation site (Q(o) site) of cytochrome
      (cyt) bc(1) complexes is the key step of the Q cycle mechanism, which laid the
      ground for Mitchell's chemiosmotic theory of energy conversion. Bifurcated
      electron transfer upon quinol oxidation enables proton uptake and release on
      opposite membrane sides, thus generating a proton gradient that fuels ATP
      synthesis in cellular respiration and photosynthesis. The Q(o) site architecture
      formed by cyt b and Rieske iron-sulfur protein (ISP) impedes harmful bypass
      reactions. Catalytic importance is assigned to four residues of cyt b formerly
      described as PEWY motif in the context of mitochondrial complexes, which we now
      denominate Q(o) motif as comprehensive evolutionary sequence analysis of cyt b
      shows substantial natural variance of the motif with phylogenetically specific
      patterns. In particular, the Q(o) motif is identified as PEWY in mitochondria,
      alpha- and epsilon-Proteobacteria, Aquificae, Chlorobi, Cyanobacteria, and
      chloroplasts. PDWY is present in Gram-positive bacteria, Deinococcus-Thermus and
      haloarchaea, and PVWY in beta- and gamma-Proteobacteria. PPWF only exists in
      Archaea. Distinct patterns for acidophilic organisms indicate environment
      specific adaptations. Importantly, the presence of PDWY and PEWY is correlated
      with the redox potential of Rieske ISP and quinone species. We propose that
      during evolution from low to high potential electron-transfer systems in the
      emerging oxygenic atmosphere, cyt bc(1) complexes with PEWY as Q(o) motif
      prevailed to efficiently use high potential ubiquinone as substrate, whereas cyt
      b with PDWY operate best with low potential Rieske ISP and menaquinone, with the
      latter being the likely composition of the ancestral cyt bc(1) complex.

PMID- 25115015
TI  - Chronic ulceration of tongue. Histoplasmosis.

PMID- 25115016
TI  - Newborn skin care guidelines, third edition.

PMID- 25115018
TI  - Mentoring: have you thought of a formal program?

PMID- 25115019
TI  - PED virus reinfecting U.S. herds.   Virus estimated to have killed 7 million-plus
      pigs.

PMID- 25115020
TI  - Agreement will reduce access to some rodenticides.

PMID- 25115021
TI  - Help line getting more calls about bromethalin.

PMID- 25115022
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 25115023
TI  - SENTIERI Project: Introduction.

PMID- 25115024
TI  - [Psychopathological mechanisms of childhood trauma].

PMID- 25115025
TI  - [What is the present appropriate treatment for renal denervation hypertension?].

PMID- 25115026
TI  - [Heat and criticism of mothers and behavioral problems in children with ADHD].

PMID- 25115027
TI  - Findings of research misconduct.

PMID- 25115028
TI  - Findings of research misconduct.

PMID- 25115030
TI  - Findings of Research Misconduct.

PMID- 25115029
TI  - Findings of research misconduct.

PMID- 25115031
TI  - Long-term and trans-generational effects of neonatal experience on sheep
      behaviour.
AB  - Early life experiences can have profound long-term, and sometimes
      transgenerational, effects on individual phenotypes. However, there is a relative
      paucity of knowledge about effects on pain sensitivity, even though these may
      impact on an individual's health and welfare, particularly in farm animals
      exposed to painful husbandry procedures. Here, we tested in sheep whether
      neonatal painful and non-painful challenges can alter pain sensitivity in adult
      life, and also in the next generation. Ewes exposed to tail-docking or a
      simulated mild infection (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) on days 3-4 of life showed
      higher levels of pain-related behaviour when giving birth as adults compared with
      control animals. LPS-treated ewes also gave birth to lambs who showed decreased
      pain sensitivity in standardized tests during days 2-3 of life. Our results
      demonstrate long-term and trans-generational effects of neonatal experience on
      pain responses in a commercially important species and suggest that variations in
      early life management can have important implications for animal health and
      welfare.

PMID- 25115032
TI  - Ectomycorrhizal fungi and past high CO2 atmospheres enhance mineral weathering
      through increased below-ground carbon-energy fluxes.
AB  - Field studies indicate an intensification of mineral weathering with advancement
      from arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) to later-evolving ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal
      partners of gymnosperm and angiosperm trees. We test the hypothesis that this
      intensification is driven by increasing photosynthate carbon allocation to
      mycorrhizal mycelial networks using 14CO2-tracer experiments with representative
      tree-fungus mycorrhizal partnerships. Trees were grown in either a simulated past
      CO2 atmosphere (1500 ppm)-under which EM fungi evolved-or near-current CO2 (450
      ppm). We report a direct linkage between photosynthate-energy fluxes from trees
      to EM and AM mycorrhizal mycelium and rates of calcium silicate weathering.
      Calcium dissolution rates halved for both AM and EM trees as CO2 fell from 1500
      to 450 ppm, but silicate weathering by AM trees at high CO2 approached rates for
      EM trees at near-current CO2. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into the
      involvement of EM-associating forest trees in strengthening biological feedbacks
      on the geochemical carbon cycle that regulate atmospheric CO2 over millions of
      years.

PMID- 25115033
TI  - Rodents of the Caribbean: origin and diversification of hutias unravelled by next
      generation museomics.
AB  - The Capromyidae (hutias) are endemic rodents of the Caribbean and represent a
      model of dispersal for non-flying mammals in the Greater Antilles. This family
      has experienced severe extinctions during the Holocene and its phylogenetic
      affinities with respect to other caviomorph relatives are still debated as
      morphological and molecular data disagree. We used target enrichment and next
      generation sequencing of mitochondrial and nuclear genes to infer the
      phylogenetic relationships of hutias, estimate their divergence ages, and
      understand their mode of dispersal in the Greater Antilles.We found that
      Capromyidae are nested within Echimyidae (spiny rats) and should be considered a
      subfamily thereof. We estimated that the split between hutias and Atlantic Forest
      spiny rats occurred 16.5 (14.8-18.2) million years ago (Ma), which is more recent
      than the GAARlandia land bridge hypothesis (34-35 Ma). This would suggest that
      during the Early Miocene, an echimyid-like ancestor colonized the Greater
      Antilles from an eastern South American source population via rafting. The basal
      divergence of the Hispaniolan Plagiodontia provides further support for a
      vicariant separation between Hispaniolan and western islands (Bahamas, Cuba,
      Jamaica) hutias. Recent divergences among these western hutias suggest Plio
      Pleistocene dispersal waves associated with glacial cycles.

PMID- 25115034
TI  - Implementing the Affordable Care Act: state action on quality improvement in
      state-based marketplaces.
AB  - Under the Affordable Care Act, the health insurance marketplaces can encourage
      improvements in health care quality by: allowing consumers to compare plans based
      on quality and value, setting common quality improvement requirements for
      qualified health plans, and collecting quality and cost data to inform
      improvements. This issue brief reviews actions taken by state-based marketplaces
      to improve health care quality in three areas: 1) using selective contracting to
      drive quality and delivery system reforms; 2) informing consumers about plan
      quality; and 3) collecting data to inform quality improvement. Thirteen state
      based marketplaces took action to promote quality improvement and delivery system
      reforms through their marketplaces in 2014. Although technical and operational
      challenges remain, marketplaces have the potential to drive systemwide changes in
      health care delivery.

PMID- 25115035
TI  - Caring for high-need, high-cost patients: what makes for a successful care
      management program?
AB  - Provider groups taking on risk for the overall costs of care in accountable care
      organizations are developing care management programs to improve care and thereby
      control costs. Many such programs target "high-need, high-cost" patients: those
      with multiple or complex conditions, often combined with behavioral health
      problems or socioeconomic challenges. In this study we compared the operational
      approaches of 18 successful complex care management programs in order to offer
      guidance to providers, payers, and policymakers on best practices for complex
      care management. We found that effective programs customize their approach to
      their local contexts and caseloads; use a combination of qualitative and
      quantitative methods to identify patients; consider care coordination one of
      their key roles; focus on building trusting relationships with patients as well
      as their primary care providers; match team composition and interventions to
      patient needs; offer specialized training for team members; and use technology to
      bolster their efforts.

PMID- 25115036
TI  - A review of avian probiotics.
AB  - Probiotics have been used in poultry for decades and have become common in the
      pet bird industry. Desirable characteristics of probiotic organisms are that they
      are nonpathogenic, have the ability to adhere to intestinal epithelial cells,
      have the ability to colonize and reproduce in the host, have the ability to be
      host-specific, survive transit through the gastrointestinal tract and exposure to
      stomach acid and bile, produce metabolites that inhibit or kill pathogenic
      bacteria, modulate gastrointestinal immune responses, and survive processing and
      storage. Purported benefits in birds are disease prevention and promotion of
      growth. Recommendations for use in avian species are for periodic use to
      replenish normal flora, use after antibiotic therapy to reestablish normal flora,
      and use during periods of stress to counter effects of immunosuppression.

PMID- 25115037
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of single oral dose of pimobendan in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots
      (Amazona ventralis).
AB  - Pimobendan is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor and calcium sensitizer with
      inotropic, lusitropic, and rasodilator properties used in the treatment of
      congestive heart failure. The mechanism of action is by inhibition of PDE III and
      V and by increasing intracellular calcium sensitivity in the cardiac myocardium.
      Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies have been published in humans, dogs,
      and cats, but there are no studies in avian species. Pimobendan has been used in
      birds at the empirical dosage of 0.25 mg/kg q12h. To determine the
      pharmacokinetic parameters of pimobendan in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona
      ventralis), 3 pilot studies with 2 birds, each receiving 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg PO,
      provided the basis for the pivotal trials with 6 birds, each receiving 10 mg/kg
      PO using 2 different suspensions. Blood samples were obtained at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5,
      2, 3, 4, 8, 12, and 18 hours after drug administration. Plasma concentrations
      were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) by
      use of electrospray ionization. Because of the erratic and low concentrations of
      pimobendan, pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using naive averaged
      analysis. Plasma concentrations after commercial pimobendan tablet suspension at
      10 mg/kg reached a Cmax of 8.26 ng/mL at 3 hours with a terminal half-life of 2.1
      hours, while concentrations after the bulk chemical suspension reached a Cmax of
      1.28 ng/mL at 12 hours and had a terminal half-life of 2.3 hours. Further studies
      evaluating the effect of oral pimobendan in parrots are needed.

PMID- 25115038
TI  - Inhibition of the reproductive system by deslorelin in male and female pigeons
      (Columba livia).
AB  - Veterinary practitioners frequently encounter disorders of the reproductive
      system in avian patients. Management of these disorders relies on manipulating
      reproduction by modifying the environment, diet, and social interactions, and by
      the use of pharmacologic agents and surgery, with varying levels of success and
      side effects. An alternative is to use the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
      agonist deslorelin to suppress the pituitary-gonadal axis. To determine the
      efficacy of deslorelin in domestic pigeons (Columba livia), male (n = 10) and
      female (n = 10) birds each were implanted intramuscularly with a single long
      acting implant containing 4.7 mg deslorelin. Untreated males (n = 11) and females
      (n = 10) were used as controls. The baseline serum concentration of luteinizing
      hormone (LH) was assayed at 7, 28, 56, and 84 days after treatment, and egg
      production was recorded weekly. In females, deslorelin administration
      significantly reduced serum LH concentrations compared to pretreatment levels at
      7, 28, 56, and 84 days (P < .05). In males, deslorelin significantly reduced LH
      concentrations at 7, 28, and 56 days (P < .05). Female birds treated with
      deslorelin laid significantly fewer eggs over the course of the study (mean =
      1.46, SEM = 0.84) compared with controls (mean = 5.54, SEM = 0.88). Deslorelin
      treatment had no discernible effect on body weight. Deslorelin is effective for
      controlling egg laying in female pigeons for at least 49 days, but further
      research is required to determine the effects on male fertility and the duration
      of action in both sexes.

PMID- 25115040
TI  - Reference intervals, longitudinal analyses, and index of individuality of
      commonly measured laboratory variables in captive bald eagles (Haliaeetus
      leucocephalus).
AB  - The objectives of this study were to determine reference intervals, perform
      longitudinal analyses, and determine the index of individuality (IoI) of 8
      hematologic, and 13 biochemical and electrophoretic variables for a group of
      captive bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Reference intervals were
      determined from blood samples collected during annual wellness examinations for
      41 eagles (23 male and 18 female) with ages ranging between 6 and 43 years (18.7
      +/- 7.4, mean +/- SD) at the time of sample collection. Longitudinal analyses and
      IoI were determined for measured hematologic, biochemical, and protein
      electrophoretic variables, both individually and as a group, for a subset of 16
      eagles (10 male and 6 female) during a 12-year period. This smaller group of
      eagles ranged in age between 2 and 20 years at the start of the study period, and
      between 14 and 32 years (21.9 +/- 5.0, mean +/- SD) at the end of the study
      period. Significant increases with age within the group of 16 eagles were
      observed only for red blood cells, percent heterophils, total protein, and beta
      globulin protein fraction, while albumin:globulin decreased significantly with
      age. A low IoI (> or = 1.4) was determined for all hematologic and biochemical
      variables except gamma globulins, which had high IoI (< or = 0.6) for 3
      individuals within the subset of 16.

PMID- 25115039
TI  - Nonmedical factors associated with feather picking in pet psittacine birds.
AB  - A nested case-control study was performed to determine nonmedical risk factors
      associated with feather picking in psittacine birds. Forty-two case birds,
      reported by their owners to pick their feathers, and 126 unaffected birds were
      compared. The odds of feather picking were higher in 2 species categories,
      African grey parrots (Psitticus erithacus, adjusted odds ratio [ORadj = 8.4, P <
      .001) and cockatoos (Cacatua species, ORadj = 12.7, P < .001). The odds of
      feather picking also were higher for birds that were out of their cages more than
      8 hours per day (ORadj = 7.4, P < .001) and for birds that had been taken in by
      the owner as a "rescue" (ORadj = 4.7, P < .01). The odds of feather picking
      decreased by almost 90% (ORadj = 0.1, P < .005) for birds that interacted with
      people at least 4 hours a day. These findings identify characteristics that
      practitioners may want to include when asking bird owners about behavioral
      history and may be useful in focusing future research regarding this behavior.

PMID- 25115041
TI  - American kestrel (Falco spaverius) fledgling with severe bilateral periorbital
      swelling and infection with Mycoplasma buteonis, Avibacterium (Pasteurella)
      gallinarum, and Staphylococcus pasteuri.
AB  - Abstract: A female American kestrel (Falco spaverius) fledgling was found on the
      ground with a suspected trauma to the right eye and open-mouth breathing. During
      the first 2 days of hospitalization, the bird developed severe bilateral
      periorbital cellulitis, blepharoedema, and sinusitis. The periocular tissues of
      the right globe were devitalized and communicated with a fistula at the
      commissure of the right side of the beak. The blepharoedema of the left eye was
      aspirated and yielded a dark colored malodorous fluid, which was submitted for
      aerobic bacterial and Mycoplasma cultures. Results showed a mixed infection with
      Mycoplasma buteonis, Avibacterium gallinarum, and Staphylococcus pasteuri, all of
      which are not commonly isolated from birds of prey. With antimicrobial therapy,
      supportive care, and surgical debridement of the right periocular necrotic
      tissues and adhesed phthisical globe, the kestrel recovered from this severe
      mixed upper respiratory infection.

PMID- 25115042
TI  - Central vestibular disease in a blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) with cerebral
      infarction and hemorrhage.
AB  - A 24-year-old female blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) was presented for an
      acute onset of left head tilt. On examination, the macaw was dehydrated and had a
      120-degree left head tilt, decreased proprioception of the left pelvic limb, and
      intermittent vertical nystagmus. Results of hematologic testing and biochemical
      analysis revealed severe leukocytosis with lymphopenia and heterophilia and a
      high uric acid concentration. Radiographs showed bilateral intertarsal joint
      osteoarthritis and a healed ulnar fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging of the
      brain revealed focal T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense
      lesions in the right cerebral hemisphere and in the midbrain. The midbrain lesion
      showed susceptibility artifact on the T2* sequence, suggesting hemorrhage. In the
      T2* sequence, iron accumulation (as seen with hemorrhage) distorts the magnetic
      signal, resulting in the production of a susceptibility artifact, which can then
      be visualized as a region of hypointensity. The bird was hospitalized but died
      despite intensive care. Necropsy revealed multiple cerebral vascular lesions
      including an acute cerebral infarct, a ruptured midbrain aneurysm, and multifocal
      systemic atherosclerosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a
      cerebral aneurysm in a bird. This report correlates the clinical presentation,
      imaging, and histopathologic findings in a macaw with central vestibular disease
      and demonstrates how advanced imaging techniques can identify hemorrhagic lesions
      through the T2* sequence.

PMID- 25115044
TI  - The "original" AAV: the founding of the Association of Avian Veterinarians.

PMID- 25115043
TI  - Nasal adenocarcinoma and secondary chronic sinusitis in a hyacinth macaw
      (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus).
AB  - An adult male hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) that presented for
      acute onset nasal discharge and dyspnea had purulent discharge from the right
      naris and serosanguineous discharge from the left naris on physical examination.
      Results of a complete blood count revealed severe leukocytosis with a mature
      heterophilia. Computed tomography scans showed a large amount of soft-tissue
      attenuating material within the infraorbital sinus and associated diverticula.
      Aerobic culture results of the nasal discharge showed a mixed population of
      Staphylococcus intermedius and Pasteurella species, including Pasteurella
      pneumotropica; all isolated bacteria were susceptible to enrofloxacin. Clinical
      signs did not resolve over the course of 9 weeks of antibiotic treatment. The
      macaw died after cardiopulmonary arrest while hospitalized. At necropsy, a 2 x 2
      x 3-cm firm, tan, friable, space-occupying mass surrounded by a thick exudate was
      present in the left preorbital diverticulum of the infraorbital sinus. The
      cranioventral one-third of the trachea contained a 4 x 0.5-cm white-yellow
      plaque. On histologic examination, the sinus mass was diagnosed as a nasal
      adenocarcinoma, and the tracheal plaque was caused by fungal infection, most
      likely with an Aspergillus species.

PMID- 25115046
TI  - New veterinary graduates: spreading their wings and exploring career paths in
      avian and exotic animal medicine.

PMID- 25115045
TI  - Tracking migrations of yellow-billed loons (Gavia adamsii) from the Canadian
      arctic.
AB  - Because the population of yellow-billed loons (Gavia adamsii) is declining,
      satellite telemetry was used to learn more about the needs of this species and
      the interdependencies of various populations that breed in isolated regions. In
      July 2013, the author accompanied a team of biologists to Victoria Island in the
      Canadian Arctic to surgically implant satellite transmitters in 14 yellow-billed
      loons. This article chronicles the trip with the objective of connecting the
      reader with the loons and the interesting people that strive to conserve them.

PMID- 25115047
TI  - Rectal adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 25115048
TI  - Measuring and reporting service efficiency and effectiveness.

PMID- 25115049
TI  - Universal Health Coverage Scheme impact on well-being in rural Thailand.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which the Thai
      Universal Healthcare Insurance Coverage Scheme (UC) has contributed to villagers'
      well-being in the northeast of Thailand. Public opinion polls specifically
      advocate the schemes are used to justify its ongoing political support. However,
      the question still remains as to whether it has made a difference in the lives of
      poorer rural people. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A multi-methods approach and a
      well-being focused evaluation (WFE) approach are used to understand villagers'
      experiences of having and using the scheme and investigate the villagers'
      satisfaction with the scheme and how this satisfaction has contributed to their
      life as a whole. FINDINGS: It is found that the scheme had made a valuable
      contribution to improving perceived wellbeing amongst villagers. Apart from the
      direct benefits of having that healthcare when needed, there is also the indirect
      benefit of increasing villagers' sense of security that healthcare will be
      accessible if required. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: There are still
      pertinent issues for policy consideration; for example, almost 31 per cent of the
      villagers with the card have never used it. Approximately 22 per cent of people
      using the card reported dissatisfactions. Although healthcare direct-costs were
      now more affordable, a range of opportunity costs, geographic, social, cultural
      and other factors still need to be factored into further policy and service
      development to make the scheme more equitable and effective. ORIGINALITY/VALUE:
      The study proposes "WFE", a new evaluation approach. WFE may also be applied to
      other forms of social policy particularly concerning the impact of its policy on
      people's well-being.

PMID- 25115050
TI  - Differences in quality of life between pediatric sickle cell patients who used
      hydroxyurea and those who did not.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to examine the differences in quality of
      life (QoL) between two groups of pediatric sickle cell patients: those who used
      hydroxyurea and those who chose not to use the medication to treat sickle cell
      disease. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study was a quantitative, non
      randomized, cross-sectional, comparative study. In total, 100 children ages seven
      to 17 participated in the study. Parents of the patients completed a demographic
      questionnaire while the participants completed the Pediatric Quality of Life
      Inventory (Peds QoL) and Sickle Cell Disease Quality of Life Inventory (SCD QoL).
      FINDINGS: The Ped QoL regression analysis revealed that hydroxyurea use and
      parental marital status accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in
      Ped QoL. The SCD QoL regression analysis also revealed that hydroxyurea and age
      accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in SCD QoL. Finally, the
      regression analysis revealed that SCD, parental marital status, parental income,
      sex, age, race and number of siblings did not account for a significant
      proportion of the variance in SCD crises per year. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper
      proved a need to study the differences in QoL between those pediatric patients
      who used hydroxyurea and those who did not use the medication.

PMID- 25115051
TI  - Illusion or delusion--Lean management in the health sector.
AB  - PURPOSE: There has been considerable interest in the implementation of practices
      imported from manufacturing into healthcare as a solution to rising healthcare
      spending and disappointing patient safety indicators. One approach that has
      attracted particular interest is Lean management and the purpose of this paper is
      to engage with this topic. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Secondary research.
      FINDINGS: Despite widespread enthusiasm about the potential of Lean management
      processes, evidence about its contribution to higher organisational performance
      remains inconsistent. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: This paper engages with
      the major Lean concepts of operations management and human resource management,
      including just-in-time, total quality management, total productive maintenance
      and does not engage in-depth with concepts related to employee empowerment, and
      training PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This paper contributes to the organisational
      management literature in healthcare by showing that although Lean management
      seems to have the potential to improve organisational performance it is far from
      a panacea against under performing hospitals. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: It informs
      policy making by suggesting that a progressive managerial philosophy has a
      stronger impact on healthcare performance than the adoption of practices from any
      particular managerial approach. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper provides a critical
      evaluation of the impact of Lean practices in informing healthcare policy. The
      paper contributes to the organisational management literature in healthcare by
      showing that even though Lean management in healthcare appears to have the
      potential to improve organisational performance; there remain problems with its
      application.

PMID- 25115052
TI  - An integrated approach for prioritized process improvement.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated framework to
      simultaneously identify and improve healthcare processes that are important from
      the healthcare provider's and patient's perspectives.
      DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A modified quality function deployment (QFD) chart
      is introduced to the field of healthcare quality assurance. A healthcare service
      example is used to demonstrate the utility of the proposed chart. FINDINGS: The
      proposed framework is versatile and can be used in a wide variety of healthcare
      quality improvement contexts, wherein, two different perspectives are needed to
      be considered for identifying and improving critical healthcare processes.
      PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The modified QFD chart used in conjunction with the
      stacked Pareto chart will facilitate the identification of key performance
      metrics from the patient's and the hospital's perspectives. Subsequently, the
      chief contributory factors at different levels are identified in a very efficient
      manner. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Healthcare quality improvement professionals will be
      able to use the proposed modified QFD chart in association with stacked Pareto
      chart for effective quality assurance.

PMID- 25115053
TI  - Regulating healthcare complaints: a literature review.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to explore approaches to the regulation of
      healthcare complaints and disciplinary processes. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A
      literature review was conducted across Medline, Sociological Abstracts, Web of
      Science, Google Scholar and the health, law and social sciences collections of
      Informit, using terms tapping both the complaints process and regulation
      generally. FINDINGS: A total of 118 papers dealing with regulation of health
      complaints or disciplinary proceedings were located. The review reveals a shift
      away from self-regulation towards greater external oversight, including
      innovative regulatory approaches including "networked governance and flexible or
      "responsive" regulation. It reports growing interest in adoption of strategic and
      responsive approaches to health complaints governance, by rejecting traditional
      legal forms in favor of more strategic and responsive forms, taking account of
      the complexity of adverse health events by tailoring responses to individual
      circumstances of complainants and their local environments. ORIGINALITY/VALUE:
      The challenge of how to collect and harness complaints data to improve the
      quality of healthcare at a systemic level warrants further research. Scope also
      exists for researching health complaints commissions and other "meta-regulatory"
      bodies to explore how to make these processes fairer and better able to meet the
      complex needs of complainants, health professionals, health services and society.

PMID- 25115054
TI  - College clinic service quality and patient satisfaction.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to identify the service quality dimensions
      that play an important role in patient satisfaction in campus clinics in Delhi;
      assess student satisfaction with service; and suggests ways to improve areas of
      dissatisfaction. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A questionnaire was distributed to
      students who had completed at least two consultations at the college clinic.
      Convenience sampling was used to approach respondents. The questionnaire uses
      modified SERVQUAL and other instruments, including original dimensions and those
      constructed through detailed discussions. Factor analyses, reliability tests and
      the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy were conducted. The final
      sample had a total of 445 respondents. FINDINGS: After factor analysis, the
      authors found that the dimensions affecting patient satisfaction are: staff
      professionalism; clinic staff reliability; clinic accessibility and basic
      facilities; tangibles; cleanliness; awareness of the clinic/diseases and how
      clinic staff deals with emergencies. Most students were satisfied with the
      professionalism of the clinic staff. More than 70 percent of the respondents
      reported that the clinic staff paid good attention to them. The campus clinic was
      deemed reliable by more than 50 percent of respondents. The students found the
      clinic's location convenient, with more than 50 percent supporting its location.
      However, there was dissatisfaction among the students regarding the tangibles of
      the clinic, with more than 50 percent favoring upgrading. There was satisfaction
      among the respondents regarding the availability of the doctor after clinic
      hours, but contact details for the clinic staff were not easily accessible on
      campus. More than 60 percent of respondents were satisfied with the cleanliness
      of the campus clinic. More than 50 percent felt that the campus clinic was not
      equipped to deal with emergencies efficiently. At the same time, 90 percent of
      respondents reported the availability of referral facilities in case of
      emergencies. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The authors believe that this is the first study
      conducted to assess patient satisfaction in the campus clinics of engineering
      institutes in Delhi region. This paper provides valuable information to college
      clinic administrators.

PMID- 25115055
TI  - Medical record-keeping and patient perception of hospital care quality.
AB  - PURPOSE: Medical record represents the main information support used by
      healthcare providers. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether patient
      perception of hospital care quality related to compliance with medical-record
      keeping. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The authors merged the original data
      collected as part of a nationwide audit of medical records with overall and
      subscale perception scores (range 0-100, with higher scores denoting better
      rating) computed for 191 respondents to a cross-sectional survey of patients
      discharged from a university hospital. FINDINGS: The median overall patient
      perception score was 77 (25th-75th percentiles, 68-87) and differed according to
      the presence of discharge summary completed within eight days of discharge (81 v.
      75, p = 0.03 after adjusting for baseline patient and hospital stay
      characteristics). No independent associations were found between patient
      perception scores and the documentation of pain assessment and nutritional
      disorder screening. Yet, medical record-keeping quality was independently
      associated with higher patient perception scores for the nurses' interpersonal
      and technical skills component. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: First, this
      was a single-center study conducted in a large full-teaching hospital and the
      findings may not apply to other facilities. Second, the analysis might be
      underpowered to detect small but clinically significant differences in patient
      perception scores according to compliance with recording standards. Third, the
      authors could not investigate whether electronic medical record contributed to
      better compliance with recording standards and eventually higher patient
      perception scores. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Because of the potential consequences
      of poor recording for patient safety, further efforts are warranted to improve
      the accuracy and completeness of documentation in medical records.
      ORIGINALITY/VALUE: A modest relationship exists between the quality of medical
      record keeping and patient perception of hospital care.

PMID- 25115056
TI  - Essentials of total quality management: a meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to identify critical successful factors for
      Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A
      literature review was conducted to explore the critical successful factors for
      TQM implementation between 1980 and 2010. FINDINGS: A successful TQM
      implementation need sufficient education and training, supportive leadership,
      consistent support of top management, customer focus, employee involvement,
      process management and continuous improvement of processes. RESEARCH
      LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The review was limited to articles written in English
      language during the past 30 years. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: From a practical point
      of view, the findings of this paper provide managers with a practical
      understanding of the factors that are likely to facilitate TQM implementation in
      organisations. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Understanding the factors that are likely to
      promote TQM implementation would enable managers to develop more effective
      strategies that will enhance the chances of achieving business excellence.

PMID- 25115057
TI  - The role of toll-like receptor agonists in the immunotherapy of leishmaniosis. An
      update and proposal for a new form of anti-leishmanial therapy.
AB  - The use of toll-like receptor agonists in immunotherapy is a new approach in the
      prevention of immunosuppression during fatal Leishmania parasite infection. The
      objective of such immunotherapy is to activate specific cell-mediated immune
      responses, macrophage activation and antigen-responsive inflammation, to kill
      intracellular amastigotes. Toll-like receptor agonist-based treatment in
      immunocompetent hosts can be effective either by selective use of the agonists
      alone or in combination with the anti-leishmanial drug stibanate. Recent
      investigations suggest that toll-like receptor signal pathways constitute a
      possible new mode of anti-leishmanial treatment. This article describes the
      prospect of toll-like receptor - mediated signal pathways in the immunotherapy of
      cutaneous and visceral leishmaniosis, as well as post kala-azar dermal
      leishmaniosis (PKADL), a skin-sequel of visceral infection. Suitable synthetic
      agonists need to be developed for toll-like receptors to overcome
      immunosuppression.

PMID- 25115058
TI  - Toxoplasma gondii and the host cells.
AB  - The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, described by Nicolle and Manceaux in 1908, is a
      ubiquitous and cosmopolitan parasite that infects a wide range of mammal and bird
      species with high prevalence. The biological success of T. gondii is associated
      with the formation of a specific relationship between the parasite and host cells
      leading to the establishment of a latent, chronic infection. During primary
      infection, acquired mostly by the oral route, the quickly multiplying tachyzoites
      disseminate through the body crossing several structural-functional barriers as
      blood-brain or blood-retina, then they transform into dormant bradyzoites which,
      enclosed in tissue cysts, occupy preferentially the brain, skeletal muscle and
      eye. Although T. gondii is able to infect all kinds of nucleated cells, it uses
      strictly defined host cells, dependent on the life-cycle phase and infection
      stage. The article discusses selected aspects of the parasite passing via the
      host body barriers as well as particular role of dendritic cells and skeletal
      muscle cells, used by the parasite as an very effective vehicle to disseminate
      throughout the host body or the site of long-term T. gondii persistence,
      respectively.

PMID- 25115059
TI  - Hirudotherapy in veterinary medicine.
AB  - The saliva of medicinal leeches, e.g., Hirudo medicinalis and Hirudo verbana
      commonly used in hirudotherapy, contains more than 100 bioactive substances with
      various therapeutic effects, including anticoagulant, vasodilator, thrombolytic,
      anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic properties. Recently, leeches have been used
      very successfully in veterinary medicine to treat many diseases of animals,
      especially dogs, cats and horses. The most common indications for the use of
      leeches are hip and elbow dysplasia, acute and chronic arthritis, diseases
      associated with inflammation of tendons, ligaments, and fascia, diseases of the
      vertebrae and the treatment of scars. Leech therapy is a painless procedure which
      takes an average of 30 to 120 minutes, the time being dependent on the size of
      the animal. All leeches used in medical procedures should originate only from
      certified biofarms. The maintenance of sterile conditions for the culture,
      transport and storage of medical leeches is very important to protect animals
      from microbial infections. Hirudotherapy is successfully used in veterinary
      medicine, especially when traditional treatment is not effective, the effects of
      treatment are too slow, or after surgery, when the tissues may be threatened by
      venous congestion.

PMID- 25115060
TI  - Occurrence of coccidia infection in pigeons in amateur husbandry. Diagnosis and
      prevention.
AB  - Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a common parasitic disease posing a serious
      problem in pigeon keeping. The aim of the study was to determine the species
      composition, the degree of coccidia infection and the effect of the coccidiostat
      used in the course of the disease in two pigeon lofts located in the West
      Pomerania province. The material for the study came from 180 birds. A total of
      330 faecal samples were investigated with two methods: Willis-Schlaafs
      (qualitative) and McMaster's (quantitative). The pigeons were given the Baycox
      (Bayer) coccidiostat with toltrazuril as an active substance. The medicament was
      administered for two days at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight at three-day
      intervals. Three species of protozoa were isolated: Eimeria labbeana, E.
      columbarum, E. columbae, and the infections were mixed. The occurrence of E.
      labbeana was most commonly reported, which was shown, depending on the pigeon
      loft and the age of the birds, in 89-93% of young pigeons and in 63-55% of
      adults. The species E. columbarum and E. columbae were found less frequently.
      Baycox coccidiostat proved to be highly effective against coccidiosis in pigeons
      and may also be used in prophylaxis.

PMID- 25115062
TI  - Chigger mites (Actinotrichida: Parasitengona, Trombiculidae) of Poland. An
      updated distribution and hosts.
AB  - The existing body of knowledge regarding the Trombiculidae of Poland is
      summarized and supplemented with the results of our recent studies. Although
      around 3000 nominal species are known worldwide, only 18 have been recorded in
      Poland. Due to the medical and veterinary importance of parasitic larvae, and the
      complex life cycle which presents difficulties in finding habitats occupied by
      postlarval forms, most species have been described exclusively from their larvae.
      This review provides updated information on the host spectrum and distribution of
      all the trombiculid species hitherto recorded in Poland, supplemented with data
      on their general distribution and biology.

PMID- 25115061
TI  - Study on the occurrence of tick-borne encephalitis virus RNA in European bison
      (Bison bonasus) eliminated at Bialowieza Primeval Forest (north-eastern Poland)
      in 2005-2009.
AB  - Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) is an arthropod
      borne virus, an etiologic agent of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), an infection
      involving the central nervous system. The disease is endemic in a large region in
      Eurasia where it is transmitted mainly by Ixodes ricinus in Europe and I.
      persulcatus ticks in Asia. This is the most important tick-transmitted arbovirus
      of human pathogenicity in Europe. The Bialowieza Primeval Forest is a well-known
      endemic focus of tick-borne encephalitis. The aim of this study was to identify
      the prevalence of tickborne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in European bison, the
      important hosts of ticks in the Bialowieza Primeval Forest. In the years 2005
      2009, 95 blood samples were collected from European bison and examined for the
      presence of TBEV using nRT-PCR method. No positive results were obtained. For
      better understanding of TBEV vertebrate reservoir hosts in Poland, further
      investigations are needed.

PMID- 25115063
TI  - A comparison of FLOTAC and CFF techniques in detecting gastrointestinal parasites
      in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).
AB  - The objective of the study was to compare the usefulness of FLOTAC and
      centrifugal fecal flotation (CFF) techniques. More specifically, the taxonomic
      classes (Nematoda and Cestoda) of endoparasites present in fecal samples of
      buffaloes are identified, the sensitivity and specificity of FLOTAC relative to
      CFF are calculated, and the agreement of both techniques is evaluated using Kappa
      statistics. Fresh fecal samples from 220 buffaloes in 10 municipalities were
      collected. Sheather's sugar was used as a flotation solution for both the FLOTAC
      and CFF techniques. Of the 220 animals, 109 samples were nematode positive and
      111 samples were nematode negative according to the FLOTAC technique, while 74
      were found to be positive and 146 negative according to the CFF technique. No
      cestodes were detected by either technique. The calculated sensitivity for FLOTAC
      is 89.19% and its specificity is 70.55%. Kappa statistics revealed moderate
      agreement (k = 0.535) between the two techniques in detecting nematodes. The
      prevalence observed based on FLOTAC and CFF test were 49.54% (109/220; 95% CI:
      47.75-56.34) and 33.64% (72/220; 95% CI: 27.42-40.3), respectively.

PMID- 25115065
TI  - Professor James Harlan Steele, DVM (1913-2013). Obituary.

PMID- 25115064
TI  - Histopathological diagnosis in parasitic diseases.
AB  - Histopathological research is very important in diagnosing human and animal
      diseases. Detection of histopathological changes during certain parasitic
      invasions is particularly important for differential diagnosis and often confirms
      the presence of parasitic diseases. Such studies allow also to conclude on the
      primary cause of the disease.

PMID- 25115067
TI  - Improved synthesis of (+/-)-trichodiene--a volatile marker for trichothecene
      mycotoxins.
AB  - Trichodiene is the first and only volatile intermediate in the biosynthesis of
      Fusarium mycotoxins and its detection in the gas-phase might therefore be of
      potential interest as a marker for food safety analysis. We herein present an
      improved diastereoselective synthesis of trichodiene which can be used as an
      analytical standard for a headspace gas chromatography / mass spectrometry method
      to be developed.

PMID- 25115066
TI  - A new source of (R)-limonene and rotundifolone from leaves of Lippia pedunculosa
      (verbenaceae) and their trypanocidal properties.
AB  - Investigation by GC-FID and GC-MS of the essential oil (LPOE) from the leaves of
      Lippia pedunculosa revealed, as the major compounds, the monoterpenes
      rotundifolone (71.7%) and (R)-limonene (21.8%). These two compounds and the minor
      constituent piperitenone (1.2%) were also isolated from the leaves and identified
      by spectrometric analysis. LPOE and isolated compounds were evaluated for their
      trypanocidal activity against epimastigote and trypomastigote forms of
      Trypanosoma cruzi. Significant results with IC50 values lower than 34.0
      microg.mL(-1) were observed against these forms of T. cruzi for LPOE and isolated
      compounds. Rotundifolone was the most active compound with an ICso lower than
      10.0 ig.mL"' for both forms of T. cruzi. The effects of LPOE and isolated
      compounds were also evaluated in cultures of macrophages infected with T. cruzi.
      Treatment with (R)-limonene and rotundifolone caused a moderate reduction in the
      percentage of macrophages infected by T. cruzi and in the number of intracellular
      parasites at concentrations non-toxic to macrophages.

PMID- 25115068
TI  - Synthesis and insecticidal activities of novel nitrogenous derivatives of
      celangulin-V.
AB  - In order to develop new biorational pesticides and clarify the potential
      structural factors needed for the biological activity of celangulin-V analogues,
      thirty novel nitrogenous derivatives were designed and synthesized. The single
      crystal structure of celangulin-V is reported for the first time and provides a
      more accurate structure than that previously reported. The structures of all the
      new derivatives were confirmed by either NMR or ESI-MSn analysis. Insecticidal
      activities of these compounds were tested against the third-instar larvae of
      Mythimna separata. One derivative (1-6) showed higher insecticidal activity than
      celangulin-V, with a KD50 of 231.2 microg.g(-1), while two compounds (2-13 and 2
      14) exhibited lower insecticidal activities; the others revealed no activity at a
      concentration of 20 mg mL(-1). The results support the view that celangulin-V has
      the potential to be a lead structure of semi-synthetic green insecticides.

PMID- 25115069
TI  - An easy way to pyrimidine based nucleoterpenes.
AB  - The direct synthesis of N3 substituted pyrimidine nucleoterpenes from uridine,
      thymidine, and inosine with C5, C10, and C15 side chains and using DBU as the
      base is described. In all cases the reaction proceeded smoothly in very good
      yields (85-99%) affording selectively N3 substituted adducts.

PMID- 25115070
TI  - Diastereoselective addition of diazomethane to zaluzanin A.
AB  - The diastereoselectivity of diazomethane addition to the conjugated double bond
      of alpha,beta-unsaturated sesquiterpene lactones was explored using zaluzanin A
      (1) as a model. Thus, the absolute configuration of 1 was assured by X-ray
      diffraction analysis including evaluation of Flack and Hooft parameters, and by
      vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy of its diacetyl derivative 2, while
      the absolute configuration of the diazomethane addition product, zaluzanin A
      pyrazoline (3), was determined by evaluation of the 1H NMR chemical shift changes
      with respect to 1, and confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, again including
      evaluation of Flack and Hooft parameters.

PMID- 25115071
TI  - Tauroarenarones A and B, new taurine-containing meroterpenoids from the marine
      sponge Dysidea sp.
AB  - Two new taurine-containing meroterpenoids, both arenarone derivatives,
      tauroarenarone A (1) and tauroarenarone B (2), have been isolated from the
      Australian marine sponge Dysidea sp. Their structures were established from NMR
      spectroscopic data.

PMID- 25115073
TI  - Scalarane sesterterpenes from the Paracel Islands marine sponge Hyrtios sp.
AB  - A new scalarane sesterterpene, sesterstamide (1), together with four known
      sesterterpenes (2-5), were isolated from the Paracel Islands marine sponge
      Hyrtios sp. The chemical structures were established on the basis of
      spectroscopic analysis and comparison with known compounds. The cytotoxic and
      antileishmanial activities of the isolated compounds were also evaluated.

PMID- 25115074
TI  - Novel cucurbitane triterpenoids and anti-cholinesterase activities of
      constituents from Momordica charantia L.
AB  - The C-19 epimers of 5beta,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23(E),25(26)-triene-3f,19-diol (1)
      and 5/,19-epoxy-25-methoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3beta,19-diol (2) along with
      (19R,23E)-5beta,19-epoxy-19-methoxycucurbita-6,23,25-trien-3beta-ol (3), (23E)
      5beta,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3beta,25-diol (4), ligballinol (5), charantin
      (6) and momordicoside K(7) were isolated from the green fruits of Momordica
      charantia. The (S)-epimers of 1 and 2 are the first reports in nature. The acetyl
      and butyryl-cholinesterase inhibitory activities of the isolated compounds were
      evaluated, and 5 showed the highest activity of these compounds against
      butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 = 32.20 microM) with a reversible and non-competitive
      inhibition mode.

PMID- 25115072
TI  - Stereo and regioselective microbial reduction of the clerodane diterpene 3,12
      dioxo-15,16-epoxy-4-hydroxycleroda-13(16),14-diene.
AB  - The biotransformation of the clerodane diterpene, 3,12-dioxo-15,16-epoxy-4
      hydroxy-cleroda-13(16),14-diene (1), obtained from Croton micans var.
      argyroglossum (Baill.) Mill., was investigated for the first time. Whole cells of
      Cunninghamella echinulata and Rhizopus stolonifer were used as enzymatic systems,
      and with both fungi the only biotransformation product obtained was the new ent
      neo-clerodane diterpene (3R,4S,5S,8S,9R,10S)-3,4-dihydroxy-15,16-epoxy-12-oxo
      cleroda-13(16),14-diene (2a). The absolute stereochemistry of 2a was inferred by
      comparison of its optical rotation with those of the chemical reduction product
      of 1 and its quasienantiomer 2c.

PMID- 25115075
TI  - Immunomodulatory action of triterpene glycosides isolated from the sea cucumber
      Actinocucumis typica. Structure-activity relationships.
AB  - Stimulation of lysosomal activity and ROS formation in mouse peritoneal
      macrophages by five triterpene glycosides, typicosides A1 (1), A2 (2), B1 (3), C1
      (4) and C2 (5) has been studied and compared with their cytotoxic activities.
      Glycosides 1-3 possess moderate activities, but the most cytotoxic glycoside 5 is
      not active. Typicoside C1 (4), with low toxicity, was proved to be the most
      active concerning stimulation of ROS formation. This is the first example of a
      triterpene glycoside from sea cucumbers with low cytotoxicity, but which
      demonstrates a strong immunostimulatory effect on mouse peritoneal macrophages in
      vitro.

PMID- 25115076
TI  - Chromatographic fingerprint combined with content of asperosaponin VI and
      antioxidant activity for quality evaluation of wine-fried Dipsaci Radix.
AB  - Dipsaci Radix, the dry root of Dipsacusasper Wall. ex Henry, is a commonly used
      traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). A novel comprehensive method was proposed for
      quality evaluation of wine-fried Dipsaci Radix by an integrated data including
      three aspects of information: high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
      fingerprint, asperosaponin VI content and antioxidant activity (AA). Various
      indicators including fingerprint similarity, asperosaponin VI content and AA were
      respectively employed for quality assessment of processed Dipsaci Radix samples.
      Results showed that considerable differences existed in quality of processed
      samples with different processing conditions according to three indicators. Among
      the factors affecting quality of wine-fried Dipsaci Radix, heating temperature
      was the most influential factor based on analysis of variance (ANOVA), and should
      be cautiously controlled. The three evaluation indicators respectively used for
      optimization of processing technology suggested different optimal conditions of
      wine-frying. Therefore, a combined indicator based on three evaluation indicators
      was used for determination of optimal processing condition. Multivariate
      statistical methods such as Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) and Principal
      Components Analysis (PCA) were both employed to classify the processed samples
      for quality evaluation. To more comprehensively evaluate the quality of wine
      fried Dipsaci Radix, HPLC fingerprint combined with content of asperosaponin VI
      and AA may be a reasonable and practical approach.

PMID- 25115078
TI  - Ring A conformation of aconine and pseudaconine in CDCl3.
AB  - On the basis of intensive interpretation of the 1H NMR spectroscopic data, the
      ring A conformation of aconine (1) was speculated as twist boat in CDCl3, and as
      chair or twist boat in acetone-d6 and pyridine-d5. The ring A of pseudaconine (2)
      adopts the chair conformation in CDCl3, acetone-d6, and pyridine-ds. Accordingly,
      the boat conformation of ring A in these two diterpenoid alkaloids in CDCl3
      reported in the literature [1] should be revised. The difference in 13C NMR data
      for the same compound (1 or 2) in two different solvents (CDCl3, pyridine-d5) can
      be attributed to solvent effects.

PMID- 25115077
TI  - Morphological, chemical and molecular characterization of Centella asiatica
      germplasms for commercial cultivation in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
AB  - Centella asiatica germplasm collected from north, north-eastern and southern
      parts of India was compared for biomass and centellosides productivity under
      uniform agro-climatic conditions of the Indo-Gangetic plains at Lucknow. The
      highest biomass accumulation (411.9 g FW/m2 area) was recorded in accession A
      from north India, followed by 284.0, 135.7 and 29.2 g FW/m2 in accessions M, B
      and E from southern, eastern and north-eastern regions, respectively. Accession M
      possessed the highest asiaticoside content (52.1 mg/gDW) that was 1.58, 2.34 and
      21.7 folds more than accessions A, B and E, respectively. The madecassoside level
      in leaves of accessions B and M was comparable (28.9 and 25.7 mg/gDW) and two
      folds more than accession A (13.9 mg/gDW). The madecassic and asiatic acid
      content in leaf tissue of all four accessions remained low in Lucknow. Amplified
      fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis with 23 primers yielded 696
      fragments, 563 of which were polymorphic. Accession M out-grouped with genetic
      dissimilarity indices of 83, 85 and 95% from accessions A, E and B, respectively.
      Commercial cultivation of accessions M and A through a four months growth cycle
      (June to September) in agro-climatic conditions of the Indo-Gangetic plains is
      suggested.

PMID- 25115079
TI  - Revised NMR data for 9-O-demethylgalanthine: an alkaloid from Zephyranthes
      robusta (Amaryllidaceae) and its biological activity.
AB  - Ongoing studies of Zephyranthes robusta resulted in the isolation of the lycorine
      type alkaloid previously called carinatine and 10-O-demethylgalanthine. The NMR
      data given previously for this compound were revised and completed by two
      dimensional 1H-1H and 1H-13C chemical shift correlation experiments. The name of
      the isolated compound was corrected to 9-O-demethylgalanthine in accordance with
      the currently used system of numbering of lycorine-type alkaloids. 9-O
      Demethylgalanthine and galanthine, a previously isolated alkaloid from Z robusta,
      were inactive in acetylcholinesterase/butyrylcholinesterase assays (IC50 > 500
      microM), but showed important prolyl oligopeptidase inhibition activity.

PMID- 25115080
TI  - Structure revision of N-mercapto-4-formylcarbostyril produced by Pseudomonas
      fluorescens G308 to 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)thiazole-4-carbaldehyde [aeruginaldehyde].
AB  - An antibiotic substance isolated from Pseudomonas fluorescens strain G308 was
      earlier assigned the structure of N-mercapto-4-formylcarbostyril, but
      computational predictions of the 1H and 13C NMR magnetic shielding tensors show
      this structure to be incompatible with the published spectroscopic data. The same
      is true for six quinoline derivatives related to N-mercapto-4-formylcarbostyril
      by permutation of the O and S atoms. In contrast, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)thiazole-4
      carbaldehyde [aeruginaldehyde], isolated from Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5,
      together with the reduced derivative aeruginol, displays spectroscopic data
      identical with those of the alleged carbostyril derivative. In addition, the
      published 1H and 13C NMR data are in agreement with those calculated for
      aeruginaldehyde. We propose that aeruginaldehyde and aeruginol originate from the
      non-ribosomal peptide synthetase enzymes involved in the siderophores enantio
      pyochelin (or pyochelin) biosynthetic pathways.

PMID- 25115081
TI  - Accumulation and function of trigonelline in non-leguminous plants.
AB  - As part of our studies of the occurrence, biosynthesis, function and human use of
      trigonelline, we looked at trigonelline-accumulating plant species and at the
      distribution of trigonelline in different organs of trigonelline-accumulating non
      leguminous plants. There are many trigonelline-synthesizing plant species, but
      apart from legume seeds only a few species accumulate high concentrations of
      trigonelline. We have found only three species that accumulate high levels of
      trigonelline: Murraya paniculata (orange jessamine), Coffea arabica (coffee) and
      Mirabilisjalapa (four o'clock flower). Trigonelline was found in all parts of
      Murraya paniculata seedlings at 4-13 micromol/g fresh weight; more than 70% was
      distributed in the leaves. In the coffee plant, trigonelline was found in all
      organs, and the concentrations in the upper stems, including tips (48 micromol/g
      FW) and seeds (26 micromol/g FW), were higher than in other organs. In Mirabilis
      jalapa plants, trigonelline was found in leaves, stems, flowers, roots and seeds;
      the concentration varied from 0.3 to 13 micromol/g FW and was generally higher in
      young tissues than in mature tissues, except for seeds. Exogenously supplied
      nicotinamide increases the trigonelline content. The in planta role of
      trigonelline and the possible use oftrigonelline-accumulating plants in herbal
      medicine are discussed.

PMID- 25115082
TI  - Metabolites of the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. FJ-1 of Acanthus
      ilicifolius.
AB  - Two new compounds, named as (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate (1), and 15alpha
      hydroxy-(22E,24R)-ergosta-3,5,8(14),22-tetraen-7-one (2), were isolated from the
      endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. FJ-1 of Acanthus ilicifolius Linn. Their
      structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Additionally,
      compound 1 exhibited potent neuroprotective effects on corticosterone-damaged
      PC12 cells, and compound 2 showed potent cytotoxicity on glioma cell lines.

PMID- 25115083
TI  - Overexpression of cinnamate 4-hydroxylase and 4-coumaroyl CoA ligase prompted
      flavone accumulation in Scutellaria baicalensis hairy roots.
AB  - Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a species of the Lamiaceae family, is considered
      as one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. In order
      to enhance flavone (baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin) content in S. baicalensis
      roots, we overexpressed a single gene of cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and 4
      coumaroyl coenzyme A ligase (4CL) using an Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated
      system. SbC4H- and Sb4CL-overexpressed hairy root lines enhanced the transcript
      levels of SbC4H and Sb4CL compared with those in the control and also increased
      flavones contents by approximately 3- and 2.5-fold, respectively. We successfully
      engineered the flavone biosynthesis pathway for the production of beneficial
      flavones in S baicalensis hairy roots. The importance of upstream gene C4H and
      4CL in flavone biosynthesis and the efficiency of metabolic engineering in
      promoting flavone biosynthesis in S. baicalensis hairy roots have been indicated
      in this study.

PMID- 25115084
TI  - New isoflavone glycosides from the stems of Dalbergia vietnamensis.
AB  - Two new isoflavone glycosides, dalspinosin 7-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->6)-beta
      D-glucopyranoside (1) and caviunin 7-O-(5-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D
      apiofuranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), and two known compounds,
      caviunin 7-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) and caviunin
      (4) were isolated from the stems of Dalbergia vietnamensis. Their structures were
      determined by the combination of spectroscopic and chemical methods, including 1D
      and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, as well as by comparing with the NMR data reported in
      the literature.

PMID- 25115085
TI  - A characterization of content, composition and scavenging capacity of phenolic
      compounds in parsnip roots of various weight.
AB  - The contents, composition and radical scavenging capacity of phenolic compounds
      from parsnips of various root weights grown in Serbia were examined. The content
      of phenolic compounds depended on root size, and the highest content was in the
      group where the samples with the lowest root size were grouped. The content of
      phenolic compounds varied from 109.7 to 125.3 micromol of chlorogenic acid per g
      dry extract, i.e.5470.8 to 6245.1 mg per kg fresh weight. Among the identified
      compounds were quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin and genkwanin glucosides and
      hydroxycinnamic and caffeoylshikimic acids. The highest antioxidant capacity was
      found for the group with the lowest root weight; the IC50 values ranged from 1.59
      to 2.49 mg mL(-1). There was positive correlation between the total phenolic
      content and scavenging capacity, and the kaempferol glucosides content could be
      an indicator of DPPH scavenging capacity of parsnip roots.

PMID- 25115086
TI  - Variability of procyanidin type A- and -B trimers content in aerial parts of some
      Vaccinium species and cultivars.
AB  - Based on the ethnopharmacological data showing that either wild bilberry leaves
      or whole aerial parts of the plants have been used as antidiabetic drugs, it can
      be hypothesized that the controversial results of various clinical and animal
      investigations may be caused by different contents of the active principles in
      different aerial parts of the bilberry/blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) plants, as well
      as by their geographical and seasonal variability. The aim of this study was to
      compare the content of procyanidin type A- and -B trimers in different parts of
      wild bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and northern highbush blueberry (V.
      corymbosum L.) cultivars. Stems (60 samples) and leaves (30 samples) of wild
      bilberries and northern highbush blueberry cultivars 'Ama' and 'North Blue' were
      collected at different locations in Estonia around the year, and analyzed for the
      concentration of the target polyphenols by HPLC-MS/MS. The highest content of
      type A doubly linked trimer, a known antidiabetic substance, was established in
      the stems of V. myrtillus. These contained up to 100 times more of the active
      substance than the leaves of V. myrtillus and at least 1000 times more than the
      leaves of V. corymbosum, whereas the seasonal/geographical variation was nearly
      tenfold. We suggest using stems of V. myrtillus for future animal and clinical
      investigations of bilberry preparations against diabetes.

PMID- 25115087
TI  - Three new isoflavonoids from Erythrina caffra.
AB  - Three new isoflavonoids, 5,7-dihydroxy-2',4'-dimethoxy-5'-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)
      isoflavanone (erycaffra A) (1), 5,7-dihydroxy-2',4'-dimethoxy-5'-(2-hydroxy-3
      methylbut-3-enyl)isoflavanone (erycaffra B) (2), and 5,7-dihydroxy-6,8-di-(2
      hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-enyl)isoflavone (erycaffra C) (3), were isolated from the
      stem bark of E. caffra Thunb., along with eight known compounds, namely,
      alpinumisoflavone (4), isoerysenegalensein E (5), beta-amyrin (6), oleanolic acid
      (7), octacosyl-E-ferulate (8), triacontyl-4-hydroxycinnamate (9), n-tetracosyl p
      coumarate (10) and octacosan-1-ol (11). The structures were determined on the
      basis of spectroscopic (1D, 2D-NMR) and MS data and by comparison with literature
      values.

PMID- 25115088
TI  - Bijayasaline: a new C-glucosyl-alpha-hydroxydihydrochalcone from the heartwood of
      Bijayasal (Pterocarpus marsupium).
AB  - A new C-glucosyl-alpha-hydroxydihydrochalcone derivative, (aS)-3'-C-ff
      glucopyranosyl-a,3,4,2'4'-pentahydroxydihydrochalcone, named as bijayasaline (1)
      was isolated from the heartwood of Bijayasal (Pterocarpus marsupium) and
      characterized on the basis of NMR and circular dichroism (CD) spectral data.
      Bijayasaline (1) showed potent DPPH free radical scavenging activity.

PMID- 25115089
TI  - Nelumal A, the active principle of Ligularia nelumbifolia, is a novel aromatase
      inhibitor.
AB  - Nelumal A, the active principle of Ligularia nelumbifolia was preliminarily
      tested as an aromatase inhibitors in HEK293 cells transfected with aromatase cDNA
      and using anastrazole as the reference drug. This screening revealed that it
      showed an appreciable level of inhibition. Subsequent experiments aimed to
      evaluate the aromatase activity and expression in KGN cells confirmed that the
      title natural product, after an incubation of 48 h, compared favourably with
      anastrazole (1 microM) in the concentration range 10-30 microM. Moreover, nelumal
      A (30 microM) abolished the aromatase mRNA expression in the same cell line.

PMID- 25115090
TI  - Chemical constituents of Dendrobium venustum and their antimalarial and anti
      herpetic properties.
AB  - A MeOH extract from the whole plant Dendrobium venustum exhibited significant
      antimalarial and anti-herpetic activities. Bioassay-guided isolation of the plant
      extract resulted in the isolation of seven known phenolic compounds. Densiflorol
      B (3) and phoyunnanin E (6) showed the strongest antimalarial activity and a high
      selectivity index, whereas gigantol (2), batatasin III (5) and phoyunnanin C (7)
      exhibited moderate activity. Compounds 2 and 5 also showed weak activity against
      the Herpes simplex virus. This study is the first report on the chemical and
      biological activities of D. venustum.

PMID- 25115091
TI  - HPLC-pDA simultaneous determination and protective effect of Anemarrhena
      asphodeloides against acute renal failure.
AB  - We investigated the protective effects against acute renal failure (ARF) of
      Anemarrhena asphodeloides (AA) and performed simultaneous analysis of three
      compounds, neomangiferin (1), mangiferin (2), and isomangiferin (3) in AA using a
      high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array. To measure the
      protective effect of ARF, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and
      glutathione depletion were determined using a kit. HPLC analysis was performed
      using a Gemini Cia column at 40 degrees C. The mobile phase used gradient elution
      with 1.0% (v/v) aqueous acetic acid (A) and 1.0% (v/v) acetic acid in
      acetonitrile (B). The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. In our assay, AA extract inhibits
      cisplatin-induced production of intracellular ROS. Pre-incubation of AA extracts
      (10-200 microg/mL) markedly maintained cell viability compared with controls in
      the noncisplatin-treated cells. Calibration curves of all compounds showed good
      linearity (r2 > or = 0.9992). Recoveries of the three compounds were 98.9-103.4%.
      The relative standard deviations of intra- and inter-day precision were 0.07
      1.73% and 0.12-1.49%, respectively. The amounts of the three components were 1.22
      20.63 mg/g. The AA extract has potential as a therapeutic agent for treatment of
      ARF. In addition, the established method will help to improve quality control of
      AA.

PMID- 25115092
TI  - New rocaglamide derivatives from Vietnamese Aglaia species.
AB  - Phytochemical analysis of the leaves of different Aglaia species collected in
      Vietnam yielded eight rocaglamide derivatives, which are responsible for the
      strong insecticidal activity against Spodoptera littoralis, including rocaglamide
      A (1), rocaglamide 1 (2), rocaglamide W (3), rocaglamide AB (4), rocaglamide J
      (5), rocaglaol (6), rocaglamide S (7) and the new rocaglamide AY (8). The
      structures of these compounds were elucidated through extensive 1D and 2D NMR
      spectroscopy and analysis of their mass spectrometric (ESI-MS) and HRESIMS data.

PMID- 25115093
TI  - Oxirapentyns A, B and E from the marine-derived strain of Isaria felina KMM 4639
      as stimulators of initial stages of development of agricultural plants.
AB  - Oxirapentyn A (1), oxirapentyn B (2), and oxirapentyn E (3) were examined for
      their ability to stimulate growth of seedling roots of barley (Hordeum vulgare
      L.), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), corn (Zea mays L.), soy {Glycine
      max (L.) Merr.}, and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). It was shown that the
      stimulatory effects depend on the chemical structure of the oxirapentyns and on
      the plant species. Compounds 1, and 2 are efficient for growth of seedling roots
      of barley, and wheat, whereas compound 3, at different concentrations, stimulates
      growth of seedling roots of maize, soy, and wheat. These compounds can be
      recommended for field study as plant growth stimulators.

PMID- 25115094
TI  - Concerning the structure of islandoquinone isolated from the lichen Cetraria
      islandica.
AB  - An investigation of the oxidative coupling products of some substituted
      hydroxynaphthazarins led to a revision of the proposed structure of
      islandoquinone, previously isolated from the lichen Cetraria islandica, and
      yielding (7aS*, 13aS*)-6,7a-diethyl-2,5,9,11,12,13a-hexahydroxy-7, 4
      dioxabenzo[a]tetracene-1,4,8,13(7aH, 13aH)-tetraone through X-ray diffraction
      analysis of its 2,11-dimethyl ether.

PMID- 25115096
TI  - Possible role of fat tissue in the pharmacokinetics of Dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E/Z
      tetraenoic acid isobutylamides after oral administration of Echinacea
      angustifolia extract in rats.
AB  - Alkamides are one of the most important constituents of lipophilic extracts of
      Echinacea angustifolia roots. These compounds play an important role in the
      versatile pharmacological actions of this plant. The present study aimed to
      compare the concentrations of isomeric dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E/Z-tetraenoic acid
      isobutylamides (DTAI) in brain and periepididymal fat tissues and blood plasma of
      rats. Thirty, 60, 240 and 720 min after the oral administration of E.
      angustifolia root extract, tissue and plasma concentrations were determined by
      reversed-phase HPLC with ESI-MS/MS detection. The calculated terminal t1/2 of the
      mixture of DTAI was 8.28 h, which indicates a relatively slow elimination. In the
      0.5-4 h period the brain/plasma and fat/plasma concentration ratios were
      continuously above 3 and 18, respectively, followed by equilibrium at 12 h. Our
      results indicate substantial accumulation of alkamides in lipid-rich tissues,
      which presumably contributes to a maintained pharmacological action.

PMID- 25115095
TI  - Methodology for porphyrin isolation by high-performance countercurrent
      chromatography.
AB  - Countercurrent chromatography is a versatile technique for the isolation of a
      wide variety of plant substances. However, little attention has been devoted to
      the application of this technique for the isolation of porphyrins. This class of
      compounds are of great importance in the medical area and in photocatalysis due
      to their heterocyclic structure, composed of four modified pyrrol subunits
      interconnected on their a carbon atoms by methinic bridges. The methanol extract
      of Gallesia integrifolia was partitioned using different solvents; the
      dichloromethane fraction was then submitted to countercurrent chromatography. The
      solvent system composed of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water
      (1:2.5:2.5:1) was chosen to perform the chromatographic analysis due to the
      enhanced solubility and the best distribution coefficients of the target
      compounds. Two porphyrins were isolated by this method and identified as 13(2)
      hydroxypheophorbide a methyl ester and pheophorbide a, methyl ester. The solvent
      system proposed provided good distribution coefficients for both substances (1.27
      and 1.87, respectively), and a high resolution factor.

PMID- 25115097
TI  - Ascidian tunicate extracts attenuate rheumatoid arthritis in a collagen-induced
      murine model.
AB  - Murine rheumatoid arthritis models are often used to investigate the potential
      therapeutic effects of candidate drugs. The present study has been conducted in
      order to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of ascidian tunicate extracts in a
      collagen-induced arthritis DBA1/J mice model. Four types of formulas, ascidian
      tunicate extracts (ATE), crude ascidian tunicate glycans (ATEC), ascidian
      tunicate extracts with licorice extracts (ATEL), and crude ascidian tunicate
      glycans with licorice extracts (ATECL) were orally administered into DBA/1J mice
      for 3 weeks and paw edema and thickness were evaluated. Changes in inflammatory
      proteins and cytokines levels were monitored in hind leg tissues by Western blot
      and quantitative PCR analysis. The oral administration of ascidian tunicate
      extracts alleviated paw edema and improved the histological hind leg cartilage
      status. The extracts also reduced the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) protein
      and prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) levels. In addition, the extracts-treated
      groups showed increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels compared with the non
      treated group. These findings suggest that orally administered ascidian tunicate
      extracts might have potential therapeutic effects for the treatment of rheumatoid
      arthritis.

PMID- 25115098
TI  - Dialyzable leukocyte extracts activate TLR-2 on monocytes.
AB  - Dialyzable leukocyte extracts (DLE) transfer specific cell-mediated immune
      responses from sensitized donors to non-immune recipients. In addition, DLE have
      several immunomodulatory effects and are used for the treatment of several
      infectious and non-infectious diseases. Previous studies showed that human DLE
      obtained from virus-infected leukocytes and bovine DLE decrease the production of
      the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha in response to bacterial
      lipopolysaccharide, in vitro and in vivo. In the present work, we inquire as to
      whether DLE from uninfected human leukocytes have the ability to regulate
      cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. We
      observed that PBMC from healthy individuals were able to produce TNF-alpha, IL-12
      and IL-10 after stimulation with DLE. Moreover, we identified monocytes as the
      main cell population that produced TNF-alpha after DLE stimulation.
      Interestingly, we found that DLE contain unidentified ligands that activate Toll
      like receptor (TLR)-2. Finally, we observed that DLE directly activated monocytes
      through TLR-2. These results reveal a new biological activity of DLE, and suggest
      that part of the immunomodulatory properties of DLE could be attributed to TLR-2
      activation on monocytes and to the induction of a pro-inflammatory environment
      that is crucial for control of infectious diseases.

PMID- 25115099
TI  - The volatile constituents of Parquetina nigrescens from southwestern Nigeria.
AB  - The leaf essential oil of Parquetina nigrescens collected from Badary, Nigeria,
      was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography - mass
      spectrometry. The essential oil had a simple composition with only five
      identified components. The oil was dominated by citral (35.0% neral and 53.7%
      geranial). The high concentration of citral in the essential oil likely
      contributes to the ethnomedicinal utility and bioactivities associated with this
      medicinal plant.

PMID- 25115100
TI  - Seasonal variations in the composition of the essential oils of Lavandula
      angustifolia (Lamiacae).
AB  - Seasonal variations in the composition of the essential oils obtained from the
      same individual (of the same genotype) of Lavandula angustifolia cultivated in
      Belgrade were determined by GC and GC/MS. The main constituents were 1,8-cineole
      (7.1-48.4%), linalool (0.1-38.7%), bomeol (10.9-27.7%), beta-phellandrene (0.5
      21.2%) and camphor (1.5-15.8%). Cluster analysis showed that the 21 samples
      collected each month during the vegetation cycle were separable into three main
      clades with different compositions of essential oils. In the shoots with flowers,
      inflorescences and fruits of clade I, linalool is dominant, in the young leaves
      before flowering and old leaves of clade II, 1,8-cineole is dominant. In the
      young and incompletely developed leaves of clade III, beta-phellandrene is
      dominant. The composition of the essential oils of lavender depended on the plant
      part and the stage of development.

PMID- 25115101
TI  - Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Allium
      hookeri consumed in Xishuangbanna, southwest China.
AB  - The essential oil from the rhizomes of Allium hookeri Thwaites, obtained by
      simultaneous distillation extraction, was analyzed by GC-MS. Di-2-propenyl
      trisulfide (31.8%), diallyl disulfide (28.4%), and dipropyl trisulfide (8.4%)
      were the main constituents among the thirteen identified components. The
      essential oil showed strong activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida
      albicans with MIC (the minimal inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimal
      bactericidal concentration) values ranging from 32-64 microg/mL. These results
      suggest that the essential oil from the rhizomes of A. hookeri could be used as a
      potential antimicrobial ingredient in the food industry.

PMID- 25115102
TI  - Chemical composition, and cytotoxic, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of
      the essential oil from ginseng leaves.
AB  - Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer is one of the most valuable traditional Chinese
      medicines. In this study, the essential oil of ginseng leaves (EOGL), collected
      using hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS, contained a complex mixture of
      aliphatic (69.0%), terpenoid (21.5%) and aromatic compounds (2.4%). Among 54
      components identified, the major ones were palmitic acid (36.1%), beta-farnesene
      (15.4%), linoleic acid (9.8%) and phytol (5.6%). In the cytotoxicity study, EOGL
      exhibited obvious cytotoxic activities against different cancer cell lines,
      including Hela, A549, ZR-75-1, HT-29, SGC7901 and B16 cells. Furthermore, Annexin
      V-FITC/PI staining assay indicated that EOGL can induce late apoptosis of ZR-75-1
      cells, and the percentage of apoptotic cells increased in a concentration
      dependent manner (0.9% to 5.6% and 67.4%). In addition to this, we also found
      that EOGL exhibited weak DPPH radical scavenging (12.0 +/- 0.4 mg/mL) and ABTS
      radical scavenging activities (1.6 +/- 0.1 mg/mL), and showed antibacterial
      activity against the Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus
      subtilis, and the Gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli. The data suggest
      that EOGL, which possesses important biological activities, especially
      significant anticancer activity, could be a potential medicinal resource.

PMID- 25115103
TI  - Essential oil from leaves of Liquidambar formosana ameliorates inflammatory
      response in lipopolysaccharide-activated mouse macrophages.
AB  - The essential oil from Liquidambar formosana leaves (EOLF) was demonstrated to
      exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in mouse macrophages. EOLF reduced nitrite
      oxide generation, secretion levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin
      6, and expression levels of prointerleukin-beta, inducible nitric oxide synthase,
      and cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated mouse macrophages.
      EOLF also reduced NLRP3 inflammasome-derived interleukin-1beta secretion. The
      underlying mechanisms for the EOLF-mediated anti-inflammatory activity were (1)
      reduction of LPS-induced reactive oxygen species generation; (2) reduction of LPS
      induced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated
      kinase, and p38 MAP kinase; (3) reduction of LPS-induced nuclear factor-kappaBeta
      activation. Furthermore, 25 compounds were identified in the EOLF using GC-FID
      and GC-MS and the major compounds were terpinen-4-ol (32.0%), beta-pinene
      (18.0%), gamma-terpinene (13.8%), and alpha-terpinene (9.7%). We found that LPS
      induced nitrite oxide generation was inhibited significantly by terpinen-4-ol.
      Our results indicated that EOLF has anti-inflammatory activity and may provide a
      molecular rationale for future therapeutic interventions in immune modulation.

PMID- 25115104
TI  - Accumulation of silicon in cacti native to the United States: characterization of
      silica bodies and cyclic oligosiloxanes in Stenocereus thurberi, Opuntia
      littoralis, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Opuntia stricta.
AB  - Four different cactus species growing in the United States, Stenocereus thurberi
      growing in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona, Opuntia littoralis and
      Opuntia ficus-indica, growing on Santa Catalina Island, California, and Opuntia
      stricta, growing in northern Alabama, were examined for the presence of silica
      bodies (opaline phytoliths). Silica bodies were found in all four of these cactus
      species, parallelepiped-shaped crystals in S. thurberi, and starburst-shaped
      crystalline structures in the three Opuntia species. In addition, the essential
      oils of the four cactus species were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed
      by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. To our surprise, S. thurberi, O.
      littoralis, and O. ficus-indica (but not O. stricta) essential oils contained
      cyclic oligosiloxanes. To our knowledge, cyclic oligosiloxanes have not been
      previously found as essential oil components.

PMID- 25115105
TI  - A phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of Paederia foetida and P.
      scandens.
AB  - Paederia foetida and P. scandens are two important and well explored Paederia
      species (Rubiaceae). P. foetida, which grows mainly in China, Bangladesh, India
      and Mauritius, has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation,
      piles, and diarrhea, while P. scandens is used to treat aches, jaundice,
      dysentery and dyspepsia as a folk medicine in the southern region of China,
      Vietnam, India and Japan. This review covers the comprehensive knowledge of the
      traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical
      studies of P. foetida and P. scandens. Phytochemical studies revealed the
      presence of iridoids, flavonoids, volatile oil, and other metabolites in these
      two species, which possess versatile bioactivities like antinociceptive, anti
      inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antitussive and antitumor activities. An injection
      developed from P. scandens has been clinically used as an analgesic drug. P.
      foetida and P. scandens have emerged as a good source of traditional medicines.
      Available scientific references reveal that the biological properties of these
      two Paederia species have been evaluated by modem pharmacological studies.
      However, bioguided isolation of active constituent responsible for the medical
      uses, as well as study of their structure-activity relationship and mode of
      actions, is urgently needed.

PMID- 25115106
TI  - The oral microbiome in dental caries.
AB  - Dental caries is one of the most common chronic and multifactorial diseases
      affecting the human population. The appearance of a caries lesion is determined
      by the coexistence of three main factors: acidogenic and acidophilic
      microorganisms, carbohydrates derived from the diet, and host factors. Socio
      economic and behavioral factors also play an important role in the etiology of
      the disease. Caries develops as a result of an ecological imbalance in the stable
      oral microbiom. Oral microorganisms form dental plaque on the surfaces of teeth,
      which is the cause of the caries process, and shows features of the classic
      biofilm. Biofilm formation appears to be influenced by large scale changes in
      protein expression over time and under genetic control Cariogenic microorganisms
      produce lactic, formic, acetic and propionic acids, which are a product of
      carbohydrate metabolism. Their presence causes a decrease in pH level below 5.5,
      resulting in demineralization of enamel hydroxyapatite crystals and proteolytic
      breakdown of the structure of tooth hard tissues. Streptococcus mutans, other
      streptococci of the so-called non-mutans streptococci group, Actinomyces and
      Lactobacillus play a key role in this process. Dental biofilm is a dynamic,
      constantly active metabolically structure. The alternating processes of decrease
      and increase of biofilm pH occur, which are followed by the respective processes
      of de- and remineralisation of the tooth surface. In healthy conditions, these
      processes are in balance and no permanent damage to the tooth enamel surface
      occurs.

PMID- 25115108
TI  - Modular genetic architecture of the toxigenic plasmid pIS56-63 harboring cry1Ab21
      in Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. thuringiensis strain IS5056.
AB  - Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. thuringiensis IS5056, a strain highly toxic to
      Trichoplusia ni larvae, produces the newly described Cry1Ab21 delta-endotoxin
      encoded by a gene located in the 63.8 kb pIS56-63 plasmid. In this report we
      present the structure and functional similarity of this plasmid to other B.
      thuringiensis large toxigenic plasmids with particular interest focused on its
      modular architecture. The 61 open reading frames (ORFs) of the plasmid made four
      functional modules: (i) M1-mic, the mobile insertion cassette harboring cry1Ab21;
      (ii) M2-tra, the putative conjugative element; (iii) M3-reg, regulation sequence;
      and (iv) M4-rep, the ori44 replicon. These modules display similarity to
      corresponding sequences in distinct B. thuringiensis plasmids, but, in general,
      not to plasmid of other Bacillus cereus sensu lato. The nucleotide sequence and
      organization of genes in pIS56-63 were highly similar (80-100%) to those in pHT73
      of B. thuringiensis HT73, and in p03 of B. thuringiensis HD771, particularly
      within the M3-reg and M4-rep modules, and slightly less in M2-tra, the latter of
      which is composed of two segments exhibiting homology to sequences in pBMB28,
      pAH187_45, pCT83, and pIS56-85 or to pCT72, pBMB67, p04, and pIS56-68. The
      tetrapartite structure of the toxigenic pIS56-63 plasmid strongly suggests that
      its hybrid nature is a result of recombination of various genetic elements
      originating from different extrachromosomal and chromosomal sources in B.
      thuringiensis. The presence of cry1Ab21 in the mobile cassette suggests that its
      occurrence on pIS56-63 resulted from recombination and transposition events
      during the evolution of the plasmid.

PMID- 25115107
TI  - Bacteriophages as an alternative strategy for fighting biofilm development.
AB  - The ability of microbes to form biofilms is an important element of their
      pathogenicity, and biofilm formation is a serious challenge for today's medicine.
      Fighting the clinical complications associated with biofilm formation is very
      difficult and linked to a high risk of failure, especially in a time of
      increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Bacterial species most commonly
      isolated from biofilms include coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus
      aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Proteus
      mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp.
      The frequent failure of antibiotic therapy led researchers to look for
      alternative methods and experiment with the use of antibacterial factors with a
      mechanism of action different from that of antibiotics. Experimental studies with
      bacteriophages and mixtures thereof, expressing lytic properties against numerous
      biofilm-forming bacterial species showed that bacteriophages may both prevent
      biofilm formation and contribute to eradication of biofilm bacteria. A specific
      role is played here by phage depolymerases, which facilitate the degradation of
      extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and thus the permeation of
      bacteriophages into deeper biofilm layers and lysis of the susceptible bacterial
      cells. Much hope is placed in genetic modifications of bacteriophages that would
      allow the equipping bacteriophages with the function of depolymerase synthesis.
      The use of phage cocktails prevents the development of phage-resistant bacteria.

PMID- 25115109
TI  - Identification of genomic heterogeneity among Lactococcus lactis strains by
      plasmid profiling, PFGE and 16S rDNA sequence analysis.
AB  - Lactococcus lactis strains are used commonly as starters, which contribute to
      desirable flavour and texture properties known as strain-specific, in dairy
      industry. Genomic heterogeneity of 30 L. lactis strains originating from Turkey
      and characterized phenotypically were investigated in this study. Plasmid
      profiling, PFGE and 16S rDNA sequence analyses were performed to determine the
      genetic variability of strains. High degree of heterogeneity was detected among
      the L. lactis strains. Plasmid profiles of strains showed that compared to the
      plasmid free control strains, namely; L. lactis subsp. lactis IL1403 and L.
      lactis subsp. cremoris MG1614, all tested strains carried one to ten plasmids
      with molecular size ranging from 1.5 to 41.5kb. The fingerprints of strains
      obtained by PFGE from digestion with ApaI, SmaI and I-CeuI restriction
      endonucleases of chromosomal DNA's were compared with each other. All strains out
      of four were grouped into a large cluster A with at least 44% similarity level.
      The other four strains formed a minor duster B, distinctively different from
      major cluster A. PFGE results were confirmed by 16S rDNA sequence analysis and
      strains included in cluster B were identified as members of different species.
      These results suggested that morphologic and biochemical methods should be
      verified by reliable molecular approaches for the purpose of strain typing. Also,
      PFGE was found suitable to determine genomic differentiations among inter- and
      intra species.

PMID- 25115111
TI  - Clinical and microbiological evaluation of biofilm-gingival interface
      classification in patients with generalized forms of periodontitis.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: In 2008 a new division of periodontal diseases based on the
      concept of biofilm-gingival interface (BGI), was presented. The aim of this study
      was to assess whether the proposed BGI categories could be useful in diagnosing
      patients with generalized forms of both aggressive (gAP) and chronic (gCP)
      periodontitis. DESIGN AND KEY METHODS: The study group consisted of 40
      individuals (17 with gAP and 23 with gCP). All patients were divided into three
      groups according to the BGI scale: 4 patients with P1 (pockets deeper than 4 mms
      with bleeding index below 10%), 20 individuals with P2 (pockets deeper than 4 mms
      with bleeding index 10-50%) and 16 individuals with P3 (pockets deeper than 4 mms
      with bleeding index above 50%). The presence of bacteria in subgingival plaque
      was analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: Statistically
      significant differences with respect to all parameters measured were found when
      patients were grouped according to the BGI scale--they were higher in P3 group.
      In gAP group A. actinomycetemcomitans and C. rectus were found in a higher
      numbers. No such differences were observed between P2 and P3 groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      The BGI scale seems to be helpful in effective and quick classifying of patients
      into adequate clinical subgroups.

PMID- 25115110
TI  - Detection of sulfonamide resistance genes via in situ PCR-FISH.
AB  - Due to the rising use of antibiotics and as a consequence of their concentration
      in the environment an increasing number of antibiotic resistant bacteria is
      observed. The phenomenon has a hazardous impact on human and animal life.
      Sulfamethoxazole is one of the sulfonamides commonly detected in surface waters
      and soil. The aim of the study was to detect sulfamethoxazole resistance genes in
      activated sludge biocenosis by use of in situ PCR and/or hybridization. So far no
      FISH probes for the detection of SMX resistance genes have been described in the
      literature. We have tested common PCR primers used for SMX resistance genes
      detection as FISH probes as well as a combination of in situ PCR and FISH.
      Despite the presence of SMX resistance genes in activated sludge confirmed via
      traditional PCR, the detection of the genes via microscopic visualization failed.

PMID- 25115112
TI  - Microarray analysis of retroviral restriction factor gene expression in response
      to porcine endogenous retrovirus infection.
AB  - Microarray analysis has been used for screening genes involved in specific
      biological processes. Many studies have shown that restriction factors may play
      an important role in xenotransplantation safety, but it is still unclear whether
      porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) may be inhibited by these factors.
      Therefore, the present study focused on the microarray analysis retroviral
      restriction factors gene expression in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) in
      response to PERVs. PERV infectivity was analyzed using a co-culture system of
      NHDFs and porcine kidney epithelial cells (PK15 cell line). Detection of the copy
      number of PERV A, PERV B DNA and PERV A, PERV B RNA was performed using real-time
      Q-PCR and QRT-PCR. The expression of retroviral restriction factor genes was
      compared between PERV-infected and uninfected NHDF cells using oligonucleotide
      microarray. The up-regulated transcripts were recorded for two differentially
      expressed genes (TRIM1, TRIM16) with the use of GeneSpring platform and
      Significance Analysis of Microarrays. In conclusion, our results suggest that the
      TRIM family may play an important role in innate immunity to PERV infection.
      These results can allow a better understanding of restriction mechanism of PERV
      infection and probably design molecularly targeted therapies in the future.
      Moreover, knowledge of retroviral restriction factor gene expression in human
      cells may help to uncover strategies for determining their exact function.
      Microarray analyses seem to be promising in biological and biomedical studies,
      however, these results should be further confirmed by research conducted at the
      protein level.

PMID- 25115113
TI  - Molecular analysis of JC polyomavirus genotypes circulating among tribal
      populations of North-Eastern West Bengal, India.
AB  - There is a resurgence of interest in the study of occurrence, genotype and
      pathogenic associations of human Polyomaviruses in recent years. In the present
      study, we have ascertained the presence of human Polyomavirus JC (JCV) in the
      urine and peripheral blood leukocytes of tribal populations, for the first time
      in the North-Eastern part of West Bengal State of India. We have also
      characterized the prevalent genotypes of the non-coding controlregions (NCCRs) of
      these natural isolates. The result suggests a high incidence of JCV reactivation
      in the populations assayed. Approximately 25% of the non-immunocompromized tribal
      men and women, tested positive based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis,
      and these results were further confirmed by sequencing of PCR products. Pairwise
      sequence comparison and alignment of the NCCR sequence of these Indian strains
      appeared to be comparable and related to the archetypal JCV (CY) and the Tibetan
      LH3 strains, with some alterations in few key positions. The sequence analyses
      were done with regard to transcription factor binding to DNA sequence elements of
      endemic JCV NCCRs.

PMID- 25115114
TI  - Response of viral specific CD4 T cells to in vitro stimulation with vaccine and
      wild measles virus strains in vaccinated and naturally infected subjects.
AB  - With the implementation of the WHO strategic plan for the elimination of measles,
      the number of measles cases in European Region has decreased. However, outbreaks
      are still observed. Although most measles cases affect unvaccinated individuals,
      cases with vaccinated persons are also reported. Furthermore, it was described
      that a high percentage of young people in Poland exhibit no presence of anti-MeV
      IgG despite the high level of vaccination covering no less than 97% of the Polish
      population. Strong evidence exists that immunity to measles is complex and
      depends on both the humoral and cellular response and although antibodies have
      been used as correlates of immunity, it is increasingly being considered that
      antibody-based definitions of vaccine success or failure may be incomplete. Here,
      we investigated immunity to measles as the reactivity of CD4 T cells to
      stimulation with vaccine as well as wild strains of measles virus (MeV) isolated
      in Poland, in young vaccinated persons and subjects infected naturally. Evidence
      for the presence of MeV-specific memory cells years after infection or
      vaccination was found, however the cells ofvaccinees and naturally infected
      subjects reacted differently in contact with wild and vaccine MeV strains.
      Furthermore, the presence of a significant proportion of non-responder vaccinees
      was observed. In conclusion, our results may have implications for studies on the
      monitoring of the complexity of post-vaccine immune response.

PMID- 25115116
TI  - Trends in antifungal susceptibility of Candida species--one year observation.
AB  - In the past years opportunistic fungal infections have seriously increased,
      mainly in immunocompromised patients. The aim of the study was to determine the
      prevalence of yeast-like fungi in invasive candidiasis and to estimate its
      susceptibility to chosen antifungal agents. One hundred and sixty strains of
      yeast-like fungi were cultured from various clinical material: samples from lower
      respiratory tract, blood, the peritoneal cavity and others. The susceptibility
      tests were established according to the quantitative E-test method. The Candida
      genus represented the main etiological factor of invasive candidiasis. The
      predominant species were: C. glabrata (71/160), C. albicans (34/160), C. krusei
      (17/160), C. tropicalis (14/160). All tested strains were the most resistant to
      itraconazole. Candida glabrata presented the 100% susceptibility to amphotericin
      B and caspofungin and was the least susceptible to itraconazole, posaconazole and
      voriconazole. Candida albicans was the most susceptible species to all
      antymicotics.

PMID- 25115115
TI  - Effects of cryopreservation at -80 degrees C on the formulation and pathogenicity
      of the obligate aphid pathogen Pandora nouryi.
AB  - Cryopreservation at -80 degrees C is an alternative to liquid nitrogen storage
      for Entomophthorales. However, detailed studies about its effects on fungal
      pathogenicity and formulation are very limited. In the present study, the
      obligate aphid pathogen Pandora nouryi was formulated as mycelia grown on millet
      gel granules after preservation as primary spores at -80 degrees C for 3-18
      months, although its ability to produce infectious conidia gradually diminished.
      The sporulation capacity of this granular formulation was reduced to 18.5 x 10(4)
      conidia/mg after 18 months of storage, which was still higher than that of
      mycotized aphids. The half-decline time of sporulation capacity was computed as
      13.6 months. The infectivity to the green peach aphid Myzus persicae had no
      significant decline in 12 months. The ability to yield resting spores within host
      carcasses remained unchanged, and the probability of resting spore formation
      increased with the conidial concentrations that infect aphids. Therefore,
      cryopreservation at -80 degrees C exerted a marginal impact on formulation and
      pathogenicity of P. nouryi and can substitute for costly liquid nitrogen storage
      in routine laboratory studies. The potential of the formulation in aphid
      biocontrol can be maintained although there is a risk of losing fungal
      sporulation ability in long-term preservation.

PMID- 25115117
TI  - Vasculitis and anaphylactoid shock induced in mice by cell wall extract of the
      fungus Candida metapsilosis.
AB  - To investigate whether cell wall mannan from Candida metapsilosis induces
      vasculitis similar to that in Kawasaki syndrome and anaphylactoid shock in mice,
      we examined the pathogenic effects of C. metapsilosis cell wall extracts. Our
      results show that intraperitoneal injection of cell wall extracts induced severe
      coronary arteritis, and intravenous injection induced acute anaphylactoid shock
      similar to extracts from Candida albicans (C. albicans). Structural analysis of
      cell wall mannan from C. metapsilosis using NMR spectroscopy showed it to contain
      only a-mannan, indicating that a-mannan might be contributing to Candida
      pathogenicity by inducing coronary arteritis and acute shock.

PMID- 25115118
TI  - Dibasic esters of ortho-/meta-alkoxyphenylcarbamic acid containing 1
      dipropylamino-3-piperidinopropan-1-yl and their antimicrobial activity.
AB  - In Europe, the presence of microorganisms that have become resistant to
      antimicrobials as the most significant disease threat has remained. The aim of
      the current research was to screen the in vitro susceptibility of Staphylococcus
      aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans to the series of dibasic esters of
      ortho-/meta-alkoxyphenylcarbamic acid previously known for their local
      anaesthetic effectiveness and to contribute for the structure - antimicrobial
      potency relationships study within that class of the compounds. The antimicrobial
      activity investigation involved determination of the minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) by applying the microdilution method; quantitative screening
      was performed on a blood agar (S. aureus), Endo agar (E. coli) or on Sabouraud's
      agar (C. albicans). The activity against all the microorganisms tested was
      primarily influenced by the position of alkoxy side chain attached to lipophilic
      aromatic ring and by its length as well. Inspected meta-alkoxy substituted
      derivatives have shown higher efficiency against all chosen microorganisms than
      their ortho-alkoxy positional isomers. The most promising results were observed
      when investigating the activity of meta-alkoxy substituted molecules against E.
      coli with the estimated MICs in the range of 12-49 microg/ml. Furthermore, such
      potency was found to be quasi parabolically dependent on alkoxy chain length
      achieving a maximum for meta-hexyloxy derivative which has shown MIC= 12
      microg/ml. Considered compound was also regarded as the most effective against S.
      aureus with MIC = 98 microg/ml. Evaluating the potency against C. albicans, it
      was revealed that no molecule within the tested set displayed MIC < 100
      microg/ml.

PMID- 25115119
TI  - Evaluation of the microbiological quality of conventional and organic leafy
      greens at the time of purchase from retail markets in Alexandria, Egypt.
AB  - This is a pioneer study in Egypt that provides some assessment of the
      microbiological quality of conventional and organic leafy green vegetables that
      constitute an essential component of the Egyptians' daily diet. A total of 380
      samples of unpackaged whole conventional and 84 packaged whole organic leafy
      greens were collected from retail markets in Alexandria, and analyzed for total
      aerobic mesophilic count (AMC) and total E. coli count (ECC) using the standard
      spread plate method. Mean AMC values for organic samples were statistically less
      (p < 0.05) than those of the corresponding conventional samples. Conventional
      radish and organic parsley samples had the highest AMC of 7.17 and 7.68 log CFU/g
      respectively, while conventional green cabbage and organic basil had the lowest
      AMC of 3.63 and 3.23 log CFU/g respectively. The presence of E. coli in 100% of
      the studied leafy greens was indicative of potential fecal contamination, in view
      of open and unhygienic environmental and unsanitary handling conditions, as leafy
      green items are available for sale by street-vendors. Unsatisfactory AMC and ECC
      levels encountered in the studied samples, warrant future investigations to
      determine the potential prevalence of foodborne pathogens, and to identify
      sources of dominating microorganisms, which could make a contribution to the
      field of food safety

PMID- 25115120
TI  - Definitive assignment by multigenome analysis of the gammaproteobacterial genus
      Thermithiobacillus to the class Acidithiobacillia.
AB  - The class Acidithiobacillia was established using multiprotein phylogenetic
      analysis of all the available genomes of the genus Acidithiobacillus (comprising
      Family I, the Acidithiobacillaceae, of the Acidithiobacillales, the order created
      for Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology), and for representative genomes
      of all available bacterial orders. The Acidithiobacillales contain a second
      family, the Thermithiobacillaceae, represented by Thermithiobacillus tepidarius,
      and created on the basis of nearest neighbour 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence
      similarities. This could not be included in the original multiprotein analysis as
      no genome sequence for Thermithio bacillus was available. The publication of the
      genome sequence of Thermithiobacillus tepidarius in 2013 has enabled phylogenetic
      assessment of this organism by comparative multigenome analysis. This shows
      definitively that Thermithiobacillus is a member of the class Acidithiobacillia,
      distinct from the Acidithiobacillus genus, and confirms it to represent a second
      family within the Acidithiobacillia.

PMID- 25115121
TI  - Alternative genotyping of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains.
AB  - The aim of the present research was to study the capability of a genotyping
      method for M. tuberculosis through detection of six VNTR-loci (MIRU10, MIRU26,
      MIRU31, MIRU39, MIRU40, ETR-A). Loci MIRU10, MIRU26, MIRU40 and ETR-A have
      exhibited high polymorphism in group non-Beijing, while loci MIRU26 and MIRU31 -
      in the Beijing family. A combined detection of all six loci for fingerprinting of
      the isolates both from Beijing and non-Beijing was highly effective (Hunter
      Gaston index was 0.88 and 0.93 correspondently), especially in areas with limited
      financial resources and high prevalence of multidrug resistant M. tuberculosis
      strains.

PMID- 25115122
TI  - Optimization of culture conditions for exopolysaccharide production by a
      probiotic strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus E/N.
AB  - The effects of culture conditions on exopolysaccharides (EPS) production by a
      probiotic Lb. rhamnosus E/N have been studied using the Plackett-Burman design.
      Process optimization was performed in stationary cultures to maximize the
      production of EPS. In order to verify the optimal conditions, an analysis was
      performed of EPS production in fermentation culture. Batch fermentation was
      carried out at working volume of 2.51. The optimal temperature, pH, carbon
      source, and nitrogen source conditions were 37 degrees C, pH 5.0, galactose, and
      yeast extract, respectively. EPS production was improved by 210.28 mg/l in
      stationary cultures compared to 134.2 mg/l in a control grown on commercial MRS
      medium. The fermentor experiment showed the possibility of increasing EPS
      biosynthesis by 175.8%. Our results clearly demonstrate that in the case of Lb.
      rhamnosus E/N specific culture conditions can enhance EPS production for possible
      application in the industry.

PMID- 25115123
TI  - Critically appraised topics. 1.5-2 mm of coronal dentin needed for crown buildup
      UT CAT #2439.

PMID- 25115125
TI  - Why would you want to weight?

PMID- 25115124
TI  - Oral and maxillofacial pathology. Case of the month. Myeloid sarcoma with
      monocytic differentiation.

PMID- 25115126
TI  - Oral cancer.

PMID- 25115127
TI  - Routine oral cancer screenings by primary care providers.

PMID- 25115128
TI  - Oral cancer screening for asymptomatic adults: do the United States Preventive
      Services Task Force draft guidelines miss the proverbial forest for the trees?

PMID- 25115129
TI  - Human papillomavirus: the fundamentals of HPV for oral health care providers.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) has become widely known as the causative agent of
      cervical cancer and some oropharyngeal cancers. The development of HPV vaccines
      has further piqued public interest. As a result, dentists will have increasing
      numbers of patients who will inquire about oral HPV infection and its prevention
      by means of vaccination. Dental professionals must be informed. This review
      provides an overview of HPV, its association with HIV and oropharyngeal cancer,
      and information on HPV vaccinations.

PMID- 25115130
TI  - Prevalence of HPV associated oropharyngeal cancer among south Texans.
AB  - The goal of this study was to begin to assess the prevalence of oropharyngeal
      cancer among all oral cancers and thus the potential role of human papillomavirus
      (HPV) in this disease in the south Texas Region served by the University of Texas
      Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), and University Health System
      (UHS) in San Antonio, Texas. This health system represents the largest catchment
      area for oral cancer serving the south Texas populations, extending from the U.S.
      Mexico border, north to Williamson County, west to Eagle Pass, and east to
      Gonzales County. With the move towards electronic medical records (EMR)
      nationwide, our team conducted a feasibility study to answer this question
      utilizing electronic record coding data across both local networks.

PMID- 25115131
TI  - Traits of practices with highy-effective periodontal protocols.

PMID- 25115133
TI  - Rapid electrochemical reduction of Ni(II) generates reactive monolayers for
      conjugated polymer brushes in one step.
AB  - This article reports the development of a robust, one-step electrochemical
      technique to generate surface-bound conjugated polymers. The electrochemical
      reduction of arene diazonium salts at the surface of a gold electrode is used to
      generate tethered bromobenzene monolayers quickly. The oxidative addition of
      reactive Ni(0) across the aryl halide bond is achieved in situ through a
      concerted electrochemical reduction of Ni(dppp)Cl2. This technique limits the
      diffusion of Ni(0) species away from the surface and overcomes the need for
      solution deposition techniques which often require multiple steps that result in
      a loss of surface coverage. With this electrochemical technique, the formation of
      the reactive monolayer resulted in a surface coverage of 1.29 * 10(14)
      molecules/cm(2), which is a 6-fold increase over previously reported results
      using solution deposition techniques. 

PMID- 25115132
TI  - Ameliorative effects of Monascus pilosus-fermented black soybean (Glycine max L.
      Merrill) on high-fat diet-induced obesity.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the antiobesity effects of Monascus
      pilosus-fermented black soybean (F-BS) in C57BL/6 mice with high-fat diet (HFD)
      induced obesity. F-BS (oral, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg per body weight, twice per day)
      ameliorated obesity by reducing body and liver weight increases, and regulating
      blood glucose and cholesterol levels in C57BL/6 mice fed a control or HFD with
      oral administration of F-BS for 12 weeks. F-BS suppressed the growth of
      epididymal, retroperitoneal, and perirenal fat pads by preventing increases in
      the adipocyte size. Moreover, the levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, and
      leptin were significantly lowered by F-BS administration in a dose-dependent
      manner. These results indicated that F-BS is a beneficial food supplement for
      preventing obesity, controlling blood glucose, and lowering cholesterol. Future
      research strategies should address the mechanisms that selectively regulate
      obesity, including hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia.

PMID- 25115134
TI  - Influences of motivational contexts on prescription drug misuse and related drug
      problems.
AB  - Prescription drug misuse has emerged as a significant problem among young adults.
      While the effects of motivational contexts have been demonstrated for illicit
      drugs, the role of motivational contexts in prescription drug misuse remains
      understudied. Using data from 400 young adults recruited via time-space sampling,
      we examined the role of motivational contexts in the frequency of misuse of three
      prescription drug types as well as drug-related problems and symptoms of
      dependency. Both negative and positive motivations to use drugs are associated
      with increases in prescription drug misuse frequency. Only negative motivations
      are associated directly with drug problems and drug dependence, as well as
      indirectly via prescription pain killer misuse. Addressing positive and negative
      motivational contexts of prescription drug misuse may not only provide a means to
      reduce misuse and implement harm reduction measures, but may also inform the
      content of treatment plans for young adults with prescription drug misuse
      problems. 

PMID- 25115135
TI  - Denial of urinalysis-confirmed opioid use in prescription opioid dependence.
AB  - Although research has generally supported the validity of substance use self
      reports, some patients deny urine-verified substance use. We examined the
      prevalence and patterns of denying urinalysis-confirmed opioid use in a sample of
      prescription opioid dependent patients. We also identified characteristics
      associated with denial in this population of increasing public health concern.
      Opioid use self-reports were compared with weekly urinalysis results in a 12-week
      multi-site treatment study for prescription opioid dependence. Among those who
      used opioids during the trial (n=246/360), 44.3% (n=109) denied urinalysis
      confirmed opioid use, although usually only once (78%). Overall, 22.9% of opioid
      positive urine tests (149/650) were denied on self-report. Multivariable analysis
      found that initially using opioids to relieve pain was associated with denying
      opioid use. These findings support the use of both self-reports and urine testing
      in treating prescription opioid dependence. 

PMID- 25115137
TI  - Germany: Health system review.
AB  - This analysis of the German health system reviews recent developments in
      organization and governance, health financing, health care provision, health
      reforms and health system performance. In the German health care system, decision
      making powers are traditionally shared between national (federal) and state
      (Land) levels, with much power delegated to self-governing bodies. It provides
      universal coverage for a wide range of benefits. Since 2009, health insurance has
      been mandatory for all citizens and permanent residents, through either statutory
      or private health insurance. A total of 70 million people or 85% of the
      population are covered by statutory health insurance in one of 132 sickness funds
      in early 2014. Another 11% are covered by substitutive private health insurance.
      Characteristics of the system are free choice of providers and unrestricted
      access to all care levels. A key feature of the health care delivery system in
      Germany is the clear institutional separation between public health services,
      ambulatory care and hospital (inpatient) care. This has increasingly been
      perceived as a barrier to change and so provisions for integrated care are being
      introduced with the aim of improving cooperation between ambulatory physicians
      and hospitals. Germany invests a substantial amount of its resources on health
      care: 11.4% of gross domestic product in 2012, which is one of the highest levels
      in the European Union. In international terms, the German health care system has
      a generous benefit basket, one of the highest levels of capacity as well as
      relatively low cost-sharing. However, the German health care system still needs
      improvement in some areas, such as the quality of care. In addition, the division
      into statutory and private health insurance remains one of the largest challenges
      for the German health care system, as it leads to inequalities. 

PMID- 25115138
TI  - Analysis of the Kenyan distance-running phenomenon.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the ethnicity of Kenya's most successful international
      runners, tracking their evolution over the period of their international
      emergence and current dominance. METHODS: The authors analyzed male track
      distance events from 800m upwards from all the major global athletics
      championships from 1964 to 2013, and the annual Top-25 world marathon
      performances since 1990. RESULTS: The percentage of top-25 marathon performances
      and medals won by Kenyan and Kalenjin runners have increased over time with Nandi
      subtribe outperforming the rest of the world outside Africa (r > .70, large
      effect). However, Europe, North America, Oceania, Asia, and South America
      decreased over time in top marathon performances and track medals won (r > .70,
      large effect). The tribe and subtribe distribution was different in the marathon
      than in the track: Maasais were more likely to feature in medals won in shorter
      track events than in the top 25 of the world marathon rankings (risk ratio [RR] =
      9.67, very large effect). This was also the case for Marakwets (RR = 6.44, very
      large effect) and Pokots (RR = 4.83, large effect). On the other hand, Keiyos,
      Kikuyus, Kipsigis, Sabaots, and Tugens were more likely to succeed in the
      marathon than in shorter track events (RR > 2.0, moderate effect). CONCLUSION:
      These data emphasize that the previously documented emergence of African distance
      runners is primarily a Kenyan phenomenon, driven by the Kalenjin tribe and in
      particular the Nandi subtribe. This supports the complex interaction between
      genotype, phenotype, and socioeconomic factors driving the remarkable dominance
      of Kenyan distance runners.

PMID- 25115136
TI  - Web-based training for primary care providers on screening, brief intervention,
      and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
AB  - This project evaluated a Web-based multimedia training for primary care providers
      in screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for unhealthy
      use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Physicians (n = 37), physician
      assistants (n = 35), and nurse practitioners (n = 20) were recruited nationally
      by email and randomly assigned to online access to either the multimedia training
      or comparable reading materials. At baseline, compared to non-physicians,
      physicians reported lower self-efficacy for counseling patients regarding
      substance use and doing so less frequently. All provider types in both conditions
      showed significant increases in SBIRT-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and
      clinical practices. Although the multimedia training was not superior to the
      reading materials with regard to these outcomes, the multimedia training was more
      likely to be completed and rated more favorably. Findings indicate that SBIRT
      training does not have to be elaborate to be effective. However, multimedia
      training may be more appealing to the target audiences.

PMID- 25115139
TI  - Croatia: health system review.
AB  - Croatia is a small central European country on the Balkan peninsula, with a
      population of approximately 4.3 million and a gross domestic product (GDP) of 62%
      of the European Union (EU) average (expressed in purchasing power parity; PPP) in
      2012. On 1 July 2013, Croatia became the 28th Member State of the EU. Life
      expectancy at birth has been increasing steadily in Croatia (with a small decline
      in the years following the 1991 to 1995 War of Independence) but is still lower
      than the EU average. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the population has
      increased during recent years and trends in physical inactivity are alarming. The
      Croatian Health Insurance Fund (CHIF), established in 1993, is the sole insurer
      in the mandatory health insurance (MHI) system that provides universal health
      coverage to the whole population. The ownership of secondary health care
      facilities is distributed between the State and the counties. The financial
      position of public hospitals is weak and recent reforms were aimed at improving
      this. The introduction of concessions in 2009 (public private partnerships
      whereby county governments organize tenders for the provision of specific primary
      health care services) allowed the counties to play a more active role in the
      organization, coordination and management of primary health care; most primary
      care practices have been privatized. The proportion of GDP spent on health by the
      Croatian government remains relatively low compared to western Europe, as does
      the per capita health expenditure. Although the share of public expenditure as a
      proportion of total health expenditure (THE) has been decreasing, at around 82%
      it is still relatively high, even by European standards. The main source of the
      CHIFs revenue is compulsory health insurance contributions, accounting for 76% of
      the total revenues of the CHIF, although only about a third of the population
      (active workers) is liable to pay full health care contributions. Although the
      breadth and scope of the MHI scheme are broad, patients must pay towards the
      costs of many goods and services, and the right to free health care services has
      been systematically reduced since 2003, although with exemptions for vulnerable
      population groups. Configuration of capital and human resources in the health
      care sector could be improved: for example, homes for the elderly and infirm
      persons operate close to maximum capacity; psychiatric care in the community is
      not well developed; and there are shortages of certain categories of medical
      professionals, including geographical imbalances. Little research is available on
      the policy process of health care reforms in Croatia. However, it seems that
      reforms often lack strategic foundations and or projections that could be
      analysed and scrutinized by the public, and evaluation of reform outcomes is
      lacking. The overall performance of the health care system seems to be good,
      given the amount of resources available. However, there is a lack of data to
      assess it properly. 

PMID- 25115140
TI  - Major complications of cryoballoon catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and
      their management.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common symptomatic and sustained cardiac
      arrhythmia. It affects approximately 2-3 million people in the USA alone with an
      increased incidence and prevalence worldwide. It is associated, in addition to
      worsening quality of life, with increased morbidity and mortality especially in
      poorly controlled AF, affecting mostly those older than 65 years of age.
      Radiofrequency ablation was found to be a good strategy for focal isolation of
      pulmonary veins triggering from the vulnerable atrial substrate but is a time
      consuming procedure and carries the risk of multiple complications like tamponade
      which could be fatal, atrioesophageal fistula and local thrombus formation at the
      site of ablation. Cryoballoon ablation with pulmonary vein isolation has emerged
      in the past few years as a breakthrough novel technology for the treatment of
      drug-refractory AF. It is a relatively simple alternative for point-by-point
      radiofrequency ablation of paroxysmal AF and is associated with fewer incidences
      of fatal complications such as cardiac perforation. As experience with this new
      tool accumulates, the field faces new challenges in the form of rare compilations
      including gastroparesis, phrenic nerve palsy, atrioesophageal fistula, pulmonary
      vein stenosis, thromboembolism pericardial effusion, and tamponade. 

PMID- 25115142
TI  - Monitoring neuromuscular fatigue in team-sport athletes using a cycle-ergometer
      test.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare a novel sprint test on a cycle ergometer with a
      countermovement-jump (CMJ) test for monitoring neuromuscular fatigue after
      Australian rules football match play. METHODS: Twelve elite under-18 Australian
      rules football players (mean +/- SD age 17.5 +/- 0.6 y, stature 184.7 +/- 8.8 cm,
      body mass 75.3 +/- 7.8 kg) from an Australian Football League club's Academy
      program performed a short sprint test on a cycle ergometer along with a single
      CMJ test 1 h prematch and 1, 24, and 48 h postmatch. The cycle-ergometer sprint
      test involved a standardized warm-up, a maximal 6-s sprint, a 1-min active
      recovery, and a 2nd maximal 6-s sprint, with the highest power output of the 2
      sprints recorded as peak power (PP). RESULTS: There were small to moderate
      differences between postmatch changes in cycle-ergometer PP and CMJ PP at 1 (ES =
      0.49), 24 (ES = -0.85), and 48 h postmatch (ES = 0.44). There was a substantial
      reduction in cycle-ergometer PP at 24 h postmatch (ES = -0.40) compared with 1 h
      prematch. CONCLUSIONS: The cycle-ergometer sprint test described in this study
      offers a novel method of neuromuscular-fatigue monitoring in team-sport athletes
      and specifically quantifies the concentric component of the fatigue-induced
      decrement of force production in muscle, which may be overlooked by a CMJ test.

PMID- 25115141
TI  - [Septic arthritis in adults].
AB  - Septic arthritis is a true rheumatological emergency requiring immediate and
      thoughtful effort for rapid diagnosis establishment and treatment initiation.
      Children and elderly persons as well as immunocompromised individuals, patients
      with pre-existing joint damage and with inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases are
      preferentially affected. Bacteremia, joint surgery and intra-articular injections
      pose risk situations for the development of joint infections. The most frequent
      causative organism is Staphylococcus aureus but other relevant pathogens include
      coagulase-negative staphylococci, streptococci and mycobacteria. Synovial fluid
      analysis (e.g. appearance, cell count and microbiological examination) is the
      most important step to establish the diagnosis. The two main components of
      therapy consist of joint drainage and antibiotic treatment. The approach to
      periprosthetic joint infections depends on the duration of symptoms, causative
      organism and individual factors. 

PMID- 25115143
TI  - Increased aggression, improved spatial memory, and reduced anxiety-like behaviour
      in adult male mice exposed to fluoxetine early in life.
AB  - RATIONALE: Fluoxetine (Flx; brand names Prozac, Sarafem, Rapiflux), a selective
      serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is prescribed for the treatment of depression in
      pregnant women; however, this commonly prescribed medication could affect fetal
      brain development as Flx crosses the placenta. The available data concerning the
      anatomical and behavioural consequences of perinatal exposure to Flx during early
      development on adult behaviour are limited and often contradictory. OBJECTIVES:
      To further delineate the long-term behavioural effects of altering 5-HT during
      development, we examined the effects of perinatal Flx exposure on the behaviour
      of male mice as adults. METHODS: Dams were treated with approximately 25
      mg/kg/day of Flx from embryonic day 15 to postnatal day 12, and the behaviour of
      the adult offspring was assessed. RESULTS: We found that perinatal Flx exposure
      leads to increased aggression, improved spatial memory, and reduced anxiety-like
      behaviour. This exposure did not cause memory deficits, changes in sensory
      processing, or changes in gross motor function. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest
      that while perinatal exposure to Flx may have long-term effects on adult
      behaviour, these effects appear limited and not necessarily detrimental.

PMID- 25115146
TI  - Assessment and monitoring of ballistic and maximal upper-body strength qualities
      in athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the dynamic strength index (DSI: ballistic peak
      force/isometric peak force) could be effectively used to guide specific training
      interventions and detect training-induced changes in maximal and ballistic
      strength. METHODS: Twenty-four elite male athletes were assessed in the isometric
      bench press and a 45% 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) ballistic bench throw using a
      force plate and linear position transducer. The DSI was calculated using the peak
      force values obtained during the ballistic bench throw and isometric bench press.
      Athletes were then allocated into 2 groups as matched pairs based on their DSI
      and strength in the 1RM bench press. Over the 5 wk of training, athletes
      performed either high-load (80-100% 1RM) bench press or moderate-load (40-55%
      1RM) ballistic bench throws. RESULTS: The DSI was sensitive to disparate training
      methods, with the bench-press group increasing isometric bench-press peak force
      (P=.035, 91% likely), and the ballistic-bench-throw group increasing bench-throw
      peak force to a greater extent (P<=.001, 83% likely). A significant increase
      (P<=.001, 93% likely) in the DSI was observed for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The
      DSI can be used to guide specific training interventions and can detect training
      induced changes in isometric bench-press and ballistic bench-throw peak force
      over periods as short as 5 wk.

PMID- 25115145
TI  - The European Medicines Agency approval of ingenol mebutate (Picato) for the
      cutaneous treatment of non-hyperkeratotic, non-hypertrophic actinic keratosis in
      adults: summary of the scientific assessment of the Committee for Medicinal
      Products for Human Use (CHMP).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The European Commission has recently issued a marketing authorisation
      valid throughout the European Union for ingenol mebutate (Picato) in the
      cutaneous treatment of non-hyperkeratotic, non-hypertrophic actinic keratosis in
      adults. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this paper is to summarise the scientific
      review of the application leading to regulatory approval in the EU. The full
      scientific assessment report and product information, including the summary of
      product characteristics, are available on the EMA website (www.ema.europa.eu).
      MATERIAL & METHODS: The application was supported by 25 clinical studies, of
      which 18 were performed in patients with actinic keratosis. RESULTS: The active
      substance is a pure ingenol angelate obtained from the aerial parts of the plant
      species Euphorbia peplus by extraction and purification. One tube of ingenol
      mebutate 150 mcg/g gel or 500 mcg/g gel should be applied once daily to the
      affected area for 3 or 2 consecutive days on the 'face and scalp' or 'trunk and
      extremities', respectively. Complete response rate is 42.2% on the 'face and
      scalp' and 34.1% on the 'trunk and extremities'. The most common side effects are
      local skin responses including erythema, flaking/scaling, crusting, swelling,
      vesiculation/pustulation and erosion/ulceration at the application site.
      CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of ingenol mebutate are its ability to improve the
      complete response rate of actinic keratosis, the short duration of treatment and
      the ease of self-application.

PMID- 25115147
TI  - Association between drinking goal and alcohol use one year after residential
      treatment: a multicenter study.
AB  - This study examined whether patients' drinking goals at admission to and
      discharge from 12 residential alcohol use disorder treatment programs were
      associated with alcohol-related outcomes at 1-year follow-up. Detoxified patients
      (N = 289) completed assessments at admission, after treatment, and at 1-year
      follow-up. Drinking goals of abstinence, conditional abstinence (in principle
      abstinence but potential occurrence of lapses or drinking, when urges are
      strong), and controlled drinking changed during treatment and predicted the 1
      year follow-up outcomes (abstinence, number of standard drinks, and number of
      days to the first alcohol use). Goals at discharge had a better predictive value.
      The goal of abstinence at discharge had better outcomes than conditional
      abstinence; the poorest had controlled drinking. 

PMID- 25115148
TI  - Defining and evaluating the umbrella species concept for conserving and restoring
      landscape connectivity.
AB  - Conserving or restoring landscape connectivity between patches of breeding
      habitat is a common strategy to protect threatened species from habitat
      fragmentation. By managing connectivity for some species, usually charismatic
      vertebrates, it is often assumed that these species will serve as conservation
      umbrellas for other species. We tested this assumption by developing a
      quantitative method to measure overlap in dispersal habitat of 3 threatened
      species-a bird (the umbrella), a butterfly, and a frog-inhabiting the same
      fragmented landscape. Dispersal habitat was determined with Circuitscape, which
      was parameterized with movement data collected for each species. Despite
      differences in natural history and breeding habitat, we found substantial overlap
      in the spatial distributions of areas important for dispersal of this suite of
      taxa. However, the intuitive umbrella species (the bird) did not have the highest
      overlap with other species in terms of the areas that supported connectivity.
      Nevertheless, we contend that when there are no irreconcilable differences
      between the dispersal habitats of species that cohabitate on the landscape,
      managing for umbrella species can help conserve or restore connectivity
      simultaneously for multiple threatened species with different habitat
      requirements.

PMID- 25115150
TI  - Overview of nongynecological samples prepared with liquid-based cytology medium.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Liquid-based cytology of nongynecological specimens is commonly used
      in cytology laboratories throughout the world and various processing methods,
      such as ThinPrep and SurePath, have been reported. The cytological features and
      performance of liquid-based cytology for various cytology specimens, including
      body cavity fluids, urine, brushing specimens and fine-needle aspiration of
      various lesions, were reviewed and compared with the experience of our laboratory
      and the literature published in PubMed. STUDY DESIGN: The parameters for the
      evaluation of liquid-based cytology and conventional smears were described in the
      various types of specimens. Criteria for the interpretation of nongynecological
      liquid-based cytology were highlighted to show differences in cell morphology,
      background and artifacts. RESULTS: The interpretation requires familiarity with
      the appearance of liquid-based cytology in the various types of preparations to
      avoid misdiagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Cell blocks can be prepared with specimens
      preserved in a liquid-based cytology medium and immunocytochemical stains and
      molecular testing can be successfully performed. These are important adjuncts in
      order to reach a definitive diagnosis.

PMID- 25115153
TI  - Current concepts in cartilage management and rehabilitation.

PMID- 25115149
TI  - Systematic review: the combined surgical and medical treatment of fistulising
      perianal Crohn's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of perianal Crohn's fistulas represents a significant
      challenge. A combination of medical and surgical therapy, guided by radiology, is
      often required. AIM: To review systematically the literature to assess fistula
      healing rates with medical treatment (anti-TNF-alpha therapies +/-
      immunomodulators) or surgical treatment alone, compared with combined medical and
      surgical treatment in fistulising perianal Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: The
      Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)
      guidelines were used. Two independent reviewers searched the literature. RESULTS:
      Twenty-four articles were included. The total population was 1139 patients; 460
      (40%) received single treatment with either medical or surgical therapy, and 679
      (60%) received combined medical and surgical therapy. Eight studies compared
      single and combination therapy, with a total population of 797 patients (single
      therapy: n = 448, combination therapy: n = 349). In the single therapy group,
      191/448 were in complete remission (43%). This was lower than the healing rate of
      the combination therapy group 180/349 (52%). No response to therapy was noted in
      34% (153/448) of the single therapy group compared with 23% (80/349) of the
      combination group. CONCLUSIONS: Combined surgical and medical (anti-TNF-alpha +/-
      immunomodulators) therapy may have additional beneficial effects on perianal
      fistula healing in patients with Crohn's disease, compared with surgery or
      medical therapy alone. A well-designed Crohn's perianal fistula clinical trial is
      required in a multidisciplinary medical and surgical setting, with clearly
      defined end points of clinical (and likely patient reported outcomes) and
      radiological healing.

PMID- 25115151
TI  - Serum salusin-alpha and salusin-beta levels in patients with Behcet's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic, relapsing, systemic vasculitis of
      unknown etiology. There is an increased predisposition to insulin resistance and
      metabolic syndrome (MetS) in BD patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      determine serum salusin-alpha and salusin-beta levels in BD patients and healthy
      controls and to investigate their association with MetS. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Twenty-five BD patients and 25 healthy controls were included in the study.
      Salusin-alpha and salusin-beta levels were measured in blood samples using ELISA.
      In addition, BD patients and healthy controls were evaluated in terms of MetS.
      RESULTS: The mean serum salusin-alpha level in BD patients was significantly
      lower compared to healthy controls (p = 0.03), whereas the mean serum salusin
      beta level in BD patients was significantly higher compared to healthy controls
      (p = 0.03). The mean serum salusin-alpha level was significantly lower in BD
      patients with MetS compared to BD patients without MetS (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS:
      Serum salusin-alpha level (an anti-atherogenic molecule) was lower, while serum
      salusin-beta level (a pro-atherogenic molecule) was higher in BD patients. We
      consider that the decrease in salusin-alpha and the increase in salusin-beta
      levels contribute to the development of MetS.

PMID- 25115154
TI  - A systematic review of reporting of rehabilitation in articular-cartilage-repair
      studies of third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee.
AB  - CONTEXT: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a tissue-engineered
      surgical technique initially developed for articular cartilage repair of isolated
      chondral lesions of the knee. Third-generation techniques (ACI3) are now
      available that deliver autologous cultured chondrocytes into the defect using
      cell scaffolds. The successful outcomes of these techniques have some dependency
      on presurgical and postsurgical patient rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES: To determine
      if the standard of reporting for rehabilitation has improved in ACI3 studies;
      previous reviews in this field recommended describing the detail of this
      rehabilitation and patient compliance as integral elements. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION:
      A computerized search was performed in March 2013. Criteria for inclusion were
      any studies that evaluated or described the process of ACI3 in the knee and
      subsequent rehabilitation. The modified Coleman Methodology Score (CMS) was used
      to rate the standard of reporting of rehabilitation and surgical procedures;
      review articles were also evaluated for quality using the Strength of
      Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT). Mean scores, odds ratios, 95% confidence
      intervals, and Mann-Whitney U statistics were calculated. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: An
      improvement in mean CMS was seen compared with previous reviews, but
      rehabilitation reporting scores were lower than their surgical equivalent;
      significant association was seen between studies with rehabilitator involvement
      and high scores in the individual CMS rehabilitation element. Predominant SORT
      scores of 2A indicated medium strength of recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: The CMS
      provides a general overview of methodological quality, but a more specialized
      tool to report on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the rehabilitation
      process would help raise the standards. It is recommended that rehabilitation
      therapists be included as key members of research teams and be involved in the
      design, implementation, and reporting of future studies.

PMID- 25115156
TI  - Management of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee.
AB  - The etiology of osteochondritis dissecans is hypothesized as repetitive
      microtrauma, resulting in an interruption of blood supply. Due to the location of
      the most common lesions on the medial femoral condyle, impingement of either the
      medial tibial spine or inferior pole of the patella against the adjacent medial
      femur may be responsible. It is much more common in athletic males than other
      groups. This article reviews the current treatment options for lesions around the
      knee. 

PMID- 25115157
TI  - The progression of isokinetic knee strength after matrix-induced autologous
      chondrocyte implantation: implications for rehabilitation and return to activity.
AB  - CONTEXT: Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is an
      established technique for the repair of knee chondral defects. Despite the
      reported clinical improvement in knee pain and symptoms, little is known on the
      recovery of knee strength and its return to an appropriate level compared with
      the unaffected limb. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the progression of isokinetic knee
      strength and limb symmetry after MACI. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING:
      Private functional rehabilitation facility. PATIENTS: 58 patients treated with
      MACI for full-thickness cartilage defects to the femoral condyles. INTERVENTION:
      MACI and a standardized rehabilitation protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 5 y postsurgery, patients underwent a 3
      repetition-maximum straight-leg raise test, as well as assessment of isokinetic
      knee-flexor and -extensor torque and hamstring:quadriceps (H:Q) ratios.
      Correlation analysis investigated the association between strength and pain,
      demographics, defect, and surgery characteristics. Linear-regression analysis
      estimated differences in strength measures between the operated and nonoperated
      limbs, as well as Limb Symmetry Indexes (LSI) over time. RESULTS: Peak knee
      extension torque improved significantly over time for both limbs but was
      significantly lower on the operated limb preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 5 y.
      Mean LSIs of 77.0%, 83.0%, and 86.5% were observed at 1, 2, and 5 y,
      respectively, while 53.4-72.4% of patients demonstrated an LSI < or = 90% across
      the postoperative timeline. Peak knee-flexion torque was significantly lower on
      the operated limb preoperatively and at 1 year. H:Q ratios were significantly
      higher on the operated limb at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: While peak knee
      flexion and hip-flexor strength were within normal limits, the majority of
      patients in this study still demonstrated an LSI for peak knee-extensor strength
      < or = 90%, even at 5 y. It is unknown how this prolonged knee-extensor deficit
      may affect long-term graft outcome and risk of reinjury after return to activity.

PMID- 25115158
TI  - Quadriceps femoris strength and sagittal-plane knee biomechanics during stair
      ascent in individuals with articular cartilage defects in the knee.
AB  - CONTEXT: Few objective data are available regarding strength and movement
      patterns in individuals with articular cartilage defects (ACDs) of the knee.
      OBJECTIVES: To test the following hypotheses: (1) The involved limb of
      individuals with ACDs would demonstrate lower peak knee-flexion angle, peak
      internal knee-extension moment, and peak vertical ground-reaction force (vGRF)
      than the contralateral limb and healthy controls. (2) On the involved limb of
      individuals with ACDs, quadriceps femoris strength would positively correlate
      with peak knee-flexion angle, peak internal knee-extension moment, and peak vGRF.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Biomechanics research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS:
      11 individuals with ACDs in the knee who were eligible for surgical cartilage
      restoration and 10 healthy controls. METHODS: Quadriceps femoris strength was
      quantified as peak isometric knee-extension torque via an isokinetic dynamometer.
      Sagittal-plane knee kinematics and kinetics were measured during the stance phase
      of stair ascent with 3-dimensional motion analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Quadriceps strength and knee biomechanics during stair ascent were compared
      between the involved and contralateral limbs of participants with ACD (paired t
      tests) and with a control group (independent-samples t tests). Pearson
      correlations evaluated relationships between strength and stair-ascent
      biomechanics. RESULTS: Lower quadriceps strength and peak internal knee-extension
      moments were observed in the involved limb than in the contralateral limb (P <
      .01) and the control group (P < .01). For the involved limb of the ACD group,
      quadriceps femoris strength was strongly correlated (r = .847) with involved-limb
      peak internal knee-extension moment and inversely correlated (r = -.635) with
      contralateral peak vGRF. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with ACDs demonstrated deficits
      in quadriceps femoris strength with associated alterations in movement patterns
      during stair ascent. The results of this study are not comprehensive; further
      research is needed to understand the physiological characteristics, activity
      performance, and movement quality in this population.

PMID- 25115160
TI  - Training recruiters to randomized trials to facilitate recruitment and informed
      consent by exploring patients' treatment preferences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients' treatment preferences are often cited as barriers to
      recruitment in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We investigated how RCT
      recruiters reacted to patients' treatment preferences and identified key
      strategies to improve informed decision-making and trial recruitment. METHODS:
      Audio-recordings of 103 RCT recruitment appointments with 96 participants in
      three UK multicenter pragmatic RCTs were analyzed using content and thematic
      analysis. Recruiters' responses to expressed treatment preferences were assessed
      in one RCT (ProtecT - Prostate testing for cancer and Treatment) in which
      training on exploring preferences had been given, and compared with two other
      RCTs where this specific training had not been given. RESULTS: Recruiters
      elicited treatment preferences similarly in all RCTs but responses to expressed
      preferences differed substantially. In the ProtecT RCT, patients' preferences
      were not accepted at face value but were explored and discussed at length in
      three key ways: eliciting and acknowledging the preference rationale, balancing
      treatment views, and emphasizing the need to keep an open mind and consider all
      treatments. By exploring preferences, recruiters enabled participants to become
      clearer about whether their views were robust enough to be sustained or were
      sufficiently weak that participation in the RCT became possible. Conversely, in
      the other RCTs, treatment preferences were often readily accepted without further
      discussion or understanding the reasoning behind them, suggesting that patients
      were not given the opportunity to fully consider all treatments and trial
      participation. CONCLUSIONS: Recruiters can be trained to elicit and address
      patients' treatment preferences, enabling those who may not have considered trial
      participation to do so. Without specific guidance, some RCT recruiters are likely
      to accept initial preferences at face value, missing opportunities to promote
      more informed decision-making. Training interventions for recruiters that
      incorporate key strategies to manage treatment preferences, as in the ProtecT
      study, are required to facilitate recruitment and informed consent. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ProtecT RCT: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN20141297. The other
      two trials are registered but have asked to be anonymized.

PMID- 25115162
TI  - The renin-angiotensin system: a possible contributor to migraine pathogenesis and
      prophylaxis.
AB  - The presence of a tissue-based renin-angiotensin system, independent of the
      systemic one, has been identified in several organs including the brain.
      Experimental models have suggested the involvement of the renin-angiotensin
      system in neurogenic inflammation, susceptibility to oxidative stress,
      endothelial dysfunction, and neuromodulation of nociceptive transmission, thus
      potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of migraine. Genetic factors that
      increase susceptibility to migraine may include angiotensin-converting enzyme
      polymorphism, although available data are controversial. Clinical studies have
      suggested that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor
      blockers may be effective in migraine prophylaxis. However, further research
      should clarify whether the postulated preventive effect is attributable to a
      pharmacological action over and above the antihypertensive effect and should test
      their tolerability in subjects with normal blood pressure values. In patients
      with contraindications or not responding to conventional prophylactic drugs and
      in patients with comorbid arterial hypertension, angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers may be used for migraine
      prophylaxis. 

PMID- 25115161
TI  - Pigmentation in Drosophila melanogaster reaches its maximum in Ethiopia and
      correlates most strongly with ultra-violet radiation in sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pigmentation has a long history of investigation in evolutionary
      biology. In Drosophila melanogaster, latitudinal and altitudinal clines have been
      found but their underlying causes remain unclear. Moreover, most studies were
      conducted on cosmopolitan populations which have a relatively low level of
      genetic structure and diversity compared to sub-Saharan African populations. We
      investigated: 1) the correlation between pigmentation traits within and between
      the thorax and the fourth abdominal segment, and 2) their associations with
      different geographical and ecological variables, using 710 lines belonging to 30
      sub-Saharan and cosmopolitan populations. RESULTS: Pigmentation clines
      substantially differed between sub-Saharan and cosmopolitan populations. While
      positive correlations with latitude have previously been described in Europe,
      India and Australia, in agreement with Bogert's rule or the thermal melanism
      hypothesis, we found a significant negative correlation in Africa. This
      correlation persisted even after correction for altitude, which in its turn
      showed a positive correlation with pigmentation independently from latitude. More
      importantly, we found that thoracic pigmentation reaches its maximal values in
      this species in high-altitude populations of Ethiopia (1,600-3,100 m). Ethiopian
      flies have a diffuse wide thoracic trident making the mesonotum and the head
      almost black, a phenotype that is absent from all other sub-Saharan or
      cosmopolitan populations including high-altitude flies from Peru (~3,400 m).
      Ecological analyses indicated that the variable most predictive of pigmentation
      in Africa, especially for the thorax, was ultra-violet (UV) intensity, consistent
      with the so-called Gloger's rule invoking a role of melanin in UV protection.
      CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that different environmental factors may shape
      clinal variation in tropical and temperate regions, and may lead to the evolution
      of different degrees of melanism in different high altitude populations in the
      tropics.

PMID- 25115164
TI  - Effect of multivitamin versus multivitamin-mineral supplementation on metabolic
      profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress in pregnant women: a double-blind
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - Abstract Objective: This study was designed to determine the favorable effects of
      received multivitamin versus multivitamin-mineral supplements on metabolic
      profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress among Iranian pregnant women.
      Methods: This double-blind randomized-controlled clinical trial was conducted
      among 70 pregnant women, primigravida, aged 18-35 years old between 16 and 37
      weeks gestation. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either the
      multivitamin (n = 35) or multivitamin-mineral supplements (n = 35) for 20 weeks.
      Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after a 20-week intervention to
      measure lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Results: After 20
      weeks of intervention, multivitamin-mineral supplementation resulted in a
      significant difference on serum triglycerides levels (changes from baseline in
      multivitamin-mineral group: +6.1 versus in multivitamin group: +45.9 mg/dl, p =
      0.04) compared with the multivitamin group. In addition, increased concentrations
      of serum HDL-cholesterol (changes from baseline in multivitamin-mineral group:
      +0.1 versus in multivitamin group: -7.4 mg/dl, p = 0.02) and total glutathione
      (GSH) levels (changes from baseline in multivitamin-mineral group: +151.09 versus
      in multivitamin group: -116.21 umol/l, p = 0.003) were also seen in the
      multivitamin-mineral group compared with the multivitamin group. Conclusion:
      Supplementation of multivitamin-mineral compared to multivitamin supplementation
      for 20 weeks during pregnancy had beneficial effects on triglycerides, HDL
      cholesterol and GSH levels.

PMID- 25115165
TI  - Nutritional practice effectiveness to achieve adequate plasma vitamin A, E and D
      during the early postnatal life in Tunisian very low birth weight infants.
AB  - Abstract Objective: To look at changes in plasma vitamin A, E and D
      concentrations during the early postnatal life and to study their link with
      growth and mortality in Tunisian very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Patients
      and methods: A cohort of 607 VLBW infants had been followed from birth until
      hospital discharge or death. Blood was collected at birth, at time of maximal
      weight loss and at time of recovering birth weight. Retinol and alpha-tocopherol
      were analyzed using HPLC and 25 hydroxy vitamin D using radioimmunoassay.
      Results: Vitamin A, D and E deficiencies were very common at birth (75.9%, 74.1%
      and 65.2%, respectively). The prevalence's have decreased throughout hospital
      stay, but remained high at time of recovering birth weight (59.4%, 31.2% and
      28.8%, respectively). Vitamin A deficiency was associated with longer hospital
      stay [OR (95% CI), 1.66 (1.03-2.93)] and vitamin E deficiency was associated with
      increased neonatal mortality [1.44 (1.01-2.23)]. Conclusions: Current nutritional
      practices are ineffective to achieve adequate vitamins A, E and D status in
      Tunisian VLBW infants during the early postnatal life and should be revised.
      Further work is needed to establish recommended doses of vitamins supplements in
      these preterm infants.

PMID- 25115166
TI  - Randomized trial of intensive motivational interviewing for methamphetamine
      dependence.
AB  - An intensive, 9-session motivational interviewing (IMI) intervention was assessed
      using a randomized clinical trial of 217 methamphetamine (MA) dependent
      individuals. Intensive motivational interviewing (IMI) was compared with a single
      standard session of MI (SMI) combined with eight nutrition education sessions.
      Interventions were delivered weekly over 2 months. All study participants also
      received standard outpatient group treatment three times per week. Both study
      groups showed significant decreases in MA use and Addiction Severity Index drug
      scores, but there were no significant differences between the two groups.
      However, reductions in Addiction Severity Index psychiatric severity scores and
      days of psychiatric problems during the past 30 days were found for clients in
      the IMI group but not the SMI group. SMI may be equally beneficial to IMI in
      reducing MA use and problem severity, but IMI may help alleviate co-occurring
      psychiatric problems that are unaffected by shorter MI interventions. Additional
      studies are needed to assess the problems, populations, and contexts for which
      IMI is effective. 

PMID- 25115167
TI  - Laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy for multilocular cystic renal cell
      carcinoma: a direct comparison based on single-center experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the treatment of laparoscopic (LPN) versus open partial
      nephrectomy (OPN) in patients with multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma
      (MCRCC). METHODS: Thirty-seven patients diagnosed with MCRCC were reviewed
      retrospectively between January 2007 and January 2013 at our institution. They
      were divided into two groups: group 1 (LPN) consisted of 19 patients (51.4%) and
      group 2 (OPN) of 18 patients (48.6%). RENAL and the Preoperative Aspects and
      Dimensions Used for an Anatomical classification were applied to predict
      perioperative complications, which were graded based on the Clavien-Dindo
      classification. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with regard to all of the
      patients' baseline characteristics. In group 1, the mean operative time was 142.1
      min, including the mean warm ischemia time (WIT) of 32.6 min; the mean estimated
      blood loss (EBL) was 96.1 ml, the mean retroperitoneal drainage lasted 3.6 days,
      and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.3 days. In group 2, the figures
      were 126.6 and 23.5 min, 223.3 ml, and 4.6 and 8.7 days, respectively. The
      differences in WIT, EBL, drainage days and hospitalization were statistically
      significant between both groups (p < 0.05). No recurrence or new lesions occurred
      in these patients during a mean follow-up of 37.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our single
      center experience suggests that although it remains technically complex,
      demanding and challenging for MCRCC, LPN can still induce favorable perioperative
      results and survival rates in MCRCC are comparable with OPN.

PMID- 25115163
TI  - Maternal plasma fetuin-A concentration is lower in patients who subsequently
      developed preterm preeclampsia than in uncomplicated pregnancy: a longitudinal
      study.
AB  - Objective: Fetuin-A is a negative acute phase protein reactant that acts as a
      mediator for lipotoxicity, leading to insulin resistance. Intravascular
      inflammation and insulin resistance have been implicated in the mechanisms of
      disease responsible for preeclampsia (PE). Maternal plasma concentrations of
      fetuin-A at the time of diagnosis of preterm PE are lower than in control
      patients with a normal pregnancy outcome. However, it is unknown if the changes
      in maternal plasma fetuin-A concentrations precede the clinical diagnosis of the
      disease. We conducted a longitudinal study to determine whether patients who
      subsequently developed PE had a different profile of maternal plasma
      concentrations of fetuin-A as a function of gestational age (GA) than those with
      uncomplicated pregnancies. Methods: A longitudinal case-control study was
      performed and included 200 singleton pregnancies in the following groups: (1)
      patients with uncomplicated pregnancies who delivered appropriate for gestational
      age (AGA) neonates (n = 160); and (2) patients who subsequently developed PE (n =
      40). Longitudinal samples were collected at each prenatal visit and scheduled at
      4-week intervals from the first or early second trimester until delivery. Plasma
      fetuin-A concentrations were determined by ELISA. Analysis was performed using
      mixed-effects models. Results: The profiles of maternal plasma concentrations of
      fetuin-A differ between PE and uncomplicated pregnancies. Forward analysis
      indicated that the rate of increase of plasma fetuin-A concentration in patients
      who subsequently developed PE was lower at the beginning of pregnancy (p =
      0.001), yet increased faster mid-pregnancy (p = 0.0017) and reached the same
      concentration level as controls by 26 weeks. The rate of decrease was higher
      towards the end of pregnancy in patients with PE than in uncomplicated
      pregnancies (p = 0.002). The mean maternal plasma fetuin-A concentration was
      significantly lower in patients with preterm PE at the time of clinical diagnosis
      than in women with uncomplicated pregnancies (p < 0.05). In contrast, there were
      no significant differences in maternal plasma fetuin-A concentration in patients
      who developed PE at term. Conclusions: (1) The profile of maternal plasma
      concentrations of fetuin-A over time (GA) in patients who develop PE is different
      from that of normal pregnant women; (2) the rate of change of maternal plasma
      concentrations of fetuin-A is positive (increases over time) in the midtrimester
      of normal pregnancy, and negative (decreases over time) in patients who
      subsequently develop PE; (3) at the time of diagnosis, the maternal plasma fetuin
      A concentration is lower in patients with preterm PE than in those with a normal
      pregnancy outcome; however, such differences were not demonstrable in patients
      with term PE.

PMID- 25115169
TI  - Left ventricular pacing in neonates and infants with isolated congenital complete
      or advanced atrioventricular block: short- and medium-term outcome.
AB  - AIMS: Right ventricular (RV) pacing may induce left ventricular (LV) dysfunction:
      neonates and infants with isolated congenital complete/advanced atrioventricular
      block (CCAVB) are at high risk of developing RV pacing-induced LV dyssynchrony,
      remodelling, and dysfunction. We prospectively investigated whether LV pacing
      results in normal LV function and good clinical status in the short/medium term.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: In this single-centre, prospective study, 10 consecutive
      patients with CCAVB (median age 4 months, range: 0.1-16) underwent pacemaker
      implantation (4 VVIR, 6 DDD) using epicardial leads (on the LV apex in 8, on the
      LV free wall in 2). Data were collected at implantation and at 1- and 12-month
      follow-up. Echocardiographic evaluation included two-dimensional/three
      dimensional assessment of LV dimensions, function (ejection fraction, EF), and
      ventricular synchrony (interventricular and intraventricular dyssynchrony). Prior
      to pacemaker implantation, EF was normal in six patients, 50% in two, <=40% in
      two. All patients showed good clinical status and normal LV dimensions at follow
      up. Patients with LV dilatation and impaired EF at implantation showed LV reverse
      remodelling and enhanced LV function. Normal LV function and synchrony were
      observed in most patients (one patient with EF 53% and three patients with mild
      dyssynchrony at 12-month follow-up). Paced QRS complex tended to be wider than
      native QRS complexes (P = 0.07); QTc duration of paced complexes was within
      normal limits or only slightly prolonged, without significant differences
      compared with QTc interval of native complexes. CONCLUSION: At short- and medium
      term follow-up, LV pacing results in satisfactory LV electromechanical function
      and synchrony in neonates and infants with CCAVB.

PMID- 25115170
TI  - A descriptive study of elderly patients with dementia who died wandering outdoors
      in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
AB  - This was a descriptive study of elderly persons with dementia who were found dead
      after becoming lost in the community. Nineteen forensic autopsy cases were
      performed at Kochi Medical School, Japan. The mean age of the patients (9 males
      and 10 females) was 82.1 +/- 6.6 years. Causes of death were drowning (n = 8),
      trauma (n = 5), hypothermia (n = 2), and debilitation possibly due to fatigue (n
      = 1) or were unknown (n = 3). Thirteen (68%) individuals had been reported
      missing, most at least 6 hours after they had left. They moved on foot (n = 14),
      by car (n = 3), or by bicycle (n = 2). Distances from residences to spots of
      death ranged from 20 to 5800 m for 11 patients on foot. In 8 cases, it was less
      than 500 m. The study has potential implications for enabling their early
      discovery and protection.

PMID- 25115168
TI  - Peri-procedural interrupted oral anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation
      ablation: comparison of aspirin, warfarin, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban.
AB  - AIMS: Atrial fibrillation ablation requires peri-procedural oral anticoagulation
      (OAC) to prevent thromboembolic events. There are several options for OAC. We
      evaluate peri-procedural AF ablation complications using a variety of peri
      procedural OACs. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined peri-procedural OAC and groin,
      bleeding, and thromboembolic complications for 2334 consecutive AF ablations
      using open irrigated-tip radiofrequency (RF) catheters. Pre-ablation OAC was
      warfarin in 1113 (47.7%), dabigatran 426 (18.3%), rivaroxaban 187 (8.0%), aspirin
      472 (20.2%), and none 136 (5.8%). Oral anticoagulation was always interrupted and
      intraprocedural anticoagulation was unfractionated heparin (activated clotting
      time, ACT = 237 +/- 26 s). Pre- and post-OAC drugs were the same for 1591 (68.2%)
      and were different for 743 (31.8%). Following ablation, 693 (29.7%) were treated
      with dabigatran and 291 (12.5%) were treated with rivaroxaban. There were no
      problems changing from one OAC pre-ablation to another post-ablation.
      Complications included 12 (0.51%) pericardial tamponades [no differences for
      dabigatran (P = 0.457) or rivaroxaban (P = 0.163) compared with warfarin], 12
      (0.51%) groin complications [no differences for rivaroxaban (P = 0.709) and fewer
      for dabigatran (P = 0.041) compared with warfarin]. Only 5 of 2334 (0.21%)
      required blood transfusions. There were two strokes (0.086%) and no transient
      ischaemic attacks (TIAs) in the first 48 h post-ablation. Three additional
      strokes (0.13%), and two TIAs (0.086%) occurred from 48 h to 30 days. Only one
      stroke had a residual deficit. Compared with warfarin, the neurologic event rate
      was not different for dabigatran (P = 0.684) or rivaroxaban (P = 0.612).
      CONCLUSION: Using interrupted OAC, low target intraprocedural ACT, and irrigated
      tip RF, the rate of peri-procedural groin, haemorrhagic, and thromboembolic
      complications was extremely low. There were only minimal differences between
      OACs. Low-risk patients may remain on aspirin/no OAC pre-ablation. There are no
      problems changing from one OAC pre-ablation to another post-ablation.

PMID- 25115171
TI  - Interaction of anionic phenylene ethynylene polymers with lipids: from membrane
      embedding to liposome fusion.
AB  - Here we report spectroscopic studies on the interaction of negatively charged,
      amphiphilic polyphenylene ethynylene (PPE) polymers with liposomes prepared
      either from negative, positive or zwitterionic lipids. Emission spectra of PPEs
      of 7 and 49 average repeat units bearing carboxylate terminated side chains
      showed that the polymer embeds within positively charged lipids where it exists
      as free chains. No interaction was observed between PPEs and negatively charged
      lipids. Here the polymer remained aggregated giving rise to broad emission
      spectra characteristic of the aggregate species. In zwitterionic lipids, we
      observed that the majority of the polymer remained aggregated yet a small
      fraction readily embedded within the membrane. Titration experiments revealed
      that saturation of zwitterionic lipids with polymer typically occurred at a
      polymer repeat unit to lipid mole ratio close to 0.05. No further membrane
      embedding was observed above that point. For liposomes prepared from positively
      charged lipids, saturation was observed at a PPE repeat unit to lipid mole ratio
      of ~0.1 and liposome precipitation was observed above this point. FRET studies
      showed that precipitation was preceded by lipid mixing and liposome fusion
      induced by the PPEs. This behavior was prominent for the longer polymer and
      negligible for the shorter polymer at a repeat unit to lipid mole ratio of 0.05.
      We postulate that fusion is the consequence of membrane destabilization whereby
      the longer polymer gives rise to more extensive membrane deformation than the
      shorter polymer. 

PMID- 25115173
TI  - Anesthesia-induced epilepsy: causes and treatment.
AB  - Epilepsy is a type of chronic brain disease that results from an abnormally high
      synchronization of neuronal discharge. The typical clinical features of epilepsy
      are paroxysms and transient and stereotyped brain dysfunction. Many cases of
      epileptic seizures occurring during anesthesia have been reportedx. Recently,
      risk assessment of epileptic seizures during surgery and anesthesia has gained
      increasing attention. In this review, we systematically summarize the influence
      of anesthesia on epileptic seizures; the types, durations and frequencies of
      seizures related to anesthesia; and the epidemiology, prevention, treatment and
      prognosis of epilepsy. We also explore the possible mechanism of epilepsy and
      provide guidance for anesthesia during surgeries. 

PMID- 25115172
TI  - Reassessing the approach to informed consent: the case of unrelated hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation in adult thalassemia patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The informed consent process is the legal embodiment of the
      fundamental right of the individual to make decisions affecting his or her
      health., and the patient's permission is a crucial form of respect of freedom and
      dignity, it becomes extremely important to enhance the patient's understanding
      and recall of the information given by the physician. This statement acquires
      additional weight when the medical treatment proposed can potentially be
      detrimental or even fatal. This is the case of thalassemia patients pertaining to
      class 3 of the Pesaro classification where Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) remains the only potentially curative treatment.
      Unfortunately, this kind of intervention is burdened by an elevated
      transplantation-related mortality risk (TRM: all deaths considered related to
      transplantation), equal to 30% according to published reports. In thalassemia,
      the role of the patient in the informed consent process leading up to HSCT has
      not been fully investigated. This study investigated the hypothesis that
      information provided by physicians in the medical scenario of HSCT is not fully
      understood by patients and that misunderstanding and communication biases may
      affect the clinical decision-making process. METHODS: A questionnaire was either
      mailed or given personally to 25 patients. A second questionnaire was
      administered to the 12 physicians attending the patients enrolled in this study.
      Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the communication factors. RESULTS:
      The results pointed out the difference between the risks communicated by
      physicians and the risks perceived by patients. Besides the study highlighted the
      mortality risk considered to be acceptable by patients and that considered to be
      acceptable by physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Several solutions have been suggested to
      reduce the gap between communicated and perceived data. A multi-disciplinary
      approach may possibly help to attenuate some aspects of communication bias.
      Several tools have also been proposed to fill or to attenuate the gap between
      communicated and perceived data. But the most important tool is the ability of
      the physician to comprehend the right place of conscious consent in the
      relationship with the patient.

PMID- 25115175
TI  - NBOMe designer drug exposures reported to Texas poison centers.
AB  - Use of 2-methoxybenzyl analogues of 2C-X phenethylamines (NBOMe) is increasing in
      the United States. Twenty-five NBOMe exposures reported to Texas poison centers
      during 2012-2013 were identified; 76% involved 25I-NBOMe, 12% involved 25C-NBOMe,
      and 12% involved an unknown NBOMe. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were men;
      mean age was 17 years (range, 14-25 years). The exposure route was 72% from
      ingestion alone, 12% from inhalation alone, 4% from ingestion and inhalation, and
      12% from an unknown route. The most common clinical effects were tachycardia
      (52%), agitation (48%), hallucinations (32%), hypertension (32%), confusion
      (24%), and mydriasis (20%). Two patients died. 

PMID- 25115174
TI  - Limited role for ASC and NLRP3 during in vivo Salmonella Typhimurium infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The inflammasome is an intracellular protein complex triggered by
      exposure to intracellular pathogens, its components or other endogenous proteins.
      It leads to the activation of and subsequent release of proinflammatory cytokines
      such as IL-1beta and IL-18. S. Typhimurium is a Gram-negative intracellular
      bacterium, which is known to trigger inflammasome assembly via recognition by the
      cytosolic receptors, NLRP3 and NLRC4 (which act via the adaptor protein, ASC) to
      induce cell death and cytokine release. We sought to characterize the role of ASC
      and NLRP3 in two different murine models (typhoid and colitis) of systemic
      Salmonella infection. RESULTS: Release of the inflammasome cytokine IL-18 was
      hampered in Asc-/- but not Nlrp3-/- mice (background C57BL/6) during S.
      Typhimurium infection. Unexpectedly, neither ASC nor NLRP3 played a significant
      role in host defense against S. Typhimurium infection, as reflected by equal
      bacterial counts in WT, Asc-/- and Nlrp3-/- mice at all time points, in both the
      typhoid and colitis models. Proinflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and
      the extent of hepatic and splenic pathology did not differ between groups in the
      typhoid model. In the colitis model small differences were seen with regard to
      splenic and hepatic inflammation, although this was IL-18 independent.
      CONCLUSIONS: IL-18 release was reduced in Asc-/- but not Nlrp3-/- mice during S.
      Typhimurium infection. Despite this reduction, bacterial counts, cytokine levels
      and histological inflammation did not differ between wild-type and knockout mice
      in either model. Our results reveal a limited role for ASC and NLRP3 during in
      vivo S. Typhimurium infection despite its role in cytokine maturation.

PMID- 25115176
TI  - When early life growth restriction in rats is followed by attenuated postnatal
      growth: effects on cardiac function in adulthood.
AB  - PURPOSE: Epidemiological and experimental studies demonstrate that intrauterine
      growth restriction (IUGR) followed by accelerated postnatal growth leads to
      increased risk of developing cardiac disease in adulthood. The aim of this study
      was to examine the effect of early life growth restriction on cardiac structure
      and function in young adult rats. METHODS: IUGR was induced in Wistar Kyoto dams
      through administration of a low protein diet (LPD; 8.7% casein) during pregnancy
      and lactation; controls received a normal protein diet (NPD; 20% casein). Cardiac
      function and structure were assessed in female NPD (n = 7) and LPD (n = 7)
      offspring at 18 weeks of age by echocardiography and pressure-volume techniques,
      and systolic blood pressure by tail-cuff sphygmomanometry. RESULTS: LPD offspring
      remained significantly smaller throughout life compared to controls. There were
      no differences in the levels of systolic blood pressure, left ventricular cardiac
      dimensions, heart rate, ejection fraction and fractional shortening of the
      cardiac muscle between the investigated groups. Aortic peak systolic velocity was
      significantly reduced in the LPD group (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our findings
      support the idea that the programming of adult cardiovascular disease can be
      prevented or delayed in IUGR offspring when postnatal growth trajectory resembles
      that of in utero.

PMID- 25115178
TI  - The ADO index as a predictor of two-year mortality in general practice-based
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cohorts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Existing prediction models for mortality in chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have not yet been validated in primary care,
      which is where the majority of patients receive care. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to
      validate the ADO (age, dyspnoea, airflow obstruction) index as a predictor of 2
      year mortality in 2 general practice-based COPD cohorts. METHODS: Six hundred and
      forty-six patients with COPD with GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive
      Lung Disease) stages I-IV were enrolled by their general practitioners and
      followed for 2 years. The ADO regression equation was used to predict a 2-year
      risk of all-cause mortality in each patient and this risk was compared with the
      observed 2-year mortality. Discrimination and calibration were assessed as well
      as the strength of association between the 15-point ADO score and the observed 2
      year all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Fifty-two (8.1%) patients died during the 2
      year follow-up period. Discrimination with the ADO index was excellent with an
      area under the curve of 0.78 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71-0.84]. Overall,
      the predicted and observed risks matched well and visual inspection revealed no
      important differences between them across 10 risk classes (p = 0.68). The odds
      ratio for death per point increase according to the ADO index was 1.50 (95% CI
      1.31-1.71). CONCLUSIONS: The ADO index showed excellent prediction properties in
      an out-of-population validation carried out in COPD patients from primary care
      settings.

PMID- 25115179
TI  - Probing anisotropic surface properties and interaction forces of chrysotile rods
      by atomic force microscopy and rheology.
AB  - Understanding the surface properties and interactions of nonspherical particles
      is of both fundamental and practical importance in the rheology of complex fluids
      in various engineering applications. In this work, natural chrysotile, a
      phyllosilicate composed of 1:1 stacked silica and brucite layers which coil into
      cylindrical structure, was chosen as a model rod-shaped particle. The
      interactions of chrysotile brucite-like basal or bilayered edge planes and a
      silicon nitride tip were measured using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The
      force-distance profiles were fitted using the classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey
      Overbeek (DLVO) theory, which demonstrates anisotropic and pH-dependent surface
      charge properties of brucite-like basal plane and bilayered edge surface. The
      points of zero charge (PZC) of the basal and edge planes were estimated to be
      around pH 10-11 and 6-7, respectively. Rheology measurements of 7 vol %
      chrysotile (with an aspect ratio of 14.5) in 10 mM NaCl solution showed pH
      dependent yield stress with a local maximum around pH 7-9, which falls between
      the two PZC values of the edge and basal planes of the rod particles. On the
      basis of the surface potentials of the edge and basal planes obtained from AFM
      measurements, theoretical analysis of the surface interactions of edge-edge,
      basal-edge, and basal-basal planes of the chrysotile rods suggests the yield
      stress maximum observed could be mainly attributed to the basal-edge attractions.
      Our results indicate that the anisotropic surface properties (e.g., charges) of
      chrysotile rods play an important role in the particle-particle interaction and
      rheological behavior, which also provides insight into the basic understanding of
      the colloidal interactions and rheology of nonspherical particles. 

PMID- 25115177
TI  - Short- and long-term effects of a maternal low-energy diet ad libitum during
      gestation and/or lactation on physiological parameters of mothers and male
      offspring.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the short- and long-term effects of a maternal low-energy
      diet ad libitum during gestation and/or lactation on mothers and their offspring.
      METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups according to their
      mother's diet: control [C (19.0% protein, 63.0% carbohydrates and 18.0% lipids,
      total energetic value (TEV) = 3.5 kcal/g) during gestation and lactation], low
      energy diet (18% protein, 64% carbohydrates and 18% lipids, TEV = 2.3 kcal/g)
      during gestation (LE-G), low-energy diet during lactation (LE-L) and low-energy
      diet during gestation and lactation (LE-GL). Additional crude fibers (10% more
      purified cellulose and soluble fiber) and water (approximately 30% greater
      moisture) were added to the LE diet to decrease TEV. Mother's body weight, food
      intake and energy intake were recorded daily. Birth weight, growth rate, ontogeny
      of reflexes, physical features and biochemical parameters at 150 days old were
      evaluated in male offspring. RESULTS: Maternal low-energy diet during gestation
      did not affect maternal body weight and food intake. Physical features did not
      change but reflex ontogeny was delayed in pups from LE dams. LE-G offspring
      recovered body size (weight and length) while animals LE-L and LE-GL recovered
      their body length but remained lighter until adult life even with no change of
      food intake. LE-G and LE-GL showed lower plasma triglycerides and very-low
      density-lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL). LE-L offspring showed
      hypertriglyceridemia, high VLDL-c and reduced glycaemia. CONCLUSION: Maternal low
      energy diet shows discernible short- and long-term effects on offspring, and this
      is dependent on the time of perinatal period.

PMID- 25115180
TI  - Light and chemical control of neuronal circuits: possible applications in
      neurotherapy.
AB  - Millions of people worldwide suffer from diseases that result from a failure of
      central pathways to regulate behavioral and physiological processes. Advances in
      genetics and pharmacology have already allowed us to appreciate that rather than
      this dysregulation being systemic throughout the brain, it is usually rooted in
      specific subsets of dysfunctional cells within discrete neurological circuits.
      This article discusses the advent of opto- and chemogenetic tools and how they
      are providing the means to dissect these circuits with a degree of temporal and
      spatial sensitivity not previously possible. We also highlight the potential
      applications for treating disease and the key developments likely to have the
      greatest impact over the next 5 years. 

PMID- 25115181
TI  - Down-regulation of BTG1 by miR-454-3p enhances cellular radiosensitivity in renal
      carcinoma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: B cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) has long been recognized as a
      tumor suppressor gene. Recent reports demonstrated that BTG1 plays an important
      role in progression of cell cycle and is involved in cellular response to
      stressors. However, the microRNAs mediated regulatory mechanism of BTG1
      expression has not been reported so far. MicroRNAs can effectively influence
      tumor radiosensitivity by preventing cell cycle progression, resulting in
      enhancement of the cytotoxicity of radiotherapy efficacy. This study aimed to
      demonstrating the effects of microRNAs on the BTG1 expression and cellular
      radiosensitivity. METHODS: The human renal carcinoma 786-O cells were treated
      with 5 Gy of X-rays. Expressions of BTG1 gene and miR-454-3p, which was predicted
      to target BTG1 by software algorithm, were analyzed by quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction. Protein expressions were assessed by Western blot. Luciferase
      assays were used to quantify the interaction between BTG1 3'-untranslated region
      (3'-UTR) and miR-454-3p. The radiosensitivity was quantified by the assay of cell
      viability, colony formation and caspase-3 activity. RESULTS: The expression of
      the BTG1 gene in 786-O cells was significantly elevated after treatments with X
      ray irradiation, DMSO, or serum starvation. The up-regulation of BTG1 after
      irradiation reduced cellular radiosensitivity as demonstrated by the enhanced
      cell viability and colony formation, as well as the repressed caspase-3 activity.
      In comparison, knock down of BTG1 by siRNA led to significantly enhanced cellular
      radiosensitivity. It was found that miR-454-3p can regulate the expression of
      BTG1 through a direct interaction with the 3'-UTR of BTG1 mRNA. Decreasing of its
      expression level correlates well with BTG1 up-regulation during X-ray
      irradiation. Particularly, we observed that over-expression of miR-454-3p by
      transfection inhibited the BTG1 expression and enhanced the radiosensitivity. In
      addition, cell cycle analysis showed that over-expression of miR-454-3p shifted
      the cell cycle arrest from G2/M phase to S phase. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicate that BTG1 is a direct target of miR-454-3p. Down-regulation of BTG1 by
      miR-454-3p renders tumor cells sensitive to radiation. These results may shed
      light on the potential application in tumor radiotherapy.

PMID- 25115183
TI  - Getting higher: co-occurring drug use among marijuana-using emerging adults.
AB  - The most widely used illicit drug in the United States continues to be marijuana,
      and its use among emerging adults continues to increase. Marijuana use can result
      in a range of negative consequences and has been associated with other drug use
      in adolescents and emerging adults. This study examined the relationship between
      marijuana use frequency and the use of six other drug classes (opiates, cocaine,
      stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalants, and sleep medications) among emerging
      adults. A cross-sectional interview design was used with a community sample of
      1,075 emerging adults in the northeastern United States. Using logistic
      regression analysis controlling for age, ethnicity, gender, and frequency of
      binge alcohol, daily marijuana use was found to be associated with a significant
      increase in the expected odds of opiate, cocaine, stimulant, hallucinogen,
      inhalant, and tobacco use. The findings identify a subgroup of emerging adult
      marijuana users-those who use daily-that may be vulnerable to additional negative
      consequences associated with polysubstance use. 

PMID- 25115182
TI  - Alternative splicing in osteoclasts and Paget's disease of bone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutations in the SQSTM1/p62 gene have been reported in Paget's
      disease of bone (PDB), but they are not sufficient to induce the pagetic
      osteoclast (OC) phenotype. We hypothesized that specific RNA isoforms of OC
      related genes may contribute to the overactivity of pagetic OCs, along with other
      genetic predisposing factors. METHODS: Alternative splicing (AS) events were
      studied using a PCR-based screening strategy in OC cultures from 29 patients with
      PDB and 26 healthy donors (HD), all genotyped for the p62P392L mutation. Primer
      pairs targeting 5223 characterized AS events were used to analyze relative
      isoform ratios on pooled cDNA from samples of the four groups (PDB, PDBP392L, HD,
      HDP392L). Of the 1056 active AS events detected in the screening analysis, 192
      were re-analyzed on non-amplified cDNA from each subject of the whole cohort.
      RESULTS: This analysis led to the identification of six AS events significantly
      associated with PDB, but none with p62P392L. The corresponding genes included
      LGALS8, RHOT1, CASC4, USP4, TBC1D25, and PIDD. In addition, RHOT1 and LGALS8
      genes were upregulated in pagetic OCs, as were CASC4 and RHOT1 genes in the
      presence of p62P392L. Finally, we showed that the proteins encoded by LGALS8,
      RHOT1, USP4, TBC1D25, and PIDD were expressed in human OCs. CONCLUSION: This
      study allowed the identification of hitherto unknown players in OC biology, and
      our findings of a differential AS in pagetic OCs may generate new concepts in the
      pathogenesis of PDB.

PMID- 25115185
TI  - Spreading and arrest of a molten liquid on cold substrates.
AB  - Understanding the spreading and solidification of liquids on cold solid surfaces
      is a problem of fundamental importance and general utility. The physics of
      nonisothermal spreading followed by phase change is still a mystery. The present
      work focuses on the dynamics and thermal characteristics of liquid drop spreading
      and their subsequent arrest due to freezing. The spreading of liquid is recorded,
      and the evolution of the liquid spreading diameter and liquid-solid contact angle
      is measured from the recordings of a high-speed digital camera. After the
      initiation of solidification, the liquid drops are pinned to the substrate,
      showing fixed footprints and contact angles. A physical hypothesis using scaling
      is provided to explain the relationship between the arrested base diameter (D*)
      and arrested contact angle (theta*) with respect to the Stefan number (Ste). The
      experimental observations of solidified drops on cold substrates corroborate the
      derived physical theory. 

PMID- 25115187
TI  - Identifying correlates of success and failure of native freshwater fish
      reintroductions.
AB  - Reintroduction of imperiled native freshwater fish is becoming an increasingly
      important conservation tool amidst persistent anthropogenic pressures and new
      threats related to climate change. We summarized trends in native fish
      reintroductions in the current literature, identified predictors of
      reintroduction outcome, and devised recommendations for managers attempting
      future native fish reintroductions. We constructed random forest classifications
      using data from 260 published case studies of native fish reintroductions to
      estimate the effectiveness of variables in predicting reintroduction outcome. The
      outcome of each case was assigned as a success or failure on the basis of the
      author's perception of the outcome and on whether or not survival, spawning, or
      recruitment were documented during post-reintroduction monitoring. Inadequately
      addressing the initial cause of decline was the best predictor of reintroduction
      failure. Variables associated with habitat (e.g., water quality, prey
      availability) were also good predictors of reintroduction outcomes, followed by
      variables associated with stocking (e.g., genetic diversity of stock source,
      duration of stocking event). Consideration of these variables by managers during
      the planning process may increase the likelihood for successful outcomes in
      future reintroduction attempts of native freshwater fish.

PMID- 25115184
TI  - S-nitrosation of mitochondrial connexin 43 regulates mitochondrial function.
AB  - S-nitrosation (SNO) of connexin 43 (Cx43)-formed channels modifies dye uptake in
      astrocytes and gap junctional communication in endothelial cells. Apart from
      forming channels at the plasma membrane of several cell types, Cx43 is also
      located at the inner membrane of myocardial subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM),
      but not in interfibrillar mitochondria (IFM). The absence or pharmacological
      blockade of mitochondrial Cx43 (mtCx43) reduces dye and potassium uptake. Lack of
      mtCx43 is associated with loss of endogenous cardioprotection by ischemic
      preconditioning (IPC), which is mediated by formation of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS). Whether or not mitochondrial Lucifer Yellow (LY), ion uptake, or ROS
      generation are affected by SNO of mtCx43 and whether or not cardioprotective
      interventions affect SNO of mtCx43 remains unknown. In SSM from rat hearts,
      application of NO donors (48 nmol to 1 mmol) increased LY uptake (0.5 mmol SNAP
      38.4 +/- 7.1 %, p < 0.05; 1 mmol GSNO 28.1 +/- 7.4 %, p < 0.05) and the refilling
      rate of potassium (SNAP 227.9 +/- 30.1 %, p < 0.05; GSNO 122.6 +/- 28.1 %, p <
      0.05). These effects were absent following blockade of Cx43 hemichannels by
      carbenoxolone as well as in IFM lacking Cx43. Unlike potassium, the sodium
      permeability was not affected by application of NO. Furthermore, mitochondrial
      ROS formation was increased following NO application compared to control SSM (0.5
      mmol SNAP 22.9 +/- 1.8 %, p < 0.05; 1 mmol GSNO 40.6 +/- 7.1 %, p < 0.05), but
      decreased in NO treated IFM compared to control (0.5 mmol SNAP 14.4 +/- 4 %, p <
      0.05; 1 mmol GSNO 13.8 +/- 4 %, p < 0.05). NO donor administration to isolated
      SSM increased SNO of mtCx43 by 109.2 +/- 15.8 %. Nitrite application (48 nmol) to
      mice was also associated with elevated SNO of mtCx43 by 59.3 +/- 18.2 % (p <
      0.05). IPC by four cycles of 5 min of ischemia and 5 min of reperfusion increased
      SNO of mtCx43 by 41.6 +/- 1.7 % (p < 0.05) when compared to control perfused rat
      hearts. These data suggest that SNO of mtCx43 increases mitochondrial
      permeability, especially for potassium and leads to increased ROS formation. The
      increased amount of SNO mtCx43 by IPC or nitrite administration may link NO and
      Cx43 in the signal transduction cascade of cardioprotective interventions.

PMID- 25115186
TI  - Motivationally significant self-control: enhanced action withholding involves the
      right inferior frontal junction.
AB  - In everyday life, people use self-control to withhold actions. This ability is
      particularly important when the consequences of action withholding have an impact
      on the individual's well-being. Despite its importance, it is unclear as to how
      the neural nodes implicated in action withholding contribute to this real-world
      type of self-control. By modifying an action withholding paradigm, the go/no-go
      task, we examined how the brain exerts self-control during a scenario in which
      the implications of withholding an action are meaningful and motivationally
      significant. A successfully withheld response contributed to long-term monetary
      rewards, whereas failure to withhold a response incurred an immediate monetary
      punishment. Compared with neutral action withholding, participants significantly
      improved their performance when these contingencies were applied. Crucially,
      although the right IFG and pre-SMA were found to promote overall action
      withholding, the enhancement in behavioral performance relative to a neutral
      condition was only reflected by a physiological change in a region encompassing
      the right inferior frontal junction and precentral gyrus. We speculate that the
      ability to flexibly modulate attention to goal-relevant stimuli is crucial to
      enhanced, motivationally driven action withholding and that this ability is
      subserved by the right inferior frontal junction. These findings suggest that
      control-modulating factors, rather than action withholding processes per se, can
      be critical to improving motivationally significant action withholding outcomes. 

PMID- 25115188
TI  - Accuracy of cytotechnologist evaluation of specimen adequacy and screening
      interpretation of malignancy in fine-needle aspiration of the liver.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of cytotechnologists in assessing the
      adequacy and accuracy of the preliminary diagnosis for fine-needle aspirates of
      the liver. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively analyzed 10 years of data and found
      589 cases of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the liver with on
      site evaluation of adequacy (OSEA). All the OSEA were performed by the
      cytopathologist because OSEA of liver FNA is not performed by cytotechnologists
      at our institution at present. After OSEA, the material was seen by
      cytotechnologists who rendered an adequacy assessment and preliminary diagnosis.
      We calculated the adequacy and accuracy statistics and compared the performance
      of the cytotechnologists with the OSEA and final interpretation. RESULTS: There
      was no statistically significant difference in adequacy downgrade rate for
      cytotechnologist versus cytopathologist assessment during the study period (5 vs.
      3%, p = 0.06). A total agreement of 88% was noted in overall diagnosis with 97%
      agreement in malignant cases. CONCLUSION: Cytotechnologists assess the adequacy
      of liver FNA accurately and there is therefore potential for them to perform OSEA
      for liver FNA.

PMID- 25115191
TI  - Towards developing biomarkers for glioblastoma multiforme: a proteomics view.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of
      the primary brain tumors. With predominance of tumor heterogeneity and emergence
      of new subtypes, new approaches are needed to develop tissue-based markers for
      tumor typing or circulatory markers to serve as blood-based assays. Multi-omics
      data integration for GBM tissues would offer new insights on the molecular view
      of GBM pathogenesis useful to identify biomarker panels. On the other hand,
      mapping differentially expressed tissue proteins for their secretory potential
      through bioinformatics analysis or analysis of the tumor cell secretome or tumor
      exosomes would enhance our understanding of the tumor microenvironment and
      prospects for targeting circulatory biomarkers. In this review, the authors first
      present potential biomarker candidates for GBM that have been reported and then
      focus on plausible pipelines for multi-omic data integration to identify
      additional, high-confidence molecular panels for clinical applications in GBM. 

PMID- 25115189
TI  - The bidirectional tumor--mesenchymal stromal cell interaction promotes the
      progression of head and neck cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are an integral cellular component
      of the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, very little is known about MSC
      originating from human malignant tissue and modulation of these cells by tumor
      derived factors. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize MSC from
      head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and to investigate their
      interaction with tumor cells. METHODS: MSC were isolated from tumor tissues of
      HNSCC patients during routine oncological surgery. Immunophenotyping,
      immunofluorescence and in vitro differentiation were performed to determine
      whether the isolated cells met the consensus criteria for MSC. The cytokine
      profile of tumor-derived MSC was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA). Activation of MSC by tumor-conditioned media was assessed by measuring
      cytokine release and expression of CD54. The impact of MSC on tumor growth in
      vivo was analyzed in a HNSCC xenograft model. RESULTS: Cells isolated from HNSCC
      tissue met the consensus criteria for MSC. Tumor-derived MSC constitutively
      produced high amounts of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and stromal cell-derived factor
      (SDF)-1alpha. HNSCC-derived factors activated MSC and enhanced secretion of IL-8
      and expression of CD54. Furthermore, MSC provided stromal support for human HNSCC
      cell lines in vivo and enhanced their growth in a murine xenograft model.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to isolate and characterize MSC from
      malignant tissues of patients with HNSCC. We observed cross-talk of stromal cells
      and tumor cells resulting in enhanced growth of HNSCC in vivo.

PMID- 25115193
TI  - Systematic Review of the Manifestations of Congenital Rubella Syndrome in Infants
      and Characterization of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).
AB  - Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) continues to cause disability among
      unvaccinated populations in countries with no or insufficient rubella vaccine
      coverage to prevent transmission. We systematically reviewed the literature on
      birth outcomes associated with CRS to estimate the duration, severity, and
      frequency of combinations of morbidities. We searched PubMed, the Science
      Citation Index, and references from relevant articles for studies in English with
      primary data on the frequency of CRS manifestations for >=20 cases and identified
      65 studies representing 66 study populations that met our inclusion criteria. We
      abstracted available data on CRS cases with one or more hearing, heart, and/or
      eye defect following maternal rubella infection during the period of 0-20 weeks
      since the last menstrual period. We assessed the quality and weight of the
      available evidence using a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment,
      Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Most of the evidence originates from
      studies in developed countries of cohorts of infants identified with CRS in the
      1960s and 1970s, prior to the development of standardized definitions for CRS and
      widespread use of vaccine. We developed estimates of undiscounted disability
      adjusted life years (DALYs) lost per CRS case for countries of different income
      levels. The estimates ranged from approximately 19 to 39 for high-income
      countries assuming optimal treatment and from approximately 29 to 39 DALYs lost
      per CRS case in low- and lower- middle-income countries assuming minimal
      treatment, with the lower bound based on 2010 general global burden of disease
      disability weights and the upper bound based on 1990 age-specific and treatment
      specific global burden of disease disability weights. Policymakers and analysts
      should appreciate the significant burden of disability caused by CRS as they
      evaluate opportunities to manage rubella.

PMID- 25115192
TI  - Gene signatures ESC, MYC and ERG-fusion are early markers of a potentially
      dangerous subtype of prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Good prognostic tools for predicting disease progression in early
      stage prostate cancer (PCa) are still missing. Detection of molecular subtypes,
      for instance by using microarray gene technology, can give new prognostic
      information which can assist personalized treatment planning. The detection of
      new subtypes with validation across additional and larger patient cohorts is
      important for bringing a potential prognostic tool into the clinic. METHODS: We
      used fresh frozen prostatectomy tissue of high molecular quality to further
      explore four molecular subtype signatures of PCa based on Gene Set Enrichment
      Analysis (GSEA) of 15 selected gene sets published in a previous study. For this
      analysis we used a statistical test of dependent correlations to compare
      reference signatures to signatures in new normal and PCa samples, and also
      explore signatures within and between sample subgroups in the new samples.
      RESULTS: An important finding was the consistent signatures observed for samples
      from the same patient independent of Gleason score. This proves that the
      signatures are robust and can surpass a normally high tumor heterogeneity within
      each patient. Our data did not distinguish between four different subtypes of PCa
      as previously published, but rather highlighted two groups of samples which could
      be related to good and poor prognosis based on survival data from the previous
      study.The poor prognosis group highlighted a set of samples characterized by
      enrichment of ESC, ERG-fusion and MYC + rich signatures in patients diagnosed
      with low Gleason score,. The other group consisted of PCa samples showing good
      prognosis as well as normal samples. Accounting for sample composition (the
      amount of benign structures such as stroma and epithelial cells in addition to
      the cancer component) was important to improve subtype assignments and should
      also be considered in future studies. CONCLUSION: Our study validates a previous
      molecular subtyping of PCa in a new patient cohort, and identifies a subgroup of
      PCa samples highly interesting for detecting high risk PCa at an early stage. The
      importance of taking sample tissue composition into account when assigning
      subtype is emphasized.

PMID- 25115197
TI  - Do palliative care interventions reduce emergency department visits among
      patients with cancer at the end of life? A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frequent emergency department (ED) visits are an indicator of poor
      quality of cancer care. Coordination of care through the use of palliative care
      teams may limit aggressive care and improve outcomes for patients with cancer at
      the end of life. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the literature to determine
      whether palliative care interventions implemented in the hospital, home, or
      outpatient clinic are more effective than usual care in reducing ED visits among
      patients with cancer at the end of life. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: PubMed, EMBASE,
      and CINAHL databases were searched from database inception to May 7, 2014. Only
      randomized/non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies
      examining the effect of palliative care interventions on ED visits among adult
      patients with cancer with advanced disease were considered. DATA EXTRACTION AND
      DATA SYNTHESIS: Data were abstracted from the articles that met all the inclusion
      criteria. A second reviewer independently abstracted data from 2 articles and
      discrepancies were resolved. From 464 abstracts, 2 RCTs, 10 observational
      studies, and 1 non-RCT/quasi-experimental study were included. Overall there is
      limited evidence to support the use of palliative care interventions to reduce ED
      visits, although studies examining effect of hospice care and those conducted
      outside of the United States reported a statistically significant reduction in ED
      visits. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence regarding whether palliative care interventions
      implemented in the hospital, home or outpatient clinic are more effective than
      usual care at reducing ED visits is not strongly substantiated based on the
      literature reviewed. Improvements in the quality of reporting for studies
      examining the effect of palliative care interventions on ED use are needed.

PMID- 25115194
TI  - Survival rate of etanercept for psoriasis in real life: a multicentre
      observational study.

PMID- 25115195
TI  - Bridging the gap: Lessons we have learnt from the merging of psychology and
      psychiatry for the optimisation of treatments for emotional disorders.
AB  - In recent years the gap between psychological and psychiatric research and
      practice has lessened. In turn, greater attention has been paid toward how
      psychological and pharmacological treatments interact. Unfortunately, the
      majority of research has indicated no additive effect of anxiolytics and
      antidepressants when combined with psychological treatments, and in many cases
      pharmacological treatments attenuate the effectiveness of psychological
      treatments. However, as psychology and psychiatry have come closer together,
      research has started to investigate the neural and molecular mechanisms
      underlying psychological treatments. Such research has utilised preclinical
      models of psychological treatments, such as fear extinction, in both rodents and
      humans to determine multiple neural and molecular changes that may be responsible
      for the long-term cognitive and behavioural changes that psychological treatments
      induce. Currently, researchers are attempting to identify pharmacological agents
      that directly augment these neural/molecular changes, and which may be more
      effective adjuncts to psychological treatments than traditional anxiolytics and
      antidepressants. In this review we describe the research that has led to this new
      wave of thinking about combined psychological/pharmacological treatments. We also
      argue that an increased emphasis on identifying individual difference factors
      that predict the effectiveness of pharmacological adjuncts is critical in
      facilitating the translation of this preclinical research into clinical practice.

PMID- 25115198
TI  - From crab shells to smart systems: chitosan-alkylethoxy carboxylate complexes.
AB  - In this work, self-assembly of alkyl ethylene oxide carboxylates and the
      biopolymer chitosan into supramolecular structures with various shapes is
      presented. Our investigations were done at pH 4.0, where the chitosan is almost
      fully charged and the surfactants are partially deprotonated. By changing the
      alkyl chain length and the number of ethylenoxide units very different water
      soluble complexes can be obtained, ranging from globular micelles incorporated in
      a chitosan network to formation of ordered multiwalled vesicles. The structural
      characteristics of these complexes can be finely controlled by the mixing ratio
      of chitosan and surfactant, i.e., simply by the solutions composition. For
      instance, the vesicle wall thickness can be varied between 5 and 50 nm just by
      varying the mixing ratio. Accordingly, we expect this system to be an outstanding
      carrier for hydrophilic compounds with tunable release time option. Moreover, an
      easy route for preparation of chitosan-based complexes in the solid state with
      controlled mesoscopic order is presented. This work opens the way to prepare
      biofriendly materials on the basis of chitosan and mild anionic surfactants which
      are rather versatile with respect to their structure and properties, allowing for
      preparation of complexes with highly variable structures in both aqueous and
      solid phase. Formation of such different structures can be exploited for
      preparation of carriers, which are able to transport hydrophilic as well as
      hydrophobic molecules. Furthermore, as chitosan is well known to exhibit
      antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, different applications of these
      complexes can be indicated, i.e., as drug delivery systems or as coatings for
      medical implants. 

PMID- 25115199
TI  - Psychosocial correlates of adolescent cannabis use: data from the Italian
      subsample of the second International Self-Reported Delinquency study.
AB  - To provide a comprehensive picture of the whole spectrum of psychosocial factors
      potentially associated with adolescent cannabis use, bivariate and multivariate
      analyses were used to assess a variety of social, demographic, psychological, and
      behavioral correlates of last-month cannabis use and age of first use among 6,838
      students. Results showed that only family problems, alcohol and/or other drug
      use/misuse, deviant behavior, and victimization were independently associated
      with either recent cannabis use or early onset of cannabis use when multiple,
      interacting factors were considered. Certain family and behavioral factors might
      be more important than other psychosocial correlates of adolescent cannabis use. 

PMID- 25115200
TI  - Associations between follow-up screening after gestational diabetes and early
      detection of diabetes--a register based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women whose pregnancy was complicated by gestational diabetes have a
      7-fold higher risk of developing diabetes, primarily type 2. Early detection can
      prevent or delay the onset of late complications, for which follow-up screening
      is important. This study investigated the extent of participation in follow-up
      screening and the possible consequences of nonattendance in the Region of North
      Jutland, Denmark. METHOD: In Danish national registers covering the years 1994
      2011 we identified 2171 birthing women whose pregnancy was complicated by first
      time gestational diabetes. Control visits to general practitioners and
      biochemical departments after giving birth were charted. Following national
      guidelines we defined four intervals for assessment of participation in follow-up
      screening. Diagnosis of diabetes or treatment with glucose-lowering agents after
      giving birth were also identified. Participation in follow-up screening and risk
      of diabetes was calculated. Time to obtaining diagnosis of diabetes or initiating
      treatment was analysed by Cox regression models. All models were adjusted for
      age, ethnicity and income. RESULTS: High attendance was found during the first
      control interval, after which attendance decreased with time after giving birth
      for both controls at general practitioners and biochemical departments. All
      differences in proportions were statistically significant. Women attending
      controls at general practitioners had a significantly higher risk of diabetes
      diagnosis and treatment after gestational diabetes than women not attending. The
      results for women attending testing at biochemical departments also showed an
      increased risk of initiation of treatment. Women attending at least one general
      practitioners control had a significantly higher risk of early diabetes diagnosis
      or treatment. Time to initiation of treatment was significantly higher for
      testing at biochemical departments. Women with high incomes had a significantly
      lower risk of diabetes diagnosis or initiation of treatment compared to low
      income women. CONCLUSION: Participation in follow-up screening after gestational
      diabetes is low in the North Denmark Region. Follow-up screening ensures early
      detection of diabetes and initiation of treatment. Our results emphasize the
      importance of development of interventions to improve early detection and
      prevention of diabetes after gestational diabetes.

PMID- 25115201
TI  - The p-EVES study design and methodology: a randomised controlled trial to compare
      portable electronic vision enhancement systems (p-EVES) to optical magnifiers for
      near vision activities in visual impairment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the study design and methodology for the p-EVES study, a
      trial designed to determine the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and
      acceptability of portable Electronic Vision Enhancement System (p-EVES) devices
      and conventional optical low vision aids (LVAs) for near tasks in people with low
      vision. METHODS: The p-EVES study is a prospective two-arm randomised cross-over
      trial to test the hypothesis that, in comparison to optical LVAs, p-EVES can be:
      used for longer duration; used for a wider range of tasks than a single optical
      LVA and/or enable users to do tasks that they were not able to do with optical
      LVAs; allow faster performance of instrumental activities of daily living; and
      allow faster reading. A total of 100 adult participants with visual impairment
      are currently being recruited from Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and randomised
      into either Group 1 (receiving the two interventions A and B in the order AB), or
      Group 2 (receiving the two interventions in the order BA). Intervention A is a 2
      month period with conventional optical LVAs and a p-EVES device, and intervention
      B is a 2-month period with conventional optical LVAs only. RESULTS: The study
      adopts a mixed methods approach encompassing a broad range of outcome measures.
      The results will be obtained from the following primary outcome measures:
      Manchester Low Vision Questionnaire, capturing device 'usage' data (which devices
      are used, number of times, for what purposes, and for how long) and the MNRead
      test, measuring threshold print size, critical print size, and acuity reserve in
      addition to reading speed at high (~90%) contrast. Results will also be obtained
      from a series of secondary outcome measures which include: assessment of timed
      instrumental activities of daily living and a 'near vision' visual functioning
      questionnaire. A companion qualitative study will permit comparison of results on
      how, where, and under what circumstances, p-EVES devices and LVAs are used in
      daily life. A health economic evaluation will provide results on: the incremental
      cost-effectiveness of p-EVES compared to optical magnifiers; cost-effectiveness;
      and cost-utility. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence base in low vision rehabilitation is
      modest and further high quality clinical trials are required to inform decisions
      on healthcare provision. The p-EVES study findings are anticipated to contribute
      to this broader evidence requirement, with the methodological issues evident here
      being relevant to other trials within the field.

PMID- 25115203
TI  - Porokeratoses: an update of clinical, aetiopathogenic and therapeutic features.
AB  - Porokeratoses represent a group of uncommon, acquired or hereditary dermatoses,
      due to a keratinization disorder whose origin is still unclear; they could be due
      to the expansion of a clone of abnormal epidermal keratinocytes. Several clinical
      forms exist, of which the most common is disseminated superficial actinic
      porokeratosis; other forms include Mibelli, disseminated superficial, linear,
      palmoplantaris punctata and palmaris, plantaris et disseminata. These may coexist
      in the same patient or in different members of the same family. Porokeratoses
      manifest clinically with annular or linear, well-circumscribed keratotic plaques
      and share a common histological hallmark, the cornoid lamella, a vertical stack
      of parakeratotic corneocytes within the horny layer resting on a shallow
      depression of the underlying epidermis. Porokeratoses may be seen in the setting
      of various immunodeficiencies, namely in organ-transplant recipients, in whom the
      course of the disease may parallel the degree of immunosuppression. The overall
      prognosis of porokeratoses is favourable but is shadowed by the possibility of
      malignant transformation of the lesions (usually into squamous cell carcinoma);
      this happens in less than 10% of cases but may prove fatal. Although several
      surgical or medical (local or systemic) treatments have been tried, none of them
      has shown consistent and long-term efficacy. 

PMID- 25115204
TI  - [Predicting chance of disease: calculation using prediction rules].
AB  - A prediction rule is a statistical model that can be used to predict the presence
      or absence of a disease based on a limited number of tests or predictive factors.
      One of the mathematical methods used to formulate prediction rules is a logistic
      regression analysis of patient data. The discriminatory power of a model is
      visualizable using box-whisker plots and ROC curves; calibration plots show the
      match between the predicted chance and the observed frequency of a disease. These
      graphs are used to assess whether a model adequately reproduces reality. On
      publication of prediction rules it is important that the regression function is
      written out and that the chances of a disease on the basis of diagnostic scores
      are displayed in a histogram. For the practical significance of the model, it is
      also important to know how often the predicted low, medium or high probabilities
      of a disease do actually occur in comparison with the advance chance of
      occurrence.

PMID- 25115202
TI  - Genetic network identifies novel pathways contributing to atherosclerosis
      susceptibility in the innominate artery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease,
      results from both genetic and environmental factors. METHODS: In the current
      study we take a systems-based approach using weighted gene co-expression analysis
      to identify a candidate pathway of genes related to atherosclerosis.
      Bioinformatic analyses are performed to identify candidate genes and interactions
      and several novel genes are characterized using in-vitro studies. RESULTS: We
      identify 1 coexpression module associated with innominate artery atherosclerosis
      that is also enriched for inflammatory and macrophage gene signatures. Using a
      series of bioinformatics analysis, we further prioritize the genes in this
      pathway and identify Cd44 as a critical mediator of the atherosclerosis. We
      validate our predictions generated by the network analysis using Cd44 knockout
      mice. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that alterations in Cd44 expression
      mediate inflammation through a complex transcriptional network involving a number
      of previously uncharacterized genes.

PMID- 25115205
TI  - [Combination of exemestane and everolimus may produce toxic side effects: a new
      treatment option for metastatic hormone-sensitive breast cancer].
AB  - The combination of exemestane and everolimus is a new treatment option for
      metastatic hormone-sensitive breast cancer. This treatment is used after
      progression on non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors. The treatment is generally
      well tolerated, but sometimes leads to minor or even serious side effects. It is
      important to be aware of these side effects and to treat them. We describe two
      patients who had to cope with various forms of toxicity: a 73-year-old woman with
      aphthous mouth lesions and a 49-year-old woman with pneumonitis. We then discuss
      the efficacy of the combination exemestane and everolimus and its positioning in
      the treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Finally, some common
      and some potentially serious side effects will be discussed, along with
      recommendations for their management and indications for distinguishing side
      effects from disease progression. 

PMID- 25115206
TI  - [Hyperglycaemia during treatment with everolimus].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Everolimus is an orally administered anti-cancer drug that inhibits
      the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal transduction route. Use of
      everolimus may be associated with insulin resistance, manifesting in impaired
      glucose tolerance or hyperglycaemia. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 74-year-old female
      patient with a locally recurrent breast cancer developed hyperglycaemia, which
      started 2 weeks after the initiation of treatment with everolimus 10 mg once
      daily. Metformin and insulin were administered to restore normoglycaemia.
      CONCLUSION: At the initiation of treatment with an mTOR inhibitor such as
      everolimus the treating physician should be aware of the occurrence of
      hyperglycaemia. Metformin is then the medicine of first choice.

PMID- 25115207
TI  - [Glossopharyngeal neuralgia and syncope].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The causes of neuralgia are usually not known, but the condition can
      be caused by an underlying condition. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 58-year-old man
      presented at the accident and emergency department with a 6-week history of
      continuous nagging pain in the region of his right ear, extending to the lower
      jaw and the right side of his neck; this worsened in progressive attacks, which
      were sometimes followed by non-rotatory dizziness and loss of consciousness. This
      clinical picture lead us to suspect glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) because of
      the distribution of the pain and the secondary syncope, but the continuous nature
      of the pain was atypical and a reason for further investigation. This revealed
      metastatic parotid gland carcinoma with compression of the right glossopharyngeal
      nerve. Following palliative radiotherapy, the pain improved and there were no
      further episodes of loss of consciousness. CONCLUSION: When GPN is suspected and
      there is continuous pain, or neurological investigations reveal abnormalities, an
      underlying condition should be considered and additional investigations should be
      carried out.

PMID- 25115208
TI  - [The treatment of drooling in children].
AB  - Undesirable drooling in children is an underexposed problem and difficult to
      treat, although there are multiple treatment options. A multidisciplinary
      approach is preferable for the examination and treatment of patients with
      drooling. The injection of botulinum toxin is the most frequently performed
      treatment for children who drool, but the effects are temporary. If drooling
      persists despite conservative treatment, surgical interventions performed by an
      otolaryngologist may be considered and may offer a more definitive solution.

PMID- 25115209
TI  - [Treatment of children with intestinal failure: intestinal rehabilitation, home
      parenteral nutrition or small intestine transplantation?].
AB  - Intestinal failure is characterised by inadequate absorption of food or fluids,
      which is caused by insufficient bowel surface area or functioning. Children with
      chronic intestinal failure are dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN), which can
      be provided at home (HPN). In the Netherlands, HPN for children is coordinated by
      special HPN and intestinal failure teams from the Emma Children's Hospital, the
      Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital and the Radboud University Medical Center.
      HPN is the treatment of choice for children with chronic intestinal failure.
      Small intestine transplantation is only justified if HPN fails because
      complications arise; this procedure is carried out at the University Medical
      Center in Groningen. In addition to medical complications, HPN has psychosocial
      implications both for the children and their parents. Systematic attention to
      these can be provided by the 'Quality of Life in Clinical Practice' method, which
      also enables collection of data relevant for research purposes.

PMID- 25115211
TI  - [Thrombolysis not always necessary in patients with acute pulmonary embolism].
AB  - International guidelines suggest that patients presenting with acute pulmonary
      embolism should be given routine thrombolysis on top of heparin. There is debate
      as to whether patients with acute pulmonary embolism who present in a
      haemodynamically stable condition, yet have signs of right ventricular
      dysfunction and increased troponin, actually need thrombolytic therapy. The
      results of the Pulmonary Embolism Thrombolysis study (PEITHO) show that in this
      particular patient group routine thrombolysis led to less haemodynamic
      decompensation or collapse, but that this advantage came with significantly
      higher incidences of haemorrhagic stroke and major extracranial bleeding. These
      results argue against routine thrombolysis in these patients. It is recommended
      that anticoagulation with heparin and vitamin K antagonists be given and patients
      be carefully monitored in hospital, particularly during the first three days. 

PMID- 25115212
TI  - [Expensive new drugs for treating cancer: a dilemma].
AB  - The number of new cancer patients in the Netherlands is increasing annually:
      there were approximately 100,000 new cases in 2010 and there will be more than
      120,000 in 2020. The number of systemic therapies available for these patients is
      growing rapidly, and spending on anticancer drug doubled within ten years, to EUR
      733 m in 2013. During the past few years the amount spent on new targeted drugs
      was compensated by the expiration of patents for frequently used cytostatics such
      as paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabin, oxaliplatin and irinotecan. Immunotherapy
      is now available for patients with metastatic melanoma and the new 'checkpoint
      inhibitors' look promising for other cancers, including lung cancer, renal cell
      cancer, and bladder cancer. These drugs, as well as the numerous new targeted
      agents, are very expensive. The price for 4 cycles of ipilimumab for a patient
      with metastatic melanoma is approximately EUR 80,000. A special committee of the
      Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) released a report on the increasing costs of
      anticancer treatments and gave recommendations concerning how to address this
      issue. First of all, cost savings have to be achieved by lowering the price of
      the innovative drugs. The search for companion diagnostics should be encouraged,
      in order to avoid unnecessary drug administration. And, if these measures are not
      sufficient, the government should consider determining a price-ceiling for these
      treatments. A differentiation between treatments with curative intention or long
      term survival benefits and those which only have marginal effects, would appear
      to be logical. 

PMID- 25115213
TI  - Value of clinical and laboratory inflammation factors in the postoperative period
      after laparoscopic urogynecological surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Leukocytes and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are often used to
      detect infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and
      screening validity of leukocytes and CRP levels as well as body temperature >38
      degrees  C to predict infections after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: The
      study included 287 patients suffering from genital prolapse higher than POP-Q I.
      In addition to the sacrocolpopexy, a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy was
      performed in cases of preexisting uterus (n = 171). Leukocytes and CRP levels
      were analyzed preoperatively and 4 days after surgery. Early and late onset of
      infections was documented. RESULTS: Urinary tract infection was identified as the
      most frequent early postoperative complication (11.4%). Early wound infections
      were found in 2.8% of the patients (8/287). Late onset of infections was found in
      1% of patients (3/287). Areas under ROC curves were low for both leukocytes
      (0.52, 95% CI: 0.37-0.66) and CRP levels (0.60, 95% CI: 0.44-0.77). CONCLUSION:
      Our findings question the benefit of routine determination of leukocytes and CRP
      levels 4 days after surgery. The sensitivity and specificity of leukocytes and
      CRP levels are probably more significant after normalization of the initial
      tissue response (days 8-10).

PMID- 25115214
TI  - Foreword. Pertussis vaccines.

PMID- 25115215
TI  - Impact of coronary artery disease on left ventricular ejection fraction recovery
      following transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to assess if the presence and
      severity of CAD is associated with decreased LVEF recovery after TAVI.
      BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and low left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF) are common findings in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic
      valve implantation (TAVI). The impact of CAD on LVEF recovery after TAVI has not
      been specifically evaluated. METHODS: All patients with LVEF<=50% who underwent
      TAVI between March 2006 and May 2012 were included in the study. The presence and
      severity of coronary artery disease was measured using the Duke Myocardial
      Jeopardy Score (DMJS). A DMJS = 0 corresponds to patients without CAD or complete
      revascularization and a DMJS > 0 to those with incomplete revascularization. LVEF
      recovery was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, measuring the change in
      LVEF from baseline to 3-months post-TAVI. Myocardial viability was evaluated in a
      subgroup of patients using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging pre-TAVI.
      RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included in the study. Twenty-eight patients
      (50%) had a DMJS > 0. At 3 months, patients with incomplete revascularization
      (DMJS > 0) demonstrated less LVEF recovery post-TAVI (2.0 +/- 9.2% versus 11.7 +/
      8.9% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, DMJS and presence of
      significant delayed-enhancement were found to be independent predictors of LVEF
      recovery. Patients with incomplete revascularization exhibited a worse prognosis
      with higher mortality at 30-days (22.2% versus 0% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.010) and 1
      year (25.9% versus 3.5% if DMJS = 0; P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The present study
      demonstrates an independent association between incomplete revascularization and
      decreased LVEF recovery in patients with left ventricular dysfunction undergoing
      TAVI for severe aortic stenosis.

PMID- 25115217
TI  - Complete penoscrotal transposition: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Penoscrotal transposition is a rare congenital abnormality. We report a case
      presenting prenatally with ambiguous genitalia and renal anomaly on obstetric
      ultrasound and fetal MRI and discuss the postnatal examination and autopsy
      findings. We present a review of the literature, including associated gene
      abnormalities.

PMID- 25115216
TI  - Nitinol-based nanotubular coatings for the modulation of human vascular cell
      function.
AB  - In this study, we describe the synthesis of an upright nanotubular coating with
      discrete, exposed nanotubes on top of superelastic Nitinol via anodization and
      characterization of the surface elemental composition and nickel release rates.
      We demonstrate, for the first time, that this coating could improve re
      endothelialization by increasing the cell spreading and migration of primary
      human aortic endothelial cells on Nitinol. We also show the potential for
      reducing neointimal hyperplasia by decreasing the proliferation and expression of
      collagen I and MMP-2 in primary human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC).
      Furthermore, we did not observe the nanotubular surface to induce inflammation
      through ICAM-1 expression in HASMC as compared to the flat control. This coating
      could be used to improve Nitinol stents by reducing restenosis rates and, given
      the extensive use of Nitinol in other implantable devices, act as a generalized
      coating strategy for other medical devices. 

PMID- 25115218
TI  - Barriers to employment of African American professionals in hospice: a
      qualitative study with African American social work students.
AB  - A major barrier to African American hospice utilization is the lack of African
      American hospice professionals. This qualitative study with 10 female African
      American social work students in a Midwestern university explored whether the
      participants were interested in hospice employment. Results provided information
      about reasons for the overall lack of diversity in hospice, reasons for the lack
      of African American staff in hospice, reasons for the lack of African American
      patients in hospice, and avenues toward knowledge about hospice by African
      American professionals. Barriers to African American employment included a lack
      of hospice content in social work education, differences between African American
      cultural and religious beliefs and hospice philosophy, and that the lack of
      African American hospice patients resulted in a lack of desire for employment in
      hospice. Strategies for recruiting and retaining African American hospice social
      workers are proposed. 

PMID- 25115219
TI  - Enhancing the interaction between annexin-1 and formyl peptide receptors
      regulates microglial activation to protect neurons from ischemia-like injury.
AB  - As the immune cells of the brain, microglia are crucial for the maintenance of
      brain function. The aims of the present study were to determine whether and how
      annexin-1 is able to affect microglial phenotype and migration in the lesion
      microenvironment. In the current experiment, we enhanced the interaction between
      annexin-1 and formyl peptide receptors in microglia and analyzed the function. We
      found that annexin-1 could polarize microglia to a beneficial phenotype and
      promote microglial migration to protect neurons from ischemia-like injury, and
      the annexin-1-mediated neuroprotective effect was dependent on the release of
      glutamate and ATP from the injured neurons. 

PMID- 25115220
TI  - Is physician awareness of impending death in hospital related to better
      communication and medical care?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In hospitals, where care is focused on cure and life prolongation,
      impending death is often recognized too late. Physician awareness of impending
      death is a prerequisite for communication with patients and relatives about dying
      in hospital and providing care that adequately addresses patients' needs.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine to what extent physicians are aware of the impending death
      of their dying patients and if awareness is related with communication and
      medical care, with quality of life in the last 3 days and quality of dying.
      DESIGN: Retrospective survey among hospital physicians after patient deaths.
      SETTING/SUBJECTS: Patients who died between June 2009 and February 2011 at
      Erasmus University Medical Center (Rotterdam, The Netherlands). MEASUREMENTS:
      Physician self-reported awareness of impending death, communication with patients
      and relatives, medical care, quality of life in the last 3 days, and quality of
      dying. RESULTS: The response rate was 44% (n=228). Physicians reported that they
      had been aware of the impending death in 67% of their dying patients. If they had
      been aware, discussing death with patients and relatives was more likely, as well
      as changing the treatment goal into comfort care or withholding treatment and
      prescribing opioids in the last 3 days of life. When physicians had been aware of
      impending death, they rated the quality of dying higher. CONCLUSIONS: In two
      thirds of deaths, hospital physicians had been aware of impending death of their
      dying patients. Physician awareness was related with more communication and more
      appropriate care in the last days of life.

PMID- 25115221
TI  - Levels of stigma among community mental health staff in Guangzhou, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stigma and discrimination are widely experienced by people with
      mental illness, even in healthcare settings. The purposes of this study were to
      assess mental health stigma among community mental health staff in Guangzhou,
      China and in doing so also to assess the psychometric properties of the Reported
      and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS) - Chinese version. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      survey was undertaken among 214 community mental health staff in Guangzhou from
      September to November, 2013. The Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) and RIBS
      were administered together with the Mental Illness: Clinicians' Attitudes Scale
      (MICA) to evaluate staff stigma from the perspective of knowledge, attitudes and
      behaviour. RESULTS: The total scores of RIBS, MAKS and MICA were (11.97 +/-
      3.41), (16.80 +/- 5.39) and (51.69 +/- 6.94) respectively. Female staff members
      were more willing to contact people with mental illness than males (t(212) = 
      2.85,P = 0.005) and had more knowledge about mental illness (t(212) = -2.28,P =
      0.024). The Chinese version of RIBS had good internal consistency (alpha = 0.82),
      test-retest reliability (r = 0.68,P < 0.001) and adequate convergent validity, as
      indicated by a significant negative correlation with the Chinese version of
      MICA(r = -0.43, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show relatively high levels
      of stigma toward people with mental illness among community mental health staff
      in Guangzhou, China. There are slightly gender differences in discriminatory
      behaviours and stigma related knowledge of mental illness among community mental
      health staff, with female staff in general less stigmatising. Accordingly, anti
      stigma programmes should be established among healthcare staff. In addition, the
      Chinese version of RIBS is a reliable, valid and acceptable measure which can be
      used to assess the willingness of participants to contact people with mental
      illness in future anti-stigma campaigns.

PMID- 25115223
TI  - Tetramine poisoning in China: changes over a decade viewed through the media's
      eye.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tetramine, or tetramethylenedisulfotetramine, is an internationally
      banned compound that had been used primarily as a rodenticide. Despite its
      regulatory status, there are widespread reports of its intentional use in human
      poisonings, primarily in China, and often in mass poisonings. Enhanced
      governmental regulations were implemented in 2003 to further reduce the
      availability of tetramine, though the effects of these regulations, and the
      current use of tetramine, remains unknown. METHODS: Reports from the website of
      the China News Agency were collected from 2000 to 2012. Details such as the
      location, date, and intent of the events were compared before and after the
      regulations were implemented. RESULTS: There were a total of 148 events during
      the study period (95 from 2000 to 2003, and 53 after 2003). There were a total of
      3526 victims, including 225 fatalities. The majority of the events were
      homicidal/terroristic in nature. The incidence of events fell after 2006. More
      poisoning events occurred in central China, such as Henan and Jiangsu province,
      and an increase was noted in April and September. CONCLUSION: Tetramine poisoning
      events, as reported in the national Chinese media, fell after the implementation
      of strict regulation on tetramine. The causal relationship is not known.

PMID- 25115222
TI  - Pelger-Huet anomaly in a cat.
AB  - A 14-year-old, spayed female Domestic Shorthair cat was referred to the Purdue
      University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (PUVTH) for iodine 131 treatment of
      hyperthyroidism. Upon arrival, a biochemistry profile and a CBC were performed.
      Approximately 50% of the neutrophils and all the eosinophils observed were
      hyposegmented with a mature, condensed chromatin pattern. Nuclei had a band to
      "dumbbell" shape, and rarely a round shape, suggesting a Pelger-Huet anomaly or a
      pseudo Pelger-Huet. Based on both a negative FeLV and FIV tests, the absence of
      any clinical signs to support an inflammatory process, and the persistence of
      this granulocytic morphology 6 months after its previous admission to the PUVTH,
      a diagnosis of Pelger-Huet anomaly was established in this cat. 

PMID- 25115224
TI  - Narcotics anonymous: a comparison of military veterans and non-veterans.
AB  - Substance use disorder, which is often comorbid with post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD), is a problem confronted by many veterans. To determine the
      potential utility of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for veterans, 508 NA attendees were
      studied. Veterans (n = 172) were more likely to have been referred by a
      professional than were non-veterans (77% vs. 27%, respectively); 70% had been
      hospitalized for alcohol or drug problems, and 51% had been treated for non
      substance psychological problems. The 70% of veterans who reported at least 1 of
      3 service-related stressful experiences were more likely to report PTSD-related
      symptoms. NA can serve as a recovery resource for certain veterans with substance
      use disorders, with or without PTSD. 

PMID- 25115225
TI  - Left atrial metastasis of renal cell carcinoma: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac metastasis of renal cell carcinoma is an exceptional event,
      particularly when there is lack of inferior vena cava involvement. Indeed, only a
      few cases have been reported worldwide thus far. Moreover, discussion of
      treatment and follow-up strategies for cardiac metastasis of renal cell carcinoma
      is important because of the high risk of sudden death. CASE PRESENTATION: We
      report the case of a 75-year-old Japanese man with metastatic tumor in the left
      atrium from renal cell carcinoma. He had a history of right renal cell carcinoma,
      for which he had undergone hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy. Lung and bone
      metastases were detected after nephrectomy, and treatment with interferon-alpha
      was initiated. After disease progression, he was treated concurrently with
      targeted molecular therapy and radiotherapy for bone metastasis. After these
      therapies, a 42 * 24 mm mass was found on transthoracic echocardiography in left
      atrium without involvement of the right atrium or inferior vena cava. The
      provisional diagnosis was metastatic mass or myxoma, and surgical resection was
      performed. Histopathological examination led to a final diagnosis of metastatic
      tumor from clear cell renal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Cardiac metastasis,
      metastasis to the left atrium in particular, is rare in patients with renal cell
      carcinoma. In our study, surgery of the cardiac mass was effective to avoid
      sudden death and quality of life decline resulting from heart failure. We
      describe this case and review cardiac metastasis of renal cell carcinoma.

PMID- 25115226
TI  - Influence of genetic factors on the ephedrine alkaloid composition ratio of
      Ephedra plants.
AB  - We investigated the ephedrine alkaloid [(-)-ephedrine and (+)-pseudoephedrine]
      composition ratio of a crude Chinese herbal drug described in the Japanese
      Pharmacopoeia 'Ephedra herb (Chinese name: Mahuang)'. There were marked changes
      in the alkaloid composition ratio of wild plants in areas where both male and
      female clusters coexisted. However, in genetically homogeneous areas with the
      growth of male or female clusters alone, all of the coefficients of the
      regression lines were positive, but each gradient varied. This suggests that the
      alkaloid composition ratio has a clear tendency in each individual. Based on
      this, we cultivated individuals for vegetative propagation, and evaluated the
      alkaloid content ratio. Those propagated by separating the roots showed a
      specific tendency regardless of the cultivation area (Wakayama, Tanegashima).
      Those propagated by separating the herbaceous stem showed a specific tendency
      regardless of the soil or harvest time. In addition, we surveyed the (-)
      ephedrine content ratio of 3- to 6-year-old strains. There was a high positive
      correlation coefficient between the previous and subsequent years. These findings
      suggest that the ephedrine alkaloid composition ratio of Ephedra herb depends on
      genetic factors, but not on environmental factors or the growth period. 

PMID- 25115227
TI  - Identification of marker compounds for Japanese Pharmacopoeia non-conforming
      jujube seeds from Myanmar.
AB  - Jujube seed is a crude drug defined as the seed of Ziziphus jujuba Miller var.
      spinosa Hu ex H.F. Chou (Rhamnaceae) in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP). Most of
      the jujube seed in the Japanese markets is imported from China, with the rest
      obtained from other Asian countries. Here we confirmed the botanical origins of
      jujube seeds from both China and Myanmar by a DNA sequencing analysis. We found
      that the botanical origins of the crude drugs from China and Myanmar were Z.
      jujuba and Z. mauritiana, respectively. Although the jujube seed from China
      conforms to the JP, that from Myanmar does not. A method for discriminating
      jujube seeds from China and Myanmar using a chemical approach is thus desirable,
      and here we sought to identify a compound specific to Z. jujuba. Jujuboside A (1)
      was identified as a compound specific to Z. jujuba. To establish a purity test of
      Jujube Seed in the JP against Z. mauritiana, we fractionated the extract of Z.
      mauritiana seeds and identified frangufoline (2) and oleanolic acid (4) as the
      marker compounds specific to Z. mauritiana. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and
      gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses revealed that the latter compound
      was useful for testing by TLC analysis. The established TLC conditions were as
      follows: chromatographic support, silica gel; developing solvent, n
      hexane:EtOAc:HCOOH = 10:5:1; developing length, 7 cm; visualization, diluted
      sulfuric acid; R f value, 0.43 (oleanolic acid).

PMID- 25115228
TI  - FERTILITY INTENTIONS AND EARLY LIFE HEALTH STRESS AMONG WOMEN IN EIGHT INDIAN
      CITIES: TESTING THE REPRODUCTIVE ACCELERATION HYPOTHESIS.
AB  - In life history theory, early life adversity is associated with an accelerated
      reproductive tempo. In harsh and unpredictable conditions in developing societies
      fertility is generally higher and the reproductive tempo faster than in more
      secure environments. This paper examines whether differences in female
      anthropometry, particularly adult height, are associated with fertility
      intentions of women in urban environments in India. The study population consists
      of women aged 15-29 (N=4485) in slums and non-slums of eight Indian cities in the
      National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of 2005-2006. Adult height is taken as a
      proxy for early childhood health and nutritional condition. Fertility intentions
      are examined by using two variables: the desire to have a child or another child,
      and to have it relatively soon, as indicative of accelerated reproductive
      scheduling. Evidence supporting the acceleration hypothesis is found in two urban
      frames out of 26 examined in a two-staged multinomial logistic model. In three
      cases, the relationship between fertility intentions and height is the opposite
      than expected by the acceleration hypothesis: taller women have a higher
      predictive probability of desiring a(nother) child and/or narrower birth spacing.
      Potential explanations for the partly contradictory relationship between the
      childhood health indicator and fertility intentions are discussed. 

PMID- 25115231
TI  - Experience using a rapid assay for aneuploidy and microdeletion/microduplication
      detection in over 2,900 prenatal specimens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While microarray testing can identify chromosomal abnormalities
      missed by karyotyping, its prenatal use is often avoided in low-risk pregnancies
      due to the possible identification of variants of uncertain significance (VOUS).
      METHODS: We tested 2,970 prenatal samples of all referral indications using a
      rapid BACs-on-Beads-based assay with probes for sex chromosomes, common autosomal
      aneuploidies, and 20 microdeletion/microduplication syndromes, designed as an
      alternative to microarray in low-risk pregnancies and an alternative to rapid
      aneuploidy testing in pregnancies also undergoing microarray analysis. RESULTS:
      Interpretable results were obtained in 2,940 cases (99.0%), with 89% receiving
      results in 1 day. Aneuploidies were detected in 7.3% and partial chromosome
      abnormalities in 0.45% (n = 13), including 5 referred for maternal age, abnormal
      maternal serum screen, or isolated ultrasound markers. The added detection above
      karyotype was 1 in 745 in lower-risk cases with normal ultrasounds or isolated
      ultrasound markers/increased nuchal measurements and 1 in 165 for fetuses with
      structural/growth abnormalities. Neither false negatives nor false positives were
      found within test limitations. Female polyploidy could not be detected, while
      polyploidies with Y chromosomes were suspected and confirmed through additional
      analysis. CONCLUSION: When combined with karyotyping, this assay provides
      increased interrogation of specific chromosomal regions, while limiting VOUS
      identification.

PMID- 25115230
TI  - Clinical evaluation of resin-based composites in posterior restorations: a 3-year
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a
      nanohybrid and a microhybrid composite in class I and II restorations after 3
      years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 82 class I and class II restorations were
      performed in 31 patients (10 males and 21 females) using Grandio and QuiXfil with
      self-etch adhesives (Futurabond and Xeno III). The restorations were clinically
      evaluated by 2 operators 1 week after placement (baseline) and at 6 months and 1,
      2, and 3 years using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS)
      criteria. At the 3-year follow-up, 62 class I and class II cavities were
      reevaluated in 23 patients (7 males and 16 females). Statistical analysis was
      performed using Pearson's chi(2) and Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: At
      the 6-month follow-up, all restorations received Alfa scores with respect to each
      evaluation criterion. At the 1-year follow-up, 2 QuiXfil restorations had to be
      replaced and Grandio restorations started to deteriorate in terms of marginal
      adaptation. At the end of 2 years, 9 Grandio restorations showed significant
      deterioration of the surface properties, demonstrating Bravo scores. At the end
      of 3 years, no significant differences were observed regarding color match,
      marginal adaptation, secondary caries, marginal discoloration, and anatomic form
      loss between the evaluated materials in 25 class I and 37 class II restorations.
      At the 3-year follow-up, Grandio restorations had 21% Bravo scores and showed
      significant deterioration of the surface properties, which were still clinically
      acceptable according to USPHS criteria. Three QuiXfil and 1 Grandio restorations
      were replaced because of secondary caries and loss of retention. CONCLUSIONS:
      Both the nanohybrid (Grandio) and the microhybrid (QuiXfil) composites were
      clinically functional after 3 years.

PMID- 25115232
TI  - Systematic review of proximal femoral arthroplasty for non-neoplastic conditions.
AB  - Proximal femoral arthroplasty (PFA) is an established treatment modality
      following oncological resection. Increasingly, these prostheses are being used
      for non-neoplastic conditions such as fractures and bone loss associated with
      septic or aseptic loosening. We performed a systematic review of the literature
      to determine the failure rates, mortality rates and hip outcome scores when PFAs
      were used in non-neoplastic conditions. There were 14 studies with an average
      follow-up of 3.8 years (range 0-14 years) describing 356 PFAs. Re-operation for
      any reason occurred in 23.8% (85/356) of cases. The most common complications
      were dislocation (15.7%) and infection (7.6%). The mortality rate ranged from 0%
      to 40%. PFA provides an acceptable surgical solution when confronted with massive
      bone loss, but it has a high re-operation rate for dislocation and infection.

PMID- 25115233
TI  - RDOS-family: a guided learning tool for layperson assessment of respiratory
      distress.

PMID- 25115235
TI  - Locked tension band wiring using ring pins for patellar fractures: a method of
      minimising implant migration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A modified K-wire attached with ring (ring pin) was used to treat a
      displaced patellar fracture, and the ring pin was locked with tension band
      wiring. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcome of this
      method with respect to its procedural safety. METHODS: The authors
      retrospectively reviewed 36 patients treated for a displaced patellar fracture
      and assessed bone union, fixation failure, postoperative pain, range of motion,
      and incidence of hardware removal. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the
      Bostman scoring system. The mean follow-up period was 27 (range 13-47) months.
      RESULTS: Bony union was achieved in all patients. No fixation failure and pin
      migration were detected. Hardware was removed in three cases (8.3 %). Reasons for
      removal were pain in one case and vague discomfort in two cases. The average
      Bostman scores at 12 months postoperatively were 29.6, with 34 (94.4 %) patients
      graded as excellent. The average active flexion of the knee joint was 130.4
      degrees  (range 125 degrees -150 degrees ), with an average flexion contracture
      of 3 degrees  (range 0 degrees -10 degrees ). CONCLUSIONS: This implant could
      facilitate satisfactory fixation, restore the integrity of the extensor
      mechanism, and reduce the possibility of implant migration and implant-related
      discomfort.

PMID- 25115234
TI  - The risk of second primary malignancy is increased in differentiated thyroid
      cancer patients with a cumulative (131)I dose over 37 GBq.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for second
      primary malignancy (SPM) diagnosed after differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).
      METHODS: A total of 2468 DTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy were reviewed.
      SPM was defined as a non-thyroidal malignancy, diagnosed at least 1 year after
      the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Patients were divided into five groups according
      to cumulative (131)I dose: very high-activity (>= 37.0 GBq), high-activity (22.3
      36.9 GBq), intermediate-activity (5.56-22.2 GBq), low-activity (1.1-5.55 GBq) and
      no RAI. RESULTS: Among the 2468 patients, 61 (2.5%) had SPMs during 7.0 (1.0
      33.0) years of median follow-up. Age above 40 years, male sex and very high
      activity RAI were independent risk factors for the development of SPM. SPM
      related mortality was highest in the very high-activity group, while DTC-related
      mortality was highest in the high-activity group. The overall mortality both from
      SPM and DTC was highest in the high-activity group. CONCLUSION: A cumulative
      (131)I dose <37.0 GBq did not increase the risk of SPM. A cumulative (131) I dose
      >= 37.0 GBq increased the risk of SPM and SPM-related mortality and decreased the
      DTC-specific mortality, resulting in a similar all-cause mortality compared with
      the low-activity RAI group. Using repeated high-dose RAI for treating RAI
      responsive but persistent DTC patients needs careful consideration of the
      individual benefits from RAI vs the risk of developing SPM.

PMID- 25115236
TI  - Diffusion and diversion of suboxone: an exploration of illicit street opioid
      selling.
AB  - Interviews with fourteen opioid retail pill sellers provides an exploration into
      the diversion and diffusion of Suboxone to recreational ("week-end warriors")
      drug users. The use of social media and electronic devices enables the diffusion
      of Suboxone to dependent and non-dependent opiate/opioid drug abusers.
      Overprescribing by physicians and prescribing in drug treatment settings fuels
      the diversion of Suboxone. The diversion and the diffusion of Suboxone have the
      potential to delay entrance into drug treatment and promote the misuse of the
      drug by both dependent opiate/opioid drug abusers and recreational users. The
      dilemma posed by Suboxone maintenance treatment will not be easily addressed or
      mitigated in the near future. 

PMID- 25115238
TI  - Unmet needs in the treatment of psoriasis.
AB  - Biologics have greatly improved the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque
      psoriasis, as most patients are now able to achieve an initial improvement of 75%
      in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. However, only ~20%-57% reach a 90%
      improvement in this measurement and responses may be lost over time. In addition,
      there are potential safety issues as TNF-inhibitor biologics have been associated
      with infections or non-melanoma skin malignancies. Here we review unmet needs
      with current therapies for psoriasis. We researched the medical literature to
      discuss new therapies in development and assess their potential to meet these
      needs. Several new classes of anti-psoriatic drugs are currently undergoing
      clinical development and potential improvements with these new therapies include
      attaining earlier and higher-level responses that are durable, more specific
      targeting of cytokines involved directly in psoriatic inflammation, and new
      therapies offering convenient administration. Additionally, based on results from
      clinical trials evaluating these new agents, it may be possible to find
      predictive markers that identify patients best treated with certain drug classes,
      those prone to lose treatment responses and patients who can discontinue
      treatment and remain in remission. It remains to be determined whether the
      promising results seen in early studies of therapies in development for psoriasis
      will translate into actual improvements over currently available treatment
      options. 

PMID- 25115237
TI  - Brachyury cooperates with Wnt/beta-catenin signalling to elicit primitive-streak
      like behaviour in differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The formation of the primitive streak is the first visible sign of
      gastrulation, the process by which the three germ layers are formed from a single
      epithelium during early development. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) provide a good
      system for understanding the molecular and cellular events associated with these
      processes. Previous work, both in embryos and in culture, has shown how
      converging signals from both nodal/TGFbetaR and Wnt/beta-catenin signalling
      pathways specify cells to adopt a primitive-streak-like fate and direct them to
      undertake an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, many of these
      approaches have relied on genetic analyses without taking into account the
      temporal progression of events within single cells. In addition, it is still
      unclear to what extent events in the embryo are able to be reproduced in culture.
      RESULTS: Here, we combine flow cytometry and a quantitative live single-cell
      imaging approach to demonstrate how the controlled differentiation of mouse ESCs
      towards a primitive streak fate in culture results in cells displaying many of
      the characteristics observed during early mouse development including transient
      brachyury expression, EMT and increased motility. We also find that the EMT
      initiates the process, and this is both fuelled and terminated by the action of
      brachyury, whose expression is dependent on the EMT and beta-catenin activity.
      CONCLUSIONS: As a consequence of our analysis, we propose that a major output of
      brachyury expression is in controlling the velocity of the cells that are
      transiting out of the primitive streak.

PMID- 25115240
TI  - Melomics music medicine (M3) to lessen pain perception during pediatric prick
      test procedure.

PMID- 25115239
TI  - Retrospective observational study of diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert(r) MTB/RIF
      assay on fiberoptic bronchoscopy sampling for early diagnosis of smear-negative
      or sputum-scarce patients with suspected tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is a useful diagnosis tool in low
      burden countries for patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) who are
      smear-negative or sputum-scarce. This study sought to determine the accuracy of
      the Xpert(r) MTB/RIF (XP) assay using FOB samples. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed clinical, radiological, and microbiological characteristics of 175 TB
      suspected patients requiring diagnostic FOB (bronchial aspirate or
      bronchoalveolar lavage) with XP assay. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and smear
      microscopy (SM) performances were first compared to culture, then to the final
      diagnosis, established based on clinical or radiological evolution when cultures
      were negative. RESULTS: Of the total 162 included patients, 30 (18.5%) had a
      final diagnosis of pulmonary TB, with positive cultures reported in 23. As
      compared to culture, sensitivity and specificity values were 80.0% and 98.6% for
      the XP assay, and 25.0% and 95.8% for SM, respectively. As compared to final
      diagnosis, the corresponding performance values were 60.0% and 100.0% for the XP
      assay, and 16.7% and 95.5% for SM, respectively. The sensitivity of the XP assay
      was significantly higher than that of SM in both cases (p=0.003 and p=0.001).
      Concerning the final diagnosis, both XP assay and culture sensitivities were
      similar (60% vs. 66.7%). PCR assay enabled pulmonary TB to be diagnosed earlier
      in 13 more cases, compared to SM. CONCLUSION: Our study has confirmed the
      clinical benefits provided by XP assay compared to SM for the early diagnosis of
      suspected pulmonary TB cases requiring FOB, on per procedure samples, especially
      in a low TB-burden country.

PMID- 25115241
TI  - Selective-area epitaxy of pure wurtzite InP nanowires: high quantum efficiency
      and room-temperature lasing.
AB  - We report the growth of stacking-fault-free and taper-free wurtzite InP nanowires
      with diameters ranging from 80 to 600 nm using selective-area metal-organic vapor
      phase epitaxy and experimentally determine a quantum efficiency of ~50%, which is
      on par with InP epilayers. We also demonstrate room-temperature, photonic mode
      lasing from these nanowires. Their excellent structural and optical quality opens
      up new possibilities for both fundamental quantum optics and optoelectronic
      devices. 

PMID- 25115242
TI  - Conjugative transfer of ICESde3396 between three beta-hemolytic streptococcal
      species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) are mobile genetic elements
      (MGEs) that possess all genes necessary for excision, transfer and integration
      into recipient genome. They also carry accessory genes that impart new phenotypic
      features to recipient strains. ICEs therefore play an important role in genomic
      plasticity and population structure. We previously characterised ICESde3396, the
      first ICE identified in the beta-hemolytic Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp
      equisimilis (SDSE) and demonstrated its transfer to single isolates of
      Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus, GAS) and Streptococcus agalactiae
      (group B streptococcus, GBS). While molecular studies found the ICE in multiple
      SDSE and GBS isolates, it was absent in all GAS isolates examined. RESULTS: Here
      we demonstrate that ICESde3396:km is transferable from SDSE to multiple SDSE, GAS
      and GBS isolates. However not all strains of these species were successful
      recipients under the same growth conditions. To address the role that host
      factors may have in conjugation we also undertook conjugation experiments in the
      presence of A549 epithelial cells and DMEM. While Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT)
      occurred, conjugation efficiencies were no greater than when similar experiments
      were conducted in DMEM. Additionally transfer to GAS NS235 was successful in the
      presence of DMEM but not in Todd Hewitt Broth suggesting that nutritional factors
      may also influence HGT. The GAS and GBS transconjugants produced in this study
      are also able to act as donors of the ICE. CONCLUSION: We conclude that ICEs are
      major sources of interspecies HGT between beta-hemolytic streptococci, and by
      introducing accessory genes imparting novel phenotypic characteristics, have the
      potential to alter the population structure of these species.

PMID- 25115243
TI  - Antiviral efficacy and safety of abacavir-containing combination antiretroviral
      therapy as first-line treatment of HIV-infected children and adolescents: a
      systematic review protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abacavir is one of the recommended nucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitors (NRTIs) for the treatment of HIV infections among children and
      adolescents. However, there are concerns that the antiviral efficacy of abacavir
      might be low when compared to other NRTIs especially among children. There are
      also concerns that abacavir use may lead to serious adverse events such as
      hypersensitivity reactions and has potential predisposition to developing
      cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: We plan to do a systematic review to evaluate
      the antiviral efficacy and safety of abacavir-containing combination
      antiretroviral therapy as first-line treatment of HIV-infected children aged
      between 3 months and 18 years, compared with other NRTIs. We will search Scopus,
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Web of Science
      databases for eligible studies regardless of language or publication status. We
      will check the reference lists of included studies, search relevant conference
      proceedings, email the authors of included studies and also look for unpublished
      and ongoing trials in prospective clinical trial registries. Two authors will
      independently screen search outputs, select studies, extract data and assess the
      risk of bias in included studies. All disagreements will be resolved by
      discussion and consensus. Where data allow, we will conduct meta-analysis for
      similar types of participants, study designs, interventions, and outcome
      measures. If the results are statistically homogeneous, we will use the fixed
      effect model; otherwise, we will use the random-effects model and explore the
      reasons for heterogeneity using subgroup analyses. Heterogeneity will be assessed
      with the Chi-squared test and quantified with the I-squared statistic.
      DISCUSSION: The findings will be useful to policy makers and programme managers
      to inform treatment and management of HIV in children and adolescents and to
      point out research gaps for future research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This review is
      registered with PROSPERO, registration number CRD42014009157.

PMID- 25115244
TI  - Microvolt T-wave alternans profile in patients with pulmonary arterial
      hypertension.

PMID- 25115245
TI  - Personalized CHF treatment: PCT to guide therapy in heart failure patients.
AB  - Sorting out the etiology of dyspnea in patients with a history of heart failure
      is not always straightforward. Although an acute heart failure exacerbation would
      seem to be easy to distinguish from an acute respiratory illness, data from
      objective clinical studies has shown otherwise. Procalcitonin (PCT), a biomarker
      that rises in the setting of bacterial infection, carries great potential for
      guiding the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure patients with possible acute
      respiratory infection. In this issue of the International Journal of Cardiology,
      Kutz et al. demonstrated that patients with a history of heart failure and
      suspected lower respiratory tract infection experienced reduced antibiotic
      duration and superior outcomes with PCT-guided therapy. The results in this
      subset of heart failure patients from the ProHOSP study were consistent with the
      results seen in the overall study population. This study points to the need for a
      randomized controlled trial in a broader population of heart failure patients
      with acute dyspnea, to further define the prominent role that PCT can play in
      more personalized medical treatments that can improve patient outcomes. 

PMID- 25115246
TI  - Effects of OX40-OX40 ligand interaction on the levels of ROS and Cyclophilin A in
      C57BL/6J mice atherogenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increasing amount of evidence shows that the OX40-OX40L
      interaction serves an important function in atherosclerosis. However, the
      mechanism of the OX40 signaling pathway remains unclear. This study investigates
      the effect of OX40-OX40L interaction on the levels of intracellular reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) and the secretion of Cyclophilin A (CyPA) in C57BL/6J mice
      atherogenesis. METHODS: The atherosclerotic plaque model was established by
      placing a rapid perivascular carotid collar on C57BL/6J mice fed with a western
      type diet. In vivo, the expressions of CyPA in mouse plaque and lymphocytes were
      detected by immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses, respectively. In
      vitro, the expression of CyPA protein in cultured lymphocytes of C57BL/6J mice
      was assessed by using Western blot analysis. The level of ROS was detected
      through flow cytometry. RESULTS: CyPA expression was significantly increased in
      the atherosclerotic lesions and lymphocytes from C57BL/6J mice. The ROS levels in
      OX40(+)-lymphocytes were increased in vitro and in vivo. After stimulating the
      OX40-OX40L interaction, the ROS and CyPA levels in lymphocytes were obviously
      increased in vitro, whereas anti-OX40L mAb significantly down-regulated the anti
      OX40 mAb-induced ROS generation and inhibited CyPA secretion in lymphocytes.
      CONCLUSION: The OX40-OX40L interaction up-regulates intracellular levels of ROS
      in C57BL/6J mice and increases CyPA secretion in lymphocytes. Increased CyPA
      secretion may serve an important function in atherosclerotic plaque formation.

PMID- 25115247
TI  - The value of CHADS2 score in predicting new-onset atrial fibrillation in Chinese
      patients with acute myocardial infarction.

PMID- 25115248
TI  - Bioabsorbable stent thrombosis Quo Vadis: is Kounis syndrome still present?

PMID- 25115249
TI  - Albumin may prevent hypertension by inhibiting renin angiotensin aldosterone
      system.

PMID- 25115250
TI  - Maternal NT-proBNP in chronic hypertensive pregnancies and superimposed
      preeclampsia.

PMID- 25115251
TI  - QRS fragmentation and epsilon waves in Fontaine leads in arrhythmogenic right
      ventricular cardiomyopathy: re: "The use of fontaine leads in the diagnosis of
      arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia" and "Arrhythmogenic right ventricular
      cardiomyopathy: contribution of different electrocardiographic techniques".

PMID- 25115252
TI  - Out-of-hospital versus in-hospital Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: analysis of 3719
      patients in the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) generally occurs after a
      stressful event out-of-hospital, it occasionally occurs secondary to acute
      medical illness after hospital admission. No study has examined and compared
      patient backgrounds and in-hospital outcomes between patients with out-of
      hospital TC and those with in-hospital TC. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the
      Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database in Japan, we identified 3719
      eligible patients with a diagnosis of TC who underwent coronary angiography
      without any revascularization procedure between 2010 and 2013, including 419
      patients with in-hospital TC and 3300 patients with out-of-hospital TC. There was
      no significant difference in age between those with in-hospital TC and those with
      out-of-hospital TC (74.2 +/- 10.9 years versus 73.4 +/- 11.3 years, p=0.211).
      Patients with in-hospital TC had a higher proportion of males than out-of
      hospital TC patients (31.3% versus 21.3%, p<0.001). Patients with in-hospital TC
      had significantly higher proportions of several chronic comorbidities and acute
      medical illnesses. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients
      with in-hospital TC than in patients with out-of-hospital TC (17.9% versus 5.4%,
      p<0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, in-hospital TC was
      significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio
      2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.43 to 2.85; p<0.001), even after adjustment for
      patient backgrounds. Malignancy, chronic liver disease, rheumatic disease,
      sepsis, pneumonia, cerebrovascular diseases, acute renal failure, and acute
      gastrointestinal diseases were also significantly associated with higher in
      hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital TC was associated with more severe
      clinical background and poorer short-term prognosis than out-of-hospital TC.

PMID- 25115253
TI  - Evaluation of the clinical use of midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR
      proANP) in comparison to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)
      for risk stratification in patients with light-chain amyloidosis.

PMID- 25115254
TI  - The relationship between epicardial fat thickness and arterial stiffness; role of
      antihypertensive drugs and statins.

PMID- 25115255
TI  - Renal denervation: does prior renal stenting really matter?

PMID- 25115257
TI  - Air pollution and the risk of stroke by meta-analysis.

PMID- 25115256
TI  - Extreme bradycardia associated with nebivolol therapy.

PMID- 25115258
TI  - Rates of aldosterone antagonist use after myocardial infarction remain poor over
      time among guideline eligible patients.

PMID- 25115259
TI  - Ambulatory blood pressure may be designed as the primary efficacy outcome in
      clinical trials on renal denervation.

PMID- 25115260
TI  - Reversible attenuation of the amplitude of the electrocardiogram QRS complexes in
      a patient with Takotsubo syndrome: a quantitative analysis.

PMID- 25115261
TI  - Fibrinolysis in intermediate risk pulmonary embolism: too much risk for too
      little reward?

PMID- 25115262
TI  - Blood pressure components and stroke in Inner Mongolians--a prospective cohort
      study.

PMID- 25115263
TI  - Elevated concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and
      cardiovascular risk paradox in patients with coronary heart disease and the
      equivalents.

PMID- 25115265
TI  - FGF23 and risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis
      of prospective cohort studies.

PMID- 25115264
TI  - Coronary artery fistula: comparison of diagnostic accuracy by echocardiography
      versus coronary arteriography and surgery in 63 patients studied between 2002 and
      2012 in a single medical center in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a rare congenital anomaly, which is
      conventionally diagnosed by coronary arteriography; however, the relation of the
      coronary artery fistulas to other structures, their origin and course may not be
      always apparent. METHODS: The echocardiograms of 63 patients with coronary artery
      fistulas, who had undergone coronary arteriography and/or surgery from June 2002
      to December 2012 at the Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong
      University of Science and Technology, were analyzed retrospectively, and the
      results were compared with findings by coronary arteriography and at surgery.
      RESULTS: Right CAFs were detected in 33 of the 63 patients (52.4%); 11 had
      drainage to the right atrium, 10 to the right ventricle, 2 to the left ventricle,
      9 to the main pulmonary artery, and 1 to the coronary sinus. Left CAFs were
      detected in 29 patients (46.0%); 6 had drainage to the right atrium, 12 to the
      right ventricle, 1 to the left atrium, 2 to the left ventricle, 7 to the main
      pulmonary artery, and 1 to the coronary sinus. One patient (1.6%) had the origin
      of the fistula in both coronary arteries. The entry point of the fistula was most
      often a single orifice (96.8%) and rarely multi-orificial (3.2%). 57 patients
      (90.5%) had isolated coronary fistulas (90.5%); 6 patients (9.5%) had other
      congenital cardiac malformations. The ultrasonic diagnosis of 60 patients was in
      line with findings at surgery and/or coronary arteriography. The diagnostic
      accuracy rate for coronary artery fistula was 95.2%. Preoperative transthoracic
      echocardiography missed the diagnosis of coronary artery fistula in three
      patients (4.8%). There is no difference (P>0.05) in diagnostic accuracy between
      echocardiography and coronary arteriography and/or surgery. CONCLUSIONS:
      Transthoracic echocardiography, in comparison with coronary arteriography and/or
      surgery, is much simpler, easier, less expensive, safer, readily repeatable, and
      more convenient with equal accuracy, and should be the first-line method for the
      diagnosis of congenital coronary artery fistula.

PMID- 25115266
TI  - Comparison of pooled cohort risk equations and Framingham risk score for
      metabolic syndrome in a Korean community-based population.

PMID- 25115267
TI  - Pitavastatin decreases serum LOX-1 ligand levels and MT1-MMP expression in CD14
      positive mononuclear cells in hypercholesterolemic patients.

PMID- 25115268
TI  - Non-culprit coronary vasospasm in a woman affected by Churg-Strauss syndrome
      presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

PMID- 25115269
TI  - SYNTAX-score based assessment of appropriate candidates for percutaneous coronary
      intervention among patients with chronic total occlusion.

PMID- 25115270
TI  - Multiplane spectroscopic whole-body photoacoustic imaging of small animals in
      vivo.
AB  - We have successfully developed a multiscale acoustic-resolution photoacoustic
      tomography system in a single imaging platform. By switching between ultrasound
      transducers (center frequencies 5 and 40 MHz) and optical condensers, we have
      photoacoustically imaged microvasculatures of small animals in vivo at different
      scales. Further, we have extended the field of view of our imaging system to
      entire bodies of small animals. At different imaging planes, we have
      noninvasively imaged the major blood vessels (e.g., descending aorta, intercostal
      vessels, cephalic vessels, brachial vessels, femoral vessels, popliteal vessels,
      lateral marginal vessels, cranial mesenteric vessels, mammalian vessels, carotid
      artery, jugular vein, subclavian vessels, iliac vessels, and caudal vessels) as
      well as intact internal organs (e.g., spleen, liver, kidney, intestine, cecum,
      and spinal cord) of the animals in vivo. The spectroscopic whole-body
      photoacoustic imaging clearly reveals the spectral responses of the internal
      structures. Similar to other existing preclinical whole-body imaging systems,
      this whole-body photoacoustic tomography can be a useful tool for small-animal
      research. 

PMID- 25115271
TI  - Perceptions and attitudes of pharmacy students towards volunteering at health
      promotional programs: a cross-sectional study from Malaysia.
AB  - The present study aims to explore the perceptions and understanding of future
      pharmacists towards volunteerism in health promotional activities. The study was
      designed as a cross sectional, descriptive survey. All pharmacy undergraduates (n
      = 293) from the first, second and third professional years enrolled at the School
      of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia were targeted for the
      study. A pre validated, 15-itemed questionnaire was used for data collection and
      was analysed by using SPSS. Dichotomous groups were compared with Mann-Whitney U
      test. The Jonckheere-Terpstra test was used to evaluate the trend of association.
      Where significant associations were reported, effect size was calculated by using
      Kendall tau correlation coefficient. p value of <0.05 was considered to be of
      statistical significance. Out of 200 respondents, 185 completed the study with a
      response rate of 92.5 %. Agreement with mandatory status of volunteerism at
      community services was significant with gender (p = 0.003) and year of study (p =
      0.045). Confidence in performing health promotional activities (p = 0.001, tau =
      0.155) and needed communication skills during health promotional activities (p =
      0.022, tau = 0.322) were also significantly associated with year of study with a
      moderate positive trend from junior to senior classes. Although pharmacy
      undergraduates showed positive interest and will to volunteer at the health
      promotional programs, certain issues were also highlighted. Therefore, in order
      to address these challenges, pharmacy curriculum needs to include a greater
      emphasis on role of pharmacists in public health. This can be achieved by having
      a dedicated core course as part of pharmacy curriculum.

PMID- 25115272
TI  - Spontaneous Nephrocutaneous Fistula: A Case Report, Update of the Literature and
      Management Algorithm.
AB  - AIMS: Spontaneous nephrocutaneous fistula (NCF) is a rare and severe condition.
      The aim of this study was to update the data of the literature about this disease
      and, reporting and considering also our experience in 1 case of NCF, to make a
      new clinical algorithm. METHODS: This study was done with a review of all the
      literature and a comparison with our experience. RESULTS: The characteristic sign
      of spontaneous NCF is a flank sinus discharging material. Physical examination
      and computed tomography usually lead to the diagnosis. The main predisposing
      factors are renal stones/staghorn calculi, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and
      renal tuberculosis. In the vast majority of the cases kidneys are poorly
      functioning or nonfunctioning. Surgical approach is the common management and
      usually consists of open nephrectomy. We create a clinical management algorithm
      obtained by a review of the literature and our experience with spontaneous NCF.
      CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous NCF represents a very serious renal disease leading to
      loss of the kidney in the vast majority of cases. We propose a revised and user
      friendly clinical diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm for spontaneous NCF based on
      the worldwide literature.

PMID- 25115274
TI  - Cancer survivorship and palliative care?

PMID- 25115273
TI  - Maternal organ donation and acute injuries in surviving children.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to test whether maternal deceased organ
      donation is associated with rates of subsequent acute injuries among surviving
      children after their mother's death. METHODS: This is a longitudinal cohort
      analysis of children linked to mothers who died of a catastrophic brain event in
      Ontario, Canada, between April 1988 and March 2012. Surviving children were
      distinguished by whether their mother was an organ donor after death. The primary
      outcome was an acute injury event in surviving children during the year after
      their mother's death. RESULTS: Surviving children (n=454) had a total of 293
      injury events during the year after their mother's death, equivalent to an
      average of 65 events per 100 children per year and a significant difference
      comparing children of mothers who were organ donors to children of mothers who
      were not organ donors (21 vs 82, P<.001). This difference in subsequent injury
      rates between groups was equal to a 76% relative reduction in risk (95%
      confidence interval, 62%-85%). CONCLUSIONS: Deceased organ donation was
      associated with a reduction in excess acute injuries among surviving children
      after their mother's death. An awareness of this positive association provides
      some reassurance about deceased organ donation programs.

PMID- 25115275
TI  - Reproductive pattern of Cuban women living in the municipality of Plaza de la
      Revolucion, Havana, Cuba.
AB  - This paper assesses the reproductive and abortion patterns of women living in
      Plaza de la Revolucion, a municipality of Havana, Cuba, by studying the factors
      influencing birth and abortion rates. Socio-demographic data and female
      reproductive histories were collected in a survey of 1200 post-menopausal women
      living in the municipality. Average ages at menarche and at menopause were 12.71
      and 48.39 years, respectively, thus yielding a potential long reproductive period
      of 35.68 years, indicating high fertility. Although the mean pregnancy rate was
      3.81 pregnancies per woman, the live birth rate at time of delivery was only 1.89
      due to the high rate of abortions: 40% of all pregnancies were voluntarily
      interrupted. Among the biological and socio-cultural variables that were found to
      influence the rate of live births were those related marriage pattern, especially
      age at first union. Demographic variables such as pregnancy order, maternal age
      and marital status were the main determinants of the abortion pattern, with
      abortion being used as a method of birth control in order to obtain the desired
      family size, and most women (75.2%) using contraceptives. 

PMID- 25115276
TI  - Better late than never: the perceived benefits of smoking cessation among women
      in late midlife.
AB  - The current study examined the association of smoking cessation (>=1 year without
      relapse) and self-reported psychosocial and physical outcomes among a community
      sample of women (N = 195; mean age = 63.7 years, SD = 5.7 years). Data were
      collected in 1985-1986 and 2009. Successful smoking cessation for >=1 year was
      significantly associated with each of the outcome measures (e.g., less financial
      stress [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.25
      1.00, P< 0.05), less life dissatisfaction (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.24-1.09, P<
      0.05). Findings suggest that older women should be included in smoking cessation
      programs, and the important benefits of quitting should be used to encourage
      cessation. 

PMID- 25115277
TI  - The impact of maternal obesity, age, pre-eclampsia and insulin dependent diabetes
      on severe maternal morbidity by mode of delivery-a register-based cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the rate of severe maternal morbidity related to delivery
      by delivery mode and to assess if the impact of studied risk factors varies by
      delivery mode. METHODS: A register-based study including all women having
      singleton delivery in Finland in 2007-2011, n = 292,253, data derived from the
      Finnish Medical Birth Registry and Hospital Discharge Registry. Diagnoses and
      interventions indicating a severe maternal complication were searched and the
      mode of delivery was assessed by data linkage. The impact of obesity, maternal
      age 35 years or more, pre-eclampsia and insulin dependent diabetes on severe
      maternal morbidity (all severe complications, severe infections and severe) was
      studied in each mode of delivery and calculated as Odds ratios. RESULTS: The
      overall incidence of severe complications was 12.8/1,000 deliveries. The total
      complication rate was lowest in vaginal deliveries (VD) in all risk groups.
      Obesity increased the risk for all severe complications and severe infections in
      the total population, but not significantly in specific delivery modes. Age
      increased the risk of hemorrhage in VD. Pre-eclampsia increased the risk for
      hemorrhage in all deliveries except elective CS. In women with pre-eclampsia,
      overall morbidity was similar in VD, attempted VD and elective CS. The presence
      of any studied risk factor increased the risk for complications within the risk
      groups by the high proportion of emergency CS performed. CONCLUSIONS: An attempt
      of VD is the safest way to deliver even for high-risk women with the exception of
      women with pre-eclampsia, who had a similar risk in an attempt of VD and elective
      CS.

PMID- 25115278
TI  - Anti-tumour activity of phosphoinositide-3-kinase antagonist AEZS-126 in models
      of ovarian cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Platinum resistance is the most crucial problem for treatment of ovarian
      cancer. There is a clinical need for new treatment strategies which overcome
      platinum resistance. Recently high level of AKT was shown to be involved in
      platinum resistance and furthermore in resistance against Natural-killer (NK)
      cell mediated killing in ovarian cancer. METHODS: Here, we investigate the
      ability of the PI3K/AKT inhibitor AEZS-126 alone and in combination with
      rapamycin to selectively target ovarian cancer cell proliferation and survival in
      vitro by MTT-assays and FACS based analysis. Furthermore the mechanism of
      cytotoxicity is analysed by FACS based assays. The NK-killing efficiency of
      ovarian cancer cells with and without pre-treatment with AEZS-126 was analysed.
      RESULTS: AEZS-126 showed good anti-tumour activity in in vitro models of ovarian
      cancer. Main mechanism of cytotoxicity seems to be necroptosis which could be
      abrogated by co-incubation with necrostatin-1. Furthermore pre-treatment of
      platinum resistant cells with AEZS-126 resulted in an increased accessibility of
      these tumour cells for killing by NK-cells. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the
      highly efficient anti-tumour activity of AEZS-126 in in vitro models of ovarian
      cancer. Due to the good anti-tumour activity and the expected increase in NK-cell
      mediated killing even of platinum resistant tumour cells, AEZS-126 seems to be a
      promising candidate for clinical testing in ovarian cancer.

PMID- 25115279
TI  - Slow-freezing versus vitrification for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ovarian tissue can be cryopreserved prior to chemotherapy using either
      the slow-freezing or the vitrification method; however, the data on the equality
      of the procedures are still conflicting. In this study, a comparison of the cryo
      damage of human ovarian tissue induced by either vitrification or slow-freezing
      was performed. METHODS: Ovarian tissue from 23 pre-menopausal patients was
      cryopreserved with either slow-freezing or vitrification. After thawing/warming,
      the tissue was histologically and immunohistochemically analyzed and cultured in
      vitro. During tissue culture the estradiol release was assessed. RESULTS: No
      significant difference was found in the proportion of high-quality follicles
      after thawing/warming in the slow-freezing and vitrification group, respectively
      (72.7 versus 66.7 %, p = 0.733). Estradiol secretion by the ovarian tissue was
      similar between groups during 18 days in vitro culture (area-under-the-curve
      5,411 versus 13,102, p = 0.11). Addition of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate or Activin A
      to the culture medium did not alter estradiol release in both groups. The
      proportion of Activated Caspase-3 or 'Proliferating-Cell-Nuclear-Antigen'
      positive follicles at the end of the culture period was similar between slow
      freezing and vitrification. CONCLUSION(S): Slow-freezing and vitrification result
      in similar morphological integrity after cryopreservation, a similar estradiol
      release in culture, and similar rates of follicular proliferation and apoptosis
      after culture.

PMID- 25115280
TI  - Molecular analysis of miscarriage products using multiplex ligation-dependent
      probe amplification (MLPA): alternative to conventional karyotype analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study aims to evaluate whether multiplex ligation-dependent
      probe amplification (MLPA) technique with subtelomeric probes is to be an
      alternative method of routine G-banding chromosome analysis from pregnancy loss.
      METHODS: A review of 5 years (from 2005 to 2009) of karyotype for products of
      conception (POCs) was carried out. From June 2010 to June 2012, MLPA was
      performed in parallel with karyotype analysis on 347 miscarriages. Karyotyped
      miscarriages served as controls in this blinded study. Abnormal results were
      confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. RESULTS: A review of 5 years of
      karyotype results for POCs indicated that 11.46 % of cases failed to karyotyping.
      In the study periods, MLPA results were successfully obtained from all cases
      including 51 (14.7 %) culture failed cases, chromosomal abnormalities were
      detected in 27 (52.9 %) of cases which failed to grow or could not be cultivated.
      It took 3 weeks by conventional karyotyping, but it required at least 24 h and at
      most a week by MLPA from tissue sampling to final reporting. 47 cases showed
      discordant results between karyotyping and MLPA because of maternal cell
      contamination, polyploidy, mosaicism, or balanced translocation. CONCLUSIONS:
      MLPA technique is relatively low cost, less labor intensive and reduces waiting
      time with high accuracy compared with conventional cytogenetic analysis.
      Therefore, MLPA can be the first approach for chromosome analysis from pregnancy
      loss.

PMID- 25115281
TI  - Cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma of the uterus: report of two cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma (Sternberg tumor) is a rare variant
      of the uterine smooth muscle tumor. Although this tumor is a benign tumor
      clinically and pathologically, the appearance and growth pattern is unusual, so
      it may be misdiagnosed as malignancy. CASE REPORTS: We report two cases of
      cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma of the uterus that occurred in two 44- and 31
      year-old women, respectively. Total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo
      oophorectomy were performed in one of the patients, and myomectomy was done in
      the other one. Macroscopically, both tumors were grape-like exophytic masses
      resembling placental tissue. The patients were well after surgery, and one
      patient gave birth. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a
      successful delivery after myomectomy of this tumor. CONCLUSION: To prevent
      aggressive surgery it is important to recognize that this tumor is a benign and
      unusual appearing variant of leiomyoma. A fertility-sparing surgical procedure
      should be considered if the patient wishes to preserve her fertility.

PMID- 25115282
TI  - Stage IIIC endometrial cancer: the need for novel subgrouping according to the
      ratio of metastatic lymph nodes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The survival rates in endometrial cancer (EC) patients with lymph
      node (LN) metastasis vary greatly. Many other factors may have impact on the
      prognosis within this special group. The purpose of this study was to determine
      factors predicting the progression or death in patients with stage IIIC EC.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single tertiary center, retrospective analysis was
      conducted in a total of 38 consecutive patients who surgically treated for EC
      between January 2005 and January 2013. The primary endpoint was the determination
      of factors predicting the progression, recurrence, or death of any cause. The
      secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival
      (OS). RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 64 years, and the median follow-up
      time was 32.50 months (95 % CI 28.75-40.56). The median number of metastatic
      positive LNs (pelvic and/or paraaortic) was 2, and the LN ratio, expressed as the
      percentage of positive nodes to total LNs identified, was 6.3 %. The LN ratio (>=
      6.5 %) was the only independent parameter for progression or death in multiple
      logistic regression analysis. Patients were stratified according to the LN ratio
      (<6.5 vs. >= 6.5 %) for survival comparisons. The estimated 32-month PFS rates
      were 90 and 64.8 %, respectively [HR (95 % CI) = 5.07 (1.05-24.56), P = 0.025].
      However, the estimated 32-month OS rates were comparable (94.1 vs. 94.1 %), [HR
      (95 % CI) = 4.26 (0.44-41.30), P = 0.21]. DISCUSSION: The stratification of
      patients with stage IIIC disease according to the LN ratio may allow better
      identification of prognostic information and selection of individualized patient
      tailored adjuvant treatment modalities.

PMID- 25115284
TI  - Integrated computational materials discovery of silver doped tin sulfide as a
      thermoelectric material.
AB  - Accelerating the discovery of new materials is crucial for realizing the vision
      of need-driven materials development. In the present study we employ an
      integrated computational and experimental approach to search for new
      thermoelectric materials. High-throughput first principles calculations of
      thermoelectric transport coefficients are used to screen sulfide compounds
      conforming to the boundary conditions of abundant and innocuous components. A
      further computational screening step of substitutional defects is introduced,
      whereby SnS doped with monovalent cations is identified as having favorable
      transport properties. By silver doping of SnS under S-rich conditions an electric
      conductivity more than an order of magnitude higher than reported previously is
      realized. The obtained thermoelectric power-factor at room temperature is
      comparable to the state of the art for thermoelectric materials based on earth
      abundant, non-toxic elements. The high-throughput screening of extrinsic defects
      solves a long standing bottleneck in search of new thermoelectric materials. We
      show how the intrinsic carrier concentration in the low-temperature phase of SnSe
      is two orders of magnitude higher than in SnS. We furthermore find that the
      carrier concentration in SnSe can still be further optimized by silver doping. 

PMID- 25115283
TI  - Comparative studies using the Morris water maze to assess spatial memory deficits
      in two transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Evaluation of the efficacy of novel therapeutics for potential treatment of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires an animal model that develops age-related
      cognitive deficits reproducibly between independent groups of investigators.
      Herein we assessed comparative temporal changes in spatial memory function in two
      commercially available transgenic mouse models of AD using the Morris water maze
      (MWM), incorporating both visible and hidden platform training. Individual
      cohorts of cDNA-based 'line 85'-derived double-transgenic mice coexpressing the
      'Swedish' mutation of amyloid precursor protein (APPSwe) and the presenillin 1
      (PS1) 'dE9' mutation were assessed in the MWM at mean ages of 3.6, 9.3 and 14.8
      months. We found significant deficits in spatial memory retention in
      APPSwe/PS1dE9 mice aged 3.6 months and robust deficits in spatial memory
      acquisition and retention in APPSwe/PS1dE9 mice aged 9.3 months, with a further
      significant decline by age 14.8 months. beta-Amyloid deposits were present in
      brain sections by 7.25 months of age. In contrast, MWM studies with individual
      cohorts (aged 4-21 months) of single-transgenic genomic-based APPSwe mice
      expressing APPSwe on a yeast artificial chromosomal (YAC) construct showed no
      significant deficits in spatial memory acquisition until 21 months of age. There
      were no significant deficits in spatial memory retention up to 21 months of age
      and beta-amyloid deposits were not present in brain sections up to 24 months of
      age. These data, generated using comprehensive study designs, show that
      APPSwe/PS1dE9 but not APPSwe YAC mice appear to provide a suitably robust model
      of AD for efficacy assessment of novel AD treatments in development. 

PMID- 25115285
TI  - In vivo assessment of the effect of a cream containing Avena Rhealba((r)) extract
      and hyaluronic acid on the restoration of the skin barrier in de-epidermised skin
      produced with an erbium-YAG laser.
AB  - Wound healing studies require standardised methods for evaluating wounding and
      skin repair. Our study aimed to demonstrate the suitability of the erbium-YAG (Er
      YAG) laser method to produce reliable epidermal lesions for evaluation of
      different skin repair creams. Skin de-epidermised by Er-YAG laser (four uniform
      epidermal ablations, area 8 * 8mm, in 21 healthy subjects) was treated with a
      product (A) containing Avena Rhealba((r)) extract and hyaluronic acid and
      assessed for epidermal regeneration and barrier restoration. This treatment was
      compared to two reference products (B) and (C) and an untreated control. Over 22
      days of treatment, double-blind measurements of wound characteristics were made
      for instrumental (wound surface area, barrier restoration, 3D skin topography)
      and clinical evaluation (lesion quality and tolerance). Tested product (A)
      resulted in a shorter time (9 days) and faster rate of wound closure than product
      C (12 days) and the untreated zone (16 days). Results for products (A) and (B)
      were similar. Clinical evaluation of lesion quality showed the same trends as the
      wound area/closure parameter. Barrier recovery assessments revealed that all
      three products showed a similar rate of decreasing Transepidermal Water Loss
      (TEWL), which was significantly faster than the rate for the control. In
      conclusion, the laser-induced epidermal wound model provided standardised
      lesions, enabling discrimination between different topical skin repair products. 

PMID- 25115287
TI  - Length scaling of carbon nanotube electric and photo diodes down to sub-50 nm.
AB  - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising candidates for future optoelectronics and
      logic circuits.1-3 Sub-10 nm channel length CNT transistors have been
      demonstrated with superb performance.4 Yet, the scaling of CNT p-n diodes or
      photodiodes, basic elements for most optoelectronic devices, is held back on a
      scale of micrometers.5-8 Here, we demonstrate that CNT diodes fabricated via a
      dopant-free technique show good rectifying characteristics and photovoltaic
      response even when the channel length is scaled to sub-50 nm. By making a trade
      off between performance and size, a diode with both channel length and contact
      width around 100 nm, fabricated on a CNT with a small diameter (d ~ 1.2 nm),
      shows a photovoltage of 0.24 V and a fill factor of up to 60%. Study on the
      dependence of turn-on voltage on scaled channel length reveals transferred
      charges induced potential barrier at the contact in long channel diodes and the
      effect of self-adjusting charge distribution. This effect could be utilized for
      realizing stable and high performance sub-100 nm pitch CNT diodes. As elementary
      building blocks, such tiny electric and photodiodes could be used in nanoscale
      rectifiers, photodetectors, light sources, and high-efficiency photovoltaic
      devices. 

PMID- 25115286
TI  - Determinants of outcome of solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura: an
      observational cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTP) are rare and their long
      term outcome is difficult to predict, as there are insufficient data which allow
      accurate characterization of the malignant variant. Thus the aim of this study
      was to describe the outcome and possible determinants of malignant behavior of
      SFTPs. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from medical records of
      patients treated at the University Hospital Zurich from 1992 to 2012. Kaplan
      Meier and Cox regression analysis were performed to define disease-free survival
      time (defined as survival without tumor-recurrence or tumor-related death) using
      the classical histo-morphological criteria (tumor size, localization,
      pedunculation, tumor necrosis or hemorrhage, mitotic activity and nuclear
      pleomorphism) and immunohistochemical parameters. RESULTS: 42 patients (20 males)
      with SFTP (median (IQR) age 62 (56-71) years) could be identified. SFTP were
      associated with symptoms in 50% of all cases. Complete resection was achieved by
      video-assisted thoracic surgery or thoracotomy in 20 and 22 patients,
      respectively. Three SFTP-related deaths (7.1%) and four tumor recurrences (9.5%)
      were observed. Mean disease-free survival time was 136.2 (+/- 13.1) months, and 2
      , 5- and 10-year disease-free survival was 91%, 84%, and 67%, respectively. Mean
      disease-free survival inversely correlated with the mean tumor diameter, number
      of mitotic figures and proliferation rate (Ki-67 expression). Other criteria
      (tumor necrosis, atypical localization, sessile tumor, and pleomorphism) were not
      statistically significant prognostic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with large
      SFTP with a high mitotic index and high proliferation rate should be followed-up
      closely and over a prolonged time period in order to recognize recurrence of the
      SFTP early and at a treatable stage. Future research on this topic should focus
      on the prognostic role of immunohistochemistry including Ki-67 expression and
      molecular parameters.

PMID- 25115288
TI  - Characterization of 19 new microsatellite loci for the Omani barb Garra
      barreimiae from 454 sequences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Garra barreimiae is a cyprinid fish from the southeastern Arabian
      Peninsula, which inhabits regularly desiccating wadis and survives in isolated
      ponds or underground. In 1984 a cave-dwelling population was found in the Al
      Hoota cave system and previous genetic analyses revealed some differentiation
      with limited gene flow between the surface populations and the cave population.
      Since no suitable markers are available for evaluation of gene flow between the
      cave population and the adjacent surface populations, we focused on designing and
      establishing novel microsatellite markers from next generation sequencing data.
      FINDINGS: 19 microsatellite markers containing di- and tetranucleotide simple
      sequence repeats were developed from 454 sequences. Forty-four individuals from
      two surface populations (Wadi Al Falahi and Misfat Al Abriyeen) of G. barreimiae
      (sampling permission number 13/2012, export permission number 29/2012) were used
      for analyses and characterization of the loci. On average, the number of alleles
      per locus is 7.6 (range: 2-20). Two markers displayed indication of linkage
      disequilibrium in both populations (DL6X, 9XNC). Significant deviation from Hardy
      Weinberg equilibrium was observed at four loci in the Misfat Al Abriyeen
      population (2PUM, 88CM, 1EHE, 3Z7M) and at two loci in the Wadi Al Falahi
      population (QLIM, 3 N43). Three of the microsatellite loci were significant for
      null alleles in one of the two populations (Misfat Al Abriyeen: CJHG; Wadi Al
      Falahi: PH8A, 3ROZ). Expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0 to
      95.0% respectively from 0 to 95.8% (Wadi Al Falahi) and from 0 to 89.1%
      respectively from 0 to 95.0% (Misfat Al Abriyeen). Fourteen of these markers were
      successfully cross-amplified in G. rufa. CONCLUSION: This 19 microsatellite loci
      provide a useful tool to understand the structure and genetic differences of
      populations. Moreover, these markers will help to evaluate species delimitation
      in G. barreimiae and potentially even in related species.

PMID- 25115290
TI  - Ethnic Minority Status and Body Image Dissatisfaction: A Scoping Review of the
      Child and Adolescent Literature.
AB  - To systematically summarize the literature examining ethnic minority status and
      body image dissatisfaction (BID) among children and adolescents living in Canada
      and the United States. Literature was identified by entering search terms into
      six electronic databases and through an electronic hand search of key research
      journals. Eligible sources were those published between 1946 and November 2012,
      conducted within Canada or the United States, included ethnic minority children
      or adolescents (<19 years), and measured BID through self-report. Synthesis of
      the sources followed the principles of thematic and content analysis (Vaismoradi
      et al. in Nurs Health Sci 15:398-405, 2013). A total of 33 sources were included
      in our scoping synthesis; spanning from 1991 to 2011. No results emerged from
      Canada. Evidence from the United States is equivocal. The literature is plagued
      by inconsistent nomenclature and inadequate attention to issues of measurement,
      sex and gender. A more robust evidence-base requires advanced methods to examine
      the intersection of ethnicity, sex and gender on BID among children and
      adolescents.

PMID- 25115291
TI  - The Impact of Healthcare Access on Knowledge and Willingness for HIV Testing in
      Chinese Female Entertainment Workers.
AB  - Chinese female entertainment workers are at high risk for HIV. We assessed the
      impact of healthcare access on HIV knowledge, condom use, and their willingness
      to receive HIV testing. We surveyed 257 entertainment workers in a cross
      sectional study. Demographic, knowledge, and behavioral risk factors were
      examined. Of 257 women, 107 (42.1%) reported inconsistent condom use. Only 9% had
      prior HIV testing. Their HIV knowledge was generally poor. Having access to
      healthcare, being able to obtain condoms, and managers providing health
      information were associated with consistent condom use (all P < 0.01). Having
      access to healthcare was related to previous HIV testing (P < 0.01). Our study
      showed that having a doctor and access to healthcare had positive effects on HIV
      knowledge and likelihood of condom use and previous HIV testing. Chinese medical
      providers can play a significant role in encouraging HIV testing and outreach in
      migrant women employed at entertainment venues.

PMID- 25115292
TI  - Extrusion of the medial meniscus in knee osteoarthritis assessed with a rotating
      clino-orthostatic permanent-magnet MRI scanner.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to assess the influence of weight
      bearing on tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, including medial meniscal extrusion, by
      using a low-field (0.25 T) rotating clino-orthostatic permanent-magnet magnetic
      resonance (MR) scanner, and to analyse correlations of medial meniscal extrusion
      with the patient's Kellgren-Lawrence score, body mass index, and all the
      osteoarthritis features of the WORMS scoring system. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty-six patients (69.2% women and 30.8% men; mean age 67 +/- 9.7 years) with
      medial tibiofemoral knee osteoarthritis were prospectively enrolled and MR
      sequences were acquired in both clino- and orthostatic position. MR images were
      assessed by two independent radiologists, according to the WORMS scale. Medial
      meniscal extrusion was measured and its clino-orthostatic difference (?MME) was
      calculated. RESULTS: Intra- and inter-observer agreement of the WORMS Global
      Score readings was high by Cohen's K test (>0.81). No significant clino
      orthostatic changes in the scoring parameters of the medial tibiofemoral joint
      were shown by Wilcoxon's test. Medial meniscal extrusion measured on orthostatic
      images was significantly higher than that measured in clinostatic position (p <
      0.0001). At univariate analysis, the Kellgren-Lawrence score, WORMS Global Score,
      cartilage loss, meniscal damage, and osteophytes were significantly correlated to
      ?MME (p < 0.005). Using a multiple regression model, tibiofemoral cartilage loss
      was found to correlate independently with ?MME (p = 0.0499). CONCLUSIONS: Medial
      meniscal extrusion, evaluated with an open-configuration, rotating MR scanner,
      increased from the clinostatic to the orthostatic position. ?MME, a new meniscal
      parameter, correlated with several important features of medial tibiofemoral
      osteoarthritis.

PMID- 25115289
TI  - Seeing the forests and the trees--innovative approaches to exploring
      heterogeneity in systematic reviews of complex interventions to enhance health
      system decision-making: a protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To improve quality of care and patient outcomes, health system
      decision-makers need to identify and implement effective interventions. An
      increasing number of systematic reviews document the effects of quality
      improvement programs to assist decision-makers in developing new initiatives.
      However, limitations in the reporting of primary studies and current meta
      analysis methods (including approaches for exploring heterogeneity) reduce the
      utility of existing syntheses for health system decision-makers. This study will
      explore the role of innovative meta-analysis approaches and the added value of
      enriched and updated data for increasing the utility of systematic reviews of
      complex interventions. METHODS/DESIGN: We will use the dataset from our recent
      systematic review of 142 randomized trials of diabetes quality improvement
      programs to evaluate novel approaches for exploring heterogeneity. These will
      include exploratory methods, such as multivariate meta-regression analyses and
      all-subsets combinatorial meta-analysis. We will then update our systematic
      review to include new trials and enrich the dataset by surveying authors of all
      included trials. In doing so, we will explore the impact of variables not,
      reported in previous publications, such as details of study context, on the
      effectiveness of the intervention. We will use innovative analytical methods on
      the enriched and updated dataset to identify key success factors in the
      implementation of quality improvement interventions for diabetes. Decision-makers
      will be involved throughout to help identify and prioritize variables to be
      explored and to aid in the interpretation and dissemination of results.
      DISCUSSION: This study will inform future systematic reviews of complex
      interventions and describe the value of enriching and updating data for exploring
      heterogeneity in meta-analysis. It will also result in an updated comprehensive
      systematic review of diabetes quality improvement interventions that will be
      useful to health system decision-makers in developing interventions to improve
      outcomes for people with diabetes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO
      registration no. CRD42013005165.

PMID- 25115293
TI  - Nuclear medicine and the emergency department patient: an illustrative case-based
      approach.
AB  - Radiologists are familiar with the use of radiographs, computed tomography,
      magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound in the acute clinical setting. However,
      there are some specific clinical scenarios which may be found in nuclear medicine
      imaging problem-solving tools. These clinical scenarios and imaging techniques
      are less frequent, and the referring clinician from the emergency department may
      not consider these alternatives. It is important for the radiologist to be aware
      of these techniques to be able to guide the clinician to use those tools, which
      may result in optimal patient care. In this article, we will discuss those
      nuclear medicine studies which have application in the setting of an emergency
      radiology practice. 

PMID- 25115294
TI  - Diaphragmatic injuries: why do we struggle to detect them?
AB  - Diaphragmatic injury is an uncommon traumatic condition. It can be easily missed
      due to a lack of awareness by both clinicians and radiologists. A high index of
      suspicion is required for the establishment of an early diagnosis and prevention
      of life-threatening complications. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is
      the modality of choice for the detection of diaphragmatic injury. In this review
      article, we illustrate the MDCT appearance of blunt and penetrating diaphragmatic
      injuries and emphasize the role of the emergency radiologist in detecting these
      entities. 

PMID- 25115296
TI  - Our experience with retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site
      ureterolithotomy.
AB  - AIM: To report our experience with retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site
      (LESS) ureterolithotomy for the management of large proximal ureteral stones.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: From July 2011 to April 2012, 20 patients underwent
      retroperitoneal LESS ureterolithotomy. The indications for the operation were
      impacted upper ureteral stones larger than 15 mm. A reusable elastic single-port
      device with 3 working channels was inserted through the 2.5-cm incision at the
      midpoint between the costal arch and iliac crest on the mid-axillary line. A
      rigid 10-mm 30 degrees  extra-long laparoscope was introduced for monitoring, and
      a combination of lengthened pre-bent and conventional laparoscopic instruments
      was used for handling. The surgical procedure was similar to conventional
      retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. RESULTS: Retroperitoneal LESS
      ureterolithotomy was completed in all of the patients. The mean stone size was
      18.8 mm (range 16-28). The mean operative time was 108 min (range 75-140).
      Significant bleeding was not observed, and no major intraoperative complications
      occurred in any of the patients. The mean hospital stay was 4.4 days (range 3-7).
      CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal LESS ureterolithotomy, using a reusable elastic
      single-port device, is technically feasible and safe, and the combination of
      conventional and pre-bent laparoscopic instruments represents an attractive
      option for retroperitoneal LESS.

PMID- 25115297
TI  - Soluble CD138/Syndecan-1 Increases in the Sera of Patients with Moderately
      Differentiated Bladder Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CD138/Syndecan-1 (Sdc-1) is expressed on the tumor and stromal cells
      of invasive bladder carcinoma. CD138/Sdc-1 shedding from the cell surface is
      associated with the invasive phenotype in lung and breast cancers. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Soluble CD138/Sdc-1 was measured in the sera of 86 bladder cancer
      patients and 57 healthy individuals by a commercial ELISA assay. RESULTS: Soluble
      Sdc-1 was increased in the sera of patients with bladder cancer (138.42 +/- 81.85
      vs. 86.48 +/- 82.58 ng/ml, p = 0.0003). Patients aged over 70 years had higher
      levels of CD138/Sdc-1 in their sera (159.7 +/- 15.77 vs. 124.5 +/- 9.99 ng/ml, p
      = 0.025), and soluble Sdc-1 levels were higher in the sera of patients with
      moderately differentiated tumors compared to poorly differentiated ones (170.47
      +/- 85.06 vs. 101.79 +/- 68.24 ng/ml, p = 0.01). The soluble Sdc-1 level was
      higher in muscle-invasive (154.45 +/- 83.60 vs. 89.9 +/- 55.02 ng/ml) but not
      lymphatic-invasive (106.25 +/- 52.10 vs. 123.43 +/- 63.76 ng/ml) tumors (p =
      0.027 and 0.45, respectively). A non-significant trend of soluble Sdc-1 increase
      in the sera of male patients compared to female patients was observed (145.38 +/-
      85.47 vs. 110.20 +/- 59.04 ng/ml, p = 0.054). CONCLUSION: The elevated levels of
      soluble CD138/Sdc-1 in older bladder cancer patients and those with muscular
      invasion sheds some light on the mechanisms of the disease invasion.

PMID- 25115298
TI  - EFA6B antagonizes breast cancer.
AB  - One of the earliest events in epithelial carcinogenesis is the dissolution of
      tight junctions and cell polarity signals that are essential for normal
      epithelial barrier function. Here, we report that EFA6B, a guanine nucleotide
      exchange factor for the Ras superfamily protein Arf6 that helps assemble and
      stabilize tight junction, is required to maintain apico-basal cell polarity and
      mesenchymal phenotypes in mammary epithelial cells. In organotypic three
      dimensional cell cultures, endogenous levels of EFA6B were critical to determine
      epithelial-mesenchymal status. EFA6B downregulation correlated with a mesenchymal
      phenotype and ectopic expression of EFA6B hampered TGFbeta-induced epithelial-to
      mesenchymal transition (EMT). Transcriptomic and immunohistochemical analyses of
      human breast tumors revealed that the reduced expression of EFA6B was associated
      with loss of tight junction components and with increased signatures of EMT,
      cancer stemness, and poor prognosis. Accordingly, tumors with low levels of EFA6B
      were enriched in the aggressive triple-negative and claudin-low breast cancer
      subtypes. Our results identify EFA6B as a novel antagonist in breast cancer and
      they point to its regulatory and signaling pathways as rational therapeutic
      targets in aggressive forms of this disease.

PMID- 25115299
TI  - GBV-C infection and risk of NHL among U.S. adults.
AB  - Some retrospective studies suggest an association between infection with GB virus
      C (GBV-C) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We evaluated this association
      prospectively in a nested case-control study within the U.S. Prostate, Lung,
      Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. Cases (N = 658) and
      controls (N = 1,316) were individually matched by age, sex, race/ethnicity,
      timing of study entry, and sample selection. Prediagnostic PLCO serum samples
      were tested for GBV-C RNA (as a measure of active infection) and E2 antibody
      (active or resolved infection). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds
      ratios (OR) for the association between GBV-C and NHL overall and NHL subtypes.
      Twelve cases (1.8%) and seven controls (0.5%) were GBV-C RNA-positive. GBV-C RNA
      positivity was associated with NHL overall [OR, 3.43; 95% confidence interval
      (CI), 1.35-8.71] and, based on small numbers, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (OR,
      5.31; 95% CI, 1.54-18.36). The association with NHL persisted when the interval
      between testing and selection was greater than 4 years (OR, 6.00; 95% CI, 1.21
      29.73). In contrast, E2 antibody positivity was not associated with NHL risk (OR,
      1.08; 95% CI, 0.74-1.58). Our study demonstrates that GBV-C infection precedes
      development of NHL. GBV-C infection may play an etiologic role in a small
      proportion of NHL cases, perhaps by causing chronic immune stimulation or
      impaired immunosurveillance.

PMID- 25115295
TI  - Bowel intussusceptions in adults: the role of imaging.
AB  - Intestinal intussusception in adults is a rare condition, accounting for about
      0.003-0.02% of all hospital admissions. This condition in adults represents only
      5% of all cases of intussusceptions and is different from paediatric
      intussusception, which is usually idiopathic. In contrast, almost 90% of cases in
      adults are secondary to various pathologies that serve as a lead point, such as
      polyps, Meckel's diverticulum, colonic diverticulum, or malignant or benign
      neoplasm. The aim of the present study was to assess the capabilities of
      multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in the diagnosis and correct
      characterisation of intussusception, especially in distinguishing between
      intussusceptions with a lead point and those without. Indeed, although the MSCT
      findings that help to differentiate between lead point and non-lead point
      intussusceptions have not been well studied, abdominal MSCT remains the most
      sensitive radiological tool to confirm bowel intussusceptions. Moreover,
      differentiating intussusceptions with a lead point condition from those without
      is crucial for directing the patient towards the most appropriate treatment,
      avoiding surgery when not necessary.

PMID- 25115302
TI  - Defining "serious illness".

PMID- 25115301
TI  - Gangliosides drive the tumor infiltration and function of myeloid-derived
      suppressor cells.
AB  - Although it is now widely appreciated that antitumor immunity is critical to
      impede tumor growth and progression, there remain significant gaps in knowledge
      about the mechanisms used by tumors to escape immune control. In tumor cells, we
      hypothesized that one mechanism of immune escape used by tumors involves the
      synthesis and extracellular shedding of gangliosides, a class of biologically
      active cell surface glycosphingolipids with known immunosuppressive properties.
      In this study, we report that tumor cells engineered to be ganglioside deficient
      exhibit impaired tumorigenicity, supporting a link between ganglioside-dependent
      immune escape and tumor outgrowth. Notably, we documented a dramatic reduction in
      the numbers and function of tumor-infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressor cells
      (MDSC) in ganglioside-deficient tumors, in contrast with the large MDSC
      infiltrates seen in ganglioside-rich littermate control tumors. Transient
      ganglioside reconstitution of the tumor cell inoculum was sufficient to increase
      MDSC infiltration, supporting a direct connection between ganglioside production
      by tumor cells and the recruitment of immunosuppressive MDSC into the tumor
      microenvironment. Our results reveal a novel mechanism of immune escape that
      supports tumor growth, with broad implications given that many human tumors
      produce and shed high levels of gangliosides.

PMID- 25115300
TI  - BRG1/SMARCA4 inactivation promotes non-small cell lung cancer aggressiveness by
      altering chromatin organization.
AB  - SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes regulate critical cellular processes,
      including cell-cycle control, programmed cell death, differentiation, genomic
      instability, and DNA repair. Inactivation of this class of chromatin remodeling
      complex has been associated with a variety of malignancies, including lung,
      ovarian, renal, liver, and pediatric cancers. In particular, approximately 10% of
      primary human lung non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) display attenuations in
      the BRG1 ATPase, a core factor in SWI/SNF complexes. To evaluate the role of BRG1
      attenuation in NSCLC development, we examined the effect of BRG1 silencing in
      primary and established human NSCLC cells. BRG1 loss altered cellular morphology
      and increased tumorigenic potential. Gene expression analyses showed reduced
      expression of genes known to be associated with progression of human NSCLC. We
      demonstrated that BRG1 losses in NSCLC cells were associated with variations in
      chromatin structure, including differences in nucleosome positioning and
      occupancy surrounding transcriptional start sites of disease-relevant genes. Our
      results offer direct evidence that BRG1 attenuation contributes to NSCLC
      aggressiveness by altering nucleosome positioning at a wide range of genes,
      including key cancer-associated genes.

PMID- 25115303
TI  - Drug resistance is conferred on the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by
      expression of full-length melanoma-associated human ATP-binding cassette
      transporter ABCB5.
AB  - ABCB5, an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, is highly expressed in melanoma
      cells, and may contribute to the extreme resistance of melanomas to chemotherapy
      by efflux of anti-cancer drugs. Our goal was to determine whether we could
      functionally express human ABCB5 in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in
      order to demonstrate an efflux function for ABCB5 in the absence of background
      pump activity from other human transporters. Heterologous expression would also
      facilitate drug discovery for this important target. DNAs encoding ABCB5
      sequences were cloned into the chromosomal PDR5 locus of a S. cerevisiae strain
      in which seven endogenous ABC transporters have been deleted. Protein expression
      in the yeast cells was monitored by immunodetection using both a specific anti
      ABCB5 antibody and a cross-reactive anti-ABCB1 antibody. ABCB5 function in
      recombinant yeast cells was measured by determining whether the cells possessed
      increased resistance to known pump substrates, compared to the host yeast strain,
      in assays of yeast growth. Three ABCB5 constructs were made in yeast. One was
      derived from the ABCB5-beta mRNA, which is highly expressed in human tissues but
      is a truncation of a canonical full-size ABC transporter. Two constructs
      contained full-length ABCB5 sequences: either a native sequence from cDNA or a
      synthetic sequence codon-harmonized for S. cerevisiae. Expression of all three
      constructs in yeast was confirmed by immunodetection. Expression of the codon
      harmonized full-length ABCB5 DNA conferred increased resistance, relative to the
      host yeast strain, to the putative substrates rhodamine 123, daunorubicin,
      tetramethylrhodamine, FK506, or clorgyline. We conclude that full-length ABCB5
      can be functionally expressed in S. cerevisiae and confers drug resistance. 

PMID- 25115304
TI  - Extended RAS mutations and anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody survival benefit in
      metastatic colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) prolong survival in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) Kirsten
      rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) exon 2 wild-type tumors. Recent evidence has
      suggested that other RAS mutations (in exons 3 and 4 of KRAS and exons 2, 3 and 4
      of a related gene, NRAS) may also be predictive of resistance. METHODS:
      Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs)
      evaluating anti-EGFR mAbs that have assessed tumors for new RAS mutations. Tumors
      with the new RAS mutations were compared with both tumors without any RAS
      mutations and tumors with KRAS exon 2 mutations with respect to anti-EGFR
      treatment progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) benefit.
      RESULTS: Nine RCTs comprising a total of 5948 participants evaluated for both
      KRAS exon 2 and new RAS mutations met the inclusion criteria. Approximately 20%
      of KRAS exon 2 wild-type tumors harbored one of the new RAS mutations. Tumors
      without any RAS mutations (either KRAS exon 2 or new RAS mutations) were found to
      have significantly superior anti-EGFR mAb PFS (P < 0.001) and OS (P = 0.008)
      treatment effect compared with tumors with any of the new RAS mutations. No
      difference in PFS or OS benefit was evident between tumors with KRAS exon 2
      mutations and tumors with the new RAS mutations. Results were consistent between
      different anti-EGFR agents, lines of therapy and chemotherapy partners. Anti-EGFR
      mAb therapy significantly improved both PFS {hazard ratio 0.62 [95% confidence
      interval (CI) 0.50-0.76]} and OS [hazard ratio 0.87 (95% CI 0.77-0.99)] for
      tumors without any RAS mutations. No PFS or OS benefit was evident with use of
      anti-EGFR mAbs for tumors harboring any RAS mutation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Tumors harboring one of the new RAS mutations are unlikely to significantly
      benefit from anti-EGFR mAb therapy in mCRC.

PMID- 25115305
TI  - Metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines
      for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

PMID- 25115306
TI  - Effectiveness of 3 T PROPELLER DUO diffusion-weighted MRI in differentiating
      sinonasal lymphomas and carcinomas.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the value of 3 T Periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines
      with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) DUO diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in
      differentiating sinonasal lymphomas from carcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      PROPELLER DUO DW-MRI was performed in 23 patients with sinonasal lymphomas and 28
      patients with carcinomas histologically confirmed at 3 T MRI. Apparent diffusion
      coefficients (ADCs) were obtained with two different b-values (b = 0 and 700
      s/mm(2), b = 0 and 1000 s/mm(2)) and two different regions of interest (ROIs)
      sampling strategies [whole section (WS), partial section (PS)], respectively.
      Difference in ADCs between sinonasal lymphomas and carcinomas was evaluated using
      the independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test. The utility of ADC
      thresholds for discriminating between them was evaluated by receiver operating
      characteristic analysis. RESULTS: ADCs of sinonasal lymphomas (WS ADCb0,700,
      0.838 * 10(-3) mm(2)/s) were significantly (p < 0.001) lower than those of
      carcinomas (WS ADCb0,700, 1.396 * 10(-3) mm(2)/s). Using a WS ADC b0,700 value of
      1.040 * 10(-3) mm(2)/s as the threshold value effectively differentiated
      sinonasal lymphomas from carcinomas with 100% sensitivity, 82.1% specificity, and
      82.1% positive and 100% negative predictive values and 90.2% accuracy (b = 0, 700
      s/mm(2)). There was no significant difference in diagnostic ability between
      different b-values settings (p > 0.05) and different sampling strategies of ROIs
      (p > 0.05), respectively. Additionally, there was significant differences in the
      ADCs between diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and natural killer (NK)/T-cell
      lymphomas (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PROPELLER DUO DW-MRI can effectively
      differentiate sinonasal lymphomas from carcinomas.

PMID- 25115307
TI  - Re: Are radiologists the contemporary anatomists?

PMID- 25115310
TI  - Revealing the substrate origin of the linear dispersion of silicene/Ag(111).
AB  - The band structure of the recently synthesized (3 * 3) silicene monolayer on (4 *
      4) Ag(111) is investigated using density functional theory. A k-projection
      technique that includes the k?-dependence of the surface bands is used to
      separate the contributions arising from the silicene and the substrate, allowing
      a consistent comparison between the calculations and the angle-resolved
      photoemission experiments. Our calculations not only reproduce the observed gap
      and linear dispersion across the K point of (1 * 1) silicene but also demonstrate
      that these originate from the k?-dependence of Ag(111) substrate states (modified
      by interactions with the silicene) and not from a Dirac state. 

PMID- 25115309
TI  - Pharmacological actions of thymol and an analogue at GABAB autoreceptors.
AB  - GABAB autoreceptors inhibit release of GABA from GABAergic nerve terminals.
      Agonists of these receptors (e.g. baclofen) inhibit, whereas antagonists (e.g.
      (+)-(S)-5,5-dimethylmorpholinyl-2-acetic acid; Sch 50911) enhance release of the
      transmitter. The actions of thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol) and the
      structurally related compound 2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, (4MP) on the release
      of [(3) H]-GABA were examined in rat neocortical slices where the GABAergic
      nerves had been preloaded with [(3) H]-GABA and subsequently stimulated
      electrically on two occasions (S1 and S2 ). Test agents, baclofen and Sch 50911
      were added to the superfusion medium prior to the second period of stimulation
      (S2 ). Stimulation-induced overflow (SIO) of [(3) H]-GABA as a consequence of
      these stimulations (SIO1 and SIO2 ) were calculated and the effects of agents
      determined by comparing the SIO2 /SIO1 ratio in the presence of each agent with
      that in control tissue. Thymol potentiated the release of [(3) H]-GABA (EC50 170
      MUmol/L), an action reversed by baclofen (2 MUmol/L). Baclofen alone had little
      effect on GABA release. Release of [(3) H]-GABA was inhibited by 4MP (IC50 3
      MUmol/L) and this effect was blocked by Sch 50911 (10 MUmol/L). Alone, Sch 50911
      markedly potentiated the release of GABA. These results imply that 4MP is an
      agonist of GABAB autoreceptors; however, further studies are needed to confirm
      that thymol is indeed a GABAB autoreceptor antagonist. Of interest are structural
      differences in these agents. Thymol has a propyl group in the ortho position
      relative to the phenolic hydroxyl, whereas in 4MP this is a butyl group and the
      methyl group moves from position 5 to 4. Whether one or both of these changes was
      responsible for the above actions is unknown. 

PMID- 25115308
TI  - Neck-specific training with a cognitive behavioural approach compared with
      prescribed physical activity in patients with cervical radiculopathy: a protocol
      of a prospective randomised clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with cervical radiculopathy often have neck- and arm pain,
      neurological changes, activity limitations and difficulties in returning to work.
      Most patients are not candidates for surgery but are often treated with different
      conservative approaches and may be sick-listed for long periods. The purpose of
      the current study is to compare the effectiveness of neck-specific training
      versus prescribed physical activity. METHODS/DESIGN: The current protocol is a
      two armed intervention randomised clinical trial comparing the outcomes of
      patients receiving neck specific training or prescribed physical activity. A
      total of 144 patients with cervical radiculopathy will be randomly allocated to
      either of the two interventions. The interventions will be delivered by
      experienced physiotherapists and last 14 weeks. The primary outcome variable is
      neck- and arm pain intensity measured with a Visual Analogue Scale accompanied
      with secondary outcome measures of impairments and subjective health measurements
      collected before intervention and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after base-line
      assessment. DISCUSSION: We anticipate that the results of this study will provide
      evidence to support recommendations as to the effectiveness of conservative
      interventions for patients with cervical radiculopathy. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01831271.

PMID- 25115311
TI  - Educational intervention to improve the health outcomes of children with sickle
      cell disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common single gene
      disorder worldwide, caregivers of children do not have adequate knowledge about
      the illness and its management. The purpose of this study was to assess the
      efficacy of education along with tailored written materials in changing the
      behaviors of caregivers to help them provide better care for children with SCD.
      METHODS: A preintervention and postintervention quasi-experimental design was
      used. A convenience sample of 43 caregivers of 57 children were asked to complete
      a questionnaire related to their knowledge of SCD before and after educational
      sessions. The educational sessions (the intervention) were provided to caregivers
      at the Children's Cancer Center in Lebanon by one registered nurse, one certified
      pediatric nurse practitioner, and one pediatric hematologist. Emergency
      department (ED) visits and hospitalizations were compared 2 months before and 2
      months after the intervention. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase was
      found in the knowledge of caregivers about the cause, symptoms, and management of
      the disease. A statistically significant decrease occurred in the number of
      hospitalizations before and after the intervention but not in the number of
      visits to the ED. Multiple regression analysis found that none of the background
      variables were related to knowledge, ED visits, or hospitalizations. CLINICAL
      IMPLICATIONS: Education and written materials written in a simple language that
      is understood by 5th-graders were beneficial in improving the knowledge of
      caregivers and in decreasing the number of hospitalizations of children with SCD.

PMID- 25115312
TI  - Adolescent with Fever, hypotension, and respiratory distress.

PMID- 25115313
TI  - Role of near-infrared fluorescence imaging in head and neck cancer surgery: from
      animal models to humans.
AB  - Complete resection of head and neck cancers with negative surgical margins
      improves the prognosis of the disease and decreases the recurrence rate. Near
      infrared fluorescence-guided surgery of head and neck cancer is a rapidly
      evolving field that represents an invaluable tool for tumor detection and
      resection. Here, we present a literature review of the principles of near
      infrared fluorescence imaging and its use in head and neck cancer surgery. We
      discuss important studies in both animal models and humans that have been carried
      out up to this point. We also outline the important fluorescent molecules and
      devices used in head and neck fluorescence imaging-guided surgery. Although near
      infrared fluorescence-guided surgery for head and neck cancers showed efficacy in
      animal models, its use in humans is limited by the small number of fluorescent
      probes that are approved for clinical use. However, it is considered as a novel
      surgical aid that helps delineate tumor margins preoperatively and could spare
      patients from the added morbidity that is associated with additional surgery or
      chemoradiation. In addition, it is a useful tool to detect sentinel lymph nodes
      as well as metastatic lymph nodes. 

PMID- 25115314
TI  - Association between sudden sensorineural hearing loss and anxiety disorder: a
      population-based study.
AB  - Anxiety disorder (AD) is commonly associated with a number of physical illnesses.
      No previous study has investigated the association between AD and sudden
      sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). In this study, we investigated the
      association between prior AD and SSNHL using a population-based dataset in
      Taiwan. Sampled subjects of this case-control study were retrieved from the
      Taiwan "Longitudinal Health Insurance Database". We identified 3,522 patients who
      had a diagnosis of SSNHL as cases and 10,566 age- and gender-matched subjects
      without SSNHL as controls. A conditional logistic regression was used to
      calculate the odds ratio (OR) for having previously been diagnosed with AD
      between cases and controls. We found that of 14,088 patients, 13.4% had a prior
      AD diagnosis, 17.8 and 11.9% for the SSNHL group and controls, respectively.
      After adjusting for patient socioeconomic characteristics and comorbid medical
      disorders, SSNHL patients were more likely to have prior AD than the controls (OR
      1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-1.66, p < 0.001). Furthermore, we found
      that the significant relationship between SSNHL and prior AD decreased with age.
      The relationship was the most pronounced among those aged <=44 years, with an
      adjusted OR of 1.86 (95% CI 1.48-2.33, p < 0.001) for cases compared to controls.
      We concluded that patients with SSNHL had a higher proportion of prior AD than
      non-SSNHL-diagnosed controls. Further study is needed to confirm our findings and
      explore the underlying pathomechanisms.

PMID- 25115315
TI  - Orbital compartment: effects of emergent canthotomy and cantholysis.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the effect of orbital decompression
      procedures on the intraocular pressure (IOP). The orbital compartment syndrome
      represents an emergency situation. Due to the elevated IOP vision loss may ensue.
      Several maneuvers including lateral canthotomy are discussed to reduce the IOP.
      Eight orbits were studied in a fresh frozen cadaveric model (4 specimens).
      Intraorbital volume was determined by CT volumetry. An orbital compartment
      syndrome was simulated by injecting viscous material into the orbit. Injected
      volumes were documented and lateral canthotomy, cantholysis, inferior and
      superior septolysis were performed. IOP and exophthalmometric measurements were
      obtained after each intervention. Controlled elevation of IOP was achieved in all
      specimens. IOP was partially reduced after performing a lateral canthotomy in
      eight orbits. IOP was significantly and sufficiently decreased under 20 mmHg by
      inferior cantholysis in seven orbits. An additional superior cantholysis was
      necessary in two orbits to achieve a complete decompression. Inferior or superior
      septolysis were not needed to further reduce the IOP. Lateral canthotomy must be
      followed by an inferior cantholysis to successfully decompress an orbital
      compartment syndrome in the majority of cases. Occasionally, superior cantholysis
      may generate additional benefit. Additional inferior and superior septolysis were
      not shown to provide a beneficial effect when performed after canthotomy and
      cantholysis.

PMID- 25115317
TI  - Early dermoscopic detection of lentigo maligna within a lesion of pigmented
      contact dermatitis.

PMID- 25115316
TI  - Steroids and antihistamines synergize to inhibit rat's airway smooth muscle
      contractility.
AB  - Both glucocorticoids and H1-antihistamines were widely used on patients with
      allergic rhinitis (AR) and obstructive airway diseases. However, their direct
      effects on airway smooth muscle were not fully explored. In this study, we tested
      the effectiveness of prednisolone (Kidsolone) and levocetirizine (Xyzal) on
      isolated rat trachea submersed in Kreb's solution in a muscle bath. Changes in
      tracheal contractility in response to the application of parasympathetic mimetic
      agents were measured. The following assessments of the drug were performed: (1)
      effect on tracheal smooth muscle resting tension; (2) effect on contraction
      caused by 10(-6) M methacholine; (3) effect of the drug on electrical field
      stimulation (EFS) induced tracheal smooth muscle contractions. The result
      revealed sole use of Kidsolone or Xyzal elicited no significant effect or only a
      little relaxation response on tracheal tension after methacholine treatment. The
      tension was 90.5 +/- 7.5 and 99.5 +/- 0.8 % at 10(-4) M for Xyzal and 10(-5) M
      for Kidsolone, respectively. However, a dramatically spasmolytic effect was
      observed after co-administration of Kidsolone and Xyzal and the tension dropped
      to 67.5 +/- 13.6 %, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). As for EFS-induced
      contractions, Kidsolone had no direct effect but Xyzal could inhibit it, with
      increasing basal tension. In conclusion, using glucocorticoids alone had no
      spasmolytic effect but they can be synergized with antihistamines to dramatically
      relax the trachea smooth muscle within minutes. Therefore, for AR patients with
      acute asthma attack, combined use of those two drugs is recommended.

PMID- 25115318
TI  - Substance abuse-specific knowledge transfer or loss? Treatment program turnover
      versus professional turnover among substance abuse clinicians.
AB  - This longitudinal study investigated the extent to which substance abuse (SA)
      clinician turnover is associated with SA-specific knowledge loss due to change in
      professions (professional turnover) versus SA-specific knowledge transfer due to
      movement from one SA clinical setting to another (treatment program turnover).
      For this study, clinicians had to have voluntarily left their current treatment
      program. Eligible clinicians completed a quantitative survey while employed and a
      qualitative post-employment exit interview 1 year later. Compared to those that
      exited the SA profession (n = 99), clinicians who changed treatment programs (n =
      120) had greater SA-specific formal knowledge and were more likely to be
      personally in recovery. No differences were found between the two groups in terms
      of SA-specific practical knowledge. 

PMID- 25115320
TI  - Response to chemotherapy, reexposure to crizotinib and treatment with a novel ALK
      inhibitor in a patient with acquired crizotinib resistance.
AB  - The treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has dramatically
      changed over the last decade. It has developed from an unspecific approach based
      on platinum doublet chemotherapy to a personalized, molecularly targeted therapy.
      Crizotinib is a new tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of NSCLC
      with gene rearrangement of EML4 and ALK. Despite good initial responses, patients
      treated with crizotinib relapse after an average of 10 months. In this case
      report, we present a patient with acquired crizotinib resistance whose
      adenocarcinoma responded to a second course of crizotinib following a drug
      holiday and chemotherapy with pemetrexed. This is the second case report to
      suggest that retreatment with crizotinib is an option for patients with initial
      benefit from ALK inhibition.

PMID- 25115319
TI  - Pregnancy outcomes and birth defects from an antiretroviral drug safety study of
      women in South Africa and Zambia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) in
      conception and pregnancy in different health systems. DESIGN: A pilot ART
      registry to measure the prevalence of birth defects and adverse pregnancy
      outcomes in South Africa and Zambia. METHODS: HIV-infected pregnant women on ART
      prior to conception were enrolled until delivery, and their infants were followed
      until 1 year old. RESULTS: Between October 2010 and April 2011, 600 women were
      enrolled. The median CD4 cell count at study enrollment was lower in South Africa
      than Zambia (320 vs. 430 cells/MUl; P < 0.01). The most common antiretroviral
      drugs at the time of conception included stavudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine.
      There were 16 abortions (2.7%), one ectopic pregnancy (0.2%), 12 (2.0%)
      stillbirths, and 571 (95.2%) live infants. Deliveries were more often preterm
      (29.7 vs. 18.4%; P = 0.01) and the infants had lower birth weights (2900 vs. 2995
      g; P = 0.11) in Zambia compared to South Africa. Thirty-six infants had birth
      defects: 13 major and 23 minor. There were more major anomalies detected in South
      Africa and more minor ones in Zambia. No neonatal deaths were attributed to
      congenital birth defects. CONCLUSIONS: An Africa-specific, multi-site
      antiretroviral drug safety registry for pregnant women is feasible. Different
      prevalence for preterm delivery, delivery mode, and birth defect types between
      women on preconception ART in South Africa and Zambia highlight the potential
      impact of health systems on pregnancy outcomes. As countries establish ART drug
      safety registries, documenting health facility limitations may be as essential as
      the specific ART details.

PMID- 25115321
TI  - Long-term psychosocial impact of otoplasty performed on children with prominent
      ears.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the psychosocial impact of prominent ears on children,
      and evaluate the outcomes of otoplasty two years after surgery, using the Child
      Behavior Checklist to comparatively evaluate patients' psychosocial profiles.
      METHOD AND RESULTS: A total of 198 otoplasty procedures were performed in 107
      patients (85 per cent bilateral procedures). Otoplasty was performed solely in 86
      patients and concurrently with other procedures in 21 patients. All children who
      underwent surgery obtained good post-operative results, with satisfactory
      correction of the deformity reported by the patients and their parents or
      guardians. There were statistically significant decreases in Child Behavior
      Checklist scores in the domains of: anxiety and depression (p = 0.028), social
      problems (p = 0.018), difficulties in thinking (p = 0.012), total behavioural
      problems (p = 0.012), internalising problems (p = 0.020) and externalising
      problems (p = 0.044), and near-significant decreases in scores for attention
      problems (p = 0.055) and aggressive behaviour (p = 0.078). There was a
      statistically significant increase in the score for total social competence (p =
      0.031). CONCLUSION: Psychological problems associated with anatomical deformities
      such as prominent ears can be reduced by means of appropriate corrective surgery.
      Psychological support is necessary for the patient.

PMID- 25115322
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging in lumbar gunshot wounds: an absolute
      contraindication?
AB  - OBJECT: Performance of MR imaging in patients with gunshot wounds at or near the
      lumbar spinal canal is controversial. The authors reviewed the literature on the
      use of MR imaging in gunshot wounds to the spine. They discuss the results from
      in vitro and clinical studies, analyze the physical properties of common
      projectiles, and evaluate the safety and indications for MR imaging when metallic
      fragments are located near the spinal canal. METHODS: A review of the English
      language literature was performed. Data from 25 articles were analyzed, including
      5 in vitro studies of the interaction between 95 projectiles and the MR system's
      magnetic fields, and the clinical outcomes in 22 patients with metallic fragments
      at or near the spinal canal who underwent MR imaging. RESULTS: Properties of 95
      civilian and military projectiles were analyzed at a magnet strength of 1, 1.5,
      3, and 7 T. The most common projectiles were bullets with a core of lead, either
      with a copper jacket or unjacketed (73 [76.8%] of 95). Steel-containing (core or
      jacket) projectiles comprised 14.7%. No field interaction was evident in 78
      (96.3%) of the 81 nonsteel projectiles. All steel projectiles showed at least
      positive deflection forces, longitudinal migration, or rotation. Heating of the
      projectiles was clinically insignificant. Image artifact was significant in all 9
      steel bullets tested, but was not significant in 39 (88.6%) of the 44 nonsteel
      bullets tested. Overall, 22 patients with complete (82%) and incomplete (14%)
      spinal cord injury secondary to a projectile lodged inside the spinal canal
      underwent MR imaging. Discomfort and further physical or neurological deficits
      were not reported by any patient. Two patients with spinal cord injuries
      underwent MR imaging studies before surgical decompression and had subsequent,
      significant neurological improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Metallic implants near or at
      the spinal canal are a relative contraindication for MR imaging. However, safe MR
      imaging might be feasible when a projectile's properties and a patient's
      individualized clinical presentation are considered.

PMID- 25115323
TI  - The association between bullying-related behaviours and subjective health
      complaints in late adolescence: cross-sectional study in Greece.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bullying is quite prevalent in the school setting and has been
      associated with several subjective health complaints such as headache, backache,
      abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue and sleep problems. The aim of the present
      study was to investigate the association between bullying and subjective health
      complaints in a sample of Greek adolescents taking into account the presence of
      psychiatric morbidity. METHODS: A stratified random sample of 2427 adolescents
      aged 16-18 years old and attending senior high schools were randomly selected for
      a computerized interview. Subjective health complaints were assessed using a
      symptom checklist used in the context of a previous World Health Organization
      study and relevant sections of the revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R).
      The latter was also used for the assessment of psychiatric morbidity. Bullying
      was assessed with the revised Olweus bully/victim questionnaire. A series of
      logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between
      bullying and subjective health complaints. RESULTS: Victims of bullying were more
      likely to report backache (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.01-3.67), dizziness
      (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.11-7.22) and fatigue (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19-0.86),
      independently of the presence of psychiatric morbidity. In addition bullying
      perpetrators were more likely to report backache (OR = 3.49, 95% CI: 1.49-8.18).
      It is worth noting that sleep problems and abdominal pain were also associated
      with being bullied and fatigue with bullying perpetration but these associations
      were all attenuated after adjustment for psychiatric morbidity. CONCLUSIONS:
      Strong associations between bullying in schools and subjective health complaints
      among a sample of Greek students aged 16-18 years have been observed. The exact
      nature of these associations should be investigated in future longitudinal
      studies.

PMID- 25115325
TI  - Is sacral neuromodulation here to stay? Clinical outcomes of a new treatment for
      fecal incontinence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) was approved by the FDA for the
      treatment of fecal incontinence (FI) in 2011, and previous industry-sponsored
      trials have shown excellent clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study is to
      examine clinical outcomes of patients treated during our initial experience with
      SNM. METHODS: A prospective database of patients treated with SNM for FI by one
      of three colorectal surgeons at two separate institutions was maintained starting
      in 2011. Patients showing >=50% improvement of weekly incontinent episodes during
      test stimulation were offered permanent implantation of the SNM device. Disease
      severity was tracked using the Wexner score. RESULTS: A total of 145 patients
      received a full system implantation (of 152 who received test stimulation). The
      median preoperative Wexner score of 14 decreased to 3, 3 months after
      implantation and persisted to 12 months. At 12 months, 95.2% of patients achieved
      >50% improvement in Wexner Score and 67.6% achieved >75% improvement. The most
      common adverse event was infection (3.4%). Three patients (2.1%) required lead
      revision. CONCLUSIONS: SNM is a safe and effective therapy for the treatment of
      FI. Postoperative patient surveillance is important, as many patients require
      programming changes, and some will require a lead revision over time.

PMID- 25115324
TI  - Routine drainage of the operative bed following elective distal pancreatectomy
      does not reduce the occurrence of complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine drainage of the operative bed following elective
      pancreatectomy remains controversial. Data specific to distal pancreatectomy (DP)
      have not been examined in a multi-institutional collaborative. METHODS: Data from
      the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
      Pancreatectomy Demonstration Project were utilized. The impact of drain placement
      on development of pancreatectomy-related and overall morbidity were analyzed.
      Propensity scores for drain placement were calculated, and nearest neighbor
      matching was used to create a matched cohort. Groups were compared using
      bivariate and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Over 14 months, 761 patients
      undergoing DP were accrued; 606 were drained. Propensity score matching was
      possible in 116 patients. Drain and no drain groups were not different with
      respect to multiple preoperative and operative variables. All pancreatic fistulas
      (p < 0.01) and overall morbidity (p < 0.05) were more common in patients who
      received a drain. The placement of a drain did not reduce the incidence of
      clinically relevant pancreatic fistula nor the need for postoperative procedures.
      CONCLUSIONS: Placement of drains following elective distal pancreatectomy was
      associated with a higher overall morbidity and pancreatic fistulas. Drains did
      not reduce intra-abdominal septic morbidity, clinically relevant pancreatic
      fistulas, nor the need for postoperative therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 25115327
TI  - Pushing with the pigtail: a novel approach to placing the MitraClip in a patient
      with a severely restricted posterior mitral leaflet.
AB  - The MitraClip is an US Food and Drug Administration-approved device for
      inoperable patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) and is
      under investigation for use in patients with severe functional MR. Simultaneously
      grasping both leaflets of the mitral valve can be technically challenging,
      however, in patients with a restricted posterior leaflet. We present one such
      case in which a pigtail catheter, placed retrograde into the left ventricle, was
      able to push the ventricular surface of the posterior leaflet into closer
      approximation with the anterior leaflet, and facilitate successful clip
      placement. We provide this report in hopes that it will provide a useful strategy
      for interventionalists faced with this challenging situation.

PMID- 25115326
TI  - Superglue in the Urethra: Surgical Treatment.
AB  - We describe a case of superglue application into the male urethra with successful
      surgical treatment of the glue particles by external urethrotomy. 

PMID- 25115328
TI  - 'A Speculative Idea': The Parallel Trajectories of Financial Speculation,
      Obstetrical Science, and Fiscal Management of Female Bodies in Henry James's
      Washington Square.
AB  - This essay teases out the intimate connections between the scientific and fiscal
      realms in the context of American germ theory and obstetrics. By uncovering the
      economic and medical contexts of Henry James's Washington Square-set during the
      infancy of germ theory and the heyday of American obstetrics-this essay exposes a
      previously unexplored subtextual history of contagion in the text. Although this
      scientific history seems relegated to the novel's margins, understanding the
      changing scientific cosmologies and professional organizations in the context of
      the novel's setting and composition reveals that these tiny infectious particles
      and their vectors fundamentally shape the plot of the novel.

PMID- 25115329
TI  - Phenyl amide linker improves the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of N
      terminally mono-PEGylated human growth hormone.
AB  - Human growth hormone (hGH) suffers from a short plasma half-life of ~15 min,
      necessitating frequent injections to maintain its physiological effect.
      PEGylation, conjugation of polyethylene glycol (PEG), is an effective strategy to
      prolong the plasma half-life of hGH. However, PEGylation can significantly
      decrease the bioactivity of hGH. Thus, a new PEGylation approach is desired to
      improve the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of the PEGylated hGH.
      In the present study, two N-terminally mono-PEGylated hGHs were prepared using
      aldehyde chemistry. Phenyl amide and ethyl moieties were used as the linkers
      between PEG and hGH, respectively. The hydrodynamic volume, proteolytic
      sensitivity, and immunogenicity of the PEGylated hGH with phenyl amide linker
      (hGH-phenyl-PEG) were lower than those of the one with propyl linker (hGH-prop
      PEG). In addition, hGH-phenyl-PEG showed a higher in vitro bioactivity and better
      PK and PD than hGH-prop-PEG. The better PK of hGH-phenyl-PEG was mainly due to
      its lower proteolytic sensitivity and low immunogenicity. The better PD of hGH
      phenyl-PEG was mainly due to its higher in vitro bioactivity. Thus, the phenyl
      amide linker can improve the overall pharmacological profiles of the PEGylated
      hGH. Our study is expected to advance the development of long-acting protein
      biotherapeutics with high therapeutic efficacy. 

PMID- 25115331
TI  - KiMoSys: a web-based repository of experimental data for KInetic MOdels of
      biological SYStems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The kinetic modeling of biological systems is mainly composed of
      three steps that proceed iteratively: model building, simulation and analysis. In
      the first step, it is usually required to set initial metabolite concentrations,
      and to assign kinetic rate laws, along with estimating parameter values using
      kinetic data through optimization when these are not known. Although the rapid
      development of high-throughput methods has generated much omics data,
      experimentalists present only a summary of obtained results for publication, the
      experimental data files are not usually submitted to any public repository, or
      simply not available at all. In order to automatize as much as possible the steps
      of building kinetic models, there is a growing requirement in the systems biology
      community for easily exchanging data in combination with models, which represents
      the main motivation of KiMoSys development. DESCRIPTION: KiMoSys is a user
      friendly platform that includes a public data repository of published
      experimental data, containing concentration data of metabolites and enzymes and
      flux data. It was designed to ensure data management, storage and sharing for a
      wider systems biology community. This community repository offers a web-based
      interface and upload facility to turn available data into publicly accessible,
      centralized and structured-format data files. Moreover, it compiles and
      integrates available kinetic models associated with the data.KiMoSys also
      integrates some tools to facilitate the kinetic model construction process of
      large-scale metabolic networks, especially when the systems biologists perform
      computational research. CONCLUSIONS: KiMoSys is a web-based system that
      integrates a public data and associated model(s) repository with computational
      tools, providing the systems biology community with a novel application
      facilitating data storage and sharing, thus supporting construction of ODE-based
      kinetic models and collaborative research projects.The web application
      implemented using Ruby on Rails framework is freely available for web access at
      http://kimosys.org, along with its full documentation.

PMID- 25115333
TI  - Endothelial cationic amino acid transporter-1 overexpression blunts the effects
      of oxidative stress on pressor responses to behavioural stress in mice.
AB  - Observational studies indicate that psychological stress may contribute to the
      pathogenesis of hypertension and this may be further accentuated by factors such
      as endothelial dysfunction. On this basis, we aimed to determine whether
      oxidative stress enhances pressor responses to stressful stimuli and whether
      augmenting endothelial function by increasing the transport of L-arginine can
      counter the effects of oxidative stress. Telemetry probes were used to measure
      mean arterial pressure (MAP) in wild-type (WT; n = 6) and endothelial cationic
      amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1)-overexpressing (CAT+) mice (n = 6) before and
      during an aversive (restraint) and non-aversive (almond feeding) stressor. The
      superoxide dismutase inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DETCA; 30 mg/kg per
      day; 14 days) was then administered via a minipump to induce oxidative stress.
      Stress responses to feeding and restraint were repeated during Days 11-12 of
      DETCA infusion. In WT mice, pressor responses to restraint and feeding were
      augmented during infusion of DETCA (35 +/- 1 and 28 +/- 1 mmHg, respectively)
      compared with respective pretreatment responses (28 +/- 2 and 24 +/- 1 mmHg,
      respectively; P <= 0.01). In CAT+ mice, pressor responses to feeding were blunted
      during DETCA (20 +/- 1 mmHg) compared with the control response (23 +/- 1 mmHg; P
      = 0.03). In these mice, pressor responses to restraint were similar before (28 +/
      1 mmHg) and during (26 +/- 1 mmHg) DETCA infusion (P = 0.26). We conclude that
      endothelial CAT-1 overexpression can counter the ability of oxidative stress to
      augment pressor responses to behavioural stress.

PMID- 25115334
TI  - Effects of framework design and layering material on fracture strength of implant
      supported zirconia-based molar crowns.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of framework design and layering material on
      the fracture strength of implant-supported zirconia-based molar crowns. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Sixty-six titanium abutments (GingiHue Post) were tightened onto
      dental implants (Implant Lab Analog). These abutment-implant complexes were
      randomly divided into three groups (n = 22) according to the design of the
      zirconia framework (Katana), namely, uniform-thickness (UNI), anatomic (ANA), and
      supported anatomic (SUP) designs. The specimens in each design group were further
      divided into two subgroups (n = 11): zirconia-based all-ceramic restorations (ZAC
      group) and zirconia-based restorations with an indirect composite material
      (Estenia C&B) layered onto the zirconia framework (ZIC group). All crowns were
      cemented on implant abutments, after which the specimens were tested for fracture
      resistance. The data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann
      Whitney U-test with the Bonferroni correction (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: The
      following mean fracture strength values (kN) were obtained in UNI design, ANA
      design, and SUP design, respectively: Group ZAC, 3.78, 6.01, 6.50 and Group ZIC,
      3.15, 5.65, 5.83. In both the ZAC and ZIC groups, fracture strength was
      significantly lower for the UNI design than the other two framework designs (P =
      0.001). Fracture strength did not significantly differ (P > 0.420) between
      identical framework designs in the ZAC and ZIC groups. CONCLUSIONS: A framework
      design with standardized layer thickness and adequate support of veneer by
      zirconia frameworks, as in the ANA and SUP designs, increases fracture resistance
      in implant-supported zirconia-based restorations under conditions of chewing
      attrition. Indirect composite material and porcelain perform similarly as
      layering materials on zirconia frameworks.

PMID- 25115335
TI  - Evaluation of IAUGC indices and two DCE-MRI pharmacokinetic parameters assessed
      by two different theoretical algorithms in patients with brain tumors.
AB  - Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) quantifies blood
      brain barrier (BBB) microvascular permeability in brain tumors where it is
      structurally and functionally abnormal. Twenty-five patients with glioblastomas
      (105 regions of interest) were compared using DCE-MRI metrics obtained with Tofts
      Kety (TK) and extended TK (ETK) models using different arterial input function
      assessments and different initial area under the gadolinium curve (IAUGC)
      indices. Strong correlations between ve and IAUGC90 were found (EKT model: R=0.75
      and R=0.69), while correlations of K(trans) with both IAUGC80/90 indices were
      weak. Differences in the permeability parameters, calculated by these two models,
      were found. While the IAUGC method can be implemented more easily than
      pharmacokinetic models, at this time, the IAUGC approach alone does not
      substitute pharmacokinetic models in BBB permeability characterization. 

PMID- 25115336
TI  - A new filaggrin gene mutation in a Korean patient with ichthyosis vulgaris.

PMID- 25115332
TI  - Cannabinoid receptor 2 as a potential therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some of cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds contained in
      marijuana, are immunosuppressive. One of the receptors, CB receptor 1 (CB1), is
      expressed predominantly by the cells in the central nervous system, whereas CB
      receptor 2 (CB(2)) is expressed primarily by immune cells. Theoretically,
      selective CB(2) agonists should be devoid of psychoactive effects. In this study,
      we investigated therapeutic effects of a selective CB(2) agonist on arthritis.
      METHODS: The expression of CB(2) was analyzed with immunohistochemistry and
      Western blotting. Interleukin (IL)-6, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and
      chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) were quantified with enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Osteoclastogenesis was assessed with tartrate
      resistant acid phosphatase staining and the resorption of coated-calcium
      phosphate. Effect of JWH133, a selective CB(2) agonist, on murine collagen type
      II (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) was evaluated with arthritis score, and
      histological and radiographic changes. IFN-gamma and IL-17 production by CII
      stimulated splenocytes and serum anti-CII Ab were analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS:
      Immunohistochemistry showed that CB(2) was expressed more in the synovial tissues
      from the rheumatoid joints than in those from the osteoarthritis joints. CB(2)
      expression on RA FLS was confirmed with Western blot analysis. JWH133 inhibited
      IL-6, MMP-3, and CCL2 production from tumor necrosis factor-alpha-stimulated
      fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) derived from the rheumatoid joints, and
      osteoclastogenesis of peripheral blood monocytes. Administration of JWH133 to CIA
      mice reduced the arthritis score, inflammatory cell infiltration, bone
      destruction, and anti-CII IgG1 production. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests
      that a selective CB(2) agonist could be a new therapy for RA that inhibits
      production of inflammatory mediators from FLS, and osteoclastogenesis.

PMID- 25115337
TI  - Three-dimensional bicomponent supramolecular nanoporous self-assembly on a hybrid
      all-carbon atomically flat and transparent platform.
AB  - Molecular self-assembly is a versatile nanofabrication technique with atomic
      precision en route to molecule-based electronic components and devices. Here, we
      demonstrate a three-dimensional, bicomponent supramolecular network architecture
      on an all-carbon sp(2)-sp(3) transparent platform. The substrate consists of
      hydrogenated diamond decorated with a monolayer graphene sheet. The pertaining
      bilayer assembly of a melamine-naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide supramolecular
      network exhibiting a nanoporous honeycomb structure is explored via scanning
      tunneling microscopy initially at the solution-highly oriented pyrolytic graphite
      interface. On both graphene-terminated copper and an atomically flat
      graphene/diamond hybrid substrate, an assembly protocol is demonstrated yielding
      similar supramolecular networks with long-range order. Our results suggest that
      hybrid platforms, (supramolecular) chemistry and thermodynamic growth protocols
      can be merged for in situ molecular device fabrication. 

PMID- 25115338
TI  - The forgotten members of the glucagon family.
AB  - From proglucagon, at least six final biologically active peptides are produced by
      tissue-specific post-translational processing. While glucagon and GLP-1 are the
      subject of permanent studies, the four others are usually left in the shadow, in
      spite of their large biological interest. The present review is devoted to
      oxyntomodulin and miniglucagon, not forgetting glicentin, although much less is
      known about it. Oxyntomodulin (OXM) and glicentin are regulators of gastric acid
      and hydromineral intestinal secretions. OXM is also deeply involved in the
      control of food intake and energy expenditure, properties that make this peptide
      a credible treatment of obesity if the question of administration is solved, as
      for any peptide. Miniglucagon, the C-terminal undecapeptide of glucagon which
      results from a secondary processing of original nature, displays properties
      antagonistic to that of the mother-hormone glucagon: (a) it inhibits glucose-,
      glucagon- and GLP-1-stimulated insulin release at sub-picomolar concentrations,
      (b) it reduces the in vivo insulin response to glucose with no change in
      glycemia, (c) it displays insulin-like properties at the cellular level using
      only a part of the pathway used by insulin, making it a good basis for developing
      a pharmacological workaround of insulin resistance.

PMID- 25115339
TI  - Study to assess whether waist circumference and changes in serum glucose and
      lipid profile are independent variables for the CETP gene.
AB  - AIMS: To observe the relationship among genes, obesity and the changes in serum
      glucose and lipid profile to assess whether obesity-related disease results from
      genes and/or obesity. METHODS: Correlations among serum glucose, lipids, waist
      circumference (WC), and Taq1B, I405V, and D442G polymorphisms of the cholesteryl
      ester transfer protein (CETP) gene were assessed. Logistic regression analysis
      was used to screen independent variables among obesity-related anthropometric
      indexes and serum biochemical indicators for genes. RESULTS: The waist
      circumference density index (WCDI) may be attributed to changes in serum
      biochemical indicators and among WCDI, BMI and serum biochemical indicators,
      however, only WCDI was an independent variable for the G allele. Differences were
      observed in anthropometric indexes and serum biochemical indicators between
      subjects with the G allele and those without (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Abdominal
      obesity and changes in serum glucose and lipid profile are affected by a group of
      genes, including CETP. Correlation of the CETP gene with waist circumference may
      be independent compared with serum glucose and lipid profile.

PMID- 25115340
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of alcohol abuse and dependence in Lebanon: results
      from the Lebanese Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol (LESA).
AB  - The current article aimed to determine the 12-month prevalence and correlates of
      DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence in a nationally representative sample of
      Lebanese adults. One thousand participants collaborated in face-to-face
      interviews in 2011. Prevalence of 12-month alcohol dependence was 5%, with a
      higher risk for those who were men, unmarried, the youngest adults (aged between
      18 and 34 years old), students, participants with a liberal occupation,
      participants with a low income, participants with a positive family history of
      alcohol misuse, and smokers. Prevalence of 12-month alcohol abuse was 6.2%, with
      a higher risk for those who were men, students, employees, and Druze and
      Christians compared to Muslims. Current alcohol abuse and dependence were found
      to be very highly prevalent in Lebanon. 

PMID- 25115341
TI  - Cross-reacting material 197, a heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor inhibitor,
      reverses the chemoresistance in human cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer.
AB  - Cross-reacting material 197 (CRM197), a specific HB-EGF inhibitor, has been
      proven to be a promising antitumor agent for ovarian cancer therapy. Our previous
      studies have shown that CRM197 has potent antitumor activity in human cisplatin
      resistant ovarian cancer. However, the relationship between CRM197 and the
      resistance to cisplatin remains unclear. Here, we report that CRM197
      significantly reverses the resistance to cisplatin in cisplatin-resistant ovarian
      carcinoma cell line (A2780/CDDP). We established xenograft nude mice models with
      A2780 and A2780/CDDP cells. Notably, we observed that CRM197 suppresses the
      expression of HB-EGF and epidermal growth factor receptor in A2780/CDDP cells and
      xenografts harboring the overexpression of HB-EGF and epidermal growth factor
      receptor. Experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo suggest that CRM197 markedly
      downregulates the expression of excision repair cross-complementing group 1 (P =
      0.002) and DNA repair capacity in A2780/CDDP tumor (P < 0.001) by inactivation of
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling, providing novel possible
      mechanisms for the ability of CRM197 to restore drug sensitivity. These results
      suggest that CRM197 as an HB-EGF inhibitor might be a cisplatin-chemosensitizing
      agent for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma with resistance to cisplatin.

PMID- 25115342
TI  - Nab-paclitaxel for the management of triple-negative metastatic breast cancer: a
      case study.
AB  - The optimal sequence of systemic chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer (MBC)
      is unknown. We report the case of a woman who was successfully treated with
      nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel for triple negative MBC in our
      institution. In November 2008, a 48-year-old woman underwent surgical treatment
      for a triple negative invasive ductal breast cancer and subsequently received
      adjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide and
      radiotherapy. Sixteen months after surgery, she presented with a left chest wall
      metastatasis. The patient received combination therapy with conventional
      paclitaxel (90 mg/m2 weekly for 3 out of 4 weeks [QW 3/4]) and bevacizumab (10
      mg/kg every 2 weeks [Q2W]) as first-line treatment for MBC (six cycles; March to
      September 2010) and achieved a partial response at the metastatic site.
      Bevacizumab monotherapy was continued until disease progression (April 2011) with
      the development of a single infraclavicular lymph node metastasis and an increase
      in the dimensions of the left chest wall lesion. From May to December 2011, the
      patient received nab-paclitaxel 260 mg/m2 every 3 weeks (Q3W) as second-line
      treatment (11 cycles). After three cycles, the left chest wall lesion and the
      infraclavicular lymph node metastasis were undetectable and the patient was
      considered to have achieved a complete response. Treatment was well tolerated
      with no significant toxicity or need for dose reduction. Given our case, here we
      review the clinical evidence and discuss the potential role of nab-paclitaxel for
      the treatment of triple negative MBC, a subgroup typically characterized as
      having aggressive disease and limited treatment options.

PMID- 25115343
TI  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection: an independent risk factor
      for mortality in patients with poststernotomy mediastinitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The mortality rate of patients with poststernotomy mediastinitis
      remains very high. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors
      associated with mortality in these patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Surveillance
      of sternal surgical-site infections including mediastinitis was carried out for
      adult patients undergoing a sternotomy between 2004 and 2012. Criteria from the
      US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were used to make the diagnosis.
      All data on patients with a diagnosis of mediastinitis who were included in the
      study and on mortality risk factors were obtained from the hospital database and
      then analyzed using SPPS 16.0 for Windows. RESULTS: Of the 19,767 patients
      undergoing open heart surgery, 117 (0.39%) had poststernotomy mediastinitis; 32%
      of these 117 died. The independent risk factors for mortality were methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) [odds ratio (OR) 12.11 and 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 3.15-46.47], intensive-care unit stays >48 h after the first
      operation (OR 11.21 and 95% CI 3.24-38.84) and surgery that included valve
      replacement (OR 6.2 and 95% CI 1.44-27.13). The mortality rate decreased
      significantly, dropping from 38% (34/89) between 2004 and 2008 to 14% (4/28)
      between 2009 and 2012 (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: In this study, elimination of MRSA
      from the hospital setting decreased the rate of mortality in patients with
      poststernotomy mediastinitis.

PMID- 25115344
TI  - Effects of dietary threonine and tryptophan supplementation on growing pigs
      induced by porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome vaccination.
AB  - A total of 32 growing pigs were used in a 2 * 2 factorial arrangement of
      treatments with two different diets (conventional [CON] diet vs. threonine [Thr]-
      and tryptophan [Trp]-rich [TTR] diet) and two immunological challenge regimens
      (porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome [PRRS] vaccine vs. phosphate
      buffer solution [PBS]) to study the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with
      Trp and Thr would benefit for growing pigs vaccinated with PRRS vaccine. After
      feeding the experimental diets for 21 d, the pigs were intramuscularly vaccinated
      with PRRS or PBS. Performance data were recorded over a period of 10 weeks and
      are presented for the pre-challenge period (3 weeks) and the challenge period (7
      weeks, where on day 1, pigs were immunologically challenged). During the pre
      challenge period, the growth performance was not different between dietary
      treatments. PRRS vaccination resulted in increased rectal temperature and
      decreased feed intake and growth rate (p < 0.05). In PRRS-vaccinated pigs, diet
      TTR enhanced the feed intake, especially during the first 2 weeks after the PRRS
      vaccination compared with diet CON (p < 0.05). PRRS vaccination also resulted in
      increased plasma concentration of urea nitrogen, essential and non-essential
      amino acids (p < 0.05) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
      specific antibodies (p < 0.05), but decreased concentration of immunoproteins
      including alpha-1-acylglycoprotein and immunoglobulin G (p < 0.05). The
      alleviation of the PRRS vaccination induced decrease in feed intake and growth
      rate by Thr and Trp supplementation, indicating that the PRRS-vaccinated pigs had
      a higher Thr and Trp requirement than non-vaccinated pigs.

PMID- 25115345
TI  - Management of obesity in children differs from that of adults.
AB  - Obesity in childhood is a very common disorder with an increasing prevalence. It
      is one of the most serious public health challenges. The objectives of the
      present paper are to increase the awareness of the problem of obesity in
      childhood, its serious complications and the need for prevention. Overweight and
      obese children are likely to remain obese into adulthood and more likely to
      develop serious complications including health problems such as diabetes and CVD,
      as well as psychological and social challenges. Overweight and obesity are
      largely preventable. In adults it is difficult to reduce excessive weight gain
      once it has become established, thus children should be considered the priority
      population for intervention strategies and prevention. Nutrition, exercise,
      weight gain in infancy, genetic and environmental factors, all contribute to the
      aetiology. Prevention and treatment of obesity in childhood requires education
      and empowerment of families relating to diet and exercise, along with the
      regulation and control of food marketing and clear nutritional labelling. The
      eating and physical activity behaviour of a child is strongly influenced by
      environmental and social factors. Therefore treatment will have only limited
      success in an environment where adequate physical activity is inhibited and the
      consumption of high-energy food is stimulated. Government investment in a health
      promotion programme addressing the issue of obesity in the population as a whole,
      with particular emphasis on the prevention and management of obesity in childhood
      is vital. The family doctor and multidisciplinary team play an important role.
      Regular visits to the family doctor, including growth assessment, will help
      motivate the family to restrict energy intake and to increase exercise. Therefore
      the prevention of childhood obesity needs high priority. 

PMID- 25115346
TI  - Deficits in visuo-spatial but not in topographical memory during pregnancy and
      the postpartum state in an expert military pilot: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is well known that cognitive and emotional changes occur during
      pregnancy, but little is known about their magnitude or their time of occurrence
      and recovery. During pregnancy memory is one of the most impaired cognitive
      functions. Although long-term aspects of memory have been investigated, other
      aspects of memory have not yet been explored (i.e., navigational memory and
      reaching memory). CASE PRESENTATION: Here we describe the changes in reaching and
      walking memory that occurred during pregnancy and one year after delivery in an
      Italian female military pilot (Case 1) with high spatial ability. In memory tests
      she showed a classical dissociation between performance in reaching and walking
      distance, which indicated a failure of working memory, learning, and storage in
      reaching space. This suggests that her expertise served as a protective factor
      mitigating her low walking memory performance, and saving the topographical
      component.We compared her performance with that of two non-pregnant control
      groups (i.e., women pilots and non-pilots) and found that Case 1's reaching
      memory performance was significantly worse than that of the control groups. Even
      one year postpartum, Case 1's performance was not yet the same as that of the
      other pilots. CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute to our knowledge of the
      specific, as yet unexplored, aspects of memory deficits in women pilots during
      pregnancy and postpartum and suggest the need for better neuropsychological
      assessment before these women return to work in operational environments.

PMID- 25115347
TI  - The Effect of Ankle Taping to Restrict Plantar Flexion on Ball and Foot Velocity
      During an Instep Kick in Soccer.
AB  - CONTEXT: Posterior ankle impingement syndrome is a common disorder in soccer
      players and ballet dancers. In soccer players, it is caused by the repetitive
      stress of ankle plantar flexion due to instep kicking. Protective ankle
      dorsiflexion taping is recommended with the belief that it prevents posterior
      ankle impingement. However, the relationship between ankle taping and ball
      kicking performance remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the relationship
      between the restrictions of ankle taping and performance of an instep kick in
      soccer. DESIGN: Laboratory-based repeated-measures. SETTING: University
      laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 11 male university soccer players. INTERVENTION: The
      subjects' ankle plantar flexion was limited by taping. Four angles of planter
      flexion (0 degrees , 15 degrees , 30 degrees , and without taping) were formed by
      gradation limitation. The subjects performed maximal instep kicks at each angle.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The movements of the kicking legs and the ball were
      captured using 3 high-speed cameras at 200 Hz. The direct linear-transformation
      method was used to obtain 3-dimensional coordinates using a digitizing system.
      Passive ankle plantar-flexion angle, maximal plantar-flexion angle at ball
      impact, ball velocity, and foot velocity were measured. The data were compared
      among 4 conditions using repeated-measures ANOVA, and the correlations between
      ball velocity and foot velocity and between ball velocity and toe velocity were
      calculated. RESULTS: Ankle dorsiflexion taping could gradually limit both passive
      plantar flexion and plantar flexion at the impact. Furthermore, limitation of 0
      degrees  and 15 degrees  reduced the ball velocity generated by instep kicks.
      CONCLUSION: Plantar-flexion-limiting taping at 30 degrees  has a potential to
      prevent posterior ankle impingement without decreasing the ball velocity
      generated by soccer instep kicks.

PMID- 25115349
TI  - Quantification of gastrointestinal liquid volumes and distribution following a
      240 mL dose of water in the fasted state.
AB  - The rate and extent of drug dissolution and absorption from solid oral dosage
      forms is highly dependent upon the volumes and distribution of gastric and small
      intestinal water. However, little is known about the time courses and
      distribution of water volumes in vivo in an undisturbed gut. Previous imaging
      studies offered a snapshot of water distribution in fasted humans and showed that
      water in the small intestine is distributed in small pockets. This study aimed to
      quantify the volume and number of water pockets in the upper gut of fasted
      healthy humans following ingestion of a glass of water (240 mL, as recommended
      for bioavailability/bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies), using recently validated
      noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. Twelve healthy volunteers
      underwent upper and lower abdominal MRI scans before drinking 240 mL (8 fluid
      ounces) of water. After ingesting the water, they were scanned at intervals for 2
      h. The drink volume, inclusion criteria, and fasting conditions matched the
      international standards for BA/BE testing in healthy volunteers. The images were
      processed for gastric and intestinal total water volumes and for the number and
      volume of separate intestinal water pockets larger than 0.5 mL. The fasted
      stomach contained 35 +/- 7 mL (mean +/- SEM) of resting water. Upon drinking, the
      gastric fluid rose to 242 +/- 9 mL. The gastric water volume declined rapidly
      after that with a half emptying time (T50%) of 13 +/- 1 min. The mean gastric
      volume returned back to baseline 45 min after the drink. The fasted small bowel
      contained a total volume of 43 +/- 14 mL of resting water. Twelve minutes after
      ingestion of water, small bowel water content rose to a maximum value of 94 +/-
      24 mL contained within 15 +/- 2 pockets of 6 +/- 2 mL each. At 45 min, when the
      glass of water had emptied completely from the stomach, total intestinal water
      volume was 77 +/- 15 mL distributed into 16 +/- 3 pockets of 5 +/- 1 mL each. MRI
      provided unprecedented insights into the time course, number, volume, and
      location of water pockets in the stomach and small intestine under conditions
      that represent standard BA/BE studies using validated techniques. These data add
      to our current understanding of gastrointestinal physiology and will help improve
      physiological relevance of in vitro testing methods and in silico transport
      analyses for prediction of bioperformance of oral solid dosage forms,
      particularly for low solubility Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS)
      Class 2 and Class 4 compounds. 

PMID- 25115350
TI  - Commentary on highlighted late breaking trials in interventional cardiology at
      ESC, VIVA, TCT, and AHA 2013.
AB  - With the plethora of clinical trials, it is difficult for busy interventional
      cardiologists to stay up to date. Therefore, the SCAI publications committee
      concisely summarizes and provides editorial commentary on the most important
      trials from recent, large international meetings. The intent is to provide this
      summary every six months to allow quick assimilation of trial results into
      interventional practice. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 25115352
TI  - Effects of washing of the face with a mild facial cleanser formulated with sodium
      laureth carboxylate and alkyl carboxylates on acne in Japanese adult males.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Washing the face with a mild cleanser is generally
      recommended for acne care. Occasionally, the general public has the misconception
      that acne is exacerbated by cleansers and furthermore it has concerns about
      inducing skin irritation and xerosis by intensive washing. Recently, we developed
      a new cleanser based on sodium laureth carboxylate and alkyl carboxylates
      (AEC/soap) that cleans sebum well without penetrating the stratum corneum.
      METHODS: We designed a controlled clinical trial conducted on adult Japanese
      males with moderate or less acne. Twenty subjects washed their faces with
      AEC/soap base cleanser twice a day for 4 weeks. Assessment of the efficacy was
      conducted prior to the start of the study, and at the end of weeks 2 and 4.
      RESULTS: Significant improvement of the acne was observed within 2 weeks, and
      acne lesions were not detectable in 25% of the subjects at week 4. Sebum
      secretion levels on the skin significantly increased on the forehead, but
      significantly decreased on the cheek which correlated with the improvement. No
      complaints of dryness or irritation occurred during the study. CONCLUSION:
      Washing the face twice a day with facial cleanser based on AEC/soap is an
      effective care for moderate or less grade facial acne.

PMID- 25115351
TI  - Proteomics-based metabolic modeling and characterization of the cellulolytic
      bacterium Thermobifida fusca.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thermobifida fusca is a cellulolytic bacterium with potential to be
      used as a platform organism for sustainable industrial production of biofuels,
      pharmaceutical ingredients and other bioprocesses due to its capability of
      potential to convert plant biomass to value-added chemicals. To best develop T.
      fusca as a bioprocess organism, it is important to understand its native cellular
      processes. In the current study, we characterize the metabolic network of T.
      fusca through reconstruction of a genome-scale metabolic model and proteomics
      data. The overall goal of this study was to use multiple metabolic models
      generated by different methods and comparison to experimental data to gain a high
      confidence understanding of the T. fusca metabolic network. RESULTS: We report
      the generation of three versions of a metabolic model of Thermobifida fusca sp.
      XY developed using three different approaches (automated, semi-automated, and
      proteomics-derived). The model closest to in vivo growth was the proteomics
      derived model that consists of 975 reactions involving 1382 metabolites and
      account for 316 EC numbers (296 genes). The model was optimized for biomass
      production with the optimal flux of 0.48 doublings per hour when grown on
      cellobiose with a substrate uptake rate of 0.25 mmole/h. In vivo activity of the
      DXP pathway for terpenoid biosynthesis was also confirmed using real-time PCR.
      CONCLUSIONS: iTfu296 provides a platform to understand and explore the metabolic
      capabilities of the actinomycete T. fusca for the potential use in bioprocess
      industries for the production of biofuel and pharmaceutical ingredients. By
      comparing different model reconstruction methods, the use of high-throughput
      proteomics data as a starting point proved to be the most accurate to in vivo
      growth.

PMID- 25115353
TI  - KCNJ11 E23K variant is associated with the therapeutic effect of sulphonylureas
      in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the E23K variant of
      the potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11 (KCNJ11) gene
      on gliclazide modified release (MR) treatment in newly diagnosed patients with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 108 diabetic patients with no history
      of antidiabetic medication was treated with gliclazide MR for 16 weeks and
      underwent follow up at Weeks 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16. All patients were genotyped for
      KCNJ11 E23K (rs5219). At baseline, patients with the KK genotype had higher blood
      glucose and lower serum insulin levels after oral glucose administration than
      patients with the EE and EK genotypes (P < 0.05 for all). During treatment,
      individuals with the KK genotype had lower fasting glucose levels and were more
      likely to attain the target fasting glucose level (Plog rank  = 0.028) than E
      allele carriers. Patients with the KK genotype had larger augmentations in
      changes (Delta) in acute insulin response (P = 0.049) and Delta body mass index
      (P = 0.003). Moreover, patients with the EK genotype had a lower variance in
      changes in fasting insulin levels (P = 0.049) and homeostasis model assessment of
      beta-cell function (P = 0.021) than those with the KK genotype. The findings of
      the present study suggest that the KCNJ11 E23K variant is associated with a
      greater effect of sulphonylurea treatment in newly diagnosed Chinese patients
      with T2DM. 

PMID- 25115355
TI  - Locking versus non-locking plate fixation in the management of mandibular
      fractures: a meta-analysis.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to test whether there is a significant
      difference in the clinical outcomes between locking and non-locking plate
      fixation in the management of mandibular fractures. An electronic search without
      time or language restrictions was undertaken in December 2013. Eligible studies
      were clinical human studies, either randomized or not. The search strategy
      identified 10 publications. The I(2) statistic was used to express the percentage
      of the total variation across studies due to heterogeneity. The inverse variance
      method was used for the random-effects model in the case of heterogeneity being
      detected, or the fixed-effects model in the case of heterogeneity not being
      detected. The estimates of an intervention were expressed as the risk ratio (RR)
      with 95% confidence interval. Eight studies were judged to be at high risk of
      bias, whereas two studies were considered at moderate risk of bias. There was no
      statistically significant effect on the outcome of postoperative infection
      (P=0.17), malocclusion (P=0.15), hardware failure (P=0.77), hardware removal
      (P=0.95), wound dehiscence (P=0.98), or paraesthesia (P=0.20) in favour of
      locking plate fixation. The test for overall effect showed that the difference
      between the procedures did not significantly affect the incidence of
      postoperative complications (P=0.21), with RR 0.79 (95% CI 0.54-1.14). 

PMID- 25115354
TI  - Evaluation of the measurement properties of the Manchester foot pain and
      disability index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index (MFPDI, 19 items) was
      developed to measure functional limitations, pain and appearance for patients
      with foot pain and is frequently used in both observational studies and
      randomised controlled trials. A Dutch version of the MFPDI was developed. The
      aims of this study were to evaluate all the measurement properties for the Dutch
      version of the MFPDI and to evaluate comparability to the original version.
      METHOD: The MFPDI was translated into Dutch using a forward/backward translation
      process. The dimensionality was evaluated using exploratory and confirmatory
      factor analysis. Measurement properties were evaluated per subscale according to
      the COSMIN taxonomy consisting of: reliability (internal consistency, test-retest
      reliability and measurement error), validity (structural validity, content
      validity and cross-cultural validity comparing the Dutch version to the English
      version) responsiveness and interpretation. RESULTS: The questionnaire consists
      of three scales, measuring foot function, foot pain and perception. The
      reliability of the foot function scale is acceptable (Cronbach's alpha > 0.7, ICC
      = 0.7, SEM = 2.2 on 0-18 scale). The construct validity of the function and pain
      scale was confirmed and only the pain scale contains one item with differential
      item functioning (DIF). The responsiveness of the function and pain scale is
      moderate when compared to anchor questions. CONCLUSION: Results using the Dutch
      MFPDI version can be compared to results using the original version. The foot
      function sub-scale (items 1-9) is a reliable and valid sub-scale. This study
      indicates that the use of the MFPDI as a longitudinal instrument might be
      problematic for measuring change in musculoskeletal foot pain due to moderate
      responsiveness.

PMID- 25115356
TI  - Eosinophilic leukocytoclastic vasculitis - a spectrum ranging from Wells'
      syndrome to Churg-Strauss syndrome?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wells' syndrome is defined as an inflammatory disorder with the
      histopathological presence of eosinophilic infiltrates and flame figures in the
      absence of vasculitis. Eosinophilic leukocytoclastic vasculitis shows
      eosinophilic infiltrates in combination with vasculitic changes. And Churg
      Strauss Syndrome comprises all three characteristics - eosinophilic infiltrates,
      vasculitis and flame figures. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether these three
      diseases are distinct entities or different manifestations of a similar
      clinicopathologic process. METHOD: Histopathological samples and clinical courses
      of 17 patients with eosinophilic infiltrates, flame figures and clinical features
      of Wells' syndrome were re-evaluated. Histopathologically, we focused on the
      presence or absence of vasculitic features. Clinically, we included only patients
      who were diagnosed with Wells' syndrome at least once in the course of their
      disease. RESULTS: 4 patients were finally diagnosed with Wells' syndrome, 5 with
      eosinophilic leukocytoclastic vasculitis and 6 with Churg Strauss syndrome.
      Further, we had one case of an overlap between Wells' syndrome and eosinophilic
      vasculitis and one case of Wegener granulomatosis. Vasculitic features were found
      in the samples of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Histologically, we find vasculitic
      features in typical presentations of Wells' syndrome. Clinically, we find typical
      features of Wells' syndrome in patients finally diagnosed with eosinophilic
      leukocytoclastic vasculitis or Churg Strauss syndrome. Furthermore, we have
      observed and formerly reported 3 patients with progression from Wells' syndrome
      to Churg Strauss syndrome. Thus, we assume that eosinophilic leukocytoclastic
      vasculitis might form a bridge between Wells' syndrome and Churg Strauss
      syndrome.

PMID- 25115357
TI  - Room-temperature direct alkynylation of arenes with copper acetylides.
AB  - C-H bond in azoles and polyhalogenated arenes can be smoothly activated by copper
      acetylides to give the corresponding alkynylated (hetero)arenes by simple
      reaction at room temperature in the presence of phenanthroline and lithium tert
      butoxide under an oxygen atmosphere. These stable, unreactive, and readily
      available polymers act as especially efficient and practical reagents for the
      introduction of an alkyne group to a wide number of arenes under remarkably mild
      conditions. 

PMID- 25115358
TI  - Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation underneath broad ligament tunnel for female
      vesicoureteral stenosis: a technical innovation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In order to anatomically reconstruct ureteral stenosis, we present
      a novel technique for laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Three young females, who were diagnosed with hydroureteronephrosis caused by
      congenital vesicoureteral junction obstruction, were treated by laparoscopic
      ureteral reimplantation with a tunnel underneath the broad ligament. RESULTS:
      Surgery was performed successfully without conversion to open surgery. No major
      intra- or postoperative complications occurred. Postoperative follow-up was 38,
      33 and 26 months, respectively. The operative time was between 220 and 260 min.
      The mean estimated blood loss was less than 20 ml. Subsequent imaging performed 3
      months after surgery revealed relief of hydroureteronephrosis for all patients.
      The patients all gave birth to healthy neonates and showed normal urinary tract
      sonogram and urine analysis during the gestation period. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic
      ureteral reimplantation with broad ligament tunnel is safe and effective,
      allowing for anatomical reconstruction of ureter defects. However, a larger
      clinical sample and longer follow-up period will be needed.

PMID- 25115359
TI  - Endoscopic management of high-grade dysplastic Barrett's esophagus with
      esophageal varices.

PMID- 25115361
TI  - Needle confocal microendoscopy of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

PMID- 25115360
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries related to endoscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data regarding work-related injury among
      endoscopists. OBJECTIVE: To define the prevalence of endoscopy-related
      musculoskeletal injuries and their impact on clinical practice and to identify
      physician and practice characteristics associated with their development. DESIGN:
      Survey. SETTING: Electronic survey of active members of the American Society for
      Gastrointestinal Endoscopy with registered e-mail addresses. PARTICIPANTS:
      Physicians who currently or ever performed endoscopy and responded to the survey
      between February 2013 and November 2013. INTERVENTION: A 25-question, self
      administered, electronic survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence, location,
      and ramifications of work-related injuries and endoscopist characteristics and
      workload parameters associated with endoscopy-related injury. RESULTS: The survey
      was completed by 684 endoscopists. Of those, 362 (53%) experienced a
      musculoskeletal injury perceived definitely (n = 204) or possibly (n = 158)
      related to endoscopy. Factors associated with a higher rate of endoscopy-related
      injury included higher procedure volume (>20 cases/week; P < .001), greater
      number of hours per week spent performing endoscopy (>16 hours/week; P < .001),
      and total number of years performing endoscopy (P = .004). The most common sites
      of injury were neck and/or upper back (29%) and thumb (28%). Only 55% of injured
      endoscopists used practice modifications in response to injuries. Specific
      treatments included medications (57%), steroid injection (27%), physiotherapy
      (45%), rest (34%), splinting (23%), and surgery (13%). LIMITATIONS: Self-reported
      data of endoscopy-related injury. CONCLUSION: Among endoscopists there is a high
      prevalence of injuries definitely or potentially related to endoscopy. Higher
      procedure volume, more time doing endoscopy per week, and cumulative years
      performing endoscopy are associated with more work-related injuries.

PMID- 25115362
TI  - Antegrade biopsy by using a trans-catheter technique through EUS-guided
      hepaticojejunostomy.

PMID- 25115363
TI  - Magnetic resonance enterography, small-intestine contrast US, and capsule
      endoscopy to evaluate the small bowel in pediatric Crohn's disease: a
      prospective, blinded, comparison study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small-bowel (SB) disease is a severe clinical entity among the
      phenotypes of Crohn's disease (CD). OBJECTIVE: To assess sensitivity,
      specificity, and accuracy of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE), small
      intestine contrast US (SICUS), and capsule endoscopy (CE) in the diagnosis of
      pediatric SB-CD. DESIGN: Prospective, blinded, comparison study. SETTING:
      Tertiary center for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. PATIENTS: Children with
      known or suspected CD. Diagnosis of SB obstruction at SICUS or MRE excluded
      patients from the study. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent ileocolonoscopy, MRE,
      SICUS, and CE over a 7-day period. For the imaging evaluation, SB was divided
      into 3 segments: jejunum, proximal and mid ileum, and terminal ileum. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The performance of each method was compared to a consensus
      reference standard for upper SB and to ileocolonoscopy for the terminal ileum.
      RESULTS: Twenty-five patients completed the study. In the jejunum, the
      sensitivity of SICUS and CE was 92%, which was not significantly higher than MRE
      (75%); the specificity of CE (61%) was significantly lower than that of MRE (P =
      .04). In the proximal and mid ileum, MRE and CE did not have significantly higher
      sensitivity (100%) than SICUS (80%), but CE was less specific (P > .05). At the
      terminal ileum, SICUS and MRE were slightly more sensitive than CE (94% vs. 81%);
      however, the latter was more specific. LIMITATIONS: Use of the consensus
      reference standard for upper SB. Small number of patients. CONCLUSION: SICUS,
      MRE, and CE are all effective options for imaging SB. An integrated use of
      different tools should be suggested to achieve a complete assessment of the SB in
      children with suspected or confirmed CD.

PMID- 25115364
TI  - The Educational Needs of Clinicians Regarding Anticoagulation Therapy for
      Prevention of Thromboembolism and Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - The objective is to identify practice patterns and attitudes of and barriers
      faced by US physicians assessing thromboembolism/stroke risk and managing
      anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation (AF) to determine educational needs. Case
      based surveys were used to assess practice patterns, guideline use, barriers, and
      attitudes; 51 cardiologists and 50 primary care physicians (PCPs) were surveyed.
      Most cardiologists use validated risk scoring systems to assess
      thromboembolism/stroke risk, and more than half of PCPs use clinical experience.
      Assessment of bleeding risk varied; more than half of respondents rely on
      clinical judgment or patient bleeding history. The most commonly used
      prophylactic agents are warfarin/another vitamin K antagonist (PCPs) or
      antiplatelet agents (cardiologists). Newer anticoagulants are used less
      frequently. Bleeding risk, need for frequent monitoring (vitamin K antagonists),
      and medication costs were the most significant barriers. Cardiologists and PCPs
      could benefit from education on validated scoring systems to assess risk of
      thromboembolism/stroke and bleeding in AF, on newly released AF guidelines, and
      on newer anticoagulants.

PMID- 25115366
TI  - Cage-like effect in Au-Pt nanoparticle synthesis in microemulsions: a simulation
      study.
AB  - The different distributions of metals in bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized in
      microemulsions were studied by computer simulation. The simulations demonstrated
      that if the difference between the reduction potentials of both metals is about
      0.15-0.3 V, the compartmentalization of the reaction media causes the
      accumulation of slower reduction reactants in the microemulsions droplets, which
      favours the chemical reaction like a cage effect: increasing the local
      concentration of the slower reduction metal salt gives rise to a faster
      reduction, so the differences in reduction rates of both metals are attenuated. A
      more coincidental reduction of both metals deeply affects the nanoparticle
      structure, causing a better mixed alloy. This effect will be more pronounced when
      the concentration is higher and the intermicellar exchange rate is faster. This
      means that for any fixed microemulsion the nanoparticle structure can be modified
      by changing the reactant concentration: the core can be enriched in the faster
      reduction metal by lower concentrations, and the shell can be enriched in the
      slower metal by higher concentrations. Based on these observations, this study
      suggests a route to help experimentalists better create nanoparticles with a pre
      defined structure. 

PMID- 25115365
TI  - Investigation of the role of organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) in the renal
      transport of guanfacine, a selective alpha2A-adrenoreceptor agonist.
AB  - 1. Guanfacine is a selective alpha2A-adrenoreceptor agonist primarily excreted as
      its unchanged form through urine in human. This study was to investigate the
      involvement of organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) in the renal tubular secretion
      of guanfacine. 2. Transport of guanfacine was characterized using human embryonic
      kidney (HEK293) cells expressing human OCT2 (hOCT2). The inhibitory effect of
      cimetidine on guanfacine uptake was also examined. In addition, in vivo
      pharmacokinetic study was conducted in rats to assess the effects of cimetidine
      on the pharmacokinetics of guanfacine. 3. The accumulation of guanfacine in hOCT2
      transfected HEK293 cells was both time- and concentration-dependent, and markedly
      higher than that in mock cells. The apparent Km and Vmax values of guanfacine
      uptake by hOCT2 were 96.19 +/- 7.49 MUM and 13.03 +/- 0.49 nmol/mg protein/min,
      respectively. Guanfacine transport mediated by hOCT2 was significantly inhibited
      by a typical OCT2 inhibitor cimetidine with an IC50 value of 93.82 +/- 1.13 MUM.
      Co-administration of cimetidine significantly decreased the plasma clearance
      (CLp) as well as the renal clearance (CLr) of guanfacine in rats in a dose
      dependent manner, resulting in a noticeable increase in the systemic exposure of
      guanfacine. 4. These results indicated that OCT2 may be involved in the renal
      disposition of guanfacine.

PMID- 25115367
TI  - A new comprehensive classification system for both lower and upper urinary tract
      dysfunction in patients with neurogenic bladder.

PMID- 25115368
TI  - Use of the Gail model and breast cancer preventive therapy among three primary
      care specialties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is an issue of serious concern among women of all ages.
      The extent to which providers across primary care specialties assess breast
      cancer risk and discuss chemoprevention is unknown. METHODS: Cross-sectional web
      based survey completed by 316 physicians in internal medicine (IM), family
      medicine (FM), and gynecology (GYN) from February to April of 2012. Survey items
      assessed respondents' frequency of use of the Gail model and chemoprevention, and
      their attitudes behind practice patterns. Descriptive statistics were used to
      generate response distributions, and chi-squared tests were used to compare
      responses among specialties. RESULTS: The response rate was 55.0 % (316/575).
      Only 40% of providers report having used the Gail model (37% IM, 33% FM, 60% GYN)
      and 13% report having recommended or prescribed chemoprevention (9% IM, 8% FM,
      30% GYN). Among providers who use the Gail model, a minority use it regularly in
      patients who may be at increased breast cancer risk. Among providers who have
      prescribed chemoprevention, most have done so five times or fewer. Lack of both
      time and familiarity were commonly cited barriers to use of the Gail score and
      chemoprevention. CONCLUSIONS: An overall minority of providers, most notably in
      FM and IM, use the Gail model to assess, and chemoprevention to decrease, breast
      cancer risk. Until providers are more consistent in their use of the Gail model
      (or other breast cancer risk calculator) and chemoprevention, opportunities to
      intervene in women at increased risk will likely continue to be missed.

PMID- 25115370
TI  - Introduction to special issue for World Association for Plastic Surgeons of
      Chinese Descent.

PMID- 25115369
TI  - Cumulative trauma and midlife well-being in American women who served in Vietnam:
      effects of combat exposure and postdeployment social support.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Research increasingly demonstrates that trauma
      exposure can have cumulative effects, yet much remains to be learned about
      effects of cumulative trauma, particularly regarding longer term adjustment. One
      such trauma, combat exposure, is insufficiently understood, especially for women,
      who are increasingly engaged in professional combat activities. DESIGN: The study
      comprised a cross-sectional survey assessing multiple aspects of current well
      being in women approximately 25 years after their service in Vietnam during the
      Vietnam War. METHODS: Participants were 1374 women (78% military and 22%
      nonmilitary; mean age = 59.7). This study investigated the relations between
      three separate categories of trauma exposure (childhood, adulthood, and combat)
      and well-being and examined whether perceived social support at return from
      Vietnam moderated the association between combat exposure and well-being.
      RESULTS: While both childhood and adulthood trauma exposure related to midlife
      well-being, combat exposure still uniquely predicted outcomes. Further,
      postdeployment perceived social support moderated the association of combat and
      well-being: recollected higher perceived social support at homecoming buffered
      participants from the links between combat exposure and well-being. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results may have important implications for interventions to reduce the
      impact of traumatic experiences, particularly in light of the increasing exposure
      of women to direct combat events.

PMID- 25115371
TI  - Hypertrophic scars and keloids in surgery: current concepts.
AB  - Hypertrophic scars and keloids remain a challenge in surgery. We appreciate that
      our understanding of the process at cellular and molecular level, profound as it
      is, when it comes to the clinical evidence much is left to be desired. Although
      the bench to bedside conundrum remains, the science of translational research
      calls for an even higher level of cooperation between the scientist and the
      clinician for the impetus to succeed.The clinicians alerted us to the possible
      theories in the pathogenesis of keloid formation, inter alia, the ischemia
      theory, mast cell theory, immune theory, transforming growth factor beta
      interaction, mechanical theory, and the melanocyte stimulating hormone theory.
      All of the above presupposed a stimulus that would result in an uncontrolled
      upregulation of collagen and extracellular matrix expression in the pathogenesis
      of the keloid. This bedside to bench initiative, as in true science, realized
      more ponderables than possibilities.By the same token, research into the
      epidermal-mesenchymal signaling, molecular biology, genomics, and stem cell
      research holds much promise in the bench top arena. To assess efficacy, many scar
      assessment scores exist in the literature. The clinical measurement of scar
      maturity can aid in determining end points for therapeutics. Tissue oxygen
      tension and color assessment of scars by standardized photography proved to be
      useful.In surgery, the use of dermal substitutes holds some promise as we surmise
      that quality scars that arise from dermal elements, molecular and enzyme
      behavior, and balance. Although a systematic review shows some benefit for
      earlier closure and healing of wounds, no such review exists at this point in
      time for the use of dermal substitutes in scars.Adipose-derived stem cell, as it
      pertains to scars, will hopefully realize the potential of skin regeneration
      rather than by repair in which we are familiar with as well as the undesirable
      scarring as a result of healing through the inflammatory response.Translational
      research will bear the fruit of coordinating bench to bedside and vice versa in
      the interest of progress into the field of regenerative healing that will benefit
      the patient who otherwise suffers the myriad of scar complications. 

PMID- 25115372
TI  - Propranolol promotes accelerated and dysregulated adipogenesis in hemangioma stem
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common tumor of infancy, yet
      there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved therapeutics to date.
      Recently, the nonselective beta-adrenergic-blocker propranolol has been shown to
      be a safe and effective means of treating IHs, although its mechanism has yet to
      be elucidated. We have previously demonstrated that propranolol induces early and
      incomplete adipogenesis in stem cells derived from hemangiomas. We hypothesize
      that propranolol promotes dysregulated adipogenesis via the improper regulation
      of adipogenic genes. METHODS: Hemangioma stem cells (HemSCs) isolated from
      resected IH specimens were treated with adipogenic medium for 1 or 4 days in
      either propranolol or vehicle. Cell death was measured by the incorporation of
      annexin V and propidium iodide by flow cytometry. Adipogenesis was assessed by
      visualizing lipid droplet formation by Oil Red O staining. Proadipogenic genes
      C/EBPalpha, C/EBPbeta, C/EBPdelta, PPARdelta, PPARgamma, RXRalpha, and RXRgamma
      were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain
      reaction. RESULTS: Hemangioma stem cells treated with propranolol increased lipid
      droplet formation compared to vehicle-treated cells indicating increased
      adipogenesis. Cell death as measured by FACS analysis indicated that the
      propranolol-treated cells died due to necrosis and not apoptosis. During
      adipogenesis, transcript levels of PPARdelta, PPARgamma, C/EBPbeta, and
      C/EBPdelta were significantly increased (P<0.01) in propranolol-treated cells
      relative to control cells. In contrast, RXRalpha and RXRgamma levels were
      significantly decreased (P<0.05), and C/EBPalpha, a gene required for terminal
      adipocyte differentiation, was strongly suppressed by propranolol when compared
      to vehicle-treated cells (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In HemSCs, propranolol
      accelerated dysregulated adipogenic differentiation characterized by improper
      adipogenic gene expression. Consistent with accelerated adipogenesis, propranolol
      significantly increased the expression of the proadipogenic genes, PPARgamma,
      C/EBPbeta, and C/EBPgamma compared to control. However, propranolol treatment
      also led to improper induction of PPARdelta and suppression of C/EBPalpha,
      RXRalpha, and RXRgamma. Taken together these data indicate that propranolol
      promoted dysregulated adipogenesis and inhibited the HemSCs from becoming
      functional adipocytes, ultimately resulting in cell death. Understanding this
      mechanism behind propranolol's effectiveness will be a vital factor in producing
      more effective therapies in the future.

PMID- 25115373
TI  - Simultaneous breast reconstruction and treatment of breast cancer-related upper
      arm lymphedema with lymphatic lower abdominal flap.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was designed to introduce the key points about the
      transplantation of lower abdominal flap with vascularized lymph node and to
      evaluate the effect of breast restoration, breast reconstruction, and lymphatic
      transplantation to treat upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on the retrospective study on 10 cases
      of postmastectomy lymphedema during January 2008 to March 2011. All patients,
      aged 36 to 50 years, have had one-side upper-limb lymphedema for 3 to 5 years.
      Six patients had accepted radiotherapy. Four patients had a diagnosis of severe
      lymphedema, and 2 patients had moderate lymphedema. The isotope radiography
      before the operation showed obstruction of lymphatic return, and the
      multidetector computed tomography that followed delivered a clear picture of the
      abdominal flap blood supply and the blood vessels in the breasts. During the
      operation, the scar contracture of the axilla was completely relaxed, and all
      patients accepted abdominal transplantation of lower abdominal flap with
      vascularized lymph node. After the operation, the elastic bandages were applied
      for one year as an adjuvant therapy. The follow-up visits were conducted 1, 3, 6,
      and 12 months after the surgery. The measurement indexes included mid-upper arm
      circumference, clinical symptoms, and lymphoscintigraphy. RESULTS: All flaps
      worked well. One patient was found to have delayed wound healing; one patient saw
      no obvious improvement in lymphedema; 7 patients with lymphedema were relieved
      with apparent improvement in the affected limbs' mean perimeter and clinical
      symptoms; one patient recovered; and another patient was lost to follow-up. The
      mean reduction was 2.122+/-2.331 cm, and the reduction of the lymphedematous limb
      was statistically significant between the preoperative and 12-month postoperative
      groups (P<0.05). The results were good in 4 patients and excellent in one
      patient. CONCLUSIONS: The transplantation of abdominal flap with vascularized
      lymph node and breast reconstruction, accompanied by the treatment to upper limb
      lymphedema and using elastic bandages as an adjuvant therapy, is considered to be
      an effective method to restore the configuration and function of breasts. Long
      term follow-up visits are undergoing, especially the lymphoscintigraphy, 2 years
      after the operation.

PMID- 25115374
TI  - Reconstruction for osteoradionecrosis of the mandible: superiority of free iliac
      bone flap to fibula flap in postoperative infection and healing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible is not an uncommon
      complication after radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. Although definitive
      treatment has been confirmed as radical excision of the necrotic bone with
      simultaneous vascularized osteocutaneous flap reconstruction, it remains a unique
      challenge. In this study, we compare our results of reconstruction with free
      iliac and fibula flaps in flap survival, bony union, and postoperative
      complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1986 to 2011, there were 153 mandibular
      ORN cases in our center that were treated with radical resection of the necrotic
      bone and reconstruction with either vascularized iliac (n=108) or fibula flaps
      (n=45). Data collected for analysis included patient demographics, flap survival
      rate, postoperative infection rate, nonunion/malunion rate, mean hospital stay,
      and antibiotics use. RESULTS: All patients healed eventually without recurrence
      of ORN. However, we observed difference in the complication rate between the
      iliac flap group and fibula flap group. In the group with iliac flap
      reconstruction, patients required less days of hospital stay for intravenous
      antibiotics treatment postoperatively. The average days required for intravenous
      antibiotics in the iliac flap group were 10.46 (2.28) versus 16.09 (3.88) days in
      the fibula group (P<0.01). In the group with fibula flap reconstruction, 9
      (20.0%) patients had subsequent neck infection due to healing problem, compared
      to 8 (7.4%) patients in the iliac flap group (P=0.04). In the iliac flap group,
      the nonunion and malunion rates were 4.6% and 2.8% respectively; whereas in the
      fibula group, the rates were 15.5% and 6.6%, respectively (P=0.04 and 0.36,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: For ORN patients, vascularized iliac bone flap
      provides more reliable results compared to fibula flap. The merits of
      vascularized iliac flap include the following: (1) its natural curve mimics the
      shape of mandible and does not need osteotomy; (2) it offers more volume of bone
      that matches better to the native mandible to allow later osteointegration as
      well as faster bony union, due to the nature of being a membranous bone; and (3)
      it carries more abundant soft tissue to obliterate possible dead space. The only
      disadvantages are short pedicle and requiring special management of skin paddle,
      which can be overcome by training in microsurgery.

PMID- 25115375
TI  - Penile reconstruction by preexpanded free scapular flap in severely burned
      patient.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Penile reconstruction or phalloplasty has always been one of the most
      challenging problems for plastic surgeons. In 1936, Bogoras performed the first
      phalloplasty by using traditional tubed pedicle flaps. Many other flaps and
      methods have been applied since, including lower abdominal flaps, pudendal-thigh
      flaps, parascapular flaps, paraumbilical flaps and, of course, radial forearm
      flaps. For each method, reports of both functional and esthetic successes abound.
      In this case, donor sites for phalloplasty were somewhat limited by the severe
      electric burn injury. After much consideration, we decided to preexpand the
      scapular flap and to use this for phalloplasty, with satisfactory outcome. Our
      case is a 31-year-old patient who sustained a 19% total burn surface area by
      electrical burn in August 2011. The burn area involved both forearms, abdominal
      region, both femoral regions, and perineum including genitalia loss. Most of the
      burn wounds were skin grafted shortly after the injury. Due to the nature of the
      burn, regular donor sites for penile reconstruction were unavailable. Before
      surgery, we went through a detailed plan for phalloplasty with the patient and
      his family. The patient consented to the 2-stage surgery for the penile
      reconstruction. The first stage was insertion of a 600-mL soft tissue expander in
      the scapular region. After 4 months of expansion, the second stage of free
      scapular flap transfer was performed in March 2012. RESULTS: The reconstruction
      was successful with good appearance and patient satisfaction, complicated by
      urethral fistula. Eight months later, the urinary fistula was repaired
      successfully. CONCLUSIONS: The free scapular flap proved to be an ideal solution
      to this patient's dilemma. The flap has adequate amount of tissue and a reliable
      blood supply. Its amenability to be expanded allows better donor-site primary
      closure. Tissue bulk resulted in adequate stiffness without artificial prosthesis
      for the phallus to be functional.

PMID- 25115376
TI  - Angioarchitecture of extracranial arteriovenous malformations: a vascular casting
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular anomalies,
      not proliferative neoplasms, but tend to behave aggressively with unpredictable
      growth and tissue destruction. For the understanding of the angioarchitecture of
      extracranial AVM, which is believed to be the main cause that explains all
      presenting symptoms, the study aimed to elucidate the vascular structure of
      extracranial AVM with vascular cast of completely excised AVM lesion. METHODS:
      From 1996 to 2011, a total of 289 cases with extracranial AVM received surgical
      or surgery-based treatment by the authors in the department, excluding cases that
      received embolization alone. Among them, 10 patients (4 female cases, 6 male
      cases) were involved in this study. All the AVM nidi were excised and injected
      with resin through feeding arteries, then the corrosion casts were made for
      dimensional measurement. RESULTS: Arteriovenous malformation nidus was comprised
      of multilevel branched blood vessels. We measured the diameter of predominant
      trunk and primary level branch vessels. The diameter of predominant trunk ranged
      from 2.0 (0.2) to 4.3 (0.2) mm, whereas primary level branch vessels from 1.0
      (0.1) to 2.0 (0.2) mm. Seventy percent of AVM casts included trunk blood vessels
      with the maximal diameters ranged from 4 to 12 mm, and an average of 7.0 mm (SD,
      0.93; n=10). In this series, the smallest blood vessel visible in the cast was
      approximately 0.2 mm in diameter, whereas balloon-like serious dilated vessels
      from 10.2 to 25.4 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular casting study shows us more
      informative, realistic, and objective 3-dimensional angioarchitecture than
      digital subtract angiography, 3-dimensional computed tomography angiography, and
      magnetic resonance angiography, not only for the facilitation of treatment
      decision but also for the purpose of education and research.

PMID- 25115377
TI  - Expansion method in secondary total ear reconstruction for undesirable
      reconstructed ear.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ear reconstruction by autologous costal cartilage grafting is the
      most widely applied technique with fewer complications. However, undesirable ear
      reconstruction brings more problems to plastic surgeons. Some authors resort to
      free flap or osseointegration technique with prosthetic ear. In this article, we
      introduce a secondary total ear reconstruction with expanded skin flap method.
      METHODS: From July 2010 to April 2012, 7 cases of undesirable ear reconstruction
      were repaired by tissue expansion method. Procedures including removal of
      previous cartilage framework, soft tissue expander insertion, and second stage of
      cartilage framework insertion were performed to each case regarding their local
      conditions. RESULTS: The follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 2.5 years. All of
      the cases recovered well with good 3-dimensional forms, symmetrical
      auriculocephalic angle, and stable fixation. CONCLUSIONS: All these evidence
      showed that this novel expansion method is safe, stable, and less traumatic for
      secondary total ear reconstruction. With sufficient expanded skin flap and
      refabricated cartilage framework, lifelike appearance of reconstructed ear could
      be acquired without causing additional injury.

PMID- 25115378
TI  - Masseter-to-facial nerve transfer: a highly effective technique for facial
      reanimation after acoustic neuroma resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Masseter-to-facial nerve transfer is a new procedure for patients who
      acquire a proximal injury to the facial nerve. This article reports that this
      procedure is effective and associated with minimal morbidities. METHODS: From
      November 2010 to February 2013, 16 patients underwent a masseter-to-facial nerve
      transfer. Their denervation periods varied from 2 to 18 months, with an average
      of 10.1+/-4.1 months. Their ages varied from 22 to 70 years, with an average of
      34.7+/-15.4 years. The etiology of denervation was tumor resection in the
      cerebellopontine angle in all cases. All of the patients were followed up several
      times. The outcomes of the first follow-up at 3 months postoperatively and the
      last follow-up at a minimum 12 months postoperatively were documented. Using
      Terzis' and Metha's scales, the smile outcomes and synkinetic movements as
      visualized using standardized videos were graded preoperatively and
      postoperatively. The periods between the operation and the onset of mimetic
      muscle contraction were documented. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate
      the donor-site morbidity and the ability to smile without biting. RESULTS: The
      final outcomes for smile function were as follows: 9 patients (56.3%) had
      excellent or good function, 5 patients (31.3%) had moderate function, and 2
      patients (12.5%) had poor function. There was significant improvement between the
      preoperative and postoperative time points and between the outcomes at the first
      and last follow-ups (P<0.05). Additionally, 13 (81.3%) patients had the ability
      to smile without biting 12 months postoperatively. The onset of muscle motion
      varied from 56 to 365 days and was positively correlated with age in the group of
      patients older than 40 years and negatively correlated with the outcome of the
      first follow-up. Four (25%) patients complained of concavity at the
      parotideomasseteric region, but none complained of disturbance in food intake.
      Synkinetic movements were observed in all patients and were rated as mild.
      CONCLUSIONS: The masseter-facial nerve transfer effectively reanimated the
      paralytic muscle in patients who acquired an intracranial facial nerve injury
      with minimal deficits at the donor site. After continued physical therapy, some
      patients were able to regain a symmetrical and effortless smile with mild
      synkinetic movements.

PMID- 25115380
TI  - Clinical phenotype network: the underlying mechanism for personalized diagnosis
      and treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.
AB  - Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) investigates the clinical diagnosis and
      treatment regularities in a typical schema of personalized medicine, which means
      that individualized patients with same diseases would obtain distinct diagnosis
      and optimal treatment from different TCM physicians. This principle has been
      recognized and adhered by TCM clinical practitioners for thousands of years.
      However, the underlying mechanisms of TCM personalized medicine are not fully
      investigated so far and remained unknown. This paper discusses framework of TCM
      personalized medicine in classic literatures and in real-world clinical settings,
      and investigates the underlying mechanisms of TCM personalized medicine from the
      perspectives of network medicine. Based on 246 well-designed outpatient records
      on insomnia, by evaluating the personal biases of manifestation observation and
      preferences of herb prescriptions, we noted significant similarities between each
      herb prescriptions and symptom similarities between each encounters. To
      investigate the underlying mechanisms of TCM personalized medicine, we
      constructed a clinical phenotype network (CPN), in which the clinical phenotype
      entities like symptoms and diagnoses are presented as nodes and the correlation
      between these entities as links. This CPN is used to investigate the promiscuous
      boundary of syndromes and the co-occurrence of symptoms. The small-world
      topological characteristics are noted in the CPN with high clustering structures,
      which provide insight on the rationality of TCM personalized diagnosis and
      treatment. The investigation on this network would help us to gain understanding
      on the underlying mechanism of TCM personalized medicine and would propose a new
      perspective for the refinement of the TCM individualized clinical skills. 

PMID- 25115379
TI  - Phospholipid binding residues of eukaryotic membrane-remodelling F-BAR domain
      proteins are conserved in Helicobacter pylori CagA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytotoxin associated gene product A (CagA) is an oncogenic protein
      secreted by the gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Internalization of CagA by
      human epithelial cells occurs by an unknown mechanism that requires interaction
      with the host membrane lipid phosphatidylserine. FINDINGS: Local homology at the
      level of amino acid sequence and secondary structure has been identified between
      the membrane-tethering region of CagA and the lipid-binding Fes-CIP4 homology
      Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (F-BAR) domains of eukaryotic proteins. The F-BAR proteins
      are major components of the endocytic machinery. In addition to the membrane
      binding F-BAR domains, they contain other domains that interact with actin
      regulatory networks and mediate interplay between membrane dynamics and
      cytoskeleton re-arrangements. Positively charged residues found on the lipid
      binding face of the F-BAR domains are conserved in CagA and represent residues
      involved in CagA binding to lipids. CONCLUSIONS: The homologies with F-BAR
      proteins extend to lipid binding specificities and involvement in reorganization
      of the actin cytoskeleton. CagA and F-BAR domains share binding specificity for
      phosphatidylserine and phosphoinositides. Similar to the F-BAR proteins, CagA has
      a membrane-binding module and a module that shares structural homology with actin
      binding proteins, and, like eukaryotic F-BAR domain proteins, CagA function is
      linked to actin dynamics. The uncovered similarities between the bacterial
      effector protein and eukaryotic F-BAR proteins suggest convergent evolution of
      CagA towards a similar function.

PMID- 25115381
TI  - In vivo evaluation of two forms of urea in the skin by Raman spectroscopy after
      application of urea-containing cream.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: As urea is one of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF)
      components in the stratum corneum, it has been used in topical products to
      improve skin conditions. However, the penetration behavior of urea in the skin
      after application of urea-containing cream has not been determined as there has
      been no technique with which to measure the urea content in the skin in vivo non
      invasively. We therefore applied Raman spectroscopy to evaluate the depth profile
      of urea content in the skin. We investigated changes in depth profiles of two
      forms of urea to evaluate the penetration behavior of urea after application of
      urea-containing cream. METHODS: Commercially available moisturizing creams F and
      R in quantities of 2.2-mg/cm(2) and containing 20% (w/w) urea were applied to
      volar forearm skin of six Japanese subjects. Raman spectra of the skin were
      measured at 2-MUm intervals from the skin surface toward the interior using a
      confocal Raman spectrometer (model 3510 SCA) before and 15, 60, and 120 min after
      the application of the creams. The amounts of the two forms of urea, urea in
      water solution and urea in a solid state, were calculated by adding the spectra
      of solid urea and the cream base to a previously reported algorithm including the
      spectrum of urea in water solution. RESULTS: The characteristic band of urea in
      water solution was observed at approximately 1004/cm and that of the solid state
      at approximately 1010/cm in the Raman spectra of the skin after application of
      either cream. There was more urea in water solution form in the area where cream
      F was applied than in the area where cream R was applied. There was more urea in
      a solid state in the area where cream R was applied than in the area where cream
      F was applied at all depths and measurement times. In particular, there was
      significantly more urea in a solid state below a depth of 2 MUm in the area where
      cream R was applied than in the area where cream F was applied 15 min after
      application. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that we can measure both
      urea forms in the skin after the application of urea-containing creams. The
      proposed technique would be useful in the evaluation of characteristics of the
      penetration behavior of urea in the skin after the application of various urea
      containing moisturizers.

PMID- 25115383
TI  - FGFR1 activation is an escape mechanism in human lung cancer cells resistant to
      afatinib, a pan-EGFR family kinase inhibitor.
AB  - Most NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations benefit from treatment with EGFR-TKIs,
      but the clinical efficacy of EGFR-TKIs is limited by the appearance of drug
      resistance. Multiple kinase inhibitors of EGFR family proteins such as afatinib
      have been newly developed to overcome such drug resistance. We established
      afatinib-resistant cell lines after chronic exposure of activating EGFR mutation
      positive PC9 cells to afatinib. Afatinib-resistant cells showed following
      specific characteristics as compared to PC9: [1] Expression of EGFR family
      proteins and their phosphorylated molecules was markedly downregulated by
      selection of afatinib resistance; [2] Expression of FGFR1 and its ligand FGF2 was
      alternatively upregulated; [3] Treatment with anti-FGF2 neutralizing antibody
      blocked enhanced phosphorylation of FGFR in resistant clone; [4] Both resistant
      clones showed collateral sensitivity to PD173074, a small-molecule FGFR-TKIs, and
      treatment with either PD173074 or FGFR siRNA exacerbated suppression of both
      afatinib-resistant Akt and Erk phosphorylation when combined with afatinib; [5]
      Expression of twist was markedly augmented in resistant sublines, and twist
      knockdown specifically suppressed FGFR expression and cell survival. Together,
      enhanced expression of FGFR1 and FGF2 thus plays as an escape mechanism for cell
      survival of afatinib-resistant cancer cells, that may compensate the loss of EGFR
      driven signaling pathway. 

PMID- 25115382
TI  - HDAC inhibitors and immunotherapy; a double edged sword?
AB  - Epigenetic modifications, like histone acetylation, are essential for regulating
      gene expression within cells. Cancer cells acquire pathological epigenetic
      modifications resulting in gene expression patterns that facilitate and sustain
      tumorigenesis. Epigenetic manipulation therefore is emerging as a novel targeted
      therapy for cancer. Histone Acetylases (HATs) and Histone Deacetylases (HDACs)
      regulate histone acetylation and hence gene expression. Histone deacetylase
      (HDAC) inhibitors are well known to affect cancer cell viability and biology and
      are already in use for the treatment of cancer patients. Immunotherapy can lead
      to clinical benefit in selected cancer patients, especially in patients with
      limited disease after tumor debulking. HDAC inhibitors can potentially synergize
      with immunotherapy by elimination of tumor cells. The direct effects of HDAC
      inhibitors on immune cell function, however, remain largely unexplored. Initial
      data have suggested HDAC inhibitors to be predominantly immunosuppressive, but
      more recent reports have challenged this view. In this review we will discuss the
      effects of HDAC inhibitors on tumor cells and different immune cell subsets,
      synergistic interactions and possible mechanisms. Finally, we will address future
      challenges and potential application of HDAC inhibitors in immunocombination
      therapy of cancer. 

PMID- 25115384
TI  - A 5-gene classifier from the carcinoma-associated fibroblast transcriptomic
      profile and clinical outcome in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Based on 108 differentially expressed genes between carcinoma-associated
      fibroblasts (CAFs) and paired normal colonic fibroblasts we recently reported, a
      5-gene classifier for relapse prediction in Stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC )
      was developed. Its predictive value was validated in datasets GSE17538, GSE33113
      and GSE14095. An additional validation was performed in a metacohort (n=317) and
      142 CRC patients by means of RT-PCR. The 5-gene classifier was significantly
      associated with increased relapse risk and death from CRC across all validation
      series of Stage II/III patients used. Multivariate Cox regression analyses
      confirmed the independent prognostic value of the stromal classifier (HR=2.67;
      P=0.002). Post-test probabilities provided evidence of the suitability of the 5
      gene classifier in clinical practice, identifying a subgroup of Stage-II patients
      who were at high risk of relapse. Moreover, the a priory worst prognosis
      mesenchymal subtype of tumours can be stratified according to the physiological
      status of their carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. In conclusion the CAFs-derived
      5-gene classifier provides more accurate information about outcome than
      conventional clinicopathological criteria and it could be useful to take clinical
      decisions, especially in Stage II. Additionally, the classifier put into
      relevance the CAF's intratumoral heterogeneity and might contribute to find
      relevant targets for depleting adequate CAFS subtypes. 

PMID- 25115385
TI  - T cell-recruiting triplebody 19-3-19 mediates serial lysis of malignant B
      lymphoid cells by a single T cell.
AB  - Triplebody 19-3-19, an antibody-derived protein, carries three single chain
      fragment variable domains in tandem in a single polypeptide chain. 19-3-19 binds
      CD19-bearing lymphoid cells via its two distal domains and primary T cells via
      its CD3-targeting central domain in an antigen-specific manner. Here, malignant B
      lymphoid cell lines and primary cells from patients with B cell malignancies were
      used as targets in cytotoxicity tests with pre-stimulated allogeneic T cells as
      effectors. 19-3-19 mediated up to 95 % specific lysis of CD19-positive tumor
      cells and, at picomolar EC50 doses, had similar cytolytic potency as the
      clinically successful agent Blinatumomab. 19-3-19 activated resting T cells from
      healthy unrelated donors and mediated specific lysis of both autologous and
      allogeneic CD19-positive cells. 19-3-19 led to the elimination of 70 % of CD19
      positive target cells even with resting T cells as effectors at an effector-to
      target cell ratio of 1 : 10. The molecule is therefore capable of mediating
      serial lysis of target cells by a single T cell. These results highlight that
      central domains capable of engaging different immune effectors can be
      incorporated into the triplebody format to provide more individualized therapy
      tailored to a patient's specific immune status.

PMID- 25115387
TI  - Targeted ultra-deep sequencing reveals recurrent and mutually exclusive mutations
      of cancer genes in blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm.
AB  - Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare haematopoietic
      malignancy characterized by dismal prognosis and overall poor therapeutic
      response. Since the biology of BPDCN is barely understood, our study aims to shed
      light on the genetic make-up of these highly malignant tumors. Using targeted
      high-coverage massive parallel sequencing, we investigated 50 common cancer genes
      in 33 BPDCN samples. We detected point mutations in NRAS (27.3% of cases), ATM
      (21.2%), MET, KRAS, IDH2, KIT (9.1% each), APC and RB1 (6.1%), as well as in VHL,
      BRAF, MLH1, TP53 and RET1 (3% each). Moreover, NRAS-, KRAS- and ATM-mutations
      were found to be mutually exclusive and we observed recurrent mutations in NRAS,
      IDH2, APC and ATM. CDKN2A deletions were detected in 27.3% of the cases followed
      by deletions of RB1 (9.1%), PTEN and TP53 (3% each). The mutual exclusive
      distribution of some mutations may point to different subgroups of BPDCN whose
      biological significance remains to be explored. 

PMID- 25115388
TI  - The stress phenotype makes cancer cells addicted to CDT2, a substrate receptor of
      the CRL4 ubiquitin ligase.
AB  - CDT2/L2DTL/RAMP is one of the substrate receptors of the Cullin Ring Ubiquitin
      Ligase 4 that targets for ubiquitin mediated degradation a number of substrates,
      such as CDT1, p21 and CHK1, involved in the regulation of cell cycle and
      survival. Here we show that CDT2 depletion was alone able to induce the apoptotic
      death in 12/12 human cancer cell lines from different tissues, regardless of the
      mutation profile and CDT2 expression level. Cell death was associated to
      rereplication and to loss of CDT1 degradation. Conversely, CDT2 depletion did not
      affect non-transformed human cells, such as immortalized kidney, lung and breast
      cell lines, and primary cultures of endothelial cells and osteoblasts. The
      ectopic over-expression of an activated oncogene, such as the mutation-activated
      RAS or the amplified MET in non-transformed immortalized breast cell lines and
      primary human osteoblasts, respectively, made cells transformed in vitro,
      tumorigenic in vivo, and susceptible to CDT2 loss. The widespread effect of CDT2
      depletion in different cancer cells suggests that CDT2 is not in a synthetic
      lethal interaction to a single specific pathway. CDT2 likely is a non-oncogene to
      which transformed cells become addicted because of their enhanced cellular
      stress, such as replicative stress and DNA damage. 

PMID- 25115386
TI  - Cannabinoids as therapeutic agents in cancer: current status and future
      implications.
AB  - The pharmacological importance of cannabinoids has been in study for several
      years. Cannabinoids comprise of (a) the active compounds of the Cannabis sativa
      plant, (b) endogenous as well as (c) synthetic cannabinoids. Though cannabinoids
      are clinically used for anti-palliative effects, recent studies open a promising
      possibility as anti-cancer agents. They have been shown to possess anti
      proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects in vitro as well as in vivo in
      different cancer models. Cannabinoids regulate key cell signaling pathways that
      are involved in cell survival, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, etc. There is
      more focus on CB1 and CB2, the two cannabinoid receptors which are activated by
      most of the cannabinoids. In this review article, we will focus on a broad range
      of cannabinoids, their receptor dependent and receptor independent functional
      roles against various cancer types with respect to growth, metastasis, energy
      metabolism, immune environment, stemness and future perspectives in exploring new
      possible therapeutic opportunities. 

PMID- 25115389
TI  - Identification of a gene expression driven progression pathway in myxoid
      liposarcoma.
AB  - AIM: to investigate the events involved in the progression of myxoid liposarcoma
      (MLS). Gene expression profiling and immunohistochemical/biochemical analyses
      were applied to specimens representative of the opposite ends of the MLS
      spectrum: pure myxoid (ML) and pure round cell (RC) liposarcomas. The analyses
      revealed the involvement of both coding and non coding RNAs (SNORDs located in
      DLK1-DIO3 region) and support a model of stepwise progression mainly driven by
      epigenetic changes involving tumour vascular supply and tumoral cellular
      component. In this model, a switch in the vascular landscape from a normal to a
      pro-angiogenic signature and the silencing of DLK1-DIO3 region mark the
      progression from ML to RC in concert with the acquisition by the latter of the
      over-expression of YYI/C-MYC/HDAC2, together with over-expression of genes
      involved in cell proliferation and stemness: MKNK2, MSX1 and TRIM71. Taken
      together, these findings strongly suggest that to progress from ML to RC
      liposarcoma the cells have to overcome the epigenetic silencing restriction point
      in order to reset their new stem-like differentiation signature. Our findings
      provide a first attempt at identifying the missing links between ML and RC
      liposarcomas, that may also have broader applications in other clinico
      pathological settings characterised by a spectrum of progression.

PMID- 25115391
TI  - 4EGI-1 targets breast cancer stem cells by selective inhibition of translation
      that persists in CSC maintenance, proliferation and metastasis.
AB  - Cancer death is a leading cause of global mortality. An estimated 14.1 million
      new cancer cases and 8.2 million cancer deaths occurred worldwide in 2012 alone.
      Cancer stem cells (CSCs) within tumors are essential for tumor metastasis and
      reoccurrence, the key factors of cancer lethality. Here we report that 4EGI-1, an
      inhibitor of the interaction between translation initiation factors eIF4E1 and
      eIF4G1 effectively inhibits breast CSCs through selectively reducing translation
      persistent in breast CSCs. Translation initiation factor eIF4E1 is significantly
      enhanced in breast CSCs in comparison to non-CSC breast cancer cells. 4EGI-1
      presents increased cytotoxicity to breast CSCs compared to non-CSC breast cancer
      cells. 4EGI-1 promotes breast CSC differentiation and represses breast CSC
      induced tube-like structure formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      (HUVECs). 4EGI-1 isomers suppress breast CSC tumorangiogenesis and tumor growth
      in vivo. In addition, 4EGI-1 decreases proliferation in and induces apoptosis
      into breast CSC tumor cells. Furthermore, 4EGI-1 selectively inhibits translation
      of mRNAs encoding NANOG, OCT4, CXCR4, c-MYC and VEGF in breast CSC tumors. Our
      study demonstrated that 4EGI-1 targets breast CSCs through selective inhibition
      of translation critical for breast CSCs, suggesting that selective translation
      initiation interference might be an avenue targeting CSCs within tumors. 

PMID- 25115390
TI  - The role of homeostatic regulation between tumor suppressor DAB2IP and oncogenic
      Skp2 in prostate cancer growth.
AB  - Altered DAB2IP gene expression often detected in prostate cancer (PCa) is due to
      epigenetic silencing. In this study, we unveil a new mechanism leading to the
      loss of DAB2IP protein; an oncogenic S-phase kinase-associated protein-2 (Skp2)
      as E3 ubiquitin ligase plays a key regulator in DAB2IP degradation. In order to
      unveil the role of Skp2 in the turnover of DAB2IP protein, both prostate cell
      lines and prostate cancer specimens with a variety of molecular and cell biologic
      techniques were employed. We demonstrated that DAB2IP is regulated by Skp2
      mediated proteasome degradation in the prostate cell lines. Further analyses
      identified the N-terminal DAB2IP containing the ubiquitination site.
      Immunohistochemical study exhibited an inverse correlation between DAB2IP and
      Skp2 protein expression in the prostate cancer tissue microarray. In contrast,
      DAB2IP can suppressSkp2 protein expression is mediated through Akt signaling. The
      reciprocal regulation between DAB2IP and Skp2 can impact on the growth of PCa
      cells. This reciprocal regulation between DAB2IP and Skp2 protein represents a
      unique homeostatic balance between tumor suppressor and oncoprotein in normal
      prostate epithelia, which is apparently altered in cancer cells. The outcome of
      this study has identified new potential targets for developing new therapeutic
      strategy for PCa. 

PMID- 25115392
TI  - F-box protein FBXO31 is down-regulated in gastric cancer and negatively regulated
      by miR-17 and miR-20a.
AB  - FBXO31, a subunit of the SCF ubiquitin ligase, played a crucial role in neuronal
      development, DNA damage response and tumorigenesis. Here, we investigated the
      expression and prognosis value of FBXO31 in human primary gastric cancer (GC)
      samples. Meanwhile, the biological role and the regulation mechanism of FBXO31
      were evaluated. We found that FBXO31 mRNA and protein was decreased dramatically
      in the GC tissue compared with the adjacent non-cancerous tissues. FBXO31
      expression was significantly associated with tumor size, tumor infiltration,
      clinical grade and patients' prognosis. FBXO31 overexpression significantly
      decreased colony formation and induced a G1-phase arrest and inhibited the
      expression of CyclinD1 protein in GC cells. Further evidence was obtained from
      knockdown of FBXO31. Ectopic expression of FBXO31 dramatically inhibited
      xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. miR-20a and miR-17 mimics inhibited, whereas
      the inhibitor of miR-20a and miR-17 increased, the expression of FBXO31,
      respectively. miR-20a and miR-17 directly bind to the 3'-UTR of FBXO31. The level
      of miR-20a and miR-17 in GC tissue was significantly higher than that in
      surrounding normal mucosa. Moreover, a highly significant negative correlation
      between miR-20a (miR-17) and FBXO31 was observed in these GC samples. Therefore,
      effective therapy targeting the miR-20a (miR-17)-FBXO31-CyclinD1 pathway may help
      control GC progression. 

PMID- 25115394
TI  - Circulating miR-182 is a biomarker of colorectal adenocarcinoma progression.
AB  - MiR-182 expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization in 20
      tubular adenomas, 50 colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and 40 CRC liver metastases.
      Control samples obtained from patients with irritable bowel syndrome, or tumor
      matched normal colon mucosa were analyzed (n=50). MiR-182 expression increased
      progressively and significantly along with the colorectal carcinogenesis cascade,
      and in CRC liver metastases. The inverse relation between miR-182 and the
      expression of its target gene ENTPD5 was investigated by immunohistochemical
      analysis. We observed that normal colocytes featured a strong ENTPD5 cytoplasmic
      expression whereas a significantly and progressively lower expression was present
      along with dedifferentiation of the histologic phenotype. Plasma samples from 51
      CRC patients and controls were tested for miR-182 expression. Plasma miR-182
      concentrations were significantly higher in CRC patients than in healthy controls
      or patients with colon polyps at endoscopy. Moreover, miR-182 plasma levels were
      significantly reduced in post-operative samples after radical hepatic
      metastasectomy compared to preoperative samples. Our results strengthen the
      hypothesis of a central role of miR-182 dysregulation in colon mucosa
      transformation, demonstrate the concomitant progressive down-regulation of ENTPD5
      levels during colon carcinogenesis, and indicate the potential of circulating miR
      182 as blood based biomarker for screening and monitoring CRC during the follow
      up. 

PMID- 25115395
TI  - Aurora kinase a suppresses metabolic stress-induced autophagic cell death by
      activating mTOR signaling in breast cancer cells.
AB  - Aberrant Aur-A signaling is associated with tumor malignant behaviors. However,
      its involvement in tumor metabolic stress is not fully elucidated. In the present
      study, prolonged nutrient deprivation was conducted into breast cancer cells to
      mimic metabolic stress in tumors. In these cells, autophagy was induced, leading
      to caspase-independent cell death, which was blocked by either targeted knockdown
      of autophagic gene ATG5 or autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-MA). Aur-A
      overexpression mediated resistance to autophagic cell death and promoted breast
      cancer cells survival when exposed to metabolic stress. Moreover, we provided
      evidence that Aur-A suppressed autophagy in a kinase-dependent manner.
      Furthermore, we revealed that Aur-A overexpression enhanced the mammalian target
      of rapamycin (mTOR) activity under metabolic stress by inhibiting glycogen
      synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta). Inhibition of mTOR activity by rapamycin
      sensitized Aur-A-overexpressed breast cancer cells to metabolic stress-induced
      cell death. Consistently, we presented an inverse correlation between Aur-A
      expression (high) and autophagic levels (low) in clinical breast cancer samples.
      In conclusion, our data provided a novel insight into the cyto-protective role of
      Aur-A against metabolic stress by suppressing autophagic cell death, which might
      help to develop alternative cell death avenues for breast cancer therapy. 

PMID- 25115396
TI  - The microRNA-23b/27b/24-1 cluster is a disease progression marker and tumor
      suppressor in prostate cancer.
AB  - Our recent study of microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures in prostate cancer
      (PCa) has revealed that all members of the miR-23b/27b/24-1 cluster are
      significantly downregulated in PCa tissues. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the effectiveness of these clustered miRNAs as a disease progression
      marker and to determine the functional significance of these clustered miRNAs in
      PCa. Expression of the miR-23b/27b/24-1 cluster was significantly reduced in PCa
      tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that low expression of miR-27b
      predicted a short duration of progression to castration-resistant PCa. Gain-of
      function studies using mature miR-23b, miR-27b,and miR-24-1 significantly
      inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in PCa cells (PC3 and
      DU145). To identify the molecular targets of these miRNAs, we carried out gene
      expression and in silico database analyses. GOLM1 was directly regulated by miR
      27b in PCa cells. Elucidation of the molecular targets and pathways regulated by
      the tumor-suppressive microRNAs should shed light on the oncogenic and metastatic
      processes in PCa. 

PMID- 25115393
TI  - The miR-124-prolyl hydroxylase P4HA1-MMP1 axis plays a critical role in prostate
      cancer progression.
AB  - Collagen prolyl hydroxylases (C-P4HAs) are a family of enzymes involved in
      collagen biogenesis. One of the isoforms of P4HA, Prolyl 4-hydroxylase, alpha
      polypeptide I (P4HA1), catalyzes the formation of 4-hydroxyproline that is
      essential for the proper three-dimensional folding of newly synthesized
      procollagen chains. Here, we show the overexpression of P4HA1 in aggressive
      prostate cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis using tissue microarray
      demonstrated that P4HA1 expression was correlated with prostate cancer
      progression. Using in vitro studies, we showed that P4HA1 plays a critical role
      in prostate cancer cell growth and tumor progression. Expression profiling
      studies using P4HA1 modulated prostate cells suggested regulation of Matrix
      metalloproteases 1. The invasive properties of P4HA1 overexpressing cells were
      reversed by blocking MMP1. Our studies indicate P4HA1 copy number gain in a
      subset of metastatic prostate tumors and its expression is also regulated by
      microRNA-124. MiR-124 in turn is negatively regulated by transcriptional
      repressors EZH2 and CtBP1, both of which are overexpressed in aggressive prostate
      cancer. Chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and mice xenograft
      investigations show that P4HA1 is required for tumor growth and metastasis in
      vivo. Our observations suggest that P4HA1 plays a critical role in prostate
      cancer progression and could serve as a viable therapeutic target. 

PMID- 25115397
TI  - EZH2 dependent H3K27me3 is involved in epigenetic silencing of ID4 in prostate
      cancer.
AB  - Inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation protein 4 (ID4) is dominant negative
      helix loop helix transcriptional regulator is epigenetically silenced due to
      promoter hyper-methylation in many cancers including prostate. However, the
      underlying mechanism involved in epigenetic silencing of ID4 is not known. Here,
      we demonstrate that ID4 promoter methylation is initiated by EZH2 dependent tri
      methylation of histone 3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). ID4 expressing (LNCaP) and non
      expressing (DU145 and C81) prostate cancer cell lines were used to investigate
      EZH2, H3K27me3 and DNMT1 enrichment on ID4 promoter by Chromatin immuno
      precipitation (ChIP). Enrichment of EZH2, H3K27Me3 and DNMT1 in DU145 and C81
      cell lines compared to ID4 expressing LNCaP cell line. Knockdown of EZH2 in DU145
      cell line led to re-expression of ID4 and decrease in enrichment of EZH2,
      H3K27Me3 and DNMT1 demonstrating that ID4 is regulated in an EZH2 dependent
      manner. ChIP data on prostate cancer tissue specimens and cell lines suggested
      EZH2 occupancy and H3K27Me3 marks on the ID4 promoter. Collectively, our data
      indicate a PRC2 dependent mechanism in ID4 promoter silencing in prostate cancer
      through recruitment of EZH2 and a corresponding increase in H3K27Me3. Increased
      EZH2 but decreased ID4 expression in prostate cancer strongly supports this
      model. 

PMID- 25115398
TI  - Fructose-2,6-bisphosphate synthesis by 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6
      bisphosphatase 4 (PFKFB4) is required for the glycolytic response to hypoxia and
      tumor growth.
AB  - Fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6BP) is a shunt product of glycolysis that
      allosterically activates 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK-1) resulting in increased
      glucose uptake and glycolytic flux to lactate. The F2,6BP concentration is
      dictated by four bifunctional 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6
      bisphosphatases (PFKFB1-4) with distinct kinase:phosphatase activities. PFKFB4 is
      over-expressed in human cancers, induced by hypoxia and required for survival and
      growth of several cancer cell lines. Although PFKFB4 appears to be a rational
      target for anti-neoplastic drug development, it is not clear whether its kinase
      or phosphatase activity is required for cancer cell survival. In this study, we
      demonstrate that recombinant human PFKFB4 kinase activity is 4.3-fold greater
      than its phosphatase activity, siRNA and genomic deletion of PFKFB4 decrease
      F2,6BP, PFKFB4 over-expression increases F2,6BP and selective PFKFB4 inhibition
      in vivo markedly reduces F2,6BP, glucose uptake and ATP. Last, we find that
      PFKFB4 is required for cancer cell survival during the metabolic response to
      hypoxia, presumably to enable glycolytic production of ATP when the electron
      transport chain is not fully operational. Taken together, our data indicate that
      the PFKFB4 expressed in multiple transformed cells and tumors functions to
      synthesize F2,6BP. We predict that pharmacological disruption of the PFKFB4
      kinase domain may have clinical utility for the treatment of human cancers. 

PMID- 25115399
TI  - Nuclear and cytoplasmic p53 suppress cell invasion by inhibiting respiratory
      complex-I activity via Bcl-2 family proteins.
AB  - Although the p53 tumor suppressor/transcription factor often accumulates in the
      cytoplasm of healthy cells, limited information is available on the cytoplasmic
      function of p53. Here, we show that cytoplasmic p53 suppresses cell invasion by
      reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Analysis revealed
      that this function is mediated by Bcl-2 family proteins: Cytoplasmic p53 binds
      Bcl-w, liberating Bax, which then binds ND5, a subunit of respiratory complex-I,
      thereby suppressing complex-I activity and thus ROS production. The G13289A
      mutation of ND5, identified in cancer patients, prevents Bax/ND5 interactions and
      promotes ROS production and cell invasion. We also showed that Bcl-XL and Bak can
      substitute for Bcl-w and Bax, respectively, regulating complex-I activity and
      supporting the cytoplasmic function of p53; nuclear p53 also suppresses complex-I
      activity by inducing Bax expression. Studies in animal models support the notion
      that p53 and Bcl-2 family proteins exhibit these functions in vivo. This study
      demonstrates a link between p53 and Bcl-2 proteins as regulators of ROS
      production and cellular invasiveness, and reveals complex-I, especially ND5, as
      their functional target. 

PMID- 25115401
TI  - Concerted action of target-site mutations and high EPSPS activity in glyphosate
      resistant junglerice (Echinochloa colona) from California.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Echinochloa colona is an annual weed affecting field crops and
      orchards in California. An E. colona population carrying a mutation in the EPSPS
      gene endowing resistance to glyphosate, the most widely used non-selective
      herbicide, was recently identified in the Northern Sacramento Valley of
      California. Plants from this population, from a suspected glyphosate-resistant
      (GR) population, and from one susceptible (S) population collected in the
      Northern Sacramento Valley of California, were used to generate three GR and one
      S selfed lines to study possible mechanisms involved in glyphosate resistance.
      RESULTS: Based on the amount of glyphosate required to kill 50% of the plants
      (LD50 ), GR lines were 4-9-fold more resistant than S plants and accumulated less
      shikimate after glyphosate treatment. GR and S lines did not differ in glyphosate
      absorption, translocation or metabolism. A different target-site mutation was
      found in each of two of the GR lines corresponding to Pro106Thr and Pro106Ser
      substitutions; the mutations were found in different homoeologous EPSPS genes. No
      mutation was found in the third GR line, which exhibited 1.4-fold higher basal
      EPSPS activity and a fivefold greater LD50 than S plants. Quantitative RT-PCR
      revealed that GR lines had similar or lower EPSPS expression than S plants.
      CONCLUSION: It is demonstrated that individuals with different glyphosate
      resistance mechanisms can coexist in the same population, individuals from
      different populations may carry different resistance mechanisms and different
      mechanisms can act in concert within single E. colona plants. However, other
      plant factors or resistance mechanisms appear to modulate plant expression of
      EPSPS sensitivity to glyphosate.

PMID- 25115400
TI  - Beclin-1-independent autophagy positively regulates internal ribosomal entry site
      dependent translation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha under nutrient
      deprivation.
AB  - Hypoxia has been shown to induce hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha)
      expression to support many cellular changes required for tumor growth and
      metastasis. In addition to hypoxia, nutrient deprivation is another stress
      condition widely existing in solid tumors due to the poor blood supply. Our data
      showed that nutrient deprivation induces a significant HIF-1alpha protein
      expression and potentiates the HIF-1alpha responses of hypoxia and CoCl2. This
      effect is not because of enhancement of HIF-1alpha stability or transcription.
      Rather we found it is through the cap-independent but internal ribosome entry
      site (IRES)-dependent translation. Notably inhibition of autophagy by si-ATG5, 3
      methyladenine and chloroquine, but not si-Beclin-1, significantly reverses
      nutrient deprivation-induced HIF-1alpha responses. Furthermore, it is interesting
      to note the contribution of IRES activation for hypoxia-induced HIF-1alpha
      expression, however, different from nutrient starvation, si-Beclin 1 but not si
      ATG5 can inhibit hypoxia-induced HIF-1alpha IRES activation and protein
      expression. Taken together, we for the first time highlight a link from
      alternative autophagy to cap-independent protein translation of HIF-1alpha under
      two unique stress conditions. We demonstrate Beclin 1-independent autophagy is
      involved to positively regulate nutrient deprivation induced-HIF-1alpha IRES
      activity and protein expression, while ATG5-independent autophagy is involved in
      the HIF-1 IRES activation caused by hypoxia. 

PMID- 25115404
TI  - Annular lupus erythematosus profundus.

PMID- 25115402
TI  - MicroRNAs differentially regulated in cardiac and skeletal muscle in health and
      disease: potential drug targets?
AB  - The identification of non-coding RNA species, previously thought of as 'junk'
      DNA, adds a new dimension of complexity to the regulation of DNA, RNA and
      protein. MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNA species that control gene expression,
      are dysregulated in settings of cardiac and skeletal muscle disease and have
      emerged as promising therapeutic targets. MicroRNAs specifically enriched in
      cardiac and skeletal muscle are called myomiRs and play an important role in
      cardiac pathology and skeletal muscle biology. Moreover, microRNA profiles are
      altered in response to exercise and disease; thus, their potential as therapeutic
      drug targets is being widely explored. In the cardiovascular field, therapeutic
      inhibition of microRNAs has been shown to be effective in improving cardiac
      outcome in preclinical cardiac disease models. MicroRNAs that promote skeletal
      muscle regeneration are attractive therapeutic targets in muscle wasting
      conditions where regenerative capacity is compromised. 

PMID- 25115403
TI  - Integrating team resource management program into staff training improves staff's
      perception and patient safety in organ procurement and transplantation: the
      experience in a university-affiliated medical center in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The process involved in organ procurement and transplantation is very
      complex that requires multidisciplinary coordination and teamwork. To prevent
      error during the processes, teamwork education and training might play an
      important role. We wished to evaluate the efficacy of implementing a Team
      Resource Management (TRM) program on patient safety and the behaviors of the team
      members involving in the process. METHODS: We implemented a TRM training program
      for the organ procurement and transplantation team members of the National Taiwan
      University Hospital (NTUH), a teaching medical center in Taiwan. This 15-month
      intervention included TRM education and training courses for the healthcare
      workers, focused group skill training for the procurement and transplantation
      team members, video demonstration and training, and case reviews with feedbacks.
      Teamwork culture was evaluated and all procurement and transplantation cases were
      reviewed to evaluate the application of TRM skills during the actual processes.
      RESULTS: During the intervention period, a total of 34 staff members participated
      the program, and 67 cases of transplantations were performed. Teamwork framework
      concept was the most prominent dimension that showed improvement from the
      participants for training. The team members showed a variety of teamwork
      behaviors during the process of procurement and transplantation during the
      intervention period. Of note, there were two potential donors with a positive HIV
      result, for which the procurement processed was timely and successfully
      terminated by the team. None of the recipients was transplanted with an infected
      organ. No error in communication or patient identification was noted during
      review of the case records. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a Team Resource
      Management program improves the teamwork culture as well as patient safety in
      organ procurement and transplantation.

PMID- 25115405
TI  - Quantitative analysis of intracellular communication and signaling errors in
      signaling networks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intracellular signaling networks transmit signals from the cell
      membrane to the nucleus, via biochemical interactions. The goal is to regulate
      some target molecules, to properly control the cell function. Regulation of the
      target molecules occurs through the communication of several intermediate
      molecules that convey specific signals originated from the cell membrane to the
      specific target outputs. RESULTS: In this study we propose to model intracellular
      signaling network as communication channels. We define the fundamental concepts
      of transmission error and signaling capacity for intracellular signaling
      networks, and devise proper methods for computing these parameters. The developed
      systematic methodology quantitatively shows how the signals that ligands provide
      upon binding can be lost in a pathological signaling network, due to the presence
      of some dysfunctional molecules. We show the lost signals result in message
      transmission error, i.e., incorrect regulation of target proteins at the network
      output. Furthermore, we show how dysfunctional molecules affect the signaling
      capacity of signaling networks and how the contributions of signaling molecules
      to the signaling capacity and signaling errors can be computed. The proposed
      approach can quantify the role of dysfunctional signaling molecules in the
      development of the pathology. We present experimental data on caspese3 and T cell
      signaling networks to demonstrate the biological relevance of the developed
      method and its predictions. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates how signal
      transmission and distortion in pathological signaling networks can be modeled and
      studied using the proposed methodology. The new methodology determines how much
      the functionality of molecules in a network can affect the signal transmission
      and regulation of the end molecules such as transcription factors. This can lead
      to the identification of novel critical molecules in signal transduction
      networks. Dysfunction of these critical molecules is likely to be associated with
      some complex human disorders. Such critical molecules have the potential to serve
      as proper targets for drug discovery.

PMID- 25115406
TI  - A predisposition for allergies predicts subsequent hypertension, dyslipidemia,
      and diabetes mellitus among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder: a
      nationwide longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that both severe mental disorders
      (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) and atopic diseases were associated with an
      increased risk of metabolic syndrome. However, the role of atopy/the
      predisposition for allergies in the development of metabolic syndrome is still
      unknown among those with severe mental disorders. METHODS: Using the Taiwan
      National Health Insurance Research Database, 5826 patients with schizophrenia or
      bipolar disorder (1908 with a predisposition for allergies and 3918 without) were
      enrolled between 1998 and 2008. Those who developed hypertension, dyslipidemia,
      and/or diabetes mellitus were identified during the follow-up to the end of 2011.
      RESULTS: A predisposition for allergies increased the risk of developing
      hypertension (HR: 1.67), dyslipidemia (HR: 1.82), and diabetes mellitus (HR:
      1.37) in later life among those with severe mental disorders. A dose-dependent
      relationship was noted between having more atopic comorbidities and a greater
      likelihood of hypertension (1 atopic disease: HR: 1.60; ? 2 atopic comorbidities:
      HR: 1.87), dyslipidemia (HR: 1.73; HR: 2.12), and diabetes mellitus (HR: 1.26;
      HR: 1.69). CONCLUSION: A predisposition for allergies was an independent risk
      factor for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus among patients with
      schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Further studies would be required to elucidate
      the underlying pathophysiology among atopy, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and
      metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 25115407
TI  - Increased visual gamma power in schizoaffective bipolar disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography (MEG) studies have
      identified alterations in gamma-band (30-80 Hz) cortical activity in
      schizophrenia and mood disorders, consistent with neural models of disturbed
      glutamate (and GABA) neuron influence over cortical pyramidal cells. Genetic
      evidence suggests specific deficits in GABA-A receptor function in
      schizoaffective bipolar disorder (SABP), a clinical syndrome with features of
      both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. This study investigated gamma
      oscillations in this under-researched disorder. METHOD: MEG was used to measure
      induced gamma and evoked responses to a visual grating stimulus, known to be a
      potent inducer of primary visual gamma oscillations, in 15 individuals with
      remitted SABP, defined using Research Diagnostic Criteria, and 22 age- and sex
      matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Individuals with SABP demonstrated increased
      sustained visual cortical power in the gamma band (t 35 = -2.56, p = 0.015)
      compared to controls. There were no group differences in baseline gamma power,
      transient or sustained gamma frequency, alpha band responses or pattern onset
      visual-evoked responses. CONCLUSIONS: Gamma power is increased in remitted SABP,
      which reflects an abnormality in the cortical inhibitory-excitatory balance.
      Although an interaction between gamma power and medication can not be ruled out,
      there were no group differences in evoked responses or baseline measures. Further
      work is needed in other clinical populations and at-risk relatives. Pharmaco
      magnetoencephalography studies will help to elucidate the specific GABA and
      glutamate pathways affected.

PMID- 25115408
TI  - Pyonephrosis Caused by Salmonella Typhi: A Case Report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Salmonella is a rare cause of urinary tract infections. We report
      here a unique case of pyonephrosis due to Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi)
      complication, a stone-related obstructive pyelonephritis. CASE REPORT: A 47-year
      old man, without any history of typhoid fever or gastrointestinal symptoms,
      presented with a pyonephrosis and life-threatening bacteremia following an acute
      obstructive right pyelonephritis caused by S. Typhi. The patient was treated by
      urinary drainage (ureteral stent), antibiotics, and delayed right nephrectomy. We
      postulated that urolithiasis could explain asymptomatic chronic urinary carriage
      of S. Typhi. CONCLUSION: S. Typhi is one possible cause of life-threatening
      urinary tract infection, especially in the context of urolithiasis.

PMID- 25115409
TI  - Ethylene transposition: ruthenium hydride catalyzed intramolecular trans
      silylvinylation of internal alkynes.
AB  - A highly selective intramolecular trans-silylvinylation of internal alkynes
      catalyzed by RuHCl(CO)(SIMes)(PPh3) has been accomplished. The use of methyl
      vinyl ketone as an additive increased the efficiency of this transformation. This
      process was used to successfully form five-, six-, and seven-membered
      oxasilacycles by a formal anti-exo-dig cyclization. 

PMID- 25115412
TI  - The FIGO Leadership in Obstetrics and Gynecology for Impact and Change (LOGIC)
      Initiative in Maternal and Newborn Health.
AB  - The FIGO Leadership in Obstetrics and Gynecology for Impact and Change (LOGIC)
      Initiative in Maternal and Newborn Health developed the organizational capacity
      of national professional organizations of obstetrics and gynecology in eight
      African and Asian countries. The initiative was funded by a grant from the Bill
      and Melinda Gates Foundation and had three key objectives. These goals were to
      support the eight FIGO member associations to strengthen their capacity to work
      effectively; to influence national policies on maternal and newborn health; and
      to work toward improving clinical practice in this area. The current supplement
      presents evidence that the focus and effectiveness of a national obstetric and
      gynecologic association-as well as its influence on major public health issues
      (such as United Nations Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5)-can be
      substantially broadened and enhanced by the provision of external support. 

PMID- 25115411
TI  - Associated morbidity of pediatric ptosis - a large, community based case-control
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the incidence, demographics, and associations of various
      conditions among patients with pediatric ptosis. METHODS: A retrospective,
      observational case-control study of patients (birth-18 years; n = 2,408)
      diagnosed with pediatric ptosis in 1/2003-12/2012. Age- and gender-matched
      control patients (n = 9,632) were randomly selected from the district members.
      Medical and socio-demographic information were extracted from electronic medical
      records. RESULTS: The average age of diagnosis was 5.6 years, and 1,325 (54%)
      were male, with an incidence of 19.9/100,000. Systemic conditions significantly
      associated with pediatric ptosis include myasthenia gravis, congenital anomalies,
      deafness, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, neurological diseases,
      epilepsy, schizophrenia, and malignancy. Ophthalmic conditions associated with
      pediatric ptosis include exotropia, progressive external ophthalmoplegia,
      hypotropia, esotropia, hyperopia, vertical heterophoria, intermitent esotropia,
      astigmatism, retinopathy, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, and myopia. Symptoms of
      diplopia, blurred vision, and aniseikonia were significantly more common.
      CONCLUSION: Pediatric ptosis is associated with various systemic and ophthalmic
      conditions, and many are diagnosed after the age of 5 years. Clinicians should
      maintain a high degree of suspicion and thoroughly evaluate all patients with
      pediatric ptosis to properly assess underlying systemic associations. A better
      understanding of the patho-physiological association between these factors and
      pediatric ptosis may help its prevention and treatment.

PMID- 25115413
TI  - Revising the high-density lipoprotein targeting strategies - insights from human
      and preclinical studies.
AB  - In recent years, the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) hypothesis has been
      challenged. Several completed randomized clinical trials continue to fall short
      in demonstrating HDL, or at least HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, as being a
      consistent target in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However,
      population studies and findings in lipid modifying trials continue to strongly
      support HDL-C as a superb risk predictor. It is increasingly evident that the
      complexity of HDL metabolism confounds the use of HDL-C concentration as a
      unified target. However, important insights continue to emerge from the post hoc
      analyses of recently completed (i) fibrate-based FIELD and ACCORD trials,
      including the unexpected beneficial effect of fibrates in microvascular diseases,
      (ii) the niacin-based AIM-HIGH and HPS2-THRIVE studies, (iii) recombinant HDL
      based as well as (iv) the completed CETP inhibitor-based trials. These together
      with on-going mechanistic studies on novel pathways, which include the unique
      roles of microRNAs, post-translational remodeling of HDL and novel pathways
      related to HDL modulators will provide valuable insights to guide how best to
      refocus and redesign the conceptual framework for selecting HDL-based targets.

PMID- 25115414
TI  - Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy assessment of fetal brain metabolism in
      late-onset 'small for gestational age' versus 'intrauterine growth restriction'
      fetuses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to evaluate brain
      metabolic differences in small fetuses near term as compared to appropriate for
      gestational age (AGA) fetuses. STUDY DESIGN: 71 term small fetuses (estimated
      fetal weight <10th centile for gestational age with normal umbilical artery
      Doppler sonography) were subclassified as late intrauterine growth restriction
      (IUGR) (n = 50) or small for gestational age (SGA) (n = 21), and compared with 65
      AGA fetuses. IUGR was defined by either abnormal middle cerebral artery, abnormal
      uterine artery Doppler sonography or estimated fetal weight <3rd centile. All
      participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging at 37 weeks of gestation,
      and single-voxel magnetic resonance spectra were obtained from the frontal lobe
      on a 3-tesla scanner. N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/choline (Cho), NAA/creatine (Cr)
      and Cho/Cr ratios were calculated and compared between cases and controls. The
      association of the metabolic ratios with the study groups was tested. RESULTS:
      After MRS processing and applying quality control criteria, 31 spectra from late
      onset IUGR, 11 from SGA and 30 from AGA fetuses were selected for further
      analysis. Both SGA and late-onset IUGR fetuses showed significantly reduced
      NAA/Cho levels when compared to AGA fetuses. This decrease followed a linear
      trend across the three clinical groups that were considered. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      SGA and late-onset IUGR fetuses showed differences in MRS brain metabolic ratios.
      The findings suggest that despite near-normal perinatal outcomes, SGA fetuses are
      not constitutionally small and may represent a form of growth disorder that needs
      to be clarified.

PMID- 25115415
TI  - Memories of Holocaust-related traumatic experiences, sense of coherence, and
      survivors' subjective well-being in late life: some puzzling findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study explores the nexus of relationships between
      memories of Holocaust-related early traumatic events, survivors' sense of
      coherence (SOC), and subjective well-being (SWB) in late life. DESIGN: The basic
      design of this study, based 106 survivors (54% female), was cross-sectional.
      METHODS: Participants underwent an extensive in-depth clinical interview relating
      to their Holocaust experiences and responded to measures of SOC and SWB. RESULTS:
      These data provided no evidence for the moderating or "buffering" effect of SOC
      but showed support for indirect effects of SOC in the relationship between memory
      traces of specific traumatic experiences and adaptive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of the present study provide support for Antonovsky's salutogenic
      perspective. It is highly plausible that survivors who underwent severe
      experiences during the Holocaust period were forced to call upon all their inner
      strengths and coping resources,and that their success in doing so and also
      surviving this horrendous period, might have contributed to the development of a
      stronger sense of meaning and coherence, which, in turn lead to a better sense of
      mental health as they approach the final season of their lives.

PMID- 25115410
TI  - Temporal trends from 1986 to 2008 in overall survival of small cell lung cancer
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: An assessment of temporal trends in patient survival is important to
      determine the progress toward patient outcomes and to reveal where advancements
      must be made. This study assessed temporal changes spanning 22years in
      demographics, clinical characteristics, and overall survival of small cell lung
      cancer (SCLC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analysis included 1032 SCLC
      patients spanning two time-periods from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and
      Research Institute: 1986-1999 (N=410) and 2000-2008 (N=622). Kaplan-Meier
      survival curves and log-rank statistics were used to assess survival rates across
      the two time-periods and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used
      to generate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The
      overall 5-year survival rate significantly increased from 8.3% for the 1986-1999
      time-period to 11.0% (P<0.001) for the 2000-2008 time-period, and the median
      survival time increased from 11.3months (95% CI 10.5-12.7) to 15.2months (95% CI
      13.6-16.6). We also observed significant increases in stage-specific median
      survival times and survival rates across the two time-periods. A multivariable
      Cox proportional hazards model for the entire cohort revealed significant
      increased risk of death for patients diagnosed in 1986-1999 (HR=1.29; 95% CI 1.11
      1.49), patients diagnosed between 60 and 69years of age (HR=1.33; 95% CI 1.04
      1.49) and over 70years of age (HR=1.63; 95% CI 1.26-2.11), men (HR=1.33; 95% CI
      1.16-1.53), patients with no first course treatment (HR=2.17; 95% CI 1.57-3.00)
      and extensive stage SCLC (HR=2.79; 95% CI 2.35-3.30). CONCLUSION: This analysis
      demonstrated significant improvements in overall and stage-specific median
      survival times and survival rates of SCLC patients treated at the Moffitt Cancer
      Center from 1986 to 2008.

PMID- 25115416
TI  - Effect of hyoscine N-butylbromide on adenoma detection rate: meta-analysis of
      randomized clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Anti-spasmodic drugs may facilitate mucosal inspection during
      colonoscopy. The impact of hyoscine N-butylbromide (HBB) on polyp detection rate
      (PDR) and adenoma detection rate (ADR) is unclear. METHODS: We conducted a
      reproducible literature search of multiple databases. Two reviewers independently
      compared manuscripts for PDR, ADR, advanced adenoma detection rate (AADR), and
      rates of complications. Pooling was conducted by fixed-effects and random-effects
      models. Relative risk (RR) estimates were calculated (95% confidence interval).
      I(2) index assessed heterogeneity. RESULTS: Patient demographics were comparable.
      The pooled analysis showed a trend toward improving PDR and ADR among the HBB
      group compared with the placebo group but failed to reach statistical
      significance, (46% vs 43%, RR = 1.08 [0.94, 1.25], P = 0.27), (31% vs 28%, RR =
      1.12 [0.97, 1.29], P = 0.11) respectively. CONCLUSION: HBB during colonoscopy may
      provide marginal improvements in ADR and PDR. However, heterogeneity in the
      available data precludes firm conclusions at this time.

PMID- 25115417
TI  - Lessons learned from the study of 10,000 patients with soft tissue sarcoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The management of rare tumors is difficult because of
      limited information on natural history. Our objective was to describe a long-term
      comprehensive prospective database with the assumption that with careful
      attention to patient, predisposing tumor and treatment variables, valuable
      knowledge could be obtained that could guide management. METHODS: In July of
      1982, we began a prospective database of all adult patients admitted to our
      institution for a surgical procedure for soft tissue sarcoma. Patients were
      included if they had primary, locally recurrent or metastatic disease undergoing
      a surgical procedure. RESULTS: Over 3 decades, we entered 10,000 patients into
      our prospective soft tissue sarcoma database. Data were entered on a weekly or
      biweekly schedule with full participation of a multidisciplinary team and a
      dedicated sarcoma pathologist. Extensive information is available from this
      database. In this article, we describe distribution by site, histopathology, sex,
      size, and grade. We utilize this information along with outcome data for local
      recurrence, distant recurrence, disease specific, and overall survival. The value
      of molecular diagnosis is illustrated. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous prospective long
      term databases are important to obtain knowledge particularly for rare tumors.
      Such data can be a rich resource for the development of prognostic indicators
      including nomograms and can be analyzed by Bayesian Belief Networks. These long
      term data linked to collection of tumor and germ-line tissue at the time of an
      initial procedure will remain a resource for future decades.

PMID- 25115418
TI  - Risk of readmission and emergency surgery following nonoperative management of
      colonic diverticulitis: a population-based analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical course of patients with diverticulitis
      after nonoperative management and determine factors associated with readmission
      and subsequent emergency surgery. BACKGROUND: Clinical course of this disease
      remains poorly understood; indications for elective colectomy are unclear.
      METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients managed nonoperatively
      after a first episode of diverticulitis in Ontario, Canada (2002-2012). Time-to
      event analysis and Fine and Gray multivariable regression were used to
      characterize the risks of readmission and emergency surgery for diverticulitis,
      accounting for death and elective colectomy as competing events. RESULTS: A total
      of 14,124 patients were followed for a median of 3.9 years (maximum 10,
      interquartile range: 1.7-6.4). Five-year cumulative incidence was 9.0% for
      readmission, 1.9% for emergency surgery, and 14.1% for all-cause mortality.
      Patients younger than 50 years had higher incidence of readmission than patients
      aged 50 years and older (10.5% vs 8.4%; P < 0.001) but not emergency surgery
      (1.8% vs 2.0%; P = 0.52). Patients with complicated disease (abscess,
      perforation) were at increased risk of readmission than those with uncomplicated
      disease (12.0% vs 8.2%; P < 0.001), as well as increased risk of emergency
      surgery (4.3% vs 1.4%, P < 0.001). In multivariable regression, complicated
      disease and number of prior admissions were associated with increased risk of
      emergency surgery, yet age less than 50 years was not. Risks associated with
      complicated disease were nonproportional over time, being highest immediately
      after discharge and decreasing thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Absolute risks of
      readmission and emergency surgery are low after nonoperative management of
      diverticulitis, providing evidence for the practice of deferring colectomy for
      patients without persistent symptoms or multiple recurrences.

PMID- 25115420
TI  - The HYSLAR trial: a prospective randomized controlled trial of the use of a
      restrictive fluid regimen with 3% hypertonic saline versus lactated Ringers in
      patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine whether the volume and type of
      fluid administered for pancreaticoduodenectomy impacts postoperative outcomes.
      BACKGROUND: Three percent hypertonic saline (HYS) has been suggested as a means
      of reducing the volume of fluid required to sustain tissue perfusion in the
      perioperative period. METHODS: Between May 2011 and November 2013, patients
      undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were enrolled in an institutional review board
      approved, single-center, prospective, parallel, randomized controlled trial (NCT
      01428050), comparing lactated Ringers (LAR) (15 mL/kg/hr LAR intraoperation, 2
      mL/kg/hr LAR postoperation) with HYS (9 mL/kg/hr LAR and 1 mL/kg/hr HYS
      intraoperation, 1 mL/kg/hr HYS postoperation). RESULTS: A total of 264 patients
      were randomized. Demographic variables between groups were similar. The HYS
      patients had a significantly reduced net fluid balance (65 vs 91 mL/kg, P =
      0.02). The overall complication rate was reduced in the HYS group (43% vs 54%),
      with a relative risk of 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.62-1.02; P =
      0.073], factoring stratification for pancreas texture. After adjustment for age
      and weight, the relative risk was 0.75 [95% CI (0.58-0.96); P = 0.023]. The total
      number of complications was significantly reduced in the HYS group (93 vs 123),
      with an incidence rate ratio of 0.74 [95% CI (0.56-0.97); P = 0.027]. After
      adjustment for age and weight, the incidence rate ratio was 0.69 [95% CI (0.52
      0.90); P = 0.0068]. Reoperations, length of stay, readmissions, and 90-day
      mortality were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A moderately restrictive
      fluid regimen with HYS resulted in a statistically significant 25% reduction in
      complications when adjusted for age, weight, and pancreatic texture.

PMID- 25115419
TI  - The enteric nervous system neuropeptide, bombesin, reverses innate immune
      impairments during parenteral nutrition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lack of enteral stimulation during parenteral nutrition (PN) impairs
      mucosal immunity. Bombesin (BBS), a gastrin-releasing peptide analogue, reverses
      PN-induced defects in acquired immunity. Paneth cells produce antimicrobial
      peptides (AMPs) of innate immunity for release after cholinergic stimulation.
      OBJECTIVE: Determine if BBS restores AMPs and bactericidal function during PN.
      METHODS: Intravenously cannulated male ICR mice were randomized to Chow, PN, or
      PN+BBS (15 MUg 3 times daily, n = 7 per group) for 5 days. Ileum was analyzed for
      AMPs (Protein: sPLA2 by fluorescence, lysozyme and RegIII-gamma by western
      andcryptdin-4 by ELISA; mRNA: all by RT-PCR). Cholinergic stimulated (100 MUM
      bethanechol) ileal specimens assessed Pseudomonas bactericidal activity. Ileum
      (Chow: n = 7; PN: n = 9; PN+BBS: n = 8) was assessed for Escherichia coli
      invasion in ex-vivo culture. RESULTS: PN significantly decreased most AMPs versus
      Chow while BBS maintained Chow levels (sPLA2: Chow: 107 + 14*, PN: 44.6 + 7.2,
      PN+BBS: 78.7 + 13.4* Fl/min/MUL/total protein; Lysozyme: Chow: 63.9 + 11.9*, PN:
      26.8 + 6.2; PN+BBS: 64.9 + 13.8* lysozyme/total protein; RegIII-gamma: Chow: 51.5
      + 10.0*, PN: 20.4 + 4.3, PN+BBS: 31.0 + 8.4 RegIII-gamma/total protein; Cryptdin
      4: Chow: 18.4 + 1.5*, PN: 12.7 + 1.6, PN+BBS: 26.1 + 2.4*? pg/mg [all *P < 0.05
      vs PN and ?P < 0.05 vs Chow]). Functionally, BBS prevented PN loss of
      bactericidal activity after cholinergic stimulation (Chow: 25.3 + 3.6*, PN: 13.0
      + 3.2; PN+BBS: 27.0 + 4.7* percent bacterial killing, *P < 0.05 vs PN). BBS
      reduced bacterial invasion in unstimulated tissue barely missing significance (P
      = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The enteric nervous system (ENS) controls AMP levels in
      Paneth cells during PN but mucosal protection by innate immunity requires both
      ENS and parasympathetic stimulation.

PMID- 25115422
TI  - Disease severity, not operative approach, drives organ space infection after
      pediatric appendectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examines patient and operative factors associated with
      organ space infection (OSI) in children after appendectomy, specifically focusing
      on the role of operative approach. BACKGROUND: Although controversy exists
      regarding the risk of increased postoperative intra-abdominal infections after
      laparoscopic appendectomy, this approach has been largely adopted in the
      treatment of pediatric acute appendicitis. METHODS: Children aged 2 to 18 years
      undergoing open or laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis were selected
      from the 2012 American College of Surgeons Pediatric National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program database. Univariate analysis compared patient and operative
      characteristics with 30-day OSI and incisional complication rates. Factors with a
      P value of less than 0.1 and clinical importance were included in the
      multivariable logistic regression models. A P value less than 0.05 was considered
      significant. RESULTS: For 5097 children undergoing appendectomy, 4514 surgical
      procedures (88.6%) were performed laparoscopically. OSI occurred in 155 children
      (3%), with half of these infections developing postdischarge. Significant
      predictors for OSI included complicated appendicitis, preoperative sepsis, wound
      class III/IV, and longer operative time. Although 5.2% of patients undergoing
      open surgery developed OSI (odds ratio = 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.21
      2.76; P = 0.004), operative approach was not associated with increased relative
      odds of OSI (odds ratio = 0.99; confidence interval, 0.64-1.55; P = 0.970) after
      adjustment for other risk factors. Overall, the model had excellent predictive
      ability (c-statistic = 0.837). CONCLUSIONS: This model suggests that disease
      severity, not operative approach, as previously suggested, drives OSI development
      in children. Although 88% of appendectomies in this population were performed
      laparoscopically, these findings support utilization of the surgeon's preferred
      surgical technique and may help guide postoperative counsel in high-risk
      children.

PMID- 25115423
TI  - Primary hyperparathyroidism with negative imaging: a significant clinical
      problem.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes for patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for
      primary hyperparathyroidism by imaging results. BACKGROUND: Preoperative imaging
      plays an increasingly important role in the evaluation of primary
      hyperparathyroidism, and surgical referral may be predicated upon successful
      imaging. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients undergoing
      initial parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (2002-2014). Patients
      were classified as nonlocalized when preoperative imaging failed to identify
      affected gland(s) and localized if successful. Primary outcome was cure, defined
      as eucalcemia postoperatively. Intraoperative success, defined by intraoperative
      parathyroid hormone criteria, and complication rates were also analyzed.
      Localized and nonlocalized patients were matched (1:1) utilizing a propensity
      score. Logistic regression determined factors associated with localization in the
      matched cohort. RESULTS: Of 2185 patients, 38.3% (n = 836) were nonlocalized.
      Nonlocalized patients had smaller parathyroids by size (1.2 vs 1.6 cm, P < 0.001)
      and mass (250 vs 537 mg, P < 0.001), higher incidence of hyperplasia (12.8% vs
      5.4%, P < 0.001) and lower incidence of single adenoma (73.6 vs 86.0%, P < 0.001)
      compared with localized patients. There was no difference in intraoperative
      success (93.9 vs 95.6%, P = 0.073) or cure rates (96.2% vs 97.7%, P = 0.291)
      between nonlocalized and localized groups. In a propensity-matched cohort of 452
      patients, there was no significant difference in cure rates (97.8 vs 97.4%, P =
      0.760) between nonlocalized patients and matched localized controls. CONCLUSIONS:
      Nonlocalization of abnormal glands preoperatively is not associated with a
      decreased surgical cure rate for primary hyperparathyroidism. Referral for
      surgical evaluation should be based on biochemical diagnosis rather than
      localization by imaging.

PMID- 25115421
TI  - Increased trauma center volume is associated with improved survival after severe
      injury: results of a Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between trauma center volume and
      outcome. BACKGROUND: The Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium is a network of 11
      centers and 60 hospitals conducting emergency care research. For many procedures,
      high-volume centers demonstrate superior outcomes versus low-volume centers. This
      remains controversial for trauma center outcomes. METHODS: This study was a
      secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from the Resuscitation
      Outcomes Consortium multicenter out-of-hospital Hypertonic Saline Trial in
      patients with Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 or less (traumatic brain injury) or
      systolic blood pressure of 90 or less and pulse of 110 or more (shock).
      Regression analyses evaluated associations between trauma volume and the
      following outcomes: 24-hour mortality, 28-day mortality, ventilator-free days,
      Multiple Organ Dysfunction Scale incidence, worst Multiple Organ Dysfunction
      Scale score, and poor 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended score. RESULTS: A
      total of 2070 patients were evaluated: 1251 in the traumatic brain injury cohort
      and 819 in the shock cohort. Overall, 24-hour and 28-day mortality was 16% and
      25%, respectively. For every increase of 500 trauma center admissions, there was
      a 7% decreased odds of 24-hour and 28-day mortality for all patients. As trauma
      center volume increased, nonorgan dysfunction complications increased, ventilator
      free days increased, and worst Multiple Organ Dysfunction Scale score decreased.
      The associations with higher trauma center volume were similar for the traumatic
      brain injury cohort, including better neurologic outcomes at 6 months, but not
      for the shock cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Increased trauma center volume was associated
      with increased survival, more ventilator-free days, and less severe organ
      failure. Trauma system planning and implementation should avoid unnecessary
      duplication of services.

PMID- 25115424
TI  - Trainee participation is associated with adverse outcomes in emergency general
      surgery: an analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
      database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify whether resident involvement affects clinically relevant
      outcomes in emergency general surgery. BACKGROUND: Previous research has
      demonstrated a significant impact of trainee participation on outcomes in a broad
      surgical patient population. METHODS: We identified 141,010 patients who
      underwent emergency general surgery procedures in the 2005-2010 Surgeons National
      Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Because of the nonrandom
      assignment of complex cases to resident participation, patients were matched
      (1:1) on known risk factors [age, sex, inpatient status, preexisting
      comorbidities (obesity, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, steroid use, coronary artery
      disease, chronic renal failure, pulmonary disease)] and preoperatively calculated
      probability for morbidity and mortality. Clinically relevant outcomes were
      compared with a t or chi test. The impact of resident participation on outcomes
      was assessed with multivariable regression modeling, adjusting for risk factors
      and operative time. RESULTS: The most common procedures in the matched cohort (n
      = 83,790) were appendectomy (39.9%), exploratory laparotomy (8.8%), and
      adhesiolysis (6.6%). Trainee participation is independently associated with intra
      and postoperative events, wound, pulmonary, and venous thromboembolic
      complications, and urinary tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: Trainee participation
      is associated with adverse outcomes in emergency general surgery procedures.

PMID- 25115426
TI  - Does hospital accreditation impact bariatric surgery safety?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of hospital accreditation upon bariatric
      surgery outcomes. BACKGROUND: Since 2004, the American College of Surgeons and
      the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery have accredited bariatric
      hospitals. Few studies have evaluated the impact of hospital accreditation on all
      bariatric surgery outcomes. METHODS: Bariatric surgery hospitalizations were
      identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD9)
      codes in the 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Hospital names and American
      Hospital Association (AHA) codes were used to identify accredited bariatric
      centers. Relevant ICD9 codes were used for identifying demographics, length of
      stay (LOS), total charges, mortality, complications, and failure to rescue (FTR)
      events. RESULTS: There were 117,478 weighted bariatric patient discharges
      corresponding to 235 unique hospitals in the 2010 NIS data set. A total of 72,615
      (61.8%) weighted discharges, corresponding to 145 (61.7%) named or AHA
      identifiable hospitals were included. Among the 145 hospitals, 66 (45.5%) were
      unaccredited and 79 (54.5%) accredited. Compared with accredited centers,
      unaccredited centers had a higher mean LOS (2.25 vs 1.99 days, P < 0.0001), as
      well as total charges ($51,189 vs $42,212, P < 0.0001). Incidence of any
      complication was higher at unaccredited centers than at accredited centers (12.3%
      vs 11.3%, P = 0.001), as was mortality (0.13% vs 0.07%, P = 0.019) and FTR (0.97%
      vs 0.55%, P = 0.046). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified
      unaccredited status as a positive predictor of incidence of complication [odds
      ratio (OR) = 1.08, P < 0.0001], as well as mortality (OR = 2.13, P = 0.013).
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Hospital accreditation status is associated with safer
      outcomes, shorter LOS, and lower total charges after bariatric surgery.

PMID- 25115425
TI  - Value of intraoperative neck margin analysis during Whipple for pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma: a multicenter analysis of 1399 patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: During pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for ductal adenocarcinoma, a
      frozen section (FS) neck margin is typically assessed, and if positive,
      additional pancreas is removed to achieve an R0 margin. We analyzed the
      association of this practice with improved overall survival (OS). METHODS:
      Patients who underwent PD for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from January 2000
      to August 2012 at 8 academic centers were classified by neck margin status as
      negative (R0) or microscopically positive (R1) on the basis of FS and permanent
      section (PS). Impact on OS of converting an FS-R1-neck margin to a PS-R0-neck
      margin by additional resection was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 1399 patients
      had FS neck margins analyzed. Median OS was 19.7 months. On FS, 152 patients
      (10.9%) were R1, and an additional 51 patients (3.6%) had false-negative FS-R0
      margins. PS-R0-neck was achieved in 1196 patients (85.5%), 131 patients (9.3%)
      remained PS-R1, and 72 patients (5.1%) were converted from FS-R1-to-PS-R0 by
      additional resection. Median OS for PS-R0-neck patients was 21.1 months versus
      13.7 months for PS-R1-neck patients (P < 0.001) and 11.9 months for FS-R1-to-PS
      R0 patients (P < 0.001). Both FS-R1-to-PS-R0 and PS-R1-neck patients had larger
      tumors (P = 0.001), more perineural invasion (P = 0.02), and more node positivity
      (P = 0.08) than PS-R0-neck patients. On multivariate analysis controlling for
      adverse pathologic factors, FS-R1-to-PS-R0 conversion remained associated with
      significantly worse OS compared with PS-R0-neck patients (hazard ratio: 1.55; P =
      0.009). CONCLUSIONS: For patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy for
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, additional resection to achieve a negative neck
      margin after positive frozen section is not associated with improved OS.

PMID- 25115427
TI  - Repair of extensive aortic aneurysms: a single-center experience using the
      elephant trunk technique over 20 years.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We report the early and late outcomes after repair of extensive
      aortic aneurysms using the 2-stage elephant trunk (ET) technique. BACKGROUND:
      Management of aneurysm involving the entire aorta is a significant challenge.
      Given the anatomical complexity, the staged ET procedure was devised. A paucity
      of long-term data of outcomes of this approach exists. METHODS: A single-center
      retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of all patients
      undergoing repair for extensive aortic aneurysm was performed. RESULTS: Between
      1991 and 2013, we repaired 3012 aneurysms of the ascending or thoracoabdominal
      aorta. Of these, we performed 503 operations in 348 patients using the ET
      technique. Mean age was 62.4 +/- 14.3 years, and 156/346 (45.1%) operations were
      in women; 288 patients underwent first-stage ET with 157 receiving a complete
      second-stage repair. Index repair early mortality was 29/317 (9.1%). Completion
      stage early mortality was 17/186 = 9.1%. Stroke after first-stage ET repair was
      10/297 (3.4%) and immediate neurologic deficit after the second-stage ET repair
      was 6/206 (2.9%). In the 131 patients who did not receive a second-stage repair,
      17.8% died in the interval between 31 and 45 days. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive aortic
      aneurysm is a complex problem, but it can be managed safely with a 2-stage open
      procedure. Those patients who could not complete the completion repair fared
      poorly. Better predictors for early outcome need to be determined. The use of ET
      technique remains a valuable approach for repair of extensive aortic aneurysm.

PMID- 25115428
TI  - Laser resurfacing and remodeling of hypertrophic burn scars: the results of a
      large, prospective, before-after cohort study, with long-term follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hypertrophic burn scars produce significant morbidity, including
      itching, pain, stiffness, and contracture, but best management practices remain
      unclear. We present the largest study to date that examines long-term impact of
      laser therapies, a potentially transformative technology, on scar remodeling.
      METHODS: We conducted a prospective, before-after cohort study in burn patients
      with hypertrophic scars. Pulsed-dye laser was used for pruritus and erythema;
      fractional CO2 laser was used for stiffness and abnormal texture. Outcomes
      included (1) Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), which documents pigmentation, erythema,
      pliability, and height, and (2) University of North Carolina "4P" Scar Scale
      (UNC4P), which rates pain, pruritus, paresthesias, and pliability. RESULTS: A
      total of 147 burn patients (mean age, 26.9 years; total body surface area, 16.1%)
      received 415 laser sessions (2.8 sessions/patient), 16 months (median) after
      injury, including pulsed dye laser (n = 327) and CO2 (n = 139). Laser treatments
      produced rapid, significant, and lasting improvements in hypertrophic scar.
      Provider-rated VSS dropped from 10.43 [standard deviation (SD) 2.37] to 5.16 (SD
      1.92), by the end of treatments, and subsequently decreased to 3.29 (SD 1.24), at
      a follow-up of 25 months. Patient-reported UNC4P fell from 5.40 (SD 2.54) to 2.05
      (SD 1.67), after the first year, and further decreased to 1.74 (SD 1.72), by the
      end of the study period. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, ever, in a large
      prospective study, laser therapies have been shown to dramatically improve both
      the signs and symptoms of hypertrophic burn scars, as measured by objective and
      subjective instruments. Laser treatment of burn scars represents a disruptive
      innovation that can yield results not previously possible and may displace
      traditional methods of operative intervention.

PMID- 25115429
TI  - Addressing the appropriateness of elective colon resection for diverticulitis: a
      report from the SCOAP CERTAIN collaborative.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the reported indications for elective colon resection for
      diverticulitis and concordance with professional guidelines. BACKGROUND: Despite
      modern professional guidelines recommending delay in elective colon resection
      beyond 2 episodes of uncomplicated diverticulitis, the incidence of elective
      colectomy has increased dramatically in the last 2 decades. Whether surgeons have
      changed their threshold for recommending a surgical intervention is unknown. In
      2010, Washington State's Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program initiated
      a benchmarking and education initiative related to the indications for colon
      resection. METHODS: Prospective cohort study evaluating indications from chronic
      complications (fistula, stricture, bleeding) or the number of previously treated
      diverticulitis episodes for patients undergoing elective colectomy at 1 of 49
      participating hospitals (2010-2013). RESULTS: Among 2724 patients (58.7 +/- 13
      years; 46% men), 29.4% had a chronic complication indication (15.6% fistula, 7.4%
      stricture, 3.0% bleeding, 5.8% other). For the 70.5% with an episode-based
      indication, 39.4% had 2 or fewer episodes, 56.5% had 3 to 10 episodes, and 4.1%
      had more than 10 episodes. Thirty-one percent of patients failed to meet
      indications for either a chronic complication or 3 or more episodes. Over the 4
      years, the proportion of patients with an indication of 3 or more episodes
      increased from 36.6% to 52.7% (P < 0.001) whereas the proportion of those who
      failed to meet either clinical or episode-based indications decreased from 38.4%
      to 26.4% (P < 0.001). The annual rate of emergency resections did not increase
      significantly, varying from 5.6 to 5.9 per year (P = 0.81). CONCLUSIONS:
      Adherence to a guideline based on 3 or more episodes for elective colectomy
      increased concurrently with a benchmarking and peer-to-peer messaging initiative.
      Improving adherence to professional guidelines related to appropriate care is
      critical and can be facilitated by quality improvement collaboratives.

PMID- 25115430
TI  - Preoperative methylprednisolone enhances recovery after endovascular aortic
      repair: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of preoperative high-dose glucocorticoid on the
      inflammatory response and recovery after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair
      (EVAR). BACKGROUND: The postimplantation syndrome after EVAR may delay recovery
      due to the release of proinflammatory mediators. Glucocorticoids may reduce
      postoperative inflammatory responses and enhance recovery, but with limited
      information on EVAR. METHODS: A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled trial of 153 patients undergoing elective EVAR between November 2009
      and January 2013. Patients received 30 mg/kg of methylprednisolone (MP) (n = 77)
      or placebo (n = 76) preoperatively. Primary outcome was a modified version of the
      systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Secondary outcome measures were the
      effect on inflammatory biomarkers, morbidity, and time to meet discharge
      criteria. RESULTS: Of 153 randomized patients, 150 (98%) were evaluated for the
      primary outcome. MP reduced systemic inflammatory response syndrome from 92% to
      27% (P < 0.0001) (number needed to treat = 1.5), maximal plasma interleukin 6
      from 186 pg/mL [interquartile range (IQR) = 113-261 pg/mL] to 20 pg/mL (IQR = 11
      28 pg/mL) (P < 0.001) and fulfillment of discharge criteria was shorter [2 days
      (IQR = 2-4 days) vs 3 days (IQR = 3-4 days)] (P < 0.001). C-reactive protein,
      temperature, interleukin 8, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor were also
      reduced (P < 0.001) by MP. Myeloperoxidase, D-dimer, and matrix metalloproteinase
      9 were not modified. No differences in 30-day medical (23% vs 36%) (P = 0.1) or
      surgical (20% vs 21%) morbidity were found in the active group versus the placebo
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative MP attenuates the inflammatory response with a
      faster recovery after EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Further safety and
      dose-response studies are required to allow recommendations for general practice.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00989729.

PMID- 25115431
TI  - Market competition influences renal transplantation risk and outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of market competition on patient mortality and
      graft failure after kidney transplantation. BACKGROUND: Kidneys are initially
      allocated within 58 donation service areas (DSAs), which have varying numbers of
      transplant centers. Market competition is generally considered beneficial.
      METHODS: The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database was queried
      and the Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHI), a measure of market competition, was
      calculated for each DSA from 2003 to 2012. Receipt of low-quality kidneys (Kidney
      Donor Profile Index >= 85) was modeled with multivariable logistic regression,
      and Cox proportional hazards models were created for graft failure and patient
      mortality. RESULTS: A total of 127,355 adult renal transplants were performed.
      DSAs were categorized as 7 no (HHI = 1), 17 low (HHI = 0.52-0.97), 17 medium (HHI
      = 0.33-0.51), or 17 high (HHI = 0.09-0.32) competition. For deceased donor kidney
      transplantation, increasing market competition was significantly associated with
      mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.11, P = 0.01], graft failure (HR: 1.18, P =
      0.0001), and greater use of low-quality kidneys (odds ratio = 1.39, P < 0.0001).
      This was not true for living donor kidney transplantation (mortality HR: 0.94, P
      = 0.48; graft failure HR: 0.99, P = 0.89). Competition was associated with longer
      waitlists (P = 0.04) but not with the number of transplants per capita in a DSA
      (P = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing market competition is associated with
      increased patient mortality and graft failure and the use of riskier kidneys.
      These results may represent more aggressive transplantation and tolerance of
      greater risk for patients who otherwise have poor alternatives. Market
      competition should be better studied to ensure optimal outcomes.

PMID- 25115432
TI  - Association between hospital imaging use and venous thromboembolism events rates
      based on clinical data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the presence and extent of venous
      thromboembolic (VTE) surveillance bias using high-quality clinical data.
      BACKGROUND: Hospital VTE rates are publicly reported and used in pay-for
      performance programs. Prior work suggested surveillance bias: hospitals that look
      more for VTE with imaging studies find more VTE, thereby incorrectly seem to have
      worse performance. However, these results have been questioned as the risk
      adjustment and VTE measurement relied on administrative data. METHODS: Data (2009
      2010) from 208 hospitals were available for analysis. Hospitals were divided into
      quartiles according to VTE imaging use rates (Medicare claims). Observed and risk
      adjusted postoperative VTE event rates (regression models using American College
      of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project data) were examined
      across VTE imaging use rate quartiles. Multivariable linear regression models
      were developed to assess the impact of hospital characteristics (American
      Hospital Association) and hospital imaging use rates on VTE event rates. RESULTS:
      The mean risk-adjusted VTE event rates at 30 days after surgery increased across
      VTE imaging use rate quartiles: 1.13% in the lowest quartile to 1.92% in the
      highest quartile (P < 0.001). This statistically significant trend remained when
      examining only the inpatient period. Hospital VTE imaging use rate was the
      dominant driver of hospital VTE event rates (P < 0.001), as no other hospital
      characteristics had significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: Even when examined
      with clinically ascertained outcomes and detailed risk adjustment, VTE rates
      reflect hospital imaging use and perhaps signify vigilant, high-quality care. The
      VTE outcome measure may not be an accurate quality indicator and should likely
      not be used in public reporting or pay-for-performance programs.

PMID- 25115434
TI  - CYP2C19*17 increases clopidogrel-mediated platelet inhibition but does not alter
      the pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of clopidogrel.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of CYP2C19*17 on the
      pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the active metabolite of clopidogrel and
      the pharmacokinetics of proguanil. Thus, we conducted an open-label two-phase
      cross-over study in 31 healthy male volunteers (11 CYP2C19*1/*1, 11 CYP2C19*1/*17
      and nine CYP2C19*17/*17). In Phase A, the pharmacokinetics of the derivatized
      active metabolite of clopidogrel (CAMD) and platelet function were determined
      after administration of a single oral dose of 600 mg clopidogrel (Plavix; Sanofi
      Avensis, Horsholm, Denmark). In Phase B, the pharmacokinetics of proguanil and
      its metabolites cycloguanil and 4-chlorphenylbiguanide (4-CPB) were determined in
      29 of 31 subjects after a single oral dose of 200 mg proguanil given as the
      combination drug Malarone (GlaxoSmithKline Pharma, Brondby, Denmark). Significant
      correlations were found between the area under the time-concentration curve (AUC0
      infinity ) of CAMD and both the absolute ADP-induced P2Y12 receptor-activated
      platelet aggregation (r = -0.60, P = 0.0007) and the percentage inhibition of
      aggregation (r = 0.59, P = 0.0009). In addition, the CYP2C19*17/*17 and
      CYP2C19*1/*17 genotype groups had significantly higher percentage inhibition of
      platelet aggregation compared with the CYP2C19*1/*1 subjects (geometric mean
      percentage inhibition of 84%, 73% and 63%, respectively; P = 0.014). Neither the
      absolute ADP-induced P2Y12 receptor-activated platelet aggregation, exposure to
      CAMD nor the pharmacokinetic parameters of proguanil, cycloguanil and 4-CPB
      exhibited any significant differences among the genotype groups. In conclusion,
      carriers of CYP2C19*17 exhibit higher percentage inhibition of platelet
      aggregation, but do not have significantly lower absolute P2Y12 receptor
      activated platelet aggregation or higher exposure to the active metabolite after
      a single oral administration of 600 mg clopidogrel.

PMID- 25115433
TI  - Nanoparticle-assisted targeted delivery of eye-specific genes to eyes
      significantly improves the vision of blind mice in vivo.
AB  - Application of viruses as a carrier, though not safe, to deliver genes to eye
      tissue was successful. However, a safer, nonviral, biocompatible lipid-based
      nanoparticle has never been tested to treat blinding eye diseases. We created an
      artificial virus using a nanoparticle, liposome-protamine-DNA complex (LPD),
      modified with a cell permeable peptide and a nuclear localization signaling (NLS)
      peptide, to deliver a functional gene for eye disease treatment. In the eye, a
      photochemical, 11-cis-retinal, allows the visual pigment rhodopsin to absorb
      light in the visible range. Without the photochemical, we lose the ability to see
      light. Retinal pigment epithelium protein 65 (Rpe65) is the key enzyme in
      regulating the availability of photochemical; deficiency of this gene results in
      a blinding eye disease. Here we show for the first time that LPD promotes
      efficient delivery in a cell specific-manner, and a long-term expression of Rpe65
      gene to mice lacking Rpe65 gene, leading to in vivo correction of blindness.
      Thus, LPD nanoparticles could provide a promising, efficient, nonviral method of
      gene delivery with clinical applications in eye disease treatment. 

PMID- 25115436
TI  - Latest evidence of the effects of the Mediterranean diet in prevention of
      cardiovascular disease.
AB  - The first step in the prevention of cardiovascular disease is healthy lifestyle
      and diet. Recent systematic reviews of observational studies ranked Mediterranean
      diet as the most likely dietary model to provide cardiovascular protection. This
      review updates the knowledge on the effects of Mediterranean diet from
      observational and randomized trials published in the last year. The results of
      the PREDIMED study, a randomized trial providing a higher level of scientific
      evidence than cohort studies, confirmed that the Mediterranean diet reduces the
      incidence of cardiovascular events. This effect may be exerted by reducing blood
      pressure; improving glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and lipoprotein particle
      characteristics; and decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress. It may also
      stem from a favorable interaction between diet and gene polymorphisms related to
      cardiovascular risk factors and events. These recent results allow us to
      recommend Mediterranean diet to subjects at high risk for cardiovascular disease
      with the highest level of scientific evidence. 

PMID- 25115435
TI  - Expression of domains for protein-protein interaction of nucleotide excision
      repair proteins modifies cancer cell sensitivity to platinum derivatives and
      genomic stability.
AB  - Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is involved in the repair of DNA damage caused
      by platinum derivatives and has been shown to decrease the cytotoxic activity of
      these drugs. Because protein-protein interactions are essential for NER activity,
      we transfected human cancer cell lines (A549 and HCT116) with plasmids coding the
      amino acid sequences corresponding to the interacting domains between excision
      repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) and xeroderma pigmentosum,
      complementation group A (XPA), as well as ERCC1 and xeroderma pigmentosum,
      complementation group F (XPF), all NER proteins. Using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2
      thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and annexin V staining,
      we showed that transfected A549 cells were sensitized 1.2-2.2-fold to carboplatin
      and that transfected HCT116 cells were sensitized 1.4-5.4-fold to oxaliplatin in
      vitro. In addition, transfected cells exhibited modified in vivo sensitivity to
      the same drugs. Finally, in particular cell models of the interaction between
      ERCC1 and XPF, DNA repair was decreased, as evidenced by increased
      phosphorylation of the histone 2AX after exposure to mitomycin C, and genomic
      instability was increased, as determined by comparative genomic hybridization
      studies. The results indicate that the interacting peptides act as dominant
      negatives and decrease NER activity through inhibition of protein-protein
      interactions. 

PMID- 25115439
TI  - Exacerbation of alopecia areata during pegylated interferon alpha-2b and
      ribavirin therapy, possibly due to the collapse of hair follicle immune
      privilege.

PMID- 25115438
TI  - "Vitamin D supplementation and bone health in adults with diabetic nephropathy:
      the protocol for a randomized controlled trial".
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suboptimal vitamin D status is highly prevalent in Northern
      communities, particularly in those patients with chronic diseases such as
      diabetes and chronic renal disease. Emerging literature suggests that adherence
      to daily vitamin D supplementation may be an important factor influencing vitamin
      D status and overall bone health, but compliance with therapies for bone health
      is a major challenge. It is unknown what level of vitamin D supplementation will
      ameliorate or improve suboptimal vitamin D status in patients with diabetic
      nephropathy or contribute to improved bone health, particularly for those living
      in northern climates. METHODS/DESIGN: The study purpose was to examine two
      different strategies of vitamin D3 supplementation; daily dosing of 2000 IU per
      day verses monthly dosing of 40,000 IU per month on markers of vitamin D status,
      bone health and to examine whether adherence, quality of life and patient
      satisfaction with the supplementation strategy differs between the two vitamin D
      strategies in adults diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy. DISCUSSION: The need
      for RCTs assessing higher doses of vitamin D3 supplementation at varying
      frequencies of administration and its impact on bone health in adults with
      diabetes and chronic kidney disease are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01476501.

PMID- 25115437
TI  - Untargeted metabolite profiling of murine embryos to reveal metabolic
      perturbations associated with neural tube closure defects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neural tube closure defects (NTDs) are among the most common
      congenital malformation in human, typically presenting in liveborns as spina
      bifida. At least 240 gene mutations in mouse are known to increase the risk of
      NTD. There is a growing appreciation that environmental factors significantly
      contribute to NTD expression, and that NTDs likely arise from complex gene
      environment interactions. Because maternal folic acid supplementation reduces
      human NTD risk in some populations by 60 to 70%, it is likely that NTD
      predisposition is often associated with a defect in folate-dependent one-carbon
      metabolism. A comprehensive, untargeted metabolic survey of NTD-associated
      changes in embryo metabolism would provide a valuable test of this assumption. We
      sought to establish a metabolic profiling platform that is capable of broadly
      assessing metabolic aberrations associated with NTD-promoting gene mutations in
      early-stage mouse embryos. METHODS: A liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
      based untargeted metabolite profiling platform was used to broadly identify
      significant differences in small molecule levels (50-1000 Da) in NTD-affected
      embryonic day (E) 9.5 mouse embryos (Lrp6(-) (/) (-) ) versus unaffected
      (Lrp6(+/+) ) control embryos. RESULTS: Results provide proof-of-principal
      feasibility for the broad survey of the metabolome of individual E9.5 mouse
      embryos and identification of metabolic changes associated with NTDs and gene
      mutations. Levels of 30 different metabolites were altered in association with
      Lrp6 gene deletion. Some metabolites link to folate-dependent one-carbon transfer
      reactions, as anticipated, while others await structure elucidation and pathway
      integration. CONCLUSION: Whole-embryo metabolomics offers the potential to
      identify metabolic changes in genetically determined NTD-prone embryos.

PMID- 25115440
TI  - Wntless (GPR177) expression correlates with poor prognosis in B-cell precursor
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia via Wnt signaling.
AB  - B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP ALL) is the most common
      childhood leukemia, with a cure rate of 80%. Nevertheless, disease relapse is the
      most important prognostic factor for the disease outcome. We aimed to elucidate
      the role of Wnt secretion-regulating protein, Wntless (Wls)/GPR177, on disease
      outcome in pediatric patients with BCP ALL, and assess its pathogenetic role in
      the regulation of the disease. Wls expression was characterized and correlated
      with Wnt pathway signaling in the bone marrow leukemia cells isolated from 44
      pediatric patients with BCP ALL. The overexpression of Wls was detected in
      leukemia cells and was significantly correlated with the disease relapse and poor
      survival in the patients. The high expression of Wls also correlated with the Wnt
      expression and consequent downstream signaling activation, which was shown to
      provide essential proliferation, transformation and anti-apoptotic activity
      during leukemogenesis. These results indicated that Wls played an essential role
      in disease relapse and poor survival in patients with BCP ALL. Therefore, Wls may
      provide a potential future therapeutic target, particularly for patients who do
      not respond to existing therapies and suffer relapse. 

PMID- 25115441
TI  - Approaches to integrating germline and tumor genomic data in cancer research.
AB  - Cancer is characterized by a diversity of genetic and epigenetic alterations
      occurring in both the germline and somatic (tumor) genomes. Hundreds of germline
      variants associated with cancer risk have been identified, and large amounts of
      data identifying mutations in the tumor genome that participate in tumorigenesis
      have been generated. Increasingly, these two genomes are being explored jointly
      to better understand how cancer risk alleles contribute to carcinogenesis and
      whether they influence development of specific tumor types or mutation profiles.
      To understand how data from germline risk studies and tumor genome profiling is
      being integrated, we reviewed 160 articles describing research that incorporated
      data from both genomes, published between January 2009 and December 2012, and
      summarized the current state of the field. We identified three principle types of
      research questions being addressed using these data: (i) use of tumor data to
      determine the putative function of germline risk variants; (ii) identification
      and analysis of relationships between host genetic background and particular
      tumor mutations or types; and (iii) use of tumor molecular profiling data to
      reduce genetic heterogeneity or refine phenotypes for germline association
      studies. We also found descriptive studies that compared germline and tumor
      genomic variation in a gene or gene family, and papers describing research
      methods, data sources, or analytical tools. We identified a large set of tools
      and data resources that can be used to analyze and integrate data from both
      genomes. Finally, we discuss opportunities and challenges for cancer research
      that integrates germline and tumor genomics data. 

PMID- 25115442
TI  - Granulin-epithelin precursor interacts with heparan sulfate on liver cancer
      cells.
AB  - Granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP) is a pluripotent secretory growth factor which
      promotes cancer progression in a number of human cancers. However, how cancer
      cells interact with GEP remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify the
      cell surface-binding partner of GEP on liver cancer cells. Human recombinant GEP
      (rGEP) was expressed and purified to homogeneity. The rGEP was shown to trigger
      phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2 in liver cancer cells. We demonstrated cell
      surface attachment of rGEP, which was blocked by prebinding of platelet-derived
      growth factor-AA, platelet-derived growth factor-BB and fibroblast growth factor
      2. Therefore, heparan sulfate (HS) had been reasoned as the binding partner of
      rGEP. Heparinase digestion validated the role of HS on supporting the attachment.
      The heparin-binding domain of GEP was mapped to RRH(555-557) in the C-terminal
      region. Suppression of the HS polymerase exostosin-1 reduced the rGEP binding and
      rGEP-mediated signaling transduction. Suppression of a specific HS proteoglycan,
      glypican-3, also showed a partial reduction of rGEP binding and an inhibition on
      rGEP-mediated activation of AKT. Furthermore, glypican-3 was shown to correlate
      with the expressions of GEP in clinical samples (Spearman's rho = 0.363, P =
      0.001). This study identified HS, partly through glypican-3, as a novel binding
      partner of GEP on the surface of liver cancer cells. 

PMID- 25115444
TI  - Blood cadmium and depressive symptoms in young adults (aged 20-39 years).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of
      depression and several studies have noted an association between tobacco smoke
      and depression. Cadmium is a neurotoxicant and the main source of non
      occupational exposure is tobacco smoke. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional
      analysis of data from 2892 young adult (aged 20-39 years) participants of the
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2010. Multivariate
      logistic regressions, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, poverty
      income ratio (PIR), obesity, alcohol intake, blood lead (BPb) and smoking status,
      were used to analyze the association between blood cadmium (BCd) and depressive
      symptoms, as determined by the score on the nine-item Patient Health
      Questionnaire (PHQ-9). RESULTS: Individuals in the highest BCd quartile had
      higher odds of having depressive symptoms [odds ratio (OR) 2.79, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.84-4.25] than those in the lowest BCd quartile. Smoking status,
      but not BPb, was statistically significantly associated with depressive symptoms.
      Stratification by smoking status found that BCd was significantly associated with
      depressive symptoms in both non-smokers (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.12-7.58) and current
      smokers (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.13-6.42). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to
      report an association between BCd levels and depressive symptoms using a
      nationally representative sample. The association of cadmium with depressive
      symptoms was independent of smoking status. If this association is further
      confirmed, the continued efforts at reducing cadmium exposures, mainly through
      tobacco smoking cessation programs, may decrease the incidence of depression.

PMID- 25115445
TI  - The role of mirabegron in overactive bladder: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present a systematic review assessing the efficacy and safety of
      mirabegron for overactive bladder (OAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature
      search was performed using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Science
      Citation Index Expanded. The literature reviewed included meta-analyses,
      randomized and nonrandomized prospective studies. We utilized mean difference
      (MD) to measure the mean number of incontinence episodes and the mean number of
      micturitions, and OAB questionnaire (OAB-q) and odds ratio (OR) to measure
      adverse events rates. We used the Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager 5.1
      software for statistical analysis. RESULTS: We identified six publications that
      strictly met our eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis of extractable data showed
      that mirabegron was more effective than placebo in treating OAB despite different
      drug dosages in the efficacy end points: mean number of incontinence episodes per
      24 h (MD -0.54; 95% CI -0.63, -0.45; p = 0.001), mean number of micturitions per
      24 h (MD -0.55; 95% CI -0.63, -0.47; p = 0.001), OAB-q (MD -4.49; 95% CI -6.27, 
      2.71; p = 0.001) and adverse events (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.83, 1.19; p = 0.92). When
      compared to tolterodine, mirabegron was more effective in terms of mean number of
      incontinence episodes per 24 h (MD -0.25; 95% CI -0.43, -0.06; p = 0.009).
      However, there were no differences between mirabegron and tolterodine in mean
      number of micturitions per 24 h (MD -0.17; 95% CI -0.35, 0.01; p = 0.07) and OAB
      q (MD -1.09; 95% CI -2.51, 0.33; p = 0.13). Mirabegron also had a lower adverse
      reaction rate (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.8, 1.0; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In this diverse
      population, mirabegron was an effective and safe pharmacologic therapy for OAB.

PMID- 25115443
TI  - N-methylnicotinamide and nicotinamide N-methyltransferase are associated with
      microRNA-1291-altered pancreatic carcinoma cell metabolome and suppressed
      tumorigenesis.
AB  - The cell metabolome comprises abundant information that may be predictive of cell
      functions in response to epigenetic or genetic changes at different stages of
      cell proliferation and metastasis. An unbiased ultra-performance liquid
      chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics study revealed a
      significantly altered metabolome for human pancreatic carcinoma PANC-1 cells with
      gain-of-function non-coding microRNA-1291 (miR-1291), which led to a lower
      migration and invasion capacity as well as suppressed tumorigenesis in a
      xenograft tumor mouse model. A number of metabolites, including N
      methylnicotinamide, involved in nicotinamide metabolism, and l-carnitine,
      isobutyryl-carnitine and isovaleryl-carnitine, involved in fatty acid metabolism,
      were elevated in miR-1291-expressing PANC-1. Notably, N-methylnicotinamide was
      elevated to the greatest extent, and this was associated with a sharp increase in
      nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) mRNA level in miR-1291-expressing PANC-1
      cells. In addition, expression of NNMT mRNA was inversely correlated with
      pancreatic tumor size in the xenograft mouse model. These results indicate that
      miR-1291-altered PANC-1 cell function is associated with the increase in N
      methylnicotinamide level and NNMT expression, and in turn NNMT may be indicative
      of the extent of pancreatic carcinogenesis. 

PMID- 25115447
TI  - Anti-adalimumab antibodies and adalimumab concentrations in psoriatic arthritis;
      an association with disease activity at 28 and 52 weeks of follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between antidrug antibodies (ADA),
      adalimumab concentrations and clinical response in patients with psoriatic
      arthritis (PsA) during 52 weeks of follow-up. METHODS: This prospective cohort
      study included 103 consecutive patients with PsA. Disease Activity Score of 28
      joints (DAS28), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C reactive protein and Psoriasis
      Area and Severity Index were assessed. Adalimumab concentrations and ADA were
      measured in serum trough samples, using an ELISA and a radio immunoassay,
      respectively. RESULTS: Adalimumab concentrations were significantly lower at 28
      and 52 weeks in patients with detectable ADA compared with patients without
      detectable ADA (at week 28: 1.3 mg/L (IQR 0.0-3.2) versus 8.7 mg/L (IQR 5.7
      11.5), p<0.001; at week 52: 0.9 mg/L (IQR 0.0-2.9) vs 9.4 mg/L (IQR 5.7-12.1),
      p=0.0001). DAS28 at 28 weeks (2.16 vs 2.95, p=0.023) and 52 weeks (2.19 vs 2.95,
      p=0.024) showed a significant difference; patients with detectable ADA had a
      poorer clinical outcome than patients without. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with
      detectable ADA had lower adalimumab concentrations and a significantly poorer
      clinical outcome compared with patients in whom ADA were not detected.

PMID- 25115448
TI  - Additive effect of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies and rheumatoid factor on
      bone erosions in patients with RA.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is an additive effect of anticitrullinated
      protein antibodies (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) on the number and size of
      bone erosions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) METHODS: 242 patients
      with RA received high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT) scans of
      the metacarpophalangeal joints. Demographic and disease-specific parameters
      including ACPA and RF levels were recorded from all patients. Erosion numbers and
      their size were assessed in 238 patients at 714 individual joints (MCP 2, 3 and
      4) and 5712 sites (each 4 quadrants in metacarpal heads and phalangeal bases).
      The volume of erosions was calculated by a semiellipsoid formula. RESULTS: Of the
      238 patients, 112 patients showed RF and ACPAs (ACPAs+RF+), 28 only RF (RF+), 29
      only ACPAs (ACPA+) and 69 were antibody negative (NEG). Erosion number and size
      were highest in RF+ACPAs+ patient group with significant differences compared
      with NEG patients with respect to erosion number (p=0.001) and to ACPA-negative
      patients with respect to erosion size (p<0.001). Results maintained significance
      in a linear mixed model showing ACPAs+RF+ status and disease duration being
      associated with higher number (p=0.017 and p=0.005, respectively), and larger
      size (p=0.014 and p=0.013, respectively) of bone erosions. Furthermore, erosion
      size was influenced by the presence and titre of RF only in ACPA-positive
      patients with RA but not in ACPA-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS: ACPAs and RF
      show an additive effect on erosion number and erosion size. Concomitant presence
      of ACPAs and RF is associated with higher erosive disease burden in patients with
      RA. Furthermore, RF influences erosion size only in ACPA-positive but not in ACPA
      negative patients.

PMID- 25115450
TI  - Of text and gene--using text mining methods to uncover hidden knowledge in
      toxicogenomics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxicogenomics studies often profile gene expression from assays
      involving multiple doses and time points. The dose- and time-dependent pattern is
      of great importance to assess toxicity but computational approaches are lacking
      to effectively utilize this characteristic in toxicity assessment. Topic modeling
      is a text mining approach, but may be used analogously in toxicogenomics due to
      the similar data structures between text and gene dysregulation. RESULTS: Topic
      modeling was applied to a very large toxicogenomics dataset containing microarray
      gene expression data from >15,000 samples associated with 131 drugs tested in
      three different assay platforms (i.e., in vitro assay, in vivo repeated dose
      study and in vivo single dose experiment) with a design including multiple doses
      and time points. A set of "topics" which each consist of a set of genes was
      determined, by which the varying sensitivity of three assay systems was observed.
      We found that the drug-dependent effect was more pronounced in the two in vivo
      systems than the in vitro system, while the time-dependent effect was most
      strongly reflected in the in vitro system followed by the single dose study and
      lastly the repeated dose experiment. The dose-dependent effect was similar across
      three assay systems. Although the results indicated a challenge to extrapolate
      the in vitro results to the in vivo situation, we did notice that, for some drugs
      but not for all the drugs, the similarity in gene expression patterns was
      observed across all three assay systems, indicating a possibility of using in
      vitro systems with careful designs (such as the choice of dose and time point),
      to replace the in vivo testing strategy. Nonetheless, a potential to replace the
      repeated dose study by the single-dose short-term methodology was strongly
      implied. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that text mining methodologies such
      as topic modeling provide an alternative method compared to traditional means for
      data reduction in toxicogenomics, enhancing researchers' capabilities to
      interpret biological information.

PMID- 25115449
TI  - Insights into the poor prognosis of allopurinol-induced severe cutaneous adverse
      reactions: the impact of renal insufficiency, high plasma levels of oxypurinol
      and granulysin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Allopurinol, an antihyperuricaemic agent, is one of the common causes
      of life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR), including drug
      rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome
      (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrosis (TEN). The prognostic factors for allopurinol
      related SCAR remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of
      dosing, renal function, plasma levels of oxypurinol and granulysin (a cytotoxic
      protein of SJS/TEN), the disease severity and mortality in allopurinol-SCAR.
      METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 48 patients with allopurinol-SCAR (26 SJS/TEN
      and 22 DRESS) and 138 allopurinol-tolerant controls from 2007 to 2012. The human
      leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B*58:01 status, plasma concentrations of oxypurinol and
      granulysin were determined. RESULTS: In this cohort, HLA-B*58:01 was strongly
      associated with allopurinol-SCAR (p<0.001, OR (95% CI) 109 (25 to 481)); however,
      the initial/maintenance dosages showed no relationship with the disease. Poor
      renal function was significantly associated with the delayed clearance of plasma
      oxypurinol, and increased the risk of allopurinol-SCAR (p<0.001, OR (95% CI) 8.0
      (3.9 to 17)). Sustained high levels of oxypurinol after allopurinol withdrawal
      correlated with the poor prognosis of allopurinol-SCAR. In particular, the
      increased plasma levels of oxypurinol and granulysin linked to the high mortality
      of allopurinol-SJS/TEN (p<0.01), and strongly associated with prolonged cutaneous
      reactions in allopurinol-DRESS (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Impaired renal function and
      increased plasma levels of oxypurinol and granulysin correlated with the poor
      prognosis of allopurinol-SCAR. Allopurinol prescription is suggested to be
      avoided in subjects with renal insufficiency and HLA-B*58:01 carriers. An early
      intervention to increase the clearance of plasma oxypurinol may improve the
      prognosis of allopurinol-SCAR.

PMID- 25115451
TI  - Enhanced aqueous dissolution of a DNAPL source to characterize the source
      strength function.
AB  - Simplified analytical solutions, developed as source strength functions (SSFs),
      are capable of describing the temporal dissolution of nonaqueous phase liquids in
      groundwater, which is useful for predicting source longevity and can serve as a
      guide for remedial activities. Here, SSF parameters were estimated by fitting
      enhanced aqueous dissolution data from a flow cell consisting of three injection
      and four extraction wells to analytical dissolution models (power law model (PLM)
      and equilibrium streamtube model (EST)) at a trichloroethene (TCE) contaminated
      site, Alameda Point, California. Both the PLM and the EST model were able to
      characterize the observed aqueous TCE dissolution during enhanced water flooding.
      Additional field activities conducted at the site included soil core collection,
      a recirculated partitioning tracer test, passive flux meter transects, and push
      pull tracer tests. The additional site characterization data were used to
      independently estimate the observed SSF parameters using information such as the
      TCE mass, distribution and porous media heterogeneity. The exponential decay
      model (a subset of the PLM) accurately predicted the enhanced dissolution, likely
      because the site was significantly aged (most of the mass in the plume rather
      than in the source zone) or middle stage, and the mass in the source zone could
      be approximately estimated. The EST tracer-based model, when combined with data
      from the recirculated partitioning tracer test, soil cores, and the push-pull
      tracer test, was capable of accurately predicting the observed aqueous
      dissolution. The mass in the source zone and the fraction of contaminated
      flowpaths were the most important site characteristics, requiring the greatest
      accuracy to predict aqueous dissolution. Establishing steady state dissolution
      was essential to provide a more accurate estimate of the fraction contaminated
      and high resolution data from soil cores in the source zone were needed to
      estimate the mass present. 

PMID- 25115452
TI  - Photoinduced skeletal rearrangement of diarylethenes comprising oxazole and
      phenyl rings.
AB  - A novel photochemical rearrangement of diarylethenes bearing oxazole and benzene
      derivatives as aryl moieties that results in the formation of polyaromatic
      systems was investigated. The mechanism of the transformation includes
      photocyclization, sequential [1,9] and [1,3]-hydrogen shifts, as well as a
      lateral oxazole ring-opening process. It was shown that this reaction can be an
      effective synthetically preparative method for the preparation of naphthalene
      (polyaromatic) derivatives. 

PMID- 25115453
TI  - Quality improvements of cell membrane chromatographic column.
AB  - Cell Membrane Chromatography (CMC) is a biological affinity chromatographic
      method using a silica stationary phase covered with specific cell membrane.
      However, its short life span and poor quality control was highlighted in a lot of
      research articles. In this study, special attention has been paid to the
      disruption, cell load and packing procedure in order to improve the quality of
      the CMC columns. Hereto, two newly established CMC models, HSC-T6/CMC and SMMC
      7721/CMC have been developed and used in this research project. The optimization
      of the abovementioned parameters resulted in a better reproducibility of the
      retention time of the compound GFT (RSD<10%) and improved significantly the
      quality of the CMC columns. 3.5*10(7)cells were the optimal cell load for the
      preparation of the CMC columns, the disruption condition was optimized to 5
      cycles (400W and 20s interval per cycle) by an ultrasonic processor reducing the
      total time of cell disruption to 1.5min and the packing flow rate was optimized
      by applying a linear gradient program. Additionally, 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA)
      was employed to improve the column quality and prolong the column life span. The
      results showed that the retention time was longer with PFA treated columns than
      the ones obtained with the control groups. 

PMID- 25115454
TI  - Alternative sorbents for the dispersive solid-phase extraction step in quick,
      easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method for extraction of pesticides from
      rice paddy soils with determination by liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - The clean-up step is essential to reduce interferences, improve quantification
      and help to maintain the integrity of the chromatographic system when working
      with complex matrices. In this study, alternative materials were evaluated as
      sorbents in the dispersive solid-phase extraction (D-SPE) for the determination
      and extraction of seventeen pesticides from rice paddy soil samples by the quick,
      easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method coupled with liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Chitin, chitosan,
      diatomaceous earth and PSA were compared in terms of extraction efficiency and
      matrix effect. The best results were achieved when chitosan was used.
      Quantification limits ranged from 0.1 to 100MUgkg(-1). Calibration curves showed
      correlation coefficient values higher than 0.98. Results of accuracy and
      precision in the spiked soil samples between 60% and 120%, with a relative
      standard deviation lower than 20%, were reached for 15 out of 17 pesticides. The
      matrix effect was evaluated and only one compound was influenced by the matrix
      components, showing medium effect. Results showed that alternative materials are
      more effective and less expensive than traditional sorbents which have been
      usually employed, i.e., they may be used in the D-SPE step during the extraction
      of pesticides from rice paddy soils. 

PMID- 25115455
TI  - 4-(4,6-Dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride as an
      enantioseparation enhancer for fluorescence chiral derivatization-liquid
      chromatographic analysis of dl-lactic acid.
AB  - This paper reports a novel fluorescence chiral derivatization-liquid
      chromatography (LC) method for the analysis of d- and l-lactic acids (LAs) using
      4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride (DMT-MM) as an
      enantioseparation enhancer. In this method, the dl-LAs were fluorescently
      derivatized with (S)-(+)-4-(N,N-dimethylaminosulfonyl)-7-(3-aminopyrrolidin-1-yl)
      2,1,3-benzoxadiazole [(S)-(+)-DBD-APy] in the presence of DMT-MM as a condensing
      agent. These conditions resulted in the hydroxyl group of the LA derivative being
      etherified by the triazine unit of DMT-MM, producing sterically bulky
      diastereoisomers. The resulting fluorescent diastereoisomers of d- and l-LAs
      could be discriminated and successfully enantioseparated through reversed-phase
      LC. The enhancement effect of the derivatization agent DMT-MM when using seven
      other commercially available chiral amines was also demonstrated. Finally, this
      method was successfully applied to quantification of dl-LAs in foodstuffs
      (yogurts and fermented milk drinks). 

PMID- 25115456
TI  - Simple semi-automated portable capillary electrophoresis instrument with
      contactless conductivity detection for the determination of beta-agonists in
      pharmaceutical and pig-feed samples.
AB  - An inexpensive, robust and easy to use portable capillary electrophoresis
      instrument with miniaturized high-voltage capacitively coupled contactless
      conductivity detection was developed. The system utilizes pneumatic operation to
      manipulate the solutions for all flushing steps. The different operations, i.e.
      capillary flushing, interface rinsing, and electrophoretic separation, are easily
      activated by turning an electronic switch. To allow the analysis of samples with
      limited available volume, and to render the construction less complicated
      compared to a computer-controlled counterpart, sample injection is carried out
      hydrodynamically directly from the sample vial into the capillary by manual
      syphoning. The system is a well performing solution where the financial means for
      the highly expensive commercial instruments are not available and where the in
      house construction of a sophisticated automated instrument is not possible due to
      limited mechanical and electronic workshop facilities and software programming
      expertise. For demonstration, the system was employed successfully for the
      determination of some beta-agonists, namely salbutamol, metoprolol and
      ractopamine down to 0.7ppm in pharmaceutical and pig-feed sample matrices in
      Vietnam. 

PMID- 25115457
TI  - Hecogenin acetate inhibits reactive oxygen species production and induces cell
      cycle arrest and senescence in the A549 human lung cancer cell line.
AB  - Cellular and molecular mechanisms related to lung cancer have been extensively
      studied in recent years, but the availability of effective treatments is still
      scarce. Hecogenin acetate, a natural saponin presenting a wide spectrum of
      reported pharmacological activities, has been previously evaluated for its
      anticancer/antiproliferative activity in some in vivo and in vitro models. Here,
      we investigated the effects of hecogenin acetate in a human lung cancer cell
      line. A549 non-small lung cancer cells were exposed to different concentrations
      of hecogenin acetate and reactive species production, ERK1/2 activation, matrix
      metalloproteinase expression, cell cycle arrest and cell senescence parameters
      were evaluated. Hecogenin acetate significantly inhibited increase in
      intracellular reactive species production induced by H2O2. In addition, hecogenin
      acetate blocked ERK1/2 phosphorylation and inhibited the increase in MMP-2 caused
      by H2O2. Treatment with hecogenin acetate induced G0/G1-phase arrest at two
      concentrations (75 and 100 uM, 74% and 84.3% respectively), and increased the
      staining of senescence-associated beta -galactosidase positive cells. These data
      indicate that hecogenin acetate is able to exert anti-cancer effects by
      modulating reactive species production, inducing cell cycle arrest and senescence
      and also modulating ERK1/2 phosphorylation and MMP-2 production. 

PMID- 25115458
TI  - Association between rs12970134 Near MC4R and adiposity indexes in a homogenous
      population of Caucasian schoolchildren.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess whether previously identified obesity-susceptibility loci
      were associated with overweight/obesity risk in a homogeneous population of
      Caucasian schoolchildren and whether these associations varied with age. METHODS:
      Seven hundred and forty-five schoolchildren (353 boys, mean age: 8.3 +/- 1.4
      years) underwent anthropometric assessments. A saliva sample was collected for
      DNA extraction and assessment of 19 single-nucleotide polymorphisms previously
      associated with obesity. RESULTS: Only the rs12970134 in the MC4R gene was
      significantly associated with overweight/obesity risk, with a higher frequency of
      the AA risk genotype in children with a BMI >85th (8.3%) than in those with a BMI
      <85th percentile (3.0%), p = 0.001; odds ratio (95% CI) of 1.544 (1.192-1.998), p
      = 0.001, after adjusting for age, sex and pubertal stage. BMI standard deviation
      scores (SDS) and waist-to-height ratio (W/Hr) progressively increased across the
      rs12970134 genotypes (GG vs. AG vs. AA): BMI SDS, p = 0.004; W/Hr, p = 0.009.
      When dividing the study population into two groups based on the median age of
      participants (8.3 years), the differences in BMI SDS and W/Hr across the MC4R
      genotypes persisted only in children older than 8.3 years. CONCLUSIONS: In a
      population of Caucasian schoolchildren, the rs12970134 MC4R variant was
      significantly associated with excess body weight, particularly in children older
      than 8 years of age.

PMID- 25115459
TI  - Propofol versus traditional sedative agents for endoscopic submucosal dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Propofol has been suggested to be superior to benzodiazepines
      when used as a sedative agent for endoscopic examination. The aim of the present
      study was to systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of propofol sedation
      for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS: PubMed, the Cochrane
      library, and the Igaku-Chuo-Zasshi database were searched in order to identify
      randomized trials eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. Data from the
      eligible studies were combined to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR) of developing
      restlessness, full awakening at 1 h post-ESD, hypoxia, and hypotension. RESULTS:
      We identified three randomized trials (298 patients) from the database search.
      Compared with traditional sedative agents, the pooled OR of restlessness and full
      awakening at 1 h post-ESD with propofol sedation were 0.41 (95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 0.21-0.81) and 8.59 (95% CI: 4.29-17.2), respectively, without
      significant heterogeneity. Compared with traditional sedative agents, the pooled
      OR of hypoxia and hypotension with propofol sedation were 1.13 (95% CI: 0.58
      2.21) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.25-3.41), respectively, indicating no significant
      differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Propofol sedation during ESD is more
      effective as compared with traditional sedative agent. The risk of complications
      is similar.

PMID- 25115460
TI  - A systematic review of online youth mental health promotion and prevention
      interventions.
AB  - The rapid growth in the use of online technologies among youth provides an
      opportunity to increase access to evidence-based mental health resources. The aim
      of this systematic review is to provide a narrative synthesis of the evidence on
      the effectiveness of online mental health promotion and prevention interventions
      for youth aged 12-25 years. Searching a range of electronic databases, 28 studies
      conducted since 2000 were identified. Eight studies evaluating six mental health
      promotion interventions and 20 studies evaluating 15 prevention interventions
      were reviewed. The results from the mental health promotion interventions
      indicate that there is some evidence that skills-based interventions presented in
      a module-based format can have a significant impact on adolescent mental health,
      however, an insufficient number of studies limits this finding. The results from
      the online prevention interventions indicate the significant positive effect of
      computerized cognitive behavioral therapy on adolescents' and emerging adults'
      anxiety and depression symptoms. The rates of non-completion were moderate to
      high across a number of studies. Implementation findings provide some evidence
      that participant face-to-face and/or web-based support was an important feature
      in terms of program completion and outcomes. Additional research examining
      factors affecting exposure, adherence and outcomes is required. The quality of
      evidence across the studies varied significantly, thus highlighting the need for
      more rigorous, higher quality evaluations conducted with more diverse samples of
      youth. Although future research is warranted, this study highlights the potential
      of online mental health promotion and prevention interventions in promoting youth
      wellbeing and reducing mental health problems.

PMID- 25115461
TI  - Two cases of ulcerative colitis developing in rheumatoid arthritis patients
      during abatacept therapy.

PMID- 25115462
TI  - Collagen-functionalised titanium surfaces for biological sealing of dental
      implants: effect of immobilisation process on fibroblasts response.
AB  - The clinical success of a dental implant requires not only an optimum
      osseointegration, but also the development of a biological sealing; i.e., a soft
      tissue seal around the transmucosal part of the implant. A promising approach to
      improve the biological seal of dental implants is the biomimetic modification of
      titanium surfaces with proteins or peptides that have specific cell-binding
      moieties. In this work we investigated the process of immobilising collagen on
      smooth and rough titanium surfaces and its effect on human dermal fibroblast
      (HDF) cell response. Titanium samples were activated by either oxygen plasma or
      acid etching to generate a smooth or nanorough surface, respectively.
      Subsequently, collagen grafting was achieved by either physisorption or covalent
      bonding through organosilane chemistry. The biofunctionalised titanium samples
      were then tested for stability and characterised by fluorescent labelling,
      wettability, OWLS and XPS studies. Biological characterisation was also performed
      through HDF adhesion, proliferation and gene expression. Covalent-bonded collagen
      showed higher stability than physisorbed collagen. A significant overexpression
      of the genes involved in fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix
      remodelling was observed in the collagen-coated surfaces. This effect was more
      pronounced on smooth than on rough surfaces. Immobilised collagen on the smooth
      plasma-treated surfaces favoured both fibroblast adhesion and activation. This
      study provides essential information for the design of implants with optimal
      biological sealing, a key aspect to avoid peri-implantitis and ensure long
      lasting implant fixation. 

PMID- 25115463
TI  - [Women are more sedentary than men: are they lazy or discriminated?].

PMID- 25115464
TI  - [The epidemiologists and the participant-led science].

PMID- 25115465
TI  - [Who is monitoring air pollution in Florence?].

PMID- 25115466
TI  - [Science and law in courts].
AB  - Science and law can be seen as the main creators of orders and rules in knowledge
      based societies. These relations are particularly delicate in domains where
      scientific uncertainty and probabilistic causality are more frequently involved,
      such as environment and health. The decision of the Court of Florence (Tuscany
      Region, Northern Italy) (Second Criminal Division, 3217/2010, 17th May 2010) -
      here analysed - deals with the uncertain correlations between PM10 and health.
      The criminal law case involved some public officers in Tuscany, indicted for
      having failed to adopt the adequate measures to keep PM10 levels within the
      limits set by European Directive 2008/50/EC on air quality. In arguing that
      accusations were ill-founded, the Court, while invoking the validity of science,
      deliberately chose the scientific evidence relevant to drawing specific legal
      consequences. Meteorological phenomena are considered as the single determinant
      of high levels of PM10; their uncertainty is framed as absolute unpredictability
      and ungovernability, and from these flaws non-responsibility. The concept of
      coproduction is applied as a useful critical tool to open up the complex
      relationships between science and law by showing how scientific and legal
      concepts generate and influence each other even when legal regulations claims to
      be neutrally and objectively science-based. 

PMID- 25115467
TI  - [Noise and air pollution: the effect of airports on the health of residents].

PMID- 25115468
TI  - [Relationship between surgical volumes and 30-day mortality in patients with
      oesophagus and stomach cancer: a review of the literature and metanalysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: to analyse the relationship between annual hospital volumes of
      surgery for oesophageal and gastric cancer and 30-day mortality. DESIGN: a
      systematic review of the literature has been carried out on these topics by
      searching Medline for the years 1998-2012 and using two ad hoc search strings.
      For oesophageal cancer, the most recent and best quality systematic review was
      updated by including further studies, and then a metanalysis was carried out. For
      gastric cancer, two different metanalyses on low and high volumes were performed.
      RESULTS: regarding oesophageal carcinoma, the study confirmed the association
      between 30-day mortality and the number of annual hospital interventions for this
      pathology. As for stomach cancer, the two metanalyses confirmed the role of high
      volume surgery in reducing the outcome considered. CONCLUSIONS: this study
      confirms the association between short-term outcomes and the number of annual
      hospital interventions for oesophageal and gastric cancer. The results obtained
      may be important for health care policy makers and administrators/managers in
      order to improve quality of care for patients with oesophageal or stomach cancer.

PMID- 25115469
TI  - [Avoidable mortality in Tuscany Region (Central Italy) from 1987 to 2008].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the impact of avoidable mortality (AM) on the changes in
      life expectancy at birth (LE) in Tuscany Region (Central Italy) in two periods
      (1987-1989 and 2006-2008). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: a list of AM causes
      previously published was used. The AM were divided into two groups: AM by Health
      Policy Interventions (HPI), AM by Health System Interventions (HSI). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: years of potential life lost (PYLLs), rates of PYLL standardized on the
      European population (TSPYLLs), and LE were examined. RESULTS: in 2006-2008, LE
      increased with a gain of 5.2 in men and 3.8 in women in comparison to 1987-1989
      LE (respectively 79 and 84,9 years). If AM did not have occurred, LE would have
      further increased of 2 years in men and 1.5 in women. AM recorded a 39% decrease:
      from 25.3% of overall mortality in men in 1987-1989 to 16.1% in 2006-2008; in
      women from 14.3% to 8.4%. Injury/poisoning and lung cancer are the most frequent
      IPP. The only increasing AM is lung cancer in women. Disentangling LE increases
      by group of causes, 25% of the increases in 2006- 2008, compared to 1987-1989,
      was attributable to HSI reduction, and 4% in women and 16% in men to HPI
      reduction. CONCLUSIONS: AM recorded a 39% decrease from 1987-1989 to 2006-2008 in
      Tuscany. In 2006-2008, about one third of LE increase in women and 2/5 in men was
      attributable to AM decrease, while 2/3 in women and 3/5 in men to increased
      survival in eldest people.

PMID- 25115470
TI  - [Tuberculosis in the districts of Kamez and Vlore (Albania) in the early 2000s].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: evaluation of tuberculosis (TB) rates and treatment outcomes in two
      Albanian districts of similar population, but different disease diffusion: Kamez
      and Vlore. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: retrospective observational study of all the
      medical charts of not-HIV+ TB patients in Vlore from 2002 to 2011, and in Kamez
      from 2004 to 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND RESULTS: at Vlore the cases observed
      were 120 cases (mean age: 43 years, 68% males); the incidence rate was
      substantially stable in the study period, with 8 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year,
      and, overall, lower (p <0.001) than at Kamez. The TB cases founded were 160 (mean
      age: 45 years, 61% males) at Kamez, with decreasing incidence rate (Annual
      Percent Change - APC: -12%; p =0.00022), from 30-42/100,000 inhabitants/year in
      2004- 2005 to 16.4/100,000 in 2011. New and retreated cases were, respectively,
      96.7% and 3.3% at Vlore, and 96.25% and 3.75% at Kamez. Pulmonary TB was 75% at
      Vlore and 65% at Kamez. Most cases with pulmonary TB (79%) were microbiologically
      confirmed. Overall, successful treatments and relapses were respectively observed
      in 89% and 3% of cases with no drug resistance CONCLUSIONS: in the first years of
      the third millennium, TB rates remain different between the two studied Albanian
      districts, but with a significant reduction in the area with greater baseline
      incidence (Kamez); overall disease control seems to be good.

PMID- 25115472
TI  - [Hospitalization study on a cohort of families applying for tenement houses in
      Florence (Tuscany Region, Central Italy)].
AB  - OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN: to evaluate the morbidity of a materially deprived
      population of family members applying for public tenement houses in Florence,
      Central Italy, in the period 1977-2001. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: all yearly
      first hospital admissions concerning 4,773 persons resident in Florence who
      applied for tenement houses to local public bodies during 1997-2001 were
      collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: gender specific age-standardized
      hospitalization ratios (SHR) for all causes and cause-specific hospital
      admissions during 2001- 2005. The expected cases were calculated using as
      reference gender, age and cause specific hospitalization rates of Tuscany
      population for the 2001-2005 period. RESULTS: 2,777 hospital admissions were
      registered. Statistically significant excesses of standardized hospitalization
      ratio were observed in both genders for all causes (males: SHR 1.14, 95%CI 1.07
      1.20; females: SHR 1.22, 95%CI 1.16-1.28), mental disorders (males: SHR 2.19,
      95%CI 1.71- 2.76; females: SHR 1.77, 95%CI 1.35-2.27) and respiratory diseases
      (males: SHR 1.25, 95%CI 1.05-1.47; females: SHR 1.33, 95%CI 1.09-1.60). Other
      excesses were observed for endocrine, metabolic and immunity disorders only in
      males (SHR 1.38, 95%CI 1.04-1.79), and for injuries and poisoning only in females
      (SHR 1.24, 95%CI 1.03-1.48). Statistical significant deficits were observed for
      neoplasm and for diseases of circulatory system in both genders, and for diseases
      of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue in males. CONCLUSION: the
      results, consistent with the available evidences on causes of illness in
      disadvantaged groups, point to the importance of built environment and adequate
      housing in reducing health inequalities.

PMID- 25115471
TI  - [A comparative analysis between regional mesothelioma registries and cancer
      registries: results of the ReNaM-AIRTUM project].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: to assess the agreement on row data and incidence rates between
      regional mesothelioma registries (CORs) and population cancer registries (CRs) in
      Italy, and to contribute in harmonizing the procedures used in identifying the
      date of incidence and the morphology of mesothelioma cases. SETTING E
      PARTICIPANTS: the mesothelioma cases registered by 19 CRs and by 9 out of 19 CORs
      were included in the study. Some CORs were not able to participate in the study,
      because there were no active CRs in their areas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: agreement
      on cases defined as mesotheliomas by the two types of registries; Cohen's k was
      used for the evaluation of the agreement on morphology on specific mesothelioma
      (ICD-O-3 90513-90533) and mesothelioma not otherwise specified (NOS) (ICD-O-3
      90503); instead, Odds Ratio was calculated to evaluate the direction of the
      discrepancy. Difference among incidence rates were calculated using data
      collected by the two types of registries. It was also made a comparison between
      dates of incidence. RESULTS: the comparison among the registered data by the two
      different types of registry showed a high concordance (>80%), especially in the
      areas where there is a continuous exchange of data. Only in a few areas a lower
      concordance was observed. The agreement between specific and non-specific
      morphology showed a fairly wide range and lower values than the calculation of
      the positive agreement. CORs used the specific morphology (ICD-O-3 90503-90533)
      with higher frequency compared to CRs. The CRs incidence standardized rates are
      higher when only cases defined as "certain " by ReNaM are considered; on the
      opposite the CORs rates are higher when all cases defined as "certain, probable
      and possible" are considered. CONCLUSIONS: the study permitted to compare and
      bring out the different procedures used in identifying the date of incidence of
      cases and morphology definition. This represents a first step of a cooperative
      discussion process among the involved registries: the working group hope it will
      end with the implementation of shared guidelines.

PMID- 25115473
TI  - [Occupational injury risk in immigrant workers in Italy: differences in work
      characteristics and age].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: to describe occupational injury risk, comparing regular foreign
      workers with Italians, by main work characteristics and age. DESIGN: analysis of
      incidence and risk of total and severe occupational injury by Country of birth,
      stratified by economic activity, skill level, geographical area of work, firm
      size and age. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: sample of 7% of workers registered in the
      Italian National Institute of Social Insurance (INPS) database. The workers
      considered were male private sector employees aged from 16 to 55 years old who
      worked between 2000 and 2005 as apprentice or blue collar. Two groups were
      distinguished: immigrants from high migratory pressure Countries (PFPM) and
      immigrants from high-income Countries (PSA; Italians comprised). The three main
      nationalities considered were the most relevant in Italy: Moroccans, Albanians,
      and Romanians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: all occupational injuries; severe
      occupational injuries based on the type of damage. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: PFPM
      workers have a higher risk of injury compared to PSA both for total (Relative
      Risk - RR: 1.45) and severe ones (RR: 1.56), particularly in engineering (RR:
      1.64) and trade (RR: 1.61). Moroccans have always the greatest risks (RR: 1.86);
      Romanians are protected on total injuries (RR: 0.80), but have excess of risk of
      severe injuries (RR: 1.31). Among young people there aren't differences by
      Country of birth, but the rate decreases as age increases in PSA, while in PFPM
      it increases as age increases. In this study, injury risk in regular foreign
      workers were measured more accurately than official statistics: Whip-Salute
      database can provide useful information for planning prevention programmes of
      immigrant work-related injuries.

PMID- 25115474
TI  - [Updating of the prevalence of congenital anomalies among resident births in the
      Municipality of Gela (Southern Italy)].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: to update the prevalence of congenital anomalies in the Municipality
      of Gela (Southern Italy), in particular to verify whether the previously reported
      high prevalence of hypospadias was confirmed. DESIGN: study on prevalence at
      birth of congenital anomalies by retrieving information from multiple sources.
      SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: in the Municipality of Gela it is localized a site of
      national interest for environmental remediation (SIN). Data of residents born in
      the Municipality of Gela in 2003-2008 were recovered from hospital records, local
      and regional archives, Sicilian registry of congenital malformations database,
      hospital admissions at medical and surgical hospitals in Catania. For comparison,
      European (EUROCAT), Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna registries data have been used.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: congenital anomalies, divided into confirmed anomalies,
      minor anomalies, uncertain conditions, classified by large groups and specific
      anomalies. RESULTS: statistically significant excesses emerge with respect to the
      references for genital anomalies, and for urinary and total anomalies including
      not-specified diagnoses. For cardiovascular and limb anomalies (including not
      specified clubfoot), the excess is significant only in comparison with Italian
      figures. The prevalence of hypospadias of 46.7/10,000 shows statistically
      significant excesses compared to European and Italian reference values, of 1.7
      and 2.3 times, respectively. CONCLUSION: retrospective recovery of data produced
      incompleteness of cases and poor diagnostic definition. The epidemiological
      picture is more reliable for congenital anomalies less susceptible to termination
      of pregnancy. The study confirms a high prevalence of hypospadias, estimated
      between the value observed in the previous twelve-year study and the one reported
      for the area of Priolo-Augusta-Melilli for the years 1990-1998; and higher than
      those reported in literature, with sporadic exceptions. The observed data, as
      well as the documented presence in the environment and in biological fluids of
      dangerous pollutants in periconceptional exposures, support a plausibility of
      multifactorial aetiology for hypospadias. The environmental risk should not be
      neglected in the decisions of primary prevention.

PMID- 25115476
TI  - [Airport related air pollution and health effects].
AB  - Airport is an extremely complex emission source of airborne pollutants that can
      have a significant impact on the environment. Indeed, several airborne chemicals
      emitted during airport activities may significantly get worse air quality and
      increase exposure level of both airport workers and general population living
      nearby the airports. In recent years airport traffic has increased and
      consequently several studies investigated the association between airport-related
      air pollution and occurrence of adverse health effects, particularly on
      respiratory system, in exposed workers and general population resident nearby. In
      this context, we carried out a critical evaluation of the studies that
      investigated this correlation in order to obtain a deeper knowledge of this issue
      and to identify the future research needs. Results show that the evidence of
      association between airport-related air pollution and health effects on workers
      and residents is still limited. 

PMID- 25115477
TI  - [Air pollution in an urban area nearby the Rome-Ciampino city airport].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: to assess air pollution spatial and temporal variability in the urban
      area nearby the Ciampino International Airport (Rome) and to investigate the
      airport-related emissions contribute. DESIGN AND SETTING: the study domain was a
      64 km2 area around the airport. Two fifteen-day monitoring campaigns (late
      spring, winter) were carried out. Results were evaluated using several runs
      outputs of an airport-related sources Lagrangian particle model and a
      photochemical model (the Flexible Air quality Regional Model, FARM). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: both standard and high time resolution air pollutant concentrations
      measurements: CO, NO, NO2, C6H6, mass and number concentration of several PM
      fractions. 46 fixed points (spread over the study area) of NO2 and volatile
      organic compounds concentrations (fifteen days averages); deterministic models
      outputs. RESULTS: standard time resolution measurements, as well as model
      outputs, showed the airport contribution to air pollution levels being little
      compared to the main source in the area (i.e. vehicular traffic). However, using
      high time resolution measurements, peaks of particles associated with aircraft
      takeoff (total number concentration and soot mass concentration), and landing
      (coarse mass concentration) were observed, when the site measurement was downwind
      to the runway. CONCLUSIONS: the frequently observed transient spikes associated
      with aircraft movements could lead to a not negligible contribute to ultrafine,
      soot and coarse particles exposure of people living around the airport. Such
      contribute and its spatial and temporal variability should be investigated when
      assessing the airports air quality impact.

PMID- 25115478
TI  - [Airports and air quality: a critical synthesis of the literature].
AB  - This work reviewed existing literature on airport related activities that could
      worsen surrounding air quality; its aim is to underline the progress coming from
      recent-year studies, the knowledge emerging from new approaches, the development
      of semi-empiric analytical methods as well as the questions still needing to be
      clarified. To estimate pollution levels, spatial and temporal variability, and
      the sources relative contributions integrated assessment, using both fixed point
      measurement and model outputs, are needed. The general picture emerging from the
      studies was a non-negligible and highly spatially variable (within 2-3 km from
      the fence line) airport contribution; even if it is often not dominant compared
      to other concomitant pollution sources. Results were highly airport-specific.
      Traffic volumes, landscape and meteorology were the key variables that drove the
      impacts. Results were thus hardly exportable to other contexts. Airport related
      pollutant sources were found to be characterized by unusual emission patterns
      (particularly ultrafine particles, black carbon and nitrogen oxides during take
      off); high time-resolution measurements allow to depict the rapidly changing take
      off effect on air quality that could not be adequately observed otherwise. Few
      studies used high time resolution data in a successful way as statistical models
      inputs to estimate the aircraft take-off contribution to the observed average
      levels. These findings should not be neglected when exposure of people living
      near airports is to be assessed. 

PMID- 25115479
TI  - [Arsenic contamination in Italy: a comment on the SEpiAs study].

PMID- 25115475
TI  - [Health impact assessment of airport noise on people living nearby six Italian
      airports].
AB  - BACKGROUND: aircraft noise has been associated with several health effects.
      Because of the great success of low-cost flights, small airports have been turned
      into international airports thus exposing nearby residents to an increase in
      noise levels and potential disturbances and health disorders. OBJECTIVE: to
      estimate the exposure levels and evaluate the health impact of aircraft noise on
      residents nearby six airports in Italy (Rome: Ciampino; Milan: Linate and
      Malpensa; Pisa; Turin; Venice) focusing on hypertension, acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI), annoyance and sleep disturbances. METHODS: residents in the
      local Municipalities considered at 31.12.2010 were included in the study and
      their addresses were geocoded. Aircraft noise exposure in 2011 was defined using
      the Integrated Noise Model linked to each participant's address. Lden (<55, 55
      60, 61-65, 65-70 dB), Lnight, Leq (day and night) were calculated. Available
      exposure-response relationships were used to estimate the number of additional
      cases of hypertension, AMI, annoyance and sleep disturbances in the local
      population. RESULTS: 73,272 persons exposed to aircraft noise levels >55dB were
      considered: 55,915 (76.3%) were exposed to 55-60 dB; 16,562 (22.6%) to 60-65 dB;
      795 (1.2%) to 65-70 dB. Exposure to aircraft noise levels above 55 dB was
      estimated to be responsible each year of 4,607 (95%CI 0-9,923) additional cases
      of hypertension; 3.4 (95%CI 0-10.7) cases of AMI; 9,789 (95%CI 6,895-11,962)
      cases of annoyance; 5,084 (95%CI 1,894-10,509) cases of sleep disturbances.
      CONCLUSIONS: a significant impact of airport noise on the health of residents
      nearby six Italian airports was estimated. Epidemiological evaluation and noise
      mitigation measures should be introduced to protect the health of residents.

PMID- 25115480
TI  - [Vaping: a new strategy to prevent smoking-related diseases?].
AB  - By quitting, smokers of all ages can gain substantial health benefits. No other
      single effort of public health is able to achieve an advantage comparable to
      smoking cessation on a large scale. However, conventional approaches to smoking
      cessation require tobacco users to completely abstain, and many smokers are
      unable - or have not the willingness - to achieve this goal, and then continue to
      smoke despite the looming negative consequences for health. But it is possible to
      consider another option: the reduction of harm caused by tobacco smoking (tobacco
      harm reduction) through the intake of nicotine from alternative sources safer
      than tobacco smoke, such as the electronic cigarette (e-cig). It is a promising
      product for the reduction of harm caused by tobacco smoking. In addition to
      providing nicotine through the vapour without the typical toxic and carcinogenic
      substances derived from combustion, the e-cig is also a good substitute for the
      rituals associated with the behaviour of the smoker. In this article, the author
      suggests that the wide dissemination of vaping behaviour can become a successful
      strategy to reduce smoking and preventing smoking-related diseases, advancing on
      how to succeed with this matter. 

PMID- 25115481
TI  - [Codes, guidelines and guidance of ethics of research: the issue of quality].
AB  - After an overview of the evolution of ethics laws for medical activities, we
      suggest a possible classification of documents regarding the ethical conduct of
      scientific research with human beings. The authors outline the necessity to
      define formal criteria for the development and the implementation of ethics
      standards. 

PMID- 25115483
TI  - [In Italy, prevalence of smokers and manufactured cigarettes sales are
      decreasing, but social differences and sales of fine-cut tobacco are increasing].

PMID- 25115482
TI  - [In 2014 cancer registration covers more than half of the Italian population].

PMID- 25115484
TI  - Salt-induced self-assembly of bacteria on nanowire arrays.
AB  - Studying bacteria-nanostructure interactions is crucial to gaining controllable
      interfacing of biotic and abiotic components in advanced biotechnologies. For
      bioelectrochemical systems, tunable cell-electrode architectures offer a path
      toward improving performance and discovering emergent properties. As such,
      Sporomusa ovata cells cultured on vertical silicon nanowire arrays formed
      filamentous cells and aligned parallel to the nanowires when grown in increasing
      ionic concentrations. Here, we propose a model describing the kinetic and the
      thermodynamic driving forces of bacteria-nanowire interactions. 

PMID- 25115485
TI  - Protection of Wistar-Furth rats against postischaemic acute renal injury: role
      for nitric oxide and thromboxane?
AB  - The Wistar-Furth (WF) rat strain is usually used in models of full major
      histocompatibility complex-mismatched kidney transplantation. Because these rats
      have been demonstrated to be resistant to several models of chronic kidney
      disease, the aim of the present study was to investigate their potential
      resistance to renal ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury compared with another
      strain, namely Wistar-Hanover (WH) rats. Anaesthetized male WH and WF rats were
      submitted to I/R by occlusion of the left renal artery and contralateral
      nephrectomy. Urine, blood and tissue samples were collected at different time
      points after I/R to evaluate renal function, inflammation and tubular injury,
      along with determination of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression and
      thromboxane A2 (TxA2 ) production. Post-ischaemic renal function was better
      preserved in WF than WH rats, as evidenced by reduced levels of creatininaemia,
      urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin excretion and proteinuria. In
      addition, WF rats had less intrarenal inflammation than WH rats after I/R injury.
      These observations were associated with maintenance of neuronal NOS expression,
      along with lower induction of inducible NOS expression in WF versus WH rats.
      Moreover, WF rats excreted a significantly lower amount of TxB2 . The results
      indicate that WF rats are more resistant to an I/R injury than WH rats in terms
      of renal function and inflammation. These observations are associated with
      differential regulation of intrarenal NOS expression, as well as a reduction in
      thromboxane production, which could contribute to a better outcome for the
      postischaemic kidney in WF rats.

PMID- 25115486
TI  - X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: pathogenesis and treatment.
AB  - X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a puzzling inborn error of metabolism
      with a strikingly heterogeneous clinical spectrum. All patients have mutations in
      the ABCD1 gene and accumulate very long chain fatty acids in all tissues.
      Virtually all male X-ALD patients develop adrenocortical insufficiency in
      childhood and progressive myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy in adulthood. A
      subset of male patients, however, develops a fatal cerebral demyelinating
      disease, cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. Female patients also develop progressive
      myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy, but generally at a later age than males.
      They only very rarely develop adrenocortical insufficiency or cerebral
      adrenoleukodystrophy. This review proposes to simplify the classification of the
      clinical spectrum of X-ALD and reviews the largely unresolved pathophysiological
      mechanisms and the current treatment options. 

PMID- 25115487
TI  - Traffic jam in the primitive streak: the role of defective mesoderm migration in
      birth defects.
AB  - Gastrulation is the process in which the three germ layers are formed that
      contribute to the formation of all major tissues in the developing embryo. We
      here review mouse genetic models in which defective gastrulation leads to
      mesoderm insufficiencies in the embryo. Depending on severity of the
      abnormalities, the outcomes range from incompatible with embryonic survival to
      structural birth defects, such as heart defects, spina bifida, or caudal
      dysgenesis. The combined evidence from the mutant models supports the notion that
      these congenital anomalies can originate from perturbations of mesoderm
      specification, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and mesodermal cell migration.
      Knowledge about the molecular pathways involved may help to improve strategies
      for the prevention of major structural birth defects.

PMID- 25115489
TI  - A systematic review of evaluated suicide prevention programs targeting indigenous
      youth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indigenous young people have significantly higher suicide rates than
      their non-indigenous counterparts. There is a need for culturally appropriate and
      effective suicide prevention programs for this demographic. AIMS: This review
      assesses suicide prevention programs that have been evaluated for indigenous
      youth in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. METHOD: The
      databases MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched for publications on suicide
      prevention programs targeting indigenous youth that include reports on
      evaluations and outcomes. Program content, indigenous involvement, evaluation
      design, program implementation, and outcomes were assessed for each article.
      RESULTS: The search yielded 229 articles; 90 abstracts were assessed, and 11
      articles describing nine programs were reviewed. Two Australian programs and
      seven American programs were included. Programs were culturally tailored,
      flexible, and incorporated multiple-levels of prevention. No randomized
      controlled trials were found, and many programs employed ad hoc evaluations, poor
      program description, and no process evaluation. CONCLUSION: Despite culturally
      appropriate content, the results of the review indicate that more controlled
      study designs using planned evaluations and valid outcome measures are needed in
      research on indigenous youth suicide prevention. Such changes may positively
      influence the future of research on indigenous youth suicide prevention as the
      outcomes and efficacy will be more reliable.

PMID- 25115491
TI  - Suicide ideation and attempts and bullying in children and adolescents:
      psychiatric and general population samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies of the relationship between bullying and suicide behavior
      yield mixed results. AIMS: This is the first study comparing frequencies of
      suicide behavior in four bullying groups (bully, victim, bully/victim, and
      neither) in two large psychiatric and community samples of young children and
      adolescents. METHOD: Maternal ratings of bullying and suicide ideation and
      attempts were analyzed for 1,291 children with psychiatric disorders and 658
      children in the general population 6-18 years old. RESULTS: For both the
      psychiatric and community samples, suicide ideation and attempt scores for
      bully/victims were significantly higher than for victims only and for neither
      bullies nor victims. Differences between victims only and neither victims nor
      bullies were nonsignificant. Controlling for sadness and conduct problems,
      suicide behavior did not differ between the four bullying groups. All children
      with suicide attempts had a comorbid psychiatric disorder, as did all but two
      children with suicide ideation. CONCLUSION: Although the contribution of bullying
      per se to suicide behavior independent of sadness and conduct problems is small,
      bullying has obvious negative psychological consequences that make intervention
      imperative. Interventions need to focus on the psychopathology associated with
      being a victim and/or perpetrator of bullying in order to reduce suicide
      behavior.

PMID- 25115490
TI  - Assessing suicide attempts and depression among Chinese speakers over the
      Internet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In populations where mental health resources are scarce or
      unavailable, or where stigma prevents help-seeking, the Internet may be a way to
      identify and reach at-risk persons using self-report validated screening tools as
      well as to characterize individuals seeking health information online. AIMS: We
      examined the feasibility of delivering an Internet-based Chinese-language
      depression and suicide screener and described its users. METHOD: An Internet
      based depression and suicide screener was created and advertised primarily
      through Google AdWords. Participants completed a suicide and depression screening
      measure and received individualized feedback, which, if necessary, included the
      suggestion to seek additional mental health resources. RESULTS: In 7 months,
      11,631 individuals visited the site; 4,709 provided valid information. Nearly
      half reported a current major depressive episode (MDE) and 18.3% a recent suicide
      attempt; however, over 75% reported never having sought help, including 77.7% of
      those with MDEs and 75.9% of those reporting a suicide attempt. As participants
      found the site by searching for depression information online, results may not
      generalize to the entire Chinese-speaking population. CONCLUSION: Online
      screening can feasibly identify and reach many at-risk Chinese-speaking persons.
      It may provide resources to those with limited access to services or to those
      reluctant to seek such services.

PMID- 25115488
TI  - IglC and PdpA are important for promoting Francisella invasion and intracellular
      growth in epithelial cells.
AB  - The highly infectious bacteria, Francisella tularensis, colonize a variety of
      organs and replicate within both phagocytic as well as non-phagocytic cells, to
      cause the disease tularemia. These microbes contain a conserved cluster of
      important virulence genes referred to as the Francisella Pathogenicity Island
      (FPI). Two of the most characterized FPI genes, iglC and pdpA, play a central
      role in bacterial survival and proliferation within phagocytes, but do not
      influence bacterial internalization. Yet, their involvement in non-phagocytic
      epithelial cell infections remains unexplored. To examine the functions of IglC
      and PdpA on bacterial invasion and replication during epithelial cell infections,
      we infected liver and lung epithelial cells with F. novicida and F. tularensis
      'Type B' Live Vaccine Strain (LVS) deletion mutants (DeltaiglC and DeltapdpA) as
      well as their respective gene complements. We found that deletion of either gene
      significantly reduced their ability to invade and replicate in epithelial cells.
      Gene complementation of iglC and pdpA partially rescued bacterial invasion and
      intracellular growth. Additionally, substantial LAMP1-association with both
      deletion mutants was observed up to 12 h suggesting that the absence of IglC and
      PdpA caused deficiencies in their ability to dissociate from LAMP1-positive
      Francisella Containing Vacuoles (FCVs). This work provides the first evidence
      that IglC and PdpA are important pathogenic factors for invasion and
      intracellular growth of Francisella in epithelial cells, and further highlights
      the discrete mechanisms involved in Francisella infections between phagocytic and
      non-phagocytic cells. 

PMID- 25115494
TI  - Effect of a contact monitoring system with immediate visual feedback on hand
      hygiene compliance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene compliance is traditionally monitored by visual methods
      that are open to bias and strictly limited in time and place. Automatic
      monitoring may be more effective for infection control as well as performance
      management. AIM: To establish accuracy and acceptability of an automatic contact
      monitoring system for hand hygiene. METHODS: Monitoring equipment was installed
      across 55 beds in three wards, and included modified identity badges, bedside
      furniture, sinks and alcohol gel dispensers. Badges were in near-skin contact
      (through uniform) and could detect alcohol vapour. All devices were linked by wi
      fi. A traffic light system on the badge provided immediate feedback to staff and
      patients on the hand hygiene status of a member of staff on approach to a
      patient. Compliance was logged automatically. Following a period of immediate
      feedback, no visual feedback was given for two weeks. Subsequently, feedback was
      given using red/green lights for 10 days, followed by retrospective feedback to
      the ward. Hand hygiene was verified independently by an observer. FINDINGS: Hand
      hygiene compliance increased from 21% of 97 opportunities to 66% of 197
      opportunities during active immediate feedback. Compliance decreased when
      feedback was provided to wards retrospectively. Six staff (26%) avoided wearing a
      badge, saying that it was too heavy or they were not on the ward all day. Only
      three of 30 patients stated that they would challenge staff who had not performed
      hand hygiene. CONCLUSIONS: Automatic contact monitoring with immediate feedback
      was effective in increasing hand hygiene compliance, but feedback given
      retrospectively did not prevent a decrease in compliance.

PMID- 25115496
TI  - Urinoma following Kidney Biopsy: A Case Report.
AB  - Major complications of a percutaneous kidney biopsy are infrequent but warrant
      early detection and appropriate treatment. We herein report a patient who
      developed urinoma following kidney biopsy in the effort to emphasize the
      paramount importance for practitioners to recognize this complication. Prompt
      diagnosis and proper management of urinoma following kidney biopsy is prudent as
      delayed treatment may lead to abscess formation, hydronephrosis, obstructive
      uropathy and chronic kidney failure. 

PMID- 25115493
TI  - Cross-immunity and age patterns of influenza A(H5N1) infection.
AB  - The age distribution of influenza A(H5N1) cases reported during 2006-2013 varied
      substantially between countries. As well as underlying demographic profiles, it
      is possible that cross-immunity contributed to the age distribution of reported
      cases: seasonal influenza A(H1N1) and avian influenza A(H5N1) share the same
      neuraminidase subtype, N1. Using a mechanistic model, we measured the extent to
      which population age distribution and heterosubtypic cross-immunity could explain
      the observed age patterns in Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia and Vietnam. Our
      results support experimental evidence that prior infection with H1N1 confers
      partial cross-immunity to H5N1, and suggest that more than 50% of spillover
      events did not lead to reported cases of infection as a result. We also
      identified age groups that have additional risk factors for influenza A(H5N1) not
      captured by demography or infection history. 

PMID- 25115497
TI  - Characterization of a double-hit murine model of acute respiratory distress
      syndrome.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to characterize a murine model of acute
      respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) abiding by the Berlin definition of human
      ARDS and guidelines for animal models of ARDS. To this end, C57BL/6NCrl mice were
      challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 15 mg/kg, i.p.) followed 18 h later by
      injection of oleic acid (OA; 0.12 mL/kg, i.v.). Controls received saline
      injection at both time points. Haemodynamics were monitored continuously.
      Arterial blood gas analyses were performed just before and every 30 min after OA
      challenge. Ninety minutes after OA challenge, the chest of mice was scanned using
      micro-computed tomography (CT). Cytokine concentrations were measured in plasma
      samples. Lungs were harvested 90 min after OA challenge for histology,
      immunohistochemistry, lung weight measurements and tissue cytokine detection. A
      histological lung injury score was determined. Eighteen hours after LPS
      challenge, mice exhibited a severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
      Oxygenation declined significantly after OA injections (Pa o2 /Fi o2 283 +/- 73
      and 256 +/- 71 mmHg at 60 and 90 min, respectively; P < 0.001). Bilateral patchy
      infiltrates were present on the micro-CT scans. Histology revealed parenchymal
      damage with accumulation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, intra-alveolar
      proteinacous debris and few hyaline membranes. The lung wet : dry ratio indicated
      damage to the alveolar capillary membrane. Cytokine patterns evidenced a severe
      local and systemic inflammatory state in plasma and lung tissue. In conclusion,
      the described two-hit model of ARDS shows a pathological picture of ARDS closely
      mimicking human ARDS according to the Berlin definition and may facilitate
      interpretation of prospective experimental results.

PMID- 25115498
TI  - A MAVS/TICAM-1-independent interferon-inducing pathway contributes to regulation
      of hepatitis B virus replication in the mouse hydrodynamic injection model.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytoplasmic RNA sensors have been reported to be
      involved in the regulation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, but remain
      controversial due to the lack of a natural infectious model. Our current study
      sets out to characterize aspects of the role of the innate immune system in
      eliminating HBV using hydrodynamic-based injection of HBV replicative plasmid and
      knockout mice deficient in specific pathways of the innate system. The evidence
      indicated that viral replication was not affected by MAVS or TICAM-1 knockout,
      but absence of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) and IRF-7 transcription
      factors, as well as the interferon (IFN) receptor, had an adverse effect on the
      inhibition of HBV replication, demonstrating the dispensability of MAVS and TICAM
      1 pathways in the early innate response against HBV. Myd88(-/-) mice did not have
      a significant increase in the initial viremia, but substantial viral antigen
      persisted in the mice sera, a response similar to Rag2(-/-) mice, suggesting that
      the MyD88-dependent pathway participated in evoking an adaptive immune response
      against the clearance of intrahepatic HBV. Taken together, we show that the RNA
      sensing pathways do not participate in the regulation of HBV replication in a
      mouse model; meanwhile MyD88 is implicated in the HBV clearance.

PMID- 25115499
TI  - Endoscopic approaches for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis.
AB  - Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is characterized by diffuse pancreatic enlargement
      and irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct (MPD). Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4
      related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) associated with AIP frequently appears
      as a bile duct stricture. Therefore, it is important to differentiate AIP and
      IgG4-SC from pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma or primary sclerosing
      cholangitis, respectively. Endoscopy plays a central role in the diagnosis of AIP
      and IgG4-SC because it provides imaging of the MPD and bile duct strictures as
      well as the ability to obtain tissue samples for histological evaluations.
      Diffuse irregular narrowing of MPD on endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is rather specific to AIP, but localized
      narrowing of the MPD is often difficult to differentiate from MPD stenosis caused
      by pancreatic cancer. A long stricture (>1/3 the length of the MPD) and lack of
      upstream dilatation from the stricture (<5 mm) might be key features of AIP on
      ERCP. Some cholangiographic features, such as segmental strictures, stric tures
      of the lower bile duct, and long strictures with prestenotic dilatation, are more
      common in IgG4-SC than in cholangiocarcinoma. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)
      reveals diffuse hypoechoic pancreatic enlargement, sometimes with hypoechoic
      inclusions, in patients with AIP. In addition, EUS-elastography and contrast
      enhanced harmonic EUS have been developed with promising results. The usefulness
      of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration has been increasingly recognized for
      obtaining adequate tissue samples for the histological diagnosis of AIP. Further
      improvement of endoscopic procedures and devices will contribute to more accurate
      diagnosis of AIP and IgG4-SC. 

PMID- 25115500
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency in patients with primary immune-mediated peripheral
      neuropathies.
AB  - PURPOSE: T cells are important in the immunopathology of immune-mediated
      peripheral neuropathies (PNP) and activated vitamin D regulates the immune
      response through increasing the amount of regulatory T cells. An association
      between vitamin D deficiency and polyneuropathy has been stipulated; hence we
      assessed whether patients with primary immune-mediated PNP have low vitamin D
      [25(OH)D] levels. METHODS: Plasma levels of 25(OH)D were analyzed in 26 patients
      with primary immune-mediated PNP, 50 healthy matched blood donors and 24 patients
      with motor neuron disease (MND). INCAT score was assessed in patients with
      Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
      ALSFRS-R score was applied to MND patients and the modified Rankin (mRankin)
      scale compared disability among patient groups. RESULTS: Mean 25(OH)D value in
      PNP patients was 40 +/- 16 nmol/l, compared to 69 +/- 21 nmol/l in healthy blood
      donors (p<0.001). MND patients had a higher mean 25(OH)D than PNP patients (59 +/
      26 nmol/L; p=0.006) and comparable levels to healthy blood donors (p=0.15). Mean
      25(OH)D value was not higher in PNP patients with pre-existing vitamin D3
      supplementation of 800 IU/day (N=6; 35 +/- 18 nmol/L) than in unsupplemented PNP
      patients (42 +/- 16 nmol). INCAT score ranged from 0 to 10 (mean 3.5) and ALSFRS
      R ranged from 11 to 44 (mean 31). mRankin score was more severe in MND patients
      (mean 3.5) compared to PNP patients (mean 2.1). CONCLUSIONS: All patients with
      primary immune-mediated PNP were diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency and they had
      significantly lower 25(OH)D values than healthy control persons and MND patients.
      We suggest monitoring of vitamin D status in patients with autoimmune PNP, since
      immune cells are responsive to the ameliorative effects of vitamin D.

PMID- 25115501
TI  - Acute neurological worsening after Rituximab treatment in patients with anti-MAG
      neuropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with peripheral neuropathy and anti-MAG monoclonal IgM may
      respond to Rituximab, a humanized monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody. METHODS: We
      report on three patients with peripheral neuropathy and anti-MAG monoclonal IgM
      who deteriorated under Rituximab and reviewed seven previously published cases.
      RESULTS: Worsening was acute and severe, and occurred during the treatment
      period. All the patients improved after deterioration but at final evaluation
      only one was improved comparatively to baseline, five were worsened and four were
      stabilized. Deterioration was not clearly associated with an increase of the anti
      MAG antibody titer. Two patients received Rituximab prior or after the course
      which induced worsening without adverse reaction. CONCLUSION: Although rare,
      acute worsening of the neuropathy can occur after Rituximab. The deterioration is
      however reversible within some weeks to several months.

PMID- 25115502
TI  - Are natural killer cells involved in multiple sclerosis etiology? Evidences from
      NKp46/NCR1 receptor modulation in an observational study.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells are implicated in many autoimmune diseases but their
      role in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains still unknown. This study was aimed to
      evaluate the expression levels of a NK cell receptor (NCR1) in patients with
      diagnosis of MS. Particularly, the study took into account patients undergoing
      pharmacological therapy with interferon-beta or natalizumab and patients never
      treated since first-time diagnosed for MS. Expression levels of NCR1 receptor
      were evaluated in protein extracts of peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      performing western blot analysis. Our results show that MS patients display
      higher NCR1 expression levels than healthy controls. Moreover, patients with a
      first diagnosis of MS display the highest level of NCR1 when compared with
      patients pharmacologically treated with interferon-beta or natalizumab.
      Therefore, pharmacologically treated MS patients show a modulated NK cell
      expression.

PMID- 25115503
TI  - Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with mesiotemporal hypermetabolism.

PMID- 25115505
TI  - G tolerance and the vasoconstrictor reserve.
AB  - PURPOSE: Because leg arterial stiffness is higher in subjects with high G
      tolerance, we hypothesized that subjects with high G tolerance would have larger
      capacity for vasoconstriction. METHODS: Sixteen subjects, eight with high and
      eight with low G tolerance (H and L group, respectively), were exposed to a cold
      pressor test (CPT) in supine and upright posture. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial
      pressure (MAP) and cardiac output (CO) were measured, and total peripheral
      resistance (TPR) and stroke volume (SV) were calculated. RESULTS: In the supine
      position, CPT increased TPR more in the H group; 31 +/- 18% than in the L group;
      11 +/- 7% (p < 0.05). The L group had larger increases in CO than the H group; 17
      +/- 16 vs. 3.4 +/- 7% (p = 0.06). In the upright position, the H group had a
      larger MAP response to CPT than the L group; 26 +/- 14 vs. 14 +/- 7% (p = 0.06).
      The H group, but not the L group, had significant increases in TPR whereas the L
      group had significant increases in CO and SV. CONCLUSIONS: In response to CPT,
      the high G tolerance group elevated MAP by increasing TPR, whereas the low G
      tolerance group showed a dependency on increased CO. The H group seemed to have a
      larger vasoconstrictor reserve. The results further suggest that vasoconstrictor
      reserve capacity could constitute the link between the recent finding that
      indicates a relationship between G tolerance and arterial distensibility in the
      legs.

PMID- 25115504
TI  - Analysis of the quantitative balance between insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1
      ligand, receptor, and binding protein levels to predict cell sensitivity and
      therapeutic efficacy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system impacts cell
      proliferation and is highly activated in ovarian cancer. While an attractive
      therapeutic target, the IGF system is complex with two receptors (IGF1R, IGF2R),
      two ligands (IGF1, IGF2), and at least six high affinity IGF-binding proteins
      (IGFBPs) that regulate the bioavailability of IGF ligands. We hypothesized that a
      quantitative balance between these different network components regulated cell
      response. RESULTS: OVCAR5, an immortalized ovarian cancer cell line, were found
      to be sensitive to IGF1, with the dose of IGF1 (i.e., the total mass of IGF1
      available) a more reliable predictor of cell response than ligand concentration.
      The applied dose of IGF1 was depleted by both cell-secreted IGFBPs and endocytic
      trafficking, with IGFBPs sequestering up to 90% of the available ligand. To
      explore how different variables (i.e., IGF1, IGFBPs, and IGF1R levels) impacted
      cell response, a mass-action steady-state model was developed. Examination of the
      model revealed that the level of IGF1-IGF1R complexes per cell was directly
      proportional to the extent of proliferation induced by IGF1. Model analysis
      suggested, and experimental results confirmed, that IGFBPs present during IGF1
      treatment significantly decreased IGF1-mediated proliferation. We utilized this
      model to assess the efficacy of IGF1 and IGF1R antibodies against different
      network compositions and determined that IGF1R antibodies were more globally
      effective due to the receptor-limited state of the network. CONCLUSIONS: Changes
      that affect IGF1R occupancy have predictable effects on IGF1-induced
      proliferation and our model captured these effects. Analysis of this model
      suggests that IGF1R antibodies will be more effective than IGF1 antibodies,
      although the difference was minimal in conditions with low levels of IGF1 and
      IGFBPs. Examining how different components of the IGF system influence cell
      response will be critical to improve our understanding of the IGF signaling
      network in ovarian cancer.

PMID- 25115506
TI  - Assessing neonatal heat balance and physiological strain in newborn infants
      nursed under radiant warmers in intensive care with fentanyl sedation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess heat balance status of newborn infants nursed under radiant
      warmers (RWs) during intensive care. METHODS: Heat balance, thermal status and
      primary indicators of physiological strain were concurrently measured in 14
      newborns nursed under RWs for 105 min. Metabolic heat production (M), evaporative
      heat loss (E), convective (C) and conductive heat flow (K), rectal temperature (T
      re) and mean skin temperatures (T sk) were measured continuously. The rate of
      radiant heat required for heat balance (R req) and the rate of radiant heat
      provided (R prov) were derived. The rate of body heat storage (S) was calculated
      using a two-compartment model of 'core' (T re) and 'shell' (T sk) temperatures.
      RESULTS: Mean M, E, C and K were 10.5 +/- 2.7 W, 5.8 +/- 1.1 W, 6.2 +/- 0.8 W and
      0.1 +/- 0.1 W, respectively. Mean R prov (1.7 +/- 2.6 W) and R req (1.7 +/- 2.7
      W) were similar (p > 0.05). However, while the resultant mean change in body heat
      content after 105 min was negligible (-0.1 +/- 3.7 kJ), acute time-dependent
      changes in S were evidenced by a mean positive heat storage component of +6.4 +/-
      2.6 kJ and a mean negative heat storage component of -6.5 +/- 3.7 kJ.
      Accordingly, large fluctuations in both T re and T sk occurred that were actively
      induced by changes in RW output. Nonetheless, no active physiological responses
      (heart rate, breathing frequency and mean arterial pressure) to these bouts of
      heating and cooling were observed. CONCLUSIONS: RWs maintain net heat balance
      over a prolonged period, but actively induce acute bouts of heat imbalance that
      cause rapid changes in T re and T sk. Transient bouts of heat storage do not
      exacerbate physiological strain, but could in the longer term.

PMID- 25115508
TI  - Late reactivation of occult hepatitis B virus infection in a patient with chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia after rituximab and fludarabine-based regimen.

PMID- 25115507
TI  - Combined caffeine and carbohydrate ingestion: effects on nocturnal sleep and
      exercise performance in athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE: In athletes, caffeine use is common although its effects on sleep have
      not been widely studied. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      crossover trial investigated the effects of late-afternoon caffeine and
      carbohydrate-electrolyte (CEB) co-ingestion on cycling performance and nocturnal
      sleep. METHODS: Six male cyclists/triathletes (age 27.5 +/- 6.9 years) completed
      an afternoon training session (TS; cycling 80 min; 65% VO2max) followed by a 5 kJ
      kg(-1) cycling time trial (TT). Caffeine (split dose 2 * 3 mg kg(-1)) or placebo
      was administered 1 h prior and 40 min into the TS. A 7.4% CEB (3 ml kg(-1) every
      15 min) was administered during the TS, followed 30 min after by a standardised
      evening meal. Participants retired at their usual bedtime and indices of sleep
      duration and quality were monitored via polysomnography. DATA: mean +/- SD.
      RESULTS: All participants performed better in the caffeine TT (caffeine 19.7 +/-
      3.3; placebo 20.5 +/- 3.5 min; p = 0.006), while ratings of perceived exertion
      (caffeine 12.0 +/- 0.6; placebo 12.9 +/- 0.7; p = 0.004) and heart rate (caffeine
      175 +/- 6; placebo 167 +/- 11 bpm; p = 0.085) were lower in the caffeine TS.
      Caffeine intake induced significant disruptions to a number of sleep indices
      including increased sleep onset latency (caffeine 51.1 +/- 34.7; placebo 10.2 +/-
      4.2 min; p = 0.028) and decreased sleep efficiency (caffeine 76.1 +/- 19.6;
      placebo 91.5 +/- 4.2%; p = 0.028), rapid eye movement sleep (caffeine 62.1 +/-
      19.6; placebo 85.8 +/- 24.7 min; p = 0.028) and total sleep time (caffeine 391 +/
      97; placebo 464 +/- 49 min; p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports a
      performance-enhancing effect of caffeine, although athletes (especially those
      using caffeine for late-afternoon/evening training and competition) should
      consider its deleterious effects on sleep.

PMID- 25115509
TI  - Comparison of different DNA extraction methods from peripheral blood cells:
      advice from the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi Minimal Residual Disease Network.
AB  - Genomic DNA extraction is a primary component of genomic research and diagnostic
      routine analysis. Recently, the importance of this process has been highlighted
      by the necessity to standardize the diagnostic procedure. In this regard, the
      Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Network of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL
      MRD Network) has performed a comparative study of four different commercially
      available kits for DNA extraction, applying them on a panel of cellular pellets,
      with the aim of defining possible technical recommendations in order to harmonize
      and standardize diagnostic procedures in the clinical setting. Overall, all four
      kits usually allowed the recovery of a significant quantity of high-quality DNA
      (in most conditions), although specific indications could be addressed for
      cellular pellets of different sizes.

PMID- 25115510
TI  - Lack of myeloproliferative neoplasm-associated CALR mutations in acute
      promyelocytic leukemia.

PMID- 25115511
TI  - Calreticulin gene mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms without Janus kinase
      2 mutations.
AB  - Calreticulin, an endoplasmic reticulum protein with multiple functions involving
      chaperone activity and calcium homeostasis, plays an important role in cellular
      proliferation and differentiation. Calreticulin dysfunction is known to be
      associated with different cancers. Very recently, calreticulin mutations have
      been identified in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), with a particularly high
      frequency in MPNs without Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mutations, which exhibit clinical
      characteristics different from those with mutant JAK2. Here, we focus on the
      structure, function and carcinogenicity of calreticulin, as well as its
      relationship with MPNs not involving JAK2 mutations. 

PMID- 25115512
TI  - PRDM1/BLIMP1: a tumor suppressor gene in B and T cell lymphomas.
AB  - The gene encoding the human BLIMP1, prdm1, is located on chromosome 6q21, a locus
      frequently deleted in lymphoid tumors. BLIMP1 is able to silence its target genes
      in a context-dependent manner through different mechanisms. BLIMP1 is expressed
      in both B and T cells, in which it plays important functions. In B cells, BLIMP1
      acts as the master regulator of plasma cell differentiation, repressed by BCL6
      and repressing both BCL6 and PAX5. In T cells, BLIMP1 is a critical factor for
      most terminal effector cell differentiation in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. BLIMP1
      is frequently inactivated in a variety of lymphomas, including diffuse large B
      cell lymphomas, Natural Killer cell lymphoma and anaplastic large T cell
      lymphoma. In this review, we will summarize the role of BLIMP1 in normal cells,
      focusing on lymphoid cells, and on its function as tumor suppressor gene in
      lymphomas. 

PMID- 25115513
TI  - Significance of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variants in acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia in Indian population: an experimental, computational and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) arises due to several genetic alterations in
      progenitor cells, and methotrexate is frequently used as part of the treatment
      regimen. Although there is evidence for an effect of 5,10
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C variations on
      drug response in ALL, its risk association for ALL is still unresolved. In a case
      control study of 203 patients with ALL and 246 controls and meta-analysis in the
      Indian population, we showed an insignificant association of MTHFR C677T and
      A1298C genotypes with childhood and adult ALL. Comprehensive in silico
      characterization of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) and
      SNPs of the 3' untranslated region (UTR) revealed nine nsSNPs as deleterious, and
      three SNPs in the 3'UTR could possibly alter the binding of miRNAs. The study
      revealed that several overlooked SNPs may contribute to the risk of ALL
      susceptibility and further studies of these SNPs with functional characterization
      in a large sample size are required to understand the significant role of MTHFR
      in ALL development. 

PMID- 25115514
TI  - Identification of linoleic acid, a main component of the n-hexane fraction from
      Dryopteris crassirhizoma, as an anti-Streptococcus mutans biofilm agent.
AB  - Dryopteris crassirhizoma is a semi-evergreen plant. Previous studies have shown
      the potential of this plant as an agent for the control of cariogenic biofilms.
      In this study, the main antibacterial components of the plant were identified by
      correlating gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data with the antibacterial
      activity of chloroform and n-hexane fractions and then evaluating the activity of
      the most potent antibacterial component against Streptococcus mutans UA159
      biofilms. The most potent antibacterial component was linoleic acid, a main
      component of the n-hexane fraction. Linoleic acid reduced viability in a dose
      dependent manner and reduced biofilm accumulation during initial and mature
      biofilm formation. Furthermore, when the biofilms were briefly treated with
      linoleic acid (10 min/treatment, a total of six times), the dry weight of the
      biofilms was significantly diminished. In addition, the anti-biofilm activity of
      the n-hexane fraction was similar to that of linoleic acid. These results suggest
      that the n-hexane fraction of D. crassirhizoma and linoleic acid may be useful
      for controlling cariogenic biofilms. 

PMID- 25115516
TI  - Membrane biofouling characterization: effects of sample preparation procedures on
      biofilm structure and the microbial community.
AB  - Ensuring the quality and reproducibility of results from biofilm structure and
      microbial community analysis is essential to membrane biofouling studies. This
      study evaluated the impacts of three sample preparation factors (ie number of
      buffer rinses, storage time at 4 degrees C, and DNA extraction method) on the
      downstream analysis of nitrifying biofilms grown on ultrafiltration membranes.
      Both rinse and storage affected biofilm structure, as suggested by their strong
      correlation with total biovolume, biofilm thickness, roughness and the spatial
      distribution of EPS. Significant variations in DNA yields and microbial community
      diversity were also observed among samples treated by different rinses, storage
      and DNA extraction methods. For the tested biofilms, two rinses, no storage and
      DNA extraction with both mechanical and chemical cell lysis from attached biofilm
      were the optimal sample preparation procedures for obtaining accurate information
      about biofilm structure, EPS distribution and the microbial community. 

PMID- 25115515
TI  - Growth and development of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite: time and
      spatially resolved structure and chemistry of the base plate.
AB  - The radial growth and advancement of the adhesive interface to the substratum of
      many species of acorn barnacles occurs underwater and beneath an opaque,
      calcified shell. Here, the time-dependent growth processes involving various
      autofluorescent materials within the interface of live barnacles are imaged for
      the first time using 3D time-lapse confocal microscopy. Key features of the
      interface development in the striped barnacle, Amphibalanus (= Balanus)
      amphitrite were resolved in situ and include advancement of the
      barnacle/substratum interface, epicuticle membrane development, protein
      secretion, and calcification. Microscopic and spectroscopic techniques provide ex
      situ material identification of regions imaged by confocal microscopy. In situ
      and ex situ analysis of the interface support the hypothesis that barnacle
      interface development is a complex process coupling sequential, timed secretory
      events and morphological changes. This results in a multi-layered interface that
      concomitantly fulfills the roles of strongly adhering to a substratum while
      permitting continuous molting and radial growth at the periphery. 

PMID- 25115517
TI  - Identification and characterization of microbial biofilm communities associated
      with corroded oil pipeline surfaces.
AB  - Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) has long been implicated in the
      deterioration of carbon steel in oil and gas pipeline systems. The authors sought
      to identify and characterize sessile biofilm communities within a high
      temperature oil production pipeline, and to compare the profiles of the biofilm
      community with those of the previously analyzed planktonic communities.
      Eubacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA sequences of DNA recovered from extracted
      pipeline pieces, termed 'cookies,' revealed the presence of thermophilic
      sulfidogenic anaerobes, as well as mesophilic aerobes. Electron microscopy and
      elemental analysis of cookies confirmed the presence of sessile cells and
      chemical constituents consistent with corrosive biofilms. Mass spectrometry of
      cookie acid washes identified putative hydrocarbon metabolites, while surface
      profiling revealed pitting and general corrosion damage. The results suggest that
      in an established closed system, the biofilm taxa are representative of the
      planktonic eubacterial and archaeal community, and that sampling and monitoring
      of the planktonic bacterial population can offer insight into biocorrosion
      activity. Additionally, hydrocarbon biodegradation is likely to sustain these
      communities. The importance of appropriate sample handling and storage procedures
      to oilfield MIC diagnostics is highlighted. 

PMID- 25115518
TI  - Fouling in your own nest: vessel noise increases biofouling.
AB  - Globally billions of dollars are spent each year on attempting to reduce marine
      biofouling on commercial vessels, largely because it results in higher fuel costs
      due to increased hydrodynamic drag. Biofouling has been long assumed to be
      primarily due to the availability of vacant space on the surface of the hull.
      Here, it is shown that the addition of the noise emitted through a vessel's hull
      in port increases the settlement and growth of biofouling organisms within four
      weeks of clean surfaces being placed in the sea. More than twice as many
      bryozoans, oysters, calcareous tube worms and barnacles settled and established
      on surfaces with vessel noise compared to those without. Likewise, individuals
      from three species grew significantly larger in size in the presence of vessel
      noise. The results demonstrate that vessel noise in port is promoting biofouling
      on hulls and that underwater sound plays a much wider ecological role in the
      marine environment than was previously considered possible. 

PMID- 25115519
TI  - Presence and function of a thick mucous layer rich in polysaccharides around
      Bacillus subtilis spores.
AB  - This study was designed to establish the presence and function of the mucous
      layer surrounding spores of Bacillus subtilis. First, an external layer of
      variable thickness and regularity was often observed on B. subtilis spores.
      Further analyses were performed on B. subtilis 98/7 spores surrounded by a thick
      layer. The mechanical removal of the layer did not affect their resistance to
      heat or their ability to germinate but rendered the spore less hydrophilic, more
      adherent to stainless steel, and more resistant to cleaning. This layer was
      mainly composed of 6-deoxyhexoses, ie rhamnose, 3-O-methyl-rhamnose and
      quinovose, but also of glucosamine and muramic lactam, known also to be a part of
      the bacterial peptidoglycan. The specific hydrolysis of the peptidoglycan using
      lysozyme altered the structure of the required mucous layer and affected the
      physico-chemical properties of the spores. Such an outermost mucous layer has
      also been seen on spores of B. licheniformis and B. clausii isolated from food
      environments. 

PMID- 25115520
TI  - The significance of calcium ions on Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms - a
      structural and mechanical study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of calcium ions on the
      structural and mechanical properties of Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms grown
      for 48 h. Advanced investigative techniques such as confocal laser scanning
      microscopy and atomic force spectroscopy were employed to characterize biofilm
      structure as well as biofilm mechanical properties following growth at different
      calcium concentrations. The presence of calcium during biofilm development led to
      higher surface coverage with distinct structural phenotypes in the form of a
      granular and heterogeneous surface, compared with the smoother and homogeneous
      biofilm surface in the absence of calcium. The presence of calcium also increased
      the adhesive nature of the biofilm, while reducing its elastic properties. These
      results suggest that calcium ions could have a functional role in biofilm
      development and have practical implications, for example, in analysis of
      biofouling in membrane-based water-treatment processes such as nanofiltration or
      reverse osmosis where elevated calcium concentrations may occur at the solid
      liquid interface. 

PMID- 25115521
TI  - Antifouling properties of zinc oxide nanorod coatings.
AB  - In laboratory experiments, the antifouling (AF) properties of zinc oxide (ZnO)
      nanorod coatings were investigated using the marine bacterium Acinetobacter sp.
      AZ4C, larvae of the bryozoan Bugula neritina and the microalga Tetraselmis sp.
      ZnO nanorod coatings were fabricated on microscope glass substrata by a simple
      hydrothermal technique using two different molar concentrations (5 and 10 mM) of
      zinc precursors. These coatings were tested for 5 h under artificial sunlight
      (1060 W m(-2) or 530 W m(-2)) and in the dark (no irradiation). In the presence
      of light, both the ZnO nanorod coatings significantly reduced the density of
      Acinetobacter sp. AZ4C and Tetraselmis sp. in comparison to the control
      (microscope glass substratum without a ZnO coating). High mortality and low
      settlement of B. neritina larvae was observed on ZnO nanorod coatings subjected
      to light irradiation. In darkness, neither mortality nor enhanced settlement of
      larvae was observed. Larvae of B. neritina were not affected by Zn(2+) ions. The
      AF effect of the ZnO nanorod coatings was thus attributed to the reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) produced by photocatalysis. It was concluded that ZnO nanorod
      coatings effectively prevented marine micro and macrofouling in static
      conditions. 

PMID- 25115522
TI  - I am pregnant and want to do better but i can't: focus groups with low-income
      overweight and obese pregnant women.
AB  - This study was conducted to identify factors that influenced stress, healthy
      eating and physical activity among low-income overweight or obese pregnant women.
      We conducted seven focus groups with 96 low-income overweight and obese pregnant
      women. Common themes were identified from audio tapes and transcripts. Women said
      that poor communication affected their relationships with spouses or significant
      others. They were frustrated or upset with significant others for three key
      reasons: failure to understand or listen to the pregnant women's pregnancy
      concerns, refusal to be helpful when asked and being overly concerned with the
      woman's safety. Most women said that they were emotional and took naps throughout
      the day after becoming pregnant. Many withdrew from their social interactions.
      They also faced numerous challenges that made healthy eating more difficult,
      e.g., craving for unhealthy foods and eating foods for comfort. To eat healthier,
      some reminded themselves to avoid overeating or stop eating in the car. Women
      were not physically active because of tiredness, lack of motivation, inadequate
      social support, or bad weather. Some stayed physically active to prevent
      excessive pregnancy weight gain and have an easier labor. Women equivocally said
      weighing themselves to manage weight would add to their stress and make them feel
      more depressed. When designing interventions to help low-income overweight and
      obese pregnant women avoid excessive pregnancy weight gain, it is important to
      include information and practical advice on stress management, emphasizing
      effective communication skills with significant others and helping them plan
      effective ways to manage negative feelings.

PMID- 25115523
TI  - Inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase increases the
      expression of interferon-responsive genes.
AB  - The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) pathway is an
      important metabolic route that is present in almost every organism. However,
      whether HMGCR affects the expression of interferon (IFN)-responsive genes is
      unclear. In the present study, expression levels of IFN-responsive genes were
      monitored by real time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay. The results showed that expression levels of IFN-responsive genes were
      significantly increased in HMGCR-downregulated cells and HMGCR inhibitor-treated
      cells, indicating that inhibition of HMGCR activates the expression of IFN
      responsive genes. The result in this study will provide new insight into the role
      of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase in antiviral research.

PMID- 25115524
TI  - Congenital microcephaly and chorioretinopathy due to de novo heterozygous KIF11
      mutations: five novel mutations and review of the literature.
AB  - The microcephaly-lymphedema-chorioretinal dysplasia (MLCRD) syndrome is a
      distinct microcephaly syndrome. The hallmark features, microcephaly,
      chorioretinopathy, and lymphedema are frequently recognized at birth. Another
      clinical entity, the chorioretinal dysplasia, microcephaly and mental retardation
      syndrome (CDMMR) is a highly overlapping syndrome characterized by more variable
      lymphedema. Recently, heterozygous mutations in KIF11, a gene encoding a critical
      spindle motor protein of the Kinesin family, have been reported in individuals
      with MLCRD, and in individuals with CDMMR. This finding is suggestive of a single
      clinically variable spectrum. Here, we report on de novo novel mutations of KIF11
      in five individuals with severe microcephaly, marked simplification of the gyral
      pattern on neuroimaging, bilateral chorioretinopathy, and developmental delay.
      Three patients had congenital lymphedema, and one had congenital bilateral
      sensorineural hearing loss. This report, therefore, further expands the clinical
      and molecular spectrum of KIF11-associated microcephaly.

PMID- 25115526
TI  - Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in a clinical presentation of Fitz-Hugh
      Curtis syndrome: a case report with multigene diagnostic approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) is caused by inflammation of
      perihepatic capsules associated with pelvic inflammatory disease. In recent
      years, infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been increasingly
      occurring in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. However, NTM has
      never been reported in patients with FHCS. We present the first case of a patient
      with extrapulmonary NTM infection in a clinical presentation of FHCS. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old Korean woman presented with right upper quadrant and
      suprapubic pain. She was initially suspected to have FHCS. However, she was
      refractory to conventional antibiotic therapy. Laparoscopy revealed multiple
      violin-string adhesions of the parietal peritoneum to the liver and miliary-like
      nodules on the peritoneal surfaces. Diagnosis of NTM was confirmed by the
      polymerase chain reaction analysis results of biopsy specimens that showed
      caseating granulomas with positive acid-fast bacilli. Treatment with anti-NTM
      medications was initiated, and the patient's symptoms were considerably
      ameliorated. CONCLUSIONS: An awareness of NTM as potential pathogens, even in
      previously healthy adults, and efforts to exclude other confounding diseases are
      important to establish the diagnosis of NTM disease. NTM infection can cause
      various clinical manifestations, which in the present case, overlapped with the
      symptoms of perihepatic inflammation seen in FHCS.

PMID- 25115527
TI  - Response to: "Oral manifestations and blood profile in patients with iron
      deficiency anemia".

PMID- 25115528
TI  - Oral manifestations and blood profile in patients with iron deficiency anemia.

PMID- 25115529
TI  - Mobile phone use and health symptoms in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To investigate the mobile phone (MP) use for talking in
      relation to health symptoms among 2042 children aged 11-15 years in Taiwan.
      METHODS: A nationwide, cross-sectional study, using the computer assisted
      telephone interview (CATI) technique, was conducted in 2009 to collect
      information on children's utilization of MPs and the perceived health symptoms
      reported by their parents. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MP use in the past
      month was estimated at 63.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 61.1-65.3%]. MP use
      was associated with a significantly increased adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for
      headaches and migraine (1.42, 95% CI = 1.12-1.81) and skin itches (1.84, 95% CI =
      1.47-2.29). Children who regularly used MPs were also considered to have a health
      status worse than it was 1 year ago (beta = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.17-0.37).
      CONCLUSION: Although the cross-sectional design precludes the causal inference
      for the observed association, our study tended to suggest a need for more
      cautious use of MPs in children, because children are expected to experience a
      longer lifetime exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from
      MPs.

PMID- 25115530
TI  - A novel anabolic agent: a simvastatin analogue without HMG-CoA reductase
      inhibitory activity.
AB  - For the first time, structural information regarding the role of simvastatin in
      bone anabolism is described, and a bone-specific statin is introduced.
      Polyaspartate-conjugated simvastatin was synthesized by solid-phase synthesis
      with the assistance of microwave irradiation. It displays significant bone
      targeting and bone formation with less toxicity than simvastatin. 

PMID- 25115531
TI  - Epidemiology of varicella zoster virus infection in Canada and the United Kingdom
      - CORRIGENDUM.

PMID- 25115537
TI  - Comparison of temporal muscle fascia and cartilage grafts in pediatric
      tympanoplasties.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare anatomic and functional outcomes of the different graft
      materials used in pediatric tympanoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients
      younger than 18 years of age and who had tympanoplasty between 2010 and 2012 were
      included in the study. Temporal muscle fascia or cartilage was used as the graft
      material. The age, gender, the side of the operated ear, the operation technique,
      pre- and postoperative audiological results, and the status of the graft were
      noted. An intact graft and an air-bone gap (ABG) <= 20 were regarded as surgical
      success in the postoperative period. Audiograms obtained before surgery and 1
      year after surgery were used for the comparison. RESULTS: Sixty pediatric cases
      were included in the study. Fascia graft was used as the graft material in 35 of
      them, and cartilage was used in 25 patients. The graft success rate was 82.9% in
      the fascia group while it was 92% in the cartilage group. In the fascia group
      preoperative ABG was 28.2 +/- 10.1 dB, postoperative ABG was 15.1 +/- 10.2dB, and
      postoperative gain was 13.1 +/- 9.6 dB. In the cartilage group, preoperative ABG
      was 28.9 +/- 10.2dB, and postoperative ABG was 16.8 +/- 10.3 dB with a
      postoperative gain of 12.1 +/- 6.8 dB. The differences between the fascia and the
      cartilage groups were not statistically significant either for hearing gain or
      graft success rate. CONCLUSION: Cartilage and fascia grafts yield similar results
      for hearing gain and graft success rate in pediatric tympanoplasty.

PMID- 25115538
TI  - Reproducibility and repeatability of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer
      thickness measurements in healthy subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the reproducibility and repeatability of macular ganglion cell
      inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness measurements in healthy subjects.
      PROCEDURES: In this observational study, 60 healthy eyes were subjected to
      macular GC-IPL thickness measurements by means of CirrusTM high-definition
      optical coherence tomography (Cirrus version 6.0; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin,
      Calif., USA) by two examiners in two sessions. Average, minimum and 6 sectoral GC
      IPL thicknesses were measured. Inter- and intraobserver reproducibility was
      tested and analyzed by means of the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC).
      The repeatability of measurements was assessed by the coefficient of
      repeatability (CR). RESULTS: Mean age (+/-SD) was 29.63 (+/-5.1) years. The CRs
      for average GC-IPL thickness were 2.1 and 2.2 um for the first and the second
      operator, respectively. Inter- and intraobserver CCCs ranged from 0.91 (95% CI:
      0.89-0.93) to 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99) and from 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88-0.94) to 0.98
      (95% CI: 0.97-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: GC-IPL thickness measurements in
      young healthy subjects showed excellent reproducibility and repeatability,
      especially for average and sectoral GC-IPL thickness measurements.

PMID- 25115539
TI  - Bone loss and osteoporosis are associated with conversion from mild cognitive
      impairment to Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between low bone
      mineral density (BMD) and conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia in a Chinese cohort. METHODS: Men and women
      (n=946) aged 60-75 underwent a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) study of the
      lumbar spine and hip and were followed annually for 5 years. Their cognitive and
      functional status were assessed using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental
      State Examination (MMSE) and an assessment of the instrumental activities of
      daily living (ADL). RESULTS: There was a positive relationship between
      osteoporosis and a decline in cognition and function (P<0.001) based on MMSE and
      ADL scores. The subjects with BMD values in the lowest quartile had a 2-fold
      increased risk of AD conversion compared with the controls. These results suggest
      that severe BMD loss is associated with an increased risk of AD conversion in
      both women and men. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis was associated with an increased
      risk of incident AD dementia. Additionally, low BMD at baseline was associated
      with an increased risk of AD in both women and men.

PMID- 25115540
TI  - Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in Down's syndrome hippocampus during
      development: increased expression in astrocytes.
AB  - Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is highly expressed throughout the
      forebrain and hippocampus. Several lines of evidence support the role of this
      receptor in brain development and developmental disorders, as well as in
      neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study,
      the expression pattern of mGluR5 was investigated by immunocytochemistry in the
      developing hippocampus from patients with Down's syndrome (DS) and in adults with
      DS and AD. mGluR5 was expressed in developing human hippocampus from the earliest
      stages tested (9 gestational weeks), with strong expression in the
      ventricular/subventricular zones. We observed a consistent similar temporal and
      spatial neuronal pattern of expression in DS hippocampus. However, in DS we
      detected increased prenatal mGluR5 expression in white matter astrocytes, which
      persisted postnatally. In addition, in adult DS patients with widespread
      ADassociated neurodegeneration (DS-AD) increased mGluR5 expression was detected
      in astrocytes around amyloid plaque. In vitro data confirm the existence of a
      modulatory crosstalk between amyloid-beta and mGluR5 in human astrocytes. These
      findings demonstrate a developmental regulation of mGluR5 in human hippocampus
      and suggest a role for this receptor in astrocytes during early development in DS
      hippocampus, as well as a potential contribution to the pathogenesis of
      ADassociated pathology. 

PMID- 25115542
TI  - Fluoxetine improves behavioral performance by suppressing the production of
      soluble beta-amyloid in APP/PS1 mice.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder of the
      central nervous system. Current approaches for AD treatment only ameliorate
      symptoms. Therapeutic strategies that target the pathological processes of the
      disease remain elusive. Fluoxetine (FLX) is one of the most widely used
      antidepressants for the treatment of depression and anxiety associated with AD,
      however, it is unknown if the drug affects the pathogenesis of the disease. We
      showed that FLX improved spatial memory, learning and emotional behaviors of
      APP/PS1 mice, a well characterized model of AD. In the same mice, FLX effectively
      prevented the protein loss of synaptophysin (SYP) and microtubuleassociated
      protein 2 (MAP2). FLX was unable to prevent plaque formation, but significantly
      lowered high levels of soluble beta-amyloid (Abeta) in brain tissue,
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood sera. FLX also effectively inhibited the
      phosphorylation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) at T668, which may be a
      possible mechanism of the reduced Abeta production in APP/PS1 mouse after
      treatment. 

PMID- 25115541
TI  - Severe psychiatric disorders in mid-life and risk of dementia in late- life (age
      65-84 years): a population based case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of mid-life exposure to several psychiatric
      disorders with the development of late-life dementia. METHODS: A matched case
      control study using Western Australian state-wide hospital inpatient, outpatient
      mental health and emergency records linked to death records. Incident dementia
      cases (2000-2009) aged 65 to 84 years were sex- and age-matched to an electoral
      roll control. Records as far back as 1970 were used to assess exposure to medical
      risk factors before age 65 years. Candidate psychiatric risk factors were
      required to be present at least 10 years before dementia onset to ensure
      direction of potential causality. Odds ratios were estimated using conditional
      logistic regression. RESULTS: 13, 568 dementia cases (median age 78.7 years, 43.4
      % male) were matched to a control. Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia,
      anxiety disorder and alcohol dependence were found to be significant and
      independent risk factors for late-life dementia after adjusting for diabetes,
      heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and smoking risk factors. The effect of a
      history of depression, schizophrenia and alcohol dependency on dementia risk
      varied with age, being strongest for earlier onset late-life dementia and waning
      at older ages. CONCLUSION: Severe depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder,
      schizophrenia and alcoholic dependency disorder treated by specialists in
      psychiatric facilities in mid-life are important risk factors for late-life
      dementia. These psychiatric conditions need to be considered in future studies of
      the risk and prevention of late-life dementia.

PMID- 25115543
TI  - Intraventricular human immunoglobulin distributes extensively but fails to modify
      amyloid in a mouse model of amyloid deposition.
AB  - Intravenous immunoglobulin infusions into Alzheimer patients have been found to
      provide cognitive benefit over a period of 6 mo in open label studies. One
      suggestion has been that these preparations contain small amounts of antibodies
      directed against monomeric and oligomeric Abeta which underlie their
      effectiveness in patients. To test this hypothesis, we infused Gammagard, a
      version of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), into the lateral ventricle of
      amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice with pre-existing amyloid
      deposits. Mice were infused over 4 weeks, and tested behaviorally for the last 2
      weeks of treatment. Brains were analyzed for histopathology. We found widespread
      distribution of human-immunoglobulin G (h-IgG) staining in the mouse forebrain,
      including cerebral cortices and hippocampus. Some cortical neurons appeared to
      concentrate the h-IgG, but we did not detect evidence of amyloid plaque labeling
      by h-IgG. The IVIG-treated mice had no change in phenotype compared to saline
      infused animals with respect to activity, learning and memory, or amyloid
      deposition. APP mice infused with an anti-Abeta monoclonal antibody did show some
      reduction in amyloid deposits. These data do not support the argument that anti
      Abeta antibodies in IVIG preparations are responsible for cognitive benefits seen
      with these preparations.

PMID- 25115544
TI  - Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment preserves and protects primary rat
      hippocampal neurons and primary human brain cultures against oxidative insults.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by deleterious accumulation of amyloid
      beta (Abeta) peptide into senile plaque, neurofibrillary tangles formed from
      hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and loss of cholinergic synapses in the cerebral
      cortex. The deposition of Abeta-loaded plaques results in microglial activation
      and subsequent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including free
      radicals. Neurons in aging and AD brains are particularly vulnerable to ROS and
      other toxic stimuli. Therefore, agents that decrease the vulnerability of neurons
      against ROS may provide therapeutic values for the treatment or prevention of AD.
      In the present study, our goal was to test whether intravenous immunoglobulin
      (IVIG) treatment could preserve as well as protect neurons from oxidative damage.
      We report that treatment with IVIG protects neuronal viability and synaptic
      proteins in primary rat hippocampal neurons. Further, we demonstrate the
      tolerability of IVIG treatment in the primary human fetal mixed brain cultures.
      Indeed, a high dose (20 mg/ml) of IVIG treatment was well-tolerated by primary
      human brain cultures that exhibit a normal neuronal phenotype. We also observed a
      potent neuropreservatory effect of IVIG against ROS-mediated oxidative insults in
      these human fetal brain cultures. These results indicate that IVIG treatment has
      great potential to preserve and protect primary human neuronal-enriched cultures
      and to potentially rescue dying neurons from oxidative insults. Therefore, our
      findings suggest that IVIG treatment may represent an important therapeutic agent
      for clinical trials designed to prevent and delay the onset of neurodegeneration
      as well as AD pathology.

PMID- 25115545
TI  - Role of complement systems in IVIG mediated attenuation of cognitive
      deterioration in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been indicated as a potential therapy
      for autoimmune neurological disorders, as well as in many neurodegenerative
      diseases, with various underlying therapeutic mechanisms such as regulation of T
      cell trafficking, cytokines, Fc receptor blocking, and interruption of complement
      activation cascade. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), IVIG presents naturally
      occurring antibodies against amyloid-beta (Abeta) aggregation, thus IVIG
      immunotherapy may increase the clearance of Abeta and protect brain function.
      Recently, we and others reported that besides Abeta clearance, IVIG specifically
      regulates the levels of complement-derived anaphylatoxins, such as C5a and C3,
      which play an important role in the regulation of AMPA and NMDA receptor
      expression in the brain and further upregulate the AMPA-PKA-CREB signaling
      pathway and synaptic function in AD mouse models. Since down-regulation of
      complement components has been linked with deficits of cognitive function in age
      related dementia following the decline of innate immunity during aging, the IVIG
      immunotherapy could be an attractive novel AD therapeutic through its local
      regulation of C3, C5a component levels in brain. 

PMID- 25115546
TI  - Intravenous immunoglobulins for Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease associated with
      intracerebral accumulation of aggregated amyloid-beta (Abeta) and tau proteins,
      as well as neuroinflammation. Human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a
      mixture of polyclonal IgG antibodies isolated and pooled from thousands of
      healthy human donors. The scientific rationale for testing IVIG as a potential AD
      treatment include its natural anti-Abeta antibody activity, its favorable safety
      profile and inherent anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory properties. Over the past
      decade, several clinical and pre-clinical experimental findings, advanced our
      knowledge about biological and therapeutic properties of IVIG that are relevant
      to AD therapy. Anti-amyloid antibodies in IVIG show significantly higher binding
      avidity for amyloid oligomers and fibrils than for Abeta monomers. In a double
      transgenic murine model of AD, intracerebral injection of IVIG causes suppression
      of Abeta fibril pathology whereas long term peripheral IVIG treatments causes
      elevation of total brain Abeta levels with no measurable impact on Abeta deposits
      or tendency for inducing cerebral microhemmorhage. Furthermore, chronic IVIG
      treatment suppressed neuroinflammation and fostered adult hippocampal
      neurogenesis. In clinical studies with AD patients, IVIG showed an acceptable
      safety profile and has not been reported to increase the incidence of amyloid
      related imaging abnormalities. Preliminary studies on small number of patients
      reported clinical benefits in mild to moderate stage AD patients. However, double
      blind, placebo controlled studies later did not replicate those initial findings.
      Interestingly though, in APOE4 carriers and in moderate disease stage subgroups,
      positive cognitive signals were reported. Nevertheless, both clinical and
      experimental (mouse) studies show that antibodies in IVIG can accumulate in CNS
      and its biological activities include neutralization of Abeta oligomers,
      suppression of neuroinflammation and immunomodulation. Identifying mediators of
      IVIG's effects at the cellular and molecular level is warranted. In light of its
      favourable safety profile and aforementioned biological properties, IVIG is still
      an enigmatic experimental candidate with enormous potential for being an AD
      therapeutic. 

PMID- 25115548
TI  - Pyloric gland adenoma observed by magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging.

PMID- 25115547
TI  - Homocysteine and nitrite levels are modulated by MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism in
      obese women treated with simvastatin.
AB  - Higher homocysteine (Hcy) levels are associated with cardiovascular risk. The aim
      of the present study was to evaluate the effect of simvastatin treatment on
      circulating Hcy levels in obese women without hypertension, diabetes or
      dyslipidaemia; and to determine whether the 677C>T polymorphism located in
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (NAD(P)H) (MTHFR) gene modulates the effects
      of this treatment on Hcy and nitrite (as a biomarker of nitric oxide (NO)
      bioavailability). Twenty-five obese women (body mass index >= 30 kg/m(2) ) who
      had received 20 mg/day simvastatin for 6 weeks were enrolled in the study. Venous
      blood samples were collected to measure plasma biomarkers and gene polymorphisms.
      Simvastatin treatment significantly reduced total cholesterol, low-density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein and Hcy, whereas nitrite levels were increased.
      The reduction in Hcy levels in carriers of the T allele was -20.3% compared with 
      9.4% in patients with the CC genotype. Importantly, before treatment, nitrite
      levels were significantly higher in patients with the CC genotype compared with T
      allele carriers, whereas after treatment these levels were similar between
      groups. Our findings demonstrate that obese women without comorbidities and
      carrying the T variant of the 677C>T polymorphism of MTHFR exhibit benefits with
      simvastatin treatment, mainly in terms of increased NO levels. 

PMID- 25115549
TI  - Do the genes of the innate immune response contribute to neuroprotection in
      Drosophila?
AB  - A profound debate exists on the relationship between neurodegeneration and the
      innate immune response in humans. Although it is clear that such a relation
      exists, the causes and consequences of this complex association remain to be
      determined in detail. Drosophila is being used to investigate the mechanisms
      involved in neurodegeneration, and all genomic studies on this issue have
      generated gene catalogues enriched in genes of the innate immune response. We
      review the data reported in these publications and propose that the abundance of
      immune genes in studies of neurodegeneration reflects at least two phenomena: (i)
      some proteins have functions in both immune and nervous systems, and (ii) immune
      genes might also be of neuroprotective value in Drosophila. This review opens
      this debate in Drosophila, which could thus be used as an instrumental model to
      elucidate this question.

PMID- 25115550
TI  - (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in brown adipose tissue during insulin-induced
      hypoglycemia and mild cold exposure in non-diabetic adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hypoglycemia is associated with increased heat production and, despite
      of this, hypothermia. Heat production is likely to be mediated by sympathetic
      innervation. Brown adipose tissue is activated by cold exposure and stimulated by
      the sympathetic nervous system. We therefore examined the effect of hypoglycemia
      on uptake of the labeled glucose analogue (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose in brown
      adipose tissue using positron emission tomography and computer tomography.
      METHODS: In nine healthy adults (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake as measure of
      brown adipose tissue activity was assessed in a cold environment (17  degrees C)
      during euglycemia (blood glucose 4.5 mmol/L) and hypoglycemia (2.5 mmol/L) using
      a hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp. RESULTS: Brown adipose tissue activity was
      observed in all participants. No difference was observed in the median (range)
      maximal standardized uptake values of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose in brown adipose
      tissue between euglycemia and hypoglycemia: 4.2 (1.0-7.7) versus 3.1 (2.2-12.5)
      g/mL (p=0.7). Similarly there were no differences in mean standardized (18)F
      fluorodeoxyglucose uptake values or total brown adipose tissue volume between
      euglycemia and hypoglycemia. Body temperature dropped by 0.6  degrees C from
      baseline during the hypoglycemic condition and remained unchanged during the
      euglycemic condition. There was no correlation between the maximal standardized
      uptake values of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose in brown adipose tissue and levels of
      counterregulatory hormones. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that there is a similar
      amount of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in brown adipose tissue during
      hypoglycemia when compared to euglycemia, which makes a role for systemic
      catecholamines in brown adipose tissue activation and a role for brown adipose
      tissue thermogenesis in hypoglycemia associated hypothermia unlikely. Future
      studies in humans should determine whether hypoglycemia indeed increases energy
      expenditure, and if so which alternative source can explain this increase.

PMID- 25115551
TI  - [Studies on markers of exposure and early effect in areas with arsenic pollution:
      methods and results of the project SEpiAs. Epidemiological studies on population
      exposed to low-to-moderate arsenic concentration in drinking water].
AB  - Arsenic and its inorganic compounds are classified as human carcinogens. Several
      epidemiological studies conducted in areas of the world characterized by high
      arsenic concentration in drinking water, even up to 3,000 MUg/l, report
      associations between arsenic exposure and skin, bladder, lung, liver and kidney
      cancer as well as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and reproductive and
      developmental effects. Since general population is not exposed to these high
      arsenic concentrations in the last years attention focused on adverse health
      effects that low-to-moderate arsenic concentrations (0-150 MUg/l) in drinking
      water could induce. The World Health Organization recommends a maximum limit of
      10 MUg/l for arsenic in drinking water. Almost all epidemiological studies
      conducted on populations exposed to low-to-moderate arsenic concentrations in
      drinking water are limited due to problems arising from both individual exposure
      assessment and low subjects number. The aim of the present review is to collect
      literature-based evidences regarding adverse health effects associated with
      exposure to low-to-moderate arsenic concentrations in drinking water (10-150
      MUg/l) in order to obtain a comprehensive picture of the health outcomes that
      such exposure can have on general population. 

PMID- 25115553
TI  - Circulating Endothelial Cells and Platelet Microparticles in Mitral Valve Disease
      With and Without Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - Hypercoagulability in mitral valve disease (MVD), a cause of atrial fibrillation
      (AF) and stroke, is potentially due to endothelial damage/dysfunction (marked by
      circulating endothelial cells [CECs]), platelet activation (soluble P-selectin
      [sPsel], platelet microparticles [PMPs], and soluble CD40 [sCD40]), and oxidized
      low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) cholesterol. We measured these variables in 24
      patients with MVD as well as in 21 with MVD + AF and compared them with 20
      healthy controls (HCs). The CECs and PMPs were measured by flow cytometry; sPsel,
      oxLDL, and CD40 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Compared with HCs, sPsel
      and PMPs were equally higher in MVD and MVD + AF; sCD40 and oxLDL were higher in
      MVD + AF than in HCs and MVD; and CECs were higher in MVD than in the HCs, with
      further increases in MVD + AF (all P < .001). We conclude that excess platelet
      activation is present in MVD regardless of AF, and that increased endothelial
      damage in MVD is greater when compounded by AF. 

PMID- 25115554
TI  - Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients at High Risk for Nephropathy After Contrast
      Exposure.
AB  - Contrast medium-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is associated with morbidity
      and mortality, but the long-term outcomes of patients who do not develop CI-AKI
      remain unknown. We assessed clinical end points during long-term follow-up in
      patients at high risk for nephropathy who did not develop CI-AKI. Patients (n =
      135) with impaired renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate: 30-60
      mL/min/1.73 m(2)) were divided into 2 groups according to contrast media (CM)
      exposure. The primary end point of this study was a composite outcome measure of
      death or renal failure requiring dialysis. Multivariate analyses identified CM
      exposure to be independently associated with major adverse long-term outcomes
      (hazard ratio: 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-6.52; P = .018). Even when CM
      exposure does not cause CI-AKI in patients with impaired renal function, in the
      long term, primary end points occur more frequently in patients exposed to CM
      than in those with no CM exposure. 

PMID- 25115552
TI  - [Studies on markers of exposure and early effect in areas with arsenic pollution:
      methods and results of the project SEpiAs. Epidemiological surveillance in areas
      with environmental pollution by natural or anthropogenic arsenic].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Arsenic and its inorganic compounds are classified as carcinogenic
      to humans. Exposures to inorganic arsenic (iAs) in drinking water are associated
      with both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. The risk assessment of
      exposures to low-moderate levels of environmental arsenic (As) is a challenging
      objective for research and public health. The SEpiAs study, funded by the Italian
      Ministry of Health (CCM), was carried out in four areas with arsenic pollution
      prevalently of natural origin, Amiata and Viterbo areas, or of industrial origin,
      Taranto and Gela. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 271 subjects (132 men) aged 20-44, were
      randomly sampled stratifying by area, gender and age classes. Individual data on
      residential history, socio-economic status, environmental and occupational
      exposures, lifestyle and dietary habits, were collected through interviews using
      questionnaire. In urine samples of recruited subjects, the concentration of
      inorganic arsenic (iAs) and methylated species (MMA, DMA) was measured using
      inductively coupled mass spectrometer (DRCICP- MS), after chromatographic
      separation (HPLC). Molecular biomarkers and biomarkers of DNA damage, as well as
      markers of cardiovascular risk were measured The distributions of iAs and
      iAs+MMA+DMA were described by area and gender, geometric mean (GM), percentiles
      and standard deviation (SD). The associations between As species and variables
      collected by questionnaire were evaluated by multiple regression analysis.
      RESULTS: Results showed a high variability of As species within and among areas.
      Gela and Taranto samples showed higher iAs concentration compared to Viterbo and
      Amiata. Subjects with iAs>1,5 MUg/L or iAs+MMA+DMA>15 MUg/L (thresholds suggested
      by the Italian Society of Reference Values), are 137 (50,6%) and 68 (25,1%),
      respectively. A positive association between iAs and use of drinking water
      emerged in the Viterbo sample, between iAs and occupational exposure in the Gela
      and Taranto samples. Fish consumption was associated with higher iAs
      concentration in the whole sample, and particularly in men of the Gela sample.
      Similar results were observed for iAs+MMA+DMA. Subjects with iAs or iAs+MMA+DMA
      values higher than the 95th percentile were 15 (6Taranto, 5 Gela, 3Viterbo, 1
      Amiata). The relationships between iAs and organic species (methylation
      efficiency ratios) were different between sex in the four areas. The relevance of
      polymorphisms AS3MT Met287Thr, GST-T1, GST-M1, OGG1 was confirmed. The analysis
      of carotid intima-media-thickness showed normal values, but higher among man of
      Viterbo, Taranto and Gela areas. CONCLUSIONS: Results are informative of exposure
      to inorganic and organic As in large or at least non-negligible quotas of the
      samples. The SEpiAs results suggest a further deepening on routes of exposure to
      arsenic species, and support the recommendation to implement primary prevention
      measures to reduce population exposure.

PMID- 25115555
TI  - Reduced Protein C Activity Might be Associated With Progression of Peripheral
      Arterial Disease.
AB  - We evaluated the effect of reduced activities of protein C (PC) and protein S
      (PS) on the progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We measured PC and
      PS activities in 106 patients with PAD and 44 patients with abdominal aortic
      aneurysm (AAA) in the same period. The incidences of PC deficiency in PAD and AAA
      were 4.7% and 4.5%, respectively, and those of PS were 14.1% and 11.4%,
      respectively; these incidences were much higher than those in the normal
      population. The PC and PS activities were significantly lower in patients having
      critical limb ischemia (CLI) than in patients with intermittent claudication. In
      particular, lower PC activity and female gender were determinant factors of CLI
      in multivariate logistic regression analysis. We suggest that PC deficiency is an
      independent predictor for the progression of CLI. 

PMID- 25115558
TI  - Structural properties of iron-phosphate glasses: spectroscopic studies and ab
      initio simulations.
AB  - Vitrification is the most effective method for the immobilization of hazardous
      waste by incorporating toxic elements into a glass structure. Iron phosphate
      glasses are presently being considered as matrices for the storage of radioactive
      waste, even of those which cannot be vitrified using conventional borosilicate
      waste glass. In this study, a structural model of 60P2O5-40Fe2O3 glass is
      proposed. The model is based on the crystal structure of FePO4 which is composed
      of [FeO4][PO4] tetrahedral rings. The rings are optimized using the DFT method
      and the obtained theoretical FTIR and Raman spectra are being compared with their
      experimental counterparts. Moreover, the proposed model is in very good agreement
      with X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS) and Mossbauer
      spectroscopy measurements. According to the calculations the Fe(3+) is in
      tetrahedral and five-fold coordination. The maximal predicted load of waste
      constituents into the glass without rebuilding of the structure is 30 mol%. Below
      this content, waste constituents balance the charge of [FeO4](-) tetrahedra which
      leads to their strong bonding to the glass resulting in an increase of the
      chemical durability, transformation and melting temperatures and density. 

PMID- 25115556
TI  - Mast cells in a murine lung ischemia-reperfusion model of primary graft
      dysfunction.
AB  - Primary graft dysfunction (PGD), as characterized by pulmonary infiltrates and
      high oxygen requirements shortly after reperfusion, is the major cause of early
      morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Donor, recipient and
      allograft-handling factors are thought to contribute, although new insights
      regarding pathogenesis are needed to guide approaches to prevention and therapy.
      Mast cells have been implicated in ischemic tissue injury in other model systems
      and in allograft rejection, leading to the hypothesis that mast cell
      degranulation contributes to lung injury following reperfusion injury.We tested
      this hypothesis in a mouse model of PGD involving reversible disruption of blood
      flow to one lung. Metrics of injury included albumin permeability, plasma
      extravasation, lung histopathology, and mast cell degranulation. Responses were
      assessed in wild-type (Kit+/+) and mast cell-deficient (KitW-sh/W-sh) mice.
      Because mouse lungs have few mast cells compared with human lungs, we also tested
      responses in mice with lung mastocytosis generated by injecting bone marrow
      derived cultured mast cells (BMCMC).We found that ischemic lung responses of mast
      cell-deficient KitW-sh/W-sh mice did not differ from those of Kit+/+ mice, even
      after priming for injury using LPS. Degranulated mast cells were more abundant in
      ischemic than in non-ischemic BMCMC-injected KitW-sh/W-sh lungs. However, lung
      injury in BMCMC-injected KitW-sh/W-sh and Kit+/+ mice did not differ in globally
      mast cell-deficient, uninjected KitW-sh/W-sh mice or in wild-type Kit+/+ mice
      relatively deficient in lung mast cells.These findings predict that mast cells,
      although activated in lungs injured by ischemia and reperfusion, are not
      necessary for the development of PGD. 

PMID- 25115557
TI  - Acute respiratory failure in critically ill patients with interstitial lung
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic known or unknown interstitial lung disease
      (ILD) may present with severe respiratory flares that require intensive
      management. Outcome data in these patients are scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Clinical and radiological features were collected in 83 patients with ILD
      associated acute respiratory failure (ARF). Determinants of hospital mortality
      and response to corticosteroid therapy were identified by logistic regression.
      RESULTS: Hospital and 1-year mortality rates were 41% and 54% respectively.
      Pulmonary hypertension, computed tomography (CT) fibrosis and acute kidney injury
      were independently associated with mortality (odds ratio (OR) 4.55; 95%
      confidence interval (95%CI) (1.20-17.33); OR, 7.68; (1.78-33.22) and OR 10.60;
      (2.25-49.97) respectively). Response to steroids was higher in patients with
      shorter time from hospital admission to corticosteroid therapy. Patients with
      fibrosis on CT had lower response to steroids (OR, 0.03; (0.005-0.21)). In
      mechanically ventilated patients, overdistension induced by high PEEP settings
      was associated with CT fibrosis and hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Mortality is
      high in ILD-associated ARF. CT and echocardiography are valuable prognostic
      tools. Prompt corticosteroid therapy may improve survival.

PMID- 25115559
TI  - Cotyledonary somatic embryos of Pinus pinaster Ait. most closely resemble fresh,
      maturing cotyledonary zygotic embryos: biological, carbohydrate and proteomic
      analyses.
AB  - Cotyledonary somatic embryos (SEs) of maritime pine are routinely matured for 12
      weeks before being germinated and converted to plantlets. Although regeneration
      success is highly dependent on SEs quality, the date of harvesting is currently
      determined mainly on the basis of morphological features. This empirical method
      does not provide any accurate information about embryo quality with respect to
      storage compounds (proteins, carbohydrates). We first analyzed SEs matured for
      10, 12 and 14 weeks by carrying out biological (dry weight, water content) and
      biochemical measurements (total protein and carbohydrate contents). No difference
      could be found between collection dates, suggesting that harvesting SEs after 12
      weeks is appropriate. Cotyledonary SEs were then compared to various stages, from
      fresh to fully desiccated, in the development of cotyledonary zygotic embryos
      (ZEs). We identified profiles that were similar using hierarchical ascendant
      cluster analysis (HCA). Fresh and dehydrated ZEs could be distinguished, and SEs
      clustered with fresh ZEs. Both types of embryo exhibited similar carbohydrate and
      protein contents and signatures. This high level of similarity (94.5 %) was
      further supported by proteome profiling. Highly expressed proteins included
      storage, stress-related, late embryogenesis abundant and energy metabolism
      proteins. By comparing overexpressed proteins in developing and cotyledonary SEs
      or ZEs, some (23 proteins) could be identified as candidate biomarkers for the
      late, cotyledonary stage. This is the first report of useful generic protein
      markers for monitoring embryo development in maritime pine. Our results also
      suggest that improvements of SEs quality may be achieved if the current
      maturation conditions are refined.

PMID- 25115561
TI  - Overgrowth of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Franco) stumps with regenerative
      tissue as an example of cell ordering and tissue reorganization.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: Stump overgrowth may serve as a unique model for studying
      cellular reorganization and mechanisms responsible for cell polarity changes
      during the process of vascular tissue differentiation from initially unorganized
      parenchymatous cells. Cellular ordering and tissue reorganization during the
      overgrowth process of the transverse surfaces of Douglas fir stumps in forest
      stand was studied. At the beginning of stump overgrowth, the produced
      parenchymatous cells form an unorganized tissue. Particular parenchyma cells
      start arranging into more ordered structures which resemble rays. Application of
      digital image analysis software based on structure tensor was used. The analysis
      showed that at this stage of tissue development, cellular elements display a wide
      range of angular orientation values and attain very low coherency coefficients.
      The progress of the tissue differentiation process is associated with the
      formation of local regions with tracheids oriented circularly around the rays.
      This coincides with an increase in the range of angular orientations and greater
      values of coherency coefficients. At the most advanced stage of tissue
      development, with tracheids arranged parallelly in longitudinal strands, the
      degree of cell ordering is the highest what is manifested by the greatest values
      attained by coherency coefficients, and the narrow range of angular orientations.
      It is suggested that the ray-like structures could act as organizing centers in
      the morphogenetic field responsible for differentiation of the overgrowth tissue.
      The circular pattern of tracheids around rays in the initial phase of tissue
      development can be interpreted in terms of local rotation of the morphogenetic
      field which afterward is transformed into irrotational field. This transformation
      is noted by the presence of tracheids arranged parallelly in longitudinal
      strands. The possible involvement of a mechanism controlling cell polarity with
      respect to auxin transport is discussed.

PMID- 25115560
TI  - Identification and functional characterization of the distinct plant pectin
      esterases PAE8 and PAE9 and their deletion mutants.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: PAE8 and PAE9 have pectin acetylesterase activity and together
      remove one-third of the cell wall acetate associated with pectin formation in
      Arabidopsis leaves. In pae8 and pae9 mutants, substantial amounts of acetate
      accumulate in cell walls. In addition, the inflorescence stem height is
      decreased. Pectic polysaccharides constitute a significant part of the primary
      cell walls in dicotyledonous angiosperms. This diverse group of polysaccharides
      has been implicated in several physiological processes including cell-to-cell
      adhesion and pathogenesis. Several pectic polysaccharides contain acetyl-moieties
      directly affecting their physical properties such as gelling capacity, an
      important trait for the food industry. In order to gain further insight into the
      biological role of pectin acetylation, a reverse genetics approach was used to
      investigate the function of genes that are members of the Pectin AcetylEsterase
      gene family (PAE) in Arabidopsis. Mutations in two members of the PAE family
      (PAE8 and PAE9) lead to cell walls with an approximately 20 % increase in acetate
      content. High-molecular-weight fractions enriched in pectic rhamnogalacturonan I
      (RGI) extracted from the mutants had increased acetate content. In addition, the
      pae8 mutant displayed increased acetate content also in low-molecular-weight
      pectic fractions. The pae8/pae9-2 double mutant exhibited an additive effect by
      increasing wall acetate content by up to 37 %, suggesting that the two genes are
      not redundant and act on acetyl-substituents of different pectic domains. The
      pae8 and pae8/pae9-2 mutants exhibit reduced inflorescence growth underscoring
      the role of pectic acetylation in plant development. When heterologously
      expressed and purified, both gene products were shown to release acetate from the
      corresponding mutant pectic fractions in vitro. PAEs play a significant role in
      modulating the acetylation state of pectic polymers in the wall, highlighting the
      importance of apoplastic metabolism for the plant cell and plant growth.

PMID- 25115562
TI  - First laccase in green algae: purification and characterization of an
      extracellular phenol oxidase from Tetracystis aeria.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: A green algal phenol oxidase was firstly purified, confirmed to
      be a laccase, and a hetero-oligomeric quaternary structure is suggested. The
      operation of a laccase-mediator system is firstly described in algae. Laccases
      (EC 1.10.3.2) catalyze the oxidation of a multitude of aromatic substrates. They
      are well known in higher plants and fungi, while their presence in green algae
      appears uncertain. Extracellular laccase-like enzyme activity has previously been
      described in culture supernatants of the green soil alga Tetracystis aeria [Otto
      et al. in Arch Microbiol 192:759-768, (2010)]. As reported herein, the T. aeria
      enzyme was purified 120-fold by employing a combination of anion exchange and
      size exclusion chromatography. The purified enzyme was confirmed to be a laccase
      according to its substrate specificity. It oxidizes 2,2'-azino-bis(3
      ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), syringaldazine, and 2,6
      dimethoxyphenol (pH optima of pH <= 2.5, 7.0, and 6.5; K m values of 28.8, 40.5,
      and 1,830 uM; respectively), but not L-tyrosine or Fe(2+). ABTS is by far the
      most efficient substrate. Two polypeptides, A (~110 kDa) and B (71 kDa), were co
      purified by the applied procedure, both being highly N-glycosylated (>=~53 and >=
      27 %, respectively). As suggested by various gel electrophoretic analyses, the
      native enzyme (apparent molecular mass of ~220 kDa) most probably is a hetero
      oligomer with the composition AB 2 , wherein A is the catalytic subunit and B
      forms a disulfide-linked homo-dimer B2. The decolorization of anthraquinone (Acid
      Blue 62 and Remazol Brilliant Blue R) and diazo dyes (Reactive Black 5) was
      studied in the presence of redox-mediating compounds (ABTS and syringaldehyde),
      demonstrating the operation of the laccase-mediator system in algae for the first
      time. Thus, laccases from green algae may participate in the biotransformation of
      a wide spectrum of natural and xenobiotic compounds.

PMID- 25115563
TI  - Researcher Perspectives on Conflicts of Interest: A Qualitative Analysis of Views
      from Academia.
AB  - The increasing interconnectedness of academic research and external industry has
      left research vulnerable to conflicts of interest. These conflicts have the
      potential to undermine the integrity of scientific research as well as to
      threaten public trust in scientific findings. The present effort sought to
      identify themes in the perspectives of faculty researchers regarding conflicts of
      interest. Think-aloud interview responses were qualitatively analyzed in an
      effort to provide insights with regard to appropriate ways to address the threat
      of conflicts of interest in research. Themes in participant responses included
      disclosure of conflicts of interest, self-removal from situations where conflict
      exists, accommodation of conflict, denial of the existence of conflict, and
      recognition of complexity of situations involving conflicts of interest. Moral
      disengagement operations are suggested to explain the appearance of each
      identified theme. In addition, suggestions for best practices regarding
      addressing conflicts of interest given these themes in faculty perspectives are
      provided. 

PMID- 25115564
TI  - Technical note: a multi-dimensional description of knee laxity using radial basis
      functions.
AB  - The net laxity of the knee is a product of individual ligament structures that
      provide constraint for multiple degrees of freedom (DOF). Clinical laxity
      assessments are commonly performed along a single axis of motion, and lack
      analyses of primary and coupled motions in terms of translations and rotations of
      the knee. Radial basis functions (RBFs) allow multiple DOF to be incorporated
      into a single method that accounts for all DOF equally. To evaluate this method,
      tibiofemoral kinematics were experimentally collected from a single cadaveric
      specimen during a manual laxity assessment. A radial basis function (RBF)
      analysis was used to approximate new points over a uniform grid space. The
      normalized root mean square errors of the approximated points were below 4% for
      all DOF. This method provides a unique approach to describing joint laxity that
      incorporates multiple DOF in a single model. 

PMID- 25115565
TI  - A new challenge: suicide attempt using nicotine fillings for electronic
      cigarettes.

PMID- 25115566
TI  - Probing the internal electric field in GaN/AlGaN nanowire heterostructures.
AB  - We demonstrate the direct analysis of polarization-induced internal electric
      fields in single GaN/Al0.3Ga0.7N nanodiscs embedded in GaN/AlN nanowire
      heterostructures. Superposition of an external electric field with different
      polarity results in compensation or enhancement of the quantum-confined Stark
      effect in the nanodiscs. By field-dependent analysis of the low temperature
      photoluminescence energy and intensity, we prove the [0001]-polarity of the
      nanowires and determine the internal electric field strength to 1.5 MV/cm. 

PMID- 25115567
TI  - High vitamin E content, impact resistant UHMWPE blend without loss of wear
      resistance.
AB  - Antioxidant stabilization of radiation cross-linked ultrahigh molecular weight
      polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been introduced to improve the oxidative stability of
      total joint implant bearing surfaces. Blending of antioxidants (most commonly
      vitamin E) with UHMWPE resin powder followed by consolidation and uniform
      radiation cross-linking is currently available for use in both total hips and
      total knees. It was previously shown that the fatigue resistance of vitamin E
      blended and irradiated UHMWPEs could be further improved by spatially
      manipulating the vitamin E concentration throughout the implant and limiting
      cross-linking to the surface of the implant where it is necessary for wear
      resistance. This was possible by designing a low concentration of vitamin E on
      the surface and higher concentration in the bulk of the implant because cross
      linking is hindered in UHMWPE as a function of increasing vitamin E
      concentration. In this study, we hypothesized that such a surface cross-linked
      UHMWPE with low wear rate and high fatigue strength could be obtained by limiting
      the penetration of radiation into UHMWPE with uniform vitamin E concentration.
      Our hypothesis tested positive; we were able to obtain control of the surface
      cross-linked region by manipulating the energy of the irradiation, resulting in
      extremely low wear, and high impact strength. In addition, we discussed
      alternatives of improving the oxidation resistance of such a material by using
      additional vitamin E reservoirs. These results are significant because this
      material may allow increased use of antioxidant-stabilized, cross-linked UHMWPEs
      in high stress applications and in more active patients.

PMID- 25115570
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidative C-H olefination with removable 1,2,3
      triazole directing group.
AB  - Ortho-olefination of arenes was achieved with removable 1,2,3-triazole auxiliary
      through Pd-catalyzed C-H activation. Excellent yields were received even when
      molecular O2 (1 atm) was used as the terminal oxidant. Other heterocyclic
      directing groups, such as pyridine and quinoline, gave poor reactivity under this
      aerobic oxidative condition, which highlighted the unique reactivity of triazole
      in promoting directed C-H activation. 

PMID- 25115568
TI  - Breast bud detection: a validation study in the Chilean growth obesity cohort
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early puberty onset has been related to future chronic disease;
      however breast bud assessment in large scale population studies is difficult
      because it requires trained personnel. Thus our aim is to assess the validity of
      self and maternal breast bud detection, considering girl's body mass index (BMI)
      and maternal education. METHODS: In 2010, 481 girls (mean age = 7.8) from the
      Growth and Obesity Chilean Cohort Study were evaluated by a nutritionist trained
      in breast bud detection. In addition, the girl(n = 481) and her mother(n = 341)
      classified the girl's breast development after viewing photographs of Tanner
      stages. Concordance between diagnostics was estimated (kappa, Spearman
      correlation) considering girls' BMI and mother's educational level. RESULTS: 14%
      of the girls presented breast buds and 43% had excess weight (BMI z-score > 1,
      World Health Organization 2007). Self-assessment showed low concordance with the
      evaluator (K < 0.1) and girls with excess weight over-diagnosed more than girls
      of normal weight (44% vs. 24%, p-value < 0.05). Instead, mothers showed good
      concordance with the evaluator (K = 0.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.6-0.9),
      even in overweight girls and/or in mothers with low education (K = 0.7, 95% CI =
      0.6-0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Mothers were able to adequately evaluate the appearance of
      breast bud despite low educational level and girls' excess weight. Mother could
      be a useful resource for defining puberty onset in epidemiological studies,
      particularly developing countries.

PMID- 25115571
TI  - Systemic administration of 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin to symptomatic Npc1
      deficient mice slows cholesterol sequestration in the major organs and improves
      liver function.
AB  - In Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, loss-of-function mutations in either NPC1
      or NPC2 result in progressive accumulation of unesterified cholesterol (UC) and
      glycosphingolipids in all organs, leading to neurodegeneration, pulmonary
      dysfunction and sometimes liver failure. There is no cure for this disorder.
      Studies using primarily NPC mouse models have shown that systemic administration
      of 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (2HPbetaCD), starting in early neonatal
      life, diminishes UC accumulation in most organs, slows disease progression and
      extends lifespan. The key question now is whether delaying the start of 2HPbetaCD
      treatment until early adulthood, when the amount of entrapped UC throughout the
      body is markedly elevated, has any of the benefits found when treatment begins at
      7 days of age. In the present study, Npc1(-/-) and Npc1(+/+) mice were given
      saline or 2HPbetaCD subcutaneously at 49, 56, 63 and 70 days of age, with
      measurements of organ weights, liver function tests and tissue cholesterol levels
      performed at 77 days. In Npc1(-/-) mice, treatment with 2HPbetaCD from 49 days
      reduced whole-liver cholesterol content at 77 days from 33.0 +/- 1.0 to 9.1 +/-
      0.5 mg/organ. Comparable improvements were seen in other organs, such as the
      spleen, and in the animal as a whole. There was a transient increase in biliary
      cholesterol concentration in Npc1(-/-) mice after 2HPbetaCD. Plasma alanine
      aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in 77-day-old
      2HPbetaCD-treated Npc1(-/-) mice were reduced compared with saline-treated
      controls. The lifespan of Npc1(-/-) mice given 2HPbetaCD marginally exceeded that
      of the saline-treated controls (99 +/- 1.1 vs 94 +/- 1.4 days, respectively; P <
      0.05). Thus, 2HPbetaCD is effective in mobilizing entrapped cholesterol in late
      stage NPC disease leading to improved liver function. 

PMID- 25115572
TI  - Combined KHFAC + DC nerve block without onset or reduced nerve conductivity after
      block.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) waveforms have been
      shown to provide peripheral nerve conductivity block in many acute and chronic
      animal models. KHFAC nerve block could be used to address multiple disorders
      caused by neural over-activity, including blocking pain and spasticity. However,
      one drawback of KHFAC block is a transient activation of nerve fibers during the
      initiation of the nerve block, called the onset response. The objective of this
      study is to evaluate the feasibility of using charge balanced direct current
      (CBDC) waveforms to temporarily block motor nerve conductivity distally to the
      KHFAC electrodes to mitigate the block onset-response. APPROACH: A total of eight
      animals were used in this study. A set of four animals were used to assess
      feasibility and reproducibility of a combined KHFAC + CBDC block. A following
      randomized study, conducted on a second set of four animals, compared the onset
      response resulting from KHFAC alone and combined KHFAC + CBDC waveforms. To
      quantify the onset, peak forces and the force-time integral were measured during
      KHFAC block initiation. Nerve conductivity was monitored throughout the study by
      comparing muscle twitch forces evoked by supra-maximal stimulation proximal and
      distal to the block electrodes. Each animal of the randomized study received at
      least 300 s (range: 318-1563 s) of cumulative dc to investigate the impact of
      combined KHFAC + CBDC on nerve viability. MAIN RESULTS: The peak onset force was
      reduced significantly from 20.73 N (range: 18.6-26.5 N) with KHFAC alone to 0.45
      N (range: 0.2-0.7 N) with the combined CBDC and KHFAC block waveform (p < 0.001).
      The area under the force curve was reduced from 6.8 Ns (range: 3.5-21.9 Ns) to
      0.54 Ns (range: 0.18-0.86 Ns) (p < 0.01). No change in nerve conductivity was
      observed after application of the combined KHFAC + CBDC block relative to KHFAC
      waveforms. SIGNIFICANCE: The distal application of CBDC can significantly reduce
      or even completely prevent the KHFAC onset response without a change in nerve
      conductivity.

PMID- 25115575
TI  - Endoscopic balloon dilatation for pharyngo-upper esophageal stricture after
      treatment of head and neck cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dysphagia caused by pharyngo-upper esophageal stricture is a
      complication of treatment for head and neck cancer. Endoscopic balloon dilation
      (EBD) is in widespread use as an effective and safe treatment for stricture in
      many areas of the gastrointestinal tract. In the present study, we investigated
      the efficacy and safety of EBD for pharyngo-upper esophageal strictures that
      developed after treatment for head and neck cancer. METHODS: From January 2010 to
      December 2013, the medical records and endoscopic findings of 19 consecutive
      patients with pharyngo-upper esophageal strictures occurring after surgery and/or
      chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer were retrospectively examined.
      RESULTS: Mean number of EBD sessions per patient was 6.6 (1-30), and mean maximum
      diameter of dilation was 15.8 (11-20) mm. Technical success was achieved in 16 of
      19 (84.2%) patients, and only two major complications (bleeding and pha ryngeal
      edema) occurred in a total of 125 dilatation sessions (1.6%). Regarding the
      influence of chemoradiotherapy on the outcome of EBD, patients who had undergone
      chemoradiotherapy plus surgery experienced significantly more restenosis during
      the follow-up period compared to those who had undergone surgery alone (50% vs
      0%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective analysis demonstrated the efficacy
      and safety of exclusive EBD for pharyngo-upper esophageal strictures occurring
      after treatment for head and neck cancer, indicating that the therapeutic
      application of EBD could be extended to such strictures. Patients who underwent
      chemoradiotherapy and surgery experienced more restenosis; hence, such patients
      should be carefully followed up after EBD treatment.

PMID- 25115576
TI  - Invited commentary on the paper entitled 'methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus infection: an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with
      poststernotomy mediastinitis'.

PMID- 25115577
TI  - Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in a sample of migrant workers in the
      manufacturing industry in Malaysia.

PMID- 25115580
TI  - The brief cognitive assessment tool (BCAT): cross-validation in a community
      dwelling older adult sample.
AB  - ABSTRACT Background: Cognitive impairment is underrecognized and misdiagnosed
      among community-dwelling older adults. At present, there is no consensus about
      which cognitive screening tool represents the "gold standard." However, one tool
      that shows promise is the Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool (BCAT), which was
      originally validated in an assisted living sample and contains a multi-level
      memory component (e.g. word lists and story recall items) and complex executive
      functions features (e.g. judgment, set-shifting, and problem-solving). Methods:
      The present study cross-validated the BCAT in a sample of 75 community-dwelling
      older adults. Participants completed a short battery of several individually
      administered cognitive tests, including the BCAT and the Montreal Cognitive
      Assessment (MoCA). Using a very conservative MoCA cut score of <26, the base rate
      of cognitive impairment in this sample was 35%. Results: Adequate internal
      consistency and strong evidence of construct validity were found. A receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated from sensitivity and 1
      specificity values for the classification of cognitively impaired versus
      cognitively unimpaired. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the BCAT was .90,
      p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.83, 0.97]. A BCAT cut-score of 45 (scores below 45
      suggesting cognitive impairment) resulted in the best balance between sensitivity
      (0.81) and specificity (0.80). Conclusions: A BCAT cut-score can be used for
      identifying persons to be referred to appropriate healthcare professionals for
      more comprehensive cognitive assessment. In addition, guidelines are provided for
      clinicians to interpret separate BCAT memory and executive dysfunction component
      scores.

PMID- 25115579
TI  - Sustained release of 17beta-estradiol stimulates osteogenic differentiation of
      adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on chitosan-hydroxyapatite
      scaffolds.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop a 17beta-estradiol (E2)-releasing scaffold
      nanoparticle system in order to promote osteogenic differentiation of rat adipose
      tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) for bone tissue regeneration. E2
      loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles with a diameter of ~240 nm
      were produced via an emulsion-diffusion-evaporation method. Because of its higher
      encapsulation efficiency (54%), PLGA, which has a 65:35 composition, was chosen
      for the preparation of nanoparticles. Chitosan-hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds in
      macroporous structures with interconnected pores were prepared by combining
      microwave irradiation and gas-foaming techniques. PLGA nanoparticles were loaded
      onto scaffolds in 2 ways: via embedding after scaffold fabrication and during
      fabrication. While 100% of the loaded E2 was released during 55 days from
      scaffolds loaded by embedding, a controlled release behavior of E2 was observed
      over 135 days in scaffolds loaded during manufacture. The results of cell culture
      studies indicated that the controlled delivery of E2 from PLGA nanoparticles
      loaded on chitosan-HA scaffolds had a significant effect on the osteogenic
      differentiation of AdMSCs.

PMID- 25115578
TI  - Antiadhesive activity of poly-hydroxy butyrate biopolymer from a marine
      Brevibacterium casei MSI04 against shrimp pathogenic vibrios.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vibrio pathogens are causative agents of mid-culture outbreaks, and
      early mortality syndrome and secondary aetiology of most dreadful viral outbreaks
      in shrimp aquaculture. Among the pathogenic vibrios group, Vibrio alginolyticus
      and V. harveyi are considered as the most significant ones in the grow-out ponds
      of giant black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon in India. Use of antibiotics was
      banned in many countries due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains and
      accumulation of residual antibiotics in harvested shrimp. There is an urgent need
      to consider the use of alternative antibiotics for the control of vibriosis in
      shrimp aquaculture. Biofilm formation is a pathogenic and/or establishment
      mechanism of Vibrio spp. This study aims to develop novel safe antibiofilm and/or
      antiadhesive process using PHB to contain vibrios outbreaks in shrimp
      aquaculture. RESULTS: In this study a poly-hydroxy butyrate (PHB) polymer
      producing bacterium Brevibacterium casei MSI04 was isolated from a marine sponge
      Dendrilla nigra and production of PHB was optimized under submerged-fermentation
      (SmF) conditions. The effect of carbon, nitrogen and mineral sources on PHB
      production and enhanced production of PHB by response surface methods were
      demonstrated. The maximum PHB accumulation obtained was 6.74 g/L in the optimized
      media containing 25 g/L starch as carbon source, 96 h of incubation, 35 degrees C
      and 3% NaCl. The highest antiadhesive activity upto 96% was recorded against V.
      vulnificus, and V. fischeri, followed by 92% against V. parahaemolyticus and V.
      alginolyticus and 88% inhibition was recorded against V. harveyi. CONCLUSION: In
      this study, a thermostable biopolymer was chemically characterized as PHB based
      on 1HNMR spectra, FT-IR and GC-MS spectra. The NMR spectra revealed that the
      polymer was an isocratic homopolymer and it also confirmed that the compound was
      PHB. The antiadhesive activity of PHB was determined in microtitre plate assay
      and an effective concentration (EC) of PHB (200 MUl containing 0.6 mg PHB) was
      confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis of vibrio biofilm on
      pre-treated glass and polystyrene surfaces. This is a first report on anti
      adhesive activity of PHB against prominent vibrio pathogens in shrimp
      aquaculture.

PMID- 25115581
TI  - Designing mixed metal halide ammines for ammonia storage using density functional
      theory and genetic algorithms.
AB  - Metal halide ammines have great potential as a future, high-density energy
      carrier in vehicles. So far known materials, e.g. Mg(NH3)6Cl2 and Sr(NH3)8Cl2,
      are not suitable for automotive, fuel cell applications, because the release of
      ammonia is a multi-step reaction, requiring too much heat to be supplied, making
      the total efficiency lower. Here, we apply density functional theory (DFT)
      calculations to predict new mixed metal halide ammines with improved storage
      capacities and the ability to release the stored ammonia in one step, at
      temperatures suitable for system integration with polymer electrolyte membrane
      fuel cells (PEMFC). We use genetic algorithms (GAs) to search for materials
      containing up to three different metals (alkaline-earth, 3d and 4d) and two
      different halides (Cl, Br and I) - almost 27,000 combinations, and have
      identified novel mixtures, with significantly improved storage capacities. The
      size of the search space and the chosen fitness function make it possible to
      verify that the found candidates are the best possible candidates in the search
      space, proving that the GA implementation is ideal for this kind of computational
      materials design, requiring calculations on less than two percent of the
      candidates to identify the global optimum.

PMID- 25115582
TI  - Histologic analysis of the hernia sac: current practices based on a survey of
      IPEG members.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common operations
      performed by pediatric surgeons. Although the practice of sending the hernia sac
      for histologic examination after routine hernia repair is common, the indications
      and practice patterns for this have not been evaluated. The objective of this
      survey was to determine practice patterns and indications for histologic analysis
      of the pediatric inguinal hernia sac. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 9-question online
      survey was sent to all members of the International Pediatric Endosurgery Group
      (IPEG). A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine whether practice patterns of
      sending the hernia sac for histologic evaluation were associated with respondent
      characteristics. The chi-squared test with Yates's correction was used where
      appropriate. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 315 IPEG members, for a
      response rate of 54.4%. Hernia sacs were sent for histologic evaluation always by
      23.9%, often by 5.1%, rarely by 17.5%, and never by 53.5%. The respondent
      characteristics were not associated with whether or not specimens were sent for
      histology review. Of the 128 who reported sending the inguinal hernia sac, the
      most common reasons were hospital/state requirements (47.6%), followed by routine
      practice (25.7%) and concern for missed pathology (24.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The
      majority of IPEG respondents report never sending the inguinal hernia sac for
      histologic analysis. Of those that do, most are influenced by hospital/state
      requirements. The value of sending the hernia sac after routine inguinal hernia
      repair should be validated if it is to remain an institutional requirement.

PMID- 25115583
TI  - What are the results using the modified trapdoor procedure to treat
      chondroblastoma of the femoral head?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of chondroblastoma in the femoral head is challenging owing
      to the particular location and its aggressive nature. There is little published
      information to guide the surgeon regarding the appropriate approach to treating a
      chondroblastoma in this location. We developed a modified trapdoor procedure to
      address this issue. The primary modification is that the window surface of the
      femoral head is covered by the ligamentum teres rather than cartilage as in the
      traditional procedure. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We assessed (1) the clinical
      presentation of chondroblastoma of the femoral head and treatment results with
      the modified trapdoor procedure in terms of (2) the frequency of local
      recurrence, (3) complications, and (4) functional outcomes using the
      Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2010, we
      treated 14 patients for chondroblastoma of the femoral head. All patients
      received the modified trapdoor procedure. Of those, 13 were available for
      followup at a minimum of 36 months (mean, 66 months; range, 36-117 months) and
      one patient was lost to followup. There were nine males and four females, with a
      mean age of 18 years (range, 9-29 years). Clinical features were ascertained by
      chart and radiographic review, and recurrence, complications, and functional
      outcomes (MSTS score) were recorded from chart review. Patterns of bone
      destruction were evaluated using the Lodwick classification, which ranges from IA
      (geographic appearance with sclerotic rim) to III (permeative appearance).
      RESULTS: The symptoms at diagnosis were pain in nine patients and discomfort in
      four. The mean duration of symptom was 11 months (range, 1-36 months). The physis
      was open in two patients, closing in one, and closed in 10. The patterns of bone
      destruction were evaluated as Lodwick Class IA in six patients, Lodwick Class IB
      in five, and Lodwick Class IC in two. At latest followup, no local recurrence was
      observed. Two patients had postoperative complications. One had avascular
      necrosis of the femoral head and was treated with prosthesis replacement. The
      other had asymptomatic heterotopic ossification in the surgical field. The mean
      MSTS score was 29.6 (range, 28-30). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this small series, we
      believe our modified trapdoor procedure is a safe, effective means of treating a
      chondroblastoma in the femoral head, but additional clinical evaluation with more
      patients is necessary to confirm our findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV,
      therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of
      levels of evidence.

PMID- 25115584
TI  - How does ulnar shortening osteotomy influence morphologic changes in the
      triangular fibrocartilage complex?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ulnar shortening osteotomy often is indicated for treatment of
      injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). However, the effect of
      ulnar shortening osteotomy on the changes in shape of the TFCC is unclear. In our
      study, quantitative evaluations were performed using MRI to clarify the effect of
      ulnar shortening on triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) thickness attributable to
      disc regeneration of the TFC and TFC angle attributable to the suspension effect
      of ulnar shortening on the TFC. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purposes of this study
      were (1) to compare preoperative and postoperative TFC thickness and TFC angle on
      MR images to quantitatively evaluate the effect of ulnar shortening osteotomy on
      disc regeneration and the suspension effect on the TFC; and (2) to assess whether
      changes in TFC thickness and TFC angle correlated with the Mayo wrist score.
      METHODS: Between 1995 and 2008, 256 patients underwent ulnar shortening osteotomy
      for TFCC injuries. The minimum followup was 24 months (mean, 51 months; range, 24
      210 months). A total of 79 patients (31%) with complete followup including
      preoperative and postoperative MR images and the Mayo wrist score was included in
      this retrospective study. Evaluation of the postoperative MR images and the Mayo
      wrist score were performed at the final followup. The remaining 177 patients did
      not undergo postoperative MRI, or they had a previous fracture, large tears of
      the disc proper, or were lost to followup. Two orthopaedists, one of whom
      performed the surgeries, measured the TFC thickness and the TFC angle on coronal
      MR images before and after surgery for each patient. Correlations of the percent
      change in the TFC thickness and the magnitude of TFC angle change with age, sex,
      postoperative MR images, extent of ulnar shortening, preoperative ulnar variance,
      and postoperative Mayo wrist score were assessed. RESULTS: Stepwise regression
      analysis showed a correlation between the percent change in TFC thickness and
      preoperative ulnar variance (R2=0.21; beta=-0.33; 95% CI, -0.11 to 0.01; p=0.01)
      and between the magnitude of change in the TFC angle and the extent of ulnar
      shortening (R2=0.18; beta=-0.29; 95% CI, -5.8 to 0.29; p=0.03). The Mayo wrist
      score was not correlated with the percent change in TFC thickness or the
      magnitude of change in the TFC angle. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, in
      patients with TFCC injury with a smaller preoperative ulnar variance, a high
      residual potential for regeneration in the disc proper was seen after ulnar
      shortening osteotomy, and correlated with the extent of ulnar shortening and the
      suspension effect on TFC. However, there was no correlation between disc
      regeneration or the suspension effect on TFC and the Mayo wrist score. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a
      complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 25115586
TI  - Letter to the editor: editorial: transition from training to practice--is there a
      better way?

PMID- 25115585
TI  - Highly crosslinked polyethylene improves wear but not surface damage in retrieved
      acetabular liners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Highly crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) is believed to demonstrate
      better wear resistance than conventional polyethylene (CPE) in total hip
      arthroplasty. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to compare visual
      damage scores and micro-CT measurements of penetration, a surrogate for wear,
      between matched retrieved XLPE and CPE acetabular liners. METHODS: Thirteen XLPE
      acetabular liners were matched in terms of implant design (all were of the same
      design), patient age, sex, liner dimensions, duration of implantation, and reason
      for revision to a group of CPE liners that were retrieved in the same time
      period. Penetration resulting from the combination of wear and creep in the two
      groups of liners was measured with micro-CT. Surface damage was scored by two
      blinded observers using a surface damage system that considers the seven common
      damage modes: pitting, scratching, burnishing, abrasions, impingement, embedded
      debris, and delamination, and wear patterns were documented. RESULTS: There was
      no difference (p=0.32) in total damage score between the XLPE group (14+/-4) and
      the CPE group (15+/-5). However, there was three times greater penetration (odds
      ratio, 3.1; confidence interval, 2.3-5.1; p<0.001) in the CPE group (0.18+/-0.09
      mm/year) than in the XLPE group (0.05+/-0.07 mm/year). There was less volumetric
      loss in XLPE (82+/-SD 134 mm3) versus the CPE group (350+/-SD 342 mm3; p=0.017).
      CONCLUSIONS: XLPE liners undergo less penetration as a result of creep and wear
      than CPE liners based on quantitative measurements provided by micro-CT, which
      was not apparent using damage scoring alone. This demonstrates the use of three
      dimensional imaging techniques such as micro-CT for quantifying wear in retrieval
      studies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this study, XLPE had less wear but similar damage
      scores than CPE, allaying concerns that the beneficial wear properties of XLPE
      might come with a tradeoff arising from the increased brittleness of that
      material.

PMID- 25115588
TI  - CORR Insights(r): the Otto Aufranc Award: modifiable versus nonmodifiable risk
      factors for infection after hip arthroplasty.

PMID- 25115587
TI  - Collateral ligament laxity in knees: what is normal?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proper alignment and balancing of soft tissues of the knee are
      important goals for TKA. Despite standardized techniques, there is no consensus
      regarding the optimum amount of collateral ligament laxity one should leave at
      the end of the TKA. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: I asked (1) what is the collateral laxity
      in young healthy volunteers, and (2) is there a difference in collateral laxity
      between males and females. METHODS: The femorotibial mechanical angle (FTMA) was
      measured in 314 knees in healthy volunteers aged 19 to 35 years. Subjects with a
      history of pain, malalignment, dysplasia, or trauma were excluded. Twenty-five
      knees were excluded because the hip center could not be acquired, and 22 were
      excluded because of a history of pain and trauma, leaving 267 knees for inclusion
      in the study. Of these, 155 were from men and 112 were from women. A validated
      method using a computer navigation system was used to obtain the measurements. A
      10-Nm torque was used to stress the knee in varus and valgus at 0 degrees 
      extension and 15 degrees  flexion. An independent t-test and ANOVA were applied
      to the data to calculate any significant difference between groups (p<0.05).
      RESULTS: The mean (SD) unstressed supine FTMA was varus of 1.2 degrees  (SD, 4
      degrees ) in 0 degrees  extension and varus of 1.2 degrees  (SD, 4.4 degrees ) in
      15 degrees  flexion (p=0.88). On varus torque of 10 Nm, the supine FTMA changed
      by a mean of 3.1 degrees  (SD, 2 degrees ) (95% CI, 2.4 degrees -3.8 degrees ;
      p<0.001) in 0 degrees  extension and 6.9 degrees  (SD, 2.6 degrees ) (95% CI, 6.2
      degrees -7.7 degrees ; p<0.001) in 15 degrees  flexion. On valgus torque of 10
      Nm, the FTMA changed by a mean of 4.6 degrees  (SD, 2.2 degrees ) (95% CI, 3.9
      degrees -5.3 degrees ; p<0.001) in 0 degrees  extension and 7.9 degrees  (SD, 3.4
      degrees ) (95% CI, 7.1 degrees -8.7 degrees ; p<0.001) in 15 degrees  flexion.
      The mean unstressed FTMA in 0 degrees  extension was varus of 1.7 degrees  (SD, 4
      degrees ) in men and 0.4 degrees  (SD, 3.9 degrees ) in women (p=0.01).
      Differences in collateral ligament laxity were seen between men and women
      (p<0.001 for valgus torque and 0.035 for varus torque in 15 degrees  flexion).
      With valgus torque at 0 degrees  flexion, the supine FTMA change was valgus of
      4.2 degrees  (SD, 2.0 degrees ) for men and 5.0 degrees  (SD, 2.4 degrees ) for
      women, while at 15 degrees  flexion the FTMA change was valgus 7.6 degrees  (SD,
      3.6 degrees ) for men and 8.3 degrees  (SD, 3.2 degrees ) for women With varus
      torque at 0 degrees  flexion, additional varus was -3.0 degrees  (SD, 1.8 degrees
      ) for men and -3.3 degrees  (SD, 2.2 degrees ) for women, while at 15 degrees 
      flexion, varus was -7.0 degrees  SD, (2.5 degrees ) for men and -6.9 degrees 
      (SD, 2.8 degrees ) for women. CONCLUSIONS: The collateral laxity in young healthy
      volunteers was quantified in this study. The collateral ligament laxity is
      variable in different persons. In addition, ligaments in women are more lax than
      in men in valgus stress. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study was conducted on young,
      healthy knees. Whether the findings are applicable to arthritic knees and
      replaced knees needs additional evaluation. However the findings provide a
      baseline from which to work in the evaluation of arthritic knees and in the case
      of TKA.

PMID- 25115589
TI  - Has the incidence of thoracolumbar spine injuries increased in the United States
      from 1998 to 2011?
AB  - BACKGROUND: While most motor vehicle crash (MVC)-related injuries have been
      decreasing, one study showed increases in MVC-related spinal fractures from 1994
      to 2002 in Wisconsin. To our knowledge, no studies evaluating nationwide trends
      of MVC-related thoracolumbar spine injuries have been published. Such fractures
      can cause pain, loss of functionality or even death. If the incidence of such
      injuries is increasing, it may provide a motive for reassessment of current
      vehicle safety design. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We questioned whether the incidence of
      thoracolumbar spine injuries increased in the United States population with time
      (between 1998 and 2011), and if there was an increased incidence of thoracolumbar
      injuries, whether there were identifiable compensatory "trade-off injury"
      patterns, such as reductions in sacropelvic injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Institutional review board approval was obtained for retrospective review of
      three national databases: the National Trauma Databank(r) (NTDB(r)), 2002-2006,
      National Automotive Sampling System (NASS), 2000-2011, and National Inpatient
      Sample (NIS), 1998-2007. In each database, the total number of MVC-related
      injuries and the number of MVC-related thoracolumbar injuries per year were
      identified using appropriate Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) or ICD-9 codes.
      Sacropelvic injuries also were identified to evaluate their potential as trade
      off injuries. Poisson regression models adjusting for age were used to analyze
      trends in the data with time. RESULTS: All databases showed increases in MVC
      related thoracolumbar spine injuries when adjusting for age with time. These age
      adjusted relative annual percent increases ranged from 8.22% (95% CI, 5.77%
      10.72%; p<0.001) using AIS of 2 or more (AIS2 +) injury codes in the NTDB(r),
      8.59% (95% CI, 5.88%-11.37%; p<0.001) using ICD-9 codes in the NTDB(r), 8.12%
      (95% CI, 7.20%-9.06%; p<0.001) using ICD-9 codes in the NIS, and 8.10 % (95% CI
      5.00%-11.28%; p<0.001) using AIS2+ injury codes in the NASS. As these
      thoracolumbar injuries have increased, there has been no consistent trend toward
      a compensatory reduction in terms of sacropelvic injuries. CONCLUSIONS: While
      other studies have shown that rates of many MVC-related injuries are declining
      with time, our data show increases in the incidence of thoracolumbar injury.
      Although more sensitive screening tools likely have resulted in earlier and
      increased recognition of these injuries, it cannot be stated for certain that
      this is the only driver of the increased incidence observed in this study. As
      seatbelt use has continued to increase, this trend may be the result of
      thoracolumbar injuries as trade-offs for other injuries, although in our study we
      did not see a compensatory decrease in sacropelvic injuries. Investigation
      evaluating the root of this pattern is warranted.

PMID- 25115590
TI  - SARP19 and vdg3 gene families are functionally related during abalone
      metamorphosis.
AB  - The transcriptional activity of the SARP19-I1 and vdg3-I1 genes increases over
      tenfold when Haliotis diversicolor larvae shift from the pelagic to benthic
      lifestyle, signifying the important role of these genes during abalone
      metamorphosis. In this study, eight paralogous SARP19 genes and six paralogous
      vdg3 genes were identified from H. diversicolor transcriptomes. Phylogenetic
      analyses were performed, and the spatio-temporal expression patterns of these
      genes were separately determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
      and whole mount in situ hybridization (WMISH). Five SARP19 paralogs and five vdg3
      paralogs showed at least a tenfold increase in expression after settlement. Among
      these differentially expressed genes, three SARP19 paralogs and four vdg3
      paralogs were verified as being spatially expressed in the digestive glands of
      newly settled postlarvae. We proposed that a hypothesis of coevolution between
      the two gene families might explain the similarities in their expression patterns
      and their phylogenetics. 

PMID- 25115592
TI  - Looking into meta-atoms of plasmonic nanowire metamaterial.
AB  - Nanowire-based plasmonic metamaterials exhibit many intriguing properties related
      to the hyperbolic dispersion, negative refraction, epsilon-near-zero behavior,
      strong Purcell effect, and nonlinearities. We have experimentally and numerically
      studied the electromagnetic modes of individual nanowires (meta-atoms) forming
      the metamaterial. High-resolution, scattering-type near-field optical microscopy
      has been used to visualize the intensity and phase of the modes. Numerical and
      analytical modeling of the mode structure is in agreement with the experimental
      observations and indicates the presence of the nonlocal response associated with
      cylindrical surface plasmons of nanowires. 

PMID- 25115591
TI  - Antagonistic role of CotG and CotH on spore germination and coat formation in
      Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - Spore formers are bacteria able to survive harsh environmental conditions by
      differentiating a specialized, highly resistant spore. In Bacillus subtilis, the
      model system for spore formers, the recently discovered crust and the
      proteinaceous coat are the external layers that surround the spore and contribute
      to its survival. The coat is formed by about seventy different proteins assembled
      and organized into three layers by the action of a subset of regulatory proteins,
      referred to as morphogenetic factors. CotH is a morphogenetic factor needed for
      the development of spores able to germinate efficiently and involved in the
      assembly of nine outer coat proteins, including CotG. Here we report that CotG
      has negative effects on spore germination and on the assembly of at least three
      outer coat proteins. Such negative action is exerted only in mutants lacking
      CotH, thus suggesting an antagonistic effect of the two proteins, with CotH
      counteracting the negative role of CotG. 

PMID- 25115593
TI  - Gross Morphometric Studies on the Tongue, Buccal Cavity and Hard Palate of the
      Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum).
AB  - This study was designed to assess the gross morphometric studies of the tongue,
      hard palate and buccal cavity of the fruit bat (Eidolon helvum). Sixty bats of
      both sexes were used for this study. The tongue was excised, and the weight and
      various linear measurements were determined. Linear measurements were also
      determined on the hard palate. The gross distribution of the lingual papillae was
      observed to be the same in both sexes; values obtained for the weight and length
      of the tongue were higher in the females, although no statistically significant
      differences were observed (P > 0.05). The number of ridges on the hard palate
      displayed sexual dimorphism. Results obtained from this study may find
      application in the field of comparative and clinical anatomy of wildlife and also
      in feeding physiology. 

PMID- 25115594
TI  - Biocompatibility and efficacy of collagen/gelatin sponge scaffold with sustained
      release of basic fibroblast growth factor on vocal fold fibroblasts in 3
      dimensional culture.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Treatment of vocal fold scarring remains challenging. We have
      previously reported the therapeutic effects of local injection of basic
      fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in animal models and humans. A novel
      collagen/gelatin sponge (CGS) is capable of sustained release of bFGF, which
      compensates for its quick absorption in vivo, avoiding multiple injections. This
      study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and efficacy of the CGS in rat vocal
      fold fibroblasts prior to human trials. METHODS: Fibroblasts extracted from
      Sprague-Dawley rat vocal folds were seeded onto a CGS and then cultivated with
      bFGF at concentrations of 0, 10, and 100 ng/mL. Vocal fold fibroblast morphology,
      adhesion, proliferation, and gene expression were measured under these 3
      dimensional conditions. RESULTS: Cells adhered to the CGS from day 1. Although no
      significant differences in cell morphology were detected, cell proliferation was
      accelerated by bFGF administration. Expression of endogenous bFGF and hepatocyte
      growth factor was significantly up-regulated at 10 ng/mL bFGF. The expression of
      procollagen I and procollagen III was significantly suppressed, whereas HAS-1 and
      HAS-2 were up-regulated at 10 and 100 ng/mL bFGF. CONCLUSION: The
      collagen/gelatin sponge is biocompatible with vocal fold fibroblasts and may be
      useful as a bFGF drug delivery system for the treatment of scarred vocal folds.

PMID- 25115595
TI  - Reinforcer magnitude and rate dependency: evaluation of resistance-to-change
      mechanisms.
AB  - Under many circumstances, reinforcer magnitude appears to modulate the rate
      dependent effects of drugs such that when schedules arrange for relatively larger
      reinforcer magnitudes rate dependency is attenuated compared with behavior
      maintained by smaller magnitudes. The current literature on resistance to change
      suggests that increased reinforcer density strengthens operant behavior, and such
      strengthening effects appear to extend to the temporal control of behavior. As
      rate dependency may be understood as a loss of temporal control, the effects of
      reinforcer magnitude on rate dependency may be due to increased resistance to
      disruption of temporally controlled behavior. In the present experiments, pigeons
      earned different magnitudes of grain during signaled components of a multiple FI
      schedule. Three drugs, clonidine, haloperidol, and morphine, were examined. All
      three decreased overall rates of key pecking; however, only the effects of
      clonidine were attenuated as reinforcer magnitude increased. An analysis of
      within-interval performance found rate-dependent effects for clonidine and
      morphine; however, these effects were not modulated by reinforcer magnitude. In
      addition, we included prefeeding and extinction conditions, standard tests used
      to measure resistance to change. In general, rate-decreasing effects of
      prefeeding and extinction were attenuated by increasing reinforcer magnitudes.
      Rate-dependent analyses of prefeeding showed rate-dependency following those
      tests, but in no case were these effects modulated by reinforcer magnitude. The
      results suggest that a resistance-to-change interpretation of the effects of
      reinforcer magnitude on rate dependency is not viable. 

PMID- 25115596
TI  - Effects of Withania somnifera on oral ethanol self-administration in rats.
AB  - Recent evidence has shown that Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha or Indian
      ginseng), a herbal remedy used in traditional medicine, impairs morphine-elicited
      place conditioning. Here, we investigated the effect of W. somnifera roots
      extract (WSE) on motivation for drinking ethanol using operant self
      administration paradigms. Wistar rats were trained to self-administer ethanol
      (10%) by nose-poking. The effects of WSE (25-75 mg/kg) were evaluated on
      acquisition and maintenance, on ethanol breakpoint under a progressive-ratio
      schedule of reinforcement and on the deprivation effect and reinstatement of
      seeking behaviours. Moreover, on the basis of the recent suggestion of an
      involvement of GABAB receptors in WSE central effects, we studied the interaction
      between WSE and GABAB ligands. The effect of WSE on saccharin (0.05%) oral self
      administration was also tested. The results show that WSE reduced the
      acquisition, maintenance and breakpoint of ethanol self-administration. WSE also
      reduced the deprivation effect, reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behaviours and
      saccharin reinforcement. Furthermore, the GABAB receptor antagonist, phaclofen,
      counteracted the ability of WSE to impair the maintenance of ethanol self
      administration. These findings show that WSE, by an action that may involve GABAB
      receptors, impairs motivation for drinking ethanol and suggest that further
      investigations should be performed to determine whether W. somnifera may
      represent a new approach for the management of alcohol abuse. 

PMID- 25115597
TI  - Improving primary care through information. A Wonca keynote paper.
AB  - Information from health care encounters across the entire health care spectrum,
      when consistently collected, analysed and applied can provide a clearer picture
      of patients' history as well as current and future needs through a better
      understanding of their morbidity burden and health care experiences. It can
      facilitate clinical activity to target limited resources to those patients most
      in need through risk adjustment mechanisms that consider the morbidity burden of
      populations, and it can help target quality improvement and cost saving
      activities in the right places. It can also open the door to a new chapter of
      evidence-based medicine around multi-morbidity. In summary, it can support a
      better integrated health system where primary care can provide continuous,
      coordinated, and comprehensive person-centred care to those who could benefit
      most. This paper explores the potential uses of information collected in
      electronic health records (EHRs) to inform case-mix and predictive modelling, as
      well as the associated challenges, with a particular focus on their application
      to primary care.

PMID- 25115598
TI  - A mini review on renewable sources for biofuel.
AB  - Rapid growth in both global energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions associated
      with the use of fossil fuels has driven the search for alternative sources which
      are renewable and have a lower environmental impact. This paper reviews the
      availability and bioenergy potentials of the current biomass feedstocks. These
      include (i) food crops such as sugarcane, corn and vegetable oils, classified as
      the first generation feedstocks, and (ii) lignocellulosic biomass derived from
      agricultural and forestry residues and municipal waste, as second generation
      feedstocks. The environmental and socioeconomic limitations of the first
      generation feedstocks have placed greater emphasis on the lignocellulosic
      biomass, of which the conversion technologies still faces major constraints to
      full commercial deployment. Key technical challenges and opportunities of the
      lignocellulosic biomass-to-bioenergy production are discussed in comparison with
      the first generation technologies. The potential of the emerging third generation
      biofuel from algal biomass is also reviewed. 

PMID- 25115599
TI  - Aerobic direct C-H arylation of nonbiased olefins.
AB  - An efficient ligand-promoted biomimetic aerobic oxidative dehydrogenative cross
      coupling between arenes and nonbiased olefins is presented. Acridine as a ligand
      was found to significantly enhance the rate, the yield, and the scope of the
      reaction under ambient oxygen pressure, providing a variety of alkenylarenes via
      an environmentally friendly procedure. 

PMID- 25115604
TI  - Drivers influencing streamflow changes in the Upper Turia basin, Spain.
AB  - Many rivers across the world have experienced a significant streamflow reduction
      over the last decades. Drivers of the observed streamflow changes are multiple,
      including climate change (CC), land use and land cover changes (LULCC), water
      transfers and river impoundment. Many of these drivers inter-act simultaneously,
      making it difficult to discern the impact of each driver individually. In this
      study we isolate the effects of LULCC on the observed streamflow reduction in the
      Upper Turia basin (east Spain) during the period 1973-2008. Regression models of
      annual streamflow are fitted with climatic variables and also additional time
      variant drivers like LULCC. The ecohydrological model SWAT is used to study the
      magnitude and sign of streamflow change when LULCC occurs. Our results show that
      LULCC does play a significant role on the water balance, but it is not the main
      driver underpinning the observed reduction on Turia's streamflow. Increasing mean
      temperature is the main factor supporting increasing evapotranspiration and
      streamflow reduction. In fact, LULCC and CC have had an offsetting effect on the
      streamflow generation during the study period. While streamflow has been
      negatively affected by increasing temperature, ongoing LULCC have positively
      compensated with reduced evapotranspiration rates, thanks to mainly shrubland
      clearing and forest degradation processes. These findings are valuable for the
      management of the Turia river basin, as well as a useful approach for the
      determination of the weight of LULCC on the hydrological response in other
      regions. 

PMID- 25115606
TI  - Mercury biogeochemical cycling and processes: implications for human and
      ecosystem health.

PMID- 25115608
TI  - Shrinkage assessment of low shrinkage composites using micro-computed tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to quantify the polymerization volumetric
      shrinkage of one regular and two low shrinkage bulk fill composites in class I
      cavities with or without an adhesive layer, using three-dimensional (3D) micro
      computed tomography (MUCT). METHODS: Class I cavity preparations (2.5 mm depth *
      4 mm length * 4 mm wide) were standardized in 36 extracted human third molars,
      which were randomly divided in six groups (n = 6 each) as follows: Group VIT
      (regular composite without bonding agent); Group SDR (low shrinkage flowable
      composite without bonding agent); Group TET (low shrinkage composite without
      bonding agent); Group VIT/P (regular composite with bonding agent); Group SDR/X
      (low shrinkage flowable composite with bonding agent); TET/T (low shrinkage
      composite with bonding agent). Each tooth was scanned via uCT at cavity
      preparation, immediately after cavity filling, and after light-curing. Acquired
      MUCT data were imported into Amira software for analysis and volume values
      evaluated between steps from cavity preparation until light-curing. RESULTS: Both
      low shrinkage composites showed a significantly less volumetric shrinkage than
      VIT. The use of dental adhesive significantly decreased the average volumetric
      contraction similarly for the three composites, by about 20%. CONCLUSION: Both
      low shrinkage composites showed less volumetric polymerization contraction than
      the regular composite. The use of dental adhesive decreased the total volumetric
      shrinkage for all evaluated composites.

PMID- 25115605
TI  - Predictors of serum polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in Anniston
      residents.
AB  - The Anniston Community Health Survey was a community-based cross-sectional study
      of Anniston, Alabama, residents who live in close proximity to a former PCB
      production facility to identify factors associated with serum PCB levels. The
      survey comprises 765 Anniston residents who completed a questionnaire interview
      and provided a blood sample for analysis in 2005-2007. Several reports based on
      data from the Anniston survey have been previously published, including
      associations between PCB exposure and diabetes and blood pressure. In this study
      we examine demographic, behavioral, dietary, and occupational characteristics of
      Anniston survey participants as predictors of serum PCB concentrations. Of the
      765 participants, 54% were White and 45% were African-American; the sample was
      predominantly female (70%), with a mean age of 55 years. Serum PCB concentrations
      varied widely between participants (range for sum of 35 PCBs: 0.11-170.4 ng/g wet
      weight). Linear regression models with stepwise selection were employed to
      examine factors associated with serum PCBs. Statistically significant positive
      associations were observed between serum PCB concentrations and age, race,
      residential variables, current smoking, and local fish consumption, as was a
      negative association with education level. Age and race were the most influential
      predictors of serum PCB levels. A small age by sex interaction was noted,
      indicating that the increase in PCB levels with age was steeper for women than
      for men. Significant interaction terms indicated that the associations between
      PCB levels and having ever eaten locally raised livestock and local clay were
      much stronger among African-Americans than among White participants. In summary,
      demographic variables and past consumption of locally produced foods were found
      to be the most important predictors of PCB concentrations in residents living in
      the vicinity of a former PCB manufacturing facility.

PMID- 25115607
TI  - Erythropoietin ameliorates the motor and cognitive function impairments in a rat
      model of hepatic cirrhosis.
AB  - Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious consequence of hepatic cirrhosis (HC).
      Previous studies have demonstrated cognitive impairments in both clinical and
      animal experiments of HC. Some potential therapeutic agents have been used to
      alleviate the cognitive symptoms in the animal models of HC. In the current
      study, the possible effect of erythropoietin (ERY) as a potent neuroprotective
      agent on motor and cognitive impairments induced by HC has been studied. Male
      Wistar rats (180-200 g) underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) or sham surgery.
      Administration of ERY (5,000 IU/kg, i.p., daily for three days) was initiated 2
      weeks after surgery and lasted for the next 28 days. Open field, rotarod, Morris
      water maze and passive avoidance learning was used to evaluate the motor and
      cognitive function of the animals. ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA were used to
      analyze the data. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. BDL rats had
      an increased level of hepatic enzymes and bilirubin. Impairment of balance
      function by BDL was reversed by ERY. Spatial and passive avoidance learning
      impairments observed in BDL rats were also reversed by chronic administration of
      ERY. ERY can be offered as a potential neuroprotective agent in the treatment of
      patients with HC that manifest mental dysfunctions. Though further studies are
      needed to clarify the exact mechanisms, the neuroprotective properties of ERY
      against BDL impairments were demonstrated in the current study.

PMID- 25115609
TI  - General Practitioner Supervisor assessment and teaching of Registrars consulting
      with Aboriginal patients - is cultural competence adequately considered?
AB  - BACKGROUND: General Practitioner (GP) Supervisors have a key yet poorly defined
      role in promoting the cultural competence of GP Registrars who provide healthcare
      to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during their training placements.
      Given the markedly poorer health of Indigenous Australians, it is important that
      GP training and supervision of Registrars includes assessment and teaching which
      address the well documented barriers to accessing health care. METHODS: A
      simulated consultation between a GP Registrar and an Aboriginal patient, which
      illustrated inadequacies in communication and cultural awareness, was viewed by
      GP Supervisors and Medical Educators during two workshops in 2012. Participants
      documented teaching points arising from the consultation which they would
      prioritise in supervision provided to the Registrar. Content analysis was
      performed to determine the type and detail of the planned feedback. Field notes
      from workshop discussions and participant evaluations were used to gain insight
      into participant confidence in cross cultural supervision. RESULTS: Sixty four of
      75 GPs who attended the workshops participated in the research. Although all
      documented plans for detailed teaching on the Registrar's generic communication
      and consultation skills, only 72% referred to culture or to the patient's
      Aboriginality. Few GPs (8%) documented a plan to advise on national health
      initiatives supporting access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A
      lack of Supervisor confidence in providing guidance on cross cultural consulting
      with Aboriginal patients was identified. CONCLUSIONS: The role of GP Supervisors
      in promoting the cultural competence of GP Registrars consulting with Aboriginal
      and Torres Strait Islander patients could be strengthened. A sole focus on
      generic communication and consultation skills may lead to inadequate
      consideration of the health disparities faced by Indigenous peoples and of the
      need to ensure Registrars utilise health supports designed to decrease the
      disadvantage faced by vulnerable populations.

PMID- 25115610
TI  - Mutations in microRNA binding sites of CEP genes involved in cancer.
AB  - The CEP genes play a pivotal role in the replication of the cell. CEP family
      proteins form the major constituents of the centrosome and play a prominent role
      in centriole biogenesis and in cell replication. Alteration in CEP genes will
      result in disruption of cell cycle that may in turn cause cancer. In our study,
      we found that 16 of the CEP genes are a potential target to miRNA that binds to
      complementary sequences in 3'untranslated regions (UTR) of mRNA and stop them
      from translation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occurring naturally in
      such miRNA binding site can alter the miRNA: mRNA interaction and can
      significantly alter gene expression. We developed a systematic computational
      pipeline that integrates data from well-established databases, followed stringent
      selection criteria and identified a panel of 44 high-confidence SNPs that may
      impair miRNA target sites in the 3'UTR of 16 genes. Further we performed
      expression analysis to shed light on the potential tissues that might be affected
      by mutation, enrichment analysis to find the metabolic functions of the gene, and
      network analysis to highlight the important interactions of CEP genes with other
      genes to provide insight that complex network will be disturbed upon mutation. In
      this study, we explored and prioritised the SNPs in CEP gene which could act as a
      potential target in centrosome-associated human disease. Our analysis would
      provide a thoughtful insight to wet lab researches to understand the expression
      pattern of CEP genes and binding phenomenon of mRNA and miRNA upon mutation,
      which is responsible for inhibition of translation process at genomic levels. 

PMID- 25115611
TI  - Is rs8099917 polymorphism of IL-28B gene a good predictor of response to therapy
      of HCV than rs12979860? An Egyptian study.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the major etiology of chronic liver disease.
      Polymorphisms in the IL-28B gene region are important in predicting outcome
      following therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The aim of this study
      was to detect the relationship between IL-28B polymorphism and responses to
      therapy in patients infected with genotype 4. This study included one hundred
      chronic hepatitis C patients infected with genotype 4, received PEG-IFNalpha2b
      plus ribavirin for 24 weeks, as well as, 20 healthy subjects serving as control.
      Clinical and laboratory parameters, including genetic variation near the IL-28B
      gene (rs8099917 and rs12979860), were assessed. The results of this study showed
      significant difference between responders and non-responders as regard SNPs in
      the interleukin 28B gene at rs8099917 and rs12979860. In rs8099917, TT genotypes
      had more frequency in responders than GG genotypes. On the other hand, CC
      genotype in rs12979860 had more frequency in responders than TT genotype. By
      multiple regression analysis, rs8099917 (TT), total bilirubin, and prothrombin
      time were independent factors affecting the response to treatment. This results
      demonstrate that in HCV genotype 4-infected patients, rs12979860 (CC) and
      rs8099917 (TT) genotypes may identify patients who are likely to respond to
      treatment. IL-28B SNPs are good predictors of response to combination therapy of
      HCV.

PMID- 25115612
TI  - Expression of MIG/CXCL9 in cystic fibrosis and modulation of its activities by
      elastase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - In cystic fibrosis (CF), colonization of the airways with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      is associated with disease deterioration. The mechanism behind the disease
      progression is not fully understood. The present work shows that the
      antibacterial chemokine MIG/CXCL9 is present in the airways and in sputum of CF
      patients. MIG/CXCL9 showed high bactericidal activity against. P. aeruginosa,
      including some strains from the airways of CF patients. Full-length MIG/CXCL9 was
      detected in sputum from healthy controls and CF patients colonized with P.
      aeruginosa. However, degraded MIG/CXCL9 was only found in CF sputum. In vitro,
      elastase of P. aeruginosa cleaved off a fragment of similar size and two
      additional fragments from MIG/CXCL9. The fragments showed less bactericidal
      activity against P. aeruginosa compared with the full-length protein. The
      fragments did not activate the MIG/CXCL9 receptor CXCR3 (expressed e.g. by NK
      cells, mast cells, and activated T cells) but instead displayed noncompetitive
      inhibition. In vitro, a decrease in CXCR3-bearing cells was found within and in
      the proximity of the bronchial epithelium of CF lung tissue compared with
      controls. Taken together, both bactericidal and cell-recruiting activities of
      MIG/CXCL9 are corrupted by P. aeruginosa through release of elastase, and this
      may contribute to impaired airway host defense in CF.

PMID- 25115613
TI  - Multi-scale simulations predict responses to non-invasive nerve root stimulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Established biophysical neurone models have achieved limited success
      in reproducing electrophysiological responses to non-invasive stimulation of the
      human nervous system. This is related to our insufficient knowledge of the
      induced electric currents inside the human body. Despite the numerous research
      and clinical applications of non-invasive stimulation, it is still unclear which
      internal sites are actually affected by it. APPROACH: We performed multi-scale
      computer simulations that, by making use of advances in computing power and
      numerical algorithms, combine a microscopic model of electrical excitation of
      neurones with a macroscopic electromagnetic model of the realistic whole-body
      anatomy. MAIN RESULTS: The simulations yield responses consistent with those
      experimentally recorded following magnetic and electrical motor root stimulation
      in human subjects, and reproduce the observed amplitudes and latencies for a wide
      variety of stimulation parameters. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings demonstrate that
      modern computational techniques can produce detailed predictions about which and
      where neurones are activated, leading to improved understanding of the physics
      and basic mechanisms of non-invasive stimulation and enabling potential new
      applications that make use of improved targeting of stimulation.

PMID- 25115614
TI  - De novo renal cell carcinoma in a kidney allograft with focus on contrast
      enhanced ultrasound.
AB  - The development of de novo renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a transplanted kidney is
      a rare condition. Currently, this is the second case report of a 41-year-old man
      in whom carcinoma of a renal allograft was detected by contrast-enhanced
      ultrasound (CEUS). An abdominal CT scan was not conclusive enough to
      differentiate between septal enhancement of a cyst and a low vascularized tumor.
      CEUS confirmed a solid, homogeneously enhancing but hypoechoic and hypovascular
      lesion compared to the surrounding kidney parenchyma without septal enhancement.
      Therefore, the patient underwent nephron-sparing surgery (NSS), affirming
      papillary RCC type 2. Graft function remained unchanged postoperatively; 12
      months after NSS, no local recurrence or distant metastasis was described. CEUS
      seems to be a minimally invasive and efficient imaging option if other diagnostic
      tools cannot clearly exclude RCC, with the advantage of wide-ranging use,
      especially in cases of impaired renal function.

PMID- 25115615
TI  - Prevalence of non-polypoid colorectal neoplasms in southern Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Several studies suggest that non-polypoid lesions (NPL) show
      higher aggressiveness than polypoid lesions, particularly depressed lesions. The
      present study aimed to assess the prevalence of NPL and the presence of advanced
      histology in a Brazilian population. METHODS: Two thousand and sixty-seven
      superficial neoplastic lesions diagnosed in 1135 patients were analyzed. Lesions
      were classified as polypoid and non-polypoid (flat and depressed) types, and
      evaluated for site, size, and histology (adenoma with grade of dysplasia, or
      early cancer). RESULTS: Prevalence of NPL was 46.5%. NPL predominated in the
      right colon (62.9%), whereas polypoid lesions were detected mainly in the left
      colon (53.2%) (P < 0.001). NPL had a 34% higher probability of occurring in the
      right colon than polypoid lesions (P < 0.001). NPL were smaller than polypoid
      lesions (P = 0.03). There were 208 lesions >10 mm, of which 40 (19.2%) had
      advanced histology: 13% (18/138) of polypoid lesions; 27.3% (18/66) of flat
      lesions; and 100% (4/4) of depressed lesions (P < 0.001). Among 1859 neoplasms
      <=10 mm, only 18 (1%) had advanced histology, and 15 of them were depressed
      lesions (P < 0.001). Advanced histology was more commonly detected in NPL than in
      polypoid lesions (P = 0.007), with significant difference in size (P < 0.001).
      NPL showed more advanced histology than polypoid lesions (OR 2.06; P = 0.01),
      especially depressed lesions (OR 36.35; P < 0.001). Among all neoplasms, the
      prevalence of depressed lesions was 2.2%. CONCLUSION: NPL showed high prevalence
      and higher aggressiveness than polypoid lesions, especially the depressed type.

PMID- 25115617
TI  - Patients' perspectives on hemodialysis vascular access: a systematic review of
      qualitative studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delayed creation of vascular access may be due in part to patient
      refusal and is associated with adverse outcomes. Concerns about vascular access
      are prevailing treatment-related stressors for patients on hemodialysis therapy.
      This study aims to describe patients' perspectives on vascular access initiation
      and maintenance in hemodialysis. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and thematic
      synthesis of qualitative studies. SETTING & POPULATION: Patients with chronic
      kidney disease who express opinions about vascular access for hemodialysis.
      SEARCH STRATEGY & SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, reference lists,
      and PhD dissertations were searched to October 2013. ANALYTICAL APPROACH:
      Thematic synthesis was used to analyze the findings. RESULTS: From 46 studies
      involving 1,034 patients, we identified 6 themes: heightened vulnerability
      (bodily intrusion, fear of cannulation, threat of complications and failure,
      unpreparedness, dependence on a lifeline, and wary of unfamiliar providers),
      disfigurement (preserving normal appearance, visual reminder of disease, and
      avoiding stigma), mechanization of the body (bonded to a machine, internal
      abnormality, and constant maintenance), impinging on way of life (physical
      incapacitation, instigating family tension, wasting time, and added expense),
      self-preservation and ownership (task-focused control, advocating for protection,
      and acceptance), and confronting decisions and consequences (imminence of
      dialysis therapy and existential thoughts). LIMITATIONS: Non-English articles
      were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular access is more than a surgical intervention.
      Initiation of vascular access signifies kidney failure and imminent dialysis,
      which is emotionally confronting. Patients strive to preserve their vascular
      access for survival, but at the same time describe it as an agonizing reminder of
      their body's failings and "abnormality" of being amalgamated with a machine
      disrupting their identity and lifestyle. Timely education and counseling about
      vascular access and building patients' trust in health care providers may improve
      the quality of dialysis and lead to better outcomes for patients with chronic
      kidney disease requiring hemodialysis.

PMID- 25115616
TI  - A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of pentoxifylline on erythropoiesis
      stimulating agent hyporesponsiveness in anemic patients with CKD: the Handling
      Erythropoietin Resistance With Oxpentifylline (HERO) trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)-hyporesponsive anemia is
      common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pentoxifylline shows promise as a
      treatment for ESA-hyporesponsive anemia, but has not been rigorously evaluated.
      STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING &
      PARTICIPANTS: 53 adult patients with CKD stage 4 or 5 (including dialysis) and
      ESA-hyporesponsive anemia (hemoglobin<=120g/L and ESA resistance index
      [calculated as weight-adjusted weekly ESA dose in IU/kg/wk divided by hemoglobin
      concentration in g/L]>=1.0IU/kg/wk/g/L for erythropoietin-treated patients and
      >=0.005MUg/kg/wk/g/L for darbepoetin-treated patients). INTERVENTIONS:
      Pentoxifylline (400mg/d; n=26) or matching placebo (control; n=27) for 4 months.
      OUTCOMES:  PRIMARY OUTCOME: ESA resistance index at 4 months; secondary outcomes:
      hemoglobin concentration, ESA dose, blood transfusion requirement, serum ferritin
      level and transferrin saturation, C-reactive protein level, adverse events,
      quality of life, and health economics. RESULTS: There was no statistically
      significant difference in ESA resistance index between the pentoxifylline and
      control groups (adjusted mean difference, -0.39 [95%CI, -0.89 to 0.10]
      IU/kg/wk/g/L; P=0.1). Pentoxifylline significantly increased hemoglobin
      concentration relative to the control group (adjusted mean difference, 7.6
      [95%CI, 1.7-13.5] g/L; P=0.01). There was no difference in ESA dose between
      groups (-20.8 [95%CI, -67.2 to 25.7] IU/kg/wk; P=0.4). No differences in blood
      transfusion requirements, adverse events, or quality of life were observed
      between groups. Pentoxifylline cost A$88.05 (US $82.94) per person over the trial
      and produced mean savings in ESA cost of A$1,332 (US $1,255). The overall
      economic impact over the trial period was a saving of A$1,244 (US $1,172) per
      person for the pentoxifylline group compared with controls. LIMITATIONS: Sample
      size smaller than planned due to slow recruitment. CONCLUSIONS: Pentoxifylline
      did not significantly modify ESA hyporesponsiveness, but increased hemoglobin
      concentration. Further studies are warranted to determine whether pentoxifylline
      therapy represents a safe strategy for increasing hemoglobin levels in patients
      with CKD with ESA-hyporesponsive anemia.

PMID- 25115619
TI  - Predictors of anxiety in centenarians: health, economic factors, and loneliness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Centenarians' psychological well-being is presently of great interest
      in psychogeriatric research but little is known about factors that specifically
      account for the presence of clinically relevant anxiety symptoms in this age
      group. This study examined the presence of anxiety and its predictors in a sample
      of centenarians and aims to contribute to a better understanding of anxiety
      determinants in extreme old age. METHODS: We examined how socio-demographic,
      health, functional, and social factors contribute to the presence of clinically
      significant anxiety symptoms in centenarians recruited from two Portuguese
      centenarian studies. The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory - Short Form (GAI-SF) was
      used to assess anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 97 centenarians (mean age
      101.1 years; SD = 1.5 years; range = 100-108) with no/minor cognitive impairment
      were included. Clinically significant anxiety symptoms (GAI-SF >=3) were present
      in 45.4% (n = 44) of the sample. Main predictive factors included worse health
      perception, higher number of medical conditions, financial concerns related to
      medical expenses (income inadequacy) and loneliness. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest
      that along with health status (subjective and objective), income inadequacy
      related to medical expenses and feeling lonely may predispose centenarians to
      clinically significant anxiety and be important to their overall well-being.
      Further research is needed on the repercussions of clinical anxiety in
      centenarians' quality of life and on co-morbid conditions (e.g. depression) at
      such advanced ages.

PMID- 25115618
TI  - Construct and concurrent validity of a patient-reported adverse drug event
      questionnaire: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Direct patient-reported information about adverse drug events (ADEs)
      is important since it adds to healthcare professional-reported information about
      the safety of drugs. Previously, we developed an instrument to assess patient
      reported ADEs in research settings. The aim of this study is to assess the
      construct and concurrent validity of the questionnaire. METHODS: Patients on at
      least an oral glucose-lowering drug completed the ADE questionnaire, the World
      Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, and the Treatment Satisfaction
      Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM). The ADE questionnaire assesses ADEs for any
      drug that the patient uses. Construct validity was assessed by testing whether
      patients reporting an ADE had a lower general quality of life and physical health
      than those not reporting an ADE, using Mann-Whitney U-tests and t-tests
      (significance level <0.05). For concurrent validity, we tested whether ADEs that
      patients associate with particular drugs in the ADE questionnaire are documented
      in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) of those drugs, and whether
      patients who report an ADE with the use of metformin on the TSQM, mention
      metformin as a drug associated with an ADE on the ADE questionnaire. Agreement of
      70% with the SPC was considered satisfactory. Sensitivity and positive predictive
      value (PPV) were calculated for the comparison with the TSQM, where 70% was used
      as the cut-off level for sufficient concurrent validity. RESULTS: We included 135
      patients (mean age 64 years, 35% women). Patients who reported an ADE (N = 37)
      had a lower general quality of life and physical health than those not reporting
      an ADE (P < 0.05). For 78 of the 146 reported ADEs (53%), patients mentioned at
      least 1 particular drug associated with the ADE. After clustering related ADEs,
      this resulted in 56 patient-reported ADE-drug associations. Of these, 41 (73%)
      were in agreement with information in the SPC. Finally, the questionnaire had a
      sensitivity of 38% and PPV of 79% for assessing ADEs associated with metformin.
      CONCLUSIONS: The construct validity of the patient-reported ADE questionnaire was
      sufficient for reporting any versus no ADE, but the concurrent validity was only
      partly demonstrated. Therefore, the questionnaire needs to be adapted before it
      can be used.

PMID- 25115620
TI  - Stimulus-specific adaptation in the inferior colliculus of the mouse: anesthesia
      and spontaneous activity effects.
AB  - Rapid behavioral responses to unexpected events in the acoustic environment are
      critical for survival. Stimulus-specific adaptation (SSA) is the process whereby
      some auditory neurons respond better to rare stimuli than to repetitive stimuli.
      Most experiments on SSA have been performed under anesthesia, and it is unknown
      if SSA sensitivity is altered by the anesthetic agent. Only a direct comparison
      can answer this question. Here, we recorded extracellular single units in the
      inferior colliculus of awake and anesthetized mice under an oddball paradigm that
      elicits SSA. Our results demonstrate that SSA is similar, but not identical, in
      the awake and anesthetized preparations. The differences are mostly due to the
      higher spontaneous activity observed in the awake animals, which also revealed a
      high incidence of inhibitory receptive fields. We conclude that SSA is not an
      artifact of anesthesia and that spontaneous activity modulates neuronal SSA
      differentially, depending on the state of arousal. Our results suggest that SSA
      may be especially important when nervous system activity is suppressed during
      sleep-like states. This may be a useful survival mechanism that allows the
      organism to respond to danger when sleeping. 

PMID- 25115621
TI  - Central arterial pulse waveform acquisition with a portable pen-like optical
      fiber sensor.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pulse waveform features related to cardiovascular pathologies and
      arterial stiffness have been extensively studied, and optical fiber sensors have
      been studied with an aim to simplify the pulse waveform acquisition in the
      carotid artery. In this paper, a novel optical fiber sensor to record pulse
      waveform in the carotid artery has been proposed. METHODS: The pulse waveform
      optical fiber sensor design, based on fiber Bragg gratings, is presented. The
      probe was characterized, and its response to controlled waveforms was studied.
      Finally, tests were performed on human subjects. RESULTS: The developed sensor
      has a displacement sensitivity of 21.2 pm/MUm, with ability to detect the carotid
      pulse wave in the neck surface, with a resolution of 1.3 mmHg. CONCLUSION: This
      study revealed a new technological approach for acquisition of the central pulse
      waveform.

PMID- 25115622
TI  - In response: ambulatory blood pressure measurement in pharmacies.

PMID- 25115623
TI  - Planar edge Schottky barrier-tunneling transistors using epitaxial graphene/SiC
      junctions.
AB  - A purely planar graphene/SiC field effect transistor is presented here. The
      horizontal current flow over one-dimensional tunneling barrier between planar
      graphene contact and coplanar two-dimensional SiC channel exhibits superior
      on/off ratio compared to conventional transistors employing vertical electron
      transport. Multilayer epitaxial graphene (MEG) grown on SiC(0001) was adopted as
      the transistor source and drain. The channel is formed by the accumulation layer
      at the interface of semi-insulating SiC and a surface silicate that forms after
      high vacuum high temperature annealing. Electronic bands between the graphene
      edge and SiC accumulation layer form a thin Schottky barrier, which is dominated
      by tunneling at low temperatures. A thermionic emission prevails over tunneling
      at high temperatures. We show that neglecting tunneling effectively causes the
      temperature dependence of the Schottky barrier height. The channel can support
      current densities up to 35 A/m. 

PMID- 25115624
TI  - Effect of extraction technique on the content and antioxidant activity of crude
      extract of Anacyclus clavatus flowers and their essential oil composition.
AB  - Anacyclus clavatus is a plant used as food and remedy. The objective of this work
      was to study the effect of extraction technique on the antioxidant property,
      total phenol and flavonoid contents of crude extracts from A. clavatus flowers
      and their essential oil composition. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay,
      ferric-reducing power, beta-carotene and total antioxidant capacity assays have
      demonstrated the significant antioxidant ability of different crude extracts
      obtained by using the following extraction methods: Soxhlet, microwave heating,
      heat reflux (HRE) and maceration. The activity of the extract obtained by HRE was
      the highest (112.06 +/- 2.89 MUg/mL) evaluated by the DPPH assay. Extraction of
      essential oil was performed by microwave-assisted hydro-distillation (MAHD) and
      by hydro-distillation (HD). A significant difference was observed in both
      essential oils, despite the common main family and major constituents, such as
      artemisia ketone (10.0 +/- 0.8% for MAHD vs. 6.5 +/- 0.5 for HD) and pinocarvone
      (4.1 +/- 0.4% for MAHD vs. 1.1 +/- 0.1% for HD).

PMID- 25115625
TI  - Synthesis of tetrahydropyridine derivatives through a modular assembly reaction
      using 3,4-dihydropyran as dual substrate and template.
AB  - A concise method to synthesize 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridines is described that
      involves the use of 2-alkoxy-3,4-dihydropyran as a modular precursor to react
      with aniline and a nucleophile. In this method, the heteroatom of the
      dihydropyran ring was replaced by nitrogen of aniline while the nucleophile
      attached to its adjacent position. Various druglike polyheterocycles were
      prepared with this method by using NH2-containing 1,5- or 1,4-bisnucleophiles. 

PMID- 25115626
TI  - Scaffold hopping of sampangine: discovery of potent antifungal lead compound
      against Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans.
AB  - Discovery of novel antifungal agents against Aspergillus fumigatus and
      Cryptococcus neoformans remains a significant challenge in current antifungal
      therapy. Herein the antifungal natural product sampangine was used as the lead
      compound for novel antifungal drug discovery. A series of D-ring scaffold hopping
      derivatives were designed and synthesized to improve antifungal activity and
      water solubility. Among them, the thiophene derivative S2 showed broad-spectrum
      antifungal activity, particularly for Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus
      neoformans. Moreover, compound S2 also revealed better water solubility than
      sampangine, which represents a promising antifungal lead compound for further
      structural optimization. 

PMID- 25115628
TI  - In vitro dynamic degradation behavior of new magnesium alloy for orthopedic
      applications.
AB  - We report on methodologies for use in the design of a biodegradable Mg alloy
      appropriate for load-bearing but temporary orthopedic implant applications.
      Comparative studies of Mg-5Ca and Mg-5Ca-1Zn were conducted to explore the
      effects of a combination of minor alloying and hot extrusion, on the alloy's
      mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The extruded Mg-5Ca-1Zn exhibited
      high ultimate compressive strength of 385 MPa and suffered no significant
      structural degradation even after immersion in simulated body fluid for 30 days.
      Mg-5Ca-1Zn alloy showed the mechanical strength and controlled corrosion rate to
      be considered as an ideal candidate for biodegradable orthopedic implant
      material.

PMID- 25115627
TI  - Moderate hypoxia influences potassium outward currents in adipose-derived stem
      cells.
AB  - Moderate hypoxic preconditioning of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) enhances
      properties such as proliferation and secretion of growth factors, representing a
      valuable strategy to increase the efficiency of cell-based therapies. In a wide
      variety of cells potassium (K+) channels are key elements involved in the
      cellular responses to hypoxia, suggesting that ASCs cultured under low oxygen
      conditions may display altered electrophysiological properties. Here, the effects
      of moderate hypoxic culture on proliferation, whole-cell currents, and ion
      channel expression were investigated using human ASCs cultured at 5% and 20%
      oxygen. Although cell proliferation was greatly enhanced, the dose-dependent
      growth inhibition by the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA) was not
      significantly affected by hypoxia. Under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions,
      ASCs displayed outward K+ currents composed by Ca2+-activated, delayed rectifier,
      and transient components. Hypoxic culture reduced the slope of the current
      voltage curves and caused a negative shift in the voltage activation threshold of
      the whole-cell currents. However, the TEA-mediated shift of voltage activation
      threshold was not affected by hypoxia. Semiquantitative real-time RT-PCR revealed
      that expression of genes encoding for various ion channels subunits related to
      oxygen sensing and proliferation remained unchanged after hypoxic culture. In
      conclusion, outward currents are influenced by moderate hypoxia in ASCs through a
      mechanism that is not likely the result of modulation of TEA-sensitive K+
      channels. 

PMID- 25115629
TI  - Validation and reference ranges of hair cortisol measurement in healthy children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cortisol is produced in a circadian rhythm controlled by the
      hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, making it cumbersome to measure long-term
      cortisol exposure. Hair has proven to be a reliable matrix for long-term cortisol
      measurement in adults and can be used as diagnostic tool for (cyclic) Cushing's
      syndrome. The diagnostic applicability in children has not been studied, nor have
      the effects of development and hair care been evaluated in children. We aimed to
      establish reference ranges of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in healthy
      children and to evaluate the effects of age, gender, puberty and characteristics
      of hair care. METHODS: In 128 healthy children aged 4-14 years, HCC were measured
      in a small 3-cm hair lock from the back of the head. RESULTS: HCC increased with
      age (p = 0.04) up to age 10 years, with a mean of 5.0, 5.8, 6.8 and 8.5 pg/mg at
      age 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and 10-14 years, respectively. Children aged 4-7 years had
      significantly lower HCC compared to healthy adults (p = 0.007). We did not find
      any influence of gender, puberty or hair care characteristics on hair cortisol.
      CONCLUSION: HCC can be reliably measured in childhood, and reference ranges
      increase with age. HCC in children are not dependent on hair care or hair
      characteristics.

PMID- 25115630
TI  - Diaminoglyoxime as a versatile reagent in the synthesis of bis(1,2,4
      oxadiazoles), 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl-quinazolines and 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl
      benzothiazinones.
AB  - The synthesis of bis(1,2,4-oxadiazoles), 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl-quinazolines, and
      1,2,4-oxadiazolyl-benzothiazinones has been investigated by the reaction of
      diaminoglyoxime with various ketones and methyl 2-aminobenzoate, 2-amino-5
      chlorophenyl)(phenyl)methanone, and 2-mercapto benzoic acid in acetic acid either
      a catalyst or solvent at 100  degrees C.

PMID- 25115631
TI  - Expression of Neural Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein in Clear Cell Renal Cell
      Carcinoma and Its Correlation with Clinicopathological Features.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP) expression is
      associated with tumor cell invasion and migration. However, its expression status
      in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) remains unclear. We examined the level
      of N-WASP in CCRCC and its association with clinicopathological features
      characteristic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 73 CCRCC patients who underwent radical
      nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy were enrolled. Immunohistochemical staining
      for N-WASP was performed on tissue microarrays constructed from tumor and para
      tumor tissue obtained from these patients. The difference in N-WASP expression
      between tumor tissue and adjacent normal renal tissue was examined. Correlations
      between N-WASP expression in the tumor and clinicopathological parameters were
      analyzed and the relationship between N-WASP expression and overall survival also
      assessed. Uni- and multivariate survival analyses were performed. RESULTS: N-WASP
      expression was significantly reduced in tumor tissues and was significantly
      related to the histological grade of CCRCC. A higher level of N-WASP expression
      in the tumor was associated with relatively poor survival in CCRCC patients. The
      level of N-WASP expression, age at time of surgery, and histological grade were
      all responsible for clinical outcome in CCRCC patients. N-WASP was an independent
      predictor for overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: N-WASP was downregulated in CCRCC
      and could serve as a prognostic biomarker for predicting clinical outcome of
      CCRCC.

PMID- 25115632
TI  - Efficiency of pretreatment risk stratification systems for prostate cancer in a
      Japanese population treated with radical prostatectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the currently available pretreatment risk
      classification systems are applicable in Japanese prostate cancer patients.
      METHODS: Using data obtained from 1264 consecutive patients with prostate cancer
      treated with radical prostatectomy at four hospitals in Japan, biochemical
      recurrence-free survival rates were estimated and compared between the D'Amico,
      the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, the Cancer of the
      Prostate Strategic Urological Research Endeavor, the National Comprehensive
      Cancer Network, and the European Society of Medical Oncology risk groups by using
      the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. RESULTS: The 5-year biochemical
      recurrence-free survival rates in the D'Amico low-, intermediate-, and high-risk
      groups were 88.3%, 84.7% and 66.9%, respectively (low and intermediate risk vs
      high risk, P < 0.001). The 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rates in
      the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, National Comprehensive
      Cancer Network, and European Society of Medical Oncology low-, intermediate- and
      high-risk groups were 88.3%, 84.3%, and 60.3%, respectively (low and intermediate
      risk vs high risk, P < 0.001). The 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival
      rates in the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urological Research Endeavor low-,
      intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 90%, 83.5% and 60.3%, respectively (low
      and intermediate risk vs high risk, P < 0.001). Low- and intermediate-risk groups
      according to any of the risk stratification systems did not show significant
      differences in biochemical recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSION: Current risk
      stratification systems do not discriminate between low- and intermediate-risk
      groups in the Japanese population. A novel, pretreatment risk stratification
      system including other prognostic factors is necessary for an adequate prostate
      cancer risk assessment in the Japanese population.

PMID- 25115633
TI  - High plasma levels of HLA-G are associated with low birth weight and with an
      increased risk of malaria in infancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The immunosuppressive properties of HLA-G protein can create a
      tolerogenic environment that may allow Plasmodium falciparum to avoid host immune
      responses. There are known associations between high levels of circulating
      soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) and either parasite or viral infections and it has been
      suggested that the induction of sHLA-G expression could be a mechanism via which
      infectious agents subvert host immune defence. The study presented here is the
      first to investigate the possible association between sHLA-G and malaria or
      malaria related risk factors in Benin. METHODS: A parasitological and clinical
      follow-up of 165 mothers and their newborns from delivery through to one year of
      age was conducted in the Tori Bossito area of southern Benin. Plasma levels of
      sHLA-G were determined by ELISA in maternal peripheral and cord blood and again
      in infants' peripheral blood at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age. The associations
      between the levels of sHLA-G and malaria risk factors were investigated through
      multivariate mixed models. RESULTS: Strong correlations were observed between the
      maternal and cord plasma concentrations of sHLA-G. In multivariate analyses, high
      cord plasma levels of sHLA-G were independently associated with (i) low birth
      weight and (ii) an increased risk of P. falciparum infection in infancy.
      CONCLUSION: These results show for the first time the possible involvement of
      sHLA-G in generating immune tolerance during pregnancy-associated malaria.
      Soluble HLA-G may represent a useful marker of susceptibility to malaria in
      infants and be associated with the higher susceptibility to infection observed
      for LBW children.

PMID- 25115634
TI  - Health related quality of life of children and adolescents with congenital
      adrenal hyperplasia in Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is an endocrine disorder
      characterized by enzymatic deficiency in adrenal steroidogenesis, leading to
      adrenal insufficiency and hyperandrogenism. Patients need continuous hormone
      replacement therapy, but adequate control has proven challenging, exposing
      patients to undesirable consequences of both disease and treatment. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the health related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents
      with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. METHODS: In an analytical study,
      generic questionnaires, validated and translated versions, Pediatric Quality of
      Life Inventory 4.0 (for self-assessment of patients) and Child Health
      Questionnaire - PF50 (for parents) were applied and mean scores were analyzed
      with Student's t-test. RESULTS: We included 25 patients (19 female) with
      classical CAH (14 salt wasting/11 simple virilizing), mean age +/- standard
      deviation (SD) of 11.4 +/- 3.6 years (5-17.9), and their parents. Self-assessment
      of HRQOL showed decrease in mean scores: overall (67.8 +/- 15.5 vs. 88.9 +/- 7.4,
      p value = 0.015) and in the physical (75.2 +/- 15.0 vs. 95.9 +/- 5.8, p value =
      0.014) and psychosocial (63.9 +/- 17.8 vs. 85.0 +/- 9.6, p value = 0.023)
      dimensions of patients, compared to healthy controls (previously published
      national data on children and adolescents). The assessment of the parent's view
      was concordant, also showing losses in the physical (43.7 +/- 8.0 vs. 55.1 +/-
      3.6, p value = 0.013) and psychosocial (41.9 +/- 9.7 vs. 53.0 +/- 7.0, p value =
      0.025) dimensions. The comparison of HRQOL between subgroups 1) males versus
      females and 2) salt-wasting versus simple virilizing showed no significant
      differences. CONCLUSION: There seems to be a loss of HRQOL in children and
      adolescents with classical CAH. The self-assessment was concordant in key areas
      with the assessment made by their parents. No differences were observed between
      genders or clinical presentation of the disease.

PMID- 25115636
TI  - The effect of anagliptin treatment on glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism,
      and oxidative stress in fasting and postprandial states using a test meal in
      Japanese men with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 25115635
TI  - Effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on waist circumference among type 2 diabetes
      patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
AB  - Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are increasingly used in
      patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the effect on abdominal obesity has not
      yet been confirmed. The study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of GLP
      1RAs on waist circumference in patients with type 2 diabetes. MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      the Cochrane library and www.clinicaltrialgov were searched through October 31,
      2013. Randomized controlled trials with available data were selected if they
      compared GLP-1 RAs with placebo and traditional anti-diabetic drugs with a
      duration>=8 weeks. Weighted mean difference was estimated using random-effect
      model. Network meta-analysis was performed to supplement direct comparisons.
      Seventeen trials with 12 treatments were included. Overall, significant
      reductions on waist circumference following treatment of liraglutide--1.8 mg once
      daily (-5.24 cm, 95% CI -7.68, -2.93), liraglutide--1.2 mg once daily (-4.73 cm,
      95% CI -6.68, -2.65) and exenatide--10 MUg twice daily (-1.34 cm, 95 % CI -2.00, 
      0.75) were detected versus placebo. The reduction effect was more evident when
      compared with insulin and thiazolidinediones (range -1.71 to -8.03 cm). Compared
      with exenatide, liraglutide--0.6 mg once daily, taspoglutide, liraglutide--1.2 mg
      once daily and liraglutide--1.8 mg once daily significantly decreased waist
      circumference from -3.32 to -6.01 cm. Besides, liraglutide--1.8 mg once daily
      significantly decreased waist circumference by -1.73 cm (95 % CI -3.04, -0.55)
      versus sitagliptin, whereas no significant difference following liraglutide--1.2
      mg-once-daily treatment was detected compared with liraglutide--1.8 mg once daily
      and sitagliptin. Reduction was observed with statistical significance for
      exenatide--10 MUg twice daily compared with exenatide--5 MUg twice daily (-1.21
      cm, 95% CI -2.43, -0.06). Ranking probability analysis indicated liraglutide--1.8
      mg once daily and liraglutide--1.2 mg once daily decreased waist circumference
      most among all 12 treatments with probability of 98.36% and 91.82%, respectively.
      Some GLP-1RAs, especially liraglutide--1.8 mg once daily and liraglutide--1.2 mg
      once daily, were associated with a significant reduction in waist circumference.

PMID- 25115637
TI  - Comparison of salivary and calculated free cortisol levels during low and
      standard dose of ACTH stimulation tests in healthy volunteers.
AB  - Salivary cortisol (SC) has been increasingly used as a surrogate biomarker of
      free cortisol (FC) for the assessment of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)
      axis, but there are not enough data regarding its use during ACTH stimulation
      tests. Therefore, we aimed to determine the responses of SC, calculated free
      cortisol (cFC) and free cortisol index (FCI) to ACTH stimulation tests in healthy
      adults. Forty-four healthy volunteers (24 men and 20 women) were included in the
      study. Low-dose (1 ug) and standard-dose (250 ug) ACTH stimulation tests were
      performed on two consecutive days. Basal and stimulated total cortisol (TC) and
      cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) levels and SC levels were measured during both
      doses of ACTH stimulation tests. cFC (by Coolens' equation) and FCI levels were
      calculated from simultaneously measured TC and CBG levels. The minimum SC, cFC,
      FCI levels after low-dose ACTH stimulation test were 0.21, 0.33, 16.06 ug/dL, and
      after standard-dose ACTH were 0.85, 0.46, 26.11 ug/dL, respectively, in healthy
      individuals who all had TC responses higher than 20 ug/dL. Peak CBG levels after
      both doses of ACTH stimulation tests were found to be higher in women than in
      men. So, by its effect, peak cFC and FCI levels were found to be lower in female
      than in male group. Neither TC nor SC levels were affected by gender. cFC and FCI
      levels depend on CBG levels and they are affected by gender. Cut-off levels for
      SC, cFC, FCI levels after both low- and standard-dose ACTH stimulation are
      presented. Studies including patients with adrenal insufficiency would be helpful
      to see the diagnostic value of these suggested cut-off levels. 

PMID- 25115642
TI  - Detecting alcohol problems in older adults: can we do better?

PMID- 25115643
TI  - Mechanistic insights into the reduction of graphene oxide addressing its
      surfaces.
AB  - Both sides of a graphene oxide (ai-GO) layer are decorated with functional
      groups. For the first time it is demonstrated that an effective reduction of ai
      GO to graphene can be performed, even if the reducing agent can access only one
      side of ai-GO. A general reduction mechanism is proposed. 

PMID- 25115638
TI  - PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in medullary thyroid cancer: a promising molecular target
      for cancer therapy.
AB  - The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      pathway is a central hub for the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis,
      cell cycle, metabolism, and angiogenesis. Several studies have recently suggested
      that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis and
      progression of neuroendocrine tumors. Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a
      neuroendocrine tumor developing from the C cells of the thyroid. Mutations in the
      RET proto-oncogene are involved in the pathogenesis of several forms of MTC. The
      deregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway seems to contribute to the tumorigenic
      activity of RET proto-oncogene mutations. Targeting this pathway through specific
      inhibitors at simple or multiple sites may represent an attractive potential
      therapeutic approach for patients with advanced MTCs. The aim of this review is
      to examine the role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in the development and
      progression of MTC and the new therapeutic options that target this signaling
      pathway. 

PMID- 25115644
TI  - Copper(II) catalyzed expeditious synthesis of furoquinoxalines through a one-pot
      three-component coupling strategy.
AB  - Microwave assisted one-pot transformation has been developed for the synthesis of
      biologically significant polysubstituted furoquinoxalines in good to excellent
      yields through a copper(II) catalyzed three-component coupling of o
      phenylenediamine, ethylglyoxalate, and terminal alkyne, known as A(3)-coupling,
      followed by 5-endo-dig cyclization. 

PMID- 25115646
TI  - In vitro biological activities and fatty acid profiles of Pistacia terebinthus
      fruits and Pistacia khinjuk seeds.
AB  - This study reports in vitro anticholinesterase, antioxidant and antimicrobial
      effects of the n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethanol and ethanol-water extracts
      prepared from Pistacia terebinthus L. fruits and Pistacia khinjuk Stocks seeds as
      well as their total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and fatty acid compositions.
      Ethanol and ethanol-water extracts of both species exhibited higher
      anticholinesterase activity than galanthamine. Among ABTS, DPPH and CUPRAC
      assays, the highest antioxidant capacity of the extracts was found in the last
      one. P. terebinthus ethanol extract being rich in flavonoid content showed the
      best cupric reducing effect. All extracts possessed no antimicrobial activity.
      The main fatty acid in P. terebinthus fruits (52.52%) and P. khinjuk seeds
      (59.44%) was found to be oleic acid. Our results indicate that P. terebinthus
      fruits and P. khinjuk seeds could be a good source of anticholinesterase
      compounds, and could be phytochemically investigated. 

PMID- 25115645
TI  - Oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes as antigen delivery system to promote
      superior CD8(+) T cell response and protection against cancer.
AB  - Properties like high interfacial area with cellular membranes, unique ability to
      incorporate multiple functionalization, as well as compatibility and transport in
      biological fluids make carbon nanotubes (CNTs) useful for a variety of
      therapeutic and drug-delivery applications. Here we used a totally synthetic
      hybrid supramolecule as an anticancer vaccine formulation. This complex structure
      comprises CNTs as delivery system for the Cancer Testis Antigen named NY-ESO-1,
      allied to a synthetic Toll-Like Receptor agonist. The CNT constructs were rapidly
      internalized into dendritic cells, both in vitro and in vivo, and served as an
      intracellular antigen depot. This property favored the induction of strong CD4(+)
      T as well as CD8(+) T cell-mediated immune responses against the NY-ESO-1.
      Importantly, the vaccination significantly delayed the tumor development and
      prolonged the mice survival, highlighting the potential application of CNTs as a
      vaccine delivery system to provide superior immunogenicity and strong protection
      against cancer. 

PMID- 25115647
TI  - The effect of actual and imaginary handgrip on postural stability during
      different balance conditions.
AB  - The stabilizing effect of holding an object on upright posture has been
      demonstrated in a variety of settings. The mechanism of this effect is unknown
      but could be attributed to either additional sensorimotor activity triggered by a
      hand contact or cognitive efforts related to performance of a supra-postural
      task. A potential mechanism was investigated by comparing postural stability in
      young healthy individuals while gripping a custom instrumented wooden stick with
      a 5N force and while imagining holding the same stick in the hand. Twenty
      subjects were tested during three standing balance conditions: on a stationary
      surface, on a freely moving rockerboard, and with an unexpected perturbation of
      10 degrees  forward rockerboard tipping. Postural stability was evaluated as
      velocity of the center of mass (COM) and center of pressure (COP) compared across
      all experimental conditions. COM and COP velocities were equally reduced when
      subjects gripped the stick and imagined gripping while standing stationary and on
      the rockerboard. When perturbed, subjects failed to show any postural stability
      improvements regardless of handgrip task. Results indicate a stabilizing effect
      of focusing attention on motor task performance. This cognitive strategy does not
      appear to contribute any additional stabilization when subjects are perturbed.
      This study adds to the current understanding of postural stabilization
      strategies. 

PMID- 25115648
TI  - In vivo investigations on luteotropic activity of prostaglandins during early
      diestrus in nonpregnant bitches.
AB  - The aim of this study was to test for the postulated luteotropic effect of
      prostaglandin E2 during early diestrus in the dog in an in vivo study. This study
      was performed on 30 bitches which were randomly assigned to a treatment group
      (TG) and a control group. Starting on the day of ovulation (Day 0), dogs of the
      TG were treated for 5, 10, 20, or 30 days with 10 mg firocoxib/kg body weight per
      day (Previcox, a selective PTGS2 inhibitor) and ovariohysterectomized for
      collection of corpora lutea on the last day of treatment. Similarly, dogs of the
      control group were ovariohysterectomized on Days 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30. Blood
      samples for progesterone measurement were collected every second day;
      additionally, the area of luteal cell nuclei and the expression of 3beta
      hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase at the mRNA and the protein levels were assessed.
      Mean P4 concentrations were lower in TGs; however, a significant difference was
      only observed on Day 10. This observation is in line with the finding that
      treatment with firocoxib reduced expression of 3beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase
      mRNA and protein (P < 0.05) and the area of luteal cell nuclei (P < 0.05). The
      results of this study further point to the postulated luteotropic function of
      prostaglandin E2.

PMID- 25115649
TI  - (68)Ga based probe for Alzheimer's disease: synthesis and preclinical evaluation
      of homodimeric chalcone in beta-amyloid imaging.
AB  - In an attempt to explore use of PET radioisotope, (68)Ga, in the diagnosis of
      Alzheimer's disease, a metal-based homodimeric ligand exhibiting high affinity
      towards Abeta aggregates was designed by conjugating two chalcone units with the
      chelating system, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. Bischalcone derivative, 5,8
      bis(carboxymethyl)-13-(4-((E)-3-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)acryloyl)phenoxy)-2-(2
      (2-(4-((E)-3-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)acryloyl)phenoxy)ethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)-10
      oxo-2,5,8,11-tetraazatridecane-1-carboxylic acid, DT(Ch)2 was synthesized in 95%
      yield with high purity. It was radiolabelled with (68)Ga under mild conditions
      with 85.4% efficiency and 9.5-10 MBq nmol(-1) specific activity. An in vitro
      binding assay on Abeta42 aggregates displayed high binding affinity of (68)Ga
      DT(Ch)2 and inhibition constant of 4.18 +/- 0.62 nM. The fluorescent properties
      of the ligand with peaks of absorption/emission at 410/540 nm exhibited a blue
      shift with 5.5-fold increase in emission intensity on binding with Abeta
      aggregates. Blood kinetics of the complex performed on normal rabbit exhibited
      fast clearance (t1/2(F) = 24 +/- 0.08 min; t1/2(S) = 2 h 40 +/- 0.04 min). Ex
      vivo biodistribution analysis demonstrated blood-brain barrier penetration with
      brain uptake of 1.24 +/- 0.31% ID g(-1) at 2 min p.i. and rapid washout with
      negligible activity (0.36% ID g(-1)) left at 30 min p.i. These preliminary
      studies reveal that the bivalent approach of synthesis had minimal effect on
      binding affinity, signifying that the developed (68)Ga-complex, (68)Ga-DT(Ch)2,
      may offer a new perspective in generator produced PET imaging probes for
      Alzheimer's disease. 

PMID- 25115651
TI  - Tracking anti-fibrotic pathways of nilotinib and imatinib in experimentally
      induced liver fibrosis: an insight.
AB  - The tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib and nilotinib have been suggested to have
      promising antifibrotic activity in experimental models of liver fibrosis. The aim
      of the present study was to investigate new pathways underlying this beneficial
      effect. Hepatic injury was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal
      injection of CCl4 for 12 weeks. During the last 8 weeks of treatment, rats were
      also injected daily intraperitoneally with 20 mg/kg imatinib or 20, 10 or 5 mg/kg
      nilotinib. At the end of treatment, effects on fibrosis were assessed by
      measuring serum fibrotic markers and profibrogenic cytokines, as well as by
      histopathological examination. Possible anti-inflammatory effects were estimated
      by measuring levels of inflammatory cytokines in liver tissue. Liver expression
      of alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 antibodies
      and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRbeta) was evaluated by
      immunohistochemical staining techniques. Nilotinib (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly
      (P < 0.05) decreased all serum fibrotic markers measured, but 20 mg/kg of either
      nilotinib or imatinib had limited effects. At all doses tested, nilotinib
      significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the CCl4 -induced increases in tissue
      inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, 5 and 10 mg/kg nilotinib significantly
      decreased TGF-beta1 levels and tissue expression of its antibody, as well
      expression of PDGFRbeta. In conclusion, low doses (5 and 10 but not 20 mg/kg) of
      nilotinib, rather than imatinib, can control hepatic fibrosis by regulating
      levels of proinflammatory cytokines, primarily interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6.
      Nilotinib also controls the signalling pathways of profibrogenic cytokines by
      lowering TGF-beta1 levels and decreasing expression of PDGFRbeta. 

PMID- 25115652
TI  - Liquid-based cytology in fine-needle aspiration of breast lesions: a review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a safe and cost-effective technique
      for the diagnosis of breast lesions, especially when correlated with clinical and
      imaging studies. However, the success of breast FNA is highly dependent on the
      adequate preparation of cytological conventional smears (CS). The liquid-based
      cytology (LBC) technique consists of an automated method for preparing thin-layer
      cytological samples from cell suspensions collected in alcohol-based
      preservative. LBC is designed to improve CS by avoiding limiting factors such as
      obscuring material, air-drying and smearing artifacts. STUDY DESIGN: We performed
      a review of the published literature about LBC applied to breast FNA. RESULTS:
      LBC preparations of breast aspirates demonstrated better cellular preservation,
      less cell overlapping and elimination of blood and excessive inflammation
      compared to CS. Conversely, alterations in architecture and cell morphology as
      well as loss of myoepithelial cells and stromal elements have been described in
      LBC specimens, requiring training before applying this technique for diagnosis.
      Studies have shown a similar accuracy between LBC and CS for the diagnosis of
      breast lesions. LBC also permits the use of residual material for ancillary
      tests, which is an important advantage compared to CS. CONCLUSIONS: LBC can be
      safely applied to breast FNA, showing a similar diagnostic accuracy to CS.

PMID- 25115650
TI  - Placental FKBP5 genetic and epigenetic variation is associated with infant
      neurobehavioral outcomes in the RICHS cohort.
AB  - Adverse maternal environments can lead to increased fetal exposure to maternal
      cortisol, which can cause infant neurobehavioral deficits. The placenta regulates
      fetal cortisol exposure and response, and placental DNA methylation can influence
      this function. FK506 binding protein (FKBP5) is a negative regulator of cortisol
      response, FKBP5 methylation has been linked to brain morphology and mental
      disorder risk, and genetic variation of FKBP5 was associated with post-traumatic
      stress disorder in adults. We hypothesized that placental FKBP5 methylation and
      genetic variation contribute to gene expression control, and are associated with
      infant neurodevelopmental outcomes assessed using the Neonatal Intensive Care
      Unit (NICU) Network Neurobehavioral Scales (NNNS). In 509 infants enrolled in the
      Rhode Island Child Health Study, placental FKBP5 methylation was measured at
      intron 7 using quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing. Placental FKBP5 mRNA was
      measured in a subset of 61 infants by quantitative PCR, and the SNP rs1360780 was
      genotyped using a quantitative allelic discrimination assay. Relationships
      between methylation, expression and NNNS scores were examined using linear models
      adjusted for confounding variables, then logistic models were created to
      determine the influence of methylation on membership in high risk groups of
      infants. FKBP5 methylation was negatively associated with expression (P = 0.08, r
      = -0.22); infants with the TT genotype had higher expression than individuals
      with CC and CT genotypes (P = 0.06), and those with CC genotype displayed a
      negative relationship between methylation and expression (P = 0.06, r = -0.43).
      Infants in the highest quartile of FKBP5 methylation had increased risk of NNNS
      high arousal compared to infants in the lowest quartile (OR 2.22, CI 1.07-4.61).
      TT genotype infants had increased odds of high NNNS stress abstinence (OR 1.98,
      CI 0.92-4.26). Placental FKBP5 methylation reduces expression in a genotype
      specific fashion, and genetic variation supersedes this effect. These genetic and
      epigenetic differences in expression may alter the placenta's ability to modulate
      cortisol response and exposure, leading to altered neurobehavioral outcomes. 

PMID- 25115654
TI  - Osteoinductive nanohydroxyapatite bone substitute prepared via in situ
      hydrothermal transformation of cuttlefish bone.
AB  - The capacity to induce a rapid and controlled healing of bone defects is critical
      for a bone substitute. Previous studies have reported hydrothermal transformation
      (HT) of aragonite from cuttlebone (CB) to cuttlebone hydroxyapatite (CBHA).
      However, the biocompatibility and in vivo characteristic of CBHA have not been
      fully investigated. We fabricated CBHA via the in situ HT of aragonite from CB.
      This CBHA exhibited a highly porous structure and nanoscaled surface morphology
      with a significantly higher protein adsorption rate than CB. Marrow mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSCs) were seeded and cultured on the CBHA and CB to evaluate their
      influence on cell proliferation and differentiation. According to scanning
      electronic microscopy observation and MTT assay, the MSCs adhered and
      proliferated well on both the CBHA and CB. Compared with the cells on the CB, the
      MSCs on CBHA exhibited enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin
      levels after 13 days of culture. In vivo testing revealed that CBHA could induce
      ectopic bone formation after implantation, while no bone formation being observed
      in the CB. These findings demonstrated that a nanoscaled and osteoinductive bone
      substitute could be produced by hydrothermally transforming an aragonite of CB
      into a hydroxyapatite.

PMID- 25115655
TI  - Trochlear boss height measurement: a comparison of radiographs and MRI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A key anatomical consideration and determinant of surgical approach
      in trochlear dysplasia is the trochlear boss height (TBH), traditionally defined
      by measurements on plain X-rays (XR). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is
      increasingly used for pre-operative planning and follow-up. However, it is
      unclear whether measurement of TBH on XR is applicable to MR. The aim of this
      study was to establish the reliability of TBH measurement on MR compared to XR.
      METHODS: This study used lateral knee radiographs and MR scans of 14 knees of
      patients with trochlear dysplasia, six knees of non-dysplastic patients with
      anterior knee pain (AKP), and five knees of non-dysplastic controls with no AKP.
      Correlation between XR and MR measurements was assessed using Pearson correlation
      coefficients. Agreement between methods and observers was assessed using Bland
      Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement. Intra- and inter-observer reliability
      was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: Bland
      Altman charts showed a total width of 95% limits of agreement of 4.78 mm for XR
      and MR subchondral bone (SB) TBH measurements, and 6.73 mm for XR and MR
      cartilage TBH measurements. Inter-observer ICCs were 0.86 for XR, 0.62 for MR SB,
      and 0.53 for MR cartilage. The widths of the Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement
      between observers were 4.79 mm (XR), 5.04 mm (MR SB) and 4.74 mm (MR cartilage).
      CONCLUSION: Measurement of TBH on MR is not directly interchangeable with XR.
      Adjustments need to be made to treatment thresholds based on XR measurement if MR
      is used instead.

PMID- 25115656
TI  - Root avulsion of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus in skeletally immature
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meniscal root avulsion has been predominantly reported in an adult
      population but little is known about this meniscal lesion in children and
      adolescents. PURPOSE: The of this article is to describe the clinical symptoms
      and a new MRI sign of a medial meniscus posterior root avulsion in skeletally
      immature patients, and to report the arthroscopic procedure for its reinsertion
      in the presence of open physes. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report two skeletally
      immature patients who had a medial meniscus posterior root avulsion [MMPRA].
      Diagnosis of a MMPRA was suspected on MRI by intense T2 hypersignal located at
      the postero-medial part of the tibial plateau reflecting trabecular bone oedema
      ("Bone bruise") at the level of the medial meniscal posterior root attachment.
      Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of the posterior root of the medial meniscus
      with transosseous sutures was performed. The patients returned to sport at the
      end of 6 months without residual symptoms. At one year, the radiographs showed no
      modification of the physis. Healing of the medial meniscal posterior root was
      noted on MRI. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In a skeletally immature patient it is
      important that this rare meniscal lesion is diagnosed early and adequately
      treated. We emphasize the importance of the indirect MRI signs that can lead a
      clinician to suspect the diagnosis of MMPRA. The aim of the surgery was to
      restore the anatomical footprint of the meniscal root and to re-establish its
      function thus preventing future chondral damage without damage to the tibial
      physeal growth plate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

PMID- 25115657
TI  - Subclinical hypothyroidism: to treat or not to treat?

PMID- 25115658
TI  - Improvement of complex regional pain syndrome after plasmapheresis.
AB  - Complex regional pain syndrome is a severe complication following trauma that is
      associated with vasomotor, sudomotor and sensory disturbances in an affected limb
      or region of the body. The exact physiopathology is not fully understood yet.
      Recently, autoantibody findings suggested an immune-mediated physiopathology of
      the disease. We here describe two otherwise treatment-resistant patients with
      complex regional pain syndrome and high-titre beta2 adrenergic receptor
      autoantibodies, who did respond to plasmapheresis. Both patients showed strong
      improvement of pain and autonomic symptoms measured by impairment level sum
      score. 

PMID- 25115659
TI  - Histologic evaluation of human pulp tissue after orthodontic intrusion.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The forces applied during orthodontic treatment bring about effects
      on the teeth and surrounding tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      possible changes in the human pulpal tissue resulting from orthodontic intrusion
      in a 21-day period using histologic examination. METHODS: The sample consisted of
      17 young individuals of both sexes between the ages of 12 and 19 years. A total
      of 34 premolars were evaluated with orthodontic indication of extraction. Because
      it is a split-mouth study, in each patient, intrusion force of 60 g was applied
      randomly on 1 of the dental elements experimental group for 21 days. The
      counterpart control group received no force. After extractions, these dental
      elements were fixed in 10% formaldehyde, processed automatically, submitted to
      histotechnical preparation, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for analysis under
      optical microscope. RESULTS: The paired Fisher exact test (P <= .05) showed a
      significant increase of fibrous tissue in the experimental group. The
      nonparametric paired Wilcoxon test (P <= .05) showed a significant increase in
      the number of pulpal nodules in the elements of the experimental group and showed
      no difference in the number of blood vessels between the groups. Large-caliber
      vessels and congested elements were observed in 8 of the experimental group
      elements. CONCLUSIONS: The orthodontic intrusion force, in these conditions,
      caused vascular changes in the pulpal tissue and also increased the presence of
      fibrosis and the number of pulp calcifications in the experimental elements.

PMID- 25115660
TI  - Sealers and warm gutta-percha obturation techniques.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Warm vertically compacted gutta-percha obturation techniques use
      root canal sealers that are heated during the obturation. This study aims at
      investigating the suitability of selected sealers with warm gutta-percha
      obturation techniques. METHODS: The composition of an experimental sealer
      (Septodont; Saint Maur-des-Fosses, France), MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina,
      Brazil), Apexit Plus (Ivoclar, Schaan, Lichtenstein), and AH Plus (Dentsply
      International, Addlestone, UK) was assessed by scanning electron microscopic and
      energy-dispersive spectroscopic analysis. The effect of temperature during warm
      vertical compaction technique was investigated by testing the sealers' properties
      after 1 minute to 100 degrees C or 37 degrees C. The reaction products after
      setting were assessed by X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy. Changes in setting time, flow, and film thickness were
      determined using ISO 6876 (2012) specifications. RESULTS: The experimental
      tricalcium silicate-based sealer and Apexit Plus contained calcium hydroxide
      peaks after setting, which were absent in MTA Fillapex. The properties of AH Plus
      and the experimental sealer were modified by heat; the setting time was reduced,
      and film thickness increased. AH Plus had diminished N-H groups when heated to
      100 degrees C for 1 minute. MTA Fillapex, Septodont sealer, and Apexit Plus were
      unaffected by heat application. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of sealer should be
      considered when selecting the obturation technique. The Septodont sealer is
      recommended for obturations using cold laterally condensed gutta-percha, whereas
      MTA Fillapex and Apexit Plus were suitable with warm gutta-percha obturation
      techniques.

PMID- 25115661
TI  - Unusual morphology of permanent tooth related to traumatic injury: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Root duplication, or multiple roots, is a very rare anatomy of the
      maxillary central incisor. METHODS: This case report describes a permanent
      central incisor having 2 distinct roots as an assumed sequela of the avulsion and
      replantation of a primary incisor. RESULTS: The permanent successor might have
      had a disturbance of development because of the traumatic injury and
      discontinuity in the treatment after replantation. Conventional endodontic
      treatment followed by esthetic restoration was performed on the tooth.
      CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider the potential prognoses and complications
      of traumatic injuries to primary teeth.

PMID- 25115662
TI  - [Advances in the use of instrumental measurement of colour in the development,
      production and quality control of drugs, medicinal preparations and
      pharmaceutical auxiliary substances II*].
AB  - The paper summarizes the use of instrumental colour measurement in the field of
      pharmaceuticals of natural origin and other substances of natural origin
      beneficial for health in recent 10 years. Colour measurement in this field was
      most frequently employed in the monitoring of various aspects of the process of
      drying of medicinal plants and their parts.

PMID- 25115663
TI  - [Preparation and evaluation of the oral gel containing the essential oil from
      Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.)].
AB  - Essential oil of the Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.) ranks among the
      substances with potential use in prevention and treatment of oral candidiasis.
      Therefore, the aim of the study was the formulation, preparation and evaluation
      of an oral gel containing 0.3% of this essential oil. Carbopol 974P NF in 1%
      concentration was used as the gelling agent, some samples were additionally
      stabilized by an addition of polysorbate 80 (0.1-0.5%). Xylitol in concentrations
      of 10% or 20% was added with the aim to modify the taste properties of the gel.
      Following microscopic evaluation (mean oil droplet size, degree of dispersity)
      immediately after preparation and after 6-month storage, it has been found that
      the optimal concentration of polysorbate 80 is 0.3%. The results of the
      experiment also demonstrated that xylitol was not only an excipient adjusting the
      organoleptic properties of the preparation - its use enabled significant
      improvement of the quality parameters and stability.

PMID- 25115664
TI  - [Flavonoids - main constituents of the leaves of Philadelphus tenuifolius Rupr.
      et Maxim].
AB  - The paper deals with the isolation and identification of the constituents of the
      leaves of Philadelphus tenuifolius Rupr. et Maxim. A methanolic extract was used
      to isolate quercetin-3-O-glucoside (isoquercitrin), and a butanolic extract to
      isolate kaempferol-3-O-glucoside-7-O-rhamnoside. Isolates were identified by
      physical-chemical data, comparison with authentic samples and literature data.
      The above-mentioned compounds were isolated from Philadelphus tenuifolius Rupr.
      et Maxim. for the first time.

PMID- 25115665
TI  - [Formulation of benzethonium chloride into gels].
AB  - This study is focused on the preparation of gels with antimicrobial effects. A
      quaternary ammonium salt, benzethonium chloride, in a concentration of 0.01-0.5%
      (w/w) was employed as the drug. The humectant employed was propylene glycol in
      concentrations of 5% and 10% (w/w). Two types of polymers, chitosan and
      hydroxyethyl cellulose, in the same concentrations of 2.5% (w/w), were used for
      gel preparation. Finally the flow properties, rheological parameters and pH
      values of the gels were evaluated. Based on the obtained results, the samples of
      the gels prepared on the basis of chitosan and hydroxyethyl cellulose, which have
      the following optimum composition shown below, were found: 2,5% (w/w) CHIT + 0,5%
      (w/w) BZCl + 10% (w/w) PG; 2,5% (w/w) HEC + 0,5% (w/w) BZCl + 5% (w/w) PG.

PMID- 25115666
TI  - [Impact of formulation and process parameters on the properties of chitosan-based
      microspheres prepared by external ionic gelation].
AB  - The aim of this experimental study was to optimize a preparation of microspheres
      from high viscosity chitosan by external ion gelation and to evaluate selected
      aspects of their preparation. For drug-free microparticles, the concentration of
      chitosan dispersions was chosen as a formulation variable; the position of
      instrument for a dispersion extrusion (horizontal vs. vertical) was evaluated as
      a process variable. On the basis of sphericity and equivalent diameter results,
      three different concentrations of chitosan dispersions were used for 5
      aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) encapsulation with the extrusion instrument in
      horizontal position, which was considered as the optimal. In consequent drug
      loaded microparticle preparation, the influence of the concentration of chitosan
      dispersions and composition of hardening solution (10% sodium tripolyphosphate
      (TPP) vs. 10% TPP containing drug) was evaluated. In prepared 5-ASA microspheres
      it was found that the equivalent diameter increased with increasing chitosan
      concentration. In the case of sphericity, significant differences were not found.
      Samples prepared with the drug in both chitosan dispersion and hardening solution
      had a higher drug content, a smaller equivalent diameter and they showed a faster
      in vitro drug release in comparison with the samples prepared with the drug in
      chitosan dispersion only.

PMID- 25115667
TI  - [Alois Jandouss Czech pharmacopoeial terminology of 1864].
AB  - PhMr. Alois Jandous (1838-1893), a Prague pharmacist, laid the foundations of
      modern Czech pharmaceutical literature. His first Czech book was a Latin-Czech
      dictionary published in 1864. Jandous collected the terms from the 5th edition of
      the Austrian Pharmacopoeia. Besides Czech translations of nine hundred Latin
      names of pharmaceuticals, it also presented many Czech synonyms and translations
      of other technical terms. Though not all of his proposed terms have been
      accepted, he has established modern Czech pharmaceutical terminology.

PMID- 25115668
TI  - [Rationalization in 20th-century Czechoslovak pharmacy practice - commission for
      rationalization and standardization in medicine, veterinary medicine and pharmacy
      - part 1].
AB  - In the 1920s Czechoslovakia, an increased attention was paid to the new ideas of
      scientific management (Taylorism), work rationalization and standardization. This
      was reflected in the foundation of the Masaryk Academy of Work in 1920. An effort
      to implement the new principles into health care led to the establishment of the
      Commission for Rationalization and Standardization in Medicine, Veterinary
      Medicine and Pharmacy (RANOK) within the Department of Natural Science and
      Medicine of the Academy. Within RANOK, the group for pharmacy worked between 1928
      1932. The first part of the paper describes the scientific management and
      standardization movement in interwar Czechoslovakia, and the establishment of
      Masaryk Academy of Work and RANOK, including the group for pharmacy. The paper
      discusses the work objectives of the commission and presents concise biographies
      of the group for pharmacy members, too. The second part will be focused on the
      work results, relative failure and role of the group. KEYWORDS: Masaryk Academy
      of Work Comission for Rationalization and Standardization in Medicine Veterinary
      Medicine and Pharmacy (RANOK) work rationalization standardization pharmacy
      practice.

PMID- 25115669
TI  - Pulmonary embolism in burns, is there an evidence based prophylactic
      recommendation? Case report and review of literature.
AB  - Burn patients exhibit an acquired hypercoagulable state with increased risk of
      venous thromboembolism. Currently, no randomized control study assessing the
      efficacy of chemical venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in burn patients
      has been performed. We present a case of a morbidly (body mass index>54kg/m(2))
      obese patient with 18% total body surface area (TBSA) burn who developed a VTE
      and a non-fatal submassive pulmonary embolus (PE). We will be reviewing the
      current consensus of venous thrombosis prophylaxis in burn patients and briefly
      discuss the treatment of PE in this population. 

PMID- 25115670
TI  - "Banding" esophagus: circumferential bruising due to ligature neck constriction
      or circumferential hypostasis due to rapid death?

PMID- 25115671
TI  - The applicability of using different energy levels in CT imaging for
      differentiation or identification of dental restorative materials.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to investigate whether different computed
      tomography (CT) energy levels could supply additional information for the
      differentiation of dental materials for forensic investigations. METHODS: Nine
      different commonly used restorative dental materials were investigated in this
      study. A total of 75 human third molars were filled with the restorative dental
      materials and then scanned using the forensic reference phantom in singlesource
      mode. The mean Hounsfield unit values and standard deviations (SDs) of each
      material were calculated at 120, 80 and 140 kVp. RESULTS: Most of the dental
      materials could be differentiated at 120 kVp. We found that greater X-ray density
      of a material resulted in higher SDs and that the material volume could influence
      the measurements. CONCLUSION: Differentiation of dental materials in CT was
      possible in many cases using single-energy CT scans at 120 kVp. Because of the
      number of dental restorative materials available and scanner and scan parameter
      dependence, as well as the CT imaging artifacts, the identification (in contrast
      to differentiation) was problematic.

PMID- 25115672
TI  - Postmortem wounds caused by cookie-cutter sharks (Isistius species): an autopsy
      case of a drowning victim.

PMID- 25115673
TI  - Overlaying, co-sleeping, suffocation, and sudden infant death syndrome: the
      elephant in the room.

PMID- 25115674
TI  - Urinary reconstruction in vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, trachea-esophageal,
      renal abnormalities and limb defects association with chronic renal failure and
      penile duplication.
AB  - Various urological complications in VATER association require careful management.
      A 15-year-old boy with VATER association, including a hypoplastic lower urinary
      tract and diphallia, presented with chronic kidney disease and incontinence after
      a right loop ureterostomy. In order to acquire urinary continence without renal
      function impairment, an ileocecal reservoir with umbilical catheterizable stoma
      was created as a urinary reconstruction. The ectopic posterior penis was resected
      for cosmetic reasons, and the stump of the hypoplastic urethra was opened at the
      perineal skin. Clean intermittent self-catheterization through the umbilicus
      using disabled bilateral limbs was then achieved. This report describes the
      management of VATER association in a patient with complicated urological
      anomalies. 

PMID- 25115675
TI  - Immunization against a merozoite sheddase promotes multiple invasion of red blood
      cells and attenuates Plasmodium infection in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subtilisin-like protease 2 (SUB2) is a conserved serine protease
      utilized by Plasmodium parasites as a surface sheddase required for successful
      merozoite invasion of host red blood cells and has been implicated in ookinete
      invasion of the mosquito midgut. To determine if SUB2 is a suitable vaccine
      target to interfere with malaria parasite development, the effects of SUB2
      immunization on the Plasmodium life cycle were examined in its vertebrate and
      invertebrate hosts. METHODS: Swiss Webster mice were immunized with SUB2 peptides
      conjugated to Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) or KLH alone, and then challenged
      with Plasmodium berghei. To determine the effects of immunization on parasite
      development, infected mice were evaluated by blood film and Giemsa staining. In
      addition, collected immune sera were used to perform passive immunization
      experiments in non-immunized, P. berghei-infected mice to determine the potential
      role of SUB2 in parasite development in the mosquito. RESULTS: Following P.
      berghei challenge, SUB2-immunized mice develop a lower parasitaemia and show
      improved survival when compared to control immunized mice. Moreover, SUB2
      immunization results in an increase in the number of multiply invaded red blood
      cells, suggesting that SUB2 antibodies interfere with merozoite invasion. Passive
      immunization experiments imply that SUB2 may not have a major role in ookinete
      invasion, but this requires further investigation. CONCLUSION: By interfering
      with red blood cell invasion, immunization against SUB2 limits malaria parasite
      development and confers protection from severe malaria. Together, these results
      provide proof-of-principle evidence for future investigation into the use of SUB2
      as a vaccine or drug target to interrupt parasite development in more relevant
      human malaria models.

PMID- 25115677
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA sequence of Lampetra morri.
AB  - Lampetra morri belongs to the Petromyzontidae family. It is one of the most
      important freshwater aquaculture species in China. In this study, the complete
      sequence of mitochondrial genome of L. morri was 16,451 base pair, including 13
      protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 2 repeat
      regions. The percentage of G + C content was 39.33%. This is the first time of
      the mitochondrial genome of L. morri being sequenced, and it provides insights
      into the evolution of Cyclostomata mitochondrial genomes, particular in Lampetra
      family. 

PMID- 25115678
TI  - The complete mitochondrial genome of Saurida umeyoshii (Aulopiformes:
      Synodontidae).
AB  - In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence of Saurida
      umeyoshii has been determined by long polymerase chain reaction and primer
      walking methods. The complete mitochondrial genome is 16,546 bp in length and
      contains 37 mitochondrial genes (13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA),
      22 transfer RNA (tRNA)), and a control region as other bony fishes. Within the
      control region, we identified the termination-associated sequence domain (TAS),
      the central conserved sequence block domains (CSB-F, CSB-E, CSB-D, CSB-C, CSB-B
      and CSB-A), and the conserved sequence block domains (CSB-1, CSB-2 and CSB-3). 

PMID- 25115676
TI  - Single-walled carbon nanotubes alleviate autophagic/lysosomal defects in primary
      glia from a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Defective autophagy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) promotes disease progression in
      diverse ways. Here, we demonstrate impaired autophagy flux in primary glial cells
      derived from CRND8 mice that overexpress mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP).
      Functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) restored normal autophagy by
      reversing abnormal activation of mTOR signaling and deficits in lysosomal
      proteolysis, thereby facilitating elimination of autophagic substrates. These
      findings suggest SWNT as a novel neuroprotective approach to AD therapy. 

PMID- 25115683
TI  - Trends in prevalence and treatment of ocular allergy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes recent findings and trends in prevalence
      and treatment of allergic ocular diseases. Although the major focus is on
      seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, related disorders will also be
      considered. RECENT FINDINGS: Published reports from countries around the world
      suggest that the spectrum of atopic diseases, including seasonal and perennial
      allergic conjunctivitis, is continuing its pattern of increasing prevalence,
      which has been well documented over the past few decades. In addition, although
      treatment modalities have focused on topical formulations including
      antihistamines and corticosteroids, there is a significant emphasis on
      immunotherapy as an alternative treatment modality, particularly in the USA.
      SUMMARY: Allergic conjunctivitis is a key component in the spectrum of allergic
      diseases that is sometimes collectively referred to as rhinoconjunctivitis.
      Because of its high prevalence worldwide, it exacts an increasing toll in terms
      of patient discomfort, morbidity, and loss of productivity. Current estimates
      suggest that at least 20% of the overall population suffers from some form of
      allergic conjunctivitis, many without ever seeking treatments. In addition, a
      significant proportion of patients experience chronic forms of allergy that are
      less responsive to existing therapies. Recent approval of immunotherapy-based
      treatments may address this therapeutic gap.

PMID- 25115684
TI  - Update on house dust mite immunotherapy: are more studies needed?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although systematic reviews have confirmed the effectiveness
      of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for the
      treatment of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, a review of studies employing
      extracts of house dust mites (HDMs) for immunotherapy found no consensus on basic
      treatment parameters. RECENT FINDINGS: Over the last 2 years nine additional
      reports on immunotherapy with HDM extract preparations have been published. Six
      studies were with SLIT, five for allergic rhinitis and one for allergic asthma.
      The other three studies were all with SCIT in children with allergic asthma.
      SUMMARY: The publication of these nine studies supports the efficacy of HDM-SLIT
      for allergic rhinitis and asthma and for HDM-SCIT for asthma in children. The
      reported safety data are also reassuring, especially for SLIT.HDM-SLIT tablets
      under development will have optimal doses established in large, randomized,
      placebo-controlled trials. The HDM-SCIT trial in children with allergic asthma
      confirms the efficacy of a commercialized HDM preparation for injection
      immunotherapy. However, the information that is presented on dosing in the
      articles on SLIT-liquid is unsatisfactory, as doses are not presented in a form
      that the clinician can use to guide their practice.

PMID- 25115682
TI  - Type-2 innate lymphoid cells in human allergic disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent decades have seen allergic diseases become endemic in a
      number of developed countries. Understanding the inflammatory processes that
      dictate these allergic responses is therefore important. RECENT FINDINGS:
      Critical to many allergic responses is the inappropriate release of the type-2
      immune-regulatory cytokines: interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-9, and
      interleukin-13. The study of these inflammatory mediators has led directly to the
      development of two new asthma treatments: anti-interleukin-5 and anti-interleukin
      13. Until recently, T helper 2 cells were considered to be the major cellular
      source of type-2 cytokines; however, a paradigm shift occurred with the discovery
      of a novel population, type-2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), that can produce
      huge levels of type-2 cytokines and are sufficient to induce allergy in mice.
      This discovery raises interesting questions about how innate and adaptive type-2
      immunity might interact to induce relapsing and remitting episodes of allergy in
      patients. SUMMARY: It is essential that alongside the mechanistic investigation
      using model organisms, the roles of ILC2s in human disease be explored. Here, we
      discuss how ILC2 traits, discovered in mouse models, have informed research in
      humans and how newly identified human ILC2 pathways might provide potential
      therapeutic benefits in the future.

PMID- 25115685
TI  - Specific immunotherapy and biological treatments for occupational allergy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Occupational allergy represents a substantial health, social,
      and financial burden for the society. Its management is a complex task that, in
      selected cases, may also include allergen-specific immunotherapy. The purpose of
      this article is to review clinical data on allergen immunotherapy and biological
      treatments applied to occupational allergy in 2013. RECENT FINDINGS:
      Immunotherapy in occupational allergic diseases has been scarcely used, and only
      for a few sensitizers, such as latex, flour, and Hymenoptera venom, partly due to
      the lack of standardized extracts. The recent use of the molecular diagnosis can
      improve the indication and selection of suitable allergens for preparing new
      standardized and powerful extracts for immunotherapy. Some recent reports suggest
      a beneficial role of treatment with omalizumab in workers with occupational
      asthma who continue to be exposed to the causal agent. SUMMARY: Although scarce,
      available data suggest that immunotherapy and biological treatments may allow
      allergic workers to continue their work activity, but further studies are needed
      to standardize extracts and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these
      treatments, when exposure at the workplace cannot be avoided.

PMID- 25115687
TI  - Supercritical CO2 extraction of volatile oils from Sardinian Foeniculum vulgare
      ssp. vulgare (Apiaceae): chemical composition and biological activity.
AB  - This article reports the results on the composition and antifungal effect of
      volatile extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Sardinian wild fennel
      (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and by
      hydrodistillation (HD). The extracts were analysed by gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry for qualitative composition and gas chromatography-flame ionisation
      detector to establish the percentage of constituents. The main components were
      fenchone (7.1% vs. 8.8%), estragole (34.9% vs. 42.6%) and (E)-anethole (24.6% vs.
      43.4%) in the SFE and HD extract, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentrations
      (MICs) were measured according to the reference Clinical and Laboratory Standards
      Institute (CLSI) broth macrodilution protocols. Minimum lethal concentrations
      were determined by subsequent subculturing of the same cell suspensions in solid
      medium. The essential oil was more active against Candida albicans, whereas the
      supercritical fluid extract possesses higher activity against Candida
      guillermondii and Cryptococcus neoformans, with MIC values of 0.32 MUL/mL.

PMID- 25115686
TI  - A pilot clinical study of resveratrol in postmenopausal women with high body mass
      index: effects on systemic sex steroid hormones.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer risk is partially determined by several hormone-related
      factors. Preclinical and clinical studies suggested that resveratrol may modulate
      these hormonal factors. METHODS: We conducted a pilot study in postmenopausal
      women with high body mass index (BMI >= 25 kg/m2) to determine the clinical
      effect of resveratrol on systemic sex steroid hormones. Forty subjects initiated
      the resveratrol intervention (1 gm daily for 12 weeks) with six withdrawn early
      due to adverse events (AEs). Thirty-four subjects completed the intervention.
      RESULTS: Resveratrol intervention did not result in significant changes in serum
      concentrations of estradiol, estrone, and testosterone but led to an average of
      10% increase in the concentrations of sex steroid hormone binding globulin
      (SHBG). Resveratrol intervention resulted in an average of 73% increase in
      urinary 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) levels leading to a favorable change in urinary
      2-OHE1/16alpha-OHE1 ratio. One participant had asymptomatic Grade 4 elevation of
      liver enzymes at the end of study intervention. Two subjects had Grade 3 skin
      rashes. The remaining adverse events were Grade 1 or 2 events. The most common
      adverse events were diarrhea and increased total cholesterol, reported in 30% and
      27.5% of the subjects, respectively. CONCLUSION: We conclude that among
      overweight and obese postmenopausal women, daily 1 gm dose of resveratrol has
      favorable effects on estrogen metabolism and SHBG. Further placebo-controlled
      studies are needed to confirm our findings on these hormone-related breast cancer
      risk factors and the attribution of the adverse effects observed in the study
      population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01370889.

PMID- 25115689
TI  - Is it possible to predict urodynamic stress urinary incontinence in women with
      minimal diagnostic evaluation?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether it is possible to predict urodynamic stress
      urinary incontinence (uSUI) in women with minimal diagnostic evaluation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 2,643 female incontinent patients were
      reviewed and 301 women were eligible for this study. The positive predictive
      values (PPV), sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive values (NPV) for
      uSUI and uSUI with or without detrusor overactivity (DO), and DO patients of pure
      SUI symptom (group 1), combination of pure SUI symptom and positive provocative
      stress test (+PST; group 2) and combination of pure SUI symptom, +PST and absence
      of overactive bladder symptoms (group 3) were calculated for each group. RESULTS:
      Mean age was 51.03 years (22-88). PPV, sensitivity and specificity values for
      uSUI with or without DO of group 3 were 100, 7.4, and 100%, while these values
      for pure uSUI were 93.3, 9.3, and 99.3%, respectively. Interestingly, none of the
      patients in groups 2 and 3 had DO. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that it was
      possible to predict uSUI with high accuracy using minimal diagnostic evaluation
      in a group of female patients with pure stress incontinence symptoms +PST while
      it was also possible to eliminate DO accurately in this group of patients.

PMID- 25115688
TI  - Predictors of hoarding severity in older adults with hoarding disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recent addition of hoarding disorder (HD) to the Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 5th edition, has highlighted the
      dearth of information about the demographic, sociologic, and medical predictors
      of HD severity, particularly in older adults. Although there have been several
      previous studies examining the characteristics of older adults with HD, and one
      investigation of psychiatric correlates of hoarding symptom severity in non
      clinical older adults, there has been little investigation about which
      characteristics predict hoarding symptom severity in older adults with HD.
      METHODS: Participants were 71 older adults who were enrolled for one of the two
      studies of HD at the VA San Diego Healthcare System between January 2010 and
      January 2014. RESULTS: There were multiple differences in the predictive ability
      of patient characteristics between the more cognition-related symptoms of HD and
      the more concrete measure of clutter, including gender-based differences and
      anxiety severity. Further, married participants were more likely to report lower
      hoarding severity, and there was no significant relationship between hoarding
      severity and intervention attempts or hoarding and reported falls in the past
      three years. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple predictive factors have been presented, which
      may result in further studies to investigate possible predictive differences in
      cognition and clutter symptoms of HD. Future studies should examine the
      possibility of the predictive factors also identified to be moderators of
      treatment outcomes.

PMID- 25115690
TI  - Electron-phonon coupling in quantum-well states of the Pb/Si(1 1 1) system.
AB  - The electron-phonon coupling parameters in the vicinity of the Gamma point,
      lambda(Gamma), for electronic quantum well states in epitaxial lead films on a
      Si(1 1 1) substrate are measured using 5, 7 and 12 ML films and femtosecond laser
      photoemission spectroscopy. The lambda (Gamma) values in the range of 0.6-0.9
      were obtained by temperature-dependent line width analysis of occupied quantum
      well states and found to be considerably smaller than the momentum averaged
      electron-phonon coupling at the Fermi level of bulk lead, (lambda = 1.1-1.7). The
      results are compared to density functional theory calculations of the lead films
      with and without interfacial stress. It is shown that the discrepancy can not be
      explained by means of confinement effects or simple structural modifications of
      the Pb films and, thus, is attributed to the influence of the substrate on the Pb
      electronic and vibrational structures.

PMID- 25115691
TI  - Selection of proper reference genes for the cyanobacterium Synechococcus PCC 7002
      using real-time quantitative PCR.
AB  - Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 is known to be tolerant to most of the environmental
      factors in natural habitats of Cyanobacteria. Gene expression can be easily
      studied in this cyanobacterium, as its complete genome sequence is available.
      These properties make Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 an appropriate model organism
      for biotechnological applications. To study the gene expression in Cyanobacteria,
      real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) can be used, but as this is a highly sensitive
      method, data standardization is indicated between samples. The most commonly used
      strategy is normalization against internal reference genes. Synechococcus sp. PCC
      7002 has not yet been evaluated for the best reference genes. In this work, six
      candidate genes were analyzed for this purpose. Cyanobacterial cultures were
      exposed to several stress conditions, and three different algorithms were used
      for ranking the reference genes: geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. Moreover,
      gene expression stability value M and single-control normalization error E were
      calculated. Our data provided a list of reference genes that can be used in qPCR
      experiments in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. 

PMID- 25115695
TI  - Adrenoceptor Polymorphisms in Hypertension and Diabetes with obesity-update in
      2014.
AB  - Hypertension, diabetes mellitus (especially type 2 diabetes mellitus) and
      metabolic syndrome associated with obesity are rapidly growing public health
      problems. Sympathetic nerve activation is well documented in hypertension,
      diabetes mellitus, and obesity, hypertension and diabetes are determined by
      genetic background and environmental factors. Reduced energy expenditure and
      resting metabolic rate are predictive of weight gain, and the sympathetic nervous
      system participates in regulating energy balance through thermogenesis. The
      thermogenic effects of sympathetic nervous system in obesity have been mainly
      mediated via the beta2 and beta3-adrenergic receptors in humans. Further, beta2
      adrenoceptors importantly influence vascular reactivity and may regulate blood
      pressure. Genetic polymorphisms of the ?-adrenoceptor gene have been shown to
      alter the function of several adrenoceptor subtype and thus to modify the
      response to catecholamine. Among beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphisms, Arg16Gly,
      Gln27Glu, and Thr164Ile are considered the most functionally important. beta2
      adrenoceptor genes have been studied in relation to hypertension. Genetic
      variations in the beta3-adrenoceptor, such as the Try64Arg variant, are also
      associated with both obesity and hypertension. This review is an update of
      several versions published of the relationships between adrenoceptor
      polymorphisms and hypertension, diabetes and obesiy based on the my own review on
      the relationship with obesity in 2011 in "Journal of Obesity" [1], and another of
      my own reviews on the relationships with hypertension in 2010 in "International
      journal of Hypertension" [2], with 37 articles provided by the "PubMed" with the
      keywords of "adrenoceptor polymorphisms, obesity, hypertension and diabetes"
      searched on December 2013. However, the relationships of the polymorphisms of
      beta2- and beta3-adrenoceptor genes with sympathetic nervous system activity,
      hypertension and metabolic syndrome have been still discordant, it might be
      related to the ethnicity, gender, severeity of obesity, duration of hypertension
      or obesity, etc (refer the "Possible confounding variable affecting the
      relationships" section and Table 4). Therefore, this review may not be so much
      different from the previous ones, but, of importance, currently most
      investigations have shown that the beta-adrenoceptor polymorphisms accompanying
      sympathetic nervous activity contribute to the onset and maintenance of
      hypertension, diabetes and obesity.

PMID- 25115693
TI  - Cooperative hybridization of gammaPNA miniprobes to a repeating sequence motif
      and application to telomere analysis.
AB  - GammaPNA oligomers having one or two repeats of the sequence AATCCC were designed
      to hybridize to DNA having one or more repeats of the complementary TTAGGG
      sequence found in the human telomere. UV melting curves and surface plasmon
      resonance experiments demonstrate high affinity and cooperativity for
      hybridization of these miniprobes to DNA having multiple complementary repeats.
      Fluorescence spectroscopy for Cy3-labeled miniprobes demonstrate increases in
      fluorescence intensity for assembling multiple short probes on a DNA target
      compared with fewer longer probes. The fluorescent gammaPNA miniprobes were then
      used to stain telomeres in metaphase chromosomes derived from U2OS cells
      possessing heterogeneous long telomeres and Jurkat cells harboring homogenous
      short telomeres. The miniprobes yielded comparable fluorescence intensity to a
      commercially available PNA 18mer probe in U2OS cells, but significantly brighter
      fluorescence was observed for telomeres in Jurkat cells. These results suggest
      that gammaPNA miniprobes can be effective telomere-staining reagents with
      applications toward analysis of critically short telomeres, which have been
      implicated in a range of human diseases. 

PMID- 25115696
TI  - Blood Pressure Variability/Dipper/Non-dipper in Hypertension and Diabetes.
AB  - It has been well recognized that hypertension in diabetes is a potent risk of
      micro- and macrovascular complications. BP levels are most important component of
      BP management. Next to BP levels, other component such as BP variability is also
      important. BP variability consists of several concepts [1] </p><p> 1) Very Short
      term BP variability (beat-to-beat) </p><p> 2) Short term BP variability (over the
      24h) </p><p> 3) Diurnal BP variation in diabetes </p><p> 4) Long term BP
      variability (day-by-day) </p><p> 5) Visit-to-Visit Variability (months ~ years)
      </p><p> Among these, abnormal circadian rhythm of BP belongs to short-term BP
      variability. There have been a number of papers about BP variability in recent
      years. In this chapter, the significance of BP variability in patients with
      diabetes will be reviewed.

PMID- 25115697
TI  - Role of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity
      related Hypertension.
AB  - Several recent clinical trials show that blocking agents of the renin-angiotensin
      aldosterone system (RAAS) reduce cardiovascular events in patients with metabolic
      syndrome based on insulin resistance and obesity, especially accumulated visceral
      fat. Our laboratory has focused on the relationship between the vascular RAAS and
      the action of insulin on the vasculature. We first revealed that the addition of
      insulin to cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) markedly increases
      angiotensinogen and angiotensin II (Ang II) expression and production. Insulin
      addition also induces VSMC growth that is inhibited by the blockade of the RAAS
      by either ACEI or ARB which suggests a role for the RAAS in insulin-mediated
      growth. Insulin has a quite different effect on cultured vascular endothelial
      cells (EC) as it reduces angiotensinogen and renin expression. However, insulin
      added to EC induces a marked activation of ACE and the activated ACE promotes the
      conversion of Ang I to Ang II and cell growth under conditions of high insulin
      concentration. Ang II induces the progression of atherosclerosis through the
      production of oxidative stress that blocks insulin signaling and accelerates
      atherosclerosis. In this paper, we attempt to clarify the relationship between
      insulin resistance, the RAAS, and oxidative stress in vascular tissues to mimic
      in vivo conditions found in patients with metabolic syndrome and obesity-related
      hypertension as previously I reviewed in "Current Hypertension Reviews" in 2010
      [1]. In addition, I update the relationships between vascular RAAS and insulin
      resistance for the last 4 years. JSH-2014 [2] states that the target goals of
      blood pressure (BP) for diabetes patients is lower than 130/80 mmHg, whereas
      updated JNC 8 [3] and ESH-ESC 2013 [4] recommends the target BP was changed to
      <140/90 mmHg for hypertensive patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes and
      hypertension have reduced mortality as well as improved cardiovascular and
      cerebrovascular outcomes with treatment to a goal SBP <150 mm Hg, but no
      randomized controlled trials support a goal <140/90 mm Hg. Despite this, the
      panel opted for a conservative recommendation in patients with diabetes and
      hypertension, opting for a goal level of <140/90 mm Hg in adult patients with
      diabetes and hypertension rather than the evidence based goal of <150/90 mm Hg
      [3, 5]. JSH-2014 recommends that the first choice of antihypertensive medication
      should be RAAS blockers such as ACE inhibitor or ARB. For the last several years,
      several large cohort clinical studies using ACEI and ARB have shown more
      favorable effects, but aldosterone receptor inhibitor (mineral corticoid receptor
      inhibitors; MR inhibitors) and Renin Inhibitors have been withdrawn. Some studies
      showed the strong support to use these medications for diabetic patients. This
      review will discuss the relationships between vascular RAAS and insulin
      resistance in patients with hypertension and diabetes as previously reviewed with
      new updated findings for the last 4 years, and clinical implications based on
      updated JNC-8, ESH-ESC2013 and JSH-2014.

PMID- 25115694
TI  - Stomach cancer mortality among workers exposed to asbestos: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between asbestos and stomach cancer is not well
      understood because of small number of cases. This study aimed to determine the
      incidence and mortality of stomach cancer among workers exposed to asbestos based
      on a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. METHODS: Relevant English
      electronic databases were systematically searched for published studies
      characterizing the risk of developing stomach cancer as a result of asbestos
      exposure. Standardized mortality rate (SMR) for stomach cancer with its 95%
      confidence interval (CI) was pooled using a fixed-/random-effect model in STATA.
      RESULTS: A total of 32 independent studies were included for the analysis. The
      overall SMR for stomach cancer was 1.19 (95% CI 1.06-1.34), with a moderate
      degree of heterogeneity across the studies (I(2) = 37.6%, P = 0.011). Being male,
      exposure to crocidolite, miners, studies conducted in Europe and Oceania, and
      long study follow-up (>= 25 years) all contribute to significantly higher SMR.
      Significant publication bias was observed. CONCLUSION: Elevated risk of stomach
      cancer mortality was evidenced among workers exposed to crocidolite, especially
      male miners.

PMID- 25115692
TI  - Recent progress in gastric arrhythmia: pathophysiology, clinical significance and
      future horizons.
AB  - Gastric arrhythmia continues to be of uncertain diagnostic and therapeutic
      significance. However, recent progress has been substantial, with technical
      advances, theoretical insights and experimental discoveries offering new
      translational opportunities. The discoveries that interstitial cells of Cajal
      (ICC) generate slow waves and that ICC defects are associated with dysmotility
      have reinvigorated gastric arrhythmia research. Increasing evidence now suggests
      that ICC depletion and damage, network disruption and channelopathies may lead to
      aberrant slow wave initiation and conduction. Histological and high-resolution
      (HR) electrical mapping studies have now redefined the human 'gastric conduction
      system', providing an improved baseline for arrhythmia research. The application
      of HR mapping to arrhythmia has also generated important new insights into the
      spatiotemporal dynamics of arrhythmia onset and maintenance, resulting in the
      emergence of new provisional classification schemes. Meanwhile, the strong
      associations between gastric functional disorders and electrogastrography (EGG)
      abnormalities (e.g. in gastroparesis, unexplained nausea and vomiting and
      functional dyspepsia) continue to motivate deeper inquiries into the nature and
      causes of gastrointestinal arrhythmias. In future, technical progress in EGG
      methods, new HR mapping devices and software, wireless slow wave acquisition
      systems and improved gastric pacing devices may achieve validated applications in
      clinical practice. Neurohormonal factors in arrhythmogenesis also continue to be
      elucidated and a deepening understanding of these mechanisms may open
      opportunities for drug design for treating arrhythmias. However, for all
      translational goals, it remains to be seen whether arrhythmia can be corrected in
      a way that meaningfully improves organ function and symptoms in patients. 

PMID- 25115698
TI  - Role of the sympathetic nervous activity in hypertension-update in 2014.
AB  - Many reviews focused on the role of sympathetic nervous activity in hypertension
      have been published. Recently a new treatment, radiofrequency renal denervation
      for the treatment of resistant hypertension has been developed and examined in
      several clinical trials such as the Symplicity HTN and EnligHTN studies. In the
      Symplicity HTN-1 study the efficacy for lowering blood pressure remained
      satisfactory at 3 years follow up and many ancillary ameliorative effects have
      been reported including cardiovascular, psychosocial, and metabolic effects. The
      purpose of this review is to provide the current findings on the relationships
      between sympathetic nerve activity and hypertension, especially focus on the
      importance of renal sympathetic nervous activity for the onset and development of
      hypertension. In addition, the methods to assess sympathetic nervous activity are
      reviewed. </p><p> The renal denervastion was developed for the treatment
      resistant hypertensive patients, and excessive confidence of the efficacy and
      safety existed by the end of 2013, although several issues on the efficacy and
      safety were reported in 2014. Furthermore, long-term efficacy and impact on renal
      function have been unclear. Those issues have to be clear for clinical usage.
      This review will also address the recent data from the renal denervation.

PMID- 25115699
TI  - An efficient CeO2 /CoSe2 Nanobelt composite for electrochemical water oxidation.
AB  - CeO2 /CoSe2 nanobelt composite for electrochemical water oxidation: A new CeO2
      /CoSe2 nanobelt composite is developed as a highly effective water oxidation
      electrocatalyst by growing CeO2 nanoparticle CoSe2 nanobelts in situ via a simple
      polyol reduction route. The constructed hybrid catalyst shows extremely high
      oxgen evolution reaction (OER) activity, even beyond the state-of-the-art RuO2
      catalyst in alkaline media. 

PMID- 25115700
TI  - Endoperoxide polyketides from a Chinese Plakortis simplex: further evidence of
      the impact of stereochemistry on antimalarial activity of simple 1,2-dioxanes.
AB  - Chemical investigation of the organic extract obtained from the sponge Plakortis
      simplex collected in the South China Sea afforded five new polyketide
      endoperoxides (2 and 4-7), along with two known analogues (1 and 3). The
      stereostructures of these metabolites have been deduced on the basis of
      spectroscopic analysis and chemical conversion. The isolated endoperoxide
      derivatives have been tested for their in vitro antimalarial activity against
      Plasmodium falciparum strains, showing IC50 values in the low micromolar range.
      The structure-activity relationships were analyzed by means of a detailed
      computational investigation and rationalized in the light of the mechanism of
      action proposed for this class of simple antimalarials. The relative orientation
      of the atoms involved in the putative radical generation and transfer reaction
      was demonstrated to have a great impact on the antimalarial activity. The
      resulting 3D pharmacophoric model can be a useful guide to design simple and
      effective antimalarial lead compounds belonging to the class of 1,2-dioxanes. 

PMID- 25115701
TI  - A designed conformational shift to control protein binding specificity.
AB  - In a conformational selection scenario, manipulating the populations of binding
      competent states should be expected to affect protein binding. We demonstrate how
      in silico designed point mutations within the core of ubiquitin, remote from the
      binding interface, change the binding specificity by shifting the conformational
      equilibrium of the ground-state ensemble between open and closed substates that
      have a similar population in the wild-type protein. Binding affinities determined
      by NMR titration experiments agree with the predictions, thereby showing that,
      indeed, a shift in the conformational equilibrium enables us to alter ubiquitin's
      binding specificity and hence its function. Thus, we present a novel route
      towards designing specific binding by a conformational shift through exploiting
      the fact that conformational selection depends on the concentration of binding
      competent substates. 

PMID- 25115703
TI  - The adhesive potential of dentin bonding systems assessed using cuspal deflection
      measurements and cervical microleakage scores.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the cuspal deflection and cervical microleakage of
      standardized mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities restored with a dimethacrylate
      resin-based-composite (RBC) placed with one 3-step, one 2-step and three 1-step
      bonding systems and compared with the unbound condition. METHODS: Forty-eight
      sound maxillary premolar teeth with standardized MOD cavities were randomly
      allocated to six groups. Restoration was performed in eight oblique increments
      using a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) light curing unit (LCU) with the bonding
      condition as the dependent variable. Buccal and palatal cuspal deflections were
      recorded post-irradiation using a twin channel deflection measuring gauge at 0,
      30, 60 and 180s. Following restoration, the teeth were thermocycled, immersed in
      a 0.2% basic fuchsin dye for 24h, sectioned and examined for cervical
      microleakage assessment. RESULTS: The mean total cuspal deflection measurements
      with the one 3-step, one 2-step and three 1-step bonding systems were 11.26
      (2.56), 10.95 (2.16), 10.03 (2.05) (Futurabond((r)) DC SingleDose), 6.37 (1.37)
      (AdperTM PromptTM L-PopTM), 8.98 (1.34) MUm (All-Bond SE((r))), respectively when
      compared with the unbound condition (6.46 (1.88) MUm) The one-way ANOVA of the
      total cuspal deflection measurements identified statistical differences (p<0.001)
      between groups. Cervical microleakage scores significantly increased (p<0.001)
      for the negative control (unbound condition) when compared with teeth restored
      with a bonding system although differences between the bonding systems were
      evident (p<0.001). SIGNIFICANCE: The cuspal deflection and cervical microleakage
      protocol reported offers an opportunity to test the bonding technologies
      available to practitioners for RBCs. Poorly performing adhesives can be
      identified which indicated the technique may be useful as a screening tool for
      assessing existing and new bonding technologies which offers the potential to
      limit complications routinely encountered with Class II RBC restorations.

PMID- 25115702
TI  - Structure of a stapled peptide antagonist bound to nutlin-resistant Mdm2.
AB  - As key negative regulator of the p53 tumour suppressor, Mdm2 is an attractive
      therapeutic target. Small molecules such as Nutlin have been developed to
      antagonise Mdm2, resulting in p53-dependent death of tumour cells. We have
      recently described a mutation in Mdm2 (M62A), which precludes binding of Nutlin,
      but not p53. This Nutlin-resistant variant is not, however, refractory to binding
      and inhibition by stapled peptide antagonists targeting the same region of Mdm2.
      A detailed understanding of how stapled peptides are recalcitrant to Mdm2
      mutations conferring Nutlin-resistance will aid in the further development of
      potent Mdm2 antagonists. Here, we report the 2.00 A crystal structure of a
      stapled peptide antagonist bound to Nutlin resistant Mdm2. The stapled peptide
      relies on an extended network of interactions along the hydrophobic binding cleft
      of Mdm2 for high affinity binding. Additionally, as seen in other stapled peptide
      structures, the hydrocarbon staple itself contributes to binding through
      favourable interactions with Mdm2. The structure highlights the intrinsic
      plasticity present in both Mdm2 and the hydrocarbon staple moiety, and can be
      used to guide future iterations of both small molecules and stapled peptides for
      improved antagonists of Mdm2. 

PMID- 25115704
TI  - Effect of different surface treatments on the hydrothermal degradation of a 3Y
      TZP ceramic for dental implants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Implant surface modifications are intended to enhance bone
      integration. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different
      surface treatments on the resistance to hydrothermal degradation, hardness and
      elastic modulus of a 3Y-TZP ceramic used for dental implants. METHODS: Samples
      grouped according to their surface morphologies (AS, as-sintered; C, coated; P,
      dry-polished; R, roughened; PA, polished and annealed; RA, roughened and
      annealed) were subjected to accelerated hydrothermal degradation (LTD) by
      exposure to water steam (134 degrees C, 2bars) for 100h. The t-m phase
      transformation was quantified by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXDR) and
      by combined focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). Elastic
      modulus and hardness before- and after prolonged aging (100h) were assessed by
      nanoindentation. RESULTS: AS and C specimens presented a better resistance to
      hydrothermal degradation than P and R samples. After prolonged aging, the depth
      of the monoclinic transformed layer ranged from 11MUm to 14MUm. Hydrothermal
      degradation led to a significant decrease of elastic modulus and hardness.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Surface treatments affected the resistance to hydrothermal
      degradation of the 3Y-TZP ceramic. Dry mechanical surface modifications should be
      avoided since a high t-m transformation rate associated to the initial monoclinic
      content was observed. Annealing was useful to reverse the initial t-m
      transformation, but did not improve the resistance to hydrothermal degradation.

PMID- 25115707
TI  - Editorial Comment from Dr Li to Is the presence of varicocele associated with
      static and dynamic components of benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract
      symptoms in elderly men?

PMID- 25115706
TI  - Figmop: a profile HMM to identify genes and bypass troublesome gene models in
      draft genomes.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Gene models from draft genome assemblies of metazoan species are
      often incorrect, missing exons or entire genes, particularly for large gene
      families. Consequently, labour-intensive manual curation is often necessary. We
      present Figmop (Finding Genes using Motif Patterns) to help with the manual
      curation of gene families in draft genome assemblies. The program uses a pattern
      of short sequence motifs to identify putative genes directly from the genome
      sequence. Using a large gene family as a test case, Figmop was found to be more
      sensitive and specific than a BLAST-based approach. The visualization used allows
      the validation of potential genes to be carried out quickly and easily, saving
      hours if not days from an analysis. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Source code
      of Figmop is freely available for download at https://github.com/dave-the
      scientist, implemented in C and Python and is supported on Linux, Unix and
      MacOSX. CONTACT: curran.dave.m@gmail.com SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary
      data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 25115705
TI  - Modeling dynamic functional relationship networks and application to ex vivo
      human erythroid differentiation.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Functional relationship networks, which summarize the probability of
      co-functionality between any two genes in the genome, could complement the
      reductionist focus of modern biology for understanding diverse biological
      processes in an organism. One major limitation of the current networks is that
      they are static, while one might expect functional relationships to consistently
      reprogram during the differentiation of a cell lineage. To address this potential
      limitation, we developed a novel algorithm that leverages both differentiation
      stage-specific expression data and large-scale heterogeneous functional genomic
      data to model such dynamic changes. We then applied this algorithm to the time
      course RNA-Seq data we collected for ex vivo human erythroid cell
      differentiation. RESULTS: Through computational cross-validation and literature
      validation, we show that the resulting networks correctly predict the (de)
      activated functional connections between genes during erythropoiesis. We
      identified known critical genes, such as HBD and GATA1, and functional
      connections during erythropoiesis using these dynamic networks, while the
      traditional static network was not able to provide such information. Furthermore,
      by comparing the static and the dynamic networks, we identified novel genes (such
      as OSBP2 and PDZK1IP1) that are potential drivers of erythroid cell
      differentiation. This novel method of modeling dynamic networks is applicable to
      other differentiation processes where time-course genome-scale expression data
      are available, and should assist in generating greater understanding of the
      functional dynamics at play across the genome during development. AVAILABILITY
      AND IMPLEMENTATION: The network described in this article is available at
      http://guanlab.ccmb.med.umich.edu/stageSpecificNetwork.

PMID- 25115708
TI  - The regulation of Sox2 and Sox9 stimulated by ATP in spinal cord astrocytes.
AB  - After spinal cord injury (SCI), the level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and
      extracellular matrix (ECM) is increased. Formation of the glial scar is a complex
      process that is primarily attributed to astrocytic proliferation, and the
      fibrotic scar results from ECM deposition. In our previous researches, ATP and
      fibronectin was able to separately stimulate the proliferation of astrocytes.
      Moreover, fibronectin increases the expression of P2Y1 receptor and offers more
      binding sites for ATP, which aggravates the proliferation. Meanwhile, ATP was
      also able to stimulate the release of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), but fibronectin does not. Recently, it has been
      reported that over-expressing P2Y1 receptor could promote the level of Sox9.
      However, the regulation of Sox genes by ATP is still little known in spinal cord
      astrocytes. In the present study, we discovered that ATP was able to increase the
      expression of Sox2 and Sox9; fibronectin did not have this direct function. Sox9
      was only involved in the proliferation increased by ATP, and Sox2 influenced the
      release of IL-6 stimulated by ATP. Understanding the critical role of Sox2 and
      Sox9 mediated by ATP may provide a potential target for therapeutic intervention
      in spinal cord injury. 

PMID- 25115709
TI  - Similarly up-regulated microRNA-106a in matched formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded
      and fresh frozen samples and the dynamic changes during gastric carcinogenesis
      and development.
AB  - Evidence increasingly suggests that miR-106a is always elevated in gastric
      cancer; however, little is known about the expression trend and clinical
      significance in the whole process of gastric carcinogenesis and development. To
      investigate the dynamic changes of miR-106a in each stage during gastric
      carcinogenesis, we used formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues which
      had been reported to have valuable information for miRNA research in our previous
      studies. Here, we compared the expression of miR-106a in FFPE and fresh frozen
      tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction. On the basis of the high
      correlation of miR-106a quantitative data from the two resources, FFPE samples
      were subsequently performed to elucidate the location and expression of miR-106a
      using in situ hybridization in sequential tissues, including normal gastric
      mucosa, chronic atrophic gastritis combined with various degrees of dysplasia,
      early and advanced gastric cancer. Finally, we found that miR-106a was similarly
      up-regulated in gastric cancer regardless of sample types although fragmentation
      existed inevitably in FFPE tissues. Notably, the frequency and extent of miR-106a
      expression gradually increased during the transition from atypical hyperplasia to
      advanced carcinoma and had already had positive signals in early precancerous
      lesions but negative signals in normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells. Our
      research, according to these results, indicated that FFPE samples can serve as an
      important research tool for miRNA field, and the early changes of miR-106a
      detected in such samples may have clinical application as a potential biomarker
      for the discovery and diagnosis of gastric cancer. 

PMID- 25115710
TI  - Hourly differences in air pollution and risk of respiratory disease in the
      elderly: a time-stratified case-crossover study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have shown adverse effects of short-term
      exposure to air pollution on respiratory disease outcomes; however, few studies
      examined this association on an hourly time scale. We evaluated the associations
      between hourly changes in air pollution and the risk of respiratory disease in
      the elderly, using the time of the emergency call as the disease onset for each
      case. METHODS: We used a time-stratified case-crossover design. Study
      participants were 6,925 residents of the city of Okayama, Japan, aged 65 or above
      who were taken to hospital emergency rooms between January 2006 and December 2010
      for onset of respiratory disease. We calculated city-representative hourly
      average concentrations of air pollutants from several monitoring stations. By
      using conditional logistic regression models, we estimated odds ratios per
      interquartile-range increase in each pollutant by exposure period prior to
      emergency call, adjusting for hourly ambient temperature, hourly relative
      humidity, and weekly numbers of reported influenza cases aged >=60. RESULTS:
      Suspended particulate matter (SPM) exposure 24 to <72 hours prior to the onset
      and ozone exposure 48 to <96 hours prior to the onset were associated with the
      increased risk of respiratory disease. For example, following one interquartile
      range increase, odds ratios were 1.05 (95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.09) for
      SPM exposure 24 to <48 hours prior to the onset and 1.13 (95% confidence
      interval: 1.04, 1.23) for ozone exposure 72 to <96 hours prior to the onset.
      Sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure 0 to <24 hours prior to onset was associated with
      the increased risk of pneumonia and influenza: odds ratio was 1.07 per one
      interquartile-range increase (95% confidence interval: 1.00, 1.14). Elevated risk
      for pneumonia and influenza of SO2 was observed at shorter lags (i.e., 8-18
      hours) than the elevated risks for respiratory disease of SPM or ozone. Overall,
      the effect estimates for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and allied
      conditions were equivocal. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence that
      hourly changes in air pollution exposure increase the risks of respiratory
      disease, and that SO2 may be related with more immediate onset of the disease
      than other pollutants.

PMID- 25115712
TI  - [Anticipated efficacy of HPV vaccination in prophylaxis against nongenital
      cancers].
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a considerable number of studies on the efficacy HPV (human
      papillomavirus) vaccination against different cancers but relevant information is
      scattered in diverse journals. This paper is a review summarizing current
      knowledge of the potential of HPV vaccination against all HPV related cancers.
      AIM: HPV infection is probably the most frequent sexually transmitted disease. At
      least 13 HPV genotypes are classified as carcinogenic or probably carcinogenic in
      respect to cervical cancer. Almost 100% of cervical cancers are linked to HPV
      infection. HPV 16 and HPV 18 are the most frequently involved genotypes and
      account together for approximately 70% of cervical cancer in the world.
      Persistent high risk HPV infection is responsible for a significant proportion of
      vulvar, vaginal, anal and penile carcinomas. The virus has also been implicated
      in oncogenesis of head and neck cancers, including oropharyngeal cancers. HPV
      infection can play an important role in cancerogenesis of lung, esophagus,
      breast, and colon and rectum. On the contrary, published results indicate that
      HPV infection is not associated with prostate oncogenesis. Strong predominance of
      HPV 16 has been reported for all HPV associated cancer sites. Generally, it is
      estimated that approximately 5.2% of all cancers are associated with oncogenic
      HPV infection. Currently, there are two vaccines on the market; quadrivalent
      Silgard(r) (Gardasil(r)) and bivalent CervarixTM. Large trials for both vaccines
      have shown efficacy against HPV related infection and disease. Efficacy has been
      very high in HPV naive subjects to vaccine related types. While HPV vaccination
      is currently approved for the prevention of cervical cancer, it also has the
      potential in the prevention of all HPV associated malignancies. The Czech
      republic belongs to countries that cover HPV vaccination of girls at the age of
      13- 14 years by general health insurance. Overall impact of this vaccination
      remains to be evaluated. The new issues of the role of HPV in oncogenesis, as
      well as the potential effect of HPV vaccination against HPV related nongenital
      cancers are discussed. CONCLUSION: Approximately 5.2% of all human cancers are
      associated with oncogenic human papillomavirus infection. HPV vaccination against
      the most risky HPV oncotypes may cause a significant reduction of these cancers
      mainly in the HPV naive population.

PMID- 25115713
TI  - [Brazilian story of the R337H p53 mutation].
AB  - The p53 tumor suppressor is an evergreen of molecular oncology. Since its
      discovery in 1979, it has been subjected to intensive investigation. The p53
      protein is composed of "only" 393 amino acid residues, and function of almost
      each of them has been addressed in detail. Somatic mutations are extremely
      frequent, they can be found almost in each of the p53 codons and in all types of
      tumors. Inherited p53 mutations are rare but very penetrant, and they are
      typically associated with development of a broad spectrum of tumors. However, in
      2001, the p53 research provided an unexpected discovery: the R337H allele was
      found in southern Brazil. This allele was atypically associated with only one
      type of tumor -  childhood adrenocortical carcinoma and it exhibited low
      penetrance. Therefore, new data on functioning and impact of the R337H mutation
      were highly desired. The results obtained during a few following years helped to
      elucidate not only this specific p53 variant but also provided insight into
      general principles of mutant p53 variants function. It also turned out that all
      R337H alleles that are very frequent in southern Brazil originate from one common
      ancestor.

PMID- 25115711
TI  - Mobile elements and chromosomal changes associated with MLS resistance phenotypes
      of invasive pneumococci recovered in the United States.
AB  - Pneumococcal macrolide resistance is usually expressed as one of two phenotypes:
      the M phenotype conferred by the mef gene or the MLSB phenotype caused by
      modification of ribosomal targets, most commonly mediated by an erm methylase.
      Target-site modification leading to antibiotic resistance can also occur due to
      sequence mutations within the 23S rRNA or the L4 and L22 riboproteins. We
      screened 4,535 invasive isolates resistant to erythromycin and 18 invasive
      isolates nonsusceptible to quinupristin-dalfopristin (Q-D) to deduce the
      potential mechanisms involved. Of 4,535 erythromycin-resistant isolates, 66.2%
      were polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive for mef alone, 17.8% for ermB
      alone, and 15.1% for both mef and ermB. Thirty-seven isolates (0.9%) were PCR
      negative for both determinants. Of these, 3 were positive for ermA (subclass
      ermTR) and 25 had chromosomal mutations. No chromosomal mutations (in 23S rRNA,
      rplD, or rplV) nor any of the macrolides/lincosamides/streptogramin (MLS)
      resistance genes screened for (ermT, ermA, cfr, lsaC, and vgaA) were found in the
      remaining nine isolates. Of 18 Q-D nonsusceptible isolates, 14 had chromosomal
      mutations and one carried both mef and ermB; no chromosomal mutations or other
      resistance genes were found in 3 isolates. Overall, we found 28 mutations, 13 of
      which have not been previously described in Streptococcus pneumoniae. The role of
      these mutations remains to be confirmed by transformation assays. 

PMID- 25115714
TI  - [The cost study of first- line treatment of metastatic colorectal carcinoma with
      bevacizumab- containing regimen in the Czech Republic].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal IgG antibody against the vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is reimbursed in combination with chemotherapy
      for the first and subsequent line treatment of patients with metastatic
      colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the Czech Republic. However, its high cost is a
      potentially limiting factor. We assessed the cost of bevacizumab in the treatment
      of mCRC in a comprehensive cancer center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 218
      patients were included in our analysis. Cost data (examination, medication,
      hospitalization) were collected since the initiation of bevacizumab treatment to
      any tumor response (RECIST criteria: complete response -  CR, partial response - 
      PR, stable disease -  SD, progressive disease -  PD) and/ or to death. Minimal
      followup for all patients was 28 months. Costs were valued in Czech crowns (CZK)
      and converted to EUR (1? = 25.14 CZK). RESULTS: PD was recorded in 194 patients
      (89% of patients). The mean cost of treatment to PD (median TTP 9.1 months) was
      1,002,076.30 CZK (39,859.84 EUR). The majority of costs to PD was made by
      medication -  917,048.60 CZK (36,477.67 EUR) per patient. The mean cost to
      response PR, CR or SD was 1,105,823.10 CZK (43,986.60 EUR) after median 9.8
      months of treatment (recorded for 21 patients), medication formed 1,023,827.70
      CZK (40,725.05 EUR). During the study, 170 patients (78%) died. The mean of the
      total costs since initiation of treatment to death (median OS 18.8 months) was
      1,338,874.20 CZK (53,256.70 EUR) -  out of that, medication was 1,184,251.10 CZK
      (47,106.25 EUR) per patient. CONCLUSION: Targeted bio-logical therapy is the
      largest part of the costs of mCRC therapy. Cost of bevacizumab made up to 69% of
      costs to PD -  687,608.20 CZK ( 27,351.20 EUR ) per patient. The majority of the
      total cost was formed by targeted drug therapy (bevacizumab in 1st line therapy,
      cetuximab and panitumumab in 2nd and 3rd line therapy); 58% of total costs since
      initiation of treatment to death -  778,233.80 CZK (30,956 EUR) per patient.

PMID- 25115715
TI  - [Screening of malnutrition risk versus indicators of nutritional status and
      systemic inflammatory response in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most lung cancers are already advanced at the time of dia-gnosis. In
      these patients, a frequent symptom is protein energy malnutrition, often
      diagnosed prior to oncological treatment. Malnutrition results in poor tolerance
      of treatment and increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Nutritional Risk
      Screening (NRS) 2002 adapted for oncological patients was used to assess the risk
      of undernutrition in a group of 188 lung cancer patients. The risk was evaluated
      on a 6- point scale according to common signs of nutritional status and tumor and
      its treatment risk factors. A score of 3 and more (called "nutritional risk")
      means a significant risk of malnutrition. Furthermore, pretreatment nutritional
      characteristics were evaluated in patients (including the value of BMI) and
      laboratory values indicating malnutrition/ acute phase response (albumin/ C
      reactive protein - CRP). RESULTS: Acceptable NRS score was found in 50.6%, while
      in 45.3% was suggested into risk of malnutrition ("nutritional risk"). Only 6.6%
      of our patients had a BMI less than 20 kg/ m2. Significant differences in albumin
      and CRP values in various categories of NRS were confirmed. CONCLUSION: Initial
      signs of cancer malnutrition may be overlooked in patients who fall within or
      above the range of BMI for adequate weight, although these patients may be at
      significant risk of malnutrition. The indicators of nutritional status and
      systemic inflammatory responses were significantly associated with resulting
      values NRS score.

PMID- 25115716
TI  - [Relation between carbonic anhydrase IX serum level, hypoxia and radiation
      resistance of head and neck cancers].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypoxia of locally advanced head and neck cancers is one of the main
      causes of their radiation resistance that presents clinically as a persistence of
      residual tumor disease after radiation therapy. Therefore, detection of tumor
      hypoxia could be an important predictor of treatment efficacy. Carbonic anhydrase
      IX (CA IX) is a protein, coded by a homonymous gene, the expression of which
      increases in tumor tissues at hypoxic conditions. Hence, CA IX represents an
      endogenic marker of tumor hypoxia, identifiable in tumor tissues, and its soluble
      extracellular domain can also be detected in body fluids of the patient. The
      primary endpoint of this study was to explore whether a correlation exists
      between CA IX serum level and the residual tumor disease after therapy. The
      secondary endpoint was to find out how the serum concentration of CA IX changes
      during the course of fractionated radiation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      presented prospective monocentric clinical study evaluated a population of 30
      patients with locally advanced squamous cell head and neck cancers, treated by
      radiation therapy or concurrent chemo radiation therapy with a curative intent.
      The serum concentration of the soluble form of CA IX was examined from a venous
      blood sample, using sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The blood
      samples were obtained before the treatment initiation, in the middle of radiation
      therapy, at the time of finishing radiation therapy and six weeks after the
      treatment completion. RESULTS: We found a substantial variability in the CA IX
      levels measured in the examined population, ranging 0- 1,696 pg/ ml. We found no
      significant changes in the mean value of CA IX concentration during the course of
      radiation therapy and after the treatment completion. In 11 patients (36.7%), the
      treatment resulted in complete remission of the disease. In these patients, lower
      average pretreatment levels of CA IX were noted when compared to patients with
      persistence of residual tumor disease (37.57 vs 77.47; p = 0.154). CONCLUSION:
      The results indicate that serum level of CA IX in patients with locally advanced
      head and neck cancers does not change significantly during the course of
      fractionated radiation therapy. The relation between CA IX serum level and
      residual tumor disease after radiation therapy requires verification on a larger
      population of patients.

PMID- 25115717
TI  - Impact of anakinra treatment on cytokine and lymphocytes/ monocytes profile of an
      Erdheim-Chester patient.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans cells
      histiocytosis associated with intense immune activation. In our clinical center,
      an ECD patient was treated with anakinra, IL1RA (interleukin1 receptor
      antagonist), resulting in clinical improvement and major decrease of pathological
      fatigue. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in cytokine profile and
      shift of immune cells estimated by flow cytometric analysis of ECD patient
      before, during initial stages of anakinra treatment as well as after treatment
      ceased in comparison to healthy donors. METHODS: Singleplex reactions of 19
      individual cytokines from serum of ECD patient were measured by FACS array. Flow
      cytometric analyses were performed on peripheral blood cells. RESULTS: The most
      striking result is substantial decrease of IL6 immediately after anakinra
      treatment started suggesting a major role of IL1 pathway in ECD pathophysiology.
      As for flow cytometric analysis, increased number of CD16+ monocytes before
      treatment is a new finding. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that IL6 may be a
      marker of early treatment response of ECD patients treated with anakinra.

PMID- 25115718
TI  - Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography for diagnosis of
      synchronous tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hybrid method 18F-FDG PET/ CT has been proven as a method of
      choice in oncology for diagnostics, staging, restaging of the tumor and
      evaluation of the therapeutic effect. The aim of the study was to determine the
      value of 18F-FDG PET/ CT for detection of synchronous tumors and consequently the
      influence on the patients management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examinations were
      performed on Discovery, GE Healthcare PET/ CT using standard protocol. Among the
      patients, examined by 18F FDG  PET/ CT for one year (n = 1 408), unsuspected
      synchronous tumors were detected in 11 cases (0.8%). RESULTS: Five pulmonary
      carcinomas, four head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), one ovarian
      carcinoma and one tumor of the sigma were detected as second malignancies. The
      histology verification was done in five cases (all HNSCC and one sigma
      carcinoma). In one patient with ovarian carcinoma, histology was obtained after
      surgery. In the rest of patients, no verification was undertaken because of the
      patients refusal and the advanced stage of the diseases, demanding systemic
      chemotherapy. Four patients (three with HNSCC and one with ovarian secondary
      malignancy) had favorable outcome during the nine  month  follow up. CONCLUSION:
      The hybrid method PET/ CT, combining the metabolic and morphologic findings, can
      help detection of synchronous malignancies in a small percentage of cases, but
      with a positive influence on management of considerable part of such patients.

PMID- 25115719
TI  - [Paraneoplastic vasculitis in a patient with cervical cancer].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paraneoplastic syndromes precede the dia-gnosis of malignancy. Early
      detection of paraneoplastic syndrome may lead to detection of malignancy in its
      early and potentially curable stage. Differential diagnostic process of rare
      paraneoplastic vasculitis requires multidisciplinary cooperation between
      rheumatologists, radiologists and oncologists. CASE: 41 year old female patient
      with cervical cancer in stage IVB (paraaortic lymphadenopathy) and clinical
      symptoms of acute vasculitis was admitted to our ward for oncological treatment.
      Chemoradiotheraphy was initiated concurrently with corticotherapy. During the
      treatment we observed alleviation of vasculitis related symptoms. Ongoing
      followup, however, brought no further improvement in vasculitis related symptoms.
      This lead us to suspicion of recurrence, confirmed on CT scan. Palliative
      chemotherapy was without any effect and due to worsening performance status was
      terminated. CONCLUSION: The activity of vasculitis was closely associated with
      the activity of primary malignant disease. Early recognition of paraneoplastic
      syndrome may contribute not only to dia-gnosis of malignancy, but is helpful
      during followup of these patients.

PMID- 25115720
TI  - [Acupuncture in the treatment of symptoms of oncological diseases in the Western
      world].
AB  - Acupuncture is one of the methods of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In Asia,
      methods of TCM are quite often used in oncological patients in combination with
      classical medicine. In Europe and North America, the position of the TCM is not
      so clear. In the last few years, some studies were done which were supposed to
      verify scientifically the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of some
      symptoms in oncological patients and adverse effects of oncological treatment.
      Results of these studies indicate that acupuncture is effective in the treatment
      of pain, nausea, vomiting and xerostomia. The International Society of
      Integrative Oncology formulated some recommendations for using methods of TCM in
      oncological patients. In this field, there is still a lot of possibilities for
      further studies which could help acupuncture to become an important therapeutic
      method even in our region.

PMID- 25115721
TI  - Dendritic cell vaccines against non-small cell lung cancer -  an emerging
      therapeutic alternative.
AB  - Many clinical trials have been carried out or are in progress to assess the
      therapeutic potential of dendritic cell-based vaccines on cancer patients.
      Herewith, we describe the clinical trials of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      published in the literature. Although the number of clinical trials and NSCLC
      patients enrolled in these studies is small, it is possible to conclude that the
      administration of dendritic cells (DCs) by any route is safe and that a clinical
      benefit after their administration can be observed. These initial results
      encourage continued investigation in clinical trials into the benefit of DCs
      along with different strategies to enhance their immune response in this deadly
      disease.

PMID- 25115725
TI  - The use of the cluster randomized crossover design in clinical trials: protocol
      for a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cluster randomized crossover (CRXO) design is gaining popularity
      in trial settings where individual randomization or parallel group cluster
      randomization is not feasible or practical. In a CRXO trial, not only are
      clusters of individuals rather than individuals themselves randomized to trial
      arms, but also each cluster participates in each arm of the trial at least once
      in separate periods of time.We will review publications of clinical trials
      undertaken in humans that have used the CRXO design. The aim of this systematic
      review is to summarize, as reported: the motivations for using the CRXO design,
      the values of the CRXO design parameters, the justification and methodology for
      the sample size calculations and analyses, and the quality of reporting the CRXO
      design aspects. METHODS/DESIGN: We will identify reports of CRXO trials by
      systematically searching MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Methodology Register, EMBASE,
      and CINAHL Plus. In addition, we will search for methodological articles that
      describe the CRXO design and conduct citation searches to identify any further
      CRXO trials. The references of all eligible trials will also be searched. We will
      screen the identified abstracts, and retrieve and assess for inclusion the full
      text for any potentially relevant articles. Data will be extracted from the full
      text independently by two reviewers. Descriptive summary statistics will be
      presented for the extracted data. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will inform
      both researchers addressing CRXO methodology and trialists considering
      implementing the design. The results will allow focused methodological research
      of the CRXO design, provide practical examples for researchers of how CRXO trials
      have been conducted, including any shortcomings, and highlight areas where
      reporting and conduct may be improved.

PMID- 25115726
TI  - A new microscopic insight into membrane penetration and reorganization by PETIM
      dendrimers.
AB  - Dendrimers are highly branched polymeric nanoparticles whose structure and
      topology, largely, have determined their efficacy in a wide range of studies
      performed so far. An area of immense interest is their potential as drug and gene
      delivery vectors. Realizing this potential, depending on the nature of cell
      surface-dendrimer interactions, here we report controlled model membrane
      penetration and reorganization, using a model supported lipid bilayer and
      poly(ether imine) (PETIM) dendrimers of two generations. By systematically
      varying the areal density of the lipid bilayers, we provide a microscopic
      insight, through a combination of high resolution scattering, atomic force
      microscopy and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, into the mechanism of
      PETIM dendrimer membrane penetration, pore formation and membrane re-organization
      induced by such interactions. Our work represents the first systematic
      observation of a regular barrel-like membrane spanning pore formation by
      dendrimers, tunable through lipid bilayer packing, without membrane disruption. 

PMID- 25115728
TI  - Volatile constituents of Dianthus rupicola Biv. from Sicily: activity against
      microorganisms affecting cellulosic objects.
AB  - Dianthus rupicola Biv. (cliffs carnation) is a camephytic, suffruticous,
      perennial plant growing up to 40 cm high. The plant is widespread in Sicily and
      neighbouring islands (Egadi, Lampedusa, Lipari) and in some areas of southern
      Italy. GC and GC-MS analyses of the essential oil distilled from the flowers
      showed the presence of 66 components. Its composition is characterised by the
      high content of thymol and carvacrol derivatives. A good antibacterial activity
      against Bacillus cereus and Bacillussubtilis, both infesting cellulosic
      historical material, was shown, whereas the antioxidant capacity was determined
      to be quite poor.

PMID- 25115727
TI  - Lithium ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation via
      inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 expression by activating the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1
      pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lithium, an effective mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar
      disorders, has been recently suggested to have a role in neuroprotection during
      neurodegenerative diseases. The pathogenesis of neurological disorders often
      involves the activation of microglia and associated inflammatory processes. Thus,
      in this study, we aimed to understand the role of lithium in microglial
      activation and to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s). METHODS: Primary
      microglial cells were pretreated with lithium and stimulated with
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The cells were assessed regarding the responses of pro
      inflammatory cytokines, and the associated signaling pathways were evaluated.
      RESULTS: Lithium significantly inhibited LPS-induced microglial activation and
      pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Further analysis showed that lithium could
      activate PI3K/Akt signaling. Analyses of the associated signaling pathways
      demonstrated that the lithium pretreatment led to the suppression of LPS-induced
      toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expressions via the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that lithium can inhibit LPS-induced TLR4
      expression and microglial activation through the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling
      pathway. These results suggest that lithium plays an important role in microglial
      activation and neuroinflammation-related diseases, which may lead to a new
      therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neuroinflammation-related disorders.

PMID- 25115729
TI  - Reducing readmissions following paediatric cardiothoracic surgery: a quality
      improvement initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have previously identified risk factors for readmission following
      congenital heart surgery - Hispanic ethnicity, failure to thrive, and original
      hospital stay more than 10 days. As part of a quality initiative, changes were
      made to the discharge process in hopes of reducing the impact. All discharges
      were carried out with an interpreter, medications were delivered to the hospital
      before discharge, and phone calls were made to families within 72 hours following
      discharge. We hypothesised that these changes would decrease readmissions.
      METHODS: The current cohort of 635 patients underwent surgery in 2012.
      Demographic, preoperative, operative, and postoperative variables were evaluated.
      Univariate and multivariate risk factor analyses were performed. Comparisons were
      made between the initial (2009) and the current (2012) cohorts. RESULTS: There
      were 86 readmissions of 77 patients during 2012. Multivariate risk factors for
      readmission were risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery score and initial
      hospital stay >10 days. In comparing 2009 with 2012, the overall readmission rate
      was similar (10 versus 12%, p=0.27). Although there were slight decreases in the
      2012 readmissions for those patients with Hispanic ethnicity (18 versus 16%,
      p=0.79), failure to thrive (23 versus 17%, p=0.49), and initial hospital stay >10
      days (22 versus 20%, p=0.63), they were not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: Potential risk factors for readmission following paediatric
      cardiothoracic surgery have been identified. Although targeted modifications in
      discharge processes can be made, they may not reduce readmissions. Efforts should
      continue to identify modifiable factors that can reduce the negative impact of
      hospital readmissions.

PMID- 25115730
TI  - How do recent classifications give a new insight for the management of
      emphysematous pyelonephritis?

PMID- 25115731
TI  - Extracellular molecular effectors mediating probiotic attributes.
AB  - Interest in probiotic bacteria, in the context of health and disease, is
      increasing and gathering scientific evidence, as is reflected by their growing
      utilization in food and pharma industry. As a consequence, many research effort
      over the past few years has been dedicated to discern the molecular mechanisms
      responsible for their purported attributes. Remarkably, whereas the traditional
      probiotic concept assumes that bacteria must be alive during their administration
      to exert health-promoting effects, evidence is being accumulated that supports
      defined bacterial secreted molecules and/or isolated surface components mediating
      attributed cross talk dialogue between the host and the probiotic cells. Indeed,
      administration of the isolated bacterial-derived metabolites or molecules may be
      sufficient to promote the desired effects and may represent a promising safer
      alternative in inflammatory disorders. Here, we summarize the current knowledge
      of molecular effectors of probiotic bacteria that have been involved in mediating
      their effects. 

PMID- 25115732
TI  - Comparative study of the metal accumulation in Hysterothalycium reliquens
      (nematode) and Paraphilometroides nemipteri (nematode) as compared with their
      doubly infected host, Nemipterus peronii (Notched threadfin bream).
AB  - In February 2013, forty-seven Notched threadfin bream, the Nemipterus peronii,
      were sampled from the eastern coastal waters of the South China Sea. The
      concentration of various elements, namely cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper
      (Cu), mercury (Hg), strontium (Sr), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), Lead (Pb),
      nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), and Zinc (Zn) were analyzed
      in the liver, muscle, and kidney organs of the host, as well as in their
      parasites Hysterothalycium reliquens (nematode) and the Paraphilometroides
      nemipteri (nematode), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP
      MS). The former group of parasites showed highest accumulation capacity for Cr,
      Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Ni, and Zn while the latter group had high accumulation potential
      of As, Hg, Cd, Al, Pb, and Sr. The divergence in heavy-metal accumulation
      profiles of both nematodes is linked with the specificity of microhabitats,
      cuticle morphology, and interspecific competition. The outcome of this study
      indicates that both parasite models can be used for biomonitoring of metal
      pollution in marine ecosystems. 

PMID- 25115735
TI  - Anode catalysts for direct hydrazine fuel cells: from laboratory test to an
      electric vehicle.
AB  - Novel highly active electrocatalysts for hydrazine hydrate fuel cell application
      were developed, synthesized and integrated into an operation vehicle prototype.
      The materials show in both rotating disc electrode (RDE) and membrane electrode
      assembly (MEA) tests the world highest activity with peak current density of
      16,000 A g(-1) (RDE) and 450 mW cm(-2) operated in air (MEA).

PMID- 25115734
TI  - Vasorelaxation induced by methyl cinnamate, the major constituent of the
      essential oil of Ocimum micranthum, in rat isolated aorta.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the vascular effects of the E
      isomer of methyl cinnamate (E-MC) in rat isolated aortic rings and the putative
      mechanisms underlying these effects. At 1-3000 MUmol/L, E-MC concentration
      dependently relaxed endothelium-intact aortic preparations that had been
      precontracted with phenylephrine (PHE; 1 MUmol/L), with an IC50 value (geometric
      mean) of 877.6 MUmol/L (95% confidence interval (CI) 784.1-982.2 MUmol/L). These
      vasorelaxant effects of E-MC remained unchanged after removal of the vascular
      endothelium (IC50 725.5 MUmol/L; 95% CI 546.4-963.6 MUmol/L) and pretreatment
      with 100 MUmol/L N(G) -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (IC50 749.0 MUmol/L; 95% CI
      557.8-1005.7 MUmol/L) or 10 MUmol/L 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one
      (IC50 837.2 MUmol/L; 95% CI 511.4-1370.5 MUmol/L). Over the concentration range 1
      3000 MUmol/L, E-MC relaxed K(+) -induced contractions in mesenteric artery
      preparations (IC50 314.5 MUmol/L; 95% CI 141.9-697.0 MUmol/L) with greater
      potency than in aortic preparations (IC50 1144.7 MUmol/L; 95% CI 823.2-1591.9
      MUmol/L). In the presence of a saturating contractile concentration of K(+) (150
      mmol/L) in Ca(2+) -containing medium combined with 3 MUmol/L PHE, 1000 MUmol/L E
      MC only partially reversed the contractile response. In contrast, under similar
      conditions, E-MC nearly fully relaxed PHE-induced contractions in aortic rings in
      a Ba(2+) -containing medium. In preparations that were maintained under Ca(2+) 
      free conditions, 600 and 1000 MUmol/L E-MC significantly reduced the contractions
      induced by exogenous Ca(2+) or Ba(2+) in KCl-precontracted preparations, but not
      in PHE-precontracted preparations (in the presence of 1 MUmol/L verapamil). In
      addition, E-MC (1-3000 MUmol/L) concentration-dependently relaxed the
      contractions induced by 2 mmol/L sodium orthovanadate. Based on these
      observations, E-MC-induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effects appear to
      be preferentially mediated by inhibition of plasmalemmal Ca(2+) influx through
      voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels. However, the involvement of a myogenic
      mechanism in the effects of E-MC is also possible. 

PMID- 25115736
TI  - Polymer-free patterning of graphene at sub-10-nm scale by low-energy repetitive
      electron beam.
AB  - A polymer-free technique for generating nanopatterns on both synthesized and
      exfoliated graphene sheets is proposed and demonstrated. A low-energy (5-30 keV)
      scanning electron beam with variable repetition rates is used to etch suspended
      and unsuspended graphene sheets on designed locations. The patterning mechanisms
      involve a defect-induced knockout process in the initial etching stage and a heat
      induced curling process in a later stage. Rough pattern edges appear due to
      inevitable stochastic knockout of carbon atoms or graphene structure imperfection
      and can be smoothed by thermal annealing. By using this technique, the minimum
      feature sizes achieved are about 5 nm for suspended and 7 nm for unsuspended
      graphene. This study demonstrates a polymer-free direct nanopatterning approach
      for graphene. 

PMID- 25115733
TI  - The major bioactive components of seaweeds and their mosquitocidal potential.
AB  - Seaweeds are one of the most widely studied natural resources for their
      biological activities. Novel seaweed compounds with unique chemical structures
      have been reported for their pharmacological properties. The urge to search for
      novel insecticidal compound with a new mode of action for development of
      botanical insecticides supports the relevant scientific research on discovering
      the bioactive compounds in seaweeds. The mosquitocidal potential of seaweed
      extracts and their isolated compounds are documented in this review paper, along
      with the discussion on bioactivities of the major components of seaweeds such as
      polysaccharides, phenolics, proteins, terpenes, lipids, and halogenated
      compounds. The effects of seaweed extracts and compounds toward different life
      stages of mosquito (egg, larva, pupa, and adult), its growth, development, and
      reproduction are elaborated. The structure-activity relationships of
      mosquitocidal compounds are discussed to extrapolate the possible chemical
      characteristics of seaweed compounds responsible for insecticidal properties.
      Furthermore, the possible target sites and mode of actions of the mosquitocidal
      seaweed compounds are included in this paper. The potential synergistic effects
      between seaweeds and commercial insecticides as well as the toxic effects of
      seaweed extracts and compounds toward other insects and non-target organisms in
      the same habitat are also described. On top of that, various factors that
      influence the mosquitocidal potential of seaweeds, such as abiotic and biotic
      variables, sample preparation, test procedures, and considerations for a precise
      experimental design are discussed. The potential of active seaweed extracts and
      compounds in the development of effective bioinsecticide are also discussed. 

PMID- 25115737
TI  - Clinical outcomes of children and adults with central nervous system primitive
      neuroectodermal tumor.
AB  - Central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors (CNS PNETs) predominantly
      occur in children and rarely in adults. Because of the rarity of this tumor, its
      outcomes and prognostic variables are not well characterized. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for children and
      adults with CNS PNET. The records of 26 patients (11 children and 15 adults) with
      CNS PNET from 1991 to 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Disease-free survival
      (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and
      relevant prognostic factors were analyzed. For the cohort, both the 5-year DFS
      and the OS were 46 %. For pediatric patients, the 5-year DFS was 78 %; for adult
      patients, it was 22 % (P = 0.004). Five-year OS for the pediatric and adult
      patients was 67 and 33 %, respectively (P = 0.07). With bivariate analysis
      including chemotherapy regimen (high dose vs. standard vs. nonstandard) or risk
      stratification (standard vs. high) and age, the increased risk of disease
      recurrence in adults persisted. A nonsignificant tendency toward poorer OS in
      adult patients relative to pediatric patients also persisted. High-dose
      chemotherapy with stem cell rescue was associated with a statistically
      significant improvement in OS and a tendency toward improved DFS, although the
      findings were mitigated when the effect of age was considered. Local recurrence
      was the primary pattern of treatment failure in both adults and children. Our
      results suggest that adult patients with CNS PNETs have inferior outcomes
      relative to the pediatric cohort. Further research is needed to improve outcomes
      for CNS PNET in populations of all ages.

PMID- 25115739
TI  - Impact of health-related quality of life and fatigue on survival of recurrent
      high-grade glioma patients.
AB  - Quality of life (QoL) impairment and fatigue are frequently experienced during
      treatment for recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG). Fatigue and QoL impairments can
      be due to primary neurological dysfunction, cytotoxic treatments, mood
      disturbances, and supportive medications. We now seek to understand how QoL and
      fatigue impacts survival in recurrent HGG. Using a prospective observational
      design, 237 patients with recurrent HGG and KPS >=70 completed a self
      administered questionnaire that evaluated QoL and fatigue. QoL was assessed with
      Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and FACT-Brain (FACT-Br)
      scales while fatigue was assessed using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness
      Therapy (FACIT-F) scale. Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to evaluate
      the association between QoL and fatigue and survival. Seventy-three (31 %)
      subjects had recurrent WHO grade III gliomas and 164 (69 %) had recurrent WHO
      grade IV gliomas. Median follow-up analysis was 27.60 months. In univariate Cox
      analyses, the FACT-Br specific subscale (HR 0.88; CI 95 %, 0.77-1; p = 0.048) and
      FACIT-F (HR 0.82; CI 95 %, 0.68-0.99; p = 0.045) were both significant predictors
      of survival. Fatigue added prognostic information beyond that provided by KPS,
      age, sex, tumor grade, and number of prior progressions (HR 0.80; CI 95 %, 0.68
      0.9; p = 0.031). A greater degree of fatigue was associated with poorer survival
      in recurrent HGG patients. In multivariable analyses, FACT-G and FACT-Br are not
      independent predictors of prognosis. Fatigue is a strong independent predictor of
      survival that provides incremental prognostic value to the traditional markers of
      prognosis in recurrent HGG. Pharmacological or non-pharmacological strategies to
      treat fatigue warrant investigation. 

PMID- 25115738
TI  - Therapeutic implications of CD1d expression and tumor-infiltrating macrophages in
      pediatric medulloblastomas.
AB  - Immunobiology of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant brain tumor in
      children, is poorly understood. Although tumor cells in some MBs were recently
      shown to express CD1d and be susceptible to Valpha24-invariant natural killer T
      (NKT)-cell cytotoxicity, the clinical relevance of CD1d expression in MB patients
      remains unknown. We investigated the expression of CD1d in pediatric MBs and
      correlated with molecular and clinical characteristics. Specifically, we explored
      if NKT cell therapy can be targeted at a subset of pediatric MBs with poorer
      prognosis. Particularly, infantile MBs have a worse outcome because radiotherapy
      is delayed to avoid neurocognitive sequelae. Immunohistochemistry for CD1d was
      performed on a screening set of 38 primary pediatric MBs. Gene expression of the
      membrane form of M2 macrophage marker, CD163, was studied in an expanded cohort
      of 60 tumors. Outcome data was collected prospectively. Thirteen of 38 MBs (34.2
      %) expressed CD1d on immunohistochemistry. CD1d was expressed mainly on MB tumor
      cells, and on some tumor-associated macrophages. Majority (18/22, 82 %) of non
      sonic-hedgehog/Wingless-activated MBs (group 3 and 4) were CD1d-negative (p =
      0.05). A subset of infantile MBs (4/9, 44.4 %) expressed CD1d. Macrophages
      infiltrating MB expressed CD163 apart from CD1d. Molecular subtypes demonstrated
      statistical differences in CD163 expression, SHH-tumors were the most enriched (p
      = 0.006). Molecular and clinical subtypes of pediatric MB exhibit distinct
      differences in CD1d expression, which have important therapeutic implications.
      High CD1d expression in infantile MBs offers potential new immunotherapeutic
      treatment with NKT cell therapy in infants, where treatment is suboptimal due
      delayed radiotherapy.

PMID- 25115740
TI  - Profiling Hsp90 differential expression and the molecular effects of the Hsp90
      inhibitor IPI-504 in high-grade glioma models.
AB  - Retaspimycin hydrochloride (IPI-504), an Hsp90 (heat shock protein 90) inhibitor,
      has shown activity in multiple preclinical cancer models, such as lung, breast
      and ovarian cancers. However, its biological effects in gliomas and normal brain
      derived cellular populations remain unknown. In this study, we profiled the
      expression pattern of Hsp90alpha/beta mRNA in stable glioma cell lines, multiple
      glioma-derived primary cultures and human neural stem/progenitor cells. The
      effects of IPI-504 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, motility and expression of
      Hsp90 client proteins were evaluated in glioma cell lines. In vivo activity of
      IPI-504 was investigated in subcutaneous glioma xenografts. Our results showed
      Hsp90alpha and Hsp90beta expression levels to be patient-specific, higher in high
      grade glioma-derived primary cells than in low-grade glioma-derived primary
      cells, and strongly correlated with CD133 expression and differentiation status
      of cells. Hsp90 inhibition by IPI-504 induced apoptosis, blocked migration and
      invasion, and significantly decreased epidermal growth factor receptor levels,
      mitogen-activated protein kinase and/or Akt activities, and secretion of vascular
      endothelial growth factor in glioma cell lines. In vivo study showed that IPI-504
      could mildly attenuate tumor growth in immunocompromised mice. These findings
      suggest that targeting Hsp90 by IPI-504 has the potential to become an active
      therapeutic strategy in gliomas in a selective group of patients, but further
      research into combination therapies is still needed. 

PMID- 25115741
TI  - Early development of congeneric sea urchins (Heliocidaris) with contrasting life
      history modes in a warming and high CO2 ocean.
AB  - The impacts of ocean change stressors - warming and acidification - on marine
      invertebrate development have emerged as a significant impact of global change.
      We investigated the response of early development to the larval stage in
      sympatric, congeneric sea urchins, Heliocidaris tuberculata and Heliocidaris
      erythrogramma with contrasting modes of development to ocean warming and
      acidification. Effects of these stressors were assessed by quantifying the
      percentage of normal development during the first 24 h post fertilization, in
      cross-factorial experiments that included three temperature treatments (control:
      20  degrees C; +4: 24  degrees C; +6: 26  degrees C) and four pHNIST levels
      (control: 8.2; -0.4: 7.8; -0.6: 7.6; -0.8: 0.4). The experimental treatments were
      designed in context with present day and near-future (~2100) conditions for the
      southeast Australia global warming hotspot. Temperature was the most important
      factor affecting development of both species causing faster progression through
      developmental stages as well as a decrease in the percentage of normal
      development. H. erythrogramma embryos were less tolerant of increased temperature
      than those of H. tuberculata. Acidification impaired development to the larval
      stage in H. tuberculata, but this was not the case for H. erythrogramma. Thus,
      outcomes for the planktonic life phase of the two Heliocidaris species in
      response to ocean warming and acidification will differ. As shown for these
      species, single-stressor temperature or acidification studies can be misleading
      with respect to determining species' vulnerability and responses to global
      change.

PMID- 25115742
TI  - Editorial Comment from Dr Zampieri to Is the presence of varicocele associated
      with static and dynamic components of benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary
      tract symptoms in elderly men?

PMID- 25115743
TI  - Sex is a stronger predictor of colorectal adenoma and advanced adenoma than fecal
      occult blood test.
AB  - Due to high costs and limited availability of screening colonoscopy, some
      screening programs require a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) before
      screening colonoscopy is remunerated. As male sex is a strong predictor of
      adenoma and advanced adenoma, we evaluated whether a positive FOBT or male sex is
      a stronger risk factor for adenoma and advanced adenoma. FOBT and screening
      colonoscopy results from 18.665 consecutive patients participating in a "national
      health check program" between 2009 and 2011 were included in this cohort study.
      Age-corrected adenoma detection rates (ADR), advanced adenoma detection rates
      (AADR) and carcinoma detection rates were calculated for men and women according
      to FOBT result separately. ADR and AADR in FOBT-positive men (34.6 and 11.8 %)
      and FOBT-negative men (29.1 and 7.6 %) were higher than ADR and AADR in FOBT
      positive women (20 and 6.9 %) and in FOBT-negative women (17.6 and 4.4 %), (p =
      0.0003). Men with negative FOBT were at higher risk of having an adenoma and
      advanced adenoma than women with positive FOBT (p < 0.0001). Odds ratios of a
      positive FOBT for ADR and AADR were 1.3 (1.1-1.5) (p = 0.0047) and 1.6 (1.2-2.1)
      (p < 0.0001), respectively. Odds ratios of male sex to predict ADR and AADR were
      significantly higher with 1.9 (1.8-2.1) and 1.8 (1.6-2), respectively (p <
      0.001). Male sex is a stronger predictor for colorectal adenoma and advanced
      adenoma than positive FOBT. These results should be taken into account analyzing
      FOBT-based screening programs.

PMID- 25115744
TI  - Use of "Real-World" data to describe adverse events during the treatment of
      metastatic renal cell carcinoma in routine clinical practice.
AB  - Insights into the experience of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients
      are needed to optimize patient care. A retrospective, multicenter registry of
      mRCC patients treated at academic (Duke) and community (ACORN) practices was
      developed to fill this need. Treatment data were collected on 466 patients who
      received first-line therapy from 2007 to 2011. Clinically significant adverse
      events (AEs) were abstracted from medical records and compared to clinical
      trials. Two hundred and seventy patients received first-line therapy with
      sunitinib, 60 temsirolimus, 53 sorafenib, 25 pazopanib, and 58 "other." A total
      of 85.8 % of all patients experienced at least one AE: fatigue (56.7 %), vomiting
      (40.1 %), diarrhea (33.7 %), asthenia (32.8 %), and mucosal inflammation (20.8
      %). When comparisons were made between patients >65 versus <65 years old, rates
      of AEs were higher in the younger group. Dosing approaches and timing of AEs
      during therapy were varied. These data shine light on the patient experience in
      routine practice versus structured clinical trials. Real-world AE frequency and
      severity differ from pivotal trials demonstrating the need to monitor patients
      closely and manage their AEs to optimize outcomes. As the number of treatment
      options with similar effectiveness grows, it is imperative to understand the real
      world patient experience.

PMID- 25115746
TI  - Physician's emerging roles relating to trends in health information technology.
AB  - Objective: To determine the new roles that physicians will adopt in the near
      future to adjust to accelerating trends from managed care to outcome-based
      practice to health care reform to health information technology to the evolving
      role of health consumers. Methods: Trends and related developments concerning the
      changing roles of physicians based on prior literature reviews. Results: Six
      possible roles, traditional, gatekeeper, coach, navigator, informatician and one
      voice among many, are discussed in terms of physician's centrality, patient
      autonomy, decision-making and uncertainty, information seeking, satisfaction and
      outcomes, particularly those related to compliance. Conclusion: A greater
      understanding of these emerging roles could lead to more efficacious outcomes in
      our ever changing, increasingly complex medical system. Patients often have
      little understanding of emerging trends that lead to the development of
      specialized roles such as hospitalist and navigators and, relatedly, the evolving
      roles of physicians.

PMID- 25115745
TI  - Effect of MLH1 -93G>A on gene expression in patients with colorectal cancer.
AB  - The DNA repair machinery plays a key role in maintaining genomic stability by
      preventing the emergence of mutations. Furthermore, the -93G>A polymorphism in
      the MLH1 gene has been associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal
      cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the expression pattern
      and effect of this polymorphism in normal and tumour samples from patients with
      colorectal cancer. The MLH1 -93G>A (rs1800734) polymorphism was detected by PCR
      RFLP in 49 cases of colorectal cancer. MLH1 expression was investigated using
      real-time quantitative PCR. The results indicate a significant decrease in MLH1
      expression in tumour samples compared to their normal counterparts. The MLH1 gene
      was also significantly repressed in samples from patients who had some degree of
      tumour invasion into other organs. Similarly, those patients who were in a more
      advanced tumour stage (TNM III and IV) exhibited a significant reduction in MLH1
      gene expression. Finally, the mutant genotype AA of MLH1 was associated with a
      significant decrease in the expression of this gene. This finding suggests that
      this polymorphism could increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer by a
      defective mismatch repair system, particularly through the loss of MLH1
      expression in an allele-specific manner.

PMID- 25115747
TI  - Effect of tele-emergency services on recruitment and retention of US rural
      physicians.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As competition for physicians intensifies in the USA, rural areas
      are at a disadvantage due to challenges unique to rural medical practice.
      Telemedicine improves access to care not otherwise available in rural settings.
      Previous studies have found that telemedicine also has positive effects on the
      work environment, suggesting that telemedicine may improve rural physician
      recruitment and retention, although few have specifically examined this. METHODS:
      Using a mixed-method approach, clients of a single telemedicine service in the
      Upper Midwestern USA were surveyed and interviewed about their views of the
      impact of tele-emergency on physician recruitment and retention and the work
      environment. Surveys were completed by 292 clinical and administrative staff at
      71 hospitals and semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians and
      administrators at 16 hospitals. RESULTS: Survey respondents agreed that tele
      emergency had a positive effect on physician recruitment and retention and
      related workplace factors. Interviewees elucidated how the presence of tele
      emergency played an important role in enhancing physician confidence, providing
      educational opportunities, easing burden, and supplementing care, workplace
      factors that interviewees believed would impact recruitment and retention.
      However, gains were limited by hospitals' interpretation of the Emergency Medical
      Treatment and Labor Act as requiring on-site physician coverage even if tele
      emergency was used. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that, all other factors being
      equal, tele-emergency increases the likelihood of physicians entering and
      remaining in rural practice. New regulatory guidance by the Centers for Medicare
      and Medicaid Services related to on-site physician coverage will likely
      accelerate implementation of tele-emergency services in rural hospitals.
      Telemedicine may prove to be an increasingly valuable recruitment and retention
      tool for rural hospitals as competition for physicians intensifies.

PMID- 25115749
TI  - Mortality study of civilian employees exposed to contaminated drinking water at
      USMC Base Camp Lejeune: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two drinking water systems at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune,
      North Carolina were contaminated with solvents during 1950s-1985. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective cohort mortality study of 4,647 civilian, full-time
      workers employed at Camp Lejeune during 1973-1985 and potentially exposed to
      contaminated drinking water. We selected a comparison cohort of 4,690 Camp
      Pendleton workers employed during 1973-1985 and unexposed to contaminated
      drinking water. Mortality follow-up period was 1979-2008. Cause-specific
      standardized mortality ratios utilized U.S. age-, sex-, race-, and calendar
      period-specific mortality rates as reference. We used survival analysis to
      compare mortality rates between Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton workers and
      assess the effects of estimated cumulative contaminant exposures within the Camp
      Lejeune cohort. Ground water contaminant fate/transport and distribution system
      models provided monthly estimated contaminant levels in drinking water serving
      workplaces at Camp Lejeune. The confidence interval (CI) indicated precision of
      effect estimates. RESULTS: Compared to Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune workers had
      mortality hazard ratios (HRs) >1.50 for kidney cancer (HR = 1.92, 95% CI: 0.58,
      6.34), leukemias (HR = 1.59, 95% CI: 0.66, 3.84), multiple myeloma (HR = 1.84,
      95% CI: 0.45, 7.58), rectal cancer (HR = 1.65, 95% CI: 0.36, 7.44), oral cavity
      cancers (HR = 1.93, 95% CI: 0.34, 10.81), and Parkinson's disease (HR = 3.13, 95%
      CI: 0.76, 12.81). Within the Camp Lejeune cohort, monotonic exposure-response
      relationships were observed for leukemia and vinyl chloride and PCE, with
      mortality HRs at the high exposure category of 1.72 (95% CI: 0.33, 8.83) and 1.82
      (95% CI: 0.36, 9.32), respectively. Cumulative exposures were above the median
      for most deaths from cancers of the kidney, esophagus, rectum, prostate, and
      Parkinson's disease, but small numbers precluded evaluation of exposure-response
      relationships. CONCLUSION: The study found elevated HRs in the Camp Lejeune
      cohort for several causes of death including cancers of the kidney, rectum, oral
      cavity, leukemias, multiple myeloma, and Parkinson's disease. Only 14% of the
      Camp Lejeune cohort died by end of follow-up, producing small numbers of cause
      specific deaths and wide CIs. Additional follow-up would be necessary to
      comprehensively assess drinking water exposure effects at the base.

PMID- 25115760
TI  - A Seeming Paradox: Ischemic Stroke in the Context of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic
      Purpura.
AB  - Nowadays, we have a relatively sophisticated standard approach to a patient with
      acute ischemic stroke, including the sequence of diagnostic methods and treatment
      modalities. In practice, however, we are occasionally confronted with a patient
      whose medical history or comorbidities force us to make a decision without the
      support of guidelines. One such situation is the occurrence of acute ischemic
      stroke in a patient with known idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, where a
      tendency to use thrombolysis, anticoagulants, or antiplatelet agents collides
      with the fear of life-threatening bleeding. In this review, we try to outline
      current understanding of the pathophysiology of "paradoxical" ischemic events in
      this illness characterized by thrombocytopenia and to summarize clinical
      experience from case reports dealing with this topic, which could help us to rely
      on more than individual opinion seen through a purely "neurological" or
      "hematological" prism. 

PMID- 25115748
TI  - Hippocampal volume mediates the relationship between measures of pre-treatment
      cocaine use and within-treatment cocaine abstinence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data suggest that the amygdala and hippocampus contribute to cocaine
      seeking and use, particularly following exposure to cocaine-related cues and
      contexts. Furthermore, indices of pre-treatment cocaine-use severity have been
      shown to correlate with treatment outcome in cocaine-dependent patients. METHODS:
      The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between amygdalar and
      hippocampal volumes and cocaine use before and during treatment. High-resolution
      magnetic-resonance brain images were obtained from 23 cocaine-dependent patients
      prior to treatment and 54 healthy comparison individuals. Automated segmentation
      of the amygdala and hippocampus images was performed in FreeSurfer. Cocaine
      dependent patients subsequently received behavioral therapy alone or combined
      with contingency management as part of a treatment trial, and cocaine-use indices
      (self-report, urine toxicology) were collected. RESULTS: Comparison participants
      and cocaine-dependent patients did not show significant difference in amygdalar
      and hippocampal volumes at pre-treatment. Within the patient group, greater
      hippocampal volumes were correlated with more days of cocaine use before
      treatment and with poorer treatment outcome as indexed by shorter durations of
      continuous abstinence from cocaine and lower percentages of cocaine-negative
      urine samples during treatment. Mediation analysis indicated that pre-treatment
      hippocampal volumes mediated the relationships between pre-treatment cocaine use
      and treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of a significant correlation
      between hippocampal volume and pre-treatment cocaine-use severity and treatment
      response suggests that hippocampal volume should be considered when developing
      individualized treatments for cocaine dependence.

PMID- 25115759
TI  - Role of Nrf2/ARE pathway in protective effect of electroacupuncture against
      endotoxic shock-induced acute lung injury in rabbits.
AB  - NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a major transcription factor and acts as a key
      regulator of antioxidant genes to exogenous stimulations. The aim of current
      study was to determine whether Nrf2/ARE pathway is involved in the protective
      effect of electroacupuncture on the injured lung in a rabbit model of endotoxic
      shock. A dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 5 mg/kg was administered intravenously
      to replicate the model of acute lung injury induced by endotoxic shock.
      Electroacupuncture pretreatment was handled bilaterally at Zusanli and Feishu
      acupoints for five consecutive days while sham electroacupuncture punctured at
      non-acupoints. Fourty anesthetized New England male rabbits were randomized into
      normal control group (group C), LPS group (group L), electroacupuncture + LPS
      group (group EL) and sham electroacupuncture + LPS (group SEL). At 6 h after LPS
      administration, the animals were sacrificed and the blood samples were collected
      for biochemical measurements. The lungs were removed for calculation of wet-to
      dry weight ratios (W/D), histopathologic examination, determination of heme
      oxygenase (HO)-1 protein and mRNA, Nrf2 total and nucleoprotein, as well as Nrf2
      mRNA expression, and evaluation of the intracellular distribution of Nrf2
      nucleoprotein. LPS caused extensive morphologic lung damage, which was lessened
      by electroacupuncture treatment. Besides, lung W/D ratios were significantly
      decreased, the level of malondialdehyde was inhibited, plasma levels of TNF-alpha
      and interleukin-6 were decreased, while the activities of superoxide dismutase,
      glutathione peroxidase and catalase were enhanced in the electroacupucnture
      treated animals. In addition, electroacupuncture stimulation distinctly increased
      the expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2 protein including Nrf2 total protein and
      nucleoprotein as well as mRNA in lung tissue, while these effects were blunted in
      the sham electroacupuncture group. We concluded that electroacupuncture treatment
      at ST36 and BL13 effectively attenuates lung injury in a rabbit model of
      endotoxic shock through activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway and following up
      regulation of HO-1 expression. 

PMID- 25115761
TI  - Sustained release of tissue factor following thrombosis of lower limb trauma.
AB  - This study was undertaken to provide evidence for the mechanism of venous
      thromboembolism (VTE) in healthy patients with minor lower limb injury (fracture;
      Achilles tendon rupture) that was medically managed with plaster cast/brace
      immobilization. The Plaster Cast clinical trial provided a unique opportunity to
      identify the natural history of VTE using placebo-controlled patients (n = 183)
      with validation of the mechanism using the low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH;
      reviparin)-treated patients (n = 182). Confirmed VTE in this population was
      associated with a burst of tissue factor release (and a minor fibrinolytic
      deficit) leading to thrombin generation that was sustained at least 5 weeks,
      greater with fractures than with soft-tissue injuries and greater with surgery
      than with conservative treatment. The root cause likely involves
      platelet/leukocyte activation (inflammation) rather than endothelial cell injury.
      Thromboprophylaxis with a low dose of LMWH reduced thrombin generation, with
      patients undergoing surgery benefitting the most. 

PMID- 25115762
TI  - Oral anticoagulants and status of antidotes for the reversal of bleeding risk.
AB  - Anticoagulants have been used in clinical practice for more than 50 years. Their
      indications expand, as more people are diagnosed each year with atrial
      fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Vitamin K antagonists have been the most
      popular choice due to their effectiveness and their ability to reverse bleeding
      using a known antidote; oral and intravenous vitamin K have long been known to
      reverse the effects of warfarin. With new classes of anticoagulants making their
      way onto the market, such as factor Xa inhibitors (rivaroxaban, apixaban) and
      direct thrombin inhibitors (dabigatran), the need for new reversal agents is
      paramount. Patients tend to be more receptive to these medications because they
      do not require routine blood monitoring, can be used at fixed doses, and do not
      have major drug or food interactions. Antidotes for these medications have shown
      promise in animal models and are currently in clinical trials. 

PMID- 25115763
TI  - Oxidative Stress and Spontaneous Reperfusion of Infarct-Related Artery in
      Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - In the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, oxidative stress plays a major role in
      plaque instability, rupture, and erosion, which subsequently leads to thrombus
      formation and causes total infarct-related artery (IRA) occlusion. We
      investigated the relationship between spontaneous reperfusion (SR) of IRA and
      oxidative stress in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. A total
      of 341 consecutive patients with anterior STEMI were prospectively included in
      the present study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their
      thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade: SR group (66 patients,
      TIMI flow 3) and non-SR group (275 patients, TIMI flow 0-2). On multivariate
      logistic regression analysis, oxidative stress index (beta = 0.868, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 0.806-0.934, P < .001), neutrophil to lymphocyte
      ratio, uric acid, mean platelet volume, Killip 2 to 4 class, and initial SYNTAX
      score were independently associated with SR. Oxidative stress as well as
      inflammation may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of SR in patients with
      STEMI. 

PMID- 25115764
TI  - Dabigatran Versus Warfarin in Atrial Fibrillation: Multicenter Experience in
      Turkey.
AB  - Safety issues have been raised about dabigatran. We aimed to investigate the
      occurrence of safety outcomes in patients who had atrial fibrillation and a risk
      of stroke. We analyzed 439 patients prescribed dabigatran (n = 220) or warfarin
      (n = 219). Ischemic stroke occurred in 15 (6.8%) patients in the warfarin group
      versus 5 (5.2%) patients in the 110-mg group versus 1 (0.8%) patient in the 150
      mg dabigatran group (P = .015). Intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 6 (2.7%)
      patients in the warfarin group versus 3 (2.4%) patients in the 150-mg dabigatran
      group (P = .104). Death from any cause occurred in 10 (4.6%) patients in the
      warfarin group versus 1 (1.0%) patient in the 110-mg dabigatran group (P = .005).
      Dabigatran was associated with less ischemic stroke and death from any cause than
      warfarin. Dabigatran may be a better option for stroke prophylaxis, where
      recommended monitoring with warfarin is suboptimal. 

PMID- 25115765
TI  - High-resolution ultrasound allows percutaneous initiation and surveillance of
      prostate cancer in an orthotopic murine model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer xenografts should prefer orthotopic growth to
      subcutaneous tumors as the former more closely mimics the natural tumor
      environment. However, these models are technically demanding and require an
      invasive laparotomy. To overcome these problems, we evaluated a minimally
      invasive approach by performing percutaneous prostate puncture under the control
      of high-resolution ultrasound imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orthotopic tumor
      cell inoculation was performed in two groups of mice, i.e. in 10 nude mice via
      ultrasound-guided inoculation and in another 10 nude mice via an open surgical
      approach. Tumor growth was monitored after 4, 5 and 6 weeks by means of a high
      resolution ultrasound system. RESULTS: High-resolution ultrasound allowed exact
      tumor growth monitoring. After ultrasound-guided inoculation, 8 of 10 animals
      showed tumor engraftment. The surgical procedure was successful in 9 of 10
      animals. Tumor volume was slightly but not significantly greater after surgical
      tumor induction. Our work demonstrates that tumor cell inoculation via
      percutaneous puncture of the prostate is feasible, less time-consuming and
      minimally invasive compared to an open surgical approach. This reduces the animal
      burden. CONCLUSION: Although the tumor size and the precision of inoculation is
      lower compared to the open surgical technique, this novel procedure enables real
      time prostate punctures, suggesting the feasibility of other procedures including
      biopsy and local drug applications.

PMID- 25115767
TI  - Robotics and regional anesthesia.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Robots in regional anesthesia are used as a tool to automate
      the performance of regional techniques reducing the anesthesiologist's workload
      and improving patient care. The purpose of this review is to show the latest
      findings in robotic regional anesthesia. RECENT FINDINGS: The literature
      separates robots in anesthesia into two groups: pharmacological robots and manual
      robots. Pharmacological robots are mainly closed-loop systems that help in the
      titration of anesthetic drugs to patients undergoing surgery. Manual robots are
      mechanical robots that are used to support or replace the manual gestures
      performed by anesthesiologists. Although in the last decade researchers have
      focused on the development of decision support systems and closed-loop systems,
      more recent evidence supports the concept that robots can also be useful in
      performing regional anesthesia techniques. SUMMARY: Robots can improve the
      performance and safety in regional anesthesia. In this review, we present the
      developments made in robotic and automated regional anesthesia, and discuss the
      current state of research in this field.

PMID- 25115766
TI  - Postoperative ICU management of patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews recent advances in the postoperative ICU
      management of patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), especially with
      regards to hemodynamic management, methods of improving neurological outcomes,
      and management of cardiac and pulmonary complications. RECENT FINDINGS: Several
      hemodynamic monitors and parameters may be useful for guiding volume therapy,
      including cardiac output, stroke volume variation monitoring, and global end
      diastolic volume index. Early goal-directed hemodynamic therapy after SAH has
      recently been shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients with a poor clinical
      grade or coexisting cardiopulmonary complications. Recent laboratory and imaging
      modalities are being developed to identify patients at risk for developing
      vasospasm after SAH. Evidence for the use of various prophylactic adjuvant
      therapies to prevent vasospasm, including magnesium, phosphodiesterase 3
      inhibitors, and therapeutic hypothermia, is emerging. Intrathecal administration
      of vasodilators or fibrinolytics may have offered advantages over systemic drug
      administration in the treatment of vasospasm. Pulmonary and cardiac complications
      are common after SAH, and are associated with an increased risk of mortality.
      SUMMARY: The postoperative ICU period after SAH is associated with a significant
      morbidity and mortality risk, and recent studies have greatly contributed to our
      understanding of how to optimally manage these patients.

PMID- 25115768
TI  - Bioactive constituents from Croton sparsiflorus Morong.
AB  - Whole plant extracts of Croton sparsiflorus in methanol have shown significant
      enzyme inhibition and antioxidant activities. Bioassay-guided isolation of
      chloroform fraction at pH 3 resulted in the identification of crotsparinine (1)
      and crotsparine (2), while sparsiflorine (3) was purified from the chloroform
      fraction at pH 9. The structures of the compounds were confirmed through spectral
      analyses (EI-MS, (1)H and (13)C NMR). The isolated compounds 1-3 exhibited
      remarkable enzyme inhibition activity with IC50 values 27.01 +/- 1.1, 22.26 +/-
      1.0 and 18.02 +/- 1.3 MUM in xanthine oxidase and 48.42 +/- 1.5, 48.05 +/- 1.4
      and 7.42 +/- 1.0 MUM in acetylcholine esterase assays, respectively. These
      compounds also showed potent radical scavenging and reducing properties in DPPH
      and FRAP assays, respectively. The present results suggest the validity of the
      traditional uses of C. sparsiflorus in rheumatism and gout. Furthermore, the
      isolated noraporphine alkaloids can be useful in the treatment of
      neurodegenerative diseases. 

PMID- 25115769
TI  - Echocardiographic factors discriminating biventricular versus univentricular
      approach in the foetus with borderline left ventricle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The term "borderline left ventricle" describes a small left heart
      that may be inadequate to provide systemic cardiac output and implies the
      potential need for a single-ventricle palliation. The aim of this study was to
      identify foetal echocardiographic features that help discriminate which infants
      will undergo single-ventricle palliation versus biventricular repair to aid in
      prenatal counselling. METHODS: The foetal database at our institution was
      searched to identify all foetuses with borderline left ventricle, as determined
      subjectively by a foetal cardiologist, from 2000 to 2011. The foetal images were
      retrospectively analysed for morphologic and physiologic features to determine
      which best predicted the postnatal surgical choice. RESULTS: Of 39 foetuses
      identified with borderline left ventricle, 15 were planned for a univentricular
      approach, and 24 were planned for a biventricular approach. There were
      significant differences between the two outcome groups in the Z-scores of the
      mitral valve annulus, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, aortic valve
      annulus, and ascending aorta diameter (p<0.05). With respect to discriminating
      univentricular outcomes, cut-offs of mitral valve Z-score ?-1.9 and
      tricuspid:mitral valve ratio ?1.5 were extremely sensitive (100%), whereas a
      right:left ventricular end-diastolic dimension ratio ?2.1 provided the highest
      specificity (95.8%). CONCLUSION: In foetuses with borderline left ventricle, a
      mitral valve Z-score ?-1.9 or a tricuspid:mitral valve ratio ?1.5 suggests a high
      probability of biventricular repair, whereas a right:left ventricular end
      diastolic dimension ratio ?2.1 confers a likelihood of single-ventricle
      palliation.

PMID- 25115770
TI  - Draft genome sequences of three Holospora species (Holospora obtusa, Holospora
      undulata, and Holospora elegans), endonuclear symbiotic bacteria of the ciliate
      Paramecium caudatum.
AB  - We present draft genome sequences of three Holospora species, hosted by the
      ciliate Paramecium caudatum; that is, the macronucleus-specific H. obtusa and the
      micronucleus-specific H. undulata and H. elegans. We investigate functions of
      orthologous core genes conserved across the three Holospora species, which may be
      essential for the infection and survival in the host nucleus.

PMID- 25115771
TI  - Lamina cribrosa displacement after optic nerve sheath fenestration in idiopathic
      intracranial hypertension: a new tool for monitoring changes in intracranial
      pressure?

PMID- 25115772
TI  - The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 in the management of diabetes mellitus:
      cellular and molecular mechanisms.
AB  - Incretins, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP)-1, have been shown to elevate
      plasma insulin concentration. The purpose of this study is to investigate the
      cellular and molecular basis of the beneficial effects of GLP-1. Normal and
      diabetic male Wistar rats were treated with GLP-1 (50 ng/kg body weight) for 10
      weeks. At the end of the experiment, pancreatic tissues were taken for
      immunohistochemistry, immunoelectron microscopy and real-time polymerase chain
      reaction studies. Samples of blood were retrieved from the animals for the
      measurement of enzymes and insulin. The results show that treatment of diabetic
      rats with GLP-1 caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction in body weight gain and
      blood glucose level. GLP-1 (10(-12)-10(-6) M) induced significant (P < 0.01) dose
      dependent increases in insulin release from the pancreas of normal and diabetic
      rats compared to basal. Diabetes-induced abnormal liver (aspartate
      aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and kidney (blood urea nitrogen
      and uric acid) parameters were corrected in GLP-1-treated rats compared to
      controls. GLP-1 treatment induced significant (P < 0.05) elevation in the
      expression of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1, heat shock protein-70, glutathione
      peroxidase, insulin receptor and GLP-1-receptor genes in diabetic animals
      compared to controls. GLP-1 is present in pancreatic beta cells and significantly
      (P < 0.05) increased the number of insulin-, glutathione reductase- and catalase
      immunoreactive islet cells. The results of this study show that GLP-1 is co
      localized with insulin and seems to exert its beneficial effects by increasing
      cellular concentrations of endogenous antioxidant genes and other genes involved
      in the maintenance of pancreatic beta cell structure and function.

PMID- 25115773
TI  - Effects of sildenafil on nanostructural and nanomechanical changes in
      mitochondria in an ischaemia-reperfusion rat model.
AB  - Sildenafil exerts cardioprotective effects by activating the opening of
      mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels to attenuate ischaemia-reperfusion
      (IR) injury. In the present study, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to
      investigate changes in mitochondrial morphology and properties to assess
      sildenafil-mediated cardioprotection in a rat myocardial infarction model. To
      investigate the cardioprotective effects of sildenafil, we used an in vivo
      Sprague-Dawley rat model of IR. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: (i)
      sham-operated rats (control; n = 5); (ii) IR-injured rats treated with vehicle
      (normal saline; IR; n = 10); and (iii) IR-injured rats treated with 0.75 mg/kg,
      i.p., sildenafil (IR + Sil; n = 10). Morphological and mechanical changes to
      mitochondria were analysed by AFM. Infarct areas were significantly reduced in
      sildenafil-treated rats (7.8 +/- 3.9% vs 20.4 +/- 7.0% in the sildenafil-treated
      and untreated IR groups, respectively; relative reduction 62%; P < 0.001).
      Analysis of mitochondria by AFM showed that IR injury significantly increased the
      areas of isolated mitochondria compared with control (24 150 +/- 18 289 vs 1495
      +/- 1139 nm(2) , respectively; P < 0.001), indicative of mitochondrial swelling.
      Pretreatment with sildenafil before IR injury reduced the mitochondrial areas
      (7428 +/- 3682 nm(2) ; P < 0.001; relative reduction 69.2% compared with the IR
      group) and ameliorated the adhesion force of mitochondrial surfaces. Together,
      these results suggest that sildenafil has cardioprotective effects against IR
      injury in a rat model by improving the morphological and mechanical
      characteristics of mitochondria. 

PMID- 25115774
TI  - GFP stable transfection facilitated the characterization of lung cancer stem
      cells.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of cancer cells that play key roles in
      metastasis and cancer relapse. The elimination of CSCs is very important during
      cancer therapy. To develop drugs that target CSCs, the isolation and
      identification of putative CSCs are required. Some of the characteristics of CSCs
      are assessed by cell survival assays. In such experiments, the density of the
      cells seeded on the plates may affect the experimental results, leading to
      potentially inaccurate conclusions. In this study, a new assay to facilitate the
      characterization of CSCs has been developed by stable transfection of GFP, using
      the A549 lung cancer cell line as a model. A putative CSC line, A549 sphere
      cells, was obtained by culturing A549 cells in ultra-low dishes in serum-free
      medium. To ensure that the putative CSCs were grown under the same conditions as
      the A549-GFP cells and were not affected by the number of cells seeded, A549
      sphere cells were mixed with GFP stably transfected A549 (A549-GFP) cells. The
      mixture was subjected to flow cytometry assay and inverted fluorescence
      microscopy to detect changes in the proportion of GFP-positive cells after
      treatment. A549 sphere cells had a slower proliferation rate and an improved
      chemoresistance. They also showed differentiation ability. This work suggests
      that mixing GFP stably transfected cancer cells with putative CSCs may facilitate
      the identification of CSCs, making it convenient for studies of targeted CSCs. 

PMID- 25115776
TI  - Hydrogen bond mediated aglycone delivery: synthesis of linear and branched alpha
      glucans.
AB  - A Hydrogen bond mediated aglycone delivery (HAD) method was applied to the
      synthesis of alpha-glucans, which are abundant in nature, but as targets
      represent a notable challenge to chemists. The synthesis of linear
      oligosaccharide sequences was accomplished in complete stereoselectivity in all
      glycosylations. The efficacy of HAD may diminish with the increased bulk of the
      glycosyl acceptor, and may be an important factor for the syntheses of oligomers
      beyond pentasaccharides. The synthesis of a branched structure proved more
      challenging, particularly with bulky trisaccharide acceptors. 

PMID- 25115777
TI  - On-line SERS detection of single bacterium using novel SERS nanoprobes and a
      microfluidic dielectrophoresis device.
AB  - The integration of novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobes and
      a microfluidic dielectrophoresis (DEP) device is developed for rapid on-line SERS
      detection of Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis and Neisseria lactamica.
      The SERS nanoprobes are prepared by immobilization of specific antibody onto the
      surface of nanoaggregate-embedded beads (NAEBs), which are silica-coated, dye
      induced aggregates of a small number of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Each NAEB
      gives highly enhanced Raman signals owing to the presence of well-defined
      plasmonic hot spots at junctions between AuNPs. Herein, the on-line SERS
      detection and accurate identification of suspended bacteria with a detection
      capability down to a single bacterium has been realized by the NAEB-DEP-Raman
      spectroscopy biosensing strategy. The practical detection limit with a
      measurement time of 10 min is estimated to be 70 CFU mL(-1) . In comparison with
      whole-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the SERS-nanoprobe-based
      biosensing method provides advantages of higher sensitivity and requiring lower
      amount of antibody in the assay (100-fold less). The total assay time including
      sample pretreatment is less than 2 h. Hence, this sensing strategy is promising
      for faster and effective on-line multiplex detection of single pathogenic
      bacterium by using different bioconjugated SERS nanoprobes. 

PMID- 25115775
TI  - Association between CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk: a
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The previous published data on the association between CYP1A2*F
      (rs762551), CYP1B1 Leu432Val (rs1056836), Asn453Ser (rs180040), and Arg48Gly
      (rs10012) polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk remained controversial.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role
      of CYP1A2*F, CYP1B1 Leu432Val, Asn453Ser, and Arg48Gly genotypes in colorectal
      cancer susceptibility. We performed a meta-analysis on all the eligible studies
      that provided 5,817 cases and 6,544 controls for CYP1A2*F (from 13 studies), 9219
      cases and 10406 controls for CYP1B1 Leu432Val (from 12 studies), 6840 cases and
      7761 controls for CYP1B1 Asn453Ser (from 8 studies), and 4302 cases and 4791
      controls for CYP1B1Arg48Gly (from 6 studies). Overall, no significant association
      was found between CYP1A2*F, CYP1B1 Leu432Val, Asn453Ser, and Arg48Gly and
      colorectal cancer risk when all the eligible studies were pooled into the meta
      analysis. And in the subgroup by ethnicity and source of controls, no evidence of
      significant association was observed in any subgroup analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In summary, this meta-analysis indicates that CYP1A2*F,
      CYP1B1 Leu432Val, Asn453Ser, and Arg48Gly polymorphisms do not support an
      association with colorectal cancer, and further studies are needed to investigate
      the association. In addition, our work also points out the importance of new
      studies for CYP1A2*F polymorphism in Asians, because high heterogeneity was found
      (dominant model: I(2)  = 81.3%; heterozygote model: I(2)  = 79.0).

PMID- 25115778
TI  - Short bowel syndrome and clopidogrel non-responsiveness: a new indication for
      platelet aggregometry?

PMID- 25115779
TI  - Asymptomatic coronary artery spasm with acute pathological ST elevation on
      routine ECG: is it common?
AB  - Asymptomatic spontaneous coronary artery spasm is rare and there are no case
      reports in literature presenting with acute ST elevation on routine ECG. We
      present the case of a 68-year-old Caucasian man who presented to a primary care
      physician for a routine ECG as part of hypertension follow-up. ECG revealed ST
      elevation in inferior leads II, III and aVF with reciprocal ST depression in
      leads I, aVL and also ST depression in anterior leads V1, V2 and V3 suggesting
      ongoing inferoposterior ST elevation myocardial infarction. The patient was
      completely well, stable and asymptomatic and he was rushed immediately to the
      coronary care unit via emergency ambulance. The patient was subjected to a
      battery of urgent investigations which were all normal. Also an urgent coronary
      angiogram was undertaken which showed completely normal coronary anatomy. 

PMID- 25115780
TI  - Completely calcified non-functioning kidney: a classical image of putty kidney.

PMID- 25115781
TI  - Beneficial effects of growth hormone therapy for ossification defects after bone
      distraction in X linked hypophosphataemic rickets.
AB  - A report on two homozygous twin girls affected by X linked hypophosphataemic
      rickets. They were examined due to short stature and genu varum of both tibias.
      They were treated with calcitriol and Joulie's solution, whereon it was observed
      that serum parathyroid hormone and phosphaturia decreased while phosphataemia
      increased. They underwent a tibial osteotomy (by means of the insertion of
      Kirchner needles) at 7.7 years of age for correction of genu varum and a normal
      consolidation was reached 1 month later. Nonetheless, height was percentile <1
      after menarche, so both sisters asked for bone lengthening. Because of this, at
      15 years of age femoral distraction was performed, but no bone callus was
      observed 14 months later. Consequently, they were treated with subcutaneous
      growth hormone, showing bone callus at 6 months. Finally, the external fixators
      were removed due to ossification in the lengthened segments. 

PMID- 25115784
TI  - Bilateral extraocular muscle (EOM) metastases from adenocarcinoma of the gastro
      oesophageal junction (GOJ).

PMID- 25115783
TI  - Methaemoglobinaemia in a G6PD-deficient child treated with rasburicase.
AB  - A 5-year-old boy from the Congo, was admitted for hyperleucocytic acute
      lymphoblastic leukaemia, with a high risk of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS). He had
      splenomegaly and mediastinal lymphadenopathy on chest X-ray. We started steroids
      and hyperhydration with rasburicase to prevent TLS. Respiratory failure with
      mediastinal enlargement developed rapidly. A few hours after intensive care unit
      (ICU) admission, he was started on mechanical ventilation. Chemotherapy was
      started immediately given the strong suspicion of mediastinal compression. Low
      oxygen saturation with high partial arterial oxygen pressure persisted. Blood
      tests confirmed 20% methaemoglobinaemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
      (G6PD) deficiency. Allopurinol was substituted for rasburicase. The
      methaemoglobinaemia disappeared rapidly and he was discharged from the ICU after
      72 h. In case of rasburicase use, a close clinical monitoring is mandatory,
      especially in populations where G6PD deficiency is highly prevalent.
      Methaemoglobinaemia must be suspected in case of low oxygen saturation when all
      other potential causes have been ruled out. 

PMID- 25115782
TI  - Severe agitation in depression precipitated by dasatinib.
AB  - We describe a case of a man with chronic myeloid leukaemia who achieved remission
      through dasatinib therapy after being unable to tolerate several tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor (TKI) regimens due to severe physical side effects. However, this
      coincided with the onset of distressing agitation, insomnia and motor
      restlessness leading him to take a large zopiclone overdose. Start of appropriate
      therapy with a clonazepam, venlafaxine and mirtazapine combination led to a rapid
      improvement in symptomatology. We discuss the differential diagnosis and review
      the literature of neuropsychiatric complications of TKIs. This case serves as an
      illustrative reminder that in cases of complicated agitation referral to
      specialist mental health teams for rational psychopharmacological management is
      advised. 

PMID- 25115785
TI  - Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon in a neonatal kaposiform haemangioendothelioma.

PMID- 25115786
TI  - Dissemination of plasmid-encoded AmpC beta-lactamases in antimicrobial resistant
      Salmonella serotypes originating from humans, pigs and the swine environment.
AB  - The aim of this study was to characterize and determine the inter-serovar
      exchange of AmpC beta-lactamase conferring plasmids isolated from humans, pigs
      and the swine environment. Plasmids isolated from a total of 21 antimicrobial
      resistant (AMR) Salmonella isolates representing human clinical cases (n=6), pigs
      (n=6) and the swine farm environment (n=9) were characterized by replicon typing
      and restriction digestion, inter-serovar transferability by conjugation, and
      presence of AmpC beta-lactamase enzyme encoding gene blaCMY-2 by southern
      hybridization. Based on replicon typing, the majority (17/21, 81%) of the
      plasmids belonged to the I1-Igamma Inc group and were between 70 and 103kb. The
      potential for inter-serovar plasmid transfer was further confirmed by the PCR
      detection of AMR genes on the plasmids isolated from trans-conjugants. Plasmids
      from Salmonella serovars Anatum, Ouakam, Johannesburg and Typhimurium isolated
      from the same cohort of pigs and their environment and S. Heidelberg from a
      single human clinical isolate had identical plasmids based on digestion with
      multiple restriction enzymes (EcoRI, HindIII and PstI) and southern blotting. We
      demonstrated likely horizontal inter-serovar exchange of plasmid-encoding AmpC
      beta-lactamases resistance among MDR Salmonella serotypes isolated from pigs,
      swine farm environment and clinical human cases. This study provides valuable
      information on the role of the swine farm environment and by extension other
      livestock farm environments, as a potential reservoir of resistant bacterial
      strains that potentially transmit resistance determinants to livestock, in this
      case, swine, humans and possibly other hosts by horizontal exchange of plasmids. 

PMID- 25115787
TI  - Identification and typing of Brucella spp. in stranded harbour porpoises
      (Phocoena phocoena) on the Dutch coast.
AB  - The presence of Brucella (B.) spp. in harbour porpoises stranded between 2008 and
      2011 along the Dutch coast was studied. A selection of 265 tissue samples from
      112 animals was analysed using conventional and molecular methods. In total, 4.5%
      (5/112) of the animals corresponding with 2.3% (6/265) Brucella positive tissue
      samples were Brucella positive by culture and these were all confirmed by real
      time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) based on the insertion element 711
      (IS711). In addition, two more Brucella-positive tissue samples from two animals
      collected in 2011 were identified using real-time PCR resulting in an overall
      Brucella prevalence of 6.3% (7/112 animals). Brucella spp. were obtained from
      lungs (n=3), pulmonary lymph node (n=3) and lungworms (n=2). Multi Locus Variable
      Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Analysis (MLVA) typing based on the MLVA-16
      showed that the Brucella isolates were B. ceti. Additional in silico Multi Locus
      Sequence typing (MLST) after whole genome sequencing of the 6 Brucella isolates
      confirmed B. ceti ST 23. According to the Brucella 2010 MLVA database, the
      isolated Brucella strains encountered were of five genotypes, in two distinct
      subclusters divided in two different time periods of harbour porpoises
      collection. This study is the first population based analyses for Brucella spp.
      infections in cetaceans stranded along the Dutch coast. 

PMID- 25115788
TI  - The effect of hyaluronic acid functionalized carbon nanotubes loaded with
      salinomycin on gastric cancer stem cells.
AB  - Gastric cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in the initiation,
      development, relapse and metastasis of gastric cancer because they are resistant
      to a standard chemotherapy and the residual CSCs are able to proliferate
      indefinitely. Therefore, eradication of this cell population is a primary
      objective in gastric cancer therapy. Here, we report a gastric CSCs-specifically
      targeting drug delivery system (SAL-SWNT-CHI-HA complexes) based on chitosan(CHI)
      coated single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) loaded with salinomycin (SAL)
      functionalized with hyaluronic acid (HA) can selectively eliminate gastric CSCs.
      Gastric CSCs were identified as CD44+ cells and cultured in serum-free medium.
      SAL-SWNT-CHI-HA complexes were capable of inhibiting the self-renewal capacity of
      CD44+ population, and decrease mammosphere- and colon-formation of CSCs. In
      addition, the migration and invasion of gastric CSCs were significantly blocked
      by SAL-SWNT-CHI-HA complexes. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of cellular
      uptake demonstrated that HA functionalization facilitated the uptake of SWNTs in
      gastric CSCs while free HA competitively inhibited cellular uptake of SAL-SWNT
      CHI-HA delivery system, revealing the mechanism of CD44 receptor-mediated
      endocytosis. The SAL-SWNT-CHI-HA complexes showed the strongest antitumor
      efficacy in gastric CSCs by inducing apoptosis, and in CSCs mammospheres by
      penetrating deeply into the core. Taken altogether, our studies demonstrated that
      this gastric CSCs-targeted SAL-SWNT-CHI-HA complexes would provide a potential
      strategy to selectively target and efficiently eradicate gastric CSCs, which is
      promising to overcome the recurrence and metastasis of gastric cancer and improve
      gastric cancer treatment. 

PMID- 25115789
TI  - Collagen mimetic peptide engineered M13 bacteriophage for collagen targeting and
      imaging in cancer.
AB  - Collagens are over-expressed in various human cancers and subsequently degraded
      and denatured by proteolytic enzymes, thus making them a target for diagnostics
      and therapeutics. Genetically engineered bacteriophage (phage) is a promising
      candidate for the development of imaging or therapeutic materials for cancer
      collagen targeting due to its promising structural features. We genetically
      engineered M13 phages with two functional peptides, collagen mimetic peptide and
      streptavidin binding peptide, on their minor and major coat proteins,
      respectively. The resulting engineered phage functions as a therapeutic or
      imaging material to target degraded and denatured collagens in cancerous tissues.
      We demonstrated that the engineered phages are able to target and label abnormal
      collagens expressed on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells after the conjugation
      with streptavidin-linked fluorescent agents. Our engineered collagen binding
      phage could be a useful platform for abnormal collagen imaging and drug delivery
      in various collagen-related diseases. 

PMID- 25115790
TI  - Effects of two different rearing protocols for Holstein bull calves in the first
      3 weeks of life on health status, metabolism and subsequent performance.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of weight gain of calves
      within the first 3 weeks of life on health status and subsequent performance.
      Holstein bull calves were reared either intensively (IR; individual hutches and
      ad libitum milk feeding for the first 3 weeks of life; n = 24), or according to
      the established protocol [ER; 4 l milk/day in hutches during week 1 and 720 g/day
      milk replacer (MR) from day 8 to 21 in a group pen; n = 24]. Water, hay and
      concentrates were freely available to all calves. From week 4, calves of both
      groups were housed together in a group pen and fed 720 g MR/day; step-down
      weaning was performed between week 5 and 10. Key metabolic blood parameters were
      analysed on day 2, 12, 21 and 70 of life. After weaning, all animals were fed
      concentrates and corn silage until slaughter at an age of 8 months. Within the
      first 3 weeks, average daily weight gain was threefold higher in IR calves in
      relation to ER calves (1.28 vs. 0.38 kg/day, p < 0.001). Neither incidence nor
      duration of scouring differed significantly between groups. Starter intake (week
      4-10) was higher in IR calves in relation to ER calves (49.7 vs. 38.0 kg/calf, p
      = 0.006). Serum glucose, urea, albumin and insulin were higher at an age of 21
      days in IR calves in relation to ER calves; no differences were obvious at an age
      of 70 days. Plasma GH and IGF-I concentrations revealed an uncoupling of the
      somatotropic axis in ER calves within the first 3 weeks of life. At slaughter,
      body weight of IR calves tended to be higher than that of the ER calves (320 vs.
      309 kg, p = 0.07). In conclusion, intensive feeding and individual housing during
      the first 3 weeks of life had positive long-term effects on subsequent
      performance. 

PMID- 25115791
TI  - Social participation of school-aged children who use communication aids: the
      views of children and parents.
AB  - Social participation is crucial for children's development and well-being;
      however, little is known about the social participation of children who use
      communication aids. This article presents findings from interviews with eight 5-
      to 14-year-old children who used communication aids and their parents about
      social participation, communicative interactions, and peer relationships. Video-
      and audio-recordings were transcribed and analyzed using thematic content
      analysis, and five themes were identified. Two themes reflect parents' views:
      Communication partners and strategies and Access to aided communication. Three
      themes reflect perceptions expressed both by children and parents: Participation
      in society, Interaction opportunities, and Social relationships. The findings
      provide insights into both the achievements and the challenges experienced by
      young people who use aided communication.

PMID- 25115794
TI  - Two new cyclic dipeptides from Rhinocladiella sp. lgt-3, a fungal endophyte
      isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.
AB  - Two new cyclic dipeptides, rhinocladin A (1) and rhinocladin B (2), were isolated
      from a fungal endophyte (Rhinocladiella sp. lgt-3) of Tripterygium wilfordii
      Hook. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectra. The monoamine
      oxidase inhibitory activity of 1 and 2 was also evaluated.

PMID- 25115795
TI  - Fermented food in the context of a healthy diet: how to produce novel functional
      foods?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review presents an overview of recent studies on the
      production of functional fermented foods, of both traditional and innovative
      natures, and the mapping of the functional compounds involved. RECENT FINDINGS:
      The functional aspects of fermented foods are mostly related to the concept of
      probiotic bacteria or the targeted microbial generation of functional molecules,
      such as bioactive peptides, during food fermentation. Apart from conventional
      yoghurt and fermented milks, several fermented nondairy foods are globally
      gaining in interest, in particular from soy or cereal origin, sometimes novel but
      often originating from ethnic (Asian) diets. In addition, a range of functional
      nonmicrobial compounds may be added to the fermented food matrix. Overall, a wide
      variety of potential health benefits is being claimed, yet often poorly supported
      by mechanistic insights and rarely demonstrated with clinical trials or even
      animal models. SUMMARY: Although functional foods offer considerable market
      potential, several issues still need to be addressed. As most of the studies on
      functional fermented foods are of a rather descriptive and preliminary nature,
      there is a clear need for mechanistic studies and well controlled in-vivo
      experiments.

PMID- 25115793
TI  - The H3K9 methyltransferase G9a is a marker of aggressive ovarian cancer that
      promotes peritoneal metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer (OCa) peritoneal metastasis is the leading cause of
      cancer-related deaths in women with limited therapeutic options available for
      treating it and poor prognosis, as the underlying mechanism is not fully
      understood. METHOD: The clinicopathological correlation of G9a expression was
      assessed in tumor specimens of ovarian cancer patients. Knockdown or
      overexpression of G9a in ovarian cancer cell lines was analysed with regard to
      its effect on adhesion, migration, invasion and anoikis-resistance. In vivo
      biological functions of G9a were tested by i.p. xenograft ovarian cancer models.
      Microarray and quantitative RT-PCR were used to analyze G9a-regulated downstream
      target genes. RESULTS: We found that the expression of histone methyltransferase
      G9a was highly correlated with late stage, high grade, and serous-type OCa.
      Higher G9a expression predicted a shorter survival in ovarian cancer patients.
      Furthermore, G9a expression was higher in metastatic lesions compared with their
      corresponding ovarian primary tumors. Knockdown of G9a expression suppressed
      prometastatic cellular activities including adhesion, migration, invasion and
      anoikis-resistance of ovarian cancer cell lines, while G9a over-expression
      promoted these cellular properties. G9a depletion significantly attenuated the
      development of ascites and tumor nodules in a peritoneal dissemination model.
      Importantly, microarray and quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that G9a
      regulates a cohort of tumor suppressor genes including CDH1, DUSP5, SPRY4, and
      PPP1R15A in ovarian cancer. Expression of these genes was also inversely
      correlated with G9a expression in OCa specimens. CONCLUSION: We propose that G9a
      contributes to multiple steps of ovarian cancer metastasis and represents a novel
      target to combat this deadly disease.

PMID- 25115796
TI  - Vocal behavior and vocal central pattern generator organization diverge among
      toadfishes.
AB  - Among fishes, acoustic communication is best studied in toadfishes, a single
      order and family that includes species commonly known as toadfish and midshipman.
      However, there is a lack of comparative anatomical and physiological studies,
      making it difficult to identify both shared and derived mechanisms of
      vocalization among toadfishes. Here, vocal nerve labeling and intracellular in
      vivo recording and staining delineated the hindbrain vocal network of the Gulf
      toadfish Opsanus beta. Dextran-biotin labeling of the vocal nerve or
      intracellular neurobiotin fills of motoneurons delineated a midline vocal motor
      nucleus (VMN). Motoneurons showed bilaterally extensive dendritic arbors both
      within and lateral to the paired motor nuclei. The motoneuron activity matched
      that of the spike-like vocal nerve motor volley that determines the natural call
      duration and frequency. Ipsilateral vocal nerve labeling with biocytin or
      neurobiotin yielded dense bilateral transneuronal filling of motoneurons and
      coextensive columns of premotor neurons. These premotor neurons generated
      pacemaker-like action potentials matched 1:1 with vocal nerve and motoneuron
      firing. Transneuronal transport further revealed connectivity within and between
      the pacemaker-motor circuit and a rostral prepacemaker nucleus. Unlike the
      pacemaker-motor circuit, prepacemaker firing did not match the frequency of vocal
      nerve activity but instead was predictive of the duration of the vocal nerve
      volley that codes for call duration. Transneuronally labeled terminal-like
      boutons also occurred in auditory-recipient hindbrain nuclei, including neurons
      innervating the inner ear and lateral line organs. Together with studies of
      midshipman, we propose that separate premotor populations coding vocal frequency
      and duration with direct premotor coupling to auditory-lateral line nuclei are
      plesiomorphic characters for toadfishes. Unlike in midshipman, transneuronal
      labeling in toadfishes reveals an expansive column of pacemaker neurons that is
      weakly coupled to prepacemaker neurons, a character that likely depends on the
      extent of gap junction coupling. We propose that these and other anatomical
      characters contribute to neurophysiological properties that, in turn, sculpt the
      species-typical patterning of frequency and amplitude-modulated vocalizations.

PMID- 25115797
TI  - Anthropometry and body composition of vertically HIV-infected children and
      adolescents under therapy with and without protease inhibitors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although the benefits of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
      have been documented, it is thought to be associated to disturbances in
      nutritional status. These disturbances may occur early in life and are poorly
      understood. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between
      anthropometric parameters and body composition of perinatally HIV-infected
      children and adolescents under HAART, according to use and non-use of protease
      inhibitors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study undertaken between August and December
      2007. Demographic, socio-economic, clinical and anthropometric data were
      collected from the patients. The chi 2 test, Wilcoxon rank sum test (Mann
      Whitney) and t test were used to compare the following variables between users
      and non-users of protease inhibitors: age, gender, per capita income, HAART
      exposure, antiretroviral therapy adopted in the last three years, CD4 count,
      viral load, pubertal stage, nutritional status (BMI-for-age, height-for-age,
      waist and neck circumferences, triceps skinfold thickness, body fat percentage,
      upper-arm fat area and upper-arm muscle area). SETTING: An HIV/AIDS out-patient
      clinic, Sao Paulo, Brazil. SUBJECTS: One hundred and fifteen patients (children
      and adolescents aged 6-19 years). RESULTS: Protease inhibitors users had a higher
      prevalence of stunting (P=0.03), lower BMI (P=0.03) and lower percentage of body
      fat (P=0.05) compared with non-users. There was no statistically significant
      difference between the HAART regimens and measurements of fat adiposity.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study suggest that children and adolescents
      under protease inhibitors are at higher risk of growth and development
      deviations, but not at risk of body fat redistribution.

PMID- 25115798
TI  - Occurrence of Treponema DNA in equine hoof canker and normal hoof tissue.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine hoof canker is a chronic pododermatitis of
      still unknown aetiology. Recent findings reported for 3 canker-bearing
      individuals are suggestive for Treponema spp. having a role in disease
      pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES: Based on this hypothesised association, we assessed a
      larger number of DNA samples from hooves with canker and normal hooves for the
      presence of treponemal DNA. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective survey of archived
      material. METHODS: The study involved 71 archival, PCR-compatible DNA extractions
      purified from 59 canker samples obtained from 26 equine cases and from 12 hoof
      biopsies taken from 9 canker-free control horses. Presence of treponemal DNA was
      assessed by qualitative PCR using 4 different primer pairs recognising in sum a
      broad range of Treponema ssp. Obtained amplification products were identified by
      bidirectional sequencing and BLAST alignment. RESULTS: Treponemal DNA was
      detected in 37 of 59 canker DNA samples from 19 of 26 cases and in 9 of 12 hoof
      DNA samples from 7 of 9 healthy individuals. Canine oral Treponema sp. and
      Treponema medium ssp. bovis were the most frequently detected treponemal
      sequences in hoof canker, while control tissues were mainly shown to harbour
      Treponema refringens-like or canine oral Treponema-like DNA. All control samples
      tested negative for T. medium ssp. bovis DNA. CONCLUSIONS: Treponema DNA was
      detectable in the majority of hoof canker and control samples. The sample groups
      differed to some extent regarding identified Treponema phylotypes; however, this
      finding may be explained by the methodology used. Treponemes that are highly
      similar to bovine digital dermatitis treponemes are present in canker lesions.
      However, further work is needed to clarify the specific contribution of the
      identified Treponema phylotypes to the pathogenesis of disease.

PMID- 25115799
TI  - Aerobic denitrification by Pseudomonas stutzeri C3 incapable of heterotrophic
      nitrification.
AB  - An aerobic denitrifier was isolated from activated sludge and the isolate
      possessed an average nitrate removal efficiency of 95.8% in 24 h, with the
      maximum nitrite accumulation of 25.6 mg/l. The bacterium could not conduct
      heterotrophic nitrification. The results of PCR indicated that the strain lacked
      the gene of amoA. The phylogenetic tree indicated a clear evolutionary divergence
      that Pseudomonas stutzeri C3 belonged to the group of strains that could not
      exhibit ammonia oxidation.

PMID- 25115801
TI  - B-Type natriuretic peptide suppression of neutrophil superoxide generation:
      mechanistic studies in normal subjects.
AB  - Many acute cardiovascular disease states are associated with neutrophil
      infiltration of myocardium and subsequent release of superoxide (O2 (-) ) and
      myeloperoxidase (MPO), which contribute to inflammatory reactions. B-Type
      natriuretic peptide (BNP) is known to exert anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic
      effects, but it is not known whether these may include interactions with
      neutrophils. In neutrophils isolated from 20 healthy subjects, we assessed the
      effect of BNP on the 'neutrophil burst' (O2 (-) production and MPO release)
      stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl
      phenylalanine (fMLP), respectively. Effects of BNP on cGMP accumulation, and the
      effects of the cell-permeable cGMP analogue 8-(4-chlorophenylthio) guanosine-cGMP
      (8-p-CPT-cGMP) and protein kinase G (PKG) inhibition with KT5823 on the
      neutrophil-BNP interaction were also evaluated. B-Type natriuretic peptide
      suppressed O2 (-) release from neutrophils by 23 +/- 6% (P < 0.001) and 24 +/- 8%
      (P < 0.05) following PMA and fMLP stimulation, respectively. Although BNP did not
      significantly increase cGMP formation, 8-p-CPT-cGMP suppressed both PMA- and fMLP
      induced neutrophil O2 (-) release by 16% and 28%, respectively (P < 0.05). The
      PKG inhibitor KT5823 attenuated the effects of BNP on both fMLP- and PMA
      associated O2 (-) production. Neither BNP nor 8-p-CPT-cGMP significantly affected
      MPO release from neutrophils. Suppression of O2 (-) release from neutrophils by
      BNP may contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic actions. 

PMID- 25115800
TI  - Hepcidin Suppresses Brain Iron Accumulation by Downregulating Iron Transport
      Proteins in Iron-Overloaded Rats.
AB  - Iron accumulates progressively in the brain with age, and iron-induced oxidative
      stress has been considered as one of the initial causes for Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Based on the role of hepcidin in peripheral
      organs and its expression in the brain, we hypothesized that this peptide has a
      role to reduce iron in the brain and hence has the potential to prevent or delay
      brain iron accumulation in iron-associated neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we
      investigated the effects of hepcidin expression adenovirus (ad-hepcidin) and
      hepcidin peptide on brain iron contents, iron transport across the brain-blood
      barrier, iron uptake and release, and also the expression of transferrin receptor
      1 (TfR1), divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), and ferroportin 1 (Fpn1) in
      cultured microvascular endothelial cells and neurons. We demonstrated that
      hepcidin significantly reduced brain iron in iron-overloaded rats and suppressed
      transport of transferrin-bound iron (Tf-Fe) from the periphery into the brain.
      Also, the peptide significantly inhibited expression of TfR1, DMT1, and Fpn1 as
      well as reduced Tf-Fe and non-transferrin-bound iron uptake and iron release in
      cultured microvascular endothelial cells and neurons, while downregulation of
      hepcidin with hepcidin siRNA retrovirus generated opposite results. We concluded
      that, under iron-overload, hepcidin functions to reduce iron in the brain by
      downregulating iron transport proteins. Upregulation of brain hepcidin by ad
      hepcidin emerges as a new pharmacological treatment and prevention for iron
      associated neurodegenerative disorders. 

PMID- 25115803
TI  - Unravelling the structure of electrocatalytically active Fe-N complexes in carbon
      for the oxygen reduction reaction.
AB  - Non-precious Fe/N co-modified carbon electrocatalysts have attracted great
      attention due to their high activity and stability in oxygen reduction reaction
      (ORR). Compared to iron-free N-doped carbon electrocatalysts, Fe/N-modified
      electrocatalysts show four-electron selectivity with better activity in acid
      electrolytes. This is believed relevant to the unique Fe-N complexes, however,
      the Fe-N structure remains unknown. We used o,m,p-phenylenediamine as nitrogen
      precursors to tailor the Fe-N structures in heterogeneous electrocatalysts which
      contain FeS and Fe3 C phases. The electrocatalysts have been operated for 5000
      cycles with a small 39 mV shift in half-wave potential. By combining advanced
      electron microscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy, we have identified the
      electrocatalytically active Fe-N6 complexes (FeN6,
      [Fe(III)(porphyrin)(pyridine)2]). We expect the understanding of the FeN6
      structure will pave the way towards new advanced Fe-N based electrocatalysts.

PMID- 25115804
TI  - Floating gate memory-based monolayer MoS2 transistor with metal nanocrystals
      embedded in the gate dielectrics.
AB  - Charge trapping layers are formed from different metallic nanocrystals in MoS2 
      based nanocrystal floating gate memory cells in a process compatible with
      existing fabrication technologies. The memory cells with Au nanocrystals exhibit
      impressive performance with a large memory window of 10 V, a high program/erase
      ratio of approximately 10(5) and a long retention time of 10 years. 

PMID- 25115802
TI  - Role of far infra-red therapy in dialysis arterio-venous fistula maturation and
      survival: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A well-functioning arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the best modality
      for vascular access in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring
      haemodialysis (HD). However, AVFs' main disadvantage is the high rate of
      maturation failure, with approximately one third (20%-50%) not maturing into
      useful access. This review examine the use of Far-Infra Red therapy in an attempt
      to enhance both primary (unassisted) and secondary (assisted) patency rates for
      AVF in dialysis and pre-dialysis patients. METHOD: We performed an online search
      for observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated
      FIR in patients with AVF. Eligible studies compared FIR with control treatment
      and reported at least one outcome measure relating to access survival. Primary
      patency and secondary patency rates were the main outcomes of interest. RESULTS:
      Four RCTs (666 patients) were included. Unassisted patency assessed in 610
      patients, and was significantly better among those who received FIR (228/311)
      compared to (185/299) controls (pooled risk ratio of 1.23 [1.12-1.35], p =
      0.00001). In addition, the two studies which reported secondary patency rates
      showed significant difference in favour of FIR therapy--160/168 patients-
      compared to 140/163 controls (pooled risk ratio of 1.11 [1.04-1.19], p = 0.003).
      CONCLUSION: FIR therapy may positively influence the complex process of AVF
      maturation improving both primary and secondary patency rates. However blinded
      RCTs performed by investigators with no commercial ties to FIR therapy
      technologies are needed.

PMID- 25115806
TI  - Post-mating morphological changes in the spermatozoon and spermatophore wall of
      the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus: insight into a non-motile spermatozoon.
AB  - Morphology of the crayfish spermatozoon and of the spermatophore wall during
      three stages of final maturation including freshly ejaculated, post-mating, and
      after spermatozoa release was studied and compared. The crayfish spermatophore
      consists of a sperm mass enveloped by a three layered spermatophore wall. After
      mating, the thickness of the outer layer of the spermatophore is increased. The
      matrix in the middle layer of the spermatophore becomes reticulated, and granules
      inside this layer release their contents. Fibers in the inner layer degrade to
      small particles. The spermatozoon capsule swells and the space between the
      capsule and the spermatozoon appears. The area of the plasma membrane is
      increased by wrinkling of the surface and alteration from a single to a
      multilayered structure at the anterior part of the acrosome. The density of the
      subacrosome zone increases in the vicinity of the main body of the acrosome. With
      the onset of fertilization, the layers of the spermatophore are dissolved by
      female glair gland secretions. The spermatozoon extracellular capsule, plasma
      membrane, and membranous lamellae are eliminated, and bundles of filaments are
      released from anterior part of the acrosome. The subacrosome zone loses electron
      density and retracts. The electron-dense material of the innermost layer of the
      acrosome is discharged and, together with acrosome filaments, forms a
      filament/droplet structure at the anterior part of the spermatozoon. The most
      important change is observed in the subacrosome zone, which may play a key role
      in the fertilization. Also, morphological changes of the spermatozoon that occur
      after release from the capsule, especially formation of the filament/droplet
      structure, may contribute to the mechanism of egg-spermatozoon binding in the
      crayfish, representative of animals with non-motile spermatozoa.

PMID- 25115805
TI  - Depletion of regulatory T cells augments a vaccine-induced T effector cell
      response against the liver-stage of malaria but fails to increase memory.
AB  - Regulatory T cells (T(reg)) have been shown to restrict vaccine-induced T cell
      responses in different experimental models. In these studies CD4(+)CD25(+) T(reg)
      were depleted using monoclonal antibodies against CD25, which might also
      interfere with CD25 on non-regulatory T cell populations and would have no effect
      on Foxp3(+)CD25(-) T(reg). To obtain more insights in the specific function of
      T(reg) during vaccination we used mice that are transgenic for a bacterial
      artificial chromosome expressing a diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor-eGFP fusion
      protein under the control of the foxp3 gene locus (depletion of regulatory T cell
      mice; DEREG). As an experimental vaccine-carrier recombinant Bordetella adenylate
      cyclase toxoid fused with a MHC-class I-restricted epitope of the
      circumsporozoite protein (ACT-CSP) of Plasmodium berghei (Pb) was used. ACT-CSP
      was shown by us previously to introduce the CD8+ epitope of Pb-CSP into the MHC
      class I presentation pathway of professional antigen-presenting cells (APC).
      Using this system we demonstrate here that the number of CSP-specific T cells
      increases when T(reg) are depleted during prime but also during boost
      immunization. Importantly, despite this increase of T effector cells no
      difference in the number of antigen-specific memory cells was observed.

PMID- 25115807
TI  - Effects of different levels of dietary selenium on the proliferation of
      spermatogonial stem cells and antioxidant status in testis of roosters.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the different levels of dietary Se
      (from sodium selenite) on the proliferation of SSCs (spermatogonial stem cells)
      in testis of roosters. Also, the antioxidant status and Se content in blood
      plasma and testis were evaluated. A total of eighty 12-week-old Hy-Line Variety
      white roosters at an averaged body weight of 1.38 +/- 0.2 kg were selected and
      randomly divided into four experimental groups. They were fed with the basal diet
      (0.044 mgSe/kg DM) supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mgSe/kg DM
      (from sodium selenite). After the feeding experiment, blood and testis samples
      were collected for analysis of the antioxidant status and Se concentration. The
      testis samples were also used to examine the Thy-1 and beta1-integrin mRNA
      expression by RT-PCR and detect the population of SSCs by immunofluorescence
      analysis. The results show that Se concentration in blood and testis of the
      animals was progressively increased with the increasing Se level in diet. The
      highest GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase) activity and lowest MDA content in blood
      and testis was obtained in the treatment of 0.5mg/kg. RT-PCR analysis showed that
      mRNA expression of SSCs markers were significantly lower in the control and
      1.0mg/kg groups when compared with that in the treatment of 0.5mg/kg. A similar
      trend was observed in the population of SSCs analyzed by immunofluorescence
      assay. These data suggest that dietary Se can influence the population of SSCs of
      roosters during spermatogenesis and that oxidative stress can modulate SSCs
      behavior through regulating some key factors during spermatogenesis.

PMID- 25115808
TI  - Outcome prediction by the transcript level of BCR-ABL at 3 months in patients
      with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with imatinib--a single institution
      historical experience.
AB  - The BCR-ABL transcript level (<= 10%) at 3 months after tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors can predict long term outcome in the patients with chronic myeloid
      leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP). However, the significance of transcript level
      was still not determined in different risk groups of patients. A total of 299
      patients with CML-CP were enrolled and stratified according to prior interferon
      alpha (IFN) treatment, age, and interval time between diagnosis and imatinib
      treatment to investigate the prediction value of BCR-ABL transcript level for
      overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), progression-free survival
      (PFS). Univariate and multivariate analysis proved that BCR-ABL transcript level
      at 3 months were associated with the treatment outcome. However, in the patients
      with prior IFN treatment, younger age, and longer interval between diagnosis and
      IM treatment, the predictive value of transcript value remain obscure in terms of
      EFS, PFS and OS, respectively, as well as cumulative incidence of PCyR, CCR, MMR
      and CMR. In conclusion, the transcript level of BCR-ABL at 3 months could serve
      as a predictive parameter, but should be used with caution.

PMID- 25115810
TI  - Solid organ transplant recipients: clinical considerations in the application of
      exercise.
AB  - Over 100 000 solid organ transplants are performed worldwide each year and this
      has a significant impact on physical function and quality of life. However, the
      capacity for exercise in solid-organ recipients is reduced. Regular physical
      activity improves most of the indices of fitness in these patients but, with few
      exceptions, they do not reach the values seen in healthy controls. The reason for
      the 40-60% reduction in maximal exercise capacity is not clear; the disease
      process, need for life long immunosuppression and sedentary lifestyle all
      contribute. The interaction between exercise and immunosuppressing medication
      merits research as does the specifics of the exercise prescription for these
      patients. This paper reviews important features of this rapidly expanding group
      of patients and suggests clinical considerations in the application of exercise
      in this population. 

PMID- 25115811
TI  - Self-assembly of three-dimensional open structures using patchy colloidal
      particles.
AB  - Open structures can display a number of unusual properties, including a negative
      Poisson's ratio, negative thermal expansion, and holographic elasticity, and have
      many interesting applications in engineering. However, it is a grand challenge to
      self-assemble open structures at the colloidal scale, where short-range
      interactions and low coordination number can leave them mechanically unstable. In
      this paper we discuss the self-assembly of three-dimensional open structures
      using triblock Janus particles, which have two large attractive patches that can
      form multiple bonds, separated by a band with purely hard-sphere repulsion. Such
      surface patterning leads to open structures that are stabilized by orientational
      entropy (in an order-by-disorder effect) and selected over close-packed
      structures by vibrational entropy. For different patch sizes the particles can
      form into either tetrahedral or octahedral structural motifs which then compose
      open lattices, including the pyrochlore, the hexagonal tetrastack and the
      perovskite lattices. Using an analytic theory, we examine the phase diagrams of
      these possible open and close-packed structures for triblock Janus particles and
      characterize the mechanical properties of these structures. Our theory leads to
      rational designs of particles for the self-assembly of three-dimensional
      colloidal structures that are possible using current experimental techniques. 

PMID- 25115809
TI  - Recollection and familiarity in aging individuals with mild cognitive impairment
      and Alzheimer's disease: a literature review.
AB  - Memory impairment is a central cognitive symptom in mild cognitive impairment
      (MCI) and Alzheimer Disease (AD). Recognition tasks are often used to
      characterize and define the nature of memory deficits. Dual-process theories
      posit that familiarity and recollection are independently involved in the
      recognition of previously encountered material and both contribute to successful
      recognition. Recent evidence indicates that there is a double dissociation in the
      neuronal substrates of those two processes. More precisely, it has been suggested
      that perirhinal and entorhinal areas are selectively involved in familiarity
      based recognition, while the hippocampus is associated with recollection.
      Interestingly, these regions are among the first to be targeted by
      neurofibrillary tangles, one of AD's neuropathological hallmarks. Impairment in
      recognition performance can occur in the very early stages of AD, such as MCI. To
      define the nature of recognition impairment in these clinical populations, we
      reviewed the current literature on familiarity and recollection performance in
      individuals with MCI and AD. Together with clinical features, methodological
      factors are taken into consideration in the interpretation of findings. 

PMID- 25115812
TI  - SdrC induces staphylococcal biofilm formation through a homophilic interaction.
AB  - The molecular pathogenesis of many Staphylococcus aureus infections involves
      growth of bacteria as biofilm. In addition to polysaccharide intercellular
      adhesin (PIA) and extracellular DNA, surface proteins appear to mediate the
      transition of bacteria from planktonic growth to sessile lifestyle as well as
      biofilm growth, and can enable these processes even in the absence of PIA
      expression. However, the molecular mechanisms by which surface proteins
      contribute to biofilm formation are incompletely understood. Here we demonstrate
      that self-association of the serine-aspartate repeat protein SdrC promotes both
      bacterial adherence to surfaces and biofilm formation. However, this homophilic
      interaction is not required for the attachment of bacteria to abiotic surfaces.
      We identified the subdomain that mediates SdrC dimerization and subsequent cell
      cell interactions. In addition, we determined that two adjacently located amino
      acid sequences within this subdomain are required for the SdrC homophilic
      interaction. Comparative amino acid sequence analysis indicated that these
      binding sites are conserved. In summary, our study identifies SdrC as a novel
      molecular determinant in staphylococcal biofilm formation and describes the
      mechanism responsible for intercellular interactions. Furthermore, these findings
      contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that homophilic interactions
      between surface proteins present on neighbouring bacteria induce biofilm growth.

PMID- 25115814
TI  - Oligodendroglial response in the spinal cord in TDP-43 proteinopathy with motor
      neuron involvement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: TDP-43 proteinopathies represent a spectrum of neurodegenerative
      disorders. Variable clinical presentations including frontotemporal dementia,
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and mixed forms are associated with the
      spatial heterogeneity of the TDP-43 pathology. Recent studies have emphasized the
      role of oligodendrocytes in the pathogenesis of ALS. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      whether TDP-43 proteinopathies are associated with an oligodendroglial response.
      METHODS: We performed a study on 7 controls and 10 diseased patients with spinal
      cord involvement. Using the oligodendroglia-specific antibody TPPP/p25, we
      assessed oligodendrocyte density in the lateral corticospinal tracts (LCSs) along
      with the presence of perineuronal oligodendrocytes (PNOGs) in the anterior horns.
      We performed a densitometry of myelin basic protein (MBP) immunoreactivity. The
      numbers of TDP-43 and p62 immunoreactive inclusions were counted in both the LCSs
      and the anterior horns. RESULTS: Double immunolabeling confirmed that
      oligodendrocytes harbor TDP-43 inclusions. In the LCSs, MBP density, but not the
      number of oligodendrocytes, was decreased in the diseased group. However,
      oligodendrocyte counts in the LCS correlated positively, and the density of MBP
      inversely, with the number of neuronal inclusions in the anterior horn,
      suggestive of a compensatory response of oligodendrocytes. The number of neurons
      with PNOGs correlated with the amount of inclusions. CONCLUSION: Our study
      further emphasizes the importance of oligodendroglia in the pathogenesis of TDP
      43 proteinopathies with spinal cord involvement.

PMID- 25115813
TI  - The need for improved identification and accurate classification of stages 3-5
      Chronic Kidney Disease in primary care: retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Around ten percent of the population have been reported as having
      Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which is associated with increased cardiovascular
      mortality. Few previous studies have ascertained the chronicity of CKD. In the
      UK, a payment for performance (P4P) initiative incentivizes CKD (stages 3-5)
      recognition and management in primary care, but the impact of this has not been
      assessed. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Using data from 426 primary care practices
      (population 2,707,130), the age standardised prevalence of stages 3-5 CKD was
      identified using two consecutive estimated Glomerular Filtration Rates (eGFRs)
      seven days apart. Additionally the accuracy of practice CKD registers and the
      relationship between accurate identification of CKD and the achievement of P4P
      indicators was determined. Between 2005 and 2009, the prevalence of stages 3-5
      CKD increased from 0.3% to 3.9%. In 2009, 30,440 patients (1.1% unadjusted)
      fulfilled biochemical criteria for CKD but were not on a practice CKD register
      (uncoded CKD) and 60,705 patients (2.2% unadjusted) were included on a practice
      CKD register but did not fulfil biochemical criteria (miscoded CKD). For patients
      with confirmed CKD, inclusion in a practice register was associated with
      increasing age, male sex, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and
      increasing CKD stage (p<0.0001). Uncoded CKD patients compared to miscoded
      patients were less likely to achieve performance indicators for blood pressure
      (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.82-0.86 p<0.001) or recorded albumin-creatinine ratio (OR
      0.73, 0.70-0.76, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of stages 3-5 CKD, using
      two laboratory reported eGFRs, was lower than estimates from previous studies.
      Clinically significant discrepancies were identified between biochemically
      defined CKD and appearance on practice registers, with misclassification
      associated with sub-optimal care for some people with CKD.

PMID- 25115816
TI  - Biomechanical considerations of foot-ground contact in T'ai Chi Chuan.
AB  - Although numerous studies have linked t'ai chi chuan (TCC) practice with benefits
      for balance, reduction in the number of falls, and in the fear of falling, most
      of them did not address the causes of these benefits in depth. Some studies,
      however, sought to determine the causes from the biomechanical point of view.
      This article aims to thoroughly describe and critically review recent papers on
      foot-ground contact in TCC practice, one of the parameters involved in balance
      biomechanics in TCC performance. No previous review on this subject has been
      found. Nine electronic databases were searched for publications between 1996 and
      2013. Studies were excluded if they were not published in English or were
      abstracts, posters, or summaries from conferences. From a total of 195 articles
      identified, 4 randomized controlled trials and 3 non-randomized controlled trials
      were eligible for the analysis. The number of studies that assessed foot-ground
      contact in TCC and effects on normal gait, postural control improvement, and fall
      prevention is still quite small. These studies were based on intervention
      protocols and used populations that were too heterogeneous to allow reliable
      comparisons. According to the studies analyzed, TCC practice clearly improved
      parameters associated with foot-ground contact. Nevertheless, the manner in which
      these benefits are transferred to daily displacement habits still remains
      unclear.

PMID- 25115818
TI  - Taming molecular collisions using electric and magnetic fields.
AB  - The motion of molecules that possess a permanent electric or magnetic dipole
      moment can be manipulated using electric or magnetic fields. Various devices have
      been developed over the last few decades to deflect or focus molecules, to orient
      them in space, and to decelerate or accelerate them. These precisely controlled
      molecules are ideal starting points for scattering experiments that reveal the
      quantum mechanical nature of molecular interactions. In this Tutorial Review, we
      present an overview of the various manipulation tools, discuss how they can be
      used to advantage in molecular beam scattering experiments, and review recent
      progress in this field. We describe a selection of benchmark experiments that
      illustrate the unique possibilities that are available nowadays to study
      molecular collisions under controlled conditions. 

PMID- 25115815
TI  - Identification and characterization of Dicer1e, a Dicer1 protein variant, in oral
      cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The human dicer1 gene has been predicted to produce several mRNA
      variants that encode truncated Dicer1 proteins of varying lengths. One of these
      Dicer1 variants, Dicer1e, was recently found to be differentially expressed in
      breast cancer cells. Because the expression and function of the Dicer1e protein
      variant has not been well characterized and the underlying molecular mechanisms
      for the development of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are poorly
      understood, the present study sought to characterize the biological role of
      Dicer1e and determine its relationship, if any, to OSCC pathogenesis. METHODS:
      Western blot analyses were used to examine Dicer1e expression levels in a panel
      of oral cancer cells/tissues and during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT),
      followed by 5'/3'-RACE analyses to obtain the full-length Dicer1e transcript.
      Biochemical fractionation and indirect immunofluorescent studies were performed
      to determine the cellular localization of Dicer1e and the effects of Dicer1e
      silencing on cancer cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and drug sensitivity were
      also assessed. RESULTS: Dicer1e protein levels were found to be overexpressed in
      OSCC cell lines of epithelial phenotype and in OSCC tissues with its levels
      downregulated during EMT. Moreover, the Dicer1e protein was observed to
      predominantly localize in the nucleus. 5'/3'-RACE analyses confirmed the presence
      of the Dicer1e transcript and silencing of Dicer1e impaired both cancer cell
      proliferation and clonogenicity by inducing either apoptosis and/or G2/M cell
      cycle arrest. Lastly, Dicer1e knockdown enhanced the chemosensitivity of oral
      cancer cells to cisplatin. CONCLUSION: The expression levels of Dicer1e influence
      the pathogenesis of oral cancer cells and alter their response to
      chemosensitivity, thus supporting the importance of Dicer1e as a therapeutic
      target for OSCCs.

PMID- 25115817
TI  - Corner store purchases made by adults, adolescents and children: items,
      nutritional characteristics and amount spent.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Corner stores, also known as bodegas, are prevalent in low-income
      urban areas and primarily stock high-energy foods and beverages. Little is known
      about individual-level purchases in these locations. The purpose of the present
      study was to assess corner store purchases (items, nutritional characteristics
      and amount spent) made by children, adolescents and adults in a low-income urban
      environment. DESIGN: Evaluation staff used 9238 intercept surveys to directly
      examine food and beverage purchases. SETTING: Intercepts were collected at 192
      corner stores in Philadelphia, PA, USA. SUBJECTS: Participants were adult,
      adolescent and child corner store shoppers. RESULTS: Among the 9238 intercept
      surveys, there were 20 244 items. On average, at each corner store visit,
      consumers purchased 2.2 (sd 2.1) items (1.3 (sd 2.0) foods and 0.9 (sd 0.9)
      beverages) that cost $US 2.74 (sd $US 3.52) and contained 2786.5 (sd 4454.2) kJ
      (666.0 (sd 1064.6) kcal). Whether the data were examined as a percentage of total
      items purchased or as a percentage of intercepts, the most common corner store
      purchases were beverages, chips, prepared food items, pastries and candy.
      Beverage purchases occurred during 65.9% of intercepts and accounted for 39.2% of
      all items. Regular soda was the most popular beverage purchase. Corner store
      purchases averaged 66.2 g of sugar, 921.1 mg of sodium and 2.5 g of fibre per
      intercept. Compared with children and adolescents, adults spent the most money
      and purchased the most energy. CONCLUSIONS: Urban corner store shoppers spent
      almost $US 3.00 for over 2700 kJ (650 kcal) per store visit. Obesity prevention
      efforts may benefit from including interventions aimed at changing corner store
      food environments in low-income, urban areas.

PMID- 25115819
TI  - The effect of tooth loss on gait stability of community-dwelling older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of tooth loss on gait stability in a
      healthy elderly population. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among
      healthy and prosthetically well-restored seniors over the age of 65 years. The
      test group comprised 24 edentulous participants who were restored with complete
      dentures in the upper jaw and an overdenture fixed on two implants in the lower
      jaw. The control group comprised 25 dentate participants who either still had
      their natural teeth or were restored with conventional fixed partial dentures.
      Gait stability was evaluated by measuring the parameters 'gait velocity' and
      'cycle-time variability' during self-selected normal walking speed and under dual
      task performance conditions. Measurements were conducted using the GAITRite((r))
      electronic walkway system. RESULTS: Dentated and fixed restored participants (the
      control group) had a significantly higher gait velocity compared with denture
      wearers (the test group) under both normal walking (p = 0.03) and dual-task
      performance conditions (p = 0.01). In each test condition, among edentulous
      participants, gait velocity did not significantly differ according to whether the
      participant wore their dentures. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that
      tooth loss in healthy seniors is associated with lower gait velocity and
      therefore may have a negative impact on gait stability.

PMID- 25115820
TI  - Epilepsy surgery in children: why, when and how?
AB  - Epilepsy surgery is safe and effective treatment in children who fail to respond
      to antiepileptic medications. After failure of two appropriate antiepileptic
      medications, chances that the child will become seizure free with more or
      different medications is <5%, and she should be diagnosed with "refractory
      epilepsy". A consideration for surgical candidacy should be given to all children
      who fulfill the definition of refractory epilepsy. In appropriately selected
      children, epilepsy surgery offers a high chance of seizure freedom without
      incurring any new post-operative neurological deficits. No age is bar to epilepsy
      surgery. Even infants can safely have epilepsy surgery if they are surgical
      candidates. For most children, who are surgical candidates, a good history and
      physical examination, video EEG evaluation, and a high quality brain MRI are
      sufficient to make surgical decision. These tools are increasingly available all
      over the world. Better education of families, Pediatricians, Pediatric
      Neurologists and community care-givers is necessary to salvage children early
      from mortality and morbidity of untreated, sometimes life long, epilepsy.

PMID- 25115824
TI  - Direct synthesis of chromium perovskite oxyhydride with a high magnetic
      transition temperature.
AB  - We report a novel oxyhydride SrCrO2H directly synthesized by a high-pressure high
      temperature method. Powder neutron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction revealed
      that this compound adopts the ideal cubic perovskite structure (Pm3m) with O(2
      )/H(-) disorder. Surprisingly, despite the non-bonding nature between Cr 3d t(2g)
      orbitals and the H 1s orbital, it exhibits G-type spin ordering at T(N)~380 K,
      which is higher than that of RCrO3 (R=rare earth) and any chromium oxides. The
      enhanced T(N) in SrCrO2H with four Cr-O-Cr bonds in comparison with RCr(3+)O3
      with six Cr-O-Cr bonds is reasonably explained by the tolerance factor. The
      present result offers an effective strategy to tune octahedral tilting in
      perovskites and to improve physical and chemical properties through mixed anion
      chemistry.

PMID- 25115823
TI  - Role of peripheral purinoceptors in the development of bee venom-induced
      nociception: a behavioural and electrophysiological study in rats.
AB  - Colocalization of purinergic P2X and P2Y receptors in dorsal root ganglion
      sensory neurons implies that these receptors play an integrative role in the
      nociceptive transmission process under inflammatory conditions. In the present
      study, behavioural and in vivo electrophysiological methods were used to examine
      the peripheral role of P2 receptors in the persistent nociceptive responses
      induced by subcutaneous bee venom injection (2 mg/mL) in. Sprague-Dawley rats
      Local pretreatment with the wide-spectrum P2 receptor antagonist
      pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS; 1 mmol/L, 50 MUL)
      10 min prior to s.c. bee venom injection significantly suppressed the duration of
      spontaneous nociceptive lifting/licking behaviour, inhibited mechanical
      hyperalgesia and decreased the firing of spinal dorsal horn wide dynamic range
      neurons in response to bee venom, without affecting primary thermal and mirror
      image hyperalgesia. The localized antinociceptive action of PPADS was not due to
      a systemic effect, because application of the same dose of PPADS to the
      contralateral side was not effective. The results suggest that activation of
      peripheral P2 receptors is involved in the induction of nociceptive responses,
      mechanical hyperalgesia and the excitation of sensory spinal neurons.

PMID- 25115825
TI  - Facet-dependent surface plasmon resonance properties of Au-Cu2 o core-shell
      nanocubes, octahedra, and rhombic dodecahedra.
AB  - Au-Cu2 O core-shell nanocubes, octahedra, and rhombic dodecahedra display facet
      dependent optical properties. Furthermore, different-sized Au-Cu2 O octahedra
      with 58, 65, 68, and 73 nm octahedral gold cores clearly show a transition from
      the shell thickness-independent gold surface plasmon resonance band for octahedra
      with smaller gold cores to progressive red-shifts of the band with increasing
      shell thickness in octahedra with larger gold cores. 

PMID- 25115821
TI  - Brain Circuitry Supporting Multi-Organ Autonomic Outflow in Response to Nausea.
AB  - While autonomic outflow is an important co-factor of nausea physiology, central
      control of this outflow is poorly understood. We evaluated sympathetic (skin
      conductance level) and cardiovagal (high-frequency heart rate variability)
      modulation, collected synchronously with functional MRI (fMRI) data during
      nauseogenic visual stimulation aimed to induce vection in susceptible
      individuals. Autonomic data guided analysis of neuroimaging data, using a
      stimulus-based (analysis windows set by visual stimulation protocol) and percept
      based (windows set by subjects' ratings) approach. Increased sympathetic and
      decreased parasympathetic modulation was associated with robust and anti
      correlated brain activity in response to nausea. Specifically, greater autonomic
      response was associated with reduced fMRI signal in brain regions such as the
      insula, suggesting an inhibitory relationship with premotor brainstem nuclei.
      Interestingly, some sympathetic/parasympathetic specificity was noted. Activity
      in default mode network and visual motion areas was anti-correlated with
      parasympathetic outflow at peak nausea. In contrast, lateral prefrontal cortical
      activity was anti-correlated with sympathetic outflow during recovery, soon after
      cessation of nauseogenic stimulation. These results suggest divergent central
      autonomic control for sympathetic and parasympathetic response to nausea.
      Autonomic outflow and the central autonomic network underlying ANS response to
      nausea may be an important determinant of overall nausea intensity and,
      ultimately, a potential therapeutic target. 

PMID- 25115826
TI  - Association of bone mineral density with postural stability and the fear of
      falling in Spanish postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between
      bone mineral density (BMD) and postural stability and the fear of falling in a 50
      to 65-year-old postmenopausal population. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional,
      observational study was conducted on 118 postmenopausal women. According to their
      BMD values, participants were divided into two groups: BMD>-2.0SD (n=95) and <=
      2.0SD (n=23). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postural stability, assessed with a
      resistive multi-sensor platform, fear of falling (FoF) and the history of falls
      in the last 12 months were investigated. RESULTS: Women with BMD<=-2.0SD reported
      a significantly increased FoF when compared to women with BMD>-2.0SD (P=0.024,
      eta(2)=0.045, 1-beta=0.624). In the postural stability analysis, the group with
      BMD<=-2.0SD showed, under the eyes-open condition, statistically significantly
      higher values for the velocity (VEO) (P=0.040, eta(2)=0.037, 1-beta=0.539) and
      the anteroposterior mean displacement of the center of pressure (YEO; P=0.017,
      eta(2)=0.049, 1-beta=0.669). No significant differences between groups were
      observed in the history of falls or in the rest of the stabilometric analyses.
      CONCLUSIONS: In Spanish postmenopausal women under 65 years, a BMD<=-2.0SD is
      significantly associated with postural instability (elevated VEO and XEO) and an
      increased FoF, which are two highly influential factors in the risk of falling.

PMID- 25115828
TI  - Predicting drug substances autoxidation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chemical degradation and stability in formulation is a recurrent issue
      in pharmaceutical development of drugs. The objective of the present study was to
      develop an in silico risk assessment of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
      stability with respect to autoxidation. METHODS: The chemical degradation by
      autoxidation of a diverse series of APIs has been investigated with molecular
      modelling tools. A set of 45 organic compounds was used to test and validate the
      various computational settings. Aiming to devise a methodology that could
      reliably perform a risk assessment for potential sensibility to autoxidation,
      different types of APIs, known for their autoxidation history were inspected. To
      define the level of approximation needed, various density functional theory (DFT)
      functionals and settings were employed and their accuracy and speed were
      compared. RESULTS: The Local Density Approximation (LDA) gave the fastest results
      but with a substantial deviation (systematic over-estimation) to known
      experimental values. The Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) settings appeared to be a
      good compromise between speed and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: The present methodology
      can now be confidently deployed in pharmaceutical development for systematic risk
      assessment of drug stability.

PMID- 25115827
TI  - In vitro and in vivo biological evaluation of O-carboxymethyl chitosan
      encapsulated metformin nanoparticles for pancreatic cancer therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: In vitro anticancer effect and in vivo biodistribution and
      biocompatibility of metformin encapsulated O-Carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles
      were evaluated for its application as pancreatic cancer therapy. METHODS: In
      vitro studies such as cell migration assay, clonogenic assay, cell cycle analysis
      and qRT-PCR analysis were done in pancreatic cancer cells (MiaPaCa-2) treated
      with O-CMC-metformin NPs for evaluating its anticancer potential. In vivo
      biodistribution studies were carried out by NIR imaging of O-CMC-metformin NPs
      after tagging it with ICG. In vivo biocompatibility of the NPs was assessed by
      histopathology analysis of organs from mice administered with the NPs. RESULTS:
      In vitro cell migration assay showed marginal effect of NPs on migration property
      of pancreatic cancer cells (MiaPaCa-2). In vitro clonogenic assay established
      that the O-CMC-metformin NPs reduced colony formation ability of the cancer
      cells. While cell cycle analysis showed that the O-CMC-metformin NPs had only
      minor effect on progression of cell cycle in the cancer cells. qRT-PCR analysis
      exhibited reduced mRNA expression of p21, vanin 1 and MMP9 in pancreatic cancer
      cells treated with the nanoparticles. In vivo NIR imaging study showed normal
      biodistribution pattern of the intravenously injected O-CMC-metformin NPs
      suggesting normal clearance rate of nanoparticles and no adverse toxicity to the
      organs. CONCLUSIONS: The biocompatible O-CMC-metformin NPs with anticancer
      potential and capability for normal biodistribution can be beneficial for the
      treatment of pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 25115829
TI  - Bisoprolol and bisoprolol-valsartan compatibility studied by differential
      scanning calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray powder diffractometry.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal behavior of
      crystalline and amorphous bisoprolol fumarate and its compatibility with
      amorphous valsartan. This pharmacologically relevant drug combination is a
      potential candidate for fixed-dose combination formulation. METHODS: DSC and
      TMDSC were used to examine thermal behavior of bisoprolol fumarate. SSNMR and
      XRPD were applied to probe the solid state forms. The thermal behavior of
      physical mixtures with different concentrations of bisoprolol and valsartan were
      examined by DSC and TMDSC, and the observed interactions were investigated by
      XRPD, solution- and solid-state NMR. RESULTS: The phase transitions from thermal
      methods and solid-state NMR spectra of crystalline and amorphous bisoprolol
      fumarate are reported. Strong interactions between bisoprolol fumarate and
      valsartan were observed above 60 C, resulting in the formation of a new amorphous
      material. Solution- and solid-state NMR provided insight into the molecular
      nature of the incompatibility. CONCLUSIONS: A combined analysis of thermal
      methods, solution- and solid-state NMR and XRPD experiments allowed the
      investigation of the conformational and dynamic properties of bisoprolol
      fumarate. Since bisoprolol fumarate and valsartan react to form a new amorphous
      product, formulation of a fixed-dose combination would require separate
      reservoirs for bisoprolol and valsartan to prevent interactions. Similar problems
      might be expected with other excipients or APIs containing carboxylic groups.

PMID- 25115830
TI  - Human exposure to early morning Anopheles funestus biting behavior and personal
      protection provided by long-lasting insecticidal nets.
AB  - A shift towards early morning biting behavior of the major malaria vector
      Anopheles funestus have been observed in two villages in south Benin following
      distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), but the impact of these
      changes on the personal protection efficacy of LLINs was not evaluated. Data from
      human and An. funestus behavioral surveys were used to measure the human exposure
      to An. funestus bites through previously described mathematical models. We
      estimated the personal protection efficacy provided by LLINs and the proportions
      of exposure to bite occurring indoors and/or in the early morning. Average
      personal protection provided by using of LLIN was high (>=80% of the total
      exposure to bite), but for LLIN users, a large part of remaining exposure
      occurred outdoors (45.1% in Tokoli-V and 68.7% in Lokohoue) and/or in the early
      morning (38.5% in Tokoli-V and 69.4% in Lokohoue). This study highlights the
      crucial role of LLIN use and the possible need to develop new vector control
      strategies targeting malaria vectors with outdoor and early morning biting
      behavior. This multidisciplinary approach that supplements entomology with social
      science and mathematical modeling illustrates just how important it is to assess
      where and when humans are actually exposed to malaria vectors before vector
      control program managers, policy-makers and funders conclude what entomological
      observations imply. 

PMID- 25115832
TI  - Investigation into the effect of hepatitis B virus on apoliprotein A1 expression
      and its mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a serious threat to human
      health, with China being one of the highly affected countries. However, the
      pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is still unclear. Apolipoprotein A1
      (ApoA1) which represents the major protein component of high-density lipoprotein
      is normally secreted by hepatocytes. When hepatocytes are infected with HBV may
      lead to the disruption of ApoA1 secretion. In this study, we investigated the
      effect of HBV on ApoA1 expression and preliminarily explored its molecular
      mechanism of regulation for revealing the pathogenesis of CHB. METHODS: The
      expression of mRNA and protein of ApoA1 in Human HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells and
      subline HepG2.2.15 cells were performed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) and Western-blot. The serum ApoA1, by the immune turbidimetric
      test, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in CHB patients and
      healthy controls, based on the enzymatic method, were measured with
      autobiochemical analyzer. The statistical difference was analyzed by SPSS 13.0.
      HBV infectious clone, pHBV1.3, and ApoA1 gene promoter were co-transfected into
      HepG2, and the luciferase activity was determined. The changes of ApoA1 mRNA and
      protein expression were detected by RT-PCR and Western-blot method, after HepG2
      cells were transfected with pHBV1.3. RESULTS: The expression of ApoA1 mRNA and
      protein in HepG2.2.15 were lower than those in HepG2, and when compared with
      healthy controls, serum levels of ApoA1 and HDL-C in CHB patients were lower (P <
      0.05). pHBV1.3 in HepG2 cells restrained the activity of ApoA1 promoter, mRNA and
      protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: HBV could inhibit the expression of ApoA1 in
      vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 25115831
TI  - Unique aspects of impulsive traits in substance use and overeating: specific
      contributions of common assessments of impulsivity.
AB  - Abstract Background: Impulsivity is a complex trait often studied in substance
      abuse and overeating disorders, but the exact nature of impulsivity traits and
      their contribution to these disorders are still debated. Thus, understanding how
      to measure impulsivity is essential for comprehending addictive behaviors.
      OBJECTIVES: Identify unique impulsivity traits specific to substance use and
      overeating. METHODS: Impulsive Sensation Seeking (ImpSS) and Barratt's
      Impulsivity scales (BIS) Scales were analyzed with a non-parametric factor
      analytic technique (discriminant correspondence analysis) to identify group
      specific traits on 297 individuals from five groups: Marijuana (n = 88), Nicotine
      (n = 82), Overeaters (n = 27), Marijuauna + Nicotine (n = 63), and CONTROLs (n =
      37). RESULTS: A significant overall factor structure revealed three components of
      impulsivity that explained respectively 50.19% (pperm < 0.0005), 24.18% (pperm <
      0.0005), and 15.98% (pperm < 0.0005) of the variance. All groups were
      significantly different from one another. When analyzed together, the BIS and
      ImpSS produce a multi-factorial structure that identified the impulsivity traits
      specific to these groups. The group specific traits are (1) CONTROL: low impulse,
      avoids thrill-seeking behaviors; (2) Marijuana: seeks mild sensation, is focused
      and attentive; (3) Marijuana + Nicotine: pursues thrill-seeking, lacks focus and
      attention; (4) Nicotine: lacks focus and planning; (5) Overeating: lacks focus,
      but plans (short and long term). CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal impulsivity
      traits specific to each group. This may provide better criteria to define
      spectrums and trajectories - instead of categories - of symptoms for substance
      use and eating disorders. Defining symptomatic spectrums could be an important
      step forward in diagnostic strategies.

PMID- 25115833
TI  - Pirfenidone in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: real-life experience from a German
      tertiary referral center for interstitial lung diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pirfenidone is a novel antifibrotic drug for the treatment of mild-to
      moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, adverse events may offset
      treatment benefits and compliance. OBJECTIVES: To assess recent course of
      disease, adverse events and compliance in patients who started pirfenidone.
      METHODS: In an observational cohort study, 63 patients with mild-to-moderate IPF
      who started pirfenidone between May 2011 and June 2013 were reviewed. Pulmonary
      function, adverse events and treatment compliance were recorded at each clinic
      visit. Disease progression was defined as a reduction of vital capacity >=10%
      and/or diffusion capacity (DLCO) >=15%. RESULTS: Follow-up time on pirfenidone
      treatment was 11 (+/-7) months. Sixty-six percent of the patients continued with
      pirfenidone monotherapy and 34% of the patients received pirfenidone combined
      with corticosteroids (CCS) and/or N-acetylcysteine (NAC). There was a
      nonsignificant reduction in mean decline of percent predicted forced vital
      capacity after treatment start (0.7 +/- 10.9%) compared to the pretreatment
      period (6.6 +/- 6.7%, p = 0.098). Sixty-two percent of the patients had stable
      disease on pirfenidone treatment. Adverse events affected 85% of the patients,
      leading to discontinuation of pirfenidone in 20%. Adverse events and treatment
      discontinuation were seen more frequently in patients with concomitant CCS and/or
      NAC treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse events affect the majority of patients
      treated with pirfenidone, but are mostly manageable with supportive measures. In
      this heterogeneous patient group, a nonsignificant effect of pirfenidone
      treatment on pulmonary function was seen, underlining the need for more data on
      patient selection criteria and efficacy of pirfenidone, particularly in patients
      with coexistent emphysema and concomitant NAC/CCS treatment.

PMID- 25115834
TI  - Severe oral infection due to Lactobacillus rhamnosus during induction
      chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - We report a case of severe oral infection with a high fever due to Lactobacillus
      rhamnosus during induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia. The patient
      did not improve on treatment with meropenem, clindamycin, or vancomycin until
      neutrophil recovery. Since L. rhamnosus GG is used in dairy products, and the
      patient ingested dairy products daily before starting chemotherapy, we suspected
      an association between the ingestion of dairy products and the development of
      infection. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis using two different restriction
      enzymes showed that the strain isolated from the patient was identical to the L.
      rhamnosus GG strain isolated from dairy products and ATCC #53103. This was
      confirmed by a PCR assay with species-specific L. rhamnosus GG primers. Since
      Lactobacillus infection, particularly L. rhamnosus infection, can be fatal in
      immunocompromised hosts, we should consider Lactobacillus as a causative organism
      when Gram-positive rods are detected during treatment with broad-spectrum
      antibiotics and vancomycin. The causal association between the ingestion of dairy
      products containing Lactobacillus and Lactobacillus infection in
      immunocompromised hosts warrants further study. 

PMID- 25115835
TI  - One-pot enzymatic synthesis of merochlorin A and B.
AB  - The polycycles merochlorin A and B are complex halogenated meroterpenoid natural
      products with significant antibacterial activities and are produced by the marine
      bacterium Streptomyces sp. strain CNH-189. Heterologously produced enzymes and
      chemical synthesis are employed herein to fully reconstitute the merochlorin
      biosynthesis in vitro. The interplay of a dedicated type III polyketide synthase,
      a prenyl diphosphate synthase, and an aromatic prenyltransferase allow formation
      of a highly unusual aromatic polyketide-terpene hybrid intermediate which
      features an unprecedented branched sesquiterpene moiety from isosesquilavandulyl
      diphosphate. As supported by in vivo experiments, this precursor is furthermore
      chlorinated and cyclized to merochlorin A and isomeric merochlorin B by a single
      vanadium-dependent haloperoxidase, thus completing the remarkably efficient
      pathway. 

PMID- 25115837
TI  - Automated formation of lipid membrane microarrays for ionic single-molecule
      sensing with protein nanopores.
AB  - Efficient use of membrane protein nanopores in ionic single-molecule sensing
      requires technology for the reliable formation of suspended molecular membranes
      densely arrayed in formats that allow high-resolution electrical recording. Here,
      automated formation of bimolecular lipid layers is shown using a simple process
      where a poly(tetrafluoroethylene)-coated magnetic bar is remotely actuated to
      perform a turning motion, thereby spreading phospholipid in organic solvent on a
      nonpolar surface containing a <1 mm(2) 4 * 4 array of apertures with embedded
      microelectrodes (microelectrode cavity array). Parallel and high-resolution
      single-molecule detection by single nanopores is demonstrated on the resulting
      bilayer arrays, which are shown to form by a classical but very rapid self
      assembly process. The technique provides a robust and scalable solution for the
      problem of reliable, automated formation of multiple independent lipid bilayers
      in a dense microarray format, while preserving the favorable electrical
      properties of the microelectrode cavity array. 

PMID- 25115836
TI  - A prospective study of gynecological cancer risk in relation to adiposity
      factors: cumulative incidence and association with plasma adipokine levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Associations of obesity and obesity-related metabolic factors
      (adiposity factors) with uterine corpus cancer (UCC) and ovarian cancer (OVC)
      risk have been described. Still, a cause-effect relationship and the underlying
      mediators remain unclear, particularly for low-incidence populations. We aimed to
      prospectively determine whether adiposity factors could predict the development
      of UCC and OVC in Taiwanese women. To explore the biological mediators linking
      adiposity factors to cancer risk, we examined the association of two adipokines,
      leptin and adiponectin, with the gynecological cancers. METHODS: Totally, 11,258
      women, aged 30-65, were recruited into the Community-Based Cancer Screening
      Program (CBCSP) study during 1991-1993, and were followed for UCC and OVC cases
      until December 31, 2011. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate
      hazard ratios (HRs). Adiposity factors and risk covariates were assessed at
      recruitment. Newly-developed cancer cases were determined from data in the
      government's National Cancer Registry and Death Certification System. For
      adipokienes study, a nested case-control study was conducted within the cohort.
      Baseline plasma samples of 40 incident gynecological cancer cases and 240 age
      menopause-matched controls were assayed for adipokines levels. FINDINGS: There
      were 38 and 30 incident cases of UCC and OVC, respectively, diagnosed during a
      median 19.9 years of follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed that alcohol intake
      (HR = 16.00, 95%  = 4.83-53.00), high triglyceride levels (HR = 2.58, 95% = 1.28
      5.17), and years of endogenous estrogen exposure per 5-year increment (HR = 1.91,
      95%  = 1.08-3.38) were associated with increased UCC risk. High body mass index
      (BMI >= 27 kg/m(2), HR = 2.90, 95%  = 1.30-6.46) was associated with increased
      OVC risk. Analysis further showed an independent effect of adipokines on UCC and
      OVC risk after adjustment of the risk covariates. CONCLUSION: We provided
      evidence that alcohol intake, high triglyceride levels and long endogenous
      estrogen exposure increase UCC risk, whereas obesity positively predicts OVC
      risk. Circulating adipokines may mediate the link of adiposity factors to
      gynecological cancer risk.

PMID- 25115838
TI  - Modulation of platelet activation and thrombus formation using a pan-PI3K
      inhibitor S14161.
AB  - The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is critical in
      modulating platelet functions. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of
      S14161, a recently identified pan-class I PI3K inhibitor, on platelet activation
      and thrombus formation. Results showed that S14161 inhibited human platelet
      aggregation induced by collagen, thrombin, U46619, and ADP in a dose-dependent
      manner. Flow cytometric studies showed that S14161 inhibited convulxin- or
      thrombin-induced P-selectin expression and fibrinogen binding of single platelet.
      S14161 also inhibited platelet spreading on fibrinogen and clot retraction,
      processes mediated by outside-in signaling. Using a microfluidic chamber we
      demonstrated that S14161 decreased platelet adhesion on collagen-coated surface
      by about 80%. Western blot showed that S14161 inhibited phosphorylation of Akt at
      both Ser473 and Thr308 sites, and GSK3beta at Ser9 in response to collagen,
      thrombin, or U46619. Comparable studies showed that S14161 has a higher potential
      bioavailability than LY294002, a prototypical inhibitor of pan-class I PI3K.
      Finally, the effects of S14161 on thrombus formation in vivo were measured using
      a ferric chloride-induced carotid artery injury model in mice. The
      intraperitoneal injection of S14161 (2 mg/kg) to male C57BL/6 mice significantly
      extended the first occlusion time (5.05 +/- 0.99 min, n = 9) compared to the
      vehicle controls (3.72 +/- 0.95 min, n = 8) (P<0.05), but did not prolong the
      bleeding time (P>0.05). Taken together, our data showed that S14161 inhibits
      platelet activation and thrombus formation without significant bleeding tendency
      and toxicity, and considering its potential higher bioavailability, it may be
      developed as a novel therapeutic agent for the prevention of thrombotic
      disorders.

PMID- 25115839
TI  - Thrombophilic factor analysis in cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis.
AB  - Liver cirrhosis, myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) and prothrombotic mutations
      are aetiologic factors for portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The role and frequency
      of thrombophilic genetic risk factors in cirrhotic patients is not well
      established. In this case-control study, we investigated the frequency of Janus
      kinase 2 (JAK2) (JAK2 V617F), Factor V Leiden (FVL G1691A), and Prothrombin
      (G20210A) mutations in cirrhotic patients with PVT (LCi+/PVT+ group, n = 21) in
      comparison with two control collectives (cirrhotic patients without PVT, LCi+/PVT
      group, n = 43; PVT patients without liver cirrhosis, LCi-/PVT+ group, n = 29).
      In the LCi+/PVT+ group, JAK2 V617F was present in 2/21 patients (10 %; p = 0.104
      compared to LCi+/PVT-; p = 0.092 compared to LCi-/PVT+), whereas 0/43 LCi+/PVT-
      patients (0 %; p < 0.001 compared to LCi-/PVT+) and 9/29 LCi-/PVT+ patients (31
      %) harboured this mutation. The FVL G1691A mutation was identified in 1/21
      patients (5 %) in the LCi+/PVT+ group, in 5/43 patients (12 %) in the LCi+/PVT-
      group, and in 2/29 patients (7 %) in the LCi-/PVT+ group. The Prothrombin G20210A
      mutation was present in 0/21 LCi+/PVT+ patients (0 %), in 1/43 LCi+/PVT- patients
      (2 %), and in 4/29 patients (14 %) in the LCi-/PVT+ group. This study provides
      evidence that a relevant proportion of cirrhotic patients with PVT harbours a
      JAK2 V617F mutation.

PMID- 25115842
TI  - Obesity, abdominal obesity and migraine: a cross-sectional analysis of ELSA
      Brasil baseline data.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Most studies assessing the association between migraine and
      obesity have shown conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate the association
      between obesity and migraine in ELSA-Brasil, a cohort study of 15,105 individuals
      aged 35-74 years. METHODS: We assessed migraine using a validated questionnaire
      based on International Headache Society criteria and anthropometric measurements
      using standard techniques. Migraine was categorized as daily and non-daily. World
      Health Organization criteria were used to categorize overweight, obesity and
      abdominal obesity (AbO). We performed a cross-sectional analysis using
      multivariate logistic regression models to study the association between migraine
      and obesity (body mass index (BMI) >= 30 kg/m(2)), compared to controls without
      migraine. RESULTS: We found an association between daily migraine and obesity
      (odds ratio (OR) 1.86; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.12-3.09). Although the
      presence of AbO was not associated with migraine, interaction models showed that
      the association between obesity and daily migraine remained strong only in the
      absence of AbO diagnosis, notably in individuals aged 35-49 years. DISCUSSION: In
      our large sample of individuals aged 35 years or older, obesity, but not AbO, was
      associated with daily migraine. AbO influenced the association between BMI and
      daily migraine in migraineurs aged 35-49 years.

PMID- 25115843
TI  - Validation of an extended French version of ID MigraineTM as a migraine-screening
      tool.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Migraine has a considerable social, economic, physical and
      emotional burden but remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. A specific migraine
      screening tool could help remove barriers to health care and be an attractive
      instrument for epidemiological studies. The objective of this work was to assess
      the validity of an extended French version of ID MigraineTM as a migraine
      screening tool. METHODS: Sixty-seven subjects from the NESCaV study (2010-2012)
      completed the migraine screen and were diagnosed by a neurologist specializing in
      headache medicine using the International Classification of Headache Disorders,
      2nd edition criteria (gold standard). Agreement between the two diagnoses was
      evaluated by Cohen kappa coefficient (kappa). Sensitivity, specificity and
      predictive values of the migraine screen were calculated. RESULTS: Migraine was
      diagnosed in 21 (31.3%) of the 67 subjects according to the screening tool and in
      24 (35.8%) by the neurologist (kappa = 0.90). The prevalence of migraine was
      unrelated to age, gender, education and perception of financial resources.
      Sensitivity and specificity of the screen were 87.5% and 100%, respectively. The
      screen prevalence of migraine with aura was 10.4% (sensitivity and specificity:
      83.3% and 96.7%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The extended French version of ID
      MigraineTM (ef-ID Migraine) is a validated tool to screen migraine in French
      speaking countries.

PMID- 25115844
TI  - Antiepileptics in migraine prophylaxis: an updated Cochrane review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of several antiepileptics in the preventive treatment
      of episodic migraine in adults has been systematically reviewed. Because many
      trial reports have been published since then, an updated systematic review was
      warranted. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials, PubMed/MEDLINE (1966 to January 15, 2013), MEDLINE In-Process (current
      week, January 15, 2013), and EMBASE (1974 to January 15, 2013) and hand-searched
      Headache and Cephalalgia through January 2013. Prospective, controlled trials of
      antiepileptics taken regularly to prevent the occurrence of migraine attacks, to
      improve migraine-related quality of life, or both, were selected. RESULTS: Mean
      headache frequency on topiramate and sodium valproate is significantly lower than
      placebo. Likewise, topiramate and divalproex demonstrated favorable results for
      the proportion of subjects with >= 50% reduction of migraine attacks. For
      topiramate, 100 mg and 200 mg outperformed 50 mg, but this was paralleled by a
      higher adverse event rate. For valproate/divalproex, a dose-effect correlation
      could not be established. There was no unequivocal evidence of efficacy for any
      of the other antiepileptics. CONCLUSION: Topiramate, sodium valproate and
      divalproex are effective prophylactic treatments for episodic migraine in adults.
      In contrast to previous reports, there is insufficient evidence to further
      support the use of gabapentin.

PMID- 25115840
TI  - Thromboembolic complications in inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a 1.5-3.5-fold higher risk of
      thromboembolism when compared to the non-IBD population and the risk is much more
      prominent at the time of a flare. Arterial thromboembolism (ischemic stroke,
      focal white matter ischemia, cardiac ischemia, peripheral vascular disease and
      mesenteric ischemia) and venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and
      pulmonary embolism, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, retinal, hepatic, portal
      and mesenteric vein thromboses) belong to the group of underestimated
      extraintestinal complications in IBD patients, which are associated with a high
      morbidity and mortality rate (the overall mortality is as high as 25 % per
      episode). Thromboembolism occurs in younger patients compared to the non-IBD
      population and has a high recurrence rate. Multiple risk factors are involved in
      the etiopathogenesis, but the acquired ones play the key role. Congenital
      alterations do not occur more frequently in IBD patients when compared to the non
      IBD population. Standardized guidelines for the prophylaxis of thromboembolism in
      IBD patients are urgently needed and these should be respected in clinical
      practice to avoid preventable morbidity and mortality. 

PMID- 25115846
TI  - Prediction and validation of diffusion coefficients in a model drug delivery
      system using microsecond atomistic molecular dynamics simulation and vapour
      sorption analysis.
AB  - Diffusion of small to medium sized molecules in polymeric medical device
      materials underlies a broad range of public health concerns related to unintended
      leaching from or uptake into implantable medical devices. However, obtaining
      accurate diffusion coefficients for such systems at physiological temperature
      represents a formidable challenge, both experimentally and computationally. While
      molecular dynamics simulation has been used to accurately predict the diffusion
      coefficients, D, of a handful of gases in various polymers, this success has not
      been extended to molecules larger than gases, e.g., condensable vapours, liquids,
      and drugs. We present atomistic molecular dynamics simulation predictions of
      diffusion in a model drug eluting system that represent a dramatic improvement in
      accuracy compared to previous simulation predictions for comparable systems. We
      find that, for simulations of insufficient duration, sub-diffusive dynamics can
      lead to dramatic over-prediction of D. We present useful metrics for monitoring
      the extent of sub-diffusive dynamics and explore how these metrics correlate to
      error in D. We also identify a relationship between diffusion and fast dynamics
      in our system, which may serve as a means to more rapidly predict diffusion in
      slowly diffusing systems. Our work provides important precedent and essential
      insights for utilizing atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to predict
      diffusion coefficients of small to medium sized molecules in condensed soft
      matter systems. 

PMID- 25115847
TI  - Monolithic molecularly imprinted cryogel for lysozyme recognition.
AB  - The application of molecularly imprinted polymers in the selective adsorption of
      macromolecules such as proteins by monolithic protein-imprinted columns requires
      a macroporous structure, which can be provided by cryogelation at low temperature
      in which the formation of ice crystals gives a porous structure to the
      molecularly imprinted polymer. In this study, we applied this technique to
      synthesize lysozyme-imprinted polyacrylamide cryogels containing 8% w/v of total
      monomers and 0.3% w/v of lysozyme. The synthesized cryogel was sponge-like and
      elastic with very fast swelling and reshaping properties, showing a swelling
      ratio of 24.5 +/- 3 and gel fraction yield of about 72%. It showed an imprinting
      effect of 1.58 and a separation factor of 1.37 for cytochrome c as the competing
      protein. Adsorption studies on the cryogel revealed that it follows the Langmuir
      isotherm, with a maximum theoretical adsorption capacity of 36.3 mg lysozyme per
      gram of cryogel. Additionally, it was shown that a salt-free rebinding solution
      at low flow rate and pH = 7.0 is favorable for lysozyme rebinding. This kind of
      monolithic column promises a wide range of application in separation of various
      biomolecules due to its preparation simplicity, good rebinding characteristics,
      and macroporosity. 

PMID- 25115845
TI  - Targeting catalase but not peroxiredoxins enhances arsenic trioxide-induced
      apoptosis in K562 cells.
AB  - Despite considerable efficacy of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) in acute promyelocytic
      leukemia (APL) treatment, other non-APL leukemias, such as chronic myeloid
      leukemia (CML), are less sensitive to As2O3 treatment. However, the underlying
      mechanism is not well understood. Here we show that relative As2O3-resistant K562
      cells have significantly lower ROS levels than As2O3-sensitive NB4 cells. We
      compared the expression of several antioxidant enzymes in these two cell lines
      and found that peroxiredoxin 1/2/6 and catalase are expressed at high levels in
      K562 cells. We further investigated the possible role of peroxirdoxin 1/2/6 and
      catalase in determining the cellular sensitivity to As2O3. Interestingly,
      knockdown of peroxiredoxin 1/2/6 did not increase the susceptibility of K562
      cells to As2O3. On the contrary, knockdown of catalase markedly enhanced As2O3
      induced apoptosis. In addition, we provide evidence that overexpression of
      BCR/ABL cannot increase the expression of PRDX 1/2/6 and catalase. The current
      study reveals that the functional role of antioxidant enzymes is cellular context
      and treatment agents dependent; targeting catalase may represent a novel strategy
      to improve the efficacy of As2O3 in CML treatment. 

PMID- 25115848
TI  - Bright, highly water-soluble triazacyclononane europium complexes to detect
      ligand binding with time-resolved FRET microscopy.
AB  - Luminescent europium complexes are used in a broad range of applications as a
      result of their particular emissive properties. The synthesis and application of
      bright, highly water-soluble, and negatively charged sulfonic- or carboxylic acid
      derivatives of para-substituted aryl-alkynyl triazacyclononane complexes are
      described. Introduction of the charged solubilizing moieties suppresses cellular
      uptake or adsorption to living cells making them applicable for labeling and
      performing assays on membrane receptors. These europium complexes are applied to
      monitor fluorescent ligand binding on cell-surface proteins with time-resolved
      Forster resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assays in plate-based format and
      using TR-FRET microscopy. 

PMID- 25115850
TI  - Biocatalytic potential of lipase from Staphylococcus sp. MS1 for
      transesterification of jatropha oil into fatty acid methyl esters.
AB  - An extracellular lipase producing isolate Staphylococcus sp. MS1 was optimized
      for lipase production and its biocatalytic potential was assessed. Medium with
      tributyrin (0.25 %) and without any exogenous inorganic nitrogen source was found
      to be optimum for lipase production from Staphylococcus sp. MS1. The optimum pH
      and temperature for lipase production were found to be pH 7 and 37  degrees C
      respectively, showing lipase activity of 37.91 U. It showed good lipase
      production at pH 6-8. The lipase was found to be stable in organic solvents like
      hexane and petroleum ether, showing 98 and 88 % residual activity respectively.
      The biotransformation using the concentrated enzyme in petroleum ether resulted
      in the synthesis of fatty acid methyl esters like methyl oleate, methyl palmitate
      and methyl stearate. Thus, the lipase under study has got the potential to bring
      about transesterification of oils into methyl esters which can be exploited for
      various biotechnological applications.

PMID- 25115852
TI  - Assessment of atrial electromechanical delay and left atrial mechanical functions
      in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Increased frequency of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been demonstrated
      in psoriasis cases. Prolongation of the duration of atrial electromechanical
      delay (AEMD) is a well-known characteristic of the atrium, which is vulnerable to
      AF. In the current study, our aims are to investigate AEMD durations and
      mechanical functions of the left atrium (LA) in patients with psoriasis. METHODS:
      A total of 90 patients, 45 with psoriasis vulgaris and 45 as the control group,
      were included in the study. Atrial electromechanical coupling (PA) and intra- and
      inter-atrial electromechanical delay (IA-AEMD) were measured with tissue Doppler
      echocardiography. P-wave dispersion (PWD) was calculated from the 12-lead
      electrocardiogram. The severity of the disease was evaluated by the Psoriasis
      Area and Severity Index. RESULTS: The durations of PA lateral and PA septal were
      significantly high in the psoriasis group when compared with the control group
      (47.7 +/- 9.8 vs. 57.1 +/- 8.4 msec, P < 0.001 and 38.6 +/- 9.9 vs. 43.6 +/- 8
      msec, P = 0.016, respectively). The durations of IA-AEMD, intra-right
      electromechanical delay, and intra-left electromechanical delay in the psoriasis
      group were significantly prolonged compared with the control group (15.2 +/- 4.1
      vs. 21.7 +/- 5.6 msec, P < 0.001; 6 +/- 2.5 vs. 8.7 +/- 2.7 msec, P < 0.001; and
      9.1 +/- 3.9 vs. 13.5 +/- 5.2 msec, P < 0.001; respectively). PWD was
      significantly higher in patients with psoriasis vulgaris compared with controls
      (36.1 +/- 7.9 vs. 40.2 +/- 9.1 msec, P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: In the present
      study, we found prolongation in the durations of AEMD and PWD in the psoriasis
      group compared with the control group. These results might be an early predictor
      of AF and other arrhythmias.

PMID- 25115853
TI  - Analyte zone sharpening in pressurized capillary electrochromatography based on
      electrophoretic migration under a heterogeneous field.
AB  - Significant peak width reductions, or peak height enhancements, of angiotensins
      were observed when a high voltage was applied to hydrophilic interaction
      pressurized capillary electrochromatography using gradient elution with mobile
      phases containing perchloric acid. The investigation using a contactless
      conductivity detector revealed that perchloric acid was adsorbed on the surface
      of the stationary phase, when the acetonitrile content in the mobile phase was
      high, and released from the stationary phase by increasing the water content
      during a gradient procedure. The released perchloric acid formed a highly
      concentrated zone moving from the column inlet to the outlet. The
      electrochromatographic behavior of the analytes, primarily electrophoretic
      migration, was changed in this zone. As a consequence of the significant
      variation in migration velocity of the analytes, the sample band width was
      reduced similar fashion to on-capillary concentration in capillary
      electrophoresis. Using this result, the reduction of band width and enhancement
      in separation efficiency was demonstrated in reversed-phase pressurized
      electrochromatography, in which the conductivity of the mobile phase was
      significantly altered using a step gradient. The resolution between benzoic acid
      and 1-naphthalene sulfonic acid was successfully improved from 2.7 to 4.3 by
      using the band width reduction method based on field-amplified stacking. 

PMID- 25115849
TI  - The potential of transgenic green microalgae; a robust photobioreactor to produce
      recombinant therapeutic proteins.
AB  - Microalgae have been used in food, cosmetic, and biofuel industries as a natural
      source of lipids, vitamins, pigments and antioxidants for a long time. Green
      microalgae, as potent photobioreactors, can be considered as an economical
      expression system to produce recombinant therapeutical proteins at large-scale
      due to low cost of production and scaling-up capitalization owning to the
      inexpensive medium requirement, fast growth rate, and the ease of manipulation.
      These microalgae possess all benefit eukaryotic expression systems including the
      ability of post-translational modifications required for proper folding and
      stability of active proteins. Among the many items regarded as recombinant
      protein production, this review compares the different expression systems with
      green microalgae like Dunaliella by viewing the nuclear/chloroplast
      transformation challenges/benefits, related selection markers/reporter genes, and
      crucial factors/strategies affecting the increase of foreign protein expression
      in microalgae transformants. Some important factors were discussed regarding the
      increase of protein yielding in microalgae transformants including:
      transformation-associated genotypic modifications, endogenous regulatory factors,
      promoters, codon optimization, enhancer elements, and milking of recombinant
      protein. 

PMID- 25115854
TI  - Carnosine inhibits the proliferation of human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells
      through both of the mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis pathways.
AB  - Carnosine, a naturally occurring dipeptide, has been recently demonstrated to
      possess anti-tumor activity. However, its underlying mechanism is unclear. In
      this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of carnosine on the cell
      viability and proliferation of the cultured human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells.
      Carnosine treatment did not induce cell apoptosis or necrosis, but reduced the
      proliferative capacity of SGC-7901 cells. Seahorse analysis showed SGC-7901 cells
      cultured with pyruvate have active mitochondria, and depend on mitochondrial
      oxidative phosphorylation more than glycolysis pathway for generation of ATP.
      Carnosine markedly decreased the absolute value of mitochondrial ATP-linked
      respiration, and reduced the maximal oxygen consumption and spare respiratory
      capacity, which may reduce mitochondrial function correlated with proliferative
      potential. Simultaneously, carnosine also reduced the extracellular acidification
      rate and glycolysis of SGC-7901 cells. Our results suggested that carnosine is a
      potential regulator of energy metabolism of SGC-7901 cells both in the anaerobic
      and aerobic pathways, and provided a clue for preclinical and clinical evaluation
      of carnosine for gastric cancer therapy. 

PMID- 25115858
TI  - Synthesis of alpha-aryl esters and nitriles: deaminative coupling of alpha
      aminoesters and alpha-aminoacetonitriles with arylboronic acids.
AB  - Transition-metal-free synthesis of alpha-aryl esters and nitriles using
      arylboronic acids with alpha-aminoesters and alpha-aminoacetonitriles,
      respectively, as the starting materials has been developed. The reaction
      represents a rare case of converting C(sp(3))-N bonds into C(sp(3))-C(sp(2))
      bonds. The reaction conditions are mild, demonstrate good functional-group
      tolerance, and can be scaled up.

PMID- 25115857
TI  - Improving post-stroke dysphagia outcomes through a standardized and
      multidisciplinary protocol: an exploratory cohort study.
AB  - Stroke is a major cause of dysphagia. Few studies to date have reported on
      standardized multidisciplinary protocolized approaches to the management of post
      stroke dysphagia. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the
      impact of a standardized multidisciplinary protocol on clinical outcomes in
      patients with post-stroke dysphagia. We performed retrospective chart reviews of
      patients with post-stroke dysphagia admitted to the neurological ward of Verona
      University Hospital from 2004 to 2008. Outcomes after usual treatment for
      dysphagia (T- group) were compared versus outcomes after treatment under a
      standardized diagnostic and rehabilitative multidisciplinary protocol (T+ group).
      Outcome measures were death, pneumonia on X-ray, need for respiratory support,
      and proportion of patients on tube feeding at discharge. Of the 378 patients
      admitted with stroke, 84 had dysphagia and were enrolled in the study. A
      significantly lower risk of in-hospital death (odds ratio [OR] 0.20 [0.53-0.78]),
      pneumonia (OR 0.33 [0.10-1.03]), need for respiratory support (OR 0.48 [0.14
      1.66]), and tube feeding at discharge (OR 0.30 [0.09-0.91]) was recorded for the
      T+ group (N = 39) as compared to the T- group (N = 45). The adjusted OR showed no
      difference between the two groups for in-hospital death and tube feeding at
      discharge. Use of a standardized multidisciplinary protocolized approach to the
      management of post-stroke dysphagia may significantly reduce rates of aspiration
      pneumonia, in-hospital mortality, and tube feeding in dysphagic stroke survivors.
      Consistent with the study's exploratory purposes, our findings suggest that the
      multidisciplinary protocol applied in this study offers an effective model of
      management of post-stroke dysphagia.

PMID- 25115856
TI  - Functional swallowing outcomes in nasopharyngeal cancer treated with IMRT at 6 to
      42 months post-radiotherapy.
AB  - We sought to evaluate the swallowing function of 18 patients surviving
      nasopharyngeal cancer, who had been treated using an intensity-modulated
      radiotherapy (IMRT) protocol designed to minimise functional impairment. We
      compared the outcomes of a patient-reported oral function score with fiberoptic
      endoscopic examination of swallow (FEES), Australian Therapy Outcome Measures
      (AusTOMs) and a measure of trismus. While all patients returned to a fully oral
      diet, there was ongoing swallow dysfunction characterised by bolus residue and
      delay, but no aspiration. Dysphagia was of mild or moderate severity on all
      measures, generally because of the need for texture modification, impaired bolus
      transit or dysgeusia. There was xerostomia on self-reported measurement combined
      with reports of behaviours adaptive to xerostomia on AusTOMs; however, salivary
      functioning was less impaired on FEES. There was no trismus in this cohort. Our
      cohort lacked the morbidity experienced by cohorts reported in earlier studies,
      potentially due to the use of IMRT. 

PMID- 25115855
TI  - Tetrandrine suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation by
      inhibiting NF-kappaB and ERK signaling pathways in BV2 cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Tetrandrine (TET) is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid
      extracted from Stephania tetrandra Moore. Recent studies have suggested that TET
      can reduce the inflammatory response in microglia, but the mechanisms remain
      unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether TET can inhibit
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial activation and clarify its possible
      mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability assays and cell
      apoptosis assays were used to determine the working concentrations of TET. Then,
      BV2 cells were seeded and pretreated with TET for 2 h. LPS was then added and
      incubated for an additional 24 hours. qRT-PCR and ELISA were used to measure the
      mRNA or protein levels of IL1beta and TNFalpha. Western blotting was utilized to
      quantify the expression of CD11b and cell signaling proteins. RESULTS: TET at
      optimal concentrations (0.1 uM, 0.5 uM or 1 uM) did not affect the cell
      viability. After TET pretreatment, the levels of IL1beta and TNFalpha (both in
      transcription and translation) were significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent
      manner. Further studies indicated that phospho-p65, phospho-IKK, and phospho-ERK
      1/2 expression were also suppressed by TET. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate
      that TET can effectively suppress microglial activation and inhibit the
      production of IL1beta and TNFalpha by regulating the NF-kB and ERK signaling
      pathways. Together with our previous studies, we suggest that TET would be a
      promising candidate to effectively suppress overactivated microglia and alleviate
      neurodegeneration in glaucoma.

PMID- 25115860
TI  - Different implication of elevated B-type natriuretic peptide level in patients
      with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and in those with reduced
      ejection fraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There have been no reports that show significant direct relationship
      between echocardiographic parameters and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level.
      This could be due to the heterogeneous pathophysiology of heart failure and a
      lack of appropriate echocardiographic parameters. We sought to determine the best
      echocardiographic parameter that described elevated BNP level in patients with
      heart failure with and without systolic dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      studied 111 consecutive heart failure patients. They were divided into patients
      with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF, n = 61) and that with
      heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFREF, n = 50). Conventional and new
      echocardiographic parameters including myocardial strains were measured. BNP did
      not reflect any single echocardiographic parameter in patients with heart failure
      in total. The ratio of early diastolic transmitral flow velocity and mitral
      annular velocity had strong positive correlation with BNP level in the HFPEF
      group but not in the HFREF group. In the group of HFREF, global longitudinal and
      circumferential strains were positively correlated. Multivariate analysis
      revealed that predicted factors for BNP value in HFPEF and in HFREF were
      different. CONCLUSION: High BNP level may indicate high filling pressure when
      ejection fraction is preserved and may indicate myocardial dysfunction when it is
      reduced.

PMID- 25115862
TI  - Interfacial dynamics in foams and emulsions.

PMID- 25115861
TI  - Topoisomerase 2 is dispensable for the replication and segregation of small yeast
      artificial chromosomes (YACs).
AB  - DNA topoisomerases are thought to play a critical role in transcription,
      replication and recombination as well as in the condensation and segregation of
      sister duplexes during cell division. Here, we used high-resolution two
      dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis to study the replication intermediates
      and final products of small circular and linear minichromosomes of Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae in the presence and absence of DNA topoisomerase 2. The results
      obtained confirmed that whereas for circular minichromosomes, catenated sister
      duplexes accumulated in the absence of topoisomerase 2, linear YACs were able to
      replicate and segregate regardless of this topoisomerase. The patterns of
      replication intermediates for circular and linear YACs displayed significant
      differences suggesting that DNA supercoiling might play a key role in the
      modulation of replication fork progression. Altogether, this data supports the
      notion that for linear chromosomes the torsional tension generated by
      transcription and replication dissipates freely throughout the telomeres. 

PMID- 25115863
TI  - Postoperative complications in bariatric surgery using age and BMI
      stratification: a study using ACS-NSQIP data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery results in long-term weight loss and significant
      morbidity reduction. Morbidity and mortality following bariatric surgery remain
      low and acceptable. This study looks to define the trend of morbidity and
      mortality as it relates to increasing age and body mass index (BMI) in patients
      undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: We queried the ACS/NSQIP 2010-2011 Public
      Use File for patients who underwent elective laparoscopic adjustable banding
      (LAGB), sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and gastric bypass (LGBP). Total morbidity and
      30-day mortality were evaluated. Logistic regression models were created to
      estimate the effect of increasing age and BMI on morbidity for these bariatric
      procedures. RESULTS: A total of 20,308 laparoscopic bariatric procedures were
      reviewed (11617 LGBP, 3069 LSG and 5622 LAGB). Overall mortality and morbidity
      rates were 0.11 and 3.84%, respectively. The odds of postoperative complications
      increased by 2% with each additional year of age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.02-1.03) and
      every point increase in BMI (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03). Multiple logistic
      regression identified COPD, Diabetes, Hypertension, and Dyspnea as major risk
      factors for postoperative morbidity. Postoperative complications were three times
      more likely after LGBP (OR 2.87, 95% CI 2.31-3.57) and two times more likely
      after LSG (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.57-2.72) when compared to patients undergoing LAGB.
      CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality increase on a predictable trend with
      increasing age and BMI. There is increased risk of morbidity for stapling
      procedures when compared to gastric banding, but this must be considered in
      context of surgical efficacy when choosing a bariatric procedure. These data can
      be used in preoperative counseling and evaluation of surgical candidacy of
      bariatric surgical patients.

PMID- 25115864
TI  - Superior mesenteric artery syndrome following sleeve gastrectomy: case report,
      review of the literature, and video on technique for surgical correction.
AB  - Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare condition in which the
      duodenum is compressed between the SMA and aorta. This often occurs following
      extreme weight loss and has been reported in the bariatric population. We present
      the first reported case of SMA syndrome following sleeve gastrectomy. The patient
      underwent laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy and recovered uneventfully. The
      following is a review of the literature and detailed operative approach in the
      attached video. 

PMID- 25115865
TI  - Pre-operative opioid analgesia reduces clinical success of laparoscopic gastric
      electrical stimulation placement in patients with gastroparesis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gastroparesis is a common chronic and costly disorder for which
      medical therapy is often unsuccessful. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has
      been used to treat refractory cases, however, response is variable and difficult
      to predict. This study aims to assess whether pre-operative opioid analgesics
      (OA) use affects clinical success of GES. METHODS: Records of 128 patients who
      underwent laparoscopic GES placement from March 2001 to September 2012 were
      analyzed retrospectively. Data collected included demographics, surgical
      outcomes, and clinical parameters. Pre- and post-operative opioid analgesic
      dosing (No = 0 morphine equivalents (ME)/day, Low = 0-40 ME/day, Mid = 41-80
      ME/day, High >80 ME/day), as well as clinical symptom assessment was collected
      for up to 3 years post-operatively. Clinical success was defined as (1) OA
      reduction of >50 %, (2) maintenance of weight, or (3) symptom improvement.
      Descriptive statistics were computed for all factors. A p < 0.05 was considered
      statistically significant. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were on OA pre
      operatively compared to 69 patients who were not. Patients not on OA pre
      operatively were less likely than those on OA pre-op group to be on OA post
      operatively (p = 0.005); however, there were no differences in weight or symptom
      improvement. Sub-group analysis of the 53 patients on OA demonstrated significant
      improvement in clinical symptoms in the low-morphine cohort compared to the mid
      morphine cohort (p = 0.02), and OA dosing post-operatively in the low-morphine
      cohort diminished significantly compared to mid- and high-morphine cohort (p =
      0.032). There was no significant difference in weight. CONCLUSION: OA dosing pre
      operatively significantly affects clinical success of GES placement. Criteria for
      offering GES implantation may need to take OA dosing into consideration.

PMID- 25115866
TI  - Bottom-up design of small molecules that stimulate exon 10 skipping in mutant
      MAPT pre-mRNA.
AB  - One challenge in chemical biology is to develop small molecules that control
      cellular protein content. The amount and identity of proteins are influenced by
      the RNAs that encode them; thus, protein content in a cell could be affected by
      targeting mRNA. However, RNA has been traditionally difficult to target with
      small molecules. In this report, we describe controlling the protein products of
      the mutated microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) mature mRNA with a small
      molecule. MAPT mutations in exon 10 are associated with inherited frontotemporal
      dementia and Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17), an incurable disease
      that is directly caused by increased inclusion of exon 10 in MAPT mRNA. Recent
      studies have shown that mutations within a hairpin at the MAPT exon 10-intron
      junction decrease the thermodynamic stability of the RNA, increasing binding to
      U1 snRNP and thus exon 10 inclusion. Therefore, we designed small molecules that
      bind and stabilize a mutant MAPT by using Inforna, a computational approach based
      on information about RNA-small-molecule interactions. The optimal compound
      selectively bound the mutant MAPT hairpin and thermodynamically stabilized its
      folding, facilitating exon 10 exclusion. 

PMID- 25115867
TI  - Cardiac strain during upright cycle ergometry in adolescent males.
AB  - Little evidence exists with regard to changes in cardiac strain that occur during
      submaximal exercise in young males. The aims of the study were to evaluate the
      changes that occur in longitudinal (L), radial (R), and endocardial
      circumferential (EC) strain during submaximal upright cycle ergometry and to
      examine the test-retest reproducibility of these measurements. Fourteen
      recreationally active, adolescent (age: 17.9 +/- 0.7 years) males volunteered for
      the study. All subjects underwent an incremental (40 W) submaximal cycle
      ergometer test. L, R, and EC strain values were obtained using speckle tracking,
      from two-dimensional B-mode images of the left ventricle (LV) during rest and the
      initial stages of submaximal exercise (40 and 80 W). The average of 6 LV segments
      was used to determine both peak wall deformation (%) and the time to peak
      deformation (ms). There was a statistically (P < 0.05) significant increase from
      rest to submaximal exercise for peak deformation for L, R, and EC strain. There
      was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease from rest to submaximal
      exercise for time to peak for L and R and EC strain and between submaximal
      workloads for time to peak for L strain and EC strain. Coefficients of variation
      demonstrated reproducibility for upright strain and strain rate measurements
      similar to published supine measurements. This study has demonstrated that
      changes in left ventricular wall deformation (L, R and EC strain) that occur
      during the transition from rest to submaximal exercise can be reliably measured
      and confirm that a healthy LV has a hyperdynamic response to exercise.

PMID- 25115868
TI  - Cardiovascular disease-related parameters and oxidative stress in SHROB rats, a
      model for metabolic syndrome.
AB  - SHROB rats have been suggested as a model for metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a
      situation prior to the onset of CVD or type-2 diabetes, but information on
      descriptive biochemical parameters for this model is limited. Here, we
      extensively evaluate parameters related to CVD and oxidative stress (OS) in SHROB
      rats. SHROB rats were monitored for 15 weeks and compared to a control group of
      Wistar rats. Body weight was recorded weekly. At the end of the study, parameters
      related to CVD and OS were evaluated in plasma, urine and different organs. SHROB
      rats presented statistically significant differences from Wistar rats in CVD risk
      factors: total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, apoA1, apoB100,
      abdominal fat, insulin, blood pressure, C-reactive protein, ICAM-1 and PAI-1. In
      adipose tissue, liver and brain, the endogenous antioxidant systems were
      activated, yet there was no significant oxidative damage to lipids (MDA) or
      proteins (carbonylation). We conclude that SHROB rats present significant
      alterations in parameters related to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction,
      thrombotic activity, insulin resistance and OS measured in plasma as well as
      enhanced redox defence systems in vital organs that will be useful as markers of
      MetS and CVD for nutrition interventions. 

PMID- 25115869
TI  - Evaluation of [111In]-labeled zinc-dipicolylamine tracers for SPECT imaging of
      bacterial infection.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study prepared three structurally related zinc-dipicolylamine
      (ZnDPA) tracers with [(111)In] labels and conducted biodistribution and single
      photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging
      studies of a mouse leg infection model. PROCEDURES: Two monovalent tracers, ZnDPA
      [(111)In]DTPA and ZnDPA-[(111)In]DOTA, each with a single zinc-dipicolylamine
      targeting unit, and a divalent tracer, Bis(ZnDPA)-[(111)In]DTPA, with two zinc
      dipicolylamine units were prepared. Organ biodistribution and SPECT and CT
      imaging studies were performed on living mice with a leg infection created by
      injection of clinically relevant Gram positive Streptococcus pyogenes.
      Fluorescent and luminescent Eu(3+)-labeled versions of these tracers were also
      prepared and used to measure relative affinity for the exterior membrane surface
      of bacterial cells and mimics of healthy mammalian cells. RESULTS: All three
      (111)In-labeled radiotracers were prepared with a radiopurity of >90 %. The
      biodistribution studies showed that the two monovalent tracers were cleared from
      the body through the liver and kidney, with retained percentage injected dose for
      all organs of <8 % at 20 h and infected leg target to non-target ratio (T/NT)
      ratio of <=3.0. Clearance of the divalent tracer from the bloodstream was slower
      and primarily through the liver, with a retained percentage injected dose for all
      organs <37 % at 20 h and T/NT ratio rising to 6.2 after 20 h. The SPECT/CT
      imaging indicated the same large difference in tracer pharmacokinetics and higher
      accumulation of the divalent tracer at the site of infection. CONCLUSIONS: All
      three [(111)In]-ZnDPA tracers selectively targeted the site of a clinically
      relevant mouse infection model that could not be discerned by visual external
      inspection of the living animal. The highest target selectivity, observed with a
      divalent tracer equipped with two zinc-dipicolylamine targeting units, compares
      quite favorably with the imaging selectivities previously reported for other
      nuclear tracers that target bacterial cell surfaces. The tracer pharmacokinetics
      depended heavily on tracer molecular structure suggesting that it may be possible
      to rapidly fine tune the structural properties for optimized in vivo imaging
      performance and clinical translation.

PMID- 25115871
TI  - Evaluation of intravenous peramivir for treatment of influenza in hospitalized
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza causes >200 000 annual hospitalizations in the
      United States. Current antiviral treatment options are limited to oral or inhaled
      agents. There is an urgent unmet need for intravenous antiviral treatments.
      METHODS: Patients hospitalized with suspected influenza were randomized to 5-day
      treatment with intravenous peramivir (600 mg once daily) or placebo; all received
      the institution's standard of care (SOC) treatment. Time to clinical resolution
      and change in viral shedding in nasopharyngeal specimens were the primary and key
      secondary end points. RESULTS: Influenza infection was confirmed in 338 of 405
      enrolled patients. At the time of a preplanned interim analysis, the primary
      efficacy analysis population comprised 121 patients who did not receive a
      concurrent neuraminidase inhibitor as part of the SOC. The median (95% confidence
      interval) time to clinical resolution was 42.5 (34.0-57.9) hours for peramivir
      versus 49.5 (40.0-61.9) hours for placebo (P = .97). A larger treatment effect
      was observed in patients with history of symptoms <48 hours or admitted to an
      intensive care unit. Greater reductions in viral shedding, based on median tissue
      culture infective dose, were observed in patients who received peramivir than in
      placebo recipients, although this difference was not statistically significant.
      The incidence and severity of adverse events and laboratory abnormalities were
      similar between the 2 treatment groups. The study was terminated for futility
      after a preplanned interim analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A significant clinical benefit
      was not demonstrated for peramivir plus SOC compared with placebo plus SOC.
      Peramivir was generally safe and well tolerated. These findings highlight the
      challenges in designing studies to evaluate influenza antiviral agents in a
      hospitalized setting. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00958776.

PMID- 25115872
TI  - Added value of the emm-cluster typing system to analyze group A Streptococcus
      epidemiology in high-income settings.

PMID- 25115870
TI  - The South Asian genome.
AB  - The genetic sequence variation of people from the Indian subcontinent who
      comprise one-quarter of the world's population, is not well described. We carried
      out whole genome sequencing of 168 South Asians, along with whole-exome
      sequencing of 147 South Asians to provide deeper characterisation of coding
      regions. We identify 12,962,155 autosomal sequence variants, including 2,946,861
      new SNPs and 312,738 novel indels. This catalogue of SNPs and indels amongst
      South Asians provides the first comprehensive map of genetic variation in this
      major human population, and reveals evidence for selective pressures on genes
      involved in skin biology, metabolism, infection and immunity. Our results will
      accelerate the search for the genetic variants underlying susceptibility to
      disorders such as type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease which are highly
      prevalent amongst South Asians. 

PMID- 25115873
TI  - Using clinicians' search query data to monitor influenza epidemics.
AB  - Search query information from a clinician's database, UpToDate, is shown to
      predict influenza epidemics in the United States in a timely manner. Our results
      show that digital disease surveillance tools based on experts' databases may be
      able to provide an alternative, reliable, and stable signal for accurate
      predictions of influenza outbreaks.

PMID- 25115874
TI  - Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue 6 years after giardia infection: a
      controlled prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional gastrointestinal disorders and fatigue may follow acute
      infections. This study aimed to estimate the persistence, prevalence, and risk of
      irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue 6 years after Giardia infection.
      METHODS: We performed a controlled prospective study of a cohort of 1252
      individuals who had laboratory-confirmed Giardia infection during a waterborne
      outbreak in 2004. In total, 748 cohort cases (exposed) and 878 matched controls
      responded to a postal questionnaire 6 years later (in 2010). Responses were
      compared to data from the same cohort 3 years before (in 2007). RESULTS: The
      prevalences of irritable bowel syndrome (39.4%) by Rome III criteria and chronic
      fatigue (30.8%) in the exposed group 6 years after giardiasis were significantly
      elevated compared with controls, with adjusted relative risks (RRs) of 3.4 (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 2.9-3.9) and 2.9 (95% CI, 2.3-3.4), respectively. In
      the exposed group, the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome decreased by 6.7%
      (RR, 0.85 [95% CI, .77-.93]), whereas the prevalence of chronic fatigue decreased
      by 15.3% from 3 to 6 years after Giardia infection (RR, 0.69 [95% CI, .62-.77]).
      Giardia exposure was a significant risk factor for persistence of both
      conditions, and increasing age was a risk factor for persisting chronic fatigue.
      CONCLUSIONS: Giardia infection in a nonendemic setting is associated with an
      increased risk for irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue 6 years later.
      The prevalences of both conditions decrease over time, indicating that this
      intestinal protozoan parasite may elicit very long-term, but slowly self
      limiting, complications.

PMID- 25115876
TI  - Transplantation in autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease: liver and/or
      kidney?
AB  - Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is characterized by
      enlarged kidneys with dilated collecting ducts and congenital hepatic fibrosis.
      There is a variable rate of progression of kidney and liver disease. Portal
      hypertension and Caroli's disease occur from liver involvement that contributes
      to morbidity and mortality. Approximately 40 % of patients have a severe disease
      phenotype leading to rapid onset of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and signs of
      portal hypertension and the rest may have predominant involvement of either the
      kidney or liver. It is important for the physician to establish the extent of
      organ involvement before deciding on the ultimate plan of management, especially
      when transplantation is required. Isolated renal transplantation can be
      considered when liver involvement is minimal. If hepatobiliary disease is
      prominent, and kidney function is preserved, management options are based on
      individual characteristics. In the presence of significant liver disease and
      ESKD, consideration should be given to combined liver kidney transplantation,
      which can be beneficial in eliminating the consequences of both kidney and liver
      disease. However, this is a complex surgical procedure that needs to be performed
      at experienced transplant centers. Improvement in surgical techniques has
      considerably improved short-term graft survival with the added advantage of the
      liver offering immunologic protection to the kidney allograft.

PMID- 25115875
TI  - Peri-operative kidney injury and long-term chronic kidney disease following
      orthotopic heart transplantation in children.
AB  - Significant advances in cardiac intensive care including extracorporeal life
      support have enabled children with complex congenital heart disease and end-stage
      heart failure to be supported while awaiting transplantation. With an increasing
      number of survivors after heart transplantation in children, the complications
      from long-term immunosuppression, including renal insufficiency, are becoming
      more apparent. Severe renal dysfunction after heart transplant is defined by a
      serum creatinine level >2.5 mg/dL (221 MUmol/L), and/or need for dialysis or
      renal transplant. The degree of renal dysfunction is variable and is progressive
      over time. About 3-10 % of heart transplant recipients will go on to develop
      severe renal dysfunction within the first 10 years post-transplantation. Multiple
      risk factors for chronic kidney disease post-transplant have been identified,
      which include pre-transplant worsening renal function, recipient demographics and
      morbidity, peri-transplant haemodynamics and long-term exposure to calcineurin
      inhibitors. Renal insufficiency increases the risk of post-transplant morbidity
      and mortality. Hence, screening for renal dysfunction pre-, peri- and post
      transplantation is important. Early and timely detection of renal insufficiency
      may help minimize renal insults, and allow prompt implementation of
      renoprotective strategies. Close monitoring and pre-emptive management of renal
      dysfunction is an integral aspect of peri-transplant and subsequent post
      transplant long-term care.

PMID- 25115883
TI  - Tools in a clinical information system supporting clinical trials at a Swiss
      University Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Issues concerning inadequate source data of clinical trials rank
      second in the most common findings by regulatory authorities. The increasing use
      of electronic clinical information systems by healthcare providers offers an
      opportunity to facilitate and improve the conduct of clinical trials and the
      source documentation. We report on a number of tools implemented into the
      clinical information system of a university hospital to support clinical
      research. METHODS: In 2011/2012, a set of tools was developed in the clinical
      information system of the University Hospital Zurich to support clinical
      research, including (1) a trial registry for documenting metadata on the clinical
      trials conducted at the hospital, (2) a patient-trial-assignment-tool to tag
      patients in the electronic medical charts as participants of specific trials, (3)
      medical record templates for the documentation of study visits and trial-related
      procedures, (4) online queries on trials and trial participants, (5) access to
      the electronic medical records for clinical monitors, (6) an alerting tool to
      notify of hospital admissions of trial participants, (7) queries to identify
      potentially eligible patients in the planning phase as trial feasibility checks
      and during the trial as recruitment support, and (8) order sets to facilitate the
      complete and accurate performance of study visit procedures. RESULTS: The number
      of approximately 100 new registrations per year in the voluntary trial registry
      in the clinical information system now matches the numbers of the existing
      mandatory trial registry of the hospital. Likewise, the yearly numbers of
      patients tagged as trial participants as well as the use of the standardized
      trial record templates increased to 2408 documented trial enrolments and 190
      reports generated/month in the year 2013. Accounts for 32 clinical monitors have
      been established in the first 2 years monitoring a total of 49 trials in 16
      clinical departments. A total of 15 months after adding the optional feature of
      hospital admission alerts of trial participants, 107 running trials have
      activated this option, including 48 out of 97 studies (49.5%) registered in the
      year 2013, generating approximately 85 alerts per month. CONCLUSIONS: The
      popularity of the presented tools in the clinical information system illustrates
      their potential to facilitate the conduct of clinical trials. The tools also
      allow for enhanced transparency on trials conducted at the hospital. Future
      studies on monitoring and inspection findings will have to evaluate their impact
      on quality and safety.

PMID- 25115881
TI  - Postnatal hyperoxia exposure differentially affects hepatocytes and liver
      haemopoietic cells in newborn rats.
AB  - Premature newborns are frequently exposed to hyperoxic conditions and
      experimental data indicate modulation of liver metabolism by hyperoxia in the
      first postnatal period. Conversely, nothing is known about possible modulation of
      growth factors and signaling molecules involved in other hyperoxic responses and
      no data are available about the effects of hyperoxia in postnatal liver
      haematopoiesis. The aim of the study was to analyse the effects of hyperoxia in
      the liver tissue (hepatocytes and haemopoietic cells) and to investigate possible
      changes in the expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Matrix
      Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha),
      endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS), and Nuclear Factor-kB (NF-kB).
      Experimental design of the study involved exposure of newborn rats to room air
      (controls), 60% O2 (moderate hyperoxia), or 95% O2 (severe hyperoxia) for the
      first two postnatal weeks. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses were
      performed. Severe hyperoxia increased hepatocyte apoptosis and MMP-9 expression
      and decreased VEGF expression. Reduced content in reticular fibers was found in
      moderate and severe hyperoxia. Some other changes were specifically produced in
      hepatocytes by moderate hyperoxia, i.e., upregulation of HIF-1alpha and
      downregulation of eNOS and NF-kB. Postnatal severe hyperoxia exposure increased
      liver haemopoiesis and upregulated the expression of VEGF (both moderate and
      severe hyperoxia) and eNOS (severe hyperoxia) in haemopoietic cells. In
      conclusion, our study showed different effects of hyperoxia on hepatocytes and
      haemopoietic cells and differential involvement of the above factors. The
      involvement of VEGF and eNOS in the liver haemopoietic response to hyperoxia may
      be hypothesized. 

PMID- 25115884
TI  - Making data from clinical trials available.

PMID- 25115882
TI  - The transitioning from trials to extended follow-up studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Investigators may elect to extend follow-up of participants enrolled
      in a randomized clinical trial after the trial comes to its planned end. The
      additional follow-up may be initiated to learn about longer term effects of
      treatments, including adverse events, costs related to treatment, or for reasons
      unrelated to treatment such as to observe the natural course of the disease using
      the established cohort from the trial. PURPOSE: We examine transitioning from
      trials to extended follow-up studies when the goal of additional follow-up is to
      observe longer term treatment effects. METHODS: We conducted a literature search
      in selected journals from 2000 to 2012 to identify trials that extended follow-up
      for the purpose of studying longer term treatment effects and extracted
      information on the operational and logistical issues in the transition. We also
      draw experience from three trials coordinated by the Johns Hopkins Coordinating
      Centers that made transitions to extended follow-up: the Alzheimer's Disease Anti
      inflammatory Prevention Trial, Multicenter Uveitis Steroid Treatment trial, and
      Childhood Asthma Management Program. RESULTS: Transitions are not uncommon in
      multicenter clinical trials, even in trials that continued to the planned end of
      the trial. Transitioning usually necessitates new participant consents. If study
      infrastructure is not maintained during the transition, participants will be lost
      and re-establishing the staff and facilities will be costly. Merging data from
      the trial and follow-up study can be complicated by changes in data collection
      measures and schedules. LIMITATIONS: Our discussion and recommendations are
      limited to issues that we have experienced in transitions from trials to follow
      up studies. DISCUSSION: We discuss issues such as maintaining funding,
      institutional review board and consent requirements, contacting participants, and
      combining data from the trial and follow-up phases. We conclude with a list of
      recommendations to facilitate transitions from a trial to an extended follow-up
      study.

PMID- 25115885
TI  - Trigeminal induced arousals during human sleep.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arousals caused by external stimuli during human sleep have been
      studied for most of the sensorial systems. It could be shown that a pure nasal
      trigeminal stimulus leads to arousals during sleep. The frequency of arousals
      increases dependent on the stimulus concentration. The aim of the study was to
      evaluate the influence of different stimulus durations on arousal frequency
      during different sleep stages. METHODS: Ten young healthy volunteers with 20
      nights of polysomnography were included in the study. Pure trigeminal stimulation
      with both different concentrations of CO2 (0, 10, 20, 40% v/v) and different
      stimulus durations (1, 3, 5, and 10 s) were applied during different sleep stages
      to the volunteers using an olfactometer. The application was performed during
      different sleep stages (light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep). RESULTS: The number
      of arousals increased with rising stimulus duration and stimulus concentration
      during each sleep stage. CONCLUSION: Trigeminal stimuli during sleep led to
      arousals in dose- and time-dependent manner.

PMID- 25115886
TI  - Accuracy of a novel auto-CPAP device to evaluate the residual apnea-hypopnea
      index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients under treatment with continuous positive airway pressure
      (CPAP) may have residual sleep apnea (RSA). OBJECTIVE: The main objective of our
      study was to evaluate a novel auto-CPAP for the diagnosis of RSA. METHODS: All
      patients referred to the sleep laboratory to undergo CPAP polysomnography were
      evaluated. Patients treated with oxygen or noninvasive ventilation and split
      night polysomnography (PSG), PSG with artifacts, or total sleep time less than
      180 min were excluded. The PSG was manually analyzed before generating the
      automatic report from auto-CPAP. PSG variables (respiratory disturbance index
      (RDI), obstructive apnea index, hypopnea index, and central apnea index) were
      compared with their counterparts from auto-CPAP through Bland-Altman plots and
      intraclass correlation coefficient. The diagnostic accuracy of autoscoring from
      auto-CPAP using different cutoff points of RDI (>=5 and 10) was evaluated by the
      receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) curve. RESULTS: The study included 114
      patients (24 women; mean age and BMI, 59 years old and 33 kg/m(2); RDI and
      apnea/hypopnea index (AHI)-auto median, 5 and 2, respectively). The average
      difference between the AHI-auto and the RDI was -3.5 +/- 3.9. The intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC) between the total number of central apneas,
      obstructive, and hypopneas between the PSG and the auto-CPAP were 0.69, 0.16, and
      0.15, respectively. An AHI-auto >2 (RDI >= 5) or >4 (RDI >= 10) had an area under
      the ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative
      for diagnosis of residual sleep apnea of 0.84/0.89, 84/81%, 82/91%, 4.5/9.5, and
      0.22/0.2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The automatic analysis from auto-CPAP (S9
      Autoset) showed a good diagnostic accuracy to identify residual sleep apnea. The
      absolute agreement between PSG and auto-CPAP to classify the respiratory events
      correctly varied from very low (obstructive apneas, hypopneas) to moderate
      (central apneas).

PMID- 25115888
TI  - Genetic studies reveal an unexpected negative regulatory role for Jak2 in
      thrombopoiesis.
AB  - JAK inhibitor treatment is limited by the variable development of anemia and
      thrombocytopenia thought to be due to on-target JAK2 inhibition. We evaluated the
      impact of Jak2 deletion in platelets (PLTs) and megakaryocytes (MKs) on blood
      counts, stem/progenitor cells, and Jak-Stat signaling. Pf4-Cre-mediated Jak2
      deletion in PLTs and MKs did not compromise PLT formation but caused
      thrombocytosis, and resulted in expansion of MK progenitors and Lin(-)Sca1(+)Kit+
      cells. Serum thrombopoietin (TPO) was maintained at normal levels in Pf4-Cre
      positive Jak2(f/f) mice, consistent with reduced internalization/turnover by Jak2
      deficient PLTs. These data demonstrate that Jak2 in terminal megakaryopoiesis is
      not required for PLT production, and that Jak2 loss in PLTs and MKs results in
      non-autonomous expansion of stem/progenitors and of MKs and PLTs via dysregulated
      TPO turnover. This suggests that the thrombocytopenia frequently seen with JAK
      inhibitor treatment is not due to JAK2 inhibition in PLTs and MKs, but rather due
      to JAK2 inhibition in stem/progenitor cells.

PMID- 25115887
TI  - Src family kinases: at the forefront of platelet activation.
AB  - Src family kinases (SFKs) play a central role in mediating the rapid response of
      platelets to vascular injury. They transmit activation signals from a diverse
      repertoire of platelet surface receptors, including the integrin alphaIIbbeta3,
      the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-containing collagen receptor
      complex GPVI-FcR gamma-chain, and the von Willebrand factor receptor complex GPIb
      IX-V, which are essential for thrombus growth and stability. Ligand-mediated
      clustering of these receptors triggers an increase in SFK activity and downstream
      tyrosine phosphorylation of enzymes, adaptors, and cytoskeletal proteins that
      collectively propagate the signal and coordinate platelet activation. A growing
      body of evidence has established that SFKs also contribute to Gq- and Gi-coupled
      receptor signaling that synergizes with primary activation signals to maximally
      activate platelets and render them prothrombotic. Interestingly, SFKs
      concomitantly activate inhibitory pathways that limit platelet activation and
      thrombus size. In this review, we discuss past discoveries that laid the
      foundation for this fundamental area of platelet signal transduction, recent
      progress in our understanding of the distinct and overlapping functions of SFKs
      in platelets, and new avenues of research into mechanisms of SFK regulation. We
      also highlight the thrombotic and hemostatic consequences of targeting platelet
      SFKs. 

PMID- 25115890
TI  - A staging system for renal outcome and early markers of renal response to
      chemotherapy in AL amyloidosis.
AB  - The kidney is involved in 70% of patients with immunoglobulin light-chain (AL)
      amyloidosis, but little is known on progression or reversibility of renal
      involvement, and criteria for renal response have never been validated. Newly
      diagnosed patients from the Pavia (n = 461, testing cohort) and Heidelberg (n =
      271, validation cohort) centers were included. Proteinuria >5 g/24 h and
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <50 mL/min predicted progression to
      dialysis best. Proteinuria below and eGFR above the thresholds indicated low risk
      (0 and 4% at 3 years in the testing and validation cohorts, respectively). High
      proteinuria and low eGFR indicated high risk (60% and 85% at 3 years). At 6
      months, a >=25% eGFR decrease predicted poor renal survival in both cohorts and
      was adopted as criterion for renal progression. A decrease in proteinuria by
      >=30% or below 0.5 g/24 h without renal progression was the criterion for renal
      response, being associated with longer renal survival in the testing and
      validation populations. Hematologic very good partial or complete remission at 6
      months improved renal outcome in both populations. We identified and validated a
      staging system for renal involvement and criteria for early assessment of renal
      response and progression in AL amyloidosis that should be used in clinical
      practice and trial design. 

PMID- 25115891
TI  - KIR B haplotype donors confer a reduced risk for relapse after haploidentical
      transplantation in children with ALL.
AB  - We analyzed the influence of donor killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)
      gene haplotypes on the risk for relapse and the probability of event-free
      survival (EFS) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who received human
      leukocyte antigen-haploidentical transplantation of ex vivo T-cell-depleted
      peripheral blood stem cells. The KIR gene haplotype was evaluated in 85 donors,
      and the KIR B content score was determined in the 63 KIR haplotype B donors.
      Patients transplanted from a KIR haplotype B donor had a significantly better EFS
      than those transplanted from a KIR haplotype A donor (50.6% vs 29.5%,
      respectively; P = .033). Moreover, a high donor KIR B-content score was
      associated with a significantly reduced risk for relapse (Log-rank test for
      trend, P = .026). These data indicate that KIR genotyping should be included in
      the donor selection algorithm for haploidentical transplantation in children with
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia with the aim of choosing, whenever possible, a KIR
      haplotype B donor with a high KIR B-content score. 

PMID- 25115892
TI  - Antiemetic therapy in Asia Pacific countries for patients receiving moderately
      and highly emetogenic chemotherapy--a descriptive analysis of practice patterns,
      antiemetic quality of care, and use of antiemetic guidelines.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper reports prescribing patterns for prophylaxis of chemotherapy
      induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) after highly or moderately emetogenic
      chemotherapy (HEC or MEC) for cancer in six Asia Pacific countries. METHODS: In a
      prospective noninterventional study, 31 sites in Australia, China, India,
      Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan recorded details of CINV prophylaxis for the
      acute phase (first 24 h) and delayed phase (days 2-5) after single-day HEC or MEC
      for adult patients. Additional information on CINV prophylactic medications was
      collected from 6-day patient diaries. Primary antiemetic therapies were defined
      as corticosteroids, the 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonists (5HT3-RAs),
      and neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists (NK1-RAs). RESULTS: Evaluable patients in
      cycle 1 numbered 648 (318 [49%] HEC and 330 [51%] MEC) of mean (SD) age of 56
      (12) years, including 58% women. For the acute phase after HEC, overall (and
      country range), 96% (91-100%) of patients received a 5HT3-RA, 87% (70-100%) a
      corticosteroid, and 43% (0-91%) an NK1-RA. CINV prophylaxis for the HEC delayed
      phase was more variable: including 22% (7-65%) 5HT3-RA, 52% (12-93%)
      corticosteroid, and 46% (0-88%) NK1-RA. For the MEC acute phase, 97% (87-100%) of
      patients received 5HT3-RA and 86% (73-97%) a corticosteroid. For the MEC delayed
      phase, 201 patients (61%) received a primary antiemetic, including 5HT3-RA (41%),
      corticosteroid (37%), and/or NK1-RA (4%). CONCLUSIONS: The 5HT3-RAs were
      prescribed consistently in all countries, while prescribing of other antiemetic
      therapies was variable, and corticosteroids were under-prescribed for CINV
      prophylaxis, particularly in the delayed phase.

PMID- 25115889
TI  - The exosome complex establishes a barricade to erythroid maturation.
AB  - Complex genetic networks control hematopoietic stem cell differentiation into
      progenitors that give rise to billions of erythrocytes daily. Previously, we
      described a role for the master regulator of erythropoiesis, GATA-1, in inducing
      genes encoding components of the autophagy machinery. In this context, the
      Forkhead transcription factor, Foxo3, amplified GATA-1-mediated transcriptional
      activation. To determine the scope of the GATA-1/Foxo3 cooperativity, and to
      develop functional insights, we analyzed the GATA-1/Foxo3-dependent transcriptome
      in erythroid cells. GATA-1/Foxo3 repressed expression of Exosc8, a pivotal
      component of the exosome complex, which mediates RNA surveillance and epigenetic
      regulation. Strikingly, downregulating Exosc8, or additional exosome complex
      components, in primary erythroid precursor cells induced erythroid cell
      maturation. Our results demonstrate a new mode of controlling erythropoiesis in
      which multiple components of the exosome complex are endogenous suppressors of
      the erythroid developmental program. 

PMID- 25115893
TI  - Rationale and design of the Pan Australasian chemotherapy-induced emesis burden
      of illness study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preventing and managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
      (CINV) remain important goals. The objective of the Pan Australasian chemotherapy
      induced emesis burden of illness (PrACTICE) study was to describe the incidence
      of CINV after highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC or MEC) for
      cancer in current clinical practice in Australia and five Asian countries (China,
      India, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan). STUDY DESIGN: This prospective,
      observational study of CINV was conducted at 31 sites in these six countries from
      August 2011 through September 2012 and enrolled male and female adult patients
      (>=18 years of age) naive to HEC and MEC who were scheduled to receive at least
      two cycles of single-day chemotherapy. The primary effectiveness endpoint was
      complete response, defined as no vomiting or use of rescue therapy, during
      chemotherapy cycle 1 in the overall phase (0-120 h), acute phase (0-24 h), and
      delayed phase (>24-120 h). Study outcomes were analyzed descriptively. Primary
      outcomes, CINV incidence, and treatment patterns (chemotherapy, CINV prophylaxis,
      rescue medication prescription, and rescue medication use) were assessed by phase
      (overall, acute, delayed), by cycle (as appropriate), within and across
      countries, and by level of chemotherapy emetogenicity (HEC vs. MEC). The impact
      of CINV in cycle 1 on CINV in cycle 2 was analyzed for all patients with
      evaluable data for cycle 2. No site-specific analyses were performed. The
      remainder of this special series of papers reports on the results of this study.

PMID- 25115894
TI  - The importance of biologically relevant microclimates in habitat suitability
      assessments.
AB  - Predicting habitat suitability under climate change is vital to conserving
      biodiversity. However, current species distribution models rely on coarse scale
      climate data, whereas fine scale microclimate data may be necessary to assess
      habitat suitability and generate predictive models. Here, we evaluate disparities
      between temperature data at the coarse scale from weather stations versus fine
      scale data measured in microhabitats required for a climate-sensitive mammal, the
      American pika (Ochotona princeps). We collected two years of temperature data in
      occupied talus habitats predicted to be suitable (high elevation) and unsuitable
      (low elevation) by the bioclimatic envelope approach. At low elevations, talus
      surface and interstitial microclimates drastically differed from ambient
      temperatures measured on-site and at a nearby weather station. Interstitial talus
      temperatures were frequently decoupled from high ambient temperatures, resulting
      in instantaneous disparities of over 30  degrees C between these two
      measurements. Microhabitat temperatures were also highly heterogeneous, such that
      temperature measurements within the same patch of talus were not more correlated
      than measurements at distant patches. An experimental manipulation revealed that
      vegetation cover may cool the talus surface by up to 10  degrees C during the
      summer, which may contribute to this spatial heterogeneity. Finally, low
      elevation microclimates were milder and less variable than typical alpine
      habitat, suggesting that, counter to species distribution model predictions,
      these seemingly unsuitable habitats may actually be better refugia for this
      species under climate change. These results highlight the importance of fine
      scale microhabitat data in habitat assessments and underscore the notion that
      some critical refugia may be counterintuitive.

PMID- 25115895
TI  - Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxivities: investigations of ultrahigh-spin
      lanthanide clusters from 10 MHz to 1.4 GHz.
AB  - Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement is often explored in magnetic resonance
      imaging in terms of contrast agents and in biomolecular nuclear magnetic
      resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for structure determination. New ultrahigh-spin
      clusters are investigated with respect to their NMR relaxation properties. As
      their molecular size and therefore motional correlation times as well as their
      electronic properties differ significantly from those of conventional contrast
      agents, questions about a comprehensive characterization arise. The relaxivity
      was studied by field-dependent longitudinal and transverse NMR relaxometry of
      aqueous solutions containing Fe(III)(10)Dy(III)(10) ultrahigh-spin clusters (spin
      ground state 100/2). The high-field limit was extended to 32.9 T by using a 24 MW
      resistive magnet and an ultrahigh-frequency NMR setup. Interesting relaxation
      dispersions were observed; the relaxivities increase up to the highest available
      fields, which indicates a complex interplay of electronic and molecular
      correlation times.

PMID- 25115896
TI  - Potential negative ecological effects of corridors.
AB  - Despite many studies showing that landscape corridors increase dispersal and
      species richness for disparate taxa, concerns persist that corridors can have
      unintended negative effects. In particular, some of the same mechanisms that
      underlie positive effects of corridors on species of conservation interest may
      also increase the spread and impact of antagonistic species (e.g., predators and
      pathogens), foster negative effects of edges, increase invasion by exotic
      species, increase the spread of unwanted disturbances such as fire, or increase
      population synchrony and thus reduce persistence. We conducted a literature
      review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of each of these negative
      effects. We found no evidence that corridors increase unwanted disturbance or non
      native species invasion; however, these have not been well-studied concerns (1
      and 6 studies, respectively). Other effects of corridors were more often studied
      and yielded inconsistent results; mean effect sizes were indistinguishable from
      zero. The effect of edges on abundances of target species was as likely to be
      positive as negative. Corridors were as likely to have no effect on antagonists
      or population synchrony as they were to increase those negative effects. We found
      3 deficiencies in the literature. First, despite studies on how corridors affect
      predators, there are few studies of related consequences for prey population size
      and persistence. Second, properly designed studies of negative corridor effects
      are needed in natural corridors at scales larger than those achievable in
      experimental systems. Third, studies are needed to test more targeted hypotheses
      about when corridor-mediated effects on invasive species or disturbance may be
      negative for species of management concern. Overall, we found no overarching
      support for concerns that construction and maintenance of habitat corridors may
      result in unintended negative consequences. Negative edge effects may be
      mitigated by widening corridors or softening edges between corridors and the
      matrix. Other negative effects are relatively small and manageable compared with
      the large positive effects of facilitating dispersal and increasing diversity of
      native species.

PMID- 25115897
TI  - The metabolism and growth of web forums.
AB  - We view web forums as virtual living organisms feeding on user's clicks and
      investigate how they grow at the expense of clickstreams. We find that PV(t) (the
      number of page views in a given time period) and UV(t) (the number of unique
      visitors in the time period) of the studied forums satisfy the law of the
      allometric growth, i.e., PV(t) ~ UV(t)((theta). We construct clickstream networks
      and explain the observed temporal dynamics of networks by the interactions
      between nodes. We describe the transportation of clickstreams using the function
      D(i) ~ T(i)(gamma), in which T(i) is the total amount of clickstreams passing
      through node i and D(i) is the amount of the clickstreams dissipated from i to
      the environment. It turns out that gamma, an indicator for the efficiency of
      network dissipation, not only negatively correlates with theta, but also sets the
      bounds for theta. In particular, 1/gamma > theta when 0 < gamma < 1 and 1/gamma <
      theta when gamma > 1. Our findings have practical consequences. For example,
      theta can be used as a measure of the "stickiness" of forums, which quantifies
      the stable ability of forums to remain users "lock-in" on the forum. Meanwhile,
      the correlation between gamma and theta provides a method to predict the long
      term "stickiness" of forums from the clickstream data in a short time period.
      Finally, we discuss a random walk model that replicates both of the allometric
      growth PV(t) ~ UV(t)(theta) and the dissipation function D(i) ~ T(gamma)(i).

PMID- 25115898
TI  - Concentrations and distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in
      soils and plants from a deca-BDE manufacturing factory in China.
AB  - Residues of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), including eight PBDE
      congeners, were investigated in soils and plants from a deca-BDE manufacturing
      factory located in the Shandong province of China to evaluate and discuss their
      pollution level and distribution. Total concentrations in topsoil ranged from
      17.0 to 146 MUg g(-1) dry weight (dw) with a mean value of 58.7 MUg g(-1) dw. BDE
      209 was the dominant congener in soils, accounting for 55.63-99.27 % of the total
      PBDEs. Concentrations and congener patterns in soils varied among different soil
      depths. Concentration levels in topsoil are high and the heavy accumulation in
      deep soil also can be observed, even for some sites, the concentrations in 50-100
      cm depth are higher than in topsoil. In plant samples, total PBDE concentrations
      and the proportion of BDE-209 were high (69.92-99.10 %). The extent of pollution
      by PBDEs in the deca-BDE production factory was higher than in other regions, and
      the environmental risk caused by the production of deca-BDE is of concern. This
      is the first study to report pollution of PBDEs in soils and plants from the
      vicinity of a deca-BDE manufacturing factory.

PMID- 25115899
TI  - Removal of heavy metal species from industrial sludge with the aid of
      biodegradable iminodisuccinic acid as the chelating ligand.
AB  - High level of heavy metals in industrial sludge was the obstacle of sludge
      disposal and resource recycling. In this study, iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), a
      biodegradable chelating ligand, was used to remove heavy metals from industrial
      sludge generated from battery industry. The extraction of cadmium, copper,
      nickel, and zinc from battery sludge with aqueous solution of IDS was studied
      under various conditions. It was found that removal efficiency greatly depends on
      pH, chelating agent's concentration, as well as species distribution of metals.
      The results showed that mildly acidic and neutral systems were not beneficial to
      remove cadmium. About 68 % of cadmium in the sample was extracted at the molar
      ratio of IDS to heavy metals 7:1 without pH adjustment (pH 11.5). Copper of 91.3
      % and nickel of 90.7 % could be removed by IDS (molar ratio, IDS: metals = 1:1)
      with 1.2 % phosphoric acid effectively. Removal efficiency of zinc was very low
      throughout the experiment. Based on the experimental results, IDS could be a
      potentially useful chelant for heavy metal removal from battery industry sludge.

PMID- 25115902
TI  - Pollination syndromes in a specialised plant-pollinator interaction: does floral
      morphology predict pollinators in Calceolaria?
AB  - Pollination syndromes are defined as suites of floral traits evolved in response
      to selection imposed by a particular group of pollinators (e.g., butterflies,
      hummingbirds, bats). Although numerous studies demonstrated their occurrence in
      plants pollinated by radically different pollinators, it is less known whether it
      is possible to identify them within species pollinated by one functional
      pollinator group. In such a framework, we expect floral traits to evolve also in
      response to pollinator subgroups (e.g., species, genera) within that unique
      functional group. On this, specialised pollination systems represent appropriate
      case studies to test such expectations. Calceolaria is a highly diversified plant
      genus pollinated by oil-collecting bees in genera Centris and Chalepogenus.
      Variation in floral traits in Calceolaria has recently been suggested to reflect
      adaptations to pollinator types. However, to date no study has explicitly tested
      that observation. In this paper, we quantitatively test that hypothesis by
      evaluating the presence of pollination syndromes within the specialised
      pollination system formed by several Calceolaria and their insect pollinators. To
      do so, we use multivariate approaches and explore the structural matching between
      the morphology of 10 Calceolaria taxa and that of their principal pollinators.
      Our results identify morphological matching between floral traits related to
      access to the reward and insect traits involved in oil collection, confirming the
      presence of pollinator syndromes in Calceolaria. From a general perspective, our
      findings indicate that the pollination syndrome concept can be also extended to
      the intra-pollinator group level. 

PMID- 25115901
TI  - Vaniprevir plus peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin in treatment-experienced
      Japanese patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection: a randomized phase
      II study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vaniprevir (MK-7009) is a hepatitis C virus (HCV) non-structural 3/4a
      protease inhibitor which significantly increases virologic response rates in HCV
      genotype (GT) 1-infected patients when added to peginterferon and ribavirin (PR).
      METHODS: This was a phase II, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, dose-ranging
      study in Japanese patients with HCV GT1 infection and previous relapse. Patients
      received twice daily vaniprevir 100, 300, or 600 mg, or placebo plus PR for 4
      weeks then PR alone for 2 weeks. Further treatment with PR was continued up to a
      maximum of 72 weeks. The primary endpoint was rapid virologic response (RVR;
      undetectable HCV RNA at treatment week 4). RESULTS: Ninety patients completed 4
      weeks of vaniprevir/placebo plus PR. Rates of RVR were significantly higher with
      vaniprevir compared with placebo (86, 95, and 76 % in the vaniprevir 100-, 300-,
      and 600-mg arms versus 20 % with control; p<0.001 for all comparisons). Rates of
      SVR, an exploratory analysis, in the vaniprevir 100-, 300-, 600-mg, and control
      arms were 95, 100, 100, and 72 %, respectively. No patient had virologic
      breakthrough or non-response while receiving vaniprevir. There were no serious
      adverse events (AEs) or discontinuations due to an AE during vaniprevir
      treatment. Diarrhea and nausea were more common with vaniprevir 600 mg than
      control or lower vaniprevir doses. CONCLUSION: The addition of vaniprevir to PR
      was associated with an increase in RVR and SVR. Combined with a generally safe
      and well-tolerated profile, these data supported the further evaluation of
      vaniprevir in Japanese patients with HCV GT1 infection (#NCT00880763).

PMID- 25115904
TI  - Locked-in biomimetic surface gradients that are tunable in size, density and
      functionalization.
AB  - Tuneable and stable surface-chemical gradients in supported lipid bilayers (SLBs)
      hold great promise for a range of applications in biological sensing and
      screening. Yet, until now, no method has been reported that provides temporal
      control of SLB gradients. Herein we report on the development of locked-in SLB
      gradients that can be tuned in space, time and density by applying a process to
      control lipid phase behaviour, electric field and temperature. Stable gradients
      of charged Texas-Red-, serine- or biotin-terminated lipids have been prepared.
      For example, the Texas-Red surface density was varied from 0 to 2 mol %, while
      the length was varied between several tens to several hundreds of microns. At
      room temperature the gradients are shown to be stable up to 24 h, while at 60 
      degrees C the gradients could be erased in 30 min. Covalent and non-covalent
      chemical modification of the gradients is demonstrated, for example, by FITC,
      hexahistidine-tagged proteins, and SAv/biotin. The amenability to various
      (bio)chemistries paves the way for novel SLB-based gradients, useful in sensing,
      high-throughput screening and for understanding dynamic biological processes. 

PMID- 25115903
TI  - Brain damage in commercial breath-hold divers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute decompression illness (DCI) involving the brain (Cerebral DCI)
      is one of the most serious forms of diving-related injuries which may leave
      residual brain damage. Cerebral DCI occurs in compressed air and in breath-hold
      divers, likewise. We conducted this study to investigate whether long-term breath
      hold divers who may be exposed to repeated symptomatic and asymptomatic brain
      injuries, show brain damage on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: Our study subjects were 12 commercial breath-hold divers (Ama) with long
      histories of diving work in a district of Japan. We obtained information on their
      diving practices and the presence or absence of medical problems, especially DCI
      events. All participants were examined with MRI to determine the prevalence of
      brain lesions. RESULTS: Out of 12 Ama divers (mean age: 54.9+/-5.1 years), four
      had histories of cerebral DCI events, and 11 divers demonstrated ischemic lesions
      of the brain on MRI studies. The lesions were situated in the cortical and/or
      subcortical area (9 cases), white matters (4 cases), the basal ganglia (4 cases),
      and the thalamus (1 case). Subdural fluid collections were seen in 2 cases.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest that commercial breath-hold divers are at a
      risk of clinical or subclinical brain injury which may affect the long-term
      neuropsychological health of divers.

PMID- 25115905
TI  - Incorporating social and cultural significance of large old trees in conservation
      policy.
AB  - In addition to providing key ecological functions, large old trees are a part of
      a social realm and as such provide numerous social-cultural benefits to people.
      However, their social and cultural values are often neglected when designing
      conservation policies and management guidelines. We believe that awareness of
      large old trees as a part of human identity and cultural heritage is essential
      when addressing the issue of their decline worldwide. Large old trees provide
      humans with aesthetic, symbolic, religious, and historic values, as well as
      concrete tangible benefits, such as leaves, branches, or nuts. In many cultures
      particularly large trees are treated with reverence. Also, contemporary popular
      culture utilizes the image of trees as sentient beings and builds on the ancient
      myths that attribute great powers to large trees. Although the social and
      cultural role of large old trees is usually not taken into account in
      conservation, accounting for human-related values of these trees is an important
      part of conservation policy because it may strengthen conservation by
      highlighting the potential synergies in protecting ecological and social values.

PMID- 25115907
TI  - Editor's choice, volume 111.

PMID- 25115906
TI  - Implantable collamer lens versus iris-fixed phakic intraocular lens implantation
      to correct myopia: a meta-analysis.
AB  - This study is a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy, predictability, and safety
      of correcting myopia via implantation of two types of phakic intraocular lens
      (PIOLs): the implantable collamer lens (ICL) and iris-fixed PIOL. The Cochrane
      library, Pubmed, and EMBASE were searched. Study selection, data exclusion, and
      quality assessment were performed by two independent observers. The pooled
      relative risk (RR), pooled standardized mean difference (SMD), and their 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compare lenses. Seven studies, involving
      511 eyes, were included. The pooled SMD in postoperative uncorrected distance
      visual acuity (UDVA) comparing ICLs to iris-fixed PIOLs was -0.22 (95% CI, -0.58
      to 0.13; P = .22). The pooled RR values of UDVA of 20/20 or better and of 20/40
      or better comparing ICLs to iris-fixed PIOLs were 1.15 (95% CI, 0.89 to 1.47; P =
      .29) and 1.01 (95% CI, 0.95 to 1.08; P = .75), respectively. The pooled RR of
      loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and gain in BSCVA
      comparing ICLs to iris-fixed PIOLs were 1.20 (95% CI, 0.24 to 6.00; P = .82) and
      1.14 (95% CI, 0.89 to 1.48; P = .31), respectively. The pooled RR comparing ICLs
      to iris-fixed PIOLs was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.29 to 2.12; P = .63) for all reported
      complications and 2.80 (95% CI, 1.04 to 7.52; P = .04) for severe complications.
      The pooled RR of achieving a result within +/- 0.5 D (diopter) of the intended
      target comparing ICLs to iris-fixed PIOLs was 1.35 (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.77; P =
      .03). Overall, there is no significant difference in efficacy between the two
      types of PIOLs or in safety, except that the ICL is associated with a greater
      incidence of severe complications, especially anterior subcapsular cataract,
      primarily in the Version 2 and Version 3 groups. However, ICL has better
      predictability.

PMID- 25115908
TI  - Effects of the duration of cold stratification on early life stages of the
      Mediterranean alpine plant Silene ciliata.
AB  - Cold stratification provided by snow cover is essential to break seed dormancy in
      many alpine plant species. The forecast reduction in snow precipitation and snow
      cover duration in most temperate mountains as a result of global warming could
      threaten alpine plant populations, especially those at the edge of their species
      distribution, by altering the dynamics of early life stages. We simulated some
      effects of a reduction in the snow cover period by manipulating the duration of
      cold stratification in seeds of Silene ciliata, a Mediterranean alpine
      specialist. Seeds from three populations distributed along an altitudinal
      gradient were exposed to different periods of cold stratification (2, 4 and 6
      months) in the laboratory and then moved to common garden conditions in a
      greenhouse. The duration of the cold stratification treatment and population
      origin significantly affected seed emergence percentage, emergence rate and
      seedling size, but not the number of seedling leaves. The 6-month and 4-month
      cold stratification treatments produced higher emergence percentages and faster
      emergence rates than seeds without cold stratification treatment. No significant
      cold stratification duration x seed population origin interactions were found,
      thus differential sensitivity to cold stratification along elevation is not
      supported. 

PMID- 25115910
TI  - Preventing aspiration during peroral endoscopic myotomy.

PMID- 25115909
TI  - Invertebrate extracellular phagocyte traps show that chromatin is an ancient
      defence weapon.
AB  - Controlled release of chromatin from the nuclei of inflammatory cells is a
      process that entraps and kills microorganisms in the extracellular environment.
      Now termed ETosis, it is important for innate immunity in vertebrates.
      Paradoxically, however, in mammals, it can also contribute to certain
      pathologies. Here we show that ETosis occurs in several invertebrate species,
      including, remarkably, an acoelomate. Our findings reveal that the phenomenon is
      primordial and predates the evolution of the coelom. In invertebrates, the
      released chromatin participates in defence not only by ensnaring microorganisms
      and externalizing antibacterial histones together with other haemocyte-derived
      defence factors, but crucially, also provides the scaffold on which intact
      haemocytes assemble during encapsulation; a response that sequesters and kills
      potential pathogens infecting the body cavity. This insight into the early origin
      of ETosis identifies it as a very ancient process that helps explain some of its
      detrimental effects in mammals. 

PMID- 25115911
TI  - Effectiveness of low emission zones: large scale analysis of changes in
      environmental NO2, NO and NOx concentrations in 17 German cities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are areas where the most polluting vehicles
      are restricted from entering. The effectiveness of LEZs to lower ambient
      exposures is under debate. This study focused on LEZs that restricted cars of
      Euro 1 standard without appropriate retrofitting systems from entering and
      estimated LEZ effects on NO2, NO, and NOx ( = NO2+NO). METHODS: Continuous half
      hour and diffuse sampler 4-week average NO2, NO, and NOx concentrations measured
      inside and outside LEZs in 17 German cities of 6 federal states (2005-2009) were
      analysed as matched quadruplets (two pairs of simultaneously measured index
      values inside LEZ and reference values outside LEZ, one pair measured before and
      one after introducing LEZs with time differences that equal multiples of 364
      days) by multiple linear and log-linear fixed-effects regression modelling
      (covariables: e.g., wind velocity, amount of precipitation, height of inversion
      base, school holidays, truck-free periods). Additionally, the continuous half
      hour data was collapsed into 4-week averages and pooled with the diffuse sampler
      data to perform joint analysis. RESULTS: More than 3,000,000 quadruplets of
      continuous measurements (half-hour averages) were identified at 38 index and 45
      reference stations. Pooling with diffuse sampler data from 15 index and 10
      reference stations lead to more than 4,000 quadruplets for joint analyses of 4
      week averages. Mean LEZ effects on NO2, NO, and NOx concentrations (reductions)
      were estimated to be at most -2 ug/m(3) (or -4%). The 4-week averages of NO2
      concentrations at index stations after LEZ introduction were 55 ug/m(3) (median
      and mean values) or 82 ug/m(3) (95th percentile). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first
      study investigating comprehensively the effectiveness of LEZs to reduce NO2, NO,
      and NOx concentrations controlling for most relevant potential confounders. Our
      analyses indicate that there is a statistically significant, but rather small
      reduction of NO2, NO, and NOx concentrations associated with LEZs.

PMID- 25115913
TI  - Overlapped sequence types (STs) and serogroups of avian pathogenic (APEC) and
      human extra-intestinal pathogenic (ExPEC) Escherichia coli isolated in Brazil.
AB  - Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) strains belong to a category that is
      associated with colibacillosis, a serious illness in the poultry industry
      worldwide. Additionally, some APEC groups have recently been described as
      potential zoonotic agents. In this work, we compared APEC strains with
      extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains isolated from clinical cases
      of humans with extra-intestinal diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTI)
      and bacteremia. PCR results showed that genes usually found in the ColV plasmid
      (tsh, iucA, iss, and hlyF) were associated with APEC strains while fyuA, irp-2,
      fepC sitDchrom, fimH, crl, csgA, afa, iha, sat, hlyA, hra, cnf1, kpsMTII,
      clpVSakai and malX were associated with human ExPEC. Both categories shared nine
      serogroups (O2, O6, O7, O8, O11, O19, O25, O73 and O153) and seven sequence types
      (ST10, ST88, ST93, ST117, ST131, ST155, ST359, ST648 and ST1011). Interestingly,
      ST95, which is associated with the zoonotic potential of APEC and is spread in
      avian E. coli of North America and Europe, was not detected among 76 APEC
      strains. When the strains were clustered based on the presence of virulence
      genes, most ExPEC strains (71.7%) were contained in one cluster while most APEC
      strains (63.2%) segregated to another. In general, the strains showed distinct
      genetic and fingerprint patterns, but avian and human strains of ST359, or ST23
      clonal complex (CC), presented more than 70% of similarity by PFGE. The results
      demonstrate that some "zoonotic-related" STs (ST117, ST131, ST10CC, ST23CC) are
      present in Brazil. Also, the presence of moderate fingerprint similarities
      between ST359 E. coli of avian and human origin indicates that strains of this ST
      are candidates for having zoonotic potential. 

PMID- 25115916
TI  - Efficacy and safety of lixisenatide in elderly (>=65 years old) and very elderly
      (>=75 years old) patients with type 2 diabetes: an analysis from the GetGoal
      phase III programme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this article is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics,
      efficacy and safety of lixisenatide (subcutaneous injection) in elderly (>=65
      years old) and very elderly (>=75 years old) patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus. METHODS: We conducted a phase I, single-centre, open-label study to
      evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of a single lixisenatide 20 ug dose and
      a pooled analysis of six randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III studies (12
      month or 24-month duration) that evaluated glycaemic parameters and safety in
      patients receiving lixisenatide 20 ug once daily or placebo. RESULTS: The
      pharmacokinetics study included 36 healthy subjects, including 18 elderly healthy
      subjects (>=65 years old) and 18 matched young healthy subjects (18-45 years
      old). The pooled analysis included 3188 patients, including 2565 patients <65
      years old and 623 patients >=65 years old (including 79 patients >=75 years old).
      Mean exposure with lixisenatide 20 ug was ~30% higher in elderly than in young
      subjects, and the terminal half-life was prolonged by ~1.6 times. Maximum
      concentration (C(max)) and time to C(max) (t(max)) were comparable in both
      groups. Equal numbers of elderly and young subjects reported treatment-emergent
      adverse events, the majority of which were gastrointestinal disorders. In the
      pooled analysis, lixisenatide 20 ug once daily provided significant reductions in
      HbA1c versus placebo for all age groups. There was a similar incidence of
      treatment-emergent adverse events across all age groups (range: 69-73%). The
      incidence of symptomatic hypoglycaemia was generally comparable between
      lixisenatide-treated and placebo-treated patients. CONCLUSION: These data suggest
      that lixisenatide is effective and well tolerated in elderly and very elderly
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 25115915
TI  - Assessment, validation and deployment strategy of a two-barcode protocol for
      facile genotyping of duckweed species.
AB  - Lemnaceae, commonly called duckweeds, comprise a diverse group of floating
      aquatic plants that have previously been classified into 37 species based on
      morphological and physiological criteria. In addition to their unique
      evolutionary position among angiosperms and their applications in biomonitoring,
      the potential of duckweeds as a novel sustainable crop for fuel and feed has
      recently increased interest in the study of their biodiversity and systematics.
      However, due to their small size and abbreviated structure, accurate typing of
      duckweeds based on morphology can be challenging. In the past decade, attempts to
      employ molecular barcoding techniques for species assignment have produced
      promising results; however, they have yet to be codified into a simple and
      quantitative protocol. A study that compiles and compares the barcode sequences
      within all known species of this family would help to establish the fidelity and
      limits of this DNA-based approach. In this work, we compared the level of
      conservation between over 100 strains of duckweed for two intergenic barcode
      sequences derived from the plastid genome. By using over 300 sequences publicly
      available in the NCBI database, we determined the utility of each of these two
      barcodes for duckweed species identification. Through sequencing of these
      barcodes from additional accessions, 30 of the 37 known species of duckweed could
      be identified with varying levels of confidence using this approach. From our
      analyses using this reference dataset, we also confirmed two instances where mis
      assignment of species has likely occurred. Potential strategies for further
      improving the scope of this technology are discussed. 

PMID- 25115917
TI  - Osteoporotic L1 burst fracture treated by short-segment percutaneous
      stabilization with cement-augmented screws and kyphoplasty (hybrid technique).

PMID- 25115914
TI  - TRF1 and TRF2 differentially modulate Rad51-mediated telomeric and nontelomeric
      displacement loop formation in vitro.
AB  - A growing body of literature suggests that the homologous recombination/repair
      (HR) pathway cooperates with components of the shelterin complex to promote both
      telomere maintenance and nontelomeric HR. This may be due to the ability of both
      HR and shelterin proteins to promote strand invasion, wherein a single-stranded
      DNA (ssDNA) substrate base pairs with a homologous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)
      template displacing a loop of ssDNA (D-loop). Rad51 recombinase catalyzes D-loop
      formation during HR, and telomere repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2) catalyzes the
      formation of a telomeric D-loop that stabilizes a looped structure in telomeric
      DNA (t-loop) that may facilitate telomere protection. We have characterized this
      functional interaction in vitro using a fluorescent D-loop assay measuring the
      incorporation of Cy3-labeled 90-nucleotide telomeric and nontelomeric substrates
      into telomeric and nontelomeric plasmid templates. We report that preincubation
      of a telomeric template with TRF2 inhibits the ability of Rad51 to promote
      telomeric D-loop formation upon preincubation with a telomeric substrate. This
      suggests Rad51 does not facilitate t-loop formation and suggests a mechanism
      whereby TRF2 can inhibit HR at telomeres. We also report a TRF2 mutant lacking
      the dsDNA binding domain promotes Rad51-mediated nontelomeric D-loop formation,
      possibly explaining how TRF2 promotes nontelomeric HR. Finally, we report
      telomere repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1) promotes Rad51-mediated telomeric D-loop
      formation, which may facilitate HR-mediated replication fork restart and explain
      why TRF1 is required for efficient telomere replication. 

PMID- 25115918
TI  - The NeckPix((c)): development of an evaluation tool for assessing kinesiophobia
      in subjects with chronic neck pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop and validate NeckPix((c)), a multi-image instrument for
      assessing daily activities in the context of pain-related fear, in order to allow
      its use in patients with chronic neck pain (NP). METHODS: The measure was
      developed by means of item generation followed by reduction/selection. The
      psychometric testing included exploratory factor analysis; content validity by
      investigating clarity, specificity, appropriateness for the target population,
      relevance and completeness; reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach's
      alpha) and test-retest stability (intra-class coefficient correlation, ICC); and
      construct validity by comparing NeckPix with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia
      (TSK), the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and
      a Numerical Rating Scale of pain intensity (NRS) (Pearson's correlation).
      RESULTS: The measure, which includes ten images used to assess everyday
      activities in the context of pain-related fear, was administered to 118 subjects
      with chronic non-specific NP, and proved to be acceptable and feasible. Factor
      analysis revealed a one-factor solution (which explained 71.12 % of variance).
      The content of the images was considered adequate, appropriate for the target
      population, comprehensive, and relevant for evaluating activity-related
      kinesiophobia. The instrument's internal consistency was good (alpha = 0.954), as
      was its test-retest stability (ICC 0.979). Construct validity demonstrated a
      close correlation with the TSK (r = 0.759), and moderate correlations with the
      PCS (r = 0.583), the NDI (r = 0.520), and a NRS (r = 0.455). CONCLUSION:
      NeckPix((c)), which was successfully developed following international
      recommendations, proved to have a good factorial structure and satisfactory
      psychometric properties. Its use is recommended for research purposes.

PMID- 25115921
TI  - Epidemiology of partial urorectal septum malformation sequence (or 'persistent
      cloaca'): a population-based study in seven regions of England and Wales, 1985
      2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Partial urorectal septum malformation (pURSM) sequence (or
      'persistent cloaca') is a rare congenital anomaly characterised by a joining of
      the urethral, anal, and genital openings into a single common channel. This study
      describes the epidemiology of pURSM sequence in England and Wales including
      prevalence, additional anomalies, and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: All cases of
      pURSM sequence prospectively notified to seven congenital anomaly registers in
      England and Wales during 1985-2010, whether delivered as live births, spontaneous
      fetal deaths (>=20 weeks' gestation), or elective terminations of pregnancy for
      fetal anomaly (TOPFA, any gestation), formed this population-based cohort. The
      risks of spontaneous fetal and infant death were examined by Kaplan-Meier
      analysis. Differences in prevalence over time, and between regions, were examined
      by multilevel Poisson regression. RESULTS: 117 cases were recorded among
      4,251,241 total births. Six (5%) pregnancies resulted in spontaneous fetal
      deaths, 53 (45%) in TOPFA, and 58 (50%) in live births. The prevalence was 2.8
      (95% CI 2.3 to 3.4) per 100,000 total births, increasing significantly over time
      (p=0.002) and differing significantly between regions (p=0.005). 77 cases (66%)
      had at least one additional major congenital anomaly outside the perineum,
      including 67 (57%) renal, 29 (25%) musculoskeletal, 26 (23%) digestive system,
      and 24 (21%) cardiovascular anomalies. The risks of spontaneous fetal and infant
      death were estimated as 8.9% (95% CI 4.1 to 18.8) and 26.3% (95% CI 15.1 to 43.4)
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study of the epidemiology of pURSM
      sequence. The information will be valuable for families and health professionals
      whenever a case of pURSM sequence is diagnosed.

PMID- 25115920
TI  - Mesenchymal stromal cell proliferation, gene expression and protein production in
      human platelet-rich plasma-supplemented media.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is increasingly used as a cell culture
      supplement, in order to reduce the contact of human cells with animal-derived
      products during in vitro expansion. The effect of supplementation changes on cell
      growth and protein production is not fully characterized. METHODS: Human
      mesenchymal stromal cells from bone marrow, adipose tissue and Wharton's Jelly
      were isolated and cultured in PRP-supplemented media. Proliferation, in vitro
      differentiation, expression of cell surface markers, mRNA expression of key genes
      and protein secretion were quantified. RESULTS: 10% PRP sustained five to tenfold
      increased cell proliferation as compared to 10% fetal bovine serum. Regarding
      cell differentiation, PRP reduced adipogenic differentiation and increased
      calcium deposits in bone marrow and adipose tissue-mesenchymal stromal cells.
      Wharton's Jelly derived mesenchymal stromal cells secreted higher concentrations
      of chemokines and growth factors than other mesenchymal stromal cells when
      cultured in PRP-supplemented media. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells
      secreted higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic proteins.
      Mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from adipose tissue secreted higher amounts of
      extracellular matrix components. CONCLUSIONS: Mesenchymal stromal cells purified
      from different tissues have distinct properties regarding differentiation,
      angiogenic, inflammatory and matrix remodeling potential when cultured in PRP
      supplemented media. These abilities should be further characterized in order to
      choose the best protocols for their therapeutic use.

PMID- 25115924
TI  - Senior doctor was present in 87% of anaesthesia cases in 2013.

PMID- 25115923
TI  - YAP inhibits squamous transdifferentiation of Lkb1-deficient lung adenocarcinoma
      through ZEB2-dependent DNp63 repression.
AB  - Whether the Hippo pathway contributes to cell lineage transition under
      pathological conditions, especially tumorigenesis, remains largely unknown. Here
      we show that YAP, the major effector of the Hippo pathway, displays a distinct
      activation pattern in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma
      (SCC); YAP is initially activated by LKB1 loss in lung ADC, which upregulates
      ZEB2 expression and represses DNp63 transcription in a default manner. During
      transdifferentiation, YAP is inactivated, which in turn relieves ZEB2-mediated
      default repression of DNp63 and triggers squamous differentiation reprogramming.
      Disruption of the YAP barrier for phenotypic transition significantly accelerates
      squamous transdifferentiation, whereas constitutive YAP activation conversely
      inhibits this transition. More importantly, ectopic DNp63 expression rescues the
      inhibitory effect of YAP on squamous transdifferentiation. These findings have
      established YAP as an essential barrier for lung cancer cell fate conversion and
      provided a mechanism for regulating cancer plasticity, which might hold important
      implication for YAP-targeted therapies. 

PMID- 25115925
TI  - Macrophage phenotype is associated with disease severity in preterm infants with
      chronic lung disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The etiology of persistent lung inflammation in preterm infants with
      chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD) is poorly characterized, hampering
      efforts to stratify prognosis and treatment. Airway macrophages are important
      innate immune cells with roles in both the induction and resolution of tissue
      inflammation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate airway innate immune cellular phenotypes
      in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or CLD. METHODS:
      Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was obtained from term and preterm infants
      requiring mechanical ventilation. BAL cells were phenotyped by flow cytometry.
      RESULTS: Preterm birth was associated with an increase in the proportion of non
      classical CD14(+)/CD16(+) monocytes on the day of delivery (58.9 +/- 5.8% of
      total mononuclear cells in preterm vs 33.0 +/- 6.1% in term infants, p = 0.02).
      Infants with RDS were born with significantly more CD36(+) macrophages compared
      with the CLD group (70.3 +/- 5.3% in RDS vs 37.6 +/- 8.9% in control, p = 0.02).
      At day 3, infants born at a low gestational age are more likely to have greater
      numbers of CD14(+) mononuclear phagocytes in the airway (p = 0.03), but fewer of
      these cells are functionally polarized as assessed by HLA-DR (p = 0.05) or CD36
      (p = 0.05) positivity, suggesting increased recruitment of monocytes or a failure
      to mature these cells in the lung. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that
      macrophage polarization may be affected by gestational maturity, that more
      immature macrophage phenotypes may be associated with the progression of RDS to
      CLD and that phenotyping mononuclear cells in BAL could predict disease outcome.

PMID- 25115927
TI  - One-year outcome from an all-comers population of patients with ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction treated with biolimus-eluting stent with
      biodegradable polymer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of biolimus-eluting stent (BES) in
      patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) in a real world clinical scenario. BACKGROUND:
      Randomized studies suggest that the BES with biodegradable polymer is more
      effective and safe than early generation coronary stents in patients with STEMI.
      METHODS: We included all consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PCI in this
      prospective, multicenter registry. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate
      of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of cardiac death, recurrent
      myocardial infarction and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization at 1
      year follow-up. RESULTS: Between June and December 2012 we enrolled 311 STEMI
      patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 3.2% (95% confidence interval: 1.6
      5.8) of patients: cardiac death, re-infarction, and ischemia-driven TVR occurred
      in 2.3%, 1.3%, and 0.6% of patients, respectively. One-year MACE-free survival
      was 96.8% +/- 1.0%. CONCLUSIONS: In a real-world cohort of STEMI patients
      undergoing PCI, the use of BES is associated with good 1-year clinical outcome.
      These results confirm and expand previous findings showing the efficacy and
      safety of BES in the setting of randomized trials.

PMID- 25115928
TI  - Diaphragmatic hernia caused by heterotopic endometriosis in Chilaiditi syndrome:
      report of a case.
AB  - A 50-year-old Japanese female was admitted to our hospital because of ileus due
      to Chilaiditi syndrome. Her symptoms did not improve with conservative therapy,
      so chest and abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed on the fifth day
      after hospital admission. A diagnosis of incarceration of a right diaphragmatic
      hernia was established in the coronal view of CT, and emergency surgery was
      performed. A dilated loop of small intestine was seen in the right thoracic
      cavity, which was strangulated by the 2-cm defect in the diaphragm. Primary
      closure of the diaphragm was performed. Approximately 80 cm of the terminal ileum
      showed obvious ischemic changes, and it was cut and reconstructed.
      Postoperatively, the patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged on
      the 15th postoperative day. A histological examination of the specimen of the
      diaphragm around the hernia orifice showed the presence of a small cystiform
      glandular system with hemorrhage and congestion. These findings indicated that
      heterotopic endometriosis was present in the diaphragm. This report describes the
      first known case of right diaphragmatic hernia secondary to heterotopic
      endometriosis in a patient with Chilaiditi syndrome. The clinical course and
      management of affected patients and a literature review of these three unusual
      conditions are discussed. 

PMID- 25115926
TI  - Role of the water-metal ion bridge in mediating interactions between quinolones
      and Escherichia coli topoisomerase IV.
AB  - Although quinolones have been in clinical use for decades, the mechanism
      underlying drug activity and resistance has remained elusive. However, recent
      studies indicate that clinically relevant quinolones interact with Bacillus
      anthracis (Gram-positive) topoisomerase IV through a critical water-metal ion
      bridge and that the most common quinolone resistance mutations decrease drug
      activity by disrupting this bridge. As a first step toward determining whether
      the water-metal ion bridge is a general mechanism of quinolone-topoisomerase
      interaction, we characterized drug interactions with wild-type Escherichia coli
      (Gram-negative) topoisomerase IV and a series of ParC enzymes with mutations
      (S80L, S80I, S80F, and E84K) in the predicted bridge-anchoring residues. Results
      strongly suggest that the water-metal ion bridge is essential for quinolone
      activity against E. coli topoisomerase IV. Although the bridge represents a
      common and critical mechanism that underlies broad-spectrum quinolone function,
      it appears to play different roles in B. anthracis and E. coli topoisomerase IV.
      The water-metal ion bridge is the most important binding contact of clinically
      relevant quinolones with the Gram-positive enzyme. However, it primarily acts to
      properly align clinically relevant quinolones with E. coli topoisomerase IV.
      Finally, even though ciprofloxacin is unable to increase levels of DNA cleavage
      mediated by several of the Ser80 and Glu84 mutant E. coli enzymes, the drug still
      retains the ability to inhibit the overall catalytic activity of these
      topoisomerase IV proteins. Inhibition parallels drug binding, suggesting that the
      presence of the drug in the active site is sufficient to diminish DNA relaxation
      rates. 

PMID- 25115930
TI  - Comment on "clinical course and angiographic changes of spontaneous isolated
      superior mesenteric artery dissection after conservative treatment".

PMID- 25115929
TI  - Intraoperative dissemination during gastrectomy for gastric cancer associated
      with serosal invasion.
AB  - PURPOSE: Free cancer cells shed from the serosal surface of gastric cancer result
      in peritoneal dissemination. The aim of this study was to clarify the extent of
      tumor cell implantation due to surgical manipulation during gastrectomy. METHODS:
      The participants comprised 34 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for
      gastric cancer with macroscopic serosal invasion. Two types of cytology were
      obtained from each patient: (1) cytology from the wound dressing material that
      covered the serosal invasion area during the operation (Covering Cy), and (2)
      cytology of the intraperitoneal wash samples (Lavage Cy). RESULT: Thirteen
      patients showed no serosal invasion histopathologically, and all of these
      patients had negative results for both Lavage Cy and Covering Cy. Among the 21
      patients with histopathologically confirmed serosal invasion, six had positive
      results for both Lavage Cy and Covering Cy, three showed positive findings for
      Covering Cy alone, one had positive Lavage Cy alone and 11 patients had negative
      results for both Lavage Cy and Covering Cy. Disseminated recurrence developed in
      10 patients. Seven of the nine patients with positive Covering Cy developed
      disseminated recurrence, compared to three of 12 patients with negative Covering
      Cy. Positive Covering Cy findings were significantly associated with disseminated
      recurrence (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the intraoperative
      dissemination of gastric cancer can occur during gastrectomy.

PMID- 25115933
TI  - Spatio-spectral structures in high-order harmonic beams generated with Terawatt
      10-fs pulses.
AB  - A large international effort is nowadays devoted to increase the energy of the
      extreme ultraviolet pulses by using high-peak power ultrashort fundamental pulses
      (Terawatt level). Using such fundamental pulses brings specific constraints that
      need to be addressed. Here we study high-order harmonic generation in gases with
      10 fs pulses at Terawatt peak power and demonstrate that extreme ultraviolet
      beams can be highly structured and complex in various conditions. We use a single
      shot spatially resolved spectral detection and demonstrate direct observation of
      the spatio-temporal coupling occurring in the generating medium. Clear and
      reproducible complex spatio-spectral structures are observed in the far field.
      Similar structures are reproduced with simulations and we show that they are
      intimately associated to the high nonlinearity of high-order harmonic generation.
      Those findings are of prime importance for the generation of high-energy
      attosecond pulses and reveal important issues for their applications.

PMID- 25115934
TI  - Coronary artery compression three months after transcatheter pulmonary valve
      implantation.
AB  - We report a case of a 29-year-old man who developed exercised-induced myocardial
      infarction 3 months post Melody valve implantation. We introduce the concept of
      ruling out dynamic coronary artery compression by simulating transcatheter
      pulmonary valve implant while increasing cardiac output and thus aortic
      dimensions in the catheterization laboratory. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 25115932
TI  - EEG source connectivity analysis: from dense array recordings to brain networks.
AB  - The recent past years have seen a noticeable increase of interest for
      electroencephalography (EEG) to analyze functional connectivity through brain
      sources reconstructed from scalp signals. Although considerable advances have
      been done both on the recording and analysis of EEG signals, a number of
      methodological questions are still open regarding the optimal way to process the
      data in order to identify brain networks. In this paper, we analyze the impact of
      three factors that intervene in this processing: i) the number of scalp
      electrodes, ii) the combination between the algorithm used to solve the EEG
      inverse problem and the algorithm used to measure the functional connectivity and
      iii) the frequency bands retained to estimate the functional connectivity among
      neocortical sources. Using High-Resolution (hr) EEG recordings in healthy
      volunteers, we evaluated these factors on evoked responses during picture
      recognition and naming task. The main reason for selection this task is that a
      solid literature background is available about involved brain networks (ground
      truth). From this a priori information, we propose a performance criterion based
      on the number of connections identified in the regions of interest (ROI) that
      belong to potentially activated networks. Our results show that the three studied
      factors have a dramatic impact on the final result (the identified network in the
      source space) as strong discrepancies were evidenced depending on the methods
      used. They also suggest that the combination of weighted Minimum Norm Estimator
      (wMNE) and the Phase Synchronization (PS) methods applied on High-Resolution EEG
      in beta/gamma bands provides the best performance in term of topological distance
      between the identified network and the expected network in the above-mentioned
      cognitive task. 

PMID- 25115935
TI  - Acute adiponectin delivery is cardioprotective in the aged female rat heart.
AB  - AIM: The aged, post-menopausal female heart is characterized by reduced ischemic
      tolerance, and few therapies currently exist to limit ischemic damage.
      Adiponectin (APN), a cytokine produced in adipose tissue, limits infarct size and
      improves functional recovery after ischemia/reperfusion injury in adult hearts.
      The aim of the present study was to extend these previous studies and determine
      the cardioprotective efficacy of APN treatment in aged female rats. METHODS:
      Hearts were isolated from adult (age 6-7 months; n = 10), aged (age 23 months; n
      = 14) and aged ovariectomized (n = 10) female rats, and subjected to
      ischemia/reperfusion injury. On ischemia, hearts were infused with 9 MUg of APN
      or vehicle. Adiponectin receptor 1, adiponectin receptor 2 and adenosine
      monophosphate-dependent kinase (AMPK) were assessed by western blotting, tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase
      levels by real time polymerase chain reaction. Non-reducing western blotting for
      APN multimers in visceral adipose was also carried out. RESULTS: APN infusion
      successfully improved post-ischemic left ventricular developed pressure (~10-15%)
      and attenuated the rise in end diastolic pressure in all groups (P < 0.05). With
      ischemia/reperfusion injury, phospho-AMPK increased in all groups with additive
      effects of APN on increasing phospho-AMPK abundance in aged ovary-intact female
      rats only (P < 0.001). Age-associated increases in pre-ischemic tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha mRNA were unaffected by APN, whereas nicotinamide adenine
      dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 mRNA levels were attenuated by APN in adult and
      aged ovariectomized female rats. An age-associated decrease in cardiac
      adiponectin receptor 2 was observed in conjunction with elevated high molecular
      weight APN in adipose. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that APN might be a
      relevant therapy for protecting the aging female heart, albeit through divergent
      mechanisms that are likely influenced by age-associated estrogen availability.

PMID- 25115936
TI  - No abnormal hexanucleotide repeat expansion of C9ORF72 in Japanese schizophrenia
      patients.
AB  - Abnormal hexanucleotide repeat expansion of C9ORF72 is known to cause
      neurodegenerative disorders such as frontotemporal dementia. Additionally,
      patients with psychotic symptoms are more likely to have abnormal hexanucleotide
      repeat expansion than are patients without them. We investigated the
      hexanucleotide repeat sizes of C9ORF72 in 466 Japanese schizophrenia patients. We
      found no abnormal hexanucleotide repeat expansion. In conclusion, C9ORF72 may not
      be responsible for schizophrenia susceptibility in the Japanese population. 

PMID- 25115938
TI  - Religious pro-sociality? Experimental evidence from a sample of 766 Spaniards.
AB  - This study explores the relationship between several personal religion-related
      variables and social behaviour, using three paradigmatic economic games: the
      dictator (DG), ultimatum (UG), and trust (TG) games. A large carefully designed
      sample of the urban adult population in Granada (Spain) is employed (N = 766).
      From participants' decisions in these games we obtain measures of altruism,
      bargaining behaviour and sense of fairness/equality, trust, and positive
      reciprocity. Three dimensions of religiosity are examined: (i) religious
      denomination; (ii) intensity of religiosity, measured by active participation at
      church services; and (iii) conversion out into a different denomination than the
      one raised in. The major results are: (i) individuals with "no religion" made
      decisions closer to rational selfish behaviour in the DG and the UG compared to
      those who affiliate with a "standard" religious denomination; (ii) among
      Catholics, intensity of religiosity is the key variable that affects social
      behaviour insofar as religiously-active individuals are generally more pro-social
      than non-active ones; and (iii) the religion raised in seems to have no effect on
      pro-sociality, beyond the effect of the current measures of religiosity.
      Importantly, behaviour in the TG is not predicted by any of the religion-related
      variables we analyse. While the results partially support the notion of religious
      pro-sociality, on the other hand, they also highlight the importance of closely
      examining the multidimensional nature of both religiosity and pro-social
      behaviour.

PMID- 25115937
TI  - Phosphorylation at Y1065 in vinculin mediates actin bundling, cell spreading, and
      mechanical responses to force.
AB  - Vinculin is an essential structural adaptor protein that localizes to sites of
      adhesion and is involved in a number of cell processes including adhesion,
      spreading, motility, force transduction, and cell survival. The C-terminal
      vinculin tail domain (Vt) contains the necessary structural components to bind
      and cross-link actin filaments. Actin binding to Vt induces a conformational
      change that promotes dimerization through the C-terminal hairpin of Vt and
      enables actin filament cross-linking. Here we show that Src phosphorylation of
      Y1065 within the C-terminal hairpin regulates Vt-mediated actin bundling and
      provide a detailed characterization of Y1065 mutations. Furthermore, we show that
      phosphorylation at Y1065 plays a role in cell spreading and the response to the
      application of mechanical force. 

PMID- 25115941
TI  - Alcohol should carry similar warnings to tobacco, MPs say.

PMID- 25115940
TI  - SMBE Satellite meeting on reticulated microbial evolution 2014--meeting report.

PMID- 25115939
TI  - Increased risk of dementia in patients exposed to nitrogen dioxide and carbon
      monoxide: a population-based retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The air pollution caused by vehicular emissions is associated with
      cognitive decline. However, the associations between the levels of nitrogen
      dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) exposure and dementia remain poorly
      defined and have been addressed in only a few previous studies. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this study, we obtained data on 29547 people from the National Health
      Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan, including data on 1720 patients
      diagnosed with dementia between 2000 and 2010, and we evaluated the risk of
      dementia among four levels of air pollutant. Detailed data on daily air pollution
      were available from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2010. Yearly average
      concentrations of pollutants were calculated from the baseline to the date of
      dementia occurrence, withdrawal of patients, or the end of the study, and these
      data were categorized into quartiles, with Q1 being the lowest level and Q4 being
      the highest. RESULTS: In the case of NO2, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of
      dementia for all participants in Q2, Q3, and Q4 compared to Q1 were 1.10 (95%
      confidence interval (CI), 0.96-1.26), 1.01 (95% CI, 0.87-1.17), and 1.54 (95% CI,
      1.34-1.77), and in the case of CO, the adjusted HRs were 1.07 (95% CI, 0.92
      1.25), 1.37 (95% CI, 1.19-1.58), and 1.61 (95% CI, 1.39-1.85). CONCLUSION: The
      results of this large retrospective, population-based study indicate that
      exposure to NO2 and CO is associated with an increased risk of dementia in the
      Taiwanese population.

PMID- 25115942
TI  - Achieving solar overall water splitting with hybrid photosystems of photosystem
      II and artificial photocatalysts.
AB  - Solar overall water splitting is a promising sustainable approach for solar-to
      chemical energy conversion, which harnesses solar irradiation to oxidize water to
      oxygen and reduce the protons to hydrogen. The water oxidation step is vital but
      difficult to achieve through inorganic photocatalysis. However, nature offers an
      efficient light-driven water-oxidizing enzyme, photosystem II (PSII). Here we
      report an overall water splitting natural-artificial hybrid system, in which the
      plant PSII and inorganic photocatalysts (for example, Ru/SrTiO3:Rh), coupled with
      an inorganic electron shuttle [Fe(CN)6(3-)/Fe(CN)6(4-)], are integrated and
      dispersed in aqueous solutions. The activity of this hybrid photosystem reaches
      to around 2,489 mol H2 (mol PSII)(-1) h(-1) under visible light irradiation, and
      solar overall water splitting is also achieved under solar irradiation outdoors.
      The optical imaging shows that the hybrid photosystems are constructed through
      the self-assembly of PSII adhered onto the inorganic photocatalyst surface. Our
      work may provide a prototype of natural-artificial hybrids for developing
      autonomous solar water splitting system.

PMID- 25115944
TI  - Serial intravascular ultrasound analysis of complex bifurcation coronary lesions
      treated with the Tryton Bifurcation Stent in conjunction with an everolimus
      eluting stent: IUVANT (Intravascular Ultrasound Evaluation of Tryton Stent)
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To characterize the treatment of complex bifurcation lesions (BL)
      with the Tryton Bifurcation Stent (TBS) paired with an everolimus-eluting stent
      (EES). BACKGROUND: Complex BL are associated with higher procedural complications
      and poorer long-term outcomes. The TBS is a dedicated side-branch (SB) stent
      designed to be used in conjunction with a standard drug-eluting stent. METHODS:
      Prospectively identified, consecutive patients underwent TBS+EES stenting of BL
      using a protocol which included TBS postdilation and simultaneous final kissing
      balloon inflations (FKBI). All lesions were systematically evaluated with
      coronary angiography and IVUS, obtained at procedure completion and at 9 months,
      and were assessed by independent core laboratories. RESULTS: Thirty-three BL were
      treated in 32 patients presenting primarily (87.5%) with stable angina and
      complex BL with angiographic apparent disease in the main vessel (MV) and SB in
      87.9% and 75% by site and core evaluation, respectively. Procedural success was
      100% and high postprocedure percent stent expansion (MV 96 [93, 109]%, SB 88 [77,
      100]%, carina MV 135 [99, 166]%, carina SB 116 [91, 130]%) was demonstrated by
      IVUS. At 9-month angiographic follow-up (n = 28 patients), one MV in-segment
      restenosis and one SB in-stent restenosis were observed. SB in-stent late lumen
      loss was 0.41 +/- 0.27 mm. IVUS assessment revealed the absence of stent recoil;
      percent carinal neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) was 1.8 [0.0,11.2]% in MV and 15.0
      [6.7,23.5]% in SB, with NIH volume obstruction of 2.0 [0.7,4.3]% in MV and 14.2
      [7.5,29.6]% in SB. CONCLUSIONS: Stenting of complex BL with the TBS+EES provides
      high acute success with sustained clinical, angiographic, and IVUS results at 9
      months. These excellent results are likely due to the extent of stent expansion
      at the carina.

PMID- 25115946
TI  - Complete genome sequence of virulent bacteriophage SHOU24, which infects
      foodborne pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
AB  - A novel lytic Vibrio parahaemolyticus phage (SHOU24) belonging to the family
      Siphoviridae was isolated from aquatic market sewage. The phage is only able to
      infect V. parahaemolyticus containing a tdh gene. SHOU24 has a linear genome of
      77,837 bp with a G+C content of 46.0 %. In total, 88 predicted proteins have
      homologues in databases, and the majority of the core genes share high sequence
      similarity with genes from unrelated viruses and bacteria. Genes related to
      lysogeny and host lysis were not detected. However, the detection method, the
      results of a one-step growth experiment and analysis using the Phage
      Classification Tool Set (PHACTS) indicate that SHOU24 is lytic. A bioinformatics
      analysis showed that SHOU24 is not closely related to other Vibrio phages.

PMID- 25115943
TI  - Complex communities of small protists and unexpected occurrence of typical marine
      lineages in shallow freshwater systems.
AB  - Although inland water bodies are more heterogeneous and sensitive to
      environmental variation than oceans, the diversity of small protists in these
      ecosystems is much less well known. Some molecular surveys of lakes exist, but
      little information is available from smaller, shallower and often ephemeral
      freshwater systems, despite their global distribution and ecological importance.
      We carried out a comparative study based on massive pyrosequencing of amplified
      18S rRNA gene fragments of protists in the 0.2-5 MUm size range in one brook and
      four shallow ponds located in the Natural Regional Park of the Chevreuse Valley,
      France. Our study revealed a wide diversity of small protists, with 812
      stringently defined operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to the
      recognized eukaryotic supergroups (SAR--Stramenopiles, Alveolata, Rhizaria-
      Archaeplastida, Excavata, Amoebozoa, Opisthokonta) and to groups of unresolved
      phylogenetic position (Cryptophyta, Haptophyta, Centrohelida, Katablepharida,
      Telonemida, Apusozoa). Some OTUs represented deep-branching lineages
      (Cryptomycota, Aphelida, Colpodellida, Tremulida, clade-10 Cercozoa, HAP-1
      Haptophyta). We identified several lineages previously thought to be marine
      including, in addition to MAST-2 and MAST-12, already detected in freshwater,
      MAST-3 and possibly MAST-6. Protist community structures were different in the
      five ecosystems. These differences did not correlate with geographical distances,
      but seemed to be influenced by environmental parameters.

PMID- 25115948
TI  - An evaluation of e-prescribing at a national level.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to describe the process of implementing the
      Estonian national second generation electronic prescription service (e
      prescription) and determine if the objectives set by the Estonian government were
      fulfilled. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study presents an analysis of both
      retrospective and current data in the evaluation phase of a design research
      project. Sources include, among others, publicly available documents and previous
      evaluation studies. RESULTS: According to all of the major stakeholders, the
      Estonian e-prescription service has very high usability and user satisfaction
      scores have been high. There is only little empirical evidence available to
      confirm if the benefits aimed for in the creation of the service were achieved.
      From a public administration viewpoint, the implementation of e-prescription has
      led to potential efficiency gains. CONCLUSION: The Estonian second-generation e
      prescription system is widely used by citizens, healthcare providers and
      administrators alike. However, there are gaps in measuring the impact of the
      service, especially with respect to time savings and enhanced healthcare quality.
      Additional functionalities will be key drivers in creating benefits for all
      stakeholders. Future nationwide e-health services should have a more rigorous
      evaluation process carried out during the design and implementation stages.

PMID- 25115947
TI  - Socioeconomic Adversity and Women's Sleep: Stress and Chaos as Mediators.
AB  - We examined income-to-needs ratio, perceived economic well-being, and education
      and their relations with European and African American women's sleep (n = 219).
      Sleep was examined through actigraphy and self-reports. Income-to-needs ratio was
      related to sleep minutes. Perceived economic well-being and education were
      associated with subjective sleep problems. Perceived stress mediated relations
      between both income-to-needs ratio and economic well-being and subjective sleep
      problems. Chaos emerged as a mediator linking income-to-needs ratio and
      subjective sleep problems. African American women had fewer sleep minutes and
      lower sleep efficiency than European Americans, and more robust relations between
      economic well-being and stress was observed for European Americans. Findings
      highlight the importance of economic adversity for women's sleep and explicate
      some pathways of risk.

PMID- 25115949
TI  - Saliva viscosity as a potential risk factor for oral malodor.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess whether saliva viscosity,
      measured by a viscometer, was a predictor of oral malodor. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The subjects were 617 patients who visited an oral malodor clinic. The
      organoleptic test (OT) was used for diagnosis of oral malodor. An oral
      examination assessed the numbers of teeth present and decayed teeth as well as
      the presence or absence of dentures. Further, periodontal pocket depths (PD),
      gingival bleeding, dental plaque and tongue coating were investigated.
      Unstimulated saliva were collected for 5 min. Saliva viscosity was measured with
      a viscometer. Logistic regression analysis with oral malodor status by OT as a
      dependent variable was performed. Possible confounders including age, gender,
      number of teeth present, number of decayed teeth, number of teeth with PD >= 4
      mm, number of teeth with bleeding on probing, presence or absence of dentures,
      plaque index, area of tongue coating, saliva flow rate, saliva pH and saliva
      viscosity were used as independent variables. RESULTS: Saliva viscosity (p =
      0.047) along with the number of teeth with PD >=4 mm (p = 0.001), plaque index (p
      = 0.037) and area of tongue coating (p < 0.001) were significant variables for
      oral malodor. Subjects with a higher number of teeth with PD >= 4 mm (OR = 1.32),
      plaque index (OR = 2.13), area of tongue coating (OR = 3.17) and saliva viscosity
      (OR = 1.10) were more likely to have oral malodor compared to those with lower
      values. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that high saliva viscosity could be a
      potential risk factor for oral malodor.

PMID- 25115950
TI  - An assessment of the usefulness of Kinesiograph as an aid in the diagnosis of
      TMD: a review of Manfredini et al.'s studies.
AB  - AIM: Performing a literature review of publications by Dr. Manfredini et al.
      related to their temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injection therapy outcome with
      conclusions on the clinical utility of computerized measurement devices used in
      the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). In addition, reviewing
      their published opinion on an occlusion: TMD versus a biopsychosocial paradigm
      for TMD. Manfredini et al. authored an article published in the Journal of the
      American Dental Association (JADA) 2013, "An Assessment of the usefulness of jaw
      kinesiography in monitoring temporomandibular disorders," the most recent of 12
      articles. In all studies, subjects received TMJ injections with an objective
      measurement outcome criterion; increased maximum mouth opening (MMO) and
      subjective symptom improvement of pain and chewing function. In the 2013 JADA
      article, the Mandibular Kinesiograph, referred to as KG, measured MMO before and
      after therapy. In 11 prior articles, all subject groups with limited mouth
      opening exhibited very significant increased MMO post-treatment, documenting
      treatment success using the same 2013 protocol. The 2013 study showed a 1.1 mm
      improved MMO, described as insignificant. The authors did not critique or explain
      the aberrant, skewed 2013 outcome data contrasted with their prior studies, which
      showed overwhelmingly significant increased MMO. Instead, they concluded that the
      MMO recording device was clinically useless. This motivated a literature review
      of the authors' TMD publications. CONCLUSION: The publications by Manfredini et
      al. recognized proponents of the psychosocial model of TMD, including the 2013
      article, appear to be part of a campaign denying an occlusion: TMD relationship
      and disparaging the specific computerized measurement devices and the dentists
      using them in the management of their TMD patients using neuromuscular occlusion
      dental treatment.

PMID- 25115951
TI  - Thermodynamic consistencies and anomalies among end-member silicate garnets.
AB  - Materials with the garnet crystal structure include silicate minerals of
      importance both in geology, on account of their use in geothermobarometry, and
      industrially as abrasives. As a consequence of the former, there is considerable
      published thermodynamic information concerning them. We here examine this
      thermodynamic information for end-member silicate garnets (some of which are
      synthetic since not all occur in nature) for consistencies and anomalies, using
      thermodynamic relations between thermodynamic properties that we have established
      over recent years. The principal properties of interest are formula volume, heat
      capacity, entropy, formation enthalpy (from which the Gibbs energy may be
      obtained), and isothermal compressibility. A significant observation is that the
      ambient-temperature heat capacities of the silicate garnets are rather similar,
      whereas their ambient-temperature entropies are roughly proportional to their
      formula volumes. Evaluation of their Debye temperatures implies that their
      vibrational contributions to heat capacity are fully excited at ambient
      temperatures. The relatively small isothermal compressibilities of these garnets
      is related to the rigidity of their constituent silicate tetrahedra. We here
      establish additive single-ion values for each of the thermodynamic properties,
      which may be applied in estimating corresponding values for related materials. 

PMID- 25115952
TI  - The stigmatisation of abortion: a qualitative analysis of print media in Great
      Britain in 2010.
AB  - The media play a significant part in shaping public perceptions of health issues,
      and abortion attracts continued media interest. Detailed examination of media
      constructions of abortion may help to identify emerging public discourse.
      Qualitative content analysis was used to examine if and how the print media in
      contributes to the stigmatisation of abortion. Articles from seven British and
      five Scottish national newspapers from 2010 were analysed for overall framings of
      abortion and emergent themes, including potentially stigmatising discursive
      constructs and language. Abortion was found to be presented using predominantly
      negative language and discursive associations as 'risky', and in association with
      other 'discredited' social practices. Key perspectives were found to be absent or
      marginalised, including those of women who have sought abortion. Few articles
      framed abortion as a positive and legitimate choice. Negative media
      representations of abortion contribute to the stigmatisation of the procedure and
      of women who have it, and reflect a discrediting of women's reproductive decision
      making. There is a need to challenge the notion that abortion stigma is
      inevitable, and to encourage positive framings of abortion in the media and other
      public discourse. 

PMID- 25115953
TI  - Clonal structure, seed set, and self-pollination rate in mass-flowering bamboo
      species during off-year flowering events.
AB  - Bamboos are typical examples of highly synchronized semelparous species. Their
      mass-flowering events occur at supra-annual intervals but they sometimes flower
      on a small scale in off-years. If some bamboo ramets (culms) of a genet flower
      and die in off-years, whereas other culms of the same genet do not flower
      synchronously, the genet can still survive blooming in an off-year and could
      participate in the next mass-flowering event. At genet level, the effect might be
      similar to that achieved by synchronously reproducing iteroparous plants. In
      addition, if multiple genets flower simultaneously in off-years, cross
      pollination will be promoted. However, it is not known whether all the culms in a
      genet flower synchronously and whether multiple genets flower in off-years. We
      determined the clonal structure of three temperate dwarf bamboo species, i.e.,
      Sasa senanensis, S. kurilensis, and S. palmata, at 24 off-year flowering sites
      and the surrounding areas in northern Japan using seven microsatellite markers.
      We also estimated seed set at seven of the sites and self-pollination rates at
      five sites to determine off-year reproductive success. Next, we investigated
      whether seed sets at the culm level were related to flowering area and/or number
      of flowering genets, using generalized linear mixed-effect models (GLMMs).
      Multiple genets flowered at 9/24 flowering sites. We found that 40/96 of the
      genets identified had some flowering culms. Non-flowering culms were present in
      24/40 flowering genets. Seed set was in the range 2.2%-12.5% and the self
      pollination rate was 96.3%. In the best GLMM, seed set increased with flowering
      area. Seeds were produced in off-years, but cross-pollination was rare in off
      years. We suggest that some dwarf bamboos may exhibit iteroparity or imperfectly
      synchronized semelparity at the genet level, a characteristic similar to that of
      other reproductively synchronous plants. We also found synchronous flowering of a
      few genets even in off-years. 

PMID- 25115957
TI  - Retrospective non-uniform illumination correction techniques in images of
      tuberculosis.
AB  - Image pre-processing is highly significant in automated analysis of microscopy
      images. In this work, non-uniform illumination correction has been attempted
      using the surface fitting method (SFM), multiple regression method (MRM), and
      bidirectional empirical mode decomposition (BEMD) in digital microscopy images of
      tuberculosis (TB). The sputum smear positive and negative images recorded under a
      standard image acquisition protocol were subjected to illumination correction
      techniques and evaluated by error and statistical measures. Results show that SFM
      performs more efficiently than MRM or BEMD. The SFM produced sharp images of TB
      bacilli with better contrast. To further validate the results, multifractal
      analysis was performed that showed distinct variation before and after
      implementation of illumination correction by SFM. Results demonstrate that after
      illumination correction, there is a 26% increase in the number of bacilli, which
      aids in classification of the TB images into positive and negative, as TB
      positivity depends on the count of bacilli. 

PMID- 25115958
TI  - Energy transport and coherence properties of acoustic phonons generated by
      optical excitation of a quantum dot.
AB  - The energy transport of acoustic phonons generated by the optical excitation of a
      quantum dot as well as the coherence properties of these phonons are studied
      theoretically both for the case of a pulsed excitation and for a continuous wave
      (CW) excitation switched on instantaneously. For a pulsed excitation, depending
      on pulse area and pulse duration, a finite number of phonon wave packets is
      emitted, while for the case of a CW excitation a sequence of wave packets with
      decreasing amplitude is generated after the excitation has been switched on. We
      show that the energy flow associated with the generated phonons is partly related
      to coherent phonon oscillations and partly to incoherent phonon emission. The
      efficiency of the energy transfer to the phonons and the details of the energy
      flow depend strongly and in a non-monotonic way on the Rabi frequency exhibiting
      a resonance behavior. However, in the case of CW excitation it turns out that the
      total energy transferred to the phonons is directly linked in a monotonic way to
      the Rabi frequency. 

PMID- 25115960
TI  - [Anterior resection syndrome and quality of life in rectal cancer patients].

PMID- 25115959
TI  - [Femoroacetabular impingement in athletes: pathology, diagnostics and operative
      therapy options].
AB  - Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and its therapy has gained importance in the
      last decade and several studies could show that if untreated it may lead to
      osteoarthritis of the hip joint. In this article an overview of the pathology of
      FAI, the diagnosis and treatment options are presented. A closer look is taken at
      the treatment of elite athletes regarding the different techniques. The first own
      clinical and radiological results of 91 patients treated by the arthroscopically
      assisted anterior mini-open approach are presented with very good results and
      significant postoperative improvement regarding the hip injury and osteoarthritis
      outcome score (HOOS), the Western Ontario and McMasters University (WOMAC)
      osteoarthritis index and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity
      score, as well as alpha angle correction. This technique which is poorly
      represented in the literature can be used as a treatment option for FAI. The
      rehabilitation program is comparable to hip arthroscopy. 

PMID- 25115961
TI  - Evolution of external genitalia: insights from reptilian development.
AB  - External genitalia are found in each of the major clades of amniotes. The phallus
      is an intromittent organ that functions to deliver sperm into the female
      reproductive tract for internal fertilization. The cellular and molecular genetic
      mechanisms of external genital development have begun to be elucidated from
      studies of the mouse genital tubercle, an embryonic appendage adjacent to the
      cloaca that is the precursor of the penis and clitoris. Progress in this area has
      improved our understanding of genitourinary malformations, which are among the
      most common birth defects in humans, and created new opportunities for
      comparative studies of other taxa. External genitalia evolve rapidly, which has
      led to a striking diversity of anatomical forms. Within the past year, studies of
      external genital development in non-mammalian amniotes, including birds, lizards,
      snakes, alligators, and turtles, have begun to shed light on the molecular and
      morphogenetic mechanisms underlying the diversification of phallus morphology.
      Here, we review recent progress in the comparative developmental biology of
      external genitalia and discuss the implications of this work for understanding
      external genital evolution. We address the question of the deep homology (shared
      common ancestry) of genital structures and of developmental mechanisms, and
      identify new areas of investigation that can be pursued by taking a comparative
      approach to studying development of the external genitalia. We propose an
      evolutionary interpretation of hypospadias, a congenital malformation of the
      urethra, and discuss how investigations of non-mammalian species can provide
      novel perspectives on human pathologies.

PMID- 25115963
TI  - Biocatalytic coatings for air pollution control: a proof of concept study on VOC
      biodegradation.
AB  - Although biofilm-based biotechnologies exhibit a large potential as solutions for
      off-gas treatment, the high water content of biofilms often causes pollutant mass
      transfer limitations, which ultimately limit their widespread application. The
      present study reports on the proof of concept of the applicability of bioactive
      latex coatings for air pollution control. Toluene vapors served as a model
      volatile organic compound (VOC). The results showed that Pseudomonas putida F1
      cells could be successfully entrapped in nanoporous latex coatings while
      preserving their toluene degradation activity. Bioactive latex coatings exhibited
      toluene specific biodegradation rates 10 times higher than agarose-based
      biofilms, because the thin coatings were less subject to diffusional mass
      transfer limitations. Drying and pollutant starvation were identified as key
      factors inducing a gradual deterioration of the biodegradation capacity in these
      innovative coatings. This study constitutes the first application of bioactive
      latex coatings for VOC abatement. These coatings could become promising means for
      air pollution control.

PMID- 25115962
TI  - Failed stabilization for long-term potentiation in the auditory cortex of FMR1
      knockout mice.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects sensory systems. A
      null mutation of the Fragile X Mental Retardation protein 1 (Fmr1) gene in mice
      has varied effects on developmental plasticity in different sensory systems,
      including normal barrel cortical plasticity, altered ocular dominance plasticity
      and grossly impaired auditory frequency map plasticity. The mutation also has
      different effects on long-term synaptic plasticity in somatosensory and visual
      cortical neurons, providing insights on how it may differentially affect the
      sensory systems. Here we present evidence that long-term potentiation (LTP) is
      impaired in the developing auditory cortex of the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. This
      impairment of synaptic plasticity is consistent with impaired frequency map
      plasticity in the Fmr1 KO mouse. Together, these results suggest a potential role
      of LTP in sensory map plasticity during early sensory development. 

PMID- 25115964
TI  - Revealing the dark side of a bright exciton-polariton condensate.
AB  - Condensation of bosons causes spectacular phenomena such as superfluidity or
      superconductivity. Understanding the nature of the condensed particles is crucial
      for active control of such quantum phases. Fascinating possibilities emerge from
      condensates of light-matter-coupled excitations, such as exciton-polaritons,
      photons hybridized with hydrogen-like bound electron-hole pairs. So far, only the
      photon component has been resolved, while even the mere existence of excitons in
      the condensed regime has been challenged. Here we trace the matter component of
      polariton condensates by monitoring intra-excitonic terahertz transitions. We
      study how a reservoir of optically dark excitons forms and feeds the degenerate
      state. Unlike atomic gases, the atom-like transition in excitons is dramatically
      renormalized on macroscopic ground state population. Our results establish
      fundamental differences between polariton condensation and photon lasing and open
      possibilities for coherent control of condensates. 

PMID- 25115965
TI  - Learning a weighted meta-sample based parameter free sparse representation
      classification for microarray data.
AB  - Sparse representation classification (SRC) is one of the most promising
      classification methods for supervised learning. This method can effectively
      exploit discriminating information by introducing a [Symbol: see text]1
      regularization terms to the data. With the desirable property of sparisty, SRC is
      robust to both noise and outliers. In this study, we propose a weighted meta
      sample based non-parametric sparse representation classification method for the
      accurate identification of tumor subtype. The proposed method includes three
      steps. First, we extract the weighted meta-samples for each sub class from raw
      data, and the rationality of the weighting strategy is proven mathematically.
      Second, sparse representation coefficients can be obtained by [Symnbol: see
      text]1 regularization of underdetermined linear equations. Thus, data dependent
      sparsity can be adaptively tuned. A simple characteristic function is eventually
      utilized to achieve classification. Asymptotic time complexity analysis is
      applied to our method. Compared with some state-of-the-art classifiers, the
      proposed method has lower time complexity and more flexibility. Experiments on
      eight samples of publicly available gene expression profile data show the
      effectiveness of the proposed method.

PMID- 25115967
TI  - Automating lexical cross-mapping of ICNP to SNOMED CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of
      automating lexical cross-mapping of a logic-based nursing terminology (ICNP) to
      SNOMED CT using the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) maintained by the U.S.
      National Library of Medicine. METHODS: A two-stage approach included patterns
      identification, and application and evaluation of an automated term matching
      procedure. The performance of the automated procedure was evaluated using a test
      set against a gold standard (i.e. concept equivalency table) created
      independently by terminology experts. RESULTS: There were lexical similarities
      between ICNP diagnostic concepts and SNOMED CT. The automated term matching
      procedure was reliable as presented in recall of 65%, precision of 79%, accuracy
      of 82%, F-measure of 0.71 and the area under the receiver operating
      characteristics (ROC) curve of 0.78 (95% CI 0.73-0.83). When the automated
      procedure was not able to retrieve lexically matched concepts, it was also
      unlikely for terminology experts to identify a matched SNOMED CT concept.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although further research is warranted to enhance the automated
      matching procedure, the combination of cross-maps from UMLS and the automated
      procedure is useful to generate candidate mappings and thus, assist ongoing
      maintenance of mappings which is a significant burden to terminology developers.

PMID- 25115966
TI  - Sex-based differences in bleeding and long term adverse events after percutaneous
      coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction: three year results from
      the HORIZONS-AMI trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have shown sex-based disparities in ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) management and prognosis. We sought to compare
      women and men undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for
      STEMI in a large, prospective, contemporary context. METHODS: The Harmonizing
      Outcomes with Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction
      (HORIZONS-AMI) trial randomized 3,602 patients (23.4% women and 76.6% men) with
      STEMI presenting within 12 hr of onset of symptoms to bivalirudin or heparin plus
      glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and to PCI with drug-eluting or bare metal
      stents. RESULTS: Compared with men, women presented later after symptom onset and
      were more often treated with medical management alone (6.9% vs. 4.7%; P = 0.01).
      Women had significantly higher rates of 3-year major adverse cardiac events
      (MACE) and major bleeding. After adjusting for baseline differences, female sex
      remained an independent predictor of major bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] 1.81, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.41-2.33; P < 0.0001) but not of MACE (HR 1.09; 95% CI
      0.91-1.32; P = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that women with STEMI are at
      increased risk of bleeding as compared to men. While female sex may not directly
      contribute to increased risk of MACE, it is, however, associated with the
      presence of comorbidities that increase the risk of ischemic events long-term.
      Further dedicated studies are needed to confirm these findings and to assess
      strategies to optimize both the initial emergent treatment and long-term
      management in this high-risk subset. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 25115968
TI  - The global regulator FfSge1 is required for expression of secondary metabolite
      gene clusters but not for pathogenicity in Fusarium fujikuroi.
AB  - The plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium fujikuroi is the causal agent of bakanae
      disease on rice due to its ability to produce gibberellins. Besides these
      phytohormones, F. fujikuroi is able to produce several other secondary
      metabolites (SMs). Although much progress has been made in the field of secondary
      metabolism, the transcriptional regulation of SM biosynthesis is complex and
      still incompletely understood. Environmental conditions, global as well as
      pathway-specific regulators and chromatin remodelling have been shown to play
      major roles. Here, the role of FfSge1, a homologue of the morphological switch
      regulators Wor1 and Ryp1 in Candida albicans and Histoplasma capsulatum,
      respectively, is explored with emphasis on secondary metabolism. FfSge1 is not
      required for formation of conidia and pathogenicity but is involved in vegetative
      growth. Transcriptome analysis of the mutant Deltaffsge1 compared with the wild
      type, as well as comparative chemical analysis between the wild type, Deltaffsge1
      and OE:FfSGE1, revealed that FfSge1 functions as a global activator of secondary
      metabolism in F. fujikuroi. Double mutants of FfSGE1 and other SM regulatory
      genes brought insights into the hierarchical regulation of secondary metabolism.
      In addition, FfSge1 is also required for expression of a yet uncharacterized SM
      gene cluster containing a non-canonical non-ribosomal peptide synthetase. 

PMID- 25115971
TI  - Erratum to: Nephroprotective activities of quercetin with potential relevance to
      oxidative stress induced by valproic acid.

PMID- 25115969
TI  - What Role Does Sleep Play in Weight Gain in the First Semester of University?
AB  - We hypothesized that shorter sleep durations and greater variability in sleep
      patterns are associated with weight gain in the first semester of university.
      Students (N = 132) completed daily sleep diaries for 9 weeks, completed the MEQ
      (chronotype) and CES-D (depressed mood) at week 9, and self-reported
      weight/height (weeks 1 & 9). Mean and variability scores were calculated for
      sleep duration (TST, TSTv), bedtime (BT, BTv), and wake time (WT, WTv). An
      initial hierarchical regression evaluated (block 1) sex, ethnicity; (block 2)
      depressed mood, chronotype; (block 3) TST; (block 4) BT, WT; and (block 5; R(2)
      change = 0.09, p = 0.005) TSTv, BTv, WTv with weight change. A sex-by-TSTv
      interaction was found. A final model showed that ethnicity, TST, TSTv, and BTv
      accounted for 31% of the variance in weight change for males; TSTv was the most
      significant contributor (R(2) change = 0.21, p < 0.001). Daily variability in
      sleep duration contributes to males' weight gain. Further investigation needs to
      examine sex-specific outcomes for sleep and weight.

PMID- 25115970
TI  - A numerical investigation of the electric and thermal cell kill distributions in
      electroporation-based therapies in tissue.
AB  - Electroporation-based therapies are powerful biotechnological tools for enhancing
      the delivery of exogeneous agents or killing tissue with pulsed electric fields
      (PEFs). Electrochemotherapy (ECT) and gene therapy based on gene electrotransfer
      (EGT) both use reversible electroporation to deliver chemotherapeutics or plasmid
      DNA into cells, respectively. In both ECT and EGT, the goal is to permeabilize
      the cell membrane while maintaining high cell viability in order to facilitate
      drug or gene transport into the cell cytoplasm and induce a therapeutic response.
      Irreversible electroporation (IRE) results in cell kill due to exposure to PEFs
      without drugs and is under clinical evaluation for treating otherwise
      unresectable tumors. These PEF therapies rely mainly on the electric field
      distributions and do not require changes in tissue temperature for their
      effectiveness. However, in immediate vicinity of the electrodes the treatment may
      results in cell kill due to thermal damage because of the inhomogeneous electric
      field distribution and high current density during the electroporation-based
      therapies. Therefore, the main objective of this numerical study is to evaluate
      the influence of pulse number and electrical conductivity in the predicted cell
      kill zone due to irreversible electroporation and thermal damage. Specifically,
      we simulated a typical IRE protocol that employs ninety 100-us PEFs. Our results
      confirm that it is possible to achieve predominant cell kill due to
      electroporation if the PEF parameters are chosen carefully. However, if either
      the pulse number and/or the tissue conductivity are too high, there is also
      potential to achieve cell kill due to thermal damage in the immediate vicinity of
      the electrodes. Therefore, it is critical for physicians to be mindful of
      placement of electrodes with respect to critical tissue structures and treatment
      parameters in order to maintain the non-thermal benefits of electroporation and
      prevent unnecessary damage to surrounding healthy tissue, critical vascular
      structures, and/or adjacent organs. 

PMID- 25115972
TI  - A clinical experience of 'STAMP' plate-guided Bonebridge implantation.
AB  - CONCLUSION: The surface template-assisted marker positioning (STAMP) method is
      useful for successful BonebridgeTM (BB) implantation on a planned site while
      avoiding dangerous positions. OBJECTIVES: To confirm the usefulness of the STAMP
      method for the safe operation of BB. METHODS: From a patient's temporal bone CT
      data, a guide plate and confirmation plate were generated by the STAMP method.
      The guide plate is used to mark the correct place for implantation, while the
      confirmation plate lets us know the correct angle and depth of the hole. RESULTS:
      With the guide plate, the correct place for BB implantation was easily found. The
      hole was made to be an appropriate size with the confirmation plate while
      exposing only a small part of sigmoid sinus as simulated. Finally, the BB implant
      was successfully placed exactly at the planned site.

PMID- 25115973
TI  - Recent development of sandwich assay based on the nanobiotechnologies for
      proteins, nucleic acids, small molecules, and ions.

PMID- 25115975
TI  - Unhelpful information about adverse drug reactions.

PMID- 25115976
TI  - Roughness and morphology of composites: influence of type of material, fluoride
      solution, and time.
AB  - This study evaluated the effect of fluoride solutions on surface roughness and
      morphology of composites in the short and long term. Specimens were randomly
      assigned to experimental groups (n=5) according to type of composite (nanofilled,
      microhybrid, microfilled) and immersion media (artificial saliva, 0.05% sodium
      fluoride solution, Fluordent Reach, Oral-B, and Fluorgard). Roughness was
      evaluated at time intervals: T 0 after 24 h in artificial saliva (baseline); T 60
      after being in assigned immersion media for 1 min daily over 60 days; and T final
      after artificial aging (20,000 thermal cycles, 1,200,000 mechanical loading
      cycles, and continuous immersion for 1,825 min). Surface morphology was
      qualitatively analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at T 60 and T final.
      Roughness data were submitted to analysis of variance for mixed repeated
      measures, Sidak, and Tukey tests at alpha=0.05. Micro-filled resin showed the
      highest roughness values. Fluoride solutions had no influence on roughness.
      Higher roughness values were observed after artificial aging. In SEM observations
      after the artificial aging, the specimens showed surface degradation,
      irrespective of immersion medium or type of composite. Nano-filled resin showed
      higher loss of resin matrix and protrusion of filler particles. Roughness was not
      influenced by fluoride solutions; however, it is material dependent and increases
      over time. 

PMID- 25115977
TI  - A reversible conversion between a skyrmion and a domain-wall pair in a junction
      geometry.
AB  - Skyrmions are expected to be a key component of the next-generation of
      spintronics: known as 'skyrmionics'. On the other hand, there is a well
      established memory device encoded by a sequence of domain walls. Here we show a
      conversion is possible between a skyrmion and a domain-wall pair by connecting
      wide and narrow nanowires, enabling the information transmission between a
      skyrmion device and a domain-wall device. Our results will be the basis of a
      hybrid device made of skyrmions and domain walls, where the encoded information
      in domain walls is converted into skyrmions, and then read out by converting the
      skyrmions back to domain walls after a functional control of the skyrmions. Such
      a device has the potential to outperform domain-wall racetrack memory because of
      the combined advantages of domain walls and skyrmions for spintronics
      application. 

PMID- 25115979
TI  - Chronic fibrosing osteomyelitis: a position statement.
AB  - Chronic Fibrosing Osteomyletis (CFO) is a commonly found condition which is often
      undiagnosed because of its co-morbidities with other systemic conditions.
      Clinicians should consider CFO in their differential diagnosis when confronted
      with complex head, neck and facial pain patients who present with multi
      symptom/systems overlay. A multi-disciplinary approach is often required for
      proper patient diagnosis and treatment. 

PMID- 25115978
TI  - The Swiss Systemic lupus erythematosus Cohort Study (SSCS) - cross-sectional
      analysis of clinical characteristics and treatments across different medical
      disciplines in Switzerland.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe disease characteristics and treatment modalities in a
      multidisciplinary cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in
      Switzerland. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of 255 patients included in the
      Swiss SLE Cohort and coming from centres specialised in Clinical Immunology,
      Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Rheumatology. Clinical data were collected with
      a standardised form. Disease activity was assessed using the Safety of Estrogens
      in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA
      SLEDAI), an integer physician's global assessment score (PGA) ranging from 0
      (inactive) to 3 (very active disease) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate
      (ESR). The relationship between SLE treatment and activity was assessed by
      propensity score methods using a mixed-effect logistic regression with a random
      effect on the contributing centre. RESULTS: Of the 255 patients, 82% were women
      and 82% were of European ancestry. The mean age at enrolment was 44.8 years and
      the median SLE duration was 5.2 years. Patients from Rheumatology had a
      significantly later disease onset. Renal disease was reported in 44% of patients.
      PGA showed active disease in 49% of patients, median SLEDAI was 4 and median ESR
      was 14 millimetre/first hour. Prescription rates of anti-malarial drugs ranged
      from 3% by nephrologists to 76% by rheumatologists. Patients regularly using anti
      malarial drugs had significantly lower SELENA-SLEDAI scores and ESR values.
      CONCLUSION: In our cohort, patients in Rheumatology had a significantly later SLE
      onset than those in Nephrology. Anti-malarial drugs were mostly prescribed by
      rheumatologists and internists and less frequently by nephrologists, and appeared
      to be associated with less active SLE.

PMID- 25115980
TI  - Differentiation in the microbial ecology and activity of suspended and attached
      bacteria in a nitritation-anammox process.
AB  - A directed differentiation between the biofilm and suspension was observed in the
      molecular microbial ecology and gene expression of different bacteria in a
      biofilm nitritation-anammox process operated at varying hydraulic residence times
      (HRT) and nitrogen loading rates (NLR). The highest degree of enrichment observed
      in the biofilm was of anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AMX) followed by that
      of Nitrospira spp. related nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB). For AMX, a major
      shift from Candidatus "Brocadia fulgida" to Candidatus "Kuenenia stuttgartiensis"
      in both suspension and biofilm was observed with progressively shorter HRT, using
      discriminatory biomarkers targeting the hydrazine synthase (hzsA) gene. In
      parallel, expression of the hydrazine oxidoreductase gene (hzo), a functional
      biomarker for AMX energy metabolism, became progressively prominent in the
      biofilm. A marginal but statistically significant enrichment in the biofilm was
      observed for Nitrosomonas europaea related ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). In
      direct contrast to AMX, the gene expression of ammonia monooxygenase subunit A
      (amoA), a functional biomarker for AOB energy metabolism, progressively increased
      in suspension. Using gene expression and biomass concentration measures in
      conjunction, it was determined that signatures of AOB metabolism were primarily
      present in the biofilm throughout the study. On the other hand, AMX metabolism
      gradually shifted from being uniformly distributed in both the biofilm and
      suspension to primarily the biofilm at shorter HRTs and higher NLRs. These
      results therefore highlight the complexity and key differences in the microbial
      ecology, gene expression and activity between the biofilm and suspension of a
      nitritation-anammox process and the biokinetic and metabolic drivers for such
      niche segregation.

PMID- 25115981
TI  - [Uncommon clinical manifestations of cutaneous leishmaniasis].
AB  - Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the most common dermatoses of the tropics. A
      major focus of this disease is the Syrian city of Aleppo, after which it was
      named in many textbooks ("Aleppo boil"). The first cases of cutaneous
      leishmaniasis were reported from Aleppo particularly more than 100 years ago.
      Syria is one of the most affected countries worldwide. This disease used to be
      well documented until the onset of the war in Syria in 2012, which is also
      supported by the numbers of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and Aleppo used
      to be the most affected Syrian city. Since 2012, the documentation of cutaneous
      leishmaniasis in Syria is no longer possible. An outbreak of cutaneous
      leishmaniasis has been detected especially in the besieged regions due to missing
      prevention measures against the sandflies and a lack of medical care. A short
      summary of the epidemiologic situation in Syria as well as outstanding and
      uncommon clinical manifestations of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Aleppo are
      presented.

PMID- 25115982
TI  - [Comedo or basal cell carcinoma?].

PMID- 25115987
TI  - 57Fe Mossbauer studies across the spin density wave transition in BaFe2-xRuxAs2.
AB  - Mossbauer measurements have been carried out in powdered single crystalline
      samples of BaFe(2-x)RuxAs(2), for Ru concentration in the x = 0.0-0.5 range. The
      internal hyperfine field (B(hf)) measured at 5 K is found to decrease with an
      increase in Ru concentration, consistent with the disappearance of a magnetic
      ground state with Ru substitution. The temperature dependent Mossbauer
      measurements have been used to study the evolution of magnetic ordering at the Fe
      sites, in samples with a Ru fraction of x = 0.1 and 0.5. From the analysis of the
      data, it is surmised that the isomer shift increases with a decrease in
      temperature, with a characteristic slope change at the structural transition in
      both samples studied. In both the x = 0.1 and x = 0.5 samples, a low B(hf)
      centred around 0.5 Tesla is seen to occur well above the structural transition
      temperature, the contribution from which is suppressed with a decrease in
      temperature. Below the structural transition temperature, a bimodal distribution
      of B(hf) centred at about 3 Tesla and 5 Tesla emerges, the contribution from
      which increases with a further decrease in temperature. Spin polarized density
      functional calculations suggest the occurrence of different magnetic moments at
      the Fe sites in the Ru substituted compounds, and provide a rationale for the
      experimentally observed multimodel B(hf).

PMID- 25115983
TI  - [Childhood granulomatous periorificial dermatitis].
AB  - CASE REPORT: A 14-year-old patient of African ancestry presented with multiple
      papules in the perioral, perinasal and periocular areas. Histopathology showed
      sarcoidal granulomas. DIAGNOSIS: After exclusion of systemic sarcoidosis, the
      diagnosis of childhood granulomatous periorificial dermatitis was made. THERAPY:
      Topical treatment with erythromycin resulted in complete regression. CONCLUSION:
      Childhood granulomatous periorificial dermatitis is mainly observed in dark
      skinned children of African, Caribbean, or Asian origin. The nosological position
      of the dermatosis is controversial. Originally classified as sarcoidosis,
      childhood granulomatous periorificial dermatitis is now generally regarded as a
      special form of perioral dermatitis.

PMID- 25115988
TI  - 'Jumping around': exploring young women's behaviour and knowledge in relation to
      sexual health in a remote Aboriginal Australian community.
AB  - Sexual health indicators for young remote-living Aboriginal women are the worst
      of all of Australian women. This study aimed to describe and explore young
      women's behaviour and knowledge in relation to sexual health, as well as to
      provide health professionals with cross-cultural insights to assist with health
      practice. A descriptive ethnographic study was conducted, which included:
      extended ethnographic field work in one remote community over a six-year period;
      community observation and participation; field notes; semi-structured interviews;
      group reproductive ethno-physiology drawing and language sessions; focus-group
      sessions; training and employment of Aboriginal research assistants; and
      consultation and advice from a local reference group and a Cultural Mentor.
      Findings reveal that young women in this remote community have a very poor
      biomedical understanding of sexually transmitted infections and contraception.
      This is further compounded by not speaking English as a first language, low
      literacy levels and different beliefs in relation to body functions. In their
      sexual relationships, young women often report experiences involving multiple
      casual partners, marijuana use and violence. Together, the findings contribute to
      a better understanding of the factors underlying sexual health inequity among
      young Aboriginal women in Australia. 

PMID- 25115989
TI  - Treatment of bone metastases in urologic malignancies.
AB  - The skeletal system is the most common site of metastatic cancer spread. Bone
      metastases are often associated with severe morbidity, pain and functional
      impairment. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment may decrease morbidity, improve
      quality of life and in some cases even improve survival. External beam
      radiotherapy may effectively give pain relief in patients with painful bone
      metastases. In bone metastases from castration-resistant prostate cancer or
      urothelial bladder cancer, treatment with zoledronic acid or denosumab may reduce
      skeletal-related events. In contrast to castration-resistant prostate cancer, in
      patients with bone metastases from bladder cancer such treatment may even improve
      survival. On the other hand, the efficacy of these agents is questionable in
      patients with bone involvement from metastatic renal cell carcinoma or germ cell
      tumors. When bisphosphonates or denosumab are considered in such cases, the
      potential benefits of treatment should be critically weighed against the risk of
      side effects. In germ cell tumors, bone metastases may be cured by cisplatin
      based chemotherapy, however, there are only limited data on the specific
      management of residual disease. Oligometastases may be treated by stereotactic
      radiotherapy or--especially in patients with renal cell carcinoma--by surgical
      resection and endoprosthetic replacement. Limited data are available on the
      management of bone involvement in germ cell tumors. Decisions on the resection or
      local radiotherapy of residual disease should be individualized considering the
      overall response and the feasibility and risks of resection.

PMID- 25115991
TI  - Temperature response of denitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation rates
      and microbial community structure in Arctic fjord sediments.
AB  - The temperature dependency of denitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation
      (anammox) rates from Arctic fjord sediments was investigated in a temperature
      gradient block incubator for temperatures ranging from -1 to 40 degrees C.
      Community structure in intact sediments and slurry incubations was determined
      using Illumina SSU rRNA gene sequencing. The optimal temperature (Topt ) for
      denitrification was 25-27 degrees C, whereas anammox rates were optimal at 12-17
      degrees C. Both denitrification and anammox exhibited temperature responses
      consistent with a psychrophilic community, but anammox bacteria may be more
      specialized for psychrophilic activity. Long-term (1-2 months) warming
      experiments indicated that temperature increases of 5-10 degrees C above in situ
      had little effect on the microbial community structure or the temperature
      response of denitrification and anammox. Increases of 25 degrees C shifted
      denitrification temperature responses to mesophilic with concurrent community
      shifts, and anammox activity was eliminated above 25 degrees C. Additions of low
      molecular weight organic substrates (acetate and lactate) caused increases in
      denitrification rates, corroborating the hypothesis that the supply of organic
      substrates is a more dominant control of respiration rates than low temperature.
      These results suggest that climate-related changes in sinking particulate flux
      will likely alter rates of N removal more rapidly than warming.

PMID- 25115992
TI  - Bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin for residual thrombus burden: a
      frequency-domain optical coherence tomography study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effect of bivalirudin and
      unfractionated heparin (UFH) on residual thrombus burden assessed by frequency
      domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT), and on angiographic indices of
      microvascular obstruction (MVO). BACKGROUND: The efficacy of bivalirudin to
      inhibit thrombus formation inside the stent during percutaneous coronary
      interventions (PCI) as compared to UFH is unknown. METHODS: Sixty patients with
      coronary artery disease who underwent post-PCI FD-OCT were studied, including 20
      patients treated with bivalirudin and 40 control patients treated with UFH,
      matched by clinical presentation, stent characteristics, and periprocedural
      medications. In-stent thrombus volume, thrombus score (number of quadrants with
      thrombus), and thrombus type (white/red) were assessed by FD-OCT. Thrombolysis in
      myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade, corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC), and
      Quantitative Blush Evaluator (QuBE) score were recorded. RESULTS: Patients
      treated with bivalirudin showed similar thrombus volume (0.14 mm(3) [0.00-0.88]
      vs. 0.13 mm(3) [0.00-0.63], P = 0.962), thrombus score (10 [0-25] vs. 8 [0-21], P
      = 0.849) and thrombus length (1.70 mm [0.00-4.10] vs. 1.40 mm [0.00-4.05], P =
      0.968], as compared with patients treated with UFH. Patients in the bivalirudin
      group showed lower proportion of white thrombus (55.5% vs. 78.6%, P = 0.016).
      There was no significant difference in TIMI flow grade, cTFC, and QuBE score
      between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed similar residual
      thrombus burden and angiographic indices of MVO immediately after PCI between
      patients treated with bivalirudin and those treated with UFH.

PMID- 25115993
TI  - Sterile-filtered saliva is a strong inducer of IL-6 and IL-8 in oral fibroblasts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Saliva has been implicated to support oral wound healing, a process
      that requires a transient inflammatory reaction. However, definitive proof that
      saliva can provoke an inflammatory response remained elusive. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We investigated the ability of freshly harvested and sterile-filtered
      saliva to cause an inflammatory response of oral fibroblasts and epithelial
      cells. The expression of cytokines and chemokines was assessed by microarray, RT
      PCR, immunoassays, and Luminex technology. The involvement of signaling pathways
      was determined by Western blot analysis and pharmacologic inhibitors. RESULTS: We
      report that sterile-filtered whole saliva was a potent inducer of IL-6 and IL-8
      in fibroblasts from the gingiva, the palate, and the periodontal ligament, but
      not of oral epithelial cells. This strong inflammatory response requires nuclear
      factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. The pro
      inflammatory capacity is heat stable and has a molecular weight of <40 kDa.
      Genome-wide microarrays and Luminex technology further revealed that saliva
      substantially increased expression of other inflammatory genes and various
      chemokines. To preclude that the observed pro-inflammatory activity is the result
      of oral bacteria, sterile-filtered parotid saliva, collected under almost aseptic
      conditions, was used and also increased IL-6 and IL-8 expression in gingiva
      fibroblasts. The inflammatory response was, furthermore, independent of MYD88, an
      adapter protein of the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: We
      conclude that saliva can provoke a robust inflammatory response in oral
      fibroblasts involving the classical nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated
      protein kinase signaling pathway. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Since fibroblasts but not
      epithelial cells show a strong inflammatory response, saliva may support the
      innate immunity of defect sites exposing the oral connective tissue.

PMID- 25115994
TI  - Evaluation of a new oral health scale of infectious potential based on the
      salivary microbiota.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to analyse the correlation of our own
      design of oral health scale (grades 0 and 1-better oral health vs. grades 2 and 3
      poorer oral health) with the salivary microbiota. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The oral
      health scale we elaborated was evaluated in 100 adults (25 patients from each
      global oral health grade). Saliva samples collected from these patients were
      analysed using microbiological culture techniques, determining the
      presence/absence and the concentrations of some odontopathogens and
      periodontopathogens. RESULTS: In comparison with the global oral health grades 0
      1, the grades 2-3 presented significantly higher values for the presence of
      odontopathogens (78 vs. 38 %; Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. and
      Actinomyces spp.) and periodontopathogens (100 vs. 90 %; Aggregatibacter
      actinomycetemcomitans, Campylobacter spp., Fusobacterium spp. and Prevotella
      gingivalis). In comparison with the grades 0-1, the grades 2-3 presented
      significantly higher values for the concentrations (CFU/mL log10) of facultative
      anaerobes, strict anaerobes, odontopathogens (S. mutans, Lactobacillus spp. and
      Actinomyces spp.) and periodontopathogens (A. actinomycetemcomitans,
      Capnocytophaga spp., Campylobacter spp. and Fusobacterium spp.). CONCLUSION: Our
      new global oral health scale shows a positive correlation with the detection and
      quantification of certain odontopathogens and periodontopathogens present in the
      saliva, confirming their possible infectious potential. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our
      own design of oral health scale could be particularly useful for the
      epidemiological study of different populations, the evaluation of the influence
      of oral health on the development of certain systemic diseases as well as the
      analysis of inter- and intra-individual variability of the oral microbiota in
      relation to the different grades of the oral health scale.

PMID- 25115997
TI  - Continuous and scalable fabrication of bioinspired dry adhesives via a roll-to
      roll process with modulated ultraviolet-curable resin.
AB  - A simple yet scalable strategy for fabricating dry adhesives with mushroom-shaped
      micropillars is achieved by a combination of the roll-to-roll process and
      modulated UV-curable elastic poly(urethane acrylate) (e-PUA) resin. The e-PUA
      combines the major benefits of commercial PUA and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS).
      It not only can be cured within a few seconds like commercial PUA but also
      possesses good mechanical properties comparable to those of PDMS. A roll-type
      fabrication system equipped with a rollable mold and a UV exposure unit is also
      developed for the continuous process. By integrating the roll-to-roll process
      with the e-PUA, dry adhesives with spatulate tips in the form of a thin flexible
      film can be generated in a highly continuous and scalable manner. The fabricated
      dry adhesives with mushroom-shaped microstructures exhibit a strong pull-off
      strength of up to ~38.7 N cm(-2) on the glass surface as well as high durability
      without any noticeable degradation. Furthermore, an automated substrate
      transportation system equipped with the dry adhesives can transport a 300 mm Si
      wafer over 10,000 repeating cycles with high accuracy.

PMID- 25115995
TI  - Effects of sodium hypoclorite as disinfectant material previous to pulpotomies in
      primary teeth.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) can be used to promote healing vital
      pulpotomies as an antibacterial agent. The aim of the present study was to
      histologically analyze the pulpal response of human primary teeth pulp following
      calcium hydroxide (CH) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomies with and
      without 5% NaOCl. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-eight primary molars
      were randomly divided into two main groups according to pulpotomy material
      (CH/MTA) and into two subgroups according to selected cleansing agent
      (NaOCl/physiologic saline) used in the pulpotomy procedure. Thirty-four
      successfully treated teeth whose successor roots had completed formation of at
      least two thirds of their lengths were extracted for histological evaluation.
      Fisher's exact test, Pearson's Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test with
      Bonferroni correction were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No significant
      differences in any of the tested parameters were observed between the NaOCl and
      physiologic saline subgroups of either the CH or MTA groups. Pulpal inflammation
      was significantly higher in the CH-treated teeth as compared with the MTA-treated
      teeth, whereas hard tissue bridge formation was significantly higher in the MTA
      treated teeth as compared with the CH-treated teeth but regardless of cleansing
      agent (p < 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The use of NaOCl does not affect the success of
      CH or MTA pulpotomies. Regardless of cleansing agent, MTA was found to be
      superior to CH. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proper medicament selection is more
      important than the choice of cleaning agent in vital pulpotomies.

PMID- 25115998
TI  - Estimation of the use of antibiotics in the small ruminant industry in The
      Netherlands in 2011 and 2012.
AB  - The aim of this study was to estimate the quantity of antibiotics and classes of
      antibiotics used in the small ruminant industry in the Netherlands in 2011 and
      2012. Twelve large veterinary practices, located throughout the Netherlands were
      selected for this study. All small ruminant farms associated with these practices
      that had complete records on the quantity of antibiotics prescribed were
      included. The veterinary practices provided data on all antibiotics prescribed,
      and the estimated animal used daily dose of antibiotics per year (AUDD/Y) was
      calculated for each farm. The median AUDD/Y in small ruminant farms was zero in
      both years (mean 0.60 in 2011, and 0.62 in 2012). The largest quantity of
      antibiotic use was observed in the professional goat industry (herds of >=32
      goats) with a median AUDD/Y of 1.22 in 2011 and 0.73 in 2012. In the professional
      sheep industry (flocks of >=32 sheep), the median AUDD/Y was 0 in 2011 and 0.10
      in 2012. In the small scale industry (flocks or herds of <32 sheep or goats), the
      median AUDD/Y never exceeded 0. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics in the
      small scale industry and professional sheep farms belonged to the penicillin
      class. In professional goat farms, antibiotics of the aminoglycoside class were
      most frequently prescribed. This study provides the first assessment on the
      quantity of antibiotic use in the small ruminant industry. Given a comparable
      attitude towards antibiotic use, these results might be valid for small ruminant
      populations in other north-western European countries as well. The antibiotic use
      in the small ruminant industry appeared to be low, and is expected to play a
      minor role in the development of antibiotic resistance. Nevertheless, several
      major zoonotic bacterial pathogens are associated with the small ruminant
      industry, and it remains important that antibiotics are used in a prudent way. 

PMID- 25116000
TI  - Development of an in vitro screen for compound bioaccumulation in Haemonchus
      contortus.
AB  - The objective of the current study was to establish an in vitro screen and a
      highly sensitive analytical assay to delineate key physicochemical properties
      that favor compound bioaccumulation in the L3 life stage of a Haemonchus
      contortus isolate. Time-dependent studies revealed that absorption and
      elimination kinetics during the first 6 hr of exposure were sufficient to achieve
      maximum bioaccumulation for the majority of compounds tested. In subsequent
      studies, the larvae were incubated for 6 hr in a medium containing 146 compounds
      (5 MUM initial concentration), including both human and veterinary medicines,
      characterized by a broad range of physicochemical properties. Bioaccumulation of
      the compounds by the nematodes was determined, and multiple physicochemical
      descriptors were selected for correlation. Data analysis using Bayes
      classification model and partial least-square regression revealed that clogD7.4,
      rotatable bond, E-state, and hydrogen bond donor each correlated with compound
      bioaccumulation in H. contortus L3. The finding that lipophilicity was critical
      for transcuticle compound permeation was consistent with previous studies in
      other parasitic species and in adult H. contortus . The finding of additional
      physicochemical properties that contribute to compound conformational
      flexibility, polarity, and electrotopological state shed light on the mechanisms
      governing transcuticle permeation. The relatively poor correlation between
      transcuticle and transmembrane permeation indicated the distinct mechanisms of
      compound permeation, likely due to the different constituents, and their
      contributions to overall transport function, of the lipid membranes and the
      porous collagen barrier of the nematode cuticle. Our study, for the first time,
      establishes a high-throughput screen for compound bioaccumulation in a parasitic
      nematode and further elucidates physicochemical factors governing transcuticular
      permeation of compounds. Application of this methodology will help explain the
      basis for discrepancies observed in receptor binding and whole organism potency
      assays and facilitate incorporation of drug delivery principles in the design of
      candidate anthelmintics.

PMID- 25115999
TI  - Cognitive impairment in myotonic dystrophy type 1 is associated with white matter
      damage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate grey (GM) and white matter (WM) abnormalities and their
      effects on cognitive and behavioral deficits in a large, phenotypically and
      genotypically well-characterized cohort of classic adult (aDM1, age at onset >=
      20 years) or juvenile (jDM1, age at onset <20 years) patients with myotonic
      dystrophy type 1 (DM1). METHODS: A case-control study including 51 DM1 patients
      (17 jDM1 and 34 aDM1) and 34 controls was conducted at an academic medical
      center. Clinical, cognitive and structural MRI evaluations were obtained.
      Quantitative assessments of regional GM volumes, WM hyperintensities (WMHs), and
      microstructural WM tract damage were performed. The association between
      structural brain damage and clinical and cognitive findings was assessed.
      RESULTS: DM1 patients showed a high prevalence of WMHs, severe regional GM
      atrophy including the key nodes of the sensorimotor and main cognitive brain
      networks, and WM microstructural damage of the interhemispheric, corticospinal,
      limbic and associative pathways. WM tract damage extends well beyond the focal
      WMHs. While aDM1 patients had severe patterns of GM atrophy and WM tract damage,
      in jDM1 patients WM abnormalities exceeded GM involvement. In DM1, WMHs and
      microstructural damage, but not GM atrophy, correlated with cognitive deficits.
      CONCLUSIONS: WM damage, through a disconnection between GM structures, is likely
      to be the major contributor to cognitive impairment in DM1. Our MRI findings in
      aDM1 and jDM1 patients support the hypothesis of a degenerative (premature aging)
      origin of the GM abnormalities and of developmental changes as the principal
      substrates of microstructural WM alterations in DM1.

PMID- 25116001
TI  - Treatment of alpha(0)-thalassemia (--(SEA)/--(SEA)) via serial fetal and post
      natal transfusions: Can early fetal intervention improve outcomes?
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Homozygous Southeast Asian alpha-thalassemia mutation (
      -(SEA)/--(SEA)) results in deletion of all alpha-globin genes (alpha(0)
      thalassemia). Since all alpha-globin chains are absent, hemoglobin F cannot be
      synthesized, and hemoglobin Bart's becomes the dominant fetal hemoglobin.
      Hemoglobin Bart's is a gamma tetramer with a very high oxygen affinity, thus
      oxygen delivery to the tissues is poor. Clinical manifestations include severe
      fetal anemia, hydrops fetalis, fetal demise, and high risk of neurodevelopmental
      impairment in the rare survivors. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old Vietnamese
      woman presented to our center at 28 0/7 weeks' gestation with fetal alpha(0)
      thalassemia (--(SEA)/--(SEA) type deletion) and ultrasound markers suggestive of
      severe fetal anemia. INTERVENTION: The fetus was treated with four intrauterine
      transfusions followed by post-natal chronic transfusions. Formal
      neurodevelopmental testing (Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition) was
      performed at 18 months of age, and the developmental quotient was 93 (32nd
      percentile) with all subdomains noted within normal limits, indicating overall
      intact neurodevelopment. CONCLUSION: We posit that earlier diagnosis and fetal
      treatment, prior to clinical findings suggestive of fetal anemia, may improve
      long-term outcomes by enhancing oxygen delivery to the tissues of the developing
      fetus.

PMID- 25116002
TI  - Decreased inter-hemispheric connectivity in anterior sub-network of default mode
      network and cerebellum: significant findings in major depressive disorder.
AB  - The issue of inter-hemispheric connectivity is an emerging new area in
      understanding the pathophysiology of depression. This study was designed to
      analyse the pattern of inter-hemispheric connectivity in patients with major
      depressive disorder (MDD). The resting-state functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (RFMRI) was acquired in all enrolled patients and controls. We used a
      method of voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) to estimate the
      significant differences in inter-hemispheric connectivity between 44 patients
      with first-episode medication-naive MDD and 27 normal controls. The patients and
      controls were matched for age and gender. The patients with first-episode
      medication-naive MDD showed lower VMHC than normal controls in bilateral medial
      frontal cortex, anterior cingulate and cerebellar posterior lobe. The strength of
      inter-hemispheric connectivity VMHC value was negatively correlated with clinical
      severity of MDD. From the results, we suggested that decreased inter-hemispheric
      connectivity in the anterior sub-network of the default mode network and the
      cerebellar posterior lobe might represent an emerging finding in the
      pathophysiology for MDD. 

PMID- 25116003
TI  - Multicolour nonlinearly bound chirped dissipative solitons.
AB  - The dissipative soliton regime is one of the most advanced ways to generate high
      energy femtosecond pulses in mode-locked lasers. On the other hand, the
      stimulated Raman scattering in a fibre laser may convert the excess energy out of
      the coherent dissipative soliton to a noisy Raman pulse, thus limiting its
      energy. Here we demonstrate that intracavity feedback provided by re-injection of
      a Raman pulse into the laser cavity leads to formation of a coherent Raman
      dissipative soliton. Together, a dissipative soliton and a Raman dissipative
      soliton (of the first and second orders) form a two (three)-colour stable complex
      with higher total energy and broader spectrum than those of the dissipative
      soliton alone. Numerous applications can benefit from this approach, including
      frequency comb spectroscopy, transmission lines, seeding femtosecond parametric
      amplifiers, enhancement cavities and multiphoton fluorescence microscopy. 

PMID- 25116005
TI  - Back to the future: examining type 2 diabetic vasculature using the gestational
      diabetic placenta.
AB  - Understanding the association between the intrauterine hyperglycemic milieu and
      the development of adult diabetic vasculopathy is of particular relevance in
      India, where diabetes and vascular disease are prevalent. The gestational
      diabetes mellitus placenta is a valuable tool to examine blood vessels that have
      been exposed to hyperglycemic cues. We report an interesting observation in a
      cohort of gestational diabetes mellitus foetal placental vasculature from South
      India. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated pericyte detachment and
      pericyte ghost cells reminiscent of adult type 2 diabetic retinopathy, in
      gestational diabetes mellitus foetal placental blood vessels that were not
      observed in non-gestational diabetes mellitus placentas (p <=0.001). Endothelial
      cell irregularity was observed in 76% gestational diabetes mellitus foetal blood
      vessels as compared with 10.4% non-gestational diabetes mellitus placental
      vasculature (p <=0.001). Other abnormalities noted in gestational diabetes
      mellitus placenta included mitochondrial abnormalities, increased micro vessel
      density and thickening of basement membranes. These results suggest that adult
      type 2 diabetic vasculopathy has developmental origins in utero. 

PMID- 25116006
TI  - Multiple approaches to predicting oxygen and glucose consumptions by HepG2 cells
      on porous scaffolds in an axial-flow bioreactor.
AB  - In this study, the distribution of oxygen and glucose was evaluated along with
      consumption by hepatocytes using three different approaches. The methods include
      (i) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation, (ii) residence time
      distribution (RTD) analysis using a step-input coupled with segregation model or
      dispersion model, and (iii) experimentally determined consumption by HepG2 cells
      in an open-loop. Chitosan-gelatin (CG) scaffolds prepared by freeze-drying and
      polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds prepared by salt leaching technique were
      utilized for RTD analyses. The scaffold characteristics were used in CFD
      simulations i.e. Brinkman's equation for flow through porous medium, structural
      mechanics for fluid induced scaffold deformation, and advection-diffusion
      equation coupled with Michaelis-Menten rate equations for nutrient consumption.
      With the assumption that each hepatocyte behaves like a micro-batch reactor
      within the scaffold, segregation model was combined with RTD to determine exit
      concentration. A flow rate of 1 mL/min was used in the bioreactor seeded with 0.6
      * 10(6) HepG2 cells/cm(3) on CG scaffolds and oxygen consumption was measured
      using two flow-through electrodes located at the inlet and outlet. Glucose in the
      spent growth medium was also analyzed. RTD results showed distribution of
      nutrients to depend on the surface characteristics of scaffolds. Comparisons of
      outlet oxygen concentrations between the simulation results, and experimental
      results showed good agreement with the dispersion model. Outlet oxygen
      concentrations from segregation model predictions were lower. Doubling the cell
      density showed a need for increasing the flow rate in CFD simulations. This
      integrated approach provide a useful strategy in designing bioreactors and
      monitoring tissue regeneration.

PMID- 25116004
TI  - The effects of GLP-1 analogues, DPP-4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors on the
      renal system.
AB  - Diabetic nephropathy (DN) affects an estimated 20%-40% of patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Key modifiable risk factors for DN are albuminuria,
      anaemia, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia and hypertension, together with lifestyle
      factors, such as smoking and obesity. Early detection and treatment of these risk
      factors can prevent DN or slow its progression, and may even induce remission in
      some patients. DN is generally preceded by albuminuria, which frequently remains
      elevated despite treatment in patients with T2DM. Optimal treatment and
      prevention of DN may require an early, intensive, multifactorial approach,
      tailored to simultaneously target all modifiable risk factors. Regular monitoring
      of renal function, including urinary albumin excretion, creatinine clearance and
      glomerular filtration rate, is critical for following any disease progression and
      making treatment adjustments. Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors and sodium
      glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors lower blood glucose levels without
      additional risk of hypoglycaemia, and may also reduce albuminuria. Further
      investigation of the potential renal benefits of DPP-4 and SGLT2 inhibitors is
      underway. 

PMID- 25116008
TI  - [Biochemical markers after trauma].

PMID- 25116007
TI  - Activation of nuclear factor kappa B in the hepatic stellate cells of mice with
      schistosomiasis japonica.
AB  - Schistosomiasis japonica is a serious tropical parasitic disease in humans, which
      causes inflammation and fibrosis of the liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are
      known to play an important role in schistosome-induced fibrosis, but their role
      in schistosome-induced inflammation is still largely unknown. Here, we use a
      murine model of schistosomiasis japonica to investigate the role that nuclear
      factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), a critical mediator of inflammatory responses, plays
      in schistosome-induced inflammation. We revealed that NF-kappaB was significantly
      activated in HSCs at the early stage of infection, but not at later stages. We
      also show that the expression levels of several chemokines regulated by NF-kappaB
      signaling (Ccl2, Ccl3 and Ccl5) were similarly elevated at early infection. TLR4
      signaling, one of the strongest known inducers of NF-kappaB activation, seemed
      not activated in HSCs post-infection. Importantly, we found that levels of miR
      146 (a known negative regulator of NF-kappaB signaling) in HSCs opposed those of
      NF-kappaB signaling, elevating at later stage of infection. These results
      indicate that HSCs might play an important role in the progression of hepatic
      schistosomiasis japonica by linking liver inflammation to fibrosis via NF-kappaB
      signaling. Moreover, our work suggests that miR-146 appeared to regulate this
      process. These findings are significant and imply that manipulating the function
      of HSCs by targeting either NF-kappaB signaling or miR-146 expression may provide
      a novel method of treating hepatic schistosomiasis japonica. 

PMID- 25116009
TI  - [Biomarkers in pediatric polytrauma].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trauma represents one of the leading causes of death in children.
      Beside an injury pattern that differs from adult trauma patients, children seem
      to develop multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) less frequently. Compared
      to adult MODS, pediatric MODS has also been described to occur earlier in the
      posttraumatic course. METHOD: Biomarkers for early identification of patients at
      high-risk for posttraumatic complications are of high clinical relevance.
      However, little is known from clinical studies about the relevance of biomarkers
      during the posttraumatic course. AIM: Therefore, the purpose of this review is to
      summarize current knowledge on this topic in order to investigate the prognostic
      significance of different parameters.

PMID- 25116010
TI  - [Microarrays as biomarkers in trauma].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The traditional hypothesis-driven scientific approach cannot so far
      sufficiently elucidate complex pathophysiologies, such as posttraumatic systemic
      inflammation and subsequent multiple organ failure. This complex system includes
      different biological and functional levels, the genome, the transcriptome, the
      proteome, the biome (cells), the organs and finally the whole organism. METHODS:
      Microarray techniques enable a simultaneous search for these different biological
      levels and their functional relationships on a large scale and to discover new
      functional pathways and networks and potentially new biomarkers for different
      pathologies. Microarray technologies lead to a new paradigm in science, the
      hypothesis-generating approach. AIM: This article reviews important microarray
      findings in trauma and systemic inflammation research and discusses potentials
      and limitations of these biotechnological screening methods.

PMID- 25116011
TI  - [Diagnostic biomarkers in traumatic brain injury].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite advances in medicine in head trauma management, traumatic
      brain injury (TBI) still remains a serious health concern, affecting people
      regardless of age. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality particularly
      in children and young adults. Therefore, studies are being carried out to try to
      establish reliable biomarkers to improve the accuracy of TBI diagnosis and
      associated secondary pathologies. METHODS: Implementation of valid TBI biomarkers
      could possibly reduce the necessity to use computed cranial tomography (CCT),
      especially in patients suffering from mild TBI to rule out intracranial bleeding.
      AIM: This review provides a critical assessment of biomarkers currently under
      investigation and their clinical value for the diagnosis, treatment and outcome
      prediction of TBI.

PMID- 25116012
TI  - [Cytokines as biomarkers in polytraumatized patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple trauma can lead to posttraumatic complications such as
      systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiple organ dysfunction
      syndrome (MODS), and sepsis. Currently, these complications are monitored using
      clinical and organ-specific parameters. The immune system is activated by trauma.
      Cytokines, which are the messenger molecules of this system, can be determined in
      serum. Furthermore, they are associated with the intensity of the inflammatory
      and anti-inflammatory reactions. AIM: This review describes clinical studies that
      measured cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 to
      prognosticate posttraumatic complications. On the other hand, IL-6 can be helpful
      in deciding which primary operation to perform, i.e., external fixator or
      intramedullary nail. Moreover, IL-6 indicates the strength of the immune
      reaction. Thereby, it may help in determining the optimal time for secondary
      surgery.

PMID- 25116014
TI  - [Retraction Note to: Biodegradable screw vs a press-fit bone plug fixation for
      ACL reconstruction. A prospective randomized study].

PMID- 25116013
TI  - [Scapholunate lesions].
AB  - Injuries to the scapholunate ligament are the most frequent cause of carpal
      instability. Therefore, if a scapholunate lesion is not diagnosed, it may result
      in a severe dysfunction of the wrist. This review describes the anatomy, and the
      kinematics of the wrist with an intact as well as a disrupted scapholunate
      ligament. The diagnostic of an isolated ligament lesion and a ligament injury
      associated with a fracture of the distal radius is presented. Finally, an
      algorithm for treatment based on the stage of injury is proposed. 

PMID- 25116016
TI  - [Non-valvular atrial fibrillation: direct thrombin inhibitors versus VKA].

PMID- 25116017
TI  - [Does transcatheter aortic-valve replacement reduce mortality?--TAVR: good
      prognosis due to improved protheses].

PMID- 25116015
TI  - Targeted high-throughput sequencing identifies pathogenic mutations in KCNQ4 in
      two large Chinese families with autosomal dominant hearing loss.
AB  - Autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL) is highly heterogeneous,
      among them, KCNQ4 is one of the most frequent disease-causing genes. More than
      twenty KCNQ4 mutations have been reported, but none of them were detected in
      Chinese mainland families. In this study, we identified a novel KCNQ4 mutation in
      a five generation Chinese family with 84 members and a known KCNQ4 mutation in a
      six generation Chinese family with 66 members. Mutation screening of 30 genes for
      ADNSHL was performed in the probands from thirty large Chinese families with
      ADNSHL by targeted region capture and high-throughput sequencing. The candidate
      variants and the co-segregation of the phenotype were verified by polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) amplification and Sanger sequencing in all ascertained
      family members. Then we identified a novel KCNQ4 mutation p.W275R in exon 5 and a
      known KCNQ4 mutation p.G285S in exon 6 in two large Chinese ADNSHL families
      segregating with post-lingual high frequency-involved and progressive
      sensorineural hearing loss. This is the first report of KCNQ4 mutation in Chinese
      mainland families. KCNQ4, a member of voltage-gated potassium channel family, is
      likely to be a common gene in Chinese patients with ADNSHL. The results also
      support that the combination of targeted enrichment and high-throughput
      sequencing is a valuable molecular diagnostic tool for autosomal dominant
      hereditary deafness. 

PMID- 25116018
TI  - [Treatment of acute renal failure in Germany: a structural analysis].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are no reliable data on the structure and practice of the
      care of critically ill patients with acute renal failure in Germany. METHODS: We
      carried out a detailed survey by sending a questionnaire to 2265 German Intensive
      Care Units. The questionnaire contained 19 questions regarding renal replacement
      therapy. RESULTS: 423 German intensive care units participated in the survey.
      Most of the ICUs are headed interdisciplinary (47%) or by anesthesiologists
      (30%), with significant differences depending on the size of the clinic, with
      primarily interdisciplinary management in smaller clinics. The offered type of
      renal replacement therapy varies significantly, the smaller the house the fewer
      methods are available. Thus, intermittent dialysis procedures are offered only in
      35% of hospitals with up to 400 beds. The indication for the initiation of acute
      renal replacement therapy in intensive care is provided predominantly (53%) by an
      anesthesiologist. A nephrologist is only involved in 22% of all intensive care
      units. The indication is based primarily on a "clinical criteria", but these are
      poorly defined. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the need for cross
      disciplinary standards for the treatment of acute renal failure in German
      intensive care units.

PMID- 25116020
TI  - [45-year-old woman with iron deficiency anemia].

PMID- 25116019
TI  - [Endovascular therapy of an iatrogenic renal-artery-perforation after fenestrated
      aortic-repair (fEVAR)].
AB  - HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: A 75-year-old patient was initially hospitalized
      for therapy-evaluation of a an acquaint infrarenal abdominal-aortic-aneurysm,
      with a maximum diameter of 5.3 cm. Medical history showed a known contained
      rupture of the aneurysm. Except for a substituted Hypothyroidism and a COPD
      Stadium II (GOLD), there were no other previous diseases known. EXAMINATIONS:
      Laboratory showed a slight normochrome, normocytic anemia (hemoglobin 13 g/dl,
      MCV and MCH were normal) together with a decreased total amount of erythrocytes
      of 3.89/pl. TSH value was increased significantly at 7.960 mU/l. Initially
      creatinine was measured at 1.02 mg/dl. Sonography and CT-scan of the abdominal
      vessels had shown no new insights other than the aneurysm of the abdominal aorta.
      A surgical revision was indicated. TREATMENT AND COURSE: After primarily
      uncomplicated implantation of a fenestrated EVAR, the patient showed a
      progressive hemoglobin loss concomitant with a considerable increase of renal
      retention parameters. A "spurium"/false aneurysm of the right renal artery was
      found, which moreover showed a retroperitoneal bleeding. The patient subsequently
      underwent successful endovascular therapy in our clinic and was dismissed from
      the hospital in good condition and without further complications. Follow up
      controls showed no signs of new pathologies. CONCLUSION: "Direct" post-operative
      complications after EVAR are a rarity. In our case, the interventional
      endovascular approach of the bleeding from the right renal artery was a
      successful and sufficient treatment of the potentially life-threatening
      complication.

PMID- 25116023
TI  - [Venous valve prosthesis--close to the biological model].

PMID- 25116022
TI  - [New diagnostic tool for individual monitoring of urolithiasis risk and other
      metabolic diseases].
AB  - Urinary composition is the result of the interplay of all metabolic processes,
      including all metabolites and toxins produced. Any change in urine composition
      influences urinary supersaturation, the major thermodynamic driving force of
      crystal formation. Urolithiasis is a wide-spread disease with a prevalence rate
      of 4% to 10%. Formation risk of calcium-oxalate, by far the most common mineral
      in uroliths, is quantified by the Bonn-Risk-Index (BRI). The BRI measures induced
      crystal growth within native urine and shows superior diagnostic sensitivity and
      specificity compared to other urolithiasis risk indices. The concept of BRI quick
      test presented in this work allowes even untrained persons to easily determine
      the urolithiasis risk. Many diseases lack a simple, easily accessible and cost
      effective diagnostic approach to monitor their course and treatment success.
      Since BRI takes into account every constituent of native urine, it can be used to
      monitor a wide range of metabolic diseases.

PMID- 25116021
TI  - [Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: diagnosis and treatment].
AB  - Bronchiectasis is the term used for irreversibly dilated airways. Exact
      epidemiological information on the frequency of bronchiectasis is not available,
      but the morphological findings are increasingly detected and the associated
      syndrome is more frequently diagnosed due to improved imaging techniques and
      increased awareness among chest physicians. The workup of these patients includes
      a wide panel of investigations guided by patient history and clinical
      presentation. Despite thorough evaluation the aetiology frequently remains
      unclear. Chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with a
      severe course of the disease and its detection has impacts on the therapeutic
      management. Chest physiotherapy, mucoactive substances and antibiotics are the
      mainstay of therapy. In this review the evaluation of bronchiectasis and the
      recent therapeutic insights for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis are discussed.

PMID- 25116025
TI  - ["Burnout"--is it a disease or rather a consequence of (work-) stress?].
AB  - Burnout is a work related health impairment comprising three dimensions:
      emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduced personal accomplishment. Not
      least because of the highly frequented term "burnout" within the German speaking
      area, there is a rising interest in the connection of work related stress and
      psychological and somatic complaints. Burnout is not a disease in the proper
      sense but a physiological construct. Coherence between work related stress and
      the development of psychological and somatic diseases has been proven by many
      studies. However burnout requires a differential diagnostic categorisation.
      Therapeutic procedures and prevention measures should be initiated based on the
      forms and categorisation of work related stress. 

PMID- 25116024
TI  - [If the general practitioner has to decide: what is the evidence for the
      selection of antidepressants?].
AB  - The review summarises the evidence supporting the choice of an antidepressant in
      primary care. We report current guidance on the choice of antidepressants and the
      current use of antidepressants in Germany. Evidence for the comparative efficacy
      of modern antidepressants, such as venlafaxine, duloxetine or agomelatine will be
      summarized with respect to depressive and accompanying symptoms. Furthermore,
      differences in adverse events between antidepressants will be reviewed. 

PMID- 25116031
TI  - Bandgap-engineered CdxZn1-xO nanowires as active regions for green-light-emitting
      diodes.
AB  - A green-light-emitting diode device was fabricated based on a p-type Sb-doped ZnO
      segments/Cd-alloyed ZnO/n-type ZnO film/heteronanowires array structure. The
      structures and chemical components of the heteronanowire sample were studied by
      energy dispersive spectrometer, x-ray photoelectron spectrometer, etc, from which
      the statuses of Cd and Sb in the sample were confirmed. Spatially resolved
      photoluminescence measurement on a single heteronanowire revealed a large bandgap
      shift in the Cd(x)Zn(1 - x)O active region. In electroluminescence
      characterizations, the device showed that the green emission was centered at 550
      nm, suggesting the successful formation and functioning of the double
      heterojunction nanowire light-emitting diodes.

PMID- 25116026
TI  - A proteomic glimpse into the initial global epigenetic changes during HIV
      infection.
AB  - HIV-1 replication requires the insertion of viral DNA into the host genome, which
      is catalyzed by HIV-1 integrase. This integration event can lead to vast changes
      in the chromatin landscape and gene transcription. In this study, we sought to
      correlate the extensive changes of histone PTM abundances with the equally
      dynamic shifts in host transcriptional activity. To fully capture the changes
      that were occurring during the course of HIV-infection, we performed time-courses
      in which we extracted both histones and mRNA from HIV-infected, UV-inactivated
      HIV-infected and mock-infected SUP-T1 cells. We then analyzed the alterations to
      histone PTM profiles using nano-LC-MS/MS, as well as the expression of chromatin
      associated enzymes, such as histone deacetylases, acetyltransferases,
      demethylases, methyltransferases, and histone chaperone proteins. As expected, we
      observed major changes in histone PTM abundances, which we linked to massive
      fluctuations in mRNA expression of associated chromatin enzymes. However, we find
      few differences between HIV and HIVUV (UV-inactivated) infection, which suggests
      that initial histone PTM changes during HIV infection are from the host in
      response to the infection, and not due to the HIV virus manipulating the
      transcriptional machinery. We believe that these preliminary experiments can
      provide a basis for future forays into targeted manipulations of histone PTM
      regulated aspects of HIV progression through its replication cycle. 

PMID- 25116032
TI  - In vitro three-dimensional bone tissue models: from cells to controlled and
      dynamic environment.
AB  - Most of our knowledge of bone cell physiology is derived from experiments carried
      out in vitro on polystyrene substrates. However, these traditional monolayer cell
      cultures do not reproduce the complex and dynamic three-dimensional (3D)
      environment experienced by cells in vivo. Thus, there is a growing interest in
      the use of 3D culture systems as tools for understanding bone biology. These in
      vitro-engineered systems, less complex than in vivo models, should ultimately
      recapitulate and control the main biophysical, biochemical, and biomechanical
      cues that define the in vivo bone environment, while allowing their monitoring.
      This review focuses on state-of-the-art and the current advances in the
      development of 3D culture systems for bone biology research. It describes more
      specifically advantages related to the use of such systems, and details main
      characteristics and challenges associated with its three main components, that
      is, scaffold, cells, and perfusion bioreactor systems. Finally, future challenges
      for noninvasive imaging technologies are addressed. 

PMID- 25116033
TI  - New causes of central precocious puberty: the role of genetic factors.
AB  - A pivotal event in the onset of puberty in humans is the reemergence of the
      pulsatile release of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from hypothalamic
      neurons. Pathways governing GnRH ontogeny and physiology have been discovered by
      studying animal models and humans with reproductive disorders. Recent human
      studies implicated the activation of kisspeptin and its cognate receptor
      (KISS1/KISS1R) and the inactivation of MKRN3 in the premature reactivation of
      GnRH secretion, causing central precocious puberty (CPP). MKRN3, an imprinted
      gene located on the long arm of chromosome 15, encodes makorin ring finger
      protein 3, which is involved in ubiquitination and cell signaling. The MKRN3
      protein is derived only from RNA transcribed from the paternally inherited copy
      of the gene due to maternal imprinting. Currently, MKRN3 defects represent the
      most frequent known genetic cause of familial CPP. In this review, we explored
      the clinical, hormonal and genetic aspects of children with sporadic or familial
      CPP caused by mutations in the kisspeptin and MKRN3 systems, essential genetic
      factors for pubertal timing.

PMID- 25116034
TI  - Therapeutic apheresis in Asia: An Indonesia single center experience.
AB  - In developing countries, like Indonesia, apheresis is still a relative new
      procedure. Nowadays, therapeutic apheresis procedures are performed in the field
      of hematology and neurology, especially in the teaching hospitals in Indonesia.
      Therapeutic apheresis procedure, that is, leukocytapheresis, therapeutic plasma
      exchange (TPE), and thrombocytapheresis are already performed. In the period 2009
      2013, 204 apheresis procedures in 137 patients to reduce the leukocytes, 72 TPE
      procedures in 17 patients, and 14 thrombocyte reductions were performed in the
      Sardjito hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In the future, to improve the
      therapeutic apheresis implementation, it is important to increase the insurance
      coverage and also should be considered to introduce the apheresis medicine into
      the curriculum of appropriate physician programs in Indonesia. Especially in
      Indonesia, a lot of efforts are still being needed to improve implementation of
      therapeutic apheresis.

PMID- 25116035
TI  - The relation of standardized mental health screening and categorical assessment
      in detained male adolescents.
AB  - Having an effective triage tool is an important step toward a careful use of the
      restricted time and qualified personnel to perform comprehensive psychiatric
      assessment in juvenile justice settings. The aims of this study were to examine
      the construct validity of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Inventory-second
      version (MAYSI-2), and its likelihood to identify youths who might have a
      psychiatric disorder. Data from up to 781 male adolescents (mean age = 16.73
      years) were gathered as part of the standardized mental health screening and
      assessment in two all-male Youth Detention Centers in the Netherlands.
      Categorical assessments were based on two structured diagnostic interviews.
      Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the area
      under the curve were calculated to evaluate the likelihood of the MAYSI-2 to
      identify youths with a psychiatric disorder. Youths with a disorder scored
      significantly higher on the corresponding MAYSI-2 subscale than youths without a
      disorder. In the total sample, 70 % of the youths with a disorder met the Caution
      cut-off criteria on at least one MAYSI-2 scale, while youths without a
      psychiatric disorder were very unlikely to meet cut-off criteria for multiple
      MAYSI-2 scales. Overall, the sensitivity was slightly better when analyses were
      repeated in groups of youths from various ethnic origins. The findings supported
      the construct validity of the Dutch MAYSI-2 and suggested that the MAYSI-2 is a
      valid mental health screening tool that may serve relatively well as a triage
      tool. Its effectiveness, however, may differ between ethnic groups. 

PMID- 25116036
TI  - Enrolment of children and adolescents in psychosocial care: more likely with low
      family social support and poor parenting skills.
AB  - Knowledge about determinants of child and adolescent enrolment in psychosocial
      care concerns only single types of care and usually only socio-demographic
      factors. The social environment is also a likely key determinant but evidence is
      lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between family
      social support, parenting skills and child and adolescent enrolment in
      psychosocial care. We obtained data on 1,331 children (response rate 56.6%), 4-18
      years old, enrolled in preventive child health care, and child and adolescent
      social care and mental health care because of psychosocial problems, and on 463
      children (response rate 70.3%) not enrolled in psychosocial care. Results showed
      that enrolment in psychosocial care was associated with low family social support
      (odds ratio; 95%-confidence interval: 3.2; 2.4-4.4), and with poor parenting
      skills, i.e. poor supervision (1.5; 1.1-2.1) and inconsistent disciplining (1.5;
      1.1-2.1). Children's psychosocial problems partially mediated the associations
      with family social support and completely with parenting skills. Children's
      problems did not moderate the associations. Positive parenting was not associated
      with care enrolment. We conclude that low family social support and poor
      parenting are important factors associated with enrolment, in particular because
      they are associated with more frequent occurrence of children's psychosocial
      problems. This implies that professionals and policymakers need to be aware that
      factors in children's social environment are related with enrolment in
      psychosocial care, in addition to children's psychosocial problems.

PMID- 25116037
TI  - Error-monitoring in an everyday task in people with Alzheimer-type dementia:
      observations over five years of performance decline.
AB  - Research suggests that, although everyday action errors increase significantly
      with dementia progression, accomplishment of the task remains high, even in
      severe dementia. We used archive observational data charting progressive decline
      in everyday task performance to explore error-monitoring over a 5-year period in
      four people with dementia. None of the participants showed effective error
      monitoring during their execution of their established tea-making routine: Over 5
      years and into more severe stages of dementia, errors increased, but there was no
      reactive increase from our participants in error-monitoring. Training to error
      monitor routine tasks may be an appropriate target for further study. 

PMID- 25116038
TI  - Publishing individual surgeons' death rates prompts risk averse behaviour.

PMID- 25116039
TI  - Design considerations for electrode buffer layer materials in polymer solar
      cells.
AB  - Electrode buffer layers in polymer-based photovoltaic devices enable highly
      efficient devices. In the absence of buffer layers, we show that diode
      rectification is lost in ITO/P3HT:PCBM/Ag (ITO = indium tin oxide; P3HT = poly(3
      hexylthiophene); PCBM = phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester) devices due to
      nonselective charge injection through the percolated phase pathways of a bulk
      heterojunction active layer. Charge-selective injection, and thus rectification
      and device function, can be regained by placing thin, polymeric buffer layers
      that break the direct electrode-active layer contact. Additionally, we show that
      strong active layer-buffer layer interactions lead to unwanted vertical phase
      separation and a kinked current-voltage curve. Device function is regained,
      increasing power conversion efficiency from 3.6% to 7.2%, by placing a
      noninteracting layer between the buffer and active layer. These results guide the
      design and selection of future polymeric electrode buffer layers for efficient
      polymer solar cell devices. 

PMID- 25116042
TI  - Positive selection of Wharton's jelly-derived CD105(+) cells by MACS technique
      and their subsequent cultivation under suspension culture condition: A simple,
      versatile culturing method to enhance the multipotentiality of mesenchymal stem
      cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Wharton's jelly (WJ), an appropriate source of mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSCs), has been shown to have a wide array of therapeutic applications. However,
      the WJ-derived MSCs are very heterogeneous and have limited expression of
      pluripotency markers. Hence, improvement of their culture condition would promote
      the efficiency of WJ-MSCs. This study aims to employ a simple method of
      cultivation to obtain WJ-MSCs which express more pluripotency markers. METHODS:
      CD105(+) cells were separated by magnetic-associated (activated) cell sorting
      from umbilical cord mucous tissue. CD105(+) cells were added to Methocult medium
      diluted in alpha-minimum essential medium (alpha-MEM) and seeded in poly(2
      hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly-HEMA)-coated plates for suspension culture
      preparation. Differentiation capacity of isolated cells was evaluated in the
      presence of differentiation-inducing media. The expression of pluripotency
      markers such as Oct3/4, Nanog, and Sox2 was also analyzed by RT-PCR and western
      blot techniques. Moreover, immunocytochemistry was performed to detect alpha
      smooth muscle actin (antigene) (alpha-SMA) protein. RESULTS: WJ-MSCs grew
      homogeneously and formed colonies when cultured under suspension culture
      conditions (Non-adhesive WJ-MSCs). They maintained their growth ability in both
      adherent and suspension cultures for several passages. Non-adhesive WJ-MSCs
      expressed Oct3/4, Nanog, and Sox2 both at transcriptional and translational
      levels in comparison to those cultured in conventional adherent cultures. They
      also expressed alpha-SMA protein. DISCUSSION: In this study, we isolated WJ-MSCs
      using a slightly modified culture condition. Our simple non-genetic method
      resulted in a homogeneous population of WJ-MSCs, which highly expressed
      pluripotency markers. CONCLUSION: In the future, more multipotent WJ-MSCs can be
      harnessed as a non-embryonic source of MSCs in MSC-based cell therapy.

PMID- 25116043
TI  - Why sigma-1 receptor dysfunction might confer vulnerability to cannabis-induced
      psychosis.

PMID- 25116045
TI  - Enhanced production of fatty alcohols by engineering the TAGs synthesis pathway
      in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The production of fatty acid-derived chemicals has received a great deal of
      attention in recent years. In yeast cells, the main storage forms of fatty acids
      are TAGs. However, the conversion of TAGs into fatty acid derivatives suffers
      from a practical standpoint. Herein, a more direct strategy was applied to
      accumulate cellular fatty acyl-CoAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which are the
      activated forms of fatty acids and used as important precursors for various
      converting enzymes. The dga1 gene was deleted to block the fatty acyl-CoAs
      dependent pathway of TAGs synthesis and a significant decrease in lipid content
      was observed. The FAR gene was cloned and overexpressed in the wild type strain
      and gene disrupted strain, to convert the fatty acyl-CoAs to the corresponding
      fatty acid derivatives. The metabolic engineered pathway resulted in enhanced
      production of fatty alcohols. Compared with the wild type strain with
      overexpressed FAR gene, the yield of fatty alcohols in the Deltadga1 strain with
      FAR was dramatically increased: the intracellular fatty alcohols increased from
      26 mg/L to 45 mg/L, while the extracellular fatty alcohols increased from 2.2
      mg/L to 4.3 mg/L. By optimizing the culture medium with increased carbon
      concentration and limited nitrogen concentration, the fatty alcohols yield in the
      Deltadga1 strain with FAR was further increased to 84 mg/L in cells and 14 mg/L
      secreted in broth. The results in this study demonstrated the feasibility of
      using the designed strategy to solve the bottleneck in utilizing TAGs for fatty
      acid derivatives production.

PMID- 25116044
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA from El Mirador cave (Atapuerca, Spain) reveals the
      heterogeneity of Chalcolithic populations.
AB  - Previous mitochondrial DNA analyses on ancient European remains have suggested
      that the current distribution of haplogroup H was modeled by the expansion of the
      Bell Beaker culture (ca 4,500-4,050 years BP) out of Iberia during the
      Chalcolithic period. However, little is known on the genetic composition of
      contemporaneous Iberian populations that do not carry the archaeological tool kit
      defining this culture. Here we have retrieved mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences
      from 19 individuals from a Chalcolithic sample from El Mirador cave in Spain,
      dated to 4,760-4,200 years BP and we have analyzed the haplogroup composition in
      the context of modern and ancient populations. Regarding extant African, Asian
      and European populations, El Mirador shows affinities with Near Eastern groups.
      In different analyses with other ancient samples, El Mirador clusters with Middle
      and Late Neolithic populations from Germany, belonging to the Rossen, the
      Salzmunde and the Baalberge archaeological cultures but not with contemporaneous
      Bell Beakers. Our analyses support the existence of a common genetic signal
      between Western and Central Europe during the Middle and Late Neolithic and
      points to a heterogeneous genetic landscape among Chalcolithic groups. 

PMID- 25116046
TI  - Efficient optical extraction of hot-carrier energy.
AB  - Light-induced generation of free charge carriers in semiconductors constitutes
      the physical basis of photodetection and photovoltaics. To maximize its
      efficiency, the energy of the photons must be entirely used for this purpose.
      This is highly challenging owing to the ultrafast thermalization of 'hot'
      carriers, which are created by absorption of high-energy photons. Thermalization
      leads to heat generation, and hence efficiency loss. To circumvent this,
      dedicated schemes such as photovoltaic hot-carrier cells are being explored. Here
      we consider optical extraction of the excess energy of hot carriers by emission
      of infrared photons, using erbium ions in combination with silicon nanocrystals.
      We determine the external quantum yield of the infrared photon generation by the
      erbium ions, and demonstrate that cooling of the hot carriers induces a steep,
      step-like, increase in erbium-related external quantum yield by up to a factor of
      15 towards higher excitation energies. Finally, we comment on the potential of
      our findings for future photovoltaics in the form of an optical ultraviolet-to
      infrared spectral converter. 

PMID- 25116047
TI  - The impact of a total hip replacement on jaw position, upper body posture and
      body sway.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine whether, and to what extent,
      a total hip replacement can influence the position and the movement of the jaw,
      the upper body posture and body sway. METHODS: Twenty test subjects (6 females,
      14 males) participated in this study pre- and post-total hip replacement, in
      addition to a healthy control group of 20 subjects (5 females, 15 males). The
      measurements were conducted by means of an ultrasound system to measure jaw
      condyle position and movement of the lower jaw, a three-dimensional back scan to
      analyze upper back posture, and a static and dynamic force plate to measure body
      sway. For statistical analysis the Wilcoxon-Matched-Pairs-Test or Man-Whitney-U
      Test, including a Bonferroni-Holm correction, respectively, was used. RESULTS:
      After surgery, the mean values of the left and right jaw condyles of the test
      group moved posterior, and the left condyle position was located more caudally.
      There were no significant differences concerning the jaw position between the two
      groups. There was little change in upper body posture in both groups. The test
      group had a more anteriorly inclined thoracic spine and a less pronounced lumbar
      lordosis. During static body sway measurements, increased fluctuations in the
      test group after surgery could be seen. CONCLUSION: Differences between both
      groups in the pre- and post-surgical condition could be detected. These
      differences were more prominent when the measured body segments were more
      distally located with respect to the hip region.

PMID- 25116048
TI  - Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in the prediction of complicated Crohn's disease
      behavior--a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Markers that predict the occurrence of a complicated disease behavior
      in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) can permit a more aggressive therapeutic
      regimen for patients at risk. The aim of this cohort study was to test the blood
      levels of hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) for the prediction of complicated
      CD behavior and CD related surgery in an adult patient population. METHODS: Blood
      samples of 62 CD patients of the German Inflammatory Bowel Disease-network
      "Kompetenznetz CED" were tested for the levels of Hgb and Hct prior to the
      occurrence of complicated disease behavior or CD related surgery. The relation of
      these markers and clinical events was studied using Kaplan-Meier survival
      analysis and adjusted COX-proportional hazard regression models. RESULTS: The
      median follow-up time was 55.8 months. Of the 62 CD patients without any previous
      complication or surgery 34% developed a complication and/or underwent CD related
      surgery. Low Hgb or Hct levels were independent predictors of a shorter time to
      occurrence of the first complication or CD related surgery. This was true for
      early as well as late occurring complications. Stable low Hgb or Hct during
      serial follow-up measurements had a higher frequency of complications compared to
      patients with a stable normal Hgb or Hct, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Determination of Hgb or Hct in complication and surgery naive CD patients might
      serve as an additional tool for the prediction of complicated disease behavior.

PMID- 25116049
TI  - [Imaging of blunt chest trauma].
AB  - CLINICAL/METHODOLOGICAL ISSUE: Blunt chest trauma is associated with high
      morbidity and mortality. Consequently, all patients should be evaluated
      radiologically after blunt chest trauma to allow timely and appropriate
      treatment. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Conventional chest radiographs and
      computed tomography (CT) are proven modalities with which to evaluate patients
      after blunt chest trauma. METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS: Over the last several years
      extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (eFAST) has gained
      increasing importance for the initial assessment of seriously injured patients.
      PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: In the acute phase of severely injured patients eFAST
      examinations are helpful to exclude pneumothorax, hemothorax and hemopericardium.
      Chest radiographs may also be used to diagnose a pneumothorax or hemothorax;
      however, the sensitivity is limited and CT is the diagnostic modality of choice
      to evaluate severely injured patients.

PMID- 25116051
TI  - Periodic fluorescent silver clusters assembled by rolling circle amplification
      and their sensor application.
AB  - A simple method for preparing DNA-stabilized Ag nanoclusters (NCs) nanowires is
      presented. To fabricate the Ag NCs nanowires, we use just two unmodified
      component strands and a long enzymatically produced scaffold. These nanowires
      form at room temperature and have periodic sequence units that are available for
      fluorescence Ag NCs assembled which formed three-way junction (TWJ) structure.
      These Ag NCs nanowires can be clearly visualized by confocal microscopy.
      Furthermore, due to the high efficiency of rolling circle amplification reaction
      in signal amplification, the nanowires exhibit high sensitivity for the specific
      DNA detection with a wide linear range from 6 to 300 pM and a low detection limit
      of 0.84 pM, which shows good performance in the complex serum samples. Therefore,
      these Ag NCs nanowires might have great potential in clinical and imaging
      applications in the future. 

PMID- 25116052
TI  - N-terminomics and proteogenomics, getting off to a good start.
AB  - Proteogenomics consists of the annotation or reannotation of protein-coding
      nucleic acid sequences based on the empirical observation of their gene products.
      While functional annotation of predicted genes is increasingly feasible given the
      multiplicity of genomes available for many branches of the tree of life, the
      accurate annotation of the translational start sites is still a point of
      contention. Extensive coverage of the proteome, including specifically the N
      termini, is now possible, thanks to next-generation mass spectrometers able to
      record data from thousands of proteins at once. Efforts to increase the peptide
      coverage of protein sequences and to detect low abundance proteins are important
      to make proteomic and proteogenomic studies more comprehensive. In this review,
      we present the panoply of N-terminus-oriented strategies that have been developed
      over the last decade. 

PMID- 25116050
TI  - Dietary isoflavones and bone mineral density during midlife and the menopausal
      transition: cross-sectional and longitudinal results from the Study of Women's
      Health Across the Nation Phytoestrogen Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal relations
      between dietary intake of isoflavones and bone mineral density (BMD) at the
      lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) in black, white, Chinese, and Japanese
      women during the menopausal transition. METHODS: We tested whether tertiles of
      isoflavone intake were associated with baseline BMD when all women were
      premenopausal or early perimenopausal. To analyze whether isoflavone intake was
      associated with longitudinal BMD, we fitted piecewise linear models to repeated
      measurements of baseline-normalized LS or FN BMD as functions of time before or
      after the final menstrual period (FMP) date. RESULTS: Multiply adjusted mean FN
      BMD values of premenopausal Japanese women were monotonically positively related
      to isoflavone consumption (P for trend = 0.0003). Otherwise, no statistically
      significant baseline associations were observed. During the period of 1 year
      before the FMP through 5 years after the FMP, all participants lost LS and FN
      BMD. Loss was unrelated to isoflavone intake, except for Japanese women during
      the period of 1 year before the FMP to 2 years after the FMP: higher tertiles of
      isoflavone intake were associated with greater annual LS BMD loss rates (P for
      trend = 0.01) and FN loss rates (P for trend = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In Japanese
      women, higher isoflavone intake is associated with higher peak FN BMD but also
      with greater rates of LS and FN BMD loss during the menopausal transition.
      Results for the other racial/ethnic groups did not support a relation between
      dietary intake of isoflavones and either peak BMD or BMD loss during the
      menopausal transition.

PMID- 25116053
TI  - Thermal adaptation of alpha-amylases: a review.
AB  - The temperature adaptation of alpha-amylase can be gained by different
      adjustments in protein structure with consecutive effects on the stability and
      flexibility of the protein. In this review, meso, thermo and cold-active alpha
      amylases have been compared with respect to their structure and intramolecular
      interactions. With decrease in temperature, the number of ionic interactions also
      decreases, leading to greater flexibility of proteins. It has also been observed
      that the proline and arginine content is higher in thermophilic amylases as
      compared to meso and psychrophilic amylases, increasing the rigidity and
      structural stability of protein molecule.

PMID- 25116054
TI  - The TrmB family: a versatile group of transcriptional regulators in Archaea.
AB  - Microbes are organisms which are well adapted to their habitat. Their survival
      depends on the regulation of gene expression levels in response to environmental
      signals. The most important step in regulation of gene expression takes place at
      the transcriptional level. This regulation is intriguing in Archaea because the
      eu-karyotic-like transcription apparatus is modulated by bacterial-like
      transcription regulators. The transcriptional regulator of mal operon (TrmB)
      family is well known as a very large group of regulators in Archaea with more
      than 250 members to date. One special feature of these regulators is that some of
      them can act as repressor, some as activator and others as both repressor and
      activator. This review gives a short updated overview of the TrmB family and
      their regulatory patterns in different Archaea as a lot of new data have been
      published on this topic since the last review from 2008. 

PMID- 25116055
TI  - Acidibacter ferrireducens gen. nov., sp. nov.: an acidophilic ferric iron
      reducing gammaproteobacterium.
AB  - An acidophilic gammaproteobacterium, isolated from a pit lake at an abandoned
      metal mine in south-west Spain, was shown to be distantly related to all
      characterized prokaryotes, and to be the first representative of a novel genus
      and species. Isolate MCF85 is a Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped mesophilic
      bacterium with a temperature growth optimum of 32-35  degrees C (range 8-45 
      degrees C). It was categorized as a moderate acidophile, growing optimally at pH
      3.5-4.0 and between pH 2.5 and 4.5. Under optimum conditions its culture doubling
      time was around 75 min. Only organic electron donors were used by MCF85, and the
      isolate was confirmed to be an obligate heterotroph. It grew on a limited range
      of sugars (hexoses and disaccharides, though not pentoses) and some other small
      molecular weight organic compounds, and growth was partially or completely
      inhibited by small concentrations of some aliphatic acids. The acidophile grew in
      the presence of >100 mM ferrous iron or aluminium, but was more sensitive to some
      other metals, such as copper. It was also much more tolerant of arsenic (V) than
      arsenic (III). Isolate MCF85 catalysed the reductive dissolution of the ferric
      iron mineral schwertmannite when incubated under micro-aerobic or anaerobic
      conditions, causing the culture media pH to increase. There was no evidence,
      however, that the acidophile could grow by ferric iron respiration under strictly
      anoxic conditions. Isolate MCF85 is the designated type strain of the novel
      species Acidibacter ferrireducens (=DSM 27237(T) = NCCB 100460(T)).

PMID- 25116056
TI  - Picophytoplankton predominance in hypersaline lakes (Transylvanian Basin,
      Romania).
AB  - The occurrence and importance of photoautotrophic picoplankton (PPP, cells with a
      diameter <2 MUm) was studied along a trophic and salinity gradient in hypersaline
      lakes of the Transylvanian Basin (Romania). The studied lakes were found to be
      rich in PPP, with abundances (maximum 7.6 * 10(6) cells mL(-1)) higher than in
      freshwater and marine environments of similar trophic conditions. The
      contribution of PPP to the total phytoplankton biovolume did not decrease with
      increasing trophic state as it was generally found in other aquatic environments.
      Regardless of the trophic conditions, the contribution of PPP could reach 90-100
      % in these hypersaline lakes. We hypothesized that the PPP predominance might be
      the result of the low grazing pressure, since heterotrophic nanoflagellates (the
      main grazers of PPP) were absent in the studied samples. There were significant
      differences in community composition among the lakes along the salinity gradient.
      CyPPP predominated in less saline waters (mainly below 5 %), while EuPPP were
      present along the entire salinity range (up to 18.7 %), dominating the
      phytoplankton between 3 and 13 % salinity. Above 13 % salinity, the phytoplankton
      was composed mainly of Dunaliella species.

PMID- 25116057
TI  - Early paternal deprivation alters levels of hippocampal brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor and glucocorticoid receptor and serum corticosterone and
      adrenocorticotropin in a sex-specific way in socially monogamous mandarin voles.
AB  - In monogamous mammals, fathers play an important role in the development of the
      brain and typical behavior in offspring, but the exact nature of this process is
      not well understood. In particular, little research has addressed whether the
      presence or absence of paternal care alters levels of hippocampal glucocorticoid
      receptor (GR) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and basal levels of
      serum corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). Here, we explored
      this concept using socially monogamous mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus), a
      species in which fathers display high levels of paternal care toward their pups.
      Our immunohistochemical study shows that paternal deprivation (PD) significantly
      decreased levels of GR and BDNF protein in the CA1 and CA2/3 of the hippocampus.
      In the dental gyrus, decreases in GR and BDNF induced by PD were evident in
      females but not in males. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results
      show that PD significantly upregulated levels of serum CORT and ACTH in females,
      but not males. These findings demonstrate that PD alters HPA axis activity in a
      sex-specific way. The changes in stress hormones documented here may be
      associated with alteration in hippocampal BDNF and GR levels.

PMID- 25116058
TI  - Posture variation among office workers when using different information and
      communication technologies at work and away from work.
AB  - Office workers perform tasks using different information and communication
      technologies (ICT) involving various postures. Adequate variation in postures and
      muscle activity is generally believed to protect against musculoskeletal
      complaints, but insufficient information exists regarding the effect on postural
      variation of using different ICT. Thus, this study among office workers aimed to
      determine and compare postures and postural variation associated with using
      distinct types of ICT. Upper arm, head and trunk postures of 24 office workers
      were measured with the Physiometer over a whole day in their natural work and
      away-from-work environments. Postural variation was quantified using two indices:
      APDF(90-10) and EVA(sd). Various ICT had different postural means and variation.
      Paper-based tasks had more non-neutral, yet also more variable postures.
      Electronics-based tasks had more neutral postures, with less postural
      variability. Tasks simultaneously using paper- and electronics-based ICT had
      least neutral and least variable postures. Tasks without ICT usually had the most
      posture variability. Interspersing tasks involving different ICT could increase
      overall exposure variation among office workers and may thus contribute to
      musculoskeletal risk reduction.

PMID- 25116064
TI  - Fluorinated graphene and hexagonal boron nitride as ALD seed layers for graphene
      based van der Waals heterostructures.
AB  - Ultrathin dielectric materials prepared by atomic-layer-deposition (ALD)
      technology are commonly used in graphene electronics. Using the first-principles
      density functional theory calculations with van der Waals (vdW) interactions
      included, we demonstrate that single-side fluorinated graphene (SFG) and
      hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) exhibit large physical adsorption energy and
      strong electrostatic interactions with H2O-based ALD precursors, indicating their
      potential as the ALD seed layer for dielectric growth on graphene. In graphene
      SFG vdW heterostructures, graphene is n-doped after ALD precursor adsorption on
      the SFG surface caused by vertical intrinsic polarization of SFG. However,
      graphene-h-BN vdW heterostructures help preserving the intrinsic characteristics
      of the underlying graphene due to in-plane intrinsic polarization of h-BN. By
      choosing SFG or BN as the ALD seed layer on the basis of actual device design
      needs, the graphene vdW heterostructures may find applications in low-dimensional
      electronics. 

PMID- 25116065
TI  - [Ocular myopathies and autoimmunity].

PMID- 25116066
TI  - [Clinical diagnostics for the tear film and the ocular surface].

PMID- 25116067
TI  - Rectal cancer seen over 30 years.

PMID- 25116072
TI  - Enhanced thermal oxidation stability of reduced graphene oxide by nitrogen
      doping.
AB  - Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-doped RGO) samples with a high level of
      doping, up to 13 wt. %, have been prepared by annealing graphene oxide under a
      flow of pure ammonia. The presence of nitrogen within the structure of RGO
      induces a remarkable increase in the thermal stability against oxidation by air.
      The thermal stability is closely related with the temperature of synthesis and
      the nitrogen content. The combustion reaction of nitrogen in different
      coordination environments (pyridinic, pyrrolic, and graphitic) is analyzed
      against a graphene fragment (undoped) from a thermodynamic point of view. In
      agreement with the experimental observations, the combustion of undoped graphene
      turns out to be more spontaneous than when nitrogen atoms are present. 

PMID- 25116074
TI  - Electro-responsively reversible transition of polythiophene films from
      superhydrophobicity to superhydrophilicity.
AB  - An electro-responsively reversible switching of wettability between
      superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity has been obtained from a highly
      porous structured polythiophene film. The polythiophene film was prepared by two
      step electrochemical deposition on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. The
      underlying poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) provides a highly porous
      structured conductive support, and poly(3-methylthiophene) (P(3-MTH)) deposited
      thereon plays the role of a low-surface-energy conductive coating. The
      wettability switching of this double-layer film between superhydrophobicity and
      superhydrophilicity has been investigated by doping and dedoping in an
      electrolyte solution containing ClO4(-). Electrochromism of the film was also
      seen to accompany the electrochemical process of conversion between the two
      superwetting states. On the basis of this porous electro-active film, an in situ
      electro-wetting device was also demonstrated. 

PMID- 25116073
TI  - Early plasma exchange for treating ricin toxicity in children after castor bean
      ingestion.
AB  - Plasma exchange (PE) for the treatment of ricin toxicity has not been previously
      reported. Here we describe the use of PE to treat children who experienced ricin
      toxicity after ingesting castor beans. Seven children (median age: 8.1 years) who
      consumed castor beans (median: 5 beans) were treated with PE. All had bradycardia
      and sinus arrhythmia, and most had experienced episodes of vomiting and/or
      diarrhea. PE settings were blood flow, 50-80 mL/min; PE rate, 600-800 mL/h;
      volume of exchange, 1440-1950 mL. Median time from ingestion to PE was 73 h. All
      clinical symptoms disappeared and vital signs rapidly returned to normal after
      PE; no severe organ dysfunction occurred. All children were discharged and
      recovered uneventfully. Concentrations of all serum biochemical parameters
      significantly decreased immediately after PE. Some, but not all, of these
      parameters were also significantly decreased at 48 and 72 h after PE compared
      with before PE. Our findings suggest that PE can be an effective early
      intervention in the treatment of ricin toxicity due to castor bean ingestion.

PMID- 25116075
TI  - Allowing brief delays in responding improves event-based prospective memory for
      young adults living with HIV disease.
AB  - Event-based prospective memory (PM) tasks require individuals to remember to
      perform an action when they encounter a specific cue in the environment, and they
      have clear relevance for daily functioning for individuals with HIV. In many
      everyday tasks, not only must the individual maintain the intent to perform the
      PM task, but the PM task response also competes with the alternative and more
      habitual task response. The current study examined whether event-based PM can be
      improved by slowing down the pace of the task environment. Fifty-seven young
      adults living with HIV performed an ongoing lexical decision task while
      simultaneously performing a PM task of monitoring for a specific word (which was
      focal to the ongoing task of making lexical decisions) or syllable contained in a
      word (which was nonfocal). Participants were instructed to refrain from making
      task responses until after a tone was presented, which occurred at varying onsets
      (0-1600 ms) after each stimulus appeared. Improvements in focal and nonfocal PM
      accuracy were observed with response delays of 600 ms. Furthermore, the
      difference in PM accuracy between the low-demand focal PM task and the resource
      demanding nonfocal PM task was reduced by half across increasingly longer delays,
      falling from 31% at 0-ms delay to only 14% at 1600-ms delay. The degree of
      ongoing task response slowing for the PM conditions, relative to a control
      condition that did not have a PM task and made lexical decisions only, also
      decreased with increased delay. Overall, the evidence indicates that delaying the
      task responses of younger HIV-infected adults increased the probability that the
      PM relevant features of task stimuli were adequately assessed prior to the
      ongoing task response, and by implication that younger HIV infected adults can
      more adequately achieve PM goals when the pace of the task environment is slowed
      down. 

PMID- 25116077
TI  - Inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia in rats treated with atorvastatin after
      carotid artery injury may be mainly associated with down-regulation of survivin
      and Fas expression.
AB  - CONTEXT: Atorvastatin is a member of the drug class known as statins, which is
      used for lowering blood cholesterol. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigates
      the effect and mechanism of atorvastatin on neointimal hyperplasia after carotid
      artery injury (CAI) of rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty male rats were randomly
      divided into four groups: control group, sham-operated group, model group, and
      atorvastatin treatment group. The treatment group was fed with atorvastatin (10
      mg/kg) with gastro-gavage at 5 p.m. every day for 28 d after surgery. The control
      group, model group, and sham-operated group were fed with the same volume of
      distilled water instead. The proliferations of intimal and medial layers were
      evaluated by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. The apoptosis of vascular smooth
      muscle cells (VSMCs) was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferased UTP
      nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Plasma concentrations of survivin and sFas
      were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Atorvastatin
      reduced neointimal formation and increased apoptosis of VSMCs in neointima. VSMCs
      apoptosis emerged at 3 d (8.42 +/- 0.449 MUm) and the intimal proliferation
      peaked by the end of 14 d (41.58 +/- 1.64 MUm). The plasma levels of survivin and
      sFas were gradually increased with the neointimal hyperplasia and increasingly
      decreased after atorvastatin treatment. The plasma levels of survivin and sFas in
      rats were elevated at 3 d (464.80 +/- 105.27 pg/ml and 3256.00 +/- 478.20 pg/ml,
      respectively), reached the peak of survivin at 14 d (1089.20 +/- 232.32 pg/ml)
      and sFas at 7 d (4362.00 +/- 639.92 pg/ml) and decreased at 28 d (562.00 +/-
      90.11 pg/ml and 2148.00 +/- 257.14 pg/ml, respectively) in the model group.
      Compared with the model group, the atorvastatin treatment group has significantly
      less neointimal hyperplasia and more apoptosis of VSMCs. CONCLUSIONS:
      Atorvastatin can inhibit neointimal hyperplasia and promote SMCs apoptosis in
      neointimal layers, which may be mainly associated with down-regulation of
      survivin and Fas expression after CAI of rat.

PMID- 25116078
TI  - Covalent binding of 4-hydroxynonenal to matrix metalloproteinase 13 studied by
      liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the degradation of articular cartilage and
      affects approximately 80% of people over the age of 65. Matrix metalloproteinases
      (MMPs) belong to a group of zinc endopeptidases that degrade extracellular matrix
      (ECM) proteins in cartilage. MMP-13, also known as collagenase 3, cleaves type II
      collagen more rapidly than other MMPs and therefore is an important target for
      the treatment of OA. The lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2-(E)-nonenal
      (HNE), generated under oxidative stress, is known to play a crucial role in
      cartilage degradation; however, the mechanism is not yet fully understood. An
      approach has been developed to monitor HNE modification sites by incubating rhMMP
      13 +/- HNE in vitro followed by analysis of tryptic digests by UHPLC coupled to
      high resolution (HR) quadrupole-time-of-flight (QqTOF) tandem mass spectrometry
      (MS/MS). The analysis elucidated several covalently modified histidine and
      cysteine residues. The reaction was monitored using different HNE concentrations
      and incubation times. A targeted assay, using multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM),
      was then optimized to increase the sensitivity of detecting these modification
      sites in biological samples. HNE-related covalent modifications of MMP-13 were
      confirmed in enriched extracts from interleukin 1beta-activated chondrocytes from
      OA patients using HR-MS/MS and MRM analysis. 

PMID- 25116076
TI  - Exploring the influence of the protein environment on metal-binding
      pharmacophores.
AB  - The binding of a series of metal-binding pharmacophores (MBPs) related to the
      ligand 1-hydroxypyridine-2-(1H)-thione (1,2-HOPTO) in the active site of human
      carbonic anhydrase II (hCAII) has been investigated. The presence and/or position
      of a single methyl substituent drastically alters inhibitor potency and can
      result in coordination modes not observed in small-molecule model complexes. It
      is shown that this unexpected binding mode is the result of a steric clash
      between the methyl group and a highly ordered water network in the active site
      that is further stabilized by the formation of a hydrogen bond and favorable
      hydrophobic contacts. The affinity of MBPs is dependent on a large number of
      factors including donor atom identity, orientation, electrostatics, and van der
      Waals interactions. These results suggest that metal coordination by
      metalloenzyme inhibitors is a malleable interaction and that it is thus more
      appropriate to consider the metal-binding motif of these inhibitors as a
      pharmacophore rather than a "chelator". The rational design of inhibitors
      targeting metalloenzymes will benefit greatly from a deeper understanding of the
      interplay between the variety of forces governing the binding of MBPs to active
      site metal ions. 

PMID- 25116079
TI  - Large-scale avian influenza surveillance in wild birds throughout the United
      States.
AB  - Avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily infects wild and domestic
      birds, but it also can be transmitted to a variety of mammals. In 2006, the
      United States of America Departments of Agriculture and Interior designed a large
      scale, interagency surveillance effort that sought to determine if highly
      pathogenic avian influenza viruses were present in wild bird populations within
      the United States of America. This program, combined with the Canadian and
      Mexican surveillance programs, represented the largest, coordinated wildlife
      disease surveillance program ever implemented. Here we analyze data from 197,885
      samples that were collected from over 200 wild bird species. While the initial
      motivation for surveillance focused on highly pathogenic avian influenza, the
      scale of the data provided unprecedented information on the ecology of avian
      influenza viruses in the United States, avian influenza virus host associations,
      and avian influenza prevalence in wild birds over time. Ultimately, significant
      advances in our knowledge of avian influenza will depend on both large-scale
      surveillance efforts and on focused research studies. 

PMID- 25116081
TI  - The impact of Universal Health Coverage on health care consumption and risky
      behaviours: evidence from Thailand.
AB  - Thailand is among the first non-OECD countries to have introduced a form of
      Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This policy represents a natural experiment to
      evaluate the effects of public health insurance on health behaviours. In this
      paper, we examine the impact of Thailand's UHC programme on preventive
      activities, unhealthy or risky behaviours and health care consumption using data
      from the Thai Health and Welfare Survey. We use doubly robust estimators that
      combine propensity scores and linear regressions to estimate differences-in
      differences (DD) and differences-in-DD models. Our results offer important
      insights. First, UHC increases individuals' likelihood of having an annual check
      up, especially among women. Regarding health care consumption, we observe that
      UHC increases hospital admissions by over 2% and increases outpatient visits by
      13%. However, there is no evidence that UHC leads to an increase in unhealthy
      behaviours or a reduction of preventive efforts. In other words, we find no
      evidence of ex ante moral hazard. Overall, these findings suggest positive health
      impacts among the Thai population covered by UHC. 

PMID- 25116080
TI  - Long-distance wind-dispersal of spores in a fungal plant pathogen: estimation of
      anisotropic dispersal kernels from an extensive field experiment.
AB  - Given its biological significance, determining the dispersal kernel (i.e., the
      distribution of dispersal distances) of spore-producing pathogens is essential.
      Here, we report two field experiments designed to measure disease gradients
      caused by sexually- and asexually-produced spores of the wind-dispersed banana
      plant fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Gradients were measured during a single
      generation and over 272 traps installed up to 1000 m along eight directions
      radiating from a traceable source of inoculum composed of fungicide-resistant
      strains. We adjusted several kernels differing in the shape of their tail and
      tested for two types of anisotropy. Contrasting dispersal kernels were observed
      between the two types of spores. For sexual spores (ascospores), we characterized
      both a steep gradient in the first few metres in all directions and rare long
      distance dispersal (LDD) events up to 1000 m from the source in two directions. A
      heavy-tailed kernel best fitted the disease gradient. Although ascospores
      distributed evenly in all directions, average dispersal distance was greater in
      two different directions without obvious correlation with wind patterns. For
      asexual spores (conidia), few dispersal events occurred outside of the source
      plot. A gradient up to 12.5 m from the source was observed in one direction only.
      Accordingly, a thin-tailed kernel best fitted the disease gradient, and
      anisotropy in both density and distance was correlated with averaged daily wind
      gust. We discuss the validity of our results as well as their implications in
      terms of disease diffusion and management strategy. 

PMID- 25116082
TI  - Association between interleukin-10 promoter gene polymorphisms and acute graft
      versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an important immunomodulatory cytokine. The
      association between IL-10 promoter gene polymorphisms and acute graft-versus-host
      disease (aGVHD) risk is established; however, results of these studies remain
      inconclusive. We performed a meta-analysis to clarify the effects of IL-10
      promoter gene polymorphisms on aGVHD risk. METHODS: The authors searched MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Two independent authors extracted data,
      and the effects were estimated from an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses identified sources of
      heterogeneity. RESULTS: Finally, a total of 11 studies encompassing 3588
      recipients and 3221 donors were included to study IL-10 -1082 G > A, -819 C > T,
      and -592 C > A polymorphisms. IL-10 -819 CC genotype was associated with an
      increased aGVHD risk (grade I-IV: OR, 2.722 (95% CI, 1.360-5.450); grade II-IV:
      OR, 2.265 (95% CI, 1.015-5.053)). Furthermore, patients who received grafts from
      donors with an IL-10 -819 CC genotype experienced more frequent grade I-IV aGVHD
      (OR, 2.306 (95% CI, 1.168-4.551)). Recipients with IL-10 -592 CC genotypes were
      at increased risk for grade II-IV aGVHD (OR, 1.999 (95% CI, 1.230-3.250)).
      Together, this meta-analysis found that IL-10 -819 CC and -592 CC polymorphisms
      increased aGVHD risk. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found the
      evidence that the IL-10 -819 CC and -592 CC genotypes in both recipients and
      donors increased the risk of aGVHD in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) patients. These results contribute towards improving
      patient outcome through insight and rationale for individualized treatment
      strategies considering genetic determinants.

PMID- 25116083
TI  - Production of recombinant proteins in microalgae at pilot greenhouse scale.
AB  - Recombinant protein production in microalgae chloroplasts can provide correctly
      folded proteins in significant quantities and potentially inexpensive costs
      compared to other heterologous protein production platforms. The best results
      have been achieved by using the psbA promoter and 5' untranslated region (UTR) to
      drive the expression of heterologous genes in a psbA-deficient, non
      photosynthetic, algal host. Unfortunately, using such a strategy makes the system
      unviable for large scale cultivation using natural sunlight for photosynthetic
      growth. In this study we characterized eight different combinations of 5'
      regulatory regions and psbA coding sequences for their ability to restore
      photosynthesis in a psbA-deficient Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, while maintaining
      robust accumulation of a commercially viable recombinant protein driven by the
      psbA promoter/5'UTR. The recombinant protein corresponded to bovine Milk Amyloid
      A (MAA), which is present in milk colostrum and could be used to prevent
      infectious diarrhea in mammals. This approach allowed us to identify
      photosynthetic strains that achieved constitutive production of MAA when grown
      photosynthetically in 100 L bags in a greenhouse. Under these conditions, the
      maximum MAA expression achieved was 1.86% of total protein, which corresponded to
      3.28 mg/L of culture medium. Within our knowledge, this is the first report of a
      recombinant protein being produced this way in microalgae.

PMID- 25116084
TI  - Physical activity level and incident type 2 diabetes among Chinese adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective is to examine the association between physical activity
      level (PAL) and incident type 2 diabetes among middle-age and older Chinese men
      and women in urban China. METHODS: This prospective study included 6348
      participants (age 35 to 74 yr) who were free of diabetes and cardiovascular
      disease at baseline. PAL was estimated on the basis of self-reported overall
      physical activity on a typical day. According to PAL, participants were
      classified into four groups: sedentary (PAL, 1.00-1.39), low active (PAL, 1.40
      1.59), active (PAL, 1.60-1.89), and very active (PAL, >1.89). The association of
      PAL with incident diabetes was examined by Cox proportional hazards model.
      RESULTS: During 7.9 yr of follow-up (50,293 person-years), 478 incident cases of
      type 2 diabetes were identified. After adjustment for age, sex, geographic
      region, educational level, smoking, alcohol use, and family history of diabetes,
      the HR (95% CI) values for type 2 diabetes across increasing categories of PAL
      were 1.00 (reference), 0.82 (0.62-1.09), 0.63 (0.47-0.83), and 0.47 (0.36-0.61),
      respectively (P for trend <0.0001). Additional adjustment for baseline body mass
      index or waist circumference attenuated the magnitude of risk reduction, but it
      remained significant. The inverse association between PAL and risk of incident
      diabetes was persistent in subgroup analyses according to age, sex, hypertension,
      smoking, body mass index, waist circumference, and fasting plasma glucose level.
      CONCLUSIONS: Higher PAL is associated with substantial reduction in risk of type
      2 diabetes. Our findings suggest the importance of a physically active lifestyle
      in the prevention of diabetes.

PMID- 25116085
TI  - The effects of inspiratory muscle training in older adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: Declining inspiratory muscle function and structure and systemic low
      level inflammation and oxidative stress may contribute to morbidity and mortality
      during normal ageing. Therefore, we examined the effects of inspiratory muscle
      training (IMT) in older adults on inspiratory muscle function and structure and
      systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and reexamined the reported positive
      effects of IMT on respiratory muscle strength, inspiratory muscle endurance,
      spirometry, exercise performance, physical activity levels (PAL), and quality of
      life (QoL). METHODS: Thirty-four healthy older adults (68 +/- 3 yr) with normal
      spirometry, respiratory muscle strength, and physical fitness were divided
      equally into a pressure-threshold IMT or sham-hypoxic placebo group. Before and
      after an 8-wk intervention, measurements were taken for dynamic inspiratory
      muscle function and inspiratory muscle endurance using a weighted plunger
      pressure-threshold loading device; diaphragm thickness by using B-mode
      ultrasonography; plasma cytokine concentrations by using immunoassays; DNA damage
      levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by using comet assays; spirometry,
      maximal mouth pressures, and exercise performance by using a 6-min walk test; PAL
      by using a questionnaire and accelerometry; and QoL using a questionnaire.
      RESULTS: Compared with placebo, IMT increased maximal inspiratory pressure (+34%
      +/- 43%, P = 0.008), diaphragm thickness at residual volume (+38% +/- 39%, P =
      0.03), and peak inspiratory flow (+35% +/- 42%, P = 0.049) but did not change
      other spirometry measures, plasma cytokine concentrations, DNA damage levels in
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells, dynamic inspiratory muscle function,
      inspiratory muscle endurance, exercise performance, PAL, or QoL. CONCLUSION:
      These novel data indicate that in healthy older adults, IMT elicits some positive
      changes in inspiratory muscle function and structure but neither attenuates
      systemic inflammation and oxidative stress nor improves exercise performance,
      PAL, or QoL.

PMID- 25116087
TI  - Muscle fascicle behavior during eccentric cycling and its relation to muscle
      soreness.
AB  - A single bout of eccentric exercise confers a protective effect against muscle
      damage and soreness in subsequent eccentric exercise bouts, but the mechanisms
      underpinning this effect are unclear. PURPOSE: This study compared vastus
      lateralis (VL) muscle-tendon behavior between two eccentric cycling bouts to test
      the hypothesis that muscle-tendon behavior would be different between bouts and
      would be associated with the protective effect. METHODS: Eleven untrained men
      (27.1 +/- 7.0 yr) performed two bouts of eccentric cycling (ECC1 and ECC2)
      separated by 2 wk for 10 min at 65% of maximal concentric workload (191.9 +/-
      44.2 W) each. Muscle soreness (by visual analog scale) and maximal voluntary
      isometric contraction (MVC) torque of the knee extensors were assessed before and
      1-2 d after exercise. Using ultrasonography, VL fascicle length and angle changes
      during cycling were assessed, and tendinous tissue (TT) length changes were
      estimated. VL EMG amplitude, crank torque, and knee joint angles were measured
      during cycling. RESULTS: Soreness was greater (P < 0.0001) after ECC1 than ECC2,
      although MVC changes were not different between bouts (P = 0.47). No significant
      differences in peak EMG amplitude (normalized to EMG during MVC), crank peak
      torque, or knee angles were evident between bouts. However, fascicle elongation
      was 16% less during ECC2 than ECC1 (P < 0.01), indicating less fascicle strain in
      ECC2. Maximum TT length occurred at a smaller knee joint angle during ECC2 than
      ECC1 (P = 0.055). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a lesser fascicle
      elongation and earlier TT elongation were associated with reduced muscle soreness
      after ECC2 than ECC1; thus, changes in muscle-tendon behavior may be an important
      mechanism underpinning the protective effect.

PMID- 25116086
TI  - Physical activity and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a
      prevalent urologic disorder among men, but its etiology is still poorly
      understood. Our objective was to examine the relation between physical activity
      and incidence of CP/CPPS in a large cohort of male health professionals. METHODS:
      We conducted a prospective cohort study among men in the Health Professionals
      Follow-up Study followed from 1986 to 2008. The study population included 20,918
      men who completed all CP/CPPS questions on the 2008 questionnaire. Leisure-time
      physical activity, including type and intensity of activity, was measured by
      questionnaire in 1986. A National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom
      Index pain score was calculated on the basis of the responses on the 2008
      questionnaire. Participants with pain scores >=8 were considered CP/CPPS cases (n
      = 689). RESULTS: Higher leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower
      risk of CP/CPPS. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio comparing >35.0 to <=3.5
      MET.h.wk of physical activity was 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.92; P for
      trend <0.001). Observed inverse associations between physical activity and
      CP/CPPS were similar for both moderate- and vigorous-intensity activities.
      Sedentary behavior, measured as time spent watching television, was not
      associated with risk of CP/CPPS (P for trend = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from
      this study, the first large scale and most comprehensive study to date on this
      association, suggest that higher levels of leisure-time physical activity may
      lower risk of CP/CPPS in middle-age and older men.

PMID- 25116089
TI  - [Shaping demographic change].

PMID- 25116088
TI  - [Paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty in a patient with spinal cord injury: is
      homeopathy helpful?].
AB  - A paralytic ileus is a typical complication of ileocystoplasty of the bladder. In
      patients with a spinal cord injury, this risk is higher due to a preexisting
      neurogenic bowel dysfunction. We present the case of a paraplegic man who
      developed a massive paralytic ileus after ileocystoplasty and surgical revision.
      Conventional stimulation of bowel function was unsuccessful; only by an
      adjunctive homeopathic treatment was normalization of bowel function achieved.
      Adjunctive homeopathic therapy is a promising treatment option in patients with
      complex bowel dysfunction after abdominal surgery who do not adequately respond
      to conventional treatment. 

PMID- 25116090
TI  - The phosphoproteome of Aspergillus nidulans reveals functional association with
      cellular processes involved in morphology and secretion.
AB  - We describe the first phosphoproteome of the model filamentous fungus Aspergillus
      nidulans. Phosphopeptides were enriched using titanium dioxide, separated using a
      convenient ultra-long reverse phase gradient, and identified using a "high-high"
      strategy (high mass accuracy on the parent and fragment ions) with higher-energy
      collisional dissociation. Using this approach 1801 phosphosites, from 1637 unique
      phosphopeptides, were identified. Functional classification revealed
      phosphoproteins were overrepresented under GO categories related to fungal
      morphogenesis: "sites of polar growth," "vesicle mediated transport," and
      "cytoskeleton organization." In these same GO categories, kinase-substrate
      analysis of phosphoproteins revealed the majority were target substrates of CDK
      and CK2 kinase families, indicating these kinase families play a prominent role
      in fungal morphogenesis. Kinase-substrate analysis also identified 57 substrates
      for kinases known to regulate secretion of hydrolytic enzymes (e.g. PkaA, SchA,
      and An-Snf1). Altogether this data will serve as a benchmark that can be used to
      elucidate regulatory networks functionally associated with fungal morphogenesis
      and secretion. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with
      identifier PXD000715
      (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000715).

PMID- 25116091
TI  - Halogen-free bis(imidazolium)/bis(ammonium)-di[bis(salicylato)borate] ionic
      liquids as energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lubricant additives.
AB  - Bis(imidazolium)- and bis(ammonium)-di[bis(salicylato)borate] ionic liquids with
      variable alkyl chain and cyclic ring structures, were synthesized and then
      evaluated them as potential lubricant additives. The copper strip test results
      revealed noncorrosive properties of these ionic liquids. Introduction of halogen
      content in bis(imidazolium) ionic liquid by replacement of bis(salicylato)borate
      (BScB) anion with hexafluorophosphate (PF6(-)), severely corroded the copper
      strip. Thermogravimetric results showed that bis(imidazolium) ionic liquids
      exhibited higher thermal stability than bis(ammonium) ionic liquids owing to
      compact structure provided by imidazolium rings, higher intermolecular
      interactions, smaller free volume and low steric hindrance. The lubrication
      properties of these ionic liquids as additives to synthetic lubricant
      poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG 200) were evaluated for steel balls. Results showed
      that bis(ammonium)- and bis(imidazolium)-(BScB)2 ionic liquids as additives
      significantly reduced both friction coefficient and wear of PEG 200. The
      structure of cations, particularly the variation in substituted alkyl chain
      length monitored the degree of reduction in friction and wear. The excellent
      lubrication properties were attributed to the formation of adsorbed tribo-thin
      film and tribochemical product during the tribo-contact. Being halogen-,
      phosphorus-, and sulfur-free, these ionic liquids (a) protects contact surfaces
      from tribo-corrosive events, (b) reduces the friction and wear, and (c) keep
      environment green and clean. 

PMID- 25116092
TI  - Changing concepts of diagnostic criteria of myeloproliferative disorders and the
      molecular etiology and classification of myeloproliferative neoplasms: from
      Dameshek 1950 to Vainchenker 2005 and beyond.
AB  - The Polycythemia Vera Study Group (PVSG) and WHO classifications distinguished
      the Philadelphia (Ph(1)) chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia from the
      Ph(1)-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) essential thrombocythemia (ET),
      polycythemia vera (PV) and primary myelofibrosis (MF) or primary megakaryocytic
      granulocytic myeloproliferation (PMGM). Half of PVSG/WHO-defined ET patients show
      low serum erythropoietin levels and carry the JAK2(V617F) mutation, indicating
      prodromal PV. The positive predictive value of a JAK2(V617F) PCR test is 95% for
      the diagnosis of PV, and about 50% for ET and MF. The WHO-defined JAK2(V617F)
      positive ET comprises three ET phenotypes at clinical and bone marrow level when
      the integrated WHO and European Clinical, Molecular and Pathological (ECMP)
      criteria are applied: normocellular ET (WHO-ET), hypercellular ET due to
      increased erythropoiesis (prodromal PV) and hypercellular ET associated with
      megakaryocytic granulocytic myeloproliferation (EMGM). Four main molecular types
      of clonal MPN can be distinguished: JAK2(V617F)-positive ET and PV; JAK2 wild
      type ET carrying the MPL(515); mutations in the calreticulin (CALR) gene in
      JAK2/MPL wild-type ET and MF, and a small proportion of JAK2/MPL/CALR wild-type
      ET and MF patients. The JAK2(V617F) mutation load is low in heterozygous
      normocellular WHO-ET. The JAK2(V617F) mutation load in hetero-/homozygous PV and
      EMGM is clearly related to MPN disease burden in terms of splenomegaly,
      constitutional symptoms and fibrosis. The JAK2 wild-type ET carrying the MPL(515)
      mutation is featured by clustered small and giant megakaryocytes with
      hyperlobulated stag-horn-like nuclei, in a normocellular bone marrow (WHO-ET),
      and lacks features of PV. JAK2/MPL wild-type, CALR mutated hypercellular ET
      associated with PMGM is featured by dense clustered large immature dysmorphic
      megakaryocytes and bulky (cloud-like) hyperchromatic nuclei, which are never seen
      in WHO-ECMP-defined JAK2(V617F) mutated ET, EMGM and PV, and neither in JAK2 wild
      type ET carrying the MPL(515) mutation. Two thirds of JAK2/MPL wild-type ET and
      MF patients carry one of the CALR mutations as the cause of the third distinct
      MPN entity. WHO-ECMP criteria are recommended to diagnose, classify and stage the
      broad spectrum of MPN of various molecular etiologies.

PMID- 25116093
TI  - The old but new IgM Fc receptor (FcMUR).
AB  - IgM is the first Ig isotype to appear during phylogeny, ontogeny and the immune
      response. The importance of both pre-immune "natural" and antigen-induced
      "immune" IgM antibodies in immune responses to pathogens and self-antigens has
      been established by studies of mutant mice deficient in IgM secretion. Effector
      proteins interacting with the Fc portion of IgM, such as complement and
      complement receptors, have thus far been proposed, but fail to fully account for
      the IgM-mediated immune protection and regulation of immune responses.
      Particularly, the role of the Fc receptor for IgM (FcMUR) in such effector
      functions has not been explored until recently. We have identified an authentic
      FcMUR in humans using a functional cloning strategy and subsequently in mice by
      RT-PCR and describe here its salient features and the immunological consequences
      of FcMUR deficiency in mice. Since the FcMUR we cloned was identical to Toso or
      Fas inhibitory molecule 3 (FAIM3), there have been spirited debates regarding the
      real function of FcMUR/Toso/FAIM3 and we will also comment on this topic. 

PMID- 25116095
TI  - Intracellular antibody immunity and the cytosolic Fc receptor TRIM21.
AB  - Until recently, it was thought that antibody effector mechanisms were mediated
      purely by Fc receptors expressed on professional cells, following capture of
      immune complexes in the extracellular space. Recently a new Fc receptor, TRIM21,
      was discovered that is expressed by cells of all histogenetic lineages and which
      mediates immune responses intracellularly. This new receptor possesses many
      unique structural and functional properties. TRIM21 binds both IgG and IgM,
      interacts primarily with the CH3 rather than CH2 domain and engages two heavy
      chains simultaneously. This latter property allows TRIM21 to bind antibodies with
      a higher affinity than any other Fc receptor. TRIM21 is cytosolic, has both
      effector and signalling functions and is exquisitely conserved in mammals. The
      discovery of this missing part of humoral immunity has important implications for
      where and how antibodies work. 

PMID- 25116096
TI  - Computational modeling of the main signaling pathways involved in mast cell
      activation.
AB  - A global and rigorous understanding of the signaling pathways and cross
      regulatory processes involved in mast cell activation requires the integration of
      published information with novel functional datasets into a comprehensive
      computational model. Based on an exhaustive curation of the existing literature
      and using the software CellDesigner, we have built and annotated a comprehensive
      molecular map for the FcepsilonRI signaling network. This map can be used to
      visualize and interpret high-throughput expression data. Furthermore, leaning on
      this map and using the logical modeling software GINsim, we have derived a
      qualitative dynamical model, which recapitulates the most salient features of
      mast cell activation. The resulting logical model can be used to explore the
      dynamical properties of the system and its responses to different stimuli, in
      normal or mutant conditions. 

PMID- 25116097
TI  - Calcium channels in Fc receptor signaling.
AB  - The calcium ion (Ca(2+)) is the main common second messenger involved in
      signaling transduction subsequent to immunoreceptor activation. Its rapid
      intracellular elevation induces multiple cellular responses, such as secretion,
      proliferation, mobility, and gene transcription. Intracellular levels of Ca(2+)
      need to reach a specific threshold to efficiently transduce the signal to
      activate transcription factors through the recruitment of Ca(2+)-binding
      molecules. However, since Ca(2+) cannot be metabolized, its intracellular
      concentration is tightly regulated to avoid the induction of programmed cell
      death. This highly controlled regulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis has recently been
      clarified by the uncovering of new ion channels. The regulation of these channels
      allows the role of Ca(2+) in Fc receptor transduction pathways to be more
      precisely defined. 

PMID- 25116094
TI  - Emerging roles for the FCRL family members in lymphocyte biology and disease.
AB  - Members of the extended Fc receptor-like (FCRL) family in humans and mice are
      preferentially expressed by B cells and possess tyrosine-based immunoregulatory
      function. Although the majority of these proteins repress B cell receptor
      mediated activation, there is an emerging evidence for their bifunctionality and
      capacity to counter-regulate adaptive and innate signaling pathways. In light of
      these findings, the recent discovery of ligands for several of these molecules
      has begun to reveal exciting potential for them in normal lymphocyte biology and
      is launching a new phase of FCRL investigation. Importantly, these fundamental
      developments are also setting the stage for defining their altered roles in the
      pathogenesis of a growing number of immune-mediated diseases. Here we review
      recent advances in the FCRL field and highlight the significance of these
      intriguing receptors in normal and perturbed immunobiology. 

PMID- 25116098
TI  - Regulation of FcepsilonRI signaling by lipid phosphatases.
AB  - Mast cells (MCs) are tissue-resident sentinels of hematopoietic origin that play
      a prominent role in allergic diseases. They express the high-affinity receptor
      for IgE (FcepsilonRI), which when cross-linked by multivalent antigens triggers
      the release of preformed mediators, generation of arachidonic acid metabolites,
      and the synthesis of cytokines and chemokines. Stimulation of the FcepsilonRI
      with increasing antigen concentrations follows a characteristic bell-shaped dose
      responses curve. At high antigen concentrations, the so-called supra-optimal
      conditions, repression of FcepsilonRI-induced responses is facilitated by
      activation and incorporation of negative signaling regulators. In this context,
      the SH2-containing inositol-5'-phosphatase, SHIP1, has been demonstrated to be of
      particular importance. SHIP1 with its catalytic and multiple protein interaction
      sites provides several layers of control for FcepsilonRI signaling. Regulation of
      SHIP1 function occurs on various levels, e.g., protein expression, receptor and
      membrane recruitment, competition for protein-protein interaction sites, and
      activating modifications enhancing the phosphatase function. Apart from
      FcepsilonRI-mediated signaling, SHIP1 can be activated by diverse unrelated
      receptor systems indicating its involvement in the regulation of antigen
      dependent cellular responses by autocrine feedback mechanisms or tissue-specific
      and/or (patho-) physiologically determined factors. Thus, pharmacologic
      engagement of SHIP1 may represent a beneficial strategy for patients suffering
      from acute or chronic inflammation or allergies. 

PMID- 25116099
TI  - Fc receptors as adaptive immunoreceptors.
AB  - Most biological activities of antibodies depend on their ability to engage
      Receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulins (FcRs) on a variety of cell
      types. As FcRs can trigger positive and negative signals, as these signals
      control several biological activities in individual cells, as FcRs are expressed
      by many cells of hematopoietic origin, mostly of the myeloid lineage, as these
      cells express various combinations of FcRs, and as FcR-expressing cells have
      different functional repertoires, antibodies can exert a wide spectrum of
      biological activities. Like B and T Cell Receptors (BCRs and TCRs), FcRs are bona
      fide immunoreceptors. Unlike BCRs and TCRs, however, FcRs are immunoreceptors
      with an adaptive specificity for antigen, with an adaptive affinity for
      antibodies, with an adaptive structure and with an adaptive signaling. They
      induce adaptive biological responses that depend on their tissue distribution and
      on FcR-expressing cells that are selected locally by antibodies. They critically
      determine health and disease. They are thus exquisitely adaptive therapeutic
      tools. 

PMID- 25116100
TI  - Glycosylation and Fc receptors.
AB  - Immunoglobulins and Fc receptors are critical glycoprotein components of the
      immune system. Fc receptors bind the Fc (effector) region of antibody molecules
      and communicate information within the innate and adaptive immune systems.
      Glycosylation of antibodies, particularly in the Fc region of IgG, has been
      extensively studied in health and disease. The N-glycans in the identical heavy
      chains have been shown to be critical for maintaining structural integrity,
      communication with the Fc receptor and the downstream immunological response.
      Less is known about glycosylation of the Fc receptor in either healthy or disease
      states, however, recent studies have implicated an active role for receptor
      associated oligosaccharides in the antibody-receptor interaction. Research into
      Fc receptor glycosylation is increasing rapidly, where Fc receptors are routinely
      used to analyze the binding of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and where
      glycosylation of receptors expressed by cells of the immune system could
      potentially be used to mediate and control the differential binding of
      immunoglobulins. Here we discuss the glycosylation of immunoglobulin antibodies
      (IgA, IgE, IgG) and the Fc receptors (FcalphaR, FcepsilonR, FcgammaR, FcRn) that
      bind them, the function of carbohydrates in the immune response and recent
      advances in our understanding of these critical glycoproteins. 

PMID- 25116101
TI  - Antibodies as natural adjuvants.
AB  - Antibodies in complex with specific antigen can dramatically change the antibody
      response to this antigen. Depending on antibody class and type of antigen, >99 %
      suppression or >100-fold enhancement of the response can take place. IgM and IgG3
      are efficient enhancers and operate via the complement system. In contrast, IgG1,
      IgG2a, and IgG2b enhance antibody and CD4(+) T cell responses to protein antigens
      via activating Fcgamma-receptors. IgE also enhances antibody and CD4(+) T cell
      responses to small proteins but uses the low-affinity receptor for IgE, CD23.
      Most likely, IgM and IgG3 work by increasing the effective concentration of
      antigen on follicular dendritic cells in splenic follicles. IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b,
      and IgE probably enhance antibody responses by increasing antigen presentation by
      dendritic cells to T helper cells. IgG antibodies of all subclasses have a dual
      effect, and suppress antibody responses to particulate antigens such as
      erythrocytes. This capacity is used in the clinic to prevent immunization of
      Rhesus-negative women to Rhesus-positive fetal erythrocytes acquired via
      transplacental hemorrage. IgG-mediated suppression in mouse models can take place
      in the absence of Fcgamma-receptors and complement and to date no knock-out mouse
      strain has been found where suppression is abrogated. 

PMID- 25116102
TI  - IgA, IgA receptors, and their anti-inflammatory properties.
AB  - Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundantly produced antibody isotype in
      mammals. The primary function of IgA is to maintain homeostasis at mucosal
      surfaces and play a role in immune protection. IgA functions mainly through
      interaction with multiple receptors including IgA Fc receptor I (FcalphaRI),
      transferrin receptor 1 (CD71), asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), Fcalpha/MUR,
      FcRL4, and DC-SIGN/SIGNR1. In this review we discuss recent data demonstrating
      anti-inflammatory functions of IgA through two receptors, the FcalphaRI and DC
      SIGN/SIGNR1 interactions in the regulation of immunity. Serum monomeric IgA is
      able to mediate an inhibitory signal following the interaction with FcalphaRI. It
      results in partial phosphorylation of its FcRgamma-ITAM and the recruitment of
      the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, which induces cell inhibition following the
      formation of intracellular clusters named inhibisomes. In contrast, cross-linking
      of FcalphaRI by multimeric ligands induces a full phosphorylation of the FcRgamma
      ITAM leading to the recruitment of the tyrosine kinase Syk and cell activation.
      In addition, secretory IgA can mediate a potent anti-inflammatory function
      following the sugar-dependent interaction with SIGNR1 on dendritic cells which
      induces an immune tolerance via regulatory T cell expansion. Overall, the anti
      inflammatory effect of serum and secretory IgA plays a crucial role in the
      physiology and in the prevention of tissue damage in multiple autoimmune and
      inflammatory diseases. 

PMID- 25116103
TI  - humanized mice to study FcgammaR function.
AB  - Passive immunotherapy represents a promising therapeutic intervention for a
      number of neoplastic, chronic inflammatory, and infectious diseases, with several
      monoclonal antibodies currently under development or already in use in the
      clinic. While Fab-antigen interactions play a crucial role in the activity of an
      antibody, it has become clear that Fc-mediated effector functions are involved
      during antibody-mediated activities in vivo. A complete understanding of the
      contributions of effector activities mediated by an antibody during its in vivo
      function is required for the development of antibodies with improved therapeutic
      efficacies. Animal models that are commonly used for the preclinical evaluation
      of antibodies include murine and non-human primate species, whose FcgammaRs
      present substantial structural, functional, and genetic variation compared with
      their human counterparts. Therefore, the use of such animal models provides
      limited information on the role of human IgG Fc-FcgammaR interactions during the
      in vivo activities of antibodies intended for human therapeutics. In this
      chapter, we describe the development and evaluation of an FcgammaR-humanized
      mouse model for the study of human FcgammaR function in vivo. In this model,
      endogenous mouse FcgammaR genes have been deleted and human FcgammaRs are
      expressed as transgenes that faithfully recapitulate the unique pattern of human
      FcgammaR expression. Evaluation of the in vivo activities of a number of
      cytotoxic or therapeutic antibodies using FcgammaR-humanized mice provided useful
      insights into human IgG Fc effector function. This mouse model has become a vital
      preclinical model for testing therapeutic human antibodies to treat malignancies,
      autoimmunity, inflammation, and infectious disease. 

PMID- 25116104
TI  - FcRn: from molecular interactions to regulation of IgG pharmacokinetics and
      functions.
AB  - The neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, is related to MHC class I with respect to its
      structure and association with beta2microglobulin (beta2m). However, by contrast
      with MHC class I molecules, FcRn does not bind to peptides, but interacts with
      the Fc portion of IgGs and belongs to the Fc receptor family. Unlike the
      'classical' Fc receptors, however, the primary functions of FcRn include salvage
      of IgG (and albumin) from lysosomal degradation through the recycling and
      transcytosis of IgG within cells. The characteristic feature of FcRn is pH
      dependent binding to IgG, with relatively strong binding at acidic pH (<6.5) and
      negligible binding at physiological pH (7.3-7.4). FcRn is expressed in many
      different cell types, and endothelial and hematopoietic cells are the dominant
      cell types involved in IgG homeostasis in vivo. FcRn also delivers IgG across
      cellular barriers to sites of pathogen encounter and consequently plays a role in
      protection against infections, in addition to regulating renal filtration and
      immune complex-mediated antigen presentation. Further, FcRn has been targeted to
      develop both IgGs with extended half-lives and FcRn inhibitors that can lower
      endogenous antibody levels. These approaches have implications for the
      development of longer lived therapeutics and the removal of pathogenic or
      deleterious antibodies. 

PMID- 25116106
TI  - Bridging autoantibodies and arthritis: the role of Fc receptors.
AB  - Autoantibodies represent a hallmark of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is a
      chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and damage
      in the joints. Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies (ACPA) are the most
      prominent autoantibodies present in RA patients. These autoantibodies have been
      intensively investigated during the last 20 years due to their diagnostic and
      predictive value. Furthermore, they are believed to be involved in mediating the
      damage associated with RA. Antibodies of the IgG isotype interact with the immune
      system via Fcgamma receptors expressed on immune cells as well as nonimmune
      cells. These receptors, therefore, form the bridge between Fcgamma receptor
      positive cells and antibodies complexed to antigen allowing the modulation and
      activation of cellular immune responses that are involved in immune defense
      against invading microorganisms. However, in case triggered by antibodies against
      self-antigens, they can also play a pivotal role in the induction and
      perpetuation of autoimmune diseases such as RA. Mouse models have been
      indispensably important for understanding the role of Fcgamma receptors in the
      development of arthritis. Here we discuss the contribution of autoantibodies to
      the pathogenesis of arthritis in preclinical animal models, as well as RA, in
      relation to their interaction with the different (immune inhibitory and
      activating) Fcgamma receptors. 

PMID- 25116107
TI  - The FcgammaR of humans and non-human primates and their interaction with IgG:
      implications for induction of inflammation, resistance to infection and the use
      of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
AB  - Considerable effort has focused on the roles of the individual members of the
      FcgammaR receptor (FcgammaR) family in inflammatory diseases and humoral
      immunity. Recent work has revealed major roles in infection and in particular HIV
      pathogenesis and immunity. In addition, FcgammaR functions underpin the action of
      many of the successful therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. This emphasises the
      need for a greater understanding of FcgammaR function in humans and in the NHP
      which provides a key model for human immunity and preclinical testing of
      antibodies. We discuss recent key aspects of the human FcgammaR receptor biology
      and structure to define differences and similarities in activity between the
      human and macaque Fc receptors. These differences and similarities nuance the
      interpretation of infection and vaccine studies in the macaque. Indeed passive
      IgG antibody protection in lentivirus infection models in the macaque provided
      early evidence for the role of Fc receptors in anti-HIV immunity that have
      subsequently gained support from human vaccine trials. None-the-less the diverse
      functions and cellular contexts of FcgammaR receptor expression ensure there is
      much still to understand of the protective and deleterious effects of FcgammaRs
      in HIV infection. Careful comparative studies of human and non-human primate
      FcgammaRs will facilitate our appreciation of what attributes of HIV specific IgG
      antibodies, either acquired naturally or via vaccination, are most important for
      protection. 

PMID- 25116108
TI  - FcgammaRIIB as a key determinant of agonistic antibody efficacy.
AB  - Fc gamma Receptor (FcgammaR) IIB (CD32B) is an immunoreceptor tyrosine inhibitory
      motif (ITIM)-bearing Fc receptor that is involved in abrogating the signalling
      and function delivered from other receptors; archetypally those arising from
      other, activatory, FcgammaR and from the B cell receptor (BCR) for antigen. In
      the context of immunotherapy, it has convincingly been shown to limit a variety
      of clinically important therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) such as rituximab
      and trastuzumab in preclinical models. However, recent exploration of so-called
      immunomodulatory mAb, for example agonist mAb directed against various members of
      the TNFR super-family, has cast new light on the ability of FcgammaRIIB to
      regulate immune responses and immunotherapy. These data, accumulated by several
      independent groups, have shown the seemingly paradoxical ability of FcgammaRIIB
      to augment or even be absolutely required for the activity of this class of mAb.
      In this review we highlight the key role of FcgammaRIIB in regulating agonistic
      mAb, detail the likely mechanism of action and propose new ways in which this
      information may be exploited therapeutically. 

PMID- 25116109
TI  - Fc receptor-dependent mechanisms of monoclonal antibody therapy of cancer.
AB  - Targeted therapies like treatment with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have entered
      the arsenal of modern anticancer drugs. mAbs combine specificity with multiple
      effector functions that can lead to reduction of tumour burden. Direct mechanisms
      of action, including induction of apoptosis or growth inhibition, depend on the
      biology of the target antigen. Fc tails of mAbs have furthermore the potential to
      initiate complement-dependent lysis as well as immune effector cell-mediated
      tumour cell killing via binding to Fc receptors. Natural killer cells can induce
      apoptosis via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), whereas
      macrophages are able to phagocytose mAb-opsonized tumour cells (antibody
      dependent cellular phagocytosis; ADCP). Finally, neutrophils can induce non
      apoptotic tumour cell death, especially in the presence of immunoglobulin A (IgA)
      antitumour mAbs. In spite of promising clinical successes in some malignancies,
      improvement of mAb immunotherapy is required to achieve overall complete
      remission in cancer patients. New strategies to enhance Fc receptor-mediated
      mechanisms of action or to overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment of the
      tumour in mAb therapy of cancer are therefore currently being explored and will
      be addressed in this chapter. 

PMID- 25116110
TI  - Sweet and sour: the role of glycosylation for the anti-inflammatory activity of
      immunoglobulin G.
AB  - The importance of immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules for providing long-term
      sterile immunity as well as their major contribution to tissue inflammation
      during autoimmune diseases is generally accepted. In a similar manner, studies
      over the last years have elucidated many details of the molecular and cellular
      pathways underlying this protective activity in vivo, emphasizing the role of
      cellular recognizing the constant antibody fragment. In contrast, the active anti
      inflammatory activity of IgG, despite being known and actually identified in
      human autoimmune patients more than 30 years ago, is much less defined. Recent
      evidence from several independent model systems suggests that IgG glycosylation
      is critical for the immunomodulatory activity of IgG and that both monomeric IgG
      as well as IgG immune complexes can diminish Fc receptor and complement dependent
      inflammatory processes. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that IgG molecules
      also modulate B and T cell responses, which may suggest that IgG is centrally
      involved in the establishment and maintenance of immune homeostasis. 

PMID- 25116111
TI  - High aspect ratio nano-fabrication of photonic crystal structures on glass wafers
      using chrome as hard mask.
AB  - Wafer-scale nano-fabrication of silicon nitride (Si x N y ) photonic crystal
      (PhC) structures on glass (quartz) substrates is demonstrated using a thin (30
      nm) chromium (Cr) layer as the hard mask for transferring the electron beam
      lithography (EBL) defined resist patterns. The use of the thin Cr layer not only
      solves the charging effect during the EBL on the insulating substrate, but also
      facilitates high aspect ratio PhCs by acting as a hard mask while deep etching
      into the Si x N y . A very high aspect ratio of 10:1 on a 60 nm wide grating
      structure has been achieved while preserving the quality of the flat top of the
      narrow lines. The presented nano-fabrication method provides PhC structures
      necessary for a high quality optical response. Finally, we fabricated a
      refractive index based PhC sensor which shows a sensitivity of 185 nm per RIU. 

PMID- 25116105
TI  - Human FcR polymorphism and disease.
AB  - Fc receptors play a central role in maintaining the homeostatic balance in the
      immune system. Our knowledge of the structure and function of these receptors and
      their naturally occurring polymorphisms, including single nucleotide
      polymorphisms and/or copy number variations, continues to expand. Through studies
      of their impact on human biology and clinical phenotype, the contributions of
      these variants to the pathogenesis, progression, and/or treatment outcome of many
      diseases that involve immunoglobulin have become evident. They affect
      susceptibility to bacterial and viral pathogens, constitute as risk factors for
      IgG or IgE mediated inflammatory diseases, and impact the development of many
      autoimmune conditions. In this chapter, we will provide an overview of these
      genetic variations in classical FcgammaRs, FcRLs, and other Fc receptors, as well
      as challenges in achieving an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the FcR
      polymorphisms and genomic architecture. 

PMID- 25116116
TI  - Effects of foot placement, hand positioning, age and climbing biodynamics on
      ladder slip outcomes.
AB  - Ladder falls frequently cause severe injuries; yet the factors that influence
      ladder slips/falls are not well understood. This study aimed to quantify (1) the
      effects of restricted foot placement, hand positioning, climbing direction and
      age on slip outcomes, and (2) differences in climbing styles leading to slips
      versus styles leading to non-slips. Thirty-two occupational ladder users from
      three age groups (18-24, 25-44 and 45-64 years) were unexpectedly slipped
      climbing a vertical ladder, while being assigned to different foot placement
      conditions (unrestricted vs. restricted toe clearance) and different hand
      positions (rails vs. rungs). Constraining foot placement increased the climber's
      likelihood of slipping (p < 0.01), while younger and older participants slipped
      more than the middle-aged group (p < 0.01). Longer double stance time, dissimilar
      and more variable foot and body positioning were found in styles leading to a
      slip. Maintaining sufficient toe clearance and targeting ladder safety training
      to younger and older workers may reduce ladder falls. Practitioner Summary:
      Ladder falls frequently cause severe occupational fall injuries. This study aims
      to identify safer ladder climbing techniques and individuals at risk of falling.
      The results suggest that ladders with unrestricted toe clearance and ladder
      climbing training programmes, particularly for younger and older workers, may
      reduce ladder slipping risk. 

PMID- 25116117
TI  - Erythroidine alkaloids: a novel class of phytoestrogens.
AB  - Erythrina poeppigiana is a medicinal plant which is widely used in Asia, Latin
      America, and Africa in traditional remedies for gynecological complications and
      maladies. In continuation of studies for the discovery of novel phytoestrogens,
      four erythroidine alkaloids, namely alpha-erythroidine, beta-erythroidine, and
      their oxo-derivatives 8-oxo-alpha-erythroidine and 8-oxo-beta-erythroidine, were
      isolated and structurally characterized from the methanolic extract of the stem
      bark of E. poeppigiana. Due to the high amounts of erythroidines in the extract
      and considering the widespread utilization of Erythrina preparations in
      traditional medicine, the exploration of their estrogenic properties was
      performed. The estrogenicity of the isolated erythroidines was assayed in various
      estrogen receptor-(ER)-dependent test systems, including receptor binding
      affinity, cell culture based ER-dependent reporter gene assays, and gene
      expression studies in cultured cells using reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction techniques. alpha-Erythroidine and beta-erythroidine showed binding
      affinity values for ERalpha of 0.015 +/- 0.010% and 0.005 +/- 0.010%,
      respectively, whereas only beta-erythroidine bound to ERbeta (0.006 +/- 0.010%).
      In reporter gene assays, both erythroidines exhibited a significant dose
      dependent estrogenic stimulation of ER-dependent reporter gene activity in
      osteosarcoma cells detectable already at 10 nM. Results were confirmed in the
      MVLN cells, a bioluminescent variant of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Further, alpha
      erythroidine and beta-erythroidine both induced the enhanced expression of the
      specific ERalpha-dependent genes trefoil factor-1 and serum/glucocorticoid
      regulated kinase 3 in MCF-7 cells, confirming estrogenicity. Additionally, using
      molecular docking simulations, a potential mode of binding on ERalpha, is
      proposed, supporting the experimental evidences. This is the first time that an
      estrogenic profile is reported for erythroidine alkaloids, potentially a new
      class of phytoestrogens.

PMID- 25116118
TI  - Ruscogenin protects against high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in
      hamsters.
AB  - The protective effects of ruscogenin on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in hamsters
      fed a high-fat diet were investigated. Ruscogenin (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg/day)
      was orally administered by gavage once daily for eight weeks. A high-fat diet
      induced increases in plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and free
      fatty acids, while the degree of insulin resistance was lowered by ruscogenin.
      High-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis and necroinflammation were improved by
      ruscogenin. Gene expression of inflammatory cytokines and activity of nuclear
      transcription factor-kappaB were also increased in the high-fat diet group, which
      were attenuted by ruscogenin. Ruscogenin decreased hepatic mRNA levels of sterol
      regulatory element-binding protein-1c and its lipogenic target genes. The hepatic
      mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, together
      with its target genes responsible for fatty acid beta-oxidation were upregulated
      by ruscogenin. In conclusion, these findings suggest that ruscogenin may
      attenuate high-fat diet-induced steatohepatitis through anti-inflammatory
      mechanisms, reducing hepatic lipogenic gene expression, and upregulating proteins
      in the fatty acid oxidation process.

PMID- 25116119
TI  - Transport in Caco-2 cell monolayers of antidiabetic cucurbitane triterpenoids
      from Momordica charantia fruits.
AB  - Bitter melon, the fruit of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae), is a widely
      used treatment for diabetes in traditional medicine systems throughout the world.
      Various compounds have been shown to be responsible for this reputed activity,
      and, in particular, cucurbitane triterpenoids are thought to play a significant
      role. The objective of this study was to investigate the gastrointestinal
      transport of a triterpenoid-enriched n-butanol extract of M. charantia using a
      two-compartment transwell human intestinal epithelial cell Caco-2 monolayer
      system, simulating the intestinal barrier. Eleven triterpenoids in this extract
      were transported from the apical to basolateral direction across Caco-2 cell
      monolayers, and were identified or tentatively identified by HPLC-TOF-MS.
      Cucurbitane triterpenoids permeated to the basolateral side with apparent
      permeability coefficient (P app) values for 3-beta-7-beta,25-trihydroxycucurbita
      5,23(E)-dien-19-al and momordicines I and II at 9.02 * 10(-6), 8.12 * 10(-6), and
      1.68 * 10(-6)cm/s, respectively. Also, small amounts of these triterpenoids were
      absorbed inside the Caco-2 cells. This is the first report of the transport of
      the reputed antidiabetic cucurbitane triterpenoids in human intestinal epithelial
      cell monolayers. Our findings, therefore, further support the hypothesis that
      cucurbitane triterpenoids from bitter melon may explain, at least in part, the
      antidiabetic activity of this plant in vivo.

PMID- 25116120
TI  - Vermistatin derivatives with alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity from the
      mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. HN29-3B1.
AB  - Three new vermistatin derivatives, 6-demethylpenisimplicissin (1), 5'
      hydroxypenisimplicissin (2), and 2''-epihydroxydihydrovermistatin (3), along with
      five known vermistatin analogues, methoxyvermistatin (4), vermistatin (5), 6
      demethylvermistatin (6), hydroxyvermistatin (7), and penisimplicissin (8), were
      isolated from the culture of the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. HN29
      3B1 from Cerbera manghas. Their structures were elucidated mainly by nuclear
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 2
      were deduced on the basis of circular dichroism data. The absolute structures of
      compounds 3 and 5 were confirmed by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiment
      using Cu Kalpha radiation. In the bioactivity assay, compounds 1 and 3 exhibited
      alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 9.5 +/- 1.2 and 8.0 +/-
      1.5 uM, respectively. The plausible biosynthetic pathways for all compounds are
      discussed.

PMID- 25116121
TI  - Extralevator abdominoperineal resection--a video vignette.

PMID- 25116122
TI  - Hypoglycaemic role of wheatgrass and its effect on carbohydrate metabolic enzymes
      in type II diabetic rats.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the
      world. Insulin resistance and insulin insufficiency is the major factor for the
      prognosis of type II diabetes. Consistent high glucose level leads to multiple
      secondary complications in diabetic patients. Hence, hypoglycaemic drugs are of
      significance for reducing the risk of secondary complications in type II
      diabetes. Various hypoglycaemic drugs are already available in the market, but
      they are associated with several side effects. Therefore, traditional herbs have
      emerged as safer alternative for effective hypoglycaemic treatment. The juvenile
      grass of common wheat is known as wheatgrass (WG). It is commonly used as a
      health drink and has potent antioxidant efficacy. It has been used to cure DM in
      folk medicine. The current study was planned to test the hypoglycaemic effect and
      pathways regulated by WG on DM. We analysed the glucose and insulin levels in
      plasma, the activity of glucose oxidative enzymes, hexokinase and glucose 6
      phosphate dehydrogenase, in serum and glycogen levels in liver of the male albino
      Wistar rats. Activity of glucose oxidative enzymes and the levels of insulin and
      liver glycogen were decreased in rats with diabetes, but they were reversed on
      treatment with WG. Hence, we conclude that WG can act as a potent anti
      hyperglycaemic agent. 

PMID- 25116123
TI  - Catalytic formation of acrylate from carbon dioxide and ethene.
AB  - With regard to sustainability, carbon dioxide (CO2) is an attractive C1 building
      block. However, due to thermodynamic restrictions, reactions incorporating CO2
      are relatively limited so far. One of the so-called "dream reactions" in this
      field is the catalytic oxidative coupling of CO2 and ethene and subsequent beta-H
      elimination to form acrylic acid. This reaction has been studied intensely for
      decades. However up to this date no suitable catalytic process has been
      established. Here we show that the catalytic conversion of ethene and CO2 to
      acrylate is possible in the presence of a homogeneous nickel catalyst in
      combination with a "hard" Lewis acid. For the first time, catalytic conversion of
      CO2 and ethene to acrylate with turnover numbers (TON) of up to 21 was
      demonstrated.

PMID- 25116126
TI  - The use of plasma exchange in Hashimoto's encephalopathy: A case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Hashimoto's Encephalopathy (HE) is a very rare condition characterized by
      psychosis, seizures, cognitive fluctuations, and myoclonus. In a few published
      cases, plasma exchange has been used due to the theoretical removal of
      antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), one of the postulated causes of the
      condition. We report a case of HE treated by plasma exchange where no clinical or
      neurophysiologic improvement was observed despite documented reduction of the
      anti-TPO antibody to levels below the limits of laboratory detection. We discuss
      these findings in the context of the known literature for this disease process.

PMID- 25116125
TI  - Celastrol inhibits lung infiltration in differential syndrome animal models by
      reducing TNF-alpha and ICAM-1 levels while preserving differentiation in ATRA
      induced acute promyelocytic leukemia cells.
AB  - All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a revolutionary agent for acute promyelocytic
      leukemia (APL) treatment via differentiation induction. However, ATRA treatment
      also increases cytokine, chemokine, and adhesive molecule (mainly ICAM-1)
      expression, which can cause clinical complications, including a severe situation
      known as differentiation syndrome (DS) which can cause death. Therefore, it is of
      clinical significance to find a strategy to specifically blunt inflammatory
      effects while preserving differentiation. Here we report that the natural
      compound, celastrol, could effectively block lung infiltrations in DS animal
      models created by loading ATRA-induced APL cell line NB4. In ATRA-treated NB4
      cells, celastrol could potently inhibit ICAM-1 elevation and partially reduce TNF
      alpha and IL-1beta secretion, though treatment showed no effects on IL-8 and MCP
      1 levels. Celastrol's effect on ICAM-1 in ATRA-treated NB4 was related to
      reducing MEK1/ERK1 activation. Strikingly and encouragingly, celastrol showed no
      obvious effects on ATRA-induced NB4 differentiation, as determined by morphology,
      enzymes, and surface markers. Our results show that celastrol is a promising and
      unique agent for managing the side effects of ATRA application on APL, and
      suggest that hyper-inflammatory ability is accompanied by, but not necessary for,
      APL differentiation. Thus we offered an encouraging novel strategy to further
      improve differentiation therapy. 

PMID- 25116128
TI  - Improved electrical performance and bias stability of solution-processed active
      bilayer structure of indium zinc oxide based TFT.
AB  - We fabricated active single- and bilayer structure thin film transistors (TFTs)
      with aluminum or gallium doped (IZO:Al or IZO:Ga) and undoped indium zinc oxide
      (IZO) thin film layers using an aqueous solution process. The electrical
      performance and bias stability of these active single- and bilayer structure TFTs
      were investigated and compared to reveal the effects of Al/Gal doping and bilayer
      structure. The single-layer structure IZO TFT shows a high mobility of 19 cm(2)/V
      . s with a poor positive bias stability (PBS) of DeltaVT + 3.4 V. However, Al/Ga
      doped in IZO TFT reduced mobility to 8.5-9.9 cm(2)/V . s but improved PBS to
      DeltaVT + 1.6-1.7 V due to the reduction of oxygen vacancy. Thus, it is found the
      bilayer structure TFTs with a combination of bottom- and top-layer compositions
      modify both the mobility and bias stability of the TFTs to be optimized. The
      bilayer structure TFT with an IZO:X bottom layer possess high mobility and an IZO
      bottom layer improves the PBS.

PMID- 25116127
TI  - Second generation inactivated eastern equine encephalitis virus vaccine
      candidates protect mice against a lethal aerosol challenge.
AB  - Currently, there are no FDA-licensed vaccines or therapeutics for eastern equine
      encephalitis virus (EEEV) for human use. We recently developed several methods to
      inactivate CVEV1219, a chimeric live-attenuated eastern equine encephalitis virus
      (EEEV). Dosage and schedule studies were conducted to evaluate the immunogenicity
      and protective efficacy of three potential second-generation inactivated EEEV
      (iEEEV) vaccine candidates in mice: formalin-inactivated CVEV1219 (fCVEV1219),
      INA-inactivated CVEV1219 (iCVEV1219) and gamma-irradiated CVEV1219 (gCVEV1219).
      Both fCVEV1219 and gCVEV1219 provided partial to complete protection against an
      aerosol challenge when administered by different routes and schedules at various
      doses, while iCVEV1219 was unable to provide substantial protection against an
      aerosol challenge by any route, dose, or schedule tested. When evaluating
      antibody responses, neutralizing antibody, not virus specific IgG or IgA, was the
      best correlate of protection. The results of these studies suggest that both
      fCVEV1219 and gCVEV1219 should be evaluated further and considered for
      advancement as potential second-generation inactivated vaccine candidates for
      EEEV. 

PMID- 25116129
TI  - Neurocognitive moderation of associations between cannabis use and
      psychoneuroticism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cannabis use has been associated with neurocognitive impairments and
      psychopathology. The strength of such associations does however appear to depend
      on many different factors, such as duration and intensity of use, but also
      differential susceptibility due to genetic make-up and environmental influences.
      The present study investigated whether specific cognitive weaknesses moderated
      associations between cannabis use and psychoneuroticism, which may be considered
      one of the "softer" expressions of an extended psychosis phenotype. METHOD: One
      hundred and fifty (150) young adults (mean age: 24.7 years, SD: 3.7), mostly
      college students, performed three computerized neuropsychological tasks: a
      relatively easy social perception task (Face Recognition), a more complex social
      perception task combining emotion recognition and executive functioning (Matching
      Facial Emotions), and a more complex task requiring sustained attention and
      executive functioning (Sustained Attention-Dots). Participants self-reported on
      the extent to which they experienced psychological problems using the Symptom
      Checklist-90 (SCL-90). The SCL-90 total score (psychoneuroticism) was used as
      dependent variable in analyses of variance. RESULTS: Frequent and current
      cannabis users performed more poorly than nonusers on the three tasks. They also
      reported more psychoneuroticism than nonusers whether they were classified
      according to their lifetime use, their use during the past 12 months, or use
      during the past 4 weeks. Moderate and former users did not differ from nonusers.
      Relatively poor performance on the Matching Facial Emotions task, as opposed to
      performance on the Face Recognition and Sustained Attention tasks, augmented
      levels of experienced psychoneuroticism among frequent and current cannabis
      users. CONCLUSIONS: Relatively poor cognitive abilities appear to represent
      increased vulnerability to effects of frequent and current cannabis use on
      affective mental health, even among highly educated individuals. There seems to
      be some specificity as to which (combinations of) neurocognitive abilities may be
      most indicative, as moderating effects were only observed when participants had
      relatively poor complex social perception ability.

PMID- 25116130
TI  - Directed arene/alkyne annulation reactions via aerobic copper catalysis.
AB  - We describe a straightforward protocol for a smooth dehydrogenative annulation
      reaction between various arenes and terminal alkynes using a catalytic amount of
      CuBr2 and molecular oxygen. 3-Methyleneisoindoline derivatives are prepared in
      high yields. 

PMID- 25116131
TI  - The prognostic value of the hawkins sign and diagnostic value of MRI after talar
      neck fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The early diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the talus (AVN) and
      prediction of ankle function for talar fractures are important. The Hawkins sign,
      as a radiographic predictor, could exclude the possibility of developing ischemic
      bone necrosis after talar neck fractures, but its relationship with ankle
      function remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to illustrate the
      prognostic effect of the Hawkins sign on ankle function after talar neck
      fractures and to study the value of early MRI in detecting the AVN changes after
      talus fractures. METHODS: Cases of talar neck fractures between November 2008 and
      November 2013 were evaluated. The occurrences of the Hawkins sign and AVN were
      studied. X-ray imaging was performed at multiple time points from the 4th to the
      12th week after the fractures, and MRI examinations were used in the Hawkins sign
      negative group, with the time span ranging from 1.5 to 12 months. AOFAS scores of
      the Hawkins sign positive and negative groups were compared during the follow-up.
      Forty-four cases (48 feet) were evaluated. RESULTS: The occurrence of positive
      Hawkins sign was 50%, 30%, and 33.3%, the incidence of AVN was 0%, 10%, and 50%,
      respectively, in type I, type II, and type III and IV talus fractures,
      respectively. The AOFAS scores showed no statistically significant difference
      between Hawkins sign positive group and negative group in type I and II
      fractures. The Hawkins sign positive group had better AOFAS scores than the
      negative group in type III and IV fractures. However, there was no statistically
      significant difference between Hawkins sign positive and negative groups when AVN
      cases were excluded in type III and IV fractures. CONCLUSION: The Hawkins sign
      was a reliable predictor excluding the possibility of AVN. It did not have
      predictive value on the ankle function in low-energy fractures and may predict
      better ankle function in high-energy fractures. MRI can diagnose AVN during an
      earlier period, and we believe Hawkins sign negative patients should undergo MRI
      examinations 12 weeks after the fractures, especially in high-energy traumatic
      cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative case series.

PMID- 25116132
TI  - Comparison of continuous nerve block versus patient-controlled analgesia for
      postoperative pain and outcome after talar and calcaneal fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Talar and calcaneal fractures and their treatment can cause severe
      postoperative pain. We hypothesized that a continuous peripheral nerve block
      (CPNB) would reduce pain scores more effectively than systemic analgesics,
      improve recovery, and lead to reduced length of stay (LOS). METHODS: Over a 3
      year period patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of a
      talar or calcaneal fracture were retrospectively analyzed. Patients received a
      CPNB catheter preoperatively or intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
      postoperatively. Primary endpoint was Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores on
      postoperative day 1. Secondary endpoints were NRS scores up to day 3, opioid
      requirement, analgesia-related side effects, intraoperative blood loss,
      infection, and LOS. Eighty-seven patients were analyzed; 70 with calcaneal
      fracture, 21 with talar fracture, 4 with both. In all, 40 patients received CPNB,
      47 patients PCA. RESULTS: Median NRS scores on day 1 were 1.0 (IQR 3) in the CPNB
      group and 2.0 (IQR 3) in the PCA group (ns). Median LOS for patients with CPNB
      was 5 days (IQR3) and PCA 4 days (IQR 2 ns). Blood loss and incidence of local
      infections were comparable in both groups. Opioid requirement was significantly
      increased in the PCA group (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Significant advantages or
      disadvantages were not seen in either group. However, the PCA group required
      about 30-fold more opioids compared to the CPNB group on day 1, although that did
      not lead to an increased number of side effects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III,
      retrospective comparative series.

PMID- 25116133
TI  - Changing aetiology of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections at three
      medical centres in Taiwan, 2000-2011.
AB  - This multicentre surveillance study was conducted to investigate the trends in
      incidence and aetiology of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (HCA
      BSIs) in Taiwan. From 2000 to 2011 a total of 56 830 HCA-BSIs were recorded at
      three medical centres, and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the most
      common pathogens isolated (n = 9465, 16.7%), followed by E. coli (n = 7599,
      13.4%). The incidence of all HCA-BSIs in each and all hospitals significantly
      increased over the study period owing to the increase of aerobic Gram-positive
      cocci and Enterobacteriaceae by 4.2% and 3.6%, respectively. Non-fermenting Gram
      negative bacteria, Bacteroides spp. and Candida spp. also showed an increase but
      there was a significant decline in the numbers of methicillin-resistant S.
      aureus. In conclusion, the incidence of HCA-BSIs in Taiwan is significantly
      increasing, especially for Enterobacteriaceae and aerobic Gram-positive cocci.

PMID- 25116134
TI  - Spectrum of diseases diagnosed on bone marrow examination of 285 infants in a
      single tertiary care center.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Bone marrow (BM) aspiration and trephine biopsy is one of the most
      valuable procedures in the evaluation of hematological disorders. There is a
      shortage of published literature regarding the indications, procedure, and
      outcome of bone marrow examination (BME) in neonates and infants. The aim of the
      present study is to analyze the common indications of performing BME and to
      assess the spectrum of disorders diagnosed from BM of neonates and infants.
      METHODS: A retrospective analysis of BMEs performed in infants over a period of 5
      years, between 2009 and 2013 was done. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 297 BME
      were performed on 285 infants, which constitutes 10.3% of pediatric BME
      procedures during the same period. In our institute, BME is routinely performed
      by trained pathologists from posterior superior iliac spine in children including
      infants and neonates with an overall sample adequacy of 97%. Evaluation of
      cytopenias and suspicion of storage disorder were the most common indications for
      BME procedure, while acute leukemias and storage disorders were the most common
      diagnoses offered in infant BM. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior superior iliac spine is a
      good site of BME in neonates and infants. BM trephine biopsy is a difficult
      procedure in this age group, however remains indispensable in situations where an
      infiltrative pathology is suspected. BME not only helps to make specific
      diagnoses but should also be used as an extremely valuable, quick, and
      economically viable procedure to exclude major hematological disorders including
      certain forms of storage disorder and hematological malignancy in this age group.

PMID- 25116135
TI  - Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sen1 as a model for the study of mutations in human
      Senataxin that elicit cerebellar ataxia.
AB  - The nuclear RNA and DNA helicase Sen1 is essential in the yeast Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae and is required for efficient termination of RNA polymerase II
      transcription of many short noncoding RNA genes. However, the mechanism of Sen1
      function is not understood. We created a plasmid-based genetic system to study
      yeast Sen1 in vivo. Using this system, we show that (1) the minimal essential
      region of Sen1 corresponds to the helicase domain and one of two flanking nuclear
      localization sequences; (2) a previously isolated terminator readthrough mutation
      in the Sen1 helicase domain, E1597K, is rescued by a second mutation designed to
      restore a salt bridge within the first RecA domain; and (3) the human ortholog of
      yeast Sen1, Senataxin, cannot functionally replace Sen1 in yeast. Guided by
      sequence homology between the conserved helicase domains of Sen1 and Senataxin,
      we tested the effects of 13 missense mutations that cosegregate with the
      inherited disorder ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 on Sen1 function. Ten of
      the disease mutations resulted in transcription readthrough of at least one of
      three Sen1-dependent termination elements tested. Our genetic system will
      facilitate the further investigation of structure-function relationships in yeast
      Sen1 and its orthologs. 

PMID- 25116136
TI  - Genetic analysis of resistance and sensitivity to 2-deoxyglucose in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae.
AB  - Aerobic glycolysis is a metabolic pathway utilized by human cancer cells and also
      by yeast cells when they ferment glucose to ethanol. Both cancer cells and yeast
      cells are inhibited by the presence of low concentrations of 2-deoxyglucose
      (2DG). Genetic screens in yeast used resistance to 2-deoxyglucose to identify a
      small set of genes that function in regulating glucose metabolism. A recent high
      throughput screen for 2-deoxyglucose resistance identified a much larger set of
      seemingly unrelated genes. Here, we demonstrate that these newly identified genes
      do not in fact confer significant resistance to 2-deoxyglucose. Further, we show
      that the relative toxicity of 2-deoxyglucose is carbon source dependent, as is
      the resistance conferred by gene deletions. Snf1 kinase, the AMP-activated
      protein kinase of yeast, is required for 2-deoxyglucose resistance in cells
      growing on glucose. Mutations in the SNF1 gene that reduce kinase activity render
      cells hypersensitive to 2-deoxyglucose, while an activating mutation in SNF1
      confers 2-deoxyglucose resistance. Snf1 kinase activated by 2-deoxyglucose does
      not phosphorylate the Mig1 protein, a known Snf1 substrate during glucose
      limitation. Thus, different stimuli elicit distinct responses from the Snf1
      kinase. 

PMID- 25116138
TI  - Adsorption of enzyme onto lignins of liquid hot water pretreated hardwoods.
AB  - The adsorption of cellulase enzymes onto lignin is shown to be non-productive and
      therefore reduces enzymatic hydrolysis of liquid hot water pretreated cellulose.
      Among the enzyme components of Trichoderma reesei cellulase cocktail, beta
      glucosidase showed the strongest adsorption onto lignin. Only 2-18% of the
      initial beta-glucosidase activity remained in the supernatant while 50-60% of
      cellobiohydrolase and endoglucanase activities were recovered after incubation
      with lignin. By increasing the pH to 5.5 and adding NaCl to a 200 mM, the free
      enzymes in the supernatant were increased but hydrolysis was not enhanced since
      optimal pH for enzymatic hydrolysis is at 4.8. Electrostatic interactions
      contributed to enzyme adsorption and their effect was most pronounced for T.
      reesei beta-glucosidase which had high molecular weights (78-94 kDa) and high
      isoelectric points (pI 5.7-6.4). Since the enzyme components which are required
      to synergistically hydrolyze cellulose have different profiles (molecular weight,
      hydrophobicity and pI), they exhibit different adsorption behaviors with lignin,
      and thereby change the ratio of enzyme activities needed for synergism during
      cellulose hydrolysis. beta-glucosidase from Aspergillus niger exhibits less
      adsorption than beta-glucosidase from T. reesei. Supplemental addition of A.
      niger beta-glucosidase to the enzyme mixture increases hydrolysis of pretreated
      hardwood by a factor of two. The analysis presented in this paper shows that
      lignins with higher guaiacyl content adsorb more cellulase enzymes, particularly
      beta-glucosidase, and that adsorption of beta-glucosidase onto lignin indirectly
      suppresses enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose in pretreated hardwoods due to
      decreased hydrolysis of cellobiose which in turn accumulates and inhibits CBH.

PMID- 25116137
TI  - The conserved PFT1 tandem repeat is crucial for proper flowering in Arabidopsis
      thaliana.
AB  - It is widely appreciated that short tandem repeat (STR) variation underlies
      substantial phenotypic variation in organisms. Some propose that the high
      mutation rates of STRs in functional genomic regions facilitate evolutionary
      adaptation. Despite their high mutation rate, some STRs show little to no
      variation in populations. One such STR occurs in the Arabidopsis thaliana gene
      PFT1 (MED25), where it encodes an interrupted polyglutamine tract. Although the
      PFT1 STR is large (~270 bp), and thus expected to be extremely variable, it shows
      only minuscule variation across A. thaliana strains. We hypothesized that the
      PFT1 STR is under selective constraint, due to previously undescribed roles in
      PFT1 function. We investigated this hypothesis using plants expressing transgenic
      PFT1 constructs with either an endogenous STR or synthetic STRs of varying
      length. Transgenic plants carrying the endogenous PFT1 STR generally performed
      best in complementing a pft1 null mutant across adult PFT1-dependent traits. In
      stark contrast, transgenic plants carrying a PFT1 transgene lacking the STR
      phenocopied a pft1 loss-of-function mutant for flowering time phenotypes and were
      generally hypomorphic for other traits, establishing the functional importance of
      this domain. Transgenic plants carrying various synthetic constructs occupied the
      phenotypic space between wild-type and pft1 loss-of-function mutants. By varying
      PFT1 STR length, we discovered that PFT1 can act as either an activator or
      repressor of flowering in a photoperiod-dependent manner. We conclude that the
      PFT1 STR is constrained to its approximate wild-type length by its various
      functional requirements. Our study implies that there is strong selection on STRs
      not only to generate allelic diversity, but also to maintain certain lengths
      pursuant to optimal molecular function. 

PMID- 25116139
TI  - Neural circuits: putting a stop to feeding.

PMID- 25116140
TI  - Fly visual course control: behaviour, algorithms and circuits.
AB  - Understanding how the brain controls behaviour is undisputedly one of the grand
      goals of neuroscience research, and the pursuit of this goal has a long tradition
      in insect neuroscience. However, appropriate techniques were lacking for a long
      time. Recent advances in genetic and recording techniques now allow the
      participation of identified neurons in the execution of specific behaviours to be
      interrogated. By focusing on fly visual course control, I highlight what has been
      learned about the neuronal circuit modules that control visual guidance in
      Drosophila melanogaster through the use of these techniques. 

PMID- 25116142
TI  - Synaptic plasticity: a homeostatic messenger.

PMID- 25116143
TI  - Chemically stable and mechanically durable superamphiphobic aluminum surface with
      a micro/nanoscale binary structure.
AB  - We developed a simple fabrication method to prepare a superamphiphobic aluminum
      surface. On the basis of a low-energy surface and the combination of micro- and
      nanoscale roughness, the resultant surface became super-repellent toward a wide
      range of liquids with surface tensions of 25.3-72.1 mN m(-1). The applied
      approach involved (1) the formation of an irregular microplateau structure on an
      aluminum surface, (2) the fabrication of a nanoplatelet structure, and (3)
      fluorination treatment. The chemical stability and mechanical durability of the
      superamphiphobic surface were evaluated in detail. The results demonstrated that
      the surface presented an excellent chemical stability toward cool corrosive
      liquids (HCl/NaOH solutions, 25  degrees C) and 98% concentrated sulfuric acid,
      hot liquids (water, HCl/NaOH solutions, 30-100  degrees C), solvent immersion,
      high temperature, and a long-term period. More importantly, the surface also
      exhibited robust mechanical durability and could withstand multiple-fold, finger
      touch, intensive scratching by a sharp blade, ultrasonication treatment, boiling
      treatment in water and coffee, repeated peeling by adhesive tape, and even
      multiple abrasion tests under 500 g of force without losing superamphiphobicity.
      The as-prepared superamphiphobic surface was also demonstrated to have excellent
      corrosion resistance. This work provides a simple, cost-effective, and highly
      efficient method to fabricate a chemically stable and mechanically robust
      superamphiphobic aluminum surface, which can find important outdoor applications.

PMID- 25116141
TI  - Localized GABAergic inhibition of dendritic Ca(2+) signalling.
AB  - Neuronal circuits are defined by synaptic connections between their cellular
      constituents. In this article, I highlight several recent studies emphasizing the
      surprising level of precision exhibited by inhibitory GABAergic synapses within
      the neocortex and hippocampus. Specifically, GABAergic inputs to dendritic shafts
      and spines of pyramidal cells have a key role in the localized regulation of
      neuronal Ca(2+) signalling. These findings provide important new insights into
      the cellular mechanisms underlying the contributions of inhibitory transmission
      to both normal and abnormal brain activity.

PMID- 25116144
TI  - Metaproteomics: Evaluation of protein extraction from activated sludge.
AB  - Metaproteomic studies of full-scale activated sludge systems require reproducible
      protein extraction methods. A systematic evaluation of three different
      extractions protocols, each in combination with three different methods of cell
      lysis, and a commercial kit were evaluated. Criteria used for comparison of each
      method included the extracted protein concentration and the number of identified
      proteins and peptides as well as their phylogenetic, cell localization and
      functional distribution and quantitative reproducibility. Furthermore, the
      advantage of using specific metagenomes and a 2-step database approach was
      illustrated. The results recommend a protocol for protein extraction from
      activated sludge based on the protein extraction reagent B-Per and bead beating.
      The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000862
      (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000862).

PMID- 25116145
TI  - Timing the ischaemic stroke by 1H-MRI: improved accuracy using absolute
      relaxation times over signal intensities.
AB  - One in four ischaemic stroke patients are ineligible for thrombolytic treatment
      due to unknown onset time. Quantification of absolute MR relaxation times and
      signal intensities are potential methods for estimating stroke duration. We
      compared the accuracy of these approaches and determined whether changes in
      relaxation times and signal intensities identify the same ischaemic tissue as
      diffusion MRI. Seven Wistar rats underwent permanent middle cerebral artery
      occlusion to induce focal ischaemia and were scanned at six time points. The
      trace of the diffusion tensor (DAV), T1rho and T2 were acquired at 4.7 T. Results
      show relaxation times, and signal intensities of the MR relaxation parameters
      increase linearly with ischaemia duration (P<0.001). Using T1rho and T2
      relaxation times, an estimate of 4.5 h after occlusion has an uncertainty of +/-
      12 and +/- 35 min, respectively, compared with over 50 min for signal
      intensities. In addition, we present a pixel-by-pixel method that simultaneously
      estimates stroke onset time and identifies potentially irreversible ischaemic
      tissue using absolute relaxation times. This method demonstrates signal intensity
      changes during ischaemia display an ambiguous pattern and highlights the
      possibility that diffusion MRI overestimates the true extent of irreversible
      ischaemia. In conclusion, quantification of absolute relaxation times at a single
      time point enables a more accurate estimation of stroke duration than signal
      intensities and provides more information about tissue status in ischaemia.

PMID- 25116147
TI  - Oxidation of nanopores in a silicon membrane: self-limiting formation of sub-10
      nm circular openings.
AB  - We describe a simple but reliable approach to shrink silicon nanopores with
      nanometer precision for potential high throughput biomolecular sensing and
      parallel DNA sequencing. Here, nanopore arrays on silicon membranes were
      fabricated by a self-limiting shrinkage of inverted pyramidal pores using dry
      thermal oxidation at 850  degrees C. The shrinkage rate of the pores with various
      initial sizes saturated after 4 h of oxidation. In the saturation regime, the
      shrinkage rate is within +/- 2 nm h(-1). Oxidized pores with an average diameter
      of 32 nm were obtained with perfect circular shape. By careful design of the
      initial pore size, nanopores with diameters as small as 8 nm have been observed.
      Statistics of the pore width show that the shrinkage process did not broaden the
      pore size distribution; in most cases the distribution even decreased slightly.
      The progression of the oxidation and the deformation of the oxide around the
      pores were characterized by focused ion beam and electron microscopy. Cross
      sectional imaging of the pores suggests that the initial inverted pyramidal
      geometry is most likely the determining factor for the self-limiting shrinkage.

PMID- 25116146
TI  - A simple repeat polymorphism in the MITF-M promoter is a key regulator of white
      spotting in dogs.
AB  - The white spotting locus (S) in dogs is colocalized with the MITF (microphtalmia
      associated transcription factor) gene. The phenotypic effects of the four S
      alleles range from solid colour (S) to extreme white spotting (s(w)). We have
      investigated four candidate mutations associated with the s(w) allele, a SINE
      insertion, a SNP at a conserved site and a simple repeat polymorphism all
      associated with the MITF-M promoter as well as a 12 base pair deletion in exon
      1B. The variants associated with white spotting at all four loci were also found
      among wolves and we conclude that none of these could be a sole causal mutation,
      at least not for extreme white spotting. We propose that the three canine white
      spotting alleles are not caused by three independent mutations but represent
      haplotype effects due to different combinations of causal polymorphisms. The
      simple repeat polymorphism showed extensive diversity both in dogs and wolves,
      and allele-sharing was common between wolves and white spotted dogs but was non
      existent between solid and spotted dogs as well as between wolves and solid dogs.
      This finding was unexpected as Solid is assumed to be the wild-type allele. The
      data indicate that the simple repeat polymorphism has been a target for selection
      during dog domestication and breed formation. We also evaluated the significance
      of the three MITF-M associated polymorphisms with a Luciferase assay, and found
      conclusive evidence that the simple repeat polymorphism affects promoter
      activity. Three alleles associated with white spotting gave consistently lower
      promoter activity compared with the allele associated with solid colour. We
      propose that the simple repeat polymorphism affects cooperativity between
      transcription factors binding on either flanking sides of the repeat. Thus, both
      genetic and functional evidence show that the simple repeat polymorphism is a key
      regulator of white spotting in dogs.

PMID- 25116148
TI  - Characterisation and mapping of gene Lr73 conferring seedling resistance to
      Puccinia triticina in common wheat.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: A gene conferring seedling resistance to Puccinia triticina was
      mapped to chromosome 2BS in the wheat Morocco. The gene was shown to be distinct
      and was therefore designated Lr73. The wheat genotype Morocco, widely susceptible
      to isolates of Puccinia triticina, was resistant to an Australian isolate of this
      pathogen collected in 2004. Genetic studies established that the resistance in
      Morocco was also present the Australian wheat genotypes Avocet, Halberd, Harrier,
      Tincurrin and a selection of cultivar Warigal lacking the resistance gene Lr20.
      Genetic studies based on a cross with Halberd showed that the gene is dominant
      and located on chromosome 2BS (XwPt8760-4 cM-Lr73-1.4 cM-XwPt8235). The gene was
      genetically independent of the Lr13, Lr16 and Lr23 loci, also located on
      chromosome 2BS, indicating that it is distinct. The locus designation Lr73 was
      therefore assigned. On the basis of multi-pathotype tests, it is likely Lr73 is
      also present in the Australian wheat cultivars Clearfield STL, Federation (with
      Lr10), Gatcher (with Lr10 and Lr27+Lr31), Marombi (with Lr1 and Lr37), Pugsley
      (with Lr1 and Lr37), Spear (with Lr1), Stiletto and Tarsa (with Lr1). Gene Lr73
      is unlikely to be of value in resistance breeding. However, recognising Lr73 is
      important to avoid its inadvertent selection in breeding programmes. Furthermore,
      the apparent rarity of avirulence for genes like Lr73, sometimes referred to as
      "fossil" resistance genes, makes them of interest in terms of the evolution of
      disease resistance in host plants and of virulence in the respective rust
      pathogens.

PMID- 25116149
TI  - Synthetic food colours in saffron solutions, saffron rice and saffron chicken
      from restaurants in Tehran, Iran.
AB  - Saffron solutions, saffron rice and saffron chicken samples were considered for
      synthetic colours as additives, which are forbidden according to Iranian national
      standards. Samples were taken from restaurants of three locations and analysed by
      high-performance liquid chromatography. Of the total 573 samples, 52% were
      positive for at least one colour. The most prevalent colours were Tartrazine,
      Quinoline Yellow and Sunset Yellow, with 44%, 9.1% and 8.4% of the samples
      testing positive for these colours, respectively. Carmoisine and Ponceau were
      both detected only in 0.5% of the positive samples and found only in saffron
      solution. In conclusion, synthetic food colours, especially Tartrazine should be
      regarded as a potential risk in saffron and its related food. Therefore, new
      attempts for food safety and quality should be undertaken to eliminate the use of
      these colours in restaurants. 

PMID- 25116150
TI  - Spectroscopic and quantum mechanical investigation of N,N'-bisarylmalonamides:
      solvent and structural effects.
AB  - The UV absorption spectra of ten N,N'-bisarylmalonamides have been recorded in
      the range 200-400 nm in a set of selected solvents. The solute-solvent
      interactions have been analyzed on the basis of the linear solvation energy
      relationship (LSER) concept proposed by Kamlet and Taft. The effects of
      substituents on the absorption spectra have been interpreted by correlating
      absorption frequencies with Hammett substituent constants. Furthermore, the
      experimental findings have been interpreted using the DFT CAM-B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p)
      method. Electronic energies have been calculated using the same method in
      combination with the implicit solvation model (conductor-like polarizable
      continuum model, CPCM) as well as with the explicit addition of two molecules of
      solvent. 

PMID- 25116151
TI  - Investigation of the torsional barrier of EDOT using molecular mechanics and DFT
      methods.
AB  - When heterocyclic monomers are polymerized by electrochemical or chemical
      methods, they form fully conjugated polymers which have a wide range of
      applications due to their outstanding electronic properties. Among this class of
      compounds, thiophene derivatives are widely used due to their chemical stability
      and synthesis flexibility. With the goal to investigate the torsion barrier of
      polymer chains, a few units of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) were chosen and
      submitted to molecular mechanics (MM), density functional theory (DFT) and
      coupled cluster CCSD(T) calculations. This study helps to understand the
      performance and transferability of force fields used in molecular mechanics and
      molecular dynamics simulations often used to describe structure-property
      relationships of those systems. Determination of inter-ring torsion angle was
      performed in a comparative study using both force field, DFT and CCSD(T) methods.
      A good agreement was noticed between MM and QC results and highlights the
      importance of the description of the interactions involving the oxygen atoms
      present in the structure of EDOT. These observations are related to the
      alpha,alpha-coupling that occurs between the monomer units and yields a linear
      polymer. DFT HOMO and LUMO orbitals were also presented. Finally, UV-vis spectra
      of EDOT units were obtained using several levels of theory by means of time
      dependent DFT calculations (TD-DFT). 

PMID- 25116153
TI  - Deformation density and energy decomposition to describe interactions between
      (eta5-C5H5)M and highly reactive molecules C4H4 and (C3H3)-.
AB  - Using DFT calculations, an energy decomposition analysis (EDA) combined with
      natural orbitals for chemical valence (NOCV), EDA-NOCV approach was used to
      describe the nature of the interaction between eta5-cyclopentadienyl metal
      complexes (eta5-C5H5)M, with M=Co, Rh, and cyclobutadiene (Cb) and cyclopropenyl
      anion (C3H3)- molecules, which are highly reactive molecules in their free state.
      EDA-NOCV draws a covalent picture for these interactions. With this
      interpretation of interactions, the character of aromaticity could be the result
      of the delocalization of six electrons in pi orbitals of the (eta5-C5H5)M
      fragment and Cb/C3H3(-1) ligand. This description of the bonding interaction
      might also justify the experimental observation that, in complexes of CpM-Cb
      (M=Co, Rh), the viability of the Friedel-Crafts acylation and other electrophilic
      substitutions on the four-membered ring is greater than that of the five-membered
      ring.

PMID- 25116152
TI  - Computational approaches for evaluating the effect of sequence variations and the
      intrinsically disordered C-terminal region of the Helicobacter pylori CagA
      protein on the interaction with tyrosine kinase Src.
AB  - The Helicobacter pylori CagA protein was the first bacterial oncoprotein to be
      identified as important in the development of human malignancies such as gastric
      cancer. It is not clear how it is able to deregulate a set of cell control
      mechanisms to induce carcinogenesis following translocation into human gastric
      epithelial cells. It is likely, however, that structural variations in the CagA
      sequence alter its affinity with the host proteins inducing differences in the
      pathogenicity of different H. pylori strains. Using the recently elucidated N
      terminal 3D structure of H. pylori CagA, information on the full cagA gene
      sequence, and intrinsically disordered protein structure predictions methods we
      evaluated the interaction of different CagA variants with the kinase Src. An
      automated docking followed by molecular dynamics simulations were performed to
      explore CagA interaction modes with Src, one of its cellular partners. The
      computational approach let us establish that even in the presence of the same
      number and type of EPIYA motifs, CagA protein can reveal different spatial
      distributions. Based on the lowest affinity energy and higher number of
      interactions it was established that the principal forces governing the CagA-Src
      interaction are electrostatic. Results showed that EPIYA-D models presents higher
      affinity with some host proteins than EPIYA-C. Thus, we highlight the importance
      and advantage of the use of computational tools in combining chemical and
      biological data with bioinformatics for modeling and prediction purposes in some
      cases where experimental techniques present limitations. 

PMID- 25116158
TI  - Laparoscopic repair of recurrent incisional hernia using a 'balloon' for mesh
      positioning--a video vignette.

PMID- 25116159
TI  - Essential differences in clinical and bone marrow features in BCR/ABL-positive
      thrombocythemia compared to thrombocythemia in the BCR/ABL-negative
      myeloproliferative neoplasms essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera.

PMID- 25116160
TI  - [Compliance with treatment in bronchial asthma - supply in everyday conditions of
      pulmonology practice. Pneumology 2014; 68: 315-321 Supply of asthma patients with
      combination therapy of ICS and LABA - a SHI data analysis. Pneumology 2014; 68:
      336-343].

PMID- 25116162
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of Ag8(Ge1-x,Snx )(S6-y ,Sey) colloidal
      nanocrystals.
AB  - A facile colloidal approach to synthesize Ag8 (Ge1-x ,Snx )(S6-y ,Sey )
      nanocrystals (NCs) in a highly controlled way across the entire compositional
      ranges (0<=x<=1, 0<=y<=6) has been developed. The NCs exhibit a uniform size
      distribution, highly crystalline structure, over 1 g scalable synthesis, and
      tunable band gaps in the range of 0.88-1.45 eV by varying their chemical
      compositions. The Ag8 GeS6 NCs with a band gap of approximately 1.45 eV were
      employed as a model light harvester to assess their applicability in solar cells
      by a full solution-processing device, yielding an efficiency of 0.28 % under
      AM1.5 illumination, demonstrating their application potential in solar energy
      utilization. 

PMID- 25116161
TI  - The genetic basis of variation in clean lineages of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in
      response to stresses encountered during bioethanol fermentations.
AB  - Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the micro-organism of choice for the conversion of
      monomeric sugars into bioethanol. Industrial bioethanol fermentations are
      intrinsically stressful environments for yeast and the adaptive protective
      response varies between strain backgrounds. With the aim of identifying
      quantitative trait loci (QTL's) that regulate phenotypic variation, linkage
      analysis on six F1 crosses from four highly divergent clean lineages of S.
      cerevisiae was performed. Segregants from each cross were assessed for tolerance
      to a range of stresses encountered during industrial bioethanol fermentations.
      Tolerance levels within populations of F1 segregants to stress conditions
      differed and displayed transgressive variation. Linkage analysis resulted in the
      identification of QTL's for tolerance to weak acid and osmotic stress. We tested
      candidate genes within loci identified by QTL using reciprocal hemizygosity
      analysis to ascertain their contribution to the observed phenotypic variation;
      this approach validated a gene (COX20) for weak acid stress and a gene (RCK2) for
      osmotic stress. Hemizygous transformants with a sensitive phenotype carried a
      COX20 allele from a weak acid sensitive parent with an alteration in its protein
      coding compared with other S. cerevisiae strains. RCK2 alleles reveal peptide
      differences between parental strains and the importance of these changes is
      currently being ascertained. 

PMID- 25116164
TI  - Limb apraxia and verb processing in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present research investigates language and praxis abilities in
      patients with Alzheimer's disease in order to study the relationship between
      these two cognitive domains. METHOD: The experimental evaluation of patients and
      control group performance was designed to permit a direct comparison of
      linguistic abilities (i.e., verb and noun naming and sentence comprehension) and
      praxic abilities (i.e., gesture execution for complex movements). Moreover, for
      the first time, action comprehension was explored using the Action Sequence
      Comprehension. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and
      correlational analyses showed that a direct relationship may exist between
      language impairment and apraxia in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In
      addition, the production and comprehension of both language and action were
      equally impaired in patients, providing further evidence for a spectrum of
      concomitant linguistic and praxis deficits in Alzheimer's disease. Finally, the
      ability to correctly comprehend action semantics was related more directly to
      verb production ability than to noun production.

PMID- 25116165
TI  - Pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a boy with hereditary multiple
      exostoses caused by EXT1 deletion.

PMID- 25116163
TI  - NRPquest: Coupling Mass Spectrometry and Genome Mining for Nonribosomal Peptide
      Discovery.
AB  - Nonribosomal peptides (NRPs) such as vancomycin and daptomycin are among the most
      effective antibiotics. While NRPs are biomedically important, the computational
      techniques for sequencing these peptides are still in their infancy. The recent
      emergence of mass spectrometry techniques for NRP analysis (capable of sequencing
      an NRP from small amounts of nonpurified material) revealed an enormous diversity
      of NRPs. However, as many NRPs have nonlinear structure (e.g., cyclic or branched
      cyclic peptides), the standard de novo sequencing tools (developed for linear
      peptides) are not applicable to NRP analysis. Here, we introduce the first NRP
      identification algorithm, NRPquest, that performs mutation-tolerant and
      modification-tolerant searches of spectral data sets against a database of
      putative NRPs. In contrast to previous studies aimed at NRP discovery (that
      usually report very few NRPs), NRPquest revealed nearly a hundred NRPs (including
      unknown variants of previously known peptides) in a single study. This result
      indicates that NRPquest can potentially make MS-based NRP identification as
      robust as the identification of linear peptides in traditional proteomics. 

PMID- 25116166
TI  - The Last Bastion of Sexual and Gender Prejudice? Sexualities, Race, Gender,
      Religiosity, and Spirituality in the Examination of Prejudice Toward Sexual and
      Gender Minorities.
AB  - Prior research has reported that many Americans hold prejudicial attitudes toward
      sexual and gender minorities. Most of this research analyzed attitudes toward
      target categories in isolation and not in relation to attitudes toward
      heterosexuals. In addition, most previous research has not examined attitudes of
      members of sexual and gender minority categories toward other categories. While
      some research has examined the influence of religiosity on attitudes toward
      sexual and gender minorities, none of these studies has examined religiosity
      while also examining the influence of spirituality. In this article we drew on
      insights from queer theory to examine attitudes toward heterosexual, gay,
      lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals, as well as individuals who
      practice polygamy, among college students. Three samples gathered over a four
      year period (2009, 2011, 2013) at a private, nonsectarian, midsized urban
      university in the Southeastern United States were used. We found that
      heterosexuals had the most positive rating, followed in order of rating by
      gay/lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals, and then those who practice
      polygamy. Regression analyses revealed gender and race were significant
      predictors of attitudes toward various sexual and gender categories. Holding a
      literalistic view of the Bible and self-identifying as more religious were
      related to more negative views toward sexual minorities, while self-identifying
      as more spiritual was related to more positive views. 

PMID- 25116167
TI  - Lymphaticovenular anastomosis to prevent cellulitis associated with lymphoedema.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the complications of lymphoedema is recurrent cellulitis. The
      aim was to determine whether lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) was effective at
      reducing cellulitis in patients with lymphoedema. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective review of patients with arm/leg lymphoedema who underwent LVA. The
      frequency of cellulitis was compared before and after surgery. The diagnostic
      criteria for cellulitis were a fever of 38.5 degrees C or higher, and
      warmth/redness in the affected limb(s). RESULTS: A total of 95 patients were
      included. The mean number of episodes of cellulitis in the year preceding surgery
      was 1.46, compared with 0.18 in the year after surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      LVA reduced the rate of cellulitis in these patients with lymphoedema.

PMID- 25116169
TI  - Acute pancreatitis.

PMID- 25116171
TI  - Synthesis and electrochemical performance of surface-modified nano-sized
      core/shell tin particles for lithium ion batteries.
AB  - Tin is able to lithiate and delithiate reversibly with a high theoretical
      specific capacity, which makes it a promising candidate to supersede graphite as
      the state-of-the-art negative electrode material in lithium ion battery
      technology. Nevertheless, it still suffers from poor cycling stability and high
      irreversible capacities. In this contribution, we show the synthesis of three
      different nano-sized core/shell-type particles with crystalline tin cores and
      different amorphous surface shells consisting of SnOx and organic polymers. The
      spherical size and the surface shell can be tailored by adjusting the synthesis
      temperature and the polymer reagents in the synthesis, respectively. We determine
      the influence of the surface modifications with respect to the electrochemical
      performance and characterize the morphology, structure, and thermal properties of
      the nano-sized tin particles by means of high-resolution transmission electron
      microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The
      electrochemical performance is investigated by constant current charge/discharge
      cycling as well as cyclic voltammetry. 

PMID- 25116170
TI  - Differential and conditional activation of PKC-isoforms dictates cardiac
      adaptation during physiological to pathological hypertrophy.
AB  - A cardiac hypertrophy is defined as an increase in heart mass which may either be
      beneficial (physiological hypertrophy) or detrimental (pathological hypertrophy).
      This study was undertaken to establish the role of different protein kinase-C
      (PKC) isoforms in the regulation of cardiac adaptation during two types of
      cardiac hypertrophy. Phosphorylation of specific PKC-isoforms and expression of
      their downstream proteins were studied during physiological and pathological
      hypertrophy in 24 week male Balb/c mice (Mus musculus) models, by reverse
      transcriptase-PCR, western blot analysis and M-mode echocardiography for cardiac
      function analysis. PKC-delta was significantly induced during pathological
      hypertrophy while PKC-alpha was exclusively activated during physiological
      hypertrophy in our study. PKC-delta activation during pathological hypertrophy
      resulted in cardiomyocyte apoptosis leading to compromised cardiac function and
      on the other hand, activation of PKC-alpha during physiological hypertrophy
      promoted cardiomyocyte growth but down regulated cellular apoptotic load
      resulting in improved cardiac function. Reversal in PKC-isoform with induced
      activation of PKC-delta and simultaneous inhibition of phospho-PKC-alpha resulted
      in an efficient myocardium to deteriorate considerably resulting in compromised
      cardiac function during physiological hypertrophy via augmentation of apoptotic
      and fibrotic load. This is the first report where PKC-alpha and -delta have been
      shown to play crucial role in cardiac adaptation during physiological and
      pathological hypertrophy respectively thereby rendering compromised cardiac
      function to an otherwise efficient heart by conditional reversal of their
      activation. 

PMID- 25116173
TI  - Facile immobilization of ag nanocluster on nanofibrous membrane for oil/water
      separation.
AB  - Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic electrospun nanofibrous membranes exhibiting
      excellent oil/water separation performance were green fabricated by a facile
      route combining the amination of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (APAN) nanofibers
      and immobilization of a Ag nanocluster with an electroless plating technique,
      followed by n-hexadecyl mercaptan (RSH) surface modification. By introducing the
      hierarchically rough structures and low surface energy, the pristine
      superhydrophilic APAN nanofibrous membranes could be endowed with a
      superhydrophobicity with water contact angle of 171.1 +/- 2.3 degrees , a
      superoleophilicity with oil contact angle of 0 degrees  and a self-cleaning
      surface arising from the extremely low water contact angle hysteresis (3.0 +/-
      0.6 degrees ) and a low water-adhesion property. Surface morphology studies have
      indicated that the selective wettability of the resultant membranes could be
      manipulated by tuning the electroless plating time as well as the hierarchical
      structures. More importantly, the extremely high liquid entry pressure of water
      (LEPw, 175 +/- 3 kPa) and the robust fiber morphology of the APAN immobilized Ag
      nanocluster endowed the as-prepared membranes with excellent separation
      capability and stability for oil/water separation by a solely gravity-driven
      process. The resultant membranes exhibited remarkable separation efficiency in
      both hyper-saline environment and broad pH range conditions, as well as excellent
      recyclability, which would make them a promising candidate for industrial oil
      contaminated water treatments and marine spilt oil cleanup, and provided a new
      prospect to achieve functional nanofibrous membranes for oil/water separation. 

PMID- 25116172
TI  - Synergistic effect of Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei enzyme sets on the
      saccharification of wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse.
AB  - Plant-degrading enzymes can be produced by fungi on abundantly available low-cost
      plant biomass. However, enzymes sets after growth on complex substrates need to
      be better understood, especially with emphasis on differences between fungal
      species and the influence of inhibitory compounds in plant substrates, such as
      monosaccharides. In this study, Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei were
      evaluated for the production of enzyme sets after growth on two "second
      generation" substrates: wheat straw (WS) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB). A. niger
      and T. reesei produced different sets of (hemi-)cellulolytic enzymes after growth
      on WS and SCB. This was reflected in an overall strong synergistic effect in
      releasing sugars during saccharification using A. niger and T. reesei enzyme
      sets. T. reesei produced less hydrolytic enzymes after growth on non-washed SCB.
      The sensitivity to non-washed plant substrates was not reduced by using CreA/Cre1
      mutants of T. reesei and A. niger with a defective carbon catabolite repression.
      The importance of removing monosaccharides for producing enzymes was further
      underlined by the decrease in hydrolytic activities with increased glucose
      concentrations in WS media. This study showed the importance of removing
      monosaccharides from the enzyme production media and combining T. reesei and A.
      niger enzyme sets to improve plant biomass saccharification. 

PMID- 25116174
TI  - Fumonisins B1 and B2 in maize harvested in Hebei province, China, during 2011
      2013.
AB  - A total of 125 maize kernel samples were collected from Hebei province in China
      during 2011-2013 and were analysed for incidence and contamination levels of
      fumonisins (FB1 + FB2) by HPLC with fluorescence detection. The incidence of FBs
      for all samples was 46.4%. The mean contamination level of FBs for the samples
      collected in 2013 was 706 MUg kg-1, which was higher than the levels in 2012 (429
      MUg kg-1) and 2011 (250 MUg kg-1). All samples, except five, exhibited total FB
      levels below 4000 MUg kg-1, which is the maximum limit as set by the European
      Commission. The probable daily intakes of FBs (0.04 in 2011; 0.07 in 2012; 0.12
      in 2013, expressed as MUg kg-1 body weight/day) were all within the provisional
      maximum tolerable daily intake of 2.0 MUg kg-1 of body weight/day as set by the
      Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Nevertheless, monitoring is
      needed to prevent and control the potential risk of FB exposure to the consumers.

PMID- 25116180
TI  - Laparoscopic anterior resection in a patient with situs inversus--a video
      vignette.

PMID- 25116181
TI  - [Decreasing dementia incidence rates? Implications for public health and
      prevention].

PMID- 25116175
TI  - The coactivator PGC-1alpha regulates skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism
      independently of the nuclear receptor PPARbeta/delta in sedentary mice fed a
      regular chow diet.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Physical activity improves oxidative capacity and exerts
      therapeutic beneficial effects, particularly in the context of metabolic
      diseases. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator
      1alpha (PGC-1alpha) and the nuclear receptor PPARbeta/delta have both been
      independently discovered to play a pivotal role in the regulation of oxidative
      metabolism in skeletal muscle, though their interdependence remains unclear.
      Hence, our aim was to determine the functional interaction between these two
      factors in mouse skeletal muscle in vivo. METHODS: Adult male control mice, PGC
      1alpha muscle-specific transgenic (mTg) mice, PPARbeta/delta muscle-specific
      knockout (mKO) mice and the combination PPARbeta/delta mKO + PGC-1alpha mTg mice
      were studied under basal conditions and following PPARbeta/delta agonist
      administration and acute exercise. Whole-body metabolism was assessed by indirect
      calorimetry and blood analysis, while magnetic resonance was used to measure body
      composition. Quantitative PCR and western blot were used to determine gene
      expression and intracellular signalling. The proportion of oxidative muscle fibre
      was determined by NADH staining. RESULTS: Agonist-induced PPARbeta/delta
      activation was only disrupted by PPARbeta/delta knockout. We also found that the
      disruption of the PGC-1alpha-PPARbeta/delta axis did not affect whole-body
      metabolism under basal conditions. As expected, PGC-1alpha mTg mice exhibited
      higher exercise performance, peak oxygen consumption and lower blood lactate
      levels following exercise, though PPARbeta/delta mKO + PGC-1alpha mTg mice showed
      a similar phenotype. Similarly, we found that PPARbeta/delta was dispensable for
      PGC-1alpha-mediated enhancement of an oxidative phenotype in skeletal muscle.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Collectively, these results indicate that
      PPARbeta/delta is not an essential partner of PGC-1alpha in the control of
      skeletal muscle energy metabolism.

PMID- 25116182
TI  - Aspirin-responsive, migraine-like transient cerebral and ocular ischemic attacks
      and erythromelalgia in JAK2-positive essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia
      vera.
AB  - Migraine-like cerebral transient ischemic attacks (MIAs) and ocular ischemic
      manifestations were the main presenting features in 10 JAK2(V617F)-positive
      patients studied, with essential thrombocythemia (ET) in 6 and polycythemia vera
      (PV) in 4. Symptoms varied and included cerebral ischemic attacks, mental
      concentration disturbances followed by throbbing headaches, nausea, vomiting,
      syncope or even seizures. MIAs were frequently preceded or followed by ocular
      ischemic events of blurred vision, scotomas, transient flashing of the eyes, and
      sudden transient partial blindness preceded or followed erythromelalgia in the
      toes or fingers. The time lapse between the first symptoms of aspirin-responsive
      MIAs and the diagnosis of ET in 5 patients ranged from 4 to 12 years. At the time
      of erythromelalgia and MIAs, shortened platelet survival, an increase in the
      levels of the platelet activation markers beta-thromboglobulin and platelet
      factor 4 and also in urinary thromboxane B2 were clearly indicative of the
      spontaneous in vivo platelet activation of constitutively JAK2(V617F)-activated
      thrombocythemic platelets. Aspirin relieves the peripheral, cerebral and ocular
      ischemic disturbances by irreversible inhibition of platelet cyclo-oxygenase (COX
      1) activity and aggregation ex vivo. Vitamin K antagonist, dipyridamole,
      ticlopidine, sulfinpyrazone and sodium salicylate have no effect on platelet COX
      1 activity and are ineffective in the treatment of thrombocythemia-specific
      manifestations of erythromelalgia and atypical MIAs. If not treated with aspirin,
      ET and PV patients are at a high risk of major arterial thrombosis including
      stroke, myocardial infarction and digital gangrene.

PMID- 25116183
TI  - Antimicrobial Constituents of the Mature Carpels of Manglietiastrum sinicum.
AB  - Seven new compounds, including a eupodienone-type lignan (1), a
      dibenzocyclooctadiene-type lignan (2), three tetrahydrofuran-type lignans (3-5),
      and two 1-phenylbutyl benzoates (6, 7), together with six known compounds, were
      isolated from the mature carpels of Manglietiastrum sinicum. The structures of
      new compounds 1-7 were defined by spectroscopic techniques, and the absolute
      configuration of manglisin A (1) was determined by X-ray crystallography.
      Compounds 1-4 exhibited moderate antimicrobial activities (MIC values: 0.016-0.14
      MUM) against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA 82(#), MRSA 92(#), MRSA 98(#), and MRSA
      331(#). Compounds 2 and 3 showed weak cytotoxic activity against five human tumor
      cell lines. 

PMID- 25116184
TI  - Factors associated with recommitment of NGRI acquittees to a forensic hospital.
AB  - The current archival study assesses risk factors associated with recommitment of
      142 individuals adjudicated Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) from civil
      settings to a forensic hospital in New York State. Within 10 years of transfer
      from a forensic hospital, 40 (28.2%) were recommitted. Using survival analyses to
      account for the wide range in opportunity for recommitment, period of transfer
      (i.e., pre versus post the 1995 case of George L, which clarified factors related
      to assessments of dangerousness) and the Historical scale and specific items of
      the HCR-20 emerged as important risk factors for recommitment. Specifically,
      hazard of recommitment was 2.9 times higher for those with high Historical scores
      as compared to those with low scores. However, few individual risk factors were
      associated with recommitment. Prior supervision failure, negative attitude,
      problems with substance use, and absent or less serious major mental illness and
      relationship problems were informative in predicting recommitment over 10 and 3
      year follow-up periods.

PMID- 25116185
TI  - An efficient rose bengal based nanoplatform for photodynamic therapy.
AB  - Organically modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) containing rose
      bengal (RB), a xanthene dye, were successfully synthesized. RB-modified MSNs have
      shown a relevant photostability and a high efficiency in the photoproduction and
      delivery of singlet oxygen ((1)O2), which is particularly promising for
      photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications. In vitro tests have evidenced that RB
      MSNs are able to reduce cell proliferation in one of the most aggressive skin
      cancer types (SK-MEL-28) after green-light irradiation.

PMID- 25116186
TI  - Laboratory surveillance of dengue in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 2007 to
      2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to official records, dengue was introduced in Brazil in the
      80's; since then several epidemics have occurred. Meanwhile, in Rio Grande do Sul
      (RS, Southern Brazil) the first autochthonous case occurred only in 2007.
      METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study we report laboratory
      surveillance of dengue cases and seasonality of positive cases, describe
      serotypes and characterize the epidemiological pattern of dengue in RS from 2007
      to 2013. A total of 9,779 serum samples from patients with suspected dengue fever
      were collected and submitted to molecular and/or serological analyses for dengue
      virus identification and serotyping, based on viral isolation, NS1 antigen
      detection and qRT-PCR, or Dengue IgM capture ELISA and MAC-ELISA. The first
      autochthonous dengue case in RS was confirmed in 2007 (DENV-3). While in 2008 and
      2009 only imported cases were registered, autochthonous infection waves have been
      occurring since 2010. The highest number of dengue infections occurred in 2010,
      with DENV-1 and DENV-2 outbreaks in Northwestern RS. In 2011, another DENV-1 and
      DENV-2 outbreak occurred in the Northwestern region; moreover, DENV-4 was
      detected in travelers. In 2012, DENV-1 and DENV-4 co-circulated. DENV-2
      circulation was only detected again in 2013, in high frequency (56.7%), co
      circulating with DENV-4 (35%). Most infections occur in adults during summer.
      Differences in prevalence between genders were observed in 2007 (60% females),
      2008 (60.8% males) and 2009 (77.5% males). CONCLUSIONS: According to results of
      dengue surveillance, there was an increase in the number of dengue cases in RS
      and of cities infested with Aedes aegypti, possibly as a consequence of
      introduction of new serotypes and the difficulty of health programs to control
      the vector.

PMID- 25116187
TI  - Impact of TCF3 rearrangement on CNS relapse in egyptian pediatric acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: TCF3 rearrangement mostly t(1;19) (q23;p13)/ TCF3-PBX1 gene is
      associated with favorable outcome in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) upon
      treatment with intensification protocols; however, it is associated with higher
      incidence of central nervous system (CNS) relapse which may affect outcome of
      patients. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess TCF3 rearrangement in newly diagnosed
      pediatric ALL patients in relation to clinical and laboratory parameters, CNS
      relapse, and clinical outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty newly diagnosed
      pediatric ALL patients following at Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic, Ain
      Shams University Hospitals were included in this study. Their ages ranged from
      0.75 to 16 years. Seventy six (95%) patients had B-lineage ALL and four (5%) had
      T-lineage ALL. Data recorded included; age, sex, extramedullary manifestations,
      CNS, and testes infiltrations, risk stratification, response to treatment, and
      CBC and BM findings. TCF3 rearrangement was assessed by FISH technique using dual
      color break-apart probe. RESULTS: TCF3 rearrangement [t(1;19) (q23;p13)] was
      detected in 16 (20%) out of the 80 studied patients, and it was significantly
      associated with splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, CNS infiltration at presentation,
      high total leucocytic count, low platelet count, high-risk group, and isolated
      CNS relapse. These results identify a group of high-risk ALL patients with high
      incidence of CNS relapse and poor response to standard therapeutic regimen.
      CONCLUSION: Analysis of TCF3 rearrangement [t(1;19) (q23;p13)] at diagnosis may
      provide a valuable target for modified and intensified CNS-directed
      chemotherapeutic protocol aiming to improve the patients' outcome.

PMID- 25116188
TI  - Recent declines in nonmarital childbearing in the United States.
AB  - There were sharp increases in nonmarital childbearing from 2002 to 2007,
      following the steady increases beginning in the 1980s. The upward trends have
      mainly reversed since 2007-2008. In addition, the nature of nonmarital
      childbearing may be changing as cohabiting unions have increased over the last
      few decades in the United States along with pregnancies within those unions.
      Births to unmarried women are at greater risk for adverse outcomes, including low
      birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality. Social and financial supports
      for unmarried mothers may be limited. This report describes recent trends in
      nonmarital births from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) and in
      cohabitation for unmarried mothers using data from the National Survey of Family
      Growth (NSFG).

PMID- 25116189
TI  - Efficient synthesis of conformationally constrained, amino-triazoloazepinone
      containing di- and tripeptides via a one-pot Ugi-Huisgen tandem reaction.
AB  - Herein we describe a catalyst-free procedure employing an Ugi-4CR between a beta
      azido-alpha-amino acid, propargylamine, an isocyanide and an aldehyde, followed
      by a thermal azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition to generate a 16-member library
      of amino-triazoloazepinone-bearing di- and tripeptides with up to four points of
      diversification and high atom economy. 

PMID- 25116190
TI  - Implementation of an acute surgical admission ward.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of an acute surgical
      admission ward on admission and discharge processes. METHODS: This prospective
      cohort study was conducted in a university tertiary referral centre. All acute
      surgical patients were clustered in the acute surgical unit (ASU) in February and
      March 2012, and discharged or transferred to specialized departments within 48 h.
      The primary outcome was length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were
      impact on emergency department waiting times, discharge home within 48 h,
      incorrect ward admissions, readmissions and mortality. Outcomes of the study
      group were compared with those of a historical reference group admitted during
      the same interval the year before. RESULTS: Some 249 patients were admitted to
      the ASU during the study interval. The reference group consisted of 211 patients.
      The total LOS decreased significantly from a median of 4.0 to 2.0 days (P =
      0.004). The percentage of patients who were discharged within 48 h increased from
      30.3 to 43.4 per cent (P = 0.004). The rate of incorrect ward admission decreased
      from 9.5 to 0 per cent. Emergency department waiting time, readmission rate and
      30-day mortality did not change. CONCLUSION: Introduction of an acute surgical
      unit-shortened length of hospital stay without comprising readmission and
      mortality rates.

PMID- 25116191
TI  - Duration of luteal support after IVF is important, so why is there no consistency
      in practice? The results of a dynamic survey of practice in the United Kingdom.
AB  - Luteal support is considered as an essential component of IVF treatment following
      ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer. Several studies have consistently
      demonstrated a benefit of luteal support compared with no treatment and whilst a
      number of preparations are available, no product has been demonstrated as
      superior. There is an emerging body of evidence which suggests that extension of
      luteal support beyond biochemical pregnancy does not confer a benefit in terms of
      successful pregnancy outcome. We performed two surveys separated by 5 years of
      practice evolution, with the latter reporting on the use of luteal support in all
      IVF clinics in the UK. All clinics reported utilising luteal support with the
      majority favouring the use of Cyclogest 400 mg twice daily. In contrast, there
      was no consensus on the optimal duration of luteal support. Whilst 24% of clinics
      withdrew luteal support at biochemical confirmation of pregnancy, 40% continued
      treatment until 12 weeks gestation. Several clinics even extended luteal support
      beyond 12 weeks gestation. We observed no difference in practice based on the
      size of the IVF unit or treatment funding source. Although there was some change
      in practice between surveys in many clinics, there was no uniformity in the
      direction of change. 

PMID- 25116192
TI  - Global Toll-like receptor 4 knockout results in decreased renal inflammation,
      fibrosis and podocytopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a pro-inflammatory
      state with increased toll-like receptor (TLR) activity. Inflammation is crucial
      in diabetic nephropathy (DN). We tested the effect of global deficiency of TLR4
      on renal inflammation, fibrosis and podocytopathy using control (C) and
      streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic wildtype (WT) and TLR4-knockout (TLR4KO)
      mice. METHODS: Following STZ treatment, mice were euthanized at 17weeks and
      plasma and kidneys collected. RESULTS: Compared to C, STZ-WT mice had
      significantly increased macrophage and TLR4 immunostaining in kidney, significant
      increases in MyD88, Interferon Regulatory Factor-3, NFKappaB activity, TNF-Alpha,
      IL-6, and MCP-1; all these were significantly decreased in the STZ-TLR4KO
      compared to STZ-WT mice. Compared to C, there were significant increases in
      fibrosis markers (collagen 4, and transforming growth factor-beta) in STZ-WT
      which were significantly decreased in the STZ-TLR4KO versus STZ-WT. Podocyte
      numbers and podocin were decreased in the STZ-WT versus C and increased in the
      STZ-TLR4KO mice. CONCLUSION: Global genetic deficiency of TLR4 also ameliorates
      renal inflammation, fibrosis and podocytopathy and could be important in DN.

PMID- 25116193
TI  - The Drosophila nephrocyte has a glomerular filtration system.

PMID- 25116194
TI  - Reply: Nephrons are generated via a series of committed progenitors.

PMID- 25116196
TI  - Size tunable synthesis of solution processable diamond nanocrystals.
AB  - Diamond nanocrystals were synthesized catalyst-free from nanoporous carbon at
      high pressure and high temperature (HPHT). The synthesized nanocrystals have
      tunable diameters between 50 and 200 nm. The nanocrystals are dispersible in
      organic solvents such as acetone and are isotropic in nature as seen by dynamic
      light scattering. 

PMID- 25116195
TI  - Taking a call is facilitated by the multisensory processing of smartphone
      vibrations, sounds, and flashes.
AB  - Many electronic devices that we use in our daily lives provide inputs that need
      to be processed and integrated by our senses. For instance, ringing, vibrating,
      and flashing indicate incoming calls and messages in smartphones. Whether the
      presentation of multiple smartphone stimuli simultaneously provides an advantage
      over the processing of the same stimuli presented in isolation has not yet been
      investigated. In this behavioral study we examined multisensory processing
      between visual (V), tactile (T), and auditory (A) stimuli produced by a
      smartphone. Unisensory V, T, and A stimuli as well as VA, AT, VT, and trisensory
      VAT stimuli were presented in random order. Participants responded to any
      stimulus appearance by touching the smartphone screen using the stimulated hand
      (Experiment 1), or the non-stimulated hand (Experiment 2). We examined violations
      of the race model to test whether shorter response times to multisensory stimuli
      exceed probability summations of unisensory stimuli. Significant violations of
      the race model, indicative of multisensory processing, were found for VA stimuli
      in both experiments and for VT stimuli in Experiment 1. Across participants, the
      strength of this effect was not associated with prior learning experience and
      daily use of smartphones. This indicates that this integration effect, similar to
      what has been previously reported for the integration of semantically meaningless
      stimuli, could involve bottom-up driven multisensory processes. Our study
      demonstrates for the first time that multisensory processing of smartphone
      stimuli facilitates taking a call. Thus, research on multisensory integration
      should be taken into consideration when designing electronic devices such as
      smartphones. 

PMID- 25116197
TI  - Nanotube liquid crystal elastomers: photomechanical response and flexible energy
      conversion of layered polymer composites.
AB  - Elastomeric composites based on nanotube liquid crystals (LCs) that preserve the
      internal orientation of nanotubes could lead to anisotropic physical properties
      and flexible energy conversion. Using a simple vacuum filtration technique of
      fabricating nanotube LC films and utilizing a transfer process to poly (dimethyl)
      siloxane wherein the LC arrangement is preserved, here we demonstrate unique and
      reversible photomechanical response of this layered composite to excitation by
      near infra-red (NIR) light at ultra-low nanotube mass fractions. On excitation by
      NIR photons, with application of small or large pre-strains, significant
      expansion or contraction of the sample occurs, respectively, that is continuously
      reversible and three orders of magnitude larger than in pristine polymer.
      Schlieren textures were noted in these LC composites confirming long range
      macroscopic nematic order of nanotubes within the composites. Order parameters of
      LC films ranged from S(optical) = 0.51-0.58 from dichroic measurements. Film
      concentrations, elastic modulus and photomechanical stress were all seen to be
      related to the nematic order parameter. For the same nanotube concentration, the
      photomechanical stress was almost three times larger for the self-assembled LC
      nanotube actuator compared to actuator based on randomly oriented carbon
      nanotubes. Investigation into the kinetics of photomechanical actuation showed
      variation in stretching exponent beta with pre-strains, concentration and
      orientation of nanotubes. Maximum photomechanical stress of ~ 0.5 MPa W(-1) and
      energy conversion of ~ 0.0045% was achieved for these layered composites. The
      combination of properties, namely, optical anisotropy, reversible mechanical
      response to NIR excitation and flexible energy conversion all in one system
      accompanied with low cost makes nanotube LC elastomers important for soft
      photochromic actuation, energy conversion and photo-origami applications.

PMID- 25116198
TI  - Impact of high ytterbium(III) concentration in the shell on upconversion
      luminescence of core-shell nanocrystals.
AB  - After coating 20 Yb/2 Er:NaGdF4 core nanocrystals with a NaYbF4 shell,
      upconversion emission of the rare earth ions weakens. So far, the exact reason
      for this phenomenon is still unclear due to lack of the direct evidence. In this
      report, a core@shell@shell sandwich-like structure is designed and fabricated to
      investigate this phenomenon. We find that high Yb(3+) concentration in the shell
      has mainly two adverse impacts: it promotes not only the deleterious back energy
      transfer from Er(3+) in the core to Yb(3+) in the shell but also the energy
      transfer from Yb(3+) in the core to Yb(3+) in the shell. To obtain nanocrystals
      with high upconversion efficency, appropriate Yb(3+) concentration should be
      introduced into the shell or the transition layer.

PMID- 25116199
TI  - Movable magnetic porous cores enclosed within carbon microcapsules: structure
      controlled synthesis and promoted carbon-based applications.
AB  - Rattle-type porous carbon microcapsules (RPCMs) were deliberately designed to
      combine multiple functions with the aim of improving the applicability of
      amorphous carbon in a synergistic fashion. A movable Fe3O4 nanocluster coated
      with porous carbon is encapsulated in the cavity of a carbon microcapsule with an
      eggshell-like characteristic, allowing for storage, adsorption, and exchange of
      matters through the mesoporous channels of the carbon layer. The synthetic
      strategy of RPCMs is flexible and universal, involving the constitution and
      carbonization of Fe3O4@PF@PS@PF template particles. This results in a double
      carbon shell and a sandwiched hollow cavity with a movable magnetic core. There
      is evidence that RPCMs possess large surface areas, hierarchical pore sizes,
      hydrophobicity, and magnetic responsiveness. Hence, diverse applications have
      been investigated. It is proved that RPCMs exhibit excellent performance in the
      effective enrichment of peptides/proteins. The detection limit toward peptides
      could reach as low as 10 nM, and the enrichment capacity toward MYO protein is as
      high as 410 mg/g (protein/beads). Furthermore, RPCMs are able to harvest proteins
      in complex real samples such as fetal bovine serum and rabbit blood. In addition,
      RPCMs could be fabricated in a supercapacitor electrode and display outstanding
      energy-storage performance. The electrochemical measurements demonstrate that
      RPCM-based electrodes have a specific capacitance of as high as 216 F/g (0.1
      A/g), long-term cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 92.4% over 1000
      cycles (0.2 A/g), and good electronic conductivity. 

PMID- 25116200
TI  - Development of a novel protocol for generating flavivirus reporter particles.
AB  - Infection with West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is a growing
      public and animal health concern worldwide. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment
      strategies for the infection are urgently required. Recently, viral reverse
      genetic systems have been developed and applied to clinical WNV virology. We
      developed a protocol for generating reporter virus particles (RVPs) of WNV with
      the aim of overcoming two major problems associated with conventional protocols,
      the difficulty in generating RVPs due to the specific skills required for
      handling RNAs, and the potential for environmental contamination by antibiotic
      resistant genes encoded within the genome RNA of the RVPs. By using the proposed
      protocol, cells were established in which the RVP genome RNA is replicated
      constitutively and does not encode any antibiotic-resistant genes, and used as
      the cell supply for RVP genome RNA. Generation of the WNV RVPs requires only the
      simple transfection of the expression vectors for the viral structural proteins
      into the cells. Therefore, no RNA handling is required in this protocol. The WNV
      RVP yield obtained using this protocol was similar that obtained using the
      conventional protocol. According to these results, the newly developed protocol
      appears to be a good alternative for the generation of WNV RVPs, particularly for
      clinical applications. 

PMID- 25116201
TI  - Establishment and application of a multiplex PCR for rapid and simultaneous
      detection of six viruses in swine.
AB  - A multiplex PCR assay was developed and evaluated subsequently for its
      effectiveness in simultaneously detecting mixed viral infections of swine.
      Specific primers were designed and used for testing the six swine viruses: three
      DNA viruses, including pseudorabies virus (PRV), porcine parvovirus (PPV), and
      porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2); three common RNA viruses, including porcine
      reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), classical swine fever virus
      (CSFV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). This technique has shown to be
      highly sensitive in that the minimum detection amounts of nucleic acids from PRV,
      PPV, PCV2, PRRSV, CSFV, and JEV were 6.6, 96, 12.9, 10.5, 51, and 46 pg,
      respectively. It also was effective for detecting one or multiple viruses in the
      specimens, such as the lungs, spleens, lymph nodes, and tonsils collected from
      clinically ill pigs. The multiplex PCR method can detect simultaneously not only
      infection of the six viruses, but also other swine DNA and RNA viruses. Given its
      rapidity, specificity, and sensitivity, the multiplex PCR is a useful tool for
      diagnosing clinically the mixed infections of swine DNA and RNA viruses.

PMID- 25116202
TI  - A degenerate pair of primers for simultaneous detection of four alpha- and
      betanecroviruses.
AB  - The high infection levels due to Olive latent virus 1 (OLV-1), Olive mild mosaic
      virus (OMMV) (alphanecrovirus) and Tobacco necrosis virus D (TNV-D)
      (betanecrovirus) in Portuguese olive orchards prompted us to develop a rapid PCR
      based assay for the simultaneous detection of these viruses aimed at the sanitary
      selection and marketing of plant material in compliance with European Union
      regulations. A pair of degenerate oligonucleotide primers, parRdRp5' and
      parCoat3' was designed based on conserved regions located in the RNA-dependent
      RNA polymerase (RdRp) and coat protein (CP) genes of these viruses and one other
      alphanecrovirus, Tobacco necrosis virus A. Its use in RT-PCR assays generated a
      product of ca. 2000 bp for the 4 viral species tested. These primers were
      compared with virus specific primers in multiplex RT-PCR, and identical results
      were obtained. Its application to dsRNA extracted from 54 olive field growing
      trees originated the expected ca. 2000 bp amplicon in 17 trees. The virus
      identity was determined by sequencing the cloned RT-PCR products. No TNV-A was
      found. The RT-PCR assay using the degenerate primers described in this study were
      shown to be reliable in detecting any of the above-mentioned alpha- and
      betanecroviruses, and it is as sensitive as that which uses virus specific
      primers in multiplex assays. Therefore, this assay is well suited for the rapid
      screen of virus-free plant material in selection and improvement crop programmes.
      Additionally, it has the potential to reveal virus diversity and the presence of
      new viruses, provided the RT-PCR generated amplicon is further sequenced.

PMID- 25116204
TI  - Cloacal defect repair--a video vignette.

PMID- 25116203
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for suicidal behavior in young people presenting with
      first-episode psychosis in Hong Kong: a 3-year follow-up study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP) have markedly elevated
      risk for suicide. Previous research investigating risk factors of suicidal
      behavior in FEP mainly focused on western populations. This study aimed to
      examine the prevalence, and pretreatment and early illness predictors of suicidal
      behavior in Chinese FEP patients. METHOD: Seven hundred participants aged 15-25
      years consecutively enrolled in a territory-wide treatment program for FEP in
      Hong Kong from July 2001 to August 2003 were studied. Baseline and 3-year follow
      up variables were collected via systematic medical file review. Suicidal behavior
      evaluated in this study comprised suicide attempt and completed suicide. RESULTS:
      Seventy-four (10.6%) participants attempted suicide before treatment. Ten percent
      (n = 70) exhibited suicidal behavior and 1% (n = 7) committed suicide during 3
      year follow-up. The majority of post-treatment suicidal behaviors (51.4%)
      occurred in the first year of follow-up. Jumping from a height was the most
      common method of committing suicide. Multivariate regression analysis indicated
      that previous suicide attempt, history of substance abuse and poorer baseline
      functioning were significantly associated with an increased risk for suicidal
      behavior after treatment initiation. CONCLUSION: In a large representative cohort
      of Chinese young FEP patients, the rates of suicidal behavior before and after
      treatment and risk factors for post-treatment suicidal behavior were comparable
      to the findings of previous research on early psychosis conducted in western
      populations. Close monitoring of high-risk patients with history of attempted
      suicide or substance abuse, and enhancement of psychosocial functioning may help
      reduce suicide risk in the early stage of psychotic illness.

PMID- 25116205
TI  - Attaining khinem: challenges, coping strategies and resilience among Eveny
      adolescents in northeastern Siberia.
AB  - This article examines challenges, coping strategies, and resilience among Eveny
      adolescents in northeastern Siberia. It explores situations which the study
      participants associate with challenge and hardship, namely their experiences of
      transition from life in the family reindeer herding camp to schooling at the age
      of 7, bullying, boredom, and violence. By situating the data within the Eveny
      framework of resilience (khinem), the study provides the ethnographic context for
      coping strategies and efforts (e.g., sharing, inter- and intragenerational
      support, availability of safe homes) undertaken by the community in order to
      mitigate the situations of risk and hardship and to facilitate adolescents'
      resilience. The account emphasizes that instead of identifying adolescents as
      either resilient or vulnerable, it is necessary to explore culturally specific
      processes and practices which potentially contribute to their acquisition of
      resilience. 

PMID- 25116207
TI  - Concussion 101 for SLPs.

PMID- 25116208
TI  - Medical treatment of concussion.
AB  - A concussion is a brain injury, a change in function induced by traumatic forces.
      The incidence of concussion is increasing, likely due to increased awareness and
      improvement in recognition. Speech and language pathology professionals working
      in schools may encounter patients who have suffered concussions. At the root of
      concussion pathophysiology is altered metabolism and an acquired energy deficit.
      The mainstay of treatment for concussion is cognitive and physical rest, allowing
      for normalization of the metabolism and correction of the energy deficit. Once
      recovered, the student may need accommodations to successfully return to school
      without added difficulty and should follow a return to play protocol to return to
      athletics safely. 

PMID- 25116209
TI  - Neurometabolic aspects of sports-related concussion.
AB  - Concussion is a transitory brain injury resulting from a blow to the head.
      Concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which is self
      limited. Repetitive mTBI has been associated with chronic, progressive neurologic
      damage. Extreme biochemical changes occur in neuron cells as a result of mTBI.
      These metabolic disturbances may reflect the symptoms observed in patients who
      had concussions. However, it has been difficult to match clinical signs and
      symptoms. Currently, there is no test to diagnose concussion. Further studies are
      needed to elucidate the biochemical details of the metabolic cascade and the
      associated time frame, which will help determine when an athlete can safely
      return to the game. 

PMID- 25116206
TI  - Collagen can selectively trigger a platelet secretory phenotype via glycoprotein
      VI.
AB  - Platelets are not only central actors of hemostasis and thrombosis but also of
      other processes including inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration.
      Accumulating evidence indicates that these "non classical" functions of platelets
      do not necessarily rely on their well-known ability to form thrombi upon
      activation. This suggests the existence of non-thrombotic alternative states of
      platelets activation. We investigated this possibility through dose-response
      analysis of thrombin- and collagen-induced changes in platelet phenotype, with
      regards to morphological and functional markers of platelet activation including
      shape change, aggregation, P-selectin and phosphatidylserine surface expression,
      integrin activation, and release of soluble factors. We show that collagen at low
      dose (0.25 ug/mL) selectively triggers a platelet secretory phenotype
      characterized by the release of dense- and alpha granule-derived soluble factors
      without causing any of the other major platelet changes that usually accompany
      thrombus formation. Using a blocking antibody to glycoprotein VI (GPVI), we
      further show that this response is mediated by GPVI. Taken together, our results
      show that platelet activation goes beyond the mechanisms leading to platelet
      aggregation and also includes alternative platelet phenotypes that might
      contribute to their thrombus-independent functions. 

PMID- 25116210
TI  - Community-based resources for concussion management.
AB  - Speech-language pathologists can serve an important role as members of
      interdisciplinary treatment teams in the rehabilitation of concussion-related
      cognitive-communicative changes in the community setting. This article discusses
      the continuum of care for individuals who have experienced concussion and the
      importance of appropriate assessment and functionally based intervention. Factors
      such as executive function impairments, sensory overload, and cognitive exertion
      can yield subtle deficits that can impact functional return to work or school.
      Community resources such as support groups are discussed, as well as the impact
      of state and federal policies related to concussion on community activities. 

PMID- 25116211
TI  - Clinical test instrument development to identify and track recovery from
      concussion.
AB  - Over the past 25 years, neuropsychological assessment has been the prominent
      clinical method for evaluating neurocognitive functioning and monitoring recovery
      following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), or concussion. During this time,
      neuropsychological assessment of concussion has developed extensively starting
      from traditional paper-and-pencil tests to the more current computerized
      assessment batteries that are specifically designed for evaluating mTBI.
      Concussion assessment is complex and challenging due to the highly variable
      neurocognitive behavior and the wide range of diverse symptoms that follow an
      injury. Therefore, neuropsychological testing is only one component of a
      multifaceted, comprehensive assessment approach that also includes balance
      testing and symptom assessment. Because concussions may go undetected, more
      emphasis has been placed on objective and sensitive neuropsychological measures.
      Factors that could affect the validity of test performance include athletes not
      recognizing or intentionally hiding their symptoms or sandbagging their baseline
      performance. Due to the complex nature of identifying and evaluating mild head
      injuries, the purpose of this review is to discuss (1) the clinical use of
      neuropsychological testing in concussion management, (2) the methods used for
      evaluating and monitoring recovery following concussion, (3) the characteristics
      of current assessment instruments, and (4) additional clinical factors and
      approaches for concussion assessment and management. 

PMID- 25116212
TI  - Clinical assessment of balance in adults with concussion.
AB  - Balance is a key component to the assessment of concussion injury; however, the
      efficacies of clinical tests used are currently under debate. It is questionable
      whether currently accepted methods of standing balance assessment quantify
      balance disturbances sufficiently to support decisions on recovery and return to
      play. Recent evidence of balance abnormalities postconcussion that linger beyond
      the typical 3- to 5-day recovery period support arguments that currently
      available standing balance tests are not sensitive enough to determine recovery
      of function. This article discusses the current clinical tests used in the
      assessment of concussion in adults and their limitations and the evidence
      supporting continued balance dysfunction. Implications for the future of balance
      assessment in concussed adults and recommendations to clinicians for best
      practices are presented. 

PMID- 25116213
TI  - Pharmacological management of traumatic brain injury and implications for speech
      language pathology.
AB  - This article provides an overview of the pharmacological management of traumatic
      brain injury (TBI). A basic introduction to key pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacodynamic principles is used to guide the reader. The goals of the
      pharmacological management of TBI are explained starting with mild TBI. The main
      medications used for each medical condition are described with a primary emphasis
      of effects that may interfere with the role of speech-language pathology (SLP).
      Some medications may interfere with cognitive, motor, and neuromuscular
      functions, and others may cause ototoxicity. A basic overview of the
      pharmacological management of moderate to severe TBI is included because the SLP
      practitioner may encounter patients with TBI during the recovery phase. The
      importance of assessment of swallowing evaluations is discussed because the oral
      route of administration of medications is preferred once the patient is stable. 

PMID- 25116214
TI  - Management of athletes with postconcussion syndrome.
AB  - Rehabilitation for athletes with postconcussion syndrome requires emphasis on
      both cognitive and physical rest with a gradual return to activity and sports. As
      the athlete becomes more active, the rehabilitation and sport professional should
      pay close attention to symptoms of concussion, like headache, dizziness, nausea,
      and difficulty concentrating. The Zurich Consensus Statement on Concussion in
      Sport provides a systematic approach to increasing the intensity of physical
      activity while attending to postconcussion symptoms. During the incident that led
      to a concussion, the injured athlete may have incurred injuries to the vestibular
      and balance system, which are not directly related to concussion. These
      conditions are best addressed by professionals with specific training in
      vestibular rehabilitation, most commonly physical therapists. Benign paroxysmal
      positional vertigo is a condition in which otoconia particles in the inner ear
      dislodge into the semicircular canals, resulting in severe vertigo and imbalance.
      This condition frequently resolves with a few sessions with a vestibular
      therapist and a home exercise program. In conditions like gaze instability,
      motion sensitivity, impaired postural control, and cervicogenic dizziness,
      improvement is more gradual and requires longer follow-up with a physical
      therapist. In all of these conditions, it is important to consider that the
      patient with postconcussion syndrome will likely recover more slowly than others
      and should be monitored for symptoms of postconcussion syndrome throughout
      intervention. 

PMID- 25116215
TI  - A model of prevention of sports concussion in adults.
AB  - This article discusses the definitions of prevention and presents a model that
      addresses multidimensional aspects of sports concussion prevention from the
      perspectives of epidemiology, education, environmental modification, enforcement,
      and evaluation. Epidemiology is helpful in identifying the incidence of
      concussion and the interventions most likely to reduce its occurrence. Education
      ensures that accurate information on concussion is communicated to stakeholders.
      Modifications in the physical and sociocultural environments may lessen the
      potential for injury and reduce the risk of concussion. Enforcement of
      legislation standards can be effective in concussion prevention, especially at
      the preinjury and injury phases. The evaluation dimension assesses the
      effectiveness of prevention programs and guides future program development. This
      five-E model explains concussion prevention as a recursive loop process. Each
      dimension is closely associated in the prevention of sports concussion. 

PMID- 25116216
TI  - Clinical assessment of motor speech disorders in adults with concussion.
AB  - This article reviews the occurrence of motor speech disorders of dysarthria and
      apraxia of speech following closed head injury and other traumatic brain injuries
      in adults as they apply to sport concussion and related trauma. Athletic sideline
      and speech-language pathology screenings are considered. Procedures for clinical
      assessment and diagnosis of motor speech disorder, most particularly dysarthria,
      are discussed with special reference to closed head injury. Included are the
      evaluation components of cranial nerve and speech mechanism examination,
      nonspeech musculature examination, perceptual and instrumental assessment
      procedures, quasi-standardized testing for dysarthria, and the determination of
      restrictions of participation in everyday life activities. The resultant output
      of such an evaluation is described in depth. Future directions for clinical
      research on motor speech disorders following sports concussion are also briefly
      considered. 

PMID- 25116217
TI  - Future of traumatic brain injury in adults.
AB  - The previous articles in this compendium reviewed the past, present, and future
      status of the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of mild traumatic
      brain injury in the adult population. This article will discuss the issue of when
      an individual should initiate the return-to-play (or class or work) protocol. The
      clinical criterion to initiate the return-to-play protocol consists of
      neuropsychological performance that returns to baseline and is stable, with no
      reported symptoms. Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies
      raise serious questions about these clinical criteria. fMRI results in
      individuals with concussion are different from those of normal controls. Does
      this difference represent cortical reorganization and/or cortical dysfunction? If
      the imaging results reflect neuroplastic reorganization, then the initiation of
      the return-to-play protocol is acceptable. However, if the imaging differences
      indicate cortical dysfunction, then initiation of the return-to-play protocol
      would not be advised. This article will describe the problem, the data available
      to address this problem, and future research needs. 

PMID- 25116219
TI  - Bioimpedance in 7-year-old children: validation by dual X-ray absorptiometry -
      part 2: assessment of segmental composition.
AB  - AIM: Segmental body composition in children was assessed using the bioimpedance
      analyzer (BIA) TANITA BC-418 and compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
      (DXA) values. METHODS: A cross-sectional validation study in which 7-year-old
      children from the Spanish subsample of the EU Childhood Obesity Project were
      assessed through anthropometry, BIA and DXA. Main outcome measures were fat and
      lean masses of the trunk, left arm and left leg (in kg) assessed through BIA
      direct outputs (BIAoutputs) and DXA. Predictive equations for the composition of
      each segment were derived from raw impedance and anthropometric measurements;
      results obtained from these predictive equations (BIAregressions) were also
      compared to DXA. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-one (84 boys) 7-year-old children
      were studied. BIAoutputs and DXA results showed small differences for leg lean
      mass (6.5%) and high differences for trunk fat and trunk lean masses (>30%).
      BIAregressions results showed differences of about 20% for trunk fat mass, 1.5%
      for trunk lean mass and 3.7% for leg lean mass compared to DXA. CONCLUSIONS:
      Segmental body composition measures predicted by internal algorithms of the
      TANITA BC-418 were not valid for clinical or epidemiological use, except for leg
      lean mass. The assessment of segmental composition was improved using our own
      predictive equations combining segmental-specific anthropometric measurements
      with segmental impedances.

PMID- 25116218
TI  - Comparison of the long-term effects on rabbit bone defects between Tetrabone and
      beta-tricalcium phosphate granules implantation.
AB  - Tetrabone is a newly developed granular artificial bone. The 1-mm Tetrabone has a
      four-legged structure. In this study, the long-term effect of implanting
      Tetrabone or beta-TCP granules in rabbit femoral cylindrical defects was
      evaluated. The rabbits were euthanized at 4, 13, and 26 weeks after implantation.
      Micro-CT was conducted to evaluate the residual material volume and the non
      osseous tissue volume. New bone tissue areas were measured by histological
      analysis. Micro-CT imaging showed that the residual material volume in the beta
      TCP group had decreased significantly at 4 weeks after implantation (P < 0.05)
      and that the beta-TCP granules had nearly disappeared at 26 weeks after
      implantation. In the Tetrabone group, it did not significantly change until 13
      weeks after implantation; it then continued to decrease slightly until 26 weeks
      after implantation. The non-osseous volume increased in the beta-TCP group,
      whereas that of the Tetrabone group decreased (P < 0.05). Histological
      examination showed that the new bone areas were significantly greater in the
      Tetrabone group than in the beta-TCP group at 13 and 26 weeks. In conclusion,
      resorption of beta-TCP granules occurs before sufficient bone formation, thereby
      allowing non-osseous tissue invasion. Tetrabone resorption progressed slowly
      while the new bone tissues were formed, thus allowing better healing. Tetrabone
      showed better osteoconductivity, whereas the beta-TCP granules lost their
      function over a long duration. These results may be caused by the differences in
      the absorption rate of the granules, intergranular pore structure, and
      crystallinity of each granule.

PMID- 25116220
TI  - Discovering mechanistic insights by application of tandem ultrafast
      multidimensional NMR techniques.
AB  - Ultrafast multidimensional NMR acquisition techniques have shown promising
      capabilities in studies of dynamic systems in real time. The method's
      characteristics have permitted the focus to be on the mechanistic details of
      organic reactions. The tandem UF-TOCSY/HMBC sequence applied here combines both
      homonuclear and heteronuclear details and therefore provides complete information
      about the evolution of a dynamic reaction in real time. The methodology will be
      applied to find an explanation of the low reactivity of alicyclic ketones such as
      cyclohexanone in reactions with triflic anhydride and aliphatic nitriles, which
      leads to bicyclic pyrimidines. 

PMID- 25116222
TI  - GP is allowed to practise again after affair with patient.

PMID- 25116221
TI  - Mercury isotope study of sources and exposure pathways of methylmercury in
      estuarine food webs in the Northeastern U.S.
AB  - We measured mercury (Hg) isotope ratios in sediments and various estuarine
      organisms (green crab, blue mussel, killifish, eider) to investigate
      methylmercury (MMHg) sources and exposure pathways in five Northeast coast (U.S.)
      estuaries. The mass independent Hg isotopic compositions (MIF; Delta(199)Hg) of
      the sediments were linearly correlated with the sediment 1/Hg concentrations
      (Delta(199)Hg: r(2) = 0.77, p < 0.05), but the mass dependent isotope
      compositions (MDF; delta(202)Hg) were not (r(2) = 0.26, p = 0.16), reflecting
      inputs of anthropogenic Hg sources with varying delta(202)Hg. The estuarine
      organisms all display positive Delta(199)Hg values (0.21 to 0.98 0/00) indicating
      that MMHg is photodegraded to varying degrees (5-12%) prior to entry into the
      food web. The delta(202)Hg and Delta(199)Hg values of most organisms can be
      explained by a mixture of MMHg and inorganic Hg from sediments. At one
      contaminated site mussels have anomalously high delta(202)Hg, indicating exposure
      to a second pool of MMHg, compared to sediment, crabs and fish. Eiders have
      similar Delta(199)Hg as killifish but much higher delta(202)Hg, suggesting that
      there is an internal fractionation of delta(202)Hg in birds. Our study shows that
      Hg isotopes can be used to identify multiple anthropogenic inorganic Hg and MMHg
      sources and determine the degree of photodegradation of MMHg in estuarine food
      webs. 

PMID- 25116223
TI  - Using an unconventional perfusion pattern in ear replantation-arterialization of
      the venous system.
AB  - Ear amputation is a devastating injury characterized by a conspicuous deformity
      that is not easily concealed and can result in tremendous psychological trauma in
      addition to the physical insult. While numerous different approaches have been
      proposed, microvascular replantation is widely considered to deliver the best
      esthetic outcome. In this article, the authors report a case in which an
      unconventional perfusion pattern (i.e., arterialization of the venous system) was
      chosen, as intraoperative anatomic conditions precluded conventional vascular
      reconstruction. A 25-year-old male patient sustained a human bite resulting in
      subtotal amputation of his left ear. In the setting of an adequate arterial donor
      vessel, that is, branch of the posterior auricular artery, and a single suitable
      recipient vein (0.4 mm), the decision was made to perform an end-to-end arterio
      venous anastomosis without the use of vein grafts. Medicinal leeches were applied
      postoperatively to provide for venous drainage. The ear survived and the patient
      was discharged after 14 days. To the best of our knowledge, this is first case of
      a subtotal ear amputation that was successfully replanted by arterialization of
      the venous system without the use of vein grafts and with preservation of the
      superficial temporal vessels.

PMID- 25116224
TI  - Potential protection of vitamin C against liver-lesioned mice.
AB  - Pathologically, liver injury can result from sustained trauma to hepatocytes,
      including acute damage. Thus, attenuation of hepatocellular lesion may help
      improve liver functions. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential
      advantages of vitamin C (VC) intake on acutely intralesional liver in carbon
      tetrachloride (CCl4)-exposed mice. Here our data showed that VC supplementation
      contributed to ameliorated vital signs of CCl4-lesioned mice, resulting in dose
      dependent reduction of hepatomegaly. VC lowered the levels of liver functional
      enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glutamic-oxaloacetic
      transaminase (AST) in serum, while concentration of lactic acid concentration in
      blood plasma was decreased. VC-administered CCl4-lesioned mice manifested
      increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase
      (GSH-PX), while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was reduced in liver tissue.
      Moreover, VC consumption attenuated hepatotoxic injuries of CCl4-lesioned mice,
      in which the number of TNF-alpha positive cells was dose-dependently reduced.
      Furthermore, intrahepatic expression of TRL-4 mRNA, a vital inflammation
      regulator, was down-regulated in VC-administered mice. Overall, we conclude that
      VC has the potentiality of anti-hepatotoxicity that is capable of ameliorating
      liver functions, speculating that therapeutic mechanism relates to normalizing
      metabolism and blocking inflammatory stress in the liver. 

PMID- 25116225
TI  - Effect of Kuwanon G isolated from the root bark of Morus alba on ovalbumin
      induced allergic response in a mouse model of asthma.
AB  - The root bark of Morus alba L. (Mori Cortex Radicis; MCR) is traditionally used
      in Korean medicine for upper respiratory diseases. In this study, we investigated
      the antiasthmatic effect of kuwanon G isolated from MCR on ovalbumin (OVA)
      induced allergic asthma in mice. Kuwanon G (1 and 10 mg/kg) was administered
      orally in mice once a day for 7 days during OVA airway challenge. We measured the
      levels of OVA-specific IgE and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in the sera
      or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids and also counted the immune cells in BAL
      fluids. Histopathological changes in the lung tissues were analyzed. Kuwanon G
      significantly decreased the levels of OVA-specific IgE and IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13
      in the sera and BAL fluids of asthma mice. Kuwanon G reduced the numbers of
      inflammatory cells in the BAL fluids of asthma mice. Furthermore, the
      pathological feature of lungs including infiltration of inflammatory cells,
      thickened epithelium of bronchioles, mucus, and collagen accumulation was
      inhibited by kuwanon G. These results indicate that kuwanon G prevents the
      pathological progression of allergic asthma through the inhibition of lung
      destruction by inflammation and immune stimulation.

PMID- 25116226
TI  - Multivertebral tubercular spondylodiscitis with abscesses in acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia.

PMID- 25116227
TI  - Summary health statistics for u.s. Adults: national health interview survey,
      2003.
AB  - Objectives-This report presents health statistics from the 2003 National Health
      Interview Survey for the civilian noninstitutionalized adult population,
      classified by sex, age, race and Hispanic origin, education, income, poverty
      status, health insurance coverage, marital status, place of residence, and region
      of residence for chronic condition prevalence, health status, functional
      limitations, health care access and utilization, health behaviors, and human
      immunodeficiency virus testing. Percentages and percent distributions are
      presented in both age-adjusted and unadjusted versions. Source of Data-The NHIS
      is a household, multistage probability sample survey conducted annually by
      interviewers of the U.S. Census Bureau for the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. In 2003, data were collected
      for 30,852 adults for the Sample Adult questionnaire. The conditional response
      rate was 84.5%, and the final response rate was 74.2%. The health information for
      adults in this report was obtained from one randomly selected adult per family.
      Highlights-In 2003, 62% of adults 18 years of age or over reported excellent or
      very good health. Fifty-nine percent of adults never participated in any type of
      vigorous leisure-time physical activity, and 14% of adults did not have a usual
      place of health care. Eleven percent of adults had been told by a doctor or
      health professional that they had heart disease, and 21% had been told on two or
      more visits that they had hypertension. Twenty-two percent of all adults were
      current smokers, and 22% were former smokers. Based on estimates of body mass
      index, 36% of adults were overweight and 23% were obese. 

PMID- 25116228
TI  - Secondary malignant neoplasms among children, adolescents, and young adults with
      osteosarcoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As patients with osteosarcoma become long-term survivors, increasing
      attention has turned to the burden of late effects. The goal of the current study
      was to describe the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of secondary
      malignant neoplasms (SMNs) in this population. METHODS: Patients aged birth to 40
      years at time of primary diagnosis with osteosarcoma and reported to the
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program between 1973 and 2010
      were eligible for inclusion in the cohort. Competing risks methods were used to
      estimate the cumulative incidence of SMNs and potential risk factors for
      developing an SMN. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and overall survival after
      an SMN were estimated. RESULTS: The SEER database included 3379 patients who were
      diagnosed with osteosarcoma as their first malignancy. Of these, 89 patients were
      diagnosed with an SMN. The cumulative incidence of any SMN was 2.1% (95%
      confidence interval [95% CI], 1.6%-2.7%) at 10 years, 4.0% (95% CI, 3.1%-5.1%) at
      20 years, and 7.4% (95% CI, 5.6%-9.5%) at 30 years. The median time from the
      primary diagnosis to an SMN diagnosis was 6.0 years. The SIR for SMNs for
      survivors of osteosarcoma compared with the general population was 1.6 (95% CI,
      1.0-2.5) for patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma from 1973 through 1985 and 4.7
      (95% CI, 3.3-6.4) for patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma from 1986 through
      2010, with a 34-fold increased risk of leukemia in this most recent era. The
      overall survival rate at 5 years for patients with SMNs after a diagnosis of
      osteosarcoma was 44.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of osteosarcoma are at an
      increased risk of developing SMNs compared with the baseline population, with an
      increased risk noted in patients treated in the more recent era.

PMID- 25116229
TI  - Serum hepcidin measured by immunochemical and mass-spectrometric methods and
      their correlation with iron status indicators in healthy children aged 0.5-3 y.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnostic use of hepcidin is limited by the absence of
      standardization and lack of age-specific reference ranges in children in
      particular. The aim of this study was to determine reference ranges of serum
      hepcidin in healthy children aged 0.5-3 y using mass spectometry (MS) and a
      commercial immunochemical (IC) assay, and to investigate its association with
      other indicators of iron status and inflammation. METHODS: We included 400
      healthy children aged 0.5-3 y. We constructed reference ranges for MS-hepcidin
      and IC-hepcidin concentrations using the median, P2.5, and P97.5 in a normative
      population of 219 children with no anemia, no infection and/or inflammation, and
      no iron deficiency. RESULTS: Median concentrations (P2.5-P97.5) of MS-hepcidin
      and IC-hepcidin were 3.6 nmol/l (0.6-13.9 nmol/l) and 7.9 nmol/l (1.9-28.6
      nmol/l), respectively. We found a good correlation between both methods. However,
      MS-hepcidin was consistently lower than IC-hepcidin. Hepcidin correlated with
      ferritin and C-reactive protein. CONCLUSION: We provide reference ranges for
      hepcidin for an MS and commercial IC method. Absolute values between assays
      differed significantly, but hepcidin concentrations obtained by MS and IC methods
      correlate with each other, and both correlate with ferritin and CRP.

PMID- 25116230
TI  - Cardiovascular risk markers until 12 mo of age in infants fed a formula
      supplemented with bovine milk fat globule membranes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some of the health advantages of breast-fed as compared to formula
      fed infants have been suggested to be due to metabolic programming effects
      resulting from early nutrition. METHODS: In a prospective double-blinded
      randomized trial, 160 infants <2 mo of age were randomized to experimental
      formula (EF) with added milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) or standard formula (SF)
      until 6 mo of age. A breast-fed reference (BFR) group consisted of 80 infants.
      Measurements were made at inclusion and at 4, 6, and 12 mo of age. RESULTS:
      During the intervention, the EF group had higher total serum cholesterol
      concentration than the SF group, reaching the level of the BFR group. The EF
      group had a low-density lipoprotein to high-density lipoprotein ratio not
      significantly different from the SF group but lower than the BFR group.
      CONCLUSION: Supplementation of infant formula with MFGM modified the fat
      composition of the formula and narrowed the gap between breast-fed and formula
      fed infants with regard to serum lipid status at 12 mo.

PMID- 25116231
TI  - Fibrous Tendon Hypertrophy after Gastrocnemius Recession: A Case Report.
AB  - Surgical complications after gastrocnemius recession have been rare in published
      studies. We report a case of symptomatic fibrous tendon hypertrophy requiring
      revision surgery. Additionally, we have provided a review of the published data
      on the complications related to this procedure. 

PMID- 25116232
TI  - A biomechanical comparison of internal fixation techniques for ankle arthrodesis.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to compare the primary bending stiffness
      characteristics of 5 different ankle arthrodesis fixation techniques: 3
      compression screws, an anterior locking plate, a lateral locking plate, an
      anterior locking plate with a compression screw, and a lateral locking plate with
      a compression screw. A total of 25 full-scale anatomic models consisting of
      fourth-generation composite tibiae and tali were tested using an Instron 4505
      Universal Testing System. We hypothesized that the use of a compression screw
      with a locking plate would add considerable stiffness to the fixation construct
      compared with the use of a locking plate alone. The data have shown that an
      anterior or lateral plate with a compression screw provides significantly greater
      stiffness than both a plate and 3 compression screws used individually. No
      significant difference was seen between the anterior plate with a compression
      screw and the lateral plate with a compression screw. No significant differences
      were found among the use of an anterior plate, a lateral plate, or 3 compression
      screws. We have concluded that when using a locking plate in an anterior or
      lateral configuration, the addition of a compression screw will considerably
      increase the primary bending stiffness of ankle arthrodesis. 

PMID- 25116233
TI  - Tibiocalcaneal Fusion for Charcot Ankle With Severe Talar Body Loss: Case Report
      and a Review of the Surgical Literature.
AB  - Severe bone loss resulting from talar body necrosis in the Charcot ankle can be
      challenging to treat. In particular, the Charcot ankle will demonstrate
      progressive instability and deformity, causing protrusion of the medial or
      lateral malleolus, which will mostly lead to skin ulcers or osteomyelitis and, in
      some cases, will ultimately require transtibial amputation. Problems such as bone
      fragility, poor compliance with load-bearing restrictions, susceptibility to
      infection, and circulatory disorders cause difficulties in the surgical treatment
      of the Charcot ankle. We believe that tibiocalcaneal fusion is a reliable method
      to obtain satisfactory outcomes in these difficult cases. However, no study has
      reported on the use of a locking plate for tibiocalcaneal fusion. Therefore, we
      report on tibiocalcaneal fusion using a locking plate in 3 patients with Charcot
      ankle and severe talar body loss. All patients achieved bony union with a
      plantigrade foot and without any skin complications. We have concluded that a
      locking plate provides rigid fixation and easier insertion of additional screws,
      when necessary. 

PMID- 25116234
TI  - Women in limbo: life course consequences of infertility in a Nigerian community.
AB  - Infertility is a devastating problem around the world, particularly in the high
      fertility context of sub-Saharan Africa. Regardless of its medical origins,
      infertility causes African women personal grief and economic deprivation.This
      research was conducted among the Ijo who are organized into exogamous patrilineal
      descent groups. Women who marry into a patrilineage are perceived as bearers of
      sons who will eventually take their place in the lineage's genealogy. Women only
      figure in the lineage structure as mothers.In addition to extensive ethnographic
      research in this community, the paper is based on a combination of surveys of 246
      women and interviews of 25 fertile and 25 infertile women.Women who have never
      given birth were characterized as "useless". Some managed to accumulate wealth or
      attained education but most feared a marginal old age. Respect was given to women
      who have had even one child, even if that child died. The biological process of
      gestation confers an adult status on women allowing them to undergo initiation
      and to function as mature individuals. In the life course the most prominent
      periods of suffering are the transition from the stages of ereso (girl) to erera
      (mature woman), and in the period of old age.

PMID- 25116235
TI  - Exceptionally strong and robust millimeter-scale graphene-alumina composite
      membranes.
AB  - Graphene has attracted attention as a potential strengthening material and
      functional component in suspended membranes as utilized in micro and nanosystems.
      Development of a practical and scalable fabrication process is a necessary step
      to allow the exceptional material properties of graphene to be fully exploited in
      composite structures. Using standard and scalable microfabrication processes, we
      fabricated free-standing chemical vapor deposition monolayer graphene-reinforced
      Al2O3 composite membranes, 0.5 mm in diameter, that are strong and robust. Bulge
      tests revealed that the graphene reinforcement increased the membrane fracture
      strength by a factor of at least three and maximum sustainable strain from 0.28%
      to at least 0.69%. We show that the graphene-reinforced membranes are even
      tolerant to significant cracking without loss of membrane integrity. The graphene
      composite membranes' freestanding area of ~ 200 000 MUm(2) is almost a thousand
      times larger than suspended graphene membranes reported elsewhere. The presented
      graphene composite membranes may be seen as representing an interesting new class
      of durable composite materials warranting further study and having potential for
      broad applicability in a variety of fields.

PMID- 25116236
TI  - Unraveling the enhanced photocatalytic activity and phototoxicity of ZnO/metal
      hybrid nanostructures from generation of reactive oxygen species and charge
      carriers.
AB  - An effective way for promoting photocatalytic activity of a semiconductor is
      deposition of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) onto it. In this paper, we
      deposited Ag and Pd onto ZnO NPs to form ZnO/Ag and ZnO/Pd hybrid nanostructures.
      It was found that both Ag and Pd nanocomponents can greatly enhance the
      photocatalytic activity and phototoxicity of ZnO toward human skin cells. Using
      electron spin resonance spectroscopy with spin trapping and spin labeling
      techniques, we observed that either deposition of Ag or Pd resulted in a
      significant increase in photogenerated electrons and holes and production of
      reactive oxygen species including hydroxyl radicals, superoxide, and singlet
      oxygen. We compared the enhancing effects of Ag and Pd and found that Pd is more
      effective than Ag in promoting the generation of hydroxyl radicals and holes and
      the photocatalytic activity of ZnO. Conversely, Ag is more effective than Pd in
      enhancing electron transfer and the generation of superoxide and singlet oxygen.
      The mechanism underlying the differences in the effects of Ag and Pd may be
      related to differences in Fermi levels for Ag and Pd and band bending accompanied
      by effects on Schottky barriers. The results of these studies provide information
      valuable for designing hybrid nanomaterials having photocatalytic and
      photobiological activities useful for applications such as water purification and
      formulation of antibacterial products. 

PMID- 25116237
TI  - Identification of bromophenol thiohydantoin as an inhibitor of DisA, a c-di-AMP
      synthase, from a 1000 compound library, using the coralyne assay.
AB  - c-di-AMP is an important bacterial second messenger found in Gram-positive and
      mycobacteria. c-di-AMP regulates myriads of processes in bacteria as well as
      immune response in higher organisms so interest in small molecules that would
      attenuate the activity of c-di-AMP metabolism enzymes is high. Herein, we report
      the first small molecule inhibitor of a c-di-AMP synthase, DisA, using a coralyne
      based assay. 

PMID- 25116238
TI  - Statistically quantified measurement of an Alzheimer's marker by surface-enhanced
      Raman scattering.
AB  - Fibrillar forms of the Amyloid-beta (Abeta) protein have been implicated in the
      early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), however there are no standardised
      assays for soluble Abeta oligomer biomarkers that provide the best indication of
      the disease progression [1,2]. As a step towards a fast and label-free method for
      testing different AD biomarkers, we have combined laser nano-textured substrates
      with a SERS mapping technique and validated it using soluble Abeta-40 oligomers
      [3-5]. The nano-textured SERS substrates provide fast (&5 min), label-free
      spectra associated with soluble Abeta-40 oligomers down to a concentration of 10
      nM. Statistical analysis of the spectral intensities mapped over the substrate
      surface shows a quantitative correlation with the oligomer concentration.
      Schematics of experiments: SERS mapping of Abeta-40 (left figure: measured SERS
      intensity overlayed with an SEM image of ripples) was carried out on the laser
      nano-textured (ripple) surface of sapphire and statistical analysis of the SERS
      intensity was carried out for qualitative (a high SERS intensity at low
      probability) and quantitative (a moderate SERS intenisty at the highest
      probability) measures. Quantitative statistical analysis of SERS mapping data can
      be performed off line for cross correlations with other known SERS signatures.

PMID- 25116240
TI  - [Special topics in pediatric orthopedics: options and limits of growth guidance].
AB  - BACKGROUND: A main task of pediatric orthopedics is the treatment of legs of
      different lengths or misshapen legs. Whereas for adult patients complicated and
      invasive operative interventions are necessary, the growth potential of the
      epiphysial plate can be utilized in childhood and adolescence to correct leg
      length differences and leg axis deformities. THERAPY: Epiphysiodesis leads to a
      guidance of growth via a temporary or permanent and partial or complete blockade
      of the epiphysial plate depending on the indications. This method is principally
      a less invasive procedure with few complications. CONCLUSION: Careful
      preoperative assessment of the indications and planning, precise operative
      technique and attentive postoperative control investigations are absolutely
      essential for successful treatment.

PMID- 25116241
TI  - [Congenital dysplasia and dislocation of the hip: proven and new procedures in
      diagnostics and therapy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: As developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common
      congenital muskuloskeletal anomaly, it seems necessary to give an update on the
      normal growth, pathoanatomy, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. OBJECTIVES:
      Which investigations or procedures have withstood the test of time? What are new
      therapeutic strategies and considerations? What are the problems? METHODS: Review
      of the current literature on DDH supplemented by several years experience in the
      treatment of this condition by the authors. RESULTS: We have still a long way to
      achieve the goal of agreement on universal standardization of assessment and
      treatment methods based on age and staging regarding DDH, as in the Ponseti
      treatment procedure for clubfoot. CONCLUSION: Our experiences, as well as the
      literature suggest the use of Graf's nomenclature for classification of DDH in
      the first year of life. If dynamic ultrasound (US) shows at least a partial
      relocation of a decentered hip in the first 6 weeks of life, splinting in human
      position is advocated. The treatment of a Graf type IV hip joint is very
      difficult and often need surgery. The established surgical procedures in the
      literature are still up to date. Radiological follow-up of the affected as well
      as the unaffected side until the end of the growth phase is mandatory due to the
      risk of residual dysplasia.

PMID- 25116242
TI  - [Epiphyseolysis of the femoral head: new aspects of diagnostics and therapy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is the most common hip
      disease in adolescents and is always surgically treated with the aim to avoid
      further slippage and to reduce the risk of degenerative arthritis at young age.
      OBJECTIVES: A summary of the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features,
      radiographic imaging and current therapy concepts is given. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      A selective review of the literature was performed. RESULTS: With an increasing
      body mass index in adolescents the incidence of SCFE also increases. The
      diagnostic routine is comprised of a clinical examination with the evaluation of
      Drehmann's sign and a radiographic evaluation including anterior-posterior aspect
      and frog's legs view. In situ stabilization with a single screw is the standard
      treatment for the most prevalent mild or moderate stable slippages. In cases of
      acute slippage a gentle reduction maneuver may be attempted. Hardware removal
      must not be performed before epiphyseal closure. Common bilateral but not
      simultaneous occurrence of the disease requires prophylactic pinning of the
      unaffected side by default, at least in central Europe. Various surgical
      treatment options exist to reduce the femoroacetabular impingement caused by the
      slippage. CONCLUSIONS: Current treatment algorithms result in satisfactory long
      term outcomes. If the risk of developing degenerative arthritis after SCFE may be
      reduced even more with modern arthroscopic or open surgical procedures to restore
      the anatomic pre-slip conditions has to be confirmed through further long-term
      studies. The implementation of programs to prevent obesity in adolescents may
      also reduce the incidence of SCFE.

PMID- 25116243
TI  - [Aseptic osteonecrosis in children and adolescents].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aseptic osteonecrosis (AO) in children and adolescents has been
      described in all parts of the skeleton. The disease is presumed to be caused by
      local blood circulation disorders, the reasons for which are multifactorial and
      occur more often in times of stronger growth intensity. DISEASE SEQUELAE: The
      disease leads to bone catabolism which can affect the epiphyses, metaphyses,
      apophyses, carpal and tarsal bones of the hands and feet. The more stretched the
      form alteration of the bone at the end of the diseases is, the earlier arthritic
      alterations occur due to the incongruence of the corresponding joint partner. If
      a growth plate is affected, a growth disorder can be the result. DIAGNOSTICS AND
      THERAPY: The diagnostics and therapeutic measures are oriented to the site and
      extent of the disease and the age of the child. For early forms of AO magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging method of choice. In recent years the
      medicinal therapy of AO has been described as an additional option. The disease
      lasts at least several months up to years and more commonly affects boys than
      girls with the exception of necrosis of the foot tarsals. CONCLUSION: The early
      diagnosis and immediate initiation of adequate therapy which must take the age
      and stage of the disease into consideration, can reduce a possible joint
      destruction. Prostaglandin therapy, as an off label use, leads to a reduction of
      pain and improvement in mobility.

PMID- 25116239
TI  - Whole-genome sequencing of individuals from a founder population identifies
      candidate genes for asthma.
AB  - Asthma is a complex genetic disease caused by a combination of genetic and
      environmental risk factors. We sought to test classes of genetic variants largely
      missed by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), including copy number variants
      (CNVs) and low-frequency variants, by performing whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on
      16 individuals from asthma-enriched and asthma-depleted families. The samples
      were obtained from an extended 13-generation Hutterite pedigree with reduced
      genetic heterogeneity due to a small founding gene pool and reduced environmental
      heterogeneity as a result of a communal lifestyle. We sequenced each individual
      to an average depth of 13-fold, generated a comprehensive catalog of genetic
      variants, and tested the most severe mutations for association with asthma. We
      identified and validated 1960 CNVs, 19 nonsense or splice-site single nucleotide
      variants (SNVs), and 18 insertions or deletions that were out of frame. As follow
      up, we performed targeted sequencing of 16 genes in 837 cases and 540 controls of
      Puerto Rican ancestry and found that controls carry a significantly higher burden
      of mutations in IL27RA (2.0% of controls; 0.23% of cases; nominal p = 0.004;
      Bonferroni p = 0.21). We also genotyped 593 CNVs in 1199 Hutterite individuals.
      We identified a nominally significant association (p = 0.03; Odds ratio (OR) =
      3.13) between a 6 kbp deletion in an intron of NEDD4L and increased risk of
      asthma. We genotyped this deletion in an additional 4787 non-Hutterite
      individuals (nominal p = 0.056; OR = 1.69). NEDD4L is expressed in bronchial
      epithelial cells, and conditional knockout of this gene in the lung in mice leads
      to severe inflammation and mucus accumulation. Our study represents one of the
      early instances of applying WGS to complex disease with a large environmental
      component and demonstrates how WGS can identify risk variants, including CNVs and
      low-frequency variants, largely untested in GWAS.

PMID- 25116244
TI  - [Chronic knee pain in children and adolescents: review of anatomical and overload
      related knee pain].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knee pain in children and adolescents is a common reason for
      presentation in pediatric orthopedic consultation. The causes are manifold and
      require a thorough patient history, detailed physical examination and extensive
      diagnostics. DIAGNOSTICS: Chronic knee pain in children and adolescents is a
      diagnosis by exclusion. An extensive patient history including training habits,
      pain localization and clinical examination provide indications vital for the
      diagnosis. Overuse is often the trigger. In dynamic investigations consideration
      should be given to muscle imbalance. Imaging techniques have a high sensitivity
      and specificity only in combination with the anamnesis and clinical findings.
      THERAPY: With pain therapy, targeted physiotherapy, a break in active sport or
      training modifications, the prognosis is good for overload syndromes. An
      operative therapy after unsuccessful conservative therapy is necessary in only a
      few cases. Among the anatomy-related types of knee pain primary popliteal cysts
      mostly require no therapy and for plica syndrome arthroscopic resection should
      only be necessary if conservative treatment is unsuccessful. Operative therapy is
      necessary for symptomatic discoid meniscus.

PMID- 25116245
TI  - [Osteogenesis imperfecta].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is the most common genetic disease of
      bone and is characterized by fragile bones and growth disorders of varying
      severity. Most cases of OI are inherited autosomal dominant and caused by a
      mutation in the collagen type I gene. DIAGNOSTICS: Indications for OI are bone
      fragility, stunted growth, scoliosis, skull deformities, blue sclera, loss of
      hearing, dentinogenesis imperfecta and increased laxity of ligaments and skin. In
      most cases it is possible to make a clinical diagnosis but a skin biopsy or
      genetic testing can be useful; however, negative results for these tests do not
      exclude OI. THERAPY: Therapy must be carried out in a multidisciplinary team and
      includes conservative (e.g. physiotherapy, rehabilitation programs and orthopedic
      aids), operative (e.g. intramedullary stabilization procedures) and
      pharmaceutical (e.g. biphosphonates and growth hormones) procedures. PROGNOSIS:
      The prognosis depends on the type of OI and ranges from normal life expectations
      for type 1 patients up to up to perinatal mortality for type II patients.

PMID- 25116246
TI  - [Differences between short stem prostheses].
AB  - The short stem designs currently available are significantly different and can be
      differentiated into neck containing, partial containing and neck resection
      designs. In this article, the differences in the design features are presented.
      These include the differences in the technique of implantation, the significant
      differences in the reproducibility of the given anatomy of the patient and also
      concerning their osteologic competence. 

PMID- 25116247
TI  - [Thromboprophylaxis and platelet aggregation inhibitors in spinal surgery:
      perioperative management].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The perioperative use of anticoagulants (AC) and platelet aggregation
      inhibitors (PAI) in the field of spinal surgery suggests an increased rate of
      epidural bleeding. However, evidence is lacking and these medications are most
      often indispensable in the prevention of thromboembolic complications.
      Comprehensive recommendations for the correct use of AC and PAI are lacking.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was an analysis of the current situation with
      regards to the use of AC and PAI in spinal surgery and development of new
      recommendations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two independent surveys on the
      perioperative use of AC and PAI were obtained from centers for spinal surgery in
      Germany. The study obtained information on the perioperative use of AC and PAI,
      risk assessment of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events as well as on the type
      and extent of the substance groups used. RESULTS: Almost the entire patient
      collective (98%) received perioperative low molecular weight heparin. In 64% the
      medical prophylaxis was started before surgery and in 36% after surgery. The
      period of prophylaxis was determined arbitrarily. Approximately 40% of
      interviewees employed paravertebral infiltration and 19% injected into the
      epidural space in patients on PAI medication. Open spinal canal surgery was
      performed in 30% of PAI medicated patients and closed spinal canal surgery was
      executed in 40%. The risk assessment of PAI differed significantly between
      aspirin and receptor blocker medication as well as dual administration of PAI.
      DISCUSSION: The use of AC and PAI in spinal surgery in Germany is very
      heterogeneous and large deviations from the guidelines frequently occurred.
      Therefore, there is a strong need for further studies to accurately assess the
      perioperative use of AC and PAI and to formulate precise recommendations.

PMID- 25116248
TI  - Expectancy effects during response selection modulate attentional selection and
      inhibitory control networks.
AB  - Choosing the correct response from a subset of alternatives is a fundamental
      problem and particularly demanding where conflicting response tendencies are
      evident. One phenomenon in this context is the congruency sequence-(Gratton
      effect), for which different theoretical explanations have been put forward. A
      critical aspect that differs between these explanations is the expectancy of what
      will happen in forthcoming trials. In the current study we examine the relevance
      of expectancy for sequence congruency effects and related neurophysiological
      processes using a flanker task in which we manipulate the probability that the
      n+1 trial presents the same stimulus-response mapping than the n trial. We ask
      what cognitive subprocesses involved in response selection may be modulated by
      expectancy effects. To distinguish different subprocesses probably modulated by
      expectancy effects we use event-related potentials (ERPs) in combination with
      source localization techniques. The data show that cognitive subprocesses
      modulated by expectancy depend on the nature of expected transitions between
      succeeding trials. Expectancy effects only affected trial transitions within the
      same category (i.e., 'compatible-compatible' and 'incompatible-incompatible'),
      but not between compatibility categories (i.e., 'compatible-incompatible' and
      'incompatible-compatible'). On compatible trial transitions attentional selection
      processes operating via the precuneus mediated expectancy effects, while on
      incompatible trial transitions inhibitory processes were modulated that were
      mediated via the medial and middle frontal gyrus, the orbitofrontal cortex, the
      insular and the parahippocampal gyrus. Conflict monitoring processes per se were
      not modulated by expectancy effects. The data shows that there are different
      subprocesses underlying the influence of expectancy on sequence effects during
      response selection. 

PMID- 25116250
TI  - Genetic variability in the human cannabinoid receptor 1 is associated with
      resting state EEG theta power in humans.
AB  - It has long been postulated that exogenous cannabinoids have a profound effect on
      human cognitive functioning. These cannabinoid effects are thought to depend, at
      least in parts, on alterations of phase-locking of local field potential neuronal
      firing. The latter can be measured as activity in the theta frequency band (4
      7Hz) by electroencephalogram. Theta oscillations are supposed to serve as a
      mechanism in neural representations of behaviorally relevant information.
      However, it remains unknown whether variability in endogenous cannabinoid
      activity is involved in theta rhythms and therefore, may serve as an individual
      differences index of human cognitive functioning. To clarify this issue, we
      recorded resting state EEG activity in 164 healthy human subjects and extracted
      EEG power across frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta). To assess
      variability in the endocannabinoid system, two genetic polymorphisms (rs1049353,
      rs2180619) within the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) were determined in all
      participants. As expected, we observed significant effects of rs1049353 on EEG
      power in the theta band at frontal, central and parietal electrode regions.
      Crucially, these effects were specific for the theta band, with no effects on
      activity in the other frequency bands. Rs2180619 showed no significant
      associations with theta power after Bonferroni correction. Taken together, we
      provide novel evidence in humans showing that genetic variability in the
      cannabinoid receptor 1 is associated with resting state EEG power in the theta
      frequency band. This extends prior findings of exogenous cannabinoid effects on
      theta power to the endogenous cannabinoid system. 

PMID- 25116249
TI  - Deletion of KCC3 in parvalbumin neurons leads to locomotor deficit in a
      conditional mouse model of peripheral neuropathy associated with agenesis of the
      corpus callosum.
AB  - Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy associated with agenesis of the corpus
      callosum (HMSN/ACC or ACCPN) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by the
      disruption of the SLC12A6 gene, which encodes the K-Cl cotransporter-3 (KCC3). A
      ubiquitous deletion of KCC3 in mice leads to severe locomotor deficits similar to
      ACCPN patients. However, the underlying pathological mechanism leading to the
      disease remains unclear. Even though a recent study suggests that the neuropathic
      features of ACCPN are mostly due to neuronal loss of KCC3, the specific cell type
      responsible for the disease is still unknown. Here we established four tissue
      specific KCC3 knockout mouse lines to explore the cell population origin of
      ACCPN. Our results showed that the loss of KCC3 in parvalbumin-positive neurons
      led to significant locomotor deficit, suggesting a crucial role of these neurons
      in the development of the locomotor deficit. Interestingly, mice in which KCC3
      deletion was driven by the neuron-specific enolase (NSE) did not develop any
      phenotype. Furthermore, we demonstrated that nociceptive neurons targeted with
      Nav1.8-driven CRE and Schwann cells targeted with a desert hedgehog-driven CRE
      were not involved in the development of ACCPN. Together, these results establish
      that the parvalbumin-positive neuronal population is an important player in the
      pathogenic development of ACCPN. 

PMID- 25116251
TI  - Neuropeptide AF induces anxiety-like and antidepressant-like behavior in mice.
AB  - Little is known about the action of neuropeptide AF (NPAF) on anxiety and
      depression. Only our previous study provides evidence that NPAF induces anxiety
      like behavior in rats. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate
      the action of NPAF on depression-like behavior and the underlying
      neurotransmissions in mice. In order to determine whether there are species
      differences between rats and mice, we have investigated the action of NPAF on
      anxiety-like behavior in mice as well. A modified forced swimming test (mFST) and
      an elevated plus maze test (EPMT) were used to investigate the depression and
      anxiety-related behaviors, respectively. Mice were treated with NPAF 30min prior
      to the tests. In the mFST, the animals were pretreated with a non-selective
      muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, atropine, a non-selective 5-HT2
      serotonergic receptor antagonist, cyproheptadine, a mixed 5-HT1/5-HT2
      serotonergic receptor antagonist, methysergide, a D2/D3/D4 dopamine receptor
      antagonist, haloperidol, a alpha1/alpha2beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist,
      prazosin or a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, propranolol
      30min before the NPAF administration. In the mFST, NPAF decreased the immobility
      time and increased the climbing and swimming times. This action was reversed
      completely by methysergide and partially by atropine, whereas cyproheptadine,
      haloperidol, prazosin and propranolol were ineffective. In the EPMT, NPAF
      decreased the time spent in the arms (open/open+closed). Our results demonstrate
      that NPAF induces anti-depressant-like behavior in mice, which is mediated, at
      least in part, through 5HT2-serotonergic and muscarinic cholinergic
      neurotransmissions. In addition, the NPAF-induced anxiety is species-independent,
      since it develops also in mice. 

PMID- 25116252
TI  - Gait analysis and the cumulative gait index (CGI): Translational tools to assess
      impairments exhibited by rats with olivocerebellar ataxia.
AB  - Deviations from 'normal' locomotion exhibited by humans and laboratory animals
      may be determined using automated systems that capture both temporal and spatial
      gait parameters. Although many measures generated by these systems are unrelated
      and independent, some may be related and dependent, representing redundant
      assessments of function. To investigate this possibility, a treadmill-based
      system was used to capture gait parameters from normal and ataxic rats, and a
      multivariate analysis was conducted to determine deviations from normal. Rats
      were trained on the treadmill at two speeds, and gait parameters were generated
      prior to and following lesions of the olivocerebellar pathway. Control (non
      lesioned) animals exhibited stable hindlimb gait parameters across assessments at
      each speed. Lesioned animals exhibited alterations in multiple hindlimb gait
      parameters, characterized by significant increases in stride frequency, braking
      duration, stance width, step angle, and paw angle and decreases in stride,
      stance, swing and propulsion durations, stride length and paw area. A principal
      component analysis of initial hindlimb measures indicated three uncorrelated
      factors mediating performance, termed Rhythmicity, Thrust and Contact. Deviation
      in the performance of each animal from the group mean was determined for each
      factor and values summed to yield the cumulative gait index (CGI), a single value
      reflecting variation within the group. The CGI for lesioned animals increased 2.3
      fold relative to unlesioned animals. This study characterizes gait alterations in
      laboratory rats rendered ataxic by destruction of the climbing fiber pathway
      innervating Purkinje cells and demonstrates that a single index can be used to
      describe overall gait impairments. 

PMID- 25116253
TI  - Periaqueductal gray MU and kappa opioid receptors determine behavioral selection
      from maternal to predatory behavior in lactating rats.
AB  - Every mother must optimize her time between caring for her young and her
      subsistence. The rostro lateral portion of the periaqueductal grey (rlPAG) is a
      critical site that modulates the switch between maternal and predatory behavior.
      Opioids play multiple roles in both maternal behavior and this switching process.
      The present study used a pharmacological approach to evaluate the functional role
      of rlPAG MU and kappa opioid receptors in behavioral selection. Rat dams were
      implanted with a guide cannula in the rlPAG and divided into three experiments in
      which we tested the role of opioid agonists (Experiment 1), the influence of MU
      and kappa opioid receptor blockade in the presence of morphine (Experiment 2),
      and the influence of MU and kappa opioid receptor blockade (Experiment 3). After
      behavioral test, in Experiment 4, we evaluated rlPAG MU and kappa receptor
      activation in all Experiments 1-3. The results showed that massive opioidergic
      activation induced by morphine in the rlPAG inhibited maternal behavior without
      interfering with predatory hunting. No behavioral changes and no receptor
      activation were promoted by the specific agonist alone. However, kappa receptor
      blockade increased hunting behavior and increased the level of MU receptor
      activation in the rlPAG. Thus, endogenous opioidergic tone might be modulated by
      a functional interaction between opioid receptor subtypes. Such a compensatory
      receptor interaction appears to be relevant for behavioral selection among
      motivated behaviors. These findings indicate a role for multiple opioid receptor
      interactions in the modulation of behavioral selection between maternal and
      predatory behaviors in the PAG. 

PMID- 25116254
TI  - Re: 'The impact of chronic kidney disease on postoperative outcome following
      colorectal cancer surgery'.

PMID- 25116255
TI  - Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of 5-(morpholinosulfonyl)isatin Derivatives
      Incorporating a Thiazole Moiety.
AB  - This article describes the synthesis of novel 5-(morpholinosulfonyl)isatin
      derivatives having biologically active thiazole moiety were synthesized via 2
      synthetic routes. The first route involved interaction of 5-(morpholino-sulfonyl)
      isatin with aminothiazole derivatives to give the Schiff's base derivatives (2,
      3). The second route involved preparation of thiosemicarbazones (4-7) by
      treatment of 5-(morpholino- sulfonyl) isatin with thiosemicarbazides followed by
      cycloalkylation of the products with halogenated compounds to give the thiazole
      derivatives (8-19). Most of the synthesized compounds were screened against Gram
      (+), Gram (-) bacterial and fungi. The best gram positive activity was displayed
      by compounds 1, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18 and the best gram negative bacteria was
      showed by compounds 1, 12, 13, 15, and 19, whereas compounds 1, 12, 13, 15, and
      19 exhibited the best antifungal activity. 

PMID- 25116256
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of some substituted 3, 4-dihydronaphthalene
      derivatives through different enaminones as potent cytotoxic agents.
AB  - A new series of novel substituted 3,4-dihydronaphthalene incorporated to
      benzo[h]quinoline, benzo[g]indazole, thiazolidin-4-one, pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazol
      and thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridine ring systems were synthesized and evaluated for their
      cytotoxicity against selected human cancer cell lines. Some of the tested
      compounds exhibited promising carcinoma growth inhibition. The detailed
      synthesis, spectroscopic data and biological activities of the tested compounds
      were reported. 

PMID- 25116257
TI  - Comparison of paper- and web-based dietary records: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Paper-based dietary records (Paper-DR) can be replaced by web
      based dietary records (Web-DR) in both epidemiological studies and clinical
      practice to reduce the time and logistic burden. We aimed to compare Paper-DR and
      Web-DR. METHODS: We compared the matching of different food items (n = 1,103)
      from Paper-DR and Web-DR for energy and 48 nutrients among 16 pregnant
      volunteers, with DR for the same individuals matched for the same 4 days. Paper
      DR were coded into the web-based version (referred to as Paper-Web-DR)
      independently by the same research dietitian. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test
      comparing mean rank differences, Spearman's rho to measure associations and Bland
      Altman limits of agreement to evaluate the level of agreement between the two
      dietary methods across the range of parameters were used. Volunteers also
      completed an evaluation questionnaire regarding the user acceptability of Paper
      DR and Web-DR. RESULTS: A high correlation between Paper-DR and Web-DR was noted.
      There were statistically insignificant differences among 45 nutrients, except for
      free sugars (p < 0.001), alpha-linolenic acid (p = 0.041), folate (p = 0.036) and
      pantothenic acid (p = 0.023). Volunteers found the Paper-DR equally time
      consuming as the Web-DR. The majority of the volunteers (75%) preferred the Web
      DR. CONCLUSIONS: Paper-DR and Web-DR were comparable across a range of
      nutritional parameters, with a few exceptions. The Web-DR was more convenient for
      the majority and has substantial logistic and cost advantages.

PMID- 25116258
TI  - Gene expression profiling analysis of locus coeruleus in idiopathic Parkinson's
      disease by bioinformatics.
AB  - This study aimed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of idiopathic
      Parkinson's disease (IPD) by bioinformatics analysis. Gene expression profile
      GSE34516 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Eight locus coeruleus
      post-mortem tissue samples derived from four IPD patients and four neurological
      healthy controls were used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs)
      by paired t test. Based on the DEGs, principal components were analyzed. The Gene
      Ontology functional and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis
      of the genome microarray data were then performed. Finally, protein-protein
      interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed. Total 261 DEGs including
      195 up-regulated and 66 down-regulated DEGs were identified. Intracellular
      protein transport and RNA splicing via transesterification reactions were
      selected as the most two significantly enriched functions. Mismatch repair, N
      glycan biosynthesis, spliceosome and nucleotide excision repair were the
      significantly enriched pathways. In the PPI network, CTSS, CD53, IGSF6, PTPRC and
      LAPTM5 were the hub nodes. Intracellular protein transport and RNA splicing via
      transesterification reactions were closely associated with IPD. The DEGs, such as
      CX3CR1, SLC5A7, CD53 and PTPRC may be the potential targets for IPD diagnosis and
      treatment. 

PMID- 25116259
TI  - Taste impairment in Miller Fisher syndrome.

PMID- 25116260
TI  - Familiar Mediterranean fever and multiple sclerosis: an unreported association in
      the Italian population?

PMID- 25116262
TI  - PRIMO: Precise radiofrequency inference from multiple observations.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper presents Precise Radiofrequency Inference from Multiple
      Observations (PRIMO), a comprehensive reconstruction framework for calibrating
      MRI systems with parallel transmit and parallel receive radiofrequency
      capabilities. THEORY AND METHODS: To date, the vast majority of radiofrequency
      (RF) calibration methods have considered transmit and receive calibration
      separately, without acknowledging that transmit field calibration sequences
      measure sufficient data for receive calibration. PRIMO provides a method of
      extracting both transmit and receive fields from transmit calibration data
      without presuming knowledge of either. The method is tested for accuracy through
      simulation, comparison to a gold standard dataset, and is demonstrated on in-vivo
      data acquired at 3T. RESULTS: PRIMO is shown to produce RF fields faithful to the
      gold standard with errors of less than 3% in realistic noise conditions. The in
      vivo reconstructions demonstrate the method's ability to produce high quality
      transmit and receive maps, with an 8 transmit/8 receive channel system being
      fully calibrated in three dimensions in approximately 2 minutes. CONCLUSION:
      PRIMO provides a unified framework for estimating all transmit and receive fields
      in a single calibration step. This is becoming increasingly relevant in an era of
      MRI systems with highly parallel RF architectures.

PMID- 25116264
TI  - Oxidation of reduced sulfur species: carbon disulfide.
AB  - A detailed chemical kinetic model for oxidation of CS2 has been developed, on the
      basis of ab initio calculations for key reactions, including CS2 + O2 and CS +
      O2, and data from literature. The mechanism has been evaluated against
      experimental results from static reactors, flow reactors, and shock tubes. The
      CS2 + O2 reaction forms OCS + SO, with the lowest energy path involving crossing
      from the triplet to the singlet surface. For CS + O2, which yields OCS + O, we
      found a high barrier to reaction, causing this step to be important only at
      elevated temperatures. The model predicts low temperature ignition delays and
      explosion limits accurately, whereas at higher temperatures it appears to
      overpredict both the induction time for CS2 oxidation and the formation rate of
      [O] upon ignition. The predictive capability of the model depends on the accuracy
      of the rate constant for the initiation step CS2 + O2, which is difficult to
      calculate due to the intersystem crossing, and the branching fraction for CS2 +
      O, which is measured only at low temperatures. The governing reaction mechanisms
      are outlined on the basis of calculations with the kinetic model. 

PMID- 25116261
TI  - The tumor-educated-macrophage increase of malignancy of human pancreatic cancer
      is prevented by zoledronic acid.
AB  - We previously defined macrophages harvested from the peritoneal cavity of nude
      mice with subcutaneous human pancreatic tumors as "tumor-educated-macrophages"
      (Edu) and macrophages harvested from mice without tumors as "naive-macrophages"
      (Naive), and demonstrated that Edu-macrophages promoted tumor growth and
      metastasis. In this study, Edu- and Naive-macrophages were compared for their
      ability to enhance pancreatic cancer malignancy at the cellular level in vitro
      and in vivo. The inhibitory efficacy of Zoledronic acid (ZA) on Edu-macrophage
      enhanced metastasis was also determined. XPA1 human pancreatic cancer cells in
      Gelfoam co-cultured with Edu-macrophages proliferated to a greater extent
      compared to XPA1 cells cultured with Naive-macrophages (P = 0.014). XPA1 cells
      exposed to conditioned medium harvested from Edu culture significantly increased
      proliferation (P = 0.016) and had more migration stimulation capability (P<0.001)
      compared to cultured cancer cells treated with the conditioned medium from Naive.
      The mitotic index of the XPA1 cells, expressing GFP in the nucleus and RFP in the
      cytoplasm, significantly increased in vivo in the presence of Edu- compared to
      Naive-macrophages (P = 0.001). Zoledronic acid (ZA) killed both Edu and Naive in
      vitro. Edu promoted tumor growth and metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model of
      the XPA1 human pancreatic cancer cell line. ZA reduced primary tumor growth (P =
      0.006) and prevented metastasis (P = 0.025) promoted by Edu-macrophages. These
      results indicate that ZA inhibits enhanced primary tumor growth and metastasis of
      human pancreatic cancer induced by Edu-macrophages.

PMID- 25116266
TI  - First total synthesis of antihypertensive natural products S-(+)-XJP and R-(-)
      XJP.
AB  - The first asymmetric total synthesis of antihypertensive natural products S-(+)
      XJP and R-(-)-XJP has been achieved in 8 steps starting from commercially
      available 6-bromo-2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde. Key steps included
      intramolecular Heck reaction and oxidative ozonolysis reaction with the retention
      of stereochemistry. A latent functionality strategy was implemented to circumvent
      the racemization in this endeavor. The protocol described here provided a fast
      and easily accessible synthetic method to obtain optically pure isochroman-4-one
      derivatives. Furthermore, the in vivo antihypertensive effects of (+/-)-XJP, S
      (+)-XJP and R-(-)-XJP were investigated on spontaneously hypertensive rats. The
      obtained results could provide valuable information to identify a promising lead
      for further chemical modification research. 

PMID- 25116265
TI  - Frequent words do not break continuous flash suppression differently from
      infrequent or nonexistent words: implications for semantic processing of words in
      the absence of awareness.
AB  - Continuous flash suppression (CFS) has been used as a paradigm to probe the
      extent to which word stimuli are processed in the absence of awareness. In the
      two experiments reported here, no evidence is obtained that word stimuli are
      processed up to the semantic level when suppressed through CFS. In Experiment 1,
      word stimuli did not break suppression faster than their pseudo-word variants nor
      was suppression time modulated by word frequency. Experiment 2 replicated these
      findings, but more critically showed that differential effects can be obtained
      with this paradigm using a simpler stimulus. In addition, pixel density of the
      stimuli did prove to be related to suppression time in both experiments,
      indicating that the paradigm is sensitive to differences in detectability. A
      third and final experiment replicated the well-known face inversion effect using
      the same set-up as Experiments 1 and 2, thereby demonstrating that the employed
      methodology can capture more high-level effects as well. These results are
      discussed in the context of previous evidence on unconscious semantic processing
      and two potential explanations are advanced. Specifically, it is argued that CFS
      might act at a level too low in the visual system for high-level effects to be
      observed or that the widely used breaking CFS paradigm is merely ill-suited to
      capture effects in the context of words. 

PMID- 25116267
TI  - Electronic structure study of Ce1-xAxO2 (A = Zr & Hf) nanoparticles: NEXAFS and
      EXAFS investigations.
AB  - Single phase nanoparticles (NPs) of CeO2, Ce0.5Zr0.5O2, Ce0.5Hf0.5O2 and
      Ce0.5Hf0.25Zr0.25O2 were successfully synthesized by co-precipitation method at
      constant pH and temperature. The X-ray diffraction results revealed that the
      additive atoms did not segregate to form secondary phases but led to grain size
      variation in the NPs. The 10 Dq values in the near edge X-ray absorption fine
      structure (NEXAFS) spectra at the O K-edge did not vary in the same way as the
      average grain size was changed for the doped CeO2 NPs. The deconvolution of Ce M5
      edge and detailed analysis of O K pre-edge peak have shown the higher
      Ce(+3)/(Ce(+3) + Ce(+4)) ratio in the Zr- and Hf-doped samples. The local atomic
      structure around the Ce, Zr and Hf atoms was investigated using extended X-ray
      absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy at Ce K-edge, Zr K-edge and Hf L3
      edge, respectively, and the EXAFS data were fitted with the theoretical
      calculations. The 4f occupancy, Ce(+3)/(Ce(+3) + Ce(+4)) ratio of Ce ions,
      coordination number of Ce and Ce-Ce/Ce-O bond distances were sensitive to the
      additive atoms but not explicitly changed according to the grain size variation
      in the NPs. 

PMID- 25116268
TI  - Tranexamic acid use and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing total hip
      or knee arthroplasty in the United States: retrospective analysis of
      effectiveness and safety.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness and safety of perioperative tranexamic
      acid use in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty in the United
      States. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study; multilevel multivariable logistic
      regression models measured the association between tranexamic acid use in the
      perioperative period and outcomes. SETTING: 510 US hospitals from the claims
      based Premier Perspective database for 2006-12. PARTICIPANTS: 872,416 patients
      who had total hip or knee arthroplasty. INTERVENTION: Perioperative intravenous
      tranexamic acid use by dose categories (none, <= 1000 mg, 2000 mg, and >= 3000
      mg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Allogeneic or autologous transfusion, thromboembolic
      complications (pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis), acute renal failure,
      and combined complications (thromboembolic complications, acute renal failure,
      cerebrovascular events, myocardial infarction, in-hospital mortality). RESULTS:
      While comparable regarding average age and comorbidity index, patients receiving
      tranexamic acid (versus those who did not) showed lower rates of allogeneic or
      autologous transfusion (7.7% v 20.1%), thromboembolic complications (0.6% v
      0.8%), acute renal failure (1.2% v 1.6%), and combined complications (1.9% v
      2.6%); all P<0.01. In the multilevel models, tranexamic acid dose categories
      (versus no tranexamic acid use) were associated with significantly (P<0.001)
      decreased odds for allogeneic or autologous blood transfusions (odds ratio 0.31
      to 0.38 by dose category) and no significantly increased risk for complications:
      thromboembolic complications (odds ratio 0.85 to 1.02), acute renal failure (0.70
      to 1.11), and combined complications (0.75 to 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Tranexamic acid
      was effective in reducing the need for blood transfusions while not increasing
      the risk of complications, including thromboembolic events and renal failure.
      Thus our data provide incremental evidence of the potential effectiveness and
      safety of tranexamic acid in patients requiring orthopedic surgery.

PMID- 25116269
TI  - Metastatic rhabdoid meningioma with BRAF V600E mutation and good response to
      personalized therapy: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Rhabdoid meningioma is an aggressive phenotype of meningioma, associated with a
      poor prognosis. We present a very rare case of high-grade meningioma with
      rhabdoid features that eventually expressed in a coma state. Comprehensive
      genomic profiling using a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) assay revealed three
      genomic alterations: activating BRAF mutation (V600E), loss of CDKN2A/2B, and APC
      I1307K. After treatment with BRAF inhibitor (dabrafenib), the child's clinical
      condition improved progressively. After seven months, an MEK inhibitor was added
      (trametinib). 

PMID- 25116270
TI  - Summary health statistics for u.s. Adults: national health interview survey,
      2004.
AB  - Objectives-This report presents health statistics from the 2004 National Health
      Interview Survey for the civilian noninstitutionalized adult population,
      classified by sex, age, race and Hispanic origin, education, family income,
      poverty status, health insurance coverage, marital status, place of residence,
      and region of residence for chronic condition prevalence, health status,
      functional limitations, health care access and utilization, health behaviors, and
      human immunodeficiency virus testing. Percentages and percent distributions are
      presented in both age-adjusted and unadjusted versions. Source of Data-The NHIS
      is a household, multistage probability sample survey conducted annually by
      interviewers of the U.S. Census Bureau for the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. In 2004, data were collected
      for 31,326 adults for the Sample Adult questionnaire. The conditional response
      rate was 83.8%, and the final response rate was 72.5%. The health information for
      adults in this report was obtained from one randomly selected adult per family.
      In very rare instances where the sample adult was not able to respond for him or
      herself, a proxy was allowed. Highlights-In 2004, 62% of adults 18 years of age
      or over reported excellent or very good health. Sixty-two percent of adults never
      participated in any type of vigorous leisure-time physical activity, and 15% of
      adults did not have a usual place of health care. Twelve percent of adults had
      been told by a doctor or health professional that they had heart disease, and 22%
      had been told on two or more visits that they had hypertension. Twenty-one
      percent of all adults were current smokers, and 21% were former smokers. Based on
      estimates of body mass index, 35% of adults were overweight and 24% were obese. 

PMID- 25116272
TI  - Quantification of the steric influence of alkylphosphine-sulfonate ligands on
      polymerization, leading to high-molecular-weight copolymers of ethylene and polar
      monomers.
AB  - A series of palladium/alkylphosphine-sulfonate catalysts were synthesized and
      examined in the homopolymerization of ethylene and the copolymerization of
      ethylene and polar monomers. Catalysts with alkylphosphine-sulfonate ligands
      containing sterically demanding alkyl substituents afforded (co)polymers whose
      molecular weight was increased by up to 2 orders of magnitude relative to
      polymers obtained from previously reported catalyst systems. The polymer
      molecular weight was found to be closely correlated to the Sterimol B5 parameter
      of the alkyl substituents in the alkylphosphine-sulfonate ligands. Thus, the use
      of bulky alkylphosphine-sulfonate ligands represents an effective and versatile
      method to prepare high-molecular-weight copolymers of ethylene and various polar
      monomers, which are difficult to obtain by previously reported methods. 

PMID- 25116271
TI  - IgA kappa/IgA lambda heavy/light chain assessment in the management of patients
      with IgA myeloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate quantification of immunoglobulin A (IgA) monoclonal
      immunoglobulins by serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) can be difficult and can
      impact the assessment of response among patients with multiple myeloma (MM).
      Therefore, there is a need to identify new assays that better reflect disease
      burden and response to treatment, and correlate with patient outcome. IgA
      Hevylite (HLC) measures IgA kappa and IgA lambda separately and provides precise
      quantitative measurements of the monoclonal IgA expression and polyclonal-isotype
      matched suppression. In the current study, the authors assessed the usefulness of
      these assays in the diagnosis of IgA MM and sought to comment on the prognostic
      value of the assays. METHODS: A study of 157 patients with IgA MM for whom
      diagnostic samples were available was performed. HLC measurements were performed
      on a nephelometer and the results were compared with those of electrophoresis.
      RESULTS: All presentation sera (100 IgA kappa specimens and 57 IgA lambda
      specimens) were found to have abnormal IgA HLC ratios (IgA kappa median ratio:
      336.2 [range, 8.2-7353] and IgA lambda ratio: 0.011 [range, 0.0003-0.45]). In
      comparison, SPEP bands were quantifiable in only 105 of 157 samples (67%)
      (median, 28.5 g/L [range, 2.2 g/L-98 g/L]). Of the total of 157 patients, 12
      patients (8%) presented with oligosecretory myeloma (<10 g/L; including 4
      patients with nonquantifiable SPEP bands). HLC uniquely allows for the
      measurement of isotype paired suppression, which was found to be associated with
      shortened overall survival in the current study. CONCLUSIONS: In the current
      study, IgA HLC ratios were found to be abnormal in all patients and the assay was
      able to produce quantifiable results in more MM sera than either SPEP or total
      IgA, potentially representing a solution to the issue of comigration and
      oligosecretory MM. These preliminary data require confirmation in larger
      prospective trials to validate the usefulness of IgA HLC.

PMID- 25116273
TI  - Modeling and simulation of count data.
AB  - Count data, or number of events per time interval, are discrete data arising from
      repeated time to event observations. Their mean count, or piecewise constant
      event rate, can be evaluated by discrete probability distributions from the
      Poisson model family. Clinical trial data characterization often involves
      population count analysis. This tutorial presents the basics and diagnostics of
      count modeling and simulation in the context of pharmacometrics. Consideration is
      given to overdispersion, underdispersion, autocorrelation, and inhomogeneity. 

PMID- 25116275
TI  - The psychological impact of infertility and fertility treatment on the male
      partner.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This paper reports the findings of two studies that examined factors
      predicting infertility distress in male partners within couples with an
      infertility diagnosis and where the couple was receiving fertility treatment.
      DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was implemented using a questionnaire battery
      (The questionnaire battery comprised an inventory of four different standardised
      questionnaires compiled together into one booklet) compiled from earlier theory
      building qualitative research conducted by the authors. METHODS: Infertility
      related distress was examined in relation to a number of psychosocial variables
      including relationship dynamics, self-esteem, current mental health and attitudes
      towards idealised masculinity. The questionnaire battery was completed by 167 men
      undergoing or consulting for fertility treatment. Participants were recruited
      through Irish fertility clinics (Study 1, n = 111) and through an online survey
      (Study 2, n = 55). RESULTS: Regression analyses identified four variables that
      predicted variance in infertility distress in both studies: 'Attitude towards
      idealised masculinity', 'Mental health', 'Relationship satisfaction' and 'Self
      esteem'. This finding was found to be robust having controlled for age, time
      since diagnosis, number of attempts at treatment and diagnostic category (male
      factor, female factor or mixed factor infertility). ConclusiON: Recommendations
      for fertility clinics and mental health professionals should be made in relation
      to managing infertility distress and supporting couples during fertility
      treatment.

PMID- 25116274
TI  - Interaction Between Domperidone and Ketoconazole: Toward Prediction of Consequent
      QTc Prolongation Using Purely In Vitro Information.
AB  - We aimed to investigate the application of combined mechanistic pharmacokinetic
      (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling and simulation in predicting the
      domperidone (DOM) triggered pseudo-electrocardiogram modification in the presence
      of a CYP3A inhibitor, ketoconazole (KETO), using in vitro-in vivo extrapolation.
      In vitro metabolic and inhibitory data were incorporated into physiologically
      based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models within Simcyp to simulate time course of
      plasma DOM and KETO concentrations when administered alone or in combination with
      KETO (DOM+KETO). Simulated DOM concentrations in plasma were used to predict
      changes in gender-specific QTcF (Fridericia correction) intervals within the
      Cardiac Safety Simulator platform taking into consideration DOM, KETO, and
      DOM+KETO triggered inhibition of multiple ionic currents in population.
      Combination of in vitro-in vivo extrapolation, PBPK, and systems pharmacology of
      electric currents in the heart was able to predict the direction and magnitude of
      PK and PD changes under coadministration of the two drugs although some
      disparities were detected. 

PMID- 25116276
TI  - The effect of diabetes mellitus on costs and length of stay in patients with
      peripheral arterial disease undergoing vascular surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) and other
      comorbidities on length of stay (LOS) and costs in patients with peripheral
      arterial disease (PAD) admitted to a vascular surgical unit. METHODS: A
      retrospective study was conducted between January 2011 and July 2012 at a
      tertiary referral hospital in Sydney. Demographic, laboratory, and operative data
      were obtained from the Australasian Vascular Audit database and hospital
      diagnostic-related group (DRG) reports. Patients with confirmed PAD with or
      without DM requiring hospital admission for a diagnosis of claudication, rest
      pain, ulcer/gangrene, and infection that required lower limb surgical
      intervention were included. Associations between LOS, surgical procedure, and DRG
      were explored. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty-eight admissions (492 patients)
      were identified: 292 admissions with PAD and 276 admissions with PAD in
      conjunction with DM (PADDM). Mean LOS for patients with PAD was 10 +/- 13.7 days
      compared with 15 +/- 18.2 days for PADDM (p < .01; 95% confidence interval 2.7
      8.0). LOS and costs were greatest in patients with PADDM undergoing major
      amputation (37 +/- 13.7 days; US$42,236; p < .01). Analysis of variance indicated
      that the best predictors of LOS were the presence of DM, bypass surgery,
      amputation, chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage V, infection, and emergency
      admission. Over 18 months, the estimated total inpatient costs associated with
      lower limb intervention for PAD with and without DM amounted to US$7,598,597.
      People with DM incurred greater inpatient costs, averaging US$1,912 more per
      episode of admission and a total of US$528,029 over 18 months. CONCLUSION: The
      impact of diabetes as a comorbid condition in patients with PAD is significant,
      both clinically and economically. Factors that predict increased LOS in patients
      with PAD are DM, bypass surgery, amputation, CKD stage V, infection, and
      emergency admission.

PMID- 25116277
TI  - Therapeutic effect of compression stockings versus no compression on isolated
      superficial vein thrombosis of the legs: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Leg compression is considered basic treatment for
      superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), although scientific proof for its efficacy is
      lacking. The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of
      compression stockings on isolated SVT of the legs. METHODS: This was a single
      center randomized controlled trial. Eighty patients with isolated SVT of the legs
      were instructed to wear compression stockings (23-32 mmHg) (CG) or no compression
      (NCG) for 3 weeks. All patients received low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at
      prophylactic dosage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were allowed.
      The primary outcome variable was the reduction of pain as assessed by a visual
      analog scale (VAS) and the Lowenberg test. Secondary outcomes were the
      consumption of analgesics, thrombus length, skin erythema, D-dimer, and quality
      of life (QoL). RESULTS: Seventy-three patients completed the study. Clinical
      symptoms and QoL significantly improved from baseline to day 21 in both groups (p
      < .001 for VAS, Lowenberg test, thrombus length, and erythema; p < .006 for QoL),
      and consumption of analgesics and D-dimer significantly decreased (p < .001).
      There was no significant difference between the groups for all tested variables.
      At day 7, patients in the CG revealed a significantly faster thrombus regression
      (p = .02). CONCLUSION: Adding compression stockings for 3 weeks to LMWH and
      NSAIDs does not bring significant additional benefit in the treatment of isolated
      SVT. When worn for 1 week, compression stockings stimulate significantly faster
      thrombus regression.

PMID- 25116278
TI  - Folic acid functionalized silver nanoparticles with sensitivity and selectivity
      colorimetric and fluorescent detection for Hg2+ and efficient catalysis.
AB  - In this research, folic acid functionalized silver nanoparticles (FA-AgNPs) were
      selected as a colorimetric and a 'turn on' fluorescent sensor for detecting
      Hg(2+). After being added into Hg(2+), AgNPs can emit stable fluorescence at 440
      nm when the excitation wavelength is selected at 275 nm. The absorbance and
      fluorescence of the FA-AgNPs could reflect the concentration of the Hg(2+) ions.
      Thus, we developed a simple, sensitive analytical method to detect Hg(2+) based
      on the colorimetric and fluorescence enhancement of FA-AgNPs. The sensor exhibits
      two linear response ranges between absorbance and fluorescence intensity with
      Hg(2+) concentration, respectively. Meanwhile, a detection limit of 1 nM is
      estimated based on the linear relationship between responses with a concentration
      of Hg(2+). The high specificity of Hg(2+) with FA-AgNPs interactions provided the
      excellent selectivity towards detecting Hg(2+) over other metal ions (Pb(2+),
      Mg(2+), Zn(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Co(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Cd(2+), Ba(2+),
      Cr(6+) and Cr(3+)). This will provide a simple, effective and multifunctional
      colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for on-site and real-time Hg(2+) ion
      detection. The proposed method can be applied to the analysis of trace Hg(2+) in
      lake water. Additionally, the FA-AgNPs can be used as efficient catalyst for the
      reduction of 4-nitrophenol and potassium hexacyanoferrate (III). 

PMID- 25116279
TI  - Benzothiazole derivatives augment glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells and
      stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells via AMPK activation.
AB  - Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been identified as
      one of the major targets for antidiabetic drugs. This study describes two AMPK
      activating agents 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylmethylthio)-6-ethoxybenzo[d]thiazole and
      2-(propylthio)benzo[d]thiazol-6-ol, that increase the rate of glucose uptake in
      L6 myotubes and also augment glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1E beta
      cells and rat islets. We believe that such unique bi-functional compounds can be
      further used for the development of a new class of antidiabetic drugs. 

PMID- 25116280
TI  - Recycling of carbon dioxide and acetate as lactic acid by the hydrogen-producing
      bacterium Thermotoga neapolitana.
AB  - The heterotrophic bacterium Thermotoga neapolitana produces hydrogen by
      fermentation of sugars. Under capnophilic (carbon dioxide requiring) conditions,
      the process is preferentially associated with the production of lactic acid,
      which, as shown herein, is synthesized by reductive carboxylation of acetyl
      coenzyme A. The enzymatic coupling is dependent on the carbon dioxide stimulated
      activity of heterotetrameric pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase. Under the same
      culture conditions, T. neapolitana also operates the unfavorable synthesis of
      lactic acid from an exogenous acetate supply. This process, which requires carbon
      dioxide (or carbonate) and an unknown electron donor, allows for the conversion
      of carbon dioxide into added-value chemicals without biomass deconstruction. 

PMID- 25116281
TI  - Fouling-tolerant nanofibrous polymer membranes for water treatment.
AB  - Nafion/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibrous membranes with
      electrostatically negative charges on the fiber surface were fabricated via
      electrospinning with superior water permeability and antifouling behaviors in
      comparison with the conventional microfiltration membranes. The fiber diameter
      and the resultant pore size in the nanofibrous membranes were easily controlled
      through tailoring the properties of the electrospinning solutions. The
      electrospun Nafion/PVDF nanofibrous membranes revealed high porosities (>80%) and
      high densities of sulfonate groups on the membrane surface, leading to
      praiseworthy water permeability. Unexpectedly, the water permeability was
      observed as proportional to the fiber diameter and pore size in the membrane. The
      presence of sulfonate groups on the membrane improved the antifouling performance
      against negatively charged oily foulants. 

PMID- 25116292
TI  - In vivo application of short-lag spatial coherence and harmonic spatial coherence
      imaging in fetal ultrasound.
AB  - Fetal scanning is one of the most common applications of ultrasound imaging and
      serves as a source of vital information about maternal and fetal health.
      Visualization of clinically relevant structures, however, can be severely
      compromised in difficult-to-image patients due to poor resolution and the
      presence of high levels of acoustical noise or clutter. We have developed novel
      coherence-based beamforming methods called Short-Lag Spatial Coherence (SLSC)
      imaging and Harmonic Spatial Coherence imaging (HSCI), and applied them to
      suppress the effects of clutter in fetal imaging. This method is used to create
      images of the spatial coherence of the backscattered ultrasound as opposed to
      images of echo magnitude. We present the results of a patient study to assess the
      benefits of coherence-based beamforming in the context of first trimester fetal
      exams. Matched fundamental B-mode, SLSC, harmonic B-mode, and HSCI images were
      generated using raw radio frequency data collected on 11 volunteers in the first
      trimester of pregnancy. The images were compared for qualitative differences in
      image texture and target conspicuity as well as using quantitative imaging
      metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and
      contrast. SLSC and HSCI showed statistically significant improvements across all
      imaging metrics compared with B-mode and harmonic B-mode, respectively. These
      improvements were greatest for poor quality B-mode images where contrast of
      anechoic targets was improved from 15 dB in fundamental B-mode to 27 dB in SLSC
      and 17 dB in harmonic B-mode to 30 dB in HSCI. CNR improved from 1.4 to 2.5 in
      the fundamental images and 1.4 to 3.1 in the harmonic case. These results exhibit
      the potential of coherence-based beamforming to improve image quality and target
      detectability, especially in high noise environments. 

PMID- 25116293
TI  - Two-dimensional ultrasound and ultrasound elastography imaging of trigger points
      in women with myofascial pain syndrome treated by acupuncture and
      electroacupuncture: a double-blinded randomized controlled pilot study.
AB  - Chronic pain has been often associated with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), which
      is determined by myofascial trigger points (MTrP). New features have been tested
      for MTrP diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate two-dimensional
      ultrasonography (2D US) and ultrasound elastography (UE) images and elastograms
      of upper trapezius MTrP during electroacupuncture (EA) and acupuncture (AC)
      treatment. 24 women participated, aged between 20 and 40 years (M +/- SD = 27.33
      +/- 5.05) with a body mass index ranging from 18.03 to 27.59 kg/m2 (22.59 +/-
      3.11), a regular menstrual cycle, at least one active MTrP at both right (RTPz)
      and left trapezius (LTPz) and local or referred pain for up to six months.
      Subjects were randomized into EA and AC treatment groups and the control sham AC
      (SHAM) group. Intensity of pain was assessed by visual analogue scale; MTrP mean
      area and strain ratio (SR) by 2D US and UE. A significant decrease of intensity
      in general, RTPz, and LTPz pain was observed in the EA group (p = 0.027; p <
      0.001; p = 0.005, respectively) and in general pain in the AC group (p < 0.001).
      Decreased MTrP area in RTPz and LTPz were observed in AC (p < 0.001) and EA
      groups (RTPz, p = 0.003; LTPz, p = 0.005). Post-treatment SR in RTPz and LTPz was
      lower than pre-treatment in both treatment groups. 2D US and UE effectively
      characterized MTrP and surrounding tissue, pointing to the possibility of
      objective confirmation of subjective EA and AC treatment effects. 

PMID- 25116295
TI  - Effect of partial bladder outlet obstruction and reversal on rabbit bladder
      physiology and biochemistry: duration of recovery period and severity of
      function.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To use a rabbit model of partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) to
      investigate the point at which obstructive bladder dysfunction becomes
      irreversible. METHODS: Partial BOO was induced in New Zealand White rabbits. It
      was then reversed and the rabbits were allowed to recover for 4, 8 or 12 weeks.
      Both at the time of reversal and at the end of the study, the rabbits were
      grouped according to bladder decompensation level (mild, intermediate or severe)
      based on bladder mass (weight). RESULTS: A strong correlation was observed
      between the production and distribution of collagen and the reduction of smooth
      muscle contractile function. We found that only in the bladders that were
      severely decompensated at the time of reversal did collagen levels not decrease.
      CONCLUSION: The data show that recovery of function after reversal of partial BOO
      is directly related primarily to collagen levels at the time of reversal.

PMID- 25116294
TI  - Quality of dying in the ICU: is it worse for patients admitted from the hospital
      ward compared to those admitted from the emergency department?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although most intensive care unit (ICU) admissions originate in the
      emergency department (ED), a substantial number of admissions arrive from
      hospital wards. Patients transferred from the hospital ward often share clinical
      characteristics with those admitted from the ED, but family expectations may
      differ. An understanding of the impact of ICU admission source on family
      perceptions of end-of-life care may help improve patient and family outcomes by
      identifying those at risk for poor outcomes. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a
      cohort study of patients with chronic illness and acute respiratory failure
      requiring mechanical ventilation who died after admission to an ICU in any of the
      14 participating hospitals in the Seattle-Tacoma area between 2003 and 2008 (n =
      1,500). MEASUREMENTS: Using regression models adjusted for hospital site and
      patient-, nurse- and family-level characteristics, we examined associations
      between ICU admission source (hospital ward vs. ED) and (1) family ratings of
      satisfaction with ICU care; (2) family and nurse ratings of quality of dying; (3)
      chart-based indicators of palliative care. MAIN RESULTS: Admission from the
      hospital ward was associated with lower family ratings of quality of dying [beta 
      0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.54, -0.26, p = 0.006] and satisfaction
      (total score beta -3.97, 95% CI -7.89, -0.05, p = 0.047; satisfaction with care
      domain score beta -5.40, 95% CI -9.44, -1.36, p = 0.009). Nurses did not report
      differences in quality of dying. Patients from hospital wards were less likely to
      have family conferences [odds ratio (OR) 0.68, 95% CI 0.52, 0.88, p = 0.004] or
      discussion of prognosis in the first 72 h after ICU admission (OR 0.72, 95% CI
      0.56, 0.91, p = 0.007) but were more likely to receive spiritual care (OR 1.48,
      95% CI 1.14, 1.93, p = 0.003) or have life support withdrawn (OR 1.38, 95% CI
      1.04, 1.82, p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Admission from the hospital ward is
      associated with family perceptions of a lower quality of dying and less
      satisfaction with ICU care. Differences in receipt of palliative care suggest
      that family of patients from the hospital ward receive less communication. Nurse
      ratings of quality of dying did not significantly differ by ICU admission source,
      suggesting dissimilarities between family and nurse perspectives. This study
      identifies a patient population at risk for poor quality palliative and end-of
      life care. Future studies are needed to identify interventions to improve care
      for patients who deteriorate on the wards following hospital admission.

PMID- 25116296
TI  - Asparagus, a love story: healthier eating could be just a false memory away.
AB  - In two experiments, involving 231 subjects, we planted the suggestion that
      subjects loved to eat asparagus as children. Relative to controls, subjects
      receiving the suggestion became more confident that they had loved asparagus the
      first time they tried it. These new (false) beliefs had consequences for those
      who formed them, including increased general liking of asparagus, greater desire
      to eat asparagus in a restaurant setting, and a willingness to pay more for
      asparagus in the grocery store. Ratings of photographs made after the suggestion
      reveal that the altered nutritional choices may relate to the fact that the sight
      of asparagus simply looks more appetizing and appealing. These results
      demonstrate that adults can be led to believe that they had a positive food
      related experience as children, and that these false beliefs can have healthy
      consequences. 

PMID- 25116297
TI  - A role for spatial and nonspatial working memory processes in visual search.
AB  - Searching a cluttered visual scene for a specific item of interest can take
      several seconds to perform if the target item is difficult to discriminate from
      surrounding items. Whether working memory processes are utilized to guide the
      path of attentional selection during such searches remains under debate. Previous
      studies have found evidence to support a role for spatial working memory in
      inefficient search, but the role of nonspatial working memory remains unclear.
      Here, we directly compared the role of spatial and nonspatial working memory for
      both an efficient and inefficient search task. In Experiment 1, we used a dual
      task paradigm to investigate the effect of performing visual search within the
      retention interval of a spatial working memory task. Importantly, by
      incorporating two working memory loads (low and high) we were able to make
      comparisons between dual-task conditions, rather than between dual-task and
      single-task conditions. This design allows any interference effects observed to
      be attributed to changes in memory load, rather than to nonspecific effects
      related to "dual-task" performance. We found that the efficiency of the
      inefficient search task declined as spatial memory load increased, but that the
      efficient search task remained efficient. These results suggest that spatial
      memory plays an important role in inefficient but not efficient search. In
      Experiment 2, participants performed the same visual search tasks within the
      retention interval of visually matched spatial and verbal working memory tasks.
      Critically, we found comparable dual-task interference between inefficient search
      and both the spatial and nonspatial working memory tasks, indicating that
      inefficient search recruits working memory processes common to both domains. 

PMID- 25116298
TI  - Does the central bottleneck encompass voluntary selection of hedonically based
      choices?
AB  - A large literature on multitasking bottlenecks suggests that people cannot
      generally make decisions or select responses in two different tasks at the same
      time. However, these tasks have all involved retrieving preinstructed responses,
      rather than spontaneously choosing actions based on anticipated hedonic
      consequences. To assess whether the same bottlenecks encompasses voluntary
      choices, a gambling decision was utilized as the second of two tasks in a
      psychological refractory period (PRP) design. Three decision-related factors were
      identified that affected latency of responding in the gambling task. All proved
      to be additive with stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA) in dual-task blocks. The
      results indicate that making a choice to try to optimize outcomes is subject to
      the same processing bottleneck as the retrieval of preinstructed responses that
      has been the mainstay of attention and performance research. 

PMID- 25116299
TI  - Stimulus-related inhibition of task set during task switching.
AB  - Performance after a shifting of task is supported by the inhibition of the
      executed task, as revealed by slower reaction times (RTs) on alternating compared
      to nonalternating task sequences (ABA vs. CBA). In the present study we
      investigated the role of stimulus processing in the establishment of task
      inhibition during task switching, irrespective of the response selection process.
      Comparing performance on AbA and CbA task sequences within a procedure in which
      the b-task only involved stimulus encoding processes for later comparison but
      response selection did not occur, we found slower RTs on AbA compared to CbA task
      sequences. This revealed that inhibition of the executed task can be triggered at
      the stimulus processing stage of the new task. In accordance, inhibition only
      emerged when interference between tasks occurred at the stimulus level, due to
      stimuli having features relevant for both the executed and the upcoming task.

PMID- 25116300
TI  - Seeing the forest before the trees depends on individual field-dependency
      characteristics.
AB  - Numerous studies have demonstrated that the well-known global precedence effect,
      characterized by a visual bias toward global information, is highly dependent on
      stimulus characteristics (Kimchi, 1992). Despite the extensive global-local
      literature, few studies have investigated how interindividual characteristics
      could affect the global precedence effect. In this framework, we studied the
      relationship between global-local visual biases and the Group Embedded Figure
      Test (GEFT), a standardized measure of field dependency. Data from 34
      participants were consistent with the idea that an individual's bias toward the
      global level is linearly related to his or her degree of field dependence. Given
      the important role that global-local visual skills play during visuospatial
      tasks, these results have important implications for future research in this
      area.

PMID- 25116301
TI  - A comparison of bilateral versus unilateral target and distractor presentation in
      the remote distractor paradigm.
AB  - The remote distractor effect (RDE) is a robust finding of an increase in saccade
      onset latencies (20-40 ms) when a distractor is presented simultaneously with a
      target, compared to when a target is presented on its own (Walker, Deubel,
      Schneider, & Findlay, 1997). Distractors presented at fixation produce the
      largest RDE and the effect decreases as distractors are moved into the periphery.
      Data from two experiments that contrast with these standard findings are
      reported. Under bilateral target presentation, larger RDE magnitudes occurred for
      peripheral than for central distractors, whereas under unilateral presentation,
      the pattern reversed. The findings are discussed with reference to discrimination
      processes, attentional factors and current models of oculomotor control. It is
      suggested that in bilateral target presentation the competition between the
      distractor and the target results in the programming of a saccade to the
      distractor, as well as a saccade to the target. Time taken to cancel the saccade
      to the distractor produces the increased saccade latency for peripheral
      distractors in that condition.

PMID- 25116302
TI  - Hindsight bias and the activation of counterfactual mind-sets.
AB  - Previous research has shown that conditional counterfactuals are positively
      related to the magnitude of creeping determinism. Unlike previous experiments
      which show this increased hindsight bias to occur after exceptional antecedents,
      we investigated another possible factor, namely a prior activation of a
      counterfactual mind-set. We investigated our prediction using a hypothetical
      scenario. Prior to reading the hindsight scenario some participants were asked to
      solve a scrambled-sentence test including conditional counterfactual sentences.
      Results of two experiments were consistent with our predictions: Participants
      that solved the scrambled-sentence test perceived the outcome to be more
      inevitable than participants in a no-outcome control condition and participants
      in a no-prime control condition. Furthermore, we found that this increase in
      creeping determinism was mediated by the perceived causal strength of the target
      antecedent for the occurrence of the outcome, and that the priming-effect did not
      occur when an unconditional counterfactual mind-set was activated before. The
      results are interpreted as supporting a causal-model theory of the hindsight
      bias. 

PMID- 25116303
TI  - Orthographic overlap and category size in unconscious category priming: comment
      on experiment 1c of Van den Bussche and Reynvoet (2007).
AB  - Van den Bussche and Reynvoet (2007, Experiment 1) report unconscious priming of
      comparable magnitude from novel words belonging to small and large categories,
      evidence that they interpret as demonstrating independence from category size of
      priming that involves semantic analysis. Three experiments raise the possibility
      that the findings in Experiment 1c of Van den Bussche and Reynvoet reflect
      subword processing, not semantic analysis. In Experiments 1 and 2, priming was
      obtained from primes and targets that shared approximately the same degree of
      subword features as in Experiment 1c of Van den Bussche and Reynvoet, but no
      priming occurred when sharing of features was minimized. Experiment 3
      demonstrated priming driven by subword features when those features were set in
      opposition to whole-word meaning. These results indicate that orthographic
      overlap must be considered a potentially important confound in findings that
      ostensibly support priming mediated by semantic analysis.

PMID- 25116304
TI  - Talking about health care: news framing of who is responsible for rising health
      care costs in the United States.
AB  - This content analysis examines how the American news media have presented the
      problem of high and rising health care costs, looking particularly at the
      question of who is responsible. More specifically, the authors examine how often
      the media have discussed the 5 major causes of the problem: (a) patients, (b)
      health care providers, (c) insurance companies, (d) the government, and (e)
      pharmaceutical companies. Results revealed that patients were most often
      mentioned as the cause of increasing health care costs. The authors also found
      that the media's attribution of responsibility to patients has increased over the
      years. Overall, media coverage of rising health care costs peaked in 1993, 2004,
      and 2009, suggesting that coverage was influenced by newsworthy events (e.g., the
      president endorsing legislation or signing a bill into law) that draw the
      public's attention. 

PMID- 25116305
TI  - Prehospital stroke care: limitations of current interventions and focus on new
      developments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The global burden of stroke is immense, both in medical and economic
      terms. With the aging population and the ongoing industrialization of the third
      world, stroke prevalence is expected to increase and will have a major effect on
      national health expenditures. Currently, the medical treatment for acute ischemic
      stroke is limited to intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV r
      tPA), but its time dependency leads to low utilization rates in routine clinical
      practice. Prehospital delay contributes significantly to delayed or missed
      treatment opportunities in acute stroke. State-of-the-art acute stroke care,
      starting in the prehospital phase, could thereby reduce the disease burden and
      its enormous financial costs. SUMMARY: The first part of this review focuses on
      current education measures for the general public, the emergency medical services
      (EMS) dispatchers and paramedics. Although much has been expected of these
      measures to improve stroke care, no major effects on prehospital delay or missed
      treatment opportunities have been demonstrated over the years. Most
      interventional studies showed little or no effect on the onset-to-door time, IV r
      tPA utilization rates or outcome, except for prenotification of the receiving
      hospital by the EMS. No data are currently available on the cost-effectiveness of
      these commonly used measures. In the second part, we discuss new developments for
      the improvement of prehospital stroke diagnosis and treatment which could open
      new perspectives in the nearby future. These include the implementation of
      prehospital telestroke and the deployment of mobile stroke units. These
      approaches may improve patient care and could serve as a platform for prehospital
      clinical trials. Other opportunities include the implementation of noninvasive
      diagnostics (like transcranial ultrasound and blood-borne biomarkers) and the
      reevaluation of neuroprotective strategies in the prehospital phase. Key
      Messages: Timely initiation of treatment can effectively reduce the medical and
      economic burden of stroke and should begin with optimal prehospital stroke care.
      For this, prehospital telemedicine is a particularly attractive approach because
      it is a scalable solution that has the potential to rapidly optimize acute stroke
      care at limited cost.

PMID- 25116307
TI  - The intricate interplay between RNA viruses and NF-kappaB.
AB  - RNA viruses have rapidly evolving genomes which often allow cross-species
      transmission and frequently generate new virus variants with altered pathogenic
      properties. Therefore infections by RNA viruses are a major threat to human
      health. The infected host cell detects trace amounts of viral RNA and the last
      years have revealed common principles in the biochemical mechanisms leading to
      signal amplification that is required for mounting of a powerful antiviral
      response. Components of the RNA sensing and signaling machinery such as RIG-I
      like proteins, MAVS and the inflammasome inducibly form large oligomers or even
      fibers that exhibit hallmarks of prions. Following a nucleation event triggered
      by detection of viral RNA, these energetically favorable and irreversible
      polymerization events trigger signaling cascades leading to the induction of
      antiviral and inflammatory responses, mediated by interferon and NF-kappaB
      pathways. Viruses have evolved sophisticated strategies to manipulate these host
      cell signaling pathways in order to ensure their replication. We will discuss at
      the examples of influenza and HTLV-1 viruses how a fascinating diversity of
      biochemical mechanisms is employed by viral proteins to control the NF-kappaB
      pathway at all levels.

PMID- 25116308
TI  - [The current legal status of human organ transplantation].
AB  - Advances in medical technology mean that organ donation operations hold the
      potential to significantly improve the health status of organ failure patients.
      Taiwan registers an average of 100~200 organ donors per year; however, cases
      awaiting organ transplant regularly number 8,000 annually. According to the Human
      Organ Transplant Act, health professionals are obliged to promote organ donation.
      This article introduces the Taiwan Human Organ Transplant Act and illustrates its
      implementation and relevant provisions in order to increase general awareness
      among healthcare professionals of the legal aspects of organ donation and
      transplantation. In addition, this paper cites two judicial decisions that
      highlight domestic judicial practice with regard to human organ transplantation.
      These include decisions on AIDS organ donation and the ruling not to establish an
      organ bank. Healthcare professionals must comprehend the legal requirements and
      current status of human organ transplantation in order to play a positive role in
      increasing organ donations in Taiwan. A win-win situation for healthcare
      provision and patients results when patient safety is the cornerstone of
      healthcare provider services. 

PMID- 25116309
TI  - [New life from the heart: assessment and management of heart transplant
      patients].
AB  - Patients who receive heart transplantation surgery following end-stage cardiac
      failure benefit from efforts to improve their post-surgical quality of life.
      Assessing and managing perioperative care play an important role in heart
      transplantation. Evaluations of donor and recipient should be conducted carefully
      and recommended candidates should by vetted by a qualified heart transplantation
      committee. The operative procedure is different from general cardiac surgery, and
      organ preservation is a key step in linking the donor to the recipient.
      Postoperative infection control and administration of immunosuppressive agents
      further affect the outcome of heart transplantation. Based on a review of
      articles and our clinical care experience, we focus on the assessment and the
      management of heart transplantation in this article. 

PMID- 25116310
TI  - [Current management and care issues in kidney transplant recipients].
AB  - Kidney transplantation is one strategy for treating end-stage renal disease.
      Recent advances in perioperative management and immunosuppressive agents as well
      as improved understanding of transplant immunology have improved the post-surgery
      quality of life of kidney recipients dramatically. However, lifelong monitoring
      of renal functions and potential complications is essential to ensure optimal
      medical outcomes. Furthermore, the self-care competency of transplant recipients
      is a significant factor affecting survival of the graft and the patient over the
      long term. All kidney transplant recipients should comply with the self-care
      instructions provided by transplantation medical personnel and work to improve
      their self-care abilities in order to prevent / detect post-transplant
      complications such as rejection, infection, and medical comorbidities as early as
      possible. The purpose of this study is to explore the current management and care
      issues faced by kidney transplant recipients. 

PMID- 25116311
TI  - [Factors associated with adherence to immunosuppressive therapy among transplant
      recipients].
AB  - Advancing medical technology has made organ transplantation an emerging surgical
      treatment option for organ failure. Patients who receive transplants must take
      immunosuppressive agents for the remainder of their life in order to maintain
      good graft function. Failure to take these agents may affect the function of the
      transplanted graft, reduce quality of life, and even cause death. Thus,
      encouraging patients to take immunosuppressive agents as directed is critical to
      minimizing the long-term medical burdens and social costs of organ
      transplantation. The purpose of this study is to explore the factors associated
      with adherence to immunosuppressive therapy among transplant recipients using the
      WHO adherence model. Findings are provided as a reference to health education and
      clinical care planners. 

PMID- 25116306
TI  - Macromolecular transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm: Advances in
      mechanism and emerging links to disease.
AB  - Transport of macromolecules between the cytoplasm and the nucleus is critical for
      the function of all eukaryotic cells. Large macromolecular channels termed
      nuclear pore complexes that span the nuclear envelope mediate the bidirectional
      transport of cargoes between the nucleus and cytoplasm. However, the influence of
      macromolecular trafficking extends past the nuclear pore complex to transcription
      and RNA processing within the nucleus and signaling pathways that reach into the
      cytoplasm and beyond. At the Mechanisms of Nuclear Transport biennial meeting
      held from October 18 to 23, 2013 in Woods Hole, MA, researchers in the field met
      to report on their recent findings. The work presented highlighted significant
      advances in understanding nucleocytoplasmic trafficking including how transport
      receptors and cargoes pass through the nuclear pore complex, the many signaling
      pathways that impinge on transport pathways, interplay between the nuclear
      envelope, nuclear pore complexes, and transport pathways, and numerous links
      between transport pathways and human disease. The goal of this review is to
      highlight newly emerging themes in nuclear transport and underscore the major
      questions that are likely to be the focus of future research in the field.

PMID- 25116312
TI  - [The effects of multimedia-assisted instruction on the skin care learning of
      nurse aides in long-term care facilities].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Skin care is an important responsibility of nurse aides in long-term
      care facilities, and the nursing knowledge, attitudes, and skills of these aides
      significantly affects quality of care. However, the work schedule of nurse aides
      often limits their ability to obtain further education and training. Therefore,
      developing appropriate and effective training programs for nurse aides is
      critical to maintaining and improving quality of care in long-term care
      facilities. PURPOSE: This study investigates the effects of multimedia assisted
      instruction on the skin care learning of nurse aides working in long-term care
      facilities. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design and convenient sampling were
      adopted in this study. Participants included 96 nurse aides recruited from 5 long
      term care facilities in Taoyuan County, Taiwan. The experimental group received 3
      weeks of multimedia assisted instruction. The control group did not receive this
      instruction. The Skin Care Questionnaire for Nurse Aides in Long-term Care
      Facilities and the Skin Care Behavior Checklist were used for assessment before
      and after the intervention. RESULTS: (1) Posttest scores for skin care knowledge,
      attitudes, behavior, and the skin care checklist were significantly higher than
      pretest scores for the intervention group. There was no significant difference
      between pretest and posttest scores for the control group. (2) A covariance
      analysis of pretest scores for the two groups showed that the experimental group
      earned significantly higher average scores than their control group peers for
      skin care knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and the skin care checklist.
      CONCLUSIONS: The multimedia assisted instruction demonstrated significant and
      positive effects on the skin care leaning of nurse aides in long-term care
      facilities. This finding supports the use of multimedia assisted instruction in
      the education and training of nurse aides in long-term care facilities in the
      future.

PMID- 25116313
TI  - [Health networks for new immigrants in taiwan].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare and studies related to new immigrants in Taiwan have been
      influenced by immigrant reproductive health management policy. Some nursing
      scholars have criticized the top-down approach as potentially not addressing the
      actual healthcare needs of these immigrants. Medical institutions are being
      called upon to provide culturally appropriate care. PURPOSE: Using health
      networks as its conceptual framework, this paper explores the definition of
      health as perceived by recent immigrants to Taiwan and their perspectives on
      seeking and maintaining health. METHODS: This paper uses participant observation
      and depth-interviews to assess how recent immigrants from Mainland China,
      Vietnam, and Indonesia seek health in their new homeland, evaluate the
      differences between the healthcare systems in their former and current countries,
      and recommend actions necessary to ensure the health and wellbeing of this
      population. RESULTS: The findings are grouped into three themes: "the differences
      between immigrants and Taiwanese in health care," "local health networks", and
      "transnational health networks." These themes reflect the views on health and
      health care of recent female immigrants to Taiwan. CONCLUSIONS:  CONCLUSION:
      Through the actions and narratives of these immigrants, this paper suggests the
      priority concerns that immigrant agencies should address in order to maintain the
      health of this group. Additionally, findings give some insight into the gender
      and ethnic characteristics of immigrant health networks. Immigrants construct and
      rely upon social relations, cultural identity, and resources to maintain their
      wellbeing. This study contributes to transcultural nursing theory and to in
      service training and helps medical practitioners and nurses provide culturally
      appropriate care.

PMID- 25116314
TI  - [The physical activity and life healing in psychiatric patients: taijiguan as an
      example].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic psychiatric patients tend to have cognitive and functional
      impairments. Participation in physical activity has been shown to improve their
      health and independence. Regular practice of Taijiquan may help improve mood and
      life stresses, promoting physical and mental health. PURPOSE: This research
      explores the effect of a 13-week Taijiquan learning program on the daily life
      experience of chronic psychiatric patients. The process and the essential meaning
      of the entire learning experiences are presented. METHODS: Data were collected
      from a psychiatric daycare center at a Teaching Hospital in Taipei. The 6
      patients who participated in this study included 3 with bipolar disorders and 3
      with schizophrenia. Narrative inquiry and focus-group interviews were used for
      qualitative data collection and analysis. RESULTS: The initial results of
      participant experiences were categorized into 3 themes: 1. Learning kung fu in
      the Taijiquan; 2. Releasing binding through the practice of Taijiquan; and 3.
      Pursuit of excellence through the learning of Taijiquan. The views of illness,
      body, and interpersonal interaction as well as the three stages of dilemma,
      transcendence / acclimation, and acquaintance for the psychiatric patients and
      their Taijiquan's learning world were described and the potential therapeutic
      effects on the body and daily life of these patients were explored. CONCLUSIONS /
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Learning Taijiquan is highly challenging for the
      novice, especially those with chronic psychiatric illnesses. However, after
      familiarization with the postural actions and key concepts of this exercise,
      Taijiquan facilitated body relaxation, heightened perception, and postural
      balance. Consequently, this exercise stabilized the mood, disease status, and
      capacity for handling interpersonal relationships of participants and
      consequently may enhance their long-term life quality and disease recovery
      status. Results of this study recommend strongly that Taijiquan be included as a
      therapeutic activity for psychiatric patients to improve their health, healing,
      and recovery.

PMID- 25116315
TI  - [Psychometric testing of the chinese version of the readiness for hospital
      discharge scale].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little has been published in the literature regarding how patients
      self-evaluate their degree of readiness for hospital discharge. Furthermore,
      there is currently no self-evaluation tool available in Chinese able to assess
      the discharge readiness of patients. PURPOSE: This study was used to
      psychometrically test the Chinese version of the readiness for hospital discharge
      scale (RHDS_C). METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design. Two samples
      were recruited in a two-stage process at two hospitals in Southern Taiwan. Two
      hundred and twenty-three patients with a diagnosis of either colorectal cancer or
      hepatic cancer were used to conduct an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in the
      first stage of the study. Another 323 patients with a diagnosis of stroke were
      used conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The instrument used was the
      Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) developed by Weiss & Piacentine.
      RESULTS: RHDS_C consists of three subscales: personal status (4 items), coping
      ability (4 items), and expected support (4 items) adapted from the CFA. The
      assessed goodness-of-fit index (GFI = .92, AGFI = .88, NFI = .97) indicate the
      model fit the data well based upon the CFA. Criterion-related validity was
      supported by the correlation between the original RHDS and the RHDS_C (r = .96, p
      < .001). The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were .89 for the overall scale and
      .73, .90, and .89 for the 3 subscales, respectively. CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS
      FOR PRACTICE: This study confirms the validity of the RHDS_C and suggests this
      instrument is able to reliably assess the readiness of patients for discharge
      from the hospital. We recommend the scale be applied in the clinical setting to
      evaluate the discharge readiness of hospital patients.

PMID- 25116316
TI  - [A project to reduce the incidence of intubation care errors among foreign health
      aides].
AB  - BACKGROUND & PROBLEMS: Foreign health aides are the main providers of care for
      the elderly and the physically disabled in Taiwan. Correct care skills improve
      patient safety. In 2010, the incidence of mistakes among foreign health aides in
      our hospital unit was 58% for nasogastric tube care and 57% for tracheostomy tube
      care. A survey of foreign health aides and nurses in the unit identified the main
      causes of these mistakes as: communication difficulties, inaccurate instructions
      given to patients, and a lack of standard operating procedures given to the
      foreign health aides. PURPOSE: This project was designed to reduce the rates of
      improper nasogastric tube care and improper tracheostomy tube care to 20%,
      respectively. METHODS: This project implemented several appropriate measures. We
      produced patient instruction hand-outs in Bahasa Indonesia, established a
      dedicated file holder for Bahasa Indonesian tube care reference information,
      produced Bahasa Indonesian tube-care-related posters, produced a short film about
      tube care in Bahasa Indonesian, and established a standardized operating
      procedure for tube care in our unit. RESULTS: Between December 15th and 31st,
      2011, we audited the performance of a total of 32 foreign health aides for proper
      execution of nasogastric tube care (21 aides) and of proper execution of
      tracheostomy tube care (11 aides). Patients with concurrent nasogastric and
      tracheostomy tubes were inspected separately for each care group. The incidence
      of improper care decreased from 58% to 18% nasogastric intubation and 57% to 18%
      for tracheostomy intubation. CONCLUSIONS: This project decreased significantly
      the incidence of improper tube care by the foreign health aides in our unit.
      Furthermore, the foreign health aides improved their tube nursing care skills.
      Therefore, this project improved the quality of patient care.

PMID- 25116317
TI  - [Reducing the incidence of needlestick injuries due to insulin pen injectors
      among self-users in the outpatient clinic setting].
AB  - BACKGROUND & PROBLEM: The rising number of people practicing insulin self
      injection at home has led to increasing numbers of needlestick injuries due to
      inadequate self-injection skills among these patients. To reduce needlestick
      injuries at home, patients should not recap needles and should adopt proper
      needle disposal practices. A random survey of 80 outpatients currently using
      insulin pen injectors at home conducted between February and April 2012 found
      that 70% self-reported suffering needlestick incidents. Data analysis indicated
      the principal causes of these incidents were the lack of standard operating
      procedures, the absence of educational training, the shortage of educational
      instruction sheets for patients, and the inadequate skills and tools available to
      patients for disposing of needles safely at home. PURPOSE: The aim of this
      project was to decrease the needlestick incidence rate for outpatients that use
      insulin pen injectors in order to increase overall patient safety. RESOLUTION:
      The project team established a pen injector standard operation procedure (SOP),
      conducted an educational training program, developed nursing instruction sheets
      for patients, designed and distributed needle disposal containers to patients,
      and taught patients the correct techniques for the disposing of needles at home.
      RESULTS: The needlestick incidence rate decreased from 70% pretest to 2.6%
      following implementation of the abovementioned measures. CONCLUSIONS: This
      project effectively reduced the needlestick rate attributable to insulin pen
      injectors. The authors hope that other departments will adopt this approach in
      order to improve patient safety.

PMID- 25116318
TI  - [Consent vs. Assent: Ethical Considerations Related to Bone Marrow
      Transplantation in Adolescents].
AB  - Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a frequently considered treatment option for
      terminal childhood cancer. However, the side effects of BMT frequently cause
      short- and long-term physical discomfort and spiritual suffering, which
      significantly impact patient quality of life. In Taiwan, parental consent is
      typically given priority over the assent of children in medical decisions. This
      article uses a case of an adolescent patient with neuroblastoma undergoing BMT to
      discuss the best interest standard and contradictions between the consent of
      parents and the assent of their children. This article argues that medical staffs
      are responsible to protect the right of children to fully consider and influence
      the decisions related to their treatment options. Medical staffs should
      communicate to parents the importance of their children's assent and promote
      better communication between parents and their children in order to achieve the
      best outcome for the family as a whole. When mutual communication is unable to
      resolve conflicts between parents and their children, we recommend seeking
      assistance from the ethics committee in the hospital. 

PMID- 25116319
TI  - [Clinical care of lung cancer patients with body image changes after targeted
      therapy].
AB  - Lung cancer has a relatively short survival prognosis and advanced disease
      progression. Therefore, targeted therapy has become one of the most frequent
      treatments of this disease. Targeted therapy has several features that
      effectively extend the survival period; is easy to apply and use; and has fewer
      side effects than chemotherapy. Therefore, this therapy approach has become the
      preferred choice of patients with advanced lung cancer. However, current targeted
      therapies like Iressa and Tarceva produce side effects such as skin dryness and
      acneiform eruption that may bother patients. These side effects may further cause
      patient concern over negative changes in their body image, and these concerns may
      influence their work and social lives. Additionally, some patients treated with
      targeted therapy worry about their chances of survival if they reduce or stop the
      medication to avoid the side effects. Consequently, patients may struggle with
      both physical and psychological impacts, and may have problems sustaining a good
      quality of life. This article focuses on delivering relevant information to
      patients receiving targeted therapy who suffer from dermatological toxicity and
      damage to their body image. We demonstrate an assessment tool and information to
      help patients cope with physical and psychosocial issues through daily skin care
      routines, mental / psychological supports, and cognitive behavior therapy. These
      measures may help patients rebuild a positive self-concept. We plan to develop
      further associated training to provide professionals / care providers with the
      appropriate knowledge and skills to care for cancer patients in a resource
      limited environment so that they may improve the quality of nursing care for
      patients with body image changes. 

PMID- 25116320
TI  - [Applying Swanson's Caring Theory to Manage Spiritual Distress in a Patient With
      Terminal Lung Cancer].
AB  - This case report shares a nursing experience that applied Swanson's Caring Theory
      as part of the care regimen for a terminal lung cancer patient suffering from
      spiritual distress. The nursing care was provided from March 20th to April 25th,
      2012. Data were collected through observation and conversation and recorded using
      sketches and written notes. The nurse assessed the patient's relationships with
      the self, with others, with the environment, and with God in accordance with
      Stoll's spiritual interrelatedness hypothesis. Several spiritual distresses were
      reported. Interventions such as "knowing", "being with", "doing for", "enabling"
      and "maintaining belief" were applied to manage the patient's spiritual distress
      and address spiritual needs. This case report is intended to help increase the
      awareness and sensitivity of nurses to patients' spiritual needs and to help
      nurses provide effective spiritual care. 

PMID- 25116325
TI  - Flow-compensated intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: The pseudo-diffusion coefficient D* in intravoxel incoherent motion
      (IVIM) imaging was found difficult to seize. Flow-compensated diffusion gradients
      were used to test the validity of the commonly assumed biexponential limit and to
      determine not only D*, but also characteristic timescale tau and velocity v of
      the incoherent motion. THEORY AND METHODS: Bipolar and flow-compensated diffusion
      gradients were inserted into a flow-compensated single-shot EPI sequence. Images
      were obtained from a pipe-shaped flow phantom and from healthy volunteers. To
      calculate the IVIM signal outside the biexponential limit, a formalism based on
      normalized phase distributions was developed. RESULTS: The flow-compensated
      diffusion gradients caused less signal attenuation than the bipolar ones. A
      signal dependence on the duration of the flow-compensated gradients was found at
      low b-values in the volunteer datasets. The characteristic IVIM parameters were
      estimated to be v = 4.60 +/- 0.34 mm/s and tau = 144 +/- 10 ms for liver and v =
      3.91 +/- 0.54 mm/s and tau = 224 +/- 47 ms for pancreas. CONCLUSION: Our results
      strongly indicate that the biexponential limit does not adequately model the
      diffusion signal in liver and pancreas. By using both bipolar and flow
      compensated diffusion gradients of different duration, the characteristic
      timescale and velocity of the incoherent motion can be determined.

PMID- 25116322
TI  - Oral human papillomavirus infection in men might contribute to HPV serology.
AB  - The prospective Finnish Family HPV Study evaluated the dynamics of human
      papillomavirus (HPV) infection within families. Here, we focused on HPV serology
      in men. Seroprevalence at baseline, seroconversion and decay of low-risk (LR)
      HPV6 and 11, and high risk (HR)-HPV16, 18 and 45 L1 antibodies in 122 men at 12,
      24 and 36 months were determined using Luminex-based multiplex HPV serology, and
      correlated with demographic data. At baseline, seropositivity to HPV6, 11, 16, 18
      and 45 was observed in 41.0, 11.5, 23.0, 13.9 and 5.7 % of the men, respectively.
      In univariate analysis, LR-HPV seropositivity was related to smoking status,
      history of genital warts and being seropositive to HR-HPV. Oral HR-HPV DNA and
      baseline LR-HPV seropositivity predicted HR-HPV seropositivity. Seroconversion to
      HPV6, 11, 16, 18 and 45 antigens during follow-up was found in 24.6, 11.5, 5.7,
      5.7 and 0.8 %, respectively. Seroconversion to LR-HPV was negatively related to a
      higher number of children and oral sex, and positively associated with
      seroconversion to HR-HPV. In multivariate analysis, the same predictors remained
      significant except for the number of children. In univariate generalised
      estimating equations (GEE) for HR-HPV, being seroconverted to LR-HPV was the only
      predictor, but lost its significance in multivariate analyses. Decay of all HPV
      L1 antibodies was rare and observed in 0-2 %. The HPV antibody profile in men was
      dominated by response to HPV6, also showing the highest cumulative
      seroconversion. Oral HPV infection might affect HPV serology: (1) HPV DNA in oral
      mucosa is associated with baseline HR-HPV seropositivity and (2) practising oral
      sex significantly reduces longitudinal seroconversion to HPV6 and/or 11.

PMID- 25116326
TI  - Interceptive [4 + 1] annulation of in situ generated 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes with
      diazo esters: direct access to substituted mono-, bi-, and tricyclic 4,5
      dihydropyrazoles.
AB  - In situ derived acyclic and cyclic 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes (DDs) were engaged in
      interceptive [4 + 1] annulation strategy with diazo esters (DEs). The catalytic
      activity of inexpensive copper(II) chloride allows the direct synthesis of mono-,
      bi-, and tricyclic 4,5-dihydropyrazole-5-carboxylic acid derivatives in a process
      that circumvents the use of an anhydrous and inert atmosphere. 

PMID- 25116321
TI  - Retinal dendritic cell recruitment, but not function, was inhibited in MyD88 and
      TRIF deficient mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immune system cells are known to affect loss of neurons due to injury
      or disease. Recruitment of immune cells following retinal/CNS injury has been
      shown to affect the health and survival of neurons in several models. We detected
      close, physical contact between dendritic cells and retinal ganglion cells
      following an optic nerve crush, and sought to understand the underlying
      mechanisms. METHODS: CD11c-DTR/GFP mice producing a chimeric protein of
      diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) and GFP from a transgenic CD11c promoter were
      used in conjunction with mice deficient in MyD88 and/or TRIF. Retinal ganglion
      cell injury was induced by an optic nerve crush, and the resulting interactions
      of the GFPhi cells and retinal ganglion cells were examined. RESULTS: Recruitment
      of GFPhi dendritic cells to the retina was significantly compromised in MyD88 and
      TRIF knockout mice. GFPhi dendritic cells played a significant role in clearing
      fluorescent-labeled retinal ganglion cells post-injury in the CD11c-DTR/GFP mice.
      In the TRIF and MyD88 deficient mice, the resting level of GFPhi dendritic cells
      was lower, and their influx was reduced following the optic nerve crush injury.
      The reduction in GFPhi dendritic cell numbers led to their replacement in the
      uptake of fluorescent-labeled debris by GFPlo microglia/macrophages. Depletion of
      GFPhi dendritic cells by treatment with diphtheria toxin also led to their
      displacement by GFPlo microglia/macrophages, which then assumed close contact
      with the injured neurons. CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of recruited cells to the
      injury response was substantial, and regulated by MyD88 and TRIF. However, the
      presence of these adaptor proteins was not required for interaction with neurons,
      or the phagocytosis of debris. The data suggested a two-niche model in which
      resident microglia were maintained at a constant level post-optic nerve crush,
      while the injury-stimulated recruitment of dendritic cells and macrophages led to
      their transient appearance in numbers equivalent to or greater than the resident
      microglia.

PMID- 25116328
TI  - The CROWN Initiative: journal editors invite researchers to develop core outcomes
      in women's health.

PMID- 25116329
TI  - Predictors of non-adherence to follow-up visits and deferasirox chelation therapy
      among jordanian adolescents with Thalassemia major.
AB  - Poor adherence to treatment can have negative effects on outcomes and heath care
      cost. However, little is known about the factors that impact adherence to
      deferasirox chelation therapy. The aims of this study were to identify rates and
      predictors of non-adherence to medical regimen among thalassemia major
      adolescents on deferasirox oral chelation therapy by using subjective (self
      reporting) and objective (serum ferritin and follow-up visits) measures.
      Convenient samples of 164 adolescents, aged 12-19 years were recruited from three
      National Thalassemia Centers in Jordan. Patients were interviewed using a four
      section questionnaire and the medical records were checked. Results indicated
      that rate of adherence according to self-report was (73%); while to follow-up
      medical appointments and serum ferritin level rates was 57% and 47%,
      respectively. One-third of participant adolescents (n = 52) were psychologically
      impaired. Multivariate analysis showed that factors affecting adolescent non
      adherence to deferasirox chelation therapy is different from that affecting
      adherence to follow-up visits. In general, adolescents more than 16 years old,
      presence of sibling with thalassemia, lack of parental monitoring, lower family
      income, decrease frequency of blood transfusion, and psychological impairment
      were found significant predictors of non-adherence among adolescents. Disease
      knowledge was not associated with adherence status of the adolescents. Clinician
      should be aware of high prevalence of low adherence to chelation therapy during
      adolescent years. Nurses need to regularly assess, monitor, and promote adherence
      behavior that might impact patients' outcomes. 

PMID- 25116327
TI  - Grouping annotations on the subcellular layered interactome demonstrates enhanced
      autophagy activity in a recurrent experimental autoimmune uveitis T cell line.
AB  - Human uveitis is a type of T cell-mediated autoimmune disease that often shows
      relapse-remitting courses affecting multiple biological processes. As a
      cytoplasmic process, autophagy has been seen as an adaptive response to cell
      death and survival, yet the link between autophagy and T cell-mediated
      autoimmunity is not certain. In this study, based on the differentially expressed
      genes (GSE19652) between the recurrent versus monophasic T cell lines, whose
      adoptive transfer to susceptible animals may result in respective recurrent or
      monophasic uveitis, we proposed grouping annotations on a subcellular layered
      interactome framework to analyze the specific bioprocesses that are linked to the
      recurrence of T cell autoimmunity. That is, the subcellular layered interactome
      was established by the Cytoscape and Cerebral plugin based on differential
      expression, global interactome, and subcellular localization information. Then,
      the layered interactomes were grouping annotated by the ClueGO plugin based on
      Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases. The analysis
      showed that significant bioprocesses with autophagy were orchestrated in the
      cytoplasmic layered interactome and that mTOR may have a regulatory role in it.
      Furthermore, by setting up recurrent and monophasic uveitis in Lewis rats, we
      confirmed by transmission electron microscopy that, in comparison to the
      monophasic disease, recurrent uveitis in vivo showed significantly increased
      autophagy activity and extended lymphocyte infiltration to the affected retina.
      In summary, our framework methodology is a useful tool to disclose specific
      bioprocesses and molecular targets that can be attributed to a certain disease.
      Our results indicated that targeted inhibition of autophagy pathways may perturb
      the recurrence of uveitis. 

PMID- 25116330
TI  - Iridium-catalyzed C-H borylation of pyridines.
AB  - The iridium-catalysed C-H borylation is a valuable and attractive method for the
      preparation of aryl and heteroaryl boronates. However, application of this
      methodology for the preparation of pyridyl and related azinyl boronates can be
      challenged by low reactivity and propensity for rapid protodeborylation,
      particularly for a boronate ester ortho to the azinyl nitrogen. Competition
      experiments have revealed that the low reactivity is due to inhibition of the
      active catalyst through coordination of the azinyl nitrogen lone pair at the
      vacant site on the iridium. This effect can be overcome through the incorporation
      of a substituent at C-2. Moreover, when this is sufficiently electron-withdrawing
      protodeborylation is sufficiently slowed to permit isolation and purification of
      the C-6 boronate ester. Following functionalization, reduction of the directing C
      2 substituent provides the product arising from formal ortho borylation of an
      unhindered pyridine ring. 

PMID- 25116332
TI  - Summary health statistics for u.s. Children: national health interview survey,
      2011.
AB  - Objectives-This report presents both age-adjusted and unadjusted statistics from
      the 2011 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) on selected health measures for
      children under age 18 years, classified by sex, age, race, Hispanic origin,
      family structure, parent education, family income, poverty status, health
      insurance coverage, place of residence, region, and current health status. Topics
      included are asthma, allergies, learning disability, attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), prescription medication use for at least 3 months,
      respondent-assessed health status, school days missed due to illness or injury,
      usual place of health care, time since last contact with a health care
      professional, selected measures of health care access, emergency room visits, and
      dental care. Data Source-NHIS is a multistage probability sample survey conducted
      annually by interviewers of the U.S. Census Bureau for the Centers for Disease
      Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics and is
      representative of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United
      States. This report analyzes data from two of the main components of NHIS: the
      family core, in which data are collected for all family members by interviewing
      an adult family respondent, and the sample child core, in which additional health
      information is collected about a randomly selected child (the ''sample child'')
      from an adult proxy familiar with the child's health. Selected Highlights-In
      2011, most U.S. children under age 18 years had excellent or very good health
      (83%). However, 7% of children had no health insurance coverage, and 3% of
      children had no usual place of health care. Six percent of children had unmet
      dental need because their families could not afford dental care. Fourteen percent
      of children had ever been diagnosed with asthma. An estimated 8% of children aged
      3-17 had a learning disability, and an estimated 9% of children had ADHD. 

PMID- 25116331
TI  - Prognostic significance of complex karyotype and monosomal karyotype in adult
      patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with risk-adapted protocols.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The karyotype is a predictor of outcomes in adults with acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The unfavorable prognostic significance of complex
      karyotype (CK) has been reported, whereas the prognostic relevance of monosomal
      karyotype (MK) has not been consistently evaluated. We aimed to assess the
      prognostic value of CK and MK in adults with ALL treated with risk-adapted
      protocols of the Spanish PETHEMA Group. METHODS: The karyotypes of 881 adult ALL
      patients treated according to the protocols of the PETHEMA Group between 1993 and
      2012 were centrally reviewed. CK and MK were assessed according to Moorman's
      criteria, and Breem's criteria, respectively. Specific analyses according to the
      risk groups and to the presence of t(9:22) were performed. RESULTS: Of 364
      evaluable patients 33 (9.2%) had CK, and 68 of 535 evaluable patients (12.8%) had
      MK. Complete remission rate, remission duration, and overall survival were not
      significantly different according to the presence of CK or MK in the whole
      series, according to the B or T lineage, in the high-risk group, or in patients
      with t(9;22), regardless of imatinib treatment, and in patients who received
      chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that CK and MK were not associated with a worse
      prognosis in adult patients with ALL treated with risk-adapted or subtype
      oriented protocols. In patients with Ph+ ALL, MK did not have an impact on
      prognosis irrespective of imatinib treatment.

PMID- 25116333
TI  - Ordered structure and thermal expansion in tungsten bronze
      Pb2K(0.5)Li(0.5)Nb5O15.
AB  - The crystal structure and thermal expansion behaviors of a new tetragonal
      tungsten bronze (TTB) ferroelectric, Pb2K(0.5)Li(0.5)Nb5O15, were systematically
      investigated by selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), neutron powder
      diffraction, synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-temperature XRD. SAED
      and Rietveld refinement reveal that Pb2K(0.5)Li(0.5)Nb5O15 displays a
      commensurate superstructure of simple orthorhombic TTB structure at room
      temperature. The structure can be described with space group Bb21m. The
      transition to a paraelectric phase (P4/mbm) occurs at 500  degrees C. Compared
      with Pb2KNb5O15 (PKN), the substitution of 0.5K(+) with small 0.5Li(+) into PKN
      causes the tilting of NbO6 octahedra away from the c axis with Deltatheta ~ 10
      degrees  and raises the Curie temperature by 40  degrees C, and the negative
      thermal expansion coefficient along the polar b axis increases more than 50% in
      the temperature range 25-500  degrees C. We present that, by introduction of
      Li(+), the enhanced spontaneous polarization is responsible for the enhanced
      negative thermal expansion along the b axis, which may be caused by more Pb(2+)
      in the pentagonal caves.

PMID- 25116334
TI  - ACE consensus meeting report: culture systems.
AB  - The UK Association of Clinical Embryologists held a workshop on Culture Systems
      for assisted conception in Sheffield on 22 May 2013. The meeting was organised in
      the light of the availability of numerous commercial products for the culture of
      human preimplantation embryos in vitro and the absence of data comparing the
      performance of these products. Expert opinions were presented, along with survey
      data provided by participating IVF Centres. The workshop highlighted the lack of
      a sound evidence base to support the selection of any one commercial product over
      another, and raised concerns over the lack of information defining precisely the
      composition of media, and the potential for adverse long-term effects of such
      products following their use in assisted conception.

PMID- 25116335
TI  - Drastic change in China's lakes and reservoirs over the past decades.
AB  - Using remote sensing images, we provided the first complete picture of freshwater
      bodies in mainland China. We mapped 89,700 reservoirs, covering about 26,870
      km(2) and approximately 185,000 lakes with a surface area of about 82,232 km(2).
      Despite relatively small surface area, the total estimated storage capacity of
      reservoirs (794 km(3)) is triple that of lakes (268 km(3)). Further analysis
      indicates that reservoir construction has made the river systems strongly
      regulated: only 6% of the assessed river basins are free-flowing; 20% of assessed
      river basins have enough cumulative reservoir capacity to store more than the
      entire annual river flow. Despite the existence of 2,721 lakes greater than 1
      km(2), we found that about 50 lakes greater than km(2) have formed on the Tibetan
      Plateau resulting from climate change. More than 350 lakes of >=1 km(2) vanished
      in four other major lake regions. Although the disappearance of lakes happened in
      the context of global climate change, it principally reflects the severe
      anthropogenic impacts on natural lakes, such as, the excessive plundering of
      water resources on the Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang Plateau and serious destruction
      (land reclamation and urbanization) on the eastern plains.

PMID- 25116337
TI  - Humidity effect of domain wall roughening behavior in ferroelectric copolymer
      thin films.
AB  - We have demonstrated that domain switching in ferroelectric copolymer films can
      be significantly affected by humidity. With increasing relative humidity (RH), we
      observed larger domains with highly irregular boundaries as a result of lateral
      spreading of the tip-induced electric field that originates from water
      adsorption. Fractal dimension study of irregular domains reveals that the fractal
      dimension is higher in cases where the RH is higher. The results show that the RH
      is one of the major switching parameters in ferroelectric copolymers, and
      therefore could allow clear understanding with regard to domain switching
      behavior in the ferroelectric copolymer films under ambient conditions. 

PMID- 25116336
TI  - Arsenic trioxide reactivates proteasome-dependent degradation of mutant p53
      protein in cancer cells in part via enhanced expression of Pirh2 E3 ligase.
AB  - The p53 gene is mutated in more than 50% of human tumors. Mutant p53 exerts an
      oncogenic function and is often highly expressed in cancer cells due to evasion
      of proteasome-dependent degradation. Thus, reactivating proteasome-dependent
      degradation of mutant p53 protein is an attractive strategy for cancer
      management. Previously, we found that arsenic trioxide (ATO), a drug for acute
      promyelocytic leukemia, degrades mutant p53 protein through a proteasome pathway.
      However, it remains unclear what is the E3 ligase that targets mutant p53 for
      degradation. In current study, we sought to identify an E3 ligase necessary for
      ATO-mediated degradation of mutant p53. We found that ATO induces expression of
      Pirh2 E3 ligase at the transcriptional level. We also found that knockdown of
      Pirh2 inhibits, whereas ectopic expression of Pirh2 enhances, ATO-induced
      degradation of mutant p53 protein. Furthermore, we found that Pirh2 E3 ligase
      physically interacts with and targets mutant p53 for polyubiquitination and
      subsequently proteasomal degradation. Interestingly, we found that ATO cooperates
      with HSP90 or HDAC inhibitor to promote mutant p53 degradation and growth
      suppression in tumor cells. Together, these data suggest that ATO promotes mutant
      p53 degradation in part via induction of the Pirh2-dependent proteasome pathway. 

PMID- 25116338
TI  - Silence that can be dangerous: a vignette study to assess healthcare
      professionals' likelihood of speaking up about safety concerns.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the likelihood of speaking up about patient safety in
      oncology and to clarify the effect of clinical and situational context factors on
      the likelihood of voicing concerns. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 1013 nurses and doctors
      in oncology rated four clinical vignettes describing coworkers' errors and rule
      violations in a self-administered factorial survey (65% response rate). Multiple
      regression analysis was used to model the likelihood of speaking up as outcome of
      vignette attributes, responder's evaluations of the situation and personal
      characteristics. RESULTS: Respondents reported a high likelihood of speaking up
      about patient safety but the variation between and within types of errors and
      rule violations was substantial. Staff without managerial function provided
      significantly higher levels of decision difficulty and discomfort to speak up.
      Based on the information presented in the vignettes, 74%-96% would speak up
      towards a supervisor failing to check a prescription, 45%-81% would point a
      coworker to a missed hand disinfection, 82%-94% would speak up towards nurses who
      violate a safety rule in medication preparation, and 59%-92% would question a
      doctor violating a safety rule in lumbar puncture. Several vignette attributes
      predicted the likelihood of speaking up. Perceived potential harm, anticipated
      discomfort, and decision difficulty were significant predictors of the likelihood
      of speaking up. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians' willingness to speak up about patient
      safety is considerably affected by contextual factors. Physicians and nurses
      without managerial function report substantial discomfort with speaking up.
      Oncology departments should provide staff with clear guidance and trainings on
      when and how to voice safety concerns.

PMID- 25116339
TI  - Redox-initiated hydrogel system for detection and real-time imaging of
      cellulolytic enzyme activity.
AB  - Understanding the process of biomass degradation by cellulolytic enzymes is of
      urgent importance for biofuel and chemical production. Optimizing pretreatment
      conditions and improving enzyme formulations both require assays to quantify
      saccharification products on solid substrates. Typically, such assays are
      performed using freely diffusing fluorophores or dyes that measure reducing
      polysaccharide chain ends. These methods have thus far not allowed spatial
      localization of hydrolysis activity to specific substrate locations with
      identifiable morphological features. Here we describe a hydrogel reagent
      signaling (HyReS) system that amplifies saccharification products and initiates
      crosslinking of a hydrogel that localizes to locations of cellulose hydrolysis,
      allowing for imaging of the degradation process in real time. Optical detection
      of the gel in a rapid parallel format on synthetic and natural pretreated solid
      substrates was used to quantify activity of T. emersonii and T. reesei enzyme
      cocktails. When combined with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy
      and AFM imaging, the reagent system provided a means to visualize enzyme activity
      in real-time with high spatial resolution (<2 MUm). These results demonstrate the
      versatility of the HyReS system in detecting cellulolytic enzyme activity and
      suggest new opportunities in real-time chemical imaging of biomass
      depolymerization.

PMID- 25116340
TI  - Smart composite nanosheets with adaptive optical properties.
AB  - We report efficient design and facile synthesis of size-tunable organic/inorganic
      nanosheets, via a straightforward liquid exfoliation-adsorption process, of a
      near percolating gold (Au) thin film deposited onto a branched polyethylenimine
      (bPEI) matrix. The nanosheets are stiff enough to sustain their two-dimensional
      (2D) nature in acidic conditions, yet flexible enough to undergo a perfect
      reversible shape transformation to 1D nanoscrolls in alkaline conditions. The
      shape transformations, and associated optical property changes, at different
      protonation states are monitored by transmission electron microscopy (TEM),
      atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-visible spectroscopy and zeta potential
      measurements. Because of their large surface area, both nanosheets and
      nanoscrolls could be used as capturing substrates for surface-enhanced Raman
      scattering (SERS) applications. 

PMID- 25116341
TI  - DNA sequence-dependent photoluminescence enhancement in a cationic conjugated
      polyelectrolyte.
AB  - DNA sequence-dependent photoluminescence enhancement is found for a cationic
      polyelectrolyte complexed with single stranded DNA and described as a result of
      an interplay between electrostatic attraction and the pi-pi stacking between the
      polyelectrolyte's backbone and DNA's bases. 

PMID- 25116342
TI  - A trial to extend breast cancer screening may be unethical.

PMID- 25116343
TI  - Evidence of increased centrally enhanced bladder compliance with ageing in a
      mouse model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that ageing is associated with increasing
      neurogenic enhancement of bladder filling compliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Female B6 mice (aged 2, 12, 22 and 26 months) underwent cystometry while alive
      and immediately after death. Bladder compliance was calculated from pressure-time
      data. Pressure data were transformed using Fast Fourier Transform to obtain power
      spectra of bladder pressure variations attributable to contractile activity
      during filling in both alive and dead mice. A cut-off frequency (CF) was
      determined for each mouse, above which any power content would be primarily
      neurogenic. Compliance and power spectra results were compared among age groups,
      and correlations sought. RESULTS: A reversible loss of bladder compliance and non
      voiding contractile (NVC) activity followed abolition of voiding reflexes in
      female colony mice in all age groups. Bladder filling compliance increased with
      age in urethane-anaesthetised and post-mortem conditions, and more so in the
      former. Power below the CF did not significantly vary with age. Neurogenic power
      increased with age, and significantly correlated with compliance. CONCLUSIONS: An
      increase in neurogenic power during filling accompanies increased centrally
      mediated compliance enhancement with age. A bladder control model in which brain
      processes related to micturition may compensate for age-associated changes;
      thereby preserving voiding function is suggested. Urinary dysfunction could be
      viewed as the result of homeostatic failure rather than strictly end-organ
      pathology.

PMID- 25116345
TI  - The position of the tibia tubercle in 0 degrees -90 degrees  flexion: comparing
      patients with patella dislocation to healthy volunteers.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to measure the tibia tubercle trochlea groove
      distance (TT-TG) as a function of knee flexion. Our hypothesis was that there is
      a different pattern in healthy volunteers and patients with patella instability
      (PFI). METHODS: Thirty-six knees of 30 patients with at least one dislocation of
      the patella and 30 knees of 30 healthy volunteers as control group were analysed
      with magnetic resonance imaging by three different observers. The TT-TG was
      measured in steps of 15 degrees  between 0 degrees  and 90 degrees  of knee
      flexion. Furthermore, the alignment of the leg (MA), the femur torsion (FTor) and
      the tibia torsion (TTor) was calculated. RESULTS: The TT-TG was higher in
      patients compared to volunteers and in extension compared to flexion. This
      difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Most of the patients with a TT
      TG above 20 mm in extension showed a high decrease in flexion to normal values.
      In some patients, this compensating mechanism fails. MA, FTor and TTor were not
      different in patients and control group (n.s.). CONCLUSION: The TT-TG distance is
      dynamic and decreased significantly during flexion in knees with PFI and healthy
      volunteers. However, there were a small number of patients in the PFI group where
      this compensation mechanism did not work. Therefore, the decision to perform a
      tibia tubercle osteotomy should not be based on one single measurement in
      extension or 30 degrees  of knee flexion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 25116346
TI  - Patellofemoral arthrodesis as pain relief in extreme patella alta.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is no golden standard management for neglected, chronic patellar
      tendon rupture as they are fairly rare. Nevertheless, accompanying pain can be
      highly debilitating. By presenting a case of patellar tendon repair, the
      exceptional results of a patellofemoral arthrodesis are described. METHODS: A
      patient presented herself with a sustained patellar tendon rupture which was
      neglected for several years, causing a complete extensor mechanism dysfunction.
      Her most debilitating complaint was pain. As ligament reconstruction in this case
      was not possible, patellofemoral arthrodesis was aimed for. The pain resulting
      from micromotions was subsided by implementing a unique technique using a lock
      key principle to obtain a patellofemoral arthrodesis. RESULTS: The procedure
      proceeded without complications. The patient followed a regular post-operative
      plan and is now successful in maximum weight bearing her knee without pain.
      CONCLUSIONS: A patellofemoral arthrodesis can be regarded safe and also very
      effective in the relief of pain in extreme patella alta. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic studies, Level IV.

PMID- 25116347
TI  - Rediscovering the patellofemoral joint.

PMID- 25116348
TI  - Social networks and the communication of norms about prenatal care in rural
      Mexico.
AB  - Many normative beliefs are shared and learned through interpersonal
      communication, yet research on norms typically focuses on their effects rather
      than the communication that shapes them. This study focused on interpersonal
      communication during pregnancy to uncover (a) the nature of pregnancy-related
      communication and (b) normative information transmitted through such
      communication. Results from interviews with pregnant women living in rural Mexico
      revealed limited social networks; often, only a woman's mother or the baby's
      father were consulted about prenatal care decisions. However, women also
      indicated that communication with others during pregnancy provided important
      normative information regarding prenatal care. First, most referents believed
      that women should receive prenatal care (injunctive norm), which was
      conceptualized by participants as biomedical, nonmedical, or a blend of both.
      Second, family members often received prenatal care, whereas friends did not
      (descriptive norms). These findings highlight the key role of personal and social
      networks in shaping personal pregnancy-related beliefs and behaviors. 

PMID- 25116349
TI  - Parity and short-term estradiol treatment utilizes similar cellular mechanisms to
      confer protection against breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protective effect of early pregnancy and short-term estrogen
      treatment (STET), against breast cancer is well established. The underlying
      mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we compared the mammary gland
      cellular microenvironment influenced/induced by parity and STET alongside age
      matched controls. METHODS: Parous, STET, and control rats were injected with N
      methyl-N-nitrosourea at 15 weeks and monitored for the development of mammary
      cancer. A subset of 4 rats were killed five weeks post carcinogen treatment and
      mammary gland samples were isolated and subjected to molecular analysis. RESULTS:
      Our results demonstrated a reduction in cell survival, extracellular matrix
      associated proliferation, hormonal and growth factor receptor pathways in the
      experimental groups compared to control rats. Moreover, concomitant reductions in
      the EMT markers along with cell migration regulators were also observed in parous
      and STET groups. Hormonal receptor such as GHR, PR, ERalpha and growth factor
      receptors IGFR, EGFR and erbB2 were down regulated in the treatment groups.
      Further analysis revealed that parity and STET drastically reduced the
      expression, activation of JAK2 and nuclear localization of STATs. CONCLUSION:
      Parity and STET by targeting major cell signaling pathways involved in cell
      survival, cell migration and cell death reduces the mammary tumor promoting
      environment.

PMID- 25116350
TI  - Up-regulation of P21 inhibits TRAIL-mediated extrinsic apoptosis, contributing
      resistance to SAHA in acute myeloid leukemia cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: P21, a multifunctional cell cycle-regulatory molecule, regulates
      apoptotic cell death. In this study we examined the effect of altered p21
      expression on the sensitivity of acute myeloid leukemia cells in response to HDAC
      inhibitor SAHA treatment and investigated the underlying mechanism. METHODS:
      Stably transfected HL60 cell lines were established in RPMI-1640 with
      supplementation of G-418. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Western blot
      was applied to assess the protein expression levels of target genes. Cell
      apoptosis was monitored by AnnexinV-PE/7AAD assay. RESULTS: We showed HL60 cells
      that that didn't up-regulate p21 expression were more sensitive to SAHA-mediated
      apoptosis than NB4 and U937 cells that had increased p21 level. Enforced
      expression of p21 in HL60 cells reduced sensitivity to SAHA and blocked TRAIL
      mediated apoptosis. Conversely, p21 silencing in NB4 cells enhanced SAHA-mediated
      apoptosis and lethality. Finally, we found that combined treatment with SAHA and
      rapamycin down-regulated p21 and enhanced apoptosis in AML cells. CONCLUSION: We
      conclude that up-regulated p21 expression mediates resistance to SAHA via
      inhibition of TRAIL apoptotic pathway. P21 may serve as a candidate biomarker to
      predict responsiveness or resistance to SAHA-based therapy in AML patients. In
      addition, rapamycin may be an effective agent to override p21-mediated resistance
      to SAHA in AML patients.

PMID- 25116352
TI  - Induction of myocardial PDCD4 in coronary microembolization-related cardiac
      dysfunction: evidence from a large-animal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Coronary microembolization (CME) has been linked to myocardial
      inflammation and apoptosis. This study aims to investigate the role of the
      apoptotic protein PDCD4 in the myocardium after CME in minipigs. METHODS: Seventy
      Bama minipigs were randomized into four groups: control, CME, CME plus PDCD4
      siRNA and CME plus control siRNA. CME was induced by injecting polyethylene
      microspheres into the left anterior descending artery. Cardiac function was
      evaluated. HE and HBFP staining were used to observe the degree of infarction.
      Western blotting and qPCR were used to evaluate the expression of PDCD4, TNF
      alpha and caspase-3. The measurements were performed at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h
      after CME modeling in the CME and control groups. RESULTS: Cardiac function in
      the CME group was significantly decreased compared with the control group
      (P<0.05) and the expression of PDCD4 and TNF-alpha increased significantly
      (P<0.05). However, the infarct area did not differ between the CME and control
      groups at any time point (P>0.05). Furthermore, PDCD4-siRNA improved cardiac
      function and reduced PDCD4 and TNF-alpha expression compared with the CME plus
      control siRNA group at 9 h after modeling (P < 0.05), while the caspase-3 level
      was not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: PDCD4 induction may be
      involved in CME-related cardiac dysfunction, and PDCD4 inhibition via siRNA may
      attenuate the cardiac impairment and be used as a treatment strategy for CME.

PMID- 25116353
TI  - Decreased MiR-200a/141 suppress cell migration and proliferation by targeting
      PTEN in Hirschsprung's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a genetic disorder of neural
      crest development. In this study, we investigated whether and how miR-200a and
      miR-141, belonging to miR-200 family, were involved in the pathogenesis of HSCR.
      METHODS: Quantitative real time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the
      levels of miRNA, mRNAs, and proteins in colon tissues from 88 HSCR patients and
      75 controls. The direct regulation of specific mRNA by miRNAs was validated by
      dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA interference in cell lines. Transwell
      assays, CCK8 assay, and flow cytometry were inplemented to measure viability and
      activities of human 293T and SH-SY5Y cells, respectively. RESULTS: Aberrant
      suppression of miR-200a was observed in colon tissues of HSCR patients. A
      decreased level of miR-200a and miR-141 correlated with increased levels of PTEN
      mRNA and protein. The Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that miR
      200a and miR-141 binded directly to 3'UTR of PTEN and resulting in the inhibition
      of PTEN. The reductions in miR-200a and miR-141 inhibited migration and
      proliferation of 293T and SH-SY5Y cells through up-regulating the expression of
      PTEN. Moreover, knocking-down of PTEN rescued the extent of suppressed cell
      migration and proliferation induced by miR-200a and miR-141. CONCLUSIONS: The miR
      200 family may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of HSCR by co-regulating
      PTEN.

PMID- 25116351
TI  - Kruppel -like factor 8 is a stress-responsive transcription factor that regulates
      expression of HuR.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: HuR is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the post
      transcriptional life of thousands of cellular mRNAs and promotes cell survival.
      HuR is expressed as two mRNA transcripts that are differentially regulated by
      cell stress. The goal of this study is to define factors that promote
      transcription of the longer alternate form. METHODS: Effects of transcription
      factors on HuR expression were determined by inhibition or overexpression of
      these factors followed by competitive RT-PCR, gel mobility shift, and chromatin
      immunoprecipitation. Transcription factor expression patterns were identified
      through competitive RT-PCR and Western analysis. Stress responses were assayed in
      thapsigargin-treated proximal tubule cells and in ischemic rat kidney. RESULTS: A
      previously described NF-kappaB site and a newly identified Sp/KLF factor binding
      site were shown to be important for transcription of the long HuR mRNA. KLF8, but
      not Sp1, was shown to bind this site and increase HuR mRNA levels. Cellular
      stress in cultured or native proximal tubule cells resulted in a rapid decrease
      of KLF8 levels that paralleled those of the long HuR mRNA variant. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results demonstrate that KLF8 can participate in regulating expression of
      alternate forms of HuR mRNA along with NF-kappaB and other factors, depending on
      cellular contexts.

PMID- 25116354
TI  - Sex hormones regulate hepatic fetuin expression in male and female rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, there are limited studies on the sex-specific relationship
      between fetuins (Ft-A and Ft-B) and metabolic diseases. Our recent proteomic
      study has shown that fetuins may play sex-dependent roles in obesity and
      diabetes. In the present study, we investigated the expression of hepatic fetuins
      with respect to the effects of sex hormones both in vivo and in vitro. METHODS &
      RESULTS: A sex hormone-treated rat model was established in order to study the
      effects of sex hormones on hepatic fetuin expression. Animal experiments revealed
      that 17beta-estradiol (E2)- and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-treated rats showed
      opposite effects in terms of body weight gain in both genders. Interestingly, Ft
      A and Ft-B were sex-dependently expressed in the livers of rats, responding to
      different regulatory modes of sex hormone receptors (ERalpha, ERbeta, and AR). To
      validate in vivo data, rat normal liver cells were treated with E2 or DHT at
      different concentrations, and similar expression patterns as those in the animal
      based experiments were confirmed. We found that these changes were mediated via
      sex hormone receptors using antagonist experiments. CONCLUSION: The results of
      the present study indicate that sex hormones induce gender-dimorphic expression
      of hepatic fetuins directly via sex hormone receptors. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first approach to address the effects of sex hormones on
      hepatic fetuin expression.

PMID- 25116355
TI  - OPN polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility to cervical spondylotic
      myelopathy and its outcome after anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteopontin (OPN) is reportedly involved in bone desorption,
      formation and ectopic calcification. We sought to investigate the role of OPN
      gene polymorphism in the susceptibility to Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM)
      and in predicting the outcome anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACF).
      METHODS: A total of 187 patients diagnosed with CSM and 233 sex and age matched
      healthy controls were enrolled in this study. All CSM patients received ACF and
      were followed up for 24 months. The polymorphisms of OPN gene at 3 loci, namely, 
      156 G>GG, -443 C>T and -66T>G were determined. RESULTS: The -66T>G genotype was
      significantly different between CSM patients and controls. Compared to the -66TT
      carriers, the -66GG genotype carriers had a higher risk for developing CSM
      (adjusted Odd Ratio=2.58, adjusted P=0.001). In contrast, the genotype
      distributions of the -156G/GG and -443C/T loci were not significantly different
      between the CSM and control groups. OPN gene polymorphism did not determine the
      pre-operative severity of CSM patients, but the -66T>G genotype was significantly
      associated with the clinical outcome of CSM after ACF treatment. The -66T>G did
      not affect the serum OPN level, but affect the local expressions of OPN and a
      serious of key inflammatory factors in the intervertebral disc samples.
      CONCLUSION: Our study shows the OPN -66T>G genetic polymorphism contributes to
      patients' susceptibility to CSM and could be indicative of the outcome of ACF
      surgery.

PMID- 25116356
TI  - Dysregulation of the glutamine transporter Slc38a3 (SNAT3) and ammoniagenic
      enzymes in obese, glucose-intolerant mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Uric acid nephrolithiasis is prevalent among patients with type
      2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome; it is correlated with an acidic urine and
      lower urinary ammonium excretion and is likely associated with insulin
      resistance. Insulin stimulates ammoniagenesis in renal cell lines via increased
      phosphate-dependent glutaminase (PDG) activity and glutamine metabolism. Ammonium
      excretion into the proximal tubule is mediated at least in part by the Na(+)/H(+)
      exchanger NHE3 and in the collecting duct involving the Rhesus protein RhCG. Here
      we tested, whether obesity and insulin resistance in a diet-induced mouse model
      could contribute to deranged ammonium excretion. METHODS: Obesity was induced by
      diet in mice and the impact on key molecules of proximal tubular ammoniagenesis
      and urinary acid excretion tested. RESULTS: Diet-induced obesity was confirmed by
      pathological intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT). Three groups of
      mice were compared: control mice; obese, glucose-intolerant with abnormal IPGTT
      (O-GI); or moderate weight with normal IPGTT (Non-Responders, NR). Basal urinary
      ammonium excretion did not differ among groups. However, acid loading increased
      urinary ammonium excretion in all groups, but to a lesser extent in the O-GI
      group. SNAT3 mRNA expression was enhanced in both obese groups. PDG expression
      was elevated only in acid-loaded O-GI mice, whereas PEPCK was enhanced in both O
      GI and NR groups given NH4CI. NHE activity in the brush border membrane of the
      proximal tubule was strongly reduced in the O-GI group whereas RhCG expression
      was similar. CONCLUSION: In sum, obesity and glucose intolerance impairs renal
      ammonium excretion in response to NH4CI feeding most likely through reduced NHE
      activity. The stimulation of SNAT3 and ammoniagenic enzyme expression may be
      compensatory but futile.

PMID- 25116357
TI  - GLP-2 suppresses LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages by inhibiting ERK
      phosphorylation and NF-kappaB activation.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: GLP-2 has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects, but the
      underlying molecular mechanisms remained undefined. As macrophages are important
      in the development and maintenance of inflammation, we investigated whether
      exogenous GLP-2 modulates the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins in LPS
      stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages. METHODS: Macrophages were pretreated
      with various concentrations of GLP-2 for 1 h and then stimulated with LPS. The
      effects on pro-inflammatory enzymes (iNOS and COX-2), and pro-inflammatory
      cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6) were analysed by Western blotting, ELISA
      and qRT-PCR. We also examined whether NF-kappaB or MAPK signaling was involved in
      the effects of GLP-2. RESULTS: In macrophages, GLP-2 blunted the effect of LPS on
      protein and mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6.
      Pre-incubation of macrophages with GLP-2 also blunted LPS-induced IkappaB-alpha
      degradation, IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation and NF-kappaB translocation. In the
      presence of GLP-2, the effect of LPS treatment on ERK phosphorylation was also
      profoundly blunted. GLP-2 did, however, not significantly modify the effects of
      LPS on p38 and JNK activities. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that in
      LPS primed macrophages, GLP-2 reduced pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokine
      production via mechanisms involving the suppression of NF-kappaB activity and ERK
      phosphorylation.

PMID- 25116358
TI  - Resveratrol suppresses oxidised low-density lipoprotein-induced macrophage
      apoptosis through inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species generation,
      LOX-1, and the p38 MAPK pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Resveratrol (RSV) may have therapeutic potential for various
      diseases. Here we investigated the effect of RSV on oxidised low-density
      lipoprotein- (ox-LDL) induced apoptosis in RAW264.7 macrophages. METHODS:
      Apoptosis of macrophages following incubation with ox-LDL (with or without RSV
      pre-treatment) was detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to
      assess the protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 as well as ox-LDL
      receptor 1 (LOX-1) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      phosphorylation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was evaluated by 2', 7'
      dichlorofluorescein diacetate, and JC-1 probe was used to determine the
      mitochondrial transmembrane potential of cells. RESULTS: Ox-LDL significantly
      reduced viability and increased the rate of apoptosis (P < 0.05) in RAW264.7
      cells. However, pre-treatment with RSV resulted in a remarkable decrease in this
      apoptotic effect. Moreover, ox-LDL caused the up-regulation of Bax and the down
      regulation of Bcl-2, as well as the activation of caspase-3. Expression of LOX-1,
      phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and intracellular ROS production also increased
      after ox-LDL stimulation. Strikingly, these effects were abolished by pre
      treatment of cells with RSV. CONCLUSION: RSV suppresses ox-LDL-induced macrophage
      apoptosis. These beneficial effects might be exerted through inhibition of ROS
      generation, LOX-1, and the p38 MAPK signalling pathway.

PMID- 25116359
TI  - Key residues responsible for enhancement of catalytic efficiency of Thermomyces
      lanuginosus lipase Lip revealed by complementary protein engineering strategy.
AB  - The variant Lip-T (S88T/A99N/V116D) of lipase Lip from Thermomyces lanuginosus
      has been proved to be a potential biocatalyst for kinetic resolution of 2
      carboxyethyl-3-cyano-5-methylhexanoic acid ethyl ester (CNDE) to produce valuable
      chiral intermediate of Pregabalin. In this study, random, site-directed and site
      saturation mutagenesis were performed to further enhance the activity of Lip-T,
      and the key residues responsible for catalytic efficiency were revealed. A mutant
      S63L/D232A with improved activity toward CNDE was obtained after screening of
      approximately 2500 clones from random-mutant libraries. Site-directed mutagenesis
      at site 63 and 232 demonstrated that the single-point mutants S63L and D232A
      showed opposite effect on activity. S63L exhibited a significant improvement on
      activity, whereas D232A exerted a slight inhibitory effect. Then a mutant S63M
      with a 4.5-fold higher catalytic efficiency than Lip-T was obtained by site
      saturation mutagenesis. Structural changes resulting from the mutations were
      analyzed and the mechanisms responsible for the enhanced activity were discussed.
      Moreover, the engineered lipase catalyzed enantioselective hydrolysis of CNDE at
      a very high substrate loading (765 g/l). As only 5% (w/v) resting cells were
      used, the bioprocess is much more cost-effective than Pfizer's process using 8%
      (w/v) commercially available lipase Lipolase((r)). These results provide not only
      new insights into lipase structure-function relationships but also a novel robust
      biocatalyst for the production of Pregabalin.

PMID- 25116360
TI  - An electrochemical genosensor for Salmonella typhi on gold nanoparticles
      mercaptosilane modified screen printed electrode.
AB  - In this work, we fabricated a system of integrated self-assembled layer of
      organosilane 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxy silane (MPTS) on the screen printed
      electrode (SPE) and electrochemically deposited gold nanoparticle for Salmonella
      typhi detection employing Vi gene as a molecular marker. Thiolated DNA probe was
      immobilized on a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) modified SPE for DNA hybridization
      assay using methylene blue as redox (electroactive) hybridization indicator, and
      signal was monitored by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. The modified
      SPE was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance
      spectroscopy (EIS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) method. The DNA biosensor
      showed excellent performances with high sensitivity and good selectivity. The
      current response was linear with the target sequence concentrations ranging from
      1.0 * 10(-11) to 0.5 * 10(-8)M and the detection limit was found to be 50 (+/-
      2.1)pM. The DNA biosensor showed good discrimination ability to the one-base, two
      base and three-base mismatched sequences. The fabricated genosensor could also be
      regenerated easily and reused for three to four times for further hybridization
      studies.

PMID- 25116361
TI  - In situ near infrared spectroscopy monitoring of cyprosin production by
      recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains.
AB  - Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was used to in situ monitoring the cultivation
      of two recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains producing heterologous
      cyprosin B. NIR spectroscopy is a fast and non-destructive technique, that by
      being based on overtones and combinations of molecular vibrations requires
      chemometrics tools, such as partial least squares (PLS) regression models, to
      extract quantitative information concerning the variables of interest from the
      spectral data. In the present work, good PLS calibration models based on specific
      regions of the NIR spectral data were built for estimating the critical variables
      of the cyprosin production process: biomass concentration, cyprosin activity,
      cyprosin specific activity, the carbon sources glucose and galactose
      concentration and the by-products acetic acid and ethanol concentration. The PLS
      models developed are valid for both recombinant S. cerevisiae strains, presenting
      distinct cyprosin production capacities, and therefore can be used, not only for
      the real-time control of both processes, but also in optimization protocols. The
      PLS model for biomass yielded a R(2)=0.98 and a RMSEP=0.46 g dcw l(-1),
      representing an error of 4% for a calibration range between 0.44 and 13.75 g dcw
      l(-1). A R(2)=0.94 and a RMSEP=167 Um l(-1) were obtained for the cyprosin
      activity, corresponding to an error of 6.7% of the experimental data range (0
      2509 Um l(-1)), whereas a R(2)=0.93 and RMSEP=672 U mg(-1) were obtained for the
      cyprosin specific activity, corresponding to an error of 7% of the experimental
      data range (0-11,690 Um g(-1)). For the carbon sources glucose and galactose, a
      R(2)=0.96 and a RMSECV of 1.26 and 0.55 g l(-1), respectively, were obtained,
      showing high predictive capabilities within the range of 0-20 g l(-1). For the
      metabolites resulting from the cell growth, the PLS model for acetate was
      characterized by a R(2)=0.92 and a RMSEP=0.06 g l (-1), which corresponds to a
      6.1% error within the range of 0.41-1.23 g l(-1); for the ethanol, a high
      accuracy PLS model with a R(2)=0.97 and a RMSEP=1.08 g l(-1) was obtained,
      representing an error of 9% within the range of 0.18-21.76 g l(-1). The present
      study shows that it is possible the in situ monitoring and prediction of the
      critical variables of the recombinant cyprosin B production process by NIR
      spectroscopy, which can be applied in process control in real-time and in
      optimization protocols. From the above, NIR spectroscopy appears as a valuable
      analytical tool for online monitoring of cultivation processes, in a fast,
      accurate and reproducible operation mode.

PMID- 25116362
TI  - Targeted genome correction by a single adenoviral vector simultaneously carrying
      an inducible zinc finger nuclease and a donor template.
AB  - Zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology, which can be used to induce targeted
      genome correction in the presence of a DNA donor template, is becoming an
      attractive strategy for treating monogenic diseases. This strategy requires
      efficient delivery of ZFN and donor template into cells, ideally, in a single
      viral vector to achieve efficient genome editing and to avoid unwanted
      mutagenesis. In this study, we successfully produced a single adenoviral (Ad)
      vector with high titer that carried a ZFN expression cassette and a donor
      template simultaneously. We then demonstrated that this single Ad system could
      mediate efficient site-specific genome correction in vitro and ex vivo. The gene
      correction efficiency of the single Ad was significantly higher than that of the
      double Ad system. This novel vector will be a promising ZFN and donor delivery
      system for treatment of monogenic diseases. 

PMID- 25116365
TI  - Depositional characteristics of atmospheric polybrominated diphenyl ethers on
      tree barks.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the depositional
      characteristics of several tree barks, including Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Pine
      (Pinus densiflora), Platanus (Platanus), and Metasequoia (Metasequoia
      glyptostroboides). These were used as passive air sampler (PAS) of atmospheric
      polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). METHODS: Tree barks were sampled from the
      same site. PBDEs were analyzed by highresolution gas chromatography/high
      resolution mass spectrometer, and the lipid content was measured using the
      gravimetric method by n-hexane extraction. RESULTS: Gingko contained the highest
      lipid content (7.82 mg/g dry), whereas pine (4.85 mg/g dry), Platanus (3.61 mg/g
      dry), and Metasequoia (0.97 mg/g dry) had relatively lower content. The highest
      total PBDEs concentration was observed in Metasequoia (83,159.0 pg/g dry),
      followed by Ginkgo (53,538.4 pg/g dry), Pine (20,266.4 pg/g dry), and Platanus
      (12,572.0 pg/g dry). There were poor correlations between lipid content and total
      PBDE concentrations in tree barks (R(2)=0.1011, p =0.682). Among the PBDE
      congeners, BDE 206, 207 and 209 were highly brominated PBDEs that are sorbed to
      particulates in ambient air, which accounted for 90.5% (84.3-95.6%) of the
      concentration and were therefore identified as the main PBDE congener. The
      concentrations of particulate PBDEs deposited on tree barks were dependent on
      morphological characteristics such as surface area or roughness of barks.
      CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, when using the tree barks as the PAS of the atmospheric
      PBDEs, samples belonging to same tree species should be collected to reduce
      errors and to obtain reliable data.

PMID- 25116363
TI  - Voluntary pressing and releasing actions induce different senses of time:
      evidence from event-related brain responses.
AB  - The timing intervals initiated by voluntary pressing actions are subjectively
      compressed compared with those initiated by voluntary releasing actions. Event
      related potentials (ERPs) were employed in the present study to uncover the
      temporal mechanisms underlying this temporal illusion. The results revealed that
      the mean amplitude of the P1 component over the frontal-central recording sites,
      but not the P2 component, was larger in the voluntary pressing condition than in
      the voluntary releasing condition at the time perception stage. In the fronto
      central region, increases in oscillatory activities of delta-theta frequency
      range (1-7 Hz) were found in the voluntary pressing condition, which corresponded
      with the emergence of the P1 peak. In addition, the P1 amplitude was negatively
      related to the corresponding reported time length at the single-trial level.
      These results are discussed in terms of the functional role of the response
      locked P1 in the time perception stage.

PMID- 25116364
TI  - NUCKS1, a novel Tat coactivator, plays a crucial role in HIV-1 replication by
      increasing Tat-mediated viral transcription on the HIV-1 LTR promoter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) Tat protein plays an essential
      role in HIV gene transcription from the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) and
      replication. Transcriptional activity of Tat is modulated by several host
      factors, but the mechanism responsible for Tat regulation by host factors is not
      understood fully. RESULTS: Using a yeast two-hybrid screening system, we
      identified Nuclear ubiquitous casein and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate 1
      (NUCKS1) as a novel Tat-interacting partner. Here, we report its function as a
      positive regulator of Tat. In a coimmunoprecipitation assay, HIV-1 Tat interacted
      sufficiently with both endogenous and ectopically expressed NUCKS1. In a reporter
      assay, ectopic expression of NUCKS1 significantly increased Tat-mediated
      transcription of the HIV-1 LTR, whereas knockdown of NUCKS1 by small interfering
      RNA diminished Tat-mediated transcription of the HIV-1 LTR. We also investigated
      which mechanism contributes to NUCKS1-mediated Tat activation. In a chromatin
      immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP), knockdown of NUCKS1 interrupted the
      accumulation of Tat in the transactivation-responsive (TAR) region on the LTR,
      which then led to suppression of viral replication. However, NUCKS1 expression
      did not increase Tat nuclear localization and interaction with Cyclin T1.
      Interestingly, the NUCKS1 expression level was lower in latently HIV-1-infected
      cells than in uninfected parent cells. Besides, expression level of NUCKS1 was
      markedly induced, which then facilitated HIV-1 reactivation in latently infected
      cells. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our data demonstrate clearly that NUCKS1 is a
      novel Tat coactivator that is required for Tat-mediated HIV-1 transcription and
      replication, and that it may contribute to HIV-1 reactivation in latently HIV-1
      infected cells.

PMID- 25116367
TI  - Spatial analysis of PM10 and cardiovascular mortality in the Seoul metropolitan
      area.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Numerous studies have revealed the adverse health effects of acute
      and chronic exposure to particulate matter less than 10 MUm in aerodynamic
      diameter (PM10). The aim of the present study was to examine the spatial
      distribution of PM10 concentrations and cardiovascular mortality and to
      investigate the spatial correlation between PM10 and cardiovascular mortality
      using spatial scan statistic (SaTScan) and a regression model. METHODS: From 2008
      to 2010, the spatial distribution of PM10 in the Seoul metropolitan area was
      examined via kriging. In addition, a group of cardiovascular mortality cases was
      analyzed using SaTScan-based cluster exploration. Geographically weighted
      regression (GWR) was applied to investigate the correlation between PM10
      concentrations and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: An examination of the
      regional distribution of the cardiovascular mortality was higher in provincial
      districts (gu) belonging to Incheon and the northern part of Gyeonggido than in
      other regions. In a comparison of PM10 concentrations and mortality cluster (MC)
      regions, all those belonging to MC 1 and MC 2 were found to belong to particulate
      matter (PM) 1 and PM 2 with high concentrations of air pollutants. In addition,
      the GWR showed that PM10 has a statistically significant relation to
      cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS: To investigate the relation between air
      pollution and health impact, spatial analyses can be utilized based on kriging,
      cluster exploration, and GWR for a more systematic and quantitative analysis. It
      has been proven that cardiovascular mortality is spatially related to the
      concentration of PM10.

PMID- 25116366
TI  - Skin corrosion and irritation test of sunscreen nanoparticles using reconstructed
      3D human skin model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Effects of nanoparticles including zinc oxide nanoparticles, titanium
      oxide nanoparticles, and their mixtures on skin corrosion and irritation were
      investigated by using in vitro 3D human skin models (KeraSkin ((TM)) ) and the
      results were compared to those of an in vivo animal test. METHODS: Skin models
      were incubated with nanoparticles for a definite time period and cell viability
      was measured by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide
      method. Skin corrosion and irritation were identified by the decreased viability
      based on the pre-determined threshold. RESULTS: Cell viability after exposure to
      nanomaterial was not decreased to the pre-determined threshold level, which was
      15% after 60 minutes exposure in corrosion test and 50% after 45 minutes exposure
      in the irritation test. IL-1alpha release and histopathological findings support
      the results of cell viability test. In vivo test using rabbits also showed non
      corrosive and non-irritant results. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide the
      evidence that zinc oxide nanoparticles, titanium oxide nanoparticles and their
      mixture are 'non corrosive' and 'non-irritant' to the human skin by a globally
      harmonized classification system. In vivo test using animals can be replaced by
      an alternative in vitro test.

PMID- 25116371
TI  - Summary health statistics for the u.s. Population: national health interview
      survey, 2011.
AB  - Objectives-This report presents both age-adjusted and unadjusted health
      statistics from the 2011 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for the civilian
      noninstitutionalized population of the United States. Estimates are disaggregated
      by sex, age, race, Hispanic origin, education, family income, poverty status,
      health insurance coverage (where appropriate), place of residence, and region of
      residence. The topics covered are respondent-assessed health status, limitations
      in activities, special education or early intervention services, injury and
      poisoning episodes, health care access and utilization, and health insurance
      coverage. Data Source-NHIS is a household, multistage probability sample survey
      conducted annually by interviewers of the U.S. Census Bureau for the Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. In 2011,
      household interviews were completed for 101,875 persons living in 39,509
      households, reflecting a household response rate of 82.0%. Selected Highlights
      Nearly 7 in 10 persons were in excellent or very good health in 2011. About 40
      million persons (13%) were limited in their usual activities due to one or more
      chronic health conditions. About 5 million persons (2%) required the help of
      another person with activities of daily living, and about 10 million persons (4%)
      required the help of another person with instrumental activities of daily living.
      About 7% of children received special education or early intervention services.
      Among persons under age 65, about 45 million (17%) did not have any health
      insurance coverage. The most common reason for lacking health insurance was cost,
      followed by a change in employment. 

PMID- 25116370
TI  - Marine biotechnologies and synthetic biology, new issues for a fair and equitable
      profit-sharing commercial use.
AB  - The sea will be a source of economic development in the next years. Today the
      research works in marine biotechnologies supply new products and processes. The
      introduction in the laboratories of a new technology, synthesis biology, is going
      to increase the possibilities of creation of new products. Exploitation of
      product stemming from marine biodiversity has to be made with regard to various
      rights among which industrial property law, maritime law and the Convention on
      BioDiversity. All participants involved in the promotion of research in marine
      biotechnology must address the fair and equitable sharing of any commercial
      exploitation. Carrying out work involving synthetic biology has increased the
      number of unanswered questions about how operators should manage in order to
      avoid any threat of being sued for infringements of IP rights or for alleged bio
      piracy. This paper, by no means exhaustive in the field, analyzes some of the
      issues raised on the modification to the landscape in marine biotechnology by the
      advent of synthetic biology. Such issues indicate how important the collaboration
      between researchers, industrialists, lawyers is for allowing proper use of marine
      biotech. 

PMID- 25116369
TI  - Older adults recently started on psychotropic medication: where are the symptoms?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to understand the characteristics of
      older adults on newly prescribed psychotropic medication with minimal psychiatric
      symptoms. METHODS: Naturalistic cohort study of non-institutionalized older
      adults in Pennsylvania participating in the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract
      for the Elderly. Persons newly prescribed antidepressant or anxiolytic
      monotherapy or combination therapy were contacted for clinical assessment by a
      telephone-based behavioral health service. The initial assessment included
      standardized mental health screening instruments and scales including the Blessed
      Orientation-Memory-Concentration test, Patient Health Questionnaire-9,
      Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Medical Outcomes Survey (SF-12). In addition,
      patients were asked for their understanding of the prescription indication.
      RESULTS: Of the 254 participants who met minimal symptom criteria (Patient Health
      Questionnaire-9 < 5 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 < 5), women comprised
      slightly more of the anxiolytic compared with antidepressant monotherapy group
      (88.9% vs. 76.7%, p = 0.04). The most common self-reported reason for
      prescription of an antidepressant or anxiolytic was depression or anxiety,
      respectively, despite near-absence of these symptoms on clinical assessment.
      Comparing monotherapy to combination therapy groups, those with combination
      therapy were more likely to report a history of depression (12.6% vs. 1.8%, p <
      0.001) and also report depression as the reason for the prescription (40.2% vs.
      21.0%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of older adults on new psychotropic
      medication with minimal psychiatric symptoms, there are few patient
      characteristics that distinguish those on antidepressant versus anxiolytic
      monotherapy or those on monotherapy versus combination therapy. While quality of
      care in late-life mental health has focused on improving detection and treatment,
      there should be further attention to low-symptom patients potentially receiving
      inappropriate pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 25116372
TI  - Treatment outcome of Chinese children with anaplastic large cell lymphoma by
      using a modified B-NHL-BFM-90 protocol.
AB  - Pediatric anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) has rarely been reported in
      Chinese pediatric patients. This study evaluated the clinical characteristics and
      treatment outcome of Chinese pediatric patients with ALCL. Between October 2002
      and October 2012, 39 untreated pediatric patients with ALCL were enrolled at a
      single institution. The patients were stratified into three groups (R1, R2, and
      R3) based on the stage of the disease, clinical risk factors, and
      chemotherapeutic response, and received different intensive chemotherapy regimens
      based on a modified B-NHL-BFM-90 protocol. Of the 39 patients, 22 were boys, and
      17 were girls, with a median age at diagnosis of 10 years (range 2-16 years),
      91.2% were anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive. The patient groups R1, R2,
      and R3 accounted for 12.8%, 30.4%, and 56.4% of the total, respectively. 87.2% of
      patients were stage III/IV. At a median follow-up period of 52 months (range 15
      136 months), seven patients relapsed and three patients died of their disease.
      The 5-year event-free survival for all patients was 81.4% +/- 6.4%, with 100%,
      83.3% +/- 10% and 75.3% +/- 9.8% for groups R1, R2, and R3, respectively. The
      overall survival for all patients was 92.2% +/- 4.3%. Our study demonstrates that
      a risk-stratified treatment with a modified B-NHL-BFM-90 protocol is efficacious
      for Chinese children with ALCL.

PMID- 25116375
TI  - AgNb7O18: an ergodic relaxor ferroelectric.
AB  - AgNb7O18 is a relaxor ferroelectric with a Burns temperature of ~490 K and an
      incipient transition to the nonergodic state. The short-range structure is shown
      by convergent-beam electron diffraction to have the polar space group Im2m, but
      refinements against powder X-ray diffraction find the long-range structure to
      have the centrosymmetric space group Immm. Relaxor behavior in AgNb7O18 appears
      to originate from the partial occupation of large interstices by Ag(+) cations.
      Both cations and oxygen anions are displaced away from zones where NbO6 octahedra
      are edge-sharing.

PMID- 25116373
TI  - Endothelial amine oxidase AOC3 transiently contributes to adaptive immune
      responses in the airways.
AB  - Amine oxidase, copper containing 3 (AOC3, also known as vascular adhesion protein
      1 (VAP-1)) is an endothelial adhesion molecule that contributes to the
      extravasation of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes to sites of
      inflammation. However, the role of AOC3/VAP-1 in allergic responses remains
      unknown. Here, we studied eosinophil and CD4+ T-cell recruitment to the airways
      using AOC3/VAP-1-deficient mice. In an OVA-triggered asthma model, AOC3/VAP-1
      slightly contributed to the accumulation of leukocytes in lungs in an age
      dependent manner. We then established a new model to kinetically measure
      recruitment of OVA-specific CD4+ T cells to different airway immune compartments
      during the priming and effector phases of an adaptive immune response. The
      results showed that in the absence of AOC3/VAP-1, recruitment of antigen-specific
      CD4+ T cells to draining bronchial lymph nodes is reduced by 89% on day 3 after
      tracheal allergen exposure, but this difference was not observed on day 6. The
      dispersal of effector cells to lung and tracheal mucosa is AOC3/VAP-1
      independent. Thus, in allergic airway reactions, AOC3/VAP-1 transiently
      contributes to the antigen-specific, CD4+ T-cell traffic to secondary lymphatic
      tissues, but not to airway mucosa or lung parenchyma. Our results suggest a
      largely redundant function for AOC3/VAP-1 in allergic inflammatory responses of
      the airways.

PMID- 25116376
TI  - Assisted reproduction for postmenopausal women.
AB  - With increasing longevity, an ageing population and advances in assisted
      reproductive technologies (ART), a greater number of women are deciding to have a
      child and become a mother in their later years. With this social and demographic
      change, an important social and ethical debate has emerged over whether single
      and/or married postmenopausal women should have access to ARTs. The aim of this
      paper is to address this question and review critically the arguments that have
      been advanced to support or oppose the use of ART by older women. The arguments
      presented consider the consequences for the individual, the family and wider
      society. They cover the potential physical and emotional harm to the older woman,
      the possible impact on the welfare and wellbeing of the future child, and the
      impact on the norms, values, customs and traditions of society. After reviewing
      the evidence, and weighing the opposing arguments, this paper concludes that
      there is no moral justification for a restriction on the use of ART by
      postmenopausal women. Allowing access to ART for postmenopausal women is an
      extension of reproductive autonomy and procreative rights in an age where the
      promotion of agency, autonomy, individual choice and human rights is paramount.

PMID- 25116378
TI  - Homologies and homeotic transformation of the theropod 'semilunate' carpal.
AB  - The homology of the 'semilunate' carpal, an important structure linking non-avian
      and avian dinosaurs, has been controversial. Here we describe the morphology of
      some theropod wrists, demonstrating that the 'semilunate' carpal is not formed by
      the same carpal elements in all theropods possessing this feature and that the
      involvement of the lateralmost distal carpal in forming the 'semilunate' carpal
      of birds is an inheritance from their non-avian theropod ancestors. Optimization
      of relevant morphological features indicates that these features evolved in an
      incremental way and the 'semilunate' structure underwent a lateral shift in
      position during theropod evolution, possibly as a result of selection for
      foldable wings in birds and their close theropod relatives. We propose that
      homeotic transformation was involved in the evolution of the 'semilunate' carpal.
      In combination with developmental data on avian wing digits, this suggests that
      homeosis played a significant role in theropod hand evolution in general. 

PMID- 25116379
TI  - Oxygen etching of thick MoS2 films.
AB  - Oxygen annealing of thick MoS2 films results in randomly oriented and
      controllable triangular etched shapes, forming pits with uniform etching angles.
      These etching morphologies differ across the sample based on the defect sites
      situated on the basal plane surface, forming numerous features in different bulk
      sample thicknesses. 

PMID- 25116377
TI  - Programmable nanoscaffolds that control ligand display to a G-protein-coupled
      receptor in membranes to allow dissection of multivalent effects.
AB  - A programmable ligand display system can be used to dissect the multivalent
      effects of ligand binding to a membrane receptor. An antagonist of the A2A
      adenosine receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor that is a drug target for
      neurodegenerative conditions, was displayed in 35 different multivalent
      configurations, and binding to A2A was determined. A theoretical model based on
      statistical mechanics was developed to interpret the binding data, suggesting the
      importance of receptor dimers. Using this model, extended multivalent
      arrangements of ligands were constructed with progressive improvements in binding
      to A2A. The results highlight the ability to use a highly controllable
      multivalent approach to determine optimal ligand valency and spacing that can be
      subsequently optimized for binding to a membrane receptor. Models explaining the
      multivalent binding data are also presented. 

PMID- 25116381
TI  - An improved method for including upper size range plasmids in metamobilomes.
AB  - Two recently developed isolation methods have shown promise when recovering pure
      community plasmid DNA (metamobilomes/plasmidomes), which is useful in conducting
      culture-independent investigations into plasmid ecology. However, both methods
      employ multiple displacement amplification (MDA) to ensure suitable quantities of
      plasmid DNA for high-throughput sequencing. This study demonstrates that MDA
      greatly favors smaller circular DNA elements (<10 Kbp), which, in turn, leads to
      stark underrepresentation of upper size range plasmids (>10 Kbp). Throughout the
      study, we used two model plasmids, a 4.4 Kbp cloning vector (pBR322), and a 56
      Kbp conjugative plasmid (pKJK10), to represent lower- and upper plasmid size
      ranges, respectively. Subjecting a mixture of these plasmids to the overall
      isolation protocol revealed a 34-fold over-amplification of pBR322 after MDA. To
      address this bias, we propose the addition of an electroelution step that
      separates different plasmid size ranges prior to MDA in order to reduce size
      dependent competition during incubation. Subsequent analyses of metamobilome data
      from wastewater spiked with the model plasmids showed in silica recovery of
      pKJK10 to be very poor with the established method and a 1,300-fold
      overrepresentation of pBR322. Conversely, complete recovery of pKJK10 was enabled
      with the new modified protocol although considerable care must be taken during
      electroelution to minimize cross-contamination between samples. For further
      validation, non-spiked wastewater metamobilomes were mapped to more than 2,500
      known plasmid genomes. This displayed an overall recovery of plasmids well into
      the upper size range (median size: 30 kilobases) with the modified protocol.
      Analysis of de novo assembled metamobilome data also suggested distinctly better
      recovery of larger plasmids, as gene functions associated with these plasmids,
      such as conjugation, was exclusively encoded in the data output generated through
      the modified protocol. Thus, with the suggested modification, access to a large
      uncharacterized pool of accessory elements that reside on medium-to-large
      plasmids has been improved. 

PMID- 25116382
TI  - Heat-killed probiotic bacteria differentially regulate colonic epithelial cell
      production of human beta-defensin-2: dependence on inflammatory cytokines.
AB  - The inducible antimicrobial peptide human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) stimulated by
      pro-inflammatory cytokines and bacterial products is essential to antipathogen
      responses of gut epithelial cells. Commensal and probiotic bacteria can augment
      such mucosal defences. Probiotic use in the treatment of inflammatory bowel
      disease, however, may have adverse effects, boosting inflammatory responses. The
      aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of selected probiotic
      strains on hBD-2 production by epithelial cells induced by pathologically
      relevant pro-inflammatory cytokines and the role of cytokine modulators in
      controlling hBD-2. Caco-2 colonic intestinal epithelial cells were pre-incubated
      with heat-killed probiotics, i.e. Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) or
      Lactobacillus fermentum strain MS15 (LF), followed by stimulation of hBD-2 by
      interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in the
      absence or presence of exogenous IL-10 or anti-IL-10 neutralising antibody.
      Cytokines and hBD-2 mRNA and protein were analysed by real-time quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. LcS augmented IL
      1beta-induced hBD-2, whereas LF enhanced TNF-alpha- and suppressed IL-1beta
      induced hBD-2. LF enhanced TNF-alpha-induced TNF-alpha and suppressed IL-10,
      whereas augmented IL-1beta-induced IL-10. LcS upregulated IL-1beta-induced TNF
      alpha mRNA and suppressed IL-10. Endogenous IL-10 differentially regulated hBD-2;
      neutralisation of IL-10 augmented TNF-alpha- and suppressed IL-1beta-induced hBD
      2. Exogenous IL-10, however, suppressed both TNF-alpha- and IL-1beta-induced hBD
      2; LcS partially rescued suppression in TNF-alpha- and IL-1beta-stimulation,
      whereas LF further suppressed IL-1beta-induced hBD-2. It can be concluded that
      probiotic strains differentially regulate hBD-2 mRNA expression and protein
      secretion, modulation being dictated by inflammatory stimulus and resulting
      cytokine environment. 

PMID- 25116383
TI  - Testing the proclaimed affordances of online support groups in a nationally
      representative sample of adults seeking mental health assistance.
AB  - In this study, explanations for why people turn to the Internet for social
      support are tested using a nationally representative sample of adults who sought
      mental health support through a traditional treatment outlet, an in-person
      support group, or an online support group. Results indicate that the more adults
      report having social stigma concerns, the more likely they are to seek support
      online instead of help from an in-person support group or traditional treatment.
      Likewise, as the reported number of logistical barriers to mental health
      treatment increases, a corresponding increase occurs in the odds of adults
      seeking online support instead of traditional treatment. These findings as well
      as estimates of demographic variation in the use of online support are discussed.

PMID- 25116380
TI  - Acetylation-dependent regulation of essential iPS-inducing factors: a regulatory
      crossroad for pluripotency and tumorigenesis.
AB  - Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be generated from somatic cells by
      coexpression of four transcription factors: Sox2, Oct4, Klf4, and c-Myc. However,
      the low efficiency in generating iPS cells and the tendency of tumorigenesis
      hinder the therapeutic applications for iPS cells in treatment of human diseases.
      To this end, it remains largely unknown how the iPS process is subjected to
      regulation by upstream signaling pathway(s). Here, we report that Akt regulates
      the iPS process by modulating posttranslational modifications of these iPS
      factors in both direct and indirect manners. Specifically, Akt directly
      phosphorylates Oct4 to modulate the Oct4/Sox2 heterodimer formation. Furthermore,
      Akt either facilitates the p300-mediated acetylation of Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4, or
      stabilizes Klf4 by inactivating GSK3, thus indirectly modulating stemness. As
      tumorigenesis shares possible common features and mechanisms with iPS, our study
      suggests that Akt inhibition might serve as a cancer therapeutic approach to
      target cancer stem cells. 

PMID- 25116384
TI  - Vitamin D insufficiency over 5 years is associated with increased fracture risk
      an observational cohort study of elderly women.
AB  - This study of elderly Swedish women investigated the association between chronic
      vitamin D insufficiency and osteoporotic fractures occurring between ages 80-90.
      The incidence and risk of hip and major osteoporotic fractures was significantly
      higher in elderly women with low vitamin D levels maintained over 5 years.
      INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D insufficiency among the elderly is common; however,
      relatively little is known about the effects of long-term hypovitaminosis D on
      fracture. We investigated sequential assessment of serum 25(OH)D at age 75 and 80
      to determine if continuously low 25(OH)D levels are associated with increased 10
      year fracture incidence. METHODS: One thousand forty-four Swedish women from the
      population-based OPRA cohort, all 75 years old, attended at baseline (BL); 715
      attended at 5 years. S-25(OH)D was available in 987 and 640, respectively and
      categorized as: <50 (Low), 50-75 (Intermediate), and >75 nmol/L (High). Incident
      fracture data was collected with maximum follow-up to 90 years of age. RESULTS:
      Hip fracture incidence between age 80-85 was higher in women who had low 25(OH)D
      at both baseline and 5 years (22.2 % (Low) vs. 6.6 % (High); p = 0.003). Between
      age 80-90, hip fracture incidence was more than double that of women in the high
      category (27.9 vs. 12.3 %; p = 0.006). Within 5-years, 50 % of women in the
      continuously low group compared to 34 % in the continuously high 25(OH)D group
      had an osteoporotic fracture (p = 0.004) while 10-year incidence was higher
      compared to the intermediate (p = 0.020) but not the high category (p = 0.053).
      The 10-year relative risk of hip fracture was almost three times higher and
      osteoporotic fracture risk almost doubled for women in the lowest 25(OH)D
      category compared to the high category (HR 2.7 and 1.7; p = 0.003 and 0.023,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: In these elderly women, 25(OH)D insufficiency over 5
      years was associated with increased 10-year risk of hip and major osteoporotic
      fractures.

PMID- 25116385
TI  - Vitamin D: is evidence of absence, absence of evidence?

PMID- 25116386
TI  - Response to letter to editor.

PMID- 25116388
TI  - Construction of four low-dimensional NIR-luminescence-tunable Yb(III) complexes.
AB  - Four low-dimensional ytterbium(iii)-organic compounds through hydrothermal
      reactions of quinoline-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (2,3-H2qldc) and oxalic acid (H2ox)
      with Yb2O3, namely, [Yb(2,3-qldc)(ox)1/2(H2O)3.(H2O)4]n (1), [Yb(2,3
      qldc)(ox)1/2(H2O)2.(H2O)2]n (2), [Yb(2,3-Hqldc)(ox)(H2O)2.(H2O)]n (3) and [Yb(2,3
      Hqldc)(ox)(H2O).(H2O)2]n (4), were first synthesized and characterized by
      elemental analysis (EA), infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis
      (TG), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. When the reactant ratio of 2,3-H2qldc
      : H2ox : Yb2O3 is 2 : 1 : 1, 1-D chain-like complex 1 with three coordinated
      water molecules around the Yb(iii) ion was obtained in mixed solvents of H2O and
      CH3OH (v : v = 10 : 1) at 70  degrees C, and with the increase of temperature to
      100  degrees C, the same reactants gave 2-D 6(3) topological layer-like complex 2
      with two coordinated water molecules in the coordination sphere of the Yb(iii)
      ion. However, when the reactant ratio was changed to 1 : 1 : 1, two 2-D 6(3)
      topological layer-like complexes 3 (70  degrees C) and 4 (100  degrees C) were
      obtained at different temperatures, in which the coordination water molecules in
      3 and 4 are two and one, respectively. Obviously, these results reveal that the
      reaction temperature and reactant ratios play critical roles in the structural
      direction of these low-dimensional compounds. Interestingly, with the gradual
      loss of coordination water molecules to the Yb(iii) ion, the near infrared (NIR)
      emission of four Yb(iii)-based compounds 1-4 can be gradually strengthened with
      increasing order of 1 < 3 < 2 < 4, indicating that these ytterbium(iii) complexes
      have tunable near infrared luminescence. 

PMID- 25116387
TI  - Using RNA-seq and targeted nucleases to identify mechanisms of drug resistance in
      acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - The evolution from microarrays to transcriptome deep-sequencing (RNA-seq) and
      from RNA interference to gene knockouts using Clustered Regularly Interspaced
      Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRs) and Transcription Activator-Like Effector
      Nucleases (TALENs) has provided a new experimental partnership for identifying
      and quantifying the effects of gene changes on drug resistance. Here we describe
      the results from deep-sequencing of RNA derived from two cytarabine (Ara-C)
      resistance acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines, and present CRISPR and TALEN
      based methods for accomplishing complete gene knockout (KO) in AML cells. We
      found protein modifying loss-of-function mutations in Dck in both Ara-C resistant
      cell lines. CRISPR and TALEN-based KO of Dck dramatically increased the IC50 of
      Ara-C and introduction of a DCK overexpression vector into Dck KO clones resulted
      in a significant increase in Ara-C sensitivity. This effort demonstrates the
      power of using transcriptome analysis and CRISPR/TALEN-based KOs to identify and
      verify genes associated with drug resistance.

PMID- 25116389
TI  - Sequences outside that of residues 93-102 of 3A protein can contribute to the
      ability of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) to replicate in bovine-derived
      cells.
AB  - Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious and economically devastating
      disease of cloven-hoofed animals. During 2010 and 2011, there was an epidemic of
      the Mya-98 lineage of the Southeast Asia (SEA) topotype in East Asia, including
      China. Changes in the FMDV 3A protein have been previously reported to be
      associated with the inability of FMDV to grow in bovine cells and cause disease
      in cattle. In this paper, we report the generation of a full-length infectious
      cDNA clone of FMDV O/SEA/Mya-98 strain O/GZSB/2011 for the first time along with
      two genetically modified viruses with deletion at positions 93-102 and 133-143 in
      3A based on the established infectious clone. All the recombinant viruses grew
      well and displayed growth properties and plaque phenotypes similar to those of
      the parental virus in baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells, porcine kidney (PK-15)
      cells, and primary fetal porcine kidney (FPK) cells. While the recombinant
      viruses rvGZSB and rvSBDelta133-143 exhibited similar growth properties and
      plaque phenotypes with the parental virus in primary fetal bovine kidney (FBK)
      cells, the recombinant virus rvSBDelta93-102, containing deletion at positions 93
      102 in 3A, grew at a slower rate and had a smaller plaque size phenotype in FBK
      cells than that of the parental virus. Therefore, the results suggest that the
      deletion at positions 93-102 of 3A protein does not affect FMDV replication
      efficiency in BHK-21, PK-15 and FPK cells, but affects virus replication
      efficiency in FBK cells, although, cannot alone account for the inability to
      replicate in bovine cells. 

PMID- 25116390
TI  - Activation of PI3K/Akt pathway limits JNK-mediated apoptosis during EV71
      infection.
AB  - Apoptosis is frequently induced to inhibit virus replication during infection of
      Enterovirus 71 (EV71). On the contrary, anti-apoptotic pathway, such as PI3K/Akt
      pathway, is simultaneously exploited by EV71 to accomplish the viral life cycle.
      The relationship by which EV71-induced apoptosis and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
      remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that EV71 infection
      altered Bax conformation and triggered its redistribution from the cytosol to
      mitochondria in RD cells. Subsequently, cytochrome c was released from
      mitochondria to cytosol. We also found that c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) was
      activated during EV71 infection. The JNK specific inhibitor significantly
      inhibited Bax activation and cytochrome c release, suggesting that EV71-induced
      apoptosis was involved into a JNK-dependent manner. Meanwhile, EV71-induced Akt
      phosphorylation involved a PI3K-dependent mechanism. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt
      pathway enhanced JNK phosphorylation and the JNK-mediated apoptosis upon EV71
      infection. Moreover, PI3K/Akt pathway phosphorylated apoptosis signal-regulating
      kinase 1 (ASK1) and negatively regulated the ASK1 activity. Knockdown of ASK1
      significantly decreased JNK phosphorylation, which implied that ASK1
      phosphorylation by Akt inhibited ASK1-mediated JNK activation. Collectively,
      these data reveal that activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway limits JNK-mediated
      apoptosis by phosphorylating and inactivating ASK1 during EV71 infection. 

PMID- 25116391
TI  - The SARS Coronavirus 3a protein binds calcium in its cytoplasmic domain.
AB  - The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a positive
      stranded RNA virus with ~30kb genome. Among all open reading frames (orfs) of
      this virus, the orf3a is the largest, and encodes a protein of 274 amino acids,
      named as 3a protein. Sequence analysis suggests that the orf3a aligned to one
      calcium pump present in Plasmodium falciparum and the enzyme glutamine synthetase
      found in Leptospira interrogans. This sequence similarity was found to be limited
      only to amino acid residues 209-264 which form the cytoplasmic domain of the
      orf3a. Furthermore, this region was predicted to be involved in the calcium
      binding. Owing to this hypothesis, we were driven to establish its calcium
      binding property in vitro. Here, we expressed and purified the cytoplasmic domain
      of the 3a protein, called Cyto3a, as a recombinant His-tagged protein in the E.
      coli. The calcium binding nature was established by performing various staining
      methods such as ruthenium red and stains-all. (45)Ca overlay method was also done
      to further support the data. Since the 3a protein forms ion channels, we were
      interested to see any conformational changes occurring in the Cyot3a upon calcium
      binding, using fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. These studies
      clearly indicate a significant change in the conformation of the Cyto3a protein
      after binding with calcium. Our results strongly suggest that the cytoplasmic
      domain of the 3a protein of SARS-CoV binds calcium in vitro, causing a change in
      protein conformation. 

PMID- 25116392
TI  - Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infects and replicates in porcine alveolar
      macrophages.
AB  - Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a causative agent of porcine epidemic
      diarrhea; consequently, the small intestine was believed to be its only target
      organ. In this study, we found that PEDV infected not only the small intestines,
      but also the respiratory tract. Infection and replication of PEDV in the
      respiratory tract from naturally PEDV-infected piglets were examined by reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and virus re
      isolation. Our observations were confirmed by experimental inoculation, and we
      found that PEDV infection in the respiratory tract was specifically associated
      with alveolar macrophages in the lung. Vero cell-adapted PEDV was able to
      replicate in both primary alveolar macrophages and continuous porcine alveolar
      macrophage cells. Sequencing analysis of the spike (S) glycoprotein revealed that
      mutations in S might be a potential determinant of auxiliary targets for PEDV.
      The discovery that PEDV infects and replicates in alveolar macrophages provides
      new insights into its pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25116396
TI  - Nursing and the new biology: towards a realist, anti-reductionist approach to
      nursing knowledge.
AB  - As a system of knowledge, nursing has utilized a range of subjects and
      reconstituted them to reflect the thinking and practice of health care. Often
      drawn to a holistic model, nursing finds it difficult to resist the reductionist
      tendencies in biological and medical thinking. In this paper I will propose a
      relational approach to knowledge that is able to address this issue. The paper
      argues that biology is not characterized by one stable theory but is often a
      contentious topic and employs philosophically diverse models in its scientific
      research. Biology need not be seen as a reductionist science, but reductionism is
      nonetheless an important current within biological thinking. These reductionist
      currents can undermine nursing knowledge in four main ways. Firstly, that the
      conclusions drawn from reductionism go far beyond their data based on an approach
      that prioritizes biological explanations and eliminates others. Secondly, that
      the methods employed by biologists are sometimes weak, and the limitations are
      insufficiently acknowledged. Thirdly, that the assumptions that drive the
      research agenda are problematic, and finally that uncritical application of these
      ideas can be potentially disastrous for nursing practice. These issues are
      explored through an examination of the problems reductionism poses for the issue
      of gender, mental health, and altruism. I then propose an approach based on
      critical realism that adopts an anti-reductionist philosophy that utilizes the
      conceptual tools of emergence and a relational ontology. 

PMID- 25116395
TI  - Solution and high-pressure NMR studies of the structure, dynamics, and stability
      of the cross-reactive allergenic cod parvalbumin Gad m 1.
AB  - Beta-parvalbumins from different fish species have been identified as the main
      elicitors of IgE-mediated reactions in fish-allergic individuals. Here, we report
      for the first time the NMR determination of the structure and dynamics of the
      major Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) allergen Gad m 1 and compare them with other
      known parvalbumins. Although the Gad m 1 structure and accessibility of putative
      IgE epitopes are similar to parvalbumins in mackerel and carp, the charge
      distribution at the putative epitopes is different. The determination of the Gad
      m 1 structure contributes to a better understanding of cross-reactivity among
      fish parvalbumins. In addition, the high-pressure NMR and temperature variation
      experiments revealed the important contribution of the AB motif and other regions
      to the protein folding. This structural information could assist the future
      identification of hot spots for targeted mutations to develop hypoallergenic
      Ca(2+) -free forms for potential use in immunotherapy.

PMID- 25116393
TI  - Overexpression of Gremlin-1 in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome: implications
      on pathophysiology and early disease detection.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: The Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is an inherited connective tissue
      disorder caused by mutations in the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)
      receptors TGFBR1 or TGFBR2. Most patients with LDS develop severe aortic
      aneurysms resulting in early need of surgical intervention. In order to gain
      further insight into the pathophysiology of the disorder, we investigated
      circulating outgrowth endothelial cells (OEC) from the peripheral blood of LDS
      patients from a cohort of 23 patients including 6 patients with novel TGF-beta
      receptor mutations. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed gene expression profiling
      of OECs using microarray analysis followed by quantitative PCR for verification
      of gene expression. Compared to OECs of age- and sex-matched healthy controls,
      OECs isolated from three LDS patients displayed altered expression of several
      genes belonging to the TGF-beta pathway, especially those affecting bone
      morphogenic protein (BMP) signalling including BMP2, BMP4 and BMPR1A. Gene
      expression of BMP antagonist Gremlin-1 (GREM1) showed the most prominent up
      regulation. This increase was confirmed at the protein level by immunoblotting of
      LDS-OECs. In immunohistochemistry, abundant Gremlin-1 protein expression could be
      verified in endothelial cells as well as smooth muscle cells within the arterial
      media. Furthermore, Gremlin-1 plasma levels of LDS patients were significantly
      elevated compared to healthy control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These findings open
      new avenues in the understanding of the pathogenesis of Loeys-Dietz syndrome and
      the development of new diagnostic serological methods for early disease
      detection.

PMID- 25116394
TI  - Hypoxia preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells prevent cardiac fibroblast
      activation and collagen production via leptin.
AB  - AIMS: Activation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts constitutes a key
      step in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI), due to interstitial
      fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to improve post-MI
      remodeling an effect that is enhanced by hypoxia preconditioning (HPC). Leptin
      has been shown to promote cardiac fibrosis. The expression of leptin is
      significantly increased in MSCs after HPC but it is unknown whether leptin
      contributes to MSC therapy or the fibrosis process. The objective of this study
      was to determine whether leptin secreted from MSCs modulates cardiac fibrosis.
      METHODS: Cardiac fibroblast (CF) activation was induced by hypoxia (0.5% O2). The
      effects of MSCs on fibroblast activation were analyzed by co-culturing MSCs with
      CFs, and detecting the expression of alpha-SMA, SM22alpha, and collagen IalphaI
      in CFs by western blot, immunofluorescence and Sirius red staining. In vivo MSCs
      antifibrotic effects on left ventricular remodeling were investigated using an
      acute MI model involving permanent ligation of the left anterior descending
      coronary artery. RESULTS: Co-cultured MSCs decreased fibroblast activation and
      HPC enhanced the effects. Leptin deficit MSCs from Ob/Ob mice did not decrease
      fibroblast activation. Consistent with this, H-MSCs significantly inhibited
      cardiac fibrosis after MI and mediated decreased expression of TGF-beta/Smad2 and
      MRTF-A in CFs. These effects were again absent in leptin-deficient MSCs.
      CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that activation of cardiac fibroblast was
      inhibited by MSCs in a manner that was leptin-dependent. The mechanism may
      involve blocking TGF-beta/Smad2 and MRTF-A signal pathways.

PMID- 25116397
TI  - A potential biomarker in sports-related concussion: brain functional connectivity
      alteration of the default-mode network measured with longitudinal resting-state
      fMRI over thirty days.
AB  - Current diagnosis and monitoring of sports-related concussion rely on clinical
      signs and symptoms, and balance, vestibular, and neuropsychological examinations.
      Conventional brain imaging often does not reveal abnormalities. We sought to
      assess if the longitudinal change of functional and structural connectivity of
      the default-mode network (DMN) can serve as a potential biomarker. Eight
      concussed Division I collegiate football student-athletes in season (one
      participated twice) and 11 control subjects participated in this study. ImPACT
      (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) was administered
      over the course of recovery. High-resolution three dimensional T1-weighted, T2*
      weighted diffusion-tensor images and resting-state functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (rs-fMRI) scans were collected from each subject within 24 h, 7+/-1 d and
      30+/-1 d after concussion. Both network based and whole-brain based functional
      correlation analyses on DMN were performed. ImPACT findings demonstrated
      significant cognitive impairment across multiple categories and a significant
      increase of symptom severity on Day 1 following a concussion but full recovery by
      6.0+/-2.4 d. While the structural connectivity within DMN and gross anatomy
      appeared unchanged, a significantly reduced functional connectivity within DMN
      from Day 1 to Day 7 was found in the concussed group in this small pilot study.
      This reduction was seen in eight of our nine concussion cases. Compared with the
      control group, there appears a general trend of increased DMN functional
      connectivity on Day 1, a significant drop on Day 7, and partial recovery on Day
      30. The results of this pilot study suggest that the functional connectivity of
      DMN measured with longitudinal rs-fMRI can serve as a potential biomarker to
      monitor the dynamically changing brain function after sports-related concussion,
      even in patients who have shown clinical improvement. 

PMID- 25116398
TI  - Schistosoma mansoni antigen detects Schistosoma mekongi infection.
AB  - Northern Cambodia and Southern Laos are highly endemic for Schistosoma mekongi.
      However, there is currently no immunological assay available that is specific for
      this form of schistosomiasis. We have validated Schistosoma mansoni antigens to
      detect S. mekongi-directed antibodies in human sera collected from a highly S.
      mekongi endemic region in Laos. On two consecutive days stool samples of 234
      individuals were analyzed by Kato-Katz for presence of S. mekongi eggs and the
      results were correlated with serology. A sensitivity of 94.5% was calculated for
      a combination of ELISA and indirect fluorescence assay (IFA) as compared to the
      detection of S. mekongi eggs in stool samples as gold standard. The results
      demonstrate that S. mansoni antigens can be used for the diagnosis of S. mekongi
      infections. 

PMID- 25116399
TI  - A systematic review on the quality of life benefits after percutaneous coronary
      intervention in the elderly.
AB  - AIMS: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is being increasingly performed on
      elderly patients with acceptable peri-procedural outcomes and long-term survival.
      We aim to systematically review the health-related quality of life (HRQOL)
      following PCI in the elderly which is an important measure of procedural success.
      METHODS: A systematic review of clinical studies before September 2012 was
      performed to identify HRQOL in the elderly after PCI. Strict inclusion and
      exclusion criteria were applied. Quality appraisal of each study was also
      performed using pre-defined criteria. HRQOL results were synthesised through a
      narrative review with full tabulation of results of all included studies.
      RESULTS: Elderly patients have significant improvements in cardiovascular well
      being. Early HRQOL appears improved from baseline, but recovery in physical
      health may be slower than in younger patients. HRQOL is comparable to an age
      matched general population and younger patients undergoing PCI. Conservative
      management is not able to offer the same HRQOL benefits. Coronary artery bypass
      graft surgery may be superior to PCI in the very elderly. Significant
      heterogeneity and bias exists. Lack of appropriate data precluded meta-analysis.
      CONCLUSION: HRQOL after PCI in the elderly can improve for at least 1 year across
      a broad range of health domains, and is comparable to an age-matched general
      population and younger patients undergoing PCI. Given a limited number of
      articles and patients included, more prospective studies are needed to better
      identify the benefits for elderly patients.

PMID- 25116400
TI  - Summary health statistics for u.s. Adults: national health interview survey,
      2011.
AB  - Objectives-This report presents health statistics from the 2011 National Health
      Interview Survey (NHIS) for the civilian noninstitutionalized adult population,
      classified by sex, age, race and Hispanic origin, education, family income,
      poverty status, health insurance coverage, marital status, and place and region
      of residence. Estimates (frequencies and percentages) are presented for selected
      chronic conditions and mental health characteristics, functional limitations,
      health status, health behaviors, health care access and utilization, and human
      immunodeficiency virus testing. Percentages and percent distributions are
      presented in both age-adjusted and unadjusted versions. Data Source-NHIS is a
      household, multistage probability sample survey conducted annually by
      interviewers of the U.S. Census Bureau for the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. In 2011, data were collected
      on 33,014 adults in the Sample Adult questionnaire. The conditional response rate
      was 81.6%, and the final response rate was 66.3%. The health information for
      adults in this report was obtained from one randomly selected adult per family.
      In very rare instances where the sample adult was not able to respond for himself
      or herself, a proxy was used. Highlights-In 2011, 61% of adults aged 18 and over
      had excellent or very good health. Eleven percent of adults had been told by a
      doctor or other health professional that they had heart disease, 24% had been
      told on two or more visits that they had hypertension, 9% had been told that they
      had diabetes, and 22% had been told that they had some form of arthritis,
      rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Nineteen percent of adults
      were current smokers, and 21% were former smokers. Based on estimates of body
      mass index, 34% of adults were overweight and 28% were obese. 

PMID- 25116401
TI  - Nilotinib in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel is a candidate for
      ovarian cancer treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nilotinib is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor of c-Kit, Abl and
      platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha/beta. To evaluate nilotinib's
      potential use as a treatment of human ovarian cancer, we tested nilotinib's
      preclinical activity in ovarian cancer cell lines with different tyrosine kinase
      expression patterns. METHODS: The effects of nilotinib on ovarian cancer cell
      growth were studied alone and in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel.
      Proapoptotic and antimigratory effects were examined using TUNEL and migration
      assays. RESULTS: Nilotinib alone and in combination with carboplatin and
      paclitaxel significantly inhibited cell growth in PDGFR-alpha-positive ovarian
      cancer cell lines. The combination of nilotinib with carboplatin and paclitaxel
      showed synergistic effects on cell proliferation. Nilotinib treatment led to the
      inhibition of cell migration alone and in combination with carboplatin and
      paclitaxel. Apoptosis induction occurred in response to nilotinib that increased
      in combination with carboplatin. CONCLUSIONS: Nilotinib may be a feasible
      targeted therapy option for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

PMID- 25116402
TI  - Unrelated CD3/CD19-depleted peripheral stem cell transplantation for Hurler
      syndrome.
AB  - For patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type IH (MPS1-H; Hurler syndrome), early
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the treatment of
      choice. One boy and one girl aged 20.5 and 22 months, respectively, with MPS1-H
      received a conditioning regimen consisting of thiotepa, fludarabine, treosulfan,
      and ATG. Grafts were peripheral blood stem cells from unrelated donors (10/12 and
      11/11 matched), that were manipulated by CD3/CD19 depletion and contained 20.3
      and 28.2 * 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg body weight, respectively. Both patients achieved
      stable hematopoietic engraftment and stable donor chimerism. Neither acute or
      chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) nor other severe transplant-related
      complications occurred. At a follow-up of 48 and 37 months, both patients are
      alive and well with normal levels of alpha-L-iduronidase and have made major
      neurodevelopmental progress. Treosulfan-based conditioning offers the advantage
      of reduced toxicity; the use of unrelated CD3/CD19-depleted peripheral stem cell
      grafts allows transfusion of high CD34+ cell numbers together with a "tailored"
      number of CD3+ cells as well as engraftment facilitating cells in order to
      achieve rapid hematopoietic engraftment while reducing the risk of graft
      rejection and GVHD. This regimen might be an additional option when unrelated
      donor HSCT is considered for a patient with MPS1-H. 

PMID- 25116403
TI  - Assisted reproductive technology--IVF treatment in Ireland: a study of couples
      with successful outcomes.
AB  - This article describes the experiences of twelve Irish couples who had successful
      IVF treatment in Ireland. Irish Medical guidelines specify that IVF may only be
      used when no other treatment is likely to be effective. This article is based on
      data drawn from a longitudinal research study by Cotter (2009) which tells the
      stories of 34 couples who sought fertility treatment. Initially, the women
      assumed that they would become pregnant when they stopped using contraception. As
      a couple, it was the 'right time' for them to have a child--they were ready,
      socially and financially. For several months they were patient, hoping it would
      happen naturally. With envy and some despair they watched as their friends had
      babies. Infertility came as a shock to most of them. They were reluctant to talk
      about it to anyone, and over time their anxieties were accompanied by feelings of
      regret, stigma and social exclusion. They finally sought medical treatment. The
      latter involved a series of diagnostic treatments, which eventually culminated in
      IVF which offered them a final chance of having a 'child of their own'. While IVF
      can be clinically assessed in terms of cycle success rates, their stories showed
      treatment as a series of discoveries, as an extensive range of diagnostic tests
      and procedures helped to reveal to them where their problems might lie. They
      described their treatments as a series of sequential 'hurdles' that they had to
      overcome, which further strengthened their resolve to try IVF. Much more
      knowledgeable at that stage, they embraced IVF as a final challenge with single
      minded dedication while drawing on all their psychological and biological
      resources to promote a successful outcome. Of the 34 couples who took part in the
      study, twelve got pregnant. Unfortunately, two children died shortly after birth
      but eighteen babies survived (see Table I). The findings suggest that health
      policy should raise awareness of infertility, and advise women to become aware of
      it--just as in the past, when health policy addressed contraception. Increased
      public knowledge would reduce the stigma attached to the inability to have a
      baby. In the Irish case, infertility diagnosis should be reviewed with a view to
      giving eligible couples earlier access to IVF.

PMID- 25116405
TI  - Synthesis, structures, and solution dynamics of tetrasubstituted nine-atom
      germanium deltahedral clusters.
AB  - Reported are the rational synthesis, structures, and solution dynamics of three
      tetrasubstituted and neutral Ge9-based deltahedral clusters [Ge9R3R'](0), where R
      = Si(SiMe3)3 and R' = Et (1), Sn(n)Bu3 (2), or Tl (3). The first step of the
      synthesis is a reaction of an acetonitrile suspension of the intermetallic
      precursor compound K4Ge9 with {Si(SiMe3)3}Cl which produces the trisubstituted
      monoanions [Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}](-). A benzene suspension of the latter is then
      reacted with Sn(n)Bu3Cl or TlCp to produce 2 and 3, respectively, while the same
      acetonitrile solution is reacted with EtBr in order to produce 1. All three
      structures can be viewed as tricapped trigonal prisms of Ge9 with the three
      "hypersilyl" substituents, Si(SiMe3)3, exo-bonded to the capping atoms. The
      fourth substituent in 1, the ethyl group, is exo-bonded to one of the six
      available Ge atoms with the Ge-C bond positioned radially to the Ge9 core. In the
      case of 2, on the other hand, the tin fragment is found above one of the
      triangular bases of the prism interacting with one or more Ge atoms in three
      crystallographically different molecules in the structure. Lastly, the Tl atom in
      the structure of 3 is found capping a pseudosquare face between two hypersilyl
      substituents. NMR spectroscopy indicates that all three compounds are dynamic at
      room temperature. Variable-temperature studies suggest that the process in 1 and
      2 is intramolecular while the process in 3 involves dissociation of the Tl(+) ion
      from the molecule followed by association at the same or another equivalent
      pseudosquare face of the molecule. Thus, the latter compound may be considered to
      a large extent to be ionic as it is made of a thallium cation and a
      trisubstituted cluster anion. 

PMID- 25116406
TI  - Cd(II)-MOF: adsorption, separation, and guest-dependent luminescence for
      monohalobenzenes.
AB  - A series of isostructural 2-fold interpenetrating 2D Cd(II)-MOFs, namely
      G?CdL2(OTs)2 (G = THF (1), PhF (2), PhCl (3), PhBr (4), PhI (5), L = 1,2-bis[(3
      (pyridin-4-yl)phenoxy]ethane, and OTs(-) = p-toluenesulfonate anion), have been
      successfully synthesized from the flexible ethylene glycol ether-bridging ligand
      L and Cd(OTs)2 in solution. The CdL2(OTs)2 framework contains squarelike nonpolar
      channels, and the encapsulated guest molecules can be removed by heating (150 
      degrees C) to generate a guest-free host framework which is able to reversibly
      adsorb monohalobenzenes PhX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) in the liquid phase under ambient
      conditions without loss of framework integrity. Furthermore, it can effectively
      separate these monohalobenzenes and exhibits a clear affinity for
      monohalobenzenes according to the following order: PhI > PhBr > PhCl > PhF. In
      addition, PhX?CdL2(OTs)2 exhibits guest-dependent luminescence properties. 

PMID- 25116404
TI  - IL-33 attenuates the development of experimental autoimmune uveitis.
AB  - Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is associated with several important immune-mediated
      disorders. However, its role in uveitis, an important eye inflammatory disease,
      is unknown. Here, we investigated the function of IL-33 in the development of
      experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). IL-33 and IL-33 receptor (ST2) were
      expressed in murine retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in culture, and IL-33
      increased the expression of Il33 and Mcp1 mRNA in RPE cells. In situ, IL-33 was
      highly expressed in the inner nuclear cells of the retina of naive mice, and its
      expression was elevated in EAU mice. ST2-deficient mice developed exacerbated EAU
      compared with WT mice, and administration of IL-33 to WT mice significantly
      reduced EAU severity. The attenuated EAU in IL-33-treated mice was accompanied by
      decreased frequency of IFN-gamma+ and IL-17(+) CD4+ T cells and reduced IFN-gamma
      and IL-17 production but with increased frequency of IL-5(+) and IL-4(+) CD4 T
      cells and IL-5 production in the draining lymph node and spleen. Macrophages from
      the IL-33-treated mice show a significantly higher polarization toward an
      alternatively activated macrophage phenotype. Our results therefore demonstrate
      that the endogenous IL-33/ST2 pathway plays an important role in EAU, and suggest
      that IL-33 represents a potential option for treatment of uveitis.

PMID- 25116408
TI  - Symptomatic excyclotorsion following inferior transposition of both medial rectus
      muscles in patients with bilateral trochlear nerve palsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the development of a large degree of excyclotorsion following
      inferior transposition of the medial rectus muscles in 5 patients with bilateral
      acquired trochlear nerve palsies that had previously undergone bilateral modified
      Harada-Ito procedures. METHODS: The medical records of 5 patients who had
      undergone Harada-Ito procedure for bilateral trochlear nerve palsy between 2002
      and 2010 and medial rectus muscle infraplacement surgery between 2004 and 2012
      were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: All 5 patients underwent a Fells-modified
      Harada-Ito procedure. All remained symptomatic due to a V pattern (eso- or
      exodeviation). Bilateral inferior transposition of the medial rectus muscles of
      either half or full tendon width was performed to alleviate this residual
      diplopia. The vertical transposition resulted in a symptomatic large degree of
      excyclotorsion (mean of 20 degrees ), which required reversal of the procedure.
      CONCLUSIONS: After inferior transposition of both medial rectus muscles in
      patients with bilateral superior oblique palsy who previously had bilateral
      modified Harada-Ito surgery, a large excyclotorsion (>20 degrees ) can occur.
      This can be managed by reversing the medial rectus transposition procedure.

PMID- 25116407
TI  - The newt reprograms mature RPE cells into a unique multipotent state for retinal
      regeneration.
AB  - The reprogramming of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in the adult newt
      immediately after retinal injury is an area of active research for the study of
      retinal disorders and regeneration. We demonstrate here that unlike
      embryonic/larval retinal regeneration, adult newt RPE cells are not directly
      reprogrammed into retinal stem/progenitor cells; instead, they are programmed
      into a unique state of multipotency that is similar to the early optic vesicle
      (embryo) but preserves certain adult characteristics. These cells then
      differentiate into two populations from which the prospective-neural retina and 
      RPE layers are formed with the correct polarity. Furthermore, our findings
      provide insight into the similarity between these unique multipotent cells in
      newts and those implicated in retinal disorders, such as proliferative
      vitreoretinopathy, in humans. These findings provide a foundation for biomedical
      approaches that aim to induce retinal self-regeneration for the treatment of RPE
      mediated retinal disorders. 

PMID- 25116409
TI  - Second to fourth digit ratio: a predictor of adult testicular volume.
AB  - It has been suggested that second to fourth digit ratio (digit ratio) may
      correlate with male reproductive system function or disorders. This hypothesis is
      based on finding that the Hox genes control finger development and
      differentiation of the genital bud during embryogenesis. Thus, we investigated
      the association between digit ratio and adult testicular volume. A total of 172
      Korean men (aged 20-69 years) hospitalized for urological surgery were
      prospectively enrolled. Patients with conditions known to strongly influence
      testicular volume were excluded. Before determining testicular volume, the
      lengths of the second and fourth digits of the right hand were measured by a
      single investigator using a digital vernier calliper. Using orchidometry, the
      testes were measured by an experienced urologist who had no information about the
      patient's digit ratio. To identify the independent predictive factors influencing
      testicular volume, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using
      linear regression models. Age, height, serum testosterone and free testosterone
      level were not correlated with testicular volume. Digit ratio, along with weight,
      was significantly correlated with testicular volume (right testicular volume: r =
      -0.185, p = 0.015; left testicular volume: r = -0.193, p = 0.011; total
      testicular volume: r = -0.198, p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis using linear
      regression models showed that only digit ratio was the independent factor to
      predict all (right, left and total) testicular volumes (right testicular volume:
      beta = -0.174, p = 0.023; left testicular volume: beta = -0.181, p = 0.017; total
      testicular volume: beta = -0.185, p = 0.014). Our findings demonstrated that
      digit ratio is negatively associated with adult testicular volume. This means
      that men with a higher digit ratio may be more likely to have smaller testis
      compared to those with a lower digit ratio. 

PMID- 25116410
TI  - A mechanistic study on SMOB-ADP1: an NADH:flavin oxidoreductase of the two
      component styrene monooxygenase of Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1.
AB  - Two styrene monooxygenase types, StyA/StyB and StyA1/StyA2B, have been described
      each consisting of an epoxidase and a reductase. A gene fusion which led to the
      chimeric reductase StyA2B and the occurrence in different phyla are major
      differences. Identification of SMOA/SMOB-ADP1 of Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 may
      enlighten the gene fusion event since phylogenetic analysis indicated both
      proteins to be more related to StyA2B than to StyA/StyB. SMOB-ADP1 is classified
      like StyB and StyA2B as HpaC-like reductase. Substrate affinity and turnover
      number of the homo-dimer SMOB-ADP1 were determined for NADH (24 uM, 64 s(-1)) and
      FAD (4.4 uM, 56 s(-1)). SMOB-ADP1 catalysis follows a random sequential
      mechanism, and FAD fluorescence is quenched upon binding to SMOB-ADP1 (K d = 1.8
      uM), which clearly distinguishes that reductase from StyB of Pseudomonas. In
      summary, this study confirmes made assumptions and provides phylogenetic and
      biochemical data for the differentiation of styrene monooxygenase-related flavin
      reductases. 

PMID- 25116412
TI  - The surface chemistry of metal-organic frameworks.
AB  - Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received particular attention over the last
      20 years as a result of their attractive properties offering potential
      applications in a number of areas. Typically, these characteristics are tuned by
      functionalisation of the bulk of the MOF material itself. This Feature Article
      focuses instead on modification of MOF particles at their surfaces only, which
      can also offer control over the bulk properties of the material. The differing
      surface modification techniques available to the synthetic chemist will be
      discussed, with a focus on the effect of surface modification of MOFs on their
      fundamental properties and application in adsorption, catalysis, drug delivery
      and other areas. 

PMID- 25116411
TI  - Carbon partitioning to the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway enables heterologous
      beta-phellandrene production in Escherichia coli cultures.
AB  - Escherichia coli was used as a microbial system for the heterologous synthesis of
      beta-phellandrene, a monoterpene of plant origin with several potential
      commercial applications. Expression of Lavandula angustifolia beta-phellandrene
      synthase (PHLS), alone or in combination with Picea abies geranyl-diphosphate
      synthase in E. coli, resulted in no beta-phellandrene accumulation, in sharp
      contrast to observations with PHLS-transformed cyanobacteria. Lack of beta
      phellandrene biosynthesis in E. coli was attributed to the limited endogenous
      carbon partitioning through the native 2-C-methylerythritol-4-phosphate (MEP)
      pathway. Heterologous co-expression of the mevalonic acid pathway, enhancing
      cellular carbon partitioning and flux toward the universal isoprenoid precursors,
      isopentenyl-diphosphate and dimethylallyl-diphosphate, was required to confer
      beta-phellandrene production. Differences in endogenous carbon flux toward the
      synthesis of isoprenoids between photosynthetic (Synechocystis) and non
      photosynthetic bacteria (E. coli) are discussed in terms of differences in the
      regulation of carbon partitioning through the MEP biosynthetic pathway in the two
      systems. 

PMID- 25116413
TI  - Cervical cancer prevention in Malawi: a qualitative study of women's
      perspectives.
AB  - Researchers posit that cervical cancer knowledge is central to participation in
      prevention behaviors. However, of the many barriers to cervical cancer prevention
      in low- and middle-income countries, cervical cancer knowledge remains severely
      limited among communities at great risk for the disease. Malawi is one such
      country where the burden of cervical cancer is considerably high. Formative
      research targeting cervical cancer prevention is needed, particularly research
      that explores ways to deliver cervical cancer information efficiently and
      effectively to Malawian women. In this study, the authors aimed to garner
      Malawian women's understanding of cervical cancer and to shed light on
      preferences for health information delivery, including community health advocacy.
      Qualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 Malawian women and
      analyzed for recurring themes. In general, women had limited cervical cancer
      knowledge, which supported misperceptions about the disease, including factors
      pertaining to risk and prevention. Nonetheless, women reported that receiving
      cervical cancer information from trusted sources would help promote preventive
      behaviors. Women noted that they received most of their health information from
      hospital personnel, but distance was a barrier. Women also expressed interest in
      community health advocacy. Perspectives from Malawian women may be vital toward
      informing efforts to increase cervical cancer knowledge and prevention. 

PMID- 25116414
TI  - Reassessing the improbability of a muscular crinoid stem.
AB  - Muscular articulations in modern stalked crinoids are only present in the arms.
      Although it has been suggested that certain coiled-stemmed fossil taxa may have
      been functionally adapted to utilize muscles, evidence supporting this
      interpretation is lacking. Here, we use cathodoluminescence and SEM to reveal the
      skeletal microstructure of the enigmatic coiled-stemmed taxon Ammonicrinus
      (Flexibilia). Based on the well-established link between skeletal microstructure
      and the nature of infilling soft tissues in modern echinoderms, we reconstructed
      the palaeoanatomy of the Middle Devonian ammonicrinids. We show that their median
      columnals with elongated lateral columnal enclosure extensions (LCEE) have
      stereom microstructure unexpectedly resembling that in the crinoid muscular arm
      plates. In particular, large ligamentary facets, that are present on each side of
      a transverse ridge, are mainly comprised of fine galleried stereom that is
      indicative of the mutable collagenous tissues. In contrast, fine labyrinthic
      stereom, commonly associated with muscles, is situated in the periphery on each
      side of the surface of elongated LCEE. Our findings thus strongly suggest that
      the muscles may have also been present in the stem of ammonicrinids. These
      results reassess the previous hypotheses about evolution of muscles in crinoids
      and provide new insights into the mode of life of Ammonicrinus. 

PMID- 25116415
TI  - A time course-dependent metastatic gene expression signature predicts outcome in
      human metastatic melanomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with metastatic melanomas is extremely
      heterogeneous. Therefore, identifying high-risk subgroups by using innovative
      prediction models would help to improve selection of appropriate management
      options. METHODS: In this study, two datasets (GSE7929 and GSE7956) of mRNA
      expression microarray in an animal melanoma model were normalized by frozen
      Robust Multi-Array Analysis and then combined by the distance-weighted
      discrimination method to identify time course-dependent metastasis-related gene
      signatures by Biometric Research Branch-ArrayTools (BRB)-ArrayTools. Then two
      datasets (GSE8401 and GSE19234) of clinical melanoma samples with relevant
      clinical and survival data were used to validate the prognosis signature.
      RESULTS: A novel 192-gene set that varies significantly in parallel with the
      increasing of metastatic potentials was identified in the animal melanoma model.
      Further, this gene signature was validated to correlate with poor prognosis of
      human metastatic melanomas but not of primary melanomas in two independent
      datasets. Furthermore, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses
      demonstrated that the prognostic value of the 192-gene set is independent of the
      TNM stage and has higher areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve
      than stage information in both validation datasets. CONCLUSION: Our findings
      suggest that a time course-dependent metastasis-related gene expression signature
      is useful in predicting survival of malignant melanomas and might be useful in
      informing treatment decisions for these patients.

PMID- 25116417
TI  - Assessment of long-term prognosis at detection of early hepatocellular carcinoma
      remains unsolved.

PMID- 25116416
TI  - Physiological and brain activity after a combined cognitive behavioral treatment
      plus video game therapy for emotional regulation in bulimia nervosa: a case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PlayMancer is a video game designed to increase emotional regulation
      and reduce general impulsive behaviors, by training to decrease arousal and
      improve decision-making and planning. We have previously demonstrated the
      usefulness of PlayMancer in reducing impulsivity and improving emotional
      regulation in bulimia nervosa (BN) patients. However, whether these improvements
      are actually translated into brain changes remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      this case study was to report on a 28-year-old Spanish woman with BN, and to
      examine changes in physiological variables and brain activity after a combined
      treatment of video game therapy (VGT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
      METHODS: Ten VGT sessions were carried out on a weekly basis. Anxiety,
      physiological, and impulsivity measurements were recorded. The patient was
      scanned in a 1.5-T magnetic resonance scanner, prior to and after the 10-week
      VGT/CBT combined treatment, using two paradigms: (1) an emotional face-matching
      task, and (2) a multi-source interference task (MSIT). RESULTS: Upon completing
      the treatment, a decrease in average heart rate was observed. The functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) results indicated a post-treatment reduction in
      reaction time along with high accuracy. The patient engaged areas typically
      active in healthy controls, although the cluster extension of the active areas
      decreased after the combined treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a
      global improvement in emotional regulation and impulsivity control after the VGT
      therapy in BN, demonstrated by both physiological and neural changes. These
      promising results suggest that a combined treatment of CBT and VGT might lead to
      functional cerebral changes that ultimately translate into better cognitive and
      emotional performances.

PMID- 25116418
TI  - Severe methemoglobinemia due to ingestion of toxicants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxin-induced methemoglobinemia is seen in poisoning with oxidizing
      agents. We report the clinical features and outcome of patients admitted with
      severe methemoglobinemia due to intentional ingestion of toxicants. METHODS: In
      this observational case series, patients admitted with toxin-induced
      methemoglobinemia between September 2011 and January 2014 were identified from
      the institutional poisoning database. Clinical profile and outcome of patients
      with methemoglobin concentration greater than or equal to 49% is reported.
      RESULTS: Of the 824 patients admitted with poisoning, 5 patients with
      methemoglobin concentration greater than or equal to 49% were included. The
      implicated compounds were nitrobenzene, benzoylphenylurea, flubendamide and
      Rishab(TM). One patient refused to name the compound. All patients were managed
      in the intensive care unit. Altered sensorium [Glasgow coma scale (GCS) < 10] was
      common (80%); 2 patients presented with a GCS greater than 4. All patients
      manifested cyanosis, low oxygen saturation and chocolate-brown-colored blood
      despite supplemental oxygen therapy. The median methemoglobin concentration was
      64.7% (range 49.8-91.6%); 2 patients had methemoglobin concentration greater than
      70%. One patient needed inotropes. Four patients required mechanical ventilation
      for 4-14 days. All patients were treated with methylene blue; 4 received more
      than one dose. Three patients also received intravenous ascorbic acid 500 mg,
      once daily, for 3 days. Following treatment, there was evidence of haemolysis in
      all patients; 2 required blood transfusion. All patients survived. CONCLUSION:
      Patients with severe toxin-induced methemoglobinemia present with altered
      sensorium and cyanosis and may require ventilatory support and inotropes. Though
      methemoglobin concentrations greater than 70% are considered fatal, aggressive
      management with methylene blue and supportive therapy can lead to survival.

PMID- 25116419
TI  - Features of myocardial injury in severe organophosphate poisoning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In organophosphate (OP) poisoning cardiac complications may occur.
      However, the current body of knowledge largely consists of limited studies, and
      case reports are mainly on electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. As definite
      myocardial injury is difficult to assess through ECG, we investigated the
      prevalence of myocardial injury through cardiac biochemical markers such as
      troponin I (TnI) in severe OP poisoning. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective
      review of 99 consecutive OP insecticide poisoning cases that were diagnosed and
      treated at the emergency department of the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital
      between March 2008 and December 2013. RESULTS: Based on Namba classification for
      OP poisoning, there were no patients with mild toxicity, 9 patients (9.1%) with
      moderate toxicity and 90 patients (90.9%) with severe toxicity. On ECG, normal
      sinus rhythm was most common, and ST depression and elevation were seen in 11
      patients (11.1%). Elevation of TnI within 48 h was seen in 34 patients (34.3%).
      The median peak level and peak time of TnI were 0.305 (IQR, 0.078-2.335) ng/mL
      and 15 (IQR 6.9-34.4) hours, respectively. There were differences between
      patients with normal TnI and elevated TnI in terms of age (yrs), number of
      patients who were exposed to OP via the oral route, and initial Glasgow Coma
      Scale (GCS; 58 +/- 17 vs. 66 +/- 16, p = 0.015, 56 [87.5%] vs. 33 [97.1%], p =
      0.048 and 12.0 [IQR, 8.0-15.0] vs. 9.0 [IQR, 5.8-12.0], p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS:
      OP can cause direct myocardial injury during the acute early phase in severe OP
      poisoning. Monitoring of TnI may be needed in severe OP poisoning.

PMID- 25116420
TI  - Homeostatic regulation of meiotic DSB formation by ATM/ATR.
AB  - Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and RAD3-related (ATR) are widely known as
      being central players in the mitotic DNA damage response (DDR), mounting
      responses to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)
      respectively. The DDR signalling cascade couples cell cycle control to damage
      sensing and repair processes in order to prevent untimely cell cycle progression
      while damage still persists [1]. Both ATM/ATR are, however, also emerging as
      essential factors in the process of meiosis; a specialised cell cycle programme
      responsible for the formation of haploid gametes via two sequential nuclear
      divisions. Central to achieving accurate meiotic chromosome segregation is the
      introduction of numerous DSBs spread across the genome by the evolutionarily
      conserved enzyme, Spo11. This review seeks to explore and address how cells
      utilise ATM/ATR pathways to regulate Spo11-DSB formation, establish DSB
      homeostasis and ensure meiosis is completed unperturbed. 

PMID- 25116422
TI  - A transnational perspective on psychosurgery: beyond Portugal and the United
      States.
AB  - The history of psychosurgery is most often recounted as a narrative wherein
      Portuguese and American physicians play the leading role. It is a traditional
      narrative in which the United States and, at times, Portugal are central in the
      development and spread of psychosurgery. Here we largely abandon the archetypal
      narrative and provide one of the first transnational accounts of psychosurgery to
      demonstrate the existence of a global psychosurgical community in which more than
      40 countries participated, bolstered, critiqued, modified and heralded the
      treatment. From its inception in 1935 until its decline in the mid-1960s,
      psychosurgery was performed on almost all continents. Rather than being a
      phenomenon isolated to the United States and Portugal, it became a truly
      transnational movement. 

PMID- 25116421
TI  - Helix stability of oligoglycine, oligoalanine, and oligo-beta-alanine dodecamers
      reflected by hydrogen-bond persistence.
AB  - Helices are important structural/recognition elements in proteins and peptides.
      Stability and conformational differences between helices composed of alpha- and
      beta-amino acids as scaffolds for mimicry of helix recognition has become a theme
      in medicinal chemistry. Furthermore, helices formed by beta-amino acids are
      experimentally more stable than those formed by alpha-amino acids. This is
      paradoxical because the larger sizes of the hydrogen-bonding rings required by
      the extra methylene groups should lead to entropic destabilization. In this
      study, molecular dynamics simulations using the second-generation force field,
      AMOEBA (Ponder, J.W., et al., Current status of the AMOEBA polarizable force
      field. J Phys Chem B, 2010. 114(8): p. 2549-64.) explored the stability and
      hydrogen-bonding patterns of capped oligo-beta-alanine, oligoalanine, and
      oligoglycine dodecamers in water. The MD simulations showed that oligo-beta
      alanine has strong acceptor+2 hydrogen bonds, but surprisingly did not contain a
      large content of 3(12) -helical structures, possibly due to the sparse
      distribution of the 3(12) -helical structure and other structures with acceptor+2
      hydrogen bonds. On the other hand, despite its backbone flexibility, the beta
      alanine dodecamer had more stable and persistent <3.0 A hydrogen bonds. Its
      structure was dominated more by multicentered hydrogen bonds than either
      oligoglycine or oligoalanine helices. The 3(1) (PII) helical structure, prevalent
      in oligoglycine and oligoalanine, does not appear to be stable in oligo-beta
      alanine indicating its competition with other structures (stacking structure as
      indicated by MD analyses). These differences are among the factors that shape
      helical structural preferences and the relative stabilities of these three
      oligopeptides.

PMID- 25116423
TI  - Exome sequencing of three cases of familial exceptional longevity.
AB  - Exceptional longevity (EL) is a rare phenotype that can cluster in families, and
      co-segregation of genetic variation in these families may point to candidate
      genes that could contribute to extended lifespan. In this study, for the first
      time, we have sequenced a total of seven exomes from exceptionally long-lived
      siblings (probands >= 103 years and at least one sibling >= 97 years) that come
      from three separate families. We have focused on rare functional variants (RFVs)
      which have <= 1% minor allele frequency according to databases and that are
      likely to alter gene product function. Based on this, we have identified one
      candidate longevity gene carrying RFVs in all three families, APOB.
      Interestingly, APOB is a component of lipoprotein particles together with APOE,
      and variants in the genes encoding these two proteins have been previously
      associated with human longevity. Analysis of nonfamilial EL cases showed a trend,
      without reaching statistical significance, toward enrichment of APOB RFVs. We
      have also identified candidate longevity genes shared between two families (5-13)
      or within individual families (66-156 genes). Some of these genes have been
      previously linked to longevity in model organisms, such as PPARGC1A, NRG1, RAD52,
      RAD51, NCOR1, and ADCY5 genes. This work provides an initial catalog of genes
      that could contribute to exceptional familial longevity. 

PMID- 25116426
TI  - Health behaviors of adults: United States, 2008-2010.
AB  - Objective-This report presents selected prevalence estimates for key health
      behaviors-alcohol use, cigarette smoking, leisure-time physical activity, body
      mass index, and sleep-among U.S. adults, using data from the 2008-2010 National
      Health Interview Survey (NHIS). NHIS is a continuous survey conducted annually by
      the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
      Statistics. Estimates are shown for several sociodemographic subgroups for both
      sexes combined and for men and women separately. Methods-Data representing the
      U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population were collected using computer
      assisted personal interviews. NHIS is a general purpose in-person household
      survey, collecting basic health, health care utilization, and demographic
      information on all household members with the Family questionnaire. Health
      behavior questions are asked in the Sample Adult survey component. This report is
      based on a total of 76,669 completed interviews with sample adults aged 18 and
      over. Statistics shown in this report were age adjusted to the projected 2000
      U.S. population. Results-About 6 in 10 (64.9%) U.S. adults were current drinkers
      in 2008-2010; about 1 in 5 adults (20.9%) were lifetime abstainers. About one in
      five adults (20.2%) were current smokers and over one-half of adults (58.6%) had
      never smoked cigarettes. Less than one-half of current smokers (45.8%) attempted
      to quit smoking in the past year. Nearly one-half (46.1%) of adults met the
      federal guidelines for aerobic physical activity, about one-quarter (23.0%) of
      adults met the federal guidelines for muscle-strengthening physical activity, and
      about one in five adults (19.4%) met both guidelines. About 6 in 10 adults
      (62.1%) were overweight or obese (BMI >= 25), with about 4 in 10 (36.1%) adults
      being of healthy weight (18.5 <= BMI less than 25). About 7 in 10 adults (69.7%)
      met the Healthy People 2020 objective for sufficient sleep. 

PMID- 25116424
TI  - Treatment with the antipsychotic agent, risperidone, reduces disease severity in
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated that atypical antipsychotic agents, which are
      known to antagonize dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2a receptors, have
      immunomodulatory properties. Given the potential of these drugs to modulate the
      immune system both peripherally and within the central nervous system, we
      investigated the ability of the atypical anti-psychotic agent, risperidone, to
      modify disease in the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS)4, experimental
      autoimune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We found that chronic oral administration of
      risperidone dose-dependently reduced the severity of disease and decreased both
      the size and number of spinal cord lesions. Furthermore, risperidone treatment
      substantially reduced antigen-specific interleukin (IL)-17a, IL-2, and IL-4 but
      not interferon (IFN)-gamma production by splenocytes at peak disease and using an
      in vitro model, we show that treatment of macrophages with risperidone alters
      their ability to bias naive T cells. Another atypical antipsychotic agent,
      clozapine, showed a similar ability to modify macrophages in vitro and to reduce
      disease in the EAE model but this effect was not due to antagonism of the type 1
      or type 2 dopamine receptors alone. Finally, we found that while risperidone
      treatment had little effect on the in vivo activation of splenic macrophages
      during EAE, it significantly reduced the activation of microglia and macrophages
      in the central nervous system. Together these studies indicate that atypical
      antipsychotic agents like risperidone are effective immunomodulatory agents with
      the potential to treat immune-mediated diseases such as MS. 

PMID- 25116425
TI  - Racial, social, and clinical determinants of hepatocellular carcinoma
      surveillance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Less than 1 in 5 patients receive hepatocellular carcinoma
      surveillance; however, most studies were performed in racially and
      socioeconomically homogenous populations, and few used guideline-based
      definitions for surveillance. The study objective was to characterize guideline
      consistent hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance rates and identify determinants
      of hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance among a racially and socioeconomically
      diverse cohort of cirrhotic patients. METHODS: We retrospectively characterized
      hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance among cirrhotic patients followed between
      July 2008 and July 2011 at an urban safety-net hospital. Inconsistent
      surveillance was defined as at least 1 screening ultrasound during the 3-year
      period, annual surveillance was defined as screening ultrasounds every 12 months,
      and biannual surveillance was defined as screening ultrasounds every 6 months.
      Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify predictors of
      surveillance. RESULTS: Of 904 cirrhotic patients, 603 (67%) underwent
      inconsistent surveillance. Failure to recognize cirrhosis was a significant
      barrier to surveillance use (P < .001). Inconsistent surveillance was associated
      with insurance status (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03
      1.98), multiple primary care visits per year (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.86-3.71),
      multiple hepatology visits per year (OR, 3.75; 95% CI, 2.64-5.33), African
      American race (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42-0.99), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cause
      (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37-0.98), and extrahepatic cancer (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24
      0.77). Only 98 (13.4%) of 730 patients underwent annual surveillance, and only 13
      (1.7%) of 786 had biannual surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: Only 13% of patients with
      cirrhosis receive annual surveillance, and less than 2% of patients receive
      biannual surveillance. There are racial and socioeconomic disparities, with lower
      rates of hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance among African Americans and
      underinsured patients.

PMID- 25116427
TI  - Safety and efficacy of warfarin plus aspirin combination therapy for giant
      coronary artery aneurysm secondary to Kawasaki disease: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of warfarin plus aspirin versus
      aspirin alone for the treatment of children with giant coronary artery aneurysm
      (CAA) secondary to Kawasaki disease (KD). METHODS: We searched the PubMed,
      EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WANFAN and VIP databases. We selected case
      controlled trials of warfarin plus aspirin versus aspirin alone for the treatment
      of children with giant CAA secondary to KD. RESULTS: Six retrospective studies
      met our inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference between the
      warfarin plus aspirin and aspirin alone groups in the rate of CAA regression (OR
      1.38, 95% CI 0.52-3.68, p = 0.52) or the incidence of persistent CAA (OR 2.34,
      95% CI 0.16-33.50, p = 0.53), coronary artery stenosis (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.18
      1.72, p = 0.30) or thrombus formation (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.15-1.69, p = 0.26).
      There was evidence that warfarin plus aspirin reduced the incidence of coronary
      artery occlusion (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.29, p < 0.0001), cardiac infarction (OR
      0.27, 95% CI 0.11-0.63, p = 0.003) and death (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.88, p =
      0.03). CONCLUSION: Warfarin plus aspirin therapy reduced the incidence of
      occlusion, cardiac infarction and death in children with giant CAA secondary to
      KD.

PMID- 25116428
TI  - Screening for bipolar disorder: confusion between case-finding and screening.

PMID- 25116429
TI  - Red cell glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in the northern region of
      Turkey: is G6PD deficiency exclusively a male disease?
AB  - Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked recessive
      genetic defect that can cause hemolytic crisis. However, this disease affects
      both males and females. In Turkey, the frequency of this enzyme deficiency was
      reported to vary, from 0.25 to 18%, by the geographical area. Its prevalence in
      the northern Black Sea region of Turkey is unknown. The aims of this study were
      to assess the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in the northern region Turkey in
      children and adults with hyperbilirubinemia and hemolytic anemia. This report
      included a total of 976 G6PD enzyme results that were analyzed between May 2005
      and January 2014. G6PD deficiency was detected in 5.0% of all patients. G6PD
      deficiency was significantly less frequent in females (1.9%, 6/323) than in males
      (6.6%, 43/653). G6PD deficiency was detected in 3.7% of infants with
      hyperbilirubinemia, 9.2% of children, and 4.5% of adults with hemolytic anemia.
      In both the newborn group and the group of children, G6PD deficiency was
      significantly more frequent in males. In the combined group of children (groups I
      and II), the proportion of males was 74% and 67% in all groups (P = .0008). In
      conclusion, in northern region of Turkey, G6PD deficiency is an important cause
      of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and hemolytic crisis in children and adults. This
      study suggests that most pediatricians thought that G6PD deficiency is
      exclusively a male disease. For this reason, some female patients may have been
      undiagnosed. 

PMID- 25116431
TI  - "Suddenly, bang, one day there's commitment with a woman..." men, vasectomy and
      the life course.
AB  - Research that investigates and theorises the male reproductive life course is
      extremely limited, and often reduced to examining problems, such as infertility.
      As a consequence, what we know about men's reproductive decision making is often
      extrapolated from theorisation of the female reproductive life course, or
      simplistic assumptions about masculine identity. This article analyses interview
      data from 34 men talking about their vasectomy decision-making processes in order
      to provide a lens through which to understand men making sense of their
      reproductive life course. Men who had children spoke of their vasectomy as
      resolving their lay understandings of the 'normal' life course, men who did not
      want their children to speak of resisting the normal life course, and men who had
      experienced or considered relationship dissolution spoke of resetting the life
      course.

PMID- 25116433
TI  - Facile formation of homoleptic Au(III) trications via simultaneous oxidation and
      ligand delivery from [PhI(pyridine)2](2+).
AB  - We report the first examples of Au(III) tricationic complexes bound only by
      neutral monodentate ligands, which are a new class of gold reagents. Oxidative
      addition to the bis-pyridine Au(I) cation, [Au(4-DMAP)2](+), using a series of
      dicationic I(III) oxidants of the general form [PhI(L)2](2+) (L = pyridine, 4
      DMAP, 4-cyanopyridine) allows ready access to homoleptic and pseudo-homoleptic
      Au(III) complexes [Au(4-DMAP)2(L)2](3+). The facile oxidative addition of Au(I)
      species additionally demonstrates the efficacy of PhI(L)2](2+) reagents as halide
      free oxidants for Au(I). Comparisons are made via attempts to oxidize NHC
      Au(I)Cl, where introduction of the chloride anion results in complex mixtures via
      ligand and chloride exchange, demonstrating the advantage of using the pyridine
      based homoleptic compounds. The new Au(III) trications show intriguing reactivity
      with water, yielding dinuclear oxo-bridged and rare terminal Au(III)-OH
      complexes. 

PMID- 25116430
TI  - Conserved expression of the GPR151 receptor in habenular axonal projections of
      vertebrates.
AB  - The habenula is a phylogenetically conserved brain structure in the epithalamus.
      It is a major node in the information flow between fronto-limbic brain regions
      and monoaminergic brainstem nuclei, and is thus anatomically and functionally
      ideally positioned to regulate emotional, motivational, and cognitive behaviors.
      Consequently, the habenula may be critically important in the pathophysiology of
      psychiatric disorders such as addiction and depression. Here we investigated the
      expression pattern of GPR151, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), whose mRNA has
      been identified as highly and specifically enriched in habenular neurons by in
      situ hybridization and translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP). In the
      present immunohistochemical study we demonstrate a pronounced and highly specific
      expression of the GPR151 protein in the medial and lateral habenula of rodent
      brain. Specific expression was also seen in efferent habenular fibers projecting
      to the interpeduncular nucleus, the rostromedial tegmental area, the rhabdoid
      nucleus, the mesencephalic raphe nuclei, and the dorsal tegmental nucleus. Using
      confocal microscopy and quantitative colocalization analysis, we found that
      GPR151-expressing axons and terminals overlap with cholinergic, substance P
      ergic, and glutamatergic markers. Virtually identical expression patterns were
      observed in rat, mouse, and zebrafish brains. Our data demonstrate that GPR151 is
      highly conserved, specific for a subdivision of the habenular neurocircuitry, and
      constitutes a promising novel target for psychiatric drug development.

PMID- 25116434
TI  - Gadolinium oxalate derivatives with enhanced magnetocaloric effect via
      ionothermal synthesis.
AB  - Two new oxalate-bridged Gd(III) coordination polymers, namely,
      (choline)[Gd(C2O4)(H2O)3Cl]Cl.H2O (1) and [Gd(C2O4)(H2O)3Cl] (2), were first
      obtained ionothermally by using a deep eutectic solvent (DES). The magnetic
      studies and heat capacity measurements reveal that the two-dimensional Gd(III)
      based coordination polymer of 2 has the higher magnetic density and exhibits a
      larger cryogenic magnetocaloric effect (MCE) (DeltaS(m) = 48 J kg(-1) K(-1) for
      DeltaH = 7 T at 2.2 K).

PMID- 25116437
TI  - Foamy gland carcinoma in core needle biopsies of the prostate: clinicopathologic
      and immunohistochemical study of 56 cases.
AB  - Foamy gland carcinoma is a subtype of acinar adenocarcinoma characterized by
      foamy appearance, large cytoplasm, pyknotic nuclei, inconspicuous nucleoli and
      infiltrative pattern. In this study, we investigated the histological features
      and the incidence of foamy gland carcinoma. We compared foamy gland carcinoma
      with acinar adenocarcinoma according to age, prostate-specific antigen value,
      Gleason score, peripheral nerve invasion and accompanying high-grade prostatic
      intraepithelial neoplasia. Besides, we investigated the diagnostic value of
      immunohistochemical markers in foamy gland carcinoma. A total of 863 TRUS-guided
      prostate needle core biopsies performed at our hospital pathology clinic between
      January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011, were examined, 251 of these were
      diagnosed acinar type adenocarcinoma. Conventional acinar type adenocarcinoma was
      present in 195 (78%) cases, and foamy gland carcinoma, in 56 cases (22%). We
      found that 11 (19%) of the 56 foamy gland carcinoma cases were pure and 45 (81%)
      cases were mixed with conventional acinar type adenocarcinoma. Single-core
      localization was present in 7 of 14 pure foamy gland carcinomas, and the number
      of cases with a Gleason score of 7 and above was 21 (37%). No statistically
      significant difference was found between foamy gland carcinoma and conventional
      acinar type adenocarcinoma in terms of age, Gleason score, high-grade prostatic
      intraepithelial neoplasia, and prostate-specific antigen values. Peripheral nerve
      invasion was found to be statistically significantly more common in foamy gland
      carcinoma compared to acinar type adenocarcinoma (P<.05). The staining percentage
      of immunohistochemical markers in foamy gland carcinoma was 90.1% for p63, 90.6%
      for 34Beta12 and 90.6% for AMACR.

PMID- 25116436
TI  - Artesunate abolishes germinal center B cells and inhibits autoimmune arthritis.
AB  - The antimalarial drug artemisinin and its derivatives exhibit potent
      immunosuppressive activity in several autoimmune disease models, however the
      mechanisms are not well-understood. This study was designed to investigate the
      therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of the artemisinin analog
      artesunate using the K/BxN mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. The well-studied
      disease mechanisms of K/BxN model allowed us to pinpoint the effect of artesunate
      on disease. Artesunate treatment prevented arthritis development in young K/BxN
      mice by inhibiting germinal center (GC) formation and production of
      autoantibodies. In adult K/BxN mice with established arthritis, artesunate
      diminished GC B cells in a few days. However, artesunate did not affect the
      follicular helper T cells (Tfh). In contrast to the spontaneous K/BxN model,
      artesunate treatment exerted minor influence on K/BxN serum transfer induced
      arthritis suggesting that artesunate has minimal effect on inflammatory responses
      downstream of antibody production. Finally, we showed that artesunate
      preferentially inhibits proliferating GC B cells. These results identify GC B
      cells as a target of artesunate and provide a new rationale for using artemisinin
      analogues to treat autoimmune diseases mediated by autoantibodies. 

PMID- 25116439
TI  - Autonomic healing of acrylic bone cement.
AB  - Self-healing in orthopedic bone cement is demonstrated with a novel thermoplastic
      solvent-bonding approach. Low toxicity solvent-filled microcapsules, embedded in
      a commercial acrylic bone cement matrix, enable recovery of up to 80% of the
      virgin fracture toughness of the cement at room and body temperature conditions
      without external stimuli or human intervention. 

PMID- 25116435
TI  - Functional tooth restoration by next-generation bio-hybrid implant as a bio
      hybrid artificial organ replacement therapy.
AB  - Bio-hybrid artificial organs are an attractive concept to restore organ function
      through precise biological cooperation with surrounding tissues in vivo. However,
      in bio-hybrid artificial organs, an artificial organ with fibrous connective
      tissues, including muscles, tendons and ligaments, has not been developed. Here,
      we have enveloped with embryonic dental follicle tissue around a HA-coated dental
      implant, and transplanted into the lower first molar region of a murine tooth
      loss model. We successfully developed a novel fibrous connected tooth implant
      using a HA-coated dental implant and dental follicle stem cells as a bio-hybrid
      organ. This bio-hybrid implant restored physiological functions, including bone
      remodelling, regeneration of severe bone-defect and responsiveness to noxious
      stimuli, through regeneration with periodontal tissues, such as periodontal
      ligament and cementum. Thus, this study represents the potential for a next
      generation bio-hybrid implant for tooth loss as a future bio-hybrid artificial
      organ replacement therapy. 

PMID- 25116440
TI  - Experimental and theoretical study of the influence of the state of dispersion of
      graphene on the percolation threshold of conductive graphene/polystyrene
      nanocomposites.
AB  - The effect of the dispersed state of graphene is studied as a factor influencing
      the electrical percolation threshold of graphene/polystyrene nanocomposites. We
      find the percolation threshold of our nanocomposites, prepared with graphene
      dispersions with different thermodynamic stabilities, degrees of exfoliation, and
      size polydispersities, to range from 2 to 4.5 wt %. Connectedness percolation
      theory is applied to calculate percolation thresholds of the corresponding
      nanocomposites, based on the premise that size polydispersity of graphene
      platelets in the corresponding solutions must have a strong influence on it.
      Theory and experimental results agree qualitatively. 

PMID- 25116442
TI  - Investigation of acyl migration in mono- and dicaffeoylquinic acids under aqueous
      basic, aqueous acidic, and dry roasting conditions.
AB  - Acyl migration in chlorogenic acids describes the process of migration of
      cinnamoyl moieties from one quinic acid alcohol group to another, thus
      interconverting chlorogenic acid regioisomers. It therefore constitutes a special
      case of transesterification reaction. Acyl migration constitutes an important
      reaction pathway in both coffee roasting and brewing, altering the structure of
      chlorogenic acid initially present in the green coffee bean. In this contribution
      we describe detailed and comprehensive mechanistic studies comparing inter- and
      intramolecular acyl migration involving the seven most common chlorogenic acids
      in coffee. We employe aqueous acidic and basic conditions mimicking the brewing
      of coffee along with dry roasting conditions. We show that under aqueous basic
      conditions intramolecular acyl migration is fully reversible with basic
      hydrolysis competing with acyl migration. 3-Caffeoylquinic acid was shown to be
      most labile to basic hydrolysis. We additionally show that the acyl migration
      process is strongly pH dependent with increased transesterification taking place
      at basic pH. Under dry roasting conditions acyl migration competes with
      dehydration to form lactones. We argue that acyl migration precedes
      lactonization, with 3-caffeoylquinic acid lactone being the predominant product. 

PMID- 25116432
TI  - Phylogeny reconstruction and hybrid analysis of populus (Salicaceae) based on
      nucleotide sequences of multiple single-copy nuclear genes and plastid fragments.
AB  - Populus (Salicaceae) is one of the most economically and ecologically important
      genera of forest trees. The complex reticulate evolution and lack of highly
      variable orthologous single-copy DNA markers have posed difficulties in resolving
      the phylogeny of this genus. Based on a large data set of nuclear and plastid DNA
      sequences, we reconstructed robust phylogeny of Populus using parsimony, maximum
      likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. The resulting phylogenetic trees
      showed better resolution at both inter- and intra-sectional level than previous
      studies. The results revealed that (1) the plastid-based phylogenetic tree
      resulted in two main clades, suggesting an early divergence of the maternal
      progenitors of Populus; (2) three advanced sections (Populus, Aigeiros and
      Tacamahaca) are of hybrid origin; (3) species of the section Tacamahaca could be
      divided into two major groups based on plastid and nuclear DNA data, suggesting a
      polyphyletic nature of the section; and (4) many species proved to be of hybrid
      origin based on the incongruence between plastid and nuclear DNA trees.
      Reticulate evolution may have played a significant role in the evolution history
      of Populus by facilitating rapid adaptive radiations into different environments.

PMID- 25116443
TI  - Robust image registration of biological microscopic images.
AB  - Image registration of biological data is challenging as complex deformation
      problems are common. Possible deformation effects can be caused in individual
      data preparation processes, involving morphological deformations, stain
      variations, stain artifacts, rotation, translation, and missing tissues. The
      combining deformation effects tend to make existing automatic registration
      methods perform poor. In our experiments on serial histopathological images, the
      six state of the art image registration techniques, including TrakEM2, SURF +
      affine transformation, UnwarpJ, bUnwarpJ, CLAHE + bUnwarpJ and BrainAligner,
      achieve no greater than 70% averaged accuracies, while the proposed method
      achieves 91.49% averaged accuracy. The proposed method has also been demonstrated
      to be significantly better in alignment of laser scanning microscope brain images
      and serial ssTEM images than the benchmark automatic approaches (p < 0.001). The
      contribution of this study is to introduce a fully automatic, robust and fast
      image registration method for 2D image registration. 

PMID- 25116441
TI  - The ruthenium nitric oxide donor, [Ru(HEDTA)NO], inhibits acute nociception in
      mice by modulating oxidative stress, cytokine production and activating the
      cGMP/PKG/ATP-sensitive potassium channel signaling pathway.
AB  - Nitric oxide plays an important role in various biological processes including
      antinociception. The control of its local concentration is crucial for obtaining
      the desired effect and can be achieved with exogenous nitric oxide-carriers such
      as ruthenium complexes. Therefore, we evaluated the analgesic effect and
      mechanism of action of the ruthenium nitric oxide donor [Ru(HEDTA)NO] focusing on
      the role of cytokines, oxidative stress and activation of the cyclic guanosine
      monophosphate/protein kinase G/ATP-sensitive potassium channel signaling pathway.
      It was observed that [Ru(HEDTA)NO] inhibited in a dose-dependent (1-10 mg/kg)
      manner the acetic acid-induced writhing response. At the dose of 1 mg/kg,
      [Ru(HEDTA)NO] inhibited the phenyl-p-benzoquinone-induced writhing response, and
      formalin- and complete Freund's adjuvant-induced licking and flinching responses.
      Systemic and local treatments with [Ru(HEDTA)NO] also inhibited the carrageenin
      induced mechanical hyperalgesia and increase of myeloperoxidase activity in paw
      skin samples. Mechanistically, [Ru(HEDTA)NO] inhibited carrageenin-induced
      production of the hyperalgesic cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and
      interleukin-1beta, and decrease of reduced glutathione levels. Furthermore, the
      inhibitory effect of [Ru(HEDTA)NO] in the carrageenin-induced hyperalgesia and
      myeloperoxidase activity was prevented by the treatment with ODQ (soluble
      guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), KT5823 (protein kinase G inhibitor) and
      glybenclamide (ATP-sensitive potassium channel inhibitor), indicating that
      [Ru(HEDTA)NO] inhibits inflammatory hyperalgesia by activating the cyclic
      guanosine monophosphate/protein kinase G/ATP-sensitive potassium channel
      signaling pathway, respectively. These results demonstrate that [Ru(HEDTA)NO]
      exerts its analgesic effect in inflammation by inhibiting pro-nociceptive
      cytokine production, oxidative imbalance and activation of the nitric
      oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate/protein kinase G/ATP-sensitive potassium
      channel signaling pathway in mice.

PMID- 25116444
TI  - Serum Dickkopf-1 expression level positively correlates with a poor prognosis in
      breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The different expression level of Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) in different
      cancers shows that the function of DKK-1 depends on the histological type of the
      cancer cells and the tissue microenvironment. To our knowledge, the serum
      expression level of DKK-1 in breast cancer is little known. METHODS: Blood
      samples from 125 consecutive patients diagnosed with breast cancer and 53 control
      subjects from March 2008 to August 2013 were investigated. Serum DKK-1 expression
      levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall
      survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) analyzed by log-rank test, and
      survival curves were plotted according to Kaplan-Meier. RESULTS: The mean serum
      level of DKK-1 in patients with breast cancer was 4.99 +/- 1.50 ng/mL, and was
      significantly higher than that in healthy individuals (1.88 +/- 0.81 ng/mL, P <
      0.001). DKK-1 level correlated significantly with TNM stage (P = 0.009), tumor
      grade (P = 0.02), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001), and expression of HER2 (P =
      0.002). The DKK-1 expression level was classified as high or low in relation to
      the median value, and patients with breast cancer (n = 125) were divided into a
      high expression group (n = 63) and a low expression group (n = 62). The Kaplan
      Meier method for survival analysis showed that the patients with a high serum DKK
      1 level had a poorer OS (48.7% vs. 81.3%, p = 0.01) and RFS (24.3% vs. 71.6%, p =
      0.003) than those with a low expression level. The multivariate Cox regression
      analysis indicated that serum DKK-1 level was independent prognostic factors for
      OS and RFS. CONCLUSIONS: Serum DKK-1 level can be used as a noninvasive biomarker
      for the prognosis of breast cancer. VIRTUAL SLIDES: The virtual slide(s) for this
      article can be found here:
      http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/13000_2014_161.

PMID- 25116446
TI  - Clinical utility of an observation and response chart with human factors design
      characteristics and a track and trigger system: study protocol for a two-phase
      multisite multiple-methods design.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical deterioration of adult patients in acute medical-surgical
      wards continues to occur, despite a range of systems and processes designed to
      minimize this risk. In Australia, a standardized template for adult observation
      charts using human factors design principles and decision-support characteristics
      was developed to improve the detection of and response to abnormal vital signs.
      OBJECTIVE: To describe the study protocol for the clinical testing of these
      observation and response charts (ORCs). METHODS: We propose a two-phase multisite
      multiple-methods design to test the initial clinical utility of the charts in 10
      hospitals of differing types and sizes across state jurisdictions in Australia.
      Data collection in the first phase includes user surveys, observations and field
      notes by project officers, handover de-briefs (short interviews with small groups
      of staff), and an audit of ORC documentation completion compared to the site's
      existing observation chart. For the second phase, data will be collected using a
      retrospective audit of observation documentation from the previous hospital
      observation chart, prospective audit of observation documentation following
      implementation of the selected ORC, user focus groups, observational field notes,
      and patient outcome data from routinely collected organizational data sources.
      RESULTS: Site selection and preparation, project officer training, chart
      selection and implementation, participant recruitment, and data collection has
      been completed and the analysis of these results are in progress. CONCLUSIONS:
      This detailed description of these study methods and data collection approaches
      will enable a comprehensive assessment of the clinical utility of these newly
      developed track and trigger charts and will be useful for clinicians and
      researchers when planning and implementing similar studies. Potential
      methodological limitations are also noted.

PMID- 25116447
TI  - Oxidative stress and biochemical responses in the tissues of African catfish
      Clarias gariepinus juvenile following exposure to primextra herbicide.
AB  - Primextra is a commercial herbicide formulation generally used in agriculture for
      weed control. The present study was designed to investigate the oxidative stress
      biomarkers and biochemical responses in the tissues of Clarias gariepinus
      juvenile exposed to primextra. Fish were exposed to 0.24 and 0.47 mgL(-1)
      corresponding to 1/20 and 1/10th of 96 h LC50 of the herbicide. The liver and
      muscle tissues were sampled on day 1, 5, 10 and 15 and results showed
      concentration and time dependent significant increase (p < 0.05) in the values of
      lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and alkaline phosphatase in
      both tissues. A marked significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in the values
      of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and glucose in the liver
      while a mixed trend in their values were observed in the muscle. The values of
      superoxide dismutase and protein in both tissues were comparable to the control
      except on day 15 in the liver where the values significantly declined. The
      condition factor was not directly affected but values of hepatosomatic index were
      significantly reduced. The present findings revealed that primextra induced toxic
      stress even at sublethal concentrations resulting in alterations of the studied
      parameters which were more evident in the fish liver than in the muscle tissue.

PMID- 25116448
TI  - Effect of internal structure of collagen/hydroxyapatite scaffold on the
      osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Consisting of seed cells and scaffold, regenerative medicine provides a new way
      for the repair and regeneration of tissue and organ. Collagen/hydroxyapatite (HA)
      biocomposite scaffold is highlighted due to its advantageous features of two
      major components of bone matrix: collagen and HA. The aim of this study is to
      investigate the effect of internal structure of collagen/HA scaffold on the fate
      of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The internal structure of collagen/HA
      scaffold was characterized by micro-CT. It is found that the porosity decreased
      while average compressive modulus increased with the increase of collagen
      proportion. Within the collagen proportion of 0.35%, 0.5% and 0.7%, the
      porosities were 89.08%, 78.37% and 75.36%, the pore sizes were 140.6+/-75.5 MUm,
      133.9+/-48.4 MUm and 160.7+/-119.6 MUm, and the average compressive moduli were
      6.74+/-1.16 kPa, 8.82+/-2.12 kPa and 23.61+/-8.06 kPa, respectively. Among these
      three kinds of scaffolds, MSCs on the Col 0.35/HA 22 scaffold have the highest
      viability and the best cell proliferation. On the contrary, the Col 0.7/HA 22
      scaffold has the best ability to stimulate MSCs to differentiate into osteoblasts
      in a relatively short period of time. In vivo research also demonstrated that the
      internal structure of collagen/HA scaffold has significant effect on the cell
      infiltration. Therefore, precise control of the internal structure of collagen/HA
      scaffold can provide a more efficient carrier to the repair of bone defects. 

PMID- 25116449
TI  - Role of signaling pathways in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation.
AB  - Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are self-renewing cells with ability to
      differentiate into organized, functional network of cells. In recent past
      research in developing clinical applications for MSCs has increased
      significantly. MSCs exhibit multi potential proliferation, and are capable of
      differentiating into cartilage, bone, neuronal cells and adipocytes, etc.
      Signaling pathways, transcription factors and growth factors modulate the
      differentiation of MSCs into different cell lineages. Besides, physical factors
      may regulate the molecular differentiation of stem cells. The main theme of this
      paper is to review the signaling pathways related to bone morphogenetic proteins
      (BMPs), epidermal growth factors (EGF), transforming growth factors (TGF),
      wingless type MMTV integration site (wnt) proteins, fibroblastic growth factor
      (FGF), and transcriptional regulating factors significance in the MSCs
      differentiation. 

PMID- 25116450
TI  - Role of inflammation and tumor microenvironment in the development of
      gastrointestinal cancers: what induced pluripotent stem cells can do?
AB  - Connections between inflammation and cancer are a rapidly developing field. Some
      gastrointestinal tract cancers arise from infection, chronic irritation, and
      ensuing inflammation. Cellular effectors and mediators are important constituents
      of the tumor microenvironment, including neoplastic, stromal, and migratory
      hematopoietic cells. Complex interaction between these cells in the tumor
      microenvironment regulates tumor growth, progression, metastasis, and
      angiogenesis. Tumor-associated macrophages represent the major inflammatory cell
      population in tumors, which orchestrate various aspects of cancer. Cytokines and
      chemokines are major mediators of communication between cells in the tumor
      microenvironment. The concept of oncogene builds up an inflammatory pre
      neoplastic microenvironment has emerged in the last few years. On the other hand,
      the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) unraveled a mystery in
      stem cell research. However, there are still some debates about iPSCs which
      should be answered by science. 

PMID- 25116451
TI  - Toxicological analysis and antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anti
      inflammatory effects of Campomanesia adamantium fruit barks.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory, antihyperalgesic, and
      antidepressive potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Campomanesia adamantium
      fruit barks (CAE) on rodents and determines the safety of this plant. METHODS:
      The acute toxicity of CAE was evaluated by oral administration to female rats as
      single doses of 0, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg body weight. General behavior and
      toxic symptoms were observed for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity test, male and
      female rats received 125 or 250 mg/kg body weight of CAE for 28 days. The oral
      anti-inflammatory activity of CAE was evaluated in carrageenan-induced pleurisy
      in male mice. The effect of treatment with CAE (100 mg/kg) for 15 days was
      evaluated in mechanical hyperalgesia (electronic von Frey), depressive behavior
      (forced swimming test), and cold hypersensitivity in spared nerve injury (SNI)
      model in rats. RESULTS: No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in animals
      from the experimental groups during acute and subacute exposure to CAE. At
      pleurisy test, the oral administration of CAE significantly inhibited leukocyte
      migration and protein leakage at all doses tested when compared to control. Oral
      administration of CAE for 3-15 days significantly inhibited SNI-induced
      mechanical hyperalgesia and increased immobility in the forced swim test.
      Finally, on the 15th day, oral treatment with CAE prevented the increase in
      sensitivity to a cold stimulus induced by SNI. DISCUSSION: The present study
      shows that C. adamantium extract has anti-inflammatory, antihyperalgesic, and
      antidepressive properties in rodents without causing toxicity.

PMID- 25116452
TI  - Functional regulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression and activity
      in the rat retina.
AB  - In the nervous system within physiological conditions, nitric oxide (NO)
      production depends on the activity of nitric oxide synthases (NOSs), and
      particularly on the expression of the neuronal isoform (nNOS). In the sensory
      systems, the role of NO is poorly understood. In this study, we identified nNOS
      positive cells in the inner nuclear layer (INL) of the rat retina, with distinct
      characteristics such as somata size, immunolabeling level and location. Employing
      mathematical cluster analysis, we determined that nNOS amacrine cells are formed
      by two distinct populations. We next investigated the molecular identity of these
      cells, which did not show colocalization with calbindin (CB), choline
      acetyltransferase (ChAT), parvalbumin (PV) or protein kinase C (PKC), and only
      partial colocalization with calretinin (CR), revealing the accumulation of nNOS
      in specific amacrine cell populations. To access the functional, circuitry
      related roles of these cells, we performed experiments after adaptation to
      different ambient light conditions. After 24h of dark-adaptation, we detected a
      subtle, yet statistically significant decrease in nNOS transcript levels, which
      returned to steady-state levels after 24h of normal light-dark cycle, revealing
      that nNOS expression is governed by ambient light conditions. Employing electron
      paramagnetic resonance (EPR), we demonstrated that dark-adaptation decreases NO
      production in the retina. Furthermore, nNOS accumulation changed in the dark
      adapted retinas, with a general reduction in the inner plexiform layer. Finally,
      computational analysis based on clustering techniques revealed that dark
      adaptation differently affected both types of nNOS-positive amacrine cells. Taken
      together, our data disclosed functional regulation of nNOS expression and
      activity, disclosing new circuitry-related roles of nNOS-positive cells. More
      importantly, this study indicated unsuspected roles for NO in the sensory
      systems, particularly related to adaptation to ambient demands. 

PMID- 25116453
TI  - Binding mode analysis of a major T3SS translocator protein PopB with its
      chaperone PcrH from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative pathogen uses a specialized set of Type
      III secretion system (T3SS) translocator proteins to establish virulence in the
      host cell. An understanding of the factors that govern translocation by the
      translocator protein-chaperone complex is thus of immense importance. In this
      work, experimental and computational techniques were used to probe into the
      structure of the major translocator protein PopB from P. aeruginosa and to
      identify the important regions involved in functioning of the translocator
      protein. This study reveals that the binding sites of the common chaperone PcrH,
      needed for maintenance of the translocator PopB within the bacterial cytoplasm,
      which are primarily localized within the N-terminal domain. However, disordered
      and flexible residues located both at the N- and C-terminal domains are also
      observed to be involved in association with the chaperone. This intrinsic
      disorderliness of the terminal domains is conserved for all the major T3SS
      translocator proteins and is functionally important to maintain the intrinsically
      disordered state of the translocators. Our experimental and computational
      analyses suggest that a "disorder-to-order" transition of PopB protein might take
      place upon PcrH binding. The long helical coiled-coil part of PopB protein
      perhaps helps in pore formation while the flexible apical region is involved in
      chaperone interaction. Thus, our computational model of translocator protein PopB
      and its binding analyses provide crucial functional insights into the T3SS
      translocation mechanism.

PMID- 25116445
TI  - Targeted nanotechnology for cancer imaging.
AB  - Targeted nanoparticle imaging agents provide many benefits and new opportunities
      to facilitate accurate diagnosis of cancer and significantly impact patient
      outcome. Due to the highly engineerable nature of nanotechnology, targeted
      nanoparticles exhibit significant advantages including increased contrast
      sensitivity, binding avidity and targeting specificity. Considering the various
      nanoparticle designs and their adjustable ability to target a specific site and
      generate detectable signals, nanoparticles can be optimally designed in terms of
      biophysical interactions (i.e., intravascular and interstitial transport) and
      biochemical interactions (i.e., targeting avidity towards cancer-related
      biomarkers) for site-specific detection of very distinct microenvironments. This
      review seeks to illustrate that the design of a nanoparticle dictates its in vivo
      journey and targeting of hard-to-reach cancer sites, facilitating early and
      accurate diagnosis and interrogation of the most aggressive forms of cancer. We
      will report various targeted nanoparticles for cancer imaging using X-ray
      computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear imaging and
      optical imaging. Finally, to realize the full potential of targeted
      nanotechnology for cancer imaging, we will describe the challenges and
      opportunities for the clinical translation and widespread adaptation of targeted
      nanoparticles imaging agents. 

PMID- 25116454
TI  - Tackle-related injury rates and nature of injuries in South African Youth Week
      tournament rugby union players (under-13 to under-18): an observational cohort
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The tackle situation is most often associated with the high injury
      rates in rugby union. Tackle injury epidemiology in rugby union has previously
      been focused on senior cohorts but less is known about younger cohorts. The aim
      of this study was to report on the nature and rates of tackle-related injuries in
      South African youth rugby union players representing their provinces at national
      tournaments. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Four South African
      Youth Week tournaments (under-13 Craven Week, under-16 Grant Khomo Week, under-18
      Academy Week, under-18 Craven Week). PARTICIPANTS: Injury data were collected
      from 3652 youth rugby union players (population at risk) in 2011 and 2012.
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Tackle-related injury severity ('time-loss' and 'medical
      attention'), type and location, injury rate per 1000 h (including 95% CIs).
      Injury rate ratios (IRR) were calculated and modelled using a Poisson regression.
      A chi(2) analysis was used to detect linear trends between injuries and
      increasing match quarters. RESULTS: The 2012 under-13 Craven Week had a
      significantly greater 'time-loss' injury rate when compared with the 2012 under
      18 Academy Week (IRR=4.43; 95% CI 2.13 to 9.21, p<0.05) and under-18 Craven Week
      (IRR=3.52; 95% CI 1.54 to 8.00, p<0.05). The Poisson regression also revealed a
      higher probability of 'overall' ('time-loss' and 'medical attention' combined)
      and 'time-loss' tackle-related injuries occurring at the under-13 Craven Week.
      The proportion of 'overall' and 'time-loss' injuries increased significantly with
      each quarter of the match when all four tournaments were combined (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: There was a difference in the tackle-related injury rate between the
      under-13 tournament and the two under-18 tournaments, and the tackle-related
      injury rate was higher in the final quarter of matches. Ongoing injury
      surveillance is required to better interpret these findings. Injury prevention
      strategies targeting the tackle may only be effective once the rate and nature of
      injuries have been accurately determined.

PMID- 25116456
TI  - The positive pharmacy care law: an area-level analysis of the relationship
      between community pharmacy distribution, urbanity and social deprivation in
      England.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To: (1) determine the percentage of the population in England that
      have access to a community pharmacy within 20 min walk; (2) explore any
      relationship between the walking distance and urbanity; (3) explore any
      relationship between the walking distance and social deprivation; and (4) explore
      any interactions between urbanity, social deprivation and community pharmacy
      access. DESIGN: This area level analysis spatial study used postcodes for all
      community pharmacies in England. Each postcode was assigned to a population
      lookup table and lower super output area (LSOA). The LSOA was then matched to
      urbanity (urban, town and fringe or village, hamlet and isolated dwellings) and
      deprivation decile (using the Index of Multiple Deprivation score). PRIMARY
      OUTCOME MEASURE: Access to a community pharmacy within 20 min walk. RESULTS:
      Overall, 89.2% of the population is estimated to have access to a community
      pharmacy within 20 min walk. For urban areas, that is 98.3% of the population,
      for town and fringe, 79.9% of the population, while for rural areas, 18.9% of the
      population. For areas of lowest deprivation (deprivation decile 1) 90.2% of the
      population have access to a community pharmacy within 20 min walk, compared to
      99.8% in areas of highest deprivation (deprivation decile 10), a percentage
      difference of 9.6% (8.2, 10.9). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the majority of
      the population can access a community pharmacy within 20 min walk and crucially,
      access is greater in areas of highest deprivation--a positive pharmacy care law.
      More research is needed to explore the perceptions and experiences of people-
      from various levels of deprivation--around the accessibility of community
      pharmacy services.

PMID- 25116455
TI  - Can training in advanced clinical skills in obstetrics, neonatal care and
      leadership, of non-physician clinicians in Malawi impact on clinical services
      improvements (the ETATMBA project): a process evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The 'enhancing human resources and the use of appropriate
      technologies for maternal and perinatal survival in sub-Saharan Africa' (ETATMBA)
      project is training emergency obstetric and new-born care (EmONC) non-physician
      clinicians (NPCs) as advanced clinical leaders. Our objectives were to evaluate
      the implementation and changes to practice. DESIGN: A mixed methods process
      evaluation with the predominate methodology being qualitative. SETTING: Rural and
      urban hospitals in 8 of the 14 districts of northern and central Malawi.
      PARTICIPANTS: 54 EmONC NPCs with 3 years' plus experience. INTERVENTION: Training
      designed and delivered by clinicians from the UK and Malawi; it is a 2-year plus
      package of training (classroom, mentorship and assignments). RESULTS: We
      conducted 79 trainee interviews over three time points during the training, as
      well as a convenience sample of 10 colleagues, 7 district officers and 2 UK
      obstetricians. Trainees worked in a context of substantial variation in the rates
      of maternal and neonatal deaths between districts. Training reached trainees
      working across the target regions. For 46 trainees (8 dropped out of the course),
      dose delivered in terms of attendance was high and all 46 spent time working
      alongside an obstetrician. In early interviews trainees recalled course content
      unprompted indicating training had been received. Colleagues and district
      officers reported cascading of knowledge and initial changes in practice
      indicating early implementation. By asking trainees to describe actual cases we
      found they had implemented new knowledge and skills. These included life-saving
      interventions for postpartum haemorrhage and eclampsia. Trainees identified the
      leadership training as enabling them to confidently change their own practice and
      initiate change in their health facility. CONCLUSIONS: This process evaluation
      suggests that trainees have made positive changes in their practice. Clear
      impacts on maternal and perinatal mortality are yet to be elucidated.

PMID- 25116457
TI  - Arterial stiffness and wave reflection 1 year after a pregnancy complicated by
      hypertension.
AB  - Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) later in life. The authors investigated the association of HDP with
      blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness 1-year postpartum. Seventy-four
      participants, 33 with an HDP and 41 with uncomplicated pregnancies, were examined
      using applanation tonometry to measure BP, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity
      (cfPWV), and augmentation index (AIx). On average, women with HDP had a 9 mm
      higher systolic BP (P<.01), 0.8 m/s faster cfPWV (P=.09), and 5.4% greater AIx
      (P=.09) at the 1-year examination. After adjustment for covariates, there was no
      significant difference in cfPWV between groups, while a 7.3% greater AIx (P<.05)
      remained. These findings suggest that reduced endothelial function may be
      detected 1 year after HDP. Large prospective studies are needed to further
      understand the contribution of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in
      the evolution of CVD after these complicated pregnancies.

PMID- 25116459
TI  - Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in a thyroid pyramidal lobe.
AB  - We report an extremely rare case of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) in
      the thyroid Epub ahead of print pyramidal lobe (TPL). A 48-year-old woman
      underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for a small thyroid nodule in
      the right lobe in local clinic, and it revealed a malignant cytology. On
      preoperative ultrasonography for tumor staging in our hospital, another small
      suspiciously malignant hypoechoic nodule was detected in the left TPL. Total
      thyroidectomy and central nodal dissection were performed. Histopathology
      confirmed PTMCs in the left TPL and both thyroid lobes. Ultrasonography for TPL
      should be required for complete evaluation of possible multifocality of thyroid
      malignancy. 

PMID- 25116460
TI  - Theoretical study on reaction mechanism of ground-state cyano radical with 1,3
      butadiene: prospect of pyridine formation.
AB  - The reaction of ground-state cyano radicals, CN(X(2)Sigma(+)), with the simplest
      polyene, 1,3-butadiene (C4H6(X(1)Ag)), is investigated to explore probable routes
      and feasibility to form pyridine at ultralow temperatures. The isomerization and
      dissociation channels for each of the seven initial collision complexes are
      characterized by utilizing the unrestricted B3LYP/cc-pVTZ and the CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ
      calculations. With facilitation of RRKM rate constants, through ab initio paths
      composed of 7 collision complexes, 331 intermediates, 62 hydrogen atom, 71
      hydrogen molecule, and 3 hydrogen cyanide dissociated products, the most probable
      paths at collision energies up to 10 kcal/mol, and thus the reaction mechanism,
      are determined. Subsequently, the corresponding rate equations are solved that
      the concentration evolutions of collision complexes, intermediates, and products
      versus time are obtained. As a result, the final products and yields are
      determined. The low-energy routes for the formation of most thermodynamically
      stable product, pyridine, are identified. This study, however, predicts that
      seven collision complexes would produce predominately 1-cyano-1,3-butadiene,
      CH2CHCHCHCN (p2) plus atomic hydrogen via the collision complex c1(CH2CHCHCH2CN)
      and intermediate i2(CH2CHCH2CHCN), with a very minor amount of pyridine. Our
      scheme also effectively excludes the presence of 2-cyano-1,3-butadiene, which has
      energy near-degenerate to 1-cyano-1,3-butadiene, as supported by experimental
      findings. 

PMID- 25116458
TI  - Fetal tumors: prenatal ultrasonographic findings and clinical characteristics.
AB  - The incidence of fetal tumors has been increased due to generalization of
      prenatal evaluation and improvement of imaging techniques. The early detection of
      a fetal tumor and understanding of its imaging features are very important for
      fetal, maternal, and neonatal care. Ultrasonography is usually used for the
      detection and differential diagnosis of fetal tumors, and magnetic resonance
      imaging is increasingly being used as a complementary study. Many fetal tumors
      have different clinical and imaging features compared with pediatric tumors.
      Although several fetal tumors may mimic other common anomalies, some specific
      imaging features may carry early accurate diagnosis of fetal tumors, which may
      alter the prenatal management of a pregnancy and the mode of delivery, and
      facilitate immediate postnatal treatment. 

PMID- 25116461
TI  - The effectiveness of the cognitive behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy
      for chronic depression: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is widely agreed that chronic depression is difficult to treat,
      knowledge about optimal treatment approaches is emerging. METHOD: A multisite
      randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing the cognitive behavioral
      analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP), a psychotherapy model developed
      specifically to treat chronic depression (n = 67) with care as usual (CAU;
      evidence-based treatments, n = 72) over a period of 52 weeks, with 23 sessions on
      average, in 3 outpatient clinics in the Netherlands. In both arms algorithm-based
      pharmacotherapy was provided. Patients (aged 18-65) met criteria for a DSM-IV
      diagnosis of major depressive disorder with diagnostic specifiers (chronic,
      without interepisode recovery) or with co-occurring dysthymic disorder indicating
      a chronic course. The Inventory for Depressive Symptomatology (IDS) Self-Report
      was used as the primary outcome measure. Mixed-effects linear regression analysis
      was used to compare the changes on the IDS scores between CBASP and CAU. The IDS
      was administered before treatment, and after 8, 16, 32 and 52 weeks. RESULTS: At
      week 52, patients assigned to CBASP had a greater reduction of depressive
      symptoms compared to patients assigned to CAU (t = -2.00, p = 0.05). However,
      CBASP and CAU did not differ from each other on the IDS after 8 weeks (t = 0.49,
      p = 0.63), 16 weeks (t = -0.03, p = 0.98) and 32 weeks (t = -0.17, p = 0.86) of
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This trial shows that CBASP is at least as effective as
      standard evidence-based treatments for chronic depression. In the long run, CBASP
      appears to have an added effect.

PMID- 25116463
TI  - Isolated right-sided mural infective endocarditis in a 32-year-old woman with
      muscular ventricular septal defect.
AB  - Bacterial endocarditis secondary to jet streams from a congenital heart defect
      without valvular involvement is very rare, especially in adult patients. We
      report an unusual case of a 32-year-old woman with a previously known unrepaired
      ventricular septal defect (VSD) who presented with intermittent fever and chills
      after dental treatment and was diagnosed with isolated right-sided mural
      infective endocarditis associated with a muscular-type VSD. Echocardiography
      revealed a low echogenic, mobile vegetation along the right ventricular outflow
      tract (RVOT) free wall and a small-sized muscular-type VSD. The patient's blood
      culture grew Streptococcus viridians. After 3 weeks of antibiotic treatment, VSD
      patch closure was performed, and the vegetation on the RVOT endomyocardium was
      removed.

PMID- 25116464
TI  - Clinical features and treatment results of children with diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma.
AB  - The demographic, clinical characteristics, and treatment groups of 33 children
      with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) were recorded and analyzed among 1486
      non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cases since 1972. The median age was 9.7 years (range
      1.4-16.9) and male/female ratio was 24/9 = 2.6. Kaplan-Meier methods and logrank
      tests were used in treatment analysis. The frequency of DLBCL among 1486 NHL
      cases was 2.2%, however, the percentage was 9.3% in cases diagnosed after 2000.
      The event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for 33 children
      were 61% and 65.1% at 5 years, respectively. The EFS and OS rates of low stage
      (stages I and II) disease decreased to lower level in advanced stage (stages III
      and IV) disease. Associated conditions and ages older than 14 years were found as
      poor prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. The survival rates in children
      with DLBCL need further improvement. This is mainly related with late referral of
      those children with advanced disease. The proper diagnosis and early referral is
      essential in these children for a better survival rate. The children with
      associated conditions and older children must be handled with care since these
      are found as poor prognostic factors.

PMID- 25116466
TI  - Midwives' personal experiences of pregnancy and childbirth: Exploring issues of
      autonomy and agency in relation to the use of professional knowledge.
AB  - This paper seeks to explore midwives' experiences of pregnancy and childbirth. It
      draws on interviews with nine midwives who completed their midwifery training
      prior to becoming mothers, to discuss how midwives use their professional
      knowledge to exercise agency (the choices made about their own care), and assume
      autonomy (the control and responsibility in relation to their own care), in
      pregnancy and childbirth. It illustrates that a reliance on professional
      knowledge may create opportunities for choice and increased autonomy in some
      situations, although the need for intervention during childbirth, for example,
      may challenge the degree of autonomy exercised by midwives and the choices
      available to them. As knowledgeable experts, midwives demonstrate a very
      different understanding of risk and safety in relation to their own experiences
      of childbirth. Professional knowledge may increase their anxieties which may not
      be addressed appropriately by caregivers due to their professional status. The
      use of knowledge in this way highlights potential conflict between their position
      as midwives and their experience as mothers, illustrating that midwives' ability
      to exercise agency and autonomy in relation to their pregnancy and childbirth
      experiences is potentially problematic.

PMID- 25116465
TI  - Biomarkers of dissolved oxygen stress in oysters: a tool for restoration and
      management efforts.
AB  - The frequency and intensity of anoxic and hypoxic events are increasing
      worldwide, creating stress on the organisms that inhabit affected waters. To
      understand the effects of low dissolved oxygen stress on oysters, hatchery-reared
      oysters were placed in cages and deployed along with continuously recording
      environmental data sondes at a reef site in Mobile Bay, AL that typically
      experiences low oxygen conditions. To detect and measure sublethal stress, we
      measured growth and survival of oysters as well as expression of three
      biomarkers, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and
      phospho-p38 MAP kinase, in tissues from juvenile and adult oysters. Survival
      rates were high for both juvenile and adult oysters. Expression levels of each of
      the 3 isoforms of HSP 70 were negatively correlated to dissolved oxygen (DO)
      concentrations, suggesting that HSP 70 is useful to quantify sublethal effects of
      DO stress. Results for HIF and phospho-p38 MAP kinase were inconclusive. Test
      deployments of oysters to assess expression of HSP 70 relative to environmental
      conditions will be useful, in addition to measuring abiotic factors, to identify
      appropriate sites for restoration, particularly to capture negative effects of
      habitat quality on biota before lethal impacts are incurred. 

PMID- 25116468
TI  - Diruthenium-polyyn-diyl-diruthenium wires: electronic coupling in the long
      distance regime.
AB  - Reported herein is a series of Ru2(Xap)4 capped polyyn-diyl compounds, where Xap
      is either 2-anilinopyridinate (ap) or its aniline substituted derivatives.
      Symmetric [Ru2(Xap)4](MU-C4k)[Ru2(Xap)4] (compounds 4ka (X = 3-isobutoxy) and 4kc
      (X = 3,5-dimethoxy) with k = 2, 3, 4, and 5) was obtained from the Glaser
      coupling reaction of Ru2(Xap)4(C2kH). Unsymmetric [Ru2(Xap)4](MU
      C(4k+2))[Ru2(ap)4] (compounds 4k+2b with k = 2, 3, and 4) were prepared from the
      Glaser coupling reaction between Ru2(Xap)4(C(2k+2)H) and Ru2(ap)4(C2kH). X-ray
      diffraction study of compound 12c revealed both the sigmoidal topology of the
      polyyn-diyl bridge and the fine structural detail about the Ru2 cores. Cyclic and
      differential pulse voltammetric (CV and DPV) measurements and
      spectroelectrochemical studies revealed that (i) the reduced monoanions [Ru2-C2m
      Ru2](-1) (m = 4-8) belong to the Robin-Day class II mixed valent ions and (ii)
      the electronic coupling between Ru2 termini depends on the length of the polyyn
      diyl bridge with an attenuation constant (gamma) between 0.12 and 0.15 A(-1). In
      addition, spin-unrestricted DFT calculations provide insight about the nature of
      orbitals that mediate the long distance electronic coupling.

PMID- 25116467
TI  - Radial glia phagocytose axonal debris from degenerating overextending axons in
      the developing olfactory bulb.
AB  - Axon targeting during the development of the olfactory system is not always
      accurate, and numerous axons overextend past the target layer into the deeper
      layers of the olfactory bulb. To date, the fate of the mis-targeted axons has not
      been determined. We hypothesized that following overextension, the axons
      degenerate, and cells within the deeper layers of the olfactory bulb phagocytose
      the axonal debris. We utilized a line of transgenic mice that expresses ZsGreen
      fluorescent protein in primary olfactory axons. We found that overextending axons
      closely followed the filaments of radial glia present in the olfactory bulb
      during embryonic development. Following overextension into deeper layers of the
      olfactory bulb, axons degenerated and radial glia responded by phagocytosing the
      resulting debris. We used in vitro analysis to confirm that the radial glia had
      phagocytosed debris from olfactory axons. We also investigated whether the fate
      of overextending axons was altered when the development of the olfactory bulb was
      perturbed. In mice that lacked Sox10, a transcription factor essential for normal
      olfactory bulb development, we observed a disruption to the morphology and
      positioning of radial glia and an accumulation of olfactory axon debris within
      the bulb. Our results demonstrate that during early development of the olfactory
      system, radial glia play an important role in removing overextended axons from
      the deeper layers of the olfactory bulb.

PMID- 25116469
TI  - Tuning CO2 selective adsorption over N2 and CH4 in UiO-67 analogues through
      ligand functionalization.
AB  - Introducing functional groups into pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)
      through ligand modification provides an efficacious approach for tuning gas
      adsorption and separation performances of this type of novel porous material. In
      this work, two UiO-67 analogues, [Zr6O4(OH)4(FDCA)6] (BUT-10) and
      [Zr6O4(OH)4(DTDAO)6] (BUT-11), with functionalized pore surfaces and high
      stability were synthesized from two functional ligands, 9-fluorenone-2,7
      dicarboxylic acid (H2FDCA) and dibenzo[b,d]thiophene-3,7-dicarboxylic acid 5,5
      dioxide (H2DTDAO), respectively, and structurally determined by single-crystal X
      ray diffraction. Notwithstanding skeleton bend of the two ligands relative to the
      linear 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid in UiO-67, the two MOFs have structures
      similar to that of UiO-67, with only lowered symmetry in their frameworks.
      Attributed to these additional functional groups (carbonyl and sulfone,
      respectively) in the ligands, BUT-10 and -11 show enhanced CO2 adsorption and
      separation selectivities over N2 and CH4, in spite of decreased pore sizes and
      surface areas compared with UiO-67. At 298 K and 1 atm, the CO2 uptake is 22.9,
      50.6, and 53.5 cm(3)/g, and the infinite dilution selectivities of CO2/CH4 are
      2.7, 5.1, and 9.0 and those of CO2/N2 are 9.4, 18.6, and 31.5 for UiO-67, BUT-10,
      and BUT-11, respectively. The selectivities of CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 are thus
      enhanced 1.9 and 2.0 times in BUT-10 and 3.3 and 3.4 times in BUT-11,
      respectively, on the basis of UiO-67. The adsorption mechanism of CO2 in BUT-11
      has also been explored through computational simulations. The results show that
      CO2 molecules locate around the sulfone groups in pore surfaces of BUT-11,
      verifying at the molecular level that sulfone groups significantly increase the
      affinity toward CO2 molecules of the framework. This provides thus an efficient
      strategy for the design of CO2 capture materials. 

PMID- 25116470
TI  - Anisotropic magnetoresistance state space of permalloy nanowires with domain wall
      pinning geometry.
AB  - The domain wall-related change in the anisotropic magnetoresistance in L-shaped
      permalloy nanowires is measured as a function of the magnitude and orientation of
      the applied magnetic field. The magnetoresistance curves, compiled into so-called
      domain wall magnetoresistance state space maps, are used to identify highly
      reproducible transitions between domain states. Magnetic force microscopy and
      micromagnetic modelling are correlated with the transport measurements of the
      devices in order to identify different magnetization states. Analysis allows to
      determine the optimal working parameters for specific devices, such as the
      minimal field required to switch magnetization or the most appropriate angle for
      maximal separation of the pinning/depinning fields. Moreover, the complete state
      space maps can be used to predict evolution of nanodevices in magnetic field
      without a need of additional electrical measurements and for repayable
      initialization of magnetic sensors into a well-specified state. 

PMID- 25116471
TI  - Long-term effects of growth hormone replacement therapy on liver function in
      adult patients with growth hormone deficiency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic
      steatohepatitis (NASH) are frequently observed in patients with adult growth
      hormone deficiency (AGHD) and short-term GH replacement therapy (GHRT) has
      reportedly been efficacious in NAFLD and NASH. The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether long-term GHRT is an effective treatment for the hepatic
      comorbidities in AGHD. DESIGN: This is a retrospective observational study. We
      recruited 54 consecutive hypopituitary patients with AGHD. Among them, 31
      patients who had received GHRT for more than 24 months were compared with 19 age-
      and sex-matched patients without GHRT. We also analyzed the long term effect of
      GHRT on 14 patients diagnosed with NASH by liver biopsy. In addition, we
      subdivided the GHRT group into GH-responder and GH-non-responder groups and
      analyzed the factors associated with the efficacy of the treatment. RESULTS: For
      a period of 24 months, the significant reduction of serum liver enzyme levels and
      a fibrotic marker was observed in patients receiving GHRT compared with the
      control group. Furthermore, GHRT also improved liver enzyme levels in AGHD
      patients with NASH. The GH-non-responder group showed a higher proportion of
      patients who gained weight during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      indicate that GHRT is efficacious for improving serum liver enzyme levels for at
      least 24 months in patients with AGHD. To optimize this effect, it is important
      to avoid body weight gain during the treatment.

PMID- 25116472
TI  - Autosomal recessive form of isolated growth hormone deficiency is more frequent
      than the autosomal dominant form in a Brazilian cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In most studies, the autosomal dominant (type II) form of isolated
      growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) has been more frequent than the autosomal
      recessive (type I) form. Our aim was to assess defects in the GH1 in short
      Brazilian children with different GH secretion status. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We
      selected 135 children with postnatal short stature and classified according to
      the highest GH peak at stimulation tests in: severe IGHD (peak GH<=3.3 MUg/L,
      n=38, all with normal pituitary magnetic resonance imaging); GH peak between 3.3
      and 10 MUg/L (n=76); and GH peak >10 MUg/L (n=21). The entire coding region of
      GH1 was sequenced and complete GH1 deletions were assessed by Multiplex Ligation
      Dependent Probe Amplification and restriction enzyme digestion. RESULTS: Patients
      with severe IGHD had a higher frequency of consanguinity, were shorter, had lower
      levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, and despite treatment with lower GH doses had a
      greater growth response than patients with GH peak >=3.3 MUg/L. Mutations were
      found only in patients with severe IGHD (GH peak<3.3 MUg/L). Eight patients had
      autosomal recessive IGHD: Seven patients were homozygous for GH1 deletions and
      one patient was compound heterozygous for a GH1 deletion and the novel c.171+5G>C
      point mutation in intron 2, predicted to abolish the donor splice site. Only one
      patient, who was heterozygous for the c.291+1G>T mutation located at the
      universal donor splice site of intron 3 and predicts exon 3 skipping, had an
      autosomal dominant form. CONCLUSION: Analysis of GH1 in a cohort of Brazilian
      patients revealed that the autosomal recessive form of IGHD was more common than
      the dominant one, and both were found only in severe IGHD.

PMID- 25116476
TI  - Activated-ester-type photocleavable crosslinker for preparation of
      photodegradable hydrogels using a two-component mixing reaction.
AB  - Photodegradable hydrogels have emerged as powerful platforms for studying and
      directing cellular behavior in a spatiotemporally controlled manner.
      Photodegradable hydrogels have previously been formed by free radical
      polymerizations, Michael-type addition reactions, and orthogonal click reactions.
      Here, an ester-activated photocleavable crosslinker is presented for preparing
      photodegradable hydrogels by means of a one-step mixing reaction between the
      crosslinker and a biocompatible polymer containing amino moieties (amino
      terminated tetra-arm poly(ethylene glycol) or gelatin). It is demonstrated that
      photodegradable hydrogels micropatterned by photolithography can be used to
      culture cells with high viability and proliferation rates. The resulting
      micropatterned cell-laden structures can potentially be used to create 3D
      biomaterials for various tissue-engineering applications. 

PMID- 25116477
TI  - Controlling the enzymatic digestion of lipids using hybrid nanostructured
      materials.
AB  - Solid nanoparticle-lipid hybrids have been engineered by using spray drying to
      assemble monodisperse hydrophilic silica nanoparticles and submicron lipid
      (triglyceride) emulsions together into composite microparticles, which have
      specific activity toward enzymes. The influence of silica particle size (100-1000
      nm) and emulsifier type (anionic and cationic) on the three-dimensional structure
      of the composite particles was investigated. The nanostructure of the hybrid
      particles, which is controlled by the size of the voids between the closely
      packed silica particles, plays a critical role in lipase action and hence lipid
      digestion kinetics. Confining lipid droplets within the nanostructured silica
      aggregates led to 2- to 15-fold enhanced rate of lipolysis in comparison with
      dispersed coarse oil droplets. The composite particles were tailored to enhance,
      retain or sustain the lipolysis kinetics of submicron lipid emulsions. The
      presence of repulsive nanoparticle-droplet interactions favored aqueous
      redispersion and fast lipolysis of the hybrid composite materials, while
      attractive interactions hindered redispersion and delayed lipolysis of the
      confined lipid droplets. Such hybrid nanomaterials can be exploited to control
      the gastrointestinal enzymatic action and promisingly form the basis for the next
      generation of foods and medicines. 

PMID- 25116473
TI  - Fgfr1 inactivation in the mouse telencephalon results in impaired maturation of
      interneurons expressing parvalbumin.
AB  - Fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) and their receptors (Fgfr) are expressed in the
      developing and adult CNS. Previous studies demonstrated a decrease in cortical
      interneurons and locomotor hyperactivity in mice with a conditional Fgfr1
      deletion generated in radial glial cells during midneurogenesis
      (Fgfr1(f/f);hGfapCre+). Here, we report earlier and more extensive inactivation
      of Fgfr1 in neuroepithelial cells of the CNS (Fgfr1(f/f);NesCre+). Similar to
      findings in Fgfr1(f/f);hGfapCre+ mice, parvalbumin positive (PV+) cortical
      interneurons are also decreased in the neocortex of Fgfr1(f/f);NesCre+ mice when
      compared to control littermates (Fgfr1(f/f)). Fgfr1(f/f);NesCre+ embryos do not
      differ from controls in the initial specification of GABAergic cells in the
      ganglionic eminence (GE) as assessed by in situ hybridization for Dlx2, Mash1 and
      Nkx2. Equal numbers of GABAergic neuron precursors genetically labeled with green
      fluorescent protein (GFP) were observed at P0 in Fgfr1(f/f);hGfapCre+;Gad1-GFP
      mutant mice. However, fewer GFP+ and GFP+/PV+ interneurons were observed in these
      mutants at adulthood, indicating that a decrease in cortical interneuron markers
      is occurring postnatally. Fgfr1 is expressed in cortical astrocytes in the
      postnatal brain. To test whether the astrocytes of mice lacking Fgfr1 are less
      capable of supporting interneurons, we co-cultured wild type Gad1-GFP+
      interneuron precursors isolated from the medial GE (MGE) with astrocytes from
      Fgfr1(f/f) control or Fgfr1(f/f);hGfapCre+ mice. Interneurons grown on Fgfr1
      deficient astrocytes had small soma size and fewer neurites per cell, but no
      differences in cell survival. Decreased soma size of Gad67 immunopositive
      interneurons was also observed in the cortex of adult Fgfr1(f/f);NesCre+ mice.
      Our data indicate that astrocytes from Fgfr1 mutants are impaired in supporting
      the maturation of cortical GABAergic neurons in the postnatal period. This model
      may elucidate potential mechanisms of impaired PV interneuron maturation relevant
      to neuropsychiatric disorders that develop in childhood and adolescence.

PMID- 25116478
TI  - Physics of nanomechanical spectrometry of viruses.
AB  - There is an emerging need of nanotools able to quantify the mechanical properties
      of single biological entities. A promising approach is the measurement of the
      shifts of the resonant frequencies of ultrathin cantilevers induced by the
      adsorption of the studied biological systems. Here, we present a detailed
      theoretical analysis to calculate the resonance frequency shift induced by the
      mechanical stiffness of viral nanotubes. The model accounts for the high surface
      to-volume ratio featured by single biological entities, the shape anisotropy and
      the interfacial adhesion. The model is applied to the case in which tobacco
      mosaic virus is randomly delivered to a silicon nitride cantilever. The
      theoretical framework opens the door to a novel paradigm for biological
      spectrometry as well as for measuring the Young's modulus of biological systems
      with minimal strains. 

PMID- 25116480
TI  - Effect of pH and recombinant barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) endoprotease B2 on
      degradation of proteins in soaked barley.
AB  - Nonfermented soaking of barley feedstuff has been established as an in vitro
      procedure prior to the feeding of pigs as it can increase protein digestibility.
      In the current study, two feed cultivars of barley (Finlissa and Zephyr) were
      soaked in vitro either nonbuffered or buffered at pH 3.6 and 4.3. Solubilized and
      degraded proteins evaluated by biuret, SDS-PAGE, and differential proteomics
      revealed that pH 4.3 had the greatest impact on both solubilization and
      degradation. In order to boost proteolysis, the recombinant barley endoprotease
      B2 (rec-HvEP-B2) was included after 8 h using the pH 4.3 regime. Proteolysis
      evaluated by SDS-PAGE and differential proteomics confirmed a powerful effect of
      adding rec-HvEP-B2 to the soaked barley, regardless of the genotype. Our study
      addresses the use of rec-HvEP-B2 as an effective feed enzyme protease. HvEP-B2
      has the potential to increase the digestibility of protein in the pig, either
      supplied as recombinant additive or as possible new selection criterion in barley
      breeding. 

PMID- 25116479
TI  - Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus RNA present in commercial spray-dried porcine
      plasma is not infectious to naive pigs.
AB  - Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus emerged in North America in April 2013 and has
      since been identified in 30 U.S. States, Canada and Mexico. The rapid spread of
      PEDV has raised concerns about the role of feed and particularly pork-by-product
      components such as spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) in PEDV transmission. The
      aim of this study was to determine the infectivity of PEDV RNA present in
      commercial SDPP. Specifically, 40 3-week-old PEDV naive pigs were randomly
      assigned to one of five treatment groups. At day post inoculation (dpi) 0, NEG
      CONTROL pigs were sham-inoculated, PEDV-CONTROL pigs received cell culture
      propagated PEDV, and SDPP-CONTROL pigs were switched to a diet with 5% SDPP
      containing 5.1+/-0.1 log10 PEDV RNA copies/g. To evaluate a potential positive
      effect of anti-PEDV antibodies in SDPP on PEDV challenge, four days prior to PEDV
      challenge the pigs in the SDPP-PEDV group were switched to and remained on a 5%
      SDPP diet through dpi 28. Another group, EGG-PEDV, was orally administered a
      commercial egg-derived liquid PEDV globulin product from dpi -4 through 6. All
      PEDV-CONTROL pigs began shedding PEDV in feces by dpi 3 and seroconverted between
      dpi 7 and 14, whereas pigs in NEG-CONTROL and SDPP-CONTROL groups remained PEDV
      RNA negative and did not seroconvert to PEDV for the study duration. This
      indicates no evidence of infectivity of the PEDV RNA in the SDPP lot utilized.
      Furthermore, under the study conditions SDPP or egg-derived liquid PEDV globulin
      addition did not significantly alter PEDV-shedding or overall disease course
      after experimental challenge. 

PMID- 25116481
TI  - Safety, pharmacokinetic, and positron emission tomography evaluation of serotonin
      and dopamine transporter occupancy following multiple-dose administration of the
      triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor BMS-820836.
AB  - RATIONALE: BMS-820836 is a novel antidepressant that selectively inhibits the
      reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. OBJECTIVE: This Phase I
      study assessed safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of multiple daily doses
      of BMS-820836 in healthy subjects. Central serotonin transporter (SERT) and
      dopamine transporter (DAT) occupancy were assessed using positron emission
      tomography and [(11)C]MADAM or [(11)C]PE2I, respectively. METHODS: Fifty-seven
      healthy volunteers were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      ascending multiple-dose study (ClincalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00892840). Eight
      participants in seven dose cohorts received oral doses of BMS-820836 (0.1-4 mg)
      or placebo for 14 days to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics.
      Additionally, SERT and DAT occupancies were evaluated in 4-8 subjects per cohort
      at 8 h post-dose on Day 10 and 24 h post-dose on Day 15 at anticipated steady
      state conditions. RESULTS: Most adverse events were mild to moderate; there were
      no serious safety concerns. Median maximum concentrations of BMS-820836 were
      observed at 4.0-5.5 h post-dose; estimated elimination half-life was 44-74 h.
      About 80 % striatal SERT occupancy was achieved after multiple doses of 0.5 mg
      BMS-820836 at both 8 and 24 h post-dose. Striatal DAT occupancy ranged between 14
      % and 35 % at 8 h post-dose with a slight decline at 24 h post-dose. CONCLUSIONS:
      Multiple daily doses of up to 4 mg BMS-820836 appeared to be generally safe and
      well tolerated in a healthy population. SERT and DAT occupancies were in a range
      associated with therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants. Together with the
      pharmacokinetic profile of BMS-820836, the occupancy data support once-daily
      administration.

PMID- 25116484
TI  - Research on the infiltration processes of lawn soils of the Babao River in the
      Qilian Mountain.
AB  - Using a Guelph Permeameter, the soil water infiltration processes were analyzed
      in the Babao River of the Qilian Mountain in China. The results showed that the
      average soil initial infiltration and the steady infiltration rates in the
      upstream reaches of the Babao River are 1.93 and 0.99 cm/min, whereas those of
      the middle area are 0.48 cm/min and 0.21 cm/min, respectively. The infiltration
      processes can be divided into three stages: the rapidly changing stage (0-10
      min), the slowly changing stage (10-30 min) and the stabilization stage (after 30
      min). We used field data collected from lawn soils and evaluated the performances
      of the infiltration models of Philip, Kostiakov and Horton with the sum of
      squared error, the root mean square error, the coefficient of determination, the
      mean error, the model efficiency and Willmott's index of agreement. The results
      indicated that the Kostiakov model was most suitable for studying the
      infiltration process in the alpine lawn soils. 

PMID- 25116482
TI  - Cognitive judgment bias in the psychostimulant-induced model of mania in rats.
AB  - RATIONALE: Animal models of mania lack genuine cognitive parameters. The present
      gold standard of mania models, amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, is rather
      unspecific and does not necessarily target its cardinal symptoms. Therefore,
      alternative behavioral markers that are sensitive to stimulants are required.
      OBJECTIVES: In the present study, by combining the psychostimulant-induced model
      of mania in rodents with the recently developed ambiguous-cue interpretation
      (ACI) tests, we investigated the effects of chronic administration of D
      amphetamine and cocaine on the cognitive judgment bias of rats. METHODS: To
      accomplish this goal, in two separate experiments, previously trained animals
      received chronic, daily injections of either D-amphetamine (2 mg/kg) or cocaine
      (10 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and were subsequently tested with the ACI procedure.
      RESULTS: Chronic treatment with both psychostimulants did not make rats more
      "optimistic." CONCLUSIONS: The results are discussed in terms of behavioral and
      pharmacological actions of the tested compounds and their implications for
      modeling mania in animals.

PMID- 25116485
TI  - Retainment of the antimicrobial agent triclosan in a septic tank.
AB  - Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the fate of the
      antimicrobial agent triclosan (TCS) in a conventional septic tank. The main
      mechanism of TCS removal from wastewater was identified to be rapid TCS sorption
      to suspended particles followed by settling of these particles to the bottom of
      the septic tank. Sorption to particles was completed within minutes while the
      settling took several days. Therefore, in a septic tank the removal of TCS from
      wastewater is mainly determined by the removal of suspended particles by
      sedimentation. Over 5 days of hydraulic residence time the initial dissolved TCS
      concentration of 100 MUg L(-1) was reduced by 87 +/- 8%. During the first 24
      hours, 66-86% of all removed TCS was retained, whereas during the remainder of
      the experiment a slight but steady decrease in TCS concentration was observed.
      This was most likely caused by TCS diffusion and its subsequent sorption onto the
      septic sludge. 

PMID- 25116483
TI  - Reduced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens core of adult rats following
      adolescent binge alcohol exposure: age and dose-dependent analysis.
AB  - RATIONALE: Alcohol use in adolescence is one of the most significant predictors
      of alcohol dependence in adulthood, yet the neurochemical mechanisms underlying
      this heightened vulnerability remain unknown. Whereas research has focused on
      characterizing adaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system following
      ethanol exposure in adolescence, whether these changes persist into adulthood has
      yet to be determined. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate
      the effects of binge-intermittent ethanol administration in adolescence (P30-50)
      or early adulthood (P60-80) on DA in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core after an
      ethanol challenge in adulthood following a period of abstinence. METHODS: Male
      Sprague Dawley rats (n = 160) were administered intermittent ethanol injections,
      1 or 3 g/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.) every other day for 20 days starting on
      either P30 or 60. Following an ethanol-free period of either 7, 14, or 28 days,
      we measured DA efflux following an ethanol challenge (3 g/kg, i.p.) using
      electrochemical recording electrodes bilaterally implanted into the NAc core.
      RESULTS: Moderate-dose ethanol administration (1 g/kg, i.p.) during adolescence
      significantly decreased ethanol-evoked DA release in adulthood at 7 and 14 days,
      but not 28 days, following pretreatment exposure compared to saline controls.
      Relative to rats pretreated with ethanol in adulthood, moderate-dose ethanol in
      adolescence significantly reduced DA efflux at all time points measured.
      Additionally, adult rats pretreated with high dose ethanol administration (3
      g/kg, i.p.) displayed significantly decreased DA compared to adolescents after 28
      days of withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS: Binge-intermittent ethanol administration during
      adolescence may induce age-dependent neuroadaptations in the mesolimbic DA system
      compared to ethanol-treated adults during protracted ethanol withdrawal.

PMID- 25116486
TI  - Effect of pH on phosphorus, copper, and zinc elution from swine wastewater
      activated sludge.
AB  - With the goal of reducing the amounts of phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), and zinc
      (Zn) discharged from swine wastewater activated sludge treatment facilities, we
      studied the elution of these elements from activated sludge at various pH values.
      Sludge samples with neutral pH collected from three farms were incubated at pH
      values ranging from 3 to 10. The soluble concentrations of these elements changed
      dramatically with pH and were highest at pH 3. We assumed that P present in the
      sludge under neutral and alkaline conditions was in insoluble form bound up with
      magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), because Ca and Mg also eluted from the sludge at
      low pH. To clarify forms of Zn and Cu in the sludge, we performed a sequential
      extraction analysis. Zinc in adsorbed, organically bound, and sulfide fractions
      made up a large proportion of the total Zn. Copper in organically bound,
      carbonate, and sulfide fractions made up a large proportion of the total Cu. The
      soluble P concentrations were lowest at pH 9 or 10 (11-36 mg/L), the soluble Zn
      concentrations were lowest at pH 8 or 9 (0.07-0.15 mg/L), and the soluble Cu
      concentrations were lowest at pH 6-9 (0.2 mg/L, the detection limit). 

PMID- 25116487
TI  - Determination of methane yield of cellulose using different experimental setups.
AB  - In this work, biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests with cellulose as a model
      substrate were performed with the aid of three manually operated or conventional
      experimental setups (based on manometer, water column and gas bag) and one
      automated apparatus specially designed for analysis of BMP. The methane yields
      were 340 +/- 18, 354 +/- 13, 345 +/- 15 and 366 +/- 5 ml CH4/g VS obtained from
      experimental setups with manometer, water column, gas bag, and automatic methane
      potential test system, which corresponded to a biodegradability of 82, 85, 83 and
      88% respectively. The results demonstrated that the methane yields of cellulose
      obtained from conventional and automatic experimental setups were comparable;
      however, the methane yield obtained from the automated apparatus showed greater
      precision. Moreover, conventional setups for the BMP test were more time- and
      labour-intensive compared with the automated apparatus. 

PMID- 25116488
TI  - Cloud point extraction-flame atomic absorption spectrometry method for
      preconcentration and determination of trace cadmium in water samples.
AB  - A method based on cloud point extraction (CPE) separation/preconcentration of
      trace cadmium (Cd) as a prior step to its determination by flame atomic
      absorption spectrometry has been developed. Cadmium reacted with 8
      hydroxyquinoline to form hydrophobic chelates, which were extracted into the
      micelles of nonionic surfactant oligoethylene glycol monoalkyl ether (Genapol X
      080) in an alkaline medium. Octanol was used to depress the cloud point of
      Genapol X-080 in the extraction process. The chemical variables that affect the
      CPE, such as pH of complexation reaction, amount of chelating agent, Genapol X
      080 and octanol were evaluated and optimized. Under optimized conditions,
      linearity was obeyed in the range of 10-500 MUg/L, with the correlation
      coefficient of 0.9993. For 5 mL of sample solution, the enhancement factor was
      about 20. The limit of detection and limit of quantification of the method were
      0.21 and 0.63 MUg/L, respectively. The relative standard deviations (n = 6) was
      3.2% for a solution containing 100 MUg/L of Cd. The accuracy of the
      preconcentration system was evaluated by recovery measurements on spiked water
      samples. Recoveries of spiked samples varied in the range of 94.1-103.8%. 

PMID- 25116489
TI  - Characterization of water pollution in drainage networks using continuous
      monitoring data in the Citadel area of Hue City, Vietnam.
AB  - In the Citadel area of Hue City, drainage systems that include canals and ponds
      are considerable sources of fecal contaminants to inundated water during the
      rainy season because canals and ponds receive untreated wastewater. It is
      important to investigate the characteristics of hydraulics and water pollution in
      canals and ponds. At the canals and ponds, water sampling was conducted during
      dry and wet weather periods in order to evaluate fecal contamination and to
      investigate changes in water pollution caused by runoff inflow. Inundated water
      was also collected from streets during heavy rainfall. At the canals and ponds,
      concentrations of Escherichia coli and total coliform exceeded the Vietnamese
      regulation values for surface water in 23 and 24 out of 27 samples (85 and 89%),
      respectively. The water samples were categorized based on the characteristics of
      water pollution using cluster analysis. In the rainy season, continuous
      monitoring was conducted at the canals and ponds using water depth and electrical
      conductivity (EC) sensors to investigate the dynamic relationship between water
      level and water pollution. It is suggested that in the canals, high EC meant
      water stagnation and low EC signified river water inflow. Therefore, EC might be
      a good indicator of water flow change in canals. 

PMID- 25116490
TI  - Removal of fluoride and arsenic by pilot vertical-flow constructed wetlands using
      soil and coal cinder as substrate.
AB  - This study evaluated the performance of soil and coal cinder used as substrate in
      vertical-flow constructed wetlands for removal of fluoride and arsenic. Two
      duplicate pilot-scale artificial wetlands were set up, planted respectively with
      cannas, calamus and no plant as blank, fed with a synthetic sewage solution.
      Laboratory (batch) incubation experiments were also carried out separately to
      ascertain the fluoride and arsenic adsorption capacity of the two materials (i.e.
      soil and coal cinder). The results showed that both soil and coal cinder had
      quite high fluoride and arsenic adsorption capacity. The wetlands were operated
      for two months. The concentrations of fluoride and arsenic in the effluent of the
      blank wetlands were obviously higher than in the other wetlands planted with
      cannas and calamus. Fluoride and arsenic accumulation in the wetlands body at the
      end of the operation period was in range of 14.07-37.24% and 32.43-90.04%,
      respectively, as compared with the unused media. 

PMID- 25116491
TI  - Visualized study on the interaction between single bubbles and curved solid
      surface in flotation separation process.
AB  - The present study has been devoted to bubble-curved solid surface interaction in
      water, which is critical to the separation of suspended particles by air
      flotation. For this purpose, two particular stages of the interaction (collision
      and attachment) have been examined visually using high-speed photography in a
      laboratory-scale flotation column. The effects of the surface material and
      surfactant concentration on these two stages have been also studied
      quantitatively. The considered solid materials are the cleaned glass as
      hydrophilic surface and Teflon as hydrophobic surface. The experimental results
      show that the presence of surfactant significantly affects the collision and
      rebound process of a gas bubble, while there is no obvious effect of the surface
      material on the rebound process. An increase in surfactant concentration has been
      observed to suppress the rebound number and maximal distance of the bubble from
      the surface. Moreover, the three-phase contact time of the bubble is a strong
      function of the surfactant concentration and surface hydrophobicity as well as of
      the bubble diameter. Another important finding is that the bubble attachment is
      only observed at the hydrophobic Teflon surface below the surfactant CMC
      (critical micelle concentration). Results of this study are relevant for deep
      understanding of the attachment mechanism and to determine the proper conditions
      for a selective flotation process. 

PMID- 25116492
TI  - Assessment of the impact of traditional septic tank soakaway systems on water
      quality in Ireland.
AB  - One of the key threats to groundwater and surface water quality in Ireland is the
      impact of poorly designed, constructed or maintained on-site wastewater treatment
      systems. An extensive study was carried out to quantify the impact of existing
      sites on water quality. Six existing sites, consisting of a traditional septic
      tank and soakaway system, located in various ranges of subsoil permeabilities
      were identified and monitored to determine how well they function under varying
      subsoil and weather conditions. The preliminary results of the chemical and
      microbiological pollutant attenuation in the subsoil of the systems have been
      assessed and treatment performance evaluated, as well as impact on local surface
      water and groundwater quality. The source of any faecal contamination detected in
      groundwater, nearby surface water and effluent samples was confirmed by microbial
      source tracking. From this, it can be seen that the transport and treatment of
      percolate vary greatly depending on the permeability and composition of the
      subsoil. 

PMID- 25116493
TI  - Removal of toluene from water by photocatalytic oxidation with activated carbon
      supported Fe(3+)-doped TiO2 nanotubes.
AB  - In this work, activated carbon (AC)-supported TiO2 containing 1.0% (mass percent)
      of 1.0 at.% (atomic percent) Fe(3+)-doped TiO2 nanotubes (Fe-TNTs) were
      successfully synthesized. The catalyst was used to effectively decompose toluene
      in water under O3/UV conditions, and some properties including the morphology, X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, specific surface area
      and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were analyzed. A removal
      efficiency of 90.7% was achieved in the presence of fresh AC-supported Fe-TNTs
      calcined at 550  degrees C, with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.038/min.
      The removal efficiency of toluene was reduced when the catalysts were repeatedly
      used, since the amount of adsorption sites of the supporting substrates
      decreased. However, even after AC-supported catalyst was used four times, the
      removal efficiency of toluene was still sufficient in water treatment. The
      enhanced photocatalytic activity of AC-supported Fe-TNTs was related to the
      synergistic effect of AC adsorption and Fe-TNTs photocatalytic ozonation. The
      water from a petrochemical company in China was used to obtain the removal
      efficiency of the pollutants, and the toluene and total organic carbon removal
      efficiencies were 69.9% and 58.3%, respectively. 

PMID- 25116494
TI  - Study of competitive adsorption of acid dyes on magnetic quaternary chitosan
      salt.
AB  - Magnetic quaternary chitosan salt CS/EPTAC/Fe3O4 was used for the removal of acid
      red 1 (AR1), xylenol orange (XO) and alizarin red (AR) in single, binary and
      ternary systems. In the single system, the maximal adsorption capacity was 781.55
      for AR1, 537.40 for XO and 992.61 mg g(-1) for AR at pH 3.0 and 25  degrees C.
      The adsorption kinetics of the three dyes followed the pseudo-second-order model.
      In the multicomponent system, preferential adsorption was observed for AR at low
      adsorbent quantities due to the small size of the molecule. When the adsorbent
      amount was greater, AR1 was adsorbed first because of the greater number of
      sulfonic acid roots. In the entire adsorption process, XO always adsorbed most
      slowly. 

PMID- 25116495
TI  - Development of a down-flow hanging sponge reactor for the treatment of low
      strength sewage.
AB  - The process performance of a down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactor for treating
      low strength sewage (biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) 20-50 mg/L) was investigated
      in Bangkok, Thailand. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) was set at 4 h during
      the start-up period and was reduced to 1.5 h in a stepwise manner. Throughout the
      300-day operational period, the DHS reactor shows high performance with respect
      to the removal of total suspended solid (>90% total suspended solid removal
      efficiency). No clogging of sponge media was observed in response to the self
      digestion phenomena of the biofilm. At a HRT of 1.5 h, the BOD removal efficiency
      was sufficiently high (about 85%). The pathogen Escherichia coli and other
      coliform bacteria were removed almost completely as well (removal was 99.4% and
      98.1%, respectively). Regarding the retained sludge activity measurement, the
      nitrite oxidation rate was higher than the ammonium oxidation rate (0.031 and
      0.022 gram of nitrogen per gram of volatile suspended solids per day,
      respectively). In the 300 days of operation, the amount of excess sludge
      production was negligible. Thus, no sludge treatment system is required.
      Introduction of the DHS system in developing countries is recommended because
      this system requires a relatively small area, and has low electricity consumption
      and operation costs. 

PMID- 25116496
TI  - Adsorption of hexavalent chromium onto organic bentonite modified by the use of
      iron(III) chloride.
AB  - The adsorption of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was improved by using organic
      bentonite (OB) modified with iron(III) chloride. The adsorption mechanisms and
      characteristics of OB and organic bentonite modified by FeCl3 (FMOB) were studied
      by using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning
      electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). It was found
      that hydroxyl-iron replaced some of the calcium and magnesium contained in the
      FMOB, but no significant change in its structure was shown even though the
      adsorption experiments proved that FMOB had a better Cr(VI) adsorption ability
      compared to OB. The coated material was prepared by mixing FMOB and 4A molecular
      sieves in a coated pot for the adsorption experiments in the test column. The
      relevant results showed that the adsorption of the coated material retained its
      high adsorption ability and maintained that ability after desorption and
      regeneration, which implied a potential for further application. 

PMID- 25116497
TI  - Impacts of urbanization on river system structure: a case study on Qinhuai River
      Basin, Yangtze River Delta.
AB  - Stream structure is usually dominated by various human activities over a short
      term. An analysis of variation in stream structure from 1979 to 2009 in the
      Qinhuai River Basin, China, was performed based on remote sensing images and
      topographic maps by using ArcGIS. A series of river parameters derived from river
      geomorphology are listed to describe the status of river structure in the past
      and present. Results showed that urbanization caused a huge increase in the
      impervious area. The number of rivers in the study area has decreased and length
      of rivers has shortened. Over the 30 years, there was a 41.03% decrease in river
      length. Complexity and stability of streams have also changed and consequently
      the storage capacities of river channels in intensively urbanized areas are much
      lower than in moderately urbanized areas, indicating a greater risk of floods.
      Therefore, more attention should be paid to the urban disturbance to rivers. 

PMID- 25116498
TI  - Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution using exfoliated
      polyaniline/montmorillonite composite.
AB  - Exfoliated polyaniline/montmorillonite (PANI/MMT) composites with nanosheet
      structure were successfully prepared by in situ chemical oxidation polymerization
      with MMT platelets as the scaffold. Amphoteric polymer, (2
      methacryloyloxyethyl)trimethyl ammonium chloride and methacrylate acid copolymer,
      was used to modify montmorillonite and a large number of carboxylic acids were
      introduced on the surface of the clay platelets, which can be used as a dopant of
      PANI and play a 'bridge' role to combine PANI with clay. Adsorption experiments
      were carried out to study the effects of pH, contact time, Cr(VI) concentration,
      adsorbent dose and temperature. The adsorption of Cr(VI) on the PANI/MMT was
      highly pH dependent and the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order
      model. The Langmuir isothermal model described the adsorption isotherm data well
      and the maximum adsorption capacity increased with the increase in temperature.
      Thermodynamic investigation indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous,
      endothermic and marked with an increase in randomness at the adsorbent - liquid
      interface. The maximum adsorption capacity of the PANI/MMT composites for Cr(VI)
      was 308.6 mg/g at 25  degrees C. The excellent adsorption characteristic of
      exfoliated PANI/MMT composites will render it a highly efficient and economically
      viable adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal. 

PMID- 25116499
TI  - Migration and transformation behavior of volatile phenol in the vadose zone.
AB  - Research on the migration and transformation of phenol with space and temporal
      variability in the vadose zone is hindered by monitoring technology in field
      experiments. Four column experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of
      porous media size, volatilization, biological effects, and oxidation on the
      transport of phenol in the vadose zone. The initial inflow phenol concentration
      of each column was 500 mg/L, and the final outflow concentrations were 0, 348,
      240, and 365 mg/L, More than 90% of reduction of phenol concentration occurred at
      the top of the simulation column. Results show that volatilization and oxidation
      are the main factors that could lead to the decrease of phenol concentration in
      an open system. However, these two processes cannot be accurately separated. The
      migration rate of phenol was larger in coarse sands (6.06 cm/d) than in fine
      sands (4.55 cm/d). Phenol biodegradation did not occur under experimental
      conditions. However, mercury (as biological inhibitor) could react with phenol to
      generate a mercury-phenol complex, which could lead to the reduction of phenol
      concentration to 21.6% in the simulation experiment. 

PMID- 25116500
TI  - A novel control strategy for efficient biological phosphorus removal with carbon
      limited wastewaters.
AB  - This work shows the development and the in silico evaluation of a novel control
      strategy aiming at successful biological phosphorus removal in a wastewater
      treatment plant operating in an A(2)/O configuration with carbon-limited
      influent. The principle of this novel approach is that the phosphorus in the
      effluent can be controlled with the nitrate setpoint in the anoxic reactor as
      manipulated variable. The theoretical background behind this control strategy is
      that reducing nitrate entrance to the anoxic reactor would result in more organic
      matter available for biological phosphorus removal. Thus, phosphorus removal
      would be enhanced at the expense of increasing nitrate in the effluent (but
      always below legal limits). The work shows the control development, tuning and
      performance in comparison to open-loop conditions and to two other conventional
      control strategies for phosphorus removal based on organic matter and metal
      addition. It is shown that the novel proposed strategy achieves positive nutrient
      removal results with similar operational costs to the other control strategies
      and open-loop operation. 

PMID- 25116501
TI  - Evaluation of biotreatability of ionic liquids in aerobic and anaerobic
      conditions.
AB  - The aim of our study was to set up an approach for reliable biotreatability
      assessment of ionic liquids (ILs). As a case study, two different ILs were
      selected: pyridinium-based 1-butyl-3-methylpyridinium dicyanamide ([bmpyr][dca])
      and imidazolium-based 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]).
      Toxicity in aerobic conditions was determined by measurement of inhibition of
      oxygen consumption by activated sludge, while their biodegradability was
      calculated from measurements of oxygen consumption and dissolved organic carbon
      elimination. For their biotreatability in anaerobic conditions, the method with
      measurement of biogas production has been employed comparing flocculent and
      granular sludge. Both ILs were less toxic and more biodegradable in anaerobic
      conditions. IL [bmpyr][dca] was not toxic to granular sludge up to 742 mg L(-1)
      and it even has been degraded at this concentration in the presence of easily
      degradable glucose. Flocculent sludge was completely inhibited at the lower
      concentration of 318 mg L(-1), but it degraded by 44% at 106 mg L(-1) in the
      presence of glucose, indicating the appearance of cometabolism. IL [bmim][BF4]
      was less toxic but also resistant to biodegradation in anaerobic conditions. It
      degraded via cometabolism 21% at 1,452 mg L(-1). It has been concluded that any
      assessment of biotreatability of ILs should include parallel determination in
      aerobic and anaerobic conditions. 

PMID- 25116502
TI  - Tertiary treatment for wastewater reuse based on the Daphnia magna filtration -
      comparison with conventional tertiary treatments.
AB  - Tertiary treatments are required to permit safe reuse of wastewater. The
      performance of a new biological tertiary treatment based on the filtration by a
      population of Daphnia magna was studied and compared with the performance of
      other conventional tertiary treatments such as coagulation-flocculation, settling
      tank, disc filtration, sand filtering and ultraviolet (UV) light. The analysis
      was based on the efficiency in the particle removal and Escherichia coli
      inactivation. The Daphnia magna treatment reduced the concentration of particles
      with diameters below 30 MUm by 35%, depending on abiotic parameters such as water
      temperature and the hydraulic retention time (HRT). The Daphnia magna filtration
      increased with water temperature for water temperatures >20  degrees C, while it
      remained constant for water temperatures <20  degrees C. Lower HRTs induced the
      growth of the Daphnia magna population, maintaining the same water quality.
      Furthermore, the Daphnia magna treatment inactivated E. coli in 1.2 log units.
      This inactivation was six times larger than that obtained by the conventional
      macrofiltration systems analyzed, although lower than the inactivation attained
      by UV light, which ranged between 1.5 and 4 log units. 

PMID- 25116503
TI  - Investigation of initial pH effects on growth of an oleaginous microalgae
      Chlorella sp. HQ for lipid production and nutrient uptake.
AB  - Using microalgae for synchronous biodiesel production and wastewater treatment is
      a promising technology. The growth, lipid accumulation and nutrient uptake
      characteristics of an oleaginous microalga Chlorella sp. HQ were evaluated at
      different initial pH from 5.0 to 11.0. The pH values changed towards neutrality
      and ended in the range 6.0-9.0 without artificial control. The alkalinity change
      before 8 days was in accordance with pH changing. The alkalinity increase after 8
      days might be due to the nitrate consumption, CO2 absorption and the algal
      release at stationary phases. The algal maximal cell density and population
      growth rate increased with initial pH values while the specific growth rate kept
      high without significant difference. After 30 days, the maximal algal lipid yield
      reaching 167.5 mg . L(-1) occurred at initial pH of 7.0 and the triacylglycerols
      content was significantly enhanced to 63.0% at initial pH of 5.0 but with a peak
      of 54.4 mg . L(-1) at initial pH of 9.0. Furthermore, nutrients were taken up by
      the alga obviously at all initial pH values. The total nitrogen (TN) and total
      phosphorus (TP) uptake efficiencies in neutral/alkalic circumstances were larger
      than that in acid circumstance. The TN and TP were removed by 87.77% and 92.05%,
      respectively, at initial pH of 7.0. 

PMID- 25116504
TI  - N2O emissions from secondary clarifiers and their contribution to the total
      emissions of the WWTP.
AB  - Recent studies have indicated that the emissions of nitrous oxide, N2O,
      constitute a major part of the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants
      (WWTPs). Denitrification occurring in the secondary clarifier basins has been
      observed by many researchers, but until now N2O emissions from secondary
      clarifiers have not been widely reported. The objective of this study was to
      measure the N2O emissions from secondary clarifiers and weigh the portion they
      could represent of the overall emissions at WWTPs. Online measurements over
      several days were carried out at four different municipal WWTPs in Finland in
      cold weather conditions (March) and in warm weather conditions (June-July). An
      attempt was made to define the conditions in which N2O emissions from secondary
      clarifiers may occur. It was evidenced that large amounts of N2O can be emitted
      from the secondary clarifiers, and that the emissions have long-term variation.
      It was assumed that part of the N2O released in secondary clarification was
      originally formed in the activated sludge basin. The emissions from secondary
      clarification thus seem to be dependent on conditions of the nitrification and
      denitrification accomplished in the denitrification-nitrification process and on
      the amount of sludge stored in the secondary clarifiers. 

PMID- 25116505
TI  - Simultaneous autotrophic denitrification and nitrification in a low-oxygen
      reaction environment.
AB  - The occurrence of autotrophic denitrification and nitrification activities by
      ammonia-oxidising bacteria and nitrite-oxidising bacteria is studied in a
      bioreactor system operable at low-dissolved oxygen (DO) and at variable oxygen
      influx rates. At a loading of 3.6 mg NH4(+)-N/h into the bioreactor, simultaneous
      autotrophic denitrification and nitrification contributed to NH4(+)-N removal
      over oxygen influxes of 2-14 mg O2/h and DO <0.5 mg/L. The maximum autotrophic
      denitrification (or total-N removal) rates were achieved in a narrow oxygen
      influx band of 3-5 mg O2/h, where it accounted for up to 36% of NH4(+)-N removal.
      At oxygen influx >16 mg O2/h and DO >2 mg/L, autotrophic denitrification ceases
      and roughly 90% of feed NH4(+)-N is oxidised to NOX(-)-N. The stability of total
      effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD) over the range of oxygen influxes tested
      confirms the absence of heterotrophic denitrification in the bioreactor. The long
      solids residence time of the stable biomass zone (21 days) led to production of
      effluent COD as a result of cell decay, and thus effluent COD was used to
      calculate more accurately the mean cell residence time. 

PMID- 25116506
TI  - Treatment of textile wastewaters using Eutectic Freeze Crystallization.
AB  - A water treatment process needs to recover both water and other useful products
      if the process is to be viewed as being financially and environmentally
      sustainable. Eutectic Freeze Crystallization (EFC) is one such sustainable water
      treatment process that is able to produce both pure ice (water) and pure salt(s)
      by operating at a specific temperature. The use of EFC for the treatment of water
      is particularly useful in the textile industry because ice crystallization
      excludes all impurities from the recovered water, including dyes. Also, EFC can
      produce various salts with the intention of reusing these salts in the process.
      This study investigated the feasibility of EFC as a treatment method for textile
      industry wastewaters. The results showed that EFC can be used to convert 95% of
      the wastewater stream to pure ice (98% purity) and sodium sulfate. 

PMID- 25116507
TI  - Evaluation of non-thermal effects by microwave irradiation in hydrolysis of waste
      activated sludge.
AB  - The activation energy (Ea) for waste-activated sludge (WAS) hydrolysis was
      compared between microwave irradiation (MW) and conventional heating (CH) methods
      to evaluate the non-thermal effect of MW. The microwave-assisted hydrolysis of
      WAS was assumed to follow the first-order kinetics on the basis of volatile
      suspended solids (VSS) conversion to soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) for
      different initial VSS concentrations. By comparing the VSS decrement and the SCOD
      increment between MW and CH at different absolute temperatures of 323, 348 and
      373 K, the average ratio of VSS conversion to SCOD was determined to range from
      1.42 to 1.64 g SCOD/g VSS. These results corresponded to the theoretical value of
      1.69 g SCOD/g VSS based on the assumption that the molecular formula of sludge
      was C10H19O3N. Consequently, the Ea of the MW-assisted WAS hydrolysis was much
      lower than that of CH for the same temperature conditions. The non-thermal effect
      of MW in the hydrolysis of WAS could be identified with the lower Ea than that of
      CH. 

PMID- 25116508
TI  - A health risk assessment of reclaimed municipal wastewater for industrial and
      miscellaneous use.
AB  - The study evaluated the safety of reclaimed water using health risk assessment
      and biotoxicity tests. The reclaimed water was produced from reverse osmosis and
      used in industrial and miscellaneous purposes. The health risk assessment was
      conducted based on the concentrations of detectable pollutants in reclaimed water
      in a hypothetical scenario. The estimated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks
      are lower than the generally accepted level. Biotoxicity evaluation included
      three genotoxicity tests, a chronic toxicity test using medaka fishes, and a
      subchronic toxicity test using mice. The reclaimed water is not genetically
      toxic, and does not cause significant chronic effects on these model organisms.
      These results confirm the safety of using reclaimed water from municipal
      wastewater treatment plants. 

PMID- 25116510
TI  - Carborane functionalization of the aromatic network in chemically-synthesized
      graphene.
AB  - The conjugated aromatic system of graphene was used to trap the reactive, boron
      rich 1,2-carborane cluster. Functionalization of the graphene surface was
      confirmed by solid-state MAS (11)B NMR spectroscopy and quantified by X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy. This work represents the first confirmed example of
      direct functionalization of a graphene lattice with carboranes. 

PMID- 25116509
TI  - Examining the sustainment of the Adolescent-Community Reinforcement Approach in
      community addiction treatment settings: protocol for a longitudinal mixed method
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although evidence-based treatments are considered the gold standard
      for clinical practice, it is widely recognized that evidence-based treatment
      implementation in real world practice settings has been limited. To address this
      gap, the federal government provided three years of funding, training and
      technical assistance to 84 community-based treatment programs to deliver an
      evidence-based treatment called the Adolescent-Community Reinforcement Approach
      (A-CRA). Little is known about whether such efforts lead to long-term A-CRA
      sustainment after the initial funding ends. METHODS/DESIGN: We will use a
      longitudinal mixed method data analytic approach to characterize sustainment over
      time and to examine the factors associated with the extent to which A-CRA is
      sustained. We will use implementation data collected during the funding period
      (e.g., organizational functioning, staff certification rates and penetration) and
      supplement it with additional data collected during the proposed project period
      regarding implementation quality and the hypothesized predictors of sustainment
      (i.e., inner and outer contextual variables) collected over three waves from 2013
      to 2015 representing program sustainment up to five years post-initial funding.
      DISCUSSION: Gaining a better understanding of the factors that influence the
      evidence-based treatment sustainment may lead to more effective dissemination
      strategies and ultimately improve the quality of care being delivered in
      community-based addiction treatment settings.

PMID- 25116511
TI  - Liposomes in topical ophthalmic drug delivery: an update.
AB  - Topical route of administration is the most commonly used method for the
      treatment of ophthalmic diseases. However, presence of several layers of
      permeation barriers starting from the tear film till the inner layers of cornea
      make it difficult to achieve the therapeutic concentrations in the target tissue
      within the eye. In order to circumvent these barriers and to provide sustained
      and targeted drug delivery, tremendous advances have been made in developing
      efficient and safe drug delivery systems. Liposomes due to their unique structure
      prove to be extremely beneficial drug carriers as they can entrap both the
      hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. The conventional liposomes had several
      drawbacks particularly their tendency to aggregate, the instability and leakage
      of entrapped drug and susceptibility to phagocytosis. Due to this reason, for a
      long time, liposomes as drug delivery systems did not attract much attention of
      researchers and clinicians. However, over recent years development of new
      generation liposomes has opened up new approaches for targeted and sustained drug
      delivery using liposomes and has rejuvenated the interest of researchers in this
      field. In this review we present a summary of current literature to understand
      the anatomical and physiological limitation in achieving adequate ocular
      bioavailability of topically applied drugs and utility of liposomes in overcoming
      these limitations. The recent developments related to new generation liposomes
      are discussed. 

PMID- 25116513
TI  - A functionalized, ethynyl-decorated, tetracobalt(III) cubane molecular catalyst
      for photoinduced water oxidation.
AB  - A new tetracobalt(III) cubane 1, carrying functionalized peripheral ethynyl
      groups, was prepared. Cubane 1 catalyses photoinduced water oxidation, indicating
      that the ethynyl groups do not negatively affect the catalytic properties of the
      Co cubane assembly. In contrast, the quantum yield for water oxidation (0.36) is
      significantly increased with respect to the prototype, simplest species.

PMID- 25116512
TI  - Enhanced transdermal delivery of luteolin via non-ionic surfactant-based vesicle:
      quality evaluation and anti-arthritic assessment.
AB  - Luteolin (LUT) is a promising molecule with potential anti-arthritic activity.
      This investigation presents formulation and evaluation of niosomal transgel for
      enhanced transdermal delivery of LUT. Different non-ionic surfactants and vesicle
      compositions were employed for preparation of niosomes. The vesicle size analysis
      showed that all vesicles were in the range from 534.58 to 810.22 nm which
      favoured efficient transdermal delivery. The entrapment of LUT in vesicle was
      found to be higher in all surfactant. The developed formulation was proved
      significantly superior in terms of amount of drug permeation with an enhancement
      ratio of 2.66 when compared to a control formulation. The in vivo bioactivity
      studies revealed that the prepared niotransgel formulation of LUT was able to
      provide good anti-arthritic activity and the results were comparable to standard
      (diclofenac gel for anti-arthritic and analgesic). Finally, the results were
      confirmed through radiological analysis which proved that the prepared
      niotransgel was effectively able to treat arthritis and results were comparable
      with the standard formulation. 

PMID- 25116515
TI  - Continuation of NHS Pay Review body benefits all.
AB  - The prospect of yet another year in which most nurses' standard of living will
      fall because the English government is too mean to fund a pay rise could hardly
      be more depressing. Last week's announcement by the Treasury that nurses will not
      receive a cost-of-living pay award next year - only a 1 per cent one-off payment
      if they are at the top of their pay band - demonstrates the lack of respect
      ministers have for the profession. 

PMID- 25116514
TI  - Solution and crystal structure of BA42, a protein from the Antarctic bacterium
      Bizionia argentinensis comprised of a stand-alone TPM domain.
AB  - The structure of the BA42 protein belonging to the Antarctic flavobacterium
      Bizionia argentinensis was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray
      crystallography. This is the first structure of a member of the PF04536 family
      comprised of a stand-alone TPM domain. The structure reveals a new topological
      variant of the four beta-strands constituting the central beta-sheet of the
      alphabetaalpha architecture and a double metal binding site stabilizing a pair of
      crossing loops, not observed in previous structures of proteins belonging to this
      family. BA42 shows differences in structure and dynamics in the presence or
      absence of bound metals. The affinity for divalent metal ions is close to that
      observed in proteins that modulate their activity as a function of metal
      concentration, anticipating a possible role for BA42.

PMID- 25116516
TI  - 100 years to the day: candlelit vigil at Westminster Abbey.
AB  - A ceremony attended by nurses marking the centenary of the outbreak of the first
      world war was held at Westminster Abbey last week. 

PMID- 25116517
TI  - Stafford Hospital witness to advise NHS Freedom to Speak Up review.
AB  - The nurse who exposed appalling treatment of patients at Stafford Hospital has
      been enlisted as an adviser to a major review into NHS whistleblowing. 

PMID- 25116519
TI  - Pay rise 'a political issue' as review body ignored.
AB  - The government is refusing to revisit its decision to deny 70 per cent of nurses
      a 1 per cent cost of living pay rise next April - despite the looming threat of
      industrial action by a number of health unions. 

PMID- 25116520
TI  - Nurses in the front line of cuts at HEE.
AB  - Nearly one third of senior Health Education England (HEE) posts that will be axed
      to reduce costs are held by nurses, Nursing Standard has learned. 

PMID- 25116521
TI  - Ebola death toll rises in Africa with at least 14 nurses among the dead.
AB  - At least 14 nurses are among 80 healthcare workers who have died from an outbreak
      of the Ebola virus spreading across West Africa, declared an international public
      health emergency last week by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

PMID- 25116522
TI  - Nurse admits to falsifying records.
AB  - A nurse has pleaded guilty to nine counts of wilful neglect while working at the
      Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, Wales. 

PMID- 25116524
TI  - Medication patch may help people with schizophrenia.
AB  - Mental health research nurses are recruiting patients to take part in an ongoing
      landmark trial to test an antipsychotic medication patch to treat schizophrenia. 

PMID- 25116525
TI  - Staff seek funds in NHS version of Dragons' Den.
AB  - Nurses and healthcare assistants pitched ideas to improve care in a Dragons' Den
      style event at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust last week. 

PMID- 25116526
TI  - Grouping diabetes checks could confuse score and reward process.
AB  - Diabetes nurses have questioned whether GP practices will have the staff capacity
      to carry out eight health checks on diabetes patients recommended by the National
      Institute for Care and Health Excellence (NICE). 

PMID- 25116527
TI  - Volunteer healthcare staff set off to Gaza.
AB  - Nurses are among a team of 14 health professionals who have gone to Gaza as part
      of a humanitarian NHS mission. 

PMID- 25116528
TI  - Staffing shortfalls remain an issue at many trusts in special measures.
AB  - Five trusts that must remain in special measures for another six months have
      nurse shortages and inadequate leadership that pose a threat to public safety,
      according to a report by health regulators. 

PMID- 25116530
TI  - Niece visits library that honours nurse killed on WW1 front line.
AB  - The niece of a nurse killed while caring for injured troops in the first world
      war has paid an emotional visit to a medical history library named in her aunt's
      memory. 

PMID- 25116532
TI  - Hospitals told to ban junk food and offer staff incentives to lose weight.
AB  - Burgers, chips and fatty foods being served up in hospital canteens could soon
      become a thing of the past, if Simon Stevens gets his way. 

PMID- 25116538
TI  - HIV.
AB  - Essential facts [Figure: see text] HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system
      and leaves people less able to fight infection. According to the National
      Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), an estimated 98,400 people were
      living with HIV in the UK in 2012, but one in five of them did not know they were
      carrying the virus. If those people were identified and treated, then a further
      3,500 cases of HIV transmission could be prevented within five years. 

PMID- 25116539
TI  - Tired of carrying the burden of fatigue.
AB  - A high proportion of people with rheumatoid arthritis experience fatigue. This
      has a severe effect on their wellbeing, yet the symptom is rarely understood and
      poorly managed by healthcare professionals. Nurses are being urged to recognise
      the issues and explore effective treatment options with patients.

PMID- 25116540
TI  - Learn to see patients in their own world.
AB  - Insights from the social sciences can help nurses understand the influences that
      shaped their patients and the decisions they make. This can develop empathy and
      encourage better care. Nurses are passionate about their patients' wellbeing.
      They can use the social sciences to improve the care they deliver and improve
      their patients' lives.

PMID- 25116541
TI  - Royal Naval nursing: 'testing but worth it'.
AB  - Inga Kennedy is the most senior nurse in the Royal Navy. She enjoys the
      commitment and discipline required by a career in the armed forces and says the
      work offers great opportunities for nurses. Her career highlights have included
      checking that injured personnel in Afghanistan were receiving the best care
      possible.

PMID- 25116552
TI  - First Aid for Cyclists app.
AB  - This new, free app from St John Ambulance gives cyclists the skills to deal with
      the most common cycling injuries. 

PMID- 25116554
TI  - RCN faces challenges over rising inequalities within profession.
AB  - It is difficult to understand why the RCN will not join colleagues in the Royal
      College of Midwives and other health unions in balloting members on industrial
      action (Editorial and News July 30). Is the RCN fearful of the outcome should the
      response be a yes? 

PMID- 25116555
TI  - It is time to take industrial action to reverse the sell-off of the NHS.
AB  - As a nurse at St Thomas' Hospital in London during the strikes in the 1980s, I
      never wanted to strike, having seen the effects on patient care (Letters May 21).

PMID- 25116556
TI  - Unite calls on the NMC to reject the proposed 20% fee increase.
AB  - We at Unite are opposed to the proposal from the Nursing and Midwifery Council
      (NMC) to increase the registration fee from L100 a year to L120 in March next
      year (News July 30 and August 6). 

PMID- 25116557
TI  - Remembering Herbert Sulzbach and those who work for peace.
AB  - As we commemorate those who gave their lives in the first world war, it is
      important that we also remember those who have worked to foster good relations
      between former combatants. 

PMID- 25116560
TI  - Looking at people as individuals is vital to any work assessment.
AB  - I agree with the recent Commons committee report recommending the scrapping,
      because of design flaws, of the Employment and Support Allowance for people who
      are unable to work because of disability or sickness (News July 30). 

PMID- 25116561
TI  - Force-feeding is in the interests of the state, not its prisoners.
AB  - Further to Paul Hegarty's letter, 'Force-feeding is wrong and nurses should play
      no part' (July 30), the International Council of Nurses is clear about the role
      of nurses. 

PMID- 25116562
TI  - Service user and carer involvement in pre-registration student selection.
AB  - An online questionnaire was undertaken to evaluate the involvement of service
      users and carers in the student selection process and to identify how the pre
      registration process might be enhanced. Respondents comprised 34 students, all of
      whom had been selected for the pre-registration nursing education programme
      following this process, and 22 others, including service users and carers,
      practitioners, and lecturers, who had been involved in the selection process. A
      positive attitude to the involvement of service users and carers was evident in
      all groups, although there were some concerns and suggestions about how and when
      involvement of service users and carers should occur. The main findings were that
      service users could have an important role in contextualising mental health in
      people's lives. 

PMID- 25116563
TI  - Using personal narrative to deepen emotional awareness of practice.
AB  - Storytelling is intrinsic to human beings, and stories can explain events,
      stances taken and actions engaged in. When experience is represented as story it
      can become more organised and be used for analysis, critique and learning.
      Experience is important in nursing, as it is in many other practice-based
      professions, and it can contribute much to nurses' learning. Through a process of
      sharing and engaging with the author's personal stories, this article encourages
      nurses to begin to organise their own experiences in story form for use in
      learning and as part of their personal and professional development. 

PMID- 25116564
TI  - Assessment and management of patients with ankle injuries.
AB  - Foot and ankle injuries are common and can have a significant effect on an
      individual's daily activities. Nurses have an important role in the assessment,
      management, ongoing care and support of patients with ankle injuries. An
      understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the ankle enables nurses to
      identify significant injuries, which may result in serious complications, and
      communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team to improve patient care
      and outcomes. 

PMID- 25116565
TI  - Acute confusion.
AB  - Acute confusion, an acute cognitive impairment associated with severe illness, is
      often termed delirium. Delirium seldom resolves steadily but goes through cycles
      of improving and then worsening. 

PMID- 25116568
TI  - Bringing the clinic to the class.
AB  - The transformation of nurse education from diploma to degree has been coupled
      with greater emphasis on the use of evidence in practice. As a result, teaching
      staff have been trying to improve the integration of theory and practice
      learning. 

PMID- 25116566
TI  - Express yourself.
AB  - Communication has always been a vital part of nursing. As students, we learned
      about therapeutic communication and the differences between sympathy, empathy,
      and rapport. I remember struggling with those differences and when to use each
      most appropriately with patients, families, classmates and lecturers. Now, I
      apply these principles at work with staff. 

PMID- 25116569
TI  - Sharps practice in focus.
AB  - The EU Sharps Directive on the prevention of sharps injuries in the healthcare
      sector (see resources ) was incorporated into the national law of all EU member
      states on May 11 2013. 

PMID- 25116570
TI  - Student life - African learning experience.
AB  - Archbishop Desmond Tutu once claimed that TB was the child of poverty, as well as
      its parent and provider. My first insight into the truth of this came while I was
      on a placement with Find & Treat, a pan-London tuberculosis (TB) service for
      vulnerable communities. 

PMID- 25116571
TI  - Larval Population Density Alters Adult Sleep in Wild-Type Drosophila melanogaster
      but Not in Amnesiac Mutant Flies.
AB  - Sleep has many important biological functions, but how sleep is regulated remains
      poorly understood. In humans, social isolation and other stressors early in life
      can disrupt adult sleep. In fruit flies housed at different population densities
      during early adulthood, social enrichment was shown to increase subsequent sleep,
      but it is unknown if population density during early development can also
      influence adult sleep. To answer this question, we maintained Drosophila larvae
      at a range of population densities throughout larval development, kept them
      isolated during early adulthood, and then tested their sleep patterns. Our
      findings reveal that flies that had been isolated as larvae had more fragmented
      sleep than those that had been raised at higher population densities. This effect
      was more prominent in females than in males. Larval population density did not
      affect sleep in female flies that were mutant for amnesiac, which has been shown
      to be required for normal memory consolidation, adult sleep regulation, and brain
      development. In contrast, larval population density effects on sleep persisted in
      female flies lacking the olfactory receptor or83b, suggesting that olfactory
      signals are not required for the effects of larval population density on adult
      sleep. These findings show that population density during early development can
      alter sleep behavior in adulthood, suggesting that genetic and/or structural
      changes are induced by this developmental manipulation that persist through
      metamorphosis. 

PMID- 25116573
TI  - The N-terminal transactivation domain of the glucocorticoid receptor mediates
      apoptosis of human small cell lung cancer cells.
AB  - Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis.
      These cancers are deficient in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression, and
      therefore, resistant to glucocorticoids. Overexpression of the GR both in vivo
      and in vitro leads to apoptotic cell death suggesting that loss of GR is
      favorable for cancer growth. Indeed, the GR promoter is silenced in SCLC cells by
      methylation. We now show that treatment of the SCLC cell line (DMS79) cells with
      the demethylating agent, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza), results in significant
      endogenous re-expression of both GRalpha and the ligand-independent GR-P. The GR
      gene has a complex promoter region comprising nine alternative promoters, the
      proximal seven of which lie within a CpG island. The endogenous re-expression
      seen is attributed to the constitutive promoters 1B and 1C and 1J but
      predominantly 1F, which we show to be heavily methylated in SCLC cells. Flow
      cytometric analysis using the apoptotic marker, Annexin V, shows that this
      endogenous re-expression is sufficient to drive the SCLC cells to apoptosis.
      Apoptotic induction is specific to GR re-expression as cotreatment with 5-aza and
      the GR antagonist, RU486 prevented apoptosis. Of the three functional GR domains
      (the DNA binding domain, ligand binding domain, and transactivation domain), we
      identified that the transactivation domain is essential for apoptosis in SCLC.
      The discovery that endogenous re-expression of the GR in SCLC cells is sufficient
      to induce apoptotic cell death by reversing a cancer-driven DNA methylation
      effect may lead to the development of novel adjunct therapies.

PMID- 25116572
TI  - Dissociating Cortical Activity during Processing of Native and Non-Native
      Audiovisual Speech from Early to Late Infancy.
AB  - Initially, infants are capable of discriminating phonetic contrasts across the
      world's languages. Starting between seven and ten months of age, they gradually
      lose this ability through a process of perceptual narrowing. Although
      traditionally investigated with isolated speech sounds, such narrowing occurs in
      a variety of perceptual domains (e.g., faces, visual speech). Thus far, tracking
      the developmental trajectory of this tuning process has been focused primarily on
      auditory speech alone, and generally using isolated sounds. But infants learn
      from speech produced by people talking to them, meaning they learn from a complex
      audiovisual signal. Here, we use near-infrared spectroscopy to measure blood
      concentration changes in the bilateral temporal cortices of infants in three
      different age groups: 3-to-6 months, 7-to-10 months, and 11-to-14-months.
      Critically, all three groups of infants were tested with continuous audiovisual
      speech in both their native and another, unfamiliar language. We found that at
      each age range, infants showed different patterns of cortical activity in
      response to the native and non-native stimuli. Infants in the youngest group
      showed bilateral cortical activity that was greater overall in response to non
      native relative to native speech; the oldest group showed left lateralized
      activity in response to native relative to non-native speech. These results
      highlight perceptual tuning as a dynamic process that happens across modalities
      and at different levels of stimulus complexity. 

PMID- 25116574
TI  - Effects of a multidomain lifestyle modification on cognitive function in older
      adults: an eighteen-month community-based cluster randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A healthy lifestyle may protect against cognitive decline. We
      examined outcomes in elderly individuals after 18 months of a five-group
      intervention program consisting of various modalities to prevent cognitive
      decline. METHODS: We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial assessing
      460 community-dwelling individuals aged 60 years and older in a geriatric
      community mental health center in Suwon, Republic of Korea, between 2008 and
      2010. We developed an intervention program based on the principles of contingency
      management, which could be delivered by ordinary primary health workers. Group A
      (n = 81) received standard care services. Group B (n = 80) received bimonthly
      (once every 2 months) telephonic care management. Group C (n = 111) received
      monthly telephonic care management and educational materials similar to those in
      group B. Group D (n = 93) received bimonthly health worker-initiated visits and
      counseling. Group E (n = 94) received bimonthly health worker-initiated visits,
      counseling, and rewards for adherence to the program. RESULTS: The primary
      outcome was the change in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores from
      baseline to the final follow-up visit at 18 months. Group E showed superior
      cognitive function to group A (adjusted coefficient beta = 0.99, p = 0.044), with
      participation in cognitive activities being the most important determining factor
      among several health behaviors (adjusted coefficient beta = 1.04, p < 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Engaging in cognitive activities, in combination with positive
      health behaviors, may be most beneficial in preserving cognitive abilities in
      community-dwelling older adults.

PMID- 25116575
TI  - The desmoid tumour: local control after surgical treatment.
AB  - Desmoid tumours are uncommon non-malignant tumours that show a locally aggressive
      growth pattern and a high local recurrence rate after surgery. Approximately 10%
      of the desmoid tumours are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
      Variable natural history of the disease challenges treatment decision-making in
      the absence of prospective, randomised data. Association of this rare tumour to
      GIST is speculated and the tumorigenesis may share common steps. This study
      reviews given treatment and reports prognostic factors for local control and
      concurrent neoplasms in patients evaluated by a single soft tissue tumour group.
      Patients referred to the soft tissue tumour group at Helsinki University Central
      Hospital (HUCH) for a desmoid tumour (primary or recurred) during 1987-2007 and
      receiving surgical treatment with or without adjuvant treatment were included in
      this retrospective review. All locations and also patients with a FAP-associated
      tumour were included. Extra-abdominal location showed lower local control despite
      the fact that 27% of patients also received radiation therapy. One amputation was
      performed. Female sex and location in the rectus abdominis muscle predicted
      improved local control in multivariate analysis. In this review, the occurrence
      (14%) of concurrent neoplasms was higher than expected with unusual tumour types
      noted including two GISTs. In those patients in whom surgical treatment is
      chosen, adjuvant radiation therapy should also be considered in order to decrease
      morbidity from aggressive surgery aiming at R0 resection. Further studies are
      suggested to illuminate the biological association between the desmoid tumour and
      other neoplasms.

PMID- 25116577
TI  - Intracoronary injection of CD34-cells in chronic ischemic heart failure: 7 years
      follow-up of the DanCell study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Seven years ago, the DanCell study was carried out to test the
      hypothesis of improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following
      repeated intracoronary injections of autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells
      (BMSCs) in patients suffering from chronic ischemic heart failure. In this post
      hoc analysis, the long-term effect of therapy is assessed. METHODS: 32 patients
      [mean age 61 (SD +/- 9), 81% males] with systolic dysfunction (LVEF 33 +/- 9%)
      received two repeated intracoronary infusions (4 months apart) of autologous
      BMSCs (1,533 +/- 765 * 10(6) BMSCs including 23 +/- 11 * 10(6) CD34(+) cells and
      14 +/- 7 * 10(6) CD133(+) cells). Patients were followed for 7 years and deaths
      were recorded. RESULTS: During follow-up, 10 patients died (31%). In univariate
      regression analysis, the total number of BMSCs, CD34(+) cell count and CD133(+)
      cell count did not significantly correlate with survival (hazard ratio: 0.999,
      95% CI: 0.998-1.000, p = 0.24; hazard ratio: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88-1.01, p = 0.10,
      and hazard ratio: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.87-1.07, p = 0.47, respectively). After
      adjustment for baseline variables in multivariate regression analysis, the
      CD34(+) cell count was significantly associated with survival (hazard ratio:
      0.90, 95% CI: 0.82-1.00, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Intracoronary injections of a
      high number of CD34(+) cells may have a beneficial effect on chronic ischemic
      heart failure in terms of long-term survival.

PMID- 25116579
TI  - The medicinal chemistry and drug development of novel antimalarials.

PMID- 25116578
TI  - Antimalarial bicyclic peroxides belonging to the G-factor family: mechanistic
      aspects of their formation and iron (II) induced reduction.
AB  - Artemisinin and its derivatives are peroxide-containing compounds targeting P.
      falciparum. We review here structural analogues of bicyclic peroxides belonging
      to the G factors family presenting antimalarial properties. They were synthesised
      under Mannich type conditions, followed by an autoxidation step resulting
      exclusively in the peroxide. As the electron transfer from haem or free iron to
      the peroxide is the first step in the mode of action of artemisinin-like
      compounds, the redox properties of some endoperoxides were studied by
      electrochemistry allowing the evaluation of the reduction standard potentials.
      The Fe(II) induced reduction was also investigated and the reactivity of the C
      centered radical intermediate formed was linked to the antimalarial activity.
      These bicyclic peroxides both with various hybrid molecules containing the
      endoperoxide framework were evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum.
      They exhibited moderate to good activities. 

PMID- 25116580
TI  - 4-aminoquinoline based molecular hybrids as antimalarials: an overview.
AB  - In recent times, the novel concept of generating hybrid molecules by
      pharmacophoric hybridisation approach is fast becoming an alternative to other
      existing strategies of drug development. These hybrids also known as 'dual drugs'
      or 'double drugs' are especially found to be effective in overcoming drug
      resistance problems. Towards this end, a lot of effort has been put for
      generating 4-aminoquinoline based hybrid molecules as next generation
      antimalarial drugs effective in malarial chemotherapy. This short review deals
      about the recent advances carried in the field of 4-aminoquinoline based
      molecular hybrids as potential antimalarial agents. It also presents a brief and
      simplified story on the development of 4-aminoquinolines as a mainstay in
      malarial research programmes. 

PMID- 25116581
TI  - Ferroquine as an oxidative shock antimalarial.
AB  - Over the course of the development of the antimalarial ferroquine, we have
      developed many ideas about its specific mechanism of action. Those ideas have
      enabled us to propose several experiments to control the validity of these
      hypotheses concerning differences between ferroquine and chloroquine and their
      respective mechanisms of action. We have now established an ultimate theory
      reconciling the hydrogen bond and the redox mechanisms hypotheses of ferroquine
      and fitting a wider range of published experimental results. 

PMID- 25116583
TI  - Exploring prodrug approaches for albitiazolium and its analogues.
AB  - Choline analogues such as bis-thiazolium salts are thought to inhibit choline
      transport into Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes, thus preventing parasite PC
      biosynthesis, and also to interact with plasmodial haemoglobin degradation in the
      food vacuole. This new and multiple mode of action is a major asset of these new
      class of antimalarials, as they could help delay resistance development. We
      synthesized and designed various sets of analogues, notably prodrugs, since the
      oral bioavailability of bis-thiazolium salts is relatively low. The chemistry
      underlying this synthesis relies on inexpensive and readily available starting
      materials and is straightforward. This is essential since the ultimate objective
      is to obtain affordable and orally available drugs for uncomplicated malaria
      treatment.

PMID- 25116584
TI  - Antimalarial activities of indolones and derivatives.
AB  - The search for antimalarial compounds continues to be an area of intensive
      investigation in medicinal chemistry. This review presents the structural
      variations around the indolone-N-oxide core. From these pharmacomodulation
      studies, new antiplasmodial agents with various structures have emerged. Most of
      the molecules generated from reduced forms of the indolone scaffold have led to
      compounds with antiplasmodial properties. These results confirm the importance of
      the redox reversibility of the bioreducible N=C bond in these series to obtain
      antimalarial activities.

PMID- 25116582
TI  - 4(1H)-pyridone and 4(1H)-quinolone derivatives as antimalarials with
      erythrocytic, exoerythrocytic, and transmission blocking activities.
AB  - Infectious diseases are the second leading cause of deaths in the world with
      malaria being responsible for approximately the same amount of deaths as cancer
      in 2012. Despite the success in malaria prevention and control measures
      decreasing the disease mortality rate by 45% since 2000, the development of
      single-dose therapeutics with radical cure potential is required to completely
      eradicate this deadly condition. Targeting multiple stages of the malaria
      parasite is becoming a primary requirement for new candidates in antimalarial
      drug discovery and development. Recently, 4(1H)- pyridone, 4(1H)-quinolone,
      1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridone, and phenoxyethoxy-4(1H)-quinolone chemotypes have
      been shown to be antimalarials with blood stage activity, liver stage activity,
      and transmission blocking activity. Advancements in structure-activity
      relationship and structure-property relationship studies, biological evaluation
      in vitro and in vivo, as well as pharmacokinetics of the 4(1H)-pyridone and 4(1H)
      quinolone chemotypes are discussed. 

PMID- 25116585
TI  - New anti-malarial drugs: who cares?
AB  - Most of the people suffering malaria do not know how complex is that disease and
      how hard searchers are working to fight against it. Some of these people are
      dying from malaria while still efficient drug combinations should have save their
      lives. But these drugs were not available for them when needed, or the diagnosis
      was wrong, or the drugs were fake, or the doctor was untrained, or the patient
      had no money. Should this terrible reality preclude the need for continuous
      research to develop new antimalarial drugs? Should people working in laboratories
      located in non-endemic countries adapt their project to that reality? Malaria
      eradication, then elimination was announced and broadcasted in the late sixties,
      and later forgotten. From that failure due to chloroquine resistance and after
      decades of less arrogant work, billions of dollars are on the table again to
      claim this goal. There were bed nets, drugs, vaccine and communication as
      starters, let's hope people in endemic countries will be winners. 

PMID- 25116586
TI  - Quantum chemistry guide to PTRMS studies of as-yet undetected products of the
      bromine-atom initiated oxidation of gaseous elemental mercury.
AB  - A series of BrHgY compounds (Y = NO2, ClO, BrO, HOO, etc.) are expected to be
      formed in the Br-initiated oxidation of Hg(0) to Hg(II) in the atmosphere. These
      BrHgY compounds have not yet been reported in any experiment. This article
      investigates the potential to use proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometry
      (PTRMS) to detect these atmospherically important species. We show that reaction
      of the standard PTRMS reagent (H3O(+)) with BrHgY leads to stable parent (M + 1)
      ions, BrHgYH(+), for most of these radicals, Y. Rate constants for the proton
      transfer reaction H3O(+) + BrHgY are computed using average dipole orientation
      theory. Calculations are also carried out on the commercially available compounds
      HgCl2, HgBr2, and HgI2 to enable tests of the present work. 

PMID- 25116589
TI  - Electronic control of the protonation rates of Fe-Fe bonds.
AB  - Protonation at metal-metal bonds is of fundamental interest in the context of the
      function of the active sites of hydrogenases and nitrogenases. In diiron
      dithiolate complexes bearing carbonyl and electron-donating ligands, the metal
      metal bond is the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) with a "bent"
      geometry. Here we show that the experimentally measured rates of protonation (kH)
      of this bond and the energy of the HOMO as measured by the oxidation potential of
      the complexes (E1/2(ox)) correlate in a linear free energy relationship: ln kH =
      ((F(c - betaE1/2(ox)))/(RT)), where c is a constant and beta is the dimensionless
      Bronsted coefficient. The value of beta of 0.68 is indicative of a strong
      dependence upon energy of the HOMO: measured rates of protonation vary over 6
      orders of magnitude for a change in E1/2(ox) of ca. 0.55 V (ca. 11 orders of
      magnitude/V). This relationship allows prediction of protonation rates of systems
      that are either too fast to measure experimentally or that possess additional
      protonation sites. It is further suggested that the nature of the bridgehead in
      the dithiolate ligand can exert a stereoelectronic influence: bulky substituents
      destabilize the HOMO, thereby increasing the rate of protonation. 

PMID- 25116590
TI  - Structural phase transitions of a layered organic-inorganic hybrid compound:
      tetra(cyclopentylammonium) decachlorotricadmate(II), [C5H9NH3]4Cd3Cl10.
AB  - A layered organic-inorganic hybrid compound, tetra(cyclopentylammonium)
      decachlorotricadmate(II) (1), in which the two-dimensional [Cd3Cl10](4-)n
      networks built up from three face-sharing CdCl6 octahedra are separated by
      cyclopentylammonium cation bilayers, has been discovered as a new phase
      transition material. It undergoes two successive structural phase transitions, at
      197.3 and 321.6 K, which were confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry
      measurements, variable-temperature structural analyses, and dielectric
      measurements. The crystal structures of 1 determined at 93, 298, and 343 K are
      solved in P212121, Pbca, and Cmca, respectively. A precise analysis of the
      structural differences between these three structures reveals that the origin of
      the phase transition at 197.3 K is ascribed to the order-disorder transition of
      the cyclopentylammonium cations, while the phase transition at 321.6 K originates
      from the distortion of the two-dimensional [Cd3Cl10](4-)n network.

PMID- 25116591
TI  - Sharing the tracks to good tucker: identifying the benefits and challenges of
      implementing community food programs for Aboriginal communities in Victoria.
AB  - Food insecurity is a significant issue in the Victorian Aboriginal population,
      contributing to the health disparity and reduced life expectancy. Community food
      programs are a strategy used to minimise individual level food insecurity, with
      little evidence regarding their effectiveness for Aboriginal populations. The aim
      of this study was to explore the role of community food programs operating for
      Aboriginal people in Victoria and their perceived influence on food access and
      nutrition. Semistructured interviews were conducted with staff (n=23) from a
      purposive sample of 18 community food programs across Victoria. Interviews
      explored the programs' operation, key benefits to the community, challenges and
      recommendations for setting up a successful community food program. Results were
      analysed using a qualitative thematic approach and revealed three main themes
      regarding key factors for the success of community food programs: (1) community
      food programs for Aboriginal people should support access to safe, affordable,
      nutritious food in a socially and culturally acceptable environment; (2) a
      community development approach is essential for program sustainability; and (3)
      there is a need to build the capacity of community food programs as part of a
      strategy to ensure sustainability. Community food programs may be an effective
      initiative for reducing food insecurity in the Victorian Aboriginal population. 

PMID- 25116588
TI  - Macrophage-specific NOX2 contributes to the development of lung emphysema through
      modulation of SIRT1/MMP-9 pathways.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) participate in the pathogenesis of emphysema. Among
      ROS-producing enzymes, NOX NADPH oxidases are thought to be responsible for
      tissue injury associated with several lung pathologies. To determine whether NOX2
      and/or NOX1 participate in the development of emphysema, their expression
      patterns were first studied by immunohistochemistry in the lungs of emphysematous
      patients. Subsequently, we investigated their contribution to elastase-induced
      emphysema using NOX2- and NOX1-deficient mice. In human lung, NOX2 was mainly
      detected in macrophages of control and emphysematous lungs, while NOX1 was
      expressed in alveolar epithelium and bronchial cells. We observed an elevated
      number of NOX2-positive cells in human emphysematous lungs, as well as increased
      NOX2 and NOX1 mRNA expression in mouse lungs following elastase exposure.
      Elastase-induced alveolar airspace enlargement and elastin degradation were
      prevented in NOX2-deficient mice, but not in NOX1-deficient mice. This protection
      was independent of inflammation and correlated with reduced ROS production.
      Concomitantly, an elevation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) level and a decrease of matrix
      metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and activity were observed in alveolar
      macrophages and neutrophils. We addressed the specific role of macrophage
      restricted functional NOX2 in elastase-induced lung emphysema using Ncf1 mutant
      mice and Ncf1 macrophage rescue mice (Ncf1 mutant mice with transgenic expression
      of Ncf1 only in CD68-positive mononuclear phagocytes; the MN mouse). Compared to
      WT mice, the lack of functional NOX2 led to decreased elastase-induced ROS
      production and protected against emphysema. In contrast, ROS production was
      restored specifically in macrophages from Ncf1 rescue mice and contributes to
      emphysema. Taken together, our results demonstrate that NOX2 is involved in the
      pathogenesis of human emphysema and macrophage-specific NOX2 participates in
      elastase-induced emphysema through the involvement of SIRT1/MMP-9 pathways in
      mice.

PMID- 25116593
TI  - Imaging molecular adsorption and desorption dynamics on graphene using terahertz
      emission spectroscopy.
AB  - Being an atomically thin material, graphene is known to be extremely susceptible
      to its environment, including defects and phonons in the substrate on which it is
      placed as well as gas molecules that surround it. Thus, any device design using
      graphene has to take into consideration all surrounding components, and device
      performance needs to be evaluated in terms of environmental influence. However,
      no methods have been established to date to readily measure the density and
      distribution of external perturbations in a quantitative and non-destructive
      manner. Here, we present a rapid and non-contact method for visualizing the
      distribution of molecular adsorbates on graphene semi-quantitatively using
      terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and imaging. We found that the waveform of
      terahertz bursts emitted from graphene-coated InP sensitively changes with the
      type of atmospheric gas, laser irradiation time, and ultraviolet light
      illumination. The terahertz waveform change is explained through band structure
      modifications in the InP surface depletion layer due to the presence of localized
      electric dipoles induced by adsorbed oxygen. These results demonstrate that
      terahertz emission serves as a local probe for monitoring adsorption and
      desorption processes on graphene films and devices, suggesting a novel two
      dimensional sensor for detecting local chemical reactions. 

PMID- 25116594
TI  - Optimization of ethyl ester production assisted by ultrasonic irradiation.
AB  - This study presents the optimization of the continuous flow potassium hydroxide
      catalyzed synthesis of ethyl ester from palm oil with ultrasonic assistance. The
      process was optimized by application of factorial design and response surface
      methodology. The independent variables considered were ethanol to oil molar
      ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and ultrasonic amplitude; and
      the response was ethyl ester yield. The results show that ethanol to oil molar
      ratio, catalyst concentration, and ultrasonic amplitude have positive effect on
      ethyl ester yield, whereas reaction temperature has negative influence on ethyl
      ester yield. Second-order models were developed to predict the responses analyzed
      as a function of these three variables, and the developed models predicts the
      results in the experimental ranges studied adequately. This study shows that
      ultrasonic irradiation improved the ethyl ester production process to achieve
      ethyl ester yields above 92%. 

PMID- 25116595
TI  - Application of ultrasound for enhanced extraction of prebiotic oligosaccharides
      from selected fruits and vegetables.
AB  - Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) was used to extract oligosaccharides from
      selected fruits (blueberry, nectarine, raspberry, watermelon) and vegetables
      (garlic, Jerusalem artichoke, leek, scallion, spring garlic and white onion). The
      individual fractions of the oligosaccharides were analyzed: 1-kestose (GF2),
      nystose (GF3) and 1F-beta-fructofuranosylnystose (GF4) from the fructo
      oligosaccharides (FOS), and raffinose and stachyose from the raffinose family
      oligosaccharides (RFO). Extraction parameters including solvent concentration (35
      85% v/v), extraction temperature (25-50 degrees C) and sonication time (5-15min)
      were examined using response surface methodology (RSM). Ethanol concentration of
      63% v/v, temperature of 40 degrees C and extraction time of 10min gave maximal
      concentration of the extracted oligosaccharides. The experimental values under
      optimal conditions were consistent with the predicted values. UAE increased the
      concentration of extracted oligosaccharides in all fruits and vegetables from 2
      to 4-fold compared to conventional extraction. The highest increase of total
      oligosaccharides extracted by UAE was detected in Jerusalem artichoke, 7.17+/
      0.348g/100gFW, compared to 1.62+/-0.094g/100gFW with conventional method. 

PMID- 25116592
TI  - Clustering nuclear receptors in liver regeneration identifies candidate
      modulators of hepatocyte proliferation and hepatocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Liver regeneration (LR) is a valuable model for studying
      mechanisms modulating hepatocyte proliferation. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are key
      players in the control of cellular functions, being ideal modulators of hepatic
      proliferation and carcinogenesis. METHODS & RESULTS: We used a previously
      validated RT-qPCR platform to profile modifications in the expression of all 49
      members of the NR superfamily in mouse liver during LR. Twenty-nine NR
      transcripts were significantly modified in their expression during LR, including
      fatty acid (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, PPARs) and oxysterol
      (liver X receptors, Lxrs) sensors, circadian masters RevErbalpha and RevErbbeta,
      glucocorticoid receptor (Gr) and constitutive androxane receptor (Car). In order
      to detect the NRs that better characterize proliferative status vs. proliferating
      liver, we used the novel Random Forest (RF) analysis to selected a trio of down
      regulated NRs (thyroid receptor alpha, Tralpha; farsenoid X receptor beta,
      Fxrbeta; Ppardelta) as best discriminators of the proliferating status. To
      validate our approach, we further studied PPARdelta role in modulating hepatic
      proliferation. We first confirmed the suppression of PPARdelta both in LR and
      human hepatocellular carcinoma at protein level, and then demonstrated that
      PPARdelta agonist GW501516 reduces the proliferative potential of hepatoma cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that NR transcriptome is modulated in proliferating
      liver and is a source of biomarkers and bona fide pharmacological targets for the
      management of liver disease affecting hepatocyte proliferation.

PMID- 25116596
TI  - Combining collagen and bioactive glasses for bone tissue engineering: a review.
AB  - Collagen (COL), the most abundant protein in mammals, offers a wide range of
      attractive properties for biomedical applications which are the result of its
      biocompatibility and high affinity to water. However, due to the relative low
      mechanical properties of COL its applications are still limited. To tackle this
      disadvantage of COL, especially in the field of bone tissue engineering, COL can
      be combined with bioactive inorganic materials in a variety of composite systems.
      One of such systems is the collagen-bioactive glass (COL-BG) composite family,
      which is the theme of this Review. BG fillers can increase compressive strength
      and stiffness of COL-based structures. This article reviews the relevant
      literature published in the last 15 years discussing the fabrication of a variety
      of COL-BG composites. In vitro cell studies have demonstrated the osteogenic,
      odontogenic, and angiogenic potential of these composite systems, which has been
      confirmed by stimulating specific biochemical indicators of relevant cells. Bony
      integration and connective tissue vessel formation have also been studied by
      implantation of the composites in vivo. Areas of future research in the field of
      COL-BG systems, based on current challenges, and gaps in knowledge are
      highlighted. 

PMID- 25116597
TI  - Effect of oxygen, moisture and illumination on the stability and reliability of
      dinaphtho[2,3-b:2',3'-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT) OTFTs during operation and
      storage.
AB  - We report a systemic study of the stability of organic thin film transistors
      (OTFTs) both in storage and under operation. Apart from a thin polystyrene buffer
      layer spin-coated onto the gate dielectric, the constituent parts of the OTFTs
      were all prepared by vacuum evaporation. The OTFTs are based on the
      semiconducting small molecule dinaphtho[2,3-b:2',3'-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene
      (DNTT) deposited onto the surface of a polystyrene-buffered in situ polymerized
      diacrylate gate insulator. Over a period of 9 months, no degradation of the hole
      mobility occurred in devices stored either in the dark in dry air or in
      uncontrolled air and normal laboratory fluorescent lighting conditions. In the
      latter case, rather than decreasing, the mobility actually increased almost 2
      fold to 1.5 cm(2)/(V . s). The devices also showed good stability during repeat
      on/off cycles in the dark in dry air. Exposure to oxygen and light during the
      on/off cycles led to a positive shift of the transfer curves due to electron
      trapping when the DNTT was biased into depletion by the application of positive
      gate voltage. When operated in accumulation, negative gate voltage under the same
      conditions, the transfer curves were stable. When voltage cycling in moist air in
      the dark, the transfer curves shifted to negative voltages, thought to be due to
      the generation of hole traps either in the semiconductor or its interface with
      the dielectric layer. When subjected to gate bias stress in dry air in the dark
      for at least 144 h, the device characteristics remained stable.

PMID- 25116598
TI  - Small changes result in large differences: discovery of (-)-incrustoporin
      derivatives as novel antiviral and antifungal agents.
AB  - On the basis of the structure of natural product (-)-incrustoporin (1), a series
      of lactone compounds 4a-i and 5a-i were designed and synthesized from
      nitroolefin. The antiviral and antifungal activities of these compounds were
      evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The small changes between 4 and 5 at the 3,4
      position result in large differences in bioactivities. Compounds 4 exhibited
      significantly higher antiviral activity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) than
      dehydro compounds 5. However, the antifungal activity of 4 is relatively lower
      than that of 5. Compounds 4a, 4c, and 4i with excellent in vivo anti-TMV activity
      emerged as new antiviral lead compounds. Compounds 5d-g showed superiority over
      the commercial fungicides chlorothalonil and carbendazim against Cercospora
      arachidicola Hor at 50 mg kg(-1). The present study provides fundamental support
      for the development and optimization of (-)-incrustoporin derivatives as
      potential inhibitors of plant virus and pathogenic fungi. 

PMID- 25116599
TI  - Microfluidic device with integrated microfilter of conical-shaped holes for high
      efficiency and high purity capture of circulating tumor cells.
AB  - Capture of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from peripheral blood of cancer
      patients has major implications for metastatic detection and therapy analyses.
      Here we demonstrated a microfluidic device for high efficiency and high purity
      capture of CTCs. The key novelty of this approach lies on the integration of a
      microfilter with conical-shaped holes and a micro-injector with cross-flow
      components for size dependent capture of tumor cells without significant
      retention of non-tumor cells. Under conditions of constant flow rate, tumor cells
      spiked into phosphate buffered saline could be recovered and then cultured for
      further analyses. When tumor cells were spiked in blood of healthy donors, they
      could also be recovered at high efficiency and high clearance efficiency of white
      blood cells. When the same device was used for clinical validation, CTCs could be
      detected in blood samples of cancer patients but not in that of healthy donors.
      Finally, the capture efficiency of tumor cells is cell-type dependent but the
      hole size of the filter should be more closely correlated to the nuclei size of
      the tumor cells. Together with the advantage of easy operation, low-cost and high
      potential of integration, this approach offers unprecedented opportunities for
      metastatic detection and cancer treatment monitoring. 

PMID- 25116600
TI  - Fatty acid desaturation index in human plasma: comparison of different analytical
      methodologies for the evaluation of diet effects.
AB  - Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) plays a role in the development of obesity and
      related conditions, such as insulin resistance, and potentially also in
      neurological and heart diseases. The activity of SCD1 can be monitored using the
      desaturation index (DI), the ratio of product (16:1n-7 and 18:1n-9) to precursor
      (16:0 and 18:0) fatty acids. Here, different analytical strategies were applied
      to identify the method which best supports SCD1 biology. A novel effective
      approach was the use of the SCD1-independent fatty acid (16:1n-10) as a negative
      control. The first approach was based on a simple extraction followed by neutral
      loss triglyceride fatty acid analysis. The second approach was based on the
      saponification of triglycerides followed by fatty acid analysis (specific for the
      position of the double bond within monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)). In
      addition to the analytical LC-MS assays, different matrices (plasma total
      triglyceride fraction and the very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) fraction) were
      investigated to identify the best for studying changes in SCD1 activity. Samples
      from volunteers on a high-carbohydrate diet were analyzed. Both ultra HPLC
      (UHPLC)-MS-based assays showed acceptable accuracies (75-125% of nominal) and
      precisions (<20%) for the analysis of DI-specific fatty acids in VLDL and plasma.
      The most specific assay for the analysis of the liver SCD activity was then
      validated for specificity and selectivity, intra- and interday accuracy and
      precision, matrix effects, dilution effects, and analyte stability. After 3 days
      of high-carbohydrate diet, only the specific fatty acids in human plasma VLDL
      showed a significant increase in DI and associated SCD1 activity.

PMID- 25116601
TI  - Size-exclusion chromatography-from high-performance to ultra-performance.
AB  - Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) enables measurement of the average molecular
      weights and molecular-weight distributions of polymers. Because these
      characteristics may, in turn, be correlated with important performance
      characteristics of plastics, SEC is an essential analytical technique for
      characterization of macromolecules. Although SEC is one of the oldest
      instrumental chromatographic techniques, it is still under continuous
      development, as a result of the great demand for increased resolution and faster
      analysis in SEC. Ultra-high-pressure size-exclusion chromatography (UHPSEC) was
      recently introduced to satisfy the growing demands of analytical chemists. Using
      instrumentation capable of generating very high pressures and columns packed with
      small particles, this technique enables greater separation efficiency and faster
      analysis than are achieved with conventional SEC. UHPSEC is especially
      advantageous for high-resolution analysis of oligomers, for very rapid polymer
      separations, and as a second dimension in comprehensive two-dimensional liquid
      chromatography of polymers. In this paper we discuss the benefits of UHPSEC for
      separation of macromolecules, with examples from the literature. 

PMID- 25116602
TI  - Analysis of N-acylhomoserine lactone dynamics in continuous cultures of
      Pseudomonas putida IsoF by use of ELISA and UHPLC/qTOF-MS-derived measurements
      and mathematical models.
AB  - In this interdisciplinary approach, the dynamics of production and degradation of
      the quorum sensing signal 3-oxo-decanoylhomoserine lactone were studied for
      continuous cultures of Pseudomonas putida IsoF. The signal concentrations were
      quantified over time by use of monoclonal antibodies and ELISA. The results were
      verified by use of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. By use of a
      mathematical model we derived quantitative values for non-induced and induced
      signal production rate per cell. It is worthy of note that we found rather
      constant values for different rates of dilution in the chemostat, and the values
      seemed close to those reported for batch cultures. Thus, the quorum-sensing
      system in P. putida IsoF is remarkably stable under different environmental
      conditions. In all chemostat experiments, the signal concentration decreased
      strongly after a peak, because emerging lactonase activity led to a lower
      concentration under steady-state conditions. This lactonase activity probably is
      quorum sensing-regulated. The potential ecological implication of such unique
      regulation is discussed. 

PMID- 25116603
TI  - Separation and quantification of monoclonal-antibody aggregates by hollow-fiber
      flow field-flow fractionation.
AB  - Hollow-fiber-flow field-flow fractionation (HF5) separates protein molecules on
      the basis of the difference in the diffusion coefficient, and can evaluate the
      aggregation ratio of proteins. However, HF5 is still a minor technique because
      information on the separation conditions is limited. We examined in detail the
      effect of different settings, including the main-flow rate, the cross-flow rate,
      the focus point, the injection amount, and the ionic strength of the mobile
      phase, on fractographic characteristics. On the basis of the results, we proposed
      optimized conditions of the HF5 method for quantification of monoclonal antibody
      in sample solutions. The HF5 method was qualified regarding the precision,
      accuracy, linearity of the main peak, and quantitation limit. In addition, the
      HF5 method was applied to non-heated Mab A and heat-induced-antibody-aggregate
      containing samples to evaluate the aggregation ratio and the distribution extent.
      The separation performance was comparable with or better than that of
      conventional methods including analytical ultracentrifugation-sedimentation
      velocity and asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation. 

PMID- 25116604
TI  - Characterization of poly(2-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(methyl methacrylate)
      copolymers and blends of their homopolymers by liquid chromatography at critical
      conditions.
AB  - Poly(2-vinylpyridine)s (P2VPs) are important polymers with extensive applications
      in modern day material science. P2VP is an exceptional case for liquid
      chromatography because of certain polar interactions with most of the stationary
      phases. In the present study, we established the critical adsorption point (CAP)
      of P2VP for the first time. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by
      analyses of blends and block copolymers of P2VP and PMMA. The CAP of PMMA is
      established for determination of molar mass of P2VP component of above mentioned
      blends and block copolymers. The methods successfully demonstrate the separation
      of both types of homopolymers from the rest of the samples in conjunction with
      the determination of molar mass distribution of noncritical block or component. 

PMID- 25116606
TI  - Emulsion-templated silica nanocapsules formed using bio-inspired silicification.
AB  - A novel, bio-inspired templating platform technology is reported for the
      synthesis of biocompatible oil-core silica-shell nanocapsules with tunable shell
      thickness by utilizing a designed bifunctional peptide. Furthermore, facile
      encapsulation of an active molecule and its sustained release are demonstrated. 

PMID- 25116607
TI  - Remembering Obaid - one year later.

PMID- 25116605
TI  - Effects of initial boost with TGF-beta 1 and grade of intervertebral disc
      degeneration on 3D culture of human annulus fibrosus cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) culture in porous biomaterials as well as
      stimulation with growth factors are known to be supportive for intervertebral
      disc cell differentiation and tissue formation. Unless sophisticated releasing
      systems are used, however, effective concentrations of growth factors are
      maintained only for a very limited amount of time in in vivo applications.
      Therefore, we investigated, if an initial boost with transforming growth factor
      beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is capable to induce a lasting effect of superior
      cartilaginous differentiation in slightly and severely degenerated human annulus
      fibrosus (AF) cells. METHODS: Human AF tissue was harvested during surgical
      treatment of six adult patients with lumbar spinal diseases. Grading of disc
      degeneration was performed with magnet resonance imaging. AF cells were isolated
      and expanded in monolayer culture and rearranged three-dimensionally in a porous
      biomaterial consisting of stepwise absorbable poly-glycolic acid and poly-(lactic
      co-glycolic) acid and a supportive fine net of non-absorbable polyvinylidene
      fluoride. An initial boost of TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta 1 and hyaluronan was applied
      and compared with controls. Matrix formation was assessed at days 7 and 21 by (1)
      histological staining of the typical extracellular matrix molecules proteoglycan
      and type I and type II collagens and by (2) real-time gene expression analysis of
      aggrecan, decorin, biglycan, type I, II, III, and X collagens as well as of
      catabolic matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-13. RESULTS: An initial boost
      with TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta 1 and hyaluronan did not enhance the expression of
      characteristic AF matrix molecules in our 3D culture system. AF cells showed high
      viability in the progressively degrading biomaterial. Stratification by grade of
      intervertebral disc degeneration showed that AF cells from both, slightly
      degenerated, or severely degenerated tissue are capable of significant up
      regulations of characteristic matrix molecules in 3D culture. AF cells from
      severely degenerated tissue, however, displayed significantly lower up
      regulations in some matrix molecules such as aggrecan. CONCLUSIONS: We failed to
      show a supportive effect of an initial boost with TGF-beta 1 in our 3D culture
      system. This underlines the need for further investigations on growth factor
      releasing systems.

PMID- 25116608
TI  - Recalling Obaid.

PMID- 25116609
TI  - Remembering Obaid Siddiqi, a pioneer in the study of temperature-sensitive
      paralytic mutants in Drosophila.
AB  - Although Obaid Siddiqi's major research focus in neurogenetics was on
      chemosensation and olfaction in Drosophila, he made seminal contributions to the
      study of temperature-sensitive paralytic mutants that paved the way for research
      that we and many other investigators have continued to pursue. Here we recount
      Siddiqi's investigation and the impact it had on our own studies especially at a
      formative stage of our careers. We acknowledge our debt to Obaid Siddiqi and
      remember him fondly as an inspired and inspiring scientist, mentor, role model
      and human being.

PMID- 25116610
TI  - Molecular determinants of odorant receptor function in insects.
AB  - The olfactory system of Drosophila melanogaster provides a powerful model to
      study molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying function of a sensory system.
      In the 1970s Siddiqi and colleagues pioneered the application of genetics to
      olfactory research and isolated several mutant Drosophila with odorant-specific
      defects in olfactory behaviour, suggesting that odorants are detected
      differentially by the olfactory system. Since then basic principles of olfactory
      system function and development have emerged using Drosophila as a model. Nearly
      four decades later we can add computational methods to further our understanding
      of how specific odorants are detected by receptors. Using a comparative approach
      we identify two categories of short amino acid sequence motifs: ones that are
      conserved family-wide predominantly in the C-terminal half of most receptors, and
      ones that are present in receptors that detect a specific odorant, 4
      methylphenol, found predominantly in the N-terminal half. The odorant-specific
      sequence motifs are predictors of phenol detection in Anopheles gambiae and other
      insects, suggesting they are likely to participate in odorant binding.
      Conversely, the family-wide motifs are expected to participate in shared
      functions across all receptors and a mutation in the most conserved motif leads
      to a reduction in odor response. These findings lay a foundation for
      investigating functional domains within odorant receptors that can lead to a
      molecular understanding of odor detection. 

PMID- 25116611
TI  - A map of taste neuron projections in the Drosophila CNS.
AB  - We provide a map of the projections of taste neurons in the CNS of Drosophila.
      Using a collection of 67 GAL4 drivers representing the entire repertoire of Gr
      taste receptors, we systematically map the projections of neurons expressing
      these drivers in the thoracico-abdominal ganglion and the suboesophageal ganglion
      (SOG). We define 9 categories of projections in the thoracico-abdominal ganglia
      and 10 categories in the SOG. The projection patterns are modular, and can be
      interpreted as combinations of discrete pattern elements. The elements can be
      interpreted in terms of the taste organ from which the projections originate, the
      structures from which they originate, and the quality of taste information that
      they represent. The extensive diversity in projection patterns provides an
      anatomical basis for functional diversity in responses elicited by different
      taste stimuli. 

PMID- 25116612
TI  - Serotonergic neurons of the Drosophila air-puff-stimulated flight circuit.
AB  - Monoaminergic modulation of insect flight is well documented. Recently, we
      demonstrated that synaptic activity is required in serotonergic neurons for
      Drosophila flight. This requirement is during early pupal development, when the
      flight circuit is formed, as well as in adults. Using a Ca2+-activity-based GFP
      reporter, here we show that serotonergic neurons in both prothoracic and
      mesothoracic segments are activated upon air-puff-stimulated flight. Moreover
      ectopic activation of the entire serotonergic system by TrpA1, a heat activated
      cation channel, induces flight, even in the absence of an air-puff stimulus. 

PMID- 25116613
TI  - Ultradian rhythm unmasked in the Pdf clock mutant of Drosophila.
AB  - A diverse range of organisms shows physiological and behavioural rhythms with
      various periods. Extensive studies have been performed to elucidate the molecular
      mechanisms of circadian rhythms with an approximately 24 h period in both
      Drosophila and mammals, while less attention has been paid to ultradian rhythms
      with shorter periods. We used a video-tracking method to monitor the movement of
      single flies, and clear ultradian rhythms were detected in the locomotor
      behaviour of wild type and clock mutant flies kept under constant dark
      conditions. In particular, the Pigment-dispersing factor mutant (Pdf 01)
      demonstrated a precise and robust ultradian rhythmicity, which was not
      temperature compensated. Our results suggest that Drosophila has an endogenous
      ultradian oscillator that is masked by circadian rhythmic behaviours.

PMID- 25116614
TI  - Insights into brain development and disease from neurogenetic analyses in
      Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Groundbreaking work by Obaid Siddiqi has contributed to the powerful genetic
      toolkit that is now available for studying the nervous system of Drosophila.
      Studies carried out in this powerful neurogenetic model system during the last
      decade now provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that operate in neural
      stem cells during normal brain development and during abnormal brain
      tumorigenesis. These studies also provide strong support for the notion that
      conserved molecular genetic programs act in brain development and disease in
      insects and mammals including humans.

PMID- 25116615
TI  - Continuous evolution of laboratory strains of bacteria and yeast.

PMID- 25116616
TI  - Gender based disruptive selection maintains body size polymorphism in Drosophila
      melanogaster.
AB  - Darwinian fitness in holometabolous insects like the fruit fly Drosophila
      melanogaster is reported to be positively correlated with body size. If large
      individuals in a population have higher fitness, then one would expect
      directional selection to operate leading to uniformly large individuals. However,
      size polymorphism persists in nature and needs further probing. We assessed the
      effect of body size on some of the fitness and fitness-related traits in
      replicate populations of genotypically large, genotypically small and
      phenotypically small D. melanogaster flies. In this study, the time taken to
      attain reproductive maturity and copulation duration were independent of fly
      size. Fecundity and longevity of large females were significantly higher when
      they partnered genotypically small males than when they were with genotypically
      larger or phenotypically small males. The increased female longevity when in
      association with genotypically small males was not due to selective early death
      of males that would release the female partner from presumed cost of persistent
      courtship. On the contrary, the genotypically as well as phenotypically small
      males had significantly higher longevity than large males. The virility of the
      genotypically small males was not significantly different from that of
      genotypically large males. Our results clearly show that selection on body size
      operates in the opposite direction (disruptive selection) for the two genders,
      thus explaining the persistence of size polymorphisms in the holometabolous
      insect, Drosophila melanogaster. 

PMID- 25116617
TI  - 2'-O-methyl nucleotide modified DNA substrates influence the cleavage
      efficiencies of BamHI and BglII.
AB  - Induction of endonucleolytic DNA cleavage is an essential event that links the
      initiating stimuli to the final effects of cells. The cleavage efficiency and
      thus the final yield could be affected by many factors, including structures of
      DNA substrates, composite structures of enzymes-substrates or enzymes-nucleic
      analogs and so on. However, it is not clear whether a nucleotide derivative
      substituted in DNA substrates can influence the efficiency of enzymatic cleavage.
      To investigate the effect of sugar pucker conformation on DNA-protein
      interactions, we used 2'-O-methyl modified nucleotides (OMeN) to modify DNA
      substrates of isocaudemers BamHI and BglII in this study, and used FRET assay as
      an efficient method for analysis of enzyme cleavage. Experimental results
      demonstrated that OMeN-substituted recognition sequences influenced the cleavage
      rates significantly in a position-dependent manner. OMeN substitutions can reduce
      the cleavage as expected. Surprisingly, OMeN substitutions can also enhance the
      cleavage rates. The kinetics parameters of Vmax and Km have been obtained by
      fitting the Michaelis-Menten kinetic equation. These 2'- OMe nucleotides could
      behave as a regulatory element to modulate the enzymatic activity in vitro, and
      this property could enrich our understanding about the endonuclease cleavage
      mechanism and enhance our ability to regulate the enzymatic cleavage efficiency
      for applications in synthetic biology. 

PMID- 25116619
TI  - Limnology and cyanobacterial diversity of high altitude lakes of Lahaul-Spiti in
      Himachal Pradesh, India.
AB  - Limnological data of four high altitude lakes from the cold desert region of
      Himachal Pradesh, India, has been correlated with cyanobacterial diversity.
      Physico-chemical characteristics and nutrient contents of the studied lakes
      revealed that Sissu Lake is mesotrophic while Chandra Tal, Suraj Tal and Deepak
      Tal are ultra-oligotrophic. Based on morphology and 16S rRNA gene sequence, a
      total of 20 cyanobacterial species belonging to 11 genera were identified.
      Canonical correspondence analysis distinguished three groups of species with
      respect to their occurrence and nutrient/physical environment demand. The first
      group, which included Nostoc linckia, N. punctiforme, Nodularia sphaerocarpa,
      Geitlerinema acutissimum, Limnothrix redekii, Planktothrix agardhii and Plank.
      clathrata, was characteristic of water with high nutrient content and high
      temperature. The second group, including Gloeocapsopsis pleurocapsoides,
      Leptolyngbya antarctica, L. frigida, Pseudanabaena frigida and N. spongiaeforme,
      occurred in oligotrophic water with high pH and low temperature. The distribution
      of third group of Cyanobium parvum, Synechocystis pevalekii, L. benthonica, L.
      foveolarum, L. lurida, L. valderiana, Phormidium autumnale and P. chalybeum could
      not be associated with a particular environmental condition because of their
      presence in all sampling sites.

PMID- 25116618
TI  - Avoiding acidic region streaking in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis: case
      study with two bacterial whole cell protein extracts.
AB  - Acidic region streaking (ARS) is one of the lacunae in two-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis (2DE) of bacterial proteome. This streaking is primarily caused
      by nucleic acid (NuA) contamination and poses major problem in the downstream
      processes like image analysis and protein identification. Although cleanup and
      nuclease digestion are practiced as remedial options, these strategies may incur
      loss in protein recovery and perform incomplete removal of NuA. As a result, ARS
      has remained a common observation across publications, including the recent ones.
      In this work, we demonstrate how ultrasound wave can be used to shear NuA in
      plain ice-cooled water, facilitating the elimination of ARS in the 2DE gels
      without the need for any additional sample cleanup tasks. In combination with a
      suitable buffer recipe, IEF program and frequent paper-wick changing approach, we
      are able to reproducibly demonstrate the production of clean 2DE gels with
      improved protein recovery and negligible or no ARS. We illustrate our procedure
      using whole cell protein extracts from two diverse organisms, Escherichia coli
      and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Our designed protocols are straightforward and
      expected to provide good 2DE gels without ARS, with comparable times and
      significantly lower cost. 

PMID- 25116620
TI  - Conserved C-terminal nascent peptide binding domain of HYPK facilitates its
      chaperone-like activity.
AB  - Human HYPK (Huntingtin Yeast-two-hybrid Protein K) is an intrinsically
      unstructured chaperone-like protein with no sequence homology to known
      chaperones. HYPK is also known to be a part of ribosome-associated protein
      complex and present in polysomes. The objective of the present study was to
      investigate the evolutionary influence on HYPK primary structure and its impact
      on the protein's function. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed 105 orthologs of
      human HYPK from plants, lower invertebrates to mammals. C-terminal part of HYPK
      was found to be particularly conserved and to contain nascent polypeptide
      associated alpha subunit (NPAA) domain. This region experiences highest selection
      pressure, signifying its importance in the structural and functional evolution.
      NPAA domain of human HYPK has unique amino acid composition preferring glutamic
      acid and happens to be more stable from a conformational point of view having
      higher content of a-helices than the rest. Cell biology studies indicate that
      overexpressed C-terminal human HYPK can interact with nascent proteins, co
      localizes with huntingtin, increases cell viability and decreases caspase
      activities in Huntington's disease (HD) cell culture model. This domain is found
      to be required for the chaperone-like activity of HYPK in vivo. Our study
      suggested that by virtue of its flexibility and nascent peptide binding activity,
      HYPK may play an important role in assisting protein (re)folding. 

PMID- 25116621
TI  - Skin anti-photoaging properties of ginsenoside Rh2 epimers in UV-B-irradiated
      human keratinocyte cells.
AB  - Ginseng, one of the most widely used herbal medicines, has a wide range of
      therapeutic and pharmacological applications. Ginsenosides are the major
      bioactive ingredients of ginseng, which are responsible for various
      pharmacological activities of ginseng. Ginsenoside Rh2, known as an antitumour
      ginsenoside, exists as two different stereoisomeric forms, 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2
      [20(S)-Rh2] and 20(R)-ginsenoside Rh2 [20(R)-Rh2]. This work aimed to assess and
      compare skin anti-photoaging activities of 20(S)-Rh2 and 20(R)-Rh2 in UV-B
      irradiated HaCat cells. 20(S)-Rh2, but not 20(R)-Rh2, was able to suppress UV-B
      induced ROS production in HaCat cells. Both stereoisomeric forms could not
      modulate cellular survival and NO level in UV-B-irradiated HaCat cells. Both
      20(S)-Rh2 and 20(R)-Rh2 exhibited suppressive effects on UV-B-induced MMP-2
      activity and expression in HaCat cells. In brief, the two stereoisomers of
      ginsenoside Rh2, 20(S)-Rh2 and 20(R)-Rh2, possess skin anti-photoaging effects
      but possibly in different fashions.

PMID- 25116622
TI  - Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 modulate autophagy in SIRC corneal cells.
AB  - Autophagy and apoptosis function as important early cellular defense mechanisms
      in infections and other diseases. The outcome of an infection is determined by a
      complex interplay between the pathogenic microorganism and these intracellular
      pathways. To better understand the cytopathogenicity of Herpes simplex virus
      types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and - 2), we studied the effect of these viruses on the
      autophagic and apoptotic processes in the SIRC corneal cell line. Infection with
      the KOS strain of HSV-1 and a wild-type strain of HSV-2 enhanced autophagosome
      formation, triggered cytoplasmic acidification, increased LC3B lipidation and
      elevated the ratio of apoptotic cells. The autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin A1
      triggered a significant increase in the apoptotic responses of HSV-1 and HSV-2
      infected cells. Thus, both HSV types affect autophagy and apoptosis in a
      coordinated fashion, and autophagy plays cytoprotective role in HSV-infected
      cells via antagonizing apoptosis. Together these data implicate autophagy in the
      pathogenic mechanism of herpetic keratitis.

PMID- 25116623
TI  - Platelet-derived growth factor mediates interleukin-13-induced collagen I
      production in mouse airway fibroblasts.
AB  - Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is associated with the production of collagen in airway
      remodelling of asthma. Yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying IL-13 induction
      of collagen remain unclear; the aim of this study is to address this issue. IL-13
      dose- and time-dependently-induced collagen I production in primary cultured
      airway fibroblasts; this was accompanied with the STAT6 phosphorylation, and pre
      treatment of cells with JAK inhibitor suppressed IL-13- induced collagen I
      production. Further study indicated that IL-13 stimulated JAK/STAT6-dependent
      PDGF production and subsequent ERK1/2 MAPK activation in airway fibroblasts, and
      the presence of either PDGF receptor blocker or MEK inhibitor partially
      suppressed IL-13-induced collagen I production. Taken together, our study
      suggests that activation of JAK/STAT6 signal pathway and subsequent PDGF
      generation and resultant ERK1/2 MAPK activation mediated IL-13-induced collagen I
      production in airway fibroblasts.

PMID- 25116624
TI  - Determining sensitive stages for learning to detect predators in larval bronzed
      frogs: importance of alarm cues in learning.
AB  - Successful survival and reproduction of prey organisms depend on their ability to
      detect their potential predators accurately and respond effectively with suitable
      defences. Predator detection can be innate or can be acquired through learning.We
      studied prey-predator interactions in the larval bronzed frogs (Sylvirana
      temporalis), which have the innate ability to detect certain predators. We
      conducted a series of experiments to determine if the larval S. temporalis rely
      solely on innate predator detection mechanisms or can also learn to use more
      specific cues such as conspecific alarm cues for the purpose. The results of our
      study clearly indicate that larval S. temporalis use both innate and learned
      mechanisms for predator detection. Predator-naive tadpoles could detect
      kairomones alone as a potential threat and responded by reducing activity,
      suggesting an innate predator detection mechanism. Surprisingly, predator-naive
      tadpoles failed to detect conspecific alarm cues as a potential threat, but
      learned to do so through experience. After acquiring the ability to detect
      conspecific alarm cues, they could associate novel predator cues with conspecific
      alarm cues. Further, post feeding stages of larval S. temporalis are sensitive
      for learning to detect conspecific alarm cues to label novel predators. 

PMID- 25116625
TI  - DNA barcoding of a new record of epi-endophytic green algae Ulvella leptochaete
      (Ulvellaceae, Chlorophyta) in India.
AB  - Epi-endophytic green algae comprise one of the most diverse and phylogenetically
      primitive groups of green algae and are considered to be ubiquitous in the
      world's oceans; however, no reports of these algae exist from India. Here we
      report the serendipitous discovery of Ulvella growing on intertidal green algae
      Cladophora glomerata and benthic red algae Laurencia obtusa collected from India.
      DNA barcodes at nuclear ribosomal DNA Internal Transcriber Spacer (nrDNA ITS) 1
      and 2 regions for Indian isolates from the west and east coasts have been
      generated for the first time. Based on morphology and DNA barcoding, isolates
      were identified as Ulvella leptochaete. Phylogenetic reconstruction of
      concatenated dataset using Maximum Likelihood method differentiated Indian
      isolates from other accessions of this alga available in Genbank, albeit with low
      bootstrap support. Monophyly of Ulvella leptochaete was obvious in both of our
      phylogenetic analyses. With this first report of epi-endophytic algae from Indian
      territorial waters, the dire need to catalogue its cryptic diversity is
      highlighted and avenues of future research are discussed.

PMID- 25116626
TI  - Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) invasion along streams in a heterogeneous
      landscape.
AB  - Streams are periodically disturbed due to flooding, act as edges between habitats
      and also facilitate the dispersal of propagules, thus being potentially more
      vulnerable to invasions than adjoining regions. We used a landscape-wide transect
      based sampling strategy and a mixed effects modelling approach to understand the
      effects of distance from stream, a rainfall gradient, light availability and fire
      history on the distribution of the invasive shrub Lantana camara L.(lantana) in
      the tropical dry forests of Mudumalai in southern India. The area occupied by
      lantana thickets and lantana stem abundance were both found to be highest closest
      to streams across this landscape with a rainfall gradient. There was no advantage
      in terms of increased abundance or area occupied by lantana when it grew closer
      to streams in drier areas as compared to moister areas. On an average, the area
      covered by lantana increased with increasing annual rainfall. Areas that
      experienced greater number of fires during 1989-2010 had lower lantana stem
      abundance irrespective of distance from streams. In this landscape, total light
      availability did not affect lantana abundance. Understanding the spatially
      variable environmental factors in a heterogeneous landscape influencing the
      distribution of lantana would aid in making informed management decisions at this
      scale.

PMID- 25116628
TI  - Which dimensions of disability does the HIV Disability Questionnaire (HDQ)
      measure? A factor analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the dimensions of disability measured by the HIV Disability
      Questionnaire (HDQ), a newly developed 72-item self-administered questionnaire
      that describes the presence, severity and episodic nature of disability
      experienced by people living with HIV. METHODS: We recruited adults living with
      HIV from hospital clinics, AIDS service organizations and a specialty hospital
      and administered the HDQ followed by a demographic questionnaire. We conducted an
      exploratory factor analysis using disability severity scores to determine the
      domains of disability in the HDQ. We used the following steps: (a) ensured
      correlations between items were >0.30 and <0.80; (b) conducted a principal
      components analysis to extract factors; (c) used the Scree Test and eigenvalue
      threshold >1.5 to determine the number of factors to retain; and d) used oblique
      rotation to simplify the factor loading matrix. We assigned items to factors
      based on factor loadings of >0.30. RESULTS: Of the 361 participants, 80% were men
      and 77% reported living with at least two concurrent health conditions in
      addition to HIV. The exploratory factor analysis suggested retaining six factors.
      Items related to symptoms and impairments loaded on three factors (physical [20
      items], cognitive [3 items], and mental and emotional health [11 items]) and
      items related to worrying about the future, daily activities, and personal
      relationships loaded on three additional factors (uncertainty [14 items],
      difficulties with day-to-day activities [9 items], social inclusion [12 items]).
      CONCLUSIONS: The HDQ has six domains: physical symptoms and impairments;
      cognitive symptoms and impairments; mental and emotional health symptoms and
      impairments; uncertainty; difficulties with day-to-day activities and challenges
      to social inclusion. These domains establish the scoring structure for the
      dimensions of disability measured by the HDQ. Implications for Rehabilitation As
      individuals live longer and age with HIV, they may be living with the health
      related consequences of HIV and concurrent health conditions, a concept that may
      be termed disability. Measuring disability is important to understand the impact
      of HIV and its comorbidities. The HIV Disability Questionnaire (HDQ) is a self
      administered questionnaire developed to describe the presence, severity and
      episodic nature of disability experienced by people living with HIV. The HDQ is
      comprised of six domains of disability including: physical symptoms and
      impairments (20 items); cognitive symptoms and impairments (3 items); mental and
      emotional health symptoms and impairments (11 items); uncertainty (14 items);
      difficulties with day-to-day activities (9 items) and challenges to social
      inclusion (12 items). These domains represent the dimensions of disability
      measured by the HDQ. The HDQ is the first known HIV-specific disability measure
      for adults living with HIV. The HDQ may be used by clinicians and researchers to
      assess disability experienced by adults living with HIV.

PMID- 25116629
TI  - Stabilizing characteristics of rotator cuff muscles: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: To systematically review the evidence in support of the purported
      function of the rotator cuff muscles as dynamic stabilizers of the glenohumeral
      joint. METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted using AMED, CINAHL, Medline
      and SPORT Discus. Studies were required to include at least one characteristic of
      a stabilizer muscle. Quality analysis was completed by two assessors
      independently. Data were extracted for four main characteristics of stabilizer
      muscles: (1) moment arm length, (2) onset of muscle activity, (3) joint stiffness
      as measured by contribution of muscle activity to prevent joint translation, (4)
      co-contraction as demonstrated by electromyography muscle activity and co
      activation ratio. RESULTS: Twenty of the 1726 identified studies were selected
      for the review. Rotator cuff muscles can limit joint translation (five studies)
      and contribute to joint stiffness (one study), possess shorter moment arms in
      some movements (three studies), but show limited evidence for stabilizing
      characteristics of early onset (seven studies) and co-contraction (seven
      studies). CONCLUSION: The rotator cuff muscles exhibited some stabilization
      characteristics but not all. On the basis of our current low to moderate quality
      evidence, the most likely, but as yet unverified, stabilization role for the
      rotator cuff muscles appears to be limiting of translation in a direction
      specific manner. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Diagnostic tests currently used
      are based largely on the assumption that the muscles of the rotator cuff can be
      individually recruited as prime movers. Our findings demonstrate the need for
      more research into the proposed stabilizing mechanisms of the rotator cuff
      muscles to increase diagnostic accuracy and more targeted shoulder rehabilitation
      programs. It may be that the rotator cuff muscles have a role in limiting
      glenohumeral joint translation which is not reflected in the current diagnostic
      tests and rehabilitation protocols. Further research is required to establish
      this stabilizing characteristic in living subjects. Knowledge of the contribution
      of rotator cuff muscle activation in limiting joint translation may be an
      important aspect in properly assessing and quantifying the proposed function of
      the rotator cuff muscles as dynamic stabilizers of the shoulder joint.

PMID- 25116627
TI  - Does malaria epidemiology project Cameroon as 'Africa in miniature'?
AB  - Cameroon, a west-central African country with a ~ 20 million population, is
      commonly regarded as 'Africa in miniature' due to the extensive biological and
      cultural diversities of whole Africa being present in a single-country setting.
      This country is inhabited by ancestral human lineages in unique eco-climatic
      conditions and diverse topography. Over 90 percent Cameroonians are at risk of
      malaria infection, and ~ 41 percent have at least one episode of malaria each
      year. Historically, the rate of malaria infection in Cameroon has fluctuated over
      the years; the number of cases was about 2 million in 2010 and 2011. The
      Cameroonian malaria control programme faces an uphill task due to high prevalence
      of multidrug-resistant parasites and insecticide-resistant malaria vectors. Above
      all, continued human migration from the rural to urban areas as well as
      population exchange with adjoining countries, high rate of ecological
      instabilities caused by deforestation, poor housing, lack of proper sanitation
      and drainage system might have resulted in the recent increase in incidences of
      malaria and other vector-borne diseases in Cameroon. The available data on eco
      environmental variability and intricate malaria epidemiology in Cameroon reflect
      the situation in the whole of Africa, and warrant the need for in-depth study by
      using modern surveillance tools for meaningful basic understanding of the malaria
      triangle (host-parasite-vector-environment).

PMID- 25116632
TI  - Design, synthesis and aphicidal activity of N-terminal modified insect kinin
      analogs.
AB  - The insect kinins are a class of multifunctional insect neuropeptides present in
      a diverse variety of insects. Insect kinin analogs showed multiple bioactivities,
      especially, the aphicidal activity. To find a biostable and bioactive insecticide
      candidate with simplified structure, a series of N-terminal modified insect kinin
      analogs was designed and synthesized based on the lead compound [Aib]-Phe-Phe
      [Aib]-Trp-Gly-NH2. Their aphicidal activity against the soybean aphid Aphis
      glycines was evaluated. The results showed that all the analogs maintained the
      aphicidal activity. In particular, the aphicidal activity of the pentapeptide
      analog X Phe-Phe-[Aib]-Trp-Gly-NH2 (LC50=0.045mmol/L) was similar to the lead
      compound (LC50=0.048mmol/L). This indicated that the N-terminal protective group
      may not play an important role in the activity and the analogs structure could be
      simplified to pentapeptide analogs while retaining good aphicidal activity. The
      core pentapeptide analog X can be used as the lead compound for further chemical
      modifications to discover potential insecticides. 

PMID- 25116630
TI  - Terminal sialic acids on CD44 N-glycans can block hyaluronan binding by forming
      competing intramolecular contacts with arginine sidechains.
AB  - Specific sugar residues and their linkages form the basis of molecular
      recognition for interactions of glycoproteins with other biomolecules. Seemingly
      small changes, like the addition of a single monosaccharide in the covalently
      attached glycan component of glycoproteins, can greatly affect these
      interactions. For instance, the sialic acid capping of glycans affects protein
      ligand binding involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. CD44 is a
      single-pass transmembrane glycoprotein whose binding with its carbohydrate ligand
      hyaluronan (HA), an extracellular matrix component, mediates processes such as
      leukocyte homing, cell adhesion, and tumor metastasis. This binding is highly
      regulated by glycosylation of the N-terminal extracellular hyaluronan-binding
      domain (HABD); specifically, sialic acid capped N-glycans of HABD inhibit ligand
      binding. However, the molecular mechanism behind this sialic acid mediated
      regulation has remained unknown. Two of the five N-glycosyation sites of HABD
      have been previously identified as having the greatest inhibitory effect on HA
      binding, but only if the glycans contain terminal sialic acid residues. These two
      sites, Asn25 and Asn120, were chosen for in silico glycosylation in this study.
      Here, from extensive standard molecular dynamics simulations and biased
      simulations, we propose a molecular mechanism for this behavior based on
      spontaneously-formed charge-paired hydrogen bonding interactions between the
      negatively-charged sialic acid residues and positively-charged Arg sidechains
      known to be critically important for binding to HA, which itself is negatively
      charged. Such intramolecular hydrogen bonds would preclude associations critical
      to hyaluronan binding. This observation suggests how CD44 and related
      glycoprotein binding is regulated by sialylation as cellular environments
      fluctuate.

PMID- 25116634
TI  - Toward an effective long-term strategy for preventing motor vehicle crashes and
      injuries.
AB  - Casualties due to motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) include some 40,000 deaths each
      year in the United States and one million deaths worldwide. One strategy that has
      been recommended for improving automobile safety is to lower speed limits and
      enforce them with speed cameras. However, motor vehicles can be hazardous even at
      low speeds whereas properly protected human beings can survive high-speed crashes
      without injury. Emphasis on changing driver behavior as the focus for road safety
      improvements has been largely unsuccessful; moreover, drivers today are
      increasingly distracted by secondary tasks such as cell phone use and texting.
      Indeed, the true limiting factor in vehicular safety is the capacity of human
      beings to sense and process information and to make rapid decisions. Given that
      dramatic reductions in injuries and deaths from MVCs have occurred over the past
      century due to improvements in safety technology, despite increases in the number
      of vehicles on the road and miles driven per vehicle, we propose that an
      effective long-term strategy for reducing MVC-related injury would be continued
      technological innovation in vehicle design, aimed at progressively removing the
      driver from routine operational decision-making. Once this is achieved, high
      rates of speed could be achieved on open highways, with minimal risk of crashes
      and injury to occupants and pedestrians. 

PMID- 25116635
TI  - Global monitoring of water supply and sanitation: history, methods and future
      challenges.
AB  - International monitoring of drinking water and sanitation shapes awareness of
      countries' needs and informs policy, implementation and research efforts to
      extend and improve services. The Millennium Development Goals established global
      targets for drinking water and sanitation access; progress towards these targets,
      facilitated by international monitoring, has contributed to reducing the global
      disease burden and increasing quality of life. The experiences of the MDG period
      generated important lessons about the strengths and limitations of current
      approaches to defining and monitoring access to drinking water and sanitation.
      The methods by which the Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) of WHO and UNICEF
      tracks access and progress are based on analysis of data from household surveys
      and linear regression modelling of these results over time. These methods provide
      nationally representative and internationally comparable insights into the
      drinking water and sanitation facilities used by populations worldwide, but also
      have substantial limitations: current methods do not address water quality,
      equity of access, or extra-household services. Improved statistical methods are
      needed to better model temporal trends. This article describes and critically
      reviews JMP methods in detail for the first time. It also explores the impact of,
      and future directions for, international monitoring of drinking water and
      sanitation. 

PMID- 25116636
TI  - The association between season of pregnancy and birth-sex among Chinese.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: although numerous studies have reported the association between birth
      season and sex ratio, few studies have been conducted in subtropical regions in a
      non-Western setting. The present study assessed the effects of pregnancy season
      on birth sex ratio in China. METHODS: We conducted a national population-based
      retrospective study from 2006-2008 with 3175 children-parents pairs enrolled in
      the Northeast regions of China. Demographics and data relating to pregnancy and
      birth were collected and analyzed. A multiple logistical regression model was
      fitted to estimate the regression coefficient and 95% confidence interval (CI) of
      refractive error for mother pregnancy season, adjusting for potential
      confounders. RESULTS: After adjusting for parental age (cut-off point was 30
      years), region, nationality, mother education level, and mother miscarriage
      history, there is a significant statistical different mother pregnancy season on
      birth-sex. Compared with mothers who were pregnant in spring, those pregnant in
      summer or winter had a high probability of delivering girls (p < 0.05). The birth
      sex ratio varied with months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that mothers
      pregnant in summer and winter were more likely to deliver girls, compared with
      those pregnant in spring. Pregnancy season may play an important role in the
      birth-sex.

PMID- 25116638
TI  - Haptic discrimination of distance.
AB  - While quite some research has focussed on the accuracy of haptic perception of
      distance, information on the precision of haptic perception of distance is still
      scarce, particularly regarding distances perceived by making arm movements. In
      this study, eight conditions were measured to answer four main questions, which
      are: what is the influence of reference distance, movement axis, perceptual mode
      (active or passive) and stimulus type on the precision of this kind of distance
      perception? A discrimination experiment was performed with twelve participants.
      The participants were presented with two distances, using either a haptic device
      or a real stimulus. Participants compared the distances by moving their hand from
      a start to an end position. They were then asked to judge which of the distances
      was the longer, from which the discrimination threshold was determined for each
      participant and condition. The precision was influenced by reference distance. No
      effect of movement axis was found. The precision was higher for active than for
      passive movements and it was a bit lower for real stimuli than for rendered
      stimuli, but it was not affected by adding cutaneous information. Overall, the
      Weber fraction for the active perception of a distance of 25 or 35 cm was about
      11% for all cardinal axes. The recorded position data suggest that participants,
      in order to be able to judge which distance was the longer, tried to produce
      similar speed profiles in both movements. This knowledge could be useful in the
      design of haptic devices. 

PMID- 25116639
TI  - The four-year course of major depressive disorder: the role of staging and risk
      factor determination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Much is still unclear about the mechanisms underlying the course of
      major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to identify risk factors that
      predict a poor prognosis of MDD while taking into consideration its chronicity at
      baseline. METHODS: In patients with MDD (n = 767), we examined whether baseline
      clinical factors, sociodemographics, childhood trauma, personality and life
      events predicted the 4-year course (i.e., sustained recovery, temporary recovery
      and chronic course) of MDD. Baseline chronicity of MDD was taken into account by
      testing whether associations were different for patients with nonchronic versus
      chronic MDD at baseline. RESULTS: In patients with nonchronic MDD at baseline,
      27.8% developed a chronic disorder during follow-up, whereas 53.0% of patients
      with chronic MDD at baseline had a persistent chronic disorder during follow-up.
      Severity of MDD, childhood trauma and greater age were important general risk
      factors for a poor prognosis, independent of MDD chronicity at baseline. In
      contrast, low extraversion was only important for the course of nonchronic MDD at
      baseline, while higher education and negative life events (in patients with high
      neuroticism) were only relevant for the course of chronic MDD at baseline.
      CONCLUSIONS: One out of 4 patients with nonchronic MDD progressed to a chronic
      disorder, while half of the patients with chronic MDD remained chronic during
      follow-up. Since several risk factors for a poor prognosis differed for patients
      with nonchronic and chronic MDD at baseline, treatment targets should be adjusted
      for current chronicity of MDD.

PMID- 25116637
TI  - Toxicological effects of nickel chloride on IgA+ B Cells and sIgA, IgA, IgG, IgM
      in the intestinal mucosal immunity in broilers.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the toxicological effects of
      dietary NiCl2 on IgA+ B cells and the immunoglobulins including sIgA, IgA, IgG
      and IgM in the small intestine and cecal tonsil of broilers by the methods of
      immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Two hundred
      and forty one-day-old avian broilers were randomly divided into four groups and
      fed on a control diet and three experimental diets supplemented with 300, 600,
      and 900 mg/kg NiCl2 for 42 days. Compared with the control group, the IgA+ B cell
      number and the sIgA, IgA, IgG, and IgM contents in the NiCl2-treated groups were
      significantly decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). It was concluded that dietary
      NiCl2 in the excess of 300 mg/kg had negative effects on the IgA+ B cell number
      and the above mentioned immunoglobulin contents in the small intestine and the
      cecal tonsil. NiCl2-reduced sIgA, IgA, IgG and IgM contents is due to decrease in
      the population and/or the activation of B cell. The results suggest that NiCl2 at
      high levels has intestinal mucosal humoral immunotoxicity in animals.

PMID- 25116641
TI  - Distribution of potato spindle tuber viroid in reproductive organs of petunia
      during its developmental stages.
AB  - Embryo infection is important for efficient seed transmission of viroids. To
      identify the major pattern of seed transmission of viroids, we used in situ
      hybridization to histochemically analyze the distribution of Potato spindle tuber
      viroid (PSTVd) in each developmental stage of petunia (flowering to mature seed
      stages). In floral organs, PSTVd was present in the reproductive tissues of
      infected female * infected male and infected female * healthy male but not of
      healthy female * infected male before embryogenesis. After pollination, PSTVd was
      detected in the developed embryo and endosperm in all three crosses. These
      findings indicate that PSTVd is indirectly delivered to the embryo through ovule
      or pollen during the development of reproductive tissues before embryogenesis but
      not directly through maternal tissues as cell-to-cell movement during
      embryogenesis.

PMID- 25116642
TI  - Molecular genetic analysis of cucumber mosaic virus populations infecting pepper
      suggests unique patterns of evolution in Korea.
AB  - Studying genetic structure and diversity of viruses is important to understand
      the evolutionary mechanisms that generate and maintain variations in viral
      populations. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is endemic in most pepper fields in
      Korea. Currently, no effective methods for control of CMV are available due to
      many environmental and biological factors such as the extensive evolutionary
      capacity of CMV. Thus, analyzing the genetic structure of CMV populations may
      facilitate the development of strategies for the control of CMV. In this study,
      252 pepper (Capsicum annuum) samples showing virus symptoms were collected by
      field surveys performed throughout Korea in 2007. Reverse-transcription
      polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that, in total, 165 collected samples
      were infected with CMV. Forty-five CMV isolates were randomly selected within
      each regional subpopulation and analyzed by full-genome sequencing. Analyses of
      genetic diversity showed that the 2b gene of CMV is under weaker purifying
      selection than the other genes. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of RNA1, the
      CMV isolates from pepper were divided into three clusters in subgroup I. Our full
      genome sequence-based molecular analyses of the CMV Korean population suggest
      that the subpopulations of CMV have been geographically localized in pepper
      fields in Korea.

PMID- 25116643
TI  - Pollen transmission of asparagus virus 2 (AV-2) may facilitate mixed infection by
      two AV-2 isolates in asparagus plants.
AB  - Asparagus virus 2 (AV-2) is a member of the genus Ilarvirus and thought to induce
      the asparagus decline syndrome. AV-2 is known to be transmitted by seed, and the
      possibility of pollen transmission was proposed 25 years ago but not verified. In
      AV-2 sequence analyses, we have unexpectedly found mixed infection by two
      distinct AV-2 isolates in two asparagus plants. Because mixed infections by two
      related viruses are normally prevented by cross protection, we suspected that
      pollen transmission of AV-2 is involved in mixed infection. Immunohistochemical
      analyses and in situ hybridization using AV-2-infected tobacco plants revealed
      that AV-2 was localized in the meristem and associated with pollen grains. To
      experimentally produce a mixed infection via pollen transmission, two Nicotiana
      benthamiana plants that were infected with each of two AV-2 isolates were
      crossed. Derived cleaved-amplified polymorphic sequence analysis identified each
      AV-2 isolate in the progeny seedlings, suggesting that pollen transmission could
      indeed result in a mixed infection, at least in N. benthamiana.

PMID- 25116644
TI  - Co-C dissociation of adenosylcobalamin (coenzyme B12): role of dispersion,
      induction effects, solvent polarity, and relativistic and thermal corrections.
AB  - Quantum-chemical cluster modeling is challenged in the limit of large, soft
      systems by the effects of dispersion and solvent, and well as other physical
      interactions. Adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl, coenzyme B12), as one of the most
      complex cofactors in life, constitutes such a challenge. The cleavage of its
      unique organometallic Co-C bond has inspired multiple studies of this cofactor.
      This paper reports the fully relaxed potential energy surface of Co-C cleavage of
      AdoCbl, including for the first time all side-chain interactions with the
      dissociating Ado group. Various methods and corrections for dispersion,
      relativistic effects, solvent polarity, basis set superposition error, and
      thermal and vibrational effects were investigated, totaling more than 550 single
      point energies for the large model. The results show immense variability
      depending on method, including solvation, functional type, and dispersion,
      challenging the conceived accuracy of methods used for such systems. In
      particular, B3LYP-D3 seems to severely underestimate the Co-C bond strength,
      consistent with previous results, and BP86 remains accurate for cobalamins when
      dispersion interactions are accounted for. 

PMID- 25116645
TI  - Dual drug release from core-shell nanoparticles with distinct release profiles.
AB  - Multiple drug combination is a promising strategy in biomedical fields, such as
      cancer chemotherapy and tissue engineering. With the aim of codelivering multiple
      drugs with different characteristics, immiscible and miscible liquids were
      utilized to fabricate nanoparticles of polyvinylpyrrolidone/poly(lactic-co
      glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/PLGA with distinct core
      shell structure by coaxial electrospray. Each kind of nanoparticles can
      encapsulate the hydrophilic rhodamine B and hydrophobic naproxen in one single
      step efficiently. Encapsulation efficiency was over 85%. The different release
      patterns of dual-drug encapsulated were demonstrated when the drug location
      swapped, attributing to the distinct core-shell structures of nanoparticles and
      the interaction between drug molecules and carrier polymers. Meanwhile, the
      release profiles of encapsulated drugs with different loading amount were
      investigated as well. Dual drug release profiles from nanoparticles were affected
      by the unique architecture of nanocarriers (porous and core-shell structure),
      physical properties of polymers, and drugs. In addition, polymer-drug and drug
      drug molecular interaction may take an important role in drug release behaviors.
      The results suggested that the distinct release kinetics of multiple drugs
      fabricated by coaxial electrospray can be obtained and tuned to fulfill the
      clinical requirement in combination therapy.

PMID- 25116646
TI  - Energy transfer on demand: photoswitch-directed behavior of metal-porphyrin
      frameworks.
AB  - In this paper, a photochromic diarylethene-based derivative that is
      coordinatively immobilized within an extended porphyrin framework is shown to
      maintain its photoswitchable behavior and to direct the photophysical properties
      of the host. In particular, emission of a framework composed of bis(5-pyridyl-2
      methyl-3-thienyl)cyclopentene (BPMTC) and tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin
      (H4TCPP) ligands anchored by Zn(2+) ions can be altered as a function of incident
      light. We attribute the observed cyclic fluorescence behavior of the synthesized
      porphyrin-BPMTC array to activation of energy transfer (ET) pathways through
      BPMTC photoisomerization. Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements show a
      decrease in average porphyrin emission lifetime upon BPMTC insertion, consistent
      with an ET-based mechanism. These studies portend the possible utilization of
      photochromic ligands to direct chromophore behavior in large light-harvesting
      ensembles. 

PMID- 25116647
TI  - Are insights from Indigenous health shaping a paradigm shift in health promotion
      praxis in Australia?
AB  - Health promotion really is at a cross-road. Traditionally guided by the Ottawa
      Charter, it has been thought of as principle-guided actions, processes and
      technique, as well as outcomes or results. Health promotion has been
      characterised by its products and some even call it theory. In Australia, public
      funding for health promotion has, for many years, shaped its practice into
      behaviour change interventions. However, governments around the country are
      reconsidering their investments, evidenced by ideologically motivated policy
      shifts and associated substantial funding cuts. Recently, themes of empowerment,
      community control and community agency have emerged as new directions for future
      health promotion praxis and reports of activism-based approaches that seek to
      mobilise community energies around sexual health inequity have started to appear
      in the literature. Noting parallel developments in the social determinants and
      social change discourses, this paper posits that cutting edge health promotion
      efforts by Indigenous communities in Australia are shaping a new approach with
      potentially global application. 

PMID- 25116648
TI  - Using kinematics and a dynamical systems approach to enhance understanding of
      clinically observed aberrant movement patterns.
AB  - The objective of this technical paper is to demonstrate how graphing kinematic
      data to represent body segment coordination and control can assist clinicians and
      researchers in understanding typical and aberrant human movement patterns.
      Aberrant movements are believed to be associated with musculoskeletal pain and
      dysfunction. A dynamical systems approach to analysing movement provides a useful
      way to study movement control and coordination. Continuous motion angle-angle and
      coupling angle-movement cycle graphs provide information about coordinated
      movement between body segments, whereas phase-plane graphs provide information
      about neuromuscular control of a body segment. Examples demonstrate how a
      dynamical systems approach can be used to represent (1) typical movement patterns
      of the lumbopelvic and shoulder regions; (2) aberrant coordination in an
      individual with low back pain who presented with altered lumbopelvic rhythm; and
      (3) aberrant control of shoulder movement in an individual with observed scapular
      dysrhythmia. Angle-angle and coupling angle-movement cycle graphs were consistent
      with clinical operational definitions of typical and altered lumbopelvic rhythm.
      Phase-plane graphs illustrated differences in scapular control between
      individuals having typical scapular motion and an individual with scapular
      dysrhythmia. Angle-angle, coupling angle-movement cycle, and phase-plane graphs
      provide information about the amount and timing of segmental motion, which
      clinicians assess when they observe movements. These approaches have the
      potential to (1) enhance understanding of typical and aberrant movement patterns;
      (2) assist with identifying underlying movement impairments that contribute to
      aberrant movements: and (3) improve clinicians' ability to visually assess and
      categorize functional movements. 

PMID- 25116651
TI  - Luminescent and transparent nanopaper based on rare-earth up-converting
      nanoparticle grafted nanofibrillated cellulose derived from garlic skin.
AB  - Highly flexible, transparent, and luminescent nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)
      nanopaper with heterogeneous network, functionalized by rare-earth up-converting
      luminescent nanoparticles (UCNPs), was rapidly synthesized by using a moderate
      pressure extrusion paper-making process. NFC was successfully prepared from
      garlic skin using an efficient extraction approach combined with high frequency
      ultrasonication and high pressure homogenization after removing the noncellulosic
      components. An efficient epoxidation treatment was carried out to enhance the
      activity of the UCNPs (NaYF4:Yb,Er) with oleic acid ligand capped on the surface.
      The UCNPs after epoxidation then reacted with NFC in aqueous medium to form UCNP
      grafted NFC nanocomposite (NFC-UCNP) suspensions at ambient temperature. Through
      the paper-making process, the assembled fluorescent NFC-UCNP hybrid nanopaper
      exhibits excellent properties, including high transparency, strong up-conversion
      luminescence, and good flexibility. The obtained hybrid nanopaper was
      characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscope
      (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission-scanning
      electron microscope (FE-SEM), up-conversion luminescence (UCL) spectrum, and
      ultraviolet and visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. The experimental results
      demonstrate that the UCNPs have been successfully grafted to the NFC matrix with
      heterogeneous network. And the superiorly optical transparent and luminescent
      properties of the nanopaper mainly depend on the ratio of UCNPs to NFC. Of
      importance here is that, NFC and UCNPs afford the nanopaper a prospective
      candidate for multimodal anti-counterfeiting, sensors, and ion probes
      applications. 

PMID- 25116649
TI  - Effector-dependent neglect and splenial disconnection: a spherical deconvolution
      tractography study.
AB  - We present the case of a patient with left homonymous hemianopia and chronic left
      neglect consequent to a stroke in the occipito-temporal regions of the right
      hemisphere. When the patient performed cancellation tasks with her right
      (dominant) hand, she had severe and persistent left neglect at retest 7 and 8
      years after onset. However, her performance on line bisection was invariably
      within normal limits. Strikingly, performance on cancellation tests reverted to
      normal when the patient used her left hand. White matter tractography using
      spherical deconvolution demonstrated damage to the splenium of the corpus
      callosum, as well as a relative preservation of the right fronto-parietal
      network. Effector-dependent neglect may occur because splenial disconnection
      deprives the right fronto-parietal network from visual information processed by
      the left hemisphere. Consequently, spatial exploration reverts to normal when the
      patient uses her left hand, thus involving more directly the fronto-parietal
      attentional networks in the right-hemisphere.

PMID- 25116652
TI  - Food beliefs and practices during pregnancy in Ghana: implications for maternal
      health interventions.
AB  - Ghanaian women's food beliefs and practices during pregnancy and the scope for
      developing more effective maternal health interventions were explored in this
      study. Thirty-five multiethnic Ghanaian women between the ages of 29 and 75 were
      interviewed about pregnancy food beliefs and practices. I show that, based on the
      data analysis, their knowledge about food was drawn from lifeworlds (family and
      friends), educational settings, health professionals, mass media, and body-self
      knowledge (unique pregnancy experiences). Core lay ideas converged with expert
      knowledge on maternal health nutrition. Multiple external factors (e.g.,
      economics, cultural representations of motherhood) and internal factors (e.g.,
      the unpredictable demands of the pregnant body) influenced pregnancy food
      practices. I suggest and discuss a need for culturally situated multilevel
      interventions. 

PMID- 25116653
TI  - Water adsorption in UiO-66: the importance of defects.
AB  - Simulated adsorption isotherms for water in UiO-66 illustrate that defects in the
      form of missing linkers make this MOF more hydrophilic. Heats of adsorption and
      density plots further confirm the effect of defects on adsorption of water in UiO
      66 at low loadings. In addition, water and CO2 isotherms indicate that not only
      the amount of defects but their locations within the material affect the loading
      of guest molecules. 

PMID- 25116650
TI  - A magnetic carbon sorbent for radioactive material from the Fukushima nuclear
      accident.
AB  - Here we present the first report of a carbon-gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticle composite
      of mesoporous carbon, bearing COOH- and phenolic OH- functional groups on its
      surface, a remarkable and magnetically separable adsorbent, for the radioactive
      material emitted by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident.
      Contaminated water and soil at a level of 1,739 Bq kg(-1) ((134)Cs and (137)Cs at
      509 Bq kg(-1) and 1,230 Bq kg(-1), respectively) and 114,000 Bq kg(-1) ((134)Cs
      and (137)Cs at 38,700 Bq kg(-1) and 75,300 Bq kg(-1), respectively) were
      decontaminated by 99% and 90% respectively with just one treatment carried out in
      Nihonmatsu city in Fukushima. Since this material is remarkably high performance,
      magnetically separable, and a readily applicable technology, it would reduce the
      environmental impact of the Fukushima accident if it were used.

PMID- 25116655
TI  - Supervision in neuropsychological assessment: a survey of training, practices,
      and perspectives of supervisors.
AB  - Within the psychology supervision literature, most theoretical models and
      practices pertain to general clinical or counseling psychology. Supervision
      specific to clinical neuropsychology has garnered little attention. This survey
      study explores supervision training, practices, and perspectives of
      neuropsychology supervisors. Practicing neuropsychologists were invited to
      participate in an online survey via listservs and email lists. Of 451
      respondents, 382 provided supervision to students, interns, and/or fellows in
      settings such as VA medical centers (37%), university medical centers (35%), and
      private practice (15%). Most supervisors (84%) reported supervision was discussed
      in graduate school "minimally" or "not at all." Although 67% completed informal
      didactics or received continuing education in supervision, only 27% reported
      receiving training specific to neuropsychology supervision. Notably, only 39%
      were satisfied with their training in providing supervision and 77% indicated
      they would likely participate in training in providing supervision, if available
      at professional conferences. Results indicate that clinical neuropsychology as a
      specialty has paid scant attention to developing supervision models and explicit
      training in supervision skills. We recommend that the specialty develop models of
      supervision for neuropsychological practice, supervision standards and
      competencies, training methods in provision of supervision, and benchmark
      measures for supervision competencies.

PMID- 25116656
TI  - Bit-related lesions in Icelandic competition horses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral lesions related to the use of the bit and bridle are reported to
      be common findings in horses worldwide and represent an important animal welfare
      issue. In order to provide an overview of bit-related lesions in Icelandic
      competition horses, a field examination of the rostral part of the oral cavity
      was performed in 424 competition horses coming to the two major national horse
      events in Iceland in 2012. Records from repeated examination of 77 horses prior
      to the finals were used to assess potential risk factors. RESULTS: Mild lesions
      were recorded in 152 horses (36%) prior to the preliminary rounds. They were most
      often located in the commissures of the lips and the adjacent buccal mucosa
      (n=111). Severe lesions were found in 32 (8%) horses. For 77 horses examined
      prior to the finals, the frequency of findings in the area of the mandibular
      interdental space (bars of the mandible) had increased from 8% to 31% (P<0.0001).
      These findings were most often (16/24) regarded as severe. The presence of
      lesions on the bars was strongly associated to the use of curb bits with a port
      (OR=75, P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Bit-related lesions were found to be a general
      problem in Icelandic competition horses. The type of bits used influenced both
      the location and the severity of the lesions. The use of curb bits with a port
      was found to be a decisive risk factor for lesions on the bars of the mandible,
      most of which were regarded as severe. The results also raised questions about
      the head and neck carriage demanded for the competition horses.

PMID- 25116657
TI  - Dynamic propensity as an indicator of heterogeneity in room-temperature ionic
      liquids.
AB  - We investigate the dynamic propensity in a coarse-grained model of a room
      temperature ionic liquid via molecular dynamics simulations. Dynamic propensity
      is defined as the average of squared displacements for each ion during a given
      time interval over the isoconfigurational ensemble. As the temperature is
      lowered, distributions of the dynamic propensity develop fat tails at high
      values, indicating the presence of dynamic heterogeneity in the system. The
      increase in the heterogeneity for the cation is more evident than that for the
      anion, and a high propensity exhibits a large variance in the isoconfigurational
      ensemble, implying that dynamic propensity is related to ions' motions at a large
      length scale, rather than a direct measure of the individual ion dynamics. In
      addition, large non-Gaussian parameters observed for small dynamic propensities
      reveal intermittent dynamical behaviors of ions. In order to reveal the origin of
      the dynamic heterogeneity in a room-temperature ionic liquid, a possible
      correlation between the mobility and dynamic propensity is further probed. It is
      observed that spatial distributions of the dynamic propensity coincide with those
      of the mobility. The results suggest a possible connection between the structure
      and heterogeneous dynamics on large length scales. 

PMID- 25116658
TI  - Gram-negative infections in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units of Latin
      America.
AB  - In order to review the epidemiology of Gram-negative infections in the pediatric
      and neonatal intensive care units (PICUs and NICUs) of Latin America a systematic
      search of PubMed and targeted search of SciELO was performed to identify relevant
      articles published since 2005. Independent cohort data indicated that overall
      infection rates were higher in Latin American PICUs and NICUs versus developed
      countries (range, 5%-37% vs 6%-15%, respectively). Approximately one third of
      Latin American patients with an acquired PICU or NICU infection died, and crude
      mortality was higher among extremely low-birth-weight infants and those with an
      infection caused by Gram-negative bacteria. In studies reporting > 100 isolates,
      the frequency of Gram-negative pathogens varied from 31% (Colombia) to 63%
      (Mexico), with Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia
      coli the predominant pathogens in almost all countries, and Acinetobacter spp.
      and Serratia spp. isolated sporadically. The activity of quinolones and third
      generation cephalosporins against P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., and
      Enterobacteria was seriously compromised, coincident with a high prevalence of
      circulating extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Furthermore, we identified two
      observational studies conducted in Chile and Brazil reporting infections by P.
      aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii in PICUs, demonstrating resistance to
      carbapenems, and two outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae in Colombia
      and Brazil. The endemicity of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections in
      Latin American PICUs and NICUs is punctuated by intermittent clonal outbreaks.
      The problem may be alleviated by ensuring ICUs are less crowded, increasing
      staffing levels of better-trained health care personnel, and implementing
      antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance programs. 

PMID- 25116659
TI  - An overview of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in veterinary medicine and their
      public health consequences.
AB  - Serious human and animal infections caused by bacteria are usually treated with
      beta-lactams. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) constitute the most
      clinically and economically important enzymes that are able to hydrolyze and
      inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics in veterinary medicine. The spread of ESBLs
      represents a serious threat to healthcare systems, drastically undermining
      therapeutic options. The relationship between drug usage and the emergence of
      resistance has been extensively reported. Nevertheless, the use of antimicrobials
      in veterinary medicine and the emergence of ESBLs in animals remains a matter of
      debate. Moreover, there is still controversy about whether antibiotic usage in
      farm animals poses a potential public health risk. This review will (i) deal with
      aspects related to the presence of ESBLs in veterinary medicine, (ii) its link
      with human medicine, and (iii) discuss strategies to be implemented to preserve
      antimicrobial effectiveness. New insights relative to old questions concerning
      antimicrobial use in domestic animals are also presented.

PMID- 25116660
TI  - Diagnosis of leishmaniasis.
AB  - Leishmaniasis is a clinically heterogeneous syndrome caused by intracellular
      protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. The clinical spectrum of
      leishmaniasis encompasses subclinical (not apparent), localized (skin lesion),
      and disseminated (cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral) infection. This
      spectrum of manifestations depends on the immune status of the host, on the
      parasite, and on immunoinflammatory responses. Visceral leishmaniasis causes high
      morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Reliable laboratory methods
      become mandatory for accurate diagnosis, especially in immunocompromised patients
      such as those infected with HIV. In this article, we review the current state of
      the diagnostic tools for leishmaniasis, especially  the serological test. 

PMID- 25116661
TI  - Antimicrobial and molecular analysis of Salmonella serovar Livingstone strains
      isolated from humans in Tunisia and Belgium.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Salmonella Livingstone is one of the most common serotypes
      responsible for nosocomial outbreaks in Tunisia. In this study, 42 isolates of
      Salmonella Livingstone were analyzed. Most of these were isolated from humans (31
      strains from Tunisia and 9 strains from Belgium) and 2 isolates came from food
      products (beef and pork). METHODOLOGY: All strains were characterized by
      antibiogram, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and virulotyping. This last
      technique was carried out by simple PCR of five chromosomal genes (agfA, hin/H2,
      iroB, phoP/Q, and slyA) and two plasmid genes (spvA and spvC). RESULTS: All
      Tunisian strains were resistant to amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid,
      ticarcillin, cefalotin, gentamicin, and kanamycin. They were also resistant to
      third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics (cefotaxim and ceftazidim). Belgian
      isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. Further to MLST analyses,
      Tunisian strains belonged to the same sequence type, ST543. For Belgian isolates,
      eight strains had a ST543 profile, two strains had a ST638 profile, and one
      strain had a ST457 profile. Analyses of the virulence gene contents showed that
      strains isolated in different years and from different origins had the same
      virulence profile. These carried all five chromosomal genes and lacked plasmid
      located virulence genes spvA and spvC. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of different
      typing methods showed that the majority of Belgian strains and all Tunisian
      strains were closely related; they belonged to the same sequence type (ST543) and
      had the same virulence profile, but different antibiotic resistance profiles
      depended on the country of origin.

PMID- 25116662
TI  - A three-year review of antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica serovars
      Typhi and Paratyphi A in Pakistan.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Enteric fever is among the most common bacteraemic illnesses in
      South Asia. Multidrug resistance as well as fluoroquinolone resistance has
      severely limited therapeutic options in high disease burden countries such as
      Pakistan. This review was conducted to determine the frequency of drug-resistant
      Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S.Typhi) and Salmonella enterica serovar
      Paratyphi A (S. Paratyphi A) between 2009 and 2011. METHODOLOGY: This study was a
      review of laboratory data. The antibiotic susceptibility of typhoidal Salmonellae
      isolated from blood cultures submitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital's
      laboratory from all over Pakistan between January 2009 and December 2011 were
      reviewed. RESULTS: The sensitivity data of 4,323 positive isolates of S. Typhi
      and S. Paratyphi A isolated during the three-year period were reviewed. The
      majority of isolates were S. Typhi (59.6%).Over three years, the incidence of
      multidrug-resistant (MDR) S.Typhi remained high, ranging from 64.8%-66.0%, while
      MDR S. Paratyphi A decreased from 4.2% to 0.6%. Fluoroquinolone resistance
      increased for S. Typhi from 84.7% to 91.7%. Cefixime- and ceftriaxone-resistant
      S. Typhi were isolated in two children. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show high rates
      of multidrug and fluoroquinolone resistance among S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi. The
      occurrence of two cases of ceftriaxone resistance is alarming.

PMID- 25116663
TI  - Low rifampicin concentrations in tuberculosis patients with HIV infection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of tuberculosis (TB) treatment in Human
      Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV) co-infected patients may be compromised by
      genetic and pharmacokinetic variation in drug disposition. Rifampicin is a
      critical component of TB treatment. We investigated the influence of drug
      transporter gene polymorphisms on rifampicin concentrations in TB-HIV co-infected
      patients in Durban, South Africa. METHODOLOGY: Rifampicin concentrations were
      measured 2.5 hours post-dose (approximated peak, C2.5 hr) in patients receiving
      either 450mg or 600mg rifampicin, randomized to either integrated or sequential
      antiretroviral treatment. Patients were genotyped for SLCO1B1 (rs4149032)
      polymorphisms. A mixed effects regression model was fitted to assess the
      influence of various factors on rifampicin concentrations. TB recurrence rates
      were also estimated. RESULTS: In 57 patients, median (IQR) C2.5 hr was 3.6 (2.8
      5.0) ug/mL. Polymorphism frequency in the SLCO1B1 (rs4149032) drug transporter
      gene was high (0.76) and was associated with low median rifampicin C2.5 hr, 3.7
      (2.8-5.0) ug/mL in the heterozygous and 3.4 (2.7-4.7) ug/mL in the homozygous
      variant carriers. Concentrations were also low in males (p < 0.0001) and those
      with low haemoglobin (p = 0.02). Although reinfection could not be distinguished
      from reactivation for the 43 patients followed post trial, the incidence of TB
      recurrence was 7.1 per 100 person-years. Of the eight patients in whom TB
      recurred, seven had the polymorphism. CONCLUSION: Approximated peak rifampicin
      concentrations were well below the recommended target range of 8 to 24 ug/mL in
      this patient population with its high frequency of the SLCO1B1 (rs4149032)
      polymorphism. Increased rifampicin dosage may be warranted in African, HIV- TB co
      infected patients.

PMID- 25116664
TI  - Oropharyngeal tularemia cases admitted to a military hospital in Ankara, Turkey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to review the possible sources of infection of 16
      oropharyngeal tularemia hospital cases, and to document their epidemiological and
      demographical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment methods, and
      treatment results. METHODOLOGY: Sixteen cases from a Turkish military hospital
      between January 2011 and December 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The age,
      sex, occupation, place of residence, symptoms, duration of symptoms, laboratory
      results, treatment and duration, and treatment results were recorded. Tularemia
      was diagnosed through tularemia-specific tests once the other conditions that may
      have caused lymphadenopathy were excluded. RESULTS: Twelve of the patients
      included in this study were males. The average age of the patients was 32.1 +/-
      17.2 years. Sore throat, fatigue, and fever were the most frequent symptoms. The
      mean duration of symptoms was 21.6 +/- 6.9 days. All the patients had been
      treated for tonsillopharyngitis in primary healthcare institutions previously.
      However, despite the treatment, cervical lymphadenopathy had developed in these
      cases. Patients were given streptomycin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin
      monotherapy or in combination. Ten of the cases fully recovered, while five
      required surgical lymph node drainage. Spontaneous drainage occurred in the
      single remaining case. CONCLUSIONS: Turkey is considered to be an endemic country
      with regards to tularemia. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment of the disease
      is imperative in providing cure. Since it can be potentially confused with
      tuberculous lymphadenitis, differential diagnosis is vital. Patients presenting
      with a condition of tonsillopharyngitis in endemic areas must be carefully
      monitored.

PMID- 25116665
TI  - Clinical characteristics and risk factors of infections caused by
      Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in a hospital in northwest China.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections have recently increased in
      importance in China, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this
      study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of S.
      maltophilia infection in ICU of a hospital in northwest China. METHODOLOGY: The
      characteristics and outcomes of patients with any type of S. maltophilia
      infection at Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shaanxi, China, over a two
      year period (from July 2011 to June 2013) were studied. S. maltophilia
      antimicrobial susceptibility was tested with the agar dilution method. The risk
      factors for all-cause in-hospital mortality were assessed with multivariate
      logistic regression. RESULTS: Forty patients (median age, 72 years; 77.5% males)
      with S. maltophilia infection were identified. The main type of infection was
      lower respiratory tract infection (97.5%); one patient had a bloodstream
      infection. A total of 97.5% patients were infected with two or more organisms at
      the same time. The main characteristics of the patients were prolonged use of
      mechanical ventilation, urethral catheter, and central venous catheter before the
      infections occurred. The case number of infection was not different in the four
      seasons. High in vitro sensitivity was observed to minocycline (91.2%),
      levofloxacin (85.3%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (79.4%). Most patients
      received therapy with a combination of agents. The crude mortality was 50%. By
      multivariate analysis, low albumin content and hypotension were the independent
      prognostic factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate antimicrobial
      treatment had no positive impact on mortality. The impacts of albumin supplements
      and increasing blood pressure on mortality require further clinical studies.

PMID- 25116666
TI  - Sexual behavioral correlates with HSV-2 seroprevalence among pregnant women in
      Nigeria.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The burden of HSV-2 infection, the cause of most cases of genital
      herpes in Nigeria, varies from region to region; and so are the associated
      factors. This infection is known to be responsible for several negative pregnancy
      outcomes. There is currently no documented data on sexual behavioral factors
      associated with the occurrence of HSV-2 infection or seroprevalence among
      pregnant women in Nigeria. This study aimed at identifying the sexual behavioral
      correlates of HSV-2 seroprevalence among pregnant women in Benin City, Nigeria.
      METHODOLOGY: The cross-sectional study design was adopted and the study took
      place between November 2011 and June 2012. Four hundred and ten consenting ante
      natal clinic patients in two major tertiary hospitals in Benin City were
      consecutively and prospectively included. Data sources were represented by
      questionnaires, the patient's case records and laboratory investigations. Each
      patient's serum was analyzed for HSV-2 antibody detection. Data analysis was
      performed using SPSS version 16. RESULTS: Four hundred and ten patients were
      enrolled with average age 30.6 years. Seroprevalence of HSV-2 antibody was 47.3%.
      Sexual behavioral factors that were significantly associated with HSV-2
      seroprevalence included early exposure to sexual intercourse, number of sex
      partners, involvement in polygamous marriages, involvement of husband in extra
      marital affairs and hormonal contraceptive use. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HSV
      2 among pregnant women in Benin City is high. Public health campaigns aimed at:
      delaying onset of sexual activity; encouraging monogamous relationships; and
      emphasizing that hormonal contraceptives do not protect from STI's, are
      recommended.

PMID- 25116667
TI  - Prevalence of "anti-HBc alone" among Syrian blood donors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of "anti-HBc alone" among
      Syrian blood donors, highlighting the possibility of representing occult HBV
      infection. METHODOLOGY: Sera of 3,896 healthy blood donors were tested for both
      HBsAg and anti-HBc. HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive samples were further tested
      for the antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs), and "anti-HBc alone" sera were tested for
      HBV DNA. RESULTS: Of 3,830 HBsAg-negative donors, 63 were "anti-HBc alone"
      donors, five of whom were HBV DNA positive. CONCLUSIONS: Greater consideration
      should be given to the "anti-HBc alone" serological profile in blood screening,
      premarital testing, organ transplantation tests, and other HBV transmission
      related procedures in Syria.

PMID- 25116668
TI  - Diagnosis and molecular typing of rabies virus in samples stored in inadequate
      conditions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The exposure of nervous tissue samples to high temperatures affects
      the sensitivity of rabies virus diagnostic tests, causing degradation of the
      viral structure. This study evaluated reverse transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) for the diagnosis and molecular characterization of brain
      tissue samples in an advanced state of decomposition and poorly conserved viral
      isolates by comparing it with routine diagnostic tests. METHODOLOGY: A panel of
      three canine brain samples exposed to controlled decomposition for 7, 15, 30, and
      120 days were evaluated using fluorescence antibody test (FAT), mouse inoculation
      test (MIT), and RT-PCR. In addition, 14 isolates of rabies variants, representing
      the largest circulation in Argentina, preserved in inadequate cooling for six to
      eight years were analyzed. Molecular typing of strains was performed using a 159
      nucleotide region corresponding to the nucleoprotein gene. RESULTS: The three
      samples analyzed were positive by RT-PCR at all the decomposition times
      evaluated, in contrast to results observed with FAT and MIT, which rapidly became
      negative. In addition, 100% of the inadequately preserved samples were
      characterized molecularly. The limit of detection of RT-PCR was 0.5 MICDL50/0.03
      mL. CONCLUSION: RT-PCR can be useful for rabies diagnosis and typing of
      putrefying samples or rabies isolates stored in inadequate conditions.

PMID- 25116669
TI  - Seroprevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis in large ruminants in northern
      Punjab, Pakistan.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasmosis is a widespread zoonosis that causes significant
      economic losses due to abortions and other developmental disabilities in
      livestock animals. The objectives of the current study were to determine the
      prevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle
      and buffaloes in northern parts of Punjab, Pakistan, where no such work
      previously existed. METHODOLOGY: Serum samples obtained from 400 cattle and 422
      buffaloes present on different private and government-owned farms were tested for
      anti-Toxoplasma IgG and anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies by using enzyme linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additional data, including water sources, hygienic
      status at the farm, management practices, size of the herd, and presence of cats
      in the vicinity of the farm were obtained using a questionnaire in surveys and
      interviews. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of infection was 19.75% (79/400) in
      cattle and 15.16% (64/422) in buffaloes. IgG antibodies were found in 75 (18.75%)
      cattle and 58 (13.74%) buffaloes, while IgM antibodies were found in 9 (2.25%)
      cattle and 10 (2.37%) buffaloes. Seroprevalence was significantly higher in
      females and older animals of both species. Seroprevalence was found to be
      associated with poor hygienic conditions, extensive management practices, and
      presence of cats in the surrounding areas. No difference of seroprevalence was
      observed with respect to different breeds, location, water source, and herd size.
      CONCLUSION: The present study found that T. gondii is prevalent in large
      ruminants in northern Punjab, and may have important implications for the
      livestock industry and public health.

PMID- 25116670
TI  - Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in blood donors in El Salvador between
      2001 and 2011.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: El Salvador is regarded as a highly endemic country for Chagas
      disease, as evidenced by the relatively high estimated positive serology rate for
      Trypanosoma cruzi among blood donors. This study aimed to identify the factors
      contributing to this high rate by analyzing changes in T. cruzi seroprevalence.
      METHODOLOGY: Secondary data were collected from 31 blood banks operated by the
      Ministry of Health, the Red Cross, the Institute of Salvadoran Social Security,
      and the Military Hospital. The data were analyzed to determine the number of
      cases of T. cruzi seropositivity, and the average prevalence of seropositivity by
      province. Simple linear regression was performed to identify trends in T. cruzi
      seropositivity. RESULTS: Analysis of the 885,187 blood samples collected between
      2001 and 2011 revealed 21,693 cases of transfusion-related infections, with a
      significant reduction of T. cruzi seropositivity from 3.7% in 2001 to 1.7% in
      2011, reflecting a 54% decrease over the course of a decade (R(2) = 89.6%, p >
      0.001). T. cruzi seroprevalence decreased in San Salvador, Santa Ana, Sonsonate,
      and Cuscatlan. In contrast, seroprevalence remained high with no decrease in
      Ahuachapan and San Vicente, and consistently low in the remainder of the country.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the national prevalence of T. cruzi among blood donors has
      decreased, it remains high in the provinces of Ahuachapan and San Vicente.
      Strengthening vector control activities and developing an approach for the
      systematic follow-up of prospective blood donors with positive serology for T.
      cruzi are required, especially in areas with high seropositivity.

PMID- 25116671
TI  - Molecular typing and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus spp from
      patients in Midwest Brazil.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cryptococcosis is a systemic fungal infection that affects humans
      and animals, mainly due to Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii.
      Following the epidemic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), fungal
      infections by C. neoformans have become more common among immunocompromised
      patients. Cryptococcus gattii has primarily been isolated as a primary pathogen
      in healthy hosts and occurs endemically in northern and northeastern Brazil. We
      to perform genotypic characterization and determine the in vitro susceptibility
      profile to antifungal drugs of the Cryptococcus species complex isolated from HIV
      positive and HIV-negative patients attended at university hospitals in Cuiaba,
      MT, in the Midwestern region of Brazil. METHODOLOGY: Micromorphological features,
      chemotyping with canavanine-glycine-bromothymol blue (CGB) agar and genotyping by
      URA5-RFLP were used to identify the species. The antifungal drugs tested were
      amphotericin B, fluconazole, flucytosine, itraconazole and voriconazole. Minimum
      inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined according to the CLSI
      methodology M27-A3. RESULTS: Analysis of samples yelded C. neoformans AFLP1/VNI
      (17/27, 63.0%) and C. gattii AFLP6/VGII (10/27, 37.0%). The MICs ranges for the
      antifungal drugs were: amphotericin B (0.5-1 mg/L), fluconazole (1-16 mg/L),
      flucytosine (1-16 mg/L), itraconazole (0.25-0.12 mg/L) and voriconazole (0.06-0.5
      mg/L). Isolates of C. neoformans AFLP1/VNI were predominant in patients with
      HIV/AIDS, and C. gattii VGII in HIV-negative patients. The genotypes identified
      were susceptible to the antifungal drugs tested. CONCLUSION: It is worth
      emphasizing that AFLP6/VGII is a predominant genotype affecting HIV-negative
      individuals in Cuiaba. These findings serve as a guide concerning the molecular
      epidemiology of C. neoformans and C. gattii in the State of Mato Grosso.

PMID- 25116672
TI  - Detection of the novel IMP-38 among carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in
      a university hospital, China.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study set out to investigate the molecular epidemiology of
      carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates collected from Xiang Ya
      Hospital, Hunan, China. METHODOLOGY: The carbapenemase genes from
      Enterobacteriaceae isolates were determined by PCR and sequencing. Relatedness of
      Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates was evaluated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
      RESULTS: Twenty-four out of 738 non-repetitive Enterobacteriaceae isolates
      harbored carbapenemase genes including IMP-38, a novel IMP-type metallo-enzyme.
      Nine IMP-38-producing isolates were shown to originate from the same clone and
      caused a small outbreak in the neonatal ward. CONCLUSIONS: IMP-38, a novel IMP
      type metallo-enzyme, was one of the predominant types of carbapenemase in the
      clinical carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates in our hospital.

PMID- 25116673
TI  - Risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumanii blood stream
      infections in a neonatal intensive care unit, Delhi, India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infection is
      being increasingly observed and is associated with significant morbidity and
      mortality in newborns. In this study, we determined the epidemiology, risk
      factors, and outcomes of blood stream infection (BSI) caused by CRAB in neonates.
      METHODOLOGY: The clinical charts of neonates who developed Acinetobacter
      baumannii BSI in the period between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012 were
      reviewed. RESULTS: During the study period, 65 neonates developed Acinetobacter
      baumannii BSI; 33 were CRAB at an incidence of 0.50 case per 1,000 patient-days.
      Compared with carbapenem-sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii (CSAB), patients with
      CRAB BSI had significantly higher prior antimicrobial use, longer duration of
      ventilation, and late isolation of organisms. Feeding with expressed breast milk
      was protective. All isolates of Acinetobacter baumenii were sensitive to colistin
      and tigecycline. The all-cause mortality rates were 27.3% in CRAB and 9.4% in
      CSAB BSI, respectively (p = 0.074). CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal BSI caused by CRAB was
      not common but caused high mortality. Feeding with breast milk was protective.
      Lack of effective antibiotics was the major challenge in treating these patients.

PMID- 25116674
TI  - Lipolytic activity of Staphylococcus aureus from human wounds, animals, foods,
      and food-contact surfaces in Brazil.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: S. aureus is of great importance to public health due to its
      pathogenicity. This study aimed to evaluate lipase production by S. aureus
      isolates from different sources. METHODOLOGY: Lipolytic activity was determined
      using Tween-Calcium agar (48 hours; 35 degrees C). RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of
      the isolates from human wounds were positive for lipase production. The
      frequencies of isolates positive for lipase production were 33.3% from cow
      udders, 15.4% from the nasal cavities of cattle, 82.9% from ricotta cheeses, and
      100% and 91.7% from meat- and vegetable-contact surfaces, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: The production of lipase varied among the isolates according to their
      source.

PMID- 25116675
TI  - Transportation of sputum samples in cetylpyridinium chloride for drug resistance
      studies from remote areas of Odisha, India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      is required for successful treatment of patients, mainly in retreatment cases
      which necessitate isolation of mycobacteria from sputum samples within 24-48
      hours. In situations where transportation of sputum is required, the use of
      cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) effectively sustains the viability of mycobacteria
      up to two weeks. METHODOLOGY: Sputum samples were collected from pulmonary TB
      patients attending designated microscopy centres (DMC), stored in CPC solution
      and transported to a culture drug susceptibility testing laboratory using
      overnight bus transport facilities. For culture, the sputum specimens were
      processed and inoculated in Lowenstein- Jensen (LJ) medium. Growth on LJ was
      identified by colony morphology, growth rate and biochemical tests, and transit
      time was calculated as the time taken from the date of sample collection to the
      inoculation date. RESULTS: Out of the 816 sputum samples collected in CPC, 691
      (84.7%) yielded M. tuberculosis, 97 (11.9%) yielded no growth, 21(2.6%) grew
      contaminants and 7 (0.8%) were nontuberculous mycobacteria. CPC containing sputum
      samples processed within two weeks showed 88.6% culture positivity, while
      positivity was significantly affected beyond two weeks. CONCLUSIONS: CPC is
      cheap, easy to use, inhibits the growth of other organisms and can effectively be
      used to transport sputum specimens within two weeks from hard to reach areas to
      central locations without compromising culture positivity. Bus transport services
      can also help in reducing delay and the cost of transportation from remote areas.

PMID- 25116676
TI  - Antiretroviral drug resistance and HIV-1 subtypes among treatment-naive prisoners
      in Kelantan, Malaysia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
      and continuous reports of HIV-1 strains developing resistance to these drugs is
      rather alarming, as transmission of resistant viruses to newly infected persons
      is possible. This study aimed to determine HIV-1 subtypes and the prevalence of
      primary mutations associated with antiretroviral (ARV) resistance among treatment
      naive prisoners on the east coast of Malaysia. METHODOLOGY: Viral RNA was
      extracted from plasma samples of 21 treatment-naive prisoners. Protease (PR) and
      reverse transcriptase (RT) regions were amplified and sequenced. Stanford HIV
      database algorithms were used for interpretation of resistance, and phylogenetic
      analysis was performed for subtype assignment. RESULTS: In the PR gene, no
      antiviral resistance-associated mutation was detected. For RT-associated
      mutations, K103N was the most prevalent in sequenced samples (14.3%). Genetic
      subtyping on the pol gene revealed that the majority of the prisoners were
      infected with subtype CRF33_01B (52.4%). CONCLUSION: Continuous surveillance of
      newly infected individuals is required to help strategize the best antiviral
      treatment for these patients.

PMID- 25116677
TI  - Higher levels of hepatitis C virus RNA found in blood donors co-infected with HIV
      as compared to HCV mono-infected donors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) infections are public health problems in sub-Saharan countries such as the
      Republic of Congo. HIV infection could impact the characteristics of HCV
      infection in co-infected people. We investigated HCV-HIV co-infection among blood
      donors in Congo. METHODOLOGY: Ninety-nine HIV-positive and/or HCV-seropositive
      blood donors were selected during screening and subsequently tested for
      aminotransferases and HCV RNA. RESULTS: A total of 29 donors were found positive
      for HCV RNA (HCV-infected individuals), including 19/60 (31.66%) HIV donors (co
      infected) and 10/39 (25.64%) non-HIV donors (mono-infected). Most of the co
      infected donors (17/19) displayed a high viral load (> 5 log). The median HCV RNA
      level was at least 2 logs higher in co-infected people. The levels of alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) were also slightly higher in co-infected donors than in
      HCV mono-infected donors. CONCLUSION: This study reports HCV-HIV co-infection
      among blood donors in Congo and shows that HCV viral load is higher in HIV
      donors.

PMID- 25116678
TI  - Hantavirus infection mimicking leptospirosis: how long are we going to rely on
      clinical suspicion?
AB  - Hantavirus infections and leptospirosis can have similar clinical and
      epidemiological features. We present here a case study of a young farmer with
      fever during the post-flood leptospirosis outbreak in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, in
      2011. He presented with a classical clinical picture of leptospirosis and was
      managed and notified as a case of leptospirosis. Retrospective analysis of a
      stored serum sample confirmed acute hantavirus infection. Diagnosis of newly
      identified or emerging infectious diseases such as hantavirus infection is
      challenging due to the lack of diagnostic facilities in developing countries.
      This case highlights the need for improving diagnostic facilities, educating
      medical staff, and conducting population-based prospective studies on hantavirus
      infections in Sri Lanka. 

PMID- 25116679
TI  - Dengue encephalopathy - still an enigma?
AB  - Dengue encephalopathy or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) with neurological
      involvement was once considered to be one of the rarer presentations of this
      infectious agent. In recent years, many such clinical cases have been reported,
      though they still remain isolated. We hereby report a case of confirmed dengue
      fever with features of encephalopathy with previously unreported cranial magnetic
      resonance imaging findings suggestive of extensive involvement of the bilateral
      cerebellar region, brainstem, and thalami along with peculiar rim enhancement but
      normal cerebrospinal fluid analysis. 

PMID- 25116680
TI  - Parainfluenza virus 4 presenting with pericardial effusion in an immunocompetent
      child.

PMID- 25116681
TI  - Disease prevention: saving lives or reducing health care costs?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disease prevention has been claimed to reduce health care costs.
      However, preventing lethal diseases increases life expectancy and, thereby,
      indirectly increases the demand for health care. Previous studies have argued
      that on balance preventing diseases that reduce longevity increases health care
      costs while preventing non-fatal diseases could lead to health care savings. The
      objective of this research is to investigate if disease prevention could result
      in both increased longevity and lower lifetime health care costs. METHODS:
      Mortality rates for Netherlands in 2009 were used to construct cause-deleted life
      tables. Data originating from the Dutch Costs of Illness study was incorporated
      in order to estimate lifetime health care costs in the absence of selected
      disease categories. We took into account that for most diseases health care
      expenditures are concentrated in the last year of life. RESULTS: Elimination of
      diseases that reduce life expectancy considerably increase lifetime health care
      costs. Exemplary are neoplasms that, when eliminated would increase both life
      expectancy and lifetime health care spending with roughly 5% for men and women.
      Costs savings are incurred when prevention has only a small effect on longevity
      such as in the case of mental and behavioural disorders. Diseases of the
      circulatory system stand out as their elimination would increase life expectancy
      while reducing health care spending. CONCLUSION: The stronger the negative impact
      of a disease on longevity, the higher health care costs would be after
      elimination. Successful treatment of fatal diseases leaves less room for
      longevity gains due to effective prevention but more room for health care
      savings.

PMID- 25116682
TI  - Evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of copper-zinc alloy
      nanoparticles in human lung epithelial cells.
AB  - In the present study, in vitro cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of copper-zinc
      alloy nanoparticles (Cu-Zn ANPs) on human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were
      investigated. XTT test and clonogenic assay were used to determine cytotoxic
      effects. Cell death mode and intracellular reactive oxygen species formations
      were analyzed using M30, M65 and ROS Elisa assays. Genotoxic effects were
      evaluated using micronucleus, comet and gamma-H2AX foci assays. Cu-Zn ANPs were
      characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering
      (DLS) and zeta potential measurements. Characterization of Cu-Zn ANPs showed an
      average size of 200nm and zeta potential of -22mV. TEM analyses further revealed
      the intracellular localization of Cu-Zn ANPs in cytoplasm within 24h. Analysis of
      micronucleus, comet and gamma-H2AX foci counts showed that exposure to Cu-Zn ANPs
      significantly induced chromosomal damage as well as single and double stranded
      DNA damage in BEAS-2B cells. Our results further indicated that exposure to Cu-Zn
      ANPs significantly induced intracellular ROS formation. Evaluation of M30:M65
      ratios suggested that cell death was predominantly due to necrosis. 

PMID- 25116683
TI  - Theoretical study of the transpore velocity control of single-stranded DNA.
AB  - The electrokinetic transport dynamics of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules
      have recently attracted significant attention in various fields of research. Our
      group is interested in the detailed examination of the behavior of DNA when
      confined in micro/nanofluidic channels. In the present study, the translocation
      mechanism of a DNA-like polymer chain in a nanofluidic channel was investigated
      using Langevin dynamics simulations. A coarse-grained bead-spring model was
      developed to simulate the dynamics of a long polymer chain passing through a
      rectangular cross-section nanopore embedded in a nanochannel, under the influence
      of a nonuniform electric field. Varying the cross-sectional area of the nanopore
      was found to allow optimization of the translocation process through modification
      of the electric field in the flow channel, since a drastic drop in the electric
      potential at the nanopore was induced by changing the cross-section. Furthermore,
      the configuration of the polymer chain in the nanopore was observed to determine
      its translocation velocity. The competition between the strength of the electric
      field and confinement in the small pore produces various transport mechanisms and
      the results of this study thus represent a means of optimizing the design of
      nanofluidic devices for single molecule detection. 

PMID- 25116684
TI  - Rapamycin-Induced apoptosis in HGF-stimulated lens epithelial cells by AKT/mTOR,
      ERK and JAK2/STAT3 pathways.
AB  - Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induced the proliferation of lens epithelial cells
      (LECs) and may be a major cause of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which
      is the most frequent postoperative complication of cataract surgery. To date,
      several agents that can block LECs proliferation have been studied, but none have
      been used in clinic. Recently, accumulating evidence has suggested rapamycin, the
      inhibitor of mTOR (mammalian target of Rapamycin), was associated with the
      induction of apoptosis in LECs. The purpose of our study was to investigate the
      potential effects of rapamycin on HGF-induced LECs and the underlying mechanisms
      by which rapamycin exerted its actions. Using cell proliferation, cell viability
      and flow cytometric apoptosis assays, we found that rapamycin potently not only
      suppressed proliferation but also induced the apoptosis of LECs in a dose
      dependent manner under HGF administration. Further investigation of the
      underlying mechanism using siRNA transfection revealed that rapamycin could
      promote apoptosis of LECs via inhibiting HGF-induced phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR,
      ERK and JAK2/STAT3 signaling molecules. Moreover, the forced expression of AKT,
      ERK and STAT3 could induce a significant suppression of apoptosis in these cells
      after treatment of rapamycin. Together, these findings suggested that rapamycin
      induced apoptosis in HGF-stimulated LECs is accompanied by inhibition of
      AKT/mTOR, ERK and JAK2/STAT3 pathways, which supports its use to inhibit PCO in
      preclinical studies and provides theoretical foundation for future possible
      practice. 

PMID- 25116686
TI  - Effect of beta-glucan supplementation on acute postprandial changes in fatty acid
      profile of lymph and serum in pigs.
AB  - Triglycerides are absorbed by the lymphatic system and have various functions in
      the body. It has been shown that some types of beta-glucans have a positive
      effect on the systemic concentrations of cholesterol and lipid, presumably
      through interference with the absorption of lipid and/or reabsorption of bile
      acids. In the current study we investigated the acute effects of ingesting 2 g of
      beta-glucan concentrates derived from barley beta-(1->3)(1->4)-D-glucan or yeast
      beta-(1->3)(1->6)-D-glucan on fatty acid content and composition in lymph and
      serum of 10 female pigs (initial weight 34.7+/-1.1 kg) fitted with a permanent
      catheter in the jejunal lymphatic trunk in a cross-over design. Lymph was
      collected continuously for 8 h followed by a spot sample taken 24 h after. A
      significant effect of time after feeding was observed for all fatty acids in
      serum and for 18:0, 18:2omega6 and 18:3omega3 in lymph, but a significant effect
      of beta-glucan was only observed for 14:0 (p=0.049) and 22:6omega3 (p=0.048) in
      lymph and 18:0 (p=0.019) in serum. While the concentration of dietary fatty acids
      increased postprandially in lymph, the concentration of arachidonic and
      docahexanoic acid tended to decrease. Furthermore, there was a drop in
      concentration of all fatty acid in serum 1 h after the meal.

PMID- 25116687
TI  - Heterosis in early maize ear inflorescence development: a genome-wide
      transcription analysis for two maize inbred lines and their hybrid.
AB  - Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, contributes to superior agronomic performance of
      hybrids compared to their inbred parents. Despite its importance, little is known
      about the genetic and molecular basis of heterosis. Early maize ear
      inflorescences formation affects grain yield, and are thus an excellent model for
      molecular mechanisms involved in heterosis. To determine the parental
      contributions and their regulation during maize ear-development-genesis, we
      analyzed genome-wide digital gene expression profiles in two maize elite inbred
      lines (B73 and Mo17) and their F1 hybrid using deep sequencing technology. Our
      analysis revealed 17,128 genes expressed in these three genotypes and 22,789
      genes expressed collectively in the present study. Approximately 38% of the genes
      were differentially expressed in early maize ear inflorescences from heterotic
      cross, including many transcription factor genes and some presence/absence
      variations (PAVs) genes, and exhibited multiple modes of gene action. These
      different genes showing differential expression patterns were mainly enriched in
      five cellular component categories (organelle, cell, cell part, organelle part
      and macromolecular complex), five molecular function categories (structural
      molecule activity, binding, transporter activity, nucleic acid binding
      transcription factor activity and catalytic activity), and eight biological
      process categories (cellular process, metabolic process, biological regulation,
      regulation of biological process, establishment of localization, cellular
      component organization or biogenesis, response to stimulus and localization).
      Additionally, a significant number of genes were expressed in only one inbred
      line or absent in both inbred lines. Comparison of the differences of modes of
      gene action between previous studies and the present study revealed only a small
      number of different genes had the same modes of gene action in both maize
      seedlings and ear inflorescences. This might be an indication that in different
      tissues or developmental stages, different global expression patterns prevail,
      which might nevertheless be related to heterosis. Our results support the
      hypotheses that multiple molecular mechanisms (dominance and overdominance modes)
      contribute to heterosis. 

PMID- 25116688
TI  - Epigenetic determinants of CYP1A1 induction by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
      agonist 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126).
AB  - Many enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism, including cytochrome P450 (CYP)
      1A1, are regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). 3,3',4,4',5-Penta
      chlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) is a potent ligand for AhR and can thus induce the
      expression of CYP1A1. Interestingly, we observed that human carcinoma cell lines
      derived from different types of epithelial cells displayed divergent degrees of
      CYP1A1 induction after exposure to PCB 126. Since epigenetic mechanisms are known
      to be involved in cell type-specific gene expression, we sought to assess the
      epigenetic determinants of CYP1A1 induction in these carcinoma cell lines. In
      contrast to HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells, HeLa cervical carcinoma cells showed
      significantly lower levels of CYP1A1 mRNA expression following PCB 126 exposure.
      Our results show that the two cell lines maintained differences in the chromatin
      architecture along the CYP1A1 promoter region. Furthermore, treatment with the
      epigenetic modifiers, trichostatin A (TSA) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC),
      significantly increased the expression of CYP1A1 after PCB 126 treatment in HeLa
      cells. However, we did not observe apparent differences in methylation levels or
      specific location of CpG DNA methylation between the two cell lines in the
      analyzed CYP1A1 promoter region. Taken together, our findings suggest that the
      differences in CYP1A1 expression between HepG2 and HeLa cells are due to
      differences in the chromatin architecture of the CYP1A1 promoter and thus
      establish a role of epigenetic regulation in cell-specific CYP1A1 expression. 

PMID- 25116689
TI  - Localization of MLH3 at the centrosomes.
AB  - Mutations in human DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes are commonly associated with
      hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). MLH1 protein heterodimerizes
      with PMS2, PMS1, and MLH3 to form MutLalpha, MutLbeta, and MutLgamma,
      respectively. We reported recently stable expression of GFP-linked MLH3 in human
      cell lines. Monitoring these cell lines during the cell cycle using live cell
      imaging combined with confocal microscopy, we detected accumulation of MLH3 at
      the centrosomes. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) revealed high
      mobility and fast exchange rates at the centrosomes as it has been reported for
      other DNA repair proteins. MLH3 may have a role in combination with other repair
      proteins in the control of centrosome numbers. 

PMID- 25116690
TI  - Effects of psychotherapy on DNA strand break accumulation originating from
      traumatic stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research reveals an association between traumatic stress and
      an increased risk for numerous diseases, including cancer. At the molecular
      level, stress may increase carcinogenesis via increased DNA damage and impaired
      DNA repair mechanisms. We assessed DNA breakage in peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells from individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and measured
      the cellular capacity to repair single-strand breaks after exposure to ionizing X
      radiation. We also investigated the effect of psychotherapy on both DNA breakage
      and DNA repair. METHODS: In a first study we investigated DNA breakage and repair
      in 34 individuals with PTSD and 31 controls. Controls were subdivided into 11
      trauma-exposed subjects and 20 individuals without trauma exposure. In a second
      study, we analysed the effect of psychotherapy (Narrative Exposure Therapy) on
      DNA breakage and repair. Thirty-eight individuals with PTSD were randomly
      assigned to either a treatment or a waitlist control condition. Follow-up was
      performed 4 months and 1 year after therapy. RESULTS: In study 1 we found higher
      levels of basal DNA breakage in individuals with PTSD and trauma-exposed subjects
      than in controls, indicating that traumatic stress is associated with DNA
      breakage. However, single-strand break repair was unimpaired in individuals with
      PTSD. In study 2, we found that psychotherapy reversed not only PTSD symptoms,
      but also DNA strand break accumulation. CONCLUSION: Our results show - for the
      first time in vivo - an association between traumatic stress and DNA breakage;
      they also demonstrate changes at the molecular level, i.e., the integrity of DNA,
      after psychotherapeutic interventions.

PMID- 25116691
TI  - Understanding and reducing the experimental variability of in vitro plasma
      protein binding measurements.
AB  - The experimental measurement of plasma protein binding is a useful in vitro
      Absorption Distribution Metabolism and Excretion(ADME) assay currently conducted
      in both screening and definitive early development candidate modes. The fraction
      unbound is utilized to calculate important pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters such
      as unbound clearance and unbound volume of distribution in animals that can be
      used to make human PK and dose predictions and estimate clinically relevant drug
      drug interaction potential. Although these types of assays have been executed for
      decades, a rigorous statistical analysis of sources of variability has not been
      conducted because of the tedious nature of the manual experiment. Automated
      conduct of the incubations using a 96-well equilibrium dialysis device as well as
      high-throughput liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry quantitation has now made
      this level of rigor accessible and useful. Sources of variability were assessed
      including well position, day-to-day, and site-to-site reproducibility. Optimal pH
      conditions were determined using a design of experiments method interrogating
      buffer strength, CO2 % and device preparation conditions. Variability was
      minimized by implementing an in-well control that is concurrently analyzed with
      new chemical entity analytes. Data acceptance criteria have been set for both the
      in-well control and the range of analyte variability, with a sliding scale tied
      to analyte-binding characteristics. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the
      American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 103:3302-3309, 2014. 

PMID- 25116692
TI  - Analysis of STAT1 expression and biological activity reveals interferon-tau
      dependent STAT1-regulated SOCS genes in the bovine endometrium.
AB  - Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are critical for
      the regulation of numerous biological processes. In cattle, microarray analyses
      identified STAT1 as a differentially expressed gene in the endometrium during the
      peri-implantation period. To gain new insights about STAT1 during the oestrous
      cycle and early pregnancy, we investigated STAT1 transcript and protein
      expression, as well as its biological activity in bovine tissue and cells of
      endometrial origin. Pregnancy increased STAT1 expression on Day 16, and protein
      and phosphorylation levels on Day 20. In cyclic and pregnant females, STAT1 was
      located in endometrial cells but not in the luminal epithelium at Day 20 of
      pregnancy. The expression of STAT1 during the oestrous cycle was not affected by
      progesterone supplementation. In vivo and in vitro, interferon-tau (IFNT)
      stimulated STAT1 mRNA expression, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear
      translocation. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation in IFNT-stimulated endometrial
      cells, we demonstrated an increase of STAT1 binding on interferon regulatory
      factor 1 (IRF1), cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CISH), suppressor of
      cytokine signaling 1 and 3 (SOCS1, SOCS3) gene promoters consistent with the
      induction of their transcripts. Our data provide novel molecular insights into
      the biological functions of STAT1 in the various cells composing the endometrium
      during maternal pregnancy recognition and implantation. 

PMID- 25116695
TI  - Trajectory study of energy transfer and unimolecular dissociation of highly
      excited allyl with argon.
AB  - The influence of rotational excitation on energy transfer in single collisions of
      allyl with argon and on allyl dissociation is investigated. About 90,000
      classical scattering simulations are performed in order to determine collision
      induced changes in internal energy and in allyl rotational angular momentum.
      Dissociation is studied by means of about 50,000 additional trajectories evolved
      for the isolated allyl under three different conditions: allyl with no angular
      momentum (J = 0); allyl with the same microcanonically sampled initial conditions
      used for the collisions (J*); allyl evolving from the corresponding exit
      conditions after the collision. The potential energy surface is the sum of an
      intramolecular potential and an interaction one, and it has already been used in
      a previous work on allyl-argon scattering (Conte, R.; Houston, P. L.; Bowman, J.
      M. J. Phys. Chem. A 2013, 117, 14028-14041). Energy transfer data show that
      increased initial rotation favors, on average, increased relaxation of the
      excited molecule. The availability of a high-level intramolecular potential
      energy surface permits us to study the dependence of energy transfer on the type
      of starting allyl isomer. A turning point analysis is presented, and highly
      efficient collisions are detected. Collision-induced variations in the allyl
      rotational angular momentum may be quite large and are found to be distributed
      according to three regimes. The roles of rotational angular momentum, collision,
      and type of isomer on allyl unimolecular dissociation are considered by looking
      at dissociations times, kinetic energies of the fragments, and branching ratios.
      Generally, rotational angular momentum has a strong influence on the dissociation
      dynamics, while the single collision and the type of starting isomer are less
      influential.

PMID- 25116694
TI  - Costs associated with adverse events in patients with metastatic renal cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate adverse event (AE) costs in patients receiving targeted
      therapies for the first line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).
      METHODS: Retrospective study based on healthcare claims data for patients with
      mRCC, aged >=18 years, receiving first-line treatment with targeted therapies.
      AEs of interest comprised of abdominal pain, back pain, diarrhea, dyspnea,
      extremity pain, fatigue/asthenia, hand-foot syndrome, hypertension, lymphopenia,
      nausea/vomiting, neutropenia, proteinuria, and thrombocytopenia. Healthcare
      encounters for AEs were based on ICD-9-CM diagnosis/procedure codes on healthcare
      claims. AE costs were examined over a 30-day period, beginning with the date of
      first mention of AE, and were estimated based on the difference in total costs
      between patients with and without events. Drug costs of targeted agents were
      excluded from the analysis. Multivariate generalized linear models with a log
      link function and gamma response probability distribution were utilized to
      control for differences in baseline characteristics between patients with and
      without evidence of AEs. RESULTS: A total of 533 patients were included in this
      analysis: 418 patients with AE and 115 patients without AE. Baseline
      characteristics were generally similar between patients in the two groups. The
      GLM-based estimate of incremental 30-day post-event costs among patients with
      evidence of any adverse events was $9807 (95% CI = $4386-$22,947). For all types
      of adverse events examined, the estimated difference in costs between evented and
      non-evented patients was positive; the 95% CI did not include zero for all of the
      adverse events considered, except hypertension and proteinurea. Study limitations
      include errors of commission/omission, especially as they may affect case-finding
      methods that rely on ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes, as was the case in
      the current study. CONCLUSION: Costs associated with AEs of first-line targeted
      therapies are substantial in patients with mRCC. Efforts to prevent and/or better
      manage these events may reduce overall healthcare costs.

PMID- 25116693
TI  - Treatment experience, burden and unmet needs (TRIBUNE) in MS study: results from
      Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the economic burden of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Turkey,
      including the relapses and disease severity, and to evaluate the quality-of-life
      of MS patients. METHODS: The Treatment Experience, Burden and Unmet Needs
      (TRIBUNE) study was a multi-national, cross-sectional, retrospective, burden-of
      illness survey. Total costs were calculated using unit costs derived from price
      lists or published literature, where relevant, and inflated to 2011 TL prices.
      RESULTS: A total of 295 MS patients (74% females) were included in the analysis.
      The population had a mean age of 36 years; 73% had the relapsing-remitting form.
      Mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 2.2. Twenty-two per cent
      of the MS patients required hospitalization in the past year and spent an average
      of 29.2 days/year in hospital. These values were 43% and 5.6 days for the
      outpatients, respectively. Total cost per patient/year was 18,700 TL (Turkish
      Lira). Total costs for patients with mild, moderate, and severe disability were
      15,418 TL, 26,002 TL, and 44,208 TL per patient/year, respectively. The mean
      EuroQol 5D scores in the same groups were 0.73, 0.52, and 0.05, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Multiple sclerosis imposes a significant economic burden on patients
      and society in Turkey.

PMID- 25116685
TI  - Antibacterial surface treatment for orthopaedic implants.
AB  - It is expected that the projected increased usage of implantable devices in
      medicine will result in a natural rise in the number of infections related to
      these cases. Some patients are unable to autonomously prevent formation of
      biofilm on implant surfaces. Suppression of the local peri-implant immune
      response is an important contributory factor. Substantial avascular scar tissue
      encountered during revision joint replacement surgery places these cases at an
      especially high risk of periprosthetic joint infection. A critical pathogenic
      event in the process of biofilm formation is bacterial adhesion. Prevention of
      biomaterial-associated infections should be concurrently focused on at least two
      targets: inhibition of biofilm formation and minimizing local immune response
      suppression. Current knowledge of antimicrobial surface treatments suitable for
      prevention of prosthetic joint infection is reviewed. Several surface treatment
      modalities have been proposed. Minimizing bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation
      inhibition, and bactericidal approaches are discussed. The ultimate anti
      infective surface should be "smart" and responsive to even the lowest bacterial
      load. While research in this field is promising, there appears to be a great
      discrepancy between proposed and clinically implemented strategies, and there is
      urgent need for translational science focusing on this topic. 

PMID- 25116696
TI  - Play behavior of the golden-headed lion tamarin in Brazilian cocoa agroforests.
AB  - During play, primates may become more vulnerable to predation. Our goal was to
      examine the potential role of predation risk on the play behavior of 3 groups of
      golden-headed lion tamarin, Leontopithecus chrysomelas, in shaded cocoa
      agroforest (cabruca) of Southern Bahia, Brazil. We identified the preferred (and
      safer) locations on vertical strata during playtime and investigated if frequency
      and duration of play differed according to group size. All groups preferred to
      play on the lower levels of vertical strata, which may be perceived as either a
      safer environment or as a more suitable location for play due to the vegetation
      structure. The smallest group played less than the others, while the largest
      group played more and for longer periods. Our data suggest that predation risk
      can influence where play takes place as well as its frequency and length.

PMID- 25116697
TI  - Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative cleavage of C-C bonds in epoxides leading to
      aryl ketones.
AB  - A novel copper-catalyzed aerobic synthesis of ketones from epoxides via cleavage
      of C-C single bonds has been discovered. This reaction constitutes a new
      transformation from epoxides into ketones. 

PMID- 25116700
TI  - Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers in head and neck
      cancer: potential to guide treatment? A systematic review.
AB  - Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) generates
      microvascular parameters from the tracer kinetic analysis of a series of MRI
      images obtained in under 15 min. DCE-MRI parameters are associated with tumour
      hypoxia, which is well-established as a cause of treatment failure in head and
      neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A systematic review was conducted of
      prospective DCE-MRI parameter studies in HNSCC in the English language
      literature. Exclusion criteria were case reports and retrospective series. Six
      DCE-MRI marker studies in HNSCC met the inclusion criteria. Four studies
      contained 21-74 patients and two studies recruited 13 and 14 patients. In studies
      measuring the transfer coefficient (K(trans)), higher overall K(trans) or lower
      skewness of K(trans) were predictive of a good outcome following chemoradiation.
      DCE-MRI parameters have the potential to guide treatment in HNSCC. Progress in
      the field requires standardisation of methods, data sharing and large multi
      centre collaborative validation studies.

PMID- 25116698
TI  - Spectroscopic characterization and reactivity studies of a mononuclear nonheme
      Mn(III)-hydroperoxo complex.
AB  - We report the first example of a mononuclear nonheme manganese(III)-hydroperoxo
      complex derived from protonation of an isolated manganese(III)-peroxo complex
      bearing an N-tetramethylated cyclam (TMC) ligand, [Mn(III)(TMC)(OOH)](2+). The
      Mn(III)-hydroperoxo intermediate is characterized with various spectroscopic
      methods as well as with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, showing the
      binding of a hydroperoxide ligand in an end-on fashion. The Mn(III)-hydroperoxo
      species is a competent oxidant in oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions, such as
      the oxidation of sulfides. The electrophilic character of the Mn(III)-hydroperoxo
      complex is demonstrated unambiguously in the sulfoxidation of para-substituted
      thioanisoles. 

PMID- 25116702
TI  - Highly porous NiCo2O4 Nanoflakes and nanobelts as anode materials for lithium-ion
      batteries with excellent rate capability.
AB  - Highly porous NiCo2O4 nanoflakes and nanobelts were synthesized by using a
      hydrothermal technique, followed by calcination of the NiCo2O4 precursors. The as
      synthesized materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray
      diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller
      methods. The NiCo2O4 nanoflakes and nanobelts were applied as anode materials for
      lithium-ion batteries. Owing to the unique porous structural features, the
      NiCo2O4 nanoflakes and nanobelts exhibited high specific capacities of 1033 and
      1056 mA h g(-1), respectively, and good cycling stability and rate capability.
      These exceptional electrochemical performances could be ascribed to the
      remarkable structural feature with a high surface area and void spaces within the
      surface of nanoflakes and nanobelts, which provide large contact areas between
      electrolyte and active materials for electrolyte diffusion and cushion the volume
      variation during the lithium-ion insertion/extraction process. 

PMID- 25116701
TI  - Pressure-induced magnetic crossover driven by hydrogen bonding in CuF2(H2O)2(3
      chloropyridine).
AB  - Hydrogen bonding plays a foundational role in the life, earth, and chemical
      sciences, with its richness and strength depending on the situation. In molecular
      materials, these interactions determine assembly mechanisms, control
      superconductivity, and even permit magnetic exchange. In spite of its long
      standing importance, exquisite control of hydrogen bonding in molecule-based
      magnets has only been realized in limited form and remains as one of the major
      challenges. Here, we report the discovery that pressure can tune the
      dimensionality of hydrogen bonding networks in CuF2(H2O)2(3-chloropyridine) to
      induce magnetic switching. Specifically, we reveal how the development of O
      H...Cl exchange pathways under compression combined with an enhanced ab-plane
      hydrogen bonding network yields a three dimensional superexchange web between
      copper centers that triggers a reversible magnetic crossover. Similar pressure-
      and strain-driven crossover mechanisms involving coordinated motion of hydrogen
      bond networks may play out in other quantum magnets.

PMID- 25116703
TI  - Synthesis of 1,3,5,7-tetrakis(4-cyanatophenyl)adamantane and its microporous
      polycyanurate network for adsorption of organic vapors, hydrogen and carbon
      dioxide.
AB  - This report presents the synthesis of a tetraphenyladamantane-based microporous
      polycyanurate network with a BET surface area of 843 m(2) g(-1) and a pore size
      of 7.8 A. It uptakes 98.0 wt% benzene (298 K, P/P0 = 0.9), 1.49 wt% H2 (77 K/1
      bar) and 12.8 wt% CO2 (273 K/1 bar) with CO2/N2 selectivity of up to 112. 

PMID- 25116704
TI  - Adipocyte versus pituitary leptin in the regulation of pituitary hormones:
      somatotropes develop normally in the absence of circulating leptin.
AB  - Leptin is a cytokine produced by white fat cells, skeletal muscle, the placenta,
      and the pituitary gland among other tissues. Best known for its role in
      regulating appetite and energy expenditure, leptin is produced largely by and in
      proportion to white fat cells. Leptin is also important to the maintenance and
      function of the GH cells of the pituitary. This was shown when the deletion of
      leptin receptors on somatotropes caused decreased numbers of GH cells, decreased
      circulating GH, and adult-onset obesity. To determine the source of leptin most
      vital to GH cells and other pituitary cell types, we compared two different
      leptin knockout models with Cre-lox technology. The global Lep-null model is like
      the ob/ob mouse, whereby only the entire exon 3 is deleted. The selective
      adipocyte-Lep-null model lacks adipocyte leptin but retains pituitary leptin,
      allowing us to investigate the pituitary as a potential source of circulating
      leptin. Male and female mice lacking adipocyte leptin (Adipocyte-lep-null) did
      not produce any detectable circulating leptin and were infertile, suggesting that
      the pituitary does not contribute to serum levels. In the presence of only
      pituitary leptin, however, these same mutants were able to maintain somatotrope
      numbers and GH mRNA levels. Serum GH trended low, but values were not
      significant. However, hypothalamic GHRH mRNA was significantly reduced in these
      animals. Other serum hormone and pituitary mRNA differences were observed, some
      of which varied from previous results reported in ob/ob animals. Whereas
      pituitary leptin is capable of maintaining somatotrope numbers and GH mRNA
      production, the decreased hypothalamic GHRH mRNA and low (but not significant)
      serum GH levels indicate an important role for adipocyte leptin in the regulation
      of GH secretion in the mouse. Thus, normal GH secretion may require the
      coordinated actions of both adipocyte and pituitary leptin.

PMID- 25116705
TI  - A mollusk retinoic acid receptor (RAR) ortholog sheds light on the evolution of
      ligand binding.
AB  - Nuclear receptors are transcription factors that regulate networks of target
      genes in response to small molecules. There is a strong bias in our knowledge of
      these receptors because they were mainly characterized in classical model
      organisms, mostly vertebrates. Therefore, the evolutionary origins of specific
      ligand-receptor couples still remain elusive. Here we present the identification
      and characterization of a retinoic acid receptor (RAR) from the mollusk Nucella
      lapillus (NlRAR). We show that this receptor specifically binds to DNA response
      elements organized in direct repeats as a heterodimer with retinoid X receptor.
      Surprisingly, we also find that NlRAR does not bind all-trans retinoic acid or
      any other retinoid we tested. Furthermore, NlRAR is unable to activate the
      transcription of reporter genes in response to stimulation by retinoids and to
      recruit coactivators in the presence of these compounds. Three-dimensional
      modeling of the ligand-binding domain of NlRAR reveals an overall structure that
      is similar to vertebrate RARs. However, in the ligand-binding pocket (LBP) of the
      mollusk receptor, the alteration of several residues interacting with the ligand
      has apparently led to an overall decrease in the strength of the interaction with
      the ligand. Accordingly, mutations of NlRAR at key positions within the LBP
      generate receptors that are responsive to retinoids. Altogether our data suggest
      that, in mollusks, RAR has lost its affinity for all-trans retinoic acid,
      highlighting the evolutionary plasticity of its LBP. When put in an evolutionary
      context, our results reveal new structural and functional features of nuclear
      receptors validated by millions of years of evolution that were impossible to
      reveal in model organisms.

PMID- 25116707
TI  - Decidualization induces a secretome switch in perivascular niche cells of the
      human endometrium.
AB  - The endometrial perivascular microenvironment is rich in mesenchymal stem-like
      cells that express type 1 integral membrane protein Sushi domain containing 2
      (SUSD2) but the role of these cells in the decidual transformation of this tissue
      in pregnancy is unknown. We used an antibody directed against SUSD2 (W5C5) to
      isolate perivascular (W5C5(+)) and nonperivascular (W5C5(-)) fibroblasts from mid
      luteal biopsies. We show that SUSD2 expression, and hence the ratio of
      W5C5(+):W5C5(-) cells, changes in culture depending on cell-cell contact and
      activation of the Notch signaling pathway. RNA sequencing revealed that cultures
      derived from W5C5(+) progenitor cells remain phenotypically distinct by the
      enrichment of novel and established endometrial perivascular signature genes. In
      an undifferentiated state, W5C5(+)-derived cells produced lower levels of various
      chemokines and inflammatory modulators when compared with their W5C5(-)
      counterparts. This divergence in secretomes was switched and became more
      pronounced upon decidualization, which transformed perivascular W5C5(+) cells
      into the dominant source of a range of chemokines and cytokines, including
      leukemia inhibitory factor and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7. Our findings
      suggest that the decidual response is spatially organized at the embryo-maternal
      interface with differentiating perivascular cells establishing distinct cytokine
      and chemokine profiles that could potentially direct trophoblast toward maternal
      vessels and govern local immune responses in pregnancy.

PMID- 25116708
TI  - Insulin action on GABA neurons is a critical regulator of energy balance but not
      fertility in mice.
AB  - Insulin signaling in the brain plays an important role in the central regulation
      of energy homeostasis and fertility, such that mice exhibiting brain-specific
      deletion of insulin receptors (InsRs) display a diet-sensitive obesogenic
      phenotype and hypothalamic hypogonadism. However, the specific neurons mediating
      insulin's central effects on fertility remain largely unidentified. The
      neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate are important
      modulators of fertility and energy homeostasis and are widely distributed in the
      hypothalamus. We therefore investigated whether insulin signaling via GABAergic
      or glutamatergic neurons plays an important role in the metabolic regulation of
      fertility. We used the Cre-loxP system to generate mice with a selective
      inactivation of the Insr gene from GABAergic (Vgat(+)) or glutamatergic
      (Vglut2(+)) cells by crossing Insr-flox mice with Vgat-Cre or Vglut2-Cre mice,
      respectively. Multiple reproductive and metabolic parameters were then compared
      between male and female Insr-flox/Vgat-Cre(+) (VgatIRKO), Insr-flox/Vglut2-Cre(+)
      (VglutIRKO), and Insr-flox/Cre-negative control (CON) mice. Female VgatIRKO mice
      exhibited a significant increase in adult body weight, abdominal fat mass, and
      fasting plasma insulin and leptin concentrations, but normal fasting glucose
      concentration and glucose tolerance compared with CON mice. Surprisingly,
      VgatIRKO and VglutIRKO mice exhibited normal reproductive maturation and function
      compared with CONs. No differences in the age of puberty onset, estrous
      cyclicity, or fertility were observed between VgatIRKO, VglutIRKO, and CON mice.
      However, male VgatIRKO mice exhibited significantly augmented LH concentration
      and a trend toward reduced seminal vesicle weight compared with CON mice, which
      may be indicative of primary hypogonadism. Our results therefore demonstrate that
      insulin signaling via GABAergic and glutamatergic cells is not required for
      fertility in mice, but show that GABAergic neurons encompass circuitry through
      which insulin acts to modulate energy homeostasis.

PMID- 25116706
TI  - GLP-1 receptor stimulation of the lateral parabrachial nucleus reduces food
      intake: neuroanatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral evidence.
AB  - The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) is a key nucleus for the regulation of feeding
      behavior. Inhibitory inputs from the hypothalamus to the PBN play a crucial role
      in the normal maintenance of feeding behavior, because their loss leads to
      starvation. Viscerosensory stimuli result in neuronal activation of the PBN.
      However, the origin and neurochemical identity of the excitatory neuronal input
      to the PBN remain largely unexplored. Here, we hypothesize that hindbrain
      glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) neurons provide excitatory inputs to the PBN,
      activation of which may lead to a reduction in feeding behavior. Our data,
      obtained from mice expressing the yellow fluorescent protein in GLP-1-producing
      neurons, revealed that hindbrain GLP-1-producing neurons project to the lateral
      PBN (lPBN). Stimulation of lPBN GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1Rs) reduced the intake of
      chow and palatable food and decreased body weight in rats. It also activated lPBN
      neurons, reflected by an increase in the number of c-Fos-positive cells in this
      region. Further support for an excitatory role of GLP-1 in the PBN is provided by
      electrophysiological studies showing a remarkable increase in firing of lPBN
      neurons after Exendin-4 application. We show that within the PBN, GLP-1R
      activation increased gene expression of 2 energy balance regulating peptides,
      calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and IL-6. Moreover, nearly 70% of the lPBN
      GLP-1 fibers innervated lPBN CGRP neurons. Direct intra-lPBN CGRP application
      resulted in anorexia. Collectively, our molecular, anatomical,
      electrophysiological, pharmacological, and behavioral data provide evidence for a
      functional role of the GLP-1R for feeding control in the PBN.

PMID- 25116709
TI  - The American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology and American Academy of Clinical
      Neuropsychology: updated milestones 2005-2014.

PMID- 25116710
TI  - Brain alterations in paedophilia: a critical review.
AB  - Psychosocial and biological factors have been implicated in paedophilia, such as
      alterations in brain structure and function. The purpose of this paper is to
      review the expanding body of literature on this topic including brain abnormality
      case reports, as well as structural and functional neuroimaging studies. Case
      studies of men who have committed sexual offences against children implicate
      frontal and temporal abnormalities that may be associated with impaired impulse
      inhibition. Structural neuroimaging investigations show volume reductions in
      paedophilic men. Although the findings have been heterogeneous, smaller amygdala
      volume has been replicated repeatedly. Functional neuroimaging investigations
      demonstrate an overlap between paedophiles and teleiophiles during sexual arousal
      processing. While it is controversial among studies regarding group differences,
      reliable discrimination between paedophilic and teleiophilic men may be achieved
      using functional activation patterns. Nevertheless, the heterogeneous findings
      published so far suggest further research is necessary to disentangle the
      neurobiological mechanisms of paedophilic preference. A number of methodological
      confounds have been identified, which may account for the inconsistent results
      that could prove to be beneficial for future investigations. 

PMID- 25116711
TI  - The role of P2X7 receptor in infectious inflammatory diseases and the influence
      of ectonucleotidases.
AB  - The purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 (P2X7) is ubiquitously
      expressed in almost all tissues and organs of the body with the highest
      distribution in the immune cells of monocyte-macrophage origin. Classically, P2X7
      receptor is involved in apoptotic cell death, and it is well known that
      extracellular ATP ligation to this purinergic receptor serves as an important
      secondary stimulus, which is also considered as danger signal for the interleukin
      (IL)-1beta cleavage and secretion from pro-inflammatory cells. More recently,
      however, there has been substantial evidence of additional roles for the P2X7
      receptor, both in innate immune response and as an adaptive link, including T
      cell activation in a chronic state of inflammation. Also, compelling evidences
      have revealed an important role for ectonucleotidases as ATP-consuming enzymes in
      the control and fine-tuning of P2X7 function by regulating the time,
      concentration, and availability of ATP during infection-driven inflammation. This
      review focuses on the current evidences for P2X7 receptor involvement in the
      initial stages of inflammation, as well as for its role in acute and chronic
      stages of infection. Here, we also highlight the role of ectonucleotidase family
      in the control of P2X7 function, including the initial and resolution phases of
      inflammation. 

PMID- 25116712
TI  - Proton pump inhibitors and risk for Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea.
AB  - Increased incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) among in-patients is
      associated with significant increased mortality, morbidity, and stay in the
      hospitals. This has occurred despite heightened awareness of the risks of broad
      spectrum antibiotics, overall reduction in antibiotic use and increased focus on
      hospital hygiene. So though the main risk factor for CDI is use of broad-spectrum
      antibiotics, the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as a novel potential
      contributor has been implicated, because of their ability to substantially reduce
      gastric acid secretion which is an important host defense mechanism in
      suppressing the ingested C. difficile or its spores. Antibiotic disruption of the
      normal intestinal flora and reduced gastric acidity have been suggested as the
      risk factors for C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Based on such
      assumptions the use of PPIs may be associated with an increased risk of CDAD.
      While a definite association between PPI use and CDAD has not yet been confirmed,
      the possibility and such an association however cannot be ruled out at present.
      Thus among the identified risk factors, the use of PPI is important, previously
      unrecognized and modifiable risk factors whose use should be carefully evaluated
      among hospital in-patients receiving antibiotics, especially in those with a
      diagnosis of C. difficile diarrhea. 

PMID- 25116713
TI  - Systematic review of the surgery-first approach in orthognathic surgery.
AB  - The surgery-first approach in orthognathic surgery has recently created a broader
      interest in completely eliminating time-consuming preoperative orthodontic
      treatment. Available evidence on the surgery-first approach should be appraised
      to support its use in orthognathic surgery. A MEDLINE search using the keywords
      "surgery first" and "orthognathic surgery" was conducted to select studies using
      the surgery-first approach. We also manually searched the reference list of the
      selected keywords to include articles not selected by the MEDLINE search. The
      search identified 18 articles related to the surgery-first approach. There was no
      randomized controlled clinical trial. Four papers were excluded as the content
      was only personal opinion or basic scientific research. Three studies were
      retrospective cohort studies in nature. The other 11 studies were case reports.
      For skeletal Class III surgical correction, the final long-term outcomes for
      maxillofacial and dental relationship were not significantly different between
      the surgery-first approach and the orthodontics-first approach in transverse
      (e.g., intercanine or intermolar width) dimension, vertical (e.g., anterior open
      bite, lower anterior facial height) dimension, and sagittal (e.g., anterior
      posterior position of pogonion and lower incisors) dimension. Total treatment
      duration was substantially shorter in cases of surgery-first approach use. In
      conclusion, most published studies related to the surgery-first approach were
      mainly on orthognathic correction of skeletal Class III malocclusion. Both the
      surgery-first approach and orthodontics-first approach had similar long-term
      outcomes in dentofacial relationship. However, the surgery-first approach had
      shorter treatment time. 

PMID- 25116714
TI  - PPARgamma ligand ciglitazone inhibits TNFalpha-induced ICAM-1 in human airway
      smooth muscle cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modification of human airway smooth muscle (ASM) function by
      proinflammatory cytokines has been regarded as a potential mechanism underlying
      bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthma. Human ASM cells express intercellular
      adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 in response to cytokines. Synthetic ligands for
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma reportedly possess anti
      inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we examined whether
      ciglitazone, a synthetic PPARgamma ligand, can modulate the basal and tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF)alpha-induced ICAM1 gene expression in human ASM cells.
      METHODS: Human ASM cells were treated with TNFalpha. ICAM-1 expression was
      assessed by flow cytometry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction
      (RT-PCR) analysis. PPARgamma activity was inhibited by target-specific small
      interfering (si) RNA targeting PPARgamma and GW9662, a PPARgamma antagonist.
      Activity of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB was assessed by using immunoblot analysis,
      immune-confocal images, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS:
      By flow cytometry, ciglitazone alone had no effect on ICAM-1 expression in ASM
      cells, but inhibited ICAM-1 expression in response to TNFalpha (10 ng/ml) in a
      dose-dependent manner (1-10 MUM). It also inhibited TNFalpha-induced ICAM1 gene
      expression by RT-PCR analysis. Knockdown of PPARgamma gene by target-specific
      siRNA targeting PPARgamma enhanced ICAM-1 expression and the inhibitory effect of
      ciglitazone on TNFalpha-induced ICAM-1 expression was reversed by PPARgamma siRNA
      and GW9662. SN-50 (10 MUg/ml), an inhibitor for nuclear translocation of NF
      kappaB, inhibited TNFalpha-induced ICAM-1 expression. Ciglitazone did not prevent
      TNFalpha-induced degradation of the cytosolic inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkappaB),
      but inhibited the nuclear translocation of p65 induced by TNFalpha and suppressed
      the NF-kappaB/DNA binding activity. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that
      ciglitazone inhibits TNFalpha-induced ICAM1 gene expression in human ASM cells
      through the ligand-dependent PPARgamma activation and NF-kappaB-dependent
      pathway.

PMID- 25116715
TI  - Thromboprophylaxis after minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty: a comparison
      of rivaroxaban and enoxaparin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) carries a substantial rate of venous
      thromboembolism (VTE). The blood-saving of effect of tranexamic acid (TEA) in TKA
      using enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis has been well known. However, the routine
      use of chemoprophylaxis in TKA remains controversial because of postoperative
      bleeding complications. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to
      retrospectively compare the incidence of VTE, and postoperative blood loss and
      wound-related complications in minimally invasive (MIS)-TKA patients who received
      rivaroxaban or enoxaparin prophylaxis. METHODS: A total of 113 patients who
      underwent primary unilateral MIS-TKA between 2009 and 2012 were studied. Of
      these, 61 patients (study group) received rivaroxaban prophylaxis between 2011
      and 2012 and a control group of 52 patients received enoxaparin prophylaxis
      between 2009 and 2010. All patients received one intraoperative injection of TEA
      (10 mg/kg). We compared the changes in hemoglobin (Hb) level, postoperative
      drainage amount, total blood loss, transfusion rate, and incidence of
      postoperative wound complications and VTE between the two groups. RESULTS: No
      differences in postoperative Hb levels, blood drainage amount, total blood loss,
      and transfusion rate were observed between the two groups. No deep-vein
      thrombosis of the leg or pulmonary embolism was noted in both groups. There were
      no major wound complications including hematoma and infection requiring surgical
      intervention for open irrigation or debridement. CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective
      study demonstrated a low rate of VTE in MIS-TKA patients who received rivaroxaban
      or enoxaparin when TEA was used for bleeding prophylaxis. No increased
      perioperative bleeding or postoperative wound-related complications were observed
      in the rivaroxaban group compared with the enoxaparin group.

PMID- 25116716
TI  - Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on arterial hemodynamic
      properties and body composition in paretic upper extremities of patients with
      subacute stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) induces repeated muscular
      contraction, possibly promoting the perfusion/oxygenation of the regional
      tissues. It remains unclear how NMES influences vascular hemodynamic property and
      segmental fluid distribution/composition in paretic extremities of hemiplegic
      patients. METHODS: Eleven hemiplegic patients aged 62.6 +/- 12.5 years in the
      subacute stage of stroke received NMES for paretic wrist extensor and flexor
      muscles 30 min daily, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The non-paretic upper
      extremities (NPUE) that did not receive NMES served as control. Distribution of
      fluid to intra/extracellular milieu and arterial hemodynamic properties were
      determined by using the multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance and pulse wave
      analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with NPUE without NMES, paretic upper
      extremity (PUE) with NMES revealed a significantly less decrease in arterial
      blood flow, impedance quotient, slope quotient, and less increase in crest width
      and crest time of arterial pulse wave. NMES for 4 weeks increased body cell mass
      in PUE. Furthermore, NPUE without NMES reduced intracellular water, whereas PUE
      with NMES retarded loss of intracellular water after stroke. CONCLUSION: NMES
      therapy increases body cell mass, attenuates reduction of intracellular water,
      and alleviates arterial hemodynamic disturbance in PUE in subacute stroke.
      However, stroke-related physical deconditioning may negatively regulate body
      composition and impair hemodynamic function in NPUE.

PMID- 25116717
TI  - Extended shelf life of random donor platelets stored for 7 days in platelet
      additive solution at different temperatures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Platelets are routinely stored in plasma for 5 days at an average
      temperature of 22 degrees C. In the present study, the shelf life of random donor
      platelets was extended by storing for 7 days with and without additive solution
      at temperatures of 22 degrees C, 18 degrees C, and 16 degrees C. METHODS: Random
      donor platelets were stored in 100% plasma and 20%/80% platelet additive
      solution. The data were compared using paired "t"- test. The confidence limit was
      kept at 95%, hence a "p" < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
      RESULTS: Out of total 150 samples, 148 samples were analyzed and 2 were discarded
      due to the bacterial contamination on day 7 at 22 degrees C without platelet
      additive solution. A significant difference in platelet count, platelet factor 3
      (PF 3), glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and platelet aggregation was
      observed on day 7 (p < 0.001) at 16 degrees C in without platelet additive
      solution. In platelet additive solution, the mean values of platelet count,
      platelet distribution width (PDW), LDH, and pH showed no significant difference
      on day 7 at 22 degrees C, 18 degrees C, and 16 degrees C. Only significant
      differences were observed in the levels of mean platelet volume (MPV), PF 3,
      glucose, and platelet aggregation on day 7 (p < 0.001) at 16 degrees C of the
      storage period. CONCLUSION: Random donor platelets functions are better
      maintained in platelet additive solution as compared to plasma at a lower
      temperature of 18 degrees C but not at 16 degrees C, on the 7 th day.

PMID- 25116719
TI  - Effect of environmental enrichment exposure on neuronal morphology of
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic and stressed rat hippocampus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Environmental enrichment (EE) exposure is known to influence the
      structural changes in the neuronal network of hippocampus. In the present study,
      we evaluated the effects of EE exposure on the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced
      diabetic and stressed rat hippocampus. METHODS: Male albino rats of Wistar strain
      (4-5 weeks old) were grouped into normal control (NC), vehicle control (VC),
      diabetes (DI), diabetes + stress (DI + S), diabetes + EE (DI + E), and diabetes +
      stress + EE (DI + S + E) groups (n = 8 in each group). Rats were exposed to
      stress and EE after inducing diabetes with STZ (40 mg/kg). Rats were sacrificed
      on Day 30 and brain sections were processed for cresyl violet staining to
      quantify the number of surviving neurons in the CA1, CA3, and dentate hilus (DH)
      regions of hippocampus. RESULTS: A significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the number
      of survived neurons was noticed in DI (CA1, 34.06 +/- 3.2; CA3, 36.1 +/- 3.62;
      DH, 9.83 +/- 2.02) as well as DI + S (CA1, 14.03 +/- 3.12; CA3, 20.27 +/- 4.09;
      DH, 6.4 +/- 1.21) group rats compared to NC rats (CA1, 53.64 +/- 2.96; CA3, 62.1
      +/- 3.34; DH, 21.11 +/- 1.03). A significant (p < 0.001) increase in the number
      of survived neurons was observed in DI + E (CA1, 42.3 +/- 3.66; CA3, 46.73 +/-
      4.74; DH, 17.03 +/- 2.19) and DI + S + E (CA1, 29.69 +/- 4.47; CA3, 36.73 +/-
      3.89; DH, 12.23 +/- 2.36) group rats compared to DI and DI + S groups,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EE exposure significantly reduced the amount of
      neuronal damage caused by complications of diabetes and stress to the neurons of
      hippocampus.

PMID- 25116718
TI  - Anti-adhesive effect of hyaluronate in a rabbit laminectomy model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postlaminectomy dural adhesion is a common cause of recurrent
      symptoms. Hyaluronic acid-based gel has been reported to reduce the incidence of
      postoperative adhesion in the peritoneal cavity; however, its effect on
      preventing postoperative scar formation at laminectomy sites is not yet known.
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-adhesive effect of hyaluronic
      acid-based gelatin after laminectomy, using a rabbit model. METHODS: Twelve adult
      New Zealand rabbits underwent two-level lumbar laminectomy, and were randomly
      assigned to one of two groups of six rabbits each. The treatment group received
      hyaluronic acid-based gelatin treatment and the control group was untreated.
      Rabbits were sacrificed 8 weeks after treatment. Peel-off testing and
      histological analysis were performed to assess the tenacity and the extent of
      adhesion formation. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the
      neurologic performance between the two groups. The tenacity in the treatment
      group was significantly reduced compared to that of the control group (3.17 +/-
      0.75 vs. 4.33 +/- 0.52, respectively; p = 0.016). Histological analysis showed
      significantly less scar tissue formation in the treatment group, with a larger
      subarachnoid space and greater distance between the dura and scar tissues. The
      amount of fibroblast cells also was significantly smaller in the treatment group
      than in the control group (3078 +/- 313.68 vs. 3742 +/- 455.65, respectively; p =
      0.042). CONCLUSIONS: No serious adverse events were reported, and no difference
      was found in the incidence of complications between the treatment and control
      groups. The findings suggested that hyaluronic acid-based gelatin may be
      effective for preventing postlaminectomy dural adhesion in rabbits.

PMID- 25116720
TI  - Fetal magnetic resonance imaging of normal spinal cord: evaluating cord
      visualization and conus medullaris position by T2-weighted sequences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenatal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstration of the normal
      spinal cord and the conus medullaris location has not been well studied. We
      compared balanced fast field echo (bFFE) with single-shot turbo spin-echo (SSh
      TSE) MR sequences for visualizing the normal spinal cord and position of conus
      medullaris in fetuses. METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the
      Institutional Review Board of Chang Gung Medical Foundation. We reviewed the MR
      images of 141 fetuses aged between 16 and 39 gestational weeks, to determine the
      position of the conus and visualize the spinal cord by using a signal intensity
      ratio of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to the spinal cord. RESULTS: Of the 75
      subjects having normal spinal cord and being examined by both bFFE and SSh-TSE
      studies, the signal intensity ratio of CSF/cord was greater on bFFE images (2.18
      +/- 0.53) than that on SSh-TSE images (1.21 +/- 0.13) (p < 0.05). The conus level
      identified in the 50 subjects, in whom the lumbosacral spine was appropriately
      imaged, was located from L1 to L5 levels. The ascendance of the conus correlated
      moderately with gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: With greater signal contrast ratio
      of CSF to spinal cord, bFFE sequence, when compared with SSh-TSE sequence,
      provides better visualization of normal spinal cord. The fetal conus medullaris
      ascends from L5 to L1 levels as the gestational age increases.

PMID- 25116721
TI  - Co-infusion of autologous adipose tissue derived neuronal differentiated
      mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow derived hematopoietic stem cells, a viable
      therapy for post-traumatic brachial plexus injury: a case report.
AB  - Stem cell therapy is emerging as a viable approach in regenerative medicine. A 31
      year-old male with brachial plexus injury had complete sensory-motor loss since
      16 years with right pseudo-meningocele at C5-D1 levels and extra-spinal extension
      up to C7-D1, with avulsion on magnetic resonance imaging and irreversible damage.
      We generated adipose tissue derived neuronal differentiated mesenchymal stem
      cells (N-AD-MSC) and bone marrow derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSC-BM).
      Neuronal stem cells expressed beta-3 tubulin and glial fibrillary acid protein
      which was confirmed on immunofluorescence. On day 14, 2.8 ml stem cell inoculum
      was infused under local anesthesia in right brachial plexus sheath by brachial
      block technique under ultrasonography guidance with a 1.5-inch-long 23 gauge
      needle. Nucleated cell count was 2 * 10 4 /MUl, CD34+ was 0.06%, and CD45-/90+
      and CD45-/73+ were 41.63% and 20.36%, respectively. No untoward effects were
      noted. He has sustained recovery with re-innervation over a follow-up of 4 years
      documented on electromyography-nerve conduction velocity study. 

PMID- 25116722
TI  - Conformational and H-bonding preferences for facile racemate crystallization of
      ribose.
AB  - Recalcitrant crystallization and syrup formation are frequent features of natural
      sugars. This is the case of D-ribose, yielding low-quality crystals of mixed
      alpha- and beta-pyranose anomers. However, large crystals of DL-ribose can be
      grown easily. The crystal structures of stable D-ribose forms I and II as well as
      DL-form II have been analyzed in terms of their compatibility with the molecular
      aggregation. The comparison of the potential energy of all conformers and their
      OH...O hydrogen-bonding patterns is consistent with the preferential racemate
      crystallization in terms of departures from the optimized isolated ribose
      molecule and its directional interactions. This analysis is aimed at
      rationalizing the interplay between the molecular structure and spontaneous
      crystallization of chiral compounds.

PMID- 25116723
TI  - Nickelalactones with an allyl subunit - the effect of penta-coordination on
      structures and stability.
AB  - A series of allyl modified nickelalactone derivatives of the general formula
      [(L)nNi{CH2C(CH3)C(CH3)CH2COO}] was synthesized via ligand exchange reactions in
      order to investigate the influence of the neutral ligand L on the structure and
      stability of these complexes. While the square planar 1,8
      diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec-7-ene ligated derivative 1 is stable in the solid state
      and in solution at ambient temperature, the use of the chelating ligands 6
      diphenylphosphino-1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene, 1,1
      bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)methane and 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane (dcpe)
      led to square pyramidal derivatives 2, 4, and 5 with a novel ligand arrangement.
      In solution, these derivatives are fluxional and show increasing tendencies in
      the order 2 < 4 < 5 to decouple the nickelalactone moiety to 2,3
      dimethylbutadiene (dmbd), CO2 and zero-valent nickel complexes. During the
      investigation of 5, the tetrahedral complex [(dcpe)2Ni] (6) and the trigonal
      planar derivative [(dcpe)Ni(dmbd)] (7) were observed as predominant decomposition
      products. In the case of the application of 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane as
      a neutral ligand, a dinuclear nickelalactone species [(MU
      dppm)(Ni{CH2C(CH3)C(CH3)CH2COO})2] (3) was isolated in which the two nickel atoms
      realize different coordination geometries (SP-4 and SPY-5) in the solid state.
      The complexes were characterized by NMR techniques, single crystal X-ray
      diffraction measurements and infrared spectroscopy. 

PMID- 25116724
TI  - Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation reduces abnormalities in the
      expression of immune genes in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been experimented
      as a treatment in patients affected by severe forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
      who failed to respond to standard immunotherapy. The rationale of AHSCT is to
      'reboot' the immune system and reconstitute a new adaptive immunity. The aim of
      our study was to identify, through a robust and unbiased transcriptomic analysis,
      any changes of gene expression in T-cells potentially underlying the treatment
      effect in patients who underwent non-myeloablative AHSCT for treatment of MS. We
      evaluated by microarray DNA-chip technology the gene expression of peripheral
      CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets sorted from patients with MS patients before AHSCT,
      at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after AHSCT and from healthy control subjects.
      Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that reconstituted CD8+ T-cells of MS
      patients at 2 years post-transplantation, aggregated together with healthy
      controls, suggesting a normalization of gene expression in CD8+ cells post
      therapy. When we compared the gene expression in MS patients before and after
      therapy, we detected a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEG) in
      both CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell subsets at all time points after transplantation. We
      catalogued the biological function of DEG and we selected 27 genes known to be
      involved in immune function for accurate quantification of gene expression by
      real-time PCR. The analysis confirmed and extended with quantitative data, a
      number of significant changes in both the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells subsets from MS
      post-transplant. Notably, CD8+ T-cells revealed more extensive changes in the
      expression of genes involved in effector immune responses. 

PMID- 25116725
TI  - Recovery of flavonoids from orange press liquor by an integrated membrane
      process.
AB  - Orange press liquor is a by-product generated by the citrus processing industry
      containing huge amounts of natural phenolic compounds with recognized antioxidant
      activity. In this work, an integrated membrane process for the recovery of
      flavonoids from orange press liquors was investigated on a laboratory scale. The
      liquor was previously clarified by ultrafiltration (UF) in selected operating
      conditions by using hollow fiber polysulfone membranes. Then, the clarified
      liquor with a total soluble solids (TSS) content of 10 g.100 g-1 was pre
      concentrated by nanofiltration (NF) up to 32 g TSS 100 g-1 by using a
      polyethersulfone spiral-wound membrane. A final concentration step, up to 47 g
      TSS 100 g-1, was performed by using an osmotic distillation (OD) apparatus
      equipped with polypropylene hollow fiber membranes. Suspended solids were
      completely removed in the UF step producing a clarified liquor containing most
      part of the flavonoids of the original press liquor due to the low rejection of
      the UF membrane towards these compounds. Flavanones and anthocyanins were highly
      rejected by the NF membrane, producing a permeate stream with a TSS content of
      4.5 g.100 g-1. An increasing of both the flavanones and anthocyanins
      concentration was observed in the NF retentate by increasing the volume reduction
      factor (VRF). The final concentration of flavonoids by OD produced a concentrated
      solution of interest for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. 

PMID- 25116727
TI  - Optimising retention through multiple study opportunities over days: The benefit
      of an expanding schedule of repetitions.
AB  - Few studies have investigated how scheduling repeated studies of the same
      material over several days influences its subsequent retention. The study-phase
      retrieval hypothesis predicts that, under these circumstances, expanding
      intervals between repetitions will promote the greatest likelihood that the
      participant will be reminded of previous occurrences of the item, thus leading to
      a benefit for subsequent recall. In the present article, participants studied
      vocabulary pairs that were repeated according to one of three schedules. In the
      expanding schedule, pairs were presented on days 1, 2 and 13; in the uniform
      schedule, on days 1, 7 and 13; and in the contracting schedule, on days 1, 12 and
      13. Cued-recall was assessed after a retention interval (RI) of 2, 6 or 13 days.
      Consistent with predictions, the expanding schedule generally led to better
      performance than the other schedules. However, further analyses suggested that
      the benefit of an expanding schedule may be greater when the RI is longer. 

PMID- 25116728
TI  - Retraction: common occurrence of ceftriaxone-resistant, methicillin-sensitive
      Staphylococcus aureus at a Community Teaching Hospital.

PMID- 25116731
TI  - New cyanopyridone based luminescent liquid crystalline materials: synthesis and
      characterization.
AB  - A new series of 4-(3,4-bis(akyloxy)phenyl)-6-(4-((1-(4-cyano- or 4-nitro-benzyl)
      1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy)phenyl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitriles
      carrying terminal di-alkoxy chain lengths (viz. octyloxy, decyloxy, dodecyloxy,
      tetradecyloxy and hexadodecyloxy) as well as terminal polar groups -CN or -NO2
      have been designed and synthesized successfully as luminescent mesogens. Their
      thermotropic behaviors have been studied by means of differential scanning
      calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy. The supramolecular organizations in
      them were explored by the temperature dependent X-ray diffraction method and
      their photophysical properties were investigated using UV-visible and
      fluorescence spectral methods. The mesogenic study reveals that the presence of
      hydrogen bonds, as well as dimerization between the molecules, is mainly
      responsible for the formation of the ambient temperature hexagonal columnar phase
      (Colh) in the new molecules. Their photophysical study indicates that the
      compounds exhibit a strong absorption band at ~370 nm and a blue emission band at
      ~466 nm with good quantum yields of ~0.62 when compared to quinine sulphate (Phif
      = 0.54) in chloroform. Also, the compounds show a slightly red shift in the
      absorption band with increased solvent polarity. In liquid crystalline films,
      they display a bathochromic shift in the emission band because of the intimate
      overlap of molecular cores in the hexagonal columnar phase. 

PMID- 25116729
TI  - A 70-year-old kidney transplant recipient presenting with persistent leg
      cellulitis.

PMID- 25116726
TI  - Decreased occipital cortical glutamate levels in response to successful cognitive
      behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy for major depressive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that antidepressant medication and
      electroconvulsive therapy increase occipital cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid
      (GABA) in major depressive disorder (MDD), but a small pilot study failed to show
      a similar effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on occipital GABA. In
      light of these findings we sought to determine if baseline GABA levels predict
      treatment response and to broaden the analysis to other metabolites and
      neurotransmitters in this larger study. METHODS: A total of 40 MDD outpatients
      received baseline proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), and 30
      subjects completed both pre- and post-CBT 1H-MRS; 9 CBT nonresponders completed
      an open-label medication phase followed by an additional/3rd 1H-MRS. The
      magnitude of treatment response was correlated with occipital amino acid
      neurotransmitter levels. RESULTS: Baseline GABA did not predict treatment
      outcome. Furthermore, there was no significant effect of CBT on GABA levels.
      However, we found a significant group * time interaction (F1, 28 = 6.30, p =
      0.02), demonstrating reduced glutamate in CBT responders, with no significant
      glutamate change in CBT nonresponders. CONCLUSIONS: These findings corroborate
      the lack of effect of successful CBT on occipital cortical GABA levels in a
      larger sample. A reduction in glutamate levels following treatment, on the other
      hand, correlated with successful CBT and antidepressant medication response.
      Based on this finding and other reports, decreased occipital glutamate may be an
      antidepressant response biomarker. Healthy control comparator and nonintervention
      groups may shed light on the sensitivity and specificity of these results.

PMID- 25116732
TI  - Collisional energy transfer in highly excited molecules.
AB  - The excitation/de-excitation step in the Lindemann mechanism is investigated in
      detail using model development and classical trajectory studies based on a
      realistic potential energy surface. The model, based on a soft-sphere/line-of
      centers approach and using elements of Landau-Teller theory and phase space
      theory, correctly predicts most aspects of the joint probability distribution
      P(DeltaE,DeltaJ) for the collisional excitation and de-excitation process in the
      argon-allyl system. The classical trajectories both confirm the validity of the
      model and provide insight into the energy transfer. The potential employed was
      based on a previously available ab initio intramolecular potential for the allyl
      fit to 97418 allyl electronic energies and an intermolecular potential fit to 286
      Ar-allyl energies. Intramolecular energies were calculated at the CCSD(T)/AVTZ
      level of theory, while intermolecular energies were calculated at the MP2/AVTZ
      level of theory. Trajectories were calculated for each of four starting allyl
      isomers and for an initial rotational level of Ji = 0 as well as for Ji taken
      from a microcanonical distribution. Despite a dissimilarity in Ar-allyl
      potentials for fixed Ar-allyl geometries, energy transfer properties starting
      from four different isomers were found to be remarkably alike. A contributing
      factor appears to be that the orientation-averaged potentials are almost
      identical. The model we have developed suggests that most hydrocarbons should
      have similar energy transfer properties, scaled by differences in the potential
      offset of the atom-hydrogen interaction. Available data corroborate this
      suggestion. 

PMID- 25116733
TI  - Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta inhibits
      angiotensin II-induced activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in vascular
      smooth muscle cells.
AB  - We investigated the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)
      delta on angiotensin (Ang) II-induced activation of matrix metalloproteinase
      (MMP)-2 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Activation of PPARdelta by
      GW501516, a specific ligand for PPARdelta, attenuated Ang II-induced activation
      of MMP-2 in a concentration-dependent manner. GW501516 also inhibited the
      generation of reactive oxygen species in VSMCs treated with Ang II. A marked
      increase in the mRNA levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 and
      -3, endogenous antagonists of MMPs, was also observed in GW501516-treated VSMCs.
      These effects were markedly reduced in the presence of siRNAs against PPARdelta,
      indicating that the effects of GW501516 are PPARdelta dependent. Among the
      protein kinases inhibited by GW501516, suppression of phosphatidylinositol 3
      kinase/Akt signaling was shown to have the greatest effect on activation of MMP-2
      in VSMCs treated with Ang II. Concomitantly, GW501516-mediated inhibition of MMP
      2 activation in VSMCs treated with Ang II was associated with the suppression of
      cell migration to levels approaching those in cells not exposed to Ang II. Thus,
      activation of PPARdelta confers resistance to Ang II-induced degradation of the
      extracellular matrix by upregulating expression of its endogenous inhibitor TIMP
      and thereby modulating cellular responses to Ang II in vascular cells.

PMID- 25116734
TI  - Hydrodehalogenation of alkyl iodides with base-mediated hydrogenation and
      catalytic transfer hydrogenation: application to the asymmetric synthesis of N
      protected alpha-methylamines.
AB  - We report a very mild synthesis of N-protected alpha-methylamines from the
      corresponding amino acids. Carboxyl groups of amino acids are reduced to
      iodomethyl groups via hydroxymethyl intermediates. Reductive deiodination to
      methyl groups is achieved by hydrogenation or catalytic transfer hydrogenation
      under alkaline conditions. Basic hydrodehalogenation is selective for the
      iodomethyl group over hydrogenolysis-labile protecting groups, such as
      benzyloxycarbonyl, benzyl ester, benzyl ether, and 9-fluorenyloxymethyl, thus
      allowing the conversion of virtually any protected amino acid into the
      corresponding N-protected alpha-methylamine. 

PMID- 25116735
TI  - Alternative forms of Y-box binding protein 1 and YB-1 mRNA.
AB  - The multifunctional eukaryotic protein YB-1 (Y-box binding protein 1) plays a
      role in DNA reparation, transcription regulation, splicing, and mRNA translation,
      thereby participating in many crucial events in cells. Its effect is dependent
      mostly on its amount, and hence, on regulation of its synthesis. Published data
      on regulation of synthesis of YB-1 mediated by its mRNA 5' UTR, and specifically
      on the 5' UTR length and the presence of TOP-like motifs in this region, are
      contradictory. Here we report that 5' UTRs of major forms of human, rabbit, and
      mouse YB-1 mRNAs are about 140 nucleotides long and contain no TOP-like motifs
      mentioned in the literature. Also, we have found that YB-1 specifically interacts
      with the 5' UTR of its own mRNA within a region of about 100 nucleotides upstream
      from the start codon. Apart from YB-1, translation of YB-1 mRNA in a cell free
      system gives an additional product with an extended N-terminus and lower
      electrophoretic mobility. The start codon for synthesis of the additional product
      is AUC at position -(60-58) of the same open reading frame as that for the major
      product. Also, in the cell there is an alternative YB-1 mRNA with exon 1 replaced
      by a part of intron 1; YB-1 synthesized in vitro from this mRNA contains, instead
      of its N-terminal A/P domain, 10-11 amino acids encoded by intron 1. 

PMID- 25116737
TI  - Three-dimensional hierarchically porous all-carbon foams for supercapacitor.
AB  - Three-dimensional hierarchically porous carbon-CNT-graphene ternary all-carbon
      foams (3D-HPCFs) with 3D macro- and mesoporous structures, a high specific
      surface area (1286 m(2) g(-1)), large bimodal mesopores (5.1 and 2.7 nm), and
      excellent conductivity have been fabricated through multicomponent surface self
      assembly of graphene oxide (GO)-dispersed pristine CNTs (GOCs) supported on a
      commercial sponge. The commercial sponge with a 3D interconnected macroporous
      framework not only is used as a support for GOCs and subsequently multicomponent
      self-assembly but also serves as a 3D scaffold to buffer electrolytes to reduce
      ion transport resistance and ion diffusion distance, while the GO acts as
      "surfactant" to directly disperse pristine CNTs, preserving the excellent
      electronic structure of pristine CNTs, and the CNTs also prevent the aggregation
      of graphene as well as improve the whole conductivity. Benefiting from the
      aforementioned characteristics, the 3D-HPCFs-based supercapacitors show
      outstanding specific capacitance, high rate capability, and excellent cycling
      stability, making them potentially promising for high-performance energy storage
      devices. 

PMID- 25116736
TI  - Genome-wide genotype and sequence-based reconstruction of the 140,000 year
      history of modern human ancestry.
AB  - We investigated ancestry of 3,528 modern humans from 163 samples. We identified
      19 ancestral components, with 94.4% of individuals showing mixed ancestry. After
      using whole genome sequences to correct for ascertainment biases in genome-wide
      genotype data, we dated the oldest divergence event to 140,000 years ago. We
      detected an Out-of-Africa migration 100,000-87,000 years ago, leading to peoples
      of the Americas, east and north Asia, and Oceania, followed by another migration
      61,000-44,000 years ago, leading to peoples of the Caucasus, Europe, the Middle
      East, and south Asia. We dated eight divergence events to 33,000-20,000 years
      ago, coincident with the Last Glacial Maximum. We refined understanding of the
      ancestry of several ethno-linguistic groups, including African Americans,
      Ethiopians, the Kalash, Latin Americans, Mozabites, Pygmies, and Uygurs, as well
      as the CEU sample. Ubiquity of mixed ancestry emphasizes the importance of
      accounting for ancestry in history, forensics, and health. 

PMID- 25116738
TI  - Comment on Osteocytes: masters orchestrators of bone.

PMID- 25116740
TI  - Molecular modeling of potential anticancer agents from African medicinal plants.
AB  - Naturally occurring anticancer compounds represent about half of the
      chemotherapeutic drugs which have been put in the market against cancer until
      date. Computer-based or in silico virtual screening methods are often used in
      lead/hit discovery protocols. In this study, the "drug-likeness" of ~400
      compounds from African medicinal plants that have shown in vitro and/or in vivo
      anticancer, cytotoxic, and antiproliferative activities has been explored. To
      verify potential binding to anticancer drug targets, the interactions between the
      compounds and 14 selected targets have been analyzed by in silico modeling.
      Docking and binding affinity calculations were carried out, in comparison with
      known anticancer agents comprising ~1,500 published naturally occurring plant
      based compounds from around the world. The results reveal that African medicinal
      plants could represent a good starting point for the discovery of anticancer
      drugs. The small data set generated (named AfroCancer) has been made available
      for research groups working on virtual screening.

PMID- 25116739
TI  - A prochelator with a modular masking group featuring hydrogen peroxide activation
      with concurrent fluorescent reporting.
AB  - Metal chelators masked with protecting groups for targeted release have the
      potential to conditionally modulate cellular metals. We report a new route to
      prepare cis-cinnamate protecting groups that enabled development of a prochelator
      with chemical stimulus response, fluorescent reporting and active compound
      release in a single structure. 

PMID- 25116741
TI  - In search of good ideas for occupational therapy. Previously published in
      Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy 1994; 1: 7-15.
AB  - This paper explores the scholarly process by which good ideas may be sought for
      the future development of occupational therapy as an integrated profession. It is
      suggested that the assumptions of the science supporting practice need to be made
      explicit and that new ideas be generated which fit the dilemmas and puzzles of
      occupational therapy practice and are compatible with its view of human beings.

PMID- 25116742
TI  - Towards an ADL taxonomy for occupational therapists. Previously published in
      Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy 1994; 1:69-76.
AB  - One of the main concepts in occupational therapy is human occupation. In
      occupational therapy there is a need for a common conceptual framework to assess
      and describe the ability of patients to perform occupational activities of daily
      living. The aim of this report was to develop a taxonomy concerning the
      activities of daily living (ADL). In the taxonomy, occupation has been defined
      and related to common concepts of disability. Ordinary ADL terms have been
      categorized into three levels: occupational forms, activities and actions.
      Different actions are components of and subordinated to superior activities.
      Experience shows that the ADL taxonomy contributes to a valid (content and
      construct) assessment of ADL, a common language for OTs and to a clearer picture
      of the patient's performance in daily life activities.

PMID- 25116743
TI  - Paradigms in occupational therapy. Previously published in Scandinavian Journal
      of Occupational Therapy 1994; 1: 53-58.
AB  - Every field of human occupation teems with patterns, which may be called
      "paradigms". This article is concerned with paradigms in the field of
      occupational therapy. The term "paradigm", which has become quite popular,
      perhaps too popular since the publication of Kuhn's famous book The Structure of
      Scientific Revolutions, has a complex semantic spectrum. Margaret Masterman has
      distinguished no less than twenty senses in Kuhn's writings. My use of the term,
      which has very little affinity with Kuhn's uses of it, will be defined in due
      course.

PMID- 25116744
TI  - A meditation on the use of hands. Previously published in Scandinavian Journal of
      Occupational Therapy 1995; 2: 153-166.
AB  - The theme of mind-body unity is fundamental to occupational therapy. Nonetheless,
      the field continues to embrace a dualism of mind and body. This dualism persists
      because the field views the body only as an object, ignoring how the body is
      lived. Drawing upon phenomenological discussions of bodily experience, this paper
      illustrates how the lived body is a locus of intelligence, intentionality,
      adaptiveness, and experience. It also considers the bodily ground of motivation
      and thought and discusses how the body constitutes and incorporates its world.
      Finally, the paper considers implications of the lived body for therapy.

PMID- 25116745
TI  - On the notion of health as ability. Previously published in Scandinavian Journal
      of Occupational Therapy 1996; 3: 101-105.
AB  - In this paper an outline of a theory of health based on the notion of ability is
      presented. A person's health is defined as his or her second-order ability to
      realize vital goals given standard or otherwise reasonable circumstances. The
      crucial concepts: vital goal, standard circumstance and second-order ability, are
      characterized in the paper. Special emphasis is laid upon the third concept,
      second-order ability, which is of particular importance for the theory of
      rehabilitation.

PMID- 25116746
TI  - Time use among individuals with persistent mental illness: identifying risk
      factors for imbalance in daily activities. Previously published in Scandinavian
      Journal of Occupational Therapy 2008; 15: 23-33.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate associations between time use in daily
      activities and sociodemographic and clinical factors in order to identify
      individuals with persistent mental illness at risk of having an imbalance in
      daily activities, as reflected in their time use and daily rhythm. Participants
      (n=103) were selected from a psychiatric outpatient unit using a randomized
      stratified selection procedure. The main findings indicated that time spent in
      daily activities increased with age, and that older individuals more often had a
      beneficial daily rhythm. Women and individuals living with children spent more
      time on self-care/self-maintenance than men and individuals living without
      children. Individuals with a diagnosis of psychosis spent less total time in
      daily activities than individuals with non-psychosis. In conclusion, general
      psychiatric symptoms, such as self-blame, anxiety, and difficulties in
      cooperating with others, explained most of the risk of spending little time in
      work/education as well as the risk of spending long periods asleep and having an
      adverse daily rhythm. A diagnosis of psychosis and high levels of general
      symptoms together explained most of the risk of having low total time use in
      activity. Factors such as age and living with children or not seemed to be
      important factors in relation to time use and daily rhythm.

PMID- 25116747
TI  - Occupational justice--bridging theory and practice. Previously published in
      Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2010; 17: 57-63.
AB  - The evolving theory of occupational justice links the concept to social justice
      and to concerns for a justice of difference: a justice that recognizes
      occupational rights to inclusive participation in everyday occupations for all
      persons in society, regardless of age, ability, gender, social class, or other
      differences. The purpose of this descriptive paper is to inspire and empower
      health professionals to build a theoretical bridge to practice with an
      occupational justice lens. Using illustrations from a study of leisure and the
      use of everyday technology in the lives of very old people in Northern Sweden,
      the authors argue that an occupational justice lens may inspire and empower
      health professionals to engage in critical dialogue on occupational justice; use
      global thinking about occupation, health, justice, and the environment; and
      combine population and individualized approaches. The authors propose that taking
      these initiatives to bridge theory and practice will energize health
      professionals to enable inclusive participation in everyday occupations in
      diverse contexts. 

PMID- 25116748
TI  - The Nordic Housing Enabler: Inter-rater reliability in cross-Nordic occupational
      therapy practice. Previously published in Scandinavian Journal of Occupational
      Therapy 2010; 17: 258-266.
AB  - This study addresses development of a content-valid cross-Nordic version of the
      Housing Enabler and investigation of its inter-rater reliability when used in
      occupational therapy rating situations, involving occupational therapists,
      clients, and their home environments. The instrument was translated from the
      original Swedish version of the Housing Enabler, and adapted according to
      accessibility norms and guidelines for housing design in Sweden, Denmark,
      Finland, and Iceland. This iterative process involved occupational therapists,
      architects, building engineers, and professional translators, resulting in the
      Nordic Housing Enabler. For reliability testing, the sampling strategy and data
      collection procedures used were the same in all countries. Twenty voluntary
      occupational therapists, pair-wise but independently of each other, collected
      data from 106 cases by means of the Nordic Housing Enabler. Inter-rater
      reliability was calculated by means of percentage agreement and kappa statistics.
      Overall good percentage agreement for the personal and environmental components
      of the instrument was shown, indicating that the instrument was sufficiently
      reliable for application in practice and research in the Nordic context. The
      varying kappa results highlight the need for further study in order to understand
      the influence of prevalence more profoundly, which should be kept in mind when
      interpreting the results.

PMID- 25116749
TI  - Qualitative approaches in occupational therapy research. Previously published in
      Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2012; 19: 521-529.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Development of research in occupational therapy requires a continuous
      critical discussion concerning methodological approaches. In this paper the
      authors wish to contribute to such a discussion by introducing the Formal Data
      Structure Analysis approach (FDSA) as a method for understanding people's
      experiences. METHODS AND RESULTS: A review of selected publications from
      occupational therapy journals between 2003 and 2005 illustrated that qualitative
      articles within occupational therapy publications were mainly descriptive in
      nature. This finding raises questions about how to develop new knowledge that
      contributes to occupational therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper the authors
      suggest that it is possible to apply the FDSA approach not only when describing
      and categorizing qualitative phenomena, but also when aiming to reach an in-depth
      understanding of issues related to human meaning-making; for example, how we
      understand engagement in occupations or living with a disability. Examples of the
      application of the FDSA approach are included and discussed.

PMID- 25116750
TI  - Social participation: redesign of education, research, and practice in
      occupational therapy. Previously published in Scandinavian Journal of
      Occupational Therapy 2013; 20: 2-8.
AB  - There is growing attention to participation and social participation in
      literature and policy reports. Occupational therapists strongly believe that
      creating coherence between the person's occupations and environment will
      facilitate participation of each individual. Nowadays, societal developments such
      as "health literacy and self-management", "Web 2.0 social media", "empowering
      communities", and "Nothing About Us Without Us" increase opportunities for people
      to interact on different levels of social participation. Social participation can
      be used as an outcome, though it can also be seen as a means to change society
      and to develop solutions for barriers experienced by people with chronic diseases
      or disabilities. Societal developments will have an impact on social
      participation in terms of supporting each other and contributing to society.
      Additionally, these changes will have a major influence on the way we educate,
      conduct research, and deliver occupational therapy practice.

PMID- 25116751
TI  - Occupation-centred, occupation-based, occupation-focused: same, same or
      different? Previously published in Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy
      2013; 20: 162-173.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the occupational therapy profession,
      engagement in occupation has been valued as the primary therapeutic agent as well
      as the goal of intervention. While there are few today who would not support this
      idea, occupational therapists continue to struggle with implementing their
      beliefs through "what we do" and "how we do it". Contributing to this problem is
      their failure to use terminology in a manner that clearly defines what and how
      occupational therapists do what they do in occupational therapy research,
      education, and practice. METHODS: The author will, therefore, first discuss some
      key occupational therapy terms and propose that they represent an occupation
      related taxonomy that can be used to more clearly define and describe for
      occupational therapists and others what they do and how they do what they do as
      occupational therapists. Then, with a goal of fostering critical self-reflection
      among occupational scientists and occupational therapy researchers, educators,
      and practitioners, the author will go through the stages of the occupational
      therapy process outlined in the Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model
      (OTIPM) and demonstrate how a more precise use of this occupation-related
      taxonomy can facilitate maximizing the power of occupation in practice.

PMID- 25116752
TI  - Occupational therapists as contributors to health promotion. Previously published
      in Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2014; 21: 82-89.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to explore the views of occupational
      therapists concerning their competences in health promotion, and their
      perceptions of how they apply these competences in their daily work. The study
      also elicited their views on the contributions that occupational therapists could
      make to health promotion if given the opportunity. METHODS: Data were collected
      in five focus-group discussions with 24 occupational therapists. These
      discussions were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim; data were analysed using
      qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The main findings are that the informants
      took an individualized salutogenic approach in their work and rarely engaged in
      health promotion on a systemic or societal level. They believed that their
      patients and collaborating partners, as well as public officials, remained
      unaware of their competences in health promotion. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of
      this study could enrich the discussion among occupational therapists on how they
      could make a more significant contribution to health promotion on a broader
      level.

PMID- 25116753
TI  - An investigation of the support needs of men and partners throughout the prostate
      cancer journey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer is one of the mostly commonly diagnosed cancers in
      men. Unfortunately, the treatment for this cancer can have a number of negative
      side effects, both for the man himself and his partner. This study investigated
      the support needs of both men and partners throughout the prostate cancer journey
      and how this journey may be optimally managed. METHODS: Thirty-one men who had
      undergone prostate cancer treatment within the last 6 years and 31 partners
      answered a questionnaire, which explored support care issues as identified in the
      literature and from focus groups. RESULTS: Men and partners were moderately
      satisfied with information given regarding diagnosis, treatment and side effects,
      but partners were more satisfied with information relating to the particular
      chosen treatment. Men's understanding of their chosen treatment's potential side
      effects was significantly different from their understanding of diagnosis, cancer
      outcome, treatment options and selected treatment. Timing of information delivery
      was preferred by men at diagnosis, whereas partners preferred after the
      diagnosis. Men wanted more time to think about the diagnosis and treatment,
      whereas partners wanted an opportunity to discuss the diagnosis. The management
      of common side effects such as emotional changes, incontinence and erectile
      dysfunction was rated as 'somewhat' satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Men and partners
      may have different educational and supportive needs throughout the prostate
      cancer journey that require attention and tailored management.

PMID- 25116754
TI  - Downregulation of MHC-I expression is prevalent but reversible in Merkel cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive, polyomavirus-associated skin
      cancer. Robust cellular immune responses are associated with excellent outcomes
      in patients with MCC, but these responses are typically absent. We determined the
      prevalence and reversibility of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)
      downregulation in MCC, a potentially reversible immune-evasion mechanism. Cell
      surface MHC-I expression was assessed on five MCC cell lines using flow cytometry
      as well as immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays representing 114 patients.
      Three additional patients were included who had received intralesional IFN
      treatment and had evaluable specimens before and after treatment. mRNA expression
      analysis of antigen presentation pathway genes from 35 MCC tumors was used to
      examine the mechanisms of downregulation. Of note, 84% of MCCs (total n = 114)
      showed reduced MHC-I expression as compared with surrounding tissues, and 51% had
      poor or undetectable MHC-I expression. Expression of MHC-I was lower in
      polyomavirus-positive MCCs than in polyomavirus-negative MCCs (P < 0.01). The MHC
      I downregulation mechanism was multifactorial and did not depend solely on HLA
      gene expression. Treatment of MCC cell lines with ionizing radiation, etoposide,
      or IFN resulted in MHC-I upregulation, with IFNs strongly upregulating MHC-I
      expression in vitro, and in 3 of 3 patients treated with intralesional IFNs. MCC
      tumors may be amenable to immunotherapy, but downregulation of MHC-I is
      frequently present in these tumors, particularly those that are positive for
      polyomavirus. This downregulation is reversible with any of several clinically
      available treatments that may thus promote the effectiveness of immune
      stimulating therapies for MCC.

PMID- 25116757
TI  - Dorsal thalamic nuclei in Caiman crocodilus.
AB  - In Caiman crocodilus, identification of nuclei that comprise the dorsal thalamus
      was determined by: injections of retrograde tracers into cortex/pallium;
      injections of retrograde tracers into the noncortical telencephalon; and
      injections of anterograde tracers into thalamic nuclei. With the exception of
      nucleus dorsolateralis anterior, which has bilateral projections, all other
      dorsal thalamic nuclei send axons to terminate in the ipsilateral telencephalon.
      Nuclei that only projected to cortex/pallium were: dorsolateralis anterior;
      diagonalis; and dorsal geniculate. Neuronal aggregates that send axons that
      terminated in the dorsolateral area (dorsal ventricular ridge) included:
      rotundus; reuniens pars centralis and pars diffusa; medialis complex posterior;
      posterocentralis; and area ventrolateralis. Medialis complex anterior axons ended
      in the ventrolateral area (basal ganglia). Nucleus dorsomedialis projected to
      both cortex/pallium and the dorsolateral area. Based on the locus of
      telencephalic termination and fiber trajectory from the dorsal thalamus, nuclei
      of the dorsal thalamus were divided into several groups. 

PMID- 25116758
TI  - Phasic alertness in a cued double-choice reaction time task: a Contingent
      Negative Variation (CNV) study.
AB  - A phasic change in alertness is produced every time that a warning stimulus
      precedes a target, and it enhances and maintains the response readiness to an
      impending stimulus. In the present study, we investigated the Contingent Negative
      Variation (CNV) phenomenon, as index of phasic alertness, during a S1-S2 paradigm
      in which the imperative stimulus was represented by a double-choice reaction time
      task, designed to increase the executive requests at S2. Subjects performed the
      task at three consecutive time points in order to explore the CNV activity over
      time. The repetition of a cued double-choice reaction time task reduced the
      reaction times (RTs), while CNV amplitude remained steady along the sessions. Our
      data suggest that the continuous recruitment of attentional resources does not
      undergo habituation when it is related to the brain activity required in the
      maintenance of working memory when the mental model of the stimulus environment
      is updated. 

PMID- 25116756
TI  - Establishment of glycosaminoglycan assays for mucopolysaccharidoses.
AB  - Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of lysosomal storage disorders caused by
      deficiency of the lysosomal enzymes essential for catabolism of
      glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Accumulation of undegraded GAGs results in dysfunction
      of multiple organs, resulting in distinct clinical manifestations. A range of
      methods have been developed to measure specific GAGs in various human samples to
      investigate diagnosis, prognosis, pathogenesis, GAG interaction with other
      molecules, and monitoring therapeutic efficacy. We established ELISA, liquid
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and an automated high
      throughput mass spectrometry (HT-MS/MS) system (RapidFire) to identify epitopes
      (ELISA) or disaccharides (MS/MS) derived from different GAGs (dermatan sulfate,
      heparan sulfate, keratan sulfate, and/or chondroitin sulfate). These methods have
      a high sensitivity and specificity in GAG analysis, applicable to the analysis of
      blood, urine, tissues, and cells. ELISA is feasible, sensitive, and reproducible
      with the standard equipment. HT-MS/MS yields higher throughput than conventional
      LC-MS/MS-based methods while the HT-MS/MS system does not have a chromatographic
      step and cannot distinguish GAGs with identical molecular weights, leading to a
      limitation of measurements for some specific GAGs. Here we review the advantages
      and disadvantages of these methods for measuring GAG levels in biological
      specimens. We also describe an unexpected secondary elevation of keratan sulfate
      in patients with MPS that is an indirect consequence of disruption of catabolism
      of other GAGs. 

PMID- 25116755
TI  - A feasibility study of cyclophosphamide, trastuzumab, and an allogeneic GM-CSF
      secreting breast tumor vaccine for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-secreting tumor
      vaccines are bioactive, but limited by disease burden and immune tolerance.
      Cyclophosphamide augments vaccine activity in tolerant neu mice and in patients
      with metastatic breast cancer. HER2-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) enhance
      vaccine activity in neu mice. We hypothesized that cyclophosphamide-modulated
      vaccination with HER2-specific mAb safely induces relevant HER2-specific immunity
      in neu mice and patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. Adding both
      cyclophosphamide and the HER2-specific mAb 7.16.4 to vaccination maximized HER2
      specific CD8+ T-cell immunity and tumor-free survival in neu transgenic mice. We,
      therefore, conducted a single-arm feasibility study of cyclophosphamide, an
      allogeneic HER2+ GM-CSF-secreting breast tumor vaccine, and weekly trastuzumab in
      20 patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. Primary clinical trial
      objectives were safety and clinical benefit, in which clinical benefit represents
      complete response + partial response + stable disease. Secondary study objectives
      were to assess HER2-specific T-cell responses by delayed type hypersensitivity
      (DTH) and intracellular cytokine staining. Patients received three monthly
      vaccinations, with a boost 6 to 8 months from trial entry. This combination
      immunotherapy was safe, with clinical benefit rates at 6 months and 1 year of 55%
      [95% confidence interval (CI), 32%-77%; P = 0.013] and 40% (95% CI, 19%-64%),
      respectively. Median progression-free survival and overall survival durations
      were 7 months (95% CI, 4-16) and 42 months (95% CI, 22-70), respectively.
      Increased HER2-specific DTH developed in 7 of 20 patients [of whom 4 had clinical
      benefit (95% CI, 18-90)], with a trend toward longer progression-free survival
      and overall survival in DTH responders. Polyfunctional HER2-specific CD8+ T cells
      progressively expanded across vaccination cycles. Further investigation of
      cyclophosphamide-modulated vaccination with trastuzumab is warranted.

PMID- 25116759
TI  - Disrupted MEK/ERK signaling in the medial orbital cortex and dorsal endopiriform
      nuclei of the prefrontal cortex in a chronic restraint stress mouse model of
      depression.
AB  - Depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses, and causes a constant
      feeling of sadness and lose of interest, which often leads to suicide. Evidence
      suggests that depression is associated with aberrant MEK/ERK signaling. However,
      studies on MEK/ERK signaling in depression have only been done in a few brain
      regions, such as the hippocampus and mesolimbic reward pathways. Recent studies
      also implicate the involvement of the prefrontal cortex in depression. Thus, we
      examined the changes in MEK/ERK signaling in subregions of the prefrontal cortex
      of C57BL/6 mice by immunohistochemistry using phospho-MEK1/2 (Ser 217/221) and
      ERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) antibodies. Mice were subjected to 21 consecutive days of
      restraint stress (for 2h daily), and depression-like behavior was evaluated using
      a sociability test and tail suspension test. The antidepressant, imipramine
      (20mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30min before restraint stress exposure.
      Chronic/repeated restraint stress produced depressive-like behavior, such as
      increased social avoidance in the social interaction test, and enhanced
      immobility time in the tail suspension test. This depressive behavior was
      ameliorated by imipramine. The behavioral changes well corresponded to a decrease
      in MEK/ERK immunoreactivity in the medial orbital (MO) cortex and dorsal
      endopiriform nuclei (DEn), which was averted by imipramine, but not in cingulate,
      prelimbic, infralimbic, and motor cortex. These results suggest that MEK/ERK
      signaling is disrupted in the DEn and MO subregions of the prefrontal cortex in
      the depressive phenotype, and that blocking a decrease in activated MEK/ERK is
      inherent to the antidepressant imipramine response. 

PMID- 25116761
TI  - Magnetic circular dichroism of porphyrin lanthanide M3+ complexes.
AB  - Lanthanide complexes exhibit interesting spectroscopic properties yielding many
      applications as imaging probes, natural chirality amplifiers, and therapeutic
      agents. However, many properties are not fully understood yet. Therefore, we
      applied magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, which provides enhanced
      information about the underlying electronic structure to a series of lanthanide
      compounds. The metals in the M(3+) state included Y, La, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm,
      Yb, and Lu; the spectra were collected for selected tetraphenylporphin (TPP) and
      octaethylporphin (OEP) complexes in chloroform. While the MCD and UV-VIS
      absorption spectra were dominated by the porphyrin signal, metal binding
      significantly modulated them. MCD spectroscopy was found to be better suited to
      discriminate between various species than absorption spectroscopy alone. The main
      features and trends in the lanthanide series observed in MCD and absorption
      spectra of the complexes could be interpreted at the Density Functional Theory
      (DFT) level, with effective core potentials on metal nuclei. The sum over state
      (SOS) method was used for simulation of the MCD intensities. The combination of
      the spectroscopy and quantum-chemical computations is important for understanding
      the interactions of the metals with the organic compounds.

PMID- 25116760
TI  - The requirement for protein kinase C delta (PRKCD) during preimplantation bovine
      embryo development.
AB  - Protein kinase C (PKC) delta (PRKCD) is a member of the novel PKC subfamily that
      regulates gene expression in bovine trophoblast cells. Additional functions for
      PRKCD in early embryonic development in cattle have not been fully explored. The
      objectives of this study were to describe the expression profile of PRKCD mRNA in
      bovine embryos and to examine its biological roles during bovine embryo
      development. Both PRKCD mRNA and protein are present throughout early embryo
      development and increases in mRNA abundance are evident at morula and blastocyst
      stages. Phosphorylation patterns are consistent with detection of enzymatically
      active PRKCD in bovine embryos. Exposure to a pharmacological inhibitor
      (rottlerin) during early embryonic development prevented development beyond the
      eight- to 16-cell stage. Treatment at or after the 16-cell stage reduced
      blastocyst development rates, total blastomere numbers and inner cell mass-to
      trophoblast cell ratio. Exposure to the inhibitor also decreased basal interferon
      tau (IFNT) transcript abundance and abolished fibroblast growth factor-2
      induction of IFNT expression. Furthermore, trophoblast adhesion and proliferation
      was compromised in hatched blastocysts. These observations provide novel insights
      into PRKCD mRNA expression profiles in bovine embryos and provide evidence for
      PRKCD-dependent regulation of embryonic development, gene expression and post
      hatching events. 

PMID- 25116763
TI  - Incidence of depression in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving
      combination therapy of pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin.

PMID- 25116762
TI  - Adverse effects of perioperative paracetamol, NSAIDs, glucocorticoids,
      gabapentinoids and their combinations: a topical review.
AB  - Post-operative pain affects millions of patients worldwide and the post-operative
      period has high rates of morbidity and mortality. Some of this morbidity may be
      related to analgesics. The aim of this review was to provide an update of current
      knowledge of adverse events (AE) associated with the most common perioperative
      non-opioid analgesics: paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids (GCCs), gabapentinoids and their combinations. The
      review is based on data from systematic reviews with meta-analyses of analgesic
      efficacy and/or adverse effects of perioperative non-opioid analgesics, and
      randomised trials and cohort/retrospective studies. Generally, data on AE are
      sparse and related to the immediate post-operative period. For paracetamol, the
      incidence of AEs appears trivial. Data are inconclusive regarding an association
      of NSAIDs with mortality, cardiovascular events, surgical bleeding and renal
      impairment. Anastomotic leakage may be associated with NSAID usage. No firm
      evidence exists for an association of NSAIDs with impaired bone healing. Single
      dose GCCs were not significantly related to increased infection rates or delayed
      wound healing. Gabapentinoid treatment was associated with increased sedation,
      dizziness and visual disturbances, but the clinical relevance needs
      clarification. Importantly, data on AEs of combinations of the above analgesics
      are sparse and inconclusive. Despite the potential adverse events associated with
      the most commonly applied non-opioid analgesics, including their combinations,
      reporting of such events is sparse and confined to the immediate perioperative
      period. Knowledge of benefit and harm related to multimodal pain treatment is
      deficient and needs clarification in large trials with prolonged observation. 

PMID- 25116764
TI  - The aesthetic eye.

PMID- 25116765
TI  - The methodological quality of systematic reviews comparing intravitreal
      bevacizumab and alternates for neovascular age related macular degeneration: A
      systematic review of reviews.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically collate and evaluate the evidence from recent SRs of
      bevacizumab for neo-vascular age related macular degeneration. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Literature searches were carried out in Medline, Embase, Cochrane
      databases for all systematic reviews (SRs) on the effectiveness of bevacizumab
      for neo-vascular age related macular degeneration, published between 2000 and
      2013. Titles and abstracts were assessed against the inclusion/exclusion criteria
      using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) study eligibility form. Data was extracted
      using the JBI data extraction form. The quality of the SRs was assessed using JBI
      critical appraisal checklist for SRs. Decisions on study eligibility and quality
      were made by two reviewers; any disagreements were resolved by discussion.
      RESULTS: Nine relevant reviews were identified from 30 citations, of which 5
      reviews fulfilled the review's inclusion criteria. All 5 reviews showed
      bevacizumab to be effective for neovascular AMD in the short-term when used alone
      or in combination with PDT or Pegaptanib. The average quality score of the
      reviews was 7; 95% confidence interval 6.2 to 7.8 (maximum possible quality score
      is 10). The selection and publication bias were not addressed in all included
      reviews. Three-fifth of the reviews had a quality score of 7 or lower, these
      reviews had some methodological limitations, search strategies were only
      identified in 2 (40%) reviews, independent study selection and quality assessment
      of included studies (4 (80%)) were infrequently performed. CONCLUSION: Overall,
      the reviews on the effectiveness of intravitreal/systemic bevacizumab for
      neovascular  age-related macular generation (AMD) received good JBI quality
      scores (mean score = 7.0 points), with a few exceptions. The study also
      highlights the suboptimal reporting of SRs on this topic. Reviews with poor
      methodology may limit the validity of the reported results; hence efforts should
      be made to improve the design, reporting and publication of SRs across all
      journals.

PMID- 25116766
TI  - Nanostructure-based platforms-current prospective in ophthalmic drug delivery.
AB  - The topically applied drugs as drops are washed off from the eye in very short
      period, resulting in low ocular bioavailability of drugs. Number of approaches
      have been attempted to increase the bioavailability and the duration of action of
      ocular drugs. This review provides an insight into various novel approaches;
      hydrophilic nanogels, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanosponges applied very
      recently in the delivery of insoluble drugs, prolonging the ocular residence
      time, minimize pre-corneal drug loss and, therefore, bioavailability and
      therapeutic efficacy of the drugs. Despite various scientific approaches,
      efficient ocular drug delivery remains a challenge for pharmaceutical scientists.

PMID- 25116768
TI  - The perceived personality traits of adults with digitally induced large angle
      strabismus and the impact of its correction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To ascertain the effect of digitally induced large angle strabismus and
      its correction on social bias against strabismic adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      This prospective, observational study included 10 orthotropic subjects whose face
      photographs were digitally altered to produce esotropia, exotropia, and
      hypertropia. Three batches of non-medical professionals, each consisting of 14
      subjects, adjudged personality traits of the altered face photographs on a 10
      item questionnaire. The same evaluators effected the appraisal of the orthotropic
      photographs. The personality score of the strabismic photograph of a subject was
      compared with its own orthotropic photograph. RESULTS: The 10 subjects whose
      photographs were digitally modified were of the same age (21 years) and had equal
      gender distribution. The evaluation of the photographs was performed by 42
      evaluators aged 38.3 +/- 14.9 years, of whom 21 were males. Different personality
      traits were rated negatively in the strabismic photographs. The statistically
      significant negative impact was apparent on more number of personality traits for
      esotropia (7 out of 10) as compared to exotropia (4 out of 10) or hypertropia (3
      out of 10). Rating of the strabismic photographs was significantly lower by
      female evaluators (P = 0.006). However, there was no difference whether the
      subject evaluating the photograph of the strabismic individual was of the same
      gender or the opposite gender. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was
      excellent (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.81). CONCLUSION: There was a significant negative
      impact of strabismus on the perceived personality traits of the digitally altered
      face photographs of the adults when compared to their orthotropic photograph.

PMID- 25116769
TI  - Spectral domain optical coherence tomography morphology in optic disc pit
      associated maculopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our purpose was to study the clinical manifestation and course of optic
      pit maculopathy using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD- OCT)
      images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used SD-OCT to examine 20 eyes of 19 patients
      with a macular detachment in combination with an optic. RESULTS: We observed five
      different fovea appearances in regard to fluid localization. In five eyes, we
      recorded changes in the fluid distribution with SD-OCT. In 17/20 eyes, we noted a
      communication between the perineural and subretinal and/or intraretinal space at
      the margin of the optic disc. CONCLUSION: 3-dimensional SD-OCT (3D-SDOCT) scans
      revealed a three-fold connection, between subretinal and intraretinal space,
      perineural space, and the vitreous cavity. Therefore, we suppose that
      intraretinal or subretinal fluid in optic pit maculopathy may have both a
      vitreous and cerebrospinal origin. A membrane, covering the optic nerve was noted
      in 14 cases. Even if it seems intact in some B-scans, it is not complete in
      others several micrometers apart. Additionally, we observed fluid accumulation
      below the margin of the optic disc and hyperreflective porous tissue in the optic
      disc excavation. Those findings do not influence the course of maculopathy.

PMID- 25116770
TI  - Comparison of ocular response analyzer parameters in primary open angle glaucoma
      and exfoliative glaucoma patients.
AB  - AIM: We sought to identify differences in the following measures of the ocular
      response analyser (ORA) between primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and
      exfoliative glaucoma (EXG) patients: Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance
      factor (CRF), corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) and Goldmann
      correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg). We also sought to relate these ORA
      measures with central corneal thickness (CCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross
      sectional study was conducted on a total of 162 individuals (46 EXG patients, 66
      POAG patients and 50 healthy subjects without any ocular and systemic disease).
      ORA measurements were performed, and a minimum of three readings were obtained
      from each test subject. Groups were compared according to their ORA parameters.
      RESULTS: The mean CH levels of the EXG, POAG and healthy subjects were 7.6 +/-
      2.1, 9.1 +/- 1.9 and 9.6 +/- 1.7 mmHg, respectively. CH was significantly lower
      in the EXG patients compared to the other groups (P < 0.001).The mean CRF levels
      of the EXG, POAG and healthy subjects were 9.0 +/- 2.0, 10.1 +/- 1.7 and 9.8 +/-
      1.8mmHg, respectively. CRF levels in the eyes of the EXG patients were
      significantly lower compared to those of either the POAG patients (P = 0.005) or
      the healthy subjects (P = 0.03), but there was no significant difference in CRF
      levels between the POAG patients and the healthy subjects (P = 0.59). There was a
      significant positive correlation between CH and CCT in the EXG patients and
      healthy subjects (P < 0.001), but this correlation was not present in the POAG
      patients (P = 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, CH and CRF were found to be
      significantly reduced in the eyes of EXG patients compared to both the POAG
      patients and healthy subjects. Reduced CH in EXG patients might result in
      decreased support of peripapillary scleral structure and increased damage to the
      optic nerve during IOP increase.

PMID- 25116771
TI  - Personal A-constant in relation to axial length with various intraocular lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the relationship between the axial length and personal A
      constant for the 1-piece Tecnis (Abbott ZCB00), AcrySof MA60AC (Alcon) and the
      Quatrix aspheric preloaded (CROMA) intraocular lenses (IOL). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients matching the inclusion criteria were further subdivided
      according to the implanted IOL in this prospective comparative study. The
      obtained refractive outcomes were introduced into the formula installed in the
      biometry machine (Humphrey model 820 ultrasonic biometer) to obtain the personal
      A-constant for each eye. Polynomial regression analysis was done to study the
      individualized A-constant for each type of IOL in relation to preoperative axial
      length measurement. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty five eyes of 186 patients were
      enrolled into this study, of whom 73 eyes with Tecnis 1-piece, 116 eyes with
      MA60AC, and 56 eyes with Quatrix. The median of personalized A-constant for
      Tecnis 1-piece, MA60AC, and Quatrix were 119.21 (SD 1.3, Std. Mean error 0.15),
      119 (SD 1.2, Std. Mean error 0.11) and 120.4 (SD 1.2, Std. Mean error 0.16)
      respectively. Regression plots for the same range of axial length among all the
      groups showed that the Tecnis1 group followed the same pattern of the Quatrix
      group in which there was a linear relationship of a trend towards myopia when the
      axial length had increased and a hyperopic shift when decreased. This
      relationship changed into a plateau when the axial length became in the range of
      23.5 mm to 27 mm in the MA60AC group. CONCLUSIONS: Personal A-constant follows
      different trends with different IOLs even for the same range of axial length.

PMID- 25116772
TI  - Experiences with E-learning in Ophthalmology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: E-learning is the use of internet for the purpose of education. E
      learning in medical education is at a nascent stage in our country. The present
      study was carried out with the purpose of introducing e-learning to third year
      medical students in the subject of Ophthalmology and taking feedback on their
      attitude towards the new methodology of teaching and evaluating. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: E-learning was introduced to the seventh semester students of MBBS in
      the subject of Ophthalmology. The topics were converted to web friendly format
      and used for teaching and evaluating. Feedback was taken from the students on
      completion of the term on their attitudes towards e-learning and their views on
      the scope of e-learning in medical education. RESULTS: All the students agreed on
      the usefulness of e-learning in medical education. Eleven students (27.5%) found
      the medium of e-learning to be interesting, 15 (37.5%) considered it to be easy
      and accessible, 10 (25%) found it to be fast and easy, 4 (10%) considered it to
      be a medium which can give updated information. Twenty-three (57.5%) students
      considered that e-learning should be a medium of instruction in all the subjects,
      15 (37.5%) students considered its usefulness in clinical subjects only. Twenty
      eight students (70%) desired that e-learning should be used to provide important
      notes, questions, MCQs on all topics. CONCLUSIONS: E-learning is well accepted as
      a medium of instruction by medical students.

PMID- 25116773
TI  - Outcomes of chronic macular hole surgical repair.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report visual and anatomic outcomes of chronic macular hole surgery,
      with analysis of pre-operative OCT-based hole size and post-operative closure
      type. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: An IRB-approved, retrospective case series of 26 eyes
      of 24 patients who underwent surgery for stage 3 or 4 idiopathic chronic macular
      holes at a tertiary care referral center. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's t-test.
      RESULTS: Nineteen of 26 eyes (73%) had visual improvement after surgery on most
      recent exam. Twenty-one of 26 eyes (81%) achieved anatomic closure; 16 of 26 eyes
      (62%) achieved type 1, and five of 26 eyes (19%) achieved type 2 closure. Post
      operative LogMAR VA for type 1 closure holes (0.49) was significantly greater
      than for type 2 closure and open holes (1.26, P < 0.003 and 1.10, P < 0.005,
      respectively), despite similar pre-operative VA (P = 0.51 and 0.68,
      respectively). Mean pre-operative hole diameter for eyes with type 1 closure,
      type 2 closure, and holes that remained open were 554, 929, and 1205 microns,
      respectively. Mean pre-operative hole diameter was significantly larger in eyes
      that remained open as compared to eyes with type 1 closure (P = 0.015).
      CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy to repair chronic macular holes can improve vision and
      achieve long-term closure. Holes of greater than 3.4 years duration were
      associated with a greater incidence of remaining open and type 2 closure. Larger
      holes (mean diameter of 1205 microns) were more likely to remain open after
      repair.

PMID- 25116774
TI  - Gain beyond cosmesis: demonstration of psychosocial and functional gains
      following successful strabismus surgery using the adult strabismus questionnaire
      adult strabismus 20.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strabismus adversely affects psychosocial and functional aspects;
      while its correction impacts positively. AIM: The aim was to evaluate the gains
      in scores: Overall scores (OASs), psychosocial subscale scores (PSSs) and
      functional subscale scores (FSSs) following successful surgical alignment.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: We evaluated changed scores in the adult strabismus 20 (AS
      20) questionnaire, administered before and after successful surgery. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Thirty adults horizontal strabismics, were administered the AS-20,
      at baseline, and at 6-week and 3-month. Group-wise analysis was carried out based
      on gender, strabismus type (esotropia [ET] or exotropia [XT]), back-ground and
      amblyopia. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We used Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney U-tests.
      Significance was set at P <= 0.05. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no
      significant differences within the groups, except that those with amblyopia
      significantly scored less than nonamblyopes in OAS (median scores: 53.8 vs. 71.3;
      P = 0.009) and FSS (56.3 vs. 85.3; P = 0.009). OAS, PSS and FSS showed
      significant gains at 6-week and 3-month (all Wilcoxon P < 0.001). Compared with
      males, females showed significantly more gain at 3-month (OAS: 37.9 vs. 28.7; P =
      0.02), on account of PSS gain (49.6 vs. 37.5; P = 0.01). The ET performed better
      than XT only on the FSS at 6-week (28.7 vs. 15.0; P = 0.02). Vis-a-vis the
      nonamblyopes, the amblyopes showed significantly more benefit at 6-week alone
      (OAS: 18.7 vs. 28.7; P = 0.04), largely due to gains in PSS. CONCLUSIONS:
      Successful strabismus surgery has demonstrated significant gains in psychosocial,
      functional and overall functions. There is some evidence that gains may be more
      in females; with a trend to better outcomes in ET and amblyopes up to 6-week.

PMID- 25116776
TI  - Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia with corneal furrow degeneration.
AB  - A 68-year-old man presented with redness of left eye since six months.
      Examination revealed bilateral corneal furrow degeneration. Left eye lesion was
      suggestive of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, encroaching on to cornea.
      Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) confirmed peripheral
      corneal thinning. Fluorescein angiography confirmed intrinsic vascularity of
      lesion. Patient was managed with "no touch" surgical excision, dry keratectomy
      without alcohol, cryotherapy, and primary closure. Pathologic examination of
      removed tissue confirmed clinical diagnosis. Management of this particular case
      required modification of standard treatment protocol. Unlike the alcohol-assisted
      technique of tumor dissection described, ethyl alcohol was not used for risk of
      corneal perforation due to underlying peripheral corneal thinning. Likewise,
      topical steroids were withheld in the post-operative period. Three weeks post
      operatively, left eye was healing well. Hence, per-operative usage of absolute
      alcohol and post-operative use of topical steroids may be best avoided in such
      eyes. 

PMID- 25116775
TI  - Scleral depressed vitreous shaving, 360 laser, and perfluoropropane (C3 F8) for
      retinal detachment.
AB  - Purpose : To review the characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent
      pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with scleral depressed vitreous shaving, 360 degree
      peripheral endolaser, and 14% C3F8 gas for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
      (RRD). Materials and Methods : A retrospective review of a consecutive series of
      patients who underwent primary repair of RRD by PPV with scleral depressed
      vitreous shaving, 360 degree peripheral endolaser, and 14% perfluoropropane (C 3
      F 8 ) was conducted. Patients with less than 3 months follow-up, previous retinal
      surgery, and higher than grade B proliferative vitreoretinopathy were excluded.
      Results : Ninety-one eyes were included in the study. The mean age was 60.1
      years. The mean follow-up was 13.7 months. The macula was detached in 63% (58/91)
      of the eyes. The reattachment rate after one surgical procedure was 95% (86/91)
      while overall reattachment rate was 100%. There was no statistically significant
      difference between reattachment rates of superior, nasal/temporal, or inferior
      RRDs. The mean final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/40. Of all the
      patients, 66% of patients with macula-off RRDs had a final BCVA of 20/40 or
      better. CONCLUSIONS: PPV with scleral depressed vitreous shaving, 360 degree
      peripheral endolaser, and 14% C 3 F 8 leads to successful anatomical reattachment
      with visual improvement in patients with primary RRD.

PMID- 25116777
TI  - Luxation of eyeball following trauma: novel simple treatment.
AB  - Luxation of the eye globe is a rare occasion but it carries a risk of threat to
      permanent vision loss especially when associated with very high intraocular
      pressure. Appropriate intervention should be undertaken instantly. Predisposing
      factors include; eyes as in shallow orbital sockets, floppy eyelid syndrome, and
      exophthalmos. Prompt reduction results in restoration of full anatomical and
      visual recovery in otherwise healthy eyes. We report a case of globe luxation
      following trauma by door handle in a 65-year-old female, who recovered completely
      after reposition of the globe using Desmarres Lid Retractors. 

PMID- 25116778
TI  - Feedback of final year ophthalmology postgraduates about their residency
      ophthalmology training in South India.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study documents a survey of final-year ophthalmology
      postgraduate students on the subject of their residency training. A similar
      survey conducted 7 years ago published in IJO had concluded that the residency
      program was not up to expectations in many centers. Our study aimed to see if
      ophthalmology training and student perceptions differed since then. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: For our study, we added a few questions to the same questionnaire used
      in the article "which is the best method to learn ophthalmology? Resident
      doctors' perspective of ophthalmology training" published in IJO, Vol. 56 (5).
      RESULTS: Forty-nine students (62.02%) returned completed forms. Most students
      desired an orientation program on entering residency, and wished to undergo
      diagnostic training initially. Case-presentation with demonstration and Wet-lab
      learning were most preferred. There was a big difference between the number of
      surgeries students actually performed and the number they felt would have been
      ideal. CONCLUSION: On the whole, the students still felt the need for improved
      training across all aspects of ophthalmology.

PMID- 25116779
TI  - Orbital cellulitis in a neonate of the tooth bud origin: a case report.
AB  - Orbital cellulitis is a serious, yet uncommon infection in neonates. It can
      result in significant sight and life threatening complications. Most commonly, it
      occurs secondarily as the result of a spread of infection from the sinuses.
      Orbital cellulitis, secondary to dental infection is rare. We hereby report a
      case of orbital cellulitis secondary to dental infection in a 15-day-old neonate
      without any systemic features. 

PMID- 25116780
TI  - Combined special capsular tension ring and toric IOL implantation for management
      of post-DALK high regular astigmatism with subluxated traumatic cataract.
AB  - We report a case of 18-year-old male who has undergone phacoemulsification with
      implantation of toric IOL (AcrySof IQ SN6AT9) after fixation of lens capsule with
      Cionni's capsular tension ring (CTR) for subluxated traumatic cataract with high
      astigmatism after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). He underwent right
      eye DALK for advanced keratoconus four years earlier. He had history of trauma
      one year later with displaced clear crystalline lens into  anterior chamber and
      graft dehiscence, which was repaired successfully. The graft survived, but
      patient developed cataract with subluxated lens, for which phacoemulsification
      with implantation of toric IOL was done. Serial  topography showed regular
      corneal astigmatism of -5.50 diopter (K 1 42.75 D @130 degrees , K 2 48.25 D @40
      degrees ). At 10-month follow-up, the patient has BCVA 20/30 with + 0.75 DS/-
      1.75 DC @ 110 degrees . The capsular bag is quite stable with well-centered IOL.
      Combination of Cionni's ring with toric IOL could be a good option to manage such
      complex cases. 

PMID- 25116781
TI  - Human ocular thelaziasis in Karnataka.
AB  - Thelaziasis is an arthropod-born disease of the eye and adnexa caused by Thelazia
      callipaeda, a nematode parasite transmitted by drosophilid flies to carnivores
      and humans. Because of its distribution mainly confined to South Asian countries
      and Russia, it is commonly known as Oriental eye worm. It is often under-reported
      and not been given its due clinical importance. We report first case of human
      thelaziasis from Hassan District, Karnataka. Five creamy-white, translucent worms
      were removed from the conjunctival sac of a 74-year-old male patient. Based on
      morphological characters, the worms were identified as nematodes belonging to the
      genus Thelazia and speciation was confirmed by CDC, Atlanta as callipaeda. Rarity
      of the disease and its ability to cause both extra and intraocular manifestations
      leading to ocular morbidity is the reason for presenting this case. From the
      available data, this is the first case report from Karnataka, India.

PMID- 25116782
TI  - Spontaneous resorption of sub-retinal cortical lens material.
AB  - We report a rare case of retained sub-retinal cortical material, which underwent
      spontaneous resorption. Patient presented with a left eye traumatic retinal
      detachment with a large retinal tear and posteriorly dislocated cataractous lens.
      Vitrectomy, lensectomy, silicone oil injection, and endolaser were performed. A
      good visual result was achieved. The report draws attention to this condition and
      highlights possible technique for minimizing risk of this complication in similar
      cases. 

PMID- 25116783
TI  - A study regarding efficacy of various intraocular lens power calculation formulas
      in a subset of Indian myopic population.
AB  - Efficacy of intraocular lens power calculation formulas in a subset of Indian
      myopic population. Retrospectively reviewed 43 patients who underwent
      phacoemulsification with high axial length (AL) (>24.5 mm, range 24.75-32.35 mm).
      The power of the implanted intraocular lens (IOL) was used to calculate the
      predicted post-operative refractive error by four formulas: Sanders-Retzlaff
      Kraff (SRK II), SRK/T, Holladay 1, and Hoffer Q. The predictive accuracy of the
      formulas was analyzed by comparing the difference between the "actual" and
      "predicted" postoperative refractive errors. Repeated measures analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) tests were done to have pair-wise comparisons between the
      formulas and P < 0.05 was considered significant. A subcategory of axial length
      24.5-26.5 mm was also tested. Holladay 1, Hoffer Q and SRK/T formulas showed a
      slight tendency toward resultant hyperopia, with mean error of +0.24 diopters
      (D), +0.58 D, and +0.92 D, respectively. The Holladay 1 formula provided the best
      predictive result overall. 

PMID- 25116784
TI  - Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in association with optic nervehead drusen.
AB  - Optic nerve head drusen (ONHD) are incidental ophthalmologic finding in the optic
      nerve. Patients with ONHD are often asymptomatic, but sometimes present with
      transient visual obscuration's (TVO), the reported incidence of which is 8.6%.
      Optic nerve head drusen are of two types: Superficial; visible and deep. The deep
      buried drusen mimic papilledema. Because of the varied presentation deep-buried
      drusen pose a diagnostic challenge to the ophthalmologists. In young patients,
      they are mistaken for papilledema as it is clinically difficult to detect a
      buried drusen in the optic nerve head, but are seen on the surface with aging as
      the retinal nerve fiber layer thins out. They are observed as pale yellow lesions
      more often located towards the poles. Clinical examination aided with diagnostic
      tests like computed tomography (CT) orbits and ultrasound B scan can help
      establish the diagnosis. Herein, we report a rare case of optic nerve head drusen
      in a young lady, who presented with loss of vision and clinical evaluation and
      investigations suggested ONHD with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. 

PMID- 25116785
TI  - Using the rebound tonometer to measure intraocular pressure in an anesthetized
      patient.

PMID- 25116786
TI  - Isolated complete bitemporal hemianopia in traumatic chiasmal syndrome.

PMID- 25116787
TI  - Massive submacular hemorrhage resulting in acute angle closure.

PMID- 25116788
TI  - Treatment options for myopic CNV--is photodynamic therapy still relevant?

PMID- 25116789
TI  - Varied phenotype of homocystinuria: possible diagnostic error.

PMID- 25116790
TI  - Patient satisfaction with conventional, complementary, and alternative treatment
      for cluster headache in a Norwegian cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cluster headache (CH) may cause excruciating pain and not all patients
      get satisfactory help. Patient dissatisfaction with general practitioners (GPs)
      and neurologists, and use of complementary and alternative treatment (CAM) may
      reflect this. The authors studied patient satisfaction with doctors' treatment
      and use of CAM in a Norwegian CH cohort. SUBJECTS: A total of 196 subjects with a
      cluster headache diagnosis were identified in the registers of two neurological
      departments in North Norway. DESIGN: Of these, 70 with a confirmed diagnosis
      according to the second edition of the International Classification of Headache
      Disorders (ICHD-2) completed a comprehensive questionnaire with questions
      concerning satisfaction with doctors' treatment, use of CAM, and effect of both
      treatment regimes. RESULTS: Satisfaction with doctors' treatment was reported in
      44/70 (63%) (GPs) and 50/70 (71%) (neurologists) while 39/70 (56%) were satisfied
      with both. Too long a time to diagnosis, median four years, was the most commonly
      reported claim regarding doctors' treatment. Use of CAM was reported in 27/70
      (39%), and 14/70 (20%) reported experience with >= 2 CAM. Ten patients reported
      benefit from CAM (37% of "CAM users"). The average cluster period was longer in
      CAM-users than others (p = 0.02), but CAM use was not associated with age,
      education, use of medication, effect of conventional treatment, duration of
      cluster attacks, or time to diagnosis. CONCLUSION: About two-thirds of CH
      patients were satisfied with treatment from either GPs or neurologists, and about
      one-third had used CAM. Despite experiencing diagnostic delay and severe pain,
      cluster patients seem in general to be satisfied with doctors' conventional
      treatment.

PMID- 25116791
TI  - Xanthoceraside induces apoptosis in melanoma cells through the activation of
      caspases and the suppression of the IGF-1R/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
AB  - Xanthoceraside, a saponin extracted from the husks of Xanthoceras sorbifolia
      Bunge, suppresses inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the antitumor
      properties of xanthoceraside as well as its mechanism of action remain unclear.
      Therefore, we proposed to investigate its potential anticancer property. In this
      study, the viability of cells was measured by the MTT assay. Cell cycle and
      mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometry, and the
      expressions of procaspase-9, procaspase-3, Cyto.c, Apaf-1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bad,
      p53, and IGF-1R/Raf/MEK/ERK were tested by Western blotting. Xanthoceraside
      significantly inhibited the proliferation of human melanoma A375.S2 cells in a
      concentration- and time-dependent manner but did not impair the viability of
      normal cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells). Further analysis revealed that
      xanthoceraside induced apoptosis by activating caspase-3 and caspase-9 in a time
      dependent manner through the mitochondrial pathway but did not activate caspase-8
      in the cells. In addition, xanthoceraside inhibited the expression of the insulin
      like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), which is an important prosurvival,
      antiapoptotic signaling growth factor receptor that is frequently overexpressed
      in cancer cells and used as a therapeutic target for multiple cancers.
      Interestingly, xanthoceraside also decreased the expression of Raf, p-MEK, and p
      ERK, the downstream effectors of IGF-1R. Taken together, these findings indicate
      that xanthoceraside induces apoptosis through a mitochondria-mediated apoptotic
      pathway, which is induced by the downregulation of IGF-1R/Raf/MEK/ERK cascades in
      A375.S2 cells.

PMID- 25116792
TI  - Long-range chemical sensitivity in the sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectra of
      substituted thiophenes.
AB  - Thiophenes are the simplest aromatic sulfur-containing compounds and are stable
      and widespread in fossil fuels. Regulation of sulfur levels in fuels and
      emissions has become and continues to be ever more stringent as part of
      governments' efforts to address negative environmental impacts of sulfur dioxide.
      In turn, more effective removal methods are continually being sought. In a
      chemical sense, thiophenes are somewhat obdurate and hence their removal from
      fossil fuels poses problems for the industrial chemist. Sulfur K-edge X-ray
      absorption spectroscopy provides key information on thiophenic components in
      fuels. Here we present a systematic study of the spectroscopic sensitivity to
      chemical modifications of the thiophene system. We conclude that while the
      utility of sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectra in understanding the chemical
      composition of sulfur-containing fossil fuels has already been demonstrated, care
      must be exercised in interpreting these spectra because the assumption of an
      invariant spectrum for thiophenic forms may not always be valid. 

PMID- 25116793
TI  - Dynamin-mediated lipid acquisition is essential for Chlamydia trachomatis
      development.
AB  - Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen responsible for a
      high burden of human disease. Here, a loss-of-function screen using a set of
      lentivirally transduced shRNAs identified 14 human host cell factors that
      modulate C. trachomatis infectivity. Notably, knockdown of dynamin, a host
      GTPase, decreased C. trachomatis infectivity. Dynamin functions in multiple
      cytoplasmic locations, including vesicle formation at the plasma membrane and the
      trans-Golgi network. However, its role in C. trachomatis infection remains
      unclear. Here we report that dynamin is essential for homotypic fusion of C.
      trachomatis inclusions but not for C. trachomatis internalization into the host
      cell. Further, dynamin activity is necessary for lipid transport into C.
      trachomatis inclusions and for normal re-differentiation from reticulate to
      elementary bodies. Fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus is proposed to be an
      important strategy used by C. trachomatis for efficient lipid acquisition and
      replication within the host. Here we show that a subset of C. trachomatis
      infected cells displayed Golgi fragmentation, which was concurrent with increased
      mitotic accumulation. Golgi fragmentation was dispensable for dynamin-mediated
      lipid acquisition into C. trachomatis inclusions, irrespective of the cell cycle
      phase. Thus, our study reveals a critical role of dynamin in host-derived lipid
      acquisition for C. trachomatis development.

PMID- 25116794
TI  - A chemoenzymatic synthesis of hept-6-ene-2,5-diol stereomers: application to
      asymmetric synthesis of decarestrictine L, pyrenophorol, and stagonolide E.
AB  - The stereomers of hept-6-ene-2,5-diol derivatives were conceived as useful chiral
      intermediates and were synthesized starting from sulcatol using two lipase
      catalyzed acylation reactions as the key steps. The versatility of the
      intermediates was demonstrated by converting them to the titled tetrahydropyran,
      macrolide, and macrodiolide compounds using standard synthetic protocols. 

PMID- 25116796
TI  - AEDs at your fingertips: automated external defibrillators on college campuses
      and a novel approach for increasing accessibility.
AB  - The use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) increases survival in cardiac
      arrest events. Due to the success of previous efforts and free, readily available
      mobile mapping software, the discussion is to emphasize the importance of the use
      of AEDs to prevent sudden cardiac arrest-related deaths on college campuses and
      abroad, while suggesting a novel approach to aiding in access and awareness
      issues. A user-friendly mobile application (a low-cost iOS map) was developed at
      Florida State University to decrease AED retrieval distance and time. The
      development of mobile AED maps is feasible for a variety of universities and
      other entities, with the potential to save lives. Just having AEDs installed is
      not enough--they need to be easily locatable. Society increasingly relies on
      phones to provide information, and there are opportunities to use mobile
      technology to locate and share information about relevant emergency devices;
      these should be incorporated into the chain of survival.

PMID- 25116797
TI  - New methods for the synthesis of naphthyl amines; application to the synthesis of
      dihydrosanguinarine, sanguinarine, oxysanguinarine and (+/-)-maclekarpines B and
      C.
AB  - A new method for preparing naphthyl amines from 1,5 unsaturated dicarbonyl
      precursors is described; the utility of this new method was proven in the
      syntheses of several natural products, all containing the benzo[c]phenanthridine
      core and enabled by a radical promoted cyclisation of the naphthyl amine products
      formed in the key cyclisation. 

PMID- 25116798
TI  - Drug-disease association and drug-repositioning predictions in complex diseases
      using causal inference-probabilistic matrix factorization.
AB  - The high incidence of complex diseases has become a worldwide threat to human
      health. Multiple targets and pathways are perturbed during the pathological
      process of complex diseases. Systematic investigation of complex relationship
      between drugs and diseases is necessary for new association discovery and drug
      repurposing. For this purpose, three causal networks were constructed herein for
      cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neoplasms, respectively. A causal
      inference-probabilistic matrix factorization (CI-PMF) approach was proposed to
      predict and classify drug-disease associations, and further used for drug
      repositioning predictions. First, multilevel systematic relations between drugs
      and diseases were integrated from heterogeneous databases to construct causal
      networks connecting drug-target-pathway-gene-disease. Then, the association
      scores between drugs and diseases were assessed by evaluating a drug's effects on
      multiple targets and pathways. Furthermore, PMF models were learned based on
      known interactions, and associations were then classified into three types by
      trained models. Finally, therapeutic associations were predicted based upon the
      ranking of association scores and predicted association types. In terms of drug
      disease association prediction, modified causal inference included in CI-PMF
      outperformed existing causal inference with a higher AUC (area under receiver
      operating characteristic curve) score and greater precision. Moreover, CI-PMF
      performed better than single modified causal inference in predicting therapeutic
      drug-disease associations. In the top 30% of predicted associations, 58.6%
      (136/232), 50.8% (31/61), and 39.8% (140/352) hit known therapeutic associations,
      while precisions obtained by the latter were only 10.2% (231/2264), 8.8%
      (36/411), and 9.7% (189/1948). Clinical verifications were further conducted for
      the top 100 newly predicted therapeutic associations. As a result, 21, 12, and 32
      associations have been studied and many treatment effects of drugs on diseases
      were investigated for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neoplasms,
      respectively. Related chains in causal networks were extracted for these 65
      clinical-verified associations, and we further illustrated the therapeutic role
      of etodolac in breast cancer by inferred chains. Overall, CI-PMF is a useful
      approach for associating drugs with complex diseases and provides potential
      values for drug repositioning. 

PMID- 25116795
TI  - Transcripts involved in calcium signaling and telencephalic neuronal fate are
      altered in induced pluripotent stem cells from bipolar disorder patients.
AB  - Bipolar disorder (BP) is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by
      dynamic, pathological mood fluctuations from mania to depression. To date, a
      major challenge in studying human neuropsychiatric conditions such as BP has been
      limited access to viable central nervous system tissue to examine disease
      progression. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) now offer an
      opportunity to analyze the full compliment of neural tissues and the prospect of
      identifying novel disease mechanisms. We have examined changes in gene expression
      as iPSC derived from well-characterized patients differentiate into neurons;
      there was little difference in the transcriptome of iPSC, but BP neurons were
      significantly different than controls in their transcriptional profile.
      Expression of transcripts for membrane bound receptors and ion channels was
      significantly increased in BP-derived neurons compared with controls, and we
      found that lithium pretreatment of BP neurons significantly altered their calcium
      transient and wave amplitude. The expression of transcription factors involved in
      the specification of telencephalic neuronal identity was also altered. Control
      neurons expressed transcripts that confer dorsal telencephalic fate, whereas BP
      neurons expressed genes involved in the differentiation of ventral (medial
      ganglionic eminence) regions. Cells were responsive to dorsal/ventral patterning
      cues, as addition of the Hedgehog (ventral) pathway activator purmorphamine or a
      dorsalizing agent (lithium) stimulated expression of NKX2-1 (ventral identity) or
      EMX2 (dorsal) in both groups. Cell-based models should have a significant impact
      on our understanding of the genesis and therefore treatment of BP; the iPSC cell
      lines themselves provide an important resource for comparison with other
      neurodevelopmental disorders. 

PMID- 25116799
TI  - Stimuli-responsive composite particles as solid-stabilizers for effective oil
      harvesting.
AB  - The polymer-grafted magnetic composite particles have been synthesized and
      developed to harvest oil by use of their speical wettability. Different from
      gravity-driven oil-water separation, the prepared polymer brushes-grafted
      magnetic composite particles can act as solid-stabilizers that diffuse to the oil
      water interfical region and effectively minimize the direct oil-water interfical
      area by volume exclusion, whereas the magnetic Fe3O4 core allows easy separation
      of Pickering emulsions from oil-water mixture under an external magnetic field.
      When the emulsions were heated from room temperature to 50  degrees C, the coil
      to-globule transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) acts as the driving
      force for the destabilization of the emulsion, thereby achieving the release of
      oil. The novel materials can be used in aspects of oil-water separation, inducing
      oil droplet transport and release of lipophilic substrates. 

PMID- 25116800
TI  - Stroke gait rehabilitation: is load perception a first step towards load control?

PMID- 25116802
TI  - Comparison of trends and outcomes of carotid artery stenting and endarterectomy
      in the United States, 2001 to 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the controversy regarding whether carotid endarterectomy (CEA)
      or carotid artery stenting (CAS) may be superior for stroke prevention, it is
      uncertain how recent clinical evidence, guidelines, and reimbursement policies
      have influenced the volume and outcomes after these procedures. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We conducted a serial, cross-sectional study with time trends of
      patients undergoing CAS (n=124 265) and CEA (n=1 260 647) between 2001 and 2010
      from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. During the 10-year period, the
      frequency of CEA declined, whereas CAS use slowly increased. After multivariate
      propensity score-matched analysis, CAS was associated with an increased risk of
      death (odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40-2.04), stroke
      (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.23-1.66), and major adverse events including death, stroke,
      and myocardial infarction (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.13-1.39). In asymptomatic
      patients, there was no significant difference in major adverse events (OR, 1.08;
      95% CI, 0.92-1.20; P=0.16 [P <0.001 for interaction between procedure type and
      symptom status]) between CAS and CEA. Importantly, there was a significant
      improvement in CAS outcomes during the course of 10 years (reduction in death
      [OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.49-0.67; P for trend=0.03] and major adverse events [OR,
      0.75; 95% CI, 0.66-0.84; P for trend=0.05] comparing years 2010 versus 2001).
      CONCLUSIONS: In US hospitals between 2001 and 2010, CAS was associated with worse
      in-hospital outcomes, partly attributable to selection and ascertainment bias.
      Asymptomatic patients undergoing CAS versus CEA had similar adjusted rates of
      major adverse events. CAS outcomes improved significantly during the course of
      the decade likely attributable to improvements in patient selection, operator
      skills, and technological advancements.

PMID- 25116801
TI  - A mutation in the CASQ1 gene causes a vacuolar myopathy with accumulation of
      sarcoplasmic reticulum protein aggregates.
AB  - A missense mutation in the calsequestrin-1 gene (CASQ1) was found in a group of
      patients with a myopathy characterized by weakness, fatigue, and the presence of
      large vacuoles containing characteristic inclusions resulting from the
      aggregation of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) proteins. The mutation affects a
      conserved aspartic acid in position 244 (p.Asp244Gly) located in one of the high
      affinity Ca(2+) -binding sites of CASQ1 and alters the kinetics of Ca(2+) release
      in muscle fibers. Expression of the mutated CASQ1 protein in COS-7 cells showed a
      markedly reduced ability in forming elongated polymers, whereas both in cultured
      myotubes and in in vivo mouse fibers induced the formation of electron-dense SR
      vacuoles containing aggregates of the mutant CASQ1 protein that resemble those
      observed in muscle biopsies of patients. Altogether, these results support the
      view that a single missense mutation in the CASQ1 gene causes the formation of
      abnormal SR vacuoles containing aggregates of CASQ1, and other SR proteins,
      results in altered Ca(2+) release in skeletal muscle fibers, and, hence, is
      responsible for the clinical phenotype observed in these patients. 

PMID- 25116803
TI  - alpha-Solanine inhibits invasion of human prostate cancer cell by suppressing
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition and MMPs expression.
AB  - alpha-Solanine, a naturally occurring steroidal glycoalkaloid found in nightshade
      (Solanum nigrum Linn.), was found to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis
      of tumor cells. However, the mechanism involved in suppression of cancer cell
      metastasis by alpha-solanine remains unclear. This study investigates the
      suppression mechanism of alpha-solanine on motility of the human prostate cancer
      cell PC-3. Results show that alpha-solanine reduces the viability of PC-3 cells.
      When treated with non-toxic doses of alpha-solanine, cell invasion is markedly
      suppressed by alpha-solanine. alpha-Solanine also significantly elevates
      epithelial marker E-cadherin expression, while it concomitantly decreases
      mesenchymal marker vimentin expression, suggesting it suppresses epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT). alpha-Solanine reduces the mRNA level of matrix
      metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and extracellular inducer of matrix
      metalloproteinase (EMMPRIN), but increases the expression of reversion-inducing
      cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK), and tissue inhibitor of
      metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2. Immunoblotting assays indicate alpha
      solanine is effective in suppressing the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositide
      3 kinase (PI3K), Akt and ERK. Moreover, alpha-solanine downregulates oncogenic
      microRNA-21 (miR-21) and upregulates tumor suppressor miR-138 expression. Taken
      together, the results suggest that inhibition of PC-3 cell invasion by alpha
      solanine may be, at least in part, through blocking EMT and MMPs expression.
      alpha-Solanine also reduces ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and regulates
      expression of miR-21 and miR-138. These findings suggest an attractive
      therapeutic potential of alpha-solanine for suppressing invasion of prostate
      cancer cell. 

PMID- 25116804
TI  - Self-assembled micelles composed of doxorubicin conjugated Y-shaped PEG
      poly(glutamic acid)2 copolymers via hydrazone linkers.
AB  - In this work, micelles composed of doxorubicin-conjugated Y-shaped copolymers
      (YMs) linked via an acid-labile linker were constructed. Y-shaped copolymers of
      mPEG-b-poly(glutamate-hydrazone-doxorubicin)2 and linear copolymers of mPEG-b
      poly(glutamate-hydrazone-doxorubicin) were synthesized and characterized.
      Particle size, size distribution, morphology, drug loading content (DLC) and drug
      release of the micelles were determined. Alterations in size and DLC of the
      micelles could be achieved by varying the hydrophobic block lengths. Moreover, at
      fixed DLCs, YMs showed a smaller diameter than micelles composed of linear
      copolymers (LMs). Also, all prepared micelles showed sustained release behaviors
      under physiological conditions over 72 h. DOX loaded in YMs was released more
      completely, with 30% more drug released in acid. The anti-tumor efficacy of the
      micelles against HeLa cells was evaluated by MTT assays, and YMs exhibited
      stronger cytotoxic effects than LMs in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
      Cellular uptake studied by CLSM indicated that YMs and LMs were readily taken up
      by HeLa cells. According to the results of this study, doxorubicin-conjugated Y
      shaped PEG-(polypeptide)2 copolymers showed advantages over linear copolymers,
      like assembling into smaller nanoparticles, faster drug release in acid, which
      may correspond to higher cellular uptake and enhanced extracellular/intracellular
      drug release, indicating their potential in constructing nano-sized drug delivery
      systems. 

PMID- 25116805
TI  - Ruthenium polypyridine complexes combined with oligonucleotides for bioanalysis:
      a review.
AB  - Ruthenium complexes are among the most interesting coordination complexes and
      they have attracted great attention over the past decades due to their appealing
      biological, catalytic, electronic and optical properties. Ruthenium complexes
      have found a unique niche in bioanalysis, as demonstrated by the substantial
      progress made in the field. In this review, the applications of ruthenium
      complexes coordinated with polypyridine ligands (and analogues) in bioanalysis
      are discussed. Three main detection methods based on electrochemistry,
      electrochemiluminescence, and photoluminscence are covered. The important
      targets, including DNA and other biologically important targets, are detected by
      specific biorecognition with the corresponding oligonucleotides as the
      biorecognition elements (i.e., DNA is probed by its complementary strand and
      other targets are detected by functional nucleic acids, respectively). Selected
      examples are provided and thoroughly discussed to highlight the substantial
      progress made so far. Finally, a brief summary with perspectives is included. 

PMID- 25116806
TI  - Synthesis, immobilization and catalytic activity of a copper(II) complex with a
      chiral bis(oxazoline).
AB  - A chiral bis(oxazoline) bearing CH2OH groups was synthesized from a commercial
      bis(oxazoline) and characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR, high resolution ESI-mass
      spectrometry and FTIR. The corresponding copper(II) complex was immobilized onto
      the surface of a mesoporous carbonaceous material (Starbon(r) 700) in which the
      double bonds had been activated via conventional bromination. The materials were
      characterized by elemental analysis, ICP-OES, XPS, thermogravimetry and nitrogen
      adsorption at 77 K. The new copper(II) bis(oxazoline) was tested both in the
      homogeneous phase and once immobilized onto a carbonaceous support for the
      kinetic resolution of hydrobenzoin. Both were active, enantioselective and
      selective in the mono-benzoylation of hydrobenzoin, but better
      enantioselectivities were obtained in the homogeneous phase. The heterogeneous
      catalyst could be separated from the reaction media at the end of the reaction
      and reused in another catalytic cycle, but with loss of product yield and
      enantioselectivity. 

PMID- 25116807
TI  - Dissociative electron transfer to diphenyl-substituted bicyclic endoperoxides:
      the effect of molecular structure on the reactivity of distonic radical anions
      and determination of thermochemical parameters.
AB  - The heterogeneous electron transfer reduction of the bicyclic endoperoxide 1,4
      diphenyl-2,3-dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene (4) was investigated in N,N
      dimethylformamide at a glassy carbon electrode. The endoperoxide reacts by a
      concerted dissociative ET mechanism resulting in reduction of the O-O bond with
      an observed peak potential of -1.4 V at 0.2 V s-1. The major product (90% yield)
      resulting from the heterogeneous bulk electrolysis of 4 at -1.4 V with a rotating
      disk glassy carbon electrode is 1,4-diphenyl-cyclopent-2-ene-cis-1,3-diol with a
      consumption of 1.73 electrons per mole. In contrast, 1,4-diphenyl-2,3
      dioxabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene (1), undergoes a two-electron reduction mechanism in
      quantitative yield. This difference in product yield between 1 and 4 is
      suggestive of a radical-anion mechanism, as observed with 1,4-diphenyl-2,3
      dioxabicyclo-[2.2.2] octane (2) and 1,4-diphenyl-2,3-dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane
      (3). Convolution potential sweep voltammetry is used to determine unknown
      thermochemical parameters of 4, including the O-O bond dissociation energy and
      the standard reduction potential and a comparison is made to the previously
      studied bicyclic endoperoxides 1-3 with respect to the effect of molecular
      structure on the reactivity of distonic radical anions.

PMID- 25116809
TI  - A novel mitovirus from Buergenerula spartinae infecting the invasive species
      Spartina alterniflora.

PMID- 25116808
TI  - Effect of chitosan on tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) accumulation, hydrolase
      activity, and morphological abnormalities of the viral particles in leaves of N.
      tabacum L. cv. Samsun.
AB  - The effect of chitosan on the development of infection caused by Tobacco mosaic
      virus (TMV) in leaves of Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Samsun has been studied. It was
      shown that the infectivity and viral coat protein content in leaves inoculated
      with a mixture of TMV (2 MUg/mL) and chitosan (1 mg/mL) were lower in the early
      period of infection (3 days after inoculation), by 63% and 66% respectively, than
      in leaves inoculated with TMV only. Treatment of leaves with chitosan 24 h before
      inoculation with TMV also caused the antiviral effects, but these were less
      apparent than when the virus and polysaccharide were applied simultaneously. The
      inhibitory effects of the agent decreased as the infection progressed.
      Inoculation of leaves with TMV together with chitosan considerably enhanced the
      activity of hydrolases (proteases, RNases) in the leaves, in comparison with
      leaves inoculated with TMV alone. Electron microscope assays of phosphotungstic
      acid (PTA)-stained suspensions from infected tobacco leaves showed that, in
      addition to the normal TMV particles (18 nm in diameter, 300 nm long), these
      suspensions contained abnormal (swollen, "thin" and "short") virions. The highest
      number of abnormal virions was found in suspensions from leaves inoculated with a
      mixture of TMV and chitosan. Immuno-electron microscopy showed that "thin" virus
      particles, in contrast to the particles of normal diameter, lost the ability to
      bind to specific antiserum. It seems that the chitosan-induced activation of
      hydrolases stimulates the intracellular degradation of TMV particles and hence
      hydrolase activation may be considered to be one of the polysaccharide-mediated
      cellular defense mechanisms that limit virus accumulation in cells. 

PMID- 25116810
TI  - Alterations of the synapse of the inner retinal layers after chronic intraocular
      pressure elevation in glaucoma animal model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dendrites of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) synapse with axon
      terminals of bipolar cells in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). Changes in RGC
      dendrites and synapses between bipolar cells in the inner retinal layer may
      critically alter the function of RGCs in glaucoma. Recently, synaptic plasticity
      has been observed in the adult central nervous system, including the outer
      retinal layers. However, few studies have focused on changes in the synapses
      between RGCs and bipolar cells in glaucoma. In the present study, we used a rat
      model of ocular hypertension induced by episcleral vein cauterization to
      investigate changes in synaptic structure and protein expression in the inner
      retinal layer at various time points after moderate intraocular pressure (IOP)
      elevation. RESULTS: Synaptophysin, a presynaptic vesicle protein, increased
      throughout the IPL, outer plexiform layer, and outer nuclear layer after IOP
      elevation. Increased synaptophysin after IOP elevation was expressed in bipolar
      cells in the innermost IPL. The RGC marker, SMI-32, co-localized with
      synaptophysin in RGC dendrites and were significantly increased at 1 week and 4
      weeks after IOP elevation. Both synaptophysin and postsynaptic vesicle protein,
      PSD-95, were increased after IOP elevation by western blot analysis. Ribbon
      synapses in the IPL were quantified and structurally evaluated in retinal
      sections by transmission electron microscopy. After IOP elevation the total
      number of ribbon synapses decreased. There were increases in synapse diameter and
      synaptic vesicle number and decreases in active zone length and the number of
      docked vesicles after IOP elevation. CONCLUSIONS: Although the total number of
      synapses decreased as RGCs were lost after IOP elevation, there are attempts to
      increase synaptic vesicle proteins and immature synapse formation between RGCs
      and bipolar cells in the inner retinal layers after glaucoma induction.

PMID- 25116813
TI  - Tools of the Trade: a tribute to Karen Denard Goldman, PhD, MCHES.

PMID- 25116812
TI  - Preparation of highly efficient MRI contrast agents through complexation of
      cationic Gd(III)-containing metallosurfactant with biocompatible
      polyelectrolytes.
AB  - Novel contrast agents were developed through assembling of Gd(III) -containing
      metallosurfactant (MS) with biocompatible polyelectrolytes sodium hyaluronate
      (HA), heparinsodium (HS) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The formed
      polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes showed different structural patterns as the
      charge ratio increased, including spherical aggregates, rod-like aggregates and
      network patterns in monovalent HA system, while spherical structures emerged in
      multivalent HS and DSS systems. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis and
      scanning electron microscopy mapping showed the presence of Gd(III) in these
      complexes. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry was further
      used to quantify the contents of Gd(III) in the assemblies. T1 magnetic resonance
      imaging showed that these Gd(III) -loaded complexes exhibited relaxivity of up to
      63.81 mM(-1)  s(-1) , much higher than that of Ominiscan (4.64 mM(-1)  s(-1) ).
      The cytotoxicity test in vitro demonstrated the excellent biocompatibility of
      these complexes, which is essential for clinical application. 

PMID- 25116811
TI  - Periodontal regeneration using strontium-loaded mesoporous bioactive glass
      scaffolds in osteoporotic rats.
AB  - Recent studies demonstrate that the rate of periodontal breakdown significantly
      increased in patients compromised from both periodontal disease and osteoporosis.
      One pharmacological agent used for their treatment is strontium renalate due to
      its simultaneous ability to increase bone formation and halt bone resorption. The
      aim of the present study was to achieve periodontal regeneration of strontium
      incorporated mesoporous bioactive glass (Sr-MBG) scaffolds in an osteoporotic
      animal model carried out by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). 15 female Wistar rats
      were randomly assigned to three groups: control unfilled periodontal defects, 2)
      MBG alone and 3) Sr-MBG scaffolds. 10 weeks after OVX, bilateral fenestration
      defects were created at the buccal aspect of the first mandibular molar and
      assessed by micro-CT and histomorphometric analysis after 28 days. Periodontal
      fenestration defects treated with Sr-MBG scaffolds showed greater new bone
      formation (46.67%) when compared to MBG scaffolds (39.33%) and control unfilled
      samples (17.50%). The number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts was also significantly
      reduced in defects receiving Sr-MBG scaffolds. The results from the present study
      suggest that Sr-MBG scaffolds may provide greater periondontal regeneration.
      Clinical studies are required to fully characterize the possible beneficial
      effect of Sr-releasing scaffolds for patients suffering from a combination of
      both periodontal disease and osteoporosis. 

PMID- 25116814
TI  - Tools of the Trade: a tribute to Karen Denard Goldman, PhD, MCHES.

PMID- 25116815
TI  - Neuropathic pain in two-generation twins carrying the sodium channel Nav1.7
      functional variant R1150W.
AB  - We present clinical, neuropathological, and molecular genetic findings of a
      family with a new pain phenotype of the sodium channel gene SCN9A polymorphism
      R1150W. A 46-year-old woman presented with a 5-year history of episodic
      temperature- and exercise-dependent burning pain of the feet and lower legs
      associated with numbness of the distal upper and lower limbs. Her monozygotic
      twin sister and their mother and her twin presented similar symptoms. Clinical
      evaluation was normal except for a mild distal sensory deficit in fingers and
      feet. Electrophysiological testing was unremarkable, as were serum and
      cerebrospinal fluid laboratory findings. Skin biopsies of the distal lower limbs
      revealed an epidermal nerve fiber density at the lower limit of normal.
      Myelinated dermal nerve fibers showed elongated nodes of Ranvier, but normal
      distribution of nodal and paranodal proteins. Genetic testing for ion channel
      associated pain disorders revealed an amino acid R1150W substitution of the
      Nav1.7 sodium channel. The combination of a Nav1.7 polymorphism with
      dysmyelinating features in small-caliber peripheral nerves has not been described
      before and may suggest an explanation for the clinical syndrome in our patients.
      Treatment with the sodium channel blocker lamotrigine provided some relief,
      consistent with a role of sodium channel dysfunction in the pain syndrome of this
      family. 

PMID- 25116816
TI  - A gamma-butyrolactone-sensing activator/repressor, JadR3, controls a regulatory
      mini-network for jadomycin biosynthesis.
AB  - Two regulatory genes, jadR2 and jadR3, in the jadomycin (jad) biosynthetic gene
      cluster of Streptomyces venezuelae encode homologues of gamma-butyrolactone
      receptor. JadR2 was previously shown to be a pseudo gamma-butyrolactone receptor.
      jadR3 is situated at the upstream of jadW123 encoding putative enzymes for gamma
      butyrolactone biosynthesis. Disruption of jadR3 resulted in markedly decreased
      production of jadomycin. Transcriptional analysis revealed that JadR3 represses
      jadW1, jadR2 and jadR3 but activates jadR1, the key activator gene for jadomycin
      biosynthesis. DNase I footprinting showed that JadR3 has four binding sites in
      the intergenic regions of jadR2-jadR1 and jadR3-jadW1. A JadR3 interactive
      molecule, SVB1, was purified from a large-scale fermentation and its structure
      found to be the same as SCB3, a gamma-butyrolactone from Streptomyces coelicolor,
      and was absent from a jadW123 mutant lacking jadomycin production. Addition of
      SVB1 or extract from S. coelicolor to the mutant restored jadomycin production.
      Overall, our results revealed that the association of JadR3 and SVB1 plays an
      important role in controlling a regulatory mini-network governing jadomycin
      biosynthesis, providing new insights into the ways in which gamma
      butyrolactone/receptor systems modulate antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces. 

PMID- 25116818
TI  - Implication of the Seoul declaration on public health of India.

PMID- 25116817
TI  - Somatization symptoms or interferon-related adverse events? Alexithymia and
      somatization in somatic symptom reporting of patients with chronic hepatitis C.

PMID- 25116819
TI  - Who's failure? encephalitis kills!
AB  - Encephalitis continues to be one of the most dreaded diagnoses because a high
      rate of morbidity and mortality are accepted even before starting the treatment.
      Most encephalitis cases occur in rural areas due to poor environmental
      sanitation, high-vector density, shortage of protected water supplies and lack of
      health education. Vaccination, environmental sanitation, vector control, health
      education and attention to prompt diagnosis and treatment in rural hospitals are
      the four essential pillars for reducing case fatality rate (CFR) of encephalitis.
      Frequently, virulence of the virus, immunological state of the host,
      unavailability of antiviral drugs and lack of enough tertiary care hospitals
      (TCH) are not responsible for the high CFR. Basic supportive care is not being
      practiced meticulously in Primary and Secondary Care Hospitals (PSCH), and their
      services are not being utilized fully. Main causes of high mortality and
      morbidity rates are hypoxia and ischemia of brain and other organs precipitated
      by preventable, controllable or treatable complications due to lack of basic
      medical and nursing care during transport to the TCH. Undiagnosed Rickettsial
      infections are suspected to be partly responsible for the high CFR in some areas.
      Improving rural hospitals and their ambulance services are the most economical
      way to reduce CFR. "Treatment facilities must be made available at places where
      cases occur." The best way to reduce CFR of encephalitis in developing and
      underdeveloped countries is to increase and improve PSCH and sensitize
      politicians, administrators, medical/nursing professionals and more importantly
      to impress and convince the public to utilize them. 

PMID- 25116820
TI  - Public health challenges for universal health coverage.
AB  - The effective functioning of any health system requires an efficient public
      health service. Every human being has the right to enjoy "the highest attainable
      standard of health," which can be fulfilled by giving every man an affordable and
      equitable health system he deserves and demands. In these years, complex health
      changes have complicated the situation in India. Most important gaps in the
      health care include an understanding of the burden of the disease and what leads
      to and causes ill health, the availability and use of appropriate technology in
      the management of disease, ill health and health systems that have an impact on
      service delivery. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has the potential to increase
      economic growth, improve educational opportunities, reduce impoverishment and
      inequalities, and foster social cohesion. Steps taken for achieving UHC will
      address the public health challenges and vice versa. 

PMID- 25116821
TI  - Universal health coverage: the way forward.
AB  - Universal health coverage (UHC) is the means to provide accessible and
      appropriate health services to all citizens without financial hardships. India,
      an emerging economy with demographic window of opportunity has been facing dual
      burden of diseases in midst of multiple transitions. Health situation in the
      country despite quantum improvements in recent past has enormous challenges with
      urban-rural and interstate differentials. Successful national programs exists,
      but lack ability to provide and sustain UHC. Achieving UHC require sustained
      mechanisms for health financing and to provide financial protection through
      national health packages. There is a need to ensure universal access to
      medicines, vaccines and emerging technologies along with development of Human
      Resources for Health (HRH). Health service, management, and institutional reforms
      are required along with enhanced focus on social determinants of health and
      citizen engagement. UHC is the way for providing health assurance and enlarging
      scope of primary health care to nook and corners of the country. 

PMID- 25116822
TI  - Assessment of quality of life during treatment of pediatric oncology patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess health-related quality of
      life (HRQOL) of pediatric cancer patients and their parents in North India.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five cancer children were assessed for HRQOL,
      using Lansky play performance scale and health utility index-2 (HUI-2). Fifty
      seven patients were followed-up after 4 months after therapy and reassessed.
      Their parents were also assessed using World Health Organisation (WHO) QOL BREF.
      Seventy five controls were also assessed and compared. RESULTS: Lansky and HUI-2
      scores of patients, as well as WHO QOL BREF of parents were significantly poor in
      cancer patients when compared to controls. There was significant improvement
      after therapy in patients with lymphomas and miscellaneous tumors. Pain and self
      care were found to be maximally affected domains on HUI-2. CONCLUSIONS: Large
      prospective multicenter studies may be undertaken and hence that need based
      interventions can be planned.

PMID- 25116823
TI  - Health status and health care services in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: a comparative
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: India's growth hype and dream of emerging as an economic superpower
      are being challenged today, among other things, by its failure to foster an
      inclusive growth path and provide to bulk of its population basic amenities of
      education and health. There exists great inequality at interstate and intrastate
      level in terms of the key components of human development-health and education.
      AIMS: The present work attempts to measure the extent of the inequality in health
      status and health care services in the two most populous states of India namely
      Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A detailed analysis of
      interdistrict and interregion disparity in health status and health care in the
      two states has been done using secondary data from Annual Health Survey (2011)
      and Statistical Diary (2011). Composite indices of health status and health
      services have been developed using Maher's normalization technique and principal
      component analysis. Inequality measures like co-efficient of variations have been
      used to measure the relevant disparities in the two states and explain the reason
      thereof. RESULTS: The work shows low overall health status and wide interdistrict
      and interregion health disparity in the two states with lower disparity in Uttar
      Pradesh as compared to Bihar in terms of health status and relatively high
      disparity in health infrastructure. One startling fact is existence of very low
      and insignificant correlation between infrastructure and outcome. CONCLUSION: The
      study finds health status is influenced not only by health care facilities, but a
      number of other factors principally government's commitment and policies.

PMID- 25116824
TI  - Prescribing behavior of diabetes treating physicians in selected health care
      facilities of the diabetic association of Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Practicing behavior of the physicians varies from population to
      population due to diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and professional factors.
      Evidence on these issues is almost nonexistent in the developing countries.
      OBJECTIVE: The prescribing behavior of diabetes treating physicians working in
      selected hospitals of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh was studied along
      with the factors affecting those behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an
      observational study on 818 prescriptions given by 49 physicians working in 16
      health care facilities, which were photocopied by a portable photocopier. The
      various components of the prescription were scrutinized for presence and absence,
      and evaluated independently by two expert Diabetologists for their qualitative
      aspects. RESULTS: The mean +/- standard deviation of the total prescribing score
      (expressed as percentage) was 60 +/- 11. Physicians scoring around or below 60%
      belonged more to lower age (<40 years), less experienced (<7 years) and mid
      position (Senior Medical Officers) groups. Most of them also had public medical
      college background. Physicians with Certificate Course on Diabetology (CCD) had
      significantly higher score compared with the Non-CCD group (P < 0.001). Direction
      and duration of drug use were absent in majority of prescriptions (72.0% and
      61.6%), respectively. Symptoms were not written in 78.0% and the family histories
      were not recorded in 98.5% prescriptions. Diet (49.4%) and exercise (51.0%)
      related advices were not mentioned in a large number of prescriptions.
      Appropriate change of drug (78.2%) and proper use of drug (99.1%) and brand
      (93.8%) were found rational, but still, 22.4% of the prescriptions found
      illegible. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of prescriptions in Bangladesh related
      to diabetes care still lack standardization and acceptable quality. Nondrug
      related issues (such as history, symptoms, and dietary/exercise-related advices)
      are the most neglected ones in a prescription.

PMID- 25116825
TI  - Trends of chronic liver disease in a tertiary care referral hospital in Eastern
      India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is scarce Indian data on time trends of hepatitis, an
      impediment to formulate an effective public health policy on the matter.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim was to study secular trends and burden of hepatitis in a
      railway population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Outdoor, indoor, endoscopy unit and
      mortality records of patients attending this hospital from January 2003 to
      December 2011 were searched manually and relevant parameters of hepatitis
      patients were noted, especially etiology, clinical features, treatment, and
      mortality. Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to test significance of any trend
      in these parameters. Binary logistic regression analysis of various factors was
      carried out to study their effect on the liver related mortality of hepatitis B
      and C cases and Kaplan-Meyer survival curves were generated for significant
      factors. Two-sided P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULT: Chronic
      liver disease (CLD) due to alcohol showed a significant rising trend with early
      age (mean 48.4 years) and high percentage of decompensated disease (75%) at
      presentation and high early mortality (63%). No trend was observed for hepatitis
      B and C, but significant reduction in mortality was observed when definitive
      therapy was given. Cryptogenic CLD showed a decreasing trend though overall it
      still remained the most important etiology and survival was better compared with
      alcohol even with conservative therapy. Only 4% patients had hepatocellular
      carcinoma. CONCLUSION: A menace of alcohol related liver disease affecting young
      productive work force in this part of India is foreseen, which might impact the
      country's economy and mandates immediate containment policy.

PMID- 25116827
TI  - Obstetric near miss morbidity and maternal mortality in a Tertiary Care Centre in
      Western Rajasthan.
AB  - Obstetric near-miss (ONM) describes a situation of lethal complication during
      pregnancy, labor or puerperium in which the woman survives either because of
      medical care or just by chance. In a cross-sectional observational study, five
      factor scoring system was used to identify the near-miss cases from all the cases
      of severe obstetric morbidity. Assessment of the causes of maternal mortality and
      near-miss obstetric cases was done. The ONM rate in this study was 4.18/1000 live
      births. Totally 54 maternal deaths occurred during this period, resulting in a
      ratio of 202 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Hemorrhage, hypertension
      and sepsis were major causes of near-miss maternal morbidity and mortality,
      respectively in descending order. 

PMID- 25116826
TI  - Prevalence of behavioral risk factors, overweight and hypertension in the urban
      slums of North 24 Parganas District, West Bengal, India, 2010.
AB  - Globally, 1 billion people live in slums. There are few reports of high
      prevalence of noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors among the urban poor.
      The prevalence of NCD risk factors in the slums in North 24 Parganas, West
      Bengal, India was estimated. Cross-sectional survey in 24 slums selected using
      cluster sampling method was conducted. Questionnaire for behavioral risk factors
      was used and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were done. The study
      population included 1052 participants aged 25-64 years, 528 (50%) were males.
      Among males, 206 (39%) were current smokers and 154 (29%) were current alcohol
      users. Central obesity was prevalent among 32.8% males and 56.1% females and 115
      (10.9%) had body mass index >=27.5 kg/m 2 . Hypertension was prevalent among 35%
      males and 33% females. We observed high prevalence of NCD risk factors among
      urban slum dwellers that need to be addressed with health promotion programs and
      strengthening of primary health care system. 

PMID- 25116828
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for Taenia solium taeniasis in Kaniyambadi block,
      Tamil Nadu, South India.

PMID- 25116829
TI  - The hookah experience: stop them before it's too late!!!!

PMID- 25116830
TI  - Public health dentistry education program in India.

PMID- 25116831
TI  - Modeling Zn2+ release from metallothionein.
AB  - Mammalian metallothioneins (MTs) comprise a Zn3Cys9 cluster in the beta domain
      and a Zn4Cys11 cluster in the alpha domain. They play a crucial role in storing
      and donating Zn(2+) ions to target metalloproteins and have been implicated in
      several diseases, thus understanding how MTs release Zn(2+) is of widespread
      interest. In this work, we present a strategy to compute the free energy for
      releasing Zn(2+) from MTs using a combination of classical molecular dynamics
      (MD) simulations, quantum-mechanics/molecular-mechanics (QM/MM) minimizations,
      and continuum dielectric calculations. The methodology is shown to reproduce the
      experimental observations that (1) the Zn-binding sites do not have equal Zn(2+)
      affinity and (2) the isolated beta domain is thermodynamically less stable and
      releases Zn(2+) faster with oxidizing agents than the isolated alpha domain. It
      was used to compute the free energies for Zn(2+) release from the metal cluster
      in the absence and presence of the protein matrix (protein architecture and
      coupled protein-water interactions) to yield the respective disulfide-bonded
      product. The results show the importance of the protein matrix as well as protein
      dynamics and coupled conformational changes in accounting for the differential
      Zn(2+)-releasing propensity of the two domains with oxidizing agents. 

PMID- 25116832
TI  - Catalytic asymmetric reactions by metal and chiral phosphoric acid sequential
      catalysis.
AB  - Catalytic asymmetric reactions promoted by metal catalysts and chiral phosphoric
      acids have become useful processes for the preparation of structurally diverse
      and complex organic compounds. This JOCSynopsis provides an overview of the most
      recent developments made in studies of these reactions. The paper focuses mainly
      on sequential catalysis and relay catalysis, which are accomplished by employing
      a combination of metal complexes and chiral phosphoric acids. 

PMID- 25116833
TI  - A new 1,2-ethanedione benzofurane derivative from Tephrosia purpurea.
AB  - A new 1,2-ethanedione benzofurane derivative, purpdione (1), was isolated from
      Tephrosia purpurea, together with seven known flavonoids, purpurenone (2),
      pongamol (3), ovalitenin A (4), karanjin (5), lanceolatin B (6), tachrosin (7)
      and villosinol (8). The new structure was elucidated based on the analysis of its
      spectroscopic data. The structures of the known compounds were identified by
      comparing their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. The
      isolates exhibited marginal ability to inhibit the settlement of barnacle
      (Balanus reticulatus). 

PMID- 25116834
TI  - Testing the accuracy of an observation-based classifier for rapid detection of
      autism risk.
AB  - Current approaches for diagnosing autism have high diagnostic validity but are
      time consuming and can contribute to delays in arriving at an official diagnosis.
      In a pilot study, we used machine learning to derive a classifier that
      represented a 72% reduction in length from the gold-standard Autism Diagnostic
      Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G), while retaining >97% statistical accuracy.
      The pilot study focused on a relatively small sample of children with and without
      autism. The present study sought to further test the accuracy of the classifier
      (termed the observation-based classifier (OBC)) on an independent sample of 2616
      children scored using ADOS from five data repositories and including both
      spectrum (n=2333) and non-spectrum (n=283) individuals. We tested OBC outcomes
      against the outcomes provided by the original and current ADOS algorithms, the
      best estimate clinical diagnosis, and the comparison score severity metric
      associated with ADOS-2. The OBC was significantly correlated with the ADOS-G (r=
      0.814) and ADOS-2 (r=-0.779) and exhibited >97% sensitivity and >77% specificity
      in comparison to both ADOS algorithm scores. The correspondence to the best
      estimate clinical diagnosis was also high (accuracy=96.8%), with sensitivity of
      97.1% and specificity of 83.3%. The correlation between the OBC score and the
      comparison score was significant (r=-0.628), suggesting that the OBC provides
      both a classification as well as a measure of severity of the phenotype. These
      results further demonstrate the accuracy of the OBC and suggest that reductions
      in the process of detecting and monitoring autism are possible. 

PMID- 25116837
TI  - Anion-pi interactions and positive electrostatic potentials of N-heterocycles
      arise from the positions of the nuclei, not changes in the pi-electron
      distribution.
AB  - We show that the positive electrostatic potentials and molecular quadrupole
      moments characteristic of pi-acidic azines, which underlie the ability of these
      rings to bind anions above their centres, arise from the position of nuclear
      charges, not changes in the pi-electron density distribution. 

PMID- 25116836
TI  - Associations between past bullying experiences and psychosocial and academic
      functioning among college students.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether childhood bullying victimization was
      associated with psychosocial and academic functioning at college. PARTICIPANTS:
      The sample consisted of 413 first-year students from a large northeastern
      university. METHODS: Students completed an online survey in February 2012 that
      included items assessing past bullying involvement, current psychosocial and
      academic functioning, and victimization experiences since arriving at college.
      RESULTS: Regression analyses indicated that reports of past bullying and other
      peer victimization were associated with lower mental health functioning and
      perceptions of physical and mental health, but were not associated with
      perceptions of social life at college, overall college experience, or academic
      performance. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood bullying victimization is associated with
      poorer mental and physical health among first-year college students. Colleges
      should consider assessing histories of bullying victimization, along with other
      past victimization exposures, in their service provision to students.

PMID- 25116835
TI  - Plasma DYRK1A as a novel risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - To determine whether apparent involvement of DYRK1A in Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      pathology makes it a candidate plasma biomarker for diagnosis, we developed a
      method to quantify plasma DYRK1A by immunoblot in transgenic mouse models having
      different gene dosages of Dyrk1a, and, consequently, different relative protein
      expression. Then, we measured plasma DYRK1A levels in 26 patients with
      biologically confirmed AD and 25 controls (negative amyloid imaging available on
      13). DYRK1A was detected in transgenic mouse brain and plasma samples, and
      relative levels of DYRK1A correlated with the gene copy number. In plasma from AD
      patients, DYRK1A levels were significantly lower compared with controls
      (P<0.0001). Results were similar when we compared AD patients with the subgroup
      of controls confirmed by negative amyloid imaging. In a subgroup of patients with
      early AD (CDR=0.5), lower DYRK1A expression was confirmed. In contrast, no
      difference was found in levels of DYRK1B, the closest relative of DYRK1A, between
      AD patients and controls. Further, AD patients exhibited a positive correlation
      between plasma DYRK1A levels and cerebrospinal fluid tau and phosphorylated-tau
      proteins, but no correlation with amyloid-beta42 levels and Pittsburgh compound B
      cortical binding. DYRK1A levels detected in lymphoblastoid cell lines from AD
      patients were also lower when compared with cells from age-matched controls.
      These findings suggest that reduced DYRK1A expression might be a novel plasma
      risk factor for AD. 

PMID- 25116838
TI  - Identification of agr-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      harbouring the class A mec complex by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
AB  - A small peptide called PSM-mec is encoded on the type II, III and VIII SCCmec
      cassettes present in the genomes of nosocomial methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. This peptide is excreted by agr-positive
      strains, which represent about 89% of the strains of our collection and can be
      identified by the presence of delta toxin in mass spectrometry. The presence of
      the peptide in the MALDI-TOF MS spectra of whole cells was proved by a knock-down
      experiment employing a clone that expressed antisense RNA to psm-mec.
      Furthermore, evaluation of a collection of clinical agr-positive MRSA and MSSA
      isolates and type strains showed that, using a detection window of m/z 2411-2419,
      the PSM-mec is detected by mass spectrometry of whole cells with a sensitivity of
      0.95 and a specificity of 1, thereby enabling rapid identification of a subgroup
      of MRSA with a method that is used during routine identification procedures. 

PMID- 25116840
TI  - Structural protein-ligand interaction fingerprints (SPLIF) for structure-based
      virtual screening: method and benchmark study.
AB  - Accurate and affordable assessment of ligand-protein affinity for structure-based
      virtual screening (SB-VS) is a standing challenge. Hence, empirical postdocking
      filters making use of various types of structure-activity information may prove
      useful. Here, we introduce one such filter based upon three-dimensional
      structural protein-ligand interaction fingerprints (SPLIF). SPLIF permits
      quantitative assessment of whether a docking pose interacts with the protein
      target similarly to a known ligand and rescues active compounds penalized by poor
      initial docking scores. An extensive benchmark study on 10 diverse data sets
      selected from the DUD-E database has been performed in order to evaluate the
      absolute and relative efficiency of this method. SPLIF demonstrated an overall
      better performance than relevant standard methods. 

PMID- 25116841
TI  - Alison Jolly: a supremely social intelligence (1937-2014).

PMID- 25116842
TI  - The emergence of the Acheulean in East Africa--international workshop, Rome, "La
      Sapienza" University, September 12-13, 2013.

PMID- 25116839
TI  - Whole genome sequencing indicates Corynebacterium jeikeium comprises 4 separate
      genomospecies and identifies a dominant genomospecies among clinical isolates.
AB  - Corynebacterium jeikeium is an opportunistic pathogen which has been noted for
      significant genomic diversity. The population structure within this species
      remains poorly understood. Here, we explore the relationships among 15 clinical
      isolates of C. jeikeium (reference strains K411 and ATCC 43734, and 13 primary
      isolates collected over a period of 7 years) through genetic, genomic, and
      phenotypic studies. We report a high degree of divergence among strains based on
      16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and rpoB gene sequence analysis, supporting the
      presence of genetically distinct subgroups. Whole genome sequencing indicates
      genomic-level dissimilarity among subgroups, which qualify as four separate and
      distinct Corynebacterium species based on an average nucleotide identity (ANIb)
      threshold of <95%. Functional distinctions in antibiotic susceptibilities and
      metabolic profiles characterize two of these genomospecies, allowing their
      differentiation from others through routine laboratory testing. The remaining
      genomospecies can be classified through a biphasic approach integrating
      phenotypic testing and rpoB gene sequencing. The genomospecies predominantly
      recovered from patient specimens does not include either of the existing C.
      jeikeium reference strains, implying that studies of this pathogen would benefit
      from examination of representatives from the primary disease-causing group. The
      clinically dominant genomospecies also has the smallest genome size and gene
      repertoire, suggesting the possibility of increased virulence relative to the
      other genomospecies. The ability to classify isolates to one of the four C.
      jeikeium genomospecies in a clinical context provides diagnostic information for
      tailoring antimicrobial therapy and may aid in identification of species-specific
      disease associations. 

PMID- 25116843
TI  - On the cutting edge: new methods and theory for analyzing stone tools.

PMID- 25116844
TI  - Catastrophes in evolution: is Cuvier's world extinct or extant?

PMID- 25116845
TI  - In the eye (and ears) of the beholder: receiver psychology and human signal
      design.
AB  - Although the study of signals has been part of human behavioral ecology since the
      field's inception,(1) only recently has signaling theory become important to the
      evolutionary study of human behavior and culture.(2) Signaling theory's rise to
      prominence has been propelled mainly by applications of costly signaling
      theory,(3) which has shed light on a wide variety of human behaviors ranging from
      hunting(4) to religion.(5,6) Costly signaling rests on the idea that wasteful but
      highly visible traits and behaviors can be explained as honest indicators of
      underlying qualities that are otherwise difficult to detect. For example, a
      laborious hunting technique may serve as a display of skill on the part of the
      hunter, who may then be favorably perceived by potential mates and allies.(4) The
      costs of the activity ensure that the signal is honest, since unskilled hunters
      will not be able to perform as well. Despite the usefulness of this perspective,
      many such studies begin by documenting a costly behavior that is then explained
      with reference to costly signaling theory. Because such behaviors are easy to
      detect, they may be overemphasized in the literature.(7) Moreover, costly
      signaling theory by itself can explain neither all signals nor all aspects of
      signal design. In this review, we argue that a focus on the role that the
      psychology of the intended receiver plays in signal design can expand the scope
      of signaling theory as a promising avenue to explain human behavior. 

PMID- 25116846
TI  - Applying socioendocrinology to evolutionary models: fatherhood and physiology.
AB  - Owing to humans' unique life history pattern, particularly comparatively short
      interbirth intervals, early weaning, and prolonged support of multiple
      dependents, human females have greater reproductive value and higher lifetime
      fertility, on average, than do their Great Ape counterparts. As hominin females
      began weaning their young early and "stacking" dependents of various ages, they
      must have had cooperative allomaternal care partners already in place or been
      successful at concurrently soliciting help to ensure a high rate of survival of
      their offspring. Following Hrdy, I define allomaternal care (and its derivatives,
      such as "allomothers" and "allomothering") as "care from anyone other than the
      mother," which thus encompasses a wide range of individuals, including fathers.
      Who the likely allomother candidates mothers were and what form that cooperation
      took remain intriguing, difficult-to-answer questions, which are limited, in some
      capacity, by the lines of evidence available to us. Here, I present a framework
      for the ways in which we can integrate neurobiological-endocrine and social
      behavioral data ("socioendocrinology") to contribute to this dialogue in terms of
      evaluating fathers' roles. 

PMID- 25116847
TI  - Best practices for reporting on heterogeneous photocatalysis.

PMID- 25116848
TI  - Cocoa bioactive compounds: significance and potential for the maintenance of skin
      health.
AB  - Cocoa has a rich history in human use. Skin is prone to the development of
      several diseases, and the mechanisms in the pathogenesis of aged skin are still
      poorly understood. However, a growing body of evidence from clinical and bench
      research has begun to provide scientific validation for the use of cocoa-derived
      phytochemicals as an effective approach for skin protection. Although the
      specific molecular and cellular mechanisms of the beneficial actions of cocoa
      phytochemicals remain to be elucidated, this review will provide an overview of
      the current literature emphasizing potential cytoprotective pathways modulated by
      cocoa and its polyphenolic components. Moreover, we will summarize in vivo
      studies showing that bioactive compounds of cocoa may have a positive impact on
      skin health. 

PMID- 25116850
TI  - Aggression and social experience: genetic analysis of visual circuit activity in
      the control of aggressiveness in Drosophila.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal aggressiveness is controlled by genetic and environmental
      factors. Among environmental factors, social experience plays an important role
      in modulating aggression in vertebrates and invertebrates. In Drosophila,
      pheromonal activation of olfactory neurons contributes to social suppression of
      aggression. While it was reported that impairment in vision decreases the level
      of aggression in Drosophila, it remains unknown if visual perception also
      contributes to the modulation of aggression by social experience. RESULTS: In
      this study, we investigate the role of visual perception in the control of
      aggression in Drosophila. We took several genetic approaches to examine the
      effects of blocking visual circuit activity on fly aggressive behaviors. In wild
      type, group housing greatly suppresses aggressiveness. Loss of vision by mutating
      the ninaB gene does not affect social suppression of fly aggression. Similar
      suppression of aggressiveness by group housing is observed in fly mutants
      carrying a mutation in the eya gene leading to complete loss of eye. Chronic
      visual loss does not affect the level of aggressiveness of single-housed flies
      that lack social experience prior to behavioral tests. When visual circuit
      activity is acutely blocked during behavioral test, however, single-housed flies
      display higher levels of aggressiveness than that of control flies. CONCLUSION:
      Visual perception does not play a major role in social suppression of aggression
      in Drosophila. For single-housed individuals lacking social experience prior to
      behavioral tests, visual perception decreases the level of aggressiveness.

PMID- 25116852
TI  - Air-stable solid aryl and heteroaryl organozinc pivalates: syntheses and
      applications in organic synthesis.
AB  - A wide range of air-stable, solid, polyfunctional aryl and heteroarylzinc
      pivalates were efficiently prepared by either magnesium insertion or Hal/Mg
      exchange followed by transmetalation with Zn(OPiv)2 (OPiv = pivalate). By
      reducing the amount of LiCl the air stability could be significantly enhanced
      compared with previously prepared reagents. An alternative route is directed
      magnesiation using TMPMgCl?LiCl (TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) followed by
      transmetalation with Zn(OPiv)2 or, for very sensitive substrates, direct
      zincation by using TMPZnOPiv. These zinc reagents not only show excellent
      stability towards air, but they also undergo a broad range of C-C bond-formation
      reactions, such as allylation and carbocupration reactions, as well as addition
      to aldehydes and 1,4-addition reactions. Acylation reactions can be performed by
      using an excess of TMSCl to overcome side reactions of the omnipresent pivalate
      anion.

PMID- 25116853
TI  - Creating electrochemical gradients by light: from bio-inspired concepts to
      photoelectric conversion.
AB  - Light is harvested by natural photosynthetic systems to generate electrochemical
      gradients that power various reactions. Implementing nature's lessons in
      photosynthesis holds great promise for technological advances. With a focus on
      designs and concepts, recent progress in generating electrochemical gradients by
      light, mimicking the two general types of photosynthetic centers in nature that
      make use of either light-induced charge separation or photo-isomerization are
      summarized here. Light induced electrochemical gradients pave new ways for
      photoelectric conversion. While extensive research in this direction has focused
      on light-induced charge separation, recent work has shown that energy conversion
      based on photo-isomerization is very promising. Photoswitchable compounds have
      been found in nature, such as the retinal molecule in bacteriorhodopsin. These
      compounds may form an attractive molecular basis for future progress in this
      field. 

PMID- 25116854
TI  - Interferon-alpha-induced depression: A reply to the letters to the editor by
      Mahajan et al. and Porcelli et al.

PMID- 25116851
TI  - Emerin expression in well differentiated epithelial lesions of thyroid:
      implications in papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis and predicting malignant
      behavior.
AB  - Recently, it has been reported that identifying nuclear membrane irregularities
      with anti-emerin antibody is useful for papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis.
      However, literature regarding the significance of emerin immunohistochemistry in
      thyroid is limited. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the well-established
      nuclear alterations, nuclear protrusions and recently described nuclear shapes
      (garlands and star-like shapes) with emerin immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin-
      eosin stain in thyroid lesions. We further evaluated the diagnostic accuracy
      measures of tissue microarrays evaluated with both stains, to detect whether
      emerin immunohistochemistry improves the diagnostic accuracy for papillary
      thyroid carcinoma. For papillary thyroid carcinoma, pseudo- inclusions were best
      performers with emerin (diagnostic accuracy: 0.91), whereas with hematoxylin-
      eosin diagnostic accuracy of grooves was the highest (0.92). For follicular
      variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma, with both stains, predominately oval
      nuclear shape had the best diagnostic performance (diagnostic accuracy: 0.95).
      Nuclear protrusions were poor identifiers for papillary thyroid carcinoma.
      However, with emerin immunohistochemistry, they could successfully identify
      malignancy in 83% of the cases. Using emerin immunohistochemistry, in addition to
      hematoxylin- eosin improved the diagnostic accuracy for papillary thyroid
      carcinoma when compared to hematoxylin- eosin evaluation only (sensitivity: 0.70
      vs 0.86, negative predictive value: 0.81 vs. 0.94, diagnostic accuracy: 0.87 vs.
      0.94). Consistent with the previous literature, our findings indicate that emerin
      immunohistochemistry may be used as an adjunct diagnostic method to identify
      papillary thyroid carcinoma. Additionally, we suggest that nuclear protrusions
      detected with emerin imunohistochemistry may be used as indicators of malignant
      behavior in small tissue samples of thyroid.

PMID- 25116856
TI  - Selenoproteins and selenium status in bone physiology and pathology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence supports the view that selenoproteins are essential
      for maintaining bone health. SCOPE OF REVIEW: The current state of knowledge
      concerning selenoproteins and Se status in bone physiology and pathology is
      summarized. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant selenoproteins including glutathione
      peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), as a whole, play a pivotal
      role in maintaining bone homeostasis and protecting against bone loss. GPx1, a
      major antioxidant enzyme in osteoclasts, is up-regulated by estrogen, an
      endogenous inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis. TrxR1 is an immediate early gene in
      response to 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, an osteoblastic differentiation agent.
      The combination of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and Se generates a synergistic
      elevation of TrxR activity in Se-deficient osteoblasts. Of particular concern,
      pleiotropic TrxR1 is implicated in promoting NFkappaB activation. Coincidentally,
      TrxR inhibitors such as curcumin and gold compounds exhibit potent
      osteoclastogenesis inhibitory activity. Studies in patients with the mutations of
      selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2, a key trans-acting factor
      for the co-translational insertion of selenocysteine into selenoproteins have
      clearly established a causal link of selenoproteins in bone development. Se
      transport to bone relies on selenoprotein P. Plasma selenoprotein P
      concentrations have been found to be positively correlated with bone mineral
      density in elderly women. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: A full understanding of the role
      and function of selenoproteins and Se status on bone physiology and pathology may
      lead to effectively prevent against or modify bone diseases by using Se.

PMID- 25116857
TI  - Expression, regulation and function of human metallothioneins in endothelial
      cells.
AB  - Metallothioneins (MTs) are small cysteine-rich proteins which are involved in
      e.g. metal homeostasis, metal detoxification and protection against oxidative
      stress. In addition, several MTs have been shown to regulate expression of
      proangiogenic growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor. Detailed
      information about the expression and regulation of specific MT isoforms in
      endothelial cells (EC) is limited. We therefore performed extensive mRNA
      expression profiling of all known human MTs in EC. We found that the basal
      endothelial expression is restricted to MT1E, MT1X, MT2A, and MT3. Physiological
      activation of EC by exposure to serum increased the expression of MT1E and MT2A
      and induced the expression of MT1M. Furthermore, exposure to zinc or copper
      induced the expression of most MT1 isoforms, while hypoxia specifically increased
      the expression of MT1E, MT1M, MT1X, and MT3. Finally, knockdown of the dominant
      MT isoform in EC, i.e. MT2A, resulted in decreased proliferation and sprouting as
      well as in increased migration of human umbilical vein EC. Together, these
      findings provide a link between MTs and angiogenesis.

PMID- 25116855
TI  - Redox-dependent lipoylation of mitochondrial proteins in Plasmodium falciparum.
AB  - Lipoate scavenging from the human host is essential for malaria parasite
      survival. Scavenged lipoate is covalently attached to three parasite proteins:
      the H-protein and the E2 subunits of branched chain amino acid dehydrogenase
      (BCDH) and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KDH). We show mitochondrial
      localization for the E2 subunits of BCDH and KDH, similar to previously localized
      H-protein, demonstrating that all three lipoylated proteins reside in the
      parasite mitochondrion. The lipoate ligase 1, LipL1, has been shown to reside in
      the mitochondrion and it catalyses the lipoylation of the H-protein; however, we
      show that LipL1 alone cannot lipoylate BCDH or KDH. A second mitochondrial
      protein with homology to lipoate ligases, LipL2, does not show ligase activity
      and is not capable of lipoylating any of the mitochondrial substrates. Instead,
      BCDH and KDH are lipoylated through a novel mechanism requiring both LipL1 and
      LipL2. This mechanism is sensitive to redox conditions where BCDH and KDH are
      exclusively lipoylated under strong reducing conditions in contrast to the H
      protein which is preferentially lipoylated under less reducing conditions. Thus,
      malaria parasites contain two different routes of mitochondrial lipoylation, an
      arrangement that has not been described for any other organism.

PMID- 25116859
TI  - Nucleophilic bromodifluoromethylation of iminium ions.
AB  - A method for bromodifluoromethylation of iminium ions using Me3SiCF2Br is
      described. The reaction involves room temperature activation of the silicon
      reagent by HMPA to generate difluorocarbene, which upon interacting with excess
      of bromide ion provides bromodifluoromethyl carbanionic species. The iminium
      electrophiles are generated in situ from aldehydes, secondary amines, proton
      sponge, and silyl triflate. The reaction can be extended for introduction of
      chlorodifluoromethyl and iododifluoromethyl groups. 

PMID- 25116858
TI  - Effects of galactosylation in immunoglobulin G from all-atom molecular dynamics
      simulations.
AB  - Explicit water atomistic molecular dynamics simulations (200 ns, ~330,000 atoms)
      were performed to study the effects of galactosylation in the Fc domain of
      immunoglobulin G1. Two glycoforms were simulated to observe changes in protein
      carbohydrate interactions and carbohydrate structure. A high degree of
      flexibility was observed in the small hinge region of the protein, while large
      domains remained stable. The hinge region flexibility allowed both translation
      and rotation of the domains relative to each other, resulting in a large number
      of possible conformations available. The distributions of rotational orientations
      between the Fab1 and Fab2 domains showed that while these domains are able to
      orient themselves rather freely pointing in space they rotated in unison to
      remain rotationally oriented at specific angles. Additionally, removing specific
      terminal galactose residues increased the mobility of the carbohydrate, resulting
      in different protein-carbohydrate interactions. Glycosylation has been suggested
      as a route to improve the aggregation resistance of monoclonal antibodies for
      therapeutic treatments to aid the immune system. The results presented here may
      provide insight into the search for IgG molecules with increased aggregation
      resistance to be used as monoclonal antibodies.

PMID- 25116860
TI  - Antioxidant activity and chemical composition of three Tunisian Cistus: Cistus
      monspeliensis, Cistus villosus and Cistus libanotis.
AB  - The chemical composition of three rockrose Cistus species, Cistus monspeliensis,
      Cistus libanotis and Cistus villosus, collected in Tunisia, was studied by HPTLC,
      focusing on the terpenes and phenols constituents. Diterpenes of Cistus are
      important as the main constituents of the leaf sticky aromatic resin, known as
      labdanum, which are highly appreciated in perfumery. Polyphenols in the
      methanolic extracts of each species were identified, quantified as total and as
      flavonoids and tannins, and tested for antioxidant activity. Diterpenes were
      evident in C. libanotis and C. monspeliensis, whereas they were practically
      absent in C. villosus; C. libanotis had higher phenolic amount, whereas
      antioxidant activities were important, but different according to the following
      tests: DPPH radical scavenging, conversion of the Fe(3+/)ferricyanide complex and
      inhibition of beta-carotene bleaching. The reported data confirm the validity of
      utilisation of Cistus sp. in marketed herbal products, as well as the relevant
      presence of diterpenes in species actually not used for labdanum production. 

PMID- 25116861
TI  - Immunological effects of massage after exercise: A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to determine whether immune
      parameters can be modulated by massage after intense physical activity. METHODS:
      A search was conducted in Pub Med Medline, PEDro, and Cochrane databases, using
      the key words: "massage", "myofascial release", "acupressure", "recovery", and
      "warm up" combined with "exercise", "exercise-induced muscle damage", "sport",
      "immunology", and lymphocytes" independently. Only controlled studies published
      between 1970 and 2012 were selected, with no restrictions regarding publication
      language. The CONSORT Declaration was applied to assess the quality of the
      selected studies. RESULTS: The initial search identified 739 publications in the
      databases, of which only 5 met the review inclusion criteria. A positive
      relationship between immunological recovery and post-exercise massage was
      reported by some of these studies but not by others. CONCLUSION: There is
      preliminary evidence that massage may modulate immune parameters when applied
      after exercise, but more research is needed to confirm this possibility.

PMID- 25116863
TI  - The influence of narrative practice techniques on child behaviors in forensic
      interviews.
AB  - During investigations of child sexual abuse, forensic interviewers must maintain
      a delicate balance of providing support for the child while collecting forensic
      evidence about the abuse allegation required for credible evidence for court
      purposes. The use of narrative practice techniques can achieve both goals by
      creating conditions that facilitate the possibility that children will feel safe
      enough to provide detailed descriptions of the alleged abuse. This article
      reports findings from an evaluation of a change in practice using the CornerHouse
      Forensic Interview Protocol in which narrative practice techniques were
      incorporated into the interview format. Findings show that children provided more
      detailed accounts of abuse when interviewers used open-ended questions and
      supportive statements through narrative practice. 

PMID- 25116864
TI  - Caregiver-youth communication about sex in South Africa: the role of maternal
      child sexual abuse history.
AB  - Much of the research on child sexual abuse focuses on negative outcomes. This
      brief report explores a potentially protective parenting behavior among black
      South African female caregivers with and without a child sexual abuse history.
      Using cross-sectional baseline data, we hypothesized that caregiver child sexual
      abuse history would be positively associated with caregiver-youth sex
      communication and this relationship would be strongest for girls. Youth whose
      caregiver experienced child sexual abuse were more likely to report communicating
      with their caregiver about sex than youth whose caregivers did not experience
      child sexual abuse; however, this relation did not hold for caregiver reported
      communication. Child sexual abuse survivors' ability and decision to discuss sex
      with their youth has the potential to protect youth from sexual risk and
      demonstrates resilience among a group rarely acknowledged for positive parenting
      practices. 

PMID- 25116865
TI  - How ineffective family environments can compound maldevelopment of critical
      thinking skills in childhood abuse survivors.
AB  - The high stress of childhood abuse is associated with neurobiological detriments
      to executive function. Child abuse survivors may also be cognitively and
      relationally disadvantaged as a result of being raised in emotionally
      impoverished families that lack cohesion, organization, flexibility, self
      expression, and moral and ethical values and fail to provide opportunities for
      effective learning. A review of literature demonstrates how dysfunctional family
      of origin environments common to child abuse survivors, concomitant with the
      extreme stress of overt acts of abuse, can act as a barrier to the development of
      higher-order critical thinking skills. The article concludes by discussing
      ramifications of critical thinking skill deficits in child abuse survivors and
      highlights the importance of integrating and prioritizing critical thinking
      skills training in treatment. 

PMID- 25116862
TI  - Structural and functional connectivity of the human brain in autism spectrum
      disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A rich club-organization
      study.
AB  - Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
      are two of the most common and vexing neurodevelopmental disorders among
      children. Although the two disorders share many behavioral and neuropsychological
      characteristics, most MRI studies examine only one of the disorders at a time.
      Using graph theory combined with structural and functional connectivity, we
      examined the large-scale network organization among three groups of children: a
      group with ADHD (8-12 years, n = 20), a group with ASD (7-13 years, n = 16), and
      typically developing controls (TD) (8-12 years, n = 20). We apply the concept of
      the rich-club organization, whereby central, highly connected hub regions are
      also highly connected to themselves. We examine the brain into two different
      network domains: (1) inside a rich-club network phenomena and (2) outside a rich
      club network phenomena. The ASD and ADHD groups had markedly different patterns
      of rich club and non rich-club connections in both functional and structural
      data. The ASD group exhibited higher connectivity in structural and functional
      networks but only inside the rich-club networks. These findings were replicated
      using the autism brain imaging data exchange dataset with ASD (n = 85) and TD (n
      = 101). The ADHD group exhibited a lower generalized fractional anisotropy and
      functional connectivity inside the rich-club networks, but a higher number of
      axonal fibers and correlation coefficient values outside the rich club. Despite
      some shared biological features and frequent comorbity, these data suggest ADHD
      and ASD exhibit distinct large-scale connectivity patterns in middle childhood.

PMID- 25116866
TI  - Perpetration, revictimization, and self-injury: traumatic reenactments of child
      sexual abuse in a nonclinical sample of South African adolescents.
AB  - Risk factors for traumatic reenactments of child sexual abuse experiences
      (perpetration, revictimization, and self-injury) were examined in a sample of 718
      South African secondary school adolescents. Logistic regression analyses
      indicated that the most consistent predictors of reenactments were a history of
      child sexual abuse (rape and/or indecent assault) and respondents' gender, with
      males being significantly more likely than females to report perpetration (OR =
      13.5) and females being more likely to report revictimization (OR = 3.2) and self
      injury (OR = 2.5). An analysis restricted to respondents with a history of child
      sexual abuse indicated that negative abuse-related cognitions were the most
      consistent predictor of all forms of traumatic reenactment. 

PMID- 25116868
TI  - Thermally activated polymorphic transition from a 1D ribbon to a 2D carpet:
      squaric acid on Au(111).
AB  - Polymorphic transition from the 1D ribbon to the 2D carpet superstructure of
      squaric acid molecules on Au(111) was achieved through a thermally activated
      process. Our combined STM and DFT study revealed that the molecular arrangements
      in 1D and 2D superstructures are determined by the stability of their
      conformational isomers and assembled structures, respectively. 

PMID- 25116867
TI  - Small-size circulating endothelial microparticles in coronary artery disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Several recent lines of evidence indicate that endothelial
      microparticles are a new biomarker that can be used to monitor endothelial
      dysfunction in coronary artery disease (CAD). However, data concerning the
      detection of small microparticles (diameter <0.5 um) are lacking. The aim of this
      study was to detect small-size endothelial microparticles (SEMPs) in CAD patients
      to monitor endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: In total, 19 CAD patients and 14
      healthy subjects were recruited. The absolute numbers and percentages of
      CD31(+)/CD42b- SEMPs and CD62E(+) SEMPs were determined by flow cytometry.
      Clinical parameters were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean percentage of CD62E(+)
      SEMPs was higher in the CAD patient group than in the healthy subject group. The
      area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the percentage of
      CD62E(+) SEMPs was 0.795, and the cut-off value was 1.35. There was no
      correlation between the percentage of CD62E(+) SEMPs and various clinical
      parameters. CONCLUSION: The percentage of CD62E(+) SEMPs is a potential biomarker
      for monitoring endothelial function in CAD.

PMID- 25116869
TI  - Widening and high inclination of the middle cerebral artery bifurcation are
      associated with presence of aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation is a
      preferred site for aneurysm formation. Wider bifurcation angles have been
      correlated with increased risk of aneurysm formation. We hypothesized a link
      between the presence of MCA aneurysms and the angle morphology of the
      bifurcation. METHODS: Three-dimensional rotational angiography volumes of 146 MCA
      bifurcations (62 aneurysmal) were evaluated for angle morphology: parent-daughter
      angles (larger daughter F1, smaller daughter F2), bifurcation angle (F1+F2), and
      inclination angle (gamma) between the parent vessel axis and the plane determined
      by daughter vessel axes. Statistics were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank-sum
      analysis and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve. RESULTS:
      Aneurysmal bifurcations had wider inclination angle gamma (median 57.8 degrees 
      versus 15.4 degrees ; P<0.0001). Seventy-five percent of aneurysmal MCAs had
      gamma >10 degrees , compared with 25% nonaneurysmal. F1 and F2, but especially
      F1+F2, were significantly larger in aneurysmal bifurcations (median 171.3 degrees
      versus 98.1 degrees ; P<0.0001). Sixty-seven percent of aneurysmal bifurcations
      had F1+F2 >161 degrees , compared with 0% nonaneurysmal MCAs. An optimal
      threshold of 140 degrees  was established for F1+F2 (area under the curve, 0.98).
      Sixty-eight percent of aneurysms originated off the daughter branches. Seventy
      six percent of them originated off the branch with the largest branching angle,
      specifically if this was the smaller daughter branch. Wider F1+F2 correlated with
      aneurysm neck width, but not dome size. CONCLUSIONS: MCA bifurcations harboring
      aneurysms have significantly larger branching angles and more often originate off
      the branch with the largest angle. Wider inclination angle is strongly correlated
      with aneurysm presence, a novel finding. The results point to altered wall shear
      stress regulation as a possible factor in aneurysm development and progression.

PMID- 25116870
TI  - Effects of surgical revascularization on cerebral oxygen metabolism in patients
      with Moyamoya disease: an 15O-gas positron emission tomographic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This prospective study was aimed to evaluate the effects
      of surgical revascularization on cerebral oxygen metabolism in moyamoya disease.
      METHODS: This study included totally 69 hemispheres of 42 patients who underwent
      superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis and indirect
      bypass for moyamoya disease between 2000 and 2011. There were 12 children and 30
      adults. MRI and (15)O-gas positron emission tomography were performed before and
      3 to 4 months after surgery. Hemodynamic and metabolic parameters were precisely
      quantified and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Preoperative positron emission
      tomographic scans revealed that cerebral blood flow was decreased, cerebral blood
      volume was increased, and cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen was decreased in
      both pediatric and adult patients. Cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen reduction
      was observed in ~80% of pediatric (16/21; 76%) and adult hemispheres (38/48;
      79%). Surgical revascularization resolved hemodynamic compromise in all operated
      hemispheres. Cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen significantly improved in
      pediatric patients without parenchymal lesions (n=8), but not those with
      parenchymal lesions (n=8). Multivariate analysis revealed that cerebral metabolic
      rate for oxygen significantly improved in younger adult patients without
      parenchymal lesions (P=0.0264; odds ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.79
      0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral oxygen metabolism is significantly depressed in ~80%
      of the involved hemispheres of moyamoya disease and improves in pediatric and
      younger adult patients without parenchymal lesions after bypass surgery. Cerebral
      oxygen metabolism may be reversibly depressed in response to cerebral ischemia in
      them although the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.

PMID- 25116871
TI  - When you are old.

PMID- 25116872
TI  - Ethical approach to surrogate consent for hemicraniectomy in older patients with
      extensive middle cerebral artery stroke.

PMID- 25116873
TI  - Letter by Shang regarding article, "Relative contributions of sympathetic,
      cholinergic, and myogenic mechanisms to cerebral autoregulation".

PMID- 25116875
TI  - Report from the European Stroke Organization 2014.

PMID- 25116874
TI  - Plasma magnesium and risk of ischemic stroke among women.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lower plasma magnesium levels may be associated with
      higher blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction, but sparse prospective data
      are available for stroke. METHODS: Among 32,826 participants in the Nurses'
      Health Study who provided blood samples in 1989 to 1990, incident ischemic
      strokes were identified and confirmed by medical records through 2006. We
      conducted a nested case-control analysis of 459 cases, matched 1:1 to controls on
      age, race/ethnicity, smoking status, date of blood draw, fasting status,
      menopausal status, and hormone use. We used conditional logistic regression
      models to estimate the multivariable adjusted association of plasma magnesium and
      the risk of ischemic stroke and ischemic stroke subtypes. RESULTS: Median
      magnesium levels did not differ between ischemic stroke cases and controls
      (median, 0.86 mmol/L for both; P=0.14). Conditional on matching factors, women in
      the lowest magnesium quintile had a relative risk of 1.34 (95% confidence
      interval, 0.86-2.10; P trend=0.13) for total ischemic stroke compared with women
      in the highest quintile. Additional adjustment for risk factors and confounders
      did not substantially alter the risk estimates for total ischemic stroke. Women
      with magnesium levels<0.82 mmol/L had significantly greater risk of total
      ischemic stroke (multivariable relative risk, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.09
      2.27; P=0.01) and thrombotic stroke (multivariable relative risk, 1.66; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.03-2.65; P=0.03) compared with women with magnesium
      levels>=0.82 mmol/L. No significant effect modification was observed by age, body
      mass index, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: Lower plasma
      magnesium levels may contribute to higher risk of ischemic stroke among women.

PMID- 25116876
TI  - Coronary artery calcification, intima-media thickness, and ankle-brachial index
      are complementary stroke predictors.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Coronary artery calcification (CAC), a marker of coronary
      atherosclerosis, predicts stroke in addition to established risk factors. Whether
      CAC's predictive value can be improved by peripheral atherosclerosis markers,
      namely carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and ankle-brachial index (ABI), was
      unknown. METHODS: A total of 3289 participants of the population-based Heinz
      Nixdorf Recall study (45-75 years; 48.8% men) without previous stroke or coronary
      heart disease were evaluated for incident stroke for 9.0+/-1.9 years. CAC, CIMT,
      and ABI were examined as stroke predictors. RESULTS: Eighty-four strokes occurred
      during follow-up. In multivariable Cox proportional hazard regressions, CAC
      (hazard ratio, 1.45 [95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.88] per SD increase in
      ln(CAC+1); SD, 2.40), CIMT (1.34 [1.08-1.66] per SD increase; SD, 0.127 mm), and
      ABI (1.55 [1.32-1.82] per SD decrease; SD, 0.148) were associated with stroke in
      addition to established risk factors. When combined with each other, ln(CAC+1)'s
      hazard ratio remained similar when CIMT (1.41 [1.09-1.83]) was inserted into the
      multivariable model, but slightly decreased when ABI (1.31 [1.01-1.72]) or CIMT
      and ABI (1.29 [0.99-1.68]) were included. Although CAC alone did not
      significantly elevate the area under the curve in Harrell's c-statistics (by
      0.009; P=0.379) in addition to established risk factors, the combination of CAC
      and ABI increased area under the curve (by 0.029; P=0.047), as did ABI (by 0.025;
      P=0.038) but not CIMT (by 0.002; P=0.795) alone. The combination of CAC and ABI
      also resulted in significant category-free net reclassification and integrated
      discrimination improvement. CONCLUSIONS: CAC, CIMT, and ABI provide complementary
      information about stroke risk. ABI, which is distinctive in a small
      subpopulation, had the highest and CIMT, which is distributed across a larger
      range of values, had the lowest predictive value.

PMID- 25116877
TI  - Features of cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts
      and leukoencephalopathy.

PMID- 25116879
TI  - White matter perivascular spaces are related to cortical superficial siderosis in
      cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We set out to investigate whether MRI-visible centrum
      semiovale perivascular spaces (CSO-PVS), a potential biomarker of impaired
      interstitial fluid drainage in sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy, is
      associated with cortical superficial siderosis (cSS), reflecting recurrent
      hemorrhage from severe leptomeningeal and superficial cortical vascular amyloid.
      METHODS: Retrospective multicenter cohort study of possible/probable cerebral
      amyloid angiopathy according to the Boston criteria. PVS were rated in basal
      ganglia and CSO (CSO-PVS) on axial T2-weighted sequences, using a validated 4
      point visual rating scale and were classified as high (score>2) or low degree
      (score<=2) for prespecified analyses. Independent risk factors for high CSO-PVS
      degree were investigated in logistic regression. RESULTS: The final cohort
      consisted of 138 cerebral amyloid angiopathy patients (mean age, 71.8 years; 95%
      confidence interval, 70.2-73.4 years; 52.2% men). High CSO-PVS degree was present
      in 61.2% of cases. The prevalence of any cSS, and disseminated cSS (involving >3
      sulci), was higher in patients with high versus low CSO-PVS degree (for any cSS
      45.9% versus 13.5%; P<0.00005; for disseminated cSS 31.8% versus 0%; P<0.00005).
      In multivariable logistic regression analysis, cSS presence (odds ratio, 4.78;
      95% confidence interval, 1.64-13.87; P=0.004) was an independent predictors of
      high CSO-PVS degree. We found no associations between basal ganglia PVS and cSS.
      CONCLUSIONS: High degree of CSO-PVS is highly prevalent in sporadic cerebral
      amyloid angiopathy and is related to cSS. Our findings suggest that severe
      leptomeningeal and cortical vascular amyloid (causing cSS) is related to impaired
      interstitial fluid drainage from cerebral white matter, although determining the
      causal direction of this relationship requires prospective studies.

PMID- 25116880
TI  - Evaluation of a patient with spinal cord infarction after a hypotensive episode.

PMID- 25116881
TI  - Use of Montreal Cognitive Assessment in patients with stroke.

PMID- 25116878
TI  - Associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate and stroke outcomes in
      diabetic versus nondiabetic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is known
      to be associated with clinical adverse outcomes. However, whether diabetes
      mellitus influences the association between eGFR and prognosis of stroke is still
      not elucidated. METHODS: Prospective cohort of 17,280 (nondiabetic 12,498 and
      diabetic 4782) Chinese patients with acute stroke from the China National Stroke
      Registry and from abnormal glucose regulation in patients with acute stroke
      across China (ACROSS) between 2007 and 2009 were followed-up for 1 year for all
      cause mortality, stroke recurrence, and stroke disability related to baseline
      eGFR in the presence and absence of diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Among nondiabetic
      patients, as compared with eGFR of 90 to 119 mL/min per 1.73 m2, the adjusted
      odds ratio of lower eGFR of <45 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was 2.79 (95% confidence
      interval, 2.09-3.73) for all-cause mortality, 2.28 (1.74-2.98) for stroke
      recurrence, and 1.53 (1.16-2.01) for stroke disability; higher eGFR of >=120
      mL/min per 1.73 m2 was just significantly associated with higher risk of all
      cause mortality (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.86) but not
      with other outcomes. In diabetic patients, the adjusted odds ratios of all-cause
      mortality, stroke recurrence, and stroke disability in lower eGFR were 2.16 (1.51
      3.08), 1.43 (1.02-2.00), and 1.38 (0.98-1.95), respectively; higher eGFR was
      significantly associated with higher risks of all stroke outcomes. CONCLUSIONS:
      Decreased eGFR (<45 mL/min per 1.73 m2) is a strong predictor of all-cause
      mortality, stroke recurrence, and stroke disability in diabetic and nondiabetic
      patients with acute stroke. Increased eGFR (>=120 mL/min per 1.73 m2) is
      associated with all of stroke outcomes in diabetic patients and linked to all
      cause mortality in nondiabetic patients.

PMID- 25116882
TI  - Number of cerebral microbleeds and risk of intracerebral hemorrhage after
      intravenous thrombolysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are found in a substantial
      proportion of patients with ischemic stroke eligible for treatment with
      intravenous thrombolysis. Until now, there is limited data on the impact of
      multiple CMBs on occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after intravenous
      thrombolysis. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2013, all patients receiving MRI-based
      intravenous thrombolysis were identified within our prospective thrombolysis
      register. Number of CMBs was rated on pretreatment T2*-weighted MRI by a rater
      blinded to clinical data and follow-up. Outcomes of interest were occurrence of
      symptomatic ICH (sICH) and parenchymal hemorrhage (PH). RESULTS: Among 326
      included patients, 52 patients had a single CMB (16.0%), 19 had 2 to 4 CMBs
      (5.8%), and 10 had >=5 CMBs (3.1%). Frequency of sICH/PH was 1.2%/5.7% in
      patients without CMBs, 3.8%/3.8% in patients with a single CMB, 10.5%/21.1% in
      patients with 2 to 4 CMBs, and 30.0%/30.0% in patients with >=5 CMBs,
      respectively (each P for trend<0.01). The unadjusted odds ratio per additional
      CMB for sICH was 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.33; P<0.01) and for PH was
      1.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.24; P=0.01). Compared with patients without
      CMBs, both patients with 2 to 4 CMBs (P=0.02/P=0.02) and patients with >=5 CMBs
      (P<0.01/P<0.01) had significantly increased odds ratios for sICH and PH, whereas
      in patients with a single CMB, odds ratios were not significantly increased
      (P=0.21/P=0.59). The association of CMB burden with sICH/PH remained significant
      after adjustment for possible confounders (age, age-related white matter changes
      score, atrial fibrillation, onset-to-treatment time, prior statin use, and
      systolic blood pressure on admission). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate a
      higher risk of sICH and PH after intravenous thrombolysis when multiple CMBs are
      present, with a graded relationship to increasing baseline CMB number.

PMID- 25116883
TI  - Response to letter regarding article, "Relative contributions of sympathetic,
      cholinergic, and myogenic mechanisms to cerebral autoregulation".

PMID- 25116884
TI  - Response to letter regarding article, "N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide
      and stroke risk: the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke
      cohort".

PMID- 25116887
TI  - The benefits of a 'right-touch' approach to health care regulation.

PMID- 25116885
TI  - Encapsulated cells expressing a chemotherapeutic activating enzyme allow the
      targeting of subtoxic chemotherapy and are safe and efficacious: data from two
      clinical trials in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Despite progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, there is still a need for
      improved therapies. In this manuscript, we report clinical experience with a new
      therapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer involving the implantation of
      encapsulated cells over-expressing a cytochrome P450 enzyme followed by
      subsequent low-dose ifosfamide administrations as a means to target activated
      ifosfamide to the tumor. The safety and efficacy of the angiographic instillation
      of encapsulated allogeneic cells overexpressing cytochrome P450 in combination
      with low-dose systemic ifosfamide administration has now been evaluated in 27
      patients in total. These patients were successfully treated in four centers by
      three different interventional radiologists, arguing strongly that the treatment
      can be successfully used in different centers. The safety of the intra-arterial
      delivery of the capsules and the lack of evidence that the patients developed an
      inflammatory or immune response to the encapsulated cells or encapsulation
      material was shown in all 27 patients. The ifosfamide dose of 1 g/m2/day used in
      the first trial was well tolerated by all patients. In contrast, the ifosfamide
      dose of 2 g/m2/day used in the second trial was poorly tolerated in most
      patients. Since the median survival in the first trial was 40 weeks and only 33
      weeks in the second trial, this strongly suggests that there is no survival
      benefit to increasing the dose of ifosfamide, and indeed, a lower dose is
      beneficial for quality of life and the lack of side effects. This is supported by
      the one-year survival rate in the first trial being 38%, whilst that in the
      second trial was only 23%. However, taking the data from both trials together, a
      total of nine of the 27 patients were alive after one year, and two of these nine
      patients were alive for two years or more. 

PMID- 25116888
TI  - Pharmacological consequences of inhaled drug delivery to small airways in the
      treatment of asthma.
AB  - Small peripheral airways are an important target for the anti-inflammatory
      treatment of asthma. To make anti-inflammatory drugs (inhaled corticosteroids
      [ICS]) effectively reach small airways, they should be delivered using inhalation
      techniques containing high proportions of fine or super-fine particles. Higher
      proportions of fine particles are associated with higher systemic absorption of
      ICS leading to an increased risk of endogenous cortisol suppression. Ciclesonide,
      despite the highest proportion of fine and super-fine particle fractions, is the
      only ICS not associated with an increased risk of systemic adverse effects,
      including cortisol suppression. In contrary to ICS, bronchodilators should not be
      administered to peripheral airways. This does not improve their efficacy and may
      increase their risk of cardiotoxicity. Thus, from a pharmacological point of view
      and the theory of aerosols' deposition, fixed combinations of ICS and long-acting
      beta agonists are always suboptimal. In many cases, the best solution may be to
      use fine-particle ciclesonide and a non-fine particle beta agonist administered
      from separate inhalers. 

PMID- 25116886
TI  - Resuscitation speed affects brain injury in a large animal model of traumatic
      brain injury and shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal fluid resuscitation strategy following combined traumatic
      brain injury (TBI) and hemorrhagic shock (HS) remain controversial and the effect
      of resuscitation infusion speed on outcome is not well known. We have previously
      reported that bolus infusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) protects the brain
      compared with bolus infusion of 0.9% normal saline (NS). We now hypothesize
      reducing resuscitation infusion speed through a stepwise infusion speed increment
      protocol using either FFP or NS would provide neuroprotection compared with a
      high speed resuscitation protocol. METHODS: 23 Yorkshire swine underwent a
      protocol of computer controlled TBI and 40% hemorrhage. Animals were left in
      shock (mean arterial pressure of 35 mmHg) for two hours prior to resuscitation
      with bolus FFP (n = 5, 50 ml/min) or stepwise infusion speed increment FFP (n =
      6), bolus NS (n = 5, 165 ml/min) or stepwise infusion speed increment NS (n = 7).
      Hemodynamic variables over a 6-hour observation phase were recorded. Following
      euthanasia, brains were harvested and lesion size as well as brain swelling was
      measured. RESULTS: Bolus FFP resuscitation resulted in greater brain swelling
      (22.36 +/- 1.03% vs. 15.58 +/- 2.52%, p = 0.04), but similar lesion size compared
      with stepwise resuscitation. This was associated with a lower cardiac output (CO:
      4.81 +/- 1.50 l/min vs. 5.45 +/- 1.14 l/min, p = 0.03). In the NS groups, bolus
      infusion resulted in both increased brain swelling (37.24 +/- 1.63% vs. 26.74 +/-
      1.33%, p = 0.05) as well as lesion size (3285.44 +/- 130.81 mm(3) vs. 2509.41 +/-
      297.44 mm3, p = 0.04). This was also associated with decreased cardiac output
      (NS: 4.37 +/- 0.12 l/min vs. 6.35 +/- 0.10 l/min, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      clinically relevant model of combined TBI and HS, stepwise resuscitation
      protected the brain compared with bolus resuscitation.

PMID- 25116889
TI  - Mechanistic studies of Gd3+-based MRI contrast agents for Zn2+ detection: towards
      rational design.
AB  - A series of novel pyridine-based Gd(3+) complexes have been prepared and studied
      as potential MRI contrast agents for Zn(2+) detection. By independent assessment
      of molecular parameters affecting relaxivity, we could interpret the relaxivity
      changes observed upon Zn(2+) binding in terms of variations of the rotational
      motion. 

PMID- 25116891
TI  - Reliability in psychiatric diagnosis with the DSM: old wine in new barrels.

PMID- 25116890
TI  - A bioenergetic basis for membrane divergence in archaea and bacteria.
AB  - Membrane bioenergetics are universal, yet the phospholipid membranes of archaea
      and bacteria-the deepest branches in the tree of life-are fundamentally
      different. This deep divergence in membrane chemistry is reflected in other stark
      differences between the two domains, including ion pumping and DNA replication.
      We resolve this paradox by considering the energy requirements of the last
      universal common ancestor (LUCA). We develop a mathematical model based on the
      premise that LUCA depended on natural proton gradients. Our analysis shows that
      such gradients can power carbon and energy metabolism, but only in leaky cells
      with a proton permeability equivalent to fatty acid vesicles. Membranes with
      lower permeability (equivalent to modern phospholipids) collapse free-energy
      availability, precluding exploitation of natural gradients. Pumping protons
      across leaky membranes offers no advantage, even when permeability is decreased
      1,000-fold. We hypothesize that a sodium-proton antiporter (SPAP) provided the
      first step towards modern membranes. SPAP increases the free energy available
      from natural proton gradients by ~60%, enabling survival in 50-fold lower
      gradients, thereby facilitating ecological spread and divergence. Critically,
      SPAP also provides a steadily amplifying advantage to proton pumping as membrane
      permeability falls, for the first time favoring the evolution of ion-tight
      phospholipid membranes. The phospholipids of archaea and bacteria incorporate
      different stereoisomers of glycerol phosphate. We conclude that the enzymes
      involved took these alternatives by chance in independent populations that had
      already evolved distinct ion pumps. Our model offers a quantitatively robust
      explanation for why membrane bioenergetics are universal, yet ion pumps and
      phospholipid membranes arose later and independently in separate populations. Our
      findings elucidate the paradox that archaea and bacteria share DNA transcription,
      ribosomal translation, and ATP synthase, yet differ in equally fundamental traits
      that depend on the membrane, including DNA replication. 

PMID- 25116892
TI  - Peromyscus leucopus mice: a potential animal model for haematological studies.
AB  - Peromyscus leucopus mice share physical similarities with laboratory mice Mus
      musculus (MM) but have higher agility and longer lifespan. We compared
      domesticated P. leucopus linville (PLL) and M. musculus C57BL/6 (MMB6) mice for
      cellular composition of peripheral blood (PB), bone marrow (BM) and spleen. PLL
      mice had significantly fewer platelets and significantly more monocytes in the
      blood, and notably fewer megakaryocytes in the BM. Spleens of PLL mice were
      significantly smaller, with 50% fewer cells and reduced 'red pulp'. There was no
      obvious haematological change in PLL mice between 2-8 and 16-26 months of age,
      except for a significant increase in blood monocytes. Cellular reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) content showed no change with age but differed significantly
      between different cell types. Treating two to eight month-old PLL mice with
      antioxidant N-acetylcysteine in drinking water for three months did not affect
      cellular ROS content, but increased blood leucocytes especially the concentration
      of monocytes. The low platelets, low megakaryocytes, high monocytes and low
      splenic erythropoiesis in PLL mice resemble human measurements better than the
      values seen in MMB6.

PMID- 25116893
TI  - Inhibition of microRNA-125a promotes human endothelial cell proliferation and
      viability through an antiapoptotic mechanism.
AB  - The microRNA-125a (miR-125a) is highly expressed in endothelial cells, but its
      role in vascular biology is not known. Endothelial cell proliferation and
      viability play an important role in endothelial healing, and we hypothesize that
      miR-125a regulates this process. The aim of the present study was to investigate
      if miR-125a controls human endothelial cell proliferation, viability and
      endothelial healing, and to assess the mechanisms involved. We showed that
      overexpression of miR-125a by transfection with miR-125a mimic reduced human
      umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and viability, and
      stimulated apoptosis as demonstrated by a miR-125a-induced increase of the
      proportion of annexin V-positive cells monitored by flow cytometry. Moreover, we
      showed that the miR-125a mimic downregulated the antiapoptotic Bcl2 protein and
      upregulated caspase 3, suggesting that these two proteins represent molecular
      targets for miR-125a. Accordingly, transfection with miR-125a inhibitor,
      downregulating miR-125a expression, promoted HUVEC proliferation and viability,
      and reduced apoptosis. Importantly, transfection with miR-125a inhibitor promoted
      HUVEC tube formation in Matrigel, suggesting that reduction of miR-125a has a
      proangiogenic effect. In conclusion, downregulation of miR-125a through local
      transfection with miR-125a inhibitor might be a new way to enhance endothelial
      cell proliferation and viability, thereby promoting the reendothelialization
      observed in response to intimal injury.

PMID- 25116895
TI  - Dispacamide E and other bioactive bromopyrrole alkaloids from two Indonesian
      marine sponges of the genus Stylissa.
AB  - Chemical investigation of methanolic extracts of the two Indonesian marine
      sponges Stylissa massa and Stylissa flabelliformis yielded 25 bromopyrrole
      alkaloids including 2 new metabolites. The structures of all isolated compounds
      were unambiguously elucidated based on extensive 1D and 2D NMR, LR-MS and HR-MS
      analyses. All isolated compounds were assayed for their antiproliferative and
      protein kinase inhibitory activities. Several of the tested compounds revealed
      selective activity(ies) which suggested preliminary SARs of the isolated
      bromopyrrole alkaloids. 

PMID- 25116896
TI  - Atypical resting synchrony in autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly understood to be associated with
      aberrant functional brain connectivity. Few studies, however, have described such
      atypical neural synchrony among specific brain regions. Here, we used
      magnetoencephalography (MEG) to characterize alterations in functional
      connectivity in adolescents with ASD through source space analysis of phase
      synchrony. Resting-state MEG data were collected from 16 adolescents with ASD and
      15 age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) adolescents. Atlas-guided
      reconstruction of neural activity at various cortical and subcortical regions was
      performed and inter-regional phase synchrony was calculated in physiologically
      relevant frequency bands. Using a multilevel approach, we characterized atypical
      resting-state synchrony within specific anatomically defined networks as well as
      altered network topologies at both regional and whole-network scales. Adolescents
      with ASD demonstrated frequency-dependent alterations in inter-regional
      functional connectivity. Hyperconnectivity was observed among the frontal,
      temporal, and subcortical regions in beta and gamma frequency ranges. In
      contrast, parietal and occipital regions were hypoconnected to widespread brain
      regions in theta and alpha bands in ASD. Furthermore, we isolated a
      hyperconnected network in the gamma band in adolescents with ASD which
      encompassed orbitofrontal, subcortical, and temporal regions implicated in social
      cognition. Results from graph analyses confirmed that frequency-dependent
      alterations of network topologies exist at both global and local levels. We
      present the first source-space investigation of oscillatory phase synchrony in
      resting-state MEG in ASD. This work provides evidence of atypical connectivity at
      physiologically relevant time scales and indicates that alterations of functional
      connectivity in adolescents with ASD are frequency dependent and region
      dependent.

PMID- 25116897
TI  - Contemporary patterns of discharge aspirin dosing after acute myocardial
      infarction in the United States: results from the National Cardiovascular Data
      Registry (NCDR).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accumulated data suggest that low-dose aspirin after myocardial
      infarction (MI) may offer similar efficacy to higher dose aspirin with reduced
      risk of bleeding. Few data are available on contemporary aspirin dosing patterns
      after MI in the United States METHODS AND RESULTS: Aspirin dosing from 221 199
      patients with MI (40.2% ST-segment-elevation MI) from 525 US hospitals enrolled
      in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry's (NCDR's) Acute Coronary Treatment
      and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry-Get with the Guidelines were
      described, overall and in clinically relevant subgroups. High-dose aspirin was
      defined as 325 mg and low dose as 81 mg. Between January 2007 and March 2011,
      60.9% of patients with acute MI were discharged on high-dose aspirin, 35.6% on
      low-dose aspirin, and 3.5% on other doses. High-dose aspirin was prescribed at
      discharge to 73.0% of patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention
      and 44.6% of patients managed medically. Among 9075 patients discharged on
      aspirin, thienopyridine, and warfarin, 44.0% were prescribed high-dose aspirin.
      Patients with an in-hospital major bleeding event were also frequently discharged
      on high-dose aspirin (56.7%). A 25-fold variation in the proportion prescribed
      high-dose aspirin at discharge was observed across participating centers.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most US patients with MI continue to be discharged on high-dose
      aspirin. Although aspirin dosing after percutaneous coronary intervention largely
      reflected prevailing guidelines before 2012, high-dose aspirin was prescribed
      with similar frequency in medically managed patients and to those in categories
      expected to be at high risk for bleeding. Wide variability in the proportional
      use of high-dose aspirin across centers suggests significant influence from local
      practice habits and uncertainty about appropriate aspirin dosing.

PMID- 25116898
TI  - Examination of the treatment selection process in a multicenter observational
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many multicenter clinical trials use permuted-block randomization to
      create balanced treatment allocations within clinical centers. Unlike randomized
      trials, observational studies do not control treatment allocation, and
      statistical models are used to adjust for measured confounders. For many
      observational data analyses, the variability in the treatment selection process
      within clinical centers is ignored. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the
      best approach for dealing with variability in the treatment selection process
      across clinical centers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Individuals aged >=65 years
      receiving either drug-eluting stents or bare metal stents were included. A cohort
      of 262 700 patients from 650 CathPCI Registry sites was followed up for a median
      of 15 months. Propensity score models were estimated to describe the process used
      to select drug-eluting stents across the study population. Substantial
      variability in the use of drug-eluting stents at the clinical center level was
      observed-even after accounting for differences in patient and clinical center
      characteristics. By refitting and matching propensity scores within clinical
      centers, a balanced cohort on treatment allocation and prognostic factors was
      obtained. This approach generated an estimated hazard ratio that was
      qualitatively similar to standard regression models and other propensity score
      approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial variability in treatment selection existed
      between clinical centers. Matching recalibrated propensity scores within clinical
      centers has the potential to reduce a source of bias in multicenter observational
      studies. This methodology cannot eliminate all potential for biases; however, it
      removes the potential bias from site-level factors.

PMID- 25116899
TI  - Trapping atmospheric CO2 with gold.
AB  - The ability of gold-hydroxides to fix CO2 is reported. [Au(IPr)(OH)] and
      [{Au(IPr)}2(MU-OH)][BF4] react with atmospheric CO2 to form the trigold carbonate
      complex [{Au(IPr)}3(MU(3)-CO3)][BF4]. Reactivity studies revealed that this
      complex behaves as two basic and one cationic Au centres, and that it is
      catalytically active. DFT calculations and kinetic experiments have been carried
      out. 

PMID- 25116894
TI  - Three-dimensional in vitro tumor models for cancer research and drug evaluation.
AB  - Cancer occurs when cells acquire genomic instability and inflammation, produce
      abnormal levels of epigenetic factors/proteins and tumor suppressors, reprogram
      the energy metabolism and evade immune destruction, leading to the disruption of
      cell cycle/normal growth. An early event in carcinogenesis is loss of polarity
      and detachment from the natural basement membrane, allowing cells to form
      distinct three-dimensional (3D) structures that interact with each other and with
      the surrounding microenvironment. Although valuable information has been
      accumulated from traditional in vitro studies in which cells are grown on flat
      and hard plastic surfaces (2D culture), this culture condition does not reflect
      the essential features of tumor tissues. Further, fundamental understanding of
      cancer metastasis cannot be obtained readily from 2D studies because they lack
      the complex and dynamic cell-cell communications and cell-matrix interactions
      that occur during cancer metastasis. These shortcomings, along with lack of
      spatial depth and cell connectivity, limit the applicability of 2D cultures to
      accurate testing of pharmacologically active compounds, free or sequestered in
      nanoparticles. To recapitulate features of native tumor microenvironments,
      various biomimetic 3D tumor models have been developed to incorporate cancer and
      stromal cells, relevant matrix components, and biochemical and biophysical cues,
      into one spatially and temporally integrated system. In this article, we review
      recent advances in creating 3D tumor models employing tissue engineering
      principles. We then evaluate the utilities of these novel models for the testing
      of anticancer drugs and their delivery systems. We highlight the profound
      differences in responses from 3D in vitro tumors and conventional monolayer
      cultures. Overall, strategic integration of biological principles and engineering
      approaches will both improve understanding of tumor progression and invasion and
      support discovery of more personalized first line treatments for cancer patients.

PMID- 25116901
TI  - An ionizing radiation sensor using a pre-programmed MAHAOS device.
AB  - Metal-aluminum oxide-hafnium aluminum oxide-silicon oxide-silicon (hereafter
      MAHAOS) devices can be candidates for ionizing radiation sensor applications. In
      this work, MAHAOS devices (SONOS-like structures with high k stack gate
      dielectric) were studied regarding the first known characterization of the
      ionization radiation sensing response. The change of threshold voltage V(T) for a
      MAHAOS device after gamma ray exposure had a strong correlation to the total
      ionization dose (TID) of gamma radiation up to at least 5 Mrad TID. In this
      paper, the gamma radiation response performances of the pre-programmed and virgin
      (non-pre-programmed) MAHAOS devices are presented. The experimental data show
      that the change of VT for the pre-programmed MAHAOS device with gamma irradiation
      is very significant. The data of pre-programmed MAHAOS devices written by 5 Mrad
      TID of gamma radiation was also stable for a long time with data storage. The
      sensing of gamma radiation by pre-programmed MAHAOS devices with high k stack
      gate dielectric reported in this study has demonstrated their potential
      application for non-volatile ionizing radiation sensing technology in the future.

PMID- 25116900
TI  - The benefit of specialized team approaches in patients with acute kidney injury
      undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy: propensity score matched
      analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has been widely used in
      critically ill acute kidney injury (AKI) patients. Moreover, some centers operate
      a specialized CRRT team (SCT) composed of physicians and nurses, but few studies
      have yet determined the superiority of SCT control. METHODS: A total of 334 among
      534 patients in the original cohort, who started CRRT for severe AKI between
      August 2007 and September 2009 in Yonsei University Health System and were
      matched with a propensity score (PS), were divided into two groups based on SCT
      application. Moreover, we compared CRRT-related outcomes including down-time per
      day and lost time per filter-exchange between the two groups. The primary
      outcomes were 28- and 90-day all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes were
      the rates of renal function recovery at 28- and 90-day. RESULTS: The down-time
      per day, lost time per filter-exchange, and red blood cell-transfused numbers
      during CRRT treatment were significantly lower after SCT approach compared with
      the group before SCT, while net ultrafiltration rate in the after SCT group was
      significantly higher compared to the before SCT group. During the study period,
      the 28- and 90-day all-cause mortality rates were significantly decreased after
      SCT application. Cox regression analysis revealed that 28- and 90-day all-cause
      mortality rates were significantly lower under SCT control, after adjusting for
      primary diagnosis, emergent surgical cases, Charlson Comorbidity Index and
      biochemical parameters. However, there were no significant differences in the
      rate of renal function recovery before and after SCT approach in CRRT.
      CONCLUSIONS: A well-organized CRRT team could be beneficial for clinical outcomes
      through improving quality of care in AKI patients requiring CRRT treatment in the
      ICU.

PMID- 25116902
TI  - LiftingWiSe: a lifting-based efficient data processing technique in wireless
      sensor networks.
AB  - Monitoring thousands of objects which are deployed over large-hard-to-reach
      areas, is an important application of the wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Such
      an application requires disseminating a large amount of data within the WSN. This
      data includes, but is not limited to, the object's location and the environment
      conditions at that location. WSNs require efficient data processing and
      dissemination processes due to the limited storage, processing power, and energy
      available in the WSN nodes. The aim of this paper is to propose a data processing
      technique that can work under constrained storage, processing, and energy
      resource conditions. The proposed technique utilizes the lifting procedure in
      processing the disseminated data. Lifting is usually used in discrete wavelet
      transform (DWT) operations. The proposed technique is referred to as LiftingWiSe,
      which stands for Lifting-based efficient data processing technique for Wireless
      Sensor Networks. LiftingWiSe has been tested and compared to other relevant
      techniques from the literature. The test has been conducted via a simulation of
      the monitored field and the deployed wireless sensor network nodes. The
      simulation results have been analyzed and discussed. 

PMID- 25116903
TI  - Enhanced ethanol gas sensing properties of SnO2-core/ZnO-shell nanostructures.
AB  - An inexpensive single-step carbon-assisted thermal evaporation method for the
      growth of SnO2-core/ZnO-shell nanostructures is described, and the ethanol
      sensing properties are presented. The structure and phases of the grown
      nanostructures are investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy
      (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD)
      techniques. XRD analysis indicates that the core-shell nanostructures have good
      crystallinity. At a lower growth duration of 15 min, only SnO2 nanowires with a
      rectangular cross-section are observed, while the ZnO shell is observed when the
      growth time is increased to 30 min. Core-shell hierarchical nanostructures are
      present for a growth time exceeding 60 min. The growth mechanism for SnO2
      core/ZnO-shell nanowires and hierarchical nanostructures are also discussed. The
      sensitivity of the synthesized SnO2-core/ZnO-shell nanostructures towards ethanol
      sensing is investigated. Results show that the SnO2-core/ZnO-shell nanostructures
      deposited at 90 min exhibit enhanced sensitivity to ethanol. The sensitivity of
      SnO2-core/ZnO-shell nanostructures towards 20 ppm ethanol gas at 400  degrees C
      is about ~5-times that of SnO2 nanowires. This improvement in ethanol gas
      response is attributed to high active sensing sites and the synergistic effect of
      the encapsulation of SnO2 by ZnO nanostructures. 

PMID- 25116905
TI  - An energy-efficient and compact clustering scheme with temporary support nodes
      for cognitive radio sensor networks.
AB  - A cognitive radio sensor network (CRSN) is a wireless sensor network whose sensor
      nodes are equipped with cognitive radio capability. Clustering is one of the most
      challenging issues in CRSNs, as all sensor nodes, including the cluster head,
      have to use the same frequency band in order to form a cluster. However, due to
      the nature of heterogeneous channels in cognitive radio, it is difficult for
      sensor nodes to find a cluster head. This paper proposes a novel energy-efficient
      and compact clustering scheme named clustering with temporary support nodes
      (CENTRE). CENTRE efficiently achieves a compact cluster formation by adopting two
      phase cluster formation with fixed duration. By introducing a novel concept of
      temporary support nodes to improve the cluster formation, the proposed scheme
      enables sensor nodes in a network to find a cluster head efficiently. The
      performance study shows that not only is the clustering process efficient and
      compact but it also results in remarkable energy savings that prolong the overall
      network lifetime. In addition, the proposed scheme decreases both the clustering
      overhead and the average distance between cluster heads and their members. 

PMID- 25116904
TI  - A review of brain-computer interface games and an opinion survey from
      researchers, developers and users.
AB  - In recent years, research on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology for
      healthy users has attracted considerable interest, and BCI games are especially
      popular. This study reviews the current status of, and describes future
      directions, in the field of BCI games. To this end, we conducted a literature
      search and found that BCI control paradigms using electroencephalographic signals
      (motor imagery, P300, steady state visual evoked potential and passive approach
      reading mental state) have been the primary focus of research. We also conducted
      a survey of nearly three hundred participants that included researchers, game
      developers and users around the world. From this survey, we found that all three
      groups (researchers, developers and users) agreed on the significant influence
      and applicability of BCI and BCI games, and they all selected prostheses,
      rehabilitation and games as the most promising BCI applications. User and
      developer groups tended to give low priority to passive BCI and the whole head
      sensor array. Developers gave higher priorities to "the easiness of playing" and
      the "development platform" as important elements for BCI games and the market.
      Based on our assessment, we discuss the critical point at which BCI games will be
      able to progress from their current stage to widespread marketing to consumers.
      In conclusion, we propose three critical elements important for expansion of the
      BCI game market: standards, gameplay and appropriate integration. 

PMID- 25116906
TI  - Warranty periods for normal myocardial perfusion stress SPECT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess different warranty periods following a normal myocardial
      perfusion SPECT based on patients' clinical characteristics and the type of
      stress performed. METHODS AND RESULTS: A study was done of 2,922 consecutive
      patients (62.9 +/- 13 years; 53.4% women) with a normal stress-rest SPECT. The
      warranty period was defined as the period during which patients remained at a low
      risk (<1% events/year) of total mortality (TM), or hard events (HE) (cardiac
      death or non-fatal myocardial infarction). Of these patients, 2,051 were given an
      exercise myocardial perfusion imaging (Ex-MPI); 461 submaximal exercise plus
      dipyridamole (Ex+Dipy-MPI); and 410 dipyridamole (Dipy-MPI). During a mean follow
      up of 5 +/- 3.3 years, a significant reduction (P < .05) of the warranty period
      for TM (13.5, 9.6 and 8 months) and HE (34.8, 20.5 and 8.2 months) was observed,
      for Ex-MPI, Ex+Dipy-MPI and Dipy-MPI, respectively. Other warranty period
      determinants were the clinical variables of age, sex, diabetes and known coronary
      artery disease. An abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction on gated-SPECT
      also significantly shortened the warranty period for HE in patients undergoing
      Ex+Dipy-MPI (P = .001) or Dipy-MPI alone (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: The warranty
      period for a normal stress-rest SPECT is highly variable since it is primarily
      determined by the type of stress, the patient's clinical characteristics and
      LVEF.

PMID- 25116909
TI  - Small molecules: from structural diversity to signalling and regulatory roles.

PMID- 25116908
TI  - Tai chi meditation effects on nuclear factor-kappaB signaling in lonely older
      adults: a randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 25116910
TI  - Topical calcium carbonate soda crystals for refractory cancer-related lower limb
      edema.

PMID- 25116911
TI  - What is different about patients with hematologic malignancies? A retrospective
      cohort study of cancer patients referred to a hospice research network.
AB  - CONTEXT: Although much is known about solid tumor patients who use hospice, the
      hematologic malignancies hospice population is inadequately described.
      OBJECTIVES: To compare the characteristics and outcomes of hospice patients with
      hematologic malignancies to those with solid tumors. METHODS: We extracted
      electronic patient data (2008-2012) from a large hospice network (Coalition of
      Hospices Organized to Investigate Comparative Effectiveness) and used bivariate
      analyses to describe between-group differences. RESULTS: In total, 48,147
      patients with cancer were admitted during the study period; 3518 (7.3%) had a
      hematologic malignancy. These patients had significantly worse Palliative
      Performance Scale scores (32% vs. 24% were below 40; P < 0.001) and shorter
      lengths of stay (median 11 vs. 19 days; P < 0.001). They were more likely to die
      within 24 hours of hospice enrollment (10.9% vs. 6.8%; odds ratio [OR] 1.66; 95%
      CI 1.49, 1.86; P < 0.001) or within seven days (36% vs. 25.1%; OR 1.68; 95% CI
      1.56, 1.81; P < 0.001) and were more likely to receive hospice services in an
      inpatient or nursing home setting (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.16, 1.56 and OR 1.54; 95% CI
      1.39, 1.72; both P < 0.001). Among hematologic malignancy patients, those with
      leukemia had the shortest survival (hazard ratio 1.23; 95% CI 1.13, 1.34; P <
      0.001), and 40.3% used hospice for less than seven days (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.11,
      1.56; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Hospice patients with hematologic malignancies are
      more seriously ill at the time of admission, with worse functional status and
      shorter lengths of stay than other cancer patients. Differences in outcomes
      suggest the need for targeted interventions to optimize hospice services for the
      hematologic malignancies population, especially those with leukemia.

PMID- 25116913
TI  - Predictors of pursuit of physician-assisted death.
AB  - CONTEXT: Physician-assisted death (PAD) was legalized in 1997 by Oregon's Death
      with Dignity Act. The States of Washington, Montana, Vermont, and New Mexico have
      since provided legal sanction for PAD. Through 2013, 1173 Oregonians have
      received a prescription under the Death with Dignity Act and 752 have died after
      taking the prescribed medication in Oregon. OBJECTIVES: To determine the
      predictive value of personal and interpersonal variables in the pursuit of PAD.
      METHODS: Fifty-five Oregonians who either requested PAD or contacted a PAD
      advocacy organization were compared with 39 individuals with advanced disease who
      did not pursue PAD. We compared the two groups on responses to standardized
      measures of depression, hopelessness, spirituality, social support, and pain. We
      also compared the two groups on style of attachment to intimate others and
      caregivers as understood through attachment theory. RESULTS: We found that PAD
      requesters had higher levels of depression, hopelessness, and dismissive
      attachment (attachment to others characterized by independence and self
      reliance), and lower levels of spirituality. There were moderate correlations
      among the variables of spirituality, hopelessness, depression, social support,
      and dismissive attachment. There was a strong correlation between depression and
      hopelessness. Low spirituality emerged as the strongest predictor of pursuit of
      PAD in the regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Although some factors motivating
      pursuit of PAD, such as depression, may be ameliorated by medical interventions,
      other factors, such as style of attachment and sense of spirituality, are long
      standing aspects of the individual that should be supported at the end of life.
      Practitioners must develop respectful awareness and understanding of the
      interpersonal and spiritual perspectives of their patients to provide such
      support.

PMID- 25116912
TI  - Organization of nursing and quality of care for veterans at the end of life.
AB  - CONTEXT: The Veterans Health Administration (VA) has improved the quality of end
      of-life (EOL) care over the past several years. Several structural and process
      variables are associated with better outcomes. Little is known, however, about
      the relationship between the organization of nursing care and EOL outcomes.
      OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between the organization of nursing care,
      including the nurse work environment and nurse staffing levels, and quality of
      EOL care in VA acute care facilities. METHODS: Secondary analysis of linked data
      from the Bereaved Family Survey (BFS), electronic medical record, administrative
      data, and the VA Nursing Outcomes Database. The sample included 4908 veterans who
      died in one of 116 VA acute care facilities nationally between October 2010 and
      September 2011. Unadjusted and adjusted generalized estimating equations were
      used to examine associations between nursing and BFS outcomes. RESULTS: BFS
      respondents were 17% more likely to give an excellent overall rating of the
      quality of EOL care received by the veteran in facilities with better nurse work
      environments (P <= 0.05). The nurse work environment also was a significant
      predictor of providers listening to concerns and providing desired treatments.
      Nurse staffing was significantly associated with an excellent overall rating,
      alerting of the family before death, attention to personal care needs, and the
      provision of emotional support after the patient's death. CONCLUSION: Improvement
      of the nurse work environment and nurse staffing in VA acute care facilities may
      result in enhanced quality of care received by hospitalized veterans at the EOL.

PMID- 25116915
TI  - Alnuheptanoid A: a new diarylheptanoid derivative from Alnus japonica.
AB  - Extensive chromatographic investigation of the ethanolic extract of Alnus
      japonica Steud stem bark led to the isolation of a new diarylheptanoid named
      alnuheptanoid A [(5S)-7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methoxyheptan
      3-one] (8), together with seven known diarylheptanoid derivatives:
      platyphyllenone (5), (5S)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methoxyheptan-3-one (6), 1
      (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-hepten-3-one (7), hirsutenone (9),
      (5R)-O-methylhirsutanonol (10), hirsutanonol (11) and oregonin (13), three
      triterpenes: alpha-amyrin (1), betulinaldehyde (3) and betulinic acid (4), and
      two sterols: beta-sitosterol (2) and daucosterol (12). Compound 6 was isolated
      for the first time from natural source. The structures of the isolated compounds
      were determined on the basis of spectroscopic measurements (UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D
      and 2D NMR). 

PMID- 25116914
TI  - Predictors of thirst in intensive care unit patients.
AB  - CONTEXT: Thirst is a pervasive, intense, and distressing symptom in intensive
      care unit (ICU) patients. Although thirst may be avoided and/or treated, scant
      data are available to help providers identify patients most in need. OBJECTIVES:
      This study was designed to identify predictors of the presence, intensity, and
      distress of thirst in ICU patients. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional
      study enrolled 353 patients from three ICUs (medical-surgical, cardiac, and
      neurological). To measure outcomes, patients were asked to report the presence of
      thirst (yes/no) and, if present, to rate its intensity and distress on zero to 10
      numeric rating scales (10=worst). Predictor variables were demographic (e.g.,
      age), treatment-related (e.g., opioids), and biological (e.g., total body water).
      Data were analyzed with logistic regression and truncated regression with alpha
      preset at 0.05. RESULTS: Thirst presence was predicted by high opioid doses (>=
      50 mg), high furosemide doses (>60 mg), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,
      and low ionized calcium. Thirst intensity was predicted by patients not receiving
      oral fluid and having a gastrointestinal (GI) diagnosis. Thirst distress was
      predicted by mechanical ventilation, negative fluid balance, antihypertensive
      medications, and a GI or "other" diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Thirst presence was
      predicted by selected medications (e.g., opioids). Thirst intensity and/or thirst
      distress were predicted by other treatments (e.g., mechanical ventilation) and
      medical diagnoses (e.g., GI). This is one of the first studies describing
      predictors of the multidimensional characteristics of thirst. Clinicians can use
      these data to target ICU patients whose thirst might warrant treatment.

PMID- 25116917
TI  - Known knowns, known unknowns, unknown unknowns and unknown knowns in DNA
      barcoding: a comment on Dowton et al.

PMID- 25116919
TI  - A leaky membrane and a sodium transporter at life's great divergence.

PMID- 25116916
TI  - SILAC-based proteomic profiling of the human MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer
      cell line in response to the two antitumoral lactoferrin isoforms: the secreted
      lactoferrin and the intracellular delta-lactoferrin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lactoferrins exhibit antitumoral activities either as a secretory
      lactoferrin or an intracellular delta-lactoferrin isoform. These activities
      involve processes such as regulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis. While
      lactoferrin has been shown to exert its function by activating different
      transduction pathways, delta-lactoferrin has been proven to act as a
      transcription factor. Like many tumor suppressors, these two proteins are under
      expressed in several types of cancer, particularly in breast cancer.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In order to compare the differential effects of
      the re-introduction of lactoferrin isoforms in breast cancer cells we chose the
      cancerous mammary gland MDA-MB-231 cell line as a model. We produced a cell line
      stably expressing delta-lactoferrin. We also treated these cells with fresh
      purified human breast lactoferrin. We performed two quantitative proteomic
      studies in parallel using SILAC coupled to mass spectrometry in order to compare
      the effects of different doses of the two lactoferrin isoforms. The proteome of
      untreated, delta-lactoferrin expressing and human lactoferrin treated MDA-MB-231
      cells were compared. Overall, around 5300 proteins were identified and quantified
      using the in-house developed MFPaQ software. Among these, expression was
      increased by 1.5-fold or more for around 300 proteins in delta-lactoferrin
      expressing cells and 190 proteins in lactoferrin treated cells. At the same time,
      about 200 and 40 proteins were found to be downregulated (0-0.7-fold) in response
      to delta-lactoferrin and lactoferrin, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Re
      introduction of delta-lactoferrin and lactoferrin expression in MDA-MB-231 mainly
      leads to modifications of protein profiles involved in processes such as
      proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, the ubiquitin pathway, translation
      and mRNA quality control. Moreover, this study identified new target genes of
      delta-lactoferrin transcriptional activity such as SelH, GTF2F2 and UBE2E1.

PMID- 25116920
TI  - Otoacoustic emissions before and after listening to music on a personal player.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The problem of the potential impact of personal music players on the
      auditory system remains an open question. The purpose of the present study was to
      investigate, by means of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), whether listening to music
      on a personal player affected auditory function. MATERIAL/METHODS: A group of 20
      normally hearing adults was exposed to music played on a personal player.
      Transient evoked OAEs (TEOAEs) and distortion product OAEs (DPOAEs), as well as
      pure tone audiometry (PTA) thresholds, were tested at 3 stages: before,
      immediately after, and the next day following 30 min of exposure to music at 86.6
      dBA. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant changes in OAE parameters or
      PTA thresholds due to listening to the music. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest
      that exposure to music at levels similar to those used in our study does not
      disturb cochlear function in a way that can be detected by means of PTA, TEOAE,
      or DPOAE tests.

PMID- 25116921
TI  - Modeling luminal breast cancer heterogeneity: combination therapy to suppress a
      hormone receptor-negative, cytokeratin 5-positive subpopulation in luminal
      disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Many Luminal breast cancers are heterogeneous, containing
      substantial numbers of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor-negative
      cells among the ER+ PR+ ones. One such subpopulation we call "Luminobasal" is ER
      , PR- and cytokeratin 5 (CK5)-positive. It is not targeted for treatment.
      METHODS: To address the relationships between ER+PR+CK5- and ER-PR-CK5+ cells in
      Luminal cancers and tightly control their ratios we generated isogenic pure
      Luminal (pLUM) and pure Luminobasal (pLB) cells from the same parental Luminal
      human breast cancer cell line. We used high-throughput screening to identify pLB
      specific drugs and examined their efficacy alone and in combination with hormone
      therapy in mixed-cell tumor models. RESULTS: We show that pLUM and MCF7 cells
      suppress proliferation of pLB cells in mixed-cell 3D colonies in vitro and that
      pLUM cells suppress growth of pLB cells in mixed-cell xenografts in vivo. High
      throughput screening of 89 FDA-approved oncology drugs shows that pLB cells are
      sensitive to monotherapy with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
      inhibitors gefitinib and erlotinib. By exploiting mixed-cell 3D colonies and
      mixed-cell solid mouse tumors models we demonstrate that combination therapy with
      gefitinib plus the anti-estrogen fulvestrant constitutes a robust treatment
      strategy. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that response to combination endocrine/EGFR
      inhibitor therapies in heterogeneous Luminal cancers may improve long-term
      survival in patients whose primary tumors have been preselected for appropriate
      biomarkers, including ER, PR, CK5 and EGFR.

PMID- 25116930
TI  - Characteristics of the orthostatic cardiovascular response in adolescent patients
      with psychogenic fever.

PMID- 25116923
TI  - English Longitudinal Study of Aging: can Internet/E-mail use reduce cognitive
      decline?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive decline is a major risk factor for disability, dementia,
      and death. The use of Internet/E-mail, also known as digital literacy, might
      decrease dementia incidence among the older population. The aim was to
      investigate whether digital literacy might be associated with decreased cognitive
      decline in older adulthood. METHODS: Data from the English Longitudinal Study of
      Aging cohort with 6,442 participants aged 50-89 years, followed for 8 years, with
      baseline cognitive testing and four additional time points. The main outcome
      variable was the relative percentage change in delayed recall from a 10-word-list
      learning task across five separate measurement points. In addition to digital
      literacy, socioeconomic variables, including wealth and education, comorbidities,
      and baseline cognitive function were included in predictive models. The analysis
      used Generalized Estimating Equations. RESULTS: Higher education, no functional
      impairment, fewer depressive symptoms, no diabetes, and Internet/E-mail use
      predicted better performance in delayed recall. CONCLUSIONS: Digital literacy may
      help reduce cognitive decline among persons aged between 50 and 89 years.

PMID- 25116922
TI  - New method for sperm evaluation by 3-dimensional laser scanning microscopy in
      different laboratory animal species.
AB  - Sperm analysis is one of the end points in reproductive toxicology studies.
      Different methods for quantitative sperm analysis have been described. For
      qualitative morphological sperm analysis, either such techniques or smears of
      sperm and histological sperm staging are in use. Any of these methods provides
      morphological results on a light microscopy level. Laser scanning microscopy is a
      technique using a focused laser for scanning an object. The Olympus 3D Laser
      Scanning Microscope LEXT OLS4000 with optional possibilities of differential
      interference contrast provides a microscopic method for visualizing
      microasperities, which are far beyond the resolving power of a typical light or
      laser microscope. This technique was applied to sperm of mice, rats, rabbits, and
      cynomolgus monkeys at magnifications up to *17 090. The obtained images are
      comparable to those of a scanning electron microscope under relatively low-power
      magnifications. Measurements on sperm parameters were taken by an integrated
      image analysis software tool. Abnormalities were easily detectable.

PMID- 25116931
TI  - Expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 3 mRNA in the brain and retina of
      the pigeon.
AB  - Vesicular glutamate transporters (vGluTs), which accumulate glutamate into
      synaptic vesicles, are classified into three subtypes in mammalian brains:
      vGluT1, vGluT2, and vGluT3. VGluT3 is localized in non-glutamatergic neurons of
      the brain and retinal amacrine cells. In birds, the vGluT3 genome is found, but
      its distribution in the brain or retina is unknown. The present study was
      conducted to analyze vGluT3 cDNA sequence and elucidate its distribution in the
      pigeon brain and retina. The vGluT3 cDNA comprises 1761bp and showed 95% and 88%
      identity to the chicken and zebra finch vGluT3 cDNAs, respectively, and 74%
      identity to human vGluT3 cDNA. In situ hybridization revealed that the vGluT3
      mRNA was expressed in neurons of the caudal linear nucleus (LC) of the brain and
      in amacrine cells of the inner nuclear layer of the retina. A combination of in
      situ hybridization and serotonin immunohistochemistry revealed three types of
      stained cells in LC and retina: vGluT3(+)/serotonin(+), vGluT3(+)/serotonin(-),
      and vGluT3(-)/serotonin(+). The vGluT3(+)/serotonin(+) cells were approximately
      22% in LC and 16% in the retina. The present results suggest that the pigeon
      vGluT3 mRNA is comparable with the mammalian type. 

PMID- 25116934
TI  - Acute testicular fracture.

PMID- 25116935
TI  - Different childhood adversities are associated with different symptom patterns in
      adulthood.

PMID- 25116933
TI  - Evaluation of functional genetic variants at 6q25.1 and risk of breast cancer in
      a Chinese population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 6q25.1 that are
      associated with breast cancer susceptibility have been identified in several
      genome-wide association studies (GWASs). However, the exact causal variants in
      this region have not been clarified. METHODS: In the present study, we genotyped
      six potentially functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the
      CCDC170 and ESR1 gene regions at 6q25.1 and accessed their associations with risk
      of breast cancer in a study of 1,064 cases and 1,073 cancer-free controls in
      Chinese women. The biological function of the risk variant was further evaluated
      by performing laboratory experiments. RESULTS: Breast cancer risk was
      significantly associated with three SNPs located at 6q25.1-rs9383935 in CCDC170
      and rs2228480 and rs3798758 in ESR1-with variant allele attributed odds ratios
      (ORs) of 1.38 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20 to 1.57, P=2.21*10(-6)), 0.84
      (95% CI: 0.72 to 0.98, P=0.025) and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.37, P=0.013),
      respectively. The functional variant rs9383935 is in high linkage disequilibrium
      (LD) with GWAS-reported top-hit SNP (rs2046210), but only rs9383935 showed a
      strong independent effect in conditional regression analysis. The rs9383935 risk
      allele A showed decreased activity of reporter gene in both the MCF-7 and BT-474
      breast cancer cell lines, which might be due to an altered binding capacity of
      miR-27a to the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) sequence of CCDC170. Real-time
      quantitative reverse transcription PCR confirmed the correlation between
      rs9383935 genotypes and CCDC170 expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      this study suggest that the functional variant rs9383935, located at the 3' UTR
      of CCDC170, may be one candidate of the causal variants at 6q25.1 that modulate
      the risk of breast cancer.

PMID- 25116936
TI  - Does the majority always know best? Young children's flexible trust in majority
      opinion.
AB  - Copying the majority is generally an adaptive social learning strategy but the
      majority does not always know best. Previous work has demonstrated young
      children's selective uptake of information from a consensus over a lone
      dissenter. The current study examined children's flexibility in following the
      majority: do they overextend their reliance on this heuristic to situations where
      the dissenting individual has privileged knowledge and should be trusted instead?
      Four- to six- year-olds (N = 103) heard conflicting claims about the identity of
      hidden drawings from a majority and a dissenter in two between-subject
      conditions: in one, the dissenter had privileged knowledge over the majority (he
      drew the pictures); in the other he did not (they were drawn by an absent third
      party). Overall, children were less likely to trust the majority in the
      Privileged Dissenter condition. Moreover, 5- and 6- year-olds made majority-based
      inferences when the dissenter had no privileged knowledge but systematically
      endorsed the dissenter when he drew the pictures. The current findings suggest
      that by 5 years, children are able to make an epistemic-based judgment to decide
      whether or not to follow the majority rather than automatically following the
      most common view.

PMID- 25116937
TI  - Value of water mazes for assessing spatial and egocentric learning and memory in
      rodent basic research and regulatory studies.
AB  - Maneuvering safely through the environment is central to survival of all animals.
      The ability to do this depends on learning and remembering locations. This
      capacity is encoded in the brain by two systems: one using cues outside the
      organism (distal cues), allocentric navigation, and one using self-movement,
      internal cues and sometimes proximal cues, egocentric navigation. Allocentric
      navigation involves the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and surrounding
      structures (e.g., subiculum); in humans this system encodes declarative memory
      (allocentric, semantic, and episodic, i.e., memory for people, places, things,
      and events). This form of memory is assessed in laboratory animals by many
      methods, but predominantly the Morris water maze (MWM). Egocentric navigation
      involves the dorsal striatum and connected structures; in humans this system
      encodes routes and integrated paths and when over-learned becomes implicit or
      procedural memory. Several allocentric methods for rodents are reviewed and
      compared with the MWM with particular focus on the Cincinnati water maze (CWM).
      MWM advantages include minimal training, no food deprivation, ease of testing,
      reliable learning, insensitivity to differences in body weight and appetite,
      absence of non-performers, control methods for performance effects, repeated
      testing capability and other factors that make this test well-suited for
      regulatory studies. MWM limitations are also reviewed. Evidence-based MWM design
      and testing methods are presented. On balance, the MWM is arguably the preferred
      test for assessing learning and memory in basic research and regulatory studies
      and the CWM is recommended if two tests can be accommodated so that both
      allocentric (MWM) and egocentric (CWM) learning and memory can be effectively and
      efficiently assessed. 

PMID- 25116938
TI  - Preferences for the delivery of community pharmacy services to help manage
      chronic conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To optimize positive outcomes, the design of new pharmacy services
      should consider the preferences of consumers with chronic condition(s) and their
      carers. OBJECTIVES: (i) To evaluate the relative importance of community pharmacy
      service characteristics, from the perspective of consumers with chronic
      condition(s) and carers; (ii) To compare consumer and carer preferences to health
      professional beliefs about ideal service characteristics for consumers. METHOD: A
      discrete choice experiment was completed by consumers with chronic condition(s)
      and/or carers (n = 602) and health professionals (n = 297), recruited from four
      regions in Australia. Participants were each randomized to one survey version
      containing four (from a total 72) different choices between two new pharmacy
      services. Consumer and carer participants were also given an 'opt out'
      alternative of current service. Each service was described using six attributes
      related to pharmacy service characteristics: continued medicines supply,
      continuity and coordinated care, location, medication management, education and
      information, and cost. RESULTS: Consumers and carers placed highest priority on
      continued medicines supply by a pharmacist for regular and symptom flare up
      medicines (100 priority points), a pharmacy located within a 'one-stop' health
      center (61 points) and home delivery of medicines (52 points). Although continued
      medicines supply was most important for consumers and carers, pharmacy location
      was perceived by health professionals to be the most important characteristic for
      consumers. Participants were less inclined to choose new services if their
      current pharmacy offered high quality services that were person-centered, easy to
      access and responsive to their needs. Younger, more highly educated and employed
      participants, and those with established condition(s) were more likely to choose
      new services. CONCLUSIONS: Person-centered care is a fundamental tenet for
      pharmacy services. The provision of continued medicines supply (e.g. through
      pharmacist prescribing), convenient and coordinated care delivered through a one
      stop health centre, and home delivery of medicines, should be prioritized when
      planning pharmacy services to best assist consumers to manage chronic conditions.

PMID- 25116940
TI  - The effects of alloying and segregation for the reactivity and diffusion of
      oxygen on Cu3Au(111).
AB  - We report results of the segregation induced by the adsorption of O2 and the
      barrier of the formation of Cu2O in Cu3Au(111) with an experimental and
      theoretical approach. Oxidation by a hyperthermal O2 molecular beam (HOMB) was
      investigated by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy in conjunction with a
      synchrotron light source. From the incident-energy dependence of the measured O
      uptake curve, dissociative adsorption of O2 is less effective on Cu3Au(111) than
      on Cu(111). The dissociative adsorption is accompanied by the Cu segregation on
      Cu3Au(111) as well as on Cu3Au(100) and Cu3Au(110). The obvious growth of Cu2O
      for a 2.3 eV HOMB cannot be observed and it suggests that the Au-rich protective
      layers prevent the diffusion of O atoms into the bulk. The theoretical approach
      based on density functional theory indicates that O adsorption shows the same
      behavior on Cu3Au(111) and on Cu(111). For the diffusion case, the barrier to
      diffuse into the subsurface in segregated Cu3Au(111) is higher than in Cu(111).
      This indicates that the segregated Au-rich layer in Cu3Au(111) works as a
      protective layer. 

PMID- 25116941
TI  - Physical therapy in multiple sclerosis differs across Europe: information
      regarding an ongoing study.

PMID- 25116939
TI  - Crossover localisation is regulated by the neddylation posttranslational
      regulatory pathway.
AB  - Crossovers (COs) are at the origin of genetic variability, occurring across
      successive generations, and they are also essential for the correct segregation
      of chromosomes during meiosis. Their number and position are precisely
      controlled, however the mechanisms underlying these controls are poorly
      understood. Neddylation/rubylation is a regulatory pathway of posttranslational
      protein modification that is required for numerous cellular processes in
      eukaryotes, but has not yet been linked to homologous recombination. In a screen
      for meiotic recombination-defective mutants, we identified several axr1 alleles,
      disrupting the gene encoding the E1 enzyme of the neddylation complex in
      Arabidopsis. Using genetic and cytological approaches we found that axr1 mutants
      are characterised by a shortage in bivalent formation correlated with strong
      synapsis defects. We determined that the bivalent shortage in axr1 is not due to
      a general decrease in CO formation but rather due to a mislocalisation of class I
      COs. In axr1, as in wild type, COs are still under the control of the ZMM group
      of proteins. However, in contrast to wild type, they tend to cluster together and
      no longer follow the obligatory CO rule. Lastly, we showed that this deregulation
      of CO localisation is likely to be mediated by the activity of a cullin 4 RING
      ligase, known to be involved in DNA damage sensing during somatic DNA repair and
      mouse spermatogenesis. In conclusion, we provide evidence that the
      neddylation/rubylation pathway of protein modification is a key regulator of
      meiotic recombination. We propose that rather than regulating the number of
      recombination events, this pathway regulates their localisation, through the
      activation of cullin 4 RING ligase complexes. Possible targets for these ligases
      are discussed. 

PMID- 25116944
TI  - Simultaneous imaging of both product ions: exploring gateway states for HCl as a
      benchmark molecule.
AB  - Simultaneous imaging of both positive and negative product ions is used to
      exclusively study photoion pair formation free from interference of competing
      fragmentation channels. Resonance enhanced multi-photon excitation allows us to
      interrogate potential energy surfaces for vastly differing molecular geometries.
      3D imaging provides complete fragment information. We applied the technique to
      HCl as a benchmark and identified the gateway state leading to photoion pairs.
      The approach can easily be applied to any molecule exhibiting a potential with an
      attractive part at large internuclear distances. 

PMID- 25116945
TI  - Childhood maltreatment and somatic complaints among adult psychiatric
      outpatients: exploring the mediating role of alexithymia.

PMID- 25116943
TI  - Transcriptome sequencing reveals altered long intergenic non-coding RNAs in lung
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent an emerging and
      under-studied class of transcripts that play a significant role in human cancers.
      Due to the tissue- and cancer-specific expression patterns observed for many
      lncRNAs it is believed that they could serve as ideal diagnostic biomarkers.
      However, until each tumor type is examined more closely, many of these lncRNAs
      will remain elusive. RESULTS: Here we characterize the lncRNA landscape in lung
      cancer using publicly available transcriptome sequencing data from a cohort of
      567 adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma tumors. Through this compendium we
      identify over 3,000 unannotated intergenic transcripts representing novel
      lncRNAs. Through comparison of both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas
      with matched controls we discover 111 differentially expressed lncRNAs, which we
      term lung cancer-associated lncRNAs (LCALs). A pan-cancer analysis of 324
      additional tumor and adjacent normal pairs enable us to identify a subset of
      lncRNAs that display enriched expression specific to lung cancer as well as a
      subset that appear to be broadly deregulated across human cancers. Integration of
      exome sequencing data reveals that expression levels of many LCALs have
      significant associations with the mutational status of key oncogenes in lung
      cancer. Functional validation, using both knockdown and overexpression, shows
      that the most differentially expressed lncRNA, LCAL1, plays a role in cellular
      proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic characterization of publicly available
      transcriptome data provides the foundation for future efforts to understand the
      role of LCALs, develop novel biomarkers, and improve knowledge of lung tumor
      biology.

PMID- 25116946
TI  - Perspectives of the antipsoriatic heliotherapy in Poland.
AB  - Statistical analysis of the daily course of exposures to TL-01 tube radiation for
      93 psoriatic patients from the Medical University of Lodz during 20-day
      phototherapy shows that the dose of 1 J/cm(2) represents a unit of single
      exposure necessary for psoriasis healing. This value is converted to the
      antipsoriatic effective dose of 317.9 J/m(2) using the TL-01 lamp irradiance
      spectrum and the antipsoriatic action spectrum. It is proposed that the daily
      exposure of 317.9 J/m(2) serves as the standard antipsoriatic dose (SAPD)
      providing a link between the cabinet and the out-door exposures and it could be
      used for planning heliotherapy in Poland. A model is proposed to calculate
      ambient antipsoriatic doses for 3 h exposures around the local noon (9 am-12 am
      GMT) based on satellite measurements of ozone and cloud characteristics. The
      model constants are determined by a comparison with pertaining antipsoriatic
      doses measured by the Brewer spectrophotometer in central Poland. It is found
      that 3 h exposures to solar radiation in the period 15 May-15 September provides
      the mean (2005-2013) doses in the range 2.7-3.1 SAPD over Poland. Thus,
      heliotherapy could be treated as an alternative to the cabinet phototherapy for
      almost 4 months. It seems that the most effective site for antipsoriatic
      heliotherapy is the south/east part of Poland (the Bieszczady Mountains). The
      heliotherapy could be carried out in existing national health centers equipped
      with the standard easy-to-use biometers for on-line monitoring of UV level and
      controlling duration of sunbathing to avoid erythema risks. It is even possible
      to control the antipsoriatic heliotherapy by a patient himself, using low-cost
      hand-held instruments measuring UV index.

PMID- 25116947
TI  - Influence of external, intrinsic and individual behaviour variables on serum
      25(OH)D in a German survey.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to identify external, intrinsic or
      behavioural factors that significantly influenced serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      (25(OH)D) concentrations in a German survey. Data from 3061 participants in the
      Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg, Germany (KORA) F4 survey
      were used to relate potential determinants to measured mean serum 25(OH)D
      concentrations using multivariable regression models. The factors significantly
      associated with hypovitaminosis D (defined as 25(OH)D<25 nmolL(-1)) were season
      (winter, spring and autumn), urban environment and high body mass index. In
      contrast, times spent in sunny regions, hours per day spent outdoors in the
      summer as well as additional oral intake were associated with higher 25(OH)D
      concentrations. These results suggest that mainly ambient UV exposure but also
      individual behaviour are the most important determinants for personal 25(OH)D
      concentrations. The analyses further showed that in winter 43% of subjects were
      vitamin D deficient and 42% insufficient. Even in summer over half the population
      has insufficient vitamin D status with 8% deficient and 47% insufficient.
      Therefore measures to mitigate widespread vitamin D insufficiency such as regular
      short-term sun exposure and/or improved dietary intake/supplementation
      recommendations by public health bodies need to be considered.

PMID- 25116948
TI  - Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles for staining human cervical cancer cells
      and DNA binding assay.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles have been functionalized by non-ionic surfactants
      (polysorbates) used in pharmaceutical formulations. This results in the formation
      of more well-dispersed gold nanoparticles (GNPs) than the GNPs formed in neat
      water. The synthesized GNPs show good temporal stability. The synthesis
      conditions are mild and environmentally benign. The GNPs can bind to ct-DNA and
      displace bound dye molecules. The DNA-binding assay is significant as it
      preliminarily indicated that DNA-GNP conjugates can be formed. Such conjugates
      are extremely promising for applications in nanobiotechnology. The GNPs can also
      stain the human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells over a wide concentration range
      while remaining non-cytotoxic, thus providing a non invasive cell staining
      method. This result is very promising as we observe staining of HeLa cells at
      very low GNP concentrations (1 MUM) while the cell viability is retained even at
      10-fold higher GNP concentrations.

PMID- 25116949
TI  - GFS9/TT9 contributes to intracellular membrane trafficking and flavonoid
      accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Flavonoids are the most important pigments for the coloration of flowers and
      seeds. In plant cells, flavonoids are synthesized by a multi-enzyme complex
      located on the cytosolic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, and they
      accumulate in vacuoles. Two non-exclusive pathways have been proposed to mediate
      flavonoid transport to vacuoles: the membrane transporter-mediated pathway and
      the vesicle trafficking-mediated pathway. No molecules involved in the vesicle
      trafficking-mediated pathway have been identified, however. Here, we show that a
      membrane trafficking factor, GFS9, has a role in flavonoid accumulation in the
      vacuole. We screened a library of Arabidopsis thaliana mutants with defects in
      vesicle trafficking, and isolated the gfs9 mutant with abnormal pale tan-colored
      seeds caused by low flavonoid accumulation levels. gfs9 is allelic to the
      unidentified transparent testa mutant tt9. The responsible gene for these
      phenotypes encodes a previously uncharacterized protein containing a region that
      is conserved among eukaryotes. GFS9 is a peripheral membrane protein localized at
      the Golgi apparatus. GFS9 deficiency causes several membrane trafficking defects,
      including the mis-sorting of vacuolar proteins, vacuole fragmentation, the
      aggregation of enlarged vesicles, and the proliferation of autophagosome-like
      structures. These results suggest that GFS9 is required for vacuolar development
      through membrane fusion at vacuoles. Our findings introduce a concept that plants
      use GFS9-mediated membrane trafficking machinery for delivery of not only
      proteins but also phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, to vacuoles. 

PMID- 25116951
TI  - Post-translational modifications of integrin ligands as pathogenic mechanisms in
      disease.
AB  - Protein post-translational modifications like glycation, carbamylation and
      citrullination increase the functional diversity of the proteome but in disease
      situations might do more harm than good. Post-translational modifications of ECM
      proteins are thus appearing as mechanisms, which contribute to tissue dysfunction
      in chronic kidney disease, in diabetes and in various inflammatory diseases. In
      chronic renal failure, carbamylation could lead to kidney fibrosis. In diabetes,
      high glucose levels lead to non-enzymatic glycation and cross-linking of
      collagens, which contribute to tissue stiffening with consequences for
      cardiovascular and renal functions. In inflammatory diseases, citrullination
      deiminates arginine residues with possible consequences for integrin-mediated
      cell adhesion to RGD- and GFOGER sequences in ECM proteins. Citrullination of
      fibronectin was in one study suggested to affect cell adhesion by modifying the
      heparin-binding site and not the RGD site. In a recent publication citrullination
      of GFOGER sequences in collagen II was demonstrated to selectively affect
      alpha10beta1 and alpha11beta1 integrin-mediated cell adhesion to collagen II,
      with consequences for synovial fibroblast and stem cell adhesion and migration.
      The implications of citrullination affecting integrin binding in disease open up
      a new area of study and might have implications for the pathogenesis of
      inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. 

PMID- 25116953
TI  - TLR4-mediated expression of Mac-1 in monocytes plays a pivotal role in monocyte
      adhesion to vascular endothelium.
AB  - Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is known to mediate monocyte adhesion to endothelial
      cells, however, its role on the expression of monocyte adhesion molecules is
      unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of TLR4 on the expression
      of monocyte adhesion molecules, and determined the functional role of TLR4
      induced adhesion molecules on monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. When THP-1
      monocytes were stimulated with Kdo2-Lipid A (KLA), a specific TLR4 agonist, Mac-1
      expression was markedly increased in association with an increased adhesion of
      monocytes to endothelial cells. These were attenuated by anti-Mac-1 antibody,
      suggesting a functional role of TLR4-induced Mac-1 on monocyte adhesion to
      endothelial cells. In monocytes treated with MK886, a 5-lipoxygenase (LO)
      inhibitor, both Mac-1 expression and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells
      induced by KLA were markedly attenuated. Moreover, KLA increased the expression
      of mRNA and protein of 5-LO, suggesting a pivotal role of 5-LO on these
      processes. In in vivo studies, KLA increased monocyte adhesion to aortic
      endothelium of wild-type (WT) mice, which was attenuated in WT mice treated with
      anti-Mac-1 antibody as well as in TLR4-deficient mice. Taken together, TLR4
      mediated expression of Mac-1 in monocytes plays a pivotal role on monocyte
      adhesion to vascular endothelium, leading to increased foam cell formation in the
      development of atherosclerosis. 

PMID- 25116955
TI  - Battle of the bulge: the yin and yang of vascular endothelial growth factor in
      obesity.

PMID- 25116954
TI  - Antiangiogenic actions of vascular endothelial growth factor-A165b, an inhibitory
      isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor-A, in human obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Experimental studies suggest that visceral adiposity and adipose
      tissue dysfunction play a central role in obesity-related cardiometabolic
      complications. Impaired angiogenesis in fat has been implicated in the
      development of adipose tissue hypoxia, capillary rarefaction, inflammation, and
      metabolic dysregulation, but pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. In
      this study, we examined the role of a novel antiangiogenic isoform of vascular
      endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), VEGF-A165b, in human obesity. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We biopsied paired subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue in 40 obese
      subjects (body mass index, 45+/-8 kg/m(2); age, 45+/-11 years) during bariatric
      surgery and characterized depot-specific adipose tissue angiogenic capacity using
      an established ex vivo assay. Visceral adipose tissue exhibited significantly
      blunted angiogenic growth compared with subcutaneous fat (P<0.001) that was
      associated with marked tissue upregulation of VEGF-A165b (P=0.004). The extent of
      VEGF-A165b expression correlated negatively with angiogenic growth (r=-0.6,
      P=0.006). Although recombinant VEGF-A165b significantly impaired angiogenesis,
      targeted inhibition of VEGF-A165b with neutralizing antibody stimulated fat pad
      neovascularization and restored VEGF receptor activation. Blood levels of VEGF
      A165b were significantly higher in obese subjects compared with lean control
      subjects (P=0.02), and surgical weight loss induced a marked decline in serumVEGF
      A165b (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that impaired adipose tissue
      angiogenesis is associated with overexpression of a novel antiangiogenic factor,
      VEGF-A165b, that may play a pathogenic role in human adiposopathy. Moreover,
      systemic upregulation of VEGF-A165b in circulating blood may have wider-ranging
      implications beyond the adipose milieu. VEGF-A165b may represent a novel area of
      investigation to gain further understanding of mechanisms that modulate the
      cardiometabolic consequences of obesity.

PMID- 25116958
TI  - Analyte interactions with a new ditopic dansylamide-nitrobenzoxadiazole dyad: a
      combined photophysical, NMR, and theoretical (DFT) study.
AB  - We report herein the synthesis and photophysical studies on a new multicomponent
      chemosensor dyad comprising two fluorescing units, dansylamide (DANS) and
      nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD). The system has been developed to investigate receptor
      analyte binding interactions in the presence of both cations and anions in a
      single molecular system. A dimethyl amino (in the DANS unit) group is used as a
      receptor for cations, and acidic hydrogens of sulfonamide and the NBD group are
      used as receptors for anions. The system is characterized by conventional
      analytical techniques. The photophysical properties of this supramolecular system
      in the absence and presence of various metal ions and nonmetal ions as additives
      are investigated in an acetonitrile medium. Utility of this system in an aqueous
      medium has also been demonstrated. The absorption and fluorescence spectrum of
      the molecular system consists of a broad band typical of an intramolecular charge
      transfer (ICT) transition. A low quantum yield and lifetime of the NBD moiety in
      the present dyad indicates photoinduced electron transfer (PET) between DANS and
      the NBD moiety. The fluorescence intensity of the system is found to decrease in
      the presence of fluoride and acetate anions; however, the quenching is found to
      be much higher for fluoride. This quenching behavior is attributed to the
      enhanced PET from the anion receptor to the fluorophore moiety. The mechanistic
      aspect of the fluoride ion signaling behavior has also been studied by infrared
      (IR) and (1)H NMR experiments. The hydrogen bonding interaction between the
      acidic NH protons of the DPN moiety and F(-) is found to be primarily responsible
      for the fluoride selective signaling behavior. While investigating the cation
      signaling behavior, contrary to anions, significant fluorescence enhancement has
      been observed only in the presence of transition-metal ions. This behavior is
      rationalized by considering the disruption of PET communication between DANS and
      the NBD moiety due to transition-metal ion binding. Theoretical (density
      functional theory) studies are also performed for the better understanding of the
      receptor-analyte interaction. Interestingly, negative cooperativity in binding is
      observed when the interaction of this system is studied in the presence of both
      Zn(2+) and F(-). Fluorescence microscopy studies also revealed that the newly
      developed fluorescent sensor system can be employed as an imaging probe in live
      cells. 

PMID- 25116959
TI  - alpha-Glucosidase inhibitory activity of marine sponges collected in Mauritius
      waters.
AB  - This report describes the use of alpha-glucosidase to evaluate the anti-diabetic
      potential of extracts from marine sponges collected in the Mauritius waters.
      Initial screening at 1.0 mg/mL of 141 extracts obtained from 47 sponge species
      revealed 10 extracts with inhibitory activity greater than 85%. Seven of the 10
      extracts were further tested at 0.1 and 0.01 mg/mL and only the methanol extract
      of two sponges namely Acanthostylotella sp. (ASSM) and Echinodictyum pykei (EPM)
      showed inhibition activity greater than 60% at 0.1 mg/mL with an IC50 value of
      0.16 +/- 0.02 and 0.04 +/- 0.01 mg/mL, respectively, while being inactive at 0.01
      mg/mL.

PMID- 25116957
TI  - Adaptive evolution and environmental durability jointly structure phylodynamic
      patterns in avian influenza viruses.
AB  - Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have been pivotal to the origination of human
      pandemic strains. Despite their scientific and public health significance,
      however, there remains much to be understood about the ecology and evolution of
      AIVs in wild birds, where major pools of genetic diversity are generated and
      maintained. Here, we present comparative phylodynamic analyses of human and AIVs
      in North America, demonstrating (i) significantly higher standing genetic
      diversity and (ii) phylogenetic trees with a weaker signature of immune escape in
      AIVs than in human viruses. To explain these differences, we performed
      statistical analyses to quantify the relative contribution of several potential
      explanations. We found that HA genetic diversity in avian viruses is determined
      by a combination of factors, predominantly subtype-specific differences in host
      immune selective pressure and the ecology of transmission (in particular, the
      durability of subtypes in aquatic environments). Extending this analysis using a
      computational model demonstrated that virus durability may lead to long-term,
      indirect chains of transmission that, when coupled with a short host lifespan,
      can generate and maintain the observed high levels of genetic diversity. Further
      evidence in support of this novel finding was found by demonstrating an
      association between subtype-specific environmental durability and predicted
      phylogenetic signatures: genetic diversity, variation in phylogenetic tree branch
      lengths, and tree height. The conclusion that environmental transmission plays an
      important role in the evolutionary biology of avian influenza viruses-a
      manifestation of the "storage effect"-highlights the potentially unpredictable
      impact of wildlife reservoirs for future human pandemics and the need for
      improved understanding of the natural ecology of these viruses. 

PMID- 25116956
TI  - Alternatively spliced tissue factor promotes plaque angiogenesis through the
      activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha and vascular endothelial growth
      factor signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alternatively spliced tissue factor (asTF) is a novel isoform of full
      length tissue factor, which exhibits angiogenic activity. Although asTF has been
      detected in human plaques, it is unknown whether its expression in
      atherosclerosis causes increased neovascularization and an advanced plaque
      phenotype. METHODS AND RESULTS: Carotid (n=10) and coronary (n=8) specimens from
      patients with stable or unstable angina were classified as complicated or
      uncomplicated on the basis of plaque morphology. Analysis of asTF expression and
      cell type-specific expression revealed a strong expression and colocalization of
      asTF with macrophages and neovessels within complicated, but not uncomplicated,
      human plaques. Our results showed that the angiogenic activity of asTF is
      mediated via hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha upregulation through integrins and
      activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein
      kinase pathways. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha upregulation by asTF also was
      associated with increased vascular endothelial growth factor expression in
      primary human endothelial cells, and vascular endothelial growth factor-Trap
      significantly reduced the angiogenic effect of asTF in vivo. Furthermore, asTF
      gene transfer significantly increased neointima formation and neovascularization
      after carotid wire injury in ApoE(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      study provide strong evidence that asTF promotes neointima formation and
      angiogenesis in an experimental model of accelerated atherosclerosis. Here, we
      demonstrate that the angiogenic effect of asTF is mediated via the activation of
      the hypoxia-inducible factor-1/vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. This
      mechanism may be relevant to neovascularization and the progression and
      associated complications of human atherosclerosis as suggested by the increased
      expression of asTF in complicated versus uncomplicated human carotid and coronary
      plaques.

PMID- 25116960
TI  - Lack of depotentiation at basal ganglia output neurons in PD patients with
      levodopa-induced dyskinesia.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD), characterized by the loss of dopaminergic nigrostriatal
      projections, is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease which produces
      bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor and postural instability. The dopamine precursor
      levodopa (L-Dopa) is the most effective treatment for the amelioration of PD
      signs and symptoms, but long-term administration can lead to disabling motor
      fluctuations and L-Dopa-induced dyskinesias. In animal models of PD, a form of
      plasticity called depotentiation, or the reversal of previous potentiation, is
      selectively lost after the development of dyskinetic movements following L-Dopa
      treatment. We investigated whether low frequency stimulation (LFS) in the globus
      pallidus internus (GPi) and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) could induce
      depotentiation at synapses that had already undergone high frequency stimulation
      (HFS)-induced potentiation. To do so, we measured the field potentials (fEPs)
      evoked by stimulation from a nearby microelectrode in 28 patients undergoing
      implantation of deep brain stimulating (DBS) electrodes in the subthalamic
      nucleus (STN) or GPi. We found that GPi and SNr synapses in patients with less
      severe dyskinesia underwent greater depotentiation following LFS than in patients
      with more severe dyskinesia. This demonstration of impaired depotentiation in
      basal ganglia output nuclei in PD patients with dyskinesia is an important
      validation of animal models of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. The ability of a
      synapse to reverse previous potentiation may be crucial to the normal function of
      the BG, perhaps by preventing saturation of the storage capacity required in
      motor learning and optimal motor function. Loss of this ability at the output
      nuclei may underlie, or contribute to the cellular basis of dyskinetic movements.

PMID- 25116962
TI  - Psoriasis: the new and the old.

PMID- 25116961
TI  - Expression patterns of sex-determination genes in single male and female embryos
      of two Bactrocera fruit fly species during early development.
AB  - In tephritids, the sex-determination pathway follows the sex-specific splicing of
      transformer (tra) mRNA, and the cooperation of tra and transformer-2 (tra-2) to
      effect the sex-specific splicing of doublesex (dsx), the genetic double-switch
      responsible for male or female somatic development. The Dominant Male Determiner
      (M) is the primary signal that controls this pathway. M, as yet uncharacterized,
      is Y-chromosome linked, expressed in the zygote and directly or indirectly
      diminishes active TRA protein in male embryos. Here we first demonstrated the
      high conservation of tra, tra-2 and dsx in two Australian tephritids, Bactrocera
      tryoni and Bactrocera jarvisi. We then used quantitative reverse transcription
      PCR on single, sexed embryos to examine expression of the key sex-determination
      genes during early embryogenesis. Individual embryos were sexed using molecular
      markers located on the B. jarvisi Y-chromosome that was also introgressed into a
      B. tryoni line. In B. jarvisi, sex-specific expression of tra transcripts
      occurred between 3 to 6 h after egg laying, and the dsx isoform was established
      by 7 h. These milestones were delayed in B. tryoni lines. The results provide a
      time frame for transcriptomic analyses to identify M and its direct targets, plus
      information on genes that may be targeted for the development of male-only lines
      for pest management. 

PMID- 25116963
TI  - Therapeutic update on hyperhidrosis.

PMID- 25116964
TI  - Sorafenib-associated psoriasiform eruption in a patient with hepatocellular
      carcinoma.

PMID- 25116965
TI  - Dramatic clearance of HIV-associated bowenoid papulosis using combined oral
      acitretin and topical 5% imiquimod.

PMID- 25116966
TI  - Ustekinumab treatment for psoriasis in 119 patients maintained on therapy for a
      minimum of one year: a review.
AB  - Ustekinumab is a human IgG1kappa monoclonal antibody that binds with high
      affinity and specificity to the p40 protein subunit shared by both the
      interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 cytokines. This study reviews clinical response
      and adverse events in 119 psoriasis patients who have received ustekinumab for a
      minimum of 1 year. The medical records of 119 psoriasis patients treated with
      ustekinumab at our referral clinic in Dallas between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed
      for response rates, side effects, and concomitant therapies. Of 119 patients, 117
      (98%) had plaque type psoriasis, with 40 (34%) patients having psoriasis
      affecting either their palms and/or soles. Forty-four (37%) patients had
      psoriatic arthritis. The median follow-up period was 31 months. Fifty-six (47%)
      of the 119 patients obtained near complete clearance (response of more than 90%
      of initial body surface area involvement) upon the final follow-up visit or at
      the time of ustekinumab treatment discontinuation. Concomitant systemic
      treatments, primarily methotrexate, were given to 59 (50%) patients. Twenty-three
      (19%) patients discontinued treatment, primarily for sub-optimal response or loss
      of response. Fifty (42%) patients required either an increase in the dose of
      ustekinumab to 90 mg and/or administration more frequently than every 12 weeks to
      achieve and maintain psoriasis clearance.

PMID- 25116967
TI  - A randomized, double-blinded trial evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of
      vectical ointment (calcitriol 3 mcg/g ointment) when compared to betamethasone
      diproprionate ointment (64 mg/g) in patients with nail psoriasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of calcitriol ointment (3
      mcg/g) compared to betamethasone diproprionate ointment in the treatment of nail
      psoriasis. DESIGN: Single-center, double-blind study. SETTING: One academic
      center. PARTICIPANTS: 10 adult male and female subjects with psoriasis of the
      fingernails and/or toenails. MEASUREMENTS: The primary efficacy evaluation was
      the absolute reduction of nail thickness (mm) of the target nail. A secondary
      endpoint was the improvement in the Physician Global Assessment score of disease
      severity. RESULTS: Patients treated with either betamethasone diproprionate
      ointment or calcitriol ointment demonstrated a similar reduction of nail
      thickness of the selected target nail. The difference between the two groups was
      not statistically significant (P=0.42). CONCLUSION: This small study illustrates
      that calcitriol ointment may be as effective as betamethasone diproprionate in
      the treatment of nail psoriasis, and its promise should be further investigated
      in a subsequent larger trial.

PMID- 25116968
TI  - Trends in systemic psoriasis treatment therapies from 1993 through 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Moderate-to-severe psoriasis generally requires systemic therapy, and
      is often undertreated. OBJECTIVE: To determine and analyze what courses of
      treatment and in what frequency are being utilized to combat psoriasis in the
      United States. METHODS: Analysis of data from the National Ambulatory Medical
      Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS)
      of the National Center for Health Statistics. Data were analyzed to examine the
      prevalence of different therapy techniques to combat psoriasis from 1993 through
      2010. The trends for phototherapy, methotrexate (MTX), retinoids, cyclosporine A
      (CSA), systemic steroids, and biologics were all analyzed over the entire 18-year
      period and independently before and after the introduction of biologics in 2002.
      RESULTS: From 1993 to 2010, the trend for total systemic treatments has not
      significantly increased (P=0.5). Frequency of phototherapy treatments
      significantly decreased from 1993 to 2010 (P<0.001). Since the introduction of
      biologics in 2002, their frequency has significantly increased, becoming the most
      frequently used treatment from 2008-2010 (P<0.0001). LIMITATIONS: Severity of
      psoriasis was not recorded in the NAMCS and NHAMCS. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of
      systemic treatments to treat psoriasis has not significantly increased from 1993
      to 2010. Despite the introduction of biologics, it appears that little progress
      has been made in reducing under-treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

PMID- 25116969
TI  - A randomized, prospective, sham-controlled study of localized narrow-band UVB
      phototherapy in the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: UV phototherapy remains a useful and frequently employed treatment
      for chronic plaque psoriasis. In those patients with plaque body surface area
      less than 10%, targeted treatment is the safest and most effective modality.
      OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Levia(r) localized NB-UVB
      phototherapy machine in the treatment of patients with symmetrical psoriatic
      lesions. DESIGN: We performed a prospective, double-blinded, sham-treatment
      controlled study of this device beginning March 2012 through April 2014. SETTING:
      a comprehensive dermatology clinic in the northeastern United States.
      PARTICIPANTS: 21 subjects with chronic plaque psoriasis. INTERVENTIONS: Each
      patient had one lesion randomized to receive the Levia treatment and one lesion
      (the control) treated with visible light. Treatment was administered three times
      a week for twelve weeks. Target lesion score (TLS), a rating of 0-4 each of
      erythema, scaling, and thickness, was measured biweekly by a blinded assessor,
      and visual analogue scale of pruritus was recorded by subjects. MAIN OUTCOMES AND
      MEASURES: The primary outcome, formulated prior to study initiation, was the
      percentage of lesions achieving clear or almost clear TLS after 12 weeks of
      treatment. Secondary endpoints included changes in target lesion pruritus VAS,
      percentage improvement in TLS, and the percentage of subjects achieving 50%
      improvement in TLS (TLS-50). RESULTS: The primary endpoint, TLS of three or less,
      was not achieved (P=0.118), but the secondary endpoints of percentage improvement
      in TLS (P=0.043) and TLS-50 (P=0.0195) were significantly superior in treated
      compared to sham-treated lesions. Percentage improvement in pruritus VAS was not
      significant (P=0.0565). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This device was found to be
      efficacious, though not necessarily to the point of clearance, in the treatment
      of psoriasis over a 12-week period. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov,
      identifier: NCT02107482, http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02107482

PMID- 25116970
TI  - The use of self-administered subcutaneous methotrexate for the treatment of
      psoriasis.
AB  - For nearly 5 decades, methotrexate has been the backbone of moderate-to-severe
      psoriasis treatment. The benefits of methotrexate therapy include reliable
      efficacy, low cost, relative ease of administration, and its usefulness as part
      of combination therapy regimens, making it a drug of choice for treating
      psoriasis. While methotrexate can be administered orally, intravenously, or
      intramuscularly, the self-administered subcutaneous use of the drug is the most
      advantageous route. Subcutaneous methotrexate is associated with fewer adverse
      events and higher absorption rates, accompanied by bioavailability that is both
      linear and predictable throughout the range of possible doses. In addition, the
      subcutaneous route, when compared with oral administration, facilitates improved
      efficacy by promoting higher intracellular levels of long-chain methotrexate
      polyglutamates. Taken together, these features allow patients the highest
      probability of a successful therapeutic experience. Subcutaneous methotrexate
      should be considered a viable option for the appropriate patient with moderate-to
      severe psoriasis.

PMID- 25116971
TI  - Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy and myocardial infarction risk in
      patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or both.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To stratify MI risk reduction in those treated with a TNF inhibitor
      for psoriasis only, psoriatic arthritis only, or both psoriasis and psoriatic
      arthritis. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Between January 1, 2004
      and November 30, 2010. PARTICIPANTS: At least 3 ICD9 codes for psoriasis (696.1)
      or psoriatic arthritis (696.0) (without antecedent MI. INTERVENTION: None MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE: Incident MI. RESULTS: When comparing to those not treated with
      TNF inhibitors (reference group), of those treated with TNF inhibitors: those
      with psoriasis only (N= 846) had a significant decrease in MI risk (hazard ratio
      (HR), 0.26; 95% CI, 0.12-0.56); those with psoriatic arthritis only (N= 112) had
      a non-significant decrease in MI risk (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.28-2.70); those with
      both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (N= 715) had a non-significant decrease in
      MI risk (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.47-1.24). CONCLUSIONS: In the TNF inhibitor cohort,
      those with psoriasis only have the strongest association with MI risk reduction,
      followed by those with psoriatic arthritis only, and then followed by those with
      both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

PMID- 25116972
TI  - The basic science of natural ingredients.
AB  - Herbal products have steadily gained popularity as alternatives to conventional,
      synthetic medications and are sought after by patients for the treatment of
      chronic dermatologic diseases and for cosmeceutical use. The production and
      distribution of botanical extracts is largely unregulated and therefore extensive
      research into their mechanism of action, safety, physiologic stability, and
      optimal dosing has been overlooked. One of the major pathways through which
      natural supplements, particularly polyphenols, act is via inhibition of oxidative
      stress and its downstream mediators. Endogenous defense mechanisms are inadequate
      to combat oxidative stress and therefore dietary and/or topical supplementation
      with polyphenols are an important complementary preventative and therapeutic
      strategy. This review focuses on the molecular targets of common polyphenols used
      in topical preparations, particularly soy, green tea, oats, curcumin, and
      silymarin. Continued research into bioavailability and function of these agents
      will help translate their therapeutic potential to treat clinical disease.

PMID- 25116973
TI  - Targeted therapy for cutaneous oncology: a review of novel treatment options for
      non-melanoma skin cancer: part I.
AB  - The field of cutaneous oncology is exploding with innovative treatment options,
      specifically in the field of targeted therapy. These advances offer new hope to
      select patients with high risk skin cancers. Here we provide a two part series
      reviewing targeted therapy for non-melanoma skin cancer. We begin our discussion
      with basal cell carcinoma, moving beyond the first-in-class hedgehog inhibitors
      and highlighting promising clinical trials.

PMID- 25116974
TI  - Targeted therapy for cutaneous oncology: a review of novel treatment options for
      non-melanoma skin cancer: part II.
AB  - The field of cutaneous oncology is exploding with innovative treatment options,
      specifically in the field of targeted therapy. These advances offer new hope to
      select patients with high risk skin cancers. In part two of our series on
      targeted therapy for skin cancer, we focus our attention on squamous cell
      carcinoma. We begin with the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and
      branch out into newer areas of active research.

PMID- 25116975
TI  - The science behind common over-the-counter remedies used in dermatology.
AB  - There are many over-the-counter products used to treat dermatological conditions.
      Patients are inundated with information about these products. Dermatologists
      often encounter questions about the usefulness of over-the-counter products as
      anecdotal data about such products is often adapted as common practice in the
      medical field. Modern dermatology training does not include pharmacological
      education on many of the over-the-counter products commonly used by patients. In
      this current age when patients have increasing interest in using "natural"
      remedies, it is important that dermatologists can provide guidance to patients
      regarding some of the most common products that they may encounter. This article
      is designed to provide introductory information on the common uses for several
      over-the-counter products as well as to display any evidence in support of these
      products for dermatological diseases.

PMID- 25116976
TI  - How suture technique affects the cosmetic outcome of cutaneous repairs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Skin defects can be repaired via primary closure, secondary
      intention healing, local and distant flaps, skin grafts or application of natural
      and synthetic skin substitutes. When possible, primary linear repair is favored
      due to simplicity, minimal morbidity and rapid healing. A number of suture
      techniques are available to the surgeon for primary closure, the selection of
      which depends on defect size, anatomic location, wound eversion, and tension.<BR
      /> OBJECTIVE: To review suture techniques and how they influence scar
      cosmesis.<BR /> METHODS: PubMed was searched using the following key words:
      <em>cosme*</em> in combination with <em>cutaneous suture, simple interrupted,
      simple running, running locked, vertical mattress, horizontal mattress, buried,
      subcuticular, running vertical mattress, running horizontal mattress, buried
      vertical mattress, butterfly suture,</em> or <em>pulley suture</em>. Information
      on study type, number of patients, age, gender, defect type, anatomic location,
      suture technique, scar length, follow up, and outcomes measured were
      tabulated.<BR /> RESULTS: Twenty-four articles - 17 prospective randomized
      controlled trials including 1,473 subjects and 1,608 repairs and seven case
      series including 465 subjects and repairs - were reviewed. Fifteen articles - 12
      randomized controlled trials and three case series - demonstrated that aesthetic
      outcome was influenced by suture technique, the majority of which showed
      subcuticular closure to be superior to simple interrupted or simple running
      sutures. No difference in aesthetic outcome was observed in nine studies, which
      included 370 repairs.<BR /> DISCUSSION: Review of the literature supports the use
      of subcuticular closure over simple interrupted or simple running sutures on the
      trunk and extremities for improved aesthetic outcome.

PMID- 25116977
TI  - Safety and effectiveness of ustekinumab for treatment of moderate to severe
      psoriasis: a prospective study in a clinical setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few studies analyzing the behavior of ustekinumab in the
      complex management of psoriasis within diary clinical practice setting.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of ustekinumab in a psoriasis unit. METHODS:
      Analysis of the prospective data gathered during the follow-up of 30 consecutive
      psoriasis patients treated with ustekinumab at a single referral centre. Three
      effectiveness endpoints were defined 12 weeks, 28 and "long-term treatment". The
      main outcome measure was improvement from baseline PASI at week 28 and at a point
      of adjustment of prolonged treatment signed as "long-term treatment". RESULTS:
      Overall 82.1% and 42.8% patients achieved respectively PASI75 and PASI90 response
      rates at week 28. Long-term treatment maintained efficacy outcomes 81.5% and
      40.7% PASI75 and PASI90, respectively were observed. At week 28, patients naive
      to TNFalpha- blockers agents and patients with a baseline PASI >10 had better
      PASI75 and PASI90 response rates than previously treated patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      In clinical practice, the efficacy and patient adherence to ustekinumab are
      excellent and even better to the data obtained in clinical trials. Clinical
      indicators of psoriasis severity: previous treatments with tumor necrosis factor
      alpha blockers agents and active treatment beside small increases in PASI
      determine a delayed maximal response.

PMID- 25116978
TI  - Disseminated botryomycosis: a rare presentation.
AB  - Botryomycosis is a rare chronic bacterial infection of the skin or viscera that
      resembles a deep fungal infection. Botryomycosis has two distinct patterns of
      infection, visceral and cutaneous, the latter being the most common. Cutaneous
      botryomycosis typically appears as a solitary plaque with superficial pustules.
      Histologically, bacterial colonies are arranged in a distinctive "bunch of
      grapes" pattern with surrounding eosinophilia, known as the Splendore-Hoeppli
      phenomenon. Here we report a case of an 83-year-old female with disseminated
      botryomycosis.

PMID- 25116979
TI  - Flagellate erythema secondary to bleomycin: a new case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Bleomycin is an antibiotic with antineoplastic properties. It is used in the
      treatment of different tumors in oncology. The mucocutaneous side effects of this
      drug include ulcers, scaly erythematous and bullous lesions, sclerosis,
      stomatitis, and pigmentary alterations. Flagellate erythema is a characteristic
      hyperpigmentation of bleomycin. We report a case of flagellate erythema following
      the administration of bleomycin in a 34-year-old woman with ovarian teratoma. She
      developed linear lesions two weeks after the first injection of bleomycin.
      Flagellate erythema is a specific reaction to bleomycin therapy, which occurs in
      susceptible individuals independently of dose, route of administration, and type
      of malignant disease treated.

PMID- 25116980
TI  - Pseudoporphyria: discussion of etiologic agents.
AB  - Pseudoporphyria describes a photodistributed bullous disorder with negative
      urinary, fecal, and serum porphyrin studies. Although pseudoporphyria is thought
      to be extremely rare (less than 100 reported cases4-5), we propose that this
      entity is underreported. One author (KB) has seen four cases of pseudoporphyria
      in the past four years. We describe a patient with nonpruritic, nonpainful bulla
      on the dorsum of his hands. Biopsy revealed a split at the dermal-epidermal
      junction; laboratory tests and urinary porphyrin evaluation were negative.

PMID- 25116981
TI  - Why do we need another moisturizer for our acne patients?

PMID- 25116982
TI  - The importance of photoprotection and moisturization in treating acne vulgaris.
AB  - Skin care products are recognized by dermatologists as critical adjunctive
      therapeutic modalities for patients suffering from acne vulgaris (AV).
      Prescribing an acne medication without reviewing a patient's skin care regimen
      can lead to poor compliance, intolerable side effects, and resulting patient and
      physician frustration. Striking that delicate balance between maintaining the
      skin barrier while controlling oil and shine has always been a challenge when
      treating this chronic inflammatory condition, and it necessitates a unique set of
      ingredients and formulation. Cetaphil(r) DermaControlTM Moisturizer SPF 30
      (Galderma Laboratories, L.P., Fort Worth, Texas) is a new generation of skin care
      specifically designed for acne-prone skin and acne-affected skin. Both
      Cetaphil(r) DermaControlTM Foam Wash and Cetaphil DermaControl Moisturizer SPF 30
      incorporate pharmacologically tested, state-of-the-art ingredients and
      technologies that studies have shown impart substantial benefits to AV patients.

PMID- 25116985
TI  - We the living.

PMID- 25116983
TI  - Characteristics, treatment practices, and in-hospital outcomes of older adults
      hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine overall and decade-long trends (1999-2009),
      characteristics, treatment practices, and hospital outcomes in individuals aged
      65 and older hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to describe
      how these factors varied in the youngest, middle, and oldest-old individuals.
      DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Population-based Worcester Heart
      Attack Study. MEASUREMENTS: Analyses were conducted to examine the
      sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, cardiac treatments, and hospital
      outcomes of older adults in three age strata (65-74, 75-84, >=85). PARTICIPANTS:
      The study sample consisted of 3,851 individuals aged 65 and older hospitalized
      with AMI every other year between 1999 and 2009; 32% were aged 65 to 74, 43% aged
      75 to 84, and 25% aged 85 and older. RESULTS: Advancing age was inversely
      associated with receipt of evidence-based cardiac therapies. After multivariable
      adjustment, the odds of dying during hospitalization was 1.46 times as high in
      participants aged 75 to 84 and 1.78 times as high in those aged 85 and older as
      in those aged 65 to 74. The oldest-old participants had approximately 25% lower
      odds of a prolonged hospital stay (>3 days) than those aged 65 to 74. Decade-long
      trends in the principal study outcomes were also examined. Although the oldest
      old participants hospitalized for AMI were at the greatest risk of dying,
      persistent age-related differences were observed in hospital treatment practices.
      Similar results were observed after excluding participants with a do-not
      resuscitate order in their medical records. CONCLUSION: Although there are
      persistent disparities in the care and outcomes of older adults hospitalized with
      AMI, additional studies are needed to delineate the extent to which less
      aggressive care reflects individual preferences and appropriate implementation of
      palliative care approaches.

PMID- 25116986
TI  - Movement velocity is a sensitive risk factor of falls in high-functioning older
      adults.

PMID- 25116984
TI  - Functional benefits of tai chi training in senior housing facilities.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of tai chi training on functional
      performance and walking with and without the addition of the performance of a
      cognitive task, in older adults living in supportive housing facilities. DESIGN:
      Secondary data analysis comparing a single-blind, randomized controlled trial of
      tai chi training with an attention-matched educational control intervention with
      crossover to tai chi. SETTING: Two supportive housing facilities. PARTICIPANTS:
      Sixty-six men and women living in supportive housing facilities entered the
      study, and 57 aged 87+/-7 completed all study procedures. INTERVENTION:
      Interventions consisted of two 1-hour-long instructor-led group sessions per week
      for 12 weeks. Tai chi training consisted of movements based upon the Yang-style
      short form. Educational sessions consisted of lectures and discussions of age
      related health topics. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were tested for physical function
      (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB), balance (Berg Balance Scale, BBS),
      mobility (timed up-and-go, TUG), and walking speed under normal and cognitive
      dual-task conditions. RESULTS: The tai chi group exhibited greater improvement in
      SPPB scores (baseline 8.1+/-2.9, follow-up 9.0+/-2.6) than controls (baseline
      8.2+/-2.6, follow-up 8.2+/-2.6) (P=.005). Tai chi also increased normal and dual
      task walking speed (P<.001) yet did not affect BBS (P=.02) or TUG (P=.02) after
      accounting for multiple comparisons. The dual-task cost (percentage change) to
      walking speed was unaffected. After the crossover tai chi intervention, the
      control group improved performance in the SPPB, BBS, and TUG, and increased
      walking speed under normal and dual-task conditions (P=.008). CONCLUSION: Tai chi
      training may be a safe and effective therapy to help improve physical function
      and dual-task walking in very old adults living in supportive housing facilities.

PMID- 25116987
TI  - (Unsuccessful) binary modeling of successful aging in the oldest-old adults: a
      call for continuum-based measures.

PMID- 25116989
TI  - Hepatitis B and hepatitis C associated with risk of gallstone disease in elderly
      adults.

PMID- 25116988
TI  - Longitudinal neuropsychological performance of cognitive SuperAgers.

PMID- 25116990
TI  - Falls prediction in acute care units: preliminary results from a prospective
      cohort study.

PMID- 25116991
TI  - Metabolic syndrome, executive dysfunction, and late-onset depression: just a
      matter of white matter?

PMID- 25116992
TI  - Rapidly progressive ataxia during rehabilitation and a difficult road to
      diagnosis.

PMID- 25116993
TI  - A rare entity with coffee-ground vomit in elderly adults: black esophagus.

PMID- 25116994
TI  - Unexpected recovery of moderate cognitive impairment on treatment with oral
      methylcobalamin.

PMID- 25116995
TI  - When the inevitable question is asked.

PMID- 25116996
TI  - Charlson comorbidity index in acutely hospitalized elderly adults.

PMID- 25116997
TI  - Response letter to Martinez-Velilla and Zekry.

PMID- 25116999
TI  - Response to David Nace and Paul Drinka.

PMID- 25116998
TI  - Cranberry capsules reducing the incidence of what?

PMID- 25117000
TI  - Reviewing the safety of loratadine for elderly adults: a potential shortcoming of
      the 2012 Beers criteria.

PMID- 25117001
TI  - Response to Marcio Galvao Oliveira et al.

PMID- 25117003
TI  - Flavonoids with antimicrobial activity from the stem bark of Commiphora
      pedunculata (Kotschy & Peyr.) Engl.
AB  - The first reported investigation into the phytochemical constituents of
      Commiphora pedunculata led to the isolation of two flavonoids: kaempferol and
      dihydrokaempferol from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the methanol extract
      of the stem bark of the plant. The structures of these compounds were
      characterised by comparing their spectral data including 1D and 2D NMR with those
      reported in the literature. The two compounds were active against 6 out of 10
      tested microorganisms including two resistant strains [methiciline-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant entrococci (VRE)], Candida
      albicans and Escherichia coli. The zones of inhibition ranged between 24 and 30
      mm for both compounds against the microorganisms. The MIC value was as low as
      6.25 MUg/mL against VRE and Staphylococcus aureus. This is the first report of
      the isolation of these compounds from the plant.

PMID- 25117002
TI  - Probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from water-buffalo
      mozzarella cheese.
AB  - This study evaluated the probiotic properties (stability at different pH values
      and bile salt concentration, auto-aggregation and co-aggregation, survival in the
      presence of antibiotics and commercial drugs, study of beta-galactosidase
      production, evaluation of the presence of genes encoding MapA and Mub adhesion
      proteins and EF-Tu elongation factor, and the presence of genes encoding
      virulence factor) of four LAB strains (Lactobacillus casei SJRP35, Leuconostoc
      citreum SJRP44, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus SJRP57 and
      Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides SJRP58) which produced
      antimicrobial substances (antimicrobial peptides). The strains survived the
      simulated GIT modeled in MRS broth, whole and skim milk. In addition, auto
      aggregation and the cell surface hydrophobicity of all strains were high, and
      various degrees of co-aggregation were observed with indicator strains. All
      strains presented low resistance to several antibiotics and survived in the
      presence of commercial drugs. Only the strain SJRP44 did not produce the beta
      galactosidase enzyme. Moreover, the strain SJRP57 did not show the presence of
      any genes encoding virulence factors; however, the strain SJRP35 presented
      vancomycin resistance and adhesion of collagen genes, the strain SJRP44 harbored
      the ornithine decarboxylase gene and the strain SJRP58 generated positive results
      for aggregation substance and histidine decarboxylase genes. In conclusion, the
      strain SJRP57 was considered the best candidate as probiotic cultures for further
      in vivo studies and functional food products development. 

PMID- 25117004
TI  - The effects of sleep deprivation on emotional empathy.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that sleep loss has a detrimental effect on the
      ability of the individuals to process emotional information. In this study, we
      tested the hypothesis that this negative effect extends to the ability of
      experiencing emotions while observing other individuals, i.e. emotional empathy.
      To test this hypothesis, we assessed emotional empathy in 37 healthy volunteers
      who were assigned randomly to one of three experimental groups: one group was
      tested before and after a night of total sleep deprivation (sleep deprivation
      group), a second group was tested before and after a usual night of sleep spent
      at home (sleep group) and the third group was tested twice during the same day
      (day group). Emotional empathy was assessed by using two parallel versions of a
      computerized test measuring direct (i.e. explicit evaluation of empathic concern)
      and indirect (i.e. the observer's reported physiological arousal) emotional
      empathy. The results revealed that the post measurements of both direct and
      indirect emotional empathy of participants in the sleep deprivation group were
      significantly lower than those of the sleep and day groups; post measurement
      scores of participants in the day and sleep groups did not differ significantly
      for either direct or indirect emotional empathy. These data are consistent with
      previous studies showing the negative effect of sleep deprivation on the
      processing of emotional information, and extend these effects to emotional
      empathy. The findings reported in our study are relevant to healthy individuals
      with poor sleep habits, as well as clinical populations suffering from sleep
      disturbances. 

PMID- 25117005
TI  - Focal adhesion signaling and therapy resistance in cancer.
AB  - Interlocking gene mutations, epigenetic alterations and microenvironmental
      features perpetuate tumor development, growth, infiltration and spread.
      Consequently, intrinsic and acquired therapy resistance arises and presents one
      of the major goals to solve in oncologic research today. Among the myriad of
      microenvironmental factors impacting on cancer cell resistance, cell adhesion to
      the extracellular matrix (ECM) has recently been identified as key determinant.
      Despite the differentiation between cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance
      (CAMDR) and cell adhesion-mediated radioresistance (CAMRR), the underlying
      mechanisms share great overlap in integrin and focal adhesion hub signaling and
      differ further downstream in the complexity of signaling networks between tumor
      entities. Intriguingly, cell adhesion to ECM is per se also essential for cancer
      cells similar to their normal counterparts. However, based on the overexpression
      of focal adhesion hub signaling receptors and proteins and a distinct addiction
      to particular integrin receptors, targeting of focal adhesion proteins has been
      shown to potently sensitize cancer cells to different treatment regimes including
      radiotherapy, chemotherapy and novel molecular therapeutics. In this review, we
      will give insight into the role of integrins in carcinogenesis, tumor progression
      and metastasis. Additionally, literature and data about the function of focal
      adhesion molecules including integrins, integrin-associated proteins and growth
      factor receptors in tumor cell resistance to radio- and chemotherapy will be
      elucidated and discussed. 

PMID- 25117006
TI  - Hypoxia-induced carbonic anhydrase IX as a target for cancer therapy: from
      biology to clinical use.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment includes a complicated network of physiological
      gradients contributing to plasticity of tumor cells and heterogeneity of tumor
      tissue. Hypoxia is a key component generating intratumoral oxygen gradients,
      which affect the cellular expression program and lead to therapy resistance and
      increased metastatic propensity of weakly oxygenated cell subpopulations. One of
      the adaptive responses of tumor cells to hypoxia involves the increased
      expression and functional activation of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), a cancer
      related cell surface enzyme catalyzing the reversible conversion of carbon
      dioxide to bicarbonate ion and proton. Via its catalytic activity, CA IX
      participates in regulation of intracellular and extracellular pH perturbations
      that result from hypoxia-induced changes in cellular metabolism producing excess
      of acid. Through the ability to regulate pH, CA IX also facilitates cell
      migration and invasion. In addition, CA IX has non-catalytic function in cell
      adhesion and spreading. Thus, CA IX endows tumor cells with survival advantages
      in hypoxia/acidosis and confers an increased ability to migrate, invade and
      metastasize. Accordingly, CA IX is expressed in a broad range of tumors, where it
      is associated with prognosis and therapy outcome. Its expression pattern and
      functional implications in tumor biology make CA IX a promising therapeutic
      target, which can be hit either by immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies or
      with compounds inhibiting its enzyme activity. The first strategy has already
      reached the clinical trials, whereas the second one is still in preclinical
      testing. Both strategies indicate that CA IX can become a clinically useful
      anticancer target, but urge further efforts toward better selection of patients
      for immunotherapy and deeper understanding of tumor types, clinical situations
      and synthetic lethality interactions with other treatment approaches. 

PMID- 25117007
TI  - Regulatory role of glycans in the control of hypoxia-driven angiogenesis and
      sensitivity to anti-angiogenic treatment.
AB  - Abnormal glycosylation is a typical hallmark of the transition from healthy to
      neoplastic tissues. Although the importance of glycans and glycan-binding
      proteins in cancer-related processes such as tumor cell adhesion, migration,
      metastasis and immune escape has been largely appreciated, our awareness of the
      impact of lectin-glycan recognition in tumor vascularization is relatively new.
      Regulated glycosylation can influence vascular biology by controlling
      trafficking, endocytosis and signaling of endothelial cell (EC) receptors
      including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, platelet EC adhesion
      molecule, Notch and integrins. In addition, glycans may control angiogenesis by
      regulating migration of endothelial tip cells and influencing EC survival and
      vascular permeability. Recent evidence indicated that changes in the EC surface
      glycome may also serve "on-and-off" switches that control galectin binding to
      signaling receptors by displaying or masking-specific glycan epitopes. These
      glycosylation-dependent lectin-receptor interactions can link tumor hypoxia to EC
      signaling and control tumor sensitivity to anti-angiogenic treatment. 

PMID- 25117008
TI  - In vitro biological characterization of IFN-beta-1a major glycoforms.
AB  - Recombinant human interferon beta-1a (IFN-beta-1a) is extensively used as the
      first-line treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Its glycosylation
      is recognized as having a complex impact on a wide range of molecule
      characteristics and functions. The present study reports the enrichment of IFN
      beta-1a glycoforms and their physicochemical and biological characterization by
      means of electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, sialic acid content, thermal
      denaturation and various in vitro bioassays (antiproliferative, antiviral,
      immunomodulatory and reporter gene assay). The glycoforms were fractionated by
      means of cation-exchange chromatography using recombinant IFN-beta-1a derived
      from Chinese Hamster Ovary cell culture as starting material. The obtained
      fractions contained bi- and higher-antennarity glycans as described in the
      European Pharmacopoeia monograph (Nr. 1639E, Interferon beta 1a concentrated
      solution). The in vitro bioassay responses revealed a correlation mainly with the
      glycan antennarity. It is therefore suggested that all glycoforms have biological
      activity and play a role in modulating the overall IFN-beta biological activity
      with higher-antennarity glycoforms being able to better sustain IFN-beta-1a
      bioactivity over time. These data indicate the role of IFN-beta-1a glycosylation
      in vivo and shed new light on the role of the glycosylation heterogeneity, in
      particular with regard to antennarity, on biological properties of glycoproteins.

PMID- 25117009
TI  - Assessment of cultivation factors that affect biomass and geraniol production in
      transgenic tobacco cell suspension cultures.
AB  - A large-scale statistical experimental design was used to determine essential
      cultivation parameters that affect biomass accumulation and geraniol production
      in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun NN) cell suspension cultures.
      The carbohydrate source played a major role in determining the geraniol yield and
      factors such as filling volume, inoculum size and light were less important.
      Sucrose, filling volume and inoculum size had a positive effect on geraniol yield
      by boosting growth of plant cell cultures whereas illumination of the cultures
      stimulated the geraniol biosynthesis. We also found that the carbohydrates
      sucrose and mannitol showed polarizing effects on biomass and geraniol
      accumulation. Factors such as shaking frequency, the presence of conditioned
      medium and solubilizers had minor influence on both plant cell growth and
      geraniol content. When cells were cultivated under the screened conditions for
      all the investigated factors, the cultures produced ~ 5.2 mg/l geraniol after 12
      days of cultivation in shaking flasks which is comparable to the yield obtained
      in microbial expression systems. Our data suggest that industrial experimental
      designs based on orthogonal arrays are suitable for the selection of initial
      cultivation parameters prior to the essential medium optimization steps. Such
      designs are particularly beneficial in the early optimization steps when many
      factors must be screened, increasing the statistical power of the experiments
      without increasing the demand on time and resources.

PMID- 25117012
TI  - Quality and safety in healthcare - a challenge accepted.

PMID- 25117010
TI  - Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome. Overview of clinical and molecular features and case
      report of a new HPS-1 variant.
AB  - Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder affecting
      lysosome-related organelles (LRO), including dense platelet granules. HPS causes
      oculocutaneous hypopigmentation, bleeding diathesis and granulomatous colitis or
      pulmonary fibrosis. To date, there is no curative treatment and the clinical
      management depends on the severity of symptoms. A prompt diagnosis of HPS
      patients could improve their quality of life and clinical management. However,
      the absence of a specific platelet function test, the wide molecular
      heterogeneity, and the lack of phenotype-genotype correlations hamper the rapid
      diagnosis. Nine subtypes of HPS have been identified as a result of mutations in
      nine genes that codify for proteins involved in formation and shuttle of the LRO.
      The molecular characterization of patients and knowledge derived from animal
      models of HPS contribute to the understanding of biogenesis and function of the
      LRO. This paper describes a patient with a novel homozygous nonsense mutation
      causing HPS and provides a review of the literature focusing on recent advances
      in the molecular characterization and physiopathology of HPS. 

PMID- 25117013
TI  - Retrospective studies provide valuable information.

PMID- 25117014
TI  - 'In somno securitas - semper vigilans'?

PMID- 25117015
TI  - Continuous posterior TAP analgesia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

PMID- 25117016
TI  - TAP block terminology.

PMID- 25117017
TI  - Subcostal TAP block and postoperative respiratory function after abdominal
      surgery.

PMID- 25117018
TI  - Anaesthesia-related outcome after hip fracture.

PMID- 25117019
TI  - A reply.

PMID- 25117020
TI  - Cognitive aid for malignant hyperpyrexia.

PMID- 25117021
TI  - SonixGPS - the role of operator experience.

PMID- 25117022
TI  - A reply.

PMID- 25117023
TI  - Driving advice after isoflurane anaesthesia.

PMID- 25117024
TI  - The effect of general anaesthesia on memory in children.

PMID- 25117025
TI  - Problem with Portex 'loss of resistance' syringes.

PMID- 25117026
TI  - Main trunk crossover stenting in a patient with left internal thoracic artery-
      protected single coronary artery.
AB  - A 74-year-old man with single coronary artery and history of previous coronary
      artery bypass graft (CABG) was admitted to our hospital with worsening angina.
      Because of high risk of redo-CABG, we performed transradial percutaneous coronary
      intervention against the just proximal left anterior descending coronary artery
      (LAD) stenosis coexisting with short main trunk, anomalous right coronary artery
      deriving from the mid LAD and patent left internal thoracic artery-distal LAD
      graft. Under the guidance of IVUS, we successfully implanted an everolimus
      eluting stent from the main trunk ostium to the proximal LAD without
      complications. 

PMID- 25117027
TI  - Toxicity of naturally occurring Bio-fly and chitosan compounds to control the
      Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann).
AB  - The efficacy of five compounds of a biopolymer chitosan and Bio-fly (Beauveria
      bassiana fungus) as biopesticide was evaluated on Ceratitis capitata under
      laboratory conditions. The inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and
      adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) as biochemical indicators were also determined
      in vivo. The results indicated that B. bassiana based Bio-fly exhibited
      significant toxicity against C. capitata (LC50 = 3008 and 3126 mg/L after 48 h in
      females and males, respectively) followed by the derivatives of chitosan, N-(4
      propylbenzyl)chitosan and N-(2-nitrobenzyl)chitosan. Bio-fly displayed remarkable
      inhibition of AChE activity (IC50 = 2220 mg/L) while N-(2-chloro,6
      flourobenzyl)chitosan, N-(4-propylbenzyl)chitosan and N-(3,4
      methylenedioxybenzyl) chitosan had no significant difference in inhibitory
      action. In adult males, N-(2-nitrobenzyl)chitosan exhibited the highest
      inhibitory action (IC50 = 6569 mg/L). In addition, the toxic effects of the
      tested compounds on the activity of ATPase indicated that highly significant
      inhibition was found with N-(4-propylbenzyl)chitosan with an IC50 of 8194 and
      8035 mg/L, in females and males, respectively.

PMID- 25117028
TI  - The complex, non-monotonic thermal response of the volumetric space of simple
      liquids.
AB  - In this paper, an intricate effect of the isothermal compression of simple
      liquids on their volumetric response is reported for alpha,omega-halogenoalkanes
      as examples. We apply an accurate experimental technique, scanning
      transitiometry, to directly measure isobaric thermal volume expansivities alphap
      of the liquids in a wide density range. To thoroughly analyze the observed
      intersection of the experimental isothermal pressure dependences of alphap, we
      develop a class of equations of state derived in the density scaling regime for
      molecular dynamics, finding successful temperature parameterizations of an
      isothermal equation of state (EOS) intrinsically adapted to describe volumetric
      data in an extremely wide density range. The EOS based analyses of the scanning
      transitiometry data as a function of temperature T and pressure p undoubtedly
      show that the previously considered crossing point of the isothermal dependences
      alphap(p) is in general represented by a non-linear and non-monotonic curve in
      the (T-p) phase diagram. 

PMID- 25117030
TI  - [Focal autoimmune pancreatitis versus pancreatic cancer: value of steroid
      treatment in the diagnosis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and focal forms of
      autoimmune pancreatitis is complicated since serological tests, IgG4 and CA 19-9
      have a low sensibility and specificity. CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging
      provide clear differentiation in the majority, but not in all cases.
      Endosonography is the most precise diagnostic procedure and allows to obtain
      samples for cytology or even histological studies. AIM: To report the experience
      with 18 cases of focal autoimmune pancreatitis and three cases of pancreatic
      cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of 18 patients with focal
      autoimmune pancreatitis and 3 cases of pancreatic cancer. RESULTS: The eighteen
      patients with focal autoimmune pancreatitis were treated with prednisone 0.5
      mg/kg/day obtaining a complete clinical and morphological recovery in all.
      However, 3 had a relapse and one was operated. During follow up, none has
      developed a pancreatic cancer. The 3 patients with pancreatic cancer did not
      respond to steroidal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The quick and dramatic response to
      steroids of autoimmune pancreatitis, may be useful and is recommended for the
      differential diagnosis with pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 25117029
TI  - Alcohol expectancies in childhood: change with the onset of drinking and ability
      to predict adolescent drunkenness and binge drinking.
AB  - AIMS: We examined the relationship between alcohol expectancies in childhood and
      onset of drinking, binge drinking and drunkenness in adolescence and the
      influence of drinking onset on expectancy development. DESIGN: A prospective,
      longitudinal study of children assessed for alcohol expectancies and drinking at
      four time-points between ages 6 and 17 years. SETTING: Community study of
      families at high risk for alcoholism conducted in a four-county area in the
      Midwestern United States. PARTICIPANTS: The study involved 614 children; 460 were
      children of alcoholics and 70% were male. MEASUREMENTS: Expectancies about
      alcohol effects were measured using the Beverage Opinion Questionnaire and
      child's drinking by the Drinking and Drug History-Youth Form. FINDINGS: Partial
      factor invariance was found for expectancy factors from ages 6 to 17 years.
      Survival analysis showed that social/relaxation expectancies in childhood
      predicted time to onset of binge drinking and first time drunk (Wald chi(2) , 1
      d.f. = 3.8, P = 0.05 and 5.0, P < 0.05, respectively). The reciprocal effect was
      also present; when adolescents began drinking, there was an increase in
      social/relaxation expectancy and a concomitant increase in slope of the
      expectancy changes lasting throughout adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: A reciprocal
      relationship exists between childhood alcohol expectancies and the development of
      alcohol involvement. Higher expectancies for positive effects predict earlier
      onset of problem drinking. Onset of use, in turn, predicts an increase in rate of
      development of positive expectancies.

PMID- 25117031
TI  - [Factors associated with health promoting behaviors among Chilean adolescents].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health-promoting behaviors are important to prevent diseases and
      prolong life in the population. People develop these behaviors throughout life.
      However, better benefits for health are obtained with an early development. AIM:
      To determine the prevalence of health-promoting behaviors among early adolescents
      and its associated factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey
      performed in 1,465 students of high, medium and low socio-economic status,
      attending fifth to eighth grades of schools located in a small Chilean city.
      Participants answered a questionnaire that gathered information about frequency
      of health-promoting behaviors such as health responsibility and nutrition,
      physical exercise and stress management, life appreciation, social support and
      different personal, school and familial factors. RESULTS: A higher frequency of
      health-promoting behaviors was associated with better academic achievement,
      better school commitment, and higher perception of school membership. It also was
      associated with a better perception of health status and a higher conformity with
      physical appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Health promoting behaviors in these children
      are related to a better academic achievement and a higher integration with school
      environment.

PMID- 25117033
TI  - [Effects of education and strength training on functional tests among older
      people with osteoarthritis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip and knee osteoarthritis are important causes of pain and
      disability among older people. Education and strength training can alleviate
      symptoms and avoid functional deterioration. AIM: To assess muscle strength, fall
      risk and quality of life of older people with osteoarthritis and the effects of
      physiotherapy education and strength training on these variables. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Thirty participants aged 78 +/- 5 years (63% women) were randomly
      assigned to receive physiotherapy (Controls), physiotherapy plus education (Group
      1) and physiotherapy plus strength training (group 2). At baseline and after 16
      weeks of intervention, patients were evaluated with the Senior Fitness Test,
      Timed Up and Go and Quality of Life score short form (SF-36). RESULTS: During the
      intervention period, Senior Fitness Test and Timed Up and Go scores improved in
      all groups and SF-36 did not change. The improvement in Senior Fitness Test and
      Timed Up and Go was more marked in Groups 1 and 2 than in the control group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Education and strength training improve functional tests among older
      people with osteoarthritis.

PMID- 25117032
TI  - [Survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer according to pathological
      types of tumors].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis of breast cancer (BC) is in part determined by the
      stage at diagnosis and its pathological characteristics. AIM: To evaluate the
      association between survival of women with metastatic breast cancer and
      pathological features of the tumor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We obtained clinical
      and pathological data from patients diagnosed with a metastatic BC between 1999
      and 2013. The expression of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors and
      human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) was determined by
      immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathological subtypes were defined as: Luminal A: ER
      or PR positive, HER2 negative, histological grade (HG) 1 or 2; Luminal B: ER or
      PR positive, HER2 negative or positive or HG 3; triple negative (TN): ER, PR and
      HER2 negative, independent of the HG, positive HER2: ER, PR negative and HER2
      positive, independent of HG. We analyzed survival based on these subtypes.
      RESULTS: We identified 54 patients aged 24 to 85 years, with metastatic BC at
      diagnosis. Seventy five percent had luminal tumors; 19.6% HER2 positive and 7.8%
      were TN. In 61% of evaluable tumors, HG was classified as 3. The frequency of
      HER2 positive and high HG tumors was greater in these patients with metastatic BC
      than in a non-metastatic local BC cohort. Survival was higher among patients with
      Luminal tumors than in women with non-Luminal cancer (56.4 and 11.4 months,
      respectively, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with metastatic BC at diagnosis
      often had HER2 positive tumors and high HG. As in other studies, ER positive
      tumors had a better survival.

PMID- 25117034
TI  - [Exposure to occupational biological risks: experience of a toxicology
      information center].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to Biological Agents during work is an emergent type of
      occupational risk. AIM: To characterize occupational biological risk exposure
      among Chilean workers which have been registered by the Toxicology Information
      Center, between January 2006 and December 2009. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All
      incoming calls reporting exposure to biological agents during the studied period
      were analyzed. The information obtained from the caller was registered using the
      Communication Record Instrument of the WHO International Programme on Chemical
      Safety (IPCS INTOX). RESULTS: In the studied period, 77 calls were received. The
      mean age of exposed patients was 35 +/- 15 years and 57% of them were females.
      The most common involved agents were vaccines for veterinary use (42%) followed
      by Loxosceles laeta bites in 16%. The main routes of exposure were injections,
      cuts and needle stick injuries in 39% and stings and bites in 38%. The highest
      exposure rates were observed in Southern Chile due to self-inoculation of
      veterinary vaccines used in the salmon industry (22.7/100.000 actual workers).
      Fifty-eight percent of calls were from health care workers, and 51% of them were
      from health care facilities. Sixty percent of exposures occurred during summer
      and spring. There was a fourfold higher risk of calls involving women exposed to
      bites or stings (odds ratio (OR) 4.5 (CI95 1.5-13.9, p < 0.01). Men had a
      fourfold higher risk of being exposed to vaccines or medications for veterinary
      use (OR 4.2, CI95 1.4-12.6 p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most calls involving an
      exposure to a biological agent were caused by self-inoculation of veterinary
      medications.

PMID- 25117035
TI  - [Association between psychological stress and metabolic control in patients with
      type 1 diabetes mellitus].
AB  - BACKGROUND: An association between psychological stress and metabolic control can
      occur in patients with diabetes. AIM: To determine the longitudinal association
      between different psychological stress domains (emotional burden, physician
      related distress, regimen-related distress, diabetes-related interpersonal
      distress) and metabolic control of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: An intentional sample of 20 Type 1 diabetic adolescents aged 15 +/- 4
      years was followed-up for one year. Three HbA1c determinations were performed and
      a stress self-report was obtained with the Polonsky' Diabetes Distress Scale.
      RESULTS: Several analyses were conducted using growth curve modeling. The first
      model included the HbA1c measures, the time term (coded as 0, 1, 2) and several
      covariates (age, years living with type 1 diabetes mellitus, sex, and physical
      activity). An overall negative linear trend was found for HbA1c. Subsequent
      models added the stress domains finding that high levels of emotional burden and
      regimen related-distress were associated with higher HbA1c levels across all
      exams. A marginal association was found between diabetes-related interpersonal
      distress and HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: Stress levels in type 1 diabetic adolescents
      deserve attention. Different psychological stress factors predicting metabolic
      control trajectories in type 1 diabetic adolescents were found.

PMID- 25117036
TI  - [Eight weeks of combined high intensity intermittent exercise normalized altered
      metabolic parameters in women].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Short term physical training programs may improve insulin resistance
      and hyperglycemia. AIM: To assess the effects of eight weeks of combined exercise
      program on serum lipids and glycemic level in women with hyperglycemia and
      hypercholesterolemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten healthy women, nine women with
      hyperglycemia, ten with hypercholesterolemia and nine with
      hyperglycemia/hypercholesterolemia were studied. Participants were subjected to
      eight weeks into a program of combined physical exercise (high intensity interval
      + resistance training). RESULTS: Fasting glycemia decreased by 12 and 14% in
      hyperglycemic and hyperglycemic/hypercholesterolemic participants, respectively.
      Serum insulin decreased in all groups in a range from 27 to 37%. HOMA IR for
      insulin resistance decreased similarly. A significant decrease in TC and TG was
      observed only in those altered baseline subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of
      combined physical exercise had a favorable effect on insulin resistance in this
      group of women.

PMID- 25117037
TI  - [Cardiovascular risk factors among males in 1989 and 2011-12 in a southern
      Chilean city].
AB  - BACKGROUND: A successful cardiovascular prevention program should induce a
      reduction of risk factors along time. AIM: To assess changes in cardiovascular
      risk factors among males aged between 35 and 65 years living in Southern Chile.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The results of two cross sectional household surveys, with
      a probability sampling stratified by socioeconomic status, were analyzed. Two
      hundred males were evaluated in 1989 and 800 in 2011-12, paired by age for
      selection. RESULTS: In the second survey, a mean weight increase of 4.5 kg was
      recorded. Body mass index increased from 27.1 to 28.6 kg/m(2) (p < 0.01),
      especially in men younger than 45 years old. No changes in smoking prevalence
      were observed. The prevalence of hypertension and hypertensive patients in
      treatment increased from 32.7 to 38.1% and from 17 to 33%, respectively. The
      number of treated hypertensive patients with a well-controlled blood pressure did
      not change significantly. In 1989 and 2011-12, mean total cholesterol values were
      192 and 201 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.01). The figures for mean non-HDL
      cholesterol were 152 and 160 mg/dl (p = 0.03). The frequency of people with total
      cholesterol over 240 mg/dl or using statins increased from 15 to 25% (p < 0.01).
      The estimated 10 years risk of myocardial infarction and coronary death using
      Framingham tables was 9,0 in both periods (p = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: In a 22 years
      period an increase in the prevalence of obesity and elevated total cholesterol
      was observed. There was a higher proportion of individuals treated for
      hypertension and dyslipidemia, but without reduction in the estimated
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 25117038
TI  - [Analysis of the main ethical conflicts in the 2008 declaration of Helsinki and
      the proposed changes in the new version].
AB  - The Declaration of Helsinki (DoH) of the World Medical Association is the basis
      of the rules governing research on human beings. The latest version (enacted in
      Korea, 2008) has been a source of ethical discussions, particularly regarding the
      use of placebos, the measures to assure the access of study subjects to
      interventions identified as beneficial once the study has ended, and the need of
      a better protection of potentially vulnerable groups. These issues led to draft a
      revised version, that was approved in 2013. In this paper, we present an ethical
      analysis of the main changes contained in the DoH, including the proposed changes
      in the new version, referring, when appropriate, to relevant Chilean laws
      governing research on human subjects. In our opinion, the 2008 DoH contains
      significant imprecisions on some of these issues, making a new version of the
      declaration necessary to fully protect subjects participating in biomedical
      research, as stated by the new version approved in 2013. 

PMID- 25117039
TI  - [Postoperative delirium among older people].
AB  - Delirium (acute confusional state) is a common and disabling complication among
      surgical older people. It is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Its incidence
      varies by type of intervention and it is associated with several complications
      such as functional impairment, cognitive dysfunction, prolonged hospitalization
      and institutionalization. These increase hospitalization costs and the risk of
      death. There are precipitating and predisposing risk factors, which increase the
      susceptibility for postoperative delirium. This condition should be considered as
      a syndrome of epidemiological importance, which needs to be prevented or treated
      in a timely manner through a multidisciplinary intervention. The perioperative
      care of elderly patients involves different medical specialties and is a subject
      of general knowledge. 

PMID- 25117040
TI  - [Use of Internet for mental health programs aimed at adolescents].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The widespread use of INTERNET by adolescents, renders it a simple
      and accessible means for health care campaigns Aim: To perform a systematic
      review of ISI publications about INTERNET use for adolescent mental health
      prevention, detection, treatment or follow up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic
      reviews, meta analyses and controlled clinical trials in all languages were
      searched. Manuscripts without an abstract or only publishing the study design
      were excluded. All selected articles were critically read. RESULTS: One hundred
      and five papers were found and 61 were excluded because they did not address the
      research question. Of the resting 44, only six complied with the search criteria
      among then, 3 articles correspond to systematic reviews addressing early
      intervention programs and mental hearth treatment based on Internet; the other 3
      articles correspond to controlled clinical trials addressing treatment
      interventions of anxiety and depression and 1 address on depression prevention
      program. CONCLUSIONS: INTERNET facilitates the application of mental health
      promotion, prevention and intervention among adolescents. However the resource is
      still underused.

PMID- 25117041
TI  - [A proposal for the definitive reform of the private health insurance system in
      Chile].
AB  - Private health insurance should be able to provide coverage to people considered
      as high risk, such as women and the elderly. The only way to do that is to
      organize implicit or explicit cross-subsidies from low to high-risk individuals.
      This paper examines how European private health insurance companies introduced
      regulatory measures that could be introduced in Chile such as open enrollment,
      community-rated premiums, lifetime coverage, a package of minimum benefits and a
      risk equalization scheme. 

PMID- 25117042
TI  - [Respecting patient intimacy].
AB  - Transparency as a general rule for all our professional acts casts doubts about
      the statement of the Hippocratic Oath that says "Whatever I see or hear in the
      lives of my patients, I will keep secret, as considering all such things to be
      private". Medical secrecy protects the intimacy of patients, who reveal to their
      physicians their most hidden secrets aiming to recover their health. Therefore,
      physicians should receive those secrets with reverence and care, as servers and
      not as their owners. The values associated with the respect for personal intimacy
      are the anthropological basis of medical confidentiality. A medical act is
      performed by definition between two equally honorable individuals. Therefore, the
      professional honors the trust of his patient, maintaining strict confidence of
      what is revealed. Therefore, medical secrecy must be strengthened rather than
      weakened, pursuing common wealth and dignity. 

PMID- 25117043
TI  - The role of the psychiatrist in obtaining informed consent from patients with
      somatic and mental comorbidity: Report of one case.
AB  - The nature of mental disorders, the attitudes and prejudices of the social
      community towards psychiatric patients, the behavior and treatment of mental
      patients, all bring about numerous dilemmas and prejudices. When a patient is
      diagnosed with a mental disorder, he may suffer restrictions in the field of
      general human rights. However, the biggest problems in clinical practice occur in
      the treatment of patients who, besides their mental disorder also have a somatic
      disease. We report a 56-years-old female with a severe renal failure who refused
      to undergo dialysis. Following the patient's refusal to sign an informed consent,
      a psychiatrist was called in for consultation and diagnosed an acute psychotic
      reaction. To manage the delusions and acute psychotic reactions, risperidone in
      the dose of 2 mg was started. After 22 days, the patient still had marked
      psychotic symptoms. A psychiatrist, a nephrologist and an anesthesiologist, in
      the presence of the spouse on the grounds of her life-threatening condition,
      decided to apply the necessary medical procedures even without the patient's
      consent. A day after the start of dialysis the patient still had delusional
      ideas, but without the presence of anxiety, and the patient no longer offered
      resistance to dialysis. Four days after the first dialysis, the patient was calm,
      had vague memories about the entire previous period, and signed the informed
      consent concerning her further treatment. 

PMID- 25117044
TI  - [Sustained hematologic response in chronic eosinophilic leukemia with low dose
      imatinib. Report of one case].
AB  - We report a 58 year-old-man without comorbid conditions, with a history of two
      months of weight loss, malaise and headache. His initial laboratory analysis
      showed leukocytosis of 16,100/mL with 65% eosinophils and an absolute eosinophil
      count of 10,465/mL. Both bone marrow biopsy and aspirate showed infiltration by
      mature appearing eosinophils. Treatment was started with hydroxyurea, associated
      with prednisone without satisfactory decrease in the eosinophil count. Polymerase
      chain reaction showed the presence of the gene fusion product FIP1L1/PDGFRA.
      Imatinib therapy was initiated, resulting in a rapid and progressive reduction in
      the absolute eosinophil count, with normalization at the second week of
      treatment. The incidence of the myeloproliferative variant causing
      hypereosinophilic syndrome is rare. However, the dramatic response to imatinib
      emphasizes the need to study the presence of the fusion product FIP1L1/PDGFRA in
      all patients with eosinophilia of unknown etiology. 

PMID- 25117045
TI  - [First successful bridge to cardiac transplantation in Chile using the Heart Mate
      II device. Report of one case].
AB  - Implantable ventricular assist devices are an effective treatment option for end
      stage heart failure patients as a bridge to cardiac transplantation, to improve
      the clinical condition and organ function allowing discharge from the hospital to
      await for transplantation. The second alternative is to use the device as
      destination therapy for patients with contraindications for cardiac
      transplantation, in whom it is maintained indefinitely. We report a 43-year-old
      patient, with a dilated cardiomyopathy, severe left ventricular dysfunction and
      advanced heart failure. A ventricular assist device Heart Mate II(c), as a bridge
      to transplantation, was implanted to the patient in the United States. It was
      explanted for the first time in Chile at the National Thorax Institute. Heart
      transplantation was performed using the bicaval technique. Induction of
      immunosuppression was done with basiliximab. Generic immunosuppression was
      carried out with cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone.
      Postoperatively the patient evolved with right femoral vein thrombosis in the
      femoral cannulation site, phlegmasia alba dolens, rhabdomyolysis, oliguric acute
      renal failure, which required renal replacement therapy, severe shock, with high
      requirements of vasoactive drugs and need for mechanical ventilation. He required
      a reoperation for hemothorax and had an Enterobacter pneumonia. After a period of
      serious illness, he began a gradual recovery and was discharged from the hospital
      after 58 days. After two years, he remains in functional class I, with a normal
      graft function. 

PMID- 25117046
TI  - [Granulomatous appendicitis caused by sarcoidosis: report of one case].
AB  - Granulomatous appendicitis is uncommon and can be caused by Crohn's disease,
      foreign body reactions, infections or sarcoidosis. We report a 26-year-old female
      consulting in the emergency room for pain in the right lower abdomen. She was
      released with analgesics and consulted 14 days later for the same pain. This time
      she was operated with the preoperative diagnosis of appendicitis. The
      pathological study of the surgical piece was compatible with a granulomatous
      appendicitis caused by sarcoidosis. 

PMID- 25117047
TI  - [Frederic Chopin (1810-1849), and his disease].
AB  - Frederic Chopin - a great Polish composer and pianist-suffered from a chronic
      disease. Both during his life and after his death, physicians disagreed on
      Chopin's diagnosis. His contemporaries accepted the diagnosis of tuberculosis, a
      common disease in the 18th century. Description of new clinical entities provoked
      new dilemmas in the 21th century. Although other alternative diagnoses to
      tuberculosis have emerged, such as cystic fibrosis or alpha-1 antitrypsin
      deficiency, we still sustain that the first diagnosis is the most probable. In
      this paper we report F. Chopin's case history and discuss cons and pros for
      different diseases as the cause of F. Chopin's suffering and death. 

PMID- 25117050
TI  - [Environmental effect on the incidence of Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in
      Chile].

PMID- 25117051
TI  - [Centenary of the School of Public Health at Harvard University: Career and
      prestige].

PMID- 25117052
TI  - [When you visit a doctor, do you hope that the doctor gives you one hour or only
      a few minutes?].

PMID- 25117053
TI  - Bacterial community affects toxin production by Gymnodinium catenatum.
AB  - The paralytic shellfish toxin (PST)-producing dinoflagellate Gymnodinium
      catenatum grows in association with a complex marine bacterial community that is
      both essential for growth and can alter culture growth dynamics. Using a
      bacterial community replacement approach, we examined the intracellular PST
      content, production rate, and profile of G. catenatum cultures grown with
      bacterial communities of differing complexity and composition. Clonal offspring
      were established from surface-sterilized resting cysts (produced by sexual
      crosses of strain GCDE06 and strain GCLV01) and grown with: 1) complex bacterial
      communities derived from each of the two parent cultures; 2) simplified bacterial
      communities composed of the G. catenatum-associated bacteria Marinobacter sp.
      strain DG879 or Alcanivorax sp. strain DG881; 3) a complex bacterial community
      associated with an untreated, unsterilized sexual cross of the parents. Toxin
      content (STX-equivalent per cell) of clonal offspring (134-197 fmol STX cell(-1))
      was similar to the parent cultures (169-206 fmol STX cell(-1)), however cultures
      grown with single bacterial types contained less toxin (134-146 fmol STX cell(
      1)) than offspring or parent cultures grown with more complex mixed bacterial
      communities (152-176 fmol STX cell(-1)). Specific toxin production rate (fmol STX
      day(-1)) was strongly correlated with culture growth rate. Net toxin production
      rate (fmol STX cell(-1) day(-1)) did not differ among treatments, however, mean
      net toxin production rate of offspring was 8-fold lower than the parent cultures,
      suggesting that completion of the sexual lifecycle in laboratory cultures leads
      to reduced toxin production. The PST profiles of offspring cultures were most
      similar to parent GCDE06 with the exception of cultures grown with Marinobacter
      sp. DG879 which produced higher proportions of dcGTX2+3 and GC1+2, and lower
      proportions of C1+2 and C3+4. Our data demonstrate that the bacterial community
      can alter intracellular STX production of dinoflagellates. In G. catenatum the
      mechanism appears likely to be due to bacterial effects on dinoflagellate
      physiology rather than bacterial biotransformation of PST toxins.

PMID- 25117054
TI  - A new phenyl glycoside from the aerial parts of Equisetum hyemale.
AB  - A new phenyl glycoside, 2-(sophorosyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanone (9), was
      isolated from the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Equisetum hyemale L.,
      together with eight known compounds (1-8). The structures of these compounds were
      elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic analyses and chemical method. Of
      these nine compounds, 4 and 7 showed hepatoprotective effects towards tacrine
      induced cytotoxicity in Hep 3B cells with EC50 values of 42.7 +/- 1.5 and 132.6
      +/- 2.8 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 25117055
TI  - Weak self-interactions of globular proteins studied by small-angle X-ray
      scattering and structure-based modeling.
AB  - We investigate protein-protein interactions in solution by small-angle X-ray
      scattering (SAXS) and theoretical modeling. The structure factor for solutions of
      bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI), myoglobin (Mb), and intestinal fatty
      acid-binding protein (IFABP) is determined from SAXS measurements at multiple
      concentrations, from Monte Carlo simulations with a coarse-grained structure
      based interaction model, and from analytic approximate solutions of two idealized
      colloidal interaction models without adjustable parameters. By combining these
      approaches, we find that the structure factor is essentially determined by hard
      core and screened electrostatic interactions. Other soft short-ranged
      interactions (van der Waals and solvation-related) are either individually
      insignificant or tend to cancel out. The structure factor is also not
      significantly affected by charge fluctuations. For Mb and IFABP, with a small net
      charge and relatively symmetric charge distribution, the structure factor is well
      described by a hard-sphere model. For BPTI, with a larger net charge, screened
      electrostatic repulsion is also important, but the asymmetry of the charge
      distribution reduces the repulsion from that predicted by a charged hard-sphere
      model with the same net charge. Such charge asymmetry may also amplify the effect
      of shape asymmetry on the protein-protein potential of mean force. 

PMID- 25117057
TI  - Intervention synthesis: a missing link between a systematic review and practical
      treatment(s).
AB  - Paul Glasziou and colleagues discuss methods to guide selection of an
      intervention from individual trials within a systematic review. Please see later
      in the article for the Editors' Summary. 

PMID- 25117059
TI  - Chemical composition of essential oils and hydrosols from fresh flowers of
      Cerasus subhirtella and Cerasus serrulata from East China.
AB  - Essential oils and hydrosols from fresh flowers of Cerasus subhirtella (Miq.)
      Sok. and Cerasusserrulata (Lindl.) London from East China were analysed by gas
      chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the first time. The
      major components of the essential oils from C. subhirtella and C.serrulata were
      benzaldehyde (31.2% and 42.1%, respectively), tricosane (23.1% and 27.7%,
      respectively) and pentacosane (23.2% and 19.0%, respectively). The main
      constituents of the hydrosol volatiles from C. subhirtella and C.serrulata were
      benzaldehyde (67.5% and 64.3%, respectively) and mandelonitrile (12.5% and 12.4%,
      respectively). Benzaldehyde was the key component of the essential oils, while
      benzaldehyde as well as mandelonitrile was the principal compound of the
      hydrosols. 

PMID- 25117060
TI  - Mesoscopic structuring and dynamics of alcohol/water solutions probed by
      terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic
      resonance.
AB  - Terahertz and PFG-NMR techniques are used to explore transitions in the
      structuring of binary alcohol/water mixtures. Three critical alcohol mole
      fractions (x1, x2, x3) are identified: methanol (10, 30, 70 mol %), ethanol (7,
      15, 60 mol %), 1-propanol (2, 10, 50 mol %), and 2-propanol (2, 10, 50 mol %).
      Above compositions of x1 no isolated alcohol molecules exist, and below x1 the
      formation of large hydration shells around the hydrophobic moieties of the
      alcohol is favored. The maximum number of water molecules, N0, in the hydration
      shell surrounding a single alcohol molecule increases with the length of the
      carbon chain of the alcohol. At x2 the greatest nonideality of the liquid
      structure exists with the formation of extended hydrogen bonded networks between
      alcohol and water molecules. The terahertz data show the maximum absorption
      relative to that predicted for an ideal mixture at that composition, while the
      PFG-NMR data exhibit a minimum in the alkyl chain self-diffusivity at x2, showing
      that the alcohol has reached a minimum in diffusion when this extended alcohol
      water network has reached the highest degree of structuring. At x3 an equivalence
      of the alkyl and alcohol hydroxyl diffusion coefficients is determined by PFG
      NMR, suggesting that the molecular mobility of the alcohol molecules becomes
      independent of that of the water molecules. 

PMID- 25117058
TI  - Aggressiveness of intensive care use among patients with lung cancer in the
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approximately 65% of elderly patients with lung cancer who are
      admitted to the ICU will die within 6 months. Efforts to improve end-of-life care
      for this population must first understand the patient factors that underlie
      admission to the ICU. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study
      examining all fee-for-service inpatient claims in the Surveillance, Epidemiology,
      and End Results (SEER)-Medicare registry for elderly patients (aged > 65 years)
      who had received a diagnosis of lung cancer between 1992 and 2005 and who were
      hospitalized for reasons other than resection of their lung cancer. We calculated
      yearly rates of ICU admission per 1,000 hospitalizations via room and board codes
      or International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical
      Modification and diagnosis-related group codes for mechanical ventilation,
      stratified the rates by receipt of mechanical ventilation and ICU type
      (medical/surgical/cardiac vs intermediate), and compared these rates over time.
      RESULTS: A total of 175,756 patients with lung cancer in SEER were hospitalized
      for a reason other than surgical resection of their tumor during the study
      period, 49,373 (28%) of whom had at least one ICU stay. The rate of ICU
      admissions per 1,000 hospitalizations increased over the study period from 140.7
      in 1992 to 201.7 in 2005 (P < .001). The majority of the increase in ICU
      admissions (per 1,000 hospitalizations) between 1992 and 2005 occurred among
      patients who were not mechanically ventilated (118.2 to 173.3, P < .001) and
      among those who were in intermediate ICUs (20.0 to 61.9, P < .001), but increased
      only moderately in medical/surgical/cardiac units (120.7 to 139.9, P < .001).
      CONCLUSIONS: ICU admission for patients with lung cancer increased over time,
      mostly among patients without mechanical ventilation who were largely cared for
      in intermediate ICUs.

PMID- 25117056
TI  - Thiamine Deficiency-Mediated Brain Mitochondrial Pathology in Alaskan Huskies
      with Mutation in SLC19A3.1.
AB  - Alaskan Husky encephalopathy (AHE(1) ) is a fatal brain disease associated with a
      mutation in SLC19A3.1 (c.624insTTGC, c.625C>A). This gene encodes for a thiamine
      transporter 2 with a predominately (CNS) central nervous system distribution.
      Considering that brain is particularly vulnerable to thiamine deficiency because
      of its reliance on thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP)-dependent metabolic pathways
      involved in energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, we characterized
      the impact of this mutation on thiamine status, brain bioenergetics and the
      contribution of oxidative stress to this phenotype. In silico modeling of the
      mutated transporter indicated a significant loss of alpha-helices resulting in a
      more open protein structure suggesting an impaired thiamine transport ability.
      The cerebral cortex and thalamus of affected dogs were severely deficient in TPP
      dependent enzymes accompanied by decreases in mitochondrial mass and oxidative
      phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity, and increases in oxidative stress. These
      results along with the behavioral and pathological findings indicate that the
      phenotype associated with AHE is consistent with a brain-specific thiamine
      deficiency, leading to brain mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative
      stress. While some of the biochemical deficits, neurobehavior and affected brain
      areas in AHE were shared by Wernicke's and Korsakoff's syndromes, several
      differences were noted likely arising from a tissue-specific vs. that from a
      whole-body thiamine deficiency. 

PMID- 25117062
TI  - Reversible cerebral periventricular white matter changes with corpus callosum
      involvement in acute toluene-poisoning.
AB  - Substance poisoning, such as toluene intoxication, has seldom been reported in
      the relevant literature. The documented cerebral neuroimaging has mostly
      described reversible symmetrical white matter changes in both the cerebral and
      cerebellar hemispheres. This paper presents 2 patients with toluene poisoning,
      whose brain magnetic resonance imaging studies showed a similar picture that
      included extra involvement over the corpus callosum; however, such corpus
      callosum involvement has never been mentioned and is quite rare in the
      literature. We discussed the underlying neuropathological pathways in this
      article. Hopefully, these cases will provide first-line clinicians with some
      valuable information with regard to toluene intoxication and clinical
      neuroimaging presentations. 

PMID- 25117063
TI  - Too fat, too thin: understanding bias against overweight and underweight in an
      Australian female university student sample.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We compare attribution and social comparison theories as potential
      explanations for attitudes towards overweight and underweight targets among
      Australian university students. DESIGN: 185 female students (median age 18)
      completed a measure of body image state, then read one of six vignettes,
      describing a female student who was underweight, average weight or overweight,
      and who did or did not have a medical condition affecting weight. Independent
      variables were target weight (underweight, average-weight, overweight); weight
      controllability (no information, uncontrollable); and participant body image
      (higher, lower). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants evaluated the target on six
      characteristics derived from existing research on weight bias, on seven-point
      Likert scales: attractive; healthy; likeable; motivated; self-disciplined; having
      willpower. RESULTS: A three-way between-participants multivariate analysis of
      covariance was conducted, with post hoc comparisons of significant effects.
      Overweight targets were rated more negatively than average-weight and underweight
      targets. Uncontrollability (medical) information produced more positive
      evaluations of the overweight target, but more negative evaluations of the
      underweight target. Ratings of the average-weight target were not influenced by
      uncontrollability information. Participant body image state had no significant
      effects. CONCLUSION: Results provided partial support for attribution theory, but
      not for social comparison theory, as an explanation of weight bias.

PMID- 25117064
TI  - Reverse-phase protein array for prediction of patients at low risk of developing
      bone metastasis from breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A biomarker that predicts bone metastasis based on a protein
      laboratory assay has not been demonstrated. Reverse-phase protein array (RPPA)
      enables quantification of total and phosphorylated proteins, providing
      information about their functional status. The aim of this study was to identify
      bone-metastasis-related markers in patients with primary breast cancer using RPPA
      analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tumor samples were obtained from 169 patients
      with primary invasive breast carcinoma who underwent surgery. The patients were
      categorized by whether they developed breast cancer bone metastasis (BCBM) during
      follow-up. Clinical characteristics and protein expression by RPPA were compared
      and verified by leave-one-out cross-validation. RESULTS: Lymph node status (p =
      .023) and expression level of 22 proteins by RPPA were significantly correlated
      with BCBM in logistic regression analysis. These variables were used to build a
      logistic regression model. After filtering the variables through a stepwise
      algorithm, the final model, consisting of 8 proteins and lymph node status, had
      sensitivity of 30.0%, specificity of 90.5%, positive predictive value of 30.0%,
      and negative predictive value of 90.5% in the cross-validation. Most of the
      identified proteins were associated with cell cycle or signal transduction (CDK2,
      CDKN1A, Rb1, Src, phosphorylated-ribosomal S6 kinase, HER2, BCL11A, and MYH11).
      CONCLUSION: Our validated model, in which the primary tumor is tested with RPPA,
      can predict patients who are at low risk of developing BCBM and thus who likely
      would not benefit from receiving a bisphosphonate in the adjuvant setting.
      Clinical trials excluding these patients have the potential to clarify the
      benefit of bisphosphonates in the adjuvant setting.

PMID- 25117066
TI  - A community-based multicenter trial of pharmacokinetically guided 5-fluorouracil
      dosing for personalized colorectal cancer therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacokinetically guided (PK-guided) versus body surface area-based
      5-fluorouracil (5-FU) dosing results in higher response rates and better
      tolerability. A paucity of data exists on PK-guided 5-FU dosing in the community
      setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy colorectal cancer patients, from one
      academic and five community cancer centers, received the mFOLFOX6 regimen (5-FU
      2,400 mg/m(2) over 46 hours every 2 weeks) with or without bevacizumab at cycle
      1. The 5-FU continuous-infusion dose was adjusted for cycles 2-4 using a PK
      guided algorithm to achieve a literature-based target area under the
      concentration-time curve (AUC). The primary objective was to demonstrate that PK
      guided 5-FU dosing improves the ability to achieve a target AUC within four
      cycles of therapy. The secondary objective was to demonstrate reduced incidence
      of 5-FU-related toxicities. RESULTS: At cycles 1 and 4, 27.7% and 46.8% of
      patients achieved the target AUC (20-25 mg * hour/L), respectively (odds ratio
      [OR]: 2.20; p = .046). Significantly more patients were within range at cycle 4
      compared with a literature rate of 20% (p < .0001). Patients had significantly
      higher odds of not being underdosed at cycle 4 versus cycle 1 (OR: 2.29; p =
      .037). The odds of a patient being within range increased by 30% at each
      subsequent cycle (OR: 1.30; p = .03). Less grade 3/4 mucositis and diarrhea were
      observed compared with historical data (1.9% vs 16% and 5.6% vs 12%,
      respectively); however, rates of grade 3/4 neutropenia were similar (33% vs 25%
      50%). CONCLUSION: PK-guided 5-FU dosing resulted in significantly fewer
      underdosed patients and less gastrointestinal toxicity and allows for the
      application of personalized colorectal cancer therapy in the community setting.

PMID- 25117065
TI  - Real-world study of everolimus in advanced progressive neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - Everolimus is a valid therapeutic option for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs);
      however, data in a real-world setting outside regulatory trials are sparse. The
      aim of this study was to determine everolimus tolerability and efficacy, in
      relation to previous treatments, in a compassionate use program. A total of 169
      patients with advanced progressive NETs treated with everolimus were enrolled,
      including 85 with pancreatic NETs (pNETs) and 84 with nonpancreatic NETs (non
      pNETs). Previous treatments included somatostatin analogs (92.9%), peptide
      receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT; 50.3%), chemotherapy (49.7%), and PRRT and
      chemotherapy (22.8%). Overall, 85.2% of patients experienced adverse events
      (AEs), which were severe (grade 3-4) in 46.1%. The most frequent severe AEs were
      pneumonitis (8.3%), thrombocytopenia (7.7%), anemia (5.3%), and renal failure
      (3.5%). In patients previously treated with PRRT and chemotherapy, a 12-fold
      increased risk for severe toxicity was observed, with grade 3-4 AEs reported in
      86.8% (vs. 34.3% in other patients). In addition, 63.3% of patients required
      temporarily everolimus discontinuation due to toxicity. Overall, 27.8% of
      patients died during a median follow-up of 12 months. Median progression-free
      survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 12 months and 32 months,
      respectively. Similar disease control rates, PFS, and OS were reported in pNETs
      and non-pNETs. In the real-world setting, everolimus is safe and effective for
      the treatment of NETs of different origins. Higher severe toxicity occurred in
      patients previously treated with systemic chemotherapy and PRRT. This finding
      prompts caution when using this drug in pretreated patients and raises the issue
      of planning for everolimus before PRRT and chemotherapy in the therapeutic
      algorithm for advanced NETs. 

PMID- 25117067
TI  - The association of hospital spending intensity and cancer outcomes: a population
      based study in an Asian country.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Different results are reported for the relationship between regional
      variation in medical spending and disease prognosis for acute illness and for
      cancer. Our objective was to investigate the association between hospital medical
      care spending intensity and mortality rates in cancer patients. METHODS: A total
      of 80,597 patients with incident cancer diagnosed in 2002 were identified from
      the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, Republic of China. The
      Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the 5-year survival rates of
      patients treated at hospitals with different spending intensities after adjusting
      for possible confounding and risk factors. RESULTS: After adjustment for patient
      characteristics, treatment modality, and hospital volume, an association was
      found between lower hospital spending intensity and poorer survival rates. The 5
      year survival rate expressed by hazard ratios was 1.36 (95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 1.30-1.43, p < .001) for colorectal cancer, 1.18 (95% CI: 1.08-1.29, p <
      .001) for lung cancer, 1.13 (95% CI: 1.05-1.22, p = .002) for hepatoma, 1.16 (95%
      CI: 1.07-1.26, p < .001) for breast cancer, and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.10-1.39, p =
      .001) for prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings indicate that
      higher hospital spending intensity was associated with lower mortality rates in
      patients being treated for lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer,
      prostate cancer, hepatoma, or head and neck cancer. The cancer stages were
      unavailable in this series, and more research linked with the primary data may be
      necessary to clearly address this issue.

PMID- 25117069
TI  - TGF-beta1 mediates estrogen receptor-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
      in some tumor lines.
AB  - More and more studies have reported that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      involved in the process of cancer development and progression occurs. The EMT
      also plays an important role in the movement and transfer of the tumors.
      Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) could induce the EMT in some cancer
      cell types. However, the mechanism underlying this transition process has also
      not been entirely clarified. In this study, the results indicated that TGF-beta1
      mediated EMT in the tumor was associated with the estrogen receptor (ER). The
      decreased expression of vimentin and snail resulted in the decrease of the ER
      expression by small interfering RNA-mediated silencing and preventing the TGF
      beta-induced EMT. In conclusion, our results indicated that TGF-beta1 is an
      estrogen receptor signaling and essential novel downstream targets and could act
      as an important factor in the TGF-beta-induced EMT. 

PMID- 25117070
TI  - MicroRNA-320a suppresses in GBM patients and modulates glioma cell functions by
      targeting IGF-1R.
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and malignant glioma. Currently, a few
      modern surgical and medical therapeutic strategies are applied for GBM, but the
      prognosis of GBM patients remains poor, and the average median survival time is
      only 14.6 months. In this study, we for the first time found that the levels of
      miR-320a were decreased in both GBM patients and glioma cells. In GBM patients,
      elevated miR-320a expression was associated with better prognosis. In addition,
      insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) was identified as a key direct
      target of miR-320a. Overexpression of miR-320a led to the inhibition of cell
      proliferation, migration, invasion, as well as tumorigenesis by targeting IGF-1R,
      and thus regulated the signaling pathways downstream, including PI3K/AKT and
      MAPK/ERK. In tumor orthotopic xenograft experiment, the tumor growth was
      depressed and survival time of mice model was prolonged when miR-320a was
      overexpressed. Therefore, our results suggested that miR-320a could suppress
      tumor development and growth by targeting IGF-1R, and miR-320a might serve as a
      new effective target for anti-cancer therapy strategies. 

PMID- 25117072
TI  - Genetic variations of CAV1 gene contribute to HCC risk: a case-control study.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth common cancer and the third common
      cause of cancer mortality worldwide. However, the exact molecular mechanism of
      HCC remains uncertain. Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is the main protein in the caveolin
      family and plays an important role in tumorigenesis signaling. However, the
      contribution of CAV1 genetic variants to HCC is still unknown. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate the association between the tagSNPs of the CAV1 gene
      and HCC risk. In this case-control study, we enrolled 1,000 HCC patients and
      1,000 cancer-free controls, which were frequency-matched by age, gender, and HBV
      infection status. We found that CAV1 rs729949 was statistically associated with
      increased risk of HCC (odds ratio (OR) = 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11
      1.48; P = 8.53 * 10(-4)), even after Bonferroni correction (P = 5.97 * 10(-3));
      the expression levels of CAV1 in cancer tissues were significantly lower than
      those in adjacent normal tissues (P = 0.012). We also detected a significant
      association for CAV1 rs3807989 under the log-additive model (OR = 0.85; 95% CI,
      0.74-0.98; P = 0.026). Significant associations were also detected for CAV1
      rs6466583 (GG vs AA: OR = 2.53; 95% CI, 1.24-5.17; P = 0.011) and CAV1 rs3807986
      (AG vs AA: OR = 3.16; 95% CI, 1.68-5.91; P = 3.36 * 10(-4)) among genotype
      comparisons. These findings indicated that genetic variants n CAV1 might
      contribute to HCC susceptibility.

PMID- 25117071
TI  - Multifunctional CD40L: pro- and anti-neoplastic activity.
AB  - The CD40 ligand is a type I transmembrane protein that belongs to a tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. It is present not only on the surface of
      activated CD4+ T cells, B cells, blood platelets, monocytes, and natural killer
      (NK) cells but also on cancer cells. The receptor for ligand is constitutively
      expressed on cells, TNF family protein: CD40. The role of the CD40/CD40L pathway
      in the induction of body immunity, in inflammation, or in hemostasis has been
      well documented, whereas its involvement in neoplastic disease is still under
      investigation. CD40L ligand may potentiate apoptosis of tumor cells by activation
      of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), AP-1, CD95, or caspase-depended pathways
      and stimulate host immunity to defend against cancer. Although CD40L has a major
      contribution to anti-cancer activity, many reports point at its ambivalent
      nature. CD40L enhance release of strongly pro-angiogenic factor, vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and activator of coagulation, TF, the level of
      which is correlated with tumor metastasis. CD40L involvement in the inhibition of
      tumor progression has led to the emergence of not only therapy using recombinant
      forms of the ligand and vaccines in the treatment of cancer but also therapy
      consisting of inhibiting platelets-main source of CD40L. This article is a review
      of studies on the ambivalent role of CD40L in neoplastic diseases.

PMID- 25117068
TI  - Advanced pancreatic cancer: flourishing novel approaches in the era of biological
      therapy.
AB  - The progress in the development of systemic treatment for advanced pancreatic
      cancer (APC) has been slow. The mainstream treatment remains using chemotherapy
      including gemcitabine, FOLFIRINOX, and nab-paclitaxel. Erlotinib is the only
      approved biological therapy with marginal benefit. Studies of agents targeting
      epidermal growth factor receptor, angiogenesis, and RAS signaling have not been
      satisfying, and the usefulness of targeted therapy in APC is uncertain.
      Understanding in molecular processes and tumor biology has opened the door for
      new treatment strategies such as targeting insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor,
      transforming growth factor beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target
      of rapamycin pathway, and Notch pathway. New directions also include the upcoming
      immunotherapy and many novel agents that act on the microenvironment. The
      practice of personalized medicine using predictive biomarkers and
      pharmacogenomics signatures may also enhance the effectiveness of existing
      treatment. Future treatment approaches may involve comprehensive genomic
      assessment of tumor and integrated combinations of multiple agents to overcome
      treatment resistance. 

PMID- 25117073
TI  - Expression of HSPA2 in human hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical
      significance.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common cancers worldwide.
      HSPA2 has been highlighted as an important marker in many types of cancers.
      However, little is known about the role of HSPA2 in HCC. The objective of the
      current study was to investigate the expression pattern and clinicopathological
      significance of HSPA2 in patients with HCC. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase
      ploymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to examine HSPA2 messenger RNA
      (mRNA) expression in 52 pairs of HCC tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues.
      Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to examine HSPA2 protein expression in
      paraffin-embedded tissues from 119 HCC patients. Statistical analyses were
      applied to evaluate the diagnostic value and associations of HSPA2 expression
      with clinicopathological characteristics. We identified abnormally elevated mRNA
      expression of HSPA2 in HCC tissues compared to paired adjacent noncancerous
      tissues (P < 0.001). Clinicopathological analysis showed that HSPA2 expression
      was significantly correlated with tumor size (P = 0.013), histological
      differentiation (P = 0.04), and tumor stage (P = 0.001). Patients with higher
      HSPA2 expression had shorter overall survival time, whereas those with lower
      HSPA2 expression had longer survival time. Furthermore, Cox regression analyses
      showed that HSPA2 expression was an independent predictor of overall survival. In
      conclusion, our findings provide evidences that positive expression of HSPA2 in
      HCC may be important in the acquisition of an aggressive phenotype and it is an
      independent biomarker for poor prognosis of patients with HCC.

PMID- 25117077
TI  - Phantom validation of Monte Carlo modeling for noncontact depth sensitive
      fluorescence measurements in an epithelial tissue model.
AB  - Experimental investigation and optimization of various optical parameters in the
      design of depth sensitive optical measurements in layered tissues would require a
      huge amount of time and resources. A computational method to model light
      transport in layered tissues using Monte Carlo simulations has been developed for
      decades to reduce the cost incurred during this process. In this work, we
      employed the Monte Carlo method to investigate the depth sensitivity achieved by
      various illumination and detection configurations including both the traditional
      cone configurations and new cone shell configurations, which are implemented by
      convex or axicon lenses. Phantom experiments have been carried out to validate
      the Monte Carlo modeling of fluorescence in a two-layered turbid, epithelial
      tissue model. The measured fluorescence and depth sensitivity of different
      illumination-detection configurations were compared with each other. The results
      indicate excellent agreement between the experimental and simulation results in
      the trends of fluorescence intensity and depth sensitivity. The findings of this
      study and the development of the Monte Carlo method for noncontact setups provide
      useful insight and assistance in the planning and optimization of optical designs
      for depth sensitive fluorescence measurements.

PMID- 25117074
TI  - Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in bone cancers.
AB  - The Wnt signaling pathway regulates some of the crucial aspects of cellular
      processes. The beta-catenin dependent Wnt signaling (Wnt/beta-catenin) pathway
      controls the expression of key developmental genes, and acts as an intracellular
      signal transducer. The association of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is often reported
      with different cancers. In this study, we have reviewed the association of
      Wnt/beta-catenin pathway with bone cancers, focusing on carcinogenesis and
      therapeutic aspects. Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is a highly complex and unique
      signaling pathway, which has ability to regulate gene expression, cell invasion,
      migration, proliferation, and differentiation for the initiation and progression
      of bone cancers, especially osteosarcoma. Association of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway
      with chondrosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma and chondroma is also documented. Recently,
      targeting Wnt/beta-catenin pathway has gained significant interests as a
      potential therapeutic application for the treatment of bone cancers. Small RNA
      technology to knockdown aberrant Wnt/beta-catenin or inhibition of beta-catenin
      expression by natural component has shown promising effects against bone cancers.
      Advances in understanding the mechanisms of Wnt signaling and new technologies
      have facilitated the discovery of agents that can target and regulate Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling pathway, and these may provide a basement for the innovative
      therapeutic approaches in the treatment of bone cancers.

PMID- 25117075
TI  - Polymorphism in interleukin 21 gene is associated with decreased susceptibility
      to diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
AB  - Interleukin 21 (IL-21) plays a key role in innate and adaptive immunity.
      Polymorphisms in IL-21 gene may be greatly involved in various diseases. The aim
      of the study was to investigate the association between IL-21 genetic
      polymorphisms and the susceptibility to diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). IL
      21 -2498G/A and +78A/G polymorphisms were examined in 221 DLBCL patients and 243
      healthy controls. We found that distributions of -2498GA genotype and -2498AA
      genotype were clearly decreased in DLBCL cases compared to healthy donors (odds
      ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.43-0.92, P = 0.021; OR =
      0.36, 95 % CI = 0.15-0.48, P < 0.001; data were adjusted for age and sex).
      Stratification analyses revealed that patients with advanced Ann Arbor stages
      (III+IV) had further decreased percentage of -2498AA genotype than those with
      primary stages (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.13-0.87, P = 0.023; data were adjusted for
      age and sex). In addition, we evaluated the possible effect of IL-21
      polymorphisms on gene expression by examining serum level of IL-21 in patients
      and controls. Data revealed that subjects carrying -2498AA genotype had
      significantly higher serum level of IL-21 than those with GG genotype or GA
      genotype. These data suggest that IL-21 -2498G/A polymorphism is associated with
      decreased susceptibility to DLBCL and may increase serum level of IL-21.

PMID- 25117078
TI  - Real-time analysis of endogenous protoporphyrin IX fluorescence from delta
      aminolevulinic acid and its derivatives reveals distinct time- and dose-dependent
      characteristics in vitro.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodiagnosis based on the intracellular
      production of the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) by administration of
      its metabolic precursor -aminolevulinic acid (ALA) achieved their breakthrough
      upon the clinical approval of MAL (ALA methyl ester) and HAL (ALA hexyl ester).
      For newly developed ALA derivatives or application in new tumor types, in vitro
      determination of PPIX formation involves multiparametric experiments covering
      variable pro-drug concentrations, medium composition, time points of analysis,
      and cell type(s). This study uses a fluorescence microplate reader with a built
      in temperature and atmosphere control to investigate the high-resolution long
      term kinetics (72 h) of cellular PPIX fueled by administration of either ALA,
      MAL, or HAL for each 10 different concentrations. For simultaneous proliferation
      correction, A431 cells were stably transfected with green fluorescent protein.
      The results indicate that the peak PPIX level is a function of both, incubation
      concentration and period: maximal PPIX is generated with 1 to 2-mM ALA/MAL or
      0.125-mM HAL; also, the PPIX peak shifts to longer incubation periods with
      increasing pro-drug concentrations. The results underline the need for detailed
      temporal analysis of PPIX formation to optimize ALA (derivative)-based PDT or
      photodiagnosis and highlight the value of environment-controlled microplate
      readers for automated in vitro analysis.

PMID- 25117079
TI  - Aberration correction during real time in vivo imaging of bone marrow with
      sensorless adaptive optics confocal microscope.
AB  - We have demonstrated adaptive correction of specimen-induced aberration during in
      vivo imaging of mouse bone marrow vasculature with confocal fluorescence
      microscopy. Adaptive optics system was completed with wavefront sensorless
      correction scheme based on stochastic parallel gradient descent algorithm. Using
      image sharpness as the optimization metric, aberration correction was performed
      based upon Zernike polynomial modes. The experimental results revealed the
      improved signal and resolution leading to a substantially enhanced image contrast
      with aberration correction. The image quality of vessels at 38- and 75-MUm depth
      increased three times and two times, respectively. The corrections allowed us to
      detect clearer bone marrow vasculature structures at greater contrast and improve
      the signal-to-noise ratio.

PMID- 25117080
TI  - Zn(2+) effect on structure and residual hydrophobicity of amyloid beta-peptide
      monomers.
AB  - The aggregation of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta peptide) has been associated with
      the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we aimed to
      disclose how Zn(2+) affects the Abeta aggregation in detail. Thus, molecular
      dynamics simulation was implemented to elucidate the changes of structure and
      residual hydrophobicity upon Zn(2+) coordination. Our results show that Zn(2+)
      can strongly influence the structural properties of Abeta40 and Abeta42 by
      reducing helical formation and increasing turn formation to expose the
      hydrophobic regions. Furthermore, hydrophobicity of Zn(2+)-Abeta40 and Zn(2+)
      Abeta42 was much higher than that of each monomer, since Zn(2+) binding can
      significantly influence the hydrophilic domains of Abeta. The further analyses
      indicate that not only four residues (H6, E11, H13, and H14) but also R5, D7,
      K16, K28, and terminal residues influence hydrophobicity upon Zn(2+)
      coordination. Importantly, R5, K16, and K28 play a crucial role to regulate
      solvation-free energies. This work is helpful to understand the fundamental role
      of Zn(2+) in aggregation, which could be useful for further development of new
      drugs to inhibit Zn(2+)-Abeta aggregation. 

PMID- 25117076
TI  - Toward microendoscopy-inspired cardiac optogenetics in vivo: technical overview
      and perspective.
AB  - The ability to perform precise, spatially localized actuation and measurements of
      electrical activity in the heart is crucial in understanding cardiac
      electrophysiology and devising new therapeutic solutions for control of cardiac
      arrhythmias. Current cardiac imaging techniques (i.e. optical mapping) employ
      voltage- or calcium-sensitive fluorescent dyes to visualize the electrical signal
      propagation through cardiac syncytium in vitro or in situ with very high
      spatiotemporal resolution. The extension of optogenetics into the cardiac field,
      where cardiac tissue is genetically altered to express light-sensitive ion
      channels allowing electrical activity to be elicited or suppressed in a precise
      cell-specific way, has opened the possibility for all-optical interrogation of
      cardiac electrophysiology. In vivo application of cardiac optogenetics faces
      multiple challenges and necessitates suitable optical systems employing fiber
      optics to actuate and sense electrical signals. In this technical perspective, we
      present a compendium of clinically relevant access routes to different parts of
      the cardiac electrical conduction system based on currently employed catheter
      imaging systems and determine the quantitative size constraints for endoscopic
      cardiac optogenetics. We discuss the relevant technical advancements in
      microendoscopy, cardiac imaging, and optogenetics and outline the strategies for
      combining them to create a portable, miniaturized fiber-based system for all
      optical interrogation of cardiac electrophysiology in vivo.

PMID- 25117083
TI  - Emergency ultrasound: Leveling the training and assessment landscape.

PMID- 25117084
TI  - The impact of the Massachusetts health care reform on unpaid medical bills.
AB  - The Massachusetts health care reform was expected to reduce the financial burden
      of medical care, but literature exploring this effect is limited. In this study,
      we use hospital financial information and a panel data difference-in-difference
      model to assess the impact of the Massachusetts health care reform on unpaid
      medical bills. We find that the reform reduced the financial burden for patients,
      reflected by a 26percent decrease in hospital bad debt. The effect was more
      pronounced among safety-net hospitals, indicating a larger benefit for the most
      vulnerable population. 

PMID- 25117085
TI  - Financial burden of medical out-of-pocket spending by state and the implications
      of the 2014 Medicaid expansions.
AB  - This study is the first to offer a detailed look at the burden of medical out-of
      pocket spending, defined as total family medical out-of-pocket spending as a
      proportion of income, for each state. It further investigates which states have
      greater shares of individuals with high burden levels and no Medicaid coverage
      but would be Medicaid eligible under the 2014 rules of the Affordable Care Act
      should their state choose to participate in the expansion. This work suggests
      which states have the largest populations likely to benefit, in terms of lowering
      medical spending burden, from participating in the 2014 adult Medicaid
      expansions. 

PMID- 25117081
TI  - Heart failure care in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure places a significant burden on patients and health
      systems in high-income countries. However, information about its burden in low-
      and middle-income countries (LMICs) is scant. We thus set out to review both
      published and unpublished information on the presentation, causes, management,
      and outcomes of heart failure in LMICs. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Medline, Embase,
      Global Health Database, and World Health Organization regional databases were
      searched for studies from LMICs published between 1 January 1995 and 30 March
      2014. Additional unpublished data were requested from investigators and
      international heart failure experts. We identified 42 studies that provided
      relevant information on acute hospital care (25 LMICs; 232,550 patients) and 11
      studies on the management of chronic heart failure in primary care or outpatient
      settings (14 LMICs; 5,358 patients). The mean age of patients studied ranged from
      42 y in Cameroon and Ghana to 75 y in Argentina, and mean age in studies largely
      correlated with the human development index of the country in which they were
      conducted (r = 0.71, p<0.001). Overall, ischaemic heart disease was the main
      reported cause of heart failure in all regions except Africa and the Americas,
      where hypertension was predominant. Taking both those managed acutely in hospital
      and those in non-acute outpatient or community settings together, 57% (95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 49%-64%) of patients were treated with angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitors, 34% (95% CI: 28%-41%) with beta-blockers, and 32%
      (95% CI: 25%-39%) with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Mean inpatient
      stay was 10 d, ranging from 3 d in India to 23 d in China. Acute heart failure
      accounted for 2.2% (range: 0.3%-7.7%) of total hospital admissions, and mean in
      hospital mortality was 8% (95% CI: 6%-10%). There was substantial variation
      between studies (p<0.001 across all variables), and most data were from urban
      tertiary referral centres. Only one population-based study assessing incidence
      and/or prevalence of heart failure was identified. CONCLUSIONS: The presentation,
      underlying causes, management, and outcomes of heart failure vary substantially
      across LMICs. On average, the use of evidence-based medications tends to be
      suboptimal. Better strategies for heart failure surveillance and management in
      LMICs are needed. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

PMID- 25117082
TI  - Identification of cancer stem cells and a strategy for their elimination.
AB  - It has been established previously that up to 40% of mouse CD34(+) hematopoietic
      stem cells are capable of internalizing exogenous dsDNA fragments both in vivo
      and ex vivo. Importantly, when mice are treated with a combination of
      cyclophosphamide and dsDNA, the repair of interstrand crosslinks in hematopoietic
      progenitors is attenuated, and their pluripotency is altered. Here we show for
      the first time that among various actively proliferating mammalian cell
      populations there are subpopulations capable of internalizing dsDNA fragments. In
      the context of cancer, such dsDNA-internalizing cell subpopulations display
      cancer stem cell-like phenotype. Furthermore, using Krebs-2 ascites cells as a
      model, we found that upon combined treatment with cyclophosphamide and dsDNA,
      engrafted material loses its tumor-initiating properties which we attribute to
      the elimination of tumor-initiating stem cell subpopulation or loss of its
      tumorigenic potential. 

PMID- 25117086
TI  - Demand for temporary agency nurses and nursing shortages.
AB  - There is an ongoing debate about the reasons for the growth of temporary
      employment of registered nurses (RNs). Some argue that efficiency incentives to
      increase flexibility and reduce labor costs are the principal cause, while others
      point to shortages of RNs as the stronger determinant. Using hospital-level data
      from California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, we find a
      significant trend of increasing demand for agency nurses during the years of RN
      shortage. Demand rose with inpatient days, patient demand fluctuation, and the
      level of fringe benefits. Competition between hospitals and unionization,
      however, did not affect hospitals' demand for temporary RNs. 

PMID- 25117087
TI  - Impact of CPOE usage on medication management process costs and quality outcomes.
AB  - We assess the impact of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems usage
      on cost and process quality in the medication management process. Data are
      compiled from 1,014 U.S. acute-care hospitals that have already implemented CPOE.
      Data sources include the American Hospital Association, HIMSS Analytics, and the
      Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We examine the association of CPOE
      usage with nursing and pharmacy salary costs, and evidence-based medication
      process compliance. Empirical findings controlling for endogeneity in usage show
      that benefits accrue even when 100 percent usage is not achieved. We demonstrate
      that the relationship of CPOE usage with cost and compliance is non-linear. 

PMID- 25117088
TI  - Polymorphisms in the DNA repair gene ERCC2/XPD and breast cancer risk: a HapMap
      based case-control study among Han Women in a Chinese less-developed area.
AB  - AIMS: Genetic variations in DNA repair genes may impact repair functions, DNA
      damage, and breast cancer risk. This study is aimed to assess the associations of
      genetic polymorphisms in excision repair cross-complementing group 2 (ERCC2) with
      the risk of developing breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 101
      histopathologically confirmed breast cancer cases and 101 age/region-matched
      healthy controls were genotyped for rs 3916840, rs 1799793, and rs 238416 in
      ERCC2 by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.
      RESULTS: The rs 238416 heterozygous GA genotype combined with the rs 238416
      genotypes (GA+AA) showed a significant association with breast cancer
      susceptibility (corrected p<0.01, odds ratio [OR]=0.29, 95% confidence interval
      [CI]=0.15-0.54; corrected p<0.01, OR=0.31, 95% CI=0.17-0.56, respectively). The
      rs 238416 GA genotype carriers had a decreased risk of breast cancer. However, we
      observed no significant association between the rs 3916840 and rs 1799793
      polymorphisms in ERCC2 and breast cancer risk. Moreover, haplotype analysis
      showed that the ACG haplotype was associated with a significantly decreased risk
      of breast cancer, whereas the GCG haplotype was associated with a significantly
      increased risk of breast cancer (corrected p=0.004 and p=0.002, respectively).
      Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis demonstrated that the interactions
      between rs 3916840 and rs 238416 were significantly synergistic. CONCLUSION: To
      the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that the rs
      238416 heterozygous genotype likely has a higher DNA repair capacity and, thus,
      can be protective against breast cancer in Chinese Han women.

PMID- 25117089
TI  - Interactions between voluntary and involuntary attention modulate the quality and
      temporal dynamics of visual processing.
AB  - Successfully navigating a dynamic environment requires the efficient distribution
      of finite neural resources. Voluntary (endogenous) covert spatial attention
      selectively allocates those processing resources to goal-relevant locations in
      the visual scene in the absence of eye movements. However, the allocation of
      spatial attention is not always voluntary; abrupt onsets in the visual periphery
      automatically enhance processing of nearby stimuli (exogenous attention). In
      dynamic environments, exogenous events and internal goals likely compete to
      determine the distribution of attention, but how such competition is resolved is
      not well understood. To investigate how exogenous events interact with the
      concurrent allocation of voluntary attention, we used a speed-accuracy trade-off
      (SAT) procedure. SAT conjointly measures the rate of information accrual and
      asymptotic discriminability, allowing us to measure how attentional interactions
      unfold over time during stimulus processing. We found that both types of
      attention sped information accrual and improved discriminability. However,
      focusing endogenous attention at the target location reduced the effects of
      exogenous cues on the rate of information accrual and rendered negligible their
      effects on asymptotic discriminability. We verified the robustness of these
      findings in four additional experiments that targeted specific, critical response
      delays. In conclusion, the speed and quality of visual processing depend
      conjointly on internally and externally driven attentional states, but it is
      possible to voluntarily diminish distraction by irrelevant events in the
      periphery. 

PMID- 25117090
TI  - The role of mnemonic processes in pure-target and pure-foil recognition memory.
AB  - Surprisingly, response patterns in a recognition memory test are very similar
      regardless of whether the test list contains both targets and foils or just one
      class of items. To better understand these effects, we evaluate performance over
      the course of testing. Output interference (OI) is the decrease in performance
      across test trials due to an increase in noise caused by encoded test items.
      Critically, OI is predicted on pure lists if the mnemonic evidence for each test
      item is evaluated. In two experiments, participants received accurate feedback,
      no feedback, or random feedback that was unrelated to the response on each test
      trial and pure or standard test lists. When no feedback was provided, performance
      was nearly identical for standard and pure test lists, replicating previous
      findings. Only in the presence of accurate feedback were participants able to
      successfully adapt to pure list environments and improve their accuracy.
      Critically, OI was observed, demonstrating that participants continued to
      evaluate mnemonic evidence even in pure list conditions. We discuss the
      implication of these data for models of memory. 

PMID- 25117091
TI  - The perception of Glass patterns by starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).
AB  - Glass patterns are structured dot stimuli used to investigate the visual
      perception of global form. Studies have demonstrated that humans and pigeons
      differ in their processing of circular versus linearly organized Glass patterns.
      To test whether this comparative difference is characteristic of birds as a
      phylogenetic class, we investigated for the first time how a passerine
      (starlings, Sturnus vulgaris) discriminated multiple Glass patterns from random
      dot stimuli in a simultaneous discrimination. By examining acquisition, steady
      state performance, and the effects of diminishing global coherence, it was found
      that the perception of Glass patterns by 5 starlings differed from human
      perception and corresponded to that established with pigeons. This suggests an
      important difference in how birds and primates are specialized in their
      processing of circular visual patterns, perhaps related to face perception, or in
      how these highly visual animals direct attention to the global and local
      components of spatially separated form stimuli. 

PMID- 25117092
TI  - Analytical and clinical performance of a new point of care LABGEOIB D-dimer test
      for diagnosis of venous thromboembolism.
AB  - LABGEO(IB) D-dimer Test is a newly developed POC D-dimer assay and the first
      commercially available POC immunoassay instrument that exploits the disk rotation
      method for extraction of plasma. Citrate plasma was obtained from 201 apparently
      healthy subjects and 91 patients suspected for VTE, and their D-dimer level was
      measured by the LABGEO(IB) D-Dimer Test (LABGEO D-dimer) and HemosIL D-dimer test
      as a comparative method. To examine the effect of blood cells and anticoagulant,
      paired blood samples anticoagulated by heparin and citrate were obtained from
      various postoperative patients. The overall diagnostic performance of LABGEO(IB)
      D-dimer and HemosIL was comparable with similar area under ROC curve (p=0.79).
      The cut-off levels recommended by manufacturers (LABGEO D-dimer: 0.45 MUg/ml
      fibrinogen equivalent unit (FEU), HemosIL: 0.23 MUg/ml D-dimer unit (DDU)) and
      those yielding highest diagnostic efficiency (LABGEO D-dimer: 1.41 MUg/ml FEU;
      HemosIL: 0.85 MUg/ml DDU), were chosen for the evaluation. For LABGEO D-dimer
      negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity,
      specificity, and negative likelihood ratio (LR-neg) were 93-100%, 67-89%, 93
      100%, 53-89% and 0.00-0.08. For HemosIL D-dimer, NPV, PPV, sensitivity,
      specificity and LR-neg were 90 - 100%, 76-95%, 89-100%, 70-96% and 0.00-0.12, all
      comparable to results for LABGEO D-dimer. LABGEO D-dimer test demonstrated
      acceptable performance when used for the VTE diagnostic work-up. 

PMID- 25117094
TI  - Accumulation and absorption of serum amyloid A and apolipoprotein E fragments in
      the course of AA amyloidosis: a study in a mouse model.
AB  - Reactive AA amyloidosis develops secondary to chronic inflammatory disorders.
      Serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and its degradation products, named AAs, are the
      main components of amyloid deposits, while apolipoprotein E (apoE) fragments are
      the minor components. To further understand the molecular mechanism of AA
      amyloidosis, we examined SAA/AAs moieties and apoE in the spleen and plasma
      throughout the amyloid-generating and amyloid-absorbing phases in a mouse model.
      SAA and four AA species (8.5kDa, 7.8kDa, 7.0kDa, and 6.2kDa) were detected in the
      spleen. SAA and the 8.5 kDa and 7.8 kDa AAs were prominent in the acute phase,
      whereas the 7.0kDa AA, the second smallest AA corresponding to the most common
      form in the human disease, was prominent in the chronic phase. These results
      indicate that the higher molecular weight species first constituted the fibril,
      followed by the 7.0kDa species, which were finally absorbed. ApoE was a component
      of the amyloid deposits at a degradation size from the beginning and was absorbed
      without being converted to another size. Degradation products, either from SAA or
      apoE, did not appear in the plasma during the course of the disease. A more
      detailed understanding of the moieties of amyloid-related peptides may help in
      the development of a method that can indicate the disease activity of AA
      amyloidosis. 

PMID- 25117093
TI  - The anti-cancer peptide, PNC-27, induces tumor cell necrosis of a poorly
      differentiated non-solid tissue human leukemia cell line that depends on
      expression of HDM-2 in the plasma membrane of these cells.
AB  - GOALS: We have developed the anti-cancer peptide, PNC-27, which is a membrane
      active peptide that binds to the HDM-2 protein expressed in the cancer cell
      membranes of solid tissue tumor cells and induces transmembrane pore formation in
      cancer, but not in normal cells, resulting in tumor cell necrosis that is
      independent of p53 activity in these cells. We now extend our study to non-solid
      tissue tumor cells, in this case, a primitive, possible stem cell human leukemia
      cell line (K562) that is also p53-homozygously deleted. Our purpose was twofold:
      to investigate if these cells likewise express HDM-2 in their plasma membranes
      and to determine if our anti-cancer peptide induces tumor cell necrosis in these
      non-solid tissue tumor cells in a manner that depends on the interaction between
      the peptide and membrane-bound HDM-2. PROCEDURES: The anti-cancer activity and
      mechanism of PNC-27, which carries a p53 aa12-26-leader sequence connected on its
      carboxyl terminal end to a trans-membrane-penetrating sequence or membrane
      residency peptide (MRP), was studied against p53-null K562 leukemia cells. Murine
      leukocytes were used as a non-cancer cell control. Necrosis was determined by
      measuring the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and apoptosis was determined by
      the detection of Caspases 3 and 7. Membrane colocalization of PNC-27 with HDM-2
      was analyzed microscopically using fluorescently labeled antibodies against HDM-2
      and PNC-27 peptides. RESULTS: We found that K562 cells strongly express HDM-2
      protein in their membranes and that PNC-27 co-localizes with this protein in the
      membranes of these cells. PNC-27, but not the negative control peptide PNC-29, is
      selectively cytotoxic to K562 cells, inducing nearly 100 percent cell killing
      with LDH release. In contrast, this peptide had no effect on the lymphocyte
      control cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that HDM-2 is expressed in the
      membranes of non-solid tissue tumor cells in addition to the membranes of solid
      tissue tumor cells. Since K-562 cells appear to be in the stem cell family, the
      results suggest that early developing tumor cells also express HDM-2 protein in
      their membranes. Since PNC-27 induces necrosis of K-562 leukemia cells and co
      localizes with HDM-2 in the tumor cell membrane as an early event, we conclude
      that the association of PNC-27 with HDM-2 in the cancer cell membrane results in
      trans-membrane pore formation which results in cancer cell death, as previously
      discovered in a number of different solid tissue tumor cells. Since K562 cells
      lack p53 expression, these effects of PNC-27 on this leukemia cell line occur by
      a p53-independent pathway.

PMID- 25117095
TI  - Calcium oxalate crystallization index (COCI): an alternative method for
      distinguishing nephrolithiasis patients from healthy individuals.
AB  - Urinary supersaturation triggers lithogenic crystal formation. We developed an
      alternative test, designated calcium oxalate crystallization index (COCI), to
      distinguish nephrolithiasis patients from healthy individuals based on their
      urinary crystallization capability. The effect of urine volume, oxalate,
      phosphate, citrate, potassium, and sodium on COCI values was investigated. COCI
      values were determined in 24-hr urine obtained from nephrolithiasis patients
      (n=72) and matched healthy controls (n=71). Increases in urine oxalate and
      phosphate and decreases in urine volume and citrate resulted in significantly
      increased COCI values. The urinary COCI in nephrolithiasis patients was
      significantly higher than that in healthy individuals. Two healthy subjects who
      had elevated COCI values were found to have asymptomatic kidney calculi. The
      receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve of the
      urinary COCI test of 0.9499 (95%CI: 0.9131-0.9868) for distinguishing between
      nephrolithiasis and healthy subjects. At the cutoff of 165 mg oxalate
      equivalence/day, the urinary COCI test provided sensitivity, specificity, and
      accuracy amounts of 83.33%, 97.18%, and 90.21%, respectively. Urinary COCI values
      were primarily dependent on urine volume, oxalate, and phosphate. The test
      provided high sensitivity and specificity for clinically discriminating
      nephrolithiasis patients from healthy controls. It might be used to detect
      individuals with asymptomatic kidney calculi. 

PMID- 25117096
TI  - Extracellular MCT4 is a possible indicator for skeletal muscle MHC fiber type
      change.
AB  - Biochemical markers that indicate fiber type rearrangement in myosin heavy chain
      (MHC) have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise and/or
      rehabilitation therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether measures
      of extracellular monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) protein can help in the
      detection of MHC fiber type variation. Human skeletal muscle cells (HSkMCs) were
      succumbed to high atmospheric pressure. Immunoblot analyses were performed to
      evaluate MHC fiber type change, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system
      was developed for the quantification of MCT4 concentration. Static pressurization
      to HSkMCs resulted in an increase in cells of median diameter (18 MUm). The
      proportion of MHC Type I fiber was increased by pressurization, and MCT4 protein
      concentration in the culture medium was also increased in the pressurized sample.
      We conclude that the amount of MCT4 in culture medium released from HSkMCs
      reflects fiber type changes in MHC. 

PMID- 25117097
TI  - Associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms related to insulin resistance
      with polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated and validated most of the hitherto-suggested
      polymorphisms for PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA samples from 359 pre
      menopausal Korean women with PCOS (n=196) and without (n=166) were analyzed by
      primer extension and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight
      (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry using iPLEX Gold technology from Sequenom (Sequenom
      Inc, San Diego, CA, USA) to determine the genotypic frequency of 80 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the 49 genes. RESULTS: Four SNPs
      (rs10060745, rs1719889, rs680, rs705379) showed moderate association with a risk
      of PCOS. Three (rs1719889, rs680, and rs705379) out of four SNPs were related to
      insulin resistance. The rs705379 showed significant association with increased
      fasting glucose (p=0.045) and serum 2-h C-peptide level (p=0.026). The rs1719889
      showed significant association with fasting glucose level (p=0.03). CONCLUSION:
      Our results provide evidence for the relationship between high prevalence of
      insulin resistance and PCOS.

PMID- 25117098
TI  - Life style intervention in moderately overweight individuals is associated with
      decreased levels of cathepsins L and S in plasma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue cells produce cathepsins L and S, which have
      proatherogenic effects. Obesity is strongly linked to atherogenesis,
      cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study
      was to see if life style interventions/weight reduction could decrease cathepsin
      L and S levels in blood plasma. METHOD: Study subjects (n=31) were recruited to a
      life style intervention program aiming at increased physical activity, more
      healthy eating habits, and weight reduction for most of the participants. Blood
      samples were collected at inclusion and after 4 and 8 weeks. RESULTS: Cathepsin L
      was significantly reduced at 4 weeks (p<0.0001) and 8 weeks (p=0.0004). A similar
      reduction was also seen for cathepsin S at 4 weeks (p=0.03) and 8 weeks
      (p=0.008). No significant change in fractalkine values was observed at 4 weeks
      (p=0.58), but a significant increase was apparent at 8 weeks (p=0.0002).
      CONCLUSION: The intervention program resulted in significant reductions of
      cathepsin L and S levels in plasma after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention.

PMID- 25117099
TI  - Correlation between low folate levels and hyperhomocysteinemia, but not with
      vitamin B12 in hypertensive patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is considered to be among the most important risk
      factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In recent years, several
      investigators have reported that high plasma levels of total homocysteine (t-hcy)
      has a key role in the development of hypertension, and the deficiency of B
      complex vitamins could increase the risk of hypertension. The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the relationship between plasma homocysteine, folate and
      vitamin B12 in hypertensive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 116 patients with
      hypertension and 81 healthy subjects, total plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12 and
      folate levels were measured. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Homocysteine was
      significantly higher in patients than in control subjects (22.9+/-3.5 versus
      9.0+/-2.3 MUmol/L respectively, p<0.001); the folate plasma concentrations in
      hypertensive patients were significantly lower than in control subjects (6.7+/
      5.0 ng/ml and 9.0+/-4.4 ng/ml respectively, p<0.05). Moreover, no differences in
      vitamin B12 plasma levels were observed when comparing the levels of hypertensive
      patients and those of the controls (440+/-223 pg/ml vs 491+/-185 pg/ml
      respectively, p>0.05). Our results confirmed that, as previously observed,
      elevated t-hcy levels and low folate levels, but not vitamin B12 levels, are
      significantly associated with hypertension.

PMID- 25117100
TI  - Higher sensitivity of capillary electrophoresis in detecting hemoglobin
      A2'compared to traditional gel electrophoresis.
AB  - HbA2' (also called Hb B2) is the most common delta-globin chain defect and is
      reported to occur in 1-2% of the African American population. The major clinical
      significance of HbA2' is that the failure to detect it might lead to an
      underestimation of the total HbA2, leading to failure to diagnose beta
      thalassemia minor. In order to diagnose beta-thalassemia minor, both HbA2 and
      HbA2' levels must be combined.Hb A2' accounts for a small percentage (1-2%) of
      the total hemoglobin in heterozygotes. It is difficult to detect this small
      amount by traditional gel electrophoresis. Using HPLC Hb A2' is easily detected
      as it produces a minor peak in the S window. Other conditions which might
      interfere with detection of HbA2' by HPLC include Hb S trait or Hb SS disease (Hb
      A2' hidden in the S peak), transfused Hb SS (Hb S peak may be very small), Hb C
      trait or Hb CC disease (glycosylated Hb C elutes in the S window), and Hb G (Hb
      G2 elutes in the S window). All of the above conditions, including Hb A2', occur
      most commonly in the same ethnic group (African American). We reviewed 654
      consecutive cases over a period of three months for the presence of Hb A2' in our
      laboratory where capillary electrophoresis is used as the primary diagnostic
      tool. We detected seven cases (1.07 %) of HbA2'. In contrast, we did not detect
      any HbA2' using conventional gel electrophoresis in the last one year (2,580
      cases). Although in none of the seven cases the sum of Hb A2 and Hb A2' exceeded
      3.5%, we believe that capillary electrophoresis allows for a better detection of
      Hb A2' than gel electrophoresis and HPLC. 

PMID- 25117101
TI  - ABCB1 expression in peptic ulcer patients and its connection with H. pylori
      Infection.
AB  - Glycoprotein P, encoded by the ABCB1 gene, plays an important role in gastric
      mucosa homeostasis and can influence the eradication therapy outcome in H. pylori
      infected individuals. In the study we examined the ABCB1 expression level in 128
      peptic ulcer patients by real-time PCR. There was no correlation between gene
      expression and the presence of H. pylori or the H. pylori infection intensity.
      The expression level did not differ between women and men. However, the levels
      were higher in patients who were over 54 years old than those who were aged up to
      54 years old. As ABCB1 expression is largely determined by genetic polymorphisms,
      in the future, expression data will be related to the patients' ABCB1 genotypes. 

PMID- 25117102
TI  - Role of apolipoprotein AI gene polymorphism (G-75A and C+83T) in essential
      hypertension in Indian population.
AB  - Hypertension is becoming a public health emergency worldwide. It has been seen
      that both genetics and gene-environment interactions are major determinants of
      lipoprotein abnormalities and hypertension. This study elucidates the effect of
      apolipoprotein AI gene polymorphism (G-75A and C+83T) in 50 cases of essential
      hypertension and equal number of age & sex matched control subjects in the Indian
      population. Higher instances of obesity and more adverse biochemical profiles
      were found in hypertensives [GA (74%) and CT (56%) most commonly observed
      genotypes]. Presence of A and T alleles and GA (-75 bp) and CT (+83 bp)
      heterozygosity in apolipoprotein AI gene play an important role in essential
      hypertension (GA genotype had an odds ratio of 4.27 (1.69-10.96) of developing
      essential hypertension). The odds ratio for the GA genotype was 3.74 (95%CI, 0.83
      9.0) in the presence of confounding factors including total proteins, albumin,
      amylase, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL and body mass index. It indicates
      one of the potential areas where population studies may be taken up for
      identifying the genetic basis of essential hypertension. 

PMID- 25117103
TI  - Influence of iron regulating genes mutations on iron status in Egyptian patients
      with sickle cell disease.
AB  - Mutations of the HAMP gene and HFE gene have a role in iron overload. We assessed
      the frequency of the G71D mutation of the HAMP gene and the H63D mutation of the
      HFE gene and the correlation between these mutations as well as the correlation
      between them and the iron overload in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients.
      Genotyping of G71D of HAMP and of H63D of HFE variants was performed by
      polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism on 47 SCD
      patients and 45 controls. The iron status was assessed by serum ferritin and
      transferrin saturation. We found 61.7% of the patients had a wild genotype in
      both genes, 14.9% had a variation in HAMP-G71D, 27.7% had a variation in HFE
      H63D, and 4.3% had variations in both. Patients with either HAMP-G71D or HFE-H63D
      variants did not show significant difference in iron status in comparison to
      patients with wild type genotypes. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that
      the number of mutations harbored by the patients tends to affect the serum
      ferritin level; p=0.07. Thus, The HAMP-G71D and HFE-H63D variants are not
      uncommon among the Egyptian SCD patients; neither of them alone was found to be a
      major determinant of iron overload in the studied patients. Nevertheless, the
      number of harboured mutations may increase the probability of iron overload in
      these patients. 

PMID- 25117104
TI  - A cooperative approach to diagnosis of rare diseases: primitive myxoid
      mesenchymal tumor of infancy.
AB  - Primitive Myxoid Mesenchymal Tumor of Infancy (PMMTI) is a recently recognized
      locally aggressive myofibroblastic tumor. It is a low- to intermediate-grade
      fibroblastic malignancy with a high local recurrence rate but low metastatic
      potential and is composed of primitive spindled cells in a myxoid background. We
      present the eleventh reported case of PMMTI, occurring in the sinonasal tract of
      a 3-year old child. This case is novel in both the relatively older age of the
      child, the location of the tumor, and the role that immunohistochemical stains,
      and cytogenetic analysis played in differentiating it from similar diagnoses that
      differ considerably in their chemosensitivity and recurrence rates. Close
      collaboration between the pathologist and surgeon was crucial as different
      diagnoses would have led to vastly different treatment strategies for the
      patient. 

PMID- 25117106
TI  - Traumatic neuroma of the anus after Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.
AB  - There are several clinical settings of traumatic neuroma and a few may occur
      following surgical procedures. A 42-year-old man presented with anal pain five
      years after a Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy for prolapsing hemorrhoids. A
      4*4*3 mm sized anal polyp was seen during a rectal examination at a follow-up
      five years after surgery. The patient complained of point tenderness, pruritus,
      and anal discomfort as well as fecal retention. An endoscopy revealed a rectal
      polyp. Remarkably, histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry of the
      excised polyp showed a polypoid traumatic neuroma of the rectal plexus. After the
      excision of the polyp, the patient's complaint resolved completely. Traumatic
      neuromas may be a cause of significant pain and tenderness in patients with anal
      surgery or repair of anal lacerations. Interestingly, this is the second case of
      anal traumatic neuroma since Dr. Marks' first case in 1956 and is a possible
      complication of Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy for prolapsing hemorrhoids.
      Similar complications of rectal surgery are reviewed. 

PMID- 25117105
TI  - Two novel FAH gene mutations in a patient with hereditary tyrosinemia type I.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hereditary tyrosinemia type I (HT I) is a severe inborn metabolic
      disorder affecting the tyrosine degradation pathway. Most untreated patients die
      within the first two years of life. HT I results from fumarylacetoacetate
      hydrolase (FAH) deficiency caused by mutations in the FAH gene. The diagnosis of
      HT I is confirmed by measuring FAH enzyme activity in cultured fibroblasts or
      liver tissue and/or detecting disease-causing mutations in the FAH gene. METHODS:
      A female neonate was referred to our hospital for further evaluation of an
      abnormal newborn screening test that showed elevated tyrosine levels. We analyzed
      amino acids and organic acids in the patient's blood and urine. To identify the
      genetic abnormality, all the coding exons and flanking introns of the FAH gene
      were analyzed via PCR. RESULTS: A repeat newborn screening test and plasma amino
      acid analysis revealed increased tyrosine levels in the patient. Urine organic
      acid analysis showed increased urinary excretion of 4-hydroxyphenyllactate, 4
      hydroxyphenylpyruvate, and succinylacetone. Sequence analysis of the FAH gene
      identified two novel variations (c.536A>G (p.Gln179Arg) and c.913+5G>A) that had
      not been previously reported and that were not found in 170 healthy controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: HT I was confirmed in this patient by molecular genetic analysis of
      the FAH gene, with highly suggestive biochemical findings. The novel sequence
      variations detected in the present study should be considered disease-causing
      mutations by in silico analysis. In the Korean population, this is the first
      described case of HT I caused by a point mutation in the FAH gene.

PMID- 25117107
TI  - Hypercalcemia and renal failure in a young man: lessons in diagnosis.
AB  - Hypercalcemia is a common clinical problem. Morbidity and mortality associated
      with hypercalcemia are directly related to its underlying cause, making
      identification of the correct underlying etiology vital. When hypercalcemia is
      combined with acute kidney injury it points towards very specific diagnoses. We
      present a case of a young man with hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury who had
      multiple unusual laboratory findings that lead to the establishment of a correct
      diagnosis. 

PMID- 25117108
TI  - Fresh frozen plasma as a source of cholesterol for newborn with Smith-Lemli-Opitz
      syndrome associated with defective cholesterol synthesis.
AB  - The Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive condition that is
      characterized by a mutation in the DHCR7 encoding the 7-dehydrocholesterol-Delta7
      reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the last step in cholesterol biosynthesis.
      The syndrome occurs in 1:20,000 newborns with an estimated gene carrier frequency
      in US Caucasian population of 1 to 2%. The severe form of SLOS in newborns leads
      to multiple malformations and mental retardation. The malformations present were
      facial dysmorphisms, cleft palate, congenital heart disease, genitourinary
      abnormalities, and syndactyly of the toes. The identification of the biochemical
      basis of SLOS has led to the development of therapeutic regimes based on dietary
      cholesterol supplementation. In this case report, we present a case of SLOS that
      was treated by fresh frozen plasma to increase the level of serum Cholesterol
      since oral and rectal cholesterol replacement was not possible in this instance. 

PMID- 25117109
TI  - "20209C-T" a variant mutation of prothrombin gene mutation in a patient with
      recurrent pregnancy loss.
AB  - Recurrent pregnancy loss is considered when a female undergoes at least two
      consecutive, spontaneous abortions or more than two alternatively. This condition
      affects approximately 5% of women in reproductive age. Several causes of
      recurrent abortion have been established, but nevertheless, approximately half of
      all cases remain unexplained. Thrombophilic disorders have been suggested as a
      possible cause of recurrent miscarriage. A single 20210 G-A mutation of the 3'
      untranslated region of (F2) has been reported as a cause of inherited
      thrombophilia. The F2 G-A mutation affects 1% to 4% of the US population, and its
      prevalence is higher among Caucasian women of Southern European descendants.
      Studies of G20210A polymorphism have also shown conflicting associations with
      recurrent abortions. In addition to G20210A polymorphism, other mutations
      affecting the F2 gene have been associated with thrombosis and/or pregnancy
      complications. 

PMID- 25117111
TI  - Shock Wave Induced Collapse of Arrays of Nanobubbles Located Next to a Lipid
      Membrane: Coarse-Grained Computer Simulations.
AB  - We used molecular dynamics simulations to study creation of pores in lipid
      bilayer membranes by inducing shock waves in systems containing arrays of
      nanobubbles next to these membranes. Shock waves impinged on the bubbles
      imploding them and produced nanojets that subsequently hit the bilayers making
      pores in them. Our simulations were performed using the MARTINI coarse-grained
      force field. The emphasis in our study was on the interaction of shock waves with
      two-bubble arrays when the bubbles were placed in different alignments. We
      observed that the largest damage to the bilayer was produced when two bubbles
      were positioned in a serial alignment and the bubbles touched each other. When
      two touching each other bubbles were located parallel to the membrane surface and
      at the same distance from the surface, the membrane damage was reduced, compared
      to the damage done by explosion of two independent nanobubbles. When two
      nanobubbles were placed in slanted configurations, the damage was intermediate
      between damages produced by two bubbles in parallel or serial alignment. Damage
      to the membrane produced by arrays containing more than two bubbles can be
      understood as a combination of damage produced by all three alignments of two
      bubbles. 

PMID- 25117114
TI  - The aqueduct: William Sartain.

PMID- 25117110
TI  - Vitamin K deficiency bleeding leading to the diagnosis of Crohn's disease.
AB  - We report the case of a 45 year old man who came to Emergency Room of Polyclinic
      for sudden onset of localized ecchymosis and widespread hematomas. He was
      subjected to blood count and first level investigations to assess coagulation.
      Based on the results, second level investigations were performed. Endoscopy of
      the gastrointestinal tract with histological examination revealed a diagnosis of
      Crohn's disease. Vitamin K deficiency causes the formation of vitamin K-dependent
      clotting factors that cannot perform their pro-coagulant action. Consequently,
      patients present with hemorrhagic manifestations. Clinical and laboratory
      features observed in this patient show that the deficiency of vitamin K-dependent
      coagulation factors may reveal a complex clinical condition such as an
      inflammatory bowel disease. 

PMID- 25117115
TI  - NIH's Undiagnosed Diseases Program expands: 6 new sites offer potential answers
      to more patients.

PMID- 25117116
TI  - Use of morcellation to remove fibroids scrutinized at FDA hearings.

PMID- 25117126
TI  - A piece of my mind. If these walls could talk.

PMID- 25117127
TI  - Flexible sigmoidoscopy for colorectal cancer screening: more evidence, persistent
      ironies.

PMID- 25117128
TI  - Meta-analysis as evidence: building a better pyramid.

PMID- 25117129
TI  - Effect of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening on colorectal cancer incidence and
      mortality: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Colorectal cancer is a major health burden. Screening is recommended
      in many countries. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effectiveness of flexible
      sigmoidoscopy screening on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in a
      population-based trial. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized clinical
      trial of 100,210 individuals aged 50 to 64 years, identified from the population
      of Oslo city and Telemark County, Norway. Screening was performed in 1999-2000
      (55-64-year age group) and in 2001 (50-54-year age group), with follow-up ending
      December 31, 2011. Of those selected, 1415 were excluded due to prior colorectal
      cancer, emigration, or death, and 3 could not be traced in the population
      registry. INTERVENTIONS: Participants randomized to the screening group were
      invited to undergo screening. Within the screening group, participants were
      randomized 1:1 to receive once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy or combination of once
      only flexible sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood testing (FOBT). Participants
      with positive screening test results (cancer, adenoma, polyp >=10 mm, or positive
      FOBT) were offered colonoscopy. The control group received no intervention. MAIN
      OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. RESULTS: A
      total of 98,792 participants were included in the intention-to-screen analyses,
      of whom 78,220 comprised the control group and 20,572 comprised the screening
      group (10,283 randomized to receive a flexible sigmoidoscopy and 10,289 to
      receive flexible sigmoidoscopy and FOBT). Adherence with screening was 63%. After
      a median of 10.9 years, 71 participants died of colorectal cancer in the
      screening group vs 330 in the control group (31.4 vs 43.1 deaths per 100,000
      person-years; absolute rate difference, 11.7 [95% CI, 3.0-20.4]; hazard ratio
      [HR], 0.73 [95% CI, 0.56-0.94]). Colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 253
      participants in the screening group vs 1086 in the control group (112.6 vs 141.0
      cases per 100,000 person-years; absolute rate difference, 28.4 [95% CI, 12.1
      44.7]; HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.70-0.92]). Colorectal cancer incidence was reduced in
      both the 50- to 54-year age group (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.49-0.94) and the 55- to 64
      year age group (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.96). There was no difference between the
      flexible sigmoidoscopy only vs the flexible sigmoidoscopy and FOBT screening
      groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In Norway, once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy
      screening or flexible sigmoidoscopy and FOBT reduced colorectal cancer incidence
      and mortality on a population level compared with no screening. Screening was
      effective both in the 50- to 54-year and the 55- to 64-year age groups. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00119912.

PMID- 25117130
TI  - Perioperative atrial fibrillation and the long-term risk of ischemic stroke.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Clinically apparent atrial fibrillation increases the risk of
      ischemic stroke. In contrast, perioperative atrial fibrillation may be viewed as
      a transient response to physiological stress, and the long-term risk of stroke
      after perioperative atrial fibrillation is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To examine the
      association between perioperative atrial fibrillation and the long-term risk of
      stroke. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort study using
      administrative claims data on patients hospitalized for surgery (as defined by
      surgical diagnosis related group codes), and discharged alive and free of
      documented cerebrovascular disease or preexisting atrial fibrillation from
      nonfederal California acute care hospitals between 2007 and 2011. Patients
      undergoing cardiac vs other types of surgery were analyzed separately. MAIN
      OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Previously validated diagnosis codes were used to identify
      ischemic strokes after discharge from the index hospitalization for surgery. The
      primary predictor variable was atrial fibrillation newly diagnosed during the
      index hospitalization, as defined by previously validated present-on-admission
      codes. Patients were censored at postdischarge emergency department encounters or
      hospitalizations with a recorded diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: Of
      1,729,360 eligible patients, 24,711 (1.43%; 95% CI, 1.41%-1.45%) had new-onset
      perioperative atrial fibrillation during the index hospitalization and 13,952
      (0.81%; 95% CI, 0.79%-0.82%) experienced a stroke after discharge. At 1 year
      after hospitalization for cardiac surgery, cumulative rates of stroke were 0.99%
      (95% CI, 0.81%-1.20%) in those with perioperative atrial fibrillation and 0.83%
      (95% CI, 0.76%-0.91%) in those without atrial fibrillation. At 1 year after
      noncardiac surgery, cumulative rates of stroke were 1.47% (95% CI, 1.24%-1.75%)
      in those with perioperative atrial fibrillation and 0.36% (95% CI, 0.35%-0.37%)
      in those without atrial fibrillation. In a Cox proportional hazards analysis
      accounting for potential confounders, perioperative atrial fibrillation was
      associated with subsequent stroke both after cardiac surgery (hazard ratio, 1.3;
      95% CI, 1.1-1.6) and noncardiac surgery (hazard ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.7-2.3). The
      association was significantly stronger for perioperative atrial fibrillation
      after noncardiac vs cardiac surgery (P < .001 for interaction). CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Among patients hospitalized for surgery, perioperative atrial
      fibrillation was associated with an increased long-term risk of ischemic stroke,
      especially following noncardiac surgery.

PMID- 25117131
TI  - Association between analytic strategy and estimates of treatment outcomes in meta
      analyses.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: A persistent dilemma when performing meta-analyses is whether all
      available trials should be included in the meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: To compare
      treatment outcomes estimated by meta-analysis of all trials and several
      alternative analytic strategies: single most precise trial (ie, trial with the
      narrowest confidence interval), meta-analysis restricted to the 25% largest
      trials, limit meta-analysis (a meta-analysis model adjusted for small-study
      effect), and meta-analysis restricted to trials at low overall risk of bias. DATA
      SOURCES: One hundred sixty-three meta-analyses published between 2008 and 2010 in
      high-impact-factor journals and between 2011 and 2013 in the Cochrane Database of
      Systematic Reviews: 92 (705 randomized clinical trials [RCTs]) with subjective
      outcomes and 71 (535 RCTs) with objective outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: For each meta
      analysis, the difference in treatment outcomes between meta-analysis of all
      trials and each alternative strategy, expressed as a ratio of odds ratios (ROR),
      was assessed considering the dependency between strategies. A difference greater
      than 30% was considered substantial. RORs were combined by random-effects meta
      analysis models to obtain an average difference across the sample. An ROR greater
      than 1 indicates larger treatment outcomes with meta-analysis of all trials.
      Subjective and objective outcomes were analyzed separately. RESULTS: Treatment
      outcomes were larger in the meta-analysis of all trials than in the single most
      precise trial (combined ROR, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.07-1.19]) for subjective outcomes
      and 1.03 (95% CI, 1.01-1.05) for objective outcomes). The difference in treatment
      outcomes between these strategies was substantial in 47 of 92 (51%) meta-analyses
      of subjective outcomes (meta-analysis of all trials showing larger outcomes in
      40/47) and in 28 of 71 (39%) meta-analyses of objective outcomes (meta-analysis
      of all trials showing larger outcomes in 21/28). The combined ROR for subjective
      and objective outcomes was, respectively, 1.08 (95% CI, 1.04-1.13) and 1.03 (95%
      CI, 1.00-1.06) when comparing meta-analysis of all trials and meta-analysis of
      the 25% largest trials, 1.17 (95% CI, 1.11-1.22) and 1.13 (95% CI, 0.82-1.55)
      when comparing meta-analysis of all trials and limit meta-analysis, and 0.94 (95%
      CI, 0.86-1.04) and 1.03 (95% CI, 1.00-1.06) when comparing meta-analysis of all
      trials and meta-analysis restricted to trials at low risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS
      AND RELEVANCE: Estimation of treatment outcomes in meta-analyses differs
      depending on the strategy used. This instability in findings can result in major
      alterations in the conclusions derived from the analysis and underlines the need
      for systematic sensitivity analyses.

PMID- 25117133
TI  - Youth experimentation with e-cigarettes: another interpretation of the data.

PMID- 25117132
TI  - Treatment of hepatitis C: a systematic review.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects more than 185 million individuals
      worldwide. Twenty percent of patients chronically infected with HCV progress to
      cirrhosis. New, simpler therapeutics using direct-acting antivirals that target
      various stages of the HCV life cycle are in development to eradicate HCV without
      concomitant interferon. OBJECTIVES: To summarize published evidence on safety,
      efficacy (measured by a sustained virologic response [SVR], which is the
      treatment goal of undetectable plasma HCV RNA 12 or 24 weeks after therapy
      completion), and tolerability of current US Food and Drug Administration-approved
      interferon-based regimens and oral interferon-free regimens used for treating HCV
      infection and coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HCV; to
      provide treatment recommendations for specialists and generalists based on
      published evidence. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A literature search of Web of Science,
      Scopus, Embase, Agricola, Cochrane Library, Cinahl Plus, ClinicalTrials.gov,
      Conference Papers Index, Gideon, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and Oaister was
      conducted from January 1, 2009, to May 30, 2014. Publications describing phase 2,
      3, and 4 studies evaluating the treatment of HCV were included. Forty-one studies
      involving 19,063 adult patients were included. Strength of clinical data and
      subsequent HCV treatment recommendations were graded according to the Oxford
      Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. FINDINGS: Patients infected with HCV genotype
      1 represent 60% to 75% of HCV infections in the United States. Hepatitis C virus
      genotype 1 is more difficult to cure than genotype 2 or genotype 3. Patients with
      HCV genotype 1 should receive treatment with sofosbuvir + pegylated interferon +
      ribavirin because of the shorter duration of therapy and high rates of SVR (89%
      90%). Simeprevir + pegylated interferon + ribavirin is an alternative for
      patients with HCV genotype 1 (SVR, 79%-86%). Patients with HCV genotypes 2 and 3,
      representing 20% to 29% of US HCV infections, should receive therapy with
      sofosbuvir + ribavirin alone (SVR for genotype 2, 12 weeks' duration: 82%-93%;
      SVR for genotype 3, 24 weeks' duration, 80%-95%). Patients with HIV-HCV
      coinfection and patients with compensated cirrhosis (ie, cirrhosis but preserved
      synthetic liver function) should receive the same treatment as HCV-monoinfected
      patients. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: New, short-duration, simpler therapies
      result in high SVR rates for HCV-infected patients. In conjunction with increased
      screening for HCV as suggested by recent Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention guidelines, availability of new therapies may lead to the treatment of
      many more people with chronic HCV infection.

PMID- 25117134
TI  - Serum ammonia level for the evaluation of hepatic encephalopathy.

PMID- 25117135
TI  - Time to cardioversion for acute atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic
      complications.

PMID- 25117136
TI  - Risk and benefits of screening mammography.

PMID- 25117137
TI  - Risk and benefits of screening mammography--reply.

PMID- 25117138
TI  - Transparency in the delivery of mental health care.

PMID- 25117139
TI  - Transparency in the delivery of mental health care--reply.

PMID- 25117140
TI  - Hospital alarms and patient safety.

PMID- 25117141
TI  - Hospital alarms and patient safety--reply.

PMID- 25117146
TI  - Viral hepatitis--1975.

PMID- 25117147
TI  - JAMA patient page. Hepatitis C.

PMID- 25117148
TI  - Novel ABCC8 (SUR1) gene mutations in Asian Indian children with congenital
      hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia.
AB  - Congenital hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HI) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder
      of insulin secretion characterized by persistent hypoglycemia, most commonly
      associated with inactivating mutations of the beta-cell ATP-sensitive K(+)
      channel (K(ATP) channel) genes ABCC8 (encoding SUR1) and KCNJ11(encoding Kir6.2).
      This study aimed to screen the mutations in the genes associated with congenital
      HI in Asian Indian children. Recessive mutations of these genes cause
      hyperinsulinism that is unresponsive to treatment with channel agonists like
      diazoxide. Dominant K(ATP) mutations have been associated with diazoxide
      responsive disease. The KCNJ11, ABCC8, GCK, HNF4A, and GLUD1 genes were analyzed
      by sequence analysis in 22 children with congenital HI. We found 10 novel
      mutations (c.1delA, c.61delG, c.267delT, c.619-629delCCCGAGGACCT, Gln444*,
      Leu724Pro, Ala847Thr, Trp898*, IVS30-2A>C, and Leu1454Arg) and two known
      mutations (Gly111Arg and Arg598*) in the ABCC8 gene. This study describes novel
      and known ABCC8 gene mutations in children with congenital HI. This is the first
      large genetic screening study on HI in India and our results will help clinicians
      in providing optimal treatment for patients with hyperinsulinemia and in
      assisting affected families with genetic counseling. 

PMID- 25117149
TI  - Likelihood ratio tests in rare variant detection for continuous phenotypes.
AB  - It is believed that rare variants play an important role in human phenotypes;
      however, the detection of rare variants is extremely challenging due to their
      very low minor allele frequency. In this paper, the likelihood ratio test (LRT)
      and restricted likelihood ratio test (ReLRT) are proposed to test the association
      of rare variants based on the linear mixed effects model, where a group of rare
      variants are treated as random effects. Like the sequence kernel association test
      (SKAT), a state-of-the-art method for rare variant detection, LRT and ReLRT can
      effectively overcome the problem of directionality of effect inherent in the
      burden test in practice. By taking full advantage of the spectral decomposition,
      exact finite sample null distributions for LRT and ReLRT are obtained by
      simulation. We perform extensive numerical studies to evaluate the performance of
      LRT and ReLRT, and compare to the burden test, SKAT and SKAT-O. The simulations
      have shown that LRT and ReLRT can correctly control the type I error, and the
      controls are robust to the weights chosen and the number of rare variants under
      study. LRT and ReLRT behave similarly to the burden test when all the causal rare
      variants share the same direction of effect, and outperform SKAT across various
      situations. When both positive and negative effects exist, LRT and ReLRT suffer
      from few power reductions compared to the other two competing methods; under this
      case, an additional finding from our simulations is that SKAT-O is no longer the
      optimal test, and its power is even lower than that of SKAT. The exome sequencing
      SNP data from Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 were employed to illustrate the
      proposed methods, and interesting results are described. 

PMID- 25117150
TI  - ABCC5 transporter is a novel type 2 diabetes susceptibility gene in European and
      African American populations.
AB  - Numerous functional studies have implicated PARL in relation to type 2 diabetes
      (T2D). We hypothesised that conflicting human association studies may be due to
      neighbouring causal variants being in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with PARL. We
      conducted a comprehensive candidate gene study of the extended LD genomic region
      that includes PARL and transporter ABCC5 using three data sets (two European and
      one African American), in relation to healthy glycaemic variation, visceral fat
      accumulation and T2D disease. We observed no evidence for previously reported T2D
      association with Val262Leu or PARL using array and fine-map genomic and
      expression data. By contrast, we observed strong evidence of T2D association with
      ABCC5 (intron 26) for European and African American samples (P = 3E-07) and with
      ABCC5 adipose expression in Europeans [odds ratio (OR) = 3.8, P = 2E-04]. The
      genomic location estimate for the ABCC5 functional variant, associated with all
      phenotypes and expression data (P = 1E-11), was identical for all samples (at
      Chr3q 185,136 kb B36), indicating that the risk variant is an expression
      quantitative trait locus (eQTL) with increased expression conferring risk of
      disease. That the association with T2D is observed in populations of disparate
      ancestry suggests the variant is a ubiquitous risk factor for T2D. 

PMID- 25117152
TI  - On the reliability of NMR relaxation data analyses: a Markov Chain Monte Carlo
      approach.
AB  - The analysis of NMR relaxation data is revisited along the lines of a Bayesian
      approach. Using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo strategy of data fitting, we
      investigate conditions under which relaxation data can be effectively interpreted
      in terms of internal dynamics. The limitations to the extraction of kinetic
      parameters that characterize internal dynamics are analyzed, and we show that
      extracting characteristic time scales shorter than a few tens of ps is very
      unlikely. However, using MCMC methods, reliable estimates of the marginal
      probability distributions and estimators (average, standard deviations, etc.) can
      still be obtained for subsets of the model parameters. Thus, unlike more
      conventional strategies of data analysis, the method avoids a model selection
      process. In addition, it indicates what information may be extracted from the
      data, but also what cannot. 

PMID- 25117151
TI  - The efficacy of pad placement for electrical cardioversion of atrial
      fibrillation/flutter: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Electrical cardioversion is commonly used to treat patients with
      atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to restore normal sinus rhythm. There has
      been considerable debate as to whether the electrode placement affects the
      efficacy of electrical cardioversion. The objective of this study was to examine
      the effectiveness of anteroposterior (A-P) versus anterolateral (A-L) electrode
      placement to restore normal sinus rhythm. METHODS: A search of eight electronic
      databases, including Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane was completed. Grey
      literature (hand-searching, Google, and SCOPUS) searching was also conducted.
      Studies were included if they were controlled clinical trials comparing the
      effectiveness of A-P versus A-L pad placement to restore normal sinus rhythm in
      adult patients with atrial fibrillation and flutter. Two independent reviewers
      judged study relevance, inclusion, and quality (e.g., risk of bias). Individual
      and pooled statistics were calculated as relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity (I(2) ) was
      reported. RESULTS: From 788 citations, 13 studies were included; seven involved
      monophasic, five involved biphasic, and one analyzed both waveform devices. The
      included studies tended to report cumulative success rates to restoring normal
      sinus rhythm after one to five sequential shocks of increasing energy; the number
      of shocks and energy used differed among studies. The risk of bias of the studies
      was "unclear." After the first shock, pad placement was not associated with an
      increased likelihood of restoring normal sinus rhythm (RR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.73
      to 1.06); however, heterogeneity was high (I(2) = 63%). Subgroup comparisons
      revealed that the A-L position was more effective (RR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.59 to
      1.00) at restoring normal sinus rhythm when using biphasic shocks (comparison p =
      0.04). Overall, the pooled results failed to identify a difference between A-P
      and A-L pad placement in restoring normal sinus rhythm at any time (RR = 1.00;
      95% CI = 0.95 to 1.05); however, heterogeneity was high (I(2) = 61%). No
      significant subgroup differences were found. Side effects were reported in only
      three studies. CONCLUSIONS: The published literature is restricted to persistent
      atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, pad placement varied, and energy levels
      used were lower than currently recommended; however, the accumulated evidence
      suggests that electrical pad placement is not a critically important factor in
      successful cardioversion in atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF/AFL). A trial is
      urgently needed in recent-onset atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter patients
      using biphasic devices and high energy levels to resolve the debate.

PMID- 25117153
TI  - Dermatological toxicity associated with targeted therapies in cancer: optimal
      management.
AB  - Targeted therapies have developed rapidly over the last few years in the field of
      oncology thanks to a better understanding of carcinogenesis. They target pathways
      involved in signal transduction (EGFR, HER2, HER3, HER4, FLT3, RAS, RAF, MEK,
      KIT, RET, mTOR, SRC, EPH, SCF), tumor angiogenesis (VEGFR, TIE2), and tumor
      microenvironment (PDGFR, FGFR). They rarely cause the systemic adverse reactions
      generally associated with chemotherapy, but frequently cause disabling and
      specific skin toxicity. The impact on patient quality of life can be important
      both in terms of symptoms caused and of potentially aesthetic consequences.
      Inappropriate management can increase the risk of dose reduction or
      discontinuation of the cancer treatment. In this review, we will discuss skin
      toxicity associated with the main drug classes-EGFR, BRAF, MEK, mTOR, c-KIT,
      CTLA4, and SMO inhibitors, and anti-angiogenic agents. Targeted therapy-induced
      skin toxicities will be detailed in terms of symptoms, frequency, evolution,
      complications, and topical and oral treatments in order to improve their
      diagnosis and management. 

PMID- 25117154
TI  - Neonatal junctional epidermolysis bullosa: treatment conundrums and ethical
      decision making.
AB  - Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), generalized severe (previously called
      JEB, Herlitz-type) has an extremely poor prognosis, with a mean age of death at 5
      months old and most dead before age 3 years. We describe a typical case of a
      neonate with JEB who developed failure to thrive before his death from fungal
      septicemia at 4 months of age. This case highlights the ethical considerations of
      invasive treatments such as gastrostomy tube placements, intubations, and central
      line placements in neonates with JEB. We review the literature as well as discuss
      the ethical conundrums in the care of patients with JEB and other severe forms of
      epidermolysis bullosa. 

PMID- 25117156
TI  - Mechanisms of action of oral emergency contraception.
AB  - This review gives an overview of the mechanisms of action of oral emergency
      contraception pills (ECPs), focusing on the levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal
      acetate (UPA) containing ECPs. In vivo and in vitro studies have addressed the
      effect of EC on various possible targets. Based on these studies as well as on
      clinical trials it is clear that the efficacy of ECPs to prevent an unintended
      pregnancy depends on their mechanism of action as well as on their use in
      relation to the fertile window. While the main effect of both available ECPs is
      to prevent or delay ovulation the window of action for UPA is wider than that of
      LNG. This provides the biological explanation for the difference observed in
      clinical trials and the higher efficacy of UPA. Neither LNG nor UPA impairs
      endometrial receptivity or embryo implantation. Correct knowledge on the
      mechanism of action of ECPs is important to avoid overestimating their
      effectiveness and to advise women on correct use.

PMID- 25117158
TI  - Optimal older adult emergency care: introducing multidisciplinary geriatric
      emergency department guidelines from the American College of Emergency
      Physicians, American Geriatrics Society, Emergency Nurses Association, and
      Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.
AB  - In the United States and around the world, effective, efficient, and reliable
      strategies to provide emergency care to aging adults is challenging crowded
      emergency departments (EDs) and a strained health care system. In response,
      geriatric emergency medicine (EM) clinicians, educators, and researchers
      collaborated with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), American
      Geriatrics Society (AGS), Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), and the Society for
      Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) to develop guidelines intended to improve ED
      geriatric care by enhancing expertise, educational, and quality improvement
      expectations; equipment; policies; and protocols. These "Geriatric Emergency
      Department Guidelines" represent the first formal society-led attempt to
      characterize the essential attribute of the geriatric ED and received formal
      approval from the boards of directors for each of the four societies in 2013 and
      2014. This article is intended to introduce EM and geriatric health care
      providers to the guidelines, while providing proposals for educational
      dissemination, refinement via formal effectiveness evaluations and cost
      effectiveness studies, and institutional credentialing. 

PMID- 25117155
TI  - Hand sanitiser provision for reducing illness absences in primary school
      children: a cluster randomised trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The potential for transmission of infectious diseases offered by the
      school environment are likely to be an important contributor to the rates of
      infectious disease experienced by children. This study aimed to test whether the
      addition of hand sanitiser in primary school classrooms compared with usual hand
      hygiene would reduce illness absences in primary school children in New Zealand.
      METHODS AND FINDINGS: This parallel-group cluster randomised trial took place in
      68 primary schools, where schools were allocated using restricted randomisation
      (1:1 ratio) to the intervention or control group. All children (aged 5 to 11 y)
      in attendance at participating schools received an in-class hand hygiene
      education session. Schools in the intervention group were provided with alcohol
      based hand sanitiser dispensers in classrooms for the winter school terms (27
      April to 25 September 2009). Control schools received only the hand hygiene
      education session. The primary outcome was the number of absence episodes due to
      any illness among 2,443 follow-up children whose caregivers were telephoned after
      each absence from school. Secondary outcomes measured among follow-up children
      were the number of absence episodes due to specific illness (respiratory or
      gastrointestinal), length of illness and illness absence episodes, and number of
      episodes where at least one other member of the household became ill subsequently
      (child or adult). We also examined whether provision of sanitiser was associated
      with experience of a skin reaction. The number of absences for any reason and the
      length of the absence episode were measured in all primary school children
      enrolled at the schools. Children, school administrative staff, and the school
      liaison research assistants were not blind to group allocation. Outcome assessors
      of follow-up children were blind to group allocation. Of the 1,301 and 1,142
      follow-up children in the hand sanitiser and control groups, respectively, the
      rate of absence episodes due to illness per 100 child-days was similar (1.21 and
      1.16, respectively, incidence rate ratio 1.06, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.18). The
      provision of an alcohol-based hand sanitiser dispenser in classrooms was not
      effective in reducing rates of absence episodes due to respiratory or
      gastrointestinal illness, the length of illness or illness absence episodes, or
      the rate of subsequent infection for other members of the household in these
      children. The percentage of children experiencing a skin reaction was similar
      (10.4% hand sanitiser versus 10.3% control, risk ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.78 to
      1.30). The rate or length of absence episodes for any reason measured for all
      children also did not differ between groups. Limitations of the study include
      that the study was conducted during an influenza pandemic, with associated public
      health messaging about hand hygiene, which may have increased hand hygiene among
      all children and thereby reduced any additional effectiveness of sanitiser
      provision. We did not quite achieve the planned sample size of 1,350 follow-up
      children per group, although we still obtained precise estimates of the
      intervention effects. Also, it is possible that follow-up children were healthier
      than non-participating eligible children, with therefore less to gain from
      improved hand hygiene. However, lack of effectiveness of hand sanitiser provision
      on the rate of absences among all children suggests that this may not be the
      explanation. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of hand sanitiser in addition to usual
      hand hygiene in primary schools in New Zealand did not prevent disease of
      severity sufficient to cause school absence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New
      Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000478213. Please see later in the
      article for the Editors' Summary.

PMID- 25117159
TI  - Non-infectious skin disease in Indigenous Australians.
AB  - The burden of non-infectious skin disease in the Indigenous Australian population
      has not been previously examined. This study considers the published data on the
      epidemiology and clinical features of a number of non-infectious skin diseases in
      Indigenous Australians. It also outlines hypotheses for the possible differences
      in the prevalence of such diseases in this group compared with the general
      Australian population. There is a paucity of literature on the topic but, from
      the material available, Indigenous Australians appear to have a reduced
      prevalence of psoriasis, type 1 hypersensitivity reactions and skin cancer but
      increased rates of lupus erythematosus, kava dermopathy and vitamin D deficiency
      when compared to the non-Indigenous Australian population. This article profiles
      the prevalence and presentation of non-infectious skin diseases in the Indigenous
      Australian population to synthesise our limited knowledge and highlight
      deficiencies in our understanding. 

PMID- 25117160
TI  - Surgical gem: island advancement flaps for lip reconstruction.
AB  - Island advancement flaps provide specific advantages for repairing certain
      defects on the upper lip. We discuss the design and execution of this flap for
      defects on the alar sill and philtrum. 

PMID- 25117161
TI  - A case of abatacept associated neutrophilic dermatosis and a review of the
      literature.
AB  - Abatacept is a novel biological agent that dampens the immune response by
      blocking the co-stimulation of T-cells, thus downregulating T-cell activation. It
      is currently approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The group
      of novel immunomodulatory agents, referred to as biologics, have now been used
      extensively, with established safety and side-effect profiles. There are,
      however, increasing reports of adverse paradoxical reactions, most notably
      resulting from anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. While cutaneous adverse
      reactions to abatacept are rare, there are a few reports of such paradoxical
      reactions. We report a case of an idiosyncratic paradoxical neutrophilic
      dermatosis associated with the use of abatacept. 

PMID- 25117162
TI  - Emergence of chemoresistance in a metastatic basal cell carcinoma patient after
      complete response to hedgehog pathway inhibitor vismodegib (GDC-0449).
AB  - Vismodegib (GDC-0449, Genentech, USA), a small molecule inhibitor of the Hedgehog
      signalling pathway, has potent anti-tumour activity in advanced basal cell
      carcinoma (BCC). We report a case of a 67-year-old Australian man with metastatic
      BCC including pulmonary disease with malignant effusion who showed a dramatic
      complete response to vismodegib but subsequently experienced a recurrence of
      pulmonary disease, indicative of chemoresistance to vismodegib. This case is the
      first to illustrate chemoresistance in a patient with metastatic BCC, and
      demonstrates the need for closely monitoring metastatic BCC patients even after
      an apparently complete response. 

PMID- 25117163
TI  - Isotretinoin and night blindness.
AB  - Isotretinoin is an effective and increasingly popular treatment for acne
      vulgaris. There have been reports of night blindness as a side-effect of
      treatment although the evidence does not demonstrate a clear causal relationship
      between isotretinoin therapy and the risk of night blindness. Nevertheless,
      considering the lack of evidence in this area, it is important to educate
      patients about this potential consequence, which may become longstanding and even
      irreversible, and encourage them to promptly report changes in their night
      vision. 

PMID- 25117165
TI  - Montague B Lewis.

PMID- 25117166
TI  - Abdomino-pelvic actinomycetoma successfully treated with combination
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 25117167
TI  - A novel mutation of CYLD gene in a Chinese family with multiple familial
      trichoepithelioma.

PMID- 25117168
TI  - Delayed onset perforating folliculitis associated with sorafenib.

PMID- 25117169
TI  - Pregnancy outcomes of two patients exposed to ustekinumab in the first trimester.

PMID- 25117170
TI  - Pretibial fever: a forgotten cause of erythema nodosum.

PMID- 25117171
TI  - Comedonal Darier's disease diagnosed incidentally in a patient undergoing a
      routine skin examination for sun cancer.

PMID- 25117172
TI  - Involvement of oxidative stress in the mechanism of cadmium-induced toxicity on
      rat uterus.
AB  - The study was undertaken to explore whether cadmium bioaccumulation can induce
      oxidative stress in the uterus of rats. Cadmium (0.09, 0.9, 1.8 or 4.5mgCd/kg
      b.w.) was administered by gavage for 28 days. The animals were dissected on the
      first day and then after 90 days post exposure (second group of animals). The
      results show that cadmium accumulates in the uterus in a dose-dependent manner.
      The uterine Cd concentrations were almost the same in both groups, which is
      indicative of its long half-life in this organ. The accumulated cadmium caused
      significant changes in catalase (CAT) activity and lipid peroxidation (MDA)
      levels at concentrations from 0.09 to 0.35MUgCd/g wet uterine tissue. In summary
      our results show that the induction of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in
      the uterus may play important roles in the mechanism of toxicity in this organ
      and may have a negative impact on reproductive processes. 

PMID- 25117174
TI  - Can enrichment make Brazilian tapir spend more time on view to the public?
AB  - One common visitor complaint in zoos is that the nonhuman animals are not
      visible. This problem needs to be resolved without compromising the animals'
      welfare; environmental enrichment could solve the problem. This study
      investigated whether enrichment would increase public exposure time of lowland
      tapir (Tapirus terrestris) in the Belo Horizonte Zoo in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
      Observations were made before (62 hr) and during (62 hr) the introduction of
      enrichment using focal animal sampling with instantaneous recording of behavior.
      The 5 enrichment items were a bamboo fence covered in vines, logs, a sandbox, dry
      leaves, and bamboo bushes. Before the enrichments were applied, the tapir was not
      visible to the public for more than 85% of the time. In addition, during the
      analysis of the enrichment treatment, other variables were considered--such as
      weekday, time of day, and weather conditions--which could influence the animals'
      interaction with the enrichments. The enrichments increased and decreased the
      expression of some behaviors; however, public viewing time of the animals did not
      increase. Thus, the enrichment applied was not strong enough to overcome the
      animals' crepuscular behavior.

PMID- 25117173
TI  - The pharmacokinetics of daclatasvir and asunaprevir administered in combination
      in studies in healthy subjects and patients infected with hepatitis C virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The combination of direct-acting antiviral agents in
      patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has demonstrated clinical
      benefit; however, evaluation of potential drug-drug interactions is required
      prior to therapy. METHODS: An open-label study assessed the pharmacokinetics and
      tolerability of the HCV NS5A replication complex inhibitor daclatasvir and the
      HCV NS3 protease inhibitor asunaprevir when co-administered in healthy subjects.
      Daclatasvir 60 mg once daily and asunaprevir 600 mg twice daily were dosed for 7
      days alone followed by combination dosing for 14 days at 30 mg once daily and 200
      mg twice daily, respectively. Further assessments were provided comparing
      exposures from the current study with those from studies in HCV-infected patients
      receiving either the same or higher doses of daclatasvir or asunaprevir
      administered alone or together. RESULTS: Dose-normalized daclatasvir and
      asunaprevir morning exposures were comparable with control in healthy subjects,
      with geometric mean area under the concentration-time curve ratios of 1.202 (90 %
      CI 1.113-1.298) and 0.868 (90 % CI 0.726-1.038), respectively. In HCV patients
      daclatasvir and asunaprevir exposures were largely comparable, when administered
      together or alone. CONCLUSIONS: Additional data support the conclusion that there
      is no clinically meaningful interaction between daclatasvir and asunaprevir in
      either healthy subjects or HCV-infected patients, including those also receiving
      peginterferon-alpha/ribavirin, and that the combination of daclatasvir 60 mg once
      daily and asunaprevir 200 mg twice daily is generally well-tolerated.

PMID- 25117175
TI  - A case of painless acute Type-A thoracic aortic dissection.
AB  - We describe the case of an 83-year-old lady with a known aneurysmal thoracic
      aorta, developing acute breathlessness and hypoxia, with no pain and unremarkable
      cardiovascular examination. As D-dimers were raised, she was treated with low
      molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for suspected pulmonary embolism. CT pulmonary
      angiography showed acutely dissecting, Type-A, thoracic aortic aneurysm. The
      patient was treated medically with beta-blockers. Despite a poor prognosis, she
      remains well 2 months later. Observational studies of patients over 70 with Type
      A dissection show only 75.3% experience pain, are offered surgery less and have
      higher mortality. d-Dimers are almost always elevated in aortic dissection. No
      previous studies document breathlessness as the only presenting symptom. This
      case emphasises the need, in older populations, for a low suspicion threshold for
      aortic dissection.

PMID- 25117176
TI  - Individualized quality of life in patients with low back pain: reliability and
      validity of the Patient Generated Index.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the improved version of
      the Patient Generated Index (PGI) in patients with low back pain. METHODS: The
      PGI was administered to 90 patients attending care in 1 of 6 institutions in
      Norway and evaluated for reliability and validity. The questionnaire was given
      out to 61 patients for re-test purposes. RESULTS: The PGI was completed correctly
      by 80 (88.9%) patients and, of the 61 patients responding to the re-test, 50
      (82.0%) completed both surveys correctly. PGI scores were approximately normally
      distributed, with a median of 40 (range 80), where 100 is the best possible
      quality of life. There were no floor or ceiling effects. The 5 most frequently
      listed areas affecting quality of life were pain, sleep, stiffness, socializing
      and housework. The test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.73. The
      smallest detectable changes for individual and group purposes were 32.8 and 4.6,
      respectively. The correlations between PGI scores and other instrument scores
      followed a priori hypotheses of low to moderate correlations. DISCUSSION: The PGI
      has evidence for reliability and validity in Norwegian patients with low back
      pain at the group level and may be considered for application in intervention
      studies when a comprehensive evaluation of quality of life is important. However,
      the smallest detectable change, of approximately 30 points, may be considered too
      large for individual purposes in clinical applications.

PMID- 25117178
TI  - Heart failure: gaps in knowledge and failures in treatment.
AB  - Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary. 

PMID- 25117180
TI  - Seniors' body weight dissatisfaction and longitudinal associations with weight
      changes, anorexia of aging, and obesity: results from the NuAge Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined longitudinal associations between weight dissatisfaction,
      weight changes, anorexia of aging, and obesity among 1,793 seniors followed over
      4 years between 2003 and 2009. METHOD: Obesity prevalence (body mass index [BMI]
      >= 30) and prevalence/incidence of weight dissatisfaction, anorexia of aging
      (self-reported appetite loss), and weight changes >=5% were assessed. Predictors
      of weight loss >=5%, anorexia of aging, and weight dissatisfaction were examined
      using logistic regressions. RESULTS: Half of seniors experienced weight
      dissatisfaction (50.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [48.1, 53.1]). Anorexia of
      aging and obesity prevalence was 7.0% (95% CI = [5.7, 8.3]) and 25.1% (95% CI =
      [22.9, 27.3]), whereas incidence of weight gain/loss >=5% was 6.6% (95% CI =
      [1.3, 11.9]) and 8.8% (95% CI = [3.3, 14.3]). Weight gain >=5% predicts men's
      subsequent weight dissatisfaction (odds ratio [OR] = 6.66, 95% CI = [2.06,
      21.60]). No other association was observed. DISCUSSION: Weight dissatisfaction is
      frequent but not associated with subsequent eating disorders. In men, weight gain
      predicted weight dissatisfaction. Seniors' weight dissatisfaction does not
      necessarily equate weight changes. Due to its high prevalence, it is of public
      health interest to understand how seniors' weight dissatisfaction may impact
      health.

PMID- 25117181
TI  - Predictors of injurious falls and fear of falling differ: an 11-year longitudinal
      study of incident events in older people.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to identify the intrinsic, psychosocial
      and lifestyle factors, which, over time, predict the incidence of having a fall
      requiring medical attention (injurious fall) or of acquiring a fear of falling
      (FOF). METHOD: Data from 1,000 participants in the Melbourne Longitudinal Studies
      on Healthy Ageing (MELSHA, 1994-2005) were analyzed using cox regressions and
      hazard ratios. RESULTS: The predictors of injurious falls (n = 900, events = 200)
      were increasing age, slower gait speed, and being depressed. Main predictors of
      developing a FOF (n = 855, events =117) were increasing age, cognitive
      impairment, reduced social activity, and gender. A history of falls at baseline
      did not predict acquiring a FOF nor did FOF predict a future fall. DISCUSSION:
      The profile of the person who will have an injurious fall differs from the
      profile of the person who develops a FOF and should be considered when designing
      interventions.

PMID- 25117182
TI  - Untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomic profiling of pleural effusions:
      fatty acids as novel cancer biomarkers for malignant pleural effusions.
AB  - Untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomic profiling is a powerful analytical
      method used for broad-spectrum identification and quantification of metabolites
      in biofluids in human health and disease states. In this study, we exploit
      metabolomic profiling for cancer biomarker discovery for diagnosis of malignant
      pleural effusions. We envisage the result will be clinically useful since
      currently there are no cancer biomarkers that are accurate enough for the
      diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions. Metabolomes of 32 malignant pleural
      effusions from lung cancer patients and 18 benign effusions from patients with
      pulmonary tuberculosis were analyzed using reversed-phase liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using AB SCIEX TripleTOF 5600. MS spectra
      were analyzed using XCMS, PeakView, and LipidView. Metabolome-Wide Association
      Study (MWAS) was performed by Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve Explorer
      and Tester (ROCCET). Insignificant markers were filtered out using a metabolome
      wide significance level (MWSL) with p-value < 2 * 10(-5) for t test. Only
      compounds in Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) will be used as cancer biomarkers.
      ROCCET analysis of ESI positive and negative MS spectra revealed free fatty acid
      (FFA) 18:1 (oleic acid) had the largest area-under-ROC of 0.96 (95% CI = 0.87
      1.00) in malignant pleural effusions. Using a ratio of FFA 18:1-to-ceramide
      (d18:1/16:0), the area-under-ROC was further increased to 0.99 (95% CI = 0.91
      1.00) with sensitivity 93.8% and specificity 100.0%. Using untargeted metabolomic
      profiling, the diagnostic cancer biomarker with the largest area-under-ROC can be
      determined objectively. This lipogenic phenotype could be explained by
      overexpression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) in cancer cells. The diagnostic
      performance of FFA 18:1-to-ceramide (d18:1/16:0) ratio supports its use for
      diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions.

PMID- 25117185
TI  - What do people want? Factors people consider when acquiring dogs, the complexity
      of the choices they make, and implications for nonhuman animal relocation
      programs.
AB  - A survey was conducted to assess decisions people make when acquiring dogs,
      including what sources they consider, the importance of the variety of dogs
      available, and their willingness to travel to adopt dogs of their choice. A
      conjoint design was used to ask each respondent to rate his or her likelihood of
      acquiring a dog based on a "profile" that included attributes such as age, size,
      and color as well as where the dog came from and euthanasia risk. Overall, these
      results showed that people preferred variety and would drive distances to get
      dogs of their choice. The findings revealed that no single attribute drove
      choice, indicating that people have complex preferences and these vary widely
      across individuals. Nonhuman animal shelters may be able to increase their
      adoption rates by providing more variety and not just dogs typically thought of
      as "in demand" but those who represent a range of diversity through the
      utilization of animal relocation programs. 

PMID- 25117183
TI  - Pharmacokinetic evaluations of the co-administrations of vandetanib and
      metformin, digoxin, midazolam, omeprazole or ranitidine.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vandetanib is a selective inhibitor of vascular
      endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) and rearranged during transfection (RET) signalling, indicated for the
      treatment of medullary thyroid cancer. We investigated potential drug-drug
      interactions between vandetanib and metformin [organic cation transporter 2
      (OCT2) substrate; NCT01551615]; digoxin [P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate;
      NCT01561781]; midazolam [cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 substrate; NCT01544140];
      omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) or ranitidine (histamine H2-receptor
      antagonist; both NCT01539655). METHODS: Four open-label, phase I studies were
      conducted in healthy volunteers: n = 14 (metformin), n = 14 (digoxin), n = 17
      (midazolam), n = 16 (omeprazole), n = 18 (ranitidine). Three of these comprised
      the following regimens: metformin 1000 mg +/- vandetanib 800 mg, midazolam 7.5 mg
      +/- vandetanib 800 mg, or digoxin 0.25 mg +/- vandetanib 300 mg. The randomized
      study comprised vandetanib 300 mg alone and then either (i) omeprazole 40 mg
      (days 1-4), and omeprazole + vandetanib (day 5); or (ii) ranitidine 150 mg (day
      1), and ranitidine + vandetanib (day 2). The primary objective assessed
      metformin, digoxin, midazolam and vandetanib pharmacokinetics. RESULTS:
      Vandetanib + metformin increased metformin area under the plasma concentration
      time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0-infinity) and maximum observed plasma
      concentration (Cmax) by 74 and 50 %, respectively, and decreased the geometric
      mean metformin renal clearance (CLR) by 52 % versus metformin alone. Vandetanib +
      digoxin increased digoxin area under the concentration-time curve from zero to
      the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0-last) and Cmax by 23 and 29 %,
      respectively, versus digoxin alone, with only a 9 % decrease in CLR. Vandetanib
      had no effect on midazolam exposure. Vandetanib exposure was unchanged during co
      administration with omeprazole/ranitidine. Treatment combinations were generally
      well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving vandetanib with metformin/digoxin
      may require additional monitoring of metformin/digoxin, with dose adjustments
      where necessary. Vandetanib with CYP3A4 substrates or omeprazole/ranitidine is
      unlikely to result in clinically relevant drug-drug interactions.

PMID- 25117186
TI  - Caesarean delivery: truths and consequences.

PMID- 25117184
TI  - Vancomycin pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models for critically ill patients
      with post-sternotomy mediastinitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vancomycin is commonly used to treat serious
      methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections, especially post-sternotomy
      mediastinitis (PSM). However, information on pharmacokinetics and
      pharmacodynamics in intensive care unit (ICU) patients remains scarce. We
      conducted vancomycin pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling for ICU patients
      with PSM. METHODS: This cohort study included 30 consecutive patients who
      received multiple vancomycin doses during primary closed drainage of PSM with
      Redon catheters, targeting serum drug trough concentrations of 25-35 mg/L, and
      generating 359 serum vancomycin concentration-time values for analysis.
      Population pharmacodynamics served to describe the withdrawal of Redon catheters,
      i.e., the probability of in-ICU cure. RESULTS: Vancomycin pharmacokinetics
      corresponded to a two-compartment open model with first-order elimination
      kinetics. Mean [between-subject variability] population estimates were 1.91
      (men)/1.25 (women) [0.28] L/h for vancomycin elimination, with intercompartmental
      clearance of 5.71 [1.01] L/h, and respective central and peripheral distribution
      volumes of 21.9 and 68 [0.53] L. Vancomycin clearance increased with body weight
      and declined with severity at ICU admission and serum creatinine (SCr), thereby
      allowing the prediction of the vancomycin plateau. Intercompartmental clearance
      decreased with diabetes mellitus (-70 %). The probability of withdrawing all
      Redon catheters (patient cured) was dependent only on the area under the
      concentration-time curve to minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) exposures
      ratio in plasma. Neither preoperative factors, antistaphylococcal co-treatments,
      nor the initial number of Redon catheters significantly influenced this
      probability. The AUC/MIC exposures ratio had no significant effect on SCr levels.
      CONCLUSION: These modeling analysis results identified five clinically relevant
      covariates that influenced vancomycin pharmacokinetics and might achieve better
      individualization of vancomycin dosing for methicillin-resistant staphylococcal
      PSM in ICU patients.

PMID- 25117187
TI  - The CROWN Initiative: journal editors invite researchers to develop core outcomes
      in women's health.

PMID- 25117188
TI  - Improving VBAC rates: the combined impact of two management strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caesarean section rates in Australia have risen to >30%, with repeat
      caesarean delivery the most common indication. One method of reducing caesarean
      delivery rates is to increase rates of vaginal birth after caesarean section
      (VBAC). AIMS: To determine the combined effect of two management strategies on
      the rates of successful VBAC in women experiencing their first pregnancy
      following primary caesarean section. METHODS: Prospective cohort study from May
      2009 to October 2010 at a metropolitan Australian teaching hospital. The
      strategies studied were (i) allocating responsibility for VBAC candidates
      attempting labour to the hospital's three high-risk obstetric consultants and
      (ii) implementing a next birth after caesarean (NBAC) antenatal clinic designed
      to counsel and support women deciding on mode of birth for their next pregnancy
      after a primary caesarean section. Data were collected from Obstetrix, a NBAC
      logbook and medical records of 396 eligible women who gave birth during the study
      period. RESULTS: Overall VBAC rates improved from 17.2% in 2006 prior to
      implementation of the combined strategies, to 27.0% over the studied period (P <
      0.001). Of those women who desired and attempted a VBAC, the success rate was
      64.4%. Regression analysis identified an increased likelihood of attempted
      vaginal birth where malpresentation was the indication for previous caesarean,
      while Eastern Asian ethnicity was associated with increased likelihood of
      choosing repeat caesarean. CONCLUSIONS: A dedicated NBAC clinic and more
      consistent approach to labour management can help improve VBAC rates. Further
      targeted counselling towards women with previous malpresentation and/or East
      Asian descent may further improve VBAC attempt rates.

PMID- 25117189
TI  - Perineal outcome and the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction: a cohort study of
      primiparous women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is the most common complication of
      childbirth. Assumptions have been made that perineal trauma increases the risk of
      PFD compared to an intact perineum, however the evidence for this is lacking. The
      aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perineal outcome and
      postpartum PFD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study design, with a
      self-reported quality of life (QOL) questionnaire mailed to all primiparous women
      with a non-instrumental delivery at The Townsville Hospital between 2011 and 2012
      (n = 766). ANOVA was used to compare how the symptoms of PFD affect QOL in women
      with an intact perineum, episiotomy or spontaneous tear. RESULTS: Seventy-nine
      percent of the population had perineal injury; 60% had a spontaneous tear and 19%
      had an episiotomy. Ninety-seven percent of women who completed the questionnaire
      (n = 196) complained of PFD symptoms. Women with episiotomy had the best QOL,
      reporting the lowest levels of urinary dysfunction (statistically significant).
      No differences between the groups were found for symptoms of bowel, prolapse or
      sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a relationship between perineal
      outcome and PFD and suggests that an episiotomy is associated with the least
      morbidity due to symptoms of urinary incontinence. Additional large-scale
      prospective research is required to further investigate and delineate the impact
      of childbirth on PFD.

PMID- 25117190
TI  - Teetering near the edge; women's experiences of anal incontinence following
      obstetric anal sphincter injury: an interpretive phenomenological research study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) following vaginal delivery
      increases the risk of anal incontinence (AI). Subsequent vaginal delivery and
      ageing increase the risk of worsening symptoms. Very little literature describes
      any in-depth understanding of what it is like to live with AI following a history
      of known OASIS. AIM: To describe and interpret women's experience of AI following
      OASIS and its impact on quality of life. METHODS: An interpretive
      phenomenological study was conducted in a level 2 tertiary hospital in South
      Australia. Women with a history of OASIS and AI were purposefully recruited. The
      St Marks Vaizey score was utilised to identify symptom severity. Semi-structured
      open-ended interviews were conducted, and data were analysed utilising Van Manen
      thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants (n = 10) aged 26-56 years. All women
      were symptomatic of AI following OASIS, and 80% had received a primary OASIS at
      their first vaginal delivery. The St Marks Vaizey score mean was 9.1 (range
      within 4-22). Three essential themes grieving for loss, silence, striving for
      normality with eight subthemes identified a significant sense of loss and
      psychological impact of AI for this group of women. CONCLUSION: Health
      professionals require a greater understanding of the negative impact of OASIS and
      AI on women's quality of life. This may improve the management, education and
      clinical care of this condition which may result as a consequence of OASIS.

PMID- 25117191
TI  - Offering HPV vaccination to women treated for high-grade cervical intra
      epithelial neoplasia: what do you need to know?

PMID- 25117192
TI  - Caution regarding first trimester screening for pre-eclampsia.

PMID- 25117193
TI  - Re: New directions in the prediction of pre-eclampsia.

PMID- 25117194
TI  - Re: New directions in the prediction of pre-eclampsia.

PMID- 25117195
TI  - The Accuracy of Template-Guided Refill Technique of Intrathecal Pumps Controlled
      by Fluoroscopy: An Observational Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Intrathecal drug therapy is being utilized increasingly for the
      treatment of chronic refractory pain. However, performing the regular pump refill
      procedures caries the potential risk of medication injection into the
      subcutaneous tissue. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of this
      template-guided refill technique by means of fluoroscopic evaluation. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In 23 patients, the difference between the identification of the
      reservoir fill port center using the manufacturer's template and fluoroscopic
      guidance was assessed on four consecutive refill procedures by a two physicians.
      A distance surpassing that between the center and the margin of the port (3.5 mm)
      was considered a clinically relevant deviation. Analyses were performed with a
      one-sample t-test, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. RESULTS:
      The mean difference distance between identification markings of the target with
      fluoroscopic guidance and with the template was 8.2 mm, with limited variance
      (2.7 mm). For all individual refill procedures, the port center identification
      accuracy differed significantly from zero (all p < 0.001) and from the clinically
      relevant cut-off point of 3.5 mm (all p < 0.001). Only seven attempts (6.4%) were
      within the margins of the fill port. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest poor
      accuracy of insertion point identification using the template. This highlights
      the potential risk of errors related to identification of the puncture site using
      the template-guided technique.

PMID- 25117196
TI  - Ceftobiprole medocaril: a review of its use in patients with hospital- or
      community-acquired pneumonia.
AB  - Ceftobiprole, the active metabolite of the prodrug ceftobiprole medocaril
      (Zevtera((r))), is a new generation broad-spectrum intravenous cephalosporin with
      activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Ceftobiprole
      exhibits potent in vitro activity against a number of Gram-positive and Gram
      negative pathogens associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and
      community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). It is the first cephalosporin monotherapy
      approved in the EU for the treatment of both HAP (excluding ventilator associated
      pneumonia [VAP]) and CAP. In phase III trials, ceftobiprole medocaril was
      noninferior, in terms of clinical cure rates at the test-of-cure visit, to
      ceftazidime plus linezolid in patients with HAP and to ceftriaxone +/- linezolid
      in patients with CAP severe enough to require hospitalization. In patients with
      HAP, noninferiority of ceftobiprole medocaril to ceftazidime plus linezolid was
      not demonstrated in a subset of patients with VAP. In patients with CAP,
      ceftobiprole medocaril was effective in those at risk for poor outcomes
      (pneumonia severity index >=91, Pneumonia Patient Outcomes Research Team score IV
      V or bacteraemic pneumonia). In the phase III trials, ceftobiprole medocaril was
      generally well tolerated, with ~10 % of patients discontinuing the treatment
      because of adverse events. The most common treatment-related adverse events
      occurring in ceftobiprole recipients in the trials in patients with HAP or CAP
      included nausea, diarrhoea, infusion site reactions, vomiting, hepatic enzyme
      elevations and hyponatraemia. Therefore, ceftobiprole medocaril monotherapy
      offers a simplified option for the initial empirical treatment of patients with
      HAP (excluding VAP) and in those with CAP requiring hospitalization. 

PMID- 25117197
TI  - Daclatasvir + asunaprevir: first global approval.
AB  - The combination of daclatasvir + asunaprevir [Daklinza((r)) + Sunvepra((r))
      (Japan)], two direct-acting antiviral agents, has been developed by Bristol-Myers
      Squibb for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      genotype 1 infections, including those with compensated cirrhosis. Daclatasvir +
      asunaprevir has received its first global approval in this indication in Japan.
      Daclatasvir + asunaprevir is the first all-oral, interferon- and ribavirin-free
      regimen for this indication. This article summarizes the milestones in the
      development of daclatasvir + asunaprevir leading to this first approval for the
      treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1 infections. 

PMID- 25117198
TI  - Treatment of HCV infection with the novel NS3/4A protease inhibitors.
AB  - HCV NS3/4A serine protease inhibitors are the first class of direct acting
      antivirals (DAA) introduced in clinical practice. The first generation agents,
      selective against HCV genotype 1, are used in association with pegylated
      interferons and ribavirin allowing increased cure rates at the price of increased
      toxicity, significant drug interactions and high risk of selecting mutants
      conferring cross-resistance to the entire class. A large number of second-wave
      HCV protease inhibitors are currently in clinical development. Advancements
      include higher potency, activity against a wider number of genotypes, improved
      tolerability, easier dosing schedules, although their genetic barrier to
      resistance remains low, especially for subtype 1a, except for the most recent
      grazoprevir and ACH-2684. The most relevant progress regards the combination with
      other classes of DAA allowing construction of interferon-free regimens of short
      duration, good tolerability with exceptionally high cure rates. 

PMID- 25117200
TI  - Cross-Cultural Considerations in Pediatric Neuropsychology: A Review and Call to
      Attention.
AB  - In the search to understand the basis of performance discrepancies, many
      clinicians are recognizing that, often, factors with no direct relationship to
      brain functioning influence performance on neuropsychological measures of
      cognition among children and adolescents. The emergent research on cross-cultural
      neuropsychology indicates that while the test performance discrepancies do indeed
      exist, they can be explained by a number of other factors, some of which are
      known and others that have yet to be operationalized or even identified. While a
      review of all such factors is beyond the scope of this article, an examination of
      those that have received the most attention is presented: factors associated with
      the examinee, factors associated with the neuropsychological measures, cultural
      competency of the examiner, and factors at the organizational/political level. 

PMID- 25117201
TI  - Factors that predict remission of infant atopic dermatitis: a systematic review.
AB  - The individual prognosis of infants with atopic dermatitis (AD) is important for
      parents, healthcare professionals, and society. The aim of this study was to
      investigate predictors for remission of infant AD until school age. A systematic
      review was carried out of clinical and epidemiological studies investigating the
      effect of filaggrin gene (FLG) loss-of-function mutations, sex, exposure to pets,
      topical anti-inflammatory treatment, disease severity, and atopic sensitization
      during infancy on complete remission of infant-onset AD until 6-7 years of age.
      Systematic electronic searches until September 2013, data abstraction, and study
      quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) were performed. From 3,316 abstracts
      identified, 2 studies of good study quality were included. Parental allergies and
      sex did not significantly affect remission. For non-remission of AD, the included
      articles reported an association with any atopic sensitization at 2 years old
      (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-5.91),
      frequent scratching with early AD (aOR 5.86; 95% CI 3.04-11.29), objective
      severity score at 2 years old (aOR 1.10; 95% CI 1.07-1.14), and exposure to pets
      (cat OR 2.33; 95% CI 0.85-6.38). It is largely unknown which factors predict
      remission of infant AD. This is a highly relevant research gap that hinders
      patient information on the prognosis of infant-onset AD.

PMID- 25117199
TI  - Direct detection of biotinylated proteins by mass spectrometry.
AB  - Mass spectrometric strategies to identify protein subpopulations involved in
      specific biological functions rely on covalently tagging biotin to proteins using
      various chemical modification methods. The biotin tag is primarily used for
      enrichment of the targeted subpopulation for subsequent mass spectrometry (MS)
      analysis. A limitation of these strategies is that MS analysis does not easily
      discriminate unlabeled contaminants from the labeled protein subpopulation under
      study. To solve this problem, we developed a flexible method that only relies on
      direct MS detection of biotin-tagged proteins called "Direct Detection of Biotin
      containing Tags" (DiDBiT). Compared with conventional targeted proteomic
      strategies, DiDBiT improves direct detection of biotinylated proteins ~200 fold.
      We show that DiDBiT is applicable to several protein labeling protocols in cell
      culture and in vivo using cell permeable NHS-biotin and incorporation of the
      noncanonical amino acid, azidohomoalanine (AHA), into newly synthesized proteins,
      followed by click chemistry tagging with biotin. We demonstrate that DiDBiT
      improves the direct detection of biotin-tagged newly synthesized peptides more
      than 20-fold compared to conventional methods. With the increased sensitivity
      afforded by DiDBiT, we demonstrate the MS detection of newly synthesized proteins
      labeled in vivo in the rodent nervous system with unprecedented temporal
      resolution as short as 3 h.

PMID- 25117204
TI  - "Can we declare victory and move on?" The case against funding burden-of-disease
      studies.
AB  - Resources devoted to the development of burden-of-disease studies detract from
      much needed cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit studies. Practitioners need to
      help funders of burden-of-disease projects recognize the potential of all tools
      of decision analysis and economic evaluation in improving the efficiency and
      equity for the health care system. 

PMID- 25117203
TI  - Identification of a putative Tdp1 inhibitor (CD00509) by in vitro and cell-based
      assays.
AB  - Mutations of DNA repair pathways contribute to tumorigenesis and provide a
      therapeutic target for synthetic lethal interactions in tumor cells. Given that
      tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) repairs stalled topoisomerase-I DNA
      complexes, we hypothesized that inhibition of Tdp1 has synthetic lethal effects
      in some cancers. To test this, we screened tumor arrays for Tdp1 expression and
      observed that Tdp1 is expressed in many tumors, including more than 90% of human
      breast tumors. Subsequent chemical screening identified putative Tdp1 inhibitors.
      Treatment of control human mammary epithelial cells and the breast cancer cell
      line MCF-7 with compound CD00509 preferentially sensitized MCF-7 cells to
      camptothecin and decreased cell proliferation 25% more than camptothecin
      treatment alone. This suggests that CD00509 specifically targeted Tdp1 in vitro,
      and CD00509 increased the sensitivity of wild-type murine embryonic fibroblasts
      (MEFs) to camptothecin to a degree comparable to that of Tdp1(-/-) MEFs. In
      addition, consistent with poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) collaborating
      with Tdp1 in DNA repair, combined Tdp1 and PARP-1 inhibition was more detrimental
      to MCF-7 cells than either treatment alone, whereas the combination was not
      additively harmful to control mammary cells. We conclude that targeting Tdp1 in
      anticancer therapy preferentially enhances the sensitivity of some breast cancer
      cells to camptothecin and may be an effective adjuvant for breast cancer therapy.

PMID- 25117205
TI  - Hospital-based health technology assessment: insights from New Zealand.

PMID- 25117206
TI  - Neuropsychological Assessment of Children With Reading Disabilities From 8 to 10
      Years Old: An Exploratory Portuguese Study.
AB  - Reading disabilities are one of the most significant causes of school failure and
      may result from different causes and cognitive processes. A comprehensive battery
      of neuropsychological tests was applied to a control group of 102 children (46
      girls, 56 boys) with no history of learning disabilities and 32 children (13
      girls, 19 boys) with poor reading achievement (PRA) to characterize their
      cognitive profile. A principal component analysis of the cognitive measures was
      undertaken to identify cognitive domains. Age-adjusted normative data were
      computed from controls for verbal and visuospatial abilities, psychomotor skills,
      executive functions, and a total score. Significant differences were found
      between the 2 groups. Although single tests could not identify children with PRA,
      measures of oral and written language, immediate and working memory, calculation,
      and verbal learning discriminated the 2 groups. A logistic regression model using
      these factors allowed us to identify 91.2% of healthy children and 96.9% of
      children with PRA. PRA may result from different patterns of cognitive
      difficulties, and it is more common in children with oral language and working
      memory deficits. Wide-range cognitive testing is necessary to identify strong and
      weak areas to plan personalized intervention programs. 

PMID- 25117208
TI  - Effect of positive airway pressure therapy on seizure control in patients with
      epilepsy and obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - Previous studies suggest that treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in
      patients with epilepsy can improve seizure control. We investigated the effect of
      positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy on seizures in adults with epilepsy
      referred to the Cleveland Clinic for polysomnography (PSG) from 1997 to 2010.
      Seizure outcome at baseline and 1 year later was compared in patients with no OSA
      (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] <5), patients with PAP-treated OSA, and patients with
      untreated OSA. One hundred thirty-two subjects (age: 40.2+/-13 (18-76) years,
      65.4% female) were included. Seventy-six (57.6%) subjects had OSA; of these, 43
      (56.6%) were on PAP therapy, and 33 (43.4%) were not on PAP therapy (either PAP
      intolerant or refused therapy). Of the group with PAP-treated OSA, 83.7% were
      adherent (use >=4 h/night at least 5 nights/week). The percentage of subjects
      with >=50% seizure reduction and the mean percentage of seizure reduction were
      significantly greater in the group with PAP-treated OSA (73.9%; 58.5%) than in
      subjects with untreated OSA (14.3%; 17.0%). There were significantly more
      subjects with successful outcomes (with >=50% seizure reduction or seizure-free
      at both baseline and follow-up) in the group with PAP-treated OSA (83.7%) than in
      the groups with no OSA (53.6%) and untreated OSA (39.4%). After adjusting for
      age, gender, body mass index, AHI, and epilepsy duration, we found that the odds
      of successful outcomes in subjects in the group with PAP-treated OSA were 9.9 and
      3.91 times those of the groups with untreated OSA and no OSA, respectively. The
      group with PAP-treated OSA had 32.3 times the odds of having a >=50% seizure
      reduction compared with the group with untreated OSA and 6.13 times compared with
      the group with no OSA. Positive airway pressure therapy appears to produce
      beneficial effects on seizures in adult patients with epilepsy and OSA.

PMID- 25117209
TI  - Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer) in Mali: A new potential African
      endemic country.

PMID- 25117207
TI  - The neurosteroid 5beta-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one enhances actions of etomidate as
      a positive allosteric modulator of alpha1beta2gamma2L GABAA receptors.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neurosteroids potentiate responses of the GABAA receptor
      to the endogenous agonist GABA. Here, we examined the ability of neurosteroids to
      potentiate responses to the allosteric activators etomidate, pentobarbital and
      propofol. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Electrophysiological assays were conducted on
      rat alpha1beta2gamma2L GABAA receptors expressed in HEK 293 cells. The sedative
      activity of etomidate was studied in Xenopus tadpoles and mice. Effects of
      neurosteroids on etomidate-elicited inhibition of cortisol synthesis were
      determined in human adrenocortical cells. KEY RESULTS: The neurosteroid 5beta
      pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha5betaP) potentiated activation of GABAA receptors
      by GABA and allosteric activators. Co-application of 1 MUM 3alpha5betaP induced a
      leftward shift (almost 100-fold) of the whole-cell macroscopic concentration
      response relationship for gating by etomidate. Co-application of 100 nM
      3alpha5betaP reduced the EC50 for potentiation by etomidate of currents elicited
      by 0.5 MUM GABA by about three-fold. In vivo, 3alpha5betaP (1mg kg(-1) ) reduced
      the dose of etomidate required to produce loss of righting in mice (ED50 ) by
      almost 10-fold. In tadpoles, the presence of 50 or 100 nM 3alpha5betaP shifted
      the EC50 for loss of righting about three- or ten-fold respectively. Exposure to
      3alpha5betaP did not influence inhibition of cortisol synthesis by etomidate.
      CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Potentiating neurosteroids act similarly on
      orthosterically and allosterically activated GABAA receptors. Co-application of
      neurosteroids with etomidate can significantly reduce dosage requirements for the
      anaesthetic, and is a potentially beneficial combination to reduce undesired side
      effects.

PMID- 25117212
TI  - Bacteria aerosol spread and wound bacteria reduction with different methods for
      wound debridement in an animal model.
AB  - Debridement is essential in wound treatment to remove necrotic tissue and wound
      bacteria but may lead to bacteria spread by aerosolization. This study
      investigated the wound bacterial reduction and bacterial transmission induced by
      debridement using curette, plasma-mediated bipolar radiofrequency ablation
      (Coblation(r)) or hydrodebridement (Versajet(r)). Full thickness dermal wounds in
      porcine joint specimens inoculated with S. aureus were debrided with curette,
      Coblation, Versajet, or were left untreated. During and after debridement,
      aerosolized bacteria were measured and to assess wound bacterial load,
      quantitative swab samples were taken from each wound. Only Coblation was able to
      reduce the bacterial load of the wound significantly. Versajet debridement
      resulted in a significant bacterial aerosolization, but this was not the case
      with Coblation and curette debridement. This study shows that Coblation is a
      promising wound debridement method, which effectively reduces the wound bed
      bacterial load without the risk of bacterial aerosolization. 

PMID- 25117216
TI  - Spectrum of Mathematical Weaknesses: Related Neuropsychological Correlates.
AB  - Math disorders have been recognized for as long as language disorders yet have
      received far less research. Mathematics is a complex construct and its
      development may be dependent on multiple cognitive abilities. Several studies
      have shown that short-term memory, working memory, visuospatial skills,
      processing speed, and various language skills relate to and may facilitate math
      development and performance. The hypotheses explored in this research were that
      children who performed worse on math achievement than on Full-Scale IQ would
      exhibit weaknesses in executive functions, memory, and visuoperceptual skills.
      Participants included 436 children (27% girls, 73% boys; age range = 5-17 years,
      M(age) = 9.45 years) who were referred for neuropsychological evaluations due to
      academic and/or behavioral problems. This article specifically focuses on the
      spectrum of math weakness rather than clinical disability, which has yet to be
      investigated in the literature. Results suggest that children with relative
      weakness to impairments in math were significantly more likely to have cognitive
      weaknesses to impairments on neuropsychological variables, as compared with
      children without math weaknesses. Specifically, the math-weak children exhibit a
      weakness to impairment on measures involving attention, language, visuoperceptual
      skills, memory, reading, and spelling. Overall, our results suggest that math
      development is multifaceted.

PMID- 25117210
TI  - Left ventricular hypertrophy and obesity: only a matter of fat?
AB  - Obesity can be regarded as an energy balance disorder in which inappropriate
      expansion and dys-function of adipose tissue lead to unfavorable outcomes. Even
      in the absence of hypertension, adiposity induces structural and functional
      changes in the heart through hemodynamic and non hemodynamic factors. In the
      "obese" heart, besides the growth of cardiomyocytes, interstitial fat
      infiltration and triglyceride accumulation in the contractile elements
      importantly contribute to left-ventricular mass (LVM) accrual, hypertrophy (LVH)
      and geometric pattern. In harmony with this, the likelihood of LVH is greater in
      either obese normotensive or hypertensive individuals than in their non-obese
      counterparts. Interestingly, recent observations highlight the increasing
      prevalence of the "concentric" (ie, combined remodeling and hypertrophy), rather
      than "eccentric" pattern of LV geometry in obesity. Nonetheless, obesity is
      linked with lack of decrease, or even increase, of LVM over time, independently
      of blood pressure control and hypertensive treatment. Although obesity-related LV
      changes result in progressive systolic and diastolic heart failure, the
      assessment of LVM and LVH in obese individuals still remains a difficult task. In
      this scenario, it is tempting to speculate that therapeutic interventions for
      reversal of LVH in obesity should either overcome the "non-hemodynamic" factors
      or reduce the hemodynamic load. Indeed, weight loss, either achieved by lifestyle
      changes or bariatric procedures, decreases LVM and improves LV function
      regardless of blood pressure status. These and other mechanistic insights are
      discussed in this review, which focuses on "adipose dysfunction" as potential
      instigator of, and putative therapeutic target for, LVH regression in the setting
      of obesity.

PMID- 25117217
TI  - ELISPOT Techniques.
AB  - The enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay is a widely used method for
      enumerating antigen-specific cytokine-producing or antibody-secreting immune
      cells. It is one of the most effective immunological and diagnostic approaches to
      detect and quantify low-frequency cytokine- or antibody-producing cells in human
      and animal tissues, such as peripheral blood, lymph nodes, and spleen. Detection
      and quantification of specific cytokine-producing cells by the ELISPOT assay is
      based on the formation of visible spots at the site of cytokine release by the
      cells under investigation (e.g., T cells) using pairs of different capture and
      detection antibodies under optimized conditions.Here we focus mainly on
      practical, optimized protocols for cytokine ELISPOT assays for detection of mouse
      and human cytokine-producing immune cells (e.g., peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells, PBMC), including suggestions for trouble-shooting and optimizing steps for
      problematic tissue samples.

PMID- 25117211
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of the anti-cancer drug sunitinib in models of HIV
      neurotoxicity suggests potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative
      disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Anti-retrovirals have improved and extended the life
      expectancy of patients with HIV. However, as this population ages, the prevalence
      of cognitive changes is increasing. Aberrant activation of kinases, such as
      receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), play a
      role in the mechanisms of HIV neurotoxicity. Inhibitors of CDK5, such as
      roscovitine, have neuroprotective effects; however, CNS penetration is low.
      Interestingly, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) display some CDK inhibitory
      activity and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We
      screened a small group of known TKIs for a candidate with additional CDK5
      inhibitory activity and tested the efficacy of the candidate in in vitro and in
      vivo models of HIV-gp120 neurotoxicity. KEY RESULTS: Among 12 different
      compounds, sunitinib inhibited CDK5 with an IC50 of 4.2 MUM. In silico analysis
      revealed that, similarly to roscovitine, sunitinib fitted 6 of 10 features of the
      CDK5 pharmacophore. In a cell-based model, sunitinib reduced CDK5 phosphorylation
      (pCDK5), calpain-dependent p35/p25 conversion and protected neuronal cells from
      the toxic effects of gp120. In glial fibrillary acidic protein-gp120 transgenic
      (tg) mice, sunitinib reduced levels of pCDK5, p35/p25 and phosphorylated tau
      protein, along with amelioration of the neurodegenerative pathology. CONCLUSIONS
      AND IMPLICATIONS: Compounds such as sunitinib with dual kinase inhibitory
      activity could ameliorate the cognitive impairment associated with chronic HIV
      infection of the CNS. Moreover, repositioning existing low MW compounds holds
      promise for the treatment of patients with neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 25117219
TI  - A comparison of the degree of effort involved in the TOMM and the ACS Word Choice
      Test using a dual-task paradigm.
AB  - The aims of the current study were to: (a) examine the predictive validity and
      efficacy of the Advanced Clinical Solutions Word Choice Test (WCT) as a measure
      of effort relative to the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM); (b) investigate
      whether performing a dual (distraction) task would undermine performance on
      either test; (c) assess the effect of coaching on the diagnostic accuracy of both
      the WCT and the TOMM; and (d) establish an optimal cut score for the WCT. The
      current study used a simulation design based on an analogue design in which
      normal participants were instructed to either apply full effort or simulate a
      brain injury on the tasks without being detected. Participants included 93
      undergraduate university students who were randomly assigned to 1 of 4
      conditions: (a) distraction, (b) uncoached traumatic brain injury (TBI)
      simulators, (c) coached TBI simulators, or (d) full effort. The results
      demonstrated that the WCT and the TOMM were effective in detecting simulated
      cognitive impairment. Both tests were resistant to the effects of distraction and
      were equally effective in detecting coached and uncoached simulators. A cut score
      of 42 on the WCT was found to provide optimal specificity and sensitivity on the
      test. 

PMID- 25117220
TI  - History of plant lectin research.
AB  - Numerous plant species are known to express one or more lectins or proteins
      containing a lectin domain, enabling these proteins to select and bind specific
      carbohydrate structures. The group of plant lectins is quite heterogeneous since
      lectins differ in their molecular structure, specificity for certain carbohydrate
      structures, and biological activities resulting therefrom. This chapter presents
      a short historical overview on how plant lectin research has evolved over the
      years from a discipline aiming merely at the purification and characterization of
      plant lectins towards the application of plant lectins as tools in glycobiology. 

PMID- 25117221
TI  - Fungal lectins: a growing family.
AB  - Fungi are members of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that include yeasts
      and molds, as well as the most familiar member, mushrooms. Fungal lectins with
      unique specificity and structures have been discovered. In general, fungal
      lectins are classified into specific families based on their amino acid sequences
      and three-dimensional structures. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the
      approximately 80 types of mushroom and fungal lectins that have been isolated and
      studied to date. In particular, we have focused on ten fungal lectins (Agaricus
      bisporus, Agrocybe cylindracea, Aleuria aurantia, Aspergillus oryzae, Clitocybe
      nebularis, Marasmius oreades, Psathyrella velutina, Rhizopus stolonifer, Pholiota
      squarrosa, Polyporus squamosus), many of which are commercially available and
      their properties, sugar-binding specificities, structural grouping into families,
      and applications for biological research being described. The sialic acid
      specific lectins (Agrocybe cylindracea and Polyporus squamosus) and fucose
      specific lectins (Aleuria aurantia, Aspergillus oryzae, Rhizopus stolonifer, and
      Pholiota squarrosa) each showed potential for use in identifying sialic acid
      glycoconjugates and fucose glycoconjugates. Although not much is currently known
      about fungal lectins compared to animal and plant lectins, the knowledge
      accumulated thus far shows great promise for several applications in the fields
      of taxonomy, biomedicine, and molecular and cellular biology. 

PMID- 25117223
TI  - Hemagglutination (inhibition) assay.
AB  - The hemagglutination assay is a simple and easy method to obtain semi
      quantitative data on the sugar binding and specificity of a lectin. An active
      lectin agglutinates erythrocytes by recognizing a carbohydrate on the cell
      surface and forming a cross-linked network in suspension. By serially diluting
      the lectin in a 96-well microtiter plate and adding a constant quantity of
      erythrocytes, the lectin activity can be estimated. 

PMID- 25117218
TI  - IL-1beta and IL-18: inflammatory markers or mediators of hypertension?
AB  - Chronic inflammation in the kidneys and vascular wall is a major contributor to
      hypertension. However, the stimuli and cellular mechanisms responsible for such
      inflammatory responses remain poorly defined. Inflammasomes are crucial
      initiators of sterile inflammation in other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
      and gout. These pattern recognition receptors detect host-derived danger
      associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), such as microcrystals and reactive oxygen
      species, and respond by inducing activation of caspase-1. Caspase-1 then
      processes the cytokines pro-IL-1beta and pro-IL-18 into their active forms thus
      triggering inflammation. While IL-1beta and IL-18 are known to be elevated in
      hypertensive patients, no studies have examined whether this occurs downstream of
      inflammasome activation or whether inhibition of inflammasome and/or IL-1beta/IL
      18 signalling prevents hypertension. In this review, we will discuss some known
      actions of IL-1beta and IL-18 on leukocyte and vessel wall function that could
      potentially underlie a prohypertensive role for these cytokines. We will describe
      the major classes of inflammasome-activating DAMPs and present evidence that at
      least some of these are elevated in the setting of hypertension. Finally, we will
      provide information on drugs that are currently used to inhibit inflammasome/IL
      1beta/IL-18 signalling and how these might ultimately be used as therapeutic
      agents for the clinical management of hypertension. 

PMID- 25117222
TI  - The "white kidney bean incident" in Japan.
AB  - Lectin poisoning occurred in Japan in 2006 after a TV broadcast that introduced a
      new diet of eating staple foods with powdered toasted white kidney beans, seeds
      of Phaseolus vulgaris. Although the method is based on the action of a heat
      stable alpha-amylase inhibitor in the beans, phaseolamin, more than 1,000 viewers
      who tried the method suffered from acute intestinal symptoms and 100 people were
      hospitalized. Lectins in the white kidney beans were suspected to be the cause of
      the trouble. We were asked to investigate the lectin activity remaining in the
      beans after the heat treatment recommended on the TV program. The test suggested
      that the heat treatment was insufficient to inactivate the lectin activity,
      which, combined with our ignorance of carbohydrate signaling in the intestine,
      was the cause of the problem. 

PMID- 25117224
TI  - Preparation of affinity adsorbents and purification of lectins from natural
      sources.
AB  - Lectins are purified by affinity chromatography to take advantage of their
      carbohydrate-specific interactions. Highly efficient affinity adsorbents are
      powerful tools to obtain homogeneous lectins with distinct specificities. Here,
      we describe three methods to prepare affinity adsorbents by immobilizing
      carbohydrates or glycoconjugates on agarose gel beads. Because the ligands are
      immobilized via a stable and nonionic linkage under mild conditions, the
      adsorbents possess high binding capacity for lectins with low nonspecific
      adsorption and can withstand repeated use. The procedures require neither
      specialized techniques and apparatus nor highly toxic compounds. Using these
      adsorbents, many plant and animal lectins can be purified in a few steps. 

PMID- 25117225
TI  - High-performance lectin affinity chromatography.
AB  - Lectin high-performance liquid chromatography techniques have contributed to the
      growing interest in glycoproteomics. Affinity chromatography is a very effective
      method to separate and purify trace amount of biological substances. In this
      chapter, we describe a basic procedure for separation of glycoproteins using
      commercially available lectin-HPLC columns. As an example, alpha-fetoprotein,
      known as a biomarker of liver cancer, can be separated at the level of their
      glyco-isomers by using a Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) column. 

PMID- 25117226
TI  - Determination of glycan motifs using serial lectin affinity chromatography.
AB  - Serial lectin affinity chromatography is a convenient technique for
      characterizing glycan motifs (terminal glycan structures) of glycoproteins or
      released glycans. When these glycoconjugates are applied serially or in parallel
      to lectin-immobilized columns, information regarding the glycan motifs can be
      obtained. We demonstrate lectin affinity chromatographic methods for determining
      O-linked glycan structures of MUC1 purified from a breast cancer cell line, YMB
      S, N-linked glycan structures of serum prostate-specific antigen from prostate
      cancer, and serum alkaline phosphatases from choriocarcinoma. These lectin
      fractionated samples are analyzed quantitatively by measuring radioactivity,
      antigen contents are analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and
      enzymatic activities are assessed. 

PMID- 25117227
TI  - Lectin-probed western blot analysis.
AB  - Lectin-probed western blot analysis, the so-called lectin blot analysis, is a
      useful method to yield basic information on the glycan structures of
      glycoproteins, based on the carbohydrate-binding specificities of lectins. By
      lectin blot analysis, researchers can directly analyze the glycan structures
      without releasing the glycans from glycoproteins. Here, the author describes
      protocols for standard analysis, and applies analysis in combination with
      glycosidase digestion of blot. 

PMID- 25117228
TI  - Solid-phase assay of lectin activity using HRP-conjugated glycoproteins.
AB  - Various enzyme-conjugated probes have been widely used for detection of specific
      interactions between biomolecules. In the case of glycan-protein interaction,
      horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated glycoproteins (HRP-GPs) are useful for
      the detection of carbohydrate-binding activity of plant and animal lectins. In
      this chapter, a typical solid-phase assay of the carbohydrate-binding activity of
      Sophora japonica agglutinin I, a Gal/GalNAc-specific lectin, using HRP-conjugated
      asialofetuin is described. HRP-GPs are versatile tools for probing lectin
      activities in crude extracts, screening many samples at one time, and applicable
      not only for solid-phase binding assays but also samples which are dot- or
      Western-blotted onto the membrane. 

PMID- 25117229
TI  - A simple viral neuraminidase-based detection for high-throughput screening of
      viral hemagglutinin-host receptor specificity.
AB  - The correlation between precise interactions of influenza A virus hemagglutinins
      with host cell surface glycans having terminal sialic acids and host range
      specificity has provoked the development of a high-throughput viral-receptor
      specificity assay. Here, we describe the use of the virus itself as a specific
      antibody coupled to enzymes (virus with neuraminidase spikes) for determining its
      binding specificity to glycans, a strategy that reduces not only the cost but
      also the tedious steps of adding primary and secondary antibodies and washing
      between each step. All of the steps, including coating the glycopolymers onto
      microtiter plates, virus binding, and visual and quantitative detection of
      fluorescence products that correlate well with the amount of glycan-bound
      viruses, can be done within 3 h. This simple, rapid, sensitive, and reliable
      strategy is an ideal method for detection of high-throughput influenza virus
      receptor-binding preference not only for studies on viral evolution and
      transmission but also for viral surveillance in pandemic preparedness, leading to
      efficient prevention and control of the disease. 

PMID- 25117230
TI  - Lectin affinity electrophoresis.
AB  - An interaction or a binding event typically changes the electrophoretic
      properties of a molecule. Affinity electrophoresis methods detect changes in the
      electrophoretic pattern of molecules (mainly macromolecules) that occur as a
      result of biospecific interactions or complex formation. Lectin affinity
      electrophoresis is a very effective method for the detection and analysis of
      trace amounts of glycobiological substances. It is particularly useful for
      isolating and separating the glycoisomers of target molecules. Here, we describe
      a sensitive technique for the detection of glycoproteins separated by agarose gel
      lectin affinity electrophoresis that uses antibody-affinity blotting. The
      technique is tested using alpha-fetoprotein with lectin (Lens culinaris
      agglutinin and Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin)-agarose gels. 

PMID- 25117231
TI  - Capillary-based lectin affinity electrophoresis for interaction analysis between
      lectins and glycans.
AB  - Capillary affinity electrophoresis (CAE) is a powerful technique for glycan
      analysis, and one of the analytical approaches for analyzing the interaction
      between lectins and glycans. The method is based on the high-resolution
      separation of fluorescently labeled glycans by capillary electrophoresis (CE)
      with laser-induced fluorescence detection (LIF) in the presence of lectins (or
      glycan binding proteins). CAE allows simultaneous determination of glycan
      structures in a complex mixture of glycans. In addition, we can calculate the
      binding kinetics on a specific glycan in the complex mixture of glycans with a
      lectin. Here, we show detailed procedures for capillary affinity electrophoresis
      of fluorescently labeled glycans with lectins using CE-LIF apparatus. Its
      application to screening a sialic acid binding protein in plant barks is also
      shown. 

PMID- 25117232
TI  - Basic procedures for lectin flow cytometry.
AB  - Glycans located on the cell surface regulate cell-cell interaction, cell homing,
      and signal transmission, which are particularly important for communication among
      cells. Certain cell types contain unique cell surface glycan structures, which
      have been utilized as markers for characterization. Flow cytometry is a powerful
      technology that enables the examination of multiple parameters of individual
      cells (e.g., cell size, internal complexity, and surface marker expression
      level). In this chapter, we describe a step-by-step procedure on how to detect
      glycans on the cell surface of live cells by flow cytometer, using lectins. 

PMID- 25117233
TI  - Histochemical staining using lectin probes.
AB  - In histochemistry and cytochemistry, lectins are often used as probes for the
      localization of carbohydrates in cells and tissues. With lectins, cells and
      tissues can be identified as a particular type or a group in situ. Various
      lectins have been used for mapping of normal cells and tissues, pathological
      diagnosis such as malignant transformation, and identification of cell lineages
      during development. This chapter describes light and electron microscopic methods
      using lectin probes for determining carbohydrate localization in cells and
      tissues. 

PMID- 25117234
TI  - Equilibrium dialysis using chromophoric sugar derivatives.
AB  - Equilibrium dialysis has been used to examine the binding affinity of ligands to
      proteins. It is a simple and reliable method, which requires only inexpensive
      equipment. For analysis of lectin-sugar interactions, the lectin and sugar are
      placed in the individual chambers separated by the membrane to allow the sugar to
      diffuse into the lectin chamber. After equilibrium has been reached, the
      concentrations of the sugar in both chambers are determined to evaluate the sugar
      binding affinity of lectin. In this chapter, an example of the equilibrium
      dialysis experiment using the chromophoric derivatives of galactose and N
      acetylgalactosamine is demonstrated, which reveals the difference in the affinity
      as well as specificities of two different carbohydrate-binding sites present in
      the B-chains of the plant lectin ricin. 

PMID- 25117235
TI  - Centrifugal ultrafiltration-HPLC method for interaction analysis between lectins
      and sugars.
AB  - The centrifugal ultrafiltration-HPLC method is a simple and rapid method for
      analyzing the binding interaction between lectins and sugars (oligosaccharides).
      In this method, a lectin is mixed with a fluorescent-labeled oligosaccharide in
      buffer and the unbound oligosaccharide recovered by centrifugal ultrafiltration
      is isolated and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The binding
      activity is defined as a ratio (percentage) of the amount of bound
      oligosaccharide to that added, where the former is obtained by subtracting the
      amount of unbound oligosaccharide from the latter. The oligosaccharide-binding
      specificity of a lectin can be determined by comparing the binding activities
      with a variety of fluorescent-labeled oligosaccharides. The association constant
      and the optimum pH and temperature of the binding interaction between lectins and
      fluorescent-labeled oligosaccharides can be easily analyzed by this method. 

PMID- 25117236
TI  - Surface plasmon resonance as a tool to characterize lectin-carbohydrate
      interactions.
AB  - Biosensors based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) monitor changes in refractive
      index in the vicinity of a surface in a real-time manner, which allows rapid,
      label-free characterization of the interactions of various types of molecules,
      from quantitative measurements of binding kinetics, thermodynamics, and
      concentrations in complex samples to epitope analysis. This method is usually
      capable of analyzing affinities in the range of millimolar to picomolar and is
      sensitive (typically, the concentration range of the analyte is 0.1-100*Kd and
      the typical volumes needed are in the range of 50-150 MUL). There are two major
      applications of SPR biosensors for the analysis of lectin-carbohydrate
      interactions: detailed characterization of the interaction (e.g., specificity,
      affinity, kinetics, stoichiometry) and screening of lectin and
      carbohydrate/glycoconjugate interactions for diagnosis, identification of
      endogenous ligands, or binding properties of interest. Care should be taken,
      since the interaction of lectin and carbohydrate on the solid phase is
      complicated by the nonhomogeneous conditions under which binding occurs. However,
      this may in fact mimic some biological conditions, such as those occurring in
      cell-cell interactions.

PMID- 25117237
TI  - Isothermal calorimetric analysis of lectin-sugar interaction.
AB  - Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a powerful tool for analyzing lectin
      glycan interactions because it can measure the binding affinity and thermodynamic
      properties such as ?H and DeltaS in a single experiment without any chemical
      modification or immobilization. Here we describe a method for preparing glycan
      and lectin solution to minimize the buffer mismatch, setting parameters, and
      performing experiments. 

PMID- 25117238
TI  - Carbohydrate-lectin interaction assay by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
      using fluorescence-labeled glycosylasparagines.
AB  - Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a high-throughput system for the
      assay of interactions in solution and can be used to measure the numbers of
      molecules and molecular size in micro-regions. FCS can be used to measure
      interactions in environments that are close to those in vivo. It is a useful
      technique for measuring bioactive substances, screening inhibitors, and detecting
      the binding of materials, as well as for determining K d and IC50 values.
      Glycosyl amino acids with natural oligosaccharides are useful for the interaction
      assay of oligosaccharides. Fluorescence probes can be introduced into the
      glycosyl amino acid while the whole structure of the oligosaccharide is
      maintained. Carbohydrate-lectin interaction in a solution assay system can be
      analyzed easily by FCS using fluorescence-labeled glycosylasparagine. 

PMID- 25117239
TI  - Lectin-based glycomics: how and when was the technology born?
AB  - Lectin-based glycomics is an emerging, comprehensive technology in the post
      genome sciences. The technique utilizes a panel of lectins, which is a group of
      biomolecules capable of deciphering "glycocodes," with a novel platform
      represented by a lectin microarray. The method enables multiple glycan-lectin
      interaction analyses to be made so that differential glycan profiling can be
      performed in a rapid and sensitive manner. This approach is in clear contrast to
      another advanced technology, mass spectrometry, which requires prior glycan
      liberation. Although the lectin microarray cannot provide definitive structures
      of carbohydrates and their attachment sites, it gives useful clues concerning the
      characteristic features of glycoconjugates. These include differences not only in
      terminal modifications (e.g., sialic acid (Sia) linkage, types of fucosylation)
      but also in higher ordered structures in terms of glycan density, depth, and
      direction composed for both N- and O-glycans. However, before this technique
      began to be implemented in earnest, many other low-throughput methods were
      utilized in the late twentieth century. In this chapter, the author describes how
      the current lectin microarray technique has developed based on his personal
      experience. 

PMID- 25117240
TI  - Frontal affinity chromatography (FAC): theory and basic aspects.
AB  - Frontal affinity chromatography (FAC) is a versatile analytical tool for
      determining specific interactions between biomolecules and is particularly useful
      in the field of glycobiology. This article presents its basic aspects, merits,
      and theory. 

PMID- 25117241
TI  - Frontal affinity chromatography: practice of weak interaction analysis between
      lectins and fluorescently labeled oligosaccharides.
AB  - Frontal affinity chromatography (FAC) is a simple and effective method that is
      applicable to the analysis of interactions between glycans and glycan-recognition
      proteins, including lectins, with weak affinity ranging from 10(-4) to 10(-6) (M)
      in terms of dissociation constant (Kd). Using conventional instruments, such as a
      high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system equipped with pump,
      injector, (fluorescent) detector, and data recorder, the dissociation constants
      for weak glycan-based interactions can be easily determined with high throughput
      and accuracy. Notably, if the glycans are labeled with fluorescent dyes, only a
      small amount of glycans is required for the analysis. Fluorescent labeling of
      glycans is a common technique, and an increasing number of fluorescent-labeled
      glycans are commercially available. In this chapter, an advanced FAC method using
      fluorescent-labeled glycans is described.

PMID- 25117242
TI  - Differential glycan analysis of an endogenous glycoprotein: toward clinical
      implementation--from sample pretreatment to data standardization.
AB  - There are huge numbers of clinical specimens being stored that contain potential
      diagnostic marker molecules buried by the coexistence of high-abundance proteins.
      To utilize such valuable stocks efficiently, we must develop appropriate
      techniques to verify the molecules. Glycoproteins with disease-related
      glycosylation changes are a group of useful molecules that have long been
      recognized, but their application is not fully implemented. The technology for
      comparative analysis of such glycoproteins in biological specimens has tended to
      be left behind, which often leads to loss of useful information without it being
      recognized. In this chapter, we feature antibody-assisted lectin profiling
      employing antibody-overlay lectin microarray, the most suitable technology for
      comparative glycoanalysis of a trace amount of glycoproteins contained in
      biological specimens. We believe that sharing this detailed protocol will
      accelerate the glycoproteomics-based discovery of glyco-biomarkers that has
      attracted recent attention; simultaneously, it will increase the value of
      clinical specimens as a gold mine of information that has yet to be exploited. 

PMID- 25117243
TI  - Lectin-microarray technique for glycomic profiling of fungal cell surfaces.
AB  - Lectin microarrays are rows of lectins with different carbohydrate-binding
      specificities spotted on surfaces of glass slides. Lectin microarray technique
      enables glycomic analyses of carbohydrate composition of fungal cell walls. We
      will describe an application of the technique in analyzing cell surface glycome
      of yeast-form fungal cells in the living state. The analysis reveals genus- and
      species-dependent complex cell surface carbohydrate structures of fungi, and
      enabled us, therefore, to suggest that cell walls of yeast cells, which have been
      considered to have relatively simple structures, actually have a more complex
      structure containing galactose and fucose. This shows that the technique can be
      used to find new insights into the study of phylogenetic relations and into the
      classification of cells in the fungal kingdom based on cell wall glycome. 

PMID- 25117244
TI  - Application of lectin microarray to bacteria including Lactobacillus
      casei/paracasei strains.
AB  - Since 2005, lectin microarray technology has emerged as a simple and powerful
      technique for comprehensive glycan analysis. By using evanescent-field
      fluorescence detection technique, it has been applied for analysis of not only
      glycoproteins and glycolipids secreted by eukaryotic cells but also
      glycoconjugates on the cell surface of live eukaryotic cells. Bacterial cells are
      known to be decorated with polysaccharides, teichoic acids, and proteins in the
      peptide glycans of their cell wall and lipoteichoic acids in their phospholipid
      bilayer. Specific glycan structures are characteristic of many highly pathogenic
      bacteria, while polysaccharides moiety of lactic acid bacteria are known to play
      a role as probiotics to modulate the host immune response. However, the method of
      analysis and knowledge of glycosylation structure of bacteria are limited. Here,
      we describe the development of a simple and sensitive method based on lectin
      microarray technology for direct analysis of intact bacterial cell surface
      glycomes. The method involves labeling bacterial cells with SYTOX Orange before
      incubation with the lectin microarray. After washing, bound cells are directly
      detected using an evanescent-field fluorescence scanner in a liquid phase. The
      entire procedure takes 3 h from putting labeled bacteria on the microarray to
      profiling its lectin binding affinity. Using this method, we compared the cell
      surface glycomes from 16 different strains of L. casei/paracasei. The lectin
      binding profile of most strains was found to be unique. Our technique provides a
      novel strategy for rapid profiling of bacteria and enables us to differentiate
      numerous bacterial strains with relevance to the biological functions of surface
      glycosylation. 

PMID- 25117245
TI  - Live-cell imaging of human pluripotent stem cells by a novel lectin probe
      rBC2LCN.
AB  - We performed comprehensive glycome analysis of a large set of human pluripotent
      stem cells (hPSCs) using a high-density lectin microarray. We found that a
      recombinant lectin, rBC2LCN, binds exclusively to all of the undifferentiated
      hPSCs tested, but not to differentiated somatic cells. rBC2LCN can be used for
      both the staining and sorting of fixed and live hPSCs. rBC2LCN could serve as a
      novel detection reagent for hPSCs, particularly given that rBC2LCN is cost
      effective and, unlike conventional antibodies which require mammalian cells for
      their production, is easy to produce in a large amount (0.1 g/L) in an
      Escherichia coli expression system. Here we describe protocols for the
      fluorescence staining of fixed and live hPSCs and their detection by flow
      cytometry. 

PMID- 25117246
TI  - Carbohydrate-binding specificity of lectins using multiplexed glyco-bead array.
AB  - Multiplexed bead array is an application that allows us to quantify multiple
      ligands simultaneously by using flow cytometry. Glycopeptides are immobilized on
      multiplexed beads, and the glycan-binding specificities of several lectins are
      determined. This strategy is easy, rapid, and suitable for small amount of
      samples, and allows the reliable elucidation under the identical condition. Such
      a technology is useful for analyzing characteristics and functions of lectins. 

PMID- 25117247
TI  - Supported molecular matrix electrophoresis: a new membrane electrophoresis for
      characterizing glycoproteins.
AB  - Protein blotting is often used for identification and characterization of
      proteins on a membrane to which proteins separated by gel electrophoresis are
      transferred. The transferring process is sometimes problematic, in particular,
      for mucins and proteoglycans. Here, we describe a novel membrane electrophoresis
      technique, termed supported molecular matrix electrophoresis (SMME), in which a
      porous polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane filter is used as the separation
      support. Proteins separated by this method can be immunoblotted without any
      transferring procedures. 

PMID- 25117248
TI  - Overall strategy for functional analysis of animal lectins.
AB  - Animal lectins elicit biological functions through the interaction with glycan
      ligands. To clarify the functions of the lectins, both identification of their
      glycan ligand structure and assessment of impact of lectin-glycan interaction on
      the biological event are essential strategies. This chapter focuses on two of key
      useful methodologies for planning experiments based on the strategies. One is the
      detection of lectin-glycan interaction by the multivalent display of lectins and
      glycans. This methodology is a powerful means for identification of the glycan
      ligand structure and proteins and/or lipids carrying the glycan ligands for
      lectins. The other is the intervention of lectin-glycan interaction to assess the
      biological roles of lectins. Bioinformatics especially useful for animal lectins
      will be also described in this chapter. The concepts described in this chapter
      are versatile and applicable to a wide range of animal lectin research. 

PMID- 25117249
TI  - Evaluation of glycan-binding specificity by glycoconjugate microarray with an
      evanescent-field fluorescence detection system.
AB  - The glycan microarray is now an essential tool used to study lectins. With this
      technique, glycan-binding specificity can be easily assessed by incubation with
      an array immobilizing a series of glycans. Glycan microarrays have been developed
      by numerous research groups around the world. Among the available microarrays,
      our glycan microarray has two unique characteristics: one is the incorporation of
      an evanescent-field fluorescence detection system and the other is the use of
      multivalent glycopolymers. These two unique properties allow the highly sensitive
      detection of only nanogram quantities of lectins even in crude samples such as
      cell lysates and cell culture media. Thus, this system is suitable for the
      initial screening of lectins, lectin-like molecules, lectin candidates, and
      lectin mutants. Here I describe the protocols employed to analyze the glycan
      binding specificity of lectins using our glycan microarray system. 

PMID- 25117250
TI  - Potential usage for in vivo lectin screening in live animals utilizing cell
      surface mimetic glyco-nanoparticles, phosphorylcholine-coated quantum dots (PC
      QDs).
AB  - Utilizing glycosylated derivatives as a tag, we are able to explore novel counter
      receptor of endogenous lectins or lectin-like molecules in vivo. We have
      established the standardized methodology including preparation of glycosylated
      derivatives and construction of a platform for tracing the molecules in vivo at
      first. Combined use of an aminooxy-terminated thiol derivative and a
      phosphorylcholine (PC) derivative provides quantum dots (QDs) with novel
      functions for the chemical ligation of ketone-functionalized compounds and the
      prevention of nonspecific protein adsorption concurrently. In order to track the
      derivatives in vivo, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging of QDs displaying
      various simple sugars (glyco-PC-QDs) after administration into the tail vein of
      the mouse can be performed. It has revealed that distinct long-term
      delocalization over 2 h can be observed depending on the species of glycans
      ligated to PC-QDs at least in the liver. Until today we have performed live
      animal imaging utilizing various kinds of sialyl glyco-PC-QDs. They are still
      retained stably in whole body after 2 h while they showed significantly different
      in vivo dynamics in the tissue distribution, suggesting that structure/sequence
      of the neighboring sugar residues in the individual sialyl oligosaccharides might
      influence the final organ-specific distribution, which should be equivalent to
      the distribution of sialic acid-recognizing lectins. Here we describe a
      standardized protocol using ligand-displayed PC-QDs for live cell/animal imaging
      by versatile NIR fluorescence photometry without influence of size-dependent
      accumulation/excretion pathway for nanoparticles (e.g., viruses)>10 nm in
      hydrodynamic diameter by the liver.

PMID- 25117251
TI  - Remodeling cell surface glycans using glycosylation inhibitors.
AB  - Cell surface glycan remodeling is a useful method to modulate glycan-lectin
      interactions. In this chapter, a facile and reliable method to remodel mammalian
      cell surface N-glycans using inhibitors for N-glycan-processing enzymes is
      described. The method is widely applicable to many mammalian systems because
      those inhibitors work for the conserved glycosylation pathways among species. 

PMID- 25117252
TI  - Remodeling of glycans using glycosyltransferase genes.
AB  - Remodeling of glycans on the cell surface is an essential technique to analyze
      cellular function of lectin-glycan ligand interaction. Here we describe the
      methods to identify the responsible enzyme (glycosyltransferase) regulating the
      expression of the glycan of interest and to modulate the glycan expression by
      overexpressing the glycosyltransferase gene. For the identification of the
      responsible enzyme, we introduce a new method, CIRES (correlation index-based
      responsible-enzyme gene screening), that consists of statistical comparison of
      glycan expression profile obtained by flow cytometry and gene expression profile
      obtained by DNA microarray. 

PMID- 25117253
TI  - Functional assay using lectin gene targeting technologies (over-expression).
AB  - Function of lectin depends on its amino acid sequence of carbohydrate-recognition
      domain (CRD), conformation, and extracellular/intracellular localization.
      Altering lectin gene expression by over-expression or knockdown is a powerful
      tool for analyzing its cellular function. Here, we describe a method of lectin
      gene over-expression, taking a C-type lectin, mannan-binding protein (MBP), as an
      example. Carbohydrate-binding ability of MBP, its subcellular localization, and
      functional co-localization with ligand glycoprotein are assayed comparing with an
      inactive mutant MBP. 

PMID- 25117254
TI  - Analysis of L-selectin-mediated cellular interactions under flow conditions.
AB  - Lymphocyte homing is mediated by a specific interaction between L-selectin
      expressed on lymphocytes and its ligands expressed on high endothelial venules
      (HEVs) in lymph nodes under physiological flow conditions. In this chapter, two
      methods for detecting L-selectin-mediated cellular interactions under shear
      stress mimicking physiological flow conditions are described. First, a modified
      Stamper-Woodruff cell-binding assay using leukocytes labeled with a fluorescent
      orange dye, CMTMR, is introduced. In this method, leukocytes are allowed to bind
      to frozen lymph node sections under shear stress and their binding to HEVs can be
      clearly visualized by fluorescence microscopy. Second, a parallel flow chamber
      assay is described. In this assay, leukocytes are allowed to roll on L-selectin
      ligand-expressing cells under various levels of shear stress and their adhesive
      interactions are recorded by a video camera equipped with an inverted microscope.
      These methods can be applied to determine the effects of various agents that
      might affect L-selectin-mediated lymphocyte homing and recruitment. 

PMID- 25117255
TI  - Assessment of weak sugar-binding ability using lectin tetramer and membrane-based
      glycans.
AB  - To consider biological significance of glycosylation of proteins, it is necessary
      to evaluate the importance of sugar-recognition processes mediated by lectins.
      Though the interaction between sugars and proteins, especially animal lectins, is
      quite weak with K d approximately 10(-4) M, cellular and molecular recognitions
      mediated via sugar-protein interaction increase their avidity by 1-3 orders of
      magnitude by the self-association of both receptors and their ligands on cell
      surfaces. To assess the weak interaction between lectins and their sugar ligands,
      we established lectin tetramer binding to cell surface glycans using flow
      cytometry. This strategy is highly sensitive, and useful to determine whether or
      not a putative lectin domain may have sugar-binding ability. 

PMID- 25117256
TI  - Perspectives in glycomics and lectin engineering.
AB  - This chapter would like to provide a short survey of the most promising concepts
      applied recently in analysis of glycoproteins based on lectins. The first part
      describes the most exciting analytical approaches used in the field of
      glycoprofiling based on integration of nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, or
      nanochannels or using novel transducing platforms allowing to detect very low
      levels of glycoproteins in a label-free mode of operation. The second part
      describes application of recombinant lectins containing several tags applied for
      oriented and ordered immobilization of lectins. Besides already established
      concepts of glycoprofiling several novel aspects, which we think will be taken
      into account for future, more robust glycan analysis, are described including
      modified lectins, peptide lectin aptamers, and DNA aptamers with lectin-like
      specificity introduced by modified nucleotides. The last part of the chapter
      describes a novel concept of a glycocodon, which can lead to a better
      understanding of glycan-lectin interaction and for design of novel lectins with
      unknown specificities and/or better affinities toward glycan target or for
      rational design of peptide lectin aptamers or DNA aptamers. 

PMID- 25117257
TI  - Molecular basis of a pandemic of avian-type influenza virus.
AB  - Despite heroic efforts to prevent the emergence of an influenza pandemic, avian
      influenza A virus has prevailed by crossing the species barriers to infect humans
      worldwide, occasionally with morbidity and mortality at unprecedented levels, and
      the virus later usually continues circulation in humans as a seasonal influenza
      virus, resulting in health-social-economic problems each year. Here, we review
      current knowledge of influenza viruses, their life cycle, interspecies
      transmission, and past pandemics and discuss the molecular basis of pandemic
      acquisition, notably of hemagglutinin (lectin) acting as a key contributor to
      change in host specificity in viral infection. 

PMID- 25117258
TI  - Basic procedure of x-ray crystallography for analysis of lectin-sugar
      interactions.
AB  - Most three-dimensional structures of lectins have been determined by X-ray
      crystallography. This method determines the molecular structure using X-ray
      diffraction of a crystal, thereby providing structural information at the atomic
      level. In this chapter, an overview of the method for protein crystallography is
      briefly introduced, including a description of several techniques for analysis of
      the molecular and sugar-binding structure of lectins. 

PMID- 25117259
TI  - A new structure determination method of lectins using a selenium-containing sugar
      ligand.
AB  - Phase determination is essential for solving X-ray crystal structures of proteins
      and their complexes. Conventional phase-determination methods using heavy atoms
      (Pt, Au, Hg, etc.) or the selenium (Se) atom are routinely utilized in structure
      determination of protein crystals. Here, we describe an alternative phase
      determination method for proteins such as lectins in which a Se-containing glycan
      is used as a ligand. In this technique, the Se atoms are simply introduced into
      the protein crystal as a complex, and the phase of the protein can be determined
      using anomalous signals from the Se-containing sugar. 

PMID- 25117260
TI  - NMR analysis of carbohydrate-binding interactions in solution: an approach using
      analysis of saturation transfer difference NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - One of the most commonly used ligand-based NMR methods for detecting ligand
      binding is saturation transfer difference (STD) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
      spectroscopy. The STD NMR method is an invaluable technique for assessing
      carbohydrate-lectin interactions in solution, because STD NMR can be used to
      detect weak ligand binding (Kd ca. 10(-3)-10(-8) M). STD NMR spectra identify the
      binding epitope of a carbohydrate ligand when bound to lectin. Further, the STD
      NMR method uses 1H-detected NMR spectra of only the carbohydrate, and so only
      small quantities of non-labeled lectin are required. In this chapter, I describe
      a protocol for the STD NMR method, including the experimental procedures used to
      acquire, process, and analyze STD NMR data, using STD NMR studies for methyl-beta
      D-galactopyranoside (beta-Me-Gal) binding to the C-terminal domain of an R-type
      lectin from earthworm (EW29Ch) as an example.

PMID- 25117261
TI  - Small-angle X-ray scattering to obtain models of multivalent lectin-glycan
      complexes.
AB  - Recent advances in small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) have led to the ability to
      model the glycans on glycoproteins and to obtain the low-resolution solution
      structures of complexes of lectins bound to multivalent glycan-presenting
      scaffolds. This progress in SAXS can respond to the increasing interest in the
      biological action of glycoproteins and lectins and in the design of multivalent
      glycan-based antagonists. Carbohydrates make up a significant part of the X-ray
      scattering content in SAXS and should be included in the model together with the
      protein, whose structure is most often based on a crystal structure or NMR
      ensemble, to give a far-improved fit with the experimental data. The modeling of
      the spatial positioning of glycans on proteins or in the architecture of lectin
      glycan complexes delivers low-resolution structural information hitherto
      unmatched by any other method. SAXS data on the bacterial lectin FimH, strongly
      bound to heptyl alpha-D-mannose on a sevenfold derivatized beta-cyclodextrin,
      permitted determination of the stoichiometry of the complex and the geometry of
      the lectin deposition on the multivalent beta-cyclodextrin. The SAXS methods can
      be applied to larger complexes as the technique imposes no limit on the size of
      the macromolecular assembly in solution. 

PMID- 25117262
TI  - Directed evolution of lectins by an improved error-prone PCR and ribosome display
      method.
AB  - Lectins are useful reagents for the structural characterization of glycans.
      However, currently available lectins have an apparent drawback in their
      "repertoire," lacking some critical probes, such as those for sulfated glycans.
      Thus, engineering lectins with novel specificity would be of great practical
      value. Here, we describe a directed evolution strategy to tailor novel lectins
      for novel specificity or biological functions. Our strategy uses a reinforced
      ribosome display-based selection combined with error-prone PCR to isolate mutants
      with target specificity and an evanescent-field fluorescence-assisted
      glycoconjugate microarray to rapidly evaluate the specificity of selected
      mutants. A successful case of screening a lectin, which has acquired an ability
      to recognize 6-sulfo-galactose-terminated glycans, is described. 

PMID- 25117263
TI  - Tracing ancestral specificity of lectins: ancestral sequence reconstruction
      method as a new approach in protein engineering.
AB  - Protein evolution is a process of molecular design leading to the diversity of
      functional proteins found in nature. Recent advances in bioinformatics and
      structural biology, in addition to recombinant protein expression techniques,
      enable us to analyze more directly the molecular evolution of proteins by a new
      method using ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR), the so-called experimental
      molecular archaeology. ASR has been used to reveal molecular properties and
      structures correlating with changing geology, ecology, and physiology, and to
      identify the structure elements important to changing physiological functions to
      fill substantial gaps in the processes of protein evolution. In this chapter, we
      describe ASR as a new method of protein engineering studies, and their
      application to analyzing lectins, of which evolutionary processes and structural
      features contributing to molecular stability, specificity, and unique functions
      have been elucidated. Experimental molecular archeology using ASR and crystal
      structures of full-length ancestral proteins is useful in understanding the
      evolutionary process of the functional and structural diversified lectins by
      tracing ancestral specificities. 

PMID- 25117264
TI  - Comprehensive list of lectins: origins, natures, and carbohydrate specificities.
AB  - More than 100 years have passed since the first lectin ricin was discovered.
      Since then, a wide variety of lectins (lect means "select" in Latin) have been
      isolated from plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, as well as viruses, and their
      structures and properties have been characterized. At present, as many as 48
      protein scaffolds have been identified as functional lectins from the viewpoint
      of three-dimensional structures as described in this chapter. In this chapter,
      representative 53 lectins are selected, and their major properties that include
      hemagglutinating activity, mitogen activity, blood group specificity, molecular
      weight, metal requirement, and sugar specificities are summarized as a
      comprehensive table. The list will provide a practically useful, comprehensive
      list for not only experienced lectin users but also many other non-expert
      researchers, who are not familiar to lectins and, therefore, have no access to
      advanced lectin biotechnologies described in other chapters. 

PMID- 25117265
TI  - Lectin structures: classification based on the 3-D structures.
AB  - Recent progress in structural biology has elucidated the three-dimensional
      structures and carbohydrate-binding mechanisms of most lectin families. Lectins
      are classified into 48 families based on their three-dimensional structures. A
      ribbon drawing gallery of the crystal and solution structures of representative
      lectins or lectin-like proteins is appended and may help to convey the diversity
      of lectin families, the similarity and differences between lectin families, as
      well as the carbohydrate-binding architectures of lectins. 

PMID- 25117268
TI  - Radiation induced base excision repair (BER): a mechanistic mathematical
      approach.
AB  - This paper presents a mechanistic model of base excision repair (BER) pathway for
      the repair of single-stand breaks (SSBs) and oxidized base lesions produced by
      ionizing radiation (IR). The model is based on law of mass action kinetics to
      translate the biochemical processes involved, step-by-step, in the BER pathway to
      translate into mathematical equations. The BER is divided into two subpathways,
      short-patch repair (SPR) and long-patch repair (LPR). SPR involves in replacement
      of single nucleotide via Pol beta and ligation of the ends via XRCC1 and Ligase
      III, while LPR involves in replacement of multiple nucleotides via PCNA, Pol
      delta/E and FEN 1, and ligation via Ligase I. A hallmark of IR is the production
      of closely spaced lesions within a turn of DNA helix (named complex lesions),
      which have been attributed to a slower repair process. The model presented
      considers fast and slow component of BER kinetics by assigning SPR for simple
      lesions and LPR for complex lesions. In the absence of in vivo reaction rate
      constants for the BER proteins, we have deduced a set of rate constants based on
      different published experimental measurements including accumulation kinetics
      obtained from UVA irradiation, overall SSB repair kinetic experiments, and
      overall BER kinetics from live-cell imaging experiments. The model was further
      used to calculate the repair kinetics of complex base lesions via the LPR
      subpathway and compared to foci kinetic experiments for cells irradiated with
      gamma rays, Si, and Fe ions. The model calculation show good agreement with
      experimental measurements for both overall repair and repair of complex lesions.
      Furthermore, using the model we explored different mechanisms responsible for
      inhibition of repair when higher LET and HZE particles are used and concluded
      that increasing the damage complexity can inhibit initiation of LPR after the AP
      site removal step in BER. 

PMID- 25117266
TI  - Structural basis for constitutive activity and agonist-induced activation of the
      enteroendocrine fat sensor GPR119.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: GPR119 is a Galphas-coupled 7TM receptor activated by
      endogenous lipids such as oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and by the dietary
      triglyceride metabolite 2-monoacylglycerol. GPR119 stimulates enteroendocrine
      hormone and insulin secretion. But despite massive drug discovery efforts in the
      field, very little is known about the basic molecular pharmacology of GPR119.
      EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: GPR119 receptor signalling was studied in transfected
      cells. Mutational mapping (30 mutations in 23 positions) was performed on
      residues required for ligand-independent and agonist-induced GPR119 activation
      (AR231453 and OEA). Novel Rosetta-based receptor modelling was applied, using a
      composite template approach with segments from different X-ray structures and
      fully flexible ligand docking. KEY RESULTS: The increased signalling induced by
      increasing the cell surface expression of GPR119 in the absence of agonist and
      the inhibitory effect of two synthetic inverse agonists demonstrated that GRP119
      signals with a high degree of constitutive activity through the Galphas pathway.
      The mutational maps for AR231453 and OEA were very similar and, surprisingly,
      also similar to the mutational map for residues affecting the constitutive
      signalling - albeit with key differences. Surprisingly, almost all residues in
      extracellular loop-2b were important for the constitutive activity. The molecular
      modelling and docking demonstrated that AR231453 binds in a 'vertical' pocket in
      between mutational hits reaching from the centre of the receptor out to
      extracellular loop-2b. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The high constitutive
      activity of GPR119 should be taken into account in future drug discovery efforts,
      which can now be guided by the detailed knowledge of the physiochemical
      properties of the extended ligand-binding pocket.

PMID- 25117270
TI  - Normative values of major SCAT2 and SCAT3 components for a college athlete
      population.
AB  - The Sports Concussion Assessment Tool-2 (SCAT2) is a posttrauma evaluative
      screener for concussion. Although a revised version (SCAT3) recently was
      released, the SCAT2 continues in use. Moreover, there have been no reports of
      normative values with college athletes with the SCAT2 or SCAT3. Similar to the
      SCAT3, the SCAT2 includes a 22-item self-report symptom scale, the Standardized
      Assessment of Concussion (SAC), and a hard surface-only version of the Balance
      Error Scoring System (BESS). The SCAT3 does not employ a total score and adds an
      optional gait component. The purpose of this study was to develop normative
      values for collegiate athletes on the SCAT2 and its subparts with respect to sex,
      collision risk by sport, and concussion history. In preseason, 477 college
      athletes (332 male, 145 female) completed the SCAT2. The average total score was
      91.08 (SD = 5.60). The average number of symptoms endorsed was 1.75. Average SAC
      and BESS scores were 27.17 (SD = 2.01) and 25.64 (SD = 4.07), respectively.
      Little or no difference was found in total and component scores due to sex, sport
      type, or concussion history. When baseline measurement is lacking, these data
      provide a good benchmark for interpreting SCAT2 and SCAT3 performance.

PMID- 25117269
TI  - Do tree-ring stable isotope compositions faithfully record tree carbon/water
      dynamics?

PMID- 25117271
TI  - The use of FM dyes to analyze plant endocytosis.
AB  - FM (Fei-Mao) styryl dyes are compounds of amphiphilic character that are used for
      the fluorescence tracking of endocytosis and related processes, i.e., the
      internalization of membrane vesicles from the plasma membrane (PM) and dynamics
      of endomembranes. Staining with FM dyes and subsequent microscopical observations
      could be performed both on the tissue and cellular level. Here, we describe
      simple procedures for the effective FM dye staining and de-staining in root
      epidermal cells of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings and suspension-cultured tobacco
      cells. The progression of FM dye uptake, reflected by an increased amount of the
      dye in the endosomal compartments, is monitored under the fluorescence microscope
      in a time-lapse manner. The data obtained can be used for the characterization of
      the rate of endocytosis and the function of components of endosomal recycling
      machinery. 

PMID- 25117267
TI  - Evolution of nonclassical MHC-dependent invariant T cells.
AB  - TCR-mediated specific recognition of antigenic peptides in the context of
      classical MHC molecules is a cornerstone of adaptive immunity of jawed
      vertebrate. Ancillary to these interactions, the T cell repertoire also includes
      unconventional T cells that recognize endogenous and/or exogenous antigens in a
      classical MHC-unrestricted manner. Among these, the mammalian nonclassical MHC
      class I-restricted invariant T cell (iT) subsets, such as iNKT and MAIT cells,
      are now believed to be integral to immune response initiation as well as in
      orchestrating subsequent adaptive immunity. Until recently the evolutionary
      origins of these cells were unknown. Here we review our current understanding of
      a nonclassical MHC class I-restricted iT cell population in the amphibian Xenopus
      laevis. Parallels with the mammalian iNKT and MAIT cells underline the crucial
      biological roles of these evolutionarily ancient immune subsets.

PMID- 25117272
TI  - Sterol dynamics during endocytic trafficking in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Sterols are lipids found in membranes of eukaryotic cells. Functions of sterols
      have been demonstrated for various cellular processes including endocytic
      trafficking in animal, fungal, and plant cells. The ability to visualize sterols
      at the subcellular level is crucial to understand sterol distribution and
      function during endocytic trafficking. In plant cells, the polyene antibiotic
      filipin is the most extensively used tool for the specific detection of
      fluorescently labeled 3-beta-hydroxysterols in situ. Filipin can to some extent
      be used to track sterol internalization in live cells, but this application is
      limited, due to the inhibitory effects filipin exerts on sterol-dependent
      endocytosis. Nevertheless, filipin-sterol labeling can be performed on aldehyde
      fixed cells which allows for sterol detection in endocytic compartments. This
      approach can combine studies correlating sterol distribution with experimental
      manipulations of endocytic trafficking pathways. Here, we describe step-by-step
      protocols and troubleshooting for procedures on live and fixed cells to visualize
      sterols during endocytic trafficking. We also provide a detailed discussion of
      advantages and limitations of both methods. Moreover, we illustrate the use of
      the endocytic recycling inhibitor brefeldin A and a genetically modified version
      of one of its target molecules for studying endocytic sterol trafficking. 

PMID- 25117273
TI  - Live microscopy analysis of endosomes and vesicles in tip-growing root hairs.
AB  - Tip growth is one of the most preferable models in the study of plant cell
      polarity; cell wall deposition is restricted mainly to a certain area of the
      cell, and cell expansion at this specific area leads to the development of
      tubular outgrowth. Tip-growing root hairs are well-established systems for such
      studies, because their lateral position within the root makes them easily
      accessible for experimental approaches and microscopic observations. Fundamental
      structural and molecular processes driving tip growth are exocytosis,
      endocytosis, and all aspects of vesicular and endosomal dynamic trafficking, as
      related to targeted membrane flow. Study of vesicles and endosomes in living root
      hairs, however, is rather difficult, due to their small size and due to the
      resolution limits of conventional light microscopes. Here we present noninvasive
      approaches for visualizing vesicular and endosomal compartments in the tip of
      growing root hairs using electronic light microscopy, contrast-enhanced video
      light microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). These methods
      allow utilizing the maximum resolution of the light microscope. Together with
      protocols for appropriate preparation of living plant samples, the described
      methods should help improve our understanding on how tiny vesicles and endosomes
      support the process of tip growth in root hairs. 

PMID- 25117274
TI  - Analysis of fluid-phase endocytosis in (intact) plant cells.
AB  - Endocytosis is a continuous process at the plasma membrane at least of all
      eukaryotic cells. Regardless of the molecular machinery, which drives the
      formation and uptake of endocytic vesicles, it is reasonable to assume that this
      process inevitably collects external fluid. Hence, at least for the majority of
      apoplastic solutes, the endocytosis of the fluid phase is likely to be an
      inevitable process. Due to its independence from the molecular machinery and low
      selectivity with respect to the cargo, it is thus perfectly suited to be used as
      a tracer to follow the activity of all endocytic events. Here we describe simple
      protocols based on fluorescence microscopy, which yield quantitative information
      about endocytic vesicle sizes-with sub-diffraction accuracy-as well as the size
      exclusion limits for these uptake routes. 

PMID- 25117275
TI  - Immunogold labeling and electron tomography of plant endosomes.
AB  - High-resolution imaging of endosomal compartments and associated organelles can
      be achieved using state-of-the-art electron microscopy techniques, such as the
      combination of cryofixation/freeze-substitution for sample processing and
      electron tomography for three-dimensional (3D) analysis. This chapter deals with
      the main steps associated with these imaging techniques: selection of samples
      suitable for studying plant endosomes, sample preparation by high-pressure
      freezing/freeze-substitution, and electron tomography of plastic sections. In
      addition, immunogold approaches for identification of subcellular localization of
      endosomal and cargo proteins are also discussed. 

PMID- 25117277
TI  - Analysis of Rab GTPase-effector interactions by bimolecular fluorescence
      complementation.
AB  - RAB GTPases interact with specific effector molecules in a spatiotemporally
      regulated manner to induce various downstream reactions. To clarify the overall
      picture of RAB GTPase functions, it is important to elucidate the cellular locale
      where RAB and its effectors interact. Here, we applied a bimolecular fluorescence
      complementation (BiFC) assay to analyze where RAB GTPase interacted with
      effectors in endosomal trafficking. 

PMID- 25117276
TI  - Investigating protein-protein interactions in the plant endomembrane system using
      multiphoton-induced FRET-FLIM.
AB  - Real-time noninvasive fluorescence-based protein assays enable a direct access to
      study interactions in their natural environment and hence overcome the
      limitations of other methods that rely on invasive cell disruption techniques.
      The determination of Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) by means of
      fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is currently the most advanced
      method to observe protein-protein interactions at nanometer resolution inside
      single living cells and in real-time. In the FRET-FLIM approach, the information
      gained using steady-state FRET between interacting proteins is considerably
      improved by monitoring changes in the excited-state lifetime of the donor
      fluorophore where its quenching in the presence of the acceptor is evidence for a
      direct physical interaction. The combination of confocal laser scanning
      microscopy with the sensitive advanced technique of time-correlated single photon
      counting allows the mapping of the spatial distribution of fluorescence lifetimes
      inside living cells on a pixel-by-pixel basis that is the same as the
      fluorescence image. Moreover, the use of multiphoton excitation particularly for
      plant cells provides further advantages such as reduced phototoxicity and
      photobleaching. In this protocol, we briefly describe the instrumentation and
      experimental design to study protein interactions within the plant endomembrane
      system, with a focus on the imaging of plant cells expressing fluorescent
      proteins and acquisition and analysis of fluorescence lifetime resolved data. 

PMID- 25117278
TI  - In vivo imaging of brassinosteroid endocytosis in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Increasing evidence shows the involvement of endocytosis in specific signaling
      outputs in plants. To better understand the interplay between endocytosis and
      signaling in plant systems, more ligand-receptor pairs need to be identified and
      characterized. Crucial for the advancement of this research is also the
      development of imaging techniques that allow the visualization of endosome
      associated signaling events at a high spatiotemporal resolution. This requires
      the establishment of tools to track ligands and their receptors by fluorescence
      microscopy in living cells. The brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway has been
      among the first systems to be characterized with respect to its connection with
      endocytic trafficking, owning to the fact that a fluorescent version of BR, Alexa
      Fluor 647-castasterone (AFCS) has been generated. AFCS and the fluorescently
      tagged BR receptor, BR INSENSITIVE1 (BRI1) have been used for the specific
      detection of BRI1-AFCS endocytosis and for the delineation of their endocytic
      route as being clathrin-mediated. AFCS was successfully applied in functional
      studies in which pharmacological rerouting of the BRI1-BR complex was shown to
      have an impact on signaling. Here we provide a method for the visualization of
      endocytosis of plant receptors in living cells. The method was used to track
      endocytosis of BRI1-BR complexes in Arabidopsis epidermal root meristem cells by
      using fluorescent BRs. Pulse-chase experiments combined with quantitative
      confocal microscopy were used to determine the internalization rates of BRs. This
      method is well suited to measure the internalization of other plant receptors if
      fluorescent ligands are available. 

PMID- 25117279
TI  - Analysis of prevacuolar compartment-mediated vacuolar proteins transport.
AB  - Transient expression using protoplasts is a quick and powerful tool for studying
      protein trafficking and subcellular localization in plant cells. Prevacuolar
      compartments (PVCs) or multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are intermediate compartments
      that mediate protein transport between late Golgi or trans-Golgi network (TGN)
      and vacuole. Both wortmannin treatment and ARA7(Q69L) expression can induce PVC
      homotypic fusion and PVC enlargement in plant cells. Here, we describe detailed
      protocols to use transient expression of protoplasts derived from Arabidopsis
      suspension culture cells for studying protein trafficking and localization. Using
      three GFP-tagged vacuolar cargo proteins and RFP-tagged PVC membrane marker as
      examples, we illustrate the major tools and methods, including wortmannin
      treatment, ARA7(Q69L) expression and immunoblot analysis, to analyze PVC-mediated
      vacuolar protein transport in plant cells. 

PMID- 25117280
TI  - Evaluation of defective endosomal trafficking to the vacuole by monitoring seed
      storage proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Vacuolar proteins are synthesized as precursor forms in the endoplasmic reticulum
      and are sorted to the vacuole. In this chapter, we introduce two easy methods for
      the evaluation of vacuolar protein transport using Arabidopsis seeds. These
      methods are adequate to detect defects in vacuolar transport mediated by
      endosomes and other trafficking pathways as well. They include an immunoblot
      assay that monitors the abnormal accumulation of storage protein precursors, and
      an immunogold labeling assay that monitors the abnormal secretion of storage
      proteins. Each method facilitates the rapid identification of defects in the
      transport of endogenous vacuolar proteins in Arabidopsis mutants. 

PMID- 25117281
TI  - Trans-species complementation analysis to study function conservation of plant
      Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) proteins.
AB  - ESCRT (Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport) proteins are required
      for the sorting of biosynthetic and endocytic proteins at multivesicular bodies
      (MVBs). Here, I describe an assay to evaluate conservation of endosomal sorting
      functions of plant ESCRT proteins by trans-species complementation analysis. The
      assay is based on the imaging of a fluorescent biosynthetic MVB cargo, the
      carboxypeptidase S (CPS) fused to the green fluorescent protein GFP, in yeast
      ESCRT mutants expressing putative plant orthologues of the missing yeast ESCRT
      components. 

PMID- 25117282
TI  - A re-elicitation assay to correlate flg22-signaling competency with ligand
      induced endocytic degradation of the FLS2 receptor.
AB  - In the model plant Arabidopsis, the best studied Pattern-triggered immunity (PTI)
      system is perception of the bacterial pathogen-associated molecular pattern
      (PAMP) flagellin, or its active peptide-derivative flg22, by the plasma membrane
      localized receptor FLAGELLIN SENSING 2 (FLS2). Flg22 perception initiates an
      array of immune responses including the fast and transient production of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS). In addition, FLS2 undergoes ligand-induced endocytosis and
      subsequent degradation within 60 min of flg22-treatment. Luminol-based assays are
      routinely used to measure extracellular ROS production within minutes after flg22
      treatment. Many mutants in flg22-response pathways display defects in flg22
      induced ROS production. Here, we describe a luminol-based ROS Re-elicitation
      Assay that can be utilized to quantitatively assess flg22-signaling competency of
      FLS2 at times during which FLS2 is internalized, trafficked through endosomal
      compartments, and degraded in response to flg22. This assay may also be employed
      to correlate FLS2 signaling competency with receptor accumulation in vesicular
      trafficking mutants that either affect FLS2 endocytosis or replenishment of FLS2
      through the secretory pathway. In addition, this assay can be extended to studies
      of other PAMP (ligand)-receptor pairs.

PMID- 25117283
TI  - Preparation of enriched plant clathrin-coated vesicles by differential and
      density gradient centrifugation.
AB  - Methods for the subcellular fractionation and enrichment of specific
      intracellular compartments are essential tools in the analysis of compartment
      composition and function. In vitro characterization of isolated cell organelles
      and other endomembrane intermediates, including exploration of the compartment
      protein ensemble, offers strong clues of in vivo function identity. Here, we
      describe methodology for the isolation of clathrin-coated vesicles from
      Arabidopsis thaliana suspension-cultured cells on the basis of differential and
      density centrifugation. 

PMID- 25117284
TI  - Proteomics of endosomal compartments from plants case study: isolation of trans
      Golgi network vesicles.
AB  - A detailed understanding of endomembrane processes and their biological roles is
      vital for a complete picture of plant growth and development; however their
      highly dynamic nature has complicated comprehensive and rigorous studies so far.
      Recent pioneering efforts have demonstrated that isolation of vesicles in their
      native state, paired with a quantitative identification of their cargo, offers a
      viable and practicable approach for the dissection of endomembrane trafficking
      pathways. The protocol presented in this chapter describes in detail the
      isolation of the SYP61 trans-Golgi network vesicles from Arabidopsis. With minor
      alterations, in a few key parameters, it can be adopted to yield a universal
      procedure for the broad spectrum of plant vesicles. 

PMID- 25117285
TI  - Analysis of global ubiquitylation and ubiquitin-binding domains involved in
      endosomal trafficking.
AB  - Ubiquitylation is a reversible posttranslational modification that regulates
      various cellular pathways. Ubiquitylation of a plasma membrane protein was shown
      to serve as a signal for endocytosis of plasma membrane proteins in yeast and
      mammals as well as in plants. As more and more plant plasma membrane proteins are
      reported to be regulated through their ubiquitylation status, methods to analyze
      ubiquitylation and ubiquitin binding would be useful for the characterization of
      proteins involved in endocytosis of ubiquitylated cargo proteins. 

PMID- 25117286
TI  - Analysis of endocytosis and ubiquitination of the BOR1 transporter.
AB  - Endocytosis and membrane trafficking are the major factors controlling the
      abundance of plasma membrane proteins, such as transporters and receptors. We
      have found that Arabidopsis borate transporter BOR1 is polarly localized to the
      inner (stele-facing) plasma membrane domain of various root cells under boron
      limitation, and when boron is supplied in excess, BOR1 is rapidly transferred to
      the vacuole for immediate degradation. The BOR1 polarity and degradation are
      controlled by membrane trafficking including endocytosis. In this chapter, we
      describe methods for observation of endocytic trafficking of BOR1, and detection
      of BOR1 ubiquitination that is required for vacuolar sorting for degradation. 

PMID- 25117288
TI  - Ubiquitylation-mediated control of polar auxin transport: analysis of Arabidopsis
      PIN2 auxin transport protein.
AB  - Reversible, covalent modification by the small protein ubiquitin acts in a
      variety of pathways controlling protein fate in virtually all aspects of cellular
      function. For example, ubiquitylation of plasma membrane proteins modulates their
      intracellular sorting and turnover, thereby decisively influencing crosstalk
      between cells and their environment. In recent years, experimental work performed
      with the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana demonstrated ubiquitylation of a number
      of plasma membrane proteins, including the auxin efflux carrier protein PIN2. By
      using solubilized membrane protein immunoprecipitation assays, we established
      quantitative approaches, suitable for analysis of PIN2 ubiquitylation and
      variations therein. Applicability of this robust approach is not restricted to
      PIN auxin carriers, but could be extended to analysis of further plant membrane
      proteins that are controlled by variations in their ubiquitylation status. 

PMID- 25117289
TI  - Chemical genomics screening for biomodulators of endomembrane system trafficking.
AB  - Cell proteins traffic through complex and tightly regulated pathways. Although
      the endomembrane system is essential, its different pathways are still not well
      understood. In order to dissect protein trafficking pathways, chemical genomic
      screenings have been performed. This strategy has been utilized to successfully
      discover bioactive chemicals with a specific cellular action and in most cases,
      tunable and reversible effects. Once the bioactive chemical is identified,
      further strategies can be used to find the target proteins that are important for
      functionality of trafficking pathways. This approach can be combined with the
      powerful genetic tools available for model organisms. Drug-hypersensitive and
      drug-resistant mutant isolation can lead to the identification of cellular
      pathways affected by a bioactive chemical and reveal its protein target(s). Here,
      we describe an approach to look for hypersensitive and resistant mutants to a
      specific bioactive chemical that affects protein trafficking in yeast. This
      approach can be followed and adapted to any other pathway or cellular process
      that can be screened phenotypically, serving as a guide for novel screens in
      yeast. More importantly, information provided by this approach can potentially be
      extrapolated to other organisms like plants. Thus, the method described can be of
      broad utility to plant biologists. 

PMID- 25117287
TI  - Ubiquitination of plant immune receptors.
AB  - Ubiquitin is a highly conserved regulatory protein consisting of 76 amino acids
      and ubiquitously expressed in all eukaryotic cells. The reversible ubiquitin
      conjugation to a wide variety of target proteins, a process known as
      ubiquitination or ubiquitylation, serves as one of the most important and
      prevalent posttranslational modifications to regulate the myriad actions of
      protein cellular functions, including protein degradation, vesicle trafficking,
      and subcellular localization. Protein ubiquitination is an ATP-dependent stepwise
      covalent attachment of one or more ubiquitin molecules to target proteins
      mediated by a hierarchical enzymatic cascade consisting of an E1 ubiquitin
      activating enzyme, E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, and E3 ubiquitin ligase. The
      plant plasma membrane resident receptor-like kinase Flagellin Sensing 2 (FLS2)
      recognizes bacterial flagellin and initiates innate immune signaling to defend
      against pathogen attacks. We have recently shown that two plant U-box E3
      ubiquitin ligases PUB12 and PUB13 directly ubiquitinate FLS2 and promote
      flagellin-induced FLS2 degradation, which in turn attenuates FLS2 signaling to
      prevent excessive or prolonged activation of immune responses. Here, we use FLS2
      as an example to describe a protocol for detection of protein ubiquitination in
      plant cells in vivo and in test tubes in vitro. In addition, we elaborate the
      approach to identify different types of ubiquitin linkages by using various
      lysine mutants of ubiquitin. The various in vivo and in vitro ubiquitination
      assays will provide researchers with the tools to address how ubiquitination
      regulates diverse cellular functions of target proteins. 

PMID- 25117290
TI  - Integrative chemical proteomics and cell biology methods to study endocytosis and
      vesicular trafficking in Arabidopsis.
AB  - We present a comprehensive approach combining proteomics and cell biology to
      study vesicular trafficking in plants. Within this approach, we exploit chemical
      compounds inhibiting particular vesicular trafficking events in plant cells.
      Treatment of plants with these relatively specific inhibitors results in
      intracellular accumulation of proteins being transported by vesicles as well as
      in a change in abundance of regulatory proteins. Such pharmacological inhibition
      allows for identification of key proteins, and for further detailed functional
      investigation using cell biological, molecular biological, and biochemical
      methods used for validation of proteomic results. 

PMID- 25117291
TI  - Protons modulate perivascular axo-axonal neurotransmission in the rat mesenteric
      artery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies have demonstrated that nicotine releases
      protons from adrenergic nerves via stimulation of nicotinic ACh receptors and
      activates transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) receptors located on
      calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing (CGRPergic) vasodilator nerves,
      resulting in vasodilatation. The present study investigated whether perivascular
      nerves release protons, which modulate axon-axonal neurotransmission. EXPERIMENT
      APPROACH: Perfusion pressure and pH levels of perfusate in rat-perfused
      mesenteric vascular beds without endothelium were measured with a pressure
      transducer and a pH meter respectively. KEY RESULTS: Periarterial nerve
      stimulation (PNS) initially induced vasoconstriction, which was followed by long
      lasting vasodilatation and decreased pH levels in the perfusate. Cold-storage
      denervation of the preparation abolished the decreased pH and vascular responses
      to PNS. The adrenergic neuron blocker guanethidine inhibited PNS-induced
      vasoconstriction and effects on pH, but not PNS-induced vasodilatation. Capsaicin
      (CGRP depletor), capsazepine and ruthenium red (TRPV1 inhibitors) attenuated the
      PNS-induced decrease in pH and vasodilatation. In denuded preparations, ACh
      caused long-lasting vasodilatation and lowered pH; these effects were inhibited
      by capsaicin pretreatment and atropine, but not by guanethidine or mecamylamine.
      Capsaicin injection induced vasodilatation and a reduction in pH, which were
      abolished by ruthenium red. The use of a fluorescent pH indicator demonstrated
      that application of nicotine, ACh and capsaicin outside small mesenteric arteries
      reduced perivascular pH levels and these effects were abolished in a Ca(2+) -free
      medium. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION: These results suggest that protons are
      released from perivascular adrenergic and CGRPergic nerves upon PNS and these
      protons modulate transmission in CGRPergic nerves.

PMID- 25117292
TI  - Actigraphy and Sleep Diary Measurements in Breast Cancer Survivors: Discrepancy
      in Selected Sleep Parameters.
AB  - This analysis examined the discrepancy between sleep diary and actigraphy
      measurements in breast cancer survivors (BCS) with insomnia. BCS from communities
      in Western U.S. provided demographic/medical information, insomnia, mood, and
      fatigue data at baseline. Averaged over 5 weeks, actigraphy measured 55.75
      minutes (SD = 112.42) less total sleep time (TST), and 85.19 minutes (SD = 81.36)
      more wake after sleep onset (WASO) than diaries. Some women showed agreement
      between measures; others were more variable. There were no significant
      relationships between TST and WASO discrepancy and participant characteristics.
      There may be sleep differences in BCS that results in greater perceived TST and
      less WASO reported in diaries. Measurements discrepancy is a significant concern
      needing further evaluation of medical populations with insomnia.

PMID- 25117294
TI  - Anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody mogamulizumab for the treatment of EBV-associated T
      and NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases.
AB  - PURPOSE: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects not only B cells but also T cells and
      natural killer (NK) cells, and T- and NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases (T/NK
      LPD) that are refractory to conventional chemotherapies may develop. To identify
      a molecular-targeted therapy for EBV-associated T/NK-LPDs, we investigated
      whether CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) was expressed on EBV-infected T and/or NK
      cells and whether a humanized anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody, mogamulizumab, was
      effective. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: CCR4 expression was examined in various cell
      lines. In vitro, the effects of mogamulizumab on cell lines were evaluated in the
      presence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from volunteers. In vivo, the
      effects of mogamulizumab were evaluated using a murine xenograft model. CCR4
      expression was examined on EBV-infected cells from patients with EBV-associated
      T/NK-LPDs. Ex vivo, the effects of mogamulizumab were evaluated using patient
      lymphocytes. RESULTS: CCR4 expression was confirmed in most EBV-positive T and NK
      cell lines. Mogamulizumab induced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)
      activity against CCR4-positive cell lines, and inhibited the growth of EBV
      positive NK-cell lymphomas in a murine xenograft model. Furthermore, CCR4 was
      expressed on EBV-infected cells in 8 of 17 patients with EBV-associated T/NK
      LPDs. Interestingly, CCR4 was positive in 5 of 5 patients with hydroa
      vacciniforme, a photodermatosis caused by the clonal expansion of EBV-infected
      gammadeltaT cells. EBV-positive gammadeltaT cells were obtained from a patient
      with hydroa vacciniforme and subjected to an antibody-dependent cell-mediated
      cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay. The gammadeltaT cells that were positive for CCR4 were
      killed by mogamulizumab via ADCC. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that
      mogamulizumab may be a therapeutic option against EBV-associated T/NK-LPDs.

PMID- 25117300
TI  - An abrasion-resistant and broadband antireflective silica coating by block
      copolymer assisted sol-gel method.
AB  - A double-layer broadband antireflective (AR) coating was prepared on glass
      substrate via sol-gel process using two kinds of acid-catalyzed TEOS-derived
      silica sols. The relative dense layer with a porosity of ~10% was obtained from
      an as-prepared sol, while the porous layer with a porosity of ~55% was from a
      modified one with block copolymer (BCP) Pluronic F127 as template which results
      in abundant ordered mesopores. The two layers give rise to a reasonable
      refractive index gradient from air to the substrate and thus high transmittance
      in a wide wavelength range, and both of them have the same tough skeleton despite
      different porosity, for which each single-layer and the double-layer coatings all
      behaved well in the mechanical property tests. The high transmittance and the
      strong ability of resisting abrasion make this coating promising for applications
      in some harsh conditions. In addition, the preparation is simple, low-cost, time
      saving, and flexible for realizing the optical property. 

PMID- 25117299
TI  - Cumulative effects of genetic markers and the detection of advanced colorectal
      neoplasias by population screening.
AB  - Genetic markers associated with colorectal cancer may be used in population
      screening for the early identification of patients at elevated risk of disease.
      We genotyped 3059 individuals with no cancer family history for eight markers
      previously associated with colorectal cancer. After colonoscopy, the genetic
      profile of cases with advanced colorectal neoplasia (213) was compared with the
      rest (2846). rs2066847 and rs6983267 were significantly associated with the risk
      of advanced colorectal neoplasia but with limited effect on their own [odds ratio
      (OR) 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-2.41; p = 0.033 and OR 1.45; 95% CI
      1.02-2.12; p = 0.044, respectively]. Cumulative effects, in contrast, were
      associated with high risk: the combination of rs2066847, rs6983267, rs4779584,
      rs3802842 and rs4939827 minimized the number of markers considered, while
      maximizing the relative size of the carrier group and the risk associated to it,
      for example, for at least two cumulated risk markers, OR is 2.57 (95% CI 1.50
      4.71; corrected p-value 0.0079) and for three or more, OR is 3.57 (95% CI 1.91
      6.96; corrected p-value 0.00074). The identification of cumulative models of -
      otherwise - low-risk markers could be valuable in defining risk groups, within an
      otherwise low-risk population (no cancer family history). 

PMID- 25117293
TI  - Combined inhibition of Wee1 and PARP1/2 for radiosensitization in pancreatic
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: While the addition of radiation to chemotherapy improves survival in
      patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, more effective therapies are
      urgently needed. Thus, we investigated the radiosensitizing efficacy of the novel
      drug combination of Wee1 and PARP1/2 inhibitors (AZD1775 and olaparib,
      respectively) in pancreatic cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Radiosensitization of
      AsPC-1 or MiaPaCa-2 human pancreatic cancer cells was assessed by clonogenic
      survival and tumor growth assays. Mechanistically, the effects of AZD1775,
      olaparib, and radiation on cell cycle, DNA damage (gammaH2AX), and homologous
      recombination repair (HRR) were determined. RESULTS: Treatment of AsPC-1 and
      MiaPaCa-2 cells with either AZD1775 or olaparib caused modest radiosensitization,
      whereas treatment with the combination significantly increased
      radiosensitization. Radiosensitization by the combination of AZD1775 and olaparib
      was associated with G2 checkpoint abrogation and persistent DNA damage. In
      addition, AZD1775 inhibited HRR activity and prevented radiation-induced Rad51
      focus formation. Finally, in vivo, in MiaPaCa-2-derived xenografts, olaparib did
      not radiosensitize, whereas AZD1775 produced moderate, yet significant,
      radiosensitization (P < 0.05). Importantly, the combination of AZD1775 and
      olaparib produced highly significant radiosensitization (P < 0.0001) evidenced by
      a 13-day delay in tumor volume doubling (vs. radiation alone) and complete
      eradication of 20% of tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results
      demonstrate the efficacy of combined inhibition of Wee1 and PARP inhibitors for
      radiosensitizing pancreatic cancers and support the model that Wee1 inhibition
      sensitizes cells to PARP inhibitor-mediated radiosensitization through inhibition
      of HRR and abrogation of the G2 checkpoint, ultimately resulting in unrepaired,
      lethal DNA damage and radiosensitization. Clin Cancer Res; 20(19); 5085-96.
      (c)2014 AACR.

PMID- 25117301
TI  - Administration of commercial Rhodococcus equi specific hyperimmune plasma results
      in variable amounts of IgG against pathogenic bacteria in foals.
AB  - Rhodococcus equi is the most common cause of pneumonia in young foals. A vaccine
      is not available and the use of R equi-specific hyperimmune plasma (HIP) is
      common. Despite its widespread use, the efficacy of HIP in preventing disease
      remains controversial. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the
      virulence associate protein A (VapA)-specific IgG and IgG subclasses in
      commercially available R equi HIP and (2) to evaluate serum VapA-specific IgG and
      IgG subclasses in foals following administration of commercial R equi HIP. Three
      different lots from four commercial R equi HIP were sampled. VapA-specific IgG
      and IgG subclasses were evaluated in all samples using an ELISA. Serum was
      collected from newborn foals either after commercial R equi HIP was administered
      (n=97) or not (n=70). Serum was also collected from each mare. Administration of
      HIP significantly (P<0.001) increased VapA-specific IgGs in recipient foals,
      however, there was a marked variation in VapA-specific IgGs in foals receiving
      the same product. VapA-specific IgGs were significantly different (P<0.001)
      between products and varied between lots, with coefficients of variation ranging
      from 17 to 123 per cent. These results may explain previously reported
      disparities in HIP efficacy.

PMID- 25117303
TI  - Cross-leg repair of large soft-tissue defects in distal sites of the feet by
      distally based neuro-fasciocutaneous flaps with perforating vessels.
AB  - The objective of this study was to introduce a method for repairing large soft
      tissue defects on the foot. Distally based neuro-fasciocutaneous flaps with
      perforating vessels were designed along the saphenous and sural neurovascular
      axes. The cutaneous perforating branches of the major arteries of the lower
      extremities were used as pedicles, which provided a rotation arc for the cross
      leg flap to cover the large-sized soft-tissue defects on the foot. We transferred
      6 neurocutaneous vascular axial flaps, including 4 saphenous neurocutaneous axial
      flaps (ranging from 25 x 13 to 17 x 9 cm in area) with posterior tibial
      perforators as the pedicle, and 2 sural neurocutaneous axial flaps (ranging from
      29 x 12 to 18 x 7 cm in area) supplied by the perforating branches of the
      peroneal vessels. These 6 cases of neuro-fasciocutaneous flaps survived with
      satisfactory cosmetic appearances and functional results on follow-up at 8 to 17
      months post-surgery. Placing a distally based neuro-fasciocutaneous cross-leg
      flap with perforating vessels is an effective method for repairing large-sized
      soft-tissue defects on the foot. 

PMID- 25117302
TI  - Increased serum levels of GDF-15 associated with mortality and subclinical
      atherosclerosis in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was shown to be
      an independent predictor of cardiovascular (CV) mortality in dialysis patients
      and the general population. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a member
      of the transforming growth factor superfamily, is produced by cardiomyocytes and
      atherosclerotic lesions under stress conditions such as inflammation. We assessed
      associations between serum concentrations of GDF-15, mortality, and CIMT for
      subclinical atherosclerosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: A total of 87
      patients on maintenance hemodialysis and 45 sex- and age-matched healthy controls
      were included in this prospective study. Serum GDF-15 levels were measured by
      ELISA. CIMT was assessed by Doppler ultrasonography. The association between
      serum GDF-15 levels and mortality was assessed using Cox regression analysis with
      serum levels categorized into two groups according to the median value (328.18
      pg/ml). Patients were followed for 2 years and cause-specific and all-cause
      mortality were determined. RESULTS: The median level of serum GDF-15 was
      significantly higher in HD patients than controls [328 (198-522) vs. 176 (101
      289) pg/ml, p < 0.01, respectively]. Serum GDF-15 levels were correlated to CIMT
      (r = 0.607, p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP; r = 0.250, p = 0.010), HD
      duration (r = 0.376, p = 0.004), and serum albumin (r = - 0.156, p = 0.030). The
      multivariate analysis revealed that GDF-15 was found to be an independent
      variable of CIMT in HD patients. In the study, the serum GDF-15 level was an
      independent marker of all-cause of mortality when adjusted for age, CRP, and
      history of diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: The relationship between serum GDF-15,
      mortality, and carotid artery thickening suggests that GDF-15 may be a novel
      marker of atherosclerosis, inflammation, and malnutrition in HD patients.

PMID- 25117304
TI  - Assessment of microsatellites in estimating inter- and intraspecific variation
      among Neotropical Crocodylus species.
AB  - We tested microsatellites that were developed for the saltwater crocodile
      (Crocodylus porosus) for cross-species amplification and to provide an estimate
      of inter- and intraspecific variation among four species of Neotropical
      crocodiles (C. rhombifer, C. intermedius, C. acutus, and C. moreletii). Our
      results indicated that with the exception of 2 loci in C. intermedius, all 10
      microsatellite loci were successfully amplified in the 4 species, producing a set
      of variably sized alleles that ranged in number between 2 and 14 alleles per
      locus. Similarly, private alleles (i.e., unique alleles) also were reported in
      all 4 species for at least 3 loci. The mean observed and expected
      heterozygosities (averaged across species for all 10 loci combined) ranged from
      0.39 to 0.77 and from 0.44 to 0.78, respectively. In addition to this, we
      evaluated these microsatellites in 2 populations of C. acutus and C. moreletii to
      assess their utility in estimating intraspecific levels of polymorphisms. These
      microsatellites also showed considerable allelic variation in population level
      analysis. The set of 10 microsatellite loci in our study had the potential to be
      used as a tool in population and conservation genetic studies of Neotropical
      crocodiles. 

PMID- 25117305
TI  - Development of polymorphic expressed sequence tag-single sequence repeat markers
      in the common Chinese cuttlefish, Sepiella maindroni.
AB  - The common Chinese cuttlefish (Sepiella maindroni) is one of the popular edible
      cephalopod consumed across Asia. To facilitate the population genetic
      investigation of this species, we developed fourteen polymorphic microsatellite
      makers from expressed sequence tags of S. maindroni. The number of alleles at
      each locus ranged from 6 to 10 with an average of 7.9 alleles per locus. The
      ranges of observed and expected heterozygosity were from 0.615 to 0.962 and 0.685
      to 0.888, respectively. Four loci were found deviated significantly from Hardy
      Weinberg equilibrium. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.638 to
      0.833. These polymorphic microsatellite loci will be helpful for the population
      genetic, genetic linkage map, and other genetic studies of S. maindroni. 

PMID- 25117306
TI  - Molecular identification of Amazonian stingless bees using polymerase chain
      reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism.
AB  - In countries containing a mega diversity of wildlife, such as Brazil, identifying
      and characterizing biological diversity is a continuous process for the
      scientific community, even in face of technological and scientific advances. This
      activity demands initiatives for the taxonomic identification of highly diverse
      groups, such as stingless bees, including molecular analysis strategies. This
      type of bee is distributed in all of the Brazilian states, with the highest
      species diversity being found in the State of Amazonia. However, the estimated
      number of species diverges among taxonomists. These bees are considered the main
      pollinators in the Amazon rainforest, in which they obtain food and shelter;
      however, their persistence is constantly threatened by deforestation pressure.
      Hence, it is important to classify the number and abundance of bee specie, to
      measure their decline and implement meaningful, priority conservation strategies.
      This study aims to maximize the implementation of more direct, economic and
      successful techniques for the taxonomic identification of stingless bees.
      Specifically, the genes 16S rRNA and COI from mitochondrial DNA were used as
      molecular markers to differentiate 9 species of Amazonian stingless bees based on
      DNA polymorphism, using the polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation
      polymorphism technique. We registered different, exclusive SSCP haplotypes for
      both genes in all species analyzed. These results demonstrate that SSCP is a
      simple and cost-effective technique that is applicable to the molecular
      identification of stingless bee species.

PMID- 25117307
TI  - Regulatory effect of iron regulatory protein-2 on iron metabolism in lung cancer.
AB  - Iron metabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. This
      study aimed to investigate the effect of gene silencing of iron regulatory
      protein-2 (IRP2) on mRNA and protein expression of transferrin (Tf), transferrin
      receptor (TfR), and ferritin (Fn) in A549 lung cancer cells. A549 cells were
      cultured and divided into a liposome control group, a liposome + oligonucleotide
      (SCODN) control group, and a Lipofectamine + antisense oligonucleotide (ASODN)
      group. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein
      expression of Tf, TfR, and Fn. We found no significant change in Tf mRNA
      expression among the 3 groups (P = 0.078). TfR and Fn mRNA expressions in the
      ASODN group notably decreased compared to the liposome and SCODN groups (P <
      0.01). IRP2 and TfR protein expressions in the ASODN group were significantly
      lower than in the liposome or SCODN groups (P < 0.05), whereas no significant
      change in Tf protein expression was observed between the 3 groups (P = 0.088). Fn
      protein expression in the ASODN group was significantly higher than in the
      liposome or SCODN group (P < 0.05). IRP2 can regulate the expression of TfR and
      Fn by changing its own protein expression and thereby regulate iron metabolism.

PMID- 25117308
TI  - Treatment of seawater immersion-complicated open-knee joint fracture.
AB  - The current study aimed to select suitable remedies for seawater immersion
      complicated open-knee joint fracture by exploring the effects of different
      treatment methods. Forty adult rabbits weighing 2.20 +/- 0.25 kg were divided
      equally into internal fracture fixation group (A), seawater-immersed group with
      primary internal fixation (B), seawater-immersed group with secondary internal
      fixation (C), and seawater-immersed group with external fixation (D), using the
      random-digit table method. Open-femoral internal condylar fracture models were
      established. Group A was left untreated for 2 h, whereas the other three groups
      were subjected to seawater immersion for 2 h. Afterwards, groups A and B
      underwent debridement and steel plate and screw internal fixation. Group C
      underwent debridement and external fixation, which was followed by secondary
      steel plate and screw internal fixation after the wound healed. Group D underwent
      transarticular arthrodesis. Wound infection, joint functional rehabilitation, and
      radiological and histopathological changes in fracture healing in each group were
      assessed. The results showed that delayed internal fixation effectively reduces
      the infection rate of seawater immersion-complicated open fracture and benefits
      joint function rehabilitation. 

PMID- 25117309
TI  - Prostate stem cell antigen rs2294008 (C>T) polymorphism and bladder cancer risk:
      a meta-analysis based on cases and controls.
AB  - Several published articles have evaluated the association between the prostate
      stem cell antigen (PSCA) rs2294008 (C>T) polymorphism and bladder cancer risk,
      but the results remain inconclusive. In order to derive a more precise estimation
      of the association, we performed a meta-analysis of four case-control studies
      that included 9617 cases and 16,323 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association.
      Our meta-analysis showed that, overall, the rs2294008 (C>T) polymorphism was
      associated with bladder cancer susceptibility (OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.20-1.40 for
      TT vs CC; OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.16-1.31 for CT vs CC; OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 1.18-1.33
      for TT/CT vs CC; OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.06-1.20 for TT vs CT/CC). In the stratified
      analyses, the risk remained significant for studies of European populations,
      Asian populations, population-based studies, and hospital-based studies. In
      conclusion, the results suggest that the PSCA rs2294008 (C>T) polymorphism is a
      risk factor for bladder cancer development.

PMID- 25117310
TI  - Experimental strategies in performing value for cultivation and use experiments
      for the tobacco crop II: dimension of the experimental network.
AB  - In this study, we aimed to establish strategies for value for cultivation and use
      (VCU) experiments for the tobacco crop in the southern region of Brazil with
      respect to the number of environments used to assess tobacco lines. Trials of the
      Virginia (18 sites) and Burley (17 sites) varietal groups were conducted in the
      three states of the southern region of Brazil in the 2009-2010 crop season. The
      experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with four
      replications of 10 tobacco lines in the final stage of evaluation; the plots had
      6 rows of 7 plants each, or 42 plants per plot. The cured leaf weight per hectare
      (kg/ha) was obtained. To evaluate stability, the ecovalence and additive main
      effects and multiplicative interaction models were adopted. In addition, joint
      analyses of variance were carried out considering different site numbers by
      simulating resampling. The site number ranged from 2 to 17 or 2 to 16, depending
      on the varietal group, and sites were selected at random without replacement. The
      process was repeated 2000 times for each number of sites. All analyses were
      performed using the R software. The results are very similar for both varietal
      groups. There is no advantage of using a large number of sites for VCU
      experiments in the southern region of Brazil because many sites contributed
      little to the interaction or did not discriminate the tobacco lines. Furthermore,
      the classification of the best lines is very similar to that obtained in the
      total number of evaluated sites.

PMID- 25117311
TI  - Association between EGF and VEGF functional polymorphisms and sporadic colorectal
      cancer in the Malaysian population.
AB  - Growth factors are polypeptides that are critical for the initiation,
      progression, and metastasis of cancer. Most tumor cells are capable of
      synthesizing particular growth factors leading to constitutive pathway activation
      in these cells through autocrine signaling. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a
      potent mitogenic peptide that exerts direct effects on the proliferation and
      differentiation of tumor cells in carcinogenesis. By contrast, vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is vital for the invasion and metastasis of
      neoplasms through the formation of new blood vessels from mature endothelial
      cells. In this study, we investigated the association between functional
      polymorphisms of both the EGF and VEGF genes and colorectal cancer (CRC)
      susceptibility. A total of 130 CRC patients and 212 healthy controls were
      recruited for this case-control study. Genotyping of genetic variants was
      conducted via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with allele
      specific TaqMan probes. None of the genotypes of the EGF +61 A>G and VEGF +936
      C>T variants was significantly associated with CRC susceptibility among the
      Malaysian subjects evaluated (P > 0.05). The observed frequency distributions of
      the EGF +61 A>G polymorphism genotypes showed ethnic heterogeneity, which was not
      the case for the VEGF +936 C>T genotypes. In conclusion, no positive correlation
      between these functional polymorphisms and CRC risk was found in this Malaysian
      population. Studies of the EGF and VEGF genes and CRC susceptibility are scarce,
      and the results reported thus far differ from one population to another. Hence,
      more replication studies are warranted before any firm conclusions can be made. 

PMID- 25117312
TI  - Development of eight novel microsatellite markers for Huoyan geese.
AB  - In this study, we isolated microsatellite DNA from the Huoyan goose genome with
      magnetic beads. As a result, 150 positive clones were identified, and 148
      microsatellites were found. Among the 148 microsatellites, 69.6% were perfect,
      17.6% were imperfect, and the rest were compound type (12.8%). Twenty
      microsatellite primers were used to screen 90 individuals from 3 Huoyan goose
      populations. Eight loci were polymorphic with a low number of alleles (2 to 4).
      The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.3556 to 1 and from
      0.2923 to 0.6868, respectively. All the 8 polymorphic loci were in Hardy-Weinberg
      equilibrium. These molecular markers will be useful for future studies on
      population genetic structure and conservation genetics in Huoyan geese.

PMID- 25117313
TI  - Comparison of methods for estimates of molecular genetic diversity in genus
      Croton: influence of coefficients, clustering strategies and data projection.
AB  - We investigated 10 similarity (and disimilarity) coefficients in a set of 40 wild
      genotypes of Croton linearifolius subjected to analyses using hierarchical
      grouping methods, grouping methods by optimization and data projection in two
      dimensional space. Genotypes were characterized by analyzing DNA polymorphism
      with the use of 15 ISSR and 12 RAPD markers. The distance measurements were
      compared by the Spearman correlation test, projection in two-dimensional space
      and grouping efficiency evaluation. The Spearman correlation coefficients between
      the 10 coefficients evaluated were significant (P < 0.001) and indicated
      significant changes in genotype ranking due to type of coefficient used (0.76 <=
      rs <= 1). Wide variation was also observed in the efficiency of clustering
      methods, where the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean was the most
      suitable (0.3 <= D <= 1.5 ; 0.41 <= rc <= 0.77; 5.99 <= S <= 12.61). Projection
      efficiencies in two-dimensional space showed high-stress values (65 < S < 89%).
      Similar to the results observed for hierarchical clustering methods and for
      projection in two-dimensional space, the formation of groups with grouping
      methods by optimization showed variations when using different coefficients. We
      believe that the results confirm the influence of coefficients in studies of
      genetic diversity, showing the need to use criteria and standards for selecting
      appropriate methods for genetic studies of the genus Croton. 

PMID- 25117314
TI  - Implications of microRNA-197 downregulated expression in esophageal cancer with
      poor prognosis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of the microRNA miR-197
      expression level in relation to clinicopathological factors and prognoses of
      esophageal cancer (EC). MicroRNA was extracted using the Taqman((r)) MicroRNA
      Assay from 46 EC patients at the same tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, but with
      different prognoses, who underwent surgery. Paracancerous normal tissues were
      used as controls. The correlation between miR-197 expression and
      clinicopathologic features was analyzed, and the significance of miR-197 as a
      prognostic factor and its relationship with survival was determined. miR-197
      expression was lower in patients with poor prognosis than in those with good
      prognosis (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis results showed that the miR-197
      expression level is significantly correlated with survival time (P = 0.030), and
      that patients with higher expression of miR-197 had longer survival times. Cox
      multi-factor model analysis showed that patient prognosis (P = 0.001), tumor
      length (P = 0.010) and expression (P = 0.042), and survival time were
      significantly correlated, with corresponding risks of 9.183, 2.318, and 1.925,
      respectively. This study supports a role of miR-197 as an anti-oncogene and a
      biomarker for EC and its relationship with other prognostic factors and survival.

PMID- 25117315
TI  - A potential protective role for thiamine in glucose-driven oxidative stress.
AB  - The relationship between glucose repression and the oxidative stress response was
      investigated in Schizosaccharomyces pombe wild type cells (972h(-)) and glucose
      repression resistant mutant type cells (ird11). We aimed to reveal the mechanism
      of simultaneous resistance to glucose repression and oxidative stress in ird11
      mutants. Compared to the wild type, the expression of the sty1 gene was not
      altered in the ird11 mutant under normal growth conditions, but decreased after
      exposure to H2O2. This effect was clearly explained by the immunoblotting
      results, which showed elevated levels of a much more stable phosphorylated form
      of Sty1 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the ird11 mutant. Increased ght3 gene
      expression levels were also found, which may play a role in protecting the ird11
      mutant from the deleterious effects of oxidative stress. In addition, decreased
      expression levels of glycolytic enzyme enolase- and thiamine synthesis/transport
      related genes were detected. This might have resulted from the flux redirection
      toward mitochondrial respiration, which would enhance NADPH generation to prevent
      the high reactive oxygen species accumulation that is generated by respiration.
      Some evidence supported a flux shift toward fermentation as well as respiration.
      We conclude that a defect in the glucose-sensing signaling pathway in ird11
      mutants likely causes erroneous low glucose-sensing signaling and high ATP
      production. This most likely occurs because high glucose availability in the
      medium induces an impairment in the respiratory chain and fermentation balance in
      these cells, which might explain the glucose repression and oxidative stress
      resistance in ird11 compared to the wild type.

PMID- 25117316
TI  - Diagnosis of lymph node micrometastasis at the pN0 stage of lung adenocarcinoma
      using a combination of markers.
AB  - This study aimed to detect micrometastatic tumor cells in the lymph nodes of
      patients with pN0 lung adenocarcinoma using a combination of thyroid
      transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) expression and cytokeratin 7 (CK7) expression and
      to investigate the association of lymph node micrometastasis with the
      clinicopathological characteristics of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. A total
      of 54 patients with pN0 lung adenocarcinoma and whose primary tumors were
      positive for both TTF-1 and CK7 expression were included in this study. In total,
      893 lymph nodes were obtained from these 54 patients and were analyzed for
      micrometastasis by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CK7 and anti-TTF-1
      antibodies. CK7- and TTF-1-positive cells were found in the lymph nodes of 9
      (16.7%) of 54 patients, and 21 (2.4%) of 893 lymph nodes exhibited positivity for
      these factors. No cells positive for both CK7 and TTF-1 were detected in the 5
      lymph nodes obtained from patients with benign lung tumors. Lymph node
      micrometastasis was found to be associated with the differentiation grade and
      primary tumor position (P < 0.05). The detection of lymph node micrometastasis by
      a combination of CK7 and TTF-1 immunohistochemical staining provides a more
      accurate assessment of tumor staging for pN0 lung adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 25117317
TI  - Development and characterization of microsatellite loci for Tabebuia cassinoides
      (Bignoniaceae).
AB  - Tabebuia cassinoides (Lam.) DC., popularly known as caxeta, is a tree species
      that belongs to the plant family Bignoniaceae. This species is endemic to the
      Brazilian Atlantic Forest and is widely exploited commercially. To date, little
      is known about its genetic structure, preventing the establishment of adequate
      management plans for this taxon. The objective of this study was to construct a
      microsatellite-enriched genomic library for T. cassinoides to select polymorphic
      loci, and standardize polymerase chain reaction amplification conditions. Of the
      15 loci examined, 5 were polymorphic. The number of alleles per locus ranged from
      2 to 8, with a mean of 4.4. The microsatellite loci described here represent the
      basis for detailed population genetic studies of this species, which will greatly
      contribute for the development of better conservation strategies for this taxon.

PMID- 25117318
TI  - Effects of phenylalanine on reproductive performance and teratogenesis in mice.
AB  - We evaluated the effects of phenylalanine on reproductive performance and
      teratogenesis in mice, as well as we assessed its protective effect in mice
      treated with an acute dose of cyclophosphamide. Animals were divided into 6
      experimental groups (females N = 15/group, males N = 5/group): G1, the negative
      control group, phosphate-buffered saline; G2, the positive control group, 35 mg
      cyclophosphamide/kg body weight (b.w.); G3 and G4 received phenylalanine at doses
      of 150 and 300 mg/ kg b.w., respectively; G5 and G6 received phenylalanine at
      doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg b.w. co-administered with cyclophosphamide at a dose
      of 35 mg/kg b.w., respectively. Pregnant mice received phenylalanine from 8-12
      days of pregnancy and cyclophosphamide on the 10th day of treatment or the
      respective vehicles. In animals treated with cyclophosphamide, offspring fetal
      weight significantly decreased. The G5 and G6 groups, which received
      cyclophosphamide co-administered with phenylalanine, showed a smaller reduction
      in weight. Based on this analysis, the offspring from groups G2, G5, and G6
      showed low weight due to pregnancy age. Moreover, at the doses used,
      phenylalanine did not interfere with embryo-fetal development. However, further
      studies are necessary to increase the understanding of the effects of
      phenylalanine on mouse reproductive performance and teratogenesis.

PMID- 25117319
TI  - Identification of complete linkage disequilibrium in the DSG4 gene and its
      association with wool length and crimp in Chinese indigenous sheep.
AB  - The desmoglein 4 (DSG4) gene is a potential candidate in the search for genes
      that may affect wool traits, because of its function. This study aimed to screen
      for polymorphisms in partial exon 16 and 3?UTR of the sheep desmoglein 4 DSG4
      gene, and to test its possible association with wool length and crimp associated
      with fur. Overall, 326 sheep were scanned via single-strand conformational
      polymorphism assay, through three pairs of primers. The breeds included Tan, Han,
      and TanxHan from China, Polled Dorset from Australia, and Suffolk from Britain
      genotypes AA, BB, and AB for primer2 and genotypes DD, EE, and DE for primer3
      were detected in native breeds. Six SNPs and 3-bp insertion/deletions were found
      in exon 16, of which 4 lead to amino acid substitutions. In addition, 1 SNP was
      found in 3?UTR. The DSG4 genotype was found to be strongly associated with all
      wool traits that were considered in this study (P < 0.01). Sheep with the
      genotype MM had a higher least square mean compared to sheep with the genotype WW
      or WM with respect to birth scapular wool length (P < 0.01), crimp number of
      birth scapular wool crimp (P < 0.01), crimp number of weaning scapular wool crimp
      (P < 0.01), and crimp number of weaning rump wool crimp (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In
      conclusion, our study is the first to demonstrate that the DSG4 gene may be a
      candidate, or major gene, which influences important wool traits.

PMID- 25117320
TI  - Soybean rust resistance sources and inheritance in the common bean (Phaseolus
      vulgaris L.).
AB  - Soybean rust (SBR), caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, has been reported
      in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars and elite lines that were
      infected under controlled and natural field conditions in South Africa, the
      United States, Argentina, and Brazil. Although SBR is currently not a top
      priority problem for the common bean crop, many bean breeders are concerned about
      this disease because of the high severity and virulence diversity of P.
      pachyrhizi and its broad host range. In this study, a set of 44 P. vulgaris
      genotypes were tested for resistance to P. pachyrhizi; these genotypes included
      resistance sources to several fungal common bean diseases, carioca-, black- and
      red-seeded Brazilian cultivars, and elite lines that were developed by the main
      common bean breeding programs in Brazil. Twenty-four SBR resistance sources were
      identified. They presented the reddish-brown (RB) lesion type, characterizing
      resistance reactions. In addition to the RB lesion type, the PI181996 line
      presented the lowest disease severity mean score, considering its associated
      standard error value. For this reason, it was crossed with susceptible lines to
      study the inheritance of resistance. The results support the hypothesis that
      resistance to SBR in PI181996 is monogenic and dominant. We propose that this SBR
      resistance gene, the first to be identified and characterized in common bean,
      might be designated as Pkp-1.

PMID- 25117321
TI  - CYP1A2 polymorphism in Chinese patients with acute liver injury induced by
      Polygonum multiflorum.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the genotype and allelic frequencies
      of CYP1A2 in Chinese patients with acute liver injury induced by Polygonum
      multiflorum. We examined the clinical mechanism of acute liver injury induced by
      P. multiflorum. According to the diagnostic criteria for drug-induced liver
      injury (DILI), 43 cases of P. multiflorum-induced liver injury admitted to the
      First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University were identified between January
      2008 and December 2012. An additional 43 control subjects were also chosen.
      Several alleles, including 1C, 1F, 2, 7, 9, and 11 of CYP1A2 were amplified from
      genomic DNA and sequenced. We used the chi-square test to determine whether
      CYP1A2 allele polymorphisms are associated with acute liver injury induced by P.
      multiflorum. The frequency of the CYP1A2 1C allele was 46.5% in P. multiflorum
      induced DILI patients, which was significantly different from the frequency of
      27.9% observed in healthy subjects. The frequency of the CYP1A2 1F allele was
      63.9% in P. multiflorum-induced DILI patients, compared to 57.0% in healthy
      controls; the difference was not significant. The allelic frequencies of CYP1A2
      2, CYP1A2 7, CYP1A2 9, and CYP1A2 11 were too low to be detected. The frequency
      of the CYP1A2 1C mutation in Chinese patients with P. multiflorum-induced acute
      liver injury differed from that in healthy Chinese people, indicating that CYP1A2
      1C is probably related to metabolism of P. multiflorum, which is followed by
      acute liver injury.

PMID- 25117322
TI  - Bovine papillomavirus in beef cattle: first description of BPV-12 and putative
      type BAPV8 in Brazil.
AB  - Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) is an oncogenic virus associated with benign and
      malignant lesions, which result in notable economic losses. Peripheral blood
      samples and cutaneous papillomas were obtained from four adult beef cattle. Viral
      molecular identification was performed using specific primers for BPV-1, -2 and 
      4 in blood diagnosis and FAP59/FAP64 for skin papillomas. Histopathologic
      examination was done as a complementary and differential diagnosis. The fragments
      were purified, sequenced, and compared using BLASTn. The blood diagnosis showed
      the presence of BPV-2 and the analysis of cutaneous papillomas showed the
      presence of BPV-4, a new putative virus type BAPV8, and BPV-12, revealing for the
      first time the presence of BPV-12 and the putative type BAPV8 in beef cattle in
      Brazil. The sequences were deposited in the GenBank. Histopathology revealed
      acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and koilocytosis in all samples analyzed. The
      presence of BAPV8 and BPV-12 in Brazil emphasizes the ubiquitous dissemination of
      BPVs in the herds of Brazil. 

PMID- 25117323
TI  - Multiple nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome associated with congenital orbital
      teratoma, caused by a PTCH1 frameshift mutation.
AB  - Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, or nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), is a rare
      autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the PTCH1 gene and shows a
      high level of penetrance and variable expressivity. The syndrome is characterized
      by developmental abnormalities or neoplasms and is diagnosed with 2 major
      criteria, or with 1 major and 2 minor criteria. Here, we report a new clinical
      manifestation associated with this syndrome in a boy affected by NBCCS who had
      congenital orbital teratoma at birth. Later, at the age of 15 years, he presented
      with 4 major and 4 minor criteria of NBCCS, including multiple basal cell
      carcinoma and 2 odontogenic keratocysts of the jaw, both confirmed by histology,
      more than 5 palmar pits, calcification of the cerebral falx, extensive meningeal
      calcifications, macrocephaly, hypertelorism, frontal bosses, and kyphoscoliosis.
      PTCH1 mutation analysis revealed the heterozygous germline mutation c.290dupA.
      This mutation generated a frameshift within exon 2 and an early premature stop
      codon (p.Asn97LysfsX43), predicting a truncated protein with complete loss of
      function. Identification of this mutation is useful for genetic counseling.
      Although the clinical symptoms are well-known, our case contributes to the
      understanding of phenotypic variability in NBCCS, highlighting that PTCH1
      mutations cannot be used for predicting disease burden and reinforces the need of
      a multidisciplinary team in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of NBCCS
      patients.

PMID- 25117324
TI  - Agronomic performance of arabica coffee genotypes in northwest Rio de Janeiro
      State.
AB  - Considering the productive potential of arabica coffee in the Rio de Janeiro
      State and the shortage of breeding programs for this species in the state, this
      study aimed to evaluate the vegetative and productive characteristics of 25
      arabica coffee genotypes to indicate 1 or more varieties for the northwest Rio de
      Janeiro region. The experiment was in Varre e Sai, RJ, Brazil, and plants were
      planted in 2007 with a spacing of 2.5 x 0.8 m. Five plots were used, consisting
      of 8 plants per plot to measure vegetative growth, height, stem diameter, and
      plagiotropic branch number characteristics and productivity in the biennia
      2009/2010 and 2011/2012. The classification by sieve was performed at harvest in
      2011. The variables were subjected to analysis of variance and means grouped by
      the Scott Knott test at 5% probability, and the productivity was subjected to
      joint analysis of variance. Pearson's correlation coefficients between growth and
      productivity variables were estimated. The best genotypes were Catucai Amarelo 2
      SL, Catigua MG 02, Acaua, Palma II, Sabia 398, IPR 103, IPR 100, Catucai Amarelo
      24/137, and Catucai Amarelo 20/15. 

PMID- 25117325
TI  - Construction and identification of pIRES2-NGF-VEGF165 bicistronic eukaryotic
      expression vector.
AB  - We used a simple and efficient method to construct the bicistronic eukaryotic
      expression vector pIRES2-NGF-VEGF165. The nerve growth factor (NGF) gene was
      obtained from the genomic DNA of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by
      polymerase chain reaction. The NGF cDNA fragment was inserted into the multiple
      cloning sites of the pIRES2-EGFP vector to generate the bicistronic eukaryotic
      expression plasmid pIRES2-NGF-EGFP. The vascular endothelial growth factor 165
      (VEGF165) gene was obtained from the pIRES2-VEGF165-EGFP plasmid by polymerase
      chain reaction. Next, the VEGF165 cDNA fragment was cloned into pIRES2-NGF-EGFP
      in place of enhanced green fluorescent protein creating the plasmid pIRES2-NGF
      VEGF165. pIRES2-NGF-VEGF165 was transfected into HEK293 cells and reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to
      test the co-expression of double genes. The NGF and VEGF165 genes were cloned and
      the DNA was sequenced, which revealed that NGF and VEGF165 were consistent with
      the sequence recorded in GenBank. Restriction analysis showed that the NGF and
      VEGF165 genes were inserted into the expression vector pIRES2-EGFP. Transfection
      of pIRES2-NGF-VEGF165 into HEK293 cells resulted in expression of the double gene
      at the mRNA and protein levels. The NGF and VEGF165 coexpression plasmid provides
      a novel expression system, enabling further study of the functions of the NGF and
      VEGF165 genes.

PMID- 25117326
TI  - Bias toward a 1:1 ratio in primer-introduced restriction analysis PCR: mechanism
      and minimization.
AB  - Primer-introduced restriction analysis is widely used in molecular genetics.
      However, several studies have reported inconsistent data regarding sequencing,
      mainly among heterozygous samples. This discrepancy may be related to the bias
      towards a 1:1 ratio typically observed in heterozygous digestion products. In
      this study, we investigated the mechanism and minimization of this observed bias.
      Three mismatched polymerase chain reaction (PCR) models were analyzed by testing
      different PCR conditions and reaction mixtures. For EPHX1 gene rs1051740 single
      nucleotide polymorphism PCR, DNA concentration, denaturation and elongation time,
      annealing temperature, and cycle number significantly influenced product ratios.
      For SERPINA1 gene PIMmalton deletion (DeltaPhe52) and CHRNA3 gene rs1051730
      single-nucleotide polymorphism PCRs, significant bias fluctuations were observed
      only for the annealing temperature and cycle number conditions. The relevance of
      these results to the amplification efficiency parameter is discussed. Rather than
      reducing the observed bias, our data provide evidence of a counterbalance for
      preferential amplification, depending on cycle number, annealing temperature, and
      amplification efficiency alteration. Our results are relevant for application to
      primer-introduced restriction analysis PCR assays.

PMID- 25117327
TI  - Pulmonary hypertension in patients with stage 1-3 chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common,
      but in stages 1-3 CKD patients, it remains unclear. We sought to evaluate the
      prevalence of PH and elucidate the possible pathogenesis in Chinese patients with
      early stage kidney disease. Doppler-estimated pulmonary systolic artery pressure
      (PASP) was measured in 101 CKD patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >=
      60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and 27 CKD patients with GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2).
      Echocardiographic parameters, plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and
      baseline characteristics of patients were recorded. PH was defined as a PASP >=
      35 mmHg. PH prevalence was 23.76% (24/101) in GFR >= 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) group
      and 48.15% (13/27) in GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) group, P < 0.05. Mean lnBNP was
      4.93 +/- 1.60 pg/mL in 37 cases with PH and 2.89 +/- 1.29 pg/mL in those without,
      P < 0.01. Left atrial diameter (LA) showed deviation between patients with (43.94
      +/- 5.81 mm) and without PH (37.76 +/- 7.48 mm), P < 0.01. GFR declined
      significantly in PH group (44.10 +/- 22.90 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) compared to non-PH
      group (75.59 +/- 31.62 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), P < 0.01. lnBNP, LA and GFR were
      independent determinants (r = 0.651, 0.595, -0.488, P < 0.01) of PASP. PH is
      prevalent among stage 1-3 CKD patients in China. Doppler-estimated PASP is
      strongly associated with lnBNP, enlarged LA and GFR. Monitoring PASP, plasma BNP
      and evaluation renal function may help to detect and prevent severe PH in CKD.

PMID- 25117328
TI  - Outbreaks and genetic diversity of Francisella noatunensis subsp orientalis
      isolated from farm-raised Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Brazil.
AB  - Francisella noatunensis subsp orientalis (FNO) is an emerging pathogen of warm
      water tilapia in a number of different countries. The disease caused by this
      bacterium in fish is characterized by a systemic granulomatous infection that
      causes high mortality rates during outbreaks. FNO has been previously described
      in Asia, Europe, and Central and North America. Its occurrence in South America
      has never been described. Since 2012, outbreaks of a granulomatous disease have
      been recorded in cage farms of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) in Brazil.
      The current study aimed to identify the etiologic agent of recent francisellosis
      outbreaks at Brazilian tilapia farms, and to characterize the genetic diversity
      of the pathogen from farms with distinct geographic origins and without
      epidemiological connections. Bacteriological analysis of 44 diseased Nile tilapia
      collected from five cage farms in Brazil was performed during 2012 and 2013. The
      farms were in different locations and had no recent history of animal or
      biological material transport between each other. Sixty-two FNO isolates were
      identified on the basis of FNO-specific qPCR. The main predisposing factors for
      the occurrence of outbreaks on Brazilian farms were lower water temperature (<22
      degrees C) and life stage of fish, affecting mainly fry, fingerlings and young
      adults (live weight <100 g). The genetic diversity of the Brazilian FNO isolates
      was evaluated using repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR. The isolates from
      different origins were shown to be clonally related. This is the first report of
      the occurrence and genetic diversity of FNO in South America.

PMID- 25117329
TI  - Pharmacogenomics: accessing important alleles by imputation from commercial
      genome-wide SNP arrays.
AB  - Personalized medicine is becoming a medical reality, as important genotype
      phenotype relationships are being unraveled. The availability of pharmacogenomic
      data is a key element of individualized care. In this study, we explored genotype
      imputation as a means to infer important pharmacogenomic alleles from a regular
      commercially available genome-wide SNP array. Using these arrays as a starting
      point can reduce testing costs, increasing access to these pharmacogenomic data
      and still retain a larger amount of genome-wide information. IMPUTE2 and MaCH
      Admix were used to perform genotype imputation with a dense reference panel from
      1000 Genomes data. We were able to correctly infer genotypes for the warfarin
      related loci VKORC1 and CYP2C9 alleles 2, 3, 5, and 11 and also clopidogrel
      related CYP2C19 alleles 2 and 17 for a small sample of Brazilian individuals, as
      well as for HapMap samples. The success of an imputation approach in admixed
      samples using publicly available reference panels can encourage further
      imputation initiatives in those populations.

PMID- 25117330
TI  - Ranking of Nellore animals in cattle championships: genetic parameters and
      correlations with production traits.
AB  - Records of 17,141 Nellore cattle participating in cattle championships, born from
      1994-2009, were used to estimate genetic parameters between animal rank in cattle
      championships, evaluated from weaning to 36 months of age as repeated traits, and
      growth, fertility, and carcass traits, evaluated at 365 days of age as single
      traits. Two traits were defined for animal rank in cattle championships: value 1
      was attributed to animals ranked from 1st to 3rd place within the age category,
      and value 0 was assigned to the remaining animals (TOP3). Value 1 was attributed
      to animals ranked from 1st to 5th place within the age category and value 0 was
      assigned to the remaining animals (TOP5). The (co)variance components were
      estimated based on Bayesian inference under a 2-trait threshold-linear animal
      model. The posterior means of heritability estimated for TOP3 and TOP5 were 0.182
      +/- 0.010 and 0.260 +/- 0.012, respectively, and their repeatabilities were 0.341
      +/- 0.007 and 0.400 +/- 0.007, respectively. High-ranking animals generally
      presented higher breeding values for body weight, height, body length, and heart
      girth. The phenotypic correlations indicate that judges of cattle championships
      primarily rank animals based on weight and heart girth. 

PMID- 25117331
TI  - HIF1A gene Pro582Ser polymorphism and susceptibility to digestive tract cancers:
      a meta-analysis of case-control studies.
AB  - Many existing studies have demonstrated that common polymorphisms in the hypoxia
      inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1A) may contribute to the development of digestive
      tract cancers, but individually published studies showed inconclusive results.
      This meta-analysis aimed to derive a precise estimation of the relationships
      between HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism and the risk of digestive tract cancers. We
      searched CISCOM, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane
      Library, and CBM databases from inception through May 1, 2013. Meta-analysis was
      performed using the STATA 12.0 software. We assessed 6 case-control studies that
      included a total of 911 digestive tract cancer patients and 2774 healthy
      controls. Our meta-analysis indicated that HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism was
      associated with an increased risk of digestive tract cancer. Subgroup analysis by
      ethnicity suggested that HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism might increase an
      individual's susceptibility to digestive tract cancer in Asian populations.
      However, similar association was not observed in Caucasian populations. In
      conclusion, our findings suggest that HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism may contribute
      to the risk of digestive tract cancers, especially in Asian populations.

PMID- 25117332
TI  - Fibroin protein/chitosan scaffolds and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells culture
      in vitro.
AB  - A previous experiment demonstrated that fibroin protein and chitosan mixed in
      proper proportion presented good physical and chemical properties and biological
      characteristics, which can make up for their respective disadvantages. To observe
      the growth of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on these fibroin
      protein/chitosan 3D scaffolds, induced rabbit BMSCs were seeded on fibroin
      protein/chitosan scaffolds. The cell adhesion rate was measured, and cell growth
      was observed under an inverted microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The
      cell adhesion rate increased with time. The inverted microscope observations
      showed that the cells on fibroin protein/chitosan scaffolds could not be seen
      clearly. As time passed, the number of cells around the stent increased and some
      cells stretched inside the scaffolds. Electron microscopy showed active cell
      growth and normal proliferation, and the granular and filamentous matrix
      substances could be seen around cells. The microfilaments of cell and scaffold
      materials were tightly connected. The cells not only grew on the surface of the
      adherent material, but also stretched inside of the materials. These results
      indicated that the fibroin protein/ chitosan mixed scaffolds have good
      biocompatibility.

PMID- 25117333
TI  - Association study of plasma NT-proBNP levels and severity of acute coronary
      syndrome.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide
      precursor (NT-proBNP) levels in the peripheral blood of patients with acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS) and to provide the basis for its application in the early
      diagnosis of ACS. A total of 440 patients admitted to the hospital for
      examination and treatment were enrolled, including 330 patients with ACS and 110
      cases in the control group. Routine blood examination and determination of NT
      proBNP in all subjects were conducted immediately at the time of admission to
      analyze the difference in plasma NT-proBNP between the two groups. The plasma NT
      proBNP levels in ACS were significantly higher (P < 0.01) and were associated
      with the severity of coronary lesions. The present study indicated that the
      plasma NT-proBNP level in ACS patients is significantly increased and has a
      potential value in the early diagnosis of ACS.

PMID- 25117334
TI  - Alteration of coenzyme specificity of malate dehydrogenase from Streptomyces
      coelicolor A3(2) by site-directed mutagenesis.
AB  - We describe here for the first time the alteration of coenzyme specificity of
      malate dehydrogenase (MDH) from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) (ScMDH). In the
      present study, we replaced four amino acid residues in the Rossmann fold (betaB
      alphaC) region of NADH-dependent ScMDH by site-directed mutagenesis with those of
      NADPH-dependent MDH (Glu42Gly, Ile43Ser, Pro45Arg, and Ala46Ser). The coenzyme
      specificity of the mutant enzyme (ScMDH-T4) was examined. Coenzyme specificity of
      ScMDH-T4 was shifted 2231.3-fold toward NADPH using kcat/Km(coenzyme) as the
      measurement of coenzyme specificity. Accordingly, the effect of the replacements
      on coenzyme specificity is discussed. Our work provides further insight into the
      coenzyme specificity of ScMDH.

PMID- 25117335
TI  - Influence of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion on postoperative spatial cognitive
      function in mice.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of partial hepatic
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) on postoperative cognitive function in mice. One
      hundred Kunming mice were randomized into control group (N = 20), sham group (N =
      20) and I/R group (N = 60), which was equally divided into 3 subgroups according
      to the ischemia time (20, 30 and 40 min). Half of the mice in each group
      underwent a passive avoidance test on the 4th day, and the other underwent the
      test on the 18th day, which lasted for 6 days before euthanasia for analysis of
      brain pathology and immunohistochemistry for ChAT. The passive avoidance test
      showed that there was no significance in the incubation period and number of
      errors between the control and sham group, but there was a longer incubation
      period and more errors in the I/R group than control group; at G2, there was no
      significance between all groups. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of the hippocampus
      showed that at G1, there was no obvious change in hippocampal neurons in
      structure and arrangement except for IR/40 min; at G2, there was no significance
      between all groups. Immunohistochemistry of hippocampus for ChAT showed the
      following: at G1, there was no significance in average optical density of CA3
      area between control and sham group, but optical density was significantly lower
      in I/R groups with I/R 40 min showing the lowest; at G2, there was no
      significance between all groups. Pentobarbital has no effect on cognitive
      function, but hepatic partial ischemia and reperfusion injury does and could
      become worse over time. 

PMID- 25117336
TI  - Analysis of genetic relationships and identification of lily cultivars based on
      inter-simple sequence repeat markers.
AB  - Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to discriminate 62 lily
      cultivars of 5 hybrid series. Eight ISSR primers generated 104 bands in total,
      which all showed 100% polymorphism, and an average of 13 bands were amplified by
      each primer. Two software packages, POPGENE 1.32 and NTSYSpc 2.1, were used to
      analyze the data matrix. Our results showed that the observed number of alleles
      (NA), effective number of alleles (NE), Nei's genetic diversity (H), and
      Shannon's information index (I) were 1.9630, 1.4179, 0.2606, and 0.4080,
      respectively. The highest genetic similarity (0.9601) was observed between the
      Oriental x Trumpet and Oriental lilies, which indicated that the two hybrids had
      a close genetic relationship. An unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic
      means dendrogram showed that the 62 lily cultivars clustered into two discrete
      groups. The first group included the Oriental and OT cultivars, while the
      Asiatic, LA, and Longiflorum lilies were placed in the second cluster. The
      distribution of individuals in the principal component analysis was consistent
      with the clustering of the dendrogram. Fingerprints of all lily cultivars built
      from 8 primers could be separated completely. This study confirmed the effect and
      efficiency of ISSR identification in lily cultivars. 

PMID- 25117337
TI  - Optimization of chloroplast microsatellite PCR conditions and primer screening
      for endangered Rheum officinale, Rheum palmatum, and Rheum tanguticum.
AB  - Chloroplast microsatellite primers were developed in order to provide more
      population genetic information of endangered Rheum officinale, R. palmatum, and
      R. tanguticum for conservation. The dried roots and rhizomes of these plants are
      important in traditional Chinese medicine. The results showed that the optimum
      concentrations of Mg(2+), Taq DNA polymerase, dNTPs, template DNA, and primers in
      a 25-MUL reaction system were 2.0 mM, 1.0 U, 0.10 mM, 20 ng, and 0.8 MUM,
      respectively. Fourteen of 53 primer combinations were chosen for their high
      clarity and repetition in three species, and their annealing temperatures ranged
      from 56 to 58 degrees C. These primers and the optimized polymerase chain
      reaction system may provide a tool for understanding the demography and genetic
      variation of these endangered plants.

PMID- 25117339
TI  - Sequence analysis of the PIP5K locus in Eimeria maxima provides further evidence
      for eimerian genome plasticity and segmental organization.
AB  - Commercial flocks infected by Eimeria species parasites, including Eimeria
      maxima, have an increased risk of developing clinical or subclinical coccidiosis;
      an intestinal enteritis associated with increased mortality rates in poultry.
      Currently, infection control is largely based on chemotherapy or live vaccines;
      however, drug resistance is common and vaccines are relatively expensive. The
      development of new cost-effective intervention measures will benefit from
      unraveling the complex genetic mechanisms that underlie host-parasite
      interactions, including the identification and characterization of genes encoding
      proteins such as phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K). We previously
      identified a PIP5K coding sequence within the E. maxima genome. In this study, we
      analyzed two bacterial artificial chromosome clones presenting a ~145-kb E.
      maxima (Weybridge strain) genomic region spanning the PIP5K gene locus. Sequence
      analysis revealed that ~95% of the simple sequence repeats detected were located
      within regions comparable to the previously described feature-rich segments of
      the Eimeria tenella genome. Comparative sequence analysis with the orthologous E.
      maxima (Houghton strain) region revealed a moderate level of conserved synteny.
      Unique segmental organizations and telomere-like repeats were also observed in
      both genomes. A number of incomplete transposable elements were detected and
      further scrutiny of these elements in both orthologous segments revealed
      interesting nesting events, which may play a role in facilitating genome
      plasticity in E. maxima. The current analysis provides more detailed information
      about the genome organization of E. maxima and may help to reveal genotypic
      differences that are important for expression of traits related to pathogenicity
      and virulence. 

PMID- 25117338
TI  - Effects of acrylonitrile on the pathological morphology and apoptosis of neurons
      in rats.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acrylonitrile (ACN) on neuronal
      morphology and apoptosis in rats. An ACN solution was administered to Wistar rats
      by gavage at doses of 0, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg, 5 days a week for 13 weeks. The
      morphology of neurons and the presence of apoptosis was examined by light and
      electron microscope, DNA electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry, and terminal
      deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling. Significant
      vacuolation and the widening of the interspaces around blood vessels were
      observed in the groups that received the highest dose. Disordered myelin sheaths,
      malformed neuronal nuclei, and chromatin condensation at the periphery of the
      nucleus that formed crescents were also observed in the treated rats. The number
      of apoptotic neurons was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the treated groups
      (5 mg/kg group: 1.5 +/- 1.22 apoptotic neurons/slide; 10 mg/kg group: 2.5 +/-
      1.05 apoptotic neurons/slide; 20 mg/kg group: 2.34 +/- 1.21 apoptotic
      neurons/slide) compared to the control group (4.5 +/- 1.52 apoptotic
      neurons/slide). The number of Bcl-2-positive neurons and the levels of staining
      were increased in the treated rats compared to those of the control group. These
      results suggested that ACN may induce serious morphological changes in rat
      neurons and inhibit neuronal apoptosis in rats. 

PMID- 25117340
TI  - Evaluation of genetic similarity between accessions of Pityrocarpa moniliformis
      (angico-de-bezerro) using RAPD markers.
AB  - Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.) Luckow and Jobson, commonly known as angico-de
      bezerro, is a forage legume that occurs naturally in the Caatinga of northeastern
      Brazil. This fast growing, vigorous, melliferous tree is well adapted to arid
      terrains and its branches and leaves possess high nutritional value. However, the
      scarcity of information regarding genetic variability within the species limits
      its possible exploitation as an animal forage. The aim of the study was to
      evaluate the genetic similarities of ten accessions of P. moniliformis available
      in the active germplasm collection of Embrapa Meio-Norte, using the RAPD markers
      to select those most suitable for cultivation and/or plant breeding. Polymerase
      chain reaction using ten selected RAPD primers generated 110 amplified loci, 106
      (96.4%) of which were polymorphic. Primers A10 and M06 produced the largest
      number of polymorphic loci (18 and 13 bands, respectively), while primers B18 and
      K15 generated the smallest number (7 bands each). The dendrogram, constructed
      using the Jaccard coefficients and considering a cut-off point of 0.41 allowed
      the separation of the ten accessions into four genotypic groups. The highest
      genetic similarity coefficient (0.56) was observed between group I accessions
      BGFAB6 and BGFAB9 and BGFAB 7 and BGFAB 8, while the lowest coefficient (0.11)
      was observed between accessions BGFAB3 (group IV) and BGFAB10 (group III). The
      results revealed that genetic variability is present in the accessions of P.
      moniliformis.

PMID- 25117341
TI  - RAPD analysis of the genetic diversity among accessions of Fabaceous forages
      (Poincianella spp) from the Caatinga.
AB  - Among members of the Fabaceae family, native to the Brazilian Caatinga, the
      species Poincianella pyramidalis and P. bracteosa exhibit particular potential as
      forage for cattle, sheep and goats. With the aim of establishing genetic
      relationships within Poincianella, random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis was
      performed on eight accessions of P. pyramidalis and two accessions of P.
      bracteosa, originating from the semiarid zone of the state of Piaui, northeastern
      Brazil, and present in the germplasm bank of Embrapa Meio Norte (Teresina, Piaui,
      Brazil). Amplification reactions using 11 selected arbitrary sequence primers
      generated 167 fragments with an overall polymorphism of 70.38%. Five monomorphic
      loci were generated exclusively in P. pyramidalis accessions, while three unique
      monomorphic loci were associated with P. bracteosa, and these represented
      potential species-specific markers. The similarity coefficients between
      Poincianella accessions were low (mean value 0.59) but with a wide variation
      (range 0.443 to 0.748). The similarity matrix and the dendrogram constructed
      using the unweighted pair group method allowed the separation of Poincianella
      accessions into two major clusters represented by the two distinct species, while
      the accessions of P. pyramidalis could be separated further into three subgroups.
      The high level of genetic diversity detected in the genus Poincianella could be
      used in future breeding programs to produce enhanced cultivars, although the
      variability could be better exploited if more specimens were collected from other
      locations within the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil.

PMID- 25117342
TI  - Genetic parameters for earnings in Quarter Horse.
AB  - In this study, we estimated the heritability (h(2)) of earnings in the Quarter
      Horse in order to evaluate the inclusion of this trait in breeding programs.
      Records from 14,754 races of 2443 horses from 1978-2009 were provided by Sorocaba
      Hippodrome, Sao Paulo, Brazil. All ancestors of the registered horses were
      included in the pedigree file until the 4th generation. Log-transformed
      performance measures (LPM) were analyzed for animals aged 2, 3, and 4 years and
      during their entire career. The h(2) estimates were obtained using a multi-trait
      model and Gibbs sampling that included the effects of sex, year of race, and
      animal in all analyses. Five analyses were performed: 1 in which LPM was divided
      by the number of prizes, 1 in which LPM was divided by the number of race starts,
      and 3 analyses that included the number of prizes, number of race starts, and
      both (LPM_cNPS) as covariates. Analysis was performed with and without inclusion
      of the maternal effect. Models were compared based on the deviance information
      criterion and LPM_cNPS including maternal effects was found to be the best model.
      The h(2) estimates and standard deviation obtained using model LPM_cNPS were 0.19
      +/- 0.08, 0.21 +/- 0.08, 0.22 +/- 0.09, and 0.21 +/- 0.07 for earnings at 2, 3,
      and 4 years of age and total career, respectively. Our analyses indicate that
      earnings are subject to selection and can be included in breeding programs to
      improve the racing performance of Quarter Horses.

PMID- 25117343
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome of a natural triploid crucian carp mutant,
      Carassius auratus var. pingxiangnensis, and phylogenetic analysis of different
      ploidies in crucian carp.
AB  - Carassius auratus var. pingxiangnensis is a natural triploid crucian carp mutant.
      In order to understand its placement and genetic background at the gene level,
      the characteristics of mitochondrial DNA sequences and phylogenetic relationship
      were examined. The results showed that the mitochondrial DNA is a circular double
      stranded DNA molecule that is 16,576 bp in length with 13 protein-coding genes,
      22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a non-coding control region.
      Mitochondrial genes overlapped by a total of 40 bp in 11 different locations from
      1 to 14 bp. The base composition of the C. auratus mitogenome was estimated to be
      29.70% A, 26.74% C, 15.35% G, and 28.21% T. The central conserved blocks and the
      conserved blocks were compared and were similar among C. auratus var.
      pingxiangnensis and six other cyprinids with different ploidies. The origin of
      light strand replication was similar to that of other vertebrates; it was 33 bp,
      but the characteristic sequence motif 5?-GCCGG-3? at the base of the stem within
      tRNA(Cys) was mutated to 5?-GGCGG- 3?. Our phylogenetic analysis based on whole
      mitogenome sequences indicated that C. auratus var. pingxiangnensis was clustered
      with C. auratus and then sister-grouped with Carassius gibelio. The systemic
      developmental tree of crucian carp with different chromosome ploidies showed that
      diploid C. auratus auratus was clustered with triploid C. auratus auratus, sister
      grouped with tetraploid C. auratus auratus, and clustered with other diploid,
      triploid, and tetraploid C. auratus.

PMID- 25117344
TI  - Transcription factor 7-like 2 polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy: a
      systematic review.
AB  - The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased, as well
      as complications including diabetic retinopathy. Polymorphisms in transcription
      factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) have been associated with T2DM, with the strongest
      association attributed to the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs7903146. In this
      review, we searched the current literature to determine whether an association
      exists between TCF7L2 polymorphisms rs7903146 with diabetic retinopathy. A
      systematic search was performed of EMBASE, PubMed, and Scopus using the following
      search terms: diabetic, retinopathy, polymorphism, genetic, transcription factor
      7-like 2, TCF7L2. A manual search was also performed. There was no language or
      study design restriction. Three full articles and one abstract were reviewed. All
      studies were retrospective case-control studies that compared the frequency of
      the wild-type CC genotype and genotypes with the risk T allele. None of the
      studies found a statistically significant odds ratio. While the number of studies
      examined was small, this review suggests that there is no risk of diabetic
      retinopathy among individuals with the TCF7L2 polymorphisms rs7903146; however,
      the polymorphism may play a small role in diabetic retinopathy. Future
      prospective studies and trials involving diverse ethnicities that adjust for
      confounding variables are required to understand the association between TCF7L2
      polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy.

PMID- 25117345
TI  - Interleukin-1B-31 gene polymorphism in Hakka gastric cancer patients in
      Guangdong, China.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the interleukin-1B (IL-1B) gene promoter
      region -31 (IL-1B-31) polymorphism distribution characteristic of Hakka gastric
      cancer patients in Guangdong Province and to explore its association with gastric
      cancer. We used the 1:1 case-control method, matrix-assisted laser desorption
      ionization flight time mass spectrometry, and MassARRAY-IPLEX technology to
      genotype IL-1B-31 (-31C> T) in 52 Hakka gastric cancer patients and 52 Hakka
      control subjects in Meizhou. Three genotypes - CT, TT, and CC - of IL-1B-31 were
      found in the Meizhou Hakka population. Their distribution frequencies in the
      gastric cancer group were 40.38, 40.38, and 19.23%, respectively, whereas the
      frequencies in control subjects were 57.69, 17.31, and 25.00%, respectively. The
      differences in frequency distributions of the genotypes between the 2 groups were
      statistically significant (chi-square = 6.78, P < 0.05). Subjects with the TT
      genotype had a higher risk of gastric cancer compared with that in subjects
      carrying the CT genotype (odds ratio = 2.857, 95% confidence interval = 1.114
      7.328). This risk was more apparent in male subjects. IL-1B-31 locus polymorphism
      may be associated with gastric cancer susceptibility in this population, but
      additional studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm the conclusions.

PMID- 25117346
TI  - Large-scale analysis of factors influencing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and
      its relationship with liver enzymes.
AB  - Serum liver enzyme levels are often used effectively for the evaluation of
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the
      associations between serum liver enzyme levels and risks for NAFLD in over 8000
      cases in a large-scale analysis. A cross-sectional survey with multiple stages
      and random samplings was performed from May 2007 to May 2009 on 8102 workers at
      Tongji University. A questionnaire was given, assessments of physical
      measurements, plasma glucose, lipid profiles, and liver enzymes were made, and
      real-time liver ultrasounds conducted. The prevalence of NAFLD in Tongji
      University was 22.2%. It was higher in males than in females (P = 0.0023). The
      body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, serum total triglycerides, serum total
      cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST),
      and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) values were all higher in the NAFLD group
      than in the control group. For moderate and severe NAFLD patients, the ALT, AST
      and GGT values were significantly increased, high density lipoprotein cholesterol
      was decreased, and drinking much, heavy entertainment and less exercise were more
      prevalent (P < 0.001). There were strong correlations between serum liver enzyme
      levels and NAFLD (P < 0.001), with GGT being a more sensitive marker for NAFLD
      than ALT or AST. ALT and GGT were independent predictors for NAFLD, and GGT was a
      better predictor than ALT for NAFLD. 

PMID- 25117347
TI  - Different magnitude of resistance to non-depolarizing muscle relaxants in
      dexamethasone-treated rat diaphragm associated with altered acetylcholine
      receptor expression.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of chronic dexamethasone
      (Dex) administration on rat diaphragm sensitivity to non-depolarizing muscle
      relaxants (NDMRs) and muscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)
      expression, which may help direct future administration of NDMRs. Adult male
      Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive a daily intraperitoneal injection
      of Dex (600 MUg/kg body mass) or an equivalent volume of saline (N = 20 in each
      group) for 14 days. We evaluated isometric twitch tensions of nerve-hemidiaphragm
      preparations elicited by indirect supramaximal stimulation at 0.1 Hz. Real-time
      quantitative PCR was performed to determine the mRNA expression of two nAChR
      subunits (epsilon-subunit and gamma-subunit) in the diaphragm. Dex administration
      markedly (P < 0.01) increased the 50% twitch depression (IC50) of the three
      NDMRs. The IC50 ratio, which standardized the magnitudes of the resistance, was
      the largest for atracurium, with the second largest for vecuronium and the
      smallest for rocuronium (P < 0.01). The epsilon- and gamma-subunit mRNAs were
      both upregulated with an increased gamma/epsilon ratio in rats exposed to Dex.
      The results indicated that chronic Dex administration induces hyposensitivity to
      NDMRs, the degree of which depends on the kind of neuromuscular blocker, and is
      associated with increased nAChR expression.

PMID- 25117348
TI  - RNA interference of leptin receptor in chicken adipocytes.
AB  - In this study, chicken adipocytes were cultured to evaluate RNA interference by
      the leptin receptor gene. A small interfering RNA of the leptin receptor gene was
      synthesized, with a suppression rate of 60% being generated (P < 0.01). After the
      knockdown of the leptin receptor, the expression levels of certain genes
      decreased significantly; specifically, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      gamma, fatty acid synthase, adipose triglyceride lipase, and lipoprotein lipase.
      In addition, a significant increase in the expression of the adiponectin gene was
      documented. These results demonstrate that the leptin receptor gene might
      contribute to lipid metabolism by influencing the expressions of the peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor gamma, fatty acid synthase, adipose triglyceride
      lipase, lipoprotein lipase, and adiponectin genes. 

PMID- 25117349
TI  - Analysis of transferability of microsatellite primers (SSR) in wild Passiflora
      species and intraspecific genetic diversity in Passiflora alata.
AB  - The genus Passiflora L. is the most representative of Passifloraceae, with over
      500 known species, among which 150-200 originated from Brazil. In addition to the
      great commercial importance of this genus for the fruit market, many of the
      species have exotic flowers with a huge diversity of colors and can thereby be
      exploited as ornamental plants. This study was aimed at investigating the
      transferability of microsatellite primers in wild Passiflora species (P. cacao,
      P. cincinnata, P. glandulosa, P. gibertii, and P. mucronata) and characterizing
      29 P. alata accessions using microsatellite primers that were previously
      developed in a library enriched with microsatellites from P. edulis f. flavicarpa
      for P. alata. The interspecies cross-amplification rate varied, and P. cacao
      exhibited the highest rate of amplification, suggesting a greater degree of
      proximity to P. edulis. The study of intraspecific accessions in P. alata found
      genetic similarity, with values ranging from 0.47 to 1.00 and an average
      similarity of 0.74. Hence, this study revealed the intraspecific genetic
      variability of P. alata in the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz's Active
      Germplasm Bank and will lead to the adoption of mating strategies between
      accessions; thus making their use more suitable for breeding purposes.

PMID- 25117350
TI  - Changes in cyclic GMP level and phosphodiesterase activity during follicular
      development in the rat ovary.
AB  - Guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), as a second messenger, plays
      potential roles in ovarian functions. To elucidate the role of phosphodiesterase
      (PDE) in cGMP signaling during ovarian follicular development, the present study
      was conducted to investigate ovarian cGMP level and cGMP-PDE activity by
      radioimmunoassay (RIA) in postnatal rats, immature rats during gonadotropin
      primed follicular development, ovulation and luteinization, adult rats during
      normal estrous cycle, and aged rats that spontaneously developed persistent
      estrus (PE). All four rat models were confirmed by histological examination of
      one ovary, and the other ovary was used for RIA. In postnatal rats, cGMP level
      was high at birth and decreased dramatically by Day 5, and then, it increased
      maximally at Day 10 and declined at Day 21. However, cGMP-PDE activity did not
      significantly change during Days 1 to 10, but increased significantly on Day 21.
      In immature female rats, cGMP level markedly decreased upon treatment with equine
      chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), while cGMP-PDE activity did not show any
      significant changes; however, ovarian cGMP level and cGMP-PDE activity increased
      after injection of an ovulatory dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for
      induction of ovulation and luteinization. In adult rats during normal estrous
      cycle, cGMP level was high on proestrus and metestrus days, while cGMP-PDE
      activity was high on estrus day. In PE rats, ovarian cGMP level was similar to
      that in adult rats on estrus and diestrus days but lower than that on proestrus
      and metestrus days; ovarian cGMP-PDE activity was lower than that on estrus days
      but similar as the other estrous cycle days. In addition, there was a significant
      negative correlation between ovarian cGMP level and cGMP-PDE activity during
      normal estrous cycles in the adult rat (r = -0.7715, N = 16, P < 0.05), but not
      in the postnatal rat (r = -0.1055, N = 20, P > 0.05). Together, the results of
      our present study indicated that ovarian cGMP levels were not dependent on cGMP
      PDE activity during early postnatal development, but highly dependent on cGMP-PDE
      activity in the adult rat. This implies that mechanisms of cGMP signaling
      involved in ovarian functions are stage-specific in the rat. 

PMID- 25117351
TI  - Localization and expression of histone H2A variants during mouse oogenesis and
      preimplantation embryo development.
AB  - Epigenetic modifications of the genome, such as histone H2A variants, ensure
      appropriate gene activation or silencing during oogenesis and preimplantation
      embryo development. We examined global localization and expression of the histone
      H2A variants, including H2A.Bbd, H2A.Z and H2A.X, during mouse oogenesis and
      preimplantation embryo development. Immunocytochemistry with specific antibodies
      against various histone H2A variants showed their localization and changes during
      oogenesis and preimplantation development. H2A.Bbd and H2A.Z were almost absent
      from nuclei of growing oocytes (except 5-day oocyte), whereas H2A.X was deposited
      in nuclei throughout oogenesis and in preimplantation embryos. In germinal
      vesicle (GV) oocyte chromatin, H2A.Bbd was detected as a weak signal, whereas no
      fluorescent signal was detected in GV breakdown (GVBD) or metaphase II (MII)
      oocytes; H2A.Z showed intense signals in chromatin of GV, GVBD and MII oocytes.
      H2A. Bbd showed very weak signals in both pronucleus and 2-cell embryo nuclei,
      but intense signals were detected in nuclei from 4-cell embryo to blastula. The
      H2A.Z signal was absent from pronucleus to morula chromatin, whereas a
      fluorescent signal was detected in blastula nuclei. Our results suggest that
      histone H2A variants are probably involved in reprogramming of genomes during
      oocyte meiosis or after fertilization. 

PMID- 25117352
TI  - Correlation of coronary artery stenosis evaluation with left heart structure and
      function by multi-slice computed tomography.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the impact of multi-slice computed
      tomography (MSCT) evaluation of coronary artery stenosis on left heart structure
      and systolic function. Coronary artery CT angiography was performed in 200
      patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease, and then according to the AHA
      coronary artery 17-segment fractionation method, the Gensini score (GS) was
      determined for every narrow segment, and one-stop assessment of the correlation
      between left heart structure and function was performed. After the grouping of GS
      quartiles from low to high, there were differences between different patients
      with regard to LVDD, LADD, LVEDV, LVESV, MM, LVEF, and FS, while no difference in
      SV and CO. GS showed linear negative correlation with LVEF and FS, and linear
      positive correlation with LVDD, LADD, LVEDV, LVESV, and MM, while no correlation
      with SV and CO. That is, GS of coronary artery stenosis was negatively correlated
      with left ventricular systolic function and positively correlated with myocardial
      mass. The narrower the coronary artery, the worse the cardiac function and the
      higher the myocardial hypertrophy. Coronary artery stenosis was one of the
      important causes of the decrease in left ventricular systolic function and
      cardiac remodeling.

PMID- 25117353
TI  - Reason and treatment of failure of proximal femoral nail antirotation internal
      fixation for femoral intertrochanteric fractures of senile patients.
AB  - The cause of postoperative failure after the treatment of femoral
      intertrochanteric fracture with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) was
      analyzed, and the reoperative methods were examined. Nine failures of 308 femoral
      intertrochanteric fracture patients with PFNA were treated with femoral
      prosthesis total hip replacement (THR) and reoperative internal fixation. All
      nine patients were analyzed to determine the cause of failure. The causes of
      failed internal fixation in the intertrochanteric-fractured patients included
      perforation of the helical blade into the hip joint in three cases, cutting-out
      of the helical blade exit outside in two cases, and hip varus as a result of
      cutting-out the helical blade in two cases. Seven patients with failed internal
      fixation were treated with THR. Two patients who had femoral shaft fractures at
      the end of the nail were treated with longer PFNA. Faulty operative procedures,
      unsatisfactory reductions, serious osteoporosis, and incorrect positioning of the
      helical blade were the most important factors responsible for the failed internal
      fixation. Satisfactory results were achieved with THR and refixation relative to
      the causes of the failed internal fixation. 

PMID- 25117354
TI  - Effect of Jianpi Bushen prescription on the expression of SHP-1 and apoptosis
      related genes in chemically damaged model mice.
AB  - We investigated the effect of Jianpi Bushen prescription (JBP) on the expression
      of the SHP-1 and apoptosis-related genes in chemically damaged model mice and a
      compound e-jiao slurry (EJS) group (positive control). Kunming mice received an
      abdominal injection of 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide once a day for 3 consecutive
      days to induce chemical damage. The mice underwent lavage at a suspension of 0.1
      g/kg low-dose JBP (100%), high-dose JBP (200%), and 0.2 mL/10 g EJS twice a day
      for 9 days. mRNA and protein expression of SHP-1 in bone marrow mononuclear cells
      was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot; mRNA
      expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) protein was
      detected by in situ hybridization. Expression of SHP-1 and Bax mRNA was
      significantly upregulated in the model group compared to the control group (P <
      0.05). Expression in the low-dose JBP, high-dose JBP, and EJS groups was
      significantly downregulated compared with the model group (P < 0.05). The low
      dose JBP group exhibited much lower SHP-1 and Bax mRNA expression levels.
      Compared with controls, Bcl-2 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in the
      model group (P < 0.05). Expression in the low-dose JBP, high-dose JBP, and EJS
      groups significantly increased compared with the model group (P < 0.05). The low
      dose JBP group showed much higher Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Therefore, JBP regulates
      the expression of the SHP- 1, Bax, and Bcl-2 genes in chemically damaged mice.

PMID- 25117355
TI  - Selection of sorghum hybrids grown under aluminum saturation.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate 165 hybrids derived from lines
      previously selected for aluminum (Al) tolerance. Nine check cultivars were used,
      eight commercial hybrids and one experimental hybrid. Hybrids were evaluated at
      three levels of Al saturation (0, 20 and 40% on average). The differences between
      the environments were significant. Environment with 0% Al saturation yielded
      29.5% more than that with 40% Al saturation, showing the importance of genotype
      selection for acid soils. The best check cultivar was the hybrid DKB550. The
      hybrids AG1020 and AG1040 also performed well, where the latter was more tolerant
      but the former more responsive to environment improvement. The hybrid BRS304 was
      susceptible to high levels of Al saturation. The three commercial BRS hybrids
      (BRS310, BRS330 and BRS332) performed better than BRS304 at high Al saturation.
      The hybrid BRS330 was the best BRS hybrid to grow on a field with high Al
      saturation. The hybrid DKB559 performed well at high Al saturation but did not
      respond to environment improvement. The hybrids 727029, 727039, 729041, 729095,
      729109, AG1040, and DKB550 were tolerant to higher levels of Al saturation and
      responsive to environment improvement, and showed good stability and adaptability
      at both low and high Al saturation.

PMID- 25117356
TI  - Genetic diversity and population structure in Harpadon nehereus based on sequence
      related amplified polymorphism markers.
AB  - In this study, the genetic diversity among ten populations of the Bombay duck was
      studied on the basis of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP). The ten
      populations were collected from the East China Sea and South China Sea areas. A
      total of 98 loci were obtained from 292 individuals using eight SRAP primers. The
      average proportion of polymorphic loci, genetic diversity (H), and Shannon's
      information index were 75.20%, 0.2478, and 0.3735, respectively. Nei's genetic
      distance and Shannon's information index between the ten populations ranged from
      0.0410 to 0.3841 and from 0.2396 to 0.4506, and the averages Nei's gene diversity
      index (H = 0.2478) and Shannon's information index (I = 0.3735) at the population
      level were high. AMOVA showed that most of the variation was within populations
      (71.74%), and only 28.26% of the variation was between populations. The neighbor
      joining tree based on genetic distance revealed that significant genealogical
      structure existed throughout the examined range of the Bombay duck. The results
      demonstrated that SRAP marker was an effective tool for the assessment of genetic
      diversity in the Bombay duck. The results could be used for further protection of
      the germplasm resource of the Bombay duck. 

PMID- 25117358
TI  - Polyploidy and epigenetic events in the evolution of Anura.
AB  - This article reviews the polyploidy events that have long been demonstrated to
      play a role in the evolution of Anura, while also discussing the importance of
      epigenetic control of gene expression and diversity. Findings on Brazilian
      autopolyploid anurans, mainly of the genus Odontophrynus, obtained in previous
      studies on their cytogenetics, chromatin ultrastructure, and molecular gene
      regulation are discussed here. Our data on genome duplication and on epigenetic
      events were analyzed here regarding phylogenetic trees, including the classic 2R
      model for vertebrate evolution and the growing evidence of similar epigenetic
      mechanisms in animal and allopolyploid plants. We propose that polyploidy and
      epigenetic events led to rapid Anura diversity and speciation. Also, recent
      advances in molecular studies in other organisms led us to revisit some
      controversial models of evolution. 

PMID- 25117357
TI  - Molecular characterization and functional analysis of a Flowering locus T homolog
      gene from a Phalaenopsis orchid.
AB  - Warm day and cool night conditions significantly induce reproductive spike
      formation in Phalaenopsis plants; hence, determining the flowering mechanism
      regulating the reproductive transition is important. Flowering locus T (FT) plays
      important roles in flowering induction in several plants. To explore spike
      induction by warm days and cool nights in Phalaenopsis orchids, we isolated the
      FT (PhFT) from Phalaenopsis hybrid Fortune Saltzman. The cDNA of PhFT was 809-bp
      long and contained a 531-bp open reading frame encoding a putative protein of 176
      amino acids, a 58-bp 5'-untranslated region (UTR), and a 220-bp 3'-UTR. The
      predicted molecular mass of PhFT was 19.80 kDa, with an isoelectric point of
      8.68. The PhFT was predicted to possess the conserved functional regions of the
      phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein superfamily. Nucleotide sequence data
      indicated that PhFT contained 3 introns and 4 exons. Sequence alignment and
      phylogenetic analyses of PhFT revealed high homology to the FT proteins of
      Cymbidium goeringii and Oncidium Gower Ramsey. Quantitative real-time polymerase
      chain reaction analysis indicated that PhFT mRNA was expressed in roots, apical
      leaves, mature leaves, and flowers. In flowers, PhFT was expressed more in
      developing floral buds than in mature flowers and was predominantly expressed in
      ovaries and petals. Ectopic expression of PhFT in Arabidopsis ft-1 mutants showed
      novel early-flowering phenotypes that lost their siliques. Our results indicated
      that the ectopic expression of PhFT could partially complement the late flowering
      defect in transgenic Arabidopsis ft-1 mutants. Our findings suggest that PhFT is
      a putative FT homolog in Phalaenopsis plants that regulates flowering transition.

PMID- 25117359
TI  - Molecular study of Astyanax altiparanae (Osteichthyes, Characidae) as a probable
      species complex.
AB  - Astyanax altiparanae, belonging to the bimaculatus group, which includes species
      with similar colors and morphology, occurs in the upper Parana River basin. As
      the use of mitochondrial DNA has made great strides in the diagnosis of species,
      in previous researches, two strains were detected in A. altiparanae with a high
      divergence in the D-loop region, provisionally called AltoPR and AltoPR-D.
      Evidence led to the hypothesis that the two strains did not belong to the same
      species. Phylogenetic hypotheses were produced by maximum-likelihood. Mean
      internal distances of the AltoPR and AltoPR-D groups were respectively 0.002 and
      0.003, with the distance between them being 0.037. Sequences from GenBank of
      specimens collected from the Paraiba do Sul River basin were also divided into
      two groups, of which one may be identified as AltoPR. Since the other group
      provided an intermediate distance when compared to AltoPR-D, an in-depth
      investigation was required. The other species analyzed showed a greater distance
      and was revealed to be a monophyletic taxon. The results suggested that they are
      really two species and that neither corresponds to the other species used in the
      current study.

PMID- 25117360
TI  - Value of C-arm computed tomography in radiofrequency ablation of small lung
      lesions.
AB  - This study aimed to explore the value of C-arm computed tomography (CT)
      applications in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of small lung lesions. The puncture
      success rate, cumulative survival rate, tumor response rate, complications, and
      radiation dose during C-arm CT-guided RFA of 36 small lung lesions in 34 patients
      were analyzed. In 35 RFA procedures for 36 small lung lesions, the puncture
      success rate was 100%. There were 7 cases of complications, including 4 cases of
      pneumothorax (puncture suction or closed chest drainage was not required) and 3
      cases of hemoptysis. The cumulative survival rate in the 34 patients after RFA
      was 100% at 6 months, 69.0% at 1 year, and 60.0% at 2 years. In assessments of 36
      foci imaged during the follow-up period, the total response rates at 1 month, 3
      months, and 6 months were 77.8% (28/36), 69.7% (23/33), and 61.3% (19/31),
      respectively. The mean cumulative dose and average effective dose during surgery
      were 120.1 +/- 61.4 mGy and 3.5 +/- 1.7 mSv, respectively. The application of C
      arm CT to RFA of small lung lesions could provide abundant information to the
      surgeon and increase the lesion puncture success rate and is considered to be a
      promising image-guided technology. 

PMID- 25117361
TI  - Identification of floral genes for sex determination in Calamus palustris Griff.
      by using suppression subtractive hybridization.
AB  - Calamus palustris Griff. is an economically important dioecious rattan species in
      Southeast Asia. However, dioecy and onset of flowering at 3-4 years old render
      uncertainties in desired female:male seedling ratios to establish a productive
      seed orchard for this rattan species. We constructed a subtractive library for
      male floral tissue to understand the genetic mechanism for gender determination
      in C. palustris. The subtractive library produced 1536 clones with 1419 clones of
      high quality. Reverse Northern screening showed 313 clones with differential
      expression, and sequence analyses clustered them into 205 unigenes, including 32
      contigs and 173 singletons. The subtractive library was further validated with
      reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Homology
      identification classified the unigenes into 12 putative functional proteins with
      83% unigenes showing significant match to proteins in databases. Functional
      annotations of these unigenes revealed genes involved in male flower development,
      including MADS-box genes, pollen-related genes, phytohormones for flower
      development, and male flower organ development. Our results showed that the male
      floral genes may play a vital role in sex determination in C. palustris. The
      identified genes can be exploited to understand the molecular basis of sex
      determination in C. palustris. 

PMID- 25117362
TI  - Characteristics of growth traits and their effects on body weight of G1
      individuals in the mud crab (Scylla paramamosain).
AB  - The mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) is considered a potentially important marine
      crab species for selective breeding. Here, we first examined sex ratio and
      differences in 16 growth traits between females and males in a G1 population of
      S. paramamosain, and we then analyzed the correlation between these growth traits
      and their effects on body weight (BW). Of these growth traits, nine were
      significantly different between sexes. In females, the correlation coefficients
      in all trait pairs ranged from 0.524 to 0.997. The traits carapace length (CL)
      and distance between lateral spine 2 (DLS2) significantly affected BW directly,
      with the path coefficients being 1.124 and -0.186, respectively. The
      determination coefficients of traits CL and DLS2 to BW were 1.263 and 0.035 with
      the total value being 0.951, indicating that the two traits were the key factors
      affecting BW. In males, the correlation coefficients in all trait pairs ranged
      from 0.881 to 0.999. The three traits body height (BH), fixed finger height of
      the claw (FFHC), and meropodite length of pereopod 2 (MLP2) significantly
      affected BW directly, with the path coefficients being 0.484, 0.300, and 0.225,
      respectively. The determination coefficients of traits BH, FFHC and MLP2 to BW
      were 0.234, 0.090 and 0.051, with the total value being 0.967, indicating that
      these three traits played a key role in affecting BW. Moreover, we constructed
      two best-fit linear regression equations, which were Y (BW) = 4.969 X1 (CL) -
      0.758 X2 (DLS2) - 140.177 and Y (BW) = 3.806 X1 (BH) + 2.371 X2 (FFHC) + 1.725 X3
      (MLP2) - 123.559 in females and males, respectively.

PMID- 25117363
TI  - Effects of simulated weightlessness on cellular morphology and biological
      characteristics of cell lines SGC-7901 and HFE-145.
AB  - We investigated the effects of simulated weightlessness on cellular morphology,
      proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of the human gastric carcinoma cell line
      SGC-7901 and the human gastric normal cell line HFE-145. A rotating clinostat was
      used to simulate weightlessness. The Image-Pro4.5 image analysis system was used
      for morphometric analysis. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression was
      examined by immunohistochemical staining. Changes in the cell cycle were examined
      using a cytometer. Apoptosis was measured using the terminal dUTP nick-end
      labeling (TUNEL) method. When subjected to simulated weightlessness, the cellular
      morphology of SGC-7901 cells was changed at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, cell conversion
      from the G1 to S phase was blocked, proliferation was inhibited at 48 and 72 h,
      and the apoptosis index was increased at 72 h. The same changes were observed for
      HFE-145 cells at 12 h when subjected to simulated weightlessness, but no
      significant changes were found afterward compared with controls. SGC-7901 cells
      change their cellular morphology and biological characteristics during clinostat
      simulated weightlessness at 72 h, but HFE-145 cells only change at 12 h and adapt
      to simulated weightlessness after that point. 

PMID- 25117364
TI  - Comparative study of DNA extraction methodologies from goat sperm and its effects
      on polymerase chain reaction analysis.
AB  - Successful DNA extraction is indispensable for molecular methods based on
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR); however, goat sperm DNA extraction is limited.
      Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate three methods to extract DNA from
      goat sperm for use in PCR. Eight goat semen pools were used for DNA extraction by
      using the DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit, phenol-chloroform, and Chelex-100 methods.
      DNA samples were analyzed spectrophotometrically to determine the DNA
      concentration and purity, visualized on 0.8% agarose gel, and used at different
      amounts (150, 100, 50, 10, and 1 ng) for PCR with electrophoresis, followed by
      1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. The quantity of DNA extracted with Chelex-100
      was higher (P < 0.05) than that obtained with either the DNeasy Blood & Tissue
      Kit or the phenol-chloroform method, with the phenol-chloroform method yielding a
      greater quantity (P < 0.05) than the kit. The DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit produced
      a higher (P < 0.05) purity product than the Chelex-100 method, and all samples
      obtained by the three protocols were positive for DNA, as assessed by
      electrophoresis. All of the different concentrations of DNA produced by these
      methods were amplified by PCR, although for DNA produced by the phenol-chloroform
      method, PCR was only possible after complementary purification. In conclusion,
      the Chelex-100 method is cheap, secure, simple, fast, and effective, and is a
      potential tool for extracting goat sperm DNA without limitations in PCR. 

PMID- 25117365
TI  - Screening and characterization of new microsatellite markers in Fenneropenaeus
      penicillatus.
AB  - Fenneropenaeus penicillatus, with high protein and low fat, is a commercially
      important aquatic product in China. Microsatellite loci were developed according
      to the protocol of fast isolation by amplified fragment length polymorphism of
      sequences containing repeats. Eight new polymorphic microsatellite markers for F.
      penicillatus were identified, and 32 wild individuals were used to evaluate the
      degree of polymorphism of these markers. The polymorphism information content
      ranged from 0.2703 to 0.7598, and the number of alleles per locus varied from 3
      to 6. The observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.1613-0.5556 and 0.2347
      0.7387, respectively. No significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
      (P > 0.00625) were detected. These polymorphic microsatellite loci will be useful
      to study the genetic diversity and population structure of F. penicillatus.

PMID- 25117366
TI  - Influence of neural stem cell transplantation on angiogenesis in rats with spinal
      cord injury.
AB  - We examined the influence of neural stem cell transplantation on angiogenesis in
      rats with spinal cord injury. Sixty rats with spinal cord injury were divided
      into an experimental group and a control group and given neural stem cells or an
      equivalent amount of phosphate-buffered saline by intravenous transplantation,
      respectively. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) motor function assessment was
      performed in rats at different times after transplantation, and von Willebrand
      factor (vWF) immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis of vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) protein were also performed. The BBB scores of rats in the 2
      groups were both zero before transplantation. The BBB score gradually increased
      over time. The BBB score of the experimental group showed no significant
      difference compared with that of the control group (P > 0.05) 7 days after
      transplantation. The BBB score of the experimental group was significantly
      improved compared with that of the control group 14 days after transplantation (P
      < 0.05). vWF-positive cells and VEGF protein expression in the experimental group
      were significantly increased compared with those in the control group 7 and 14
      days after transplantation, respectively (P < 0.05). Neural stem cell
      transplantation may promote angiogenesis by inducing VEGF expression as well as
      improve functional recovery of limb movements.

PMID- 25117367
TI  - Source of bacterial RNA in chronic otitis media with effusion.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the bacterial RNA detected
      by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR methods in
      middle ear effusion (MEE) for pediatric chronic otitis media with effusion (OME)
      originated from live bacteria. Degradation of RNA was observed by spectroscopic
      analysis; we also investigated the effect of MEE on the digestive activity of
      RNase. The optical density of RNA solution was stable within 3 h. MEE could not
      degrade the RNA, while RNase could rapidly digest the RNA. MEE significantly
      inhibited the digestive activity of RNase, and the inhibitory effect was
      correlated with MEE concentration. The bacterial DNA and RNA detected by PCR and
      RT-PCR methods may not originate from live bacteria, but might instead originate
      from residues from previous bacterial infection(s). Chronic OME is not an
      infection of live bacteria, and therefore, antibiotics should be used with
      caution for clinical treatment of pediatric chronic OME. 

PMID- 25117368
TI  - Development of novel simple sequence repeat markers from a genomic sequence
      survey database and their application for diversity assessment in Jatropha curcas
      germplasm from Guatemala.
AB  - The last few years have seen a significant increase in the number of large-scale
      sequencing projects generating whole genome databases. These sequence databases
      can be surveyed (genome sequence survey) for tandem repeats as an alternative
      means to develop microsatellites for monitoring and selecting natural populations
      and cultivars of Jatropha curcas. A total of 100 tandem repeats were revealed
      from mining 368 genomic surveyed sequences available in the Kazusa DNA Research
      Institute database. Twenty microsatellite sequences were successfully amplified,
      resulting in repeatable and scorable polymerase chain reaction products.
      Genotyping of J. curcas accessions from the Guatemalan population revealed 18
      polymorphic loci. The average number of alleles per locus was 6.9, and allelic
      sizes ranged from 94 to 299 bp. Expected and observed heterozygosities ranged
      from 0.118 to 0.906 and from 0.082 to 0.794, respectively. Polymorphic
      information content values ranged from 0.114 (JcSSR-34) to 0.886 (JcSSR-33) with
      an average of 0.627. Analysis with Micro-Checker indicated few null alleles for
      locus JcSSR-37 in Guatemalan populations, which may be a possible cause of its
      deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, even after Bonferroni's correction. No
      loci showed significant linkage disequilibrium. These microsatellite loci are
      expected to be valuable molecular markers in J. curcas because they show high
      levels of polymorphism and heterozygosity.

PMID- 25117369
TI  - Formation of and countermeasures for subacute coronary stent thrombosis in
      elderly diabetic patients.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate and investigate the pathogenetic mechanism
      and countermeasures of subacute thrombosis (SAT) after coronary stenting in
      elderly diabetic patients. The clinical characteristics and pathogenetic
      mechanisms in 3 cases of SAT after stent implantations in elderly diabetic
      patients were retrospectively examined to determine the treatment strategies for
      SAT. Among 98 patients with diabetes who had coronary stents implanted or were
      >60 years of age, three (3.06%) had SAT. One case of SAT was diagnosed by
      angiography; coronary balloon dilatation, thrombolysis, and re-perfusion resulted
      in full recovery in this case. The second case involved potential SAT, and in the
      third case, SAT was not ruled out. Two cases were characteristic of ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction, and one case, in which SAT was not ruled out,
      resulted in sudden death. SAT within a stent may be related to intraoperative
      stent malapposition caused by a grade C lesion, age, diabetes, chronic total
      occlusion, or postoperative irregular administration of medication. 

PMID- 25117372
TI  - Repeated whole-lung lavage for unremitting pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: a
      eight-year follow-up of a case.
AB  - Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare clinical syndrome that was first
      described in 1958. To date, whole-lung lavage (WLL) is still the gold-standard
      therapy for PAP. Herein, we report the case of a male patient who was diagnosed
      with PAP by open-lung biopsy 8 years prior to presentation at our clinic. The man
      underwent his first WLL in 2004 and showed marked clinical and radiological
      improvement after the operation. However, after his original presentation,
      proteinaceous material continued to accumulate in his lungs. Lavage was performed
      four additional times, but these attempts failed to arrest the decline in
      pulmonary function. Each lavage resulted in significant, although transient,
      clinical improvement. 

PMID- 25117371
TI  - Variants -250G/A and -514C/T in the LIPC gene are associated with hypertensive
      disorders of pregnancy in Chinese women.
AB  - We examined the influence of the promoter polymorphisms -250G/A (rs2070895) and 
      514C/T (rs1800588) in the human hepatic lipase (LIPC) gene on dyslipidemia and
      hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) in a Chinese population.
      Clinically defined HDCP patients (N = 321) and healthy pregnant women (N = 331)
      were recruited and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment
      length polymorphism for the two LIPC single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The
      results showed significant relationships between HDCP and triglycerides,
      apolipoprotein A1, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05), which
      confirmed that HDCP was accompanied by dyslipidemia. The results also
      demonstrated that in gestational hypertension (GH) patients, both total
      cholesterol (TC) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were related to the two
      SNPs (P <= 0.004), although no significant association was found between HDCP and
      LIPC genotypes or alleles. Significant linkage disequilibrium of the two SNPs was
      found in both HDCP patients (R(2) = 0.867) and controls (R(2) = 0.91). Body mass
      index (BMI) was associated with -250G/A in women with mild preeclampsia (MPE) (P
      = 0.01). Carriers of the mutant homozygote -250AA genotype presented higher BMI
      in the MPE group. In conclusion, the LIPC -250G/A and -514C/T variants influenced
      TC and SBP levels in GH patients and the BMI level in the MPE group, although
      there was no evidence to validate an association between HDCP and LIPC allele,
      genotype, or haplotype frequencies.

PMID- 25117370
TI  - Evaluation of attenuated Salmonella choleraesuis-mediated inhibin recombinant DNA
      vaccine in rats.
AB  - DNA vaccination has been studied intensively as a potential vaccine technology.
      We evaluated the effect of an attenuated Salmonella choleraesuis-mediated inhibin
      DNA vaccine in rats. First, 15 rats were treated with different doses of an
      inhibin vaccine to evaluate vaccine safety. Next, 30 rats were divided into 3
      groups and injected intramuscularly with the inhibin vaccine two (T1) or three
      times (T2) or with control bacteria (Con) at 4-week intervals. The inhibin
      antibody levels increased [positive/negative well (P/N) value: T1 vs Con = 2.39
      +/- 0.01 vs 1.08 +/- 0.1; T2 vs Con = 2.36 +/- 0.1 vs 1.08 +/- 0.1, P < 0.05] at
      week 2 and were maintained at a high level in T1 and T2 until week 8, although a
      small decrease in T2 was observed at week 10. Rats in the T1 group showed more
      corpora lutea compared with the Con group (10.50 +/- 0.87 vs 7.4 +/- 0.51, P <
      0.05). Estradiol (0.439 +/- 0.052 vs 0.719 +/- 0.063 ng/mL, P < 0.05) and
      progesterone (1.315 +/- 0.2 vs 0.737 +/- 0.11 ng/mL, P < 0.05) levels differed
      significantly at metestrus after week 10 between rats in the T1 and Con groups.
      However, there were no significant differences in body, ovary, uterus weights, or
      pathological signs in the ovaries after immunization, indicating that this
      vaccine is safe. In conclusion, the attenuated S. choleraesuis-mediated inhibin
      vaccine may be an alternative to naked inhibin plasmids for stimulating ovarian
      follicular development to increase the ovulation rate in rats. 

PMID- 25117373
TI  - A case-control study indicates that the TRIB1 gene is associated with pancreatic
      cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm originating from transformed cells
      arising in tissues that form the pancreas. To investigate whether the tribbles
      homolog 1 (Drosophila) gene (TRIB1) is associated with pancreatic cancer in the
      Chinese Han population, we conducted this case-control study and genotyped 3
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2980879, rs2980874, and rs2235108) of the
      TRIB1 gene in 182 patients and 359 normal controls of Chinese Han origin and
      analyzed their association. The results showed that the rs2980879 polymorphism
      was associated with pancreatic cancer [allele: P = 0.023434, genotype: P =
      0.03005; odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.727788 (0.552664
      0.958404)], whereas the rs2980874 polymorphism had no association with pancreatic
      cancer [allele: P = 0.749885, genotype: P = 0.699533; OR and 95%CI = 1.041981
      (0.809196-1.341734)], and the rs2235108 polymorphism was not associated with the
      disease [allele: P = 0.629475, genotype: P = 0.547534, OR and 95%CI = 1.128290
      (0.690829-1.842770)]. Haplotype analyses and linkage disequilibrium tests were
      also conducted, and the results showed that these 3 loci are not in the same
      block. In conclusion, our study indicated that the TRIB1 gene is associated with
      pancreatic cancer. More studies with larger samples are needed in order to
      support this finding.

PMID- 25117374
TI  - Selection of DNA barcoding loci and phylogenetic study of a medicinal and endemic
      plant, Plectranthus asirensis J.R.I. Wood from Saudi Arabia.
AB  - Genuine medicinal plant materials are very important for potential crude drug
      production, which can be used to cure many human diseases. DNA barcoding of
      medicinal plants is an effective way to identify adulterated or contaminated
      market materials, but it can be quite challenging to generate barcodes and
      analyze the data to determine discrimination power. The molecular phylogeny of a
      plant species infers its relationship to other species. We screened the various
      loci of the nuclear and chloroplast genome for the barcoding of Plectranthus
      asirensis, an endemic plant of Saudi Arabia. The chloroplast genome loci such as
      rps16 and rpoB showed maximum similarity to taxa of the same and other genera via
      BLAST of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank
      database; hence, they are less preferable for the development of a DNA barcode.
      However, nrDNA-ITS and chloroplast loci rbcL and rpoC1 showed less similarity via
      BLAST of the NCBI GenBank database; therefore, they could be used for DNA
      barcoding for this species.

PMID- 25117375
TI  - Beneficial metabolic phenotypes caused by loss-of-function APOC3 mutations.

PMID- 25117376
TI  - Stiffness of cross-linked poly(dimethylsiloxane) affects bacterial adhesion and
      antibiotic susceptibility of attached cells.
AB  - In this study, Escherichia coli RP437 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were used
      as model strains to investigate the early stage biofilm formation on
      poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surfaces with varying stiffness, which were
      prepared by controlling the degree of cross-linking (base:curing agent ratios of
      5:1, 10:1, 20:1, and 40:1 were tested). An inverse correlation between cell
      adhesion and substrate stiffness was observed for both species. Interestingly, it
      was found that the cells attached on relatively stiff substrates (5:1 PDMS) were
      significantly smaller than those on relatively soft substrates (40:1 PDMS). In
      addition to the difference in size, the cells on 5:1 PDMS substrates were also
      found to be less susceptible to antibiotics, such as ofloxacin, ampicillin, and
      tobramycin, than the cells attached on 40:1 PDMS substrates. These results reveal
      that surface stiffness is an important material property that influences the
      attachment, growth, and stress tolerance of biofilm cells. 

PMID- 25117377
TI  - Microfluidic genotyping by rapid serial PCR and high-speed melting analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical molecular testing typically batches samples to minimize
      costs or uses multiplex lab-on-a-chip disposables to analyze a few targets. In
      genetics, multiple variants need to be analyzed, and different work flows that
      rapidly analyze multiple loci in a few targets are attractive. METHODS: We used a
      microfluidic platform tailored to rapid serial PCR and high-speed melting (HSM)
      to genotype 4 single nucleotide variants. A contiguous stream of master mix with
      sample DNA was pulsed with each primer pair for serial PCR and melting. Two study
      sites each analyzed 100 samples for F2 (c.*97G>A), F5 (c.1601G>A), and MTHFR
      (c.665C>T and c.1286A>C) after blinding for genotype and genotype proportions.
      Internal temperature controls improved melting curve precision. The platform's
      liquid-handling system automated PCR and HSM. RESULTS: PCR and HSM were completed
      in a total of 12.5 min. Melting was performed at 0.5  degrees C/s. As expected,
      homozygous variants were separated by melting temperature, and heterozygotes were
      identified by curve shape. All samples were correctly genotyped by the
      instrument. Follow-up testing was required on 1.38% of the assays for a
      definitive genotype. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate genotyping accuracy on a novel
      microfluidic platform with rapid serial PCR and HSM. The platform targets short
      turnaround times for multiple genetic variants in up to 8 samples. It is also
      designed to allow automatic and immediate reflexive or repeat testing depending
      on results from the streaming DNA. Rapid serial PCR provides a flexible genetic
      work flow and is nicely matched to HSM analysis.

PMID- 25117378
TI  - Effects of a very congested match schedule on body-load impacts, accelerations,
      and running measures in youth soccer players.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of a very congested match schedule on the total
      distance (TD) covered, high-intensity-running (HIR) distance, and frequency of
      accelerations and body-load impacts (BLIs) performed in a team of under-15 soccer
      players (N=10; 15.1+/-0.2 y, 171.8+/-4.7 cm, 61+/-6.0 kg) during an international
      youth competition. METHODS: Using global positioning systems, player performances
      were repeatedly monitored in 5 matches performed over 3 successive days. RESULTS:
      Significant differences were observed between matches (P<.05) for the frequency
      of accelerations per minute, BLIs, and BLIs per minute. No differences were
      observed for the TD covered, TD run per minute, number of high-intensity runs,
      distance covered in HIR, per-minute peak running speed attained, or frequency of
      accelerations. The frequency of accelerations per minute decreased across the
      competition while BLIs were higher during the final than in all other matches.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that BLIs and acceleration might be used as an
      alternative means to represent the external load during congested match schedules
      rather than measures related to running speed or distance covered.

PMID- 25117380
TI  - QT Interval Prolongation Associated with Azithromycin/Methadone Combination.
AB  - This report documents the occurrence of QT prolongation in a 57-year old man, on
      methadone replacement therapy, treated with azithromycin for community acquired
      pneumonia. This case highlights a hitherto unknown drug interaction. In light of
      ever-increasing use of azithromycin, it is imperative that azithromycin be used
      with caution in patients who are already on drugs that are known to cause QT
      prolongation or that cause torsades de pointes. 

PMID- 25117379
TI  - Electrospun polyurethane/hydroxyapatite bioactive scaffolds for bone tissue
      engineering: the role of solvent and hydroxyapatite particles.
AB  - Polyurethane (PU) is a promising polymer to support bone-matrix producing cells
      due to its durability and mechanical resistance. In this study two types of
      medical grade poly-ether urethanes Z3A1 and Z9A1 and PU-Hydroxyapatite (PU-HA)
      composites were investigated for their ability to act as a scaffold for tissue
      engineered bone. PU dissolved in varying concentrations of dimethylformamide
      (DMF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvents were electrospun to attain scaffolds
      with randomly orientated non-woven fibres. Bioactive polymeric composite
      scaffolds were created using 15 wt% Z3A1 in a 70/30 DMF/THF PU solution and
      incorporating micro- or nano-sized HA particles in a ratio of 3:1 respectively,
      whilst a 25 wt% Z9A1 PU solution was doped in ratio of 5:1. Chemical properties
      of the resulting composites were evaluated by FTIR and physical properties by
      SEM. Tensile mechanical testing was carried out on all electrospun scaffolds. MLO
      A5 osteoblastic mouse cells and human embryonic mesenchymal progenitor cells, hES
      MPs were seeded on the scaffolds to test their biocompatibility and ability to
      support mineralised matrix production over a 28 day culture period. Cell
      viability was assayed by MTT and calcium and collagen deposition by Sirius red
      and alizarin red respectively. SEM images of both electrospun PU scaffolds and PU
      HA composite scaffolds showed differences in fibre morphology with changes in
      solvent combinations and size of HA particles. Inclusion of THF eliminated the
      presence of beads in fibres that were present in scaffolds fabricated with 100%
      DMF solvent, and resulted in fibres with a more uniform morphology and thicker
      diameters. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the Young's Modulus and yield
      strength was lower at higher THF concentrations. Inclusion of both sizes of HA
      particles in PU-HA solutions reinforced the scaffolds leading to higher
      mechanical properties, whilst FTIR characterisation confirmed the presence of HA
      in all composite scaffolds. Although all scaffolds supported proliferation of
      both cell types and deposition of calcified matrix, PU-HA composite fibres
      containing nano-HA enabled the highest cell viability and collagen deposition.
      These scaffolds have the potential to support bone matrix formation for bone
      tissue engineering.

PMID- 25117381
TI  - The economic and medical costs of alcohol consumption in Japan.

PMID- 25117382
TI  - Chemokine Receptor 7 Implications of Spleen Dendritic Cells in Multiple-organ
      Dysfunction Syndrome in Mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) expression
      of spleen dendritic cells (DCs) and their role in the changes of migration and
      activity of spleen DCs in multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). METHODS:
      The MODS model of mice was reproduced. The mice were randomly assigned to the
      following groups: normal, three-hour to six-hour, 24-hour to 48-hour, and 10-day
      to 12-day post-zymosan injection. CD11c and CD205 were analysed by
      immunohistochemistry; the expressions of CD86 and CCR7 of DCs were studied using
      flow cytometry analyses. RESULTS: In normal mice, many DCs were found at the
      margin between the red and white pulp. In the three-hour to six-hour and 24-hour
      to 48-hour group, DC effectively upregulated CD86 and CCR7, and they were
      distributed in T- cell areas. In the 10-day to 12-day group, DCs were distributed
      at the margin by the immature form. CONCLUSION: The CCR7 expression level of DCs
      had close correlations with the migration of DCs. Chemokine receptor 7 can be
      used to evaluate the migration and functional activity of DCs in MODS.

PMID- 25117383
TI  - The Changes of Muscle FGF-6 Expression at Different Time Points after Exercise
      induced Muscle Damage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-6
      expression in the regeneration and repair process after exercise-induced muscle
      damage (EIMD) and the relationship with skeletal muscle regeneration and repair.
      METHODS: The expression of FGF-6 at different time points was examined by reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry staining
      after a downhill treadmill exercise. Skeletal muscle injury and regeneration at
      different times after EIMD was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin (H and E)
      staining. RESULTS: The FGF-6 protein expression was initially elevated and
      followed by a gradual reduction, while the changes of FGF-6 mRNA were almost all
      raised after the treadmill exercise. CONCLUSION: The results point out that FGF-6
      is closely related to skeletal muscle regeneration and repair, probably implying
      a dual function in muscle regeneration.

PMID- 25117384
TI  - Study on vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor in the vitreous of
      diabetic rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the vitreous level of vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) and kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) in diabetic
      rats, and to explore the role of VEGF and KDR in diabetic retinopathy. METHODS:
      Eighty-four adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. Fifty-eight
      rats in group A were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin to induce
      diabetes and 20 rats in group B were injected with physiological saline. Blood
      glucose meter was used to detect the blood glucose level at 72 hours after
      injection; blood glucose level >= 16.67 mmol/L was considered to be successful
      modelling. Blood glucose level was assayed and body mass was measured on the same
      modelling day, one week, two weeks and four weeks after modelling. Four weeks
      after modelling, the vitreous was taken, and the VEGF and KDR levels were
      detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The eyeballs were fixed
      with paraform and embedded by petrolin for haematoxylin and eosin (H and E)
      staining. RESULTS: Forty-two rats survived and 16 rats died in group A. No rats
      died in group B. The blood glucose at one week, two weeks and four weeks between
      the two groups had statistical differences (p < 0.05). The weight at one week and
      two weeks between the two groups was not different but there was statistical
      difference at four weeks between the two groups (p < 0.01). The ELISA results
      showed that the VEGF and KDR levels were 0.276 +/- 0.026 ng/mL and 2.936 +/-
      0.295 ng/mL in group A, 0.231 +/- 0.021 ng/mL and 2.394 +/- 0.227 ng/mL in group
      B, respectively. The VEGF and KDR levels of group A were higher than those of
      group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The changes of VEGF and KDR levels in the
      vitreous of diabetic rats were related to the early retinopathy induced by
      diabetes.

PMID- 25117385
TI  - Role of interleukin-6, gamma interferon and adenosine deaminase markers in
      management of pleural effusion patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pleural effusion is a common diagnostic and clinical problem.
      Neoplasms and tuberculosis are the most frequent diagnostic causes of such
      effusions. Conventional laboratory methods for diagnosis of such effusion are
      inefficient because tubercle bacilli are rarely seen in direct examinations of
      pleural fluid. The present study evaluates interleukin-6 (IL-6), gamma interferon
      (IFN-gamma) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) as diagnostic tools in pleural
      effusion. MEHTODS: Interleukin-6, IFN-gamma and ADA were measured in pleural
      fluid from the patients, with exudative pleural effusion from tuberculous,
      malignant and postpneumonic origin and transudative pleural effusion of systemic
      origin in order to evaluate the diagnostic utility of these. RESULTS: The three
      markers were detectable in all effusions with significantly high levels in
      exudative as compared to transudative effusions. There was a statically
      significant difference noticed in tuberculous as compared to malignant and
      postpneumonic origin and transudative pleural effusion. CONCLUSION: We concluded
      that IL-6, IFN-gamma and ADA levels in pleural effusion are sensitive parameters
      to differentiate an exudate from a transudate and they can also differentiate
      exudates of different aetiology. Finally, the results suggest that there is a
      remarkable difference in production of these three markers in exudative pleural
      effusions as compared to transudative pleural effusions.

PMID- 25117386
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of spot and timed measurements of urinary albumin
      concentration to determine microalbuminuria in sickle cell disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Whereas measurement of albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) in spot urine
      samples is indicated for determining microalbuminuria, its performance or that of
      urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) in predicting microalbuminuria in sickle
      cell disease (SCD) is unclear. We therefore tested the diagnostic performance of
      these measures in spot and timed urine samples in predicting a UAER in 24-hour
      samples. METHODS: Thirty participants with SCD had spot, two-hour and four-hour,
      followed by 24-hour urine collections for ACR, urinary albumin concentration
      (UAC) and UAER determinations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      analyses were performed. RESULTS: The areas under the ROC curves for
      microalbuminuria were 0.99 (CI: 0.97, 1.00) for ACR and 0.97 (CI: 0.92, 1.00) for
      UAC in spot urine samples. For ACR, at the cut-point of 4.13 mg/mmol, there was
      100% sensitivity and 82.6% specificity, allowing an 86.2% correct classification.
      At the cut-point of UAC = 20.9 mg/L, there was 100% sensitivity and 73.9%
      specificity, allowing a 79.3% correct classification. Corresponding areas for
      microalbuminuria in two-hour timed samples were 0.99 (CI: 0.95, 1.00) for ACR and
      0.96 (CI: 0.89, 1.00) for UAER.For ACR, the cut-point was 4.64 mg/mmol with 83.3%
      sensitivity and 91.3% specificity, allowing an 89.7% correct classification.
      Similarly for UAER, at the cut-point of 21.8 ug/min, there was 83.3% sensitivity
      and 91.3% specificity, allowing 89.7% correct classification. CONCLUSIONS: The
      diagnostic performance of ACR and UAC in a spot as well as ACR and UAER in two
      hour timed urine samples in patients with SCD is excellent. Healthcare
      professionals can confidently utilize these measures in this patient population.

PMID- 25117387
TI  - Observer Variability in Sonographic Measurement of Kidney Sizes among Children in
      Benin-City, Nigeria.
AB  - AIM: To assess the level of inconsistency in replicating sonographic kidney size
      measurements in a population of healthy Nigerian children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      In this prospective cross-sectional study, convenience sampling technique was
      used to select a sample of Nigerian children. Both consent from participants and
      ethical approval from the local authority were obtained before the study
      commenced. Three radiologists carried out the replicate sonographic measurements
      using a DP-1100 mechanical sector scanner with a 3.5 MHz convex probe. All
      examinations were done with subjects in the supine oblique position. Longitudinal
      and transverse scans were performed. Renal lengths and widths were measured from
      the longitudinal scans while thickness was measured from the transverse scans.
      Renal volumes were calculated with the ellipsoid formula. Analysis of variance,
      Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and z-test were used to test
      the statistical significance of results. SPSS version 17.0 was used in the
      analysis of results while statistical significance of all results was tested at p
      < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean intra-observer measurement errors in replicate sonographic
      measurements of kidney sizes ranged from 0.36-0.43 cm, 0.22-0.63 cm, 0.37-0.52 cm
      and 5.93-9.62 ml for kidney length, width, thickness and volume, respectively.
      Mean inter-observer measurement errors were in the range of 0.29-0.48 cm, 0.18
      0.23 cm, 0.34-1.82 cm and 5.92-7.28 ml for length, width, thickness and volume,
      respectively. Mean intra-observer errors were not statistically significant (p <
      0.05) but mean inter-observer errors were (p < 0.05). Differences in all
      measurement errors of right and left kidney length, width, thickness and volume
      were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Measurement errors correlated
      weakly with kidney sizes. Observer errors in renal length were not significantly
      different from what was reported among Caucasians (p > 0.05) whereas that of
      volume was (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Errors in replicate sonographic kidney size
      measurements obtained by a single observer were less than errors in the same
      measurements by different observers; therefore, replicate sonographic
      measurements by a single observer were more consistent in this population.

PMID- 25117388
TI  - The Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction among the Patients with End Stage Renal
      Disease in Jamaica.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sexual performance and gratification impact quality of life. Although
      recognized in the literature as a problem, sexual dysfunction among patients with
      end stage renal disease (ESRD) has never been studied in Jamaica. SUBJECTS AND
      METHOD: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was determined among 268 adult
      Jamaican patients (166 males, 102 females) with ESRD who had been on
      haemodialysis for at least three months. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was assessed
      using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Female sexual
      dysfunction (FSD) was determined using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
      Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) and International Classification of
      Diseases (ICD)-10 classifications of sexual disorders. Prevalence, severity of
      sexual dysfunctions and relationships with the primary aetiology of ESRD and
      anaemia were assessed. RESULTS: Erectile dysfunction, desire and orgasmic
      disorderS were found in 91.4%, 88.3%, and 81.6% of male subjects, respectively.
      The majority of male patients were dissatisfied with their performance at
      intercourse after progressing to ESRD. Hypoactive sexual disorder, sexual arousal
      and orgasmic disorders, and aversion sexual disorder were prevalent, found in
      96%, 88.1% and 87.1% of female patients. All diabetic patients with ESRD reported
      hypoactive sexual disorder and orgasmic dysfunction; arousal disorder was found
      in 94.7%. Aversion sexual disorder was found more among patients with underlying
      chronic glomerulonephritis. All patients with severe anaemia were found to have
      hypoactive sexual disorder and among these, 87.5% and 97.8% had severe arousal
      and orgasmic disorders, respectively. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction among
      patients with ESRD in Jamaica was prevalent in males and females. Associations
      exist between sexual dysfunction and diabetes mellitus, chronic
      glomerulonephritis and anaemia.

PMID- 25117389
TI  - Comparison of ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight and actual birthweight
      performed by residents in training at the university hospital of the west indies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation of ultrasonographic estimation of fetal
      weight and actual birthweight and the impact of the level of resident's training
      on the results. METHODS: A prospective study of 90 women with term pregnancies.
      Ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated by a preprogrammed Hadlock
      formula. Days from ultrasound to delivery were less than seven. The EFW was
      compared to the actual birthweight at delivery. The year of training of the
      resident that performed the ultrasound was recorded. Exclusion criteria included
      Diabetes mellitus and known fetal anomalies. RESULTS: Mean age was 28 years,
      parity zero to four, mean gestational age 38 weeks. There was an average over
      estimation of 64.8 grams. The difference between mean EFW and mean BWT was not
      significant (p = 0.067). The difference between mean EFW and mean BWT when
      calculated according to year of residency was not significant, p = 0.075 and
      0.402 for junior and senior residents, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is good
      correlation between resident's ultrasonographic estimation of fetal weight and
      actual birthweight at the UHWI. There was no significant difference in
      correlation between senior and junior residents. Development in computer
      technology might contribute to decrease in the learning curve.

PMID- 25117391
TI  - Second Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour for the Treatment of Muscle
      invasive Bladder Tumours.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (ECOPD) are a
      major problem worldwide and usually a leading cause for hospitalizations and in
      some cases, indication for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this study was to determine the length of stay in hospital and outcome of
      ECOPD patients. We compared the length of hospital stay in the medical ward,
      intensive care unit (ICU) departments and discharges during a period of six
      months. METHODS: This was an observational, longitudinal prospective study of 242
      COPD patients that were admitted with COPD exacerbation. In each patient, acute
      physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score and serial arterial
      blood gases (ABG) were measured upon and during admission. RESULTS: Eighty per
      cent (194) of 242 COPD patients were admitted to the medical department and most
      of them were discharged within five days. Forty-eight needed IMV and stayed in
      hospital more than ten days; overall mortality rate was about 5%. CONCLUSION:
      Most of the hospitalized patients with COPD exacerbation (60%) were discharged
      within five days, 20% needed IMV and stayed in hospital more than ten days.

PMID- 25117390
TI  - Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian Axis in Thyroid Dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been established that thyroid dysfunction causes impairment of
      reproductive function. However, laboratory and human studies that associated this
      with female reproductive hormones are conflicting and data reporting the effects
      of thyroid dysfunction on reproductive organs are insufficient. AIM: This study
      investigated the effect of experimental hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on
      hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and reproductive organs morphometry and
      histology in female rats. METHODS: Laboratory animals were randomized into one of
      the three groups: control, carbimazole-induced hypothyroidism and levothyroxine
      induced hyperthyroidism. RESULTS: Organ morphometry and serum follicle
      stimulating hormone (FSH) were statistically comparable across all groups. Serum
      progesterone increased in hypothyroid rats but was reduced in hyperthyroid rats
      when compared with the control (p < 0.05). Body weight gain, serum luteinizing
      hormone and oestradiol were significantly reduced in both hypothyroid and
      hyperthyroid states when compared to the control. Hypothyroidism and
      hyperthyroidism also led to alterations in organ cytoarchitecture. CONCLUSION:
      Findings from this study suggest that impairment of reproductive function
      associated with thyroid dysfunction is attendant with derangement of hormonal
      milieu and alteration in reproductive organs cytoarchitecture. Luteinizing
      hormone and oestradiol are implicated.

PMID- 25117392
TI  - Evaluation of incidental thyroid cancer in patients with thyroidectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Variations such as communications between median nerve and
      musculocutaneous nerve or in their abnormal branching pattern constitute a major
      concern in clinical and surgical field. Knowledge of these variations not only
      provides the clinician with a proper interpretation of the case, but also
      minimizes the complication in surgical approaches in this region. METHOD: We
      examined 50 isolated upper limbs to investigate the possible incidences of
      various types of communications between these two neighbouring peripheral nerves.
      RESULT: Twenty-eight per cent of limbs were found to have communication between
      these two nerves. When categorized according to Venieratos and Anagnostopoulou's
      classification method, 11 out of 14 cases (79%) showed type I communications, two
      out of 14 (14%) showed type II and the remaining one (7%) showed type III
      communication pattern. CONCLUSION: Prior knowledge of communications between
      these two neighbouring nerves, both in terms of their incidences and pattern of
      communications, may be of considerable significance to neurologists and
      orthopaedicians in dealing with nerve entrapment syndromes in the upper limb of
      patients.

PMID- 25117393
TI  - A plea for more umbilical stomas in paediatric surgical practice.

PMID- 25117394
TI  - Incontinentia Pigmenti in 22-month Old Afro-Caribbean Fraternal Twin Girls. A
      Case Report.
AB  - Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare X-linked dominant condition characterized by
      cutaneous, neural, ocular and dental manifestations. The condition has mainly
      been reported in Caucasian females. The aim of this case report is to highlight
      the clinical presentation in Afro-Caribbean twin girls. The girls demonstrated
      abnormal hair distribution, pigmented limbs and torso, small conical or missing
      teeth with delayed dental eruption. 

PMID- 25117395
TI  - Deep lobe parotid abscess with facial nerve palsy: a case report.
AB  - Acute suppurative sialadenitis mostly occurs in the parotid gland, while parotid
      abscesses principally arise in the superficial lobe. However, facial nerve palsy,
      secondary to parotid abscess, is rare. Predisposing factors for the ductally
      ascending infection are dehydration, xerogenic drugs and salivary gland diseases
      associated with ductal obstruction or reduced saliva secretion. Obstruction of
      Stensen's duct and diminished production of saliva are regarded as the promoting
      factors. Painful swelling of the preauricular region and cheek is the most
      familiar symptom of acute suppurative parotitis. The most common pathogens
      associated with acute bacterial infection are Staphylococcus aureus and
      anaerobes. We report a rare case of deep lobe parotid abscess with facial nerve
      palsy. Aside from adequate fluid hydration, good oral hygiene and treatment with
      empiric parenteral antibiotics, surgical treatment with drainage can provide a
      remedy for this disease. 

PMID- 25117396
TI  - Metastatic tumour of spermatic cords, epididymis and seminiferous duct from
      gastric carcinoma.
AB  - Metastatic tumour of spermatic cords, epididymis and seminiferous duct from
      gastric carcinoma has been recently reported but rarely seen.A case of metastatic
      tumour from gastric carcinoma in a 50-year old man is herein reported. The
      initial diagnosis was thickening of both spermatic cords. Needle biopsy of the
      spermatic cord, testicle and epididymis was performed. Pathological findings
      showed a gastric signet ring cell carcinoma. Thus, double radical orchiectomy was
      performed and metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma of the spermatic cord and
      testis was diagnosed through histological xamination and immunohistochemistry.
      Physicians should be aware that gastric carcinoma is one of the possibilities for
      metastasis to the seminal duct. 

PMID- 25117397
TI  - Treatment with acarbose in severe hypoglycaemia due to late dumping syndrome.
AB  - Dumping syndrome is a serious complication that may occur after gastric surgery
      in approximately 10% of patients in the 1990s. With the increasing number of
      patients undergoing bariatric surgery, the incidence of dumping syndrome is
      likely to increase in recent years. It is necessary for clinicians to recognize
      the syndrome and master its management. We present a case of recurrent loss of
      consciousness, which was finally accurately diagnosed as late dumping syndrome
      twelve years after subtotal gastrectomy and successfully treated with acarbose. A
      66-year old lean male was found unconscious repeatedly within one year, oral
      glucose tolerance tests performed before and after acarbose treatment verified
      the diagnosis of late dumping syndrome. Hypoglycaemia can damage the body in
      acute and chronic form. Acarbose can be used as a successful treatment modality
      for reactive hypoglycaemia due to late dumping syndrome by influencing the
      release of hormone. 

PMID- 25117398
TI  - Recurrent primary hydatid disease of the tibia.
AB  - Hydatid disease is caused by a cestode, Echinococcus. Its intermediate hosts are
      herbivores but humans can be accidental hosts. Hydatid disease is endemic in some
      parts of America, Australia, the Mediterranean region, Central Asia, and Central
      and Eastern Europe. The organs most frequently affected by Echinococcus are the
      liver and the lungs. Primary involvement of the skeleton is rare. Cases have been
      reported in the vertebrae, pelvis, humerus and femur. The location of hydatid
      cysts in the tibia is rarely described in the medical literature. We, herein,
      report a case of primary hydatid cyst of the tibia presenting with a pathologic
      fracture simulating benign bone cystic lesion. The diagnosis of hydatid bone
      disease was not suspected preoperatively. This case emphasizes the importance of
      considering hydatid disease in the differential diagnosis of cystic bone lesions,
      especially in individuals coming from regions where the disease is endemic. 

PMID- 25117399
TI  - Chronic renal disease and reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome after
      liver transplantation.
AB  - This is a case report of a patient who developed chronic renal dysfunction and
      neurologic emergency with multiple cranial lesions after liver transplantation.
      Immune-complex glomerulonephritis was confirmed on the basis of histopathologic
      evaluation of the renal biopsy. According to clinical features and brain magnetic
      resonance imaging follow-up, neuroradiographic atypical reversible posterior
      leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) was finally diagnosed. 

PMID- 25117400
TI  - Effects of the Etna uphill ultramarathon on energy cost and mechanics of running.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of an extreme uphill marathon on the
      mechanical parameters that are likely to affect the energy cost of running (Cr).
      METHODS: Eleven runners (27-59 y) participated in the Etna SuperMarathon (43 km,
      0-3063 m above sea level). Anthropometric characteristics, maximal explosive
      power of the lower limb (Pmax), and maximal oxygen uptake were determined before
      the competition. In addition, before and immediately after the race, Cr, contact
      (tc) and aerial (ta) times, step frequency (f), and running velocity were
      measured at constant self-selected speed. Then, peak vertical ground-reaction
      force (Fmax), vertical downward displacement of the center of mass (Deltaz), leg
      length change (DeltaL), and vertical (kvert) and leg (kleg) stiffness were
      calculated. RESULTS: A direct relationship between Cr, measured before the race,
      and race time was shown (r=.61, P<.001). Cr increased significantly at the end of
      the race by 8.7%. Immediately after the race, the subjects showed significantly
      lower ta (-58.6%), f (-11.3%), Fmax (-17.6%), kvert (-45.6%), and kleg (-42.3%)
      and higher tc (+28.6%), Deltaz (+52.9%), and DeltaL (+44.5%) than before the
      race. The increase of Cr was associated with a decrement in Fmax (r=-.45), kvert
      (r=-.44), and kleg (r=-.51). Finally, an inverse relationship between Pmax
      measured before the race and DeltaCr during race was found (r=-.52). CONCLUSIONS:
      Lower Cr was related with better performance, and athletes characterized by the
      greater Pmax showed lower increases in Cr during the race. This suggests that
      specific power training of the lower limbs may lead to better performance in
      ultraendurance running competition.

PMID- 25117401
TI  - Development of casein microgels from cross-linking of casein micelles by genipin.
AB  - Casein micelles are porous colloidal particles, constituted of casein molecules,
      water, and minerals. The vulnerability of the supramolecular structure of casein
      micelles face to changes in the environmental conditions restrains their
      applications in other domains besides food. Thus, redesigning casein micelles is
      a challenge to create new functionalities for these biosourced particles. The
      objective of this work was to create stable casein microgels from casein micelles
      using a natural cross-linker, named genipin. Suspensions of purified casein
      micelles (25 g L(-1)) were mixed with genipin solutions to have final
      concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 mM genipin. Covalently linked casein microgels
      were formed via cross-linking of lysyl and arginyl residues of casein molecules.
      The reacted products exhibited blue color. The cross-linking reaction induced
      gradual changes on the colloidal properties of the particles. The casein
      microgels were smaller and more negatively charged and presented smoother
      surfaces than casein micelles. These results were explained based on the cross
      linking of free NH2 present in an external layer of kappa-casein. Light
      scattering and rheological measurements showed that the reaction between genipin
      and casein molecules was intramicellar, as one single population of particles was
      observed and the values of viscosity (and, consequently, the volume fraction of
      the particles) were reduced. Contrary to the casein micelles, the casein
      microgels were resistant to the presence of dissociating agents, e.g., citrate
      (calcium chelating) and urea, but swelled as a consequence of internal
      electrostatic repulsion and the disruption of hydrophobic interactions between
      protein chains. The casein microgels did not dissociate at the air-solution
      interface and formed solid-like interfaces rather than a viscoelastic gel. The
      potential use of casein microgels as adaptable nanocarriers is proposed in the
      article. 

PMID- 25117402
TI  - DNA Commission of the International Society for Forensic Genetics: revised and
      extended guidelines for mitochondrial DNA typing.
AB  - The DNA Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG)
      regularly publishes guidelines and recommendations concerning the application of
      DNA polymorphisms to the question of human identification. Previous
      recommendations published in 2000 addressed the analysis and interpretation of
      mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in forensic casework. While the foundations set forth
      in the earlier recommendations still apply, new approaches to the quality
      control, alignment and nomenclature of mitochondrial sequences, as well as the
      establishment of mtDNA reference population databases, have been developed. Here,
      we describe these developments and discuss their application to both mtDNA
      casework and mtDNA reference population databasing applications. While the
      generation of mtDNA for forensic casework has always been guided by specific
      standards, it is now well-established that data of the same quality are required
      for the mtDNA reference population data used to assess the statistical weight of
      the evidence. As a result, we introduce guidelines regarding sequence generation,
      as well as quality control measures based on the known worldwide mtDNA phylogeny,
      that can be applied to ensure the highest quality population data possible. For
      both casework and reference population databasing applications, the alignment and
      nomenclature of haplotypes is revised here and the phylogenetic alignment
      proffered as acceptable standard. In addition, the interpretation of heteroplasmy
      in the forensic context is updated, and the utility of alignment-free database
      searches for unbiased probability estimates is highlighted. Finally, we discuss
      statistical issues and define minimal standards for mtDNA database searches. 

PMID- 25117403
TI  - Population data of 12 X-chromosome STR loci in Yanbian Korean samples from China.

PMID- 25117405
TI  - Thyrostimulin deficiency does not alter peripheral responses to acute
      inflammation-induced nonthyroidal illness.
AB  - Thyrostimulin, a putative glycoprotein hormone, comprises the subunits GPA2 and
      GPB5 and activates the TSH receptor (TSHR). The observation that proinflammatory
      cytokines stimulate GPB5 transcription suggested a role for thyrostimulin in the
      pathogenesis of nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS). In the present study, we
      induced acute inflammation by LPS administration to GPB5(-/-) and WT mice to
      evaluate the role of thyrostimulin in peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism
      during NTIS. In addition to serum thyroid hormone concentrations, we studied mRNA
      expression and activity of deiodinase types I, II, and III (D1, D2, and D3) in
      peripheral T3 target tissues, including liver, muscle, and white and brown
      adipose tissue (WAT and BAT), of which the latter three express the TSHR. LPS
      decreased serum free (f)T4 and fT3 indexes to a similar extent in GPB5(-/-) and
      WT mice. Serum reverse (r)T3 did not change following LPS administration. LPS
      also induced significant alterations in tissue D1, D2, and D3 mRNA and activity
      levels, but only the LPS-induced increase in WAT D2 mRNA expression differed
      between GPB5(-/-) and WT mice. In conclusion, lacking GPB5 during acute illness
      does not affect the LPS-induced decrease of serum thyroid hormones while
      resulting in subtle changes in tissue D2 expression that are unlikely to be
      mediated via the TSHR. 

PMID- 25117404
TI  - Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein protects against vascular inflammation and
      insulin resistance.
AB  - Among the pleotropic effects of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) is protection
      against vascular inflammation during high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. The current
      work investigated the role of the enzyme vasodilatory-stimulated phosphoprotein
      (VASP) as a downstream mediator of the anti-inflammatory effect of NO signaling
      in vascular tissue. Relative to mice fed a low-fat diet (LFD), levels of VASP
      Ser(239) phosphorylation, a marker of VASP activation, were dramatically reduced
      in aortic tissue of mice with obesity induced by consuming a HFD. As reported
      previously, the effect of the HFD was associated with increased aortic
      inflammation, as measured by increased NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression, and
      reduced vascular insulin sensitivity (including insulin-stimulated
      phosphorylation of eNOS and Akt). These effects of the HFD were recapitulated by
      VASP knockout, implying a physiological role for VASP to constrain inflammatory
      signaling and thereby maintain vascular insulin sensitivity. Conversely,
      overexpression of VASP in endothelial cells blocked inflammation and insulin
      resistance induced by palmitate. The finding that transplantation of bone marrow
      from VASP-deficient donors into normal recipients does not recapitulate the
      vascular effects of whole body VASP deficiency suggests that the protective
      effects of this enzyme are not mediated in immune or other bone marrow-derived
      cells. These studies implicate VASP as a downstream mediator of the NO/cGMP
      pathway that is both necessary and sufficient to protect against vascular
      inflammation and insulin resistance. As such, this work identifies VASP as a
      potential therapeutic target in the treatment of obesity-related vascular
      dysfunction. 

PMID- 25117406
TI  - Role of capsaicin-sensitive peripheral sensory neurons in anorexic responses to
      intravenous infusions of cholecystokinin, peptide YY-(3-36), and glucagon-like
      peptide-1 in rats.
AB  - Cholecystokinin (CCK)-induced suppression of feeding is mediated by vagal sensory
      neurons that are destroyed by the neurotoxin capsaicin (CAP). Here we determined
      whether CAP-sensitive neurons mediate anorexic responses to intravenous infusions
      of gut hormones peptide YY-(3-36) [PYY-(3-36)] and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP
      1). Rats received three intraperitoneal injections of CAP or vehicle (VEH) in 24
      h. After recovery, non-food-deprived rats received at dark onset a 3-h
      intravenous infusion of CCK-8 (5, 17 pmol.kg-1.min-1), PYY-(3-36) (5, 17, 50
      pmol.kg-1.min-1), or GLP-1 (17, 50 pmol.kg-1.min-1). CCK-8 was much less
      effective in reducing food intake in CAP vs. VEH rats. CCK-8 at 5 and 17 pmol.kg
      1.min-1 reduced food intake during the 3-h infusion period by 39 and 71% in VEH
      rats and 7 and 18% in CAP rats. In contrast, PYY-(3-36) and GLP-1 were similarly
      effective in reducing food intake in VEH and CAP rats. PYY-(3-36) at 5, 17, and
      50 pmol.kg-1.min-1 reduced food intake during the 3-h infusion period by 15, 33,
      and 70% in VEH rats and 13, 30, and 33% in CAP rats. GLP-1 at 17 and 50 pmol.kg
      1.min-1 reduced food intake during the 3-h infusion period by 48 and 60% in VEH
      rats and 30 and 52% in CAP rats. These results suggest that anorexic responses to
      PYY-(3-36) and GLP-1 are not primarily mediated by the CAP-sensitive peripheral
      sensory neurons (presumably vagal) that mediate CCK-8-induced anorexia.

PMID- 25117407
TI  - Stimulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor through exendin-4 preserves
      myocardial performance and prevents cardiac remodeling in infarcted myocardium.
AB  - We have demonstrated that GLP-1 improved myocardial functional recovery in acute
      myocardial ischemic injury. However, whether stimulation of the GLP-1 receptor
      (GLP-1R) with exendin-4, a selective GLP-1R agonist, could initiate a protective
      effect in the heart remains to be determined. Mouse myocardial infarction (MI)
      was created by ligation of the left descending artery. After 48 h of MI, animals
      were divided into the following groups (n = 5-7/group): 1) sham (animals that
      underwent thoracotomy without ligation), 2) MI [animals that underwent MI and
      received a daily dose of intraperitoneal injection (ip) of saline]; and 3) MI +
      exendin-4 [infarcted mice that received injections of exendin-4 (0.1 mg/kg ip)].
      Two weeks later, cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and an
      isovolumetrically perfused heart. Compared with control MI hearts, stimulation of
      GLP-1R improved cardiac function, which was associated with attenuation of
      myocardial hypertrophy, the mitigation of interstitial fibrosis, and an increase
      in survival rate in post-MI hearts. Furthermore, H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were
      preconditioned with exendin-4 at a dose of 100 nmol/l and then subjected to
      hydrogen peroxide exposure at concentrations of 50 and 100 MUmol/l. The exendin-4
      treatment decreased lactate dehydrogenase leakage and increased cell survival.
      Notably, this event was also associated with the reduction of cleaved caspase-3
      and caspase-9 and attenuation of reactive oxygen species production. Exendin-4
      treatments improved mitochondrial respiration and suppressed the opening of
      mitochondrial permeability transition pore and protected mitochondria function.
      Our results indicate that GLP-1R serves as a novel approach to eliciting
      cardioprotection and mitigating oxidative stress-induced injury. 

PMID- 25117408
TI  - Hepatic portal vein denervation impairs oral glucose tolerance but not
      exenatide's effect on glycemia.
AB  - The hepatoportal area is an important glucohomeostatic metabolic sensor, sensing
      hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP
      1). We have reported previously that activation of hepatoportal sensors by
      intraportal infusion of glucose and GLP-1 or by subcutaneous administration of
      GLP-1 receptor activator exenatide and of intraportal glucose improved glycemia
      independent of corresponding changes in pancreatic hormones. It is not clear
      whether this effect is mediated via the portal vein (PV) or by direct action on
      the liver itself. To test whether receptors in the PV mediate exenatide's
      beneficial effect on glucose tolerance, we performed 1) paired oral glucose
      tolerance tests (OGTT) with and without exenatide and 2) intravenous glucose
      tolerance tests before and after PV denervation in canines. Denervation of the
      portal vein affected oral glucose tolerance; post-denervation (POST-DEN) OGTT
      glucose and insulin AUC were 50% higher than before denervation (P = 0.01).
      However, portal denervation did not impair exenatide's effect to improve oral
      glucose tolerance (exenatide effect: 48 +/- 12 mmol.l-1.min before vs. 64 +/- 26
      mmol.l-1.min after, P = 0.67). There were no changes in insulin sensitivity or
      secretion during IVGTTs. Portal vein sensing might play a role in controlling
      oral glucose tolerance during physiological conditions but not in pharmacological
      activation of GLP-1 receptors by exenatide.

PMID- 25117410
TI  - Role of STAT5 and epigenetics in lactation-associated upregulation of multidrug
      transporter ABCG2 in the mammary gland.
AB  - The multidrug resistance efflux transporter ATP-binding cassette subfamily G
      member 2 (ABCG2) is not only overexpressed in certain drug-resistant cancers but
      is also highly expressed in the mammary gland during lactation, carrying
      xenobiotics and nutrients into milk. We sought to investigate the molecular
      mechanisms involved in the upregulation of ABCG2 during lactation. Expression
      profiling of different mouse Abcg2 mRNA isoforms (E1a, E1b, and E1c) revealed
      that E1b is predominantly expressed and induced in the lactating mouse mammary
      gland. Despite this induction, analyses of CpG methylation status and published
      ChIP-seq datasets reveal that E1b promoter sequences in the virgin gland are
      already hypomethylated and marked with the open chromatin histone mark H3K4me2.
      Using a forced-weaning model to shut down lactation, we found that within 24 h
      there was a significant reduction in Abcg2 mRNA expression and a loss of signal
      transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT5) occupancy at the mouse Abcg2
      gene. Luciferase reporter assays further showed that some of these STAT5-binding
      regions that contained interferon-gamma-activated sequence (GAS) motifs function
      as an enhancer after prolactin treatment. We conclude that Abcg2 is already
      poised for expression in the virgin mammary gland and that STAT5 plays an
      important role in Abcg2 expression during lactation. 

PMID- 25117409
TI  - Partial blockade of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors improves the
      counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia in recurrently hypoglycemic rats.
AB  - Recurrent exposure to hypoglycemia can impair the normal counterregulatory
      hormonal responses that guard against hypoglycemia, leading to hypoglycemia
      unawareness. This pathological condition known as hypoglycemia-associated
      autonomic failure (HAAF) is the main adverse consequence that prevents
      individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus from attaining the long-term health
      benefits of tight glycemic control. The underlying molecular mechanisms
      responsible for the progressive loss of the epinephrine response to subsequent
      bouts of hypoglycemia, a hallmark sign of HAAF, are largely unknown. Normally,
      hypoglycemia triggers both the release and biosynthesis of epinephrine through
      activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) on the adrenal glands. We
      hypothesize that excessive cholinergic stimulation may contribute to impaired
      counterregulation. Here, we tested whether administration of the nAChR partial
      agonist cytisine to reduce postganglionic synaptic activity can preserve the
      counterregulatory hormone responses in an animal model of HAAF. Compared with
      nicotine, cytisine has limited efficacy to activate nAChRs and stimulate
      epinephrine release and synthesis. We evaluated adrenal catecholamine production
      and secretion in nondiabetic rats subjected to two daily episodes of hypoglycemia
      for 3 days, followed by a hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic clamp on day 4. Recurrent
      hypoglycemia decreased epinephrine responses, and this was associated with
      suppressed TH mRNA induction (a measure of adrenal catecholamine synthetic
      capacity). Treatment with cytisine improved glucagon responses as well as
      epinephrine release and production in recurrently hypoglycemic animals. These
      data suggest that pharmacological manipulation of ganglionic nAChRs may be
      promising as a translational adjunctive therapy to avoid HAAF in type 1 diabetes
      mellitus. 

PMID- 25117411
TI  - The effect of estrogen on bone requires ERalpha in nonhematopoietic cells but is
      enhanced by ERalpha in hematopoietic cells.
AB  - The effects of estrogen on bone are mediated mainly via estrogen receptor
      (ER)alpha. ERalpha in osteoclasts (hematopoietic origin) is involved in the
      trabecular bone-sparing effects of estrogen, but conflicting data are reported on
      the role of ERalpha in osteoblast lineage cells (nonhematopoietic origin) for
      bone metabolism. Because Cre-mediated cell-specific gene inactivation used in
      previous studies might be confounded by nonspecific and/or incomplete cell
      specific ERalpha deletion, we herein used an alternative approach to determine
      the relative importance of ERalpha in hematopoietic (HC) and nonhematopoietic
      cells (NHC) for bone mass. Chimeric mice with selective inactivation of ERalpha
      in HC or NHC were created by bone marrow transplantations of wild-type (WT) and
      ERalpha-knockout (ERalpha(-/-)) mice. Estradiol treatment increased both
      trabecular and cortical bone mass in ovariectomized WT/WT (defined as
      recipient/donor) and WT/ERalpha(-/-) mice but not in ERalpha(-/-)/WT or ERalpha(
      /-)/ERalpha(-/-) mice. However, estradiol effects on both bone compartments were
      reduced (~50%) in WT/ERalpha(-/-) mice compared with WT/WT mice. The effects of
      estradiol on fat mass and B lymphopoiesis required ERalpha specifically in NHC
      and HC, respectively. In conclusion, ERalpha in NHC is required for the effects
      of estrogen on both trabecular and cortical bone, but these effects are enhanced
      by ERalpha in HC. 

PMID- 25117413
TI  - Interventions for congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), which is also known as
      clubfoot, is a common congenital orthopaedic condition characterised by an
      excessively turned in foot (equinovarus) and high medial longitudinal arch
      (cavus). If left untreated it can result in long-term disability, deformity and
      pain. Interventions can be conservative (such as splinting or stretching) or
      surgical. The review was first published in 2012 and we reviewed new searches in
      2013 (update published 2014). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of
      interventions for CTEV. SEARCH METHODS: On 29 April 2013, we searched CENTRAL
      (2013, Issue 3 in The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (January 1966 to April 2013),
      EMBASE (January 1980 to April 2013), CINAHL Plus (January 1937 to April 2013),
      AMED (1985 to April 2013), and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro to
      April 2013). We also searched for ongoing trials in the WHO International
      Clinical Trials Registry Platform (2006 to July 2013) and ClinicalTrials.gov (to
      November 2013). We checked the references of included studies. We searched
      NHSEED, DARE and HTA for information for inclusion in the Discussion. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs evaluating
      interventions for CTEV. Participants were people of all ages with CTEV of either
      one or both feet. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently
      assessed risk of bias in included trials and extracted the data. We contacted
      authors of included trials for missing information. We collected adverse event
      information from trials when it was available. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 14
      trials in which there were 607 participants; one of the trials was newly included
      at this 2014 update. The use of different outcome measures prevented pooling of
      data for meta-analysis even when interventions and participants were comparable.
      All trials displayed bias in four or more areas. One trial reported on the
      primary outcome of function, though raw data were not available to be analysed.
      We were able to analyse data on foot alignment (Pirani score), a secondary
      outcome, from three trials. Two of the trials involved participants at initial
      presentation. One reported that the Ponseti technique significantly improved foot
      alignment compared to the Kite technique. After 10 weeks of serial casting, the
      average total Pirani score of the Ponseti group was 1.15 (95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.98 to 1.32) lower than that of the Kite group. The second trial found the
      Ponseti technique to be superior to a traditional technique, with average total
      Pirani scores of the Ponseti participants 1.50 lower (95% CI 0.72 to 2.28) after
      serial casting and Achilles tenotomy. A trial in which the type of presentation
      was not reported found no difference between an accelerated Ponseti or standard
      Ponseti treatment. At the end of serial casting, the average total Pirani scores
      in the standard group were 0.31 lower (95% CI -0.40 to 1.02) than the accelerated
      group. Two trials in initial cases found relapse following Ponseti treatment was
      more likely to be corrected with further serial casting compared to the Kite
      groups which more often required major surgery (risk difference 25% and 50%).
      There is a lack of evidence for different plaster casting products, the addition
      of botulinum toxin A during the Ponseti technique, different types of major foot
      surgery, continuous passive motion treatment following major foot surgery, or
      treatment of relapsed or neglected cases of CTEV. Most trials did not report on
      adverse events. In trials evaluating serial casting techniques, adverse events
      included cast slippage (needing replacement), plaster sores (pressure areas) and
      skin irritation. Adverse events following surgical procedures included infection
      and the need for skin grafting. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: From the limited evidence
      available, the Ponseti technique produced significantly better short-term foot
      alignment compared to the Kite technique and compared to a traditional technique.
      The quality of this evidence was low to very low. An accelerated Ponseti
      technique may be as effective as a standard technique, according to moderate
      quality evidence. Relapse following the Kite technique more often led to major
      surgery compared to relapse following the Ponseti technique. We could draw no
      conclusions from other included trials because of the limited use of validated
      outcome measures and lack of available raw data. Future randomised controlled
      trials should address these issues.

PMID- 25117414
TI  - Melatonin Can Be Used to Treat Childhood Breath-Holding Spells.

PMID- 25117412
TI  - Differential effects of c-Src and c-Yes on the endocytic vesicle-mediated
      trafficking events at the Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier: an in vitro study.
AB  - The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers in
      the mammalian body. However, it undergoes cyclic restructuring during the
      epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis in which the "old" BTB located above the
      preleptotene spermatocytes being transported across the immunological barrier is
      "disassembled," whereas the "new" BTB found behind these germ cells is rapidly
      "reassembled," i.e., mediated by endocytic vesicle-mediated protein trafficking
      events. Thus, the immunological barrier is maintained when preleptotene
      spermatocytes connected in clones via intercellular bridges are transported
      across the BTB. Yet the underlying mechanism(s) in particular the involving
      regulatory molecules that coordinate these events remains unknown. We
      hypothesized that c-Src and c-Yes might work in contrasting roles in endocytic
      vesicle-mediated trafficking, serving as molecular switches, to effectively
      disassemble and reassemble the old and the new BTB, respectively, to facilitate
      preleptotene spermatocyte transport across the BTB. Following siRNA-mediated
      specific knockdown of c-Src or c-Yes in Sertoli cells, we utilized biochemical
      assays to assess the changes in protein endocytosis, recycling, degradation and
      phagocytosis. c-Yes was found to promote endocytosed integral membrane BTB
      proteins to the pathway of transcytosis and recycling so that internalized
      proteins could be effectively used to assemble new BTB from the disassembling old
      BTB, whereas c-Src promotes endocytosed Sertoli cell BTB proteins to endosome
      mediated protein degradation for the degeneration of the old BTB. By using
      fluorescence beads mimicking apoptotic germ cells, Sertoli cells were found to
      engulf beads via c-Src-mediated phagocytosis. A hypothetical model that serves as
      the framework for future investigation is thus proposed. 

PMID- 25117415
TI  - Serum N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP) Levels Are Elevated
      During the Acute Phase of Acute Encephalopathy-Associated Virus Infection.
AB  - Acute virus-associated encephalopathy induces seizures. Serum N-terminal pro-B
      type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels are elevated following febrile and
      afebrile seizures. However, the role of NTproBNP in acute virus-associated
      encephalopathy pathology is unknown. We enrolled 10 patients with acute virus
      associated encephalopathy and convulsions (E group: 7 boys, 3 girls; median age,
      3.10 +/- 1.92 years) and 130 patients with febrile seizure (FS group: 80 boys, 50
      girls; median age, 3.23 +/- 2.44 years). The E group had significantly higher
      NTproBNP levels (345 +/- 141 pg/mL) compared with the FS group (166 +/- 228
      pg/mL) (P < .0005). Furthermore, subjects with prolonged seizure within the E
      group had significantly higher NTproBNP levels (303 +/- 107 pg/mL) compared with
      subjects with prolonged seizure within the FS group (134 +/- 100 pg/mL) (P <
      .005). Our findings suggest that serum NTproBNP levels are increased during the
      acute phase of acute virus-associated encephalopathy associated with convulsion. 

PMID- 25117416
TI  - Sturge Weber-Like Gyral Calcification Seen in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1.
AB  - A 10-year-old girl presented with poorly controlled epilepsy. On evaluation, she
      had microcephaly, neuro-cutaneous stigmata of tuberous sclerosis complex,
      profound mental retardation, and spastic hemiparesis. Computed tomography (CT)
      revealed a calcified subependymal nodule and extensive left gyral calcification
      of the temporal, parietal, and occipital regions with unilateral cerebral
      atrophy, radiologic features usually seen in Sturge Weber syndrome. Magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) revealed absence of tubers, enlarged choroid plexus, or
      leptomeningeal angiomas, thus excluding type 3 Sturge Weber syndrome. The
      genotype was a heterozygous mutation in exon 18 of the tuberous sclerosis type 1
      gene (c.2293C>T p.Q765X). A comparison of previously reported 7 cases of Sturge
      Weber syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex was made. This revealed 4 actual
      double phakomatoses (clinical, radiologic, or genetic phenotypes) and 3 cases
      with clinical phenotype of tuberous sclerosis and gyral calcifications within
      tubers simulating the radiologic picture of Sturge Weber syndrome. 

PMID- 25117417
TI  - Impact of rotavirus vaccine introduction on rotavirus-associated seizures and a
      related possible mechanism.
AB  - To determine whether clinical features of rotavirus-associated seizures have been
      altered by rotavirus vaccination, we compared clinical and laboratory data of 2
      groups of patients with rotavirus-associated seizures: pre- and post-vaccine
      introduction groups. The seizure characteristics differed significantly between
      the groups, with a lower incidence of fever at seizure onset, longer interval
      between the onset of gastroenteritis and seizures, and more frequent seizures in
      the postintroduction group. These characteristics may suggest that seizure
      susceptibility was increased in the postintroduction group. Based on the lower
      serum Cl(-) (102.1 +/- 4.1 vs 98.2 +/- 3.2 mg/dL; P < .01) and Ca(2+) levels (9.2
      +/- 0.4 vs 9.0 +/- 0.3 mg/dL; P = .12) in the postintroduction group, we propose
      that a change in the subjects' susceptibility to the rotavirus enterotoxin may
      have played a role in increasing the seizure susceptibility in this group. Our
      results suggest that a rotavirus vaccination program may modulate the
      manifestations of rotavirus-associated seizures. 

PMID- 25117419
TI  - Evaluation of basal ganglia and thalamic inflammation in children with pediatric
      autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection and
      tourette syndrome: a positron emission tomographic (PET) study using 11C-[R]
      PK11195.
AB  - We applied PET scanning with (11)C-[R]-PK11195 (PK) to evaluate neuroinflammatory
      changes in basal ganglia and thalamus in children with clinically diagnosed
      pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal
      infection (PANDAS) and Tourette syndrome. Seventeen children with PANDAS (mean
      age: 11.4 +/- 2.6 years; 13 males), 12 with Tourette syndrome (mean age: 11.0 +/-
      3.0 years; 10 males), and 15 normal adults (mean age: 28.7 +/- 7.9 years; 8
      males) underwent dynamic PK PET imaging and binding potential, a measure of
      ligand-TSPO receptor (expressed by activated microglia) binding, was calculated
      for basal ganglia and thalamus. Binding potential values, suggesting underlying
      activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, were found to be increased in
      bilateral caudate and bilateral lentiform nucleus in the PANDAS group and in
      bilateral caudate nuclei only in the Tourette syndrome group, compared to control
      group. These differences in the pattern and extent of neuroinflammation also
      signify a possible difference in pathophysiological etiology between PANDAS and
      Tourette syndrome patients. 

PMID- 25117420
TI  - A 5-year-old male child with late infantile metachromatic leukodystrophy: a case
      report.
AB  - Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a rare disorder of myelin metabolism. This
      degenerative disorder results from the accumulation of cerebroside sulfatide
      within the myelin sheath of central and peripheral nervous system, due to
      deficiency of aryl sulfatase A enzyme. We report a 5-year-old male child, who
      presented with regression of milestones, recurrent seizures and spasticity from
      second year of life. Initially neurodegenerative disorder was considered and the
      case was investigated with neuroimaging and enzyme levels. Computed tomography
      (CT) of the brain showed hypodensities in the corpus callosum and bilateral
      periventricular and deep cerebral white matter suggestive of neurodegenerative
      disorder. Subsequently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was done,
      which showed symmetrical hyperintensities in the periventricular white matter
      with classical sparing of subcortical "U" fibers. The beta-galactosidase enzyme
      activity was normal; however, the activity of aryl sulfatase A enzyme was
      undetectable, confirming the diagnosis of late infantile variant of metachromatic
      leukodystrophy. 

PMID- 25117418
TI  - Perinatal medical variables predict executive function within a sample of
      preschoolers born very low birth weight.
AB  - The goal was to identify perinatal predictors of early executive dysfunction in
      preschoolers born very low birth weight. Fifty-seven preschoolers completed 3
      executive function tasks: Dimensional Change Card Sort-Separated (inhibition,
      working memory, and cognitive flexibility), Bear Dragon (inhibition and working
      memory), and Gift Delay Open (inhibition). Relationships between executive
      function and perinatal medical severity factors (gestational age, days on
      ventilation, size for gestational age, maternal steroids, and number of
      surgeries) and chronological age were investigated by multiple linear regression
      and logistic regression. Different perinatal medical severity factors were
      predictive of executive function tasks, with gestational age predicting Bear
      Dragon and Gift Open; and number of surgeries and maternal steroids predicting
      performance on Dimensional Change Card Sort-Separated. By understanding the
      relationship between perinatal medical severity factors and preschool executive
      outcomes, we can identify children at highest risk for future executive
      dysfunction, thereby focusing targeted early intervention services. 

PMID- 25117421
TI  - Cluster stability as a new method to assess changes in performance and its
      determinant factors over a season in young swimmers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To apply a new method to identify, classify, and follow up young
      swimmers based on their performance and its determinant factors over a season and
      analyze the swimmers' stability over a competitive season with that method.
      METHODS: Fifteen boys and 18 girls (11.8+/-0.7 y) part of a national talent
      identification scheme were evaluated at 3 different moments of a competitive
      season. Performance (ie, official 100-m freestyle race time), arm span, chest
      perimeter, stroke length, swimming velocity, speed fluctuation, coefficient of
      active drag, propelling efficiency, and stroke index were selected as variables.
      Hierarchical and k-means cluster analysis were computed. RESULTS: Data suggested
      a 3-cluster solution, splitting the swimmers according to their performance in
      all 3 moments. Cluster 1 was related to better performances (talented swimmers),
      cluster 2 to poor performances (nonproficient swimmers), and cluster 3 to average
      performance (proficient swimmers) in all moments. Stepwise discriminant analysis
      revealed that 100%, 94%, and 85% of original groups were correctly classified for
      the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd evaluation moments, respectively (0.11<=Lambda<=0.80;
      5.64<=chi2<=63.40; 0.001<P<=.68). Membership of clusters was moderately stable
      over the season (stability range 46.1-75% for the 2 clusters with most subjects).
      CONCLUSION: Cluster stability is a feasible, comprehensive, and informative
      method to gain insight into changes in performance and its determinant factors in
      young swimmers. Talented swimmers were characterized by anthropometrics and
      kinematic features.

PMID- 25117422
TI  - The Shh coreceptor Cdo is required for differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic
      neurons.
AB  - Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is required for numerous developmental processes
      including specification of ventral cell types in the central nervous system such
      as midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons. The multifunctional coreceptor Cdo
      increases the signaling activity of Shh which is crucial for development of
      forebrain and neural tube. In this study, we investigated the role of Cdo in
      midbrain DA neurogenesis. Cdo and Shh signaling components are induced during
      neurogenesis of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Cdo(-/-) ES cells show reduced
      neuronal differentiation accompanied by increased cell death upon neuronal
      induction. In addition, Cdo(-/-) ES cells form fewer tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)
      and microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2)-positive DA neurons correlating with
      the decreased expression of key regulators of DA neurogenesis, such as Shh,
      Neurogenin2, Mash1, Foxa2, Lmx1a, Nurr1 and Pitx3, relative to the Cdo(+/+) ES
      cells. Consistently, the Cdo(-/-) embryonic midbrain displays a reduction in
      expression of TH and Nurr1. Furthermore, activation of Shh signaling by treatment
      with Purmorphamine (Pur) restores the DA neurogenesis of Cdo(-/-) ES cells,
      suggesting that Cdo is required for the full Shh signaling activation to induce
      efficient DA neurogenesis. 

PMID- 25117424
TI  - Prematch salivary secretory immunoglobulin a in soccer players from the 2014
      World Cup qualifying campaign.
AB  - PURPOSE: To monitor resting salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels in
      international soccer players during the short-term training period that precedes
      international match play. METHODS: In a repeated-measure design, saliva samples
      were obtained from 13 outfield soccer players who participated in the training
      camps preceding 7 games (5 home and 2 away) of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying
      campaign. Samples were obtained daily for 4 d preceding each game (and analyzed
      for SIgA using the IPRO oral-fluid-collection system) at match day minus 1 (MD
      1), minus 2 (MD-2), minus 3 (MD-3), and minus 4 (MD-4). RESULTS: SIgA displayed a
      progressive decline (P = .01) during the 4-d training period (MD-4, 365 +/- 127
      MUg/mL; MD-3, 348 +/- 154 MUg/mL; MD-2, 290 +/- 138 MUg/mL; MD-1, 256 +/- 90
      MUg/mL) such that MD-1 values were significantly lower (P = .01) than both MD-4
      and MD-3. The 95% confidence intervals for the differences between MD-1 and MD-4
      were -191 to -26 and between MD-1 and MD-3 were -155 to -28. CONCLUSIONS: Data
      demonstrate that a short-term soccer-training camp in preparation for
      international competition induces detectable perturbations to mucosal immunity.
      Future studies should monitor SIgA (as a practical and noninvasive measure of
      immunity) alongside internal and external measures of training load in an attempt
      to strategically individualize training and nutritional strategies that may
      support optimal preparation for high-level competition.

PMID- 25117423
TI  - Double bag or Y-set versus standard transfer systems for continuous ambulatory
      peritoneal dialysis in end-stage kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peritonitis is the most frequent serious complication of continuous
      ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). It has a major influence on the number of
      patients switching from CAPD to haemodialysis and has probably restricted the
      wider acceptance and uptake of CAPD as an alternative mode of dialysis.This is an
      update of a review first published in 2000. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review
      sought to determine if modifications of the transfer set (Y-set or double bag
      systems) used in CAPD exchanges are associated with a reduction in peritonitis
      and an improvement in other relevant outcomes. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the
      Cochrane Renal Group's Specialised Register through contact with the Trials
      Search Co-ordinator. Studies contained in the Specialised Register are identified
      through search strategies specifically designed for CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE.
      Date of last search: 22 October 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled
      trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs comparing double bag, Y-set and standard peritoneal
      dialysis (PD) exchange systems in patients with end-stage kidney disease. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were abstracted by a single investigator onto a
      standard form and analysed by Review Manager. Analysis was by a random effects
      model and results were expressed as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with
      95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: Twelve eligible trials with a total
      of 991 randomised patients were identified. Despite the large total number of
      patients, few trials covered the same interventions, small numbers of patients
      were enrolled in each trial and the methodological quality was suboptimal. Y-set
      and twin-bag systems were superior to conventional spike systems (7 trials, 485
      patients, RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.77) in preventing peritonitis in PD. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: Disconnect systems should be the preferred exchange systems in CAPD.

PMID- 25117425
TI  - Peginterferon alfa-2a and peginterferon alfa-2b combined with ribavirin in
      patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C: results of a prospective single
      centre study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This prospective, randomized, single-centre study compared
      peginterferons alfa-2a and alfa-2b, combined with ribavirin, in treating patients
      infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1. MATERIAL/METHODS: Hundred-and
      one patients received 48 weeks of open-label treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a
      (180 MUg/week) and 111 patients received peginterferon alfa-2b (1.5 MUg/kg/week).
      All patients received the same dose of ribavirin 1000/1200 mg/day, depending on
      weight. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response (SVR),
      defined as undetectable HCV RNA (<50 IU/mL) 24 weeks after the end of treatment.
      RESULTS: Early virologic response (EVR), defined as at least 2 log10 IU/mL
      reduction of viral load at 12 weeks, was more common in patients treated with
      peginterferon alfa-2a (88% vs. 74.8%; p=0.04). However, the difference in SVR was
      not statistically significant (49.5% vs. 44.1%; p=0.43). CONCLUSIONS:
      Peginterferon alfa-2a treated patients were also more likely to be HCV RNA
      negative at the end of treatment (67.3% vs. 57.7%), but this difference did not
      reach statistical significance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found
      that SVR was associated with low fibrosis stage (F1-2 by Scheuer; p=0.001) and
      low serum HCV RNA level (<400,000 IU/L; p=0.023). While both forms of
      peginterferon showed similar efficacy as measured by SVR, use of peginterferon
      alfa-2b could lower the number of patients receiving unnecessary treatment beyond
      12 weeks.

PMID- 25117427
TI  - A tool for tracking and assessing chronic illness care in prison (ACIC-P).
AB  - Chronic disease care is being transformed in correctional settings, given an
      aging inmate population, ongoing quality improvement efforts, litigation, and
      rising costs. The Chronic Care Model, established for chronic disease care in the
      community, might be a suitable framework to transform chronic disease care in
      prison, but it has not been systematically adapted for the correctional health
      care setting. We employed cognitive interviewing to adapt an extant survey used
      to measure the delivery of chronic illness care in the community, Assessment of
      Chronic Illness Care, for a prison setting. Results from the cognitive interviews
      and the modified Assessment of Chronic Illness Care-Prison (ACIC-P) instrument
      are presented in this article. Future studies will need to test the reliability
      and psychometric properties of the adapted ACIC-P. 

PMID- 25117428
TI  - Scaled-up manufacturing of recombinant antibodies produced by plant cells in a
      200-L orbitally-shaken disposable bioreactor.
AB  - Tobacco BY-2 cells have emerged as a promising platform for the manufacture of
      biopharmaceutical proteins, offering efficient protein secretion, favourable
      growth characteristics and cultivation in containment under a controlled
      environment. The cultivation of BY-2 cells in disposable bioreactors is a useful
      alternative to conventional stainless steel stirred-tank reactors, and orbitally
      shaken bioreactors could provide further advantages such as simple bag geometry,
      scalability and predictable process settings. We carried out a scale-up study,
      using a 200-L orbitally-shaken bioreactor holding disposable bags, and BY-2 cells
      producing the human monoclonal antibody M12. We found that cell growth and
      recombinant protein accumulation were comparable to standard shake flask
      cultivation, despite a 200-fold difference in cultivation volume. Final cell
      fresh weights of 300-387 g/L and M12 yields of ~20 mg/L were achieved with both
      cultivation methods. Furthermore, we established an efficient downstream process
      for the recovery of M12 from the culture broth. The viscous spent medium
      prevented clarification using filtration devices, but we used expanded bed
      adsorption (EBA) chromatography with SP Sepharose as an alternative for the
      efficient capture of the M12 antibody. EBA was introduced as an initial
      purification step prior to protein A affinity chromatography, resulting in an
      overall M12 recovery of 75-85% and a purity of >95%. Our results demonstrate the
      suitability of orbitally-shaken bioreactors for the scaled-up cultivation of
      plant cell suspension cultures and provide a strategy for the efficient
      purification of antibodies from the BY-2 culture medium.

PMID- 25117429
TI  - The relationship of training load to physical-capacity changes during
      international tours in high-performance junior tennis players.
AB  - PURPOSE: Given the travel that punctuates junior tennis development, an
      understanding of the changes in fitness owing to touring and the association
      between training loads (TLs) and fitness on return is vital. The authors
      investigated physical-capacity changes from pretour to posttour, determining if
      those changes were related to the TL of athletes on tour. METHODS: Thirty junior
      athletes completed fitness testing before and after 4-wk tours. Testing included
      double-leg countermovement jump (CMJ), dominant single-leg and nondominant single
      leg CMJ, speed (5, 10, 20 m), modified 5-0-5 agility (left and right), 10 * 20-m
      repeated-sprint ability (RSA), and multistage fitness tests. Repeated-measures
      ANOVAs determined physical-capacity change, with effect-size analysis
      establishing the magnitude of change. To avoid regression toward the mean, a 1/3
      split technique was implemented for comparative analysis (high to low TLs).
      RESULTS: Moderate effects (d=0.50-0.70) for reductions of up to 3.6% in 5-, 10-,
      and 20-m speeds were observed. However, all remaining changes were only of
      trivial to small magnitude (d<0.40). Closer analysis of the interaction between
      TL and physical capacities (1/3-split) revealed that subjects who completed the
      greatest amount of total and tennis TL returned with a greater decline in speed
      and aerobic capacities (d>0.80). Furthermore, it was observed that match load
      dictates on- and off-court TL, with an increase in matches won understandably
      stunting exposure to off-court TL. CONCLUSIONS: Specific training should be
      prescribed on tour to maintain speed characteristics over a 4-wk international
      tour. On-tour training schedules should be carefully monitored to maximize
      specific TL exposure after losses on tour.

PMID- 25117426
TI  - CYP3A5 genotype impacts maraviroc concentrations in healthy volunteers.
AB  - CYP3A5 plays a prominent role in the metabolism of maraviroc, an approved drug
      for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 treatment and a candidate for HIV-1
      prevention. We studied the effect of the CYP3A5 genotype on pharmacokinetics of
      maraviroc and a primary CYP3A5-dependent metabolite of maraviroc denoted as
      metabolite 1 (M1). Volunteers were screened for health status and CYP3A5 genotype
      (wild-type allele *1 and dysfunctional alleles *2, *3, *6, and *7) to obtain 24
      evaluable subjects in three groups (n = 8 each): homozygous dysfunctional (two
      dysfunctional alleles), heterozygous (one *1 allele and one dysfunctional
      allele), and homozygous wild-type (two *1 alleles). Subjects received 300 mg
      maraviroc orally followed by blood collection for 32 hours. The homozygous wild
      type group exhibited lower mean plasma maraviroc concentrations at almost all
      sampling times. The median (interquartile range) maraviroc area under the plasma
      concentration-time curves from time 0 to infinity (AUC0-inf) were 2099 (1422
      2568) ng?h/ml, 1761 (931-2640) ng?h/ml, and 1238 (1065-1407) ng?h/ml for the
      homozygous dysfunctional, heterozygous, and homozygous wild-type groups,
      respectively. The homozygous wild-type group had 41% lower maraviroc AUC0-inf and
      66% higher apparent clearance compared with the homozygous dysfunctional group (P
      = 0.02). The AUC0-inf ratios of maraviroc to M1 in heterozygous and homozygous
      wild-type subjects were lower by 51 and 64% relative to the homozygous
      dysfunctional group, respectively (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the lower maraviroc
      concentrations in the homozygous wild-type group indicate that maraviroc may be
      underdosed in people homozygous for the CYP3A5*1 allele, including almost one
      half of African Americans. 

PMID- 25117430
TI  - Draft genome sequence of Rhodomicrobium udaipurense JA643T with special reference
      to hopanoid biosynthesis.
AB  - Hopanoids are present in vast amounts as integral components of bacteria and
      plants with their primary function to strengthen rigidity of the plasma membrane.
      To establish their roles more precisely, we conducted sequencing of the whole
      genome of Rhodomicrobium udaipurense JA643(T) isolated from a fresh water stream
      of Udaipur in Himachal Pradesh, India, by using the Illumina HiSeq pair end
      chemistry of 2 * 100 bp platform. Determined genome showed a high degree of
      similarity to the genome of R. vannielii ATCC17100(T) and the 13.7 million reads
      generated a sequence of 3,649,277 bp possessing 3,611 putative genes. The genomic
      data were subsequently investigated with respect to genes involved in various
      features. The machinery required for the degradation of aromatic compounds and
      resistance to solvents as well as all that required for photosynthesis are
      present in this organism. Also, through extensive functional annotation, 18 genes
      involved in the biosynthesis of hopanoids are predicted, namely those responsible
      for the synthesis of diploptene, diplopterol, adenosylhopane, ribosylhopane,
      aminobacteriohopanetriol, glycosyl group containing hopanoids and unsaturated
      hopanoids. The hopanoid biosynthetic pathway was then inferred based on the genes
      identified and through experimental validation of individual hopanoid molecules.
      The genome data of R. udaipurense JA643(T) will be useful in understanding the
      functional features of hopanoids in this bacterium. 

PMID- 25117431
TI  - Anthropometric and physiological profiling of youth soccer goalkeepers.
AB  - Studies focused on position-related characteristics of young soccer players often
      ignore the goalkeepers. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of
      playing position on anthropometry, physiological attributes, soccer skills, and
      goal orientation across adolescence. One hundred forty-five soccer players age 11
      19 y were assessed in training experience, body size, maturation, physiological
      parameters, soccer skills, and goal orientation. Factorial ANOVA was used to test
      the effect of age group, playing position, and respective interaction terms,
      while analysis of variance was used to compare goalkeepers vs outfielders in
      middle (under 13 [U-13] and U-15) and late (U-17 and U-19) adolescence.
      Discriminant analysis was used to identify the variables that contributed to
      explaining playing positions. Age group was a consistent source of variation for
      all variables except task and ego orientations. Fat mass, agility, endurance,
      dribbling speed, shooting accuracy, and passing were affected by the gradient
      derived from the classification between goalkeepers and outfielders. It was
      possible to correctly classify the playing position based on fat-free mass and 3
      manipulative skills in younger players and on 4 skills in U-17 and U-19 soccer
      players. Future research should include longitudinal information to improve our
      understanding of the factors that contribute to distinguish goalkeepers from
      outfielders. 

PMID- 25117433
TI  - Effects of Sprint Training With or Without Ball Carry in Elite Rugby Players.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the effects of sprint training with or without ball carry on
      the sprint performance of elite rugby league players. METHODS: Twenty-four elite
      rugby league players were divided into a ball-carry group (BC; n = 12) and a no
      ball-carry group (NBC; n = 12). The players of the BC group were required to
      catch and carry the ball under 1 arm during each sprint, whereas the NBC group
      performed sprints without carrying a ball. The 8-wk training intervention took
      place during the precompetitive phase of the season and consisted of 2
      sessions/wk. Sprint performance was measured before and after the training
      intervention with 40-m linear sprints performed under 2 conditions: with and
      without ball carry. Split times of 10, 20, and 40 m were recorded for further
      analysis. A 3-way (group * time * condition) factorial ANOVA was performed to
      compare changes in sprint performance with and without the ball, before and after
      the training intervention for both BC and NBC training groups Results: The BC and
      NBC groups experienced similar improvements in 10-, 20-, and 40-m sprint times
      and accelerations, regardless of the condition under which the sprint tests were
      performed (P = .19). CONCLUSIONS: Sprint training while carrying a rugby ball is
      as effective as sprint training without carrying a rugby ball for improving the
      sprint performance of elite rugby league players.

PMID- 25117432
TI  - Molecular signaling network motifs provide a mechanistic basis for cellular
      threshold responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasingly, there is a move toward using in vitro toxicity testing
      to assess human health risk due to chemical exposure. As with in vivo toxicity
      testing, an important question for in vitro results is whether there are
      thresholds for adverse cellular responses. Empirical evaluations may show
      consistency with thresholds, but the main evidence has to come from mechanistic
      considerations. OBJECTIVES: Cellular response behaviors depend on the molecular
      pathway and circuitry in the cell and the manner in which chemicals perturb these
      circuits. Understanding circuit structures that are inherently capable of
      resisting small perturbations and producing threshold responses is an important
      step towards mechanistically interpreting in vitro testing data. METHODS: Here we
      have examined dose-response characteristics for several biochemical network
      motifs. These network motifs are basic building blocks of molecular circuits
      underpinning a variety of cellular functions, including adaptation, homeostasis,
      proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. For each motif, we present
      biological examples and models to illustrate how thresholds arise from specific
      network structures. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Integral feedback, feedforward,
      and transcritical bifurcation motifs can generate thresholds. Other motifs (e.g.,
      proportional feedback and ultrasensitivity)produce responses where the slope in
      the low-dose region is small and stays close to the baseline. Feedforward control
      may lead to nonmonotonic or hormetic responses. We conclude that network motifs
      provide a basis for understanding thresholds for cellular responses.
      Computational pathway modeling of these motifs and their combinations occurring
      in molecular signaling networks will be a key element in new risk assessment
      approaches based on in vitro cellular assays.

PMID- 25117435
TI  - Time-resolved infrared spectroscopic studies of ligand dynamics in the active
      site from cytochrome c oxidase.
AB  - The catalytic site of heme-copper oxidases encompasses two close-lying ligand
      binding sites: the heme, where oxygen is bound and reduced and the CuB atom,
      which acts as ligand entry and release port. Diatomic gaseous ligands with a
      dipole moment, such as the signaling molecules carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric
      oxide (NO), carry clear infrared spectroscopic signatures in the different states
      that allow characterization of the dynamics of ligand transfer within, into and
      out of the active site using time-resolved infrared spectroscopy. We review the
      nature and diversity of these processes that have in particular been
      characterized with CO as ligand and which take place on time scales ranging from
      femtoseconds to milliseconds. These studies have advanced our understanding of
      the functional ligand pathways and reactivity in enzymes and more globally
      represent intriguing model systems for mechanisms of ligand motion in a confined
      protein environment. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled:
      Vibrational spectroscopies and bioenergetic systems. 

PMID- 25117436
TI  - Reliability and validity of a new variable-power performance test in road
      cyclists.
AB  - CONTEXT: Road cycle racing is characterized by significant variability in
      exercise intensity. Existing protocols attempting to model this aspect display
      inadequate variation in power output. Furthermore, the reliability of protocols
      representative of road cycle racing is not well known. There are also minimal
      data regarding the physiological parameters that best predict performance during
      variable-power cycling. PURPOSE: To determine the reliability of mean power
      output during a new test of variable-power cycling and establish the relationship
      between physiological attributes typically measured during an incremental
      exercise test and performance during the variable-power cycling test (VCT).
      METHODS: Fifteen trained male cyclists (mean +/- SD age 33 +/- 6.5 y, VO2max 57.9
      +/- 4.8 mL . kg-1 . min-1) performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion
      for determination of physiological attributes, 2 VCTs (plus familiarization), and
      a 30-km time trial. The VCT was modeled on data from elite men's road racing and
      included significant variation in power output. RESULTS: Mean power output during
      the VCT showed good reliability (r = .92, CV% = 1.98). Relative power during the
      self-paced sections of the VCT was most correlated with maximal aerobic power (r
      = .79) and power at the second ventilatory threshold (r = .69). Blood lactate
      concentration showed poor reliability between trials (CV% = 13.93%). CONCLUSIONS:
      This study has demonstrated a new reliable protocol simulating the stochastic
      nature of road cycling races. Further research is needed to determine which
      factors predict performance during variable-power cycling and the validity of the
      test in monitoring longitudinal changes in cycling performance.

PMID- 25117434
TI  - Protein as chemical cue: non-nutritional growth enhancement by exogenous protein
      in Pseudomonas putida KT2440.
AB  - Research pertaining to microbe-microbe and microbe-plant interactions has been
      largely limited to small molecules like quorum sensing chemicals. However, a few
      recent reports have indicated the role of complex molecules like proteins and
      polysaccharides in microbial communication. Here we demonstrate that exogenous
      proteins present in culture media can considerably accelerate the growth of
      Pseudomonas putida KT2440, even when such proteins are not internalized by the
      cells. The growth enhancement is observed when the exogenous protein is not used
      as a source of carbon or nitrogen. The data show non-specific nature of the
      protein inducing growth; growth enhancement was observed irrespective of the
      protein type. It is shown that growth enhancement is mediated via increased
      siderophore secretion in response to the exogenous protein, leading to better
      iron uptake. We highlight the ecological significance of the observation and
      hypothesize that exogenous proteins serve as chemical cues in the case of
      P.putida and are perceived as indicator of the presence of competitors in the
      environment. It is argued that enhanced siderophore secretion in response to
      exogenous protein helps P.putida establish numerical superiority over competitors
      by way of enhanced iron assimilation and quicker utilization of aromatic
      substrates. 

PMID- 25117437
TI  - Health Promotion International - maintaining our vision for the future.

PMID- 25117438
TI  - A genetic screen in Drosophila for regulators of human prostate cancer
      progression.
AB  - To uncover the mechanism by which human prostate cancer progresses, we performed
      a genetic screen for regulators of human prostate cancer progression using the
      Drosophila accessory gland, a functional homolog of the mammalian prostate. Cell
      growth and migration of secondary cells in the adult male accessory gland were
      found to be regulated by paired, N-cadherin, and E-cadherin, which are Drosophila
      homologues of regulators of human prostate cancer progression. Using this
      screening system, we also identified three genes that promoted growth and
      migration of secondary cells in the accessory gland. The human homologues of
      these candidate genes - MRGBP, CNPY2, and MEP1A - were found to be expressed in
      human prostate cancer model cells and to promote replication and invasiveness in
      these cells. These findings suggest that the development of the Drosophila
      accessory gland and human prostate cancer cell growth and invasion are partly
      regulated through a common mechanism. The screening system using the Drosophila
      accessory gland can be a useful tool for uncovering the mechanisms of human
      prostate cancer progression. 

PMID- 25117439
TI  - Axl is a novel target of withaferin A in the induction of apoptosis and the
      suppression of invasion.
AB  - Withaferin A, a withanolide derived from the medicinal plant Withania somnifera,
      has been reported to exhibit anti-tumorigenic activity against various cancer
      cells. In this study, we show that withaferin A inhibits the constitutive and
      recombinant human growth-arrest-specific protein 6 (rhGas6)-induced
      phosphorylation of Axl and STAT3. In addition, withaferin A also induces the down
      regulation of Axl protein expression in a lysosome-dependent manner and inhibits
      rhGas6-induced wound healing and cell migration. Furthermore, the overexpression
      of Axl attenuates withaferin A-induced apoptosis. Taken together, the data from
      the present study indicate that the withaferin A-mediated down-regulation of the
      Gas6/Axl signaling pathway mediates the inhibition of cell migration and the
      induction of apoptosis. 

PMID- 25117441
TI  - Introducing transglycosylation activity in Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase
      by replacement of His235 with Glu.
AB  - To understand the role of His and Glu in the catalytic activity of Bacillus
      licheniformis alpha-amylase (BLA), His235 was replaced with Glu. The mutant
      enzyme, H235E, was characterized in terms of its mode of action using labeled and
      unlabeled maltooctaose (Glc8). H235E predominantly produced maltotridecaose
      (Glc13) from Glc8, exhibiting high substrate transglycosylation activity, with
      Km=0.38mM and kcat/Km=20.58mM(-1)s(-1) for hydrolysis, and Km2=18.38mM and
      kcat2/Km2=2.57mM(-1)s(-1) for transglycosylation, while the wild-type BLA
      exhibited high hydrolysis activity exclusively. Glu235-located on a wide open
      groove near subsite +1-is likely involved in transglycosylation via formation of
      an alpha-1,4-glycosidic linkage and may recognize and stabilize the non-reducing
      end glucose of the acceptor molecule. 

PMID- 25117440
TI  - Ambra1 modulates starvation-induced autophagy through AMPK signaling pathway in
      cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Recent research has revealed a role for Ambra1, an autophagy-related gene-related
      (ATG) protein, in the autophagic pro-survival response, and Ambra1 has been shown
      to regulate Beclin1 and Beclin1-dependent autophagy in embryonic stem cells and
      cancer cells. However, whether Ambra1 plays an important role in the autophagy
      pathway in cardiomyocytes is unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that Ambra1
      is an important regulator of autophagy and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. To test
      this hypothesis, we confirmed autophagic activity in serum-starved cardiomyocytes
      by assessing endogenous microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)
      localization, the presence of autophagosomes and LC3 protein levels. Cell
      apoptosis and viability were measured by annexin-V and PI staining and MTT
      assays. We determined that serum deprivation-induced autophagy was associated
      with Ambra1 upregulation in cardiomyocytes. When Ambra1 expression was reduced by
      siRNA, the cardiomyocytes were more sensitive to staurosporine-induced apoptosis.
      In addition, co-immunoprecipitation of Ambra1 and Beclin1 demonstrated that
      Ambra1 and Beclin1 interact in serum-starved or rapamycin-treated cardiomyocytes,
      suggesting that Ambra1 regulates autophagy in cardiomyocytes by interacting with
      Beclin1. Finally, we determined that starvation stress-induced activation of
      Ambra1 contributes to the attenuation of adaptive AMP-activated protein kinase
      (AMPK) signaling. In conclusion, Ambra1 is a crucial regulator of autophagy and
      apoptosis through AMPK signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes that maintains the
      balance between autophagy and apoptosis. 

PMID- 25117442
TI  - Dynamic regulation of the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton in zebrafish
      epiboly.
AB  - Gastrulation is a key developmental stage with striking changes in morphology.
      Coordinated cell movements occur to bring cells to their correct positions in a
      timely manner. Cell movements and morphological changes are accomplished by
      precisely controlling dynamic changes in cytoskeletal proteins, microtubules, and
      actin filaments. Among those cellular movements, epiboly produces the first
      distinct morphological changes in teleosts. In this review, I describe epiboly
      and its mechanics, and the dynamic changes in microtubule networks and actin
      structures, mainly in zebrafish embryos. The factors regulating those
      cytoskeletal changes will also be discussed. 

PMID- 25117443
TI  - Inhibition of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V enhances sensitivity of
      radiotherapy in human prostate cancer.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between N
      acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V) and radiation sensitivity of prostate
      cancer (PCa) cells both in vitro and in vivo. Firstly, the GnT-V expression was
      studied in 84 cases of PCa tissues, in which higher level of GnT-V was detected
      more frequently in the advanced tumors. Secondly, the GnT-V stably suppressed
      cell lines PCa/1079 (Lncap/1079 and PC3/1079) were constructed from PCa cell
      lines (Lncap and PC3) in vitro. Attenuation of GnT-V inhibited cell
      proliferation, migration and increased apoptosis, which resulted in enhanced
      radiation sensitivity of PCa cells. The underlying mechanism may be relevant to
      the increasing ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, the blocking transcription of NF-kappaB and
      the reduction of cell cycle G2-M arrest. Finally, in in vivo study, compared with
      control groups, the irradiated PCa xenograft nude mice of PCa/1079 indicated to
      reduce tumor-growth rate and enhance survival time. Summary, our studies showed
      that inhibition of GnT-V probably improved PCa cells' radiation sensitivity. 

PMID- 25117444
TI  - Viral and chloroplastic signals essential for initiation and efficiency of
      translation in Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
AB  - The construction of high-level protein expression vectors using the CaMV 35S
      promoter in concert with highly efficient translation initiation signals for
      Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a relatively less explored field compared to that of
      Escherichia coli. In the current study, we experimentally investigated the
      capacity of the CaMV 35S promoter to direct GFP gene expression in A. tumefaciens
      in the context of different viral and chloroplastic translation initiation
      signals. GFP expression and concomitant translational efficiency was monitored by
      confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis. Among all of the constructs, the
      highest level of translation was observed for the construct containing the phage
      T7 translation initiation region followed by the chloroplastic Rubisco Large
      Subunit (rbcL) 58-nucleotide 5' leader region including its SD-like sequence
      (GGGAGGG). Replacing the SD-like (GGGAGGG) with non SD-like (TTTATTT) or
      replacing the remaining 52 nucleotides of rbcL with nonspecific sequence
      completely abolished translation. In addition, this 58 nucleotide region of rbcL
      serves as a translational enhancer in plants when located within the 5' UTR of
      mRNA corresponding to GFP. Other constructs, including those containing sequences
      upstream of the coat proteins of Alfalfa Mosaic Virus, or the GAGG sequence of T4
      phage or the chloroplastic atpI and/or PsbA 5' UTR sequence, supported low levels
      of GFP expression or none at all. From these studies, we propose that we have
      created high expression vectors in A. tumefaciens and/or plants which contain the
      CaMV 35S promoter, followed by the translationally strong T7 SD plus RBS
      translation initiation region or the rbcL 58-nucleotide 5' leader region upstream
      of the gene of interest. 

PMID- 25117445
TI  - Nitrosylation of c heme in cd(1)-nitrite reductase is enhanced during catalysis.
AB  - The reduction of nitrite into nitric oxide (NO) in denitrifying bacteria is
      catalyzed by nitrite reductase. In several species, this enzyme is a heme
      containing protein with one c heme and one d1 heme per monomer (cd1NiR), encoded
      by the nirS gene. For many years, the evidence of a link between NO and this
      hemeprotein represented a paradox, given that NO was known to tightly bind and,
      possibly, inhibit hemeproteins, including cd1NiRs. It is now established that,
      during catalysis, cd1NiRs diverge from "canonical" hemeproteins, since the
      product NO rapidly dissociates from the ferrous d1 heme, which, in turn, displays
      a peculiar "low" affinity for NO (KD=0.11 MUM at pH 7.0). It has been also
      previously shown that the c heme reacts with NO at acidic pH but c heme
      nitrosylation was not extensively investigated, given that in cd1NiR it was
      considered a side reaction, rather than a genuine process controlling catalysis.
      The spectroscopic study of the reaction of cd1NiR and its semi-apo derivative
      (containing the sole c heme) with NO reported here shows that c heme
      nitrosylation is enhanced during catalysis; this evidence has been discussed in
      order to assess the potential of c heme nitrosylation as a regulatory process, as
      observed for cytochrome c nitrosylation in mammalian mitochondria.

PMID- 25117446
TI  - Arsenic trioxide inhibits cell proliferation and human papillomavirus oncogene
      expression in cervical cancer cells.
AB  - Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has shown therapeutic effects in some leukemias and
      solid cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms of its anticancer efficacy have
      not been clearly elucidated, particularly in solid cancers. Our previous data
      showed that As2O3 induced apoptosis of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 DNA
      immortalized human cervical epithelial cells and cervical cancer cells and
      inhibited the expression of HPV oncogenes in these cells. In the present study,
      we systemically examined the effects of As2O3 on five human cervical cancer cell
      lines and explored the possible molecular mechanisms. MTT assay showed that HPV
      negative C33A cells were more sensitive to growth inhibition induced by As2O3
      than HPV-positive cervical cancer cells, and HPV 18-positive HeLa and C4-I cells
      were more sensitive to As2O3 than HPV 16-positive CaSki and SiHa cells. After
      As2O3 treatment, both mRNA and protein levels of HPV E6 and E7 obviously
      decreased in all HPV positive cell lines. In contrast, p53 and Rb protein levels
      increased in all tested cell lines. Transcription factor AP-1 protein expression
      decreased significantly in HeLa, CaSki and C33A cells with ELISA method. These
      results suggest that As2O3 is a potential anticancer drug for cervical cancer. 

PMID- 25117448
TI  - Analyses on the mechanisms that underlie the chondroprotective properties of
      calcitonin.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Calcitonin (CT) has recently been shown to display
      chondroprotective effects. Here, we investigate the putative mechanisms by which
      CT delivers these actions. METHODS: Immortalized C-28/I2 cells or primary adult
      human articular chondrocytes (AHAC) were cultured in high-density micromasses to
      investigate: (i) CT anabolic effects using qPCR and immuhistochemistry analysis;
      (ii) CT anti-apoptotic effects using quantitation of Bax/Bcl gene products ratio,
      TUNEL assay and caspase-3 expression; (iii) CT effects on CREB, COL2A1 and NFAT
      transcription factors. RESULTS: CT (10(-10)-10(-8)nM) induced significant up
      regulation of cartilage phenotypic markers (SOX9, COL2A1 and ACAN), with down
      regulation of catabolic (MMP1 and MMP13 and ADAMTS5) gene products both in
      resting and inflammatory conditions. This was mirrored by an augmented production
      of type II collagen and accumulation of glycosaminoglycan- and proteoglycan-rich
      extracellular matrix in vitro. Mechanistic analyses revealed only partial
      involvement of cyclic AMP formation in these effects of CT. Congruently, using
      reporter assays for specific transcription factors, there was no indication for
      CREB activation, whereas the COL2A1 promoter was genuinely and directly activated
      by cell exposure to CT. Phenotypically, these mechanisms supported the ability of
      CT, whilst inactive on its own, to counteract the pro-apoptotic effects of IL
      1beta, demonstrated by TUNEL-positive staining of chondrocytes and ratio of
      BAX/BCL genes products. CONCLUSION: These data may provide a novel lead for the
      development of CT-based chondroprotective strategies that rely on the engagement
      of mechanisms that lead to augmented chondrocyte anabolism and inhibited
      chondrocyte apoptosis.

PMID- 25117447
TI  - Laboratory test surveillance following acute kidney injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with hospitalized acute kidney injury (AKI) are at increased
      risk for accelerated loss of kidney function, morbidity, and mortality. We sought
      to inform efforts at improving post-AKI outcomes by describing the receipt of
      renal-specific laboratory test surveillance among a large high-risk cohort.
      METHODS: We acquired clinical data from the Electronic health record (EHR) of 5
      Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals to identify patients hospitalized with AKI from
      January 1st, 2002 to December 31st, 2009, and followed these patients for 1 year
      or until death, enrollment in palliative care, or improvement in renal function
      to estimated GFR (eGFR) >= 60 L/min/1.73 m(2). Using demographic data,
      administrative codes, and laboratory test data, we evaluated the receipt and
      timing of outpatient testing for serum concentrations of creatinine and any as
      well as quantitative proteinuria recommended for CKD risk stratification.
      Additionally, we reported the rate of phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH)
      monitoring recommended for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. RESULTS: A
      total of 10,955 patients admitted with AKI were discharged with an eGFR<60
      mL/min/1.73 m2. During outpatient follow-up at 90 and 365 days, respectively,
      creatinine was measured on 69% and 85% of patients, quantitative proteinuria was
      measured on 6% and 12% of patients, PTH or phosphorus was measured on 10% and 15%
      of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of creatinine was common among all patients
      following AKI. However, patients with AKI were infrequently monitored with
      assessments of quantitative proteinuria or mineral metabolism disorder, even for
      patients with baseline kidney disease.

PMID- 25117449
TI  - The prognostic value of serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, S100 and
      high sensitivity C-reactive protein in acute ischemic stroke patients without
      heparin administration.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The concerns regarding the pre-analytical bias caused by medicine
      treatments have been raised in the diagnosis and prognosis of ischemic stroke
      recently. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic value of serum
      pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), S100 and high sensitivity C
      reactive protein (hs-CRP) in heparin-naive patients of acute ischemic stroke.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum levels of PAPP-A, S100 and hs-CRP were determined in
      205 heparin-naive patients of acute ischemic stroke and 50 healthy controls.
      Clinical information and radiological information were collected. Unfavorable
      outcomes (stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction or death) were also recorded
      after six months. The associations between serum biomarker levels and stroke
      severity/outcome were assessed. RESULTS: Serum PAPP-A, S100 and hs-CRP levels
      increased in patients compared with controls (P<0.05). S100 and hs-CRP levels
      were significantly higher in patients with larger cerebral infarction sizes
      (P<0.05) and more severe neurological impairment (P<0.05). Serum PAPP-A level
      showed a progressive increase with the increase of stroke severity (P<0.05).
      Serum hs-CRP and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were
      identified as independent predictors for unfavorable outcomes with odds ratios of
      2.884 (1.154 to 7.210, P=0.023) and 2.887 (1.146 to 7.273, P=0.024),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Serum PAPP-A, S100 and hs-CRP were associated with
      stroke severity or outcome after ischemic stroke and may offer complementary
      information, essential for clinical decision making. Serum PAPP-A showed a
      potential value for the evaluation of stroke clinically.

PMID- 25117451
TI  - Amniotic membrane modulates innate immune response inhibiting PRRs expression and
      NF-kappaB nuclear translocation on limbal myofibroblasts.
AB  - Corneal damage observed in a viral infection such as herpetic stromal keratitis
      is mainly caused by proinflammatory molecules released by resident cells in the
      response to viral antigens. There are pattern recognition receptors like MDA5,
      RIG-1, and TLR3, that recognize viral dsRNA and after activation, the innate
      immune response is exacerbated inducing the synthesis and secretion of
      inflammatory cytokines through NF-kappaB activation. Amniotic membrane (AM) has
      demonstrated to reduce inflammation by several mechanisms, however the effect of
      AM on innate immune receptors such as MDA5, RIG-1, and TLR3 has not been
      reported. In this study, we have determined that the presence of AM significantly
      inhibited the synthesis and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines on human
      limbal myofibroblasts (HLM) stimulated with poly I:C. Similarly, the presence of
      AM reduced the protein expression of MDA5, RIG-1, and TLR3 on poly I:C stimulated
      HLM. Additionally, the presence of the AM significantly inhibited the NF-kappaB
      nuclear translocation when the HLM were poly I:C stimulated, and concomitantly,
      the AM was able to relocate cadherins affecting the myofibroblastic cellular
      morphology. These results suggest that AM generates an anti-inflammatory
      microenvironment, and specific inhibition of NFkappaB nuclear translocation on
      infected corneal tissue would reduce the inflammation undesirable effects,
      explaining in part the beneficial usefulness of transplanting AM on herpetic
      stromal keratitis. 

PMID- 25117450
TI  - Autism-specific covariation in perceptual performances: "g" or "p" factor?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autistic perception is characterized by atypical and sometimes
      exceptional performance in several low- (e.g., discrimination) and mid-level
      (e.g., pattern matching) tasks in both visual and auditory domains. A factor that
      specifically affects perceptive abilities in autistic individuals should manifest
      as an autism-specific association between perceptual tasks. The first purpose of
      this study was to explore how perceptual performances are associated within or
      across processing levels and/or modalities. The second purpose was to determine
      if general intelligence, the major factor that accounts for covariation in task
      performances in non-autistic individuals, equally controls perceptual abilities
      in autistic individuals. METHODS: We asked 46 autistic individuals and 46
      typically developing controls to perform four tasks measuring low- or mid-level
      visual or auditory processing. Intelligence was measured with the Wechsler's
      Intelligence Scale (FSIQ) and Raven Progressive Matrices (RPM). We conducted
      linear regression models to compare task performances between groups and patterns
      of covariation between tasks. The addition of either Wechsler's FSIQ or RPM in
      the regression models controlled for the effects of intelligence. RESULTS: In
      typically developing individuals, most perceptual tasks were associated with
      intelligence measured either by RPM or Wechsler FSIQ. The residual covariation
      between unimodal tasks, i.e. covariation not explained by intelligence, could be
      explained by a modality-specific factor. In the autistic group, residual
      covariation revealed the presence of a plurimodal factor specific to autism.
      CONCLUSIONS: Autistic individuals show exceptional performance in some perceptual
      tasks. Here, we demonstrate the existence of specific, plurimodal covariation
      that does not dependent on general intelligence (or "g" factor). Instead, this
      residual covariation is accounted for by a common perceptual process (or "p"
      factor), which may drive perceptual abilities differently in autistic and non
      autistic individuals.

PMID- 25117455
TI  - Simultaneous visualization of graphene grain boundaries and wrinkles with
      structural information by gold deposition.
AB  - Although line defects such as grain boundaries (GBs) and wrinkles are unavoidable
      in graphene, difficulties in identification preclude studying their impact on
      electronic and mechanical properties. As previous methods focus on a single type
      of line defect, simultaneous measurements of both GBs and wrinkles with detailed
      structural information have not been reported. Here, we introduce effective
      visualization of both line defects by controlled gold deposition. Upon depositing
      gold on graphene, single lines and double lines of gold nanoparticles (NPs) are
      formed along GBs and wrinkles, respectively. Moreover, it is possible to analyze
      whether a GB is stitched or overlapped, whether a wrinkle is standing or folded,
      and the width of the standing collapsed wrinkle. Theoretical calculations show
      that the characteristic morphology of gold NPs is due to distinct binding
      energies of line defects, which are correlated to disrupting diffusion of NPs.
      Our approach could be further exploited to investigate the defect structures of
      other two-dimensional materials.

PMID- 25117452
TI  - Chinese bone turnover marker study: reference ranges for C-terminal telopeptide
      of type I collagen and procollagen I N-terminal peptide by age and gender.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone formation marker procollagen I N-terminal peptide (PINP) and
      resorption marker C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (beta-CTX) are useful
      biomarkers for differential diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of osteoporosis,
      but reference values are required. METHODS: The multi-center, cross-sectional
      Chinese Bone Turnover Marker Study included 3800 healthy volunteers in 5 Chinese
      cities. Serum PINP, beta-CTX, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25OHD levels were
      measured by chemiluminescence assay. Lumbar spine and proximal femur BMD were
      measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum PINP and beta-CTX levels were
      assessed by age, gender, weight, recruitment latitude, levels of PTH and 25OHD.
      RESULTS: Subjects (n = 1436, M:F, 500:936; mean age 50.6 +/- 19.6 years)
      exhibited non-normally distributed PINP and beta-CTX peaking between 15-19 years,
      gradually declining throughout adulthood, elevating within 10 years of
      postmenopause, and then declining by age 70. In women between the age of 30 and
      menopause, median PINP and beta-CTX levels were 40.42 (95% CI: 17.10-102.15) and
      0.26 (95% CI: 0.08-0.72) ng/mL, respectively. beta-CTX and PINP were positively
      linearly correlated (r = 0.599, P<0.001). beta-CTX correlated positively (r =
      0.054 and 0.093) and PINP correlated negatively (r =  -0.012 and -0.053) with
      25OHD and PTH (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We established Chinese reference ranges for
      PINP and CTX. Chinese individuals exhibited high serum PINP and beta-CTX levels
      between 15 and 19 years of age and at menopause, which gradually declined after
      70 years of age.

PMID- 25117453
TI  - Zinc finger MYND-type containing 8 promotes tumour angiogenesis via induction of
      vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression.
AB  - Zinc finger, MYND-type containing 8 (ZMYND8) encodes a receptor for activated C
      kinase protein. Here, we report that ZMYND8 promotes angiogenesis in prostate
      cancer xenografts in zebrafish, as well as tube formation in human umbilical
      vascular endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures. Using transcriptome analyses, we
      found upregulation of ZMYND8 expression in both zebrafish prostate cancer
      xenografts and prostate cancer samples from patients. In vitro and in vivo ZMYND8
      knockdown suppressed angiogenesis, whereas ZMYND8 overexpression enhanced
      angiogenesis. Notably, ZMYND8 induced vegfa mRNA expression selectively in
      prostate cancer xenografts. Integrated analysis of human and zebrafish
      transcriptomes, which identified ZMYND8, might be a powerful strategy to
      determine also other molecular targets for inhibiting prostate cancer
      progression.

PMID- 25117454
TI  - Selenoprotein K form an intermolecular diselenide bond with unusually high redox
      potential.
AB  - Selenoprotein K (SelK) is a membrane protein involved in antioxidant defense,
      calcium regulation and the ER-associated protein degradation pathway. We found
      that SelK exhibits a peroxidase activity with a rate that is low but within the
      range of other peroxidases. Notably, SelK reduced hydrophobic substrates, such as
      phospholipid hydroperoxides, which damage membranes. Thus, SelK might be involved
      in membrane repair or related pathways. SelK was also found to contain a
      diselenide bond-the first intramolecular bond of that kind reported for a
      selenoprotein. The redox potential of SelK was -257 mV, significantly higher than
      that of diselenide bonds in small molecules or proteins. Consequently, SelK can
      be reduced by thioredoxin reductase. These finding are essential for
      understanding SelK activity and function.

PMID- 25117458
TI  - Photocurrent spectroscopy of (n, m) sorted solution-processed single-walled
      carbon nanotubes.
AB  - Variable-wavelength photocurrent microscopy and photocurrent spectroscopy are
      used to study the photoresponse of (n, m) sorted single-walled carbon nanotube
      (SWNT) devices. The measurements of (n, m) pure SWCNT devices demonstrate the
      ability to study the wavelength-dependent photoresponse in situ in a device
      configuration and deliver photocurrent spectra that reflect the population of the
      source material. Furthermore, we show that it is possible to map and determine
      the chirality population within a working optoelectronic SWCNT device. 

PMID- 25117457
TI  - Chronic total occlusions in Sweden--a report from the Swedish Coronary
      Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evidence for the current guidelines for the treatment of patients
      with chronic total occlusions (CTO) in coronary arteries is limited. In this
      study we identified all CTO patients registered in the Swedish Coronary
      Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and studied the prevalence, patient
      characteristics and treatment decisions for CTO in Sweden. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Between January 2005 and January 2012, 276,931 procedures (coronary angiography
      or percutaneous coronary intervention) were performed in 215,836 patients
      registered in SCAAR. We identified all patients who had 100% luminal diameter
      stenosis known or assumed to be >= 3 months old. After exclusion of patients with
      previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or coronary occlusions due
      to acute coronary syndrome, we identified 16,818 CTO patients. A CTO was present
      in 10.9% of all coronary angiographies and in 16.0% of patients with coronary
      artery disease. The majority of CTO patients were treated conservatively and PCI
      of CTO accounted for only 5.8% of all PCI procedures. CTO patients with diabetes
      and multivessel disease were more likely to be referred to CABG. CONCLUSION: CTO
      is a common finding in Swedish patients undergoing coronary angiography but the
      number of CTO procedures in Sweden is low. Patients with CTO are a high-risk
      subgroup of patients with coronary artery disease. SCAAR has the largest register
      of CTO patients and therefore may be valuable for studies of clinical importance
      of CTO and optimal treatment for CTO patients.

PMID- 25117456
TI  - The effects of intraperitoneal clenbuterol injection on protein degradation and
      myostatin expression differ between the sartorius and pectoral muscles of
      neonatal chicks.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of injection of the
      beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist clenbuterol on the skeletal muscles of neonatal
      chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus). One-day-old chicks were randomly divided into
      four groups and given a single intraperitoneal injection of clenbuterol (0.01,
      0.1, or 1mg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline. Twenty-four hours after the
      injection, the sartorius muscles (which consist of both slow- and fast-twitch
      fibers) of chicks that received 0.01 or 0.1mg/kg clenbuterol were significantly
      heavier than those of controls, while there were no between-group differences in
      the weight of the pectoral muscles, which consist of only fast-twitch fibers.
      Muscle free N(t)-methylhistidine, regarded as an index of myofibrillar
      proteolysis, was decreased in the sartorius muscle of the clenbuterol-injected
      chicks, while it was not affected in the pectoral muscles. In the sartorius
      muscle of the clenbuterol-injected chicks, myostatin and atrogin-1/MAFbx mRNA
      expressions were decreased, while insulin-like growth factor-I was unaffected.
      These observations suggested, in 1-day-old chicks, clenbuterol might increase
      mass of the sartorius muscle by decreasing myostatin gene expression and protein
      degradation. 

PMID- 25117459
TI  - The effects of lactation on impulsive behavior in vasopressin-deficient
      Brattleboro rats.
AB  - Vasopressin (AVP)-deficient Brattleboro rats develop a specific behavioral
      profile, which-among other things-include altered cognitive performance. This
      profile is markedly affected by alterations in neuroendocrine state of the animal
      such as during lactation. Given the links between AVP and cognition we
      hypothesized that AVP deficiency may lead to changes in impulsivity that is under
      cognitive control and the changes might be altered by lactation. Comparing virgin
      and lactating AVP-deficient female Brattleboro rats to their respective controls,
      we assessed the putative lactation-dependent effects of AVP deficiency on
      impulsivity in the delay discounting paradigm. Furthermore, to investigate the
      basis of such effects, we assessed possible interactions of AVP deficiency with
      GABAergic and serotonergic signaling and stress axis activity, systems playing
      important roles in impulse control. Our results showed that impulsivity was
      unaltered by AVP deficiency in virgin rats. In contrast a lactation-induced
      increase in impulsivity was abolished by AVP deficiency in lactating females. We
      also found that chlordiazepoxide-induced facilitation of GABAergic and imipramine
      induced enhancement of serotonergic activity in virgins led to increased and
      decreased impulsivity, respectively. In contrast, during lactation these effects
      were visible only in AVP-deficient rats. These rats also exhibited increased
      stress axis activity compared to virgin animals, an effect that was abolished by
      AVP deficiency. Taken together, AVP appears to play a role in the regulation of
      impulsivity exclusively during lactation: it has an impulsivity increasing effect
      which is potentially mediated via stress axis-dependent mechanisms and fine
      tuning of GABAergic and serotonergic function. 

PMID- 25117460
TI  - Clinical characteristics of pain in patients with pituitary adenomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Clinical presentation of pituitary adenomas frequently involves pain,
      particularly headache, due to structural and functional properties of the tumour.
      Our aim was to investigate the clinical characteristics of pain in a large cohort
      of patients with pituitary disease. DESIGN: In a cross-sectional study, we
      assessed 278 patients with pituitary disease (n=81 acromegaly; n=45 Cushing's
      disease; n=92 prolactinoma; n=60 non-functioning pituitary adenoma). METHODS:
      Pain was studied using validated questionnaires to screen for nociceptive vs
      neuropathic pain components (painDETECT), determine pain severity, quality,
      duration and location (German pain questionnaire) and to assess the impact of
      pain on disability (migraine disability assessment, MIDAS) and quality of life
      (QoL). RESULTS: We recorded a high prevalence of bodily pain (n=180, 65%) and
      headache (n=178, 64%); adrenocorticotropic adenomas were most frequently
      associated with pain (n=34, 76%). Headache was equally frequent in patients with
      macro- and microadenomas (68 vs 60%; P=0.266). According to painDETECT, the
      majority of the patients had a nociceptive pain component (n=193, 80%). Despite
      high prevalence of headache, 72% reported little or no headache-related
      disability (MIDAS). Modifiable factors including tumour size, genetic
      predisposition, previous surgery, irradiation or medical therapy did not have
      significant impact neither on neuropathic pain components (painDETECT) nor on
      headache-related disability (MIDAS). Neuropathic pain and pain-related disability
      correlated significantly with depression and impaired QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Pain
      appears to be a frequent problem in pituitary disease. The data suggest that pain
      should be integrated in the diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of patients with
      pituitary disease in order to treat them appropriately and improve their QoL.

PMID- 25117462
TI  - Prevalence of insulin resistance and risk of diabetes mellitus in HIV-infected
      patients receiving current antiretroviral drugs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: HIV-infected patients had a higher prevalence of insulin resistance
      (IR) and risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) than that observed in healthy controls,
      but there are no data about the current prevalence considering the changes in HIV
      presentation and the use of newer antiretroviral drugs. DESIGN: Longitudinal
      study which involved 265 HIV patients without DM, receiving first (n=71) and
      advanced lines of antiretroviral therapy (n=194). METHODS: Prevalence of IR
      according to clinical and anthropometric variables, including dual X-ray
      absorptiometry (DXA) scan evaluation. IR was defined as homeostasis model
      assessment of IR>=3.8. Incident DM was assessed during the follow-up. RESULTS:
      First-line patients had a short time of HIV infection, less hepatitis C virus
      coinfection, and received mainly an efavirenz-based regimen. Overall, the
      prevalence of IR was 21% (55 patients, 6% in first-line, 27% in pretreated). In a
      logistic regression analysis, significant associations were found between the
      waist/hip circumference ratio (RR 10; 95% CI 1.66-16; P<0.01, per unit), and
      central fat in percentage (RR 1.08; 95% CI 1.01-1.17; P=0.04, per unit) as
      evaluated by DXA, and IR. During 770.8 patient-years, DM was diagnosed in 8% (22
      patients), mostly in pretreated patients (10 vs 4%; P=0.1). Thus, the overall
      rate of incident DM was 2.85 per 100 person-years, mostly in previous IR (10.39
      vs 0.82/100 person-years; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A lower prevalence of IR is
      observed in the current HIV-infected patients with fewer risk factors and
      receiving newer antiretroviral drugs. IR continues to identify patients at high
      risk for developing DM in the short term.

PMID- 25117461
TI  - Alcohol and the risk for latent autoimmune diabetes in adults: results based on
      Swedish ESTRID study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of type
      2 diabetes. Our aim was to investigate whether alcohol consumption is associated
      with the risk of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), an autoimmune form
      of diabetes with features of type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: A population-based case
      control study was carried out to investigate the association of alcohol
      consumption and the risk of LADA. METHODS: We used data from the ESTRID case
      control study carried out between 2010 and 2013, including 250 incident cases of
      LADA (glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (GADAs) positive) and 764 cases of
      type 2 diabetes (GADA negative), and 1012 randomly selected controls aged >=35.
      Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of diabetes in
      relation to alcohol intake, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, family history of
      diabetes, smoking, and education. RESULTS: Alcohol consumption was inversely
      associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.99 for every
      5-g increment in daily intake). Similar results were observed for LADA, but
      stratification by median GADA levels revealed that the results only pertained to
      LADA with low GADA levels (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.94/5 g alcohol per day),
      whereas no association was observed with LADA having high GADA levels (OR 1.00,
      95% CI 0.94-1.06/5 g per day). Every 5-g increment of daily alcohol intake was
      associated with a 10% increase in GADA levels (P=0.0312), and a 10% reduction in
      homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P=0.0418). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings indicate that alcohol intake may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and
      type 2-like LADA, but has no beneficial effects on diabetes-related autoimmunity.

PMID- 25117463
TI  - Hypogonadism as an additional indication for bariatric surgery in male morbid
      obesity?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Male obesity is often associated with reduced levels of circulating
      total (TT) and calculated free testosterone (cFT), with normal/reduced
      gonadotropins. Bariatric surgery often improves sex steroid and sex hormone
      binding globulin (SHBG) levels. The aim of this study was to assess the effects
      of bariatric surgery on waist circumference (WC) and BMI, and on TT levels, in
      morbidly obese men, stratified, according to the gonadal state, in eugonadal and
      hypogonadal (TT<8 nmol/l) subjects. DESIGN: A cohort of morbidly obese patients
      (29 with hypogonadism (HG) and 26 without) undergoing bariatric surgery (37, 10,
      6, and 2, with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding,
      biliopancreatic diversion and gastric sleeve, respectively) was studied at 6 and
      12 months from the operation. METHODS: Anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI,
      WC) and sex hormones (gonadotropins, TT, cFT, estradiol (E2), SHBG) were
      assessed. RESULTS: WC was the only parameter significantly correlated with
      androgens, but not with E2, SHBG, and gonadotropins, at baseline. After surgery,
      a significant increase in TT, cFT, and SHBG, accompanied by a decrease in E2, was
      evident in the two groups. However, both TT and cFT, but not E2, SHBG, and
      gonadotropin variations, were significantly higher in the hypogonadal group at
      follow-up, with an overall 93% complete recovery from HG. Reduction in WC, but
      not BMI, was significantly greater in hypogonadal men (DeltaWC=-29.4+/-21.6 vs 
      14.4+/-17.4 at 12 months, P=0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Recovery from obesity-associated
      HG is one of the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery in morbidly obese men.
      The present findings suggest that the gonadal state is a predictor of WC decrease
      after bariatric surgery.

PMID- 25117464
TI  - Cardiovascular risk in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes: is it
      indeed higher than men?
AB  - The relative risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality in
      diabetic women (in comparison with non-diabetic women) is believed to be greater
      than that in diabetic men. However, the absolute risk for CVD mortality and
      morbidity does not appear to be higher in women. In general, there is
      heterogeneity between studies, and whether there is any definite difference in
      the CVD risk between sexes at any level of glycaemia is not known. The same
      arguments also apply when comparing the CVD risk factors, such as lipid profiles
      and systemic inflammation indices, which seem to be worse in women than in men
      with diabetes mellitus (DM). The same questions emerge at any given glycaemic
      state: are women at worse risk and do they have a worse risk factor profile than
      men? These issues have yet to be resolved. Similar, though less extensive, data
      have been reported for prediabetes. Furthermore, women with DM are suboptimally
      treated compared with men regarding lipid and blood pressure targets. Large
      prospective studies representative of the general population are therefore needed
      to define the differences between sexes regarding CVD events and mortality at a
      given glucose level and after adjusting for any other confounders. 

PMID- 25117465
TI  - GEPNETs update: Radionuclide therapy in neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a promising new treatment
      modality for inoperable or metastasized gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine
      tumors (GEPNETs) patients. Most studies report objective response rates in 15-35%
      of patients. Also, outcome in terms of progression free survival (PFS) and
      overall survival compares very favorably with that for somatostatin analogs,
      chemotherapy, or new, 'targeted' therapies. They also compare favorably to PFS
      data for liver-directed therapies. Two decades after the introduction of PRRT,
      there is a growing need for randomized controlled trials comparing PRRT to
      'standard' treatment, that is treatment with agents that have proven benefit when
      tested in randomized trials. Combining PRRT with liver-directed therapies or with
      targeted therapies could improve treatment results. The question to be answered,
      however, is whether a combination of therapies performed within a limited time
      span from one another results in a better PFS than a strategy in which other
      therapies are reserved until after (renewed) tumor progression. Randomized
      clinical trials comparing PRRT with other treatment modalities should be
      undertaken to determine the best treatment options and treatment sequelae for
      patients with GEPNETs. 

PMID- 25117466
TI  - Ten weeks of aerobic training does not result in persistent changes in VLDL
      triglyceride turnover or oxidation in healthy men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Very low density lipoprotein triglyceride (VLDL-TG) and free fatty
      acids (FFA) constitute a substantial proportion of human energy supply both at
      rest and during exercise. Exercise acutely decreases VLDL-TG concentration, and
      VLDL-TG clearance is increased after an exercise bout. However, the effects of
      long-term training are not clear. DESIGN: The aim was to investigate long-term
      effects of training by direct assessments of VLDL-TG and palmitate kinetics and
      oxidation in healthy lean men (n=9) at rest, before and after a 10-week training
      program, compared with a non-training control group (n=9). METHODS: VLDL-TG
      kinetics were assessed by a primed constant infusion of [1-14C]VLDL-TG, and VLDL
      TG oxidation by specific activity (14CO2) in expired air. The metabolic study
      days were placed 60-72 h after the last exercise bout. RESULTS: Palmitate
      kinetics and oxidation were assessed by a 2 h constant infusion of [9,10
      (3)H]palmitate. In the training group (n=9), maximal oxygen uptake increased
      significantly by ~20% (P<0.05), and the insulin sensitivity (assessed by the
      hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp) improved significantly (P<0.05). Despite these
      metabolic improvements, no changes were observed in VLDL-TG secretion, clearance,
      or oxidation or in palmitate kinetics. CONCLUSION: We conclude that 10 weeks of
      exercise training did not induce changes in VLDL-TG and palmitate kinetics in
      healthy lean men.

PMID- 25117467
TI  - Nanocrystalline calcitic lens arrays fabricated by self-assembly followed by
      amorphous-to-crystalline phase transformation.
AB  - Natural calcium carbonate-based nanocomposites often have superior physical
      properties and provide a comprehensive source for bioinspired synthetic
      materials. Here we present thermodynamically stable, transparent CaCO3 microlens
      arrays (MLA) produced by transforming an amorphous CaCO3 phase into
      nanocrystalline calcite. We analyze the structure and properties of crystallized
      MLA by X-ray scattering, transmitted and polarized light microscopy, and electron
      microscopy and find that MLA are crystallized in spherulite-like patterns without
      changing the shape of the microlens. The key finding is that nanocrystallinity of
      the calcite formed diminishes structural anisotropy on the wavelength scale and
      results in greatly reduced birefringent effects. The remnant preferred
      orientation of the optical axes of calcite crystals in the plane of the microlens
      arrays leads to some directionality of optical properties, which may be
      beneficial for technical applications. 

PMID- 25117468
TI  - Cardiac fibrosis in end-stage human heart failure and the cardiac natriuretic
      peptide guanylyl cyclase system: regulation and therapeutic implications.
AB  - Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support has been used in the treatment of
      end-stage heart failure (HF), however use of anti-fibrotic co-therapies may
      improve prognosis. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) possess anti-fibrotic properties
      through their receptors, GC-A/GC-B/NPR-C. We sought to evaluate cardiac fibrosis
      and the endogenous NP system in end-stage HF with and without LVAD therapy and to
      assess the anti-fibrotic actions of the dual GC-A/-B activator CD-NP in vitro.
      Collagen (Col) protein content was assessed by Picrosirius Red staining and NPs,
      NP receptors, and Col I mRNA expression were determined by qPCR in LV tissue from
      patients in end-stage HF (n=13), after LVAD support (n=5) and in normal subjects
      (n=6). Col I mRNA and protein levels in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) pretreated with
      CD-NP were compared to those of BNP or CNP pretreatment. The LV in end-stage HF
      was characterized by higher Col I mRNA expression and Col protein deposition
      compared to normal which was sustained after LVAD support. ANP and BNP mRNA
      expressions were higher while CNP was lower in end-stage HF LV. GC-A expression
      did not change while GC-B and NPR-C increased compared to normal LV. The changes
      in NP system expression were not reversed after LVAD support. In vitro, CD-NP
      reduced Col I production stimulated by TGF-beta 1 greater than BNP or CNP in CFs.
      We conclude that the failing LV is characterized by increased fibrosis and
      reduced CNP gene expression. LVAD support did not reverse Col deposition nor
      restore CNP production, suggesting a therapeutic opportunity for CD-NP. 

PMID- 25117471
TI  - Mercury telluride colloidal quantum dots: electronic structure, size-dependent
      spectra, and photocurrent detection up to 12 MUm.
AB  - HgTe colloidal quantum dots are synthesized with high monodispersivity with sizes
      up to ~15 nm corresponding to a room temperature absorption edge at ~5 MUm. The
      shape is tetrahedral for larger sizes and up to five peaks are seen in the
      absorption spectra with a clear size dependence. The size range of the HgTe
      quantum dots is extended to ~20 nm using regrowth. The corresponding room
      temperature photoluminescence and absorption edge reach into the long-wave
      infrared, past 8 MUm. Upon cooling to liquid nitrogen temperature, a
      photoconductive response is obtained in the long-wave infrared region up to 12
      MUm. Configuration-interaction tight-binding calculations successfully explain
      the spectra and the size dependence. The five optical features can be assigned to
      sets of single hole to single electron transitions whose strengths are strongly
      influenced by the multiband/multiorbital character of the quantum-dot electronic
      states. 

PMID- 25117469
TI  - TSLPR deficiency attenuates atherosclerotic lesion development associated with
      the inhibition of TH17 cells and the promotion of regulator T cells in ApoE
      deficient mice.
AB  - AIMS: We generated thymic stromal lymphopoietin R-chain deficient apolipoprotein
      E-double knockout (ApoE-TSLPR DKO) mice to directly explore the role of thymic
      stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in atherogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Both thymic
      stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and its receptor are expressed in atherosclerotic
      aortas of apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mice. Serum thymic stromal
      lymphopoietin (TSLP) is markedly increased in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO)
      mice fed with a high fat diet (HFD). Arterial lesion formation was significantly
      decreased in thymic stromal lymphopoietin R-chain deficient apolipoprotein E
      double knockout (ApoE-TSLPR DKO) mice compared with apolipoprotein E knockout
      (ApoE KO) mice. Bone marrow chimera studies indicated reduced lesions in
      apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mice which received the bone marrow of thymic
      stromal lymphopoietin R-chain deficient apolipoprotein E-double knockout (ApoE
      TSLPR DKO) mice as well as in TSLPR KO mice which received bone marrow of ApoE
      TSLPR DKO mice. Compared with apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mice, IFN-gamma
      secretion by activated T cells was increased but IL-4 expression was reduced in
      thymic stromal lymphopoietin R-chain deficient apolipoprotein E-double knockout
      (ApoE-TSLPR DKO) mice. Consisted with these results, the mRNA of IFN-gamma was
      increased but IL-4 was reduced in root. These findings suggest that a reduction
      in atherosclerotic lesions in thymic stromal lymphopoietin R-chain deficient
      apolipoprotein E-double knockout (ApoE-TSLPR DKO) mice may not be due to a
      Th1/Th2 imbalance. On the other hand, the number of Th17 cells, the secretion of
      IL-17A by activated CD4(+) T cells and the mRNA expression of IL-17A in root were
      decreased in thymic stromal lymphopoietin R-chain deficient apolipoprotein E
      double knockout (ApoE-TSLPR DKO) mice. Notably, the number of regulatory T cell
      expression of IL-10 was increased in thymic stromal lymphopoietin R-chain
      deficient apolipoprotein E-double knockout (ApoE-TSLPR DKO) mice. CONCLUSIONS:
      Collectively, our data suggest that activating thymic stromal lymphopoietin
      (TSLP) promotes atherosclerosis by inducing Th17/Treg imbalance through thymic
      stromal lymphopoietin/thymic stromal lymphopoietin R-receptor (TSLP/TSLPR) signal
      way in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed with HFD model.

PMID- 25117472
TI  - A further note on the rises in sex ratio at birth during and just after the two
      World Wars.
AB  - It is well established that in most belligerent countries in World Wars 1 and 2,
      sex ratios (proportions male at birth) rose during and just after hostilities:
      then, a year or so later, they declined to normal levels. There is no established
      explanation for these phenomena. I have previously written on this problem. Here,
      I elaborate on my previous papers in three ways. First, further evidence (some
      analytic and some synthetic) is adduced to support the hypothesis that the rises
      were caused by high parental coital rates. Second, further evidence is adduced to
      suggest that these high coital rates occurred disproportionately often in couples
      of whom the man was (or had been) in the armed services. Thirdly, evidence is
      offered to suggest why such rises in sex ratio were not reported in other
      conflicts. 

PMID- 25117470
TI  - Proteomic analysis reveals a novel function of the kinase Sat4p in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae mitochondria.
AB  - The Saccharomyces cerevisiae kinase Sat4p has been originally identified as a
      protein involved in salt tolerance and stabilization of plasma membrane
      transporters, implicating a cytoplasmic localization. Our study revealed an
      additional mitochondrial (mt) localization, suggesting a dual function for Sat4p.
      While no mt related phenotype was observed in the absence of Sat4p, its
      overexpression resulted in significant changes of a specific mitochondrial
      subproteome. As shown by a comparative two dimensional difference gel
      electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) approach combined with mass spectrometry, particularly
      two groups of proteins were affected: the iron-sulfur containing aconitase-type
      proteins (Aco1p, Lys4p) and the lipoamide-containing subproteome (Lat1p, Kgd2p
      and Gcv3p). The lipoylation sites of all three proteins could be assigned by
      nanoLC-MS/MS to Lys75 (Lat1p), Lys114 (Kgd2p) and Lys102 (Gcv3p), respectively.
      Sat4p overexpression resulted in accumulation of the delipoylated protein
      variants and in reduced levels of aconitase-type proteins, accompanied by a
      decrease in the activities of the respective enzyme complexes. We propose a
      regulatory role of Sat4p in the late steps of the maturation of a specific subset
      of mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster proteins, including Aco1p and lipoate
      synthase Lip5p. Impairment of the latter enzyme may account for the observed
      lipoylation defects.

PMID- 25117474
TI  - Accurate phylogenetic tree reconstruction from quartets: a heuristic approach.
AB  - Supertree methods construct trees on a set of taxa (species) combining many
      smaller trees on the overlapping subsets of the entire set of taxa. A 'quartet'
      is an unrooted tree over 4 taxa, hence the quartet-based supertree methods
      combine many 4-taxon unrooted trees into a single and coherent tree over the
      complete set of taxa. Quartet-based phylogeny reconstruction methods have been
      receiving considerable attentions in the recent years. An accurate and efficient
      quartet-based method might be competitive with the current best phylogenetic tree
      reconstruction methods (such as maximum likelihood or Bayesian MCMC analyses),
      without being as computationally intensive. In this paper, we present a novel and
      highly accurate quartet-based phylogenetic tree reconstruction method. We
      performed an extensive experimental study to evaluate the accuracy and
      scalability of our approach on both simulated and biological datasets.

PMID- 25117473
TI  - The microvascular effects of insulin resistance and diabetes on cardiac
      structure, function, and perfusion: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.
AB  - AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for the development
      of heart failure. To better understand the mechanism by which this occurs, we
      investigated cardiac structure, function, and perfusion in patients with and
      without diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-five patients with no stenosis >30%
      on invasive coronary angiography were categorized into diabetes (19) and non
      diabetes (46) which was further categorized into prediabetes (30) and controls
      (16) according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines. Each patient
      underwent comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment. Left
      ventricular (LV) mass, relative wall mass (RWM), Lagrangian circumferential
      strain, LV torsion, and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) were calculated. LV
      mass was higher in diabetics than non-diabetics (112.8 +/- 39.7 vs. 91.5 +/- 21.3
      g, P = 0.01) and in diabetics than prediabetics (112.8 +/- 39.7 vs. 90.3 +/- 18.7
      g, P = 0.02). LV torsion angle was higher in diabetics than non-diabetics (9.65
      +/- 1.90 vs. 8.59 +/- 1.91 degrees , P = 0.047), and MPR was lower in diabetics
      than non-diabetics (2.10 +/- 0.76 vs. 2.84 +/- 1.25 mL/g/min, P = 0.01). There
      was significant correlation between MPR and early diastolic strain rate (r = 
      0.310, P = 0.01) and LV torsion (r = -0.306, P = 0.01). In multivariable linear
      regression analysis, non-diabetics waist-hip ratio, but not body mass index, had
      a significant association with RWM (Beta = 0.34, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Patients
      with diabetes have increased LV mass, LV torsion, and decreased MPR. There is a
      significant association between decreased MPR and increased LV torsion suggesting
      a possible mechanistic link between microvascular disease and cardiac dysfunction
      in diabetes.

PMID- 25117475
TI  - Phase I dose-escalation study of cabazitaxel administered in combination with
      cisplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cabazitaxel is a second-generation taxane with in vivo activity
      against taxane-sensitive and -resistant tumor cell lines and tumor xenografts.
      Cabazitaxel/cisplatin have therapeutic synergism in tumor-bearing mice, providing
      a rationale for assessing this combination in patients with solid tumors.
      METHODS: The primary objectives of this study were to determine dose-limiting
      toxicities (DLTs) and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of a cabazitaxel/cisplatin
      combined regimen (Part 1) and to assess antitumor activity at the MTD (Part 2).
      Safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) were also examined. RESULTS: Twenty-five
      patients with advanced solid tumors were enrolled (10 in Part 1; 15 in Part 2).
      In Part 1, two dose levels were evaluated; the MTD for cabazitaxel/cisplatin
      (given Q3W) was 15/75 mg/m(2). DLTs occurring during Cycle 1 at the maximum
      administered dose (20/75 mg/m(2); acute renal failure and febrile neutropenia)
      and the MTD (febrile neutropenia and hypersensitivity despite pre-medication)
      were as expected for taxane/platinum combinations. For the 18 patients treated at
      the MTD, the most frequent possibly related non-hematologic treatment-emergent
      adverse events (Grade >= 3) were nausea (16.7%), fatigue, acute renal failure and
      decreased appetite (each 11.1%). Neutropenia was the most frequent treatment
      emergent Grade >= 3 hematologic laboratory abnormality at the MTD (77.8%). The
      best overall response at the MTD was stable disease, observed in 66.7% of
      patients. PK results of the combination did not appear to differ from single
      agent administration for each agent. CONCLUSION: Combination treatment with
      cabazitaxel/cisplatin had a manageable safety profile; no PK interactions were
      evident. The recommended Phase II dose for this combination is
      cabazitaxel/cisplatin 15/75 mg/m(2) administered every 3 weeks. Antitumor
      activity findings suggest that further evaluation of this combination in disease
      specific trials is warranted.

PMID- 25117476
TI  - Identification of threshold prostate specific antigen levels to optimize the
      detection of clinically significant prostate cancer by magnetic resonance
      imaging/ultrasound fusion guided biopsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prostate specific antigen sensitivity increases with lower threshold
      values but with a corresponding decrease in specificity. Magnetic resonance
      imaging/ultrasound targeted biopsy detects prostate cancer more efficiently and
      of higher grade than standard 12-core transrectal ultrasound biopsy but the
      optimal population for its use is not well defined. We evaluated the performance
      of magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound targeted biopsy vs 12-core biopsy across
      a prostate specific antigen continuum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the
      records of all patients enrolled in a prospective trial who underwent 12-core
      transrectal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound targeted
      biopsies from August 2007 through February 2014. Patients were stratified by each
      of 4 prostate specific antigen cutoffs. The greatest Gleason score using either
      biopsy method was compared in and across groups as well as across the population
      prostate specific antigen range. Clinically significant prostate cancer was
      defined as Gleason 7 (4 + 3) or greater. Univariate and multivariate analyses
      were performed. RESULTS: A total of 1,003 targeted and 12-core transrectal
      ultrasound biopsies were performed, of which 564 diagnosed prostate cancer for a
      56.2% detection rate. Targeted biopsy led to significantly more upgrading to
      clinically significant disease compared to 12-core biopsy. This trend increased
      more with increasing prostate specific antigen, specifically in patients with
      prostate specific antigen 4 to 10 and greater than 10 ng/ml. Prostate specific
      antigen 5.2 ng/ml or greater captured 90% of upgrading by targeted biopsy,
      corresponding to 64% of patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance
      imaging and subsequent fusion biopsy. Conversely a greater proportion of
      clinically insignificant disease was detected by 12-core vs targeted biopsy
      overall. These differences persisted when controlling for potential confounders
      on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate cancer upgrading with targeted
      biopsy increases with an increasing prostate specific antigen cutoff. Above a
      prostate specific antigen threshold of 5.2 ng/ml most upgrading to clinically
      significant disease was achieved by targeted biopsy. In our population this
      corresponded to potentially sparing biopsy in 36% of patients who underwent
      multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. Below this value 12-core biopsy
      detected more clinically insignificant cancer. Thus, the diagnostic usefulness of
      targeted biopsy is optimized in patients with prostate specific antigen 5.2 ng/ml
      or greater.

PMID- 25117477
TI  - High conopeptide diversity in Conus tribblei revealed through analysis of venom
      duct transcriptome using two high-throughput sequencing platforms.
AB  - The venom of each species of Conus contains different kinds of pharmacologically
      active peptides which are mostly unique to that species. Collectively, the ~500
      700 species of Conus produce a large number of these peptides, perhaps exceeding
      140,000 different types in total. To date, however, only a small fraction of this
      diversity has been characterized via transcriptome sequencing. In addition, the
      sampling of this chemical diversity has not been uniform across the different
      lineages in the genus. In this study, we used high-throughput transcriptome
      sequencing approach to further investigate the diversity of Conus venom peptides.
      We chose a species, Conus tribblei, as a representative of a poorly studied clade
      of Conus. Using the Roche 454 and Illumina platforms, we discovered 136 unique
      and novel putative conopeptides belonging to 30 known gene superfamilies and 6
      new conopeptide groups, the greatest diversity so far observed from a
      transcriptome. Most of the identified peptides exhibited divergence from the
      known conopeptides, and some contained cysteine frameworks observed for the first
      time in cone snails. In addition, several enzymes involved in posttranslational
      modification of conopeptides and also some proteins involved in efficient
      delivery of the conopeptides to prey were identified as well. Interestingly, a
      number of conopeptides highly similar to the conopeptides identified in a
      phylogenetically distant species, the generalist feeder Conus californicus, were
      observed. The high diversity of conopeptides and the presence of conopeptides
      similar to those in C. californicus suggest that C. tribblei may have a broad
      range of prey preferences.

PMID- 25117478
TI  - Phylogenetic diversity and antibacterial activity of culturable fungi derived
      from the zoanthid Palythoa haddoni in the South China Sea.
AB  - Investigation on diversity of culturable fungi mainly focused on sponges and
      corals, yet little attention had been paid to the fungal communities associated
      with zoanthid corals. In this study, a total of 193 culturable fungal strains
      were isolated from the zoanthid Palythoa haddoni collected in the South China
      Sea, of which 49 independent isolates were identified using both morphological
      characteristics and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analyses. Thirty
      five strains were selected for phylogenetic analysis based on fungal ITS
      sequences. The results indicated that 18 genera within eight taxonomic orders of
      two phyla (seven orders of the phylum Ascomycota and one order of the phylum
      Basidiomycota) together with one unidentified fungal strain have been achieved,
      and Cladosporium sp. represented the dominant culturable genus. Particularly, 14
      genera were isolated from a zoanthid for the first time. The antibacterial
      activities of organic extracts of mycelia and fermentation broth of 49 identified
      fungi were evaluated, and 29 (59.2 %) of the isolates displayed broad-spectrum or
      selective antibacterial activity. More interestingly, more than 60 % of the
      active fungal strains showed strong activity against two aquatic pathogenic
      bacteria Nocardia brasiliensis and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, compared with other
      pathogenic bacteria, indicating that zoanthid-derived fungi may protect its host
      against pathogens. This is the first report of systematically phylogenetic
      diversity and extensively antibacterial activity of zoanthid-derived fungi.

PMID- 25117481
TI  - Intraoperative and anesthesia-related cardiac arrest and its mortality in older
      patients: a 15-year survey in a tertiary teaching hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little information is known about factors that influence
      perioperative and anesthesia-related cardiac arrest (CA) in older patients. This
      study evaluated the incidence, causes and outcome of intraoperative and
      anesthesia-related CA in older patients in a Brazilian teaching hospital between
      1996 and 2010. METHODS: During the study, older patients received 18,367
      anesthetics. Data collected included patient characteristics, surgical
      procedures, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status,
      anesthesia type, medical specialty team and outcome. All CAs were categorized by
      cause into one of four groups: patient's disease/condition-related, surgery
      related, totally anesthesia-related or partially anesthesia-related. RESULTS: All
      intraoperative CAs and deaths rates are shown per 10,000 anesthetics. There were
      100 CAs (54.44; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 44.68-64.20) and 68 deaths (37.02;
      95% CI: 27.56-46.48). The majority of CAs were patient's disease-/condition
      related (43.5; 95% CI: 13.44-73.68). There were six anesthesia-related CAs (3.26;
      95% CI: 0.65-5.87) - 1 totally and 5 partially anesthesia-related, and three
      deaths, all partially anesthesia-related (1.63; 95% CI: 0.0-3.47). ASA I-II
      physical status patients presented no anesthesia-related CA. Anesthesia-related
      CA, absent in the last five years of the study, was due to medication-/airway
      related causes. ASA physical status was the most important predictor of CA (odds
      ratio: 14.52; 95% CI: 4.48-47.08; P<0.001) followed by emergency surgery (odds
      ratio: 8.07; 95% CI: 5.14-12.68; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study identified high
      incidence of intraoperative CAs with high mortality in older patients. The large
      majority of CAs were caused by factors not anesthesia-related. Anesthesia-related
      CA and mortality rates were 3.26 and 1.63 per 10,000 anesthetics, with no
      anesthesia-related CA in the last five years of the study. Major predictors of
      intraoperative CAs were poorer ASA physical status and emergency surgery. All
      anesthesia-related CAs were medication-related or airway-related, which is
      important for prevention strategies.

PMID- 25117480
TI  - Alteration of conserved alternative splicing in AMELX causes enamel defects.
AB  - Tooth enamel is the most highly mineralized tissue in vertebrates. Enamel crystal
      formation and elongation should be well controlled to achieve an exceptional
      hardness and a compact microstructure. Enamel matrix calcification occurs with
      several matrix proteins, such as amelogenin, enamelin, and ameloblastin. Among
      them, amelogenin is the most abundant enamel matrix protein, and multiple
      isoforms resulting from extensive but well-conserved alternative splicing and
      postsecretional processing have been identified. In this report, we recruited a
      family with a unique enamel defect and identified a silent mutation in exon 4 of
      the AMELX gene. We show that the mutation caused the inclusion of exon 4, which
      is almost always skipped, in the mRNA transcript. We further show, by generating
      and characterizing a transgenic animal model, that the alteration of the ratio
      and quantity of the developmentally conserved alternative splicing repertoire of
      AMELX caused defects in enamel matrix mineralization. 

PMID- 25117482
TI  - A theoretical mathematical assessment of the effectiveness of coartemether in the
      treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection.
AB  - This study analysed the dynamics of blood stage malaria with immune response and
      under administration of Coartem as a combination therapy. The techniques of
      mathematical modelling were used in coming up and analysing the deterministic
      model. Sensitivity analysis and statistical approaches were used to compare model
      simulated treatment results with the use of Coartem and other antimalarial drugs.
      We sought to theoretically assess if Coartem can bring improvement in the
      treatment of malaria as compared to the other drugs. Our analysis and numerical
      results suggest that Coartem compares well with other antimalarial drug that have
      been on the market. However, the shortfall of our model is that it could not give
      good comparative results between Coartem treatment and other combination
      treatment schemes with similar mode of action. Our study predicted effects of
      different drug treatment protocols in malaria using a theoretical mathematical
      model, which gives an insight into potential effective treatment schemes. 

PMID- 25117484
TI  - Prevention of surgical site infection: still an important challenge in colorectal
      surgery.

PMID- 25117485
TI  - Occurrence of estrogens in water, sediment and biota and their ecological risk in
      Northern Taihu Lake in China.
AB  - Occurrence of five estrogens, including estrone (E1), 17beta-estradiol (E2),
      estriol (E3), 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) and bisphenol A (BPA) in water,
      sediment and biota in Northern Taihu Lake, were investigated and their ecological
      risk was evaluated. Most of the target estrogens were widely distributed in the
      eight studied sampling sites, and their levels showed a regional trend of Gong
      Bay > Meiliang Bay > Zhushan Bay. The average concentrations of E1, E2, E3, EE2
      and BPA ranged from 3.86 to 64.4 ng l(-1), 44.3 to 64.1 MUg kg(-1) dry weight and
      58.6 to 115 MUg kg(-1) dry weight in water, sediments and biota, respectively. In
      most cases, the average concentrations of BPA and E2 were higher than those of
      other estrogens. E1, E3 and EE2 were found to be accumulated in river snails with
      bioaccumulation factor values as high as 14,204, 35,327 and 20,127 l kg(-1),
      respectively. E3 was also considered to be accumulated in clams. The evaluation
      of environmental risk showed that the occurrence of E2 and EE2 in lakes might
      pose a high risk to aquatic organisms. These findings provide important
      information for estrogen control and management in the studied area.

PMID- 25117487
TI  - Wavelet coherence analysis of prefrontal tissue oxyhaemoglobin signals as
      measured using near-infrared spectroscopy in elderly subjects with cerebral
      infarction.
AB  - This study aims to assess the prefrontal functional connectivity using wavelet
      coherence analysis of cerebral tissue oxyhaemoglobin concentration (Delta [HbO2])
      signals in elderly subjects with cerebral infarction (CI) during the resting
      state. Continuous recordings of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) signals were
      obtained from the left and right prefrontal lobes in 10 subjects with CI (age:
      74.4+/-9.0years) and 18 healthy elderly subjects (age: 69.9+/-7.3years) during
      the resting state. The coherence between left and right prefrontal Delta [HbO2]
      oscillations in four frequency intervals (I, 0.6-2Hz; II, 0.145-0.6Hz; III, 0.052
      0.145Hz and IV, 0.021-0.052Hz) was analyzed using wavelet coherence analysis. In
      healthy elderly subjects, the Delta [HbO2] oscillations were significantly
      wavelet coherent in intervals I and III (p<0.05), wavelet phase coherent in
      intervals from I to IV. In elderly subjects with CI, the left and right Delta
      [HbO2] oscillations were significantly wavelet coherent and phase coherent in
      interval I (p<0.05). In elderly subjects with CI, the power and phase coherences
      were significantly lower in interval III (p<0.01) than in healthy subjects. The
      difference in wavelet coherence between the healthy elderly and elderly with CI
      indicates an altered brain functional connectivity in CI patients. This may be
      useful for assessing the effectiveness of functional recovery following a CI. 

PMID- 25117486
TI  - Residents health risk of Pb, Cd and Cu exposure to street dust based on different
      particle sizes around zinc smelting plant, Northeast of China.
AB  - The residents health risk of Pb, Cd and Cu exposure to street dust with different
      particle sizes (<100 and <63 MUm) near Huludao Zinc Plant (HZP) was investigated
      in this study. The average concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cu in the <100-MUm and
      <63-MUm dust were 1,559, 178.5, 917.9 and 2,099, 198.4, 1,038 mg kg(-1),
      respectively. It showed that smaller particles tended to contain higher element
      concentrations. Metals in dust around HZP decreased gradually from the zinc
      smelter to west and east directions. There was significantly positive correlation
      among Pb, Cd and Cu in street dust with different particle sizes. The contents of
      Pb, Cd and Cu in dust increased with decreasing pH or increasing organic matter.
      Non-carcinogenic health risk assessment showed that the health index (HI) for
      children and adult exposed to <63-MUm particles were higher than exposed to <100
      MUm particles, which indicated that smaller particles tend to have higher non
      carcinogenic health risk. Non-carcinogenic risk of Pb was the highest in both
      particle sizes, followed by Cd and Cu. HI for Pb and Cd in both particle sizes
      for children had exceeded the acceptable value, indicated that children living
      around HZP were experiencing the non-carcinogenic health risk from Pb and Cd
      exposure to street dust.

PMID- 25117488
TI  - Podocyte proteins in congenital and minimal change nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Podocyte foot process effacement is a uniform finding in kidneys with
      heavy proteinuria. Its molecular mechanisms, however, are unsolved. We analyzed
      the expression of podocyte proteins in two kidney disorders: Congenital nephrotic
      syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF) and minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS).
      METHODS: Immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence stainings were used to
      semiquantitatively analyze the expression of 13 and 4 podocyte proteins from
      different cellular compartments in CNF and MCNS, respectively. RESULTS: The
      expression of a major slit diaphragm (SD) protein, Neph 1, showed a 46-fold
      decrease (p < 0.0001) in CNF kidneys as compared to controls. The three cytosolic
      adaptor proteins, podocin, NCK1/2, CD2AP, connecting SD proteins to the actin
      cytoskeleton were slightly upregulated (1.1-fold, 1.4-fold, and 3.3-fold,
      respectively). Also, the staining of the two actin-regulator proteins, ACTN4 and
      INF2, was modestly increased (2.2-fold and 1.7-fold, respectively, p < 0.0001).
      Staining for alpha3-integrin showed 1.9-fold increase (p < 0.0001) indicating
      that the major podocyte anchoring complex, alpha3beta1, was well preserved in CNF
      glomeruli. In contrast to CNF kidneys, Neph1 FAT1, ACTN4, and CD2AP were quite
      normally expressed in proteinuric and non-proteinuric MCNS kidneys. CONCLUSION:
      CNF kidneys lacking nephrin show decreased expression of other SD proteins but
      not cytosolic podocyte proteins involved in the foot process architecture or
      function. In MCNS kidneys, these changes in expression were not observed.

PMID- 25117491
TI  - Correlation of gross urine color with diagnostic findings in male cats with
      naturally occurring urethral obstruction.
AB  - Seventy-five male cats with urethral obstruction were prospectively enrolled to
      evaluate gross urine color at urinary catheter placement for correlation with
      diagnostic findings. Cats with darker red urine were more likely to be azotemic
      (serum creatinine concentration >2.0 mg/dl [177 umol/l]), and urine color
      correlated well with serum creatinine and serum potassium concentrations. Darker
      urine color was negatively correlated with urine specific gravity. Urine color
      was not associated with the presence or absence of lower urinary tract stones on
      radiographs or ultrasound. Cats with darker red urine at the time of urinary
      catheter placement are likely to have more significant metabolic derangements and
      may require more aggressive supportive care. 

PMID- 25117489
TI  - A long non-coding RNA is required for targeting centromeric protein A to the
      human centromere.
AB  - The centromere is a specialized chromatin region marked by the histone H3 variant
      CENP-A. Although active centromeric transcription has been documented for over a
      decade, the role of centromeric transcription or transcripts has been elusive.
      Here, we report that centromeric alpha-satellite transcription is dependent on
      RNA Polymerase II and occurs at late mitosis into early G1, concurrent with the
      timing of new CENP-A assembly. Inhibition of RNA Polymerase II-dependent
      transcription abrogates the recruitment of CENP-A and its chaperone HJURP to
      native human centromeres. Biochemical characterization of CENP-A associated RNAs
      reveals a 1.3 kb molecule that originates from centromeres, which physically
      interacts with the soluble pre-assembly HJURP/CENP-A complex in vivo, and whose
      down-regulation leads to the loss of CENP-A and HJURP at centromeres. This study
      describes a novel function for human centromeric long non-coding RNAs in the
      recruitment of HJURP and CENP-A, implicating RNA-based chaperone targeting in
      histone variant assembly.

PMID- 25117492
TI  - Ionophore-based ion-selective optical nanosensors operating in exhaustive sensing
      mode.
AB  - Ion selective optical sensors are typically interrogated under conditions where
      the sample concentration is not altered during measurement. We describe here an
      alternative exhaustive detection mode for ion selective optical sensors. This
      exhaustive sensor concept is demonstrated with ionophore-based nanooptodes either
      selective for calcium or the polycationic heparin antidote protamine. In
      agreement with a theoretical treatment presented here, linear calibration curves
      were obtained in the exhaustive detection mode instead of the sigmoidal curves
      for equilibrium-based sensors. The response range can be tuned by adjusting the
      nanosensor loading. The nanosensors showed average diameters of below 100 nm and
      the sensor response was found to be dramatically faster than that for film-based
      optodes. Due to the strong binding affinity of the exhaustive nanosensors, total
      calcium concentration in human blood plasma was successfully determined. Optical
      determination of protamine in human blood plasma using the exhaustive nanosensors
      was attempted, but was found to be less successful. 

PMID- 25117493
TI  - Genotoxic effects of water pollution on two fish species living in Karasu River,
      Erzurum, Turkey.
AB  - Karasu River, which is the only river in the Erzurum plain, is the source of the
      Euphrates River (Eastern Anatolia of Turkey). The river is in a serious
      environmental situation as a result of pollution by agricultural and industrial
      sewage and domestic discharges. The present study aims to evaluate genotoxic
      effects of toxic metals in chub, Leuciscus cephalus, and transcaucasian barb,
      Capoeta capoeta, collected from contaminated site of the Karasu River, in
      comparison with fish from an unpolluted reference site. Heavy metal
      concentrations in surface water of the river were determined. The condition
      factor (CF) was taken as a general biomarker of the health of the fish, and
      genotoxicity assays such as micronucleus (MN) and other nuclear abnormalities
      (NA) were carried out on the fish species studied. MN and NA such as kidney
      shaped nucleus, notched nucleus, binucleated, lobed nucleus, and blebbed nucleus
      were assessed in peripheral blood erythrocytes, gill epithelial cells, and liver
      cells of the fish. A significant decrease in CF values associated with a
      significant elevation in MN and NA frequencies was observed in fish collected
      from the polluted sites compared with those from the reference site. Results of
      the current study show the significance of integrating a set of biomarkers to
      identify the effects of anthropogenic pollution. High concentrations of heavy
      metals have a potential genotoxic effects, and the toxicity is possibly related
      to industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. 

PMID- 25117494
TI  - Geospatial assessment and monitoring of historical forest cover changes (1920
      2012) in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, India.
AB  - Deforestation in the biosphere reserves, which are key Protected Areas has
      negative impacts on biodiversity, climate, carbon fluxes and livelihoods.
      Comprehensive study of deforestation in biosphere reserves is required to assess
      the impact of the management effectiveness. This article assesses the changes in
      forest cover in various zones and protected areas of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve,
      the first declared biosphere reserve in India which forms part of Western Ghats-a
      global biodiversity hotspot. In this study, we have mapped the forests from
      earliest available topographical maps and multi-temporal satellite data spanning
      from 1920's to 2012 period. Mapping of spatial extent of forest cover, vegetation
      types and land cover was carried out using visual interpretation technique. A
      grid cell of 1 km * 1 km was generated for time series change analysis to
      understand the patterns in spatial distribution of forest cover (1920-1973-1989
      1999-2006-2012). The total forest area of biosphere reserve was found to be
      5,806.5 km(2) (93.8 % of total geographical area) in 1920. Overall loss of forest
      cover was estimated as 1,423.6 km(2) (24.5 % of the total forest) with reference
      to 1920. Among the six Protected Areas, annual deforestation rate of >0.5 was
      found in Wayanad wildlife sanctuary during 1920-1973. The deforestation in
      Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is mainly attributed to conversion of forests to
      plantations and agriculture along with submergence due to construction of dams
      during 1920 to 1989. Grid wise analysis indicates that 851 grids have undergone
      large-scale negative changes of >75 ha of forest loss during 1920-1973 while,
      only 15 grids have shown >75 ha loss during 1973-1989. Annual net rate of
      deforestation for the period of 1920 to 1973 was calculated as 0.5 followed by
      0.1 for 1973 to 1989. Our analysis shows that there was large-scale deforestation
      before the declaration of area as biosphere reserve in 1986; however, the
      deforestation has drastically reduced after the declaration due to high degree of
      protection, thus indicating the secure future of reserve in the long term under
      the current forest management practices. The present work will stand as the most
      up-to-date assessment on the forest cover of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve with
      immediate applications in monitoring and management of forest biodiversity. 

PMID- 25117490
TI  - DNA binding polarity, dimerization, and ATPase ring remodeling in the CMG
      helicase of the eukaryotic replisome.
AB  - The Cdc45/Mcm2-7/GINS (CMG) helicase separates DNA strands during replication in
      eukaryotes. How the CMG is assembled and engages DNA substrates remains unclear.
      Using electron microscopy, we have determined the structure of the CMG in the
      presence of ATPgammaS and a DNA duplex bearing a 3' single-stranded tail. The
      structure shows that the MCM subunits of the CMG bind preferentially to single
      stranded DNA, establishes the polarity by which DNA enters into the Mcm2-7 pore,
      and explains how Cdc45 helps prevent DNA from dissociating from the helicase. The
      Mcm2-7 subcomplex forms a cracked-ring, right-handed spiral when DNA and
      nucleotide are bound, revealing unexpected congruencies between the CMG and both
      bacterial DnaB helicases and the AAA+ motor of the eukaryotic proteasome. The
      existence of a subpopulation of dimeric CMGs establishes the subunit register of
      Mcm2-7 double hexamers and together with the spiral form highlights how Mcm2-7
      transitions through different conformational and assembly states as it matures
      into a functional helicase.

PMID- 25117495
TI  - Mercury speciation in plankton from the Cabo Frio Bay, SE--Brazil.
AB  - Mercury (Hg) is considered a global pollutant, and the scientific community has
      shown great concern about its toxicity as it may affect the biota of entire
      systems, through bioaccumulation and bioamplification processes of its organic
      form, methylmercury (MeHg), along food web. However, few research studies deal
      with bioaccumulation of Hg from marine primary producers and the first-order
      consumers. So, this study aims to determine Hg distribution and concentration
      levels in phytoplankton and zooplankton in the Cabo Frio Bay, Brazil, a site
      influenced by coastal upwelling. The results from Hg speciation analyses show
      that inorganic mercury Hg(II) was the predominant specie in plankton from this
      bay. The annual Hg species distribution in plankton shown mean concentration of
      2.00 +/- 1.28 ng Hg(II) g(-1) and 0.15 +/- 0.08 ng MeHg g(-1) wet weight
      (phytoplankton) and 2.5 +/- 2.03 ng Hg(II) g(-1) and 0.25 +/- 0.09 ng MeHg g(-1)
      wet weight (zooplankton). Therefore, upwelling zones should be considered in the
      Hg biogeochemical cycle models as a process that enhances Hg(II) bioaccumulation
      in plankton, raising its bioavailability and shelf deposition. 

PMID- 25117496
TI  - Extensive transcription analysis of the Hyposoter didymator Ichnovirus genome in
      permissive and non-permissive lepidopteran host species.
AB  - Ichnoviruses are large dsDNA viruses that belong to the Polydnaviridae family.
      They are specifically associated with endoparasitic wasps of the family
      Ichneumonidae and essential for host parasitization by these wasps. We sequenced
      the Hyposoter didymator Ichnovirus (HdIV) encapsidated genome for further
      analysis of the transcription pattern of the entire set of HdIV genes following
      the parasitization of four different lepidopteran host species. The HdIV genome
      was found to consist of at least 50 circular dsDNA molecules, carrying 135 genes,
      98 of which formed 18 gene families. The HdIV genome had general features typical
      of Ichnovirus (IV) genomes and closely resembled that of the IV carried by
      Hyposoter fugitivus. Subsequent transcriptomic analysis with Illumina technology
      during the course of Spodoptera frugiperda parasitization led to the
      identification of a small subset of less than 30 genes with high RPKM values in
      permissive hosts, consisting with these genes encoding crucial virulence
      proteins. Comparisons of HdIV expression profiles between host species revealed
      differences in transcript levels for given HdIV genes between two permissive
      hosts, S. frugiperda and Pseudoplusia includens. However, we found no evident
      intrafamily gene-specific transcription pattern consistent with the presence of
      multigenic families within IV genomes reflecting an ability of the wasps
      concerned to exploit different host species. Interestingly, in two non-permissive
      hosts, Mamestra brassiccae and Anticarsia gemmatalis (most of the parasitoid eggs
      were eliminated by the host cellular immune response), HdIV genes were generally
      less strongly transcribed than in permissive hosts. This suggests that successful
      parasitism is dependent on the expression of given HdIV genes exceeding a
      particular threshold value. These results raise questions about the mecanisms
      involved in regulating IV gene expression according to the nature of the
      lepidopteran host species encountered. 

PMID- 25117499
TI  - Advantages of crystallographic fragment screening: functional and mechanistic
      insights from a powerful platform for efficient drug discovery.
AB  - X-ray crystallography has been an under-appreciated screening tool for fragment
      based drug discovery due to the perception of low throughput and technical
      difficulty. Investigators in industry and academia have overcome these challenges
      by taking advantage of key factors that contribute to a successful
      crystallographic screening campaign. Efficient cocktail design and soaking
      methodologies have evolved to maximize throughput while minimizing false
      positives/negatives. In addition, technical improvements at synchrotron beamlines
      have dramatically increased data collection rates thus enabling screening on a
      timescale comparable to other techniques. The combination of available resources
      and efficient experimental design has resulted in many successful
      crystallographic screening campaigns. The three-dimensional crystal structure of
      the bound fragment complexed to its target, a direct result of the screening
      effort, enables structure-based drug design while revealing insights regarding
      protein dynamics and function not readily obtained through other experimental
      approaches. Furthermore, this "chemical interrogation" of the target protein
      crystals can lead to the identification of useful reagents for improving
      diffraction resolution or compound solubility. 

PMID- 25117500
TI  - Field-dependent anisotropic microrheological and microstructural properties of
      dilute ferrofluids.
AB  - We have measured microrheological and microstructural properties of a
      superparamagnetic ferrofluid made of Mn0.75Zn0.25Fe2O4 (MZF) nanoparticles, using
      passive microrheology in a home-built inverted microscope. Thermal motion of a
      probe microsphere was measured for different values of an applied external
      magnetic field and analysed. The analysis shows anisotropy in magneto-viscous
      effect. Additional microrheological properties, such as storage modulus and loss
      modulus and their transition are also seen. We have also obtained microstructural
      properties such as elongational flow coefficient [Formula: see text] , relaxation
      time constant [Formula: see text] , coefficient of dissipative magnetization
      [Formula: see text] , etc., using the analysis given in Oliver Muller et al., J.
      Phys.: Condens. Matter 18, S2623, (2006) and Stefan Mahle et al., Phys. Rev. E
      77, 016305 (2008) over our measured viscosity data. Our values for the above
      parameters are in agreement with earlier theoretical calculations and macro
      rheological experimental measurements. These theoretical calculations consider an
      ideal situation of zero-shear limit, which is best approximated only in the
      passive microrheology technique described here and a first time measurement of
      all these parameters with passive microrheology. 

PMID- 25117501
TI  - Elasticity and mechanical instability of charged lipid bilayers in ionic
      solutions.
AB  - We use coarse-grained Monte Carlo simulations to study the elastic properties of
      charged membranes in solutions of monovalent and pentavalent counterions. The
      simulation results of the two cases reveal trends opposite to each other. The
      bending rigidity and projected area increase with the membrane charge density for
      monovalent counterions, while they decrease for the pentavalent ions. These
      observations can be related to the counterion screening of the lipid charges.
      While the monovalent counterions only weakly screen the Coulomb interactions,
      which implies a repulsive Coulomb system, the multivalent counterions condense on
      the membrane and, through spatial charge correlations, make the effective
      interactions due to the charged lipids attractive. The differences in the elastic
      properties of the charged membranes in monovalent and multivalent counterion
      solutions are reflected in the mechanisms leading to their mechanical instability
      at high charge densities. In the former case, the membranes develop pores to
      relieve the electrostatic tensile stresses, while in the latter case, the
      membrane exhibits large wavelength bending instability. 

PMID- 25117502
TI  - Cancer genetic testing panels for inherited cancer susceptibility: the clinical
      experience of a large adult genetics practice.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing genetic testing panels for cancer susceptibility
      (cancer panels) have recently become clinically available. At present, clinical
      utility is unknown and there are no set criteria or guidelines established for
      whom to offer such testing. Although it may be a cost-effective method to test
      multiple cancer susceptibility genes concurrently, the rate of finding variants
      of unknown significance (VUS) may be high and testing may yield mutations in
      genes with no established management recommendations. We describe our Center's
      experience over a 14-month period (April 2012-June 2013) for patient interest and
      uptake in cancer panel testing and whether there were predictors of pursuing
      testing or identifying mutations. Using a clinical ranking system, patients'
      family histories were ranked from 0 to 3 (low likelihood to high likelihood for
      underlying genetic susceptibility). The clinical ranking system was assessed to
      determine its predictability of finding mutations. Of the 689 patients who met
      inclusion criteria, the option of pursuing a cancer panel was discussed with 357
      patients; 63 (17.6 %) patients pursued testing. Those who pursued testing were
      more likely to be older, male, affected with cancer, affected with multiple
      primary cancers, and had a higher clinical rank than non-pursuers. There were no
      significant predictors of finding a mutation on panel testing. Of the 61 patients
      who have received results, there was a 6.6 % mutation rate and 19.7 % VUS rate.
      The yield of cancer panels in clinical practice is low and the strength of family
      history alone may not predict likelihood of finding a mutation.

PMID- 25117498
TI  - Interrogation of living myocardium in multiple static deformation states with
      diffusion tensor and diffusion spectrum imaging.
AB  - Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals valuable insights into
      tissue histo-anatomy and microstructure, and has steadily gained traction in the
      cardiac community. Its wider use in small animal cardiac imaging in vivo has been
      constrained by its extreme sensitivity to motion, exaggerated by the high heart
      rates usually seen in rodents. Imaging of the isolated heart eliminates
      respiratory motion and, if conducted on arrested hearts, cardiac pulsation. This
      serves as an important intermediate step for basic and translational studies.
      However, investigating the micro-structural basis of cardiac deformation in the
      same heart requires observations in different deformation states. Here, we
      illustrate the imaging of isolated rat hearts in three mechanical states
      mimicking diastole (cardioplegic arrest), left-ventricular (LV) volume overload
      (cardioplegic arrest plus LV balloon inflation), and peak systole (lithium
      induced contracture). An optimised MRI-compatible Langendorff perfusion setup
      with the radio-frequency (RF) coil integrated into the wet chamber was developed
      for use in a 9.4T horizontal bore scanner. Signal-to-noise ratio improved
      significantly, by 75% compared to a previous design with external RF coil, and
      stability tests showed no significant changes in mean T1, T2 or LV wall thickness
      over a 170 min period. In contracture, we observed a significant reduction in
      mean fractional anisotropy from 0.32 +/- 0.02 to 0.28 +/- 0.02, as well as a
      significant rightward shift in helix angles with a decrease in the proportion of
      left-handed fibres, as referring to the locally prevailing cell orientation in
      the heart, from 24.9% to 23.3%, and an increase in the proportion of right-handed
      fibres from 25.5% to 28.4%. LV overload, in contrast, gave rise to a decrease in
      the proportion of left-handed fibres from 24.9% to 21.4% and an increase in the
      proportion of right-handed fibres from 25.5% to 26.0%. The modified perfusion and
      coil setup offers better performance and control over cardiac contraction states.
      We subsequently performed high-resolution diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) and 3D
      whole heart fibre tracking in fixed ex vivo rat hearts in slack state and
      contracture. As a model-free method, DSI augmented the measurements of water
      diffusion by also informing on multiple intra-voxel diffusion orientations and
      non-Gaussian diffusion. This enabled us to identify the transition from right- to
      left-handed fibres from the subendocardium to the subepicardium, as well as
      voxels in apical regions that were traversed by multiple fibres. We observed that
      both the mean generalised fractional anisotropy and mean kurtosis were lower in
      hearts in contracture compared to the slack state, by 23% and 9.3%, respectively.
      While its heavy acquisition burden currently limits the application of DSI in
      vivo, ongoing work in acceleration techniques may enable its use in live animals
      and patients. This would provide access to the as yet unexplored dimension of non
      Gaussian diffusion that could serve as a highly sensitive marker of cardiac micro
      structural integrity. 

PMID- 25117497
TI  - Images as drivers of progress in cardiac computational modelling.
AB  - Computational models have become a fundamental tool in cardiac research. Models
      are evolving to cover multiple scales and physical mechanisms. They are moving
      towards mechanistic descriptions of personalised structure and function,
      including effects of natural variability. These developments are underpinned to a
      large extent by advances in imaging technologies. This article reviews how novel
      imaging technologies, or the innovative use and extension of established ones,
      integrate with computational models and drive novel insights into cardiac
      biophysics. In terms of structural characterization, we discuss how imaging is
      allowing a wide range of scales to be considered, from cellular levels to whole
      organs. We analyse how the evolution from structural to functional imaging is
      opening new avenues for computational models, and in this respect we review
      methods for measurement of electrical activity, mechanics and flow. Finally, we
      consider ways in which combined imaging and modelling research is likely to
      continue advancing cardiac research, and identify some of the main challenges
      that remain to be solved. 

PMID- 25117504
TI  - CT angiography after carotid artery stenting: assessment of the utility of
      adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction and model-based iterative
      reconstruction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Follow-up CT angiography (CTA) is routinely performed for post
      procedure management after carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, the stent
      lumen tends to be underestimated because of stent artifacts on CTA reconstructed
      with the filtered back projection (FBP) technique. We assessed the utility of new
      iterative reconstruction techniques, such as adaptive statistical iterative
      reconstruction (ASIR) and model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), for CTA
      after CAS in comparison with FBP. METHODS: In a phantom study, we evaluated the
      differences among the three reconstruction techniques with regard to the
      relationship between the stent luminal diameter and the degree of underestimation
      of stent luminal diameter. In a clinical study, 34 patients who underwent follow
      up CTA after CAS were included. We compared the stent luminal diameters among
      FBP, ASIR, and MBIR, and performed visual assessment of low attenuation area
      (LAA) in the stent lumen using a three-point scale. RESULTS: In the phantom
      study, stent luminal diameter was increasingly underestimated as luminal diameter
      became smaller in all CTA images. Stent luminal diameter was larger with MBIR
      than with the other reconstruction techniques. Similarly, in the clinical study,
      stent luminal diameter was larger with MBIR than with the other reconstruction
      techniques. LAA detectability scores of MBIR were greater than or equal to those
      of FBP and ASIR in all cases. CONCLUSION: MBIR improved the accuracy of
      assessment of stent luminal diameter and LAA detectability in the stent lumen
      when compared with FBP and ASIR. We conclude that MBIR is a useful reconstruction
      technique for CTA after CAS.

PMID- 25117503
TI  - High prevalence of mismatch repair deficiency in prostate cancers diagnosed in
      mismatch repair gene mutation carriers from the colon cancer family registry.
AB  - The question of whether prostate cancer is part of the Lynch syndrome spectrum of
      tumors is unresolved. We investigated the mismatch repair (MMR) status and
      pathologic features of prostate cancers diagnosed in MMR gene mutation carriers.
      Prostate cancers (mean age at diagnosis = 62 +/- SD = 8 years) from 32 MMR
      mutation carriers (23 MSH2, 5 MLH1 and 4 MSH6) enrolled in the Australasian, Mayo
      Clinic and Ontario sites of the Colon Cancer Family Registry were examined for
      clinico-pathologic features and MMR-deficiency (immunohistochemical loss of MMR
      protein expression and high levels of microsatellite instability; MSI-H). Tumor
      MMR-deficiency was observed for 22 cases [69 %; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 50
      83 %], with the highest prevalence of MMR-deficiency in tumors from MSH2 mutation
      carriers (19/23, 83 %) compared with MLH1 and MSH6 carriers combined (3/9, 33 %;
      p = 0.01). MMR-deficient tumors had increased levels of tumor infiltrating
      lymphocytes compared with tumors without MMR-deficiency (p = 0.04). Under the
      assumption that tumour MMR-deficiency occurred only because the cancer was caused
      by the germline mutation, mutation carriers are at 3.2-fold (95 % CI 2.0-6.3)
      increased risk of prostate cancer, and when assessed by gene, the relative risk
      was greatest for MSH2 carriers (5.8, 95 % CI 2.6-20.9). Prostate cancer was the
      first or only diagnosed tumor in 37 % of carriers. MMR gene mutation carriers
      have at least a twofold or greater increased risk of developing MMR-deficient
      prostate cancer where the risk is highest for MSH2 mutation carriers. MMR IHC
      screening of prostate cancers will aid in identifying MMR gene mutation carriers.

PMID- 25117506
TI  - Intake and macronutrient content of human milk given to extremely preterm
      infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human milk (HM) is the preferred basis of nutrition for infants,
      including those born prematurely. Information on HM macronutrient content is
      necessary to optimize nutritional support of preterm infants. OBJECTIVES: This
      study aimed to describe the types and amounts of enteral feeds given to Swedish
      extremely preterm infants during hospitalization and to investigate the energy
      and macronutrient contents in HM given to these infants. METHODS: A population
      based study of Swedish extremely preterm infants (n = 586) born before 27
      gestational weeks was conducted. Data on ingested volumes of different milk
      during hospitalization and analyses of macronutrient content in HM samples were
      obtained from hospital records. Nutritional content of HM was determined by mid
      infrared spectrophotometry analysis. RESULTS: During the first 4 weeks of life,
      99% of the infants were exclusively fed HM, and at 4 weeks of life, 70% of the
      infants received only mother's own milk (MOM). Nutritional content in 821 MOM
      samples was analyzed. Protein content in MOM decreased significantly from 2.2 to
      1.2 g/100 mL during the first 112 postpartum days, whereas fat and energy content
      were highly variable within and between MOM samples. In addition, 354 samples of
      donor milk were analyzed. Content of protein, fat, and energy in pooled donor
      milk (n = 129) was lower compared to single donor milk. CONCLUSION: Swedish
      extremely preterm infants receive MOM to a large extent during hospitalization.
      Protein, carbohydrates, and energy in MOM changed significantly with time. Weekly
      analyses of MOM during the first month of lactation would allow more
      individualized nutritional support for these vulnerable infants.

PMID- 25117505
TI  - Sinupret activates CFTR and TMEM16A-dependent transepithelial chloride transport
      and improves indicators of mucociliary clearance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We have previously demonstrated that Sinupret, an established
      treatment prescribed widely in Europe for respiratory ailments including
      rhinosinusitis, promotes transepithelial chloride (Cl-) secretion in vitro and in
      vivo. The present study was designed to evaluate other indicators of mucociliary
      clearance (MCC) including ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and airway surface liquid
      (ASL) depth, but also investigate the mechanisms that underlie activity of this
      bioflavonoid. METHODS: Primary murine nasal septal epithelial (MNSE) [wild type
      (WT) and transgenic CFTR(-/-)], human sinonasal epithelial (HSNE), WT CFTR
      expressing CFBE and TMEM16A-expressing HEK cultures were utilized for the present
      experiments. CBF and ASL depth measurements were performed. Mechanisms underlying
      transepithelial Cl- transport were determined using pharmacologic manipulation in
      Ussing chambers, Fura-2 intracellular calcium [Ca(2+)]i imaging, cAMP signaling,
      regulatory domain (R-D) phosphorylation of CFTR, and excised inside out and whole
      cell patch clamp analysis. RESULTS: Sinupret-mediated Cl- secretion
      [DeltaISC(uA/cm(2))] was pronounced in WT MNSE (20.7+/-0.9 vs. 5.6+/
      0.9(control), p<0.05), CFTR(-/-) MNSE (10.1+/-1.0 vs. 0.9+/-0.3(control), p<0.05)
      and HSNE (20.7+/-0.3 vs. 6.4+/-0.9(control), p<0.05). The formulation activated
      Ca(2+) signaling and TMEM16A channels, but also increased CFTR channel open
      probability (Po) without stimulating PKA-dependent pathways responsible for
      phosphorylation of the CFTR R-domain and resultant Cl- secretion. Sinupret also
      enhanced CBF and ASL depth. CONCLUSION: Sinupret stimulates CBF, promotes
      transepithelial Cl- secretion, and increases ASL depth in a manner likely to
      enhance MCC. Our findings suggest that direct stimulation of CFTR, together with
      activation of Ca(2+)-dependent TMEM16A secretion account for the majority of
      anion transport attributable to Sinupret. These studies provide further rationale
      for using robust Cl- secretagogue based therapies as an emerging treatment
      modality for common respiratory diseases of MCC including acute and chronic
      bronchitis and CRS.

PMID- 25117507
TI  - Polymorphisms of E1 and GIGANTEA in wild populations of Lotus japonicus.
AB  - In plants, timing of flowering is an essential factor that controls the survival
      rates of descendants. The circadian clock genes E1 and GIGANTEA (GI) play a
      central role in transmitting signals to flowering locus T (FT) in leguminous
      plants. Lotus japonicus is a wild Japanese species that ranges from northern
      Hokkaido to the southern Ryukyus and exhibits a wide range in terms of the time
      between seeding and first flowering. In this study, we first identified LjGI and
      analyzed polymorphisms of LjE1 and LjGI among wild populations covering the
      entire distribution range of this species in Japan. LjGI had a coding sequence
      (CDS) length of 3495 bp and included 14 exons. The homologies of DNA and amino
      acid sequences between LjGI and GmGI were 89 and 88% (positive rate was 92%),
      respectively. LjE1 harbored five nucleic acid changes in a 552 bp CDS, all of
      which were nonsynonymous; four of the changes were located in the core function
      area. LjE1 alleles exhibited partial north-south differentiation and non
      neutrality. In contrast, the LjGI harbored one synonymous and one nonsynonymous
      change. Thus, our study suggests that LjE1 may be involved in the control of
      flowering times, whereas LjGI may be under strong purifying selection.

PMID- 25117509
TI  - Toward absolute chemical composition distribution measurement of polyolefins by
      high-temperature liquid chromatography hyphenated with infrared absorbance and
      light scattering detectors.
AB  - Chemical composition distribution (CCD) is a fundamental metric for representing
      molecular structures of copolymers in addition to molecular weight distribution
      (MWD). Solvent gradient interaction chromatography (SGIC) is commonly used to
      separate copolymers by chemical composition in order to obtain CCD. The
      separation of polymer in SGIC is, however, not only affected by chemical
      composition but also by molecular weight and architecture. The ability to measure
      composition and MW simultaneously after separation would be beneficial for
      understanding the impact of different factors and deriving true CCD. In this
      study, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography (2D) was coupled with
      infrared absorbance (IR5) and light scattering (LS) detectors for
      characterization of ethylene-propylene copolymers. Polymers were first separated
      by SGIC as the first dimension chromatography (D1). The separated fractions were
      then characterized by the second dimension (D2) size exclusion chromatography
      (SEC) with IR5 and LS detectors. The concentrations and compositions of the
      separated fractions were measured online using the IR5 detector. The MWs of the
      fractions were measured by the ratio of LS to IR5 signals. A metric was derived
      from online concentration and composition data to represent CCD breadth. The
      metric was shown to be independent of separation gradients for an "absolute"
      measurement of CCD breadth. By combining online composition and MW data, the
      relationship of MW as a function of chemical composition was obtained. This
      relationship was qualitatively consistent with the results by SEC coupled to IR5,
      which measures chemical composition as a function of logMW. The simultaneous
      measurements of composition and MW give the opportunity to study the SGIC
      separation mechanism and derive chain architectural characteristics of polymer
      chains. 

PMID- 25117508
TI  - Two HSPs gene from juvenile Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii): cloning,
      characterization and expression pattern to crowding and hypoxia stress.
AB  - In this study, the cDNA sequences of HSP70 and HSP90 were isolated from the
      special chondr-ganoid scale, Amur sturgeon, for the first time. Homology analysis
      indicated that amino acid sequences of HSP70 and HSP90 shared high identity with
      other species (82.68-99.07 and 90.19-98.07%, respectively). The tissue expression
      analysis showed that the asHSP70 and asHSP90 mRNA were ubiquitously expressed in
      all the examined tissues under unstressed condition. The expression pattern of
      HSP70 and HSP90 under chronic (crowding) and acute (hypoxia) stress was examined
      by q-PCR in liver, spleen and kidney. Results showed that stocking density could
      significantly influence the expression of HSP70 at day 20 and/or day 40. In
      contrast to stocking density, levels of HSP70 transcripts indicated a remarkable
      increase in all examined tissues after hypoxia stress. HSP90 levels in liver and
      spleen increased significantly in high stocking density. By comparison,
      significant increase of asHSP90 in kidney was only found in high stocking density
      at day 40. Similar to HSP70, the levels of HSP90 transcripts showed significant
      increases after hypoxia stress except the transcript of liver in H2 group 6 h
      after hypoxia. The assessment of asHSP70 and asHSP90 mRNA levels under crowding
      and hypoxia stresses indicated that asHSP70 and asHSP90 gene might be good
      indicators of stressful situations for Amur sturgeon. Taking serum globulin and
      electrolytes account, we suggest that crowding and hypoxia stress can result in
      considerable stress for Amur sturgeon.

PMID- 25117510
TI  - Curcumin supplementation improves mitochondrial and behavioral deficits in
      experimental model of chronic epilepsy.
AB  - The present study was aimed to investigate the potential beneficial effect of
      curcumin, a polyphenol with pleiotropic properties, on mitochondrial
      dysfunctions, oxidative stress and cognitive deficits in a kindled model of
      epilepsy. Kindled epilepsy was induced in rats by administering a sub-convulsive
      dose of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 40 mg/kg body weight) every alternate day for 30
      days. PTZ administered rats exhibited marked cognitive deficits assessed using
      active and passive avoidance tasks. This was accompanied by a significant
      decrease in NADH:cytochrome-c reductase (complex I) and cytochrome-c oxidase
      (complex IV) activities along with an increase in ROS, lipid peroxidation and
      protein carbonyls. The levels of glutathione also decreased in the cortex and
      hippocampus. Electron micrographs revealed disruption of mitochondrial membrane
      integrity with distorted cristae in PTZ treated animals. Histopathological
      examination showed pyknotic nuclei and cell loss in the hippocampus as well as in
      the cortex of PTZ treated animals. Curcumin administration at a dose of 100
      mg/kg, p.o. throughout the treatment paradigm was able to ameliorate cognitive
      deficits with no significant effect on seizure score. Curcumin was able to
      restore the activity of mitochondrial complexes. In addition, significant
      reduction in ROS generation, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls was
      observed in PTZ animals supplemented with curcumin. Moreover, glutathione levels
      were also restored in PTZ treated rats supplemented with curcumin. Curcumin
      protected mitochondria from seizure induced structural alterations. Further, the
      curcumin supplemented PTZ rats had normal cell morphology and reduced cell loss.
      These results suggest that curcumin supplementation has potential to prevent
      mitochondrial dysfunctions and oxidative stress with improved cognitive functions
      in a chronic model of epilepsy.

PMID- 25117512
TI  - Texture feature analysis for computer-aided diagnosis on pulmonary nodules.
AB  - Differentiation of malignant and benign pulmonary nodules is of paramount
      clinical importance. Texture features of pulmonary nodules in CT images reflect a
      powerful character of the malignancy in addition to the geometry-related
      measures. This study first compared three well-known types of two-dimensional
      (2D) texture features (Haralick, Gabor, and local binary patterns or local binary
      pattern features) on CADx of lung nodules using the largest public database
      founded by Lung Image Database Consortium and Image Database Resource Initiative
      and then investigated extension from 2D to three-dimensional (3D) space.
      Quantitative comparison measures were made by the well-established support vector
      machine (SVM) classifier, the area under the receiver operating characteristic
      curves (AUC) and the p values from hypothesis t tests. While the three feature
      types showed about 90% differentiation rate, the Haralick features achieved the
      highest AUC value of 92.70% at an adequate image slice thickness, where a thinner
      or thicker thickness will deteriorate the performance due to excessive image
      noise or loss of axial details. Gain was observed when calculating 2D features on
      all image slices as compared to the single largest slice. The 3D extension
      revealed potential gain when an optimal number of directions can be found. All
      the observations from this systematic investigation study on the three feature
      types can lead to the conclusions that the Haralick feature type is a better
      choice, the use of the full 3D data is beneficial, and an adequate tradeoff
      between image thickness and noise is desired for an optimal CADx performance.
      These conclusions provide a guideline for further research on lung nodule
      differentiation using CT imaging.

PMID- 25117513
TI  - Fetal echocardiography has a role in multimodality imaging for surgical planning.

PMID- 25117514
TI  - Saccharomyces cerevisiae Gpi2, an accessory subunit of the enzyme catalyzing the
      first step of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor biosynthesis, selectively
      complements some of the functions of its homolog in Candida albicans.
AB  - GPI2 encodes for one of the six accessory subunits of the GPI-N
      acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GPI-GnT) complex that catalyzes the first step of
      GPI biosynthesis in S. cerevisiae and C. albicans. It has been previously
      reported in S. cerevisiae that this subunit physically interacts with and
      negatively modulates Ras signaling. On the other hand, studies from our lab have
      shown that the homologous subunit in C. albicans is a positive modulator of Ras
      signaling. Are the functions of this subunit therefore strictly species
      dependent? We present here functional complementation studies on GPI2 from S.
      cerevisiae and C. albicans that were carried out to address this issue.
      Expression of CaGPI2 in a ScGPI2 conditional lethal mutant could not restore its
      growth defects. Likewise, ScGPI2 overexpression in a CaGPI2 heterozygous mutant
      could not restore its deficient GPI-GnT activity or reverse defects in its cell
      wall integrity and could only poorly restore filamentation. However,
      interestingly, ScGPI2 could restore lanosterol demethylase (CaERG11) levels and
      reverse azole resistance of the CaGPI2 heterozygote. It appeared to do this by
      regulating levels of another GPI-GnT subunit, CaGPI19, which we have previously
      shown to be involved in cross-talk with CaERG11. Thus, the effect of CaGPI2 on
      sterol biosynthesis in C. albicans is independent of its interaction with the GPI
      GnT complex and Ras signaling pathways. In addition, the interaction of Gpi2 with
      other subunits of the GPI-GnT complex as well as with Ras signaling appears to
      have evolved differently in the two organisms. 

PMID- 25117515
TI  - Flexibility and mutagenic resiliency of glycosyltransferases.
AB  - The human blood group A and B antigens are synthesized by two highly homologous
      enzymes, glycosyltransferase A (GTA) and glycosyltransferase B (GTB),
      respectively. These enzymes catalyze the transfer of either GalNAc or Gal from
      their corresponding UDP-donors to alphaFuc1-2betaGal-R terminating acceptors. GTA
      and GTB differ at only four of 354 amino acids (R176G, G235S, L266M, G268A),
      which alter the donor specificity from UDP-GalNAc to UDP-Gal. Blood type O
      individuals synthesize truncated or non-functional enzymes. The cloning,
      crystallization and X-ray structure elucidations for GTA and GTB have revealed
      key residues responsible for donor discrimination and acceptor binding.
      Structural studies suggest that numerous conformational changes occur during the
      catalytic cycle. Over 300 ABO alleles are tabulated in the blood group antigen
      mutation database (BGMUT) that provides a framework for structure-function
      studies. Natural mutations are found in all regions of GTA and GTB from the
      active site, flexible loops, stem region and surfaces remote from the active
      site. Our characterizations of natural mutants near a flexible loop (V175M), on a
      remote surface site (P156L), in the metal binding motif (M212V) and near the
      acceptor binding site (L232P) demonstrate the resiliency of GTA and GTB to
      mutagenesis. 

PMID- 25117517
TI  - Calibration-free ionophore-based ion-selective electrodes with a Co(II)/Co(III)
      redox couple-based solid contact.
AB  - A high electrode-to-electrode reproducibility of the emf response of solid
      contact ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs) requires a precise control of the
      phase boundary potential between the ion-selective membrane (ISM) and the
      underlying electron conductor. To achieve this, we introduced previously
      ionophore-free ion exchanger membranes doped with a well controlled ratio of
      oxidized and reduced species of a redox couple as redox buffer and used them to
      make SC-ISEs that exhibited highly reproducible electrode-to-electrode
      potentials. Unfortunately, ionophores were found to promote the loss of
      insufficiently lipophilic species from the ionophore-doped ISMs into aqueous
      samples. Here we report on an improved redox buffer platform based on equimolar
      amounts of the much less hydrophilic Co(III) and Co(II) complexes of 4,4'-dinonyl
      2,2'-bipyridyl, which makes it possible to extend the redox buffer approach to
      ionophore-based ISEs. For example, K(+)-selective electrodes based on the
      ionophore valinomycin exhibit electrode-to-electrode standard deviations as low
      as 0.7 mV after exposure of freshly prepared electrodes for 1 h to aqueous
      solutions. Exposure of freshly prepared ISE membranes to humidity prior to their
      first contact to electrolyte solution minimizes the initial (reproducible) emf
      drift. This redox buffer has also been successfully applied to sodium, potassium,
      calcium, hydrogen, and carbonate ion-selective electrodes, which all exhibit the
      high selectivity over interfering ions as expected for ionophore-doped ISE
      membranes. 

PMID- 25117516
TI  - Elucidation of a protein-protein interaction network involved in Corynebacterium
      glutamicum cell wall biosynthesis as determined by bacterial two-hybrid analysis.
AB  - Mycobacterium species have a highly complex and unique cell wall that consists of
      a large macromolecular structure termed the mycolyl-arabinogalactan-peptidoglycan
      (mAGP) complex. This complex is essential for growth, survival and virulence of
      the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and is the target of several anti
      tubercular drugs. The closely related species Corynebacterium glutamicum has
      proven useful in the study of orthologous M. tuberculosis genes and proteins
      involved in mAGP synthesis. This study examines the construction of a protein
      protein interaction network for the major cell wall component arabinogalactan in
      C. glutamicum based on the use of a bacterial two-hybrid system. We have
      identified twenty-four putative homotypic and heterotypic protein interactions in
      vivo. Our results demonstrate an association between glycosyltransferases, GlfT1
      and AftB, and interaction between the sub-units of decaprenylphosphoribose
      epimerase, DprE1 and DprE2. These analyses have also shown that AftB interacts
      with AftA, which catalyzes the addition of the first three arabinose units onto
      the galactan chain. Both AftA and AftB associate with other
      arabinofuranosyltransferases, including Emb and AftC, that elongate and branch
      the arabinan domain. Moreover, a number of proteins involved in arabinogalactan
      biosynthesis were shown to form dimers or multimers. These findings provide a
      useful recourse for understanding the biosynthesis and function of the
      mycobacterial cell wall, as well as providing new therapeutic targets.

PMID- 25117519
TI  - Support for a tobacco endgame strategy in 18 European countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The feasibility of a tobacco endgame strategy, aiming to bring smoking
      prevalence to near-zero levels, is currently under debate. We provide information
      on public support for such a strategy in Europe. METHODS: In 2010 we conducted a
      face-to-face representative survey in 18 European countries (Albania, Austria,
      Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, England, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary,
      Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Sweden). The present
      analysis is based on 16,947 individuals aged >= 15 years providing information on
      their attitudes towards a complete ban on the use or sale of tobacco. RESULTS:
      Overall, 34.9% of adults (32.8% in men and 37.0% in women; p<0.001) supported a
      complete ban strategy on use or sale of tobacco, 41.2% of never, 29.4% of ex- and
      25.6% of current smokers. The highest support was observed in southern Europe
      (42.5%), followed by eastern (39.1%), northern (27.5%) and western Europe (23.0%;
      p<0.001). A significant inverse trend was observed with both age and education.
      CONCLUSION: Approximately one in three adults (and one in four smokers) supports
      a comprehensive tobacco endgame intervention. This first study in Europe provides
      a baseline for evaluating future trends in public support for extreme
      propositions to end or drastically cut smoking.

PMID- 25117518
TI  - Whole organism high content screening identifies stimulators of pancreatic beta
      cell proliferation.
AB  - Inducing beta-cell mass expansion in diabetic patients with the aim to restore
      glucose homeostasis is a promising therapeutic strategy. Although several in
      vitro studies have been carried out to identify modulators of beta-cell mass
      expansion, restoring endogenous beta-cell mass in vivo has yet to be achieved. To
      identify potential stimulators of beta-cell replication in vivo, we established
      transgenic zebrafish lines that monitor and allow the quantification of cell
      proliferation by using the fluorescent ubiquitylation-based cell cycle indicator
      (FUCCI) technology. Using these new reagents, we performed an unbiased chemical
      screen, and identified 20 small molecules that markedly increased beta-cell
      proliferation in vivo. Importantly, these structurally distinct molecules, which
      include clinically-approved drugs, modulate three specific signaling pathways:
      serotonin, retinoic acid and glucocorticoids, showing the high sensitivity and
      robustness of our screen. Notably, two drug classes, retinoic acid and
      glucocorticoids, also promoted beta-cell regeneration after beta-cell ablation.
      Thus, this study establishes a proof of principle for a high-throughput small
      molecule-screen for beta-cell proliferation in vivo, and identified compounds
      that stimulate beta-cell proliferation and regeneration. 

PMID- 25117520
TI  - How personalized medical data could improve health care.
AB  - We present a redesign of medical test results by placing the information of blood
      samples in the context of the patient's personal clinical data. We predict that
      implementing personalized data in the treatment of patients will promote
      engagement in the treatment, motivate patients to take responsibility and lead to
      greater satisfaction with the patient-doctor relationship. 

PMID- 25117521
TI  - Patient and physician gender concordance in preventive care in university primary
      care settings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of preventive care according to physician and
      patient gender in a country with universal health care coverage. METHODS: We
      assessed a retrospective cohort study of 1001 randomly selected patients aged 50
      80 years followed over 2 years (2005-2006) in 4 Swiss university primary care
      settings (Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich). We used indicators derived from
      RAND's Quality Assessment Tools and examined percentages of recommended
      preventive care. Results were adjusted using hierarchical multivariate logistic
      regression models. RESULTS: 1001 patients (44% women) were followed by 189
      physicians (52% women). Female patients received less preventive care than male
      patients (65.2% vs. 72.1%, p<0.001). Female physicians provided significantly
      more preventive care than male physicians (p=0.01) to both female (66.7% vs.
      63.6%) and male patients (73.4% vs. 70.7%). After multivariate adjustment,
      differences according to physician (p=0.02) and patient gender (p<0.001) remained
      statistically significant. Female physicians provided more recommended cancer
      screening than male physicians (78.4 vs. 71.9%, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In Swiss
      university primary care settings, female patients receive less preventive care
      than male patients, with female physicians providing more preventive care than
      male physicians. Greater attention should be paid to female patients in
      preventive care and to why female physicians tend to provide better preventive
      care.

PMID- 25117522
TI  - Understanding occupational sitting: prevalence, correlates and moderating effects
      in Australian employees.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To (1) compare occupational sitting between different socio
      demographic, health-related, work-related and psychosocial categories, (2)
      identity socio-demographic, health-related, work-related and psychosocial
      correlates of occupational sitting, and (3) examine the moderating effect of work
      related factors in the relation between correlates and occupational sitting.
      METHODS: Randomly-selected Australian adults completed a web-based survey
      assessing socio-demographic (country of birth, gender, age, education, income),
      health-related (general health, weight, physical activity), work-related
      (employment status, occupational task, occupational classification) and sedentary
      specific psychosocial (social norm, social support, self-efficacy, control,
      advantages, disadvantage, intention) factors, and occupational sitting-time. t
      tests, ANOVAs and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted (in 2013) on
      a sample of employees (n=993). RESULTS: Respondents sat on average for 3.75
      (SD=2.45) h/day during work. Investigated correlates explained 41% of the
      variance in occupational sitting. More occupational sitting was associated with
      being male, being younger, higher education and income, part-time and full-time
      employment, sedentary job tasks, white-collar/professional occupations, higher
      BMI, and perceiving more advantages of sitting less at work. Employment status
      and occupational classification moderated the association between control to sit
      less and occupational sitting. A lack of control to sit less was associated with
      higher occupational sitting in part-time and full-time workers, but not in casual
      workers; and in white-collar and professional workers, but not in blue-collar
      workers. CONCLUSIONS: Most important contributors to occupational sitting were
      work-related and socio-demographic correlates. More research is needed to confirm
      present results.

PMID- 25117523
TI  - The status of men's health in Asia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare health status and its risk factors between
      men and women who are from countries of different income status in Asia. METHOD:
      We have included 47 Asian countries and 2 regions in this study. Life expectancy,
      mortality rate from communicable disease, non-communicable disease and injuries,
      the prevalence of non-communicable diseases risk factors and their trends were
      extracted from the WHO and respective governmental database. Subgroup analysis
      was performed based on country income groups. RESULTS: Overall, men have shorter
      life expectancy and higher mortality rates compared to women. Men from higher
      income countries lived longer compared to men from lower-income countries. There
      is a wide variation of male life expectancy in upper and lower middle income
      countries. The mean systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and body mass
      index in Asia have also increased over the years. CONCLUSION: This study confirms
      that Asian men have poorer health compared to women besides the growing concerns
      on NCD risk factors. The findings from this study calls for a concerted effort to
      find solutions in addressing men's health problems in Asia.

PMID- 25117524
TI  - Dog walking is associated with more outdoor play and independent mobility for
      children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dog ownership is positively associated with children's physical
      activity. It is plausible that dog-facilitated activity rather than dog ownership
      per se encourages children's physical activity behaviors. We examined
      relationships between dog walking and children's physical activity, and outdoor
      play and independent mobility. METHOD: Cross-sectional survey data from the 2007
      Perth (Western Australia) TRavel, Environment, and Kids (TREK) project were
      analyzed for 727 10-12 year olds with a family dog. Weekly minutes of overall
      physical activity and walking, local walking and outdoor play were collected from
      children and parents. Children's weekly pedometer steps were measured.
      Independent mobility was determined by active independent travel to 15 local
      destinations. RESULTS: Overall, 55% of children walked their dog. After
      adjustment, more dog walkers than non-dog walkers walked in the neighborhood (75%
      vs. 47%), played in the street (60% vs. 45%) and played in the yard (91% vs. 84%)
      (all p <= 0.05). Dog walkers were more independently mobile than non-dog walkers
      (p <= 0.001). Dog walking status was not associated with overall physical
      activity, walking, or pedometer steps (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dog-facilitated play
      and physical activity can be an effective strategy for increasing children's
      physical activity. Dog walking may provide a readily accessible and safe option
      for improving levels of independent mobility.

PMID- 25117525
TI  - Moving toward implementation: the potential for accountable care organizations
      and private-public partnerships to advance active neighborhood design.
AB  - The 2010 Affordable Care Act's (ACA) aims of lowering costs and improving quality
      of care will renew focus on preventive health strategies. This coincides with a
      trend in medicine to reconsider population health approaches as part of the
      standard curriculum. This intersection of new policy and educational climates
      presents a unique opportunity to reconsider traditional healthcare structures.
      This paper introduces and advances an alignment that few have considered. We
      propose that accountable care organizations (ACOs), which are expected to
      proliferate under the ACA, present the best opportunity to establish partnerships
      between healthcare, public health, and community-based organizations to achieve
      the legislation's goals. One example is encouraging daily physical activity via
      built environment interventions and programs, which is recommended by numerous
      groups. We highlight how nonprofit organizations in Sacramento, California have
      been able to leverage influence, capital, and policy to encourage design for
      active living, and how their work is coordinating with public health and
      healthcare initiatives. In conclusion, we critically examine potential barriers
      to the success of partnerships between ACOs and community organizations and
      encourage further exploration and evaluation. 

PMID- 25117526
TI  - Building safety into active living initiatives.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Efforts to promote environmental designs that facilitate opportunities
      for physical activity should consider the fact that injuries are the leading
      cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44, with transportation-related injuries
      the most common cause. Drawing on the latest research and best practices in the
      field of injury prevention, the purpose of this article is to provide those
      working to promote physical activity with evidence-based recommendations on
      building in safety while designing active environments. METHOD: A systematic
      review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature published from 1995 to 2012 was
      conducted to identify injury prevention strategies applicable to objectives in
      the Active Design Guidelines (ADG), which present design strategies for active
      living. Injury prevention strategies were rated according to the strength of the
      research evidence. RESULTS: We identified 18 urban design strategies and 9
      building design strategies that promote safety. Evidence was strong or emerging
      for 14/18 urban design strategies and 7/9 building design strategies. CONCLUSION:
      ADG strategies are often wholly compatible with well-accepted injury prevention
      principles. By partnering with architects and planners, injury prevention and
      public health professionals can help ensure that new and renovated spaces
      maximize both active living and safety.

PMID- 25117528
TI  - Quality criteria for health checks: development of a European consensus
      agreement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Health checks may empower individuals to take better care of their
      health, but they may incorporate risks of incorrect test results, overdiagnosis
      and overtreatment as well. Some health checks are strictly regulated, such as in
      many of the national screening programs, but the ones offered outside such
      programs and in the commercial domain, are not. We developed a European consensus
      agreement for quality criteria. METHOD: Quality criteria were developed with the
      contribution of 43 experts from 16 European countries and 8 European
      organizations. A working group drafted a proposal, which was revised in several
      rounds of internal and external review by a multidisciplinary group of experts.
      RESULT: The quality criteria address the provision of information, communication
      and informed consent, predictive ability and utility of the test, and quality
      assurance. CONCLUSION: The consensus agreement on the quality of health checks
      aim to enhance informed decision making in clients and protects the affordability
      of the health care system. The criteria can be developed further into a formal
      standard and regulation if such authority is warranted.

PMID- 25117527
TI  - Distinct associations of different sedentary behaviors with health-related
      attributes among older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Leisure-time sedentary behaviors (LTSBs) have been associated
      adversely with health outcomes. However, limited research has focused on
      different categories of LTSB. We aimed at identifying categories of LTSBs and
      examining their separate associations with indices of health among Japanese older
      adults. METHODS: A postal survey collected data on self-reported health,
      psychological distress, body mass index, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
      (MVPA), LTSBs (five behaviors) and socio-demographic characteristics from 1,580
      Japanese older adults (67% response rate; 65-74 years) in 2010. Exploratory
      factor analysis was used to classify LTSBs. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for
      associations of LTSB categories with self-reported health, psychological
      distress, overweight, and lower MVPA. Data were analyzed in 2013. RESULTS: Two
      categories of LTSB: passive sedentary time (consisting of TV time, listening or
      talking while sitting, and sitting around) and mentally-active sedentary time
      (consisting of computer-use and reading books or newspapers) were identified.
      Higher passive sedentary time was associated with a higher odds of being
      overweight (OR: 1.39, [95% CI: 1.08-1.80]), and lower MVPA (1.26, [1.02-1.54]).
      Higher mentally-active sedentary time was associated with lower odds of lower
      MVPA (0.70, [0.57-0.86]). CONCLUSIONS: Two types of sedentary time-passive and
      mentally-active-may play different roles in older adults' well-being.

PMID- 25117529
TI  - Sesamin suppresses macrophage-derived chemokine expression in human monocytes via
      epigenetic regulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chemokines play important roles in the pathogenesis of asthmatic
      inflammation. Sesamin, a class of phytoestrogen isolated from sesame seed Sesamum
      indicum, is recently regarded as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, the effects
      of sesamin on asthma-related chemokines are unknown. To this end, we investigated
      the effects of sesamin on the expression interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10
      (IP-10/CXCL10), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22), growth-related oncogene
      alpha (GRO-alpha/CXCL1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in human monocytes.
      METHODS: Cells were pretreated with sesamin before lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      stimulation. IP-10, MDC, GRO-alpha and TNF-alpha were measured by ELISA. Involved
      receptors and intracellular signaling were investigated by receptor antagonists,
      pathway inhibitors, western blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS:
      Sesamin suppressed LPS-induced MDC in THP-1 and human primary monocytes. Sesamin
      suppressed LPS-induced IP-10 in THP-1 cells, but not human primary monocytes.
      Sesamin had no effects on LPS-induced GRO-alpha and TNF-alpha expression in THP-1
      and human primary monocytes. The suppressive effect of sesamin on MDC was
      reversed by the estrogen receptor (ER) and peroxisomal proliferator-activated
      receptor (PPAR)-alpha antagonists. Sesamin suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation
      of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-p38 and nuclear factor kappa B
      (NFkappaB)-p65. Sesamin suppressed histone H3/H4 acetylation in the MDC promoter
      region. CONCLUSION: Sesamin suppressed LPS-induced MDC expression via the ER, the
      PPAR-alpha, the MAPK-p38 pathway, the NFkappaB-p65 pathway and the epigenetic
      regulation. Sesamin may have therapeutic potential in preventing and treating
      asthma.

PMID- 25117530
TI  - Dynamically optimizing experiment schedules of a laboratory robot system with
      simulated annealing.
AB  - A scheduler has been developed for an integrated laboratory robot system that
      operates in an always-on mode. The integrated system is designed for imaging
      plates containing protein crystallization experiments, and it allows
      crystallographers to enter plates at any time and request that they be imaged at
      multiple time points in the future. The scheduler must rearrange tasks within the
      time it takes to image one plate, trading off the quality of the schedule for the
      speed of the computation. For this reason, the scheduler was based on a simulated
      annealing algorithm with an objective function that makes use of a linear
      programming solver. To optimize the scheduler, extensive computational
      simulations were performed involving a difficult but representative scheduling
      problem. The simulations explore multiple configurations of the simulated
      annealing algorithm, including both geometric and adaptive annealing schedules, 3
      neighborhood functions, and 20 neighborhood diameters. An optimal configuration
      was found that produced the best results in less than 60 seconds, well within the
      window necessary to dynamically reschedule imaging tasks as new plates are
      entered into the system. 

PMID- 25117532
TI  - The ecology of yeasts in the bark beetle holobiont: a century of research
      revisited.
AB  - Yeasts are extremely common associates of scolytine bark beetles, yet the basic
      ecology of yeasts in the bark beetle holobiont remains poorly understood. Yeasts
      are present in all beetle life stages and consistently isolated from adult,
      larval, and pupal integuments and mycangial structures, but yeasts are also found
      in oviposition galleries, pupal chambers, larval and adult digestive tracts, as
      well as phloem and xylem tissues. Yeasts in the Saccharomycetaceae family are the
      most prevalent associates, and most individual beetles are associated with only
      one or several yeast species. Kuraishia capsulata and Ogataea pini are the most
      commonly encountered yeast species in surveys of Dendroctonus and Ips beetles;
      most beetles that have been surveyed are vectors for one or both yeasts. Yeasts
      have significant but often overlooked functional roles in bark beetle ecology.
      Infochemicals resulting from volatile production by yeast have wide-ranging
      bioactivity for arthropods: Yeast emissions attract beetles at low concentrations
      but repel beetles at high concentrations, and yeast emissions can also serve as
      cues to predators and parasites of bark beetles. In some cases, yeasts can modify
      tree chemistry over time or metabolize toxic terpenoids, though potential
      consequences for beetle performance or the growth of nutritional fungi remain to
      be demonstrated. Also, the presence of yeast species can restrict or promote the
      establishment and growth of filamentous fungi, including mutualists,
      entomopathogens, and opportunistic saprophytes. The role of yeasts as nutritional
      symbionts has received mixed support, though a nutritional hypothesis has not
      been extensively tested. Continued research on the functional ecology of bark
      beetle-yeast associations is needed to better understand the emergent properties
      of these complex symbiont assemblages. 

PMID- 25117533
TI  - Label-free colorimetric detection of cadmium ions in rice samples using gold
      nanoparticles.
AB  - A simple and label-free colorimetric method for cadmium ions (Cd(2+)) detection
      using unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is reported. The unmodified AuNPs
      easily aggregate in a high concentration of NaCl solution, but the presence of
      glutathione (GSH) can prevent the salt-induced aggregation of AuNPs. When Cd(2+)
      is added to the stable mixture of AuNPs, GSH, and NaCl, Cd(2+) can coordinate
      with 4* GSH as a spherical shaped complex, which decreases the amount of free GSH
      on the surface of gold nanoparticles to weaken the stability of AuNPs, and AuNPs
      will easily aggregate in high-salt conditions. On the basis of the mechanism, we
      design a simple, label-free colorimetric method using AuNPs accompanied by GSH in
      a high-salt environment to detect Cd(2+) in water and digested rice samples. 

PMID- 25117531
TI  - Endophytic fungi: expanding the arsenal of industrial enzyme producers.
AB  - Endophytic fungi, mostly belonging to the Ascomycota, are found in the
      intercellular spaces of the aerial plant parts, particularly in leaf sheaths,
      sometimes even within the bark and root system without inducing any visual
      symptoms of their presence. These fungi appear to have a capacity to produce a
      wide range of enzymes and secondary metabolites exhibiting a variety of
      biological activities. However, they have been only barely exploited as sources
      of enzymes of industrial interest. This review emphasizes the suitability and
      possible advantages of including the endophytic fungi in the screening of new
      enzyme producing organisms as well as in studies aiming to optimize the
      production of enzymes through well-known culture processes. Apparently endophytic
      fungi possess the two types of extracellular enzymatic systems necessary to
      degrade the vegetal biomass: (1) the hydrolytic system responsible for
      polysaccharide degradation consisting mainly in xylanases and cellulases; and (2)
      the unique oxidative ligninolytic system, which degrades lignin and opens phenyl
      rings, comprises mainly laccases, ligninases and peroxidases. The obvious ability
      of endophytic fungi to degrade the complex structure of lignocellulose makes them
      useful in the exploration of the lignocellulosic biomass for the production of
      fuel ethanol and other value-added commodity chemicals. In addition to this,
      endophytic fungi may become new sources of industrially useful enzymes such as
      lipases, amylases and proteases. 

PMID- 25117535
TI  - The energy allocation function of sleep: a unifying theory of sleep, torpor, and
      continuous wakefulness.
AB  - The energy allocation (EA) model defines behavioral strategies that optimize the
      temporal utilization of energy to maximize reproductive success. This model
      proposes that all species of the animal kingdom share a universal sleep function
      that shunts waking energy utilization toward sleep-dependent biological
      investment. For endotherms, REM sleep evolved to enhance energy appropriation for
      somatic and CNS-related processes by eliminating thermoregulatory defenses and
      skeletal muscle tone. Alternating REM with NREM sleep conserves energy by
      decreasing the need for core body temperature defense. Three EA phenotypes are
      proposed: sleep-wake cycling, torpor, and continuous (or predominant)
      wakefulness. Each phenotype carries inherent costs and benefits. Sleep-wake
      cycling downregulates specific biological processes in waking and upregulates
      them in sleep, thereby decreasing energy demands imposed by wakefulness, reducing
      cellular infrastructure requirements, and resulting in overall energy
      conservation. Torpor achieves the greatest energy savings, but critical
      biological operations are compromised. Continuous wakefulness maximizes niche
      exploitation, but endures the greatest energy demands. The EA model advances a
      new construct for understanding sleep-wake organization in ontogenetic and
      phylogenetic domains. 

PMID- 25117534
TI  - Detection of Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus nucleic acids using a
      smartphone accessory.
AB  - Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an infectious cancer occurring in immune-compromised
      patients, caused by Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Our vision is
      to simplify the process of KS diagnosis through the creation of a smartphone
      based point-of-care system capable of yielding an actionable diagnostic readout
      starting from a raw biopsy sample. In this work we develop the sensing mechanism
      for the overall system, a smartphone accessory capable of detecting KSHV nucleic
      acids. The accessory reads out microfluidic chips filled with a colorimetric
      nanoparticle assay targeted at KSHV. We calculate that our final device can read
      out gold nanoparticle solutions with an accuracy of 0.05 OD, and we demonstrate
      that it can detect DNA sequences from KSHV down to 1 nM. We believe that through
      integration with our previously developed components, a smartphone based system
      like the one studied here can provide accurate detection information, as well as
      a simple platform for field based clinical diagnosis and research. 

PMID- 25117536
TI  - Soft perforation of cardiolipin-containing planar lipid bilayer membrane by
      cytochrome c and H(2)O(2).
AB  - The release of cytochrome c (cyt c) from mitochondria is responsible for
      initiation of cell apoptosis. Although extramitochondrial proteins are thought to
      initiate this release, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Cyt c binds to and
      penetrates lipid bilayer membranes of specific phospholipid cardiolipin (CL)
      contained in mitochondria. We present here the experimental results of monitoring
      planar BLM (pBLM) from mixtures of azolectin and of CL (4/1 by moles) by triangle
      voltage pulses of 100 mV in amplitude and frequency of 2 Hz. The BLM were
      modified by a successive addition of cyt c and of H(2)O(2) in water solution. It
      is shown that the addition of cyt c alone leads to a stepwise increase in the
      ionic conductance of the pBLM, indicating the appearance of transmembrane pores.
      Pore lifetimes then reached several seconds at an average pore diameter of ~2 nm.
      Current-voltage characteristics were then linear and passed through the origin
      which is characteristic for broad, nonselective ion pores. Subsequent addition of
      H(2)O(2) caused a dramatic increase in transmembrane current at retention of
      average pore size constant. Observed increase in membrane current is due to
      growth of a number of pores in an open state. We suggest that hydrogen peroxide
      in the presence of cyt c promotes a peroxidation of membrane phospholipids to
      form lysolipids, the embedding of which stabilizes the edge of the pore and the
      surface of lipid bilayer.

PMID- 25117539
TI  - First report of a direct surface plasmon resonance immunosensor for a small
      molecule seafood toxin.
AB  - Tetrodotoxin (TTX), a small molecular weight neurotoxin, is responsible for
      poisoning events that traditionally occur from consumption of contaminated puffer
      fish. Recent studies have shown a growing number of foods contaminated with TTX
      and a larger number of waters and associated countries where the toxin may occur.
      The apparent expanding prevalence of TTX supports a growing need for screening
      assays that can be used to detect potentially harmful food. In the past few
      years, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors have been developed for rapid,
      robust detection of TTX; however, these assays focus on detection of unbound
      antibody from an inhibition reaction with the toxin. This manuscript introduces
      the first direct immunoassay for a seafood toxin, specifically TTX. Major
      advantages of this assay compared to indirect assays include increased speed of
      analysis, decreased use of biological reagents, and improved confidence in the
      detection of the toxin, along with the ability to characterize the antibody/toxin
      interaction. The analytical method introduced in this paper could be applied to
      other seafood toxins, as well as to a wide range of low molecular weight targets.

PMID- 25117538
TI  - Getting Black Men to Undergo Prostate Cancer Screening: The Role of Social
      Capital.
AB  - Despite higher rates of prostate cancer-related mortality and later stage of
      prostate cancer diagnosis, Black/African American men are significantly less
      likely than non-Hispanic White men to use early detection screening tools, like
      prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer. Lower screening
      rates may be due, in part, to controversy over the value of prostate cancer
      screenings as part of routine preventive care for men, but Black men represent a
      high-risk group for prostate cancer that may still benefit from PSA testing.
      Exploring the role of social factors that might be associated with PSA testing
      can increase knowledge of what might promote screening behaviors for prostate
      cancer and other health conditions for which Black men are at high risk. Using
      multilevel logistic regression, this study analyzed self-report lifetime use of
      PSA test for 829 Black men older than 45 years across 381 Philadelphia census
      tracts. This study included individual demographic and aggregated social capital
      data from the Public Health Management Corporation's 2004, 2006, and 2008 waves
      of the Community Health Database, and sociodemographic characteristics from the
      2000 U.S. Census. Each unit increase in community participation was associated
      with a 3 to 3.5 times greater likelihood of having had a PSA test (odds ratio =
      3.35). Findings suggest that structural forms of social capital may play a role
      in screening behaviors for Black men in Philadelphia. A better understanding of
      the mechanism underlying the link between social capital and screening behaviors
      can inform how researchers and interventionists develop tools to promote
      screening for those who need it. 

PMID- 25117537
TI  - Tannic acid modified silver nanoparticles show antiviral activity in herpes
      simplex virus type 2 infection.
AB  - The interaction between silver nanoparticles and herpesviruses is attracting
      great interest due to their antiviral activity and possibility to use as
      microbicides for oral and anogenital herpes. In this work, we demonstrate that
      tannic acid modified silver nanoparticles sized 13 nm, 33 nm and 46 nm are
      capable of reducing HSV-2 infectivity both in vitro and in vivo. The antiviral
      activity of tannic acid modified silver nanoparticles was size-related, required
      direct interaction and blocked virus attachment, penetration and further spread.
      All tested tannic acid modified silver nanoparticles reduced both infection and
      inflammatory reaction in the mouse model of HSV-2 infection when used at
      infection or for a post-infection treatment. Smaller-sized nanoparticles induced
      production of cytokines and chemokines important for anti-viral response. The
      corresponding control buffers with tannic acid showed inferior antiviral effects
      in vitro and were ineffective in blocking in vivo infection. Our results show
      that tannic acid modified silver nanoparticles are good candidates for
      microbicides used in treatment of herpesvirus infections. 

PMID- 25117543
TI  - An integrative computational model for large-scale identification of
      metalloproteins in microbial genomes: a focus on iron-sulfur cluster proteins.
AB  - Metalloproteins represent a ubiquitous group of molecules which are crucial to
      the survival of all living organisms. While several metal-binding motifs have
      been defined, it remains challenging to confidently identify metalloproteins from
      primary protein sequences using computational approaches alone. Here, we describe
      a comprehensive strategy based on a machine learning approach to design and
      assess a penalized generalized linear model. We used this strategy to detect
      members of the iron-sulfur cluster protein family. A new category of descriptors,
      whose profile is based on profile hidden Markov models, encoding structural
      information was combined with public descriptors into a linear model. The model
      was trained and tested on distinct datasets composed of well-characterized iron
      sulfur protein sequences, and the resulting model provided higher sensitivity
      compared to a motif-based approach, while maintaining a good level of
      specificity. Analysis of this linear model allows us to detect and quantify the
      contribution of each descriptor, providing us with a better understanding of this
      complex protein family along with valuable indications for further experimental
      characterization. Two newly-identified proteins, YhcC and YdiJ, were functionally
      validated as genuine iron-sulfur proteins, confirming the prediction. The
      computational model was then applied to over 550 prokaryotic genomes to screen
      for iron-sulfur proteomes; the results are publicly available at: . This study
      represents a proof-of-concept for the application of a penalized linear model to
      identify metalloprotein superfamilies on a large-scale. The application employed
      here, screening for iron-sulfur proteomes, provides new candidates for further
      biochemical and structural analysis as well as new resources for an extensive
      exploration of iron-sulfuromes in the microbial world. 

PMID- 25117541
TI  - Human premotor areas parse sequences into their spatial and temporal features.
AB  - Skilled performance is characterized by precise and flexible control of movement
      sequences in space and time. Recent theories suggest that integrated spatio
      temporal trajectories are generated by intrinsic dynamics of motor and premotor
      networks. This contrasts with behavioural advantages that emerge when a trained
      spatial or temporal feature of sequences is transferred to a new spatio-temporal
      combination arguing for independent neural representations of these sequence
      features. We used a new fMRI pattern classification approach to identify brain
      regions with independent vs integrated representations. A distinct regional
      dissociation within motor areas was revealed: whereas only the contralateral
      primary motor cortex exhibited unique patterns for each spatio-temporal sequence
      combination, bilateral premotor areas represented spatial and temporal features
      independently of each other. These findings advocate a unique function of higher
      motor areas for flexible recombination and efficient encoding of complex motor
      behaviours.

PMID- 25117540
TI  - The transcription factor NRSF contributes to epileptogenesis by selective
      repression of a subset of target genes.
AB  - The mechanisms generating epileptic neuronal networks following insults such as
      severe seizures are unknown. We have previously shown that interfering with the
      function of the neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF/REST), an important
      transcription factor that influences neuronal phenotype, attenuated development
      of this disorder. In this study, we found that epilepsy-provoking seizures
      increased the low NRSF levels in mature hippocampus several fold yet
      surprisingly, provoked repression of only a subset (~10%) of potential NRSF
      target genes. Accordingly, the repressed gene-set was rescued when NRSF binding
      to chromatin was blocked. Unexpectedly, genes selectively repressed by NRSF had
      mid-range binding frequencies to the repressor, a property that rendered them
      sensitive to moderate fluctuations of NRSF levels. Genes selectively regulated by
      NRSF during epileptogenesis coded for ion channels, receptors, and other crucial
      contributors to neuronal function. Thus, dynamic, selective regulation of NRSF
      target genes may play a role in influencing neuronal properties in pathological
      and physiological contexts.

PMID- 25117544
TI  - Attention and working memory in elderly: the influence of a distracting
      environment.
AB  - The present work investigated the effect of a distracting environment in the
      performance of attentional and working memory (WM) tasks in elderly participants.
      To this end, forty elderly performed two attentional tasks (simple reaction time
      and go/no-go tasks), and three WM tasks (arithmetic, memory for digits and
      sequences of letters and numbers). Each participant performed the tasks in a
      distracting and a non-distracting environment, with an interval of 14-21 days
      between sessions. The results revealed better performance in the attentional
      tasks when these were done in the non-distracting environment, as compared to
      when they were done in the distracting environment. Specifically, participants
      provided more accurate responses, fewer false alarms and omissions when
      responding in the non-distracting environment than when responding in the
      distracting environment. Participants were also faster at providing correct
      responses in the go/no-go task when it was performed in the non-distracting
      environment. As for the memory tasks, the effect of type of environment was
      significant only in the memory for digits in a forward direction task. Our data
      suggest the need to consider the potential damaging consequences of distracting
      environments when the elderly have to perform tasks that demand their attention.
      Specific examples of such situations are presented in the discussion (e.g.,
      distracting effect of environment on medical and on psychological evaluations). 

PMID- 25117542
TI  - Subacute manganese exposure in rats is a neurochemical model of early manganese
      toxicity.
AB  - Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element, but excess exposure leads to
      accumulation in biological tissues, including the brain. Chronically high Mn
      levels in the brain are neurotoxic and can result in a progressive, irreversible
      neurological disorder known as manganism. Manganism has signs and symptoms
      similar to, but distinguishable from idiopathic Parkinson's disease, which
      include both psychological and motor disturbances. Evidence suggests that Mn
      exposure impacts neurotransmitter levels in the brain. However, it remains
      unclear if subacute, low-level Mn exposure resulted in alterations in
      neurotransmitter systems with concomitant behavioral deficits. The current study
      used high performance liquid chromatography to quantify neurotransmitter levels
      in rat striatum (STR), substantia nigra (SN), and hippocampus (HP). Subacute Mn
      exposure via i.p. injection of 15mg Mn/kg as MnCl2 caused significantly increased
      dopamine (DA) levels in the STR. The enhancement was accompanied by significantly
      elevated levels of the DA metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and
      homovanillic acid (HVA), in the STR. In addition, levels of HVA were
      significantly increased in the SN and HP. These data indicate that subacute, low
      level Mn exposure disrupts multiple neurotransmitter systems in the rat brain
      which may be responsible, in part, for observed locomotor deficits. 

PMID- 25117545
TI  - fadD deletion and fadL overexpression in Escherichia coli increase hydroxy long
      chain fatty acid productivity.
AB  - A major problem of long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) hydroxylation using Escherichia
      coli is that FadD (long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase), which is necessary for
      exogenous LCFA transport, also initiates cellular consumption of LCFA. In this
      study, an effective method to prevent the cellular consumption of LCFA without
      impairing its transport is proposed. The main idea is that a heterologous enzyme
      which consumes LCFA can replace FadD in LCFA transport. For the model
      heterologous enzyme, CYP153A from Marinobacter aquaeolei, which converts palmitic
      acid into omega-hydroxy palmitic acid, was expressed in E. coli. When fadD was
      deleted from an E. coli strain, CYP153A indeed maintained the ability to
      transport LCFA. A disadvantage of fadD deletion mutant is the fact that FadD
      deficiency downregulates the transcription of fadL (outer membrane LCFA
      transporter) via FadR (fatty acid metabolism regulator protein), was solved by
      fadL overexpression from a plasmid. In addition, the overexpression of fadL was
      able to offset catabolite repression on fadL, allowing glucose to be used as the
      primary carbon source. In conclusion, the strain with fadD deletion and fadL
      overexpression showed 5.5-fold increase in productivity compared to the wild-type
      strain, converting 2.6 g/L (10.0 mM) of palmitic acid into 2.4 g/L (8.8 mM) of
      omega-hydroxy palmitic acid in a shake flask. This simple genetic manipulation
      can be applied to any LCFA hydroxylation using E. coli.

PMID- 25117546
TI  - Facile synthesis of oxidic PEG-modified magnetic polydopamine nanospheres for
      Candida rugosa lipase immobilization.
AB  - A versatile method for the design of polydopamine-coated magnetic material with a
      brush-like structure used for Candida Rugosa lipase (CRL) immobilization was
      reported in this work. First, polydopamine (PDA) was coated on the surface of
      Fe3O4 nanospheres (Fe3O4 NPs) with a controllable thickness via dip coating
      process, and CRL can be immobilized on it directly via covalent bonding.
      Subsequently, PDA-functionalized Fe3O4 NPs were modified with dialdehyde
      polyethylene glycol (PEG) to obtain the aldehyde groups, and the brush-like
      structure of the magnetic supports was formed. After being characterized with
      various methods, it was verified that the prepared magnetic NPs possessed good
      monodispersity and displayed high saturation magnetization after modification.
      Meanwhile, the CRL was immobilized on it covalently, and the enzyme activities
      such as activity, stability, and reusability were investigated. Significantly,
      the versatility of polydopamine-inspired chemistry combined with the unique
      biological nature and tunability with dialdehyde PEG could evoke the efficiency
      of the CRL, making this a promising coating technique for various bio
      applications.

PMID- 25117547
TI  - A recombinant porcine circovirus type 2 expressing the VP1 epitope of the type O
      foot-and-mouth disease virus is infectious and induce both PCV2 and VP1 epitope
      antibodies.
AB  - Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the etiological agent of postweaning
      multisystemic wasting syndrome, a disease that causes huge economic damage in
      swine industry. A recombinant PCV2 expressing the neutralizing VP1 epitope (aa
      141-160) of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) was rescued using an
      infectious cloning technique. The PCV2 antigen and FMDV-VP1 antigenic epitope of
      the cloned strain recPCV2-CL-VP1 were confirmed by an immunoperoxidase monolayer
      assay (IPMA) and a capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The
      morphological features of the recPCV2-CL-VP1 were not discernibly different from
      those of its parental strain (PCV2-CL). However, the recombinant virus could be
      differentiated from its parental virus by PCR and capture ELISA. The recPCV2-CL
      VP1 was demonstrated to replicate stably in PK-15 cells through ten passages. An
      infection experiment using BALB/c mice showed that both recPCV2-CL-VP1 and PCV2
      CL could replicate in the mice, cause various pathological changes, and induce a
      high level of anti-Cap antibodies. The recombinant virus emulsified with Freund's
      adjuvant was used to immunize BALB/c mice and induced antibodies against the FMDV
      VP1 epitope. Hence, the recombinant PCV2 strain, which expressed the neutralizing
      FMDV-VP1 epitope, provides a valuable platform to develop novel genetic vaccines.

PMID- 25117548
TI  - Development of droplet digital PCR assays for methanogenic taxa and examination
      of methanogen communities in full-scale anaerobic digesters.
AB  - Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a new DNA quantification platform without an
      external DNA calibrator. This study examined methanogen communities in four full
      scale anaerobic digesters treating municipal sewage sludge, using ddPCR with
      taxon-specific primer/TaqMan probe sets (5 orders, 11 families, and 13 genera),
      many of which were developed in this study. Total methanogen abundance was
      positively correlated with hydraulic retention time (HRT) and temperature (p <
      0.05), though the effect of HRT was stronger (r = 0.864 vs. 0.682, respectively).
      Moreover, total abundance was strongly correlated with biogas production rate (r
      = 0.896). HRT was positively correlated with seven methanogenic taxa, while
      temperature was positively or negatively correlated with 13 taxa (p < 0.05). For
      instance, the predominant genera Methanosaeta and Methanosarcina were negatively
      and positively associated, respectively, with temperature only (p < 0.05).
      Redundancy analysis and principal component analysis using the absolute-abundance
      dataset indicated that only temperature explained the variability in the
      methanogen communities at all classification levels. Therefore, HRT was the most
      important operational factor to influence net methanogen abundance and activity,
      while temperature governed the composition of the methanogen community. ddPCR
      enabled absolute quantification of methanogens without the external DNA standards
      and linked methanogen communities and operational factors, suggesting that it is
      a promising tool for analyzing the microbial ecology of anaerobic digestion. 

PMID- 25117549
TI  - Evaluation of the prebiotic potential of arabinoxylans from brewer's spent grain.
AB  - Arabinoxylans (AX) consumption has been related to the treatment and prevention
      of cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, colorectal cancer and obesity. The
      beneficial health effects are conferred through gut microbiota modulation, and
      therefore, they have been proposed as potential slowly fermentable prebiotic
      candidates. As the mechanisms are not yet well understood, the prebiotic
      potential of AX from brewer's spent grain (BSG) has been investigated. Two types
      of AX from BSG (AX1 and AX2) of different length and branching averages were
      fermented with human faecal inocula and compared to fermented cultures containing
      a commercial prebiotic (fructooligosaccharide (FOS)) and cultures with no added
      carbohydrate (control). Results demonstrated that the AX were extensively
      metabolised after 48 h of fermentation. The pH decreased along fermentation and
      the lowest value was achieved in AX1 cultures. The production of short chain
      fatty acids (SCFA) was higher in AX cultures than in cultures containing FOS and
      controls, with AX1 presenting the highest concentrations. The stimulatory effect
      of beneficial bacteria was higher in AX cultures, and AX2 presented the highest
      positive effect. Prebiotic potential of AX from BSG was confirmed by the
      production of SCFA and the modulation of gut microbiota, especially by the high
      increase in bifidobacteria populations.

PMID- 25117550
TI  - Polyethylenimine carbon nanotube fiber electrodes for enhanced detection of
      neurotransmitters.
AB  - Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based microelectrodes have been investigated as
      alternatives to carbon-fiber microelectrodes for the detection of
      neurotransmitters because they are sensitive, exhibit fast electron transfer
      kinetics, and are more resistant to surface fouling. Wet spinning CNTs into
      fibers using a coagulating polymer produces a thin, uniform fiber that can be
      fabricated into an electrode. CNT fibers formed in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) have
      been used as microelectrodes to detect dopamine, serotonin, and hydrogen
      peroxide. In this study, we characterize microelectrodes with CNT fibers made in
      polyethylenimine (PEI), which have much higher conductivity than PVA-CNT fibers.
      PEI-CNT fibers have lower overpotentials and higher sensitivities than PVA-CNT
      fiber microelectrodes, with a limit of detection of 5 nM for dopamine. The
      currents for dopamine were adsorption controlled at PEI-CNT fiber
      microelectrodes, independent of scan repetition frequency, and stable for over 10
      h. PEI-CNT fiber microelectrodes were resistant to surface fouling by serotonin
      and the metabolite interferant 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). No change in
      sensitivity was observed for detection of serotonin after 30 flow injection
      experiments or after 2 h in 5-HIAA for PEI-CNT electrodes. The antifouling
      properties were maintained in brain slices when serotonin was exogenously applied
      multiple times or after bathing the slice in 5-HIAA. Thus, PEI-CNT fiber
      electrodes could be useful for the in vivo monitoring of neurochemicals. 

PMID- 25117553
TI  - Linear and circular dichroism in porphyrin J-aggregates probed by polarization
      modulated scanning near-field optical microscopy.
AB  - Polarization modulated scanning near-field optical microscopy (PM-SNOM) is
      effective in detecting circular and linear dichroism with sub-wavelength
      resolution. PM-SNOM investigation of the chiroptical properties of single ribbon
      like nanosized J-aggregates formed by acid induced aggregation of tris-(4
      sulfonatophenyl)phenylporphyrin is reported. Linear dichroism maps give evidence
      of well-organized chromophores packed in linear arrays within the structure of
      the nanoribbons. Circular dichroism maps indicate that the molecules forming the
      nanoribbon have an inherently chiral structure at the local scale. 

PMID- 25117552
TI  - Visualization and unsupervised predictive clustering of high-dimensional
      multimodal neuroimaging data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroimaging machine learning studies have largely utilized
      supervised algorithms - meaning they require both neuroimaging scan data and
      corresponding target variables (e.g. healthy vs. diseased) to be successfully
      'trained' for a prediction task. Noticeably, this approach may not be optimal or
      possible when the global structure of the data is not well known and the
      researcher does not have an a priori model to fit the data. NEW METHOD: We set
      out to investigate the utility of an unsupervised machine learning technique; t
      distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t-SNE) in identifying 'unseen' sample
      population patterns that may exist in high-dimensional neuroimaging data.
      Multimodal neuroimaging scans from 92 healthy subjects were pre-processed using
      atlas-based methods, integrated and input into the t-SNE algorithm. Patterns and
      clusters discovered by the algorithm were visualized using a 2D scatter plot and
      further analyzed using the K-means clustering algorithm. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING
      METHODS: t-SNE was evaluated against classical principal component analysis.
      CONCLUSION: Remarkably, based on unlabelled multimodal scan data, t-SNE separated
      study subjects into two very distinct clusters which corresponded to subjects'
      gender labels (cluster silhouette index value=0.79). The resulting clusters were
      used to develop an unsupervised minimum distance clustering model which
      identified 93.5% of subjects' gender. Notably, from a neuropsychiatric
      perspective this method may allow discovery of data-driven disease phenotypes or
      sub-types of treatment responders.

PMID- 25117551
TI  - Reference gene selection for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in
      Reaumuria soongorica.
AB  - Despite its superiority for evaluating gene expression, real-time quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results can be significantly biased by the use
      of inappropriate reference genes under different experimental conditions.
      Reaumuria soongorica is a dominant species of desert ecosystems in arid central
      Asia. Given the increasing interest in ecological engineering and potential
      genetic resources for arid agronomy, it is important to analyze gene function.
      However, systematic evaluation of stable reference genes should be performed
      prior to such analyses. In this study, the stabilities of 10 candidate reference
      genes were analyzed under 4 kinds of abiotic stresses (drought, salt, dark, and
      heat) within 4 accessions (HG010, HG020, XGG030, and XGG040) from 2 different
      habitats using 3 algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper). After
      validation of the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large unite
      (rbcL) expression pattern, our data suggested that histone H2A (H2A) and
      eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-2 (EIF4A2) were the most stable reference genes,
      cyclophilin (CYCL) was moderate, and elongation factor 1alpha (EF1alpha) was the
      worst choice. This first systematic analysis for stably expressed genes will
      facilitate future functional analyses and deep mining of genetic resources in R.
      soongorica and other species of the Reaumuria genus. 

PMID- 25117554
TI  - Linear signal hyperintensity adjacent to the subchondral bone plate at the knee
      on T2-weighted fat-saturated sequences: imaging aspects and association with
      structural lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the association between linear T2 signal abnormalities in
      the subchondral bone and structural knee lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR
      studies of patients referred for the evaluation of knee pain were retrospectively
      evaluated and 133 of these patients presented bone marrow edema pattern (BMEP)
      (study group) and while 61 did not (control group). The presence of linear
      anomalies of the subchondral bone on T2-weighted fat-saturated sequences was
      evaluated. The findings were correlated to the presence of structural knee
      lesions and to the duration of the patient's symptoms. Histologic analysis of a
      cadaveric specimen was used for anatomic correlation. RESULTS: Linear T2
      hyperintensities at the subchondral bone were present in 41% of patients with
      BMEP. None of the patients in the control group presented this sign. When a
      subchondral linear hyperintensity was present, the prevalence of radial or root
      tears was high and that of horizontal tears was low (71.4 and 4.8%,
      respectively). Sixty-nine percent of the patients with a subchondral
      insufficiency fracture presented a subchondral linear hyperintensity. It was
      significantly more prevalent in patients with acute or sub-acute symptoms (p <
      0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The studied linear T2 hyperintensity is located at the
      subchondral spongiosa and can be secondary to local or distant joint injuries.
      Its presence should evoke acute and sub-acute knee injuries. This sign is closely
      related to subchondral insufficiency fractures and meniscal tears with a
      compromise in meniscal function.

PMID- 25117555
TI  - The scapular glenopolar angle: standard values and side differences.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine normal glenopolar angle (GPA)
      values on bone specimens of the scapula and compare them with various
      radiological views and CT examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GPA values were
      measured on 100 mature, dry, non-paired scapulae, 20 pairs of dry scapulae, 50 AP
      radiographs of the shoulder, 50 Neer I views, 50 AP chest radiographs and 20 3D
      CT reconstructions of the scapula. RESULTS: Measurements made on bone specimens
      of the scapula showed an average GPA value of 42.3 degrees ; the mean absolute
      side-to-side difference was on average 1.6 degrees . The average GPA measured on
      50 AP shoulder radiographs was 35.9 degrees , on Neer I views 40.6 degrees  and
      AP chest radiographs 37.1 degrees , with the mean absolute side-to-side
      difference on average 4.9 degrees ; on 3D CT the average GPA was 43.0 degrees 
      and the mean absolute side-to-side difference on average 1.4 degrees .
      CONCLUSION: GPA values depend on the method of measurement used. Measurements
      made on 3D CT reconstructions and Neer I views showed almost the same values as
      those measured on bone specimens. The values measured on AP shoulder views and AP
      chest radiographs were statistically significantly lower. Side-to-side
      variability (right and left) measured on 3D CT reconstructions was insignificant,
      and the obtained values corresponded to the values from bone specimens.
      Therefore, the best method to measure the GPA is a 3D CT reconstruction and an
      exact Neer I projection.

PMID- 25117557
TI  - Health-related quality of life among online university students.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Online university students are a growing population
      whose health has received minimal attention. The purpose of this cross-sectional
      Internet survey was to identify risk factors for the health status among online
      university students. METHODS: This online survey collected data from 301 online
      university students through a large, US-based participant pool and LinkedIn.
      Health status was measured using 3 elements of health-related quality of life
      (HRQOL): self-rated overall health (SRH), unhealthy days, and recent activity
      limitation days. All 3 measures were dichotomized. RESULTS: The odds of poor SRH
      were higher for people who reported a body mass index in the overweight and obese
      categories (odds ratio [OR] = 2.99, P < .05) and for those who reported being
      smokers (OR = 2.52, P = .03). The odds of frequent unhealthy days were lower for
      those who made more than $35 000 compared with those who reported making less (OR
      = 0.50, P = .03) and those who exercised 4 or more times a week compared with
      those who exercised less (OR = 0.28, P < .05). The odds of frequent activity
      limitation were lower for those who reported an income of more than $35 000 (OR =
      0.29, P = .04) and higher for persons who reported belonging to "other" race (OR
      = 14.75, P = .00). CONCLUSIONS: Universities might fruitfully target health
      promotion programs for online students who are low income, in disadvantaged
      racial groups, who are overweight, smoke, and who do not exercise.

PMID- 25117558
TI  - The limits of traditional approaches to informed consent for genomic medicine.
AB  - This paper argues that it will be important for new genomic technologies to
      recognize the limits of traditional approaches to informed consent, so that other
      regarding implications of genomic information can be properly contextualized and
      individual rights respected. Respect for individual autonomy will increasingly
      require dynamic consideration of the interrelated dimensions of individual and
      broader community interests, so that the interests of one do not undermine
      fundamental interests of the other. In this, protection of individual rights will
      be a complex interplay between individual and community concerns. 

PMID- 25117559
TI  - Engineering bacterial microcompartment shells: chimeric shell proteins and
      chimeric carboxysome shells.
AB  - Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are self-assembling organelles composed
      entirely of protein. Depending on the enzymes they encapsulate, BMCs function in
      either inorganic carbon fixation (carboxysomes) or organic carbon utilization
      (metabolosomes). The hallmark feature of all BMCs is a selectively permeable
      shell formed by multiple paralogous proteins, each proposed to confer specific
      flux characteristics. Gene clusters encoding diverse BMCs are distributed broadly
      across bacterial phyla, providing a rich variety of building blocks with a
      predicted range of permeability properties. In theory, shell permeability can be
      engineered by modifying residues flanking the pores (symmetry axes) of hexameric
      shell proteins or by combining shell proteins from different types of BMCs into
      chimeric shells. We undertook both approaches to altering shell properties using
      the carboxysome as a model system. There are two types of carboxysomes, alpha and
      beta. In both, the predominant shell protein(s) contain a single copy of the BMC
      domain (pfam00936), but they are significantly different in primary structure.
      Indeed, phylogenetic analysis shows that the two types of carboxysome shell
      proteins are more similar to their counterparts in metabolosomes than to each
      other. We solved high resolution crystal structures of the major shell proteins,
      CsoS1 and CcmK2, and the presumed minor shell protein CcmK4, representing both
      types of cyanobacterial carboxysomes and then tested the interchangeability. The
      in vivo study presented here confirms that both engineering pores to mimic those
      of other shell proteins and the construction of chimeric shells is feasible.

PMID- 25117556
TI  - Profiles of Risk Among HIV-Infected Youth in Clinic Settings.
AB  - Despite the rising number of new HIV infections among youth, few tailored
      interventions for youth living with HIV (YLH) have been developed and rigorously
      tested. Developing tailored interventions necessitates identifying different
      profiles of YLH and understanding how risk and protective factors cluster
      together. Obtaining this critical information requires accessing a sufficiently
      large sample of YLH from diverse geographic settings such as those available
      through the Adolescent Trials Network for HIV Interventions (ATN). We recruited a
      cross-sectional sample of 1,712 YLH from ATN clinics; participants completed a
      survey on psychosocial and health factors. Using latent class analysis on nine
      composite variables representing risk factors, we identified five classes
      distinguished by substance use, sexual behavior, and pregnancy history and
      differing on health outcomes. Findings suggest a need for tailored interventions
      addressing multiple risky behaviors of HIV-infected youth and research to clarify
      how intervention effectiveness may differ by risk profile. 

PMID- 25117560
TI  - Nitrogen-enriched, double-shelled carbon/layered double hydroxide hollow
      microspheres for excellent electrochemical performance.
AB  - A unique, double-shelled, hollow, carbon-based composite with enriched nitrogen
      has been prepared through a facile and versatile synthetic strategy. The
      hierarchical composite employs the nitrogen-enriched carbon hollow sphere as an
      interior shell and intercrossed Ni/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets
      as an exterior shell. The obtained N-C@LDH hollow microspheres (HMS) have high
      nitrogen enrichment, large specific surface area (337 m(2) g(-1)), and uniform
      and open mesoporous structure. Taking advantage of these characteristics, the
      composite exhibits obviously superior capacitive behavior, including high
      specific capacitance, excellent rate capability and good cycling stability,
      compared with nitrogen-free carbon@LDH composite and hollow LDH without carbon
      shell. The composite displays high specific capacitance of 1711.51 F g(-1) at a
      current density of 1 A g(-1). In particular, the high specific capacitance can be
      kept to 997.3 F g(-1) at a high current density of 10 A g(-1), which still
      retains 94.97% of the initial specific capacitance after 500 cycles at this high
      current density. This N-enriched, hollow carbon/LDH composite can be expected to
      be a promising electrode material for electrochemical capacitors due to its high
      electrochemical performance. 

PMID- 25117561
TI  - MDCT diagnosis of gastroduodenal ulcers: key imaging features with endoscopic
      correlation.
AB  - Although the overall prevalence of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and related
      hospitalizations are decreasing, the initial presentation of complicated PUD on
      CT remains common. It, therefore, remains critical for radiologists to recognize
      the findings of PUD at CT for initial diagnosis. While the CT findings of
      complicated PUD have been previously described in the literature, the CT findings
      of uncomplicated PUD have not been well documented. Furthermore, although CT is
      certainly not the diagnostic evaluation of choice for patients with suspected
      uncomplicated PUD, many patients with PUD will nonetheless present to the
      emergency department with unexplained abdominal pain and undergo MDCT evaluation
      as the initial diagnostic test. Therefore, recognizing the MDCT findings of
      uncomplicated PUD can help appropriately direct patient management, and help
      prevent the development of complications. To facilitate improved recognition of
      PUD on abdominal CT, we present an overview of the CT findings of both
      uncomplicated and complicated PUD, as well as several diagnostic pitfalls which
      can result in misdiagnosis from peptic ulcer mimics. 

PMID- 25117562
TI  - Diffusion-weighted imaging of the liver: comparison of image quality between
      monopolar and bipolar acquisition schemes at 3T.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare image quality of monopolar and bipolar diffusion-weighted
      imaging (DWI) sequences of the liver at 3T. METHODS: 32 healthy volunteers (mean
      27 +/- 8 years; 27 M/5F) and 11 patients (mean age 58 +/- 14 years; 8 M/3F)
      underwent liver MRI using a 3T system incorporating 2-channel parallel
      transmission for B1-shimming and reduced B1-inhomogeneity. Scans included free
      breathing DWI sequences (b-value 0, 400, 800 s/mm(2)) acquired using both
      monopolar and bipolar techniques. Estimated signal-to-noise ratio (eSNR),
      apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and measures of subjective image quality on
      b-800 images, scored on a 1-5 scale by two independent radiologists, were
      compared between sequences. RESULTS: Monopolar sequence demonstrated
      significantly higher eSNR (volunteers: 12.7 +/- 4.0 vs. 11.3 +/- 3.5, patients:
      11.4 +/- 4.0 vs. 10.2 +/- 3.3; p <= 0.013) compared with the bipolar sequence.
      Monopolar sequence also achieved significantly higher scores for reader 1 in
      volunteers and patients in terms of clarity of right lobe edge, clarity of intra
      hepatic vessels, conspicuity of the left lobe, and overall diagnostic quality (p
      <= 0.031), as well as significantly higher scores for reader 2 in volunteers in
      terms of clarity of intra-hepatic vessels, conspicuity of the left lobe, and
      overall diagnostic quality (p <= 0.035). Respiratory motion artifact was not
      significantly different between sequences in patients or volunteers for either
      reader (p >= 0.191). Hepatic ADC was significantly lower using monopolar
      technique only in volunteers (1.28 +/- 0.12 vs. 1.43 +/- 0.15, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: In comparison with past studies performed at 1.5T, when using a
      modern 3T system, we observed improved image quality of liver DWI using a
      monopolar, rather than a bipolar, acquisition scheme, largely attributed to
      higher eSNR.

PMID- 25117563
TI  - Multimodality imaging of penile cancer: what radiologists need to know.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive update on the role of
      imaging in the diagnosis and management of penile cancer. Imaging plays a major
      role in the initial assessment, treatment planning, and follow-up of patients
      with penile carcinoma. MRI helps in assessing the T staging of the primary and in
      detecting local recurrence. PET/CT and CT are useful for detecting regional nodal
      and distant metastases. 

PMID- 25117564
TI  - Maternal smoking during pregnancy and adverse outcomes in offspring: genetic and
      environmental sources of covariance.
AB  - Maternal smoking during pregnancy (SDP) has been associated with several
      psychiatric outcomes in the offspring; studies have questioned whether the
      associations are causal, however. We analyzed all children born in Sweden between
      1983 and 2009 to investigate the effect of SDP on multiple indicators of adverse
      outcomes in three areas: pregnancy outcomes (birth weight, preterm birth and
      being born small for gestational age), long-term cognitive abilities (low
      academic achievement and general cognitive ability) and externalizing behaviors
      (criminal conviction, violent criminal conviction and drug misuse). SDP was
      associated with all outcomes. Within-family analyses of the pregnancy outcomes
      were consistent with a causal interpretation as the associations persisted when
      siblings discordant for SDP were compared. For the cognitive and externalizing
      outcomes, the results were not consistent with causal effects; when comparing
      differentially exposed siblings none of the associations remained significant. In
      quantitative genetic models genetic factors explained the majority of the
      associations between SDP and cognitive and externalizing outcomes. The results
      suggest that the associations between SDP in mothers and cognition and
      externalizing behaviors in their offspring is primarily due to genetic effects
      that influence the behaviors in both generations. 

PMID- 25117566
TI  - Secretoglobin 3A2 attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through
      inhibition of ERK and JNK pathways in bronchial epithelial cells.
AB  - Secretoglobin (SCGB) 3A2, previously known as uteroglobin-related protein 1, is a
      secreted protein highly expressed in the epithelial cells of the airways. It has
      been demonstrated that SCGB3A2 is involved in allergic airway inflammation such
      as bronchial asthma. However, the role of SCGB3A2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      induced airway inflammation has yet to be reported. The goal of this study was
      therefore to clarify the role of SCGB3A2 in LPS-induced airway inflammation. We
      stimulated BEAS-2B, human bronchial epithelial cells, with LPS and analyzed
      messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and CXCL8
      with or without pre-incubation of SCGB3A2. The mRNA expression of TNF-alpha and
      CXCL8 was clearly upregulated 3 h after LPS stimulation, and pre-incubation of
      SCGB3A2 significantly inhibited the upregulation of the mRNA expression. The pre
      incubation of SCGB3A2 also inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not p38
      mitogen-activated protein kinase in BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, PD98059, a
      specific inhibitor for ERK, as well as SP600125, a specific inhibitor for JNK,
      inhibited LPS-induced mRNA upregulation of inflammatory mediators. These results
      demonstrate the novel biological activity of SCGB3A2, which is that it attenuates
      LPS-induced inflammation in bronchial epithelial cells through inhibition of ERK
      and JNK activation. 

PMID- 25117565
TI  - Phosphoproteomic profiling of human myocardial tissues distinguishes ischemic
      from non-ischemic end stage heart failure.
AB  - The molecular differences between ischemic (IF) and non-ischemic (NIF) heart
      failure are poorly defined. A better understanding of the molecular differences
      between these two heart failure etiologies may lead to the development of more
      effective heart failure therapeutics. In this study extensive proteomic and
      phosphoproteomic profiles of myocardial tissue from patients diagnosed with IF or
      NIF were assembled and compared. Proteins extracted from left ventricular
      sections were proteolyzed and phosphopeptides were enriched using titanium
      dioxide resin. Gel- and label-free nanoscale capillary liquid chromatography
      coupled to high resolution accuracy mass tandem mass spectrometry allowed for the
      quantification of 4,436 peptides (corresponding to 450 proteins) and 823
      phosphopeptides (corresponding to 400 proteins) from the unenriched and phospho
      enriched fractions, respectively. Protein abundance did not distinguish NIF from
      IF. In contrast, 37 peptides (corresponding to 26 proteins) exhibited a >= 2-fold
      alteration in phosphorylation state (p<0.05) when comparing IF and NIF. The
      degree of protein phosphorylation at these 37 sites was specifically dependent
      upon the heart failure etiology examined. Proteins exhibiting phosphorylation
      alterations were grouped into functional categories: transcriptional
      activation/RNA processing; cytoskeleton structure/function; molecular chaperones;
      cell adhesion/signaling; apoptosis; and energetic/metabolism. Phosphoproteomic
      analysis demonstrated profound post-translational differences in proteins that
      are involved in multiple cellular processes between different heart failure
      phenotypes. Understanding the roles these phosphorylation alterations play in the
      development of NIF and IF has the potential to generate etiology-specific heart
      failure therapeutics, which could be more effective than current therapeutics in
      addressing the growing concern of heart failure.

PMID- 25117567
TI  - Naringin attenuates the development of carrageenan-induced acute lung
      inflammation through inhibition of NF-kappab, STAT3 and pro-inflammatory
      mediators and enhancement of IkappaBalpha and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
AB  - Naringin has been reported to possess diverse pharmacological properties,
      including anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the present
      study was to determine the potential anti-inflammatory effect of naringin in a
      mouse model of carrageenan-induced pleurisy. A single dose of naringin (40 and 80
      mg/kg) was administered per oral (p.o.) 1 h before carrageenan (Cg)
      administration. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were analysed in pleural
      fluid. We also assessed the effects of naringin on the expression levels of iNOS,
      inducible cyclooxygenase isoform (COX-2), ICAM-1, MIP-2, PGE2, STAT3, TGF-beta1,
      nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and inhibitor of kappa B (IkappaBalpha) in
      lung tissue. The histological examinations revealed anti-inflammatory effect of
      naringin while Cg group deteriorated. Naringin downregulated Th1 and upregulated
      Th2 cytokines. Western blot analyses revealed increased protein expression of NF
      kappaB, STAT3 and COX-2 and decreased IkappaBalpha in response to Cg treatment,
      which were reversed by the treatment with naringin. In the Cg group, mRNA
      expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators upregulated and anti-inflammatory
      mediators downregulated. Naringin reversed these actions.

PMID- 25117568
TI  - Silymarin attenuates airway inflammation induced by cigarette smoke in mice.
AB  - Cigarette smoke (CS), which increases inflammation and oxidative stress, is a
      major risk factor for the development of COPD. In this study, we investigated the
      effects of silymarin, a polyphenolic flavonoid isolated from the seeds and fruits
      of milk thistle, on CS-induced airway inflammation and oxidative stress in mice
      and the possible mechanisms. BALB/c mice were exposed to CS for 2 h twice daily,
      6 days per week for 4 weeks. Silymarin (25, 50 mg/kg.day) was administered
      intraperitoneally 1 h before CS exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was
      acquired for cell counting and the detection of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.
      Lung tissue was collected for histological examination, myeloperoxidase (MPO)
      activity assay, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA)
      levels. The phosphorylation of ERK and p38 was evaluated by Western blotting.
      Pretreatment with silymarin significantly attenuated CS-induced thickening of the
      airway epithelium, peribronchial inflammatory cell infiltration, and lumen
      obstruction. The numbers of total cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, along with
      the MPO activity (a marker of neutrophil accumulation) in BALF, were remarkably
      decreased by silymarin in CS-exposed mice (all p<0.05). In addition, silymarin
      pretreatment dampened the secretion of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-8 in BALF.
      High-dose silymarin (50 mg/kg.day) administration also prevented CS-induced
      elevation in MDA levels and decrease in SOD activities (p<0.05). Furthermore, the
      CS-induced phosphorylation of ERK and p38 was also attenuated by silymarin
      (p<0.05). These results suggest that silymarin attenuated inflammation and
      oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke. The anti-inflammatory effect might
      partly act through the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway.

PMID- 25117570
TI  - Liver status in congenital, untreated, isolated GH deficiency.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to be associated with insulin
      resistance, atherosclerosis, and low serum IGF1 levels. We have described a large
      cohort of patients with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) due to the c.57+1G->A
      mutation in the GHRH receptor gene. These subjects have increased insulin
      sensitivity (IS), delayed atherosclerosis, and normal longevity. We hypothesized
      that, despite visceral obesity, NAFLD would be absent or mild due to the
      increased IS. To assess the prevalence and severity of NAFLD in adult subjects
      with lifetime, congenital, untreated IGHD, we studied 22 IGHD adults and 25
      controls (COs) matched for age and sex. NAFLD was assessed by a comprehensive
      liver function panel, and ultrasonographic pattern (hyperechogenic pattern, HP)
      coded as follows: 0, absent; 1, mild; 2, moderate; and 3, severe. Compared with
      COs, IGHD individual had lower serum IGF1 (P<0.0001), higher total cholesterol
      (P=0.027), lower prothrombin time (P=0.017), and similar activated partial
      thromboplastin time and fibrinogen values. Alanine transaminase (ALT) values were
      similar in the two groups, but aspartate transaminase was higher in IGHD
      (P=0.013). However, more IGHD subjects (7/22) than COs (3/23) had ALT above the
      upper limit of normal (P=0.044). The prevalence of NAFLD was higher in IGHD than
      COs (61 vs 29%, P=0.032), and the HP score was higher in IGHD than COs (P=0.041),
      but severe NAFLD was not observed in any IGHD (or CO) individual. Liver HP score
      is increased in lifetime, untreated, congenital IGHD, but the increase in
      transaminases is mild, suggesting a lack of advanced forms of NAFLD. 

PMID- 25117569
TI  - Surface engineering of graphene-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
AB  - Graphene-based nanomaterials have attracted tremendous interest over the past
      decade due to their unique electronic, optical, mechanical, and chemical
      properties. However, the biomedical applications of these intriguing
      nanomaterials are still limited due to their suboptimal
      solubility/biocompatibility, potential toxicity, and difficulties in achieving
      active tumor targeting, just to name a few. In this Topical Review, we will
      discuss in detail the important role of surface engineering (i.e.,
      bioconjugation) in improving the in vitro/in vivo stability and enriching the
      functionality of graphene-based nanomaterials, which can enable
      single/multimodality imaging (e.g., optical imaging, positron emission
      tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and therapy (e.g., photothermal therapy,
      photodynamic therapy, and drug/gene delivery) of cancer. Current challenges and
      future research directions are also discussed and we believe that graphene-based
      nanomaterials are attractive nanoplatforms for a broad array of future biomedical
      applications. 

PMID- 25117572
TI  - Hot carriers in epitaxial graphene sheets with and without hydrogen
      intercalation: role of substrate coupling.
AB  - The development of graphene electronic devices produced by industry relies on
      efficient control of heat transfer from the graphene sheet to its environment. In
      nanoscale devices, heat is one of the major obstacles to the operation of such
      devices at high frequencies. Here we have studied the transport of hot carriers
      in epitaxial graphene sheets on 6H-SiC (0001) substrates with and without
      hydrogen intercalation by driving the device into the non-equilibrium regime.
      Interestingly, we have demonstrated that the energy relaxation time of the device
      without hydrogen intercalation is two orders of magnitude shorter than that with
      hydrogen intercalation, suggesting application of epitaxial graphene in high
      frequency devices which require outstanding heat exchange with an outside cooling
      source. 

PMID- 25117571
TI  - Circulating IGF1 and IGF2 and SNP genotypes in men and pregnant and non-pregnant
      women.
AB  - Circulating IGFs are important regulators of prenatal and postnatal growth, and
      of metabolism and pregnancy, and change with sex, age and pregnancy. Single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes coding for these hormones associate with
      circulating abundance of IGF1 and IGF2 in non-pregnant adults and children, but
      whether this occurs in pregnancy is unknown. We therefore investigated
      associations of plasma IGF1 and IGF2 with age and genotype at candidate SNPs
      previously associated with circulating IGF1, IGF2 or methylation of the INS-IGF2
      H19 locus in men (n=134), non-pregnant women (n=74) and women at 15 weeks of
      gestation (n=98). Plasma IGF1 concentrations decreased with age (P<0.001) and
      plasma IGF1 and IGF2 concentrations were lower in pregnant women than in non
      pregnant women or men (each P<0.001). SNP genotypes in the INS-IGF2-H19 locus
      were associated with plasma IGF1 (IGF2 rs680, IGF2 rs1004446 and IGF2 rs3741204)
      and IGF2 (IGF2 rs1004446, IGF2 rs3741204 and H19 rs217727). In single SNP models,
      effects of IGF2 rs680 were similar between groups, with higher plasma IGF1
      concentrations in individuals with the GG genotype when compared with GA
      (P=0.016), or combined GA and AA genotypes (P=0.003). SNPs in the IGF2 gene
      associated with IGF1 or IGF2 were in linkage disequilibrium, hence these
      associations could reflect other genotype variations within this region or be due
      to changes in INS-IGF2-H19 methylation previously associated with some of these
      variants. As IGF1 in early pregnancy promotes placental differentiation and
      function, lower IGF1 concentrations in pregnant women carrying IGF2 rs680 A
      alleles may affect placental development and/or risk of pregnancy complications. 

PMID- 25117573
TI  - Interleukin-6 and other inflammatory markers in diagnosis of periprosthetic joint
      infection.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of
      interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein
      (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and white blood cell count (WCC) in
      diagnosis of PJI. METHODS: The study group included 40 patients (21 males, 19
      females) admitted for surgical intervention after knee or hip arthroplasties.
      Patients were subjected to careful history taking, thorough clinical examination
      and pre-operative laboratory investigations including serum IL-6, CRP, WCC and
      ESR. Peri-implant tissue specimens were subjected to microbiological culture and
      histopathological examination. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 58.4 years
      (range, 38-72 years). Intra-operative cultures and histopathological examination
      revealed 11 patients had been infected (PJI) and 29 patients were aseptic failure
      of prosthesis. Four presumed markers of infection were tested preoperatively:
      ESR, CRP, WCC, and IL-6. ESR (p = 0.0001), CRP (p = 0.004), WCC (0.0001), and IL
      6 (p = 0.0001) were significantly higher in patients with septic revision than
      those with aseptic failure of the prosthesis. Serum IL-6 (>10.4 pg/ml) reportedly
      had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 90.9%, a PPV of 79%, a NPV of 100%,
      and accuracy of 92.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that IL-6 has
      been found to be the most accurate laboratory marker for diagnosing PJI when
      compared to ESR, CRP, and WCC. IL-6 above 10.4 pg/ml and CRP level above 18 mg/L
      will identify all patients with PJI and the combination of CRP + IL-6 is an
      excellent screening test to identify all such patients (sensitivity 100%, NPV
      100%).

PMID- 25117576
TI  - Flicker-Induced Time Dilation Does Not Modulate EEG Correlates of Temporal
      Encoding.
AB  - In this study, we used EEG to investigate how visual stimulus dynamics (i.e.
      flicker) affect the mechanisms of duration perception. Previous studies have
      demonstrated that flickering visual stimuli are judged longer than equally long
      non-flickering stimuli. We tested whether this effect of flicker on duration
      judgments is mediated by changes in temporal encoding during the time interval.
      Here, temporal encoding refers to the perception of the unfolding of time
      throughout the temporal interval, also termed the "clock stage" in information
      processing models of interval timing. We hypothesized that if flicker mediates
      duration perception by affecting temporal encoding, then the dilation-effect
      should be reflected by neural correlates of temporal encoding. We presented
      flickering and steady stimuli in a duration bisection task and found that flicker
      dilated perceived duration. The EEG analysis allowed us to isolate a putative
      neural correlate of temporal encoding: a modulation of the amplitude of the
      contingent negative variation (CNV) by stimuli classified as "long" compared to
      physically identical stimuli classified as "short". However, flicker did not
      affect the CNV amplitude, suggesting that flicker does not dilate perceived
      duration by affecting temporal encoding. Possibly, flicker might affect only
      later stages of temporal processing such as interval comparison or decision
      making. 

PMID- 25117575
TI  - Prevalence of femoro-acetabular impingement in international competitive track
      and field athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to analyse the prevalence of femoro-acetabular
      impingement (FAI) in national elite track and field athletes compared to peers
      using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical examination including
      impingement tests. METHODS: A total of 44 participants (22 national elite track
      and field athletes and 22 non-athletes) underwent an MRI for radiological
      findings associated with FAI, including alpha angle, lateral centre edge angle
      (CEA), findings of labral and cartilage lesions. The study group was furthermore
      investigated by the hip outcome score (HOS) and a clinical hip examination
      including range of motion (ROM) and impingement tests. RESULTS: Concerning the
      cam impingement, there was a significant difference measured by mean alpha angle
      between the athlete group (52.2 +/- 7.29 degrees ) and the control group (48.1 +/
      5.45 degrees , P = 0.004). Eleven athletes showed a cam impingement, while two
      probands of the control group had a pincer impingement and one a mixed form (P =
      0.0217). There was no statistically significant difference concerning the CEA
      upon evaluating pincer impingement. Seven track and field athletes had a positive
      impingement test, whereof three had an increased alpha angle >55 degrees . No
      participant of the control group showed pathological results in the impingement
      test (P = 0.0121). CONCLUSIONS: MRI evidence and clinical examination suggest
      that cam impingement is more common in elite athletes in comparison to non
      athletes. At a professional level, the intense practice of track and field
      athletics is susceptible for FAI.

PMID- 25117574
TI  - Evaluation of intervertebral disc regeneration with implantation of bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) using quantitative T2 mapping: a study in rabbits.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the curative effects of
      transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on intervertebral
      disc regeneration and to investigate the feasibility of the quantitative T2
      mapping method for evaluating repair of the nucleus pulposus after implantation
      of BMSCs. METHODS: Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were used to establish
      the lumber disc degenerative model by stabbing the annulus fibrosus and then
      randomly divided into four groups, i.e. two weeks afterwards, BMSCs or phosphate
      buffered saline (PBS) were transplanted into degenerative discs (BMSCs group and
      PBS group), while the operated rabbits without implantation of BMSCs or PBS
      served as the sham group and the rabbits without operation were used as the
      control group. At weeks two, six and ten after operation, the T2 values and disc
      height indices (DHI) were calculated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI 3.0 T),
      and the gene expressions of type II collagen (COL2) and aggrecan (ACAN) in
      degenerative discs were evaluated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase
      chain reaction (RT-PCR). T2 values for the nucleus pulposus were correlated with
      ACAN or COL2 expression by regression analysis. RESULTS: Cell clusters,
      disorganised fibres, interlamellar glycosaminoglycan (GAG) matrix and
      vascularisation were observed in lumber degenerative discs. BMSCs could be found
      to survive in intervertebral discs and differentiate into nucleus pulposus-like
      cells expressing COL2 and ACAN. The gene expression of COL2 and ACAN increased
      during ten weeks after transplantation as well as the T2 signal intensity and T2
      value. The DHI in the BMSCs group decreased more slowly than that in PBS and sham
      groups. The T2 value correlated significantly with the gene expression of ACAN
      and COL2 in the nucleus pulposus. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation of BMSCs was able
      to promote the regeneration of degenerative discs. Quantitative and non-invasive
      T2 mapping could be used to evaluate the regeneration of the nucleus pulposus
      with good sensitivity.

PMID- 25117577
TI  - Dimensions of oppositional defiant disorder in young children: model comparisons,
      gender and longitudinal invariance.
AB  - Identifying the latent structure of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) may have
      important clinical and research implications. The present study compared existing
      dimensional models of ODD for model fit and examined the metric and scalar
      invariance of the best-fitting model. Study participants were a diverse (38.8%
      minority, 49.1% boys) community sample of 796 children. Parents completed the
      Child Symptom Inventory and the DISC-YC ODD scales at child ages of 4, 5 and 6-7
      years. When comparing single-factor (DSM-IV model), two-factor (oppositional
      behavior, negative affect), and three-factor models (one with dimensions of
      oppositional behavior, negative affect, antagonistic behavior; a second with
      dimensions of irritable, hurtful, and headstrong), the two-factor model showed
      the best fit. The two-factor model showed configural, metric and scalar
      invariance across gender and age. Results suggest that, among existing models,
      ODD is best characterized as two separate dimensions, one behavioral and one
      affective, which are comparable for both boys and girls in these age groups.

PMID- 25117578
TI  - Positive affect in infant siblings of children diagnosed with autism spectrum
      disorder.
AB  - Research on the expression of positive affect in young children with Autism
      Spectrum Disorder (ASD) suggests that differences in this domain emerge late in
      the first year or early in the second year. However, many previous studies in
      this area employed retrospective research methods and global rating schemes. In
      the current study, the expression of positive affect was examined prospectively
      at ages 6, 12, and 18 months in three groups: infant siblings with ASD, infant
      siblings without ASD, and low-risk comparison infants. Infant siblings were the
      younger brothers or sisters of children diagnosed with ASD and, therefore, had a
      higher familial risk of ASD. The frequency and duration of smiles were coded from
      video excerpts from the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (Bryson,
      Zwaigenbaum, McDermott, Rombough, and Brian 2008), a standardized, play-based
      assessment of early signs of ASD. Results indicated that at 12 months, infant
      siblings with ASD had a lower rate of smiling than the other two groups. At 18
      months, infant siblings with ASD continued to display a lower rate of smiling
      than infant siblings without ASD, but not comparison infants. Overall, these
      results indicate that infant siblings with ASD demonstrate less positive affect
      than infant siblings without ASD and low-risk comparison infants at 12 months.
      This suggests that reduced smiling may be an informative behavioural risk marker
      for ASD by children's first birthdays and may have implications for our
      understanding of atypical social development in children with ASD.

PMID- 25117579
TI  - Highly efficient graphene-based Cu(In, Ga)Se2 solar cells with large active area.
AB  - Two-dimensional graphene has tremendous potential to be used as a transparent
      conducting electrode (TCE), owing to its high transparency and conductivity. To
      date graphene films have been applied to several kinds of solar cells except the
      Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cell. In this work, we present a novel TCE structure
      consisting of a doped graphene film and a thin layer of poly(methyl methacrylate)
      (PMMA) to replace the ZnO:Al (AZO) electrode for CIGS. By optimizing the contact
      between graphene and intrinsic ZnO (i-ZnO), a high power conversion efficiency
      (PCE) of 13.5% has been achieved, which is among the highest efficiencies of
      graphene-based solar cells ever reported and approaching those of AZO-based solar
      cells. Besides, the active area of our solar cells reaches 45 mm(2), much larger
      than other highly efficient graphene-based solar cells (>10%) reported so far.
      Moreover, compared with AZO-based CIGS solar cells, the total reflectance of the
      graphene-based CIGS solar cells is decreased and the quantum efficiency of the
      graphene-based CIGS is enhanced in the near infrared region (NIR), which strongly
      support graphene as a competitive candidate material for the TCE in the CIGS
      solar cell. Furthermore, the graphene/PMMA film can protect the solar cell from
      moisture, making the graphene-based solar cells much more stable than the AZO
      based solar cells.

PMID- 25117581
TI  - Reconstruction of the septum with an autogenous double-layered conchal L-strut.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the most important preconditions for a straight nose is a
      straight and stable cartilaginous L-shaped frame with sufficient support for the
      nasal tip and the cartilaginous dorsum. Where the structure of the septal
      cartilage is destroyed, a sufficient L-strut must be reconstructed. This article
      presents a technique for reconstruction of an autogenous L-strut using double
      layered conchal cartilages. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted with a
      subsequent follow-up evaluation 10.5-22 months later. The conchal L-strut was
      used for 26 patients to reconstruct a new septal frame. The full details of the
      planning process, L-frame construction, and technical data are described together
      with two typical cases. RESULTS: In all 26 cases, the authors were able to
      reconstruct a sufficient neoseptum. In 25 cases, the neoseptum remained straight.
      Only in one case did the anterior border deviate immediately after the operation.
      No slippage from the nasal spine was found. The anchoring to the nasal bones and
      the upper lateral cartilages was stable. However, one asymmetric columella base
      was found, caused by an asymmetric support to the footplates by the transplant.
      The osteocartilagenous vault was successfully reconstructed in all the patients.
      Of the 26 patients, 25 described a marked improvement in their nasal breathing.
      CONCLUSION: The reported technique enables the surgeon to reconstruct the
      complete cartilagenous L-frame with both conchal cartilages. For certain cases,
      this technique of autogenous reconstruction of the nasal septum could be a
      valuable alternative to reconstruction with rib cartilage.

PMID- 25117582
TI  - Silver confined within zeolite EMT nanoparticles: preparation and antibacterial
      properties.
AB  - The preparation of pure zeolite nanocrystals (EMT-type framework) and their
      silver ion-exchanged (Ag(+)-EMT) and reduced silver (Ag(0)-EMT) forms is
      reported. The template-free zeolite nanocrystals are stabilized in water
      suspensions and used directly for silver ion-exchange and subsequent chemical
      reduction under microwave irradiation. The high porosity, low Si/Al ratio, high
      concentration of sodium and ultrasmall crystal size of the EMT-type zeolite
      permitted the introduction of a high amount of silver using short ion-exchange
      times in the range of 2-6 h. The killing efficacy of pure EMT, Ag(+)-EMT and
      Ag(0)-EMT against Escherichia coli was studied semi-quantitatively. The
      antibacterial activity increased with increasing Ag content for both types of
      samples (Ag(+)-EMT and Ag(0)-EMT). The Ag(0)-EMT samples show slightly enhanced
      antimicrobial efficacy compared to that of Ag(+)-EMT, however, the differences
      are not substantial and the preparation of Ag nanoparticles is not viable
      considering the complexity of preparation steps. 

PMID- 25117580
TI  - TORC1 regulates Pah1 phosphatidate phosphatase activity via the Nem1/Spo7 protein
      phosphatase complex.
AB  - The evolutionarily conserved target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) controls
      growth-related processes such as protein, nucleotide, and lipid metabolism in
      response to growth hormones, energy/ATP levels, and amino acids. Its deregulation
      is associated with cancer, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Among other substrates,
      mammalian TORC1 directly phosphorylates and inhibits the phosphatidate
      phosphatase lipin-1, a central enzyme in lipid metabolism that provides
      diacylglycerol for the synthesis of membrane phospholipids and/or triacylglycerol
      as neutral lipid reserve. Here, we show that yeast TORC1 inhibits the function of
      the respective lipin, Pah1, to prevent the accumulation of triacylglycerol.
      Surprisingly, TORC1 regulates Pah1 in part indirectly by controlling the
      phosphorylation status of Nem1 within the Pah1-activating, heterodimeric Nem1
      Spo7 protein phosphatase module. Our results delineate a hitherto unknown TORC1
      effector branch that controls lipin function in yeast, which, given the recent
      discovery of Nem1-Spo7 orthologous proteins in humans, may be conserved. 

PMID- 25117583
TI  - Revisiting cognitive and adaptive functioning in children and adolescents with
      autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - Profiles of performance on the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scales (SB5) and
      Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) were examined in 73 children and
      adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. SB5 cognitive profiles were observed
      to be similar between participants with and without early language delay, but
      different between participants with and without intellectual disability. With few
      exceptions, the distribution and cognitive profiles of participants with specific
      nonverbal IQ-verbal IQ and abbreviated IQ-full scale IQ discrepancy patterns
      paralleled previous reports. A cognitive functioning advantage over adaptive
      functioning was observed to be strongest in participants without intellectual
      disability and older participants. The previously reported VABS "autism profile"
      was not observed. Current findings clarify previous research and will inform the
      diagnostic process and treatment planning. 

PMID- 25117585
TI  - In vivo imaging in the rabbit as a model for the study of ovulation-inducing
      factors.
AB  - The study of factors responsible for eliciting ovulation in rabbits has been
      hampered by the lack of a suitable method of monitoring the ovaries in vivo.
      Ovarian imaging by ultrasound biomicroscopy was used in two experiments designed
      to determine the effects of seminal plasma on the ovulatory response in rabbits.
      In Experiment 1, female rabbits were group-housed and treated intramuscularly
      with saline, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), or seminal plasma of llamas
      or rabbits (n = 4 to 6 per group). Rabbits were euthanized eight days later to
      evaluate the ovarian response by ultrasound biomicroscopy ex situ. No differences
      among groups were detected in the proportion of rabbits that ovulated or in the
      number and size of corpora lutea. The high incidence of ovulation in the negative
      control group was unexpected, and confounded determination of an ovulation
      inducing effect of seminal plasma. In Experiment 2, female rabbits were caged
      individually, and treated as in Experiment 1 (n = 5 to 7 per group). The ovarian
      response was evaluated in vivo by transcutaneous ultrasound biomicroscopy.
      Ovulation and formation of corpora lutea were detected only in rabbits given
      GnRH. A preovulatory surge in plasma luteinizing hormone concentration and a post
      ovulatory rise in plasma progesterone concentration were detected only in rabbits
      treated with GnRH. Surgical translocation of the ovaries to a subcutaneous
      position enabled longitudinal assessment of the ovulatory response by ultrasound
      biomicroscopy. Results clearly documented the effect of physical/social
      interaction on ovulation in rabbits, and did not support the hypothesis that
      seminal plasma elicits ovulation in rabbits. 

PMID- 25117586
TI  - Effect of multilevel laboratory rat caging system on the well-being of the singly
      housed Sprague Dawley rat.
AB  - Current regulations emphasize that good husbandry practices allow animals to
      engage in species appropriate postural adjustments without touching the enclosure
      walls. This study evaluated the well-being of rats housed in a commercially
      available multilevel rat caging system, with or without access to the upper level
      of the caging. The evaluation methodologies included assessment of behavioral
      observations in the home cage, physiological assessment of metabolism and immune
      function, and determination of the affective state using a spatial cognitive bias
      assay. The study determined that rats that were provided access to the full
      multilevel cage during testing after initial restriction to the lower level of
      the cage demonstrated behavioral changes consistent with a positive affective
      state, while those with no changes to their housing situation had no significant
      differences in their affective states. Rats that were consistently housed with
      access restricted to the lower level of the cage exhibited a tendency to
      increased neutrophil:lymphocyte ratios as compared with those provided with
      access to all levels of the multilevel cage. There were no differences in body
      weight demonstrated between the experimental groups. Overall use of the cage
      space, as documented through analysis of behavioral observations in the home
      cage, demonstrated no significant differences in preferred location in the cage
      during the light or dark cycles, though rats with access to both levels of the
      cage were significantly more active during the light cycle. The results of this
      study suggest that the use of a multilevel caging system may improve the well
      being of rats used in research. 

PMID- 25117587
TI  - Post-operative echocardiographic evaluation of bioprosthetic mitral valve
      implantation in sheep.
AB  - The ovine model is generally considered to be the best for testing bioprosthetic
      heart valve durability. Although echocardiography is the method of choice for the
      interim evaluation of the valve, literature on sheep echocardiography is scarce.
      Within the context of a study on treatment of pericardial heart valve prostheses,
      19 adolescent sheep underwent transthoracic echocardiography six days after
      mitral implantation of bioprosthetic valves. Echocardiographic examination was
      performed under mild anesthesia and animals were put in a right lateral decubitus
      position. Four images were obtained: right parasternal long axis four and five
      chamber views, right parasternal long axis view with left ventricular outflow,
      and right parasternal short axis view through the mitral valve. We measured
      aortic annulus and velocity time integral over the aortic valve to determine
      stroke volume, cardiac output and cardiac index. The mitral valve was evaluated
      through color Doppler imaging for valvular and paravalvular leakages. Pulsed wave
      spectral Doppler was used for the measurement of velocities, pressures and
      velocity time integrals. For the evaluation of valve stenosis deceleration time
      and pressure half-time were determined. Effective orifice area of the mitral
      valve was derived. And, although not measured, other structures could clearly be
      visualized: right and left ventricle and atrium, wall thicknesses, tricuspid
      valve. This study shows that echocardiography in sheep is feasible, and that
      right parasternal images, obtained in animals in a right lateral decubitus
      position, are well qualified for the interim evaluation of bioprosthetic valves
      implanted in the mitral position. Besides the implanted valve, other cardiac
      structures like atria and ventricles can be visualized and evaluated. 

PMID- 25117588
TI  - Practical precautionary resource management using robust optimization.
AB  - Uncertainties inherent in fisheries motivate a precautionary approach to
      management, meaning an approach specifically intended to avoid bad outcomes.
      Stochastic dynamic optimization models, which have been in the fisheries
      literature for decades, provide a framework for decision making when uncertain
      outcomes have known probabilities. However, most such models incorporate
      population dynamics models for which the parameters are assumed known. In this
      paper, we apply a robust optimization approach to capture a form of uncertainty
      nearly universal in fisheries, uncertainty regarding the values of model
      parameters. Our approach, developed by Nilim and El Ghaoui (Oper Res 53(5):780
      798, 2005), establishes bounds on parameter values based on the available data
      and the degree of precaution that the decision maker chooses. To demonstrate the
      applicability of the method to fisheries management problems, we use a simple
      example, the Skeena River sockeye salmon fishery. We show that robust
      optimization offers a structured and computationally tractable approach to
      formulating precautionary harvest policies. Moreover, as better information about
      the resource becomes available, less conservative management is possible without
      reducing the level of precaution. 

PMID- 25117589
TI  - Early response of soil properties and function to riparian rainforest
      restoration.
AB  - Reforestation of riparian zones is increasingly practiced in many regions for
      purposes of biodiversity conservation, bank stabilisation, and improvement in
      water quality. This is in spite of the actual benefits of reforestation for
      recovering underlying soil properties and function remaining poorly understood.
      Here we compare remnant riparian rainforest, pasture and reforestation plantings
      aged 2-20 years in an Australian subtropical catchment on ferrosols to determine
      the extent to which reforestation restores key soil properties. Of the nine soil
      attributes measured (total nitrogen, nitrate and ammonium concentrations, net
      nitrification and ammonification rates, organic carbon, bulk density, fine root
      biomass and water infiltration rates), only infiltration rates were significantly
      lower in pasture than remnant riparian rainforest. Within reforestation
      plantings, bulk density decreased up to 1.4-fold and infiltration rates increased
      up to 60-fold with time post-reforestation. Our results suggest that the main
      outcome of belowground processes of early reforestation is the recovery of the
      soils' physical structure, with potential beneficial ecosystem services including
      reduced runoff, erosion and associated sediment and nutrient loads in waterways.
      We also demonstrate differential impacts of two commonly planted tree species on
      a subset of soil properties suggesting that preferential planting of select
      species could accelerate progress on specific restoration objectives. 

PMID- 25117590
TI  - A technique for the estimation of fractional moving blood volume by using three
      dimensional power Doppler US.
AB  - PURPOSE: To (a) demonstrate an image-processing method that can automatically
      measure the power Doppler signal in a three-dimensional ( 3D three-dimensional )
      ultrasonographic (US) volume by using the location of organs within the image and
      (b) compare 3D three-dimensional fractional moving blood volume ( FMBV fractional
      moving blood volume ) results with commonly used, unstandardized measures of 3D
      three-dimensional power Doppler by using the human placenta as the organ of
      interest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of scans obtained
      as part of a prospective study of imaging placental biomarkers with US, performed
      with ethical approval and written informed consent. One hundred forty-three
      consecutive female patients were examined by using an image-processing technique.
      Three-dimensional FMBV fractional moving blood volume was measured on the
      vasculature from the uteroplacental interface to a depth 5 mm into the placenta
      by using a normalization volume 10 mm outside the uteroplacental interface and
      compared against the Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis ( VOCAL Virtual Organ
      Computer-aided AnaLysis ; GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, Wis) vascularization flow
      index ( VFI vascularization flow index ). Intra- and interobserver variability
      was assessed in a subset of 18 volumes. Wilcoxon signed rank test and intraclass
      correlation coefficients were used to assess measurement repeatability. RESULTS:
      The mean 3D three-dimensional FMBV fractional moving blood volume value +/-
      standard deviation was 11.78% +/- 9.30 (range, 0.012%-44.16%). Mean VFI
      vascularization flow index was 2.26 +/- 0.96 (range, 0.15-6.06). Linear
      regression of VFI vascularization flow index versus FMBV fractional moving blood
      volume produced an R(2) value of 0.211 and was significantly different in
      distribution (P < .001). Intraclass correlation coefficient analysis showed
      higher FMBV fractional moving blood volume values than VFI vascularization flow
      index for intra- and interobserver variability; intraobserver values were 0.95
      for FMBV fractional moving blood volume (95% confidence interval [ CI confidence
      interval ]: 0.90, 0.98) versus 0.899 for VFI vascularization flow index (95% CI
      confidence interval : 0.78, 0.96), and interobserver values were 0.93 for FMBV
      fractional moving blood volume (95% CI confidence interval : 0.82, 0.97) versus
      0.67 for VFI vascularization flow index (95% CI confidence interval : 0.32,
      0.86). CONCLUSION: The extension of an existing two-dimensional standardized
      power Doppler measurement into 3D three-dimensional by using an image-processing
      technique was shown in an in utero placental study. Three-dimensional FMBV
      fractional moving blood volume and VFI vascularization flow index produced
      significantly different results. FMBV fractional moving blood volume performed
      better than VFI vascularization flow index in repeatability studies. Further
      studies are needed to assess accuracy against a reference standard.

PMID- 25117591
TI  - Incidental pancreatic cystic lesions: is there a relationship with the
      development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and all-cause mortality?
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish the effect of incidental pancreatic cysts found by using
      computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging on the incidence of
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and overall mortality in patients from an inner
      city urban U.S. tertiary care medical center. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Institutional review board granted approval for the study and waived the informed
      consent requirement. The study population comprised cyst and no-cyst cohorts
      drawn from all adults who underwent abdominal CT and/or MR November 1, 2001, to
      November 1, 2011. Cyst cohort included patients whose CT or MR imaging showed
      incidental pancreatic cysts; no-cyst cohort was three-to-one frequency matched by
      age decade, imaging modality, and year of initial study from the pool without
      reported incidental pancreatic cysts. Patients with pancreatic cancer diagnosed
      within 5 years before initial CT or MR were excluded. Demographics, study
      location (outpatient, inpatient, or emergency department), dates of pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma and death, and modified Charlson scores within 3 months before
      initial CT or MR examination were extracted from the hospital database. Cox
      hazard models were constructed; incident pancreatic adenocarcinoma and mortality
      were outcome events. Adenocarcinomas diagnosed 6 months or longer after initial
      CT or MR examination were considered incident. RESULTS: There were 2034 patients
      in cyst cohort (1326 women [65.2%]) and 6018 in no-cyst cohort (3,563 [59.2%]
      women); respective mean ages were 69.9 years +/- 15.1(standard deviation) and
      69.3 years +/- 15.2, respectively (P = .129). The relationship between mortality
      and incidental pancreatic cysts varied by age: hazard ratios were 1.40 (95%
      confidence interval [ CI confidence interval ]: 1.13, 1.73) for patients younger
      than 65 years and 0.97 (95% CI confidence interval : 0.88, 1.07), adjusted for
      sex, race, imaging modality, study location, and modified Charlson scores.
      Incidental pancreatic cysts had a hazard ratio of 3.0 (95% CI confidence interval
      : 1.32, 6.89) for adenocarcinoma, adjusted for age, sex, and race. CONCLUSION:
      Incidental pancreatic cysts found by using CT or MR imaging are associated with
      increased mortality for patients younger than 65 years and an overall increased
      risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 25117592
TI  - Structuring text and standardizing data for clinical and population health
      applications.

PMID- 25117595
TI  - Developing eLearning for pressure ulcer prevention and management.
AB  - The impact of pressure ulcers is psychologically, physically and clinically
      challenging for both patients and NHS staff. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS
      GGC), in line with the Scottish Best Practice Statement for the Prevention and
      Management of Pressure Ulcers ( Quality Improvement Scotland, 2009 ), and the NHS
      Health Improvement Scotland (2011) Preventing Pressure Ulcers Change Package,
      launched an awareness campaign throughout the organisation in April 2012 and has
      more recently adopted a 'zero-tolerance' approach to pressure damage. The tissue
      viability service in NHS GGC recognised that in order to achieve this aim,
      education of front-line staff is essential. An educational framework for pressure
      ulcer prevention was developed for all levels of healthcare staff involved in the
      delivery of patient care. As a means to support the framework, an initiative to
      develop web-based eLearning modules has been taken forward. This has resulted in
      the creation of an accessible, cost-effective, stimulating, relevant, and
      evidence-based education programme designed around the educational needs of all
      healthcare staff. In conjunction with the organisation's 'top ten tools' for
      pressure ulcer prevention and management, the modular online education programme
      addresses the aims of quality improvement and zero tolerance by supporting the
      provision of safe and effective person-centered care. 

PMID- 25117596
TI  - Prevention and management of wounds using compression therapy.

PMID- 25117597
TI  - Use of a coverlet system for the management of skin microclimate.
AB  - Pressure and shear are the two key extrinsic factors that cause pressure ulcer
      damage. However, if the resilience of the skin and soft tissue deteriorates, the
      individual's susceptibility to such pressure damage will increase. The risk is
      greater if the microclimate at the interface between the skin and the support
      surface is impaired. This will occur when the skin temperature is elevated and
      there is excess moisture on the skin surface. Microclimate management therefore
      plays an important role in pressure ulcer prevention. This article describes how
      use of a new coverlet system (Skin IQ Microclimate Manager, ArjoHuntleigh) can
      avoid the accumulation of heat and moisture at the patient/support-surface
      interface. 

PMID- 25117594
TI  - Treatment adherence among new triptan users: a 2-year cohort study in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The persistence of triptan use among newly prescribed users is low in
      the United States and European countries. However, triptan refill patterns in
      Asian primary care practices have not been well described. METHODS: Data from the
      National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan were used to conduct a
      retrospective cohort analysis from 2005 to 2008. All participants were followed
      for 2 years after receiving a new triptan prescription. Refill and 2-year
      retention rates of newly prescribed triptans were calculated, and predictors of
      the first triptan refill and 2-year retention were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the
      13,951 participants with a new triptan prescription (99.9% sumatriptan), 67.4%
      were prescribed by a neurologist, 67.4% were prescribed at least one prophylactic
      agent for migraine. Of them, 34.3% adhered to the newly prescribed triptan at the
      first refill, 0.01% switched to another triptan, and 40.9% switched to a non
      triptan acute migraine medication. The 2-year retention rate was 4.0%. The
      frequency of headache-related neurologic visits for 1 year before the index date,
      first prescription of triptan or other acute medications, first triptan
      prescription by a neurologist, and prophylactic use were associated with higher
      first refill rates. The frequency of headache-related neurologic visits 1 year
      before the index date and first triptan prescription by a neurologist were
      related to higher 2-year retention rates. Diabetes mellitus and first triptan
      prescription at a local medical clinic were associated with reduced probability
      of continued triptan use at the first refill and 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to
      Western societies, the refill and 2-year retention rates were low in new users of
      triptans. Frequency of neurologic visits and triptan prescription by a
      neurologist were significant predictors of adherence.

PMID- 25117598
TI  - Wound imaging: from Waterloo to tomorrow.

PMID- 25117599
TI  - A vapour-permeable film dressing used on superficial wounds.
AB  - Films are an extremely versatile dressing type that can be effectively used in
      the treatment of many superficial wounds, such as skin grafts, surgical wounds
      and superficial burns; they provide an optimal moist environment to promote
      healing, act as a barrier to bacteria, and afford protection from urine and
      faecal contamination. Unfortunately, many film dressings are difficult to handle
      and use traditional adhesives, which can cause trauma to the wound and
      surrounding skin, as well as increased wound pain at dressing removal. Mepitel(r)
      Film is a new, easy-to-use wound dressing designed with Safetac(r) technology
      that helps to minimise dressing-related trauma and pain and assist undisturbed
      wound healing. This article presents case studies that examine Mepitel Film's use
      on a variety of wounds, and reviews the findings of research that was undertaken
      to evaluate the benefits of using this recently developed dressing. 

PMID- 25117600
TI  - Pressure ulcer grading and appropriate equipment selection.
AB  - This article explores the process and rationale for designing a poster to support
      community nurses in selecting appropriate pressure-relieving equipment based on
      accurate risk assessment and correct pressure ulcer grading. The project was
      prompted by the requirement to update community nurses' knowledge and ensure
      pressure-relieving equipment selection was evidence-based and not reliant on
      personal preference. The 2012 NHS Midlands and East 'Stop the pressure' campaign
      provided community nurses with a framework for pressure ulcer prevention and
      management. The attention to support surfaces highlighted the need for
      appropriate equipment. However the tissue viability team found that the
      introduction of this pathway alone did not help with the practical issues of
      appropriate equipment selection. The poster was designed with consideration as to
      how adults learn, and by looking to the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle. This
      provided the framework for enabling new ideas and changes to practice to be
      tested on a small scale before full implementation. 

PMID- 25117601
TI  - Using an alternating pressure mattress to offload heels in ICU.
AB  - The heel continues to be one of the most common sites of pressure damage. This
      article reviews the anatomy and physiology of the heel and explores significant
      risk factors, including those found in the critically ill patient. Interventions
      to prevent heel pressure ulceration by offloading the heel are explored. An
      evaluation of the Nimbus 4 alternating pressure mattress was undertaken within an
      intensive care unit (ICU) to consider the efficacy of its unique Wound Valve
      Technology, which is designed to help prevent heel pressure ulceration. During
      the evaluation period none of the patients using the Nimbus 4 developed a
      pressure ulcer. Staff observed that the Wound Valves provided effective pressure
      redistribution and, although the cells frequently needed to be adjusted, patient
      safety was maintained throughout. The Wound Valves were most effective on
      patients who were less prone to voluntary movement. 

PMID- 25117602
TI  - Extent of cortical generators visible on the scalp: effect of a subdural grid.
AB  - The effect of the non-conducting substrate of a subdural grid on the scalp
      electric potential distribution is studied through simulations. Using a detailed
      head model and the finite element method we show that the governing physics
      equations predict an important attenuation in the scalp potential for generators
      located under the grid, and an amplification for generators located under holes
      in the skull filled with conductive media. These effects are spatially localized
      and do not cancel each other. A 4 * 8 cm grid can produce attenuations of 2 to 3
      times, and an 8 * 8 cm grid attenuation of up to 8 times. As a consequence, when
      there is no subdural grid, generators of 4 to 8 cm(2) produce scalp potentials of
      the same maximum amplitude as generators of 10 to 20 cm(2) under the center of a
      subdural grid. This means that the minimum cortical extents necessary to produce
      visible scalp activity determined from simultaneous scalp and subdural recordings
      can be overestimations.

PMID- 25117603
TI  - Projecting my envy onto you: neurocognitive mechanisms of an offline emotional
      egocentricity bias.
AB  - Humans often project their own beliefs, desires and emotions onto others,
      indicating an inherent egocentrism. In five studies we investigated the
      neurocognitive mechanisms underlying emotional egocentricity bias (EEB) and
      specifically an offline EEB, defined as the projection of one's own tendency to
      react with a certain emotional response pattern in a given situation onto other
      people. We used a competitive reaction time game associated with monetary gains
      and losses that allowed inducing feelings of envy and Schadenfreude. While we
      found evidence for the first hand experience of envy and Schadenfreude, we also
      observed an offline bias, that is participants on average projected feelings of
      envy and Schadenfreude when having to judge others. Importantly the extent of
      experienced and projected social emotions were highly correlated. This bias was
      observed when participants were both directly involved and also as an uninvolved
      party, suggesting the offline bias to be independent of the presently experienced
      emotion. Under increased time pressure however an online bias emerged whereby
      participants just projected their presently experienced emotions onto the other.
      Finally, we show that on the neural level shared neuronal networks underlie the
      offline EEB at least for envy. Thus, for envy, activity of the same part of
      anterior insula was sensitive to individual differences both in the experience
      and the projection of envy. These findings outline the set of circumstances
      leading to specific types of empathic attribution biases and show that individual
      differences in the experience of social emotions are predictive of the offline
      egocentricity bias both on a behavioral as well as a neural level. These data
      extend present models on the neurocognitive mechanisms of interpersonal
      understanding in the socio-affective domain. 

PMID- 25117604
TI  - Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma in young children: CT and MRI findings and
      review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) is an extremely rare benign
      tumor, primarily diagnosed in young infants and children and it often simulates
      malignant tumors on imaging. CASE PRESENTATION: We present computerized
      tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of two nasal
      chondromesenchymal hamartomas in a 5-year-old boy and a 6-week-old girl.
      CONCLUSIONS: NCMH is a rare, benign tumor-like lesion with good biologic
      behavior. No recurrence after complete resection or malignant transformation of
      NCMH has been reported. A correct diagnosis is imperative to avoid unnecessary
      adjuvant therapy.

PMID- 25117605
TI  - AFM analysis of the multiple types of molecular interactions involved in
      rituximab lymphoma therapy on patient tumor cells and NK cells.
AB  - Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody drug approved for the treatment of patients
      with lymphomas. Rituximab's main killing mechanism is antibody-dependent cellular
      cytotoxicity (ADCC). During ADCC, rituximab's fragment antigen binding (Fab)
      region binds to the CD20 antigen on the tumor cell and its fragment
      crystallizable (Fc) region binds to the Fc receptor (FcR) on the natural killer
      (NK) cells. In this study, two types of molecular interactions (CD20-rituximab,
      FcR-rituximab) involved in ADCC were measured simultaneously on cells prepared
      from biopsy specimens of lymphoma patients by utilizing atomic force microscopy
      (AFM) with functionalized tips carrying rituximab. NK cells were detected by
      specific NKp46 fluorescent labeling and tumor cells were detected by specific
      ROR1 fluorescent labeling. Based on the fluorescence recognition, the binding
      affinity and distribution of FcRs on NK cells, and CD20 on tumor cells, were
      quantitatively measured and mapped. The binding affinity and distribution of FcRs
      (on NK cells) and CD20 (on tumor cells) were associated with rituximab clinical
      efficacy. The experimental results provide a new approach to simultaneously
      quantify the multiple types of molecular interactions involved in rituximab ADCC
      mechanism on patient biopsy cells, which is of potential clinical significance to
      predict rituximab efficacy for personalized medicine. 

PMID- 25117606
TI  - Mirandese language and genetic differentiation in Iberia: a study using X
      chromosome markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the Iberian Peninsula, the Mirandese dialect, spoken in Miranda do
      Douro (Portugal) close to the north-eastern border with Spain, has attracted much
      attention. Aim, subjects and methods: This study focuses on providing further
      insight into the connections forged between Miranda do Douro and regions in the
      nearby Province of Zamora. This is in order to better assess the extent to which
      such relations could have been detained by the current patterns of genetic
      diversity of the populations, whilst contributing to refining the knowledge on
      patterns of micro-differentiation within the Peninsula. The genetic
      characterization of both populations was performed through the analysis of X
      chromosomal markers: X-STRs and X-indels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results
      showed that Miranda do Douro tended to present slightly lower levels of diversity
      in comparison to the other studied regions, which can be a discreet sign of
      isolation of that population over the years that might have led the way to the
      preservation of a language not spoken anywhere else in the country. The analysis
      of X-STRs particularly brought to light the presence of a subtle population sub
      structure at the micro-geographical area encompassing the north-eastern border,
      which seems to portray the importance of the political border as a mechanism
      withholding gene flow between the two countries.

PMID- 25117607
TI  - Urodynamics before stress urinary incontinence surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In patients with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence,
      there is still a debate regarding the benefit of a multichannel urodynamic
      investigation prior to surgical management. The purpose of this article is to
      review recent evidence on this topic. RECENT FINDINGS: Results of two large
      randomized controlled trials provided evidence that preoperative urodynamics do
      not improve outcome of incontinence surgery in women with uncomplicated stress
      urinary incontinence. Furthermore, in this selected group of women, urodynamics
      hardly lead to deviation of surgery as a primary treatment in case of an
      indication for operation based on symptoms and signs. Low urethral closure
      pressures and detrusor overactivity are urodynamic parameters which were
      associated with impaired cure of symptoms of stress urinary incontinence after
      surgery. SUMMARY: Preoperative urodynamics do not improve outcome in women with
      complaints of stress incontinence and do hardly alter the treatment plan. It
      remains questionable whether a more accurate counselling on the postoperative
      perspectives counterbalances the disadvantages attended with urodynamics. The
      routine use in women with uncomplicated stress incontinence should no longer be
      advised. Preoperative urodynamic evaluation should only be used to answer a
      specific clinical question or if the results are likely to influence the choice
      of treatment.

PMID- 25117615
TI  - Phase-1 study of abiraterone acetate in chemotherapy-naive Japanese patients with
      castration-resistant prostate cancer.
AB  - Persistent androgen synthesis under castration status in adrenal gland, testes
      and tumor cells is thought to be one of the major causes of development and
      progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Abiraterone acetate
      (AA), the prodrug of abiraterone, which is an inhibitor of androgen synthesis
      enzymes, was evaluated for pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, preliminary
      efficacy and safety in Japanese patients with CRPC in a phase-1, open-label and
      dose-escalation study. Chemotherapy-naive Japanese CRPC patients (N = 27)
      received one of four AA daily doses (250 mg [n = 9], 500 mg [n = 6], 1000 [1 h
      premeal] mg [n = 6] and 1000 [2 h postmeal] mg [n = 6]) continuously through 28
      day treatment cycles. In the first cycle, AA monotherapy was given on days 1-7
      for pharmacokinetics, and AA plus prednisone (5 mg twice daily) from days 8 to
      28. Of 27 patients, 9 continued treatment with AA until the data cut-off date (18
      July 2013). Over the evaluated dose range, plasma abiraterone concentrations
      increased with dose, with median tmax 2-3 h. At each dose level, mean serum
      corticosterone concentrations increased, while testosterone and
      dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations rapidly decreased following a
      single AA dose and were further reduced to near the quantification limit on day 8
      regardless of the dose. At least 3 patients from each dose-group experienced
      >=50% prostate-specific antigen reduction, suggesting clinical benefit from AA in
      Japanese CRPC patients. AA was generally well-tolerated, and, therefore, the
      recommended AA dosage regimen in Japanese CRPC patients is 1000 mg oral dose
      under modified fasting conditions (at least 1 h premeal or 2 h postmeal). This
      study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01186484.

PMID- 25117616
TI  - Forecasting spring from afar? Timing of migration and predictability of phenology
      along different migration routes of an avian herbivore.
AB  - Herbivorous birds are hypothesized to migrate in spring along a seasonal gradient
      of plant profitability towards their breeding grounds (green wave hypothesis).
      For Arctic breeding species in particular, following highly profitable food is
      important, so that they can replenish resources along the way and arrive in
      optimal body condition to start breeding early. We compared the timing of
      migratory movements of Arctic breeding geese on different flyways to examine
      whether flyways differed in the predictability of spring conditions at stopovers
      and whether this was reflected in the degree to which birds were following the
      green wave. Barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) were tracked with solar GPS/ARGOS
      PTTs from their wintering grounds to breeding sites in Greenland (N = 7),
      Svalbard (N = 21) and the Barents Sea (N = 12). The numerous stopover sites of
      all birds were combined into a set of 16 general stopover regions. The
      predictability of climatic conditions along the flyways was calculated as the
      correlation and slope between onsets of spring at consecutive stopovers. These
      values differed between sites, mainly because of the presence or absence of
      ecological barriers. Goose arrival at stopovers was more closely tied to the
      local onset of spring when predictability was higher and when geese attempted
      breeding that year. All birds arrived at early stopovers after the onset of
      spring and arrived at the breeding grounds before the onset of spring, thus
      overtaking the green wave. This is in accordance with patterns expected for
      capital breeders: first, they must come into condition; at intermediate
      stopovers, arrival with the food quality peak is important to stay in condition,
      and at the breeding grounds, early arrival is favoured so that hatching of young
      can coincide with the peak of food quality. Our results suggest that a chain of
      correlations between climatic conditions at subsequent stopovers enables geese to
      closely track the green wave. However, the birds' precision of migratory timing
      seems uninfluenced by ecological barriers, indicating partly fixed migration
      schedules. These might become non-optimal due to climate warming and preclude
      accurate timing of long-distance migrants in the future. 

PMID- 25117617
TI  - Aromatase inhibitors for metastatic male breast cancer: molecular, endocrine, and
      clinical considerations.
AB  - Male breast cancer is a rare condition. Aromatase inhibitors are widely used for
      treating metastatic male breast cancer patients. In this setting, their use is
      not substantiated by prospective clinical trials, but is rather driven by
      similarities supposedly existing with breast cancer in postmenopausal women. This
      oversimplified approach was questioned by studies addressing the molecular and
      endocrine roots of the disease. In this manuscript, we discuss relevant aspects
      of the current use of aromatase inhibitors in metastatic male breast cancer in
      light of the most updated evidence on the molecular landscape of the disease and
      the specific changes in the hormonal background occurring with aging. We further
      point to strategies for blocking multiple hormonal pathway nodes with the goal of
      improving their therapeutic potential. We searched PubMed from its inception
      until March 2014 for relevant literature on the use of aromatase inhibitors in
      metastatic male breast cancer. Selected terms were combined and used both as
      medical headings and text words. The reference list of the suitable manuscripts
      was inspected for further publications. Aromatase inhibitors represent the
      mainstay of treatment in the metastatic setting. Yet, efforts aimed at sharpening
      the therapeutic potential of aromatase inhibitors still pose a challenge due to
      the paucity of data. The choice of dual hormonal (or sequential) therapy
      combining aromatase inhibitors with a GnRH analogue may represent a valid
      alterative, particularly if informed by cancer- and patient-related features
      including molecular, endocrine, and clinic characteristics. 

PMID- 25117618
TI  - Electrodeposition of magnetic, superhydrophobic, non-stick, two-phase Cu-Ni foam
      films and their enhanced performance for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline
      water media.
AB  - Two-phase Cu-Ni magnetic metallic foams (MMFs) with tunable composition have been
      prepared by electrodeposition taking advantage of hydrogen co-evolution as a
      source of porosity. It is observed that Ni tends to deposit inside the porous
      network defined by the Cu building blocks. Contact angle measurements reveal that
      the prepared porous films show a remarkable superhydrophobicity (contact angle
      values larger than 150 degrees ) and a non-sticking property to aqueous droplets.
      This behavior is predominately ascribed to the morphology of the films -
      hierarchical micro/nanoporosity, wall thickness, and spatial arrangement. The
      electrochemical activity and stability towards hydrogen evolution reaction of the
      Cu-Ni MMFs has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry in 1 M KOH at 298 K, and
      the optimal Ni content is found to be 15 at%. Furthermore, all the foam-like
      films exhibit ferromagnetic behaviour due to the presence of the Ni-rich phase,
      with coercivity values ranging from 114 Oe to 300 Oe. From the technological
      point of view, the Cu-Ni MMFs are promising candidates for magnetically-actuated
      micro/nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) and micro/nanorobotic platforms
      with a large surface-area to volume ratio or in magnetic sensors or separators. 

PMID- 25117619
TI  - The role of physical activity in the CKD setting.
AB  - A sedentary lifestyle contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease,
      hypertension, diabetes and probably cancer in the general population; this
      cluster of disease may be defined the diseasome of physical inactivity. Also in
      CKD/ESRD patients physical activity is strikingly low. As a result of growing
      evidence suggestive of cardiovascular benefit among the CKD population with
      exercise, the National Kidney Foundation recommended counseling by nephrologists
      to increase patients' levels of physical activity in their guideline about
      management of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, to maintain the well-being and
      functional capacity of renal patients attention should be directed toward
      maintaining strength and aerobic fitness as well as focusing on renal function
      and anemia or other comorbidities. All CKD/ESRD patients should be counseled and
      regularly encouraged by nephrology and dialysis staff to increase their level of
      physical activity.

PMID- 25117620
TI  - Acute Carotid Artery Stent Thrombosis Due to Dual Antiplatelet Resistance.
AB  - Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a revascularization modality that is an
      alternative to carotid endarterectomy. The efficacy of CAS in primary and
      secondary prevention from ischemic stroke has been demonstrated in various
      trials. Acute thrombosis of CAS is a rare complication that can lead to dramatic
      and catastrophic consequences. We discuss a case of acute CAS thrombosis in a
      patient who had previously undergone successful CAS. CAS was performed in a 73
      year-old man who had had dysarthria lasting 2 weeks with 95% stenosis in his left
      internal carotid artery. An acute cerebrovascular event resulting in right-sided
      hemiplegia developed 24 h after the procedure. Computed tomographic carotid
      angiography revealed complete occlusion of the stent with thrombus. The cause of
      stent thrombosis was thought to be antiaggregant resistance to both
      acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel. The most important cause of acute CAS
      thrombosis is inadequate or ineffective antiaggregant therapy. Evaluating
      patients who are candidates for CAS for acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel
      resistance may preclude this complication.

PMID- 25117621
TI  - Transforming growth factor alpha is a critical mediator of radiation lung injury.
AB  - Radiation fibrosis of the lung is a late toxicity of thoracic irradiation.
      Epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling has previously been implicated in
      radiation lung injury. We hypothesized that TGF-alpha, an EGF receptor ligand,
      plays a key role in radiation-induced fibrosis in lung. Mice deficient in
      transforming growth factor (TGF-alpha(-/-)) and control C57Bl/6J (C57-WT) mice
      were exposed to thoracic irradiation in 5 daily fractions of 6 Gy. Cohorts of
      mice were followed for survival (n >= 5 per group) and tissue collection (n = 3
      per strain and time point). Collagen accumulation in irradiated lungs was
      assessed by Masson's trichrome staining and analysis of hydroxyproline content.
      Cytokine levels in lung tissue were assessed with ELISA. The effects of TGF-alpha
      on pneumocyte and fibroblast proliferation and collagen production were analyzed
      in vitro. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) expression and activity were measured in vitro and
      in vivo. Irradiated C57-WT mice had a median survival of 24.4 weeks compared to
      48.2 weeks for irradiated TGF-alpha(-/-) mice (P = 0.001). At 20 weeks after
      irradiation, hydroxyproline content was markedly increased in C57-WT mice exposed
      to radiation compared to TGF-alpha(-/-) mice exposed to radiation or unirradiated
      C57-WT mice (63.0, 30.5 and 37.6 MUg/lung, respectively, P = 0.01). C57-WT mice
      exposed to radiation had dense foci of subpleural fibrosis at 20 weeks after
      exposure, whereas the lungs of irradiated TGF-alpha (-/-) mice were largely
      devoid of fibrotic foci. Lung tissue concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-4, TNF-alpha,
      TGF-beta and EGF at multiple time points after irradiation were similar in C57-WT
      and TGF-alpha(-/-) mice. TGF-alpha in lung tissue of C57-WT mice rose rapidly
      after irradiation and remained elevated through 20 weeks. TGF-alpha(-/-) mice had
      lower basal LOX expression than C57-WT mice. Both LOX expression and LOX activity
      were increased after irradiation in all mice but to a lesser degree in TGF-alpha(
      /-) mice. Treatment of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts with TGF-alpha resulted in increases
      in proliferation, collagen production and LOX activity. These studies identify
      TGF-alpha as a critical mediator of radiation-induced lung injury and a novel
      therapeutic target in this setting. Further, these data implicate TGF-alpha as a
      mediator of collagen maturation through a TGF-beta independent activation of
      lysyl oxidase. 

PMID- 25117623
TI  - The influence of dose rate on the induction of chromosome aberrations and gene
      mutation after exposure of plateau phase V79-4 cells with high-LET alpha
      particles.
AB  - While protracting exposures of low-LET radiations usually leads to a reduction in
      their effectiveness for a given dose, for high-LET radiation there is now
      substantial evidence for what has been called an inverse dose-rate effect, where
      under certain circumstances there is an increase in carcinogenesis or other
      biological effects, with decreasing dose rate. This study investigates the
      influence of dose rate on the induction of chromosome aberrations and gene
      mutations after irradiation of plateau phase V79-4 cells with high-LET alpha
      particles. The induction of chromosomal aberrations exhibited a linear
      relationship with dose and showed evidence of a small but significant
      conventional dose-rate dependence, with low-dose-rate exposures (0.28 Gy h(-1))
      being less effective by about 20% (ratio 0.82 +/- 0.04) compared to acute
      exposures. However no significant dose-rate effect was observed for cell survival
      or the induction of mutations in the HPRT gene for low-dose-rate exposure (8.0 *
      10(-5) and 1.5 * 10(-2) Gy h(-1) for exposure of 0.36 and 0.69 Gy, respectively)
      when compared to acute exposures. 

PMID- 25117622
TI  - Wip1 abrogation decreases intestinal tumor frequency in APC(Min/+) mice
      irrespective of radiation quality.
AB  - Low-linear energy transfer (low-LET) gamma-ray exposure is a risk factor for
      colorectal cancer (CRC). Due to their high-LET nature, energetic iron ions found
      in space are expected to pose greater CRC risks to astronauts undertaking long
      duration space missions beyond low Earth orbit. Wild-type p53-induced phosphatase
      1 (Wip1) is important for cellular DNA damage response and its abrogation has
      been shown to inhibit spontaneous intestinal tumorigenesis in APC(Min/+) mice, a
      well-studied mouse model of human CRC. However, the relationship of Wip1 to
      radiation-induced intestinal tumorigenesis, especially by energetic iron ions,
      has not been investigated in APC(Min/+) mice. We have previously reported that
      there is a greater intestinal tumorigenic potential of iron-ion radiation
      relative to (137)Cs gamma rays, so the purpose of the current study was to
      investigate whether Wip1 abrogation could influence high-LET dependent intestinal
      tumorigenesis in APC(Min/+) mice. Intestinal tumor frequency and grade were
      assessed in APC(Min/+)/Wip1(-/-) mice and results were compared to those in
      APC(Min/+)/Wip1(+/+) mice after exposure to a mean absorbed dose of 2 Gy from
      (137)Cs gamma rays or 1.6 Gy from 1 GeV/n iron ions. Cellular differentiation and
      proliferation were also assessed in the intestinal tumors of sham-irradiated and
      irradiated mice. Decreased tumor frequency and lower tumor grade were observed in
      APC(Min/+)/Wip1(-/-) relative to APC(Min/+)/Wip1(+/+) mice. Notably, a similar
      decrease (~6-fold in both groups) in tumor number was observed in sham-irradiated
      and gamma-irradiated APC(Min/+)/Wip1(-/-) relative to APC(Min/+)/Wip1(+/+) mice.
      However, tumorigenesis in the energetic iron-ion exposed group was reduced ~8
      fold in APC(Min/+)/Wip1(-/-) relative to APC(Min/+)/Wip1(+/+) mice. A
      significantly lower proliferation/differentiation index in tumors of iron-ion
      exposed APC(Min/+)/Wip1(-/-) relative to APC(Min/+)/Wip1(+/+) mice suggests that
      reduced proliferation and enhanced differentiation as a result of Wip1 abrogation
      maybe involved. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that the absence of
      Wip1 blocked radiation-induced intestinal tumorigenesis irrespective of radiation
      quality and has implications for developing preventive strategies against the
      tumorigenic potential of radiation exposure on earth and in outer space. 

PMID- 25117624
TI  - Modeling dose deposition and DNA damage due to low-energy beta(-) emitters.
AB  - One of the main issues of low-energy internal emitters concerns the very short
      ranges of the beta particles, versus the dimensions of the biological targets.
      Depending on the chemical form, the radionuclide may be more concentrated either
      in the cytoplasm or in the nucleus of the target cell. Consequently, since in
      most cases conventional dosimetry neglects this issue it may overestimate or
      underestimate the dose to the nucleus and hence the biological effects. To assess
      the magnitude of these deviations and to provide a realistic evaluation of the
      localized energy deposition by low-energy internal emitters, the biophysical
      track-structure code PARTRAC was used to calculate nuclear doses, DNA damage
      yields and fragmentation patterns for different localizations of radionuclides in
      human interphase fibroblasts. The nuclides considered in the simulations were
      tritium and nickel-63, which emit electrons with average energies of 5.7 (range
      in water of 0.42 MUm) and 17 keV (range of 5 MUm), respectively, covering both
      very short and medium ranges of beta-decay products. The simulation results
      showed that the largest deviations from the conventional dosimetry occur for
      inhomogeneously distributed short-range emitters. For uniformly distributed
      radionuclides selectively in the cytoplasm but excluded from the cell nucleus,
      the dose in the nucleus is 15% of the average dose in the cell in the case of
      tritium but 64% for nickel-63. Also, the numbers of double-strand breaks (DSBs)
      and the distributions of DNA fragments depend on subcellular localization of the
      radionuclides. In the low- and medium-dose regions investigated here, DSB numbers
      are proportional to the nuclear dose, with about 50 DSB/Gy for both studied
      nuclides. In addition, DSB numbers on specific chromosomes depend on the
      radionuclide localization in the cell as well, with chromosomes located more
      peripherally in the cell nucleus being more damaged by short-ranged emitters in
      cytoplasm compared with chromosomes located more centrally. These results
      illustrate the potential for over- or underestimating the risk associated with
      low-energy emitters, particularly for tritium intake, when their distribution at
      subcellular levels is not appropriately considered. 

PMID- 25117625
TI  - Nonhomologous end-joining repair plays a more important role than homologous
      recombination repair in defining radiosensitivity after exposure to high-LET
      radiation.
AB  - DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by ionizing radiation pose a major threat
      to cell survival. The cell can respond to the presence of DSBs through two major
      repair pathways: homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end joining
      (NHEJ). Higher levels of cell death are induced by high-linear energy transfer
      (LET) radiation when compared to low-LET radiation, even at the same physical
      doses, due to less effective and efficient DNA repair. To clarify whether high
      LET radiation inhibits all repair pathways or specifically one repair pathway,
      studies were designed to examine the effects of radiation with different LET
      values on DNA DSB repair and radiosensitivity. Embryonic fibroblasts bearing
      repair gene (NHEJ-related Lig4 and/or HR-related Rad54) knockouts (KO) were used
      and their responses were compared to wild-type cells. The cells were exposed to X
      rays, spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) carbon ion beams as well as with carbon, iron,
      neon and argon ions. Cell survival was measured with colony-forming assays. The
      sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) values were calculated using the 10%
      survival dose of wild-type cells and repair-deficient cells. Cellular
      radiosensitivity was listed in descending order: double-KO cells > Lig4-KO cells
      > Rad54-KO cells > wild-type cells. Although Rad54-KO cells had an almost
      constant SER value, Lig4-KO cells showed a high-SER value when compared to Rad54
      KO cells, even with increasing LET values. These results suggest that with carbon
      ion therapy, targeting NHEJ repair yields higher radiosensitivity than targeting
      homologous recombination repair. 

PMID- 25117626
TI  - Ability of 18-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT to detect
      incidental cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical features of pathologically
      proven incidental cancer (IC) detected by whole-body fluorine-18 fludeoxyglucose
      ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, as well as the incidence of
      false-positive and false-negative results. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      reports derived from (18)F-FDG PET/CT images of 3079 consecutive patients with
      known or suspected malignancies for 3 years. Discrete focal uptake indicating IC
      was identified from reports as well as pathological or clinical diagnoses, and
      the clinical courses were investigated. The false-positive result was defined as
      uptake indicating IC but not pathologically confirmed as malignant during follow
      up. The false-negative result was defined as pathologically proven IC detected by
      another modality at initial clinical work-up or diagnosed during the follow-up
      period. RESULTS: We found (18)F-FDG uptake indicating IC in 6.7% of all patients,
      and IC was pathologically proven in 2.2% of all patients. The most common sites
      were the colon, lung and stomach. The median survival duration of patients with
      IC was 42 months. The results were false positive in 4.5% of all patients, and
      the results were false negative in 2.3% of all patients. CONCLUSION: (18)F-FDG
      PET/CT is a valuable tool for detecting IC. The rates of false-positive and false
      negative results are within acceptable range. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This is the
      first report to describe the survival of patients with IC, and the detailed
      features of false-negative results at actual clinical settings.

PMID- 25117627
TI  - Prevention of hyperoxia-induced bronchial hyperreactivity by sildenafil and
      vasoactive intestinal peptide: impact of preserved lung function and structure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hyperoxia exposure leads to the development of lung injury and
      bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) via involvement of nitric oxide (NO) pathway. We
      aimed at characterizing whether the stimulation of the NO pathway by sildenafil
      or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is able to prevent the hyperoxia-induced
      development of BHR. The respective roles of the preserved lung volume and
      alveolar architecture, the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic potentials of
      these treatments in the diminished lung responsiveness were also characterized.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immature (28-day-old) rats were exposed for 72 hours to
      room air (Group C), hyperoxia (>95%, Group HC), or hyperoxia with the concomitant
      administration of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, Group HV) or sildenafil
      (Group HS). Following exposure, the end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) was
      assessed plethysmographically. Airway and respiratory tissue mechanics were
      measured under baseline conditions and following incremental doses of
      methacholine to assess BHR. Inflammation was assessed by analyzing the
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), while biochemical and histological analyses
      were used to characterize the apoptotic and structural changes in the lungs.
      RESULTS: The BHR, the increased EELV, the aberrant alveolarization, and the
      infiltration of inflammatory cells into the BALF that developed in Group HC were
      all suppressed significantly by VIP or sildenafil treatment. The number of
      apoptotic cells increased significantly in Group HC, with no evidence of
      statistically significant effects on this adverse change in Groups HS and HV.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that stimulating the NO pathway by sildenafil
      and VIP exert their beneficial effect against hyperoxia-induced BHR via
      preserving normal EELV, inhibiting airway inflammation and preserving the
      physiological lung structure, whereas the antiapoptotic potential of these
      treatments were not apparent in this process.

PMID- 25117628
TI  - Defining the recognition elements of Lewis Y-reactive antibodies.
AB  - Antibody response to carbohydrate antigens is often independent of T cells and
      the process of affinity/specificity improvement is considered strictly dependent
      on the germinal centers. Antibodies induced during a T cell-independent type 2
      (TI-2) response are less variable and less functionally versatile than those
      induced with T cell help. The antigen specificity consequences of accumulation of
      somatic mutations in antibodies during TI-2 responses of Marginal Zone (MZ) B
      cells is a fact that still needs explanation. Germline genes that define
      carbohydrate-reactive antibodies are known to sculpt antibody-combining sites
      containing innate, key side-chain contacts that define the antigen recognition
      step. However, substitutions associated with MZ B cell derived antibodies might
      affect the mobility and polyspecificity of the antibody. To examine this
      hypothesis, we analyzed antibodies reactive with the neolactoseries antigen Lewis
      Y (LeY) to define the residue subset required for the reactive repertoire for the
      LeY antigen. Our molecular simulation studies of crystallographically determined
      and modeled antibody-LeY complexes suggests that the heavy-chain germline gene
      VH7183.a13.20 and the light-chain Vkappa cr1 germline gene are sufficient to
      account for the recognition of the trisaccharide-H determinant Types 1-4, while
      the specificity for LeY is driven by the CDR3 backbone conformation of the heavy
      chain and not the side chain interactions. These results confirm that these
      monoclonals use germline-encoded amino acids to recognize simple carbohydrate
      determinants like trisaccharide-H but relies on somatic mutations in the
      periphery of the combining site to modify affinity for LeY through electrostatic
      interactions that leads to their optimized binding. These observations bring
      further attention to the role of mutations in T-cell independent antibodies to
      distinguish self from non-self carbohydrate antigens. 

PMID- 25117629
TI  - Solubility assessment and on-line exposure confirmation in a patch-clamp assay
      for hERG (human ether-a-go-go-related gene) potassium channel inhibition.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The hERG (human ether-a-go-go-related gene) potassium channel
      (KV11.1) is an important anti-target in drug discovery as its inhibition by small
      molecules has considerable promiscuity and is linked to an increased risk of the
      potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia torsade de pointes. Therefore, great
      efforts are taken in the pharmaceutical industry to early on screen out compounds
      that block the channel. Early screening activities most often include compounds
      with sub-optimal physicochemical properties such as limited solubility.
      Therefore, careful monitoring of achieved compound concentration importantly
      supports the validity of experimental data. METHODS: A novel principle of
      exposure confirmation in a constant flow patch-clamp assay for hERG interaction
      is presented. Quantification is based on-real time UV absorption spectroscopy of
      the perfusion solution using long light path fiber optic flow cells. Calibration
      is performed using solutions which are confirmed by turbidometry to be free of
      precipitates. RESULTS: Turbidometry is shown to be sensitive enough to ensure
      valid calibration of the UV spectroscopic measurement. For a typical drug-like
      small molecule (verapamil) it is shown that even 30 nM can be accurately
      quantified using a 100 cm fiber optic flow cell. DISCUSSION: The combination of
      turbidometry and long light path fiber optic UV spectroscopy offers accurate,
      almost real-time exposure determination in a wide range of concentrations with
      little effort, affordable instrumentation, and no delay for data reporting. For
      research compounds with challenging physicochemical properties this method
      provides valuable data to support the validity of the measurements.

PMID- 25117630
TI  - Radiological analysis of gastrointestinal dysmotility in a model of central
      nervous dopaminergic degeneration: comparative study with conventional in vivo
      techniques in the rat.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders include many clinical
      manifestations associated with various pathologies. They are widespread and can
      be considered a primary symptom or can be associated to other diseases, such as
      Parkinson's disease. Understanding the type and site of GI dysmotility is crucial
      to identify the functional abnormality and to unravel the underlying mechanisms,
      in order to design adequate therapeutic interventions. METHODS: In the present
      study, we applied radiological analysis, a common tool in clinical practice, to
      follow up in vivo the progression of GI dysmotility over time and along the
      entire GI tract in an animal model of central nervous dopaminergic degeneration
      and compared these results to those obtained with standard techniques commonly
      used to assess GI motor functions in small rodents. RESULTS: Our radiological
      data, showing delayed gastric emptying and constipation, agree with and expand
      previous information obtained with other functional assays in the same model,
      suggesting that radiological analysis can be an appropriate method to explore GI
      dysmotility in animal models of human pathologies. DISCUSSION: In this study we
      have applied for the first time the GI radiological analysis to an animal model
      of central nervous dopaminergic degeneration providing a non-invasive/animal
      preserving approach, ethically more acceptable and useful to follow up the
      development of GI dysmotility in pathologies evolving over time.

PMID- 25117633
TI  - Amyloid associated with neoplasia in two captive tricolour sharkminnows
      Balantiocheilus melanopterus Bleeker.
AB  - Amyloid associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma was discovered in two captive
      adult tricolour sharkminnows Balantiocheilus melanopterus Bleeker found dead in a
      freshwater display. Enlarged abdomens expanded by bloody ascitic fluid and
      grossly visible masses of abnormal tissue were present surrounding sections of
      the stomach and intestine. Histologically, the masses were composed of areas of
      well-organized exocrine pancreatic acini interspersed with cords of poorly
      differentiated, spindle-shaped cells that compressed and effaced normal
      parenchyma. These cells possessed small numbers of cytoplasmic zymogen granules;
      the exocrine nature of these cells was confirmed using transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM). Fibrovascular connective tissue of the hepatopancreas and
      mesenteries was expanded by lightly eosinophilic, hyaline, homogeneous acellular
      material. Similar material greatly expanded the tunica media of large blood
      vessels in the hepatopancreas. After staining with Congo red or thioflavin T,
      this material exhibited red-green dichroism under polarized light or bright green
      fluorescence under ultraviolet light (255 nm), respectively. The non-branching
      fibrils, of indeterminate length, had an approximate diameter of 10-20 nm using
      TEM. Although exocrine pancreatic neoplasia is relatively common in fish, the
      presence of amyloid is not. To our current knowledge, the latter has not yet been
      described in association with a neoplastic lesion in fish. 

PMID- 25117632
TI  - The CELSR1 polymorphisms rs6007897 and rs4044210 are associated with ischaemic
      stroke in Chinese Han population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, CELSR1 was identified by genome-wide association studies
      (GWAS) as a susceptibility gene for ischaemic stroke (IS) in Japanese
      individuals. AIM: The goal was to examine whether CELSR1 variants are associated
      with IS in the Chinese Han population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study genotyped
      two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CELSR1, rs6007897 and rs4044210, in
      a Chinese sample of 569 IS cases and 581 controls and assessed their genotype and
      allele associations with IS. RESULTS: The results showed that rs6007897 and
      rs4044210 variants of CELSR1 were significantly (p < 0.01) associated with IS.
      These associations remained after adjustment for age, gender, smoking status,
      hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. In addition, a
      significant association was observed of rs6007897 and rs4044210 of CELSR1 with
      large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), a sub-type of IS (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION:
      Taken together, the present study has proven for the first time that CELSR1 is a
      susceptibility gene for IS in the Chinese Han population, especially for LAA.

PMID- 25117631
TI  - In vitro culture of bovine preantral follicles: a review.
AB  - Preantral follicles are the majority of the ovarian follicle population and their
      use as a source of homogeneous oocytes for bovine reproductive biotechnologies
      could result in a substantial advance in this field. However, while in other
      species embryos and offspring have been produced, in bovine species the results
      have been limited to the follicular activation of small (primordial) preantral
      follicles and formation of early antral follicles from large (secondary)
      preantral follicles after in vitro culture. Therefore, this review will highlight
      the basic aspects of bovine folliculogenesis by focusing on preantral follicles,
      the methods of harvesting preantral follicles, the main results from in vitro
      follicular culture during the last 20 years, and the potential candidate
      substances (basic supplements, growth factors, and hormones) for improving the
      efficiency of in vitro follicle growth.

PMID- 25117642
TI  - Atypical neural responses to vocal anger in attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deficits in facial emotion processing, reported in attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have been linked to both early perceptual
      and later attentional components of event-related potentials (ERPs). However, the
      neural underpinnings of vocal emotion processing deficits in ADHD have yet to be
      characterised. Here, we report the first ERP study of vocal affective prosody
      processing in ADHD. METHODS: Event-related potentials of 6-11-year-old children
      with ADHD (n = 25) and typically developing controls (n = 25) were recorded as
      they completed a task measuring recognition of vocal prosodic stimuli (angry,
      happy and neutral). Audiometric assessments were conducted to screen for hearing
      impairments. RESULTS: Children with ADHD were less accurate than controls at
      recognising vocal anger. Relative to controls, they displayed enhanced N100 and
      attenuated P300 components to vocal anger. The P300 effect was reduced, but
      remained significant, after controlling for N100 effects by rebaselining. Only
      the N100 effect was significant when children with ADHD and comorbid conduct
      disorder (n = 10) were excluded. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first
      evidence linking ADHD to atypical neural activity during the early perceptual
      stages of vocal anger processing. These effects may reflect preattentive hyper
      vigilance to vocal anger in ADHD.

PMID- 25117641
TI  - Anti-tumor activity of WK88-1, a novel geldanamycin derivative, in gefitinib
      resistant non-small cell lung cancers with Met amplification.
AB  - Although epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs)
      have been introduced for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the
      emergence of secondary T790M mutation in EGFR or amplification of the Met proto
      oncogene restrain the clinical success of EGFR-TKIs. Since heat shock protein-90
      (Hsp90) stabilizes various oncoproteins including EGFR and c-Met, the inhibition
      of Hsp90 activity appears as a rational strategy to develop anticancer drugs.
      Despite preclinical efficacy of geldanamycin-anasamycin (GA)-derivatives
      containing benzoquinone moiety as Hsp90 inhibitors, the hepatotoxicity of these
      GA-derivatives restricts their therapeutic benefit. We have prepared WK-88 series
      of GA-derivatives, which lack the benzoquinone moiety. In this study, we have
      examined the anticancer effects of WK88-1 in Met-amplified- and gefitinib
      resistant (HCC827GR) NSCLC cells and its parental HCC827 cells. Treatment with
      WK88-1 reduced the cell viability in both HCC827 and HCC827GR cells, which was
      associated with marked decrease in the constitutive expression of Hsp90 client
      proteins, such as EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, Met and Akt. Moreover, WK88-1 attenuated
      phosphorylation of these Hsp90 client proteins and reduced the anchorage
      independent growth of HCC827GR cells. Administration of WK88-1 did not cause
      hepatotoxicity in animals and significantly reduced the growth of HCC827GR cells
      xenograft tumors in nude mice. Our study provides evidence that ErbB3 might be a
      client for Hsp90 in Met-amplified NSCLCs. In conclusion, we demonstrate that
      inhibition of Hsp90 dampens the activation of EGFR- or c-Met-mediated survival of
      Met-amplified NSCLCs and that WK88-1 as a Hsp90 inhibitor alleviates gefitinib
      resistance in HCC827GR cells. 

PMID- 25117644
TI  - Mystery of myocardial midwall late enhancement?

PMID- 25117643
TI  - Computer-aided CT coronary artery stenosis detection: comparison with human
      reading and quantitative coronary angiography.
AB  - To evaluate computer-aided stenosis detection for computed tomography coronary
      angiography (CTA) in comparison with human reading and conventional coronary
      angiography (CCA) as the reference standard. 50 patients underwent CTA and CCA
      and out of these 44 were evaluable for computer-aided stenosis detection. The
      diagnostic performance of the software and of human reading were compared and
      quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) served as the reference standard for the
      detection of significant stenosis (>50 %). Overall, three readers with high
      (reader 1), intermediate (reader 2) and low (reader 3) experience in cardiac CT
      imaging performed the manual CTA evaluation on a commercially available
      workstation, whereas the automated software processed the datasets without any
      human interaction. The prevalence of coronary artery disease was 41 % (18/44) and
      QCA indicated significant stenosis (>50 %) in 33 coronary vessels. The automated
      software accurately diagnosed 18 individuals with significant coronary artery
      disease (CAD), and correctly ruled out CAD in 10 patients. In summary the
      sensitivity of computer-aided detection was 100 %/94 % (per-patient/per-vessel)
      and the specificity was 38 %/70 %, the positive predictive value (PPV) was 53
      %/42 % and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100 %/98 %. In comparison,
      reader 1-3 showed per-patient sensitivities of 100/94/89 %, specificities of
      73/69/50 %, PPVs of 72/68/55 % and NPVs of 100/95/87 %. Computer-aided detection
      yields a high NPV that is comparable to more experienced human readers. However,
      PPV is rather low and in the range of an unexperienced reader.

PMID- 25117647
TI  - Hierarchically porous three-dimensional electrodes of CoMoO4 and ZnCo2O4 and
      their high anode performance for lithium ion batteries.
AB  - Ternary metal oxides have been receiving wide attention in electrochemical energy
      storage due to their rich redox reactions and tuneable conductivity. We present a
      simple solution-based method to prepare a 3D interconnected porous network of
      ternary metal oxide (CoMoO4 and ZnCo2O4) nanostructures on macroporous nickel
      foam. The open-structured networks with different degrees of porosity endow them
      with high surface areas of electro-active sites. The Li ion storage properties of
      both anodes are investigated. High rate capability and long term cycling
      stability are achieved for both systems.

PMID- 25117648
TI  - Nutrition and physical activity in CKD patients.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at risk for protein-energy wasting,
      abnormal body composition and impaired physical capacity. These complications
      lead to increased risk of hospitalization, morbidity and mortality.In CKD patient
      as well as in healthy people, there is a close association between nutrition and
      physical activity. Namely, inadequate nutrient (energy) intake impairs physical
      performance thus favoring a sedentary lifestyle: this further contributes to loss
      of muscle strength and mass, which limit the quality of life and rehabilitation
      of CKD patients. In CKD as well as in end-stage-renal-disease patients, regular
      physical activity coupled with adequate energy and protein intake counteracts
      protein-energy wasting and related comorbidity and mortality. In summary,
      exercise training can positively influence nutritional status and the perception
      of well-being of CKD patients and may facilitate the anabolic effects of
      nutritional interventions.

PMID- 25117646
TI  - Tubal transport of gametes and embryos: a review of physiology and
      pathophysiology.
AB  - With the advent of assisted reproductive technology in the past three decades,
      the clinical importance of fallopian tubes has been relatively overlooked.
      However, successful spontaneous conception requires normal function of the tube
      to provide not only a conduit for the gametes to convene and embryo to reach the
      uterine cavity, but also a physiologically optimized environment for
      fertilization and early embryonic development. In this review, after a brief
      description of normal human tubal anatomy and histology, we will discuss tubal
      transport and its principal effectors, including ciliary motion, muscular
      contractility and tubal fluid. Furthermore, we will discuss the ciliary
      ultrastructure and regulation of ciliary beat frequency by ovarian steroids,
      follicular fluid, angiotensin system, autonomic nervous system and other factors
      such as adrenomedullin and prostaglandins. In the last section, we describe the
      adverse impact of various pathological conditions, such as endometriosis,
      infection and smoking on tubal function and ciliary motility. 

PMID- 25117650
TI  - Oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with autoimmune liver
      diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate oxidative stress and antioxidant components during
      different stages of autoimmune liver diseases and assess their possible
      implication on disease progression. METHODS: We determined several markers of
      oxidative injury (isoprostane, aldehydes, protein carbonyls, 3-nitrotyrosine, and
      myeloperoxidase) and antioxidant components (glutathione, glutathione peroxidase,
      glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) in whole blood, serum,
      and urine in 49 patients with autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases (AC) and 36
      patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and healthy subjects matched for sex and
      age. RESULTS: Both AC and AIH patients had increased levels of all lipid and
      protein oxidative injury products and significantly decreased whole blood
      glutathione levels compared to controls. AIH patients had significantly higher
      levels of aldehydes and glutathione peroxidase activity and significantly lower
      protein carbonyl levels compared to AC patients. Protein carbonyl and isoprostane
      levels increased and glutathione levels decreased gradually with progression from
      mild fibrosis to severe fibrosis and cirrhosis in both AC and AIH patients. In
      addition, both cirrhotic AC and AIH patients had significantly higher protein
      carbonyls compared to non-cirrhotics. DISCUSSION: We provide novel findings in
      support of a major contribution of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in the
      progression of liver injury in AC and AIH.

PMID- 25117651
TI  - Anatomic connectivity assessed using pathway radial diffusivity is related to
      functional connectivity in monosynaptic pathways.
AB  - This work presents a pathway-dependent anatomic and functional connectivity
      analysis in 19 patients with relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and 16 age
      , education-, and gender-matched controls. An MS population is used in this study
      as a model for anatomic connectivity, permitting us to observe relationships
      between anatomic and functional connectivity more easily. A combined resting
      state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and whole-brain, high angular
      resolution diffusion imaging analysis is performed in three independent,
      monosynaptic pathways. The pathways chosen were transcallosal pathway connecting
      the bilateral primary sensorimotor regions, right and left posterior portion of
      the Papez circuit, connecting the posterior cingulate cortex and hippocampus. The
      Papez circuit is known to be involved in memory function, one of the most
      frequently impacted cognitive domains in patients with MS. We show that anatomic
      connectivity, as measured with diffusion-weighted imaging, and functional
      connectivity, as measured with resting-state fMRI, are significantly reduced in
      patients as compared with controls for at least some of the pathways considered.
      In addition when all pathway measures are combined, anatomic and functional
      connectivity are significantly correlated in patients with MS as well as healthy
      controls. We suggest that anatomic and functional connectivity are related for
      monosynaptic pathways and that radial diffusivity, as a diffusion-tensor-based
      measure of white matter integrity, is a robust measure of anatomic connectivity
      in the general population.

PMID- 25117649
TI  - Effects of 20 standard amino acids on the growth, total fatty acids production,
      and gamma-linolenic acid yield in Mucor circinelloides.
AB  - Twenty standard amino acids were examined as single nitrogen source on the
      growth, total fatty acids production, and yield of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in
      Mucor circinelloides. Of the amino acids, tyrosine gave the highest biomass and
      lipid accumulation and thus resulted in a high GLA yield with respective values
      of 17.8 g/L, 23 % (w/w, dry cell weight, DCW), and 0.81 g/L, which were 36, 25,
      and 72 % higher than when the fungus was grown with ammonium tartrate. To find
      out the potential mechanism underlying the increased lipid accumulation of M.
      circinelloides when grown on tyrosine, the activity of lipogenic enzymes of the
      fungus during lipid accumulation phase was measured. The enzyme activities of
      glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and ATP
      citrate lyase were up-regulated, while NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase was down
      regulated by tyrosine during the lipid accumulation phase of the fungus which
      suggested that these enzymes may be involved in the increased lipid biosynthesis
      by tyrosine in this fungus.

PMID- 25117645
TI  - A multi-faceted approach to understanding male infertility: gene mutations,
      molecular defects and assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The assisted reproductive techniques aimed to assist infertile
      couples have their own offspring carry significant risks of passing on molecular
      defects to next generations. RESULTS: Novel breakthroughs in gene and protein
      interactions have been achieved in the field of male infertility using genome
      wide proteomics and transcriptomics technologies. CONCLUSION: Male Infertility is
      a complex and multifactorial disorder. SIGNIFICANCE: This review provides a
      comprehensive, up-to-date evaluation of the multifactorial factors involved in
      male infertility. These factors need to be first assessed and understood before
      we can successfully treat male infertility.

PMID- 25117653
TI  - The indications, efficacy and adverse events of rituximab in a large cohort of
      patients with juvenile-onset SLE.
AB  - BACKGROUND: B cells drive antibody formation and T cell activation. This study
      aimed to describe the clinical indications, efficacy and adverse events (AEs) for
      the B-cell depleting agent, rituximab, in a large cohort of children with lupus.
      METHODS: Prescribing records and the UK JSLE Cohort Study database identified
      rituximab use. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients received 104 courses of intravenous
      rituximab over a 10-year period. Patients were aged 12.2 (IQR 9.0-13.9) years at
      diagnosis and 50 (79%) were female. They had disease for 1.4 (0.2-3.0) years at
      the time of rituximab. Lupus nephritis was the most common indication (36% of
      first courses). Clinical biomarkers, 2.5 (1.6-4.3) months after treatment,
      demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in ESR, C3, C4, creatinine,
      albumin, haemoglobin, anti-dsDNA titres and urine albumin:creatinine ratio. IgG,
      IgA and IgM levels decreased (p < 0.01). Oral corticosteroid dose significantly
      reduced after rituximab (dose before 0.26 (0.09-0.44) mg/kg, after 0.17 (0.09
      0.30) mg/kg; p = 0.01)). AEs occurred in 19 (18%) of all courses including;
      delayed second dose (8%), Ig replacement (2%) and infusion reactions (6%;
      anaphylaxis 2%). The global BILAG score showed a trend toward improvement (before
      4.5 (2.0-9.0), after 3.0 (2.0-5.0); p = 0.16). CONCLUSION: Rituximab improves
      disease activity in children with lupus and serious AEs are infrequent.
      Controlled studies are required.

PMID- 25117652
TI  - Heck products of parthenolide and melampomagnolide-B as anticancer modulators
      that modify cell cycle progression.
AB  - (E)-13-(Aryl/heteroaryl)parthenolides (5a-i and 6a-i) were synthesized and
      evaluated for their ability to modify cell cycle progression during progesterone
      stimulated Xenopus oocyte maturation and screened for their anticancer activity
      against a panel of 60 human cancer cell lines. (E)-13-(4-aminophenyl)
      parthenolide (5b) caused a significant inhibition of progesterone-stimulated
      oocyte maturation, and was determined to function downstream of MAP kinase
      signaling, but upstream of the activation of the universal G2/M regulator, M
      phase promoting factor (MPF), cyclin B/Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK). The
      compound (E)-13-(2-bromo-phenyl)parthenolide (5c) activates oocyte maturation
      independently of progesterone stimulation. Compounds 5b and 5c displayed modest
      growth inhibition on select cancer cell lines at 10 MUM dose when tested on the
      panel of 60 cancer cell lines. By contrast, compounds (5f and 7) did not modulate
      oocyte maturation but did exhibit micromolar level growth inhibition against most
      of the human cancer cell lines over a range of doses. Together, our findings
      indicate that screening of compounds in the oocyte maturation assay may identify
      additional effective cell cycle regulatory compounds that do not necessarily
      exert overt cytotoxicity as assessed in traditional drug screening assays. 

PMID- 25117654
TI  - Systemic lupus erythematosus-associated acute transverse myelitis:
      manifestations, treatments, outcomes, and prognostic factors in 20 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transverse myelitis is a rare complication of systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE). This retrospective multicentre study identifies the
      prognostic factors in a relatively large patient series. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Twenty patients fulfilled the SLE criteria of the ACR classification and the
      Transverse Myelitis Consortium Working Group. A severe neurological flare was
      defined as muscle strength grade <3/5 in more than half the muscle groups at the
      motor neurological level. Inability to run or another significant ambulation
      unrelated disability was considered as 'unfavourable neurological outcome'.
      RESULTS: Myelitis was the first SLE symptom in 12 patients; in the eight others,
      it occurred 8.6 years (median delay) after SLE onset. Eleven patients presented
      severe neurological impairments. The treatment included corticosteroids in all
      patients associated with intravenous cyclophosphamide in 11 and/or
      hydroxychloroquine in 14. Unfavourable outcomes were observed in 53% of the
      patients at six months and in 28% at end of follow-up (median: 5.9 years). An
      initial severe neurological impairment and no cyclophosphamide use were
      associated with unfavourable neurological outcomes at six months and at end of
      follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSION: Transverse myelitis may reveal SLE or occur
      more than 10 years after SLE diagnosis. The initial severity of the neurological
      flare (with paraplegia) is the main prognostic marker. The study provides
      arguments for cyclophosphamide use.

PMID- 25117655
TI  - Thrombopoietin levels in systemic lupus erythematosus are linked to inflammatory
      cytokines, but unrelated to thrombocytopenia or thrombosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a liver-produced protein that drives
      megakaryocyte maturation. TPO regulates platelet production and can increase
      platelet and endothelial reactivity. We investigated the relationship between TPO
      and the occurrence of thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in patients with systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: We undertook a cohort study of SLE patients
      (n = 98) with clinical data collected simultaneously with sampling for TPO,
      inflammatory cytokines and autoantibody detection. TPO levels were measured by
      sandwich ELISA with patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 100) and
      controls (n = 79) as comparators. Disease associations were evaluated using non
      parametric methods. RESULTS: TPO levels in SLE (median 8 pg/ml, mean 326, range
      8992) were moderately increased compared with RA (median 8 pg/ml, mean 100, range
      1659, p = 0.07) and controls (median 8, mean 94, range 2088, p = 0.1). Among SLE
      patients, TPO levels did not correlate with platelet count or levels of
      antiphospholipid antibodies. The prevalence of thrombocytopenic episodes,
      thrombotic events or active disease was not increased in patients with high TPO
      levels. TPO levels correlated with MIP-1alpha (Rs 0.56, p < 0.001), IL6 (Rs 0.26,
      p = 0.02) and IL4 (Rs 0.29, p = 0.01), and inversely correlated to C4 (Rs -0.23,
      p = 0.04). MIP-1alpha was the strongest independent predictor of increased TPO
      levels. CONCLUSION: TPO levels are elevated in 20% of patients, but are not
      closely related to the occurrence of thrombocytopenia or thrombosis in SLE. MIP1
      alpha is the main factor driving higher TPO levels among patients with SLE,
      likely through its inhibitory effect on megakaryocyte function.

PMID- 25117656
TI  - miRPlant: an integrated tool for identification of plant miRNA from RNA
      sequencing data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small RNA sequencing is commonly used to identify novel miRNAs and to
      determine their expression levels in plants. There are several miRNA
      identification tools for animals such as miRDeep, miRDeep2 and miRDeep*. miRDeep
      P was developed to identify plant miRNA using miRDeep's probabilistic model of
      miRNA biogenesis, but it depends on several third party tools and lacks a user
      friendly interface. The objective of our miRPlant program is to predict novel
      plant miRNA, while providing a user-friendly interface with improved accuracy of
      prediction. RESULT: We have developed a user-friendly plant miRNA prediction tool
      called miRPlant. We show using 16 plant miRNA datasets from four different plant
      species that miRPlant has at least a 10% improvement in accuracy compared to
      miRDeep-P, which is the most popular plant miRNA prediction tool. Furthermore,
      miRPlant uses a Graphical User Interface for data input and output, and
      identified miRNA are shown with all RNAseq reads in a hairpin diagram.
      CONCLUSIONS: We have developed miRPlant which extends miRDeep* to various plant
      species by adopting suitable strategies to identify hairpin excision regions and
      hairpin structure filtering for plants. miRPlant does not require any third party
      tools such as mapping or RNA secondary structure prediction tools. miRPlant is
      also the first plant miRNA prediction tool that dynamically plots miRNA hairpin
      structure with small reads for identified novel miRNAs. This feature will enable
      biologists to visualize novel pre-miRNA structure and the location of small RNA
      reads relative to the hairpin. Moreover, miRPlant can be easily used by
      biologists with limited bioinformatics skills.miRPlant and its manual are freely
      available at http://www.australianprostatecentre.org/research/software/mirplant
      or http://sourceforge.net/projects/mirplant/.

PMID- 25117658
TI  - Knuiman et al. respond to "Time-varying neighborhood environments".

PMID- 25117657
TI  - Characterization of the rapid transcriptional response to long-term sensitization
      training in Aplysia californica.
AB  - We used a custom-designed microarray and quantitative PCR to characterize the
      rapid transcriptional response to long-term sensitization training in the marine
      mollusk Aplysia californica. Aplysia were exposed to repeated noxious shocks to
      one side of the body, a procedure known to induce a long-lasting, transcription
      dependent increase in reflex responsiveness that is restricted to the side of
      training. One hour after training, pleural ganglia from the trained and untrained
      sides of the body were harvested; these ganglia contain the sensory nociceptors
      which help mediate the expression of long-term sensitization memory. Microarray
      analysis from 8 biological replicates suggests that long-term sensitization
      training rapidly regulates at least 81 transcripts. We used qPCR to test a subset
      of these transcripts and found that 83% were confirmed in the same samples, and
      86% of these were again confirmed in an independent sample. Thus, our new
      microarray design shows strong convergent and predictive validity for analyzing
      the transcriptional correlates of memory in Aplysia. Fully validated transcripts
      include some previously identified as regulated in this paradigm (ApC/EBP and
      ApEgr) but also include novel findings. Specifically, we show that long-term
      sensitization training rapidly up-regulates the expression of transcripts which
      may encode Aplysia homologs of a C/EBPgamma transcription factor, a glycine
      transporter (GlyT2), and a vacuolar-protein-sorting-associated protein (VPS36). 

PMID- 25117660
TI  - A longitudinal analysis of the influence of the neighborhood built environment on
      walking for transportation: the RESIDE study.
AB  - The purpose of the present analysis was to use longitudinal data collected over 7
      years (from 4 surveys) in the Residential Environments (RESIDE) Study (Perth,
      Australia, 2003-2012) to more carefully examine the relationship of neighborhood
      walkability and destination accessibility with walking for transportation that
      has been seen in many cross-sectional studies. We compared effect estimates from
      3 types of logistic regression models: 2 that utilize all available data (a
      population marginal model and a subject-level mixed model) and a third subject
      level conditional model that exclusively uses within-person longitudinal
      evidence. The results support the evidence that neighborhood walkability
      (especially land-use mix and street connectivity), local access to public transit
      stops, and variety in the types of local destinations are important determinants
      of walking for transportation. The similarity of subject-level effect estimates
      from logistic mixed models and those from conditional logistic models indicates
      that there is little or no bias from uncontrolled time-constant residential
      preference (self-selection) factors; however, confounding by uncontrolled time
      varying factors, such as health status, remains a possibility. These findings
      provide policy makers and urban planners with further evidence that certain
      features of the built environment may be important in the design of neighborhoods
      to increase walking for transportation and meet the health needs of residents. 

PMID- 25117659
TI  - Invited commentary: Taking advantage of time-varying neighborhood environments.
AB  - Neighborhood built environment characteristics may encourage physical activity,
      but previous literature on the topic has been critiqued for its reliance on cross
      sectional data. In this issue of the Journal, Knuiman et al. (Am J Epidemiol.
      2014;180(5):453-461) present longitudinal analyses of built environment
      characteristics as predictors of neighborhood transportation walking. We take
      this opportunity to comment on self-selection, exposure measurement, outcome
      form, analyses, and future directions. The Residential Environments (RESIDE)
      Study follows individuals as they relocate into new housing. The outcome, which
      is neighborhood transportation walking, has several important limitations with
      regards to public health relevance, dichotomization, and potential bias. Three
      estimation strategies were pursued: marginal modeling, random-effects modeling,
      and fixed-effects modeling. Knuiman et al. defend fixed-effects modeling as the
      one that most effectively controls for unmeasured time-invariant confounders, and
      it will do so as long as confounders have a constant effect over time. Fixed
      effects modeling requires no distributional assumptions regarding the
      heterogeneity of subject-specific effects. Associations of time-varying
      neighborhood characteristics with walking are interpreted at the subject level
      for both fixed- and random-effects models. Cross-sectional data have set the
      stage for the next generation of neighborhood research, which should leverage
      longitudinal changes in both place and health behaviors. Careful interpretation
      is warranted as longitudinal data become available for analysis. 

PMID- 25117661
TI  - Research for better health: the Panamanian priority-setting experience and the
      need for a new process.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Panama is, economically, the fastest growing country in Central
      America and is making efforts to improve management mechanisms for research and
      innovation. However, due to contextual factors, the Panamanian Health Research
      System is not well developed and is poorly coordinated with the Health System.
      Likewise, despite recent efforts to define a National Health Research Agenda,
      implementing this agenda and aligning it with Panamanians' health needs remains
      difficult. This articles aims to review Panama's experience in health research
      priority setting by analyzing the fairness of previous prioritization processes
      in order to promote an agreed-upon national agenda aligned with public health
      needs. METHODS: The three health research prioritization processes performed in
      Panama between 2006 and 2011 were analyzed based on the guidelines established by
      the four "Accountability for Reasonableness" principles, namely "relevance",
      "publicity", "revision", and "enforcement", which provide a framework for
      evaluating priority-setting fairness. RESULTS: The three health research priority
      setting events performed in Panama during the reference period demonstrated a
      heterogeneous pattern of decision-making strategies, stakeholder group
      composition, and prioritization outcomes. None of the three analyzed events
      featured an open discussion process with the scientific community, health care
      providers, or civil society in order to reach consensus. CONCLUSIONS: This
      investigation makes evident the lack of a strategy to encourage open discussion
      by the multiple stakeholders and interest groups that should be involved during
      the priority-setting process. The analysis reveals the need for a new priority
      setting exercise that validates the National Agenda, promotes its implementation
      by the National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation in conjunction
      with the Ministry of Health, and empowers multiple stakeholders; such an exercise
      would, in turn, favor the implementation of the agenda.

PMID- 25117663
TI  - Utilization of stem cells to treat congenital heart disease: hype and hope.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Surgical advances over the past few decades have transformed
      the clinical management of congenital heart disease, such as hypoplastic left
      heart syndrome. Congenital heart disease affects more than 1% of liveborn infants
      and accounts for more than 2.5 million affected children per year worldwide. The
      cost and availability of complex medical management for these children becomes
      bluntly realized when heart failure progresses and only palliative options
      remain. Cell-based cardiac regeneration has been the focus of intensive efforts
      in adult heart disease for more than a decade and now has promise for pediatrics.
      RECENT FINDINGS: Innate cardiac regeneration in the pediatric setting is
      measurable and potentially modifiable in the early stages of development.
      Repurposing cell-based manufactured products to promote cardiac regeneration in
      congenital heart disease has demonstrated significant improvement in cases of
      dilated cardiomyopathy and structural heart disease in infants. SUMMARY: A focus
      on preemptive cardiac regeneration in the pediatric setting may offer new
      insights into the timing of surgery, location of cell-based delivery, and type of
      cell-based regeneration that could further inform acquired cardiac disease
      applications. The concept of cell-based pediatric cardiac regenerative surgery
      could transform the management of congenital heart disease when cost-effective
      strategies produce a valuable adjunctive solution to improve outcomes of cardiac
      surgery.

PMID- 25117662
TI  - Methylthioadenosine reprograms macrophage activation through adenosine receptor
      stimulation.
AB  - Regulation of inflammation is necessary to balance sufficient pathogen clearance
      with excessive tissue damage. Central to regulating inflammation is the switch
      from a pro-inflammatory pathway to an anti-inflammatory pathway. Macrophages are
      well-positioned to initiate this switch, and as such are the target of multiple
      therapeutics. One such potential therapeutic is methylthioadenosine (MTA), which
      inhibits TNFalpha production following LPS stimulation. We found that MTA could
      block TNFalpha production by multiple TLR ligands. Further, it prevented surface
      expression of CD69 and CD86 and reduced NF-KB signaling. We then determined that
      the mechanism of this action by MTA is signaling through adenosine A2 receptors.
      A2 receptors and TLR receptors synergized to promote an anti-inflammatory
      phenotype, as MTA enhanced LPS tolerance. In contrast, IL-1beta production and
      processing was not affected by MTA exposure. Taken together, these data
      demonstrate that MTA reprograms TLR activation pathways via adenosine receptors
      to promote resolution of inflammation. 

PMID- 25117664
TI  - Genetic variation in dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) gene in a healthy
      adult Indian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) encoded by DPYD gene is the
      major enzyme involved in metabolism of 5-flurouracil (5-FU), a pyrimidine
      analogue used in cancer chemotherapy. Although very effective as a cancer
      therapeutic drug, if not rapidly metabolized, 5-FU may prove lethal. Single
      nucleotide variants (SNVs) within DPYD that modulate DPD enzyme activity
      contribute to 5-FU toxicity. STUDY: This study looked for DPYD SNVs common in the
      Indian population that might be associated with variable DPD activity and drug
      toxicity. To achieve this, sequencing analysis was performed of all 23 exons and
      flanking intronic regions of the DPYD gene in a cohort of 50 healthy adult
      Indians. This study detected 22 SNVs including intronic, synonymous and non
      synonymous changes in the DPYD gene, of which six have not been documented
      before. Allelic frequency was calculated for the observed variants and linkage
      disequilibrium (LD) analysis was performed on variants with frequency >=0.1 to
      identify haplotypes. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a brief overview of the
      genetic polymorphism in DPYD in Indians and emphasizes the need for a large scale
      extensive study to establish markers associated with the frequently observed
      variable drug metabolism.

PMID- 25117665
TI  - Infection and pathology in Queensland grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus, (Bloch),
      caused by exposure to Streptococcus agalactiae via different routes.
AB  - Since 2007, 96 wild Queensland groupers, Epinephelus lanceolatus, (Bloch), have
      been found dead in NE Australia. In some cases, Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B
      Streptococcus, GBS) was isolated. At present, a GBS isolate from a wild grouper
      case was employed in experimental challenge trials in hatchery-reared Queensland
      grouper by different routes of exposure. Injection resulted in rapid development
      of clinical signs including bilateral exophthalmia, hyperaemic skin or fins and
      abnormal swimming. Death occurred in, and GBS was re-isolated from, 98% fish
      injected and was detected by PCR in brain, head kidney and spleen from all fish,
      regardless of challenge dose. Challenge by immersion resulted in lower morbidity
      with a clear dose response. Whilst infection was established via oral challenge
      by admixture with feed, no mortality occurred. Histology showed pathology
      consistent with GBS infection in organs examined from all injected fish, from
      fish challenged with medium and high doses by immersion, and from high-dose oral
      challenge. These experimental challenges demonstrated that GBS isolated from wild
      Queensland grouper reproduced disease in experimentally challenged fish and
      resulted in pathology that was consistent with that seen in wild Queensland
      grouper infected with S. agalactiae.

PMID- 25117675
TI  - Silencing of microRNA-122 is an early event during hepatocarcinogenesis from non
      alcoholic steatohepatitis.
AB  - Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has emerged as a common cause of chronic
      liver disease and virus-independent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients
      with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. To reveal the molecular mechanism
      underlying hepatocarcinogenesis from NASH, microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles
      were analyzed in STAM mice, a NASH-HCC animal model. MicroRNA expression was also
      examined in 42 clinical samples of HCC tissue. Histopathological images of the
      liver of STAM mice at the ages of 6, 8, 12, and 18 weeks showed findings
      compatible with fatty liver, NASH, liver cirrhosis (LC), and HCC, respectively.
      Expression of miR-122 in non-tumor LC at the age of 18 weeks was significantly
      lower than that in LC at the age of 12 weeks. Expression of miR-122 was further
      decreased in HCCs relative to non-tumor LC at the age of 18 weeks. Expression of
      miR-122 was also decreased in clinical samples of liver tissue showing
      macrovesicular steatosis and HCC, being consistent with the findings in the NASH
      model mice. DNA methylation analysis revealed that silencing of miR-122 was not
      mediated by DNA hypermethylation of the promoter region. These results suggest
      that silencing of miR-122 is an early event during hepatocarcinogenesis from
      NASH, and that miR-122 could be a novel molecular marker for evaluating the risk
      of HCC in patients with NASH.

PMID- 25117677
TI  - Paternal factor V Leiden and recurrent pregnancy loss: a new concept behind fetal
      genetics? Reply.

PMID- 25117676
TI  - Sparstolonin B attenuates hypoxia-induced apoptosis, necrosis and inflammation in
      cultured rat left ventricular tissue slices.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ischemia/reperfusion results in tissue damage, a rapid increase in
      cytokines and chemokines and inflammatory cell infiltration. Herein we
      investigated the ability of a selective TLR2/4 antagonist, Sparstolonin B (SsnB),
      to protect rat cultured left ventricular tissue (LV) slices from hypoxic injury
      by inhibiting the myocardial inflammatory response independent of inflammatory
      cell infiltration. METHODS AND RESULTS: Media Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels
      were measured to reflect hypoxia-induced cytotoxicity and cell injury with and
      without SsnB. Incubation with SsnB (15 and 30 MUM) significantly reduced by 20
      and 40%, respectively, the amount of LDH released from the hypoxic LV slices.
      TUNEL staining showed that SsnB significantly attenuated the levels of hypoxia
      induced apoptotic cells from 61.5 +/- 4.0 to 27.0 +/- 2.1 (15 MUM SsnB) and 23.5
      +/- 2.2 (30 MUM SsnB) cells/unit area. Similarly, the Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)
      staining of ischemic areas in untreated hypoxic LV slices was increased 17 fold
      from 0.26+/- 0.09 to 4.41 +/- 0.43%, while in hypoxic slices incubated with 15
      and 30 MUM of SsnB, the PAS positive ischemic areas were increased by only 6.4
      fold to 1.66 +/- 0.39% and 3.8 fold to 1.00 +/- 0.22%, respectively. Rt-PCR
      confirmed that MCP1 and IL-6 expression during hypoxia was elevated by 2 and 4
      fold, respectively, while their up-regulation was significantly inhibited (i.e.,
      < 0.7 fold increase) by SsnB. CONCLUSION: The selective TLR2/4 antagonist,
      Sparstolonin B, can substantially protect LV myocardium via its ability to
      inhibit injury resulting from hypoxic myocardial-generated inflammation.
      Accordingly SsnB has potential as a therapeutic agent for the attenuation of
      myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

PMID- 25117678
TI  - Closing the gap between glia and neuroblast proliferation.
AB  - Reporting in this issue of Developmental Cell, Speder and Brand (2014) show that
      gap junctions are required in blood-brain barrier glial cells to reactivate
      proliferation of quiescent neuroblasts. Gap junctions allow synchronous Ca(2+)
      waves and control insulin-like protein Dipl6 expression and secretion to trigger
      neuroblast division. 

PMID- 25117679
TI  - A role for beta3-integrins in linking breast development and cancer.
AB  - Pregnancy induces a rapid and controlled expansion of mammary stem cells. In this
      issue of Developmental Cell, Desgrosellier et al. (2014) show that beta3-integrin
      is required downstream of hormonal signaling and TGFbeta2 to regulate mammary
      stem cell number and alveolar development specifically during early pregnancy. 

PMID- 25117680
TI  - From blood to brain: the neurogenic niche of the crayfish brain.
AB  - Adult neurogenic niches are present in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Where
      do stem cells populating these niches originate, and what are the mechanisms
      maintaining their self-renewal? In this issue of Developmental Cell, Benton et
      al. (2014) show that in crayfish, hemolymph-derived cells enter a neurogenic
      niche to replenish neural progenitors. 

PMID- 25117681
TI  - Control systems of membrane transport at the interface between the endoplasmic
      reticulum and the Golgi.
AB  - A fundamental property of cellular processes is to maintain homeostasis despite
      varying internal and external conditions. Within the membrane transport
      apparatus, variations in membrane fluxes from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to
      the Golgi complex are balanced by opposite fluxes from the Golgi to the ER to
      maintain homeostasis between the two organelles. Here we describe a molecular
      device that balances transport fluxes by integrating transduction cascades with
      the transport machinery. Specifically, ER-to-Golgi transport activates the KDEL
      receptor at the Golgi, which triggers a cascade that involves Gs and adenylyl
      cyclase and phosphodiesterase isoforms and then PKA activation and results in the
      phosphorylation of transport machinery proteins. This induces retrograde traffic
      to the ER and balances transport fluxes between the ER and Golgi. Moreover, the
      KDEL receptor activates CREB1 and other transcription factors that upregulate
      transport-related genes. Thus, a Golgi-based control system maintains transport
      homeostasis through both signaling and transcriptional networks. 

PMID- 25117683
TI  - Cells from the immune system generate adult-born neurons in crayfish.
AB  - Neurogenesis is an ongoing process in the brains of adult decapod crustaceans.
      However, the first-generation precursors that produce adult-born neurons, which
      reside in a neurogenic niche, are not self-renewing in crayfish and must be
      replenished. The source of these neuronal precursors is unknown. Here, we report
      that adult-born neurons in crayfish can be derived from hemocytes. Following
      adoptive transfer of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU)-labeled hemocytes, labeled
      cells populate the neurogenic niche containing the first-generation neuronal
      precursors. Seven weeks after adoptive transfer, EdU-labeled cells are located in
      brain clusters 9 and 10 (where adult-born neurons differentiate) and express
      appropriate neurotransmitters. Moreover, the number of cells composing the
      neurogenic niche in crayfish is tightly correlated with total hemocyte counts
      (THCs) and can be manipulated by raising or lowering THC. These studies identify
      hemocytes as a source of adult-born neurons in crayfish and demonstrate that the
      immune system is a key contributor to adult neurogenesis. 

PMID- 25117682
TI  - Integrin alphavbeta3 drives slug activation and stemness in the pregnant and
      neoplastic mammary gland.
AB  - Although integrin alphavbeta3 is linked to cancer progression, its role in
      epithelial development is unclear. Here, we show that alphavbeta3 plays a
      critical role in adult mammary stem cells (MaSCs) during pregnancy. Whereas
      alphavbeta3 is a luminal progenitor marker in the virgin gland, we noted
      increased alphavbeta3 expression in MaSCs at midpregnancy. Accordingly, mice
      lacking alphavbeta3 or expressing a signaling-deficient receptor showed defective
      mammary gland morphogenesis during pregnancy. This was associated with decreased
      MaSC expansion, clonogenicity, and expression of Slug, a master regulator of
      MaSCs. Surprisingly, alphavbeta3-deficient mice displayed normal development of
      the virgin gland with no effect on luminal progenitors. Transforming growth
      factor beta2 (TGF-beta2) induced alphavbeta3 expression, enhancing Slug nuclear
      accumulation and MaSC clonogenicity. In human breast cancer cells, alphavbeta3
      was necessary and sufficient for Slug activation, tumorsphere formation, and
      tumor initiation. Thus, pregnancy-associated MaSCs require a TGF
      beta2/alphavbeta3/Slug pathway, which may contribute to breast cancer progression
      and stemness. 

PMID- 25117684
TI  - CLASPs are required for proper microtubule localization of end-binding proteins.
AB  - Microtubule (MT) plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs) preferentially localize to MT
      plus ends. End-binding proteins (EBs) are master regulators of the +TIP complex;
      however, it is unknown whether EBs are regulated by other +TIPs. Here, we show
      that cytoplasmic linker-associated proteins (CLASPs) modulate EB localization at
      MTs. In CLASP-depleted cells, EBs localized along the MT lattice in addition to
      plus ends. The MT-binding region of CLASP was sufficient for restoring normal EB
      localization, whereas neither EB-CLASP interactions nor EB tail-binding proteins
      are involved. In vitro assays revealed that CLASP directly functions to remove EB
      from MTs. Importantly, this effect occurs specifically during MT polymerization,
      but not at preformed MTs. Increased GTP-tubulin content within MTs in CLASP
      depleted cells suggests that CLASPs facilitate GTP hydrolysis to reduce EB
      lattice binding. Together, these findings suggest that CLASPs influence the MT
      lattice itself to regulate EB and determine exclusive plus-end localization of
      EBs in cells. 

PMID- 25117685
TI  - N-cadherin locks left-right asymmetry by ending the leftward movement of Hensen's
      node cells.
AB  - The stereotypic left-right (LR) asymmetric distribution of internal organs is due
      to an asymmetric molecular cascade in the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) that is
      originated at the embryonic node. In chicken embryos, molecular asymmetries at
      Hensen's node are created by leftward cell movements that occur transiently. What
      terminates these movements, and, moreover, what is the impact of prolonging them
      on the LR asymmetry cascade? We show that leftward movements last longer when N
      cadherin function is blocked and cease prematurely when N-cadherin is
      overexpressed on the right side of the node. The prolonged leftward movements
      lead to loss of asymmetric expression of fgf8 and nodal at the node region. This
      originates an abnormal expression of the asymmetric genes cer1 and snai1 in the
      LPM, resulting in mispositioned hearts. We conclude that N-cadherin stops the
      leftward cell movements and that this termination is an essential step in the
      establishment of LR asymmetry. 

PMID- 25117686
TI  - Cisplatin-tethered gold nanospheres for multimodal chemo-radiotherapy of
      glioblastoma.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the most aggressive and challenging brain
      tumour to treat. We report the first successful chemo-radiotherapy on patient
      derived treatment resistant GBM cells using a cisplatin-tethered gold nanosphere.
      After intracellular uptake, the nanosphere effects DNA damage which initiates
      caspase-mediated apoptosis in those cells. In the presence of radiation, both
      gold and platinum of cisplatin, serve as high atomic number radiosensitizers
      leading to the emission of ionizing photoelectrons and Auger electrons. This
      resulted in enhanced synergy between cisplatin and radiotherapy mediated
      cytotoxicity, and photo/Auger electron mediated radiosensitisation leading to
      complete ablation of the tumour cells in an in vitro model system. This study
      demonstrates the potential of designed nanoparticles to target aggressive cancers
      in the patient derived cell lines providing a platform to move towards treatment
      strategies. 

PMID- 25117687
TI  - What would you like to eat, Mr CKD Microbiota? A Mediterranean Diet, please!
AB  - In this review we elucidate the role of gut microbiota as the plausible missing
      link between food and health, focusing on chronic kidney disease (CKD).
      Microbiota, the microbial community harboured in the large intestine, is
      considered a symbiotic "supplementary organ". It contributes to digestion, mainly
      through two catabolic pathways: saccharolytic (fermentation) or proteolytic
      (putrefaction). It also interacts with host influencing immunity, metabolism, and
      health status. It is believed that a balanced healthy microbiota is primarily
      saccharolytic and diet has a deep effect on its composition. Mediterranean Diet,
      UNESCO "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity", prevents cardiovascular and
      metabolic systemic diseases, thanks to the high supply of fibres and
      antioxidants. Mediterranean Diet also favours the prevalence of saccharolytic
      species, while Western Diet promotes the shift towards a proteolytic profile
      (dysbiosis). Emerging evidences highlight the association between a wide range of
      diseases and dysbiosis. In CKD a vicious circle exists, in which proteolytic
      derived microbial metabolites (p-cresol and indoxyl sulphate), represent the main
      circulating uremic toxins: their accumulation worsens dysbiosis and promotes CKD
      progression. Gut microbiota shaping through non-pharmacologic nutritional
      treatments, based on Mediterranean Diet, represents an innovative approach in
      CKD, potentially restoring microbiota balance, ameliorating CKD conditions and
      slowing down disease progression.

PMID- 25117688
TI  - State-dependent neutral delay equations from population dynamics.
AB  - A novel class of state-dependent delay equations is derived from the balance laws
      of age-structured population dynamics, assuming that birth rates and death rates,
      as functions of age, are piece-wise constant and that the length of the juvenile
      phase depends on the total adult population size. The resulting class of
      equations includes also neutral delay equations. All these equations are very
      different from the standard delay equations with state-dependent delay since the
      balance laws require non-linear correction factors. These equations can be
      written as systems for two variables consisting of an ordinary differential
      equation (ODE) and a generalized shift, a form suitable for numerical
      calculations. It is shown that the neutral equation (and the corresponding ODE-
      shift system) is a limiting case of a system of two standard delay equations.

PMID- 25117690
TI  - Radon testing in schools in New York State: a 20-year summary.
AB  - For nearly 20 years the Department of Health has conducted programs to assist in
      the measurement and reduction of indoor radon concentrations in 186 schools
      located primarily in Zone 1 areas of New York State. Although many schools had
      few or no rooms containing radon above 148 Bq/m(3), some rooms had >740 Bq/m(3)
      and remediation techniques were utilized to reduce exposure. Short-term radon
      measurements in the schools showed little correlation to basement and first-floor
      radon results from single-family homes in the towns. 

PMID- 25117689
TI  - The preventive effect of atorvastatin on atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of
      randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of clinical and experimental studies have investigated the
      effect of atorvastatin on atrial fibrillation (AF), but the results are
      equivocal. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate whether atorvastatin can
      reduce the risk of AF in different populations. METHODS: We searched PubMed,
      EMBASE and the Cochrane Database for all published studies that examined the
      effect of atorvastatin therapy on AF up to April 2014. A random effects model was
      used when there was substantial heterogeneity and a fixed effects model when
      there was negligible heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eighteen published studies including
      9952 patients with sinus rhythm were identified for inclusion in the analysis.
      Ten studies investigated primary prevention of AF by atorvastatin in patients
      without AF, seven studies investigated secondary prevention of atorvastatin in
      patients with AF, and one study investigated mixed populations of patients.
      Overall, atorvastatin was associated with a decreased risk of AF (odds ratio (OR)
      0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.70, P < 0.0001). However, subgroup
      analyses showed that in the primary prevention subgroup (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.38
      0.81, P = 0.002), atorvastatin reduced the risk of new-onset AF in patients after
      coronary surgery (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.29-0.68, P = 0.0002), but had no beneficial
      effect in patients without coronary surgery (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.59-1.58, P =
      0.89); in the secondary prevention subgroup, atorvastatin had no beneficial
      effect on AF recurrence in patients with electrical cardioversion (EC) (OR 0.57,
      95% CI 0.25-1.32, P = 0.19) or without EC (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.14-1.06, P = 0.06).
      CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that atorvastatin has an overall
      protective effect against AF. However, this preventive effect was not seen in all
      types of AF. Atorvastatin was significantly associated with a decreased risk of
      new-onset AF in patients after coronary surgery. Moreover, atorvastatin did not
      prove to exert a significant protective effect against the AF recurrences in both
      patients who had experienced sinus rhythm restoration by means of EC and those
      who had obtained cardioversion by means of drug therapy. Thus, further
      prospective studies are warranted.

PMID- 25117691
TI  - Interhemispheric plasticity protects the deafferented somatosensory cortex from
      functional takeover after nerve injury.
AB  - Functional changes across brain hemispheres have been reported after unilateral
      cortical or peripheral nerve injury. Interhemispheric callosal connections
      usually underlie this cortico-cortical plasticity. However, the effect of the
      altered callosal inputs on local cortical plasticity in the adult brain is not
      well studied. Ipsilateral functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation
      has been reliably detected in the deafferented barrel cortex (BC) at 2 weeks
      after unilateral infraorbital denervation (IO) in adult rats. The ipsilateral
      fMRI signal relies on callosal-mediated interhemispheric plasticity. This form of
      interhemispheric plasticity provides a good chronic model to study the
      interaction between callosal inputs and local cortical plasticity. The receptive
      field of forepaw in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), which is adjacent to
      the BC, was mapped with fMRI. The S1 receptive field expanded to take over a
      portion of the BC in 2 weeks after both ascending inputs and callosal inputs were
      removed in IO rats with ablated contralateral BC (IO+ablation). This expansion,
      estimated specifically by fMRI mapping, is significantly larger than what has
      been observed in the IO rats with intact callosal connectivity, as well as in the
      rats with sham surgery. This work indicates that altered callosal inputs prevent
      the functional takeover of the deafferented BC from adjacent cortices and may
      help preserve the functional identity of the BC.

PMID- 25117692
TI  - The confounded self-efficacy construct: conceptual analysis and recommendations
      for future research.
AB  - Self-efficacy is central to health behaviour theories due to its robust
      predictive capabilities. In this paper, we present and review evidence for a self
      efficacy-as-motivation argument in which standard self-efficacy questionnaires -
      i.e., ratings of whether participants 'can do' the target behaviour - reflect
      motivation rather than perceived capability. The potential implication is that
      associations between self-efficacy ratings (particularly those that employ a 'can
      do' operationalisation) and health-related behaviours simply indicate that people
      are likely to do what they are motivated to do. There is some empirical evidence
      for the self-efficacy-as-motivation argument, with three studies demonstrating
      causal effects of outcome expectancy on subsequent self-efficacy ratings. Three
      additional studies show that - consistent with the self-efficacy-as-motivation
      argument - controlling for motivation by adding the phrase 'if you wanted to' to
      the end of self-efficacy items decreases associations between self-efficacy
      ratings and motivation. Likewise, a qualitative study using a thought-listing
      procedure demonstrates that self-efficacy ratings have motivational antecedents.
      The available evidence suggests that the self-efficacy-as-motivation argument is
      viable, although more research is needed. Meanwhile, we recommend that
      researchers look beyond self-efficacy to identify the many and diverse sources of
      motivation for health-related behaviours.

PMID- 25117694
TI  - Comparisons in ambulatory physical activity in children from the United Kingdom
      and Belgium.
AB  - AIM: This study sought to examine ambulatory physical activity levels in
      adolescents from the UK and Belgium. METHODS: Following ethics approval, 2760
      children (1247 boys, 1513 girls), aged 9-14 years from Belgium (n = 1614) and the
      UK (n = 1146), wore a pedometer for 4 days including at least 1 weekend day. Body
      mass index (BMI) was determined from height and mass. RESULTS: A 2 (gender) * 2
      (country) way ANCOVA, controlling for age and BMI, revealed a significant country
      by-gender interaction for steps/day (p = 0.0001). In both Belgium and the UK,
      boys were more physically active than girls (both p = 0.0001), but the difference
      between boys and girls was greater for Belgian than UK children. CONCLUSION:
      These results suggest there are differences in the ambulatory physical activity
      patterns of children in the UK and Belgium.

PMID- 25117693
TI  - Structural analysis of N- and O-glycans using ZIC-HILIC/dialysis coupled to NMR
      detection.
AB  - Protein glycosylation, an important and complex post-translational modification
      (PTM), is involved in various biological processes, including the receptor-ligand
      and cell-cell interaction, and plays a crucial role in many biological functions.
      However, little is known about the glycan structures of important biological
      complex samples, and the conventional glycan enrichment strategy (i.e., size
      exclusion column [SEC] separation) prior to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
      detection is time-consuming and tedious. In this study, we developed a glycan
      enrichment strategy that couples Zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid
      chromatography (ZIC-HILIC) with dialysis to enrich the glycans from the pronase E
      digests of RNase B, followed by NMR analysis of the glycoconjugate. Our results
      suggest that the ZIC-HILIC enrichment coupled with dialysis is a simple, fast,
      and efficient sample preparation approach. The approach was thus applied to
      analysis of a biological complex sample, the pronase E digest of the secreted
      proteins from the fungus Aspergillus niger. The NMR spectra revealed that the
      secreted proteins from A. niger contain both N-linked glycans with a high-mannose
      core similar to the structure of the glycan from RNase B, and O-linked glycans
      bearing mannose and glucose with 1->3 and 1->6 linkages. In all, our study
      provides compelling evidence that ZIC-HILIC separation coupled with dialysis is
      very effective and accessible in preparing glycans for the downstream NMR
      analysis, which could greatly facilitate the future NMR-based glycoproteomics
      research. 

PMID- 25117695
TI  - Detection of Japanese eel endothelial cells-infecting virus (JEECV) in the
      Japanese eel Anguilla japonica (Temminck & Schlegel), living in natural habitats.

PMID- 25117696
TI  - Biometry of anterior segment of human eye on both horizontal and vertical
      meridians during accommodation imaged with extended scan depth optical coherence
      tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the biometry of anterior segment dimensions of the human
      eye on both horizontal and vertical meridians with extended scan depth optical
      coherence tomography (OCT) during accommodation. METHODS: Twenty pre-presbyopic
      volunteers, aged between 24 and 30, were recruited. The ocular anterior segment
      of each subject was imaged using an extended scan depth OCT under non- and 3.0
      diopters (D) of accommodative demands on both horizontal and vertical meridians.
      All the images were analyzed to yield the following parameters: pupil diameter
      (PD), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior and posterior surface curvatures of
      the crystalline lens (ASC and PSC) and the lens thickness (LT). Two consecutive
      measurements were performed to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of
      this OCT. They were evaluated by calculating the within-subject standard
      deviation (SD), a paired t-test, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and
      the coefficient of repeatability/reproducibility (CoR). RESULTS: There were no
      significant differences between two consecutive measurements on either horizontal
      or vertical meridians under both two different accommodative statuses (P>0.05).
      The ICC for all parameters ranged from 0.775 to 0.998, except for the PSC (0.550)
      on the horizontal meridian under the non-accommodative status. In addition, the
      CoR for most of the parameters were excellent (0.004% to 4.89%). In all the
      parameters, only PD and PSC were found different between the horizontal and
      vertical meridians under both accommodative statuses (P<0.05). PD, ACD, ASC and
      PSC under accommodative status were significantly smaller than those under the
      non-accommodative status, except that the PSC at the vertical meridian did not
      change. In addition, LT was significantly increased when accommodation.
      CONCLUSION: The extended scan depth OCT successfully measured the dimensions of
      the anterior eye during accommodation with good repeatability and reproducibility
      on both horizontal and vertical meridians. The asymmetry of lens posterior
      surface and oval-shaped pupil were found during accommodation.

PMID- 25117702
TI  - In vivo subcellular imaging of tumors in mouse models using a fluorophore
      conjugated anti-carcinoembryonic antigen antibody in two-photon excitation
      microscopy.
AB  - Recently, there has been growing interest in applying fluorescence imaging
      techniques to the study of various disease processes and complex biological
      phenomena in vivo. To apply these methods to clinical settings, several groups
      have developed protocols for fluorescence imaging using antibodies against tumor
      markers conjugated to fluorescent substances. Although these probes have been
      useful in macroscopic imaging, the specificity and sensitivity of these methods
      must be improved to enable them to detect micro-lesions in the early phases of
      cancer, resulting in better treatment outcomes. To establish a sensitive and
      highly specific imaging method, we used a fluorophore-conjugated anti
      carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) antibody to perform macroscopic and microscopic in
      vivo imaging of inoculated cancer cells expressing GFP with or without CEA.
      Macroscopic imaging by fluorescence zoom microscopy revealed that bio-conjugation
      of Alexa Fluor 594 to the anti-CEA antibody allowed visualization of tumor mass
      consisting of CEA-expressing human cancer cells, but the background levels were
      unacceptably high. In contrast, microscopic imaging using a two-photon excitation
      microscope and the same fluorescent antibody resulted in subcellular-resolution
      imaging that was more specific and sensitive than conventional imaging using a
      fluorescence zoom microscope. These results suggest that two-photon excitation
      microscopy in conjunction with fluorophore-conjugated antibodies could be widely
      adapted to detection of cancer-specific cell-surface molecules, both in cancer
      research and in clinical applications. 

PMID- 25117704
TI  - Polo-like kinase 4 inhibition: a strategy for cancer therapy?
AB  - In this issue of Cancer Cell, Mason and colleagues describe the development of a
      Polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) inhibitor (CFI-400945), with promising activity against
      tumors formed in mice from patient-derived tumor tissue. A clinical trial has
      been initiated, but questions remain as to whether PLK4 is the only relevant
      therapeutic target. 

PMID- 25117703
TI  - Dietary squalene increases high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and paraoxonase 1
      and decreases oxidative stress in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Squalene, the main hydrocarbon in the unsaponifiable
      fraction of virgin olive oil, is involved in cholesterol synthesis and it has
      been reported to own antiatherosclerotic and antiesteatosic effects. However, the
      squalene's role on lipid plasma parameters and the influence of genotype on this
      effect need to be addressed. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES: Three male mouse models
      (wild-type, Apoa1- and Apoe- deficient) were fed chow semisynthetic diets
      enriched in squalene to provide a dose of 1 g/kg during 11 weeks. After this
      period, their plasma parameters and lipoprotein profiles were analyzed. KEY
      RESULTS: Squalene administration at a dose of 1 g/kg showed decreased reactive
      oxygen species in lipoprotein fractions independently of the animal background
      and caused an specific increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol
      levels, accompanied by an increase in phosphatidylcholine and paraoxonase 1 and
      no changes in apolipoproteins A1 and A4 in wild-type mice. In these mice, the
      cholesterol increase was due to its esterified form and associated with an
      increased hepatic expression of Lcat. These effects were not observed in absence
      of apolipoprotein A1. The increases in HDL- paraoxonase 1 were translated into
      decreased plasma malondialdehyde levels depending on the presence of
      Apolipoprotein A1. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Dietary squalene promotes
      changes in HDL- cholesterol and paraoxonase 1 and decreases reactive oxygen
      species in lipoproteins and plasma malondialdehyde levels, providing new benefits
      of its intake that might contribute to explain the properties of virgin olive
      oil, although the phenotype related to apolipoproteins A1 and E may be
      particularly relevant.

PMID- 25117705
TI  - YAPping about differentiation therapy in muscle cancer.
AB  - Overcoming a presumed differentiation block in the childhood muscle cancer
      embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is often thought to hold promise as an approach to
      replace cytotoxic chemotherapy with molecularly-targeted differentiation
      therapies. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Tremblay and colleagues implicate YAP1
      and the Hippo signaling pathway in the maintenance of differentiation-arrested
      and proliferative phenotypes for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. 

PMID- 25117706
TI  - RESICstance is futile-but not in glioblastoma.
AB  - Genomic alterations that occur early in tumorigenesis represent fundamental diver
      lesions and are perhaps of highest priority as a means to intervene
      therapeutically. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Ozawa and colleagues apply an
      algorithm to identify early events in glioblastoma and validate their findings in
      a rigorous manner. 

PMID- 25117707
TI  - Inhibit globally, act locally: CDK7 inhibitors in cancer therapy.
AB  - Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are involved in temporal control of the cell
      cycle and transcription and play central roles in cancer development and
      metastasis. Recently, Kwiatkowski and colleagues identified a novel CDK7-specific
      inhibitor, THZ1, that hinders proliferation in cancer cell lines and dampens
      global transcription in T cell leukemia.

PMID- 25117708
TI  - When deletions gain functions: commandeering epigenetic mechanisms.
AB  - Recurrent chromosomal deletions in cancer are typically thought to harbor tumor
      suppressors. In a recent publication in Nature, Northcott and colleagues identify
      a novel region of structural variation in medulloblastoma that leads to oncogenic
      activation of GFI1B and GFI1 by repositioning these genes next to super
      enhancers. 

PMID- 25117709
TI  - Tumor vessel normalization by chloroquine independent of autophagy.
AB  - Chloroquine (CQ) has been evaluated as an autophagy blocker for cancer treatment,
      but it is unknown if it acts solely by inhibiting cancer cell autophagy. We
      report that CQ reduced tumor growth but improved the tumor milieu. By normalizing
      tumor vessel structure and function and increasing perfusion, CQ reduced hypoxia,
      cancer cell invasion, and metastasis, while improving chemotherapy delivery and
      response. Inhibiting autophagy in cancer cells or endothelial cells (ECs) failed
      to induce such effects. CQ's vessel normalization activity relied mainly on
      alterations of endosomal Notch1 trafficking and signaling in ECs and was
      abrogated by Notch1 deletion in ECs in vivo. Thus, autophagy-independent vessel
      normalization by CQ restrains tumor invasion and metastasis while improving
      chemotherapy, supporting the use of CQ for anticancer treatment. 

PMID- 25117710
TI  - Phosphorylation of ETS1 by Src family kinases prevents its recognition by the
      COP1 tumor suppressor.
AB  - Oncoproteins and tumor suppressors antagonistically converge on critical nodes
      governing neoplastic growth, invasion, and metastasis. We discovered that
      phosphorylation of the ETS1 and ETS2 transcriptional oncoproteins at specific
      serine or threonine residues creates binding sites for the COP1 tumor suppressor
      protein, which is an ubiquitin ligase component, leading to their destruction. In
      the case of ETS1, however, phosphorylation of a neighboring tyrosine residue by
      Src family kinases disrupts COP1 binding, thereby stabilizing ETS1. Src-dependent
      accumulation of ETS1 in breast cancer cells promotes anchorage-independent growth
      in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. These findings expand the list of potential
      COP1 substrates to include proteins whose COP1-binding sites are subject to
      regulatory phosphorylation and provide insights into transformation by Src family
      kinases. 

PMID- 25117711
TI  - Regulation of p53 by Mdm2 E3 ligase function is dispensable in embryogenesis and
      development, but essential in response to DNA damage.
AB  - Mdm2 E3 ubiquitin ligase-mediated p53 degradation is generally accepted as the
      major mechanism for p53 regulation; nevertheless, the in vivo significance of
      this function has not been unequivocally established. Here, we have generated an
      Mdm2(Y487A) knockin mouse; Mdm2(Y487A) mutation inactivates Mdm2 E3 ligase
      function without affecting its ability to bind its homolog MdmX. Unexpectedly,
      Mdm2(Y487A/Y487A) mice were viable and developed normally into adulthood. While
      disruption of Mdm2 E3 ligase function resulted in p53 accumulation, p53
      transcriptional activity remained low; however, exposure to sublethal stress
      resulted in hyperactive p53 and p53-dependent mortality in Mdm2(Y487A/Y487A)
      mice. These findings reveal a potentially dispensable nature for Mdm2 E3 ligase
      function in p53 regulation, providing insight that may affect how this pathway is
      targeted therapeutically. 

PMID- 25117712
TI  - Lin28b is sufficient to drive liver cancer and necessary for its maintenance in
      murine models.
AB  - Lin28a/b are RNA-binding proteins that influence stem cell maintenance,
      metabolism, and oncogenesis. Poorly differentiated, aggressive cancers often
      overexpress Lin28, but its role in tumor initiation or maintenance has not been
      definitively addressed. We report that LIN28B overexpression is sufficient to
      initiate hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma in murine models. We also
      detected Lin28b overexpression in MYC-driven hepatoblastomas, and liver-specific
      deletion of Lin28a/b reduced tumor burden, extended latency, and prolonged
      survival. Both intravenous siRNA against Lin28b and conditional Lin28b deletion
      reduced tumor burden and prolonged survival. Igf2bp proteins are upregulated, and
      Igf2bp3 is required in the context of LIN28B overexpression to promote growth.
      Therefore, multiple murine models demonstrate that Lin28b is both sufficient to
      initiate liver cancer and necessary for its maintenance. 

PMID- 25117715
TI  - Ethylenediamine-mediated synthesis of Mn3O4 nano-octahedrons and their
      performance as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction.
AB  - Mn3O4 octahedrons with well-defined facets exhibit enhanced catalytic activity
      and sensing characteristics, and have attracted considerable attention in recent
      years. However, current fabrication methods for Mn3O4 octahedrons generally
      produce particles of micron and sub-micron sizes, and impurities such as MnO2 and
      Mn2O3 are often found. We present the synthesis of Mn3O4 nano-octahedrons with a
      pure Mn3O4 phase and size down to 50 nm based on a hydrothermal method using
      Mn(NO3)2 as the manganese source and ethylenediamine (EDA) as the structure
      mediating agent. It is found that EDA plays a crucial role in the formation of
      Mn3O4 nano-octahedrons in regulating both the morphology and the crystal
      structure of the products. The growth process is proposed to follow a
      "dissolution-recrystallization" and "capping-molecule assisted growth" mechanism.
      As electrocatalysts towards the oxygen evolution reaction, the 50 nm Mn3O4 nano
      octahedrons demonstrate a considerably enhanced activity compared to 160 nm Mn3O4
      octahedrons.

PMID- 25117713
TI  - MYC through miR-17-92 suppresses specific target genes to maintain survival,
      autonomous proliferation, and a neoplastic state.
AB  - The MYC oncogene regulates gene expression through multiple mechanisms, and its
      overexpression culminates in tumorigenesis. MYC inactivation reverses
      turmorigenesis through the loss of distinguishing features of cancer, including
      autonomous proliferation and survival. Here we report that MYC via miR-17-92
      maintains a neoplastic state through the suppression of chromatin regulatory
      genes Sin3b, Hbp1, Suv420h1, and Btg1, as well as the apoptosis regulator Bim.
      The enforced expression of miR-17-92 prevents MYC suppression from inducing
      proliferative arrest, senescence, and apoptosis and abrogates sustained tumor
      regression. Knockdown of the five miR-17-92 target genes blocks senescence and
      apoptosis while it modestly delays proliferative arrest, thus partially
      recapitulating miR-17-92 function. We conclude that MYC, via miR-17-92, maintains
      a neoplastic state by suppressing specific target genes. 

PMID- 25117714
TI  - Most human non-GCIMP glioblastoma subtypes evolve from a common proneural-like
      precursor glioma.
AB  - To understand the relationships between the non-GCIMP glioblastoma (GBM)
      subgroups, we performed mathematical modeling to predict the temporal sequence of
      driver events during tumorigenesis. The most common order of evolutionary events
      is 1) chromosome (chr) 7 gain and chr10 loss, followed by 2) CDKN2A loss and/or
      TP53 mutation, and 3) alterations canonical for specific subtypes. We then
      developed a computational methodology to identify drivers of broad copy number
      changes, identifying PDGFA (chr7) and PTEN (chr10) as driving initial
      nondisjunction events. These predictions were validated using mouse modeling,
      showing that PDGFA is sufficient to induce proneural-like gliomas and that
      additional NF1 loss converts proneural to the mesenchymal subtype. Our findings
      suggest that most non-GCIMP mesenchymal GBMs arise as, and evolve from, a
      proneural-like precursor. 

PMID- 25117716
TI  - Transcriptional analysis of Volvox photoreceptors suggests the existence of
      different cell-type specific light-signaling pathways.
AB  - Photosynthetic organisms, e.g., plants including green algae, use a sophisticated
      light-sensing system, composed of primary photoreceptors and additional
      downstream signaling components, to monitor changes in the ambient light
      environment towards adjust their growth and development. Although a variety of
      cellular processes, e.g., initiation of cleavage division and final cellular
      differentiation, have been shown to be light-regulated in the green alga Volvox
      carteri, little is known about the underlying light perception and signaling
      pathways. This multicellular alga possesses at least 12 photoreceptors, i.e., one
      phototropin (VcPhot), four cryptochromes (VcCRYa, VcCRYp, VcCRYd1, and VcCRYd2),
      and seven members of rhodopsin-like photoreceptors (VR1, VChR1, VChR2, VcHKR1,
      VcHKR2, VcHKR3, and VcHKR4), which display distinct light-dependent chemical
      processes based on their protein architectures and associated chromophores. Gene
      expression analyses could show that the transcript levels of some of the
      photoreceptor genes (e.g., VChR1 and VcHKR1) accumulate during division
      cleavages, while others (e.g., VcCRYa, VcCRYp, and VcPhot) accumulate during
      final cellular differentiation. However, the pattern of transcript accumulation
      changes when the alga switches to the sexual development. Eight photoreceptor
      genes, e.g., VcPhot, VcCRYp, and VcHKR1, are highly expressed in the somatic
      cells, while only the animal-type rhodopsin VR1 was found to be highly expressed
      in the reproductive cells/embryos during both asexual and sexual life cycles.
      Moreover, accumulation of VChR1 and VcCRYa transcripts is more sensitive to light
      and changes in response to more than one light quality. Obviously, different
      regulatory mechanisms underlying gene expression control transcript accumulation
      of photoreceptors not only during development, but also in a cell-type specific
      way and in response to various external signals such as light quality. The
      transcriptional patterns described in this study show that Volvox photoreceptors
      are mostly expressed in a cell-type specific manner. This gives reason to believe
      that cell-type specific light-signaling pathways allow differential regulation of
      cellular and developmental processes in response to the environmental light cues.

PMID- 25117718
TI  - Salt restriction in chronic kidney disease: a simple need or a must?
AB  - Dietary salt restriction is one of the most important non pharmacological
      intervention in the management of hypertension and cardiovascular complications.
      In Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients, observational and recent interventional
      studies investigating the relationship between sodium intake and renal outcomes
      suggest that low salt diet is warranted in this high risk category of patients.
      Moreover reducing and maintaining a low salt intake in these patients plays a
      fundamental role for maximizing the beneficial effect of ACE inhibitors on CKD
      progression. On the other hand, in hypertensive patients there is experimental
      evidence indicating that a very low sodium diet (<50 mEq/day) generates a pro
      inflammatory phenotype characterized by an increase in Procalcitonin and TNF
      alpha and a reduction in an anti-inflammatory cytokine like Adiponectin. In this
      brief review the main mechanisms whereby salt intake may determine kidney damage
      and studies showing that salt restriction may have a beneficial effect in CKD
      patients will be discussed.

PMID- 25117720
TI  - Late-onset cauda equina contrast enhancement: a rare magnetic resonance imaging
      finding in subacute spinal cord infarction.

PMID- 25117719
TI  - The effect of women's property rights on HIV: a search for quantitative evidence.
AB  - In recent years, efforts to reduce HIV transmission have begun to incorporate a
      structural interventions approach, whereby the social, political, and economic
      environment in which people live is considered an important determinant of
      individual behaviors. This approach to HIV prevention is reflected in the growing
      number of programs designed to address insecure or nonexistent property rights
      for women living in developing countries. Qualitative and anecdotal evidence
      suggests that property ownership may allow women to mitigate social, economic,
      and biological effects of HIV for themselves and others through increased food
      security and income generation. Even so, the relationship between women's
      property and inheritance rights (WPIR) and HIV transmission behaviors is not well
      understood. We explored sources of data that could be used to establish
      quantitative links between WPIR and HIV. Our search for quantitative evidence
      included (1) a review of peer-reviewed and "gray" literature reporting on
      quantitative associations between WPIR and HIV, (2) identification and assessment
      of existing data-sets for their utility in exploring this relationship, and (3)
      interviews with organizations addressing women's property rights in Kenya and
      Uganda about the data they collect. We found no quantitative studies linking
      insecure WPIR to HIV transmission behaviors. Data-sets with relevant variables
      were scarce, and those with both WPIR and HIV variables could only provide
      superficial evidence of associations. Organizations addressing WPIR in Kenya and
      Uganda did not collect data that could shed light on the connection between WPIR
      and HIV, but the two had data and community networks that could provide a good
      foundation for a future study that would include the collection of additional
      information. Collaboration between groups addressing WPIR and HIV transmission
      could provide the quantitative evidence needed to determine whether and how a
      WPIR structural intervention could decrease HIV transmission.

PMID- 25117717
TI  - Advanced biliary tract carcinomas: a retrospective multicenter analysis of first
      and second-line chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gemcitabine/Cisplatin (Gem/CDDP) combination has demonstrated a clear
      survival advantage over gemcitabine alone and has become a new standard in
      advanced Biliary Tract Carcinoma (aBTC). However, Gemcitabine/Oxaliplatin (GEMOX)
      combination and Gemcitabine/Carboplatin (Gem/Carb) combination regimens have
      shown efficacy in phase II trials and there is no comparative study between
      different platinum salts.We assessed the efficacy and safety of different
      platinum-based chemotherapies at first line in aBTC patients. We also analysed
      the second-line chemotherapy. METHODS: Sixty-four consecutive patients with aBTC
      diagnosed between 1998 and 2010 were included for analysis. At first line
      chemotherapy, 44 patients received one day GEMOX regimen (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2
      and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 Day 1, every 2 weeks), and 20 patients received
      Gem/Carb regimen (gemcitabine at 1000 mg/m2 Days 1 and 8 with carboplatin
      delivered according to an area-under-the-curve (AUC) 5 at day 1, every 3 weeks).
      At second line, a total of 16 patients received a fluoropyrimidine-based
      chemotherapy. RESULTS: With GEMOX regimen, median progression-free survival (PFS)
      was 3.7 months (95%CI, 2.4 to 5) and median overall survival (OS) was 10.5 months
      (95%CI, 6.4 to14.7). The main toxicity was peripheral neuropathy (20% grade 2 and
      7% grade 3). Grade 3/4 haematological toxicities were rare.With Gem/Carb regimen,
      PFS was 2.5 months (95%CI, 2.1 to 3.7) and OS was 4.8 months (95%CI, 3.7 to 5.8).
      The main grade 3/4 toxicities were haematological: anaemia (45%),
      thrombocytopenia (45%), and neutropenia (40%).At second-line, fluoropyrimidine
      based chemotherapy was feasible in only a fourth of the patients. The median OS
      was 5.3 months (95%CI, 4.1 to 6.6), and median PFS was 4.0 months (95%CI, 2.6 to
      5.5). CONCLUSIONS: One day GEMOX regimen has a favourable toxicity profile and
      could be an alternative to standard Gem/CDDP regimen, in particular in unfit
      patients for CDDP.At second-line, selective patients may benefit from
      fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy.

PMID- 25117721
TI  - Lumbosacral discitis-osteomyelitis after mesh abdominosacrocolpopexy.

PMID- 25117722
TI  - Temporal specificity of training: intra-day effects on biochemical responses and
      Olympic-Weightlifting performances.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of an Olympic
      Weightlifting session training at three times of the day on the performance
      related to biochemical responses. Nine weightlifters (21 +/- 0.5 years)
      performed, in randomised order, on three Olympic-Weightlifting training (snatch,
      clean and jerk) sessions (08:00 a.m., 02:00 p. m., 06:00 p. m.). Blood samples
      were collected: before, 3 min and 48 h after each training session.
      Haematological parameters and markers of muscle injury were assessed. Resting
      oral temperature and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also assessed during
      each session. ANOVA showed that the performance was better (P < 0.001) at 02:00
      p. m. with a less RPE (P < 0.01) compared to the morning and the evening sessions
      while there was higher (P < 0.05) oral temperature at 06:00 p. m. versus 08:00
      a.m. and 02:00 p. m. Muscle damage changed immediately (without significant
      effect after 48 h) after the training sessions with lower values in the evening
      compared to the morning. In conclusion, the afternoon training is more effective
      than morning or evening sessions for weightlifters. Therefore, coaches and
      weightlifters should be advised to schedule their training session in the
      afternoon hour.

PMID- 25117723
TI  - The relationship between hospital volume and mortality in severe sepsis.
AB  - RATIONALE: Severe sepsis is increasing in incidence and has a high rate of
      inpatient mortality. Hospitals that treat a larger number of patients with severe
      sepsis may offer a survival advantage. OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the effect
      of severe sepsis case volume on mortality, hypothesizing that higher volume
      centers would have lower rates of inpatient death. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective cohort study over a 7-year period (2004-2010), using a nationally
      representative sample of hospital admissions, examining the relation between
      volume, urban location, organ dysfunction, and survival. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: To identify potential differences in outcomes, hospitals were divided
      into five categories (<50, 50-99, 100-249, 250-499, and 500+ annual cases) and
      adjusted mortality was compared by volume. A total of 914,200 patients with
      severe sepsis were identified over a 7-year period (2004-2010). Overall in
      hospital mortality was 28.1%. In a fully adjusted model, there was an inverse
      relationship between severe sepsis case volume and inpatient mortality. Hospitals
      in the highest volume category had substantially improved survival compared with
      hospitals with the lowest case volume (adjusted odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.60-0.69). In cases of severe sepsis with one reported organ
      dysfunction, a mortality of 18.9% was found in hospitals with fewer than 50
      annual cases compared with 10.4% in hospitals treating 500+ cases (adjusted odds
      ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.59). Similar differences were found
      in patients with up to three total organ dysfunctions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with
      severe sepsis treated in hospitals with higher case volumes had improved adjusted
      outcomes.

PMID- 25117724
TI  - Early effects of human papillomavirus vaccination in Belgium.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been reimbursed in Belgium since 2007
      for girls (12-15 years), extended to girls up to 18 years in 2008. This study
      assesses the trend of HPV 16/18 infections in women less than 25 years of age
      participating in opportunistic cervical cancer screening. A significant reduction
      in the prevalence of HPV 16 [relative risk (RR)=0.61, 95% confidence
      interval=0.39-0.95] and a nonsignificant reduction in HPV 18 (RR=0.65, 95%
      confidence interval=0.29-1.48) was found in the youngest group (15-19 years). The
      prevalences in the older age group did not change significantly. These findings
      show the early effects of HPV vaccination and confirm the effectiveness of
      immunization in a real-life setting. 

PMID- 25117725
TI  - Nonlinear dose-response relationship between radon exposure and the risk of lung
      cancer: evidence from a meta-analysis of published observational studies.
AB  - Although radon exposure (RE) has been confirmed to increase the risk of lung
      cancer (LC), questions remain about the shape of the dose-response relationship
      between RE and the risk of LC. We carried out a dose-response meta-analysis to
      investigate and quantify the potential dose-response association between
      residential and occupational exposure to radon and the risk of LC. All cohort and
      case-control studies published in English and Chinese on Embase, PubMed, and
      China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) digital databases through November
      2013 were identified systematically. We extracted effect measures (relative risk,
      odds ratio, standardized mortality ratio, standardized incidence ratio, or
      standardized rate ratio) from individual studies to generate pooled results using
      meta-analysis approaches. We derived meta-analytic estimates using random-effects
      models taking into account the correlation between estimates. Restricted cubic
      splines and generalized least-squares regression methods were used to model a
      potential curvilinear relationship and to carry out a dose-response meta
      analysis. Stratified analysis, sensitivity analysis, and assessment of bias were
      performed in our meta-analysis. Sixty publications fulfilling the inclusion
      criteria for this meta-analysis were finally included. Occupational RE was
      associated with LC [risk ratio 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.67-2.09;
      I2=92.2%; 27 prospective studies], for pooled risk estimate of the: standardized
      mortality ratio [2.00 (95% CI=1.82-2.32)]; standardized incidence ratio [1.45
      (95% CI=1.20-1.74)]; relative risk [2.10 (95% CI=1.64-2.69)]. In a subgroup
      analysis of uranium miners and residents exposed to occupational uranium, the
      summary risk was 2.23 (95% CI=1.86-2.68) and 1.23 (95% CI=1.05-1.44). The overall
      meta-analysis showed evidence of a nonlinear association between RE and the risk
      of LC (P(nonlinearity)<0.014); in addition, the point value of residential radon
      also improved the results quantitatively, where odds ratios were 1.11 (95%
      CI=1.07-1.15) and 1.21 (95% CI=1.14-1.29) when the radon concentration was at the
      point of 100 and 200 Bq/m3 compared with the lowest. For 17 prospective studies
      with at least three categories of occupational cumulative radon dose, the dose
      risk model estimated a risk ratio of 1.26 (95% CI=1.21-1.30) for 100 working
      level months and 1.51 (95% CI=1.38-1.65) for 200 working level months,
      respectively. The assessment of risk of bias within individual studies and across
      studies indicated risk that was unlikely to alter these results markedly. This
      meta-analysis shows a nonlinear dose-response association between environmental
      RE and the risk of LC. This increased risk is particularly apparent when the
      cumulative exposure to radon is well beyond that resulting from exposure to the
      recommended limit concentration for a prolonged period of time.

PMID- 25117726
TI  - Does decreased meniscal thickness affect surgical outcomes after medial
      meniscectomy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: There have been no clinical studies regarding the effect of decreased
      meniscal thickness on outcomes after meniscectomy. PURPOSE: To examine the
      postoperative outcomes of partial meniscectomy with or without horizontal
      resection compared with the outcomes of subtotal meniscectomy and to evaluate the
      influence of decreased thickness of the medial meniscus on outcomes after partial
      meniscectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total
      of 312 patients who underwent medial meniscectomy were retrospectively reviewed.
      Patients were divided into 3 groups: group A (n = 84) included patients with
      partial meniscectomy with vertical resection, group B (n = 140) consisted of
      those with partial meniscectomy with horizontal resection, and group C (n = 88)
      included those with subtotal meniscectomy. Clinical function was evaluated by use
      of the Lysholm knee scoring scale, International Knee Documentation Committee
      (IKDC) subjective knee evaluation form, and Tapper and Hoover grading system.
      Radiologic evaluation was performed with the IKDC radiographic assessment scale
      as well as with measurements of the medial compartment height at the tibiofemoral
      joint. Preoperative values and postoperative values measured 5 years after
      operation were assessed. RESULTS: Functional outcomes in group C were inferior to
      those in groups A and B according to the Lysholm knee score (mean +/- SD for
      group A = 96.1 +/- 4.7, group B = 94.9 +/- 5.2, group C = 84.8 +/- 11.4; P <
      .001), IKDC subjective score (group A = 92.1 +/- 6.5, group B = 91.3 +/- 8.8,
      group C = 81 +/- 11.4; P < .001), and Tapper and Hoover grading system (P =
      .003). There was no significant difference in scores between groups A and B. With
      regard to radiologic evaluation, the IKDC radiographic grade for group C was
      worse than the grades for groups A and B (P < .001); there was no significant
      difference between groups A and B. However, the postoperative joint space on the
      affected side was higher for group A (4.7 +/- 0.6 mm) than for groups B (4.3 +/-
      0.5 mm; P < .001) and C (3.7 +/- 0.8 mm; P < .001). The joint space was higher in
      group B than in group C (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Despite joint space narrowing,
      decreases in meniscal thickness after partial meniscectomy for horizontal tear
      had no additional adverse effect on 5-year functional and radiographic outcomes
      compared with conventional partial meniscectomy preserving whole meniscal
      thickness. In treating horizontal tears of the meniscus, partial meniscectomy
      with complete resection of the unstable leaf was an effective method in a 5-year
      follow-up study.

PMID- 25117727
TI  - Three-dimensional analysis of acromial morphologic characteristics in patients
      with and without rotator cuff tears using a reconstructed computed tomography
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between rotator cuff tears and acromial shape has
      yet to be clarified. As a result, the most suitable location for acromioplasty
      for the treatment of rotator cuff tears is not known. PURPOSE: To determine
      whether any particular change in acromial shape is significantly associated with
      the presence of rotator cuff tears. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of
      evidence, 3. METHODS: From 2007 to 2010, we examined 25 consecutive patients with
      unilateral full-thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic repair
      and 17 consecutive patients with adhesive capsulitis but intact rotator cuffs who
      underwent arthroscopic capsular release. Before surgery, a reconstructed 3
      dimensional computed tomography model was used to evaluate the acromial
      structure. Changes in the shape of the affected scapula were qualitatively
      evaluated relative to the unaffected, contralateral scapula by use of proximity
      mapping. Differences in acromial structure between affected and unaffected
      shoulders were assessed at the anterior, lateral, and medial edges and the
      inferior surface. The association between rotator cuff tear size and change in
      acromial structure was also evaluated. RESULTS: Rates of bony projection at the
      anterior (>2 mm) and lateral (>3 mm) edges of the acromion in patients with
      rotator cuff tears were significantly greater compared with rates in patients
      without rotator cuff tears (P < .01). Tear size was not correlated with changes
      in acromial structure (P = .37-.73). CONCLUSION: Bone spurs at the anterior and
      lateral edges of the acromion are associated with the presence of full-thickness
      rotator cuff tears in symptomatic patients.

PMID- 25117728
TI  - The arthroscopic latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability: 5-year
      minimum follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure combines the benefits of
      arthroscopic surgery with the low rate of recurrent instability associated with
      the Latarjet procedure. Only short-term outcomes after arthroscopic Latarjet
      procedure have been reported. PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate of recurrent
      instability and patient outcomes a minimum of 5 years after stabilization
      performed with the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Case series;
      Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients who underwent the arthroscopic Latarjet
      procedure before June 2008 completed a questionnaire to determine whether they
      had experienced a dislocation, subluxation, or further surgery. The patients also
      completed the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI). RESULTS: A total
      of 62 of 87 patients (64/89 shoulders) were contacted for follow-up. Mean follow
      up time was 76.4 months (range, 61.2-100.7 months). No patients had reported a
      dislocation since their surgery. One patient reported having subluxations since
      the surgery. Thus, 1 patient (1.59%) had recurrent instability after the
      procedure. The mean +/- standard deviation aggregate WOSI score was 90.6% +/-
      9.4%. Mean WOSI domain scores were as follows: Physical Symptoms, 90.1% +/- 8.7%;
      Sports/Recreation/Work, 90.3% +/- 12.9%; Lifestyle, 93.7% +/- 9.8%; and Emotions,
      88.7% +/- 17.3%. CONCLUSION: The rate of recurrent instability after arthroscopic
      Latarjet procedure is low in this series of patients with a minimum 5-year follow
      up. Patient outcomes as measured by the WOSI are good.

PMID- 25117729
TI  - Phase II study of FOLFIRINOX for chemotherapy-naive Japanese patients with
      metastatic pancreatic cancer.
AB  - The FOLFIRINOX combination of chemotherapy drugs had not been fully evaluated for
      Japanese pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, we carried out a phase II study
      to examine the efficacy and safety of FOLFIRINOX in chemotherapy-naive Japanese
      patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. FOLFIRINOX (i.v. infusion of 85
      mg/m(2) oxaliplatin, 180 mg/m(2) irinotecan, and 200 mg/m(2) l-leucovorin,
      followed by a bolus of 400 mg/m(2) fluorouracil and a 46-h continuous infusion of
      2400 mg/m(2) fluorouracil) was given every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was the
      response rate. The 36 enrolled patients received a median of eight (range, 1-25)
      treatment cycles. The response rate was 38.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.1
      56.5); median overall survival, 10.7 months (95% CI, 6.9-13.2); and median
      progression-free survival, 5.6 months (95% CI, 3.0-7.8). Major grade 3 or 4
      toxicities included neutropenia (77.8%), febrile neutropenia (22.2%),
      thrombocytopenia (11.1%), anemia (11.1%), anorexia (11.1%), diarrhea (8.3%),
      nausea (8.3%), elevated alanine aminotransferase levels (8.3%), and peripheral
      sensory neuropathy (5.6%). Febrile neutropenia occurred only during the first
      cycle. There were no treatment-related deaths. FOLFIRINOX can be a standard
      regimen showing favorable efficacy and acceptable toxicity profile in
      chemotherapy-naive Japanese patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 25117730
TI  - Defined serum- and xeno-free cryopreservation of mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have vast potential in cell therapy, and are
      experimentally used in the clinic. Therefore, it is critical to find a serum- and
      xeno-free cryopreservation method. The aim of this study was to compare two serum
      and xeno-free cryoprotectants for MSCs. Adipose tissue MSCs (Ad-MSCs) and bone
      marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) were cryopreserved in two cryoprotectants: the defined
      serum- and xeno-free STEM-CELLBANKERTM (CB) and 10 % dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in
      a xeno-free serum replacement cell culture medium and compared to non
      cryopreserved MSCs. MSCs cryopreserved in CB or DMSO had similar morphology and
      surface marker expression compared to their respective non-cryopreserved MSC. Ad
      MSCs and BM-MSC in both cryoprotectant media exhibited reduced mean fluorescence
      intensity (MFI) for CD105, BM-MSCs for CD73 and Ad-MSC increased MFI for HLA
      class I compared to non-cryopreserved MSCs. Population doubling time of CB
      cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved Ad-MSCs was similar (38.1 +/- 13.6 and 36.8
      +/- 12.1 h), but somewhat higher when cryopreserved in DMSO (42.2 +/- 10.8 h). BM
      MSCs had higher population doubling time (CB 47.7 +/- 11.4 and DMSO 62.3 +/- 32.9
      h respectively, p < 0.05) compared to Ad-MSCs. The viability of Ad-MSCs was
      significantly higher after cryopreservation in CB compared to DMSO (90.4 +/- 4.5
      % vs. 79.9 +/- 3.8 % respectively). Ad-MSCs and BM-MSCs retained their mesodermal
      differentiation potential when cryopreserved in both cryoprotectants. The
      characteristics of Ad-MSCs post-thawing are better preserved by CB than by DMSO
      in serum- and xeno-free medium. Furthermore, Ad-MSCs and BM-MSCs are differently
      affected by the cryoprotectants, which may have implications for cell therapy.

PMID- 25117739
TI  - Vanadium complexes with multidentate amine bisphenols.
AB  - The reaction of VO(acac)2 (acac(-) = acetyl acetonate) with tripodal glycine
      bisphenol H3L(1) under an ambient atmosphere yields a hexacoordinated
      vanadium(iv) complex [V(acac)(L(1))] (1). The corresponding reactions with
      tripodal 2-propanolamine bisphenol H3L(2) and potentially pentadentate
      ethoxyethanolamine bisphenol H3L(3) lead to the oxidation of the metal centre and
      formation of mononuclear oxovanadium(v) complexes [VO(L(2))] (2) and [VO(L(3))]
      (3), respectively. Alternatively, these latter two complexes can be prepared
      using VOSO4.5H2O or VO(OPr)3 as a precursor. The CV of 1 in an ACN solution shows
      a reversible one-electron process at E1/2 = +1.18 V, whereas 2 and 3 have an
      irreversible redox response at -1.6 V and -1.2 V, respectively. Complexes 2 and 3
      show moderate activity in the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene by tert-BuOOH at 50 
      degrees C. 

PMID- 25117740
TI  - Dialysis exercise team: the way to sustain exercise programs in hemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - Patients affected by end-stage renal disease (ESRD) show quite lower physical
      activity and exercise capacity when compared to healthy individuals. In addition,
      a sedentary lifestyle is favoured by lack of a specific counseling on exercise
      implementation in the nephrology care setting. Increasing physical activity level
      should represent a goal for every dialysis patient care management. Three crucial
      elements of clinical care may contribute to sustain a hemodialysis exercise
      program: a) involvement of exercise professionals, b) real commitment of
      nephrologists and dialysis professionals, c) individual patient adaptation of the
      exercise program. Dialysis staff have a crucial role to encourage and assist
      patients during intra-dialysis exercise, but other professionals should be
      included in the ideal "exercise team" for dialysis patients. Evaluation of
      general condition, comorbidities (especially cardiovascular), nutritional status
      and physical exercise capacity are mandatory to propose an exercise program, in
      either extra-dialysis or intra-dialysis setting. To this aim, nephrologist should
      lead a team of specialists and professionals including cardiologist,
      physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, renal dietician and nurse. In this
      scenario, dialysis nurses play a pivotal role since they guarantee a constant and
      direct approach. Unfortunately dialysis staff may often lack of information and
      formation about exercise management while they take care patients during the
      dialysis session. Building an effective exercise team, promoting the culture of
      exercise and increasing physical activity levels lead to a more complete and
      modern clinical care management of ESRD patients.

PMID- 25117741
TI  - Media reporting of neuroscience depends on timing, topic and newspaper type.
AB  - The rapid developments in neuroscientific techniques raise high expectations
      among the general public and therefore warrant close monitoring of the
      translation to the media and daily-life applications. The need of empirical
      research into neuroscience communication is emphasized by its susceptibility to
      evoke misconceptions and polarized beliefs. As the mass media are the main
      sources of information about (neuro-)science for a majority of the general
      public, the objective of the current research is to quantify how critically and
      accurately newspapers report on neuroscience as a function of the timing of
      publication (within or outside of periods of heightened media attention to
      neuroscience, termed "news waves"), the topic of the research (e.g. development,
      health, law) and the newspaper type (quality, popular, free newspapers). The
      results show that articles published during neuroscience news waves were less
      neutral and more optimistic, but not different in accuracy. Furthermore, the
      overall tone and accuracy of articles depended on the topic; for example,
      articles on development often had an optimistic tone whereas articles on law were
      often skeptical or balanced, and articles on health care had highest accuracy.
      Average accuracy was rather low, but articles in quality newspapers were
      relatively more accurate than in popular and free newspapers. Our results provide
      specific recommendations for researchers and science communicators, to improve
      the translation of neuroscience findings through the media: 1) Caution is
      warranted during periods of heightened attention (news waves), as reporting tends
      to be more optimistic; 2) Caution is also warranted not to follow topic-related
      biases in optimism (e.g., development) or skepticism (e.g., law); 3) Researchers
      should keep in mind that overall accuracy of reporting is low, and especially
      articles in popular and free newspapers provide a minimal amount of details. This
      indicates that researchers themselves may need to be more active in preventing
      misconceptions to arise. 

PMID- 25117742
TI  - Pressure response of amide one-bond J-couplings in model peptides and proteins.
AB  - The pressure dependence of the one-bond indirect spin-spin coupling constants
      (1)J(N-H) was studied in the protected tetrapeptides Ac-Gly-Gly-Xxx-Ala-NH2 (with
      Xxx being one of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids). The response of the (1)J(N-H)
      coupling constants is amino acid type specific, with an average increase of its
      magnitude by 0.6 Hz at 200 MPa. The variance of the pressure response is rather
      large, the largest pressure effect is observed for asparagine where the coupling
      constant becomes more negative by -2.9 Hz at 200 MPa. The size of the J-coupling
      constant at high pressure is positively correlated with its low pressure value
      and the beta-propensity, and negatively correlated with the amide proton shift
      and the first order nitrogen pressure coefficient and the electrostatic solvation
      free energy.

PMID- 25117743
TI  - Volumetric MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound versus uterine artery
      embolisation for treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: comparison of symptom
      improvement and reintervention rates.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity
      focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) with that of uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for
      treatment of uterine fibroids. METHODS: Between January 2010 and January 2013, 51
      women with symptomatic uterine fibroids underwent MR-HIFU. Follow-up and MR
      imaging were compared to 68 women treated with UAE, who fulfilled eligibility
      criteria for MR-HIFU - e.g., size (<= 12 cm) and number (<= 5) of fibroids. We
      compared median symptom severity (tSSS), total health-realted quality of life
      (HRQoL) scores, and reintervention rates. The adjusted effect on symptom relief
      and HRQoL improvement was calculated using multivariable linear regression. Cox
      regression was applied to calculate the adjusted risk of reintervention between
      both treatments. RESULTS: Median tSSS improved significantly from baseline to
      three-month follow-up (P < 0.001) for both MR-HIFU (53.1 (IQR [40.6-68.8]) to
      34.4 (IQR [21.9-46.9]) and UAE (65.3 (IQR [56.3-74.2]) to 21.9 (IQR [9.4-34.4]).
      In addition, significantly better HRQoL scores were observed after three months
      (P < 0.001). However, in multivariate analysis, UAE had a stronger effect on
      symptom relief and HRQoL improvement than MR-HIFU (P < 0.001). Patients treated
      with MR-HIFU had a 7.1 (95 % CI [2.00-25.3]; P = 0.002) times higher risk of
      reintervention within 12 months (18/51 vs. 3/68). CONCLUSION: Both MR-HIFU and
      UAE result in significant symptom relief related to uterine fibroids. However, MR
      HIFU is associated with a higher risk of reintervention. KEY POINTS: * This study
      compared outcomes between volumetric MR-HIFU and UAE for uterine fibroids. * Both
      MR-HIFU and UAE result in significant symptom relief and quality of life
      improvement. * UAE had a stronger positive effect on the clinical outcomes. *
      Reintervention rate after MR-HIFU ablation was significantly higher than after
      UAE.

PMID- 25117744
TI  - The clinical utility of reduced-distortion readout-segmented echo-planar imaging
      in the head and neck region: initial experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (RS-EPI)
      diffusion weighted image (DWI) can diminish image distortion in the head and neck
      area, compared with single-shot (SS)-EPI DWI. METHODS: We conducted phantom and
      patient studies using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a 16-channel
      coil. For the phantom study, we evaluated distortion and signal homogeneity in
      gel phantoms. For the patient study, 29 consecutive patients with clinically
      suspicious parotid lesions were prospectively enrolled. RS-EPI and SS-EPI DWI
      were evaluated by two independent readers for identification of organ/lesion and
      distortion, using semiquantitative scales and quantitative scores. Apparent
      diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and contrast-noise ratios of parotid tumours
      (if present; n = 15) were also compared. RESULTS: The phantom experiments showed
      that RS-EPI provided less distorted and more homogeneous ADC maps than SS-EPI. In
      the patient study, RS-EPI was found to provide significantly less distortion in
      almost all organs/lesions (p < 0.05), according to both semiquantitative scales
      and quantitative scores. There was no significant difference in ADC values and
      contrast-noise ratios between the two DWI techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The distortion
      in DWI was significantly reduced with RS-EPI in both phantom and patient studies.
      The RS-EPI technique provided more homogenous images than SS-EPI, and can
      potentially offer higher image quality in the head and neck area. KEY POINTS: The
      distortion in DWI is significantly reduced with RS-EPI compared with SS-EPI.
      Structures in the head and neck were identified more clearly using RS-EPI. No
      significant difference in ADC values was found between the techniques.

PMID- 25117745
TI  - Impact of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the study of hepatic artery
      hypoperfusion shortly after liver transplantation: contribution to the diagnosis
      of artery steal syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the
      absence of hepatic artery signal on Doppler ultrasound (DUS) in the immediate
      postoperative period after liver transplant. METHODS: This prospective study
      included 675 consecutive liver transplants. Patients without hepatic artery
      signal by DUS within 8 days post-transplant were studied with CEUS. If it
      remained undetectable, a thrombosis was suspected. In patent hepatic artery, a
      DUS was performed immediately after CEUS; if low resistance flow was detected, an
      arteriography was indicated. Patients with high resistance waveform underwent
      DUS+/CEUS follow-up. Arteriography was indicated when abnormal flow persisted for
      more than 5 days or liver dysfunction appeared. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients
      were studied with CEUS. In 11 patients CEUS correctly diagnosed hepatic artery
      thrombosis. In two out of 23 non-occluded arteries, a low resistance flow lead to
      a diagnosis of stenosis/proximal thrombosis. Twenty-one patients had absence of
      diastolic flow, which normalized in the follow-up in 13 patients. In the
      remaining eight patients, splenic artery steal syndrome (ASS) was diagnosed.
      CONCLUSIONS: CEUS allows us to avoid invasive tests in the diagnostic work-up
      shortly after liver transplant. It identifies the hepatic artery thrombosis and
      points to a diagnosis of ASS. KEY POINTS: * CEUS is useful in the diagnostic work
      up shortly after liver transplant * CEUS identifies the hepatic artery thrombosis
      with reliability * There is little information about DUS and CEUS findings in the
      ASS * DUS and CEUS offer functional information useful in the diagnosis of ASS.

PMID- 25117746
TI  - Does tumoral (111)In-ibritumomab accumulation correlate with therapeutic effect
      and outcome in relapsed or refractory low-grade B-cell lymphoma patients
      undergoing (90)Y-ibritumomab radioimmunotherapy?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether tumoral (111)In
      ibritumomab accumulation on pre-treatment imaging correlates with therapeutic
      responses and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with non-Hodgkin's
      lymphoma (NHL) undergoing (90)Y-ibritumomab radioimmunotherapy (RIT). METHODS:
      This was a retrospective study of 39 patients with low-grade B-cell NHL treated
      with RIT. We classified the patients into positive and negative groups according
      to the presence or absence of tumoral (111)In-ibritumomab accumulation on pre
      treatment (111)In-ibritumomab examinations. We then determined the correlation
      between the (111)In-ibritumomab imaging findings and the patients' therapeutic
      responses and PFS. RESULTS: Tumoral (111)In-ibritumomab accumulation was positive
      in 64.1% and negative in 35.9% of the patients. The (111)In-positive patients had
      a significantly higher overall response rate (ORR) compared to the (111)In
      negative patients (100.0% vs. 78.6%, p = 0.02). The (111)In-negative patients
      with advanced disease (stages III/IV) had a significantly lower ORR (40%) and a
      significantly higher rate of progressive disease (40.0%) compared to those of the
      (111)In-negative patients with limited disease (stages I/II) (100% and 0%, p =
      0.009 each). However, these two groups had similar 2-year PFS rates (65.0% vs.
      50.0%, p = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: (111)In-ibritumomab imaging findings seem to
      correlate with ORR and the progressive disease rate after RIT, but not with PFS.
      KEY POINTS: All 39 NHL patients had tumoral accumulation on pretreatment FDG
      PET/CT. 64.1% of NHL patients had tumoral accumulation on a pretreatment (111) In
      ibritumomab examination. (90) Y-ibritumomab RIT resulted in high overall response
      and complete remission rates. (111) In-ibritumomab avidity of lymphoma lesions
      could predict a strong therapeutic effect. (111) In-ibritumomab imaging findings
      did not correlate with progression-free survival.

PMID- 25117747
TI  - Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for the differentiation of low and
      high grade clear cell renal carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the ability of magnetic resonance (MR)
      imaging to differentiate low from high Fuhrman grade renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images from 80 consecutive pathologically proven RCC
      (57 clear cell, 16 papillary and 7 chromophobe) were evaluated. Double-echo
      chemical shift, dynamic contrast-enhanced T1- and T2-weighted images and apparent
      diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were reviewed independently. Signal intensity
      index (SII), tumour-to-spleen SI ratio (TSR), ADC ratio, wash-in (WiI) and wash
      out indices (WoI) between different phases were calculated and compared to
      pathological grade and size. The Fuhrman scoring system was used. Low grade
      (score <= 2) and high grade (score >= 3) tumours were compared using univariate
      and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: No associations between grade and imaging
      factors were found for papillary and chromophobe RCCs. For clear cell RCCs, there
      was a significant association between the grade and parenchymal WiI (WiI2) (P =
      0.02) or ADCr (P = 0.03). A significant association between tumour grade and size
      (P = 0.01), WiI2 (P = 0.02) and ADCr (P = 0.05) remained in multivariate
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Multiparametric MRI can be used to accurately
      differentiate low Fuhrman grade clear cell RCC from high grade. High Fuhrman
      grade (>= 3) RCCs were larger, had lower parenchymal wash-in indices and lower
      ADC ratios than low grade. KEY POINTS: * Fuhrman grade of clear cell RCC can be
      differentiated with multiparametric MR imaging. * Fuhrman grade significantly
      differed for size, parenchymal wash-in index and ADC ratio. * No significant
      associations were found for papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma.

PMID- 25117748
TI  - Interleukin-6 concentrations in the urine and dipstick analyses were related to
      bacteriuria but not symptoms in the elderly: a cross sectional study of 421
      nursing home residents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Up to half the residents of nursing homes for the elderly have
      asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU), which should not be treated with antibiotics. A
      complementary test to discriminate between symptomatic urinary tract infections
      (UTI) and ABU is needed, as diagnostic uncertainty is likely to generate
      significant antibiotic overtreatment. Previous studies indicate that Interleukin
      6 (IL-6) in the urine might be suitable as such a test. The aim of this study was
      to investigate the association between laboratory findings of bacteriuria, IL-6
      in the urine, dipstick urinalysis and newly onset symptoms among residents of
      nursing homes. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, voided urine specimens for
      culture, urine dipstick and IL-6 analyses were collected from all residents
      capable of providing a voided urine sample, regardless of the presence of
      symptoms. Urine specimens and symptom forms were provided from 421 residents of
      22 nursing homes. The following new or increased nonspecific symptoms occurring
      during the previous month were registered; fatigue, restlessness, confusion,
      aggressiveness, loss of appetite, frequent falls and not being herself/himself,
      as well as symptoms from the urinary tract; dysuria, urinary urgency and
      frequency. RESULTS: Recent onset of nonspecific symptoms was common among elderly
      residents of nursing homes (85/421). Urine cultures were positive in 32%
      (135/421), Escherichia coli was by far the most common bacterial finding.
      Residents without nonspecific symptoms had positive urine cultures as often as
      those with nonspecific symptoms with a duration of up to one month. Residents
      with positive urine cultures had higher concentrations of IL-6 in the urine (p <
      0.001). However, among residents with positive urine cultures there were no
      differences in IL-6 concentrations or dipstick findings between those with or
      without nonspecific symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Nonspecific symptoms among elderly
      residents of nursing homes are unlikely to be caused by bacteria in the urine.
      This study could not establish any clinical value of using dipstick urinalysis or
      IL-6 in the urine to verify if bacteriuria was linked to nonspecific symptoms.

PMID- 25117749
TI  - Vulnerabilities faced by the children of sex workers in two Mexico-US border
      cities: a retrospective study on sexual violence, substance use and HIV risk.
AB  - Most studies of female sex workers (FSWs) conducted in the Mexico-US border
      region have focused on individual HIV risk, centered on sexual behaviors and
      substance abuse patterns. Little attention has been drawn to the reality that sex
      workers are often parents whose children potentially face vulnerabilities unique
      to their family situation. The objective of the present study was to identify the
      vulnerabilities faced by the children of FSWs in two Mexican-US border cities.
      From 2008 to 2010, 628 FSW-injection drug users underwent interviewer
      administered surveys and HIV/STI testing. Approximately one in five participants
      (20%) reported having a parent involved in sex work and majority referred it was
      their mother (88%). Close to one-third of participants (31%) reported first
      injecting drugs <18 years of age, and 33% reported they began working regularly
      as a prostitute <18 years of age. First drinking alcohol <18 years old (AOR =
      1.87, 95%CI: 1.13-3.08), lifetime cocaine use (AOR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.09-2.84),
      ever being forced or coerced into non-consensual sex as a minor (<18 years of
      age; AOR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.01-2.35), and injecting drugs with used syringes in the
      prior month (AOR = 1.63, 95%CI: 1.07-2.49) were the factors associated with
      having had a parent involved in sex work. These findings begin to lay the
      groundwork for understanding the potential vulnerabilities faced by the children
      of sex workers. Understanding these potential needs is necessary for creating
      relevant, evidence-based interventions focused on supporting these women.

PMID- 25117750
TI  - Progression of cardio-metabolic risk factors in subjects born small and large for
      gestational age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subjects born small (SGA) and large (LGA) for gestational age have an
      increased risk of cardio-metabolic alterations already during prepuberty.
      Nevertheless, the progression of their cardio-metabolic profile from childhood to
      adolescence has not been fully explored. Our aim was to assess potential changes
      in the cardio-metabolic profile from childhood to adolescence in subjects born
      SGA and LGA compared to those born appropriate (AGA) for gestational age.
      METHODS: This longitudinal study included 35 AGA, 24 SGA and 31 LGA subjects
      evaluated during childhood (mean age (+/- SD) 8.4 +/- 1.4 yr) and then re
      assessed during adolescence (mean age 13.3 +/- 1.8 yr). BMI, blood pressure,
      insulin resistance (fasting insulin, HOMA-IR) and lipids were assessed. A cardio
      metabolic risk z-score was applied and this consisted in calculating the sum of
      sex-specific z-scores for BMI, blood pressure, HOMA-IR, triglycerides and
      triglycerides:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. RESULTS: Fasting
      insulin and HOMA-IR were higher in SGA and LGA than AGA subjects both during
      childhood (all P<0.01) and adolescence (all P<0.01). Similarly, the clustered
      cardio-metabolic risk score was higher in SGA and LGA than AGA children (both
      P<0.05), and these differences among groups increased during adolescence (both
      P<0.05). Of note, a progression of the clustered cardio-metabolic risk score was
      observed from childhood to adolescence within SGA and within LGA subjects (both
      P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SGA and LGA subjects showed an adverse cardio-metabolic
      profile during childhood when compared to AGA peers, with a worsening of this
      profile during adolescence. These findings indicate an overtime progression of
      insulin resistance and overall estimated cardiovascular risk from childhood to
      adolescence in SGA and LGA populations.

PMID- 25117751
TI  - Classification of CT pulmonary angiography reports by presence, chronicity, and
      location of pulmonary embolism with natural language processing.
AB  - In this paper we describe an efficient tool based on natural language processing
      for classifying the detail state of pulmonary embolism (PE) recorded in CT
      pulmonary angiography reports. The classification tasks include: PE present vs.
      absent, acute PE vs. others, central PE vs. others, and subsegmental PE vs.
      others. Statistical learning algorithms were trained with features extracted
      using the NLP tool and gold standard labels obtained via chart review from two
      radiologists. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC)
      for the four tasks were 0.998, 0.945, 0.987, and 0.986, respectively. We compared
      our classifiers with bag-of-words Naive Bayes classifiers, a standard text mining
      technology, which gave AUC 0.942, 0.765, 0.766, and 0.712, respectively. 

PMID- 25117752
TI  - Seasonal variations of vitamin D concentrations in pregnant women and neonates in
      Slovenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: While foreign research shows a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency
      in pregnant women and consequently in neonates, we do not have any data on
      vitamin D concentration in these risk groups for Slovenia. We performed a
      prospective study to evaluate vitamin D concentration in pregnant women and
      neonates in Maribor region. STUDY DESIGN: We determined 25-hydroxy-vitamin D
      concentration from blood samples taken before delivery from 100 pregnant women
      who gave birth in Maribor University Clinical Centre in September and December
      2013, respectively, and from the cord blood of their neonates. We collected data
      on nutrition and sun exposure during pregnancy. We calculated the vitamin D
      concentrations in pregnant women and neonates according to season of birth and
      use of nutrition supplements, determined the vitamin D levels in some pregnancy
      complications and checked the correlation of maternal and neonatal vitamin D
      concentrations. RESULTS: The average vitamin D concentration in the September
      group was 54.3+/-25.2nmol/L, and in the December group 33.3+/-18.6nmol/L
      (p<0.001). Optimal vitamin D concentration (>80nmol/L) was reached by 12.0% of
      pregnant women in September and by only 2.0% in December. Women who took
      nutrition supplements containing vitamin D during pregnancy had significantly
      higher vitamin D levels than those who did not (September 68.9+/-27.0nmol/L vs.
      46.5+/-20.3nmol/L, p<0.001; December 38.7+/-17.9nmol/L vs. 30.2+/-18.4nmol/L,
      p=0.028). Neonates had higher average levels of vitamin D than their mothers but
      there was a good correlation between maternal and neonatal vitamin D values.
      CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is very common in pregnant women in Slovenia as
      well, especially in winter and in those women who do not take nutrition
      supplements containing vitamin D.

PMID- 25117753
TI  - Fall in genital warts diagnoses in the general and indigenous Australian
      population following implementation of a national human papillomavirus
      vaccination program: analysis of routinely collected national hospital data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination targeting females aged 12-13
      years commenced in Australia in 2007, with catch-up vaccination of females aged
      13-26 years continuing to 2009. Whole-population analyses, including effects on
      the Indigenous population, have not previously been reported. METHODS: All
      hospital admissions between 1999-2011 involving a diagnosis of genital warts were
      obtained from a comprehensive national database. We compared the age-specific
      rates before to those after implementation of the vaccination program, according
      to sex and other characteristics. RESULTS: Admission rates decreased from mid
      2007 in females aged 12-17 years (annual decline, 44.1% [95% confidence interval
      {CI}, 35.4%-51.6%]) and from mid-2008 in females and males aged 18-26 years
      (annual declines, 31.8% [95% CI, 28.4%-35.2%] and 14.0% [95% CI, 5.1%-22.1%],
      respectively). The overall reductions from 2006-2007 to 2010-2011 were 89.9% (95%
      CI, 84.4%-93.4%) for females aged 12-17 years, 72.7% (95% CI, 67.0%-77.5%) for
      females aged 18-26 years, and 38.3% (95% CI, 27.7%-47.2%) for males aged 18-26
      years. Compared with the average annual number before program implementation,
      about 1000 fewer hospital admissions involved a warts diagnosis during 2010-2011.
      Reductions after program implementation were similar for Indigenous (86.7% [95%
      CI, 76.0-92.7]) and non-Indigenous (76.1% [95% CI, 71.6%-79.9%]) females aged 15
      24 years (P(heterogeneity) = .08). CONCLUSIONS: National population-based
      hospital data confirm previous clinic-based reports of a marked decline in
      genital warts diagnoses among young people in Australia after program
      implementation, including indirect benefits to males. The impact of HPV
      vaccination appears to be similar in young Indigenous and non-Indigenous females.

PMID- 25117754
TI  - Measles outbreak response among adolescent and adult Somali refugees displaced by
      famine in Kenya and Ethiopia, 2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The refugee complexes of Dadaab, Kenya, and Dollo-Ado, Ethiopia,
      experienced measles outbreaks during June-November 2011, following a large influx
      of refugees from Somalia. METHODS: Line-lists from health facilities were used to
      describe the outbreak in terms of age, sex, vaccination status, arrival date,
      attack rates (ARs), and case fatality ratios (CFRs) for each camp. Vaccination
      data and coverage surveys were reviewed. RESULTS: In Dadaab, 1370 measles cases
      and 32 deaths (CFR, 2.3%) were reported. A total of 821 cases (60.1%) were aged
      >=15 years, 906 (82.1%) arrived to the camps in 2011, and 1027 (79.6%) were
      unvaccinated. Camp-specific ARs ranged from 212 to 506 cases per 100 000 people.
      In Dollo-Ado, 407 cases and 23 deaths (CFR, 5.7%) were reported. Adults aged >=15
      years represented 178 cases (43.7%) and 6 deaths (26.0%). Camp-specific ARs
      ranged from 21 to 1100 cases per 100 000 people. Immunization activities that
      were part of the outbreak responses initially targeted children aged 6 months to
      14 years and were later expanded to include individuals up to 30 years of age.
      CONCLUSIONS: The target age group for outbreak response-associated immunization
      activities at the start of the outbreaks was inconsistent with the numbers of
      cases among unvaccinated adolescents and adults in the new population. In
      displacement of populations from areas affected by measles outbreaks, health
      authorities should consider vaccinating adults in routine and outbreak response
      activities.

PMID- 25117755
TI  - In vivo prediction of tuberculosis-associated cavity formation in rabbits.
AB  - The presence of cavitary lesions in patients with tuberculosis poses a
      significant clinical concern due to the risk of infectivity and the risk of
      antibiotic treatment failure. We describe 2 algorithms that use noninvasive
      positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) to predict the
      development of cavitary lesions in rabbits. Analysis of the PET region of
      interest predicted cavitary disease with 100% sensitivity and 76% specificity,
      and analysis of the CT region of interest predicted cavitary disease with 83.3%
      sensitivity and 76.9% specificity. Our results show that restricting our analysis
      to regions with high [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake provided the best
      combination of sensitivity and specificity. 

PMID- 25117756
TI  - Disease-specific T-helper cell polarizing function of lesional dendritic cells in
      different types of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
AB  - RATIONALE: Although eosinophilic and noneosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with
      nasal polyps (CRSwNP) exhibit distinct T-helper (Th) responses, the underlying
      mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: To clarify the phenotypes and Th-cell
      polarizing functions of dendritic cells (DCs) in different types of CRSwNP.
      METHODS: DC subsets, their surface phenotypes, and Th-cell subsets were studied
      by means of immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The sorted lesional DCs were
      activated or cultured with autologous naive CD4(+) T cells, and cytokine
      production was determined by ELISA. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin and osteopontin
      expression were detected by means of reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Although elevated local Th1 and Th17
      cells were noted in both eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRSwNP, increased Th2
      cells were found only in eosinophilic CRSwNP. Increased numbers of myeloid DCs,
      plasmacytoid DCs, and their activated subsets were found in both types of CRSwNP,
      but only myeloid DCs and plasmacytoid DCs from eosinophilic CRSwNP demonstrated
      an up-regulation of OX40 ligand (OX40L) and programmed death ligand 1(PD-L1)
      expression. Lesional DCs from both types of CRSwNP produced enhanced levels of IL
      12, IL-6, and transforming growth factor-beta, and induced increased Th1 and Th17
      responses; in contrast, only DCs from eosinophilic CRSwNP induced obviously
      enhanced Th2 responses, when cocultured with naive CD4(+) T cells. Blockade of
      OX40L and PD-L1 on lesional DCs from eosinophilic CRSwNP suppressed Th2
      responses, but promoted Th1 responses in DC-T cell coculture. CONCLUSIONS:
      Distinct subsets of lesional DCs were found in eosinophilic and noneosinophilic
      CRSwNP, where OX40L/PD-L1(+) lesional DCs in eosinophilic CRSwNP could prime Th2
      cells, whereas the low OX40L/PD-L1-expressing lesional DCs in noneosinophilic
      CRSwNP primarily induced Th1/Th17 cells.

PMID- 25117758
TI  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a systemic disease: whole body autoregulation and
      inter-organ cross-talk.
AB  - The inter-organ cross-talk and the functional integration of organ systems is an
      exceedingly complex process which until now has been investigated with a
      reductionist approach. CKD perturbs the inter-organ cross-talk and demands
      central resetting of autonomic (nervous) control of organ systems. Due to
      limitations inherent to the reductionist approach, we currently identify CKD
      related pseudo-syndromes and largely fail at describing the complex systemic
      inter-relationships set into motion by renal damage and renal dysfunction. A
      mature technology for a system-analysis approach to physiology and
      pathophysiology of CKD now exists. System biology will allow in depth
      understanding of complex diseases like CKD and will set the stage for predictive,
      preventive and personalized medicine, a long-standing dream of doctors and
      patients alike.

PMID- 25117757
TI  - PD-1 expression on peripheral blood T-cell subsets correlates with prognosis in
      non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - PD-1 expression in peripheral blood T-cells has been reported in several kinds of
      cancers, including lung cancer. However, the relationship between PD-1 expression
      in peripheral blood T-cells and prognosis after treatment with a cancer vaccine
      has not been reported. To elucidate this relationship, we analyzed PD-1
      expression in the peripheral blood T-cells of patients with non-small cell lung
      cancer. The blood samples used in this study were obtained from patients enrolled
      in phase II clinical trials of a personalized peptide vaccine. Seventy-eight
      samples obtained before and after a single vaccination cycle (consisting of six
      or eight doses) were subjected to the analysis. PD-1 was expressed on lymphocytes
      in the majority of samples. The relative contents of PD1(+) CD4(+) T-cells
      against total lymphocytes before and after the vaccination cycle correlated with
      overall survival (OS) with a high degree of statistical significance (P < 0.0001
      and P = 0.0014). A decrease in PD-1(+) CD8(+) T-cells after one cycle of
      vaccination also correlated with longer OS (P = 0.032). The IgG response to the
      non-vaccinated peptides suggested that the epitope spreading seemed to occur more
      frequently in high-PD-1(+) CD4(+) T-cell groups. Enrichment of CD45RA(-) CCR7(-)
      effector-memory phenotype cells in PD-1(+) T-cells in PBMCs was also shown. These
      results suggest that PD-1 expression on the peripheral blood T-cell subsets can
      become a new prognostic marker in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated
      with personalized peptide vaccination.

PMID- 25117759
TI  - Physical and mental decline and yet rather happy? A study of Danes aged 45 and
      older.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Little is known about whether the feeling of happiness follows the
      age-related decline in physical and mental functioning. The objective of this
      study was to analyze differences with age in physical and mental functions and in
      the feeling of happiness among Danes aged 45 years and older. METHOD: Three
      Danish population-based surveys including 11,307 participants aged 45+ years, of
      whom 2411 were in the age group of 90+, were conducted in the period 1995-2001.
      The participation rate in the three surveys was between 63% and 82% and the same
      design and the same instrument were used. Self-reported mobility, a cognitive
      composite score, and a depression symptomatology score including a question about
      happiness were assessed. T-score metric was used to compare across domains and
      age groups. RESULTS: Overall, successively older age groups performed worse than
      the youngest age group (45-49 years), and the estimated linear decline was
      greater after age 70 than before age 70. For example, when comparing the oldest
      age group (90+ years) with the youngest, the T-score differences were found to be
      the largest for the mobility score (men: 40.2, women: 41.4), followed by the
      cognitive function (men: 22.0, women: 24.9), and the total depression
      symptomatology score (men: 15.5, women: 17.4). Conversely, the T-score difference
      in happiness was small (men: 5.6, women: 6.0). CONCLUSION: Despite markedly
      poorer physical and mental functions with increasing age, in this Danish sample
      age did not seem to affect happiness to a similarly notable extent, although, in
      this study, cohort and age effects cannot be disentangled.

PMID- 25117762
TI  - Dinuclear Cu(II) complexes based on two flexible Schiff-base ligands and one
      unusual in situ formed diphenolate 2,6-piperidin-4-one derivative.
AB  - A dinuclear Cu(ii) complex [Cu2(L3)2].2H2O, having an unprecedented in situ
      formed diphenolate 2,6-piperidin-4-one derived ligand produced from the flexible
      Schiff-base ligand HL1, can be yielded as a side product in the presence of
      Cu(OAc)2.H2O-NH3.H2O dissolved in methanol and acetone in addition to the
      expected dinuclear Cu(ii) complex [Cu2(L1)4]. 

PMID- 25117760
TI  - Estimating the number of hand, foot and mouth disease amongst children aged under
      five in Beijing during 2012, based on a telephone survey of healthcare seeking
      behavior.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, increases in the number of outbreaks of hand,
      foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have shifted the disease into the public health
      spotlight in China. Children under the age of five years are particularly
      susceptible, with fatalities recorded. However, estimating the burden of HFMD has
      been difficult to conduct to date. METHODS: In 2012, a cross-sectional survey of
      healthcare-seeking behaviour for HFMD was undertaken, using computer assisted
      telephone interviewing (CATI) technology. Sample of telephone numbers was
      obtained from the Beijing Immunization Information System. Respondents were
      parents or guardians of children under the age of five. Multiplier model was used
      to estimate the number of HFMD case, following the telephone survey of healthcare
      seeking behavior. The number of laboratory-confirmed cases was also estimated
      based on the monthly positive rate of each subtype of virus causing HFMD. The age
      specific case fatality rate (CFR) was calculated based on the ratio of reported
      deaths to the estimated number of cases. RESULTS: For children under five, the
      consultation rate of parent-defined cases was estimated at 77.8% ((95% CI =
      [75.2, 80.4]). Parents or legal guardians of children aged between two and four
      years were more likely to seek healthcare than those of children aged less than
      two years. For children under the age of five, we estimated that there were
      40,165 (95% CI = [38,471, 41,974]) HFMD cases, with an incidence rate of 5.6%,
      and 22,166 (95% CI = [21,150, 23,295]) laboratory-confirmed cases in Beijing
      during 2012. The overall CFR was estimated at 10 deaths per 100,000 cases, while
      for children aged less than two years it was 15.6 deaths per 100,000 cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: Given the public health impact of HFMD in China, control measures
      need to be prioritized for children < 2 years, due to the higher CFR in this age
      group. Sentinel surveillance approaches could be used to monitor trends and the
      impact of control measures.

PMID- 25117761
TI  - Comparison of long-term clinical outcomes between sirolimus- and paclitaxel
      eluting stents in real-world clinical practice.
AB  - Advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have improved the outcomes
      of patients with coronary artery diseases. The advent of drug-eluting stents
      (DES) has dramatically reduced the rate of revascularization. The first
      generation DES has yielded the main role of PCI to the second-generation DES;
      however, many patients had been implanted with the first-generation DES,
      sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) and paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES). Therefore, it
      is of importance to detect the long-term clinical outcomes in patients who
      underwent PCI with SES or PES. We analyzed data from our PCI cohort who underwent
      PCI with first-generation DES at Juntendo University Hospital between August 2004
      and June 2010. The index procedure was analyzed when patients underwent multiple
      PCIs. Patients who were implanted with both SES and PES were excluded from this
      study. The study ended on December 31, 2011. The primary outcome was a composite
      of all-cause mortality and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The secondary outcome
      was the rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR) and stent thrombosis. We
      analyzed data from 861 consecutive patients who underwent implantation of SES or
      PES. The median follow-up period was 1671 days (interquartile range 1081 and
      2105). Kaplan-Meier curves for the primary endpoint did not significantly differ
      between the two groups (p = 0.8). The incidence of stent thrombosis was 1.4 and
      1.8 per 1,000 person-years in the SES and PES groups, respectively (p = 0.9). The
      rate of TLR was significantly lower in the SES, than the PES group (12.6 and 38.3
      per 1,000 person-years, p = 0.03). The rate of TLR was lower in the group treated
      with SES than PES, but the primary outcome comprising all-cause mortality and ACS
      was comparable between the two groups.

PMID- 25117763
TI  - Structure and mechanism of the unique C2 domain of Aida.
AB  - Axin interactor, dorsalization-associated (Aida) was identified as a regulatory
      factor that utilizes its C-terminal region to interact with axis formation
      inhibitor (Axin). Aida abrogates the Axin-mediated Jun N-terminal kinase
      activation required for proper dorsalization during zebrafish embryonic
      development, and thus functions as a proventralization factor. Here, we report
      the structure of Aida C-terminal fragments, which adopt a conventional C2 domain
      topology. We also demonstrate that Aida can specifically bind to
      phosphoinositides in a Ca(2+) -independent manner, and is able to associate with
      the cell membrane via a novel positively charged surface, namely a basic loop.
      Mutation of the positively charged patch on the basic loop leads to
      destabilization of the Aida-membrane association or disruption of the Aida-Axin
      interaction, resulting in impaired Jun N-terminal kinase inhibition. Together,
      our findings provide a molecular basis for C2 domain-mediated Aida-membrane and
      Aida-Axin associations. DATABASE: The atomic coordinates and structure factors of
      the mouse Aida C2 domain (code: 2QZ5) and the zebrafish Aida C2 domain (code:
      2QZQ) have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (http://www.rcsb.org/)
      STRUCTURED DIGITAL ABSTRACT:  AIDA physically interacts with Axin by anti tag
      coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction).

PMID- 25117764
TI  - Predictors of health-related quality of life over time among adolescents and
      young adults with sickle cell disease.
AB  - Little is known about what factors affect the health-related quality of life
      (HRQoL) of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with sickle cell disease (SCD),
      and how their HRQoL changes over time. This retrospective study included 87 AYAs
      attending a SCD Adolescent Clinic who completed a measure of HRQoL at each visit
      over the course of approximately 1.3 years. Results suggested that the following
      were associated with poorer physical HRQoL: being female, more healthcare
      utilization events, and presence of internalizing symptoms. Internalizing and
      externalizing symptoms were the only factors correlated with poorer psychosocial
      HRQoL. Generalized linear mixed models indicated that physical and psychosocial
      HRQoL improved among all participants during the assessment period, and those
      with externalizing behaviors reported faster improvement in physical HRQoL over
      time. AYAs with SCD may benefit from early mental health screening and
      intervention to optimize clinical care. 

PMID- 25117766
TI  - Enhancement mechanisms behind exclusive removal and selective recovery of copper
      from salt solutions with an aminothiazole-functionalized adsorbent.
AB  - The aminothiazole-functionalized adsorbent (CEAD) could exclusively remove and to
      selectively recover copper. The adsorption and separation properties of Cu(II)
      onto CEAD from aqueous media, with or without salts such as NaNO3, Ca(NO3)2 and
      Ni(NO3)2, were systematically compared by carrying out single, binary and
      multiple component static and dynamic experiments. In binary systems, the
      adsorption capacities of Cu(II) were obviously increased by 39.47%, 47.37% and
      57.89% with Ni(NO3)2, NaNO3 and Ca(NO3)2, respectively. Besides, simulation study
      was performed to selectively recover Cu(II) from multi-component aqueous media,
      with the separation factor of only 54.91 in aqueous media without salts. The
      separation factor became infinite in the presence of NaNO3 and the enhancement
      ratio for Cu(II) was raised by 126.31%. Dynamic adsorption could separate Cu(II)
      and Ni(II) completely and the amount of effluent for pure Ni(II) increased to 127
      BV with the help of NaNO3. In the predominant chelating mode simulated by density
      functional theory calculation, a metal ion coordinated with three nitrogen atoms
      and formed a chelating complex with two five-membered rings, and Cu(II) showed
      stronger coordinating ability than Ni(II) did. Meanwhile, anions exerted
      significant beneficial effects by electrostatic screening, and thus strengthened
      the exclusive removal and selective recovery of Cu(II). 

PMID- 25117765
TI  - The different association of epicardial fat with coronary plaque in patients with
      acute coronary syndrome and patients with stable angina pectoris: analysis using
      integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We assessed the hypothesis that the epicardial fat is associated with
      coronary lipid plaque. BACKGROUND: Epicardial fat volume (EFV) is increased in
      patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and lipid-rich plaques have been
      associated with acute coronary events. METHODS: We enrolled 112 individuals who
      underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (66 with ACS; 46 with stable
      angina pectoris [SAP]) and classified plaque components using integrated
      backscatter intravascular ultrasound as calcified, fibrous, or lipid. Possible
      effects of PCI on plaque data were minimized by assessing 10-mm vessel lengths
      proximal to the culprit lesions. Total plaque volume and percentage volumes of
      individual plaque components were calculated. EFV and abdominal visceral fat area
      were measured using 64-slice computed tomography. RESULTS: ACS patients had
      significantly higher EFV than did SAP patients (118 +/- 44 vs.101 +/- 41 mL, p =
      0.019). In ACS patients, EFV was correlated with total plaque volume and
      percentage of lipid plaque (r = 0.27 and 0.31, respectively; p < 0.05). Moreover,
      an independent interaction between EFV and lipid-rich plaque (odds ratio, 1.04;
      95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.07) were revealed. In contrast, in SAP patients,
      EFV was positively correlated with body mass index and abdominal visceral fat
      area but not with plaque characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: EFV was associated with
      lipid-rich plaque in patients with ACS, whereas no correlation between EFV and
      coronary plaque profile was apparent in SAP patients. Epicardial fat may have a
      role in the development of lipid plaque, which contributes to the pathogenesis of
      ACS.

PMID- 25117772
TI  - Longer examination time improves detection of gastric cancer during diagnostic
      upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is not clear how the duration of upper endoscopy affects
      the detection of cancer or premalignant lesions that increase the risk for
      gastric cancer. We investigated whether the length of time spent performing
      esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) affects the detection of important pathologic
      features of the stomach. METHODS: We collected data from 837 symptomatic
      patients, during a 3-month period in 2010, who underwent a first diagnostic EGD
      at a tertiary university hospital in Singapore. Endoscopists were classified as
      fast or slow based on the mean amount of time it took them to perform a normal
      EGD examination. We used logistic regression to compare between groups the
      numbers of intestinal metaplasias, gastric atrophies, dysplasias, and cancers
      detected, using histologic analysis of biopsy samples collected during endoscopy
      as the standard. RESULTS: Of 224 normal endoscopies, the mean duration was 6.6
      minutes (range, 2-32 min). When we used 7 minutes as the cut-off time, 8
      endoscopists were considered to have short mean examination times (mean duration,
      5.5 +/- 2.1 min; referred to as fast endoscopists), and 8 endoscopists were
      considered to have long mean examination times (mean duration, 8.6 +/- 4.2 min;
      referred to as slow endoscopists). Eleven cancers and 81 lesions considered to
      pose risks for cancer were detected in 86 patients; 1.3% were determined to be
      cancer, 1.0% were determined to be dysplasia, and 8.7% were determined to be
      intestinal metaplasia and/or gastric atrophy. Slow endoscopists were twice as
      likely to detect high-risk lesions as fast endoscopists (odds ratio, 2.50; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.52-4.12), regardless of whether they were endoscopy staff
      or trainees. The slow endoscopists also detected 3-fold more neoplastic lesions
      (cancer or dysplasia; odds ratio, 3.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-10.38).
      CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopists with mean EGD examination times longer than 7 minutes
      identified a greater number of high-risk gastric lesions than faster
      endoscopists. Examination time may be a useful indicator of quality assessment
      for upper endoscopy. Studies are required to test these findings in different
      populations.

PMID- 25117773
TI  - Suboptimal surveillance for and knowledge of hepatocellular carcinoma among
      primary care providers.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: A large proportion of patients with cirrhosis are seen only by
      their primary care provider (PCP). Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) therefore depends on PCPs in these cases. We aimed to assess PCP knowledge
      and practice of HCC surveillance. METHODS: We contacted a random sample of 1000
      North Carolina PCPs by mail. All PCPs contacted received an introductory letter
      followed by a 12-item questionnaire addressing HCC surveillance knowledge and
      practice. RESULTS: A total of 391 PCPs (39%) completed the survey; 89% saw
      patients with cirrhosis in their practice, but only 45% screened for HCC. Among
      PCPs who screened for HCC, the most common methods were ultrasound analysis and
      measurement of alpha-fetoprotein level (66%). Reasons for surveillance included
      supported by evidence (72%), recommended by medical societies (42%), and
      malpractice liability for not performing surveillance (26%). Of PCPs who did not
      screen, 84% referred to gastroenterologists for surveillance decisions, 24% were
      unaware of recommendations, 8% were uncertain of the benefits, and 8% were
      concerned about cost. Hepatic resection and liver transplantation were identified
      as effective therapies by 67% and 56% of PCPs, respectively, but all other
      effective therapies were identified by less than half (transarterial
      chemoembolization by 42%, radiofrequency ablation by 35%, and sorafenib by 26%).
      The ability to identify at least 1 effective therapy was associated independently
      with surveillance (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.0).
      CONCLUSIONS: Most PCPs see patients with cirrhosis, but only a minority screen
      for HCC. PCP knowledge of effective HCC therapy options is suboptimal. Efforts to
      enlist PCPs in HCC surveillance may be best served by increasing their knowledge
      of effective therapies.

PMID- 25117774
TI  - Trials and tribulations in drug development for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

PMID- 25117776
TI  - Prevalence of chronic narcotic use among children with inflammatory bowel
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Narcotic analgesics are not recommended for long-term
      management of pain for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),
      particularly pediatric patients. We compared chronic use of narcotics among
      children with IBD and the general population and investigated factors associated
      with narcotic use in the pediatric IBD population. METHODS: This cross-sectional
      study included children (younger than 18 years old) with continuous enrollment in
      a large administrative claims database from 2010 through 2011 (n = 4,911,286).
      Children with IBD were identified through diagnosis codes and dispensation of IBD
      medication (n = 4344); they were matched for age, sex, and region with 5 children
      without IBD (n = 21,720). Chronic narcotic use was defined as >=3 dispensements
      of narcotics. We estimated prevalence odds ratios (PORs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs), comparing narcotic use on the basis of IBD status and evaluating
      variables associated with narcotic use by patients with IBD by using conditional
      and unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic
      narcotic use was 5.6% among children with IBD vs 2.3% in the general population
      (POR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.2-3.0). Compared with the general population, POR for
      chronic narcotic use was significantly higher for pediatric IBD patients with
      psychological impairment (POR, 6.8; 95% CI, 4.3-10.6) than those without (POR,
      2.3; 95% CI, 1.9-2.7). Older age, increased healthcare utilization, fracture, and
      psychological impairment were strongly associated with chronic use of narcotics
      among children with IBD. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic narcotic use is common in pediatric
      IBD patients, particularly among those with anxiety and depression. Increased
      awareness of psychological comorbidity, screening, and treatment may reduce
      symptoms that lead to narcotic use and its complications.

PMID- 25117775
TI  - The benefit-to-risk balance of combining infliximab with azathioprine varies with
      age: a markov model.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Combination therapy with infliximab and azathioprine has
      demonstrated benefit over monotherapy for moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease.
      Clinical trials and models have not accounted for age-specific risks associated
      with these therapies, including the risk of immunosuppression-related cancer and
      infection. After accounting for these risks, the strategy yielding the greatest
      benefit may vary with age. METHODS: We assessed age-specific risks and benefits
      of combination therapy compared with infliximab monotherapy by using Markov
      modeling. The base case was a 35-year-old male patient with a 1-year time
      horizon. We assumed the incidence of lymphoma to be 5.28-fold higher with
      combination therapy. Secondary analyses accounted for life expectancy, therapy
      beyond 1 year, and age-specific surgical and infection risks. Quality-adjusted
      life years (QALYs) were calculated for 25- to 75-year old individuals. RESULTS:
      Combination therapy was found to be of greater benefit in the base case (0.7522
      QALYs for combination therapy vs 0.7426 QALYs for monotherapy). Accounting for
      life years lost, monotherapy was the best approach if the hazard ratio for
      lymphoma with combination therapy was >8.1 patients who were 75 years old.
      Monotherapy provided greater net benefit to patients 55, 65, or 75 years old if
      therapy was extended for 9, 7, or 5 years, respectively. For 25-year-old men,
      monotherapy resulted in fewer deaths but only yielded greater QALYs if the annual
      incidence of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma exceeded 36/100,000 persons.
      CONCLUSIONS: After accounting for age-specific risks of lymphoma, infection, and
      surgical complications, benefits of combination therapy outweighed the risks as a
      short-term and intermediate-term strategy for most patients with moderate-to
      severe Crohn's disease who were younger than 65 years. For young male patients,
      combination therapy yields greater QALYs but at cost of an increased risk of
      death from lymphoma.

PMID- 25117777
TI  - A panel to predict long-term outcome of infliximab therapy for patients with
      ulcerative colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Infliximab is effective for patients with refractory
      ulcerative colitis (UC), but few factors have been identified that predict long
      term outcome of therapy. We aimed to identify a panel of markers associated with
      outcome of infliximab therapy to help physicians make personalized treatment
      decisions. METHODS: We collected data from the first 285 patients with refractory
      UC (41% female; median age, 39 y) treated with infliximab before July 2012 at
      University Hospitals Leuven, in Belgium. We performed a Cox regression analysis
      to identify independent factors that predicted relapse-free and colectomy-free
      survival, and used these factors to create a panel of markers (risk panel).
      RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 5 years, 61% of patients relapsed
      and 20% required colectomy. Independent predictors of relapse-free survival
      included short-term complete clinical response (odds ratio [OR], 3.75; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 2.35-5.97; P < .001), mucosal healing (OR, 1.87; 95%
      CI, 1.17-2.98; P = .009), and absence of atypical perinuclear antineutrophil
      cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA) (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.23-3.12; P = .005).
      Independent predictors of colectomy-free survival included short-term clinical
      response (OR, 7.74; 95% CI, 2.76-21.68; P < .001), mucosal healing (OR, 4.02; 95%
      CI, 1.16-13.97; P = .028), baseline level of C-reactive protein (CRP) of 5 mg/L
      or less (OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.26-6.89; P = .012), and baseline level of albumin of
      35 g/L or greater (OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.12-8.22; P = .029). Based on serologic
      analysis of a subgroup of 112 patients, levels of infliximab greater than 2.5
      MUg/mL at week 14 of treatment predicted relapse-free survival (P < .001) and
      colectomy-free survival (P = .034). A risk panel that included levels of pANCA,
      CRP, albumin, clinical response, and mucosal healing identified patients at risk
      for UC relapse or colectomy (both P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical response and
      mucosal healing were confirmed as independent predictors of long-term outcome
      from infliximab therapy in patients with UC. We identified additional factors
      (levels of pANCA, CRP, and albumin) to create a risk panel that predicts long
      term outcomes of therapy. Serum levels of infliximab at week 14 of treatment also
      were associated with patient outcomes. Our risk panel and short-term serum levels
      of infliximab therefore might be used to guide therapy.

PMID- 25117778
TI  - Intra-abdominal pressure measurements in term pregnancy and postpartum: an
      observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and to evaluate the
      reproducibility of IAP-measurements using the Foley Manometer Low Volume (FMLV)
      in term uncomplicated pregnancies before and after caesarean section (CS),
      relative to two different reference points and to non-pregnant values. DESIGN:
      Observational cohort study. SETTING: Secondary level referral center for feto
      maternal medicine. POPULATION: Term uncomplicated pregnant women as the case
      group and non-pregnant patients undergoing a laparoscopic assisted vaginal
      hysterectomy (LAVH) as control group. METHODS: IAP was measured in 23 term
      pregnant patients, before and after CS and in 27 women immediately after and 1
      day after LAVH. The midaxillary line was used as zero-reference (IAPMAL) in all
      patients and in 13 CS and 13 LAVH patients, the symphysis pubis (IAPSP) was
      evaluated as additional zero-reference. Intraobserver correlation (ICC) was
      calculated for each zero-reference. Paired student's t-tests were performed to
      compare IAP values and Pearson's correlation was used to assess correlations
      between IAP and gestational variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ICC before and
      after surgery, IAP before and after CS, IAP after CS and LAVH. RESULTS: The ICC
      for IAPMAL before CS was lower than after (0.71 versus 0.87). Both mean IAPMAL
      and IAPSP were significantly higher before CS than after: 14.0+/-2.6 mmHg versus
      9.8+/-3.0 mmHg (p<0.0001) and 8.2+/-2.5 mmHg versus 3.5+/-1.9 mmHg (p = 0.010),
      respectively. After CS, IAP was not different from values measured in the LAVH
      group. CONCLUSION: IAP-measurements using FMLV is reproducible in pregnant women.
      Before CS, IAP is increased in the range of intra-abdominal hypertension for non
      pregnant individuals. IAP significantly decreases to normal values after
      delivery.

PMID- 25117781
TI  - Klein and Lacan meet 21st century schizoid man: fairy stories for the modern era.
AB  - Melanie Klein invited us into the phenomenology of the schizoid dilemma through
      her depictions of the paranoid-schizoid position. By inserting his recursive
      arrows, Bion extended this conceptualization, showing us the folly of believing
      that we can ever entirely move beyond the frightening fantasies and realities of
      social exclusion and isolation. The 21st century has brought, along with the
      explosion of technology, an expulsion from the social order of many children who
      have found refuge from isolation and humiliation in the more accessible and less
      terrifying world of media and technological invention. What may look like
      narcissism can mask a terrible underlying schizoid failure to enter into the
      human race. This is the realm of fantasy run amok, where desire becomes alien and
      alienated such that one is haunted and hunted down by its very possibility. In
      this universe, conceptualizations from Klein, Bion, and Lacan help us to locate
      the individual who has become caught in a massive psychic retreat such that there
      is no subject because there are no objects. To illustrate, I describe my work
      with a young man who is living in a terrible "zombie zone" where people are not
      real and therefore are incomprehensible and terribly dangerous. The poignancy of
      his dilemma is heartbreaking. Perhaps that is one lesson we can still take from
      our old fairy tales: when one's heart can be broken by another's plight, then
      comes the possibility of a healing, an entry through that piercing of what had
      been impenetrable. 

PMID- 25117782
TI  - Why, Mrs. Robinson? The seduction of teenage boys by women in classic films.
AB  - Utilizing three classic films, and psychoanalytic developmental theory, this
      paper explores the conscious and unconscious reasons why older women become
      sexually involved with teenage boys. After a presentation of aspects of young
      adult and midlife female development and a psychodynamic explanation for the
      developmental similarities between adolescence and menopause, each of the three
      films is summarized. The dynamics behind the women's behavior, as presented in
      the films, are discussed. The third section of the paper discusses similarities
      and differences among the three women and the negative effects on the boys'
      development. 

PMID- 25117779
TI  - Molecular basis and genetic predisposition to intracranial aneurysm.
AB  - Intracranial aneurysms, also called cerebral aneurysms, are dilatations in the
      arteries that supply blood to the brain. Rupture of an intracranial aneurysm
      leads to a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is fatal in about 50% of the cases.
      Intracranial aneurysms can be repaired surgically or endovascularly, or by
      combining these two treatment modalities. They are relatively common with an
      estimated prevalence of unruptured aneurysms of 2%-6% in the adult population,
      and are considered a complex disease with both genetic and environmental risk
      factors. Known risk factors include smoking, hypertension, increasing age, and
      positive family history for intracranial aneurysms. Identifying the molecular
      mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms is complex.
      Genome-wide approaches such as DNA linkage and genetic association studies, as
      well as microarray-based mRNA expression studies, provide unbiased approaches to
      identify genetic risk factors and dissecting the molecular pathobiology of
      intracranial aneurysms. The ultimate goal of these studies is to use the
      information in clinical practice to predict an individual's risk for developing
      an aneurysm or monitor its growth or rupture risk. Another important goal is to
      design new therapies based on the information on mechanisms of disease processes
      to prevent the development or halt the progression of intracranial aneurysms.

PMID- 25117783
TI  - Emotions and cognitions: a critique of the dichotomous view of mental function.
AB  - Many approaches to the psyche, models of therapy, and neuroscience tend to view
      emotional and cognitive brain functions as separate entities. Such a focus on one
      of these two aspects of mental function, at times comes at the expense of
      ignoring the other. In this paper emotions and cognitions, along with perceptions
      and other elements of the internal and external contexts, are viewed as relevant
      vectors in a matrix of information. Through the processes of pattern completion
      and noise reduction, information in each of these vectors may evoke memories in
      the same or other vectors that are used in the formation of a subjective
      understanding of each experience. The important roles of the external (physical,
      temporal, relevant events, etc.) and internal (emotional, affective, hormonal,
      medications, etc.) contexts in the formation of such subjective experiences will
      be discussed. The use of this view in broader and more comprehensive
      psychotherapeutic approaches and combined pharmacological and psychological
      treatment is explored. 

PMID- 25117784
TI  - The centrality of guilt: working with ultra-orthodox Jewish patients in Israel.
AB  - The ultra-orthodox Jewish (Haredi) community in Israel is characterized by strict
      observance of the requirements of orthodox Jewish life. Psychoanalytic
      psychotherapy within this community brings us into contact with guilt as a
      central emotion throughout the therapeutic process. The exposure to new concepts,
      ways of thought and a previously unknown space, together with increased awareness
      of internal wishes and drives, are experienced as forbidden areas that arouse an
      awakening of conscience and a sense of guilt. The author's cases illustrate these
      conflicts. 

PMID- 25117780
TI  - Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and cognitive decline in the very old: the Newcastle
      85+ Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Studies investigating the association between 25
      hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and cognition in the very old (85+) are lacking.
      METHODS: Cross-sectional (baseline) and prospective data (up to 3 years follow
      up) from 775 participants in the Newcastle 85+ Study were analysed for global
      (measured by the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination) and attention
      specific (measured by the attention battery of the Cognitive Drug Research test)
      cognitive performance in relation to season-specific 25(OH)D quartiles. RESULTS:
      Those in the lowest and highest season-specific 25(OH)D quartiles had an
      increased risk of impaired prevalent (1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.06-2.60, P
      = 0.03; 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.02-2.59, P = 0.04, respectively) but not
      incident global cognitive functioning or decline in functioning compared with
      those in the middle quartiles adjusted for sociodemographic, health and lifestyle
      confounders. Random effects models showed that participants belonging to the
      lowest and highest 25(OH)D quartiles, compared with those in the middle
      quartiles, had overall slower (log-transformed) attention reaction times for
      Choice Reaction Time (lowest, beta = 0.023, P = 0.01; highest, beta = 0.021, P =
      0.02), Digit Vigilance Task (lowest, beta = 0.009, P = 0.05; highest, beta =
      0.01, P = 0.02) and Power of Attention (lowest, beta = 0.017, P = 0.02; highest,
      beta = 0.022, P = 0.002) and greater Reaction Time Variability (lowest, beta =
      0.021, P = 0.02; highest, beta = 0.02, P = 0.03). The increased risk of worse
      global cognition and attention amongst those in the highest quartile was not
      observed in non-users of vitamin D supplements/medication. CONCLUSION: Low and
      high season-specific 25(OH)D quartiles were associated with prevalent cognitive
      impairment and poorer overall performance in attention-specific tasks over 3
      years in the very old, but not with global cognitive decline or incident
      impairment.

PMID- 25117785
TI  - Agency, surrender (and grace) in the psychoanalytic process.

PMID- 25117786
TI  - Psychoanalysis: the sacred and the profane.

PMID- 25117792
TI  - A comparison of the effects of desflurane versus propofol on transcranial motor
      evoked potentials in pediatric patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim was to compare the effects of propofol and desflurane anesthesia
      on transcranial motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from pediatric patients undergoing
      surgery for spinal deformities. METHODS: Desflurane and propofol cohorts (25
      patients each) were obtained retrospectively and matched for patient
      characteristics and surgical approach. MEPs from the thenar eminence and abductor
      hallucis were compared during maintenance anesthesia on desflurane (0.6-0.8 MAC)
      or propofol infusion (150-300 MUg/kg/min). MEP amplitudes and durations were
      obtained for successive 30-min intervals for 150 min, beginning 60 min after
      maintenance anesthesia. RESULTS: Mean peak to peak amplitudes of MEPs under
      desflurane anesthesia from the thenar eminence (419 MUV) and abductor hallucis
      (386 MUv) were not significantly different from those under propofol (608 MUV,
      343 MUV, thenar, and abductor hallucis, respectively). Stimulation was greater by
      42 V and 136 mA, and trains were slightly longer in the desflurane compared to
      the propofol group (p < 0.05). Most MEP amplitudes for the desflurane and
      propofol cohorts remained the same or increased (71 % of cases) when those after
      150 min were compared to those in the first 30-min interval. CONCLUSIONS: MEPs
      with good amplitudes were obtained under desflurane only anesthesia that were
      comparable to propofol only anesthesia in pediatric patients during surgery for
      spinal deformities. There was no evidence for anesthetic fade over the time
      period examined. When used by itself, desflurane can be considered a viable
      alternative to propofol anesthesia.

PMID- 25117793
TI  - Staff-resident interactions in long-term care for people with dementia: the role
      of meeting psychological needs in achieving residents' well-being.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to explore the extent to which staff
      resident interactions address or undermine residents' psychological needs and how
      such interactions are associated with residents' well-being. METHOD: Data on
      staff-resident interactions and residents' well-being were collected for 51
      residents from nine long-term care settings using dementia care mapping (DCM).
      DCM yields a count and detailed description of staff-resident interactions that
      either address (personal enhancers - PEs) or undermine (personal detractions -
      PDs) residents' psychological needs, and every 5-minute scores for each
      resident's mood and engagement (ME-value). The relationship between PEs and PDs
      and well-being was analysed by studying residents' ME-values before and three
      time frames after a PE or PD occurred. RESULTS: A total of 76 PEs and 33 PDs were
      observed. The most common PEs were those addressing psychological needs for
      comfort and occupation. However residents' well-being increased most often after
      PEs that addressed residents' need for identity, attachment and inclusion. The
      most common PDs were those which undermined the need for comfort, inclusion and
      occupation. Residents' well-being decreased most often after PDs that undermined
      the need for comfort. CONCLUSION: Increasing interactions which address
      residents' need for attachment, identity and inclusion and eliminating
      interactions which undermine residents' need for comfort may be particularly
      important in achieving residents' well-being. In the long run, residents' well
      being could be achieved by staff availing of the opportunities to empower and
      facilitate residents, thus meeting their needs for occupation. These findings
      provide directions for training in person-centred care.

PMID- 25117794
TI  - Influence of KIR genes and their HLA ligands in the pathogenesis of leprosy in a
      hyperendemic population of Rondonopolis, Southern Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the association
      between KIR genes and the immunopathogenesis of leprosy. METHODS: The types of
      KIR and HLA genes were evaluated by PCR-SSOP-Luminex in 408 patients with leprosy
      and 413 healthy individuals. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi
      square or Fisher's exact test and stepwise multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There
      was a higher frequency of activating KIR genes (KIR2DS1, 2DS2 and 3DS1) together
      with their HLA ligands in the tuberculoid (TT) group as compared to the
      lepromatous leprosy (LL) group. KIR2DL2/2DL2-C1 was more frequent in the patient,
      TT and LL groups than in the control group. Borderline patients presented a
      higher frequency of inhibitory pairs when compared to the control group, and a
      higher frequency of activating pairs as compared to the LL group. Multivariate
      analysis confirmed the associations and demonstrated that being a female is a
      protective factor against the development of the disease per se and the more
      severe clinical form. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that activating and
      inhibitory KIR genes may influence the development of leprosy - in particular,
      activating genes may protect against the more aggressive form of the disease -
      thereby demonstrating the role of NK cells in the immunopathology of the disease.

PMID- 25117795
TI  - A short peptide from frog skin accelerates diabetic wound healing.
AB  - Delayed wound healing will result in the development of chronic wounds in some
      diseases, such as diabetes. Amphibian skins possess excellent wound-healing
      ability and represent a resource for prospective wound-healing promoting
      compounds. A potential wound-healing promoting peptide (CW49; amino acid sequence
      APFRMGICTTN) was identified from the frog skin of Odorrana grahami. It promotes
      wound healing in a murine model with a full-thickness dermal wound in both normal
      and diabetic animals. In addition to its strong angiogenic ability with respect
      to the upregulation of some angiogenic proteins, CW49 also showed a significant
      anti-inflammatory effect in diabetic wounds, which was very important for healing
      chronic wounds. CW49 had little effect on re-epithelialization, resulting in no
      significant effect on wound closure rate compared to a vehicle control.
      Altogether, this indicated that CW49 might accelerate diabetic wound healing by
      promoting angiogenesis and preventing any excessive inflammatory response.
      Considering its favorable traits as a small peptide that significantly promotes
      angiogenesis, CW49 might be an excellent candidate or template for the
      development of a drug for use in the treatment of diabetic wounds.

PMID- 25117797
TI  - The selective adsorption of tellurium in the aluminosilicate regions of AFI- and
      MOR-type microporous crystals.
AB  - Attempts have been made to load tellurium (Te) atoms into the one-dimensional
      nano-channels of microporous crystals of aluminophosphate AlPO4-5 and of
      aluminosilicate mordenites of the Na(+) form (Na-MOR) and the H(+)-form (H-MOR)
      at 673 K. The density of the atoms adsorbed was in the sequence 0 ~ AlPO4-5 ? H
      MOR < Na-MOR. AlPO4-5 provides a shallow potential of periodical charge
      fluctuation for Te atoms, from the alternate ordering of Al and P atoms through O
      atoms. Mordenite offers a sufficiently strong potential for Te adsorption, but
      the magnitude varies with the type of cation. Dipoles between framework AlO2(-)
      anion sites and their Na(+) counter-ions in Na-MOR provide a stronger potential
      than the Bronsted acid points in H-MOR. The adsorption of Te atoms in the silico
      aluminophosphate SAPO-5 was between that of AlPO4-5 and H-MOR, leading us to
      suspect that Te atoms are selectively adsorbed in the aluminosilicate regions
      accompanying the Bronsted acid points distributed in the major aluminophosphate
      network. The aluminosilicate regions in SAPO-5 are below 500 nm in size and are
      distributed throughout a single crystal. 

PMID- 25117796
TI  - Pharmacological characterisation of the mechanisms underlying the relaxant effect
      of adrenomedullin in the rat carotid artery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the mechanisms underlying the relaxant effect of
      adrenomedullin (AM) in the rat carotid artery and verified the expression of AM
      system components in this tissue. METHODS: The carotid artery was isolated from
      male Wistar rats and immunohistochemical, Western immunoblotting, real-time
      polymerase chain reaction and functional assays were conducted. KEY FINDINGS:
      Protein and mRNA expression of AM, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and
      receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMP)1, 2, 3 were detected in carotid
      segments from male Wistar rats. Immunohistochemical assays showed that AM and
      CRLR receptors are expressed in the endothelium and smooth muscle cells.
      Functional assays showed that AM concentration dependently relaxed carotid rings
      with intact endothelium. Endothelial removal reduced, but not abolished, the
      relaxation induced by AM. AM22-52 (selective antagonist for AM receptors) and
      calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)8-37 (selective CGRP receptor antagonist)
      reduced AM-induced relaxation in endothelium-intact rings. Pre-incubation of
      endothelium-intact rings with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, 1H
      [1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one or Rp-8-Bromo-?-phenyl-1,N2
      ethenoguanosine 3',5'cyclic monophosphorothioate reduced AM-induced relaxation.
      Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and protein kinase A (PKA) reduced AM-induced
      relaxation. The relaxation induced by AM was attenuated by the K(+) channel
      blockers apamin and glibenclamide. AM increased nitrate levels and 6-keto
      prostaglandin F1alpha (stable product of prostacyclin) in the rat carotid. In
      endothelium-denuded rings, AM22-52 , glibenclamide and PKA inhibition by H89
      reduced AM-induced relaxation. CONCLUSIONS: The novelty of this work is that it
      first demonstrated functionally that AM-induced relaxation is mediated by AM and
      CGRP receptors located on the endothelium and AM receptors located on smooth
      muscle of rat carotid arteries. AM-induced relaxation involves the nitric oxide
      cGMP pathway, a vasodilator prostanoid, the opening of K(+) channels and the
      activation of PKA.

PMID- 25117799
TI  - Recent developments in the search for a cure for HIV-1 infection: targeting the
      latent reservoir for HIV-1.
AB  - HIV-1 infection can now be readily controlled with combination antiretroviral
      therapy. However, the virus persists indefinitely in a stable latent reservoir in
      resting CD4(+) T cells. This reservoir generally prevents cure of the infection
      with combination antiretroviral therapy alone. However, several recent cases of
      potential HIV-1 cure have generated renewed optimism. Here we review these cases
      and consider new developments in our understanding of the latent reservoir. In
      addition, we consider clinical aspects of curative strategies to provide a more
      realistic picture of what a generally applicable cure for HIV-1 infection is
      likely to entail. 

PMID- 25117800
TI  - Cure of HIV infection: is the long wait over?

PMID- 25117798
TI  - Progress in HIV-1 vaccine development.
AB  - The past 2 years have seen a number of basic and translational science advances
      in the quest for development of an effective HIV-1 vaccine. These advances
      include discovery of new envelope targets of potentially protective antibodies,
      demonstration that CD8(+) T cells can control HIV-1 infection, development of
      immunogens to overcome HIV-1 T-cell epitope diversity, identification of
      correlates of transmission risk in an HIV-1 efficacy trial, and mapping of the
      coevolution of HIV-1 founder envelope mutants in infected subjects with broad
      neutralizing antibodies, thereby defining broad neutralizing antibody
      developmental pathways. Despite these advances, a promising HIV-1 vaccine
      efficacy trial published in 2013 did not prevent infection, and the HIV-1 vaccine
      field is still years away from deployment of an effective vaccine. This review
      summarizes what some of the scientific advances have been, what roadblocks still
      remain, and what the most promising approaches are for progress in design of
      successful HIV-1 vaccine candidates. 

PMID- 25117802
TI  - Prenatal adverse life events increase the risk for atopic diseases in children,
      which is enhanced in the absence of a maternal atopic predisposition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is evidence to suggest an association between prenatal maternal
      stress and the development of asthma or other atopic diseases in offspring. Yet,
      insights on the lasting effect of multiple, common prenatal stressors are rare,
      and the effects of prenatal timing are poorly understood. Further, it remains
      elusive if prenatal life events modify the risk for atopic diseases in the
      context of a parental predisposition to atopy. OBJECTIVE: We tested whether
      women's experiences of common, adverse life events during the first or second
      half of pregnancy predicted the risk of developing atopic diseases in their
      children and whether a reported parental atopic disease moderated this
      association. METHODS: We calculated the odds of a child developing asthma,
      eczema, and/or allergic rhinitis at ages 6 or 14 years, depending on maternal
      prenatal exposure to negative life events in a sample of 1587 children from the
      Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study by using multivariable logistic
      regression. RESULTS: We observed that the likelihood of asthma and eczema at age
      14 years was significantly increased in children of mothers who had experienced
      adverse life events during the second half of gestation (1 life event: adjusted
      odds ratio for asthma, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.22-3.54]). A stronger increase in the odds
      to develop asthma upon prenatal life events was present in children of mothers
      without asthma compared with mothers with asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal adverse
      life events during the second half of gestation are linked to an increased risk
      for the development of atopic disorders, asthma, and eczema, in the case of
      asthma, particularly in the absence of a maternal asthma.

PMID- 25117803
TI  - Successful RAG1-SCID gene therapy depends on the level of RAG1 expression.

PMID- 25117804
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24332219.

PMID- 25117805
TI  - Study design and protocol for a theory-based behavioral intervention focusing on
      maintenance of weight loss: the Maintenance After Initiation of Nutrition
      TrAINing (MAINTAIN) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is a significant public health problem. Although various
      lifestyle approaches are effective for inducing significant weight loss, few
      effective behavioral weight maintenance strategies have been identified. It has
      been proposed that behavior maintenance is a distinct state that involves
      different psychological processes and behavioral skills than initial behavior
      change. Previously, we created a conceptual model that distinguishes behavior
      initiation from maintenance. This model was used to generate Maintenance After
      Initiation of Nutrition TrAINing (MAINTAIN), an intervention to enhance weight
      loss maintenance following initiation. The effectiveness of MAINTAIN is being
      evaluated in an ongoing trial, the rationale and procedures of which are reported
      herein. METHODS/DESIGN: Veterans aged <= 75 with body mass index >= 30 kg/m(2)
      participate in a 16-week, group-based weight loss program. Participants who lose
      >= 4 kg by the end of 16 weeks (target n = 230) are randomized 1:1 to receive (a)
      usual care for 56 weeks or (b) MAINTAIN, a theoretically-informed weight loss
      maintenance intervention for 40 weeks, followed by 16 weeks of no intervention
      contact. MAINTAIN involves 3 in-person group visits that transition to 8
      individualized telephone calls with decreasing contact frequency. MAINTAIN
      focuses on satisfaction with outcomes, weight self-monitoring, relapse
      prevention, and social support. We hypothesize that, compared to usual care,
      MAINTAIN will result in at least 3.5 kg less regain and better relative levels of
      caloric intake and physical activity over 56 weeks, and that it will be cost
      effective. DISCUSSION: If effective, MAINTAIN could serve as a model for
      redesigning existing weight loss programs. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER:
      NCT01357551.

PMID- 25117806
TI  - A protocol to evaluate the efficacy, perceptions, and cost of a cholesterol
      packaging approach to improve medication adherence.
AB  - PURPOSE: Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major
      modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of death
      in the United States. Despite clinical practice guidelines aimed at facilitating
      LDL-C control, many Veterans do not achieve guideline-recommended LDL-C levels.
      METHODS: We describe a study focused on VA healthcare system users at risk for
      CVD (i.e., LDL-C level >130 mg/dl and/or <80% cholesterol pill refill adherence
      in the last 12 months). We are conducting a two and a half year randomized
      controlled trial (i.e., intervention administered over 12 months) among Veterans
      with uncontrolled cholesterol receiving care at select VA-affiliated primary care
      clinics in North Carolina. We anticipate enrolling 250 diverse patients (10%
      women; 40% African American). Patients are randomized to an educational control
      group or intervention group. Intervention group participants' medication is
      provided in special blister packaging labeled for daily use that includes
      reminders; MeadWestvaco Corporation's pre-filled DosePak(r) contains standard
      doses of statins in accordance with the existing prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: Pre
      filled blister packaging may provide an inexpensive solution to improve
      medication adherence. Our study enrolls a diverse sample and provides information
      about whether an adherence packaging intervention can: 1) improve medication
      adherence; 2) improve patients' LDL-C levels; 3) be well received by patients and
      providers; and 4) provide a cost effective solution to improve medication
      adherence.

PMID- 25117807
TI  - Lack of association between leptin levels and leptin gene polymorphism in obese
      women.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between
      oligopolymorphism in the 25th codon of leptin gene and obesity. Eighty-seven
      obese women and 75 healthy women were constituted obese and control groups. Body
      fat percent, fat mass and lean body mass were determined by bioimpedance meter
      and leptin levels were determined. The presence of 25th codon oligopolymorphism
      in the leptin gene was done by PCR-RFLP technique. Mean leptin levels were 38.5+/
      22.0 ng/ml, and 147.9+/-44.8 ng/ml in the control and obese groups, respectively.
      The correlations of serum leptin level to body fat percentage and fat mass in the
      control group were significant. The correlations in the obese group were not
      significant. This data implies that the difference of leptin levels between
      control and obese groups are more likely to be associated with alterations in the
      leptin gene other than 25th codon or alterations in the leptin receptor gene.

PMID- 25117808
TI  - Pretherapeutic gamma-glutamyltransferase is an independent prognostic factor for
      patients with renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) regulates apoptotic balance and
      promotes cancer progression and invasion. Higher pretherapeutic GGT serum levels
      have been associated with worse outcomes in various malignancies, but there are
      no data for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: Pretherapeutic GGT serum levels
      and clinicopathological parameters were retrospectively evaluated in 921
      consecutive RCC patients treated with nephrectomy at a single institution between
      1998 and 2013. Gamma-glutamyltransferase was analysed as continuous and
      categorical variable. Associations with RCC-specific survival were assessed with
      Cox proportional hazards models. Discrimination was measured with the C-index.
      Decision-curve analysis was used to evaluate the clinical net benefit. The median
      postoperative follow-up was 45 months. RESULTS: Median pretherapeutic serum GGT
      level was 25 U l(-1). Gamma-glutamyltransferase levels increased with advancing T
      (P<0.001), N (P=0.006) and M stages (P<0.001), higher grades (P<0.001), and
      presence of tumour necrosis (P<0.001). An increase of GGT by 10 U l(-1) was
      associated with an increase in the risk of death from RCC by 4% (HR 1.04,
      P<0.001). Based on recursive partitioning-based survival tree analysis, we
      defined four prognostic categories of GGT: normal low (<17.5 U l(-1)), normal
      high (17.5 to <34.5 U l(-1)), elevated (34.5 to <181.5 U l(-1)), and highly
      elevated (?181.5 U l(-1)). In multivariable analyses that adjusted for the effect
      of standard features, both continuously and categorically coded GGT were
      independent prognostic factors. Adding GGT to a model that included standard
      features increased the discrimination by 0.9% to 1.8% and improved the clinical
      net benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Pretherapeutic serum GGT is a novel and independent
      prognostic factor for patients with RCC. Stratifying patients into prognostic
      subgroups according to GGT may be used for patient counselling, tailoring
      surveillance, individualised treatment planning, and clinical trial design.

PMID- 25117809
TI  - Guidelines for the use of cell lines in biomedical research.
AB  - Cell-line misidentification and contamination with microorganisms, such as
      mycoplasma, together with instability, both genetic and phenotypic, are among the
      problems that continue to affect cell culture. Many of these problems are
      avoidable with the necessary foresight, and these Guidelines have been prepared
      to provide those new to the field and others engaged in teaching and instruction
      with the information necessary to increase their awareness of the problems and to
      enable them to deal with them effectively. The Guidelines cover areas such as
      development, acquisition, authentication, cryopreservation, transfer of cell
      lines between laboratories, microbial contamination, characterisation,
      instability and misidentification. Advice is also given on complying with current
      legal and ethical requirements when deriving cell lines from human and animal
      tissues, the selection and maintenance of equipment and how to deal with problems
      that may arise. 

PMID- 25117810
TI  - Senescent cancer-associated fibroblasts secrete active MMP-2 that promotes
      keratinocyte dis-cohesion and invasion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that senescent cancer-associated
      fibroblasts (CAFs) derived from genetically unstable oral squamous cell
      carcinomas (GU-OSCC), unlike non-senescent CAFs from genetically stable
      carcinomas (GS-OSCC), promoted keratinocyte invasion in vitro in a paracrine
      manner. The mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. METHODS: Previous work to
      characterise the senescent-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) has used
      antibody arrays, technology that is limited by the availability of suitable
      antibodies. To extend this work in an unbiased manner, we used 2D gel
      electrophoresis and mass spectroscopy for protein identification. Matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMPs) were investigated by gelatin zymography and western
      blotting. Neutralising antibodies were used to block key molecules in the
      functional assays of keratinocyte adhesion and invasion. RESULTS: Among a variety
      of proteins that were differentially expressed between CAFs from GU-OSCC and GS
      OSCC, MMP-2 was a major constituent of senescent CAF-CM derived from GU-OSCC. The
      presence of active MMP-2 was confirmed by gelatine zymography. MMP-2 derived from
      senescent CAF-CM induced keratinocyte dis-cohesion and epithelial invasion into
      collagen gels in a TGF-beta-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Senescent CAFs from GU
      OSCC promote a more aggressive oral cancer phenotype by production of active MMP
      2, disruption of epithelial adhesion and induction of keratinocyte invasion.

PMID- 25117811
TI  - MicroRNA-1246 expression associated with CCNG2-mediated chemoresistance and
      stemness in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis because of its high
      refractoriness to chemotherapy and tumour recurrence, and these properties have
      been attributed to cancer stem cells (CSCs). MicroRNA (miRNA) regulates various
      molecular mechanisms of cancer progression associated with CSCs. This study aimed
      to identify the candidate miRNA and to characterise the clinical significance.
      METHODS: We established gemcitabine-resistant Panc1 cells, and induced CSC-like
      properties through sphere formation. Candidate miRNAs were selected through
      microarray analysis. The overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed
      by evaluating the in vitro cell growth and in vivo tumourigenicity. The
      expression was studied in 24 pancreatic cancer samples after laser captured
      microdissection and by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The in vitro drug
      sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells was altered according to the miR-1246
      expression via CCNG2. In vivo, we found that miR-1246 could increase tumour
      initiating potential and induced drug resistance. A high expression level of miR
      1246 was correlated with a worse prognosis and CCNG2 expression was significantly
      lower in those patients. CONCLUSIONS: miR-1246 expression was associated with
      chemoresistance and CSC-like properties via CCNG2, and could predict worse
      prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients.

PMID- 25117812
TI  - Plasma microRNA profiles: identification of miR-25 as a novel diagnostic and
      monitoring biomarker in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated that microRNAs are stably detectable
      in plasma/serum because of their binding to specific proteins or being packaged
      in secretory particles. This study was designed to detect novel microRNAs in
      plasma for cancer detection and monitoring using microRNA array-based approaches
      in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. METHODS: Through the
      integration of two Toray 3D-Gene microRNA array-based approaches to compare
      plasma microRNA levels between ESCC patients and healthy volunteers and between
      preoperative and postoperative ESCC patients, we identified a novel plasma
      biomarker in ESCC. RESULTS: (1) Eight upregulated and common microRNAs (miR-15b,
      16, 17, 25, 19b, 20a, 20b, and 106a) were selected using two high-resolution
      microRNA array approaches. (2) Test-scale analyses by quantitative RT-PCR
      validated a significant higher levels of plasma miR-19b (P=0.0020) and miR-25
      (P=0.0030) in ESCC patients than controls. However, a significant correlation was
      observed between plasma miR-19b levels and concentrations of red blood cells
      (P=0.0073) and haemoglobin (P=0.0072). (3) miR-25 expression was found to be
      significantly higher in ESCC tissues (P=0.0157) and ESCC cell lines (P=0.0093)
      than in normal tissues and fibroblasts. (4) In a large-scale validation analysis,
      plasma miR-25 levels were significantly higher in 105 preoperative (P<0.0001)
      ESCC patients who underwent curative oesophagectomy and 20 superficial ESCC
      patients who underwent endoscopic resection (P<0.0001) than in 50 healthy
      volunteers. (5) Plasma miR-25 levels were significantly reduced in postoperative
      samples than in preoperative samples (P<0.0005) and were significantly increased
      during ESCC recurrences (P=0.0145). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma miR-25 might be a
      clinically useful biomarker for cancer detection and the monitoring of tumour
      dynamics in ESCC patients.

PMID- 25117813
TI  - The lag time in initiating clinical testing of new drugs in combination with
      radiation therapy, a significant barrier to progress?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical development of new drugs with radiation appears to be
      limited. We hypothesised that phase I clinical trials with radiation therapy (RT)
      are initiated too late into a new drug's lifetime, impeding the ability to
      complete RT-drug development programmes before patent expiration. METHODS: We
      identified novel drug-radiation phase I combination trials performed between 1980
      and 2012 within the PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Data gathered for
      each drug included: date the initial phase I trial with/without RT was
      opened/published, date of the published positive phase III trials, and patent
      expiration dates. Lag time was defined as the interval between opening of the
      phase I trial without RT and the opening of the phase I with RT. Linear
      regression was used to model how the lag time has changed over time. RESULTS: The
      median lag time was 6 years. The initial phase I trial with RT was typically
      published 2 years after the first published positive phase III trial and 11 years
      before patent expiration. Using a best-fit linear model, lag time decreased from
      10 years for phase I trials published in 1990 to 5 years in 2005 (slope
      significantly non-zero, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical drug development with RT
      commences late in the life cycle of anti-cancer agents. Taking into account the
      additional time required for late-phase clinical trials, the delay in initiating
      clinical testing of drug-RT combinations discourages drug companies from further
      pursuing RT-based development. Encouragingly, lag time appears to be decreasing.
      Further reduction in lag time may accelerate RT-based drug development,
      potentially improving patient outcomes.

PMID- 25117814
TI  - Fascin is involved in the chemotherapeutic resistance of breast cancer cells
      predominantly via the PI3K/Akt pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A major therapeutic challenge for breast cancer is the ability of
      cancer cells to evade killing of conventional chemotherapeutic agents. We have
      recently reported the actin-bundling protein (fascin) as a major regulator of
      breast cancer metastasis and survival. METHODS: Survival of breast cancer
      patients that received chemotherapy and xenograft tumour model was used to assess
      the effect of chemotherapy on fascin-positive and -negative breast cancer cells.
      Molecular and cellular assays were used to gain in-depth understanding of the
      relationship between fascin and chemoresistance. RESULTS: We showed a significant
      correlation between fascin expression and shorter survival in breast cancer
      patients who received chemotherapy. In xenograft experiments, fascin-positive
      cancer cells displayed significantly more resistance to chemotherapy-mediated
      apoptotic cell death than fascin-negative counterparts. This increased
      chemoresistance was at least partially mediated through PI3K/Akt signalling, and
      was paralleled by increased FAK phosphorylation, enhanced expression of the
      inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (XIAP and Livin) and suppression of the
      proapoptotic markers (caspase 9, caspase 3 and PARP). CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first report to demonstrate fascin involvement in breast cancer chemotherapeutic
      resistance, supporting the development of fascin-targeting drugs for better
      treatment of chemoresistance breast cancer.

PMID- 25117815
TI  - Identification of 33 candidate oncogenes by screening for base-specific
      mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genes with recurrent codon-specific somatic mutations are likely
      drivers of tumorigenesis and potential therapeutic targets. Hypermutable cancers
      may represent a sensitive system for generation and selection of oncogenic
      mutations. METHODS: We utilised exome-sequencing data on 25 sporadic
      microsatellite-instable (MSI) colorectal cancers (CRCs) and searched for base
      specific somatic mutation hotspots. RESULTS: We identified novel mutation
      hotspots in 33 genes. Fourteen genes displayed mutations in the validation set of
      254 MSI CRCs: ANTXR1, MORC2, CEP135, CRYBB1, GALNT9, KRT82, PI15, SLC36A1, CNTF,
      GLDC, MBTPS1, OR9Q2, R3HDM1 and TTPAL. A database search found examples of the
      hotspot mutations in multiple cancer types. CONCLUSIONS: This work reveals a
      variety of new recurrent candidate oncogene mutations to be further scrutinised
      as potential therapeutic targets.

PMID- 25117817
TI  - EGFR expression is associated with decreased benefit from trastuzumab in the
      NCCTG N9831 (Alliance) trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been hypothesised to
      modulate the effectiveness of anti-HER2 therapy. We used a standardised,
      quantitative immunofluorescence assay and a novel EGFR antibody to evaluate the
      correlation between EGFR expression and clinical outcome in the North Central
      Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) N9831 trial. METHODS: Tissue microarrays were
      constructed that allowed analysis of 1365 patients randomly assigned to receive
      chemotherapy alone (Arm A), sequential trastuzumab after chemotherapy (Arm B) and
      chemotherapy with concurrent trastuzumab (Arm C). Measurement of EGFR was
      performed using the EGFR antibody, D38B1, on the fluorescence-based AQUA
      platform. The result was validated using an independent retrospective metastatic
      breast cancer cohort (n=130). RESULTS: Epidermal growth factor receptor assessed
      as a continuous (logarithmic transformed) variable shows an association with
      disease-free survival in Arm C (P=0.009) but not in Arm A or B. High EGFR
      expression was associated with worse outcome (Hazard ratio (HR)=2.15; 95% CI 1.28
      3.60, P=0.004). Validation in a Greek metastatic breast cancer cohort showed an
      HR associated with high EGFR expression of 1.92 (P=0.0073). CONCLUSIONS: High
      expression of EGFR appears to be associated with decreased benefit from adjuvant
      concurrent trastuzumab. Since other treatment options exist for HER2-driven
      tumours, further validation of these data may select patients for alternative or
      additive therapy.

PMID- 25117816
TI  - Coexistence of KRAS mutation with mutant but not wild-type EGFR predicts response
      to tyrosine-kinase inhibitors in human lung cancer.

PMID- 25117818
TI  - Risk of leukaemia or cancer in the central nervous system among children living
      in an area with high indoor radon concentrations: results from a cohort study in
      Norway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the past few years, there has been growing interest in assessing
      the relationship between exposure to radon at home and the risk of childhood
      cancer. Previous studies have produced conflicting results, probably because of
      limitations assessing radon exposure, too few cancer cases and poorly documented
      health statistics. METHODS: We used a cohort approach of 0-15-year-old children
      to examine whether residential radon exposure was associated with childhood
      leukaemia and cancer in the central nervous system in the Oslo region. The study
      was based on Norwegian population registers and identified cancer cases from The
      Cancer Registry of Norway. The residence of every child was geo-coded and
      assigned a radon exposure. RESULTS: In all, 712 674 children were followed from
      1967 to 2009 from birth to date of cancer diagnosis, death, emigration or 15
      years of age. A total of 864 cancer cases were identified, 437 children got
      leukaemia and 427 got cancer in the central nervous system.Conclusions or
      interpretation:No association was found for childhood leukaemia. An elevated
      nonsignificant risk for cancer in the central nervous system was observed. This
      association should be interpreted with caution owing to the crude exposure
      assessment and possibilities of confounding.

PMID- 25117819
TI  - BRAF(V600E) melanoma cells secrete factors that activate stromal fibroblasts and
      enhance tumourigenicity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, is responsible for
      over 80% of all skin cancer deaths and is highly metastatic, readily spreading to
      the lymph nodes or metastasising to other organs. The frequent genetic mutation
      found in metastatic melanoma, BRAF(V600E), results in constitutive activation of
      the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. METHODS: In this study, we utilised
      genetically engineered melanoma cell lines and xenograft mouse models to
      investigate how BRAF(V600E) affected cytokine (IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8) and
      matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression in tumour cells and in human dermal
      fibroblasts. RESULTS: We found that BRAF(V600E) melanoma cells expressed higher
      levels of these cytokines and of MMP-1 than wild-type counterparts. Further,
      conditioned medium from the BRAF(V600E) melanoma cells promoted the activation of
      stromal fibroblasts, inducing expression of SDF-1 and its receptor CXCR4. This
      increase was mitigated when the conditioned medium was taken from melanoma cells
      treated with the BRAF(V600E) specific inhibitor, vemurafenib. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings highlight the role of BRAF(V600E) in activating the stroma and suggest a
      mechanistic link between BRAF(V600E) and MMP-1 in mediating melanoma progression
      and in activating adjacent fibroblasts in the tumour microenvironment.

PMID- 25117821
TI  - Hyperfibrinogenemia in appendicitis: a new predictor of perforation in children.
AB  - PURPOSE: Acute appendicitis is the most common emergency abdominal inflammation
      requiring operation in children. As an acute-phase protein, plasma fibrinogen
      always increases with inflammation or tissue necrosis. This had brought about the
      assumption that hyperfibrinogenemia in patients with appendicitis may have a
      predictive ability for the preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal. Aim of this
      retrospective study was to assess the diagnostic value of hyperfibrinogenemia as
      a preoperative laboratory marker for appendiceal perforation in children with
      acute appendicitis. METHODS: We screened 466 children (168 girls, 298 boys, mean
      age, 7.6 years) with histologically confirmed acute appendicitis who received
      laparoscopic or open appendectomy between January 2012 and April 2014 in a
      pediatric surgery department of an academic teaching hospital. A retrospective
      review of the medical records including appendiceal perforation rate and
      laboratory results was conducted. RESULTS: Mean plasma fibrinogen level of all
      patients was 4.89 g/L (SD 1.74 g/L, range 1.94-15 g/L, median 4.61 mg/dL).
      Children with appendiceal perforation had a mean fibrinogen level of 6.18 g/L (SD
      1.83 g/L, range 3.02-15 g/L, median 5.79 g/L), which was significantly higher
      than those with non-perforated children (P = 0.0001). The specificity of
      hyperfibrinogenemia for appendiceal perforation was 0.82 in comparison with 0.25
      for white blood count (WBC) and 0.34 for C-reactive protein (CRP). Sensitivity
      was 0.74 compared with 0.76 for WBC and 0.94 for CRP. CONCLUSION: Children with
      hyperfibrinogenemia and clinical symptoms of appendicitis may be regarded as a
      higher risk of appendiceal perforation than whose fibrinogen level is normal.

PMID- 25117822
TI  - Astrocytic growth through the autocrine/paracrine production of IL-1beta in the
      early infectious phase of fowl glioma-inducing virus.
AB  - Fowl glioma is characterized morphologically by multiple nodular astrocytic
      growth with disseminated non-suppurative encephalitis. The disease is caused by
      fowl glioma-inducing virus (FGV) and its variants, belonging to subgroup A of
      avian leukosis virus (ALV-A). Fifty-seven FGV variants have so far been isolated
      from Japanese fowls and these variants have a variable degree of glioma
      inducibility. However, how these ALVs induce glioma with different degrees and
      frequencies has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the
      relationship between intracerebral viral replication and astrocytic growth in the
      early infectious phase. Replication abilities of two ALV strains, Sp-53 (a FGV
      variant) and ALV-based replication-competent vector RCAS(A) without glioma
      inducibility, were compared in the brains of C/O specific pathogen free chickens
      at 35 days of age. Sp-53 replicated faster than RCAS(A), and the histological
      score and the level of interleukin (IL)-1beta in brains increased depending on
      the level of intracerebral viral RNA. Up-regulation of IL-1beta was also
      demonstrated in primary cultured astrocytes. These results suggest that the
      astrocytic growth in this phase is enhanced through the autocrine/paracrine
      production of IL-1beta in the FGV-infected astrocytes. 

PMID- 25117823
TI  - Association between sleep quality and cardiovascular damage in pre-dialysis
      patients with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor sleep quality, a novel risk factor of cardiovascular diseases
      (CVD), is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The
      association between poor sleep quality and cardiovascular damage in patients with
      CKD is unclear. This study is aimed to assess the prevalence and related risk
      factors of sleep disturbance and determine the relationship between sleep quality
      and cardiovascular damage in Chinese patients with pre-dialysis CKD. METHODS: A
      total of 427 pre-dialysis CKD patients (mean age = 39 +/- 15 years, 260 male/167
      female) were recruited in this study. The demographics and clinical correlates
      were collected. The sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
      Index (PSQI), whereas the cardiovascular damage indicators (the Early/late
      diastolic peak flow velocity (E/A) ratio and left ventricular mass index (LVMI))
      were determined by an echocardiographic examination. RESULTS: Of the CKD
      patients, 77.8% were poor sleepers as defined by a PSQI score > 5. Median
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 69.4(15.8-110.9) ml/min/1.73
      m(2). Logistic regression analysis revealed that left ventricular hypertrophy
      (LVH) was independently associated with the PSQI score (OR = 1.092, 95% CI =
      1.011-1.179, p = 0.025), after adjustment for age, sex and clinical systolic
      blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, Phosphate, Intact parathyroid hormone
      (iPTH), Hemoglobin and eGFR. The linear regression analysis showed that the E/A
      ratios were independently associated with the PSQI score (beta = -0.115, P =
      0.028) after adjustment for a series of potential confounding factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Poor sleep quality, which is commonly found in pre-dialysis CKD
      patients, is an independent factor associated with cardiovascular damage in CKD
      patients. Our finding implies that the association between poor sleep and CVD
      might be mediated by cardiac remodeling.

PMID- 25117824
TI  - At the second glance: stability of neural responses toward visual sexual stimuli.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Studies investigating the neural responses toward sexual stimuli
      can provide an important basis for further understanding disorders of sexual
      functioning. Although our knowledge of the neural correlates of sexual stimulus
      processing has increased considerably in the last decade, the stability of the
      observed effects in studies on neural sexual responses has been rather neglected.
      AIMS: The current study aimed to test the stability of behavioral and neural
      responses to visual sexual stimuli in men and women over a time span of 1 to 1.5
      years. To disentangle valence and arousal-related aspects of sexual stimulus
      processing, we employed not only sexual and neutral, but also positive and
      negative emotional stimuli. METHODS: A sample of 56 subjects (24 women) was
      assessed twice, with an interval of 1 to 1.5 years between assessments. During a
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) session, participants passively
      viewed sexual, neutral, positive, and negative emotional pictures. Pictures were
      presented in 24 blocks of five pictures each. Every block was rated immediately
      after its presentation with respect to valence, arousal, and sexual arousal. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) responses measured by fMRI
      and stimulus ratings. RESULTS: fMRI analyses revealed a distributed network
      involved in the processing of sexual stimuli, with large parts of this network
      being consistently activated at both assessment points. Nucleus accumbens,
      anterior cingulate, occipital and parietal cortex showed the most robust results
      with respect to group stability. Responses of anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal,
      parietal and occipital cortex showed interindividual stability. Gender
      differences were restricted to a few regions of interest. CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      indicate stability of neural responses toward sexual stimuli not only on the
      group but also on the individual level. Activation of parietal and occipital
      cortex might reflect a trait like character of attention related responses toward
      sexual stimuli.

PMID- 25117820
TI  - Genetic variant predicts bevacizumab-induced hypertension in ECOG-5103 and ECOG
      2100.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bevacizumab has broad anti-tumour activity, but substantial risk of
      hypertension. No reliable markers are available for predicting bevacizumab
      induced hypertension. METHODS: A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was
      performed in the phase III bevacizumab-based adjuvant breast cancer trial, ECOG
      5103, to evaluate for an association between genotypes and hypertension. GWAS was
      conducted in those who had experienced systolic blood pressure (SBP) >160 mm Hg
      during therapy using binary analysis and a cumulative dose model for the total
      exposure of bevacizumab. Common toxicity criteria (CTC) grade 3-5 hypertension
      was also assessed. Candidate SNP validation was performed in the randomised phase
      III trial, ECOG-2100. RESULTS: When using the phenotype of SBP>160 mm Hg, the
      most significant association in SV2C (rs6453204) approached and met genome-wide
      significance in the binary model (P=6.0 * 10(-8); OR=3.3) and in the cumulative
      dose model (P=4.7 * 10(-8); HR=2.2), respectively. Similar associations with
      rs6453204 were seen for CTC grade 3-5 hypertension but did not meet genome-wide
      significance. Validation study from ECOG-2100 demonstrated a statistically
      significant association between this SNP and grade 3/4 hypertension using the
      binary model (P-value=0.037; OR=2.4). CONCLUSIONS: A genetic variant in SV2C
      predicted clinically relevant bevacizumab-induced hypertension in two
      independent, randomised phase III trials.

PMID- 25117826
TI  - Person-to-person transmission of norovirus resulting in an outbreak of acute
      gastroenteritis at a summer camp.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of norovirus (NV) gastroenteritis outbreaks
      described in the Spanish literature have been because of contaminated food or
      water. AIM: This study describes an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis because of
      NV in which there was person-to-person transmission. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective cohort study was carried out; we established the case definition
      for primary and secondary cases. An epidemiological survey was designed,
      including possible food exposures, and clinical and laboratory data. Water and
      stool samples were taken from affected individuals and food handlers. The
      presence of NV was detected using a reverse transcription-PCR assay. We analyzed
      the risk of gastroenteritis using relative risk and its 95% confidence interval
      as the measure of association, and estimated the basic reproductive number (R0).
      RESULTS: The primary attack rate was 45.0%, with no significant differences
      between sexes. The secondary attack rate during the camp stay was 22.7%. The
      basic reproductive number for 5 days was R0=2.62. The most frequent symptoms were
      abdominal pain (85.7%) and vomiting (81.9%). Epidemiological analysis showed no
      association with food or drinking water. A total of 66.6% (8/12) of stool samples
      tested positive for NV (genogroup II). CONCLUSION: Control measures in general,
      and hand hygiene in particular, should be extended to the families once the
      children return home, to prevent secondary cases in NV outbreaks.

PMID- 25117827
TI  - Synthesis of novel carbazole based styryl: rational approach for photophysical
      properties and TD-DFT.
AB  - The synthesis and solvatochromic behavior of four novel carbazole based
      fluorescent styryl dyes were explained. In chlorinated solvents such as DCM and
      chloroform, these dyes show bathochromic shift in their absorption as well as
      emission. The styryl dyes 6b and 6c show solid state yellow fluorescence. DFT and
      TD-DFT computations were performed to study structural, molecular, electronic and
      photophysical properties of these dyes. The computed absorption and emission
      wavelength values are found to be in good agreement with the experimental
      results. The photophysical properties of these 1-styryl carbazole dyes are also
      compared with the recently reported 3-styrl carbazole dyes. The unique behavior
      of dye 6d is well explained by its optimized geometry found in the excited state.
      Ratio of ground to excited state dipole moment of the synthesized novel styryl
      compounds were calculated by Bakhshiev and Bilot-Kawski correlations. 

PMID- 25117828
TI  - Synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of a novel yttrium(III)
      fluoride dimolybdate(VI): YFMo2O7.
AB  - Thermal treatment of a mixture of Y2O3, YF3 and MoO3 in a 1 : 1 : 6 molar ratio
      at 850  degrees C in evacuated silica ampoules yielded colorless, platelet-shaped
      single crystals of YFMo2O7. SiO2 was dissolved from the ampoule wall in small
      amounts, but could be removed from the crude product by treatment with
      hydrofluoric acid (20%). The title compound crystallizes monoclinically in the
      space group P2/c with two formula units per unit cell with the dimensions a =
      4.2609(2), b = 6.5644(4), c = 11.3523(7) A, and beta = 90.511(2) degrees . Its
      crystal structure contains crystallographically unique Y(3+) cations in a
      pentagonal bipyramidal environment consisting of two F(-) anions in the apical
      positions and five O(2-) anions in the equatorial positions. These polyhedra are
      connected to {[YFO](8-)} chains along [100] by sharing common F(-) vertices. The
      likewise crystallographically unique Mo(6+) cations exhibit a coordination number
      of five and reside in the centers of distorted square pyramids built up of oxide
      anions. These entities are fused to chains along [001] by sharing common edges
      and vertices according to {[MoOOO](-)}. Taking a sixth oxygen ligand further away
      from the Mo(6+) cations into account, the aforementioned chains assemble to
      corrugated {[MoOOO](-)} layers perpendicular to [010] with the {[YFO](8-)} chains
      situated between these sheets. Since Y(3+) represents a non-luminescent rare
      earth metal(iii) cation, YFMo2O7 is a suitable host material for doping with
      luminescence-active lanthanoid(iii) cations, such as Eu(3+). 

PMID- 25117825
TI  - Eye movements in ephedrone-induced parkinsonism.
AB  - Patients with ephedrone parkinsonism (EP) show a complex, rapidly progressive,
      irreversible, and levodopa non-responsive parkinsonian and dystonic syndrome due
      to manganese intoxication. Eye movements may help to differentiate parkinsonian
      syndromes providing insights into which brain networks are affected in the
      underlying disease, but they have never been systematically studied in EP.
      Horizontal and vertical eye movements were recorded in 28 EP and compared to 21
      Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, and 27 age- and gender-matched healthy
      subjects using standardized oculomotor tasks with infrared videooculography. EP
      patients showed slow and hypometric horizontal saccades, an increased occurrence
      of square wave jerks, long latencies of vertical antisaccades, a high error rate
      in the horizontal antisaccade task, and made more errors than controls when pro-
      and antisaccades were mixed. Based on oculomotor performance, a direct
      differentiation between EP and PD was possible only by the velocity of horizontal
      saccades. All remaining metrics were similar between both patient groups. EP
      patients present extensive oculomotor disturbances probably due to manganese
      induced damage to the basal ganglia, reflecting their role in oculomotor system. 

PMID- 25117829
TI  - Species variation in the enantioselective metabolism of tegafur to 5-fluorouracil
      among rats, dogs and monkeys.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Tegafur (FT), a pro-drug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), is a racemate
      consisting of two enantiomers, R and S-FT. The aim of this study was to clarify
      interspecies variation in the enantioselective metabolism of FT. METHODS: Plasma
      concentrations of FT enantiomers were determined in rats, dogs and monkeys
      following intravenous and oral dosing of the racemate (5 mg/kg). In addition, the
      enzymatic conversion of FT enantiomers to 5-FU was assayed using hepatic
      preparations. KEY FINDINGS: Metabolic clearance of R-FT was higher than that of S
      FT in rats and monkeys, but S-FT was the preferential substrate for dogs. An
      inhibition study revealed that cytochrome P450 is primarily responsible for the
      enantioselective metabolism of FT in rats and dogs. In contrast, in monkeys,
      thymidine phosphorylase was a determinant of the enantioselectivity in FT
      metabolism. Although oral bioavailability was not enantioselective, in-vitro and
      in-vivo kinetic studies suggested that the enantioselectivity in the hepatic
      intrinsic clearance of FT directly influences the body clearance in all animal
      species examined. CONCLUSIONS: The interspecies variations were observed in the
      enantioselective pharmacokinetics of FT, and the in-vivo enantioselectivity could
      be extrapolated from the in-vitro metabolic activities.

PMID- 25117838
TI  - Laparoscopic discoid anterior rectal excision with the circular stapler for
      rectosigmoid endometriosis, performed by the gynecologic surgeon.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the technique of laparoscopic discoid anterior
      rectal wall resection using a circular stapler, feasible in the case of
      rectosigmoid endometriosis lesions measuring <= 3 cm. DESIGN: Case report
      (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Private practice hospital in
      Sao Paulo, Brazil. PATIENT: Thirty-four-year-old woman with pelvic deep
      endometriosis including a 2-cm lesion in the rectosigmoid situated 11 cm
      proximally to the anal border. She had chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea,
      dyspareunia, and constipation. She had undergone no previous surgical procedures.
      INTERVENTIONS: Standard 4-puncture laparoscopy was performed, and all visible
      endometriosis lesions were first removed before proceeding to rectal resection.
      The avascular rectovaginal space was identified, and the rectosigmoid was
      mobilized cranially, releasing the vagina and increasing the final distance of
      the bowel anastomosis to the anal border. The rectosigmoid nodule was isolated in
      its entire circumference and remained restricted to the anterior wall of the
      bowel. It was then transfixed using a 2-0 polyglycolic suture, with the healthy
      proximal and distal limits of the bowel included in the suture. A 33-cm
      endoscopic circular stapler was introduced via the anus up to the distal limit of
      the lesion and opened inside the bowel lumen. By pulling the edges of the suture,
      the rectosigmoid nodule was introduced inside of the circular stapler. It was
      fired to resect the anterior rectal wall, and the anastomosis was situated at the
      anterior and lateral walls of the bowel. Integrity of the bowel was checked via
      infusion of saline solution with methylene blue dye. Gynecologic surgeons
      performed all of the procedures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Bowel resection
      took 20 minutes, and the entire surgical procedure lasted 120 minutes. The
      patient was discharged after 48 hours. There were no intercurrent events, either
      early or late postoperatively. The patient was symptom-free at 2 years of follow
      up. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic discoid excision of an anterior rectal nodule using
      the circular stapler is an effective option for treating selected cases of
      rectosigmoid endometriosis. The technique might be reproducible by gynecologic
      surgeons after proper training.

PMID- 25117839
TI  - Fertility-preserving management of a uterine arteriovenous malformation: a case
      report of uterine artery embolization (UAE) followed by laparoscopic resection.
AB  - Herein is presented a fertility-preserving approach in the management of a
      uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) resistant to endovascular management.
      The patient had a documented AVM and underwent 2 uterine artery embolization
      procedures, with subsequent recurrence of symptoms. Doppler ultrasound
      demonstrated recanalization of the AVM. Ultimately, laparoscopic resection of the
      AVM was performed after laparoscopic ligation of the uterine arteries.
      Postoperatively, the patient has remained asymptomatic. Laparoscopic resection of
      a uterine AVM may offer a fertility-preserving alternative to hysterectomy in
      patients in whom endovascular management has failed. 

PMID- 25117830
TI  - Pax6 is essential for the maintenance and multi-lineage differentiation of neural
      stem cells, and for neuronal incorporation into the adult olfactory bulb.
AB  - The paired type homeobox 6 (Pax6) transcription factor (TF) regulates multiple
      aspects of neural stem cell (NSC) and neuron development in the embryonic central
      nervous system. However, less is known about the role of Pax6 in the maintenance
      and differentiation of adult NSCs and in adult neurogenesis. Using the +/Sey(Dey)
      mouse, we have analyzed how Pax6 heterozygosis influences the self-renewal and
      proliferation of adult olfactory bulb stem cells (aOBSCs). In addition, we
      assessed its influence on neural differentiation, neuronal incorporation, and
      cell death in the adult OB, both in vivo and in vitro. Our results indicate that
      the Pax6 mutation alters Nestin(+)-cell proliferation in vivo, as well as self
      renewal, proliferation, and survival of aOBSCs in vitro although a subpopulation
      of +/Sey(Dey) progenitors is able to expand partially similar to wild-type
      progenitors. This mutation also impairs aOBSC differentiation into neurons and
      oligodendrocytes, whereas it increases cell death while preserving astrocyte
      survival and differentiation. Furthermore, Pax6 heterozygosis causes a reduction
      in the variety of neurochemical interneuron subtypes generated from aOBSCs in
      vitro and in the incorporation of newly generated neurons into the OB in vivo.
      Our findings support an important role of Pax6 in the maintenance of aOBSCs by
      regulating cell death, self-renewal, and cell fate, as well as in neuronal
      incorporation into the adult OB. They also suggest that deregulation of the cell
      cycle machinery and TF expression in aOBSCs which are deficient in Pax6 may be at
      the origin of the phenotypes observed in this adult NSC population. 

PMID- 25117840
TI  - Laparoscopic myomectomy: clinical outcomes and comparative evidence.
AB  - Laparoscopic myomectomy is a common surgical treatment for symptomatic uterine
      leiomyomas. Proponents of the laparoscopic approach to myomectomy propose that
      the advantages include shorter length of hospital stay and recovery time. Others
      suggest longer operative time, greater blood loss, increased risk of recurrence,
      risk of uterine rupture in future pregnancies, and potential dissemination of
      cells with use of morcellation. This review outlines techniques for performance
      of laparoscopic myomectomy and critically appraises the available evidence for
      operative data, short-term and long-term complications, and reproductive
      outcomes. 

PMID- 25117841
TI  - Is the Allen Masters defect the most misunderstood lesion in gynecology?

PMID- 25117842
TI  - The knowledge of uterine mullerian anomalies, of the pelvic female anatomy and of
      the physics of ultrasounds is the basic starting point to differentiate between
      septate and bicornuate uteri.

PMID- 25117843
TI  - Are experiences of sexual violence related to special needs in patients with
      substance use disorders? A study in opioid-dependent patients.
AB  - A history of sexual violence has been related to more complex treatment needs in
      patients with substance use disorders (SUD). Most of the existing studies,
      however, included patients with various types of SUD, did not examine gender
      differences and focused on a small range of clinical domains. Our sample
      consisted of opioid-dependent outpatients treated during a three-year period in a
      German metropolitan region. The analysis was based on a local case register and
      included all patients for whom information on lifetime sexual violence was
      available (N=3531; 68.3% males). In a case-control design, patients with a
      history of sexual violence were compared to patients without these experiences
      regarding a wide range of clinical and social factors indicative of potential
      needs. Almost two thirds (65.6%) of the female patients and 10.9% of the males
      reported experiences of sexual violence. Victims differed from non-victims across
      a variety of domains, including more psychiatric symptoms and suicide attempts,
      more legal problems, financial and family problems, as well as a higher use of
      services. In contrast to a previous study among alcohol-dependent patients, no
      gender differences became apparent. Our findings suggest that experiences of
      sexual violence are an indicator for more complex needs in opioid-dependent
      patients of both genders. In addition to integrated trauma-informed approaches,
      an effort needs to be made to link addiction facilities to further institutions
      to meet these complex needs.

PMID- 25117845
TI  - A latent growth curve analysis of alcohol-use specific parenting and adolescent
      alcohol use.
AB  - This study investigates how changes in alcohol use-specific parenting were
      associated with adolescent drinking trajectories. Three waves of data from a
      longitudinal study investigating adolescent substance use were used. The
      community sample (N=378) was aged 10-13 at the first wave of assessment. Our
      findings show that over time, parents are less likely to discipline their
      adolescents' drinking, more likely to grant their adolescent permission to drink,
      and less likely to communicate the consequences of alcohol use. Moreover, these
      changes are associated with escalation in adolescent alcohol use. Parental
      efficacy at preventing alcohol use declined, but did not relate to changes in
      adolescent drinking.

PMID- 25117844
TI  - Curiosity predicts smoking experimentation independent of susceptibility in a US
      national sample.
AB  - PURPOSE: To improve smoking prevention efforts, better methods for identifying at
      risk youth are needed. The widely used measure of susceptibility to smoking
      identifies at-risk adolescents; however, it correctly identifies only about one
      third of future smokers. Adding curiosity about smoking to this susceptibility
      index may allow us to identify a greater proportion of future smokers while they
      are still pre-teens. METHODS: We use longitudinal data from a recent national
      study on parenting to prevent problem behaviors. Only oldest children between 10
      and 13years of age were eligible. Participants were identified by RDD survey and
      followed for 6years. All baseline never smokers with at least one follow-up
      assessment were included (n=878). The association of curiosity about smoking with
      future smoking behavior was assessed. Then, curiosity was added to form an
      enhanced susceptibility index and sensitivity, specificity and positive
      predictive value were calculated. RESULTS: Among committed never smokers at
      baseline, those who were 'definitely not curious' were less likely to progress
      toward smoking than both those who were 'probably not curious' (ORadj=1.89; 95%
      CI=1.03-3.47) or 'probably/definitely curious' (ORadj=2.88; 95% CI=1.11-7.45).
      Incorporating curiosity into the susceptibility index increased the proportion
      identified as at-risk to smoke from 25.1% to 46.9%. The sensitivity (true
      positives) for this enhanced susceptibility index for both experimentation and
      established smoking increased from 37-40% to over 50%, although the positive
      predictive value did not improve. CONCLUSION: The addition of curiosity
      significantly improves the identification and classification of which adolescents
      will experiment with smoking or become established smokers.

PMID- 25117846
TI  - Hardcore smokers: what do we know?
AB  - AIMS: The existence of smokers who are resistant to smoking cessation treatment
      has long been noted in the literature. There has been ongoing debate as to
      whether the proportion of these smokers is increasing as smoking prevalence rates
      stagnate. Studies define hardcore smokers inconsistently and within the context
      of specific illnesses, addiction, population, and/or theoretical paradigms. This
      review examines the existing literature related to hardcore smokers to develop a
      better understanding of what is known and not known about this group to guide
      smoking cessation treatment. METHODS: PubMed MESH search and review of research
      publications from 1998 to 2012 (N=61). RESULTS: Inconsistent definitions of
      hardcore smoking make it difficult to estimate prevalence rates and to identify
      specific characteristics of persistent smokers. Generally, persistent smokers
      have higher levels of nicotine dependence, are disproportionately from lower
      socioeconomic groups, start smoking at an earlier age, and are more likely to
      have a psychological co-morbidity. DISCUSSION: Defining some smokers as hardcore
      is limiting. Targeted and tailored interventions for smoking cessation for
      persistent smoking have demonstrated effectiveness in a small number of studies.
      Treatment access barriers need to be addressed to improve the reach and
      effectiveness of cessation with persistent smokers. Efforts to limit early age
      initiation of tobacco use are a critical element in averting persistent smoking.

PMID- 25117847
TI  - Problem gambling and family violence: prevalence and patterns in treatment
      seekers.
AB  - The primary aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and patterns of
      family violence in treatment-seeking problem gamblers. Secondary aims were to
      identify the prevalence of problem gambling in a family violence victimisation
      treatment sample and to explore the relationship between problem gambling and
      family violence in other treatment-seeking samples. Clients from 15 Australian
      treatment services were systematically screened for problem gambling using the
      Brief Bio-Social Gambling Screen and for family violence using single
      victimisation and perpetration items adapted from the Hurt-Insulted-Threatened
      Screamed (HITS): gambling services (n=463), family violence services (n=95),
      alcohol and drug services (n=47), mental health services (n=51), and financial
      counselling services (n=48). The prevalence of family violence in the gambling
      sample was 33.9% (11.0% victimisation only, 6.9% perpetration only, and 16.0%
      both victimisation and perpetration). Female gamblers were significantly more
      likely to report victimisation only (16.5% cf. 7.8%) and both victimisation and
      perpetration (21.2% cf. 13.0%) than male gamblers. There were no other
      demographic differences in family violence prevalence estimates. Gamblers most
      commonly endorsed their parents as both the perpetrators and victims of family
      violence, followed by current and former partners. The prevalence of problem
      gambling in the family violence sample was 2.2%. The alcohol and drug (84.0%) and
      mental health (61.6%) samples reported significantly higher rates of any family
      violence than the gambling sample, while the financial counselling sample (10.6%)
      reported significantly higher rates of problem gambling than the family violence
      sample. The findings of this study support substantial comorbidity between
      problem gambling and family violence, although this may be accounted for by a
      high comorbidity with alcohol and drug use problems and other psychiatric
      disorders. They highlight the need for routine screening, assessment and
      management of problem gambling and family violence in a range of services.

PMID- 25117848
TI  - Environmental tobacco smoke exposure among smokers and non-smokers receiving
      outpatient substance abuse treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) has been linked to numerous
      health problems. While research has demonstrated high prevalence of tobacco use
      among individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs), no
      studies have examined ETS among individuals receiving treatment for SUDs, paying
      specific attention to non-smokers who may be at risk for high exposure to ETS.
      METHODS: Participants (N=261) enrolled in outpatient substance abuse treatment
      completed a survey, in which 14 items were used to quantify ETS exposure and
      smoking policies across several environments. RESULTS: Among smokers, 85%
      reported that their significant others also smoked as compared to 15% among non
      smokers (chi(2)=6.624, p<.05). A logistic regression examined the characteristics
      that predicted smoking in the home. The overall model was significant,
      (chi(2)=36.046, p<.0005) with variables that independently predicted smoking in
      the home included having less than a high school diploma, being female, and
      living with a smoker. Income, age, and living with children were not found to be
      significant. Overall, 42% white collar workers 26% of service workers and 30% of
      blue collar workers reported no exposure to ETS. Sixty-seven percent of smokers
      strongly agreed or agreed that the hazards of secondhand smoke have been clearly
      demonstrated versus 58% of non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers and non-smokers
      enrolled in outpatient substance abuse treatment are frequently exposed to ETS at
      home, work, and in social settings. The dangers of ETS should be addressed among
      this population through education, smoke-free policies, and cessation resources,
      with help from their treatment facility.

PMID- 25117849
TI  - Negative affect is associated with alcohol, but not cigarette use in heavy
      drinking smokers.
AB  - Co-use of alcohol and cigarettes is highly prevalent, and heavy drinking smokers
      represent a large and difficult-to-treat subgroup of smokers. Negative affect,
      including anxiety and depressive symptomatology, has been associated with both
      cigarette and alcohol use independently, but less is known about the role of
      negative affect in heavy drinking smokers. Furthermore, while some studies have
      shown negative affect to precede substance use, a precise biobehavioral mechanism
      has not been established. The aims of the present study were twofold. First, to
      test whether negative affect is associated with alcohol and cigarette use in a
      large community sample of heavy drinking smokers (n=461). And second, to examine
      craving as a plausible statistical mediator of the association between negative
      affect and alcohol and/or cigarette use. Hypothesis testing was conducted using a
      structural equation modeling approach with cross-sectional data. Analysis
      revealed a significant main effect of negative affect on alcohol use (beta=0.210,
      p<0.05), but not cigarette use (beta=0.131, p>0.10) in this sample. Mediational
      analysis revealed that alcohol craving was a full statistical mediator of this
      association (p<0.05), such that there was no direct association between negative
      affect and alcohol use after accounting for alcohol craving. These results are
      consistent with a negative reinforcement and relief craving models of alcohol use
      insofar as the experience of negative affect was associated with increased
      alcohol use, and the relationship was statistically mediated by alcohol craving,
      presumably to alleviate negative affect. Further longitudinal or experimental
      studies are warranted to enhance the causal inferences of this mediated effect.

PMID- 25117850
TI  - Differences between abstinent and non-abstinent individuals in recovery from
      alcohol use disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Non-abstinent goals can improve quality of life (QOL) among
      individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). However, prior studies have
      defined "recovery" based on DSM criteria, and thus may have excluded individuals
      using non-abstinent techniques that do not involve reduced drinking. Furthermore,
      no prior study has considered length of time in recovery when comparing QOL
      between abstinent and non-abstinent individuals. The current aims are to identify
      correlates of non-abstinent recovery and examine differences in QOL between
      abstainers and non-abstainers accounting for length of time in recovery. SAMPLE:
      A large (N=5380) national sample of individuals who self-describe as "in
      recovery" from alcohol problems recruited in the context of the What Is Recovery?
      (WIR) study. METHOD: Multivariate stepwise regressions estimating the probability
      of non-abstinent recovery and average quality of life. RESULTS: Younger age
      (OR=0.72), no prior treatment (OR=0.63) or AA (OR=0.32), fewer dependence
      symptoms (OR=0.17) and less time in recovery all significantly (P<0.05) related
      to non-abstinent recovery. Abstainers reported significantly (P<0.05) higher QOL
      than non-abstainers (B=0.39 for abstinence vs. non-abstinence), and abstinence
      was one of the strongest correlates of QOL, even beyond sociodemographic
      variables like education. CONCLUSIONS: Non-abstainers are younger with less time
      in recovery and less problem severity but worse QOL than abstainers. Clinically,
      individuals considering non-abstinent goals should be aware that abstinence may
      be best for optimal QOL in the long run. Furthermore, time in recovery should be
      accounted for when examining correlates of recovery.

PMID- 25117851
TI  - Methadone maintenance treatment may improve completion rates and delay opioid
      relapse for opioid dependent individuals under community corrections supervision.
AB  - AIMS: Several studies have demonstrated the importance of agonist therapies such
      as methadone and buprenorphine for preventing relapse for individuals being
      released from jail or prison to the community. No studies have examined the
      impact of methadone for increasing the completion of community supervision
      requirements and preventing opioid relapse for individuals under community
      corrections supervision. This observational study compared the community
      corrections completion rate and opioid relapse rate of individuals receiving
      methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) to individuals who did not. METHODS: Of the
      2931 individuals enrolled under criminal justice supervision in the community,
      Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities (TASC), and who met criteria for
      opioid dependence, 329 (11%) individuals reported receiving MMT in the community.
      RESULTS: The majority of participants were White (79.8%) and male (63.5%), with a
      mean age of 31.33years (SD=9.18), and were under supervision for 10.4months
      (SD=9.1). MMT participants were less likely to fail out of supervision compared
      to individuals not in MMT (39.0% vs. 52.9%, p<0.001), and had a lower rate of
      relapse (32.9%) and longer time to relapse (average days=89.7, SD=158.9) compared
      to the relapse rate (55.9%) and time to relapse (average days=60.5, SD=117.9) of
      those not on MMT. CONCLUSIONS: While the observational nature of this study
      prevents causal inferences, these results suggest that utilization of MMT in
      community corrections may increase the likelihood of completing supervision
      requirements and delay time to opioid relapse. Providing agonist therapies to
      opioid dependent individuals under supervision appears to be a critical strategy
      in this important population.

PMID- 25117853
TI  - Population dose-response analysis of daily seizure count following vigabatrin
      therapy in adult and pediatric patients with refractory complex partial seizures.
AB  - Vigabatrin is an irreversible inhibitor of gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase
      (GABA-T) and is used as an adjunctive therapy for adult patients with refractory
      complex partial seizures (rCPS). The purpose of this investigation was to
      describe the relationship between vigabatrin dosage and daily seizure rate for
      adults and children with rCPS and identify relevant covariates that might impact
      seizure frequency. This population dose-response analysis used seizure-count data
      from three pediatric and two adult randomized controlled studies of rCPS
      patients. A negative binomial distribution model adequately described daily
      seizure data. Mean seizure rate decreased with time after first dose and was
      described using an asymptotic model. Vigabatrin drug effects were best
      characterized by a quadratic model using normalized dosage as the exposure
      metric. Normalized dosage was an estimated parameter that allowed for
      individualized changes in vigabatrin exposure based on body weight. Baseline
      seizure rate increased with decreasing age, but age had no impact on vigabatrin
      drug effects after dosage was normalized for body weight differences. Posterior
      predictive checks indicated the final model was capable of simulating data
      consistent with observed daily seizure counts. Total normalized vigabatrin
      dosages of 1, 3, and 6 g/day were predicted to reduce seizure rates 23.2%, 45.6%,
      and 48.5%, respectively. 

PMID- 25117854
TI  - Combined electrical and global markers of dyssynchrony predict clinical response
      to cardiac resynchronization therapy.
AB  - AIM: To assess potential additional value of global left ventricular (LV)
      dyssynchrony markers in predicting cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
      response in heart failure (HF) patients. METHODS: We included 103 HF patients
      (mean age 67 +/- 12 years, 83% male) who fulfilled the guidelines criteria for
      CRT treatment. All patients had undergone full clinical assessment, NT-proBNP and
      echocardiographic examination. Global LV dyssynchrony was assessed using total
      isovolumic time (t-IVT) and Tei index. On the basis of reduction in the NYHA
      class after CRT, patients were divided into responders and non-responders.
      RESULTS: Prolonged t-IVT [0.878 (range, 0.802-0.962), p = 0.005], long QRS
      duration [0.978 (range, 0.960-0.996), p = 0.02] and high tricuspid regurgitation
      pressure drop [1.047 (range, 1.001-1.096), p = 0.046] independently predicted
      response to CRT. A t-IVT >= 11.6 s/min was 67% sensitive and 62% specific (AUC
      0.69, p = 0.001) in predicting CRT response. Respective values for a QRS >= 151
      ms were 66% and 62% (AUC 0.65, p = 0.01). Combining the two variables had higher
      specificity (88%) in predicting CRT response. In atrial fibrillation (AF)
      patients, only prolonged t-IVT [0.690 (range, 0.509-0.937), p = 0.03]
      independently predicted CRT response. CONCLUSION: Combining prolonged t-IVT and
      the conventionally used broad QRS duration has a significantly higher specificity
      in identifying patients likely to respond to CRT. Moreover, in AF patients, only
      prolonged t-IVT independently predicted CRT response.

PMID- 25117852
TI  - At-Risk/Problematic Shopping and Gambling in Adolescence.
AB  - Elevated levels of both pathological gambling (PG) and problem shopping (PS) have
      been reported among adolescents, and each is associated with a range of other
      negative health/functioning measures. However, relationships between PS and PG,
      particularly during adolescence, are not well understood. In this study, we
      explored the relationship between different levels of problem-gambling severity
      and health/functioning characteristics, gambling-related social experiences,
      gambling behaviors and motivations among adolescents with and without at
      risk/problematic shopping (ARPS). Survey data from Connecticut high school
      students (n = 2,100) were analyzed using bivariate analyses and logistic
      regression modeling. Although at-risk/problematic gambling (ARPG) was not
      increased among adolescents with ARPS, adolescents with ARPG (vs non-gamblers)
      were more likely to report having experienced a growing tension or anxiety that
      could only be relieved by shopping and missing other obligations due to shopping.
      In comparison to the non-ARPS group, a smaller proportion of respondents in the
      ARPS group reported paid part-time employment, whereas a greater proportion of
      respondents reported excessive gambling by peers and feeling concerned over the
      gambling of a close family member. In general, similar associations between
      problem-gambling severity and measures of health/functioning and gambling-related
      behaviors and motivations were observed across ARPS and non-ARPS adolescents.
      However, associations were weaker among ARPS adolescents for several variables:
      engagement in extracurricular activities, alcohol and caffeine use and gambling
      for financial reasons. These findings suggest a complex relationship between
      problem-gambling severity and ARPS. They highlight the importance of considering
      co-occurring risk behaviors such as ARPS when treating adolescents with at
      risk/problem gambling. 

PMID- 25117855
TI  - Examination of spatiotemporal gait parameters during the 6-min walk in
      individuals with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - This investigation examined spatiotemporal parameters of gait during the 6-min
      walk (6MW) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and in healthy controls.
      Eighteen individuals with MS [divided into those who were independently
      ambulatory (n=10) and those who were ambulatory with assistance (n=8)] and 10
      healthy controls performed a 6MW while recording spatiotemporal gait parameters
      using a pressure-sensitive walkway. Parameters recorded were walking velocity,
      cadence, step length and width, step time, percent of the gait cycle in double
      support, and variability of step length and width, step time, and double support.
      The ambulatory with assistance MS group had a significantly greater reduction in
      walking velocity (P=0.000) over the course of the 6MW, which coincided with a
      significantly greater increase in step time and double support (P=0.029) than in
      the other groups. Only the ambulatory with assistance MS group showed an increase
      in step-time variability and double-support variability during the 6MW
      (P's<0.05). The novel results indicate that the reduction in velocity over
      prolonged walking occurs through a greater change in the temporal parameters of
      gait in persons with MS who require assistance while walking. In addition, the
      increase in gait variability in the individuals with MS who require assistance
      while walking indicates that the control over walking further deteriorates over
      the course of the 6MW. 

PMID- 25117856
TI  - Adherence to evidence based care practices for childbirth before and after a
      quality improvement intervention in health facilities of Rajasthan, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After the launch of Janani Suraksha Yojana, a conditional cash
      transfer scheme in India, the proportion of women giving birth in institutions
      has rapidly increased. However, there are important gaps in quality of childbirth
      services during institutional deliveries. The aim of this intervention was to
      improve the quality of childbirth services in selected high caseload public
      health facilities of 10 districts of Rajasthan. This intervention titled
      "Parijaat" was designed by Action Research & Training for Health, in partnership
      with the state government and United Nations Population Fund. METHODS: The
      intervention was carried out in 44 public health facilities in 10 districts of
      Rajasthan, India. These included district hospitals (9), community health centres
      (32) and primary health centres (3). The main intervention was orientation
      training of doctors and program managers and regular visits to facilities
      involving assessment, feedback, training and action. The adherence to evidence
      based practices before, during and after this intervention were measured using
      structured checklists and scoring sheets. Main outcome measures included changes
      in practices during labour, delivery or immediate postpartum period. RESULTS: Use
      of several unnecessary or harmful practices reduced significantly. Most
      importantly, proportion of facilities using routine augmentation of labour
      reduced (p = 0), episiotomy for primigravidas (p = 0.0003), fundal pressure (p =
      0.0003), and routine suction of newborns (0 = 0.0005). Among the beneficial
      practices, use of oxytocin after delivery increased (p = 0.0001) and the practice
      of listening foetal heart sounds during labour (p = 0.0001). Some practices did
      not show any improvements, such as dorsal position for delivery, use of
      partograph, and hand-washing. CONCLUSIONS: An intervention based on repeated
      facility visits combined with actions at the level of decision makers can lead to
      substantial improvements in quality of childbirth practices at health facilities.

PMID- 25117858
TI  - [Reconciling activities of working women providing care and the influence of
      structural and cultural factors].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Today, an increasing proportion of society has to reconcile eldercare
      and work. This task poses challenges for them, which they meet through an
      adjustment of their everyday living arrangements. These coping strategies have
      been so far scarcely noted within research on the reconciliation of elder care
      and employment. Knowledge about the active dealing with this parallel involvement
      in both spheres of life is of vital importance when wanting to derive precisely
      tailored support measures for employed care givers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A goal
      of this article is to deliver insight on reconciling activities of employed women
      who provide care, while it tries to specify respective factors which determine
      those actions. Moreover, an ideal typology is presented, which systematizes these
      associations. RESULTS: With this ideal typology, conceptual instruments have been
      developed which illustrate the complex reality of the reconciliation actions and
      the dependence on various coping resources. In gerontological practice, these
      findings may provide support to design an intervention strategy tailored to the
      individual situation that addresses the everyday level of action and strengthens
      the performance of those affected.

PMID- 25117857
TI  - [Sleep and sleep disorders in the elderly: Part 1: epidemiology and diagnostics].
AB  - Restorative sleep is an important factor for well-being, performance and quality
      of life. The basic diagnostic procedure of a sleep disorder is to take a
      comprehensive sleep history. Sleep disorders can and must be distinguished from
      the physiological changes of sleep in the elderly. Insomnia (difficulty in
      sleeping), daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), sleep-related breathing disorders
      (SRBD) and movement disorders during sleep are also common in the elderly. They
      must be detected because they are treatable and can dominate the clinical picture
      of geriatric syndromes. Nursing home residents and dementia patients are in
      particular need of attention as their sleep is often adversely affected by the
      living environment and the daily institutional routine. 

PMID- 25117859
TI  - The emerging trend of work beyond retirement age in Germany. Increasing social
      inequality?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Population ageing, demographic change and the financial crisis has
      put the financial sustainability of the German pension system at risk. In
      reaction to these challenges, Germany recently abandoned generous early
      retirement policies and moved towards policies encouraging higher employment
      among the elderly. OBJECTIVES: In this article we evaluate how these labour
      market and pension policies affected the retirement decisions of older workers in
      Germany over the last three decades. Complementing previous research on early
      retirement, we focus in particular on those working past the mandatory retirement
      age of 65 years and examine whether the composition of this group of
      postretirement-age workers has changed over time. DATA AND METHODS: We analyse
      pooled cross-sectional data from three rounds of the German Ageing Survey which
      allow us to cover the last three decades from 1980 to 2008. Estimating
      multinomial logit models we distinguish explanatory factors on the individual,
      organizational and institutional level that frame the decision to leave the
      labour market before the age of 65, to stop working at 65 or to work past 65.
      RESULTS: Over the last three decades, the share of German workers leaving the
      labour market after the mandatory retirement age of 65 has increased markedly.
      This trend towards working longer has changed particularly among the low educated
      workforce which in previous decades traditionally has exhibited a tendency to
      retire early. In contrast to high-skilled workers, the decision to work longer
      among low-educated workers is mainly driven by financial need (and is usually not
      in line with their desire or their ability to work for longer). CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggest an increase in social inequality in retirement decisions as a
      result of the policy shift towards activation. We conclude by arguing for a more
      fine-grained understanding of the reasons why people work longer. Such research
      would provide valuable insights into how to design future labour market and
      pension reforms preventing a rise in social inequalities.

PMID- 25117860
TI  - [Aged skin and skin care].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aged skin is the sum of chronological und UV-induced aging. Light
      exposed skin is unattractive, with irregular pigmentation, roughness und
      scaliness. The skin is often dry and itches. METHODS: The present paper provides
      an overview of diseases of aging skin and describes how to prevent or reduce
      disease by prophylactic and therapeutic skin care. RESULTS: Aged skin can develop
      into several skin diseases, e.g., different types of eczema and skin cancer. In
      the body folds we often find an irritant contact eczema caused by friction from
      skin to skin, sweating, and urinary and fecal incontinence. In the bedridden, bed
      sores can also develop. Furthermore, there is a delay in wound healing owing to
      old age. Use of adequate creams and ointments is very helpful in preventing and
      improving most skin diseases of mature skin. However, the knowledge of aged
      people and healthcare professionals about the importance of skin care is low.
      Older people are often unable to care for their skin because they are lacking the
      physical and mental ability. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals are not
      sufficiently trained about the value of proper skin care. Adequate studies on the
      role of skin care and selection of the correct preparation in various aged
      related diseases are lacking.

PMID- 25117861
TI  - Dysfunctional sexual beliefs: a comparative study of heterosexual men and women,
      gay men, and lesbian women with and without sexual problems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Conservative and dysfunctional sexual beliefs are commonly
      associated with sexual problems among heterosexual men and women. However, little
      is known about the role of sexual beliefs in sexual problems in gay men and
      lesbians. AIM: The present study aimed at analyzing the role of sexual beliefs in
      sexual dysfunction in a sample of heterosexual and homosexual men and women. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants answered questions about self-perceived sexual
      problems and completed the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire. METHODS:
      Two hundred twelve men (106 gay) and 192 women (96 lesbian) completed a Web
      survey. RESULTS: Findings indicated that men with sexual dysfunction (regardless
      of sexual orientation) reported significantly more conservative beliefs and more
      erroneous beliefs related to partner's sexual satisfaction compared with sexually
      healthy men. Also, gay men with sexual dysfunction (but not heterosexual men)
      scored higher on belief in sex as an abuse of men's power compared with healthy
      controls. In addition, heterosexual men scored higher on "macho" beliefs, beliefs
      regarding partner's sexual satisfaction, and partner's power, compared with gay
      men. For women, a main effect was found for sexual orientation, with lesbian
      women scoring higher on sexual desire as a sin, age-related beliefs, and
      affection primacy and lower on beliefs related to motherhood primacy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, findings suggest that dysfunctional sexual beliefs may play
      a role as vulnerability factors for sexual dysfunction regardless of sexual
      orientation, particularly in men.

PMID- 25117863
TI  - Chronic renal disease and risk of cardiovascular morbidity-mortality.
AB  - The pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in CKD differs subtly from that of non
      CKD patients. As renal function declines, the role and impact of treating
      classical risk factors may change and diminish. However, hypertension,
      hypercholesterolaemia and smoking cessation management should be optimized and
      may require multiple agents and approaches, particularly as CKD advances.
      Hypertension treatment would appear to be one management area in which
      performance is less than ideal. Moreover there are mechanisms and risk factors
      that are specific to CKD, capable of triggering a vascular pathology and that
      justify the surplus of CV morbidity in CKD patients and that require we consider
      CKD as a CV risk factor per se. In the initial stages of CKD it would be
      advisable to implement all the preventative measures to stem the onset of CV
      disease, whereas in the more advanced stages a multifactorial approach is likely
      to be necessary, as we have learned from the STENO-study within the diabetes.

PMID- 25117862
TI  - The dUTPase-related gene of bovine immunodeficiency virus is critical for viral
      replication, despite the lack of dUTPase activity of the encoded protein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate nucleotide-hydrolases (dUTPases) are
      essential for maintaining low intra-cellular dUTP/dTTP ratios. Therefore, many
      viruses encode this enzyme to prevent dUTP incorporation into their genomes
      instead of dTTP. Among the lentiviruses, the non-primate viruses express
      dUTPases. In bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV), the putative dUTPase protein is
      only 74 residues-long, compared to ~130 residues in other lentiviruses. RESULTS:
      In this study, the recombinant BIV dUTPase, as well as infectious wild-type (WT)
      BIV virions, were shown to lack any detectable dUTPase activity. Controls of
      recombinant dUTPase from equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) or of EIAV virions
      showed substantial dUTPase activities. To assess the importance of the dUTPase to
      BIV replication, we have generated virions of WT BIV or BIV with mutations in the
      dUTPase gene. The two mutant viral dUTPases were the double mutant D48E/N57S (in
      the putative enzyme active site and its vicinity) and a deletion of 36 residues.
      In dividing Cf2Th cells and under conditions where the WT virus was infectious
      and generated progeny virions, both mutant viruses were defective, as no progeny
      viruses were generated. Analyses of the integrated viral cDNA showed that cells
      infected with the mutant virions carry in their genomic DNA levels of integrated
      BIV DNA that are comparable to those in WT BIV-infected cells. CONCLUSIONS: The
      herby presented results show that the two BIV mutants with the modified dUTPase
      gene could infect cells, as viral cDNA was synthesized and integrated into the
      host cell DNA. However, no virions were generated by cells infected by these
      mutants. The most likely explanation is that either the integrated cDNA of the
      mutants is defective (due to potential multiple mutations, introduced during
      reverse-transcription) or that the original dUTPase mutations have led to severe
      blocks in viral replication at steps post integration. These results emphasize
      the importance of the dUTPase-related sequence to BIV replication, despite the
      lack of any detectable catalytic activity.

PMID- 25117864
TI  - Uliginosin B, a natural phloroglucinol derivative, presents a multimediated
      antinociceptive effect in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Investigate the involvement of monoaminergic and glutamatergic systems
      on the antinociceptive and ataxic effects of uliginosin B, which we have already
      demonstrated to be a promising molecular scaffold to develop new analgesic drugs.
      METHODS: Uliginosin B was obtained from hexane extract of aerial parts of
      Hypericum polyanthemum by chromatographic methods. Uliginosin B antinociceptive
      and motor coordination effects were evaluated in mice by using hot-plate (15 and
      90 mg/kg, i.p.) and rotarod (90 mg/kg, i.p.) tests, respectively. The mechanism
      of action was investigated through pretreatments with prazosin 1 mg/kg
      intraperitoneal (alpha1 receptor antagonist), yohimbine 5 mg/kg intraperitoneal
      (alpha2 receptor antagonist), pCPA 300 mg/kg intraperitoneal (serotonin synthesis
      inhibitor) and MK-801 0.25 mg/kg intraperitoneal (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid
      receptor antagonist). KEY FINDINGS: The antinociceptive effect of uliginosin B
      (15 and 90 mg/kg, i.p.) was reduced significantly by pCPA and MK-801. Prazosin
      and yohimbine improved the antinociceptive effect of the highest dose (90 mg/kg,
      i.p.) of uliginosin B only. The ataxic effect of uliginosin B (90 mg/kg, i.p.)
      was completely prevented by pretreatment with pCPA or MK-801, but it was
      unaffected by pretreatment with prazosin or yohimbine. CONCLUSION: These data
      confirm the contribution of monoaminergic neurotransmission as well as provide
      the first evidence of glutamatergic neurotransmission contribution to the
      uliginosin B effects.

PMID- 25117865
TI  - Airway complications in traumatic lower cervical spinal cord injury: A
      retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate risk factors for pneumonia in patients with traumatic
      lower cervical spinal cord injury. DESIGN: Observational study, retrospective
      study. SETTING: Spinal cord unit in a maximum care hospital. METHODS: Thirty
      seven patients with acute isolated traumatic spinal cord injury at levels C4-C8
      and complete motor function injury (AIS A, B) treated from 2004 to 2010 met the
      criteria for inclusion in our retrospective analysis. The following parameters
      were considered: ventilation-specific parameters, re-intubation, creation of a
      tracheostomy, pneumonia, antibiotic treatment, and length of intensive care unit
      (ICU) stay and total hospitalization. RESULTS: Among the patients, 81% had
      primary invasive ventilation. In 78% of cases a tracheostomy was created; 3% of
      these cases were discharged with invasive ventilation and 28% with a tracheostomy
      without ventilation. Pneumonia according to Centers for Disease Control criteria
      occurred in 51% of cases within 21+/-32 days of injury, and in 3% at a later
      date. The number of pre-existing conditions was significantly associated with
      pneumonia. Length of ICU stay was 25+/-34 days, and average total hospital
      duration was 230+/-144 days. Significant factors affecting the duration of
      ventilation were the number of pre-existing conditions and tetraplegia-specific
      complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that patients with traumatic
      lower cervical spinal cord injuries defined by lesion level and AIS constitute a
      homogeneous group. This group is characterized by a high rate of pneumonia during
      the first 4 weeks after injury. The number of pre-existing general conditions and
      spinal injury-specific comorbidities are the only risk factors identified for the
      development of pneumonia and/or duration of ventilation.

PMID- 25117871
TI  - Effects of the racket polar moment of inertia on dominant upper limb joint
      moments during tennis serve.
AB  - This study examined the effect of the polar moment of inertia of a tennis racket
      on upper limb loading in the serve. Eight amateur competition tennis players
      performed two sets of 10 serves using two rackets identical in mass, position of
      center of mass and moments of inertia other than the polar moment of inertia
      (0.00152 vs 0.00197 kg.m2). An eight-camera motion analysis system collected the
      3D trajectories of 16 markers, located on the thorax, upper limbs and racket,
      from which shoulder, elbow and wrist net joint moments and powers were computed
      using inverse dynamics. During the cocking phase, increased racket polar moment
      of inertia was associated with significant increases in the peak shoulder
      extension and abduction moments, as well the peak elbow extension, valgus and
      supination moments. During the forward swing phase, peak wrist extension and
      radial deviation moments significantly increased with polar moment of inertia.
      During the follow-through phase, the peak shoulder adduction, elbow pronation and
      wrist external rotation moments displayed a significant inverse relationship with
      polar moment of inertia. During the forward swing, the magnitudes of negative
      joint power at the elbow and wrist were significantly larger when players served
      using the racket with a higher polar moment of inertia. Although a larger polar
      of inertia allows players to better tolerate off-center impacts, it also appears
      to place additional loads on the upper extremity when serving and may therefore
      increase injury risk in tennis players. 

PMID- 25117873
TI  - Cross-education strength and activation after eccentric exercise.
AB  - CONTEXT: After injury, eccentric exercise of the injured limb is often
      contraindicated. Cross-education training, whereby the uninvolved limb is
      exercised, is an alternative that may improve quadriceps muscle strength and
      activation in the unexercised limb. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of
      eccentric exercise on quadriceps strength and activation gains in the unexercised
      limb. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen healthy individuals were randomly
      assigned to an eccentric training group or a control group. INTERVENTION(S):
      Quadriceps strength and activation measures were collected at preintervention,
      midintervention, and postintervention. Eccentric training participants exercised
      their dominant limb with a dynamometer in eccentric mode at 60 degrees /s, 3
      times per week for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Quadriceps strength was
      quantified at 30 degrees  and 60 degrees /s in concentric and eccentric modes.
      Quadriceps activation was assessed using the burst superimposition technique and
      quantified via the central activation ratio. A 2 * 3 repeated-measures analysis
      of variance was used to detect the effects of group and testing session on
      quadriceps strength and activation. Where appropriate, post hoc Bonferroni
      multiple-comparisons procedures were used. RESULTS: We found greater eccentric
      strength in the unexercised limbs of eccentric training participants between
      preintervention and midintervention and between preintervention and
      postintervention (preintervention to midintervention: 30 degrees /s P = .05;
      preintervention to postintervention: 30 degrees /s P = .02, 60 degrees /s P =
      .02). No differences were noted in concentric strength (P > .05). An overall
      trend toward greater quadriceps activation in the unexercised knee was detected
      between preintervention and postintervention (P = .063), with the eccentric
      training group demonstrating a strong effect (Cohen d = 0.83). Control strength
      did not change (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Exercising with eccentric actions resulted
      in mode-specific and velocity-specific gains in quadriceps strength in the
      unexercised limb. A trend toward greater quadriceps activation in the unexercised
      knee was noted, suggesting that strength gains may have occurred because of
      enhanced neural activity. This type of therapy may be a useful addition to
      rehabilitation programs designed to improve quadriceps strength.

PMID- 25117872
TI  - What's behind a sand fly bite? The profound effect of sand fly saliva on host
      hemostasis, inflammation and immunity.
AB  - Sand flies are blood-feeding insects and vectors of the Leishmania parasite. For
      many years, saliva of these insects has represented a gold mine for the discovery
      of molecules with anti-hemostatic and immuno-modulatory activities. Furthermore,
      proteins in sand fly saliva have been shown to be a potential vaccine against
      leishmaniasis and also markers of vector exposure. A bottleneck to progress in
      these areas of research has been the identification of molecules responsible for
      the observed activities and properties of saliva. Over the past decade, rapid
      advances in transcriptomics and proteomics resulted in the completion of a number
      of sialomes (salivary gland transcriptomes) and the expression of several
      recombinant salivary proteins from different species of sand fly vectors. This
      review will provide readers with a comprehensive update of recent advances in the
      characterization of these salivary molecules and their biological activities and
      offer insights pertaining to their protective effect against leishmaniasis and
      their potential as markers of vector exposure. 

PMID- 25117874
TI  - Holistic life-span health outcomes among elite intercollegiate student-athletes.
AB  - CONTEXT: Competitive sports are recognized as having unique health benefits and
      risks, and the effect of sports on life-span health among elite athletes has
      received increasing attention. However, supporting scientific data are sparse and
      do not represent modern athletes. OBJECTIVE: To assess holistic life-span health
      and health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) among current and former National
      Collegiate Athletic Association student-athletes (SAs). DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      study. SETTING: A large Division I university. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS:
      Population-based sample of 496 university students and alumni (age 17-84 years),
      including SAs and an age-matched and sex-matched nonathlete (NA) control group.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Participants completed anonymous, self-report
      questionnaires. We measured the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) physical and mental
      component HRQL scores and cumulative lifetime experience and relative risk of
      treatment for joint, cardiopulmonary, and psychosocial health concerns. RESULTS:
      Older alumni (age 43+ years) SAs reported greater joint health concerns than NAs
      (larger joint summary scores; P = .04; Cohen d = 0.69; probability of clinically
      important difference [pCID] = 77%; treatment odds ratio [OR] = 14.0, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 1.6, 126). Joint health for current and younger alumni
      SAs was similar to that for NAs. Older alumni reported greater cardiopulmonary
      health concerns than younger alumni (summary score P < .001; d = 1.05; pCID =
      85%; OR = 5.8, 95% CI = 2.0, 16) and current students (P < .001; d = 2.25; pCID
      >99.5%; OR = 7.1, 95% CI = 3.3, 15), but the risk was similar for SAs and NAs.
      Current SAs demonstrated evidence of better psychosocial health (summary score P
      = .006; d = -0.52; pCID = 40%) and mental component HRQL (P = .008; d = 0.50;
      pCID = 48%) versus NAs but similar psychosocial treatment odds (OR = 0.87, 95% CI
      = 0.39, 1.9). Psychosocial health and mental component HRQL were similar between
      alumni SAs and NAs. No differences were observed between SAs and NAs in physical
      component HRQL. CONCLUSIONS: The SAs demonstrated significant, clinically
      meaningful evidence of greater joint health concerns later in life, comparable
      cardiopulmonary health, and differences in life-span psychosocial health and HRQL
      profiles compared with NAs. These data provide timely evidence regarding a
      compelling public issue and highlight the need for further study of life-span
      health among modern athletes.

PMID- 25117876
TI  - Effect of electrohydraulic shockwave treatment on tenderness, muscle cathepsin
      and peptidase activities and microstructure of beef loin steaks from Holstein
      young bulls.
AB  - Hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP) or shockwave treatment improved tenderness
      (18% reduction in Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) of beef loin steaks.
      Endogenous muscle proteolyic activities (cathepsins and peptidases) and protein
      fragmentation of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins detected by sodium
      dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were not influenced
      by HDP. However, microstructure changes were clearly detected using confocal
      laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
      Specifically a disruption of the structure at the muscle fiber bundles and an
      increased endomysium space were observed. The present paper supports the evidence
      of physical disruption of the muscle fibers as a cause behind the tenderness
      improvement. The paper discusses the possible mechanisms responsible for the meat
      tenderisation induced by HDP treatment.

PMID- 25117875
TI  - Risk of Lower Extremity Injury in a Military Cadet Population After a Supervised
      Injury-Prevention Program.
AB  - CONTEXT:  Specific movement patterns have been identified as possible risk
      factors for noncontact lower extremity injuries. The Dynamic Integrated Movement
      Enhancement (DIME) was developed to modify these movement patterns to decrease
      injury risk. OBJECTIVE:  To determine if the DIME is effective for preventing
      lower extremity injuries in US Military Academy (USMA) cadets. DESIGN:  Cluster
      randomized controlled trial. SETTING:  Cadet Basic Training at USMA. PATIENTS OR
      OTHER PARTICIPANTS:  Participants were 1313 cadets (1070 men, 243 women).
      INTERVENTION(S):  Participants were cluster randomized to 3 groups. The active
      warm-up (AWU) group performed standard Army warm-up exercises. The DIME groups
      were assigned to a DIME cadre-supervised (DCS) group or a DIME expert-supervised
      (DES) group; the former consisted of cadet supervision and the latter combined
      cadet and health professional supervision. Groups performed exercises 3 times
      weekly for 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):  Cumulative risk of lower extremity
      injury was the primary outcome. We gathered data during Cadet Basic Training and
      for 9 months during the subsequent academic year. Risk ratios and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) were calculated to compare groups. RESULTS:  No differences were
      seen between the AWU and the combined DIME (DCS and DES) groups during Cadet
      Basic Training or the academic year. During the academic year, lower extremity
      injury risk in the DES group decreased 41% (relative risk [RR] = 0.59; 95% CI =
      0.38, 0.93; P = .02) compared with the DCS group; a nonsignificant 25% (RR =
      0.75; 95% CI = 0.49, 1.14; P = .18) decrease occurred in the DES group compared
      with the AWU group. Finally, there was a nonsignificant 27% (RR = 1.27; 95% CI =
      0.90, 1.78; P = .17) increase in injury risk during the academic year in the DCS
      group compared with the AWU group. CONCLUSIONS:  We observed no differences in
      lower extremity injury risk between the AWU and combined DIME groups. However,
      the magnitude and direction of the risk ratios in the DES group compared with the
      AWU group, although not statistically significant, indicate that professional
      supervision may be a factor in the success of injury-prevention programs.

PMID- 25117877
TI  - Is health a right for all? An umbrella review of the barriers to health care
      access faced by migrants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To synthesise the scientific evidence concerning barriers to health
      care access faced by migrants. We sought to critically analyse this evidence with
      a view to guiding policies. DESIGN: A systematic review methodology was used to
      identify systematic and scoping reviews which quantitatively or qualitatively
      analysed data from primary studies. The main variables analysed were structural
      and contextual barriers (health system organisation) as well as individual
      (patients and providers). The quality of evidence from the systematic reviews was
      critically appraised. From 2674 reviews, 79 were retained for further scrutiny,
      and finally 9 met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The structural barriers
      identified were the lack of health insurance and the high cost of drugs (non
      universal health system) and organisational aspects of health system (social
      insurance system and national health system). The individual barriers were
      linguistic and cultural. None of the reviews provided a quality appraisal of the
      studies. CONCLUSIONS: Barriers to health care for migrants range from entitlement
      in non-universal health systems to accessibility in universal ones, and
      determinants of access to the respective health services should be analysed
      within the corresponding national context. Generate social and institutional
      changes that eliminate barriers to access to health services is essential to
      ensure health for all.

PMID- 25117878
TI  - Factors characterizing access and latency to first pharmacological treatment in
      Italian patients with schizophrenia, mood, and anxiety spectrum disorders.
AB  - Latency to first pharmacological treatment [duration of untreated illness (DUI)]
      in psychiatric disorders can be measured in years, with differences across
      diagnostic areas and relevant consequences in terms of socio-occupational
      functioning and outcome. Within the psychopathological onset of a specific
      disorder, many factors influence access and latency to first pharmacotherapy and
      the present study aimed to investigate such factors, through an ad-hoc developed
      questionnaire, in a sample of 538 patients with diagnoses of schizophrenia
      spectrum disorder (SZ), mood disorder (MD), and anxiety disorder (AD). Patients
      with SZs showed earlier ages at onset, first diagnosis and treatment, as well as
      shorter DUI compared with other patients (43.17 months vs. 58.64 and 80.43 months
      in MD and AD; F=3.813, P=0.02). Patients with MD and AD reported more frequently
      onset-related stressful events, benzodiazepines as first treatment, and
      autonomous help seeking compared with patients with SZs. In terms of first
      therapist, psychiatrist referral accounted for 43.6% of the cases, progressively
      decreasing from SZ to MD and AD (57.6, 41.8, and 38.3%, respectively). The
      opposite phenomenon was observed for nonpsychiatrist clinician referrals, whereas
      psychologist referrals remained constant. The present findings confirm the
      presence of a relevant DUI in a large sample of Italian patients with different
      psychiatric disorders (5 years, on average), pointing out specific differences,
      in terms of treatment access and latency, between psychotic and affective
      patients. Such aspects are relevant for detection of at-risk patients and
      implement early intervention programs. 

PMID- 25117881
TI  - Exercise and cardiovascular diseases.
AB  - Exercise is a physiologic stressor that has multiple beneficial effects on
      cardiovascular system. Currently exercise training is a class I intervention as
      part of a multifactorial long-term process that includes: clinical assistance,
      assessment of global cardiovascular risk, identification of specific objective
      for each cardiovascular risk factor, formulation of an individual treatment plan
      with multiple intervention aimed at reduction of the risk, educational programs,
      planning of long term follow-up. This paper reviews the evidences of benefit of
      exercise in the most common heart diseases and describes the role of exercise
      training in the cardiac rehabilitation programs.

PMID- 25117880
TI  - Renal denervation as a friend of catheter ablation in patients with atrial
      fibrillation and hypertension.

PMID- 25117879
TI  - An exploratory spatial analysis of geographical inequalities of birth intervals
      among young women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): a cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The length of time between two successive live births (birth
      interval), is associated with child survival in the developing world. Short birth
      intervals (<24 months) contribute to infant and child mortality risks.
      Contraceptive use contributes to a reduction in short birth intervals, but
      evidence is lacking in the DRC. We aimed to investigate the proportion of short
      birth intervals at the provincial level among young women in the DRC. METHODS:
      Data from the Demographic and Health Survey undertaken in the DRC in 2007 were
      analyzed. Logistic regression and Bayesian geo-additive models were used to
      explain provincial inequalities in short birth intervals among women of
      reproductive age and young women. Posterior odds ratio (OR) and 95% credible
      region (CR) were estimated via Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques.
      Posterior spatial effects and the associated posterior probability maps were
      produced at the provincial-level to highlight provinces with a significant higher
      risk of short birth interval. RESULTS: The overall proportion of short birth
      intervals among all women of reproductive age (15-49 years) and young women (15
      24 years) were 30.2% and 38.7% respectively. In multivariate Bayesian geo
      additive regression analyses, among the whole sample of women, living in rural
      areas [OR = 1.07, 95% CR: (0.97, 1.17)], exclusive breastfeeding [1.08 (1.00,
      1.17)] and women with primary education [1.06 (1.00, 1.16)], were consistently
      associated with a higher risk of short birth intervals. For the young women, none
      of the factors considered were associated with the risk of short birth interval
      except a marginal effect from the lack of education. There was a spatial
      variation in the proportion of women reporting short birth intervals and among
      all women of reproductive age across provinces, with Nord-Kivu [1.12 (1.02,
      1.24)], Sud Kivu [1.17 (1.05, 1.29)] and Kasai Occidental [1.18 (1.06, 1.32)]
      reporting a higher risk of short birth intervals. For young women, the higher
      risk provinces were Nord-Kivu [1.22 (1.00, 1.54)] and Sud Kivu [1.34 (1.14,
      1.63)]. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests distinct geographic patterns in the
      proportion of short birth intervals among Congolese women, as well as the
      potential role of demographic and geographic location factors driving the ongoing
      higher youth fertility, higher childhood and maternal mortality in the DRC.

PMID- 25117882
TI  - Changes in serum asymmetric dimethylarginine and endothelial markers levels with
      varying periods of hemodialysis.
AB  - Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) as a uremia toxin is accumulated in end-stage
      renal disease (ESRD) patients. Elevated ADMA level has been shown to be
      predictive of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and all-cause mortality in ESRD.
      Therefore, we investigated the effect of prolonged hemodialysis (HD) treatment on
      the levels of serum ADMA, arginine, nitric oxide (NO), soluble intercellular
      adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1
      (sVCAM-1). Seventy-five patients (M/F = 40/35) with chronic renal failure (CRF)
      and who were on HD were divided into five groups with differing treatment periods
      of HD; from 6 to 24 months to 97-120 months. Fifteen apparently healthy subjects
      acted as controls. The serum levels of ADMA, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were increased
      in all patient groups compared to the control group. No significant difference
      was observed when the patient groups were compared in terms of HD treatment
      periods. Nitric oxide levels were lower in the three groups who were treated for
      periods of 49-72, 73-96, 97-120 months compared to the control group. The L
      arginine to ADMA ratio was decreased in all patient groups compared to controls.
      Consequently, our investigations have shown that in HD continued for more than 4
      years NO levels began to decrease significantly and the levels of serum ADMA,
      sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels increased although this increase was not affected by
      the period in which hemodialysis treatment was applied. 

PMID- 25117883
TI  - New bone formation induced by minimodeling in a hemodialysis patient treated with
      cinacalcet.

PMID- 25117887
TI  - Determinants of modern family planning use among women of reproductive age in the
      Nkwanta district of Ghana: a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Average contraceptive prevalence rate in the Nkwanta district of
      Ghana was estimated to be 6.2% relative to the national average at the time, of
      19%. While several efforts had been made to improve family planning in the
      country, the district still had very low use of modern family planning methods.
      This study sought to determine the factors that influenced modern family planning
      use in general and specifically, the factors that determined the consistently low
      use of modern family planning methods in the district. METHODS: A case-control
      study was conducted in the Nkwanta district of Ghana to determine socio-economic,
      socio-cultural and service delivery factors influencing family planning usage.
      One hundred and thirty cases and 260 controls made up of women aged 15-49 years
      were interviewed using structured questionnaires. A logistic regression was
      fitted. RESULTS: Awareness and knowledge of modern family planning methods were
      high among cases and controls (over 90%). Lack of formal education among women,
      socio-cultural beliefs and spousal communication were found to influence modern
      family planning use. Furthermore, favourable opening hours of the facilities and
      distance to health facilities influenced the use of modern contraceptives.
      CONCLUSION: While modern family planning seemed to be common knowledge among
      these women, actual use of such contraceptives was limited. There is need to
      improve use of modern family planning methods in the district. In addition to
      providing health facilities and consolidating close-to-client service initiatives
      in the district, policies directed towards improving modern family planning
      method use need to consider the influence of formal education. Promoting basic
      education, especially among females, will be a crucial step as the district is
      faced with high levels of school dropout and illiteracy rates.

PMID- 25117886
TI  - Effect of acute swim stress on plasma corticosterone and brain monoamine levels
      in bidirectionally selected DxH recombinant inbred mouse strains differing in
      fear recall and extinction.
AB  - Stress-induced changes in plasma corticosterone and central monoamine levels were
      examined in mouse strains that differ in fear-related behaviors. Two DxH
      recombinant inbred mouse strains with a DBA/2J background, which were originally
      bred for a high (H-FSS) and low fear-sensitized acoustic startle reflex (L-FSS),
      were used. Levels of noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin and their metabolites
      3,4-dihydroxyphenyacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5
      hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were studied in the amygdala, hippocampus,
      medial prefrontal cortex, striatum, hypothalamus and brainstem. H-FSS mice
      exhibited increased fear levels and a deficit in fear extinction (within-session)
      in the auditory fear-conditioning test, and depressive-like behavior in the acute
      forced swim stress test. They had higher tissue noradrenaline and serotonin
      levels and lower dopamine and serotonin turnover under basal conditions, although
      they were largely insensitive to stress-induced changes in neurotransmitter
      metabolism. In contrast, acute swim stress increased monoamine levels but
      decreased turnover in the less fearful L-FSS mice. L-FSS mice also showed a trend
      toward higher basal and stress-induced corticosterone levels and an increase in
      noradrenaline and serotonin in the hypothalamus and brainstem 30 min after stress
      compared to H-FSS mice. Moreover, the dopaminergic system was activated
      differentially in the medial prefrontal cortex and striatum of the two strains by
      acute stress. Thus, H-FSS mice showed increased basal noradrenaline tissue levels
      compatible with a fear phenotype or chronic stressed condition. Low
      corticosterone levels and the poor monoamine response to stress in H-FSS mice may
      point to mechanisms similar to those found in principal fear disorders or post
      traumatic stress disorder.

PMID- 25117889
TI  - School-level factors associated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption
      among students in California middle and high schools.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed associations between selective school-level
      factors and students' consumption of fruits and vegetables at school. Better
      understanding of school factors associated with increased produce consumption is
      especially important, as students are served more produce items at school.
      METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 5439 seventh- and ninth-grade
      students from 31 schools in California in 2010. Multilevel regression models
      estimated whether the odds of consuming fruits or vegetables at school among
      students eating the school lunch were associated with the length of the lunch
      period, quality/variety of produce options, or other factors. RESULTS: A longer
      lunch period was associated with increased odds of a student eating fruits (odds
      ratio [OR] = 1.40) and vegetables (OR = 1.54) at school. Better fruit quality
      increased the odds of a student consuming fruit (OR = 1.44). Including a salad
      bar and involving students in food service decisions increased a student's odds
      of consuming vegetables (OR = 1.48 and OR = 1.34, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      This study suggests that institutional factors in schools are positively
      associated with middle and high school students' consumption of produce items at
      school. Additional efforts to structure school meal environments to enhance
      students' consumption of produce items can benefit students' nutrition and
      health.

PMID- 25117888
TI  - Relationship between frequency and intensity of cigarette smoking and TTFC/C
      among students of the GYTS in select countries, 2007-2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed the construct validity of a measure of nicotine
      dependence that was used in the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). METHODS:
      Using 2007-2009 data from the GYTS, subjects from 6 countries were used to assess
      current smokers' odds of reporting time to first cigarette or craving positive
      (TTFC/C+) by the number of cigarette smoking days per month (DPM) and the number
      of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD). RESULTS: The percentage of GYTS smokers who
      reported TTFC/C+ ranged from 58.0% to 69.7%. Compared with students who smoked on
      1-2 DPM, those who smoked on 3-9 DPM had 3 times the adjusted odds of reporting
      TTFC/C+. The adjusted odds of reporting TTFC/C+ were 3 to 7 times higher among
      those who smoked 10-29 DPM and 6 to 20 times higher among daily smokers.
      Similarly, the adjusted odds of TTFC/C+ were 3-6 times higher among those who
      smoked 2-5 CPD and 6 to 20 times higher among those who smoked >6 CPD, compared
      to those who smoked <1 CPD. CONCLUSION: Associations of TTFC/C+ prevalence with
      both frequency and intensity of cigarette smoking provide a construct validation
      of the GYTS question used to assess respondents' TTFC/C status.

PMID- 25117890
TI  - Classroom carbon dioxide concentration, school attendance, and educational
      attainment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We tested the hypothesis that classroom carbon dioxide (CO2 )
      concentration is inversely related to child school attendance and educational
      attainment. METHODS: Concentrations of CO2 were measured over a 3-5 day period in
      60 naturally ventilated classrooms of primary school children in Scotland.
      Concentrations of CO2 were related to the class average annual attendance and
      proportions attaining a national standard for reading, writing, and numeracy,
      adjusted for socioeconomic status and class size. RESULTS: The median
      (interquartile range, IQR) CO2 concentration averaged over the school day was
      1086 ppm (922, 1310). In the model, Time Weighted Average CO2 concentrations were
      inversely associated with school attendance but not academic attainments. An
      increase of 100 ppm CO2 was associated with a reduced annual attendance of 0.2%
      (0.04, 0.4) roughly equivalent to 1 half day of school per annum, assuming
      schools are open on 190 days per year. Indoor temperature and relative humidity
      were not related to attendance or academic attainment. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate
      classroom ventilation, as evidenced by CO2 concentration exceeding 1000 ppm, is
      not uncommon and may be associated with reduced school attendance. A relationship
      between inadequate classroom ventilation and adverse health outcomes in children
      may be present and this needs to be explored.

PMID- 25117891
TI  - School bus crash rates on routine and nonroutine routes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although prior research has established that school buses are a safe
      form of transportation, crashes can produce catastrophic consequences. School
      buses have 2 types of routes: predictable, routine routes that take children to
      and from school and less predictable, nonroutine routes for school events. No
      studies have examined school bus crash incidence and characteristics by these
      route types. METHODS: School bus crashes were identified from the Iowa Department
      of Transportation Crash Database from mid-2005 through mid-2010. Crash reports
      did not identify whether the bus was on a routine or nonroutine route, so a
      protocol to assign these based on day and time was developed. Bus mileage was
      provided by the Iowa Department of Education. RESULTS: The school bus crash rate
      was 2.1 times higher on nonroutine routes than on routine routes (95% CI = 1.8
      2.3). Most crashes involved an improper action by the driver of another vehicle.
      In crashes attributed to improper actions of school buses, failure to yield the
      right-of-way and disregarding traffic signs were more common on routine routes,
      while losing control, speeding, reckless, or aggressive driving were more common
      on nonroutine routes. CONCLUSIONS: School bus crashes are more likely to occur on
      nonroutine routes.

PMID- 25117892
TI  - The "ins" and "outs" of physical activity policy implementation: inadequate
      capacity, inappropriate outcome measures, and insufficient funds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite broad public support and legislative activity, policies
      intended to promote physical activity in schools have not produced positive
      outcomes in levels of physical activity or student health. What explains the
      broad failure of Physical Activity Policies (PAPs)? Thus far, PAP research has
      used limited quantitative methods to assess PAP outcomes. New paradigms of
      qualitative policy implementation research can make important contributions to
      explaining the causes of policy failure and to the future design of more
      efficacious PAP legislation. METHODS: This analysis is a case study of South
      Carolina's 2005 Student Health and Fitness Act (SHFA). Written documents,
      investigators' observation and experience, and an interview with a key
      stakeholder were analyzed to for themes based on theoretical frameworks from
      education implementation research including (1) bottom-up and top-down
      perspectives, (2) conceptualizing policy as practice, and (3) the implementer as
      learner. RESULTS: "Weak policy signals" in SHFA undermined the implementation of
      PAP in 3 problematic areas: inadequate capacity development for implementers,
      inappropriate measures of implementation, and insufficient funding. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings illustrate the contributions of qualitative research and establish
      the need for further qualitative research into PAP implementation processes. To
      ensure successful future physical activity policies, policymakers, and
      stakeholders need to consider implementation, evaluation, and funding from the
      beginning phases of policy development.

PMID- 25117893
TI  - Influenza vaccination coverage among school employees: assessing knowledge,
      attitudes, and behaviors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza can spread among students, teachers, and staff in school
      settings. Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent influenza. We
      determined 2012-2013 influenza vaccination coverage among school employees,
      assessed knowledge and attitudes regarding the vaccine, and determined factors
      associated with vaccine receipt. METHODS: We surveyed 412 (49%) of 841 employees
      at 1 suburban Ohio school district in March 2013. The Web-based survey assessed
      personal and work characteristics, vaccine receipt, and knowledge and attitudes
      regarding the vaccine. RESULTS: Overall, 238 (58%) respondents reported getting
      the 2012-2013 influenza vaccine. The most common reason for getting the vaccine
      was to protect oneself or one's family (87%). Beliefs that the vaccine was not
      needed (32%) or that it was not effective (21%) were the most common reasons for
      not getting it. Factors independently associated with vaccine receipt were having
      positive attitudes toward the vaccine, feeling external pressure to get it, and
      feeling personal control over whether to get it. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccine
      coverage among school employees should be improved. Messages encouraging school
      employees to get the vaccine should address misconceptions about the vaccine.
      Employers should use methods to maximize employee vaccination as part of a
      comprehensive influenza prevention program.

PMID- 25117894
TI  - Measuring school climate in high schools: a focus on safety, engagement, and the
      environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: School climate has been linked to multiple student behavioral,
      academic, health, and social-emotional outcomes. The US Department of Education
      (USDOE) developed a 3-factor model of school climate comprised of safety,
      engagement, and environment. This article examines the factor structure and
      measurement invariance of the USDOE model. METHODS: Drawing upon 2 consecutive
      waves of data from over 25,000 high school students (46% minority), a series of
      exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses examined the fit of the Maryland
      Safe and Supportive Schools Climate Survey with the USDOE model. RESULTS: The
      results indicated adequate model fit with the theorized 3-factor model of school
      climate, which included 13 subdomains: safety (perceived safety, bullying and
      aggression, and drug use); engagement (connection to teachers, student
      connectedness, academic engagement, school connectedness, equity, and parent
      engagement); environment (rules and consequences, physical comfort, and support,
      disorder). We also found consistent measurement invariance with regard to student
      sex, grade level, and ethnicity. School-level interclass correlation coefficients
      ranged from 0.04 to .10 for the scales. CONCLUSIONS: Findings supported the USDOE
      3-factor model of school climate and suggest measurement invariance and high
      internal consistency of the 3 scales and 13 subdomains. These results suggest the
      56-item measure may be a potentially efficient, yet comprehensive measure of
      school climate.

PMID- 25117895
TI  - Employment status among parenting teenage mothers enrolled in high school.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many programs emphasize subsequent pregnancy prevention and high
      school graduation among teenage mothers; however, less is known about their
      ability to increase financial earnings from employment opportunities while
      concurrently enrolled in school. This study evaluates factors influencing
      employment status among teenage mothers after enrolling in a community-based
      randomized intervention. METHODS: Project Mothers and Schools (PMAS) initiative
      participants were surveyed at baseline and 12 months after enrollment. The 56
      control group participants received homebound education and family case
      management, whereas the 59 intervention group participants received these basic
      level services as well as group parenting time, life skills, and leadership
      training. A generalized estimating equation was used to identify statistically
      significant changes associated with the intervention. RESULTS: Participants were
      significantly more likely to receive money from their jobs at postintervention
      relative to baseline (OR = 4.75, p = .023); however, this change was not
      statistically significant when comparing the control group to the intervention
      group. At postintervention, those who received money from parents were
      significantly less likely to receive money from their job (OR = 0.12, p = .002).
      CONCLUSIONS: While PMAS benefited participants in terms of employment, the role
      of parental support requires additional investigation to determine its influence
      on teenage mothers' ability to achieve financial independence.

PMID- 25117896
TI  - State-level school competitive food and beverage laws are associated with
      children's weight status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study attempted to determine whether state laws regulating low
      nutrient, high energy-dense foods and beverages sold outside of the reimbursable
      school meals program (referred to as "competitive foods") are associated with
      children's weight status. METHODS: We use the Classification of Laws Associated
      with School Students (CLASS) database of state codified law(s) relevant to school
      nutrition. States were classified as having strong, weak, or no competitive food
      laws in 2005 based on strength and comprehensiveness. Parent-reported height and
      weight along with demographic, behavioral, family, and household characteristics
      were obtained from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health. Bivariate and
      logistic regression analyses estimated the association between states'
      competitive food laws and children's overweight and obesity status (body mass
      index [BMI]-for-age >=85th percentile). Children (N = 16,271) between the ages of
      11-14 years with a BMI for age >=5th percentile who attended public school were
      included. RESULTS: Children living in states with weak competitive food laws for
      middle schools had over a 20% higher odds of being overweight or obese than
      children living in states with either no or strong school competitive food laws.
      CONCLUSION: State-level school competitive food and beverage laws merit attention
      with efforts to address the childhood obesity epidemic. Attention to the
      specificity and requirements of these laws should also be considered.

PMID- 25117897
TI  - Characterization of Coffee ringspot virus-Lavras: a model for an emerging threat
      to coffee production and quality.
AB  - The emergence of viruses in Coffee (Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora), the
      most widely traded agricultural commodity in the world, is of critical concern.
      The RNA1 (6552nt) of Coffee ringspot virus is organized into five open reading
      frames (ORFs) capable of encoding the viral nucleocapsid (ORF1p), phosphoprotein
      (ORF2p), putative cell-to-cell movement protein (ORF3p), matrix protein (ORF4p)
      and glycoprotein (ORF5p). Each ORF is separated by a conserved intergenic
      junction. RNA2 (5945nt), which completes the bipartite genome, encodes a single
      protein (ORF6p) with homology to RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Phylogenetic
      analysis of L protein sequences firmly establishes CoRSV as a member of the
      recently proposed Dichorhavirus genus. Predictive algorithms, in planta protein
      expression, and a yeast-based nuclear import assay were used to determine the
      nucleophillic character of five CoRSV proteins. Finally, the temperature
      dependent ability of CoRSV to establish systemic infections in an initially local
      lesion host was quantified. 

PMID- 25117898
TI  - Circulating levels of chemokines in psoriasis.
AB  - Chemokines may contribute to local and systemic inflammation in patients with
      psoriasis. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of chemokine ligands
      and receptors in the recruitment of T cells into psoriatic lesional skin and
      synovial fluid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of Th1-related
      chemokines in psoriasis and to investigate any association with disease severity.
      We quantified serum levels of CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL16 and the frequencies of
      CD4+CXCR3+ T lymphocytes through ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. A total
      of 38 patients with psoriasis and 33 controls were included. There were no
      significant differences in chemokine levels between psoriasis and control groups.
      Patients with psoriatic arthritis had lower median level of CXCL10 when compared
      with controls (p=0.03). There were no significant correlations between serum
      chemokines analyzed and disease severity. Frequencies of CD4+CXCR3+ T cells were
      lower in patients with psoriasis than in controls (p<0.01). A sensitivity
      analysis excluding patients on systemic therapy yielded similar results. Serum
      concentrations of CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL16 were not increased in the psoriasis
      group or correlated with disease severity. Systemic levels of chemokine ligands
      do not seem to be sensitive biomarkers of disease activity or accurate parameters
      to predict response to therapy. Frequencies of CD4+CXCR3+ T cells were decreased
      in the peripheral blood of psoriasis patients, possibly due to recruitment to
      inflammatory lesions.

PMID- 25117899
TI  - NMR characterization of the electrostatic interaction of the basic residues in
      HDGF and FGF2 during heparin binding.
AB  - Electrostatic interaction is a major driving force in the binding of proteins to
      highly acidic glycosaminoglycan, such as heparin. Although NMR backbone chemical
      shifts have generally been used to identify the heparin-binding site on a
      protein, however, there is no correlation between the binding free energies and
      the perturbed backbone chemical shifts for individual residues. The binding event
      occurs at the end of a side chain of basic residue, and does not require causing
      significant alterations in the backbone environment at a distance of multiple
      bonds. We used the H2CN NMR pulse sequence to detect heparin binding through the
      side-chain resonances Hepsilon-Cepsilon-Nzeta of Lys and Hdelta-Cdelta-Nepsilon
      of Arg in the two proteins of hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) and basic
      fibroblast growth factor (FGF2). H2CN titration experiments revealed chemical
      shift perturbations in the side chains, which were correlated with the free
      energy changes in various mutants. The residues K19 in HDGF and K125 in FGF2
      demonstrated the most significant perturbations, consistent with our previous
      observation that the two residues are crucial for binding. The result suggests
      that H2CN NMR provides a precise evaluation for the electrostatic interactions.
      The discrepancy observed between backbone and side chain chemical shifts is
      correlated to the solvent accessibility of residues that the K19 and K125
      backbones are highly buried with the restricted backbone conformation and are not
      strongly affected by the events at the end of the side chains. 

PMID- 25117905
TI  - Bevacizumab revisited: its use in different mouse models of ocular pathologies.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previous reports have yielded conflicting data on the activity of
      bevacizumab (Avastin), a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody against VEGF
      A, in the mouse. The current study was designed to further explore the use of
      this VEGF inhibitor in various murine models of ocular diseases and compare it to
      the widely used murine anti-VEGF-R2 neutralizing antibody (DC101). METHODS:
      Murine models of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV), oxygen-induced
      retinopathy (OIR) and glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) were used to investigate
      the effect of bevacizumab. Mice either received an intravitreal (CNV-OIR) or
      subconjunctival (GFS) injection. In all models, they were divided in two groups
      (n = 10 per group). In the first group, one eye was injected with bevacizumab (1
      ul; 25 ug) and the other eye was used as a negative control and received an
      injection of NaCl (1 ul; 0.9%). In the second group, one eye was injected with
      DC101 (1 ul; 6.2 ug), whereas an isotype-matched control antibody (1C8; 4.8 ug)
      was administered in the contralateral eye. Treatment outcome was studied by
      clinical investigation (GFS) and immunohistological analysis of angiogenesis
      (CD31/FITC-dextran/H&E) and fibrosis (Sirius Red). RESULTS: Analysis of blood
      vessel density (CNV) and blood vessel growth (OIR) showed a comparable decrease
      after intravitreal administration of bevacizumab or DC101. Furthermore, in the
      mouse model of GFS, clinical investigation of the bleb and a CD31 staining on
      sections demonstrated that subconjunctival injection of both antibodies similarly
      improved the surgical outcome (bleb area and survival) by reducing angiogenesis.
      Moreover, morphometric analysis after Sirius Red staining showed a comparable
      reduction in collagen deposition after administration of the inhibitors.
      CONCLUSION: Our findings consistently demonstrate that bevacizumab is as
      effective as the murine anti-VEGF-R2 antibody (DC101) in mouse models of CNV, OIR
      and GFS, thus confirming its suitability for translational ophthalmological
      research.

PMID- 25117906
TI  - Erlotinib and gastric acid-reducing agents: a combination to avoid or to support?

PMID- 25117907
TI  - Bayes factor for investigative assessment of selected handwriting features.
AB  - This paper extends previous research on the use of multivariate continuous data
      in comparative handwriting examinations, notably for gender classification. A
      database has been constructed by analyzing the contour shape of loop characters
      of type a and d by means of Fourier analysis, which allows characters to be
      described in a global way by a set of variables (e.g., Fourier descriptors).
      Sample handwritings were collected from right- and left-handed female and male
      writers. The results reported in this paper provide further arguments in support
      of the view that investigative settings in forensic science represent an area of
      application for which the Bayesian approach offers a logical framework. In
      particular, the Bayes factor is computed for settings that focus on inference of
      gender and handedness of the author of an incriminated handwritten text. An
      emphasis is placed on comparing the efficiency for investigative purposes of
      characters a and d.

PMID- 25117908
TI  - Quantitative evaluation of the performance of a new test bolus-based computed
      tomographic angiography contrast-enhancement-prediction algorithm.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the robustness of a novel
      test bolus (TB)-based computed tomographic angiography (CTA) contrast-enhancement
      prediction (CEP) algorithm by retrospectively quantifying the systematic and
      random errors between the predicted and true enhancements. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      All local institutional review boards approved this retrospective study, in which
      a total of 72 (3 * 24) anonymized cardiac CTA examinations were collected from 3
      hospitals. All patients (46 men; median age, 62 years [range, 31-81 years])
      underwent a TB scan and a cardiac CTA according to local scan and injection
      protocols. For each patient, a shorter TB signal and TB signals with lower
      temporal resolution were derived from the original TB signal. The CEP algorithm
      predicted the enhancement in the descending aorta (DAo) on the basis of the TB
      signals in the DAo, the injection protocols and kilovolt settings, as well as
      population-averaged blood circulation characteristics. The true enhancement was
      extracted with a region of interest along the DAo centerline. For each patient,
      the errors in timing and amplitude were calculated; differences between the
      hospitals were assessed using the 1-way analysis of variance (P < 0.05) and
      variations between the TB signals were assessed using the within-subject standard
      deviation. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the 3 hospitals
      for any of the TB signals. With errors in the amplitude and timing of 0.3% +/-
      15.6% and -0.2 +/- 2.0 seconds, respectively, no clinically relevant systematic
      errors existed. Shorter- and coarser-time-sampled TB signals introduced a within
      subject standard deviation of 4.0% and 0.5 seconds, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      This TB-based CEP algorithm has no systematic errors in the timing and amplitude
      of predicted enhancements and is robust against coarser-time-sampled and
      incomplete TB scans.

PMID- 25117909
TI  - Physical activity in chronic kidney disease: a plausible approach to vascular
      calcification?
AB  - Vascular calcification (VC) is a prominent feature that affects up to 40 to 80%
      of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients depending on the degree of renal
      impairment. Though etiology and pathogenesis of the different types of VC are far
      from being elucidated, it is conceivable that an imbalance between promoters and
      inhibitors represents the condition that triggers VC deposition and progression.
      In addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors, several lines of evidence
      suggest that specific factors may affect the arterial system and prognosis in
      CKD. Over the last decade, a few pharmacological strategies aimed at controlling
      different selected risk factors for VC have been investigated yielding
      conflicting results. In light of the complicated interplay between inhibitors and
      promoters as well as the fact that VC represents the result of cumulative and
      prolonged exposure to multiple risk factors, a more comprehensive risk
      modification approach such as lifestyle modification or physical activity (PA)
      may represent a valid strategy to attenuate VC deposition and progression.We
      herein aim at reviewing the rationale and current evidence on the potential for
      lifestyle modification with a specific focus on PA as a cost-effective strategy
      for VC treatment.

PMID- 25117911
TI  - Part I: frequency of depression after stroke: an updated systematic review and
      meta-analysis of observational studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approximately 15 million people who suffer a stroke globally each
      year are at risk of developing depression. AIM: To update our systematic review
      and meta-analysis of the frequency of depression after stroke published in 2005,
      including studies published before July 2004. METHODS: We included all published
      observational studies (to 31 May 2013) with prospective consecutive recruitment
      and quantification of the proportion of people with depression after stroke. We
      included studies of adult (>18 years) patients with a clinical diagnosis of
      stroke, where an assessment of depression or depressive symptom burden was
      performed at a pre-specified time-point for all study participants. RESULTS: Data
      were available from 61 studies including 25,488 people. The proportional
      frequency of depression varied considerably across studies; however, the pooled
      frequency estimate of 31% (95% confidence interval 28% to 35%) was not
      significantly different from the 33% (difference of 2%, 95% confidence interval
      <1% to 3%) reported in the 2005 review. The proportion with depression between
      one and five-years (25%; 95% confidence interval 16 to 33%) and at five years
      after stroke (23%; 95% confidence interval 14 to 31%) was significantly lower.
      CONCLUSION: Despite systematic review evidence describing validated depression
      screening tools and effective treatment and prevention strategies for depression
      after stroke, there has not been a significant reduction in the proportion of
      people experiencing depression after stroke. There is a pressing need for
      increased clinical uptake of evidenced-based strategies to screen for, prevent,
      and treat depression after stroke.

PMID- 25117910
TI  - Anti-peroxynitrite treatment ameliorated vasorelaxation of resistance arteries in
      aging rats: involvement with NO-sGC-cGKs pathway.
AB  - Declined vasorelaxation function in aging resistance arteries is responsible for
      aging-related multiple organ dysfunctions. The aim of the present study is to
      explore the role of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) in aging resistance arterial
      vasorelaxation dysfunction and the possible mechanism. In the present study,
      young (3-4 months olds) and aging (20 months olds) male SD rats were randomized
      to receive vehicle (Saline) or FeTMPyP (ONOO- scavenger) for 2 weeks. The
      vasorelaxation of resistance arteries was determined in vitro; NOx level was
      tested by a colorimetric assay; the expression of nitrotyrosine (NT), soluble
      Guanylate Cyclase (sGC), vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP),
      phosphorylated VASP (P-VASP) and cGMP in resistance arteries were detected by
      immunohistochemical staining. In the present study, endothelium-dependent
      dilation in aging resistance arteries was lower than in those from young rats
      (young vs. aging: 68.0% +/- 4.5% vs. 50.4% +/- 2.9%, P<0.01). And the endothelium
      independent dilation remained constant. Compared with young rats, aging increased
      nitrative stress in resistance arteries, evidenced by elevated NOx production in
      serum (5.3 +/- 1.0 nmol/ml vs. 3.3 +/- 1.4 nmol/ml, P<0.05) and increased NT
      expression (P<0.05). ONOO- was responsible for the vasorelaxation dysfunction,
      evidenced by normalized vasorelaxation after inhibit ONOO- or its sources
      (P<0.05) and suppressed NT expression after FeTMPyP treatment (P<0.05). The
      expression of sGC was not significantly different between young and aging
      resistance arteries, but the cGMP level and P-VASP/VASP ratio (biochemical marker
      of NO-sGC-cGKs signaling) decreased, which was reversed by FeTMPyP treatment in
      vivo (P<0.05). The present study suggested that ONOO- mediated the decline of
      endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of aging resistance arteries by induction of
      the NO-sGC-cGKs pathway dysfunction.

PMID- 25117913
TI  - Oral administration of the AYA strain of Lactobacillus plantarum modulates
      expression of immunity-related genes in the murine Peyer's patch: a DNA
      microarray analysis.
AB  - We performed comprehensive transcriptome analysis of Peyer's patches to elucidate
      the effects of oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum strain AYA in mice.
      Using microarray analysis, we identified 124 upregulated and 144 downregulated
      genes for four weeks after the start of dietary supplementation with AYA. Gene
      Ontology analysis revealed that the genes for immune function were enriched in
      the upregulated gene set. 

PMID- 25117912
TI  - Real world costs and cost-effectiveness of Rituximab for diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma patients: a population-based analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current treatment of diffuse-large-B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) includes
      rituximab, an expensive drug, combined with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin,
      vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) chemotherapy. Economic models have predicted
      rituximab plus CHOP (RCHOP) to be a cost-effective alternative to CHOP alone as
      first-line treatment of DLBCL, but it remains unclear what its real-world costs
      and cost-effectiveness are in routine clinical practice. METHODS: We performed a
      population-based retrospective cohort study from 1997 to 2007, using linked
      administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, to evaluate the costs and cost
      effectiveness of RCHOP compared to CHOP alone. A historical control cohort (n =
      1,099) with DLBCL who received CHOP before rituximab approval was hard-matched on
      age and treatment intensity and then propensity-score matched on sex,
      comorbidity, and histology to 1,099 RCHOP patients. All costs and outcomes were
      adjusted for censoring using the inverse probability weighting method. The main
      outcome measure was incremental cost per life-year gained (LYG). RESULTS:
      Rituximab was associated with a life expectancy increase of 3.2 months over 5
      years at an additional cost of $16,298, corresponding to an incremental cost
      effectiveness ratio of $61,984 (95% CI $34,087-$135,890) per LYG. The probability
      of being cost-effective was 90% if the willingness-to-pay threshold was
      $100,000/LYG. The cost-effectiveness ratio was most favourable for patients less
      than 60 years old ($31,800/LYG) but increased to $80,600/LYG for patients 60-79
      years old and $110,100/LYG for patients >= 80 years old. We found that post
      market survival benefits of rituximab are similar to or lower than those reported
      in clinical trials, while the costs, incremental costs and cost-effectiveness
      ratios are higher than in published economic models and differ by age.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the addition of rituximab to standard CHOP
      chemotherapy was associated with improvement in survival but at a higher cost,
      and was potentially cost-effective by standard thresholds for patients <60 years
      old. However, cost-effectiveness decreased significantly with age, suggesting
      that rituximab may be not as economically attractive in the very elderly on
      average. This has important clinical implications regarding age-related use and
      funding decisions on this drug.

PMID- 25117915
TI  - Phenotypic and genetic evidence for ecological speciation of Aquilegia japonica
      and A. oxysepala.
AB  - Natural selection is thought to be a driving force that can cause the evolution
      of reproductive isolation. The genus Aquilegia is a model system to address how
      natural selection promotes the process of speciation. Morphological differences
      between A. oxysepala, A. japonica and their hybrids were quantified for two
      vegetative (plant height and leaf area) and three floral morphological (sepal
      area, corolla length and diameter) traits. We also evaluated the genetic
      variability of the two species and their hybrids based on two chloroplast (1225
      bp), four nuclear (5811 bp) genes and 15 microsatellites. Our results revealed
      that differentiation of A. japonica and A. oxysepala at the ecological and
      morphological levels also involved divergence at the genetic level. In addition,
      the analysis of nucleotide variation patterns showed that the two species
      possessed numerous fixation sites at nuclear genes gAA4, gA7 and gAA12.
      Furthermore, we found that all of the phenotypic hybrids also showed a
      genetically admixed ancestry. These findings suggest that natural selection has
      indeed facilitated the formation of distinct genetic variation patterns in the
      two Aquilegia species and habitat adaptation has been driving the ecologically
      based evolution of reproductive isolation. 

PMID- 25117916
TI  - Kaiser Permanente's commitment to breastfeeding.

PMID- 25117914
TI  - Shotgun approaches to gait analysis: insights & limitations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identifying features for gait classification is a formidable problem.
      The number of candidate measures is legion. This calls for proper, objective
      criteria when ranking their relevance. METHODS: Following a shotgun approach we
      determined a plenitude of kinematic and physiological gait measures and ranked
      their relevance using conventional analysis of variance (ANOVA) supplemented by
      logistic and partial least squares (PLS) regressions. We illustrated this
      approach using data from two studies involving stroke patients, amputees, and
      healthy controls. RESULTS: Only a handful of measures turned out significant in
      the ANOVAs. The logistic regressions, by contrast, revealed various measures that
      clearly discriminated between experimental groups and conditions. The PLS
      regression also identified several discriminating measures, but they did not
      always agree with those of the logistic regression. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION:
      Extracting a measure's classification capacity cannot solely rely on its
      statistical validity but typically requires proper post-hoc analysis. However,
      choosing the latter inevitably introduces some arbitrariness, which may affect
      outcome in general. We hence advocate the use of generic expert systems, possibly
      based on machine-learning.

PMID- 25117917
TI  - Mental health trajectories and their embeddedness in work and family
      circumstances: a latent state-trait approach to life-course trajectories.
AB  - Mental health trajectories are known to be influenced by work and family
      circumstances. However, few studies have examined both of these influences
      simultaneously in a longitudinal manner. The life-course perspective stresses the
      importance of examining trajectories in terms of both stable and dynamic
      components. In this article we use structural equation models (latent state
      trait, LST) to distinguish the stable and situational components of mental health
      trajectories and hypothesise that situational mental health is influenced by
      satisfaction with work and family, and this effect differs by gender. An analysis
      of data from a nationally representative sample of 1616 working Swiss residents
      (2000-2006) shows that mental health trajectories are mostly stable and only
      slightly sensitive to situational influences. However, situational influences in
      a given wave do predict situational influences in the next wave. Satisfaction
      with work and family influences situational mental health in both genders, but
      the impact is greater for men. In conclusion, the LST approach allows for the
      examination of mental health trajectories from a life-course perspective by
      distinguishing stable and situational components. Mental health trajectories are
      more stable and constant than they are dependent on work and family
      circumstances, and men are more sensitive to family circumstances than women. 

PMID- 25117918
TI  - The placebo effect in early-phase glaucoma clinical trials.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the extent and prevalence of the placebo effect in prior
      early-phase glaucoma clinical studies. METHODS: Articles were evaluated on phase
      I and II trials of glaucoma medicines that became commercially available after
      1977 with a placebo arm that involved glaucoma patients. RESULTS: We included 23
      studies with 23 treatment arms with a total of 1703 patients in articles
      evaluating 10 different glaucoma medications. This study showed that at 8 AM (n =
      18), the average decrease in placebo from untreated baseline was 2.3 +/- 1.6 mm
      Hg (9%), while for the diurnal curve (n = 17), the mean decrease was 1.4 +/- 1.1
      mm Hg (6%). At 8 AM, 8/18 treatment arms had greater than 2 mm Hg intraocular
      pressure (IOP) decrease, and all had at least some reduction in IOP. For the
      diurnal curve, 4 of 17 studies had reduced IOP greater than 2 mm Hg. One
      treatment arm had no placebo effect. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that a
      placebo effect is common in glaucoma clinical trials and potentially could limit
      the ability to evaluate the efficacy of a new medicine.

PMID- 25117919
TI  - Frailty, disability and physical exercise in the aging process and in chronic
      kidney disease.
AB  - Frailty in the elderly is a state of vulnerability to poor resolution of
      homoeostasis after a stressor event and is a consequence of cumulative decline in
      many physiological systems during a lifetime. This cumulative decline depletes
      homoeostatic reserves until minor stressor events trigger disproportionate
      changes in health status. It is usually associated to adverse health outcomes and
      to one-year mortality risk. Physical exercise has found to be effective in
      preventing frailty and disability in this population. Chronic kidney disease
      (CKD) is also a clinical condition where protein energy-wasting, sarcopenia and
      dynapenia ,very common symptoms in the frail elderly, may occur. Moreover elderly
      and CKD patients are both affected by an impaired physical performance that may
      be reversed by physical exercise with an improvement of the survival rate. These
      similarities suggest that frailty may be a common pathway of aging and CKD that
      may induce disability and that can be prevented by a multidimensional approach in
      which physical exercise plays an important role.

PMID- 25117928
TI  - Impact of 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence-guided surgery on the extent of
      resection of meningiomas--with special regard to high-grade tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In high-grade meningiomas and a subgroup of clinically
      aggressive benign meningiomas tumor control is still insufficient. Recently 5-ALA
      fluorescence in meningiomas was reported. The impact of 5-ALA fluorescence-guided
      surgery (FGS) on surgical decision-making and extent of resection has not yet
      been systematically analyzed, especially not in high-grade meningiomas. The
      present study deals with three main questions regarding 5-ALA FGS in meningiomas:
      to assess the potential for discriminating different WHO grades intra
      operatively, to analyze the influence on surgical strategy and to evaluate the
      impact on extent of resection. METHODS: Data from 31 meningiomas operated with 5
      ALA FGS were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative fluorescence was graded by
      the surgeon as "no", "low" or "high". Correlations between semi-quantitative
      fluorescence and histological features (WHO grade) were analyzed. The influence
      of 5-ALA fluorescence on surgical strategy and the impact of 5-ALA FGS on degree
      of resection (Simpson grade and post-operative imaging) were studied. In tumors
      showing infiltrative growth the extent of resection of fluorescence positive
      tissue was evaluated. RESULTS: The population comprised 19 WHO grade I, 8 grade
      II and 4 grade III tumors (61% benign and 39% high-grade meningiomas). 94% of the
      tumors showed positive fluorescence. Different fluorescence intensities were
      observed: "no" in two, "high" in 12 and "low" in 17 tumors, respectively. A
      significant correlation between fluorescence intensity and WHO grade was found
      (rho=0.557, p=0.001). 5-ALA improved the extent of resection in 3/16 (19%) of
      grade I and in 6/8 (75%) of grade II/III meningiomas. This improvement was not
      measurable by the Simpson grading as rated by the surgeon and controlled on post
      operative imaging. CONCLUSIONS: In the present population a strong correlation
      between fluorescence intensity and WHO grade was observed. 5-ALA FGS improved the
      extent of resection in meningiomas. Especially in high-grade tumors additional
      information on brain and neurovascular infiltration was provided. The improved
      resection was not measurable by Simpson's grading necessitating an additional
      item, which rates residual fluorescence. Long-term studies are necessary to
      evaluate a possible impact of FGS on recurrence and overall survival.

PMID- 25117920
TI  - Can trained volunteers make a difference at mealtimes for older people in
      hospital? A qualitative study of the views and experience of nurses, patients,
      relatives and volunteers in the Southampton Mealtime Assistance Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is common amongst hospitalised older patients and
      associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Poor dietary intake results
      from factors including acute illness and cognitive impairment but additionally
      patients may have difficulty managing at mealtimes. Use of volunteers to help at
      mealtimes is rarely evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To obtain multiple perspectives on
      nutritional care of older inpatients, acceptability of trained volunteers and
      identify important elements of their assistance. DESIGN: A qualitative study 1
      year before and after introduction of volunteer mealtime assistants on one ward
      and parallel comparison with a control ward in a Medicine for Older People
      department at a UK university hospital. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Semi-structured
      interviews and focus groups, in baseline and intervention years, with purposively
      sampled nursing staff at different levels of seniority; patients or close
      relatives; and volunteers. RESULTS: At baseline staff felt under pressure with
      insufficient people assisting at mealtimes. Introducing trained volunteers was
      perceived by staff and patients to improve quality of mealtime care by preparing
      patients for mealtimes, assisting patients who needed help, and releasing nursing
      time to assist dysphagic or drowsy patients. There was synergy with other
      initiatives, notably protected mealtimes. Interviews highlighted the perceived
      contribution of chronic poor appetite and changes in eating patterns to risk of
      malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Improved quality of mealtime care attributed to
      volunteers' input has potential to enhance staff morale and patients'/relatives'
      confidence. A volunteer mealtime assistance scheme may work best when introduced
      in context of other changes reflecting commitment to improving nutrition.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: (i) A mealtime assistance scheme should incorporate
      training, supervision and support for volunteers; (ii) Good relationships and a
      sense of teamwork can develop between wards staff and volunteers; (iii) Impact
      may be maximised in the context of 'protected mealtimes'.

PMID- 25117930
TI  - Ethical considerations in HIV prevention and vaccine research in resource-limited
      settings.
AB  - HIV prevention research has been facing increasing ethical and operational
      challenges. Factors influencing the design and conduct of HIV prevention trials
      include a rapidly changing evidence base, new biomedical prevention methods and
      modalities being tested, a large diversity of countries, sites and populations
      affected by HIV and participating in trials, and challenges of developing and
      making available products that will be feasible and affordable for at-risk
      populations. To discuss these challenges, a meeting, Ethical considerations
      around novel combination prevention modalities in HIV prevention and vaccine
      trials in resource-limited settings, was convened by NIH/NIAID/Division of AIDS
      on April 22-23, 2013. Several themes emerged from the meeting: (1) because of
      both trial design and ethical complexities, choosing prevention packages and
      designing combination prevention research trials will need to be evaluated on a
      case by case basis in different clinical trials, countries, and health systems;
      (2) multilevel stakeholder engagement from the beginning is vital to a fair and
      transparent process and also to designing ethical and relevant trials; (3)
      research should generally be responsive to a host country's needs, and sponsors
      and stakeholders should work together to address potential barriers to future
      access; and finally, (4) another meeting including a broader group of
      stakeholders is needed to address many of the outstanding ethical issues raised
      by this meeting. We offer an overview of the meeting and the key discussion
      points and recommendations to help guide the design and conduct of future HIV
      prevention and vaccine research in resource-limited settings.

PMID- 25117933
TI  - Improvement of ligninolytic properties by recombinant expression of glyoxal
      oxidase gene in hyper lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-624.
AB  - Glyoxal oxidase (GLOX) is a source of the extracellular H2O2 required for the
      oxidation reactions catalyzed by the ligninolytic peroxidases. In the present
      study, the GLOX-encoding gene (glx) of Phanerochaete chrysosporium was cloned,
      and bee2 promoter of P. sordida YK-624 was used to drive the expression of glx.
      The expression plasmid was transformed into a P. sordida YK-624 uracil
      auxotrophic mutant (strain UV-64), and 16 clones were obtained as GLOX
      introducing transformants. These transformants showed higher GLOX activities than
      wild-type P. sordida YK-624 and control transformants harboring marker plasmid.
      RT-PCR analysis indicated that the increased GLOX activity was associated with
      elevated recombinant glx expression. Moreover, these transformants showed higher
      ligninolytic activity than control transformants. These results suggest that the
      ligninolytic properties of white-rot fungi can be improved by recombinant
      expression of glx.

PMID- 25117934
TI  - Molecular sensing using armchair graphene nanoribbon.
AB  - In molecular electronics, the conductance strongly depends on the frontier energy
      levels and spatial orientations of molecules. Utilizing these features, we
      investigate the electron transport characteristics of conjugated molecules
      attached on an armchair graphene nanoribbon. The resulting sharp reduction in the
      transmission which represents molecular fingerprints and the change of the
      transmission depending on the molecular orientation, are examined in accordance
      with a unified picture of the Fano-Anderson model. These characteristics, being
      unique for each molecule, would be applicable to molecular recognition and
      configurational analysis.

PMID- 25117929
TI  - Changes in proteinuria and albuminuria with initiation of antiretroviral therapy:
      data from a randomized trial comparing tenofovir disoproxil
      fumarate/emtricitabine versus abacavir/lamivudine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with improved kidney
      function; however, the nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
      tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has been associated with decreased kidney
      function and proteinuria. METHODS: We examined changes in urine
      protein:creatinine (UPCR) and urine albumin:creatinine (UACR) ratios in 245 ART
      naive participants in A5202 randomized in a substudy to blinded NRTI
      (abacavir/lamivudine, ABC/3TC, n = 124 or TDF/emtricitabine, TDF/FTC, n = 121)
      with open-label protease inhibitor (PI) atazanavir/ritonavir or nonnucleoside
      reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) efavirenz. RESULTS: At baseline, 18% of
      participants had clinically significant proteinuria (UPCR >=200 mg/g), and 11%
      had clinically significant albuminuria (UACR >=30 mg/g). The prevalence of
      clinically significant proteinuria and albuminuria decreased from baseline to
      week 96 in all treatment groups. In intention-to-treat analyses, there was a
      significant effect of NRTI component on fold change in UPCR (P = 0.011) and UACR
      (P = 0.018) from baseline to week 96, with greater improvements in participants
      randomized to ABC/3TC. There was no significant effect of NNRTI/PI component on
      fold change in UPCR (P = 0.23) or UACR (P = 0.88), and no significant
      interactions between NRTI and NNRTI/PI components. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      prespecified secondary analysis, ART initiation was associated with improvements
      in proteinuria and albuminuria, with significantly greater improvements in
      participants randomized to ABC/3TC versus TDF/FTC. These are the first data from
      a randomized trial to suggest that initiation of TDF/FTC may not be associated
      with the same degree of improvement in proteinuria and albuminuria that have been
      reported with other regimens. Future studies should consider the long-term
      clinical significance of these findings.

PMID- 25117931
TI  - Self-assembly and release of peste des petits ruminants virus-like particles in
      an insect cell-baculovirus system and their immunogenicity in mice and goats.
AB  - Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute, febrile, viral disease of small
      ruminants that has a significant economic impact. For many viral diseases,
      vaccination with virus-like particles (VLPs) has shown considerable promise as a
      prophylactic approach; however, the processes of assembly and release of peste
      des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) VLPs are not well characterized, and their
      immunogenicity in the host is unknown. In this study, VLPs of PPRV were generated
      in a baculovirus system through simultaneous expression of PPRV matrix (M)
      protein and hemaglutin in (H) or fusion (F) protein. The released VLPs showed
      morphology similar to that of the native virus particles. Subcutaneous injection
      of these VLPs (PPRV-H, PPRV-F) into mice and goats elicited PPRV-specific IgG
      production, increased the levels of virus neutralizing antibodies, and promoted
      lymphocyte proliferation. Without adjuvants, the immune response induced by the
      PPRV-H VLPs was comparable to that obtained using equivalent amounts of PPRV
      vaccine. Thus, our results demonstrated that VLPs containing PPRV M protein and H
      or F protein are potential "differentiating infected from vaccinated animals"
      (DIVA) vaccine candidates for the surveillance and eradication of PPR. 

PMID- 25117932
TI  - Rab11 regulates E-cadherin expression and induces cell transformation in
      colorectal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the process of epithelial mesenchymal transition EMT, the
      disassembly of junctional adhesion complexes such as E-cadherin is a remarkable
      sign during changes in cell morphology and polarity. However, E-cadherin
      expression is dynamic, and is regulated by the cellular endocytic system; it is
      also involved in cell signaling mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the
      role of E-cadherin in colorectal tumors and the relationship with recycling
      endosome protein Rab11 in colon cell transformation. METHODS: For tissue
      screening, the expressions of E-cadherin and Rab11 in colorectal tumors were
      identified by immunohistochemistry in 113 patients with colorectal carcinoma. For
      the in vitro cell experiment, GFP-tagged Rab11 plasmid was transfected into HT29
      colon cells, E-cadherin expression and cell transformation were monitored by
      Western blot and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: In immunohistochemistry, the mean
      score of E-cadherin in tumor and normal tissues was 1.41 +/- 0.06 and 1.08 +/-
      0.06 (p < 0.05). The mean score of Rab11 in tumor and normal tissues was 0.51 +/-
      0.05 and 0.18 +/- 0.02 (p < 0.05). Synchronous overexpression of E-cadherin and
      Rab11 was noted in 74 patients (66.5%) with colorectal carcinoma. When GFP-tagged
      Rab11 plasmid was overexpressed in cultured colon cell line HT-29, the E-cadherin
      expression was up-regulated, and cell membrane protrusion was induced, which
      resulted in cell transformation and cell migration. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrated the importance of the overexpression of Rab11 and E-cadherin in
      colorectal cancer. The results indicated that Rab11 together with E-cadherin
      might be potential markers for colorectal cancer progression and treatment.

PMID- 25117935
TI  - Comparison of root transcriptomes and expressions of genes involved in main
      medicinal secondary metabolites from Bupleurum chinense and Bupleurum
      scorzonerifolium, the two Chinese official Radix bupleuri source species.
AB  - Radix bupleuri, roots of Bupleurum species, is a widely used traditional Chinese
      medicine. Here, we compared the root transcriptomes of both Bupleurum chinense
      DC. and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. A total of 313 483 and 342 263 high
      quality expressed sequence tags were obtained, respectively. In addition, 17 117
      (59.2%) and 19 416 (62.8%) unigenes for B. chinense and B. scorzonerifolium had
      homologous genes in the opposite dataset. For B. chinense, Kyoto Encyclopedia of
      Genes and Genomes database (KEGG) annotation identified carbohydrate metabolism,
      energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism as the three highest groups in the
      metabolism category. For B. scorzonerifolium, the lipid metabolism group had the
      most unigenes. Genes that may participate in the biosynthesis of terpenoid,
      triterpenoid, sterol, lignan and flavonoids were identified according to their
      annotations. (Tri)terpenoid-related genes were predominantly found in B.
      chinense. The expressions of certain genes were analyzed by quantitative reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in the roots of the two
      species. A total of 558 putative transcription factors (TFs) and 137
      transcriptional regulators (TRs) among 1364 TFs and 327 TRs, and 610 TFs and 129
      TRs among 1600 TFs and 323 TRs were specific for B. chinense and B.
      scorzonerifolium, respectively. Our transcriptome comparison reflects the
      different types and proportions of metabolites synthesized by the two species.
      The data, especially, those genes involved in the biosynthesis of particular
      types of metabolites, will provide the basis for further investigations of the
      secondary metabolite repertoire of the two Bupleurum species, as well as other
      species from the genus of Bupleurum. 

PMID- 25117937
TI  - Moderate temperature increase leads to disintegration of floating sludge and
      lower abundance of the filamentous bacterium Microthrix parvicella in anaerobic
      digesters.
AB  - Filamentous bacteria such as Microthrix parvicella can cause serious foaming and
      floating sludge problems in anaerobic digesters fed with sewage sludge. The
      sewage sludge and oil co-fermenting laboratory-scale biogas digesters in this
      study were fed with substrates from a foaming-prone full-scale biogas plant
      containing the filamentous bacterium M. parvicella. At 37  degrees C, in both
      pneumatically mixed digesters a highly viscous and approximately 3 cm thick
      floating sludge was observed. A gradual increase of the temperature from 37 
      degrees C to 56  degrees C led to a significant decrease in the floating sludge
      thickness, which correlated with a strong decrease in the abundance of M.
      parvicella in the digestate. Furthermore, the stepwise temperature increase
      allowed for an adaption of the microbial community and prevented process failure.
      The study indicates that already a moderate temperature increase from 37  degrees
      C to 41  degrees C might help to control the M. parvicella abundance in full
      scale biogas plants.

PMID- 25117938
TI  - When will the TBT go away? Integrating monitoring and modelling to address TBT's
      delayed disappearance in the Drammensfjord, Norway.
AB  - Despite a substantial decrease in the use and production of the marine
      antifouling agent tributyltin (TBT), its continuing presence in harbors remains a
      serious environmental concern. Herein a case study of TBT's persistence in the
      Drammensfjord, Norway, is presented. In 2005, severe TBT pollution was measured
      in the harbor of the Drammensfjord, with an average sediment concentration of
      3387 MUg kg(-1). To chart natural recovery in the Drammensfjord, an extensive
      sampling campaign was carried out over six years (2008-2013), quantifying TBT in
      water, settling particles and sediments. The monitoring campaign found a rapid
      decrease in sediment TBT concentration in the most contaminated areas, as well as
      a decrease in TBT entering the harbor via rivers and urban runoff. Changes
      observed in the more remote areas of the Drammensfjord, however, were less
      substantial. These data, along with measured and estimated geophysical
      properties, were used to parameterize and calibrate a coupled linear water
      sediment model, referred to as the Drammensfjord model, to make prognosis on
      future TBT levels due to natural recovery. Unique to this type of model, the
      calibration was done using a Bayesian Monte Carlo (BMC) updating approach, which
      used monitoring data to calibrate predictions, as well as reduce the uncertainty
      of input parameters. To our knowledge, this is the first use of BMC updating to
      calibrate a model describing natural recovery in a lake/harbor type system. Prior
      to BMC updating, the non-calibrated model data agreed with monitoring data by a
      factor of 4.3. After BMC updating, the agreement was within a factor 3.2. The non
      calibrated model predicted an average sediment concentration in the year 2025 of
      2.5 MUg kg(-1). The BMC calibrated model, however, predicted a higher
      concentration in the year 2025 of 16 MUg kg(-1). This discrepancy was mainly due
      to the BMC calibration increasing the estimated riverine and runoff TBT emission
      levels relative to the initial input levels. Future monitoring campaigns can be
      used for further calibration of emission levels, and a clearer prognosis of when
      natural recovery will remove TBT pollution.

PMID- 25117936
TI  - Utilization of a novel digital measurement tool for quantitative assessment of
      upper extremity motor dexterity: a controlled pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current methods of assessing motor function rely primarily on the
      clinician's judgment of the patient's physical examination and the patient's self
      administered surveys. Recently, computerized handgrip tools have been designed as
      an objective method to quantify upper-extremity motor function. This pilot study
      explores the use of the MediSens handgrip as a potential clinical tool for
      objectively assessing the motor function of the hand. METHODS: Eleven patients
      with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) were followed for three months.
      Eighteen age-matched healthy participants were followed for two months. The
      neuromotor function and the patient-perceived motor function of these patients
      were assessed with the MediSens device and the Oswestry Disability Index
      respectively. The MediSens device utilized a target tracking test to investigate
      the neuromotor capacity of the participants. The mean absolute error (MAE)
      between the target curve and the curve tracing achieved by the participants was
      used as the assessment metric. The patients' adjusted MediSens MAE scores were
      then compared to the controls. The CSM patients were further classified as either
      "functional" or "nonfunctional" in order to validate the system's responsiveness.
      Finally, the correlation between the MediSens MAE score and the ODI score was
      investigated. RESULTS: The control participants had lower MediSens MAE scores of
      8.09%+/-1.60%, while the cervical spinal disorder patients had greater MediSens
      MAE scores of 11.24%+/-6.29%. Following surgery, the functional CSM patients had
      an average MediSens MAE score of 7.13%+/-1.60%, while the nonfunctional CSM
      patients had an average score of 12.41%+/-6.32%. The MediSens MAE and the ODI
      scores showed a statistically significant correlation (r=-0.341, p<1.14*10-5). A
      Bland-Altman plot was then used to validate the agreement between the two scores.
      Furthermore, the percentage improvement of the the two scores after receiving the
      surgical intervention showed a significant correlation (r=-0.723, p<0.04).
      CONCLUSIONS: The MediSens handgrip device is capable of identifying patients with
      impaired motor function of the hand. The MediSens handgrip scores correlate with
      the ODI scores and may serve as an objective alternative for assessing motor
      function of the hand.

PMID- 25117939
TI  - The Comparison of Food and Supplement as Probiotic Delivery Vehicles.
AB  - Probiotics are live bacteria which have frequently been reported to be beneficial
      in preventing a wide range of diseases as well as playing a major role in
      treating the existing ailments. Thus far, a variety of probiotic products have
      been developed which can be categorized into two groups: probiotic foods and
      supplements. Both foods and supplements have been able to confer the health
      benefits claimed for them. However, it is not known which one can be clinically
      more efficient, and to the best of our knowledge, until now no research has been
      conducted to investigate this issue. The present review aims to discuss this
      matter, based on the evidence available in the literature. To do so, articles
      indexed in PubMed and ScienceDirect between 2000 and 2011 were reviewed. The
      articles included the clinical trials in which either foods or supplements were
      used to administer the probiotics to either patients suffering from different
      diseases or healthy subjects. Although both foods and supplements seem to have
      been efficient carriers for the beneficial bacteria, to generally promote public
      health in communities, probiotic foods appear to be preferred to probiotic
      supplements. 

PMID- 25117940
TI  - Deficits in auditory frequency discrimination and speech recognition in cochlear
      implant users.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Speech recognition varies considerably following cochlear
      implantation for reasons that are still poorly understood. Considering the role
      of frequency discrimination in normal speech recognition, the aim of this study
      was to investigate the association between deficits in auditory frequency
      discrimination and speech recognition in cochlear implant users. METHODS:
      Frequency discrimination thresholds and speech recognition were assessed in a
      group of 20 cochlear implant users and 16 normally hearing controls. RESULTS:
      Based on their results on the speech recognition task, the cochlear implant users
      were categorized either as proficient (n = 10) or non-proficient users (n = 10).
      The non-proficient cochlear implant users had poorer auditory frequency
      discrimination compared to the normal hearing participants and proficient
      cochlear implant users (both P < 0.05). No significant difference was found
      between the proficient cochlear implant users and the normally hearing group (P >
      0.05). Furthermore, a bivariate correlation analysis revealed a relationship
      between speech recognition and frequency discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: The present
      findings suggest an association between auditory frequency discrimination and
      speech recognition proficiency in cochlear implant users. Although no causal link
      can be drawn from these data, possible reasons for this association are
      discussed.

PMID- 25117941
TI  - Experimental amine-epoxide sealer: a physicochemical study in comparison with AH
      Plus and EasySeal.
AB  - AIM: To compare selected physicochemical and biological properties of an
      experimental sealer with those of two commercially available sealers.
      METHODOLOGY: AH Plus and EasySeal were used as model materials for commercially
      available amine-epoxide sealers. They were mixed as stated by the manufacturer.
      The two components of experimental sealer EvoSeal A were mixed 1 : 1 vol%. The
      setting time was determined in two different ways: first, by setting of sealers
      in a temperature- and moisture-controlled environment followed by testing with a
      Gilmore needle and secondly, by oscillating measurements of setting behaviour
      using a rheometer. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the sealer was
      performed for comparison of thermal properties. Flow and film thickness were
      determined by applying pressures of 100 g and 15.3 kg, respectively, on the
      materials between two glass plates and measuring the diameters of the compressed
      sealer and the thickness with a micrometer gauge. Solubility of set materials was
      conducted by layering the samples with water, storing in a temperature- and
      humidity-controlled environment and evaporating the solvent. The solved sealer
      parts were then weighed. The radiopacity was measured in an X-ray experiment
      comparing radiopacity of a cured sealer to an aluminium step wedge. Volume
      shrinkage was defined by measuring the densities of samples before and after
      setting. The film thickness, fluidity, curing time, radiopacity and solubility of
      the test materials were performed as specified in DIN EN ISO 6876:2010 draft. The
      volume shrinkage was determined in a method adapted from standard DIN 13907:2007
      01. Antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-positive Streptococcus oralis
      cultures in a contact test based on standard ISO 22196:2011 (E). Statistical
      analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U-test where applicable. Significant
      differences were determined with P < 0.05. RESULTS: The experimental sealer,
      EvoSeal A, reached standard specifications. In terms of film thickness, the
      highest value was measured for EvoSeal A with a film thickness of 27 MUm,
      comparing to 6 MUm for EasySeal (P <= 0.001) and 8 MUm for AH Plus (P <= 0.001).
      Comparing the flow, all values corresponded to EasySeal with a diameter of 17.3
      mm. The only significant difference was determined for AH Plus compared to
      EvoSeal A (P = 0.0353). Volume shrinkage of EvoSeal A was 48% smaller compared to
      EasySeal and approximately 20% lower compared to AH Plus. The shortest curing
      time was determined for EvoSeal A (3.0 h) followed by EasySeal (4.1 h) and AH
      Plus (24 h). For all groups, significant differences were observed (P <= 0.001).
      EvoSeal A had a significantly higher radiopacity than EasySeal (P <= 0.001) but
      significantly lower values than AH Plus (P <= 0.001). The solubility of AH Plus
      and EvoSeal A was <0.5% (P = 0.2435). Compared to EasySeal with a solubility of
      2.7%, significant differences were observed (P <= 0.02). Three weeks after
      setting, EasySeal and EvoSeal A still had an antibacterial effect against S.
      oralis in contrast to AH Plus. In this respect, comparing AH Plus with EvoSeal A
      and EasySeal, respectively, significant differences were observed (P <= 0.001).
      No significant differences between EasySeal with EvoSeal A (P = 0.540) were
      determined. CONCLUSIONS: The physical and chemical properties of the experimental
      sealer EvoSeal A were comparable to the two commercially established sealers
      EasySeal and AH Plus.

PMID- 25117942
TI  - Barriers to physical activity in chronic hemodialysis patients: a single-center
      pilot study in an Italian dialysis facility.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: In patients on chronic dialysis a sedentary lifestyle is a
      strong, yet potentially modifiable, predictor of mortality. The present single
      center pilot study evaluated social, psychological and clinical barriers that may
      hinder physical activity in this population. METHODS: We explored the association
      between barriers to physical activity and sedentarism in adult patients at a
      chronic dialysis facility in Parma, Italy. We used different questionnaries
      exploring participation in physical activity, physical functioning, patient
      attitudes and preferences, and barriers to physical activity perceived by either
      patients or dialysis doctors and nurses. RESULTS: We enrolled 104 patients, (67
      males, 65%), mean age 69 years (79% of patients older than 60 years); median
      dialysis vintage 60 months (range 8-440); mean Charlson score 5.55, ADL
      (Activities of Daily Living) score 5.5. Ninety-two participants (88.5%) reported
      at least one barrier to physical activity. At multivariable analysis, after
      adjusting for age and sex, feeling to have too many medical problems (OR 2.99,
      95% CI 1.27 to 7.07; P=0.012), chest pain (OR 10.78, 95% CI 1.28 to 90.28;
      P=0.029) and sadness (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.10 to 6.09; P=0.030) were independently
      associated with physical inactivity. Lack of time for exercise counseling and the
      firm belief about low compliance/interest by the patients toward exercise were
      the most frequent barriers reported by doctors and nurses. CONCLUSION: We
      identified a number of patient-related and health personnel-related barriers to
      physical activity in patients on chronic dialysis. Solutions for these barriers
      should be addressed in future studies aimed at increasing the level of physical
      activity in this population.

PMID- 25117943
TI  - Airway pH monitoring in patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea using
      the Dx-pH oropharyngeal probe: preliminary report of a prospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) episodes and pH
      values in patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) using the Dx-pH
      oropharyngeal probe. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary medical
      centre. PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients with complaint of snoring or suspected OSA
      were prospectively enrolled to receive full nocturnal polysomnography (PSG). The
      patients were divided into 2 groups: a simple snorers group if the Respiratory
      Disturbance Index (RDI) was < 5 and an OSA group if the RDI was >= 5. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: The patients simultaneously received Dx-pH oropharyngeal probe
      monitoring for 12 h from about 6 pm to 6 am of the next day. The number of LPR
      events was recorded if the nadir of rapid pH drops was below pH 5.0 and 5.5. The
      difference of LPR events between the two groups and the difference of LPR events
      between awake and sleep periods in each group were analysed, respectively.
      RESULTS: There were 18 (45%) patients diagnosed as OSA with a mean RDI of 28.7,
      and 22 patients (55%) diagnosed as simple snorers. Between 2 groups, there were
      no significant differences in the LPR events and pH values during the awake
      period, sleep period or overall recording period. Comparison of the LPR events
      and minimum pH values between the awake period and the sleep period revealed
      there were no significant differences in either group. CONCLUSION: Using the new
      sensitive Dx-pH oropharyngeal probe with PSG, we found that OSA does not
      correlate with a higher incidence of LPR episodes.

PMID- 25117949
TI  - Comparative investigation of in vitro biotransformation of 14 components in
      Ginkgo biloba extract in normal, diabetes and diabetic nephropathy rat intestinal
      bacteria matrix.
AB  - Most herbal medicines will be metabolized by intestinal bacteria in the
      gastrointestinal tract before absorbed by the small intestine. Ginkgo biloba
      extract (GBE) possesses protective effects on the glomerulosclerosis of diabetic
      nephropathy (DN), but its biotransformation in diabetes and DN intestinal
      bacteria has not yet been recognized. In this work, a validated liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was established for the
      simultaneous quantification of 14 components in GBE in rat intestinal bacteria
      matrix, namely ginkgolides A, ginkgolides B, ginkgolides C, bilobalide, rutin,
      myricetin, quercitrin, quercetin, luteolin, genistein, kaempferol, apigenin,
      isorhamnetin and genkwanin. Chromatographic separation was performed on a
      Kromasil-C18 (4.6mm*250mm i.d., 5.0MUm) analytical column maintained at 35
      degrees C. The mobile phase was a mixture of methanol (A) and 0.1% formic acid in
      water (B) with a step linear gradient at a flow rate of 1.0mlmin(-1). The
      calibration curves of these 14 analytes demonstrated good linearity within the
      test range (R>0.99). This validated method has successfully been applied into the
      pharmacokinetic study of the 14 components. More importantly, in the
      pharmacokinetic study, by comparing the time course of the biotransformation by
      normal, diabetes and DN rat intestinal bacteria, we found that the
      biotransformation speed and residence time of the 14 compounds in diabetes and DN
      rats differed obviously from that obtained in normal group, which provided
      valuable chemical information for further pharmacology and active mechanism
      research on GBE. 

PMID- 25117950
TI  - Development of a stability-indicating HPLC method of etifoxine with
      characterization of degradation products by LC-MS/TOF, 1H and 13C NMR.
AB  - This paper describes a new LC-MS/TOF method for the degradation products
      determination when Etifoxine (ETI) is submitted to different stress conditions.
      Chromatography is performed by using Kromasil C18 column (250mm*4.6mm, 5MUm
      particle size). The selected mobile phase consists of formate buffer 0.02M, pH 3
      and methanol (70/30, v/v). ETI is submitted to oxidative, acidic, basic,
      hydrolytic, thermal and UV light degradations. Detection is made at 254nm by
      photodiode array detector and mass spectrometry. A number of degradation products
      (DPs) called DPA, DPB, DPC and DPD are found depending on the stress; DPA with
      heat, DPA and DPB in acidic media or under UV-light; DPA, DPB and DPC under basic
      stress; DPA, DPB, DPC and DPD with oxidation. LC-MS/TOF is used to characterize
      the four DPs of ETI resulting from different stress conditions. (1)H and (13)C
      NMR are used to confirm the DP structures. The ETI fragmentation pathway is
      proposed. The method is validated with reference to International Conference on
      Harmonization guidelines and ETI are selectively determined in presence of its
      DPs, demonstrating its stability-indicating nature. Finally, for the validation
      step, specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision are determined for ETI and
      its DPs. 

PMID- 25117951
TI  - Nanomechanical properties of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid film during
      degradation.
AB  - Despite the potential applications of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)
      coatings in medical devices, the mechanical properties of this material during
      degradation are poorly understood. In the present work, the nanomechanical
      properties and degradation of PLGA film were investigated. Hydrolysis of solvent
      cast PLGA film was studied in buffer solution at 37  degrees C. The mass loss,
      water uptake, molecular weight, crystallinity and surface morphology of the film
      were tracked during degradation over 20 days. Characterization of the surface
      hardness and Young's modulus was performed using the nanoindentation technique
      for different indentation loads. The initially amorphous films were found to
      remain amorphous during degradation. The molecular weight of the film decreased
      quickly during the initial days of degradation. Diffusion of water into the film
      resulted in a reduction in surface hardness during the first few days, followed
      by an increase that was due to the surface roughness. There was a significant
      delay between the decrease in the mechanical properties of the film and the
      decrease in the molecular weight. A sudden decline in mechanical properties
      indicated that significant bulk degradation had occurred.

PMID- 25117953
TI  - New series of avenanthramides in oat seed.
AB  - Avenanthramides are characteristic constituents of oat seeds. We analyzed the
      methanol extract of oat seeds by HPLC and detected three compounds 1, 2, and 3
      eluted at retention times similar to avenanthramides. The three compounds were
      purified by column chromatography and HPLC. Spectroscopic analyses of 1, 2, and 3
      suggested that they are amides of 4,5-dihydroxyanthranilic acid with caffeic, p
      coumaric, and ferulic acids, respectively. Their identities were confirmed by
      comparing spectra and chromatographic behavior with compounds synthesized from
      4,5-dihydroxyanthranilic acid and N-hyrdroxysuccinimide esters of hydroxycinnamic
      acids. LC-MS/MS analysis with multiple reaction monitoring showed that the
      amounts of 1, 2, and 3 were 16.5-26.9% of corresponding avenanthamides with 5
      hydroxyanthranilic acid. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 showed stronger 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity than the corresponding
      avenanthramides with 5-hydroxyanthranilic acid, indicating the involvement of 4,5
      dihydroxyanthranilic acid moiety in the scavenging of DPPH radicals.

PMID- 25117954
TI  - Illuminating the origins of spectral properties of green fluorescent proteins via
      proteochemometric and molecular modeling.
AB  - Green fluorescent protein (GFP) has immense utility in biomedical imaging owing
      to its autofluorescent nature. In efforts to broaden the spectral diversity of
      GFP, there have been several reports of engineered mutants via rational design
      and random mutagenesis. Understanding the origins of spectral properties of GFP
      could be achieved by means of investigating its structure-activity relationship.
      The first quantitative structure-property relationship study for modeling the
      spectral properties, particularly the excitation and emission maximas, of GFP was
      previously proposed by us some years ago in which quantum chemical descriptors
      were used for model development. However, such simplified model does not consider
      possible effects that neighboring amino acids have on the conjugated pi-system of
      GFP chromophore. This study describes the development of a unified
      proteochemometric model in which the GFP chromophore and amino acids in its
      vicinity are both considered in the same model. The predictive performance of the
      model was verified by internal and external validation as well as Y-scrambling.
      Our strategy provides a general solution for elucidating the contribution that
      specific ligand and protein descriptors have on the investigated spectral
      property, which may be useful in engineering novel GFP variants with desired
      characteristics.

PMID- 25117952
TI  - Antibody-functionalized peptidic membranes for neutralization of allogeneic skin
      antigen-presenting cells.
AB  - We report herein application of an in situ material strategy to attenuate
      allograft T cell responses in a skin transplant mouse model. Functionalized
      peptidic membranes were used to impede trafficking of donor antigen-presenting
      cells (dAPCs) from skin allografts in recipient mice. Membranes formed by self
      assembling peptides (SAPs) presenting antibodies were found to remain underneath
      grafted skins for up to 6 days. At the host-graft interface, dAPCs were targeted
      by using a monoclonal antibody that binds to a class II major histocompatibility
      complex (MHC) molecule (I-A(d)) expressed exclusively by donor cells. Using a
      novel cell labeling near-infrared nanoemulsion, we found more dAPCs remained in
      allografts treated with membranes loaded with anti-I-A(d) antibodies than
      without. In vitro, dAPCs released from skin explants were found adsorbed
      preferentially on anti-I-A(d) antibody-loaded membranes. Recipient T cells from
      these mice produced lower concentrations of interferon-gamma cultured ex vivo
      with donor cells. Taken together, the data indicate that the strategy has the
      potential to alter the natural course of rejection immune mechanisms in
      allogeneic transplant models.

PMID- 25117955
TI  - Macular hole secondary to Valsalva retinopathy after doing push-up exercise.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Valsalva retinopathy and traumatic macular hole are common
      conditions, but macular hole secondary to Valsalva retinopathy is rarely
      reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old healthy man suffered Valsalva
      retinopathy after doing push-up exercise. During his follow-up visits, the best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurements, fundus examinations and spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) tests were performed. Three months
      later, the premacular hemorrhage was noticeably absorbed with an improvement of
      visual acuity. SD-OCT showed a lamellar macular hole with intact but thickened
      internal limiting membrane (ILM) with vitreal tractions on surface of the
      macular. Nine months after the first visit, his vision acuity was 20/25. The
      fundus examination showed a complete absorption of the macular hemorrhage. SD-OCT
      showed that the lamellar macular hole has enlarged, with thickened ILM on the
      surface. Seventeen months after the onset, the BCVA, fundus examination results
      and OCT findings were stable. CONCLUSIONS: Macular hole secondary to Valsalva
      retinopathy had been rarely reported and its mechanism needs further
      understanding. SD-OCT can be used to observe the evolvement of Valsalva
      retinopathy.

PMID- 25117956
TI  - HIV/AIDS and noncommunicable disease comorbidities: emerging research priorities.

PMID- 25117958
TI  - HIV and noncommunicable disease comorbidities in the era of antiretroviral
      therapy: a vital agenda for research in low- and middle-income country settings.
AB  - In this special 2014 issue of JAIDS, international investigator teams review a
      host of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) that are often reported among people
      living and aging with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. With the longer lifespans that
      antiretroviral therapy programs have made possible, NCDs are occurring due to a
      mix of chronic immune activation, medication side effects, coinfections, and the
      aging process itself. Cancer; cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases; metabolic,
      body, and bone disorders; gastrointestinal, hepatic, and nutritional aspects;
      mental, neurological, and substance use disorders; and renal and genitourinary
      diseases are discussed. Cost-effectiveness, key research methods, and issues of
      special importance in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean are also addressed.
      In this introduction, we present some of the challenges and opportunities for
      addressing HIV and NCD comorbidities in low- and middle-income countries, and
      preview the research agenda that emerges from the articles that follow.

PMID- 25117959
TI  - HIV and metabolic, body, and bone disorders: what we know from low- and middle
      income countries.
AB  - Globally, the HIV epidemic is evolving. Life expectancy for HIV-infected
      individuals has been extended because of more effective and more widely available
      antiretroviral therapy. As a result, chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have
      become important comorbid conditions. In particular, HIV-infected persons are
      increasingly at risk of developing metabolic (diabetes, dyslipidemias), body
      composition (lipodystrophy, overweight/obesity) and bone mineral density
      abnormalities. We have summarized the published epidemiological and clinical
      literature regarding these HIV-NCD comorbidities in low- and middle-income
      countries (LMICs). We found important gaps in knowledge. Specifically, there are
      few studies that use standardized methods and metrics; consequently, prevalence
      or incidence data are not comparable. There are very little or no data regarding
      the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of clinical monitoring or therapeutic
      interventions for metabolic disorders in HIV-infected individuals. Also, although
      NCDs continue to grow in the HIV-negative population of most LMICs, there are few
      data comparing the incidence of NCD comorbidities between HIV-infected and HIV
      negative populations. To address these gaps, we describe potential research and
      capacity development priorities for the future.

PMID- 25117957
TI  - Challenges in the detection, prevention, and treatment of HIV-associated
      malignancies in low- and middle-income countries in Africa.
AB  - Cancers associated with immunosuppression and infections have long been
      recognized as a major complication of HIV/AIDS. More recently, persons living
      with HIV are increasingly diagnosed with a wider spectrum of HIV-associated
      malignancies (HIVAM) as they live longer on combination antiretroviral therapy.
      This has spurred research to characterize the epidemiology and determine the
      optimal management of HIVAM with a focus on low-and middle-income countries
      (LMICs). Given background coinfections, environmental exposures, host genetic
      profiles, antiretroviral therapy usage, and varying capacities for early
      diagnosis and treatment, one can expect the biology of cancers in HIV-infected
      persons in LMICs to have a significant impact on chronic HIV care, as is now the
      case in high-income countries. Thus, new strategies must be developed to
      effectively prevent, diagnose, and treat HIVAM in LMICs; provide
      physical/clinical infrastructures; train the cancer and HIV workforce; and expand
      research capacity-particularly given the challenges posed by the limitations on
      available transportation and financial resources and the population's general
      rural concentration. Opportunities exist to extend resources supported by the
      President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS,
      Tuberculosis, and Malaria to improve the health-care infrastructure and train the
      personnel required to prevent and manage cancers in persons living with HIV.
      These HIV chronic care infrastructures could also serve cancer patients
      regardless of their HIV status, facilitating long-term care and treatment for
      persons who do not live near cancer centers, so that they receive the same degree
      of care as those receiving chronic HIV care today.

PMID- 25117961
TI  - Mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in people living with HIV/AIDS
      in low- and middle-income countries.
AB  - Depression, alcohol use disorders (AUD), and neurocognitive disorders are the 3
      most prevalent mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in people living
      with HIV infection in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Importantly, they
      have an impact on everyday functions and on HIV outcomes. Many LMICs have
      validated tools to screen for and diagnose depression and AUD in the general
      population that can be used among people living with HIV infection. Current
      screening and diagnostic methods for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders in
      the era of antiretroviral therapy are suboptimal and require further research. In
      our view, 2 research priorities are most critical. One is the development of an
      integrated screening approach for depression, AUD, and neurocognitive disorders
      that can be used by nonspecialists in LMICs. Second, research is needed on
      interventions for depression and AUD that also target behavior change, as these
      could impact on adherence to antiretroviral therapy and improve mental symptoms.
      Mentorship and fellowship schemes at an individual and institutional level need
      to be further supported to build capacity and provide platforms for research on
      HIV and mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in LMICs.

PMID- 25117962
TI  - HIV-associated renal and genitourinary comorbidities in Africa.
AB  - With the recent massive scale-up of access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in
      resource-limited countries, HIV has become a chronic disease with new challenges.
      There is mounting evidence of an increased burden of renal and genitourinary
      diseases among HIV-infected persons caused by direct HIV viral effects and/or
      indirectly through the development of opportunistic infections, ART medication
      related toxicities, and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). We review the
      epidemiology of HIV-associated renal and urogenital diseases, including
      interactions with kidney-related NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus,
      and cardiovascular disease. We also examine the current evidence regarding the
      impact of HIV infection on the development of urogenital diseases. Highly
      advisable in sub-Saharan Africa are the establishment of renal disease
      registries, reviews of existing clinical practice including cost-effectiveness
      studies, and the adoption and use of HIV-related NCD management, with training
      for different cadres of health providers. Epidemiological research priorities
      include prospective studies to evaluate the true prevalence and spectrum of HIV
      related renal disease and their progression. Simple diagnostics tools should be
      evaluated, including urinary dipsticks and point-of-care urea and creatinine
      tests to screen for kidney injury in primary care settings. Study of urological
      manifestations of HIV can help determine the extent of disease and outcomes. As
      patients live longer on ART, the burden of renal and genitourological
      complications of HIV and of ART can be expected to increase with a commensurate
      urgency in both discovery and evidence-based improvements in clinical management.

PMID- 25117960
TI  - HIV and noncommunicable cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases in low- and middle
      income countries in the ART era: what we know and best directions for future
      research.
AB  - With the advent of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV is becoming a
      chronic disease. HIV-seropositive (+) patients on ART can expect to live longer
      and, as a result, they are at risk of developing chronic noncommunicable diseases
      related to factors, such as aging, lifestyle, long-term HIV infection, and the
      potential adverse effects of ART. Although data are incomplete, evidence suggests
      that even in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), chronic cardiovascular and
      pulmonary diseases are increasing in HIV-positive patients. This review
      summarizes evidence-linking HIV infection to the most commonly cited chronic
      cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions in LMICs: heart failure, hypertension,
      coronary artery disease/myocardial infarction, stroke, obstructive lung diseases,
      and pulmonary arterial hypertension. We describe the observed epidemiology of
      these conditions, factors affecting expression in LMICs, and key populations that
      may be at higher risk (ie, illicit drug users and children), and finally, we
      suggest that strategic areas of research and training intended to counter these
      conditions effectively. As access to ART in LMICs increases, long-term outcomes
      among HIV-positive persons will increasingly be determined by a range of
      associated chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary complications. Actions taken now
      to identify those conditions that contribute to long-term morbidity and mortality
      optimize early recognition and diagnosis and implement effective prevention
      strategies and/or disease interventions are likely to have the greatest impact on
      limiting cardiovascular and pulmonary disease comorbidity and improving
      population health among HIV-positive patients in LMICs.

PMID- 25117966
TI  - HIV and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Latin America: a call for an
      integrated and comprehensive response.
AB  - The life expectancy of people living with HIV has dramatically improved with the
      much increased access to antiretroviral therapy. Consequently, a larger number of
      people living with HIV are living longer and facing the increased burden of
      noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs and HIV infection share common
      epidemiologic and sociodemographic characteristics that influence their outcomes,
      which may be difficult to address in the relatively weak health systems of the
      region. Data on the prevalence and interactions of NCDs and HIV in Latin American
      countries remain very limited, which hinders their governments' ability to make
      informed decisions about health care policies. Therefore, there is an urgent need
      to develop a research agenda that will be the basis for an integrated and
      comprehensive health care approach to HIV and NCD comorbidities in Latin America.

PMID- 25117964
TI  - Observational research on NCDs in HIV-positive populations: conceptual and
      methodological considerations.
AB  - Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for a growing burden of morbidity and
      mortality among people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries
      (LMICs). HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy interact with NCD risk factors
      in complex ways, and research into this "web of causation" has so far been
      largely based on data from high-income countries. However, improving the
      understanding, treatment, and prevention of NCDs in LMICs requires region
      specific evidence. Priority research areas include: (1) defining the burden of
      NCDs among people living with HIV, (2) understanding the impact of modifiable
      risk factors, (3) evaluating effective and efficient care strategies at
      individual and health systems levels, and (4) evaluating cost-effective
      prevention strategies. Meeting these needs will require observational data, both
      to inform the design of randomized trials and to replace trials that would be
      unethical or infeasible. Focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa, we discuss data
      resources currently available to inform this effort and consider key limitations
      and methodological challenges. Existing data resources often lack population
      based samples; HIV-negative, HIV-positive, and antiretroviral therapy-naive
      comparison groups; and measurements of key NCD risk factors and outcomes. Other
      challenges include loss to follow-up, competing risk of death, incomplete outcome
      ascertainment and measurement of factors affecting clinical decision making, and
      the need to control for (time-dependent) confounding. We review these challenges
      and discuss strategies for overcoming them through augmented data collection and
      appropriate analysis. We conclude with recommendations to improve the quality of
      data and analyses available to inform the response to HIV and NCD comorbidity in
      LMICs.

PMID- 25117963
TI  - Noncommunicable diseases in HIV infection in low- and middle-income countries:
      gastrointestinal, hepatic, and nutritional aspects.
AB  - The purpose of this review was to outline the interaction between HIV and
      noncommunicable diseases affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, liver, and
      nutritional disorders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and to
      identify research priorities. Noncommunicable GI tract disorders are only
      moderately influenced by HIV, and peptic ulceration is actually less common.
      However, the impact of HIV on GI cancers needs further investigation. HIV
      interacts strongly with environmental enteropathy, exacerbating malabsorption of
      nutrients and drugs. HIV has 2 major effects on noncommunicable liver disease:
      drug-induced liver injury and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (particularly in
      persons of African genetic descent). The effect of HIV on nutrition was one of
      the first markers of the epidemic in the 1980s, and HIV continues to have major
      nutritional consequences. Childhood malnutrition and HIV frequently coexist in
      some regions, for example, southern Africa, resulting in powerful negative
      interactions with poorer responses to standard nutritional rehabilitation. HIV
      and nutritional care need to be better integrated, but many questions on how best
      to do this remain unanswered. Across the spectrum of GI, hepatic, and nutritional
      disorders in HIV infection, there is increasing evidence that the microbiome may
      play an important role in disease pathogenesis, but work in this area, especially
      in low- and middle-income countries, is in its infancy.

PMID- 25117967
TI  - HIV and noncommunicable diseases: the Asian perspective.
AB  - Asia is seeing a rise in noncommunicable diseases in their general population and
      among people living with HIV. Many Asians have low body weight, which can lead to
      higher plasma concentrations of antiretrovirals and, as a result, their
      toxicities. Examples are metabolic complications from protease inhibitors,
      chronic kidney disease from tenofovir, and hepatotoxicity from nevirapine. Asia
      has not only the highest burden of hepatitis B viral infection than any other
      continent but also a predominance of genotypes B and C, the latter associated
      with higher risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. HIV-associated neurocognitive
      disorders are equally common among Asians as other populations. Diastolic
      dysfunction and asymptomatic myocardial ischemia are not infrequent. Non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma is the most common AIDS-related cancer, whereas Kaposi sarcoma is
      relatively infrequent. Emerging data show high prevalence of human papillomavirus
      associated anal dysplasia in men who have sex with men. Resource-limited
      countries in Asia suffer from lack of resources for national screening programs
      of noncommunicable diseases, which, in turn, limits the epidemiologic data that
      exist to guide the use of national health resources.

PMID- 25117968
TI  - Phylogenetic relationships and pathogenicity variation of two Newcastle disease
      viruses isolated from domestic ducks in Southern China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Newcastle disease (ND) is an OIE listed disease caused by virulent
      avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1) strains, which is enzootic and causes large
      economic losses in the poultry sector. Genotype VII and genotype IX NDV viruses
      were the predominant circulating genotype in China, which may possibly be
      responsible for disease outbreaks in chicken flocks in recent years. While ducks
      and geese usually have exhibited inapparent infections. METHODS: In the present
      study, we investigate the complete genome sequence, the clinicopathological
      characterization and transmission of two virulent Newcastle disease viruses, SS
      10 and NH-10, isolated from domestic ducks in Southern China in 2010. RESULTS: F,
      and the complete gene sequences based on phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that
      SS-10 (genotype VII) and NH-10 (genotype IX) belongs to class II. The deduced
      amino acid sequence was (112)R-R-Q-K/R-R-F(117) at the fusion protein cleavage
      site. Animal experiment results showed that the SS-10 virus isolated from ducks
      was highly pathogenic for chickens and geese, but low pathogenic for ducks. It
      could be detected from spleen, lung, kidney, trachea, small intestine, bursa of
      fabricius, thymus, pancreas and cecal tonsils, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs,
      and could transmit to the naive contact birds. Moreover, it could transmit to
      chickens, ducks and geese by naive contact. However, the NH-10 virus isolated
      from ducks could infect some chickens, ducks and geese, but only caused chickens
      to die. Additionally, it could transmit to the naive contact chickens, ducks, and
      geese. CONCLUSION: The two NDV isolates exhibited different biological properties
      with respect to pathogenicity and transmission in chickens, ducks and geese.
      Therefore, no species-preference exists for chicken, duck or goose viruses and
      more attention should be paid to the trans-species transmission of VII NDVs
      between ducks, geese and chickens for the control and eradication of ND.

PMID- 25117969
TI  - Plerixafor is effective given either preemptively or as a rescue strategy in poor
      stem cell mobilizing patients with multiple myeloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Harvest of more than one CD34+ stem cell transplant has become the
      standard, to ensure the option for a second autologous transplantation in
      patients with relapsed or progressive multiple myeloma (MM). Additional
      administration of the CXCR-4 inhibitor plerixafor has been shown to increase the
      efficiency of CD34+ stem cell harvest. However, the algorithm when to apply
      plerixafor is still under debate. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this retrospective
      study, 46 MM patients were categorized into four groups according to their CD34+
      stem cell count in peripheral blood (PB) and mobilization with or without
      plerixafor: Group A comprised poor mobilizers with CD34+ cell counts of fewer
      than 20 * 10(6) /L in PB. Group B included inadequate mobilizers with CD34+ cell
      counts of 20 * 10(6) /L or more in PB and a low CD34+ stem cell yield in the
      first leukapheresis session. Patients receiving plerixafor preemptively (Group
      A1) and as a rescue strategy (Group B1) were compared to patients continuing stem
      cell collection with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor alone (Groups A2 and
      B2). RESULTS: In both, the preemptive and the rescue settings, plerixafor
      enhanced the CD34+ stem cell yield significantly. Poor mobilization and
      administration of plerixafor was not associated with delayed engraftment.
      CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that administration of plerixafor is safe and
      effective and facilitates a significantly higher CD34+ stem cell harvest. Based
      on the presented data, we propose an algorithm for the use of plerixafor for
      CD34+ stem cell mobilization and harvesting in poor mobilizing myeloma patients.

PMID- 25117970
TI  - Bacteriocins: Recent Trends and Potential Applications.
AB  - In the modern era, there is great need for food preservation in both developing
      and developed countries due to increasing demand for extending shelf life and
      prevention of spoilage of food material. With the emergence of new pathogens and
      ability of micro-organisms to undergo changes, exploration of new avenues for the
      food preservation has gained importance. Moreover, awareness among consumers
      regarding harmful effects of chemical preservatives has been increased. Globally,
      altogether there is increasing demand by consumers for chemical-free and minimal
      processed food products. Potential of bacteriocin and its application in reducing
      the microbiological spoilages and in the preservation of food is long been
      recognized. Bacteriocins are normally specific to closely related species without
      disrupting the growth of other microbial populations. A number of applications of
      bacteriocin have been reported for humans, live stock, aquaculture etc. This
      review is focused on recent trends and applications of bacteriocins in different
      areas in addition to their biopreservative potential. 

PMID- 25117971
TI  - Bacterial diversity in a contaminated Alpine glacier as determined by culture
      based and molecular approaches.
AB  - Glaciers are important ecosystems, hosting bacterial communities that are adapted
      to cold conditions and scarcity of available nutrients. Several works focused on
      the composition of bacterial communities in glaciers and on the long-range
      atmospheric deposition of pollutants in glaciers, but it is not clear yet if ski
      resorts can represent a source of point pollution in near-by glaciers, and if
      these pollutants can influence the residing bacterial communities. To test these
      hypotheses, 12 samples were analyzed in Madaccio Glacier, in a 3200 ma.s.l. from
      two areas, one undisturbed and one close to a summer ski resort that is active
      since the 1930s. Chemical analyses found concentrations up to 43 ng L(-1) for
      PCBs and up to 168 MUg L(-1) for PAHs in the contaminated area: these values are
      significantly higher than the ones found in undisturbed glaciers because of long
      range atmospheric deposition events, and can be explained as being related to the
      near-by ski resort activities. Isolation of strains on rich medium plates and PCR
      DGGE analyses followed by sequencing of bands allowed the identification of a
      bacterial community with phylogenetic patterns close to other glacier
      environments, with Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria the mostly abundant phyla,
      with Acidobacteria, Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria also represented in the culture
      independent analyses. A number of isolates were identified by molecular and
      biochemical methods as phylogenetic related to known xenobiotic-degrading
      strains: glaciers subjected to chemical contamination can be important reservoirs
      of bacterial strains with potential applications in bioremediation.

PMID- 25117973
TI  - Comparison of eSRTs and comfort levels in users of Digisonic SP cochlear
      implants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This project proposes to assess the relation between the electrical
      stapedius reflex threshold (eSRT) and comfort levels in users of the Digisonic SP
      cochlear implant. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, where eSRTs are compared to the
      comfort current levels at 2 weeks and at 1-year post-fitting in a group of 11
      adults getting a significant improvement in open set speech recognition from a
      Digisonic SP cochlear implant. RESULTS: The linear relation between eSRTs and
      comfort levels results in Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.65 (P < 0.01; at
      2 weeks) to 0.60 (P < 0.05; at 1 year). The comfort levels can be predicted from
      the eSRTs for the Digisonic SP device from the model equation C level = 19.12 +
      0.41*eSRT within a clinically acceptable margin of error. DISCUSSION: Reflex
      thresholds could be obtained in most participants, and in most channels of the
      Digisonic implant. The equation model appears as a quite reliable predictor of
      comfort levels for users of this device.

PMID- 25117972
TI  - Evaluation of bifidobacterial community composition in the human gut by means of
      a targeted amplicon sequencing (ITS) protocol.
AB  - The precise appraisal of the composition of the human gut microbiota still
      represents a challenging task. The advent of next generation sequencing
      approaches has opened new ways to dissect the microbial biodiversity of this
      ecosystem through the use of 16S rRNA gene-based microbiota analysis approaches.
      However, the detailed representation of specific groups or members of the human
      gut microbiota, for example Bifidobacteria, may be skewed by the PCR primers
      employed in the amplification step of the 16S rRNA gene-based microbial profiling
      pipeline and by the limited resolution of the 16S rRNA gene variable regions.
      Here, we define the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of all currently
      known Bifidobacterium taxa, providing a Bifidobacterium-specific primer pair that
      targets a hypervariable region within the ITS suitable for precise taxonomic
      identification of all 48 so far recognized members of the Bifidobacterium genus.
      In addition, we present an optimized protocol for ITS-based profiling utilizing
      qiime software, allowing accurate and subspecies-specific compositional
      reconstruction of the bifidobacterial community in the human gut. 

PMID- 25117974
TI  - Performance assessment of patient on dialysis.
AB  - Patients on dialysis are poorly active and show a low level of physical
      functioning. Questionnaires and objective measurements of spontaneous physical
      activity are available as well as complex-expensive or simple-unexpensive tests
      useful to assess the patient's exercise capacity. Performance assessment unravels
      patients' capabilities, enables a tailored exercise prescription and provides
      predictive information on main clinical outcomes and therefore this topic should
      be of interest for nephrologists. A routinary minimal pool of tests might be
      usefully performed in a dialysis centre to stratify the patient's risk and to
      recognize patients in need of exercise training in order to address them to
      community-based or rehabilitative programs.

PMID- 25117965
TI  - HIV, tuberculosis, and noncommunicable diseases: what is known about the costs,
      effects, and cost-effectiveness of integrated care?
AB  - Unprecedented investments in health systems in low- and middle-income countries
      (LMICs) have resulted in more than 8 million individuals on antiretroviral
      therapy. Such individuals experience dramatically increased survival but are
      increasingly at risk of developing common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
      Integrating clinical care for HIV, other infectious diseases, and NCDs could make
      health services more effective and provide greater value. Cost-effectiveness
      analysis is a method to evaluate the clinical benefits and costs associated with
      different health care interventions and offers guidance for prioritization of
      investments and scale-up, especially as resources are increasingly constrained.
      We first examine tuberculosis and HIV as 1 example of integrated care already
      successfully implemented in several LMICs; we then review the published
      literature regarding cervical cancer and depression as 2 examples of NCDs for
      which integrating care with HIV services could offer excellent value. Direct
      evidence of the benefits of integrated services generally remains scarce;
      however, data suggest that improved effectiveness and reduced costs may be
      attained by integrating additional services with existing HIV clinical care.
      Further investigation into clinical outcomes and costs of care for NCDs among
      people living with HIV in LMICs will help to prioritize specific health care
      services by contributing to an understanding of the affordability and
      implementation of an integrated approach.

PMID- 25117975
TI  - A comparison between amylase levels from peritonsillar, dental and neck
      abscesses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pus of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) contains very high amylase levels
      in some patients. The objective of this study was to further test this finding
      and to check whether high amylase levels in peritonsillar abscess originate from
      contamination by saliva during aspiration. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study.
      SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study includes 64
      patients with PTA, 8 patients with a neck abscess and 12 patients with a dental
      abscess. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Amylase levels of pus and serum were compared
      between the groups. Clinical data regarding hospitalisation length, recurrence
      rate and previous antibiotic treatment were also collected. RESULTS: Mean amylase
      levels in the pus of the PTA group were 3045 U/L (median 59 U/L), 13 U/L in the
      neck abscess group (P = 0.001) and 22 U/L in the dental abscess group (P =
      0.001). Mean serum amylase was higher in the PTA group; PTA - 50 U/L, neck
      abscess - 37 U/L (P = 0.002) and dental abscess - 26 U/L (P < 0.002). All of the
      patients with amylase levels above 65 U/L had a first episode of PTA. In
      contrast, 40% of patients with amylase lower than 65 U/L had recurrent PTA (P =
      0.003). CONCLUSION: A clear association is seen between minor salivary glands and
      peritonsillar abscess. The high amylase level in peritonsillar pus is not from
      contamination with saliva.

PMID- 25117976
TI  - The major cow milk allergen Bos d 5 manipulates T-helper cells depending on its
      load with siderophore-bound iron.
AB  - The mechanisms of allergic sensitization to milk are still elusive. The major
      allergen Bos d 5 belongs to the lipocalin-family and thus is able to transport
      numerous ligands. In this study we investigated its ability to bind to iron
      siderophore complexes and tested the immune-modulatory properties of Bos d 5 in
      either forms. Structural and in silico docking analysis of Bos d 5 revealed that
      Bos d 5 is able to bind to iron via catechol-based flavonoids (quercetin,
      myricetin, luteolin) that act as siderophores as confirmed by spectral-analysis
      and iron staining. Calculated dissociation constants of docking analyses were
      below 1 uM by virtual addition of iron. When incubated with human peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), only the apo-form of Bos d 5 led to an increase
      of CD4+positive cells and significantly elevated IL13 and IFNgamma-levels. In
      contrast, holo-Bos d 5 decreased numbers of CD4 expressing cells and induced
      apoptosis. Taken together, our data give evidence that Bos d 5 is capable of
      binding iron via siderophores. Moreover, our data support for the first time the
      notion that the form of application (apo- or holo-form) is decisive for the
      subsequent immune response. The apo-form promotes Th2 cells and inflammation,
      whereas the holo-form appears to be immunosuppressive. 

PMID- 25117977
TI  - Mechanisms of glioma formation: iterative perivascular glioma growth and invasion
      leads to tumor progression, VEGF-independent vascularization, and resistance to
      antiangiogenic therapy.
AB  - As glioma cells infiltrate the brain they become associated with various
      microanatomic brain structures such as blood vessels, white matter tracts, and
      brain parenchyma. How these distinct invasion patterns coordinate tumor growth
      and influence clinical outcomes remain poorly understood. We have investigated
      how perivascular growth affects glioma growth patterning and response to
      antiangiogenic therapy within the highly vascularized brain. Orthotopically
      implanted rodent and human glioma cells are shown to commonly invade and
      proliferate within brain perivascular space. This form of brain tumor growth and
      invasion is also shown to characterize de novo generated endogenous mouse brain
      tumors, biopsies of primary human glioblastoma (GBM), and peripheral cancer
      metastasis to the human brain. Perivascularly invading brain tumors become
      vascularized by normal brain microvessels as individual glioma cells use
      perivascular space as a conduit for tumor invasion. Agent-based computational
      modeling recapitulated biological perivascular glioma growth without the need for
      neoangiogenesis. We tested the requirement for neoangiogenesis in perivascular
      glioma by treating animals with angiogenesis inhibitors bevacizumab and DC101.
      These inhibitors induced the expected vessel normalization, yet failed to reduce
      tumor growth or improve survival of mice bearing orthotopic or endogenous gliomas
      while exacerbating brain tumor invasion. Our results provide compelling
      experimental evidence in support of the recently described failure of clinically
      used antiangiogenics to extend the overall survival of human GBM patients. 

PMID- 25117978
TI  - Co-treatment with panitumumab and trastuzumab augments response to the MEK
      inhibitor trametinib in a patient-derived xenograft model of pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations and epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) family signaling are drivers of tumorigenesis in
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Previous studies have demonstrated that
      combinatorial treatment of PDAC xenografts with the mitogen-activated protein
      kinase-extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase1/2 (MEK1/2) inhibitor
      trametinib and the dual EGFR/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)
      inhibitor lapatinib provided more effective inhibition than either treatment
      alone. In this study, we have used the therapeutic antibodies, panitumumab
      (specific for EGFR) and trastuzumab (specific for HER2), to probe the role of
      EGFR and HER2 signaling in the proliferation of patient-derived xenograft (PDX)
      tumors. We show that dual anti-EGFR and anti-HER2 therapy significantly augmented
      the growth inhibitory effects of the MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib in three
      different PDX tumors. While significant growth inhibition was observed in both
      KRAS mutant xenograft groups receiving trametinib and dual antibody therapy
      (tumors 366 and 608), tumor regression was observed in the KRAS wild-type
      xenografts (tumor 738) treated in the same manner. Dual antibody therapy in
      conjunction with trametinib was equally or more effective at inhibiting tumor
      growth and with lower apparent toxicity than trametinib plus lapatinib. Together,
      these studies provide further support for a role for EGFR and HER2 in pancreatic
      cancer proliferation and underscore the importance of therapeutic intervention in
      both the KRAS-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (RAF)-MEK-ERK and EGFR-HER2
      pathways to achieve maximal therapeutic efficacy in patients. 

PMID- 25117979
TI  - SAMSN1 is a tumor suppressor gene in multiple myeloma.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM), a hematological malignancy characterized by the clonal
      growth of malignant plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow, is preceded by the
      benign asymptomatic condition, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
      (MGUS). Several genetic abnormalities have been identified as critical for the
      development of MM; however, a number of these abnormalities are also found in
      patients with MGUS, indicating that there are other, as yet unidentified, factors
      that contribute to the onset of MM disease. In this study, we identify a Samsn1
      gene deletion in the 5TGM1/C57BL/KaLwRij murine model of myeloma. In addition,
      SAMSN1 expression is reduced in the malignant CD138+ PCs of patients with MM and
      this reduced expression correlates to total PC burden. We identify promoter
      methylation as a potential mechanism through which SAMSN1 expression is modulated
      in human myeloma cell lines. Notably, re-expression of Samsn1 in the 5TGM1 murine
      PC line resulted in complete inhibition of MM disease development in vivo and
      decreased proliferation in stromal cell-PC co-cultures in vitro. This is the
      first study to identify deletion of a key gene in the C57BL/KaLwRij mice that
      also displays reduced gene expression in patients with MM and is therefore likely
      to play an integral role in MM disease development. 

PMID- 25117986
TI  - Tissue vitamin concentrations are maintained constant by changing the urinary
      excretion rate of vitamins in rats' restricted food intake.
AB  - We previously reported that mild food restriction induces a reduction in
      tryptophan-nicotinamide conversion, which helps to explain why death secondary to
      pellagra is pandemic during the hungry season. In this study, we investigated the
      levels of B-group vitamins in the liver, kidney, blood, and urine in rats that
      underwent gradual restriction of food intake (80, 60, 40, and 20% restriction vs.
      ad libitum food intake). No significant differences in the B-group vitamin
      concentrations (mol/g tissue) in the liver and kidney were observed at any level
      of food restriction. However, the urine excretion rates exhibited some
      characteristic phenomena that differed by vitamin. These results show that the
      tissue concentrations of B-group vitamins were kept constant by changing the
      urinary elimination rates of vitamins under various levels of food restriction.
      Only vitamin B12 was the only (exception). 

PMID- 25117980
TI  - Tumor interstitial fluid pressure-a link between tumor hypoxia, microvascular
      density, and lymph node metastasis.
AB  - High microvascular density (MVD) in the primary tumor has been shown to be
      associated with increased incidence of lymph node metastases and poor clinical
      outcome. Other investigations have revealed that a large fraction of hypoxic
      tissue in the primary tumor is associated with metastatic disease and impaired
      survival. These data are apparently incompatible because tumor hypoxia is
      primarily a consequence of poor oxygen supply caused by an inadequate vasculature
      with increased intervessel distances. Here, we provide an explanation of these
      observations. Human melanoma xenografts were used as preclinical cancer models.
      Tumors that metastasized to lymph nodes showed higher interstitial fluid pressure
      (IFP) than those that did not metastasize, and compared with tumors with low IFP,
      tumors with high IFP showed large hypoxic fractions centrally, high MVD in the
      periphery, high peritumoral density of lymphatics, and elevated expression of
      vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and VEGF-C. Significant
      correlations were found between peripheral MVD and central hypoxia, and lymph
      node metastasis was associated with high values of both parameters. These
      findings suggest that the outcome of cancer may be associated with both high MVD
      and extensive hypoxia in the primary tumor. We propose that proangiogenic factors
      are upregulated in the tumor center and that the outward interstitial fluid flow
      caused by the elevated IFP transports these factors to the tumor surface where
      they evoke hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and consequently, that the IFP
      serves as a link between tumor hypoxia, peripheral tumor hemangiogenesis,
      peritumoral lymphangiogenesis, and lymph node metastasis. 

PMID- 25117987
TI  - Timing of complementary food introduction and age at diagnosis of type 1
      diabetes: the SEARCH nutrition ancillary study (SNAS).
AB  - The association between timing of complementary food introduction and age at
      diagnosis of type 1 diabetes was investigated among 1077 children in the SEARCH
      for Diabetes in Youth study. Age at diagnosis was 5 months earlier for children
      introduced to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in the first 12 months of life
      compared with those who were not (9.0+/-0.2 vs 9.5+/-0.1; P=0.02) independent of
      human leukocyte antigen (HLA) risk status. Analyses stratified by HLA risk status
      found that children with a high-risk HLA genotype had an earlier age at diagnosis
      if they were introduced to fruit juice in the first year of life (mean age at
      diagnosis=9.3+/-0.1, 9.1+/-0.1 and 9.6+/-0.2 for introduction at ?6 months,
      between 7 and 11 months and ?12 months, respectively; P=0.04). Introduction of
      SSB in the first year of life may accelerate the onset of type 1 diabetes
      independent of HLA risk status.

PMID- 25117988
TI  - Enteral nutrition within 72 h after onset of acute pancreatitis vs delayed
      initiation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore early (within 72 h) vs delayed enteral nutrition (EN)
      therapy for patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of
      93 patients were allocated to two groups: early enteral nutrition (EEN) group
      (started within 72 h after onset) and delayed enteral nutrition (DEN) group
      (started beyond 72 h but within 7 days after onset). Baseline parameters and
      scores were recorded on admission and on day 3 after the initiation of EN
      therapy, as were the clinical outcome variables. RESULTS: Hospital mortality,
      length of stay, number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation and incidence
      of pancreatic infection in the EEN group were significantly lower than those in
      the DEN group; all six reported deaths were in the DEN group. In the DEN group,
      more patients suffered from sepsis, shock or acute kidney injury, and more
      patients required surgical intervention or continuous renal replacement therapy.
      On day 3 after EN therapy was initiated, the acute physiology and chronic health
      evaluation II scores, sequential organ failure assessment scores, C-reactive
      protein levels and the incidence of bowel wall thickening were lower in the EEN
      group than in the DEN group. The time when EN therapy was initiated was a
      prognostic variable for pancreatic infection (odds ratio, 24.08; P=0.014).
      CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the DEN therapy, EEN therapy can accelerate the
      recovery of disturbed homeostasis, reduce the incidence of pancreatic infection
      and improve the clinical outcomes of AP patients. For AP patients, EN therapy
      should be initiated within 72 h after onset.

PMID- 25117989
TI  - Dosimetric factors associated with weight loss during (chemo)radiotherapy
      treatment for lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Thoracic radiotherapy (RT) is associated with acute
      toxicities, including oesophagitis, which can have an impact on nutritional
      intake and subsequently lead to malnutrition. This study aimed to identify RT
      dosimetric factors associated with ?5% weight loss in patients receiving
      treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Radiation dose data to
      the oesophagus (including mean, maximum dose and oesophageal length) were
      retrospectively analysed for a cohort of 54 NSCLC patients treated with
      concurrent chemoradiotherapy between 2004 and 2006. Weight change was calculated
      using the lowest weight during the 90 days from RT commencement compared with the
      start of RT. RESULTS: Four patients for whom weight was not available at the
      start or end of treatment were excluded, leaving 50 patients for analysis. The
      prevalence of significant weight loss during the 90 days from RT commencement was
      22% (median weight loss=9.1%, range=5.9-22.1). Dosimetric factors significantly
      associated with ?5% weight loss were maximum dose to the oesophagus (P=0.046),
      absolute oesophageal length receiving 40 Gy (odds ratio (OR)=1.18, P=0.04), 50 Gy
      (OR=1.20, P=0.02) and 60 Gy (OR=1.32, P=0.005) to the partial circumference,
      relative oesophageal length receiving 50 Gy (OR=1.03, P=0.03) and 60 Gy (OR=1.07,
      P=0.005) to the partial circumference. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple dosimetric factors
      were associated with significant weight loss. Of these factors, absolute and
      relative length of the oesophagus receiving 60 Gy to the partial circumference
      were more strongly related. Understanding the dosimetric factors associated with
      weight loss may aid early identification and intervention in patients at
      nutritional risk.

PMID- 25117990
TI  - Body mass index and mild cognitive impairment-to-dementia progression in 24
      months: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), often considered as an
      early stage of dementia, is heterogeneous, and not all subjects with MCI progress
      into clinically diagnosed dementia. Low body weight (and body mass index, BMI) as
      well as losing weight while in MCI stadium have been proposed as possible risk
      factors of MCI-to-dementia conversion. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A prospective, 2-year
      observation of 102 MCI subjects has been conducted. Data on MCI subtype, somatic
      and neuropsychiatric co-morbidity and demographic characteristics (including age,
      gender and education), were collected. In addition, baseline and yearly BMI were
      calculated. RESULTS: Data of 83 out of the originally included 102 subjects were
      available after 2 years; 27 of those (32.5%) progressed to dementia. In
      univariate analysis, multiple-deficit MCI subtype (as compared with pure
      amnestic), higher age, the presence of diabetes and apathy, and lower baseline
      BMI (and losing weight on 2-year follow-up) were associated with conversion to
      dementia. Variables retained in the multivariate backward stepwise logistic
      regression model for conversion after 24 months of observation included lower
      baseline BMI (odds ratio, OR (95% cofidence interval, CI): 0.6 (0.4-0.9)), weight
      loss on 2-year follow-up (OR (95% CI): 1.3 (1.1-1.5)), male gender (OR (95% CI):
      0.1 (0.01-0.9)) and presence of apathy (OR (95% CI): 70.7 (5.6-699)). Apathetic
      subjects had lower BMI and higher weight loss after controlling for potential
      confounders (age, gender, years of education and baseline ADAS-cog (Alzheimer's
      Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale) score). CONCLUSION: MCI subjects
      presenting with apathy, low initial BMI and losing weight on follow-up have a
      significantly greater risk of developing dementia. Nutritional and behavioural
      assessment should be considered as additional tools in evaluating the risk of
      dementia among MCI subjects.

PMID- 25117991
TI  - Effect of maternal n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation
      during pregnancy and/or lactation on adiposity in childhood: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - It is hypothesized that prenatal and early postnatal exposure to n-3 long-chain
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) is negatively associated with adiposity
      later in life. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate
      whether maternal n-3 LCPUFA supplementation in pregnancy and/or lactation exerts
      a beneficial effect on adiposity status in childhood. We searched six electronic
      databases till 20 May 2014 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of n-3 LCPUFA
      supplementation to pregnant and/or lactating women that reported data on body
      mass index (BMI), waist circumference, sum of skinfold thicknesses or body fat
      mass in children. Adiposity measures were grouped into three age categories:
      preschool children (<5 years), school-aged children (6-12 years), and adolescents
      (>13 years). Trial quality was assessed. We conducted fixed-effect and random
      effects meta-analyses to combine study-specific estimates of differences between
      the supplemented and control groups. A total of 6 RCTs (9 publications) involving
      2847 participants were included. Summary estimates showed no effect of maternal
      supplementation on BMI in preschool (standardized mean difference (SMD)=0.07, 95%
      confidence interval (CI)=-0.22, 0.36, P=0.65) and school-aged children (SMD=0.12,
      95% CI=-0.06, 0.30, P=0.20). Because of sparse data, it was not possible to pool
      study results relating to other adiposity measures. There is currently no
      evidence to support that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation during pregnancy and/or
      lactation favourably affects child adiposity. Further high-quality trials are
      needed. 

PMID- 25117992
TI  - Vitamin D status and associated factors of deficiency among Jordanian children of
      preschool age.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency in children remains a global concern.
      Although literature exists on the vitamin D status and its risk factors among
      children in the Middle East, findings have yielded mixed results, and large,
      representative community studies are lacking. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a nationally
      representative survey of 1077 Jordanian children of preschool age (12-59 months)
      in Spring 2010, we measured 25(OH)D3 concentrations by liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry and calculated prevalence ratios for deficiency
      associated with various factors. RESULTS: RESULTS showed 19.8% (95% confidence
      interval (CI): 16.4-23.3%) deficiency (<12 ng/ml) and 56.5% (95% CI: 52.0-61.0%)
      insufficiency (<20 ng/ml). In adjusted models, prevalence of deficiency was
      higher for females compared with males (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.74, 95% CI: 1.22
      2.47, P=0.002) and lower for children 24-35 months of age (PR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.44
      0.92, P=0.018) compared with children 12-23 months of age. In rural areas, there
      was no difference in prevalence of vitamin D deficiency between those whose
      mothers had/did not have vitamin D deficiency (P=0.312); however, in urban areas,
      prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 3.18 times greater among those whose
      mothers were vitamin D deficient compared with those whose mothers were not
      deficient (P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency pose
      significant public health problems in Jordanian children with female children
      disproportionately affected. Strong associations between vitamin D status in
      children and urban residency and maternal vitamin D status suggest that the
      behaviors related to sun exposure in urban mothers likely also affect the sun
      exposure and thus vitamin D status of their children.

PMID- 25117993
TI  - Household food insecurity and dietary diversity as correlates of maternal and
      child undernutrition in rural Cambodia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess household food insecurity and dietary diversity as
      correlates of maternal and child anthropometric status and anemia in rural
      Cambodia. METHODS: Trained interviewers administered a survey to 900 households
      in four rural districts of Prey Veng, Cambodia. The Household Food Insecurity
      Access Scale (HFIAS) and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) were used to
      assess household food insecurity and dietary diversity. The height, weight and
      hemoglobin concentration of the mother and youngest child under 5 years in each
      household were measured. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed
      to assess the association between household food insecurity and dietary
      diversity, and child stunting and wasting, maternal thinness, maternal and child
      anemia. RESULTS: The mean (s.d.) HFIAS and HDDS scores were 5.3 (3.9) and 4.7
      (1.6), respectively. The respective prevalences of mild, moderate and severe food
      insecurity were 33, 37 and 12%. Maternal thinness, child stunting and child
      wasting were present in 14.6, 25.4 and 8.1% of respondents, respectively. The
      risk of maternal thinness, but not child stunting or wasting, increased as the
      severity of household food insecurity increased. Household food insecurity was
      also positively associated with maternal, but not child, anemia. Household
      dietary diversity status was not significantly associated with any of the
      outcomes we assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to improve household food security are
      important as a means of promoting maternal nutritional status; however,
      additional research is needed to better understand the role of other factors that
      are driving the burden of child undernutrition in Cambodia.

PMID- 25117994
TI  - Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency-methylcobalamine? Cyancobalamine?
      Hydroxocobalamin?-clearing the confusion.
AB  - Vitamin B12 (cyancobalamin, Cbl) has two active co-enzyme forms, methylcobalamin
      (MeCbl) and adenosylcobalamin (AdCbl). There has been a paradigm shift in the
      treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency such that MeCbl is being extensively used and
      promoted. This is despite the fact that both MeCbl and AdCbl are essential and
      have distinct metabolic fates and functions. MeCbl is primarily involved along
      with folate in hematopiesis and development of the brain during childhood.
      Whereas deficiency of AdCbl disturbs the carbohydrate, fat and amino-acid
      metabolism, and hence interferes with the formation of myelin. Thereby, it is
      important to treat vitamin B12 deficiency with a combination of MeCbl and AdCbl
      or hydroxocobalamin or Cbl. Regarding the route, it has been proved that the oral
      route is comparable to the intramuscular route for rectifying vitamin B12
      deficiency. 

PMID- 25117995
TI  - Body composition analysis in older adults with dementia. Anthropometry and
      bioelectrical impedance analysis: a critical review.
AB  - In clinical practice, geriatric nutritional assessment usually includes
      nutritional screening, a simple anthropometric assessment, measurement of various
      biochemical parameters, such as serum albumin, and sometimes (not always) body
      composition analysis (BCA). However, there is a high prevalence of undiagnosed
      malnutrition in patients with dementia. Several factors contribute to this
      situation; probably, the most notable is the methodology used to assess body
      composition (BC). In this regard, for BCA, techniques are needed that are
      noninvasive, affordable, safe, simple and that require the minimum possible
      collaboration by the elderly patient. Consequently, body mass index (BMI) and
      waist circumference (WC) are widely used as indicators of overall and central
      adiposity, respectively; however, there is no consensus on the cutoffs for the
      elderly, and changes in BC (especially muscle-mass depletion) are masked by
      normal values of BMI and WC. Bioimpedance analysis is a simple, cost-effective
      and precise method for BCA, provided that cross-validated equations are used. Its
      main disadvantage is that it is highly sensitive to changes in body water
      (overhydration or dehydration), leading to substantial errors in BC estimates.
      However, using Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis errors are minimized, as
      there is no need for the subject to be normally hydrated and it does not require
      the use of predictive models.

PMID- 25117996
TI  - Winter 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in young urban adults are affected by smoking,
      body mass index and educational level.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship of winter 25
      hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD) levels with age, education, place of residency,
      marital status and body mass index (BMI) as they may affect sun exposure, vitamin
      D synthesis and metabolism. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Subjects (1952) answered a
      structured questionnaire concerning education, marital status and smoking; and
      body weight/height, and parathyroid hormone and 25-OHD were measured. RESULTS: 25
      OHD levels were higher in the males with elementary and secondary education
      compared with higher education (46.8+/-18.5 and 43.7+/-16 vs 39.9+/-15.3 nmol/l,
      P<0.01). Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent (16.7%, (13.1-20.2) vs 10.8%,
      (8.4-13.2), P=0.08) and sufficiency was less prevalent (24.6% (20-29.2) vs 33.7%,
      (29.5-37.8), P=0.005) in those with higher than secondary education. No
      differences were found among the females. Male smokers had lower 25-OHD than
      nonsmokers (40.2+/-16.6 vs 43.6+/-15.7 nmol/l, P=0.004). Deficiency was more
      prevalent in the male smokers than nonsmokers with secondary and higher education
      (secondary 16.6%, (10.1-22.4) vs 8.2%, (5.1-11.3), P=0.006; higher 27.4%, (17.7
      37.1) vs 13.2%, (9.0-17.5), P=0.003). 25-OHD was lower in the obese than in the
      normal-weight females (34.6+/-16.2 vs 38.2+/-17.8 nmol/l, analysis of variance,
      P=0.014), but not males. Marital status was not related to 25-OHD. Only in the
      urban residents, increasing BMI in the young females increased the risk for
      vitamin D deficiency by 1%, and smoking had an odds ratio of 1.99 (1.05-3.78) in
      the young and 2.5 (1.07-5.75) in the middle-aged males. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking and
      higher education in the males and obesity in the females were factors for vitamin
      D deficiency among Bulgarian urban population.

PMID- 25117997
TI  - Bioavailability of vitamin D2 from enriched mushrooms in prediabetic adults: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Based on the growing evidence of risk reduction from fresh
      fruit and vegetable consumption and an inverse relationship between serum 25
      hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), we determined the
      benefits of regularly consuming vitamin D-enriched mushrooms in a prediabetic
      cohort. Exposing edible mushrooms to ultraviolet B (UVB) light increases vitamin
      D2 (D2) and raises serum 25OHD2 in healthy young adults; however, their benefit
      to deficient prediabetics and glucose metabolism remains untested.
      SUBJECTS/METHODS: Forty-three prediabetic, D-deficient adults (25OHD<=20 ng/ml),
      BMI>25 were randomized to four groups consuming daily entrees containing 100 g
      fresh sliced cooked mushrooms prepared by a chef for 16 weeks. Two groups were
      fed UVB-treated mushrooms initially containing: 600 IU D2 or 4000 IU D2; each one
      also received one capsule of placebo daily. Two control groups were fed untreated
      mushrooms and D3 dietary supplements at two label doses: 600 IU D3 and 4000 IU
      D3. D2 and D3 content were analyzed in mushrooms, before and after cooking and in
      over-the-counter supplements. RESULTS: After 16 weeks, both D2-UVB-mushroom
      entree doses, which were significantly lower after cooking, produced modest or no
      increases in 25OHD2 or total 25OHD relative to the positive control subjects who
      actually consumed about 1242 and 7320 IU per day of D3 (higher than stated on the
      label). CONCLUSIONS: Unanticipated D2 cooking loss from fresh UVB mushrooms and
      probable low absorption and/or hydroxylation may explain the smaller increase in
      25OHD2 in our prediabetic overweight/obese cohort compared with past findings in
      younger, healthy subjects. Moreover, no dose or vitamin D source was associated
      with modifying T2D risk factors.

PMID- 25117998
TI  - Associations of sugar-containing beverages with asthma prevalence in 11-year-old
      children: the PIAMA birth cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Recently, a few studies have linked soft drink consumption
      to increased asthma risk, but the contribution of different types of soft drinks
      is unknown. We investigated cross-sectional associations between six different
      types of soft drinks and asthma in 11-year-old children. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We
      analyzed data of 2406 children participating in the Dutch Prevention and
      Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort. At age 11, children self
      reported consumption of sugar-added drinks, diet drinks, sweetened milk drinks,
      100% fruit juice, energy drinks and sport drinks. The definition of asthma was
      based on parental reports of wheezing, prescription of inhaled corticosteroids
      and doctor's diagnosis of asthma. RESULTS: The prevalence of asthma in this study
      was 5.8%. In adjusted logistic regression analyses, asthma risk was increased for
      high (?10 glasses/week (gl/wk) versus low (<4 gl/wk) consumption of 100% fruit
      juice (odds ratio (OR): 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21-3.60), sugar
      added drinks (OR: 1.56, 95%CI: 0.95-2.56) and for very high (>21.5 gl/wk) versus
      low (<12.5 gl/wk) total sugar-containing beverage (SCB) consumption (OR: 1.91,
      95%CI: 1.04-3.48). Consumption of other beverages and consumption of fruit were
      not associated with increased asthma risk. No evidence for mediation of the
      observed associations by body mass index was found. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      indicates that high consumption of 100% fruit juice and total SCBs is associated
      with increased asthma risk in children. The positive association between
      consumption of 100% fruit juice and asthma is an unexpected finding that needs
      confirmation in future studies.

PMID- 25117999
TI  - Omega-3 supplementation during the first 5 years of life and later academic
      performance: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Consumption of oily fish more than once per week has been
      shown to improve cognitive outcomes in children. However, it is unknown whether
      similar benefits can be achieved by long-term omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.
      The objective was to investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation
      during the first 5 years of life on subsequent academic performance in children
      by conducting a secondary analysis of the CAPS (Childhood Asthma Prevention
      Study). SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 616 infants with a family history of asthma
      were randomised to receive tuna fish oil (high in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids,
      active) or Sunola oil (low in omega-3 fatty acids, control) from the time
      breastfeeding ceased or at the age of 6 months until the age of 5 years. Academic
      performance was measured by a nationally standardised assessment of literacy and
      numeracy (National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)) in school
      years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels were measured at regular
      intervals until 8 years of age. Between-group differences in test scores,
      adjusted for maternal age, birth weight and maternal education, were estimated
      using mixed-model regression. RESULTS: Among 239 children, there were no
      significant differences in NAPLAN scores between active and control groups.
      However, at 8 years, the proportion of omega-3 fatty acid in plasma was
      positively associated with the NAPLAN score (0.13 s.d. unit increase in score per
      1% absolute increase in plasma omega-3 fatty acid (95% CI 0.03, 0.23)).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not support the practice of supplementing omega-3
      fatty acids in the diet of young children to improve academic outcomes. Further
      exploration is needed to understand the association between plasma omega-3 fatty
      acid levels at 8 years and academic performance.

PMID- 25118001
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis of 24 cases of microduplication 22q11.2: an investigation of
      phenotype-genotype correlations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Microduplication 22q11.2 is primarily characterized by a highly
      variable clinical phenotype, which ranges from apparently normal or slightly
      dysmorphic features (in the presence or absence of learning disorders) to severe
      malformations with profound mental retardation. Hence, genetic counseling is
      particularly challenging when microduplication 22q11.2 is identified in a
      prenatal diagnosis. Here, we report on 24 prenatal cases of microduplication
      22q11.2. METHODS: Seventeen of the cases were also reanalyzed by microarray
      analysis, in order to determine copy number variations (CNVs, which are thought
      to influence expressivity). We also searched for possible correlations between
      fetal phenotypes, indications for invasive prenatal diagnosis, inheritance, and
      pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 24 cases, 15 were inherited, six occurred de
      novo, and three were of unknown origin. Termination of pregnancy occurred in
      seven cases and was mainly decided on the basis of ultrasound findings. Moreover,
      additional CNVs were found in some patients and we try to make a genotype
      phenotype correlation. CONCLUSION: We discuss the complexity of genetic
      counseling for microduplication 22q11.2 and comment on possible explanations for
      the clinical heterogeneity of this syndrome. In particular, we assessed the co
      existence of additional CNVs and their contribution to phenotypic variations in
      chromosome 22q11.2 microduplication syndrome.

PMID- 25118000
TI  - Lung function, 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and mortality in US adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations between serum concentrations of vitamin D
      (25(OH)D) and all-cause mortality among US adults defined by lung function (LF)
      status, particularly among adults with obstructive LF (OLF). METHODS: Data from
      10,795 adults aged 20-79 years (685 with restrictive LF (RLF) and 1309 with OLF)
      who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      (1988-1994), had a spirometric examination, and were followed through 2006 were
      included. RESULTS: During 14.2 years of follow-up, 1792 participants died. Mean
      adjusted concentrations of 25(OH)D were 75.0 nmol/l (s.e. 0.7) for adults with
      normal LF (NLF), 70.4 nmol/l (s.e. 1.8) for adults with RLF, 75.5 nmol/l (s.e.
      1.5) for adults with mild obstruction and 71.0 nmol/l (s.e. 1.9) among adults
      with moderate or worse obstruction (P=0.030). After adjustment for
      sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors, clinical variables and prevalent
      chronic conditions, a concentration of <25 nmol/l compared with ? 75 nmol//l was
      associated with mortality only among adults with NLF (hazard ratio (HR) 1.76; 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 3.00). Among participants with OLF, adjusted HRs
      were 0.65 (95% CI 0.29, 1.48), 1.21 (95% CI 0.89, 1.66) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.78,
      1.19) among those with concentrations <25, 25-<50 and 50-<75 nmol/l,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline concentrations of 25(OH)D did not
      significantly predict mortality among US adults with impaired LF.

PMID- 25118002
TI  - Efficacy of silver-loaded nanofiber dressings in Candida albicans-contaminated
      full-skin thickness rat burn wounds.
AB  - In this experimental study, the effects of nanofiber dressings containing
      different forms of silver on full-thickness rat burn contaminated with Candida
      albicans was analyzed. A full-thickness skin burn was formed on a total of 32
      Sprague-Dawley rats. After the burn wound was seeded with a 10 colony-forming
      units/ml standard strain of Candida albicans ATCC90028, the animals were divided
      into four groups. The effects of topical silver sulfadiazine and two recently
      designed nanofiber dressings containing nanosilver and silversulfadiazine as
      active materials were compared with the control group. There was a significant
      difference in the Candida growth on the burn eschar tissue among the groups. The
      difference for Candida growth in the burn eschar between the control group and
      the 1% silver sulfadiazine-containing nanofiber dressing group was statistically
      significant (P< 0.01). Silver sulfadiazine-containing nanofiber dressing was the
      most effective agent in the treatment of Candida albicans-contaminated burn
      wounds. Because of their regenerative potential, silver-loaded nanofiber
      dressings could be a good alternative for infected burn wounds. 

PMID- 25118003
TI  - Using latent class analysis to develop a model of the relationship between
      socioeconomic position and ethnicity: cross-sectional analyses from a multi
      ethnic birth cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Almost all studies in health research control or investigate
      socioeconomic position (SEP) as exposure or confounder. Different measures of SEP
      capture different aspects of the underlying construct, so efficient methodologies
      to combine them are needed. SEP and ethnicity are strongly associated, however
      not all measures of SEP may be appropriate for all ethnic groups. METHODS: We
      used latent class analysis (LCA) to define subgroups of women with similar SEP
      profiles using 19 measures of SEP. Data from 11,326 women were used, from eight
      different ethnic groups but with the majority from White British (40%) or
      Pakistani (45%) backgrounds, who were recruited during pregnancy to the Born in
      Bradford birth cohort study. RESULTS: Five distinct SEP subclasses were
      identified in the LCA: (i) "Least socioeconomically deprived and most educated"
      (20%); (ii) "Employed and not materially deprived" (19%); (iii) "Employed and no
      access to money" (16%); (iv) "Benefits and not materially deprived" (29%) and (v)
      "Most economically deprived" (16%). Based on the magnitude of the point
      estimates, the strongest associations were that compared to White British women,
      Pakistani and Bangladeshi women were more likely to belong to groups: (iv)
      "benefits and not materially deprived" (relative risk ratio (95% CI): 5.24 (4.44,
      6.19) and 3.44 (2.37, 5.00), respectively) or (v) most deprived group (2.36
      (1.96, 2.84) and 3.35 (2.21, 5.06) respectively) compared to the least deprived
      class. White Other women were more than twice as likely to be in the (iv)
      "benefits and not materially deprived group" compared to White British women and
      all ethnic groups, other than the Mixed group, were less likely to be in the
      (iii) "employed and not materially deprived" group than White British women.
      CONCLUSIONS: LCA allows different aspects of an individual's SEP to be considered
      in one multidimensional indicator, which can then be integrated in
      epidemiological analyses. Ethnicity is strongly associated with these identified
      subgroups. Findings from this study suggest a careful use of SEP measures in
      health research, especially when looking at different ethnic groups. Further
      replication of these findings is needed in other populations.

PMID- 25118005
TI  - Biological Activities of Plant Pigments Betalains.
AB  - Betalains are a family of natural pigments present in most plants of the order
      Caryophyllales. They provide colors ranging from yellow to violet to structures
      that in other plants are colored by anthocyanins. These include not only edible
      fruits and roots but also flowers, stems, and bracts. The recent characterization
      of different bioactivities in experiments with betalain containing extracts and
      purified pigments has renewed the interest of the research community in these
      molecules used by the food industry as natural colorants. Studies with multiple
      cancer cell lines have demonstrated a high chemopreventive potential that finds
      in vitro support in a strong antiradical and antioxidant activity. Experiments in
      vivo with model animals and bioavailability studies reinforce the possible role
      played by betalains in the diet. This work provides a critical review of all the
      claimed biological activities of betalains, showing that the bioactivities
      described might be supported by the high antiradical capacity of their structural
      unit, betalamic acid. Although more investigations with purified compounds are
      needed, the current evidences suggest a strong health-promoting potential. 

PMID- 25118004
TI  - Provision of KEL1-negative blood to obstetric patients: a 3-year single
      institution retrospective review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: KEL1 alloimmunization is a major cause of hemolytic disease of the
      fetus and newborn (HDFN). While select countries have guidelines for preventing
      transfusion-associated KEL1 alloimmunization, the United States does not. Beth
      Israel Deaconess Medical Center instituted a policy in April 2009 whereby women
      not more than 50 years of age on the obstetric service were transfused KEL1
      negative red blood cells (RBCs). We sought to determine compliance and impact for
      prevention of KEL1 alloimmunization and HDFN. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All women
      not more than 50 years of age without anti-K transfused RBCs during an obstetric
      admission from April 9, 2009, to April 9, 2012, were identified (227). Adherence
      to policy, factors contributing to nonadherence, and subsequent impact were
      evaluated. For comparison, all cases of anti-K detection in women not more than
      50 years of age admitted to nonobstetric services and all cases of transfusion
      associated KEL1 alloimmunization in women not more than 50 years of age during
      the 10 years prior were identified. RESULTS: Eighty-four percent received only
      KEL1-negative units. Three (1.3%) women not more than 50 years of age on the
      obstetric service were identified with anti-K, while 17 (1.5%) women not more
      than 50 years of age on nonobstetric services had anti-K detected; only five of
      20 had a prior RBC transfusion. In the 10 years prior, there were 27 cases of
      transfusion-associated KEL1 alloimmunization in women not more than 50 years of
      age. There were no cases of KEL1 HDFN in either period. CONCLUSION: Although the
      findings demonstrate feasibility of providing KEL1-negative RBCs to women of
      childbearing potential, evidence for clinical benefit is lacking. The low
      prevalence of KEL1 in blood donors, the lack of significant differences in
      alloimmunization rates, and no cases of HDFN during the study period questions
      the clinical benefit of such a policy.

PMID- 25118006
TI  - The rehabilitation role in chronic kidney and end stage renal disease.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide is rising markedly becoming a priority
      public health problem. The progression of CKD cause functional limitation and
      severe disability with poor quality of life. The aim of present review was to
      highlight the effect of rehabilitation in CKD and ESRD subjects. The
      rehabilitative process is unique in treating disabled people according to a
      holistic approach with the aim of supporting a person's independent living and
      autonomy. CKD are associated with an increased risk of functional impairment,
      independent of age, gender, and co-morbidities. Clinicians should counsel
      patients with CKD including frail elder people to increase physical activity
      levels and target that regular physical activity including aerobic or endurance
      exercises training benefits health. In old subjects with CKD and multiple
      functional impairments, the traditional disease based model should be changed to
      individualized patient-centered approach that prioritizes patient preferences.
      Patients receiving haemodialysis have a considerably lower exercise tolerance,
      functional capacity, and more muscle wasting than healthy subjects or patients
      with less severe CKD. Exercise training or comprehensive multi-dimensional
      strategy and goal-oriented intervention should be also provided in ESRD older
      subjects. Structured prevention programs based on reducing the risk factors for
      CKD and rehabilitative strategies could reduce disability occurrence.

PMID- 25118007
TI  - Familial co-segregation of Coffin-Lowry syndrome inherited from the mother and
      autosomal dominant Waardenburg type IV syndrome due to deletion of EDNRB
      inherited from the father.
AB  - We report an African-American family that was identified after the proposita was
      referred for diagnostic evaluation at 41/2 months with a history of Hirschsprung
      and dysmorphic features typical of Waardenburg syndrome (WS). Family evaluation
      revealed that the father had heterochromidia irides and hypertelorism supporting
      the clinical diagnosis of WS; however, examination of the mother revealed
      characteristic facial and digital features of Coffin-Lowry syndrome (CLS).
      Molecular testing of the mother identified a novel 2 bp deletion (c.865_866delCA)
      in codon 289 of RPS6KA3 leading to a frame-shift and premature termination of
      translation 5 codons downstream (NM_004586.2:p.Gln289ValfsX5). This deletion also
      was identified in the proposita and her three sisters with a clinical suspicion
      of CLS, all of whom as carriers for this X-linked disorder had very subtle
      manifestations. The molecular confirmation of WS type 4 (Shah-Waardenburg; WS4)
      was not as straightforward. To evaluate WS types 1-4, multiple sequential
      molecular tests were requested, including Sanger sequencing of all exons, and
      deletion/duplication analysis using MLPA for PAX3, MITF, SOX10, EDN3 and EDNRB.
      Although sequencing did not identify any disease causing variants, MLPA
      identified a heterozygous deletion of the entire EDNRB in the father. This
      deletion was also found in the proposita and the oldest child. Since the
      heterozygous deletion was the only change identified in EDNRB, this family
      represents one of the few cases of an autosomal dominant inheritance of WS4
      involving the endothelin pathway. Altogether, clinical evaluation of the family
      revealed one child to be positive for WS4 and two positive for CLS, while two
      children were positive for both diseases simultaneously (including the proposita)
      while another pair test negative for either disease. This kinship is an example
      of the coincidence of two conditions co-segregating in one family, with variable
      phenotypes requiring molecular testing to confirm the clinical diagnoses.

PMID- 25118008
TI  - NKX2.5 mutation identification on exome sequencing in a patient with heterotaxy.
AB  - Exome sequencing enables us to screen most of the protein coding genes in an
      unbiased way, this technique represents an ideal tool to identify previously
      under- or unappreciated phenotypes associated with known disease genes and
      genetic disorders. Here we present an illustrative case that required exome
      sequencing to identify a genetic alteration associated with the clinical
      features. The phenotype of the proband included heterotaxy, double outlet right
      ventricle, common atrioventricular canal, total anomalous pulmonary venous
      connection, asplenia, failure to thrive and short stature. Exome sequencing
      demonstrated a frameshift mutation c.397_400del (p.P133GfsTer 42) in NKX2.5.
      Although a single previous case of heterotaxy was reported in a large familial
      case of NKX2.5, heterotaxy is not clinically appreciated to be a part of the
      phenotypic spectrum associated with NKX2.5 mutations. This case report
      demonstrates the utility of exome sequencing in expanding a phenotypic spectrum
      of a known Mendelian disorder. We predict that this type of unexpected
      identification of mutations in known-disease associated genes in patients with
      atypical or expanded phenotypes will occur with increasing frequency as the use
      of exome and genome sequencing become more common tools in diagnosing patients
      with syndromic and non-syndromic foms of structural birth defects. 

PMID- 25118009
TI  - Modelling the effects of cochlear implant current focusing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A finite element model of the human coiled cochlea was used to model
      the voltage distribution due to stimulation by the individual electrodes of a
      cochlear implant. The scalar position of the electrode array was also varied in
      order to investigate its effect on the voltage distribution. Multi-electrode
      current focusing methods were then investigated, with the aim of increasing
      spatial selectivity. METHODS: Simultaneous current focusing is initially
      achieved, as in previous publications, by calculating the input currents to the
      22 electrodes that best separates the voltages at these electrode positions. The
      benefits of this electrode focusing strategy do not, however, entirely carry over
      to the predicted voltage distributions at the position of the spiral ganglion
      cells, where excitation is believed to occur. A novel focusing strategy is then
      simulated, which compensates for the impedances between the currents at the
      electrode sites and the voltage distribution directly at the position of the
      spiral ganglion cells. RESULTS: The new strategy produces much better focusing at
      the sites of the spiral ganglion cells, as expected, but at the cost of increased
      current requirements. Regularization was introduced in order to reduce current
      requirements, which also reduced the sensitivity of the solution to uncertainties
      in the impedance matrix, so that improved focusing was achieved with similar
      current requirements to that of electrode focusing. DISCUSSION: Although such
      focusing strategies cannot be achieved in practice at the moment, since the
      responses from the electrodes to the neural sites cannot be determined with
      currently available recording methods, these results do support the feasibility
      of a more effective focusing strategy, which may provide improved spectral
      resolution leading to improved perception of sound.

PMID- 25118010
TI  - Occurrence and expression of bacterial human virulence gene homologues in natural
      soil bacteria.
AB  - The presence and in vitro expression of homologues to 22 bacterial human
      virulence determinants amongst culturable soil bacteria were investigated. About
      25% of the bacterial isolates contained virulence gene homologues representing
      toxin (hblA, cytK2), adhesin (fimH), regulator (phoQ) and resistance (yfbI)
      determinants in pathogenic bacteria. The homologues of the toxin genes were found
      in Actinobacteria and Firmicutes (hblA), and in Firmicutes and Alpha- and
      Gammaproteobacteria (cytK2). The homologues to the type 1 fimbrial adhesin gene,
      fimH, and the L-Ara4N transferase gene, yfbI, were observed in Actinobacteria,
      Firmicutes and Gammaproteobacteria. The regulator gene, phoQ, was only found in
      Gammaproteobacteria. The presence of cytK2 in Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria,
      fimH in Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, and hblA in Actinobacteria has not
      previously been described. A close sequence similarity (84-100%) was observed
      between the genes of environmental and clinical isolates, and expression assays
      suggested that the genes in some cases were expressed in vitro. The presence of
      functional virulence gene homologues underpins their importance for the survival
      of environmental bacteria. Furthermore, the high degree of sequence conservation
      to clinical sequences indicates that natural environments may be 'evolutionary
      cribs' of emerging pathogens. 

PMID- 25118017
TI  - Genetic and environmental contributions to social anxiety across different ages:
      a meta-analytic approach to twin data.
AB  - Social anxiety disorder (SAD) and social anxiety symptoms (SAS) have been largely
      studied both epidemiologically and genetically, however, estimates of genetic and
      environmental influences for these phenotypes widely vary across reports. Based
      upon available literature, 13 cohorts (42,585 subjects) were included in 3 meta
      analytic estimates of the standardized variance components of aetiological
      influences on SAD/SAS, on the effect of age and of phenotype (symptoms vs.
      diagnosis). The proportions of variance accounted for by genetic and
      environmental factors were calculated by averaging estimates among studies, and
      pondered by the number of individuals in each sample. Meta-analytic estimations
      showed that genetic and non-shared environmental factors explain most of
      individual differences for SAD/SAS. In adults, the genetic contribution was half
      than that in younger patients, with higher contribution of non-shared
      environmental influences. In contrast, the shared environmental factors seem to
      be less relevant. 

PMID- 25118016
TI  - Successful treatment of post-transplant thrombocytopenia with romiplostim in a
      pediatric patient with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease.
AB  - Thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication following HSCT in pediatric patients.
      Romiplostim is a TPO receptor agonist that has been utilized successfully in the
      treatment of pediatric patients with immune thrombocytopenia. We describe a three
      yr-old male with X-linked CGD treated with an unrelated donor bone marrow
      transplant. His course was complicated by the development of symptomatic
      thrombocytopenia. He was started on romiplostim with prompt improvement in his
      thrombocytopenia. We found the use of romiplostim to be an effective and safe
      alternative to the potential complications as well as morbidity and mortality
      associated with the use of immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids. 

PMID- 25118019
TI  - On the state of scientific English and how to improve it - Part 7: Separating key
      concepts and qualifications.

PMID- 25118018
TI  - In vitro anticancer activity of loquat tea by inducing apoptosis in human
      leukemia cells.
AB  - Fresh loquat leaves have been used as folk health herb in Asian countries for
      long time, although the evidence supporting their functions is still minimal.
      This study aimed to clarify the chemopreventive effect of loquat tea extract
      (LTE) by investigating the inhibition on proliferation, and underlying mechanisms
      in human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60). LTE inhibited proliferation of HL
      60 in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular data showed that the isolated fraction
      of LTE induced apoptosis of HL-60 as characterized by DNA fragmentation;
      activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9; and inactivation of poly(ADP)ribose
      polymerase. Moreover, LTE fraction increased the ratio of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2
      associated X protein (Bax)/anti-apoptotic myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) that
      caused mitochondrial membrane potential loss and cytochrome c released to
      cytosol. Thus, our data indicate that LTE might induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells
      through a mitochondrial dysfunction pathway. These findings enhance our
      understanding for chemopreventive function of loquat tea. 

PMID- 25118020
TI  - A polymerization chaperone: A novel hypothesis for the +TIP network (comment on
      DOI 10.1002/bies.201400029).

PMID- 25118024
TI  - Tectonic gene mutations in patients with Joubert syndrome.
AB  - So far very few patients with sequence variants in the closely related tectonic
      genes TCTN1-3 have been described. By multi-gene panel next-generation sequencing
      (NGS) in patients with Joubert syndrome, we identified two more patients and
      summarize what is currently known about the phenotypes associated with sequence
      variants in these genes. In a boy aged 12 years with intellectual disability and
      the classical molar tooth sign on MRI, a homozygous splice-site sequence variant
      in TCTN3 leading to in-frame skipping of exon 7 was detected. A previously
      described non-truncating sequence variant in TCTN3 was also associated with
      Joubert syndrome, whereas four truncating sequence variants were detected in
      patients with Meckel-Gruber or Mohr-Majewski syndrome. The second patient, a boy
      aged 7 years with severe psychomotor retardation, was found to carry a homozygous
      canonic splice-site sequence variant in TCTN2. So far, only three sequence
      variants associated with Joubert syndrome and two with Meckel-Gruber syndrome
      have been described in this gene. Reviewing the clinical data on patients with
      sequence variants in the tectonic genes TCTN1-3 reveals that all of them have a
      neurological phenotype with vermis hypoplasia or occipital encephalocele
      associated with severe intellectual disability in the surviving patients. In
      contrast, other features frequently seen in patients with ciliopathies such as
      nephronophthisis, liver fibrosis, retinal dystrophy or coloboma have not been
      reported. Our patients emphasize the usefulness and efficacy of a comprehensive
      NGS panel approach. A concise genetic diagnosis may help to prevent unnecessary
      investigations and improve the clinical management of these patients. 

PMID- 25118025
TI  - VPS35 and DNAJC13 disease-causing variants in essential tremor.
AB  - Exome-sequencing analyses have identified vacuolar protein sorting 35 homolog
      (VPS35) and DnaJ (Hsp40) homolog, subfamily C, member 13 (DNAJC13) harboring
      disease-causing variants for Parkinson disease (PD). Owing to the suggested
      clinical, pathological and genetic overlap between PD and essential tremor (ET)
      we assessed the presence of two VPS35 and DNAJC13 disease-causing variants in ET
      patients. TaqMan probes were used to genotype VPS35 c.1858G>A (p.(D620N))
      (rs188286943) and DNAJC13 c.2564A>G (p.(N855S)) (rs387907571) in 571 ET patients
      of European descent, and microsatellite markers were used to define the disease
      haplotype in variant carriers. Genotyping of DNAJC13 identified two ET patients
      harboring the c.2564A>G (p.(N855S)) variant previously identified in PD patients.
      Both patients appear to share the disease haplotype previously reported. ET
      patients with the VPS35 c.1858G>A (p.(D620N)) variants were not observed.
      Although a genetic link between PD and ET has been suggested, DNAJC13 c.2564A>G
      (p.(N855S)) represents the first disease-causing variant identified in both, and
      suggests the regulation of clathrin dynamics and endosomal trafficking in the
      pathophysiology of a subset of ET patients. 

PMID- 25118026
TI  - Regions of homozygosity identified by oligonucleotide SNP arrays: evaluating the
      incidence and clinical utility.
AB  - Copy neutral segments with allelic homozygosity, also known as regions of
      homozygosity (ROHs), are frequently identified in cases interrogated by
      oligonucleotide single-nucleotide polymorphism (oligo-SNP) microarrays. Presence
      of ROHs may be because of parental relatedness, chromosomal recombination or
      rearrangements and provides important clues regarding ancestral homozygosity,
      consanguinity or uniparental disomy. In this study of 14 574 consecutive cases,
      832 (6%) were found to harbor one or more ROHs over 10 Mb, of which 651 cases
      (78%) had multiple ROHs, likely because of identity by descent (IBD), and 181
      cases (22%) with ROHs involving a single chromosome. Parental relatedness was
      predicted to be first degree or closer in 5%, second in 9% and third in 19%. Of
      the 181 cases, 19 had ROHs for a whole chromosome revealing uniparental isodisomy
      (isoUPD). In all, 25 cases had significant ROHs involving a single chromosome; 5
      cases were molecularly confirmed to have a mixed iso- and heteroUPD15 and 1 case
      each with segmental UPD9pat and segmental UPD22mat; 17 cases were suspected to
      have a mixed iso- and heteroUPD including 2 cases with small supernumerary marker
      and 2 cases with mosaic trisomy. For chromosome 15, 12 (92%) of 13 molecularly
      studied cases had either Prader-Willi or Angelman syndrome. Autosomal recessive
      disorders were confirmed in seven of nine cases from eight families because of
      the finding of suspected gene within a ROH. This study demonstrates that ROHs are
      much more frequent than previously recognized and often reflect parental
      relatedness, ascertain autosomal recessive diseases or unravel UPD in many cases.

PMID- 25118027
TI  - The phenotype of congenital insensitivity to pain due to the NaV1.9 variant
      p.L811P.

PMID- 25118028
TI  - Malan syndrome: Sotos-like overgrowth with de novo NFIX sequence variants and
      deletions in six new patients and a review of the literature.
AB  - De novo monoallelic variants in NFIX cause two distinct syndromes. Whole gene
      deletions, nonsense variants and missense variants affecting the DNA-binding
      domain have been seen in association with a Sotos-like phenotype that we propose
      is referred to as Malan syndrome. Frameshift and splice-site variants thought to
      avoid nonsense-mediated RNA decay have been seen in Marshall-Smith syndrome. We
      report six additional patients with Malan syndrome and de novo NFIX deletions or
      sequence variants and review the 20 patients now reported. The phenotype is
      characterised by moderate postnatal overgrowth and macrocephaly. Median height
      and head circumference in childhood are 2.0 and 2.3 standard deviations (SD)
      above the mean, respectively. There is overlap of the facial phenotype with NSD1
      positive Sotos syndrome in some cases including a prominent forehead, high
      anterior hairline, downslanting palpebral fissures and prominent chin. Neonatal
      feeding difficulties and/or hypotonia have been reported in 30% of patients.
      Developmental delay/learning disability have been reported in all cases and are
      typically moderate. Ocular phenotypes are common, including strabismus (65%),
      nystagmus (25% ) and optic disc pallor/hypoplasia (25%). Other recurrent features
      include pectus excavatum (40%) and scoliosis (25%). Eight reported patients have
      a deletion also encompassing CACNA1A, haploinsufficiency of which causes episodic
      ataxia type 2 or familial hemiplegic migraine. One previous case had episodic
      ataxia and one case we report has had cyclical vomiting responsive to pizotifen.
      In individuals with this contiguous gene deletion syndrome, awareness of possible
      later neurological manifestations is important, although their penetrance is not
      yet clear. 

PMID- 25118029
TI  - Characterization of the first intragenic SATB2 duplication in a girl with
      intellectual disability, nearly absent speech and suspected hypodontia.
AB  - SATB2, a gene encoding a highly conserved DNA-binding protein, is known to have
      an important role in craniofacial and neuronal development. Only a few patients
      with SATB2 variants have been described so far. Recently, Docker et al provided a
      summary of these patients and delineated the SAS (SATB2-associated syndrome). We
      here report on a girl with intellectual disability, nearly absent speech and
      suspected hypodontia who was shown to carry an intragenic SATB2 tandem
      duplication hypothesized to lead to haploinsufficiency of SATB2. Preliminary
      information on this patient had already been included in the article by Docker et
      al. We want to give a detailed description of the patient's phenotype and
      genotype, providing further insight into the spectrum of the molecular mechanisms
      leading to SAS. 

PMID- 25118031
TI  - Short-term trained lexical categories produce preattentive categorical perception
      of color: evidence from ERPs.
AB  - The present study investigated whether short-term trained lexical categories
      could produce lateralized preattentive categorical perception (CP) of color.
      Participants' event-related potentials were recorded while performing a visual
      oddball task in which standard and deviant colored stimuli from the same or
      different novel lexical categories were presented. Two groups of participants
      were recruited: a group trained on these novel categories (n = 26), and an
      untrained control group (n = 26). Results of paired t tests showed that deviants
      did not evoke significant visual mismatch negativity, with the exception of
      deviants from different novel categories presented in the right visual field of
      the training group. This suggests that short-term trained lexical categories
      produce lateralized preattentive color CP, and language enhances sensitivity to
      the differences among between-category stimuli. 

PMID- 25118030
TI  - Isolated dentinogenesis imperfecta and dentin dysplasia: revision of the
      classification.
AB  - Dentinogenesis imperfecta is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by
      severe hypomineralization of dentin and altered dentin structure. Dentin extra
      cellular matrix is composed of 90% of collagen type I and 10% of non-collagenous
      proteins among which dentin sialoprotein (DSP), dentin glycoprotein (DGP) and
      dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) are crucial in dentinogenesis. These proteins are
      encoded by a single gene: dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and undergo several
      post-translational modifications such as glycosylation and phosphorylation to
      contribute and to control mineralization. Human mutations of this DSPP gene are
      responsible for three isolated dentinal diseases classified by Shield in 1973:
      type II and III dentinogenesis imperfecta and type II dentin dysplasia. Shield
      classification was based on clinical phenotypes observed in patient. Genetics
      results show now that these three diseases are a severity variation of the same
      pathology. So this review aims to revise and to propose a new classification of
      the isolated forms of DI to simplify diagnosis for practitioners. 

PMID- 25118034
TI  - A missed opportunity? Recognizing pregnancy-associated cardiovascular risk
      factors.

PMID- 25118032
TI  - Iodine nutritional status after the implementation of the new iodized salt
      concentration standard in Zhejiang Province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiencies were prevalent in China until the introduction of
      universal salt iodization (USI) in 1995. In 2012, the standard salt iodine
      concentration was adjusted to 20-30 mg/kg. The success of USI for the control of
      iodine deficiency disorders requires monitoring its effect at a population level.
      METHODS: Two cross sectional surveys of a representative sample of children aged
      8-10 years in Zhejiang Province were carried out in 2011 and 2013. Data on
      participants' socio-demographic characteristics were collected from the children
      using a structured questionnaire. Spot urine samples were collected and delivered
      to local Center for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory for measuring
      urinary iodine concentration. In 2011, out of 420 selected children aged 8-10
      years, 391 were recorded and provided urine samples. In 2013, out of 1560
      selected children aged 8-10 years, 1556 were recorded and provided urine samples.
      RESULTS: The median urinary iodine concentration of subjects in the 2013 survey
      was 174.3 MUg/L, significantly lower than that of 2011(p = 0.000). The median
      urinary iodine concentration of subjects living in urban and rural areas in the
      2013 survey was 169.0 MUg/L, and 186.1 MUg/L respectively, significantly lower
      than that of 2011 only for subjects living in urban areas (p = 0.000). There were
      no significant differences for subjects living in rural areas in the survey in
      2011 and in 2013 (p = 0.086). CONCLUSIONS: At the time the new local iodization
      policy put forward, iodine nutrition was generally adequate in both urban and
      rural areas, suggesting that the new policy for adjusting the standard salt
      iodine concentration is effective. Our data also indicate that the reason people
      living in urban areas had a lower urinary iodine concentration than people in
      rural areas may be due to their preference for using non-iodized salt in the last
      2 or 3 years. Maintaining USI at an appropriate level is an important part of
      preventing iodine deficiency disorders and should always be based on regular
      monitoring and comparison of urinary iodine concentration by province.

PMID- 25118035
TI  - 20 things you didn't know about women and heart disease.

PMID- 25118037
TI  - A "nephrological" approach to physical activity.
AB  - Despite consensus among nephrologists that exercise is important and probably
      beneficial for their patients, assessment of physical function or encouragement
      of physical activity is not a part of the routine management of patients with
      CKD. In order to plan an useful strategy for exercise training we need to clearly
      define some questions. First of all, nephrologists need to be aware of physical
      exercise benefits; lack of motivation and increased perceived risk by health care
      professionals have been identified as contributing factors to physical
      inactivity. Moreover, the main elements necessary for sustaining exercise
      programs in this population have to take in account, such as the requirement of
      exercise professionals, equipment and space, individual prescription, adequate
      commitment from dialysis and medical staff. When PA may not be implemented, a
      comprehensive, individualized occupational therapy program may improve functional
      independence and activity of daily living. Finally, physical function has to be
      careful monitored and assesses by medical staff.

PMID- 25118036
TI  - Long-term reproducible expression in human fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells
      with a UCOE-based lentiviral vector.
AB  - Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) targeted gene transfer is an attractive treatment
      option for a number of hematopoietic disorders caused by single gene defects.
      However, extensive methylation of promoter sequences results in silencing of
      therapeutic gene expression. The choice of an appropriate promoter is therefore
      crucial for reproducible, stable and long-term transgene expression in clinical
      gene therapy. Recent studies suggest efficient and stable expression of
      transgenes from the ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) derived from the
      human HNRPA2B1-CBX3 locus can be achieved in murine HSC. Here, we compared the
      use of HNRPA2B1-CBX3 UCOE (A2UCOE)-mediated transgene regulation to two other
      frequently used promoters namely EF1alpha and PGK in human fetal liver-derived
      HSC (hflHSC). Efficient transduction of hflHSC with a lentiviral vector
      containing an HNRPA2B1-CBX3 UCOE-eGFP (A2UCOE-eGFP) cassette was achieved at
      higher levels than that obtained with umbilical cord blood derived HSC (3.1x;
      p<0.001). While hflHSC were readily transduced with all three test vectors
      (A2UCOE-eGFP, PGK-eGFP and EF1alpha-eGFP), only the A2-UCOE construct
      demonstrated sustained transgene expression in vitro over 24 days (p<0.001). In
      contrast, within 10 days in culture a rapid decline in transgene expression in
      both PGK-eGFP and EF1alpha-eGFP transduced hflHSC was seen. Subsequently,
      injection of transduced cells into immunodeficient mice (NOD/SCID/Il2rg-/-)
      demonstrated sustained eGFP expression for the A2UCOE-eGFP group up to 10 months
      post transplantation whereas PGK-eGFP and EF1alpha-eGFP transduced hflHSC showed
      a 5.1 and 22.2 fold reduction respectively over the same time period. We conclude
      that the A2UCOE allows a more efficient and stable expression in hflHSC to be
      achieved than either the PGK or EF1alpha promoters and at lower vector copy
      number per cell. 

PMID- 25118038
TI  - Identification of colonic fibroblast secretomes reveals secretory factors
      regulating colon cancer cell proliferation.
AB  - Stromal microenvironment influences tumor cell proliferation and migration.
      Fibroblasts represent the most abundant stromal constituents. Here, we
      established two pairs of normal fibroblast (NF) and cancer-associated fibroblast
      (CAF) cultures from colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and the normal
      counterparts. The NFs and CAFs were stained positive for typical fibroblast
      markers and inhibited colon cancer (CC) cell proliferation in in vitro cocultures
      and in xenograft mouse models. The fibroblast conditioned media were analyzed
      using LC-MS and 227 proteins were identified at a false discovery rate of 1.3%,
      including 131 putative secretory and 20 plasma membrane proteins. These proteins
      were enriched for functional categories of extracellular matrix, adhesion, cell
      motion, inflammatory response, redox homeostasis and peptidase inhibitor.
      Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, transgelin, follistatin-related
      protein 1 (FSTL1) and decorin was abundant in the fibroblast secretome as
      confirmed by Western blot. Silencing of FSTL1 and transgelin in colonic
      fibroblast cell line CCD-18Co induced an accelerated proliferation of CC cells in
      cocultures. Exogenous FSTL1 attenuates CC cell proliferation in a negative
      fashion. FSTL1 was upregulated in CC patient plasma and cancerous tissues but had
      no implication in prognosis. Our results provided novel insights into the
      molecular signatures and modulatory role of CC associated fibroblasts. BIOLOGICAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, a label-free LC-MS was performed to analyze the
      secretomes of two paired primary fibroblasts, which were isolated from fresh
      surgical specimen of colorectal adenocarcinoma and adjacent normal colonic
      tissues and exhibited negative modulatory activity for colon cancer cell growth
      in in vitro cocultures and in vivo xenograph mouse models. Follistatin-related
      protein 1 was further revealed to be one of the stroma-derived factors of
      potential suppression role for colon cancer cell proliferation. Our results
      provide novel insights into the molecular signatures and the modulatory role of
      colon cancer associated fibroblasts, and establish a valuable resource for the
      development of therapeutic agents or novel clinic biomarker.

PMID- 25118040
TI  - How much is it going to cost me? Bidirectional relations between adolescents'
      moral personality and prosocial behavior.
AB  - The current study examined bidirectional relations between adolescents' moral
      personality (prosocial values, self-regulation, and sympathy) and low- and high
      cost prosocial behavior toward strangers. Participants included 682 adolescents
      (M age of child = 14.31, SD = 1.07, 50% female) who participated at two time
      points, approximately one year apart. Cross-lag analyses suggested that
      adolescents' values were associated with both low- and high-cost prosocial
      behavior one year later, self-regulation was associated with high-cost prosocial
      behavior, and sympathy was associated with low-cost prosocial behavior. Findings
      also suggested that low-cost prosocial behavior was associated with sympathy one
      year later, and high-cost prosocial behavior was associated with values.
      Discussion focuses on reciprocal relations between moral personality and
      prosocial behavior, and the need to consider a more multidimensional approach to
      prosocial development during adolescence.

PMID- 25118039
TI  - Increased methylation of the MOR gene proximal promoter in primary sensory
      neurons plays a crucial role in the decreased analgesic effect of opioids in
      neuropathic pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The analgesic potency of opioids is reduced in neuropathic pain.
      However, the molecular mechanism is not well understood. RESULTS: The present
      study demonstrated that increased methylation of the Mu opioid receptor (MOR)
      gene proximal promoter (PP) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) plays a crucial role in
      the decreased morphine analgesia. Subcutaneous (s.c.), intrathecal (i.t.) and
      intraplantar (i.pl.), not intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of morphine,
      the potency of morphine analgesia was significantly reduced in nerve-injured mice
      compared with control sham-operated mice. After peripheral nerve injury, we
      observed a decreased expression of MOR protein and mRNA, accompanied by an
      increased methylation status of MOR gene PP, in DRG. However, peripheral nerve
      injury could not induce a decreased expression of MOR mRNA in the spinal cord.
      Treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), inhibited the increased
      methylation of MOR gene PP and prevented the decreased expression of MOR in DRG,
      thereby improved systemic, spinal and periphery morphine analgesia. CONCLUSIONS:
      Altogether, our results demonstrate that increased methylation of the MOR gene PP
      in DRG is required for the decreased morphine analgesia in neuropathic pain.

PMID- 25118041
TI  - Single night video-game use leads to sleep loss and attention deficits in older
      adolescents.
AB  - The present study investigated adolescent video-game use prior to bedtime and
      subsequent sleep, working memory and sustained attention performance.
      Participants were 21 healthy, good-sleeping adolescents (16 male) aged between 15
      and 20 years (M = 17.6 years, SD = 1.8). Time spent video-gaming and subsequent
      sleep was measured across one night in the sleep laboratory. There were
      significant correlations between time spent video-gaming and sleep and between
      video-gaming and sustained attention, but not working memory. Sleep duration, in
      turn, had a significant negative association with sustained attention
      performance. Mediation analyses revealed that the relationship between video
      gaming and sustained attention was fully mediated by sleep duration. These
      results indicate that video-gaming affected the ability to sustain attention only
      in as much as it affected sleep. In order to minimise negative consequences of
      video-game playing, video-games should be used in moderation, avoiding use close
      to the sleep period, to obviate detriments to sleep and performance.

PMID- 25118042
TI  - Assessment of 'Fitting to Outcomes Expert' FOXTM with new cochlear implant users
      in a multi-centre study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the fitting time requirements and the efficiency in
      achieving improvements in speech perception during the first 6 months after
      initial stimulation of computer-assisted fitting with the Fitting to Outcome
      eXpert' (FOX) and a standard clinical fitting procedure. METHOD: Twenty-seven
      post-lingually deafened adults, newly implanted recipients of the Advanced
      Bionics HiRes 90KTM cochlear implant from Germany, the UK, and France took part
      in a controlled, randomized, clinical study. Speech perception was measured for
      all participants and fitting times were compared across groups programmed using
      FOX and conventional programming methods. RESULTS: The fitting time for FOX was
      significantly reduced at 14 days (P < 0.001) but equivalent over the 6-month
      period. The groups were not well matched for duration of deafness; therefore,
      speech perception could not be compared across groups. DISCUSSION: Despite
      including more objective measures of performance than a standard fitting approach
      and the adjustment of a greater range of parameters during initial fitting, FOX
      did not add to the overall fitting time when compared to the conventional
      approach. FOX significantly reduced the fitting time in the first 2 weeks and by
      providing a standard fitting protocol, reduced variability across centres.
      CONCLUSIONS: FOX computer-assisted fitting can be successfully used at switch on,
      in different clinical environments, reducing fitting time in the first 2 weeks
      and is efficient at providing a usable program.

PMID- 25118044
TI  - Binding of nucleobases with graphene and carbon nanotube: a review of
      computational studies.
AB  - Functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) constitute a new class of nanostructured
      materials that have vast applications in CNT purification and separation,
      biosensing, drug delivery, etc. Hybrids formed from the functionalization of CNT
      with biological molecules have shown interesting properties and have attracted
      great attention in recent years. Of particular interest is the hybridization of
      single- or double-stranded nucleic acid (NA) with CNT. Nucleobases, as the
      building blocks of NA, interact with CNT and contribute strongly to the stability
      of the NA-CNT hybrids and their properties. In this work, we present a thorough
      review of previous studies on the binding of nucleobases with graphene and CNT,
      with a focus on the simulation works that attempted to evaluate the structure and
      strength of binding. Discrepancies among these works are identified, and factors
      that might contribute to such discrepancies are discussed. 

PMID- 25118045
TI  - A polymerized ionic liquid-supported B12 catalyst with a ruthenium trisbipyridine
      photosensitizer for photocatalytic dechlorination in ionic liquids.
AB  - By immobilizing a B12 complex and a Ru(ii) trisbipyridine photosensitizer in a
      polymerized ionic liquid (PIL), a visible light-driven photocatalyst was
      developed. The synthesized copolymer was characterized by GPC and DLS, and using
      UV-vis absorption spectra and luminescence spectra. The Ru(ii) trisbipyridine
      photosensitizer in the copolymer showed an enhanced emission compared to that of
      the monomer in the ionic liquid, 1-butyl-4-methylimidazolium
      bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide ([C4mim][NTf2]). Formation of the Co(i)
      species of the B12 complex in the copolymer was confirmed by the UV-vis spectral
      change in [C4mim][NTf2] containing a sacrificial reductant (triethanolamine)
      under irradiation with visible light. The copolymer showed a high photocatalytic
      activity in various ionic liquids for 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2
      trichloroethane (DDT) dechlorination with ~99% conversion after visible light
      irradiation for 2 h. Furthermore, both the B12 catalyst and photosensitizer in
      the polymer were easily recycled for use with the ionic liquid solvent without
      any loss of catalytic activity. 

PMID- 25118043
TI  - Contrasting diversity of epibiotic bacteria and surrounding bacterioplankton of a
      common submerged macrophyte, Potamogeton crispus, in freshwater lakes.
AB  - Epibiotic bacteria on surfaces of submerged macrophytes play important roles in
      the ecological processes of shallow lakes. However, their community ecology and
      dynamics are far from understood in comparison with those of bacterioplankton.
      Here, we conducted a comparative study of the species diversity and composition
      of epibiotic bacterial and the surrounding bacterioplankton communities of a
      common submerged macrophyte, Potamogeton crispus, in 12 lakes at a regional scale
      in China. We found that in different freshwater lakes, epibiotic bacteria
      possessed higher taxonomic richness than bacterioplankton did. There existed a
      marked divergence in the community structure between epibiotic bacteria and
      bacterioplankton. Alphaproteobacteria was the most dominant group for epibiotic
      bacteria, whereas Actinobacteria dominated bacterioplankton. Although variations
      in both bacterioplankton and epibiotic bacterial community compositions in
      different lakes were better explained by environmental than spatial factors, both
      environment and space had more intensified effects on epibiotic bacteria. This
      implied more complex and diverse 'microhabitats' for epibiotic bacteria on
      surfaces of submerged macrophytes, which may lead to higher variations of
      epibiotic bacteria than bacterioplankton. Our study suggested that epibiotic
      bacteria exhibited higher diversity and distinct community composition than the
      surrounding bacterioplankton. More attention should be focused on the productive
      and diverse microbial habitats on submerged macrophytes. 

PMID- 25118046
TI  - Four pediatric patients with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease
      developed new-onset diabetes after renal transplantation.
AB  - NODAT is increasingly prevalent. Compared with adult recipients, NODAT is less
      prevalent in pediatric renal transplant recipients; however, some risk factors
      for its development in young patients have been defined. We report four pediatric
      renal transplant recipients with ARPKD who developed NODAT. We review the current
      pediatric NODAT literature and hypothesize that ARPKD may be an additional risk
      factor for NODAT. 

PMID- 25118050
TI  - Of early animals, anaerobic mitochondria, and a modern sponge.
AB  - The origin and early evolution of animals marks an important event in life's
      history. This event is historically associated with an important variable in
      Earth history - oxygen. One view has it that an increase in oceanic oxygen levels
      at the end of the Neoproterozoic Era (roughly 600 million years ago) allowed
      animals to become large and leave fossils. How important was oxygen for the
      process of early animal evolution? New data show that some modern sponges can
      survive for several weeks at low oxygen levels. Many groups of animals have
      mechanisms to cope with low oxygen or anoxia, and very often, mitochondria -
      organelles usually associated with oxygen - are involved in anaerobic energy
      metabolism in animals. It is a good time to refresh our memory about the
      anaerobic capacities of mitochondria in modern animals and how that might relate
      to the ecology of early metazoans. 

PMID- 25118051
TI  - Expertise in video game playing is associated with reduced valence-concordant
      emotional expressivity.
AB  - In carefully selected groups of video game playing (VGP) experts and nonexperts,
      we examined valence-concordant emotional expressivity. We measured
      electromyographic (EMG) activity over the corrugator supercilii muscle while
      participants viewed pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant pictures. Potential group
      differences concerning valence-concordant expressivity may arise from differences
      concerning the participants' emotional reactivity. To control for such
      differences, we concomitantly measured skin conductance response (SCR) and, in a
      separate affect misattribution procedure (AMP), valence transfer from the same
      set of stimuli. Importantly, we found attenuated valence-concordant EMG activity
      over the corrugator supercilii muscle in VGP experts compared to nonexperts, but
      no differences were evident concerning SCR or valence transfer in the AMP. The
      findings suggest that expertise in VGP is particularly associated with reduced
      valence-concordant emotional expressivity. 

PMID- 25118052
TI  - Increased myo-inositol in parietal white and gray matter as a biomarker of poor
      prognosis in neuropsychiatric lupus: a case report.
AB  - Neuropsychiatric manifestations can be a serious complication of systemic lupus
      erythematosus, affecting nearly 56% of these patients. Frequently, acceptable
      clinical outcome is observed in neurolupus with immunosuppressive therapy.
      Different metabolites identified with MR spectroscopy may be associated with
      modifications in the natural history of this disease, specifically in the central
      nervous system. We report a case of neurolupus with progressive neurologic
      impairment despite aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. We describe clinical
      features, laboratory and MRI results, as well as characteristic findings on MR
      spectroscopy. Serial MRI identified atrophy of the left temporal lobe. MR
      spectroscopy showed an increase of myo-inositol/creatine ratio intensity,
      accompanied by a decrease of N-acetylaspartate/creatine ratio in both parietal
      white and gray matter. During follow-up, the patient developed progressive
      cognitive deficiency despite the intensification of therapy. Neurolupus
      manifestations are common and immunosuppressive treatment often avoids severe
      complications. Characteristic findings on MR spectroscopy may be useful for
      clinicians to determine poor prognosis and resistance to therapy. 

PMID- 25118053
TI  - Higher BMI in heart failure patients is associated with longer survival only in
      the absence of diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: Obesity and diabetes are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk
      and mortality. Paradoxically, higher BMI is associated with longer survival in
      heart failure patients. The association between BMI and risk of death in heart
      failure patients depends on diabetes history. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective cohort study on 503 ambulatory systolic heart failure patients
      attending a heart failure clinic, based on abstraction of data from clinical
      records. Patients were compared according to diabetes history. BMI was analyzed
      as a continuous variable and dichotomized using 25 kg/m as cut-off. Patients'
      follow-up was censored at 5 years and all-cause death was the endpoint under
      study. RESULTS: The median age was 69 years and 68% were men; 184 (36.6%)
      patients had diabetes upon referral. During follow-up, 95 nondiabetic and 69
      diabetic patients died. Higher BMI was associated with longer survival in the
      whole sample, but this association was only reproduced in the subgroup of
      patients without diabetes [hazard ratio = 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI):
      0.89-0.98 per kg/m vs. hazard ratio = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.94-1.04 in diabetic
      patients; P for interaction = 0.009]. BMI below 25 kg/m increased the risk of
      death by 1.90-fold (95% CI: 1.23-2.94) with a null association in diabetic
      patients (P for interaction = 0.012). The association between BMI and mortality
      in nondiabetic heart failure patients was independent of other predictors of
      prognosis. CONCLUSION: The reported obesity paradox in heart failure can only be
      observed in nondiabetic patients.

PMID- 25118054
TI  - A national Programme Budgeting and Marginal Analysis (PBMA) of health improvement
      spending across Wales: disinvestment and reinvestment across the life course.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wales faces serious public health challenges, with relatively low
      life expectancies and wide inequalities in life expectancy with associated
      pressures on the National Health Service (NHS) at a time of financial recession.
      This has led to growing recognition of the need to better understand the range of
      health improvement and prevention programmes across Welsh Government, NHS, local
      government and voluntary sector agencies. METHODS: The Minister for Health and
      Social Care commissioned Public Health Wales, the single national public health
      organisation, to establish a Health Improvement Advisory Group, to oversee a
      Programme Budgeting and Marginal Analysis (PBMA) expert panel. The panel drew on
      evidence from a range of sources to explore potential alternative modes of health
      improvement initiative delivery across Wales. Electronic voting was used to agree
      an appropriate time horizon for health improvement programme outcomes, main
      objective of the health improvement review and criteria for evaluating candidate
      services for disinvestment and investment. The panel also used electronic voting
      to state whether they wished to disinvest or invest in a candidate service.
      RESULTS: The review identified a budget of L15.1 million, spanning 10 Welsh
      Government priority areas, and 6 life course stages. Due to lack of evidence the
      panel recommended total disinvestment in 7 out of 25 initiatives releasing L1.5
      million of resources, and partial disinvestment in a further 3 interventions
      releasing L7.3 million of resources. The panel did not recommend increasing
      investment in any of the 25 initiatives under review. Marginal analyses
      prioritised child health, mental health and wellbeing and tobacco control as key
      areas for investment. CONCLUSIONS: Wales is championing a concept of "prudent
      healthcare". The PBMA exercise undertaken here was a transparent evidence-based
      tool to reach decisions about potential for disinvestment and reinvestment in
      health improvement strategies. It also demonstrates the potential wider
      application at a national level across government public health functions, to
      ensure resources are most cost-effectively deployed, with due consideration for
      equity.

PMID- 25118055
TI  - Fitness for entering a simple exercise program and mortality: a study corollary
      to the exercise introduction to enhance performance in dialysis (EXCITE) trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: In this corollary analysis of the EXCITE study, we looked at
      possible differences in baseline risk factors and mortality between subjects
      excluded from the trial because non-eligible (n=216) or because eligible but
      refusing to participate (n=116). METHODS: Baseline characteristics and mortality
      data were recorded. Survival and independent predictors of mortality were
      assessed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: The incidence rate
      of mortality was higher in non-eligible vs. eligible non-randomized patients
      (21.0 vs. 10.9 deaths/100 persons-year; P<0.001). The crude excess risk of death
      in non-eligible patients (HR 1.96; 95% CI 1.36 to 2.77; P<0.001) was reduced
      after adjustment for risk factors which differed in the two cohorts including
      age, blood pressure, phosphate, CRP, smoking, diabetes, triglycerides,
      cardiovascular comorbidities and history of neoplasia (HR 1.60; 95% CI 1.10 to
      2.35; P=0.017) and almost nullified after including in the same model also
      information on deambulation impairment (HR 1.16; 95% CI 0.75 to 1.80; P=0.513).
      CONCLUSIONS: Deambulation ability mostly explains the difference in survival rate
      in non-eligible and eligible non-randomized patients in the EXCITE trial.
      Extending data analyses and outcome reporting also to subjects not taking part in
      a trial may be helpful to assess the representability of the study population.

PMID- 25118056
TI  - Genomic Resources Notes accepted 1 June 2014 - 31 July 2014.
AB  - This article documents the public availability of transcriptome sequence data,
      assembled contigs and annotated contigs and ORFS for five anchialine shrimp
      species (Crustacea: Atyidae and Alpheidae). 

PMID- 25118057
TI  - Microsurgical clipping for recurrent aneurysms after initial endovascular coil
      embolization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment for recurrent lesions of embolized aneurysms is
      difficult and challenging for many neurosurgeons because intra-aneurysmal coil
      masses are sometimes scarred to the wall of the aneurysm or adherent to adjacent
      vital structures. To assess the efficacy and safety of surgical treatment without
      coil removal for recurrent aneurysms after previous coil embolization, we
      retrospectively studied clinical results, angiographic results, and complications
      in patients treated with additional microsurgical clipping. METHODS: From April
      2003 to April 2013, 7 patients with recurrent previous embolized aneurysms
      underwent microsurgical treatment. RESULTS: This series included 1 man and 6
      women receiving endovascular coiling as the first-line treatment. One patient's
      aneurysm was unruptured, whereas the other 6 were ruptured. The aneurysm
      locations were posterior communicating (n = 3), anterior communicating (n = 2),
      ophthalmic (n = 1), and posterior inferior cerebellar (n = 1). The initial sizes
      ranged from 3-11.5 mm in diameter (mean, 6.6 mm), and the aspect ratios were 1.2
      to 3.4 (mean, 1.9). In these aneurysms, the initial coiling result was complete
      occlusion in 5 patients, and neck remnants in 2 patients. The mechanism
      underlying aneurysm recurrence was coil compaction in 3 aneurysms, aneurysm
      regrowth in 3 aneurysms, and fundal migration in 1 aneurysm. The median
      recurrence latency was 28.8 months (range, 0.7-115 months). Microsurgical
      clippings without coil removal were used in 6 patients; a parent artery occlusion
      under bypass protection was done in 1 case with a posterior inferior cerebellar
      aneurysm. Fenestrated clips in combination with another type of clip were
      successfully used for 4 of 6 patients who were treated with direct neck clipping.
      No postoperative morbidity was observed, and postoperative imaging studies
      revealed complete occlusion of the aneurysms in all cases. There were no
      recurrences of aneurysms during the follow-up period (mean, 44.7 months; range,
      0.5-118 months). CONCLUSIONS: The microsurgical clipping without coil removal for
      recurrent lesions of embolized aneurysms is effective and safe when it is
      technically feasible. The tandem clipping in combination with a fenestrated clip
      is a crucial method for direct neck clipping without coil removal for previously
      coiled recurrent aneurysms. For unclippable lesions, a parent artery occlusion
      under bypass protection should be taken into consideration.

PMID- 25118058
TI  - Gelfoam scaffold for vein prolapse during brain tumor surgery.
AB  - When resecting gliomas, extra-axial tumors, or their overlying cortex, cortical
      veins may become suspended over the resection cavity and ultimately prolapse and
      kink into the cavity, promoting venous thrombosis. To prevent this, we describe a
      technique to secure a Gelfoam scaffold beneath the cortical vein at the edge of
      the resection cavity to prevent kinking and possible thrombosis from taking place
      after tumor removal. Depending on the diameter of the resection cavity, this can
      be done at 1 or both edges of the resection cavity to prevent prolapse of the
      vein into the cavity. In our experience with this technique, during the past 10
      years, there have been no cases of venous thrombosis after tumor removal on
      postoperative imaging or clinical examination. 

PMID- 25118059
TI  - Efficacy and safety of subdural drains after burr-hole evacuation of chronic
      subdural hematomas: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled
      trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of a subdural drain after burr-hole
      evacuation of a chronic subdural hematoma is safe and effective in preventing
      recurrence and subsequent operations, and as such improving functional outcomes.
      METHODS: The literature search included the following databases: PubMed, the
      National Institutes of Health/National Library of Medicine, Clinical Trials
      Registry, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), EMBASE, and LILACS. The search was
      performed in June 2013, and did not have restrictions or filters with regard to
      language or year of publication. Methodologic quality was assessed through the
      Jadad's scale. Primary outcomes were recurrence and reoperation rates. Secondary
      outcomes were functional outcome, mortality, and postoperative complications.
      Results were presented as pooled Mantel-Haenszel relative risks (RR), with 95%
      confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: A total of 7 randomized controlled trials
      were analyzed. Three studies were classified as high methodologic quality and
      four as low quality. Pooled RR were symptomatic recurrence (RR 0.51; 95% CI 0.36
      0.75), reoperation (RR 0.5; 95% CI 0.34-0.74), poor functional outcome (RR 0.61,
      95% CI 0.39-0.98), mortality (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.37-1.22), and postoperative
      complications (RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.78-2.11). There was no statistically significant
      heterogeneity within the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis demonstrates
      that the insertion of a subdural drain was associated with a statistically
      significant reduction in the risk of symptomatic recurrence and the requirement
      for further surgical intervention of chronic subdural hematoma after surgical
      evacuation. Furthermore, it was associated with statistically significant
      improvements in both short-term and long-term functional outcome.

PMID- 25118060
TI  - Spinal metastases in breast cancer: single center experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Metastases to the spine are a common manifestation of breast cancer
      leading to considerable reduction in the patient's quality of life. Physicians
      must consider the different treatments available to decrease pain, reduce tumor
      burden, and ensure spinal stability to prevent neurological compromises. The
      first objective of this study is to analyze the epidemiology and outcomes of
      patients with spinal metastases from breast cancer and describe changes over time
      in these lesions. The second objective is to establish the current treatment of
      spinal metastases in this type of cancer. METHODS: A total of 140 patients with
      breast cancer and spinal metastasis involvement were studied retrospectively.
      Demographic, clinical, and radiologic parameters were assessed, and the effects
      of systemic and local treatments on spinal metastasis were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Median patient age at diagnosis of breast cancer was 50 years (19-86 years) and
      average follow-up was 100 months (4-384 months). Median overall survival after
      diagnosis of spinal metastasis was 18.6 months. Fractures were present in 24
      patients (19.3%) at diagnosis and in up to 60 cases (48.6%) by the end of the
      study period. CONCLUSIONS: The survival rate was better in patients with spinal
      metastases who received specific treatment. The evolution from lytic spinal
      metastasis to mixed and blastic subtypes is observed with adjunctive therapy for
      spinal metastases (bisphosphonates, radiotherapy). Increased attention must be
      given for high-grade breast cancer, as spinal metastases declare faster for these
      stages. This study provides evidence that a multidisciplinary tumor board
      specifically focusing on bone metastasis is essential to effectively manage
      patients with breast cancer and spinal metastasis.

PMID- 25118061
TI  - Endolithic bacterial communities in rock coatings from Karkevagge, Swedish
      Lapland.
AB  - Rock coatings in Karkevagge, Swedish Lapland, are widespread and mineralogically
      diverse. A preliminary study of the rock coatings revealed higher than expected
      bacterial diversity for an endolithic environment in the arctic. Using 454 Roche
      pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, nine rock coating samples from three
      different coating mineralogies were sequenced. The three coating types include Fe
      films of goethite and hematite, sulfate crusts of jarosite and gypsum, and
      aluminum glazes of basaluminite and alunite. Over 20,000 quality sequences were
      analyzed, and over 2800 operational taxonomic units were identified. Diversity
      indices and richness estimates confirmed high levels of diversity, particularly
      in the sulfate crusts with diversity indices at the level of complex soils.
      Inferred physiology shows the presence of both heterotrophs and autotrophs, with
      genera of autotrophic Fe and S metabolisms present in at least 2% of the total
      for each coating type. The most common phyla included Proteobacteria,
      Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria - all common soil taxa. Coatings also showed
      distinct community structure between coating mineralogies. Given the diversity in
      coating types found in areas receiving the same chemical and environmental
      inputs, the distinct microbial communities suggest a biological role in coating
      development.

PMID- 25118066
TI  - Technological supports to promote choice opportunities by two children with
      fragile X syndrome and severe to profound developmental disabilities.
AB  - This study was aimed at assessing whether technological supports (i.e. optic
      sensors such as photocells) were successful enabling two boys with fragile X
      syndrome and severe to profound developmental disabilities to perform occupation
      and choice opportunities. A second goal of the study was to reduce stereotyped
      behaviours (i.e. hand mouthing and eye poking) exhibited by the participants.
      Finally, the third purpose of the study was to verify the rehabilitative effects
      of the intervention program on the indices of happiness of the participants. The
      study has been conducted according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design
      across participants followed by intervention and cross over phases, where the
      associations between behavioural responses and environmental consequences were
      systematically inverted. Moreover, a maintenance phase was assessed. The results
      demonstrated that the technology is useful to facilitate employment and
      opportunities of choice, showing a growth of the indices of happiness and a
      decrease of stereotyped behaviours, from both participants involved. Clinical,
      practical and psychological implications of the findings are discussed. 

PMID- 25118067
TI  - The Effect of Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Overall Diet: A
      Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - Increasing fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption is associated with reduced risk
      of major diseases. However, it is unclear if health benefits are related to
      increased micronutrient intake or to improvements in overall diet profile. This
      review aimed to assess if increasing FV consumption had an impact on diet
      profile. In the systematic review, 12 studies revealed increases in micronutrient
      intakes, whilst the meta-analysis confirmed macronutrient findings from the
      systematic review showing no significant difference between the intervention and
      control groups in energy (kcals) in seven studies (mean difference = 1 kcals [95%
      CI = -115, 117]; p = 0.98), significant decreases in total fat (% energy) in five
      studies (Mean difference = -4% [95% CI = -5, -3]; p = < 0.00001) and significant
      increases in fiber in six studies (Mean difference = 5.36 g [95% CI = 4, 7]; p =
      < 0.00001) and total carbohydrate (% energy) in four studies (Mean = 4% [95% CI=
      2, 5]; p = < 0.00001). In conclusion, results indicate that increased FV
      consumption increases micronutrient, carbohydrate and fiber intakes and possibly
      reduces fat intake, with no overall effect on energy intake. Therefore health
      benefits may act through an improvement in overall diet profile alongside
      increased micronutrient intakes.

PMID- 25118068
TI  - Synchronous tRNA movements during translocation on the ribosome are orchestrated
      by elongation factor G and GTP hydrolysis.
AB  - The translocation of tRNAs through the ribosome proceeds through numerous small
      steps in which tRNAs gradually shift their positions on the small and large
      ribosomal subunits. The most urgent questions are: (i) whether these
      intermediates are important; (ii) how the ribosomal translocase, the GTPase
      elongation factor G (EF-G), promotes directed movement; and (iii) how the energy
      of GTP hydrolysis is coupled to movement. In the light of recent advances in
      biophysical and structural studies, we argue that intermediate states of
      translocation are snapshots of dynamic fluctuations that guide the movement. In
      contrast to current models of stepwise translocation, kinetic evidence shows that
      the tRNAs move synchronously on the two ribosomal subunits in a rapid reaction
      orchestrated by EF-G and GTP hydrolysis. EF-G combines the energy regimes of a
      GTPase and a motor protein and facilitates tRNA movement by a combination of
      directed Brownian ratchet and power stroke mechanisms. 

PMID- 25118070
TI  - Challenges for paediatric transplantation in Africa.
AB  - Transplantation is the accepted mode of treatment for patients with end-stage
      organ disease affecting the heart, lungs, kidney, pancreas, liver and intestine.
      Long-term outcomes have significantly improved and the aim of management is no
      longer only long-term survival, but also focuses on quality of life especially in
      children. Transplantation in Africa faces a number of challenges including wide
      socioeconomic disparity, lack of legislation around brain death and organ
      donation in many countries, shortage of skilled medical personnel and facilities,
      infectious disease burden and insecure access to and monitoring of
      immunosuppression. Whilst there is a need for transplantation, the establishment
      and sustainability of transplant programmes require careful planning with
      national government and institutional support. Legislation regarding brain death
      diagnosis and organ retrieval/donation; appropriate training of the transplant
      team; and transparent and equitable criteria for organ allocation are important
      to establish before embarking on a transplant programme. Establishing
      sustainable, self-sufficient transplant programmes in Africa with equal access to
      all citizens is an important step towards curtailing transplant tourism and organ
      trafficking and has a further beneficial effect in raising the level of medical
      and surgical care in these countries. 

PMID- 25118069
TI  - How does conversion of natural tropical rainforest ecosystems affect soil
      bacterial and fungal communities in the Nile river watershed of Uganda?
AB  - Uganda's forests are globally important for their conservation values but are
      under pressure from increasing human population and consumption. In this study,
      we examine how conversion of natural forest affects soil bacterial and fungal
      communities. Comparisons in paired natural forest and human-converted sites among
      four locations indicated that natural forest soils consistently had higher pH,
      organic carbon, nitrogen, and calcium, although variation among sites was large.
      Despite these differences, no effect on the diversity of dominant taxa for either
      bacterial or fungal communities was detected, using polymerase chain reaction
      denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Composition of fungal
      communities did generally appear different in converted sites, but surprisingly,
      we did not observe a consistent pattern among sites. The spatial distribution of
      some taxa and community composition was associated with soil pH, organic carbon,
      phosphorus and sodium, suggesting that changes in soil communities were nuanced
      and require more robust metagenomic methods to understand the various components
      of the community. Given the close geographic proximity of the paired sampling
      sites, the similarity between natural and converted sites might be due to
      continued dispersal between treatments. Fungal communities showed greater
      environmental differentiation than bacterial communities, particularly according
      to soil pH. We detected biotic homogenization in converted ecosystems and
      substantial contribution of beta-diversity to total diversity, indicating
      considerable geographic structure in soil biota in these forest communities.
      Overall, our results suggest that soil microbial communities are relatively
      resilient to forest conversion and despite a substantial and consistent change in
      the soil environment, the effects of conversion differed widely among sites. The
      substantial difference in soil chemistry, with generally lower nutrient quantity
      in converted sites, does bring into question, how long this resilience will last.

PMID- 25118071
TI  - An evaluation of traffic-awareness campaign videos: empathy induction is
      associated with brain function within superior temporal sulcus.
AB  - Acting appropriately within social contexts requires an ability to appreciate
      others' mental and emotional states. Indeed, some campaign programs designed to
      reduce anti-social behaviour seek to elicit empathy for the victims. The
      effectiveness of these campaigns can be evaluated according to the degree to
      which they induce such responses, but by applying neuroscientific techniques this
      can be done at the behavioural and neurophysiological level. Neuroimaging studies
      aimed at identifying the neural mechanisms behind such socio-cognitive and 
      emotional processes frequently reveal the role of the superior temporal sulcus
      (STS). We applied this knowledge to assess the effectiveness of traffic-awareness
      campaign adverts to induce empathic expression. Functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) data were acquired from 20 healthy male volunteers as they watched
      these campaign videos consisting of a dramatic sequence of events and
      catastrophic endings, and control videos without such dramatic endings. Among
      other structures, a significantly greater neural response was observed within
      bilateral STS, particularly within the right hemisphere, during the observation
      of campaign relative to control videos. Furthermore, activation in these brain
      regions correlated with the subjects' empathic expression. Our results develop
      our understanding of the role of STS in social cognition. Moreover, our data
      demonstrate the utility of neuroscientific methods when evaluating the
      effectiveness of campaign videos in terms of their ability to elicit empathic
      responses. Our study also demonstrates the utility of these specific stimuli for
      future neuroscientific research. 

PMID- 25118073
TI  - Forced sex, rape and sexual exploitation: attitudes and experiences of high
      school students in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
AB  - This paper reports on fieldwork carried out in 2011 with the aim of investigating
      the attitudes and reported behaviour of Congolese high school students concerning
      sexual relationships. A total of 56 boys and girls aged 16-20 from two urban and
      two rural high schools in South Kivu Province took part in focus groups, and 40
      of these were subsequently interviewed individually. The majority of boys felt
      that they were entitled to sex from their girlfriends and that if persuasion was
      unsuccessful, the use of force was legitimate; this, in their minds, did not
      constitute rape. Girls, on the other hand, were clear that such forced sex was
      rape. However it may be understood, rape was perceived as having increased in
      recent years and was explained by weak legal systems, pornography and provocative
      dressing by girls. Boys were angry at the competition from older, often married,
      men who were able to provide monetary and other incentives to the girls. 

PMID- 25118074
TI  - Suicide in Sri Lanka 1975-2012: age, period and cohort analysis of police and
      hospital data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sri Lanka has experienced major changes in its suicide rates since
      the 1970s, and in 1995 it had one of the highest rates in the world. Subsequent
      reductions in Sri Lanka's suicide rates have been attributed to the introduction
      of restrictions on the availability of highly toxic pesticides. We investigate
      these changes in suicide rates in relation to age, gender, method specific trends
      and birth-cohort and period effects, with the aim of informing preventative
      strategies. METHODS: Secular trends of suicide in relation to age, sex, method,
      birth-cohort and period effects were investigated graphically using police data
      (1975-2012). Poisoning case-fatality was investigated using national hospital
      admission data (2004-2010). RESULTS: There were marked changes to the age-,
      gender- and method-specific incidence of suicide over the study period. Year on
      year declines in rates began in 17-25 year olds in the early 1980s. Reduction in
      older age groups followed and falls in all age groups occurred after all class I
      (the most toxic) pesticides were banned. Distinct changes in the age/gender
      pattern of suicide are observed: in the 1980s suicide rates were highest in 21-35
      year old men; by the 2000s, this pattern had reversed with a stepwise increase in
      male rates with increasing age. Throughout the study period female rates were
      highest in 17-25 year olds. There has been a rise in suicide by hanging, though
      this rise is relatively small in relation to the marked decline in self-poisoning
      deaths. The patterns of suicides are more consistent with a period rather than
      birth-cohort effect. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of suicide in Sri Lanka has
      changed noticeably in the last 30 years. The introduction of pesticide
      regulations in Sri Lanka coincides with a reduction in suicide rates, with
      evidence of limited method substitution.

PMID- 25118072
TI  - An evolving perspective about the origins of childhood undernutrition and
      nutritional interventions that includes the gut microbiome.
AB  - The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science and the World Health Organization
      (WHO) have worked together to formulate a research agenda for nutrition science.
      Undernutrition of children has profound effects on health, development, and
      achievement of full human capacity. Undernutrition is not simply caused by a lack
      of food, but results from a complex interplay of intra- and intergenerational
      factors. Representative preclinical models and comprehensive well-controlled
      longitudinal clinical studies are needed to further understand the contributions
      and the interrelationships among these factors and to develop interventions that
      are effective and durable. This paper summarizes work on mechanisms underlying
      the varied manifestations of childhood undernutrition and discusses current gaps
      in knowledge and challenges to our understanding of undernutrition and
      infection/immunity throughout the human life cycle, focusing on early childhood
      growth. It proposes a series of basic and clinical studies to address this global
      health challenge. 

PMID- 25118075
TI  - Viunalikeviruses are environmentally common agents of horizontal gene transfer in
      pathogens and biocontrol bacteria.
AB  - Bacteriophages have been used as natural biocontrol and therapeutic agents, but
      also as biotechnological tools for bacterial engineering. We showed recently that
      the transducing bacteriophage phiMAM1 is a ViI-like phage and a member of the new
      genus, 'Viunalikevirus'. Here, we show that four additional ViI-like phages and
      three new environmentally isolated viunalikeviruses, all infecting plant and
      human pathogens, are very efficient generalised transducers capable of
      transducing chromosomal markers at frequencies of up to 10(-4) transductants per
      plaque-forming unit. We also demonstrate the interstrain transduction of plasmids
      and chromosomal markers, including genes involved in anabolism, genes for
      virulence and genes encoding secondary metabolites involved in biocontrol. We
      propose that all viunalikeviruses are likely to perform efficient horizontal gene
      transfer. Viunalikeviruses therefore represent useful agents for functional
      genomics and bacterial engineering, and for chemical and synthetic biology
      studies, but could be viewed as inappropriate choices for phage therapy. 

PMID- 25118077
TI  - The quantified patient: a patient participatory culture.
AB  - The Quantified Self Movement, which aims to improve various aspects of life and
      health through recording and reviewing daily activities and biometrics, is a new
      and upcoming practice of self monitoring that holds much promise. Now, the most
      underutilized resource in ambulatory health care, the patient, can participate
      like never before, and the patient's Quantified Self can be directly monitored
      and remotely accessed by health care professionals.

PMID- 25118076
TI  - Physical performance and clinical outcomes in dialysis patients: a secondary
      analysis of the EXCITE trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Scarce physical activity predicts shorter survival in dialysis
      patients. However, the relationship between physical (motor) fitness and clinical
      outcomes has never been tested in these patients. METHODS: We tested the
      predictive power of an established metric of motor fitness, the Six-Minute
      Walking Test (6MWT), for death, cardiovascular events and hospitalization in 296
      dialysis patients who took part in the trial EXCITE (ClinicalTrials.gov
      Identifier: NCT01255969). RESULTS: During follow up 69 patients died, 90 had
      fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, 159 were hospitalized and 182 patients
      had the composite outcome. In multivariate Cox models - including the study
      allocation arm and classical and non-classical risk factors - an increase of 20
      walked metres during the 6MWT was associated to a 6% reduction of the risk for
      the composite end-point (P=0.001) and a similar relationship existed between the
      6MWT, mortality (P<0.001) and hospitalizations (P=0.03). A similar trend was
      observed for cardiovascular events but this relationship did not reach
      statistical significance (P=0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Poor physical performance
      predicts a high risk of mortality, cardiovascular events and hospitalizations in
      dialysis patients. Future studies, including phase-2 EXCITE, will assess whether
      improving motor fitness may translate into better clinical outcomes in this high
      risk population.

PMID- 25118078
TI  - Re: Self TH, Patterson SJ, Headley AS, et al. Action plans to reduce
      hospitalizations for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations: focus
      on oral corticosteroids. Curr Med Res Opin 2014;30(12):2607-15.

PMID- 25118079
TI  - Mirtazapine associated with drug-related thrombocytopenia: a case report.

PMID- 25118080
TI  - Revisiting the "cheese reaction": more than just a hypertensive crisis?

PMID- 25118081
TI  - Serpentine tongue syndrome associated with risperidone long-acting injection
      treatment.

PMID- 25118082
TI  - Risperidone-associated urinary incontinence in patients with autistic disorder
      with mental retardation.
AB  - We report several cases in which patients with autistic disorder with mental
      retardation who received risperidone experienced urinary incontinence. We
      retrospectively investigated the medical records of patients housed in facilities
      for patients with autistic disorder with mental retardation. Those who had
      undergone a medical examination at a hospital in Tokyo from April 1999 to March
      2009 were included in the study.Retrospective data were gathered including age,
      sex, IQ, birth weight, dosage of risperidone, urinary density, as well as
      existence of urinary and fecal incontinence. We divided the participants into
      those who did and did not experience urinary incontinence after taking
      risperidone and compared the 2 groups. Risperidone had been prescribed to 35
      patients. In spite of the fact that no patient had a history of urinary
      incontinence, 14 patients experienced urinary incontinence after receiving
      risperidone. Moreover, 4 of these 14 patients also had fecal incontinence. Among
      the variables we examined, the only significant difference between groups was in
      sex, with significantly more women experiencing incontinence compared with men.
      When the dose of risperidone was reduced or the patients switched to other drugs,
      urinary incontinence of the patients improved.Hence, risperidone may have a
      casual relationship with urinary incontinence. Further research is needed to
      understand the pathophysiology of possible effect. 

PMID- 25118083
TI  - Reboxetine adjuvant therapy in patients with schizophrenia showing a suboptimal
      response to clozapine: a 12-week, open-label, pilot study.
AB  - The present 12-week open-label uncontrolled trial was aimed to explore the
      efficacy of reboxetine add-on pharmacotherapy on clinical symptoms and cognitive
      functioning in 15 patients with schizophrenia with suboptimal response (mean [SD]
      Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale baseline total score, 32.2 [5.4]) despite
      receiving clozapine monotherapy at the highest tolerated dosage. The results
      obtained evidenced that reboxetine at a dosage of 4 mg/d mildly reduced only
      depressive symptoms (Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia: P = 0.035, Cohen
      d = 0.7), whereas worsening of performances on phonemic fluency (P = 0.012, Cohen
      d = 0.5) was observed. After Bonferroni correction, changes at the Calgary
      Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and at the Verbal Fluency Task were not
      further confirmed.The results obtained indicate that reboxetine seemed to be
      scarcely effective for reducing clinical symptoms in patients with schizophrenia
      who have had an incomplete clinical response to clozapine. Regarding cognitive
      functioning, in our sample, a trend to experience cognitive impairment in the
      examined domains was observed, as confirmed by a mild worsening of performances
      on cognitive tasks.Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder with regard to
      pathophysiology; therefore, data reflecting the mean response of a sample of
      patients may fail to reveal therapeutic effects. More research is needed to
      better identify subgroups of patients with peculiar features, which may account
      for responsivity to experimental medications and augmentation strategies. 

PMID- 25118084
TI  - STAR--people-powered prioritization: a 21st-century solution to allocation
      headaches.
AB  - The aim of cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) is to inform the allocation of
      scarce resources. CEA is routinely used in assessing the cost-effectiveness of
      specific health technologies by agencies such as the National Institute for
      Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in England and Wales. But there is
      extensive evidence that because of barriers of accessibility and acceptability,
      CEA has not been used by local health planners in their annual task of allocating
      fixed budgets to a wide range of types of health care. This paper argues that
      these planners can use Socio Technical Allocation of Resources (STAR) for that
      task. STAR builds on the principles of CEA and the practice of program budgeting
      and marginal analysis. STAR uses requisite models to assess the cost
      effectiveness of all interventions considered for resource reallocation by
      explicitly applying the theory of health economics to evidence of scale, costs,
      and benefits, with deliberation facilitated through an interactive social process
      of engaging key stakeholders. In that social process, the stakeholders generate
      missing estimates of scale, costs, and benefits of the interventions; develop
      visual models of their relative cost-effectiveness; and interpret the results. We
      demonstrate the feasibility of STAR by showing how it was used by a local health
      planning agency of the English National Health Service, the Isle of Wight Primary
      Care Trust, to allocate a fixed budget in 2008 and 2009.

PMID- 25118085
TI  - Calcium and vitamin D supplementation maintains parathyroid hormone and improves
      bone density during initial military training: a randomized, double-blind,
      placebo controlled trial.
AB  - Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for bone health. Periods of
      activity with repetitive mechanical loading, such as military training, may
      result in increases in parathyroid hormone (PTH), a key regulator of Ca
      metabolism, and may be linked to the development of stress fractures. Previous
      studies indicate that consumption of a Ca and vitamin D supplement may reduce
      stress fracture risk in female military personnel during initial military
      training, but circulating markers of Ca and bone metabolism and measures of bone
      density and strength have not been determined. This randomized, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled trial sought to determine the effects of providing
      supplemental Ca and vitamin D (Ca+Vit D, 2000mg and 1000IU/d, respectively),
      delivered as 2 snack bars per day throughout 9weeks of Army initial military
      training (or basic combat training, BCT) on PTH, vitamin D status, and measures
      of bone density and strength in personnel undergoing BCT, as well as independent
      effects of BCT on bone parameters. A total of 156 men and 87 women enrolled in
      Army BCT (Fort Sill, OK; 34.7 degrees N latitude) volunteered for this study.
      Anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary intake data were collected pre- and post
      BCT. In addition, peripheral quantitative computed tomography was utilized to
      assess tibia bone density and strength in a subset of volunteers (n=46).
      Consumption of supplemental Ca+Vit D increased circulating ionized Ca (group-by
      time, P=0.022), maintained PTH (group-by-time, P=0.032), and increased the
      osteoprotegerin:RANKL ratio (group-by-time, P=0.006). Consistent with the
      biochemical markers, Ca+Vit D improved vBMD (group-by-time, P=0.024) at the 4%
      site and cortical BMC (group-by-time, P=0.028) and thickness (group-by-time,
      P=0.013) at the 14% site compared to placebo. These data demonstrate the benefit
      of supplemental Ca and vitamin D for maintaining bone health during periods of
      elevated bone turnover, such as initial military training. This trial was
      registered with ClincialTrials.gov, NCT01617109. 

PMID- 25118087
TI  - Fine particulate matter and risk of preterm birth and pre-labor rupture of
      membranes in Perth, Western Australia 1997-2007: a longitudinal study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A recent longitudinal study reported an association between fine
      particulate (PM2.5) exposure and preterm birth (PTB) in a US cohort. We applied
      the same design to an Australian cohort to investigate associations with PTB and
      pre-labor rupture of membranes (PROM). METHODS: From 287,680 births, we selected
      39,189 women who had singleton births at least twice in Western Australia in 1997
      2007 (n=86,844 births). Analyses matched pregnancies to the same women with
      conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: For PROM adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for
      a 1 MUg/m(3) increase in PM2.5 in the first trimester, second trimester, third
      trimester, and whole pregnancy were 1.00 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97,
      1.03), 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.06), 1.02 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.05), and 1.02 (95% CI:
      0.99, 1.05) respectively. For PTB, corresponding ORs were 1.00 (95% CI: 0.96,
      1.04), 1.00 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.04), 0.98 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.02), and 0.99 (95% CI:
      0.95, 1.04) respectively. CONCLUSION: Risk of PROM was greater for pregnancies
      with elevated PM2.5 exposure in the second trimester than were other pregnancies
      to the same Australian women at lower exposure. There was insufficient evidence
      for an association with PTB, indicating that a longer time period might be needed
      to observe an association if a causal effect exists.

PMID- 25118089
TI  - Physical activity and renal transplantation.
AB  - Renal transplantation is burdened by high cardiovascular risk because of
      increased prevalence of traditional and disease-specific cardiovascular risk
      factors and, consequently, patients are affected by greater morbidity and
      mortality. In renal transplanted patients, healthy lifestyle and physical
      activity are recommended to improve overall morbidity and cardiovascular
      outcomes. According to METs (Metabolic Equivalent Task; i.e. the amount of energy
      consumed while sitting at rest), physical activities are classified as sedentary
      (<3.0 METs), of moderate-(3.0 to 5.9 METs) or vigorous-intensity (>= 6.0 METs).
      Guidelines suggest for patients with chronic kidney disease an amount of physical
      activity of at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five times per
      week (min 450 MET-minutes/week). Data on physical activity in renal transplanted
      patients, however, are limited and have been mainly obtained by mean of non
      objective methods. Available data suggest that physical activity is low either at
      the start or during renal transplantation and this may be associated with poor
      patient and graft outcomes. Therefore, in renal transplanted patients more data
      on physical activity obtained with objective, accelerometer-based methods are
      needed. In the meanwhile, physical activity have to be considered as an essential
      part of the medical care for renal transplanted recipients.

PMID- 25118090
TI  - Low-alcohol Beers: Flavor Compounds, Defects, and Improvement Strategies.
AB  - Beer consumers are accustomed to a product that offers a pleasant and well
      defined taste. However, in alcohol-free and alcohol-reduced beers these
      characteristics are totally different from those in regular beer. Therefore, it
      is important to evaluate and determine the different flavor compounds that affect
      organoleptic characteristics to obtain a product that does not contain off
      flavors, or taste of grass or wort. The taste defects in alcohol-free beer are
      mainly attributed to loss of aromatic esters, insufficient aldehydes, reduction
      or loss of different alcohols, and an indeterminate change in any of its
      compounds during the dealcoholization process. The dealcoholization processes
      that are commonly used to reduce the alcohol content in beer are shown, as well
      as the negative consequences of these processes to beer flavor. Possible
      strategies to circumvent such negative consequences are suggested. 

PMID- 25118088
TI  - A PBPK model to estimate PCDD/F levels in adipose tissue: comparison with
      experimental values of residents near a hazardous waste incinerator.
AB  - This study was aimed at determining the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo
      p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in 15 samples of adipose
      tissue from subjects who had been living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste
      incinerator (HWI). The results were compared with levels obtained in previous
      surveys carried out in 1998 (baseline study), 2002 and 2007. The current (2013)
      concentrations of PCDD/Fs in adipose tissue ranged from 2.8 to 46.3 pg WHO-TEQ/g
      fat (mean and median concentrations: 11.5 and 7.4 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat,
      respectively), being significantly lower (64%) than those observed in 1998. In
      contrast, no significant differences in the mean PCDD/F concentrations were noted
      in the period 2002-2013. The significant decrease of the PCDD/F content in fat,
      also noted in other biological monitors such as plasma and breast milk, is in
      agreement with the reduction in the dietary intake of PCDD/Fs found in the same
      area of study. Similarly to other investigations across Europe, an increase of
      PCDD/F levels in adipose tissue in relation to age was observed, while no
      significant differences were noted according to gender. A multicompartmental
      physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was also applied to estimate
      the levels of PCDD/Fs in adipose tissue. When comparing the modeled and
      experimental concentrations of PCDD/Fs in that tissue, very similar values were
      obtained for the four surveys, which indicates this can be a reliable tool to
      predict the internal dose of PCDD/Fs.

PMID- 25118086
TI  - Prepubertal organochlorine pesticide concentrations and age of pubertal onset
      among Russian boys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In animal studies, organochlorine pesticide (OCP) exposure alters
      pubertal development; however, epidemiological data are limited and inconsistent.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations of serum OCP concentrations
      [hexachlorobenzene (HCB), beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH), and p,p'
      dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE)] with male pubertal onset. METHODS:
      In Chapaevsk, Russia, a town environmentally contaminated with OCPs, 350 8-9 year
      old boys with measured OCPs were enrolled during 2003-2005 and were followed
      annually for eight years. We evaluated three measures of pubertal onset:
      testicular volume (TV)>3 mL in either testis, or stage 2 or greater for genitalia
      (G2+), or pubic hair (P2+). We used multivariable interval-censored models to
      evaluate associations of OCPs (quartiles) with physician-assessed pubertal onset.
      RESULTS: In adjusted models, boys with higher HCB concentrations had later mean
      ages of TV>3 mL and P2+ (but not G2+). Mean age at attaining TV>3 mL was delayed
      3.6 (95% CI: -2.6, 9.7), 7.9 (95% CI: 1.7, 14.0), and 4.7 months (95% CI: -1.4,
      10.9) for HCB Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively, compared to Q1 (trend p: 0.06). Boys
      with higher HCB concentrations reached P2+ 0.1 months earlier (95% CI: -5.8, 5.6)
      for Q2, 4.7 months later (95% CI: -1.0, 10.3) for Q3 and 4.6 months later (95%
      CI: -1.1, 10.3) for Q4 compared to Q1 (trend p: 0.04). There were no associations
      of serum beta-HCH and p,p'-DDE concentrations with age of pubertal onset.
      CONCLUSION: Higher prepubertal serum HCB concentrations were associated with
      later age of gonadarche and pubarche.

PMID- 25118098
TI  - Being both and acting 'man': exploring patterns of masculinisation among young
      same-sex-attracted men in Thailand.
AB  - Twenty-five same-sex-attracted rural young Thai men were interviewed three times
      to investigate how their sexual subjectivity changed over an 18-month period
      after they completed high school and moved into a new life-phase. Many young men
      grew up with strong gender-based understandings of homosexuality, in which a
      masculine (top) partner is seen as complementing a feminine (bottom) partner. The
      discursive division between the masculine and feminine domains became
      increasingly blurred in the actual practice of dating, forcing the young men to
      develop new understandings of homosexuality and same-sex relations. The shift
      from a rural to urban environment, the use of the Internet and the experience of
      falling in love played important roles in this experimentation with new,
      increasingly masculine presentations of the self, also influenced by a modern
      urban masculine aesthetic. The paper concludes that the encounter between
      'traditional' gender-based homosexuality and new ideas, in which masculine object
      choice is important in defining sexual identity leads to a variety of fluid ideas
      and expressions. This process created confusion among some, and opportunities for
      exploration of new ways of defining sexual subjectivities among others. 

PMID- 25118091
TI  - Effect evaluation of two types of dementia-specific case conferences in German
      nursing homes (FallDem) using a stepped-wedge design: study protocol for a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Case conferences for people with dementia and challenging behaviors
      (e.g., apathy) are recommended as useful tools that enable staff in nursing homes
      to understand the behavior of people with this type of disease. Understanding
      peoples' behaviors is the basis for the initiation of targeted interventions to
      improve the quality of care for people with dementia. Furthermore, case
      conferences demonstrate positive effects on burnout, dementia-specific burden,
      and vocational action competence of the staff. The two likely approaches for
      conducting case conferences include the following: A) using a structured
      assessment instrument, which guides the staff in understanding the residents'
      behaviors and B) using a narrative approach in which the staff must identify the
      reasons for the residents' behaviors in an unstructured manner. Case conferences
      are a complex intervention, and evaluating their multiple effects is challenging.
      The aim of this study protocol was to describe a likely solution for evaluating
      this type of complex intervention using a special cluster randomized trial.
      METHODS: In this stepped-wedged cluster randomized trial, the two interventions
      will be sequentially implemented every three months in a group of 12 nursing
      homes (clusters) with a minimum of 360 residents over 19 months (7 months of
      intervention for each cluster and follow-up). The primary outcome is the
      reduction of challenging behavior (measured with the neuropsychiatric inventory
      nursing home version [NPI-NH]). Secondary outcomes are residents' quality of
      life, prescription of psychotropic medications, staff burnout, dementia-related
      stress, and vocational action competence. The effectiveness of the study will be
      accompanied by a process evaluation. The primary data will be analyzed using a
      Bayesian mixed effect model; the secondary data will be analyzed using
      descriptive statistics and mixed effects models. DISCUSSION: The implementation
      and effect measurement of complex interventions such as case conferences within a
      cluster randomized trial are challenging (e.g., complex and intensive training,
      delayed treatment effect). In this study protocol, the methodological advantages
      and disadvantages of using the stepped wedge design to answer the research
      questions are discussed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.controlled
      trials.com/ISRCTN20203855; registered 10 July 2013.

PMID- 25118092
TI  - Myocyte growth, repair, and oxidative stress following pediatric heart
      transplantation.
AB  - Cardiac remodeling is associated with plasma biomarkers of fibrinogenesis,
      inflammation, and oxidative stress, and upregulation of mitogenic, pro-fibrotic,
      and apoptotic signaling pathways. Our primary objective was to evaluate biomarker
      and subcellular myocardial changes in pediatric heart transplant recipients.
      Fifty-two-week prospective, randomized (tacrolimus, Tac, vs. cyclosporine, CsA),
      open-label, parallel group study. Serial myocardial biopsies were probed for
      mitogenic and pro-inflammatory proteins. Plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress
      (F2alpha isoprostanes, nitrotyrosine), and inflammation and oxidation (hsCRP and
      cystatin-C) were measured. Nine of 11 randomized patients completed the study
      (four Tac, five CsA). Mean levels of F2alpha isoprostanes, hsCRP, and cystatin-C
      were maximal at Week 2. Peak activation of all MAP kinases in myocardial tissue
      was maximal at Week 10; no association was seen with rejection. Cardiac Bax/Bcl-2
      levels (index of apoptosis) correlated negatively with F2alpha isoprostanes at
      Week 2 (r = -0.88) and with hsCRP at Week 52 (r = -0.67). At Week 52, hsCRP
      levels correlated positively with molecular indices of cardiac cell growth. We
      found evidence of systemic and myocardial oxidative damage and inflammation early
      posttransplant, which may be related to the remodeling process. Further study is
      needed to better understand the cardiac and systemic repair processes following
      pediatric heart transplantation. 

PMID- 25118100
TI  - Molecular phylogeny of Asian Meconopsis based on nuclear ribosomal and
      chloroplast DNA sequence data.
AB  - The taxonomy and phylogeny of Asian Meconopsis (Himalayan blue poppy) remain
      largely unresolved. We used the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of
      nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) and the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) trnL-F region for
      phylogenetic reconstruction of Meconopsis and its close relatives Papaver,
      Roemeria, and Stylomecon. We identified five main clades, which were well
      supported in the gene trees reconstructed with the nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-F
      sequences. We found that 41 species of Asian Meconopsis did not constitute a
      monophyletic clade, but formed two solid clades (I and V) separated in the
      phylogenetic tree by three clades (II, III and IV) of Papaver and its allies.
      Clade V includes only four Asian Meconopsis species, with the remaining 90
      percent of Asian species included in clade I. In this core Asian Meconopsis
      clade, five subclades (Ia-Ie) were recognized in the nrDNA ITS tree. Three
      species (Meconopsis discigera, M. pinnatifolia, and M. torquata) of subgenus
      Discogyne were imbedded in subclade Ia, indicating that the present definition of
      subgenera in Meconopsis should be rejected. These subclades are inconsistent with
      any series or sections of the present classifications, suggesting that
      classifications of the genus should be completely revised. Finally, proposals for
      further revision of the genus Meconopsis were put forward based on molecular,
      morphological, and biogeographical evidences. 

PMID- 25118099
TI  - The rise of mortality from mental and neurological diseases in Europe, 1979-2009:
      observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We studied recent trends in mortality from seven mental and
      neurological conditions and their determinants in 41 European countries. METHODS:
      Age-standardized mortality rates were analysed using standard methods of
      descriptive epidemiology, and were related to cultural, economic and health care
      indicators using regression analysis. RESULTS: Rising mortality from mental and
      neurological conditions is seen in most European countries, and is mainly due to
      rising mortality from dementias. Mortality from psychoactive substance use and
      Parkinson's disease has also risen in several countries. Mortality from dementias
      has risen particularly strongly in Finland, Iceland, Malta, Netherlands, Spain,
      Sweden and the United Kingdom, and is positively associated with self-expression
      values, average income, health care expenditure and life expectancy, but only the
      first has an independent effect. CONCLUSIONS: Although trends in mortality from
      dementias have probably been affected by changes in cause-of-death
      classification, the high level of mortality from these conditions in a number of
      vanguard countries suggests that it is now among the most frequent causes of
      death in high-income countries. Recognition of dementias as a cause of death,
      and/or refraining from life-saving treatment for patients with dementia, appear
      to be strongly dependent on cultural values.

PMID- 25118102
TI  - Growing the seeds sown by Piero Sensi.
AB  - Piero Sensi is probably known primarily for his role in the discovery of
      rifamycin and for developing it to be a drug of fundamental importance in the
      treatment of tuberculosis. He has also contributed to promote screening programs
      of microbial products and research approaches for antibacterial agents that have
      been further developed up to the present day. This paper reports a sequence of
      discovery approaches, failures and successes that spans for about 50 years and is
      still in progress. 

PMID- 25118101
TI  - Follicle stimulating hormone receptor in mesenchymal stem cells integrates
      effects of glycoprotein reproductive hormones.
AB  - Previously we reported that follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) affects bone
      degradation in human cells and in follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R)
      null mice. Here we describe a FSH-R knockout bone-formation phenotype. We used
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), osteoblast precursors that express FSH-R, to
      determine whether FSH regulates bone formation. FSH stimulates MSC cell adhesion
      1-3 h and proliferation at 24 h after addition. On the basis of phylogenetic and
      clinical precedents, we also examined effects of pregnant levels of human
      chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on MSCs. We found effects similar to those of FSH,
      and RNAi knockdown of FSH-R abrogated both FSH and hCG effects on MSCs. In
      contrast to effects on MSCs, neither FSH nor hCG had significant effects on
      osteoblast maturation. Also in MSCs, short-term treatment by FSH and hCG altered
      signaling pathways for proliferation, including Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Our
      results show augmentation of MSC proliferation by either FSH at menopausal levels
      or hCG at normal pregnant levels. We conclude that FSH-R participates in
      regulation of MSC precursor pools in response to either FSH or hCG, integrating
      the effects of these two glycoprotein hormones. 

PMID- 25118103
TI  - Resistance to rifampicin: a review.
AB  - Resistance to rifampicin (RIF) is a broad subject covering not just the mechanism
      of clinical resistance, nearly always due to a genetic change in the beta subunit
      of bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP), but also how studies of resistant polymerases
      have helped us understand the structure of the enzyme, the intricacies of the
      transcription process and its role in complex physiological pathways. This review
      can only scratch the surface of these phenomena. The identification, in strains
      of Escherichia coli, of the positions within beta of the mutations determining
      resistance is discussed in some detail, as are mutations in organisms that are
      therapeutic targets of RIF, in particular Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
      Interestingly, changes in the same three codons of the consensus sequence occur
      repeatedly in unrelated RIF-resistant (RIF(r)) clinical isolates of several
      different bacterial species, and a single mutation predominates in mycobacteria.
      The utilization of our knowledge of these mutations to develop rapid screening
      tests for detecting resistance is briefly discussed. Cross-resistance among
      rifamycins has been a topic of controversy; current thinking is that there is no
      difference in the susceptibility of RNAP mutants to RIF, rifapentine and
      rifabutin. Also summarized are intrinsic RIF resistance and other resistance
      mechanisms. 

PMID- 25118105
TI  - Glycopeptide antibiotics: back to the future.
AB  - Glycopeptide antibiotics have been a key weapon in the fight against bacterial
      infections for over half a century, with the progenitors, vancomycin (1) and
      teicoplanin (2), still used extensively. The increased occurrence of resistance
      and the effectiveness of these 'last resort' treatments for Gram-positive
      infections has led to the discovery and clinical development of second
      generation, semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide derivatives such as telavancin (3),
      dalbavancin (4) and oritavancin (5), which all possess broader spectra of
      activity and improved pharmacokinetic properties. Two of these new antibiotics,
      telavancin (3) and dalbavancin (4), were approved in the past 5 years and the
      third, oritavancin (5), is awaiting regulatory approval. In this review, the
      discovery, development and associated resistance of vancomycin (1) and
      teicoplanin (2), and semi-synthetic glycopeptides, telavancin (3), dalbavancin
      (4) and oritavancin (5), are detailed. The clinical implications of glycopeptide
      resistance, especially vancomycin (1), as well as the future prospects for
      current glycopeptide drugs and the development of new glycopeptides are
      discussed. 

PMID- 25118104
TI  - Sesquiterpenoids and xanthones derivatives produced by sponge-derived fungus
      Stachybotry sp. HH1 ZSDS1F1-2.
AB  - A new (2) and four known (1, 8-10) sesquiterpenoids, two new (3 and 4) and eight
      known (5-7, 11-15) xanthone derivatives were isolated from the cultures of sponge
      derived fungus Stachybotry sp. HH1 ZDDS1F1-2. The structure of the compounds 1-15
      was determined mainly by analysis of the one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR
      spectroscopic data and by analogy with the data of those reported. Compound 1 was
      confirmed by X-ray crystallography. All the compounds were tested for their
      cytotoxic, antiinflammatory and antiviral (EV71) effects. Compounds 5, 7 and 11
      showed significant cytotoxicity against selected human tumor cell lines.
      Compounds 3, 4 and 11 also displayed significant inhibitory activity against
      cycloooxygenase (COX-2). Compounds 4, 5 and 11 showed activities against
      intestinal virus EV71. 

PMID- 25118106
TI  - New bicyclic hemiacetals from the edible mushroom Ramaria madagascariensis.

PMID- 25118108
TI  - Spontaneous and induced mutations to rifampicin, streptomycin and spectinomycin
      resistances in actinomycetes: mutagenic mechanisms and applications for strain
      improvement.
AB  - Chemical mutagenesis continues to be an important foundational methodology for
      the generation of highly productive actinomycete strains for the commercial
      production of antibiotics and other secondary metabolites. In the past, the
      determination of frequencies of chemically induced resistance to rifampicin
      (RifR), spectinomycin (SpcR) and streptomycin (StrR) have served as surrogate
      markers to monitor the efficiencies and robustness of mutagenic protocols. Recent
      studies indicate that high level RifR, SpcR and StrR phenotypes map to specific
      regions of the rpoB, rpsE and rpsL genes, respectively, in actinomycetes.
      Moreover, mutagenesis to RifR can occur spontaneously at many different sites in
      rpoB, and all six types of base-pair substitutions, as well as in-frame deletions
      and insertions, have been observed. The RifR/rpoB system provides a robust method
      to rank mutagenic protocols, to evaluate mutagen specificity and to study
      spontaneous mutagenesis mechanisms involved in the maintenance of high G+C
      content in Streptomyces species and other actinomycetes. 

PMID- 25118107
TI  - Allantopyrone A, an alpha-pyrone metabolite from an endophytic fungus, inhibits
      the tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced nuclear factor kappaB signaling pathway.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) induces the activation of transcription
      factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), which upregulates a variety of genes,
      including the gene encoding intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).
      Allantopyrone A, a recently identified alpha-pyrone metabolite from an endophytic
      fungus, was found to inhibit the TNF-alpha-induced expression of ICAM-1 in human
      lung carcinoma A549 cells. Allantopyrone A also inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced
      luciferase expression of an NF-kappaB-responsive reporter. In the NF-kappaB
      signaling pathway, allantopyrone A inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF
      kappaB subunits as well as the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of the
      inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkappaB) alpha proteins. By contrast, allantopyrone A did
      not directly affect the catalytic activity of active IkappaB kinase beta. These
      findings indicate that allantopyrone A inhibits the NF-kappaB signaling pathway
      at a step upstream of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation. 

PMID- 25118109
TI  - Characterization of swine leukocyte antigen alleles and haplotypes on a novel
      miniature pig line, Microminipig.
AB  - Microminipigs are extremely small-sized, novel miniature pigs that were recently
      developed for medical research. The inbred Microminipigs with defined swine
      leukocyte antigen (SLA) haplotypes are expected to be useful for allo- and
      xenotransplantation studies and also for association analyses between SLA
      haplotypes and immunological traits. To establish SLA-defined Microminipig lines,
      we characterized the polymorphic SLA alleles for three class I (SLA-1, SLA-2 and
      SLA-3) and two class II (SLA-DRB1 and SLA-DQB1) genes of 14 parental
      Microminipigs using a high-resolution nucleotide sequence-based typing method.
      Eleven class I and II haplotypes, including three recombinant haplotypes, were
      found in the offspring of the parental Microminipigs. Two class I and class II
      haplotypes, Hp-31.0 (SLA-1*1502-SLA-3*070102-SLA-2*1601) and Hp-0.37 (SLA
      DRB1*0701-SLA-DQB1*0502), are novel and have not so far been reported in other
      pig breeds. Crossover regions were defined by the analysis of 22 microsatellite
      markers within the SLA class III region of three recombinant haplotypes. The SLA
      allele and haplotype information of Microminipigs in this study will be useful to
      establish SLA homozygous lines including three recombinants for transplantation
      and immunological studies. 

PMID- 25118110
TI  - Development of bead-based suspension array technology for the diagnosis of
      thalassemia.

PMID- 25118111
TI  - A TdT-mediated cascade signal amplification strategy based on dendritic DNA
      matrix for label-free multifunctional electrochemical biosensing.
AB  - We describe a novel label-free amplified multifunctional strategy of dendritic
      electrochemical DNA sensor based on terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT).
      We have found that the sequence composition of TdT-yielded DNA is largely
      dependent on the constitution of substrate deoxynucleotides (dNTPs) pool. After
      rational design of dNTPs pool and controllable TdT polymerization, dendritic
      protocol has been developed involving two-type amplification strategies; one is
      the formation of "trunk" and "branch" of the dendritic electrochemical sensor by
      TdT amplification; the other is the introduction of nucleic acid functionalized
      Au nanoparticles (DNA-AuNPs) for multiple branching. The results indicate that
      the G-rich ssDNA, which is synthesized under the condition of 40% deoxyadenosine
      triphosphate (dATP) and 60% deoxyguanosine triphosphate (dGTP), can be induced to
      form a long signal strand to G-quadruples (G4) in the presence of Pb(2+). The
      electrochemical sensing platform is employed for sequence-specific DNA detection
      and the detection limit is as low as 1 fM. Our multifunctional strategy is
      further extended to Pb(2+) detection and thrombin aptasensor. This proposed
      sensor displays excellent sensitivity and selectivity, and is applied for
      detection in complicated samples successfully.

PMID- 25118112
TI  - Physical activity in solid organ transplant recipients: preliminary results of
      the Italian project.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The role of physical activity in transplanted patients is often
      underestimated. We discuss the Italian National Transplant Centre experience,
      which started in 2008 studying transplanted patients involved in sports
      activities. The study was then developed through a model of cooperation between
      surgeons, sports physicians and exercise specialists. METHODS: A multicentre
      study was realized in 120 transplanted patients of which 60 treated with
      supervised physical activity (three sessions/week of aerobic and strengthening
      exercises) and 60 controls. We present the results of the first 26 patients (16
      males, 10 females; 47.8 +/- 10.0 years; 21 kidney, 5 liver transplanted; time
      from transplant 2.3 +/- 1.4 years) who completed 12 months of supervised physical
      activity. RESULTS: Data showed an increase of peak aerobic power (t=4.535;
      P<0.01) and maximum workload (t=4.665; P<0.01) in the incremental cycling test.
      Maximum strength of knee extensors (t=2.933; P<0.05) and elbow flexors (t=2.450;
      P<0.05), and the power of lower limb (t=2.303; P<0.05) significantly increases.
      Health Related Quality of Life showed a significant improvement. Serum creatinine
      (1.4 +/- 0.5 vs 1.3 +/- 0.4 mg/dL) and proteinuria (0.10 +/- 0.14 vs 0.08 +/-
      0.08 gr/dL) were stable. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results confirm the
      positive effects of supervised physical exercise. It can be considered as an
      input to promote other detailed exercise protocols.

PMID- 25118113
TI  - Application of Glass Transition in Food Processing.
AB  - The phenomenon of glass transition has been employed to food products to study
      their stability. It can be applied as an integrated approach along with water
      activity and physical and chemical changes in food in processing and storage to
      determine the food stability. Also associated with the changes during
      agglomeration crystallization, caking, sticking, collapse, oxidation reactions,
      nonenzymatic browning, and microbial stability of food system. Various techniques
      such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, etc. have
      been developed to determine the glass transition temperature (Tg) of food system.
      Also, various theories have been applied to explain the concept of Tg and its
      relation to changes in food system. This review summarizes the understanding of
      concept of glass transition, its measurement, and application in food technology.

PMID- 25118115
TI  - Relationship between serum leptin and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in US
      adults: results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest an important role for leptin in respiratory
      immune responses and pathogenesis of inflammatory respiratory diseases. There has
      been an interest to explore whether leptin plays any role in the pathogenesis of
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVE: We conducted a
      population-based study to evaluate the relationship between serum leptin and COPD
      in the third US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants.
      PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN: Our study group was constituted by 6415 adults who had
      fasting serum leptin and underwent spirometry measurement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Serum leptin levels were compared (1) between subjects with normal lung function
      and those with COPD and (2) among COPD subjects with different severities.
      RESULTS: Among male participants, 2257 were controls, and 680 had COPD. Compared
      with controls, COPD subjects were older (62 vs 43 years) and had higher
      prevalence of smokers (78% vs 58%), lower body mass index (BMI) (26.3 vs 26.9),
      and higher serum leptin levels (6.6 vs 5.9). For female participants, 2918 were
      controls, and 560 had COPD. Those with COPD were older (60 vs 43 years) and had
      lower BMI (26.9 vs 27.7). No differences in serum leptin levels were observed.
      The independent predictors of COPD in both sexes were age, BMI, and smoking, but
      not serum leptin. There were no differences in serum leptin among COPD subjects
      with different severities. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find any significant
      difference in the levels of serum leptin in subjects with COPD. Our data provide
      indirect evidence against a major role for serum leptin in the pathogenesis of
      COPD in humans.

PMID- 25118114
TI  - Cell-type-specific aptamer and aptamer-small interfering RNA conjugates for
      targeted human immunodeficiency virus type 1 therapy.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes acquired
      immunodeficiency syndrome, a chronic and incurable disease of the human immune
      system. As the standard of care for the patients with HIV-1, current highly
      active antiretroviral treatment has been therapeutically effective in most
      patients; however, it is not curative, and highly active antiretroviral treatment
      is intolerable because of severe adverse effects. Therefore, nucleic acid-based
      therapeutics, such as antisense oligonucleotide, ribozyme, messenger RNA, RNA
      interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics, aptamer, and so on, have been actively
      developed as alternative or adjuvant agents for those chemical antiviral drugs to
      surmount those drawbacks. The combinatorial use of various antiviral nucleic
      acids could be more efficacious in blocking viral replication and preventing the
      emergence of resistant variants. In this regard, RNAi can function as a gene
      specific therapeutic option for controlling HIV-1 replication. Another type of
      therapeutic nucleic acid--aptamers--shows promise as a new and potent class of
      anti-HIV agent and can additionally function as a cell-type-specific delivery
      vehicle for targeted RNAi. The combined use of small interfering RNA (siRNAs) and
      aptamers could effectively block viral replication and prevent the emergence of
      resistant variants. The present review offers a brief overview of the use of cell
      type-specific aptamer and aptamer-siRNA conjugates' development in our group for
      the treatment of HIV-1. Their potentials for targeted delivering RNAi
      therapeutics (eg, siRNA) and suppressing HIV-1 replication in vitro and in
      humanized animal model will be highlighted here.

PMID- 25118116
TI  - Comparison of low versus high (>40 mm Hg) pulse pressure to predict the benefit
      of cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure (from the Multicenter
      Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial-Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
      Trial).
AB  - Low pulse pressure (PP) is associated with poor outcome in hospitalized patients
      with systolic heart failure (HF). However, the relation between PP and response
      to cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) is unknown. We
      aimed to evaluate the relation between preimplantation PP and echocardiographic
      response to CRT-D and subsequent clinical outcome after 1 year. The relation
      between preimplantation PP and echocardiographic response to CRT-D (defined as
      >15% reduction in left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume at 1 year) was
      evaluated in 754 patients with CRT-D with left bundle branch block enrolled in
      Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation Trial
      Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy. The association between PP at 1 year and the
      risk for subsequent HF or death was evaluated using multivariate Cox model.
      Patients with high versus low PP (>40 vs <=40 mm Hg [lower quartile]) had a
      significantly greater reduction in LV end-systolic volume, LV end-diastolic
      volume, and LV dyssynchrony (p<0.01 for all comparisons). In multivariate
      analysis, the presence of high PP was associated with a 3.5-fold (p<0.001)
      increase in the likelihood of a positive echocardiographic response to CRT-D.
      Patients with high PP (>40 mm Hg, >lower quartile) 1 year after CRT-D
      implantation experienced a 50% reduction in the risk of subsequent HF or death
      (p=0.001) and 63% reduction in death only (p=0.001), compared with patients with
      low PP. In conclusion, high baseline PP is an independent predictor of
      echocardiographic response to CRT-D, and high PP after device implantation is
      associated with improved subsequent clinical outcome.

PMID- 25118117
TI  - Association of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with severity and complexity of
      coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - The SYNTAX score (SXscore) is an anatomic scoring system based on coronary
      angiography (CA) that not only quantifies lesion severity and complexity but also
      predicts poor cardiovascular outcomes, including mortality, in patients with
      acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Recent studies have shown that platelet-to
      lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is associated with worse outcomes in many cardiovascular
      diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of PLR with
      the severity and complexity of coronary atherosclerosis as assessed by the
      SXscore in patients with ACS who underwent urgent CA. A total of 1,016 patients
      with ACS who underwent urgent CA were included in the study from August 2012 to
      March 2014. Admission PLR values were calculated before CA was performed. The
      SXscore was determined from baseline CA. The patients were divided into 2 groups,
      those with low SXscores (<=22) and those with intermediate to high SXscores
      (>=23). PLRs were significantly higher in patients with intermediate to high
      SXscores compared with those with low SXscores (p<0.001). In-hospital mortality
      was significantly higher in the groups with high PLR and intermediate to high
      SXscores. In multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of intermediate to
      high SXscore were PLR (odds ratio 1.018, 95% confidence interval 1.013 to 1.023,
      p<0.001) together with the left ventricular ejection fraction (odds ratio 0.935,
      95% confidence interval 0.910 to 0.960, p<0.001), and age (odds ratio 1.029, 95%
      confidence interval 1.029 to 1.054, p=0.02). A PLR>=116 had 71% sensitivity and
      66% specificity in predicting intermediate to high SXscore. In conclusion, the
      PLR at admission is significantly associated with the severity and complexity of
      coronary atherosclerosis in patients with ACS. Increased PLR is an independent
      predictor of higher SXscore in patients with ACS who undergo urgent CA.

PMID- 25118118
TI  - Predictors of neurologic outcome in patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital
      cardiac arrest using classification and regression tree analysis.
AB  - The estimated survival rate of 8% to 10% after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
      (OHCA) remains dismal. Few studies have addressed predictors of functional
      neurologic outcome after successful resuscitation. The objective of the study was
      to identify variables associated with favorable neurologic outcomes, defined by a
      Glasgow Coma Scale of 14 or 15, after OHCA. We used a propensity analysis and
      classification and regression tree model of 184 OHCA patients surviving to
      hospital admission at a cardiac arrest receiving center in Los Angeles County
      from 2008 to 2013. Forty-three patients (23%) had a favorable outcome, median age
      was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR] 54 to 76), and 98 (53%) were men. Sixty
      six patients (36%) presented with a shockable rhythm. The majority were
      witnessed, either by a civilian (n=115, 63%) or a paramedic (n=25, 14%).
      Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed on 84 patients (46%);
      median dose of epinephrine was 2 mg (IQR 1 to 3). Median time to return of
      spontaneous circulation was 21 minutes (IQR 16 to 29); the median lactate level
      was 5.2 mmol/L (IQR 2.8 to 9.2). Lower epinephrine doses (<1.5 mg) and lactate
      levels<5 mmol/L were predictive of a normal Glasgow Coma Scale, with 90.7%
      sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] 76.9% to 96.9%), 47.5% specificity (95%
      CI 39.1% to 56.1%), a positive predictive value of 34.5% (95% CI 31.6% to 46.1%),
      a negative predictive value of 94.4% (95% CI 85.5% to 98.2%), and an area under
      the curve of 0.89. The propensity score-adjusted logistic regression model
      demonstrated that receiving <1.5 mg of epinephrine was associated with a
      favorable neurologic outcome (odds ratio 3.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 10, p=0.04). In
      conclusion, for patients surviving to hospital admission, a good neurologic
      outcome was associated with having received <1.5 mg of epinephrine and a lactate
      level<5 mmol/L.

PMID- 25118119
TI  - Comparison of the efficacy of pharmacoinvasive management for ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction in smokers versus non-smokers (from the Trial of
      Routine Angioplasty and Stenting After Fibrinolysis to Enhance Reperfusion in
      Acute Myocardial Infarction).
AB  - Compared with non-smokers, cigarette smokers with ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarctions derive greater benefit from fibrinolytic therapy. However, it is not
      known whether the optimal treatment strategy after fibrinolysis differs on the
      basis of smoking status. The Trial of Routine Angioplasty and Stenting After
      Fibrinolysis to Enhance Reperfusion in Acute Myocardial Infarction (TRANSFER-AMI)
      randomized patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions to a routine
      early invasive (pharmacoinvasive) versus a standard (early transfer only for
      rescue percutaneous coronary intervention or delayed angiography) strategy after
      fibrinolysis. The efficacy of these strategies was compared in 1,051 patients on
      the basis of their smoking status. Treatment heterogeneity was assessed between
      smokers and non-smokers, and multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate for
      an interaction between smoking status and treatment strategy after adjusting for
      baseline Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score. Smokers
      (n=448) were younger, had fewer cardiovascular risk factors, and had lower GRACE
      risk scores. They had a lower rate of the primary composite end point of 30-day
      mortality, reinfarction, recurrent ischemia, heart failure, or cardiogenic shock
      and fewer deaths or reinfarctions at 6 months and 1 year. Smoking status was not
      a significant predictor of either primary or secondary end points in
      multivariable analysis. Pharmacoinvasive management reduced the primary end point
      compared with standard therapy in smokers (7.7% vs 13.6%, p=0.04) and non-smokers
      (13.1% vs 19.7%, p=0.03). Smoking status did not modify treatment effect on any
      measured outcomes (p>0.10 for all). In conclusion, compared with non-smokers,
      current smokers receiving either standard or early invasive management of ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction after fibrinolysis have more favorable
      outcomes, which is likely attributable to their better baseline risk profile. The
      beneficial treatment effect of a pharmacoinvasive strategy is consistent in
      smokers and non-smokers.

PMID- 25118120
TI  - Treatment and outcomes of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest in a regionalized system of care based on presence or
      absence of initial shockable cardiac arrest rhythm.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment and outcomes of patients with
      ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions complicated by out-of-hospital
      cardiac arrest in a regional system of care. In this retrospective study, the
      effect of the absence of an initial shockable arrest rhythm was analyzed. The
      primary end point of survival with good neurologic outcome in patients with and
      without an initial shockable arrest rhythm was adjusted for age, witnessed
      arrest, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and treatment with therapeutic
      hypothermia and percutaneous coronary intervention. One-hundred sixty-eight of
      348 patients (49%) survived to hospital discharge. Patients with a shockable
      initial rhythm were more likely to receive therapeutic hypothermia (48% vs 37%,
      risk ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0 to 1.5) and to be treated in the
      cardiac catheterization laboratory (80% vs 43%, risk ratio 2.8, 95% CI 2.0 to
      3.8). The likelihood of survival with good neurologic outcome in patients with a
      shockable initial rhythm compared with those presenting without a shockable
      rhythm was 4.8 (95% CI 2.7 to 8.7). In patients who underwent percutaneous
      coronary intervention, the likelihood of survival with good neurologic outcome
      was higher (risk ratio 2.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.8) in those with a shockable rhythm.
      In conclusion, the absence of an initial shockable rhythm in patients with ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarctions plus out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is
      associated with significantly worse survival and neurologic outcome. These
      differences persist despite application of therapies including therapeutic
      hypothermia and percutaneous coronary intervention within a regionalized system
      of care. 

PMID- 25118121
TI  - Impact of pre-procedural cardiopulmonary instability in patients with acute
      myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (from
      the Harmonizing Outcomes With Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial
      Infarction Trial).
AB  - Rapid reperfusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention improves
      survival in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
      Preprocedural cardiopulmonary instability and adverse events (IAE) may delay
      reperfusion time and worsen prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      relation between preprocedural cardiopulmonary IAE, door-to-balloon time (DBT),
      and outcomes in the Harmonizing Outcomes With Revascularization and Stents in AMI
      (HORIZONS-AMI) trial. Preprocedural cardiopulmonary IAE included sustained
      ventricular or supraventricular tachycardia or fibrillation requiring
      cardioversion or defibrillation, heart block or bradycardia requiring pacemaker
      implantation, severe hypotension requiring vasopressors or intra-aortic balloon
      counterpulsation, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, and
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Three-year outcomes of patients with and without
      IAE according to DBT were compared. Among 3,602 patients, 159 (4.4%) had >=1 IAE.
      DBT did not differ significantly in patients with and without IAE; however,
      patients with IAE were less likely to have Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction
      (TIMI) grade 3 flow after percutaneous coronary intervention. Mortality at 3
      years was significantly higher in patients with versus those without IAE (17.0%
      vs 6.3%, p<0.0001), and IAE was an independent predictor of mortality, whereas
      DBT was not. However, a significant interaction was present such that 3-year
      mortality was reduced in patients with DBT<99 minutes (the median) versus >=99
      minutes to a greater extent in patients with IAE (9.9% vs 20.7%, hazard ratio
      0.43, 95% confidence interval 0.16 to 1.16) compared with those without IAE (5.0%
      vs 7.2%, hazard ratio 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.50 to 0.95) (p for
      interaction=0.004). In conclusion, IAE before PCI is an independent predictor of
      death and identifies a high-risk group in whom faster reperfusion may be
      particularly important to improve survival.

PMID- 25118122
TI  - Meta-analysis of left ventricular hypertrophy and sustained arrhythmias.
AB  - Presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has been reported to be associated
      with supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, but the association has not
      been systematically quantified and evaluated. A systematic search of studies in
      MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials databases was undertaken through April 2014. Studies reporting
      on LVH and sustained arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular
      tachycardias (SVTs) and ventricular arrhythmias (tachycardia and fibrillation)
      were identified. Pooled effect estimates were calculated with random-effects
      models (DerSimonian and Laird). A total of 10 eligible studies with 27,141
      patients were included in the analysis. The incidence of SVT in patients with LVH
      was 11.1% compared with 1.1% among patients without LVH (p<0.001). Patients with
      LVH had 3.4-fold greater odds of developing SVT (odds ratio 3.39, 95% confidence
      interval 1.57 to 7.31) than those without LVH, although significant heterogeneity
      was present (I2=98%). Meta-regression analyses revealed the heterogeneity to have
      originated from differences in the baseline covariates such as age, male gender,
      hypertension, and diabetes of the individual studies. The incidence of
      ventricular arrhythmias was 5.5% compared with 1.2% in patients without LVH
      (p<0.001). The occurrence of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation was 2.8-fold
      greater, in the presence of LVH (odds ratio 2.83, 95% confidence interval 1.78 to
      4.51), and there was no significant heterogeneity (I2=9%). Presence of LVH in
      hypertensive patients is associated with a greater risk of sustained
      supraventricular/atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and there is an unmet need
      for identifying and refining risk stratification for this group.

PMID- 25118123
TI  - Outcomes of patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation undergoing percutaneous
      coronary intervention.
AB  - Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is associated with poor outcomes in patients
      with coronary artery disease. The impact of percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) on patients with IMR is not well elucidated. We sought to determine the
      outcomes of patients with severe IMR who underwent PCI. Patients with severe
      (>=3+) IMR who underwent PCI from 1998 to 2010 were identified. Improvement in
      IMR was defined as reduction in severity from >=3+ to <=2+ without any other
      invasive intervention beyond PCI. Outcomes were compared between patients with
      and without improvement in IMR after PCI. One hundred thirty-seven patients with
      severe IMR were included in our study. After PCI, 50 patients (36.5%) had
      improvement in IMR with PCI alone and 24 patients (18.5%) required another
      intervention. Left atrial size was a significant predictor of improvement in IMR
      (odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.2 to 0.8). Left ventricular size
      decreased (systolic diameter 3.9+/-0.3 vs 4.6+/-0.2 cm, p=0.0008 and diastolic
      diameter 5.2+/-0.2 vs 5.7+/-0.2 cm, p=0.002) and ejection fraction increased
      (39.1+/-4.0% vs 33.1+/-1.9%, p=0.002) significantly after PCI in the patients
      with improvement in IMR compared with patients without improvement. Patients with
      improvement in IMR had numerically better survival; however, it was not
      statistically significant (p log-rank=0.2). In conclusion, 1/3 of the patients
      with IMR had improvement in severity of IMR with PCI alone. Improvement in IMR
      was associated with left ventricular reverse remodeling. Left atrial size was an
      important predictor of improvement in IMR after PCI.

PMID- 25118124
TI  - Rate of percutaneous coronary intervention for the management of acute coronary
      syndromes and stable coronary artery disease in the United States (2007 to 2011).
AB  - Although the benefit of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) for patients
      presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has been established in numerous
      studies, the role of PCI in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) remains
      controversial. With the publication of the Clinical Outcomes Utilizing
      Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluations trial and the appropriate use
      criteria for coronary artery revascularization, we sought to examine the impact
      of these treatment strategies and guidelines on the current practice of PCI in
      United States. We conducted a serial cross-sectional study with time trends of
      patients undergoing PCI for ACS and stable CAD from 2007 to 2011. The annual rate
      of all PCI decreased by 27.7% from 10,785 procedures per million adults per year
      in 2007 to 2008 to 7,801 procedures per million adults per year in 2010 to 2011
      (p=0.03). Although there was no statistically significant decrease in the PCI
      utilization for ACS from 2007 to 2011, PCI utilization for stable CAD decreased
      by 51.7% (from 2,056 procedures per million adults per year in 2008 to 992
      procedures per million adults per year in 2011, p=0.02). Hospitals with a higher
      volume of PCI experienced a more significant decrease. Decrease in PCI
      utilization for stable CAD was statistically significant for patients with
      Medicare and private insurance/health maintenance organization (44.5%, p=0.03 and
      59.5%, p=0.007, respectively). In conclusion, the rate of PCI decreased
      substantially starting from 2009 in the United States. Most of the decrease was
      attributed to the reduction in PCI utilization for stable CAD.

PMID- 25118125
TI  - Bipolar disorder and its relation to major psychiatric disorders: a family-based
      study in the Swedish population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Bipolar disorder (BPD) shares genetic components with other
      psychiatric disorders; however, uncertainty remains about where in the
      psychiatric spectra BPD falls. To understand the etiology of BPD, we studied the
      familial aggregation of BPD and co-aggregation between BPD and schizophrenia,
      depression, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, drug
      abuse, personality disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. METHODS: A
      population-based cohort was created by linking several Swedish national
      registers. A total of 54,723 individuals with BPD were identified among 8,141,033
      offspring from 4,149,748 nuclear families. The relative risk of BPD in relatives
      and the co-occurrence of other psychiatric disorders in patients with BPD and
      their relatives were compared to those of matched-population controls. Structural
      equation modeling was used to estimate the heritability and tetrachoric
      correlation. RESULTS: The familial risks for relatives of BPD probands were 5.8
      7.9 in first-degree relatives, and decreased with genetic distance. Co-occurrence
      risks for other psychiatric disorders were 9.7-22.9 in individuals with BPD and
      1.7-2.8 in full siblings of BPD probands. Heritability for BPD was estimated at
      58%. The correlations between BPD and other psychiatric disorders were
      considerable (0.37-0.62) and primarily due to genetic effects. The correlation
      with depression was the highest (0.62), and was 0.44 for schizophrenia.
      CONCLUSIONS: The high familial risks provide evidence that genetic factors play
      an important role in the etiology of BPD, and the shared genetic determinants
      suggest pleiotropic effects across different psychiatric disorders. Results also
      indicate that BPD is in both the mood and psychotic spectra, but possibly more
      closely related to mood disorders.

PMID- 25118126
TI  - The effect of different delineator post configurations on driver speed in night
      time traffic: a driving simulator study.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate how different delineator post
      configurations affect driver speed in night-time traffic. In addition, the
      potential speed effect of introducing a secondary task was investigated. The
      study was carried out in a car simulator on a road stretch including straight
      road sections as well as curves with different radii. Fourteen drivers
      participated in the study and the results show that absence of delineator posts
      leads to reduced speed. However, provided that there are delineator posts
      continuously present along the road, the overall driver speed is basically the
      same, regardless of the spacing between the delineator posts. The results also
      imply that to reduce driver speed in curves with small radius, using more compact
      spacing of posts in these curves as compared to in curves with a larger radius,
      could be a potential strategy. Additionally, the speed reducing effect of a
      secondary task was only prevailing where the task was initiated. 

PMID- 25118127
TI  - Why do organizations not learn from incidents? Bottlenecks, causes and conditions
      for a failure to effectively learn.
AB  - If organizations would be able to learn more effectively from incidents that
      occurred in the past, future incidents and consequential injury or damage can be
      prevented. To improve learning from incidents, this study aimed to identify
      limiting factors, i.e. the causes of the failure to effectively learn. In seven
      organizations focus groups were held to discuss factors that according to
      employees contributed to the failure to learn. By use of a model of the learning
      from incidents process, the steps, where difficulties for learning arose, became
      visible, and the causes for these difficulties could be studied. Difficulties
      were identified in multiple steps of the learning process, but most difficulties
      became visible when planning actions, which is the phase that bridges the gap
      from incident investigation to actions for improvement. The main causes for
      learning difficulties, which were identified by the participants in this study,
      were tightly related to the learning process, but some indirect causes - or
      conditions - such as lack of ownership and limitations in expertise were also
      mentioned. The results illustrate that there are two types of causes for the
      failure to effectively learn: direct causes and indirect causes, here called
      conditions. By actively and systematically studying learning, more conditions
      might be identified and indicators for a successful learning process may be
      determined. Studying the learning process does, however, require a shift from
      learning from incidents to learning to learn. 

PMID- 25118128
TI  - Causes of fatal accidents for instrument-certified and non-certified private
      pilots.
AB  - Instrument certification (IFR) enhances a pilot's skills in precisely controlling
      the aircraft and requires a higher level of standards in maintaining heading and
      altitude compared with the less stringent private pilot certificate. However,
      there have been no prior studies to compare fatal accident causes for airmen
      with, and without, this rating, The NTSB accident database was queried for
      general aviation fatal accidents for private pilots with, and without IFR
      certification. Exact Poisson tests were used to calculate whether two rate
      parameters were equal (ratio of 1), normalized to the number of IFR-rated pilots
      and flight hours in the given time period. Proportion tests were used to
      determine whether there were significant differences in fatal accident causes
      between IFR-certified and non-certified pilots. A logistic regression for log
      odds success was used in determining the trend and effect of age on fatal
      accident rates. IFR certification was associated with a reduced risk of accidents
      due to failure to maintain obstacle/terrain clearance and spatial disorientation
      for day and night operations respectively. In contrast, the likelihood of fatal
      accident due to equipment malfunction during day operations was higher for IFR
      certified pilots. The fatal accident rate decreased over the last decade for IFR
      certified but not for non-IFR-certified private pilots. However, the overall
      accident rate for IFR-certified private pilots was more than double that of the
      cohort lacking this certification. Finally, we found a trend for an increased
      fatality rate with advancing age for both group of pilots. Our findings informs
      on where training and/or technology should be focused. Both training for
      aerodynamic stalls, which causes over a quarter of all fatal accidents, should be
      intensified for both IFR-certified and non-certified private pilots. Similarly,
      adherence to minimum safe altitudes for both groups of pilots should be
      encouraged toward reducing the fatal accidents rate due to failure to maintain
      obstacle/terrain clearance. For night operations, the high percentage of
      accidents due to spatial disorientation for non-IFR certified airmen suggests
      that additional training be required for such operations or such flights carry
      restrictions for this subset of pilots. 

PMID- 25118129
TI  - Multifamily psychoeducation for improvement of mental health among relatives of
      patients with major depressive disorder lasting more than one year: study
      protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a long-lasting disorder with
      frequent relapses that have significant effects on the patient's family. Family
      psychoeducation is recognized as part of the optimal treatment for patients with
      psychotic disorder. A previous randomized controlled trial has found that family
      psychoeducation is effective in enhancing the treatment of MDD. Although MDD can
      easily become a chronic illness, there has been no intervention study on the
      families of patients with chronic depression. In the present study, we design a
      randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of family
      psychoeducation in improving the mental health of relatives of patients with MDD
      lasting more than one year. METHODS/DESIGN: Participants are patients with MDD
      lasting more than one year and their relatives. Individually randomized, parallel
      group trial design will be employed. Participants will be allocated to one of two
      treatment conditions: relatives will receive (a) family psychoeducation (four,
      two-hour biweekly multifamily psychoeducation sessions) plus treatment-as-usual
      for the patient (consultation by physicians), or (b) counseling for the family
      (one counseling session from a nurse) plus treatment-as-usual for the patient.
      The primary outcome measure will be relatives' mental health as measured by K6
      that was developed to screen for DSM-IV depressive and anxiety disorder.
      Additionally, the severity of depressive symptoms in patients measured by the
      Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scale will be assessed. Data from the
      intention-to-treat sample will be analyzed 16 weeks after randomization.
      DISCUSSION: This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of family
      psychoeducation for relatives of patients with MDD lasting more than one year. If
      this type of intervention is effective, it could be a new method of
      rehabilitation for patients with MDD lasting more than one year. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov NCT01734291 (registration date: 18 October
      2012).

PMID- 25118135
TI  - Whole-of-society approach for public health policymaking: a case study of
      polycentric governance from Quebec, Canada.
AB  - In adopting a whole-of-society (WoS) approach that engages multiple stakeholders
      in public health policies across contexts, the authors propose that effective
      governance presents a challenge. The purpose of this paper is to highlight a case
      for how polycentric governance underlying the WoS approach is already
      functioning, while outlining an agenda to enable adaptive learning for improving
      such governance processes. Drawing upon a case study from Quebec, Canada, we
      employ empirically developed concepts from extensive, decades-long work of the
      2009 Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom in the governance of policy in nonhealth
      domains to analyze early efforts at polycentric governance in policies around
      overnutrition, highlighting interactions between international, domestic, state
      and nonstate actors and processes. Using information from primary and secondary
      sources, we analyze the emergence of the broader policy context of Quebec's
      public health system in the 20th century. We present a microsituational analysis
      of the WoS approach for Quebec's 21st century policies on healthy lifestyles,
      emphasizing the role of governance at the community level. We argue for
      rethinking prescriptive policy analysis of the 20th century, proposing an agenda
      for diagnostic policy analysis, which explicates the multiple sets of actors and
      interacting variables shaping polycentric governance for operationalizing the WoS
      approach to policymaking in specific contexts. 

PMID- 25118134
TI  - Distribution of perfluoroalkyl compounds in rats: Indication for using hair as
      bioindicator of exposure.
AB  - Hair analysis is potentially advantageous in exposure assessment of
      perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) as a non-invasive method, combined with the ability
      to reflect long-term exposure. The present study aims to assess the feasibility
      of using hair as an indicator of PFAA exposure. Adult male and female rats were
      subchronically exposed to selected PFAAs, including perfluorooctanoic acid
      (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), for
      90 days. Hair, serum, and other tissues, including liver, kidney, spleen, lung,
      brain and heart, as well as the urine and feces excretions, were analyzed for
      PFAA levels. PFOA/PFNA/PFOS were detected in rat hair in a dose-dependent manner,
      in the order of PFOS>PFNA>PFOA. Hair PFAA concentrations were higher in male rats
      than the female rats, except for PFOS at low dose. Moreover, significant positive
      correlations as well as similar PFAA profiles were observed between hair, serum,
      and other tissues. Besides, hair PFAAs were negatively correlated with the
      urinary excretion rate. Although the influencing factors in humans still need
      further investigation, the results suggested that hair is capable of reflecting
      PFAA exposure, and could be employed as an alternative exposure bioindicator of
      PFAAs. 

PMID- 25118136
TI  - Towards large scale fermentative production of succinic acid.
AB  - Fermentative production of succinic acid (SA) from renewable carbohydrate feed
      stocks can have the economic and sustainability potential to replace petroleum
      based production in the future, not only for existing markets, but also new
      larger volume markets. To accomplish this, extensive efforts have been undertaken
      in the field of strain construction and metabolic engineering to optimize SA
      production in the last decade. However, relatively little effort has been put
      into fermentation process development. The choice for a specific host organism
      determines to a large extent the process configuration, which in turn influences
      the environmental impact of the overall process. In the last five years,
      considerable progress has been achieved towards commercialization of fermentative
      production of SA. Several companies have demonstrated their confidence about the
      economic feasibility of fermentative SA production by transferring their
      processes from pilot to production scale. 

PMID- 25118137
TI  - Mammalian cell-produced therapeutic proteins: heterogeneity derived from protein
      degradation.
AB  - Therapeutic glycoproteins, for example, antibodies (Abs) and Fc fusion proteins
      when produced in mammalian cells, such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells
      generally exhibit heterogeneity. Both the oligosaccharide moiety and the protein
      moiety contribute to this phenomenon. Non-enzymatic and enzymatic pathways of
      protein fragmentation generate heterogeneity in the polypeptide backbone. In the
      non-enzymatic pathway, physical and chemical events such as light, oxidation, and
      others can cause the protein moiety to become unstable leading to its
      fragmentation. Intracellular and secreted proteases are involved in the enzymatic
      degradation of proteins. This degradative process is modulated by the
      oligosaccharide moiety of the glycoprotein as well as glycosidases, including
      sialidases that are secreted in the culture medium. This review focuses on the
      factors that modulate heterogeneity of the protein moiety especially by the
      enzymatic methods. Availability of the CHO genome database will facilitate the
      development of host cell lines with minimal degradative properties. 

PMID- 25118138
TI  - Placental lipases in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus
      (GDM).
AB  - Infants of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are more likely to be
      born large for gestational age with a higher percentage body fat. Elevated
      maternal lipids may contribute to this. Placental lipases such as lipoprotein
      lipase (LPL), endothelial lipase (EL) and hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) are
      involved in transferring lipids from mother to fetus. Previous studies of
      expression of these lipases in placentae in women with diabetes in pregnancy have
      reported divergent results. Intracellular lipases such as adipose triglyceride
      lipase (ATGL), and HSL are central to lipid droplet metabolism. The activities of
      these lipases are both influenced by Perilipin 1, and ATGL is also activated by a
      co-factor comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58) and inhibited by G0/G1
      switch gene 2 (GS02). None of these modifying factors or ATGL have been examined
      previously in placenta. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the
      expression of ATGL, HSL, LPL, EL, as well as Perilipin 1, GS02 and CGI-58 in term
      pregnancies complicated by GDM. mRNA and protein expression of the lipases were
      measured in placentae from 17 women with GDM and 17 normoglycaemic pregnancies,
      matched for maternal BMI and gestational age of delivery. ATGL mRNA expression
      was increased and HSL mRNA expression reduced in placentae from GDM although
      there was no differences in protein expression of any of the lipases. All lipases
      were localised to trophoblasts and endothelial cells. The expression of Perilipin
      1 and CGI-58 mRNA was increased and GS02 not altered in GDM. These results
      suggest that there is no difference in expression in these four lipases between
      GDM and normoglycaemic placentae, and therefore altered lipid transfer via these
      lipases does not contribute to large for gestational age in infants of women with
      GDM. 

PMID- 25118139
TI  - Use of psychotherapy in a representative adult community sample in Sao Paulo,
      Brazil.
AB  - Little is known about the use of psychotherapy to treat common mental disorders
      in a major city in a middle-income country. Our data come from in-home interviews
      with a stratified random sample of 2000 community residents aged 18 to 65 years
      in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The information obtained included
      sociodemographic characteristics; psychotropic drugs; mental status; and
      lifetime, previous 12 months, and current use of psychotherapy. Logistic
      regression was used to examine determinants of use of psychotherapy. Of the
      sample, 22.7% met General Health Questionnaire-12 criteria for common mental
      disorders. Lifetime, previous 12 months, and current use of psychotherapy were
      reported by 14.6%, 4.6%, and 2.3% of the sample, respectively. Users typically
      were women, were more educated, had higher income, were not married, were
      unemployed, and had common mental disorders. Further analysis found that 47%
      (with higher education and income) paid out-of-pocket, and 53% used psychotropic
      medication. Psychotherapy does not seem to be the preferred treatment of common
      mental disorders. 

PMID- 25118140
TI  - Elevated levels of urinary markers of oxidatively generated DNA and RNA damage in
      bipolar disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder and its
      multi-system nature are unclear. Oxidatively generated damage to nucleosides has
      been demonstrated in metabolic disorders; however, the extent to which this
      occurs in bipolar disorder in vivo is unknown. We investigated oxidatively
      generated damage to DNA and RNA in patients with bipolar disorder and its
      relationship with the affective phase compared with healthy control subjects.
      METHODS: Urinary excretion of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8
      oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo), markers of oxidatively generated DNA and RNA
      damage, respectively, was measured in 37 rapid cycling patients with bipolar
      disorder and in 40 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects. Employing a
      longitudinal design, repeated measurements of both markers were evaluated in
      various affective phases in patients with bipolar disorder during a six- to 12
      month period and compared with repeated measurements in healthy control subjects.
      RESULTS: In linear mixed models, adjusting for demographical, metabolic, and
      lifestyle factors, the excretion of 8-oxodG and 8-oxoGuo was significantly
      elevated in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder compared with healthy control
      subjects, with increases of 40% (p < 0.0005) and 43% (p < 0.0005), respectively.
      The increased oxidatively generated nucleoside damage was present through all
      affective phases of the illness, with no significant difference between affective
      states. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that bipolar disorder is associated
      with increased oxidatively generated damage to nucleosides. The findings could
      suggest a role for oxidatively generated damage to DNA and RNA as a molecular
      mechanism contributing to the increased risk of medical disorders, shortened life
      expectancy, and the progressive course of illness observed in bipolar disorder.

PMID- 25118147
TI  - Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Risk: Beyond Traditional Risk Factors.
AB  - A strict adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has repeatedly been linked
      to a low risk of cardiovascular disease in several situations. Initially, the
      mechanisms considered as possible causes of this were based on the effects of
      this dietary pattern on the so-called traditional risk factors (especially lipids
      and blood pressure). However, the high relative reduction in the prevalence of
      cardiovascular morbidity and mortality were not proportional to the limited
      findings about regulation of those traditional risk factors. In addition to
      several studies confirming the above effects, current research on the MedDiet is
      being focused on defining its effects on non-traditional risk factors, such as
      endothelial function, inflammation, oxidative stress, or on controlling the
      conditions which predispose people to cardiovascular events, such as obesity,
      metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the current article, after
      briefly reviewing the known effects of the MedDiet on the traditional risk
      factors, we will mainly focus on reviewing the current evidence about the effects
      that this dietary pattern exerts on alternative factors, including postprandial
      lipemia or coagulation, among others, as well as providing a short review on
      future directions. 

PMID- 25118148
TI  - The importance of dietary protein for muscle health in inactive, hospitalized
      older adults.
AB  - Dietary protein and amino acids are necessary for overall human health.
      Insufficient protein intake induces a negative protein balance with adverse
      outcomes such as muscle atrophy and functional decline--outcomes that are
      worsened in older adults. Furthermore, during inactivity, such as bed
      rest/hospitalization, skeletal muscle protein synthesis is reduced, protein
      balance is negative, and older adults lose significant amounts of muscle. Dietary
      protein and amino acid supplementation (~ 30 g protein and ~ 3 g leucine)
      stimulate skeletal muscle protein anabolism in healthy, community-dwelling older
      adults and may be considered as possible nutritional interventions to improve the
      muscle protein balance and potentially support skeletal muscle maintenance in
      hospitalized older adults. The following is a timely review of metabolic and
      dietary challenges faced by hospitalized older adults and potential dietary
      protein and amino acids solutions for maintaining skeletal muscle health during
      hospitalization-induced inactivity in this population.

PMID- 25118146
TI  - Effect of guided self-determination youth intervention integrated into outpatient
      visits versus treatment as usual on glycemic control and life skills: a
      randomized clinical trial in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Providing care for adolescents with type 1 diabetes is complex,
      demanding, and often unsuccessful. Guided self-determination (GSD) is a life
      skills approach that has been proven effective in caring for adults with type 1
      diabetes. To improve care, GSD was revised for adolescents, their parents, and
      interdisciplinary healthcare providers (HCP) to create GSD-Youth (GSD-Y). We
      evaluated the impact of GSD-Y after it was integrated into pediatric outpatient
      visits versus treatment-as-usual, focusing on glycemic control and the
      development of life skills in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Seventy
      one adolescents (mean age: 15 years, mean duration of diabetes: 5.7 years, mean
      HbA1c: 77 mmol/mol (9.1%), upon entering the study) from two pediatric
      departments were randomized into a GSD-Y group (n = 37, GSD-Y was provided during
      individual outpatient sessions) versus a treatment-as-usual group (n = 34). The
      primary outcome was the HbA1c measurement. The secondary outcomes were life
      skills development (assessed by self-reported psychometric scales), self
      monitored blood glucose levels, and hypo- and hyperglycemic episodes. The
      analysis followed an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: Fifty-seven adolescents
      (80%) completed the trial, and 53 (75%) completed a six-month post-treatment
      follow-up. No significant effect of GSD-Y on the HbA1c could be detected in a
      mixed-model analysis after adjusting for the baseline HbA1c levels and the
      identity of the HCP (P = 0.85). GSD-Y significantly reduced the amotivation for
      diabetes self-management after adjusting for the baseline value (P = 0.001).
      Compared with the control group, the trial completion was prolonged in the GSD-Y
      group (P <0.001), requiring more visits (P = 0.05) with a higher rate of non
      attendance (P = 0.01). GSD-Y parents participated in fewer of the adolescents'
      visits (P = 0.05) compared with control parents. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with
      treatment-as-usual, GSD-Y did not improve HbA1c levels, but it did decrease
      adolescents' amotivation for diabetes self-management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN
      54243636, registered on 10 January 2010. Life skills for adolescents with type 1
      diabetes and their parents.

PMID- 25118149
TI  - Effect of operating conditions on yield and quality of biocrude during
      hydrothermal liquefaction of halophytic microalga Tetraselmis sp.
AB  - The biomass of halophytic microalga Tetraselmis sp. with 16%w/w solids was
      converted into biocrude by a hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process in a batch
      reactor at different temperatures (310, 330, 350 and 370 degrees C) and reaction
      times (5, 15, 30, 45 and 60min). The biocrude yield, elemental composition,
      energy density and severity parameter obtained at various reaction conditions
      were used to predict the optimum condition for maximum recovery of biocrude with
      improved quality. This study clearly indicated that the operating condition for
      obtaining maximum biocrude yield and ideal quality biocrude for refining were
      different. A maximum biocrude yield of ~65wt% ash free dry weight (AFDW) was
      obtained at 350 degrees C and 5min, with a severity parameter and energy density
      of 5.21 and ~35MJ/kg, respectively. The treatment with 45min reaction time
      recorded ~62wt% (AFDW) yield of biocrude with and energy density of ~39MJ/kg and
      higher severity parameter of 7.53. 

PMID- 25118150
TI  - Phosphorus elimination from aqueous solution using 'zirconium loaded okara' as a
      biosorbent.
AB  - This work deals with the capture of phosphorus from aqueous solutions by
      biosorption onto zirconium loaded okara (ZLO). The batch-mode experiments were
      conducted to examine the effect of pH, biosorbent dose, initial phosphorus
      concentration, contact time, and temperature on the process. It was found that,
      the adsorption was most favored in the pH range of 2-6. The optimal doses for the
      adsorption, at initial phosphorus concentrations of 5, 10, 25, 50mg/L were 2, 3,
      7, 10g/L, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of ZLO was approximately
      44.13mg PO4/g at 298K. The phosphate removal was rapid, reaching 95% in 30min.
      Freundlich model best fitted the equilibrium data, while Pseudo-second order
      model satisfactorily described the kinetic results. Thermodynamic analysis
      revealed feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic nature of the process. The
      research would be beneficial for developing a promising, eco-friendly phosphorus
      biosorbent from a plentiful AWB - okara. 

PMID- 25118151
TI  - Enhanced pathway efficiency of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by introducing thermo
      tolerant devices.
AB  - In this study, thermo-tolerant devices consisting of heat shock genes from
      thermophiles were designed and introduced into Saccharomyces cerevisiae for
      improving its thermo-tolerance. Among ten engineered thermo-tolerant yeasts, T.te
      TTE2469, T.te-GroS2 and T.te-IbpA displayed over 25% increased cell density and
      1.5-4-fold cell viability compared with the control. Physiological
      characteristics of thermo-tolerant strains revealed that better cell wall
      integrity, higher trehalose content and enhanced metabolic energy were preserved
      by thermo-tolerant devices. Engineered thermo-tolerant strain was used to
      investigate the impact of thermo-tolerant device on pathway efficiency by
      introducing beta-amyrin synthesis pathway, showed 28.1% increased beta-amyrin
      titer, 28-35 degrees C broadened growth temperature range and 72h shortened
      fermentation period. The results indicated that implanting heat shock proteins
      from thermophiles to S. cerevisiae would be an efficient approach to improve its
      thermo-tolerance. 

PMID- 25118154
TI  - Are trials with nursing interventions pragmatic?

PMID- 25118152
TI  - Effects of earthworms on physicochemical properties and microbial profiles during
      vermicomposting of fresh fruit and vegetable wastes.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the effect of earthworms on physicochemical and
      microbial properties during vermicomposting of fresh fruit and vegetable wastes
      (FVW) by contrasting two decomposing systems of FVW with and without earthworms
      for 5weeks. Compared to control treatment (without earthworms), vermicomposting
      treatment resulted in a rapid decrease of electrical conductivity and losses of
      total carbon and nitrogen from the 2nd week. Quantitative PCR displayed that
      earthworms markedly enhanced bacterial and fungal densities, showing the higher
      values than control, during the whole decomposition process. In addition,
      denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis combined with sequencing analysis
      revealed that earthworms pronouncedly modified bacterial and fungal community
      structures, through broadening the community diversities of Actinobacteria,
      Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Ascomycotina. These results suggest that the
      presence of earthworms promoted the activity and population of bacteria and
      fungi, and modified their communities, thus altering the decomposition pathway of
      fresh FVW. 

PMID- 25118155
TI  - Nonlinear dynamics of mood regulation in bipolar disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to study the underlying dynamic processes involved in mood
      regulation in subjects with bipolar disorder and healthy control subjects using
      time-series analysis and to then analyze the relation between anxiety and mood
      using cross-correlation techniques. METHODS: We recruited 30 healthy controls and
      30 euthymic patients with bipolar disorder. Participants rated their mood,
      anxiety, and energy levels using a paper-based visual analog scale; and they also
      recorded their sleep and any life events. Information on these variables was
      provided over a three-month period on a daily basis, twice per day. We analyzed
      the data using Box-Jenkins time series analysis to obtain information on the
      autocorrelation of the series (for mood) and cross-correlation (mood and anxiety
      series). RESULTS: Throughout the study, we analyzed 10,170 data points. Self
      ratings for mood, anxiety, and energy were normally distributed in both groups.
      Autocorrelation functions for mood in both groups were governed by the
      autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) (1,1,0) model, which means that
      current values in the series were related to one previous point only. We also
      found a negative cross-correlation between mood and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Mood
      can be considered a memory stochastic process; it is a flexible, dynamic process
      that has a 'short memory' both in healthy controls and euthymic patients with
      bipolar disorder. This process may be quite different in untreated patients or in
      those acutely ill. Our results suggest that nonlinear measures can be applied to
      the study of mood disorders.

PMID- 25118156
TI  - Feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of functional strength training for
      people between six months and five years after stroke: FeSTivaLS trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional Strength Training (FST) could enhance recovery late after
      stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a subsequent
      fully powered, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: The study was designed as a
      randomized, observer-blind trial. Both interventions were provided for up to one
      hour a day, four days a week, for six weeks. Evaluation points were before
      randomization (baseline), after six weeks intervention (outcome), and six weeks
      thereafter (follow-up). The study took place in participants' own homes.
      Participants (n = 52) were a mean of 24.4 months after stroke with a mean age of
      68.3 years with 67.3% male. All had difficulty using their paretic upper (UL) and
      lower limb (LL). Participants were allocated to FST-UL or FST-LL by an
      independent randomization service. The outcome measures were recruitment rate,
      attrition rate, practicality of recruitment strategies, occurrence of adverse
      reactions, acceptability of FST, and estimation of sample size for a subsequent
      trial. Primary clinical efficacy outcomes were the Action Research Arm Test
      (ARAT) and the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC). Analysis was conducted
      using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of participants' views of FST.
      A power calculation used estimates of clinical efficacy variance to estimate
      sample size for a subsequent trial. RESULTS: The screening process identified
      1,127 stroke survivors of whom 52 (4.6%) were recruited. The recruitment rate was
      higher for referral from community therapists than for systematic identification
      of people discharged from an acute stroke unit. The attrition rate was 15.5% at
      the outcome and follow-up time-points. None of the participants experienced an
      adverse reaction. The participants who remained in the study at outcome had
      received 68% of the total possible amount of therapy. Participants reported that
      their experience of FST provided a sense of purpose and involvement and increased
      their confidence in performing activities. The power calculation provides
      estimation that 150 participants in each group will be required for a subsequent
      clinical trial. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that a subsequent clinical trial
      was feasible with modifications to the recruitment strategy to be used. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Controlled-trials.com ISCTN71632550, 30 January 2009.

PMID- 25118159
TI  - Co-inheritance of alpha-thalassaemia and beta-thalassaemia in a prenatal
      screening population in mainland China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of alpha-thalassaemia in beta-thalassaemia
      individuals in a Chinese population. METHODS: The standard diagnostic marker for
      beta-thalassaemia was elevation of the Hb A2 level (>3.5%) with low mean
      corpuscular volume. The common alpha-thalassaemia mutations were studied by
      molecular analysis in all identified beta-thalassaemia carriers. RESULTS: A
      prevalence rate of 3.3% for beta-thalassaemia was found in our population; alpha-
      and beta-thalassaemia interactions were found to co-exist in 17.8% of the beta
      thalassaemia carriers. The -SEA deletion was the most common alpha-thalassaemia
      mutation co-inherited with beta-thalassaemia, followed by the -alpha3.7 deletion,
      the -alpha4.2 deletion, Hb Quong Sze, and Hb Constant Spring. CONCLUSION: Our
      results suggest that it could be valuable to study co-existing alpha-globin
      mutations in subjects with beta-thalassaemia trait in a prenatal screening
      programme, especially in populations with a high prevalence of
      haemoglobinopathies.

PMID- 25118157
TI  - Toll-like receptor 3 activation is required for normal skin barrier repair
      following UV damage.
AB  - UV damage to the skin leads to the release of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) from necrotic
      keratinocytes that activates Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3). This release of ncRNA
      triggers inflammation in the skin following UV damage. Recently, TLR3 activation
      was also shown to aid wound repair and increase the expression of genes
      associated with permeability barrier repair. Here, we sought to test whether skin
      barrier repair after UVB damage is dependent on the activation of TLR3. We
      observed that multiple ncRNAs induced expression of skin barrier repair genes,
      that the TLR3 ligand Poly (I:C) also induced expression and function of tight
      junctions, and that the ncRNA U1 acts in a TLR3-dependent manner to induce
      expression of skin barrier repair genes. These observations were shown to have
      functional relevance as Tlr3-/- mice displayed a delay in skin barrier repair
      following UVB damage. Combined, these data further validate the conclusion that
      recognition of endogenous RNA by TLR3 is an important step in the program of skin
      barrier repair.

PMID- 25118158
TI  - Identifying a polymorphic 'switch' that influences miRNAs' regulation of a
      myasthenia gravis risk pathway.
AB  - The significant roles of genetic variants in myasthenia gravis (MG) pathogenesis
      have been demonstrated in many studies, and recently it has been revealed that
      aberrant level/regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) might contribute to the
      initiation and progression of MG. However, the dysfunction of miRNA associated
      with single nucleotide polymorphisms (miRSNPs) has not been well investigated in
      MG. In this study, we created a contemporary catalog of 89 MG risk genes via
      manual literature-mining. Based on this risk gene catalog, we obtained 18 MG risk
      pathways. Furthermore, we identified 93 miRNAs that target MG risk pathways and
      revealed the miRSNPs 'switches' in miRNA regulation in the MG risk pathways by
      integrating the database information of miRSNPs. We also constructed a miRNA
      mediated SNP switching pathway network (MSSPN) to intuitively analyze miRNA
      regulation of MG risk pathways and the relationship of the polymorphism 'switch'
      with these changes in regulation. Moreover, we carried out in-depth dissection on
      the correlation between hsa05200 (pathway in cancer) and MG development, and
      elaborated the significance of 4 high-risk genes. By network analysis and
      literature mining, we proposed a potential mechanism of miRSNPs->gene->pathway
      effects on MG pathogenesis, especially for rs28457673 (miR-15/16/195/424/497
      family)->IGF1R->hsa05200 (pathway in cancer). Therefore, our studies have
      revealed a functional role for genetic modulators in MG pathogenesis at a
      systemic level, which could be informative for further miRNA and miRSNPs studies
      in MG. 

PMID- 25118161
TI  - Academic vascular unit collaboration with advertising agency yields higher
      compliance in screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
AB  - To improve compliance with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening in low
      compliance areas, individually tailored invitations were developed in
      collaboration with a professional advertising agency. Compliance increased in two
      intervention municipalities from 71.4% in 2010-2012 to 78.1% in 2013 (p = 0.025),
      and was then higher [odds ratio 1.7; 95% confidence interval 1.1-2.6; p = 0.013]
      than in two control municipalities in which compliance was unchanged (417/552
      [75.5%] in 2010-12 and 122/180 [67.8%] in 2013). Compliance with AAA-screening
      can be increased by collaboration with a professional advertising agency, albeit
      at a comparably high cost.

PMID- 25118162
TI  - Axillary burden of disease following false-negative preoperative axillary
      evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preoperative axillary ultrasound (AUS) and fine-needle aspiration
      (FNA) are sensitive and specific for breast cancer nodal metastases. We
      hypothesize that false-negative result predicts minimal axillary disease (<=2
      +nodes). METHODS: A retrospective review of breast cancer patients receiving AUS
      identified T1/T2 tumors and positive sentinel node with axillary dissection. Chi
      square analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of 903 AUS
      cases, 384 had T1/T2 tumors. False-negative rate of AUS +/- FNA was 48% and 45%,
      respectively. Of 384 cases, 73 were sentinel node positive and had axillary
      dissection; 55 (75.3%) were invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Negative predictive
      value for greater than or equal to 2 nodes was 71% in IDC versus 44% for in non
      IDC patients. Sixteen (29.0%) IDC patients had greater than or equal to 3
      positive nodes versus 10 (55.5%) non-IDC (P = .05) patients. CONCLUSION: The high
      negative predictive value for AUS with FNA for IDC suggests that the AUS plus FNA
      interpretation may be better limited to the ipsilateral nodes of IDC.

PMID- 25118160
TI  - Geographic variation in radiologist capacity and widespread implementation of
      lung cancer CT screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Newly released United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
      recommendations for lung cancer screening are expected to increase demand for low
      dose computed tomography scanning, but health system capacity constraints might
      threaten the scale-up of screening. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of
      capacity constraints in the radiologist workforce and resulting potential
      disparities in access to lung cancer screening. METHODS: We combined information
      from health interview surveys to estimate the numbers of smokers who meet the
      USPSTF eligibility criteria, and information from administrative datasets to
      estimate the numbers of radiologists and the numbers of scans they currently
      interpret in Health Service Areas (HSAs) nationwide. We estimated and mapped the
      prevalence of capacity constrained HSAs - those having a greater than 5% or
      greater than 25% projected increase in scans over current levels from scaling up
      screening - and used descriptive statistics and logistic regressions to identify
      HSA characteristics associated with capacity constraints. RESULTS: Scaling up
      lung cancer screening would increase imaging procedures by an average of 4%
      across HSAs. Of the 9.6 million eligible smokers, 1,023,943 lived in HSAs with
      increases of at least 5%. HSAs that were rural, with many eligible smokers, and
      disproportionately Hispanic or low-income smokers had significantly higher odds
      of facing capacity constraints. CONCLUSIONS: Disparities in access to lung cancer
      screening appear likely unless policy makers target HSAs with few radiologists
      for additional resources. Radiologists should be able to absorb the workload
      imposed by lung cancer screening in most areas of the country.

PMID- 25118163
TI  - Repair of recurrent hernia after biologic mesh failure in abdominal wall
      reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biologic mesh is commonly used in abdominal wall reconstruction but
      may result in increased hernia recurrence. There are minimal data on repair of
      these recurrent hernias. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 24
      patients presenting to a single surgeon with recurrent ventral hernia, previously
      repaired with biologic mesh. RESULTS: Seventeen of 24 study patients underwent
      open repair, including 5 revisions of incomplete external oblique release. Mesh
      was polypropylene in 11 patients and fenestrated condensed
      polytetrafluoroethylene in 3 patients. In 1 patient, no mesh was used. In 2
      patients, bridged biologic mesh was used because of risk of exposure. All
      biologic repairs have since recurred. Complications occurred in 3 of 15
      prosthetic mesh patients and in all biologic mesh patients. CONCLUSIONS: Prior
      components release can be repeated if computed tomography scan reveals incomplete
      release. Recurrence is common after bridged biologic mesh repair. Conventional
      mesh can be used safely in many recurrent abdominal hernias after biologic mesh
      failure.

PMID- 25118165
TI  - A small intestinal organoid model of non-invasive enteric pathogen-epithelial
      cell interactions.
AB  - Organoids mirror in vivo tissue organization and are powerful tools to
      investigate the development and cell biology of the small intestine. However,
      their application for the study of host-pathogen interactions has been largely
      unexplored. We have established a model using microinjection of organoids to
      mimic enteric infection, allowing for direct examination of pathogen interactions
      with primary epithelial cells in the absence of confounding variables introduced
      by immune cells or the commensal microbiota. We investigated the impact of Paneth
      cell alpha-defensin antimicrobial peptides on bacterial growth. We demonstrate
      that organoids form a sealed lumen, which contains concentrations of alpha
      defensins capable of restricting growth of multiple strains of Salmonella
      enterica serovar Typhimurium for at least 20 h postinfection. Transgenic
      expression of human defensin 5 in mouse organoids lacking functional murine alpha
      defensins partially restored bacterial killing. We also found that organoids from
      NOD2(-/-) mice were not impaired in alpha-defensin expression or antibacterial
      activity. This model is optimized for the study of non-invasive bacteria but can
      be extended to other enteric pathogens and is amenable to further genetic
      manipulation of both the host and microbe to dissect this critical interface of
      host defense. 

PMID- 25118164
TI  - A meta-analysis of complications following deceased donor liver transplant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is a complex surgery associated with high rates
      of postoperative complications. While national outcomes data are available,
      national rates of most complications are unknown. DATA SOURCES: A systematic
      review of the literature reporting rates of postoperative complications between
      2002 and 2012 was performed. A cohort of 29,227 deceased donor liver transplant
      recipients from 74 studies was used to calculate pooled incidences for 17 major
      postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first comprehensive review
      of postoperative complications after liver transplantation and can serve as a
      guide for transplant and nontransplant clinicians. Efforts to collect national
      data on complications, such as through the National Surgical Quality Improvement
      Program, would improve the ability to provide patients with informed consent,
      serve as a tool for individual center performance monitoring, and provide a
      central source against which to measure interventions aimed at improving patient
      care.

PMID- 25118166
TI  - Type II cytokines impair host defense against an intracellular fungal pathogen by
      amplifying macrophage generation of IL-33.
AB  - Interleukin (IL)-4 subverts protective immunity to multiple intracellular
      pathogens, including the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Previously, we reported
      that H. capsulatum-challenged CCR2(-/-) mice manifest elevated pulmonary fungal
      burden owing to exaggerated IL-4. Paradoxical to our anticipation in IL-33
      driving IL-4, we discovered that the latter prompted IL-33 in mutant mice. In
      infected CCR2(-/-) animals, amplified IL-33 succeeded the heightened IL-4
      response and inhibition of IL-4 signaling decreased IL-33. Moreover, macrophages,
      but not epithelial cells or dendritic cells, from these mice expressed higher IL
      33 in comparison with controls. Dissection of mechanisms that promulgated IL-33
      revealed type-II cytokines and H. capsulatum synergistically elicited an IL-33
      response in macrophages via signal transducer and activator of transcription
      factor 6/interferon-regulatory factor-4 and Dectin-1 pathways, respectively.
      Neutralizing IL-33 in CCR2(-/-) animals, but not controls, enhanced their
      resistance to histoplasmosis. Thus we describe a previously unrecognized role for
      IL-4 in instigating IL-33 in macrophages. Furthermore, in the presence of
      intracellular fungal pathogens, the type-II cytokine-driven IL-33 response
      impairs immunity. 

PMID- 25118167
TI  - In vivo attenuation and genetic evolution of a ST247-SCCmecI MRSA clone after 13
      years of pathogenic bronchopulmonary colonization in a patient with cystic
      fibrosis: implications of the innate immune response.
AB  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes chronic pulmonary
      infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study tracks the 13-year
      evolution (1996-2009) of a single MRSA clone in a male patient with CF,
      evaluating both the host immunogenic response and the microbial variations. Whole
      genome sequencing was performed for the initial (CF-96) and evolved (CF-09)
      isolates. The immunogenicity of CF-96 and CF-09 was evaluated by incubation with
      innate immune cells from healthy volunteers. We also studied the patient's innate
      immune response profile, cytokine production, expression of triggering receptor
      expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1), and phagocytosis. A total of 30 MRSA ST247
      SCCmecI-pvl(-) isolates were collected, which evidenced a genome size reduction
      from the CF-96 ancestor to the evolved CF-09 strain. Up to six changes in the spa
      type were observed over the course of the 13-year evolution. Cytokine production,
      TREM-1 expression, and phagocytosis were significantly lower for the healthy
      volunteer monocytes exposed to CF-09, compared with those exposed to CF-96.
      Patient monocytes exhibited a reduced inflammatory response when challenged with
      CF-09. Genetic changes in MRSA, leading to reduced immunogenicity and entry into
      the refractory state, may contribute to the attenuation of virulence and
      efficient persistence of the bacteria in the CF lung. 

PMID- 25118168
TI  - Time to onset of pain: effects of magnitude and location for static pressures
      applied to the plantar foot.
AB  - Mechanisms that cause foot discomfort during prolonged standing are poorly
      understood. There is currently no method for evaluating discomfort associated
      with low levels of static pressure that are typical during standing. Pain
      thresholds were measured for 20 healthy participants by applying five levels of
      static pressure at different plantar foot locations. A survival analysis was
      performed to determine the effects of pressure magnitude and foot location on the
      time until pain onset. Time to pain onset was significantly affected by pressure
      magnitude (P < 0.001); time decreased as pressure increased. Foot location was
      also significant (P < 0.001); greatest times to pain onset (least sensitive) were
      observed under the heel and fifth metatarsal head, shortest times (most
      sensitive) were found under the midfoot. This research presents a novel
      methodology for evaluating static pressure that may be applicable to product
      design.

PMID- 25118170
TI  - A cancer cell-activatable aptamer-reporter system for one-step assay of
      circulating tumor cells.
AB  - The current antibody-mediated numeration assays of circulating tumor cells (CTCs)
      require multiple steps and are time-consuming. To overcome these technical
      limitations, a cancer cell-activatable aptamer-reporter was formulated by
      conjugating a biomarker-specific aptamer sequence with paired fluorochrome
      quencher molecules. In contrast to the antibody probes, the intact aptamer
      reporter was optically silent in the absence of cells of interest. However, when
      used in an assay, the aptamer selectively targeted cancer cells through
      interaction with a specific surface biomarker, which triggered internalization of
      the aptamer-reporter and, subsequently, into cell lysosomes. Rapid lysosomal
      degradation of the aptamer-reporter resulted in separation of the paired
      fluorochrome-quencher molecules. The released fluorochrome emitted bright
      fluorescent signals exclusively within the targeted cancer cells, with no
      background noise in the assay. Thus, the assays could be completed in a single
      step within minutes. By using this one-step assay, CTCs in whole blood and marrow
      aspirate samples of patients with lymphoma tumors were selectively highlighted
      and rapidly detected with no off-target signals from background blood cells. The
      development of the cancer cell-activatable aptamer-reporter system allows for the
      possibility of a simple and robust point-of-care test for CTC detection, which is
      currently unavailable. 

PMID- 25118171
TI  - Hybrid Nanomaterial Complexes for Advanced Phage-guided Gene Delivery.
AB  - Developing nanomaterials that are effective, safe, and selective for gene
      transfer applications is challenging. Bacteriophages (phage), viruses that infect
      bacteria only, have shown promise for targeted gene transfer applications.
      Unfortunately, limited progress has been achieved in improving their potential to
      overcome mammalian cellular barriers. We hypothesized that chemical modification
      of the bacteriophage capsid could be applied to improve targeted gene delivery by
      phage vectors into mammalian cells. Here, we introduce a novel hybrid system
      consisting of two classes of nanomaterial systems, cationic polymers and M13
      bacteriophage virus particles genetically engineered to display a tumor-targeting
      ligand and carry a transgene cassette. We demonstrate that the phage complex with
      cationic polymers generates positively charged phage and large aggregates that
      show enhanced cell surface attachment, buffering capacity, and improved transgene
      expression while retaining cell type specificity. Moreover, phage/polymer
      complexes carrying a therapeutic gene achieve greater cancer cell killing than
      phage alone. This new class of hybrid nanomaterial platform can advance targeted
      gene delivery applications by bacteriophage. 

PMID- 25118169
TI  - Reduced apolipoprotein glycosylation in patients with the metabolic syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the apolipoprotein
      composition of the three major lipoprotein classes in patients with metabolic
      syndrome to healthy controls. METHODS: Very low density (VLDL), intermediate/low
      density (IDL/LDL, hereafter LDL), and high density lipoproteins (HDL) fractions
      were isolated from plasma of 56 metabolic syndrome subjects and from 14 age-sex
      matched healthy volunteers. The apolipoprotein content of fractions was analyzed
      by one-dimensional (1D) gel electrophoresis with confirmation by a combination of
      mass spectrometry and biochemical assays. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome patients
      differed from healthy controls in the following ways: (1) total plasma--apoA1 was
      lower, whereas apoB, apoC2, apoC3, and apoE were higher; (2) VLDL--apoB, apoC3,
      and apoE were increased; (3) LDL--apoC3 was increased, (4) HDL--associated
      constitutive serum amyloid A protein (SAA4) was reduced (p<0.05 vs. controls for
      all). In patients with metabolic syndrome, the most extensively glycosylated (di
      sialylated) isoform of apoC3 was reduced in VLDL, LDL, and HDL fractions by 17%,
      30%, and 25%, respectively (p<0.01 vs. controls for all). Similarly, the
      glycosylated isoform of apoE was reduced in VLDL, LDL, and HDL fractions by 15%,
      26%, and 37% (p<0.01 vs. controls for all). Finally, glycosylated isoform of SAA4
      in HDL fraction was 42% lower in patients with metabolic syndrome compared with
      controls (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with metabolic syndrome displayed
      several changes in plasma apolipoprotein composition consistent with
      hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL cholesterol levels. Reduced glycosylation of
      apoC3, apoE and SAA4 are novel findings, the pathophysiological consequences of
      which remain to be determined.

PMID- 25118176
TI  - Microbial contamination of enteral feeding products in thermoneutral and
      hyperthermal ICU environments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Temperature is known to affect bacterial growth, but current safety
      recommendations for enteral formula are based on studies conducted in
      thermoneutral environments, which are not representative of select burn intensive
      care units (ICUs) that are kept therapeutically hyperthermal. This project
      evaluated microbial growth in 3 enteral feeding systems: closed, open, and open
      with modular additives (modular tube feeding [MTF]) exposed to 2 different
      environments. PROCEDURES: Product for each of the 3 systems was prepared and hung
      in both a thermoneutral (23.3 degrees C) and a hyperthermal (32.5 degrees C) ICU
      room. At baseline, 4 hours, and 8 hours, samples were plated and incubated
      overnight and the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) counted. FINDINGS: In the
      thermoneutral and hyperthermal environments, there was no evidence of microbial
      growth in the open or closed feeding systems at any time point. The MTF exhibited
      baseline contamination with a median of 10 CFUs (95% CI, 8-16) and significant
      growth over time to 54 CFUs (95% CI, 20-230) by 8 hours in the thermoneutral
      setting. In the hyperthermal environment, the MTF showed baseline contamination
      of 390 CFUs (95% CI, 40-1600) and significant growth over time, with 30% of
      samples exhibiting contamination levels exceeding Food and Drug Administration
      standards by 4 hours and CFUs being too numerous to count by 8 hours. CONCLUSION:
      CFUs in enteral formula did not differ between open and closed feeding systems in
      either environment for up to 8 hours; however, the addition of modulars to open
      systems may result in an unacceptable risk of contamination in hyperthermal
      environments.

PMID- 25118177
TI  - Efficacy and safety of using L-cysteine as a catheter-clearing agent for
      nonthrombotic occlusions of central venous catheters in children.
AB  - Critically ill pediatric patients, especially in the intensive care unit, receive
      multiple medications and have a higher risk of central venous catheter (CVC)
      occlusion. If an occlusion occurs immediately after the administration of
      multiple medications or incompatible medications, either an acidic solution such
      as 0.1 N hydrochloric acid (HCl) or a basic solution of 1 mEq/mL sodium
      bicarbonate or 0.1 N sodium hydroxide can be used. However, compounding and
      storing of 0.1 N HCl has become more complex due to USP <797> guidelines for
      sterile compounding, and an alternative is needed. We report a series of cases in
      which L-cysteine was used instead of HCl to clear CVCs occluded due to
      administration of multiple medications. L-cysteine is a commercially available,
      sterile solution with a pH of 1-2.5. CVC occlusion was resolved in 10 of the 16
      episodes in 13 patients. Two of the 16 occlusions were phenytoin related and
      would not have responded. An L-cysteine dose of 50 mg was used during 10 of the
      16 episodes, 100 mg during 5 episodes, and 25 mg during 1 episode. A correlation
      between catheter clearance and dose was not observed. Occlusion resolution due to
      L-cysteine was not correlated to the prior use of tissue plasminogen activator.
      Metabolic acidosis, adverse effects, or damage to the catheters due to L-cysteine
      were not observed. On the basis of this limited experience, we propose L-cysteine
      as an effective alternative to 0.1 N HCl for clearing CVC occlusions caused by
      drugs with an acidic pKa.

PMID- 25118175
TI  - Crystal structure of the RNA-guided immune surveillance Cascade complex in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) together with
      CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins form the CRISPR/Cas system to defend against
      foreign nucleic acids of bacterial and archaeal origin. In the I-E subtype
      CRISPR/Cas system, eleven subunits from five Cas proteins (CasA1B2C6D1E1)
      assemble along a CRISPR RNA (crRNA) to form the Cascade complex. Here we report
      on the 3.05 A crystal structure of the 405-kilodalton Escherichia coli Cascade
      complex that provides molecular details beyond those available from earlier lower
      resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures. The bound 61-nucleotide crRNA
      spans the entire 11-protein subunit-containing complex, where it interacts with
      all six CasC subunits (named CasC1-6), with its 5' and 3' terminal repeats
      anchored by CasD and CasE, respectively. The crRNA spacer region is positioned
      along a continuous groove on the concave surface generated by the aligned CasC1-6
      subunits. The five long beta-hairpins that project from individual CasC2-6
      subunits extend across the crRNA, with each beta-hairpin inserting into the gap
      between the last stacked base and its adjacent splayed counterpart, and
      positioned within the groove of the preceding CasC subunit. Therefore, instead of
      continuously stacking, the crRNA spacer region is divided into five equal
      fragments, with each fragment containing five stacked bases flanked by one
      flipped-out base. Each of those crRNA spacer fragments interacts with CasC in a
      similar fashion. Furthermore, our structure explains why the seed sequence, with
      its outward-directed bases, has a critical role in target DNA recognition. In
      conclusion, our structure of the Cascade complex provides novel molecular details
      of protein-protein and protein-RNA alignments and interactions required for
      generation of a complex mediating RNA-guided immune surveillance. 

PMID- 25118178
TI  - Cholesterol metabolism is altered in Rett syndrome: a study on plasma and primary
      cultured fibroblasts derived from patients.
AB  - Rett (RTT) syndrome is a severe neurological disorder that affects almost
      exclusively females. Several detectable mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG
      binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) are responsible for the onset of the disease.
      MeCP2 is a key transcription regulator involved in gene silencing via methylation
      dependent remodeling of chromatin. Recent data highlight that lipid metabolism is
      perturbed in brains and livers of MECP2-null male mice. In addition, altered
      plasma lipid profile in RTT patients has been observed. Thus, the aim of the work
      is to investigate the protein network involved in cholesterol homeostasis
      maintenance on freshly isolated fibroblasts and plasma from both RTT and healthy
      donors. To this end, protein expression of 3-hydroxy-3methyl glutaryl Coenzyme A
      reductase (HMGR), sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs), low
      density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) and scavenger receptor B-1 (SRB-1) was
      assessed in cultured skin fibroblasts from unaffected individuals and RTT
      patients. In addition, lipid profile and the abundance of proprotein convertase
      subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) were analyzed on plasma samples. The obtained
      results demonstrate that the main proteins belonging to cholesterol regulatory
      network are altered in RTT female patients, providing the proof of principle that
      cholesterol metabolism may be taken into account as a new target for the
      treatment of specific features of RTT pathology. 

PMID- 25118179
TI  - Assessment of the neutrophilic antibody-dependent respiratory burst (ADRB)
      response to Plasmodium falciparum.
AB  - Semi-immunity against Pf malaria is based on a combination of cellular and
      humoral immune responses. PMNs and IgGs are considered important components of
      this process, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the
      neutrophilic ADRB by analyzing the production of ROS in response to Pf antigen
      specific IgGs bound to solid-phase immobilized antigens (sADRB) or whole
      merozoites (mADRB). We found that the PMN stimulations in each assay were based
      on different underlying mechanisms, demonstrating the importance of the assay set
      up for the evaluation of antibody-triggered PMN responses. In the sADRB assay,
      ROS were produced externally, and by specific blocking of CD32(a)/FcgammaRII(a),
      the immediate neutrophilic response was abolished, whereas the removal of
      CD16(b)/FcgammaRIII(b) had no substantial effect. The key role of CD32(a) was
      confirmed using CD16(b)-deficient PMNs, in which similar changes of neutrophilic
      ADRB profiles were recorded after treatment. In the mADRB assay, ROS were
      produced almost exclusively within the cell, suggesting that the underlying
      mechanism was phagocytosis. This was confirmed using an additional phagocytosis
      assay, in which PMNs specifically ingested merozoites opsonized with Ghanaian
      plasma IgGs, seven times more often than merozoites opsonized with European
      plasma IgGs (P<0.001). Our data show that assay set-ups used to evaluate the
      responses of PMNs and perhaps other effector cells must be chosen carefully to
      evaluate the appropriate cellular responses. Our robust, stable, and well
      characterized methods could therefore be useful in malaria vaccine studies to
      analyze the antimalarial effector function of antibodies. 

PMID- 25118181
TI  - Rheinheimera arenilitoris sp. nov., isolated from seashore sand.
AB  - A Gram-stain-negative, non-flagellated, aerobic and ovoid or rod-shaped
      bacterium, designated J-MS1(T), was isolated from seashore sand in the South Sea,
      South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain J-MS1(T) was
      found to grow optimally at 30  degrees C and pH 7.0-8.0. Phylogenetic analyses
      based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain J-MS1(T) belonged to the
      genus Rheinheimera, clustering coherently with the type strain of Rheinheimera
      chironomi and sharing 98.34% sequence similarity. Strain J-MS1(T) exhibited 16S
      rRNA gene sequence similarity of 94.26-96.98% to the type strains of the other
      species of the genus Rheinheimera. In the phylogenetic trees based on gyrB
      sequences, strain J-MS1(T) clustered with the type strain of R. chironomi, with
      which it shared the highest sequence similarity (86.97%). Strain J-MS1(T)
      contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C(16:1)omega7c
      and/or C(16:1)omega6c), C(16:0) and C(18:1)omega7c as the major fatty acids. The
      major polar lipids detected in strain J-MS1(T) and in the type strain of R.
      chironomi were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C
      content of strain J-MS1(T) was 49.8 mol% and its mean DNA-DNA relatedness value
      with R. chironomi LMG 23818(T) was 12%. Differential phenotypic properties,
      together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain
      J-MS1(T) is separated from recognized species of the genus Rheinheimera. On the
      basis of the data presented, strain J-MS1(T) is considered to represent a novel
      species of the genus Rheinheimera, for which the name Rheinheimera arenilitoris
      sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is J-MS1(T) ( =KCTC 42112(T) =CECT
      8623(T)).

PMID- 25118180
TI  - Compact genome of the Antarctic midge is likely an adaptation to an extreme
      environment.
AB  - The midge, Belgica antarctica, is the only insect endemic to Antarctica, and thus
      it offers a powerful model for probing responses to extreme temperatures, freeze
      tolerance, dehydration, osmotic stress, ultraviolet radiation and other forms of
      environmental stress. Here we present the first genome assembly of an
      extremophile, the first dipteran in the family Chironomidae, and the first
      Antarctic eukaryote to be sequenced. At 99 megabases, B. antarctica has the
      smallest insect genome sequenced thus far. Although it has a similar number of
      genes as other Diptera, the midge genome has very low repeat density and a
      reduction in intron length. Environmental extremes appear to constrain genome
      architecture, not gene content. The few transposable elements present are mainly
      ancient, inactive retroelements. An abundance of genes associated with
      development, regulation of metabolism and responses to external stimuli may
      reflect adaptations for surviving in this harsh environment. 

PMID- 25118182
TI  - Role of editorial and peer review processes in publication bias: analysis of drug
      trials submitted to eight medical journals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Publication bias is generally ascribed to authors and sponsors
      failing to submit studies with negative results, but may also occur after
      submission. We evaluated whether submitted manuscripts on randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) with drugs are more likely to be accepted if they report positive
      results. METHODS: Manuscripts submitted from January 2010 through April 2012 to
      one general medical journal (BMJ) and seven specialty journals (Annals of the
      Rheumatic Diseases, British Journal of Ophthalmology, Gut, Heart, Thorax,
      Diabetologia, and Journal of Hepatology) were included, if at least one study arm
      assessed the efficacy or safety of a drug and a statistical test was used to
      evaluate treatment effects. Publication status was retrospectively retrieved from
      submission systems or provided by journals. Sponsorship and trial results were
      extracted from manuscripts and classified according to predefined criteria. Main
      outcome measure was acceptance for publication. RESULTS: Of 15,972 manuscripts
      submitted, 472 (3.0%) were drug RCTs, of which 98 (20.8%) were published. Among
      submitted drug RCTs, 287 (60.8%) had positive and 185 (39.2%) negative results.
      Of these, 60 (20.9%) and 38 (20.5%), respectively, were published. Manuscripts on
      non-industry trials (n = 213) reported positive results in 138 (64.8%)
      manuscripts, compared to 71 (47.7%) on industry-supported trials (n = 149), and
      78 (70.9%) on industry-sponsored trials (n = 110). Twenty-seven (12.7%) non
      industry trials were published, compared to 27 (18.1%) industry-supported and 44
      (40.0%) industry-sponsored trials. After adjustment for other trial
      characteristics, manuscripts reporting positive results were not more likely to
      be published (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.66). Submission to specialty journals,
      sample size, multicentre status, journal impact factor, and corresponding authors
      from Europe or US were significantly associated with publication. CONCLUSIONS:
      For the selected journals, there was no tendency to preferably publish
      manuscripts on drug RCTs that reported positive results, suggesting that
      publication bias may occur mainly prior to submission.

PMID- 25118183
TI  - Telomerase stimulates ribosomal DNA transcription under hyperproliferative
      conditions.
AB  - In addition to performing its canonical function, Telomerase Reverse
      Transcriptase (TERT) has been shown to participate in cellular processes
      independent of telomerase activity. Furthermore, although TERT mainly localizes
      to Cajal bodies, it is also present within the nucleolus. Because the nucleolus
      is the site of rDNA transcription, we investigated the possible role of
      telomerase in regulating RNA polymerase I (Pol I). Here we show that TERT binds
      to rDNA and stimulates transcription by Pol I during liver regeneration and Ras
      induced hyperproliferation. Moreover, the inhibition of telomerase activity by
      TERT- or TERC-specific RNA interference, the overexpression of dominant-negative
      TERT, and the application of the telomerase inhibitor imetelstat reduce Pol I
      transcription and the growth of tumour cells. In vitro, telomerase can stimulate
      the formation of the transcription initiation complex. Our results demonstrate
      how non-canonical features of telomerase may direct Pol I transcription in
      oncogenic and regenerative hyperproliferation. 

PMID- 25118184
TI  - Relationship between visuospatial neglect and kinesthetic deficits after stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After stroke, visuospatial and kinesthetic (sense of limb motion)
      deficits are common, occurring in approximately 30% and 60% of individuals,
      respectively. Although both types of deficits affect aspects of spatial
      processing necessary for daily function, few studies have investigated the
      relationship between these 2 deficits after stroke. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to
      characterize the relationship between visuospatial and kinesthetic deficits after
      stroke using the Behavioral Inattention Test (BIT) and a robotic measure of
      kinesthetic function. METHODS: Visuospatial attention (using the BIT) and
      kinesthesia (using robotics) were measured in 158 individuals an average of 18
      days after stroke. In the kinesthetic matching task, the robot moved the
      participant's stroke-affected arm at a preset direction, speed, and magnitude.
      Participants mirror-matched the robotic movement with the less/unaffected arm as
      soon as they felt movement in their stroke affected arm. RESULTS: We found that
      participants with visuospatial inattention (neglect) had impaired kinesthesia
      100% of the time, whereas only 59% of participants without neglect were impaired.
      For those without neglect, we observed that a higher percentage of participants
      with lower but passing BIT scores displayed impaired kinesthetic behavior (78%)
      compared with those participants who scored perfect or nearly perfect on the BIT
      (49%). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of visuospatial neglect after stroke is highly
      predictive of the presence of kinesthetic deficits. However, the presence of
      kinesthetic deficits does not necessarily always indicate the presence of
      visuospatial neglect. Our findings highlight the importance of assessment and
      treatment of kinesthetic deficits after stroke, especially in patients with
      visuospatial neglect.

PMID- 25118185
TI  - Recent research on the growth plate: Regulation, bone growth defects, and
      potential treatments.

PMID- 25118188
TI  - Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum: a review of the literature and genetic update.
AB  - Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS, OMIM 164 210) is a developmental
      disorder primarily involving structures derived from the first and second
      pharyngeal arches during embryogenesis. The phenotype is clinically heterogeneous
      and is typically characterised by abnormal development of the ear, mandible
      anomalies and defects of the vertebral column. OAVS may occur as a multiple
      congenital abnormality, and associated findings include anomalies of the eye,
      brain, heart, kidneys and other organs and systems. Both genetic and
      environmental factors are thought to contribute to this craniofacial condition,
      however, the mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we present a review of
      the literature on OAVS, discussing what is known about the aetiology, candidate
      loci, possible mechanisms and the range of clinical features that characterise
      this condition. We also comment on some important aspects of recurrence risk
      counselling to aid clinical management.

PMID- 25118186
TI  - Bright and fast multicoloured voltage reporters via electrochromic FRET.
AB  - Genetically encoded fluorescent reporters of membrane potential promise to reveal
      aspects of neural function not detectable by other means. We present a palette of
      multicoloured brightly fluorescent genetically encoded voltage indicators with
      sensitivities from 8-13% DeltaF/F per 100 mV, and half-maximal response times
      from 4-7 ms. A fluorescent protein is fused to an archaerhodopsin-derived voltage
      sensor. Voltage-induced shifts in the absorption spectrum of the rhodopsin lead
      to voltage-dependent nonradiative quenching of the appended fluorescent protein.
      Through a library screen, we identify linkers and fluorescent protein
      combinations that report neuronal action potentials in cultured rat hippocampal
      neurons with a single-trial signal-to-noise ratio from 7 to 9 in a 1 kHz imaging
      bandwidth at modest illumination intensity. The freedom to choose a voltage
      indicator from an array of colours facilitates multicolour voltage imaging, as
      well as combination with other optical reporters and optogenetic actuators.

PMID- 25118187
TI  - The association between race and Crohn's disease phenotype in the Western Cape
      population of South Africa, defined by the Montreal Classification System.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inter-racial differences in disease characteristics and in the
      management of Crohn's disease (CD) have been described in African American and
      Asian subjects, however for the racial groups in South Africa, no such recent
      literature exists. METHODS: A cross sectional study of all consecutive CD
      patients seen at 2 large inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) referral centers in the
      Western Cape, South Africa between September 2011 and January 2013 was performed.
      Numerous demographic and clinical variables at diagnosis and date of study
      enrolment were identified using an investigator administered questionnaire as
      well as clinical examination and patient case notes. Using predefined
      definitions, disease behavior was stratified as 'complicated' or 'uncomplicated'.
      RESULTS: One hundred and ninety four CD subjects were identified; 35 (18%) were
      white, 152 (78%) were Cape Coloured and 7(4%) were black. On multiple logistic
      regression analysis Cape Coloureds were significantly more likely to develop
      'complicated' CD (60% vs. 9%, p = 0.023) during the disease course when compared
      to white subjects. In addition, significantly more white subjects had
      successfully discontinued cigarette smoking at study enrolment (31% vs. 7%
      reduction, p = 0.02). No additional inter-racial differences were found. A low
      proportion of IBD family history was observed among the non-white subjects.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cape Coloured patients were significantly more likely to develop
      'complicated' CD over time when compared to whites.

PMID- 25118189
TI  - Does marriage really matter to health? Intra- and inter-country evidence from
      China, Japan, Taiwan, and the Republic of Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The health benefits of marriage have been demonstrated mainly by
      studies on Western populations. This study aims to test whether the benefits are
      also valid in East Asian populations. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Individuals
      (n = 8,538) from China, Japan, Taiwan, and the Republic of Korea were sampled
      from the 2006 East Asian Social Survey. The association between self-rated health
      status and two marriage-related independent variables was analyzed using
      multivariate logistic regression models. In a two-level analysis for individuals
      from all countries, married individuals were more likely to report very good or
      good health compared to their never-married counterparts [odds ratio (OR) 1.56;
      95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.16-2.10]. However, the addition of marital
      satisfaction disintegrated the significant association of marriage with self
      rated health. Married individuals in satisfying marriages were more likely to
      report very good or good health compared with never-married individuals (OR 1.85;
      95% CI 1.37-2.50). In contrast, married individuals in dissatisfying marriages
      were as likely to report very good or good health as never-married individuals
      (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.50-1.24). In a one-level analysis for each country, the
      importance of marital satisfaction varied greatly across countries. Unlike in
      other countries, in Japan, married individuals in dissatisfying marriages were
      about half as likely to report very good or good health as never-married
      individuals (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.31-0.83), thereby showing no significant benefits
      from marriage with regard to self-rated health. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The
      present study of East Asian countries suggests that marital satisfaction is of
      greater importance in determining self-rated health than marriage itself, and
      that the importance of marital satisfaction varies across countries. Further
      research is required to better understand the relationship between marital
      satisfaction and self-rated health in different socio-cultural settings, and to
      establish effective social policies aiming at improving public health.

PMID- 25118190
TI  - Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI): Emerging Roles in CNS Trauma and
      Repair.
AB  - At first glance, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) would appear to
      have little relevance to the central nervous system (CNS). This serine protease
      inhibitor is most commonly found in mucosal fluids such as saliva and is best
      known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has been shown
      to promote wound healing by reducing expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines,
      and it can also inhibit bacterial growth and block HIV infection of macrophages.
      In the past 10 years, however, several studies have reported that SLPI is
      strongly up-regulated in response to CNS injury and that exogenous administration
      of SLPI is neuroprotective. It has also been shown that SLPI can overcome
      inhibition by CNS myelin and promote axonal regeneration. In this review, we will
      discuss these studies, examine the molecular mechanisms underlying SLPI's
      effects, and consider SLPI's potential for therapeutic use in cerebral ischemia,
      spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis. 

PMID- 25118191
TI  - Endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke and apparent
      occlusion of the extracranial internal carotid artery on CTA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intra-arterial treatment is gaining importance in acute ischemic
      stroke, but its role in patients with apparent occlusion of the extracranial
      internal carotid artery (ICA) on computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is
      inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To review retrospectively the results of intra-arterial
      treatment in patients with stroke and apparent extracranial ICA occlusion.
      METHODS: In more than 3000 patients with stroke admitted to our institution
      during 2008-2013, and the subgroup with suboptimal results after intravenous
      thrombolysis (IVT), CTA showed the absence of contrast in the extracranial ICA in
      16 patients. Angiography showed true occlusion of the extracranial ICA in 10 and
      pseudo-occlusion in 6 patients. Treatment was considered technically successful
      when Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale (TICI) scores improved to 2 or 3
      and clinically successful when the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
      (NIHSS) improved by at least 10 points or a NIHSS score of 0 or 1 was found at
      discharge. RESULTS: Recanalization was achieved in 5 of 6 patients with pseudo
      occlusions and in 6 of 10 patients with true occlusion of the extracranial ICA.
      Favorable clinical outcomes were seen in 3 of 6 patients with pseudo-occlusions
      and in 4 of 10 patients with true occlusions. Four patients died, and in these
      patients infarction of >15% of the affected hemisphere had been seen on admission
      CT. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of acute stroke and apparent occlusion of the
      extracranial ICA, intra-arterial treatment should be considered, especially when
      IVT fails and <15% of the hemisphere is infarcted on CT. Endovascular treatment
      may be beneficial especially in pseudo-occlusions but also in true occlusions of
      the extracranial ICA.

PMID- 25118192
TI  - Angiographic factors influencing the success of endovascular treatment of
      arteriovenous malformations involving the corpus callosum.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the corpus callosum are rare
      lesions, accounting for 9-11% of brain AVMs. Microsurgical resection of such
      lesions is difficult because of their deep location, and also because of possible
      neuropsychological disasters resulting from extended callosal resection. The
      introduction of endovascular and radiation therapies has fundamentally changed
      the outcome of these lesions. METHODS: We prospectively collected clinical and
      angiographic data on cerebral AVMs from 1995. We reviewed data from patients
      treated for an AVM of the corpus callosum and identified the factors influencing
      the endovascular approach of such lesions. RESULTS: 38 patients (mean age 31
      years) were consecutively treated by endovascular techniques. 78.9% (30 cases) of
      patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage. 15 AVMs (39.5%) were anterior,
      18 (47.4%) were posterior, and five (13.1%) were holocallosal. The Spetzler
      Martin grade was I in two cases (5.2%), II in 20 cases (52.6%), III in nine cases
      (23.7%), IV in six cases (15.8%), and V in one case (2.6%). The nidus was compact
      in 19 cases (50%), diffuse in 13 (34.2%), and multifocal in six (15.8%). Both
      anterior and posterior circulation branches fed 14 nidi (36.8%). Venous drainage
      was superficial in three cases (7.9%), deep in 28 (73.7%), and both in seven
      cases (18.4%). 104 sessions were performed, with a procedural complication rate
      of 6.7%. Mean follow-up was 43.6 months, with the last modified Rankin Scale
      score <3 in 33 cases (86.8%). 22 patients (57.9%) were totally cured. Univariate
      analysis of factors influencing the success of endovascular treatment showed that
      Spetzler-Martin grade >=3 (p=0.046), nidus >30 mm (p=0.02), extension in an
      eloquent area (p=0.03), and holocallosal type (p0.005) significantly diminished
      the chances of cure of the AVM. CONCLUSIONS: AVMs of the corpus callosum seems to
      be difficult to treat with endovascular therapy alone. The goal of embolization
      should be prevention of (re) bleeding and a decrease in nidus size. Our
      experience regarding this sub-pathology suggests that a combination of
      endovascular therapy and radiotherapy may be the best option.

PMID- 25118193
TI  - Balloon-augmented Onyx embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations using
      a dual-lumen balloon: a multicenter experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Conventional Onyx embolization of cerebral arteriovenous
      malformations (AVMs) requires lengthy procedure and fluoroscopy times to form an
      adequate 'proximal plug' which allows forward nidal penetration while preventing
      reflux and non-targeted embolization. We review our experience with balloon
      augmented Onyx embolization of cerebral AVMs using a dual-lumen balloon catheter
      technique designed to minimize these challenges. METHODS: Retrospectively
      acquired data for all balloon-augmented cerebral AVM embolizations performed
      between 2011 and 2014 were obtained from four tertiary care centers. For each
      procedure, at least one Scepter C balloon catheter was advanced into the AVM
      arterial pedicle of interest and Onyx embolization was performed through the
      inner lumen after balloon inflation via the outer lumen. RESULTS: Twenty patients
      underwent embolization with the balloon-augmented technique over 24 discreet
      treatment episodes. There were 37 total arterial pedicles embolized with the
      balloon-augmented technique, a mean of 1.9 per patient (range 1-5). The treated
      AVMs were heterogeneous in their location and size (mean 3.3+/-1.6 cm). Mean
      fluoroscopy time for each procedure was 48+/-26 min (28 min per embolized
      pedicle). Two Scepter C balloon catheter-related complications (8.3% of
      embolization sessions, 5.4% of pedicles embolized) were observed: an
      intraprocedural rupture of a feeding pedicle and fracture and retention of a
      catheter fragment. CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter experience represents the
      largest reported series of balloon-augmented Onyx embolization of cerebral AVMs.
      The technique appears safe and effective in the treatment of AVMs, allowing more
      efficient and controlled injection of Onyx with a decreased risk of reflux and
      decreased fluoroscopy times.

PMID- 25118194
TI  - A high-density genetic map for soybean based on specific length amplified
      fragment sequencing.
AB  - Soybean is an important oil seed crop, but very few high-density genetic maps
      have been published for this species. Specific length amplified fragment
      sequencing (SLAF-seq) is a recently developed high-resolution strategy for large
      scale de novo discovery and genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms. SLAF
      seq was employed in this study to obtain sufficient markers to construct a high
      density genetic map for soybean. In total, 33.10 Gb of data containing
      171,001,333 paired-end reads were obtained after preprocessing. The average
      sequencing depth was 42.29 in the Dongnong594, 56.63 in the Charleston, and 3.92
      in each progeny. In total, 164,197 high-quality SLAFs were detected, of which
      12,577 SLAFs were polymorphic, and 5,308 of the polymorphic markers met the
      requirements for use in constructing a genetic map. The final map included 5,308
      markers on 20 linkage groups and was 2,655.68 cM in length, with an average
      distance of 0.5 cM between adjacent markers. To our knowledge, this map has the
      shortest average distance of adjacent markers for soybean. We report here a high
      density genetic map for soybean. The map was constructed using a recombinant
      inbred line population and the SLAF-seq approach, which allowed the efficient
      development of a large number of polymorphic markers in a short time. Results of
      this study will not only provide a platform for gene/quantitative trait loci fine
      mapping, but will also serve as a reference for molecular breeding of soybean. 

PMID- 25118195
TI  - Long-term sinonasal outcomes of aspirin desensitization in aspirin exacerbated
      respiratory disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess sinonasal outcomes in patients with aspirin
      exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) undergoing aspirin desensitization
      following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart
      review. SETTING: University hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective
      review of sinonasal outcomes was conducted for 30 AERD patients undergoing
      aspirin desensitization and maintenance therapy following ESS. Sinonasal outcomes
      were prospectively assessed by the Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22 (SNOT-22) and
      endoscopic polyp grading system. Data were collected preoperatively, 1 and 4
      weeks postsurgery (before desensitization), and 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months
      after aspirin desensitization. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 30 patients (93.3%)
      successfully completed aspirin desensitization, whereas 2 of 30 (6.7%) were
      unable to complete desensitization due to respiratory intolerance. Of the 21
      patients who successfully completed a minimum of 24 weeks of follow-up, 20
      (95.2%) patients demonstrated sustained endoscopic and symptomatic improvement
      for a median follow-up period of 33 months. After surgical treatment but before
      desensitization, patients experienced significant reductions in SNOT-22 and polyp
      grade scores. In the first 6 months after aspirin desensitization, patients
      experienced further significant reductions in SNOT-22 scores, whereas polyp grade
      remained stable. The improvements in symptom endoscopic scores were preserved
      throughout the follow-up period after desensitization. No patients required
      additional sinus surgery. One patient had to discontinue aspirin therapy due to
      gastrointestinal side effects. No other adverse reactions to aspirin were noted.
      CONCLUSION: Aspirin desensitization following ESS appears to be a well-tolerated
      and effective adjunctive therapy for long-term control of nasal polyposis in
      patients with AERD.

PMID- 25118196
TI  - Rapid identification of a novel complex I MT-ND3 m.10134C>A mutation in a Leigh
      syndrome patient.
AB  - Leigh syndrome (LS) is a rare progressive multi-system neurodegenerative
      disorder, the genetics of which is frequently difficult to resolve. Rapid
      determination of the genetic etiology of LS in a 5-year-old girl facilitated
      inclusion in Edison Pharmaceutical's phase 2B clinical trial of EPI-743. SNP
      arrays and high-coverage whole exome sequencing were performed on the proband,
      both parents and three unaffected siblings. Subsequent multi-tissue targeted high
      depth mitochondrial sequencing was performed using custom long-range PCR
      amplicons. Tissue-specific mutant load was also assessed by qPCR. Complex I was
      interrogated by spectrophotometric enzyme assays and Western Blot. No putatively
      causal mutations were identified in nuclear-encoded genes. Analysis of low
      coverage off-target mitochondrial reads revealed a previously unreported
      mitochondrial mutation in the proband in MT-ND3 (m.10134C>A, p.Q26K), a Complex I
      mitochondrial gene previously associated with LS. Targeted investigations
      demonstrated that this mutation was 1% heteroplasmic in the mother's blood and
      homoplasmic in the proband's blood, fibroblasts, liver and muscle. Enzyme assays
      revealed decreased Complex I activity. The identification of this novel LS MT-ND3
      variant, the genomics of which was accomplished in less than 3.5 weeks, indicates
      that rapid genomic approaches may prove useful in time-sensitive cases with an
      unresolved genetic diagnosis. 

PMID- 25118198
TI  - Features of an alternative hemodialysis method using a hemoconcentrator during
      cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study clarified the features of a hemoconcentrator-based,
      alternative hemodialysis (ALTHD) method that improves the speed of serum
      potassium (K(+)) concentration adjustments, compared with dilutional
      ultrafiltration (DUF), during cardiopulmonary bypasses. METHODS: Standardized
      bovine blood was recirculated (300 ml/min) through an in vitro hemoconcentrator
      circuit; hematocrit, K(+) and glucose levels were measured at 5-20 min after DUF
      or ALTHD. We evaluated DUF at dialysis speeds of 50-250 ml/min and ALTHD at
      speeds of 50-1000 ml/min. RESULTS: ALTHD rapidly corrected K(+) and glucose
      concentrations at speeds up to 800 ml/min. ALTHD took 8.9 min to reach a K(+)
      level of 4.5 mmol/L, faster than DUF (12.8 min). The ALTHD efficiency curves
      plateaued at 600 ml/min. CONCLUSION: ALTHD allowed faster adjustment of
      electrolyte levels, with peak efficiency at 600 ml/min. ALTHD has possible
      clinical application if available for potential use during all cardiopulmonary
      bypass surgeries involving extracorporeal circulation.

PMID- 25118197
TI  - What is the incidence of patients with palliative care needs presenting to the
      Emergency Department? a critical review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the context of ageing populations globally, there are a growing
      number of patients with chronic conditions, some of whom are in the final stages
      of their disease trajectory, presenting to Emergency Departments. AIM: The aim
      was to estimate the incidence of patients with palliative care needs presenting
      to the department. METHODS: Three databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL and Embase) were
      systematically searched up to August 2012. The reference lists of included
      articles were searched as well as Google and Google Scholar. Only studies in
      English were included. Two reviewers independently reviewed studies at the
      abstract and full-body stages. A critical review using systematic methods was
      undertaken as statistical analysis could not be done because of a lack of
      information. RESULTS: Only 10 of 1427 identified records met the inclusion
      criteria. Different definitions of palliative care were evident. One article
      provided an incidence density for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, and
      we calculated the mean presentations to be 52.5 per 100 person-months. Two
      articles focussed on patients known to palliative care services; we estimated
      that 2.5 in 1000 Emergency Department visits were made by these patients. The
      review demonstrated that the studies were so different it was not possible to
      compare the data. CONCLUSION: There is an absence of evidence regarding the
      incidence of patients with palliative care needs presenting to the Emergency
      Department. Further research needs to be undertaken in this area to ensure both
      clinicians and policymakers have sufficient information for service provision.

PMID- 25118200
TI  - Increasing health examination survey participation rates by SMS reminders and
      flexible examination times.
AB  - AIMS: Declining participation rates are an increasing problem in population
      surveys. Different kinds of methods have been used to ensure participation rates
      as high as possible. Monetary incentives and reminders have been found to be
      effective ways to increase participation rates, but these are rather expensive to
      implement in large population surveys. There is a need for cheaper ways to
      motivate survey invitees to participate. METHODS: The Kuusamo Health Examination
      Survey was conducted in May-June 2011. A random sample of 250 people was selected
      for the survey. Mobile phone numbers, when available, were obtained for people
      within the sample. For a random sample of 50% of survey invitees with a mobile
      phone number, a short message service (SMS) reminder was sent prior to their
      appointment. All survey participants were asked to fill in a feedback
      questionnaire. RESULTS: Participation rate was 58% for men and 74% for women.
      Mobile phone numbers were available for 66% of the sample. Among those receiving
      an SMS reminder about their appointment, participation rates were up to 25
      percentage points higher than among the group not receiving a reminder. In the
      feedback questionnaire, 9% of the survey participants reported that they would
      not have participated without the SMS reminder they received. Participants
      preferred morning hours and Monday-Tuesday as time and day options for the
      examinations. CONCLUSIONS: SMS reminder about the appointment time was an
      effective way to increase participation rate, especially among the youngest age
      groups also, providing flexible office hours for the examination clinic may
      increase participation rate.

PMID- 25118199
TI  - The relationship of green space, depressive symptoms and perceived general health
      in urban population.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the relationship between green space proximity, use of green
      space and depressive symptoms and perceived general health among a random sample
      men and women. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of a population-based sample of
      6,944 45-72 year old Kaunas city residents. Self-reported questionnaires provided
      information on sociodemographic variables, health behaviours, depressive symptoms
      and poor and very poor perceived general health. Residential proximity to green
      spaces was defined as living less than 300 m, within interval of 300-999 m, and
      equal or more than 1 km from a park. The use of the park was divided into two
      categories: no park use or use <4hrs/week and use of the park >=4 h/week. The
      study received approval from the Kaunas Regional Research Ethics Committee.
      Multiple logistic regression assessed the associations controlling for
      confounding variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms and poor
      and or very poor perceived general health was higher in women than in men. The
      association between the use of the park and residential proximity to the park
      revealed that women living >300 m from a green space and who used the space >=4
      h/week showed higher odds 1.92 (1.11-3.3) and 1.68 (0.81-3.48) of depressive
      symptoms and poor and very poor perceived general health as compared to those who
      used the park <4 hrs/week and residential proximity was >300 m. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of our study confirmed an association between use of the green space,
      residential proximity, and depressive symptoms and poor and very poor perceived
      general health among women only.

PMID- 25118202
TI  - Endoscopy-Assisted Total Mastectomy Followed by Immediate Pedicled Transverse
      Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous (TRAM) Flap Reconstruction: Preliminary Results
      of 48 Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopy-assisted breast surgery performed through minimal axillary
      and/or periareolar incisions is a viable option for patients with breast cancer.
      In this study, we report the preliminary results of patients with breast cancer
      who underwent endoscopy-assisted total mastectomy (EATM) followed immediately by
      pedicled transverse abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction.
      METHODS: Patients in this study comprised women with breast cancer who received
      EATM and pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. Clinicopathologic characteristics,
      type of surgery, complications, and rate of recurrence were recorded. The
      cosmetic outcomes were evaluated objectively by the surgeons and subjectively by
      the patients at 3-month postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients
      underwent 49 EATM procedures followed by pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. Of
      them, 79.6% underwent endoscopic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy and 20.4%
      received endoscopic-assisted skin-sparing mastectomy. The types of cancer among
      these patients included ductal carcinoma in situ in 34.7%, stage I cancer in
      36.7%, stage II cancer in 24.5%, and stage IIIa cancer in 4.1% patients. Mean
      tumor size was 2.1 +/- 1.4 cm. There were no cases of flap failure. Partial
      nipple areolar complex ischemia/necrosis occurred in 4 (10.3%) patients; however,
      all cases resolved after conservative treatment. In the aesthetic outcome
      evaluation, EATM + TRAM were associated with 89.8% good, 8.2% fair, and 2%
      unsatisfactory result. No local recurrence was observed during the follow-up
      period. CONCLUSION: EATM followed immediately by pedicled TRAM flap
      reconstruction is a safe procedure and results in good cosmetic outcome in women
      with early-stage breast cancer.

PMID- 25118204
TI  - Back to the basis: breast cancer heterogeneity from an etiological perspective.

PMID- 25118205
TI  - Motion sickness in migraine and vestibular disorders.

PMID- 25118206
TI  - A diagnostic flow chart for POLG-related diseases based on signs sensitivity and
      specificity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diseases due to mutations of POLG gene, encoding the mitochondrial DNA
      polymerase, are reputed to have very diverse clinical presentations and have been
      proposed to cause up to 25% adult mitochondrial diseases. Our objective was the
      evaluation of the specificity and sensitivity of the signs encountered with POLG
      mutations. DESIGN: Forty-four patients out of 154 with sequenced POLG gene had
      mutations affecting either one (POLG(+/-) group) or two POLG alleles (POLG(+/+)
      group). Phenotyping included clinical signs, electroneuromyography and brain
      imaging while mitochondrial investigations encompassed muscle histochemistry,
      respiratory chain assays and search for multiple mitochondrial deletions. The
      specificity and sensitivity of the signs associated with POLG mutations were
      analysed by comparison between POLG(+/+) and patients without POLG mutation.
      RESULTS: High sensitivity but low specificity was observed with single signs such
      as axonal sensory neuropathy, cerebellar syndrome, movement disorders and
      weakness involving ocular, pharyngeal, axial and/or limb muscles. Specificity was
      increased with combination of previous signs plus psychiatric symptoms, cognitive
      impairment and epilepsy. High specificity and sensitivity was only obtained with
      sensory neuronopathy associated with one of the following signs: weakness of
      ocular, pharyngeal, axial and/or limb muscles. Mitochondrial investigations did
      not suffice for diagnosis. The widespread neuromuscular signs were often present
      since disease onset and were the rule above 50 years of age leading to a very low
      probability of POLG mutations in patients with less than three signs and absent
      sensory neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Phenotypes associated with POLG mutations follow
      a reproducible pattern, which allows establishing a diagnostic flow chart.

PMID- 25118208
TI  - Simple prognostic model for patients with advanced cancer based on performance
      status.
AB  - PURPOSE: Providing survival estimates is important for decision making in
      oncology care. The purpose of this study was to provide survival estimates for
      outpatients with advanced cancer, using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
      (ECOG), Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), and Karnofsky Performance Status
      (KPS) scales, and to compare their ability to predict survival. METHODS: ECOG,
      PPS, and KPS were completed by physicians for each new patient attending the
      Princess Margaret Cancer Centre outpatient Oncology Palliative Care Clinic (OPCC)
      from April 2007 to February 2010. Survival analysis was performed using the
      Kaplan-Meier method. The log-rank test for trend was employed to test for
      differences in survival curves for each level of performance status (PS), and the
      concordance index (C-statistic) was used to test the predictive discriminatory
      ability of each PS measure. RESULTS: Measures were completed for 1,655 patients.
      PS delineated survival well for all three scales according to the log-rank test
      for trend (P < .001). Survival was approximately halved for each worsening
      performance level. Median survival times, in days, for each ECOG level were: EGOG
      0, 293; ECOG 1, 197; ECOG 2, 104; ECOG 3, 55; and ECOG 4, 25.5. Median survival
      times, in days, for PPS (and KPS) were: PPS/KPS 80-100, 221 (215); PPS/KPS 60 to
      70, 115 (119); PPS/KPS 40 to 50, 51 (49); PPS/KPS 10 to 30, 22 (29). The C
      statistic was similar for all three scales and ranged from 0.63 to 0.64.
      CONCLUSION: We present a simple tool that uses PS alone to prognosticate in
      advanced cancer, and has similar discriminatory ability to more complex models.

PMID- 25118209
TI  - Cancer survivors: a look backward and forward.

PMID- 25118203
TI  - How many etiological subtypes of breast cancer: two, three, four, or more?
AB  - Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, divisible into a variable number of
      clinical subtypes. A fundamental question is how many etiological classes
      underlie the clinical spectrum of breast cancer? An etiological subtype reflects
      a grouping with a common set of causes, whereas a clinical subtype represents a
      grouping with similar prognosis and/or prediction. Herein, we review the evidence
      for breast cancer etiological heterogeneity. We then evaluate the etiological
      evidence with mRNA profiling data. A bimodal age distribution at diagnosis with
      peak frequencies near ages 50 and 70 years is a fundamental characteristic of
      breast cancer for important tumor features, clinical characteristics, risk factor
      profiles, and molecular subtypes. The bimodal peak frequencies at diagnosis
      divide breast cancer overall into a "mixture" of two main components in varying
      proportions in different cancer populations. The first breast cancer tends to
      arise early in life with modal age-at-diagnosis near 50 years and generally
      behaves aggressively. The second breast cancer occurs later in life with modal
      age near 70 years and usually portends a more indolent clinical course. These
      epidemiological and molecular data are consistent with a two-component mixture
      model and compatible with a hierarchal view of breast cancers arising from two
      main cell types of origin. Notwithstanding the potential added value of more
      detailed categorizations for personalized breast cancer treatment, we suggest
      that the development of better criteria to identify the two proposed etiologic
      classes would advance breast cancer research and prevention. 

PMID- 25118210
TI  - Pioneering quality assessment in European cancer centers: a data analysis of the
      organization for European cancer institutes accreditation and designation
      program.
AB  - PURPOSE: In order to improve the quality of care in Cancer Centers (CC) and
      designate Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs), the Organization for European
      Cancer Institutes (OECI) launched an Accreditation and Designation (A&D) program.
      The program facilitates the collection of defined data and the assessment of
      cancer center quality. This study analyzes the results of the first 10 European
      centers that entered the program. METHODS: The assessment included 927 items
      divided across qualitative and quantitative questionnaires. Data collected during
      self-assessment and peer-review from the 10 first participating centers were
      combined in a database for comparative analysis using simple statistics.
      Quantitative and qualitative results were validated by auditors during the peer
      review visits. RESULTS: Volumes of various functions and activities dedicated to
      care, research, and education varied widely among centers. There were no
      significant differences in resources for radiology, radiotherapy, pathologic
      diagnostic, and surgery. Differences were observed in the use of clinical
      pathways but not for the practices of holding multidisciplinary team meetings and
      conforming to guidelines. Regarding human resources, main differences were in the
      composition and number of supportive care and research staff. All 10 centers
      applied as CCCs; five obtained the label, and five were designated as CCs.
      CONCLUSION: The OECI A&D program allows comparisons between centers with regard
      to management, research, care, education, and designation as CCs or CCCs. Through
      the peer review system, recommendations for improvements are given. Assessing the
      added value of the program, as well as research and patient treatment outcomes,
      is the next step.

PMID- 25118207
TI  - 20 years of leptin: leptin and reproduction: past milestones, present
      undertakings, and future endeavors.
AB  - The association between leptin and reproduction originated with the leptin
      mediated correction of sterility in ob/ob mice and initiation of reproductive
      function in normal female mice. The uncovering of a central leptin pathway
      regulating food intake prompted the dissection of neuroendocrine mechanisms
      involving leptin in the metabolic control of reproduction. The absence of leptin
      receptors on GnRH neurons incited a search for intermediary neurons situated
      between leptin-responsive and GnRH neurons. This review addresses the most
      significant findings that have furthered our understanding of recent progress in
      this new field. The role of leptin in puberty was impacted by the discovery of
      neurons that co-express kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin and these could
      act as leptin intermediates. Furthermore, the identification of first-order
      leptin-responsive neurons in the premammilary ventral nucleus and other brain
      regions opens new avenues to explore their relationship to GnRH neurons. Central
      to these advances is the unveiling that agouti-related protein/neuropeptide Y
      neurons project onto GnRH and kisspeptin neurons, allowing for a crosstalk
      between food intake and reproduction. Finally, while puberty is a state of leptin
      sensitivity, mid-gestation represents a state of leptin resistance aimed at
      building energy stores to sustain pregnancy and lactation. The mechanisms
      underlying leptin resistance in pregnancy have lagged; however, the establishment
      of this natural state is significant. Reproduction and energy balance are tightly
      controlled and backed up by redundant mechanisms that are critical for the
      survival of our species. It will be the goal of the following decade to shed new
      light on these complex and essential pathways. 

PMID- 25118216
TI  - Development of an anti-claudin-3 and -4 bispecific monoclonal antibody for cancer
      diagnosis and therapy.
AB  - Most malignant tumors are derived from epithelium, and claudin (CLDN)-3 and CLDN
      4 are frequently overexpressed in such tumors. Although antibodies have potential
      in cancer diagnostics and therapy, development of antibodies against CLDNs has
      been difficult because the extracellular domains of CLDNs are too small and there
      is high homology among human, rat, and mouse sequences. Here, we created a
      monoclonal antibody that recognizes human CLDN-3 and CLDN-4 by immunizing rats
      with a plasmid vector encoding human CLDN-4. A hybridoma clone that produced a
      rat monoclonal antibody recognizing both CLDN-3 and -4 (clone 5A5) was obtained
      from a hybridoma screen by using CLDN-3- and -4-expressing cells; 5A5 did not
      bind to CLDN-1-, -2-, -5-, -6-, -7-, or -9-expressing cells. Fluorescence
      conjugated 5A5 injected into xenograft mice bearing human cancer MKN74 or LoVo
      cells could visualize the tumor cells. The human-rat chimeric IgG1 monoclonal
      antibody (xi5A5) activated FcgammaRIIIa in the presence of CLDN-3- or -4
      expressing cells, indicating that xi5A5 may exert antibody-dependent cellular
      cytotoxicity. Administration of xi5A5 attenuated tumor growth in xenograft mice
      bearing MKN74 or LoVo cells. These results suggest that 5A5 shows promise in the
      development of a diagnostic and therapeutic antibody for cancers. 

PMID- 25118217
TI  - Modulation of resistance artery tone by the trace amine beta-phenylethylamine:
      dual indirect sympathomimetic and alpha1-adrenoceptor blocking actions.
AB  - The trace amine beta-phenylethylamine (PEA) is normally present in the body at
      low nanomolar concentrations but can reach micromolar levels after ingestion of
      drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase and primary amine oxidase. In vivo, PEA
      elicits a robust pressor response, but there is no consensus regarding the
      underlying mechanism, with both vasodilation and constriction reported in
      isolated blood vessels. Using functional and biochemical approaches, we found
      that at low micromolar concentrations PEA (1-30 MUM) enhanced nerve-evoked
      vasoconstriction in the perfused rat mesenteric bed but at a higher concentration
      (100 MUM) significantly inhibited these responses. The alpha2-adrenoceptor
      antagonist rauwolscine (1 uM) also enhanced nerve-mediated vasoconstriction, but
      in the presence of both rauwolscine (1 uM) and PEA (30 uM) together, nerve-evoked
      responses were initially potentiated and then showed time-dependent rundown. PEA
      (10 and 100 MUM) significantly increased noradrenaline outflow from the
      mesenteric bed as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with
      electrochemical detection. In isolated endothelium-denuded arterial segments, PEA
      (1 uM to 1 mM) caused concentration-dependent reversal of tone elicited by the
      alpha1-adrenoceptor agonists noradrenaline (EC50 51.69 +/- 10.8 MUM; n = 5),
      methoxamine (EC50 68.21 +/- 1.70 MUM; n = 5), and phenylephrine (EC50 67.74 +/-
      16.72 MUM; n = 5) but was ineffective against tone induced by prostaglandin F2
      alpha or U46619 (9,11-dideoxy-9alpha,11alpha-methanoepoxyprostaglandin F2 alpha).
      In rat brain homogenates, PEA displaced binding of both [(3)H]prazosin (Ki ~ 25
      MUM) and [(3)H]rauwolscine (Ki ~ 1.2 MUM), ligands for alpha1- and alpha2
      adrenoceptors, respectively. These data provide the first demonstration that dual
      indirect sympathomimetic and alpha1-adrenoceptor blocking actions underlie the
      vascular effects of PEA in resistance arteries. 

PMID- 25118218
TI  - Views and experiences of the NHS Health Check provided by general medical
      practices: cross-sectional survey in high-risk patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the NHS Health Check programme was initiated in 2009, no survey
      has sought patients' views of Checks provided by GP practices and few studies
      have reported views of the wider public. This study sought the views and
      experiences of patients with potentially high-cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
      METHODS: Cross-sectional postal survey of all the patients with an actual or
      estimated CVD risk score of at least 20% over 10 years, registered with 16
      general practices in Sefton, North West England, with no follow-up. RESULTS: The
      response rate was 23.4% (644/2958), 67.4% had attended and 73.8% of those not yet
      invited indicated willingness to attend. Both groups had positive views towards
      Health Checks, but more non-attenders agreed these should only be performed by
      doctors. Attenders had better self-reported health and healthy lifestyle than non
      attenders. Overall 86.6% of attenders recalled receiving one or more pieces of
      lifestyle advice and 71.0% claimed to have made at least one lifestyle change;
      however, perception and understanding of CVD risk appeared limited. CONCLUSION:
      Both attenders and non-attenders had positive views towards NHS Health Checks in
      general practice and resultant self-reported lifestyle change in attenders was
      high. Clearer written information and explanation of personal CVD risk are
      required.

PMID- 25118220
TI  - Accidental diagnosis: Aeromonas infection leading to discovery of acute myeloid
      leukemia with meylodysplastic syndrome.
AB  - PATIENT: 47-year-old African American man. CHIEF COMPLAINT: Initially, serious
      finger abscess. The patient reported severe pain that was localized to that
      finger only. HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: His finger had become sore and then
      progressively more painful and swollen. PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: A few weeks
      earlier, the patient had had a similar abscess on his leg; he could not recall
      any specific injuries other than this. He had a past history of epilepsy that is
      totally unrelated to this case; he had not had any episodes in more than 10
      years. Otherwise, the medical history of the patient was relatively healthy: he
      is a nonsmoker with no history of diabetes or steroid use. SOCIAL HISTORY:
      Patient washed cars for a living. FAMILY HISTORY: Noncontributory. PHYSICAL
      EXAMINATION: Initially, the patient was sent home with a course of antibiotics
      (cephalexin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) and was asked to return to the
      hospital for follow up within two days. By the time of the follow-up visit, the
      antibiotic treatment had been unsuccessful, and the patient experienced more pain
      in the finger; the flesh of the finger was becoming black and necrotic. The
      patient tested positive for all myeloid markers: myeloperoxidase (MPO), CD34,
      CD33, CD13, CD45, human leukocyte antigen-DR subregion (HLA-DR), CD15, and CD11c.
      Trilinear dysplasia was indicated by the results of bone-marrow studies and
      peripheral blood smear testing.

PMID- 25118219
TI  - Smoking patterns in Great Britain: the rise of cheap cigarette brands and roll
      your own (RYO) tobacco.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Britain, the tobacco industry segments cigarettes into four price
      categories-premium, mid-price, economy and ultra-low-price (ULP). Our previous
      work shows that tobacco companies have kept ULP prices stable in real terms. Roll
      your own (RYO) tobacco remains cheaper still. METHODS: Analysis of 2001-08
      General Household Survey data to examine trends in use of these cheap products
      and, using logistic regression, the profile of users of these products. RESULTS:
      Among smokers, the proportion using cheap products (economy, ULP and RYO
      combined) increased significantly in almost all age groups and geographic areas.
      Increases were most marked in under 24 year olds, 76% of whom smoked cheap
      cigarettes by 2008. All cheap products were more commonly used in lower socio
      economic groups. Men and younger smokers were more likely to smoke RYO while
      women smoked economy brands. Smokers outside London and the South East of England
      were more likely to smoke some form of cheap tobacco even once socio-economic
      differences were accounted for. CONCLUSIONS: This paper demonstrates that cheap
      tobacco use is increasing among young and disadvantaged smokers compromising
      declines in population smoking prevalence. Thus, tobacco industry pricing appears
      to play a key role in explaining smoking patterns and inequalities in smoking.

PMID- 25118225
TI  - The PROMIS smoking assessment toolkit--background and introduction to supplement.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The PROMIS Smoking Initiative has developed an assessment toolkit
      for measuring 6 domains of interest to cigarette smoking research: nicotine
      dependence, coping expectancies, emotional and sensory expectancies, health
      expectancies, psychosocial expectancies, and social motivations for smoking. The
      papers in this supplement describe the methods used to develop these item banks,
      their psychometric properties, and the preliminary evidence for their validity.
      This commentary is meant to provide background information for the material in
      this supplement. METHODS: After discussing the use of item response theory in
      behavioral measurement, I will briefly review the initial developmental steps for
      the smoking assessment toolkit. Finally, I will describe the contents of this
      supplement and provide some closing remarks. RESULTS: Psychometric evidence
      strongly supports the utility of the toolkit of item banks, short forms (SFs),
      and computer adaptive tests (CATs). The item banks for daily smokers produce
      scores with reliability estimates above 0.90 for a wide range of each cigarette
      smoking domain continuum, and SF and CAT administrations also achieve high
      reliability (generally greater than 0.85) using very few items (4-7 items for
      most banks). Performance of the banks for nondaily smokers is similar.
      Preliminary evidence supports the concurrent and the discriminant validity of the
      bank domains. CONCLUSIONS: The new smoking assessment toolkit has attractive
      measurement features that are likely to benefit smoking research as researchers
      begin to utilize this resource. Information about the toolkit and access to the
      assessments is available at the project Web site
      (http://www.rand.org/health/projects/promis-smoking-initiative.html) and can also
      be accessed via the PROMIS Assessment Center (www.assessmentcenter.net).

PMID- 25118226
TI  - Development of the PROMIS nicotine dependence item banks.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nicotine dependence is a core construct important for understanding
      cigarette smoking and smoking cessation behavior. This article describes analyses
      conducted to develop and evaluate item banks for assessing nicotine dependence
      among daily and nondaily smokers. METHODS: Using data from a sample of daily (N =
      4,201) and nondaily (N =1,183) smokers, we conducted a series of item factor
      analyses, item response theory analyses, and differential item functioning
      analyses (according to gender, age, and race/ethnicity) to arrive at a
      unidimensional set of nicotine dependence items for daily and nondaily smokers.
      We also evaluated performance of short forms (SFs) and computer adaptive tests
      (CATs) to efficiently assess dependence. RESULTS: A total of 32 items were
      included in the Nicotine Dependence item banks; 22 items are common across daily
      and nondaily smokers, 5 are unique to daily smokers, and 5 are unique to nondaily
      smokers. For both daily and nondaily smokers, the Nicotine Dependence item banks
      are strongly unidimensional, highly reliable (reliability = 0.97 and 0.97,
      respectively), and perform similarly across gender, age, and race/ethnicity
      groups. SFs common to daily and nondaily smokers consist of 8 and 4 items
      (reliability = 0.91 and 0.81, respectively). Results from simulated CATs showed
      that dependence can be assessed with very good precision for most respondents
      using fewer than 6 items adaptively selected from the item banks. CONCLUSIONS:
      Nicotine dependence on cigarettes can be assessed on the basis of these item
      banks via one of the SFs, by using CATs, or through a tailored set of items
      selected for a specific research purpose.

PMID- 25118227
TI  - Development of the PROMIS coping expectancies of smoking item banks.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Smoking is a coping strategy for many smokers who then have difficulty
      finding new ways to cope with negative affect when they quit. This paper
      describes analyses conducted to develop and evaluate item banks for assessing the
      coping expectancies of smoking for daily and nondaily smokers. METHODS: Using
      data from a large sample of daily (N = 4,201) and nondaily (N = 1,183) smokers,
      we conducted a series of item factor analyses, item response theory analyses, and
      differential item functioning (DIF) analyses (according to gender, age, and
      ethnicity) to arrive at a unidimensional set of items for daily and nondaily
      smokers. We also evaluated performance of short forms (SFs) and computer adaptive
      tests (CATs) for assessing coping expectancies of smoking. RESULTS: For both
      daily and nondaily smokers, the unidimensional Coping Expectancies item banks (21
      items) are relatively DIF free and are highly reliable (0.96 and 0.97,
      respectively). A common 4-item SF for daily and nondaily smokers also showed good
      reliability (0.85). Adaptive tests required an average of 4.3 and 3.7 items for
      simulated daily and nondaily respondents, respectively, and achieved
      reliabilities of 0.91 for both when the maximum test length was 10 items.
      CONCLUSIONS: This research provides a new set of items that can be used to
      reliably assess coping expectancies of smoking, through a SF, CAT, or a tailored
      set selected for a specific research purpose.

PMID- 25118228
TI  - Development of the PROMIS positive emotional and sensory expectancies of smoking
      item banks.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The positive emotional and sensory expectancies of cigarette
      smoking include improved cognitive abilities, positive affective states, and
      pleasurable sensorimotor sensations. This paper describes development of Positive
      Emotional and Sensory Expectancies of Smoking item banks that will serve to
      standardize the assessment of this construct among daily and nondaily cigarette
      smokers. METHODS: Data came from daily (N = 4,201) and nondaily (N =1,183)
      smokers who completed an online survey. To identify a unidimensional set of
      items, we conducted item factor analyses, item response theory analyses, and
      differential item functioning analyses. Additionally, we evaluated the
      performance of fixed-item short forms (SFs) and computer adaptive tests (CATs) to
      efficiently assess the construct. RESULTS: Eighteen items were included in the
      item banks (15 common across daily and nondaily smokers, 1 unique to daily, 2
      unique to nondaily). The item banks are strongly unidimensional, highly reliable
      (reliability = 0.95 for both), and perform similarly across gender, age, and
      race/ethnicity groups. A SF common to daily and nondaily smokers consists of 6
      items (reliability = 0.86). Results from simulated CATs indicated that, on
      average, less than 8 items are needed to assess the construct with adequate
      precision using the item banks. CONCLUSIONS: These analyses identified a new set
      of items that can assess the positive emotional and sensory expectancies of
      smoking in a reliable and standardized manner. Considerable efficiency in
      assessing this construct can be achieved by using the item bank SF, employing
      computer adaptive tests, or selecting subsets of items tailored to specific
      research or clinical purposes.

PMID- 25118229
TI  - Development of the PROMIS health expectancies of smoking item banks.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Smokers' health-related outcome expectancies are associated with a
      number of important constructs in smoking research, yet there are no measures
      currently available that focus exclusively on this domain. This paper describes
      the development and evaluation of item banks for assessing the health
      expectancies of smoking. METHODS: Using data from a sample of daily (N = 4,201)
      and nondaily (N = 1,183) smokers, we conducted a series of item factor analyses,
      item response theory analyses, and differential item functioning analyses
      (according to gender, age, and race/ethnicity) to arrive at a unidimensional set
      of health expectancies items for daily and nondaily smokers. We also evaluated
      the performance of short forms (SFs) and computer adaptive tests (CATs) to
      efficiently assess health expectancies. RESULTS: A total of 24 items were
      included in the Health Expectancies item banks; 13 items are common across daily
      and nondaily smokers, 6 are unique to daily, and 5 are unique to nondaily. For
      both daily and nondaily smokers, the Health Expectancies item banks are
      unidimensional, reliable (reliability = 0.95 and 0.96, respectively), and perform
      similarly across gender, age, and race/ethnicity groups. A SF common to daily and
      nondaily smokers consists of 6 items (reliability = 0.87). Results from simulated
      CATs showed that health expectancies can be assessed with good precision with an
      average of 5-6 items adaptively selected from the item banks. CONCLUSIONS: Health
      expectancies of smoking can be assessed on the basis of these item banks via SFs,
      CATs, or through a tailored set of items selected for a specific research
      purpose.

PMID- 25118230
TI  - Development of the PROMIS negative psychosocial expectancies of smoking item
      banks.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Negative psychosocial expectancies of smoking include aspects of
      social disapproval and disappointment in oneself. This paper describes analyses
      conducted to develop and evaluate item banks for assessing psychosocial
      expectancies among daily and nondaily smokers. METHODS: Using data from a sample
      of daily (N = 4,201) and nondaily (N =1,183) smokers, we conducted a series of
      item factor analyses, item response theory analyses, and differential item
      functioning analyses (according to gender, age, and race/ethnicity) to arrive at
      a unidimensional set of psychosocial expectancies items for daily and nondaily
      smokers. We also evaluated performance of short forms (SFs) and computer adaptive
      tests (CATs) to efficiently assess psychosocial expectancies. RESULTS: A total of
      21 items were included in the Psychosocial Expectancies item banks: 14 items are
      common across daily and nondaily smokers, 6 are unique to daily, and 1 is unique
      to nondaily. For both daily and nondaily smokers, the Psychosocial Expectancies
      item banks are strongly unidimensional, highly reliable (reliability = 0.95 and
      0.93, respectively), and perform similarly across gender, age, and race/ethnicity
      groups. A SF common to daily and nondaily smokers consists of 6 items
      (reliability = 0.85). Results from simulated CATs showed that, on average, fewer
      than 8 items are needed to assess psychosocial expectancies with adequate
      precision when using the item banks. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial expectancies of
      smoking can be assessed on the basis of these item banks via the SF, by using
      CAT, or through a tailored set of items selected for a specific research purpose.

PMID- 25118233
TI  - Delivering on its promises: the PROMIS Smoking Initiative item banks.

PMID- 25118231
TI  - Development of the PROMIS Social Motivations for Smoking item banks.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Smoking behavior is influenced by social motivations such as the
      expected social benefits of smoking and the social cues that induce craving. This
      paper describes development of the PROMIS Social Motivations for Smoking item
      banks, which will serve to standardize assessment of these social motivations
      among daily and nondaily smokers. METHODS: Daily (N = 4,201) and nondaily (N
      =1,183) smokers completed an online survey. Item factor analyses, item response
      theory analyses, and differential item functioning analyses were conducted to
      identify a unidimensional set of items for each group. Short forms (SFs) and
      computer adaptive tests (CATs) were evaluated as tools for more efficiently
      assessing this construct. RESULTS: A total of 15 items were included in the item
      banks (9 items common to daily and nondaily smokers, 3 unique to daily, 3 unique
      to nondaily). Scores based on full item banks are highly reliable (reliability =
      0.90-0.91). Additionally, the item banks are strongly unidimensional and perform
      similarly across gender, age, and race/ethnicity groups. A fixed SF for use with
      both daily and nondaily smokers consists of 4 items (reliability = 0.80). Results
      from simulated CATs showed that, on average, fewer than 5 items are needed to
      assess this construct with adequate precision using the item banks. CONCLUSIONS:
      A new set of items has been identified for assessing the social motivations for
      smoking in a reliable, standardized manner for daily and nondaily smokers. In
      addition to using the full item banks, efficient assessment can be achieved by
      using SFs, employing CATs, or selecting items tailored to specific research or
      clinical purposes.

PMID- 25118232
TI  - The PROMIS Smoking Initiative: initial validity evidence for six new smoking item
      banks.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System
      (PROMIS) Smoking Initiative has developed 6 item banks for assessing smoking
      behaviors and biopsychosocial correlates of smoking among daily and nondaily
      adult cigarette smokers. This paper presents descriptive information and
      preliminary validity evidence for the item banks (Nicotine Dependence, Coping
      Expectancies, Emotional and Sensory Expectancies, Health Expectancies,
      Psychosocial Expectancies, and Social Motivations). METHODS: Using data from a
      large sample of daily (N = 4,201) and nondaily (N = 1,183) smokers, we generated
      mean daily and nondaily smoking bank scores according to select demographic
      groups. We also examined correlations among the 6 banks and examined the
      associations of bank scores with smoking behavior items (e.g., quantity of
      smoking, interest in quitting) and select health-related quality of life measures
      (i.e., physical functioning, anxiety, alcohol consumption). RESULTS: Correlations
      among the 6 banks are moderate (daily mean r = .48, range = .04-.80; nondaily
      mean r = .47, range = .12-.75). The pattern of associations between bank scores
      and other measures provides validity evidence for the bank domains (e.g.,
      nicotine dependence is most strongly associated with smoking quantity and time to
      first cigarette of the day; health and psychosocial expectancies are most related
      to quitting recency and interest; coping expectancies are strongly associated
      with anxiety). CONCLUSIONS: These analyses provide useful descriptive information
      about the 6 smoking item banks as well as preliminary evidence for their
      validity. Independent sample data are currently being collected to replicate
      these findings, to establish test-retest reliability, and to develop crosswalks
      to existing smoking measures (e.g., nicotine dependence to Fagerstrom Test for
      Nicotine Dependence). Future research will also evaluate the bank scores'
      sensitivity to change.

PMID- 25118234
TI  - Essentiality of succinate dehydrogenase in Mycobacterium smegmatis and its role
      in the generation of the membrane potential under hypoxia.
AB  - Succinate:quinone oxidoreductase (Sdh) is a membrane-bound complex that couples
      the oxidation of succinate to fumarate in the cytoplasm to the reduction of
      quinone to quinol in the membrane. Mycobacterial species harbor genes for two
      putative sdh operons, but the individual roles of these two operons are unknown.
      In this communication, we show that Mycobacterium smegmatis mc(2)155 expresses
      two succinate dehydrogenases designated Sdh1 and Sdh2. Sdh1 is encoded by a five
      gene operon (MSMEG_0416-MSMEG_0420), and Sdh2 is encoded by a four-gene operon
      (MSMEG_1672-MSMEG_1669). These two operons are differentially expressed in
      response to carbon limitation, hypoxia, and fumarate, as monitored by sdh
      promoter-lacZ fusions. While deletion of the sdh1 operon did not yield any growth
      phenotypes on succinate or other nonfermentable carbon sources, the sdh2 operon
      could be deleted only in a merodiploid background, demonstrating that Sdh2 is
      essential for growth. Sdh activity and succinate-dependent proton pumping were
      detected in cells grown aerobically, as well as under hypoxia. Fumarate reductase
      activity was absent under these conditions, indicating that neither Sdh1 nor Sdh2
      could catalyze the reverse reaction. Sdh activity was inhibited by the Sdh
      inhibitor 3-nitroproprionate (3NP), and treatment with 3NP dissipated the
      membrane potential of wild-type or Deltasdh1 mutant cells under hypoxia but not
      that of cells grown aerobically. These data imply that Sdh2 is the generator of
      the membrane potential under hypoxia, an essential role for the cell. IMPORTANCE:
      Complex II or succinate dehydrogenase (Sdh) is a major respiratory enzyme that
      couples the oxidation of succinate to fumarate in the cytoplasm to the reduction
      of quinone to quinol in the membrane. Mycobacterial species harbor genes for two
      putative sdh operons, sdh1 and sdh2, but the individual roles of these two
      operons are unknown. In this communication, we show that sdh1 and sdh2 are
      differentially expressed in response to energy limitation, oxygen tension, and
      alternative electron acceptor availability, suggesting distinct functional
      cellular roles. Sdh2 was essential for growth and generation of the membrane
      potential in hypoxic cells. Given the essentiality of succinate dehydrogenase and
      oxidative phosphorylation in the growth cycle of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the
      potential exists to develop new antituberculosis agents against the mycobacterial
      succinate dehydrogenase. This enzyme has been proposed as a potential target for
      the development of new chemotherapeutic agents against intracellular parasites
      and mitochondrion-associated disease.

PMID- 25118235
TI  - A new method to determine in vivo interactomes reveals binding of the Legionella
      pneumophila effector PieE to multiple rab GTPases.
AB  - Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, uses the
      Dot/Icm type IV secretion system (T4SS) to translocate more than 300 effectors
      into host cells, where they subvert host cell signaling. The function and host
      cell targets of most effectors remain unknown. PieE is a 69-kDa Dot/Icm effector
      containing three coiled-coil (CC) regions and 2 transmembrane (TM) helices
      followed by a fourth CC region. Here, we report that PieE dimerized by an
      interaction between CC3 and CC4. We found that ectopically expressed PieE
      localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and induced the formation of
      organized smooth ER, while following infection PieE localized to the Legionella
      containing vacuole (LCV). To identify the physiological targets of PieE during
      infection, we established a new purification method for which we created an A549
      cell line stably expressing the Escherichia coli biotin ligase BirA and infected
      the cells with L. pneumophila expressing PieE fused to a BirA-specific
      biotinylation site and a hexahistidine tag. Following tandem Ni(2+)
      nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and streptavidin affinity chromatography, the
      effector-target complexes were analyzed by mass spectrometry. This revealed
      interactions of PieE with multiple host cell proteins, including the Rab GTPases
      1a, 1b, 2a, 5c, 6a, 7, and 10. Binding of the Rab GTPases, which was validated by
      yeast two-hybrid binding assays, was mediated by the PieE CC1 and CC2. In
      summary, using a novel, highly specific strategy to purify effector complexes
      from infected cells, which is widely applicable to other pathogens, we identified
      PieE as a multidomain LCV protein with promiscuous Rab GTPase-binding capacity.
      IMPORTANCE: The respiratory pathogen Legionella pneumophila uses the Dot/Icm type
      IV secretion system to translocate more than 300 effector proteins into host
      cells. The function of most effectors in infection remains unknown. One of the
      bottlenecks for their characterization is the identification of target proteins.
      Frequently used in vitro approaches are not applicable to all effectors and
      suffer from high rates of false positives or missed interactions, as they are not
      performed in the context of an infection. Here, we determine key functional
      domains of the effector PieE and describe a new method to identify host cell
      targets under physiological infection conditions. Our approach, which is
      applicable to other pathogens, uncovered the interaction of PieE with several
      proteins involved in membrane trafficking, in particular Rab GTPases, revealing
      new details of the Legionella infection strategy and demonstrating the potential
      of this method to greatly advance our understanding of the molecular basis of
      infection.

PMID- 25118236
TI  - Whole-animal chemical screen identifies colistin as a new immunomodulator that
      targets conserved pathways.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to take advantage of the nematode Caenorhabditis
      elegans to perform a whole-animal chemical screen to identify potential immune
      activators that may confer protection against bacterial infections. We identified
      45 marketed drugs, out of 1,120 studied compounds, that are capable of activating
      a conserved p38/PMK-1 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway required for
      innate immunity. One of these drugs, the last-resort antibiotic colistin,
      protected against infections by the Gram-negative pathogens Yersinia pestis and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa but not by the Gram-positive pathogens Enterococcus
      faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Protection was independent of the
      antibacterial activity of colistin, since the drug was administered
      prophylactically prior to the infections and it was also effective against
      antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Immune activation by colistin is mediated not only
      by the p38/PMK-1 pathway but also by the conserved FOXO transcription factor DAF
      16 and the transcription factor SKN-1. Furthermore, p38/PMK-1 was found to be
      required in the intestine for immune activation by colistin. Enhanced p38/PMK-1
      mediated immune responses by colistin did not reduce the bacterial burden,
      indicating that the pathway plays a role in the development of host tolerance to
      infections by Gram-negative bacteria. IMPORTANCE: The innate immune system
      represents the front line of our defenses against invading microorganisms. Given
      the ever-increasing resistance to antibiotics developed by bacterial pathogens,
      the possibility of boosting immune defenses represents an interesting,
      complementary approach to conventional antibiotic treatments. Here we report that
      the antibiotic colistin can protect against infections by a mechanism that is
      independent of its microbicidal activity. Prophylactic treatment with colistin
      activates a conserved p38/PMK-1 pathway in the intestine that helps the host
      better tolerate a bacterial infection. Since p38/PMK-1-mediated immune responses
      appear to be conserved from plants to mammals, colistin may also activate
      immunity in higher organisms, including humans. Antibiotics with immunomodulatory
      properties have the potential of improving the long-term outcome of patients with
      chronic infectious diseases.

PMID- 25118237
TI  - Influenza virus A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) replicates efficiently in the upper and
      lower respiratory tracts of cynomolgus macaques.
AB  - In March 2013, three fatal human cases of infection with influenza A virus (H7N9)
      were reported in China. Since then, human cases have been accumulating. Given the
      public health importance of this virus, we performed a pathogenicity study of the
      H7N9 virus in the cynomolgus macaque model, focusing on clinical aspects of
      disease, radiographic, histological, and gene expression profile changes in the
      upper and lower respiratory tracts, and changes in systemic cytokine and
      chemokine profiles during infection. Cynomolgus macaques developed transient,
      mild to severe disease with radiographic evidence of pulmonary infiltration.
      Virus replicated in the upper as well as lower respiratory tract, with sustained
      replication in the upper respiratory tract until the end of the experiment at 6
      days after inoculation. Virus shedding occurred mainly via the throat.
      Histopathological changes in the lungs were similar to those observed in humans,
      albeit less severe, with diffuse alveolar damage, infiltration of
      polymorphonuclear cells, formation of hyaline membranes, pneumocyte hyperplasia,
      and fibroproliferative changes. Analysis of gene expression profiles in lung
      lesions identified pathways involved in tissue damage during H7N9 infection as
      well as leads for development of therapeutics targeting host responses rather
      than virus replication. Overall, H7N9 infection was not as severe in cynomolgus
      macaques as in humans, supporting the possible role of underlying medical
      complications in disease severity as discussed for human H7N9 infection (H. N.
      Gao et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 368:2277-2285, 2013, doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1305584).
      IMPORTANCE: Influenza A virus H7N9 emerged early in 2013, and human cases have
      continued to emerge since then. Although H7N9 virus-induced disease in humans is
      often very severe and even lethal, the majority of reported H7N9 cases occurred
      in older people and people with underlying medical conditions. To better
      understand the pathogenicity of this virus, healthy cynomolgus macaques were
      inoculated with influenza A virus H7N9. Cynomolgus macaques were used as a model
      because the receptor distribution for H7N9 virus in macaques was recently shown
      to be more similar to that in humans than that of other frequently used animal
      models. From comparison with previous studies, we conclude that the emerging H7N9
      influenza virus was more pathogenic in cynomolgus macaques than seasonal
      influenza A viruses and most isolates of the pandemic H1N1 virus but less
      pathogenic than the 1918 Spanish influenza virus or highly pathogenic avian
      influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus.

PMID- 25118238
TI  - Differential modulation by Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium
      prausnitzii of host peripheral lipid metabolism and histone acetylation in mouse
      gut organoids.
AB  - The gut microbiota is essential for numerous aspects of human health. However,
      the underlying mechanisms of many host-microbiota interactions remain unclear.
      The aim of this study was to characterize effects of the microbiota on host
      epithelium using a novel ex vivo model based on mouse ileal organoids. We have
      explored the transcriptional response of organoids upon exposure to short-chain
      fatty acids (SCFAs) and products generated by two abundant microbiota
      constituents, Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. We
      observed that A. muciniphila metabolites affect various transcription factors and
      genes involved in cellular lipid metabolism and growth, supporting previous in
      vivo findings. Contrastingly, F. prausnitzii products exerted only weak effects
      on host transcription. Additionally, A. muciniphila and its metabolite propionate
      modulated expression of Fiaf, Gpr43, histone deacetylases (HDACs), and peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Ppargamma), important regulators of
      transcription factor regulation, cell cycle control, lipolysis, and satiety. This
      work illustrates that specific bacteria and their metabolites differentially
      modulate epithelial transcription in mouse organoids. We demonstrate that
      intestinal organoids provide a novel and powerful ex vivo model for host
      microbiome interaction studies. IMPORTANCE: We investigated the influence of the
      gut microbiota and microbially produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on gut
      functioning. Many commensal bacteria in the gut produce SCFAs, particularly
      butyrate, acetate, and propionate, which have been demonstrated to reduce the
      risk of gastrointestinal disorders. Organoids-small crypt-villus structures grown
      from ileal intestinal stem cells-were exposed to SCFAs and two specific gut
      bacteria. Akkermansia muciniphila, found in the intestinal mucus, was recently
      shown to have a favorable effect on the disrupted metabolism associated with
      obesity. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is a commensal gut bacterium, the absence
      of which may be associated with Crohn's disease. We showed that in our model, A.
      muciniphila induces stronger effects on the host than F. prausnitzii. We observed
      that A. muciniphila and propionate affect the expression of genes involved in
      host lipid metabolism and epigenetic activation or silencing of gene expression.
      We demonstrated that organoids provide a powerful tool for host-microbe
      interaction studies.

PMID- 25118239
TI  - Glycan degradation (GlyDeR) analysis predicts mammalian gut microbiota abundance
      and host diet-specific adaptations.
AB  - Glycans form the primary nutritional source for microbes in the human gut, and
      understanding their metabolism is a critical yet understudied aspect of
      microbiome research. Here, we present a novel computational pipeline for modeling
      glycan degradation (GlyDeR) which predicts the glycan degradation potency of
      10,000 reference glycans based on either genomic or metagenomic data. We first
      validated GlyDeR by comparing degradation profiles for genomes in the Human
      Microbiome Project against KEGG reaction annotations. Next, we applied GlyDeR to
      the analysis of human and mammalian gut microbial communities, which revealed
      that the glycan degradation potential of a community is strongly linked to host
      diet and can be used to predict diet with higher accuracy than sequence data
      alone. Finally, we show that a microbe's glycan degradation potential is
      significantly correlated (R = 0.46) with its abundance, with even higher
      correlations for potential pathogens such as the class Clostridia (R = 0.76).
      GlyDeR therefore represents an important tool for advancing our understanding of
      bacterial metabolism in the gut and for the future development of more effective
      prebiotics for microbial community manipulation. IMPORTANCE: The increased
      availability of high-throughput sequencing data has positioned the gut microbiota
      as a major new focal point for biomedical research. However, despite the
      expenditure of huge efforts and resources, sequencing-based analysis of the
      microbiome has uncovered mostly associative relationships between human health
      and diet, rather than a causal, mechanistic one. In order to utilize the full
      potential of systems biology approaches, one must first characterize the
      metabolic requirements of gut bacteria, specifically, the degradation of glycans,
      which are their primary nutritional source. We developed a computational
      framework called GlyDeR for integrating expert knowledge along with high
      throughput data to uncover important new relationships within glycan metabolism.
      GlyDeR analyzes particular bacterial (meta)genomes and predicts the potency by
      which they degrade a variety of different glycans. Based on GlyDeR, we found a
      clear connection between microbial glycan degradation and human diet, and we
      suggest a method for the rational design of novel prebiotics.

PMID- 25118240
TI  - Phyllosphere microbiota composition and microbial community transplantation on
      lettuce plants grown indoors.
AB  - The aerial surfaces of plants, or phyllosphere, are microbial habitats important
      to plant and human health. In order to accurately investigate microbial
      interactions in the phyllosphere under laboratory conditions, the composition of
      the phyllosphere microbiota should be representative of the diversity of
      microorganisms residing on plants in nature. We found that Romaine lettuce grown
      in the laboratory contained 10- to 100-fold lower numbers of bacteria than age
      matched, field-grown lettuce. The bacterial diversity on laboratory-grown plants
      was also significantly lower and contained relatively higher proportions of
      Betaproteobacteria as opposed to the Gammaproteobacteria-enriched communities on
      field lettuce. Incubation of field-grown Romaine lettuce plants in environmental
      growth chambers for 2 weeks resulted in bacterial cell densities and taxa similar
      to those on plants in the field but with less diverse bacterial populations
      overall. In comparison, the inoculation of laboratory-grown Romaine lettuce
      plants with either freshly collected or cryopreserved microorganisms recovered
      from field lettuce resulted in the development of a field-like microbiota on the
      lettuce within 2 days of application. The survival of an inoculated strain of
      Escherichia coli O157:H7 was unchanged by microbial community transfer; however,
      the inoculation of E. coli O157:H7 onto those plants resulted in significant
      shifts in the abundance of certain taxa. This finding was strictly dependent on
      the presence of a field-associated as opposed to a laboratory-associated
      microbiota on the plants. Phyllosphere microbiota transplantation in the
      laboratory will be useful for elucidating microbial interactions on plants that
      are important to agriculture and microbial food safety. IMPORTANCE: The
      phyllosphere is a habitat for a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria
      with significant relevance to plant and human health. Some indigenous epiphytic
      bacteria might affect the persistence of human food-borne pathogens in the
      phyllosphere. However, studies on human pathogens are typically performed on
      plants grown indoors. This study compares the phyllosphere microbiota on Romaine
      lettuce plants grown in a Salinas Valley, CA, field to that on lettuce plants
      grown in environmental chambers. We show that phyllosphere microbiota from
      laboratory-grown plants is distinct from that colonizing plants grown in the
      field and that the field microbiota can be successfully transferred to plants
      grown indoors. The microbiota transplantation method was used to examine
      alterations to the phyllosphere microbiota after Escherichia coli O157:H7
      inoculation on lettuce plants in a controlled environment. Our findings show the
      importance and validity of phyllosphere microbiota transplantation for future
      phyllosphere microbiology research.

PMID- 25118241
TI  - Cross talk between the cell wall integrity and cyclic AMP/protein kinase A
      pathways in Cryptococcus neoformans.
AB  - Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen of immunocompromised people that
      causes fatal meningitis. The fungal cell wall is essential to viability and
      pathogenesis of C. neoformans, and biosynthesis and repair of the wall is
      primarily controlled by the cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling pathway. Previous
      work has shown that deletion of genes encoding the four major kinases in the CWI
      signaling pathway, namely, PKC1, BCK1, MKK2, and MPK1 results in severe cell wall
      phenotypes, sensitivity to a variety of cell wall stressors, and for Mpk1,
      reduced virulence in a mouse model. Here, we examined the global transcriptional
      responses to gene deletions of BCK1, MKK2, and MPK1 compared to wild-type cells.
      We found that over 1,000 genes were differentially expressed in one or more of
      the deletion strains, with 115 genes differentially expressed in all three
      strains, many of which have been identified as genes regulated by the cyclic AMP
      (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Biochemical measurements of cAMP levels in
      the kinase deletion strains revealed significantly less cAMP in all of the
      deletion strains compared to the wild-type strain. The deletion strains also
      produced significantly smaller capsules than the wild-type KN99 strain did under
      capsule-inducing conditions, although the levels of capsule they shed were
      similar to those shed by the wild type. Finally, addition of exogenous cAMP led
      to reduced sensitivity to cell wall stress and restored surface capsule to levels
      near those of wild type. Thus, we have direct evidence of cross talk between the
      CWI and cAMP/PKA pathways that may have important implications for regulation of
      cell wall and capsule homeostasis. IMPORTANCE: Cryptococcus neoformans is a
      fungal pathogen of immunocompromised people that causes fatal meningitis. The
      fungal cell wall is essential to viability and pathogenesis of C. neoformans, and
      biosynthesis and repair of the wall are primarily controlled by the cell wall
      integrity (CWI) signaling pathway. In this study, we demonstrate that deletion of
      any of three core kinases in the CWI pathway impacts not only the cell wall but
      also the amount of surface capsule. Deletion of any of the kinases results in
      significantly reduced cellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, and addition of
      exogenous cAMP rescues the capsule defect and some cell wall defects, supporting
      a direct role for the CWI pathway in regulation of capsule in conjunction with
      the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway.

PMID- 25118243
TI  - Fur is the master regulator of the extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli
      response to serum.
AB  - Drug-resistant extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) strains are
      the major cause of colisepticemia (colibacillosis), a condition that has become
      an increasing public health problem in recent years. ExPEC strains are
      characterized by high resistance to serum, which is otherwise highly toxic to
      most bacteria. To understand how these bacteria survive and grow in serum, we
      performed system-wide analyses of their response to serum, making a clear
      distinction between the responses to nutritional immunity and innate immunity.
      Thus, mild heat inactivation of serum destroys the immune complement and
      abolishes the bactericidal effect of serum (inactive serum), making it possible
      to examine nutritional immunity. We used a combination of deep RNA sequencing and
      proteomics in order to characterize ExPEC genes whose expression is affected by
      the nutritional stress of serum and by the immune complement. The major change in
      gene expression induced by serum-active and inactive-involved metabolic genes. In
      particular, the serum metabolic response is coordinated by three transcriptional
      regulators, Fur, BasR, and CysB. Fur alone was responsible for more than 80% of
      the serum-induced transcriptional response. Consistent with its role as a major
      serum response regulator, deletion of Fur renders the bacteria completely serum
      sensitive. These results highlight the role of metabolic adaptation in
      colisepticemia and virulence. IMPORTANCE: Drug-resistant extraintestinal
      pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) strains have emerged as major pathogens,
      especially in community- and hospital-acquired infections. These bacteria cause a
      large spectrum of syndromes, the most serious of which is septicemia, a condition
      with a high mortality rate. These bacterial strains are characterized by high
      resistance to serum, otherwise highly toxic to most bacteria. To understand the
      basis of this resistance, we carried out system-wide analyses of the response of
      ExPEC strains to serum by using proteomics and deep RNA sequencing. The major
      changes in gene expression induced by exposure to serum involved metabolic genes,
      not necessarily implicated in relation to virulence. One metabolic regulator-Fur
      involved in iron metabolism was responsible for more than 80% of the serum
      induced response, and its deletion renders the bacteria completely serum
      sensitive. These results highlight the role of metabolic adaptation in virulence.

PMID- 25118244
TI  - Pollen-specific activation of Arabidopsis retrogenes is associated with global
      transcriptional reprogramming.
AB  - Duplications allow for gene functional diversification and accelerate genome
      evolution. Occasionally, the transposon amplification machinery reverse
      transcribes the mRNA of a gene, integrates it into the genome, and forms an RNA
      duplicated copy: the retrogene. Although retrogenes have been found in plants,
      their biology and evolution are poorly understood. Here, we identified 251 (216
      novel) retrogenes in Arabidopsis thaliana, corresponding to 1% of protein-coding
      genes. Arabidopsis retrogenes are derived from ubiquitously transcribed parents
      and reside in gene-rich chromosomal regions. Approximately 25% of retrogenes are
      cotranscribed with their parents and 3% with head-to-head oriented neighbors.
      This suggests transcription by novel promoters for 72% of Arabidopsis retrogenes.
      Many retrogenes reach their transcription maximum in pollen, the tissue analogous
      to animal spermatocytes, where upregulation of retrogenes has been found
      previously. This implies an evolutionarily conserved mechanism leading to this
      transcription pattern of RNA-duplicated genes. During transcriptional repression,
      retrogenes are depleted of permissive chromatin marks without an obvious
      enrichment for repressive modifications. However, this pattern is common to many
      other pollen-transcribed genes independent of their evolutionary origin. Hence,
      retroposition plays a role in plant genome evolution, and the developmental
      transcription pattern of retrogenes suggests an analogous regulation of RNA
      duplicated genes in plants and animals. 

PMID- 25118245
TI  - Dynamics of vacuoles and H+-pyrophosphatase visualized by monomeric green
      fluorescent protein in Arabidopsis: artifactual bulbs and native intravacuolar
      spherical structures.
AB  - We prepared Arabidopsis thaliana lines expressing a functional green fluorescent
      protein (GFP)-linked vacuolar H(+)-pyrophosphatase (H(+)-PPase) under the control
      of its own promoter to investigate morphological dynamics of vacuoles and tissue
      specific expression of H(+)-PPase. The lines obtained had spherical structures in
      vacuoles with strong fluorescence, which are referred to as bulbs. Quantitative
      analyses revealed that the occurrence of the bulbs correlated with the amount of
      GFP. Next, we prepared a construct of H(+)-PPase linked with a nondimerizing GFP
      (mGFP); we detected no bulbs. These results indicate that the membranes adhere
      face-to-face by antiparallel dimerization of GFP, resulting in the formation of
      bulbs. In plants expressing H(+)-PPase-mGFP, intravacuolar spherical structures
      with double membranes, which differed from bulbs in fluorescence intensity and
      intermembrane spacing, were still observed in peripheral endosperm, pistil
      epidermis and hypocotyls. Four-dimensional imaging revealed the dynamics of
      formation, transformation, and disappearance of intravacuolar spherical
      structures and transvacuolar strands in living cells. Visualization of H(+)-PPase
      mGFP revealed intensive accumulation of the enzyme, not only in dividing and
      elongating cells but also in mesophyll, phloem, and nectary cells, which may have
      high sugar content. Dynamic morphological changes including transformation of
      vacuolar structures between transvacuolar strands, intravacuolar sheet-like
      structures, and intravacuolar spherical structures were also revealed. 

PMID- 25118248
TI  - Advance consent, critical interests and dementia research.
AB  - Although advance directives have become a familiar instrument within the context
      of treatment, there has been minimal support for their expansion into the context
      of research. In this paper I argue that the principle of precedent autonomy that
      grants a competent person the right to refuse life-sustaining treatment when
      later incompetent, also grants a competent person the right to consent to
      research that is greater than minimal risk. An examination of the principle of
      precedent autonomy reveals that a future-binding research decision is within the
      scope of a competent person's critical interests, if the decision is consistent
      with what the person believes gives her life intrinsic value. 

PMID- 25118247
TI  - Oligosaccharyltransferase subunits bind polypeptide substrate to locally enhance
      N-glycosylation.
AB  - Oligosaccharyltransferase is a multiprotein complex that catalyzes asparagine
      linked glycosylation of diverse proteins. Using yeast genetics and
      glycoproteomics, we found that transient interactions between nascent polypeptide
      and Ost3p/Ost6p, homologous subunits of oligosaccharyltransferase, were able to
      modulate glycosylation efficiency in a site-specific manner in vivo. These
      interactions were driven by hydrophobic and electrostatic complementarity between
      amino acids in the peptide-binding groove of Ost3p/Ost6p and the sequestered
      stretch of substrate polypeptide. Based on this dependence, we used in vivo
      scanning mutagenesis and in vitro biochemistry to map the precise interactions
      that affect site-specific glycosylation efficiency. We conclude that transient
      binding of substrate polypeptide by Ost3p/Ost6p increases glycosylation
      efficiency at asparagines proximal and C-terminal to sequestered sequences. We
      detail a novel mode of interaction between translocating nascent polypeptide and
      oligosaccharyltransferase in which binding to Ost3p/Ost6p segregates a short
      flexible loop of glycosylation-competent polypeptide substrate that is delivered
      to the oligosaccharyltransferase active site for efficient modification. 

PMID- 25118249
TI  - Putative PmrA and PmcA are important for normal growth, morphogenesis and cell
      wall integrity, but not for viability in Aspergillus nidulans.
AB  - P-type Ca(2+)-transporting ATPases are Ca(2+) pumps, extruding cytosolic Ca(2+)
      to the extracellular environment or the intracellular Ca(2+) store lumens. In
      budding yeast, Pmr1 (plasma membrane ATPase related), and Pmc1 (plasma membrane
      calcium-ATPase) cannot be deleted simultaneously for it to survive in standard
      medium. Here, we deleted two putative Ca(2+) pumps, designated AnPmrA and AnPmcA,
      from Aspergillus nidulans, and obtained the mutants DeltaanpmrA and DeltaanpmcA,
      respectively. Then, using DeltaanpmrA as the starting strain, the promoter of its
      anpmcA was replaced with the alcA promoter to secure the mutant
      DeltaanpmrAalcApmcA or its anpmcA was deleted completely to produce the mutant
      DeltaanpmrADeltapmcA. Different from the case in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, double
      deletion of anpmrA and anpmcA was not lethal in A. nidulans. In addition,
      deletion of anpmrA and/or anpmcA had produced growth defects, although
      overexpression of AnPmc1 in DeltaanpmrAalcApmcA could not restore the growth
      defects that resulted from the loss of AnPmrA. Moreover, we found AnPmrA was
      indispensable for maintenance of normal morphogenesis, especially in low
      Ca(2+)/Mn(2+) environments. Thus, our findings suggest AnPmrA and AnPmcA might
      play important roles in growth, morphogenesis and cell wall integrity in A.
      nidulans in a different way from that in yeasts.

PMID- 25118246
TI  - Proteome-wide light/dark modulation of thiol oxidation in cyanobacteria revealed
      by quantitative site-specific redox proteomics.
AB  - Reversible protein thiol oxidation is an essential regulatory mechanism of
      photosynthesis, metabolism, and gene expression in photosynthetic organisms.
      Herein, we present proteome-wide quantitative and site-specific profiling of in
      vivo thiol oxidation modulated by light/dark in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis
      sp. PCC 6803, an oxygenic photosynthetic prokaryote, using a resin-assisted thiol
      enrichment approach. Our proteomic approach integrates resin-assisted enrichment
      with isobaric tandem mass tag labeling to enable site-specific and quantitative
      measurements of reversibly oxidized thiols. The redox dynamics of ~2,100 Cys
      sites from 1,060 proteins under light, dark, and 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1
      dimethylurea (a photosystem II inhibitor) conditions were quantified. In addition
      to relative quantification, the stoichiometry or percentage of oxidation
      (reversibly oxidized/total thiols) for ~1,350 Cys-sites was also quantified. The
      overall results revealed broad changes in thiol oxidation in many key biological
      processes, including photosynthetic electron transport, carbon fixation, and
      glycolysis. Moreover, the redox sensitivity along with the stoichiometric data
      enabled prediction of potential functional Cys-sites for proteins of interest.
      The functional significance of redox-sensitive Cys-sites in NADP-dependent
      glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, peroxiredoxin (AhpC/TSA family protein
      Sll1621), and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase was further confirmed with site
      specific mutagenesis and biochemical studies. Together, our findings provide
      significant insights into the broad redox regulation of photosynthetic organisms.

PMID- 25118250
TI  - Anionic lipids and the cytoskeletal proteins MreB and RodZ define the spatio
      temporal distribution and function of membrane stress controller PspA in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - All cell types must maintain the integrity of their membranes. The conserved
      bacterial membrane-associated protein PspA is a major effector acting upon
      extracytoplasmic stress and is implicated in protection of the inner membrane of
      pathogens, formation of biofilms and multi-drug-resistant persister cells. PspA
      and its homologues in Gram-positive bacteria and archaea protect the cell
      envelope whilst also supporting thylakoid biogenesis in cyanobacteria and higher
      plants. In enterobacteria, PspA is a dual function protein negatively regulating
      the Psp system in the absence of stress and acting as an effector of membrane
      integrity upon stress. We show that in Escherichia coli the low-order oligomeric
      PspA regulatory complex associates with cardiolipin-rich, curved polar inner
      membrane regions. There, cardiolipin and the flotillin 1 homologue YqiK support
      the PspBC sensors in transducing a membrane stress signal to the PspA-PspF
      inhibitory complex. After stress perception, PspA high-order oligomeric effector
      complexes initially assemble in polar membrane regions. Subsequently, the
      discrete spatial distribution and dynamics of PspA effector(s) in lateral
      membrane regions depend on the actin homologue MreB and the peptidoglycan
      machinery protein RodZ. The consequences of loss of cytoplasmic membrane anionic
      lipids, MreB, RodZ and/or YqiK suggest that the mode of action of the PspA
      effector is closely associated with cell envelope organization.

PMID- 25118251
TI  - Monophasic expression of FliC by Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:- DT193 does not alter its
      pathogenicity during infection of porcine intestinal epithelial cells.
AB  - Non-typhoidal serotypes of Salmonella enterica remain important food-borne
      pathogens worldwide and the frequent emergence of epidemic strains in food
      producing animals is a risk to public health. In recent years, Salmonella
      4,[5],12:i:- isolates, expressing only phase 1 (FliC) of the two flagellar
      antigens, have emerged and increased in prevalence worldwide. In Europe, the
      majority of 4,[5],12:i:- isolates belong to phage types DT193 and DT120 of
      Salmonella Typhimurium and pigs have been identified as the reservoir species. In
      this study we investigated the ability of pig-derived monophasic (4,[5],12:i:-)
      and biphasic DT193 isolates to invade a porcine intestinal epithelial cell line
      (IPEC-1) and activate TLR-5, IL-8 and caspases. We found that the 4,[5],12:i:-
      isolates exhibited comparable adhesion and invasion to that of the virulent S.
      Typhimurium isolate 4/74, suggesting that these strains could be capable of
      colonizing the small intestine of pigs in vivo. Infection with 4,[5],12:i:- and
      biphasic DT193 isolates resulted in approximately the same level of TLR-5 (a
      flagellin receptor) and IL-8 (a proinflammatory chemokine) mRNA upregulation. The
      monophasic variants also elicited similar levels of caspase activation and
      cytotoxicity to the phase-variable DT193 isolates. These findings suggest that
      failure of 4,[5],12:i:- DT193 isolates to express a second phase of flagellar
      antigen (FljB) is unlikely to hamper their pathogenicity during colonization of
      the porcine intestinal tract.

PMID- 25118252
TI  - Evolution of a genome-encoded bias in amino acid biosynthetic pathways is a
      potential indicator of amino acid dynamics in the environment.
AB  - Overcoming the stress of starvation is one of an organism's most challenging
      phenotypic responses. Those organisms that frequently survive the challenge, by
      virtue of their fitness, will have evolved genomes that are shaped by their
      specific environments. Understanding this genotype-environment-phenotype
      relationship at a deep level will require quantitative predictive models of the
      complex molecular systems that link these aspects of an organism's existence.
      Here, we treat one of the most fundamental molecular systems, protein synthesis,
      and the amino acid biosynthetic pathways involved in the stringent response to
      starvation. These systems face an inherent logical dilemma: Building an amino
      acid biosynthetic pathway to synthesize its product-the cognate amino acid of the
      pathway-may require that very amino acid when it is no longer available. To study
      this potential "catch-22," we have created a generic model of amino acid
      biosynthesis in response to sudden starvation. Our mathematical analysis and
      computational results indicate that there are two distinctly different outcomes:
      Partial recovery to a new steady state, or full system failure. Moreover, the
      cell's fate is dictated by the cognate bias, the number of cognate amino acids in
      the corresponding biosynthetic pathway relative to the average number of that
      amino acid in the proteome. We test these implications by analyzing the proteomes
      of over 1,800 sequenced microbes, which reveals statistically significant
      evidence of low cognate bias, a genetic trait that would avoid the biosynthetic
      quandary. Furthermore, these results suggest that the pattern of cognate bias,
      which is readily derived by genome sequencing, may provide evolutionary clues to
      an organism's natural environment. 

PMID- 25118254
TI  - Root-secreted nicotianamine from Arabidopsis halleri facilitates zinc
      hypertolerance by regulating zinc bioavailability.
AB  - Hyperaccumulators tolerate and accumulate extraordinarily high concentrations of
      heavy metals. Content of the metal chelator nicotianamine (NA) in the root of
      zinc hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri is elevated compared with
      nonhyperaccumulators, a trait that is considered to be one of the markers of a
      hyperaccumulator. Using metabolite-profiling analysis of root secretions, we
      found that excess zinc treatment induced secretion of NA in A. halleri roots
      compared with the nonhyperaccumulator Arabidopsis thaliana. Metal speciation
      analysis further revealed that the secreted NA forms a stable complex with
      Zn(II). Supplying NA to a nonhyperaccumulator species markedly increased plant
      zinc tolerance by decreasing zinc uptake. Therefore, NA secretion from A. halleri
      roots facilitates zinc hypertolerance through forming a Zn(II)-NA complex outside
      the roots to achieve a coordinated zinc uptake rate into roots. Secretion of NA
      was also found to be responsible for the maintenance of iron homeostasis under
      excess zinc. Together our results reveal root-secretion mechanisms associated
      with hypertolerance and hyperaccumulation. 

PMID- 25118256
TI  - Digital inventory of Arabidopsis transcripts revealed by 61 RNA sequencing
      samples.
AB  - Alternative splicing is an essential biological process to generate proteome
      diversity and phenotypic complexity. Recent improvements in RNA sequencing
      accuracy and computational algorithms have provided unprecedented opportunities
      to examine the expression levels of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana)
      transcripts. In this article, we analyzed 61 RNA sequencing samples from 10
      totally independent studies of Arabidopsis and calculated the transcript
      expression levels in different tissues, treatments, developmental stages, and
      varieties. These data provide a comprehensive profile of Arabidopsis transcripts
      with single-base resolution. We quantified the expression levels of 40,745
      transcripts annotated in The Arabidopsis Information Resource 10, comprising 73%
      common transcripts, 15% rare transcripts, and 12% nondetectable transcripts. In
      addition, we investigated diverse common transcripts in detail, including
      ubiquitous transcripts, dominant/subordinate transcripts, and switch transcripts,
      in terms of their expression and transcript ratio. Interestingly, alternative
      splicing was the highly enriched function for the genes related to
      dominant/subordinate transcripts and switch transcripts. In addition, motif
      analysis revealed that TC motifs were enriched in dominant transcripts but not in
      subordinate transcripts. These motifs were found to have a strong relationship
      with transcription factor activity. Our results shed light on the complexity of
      alternative splicing and the diversity of the contributing factors. 

PMID- 25118259
TI  - RESTORE: REcovery after Serious Trauma--Outcomes, Resource use and patient
      Experiences study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic injury is a leading contributor to the overall global
      burden of disease. However, there is a worldwide shortage of population data to
      inform understanding of non-fatal injury burden. An improved understanding of the
      pattern of recovery following trauma is needed to better estimate the burden of
      injury, guide provision of rehabilitation services and care to injured people,
      and inform guidelines for the monitoring and evaluation of disability outcomes.
      OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive overview of patient outcomes and
      experiences in the first 5 years after serious injury. DESIGN: This is a
      population-based, nested prospective cohort study using quantitative data
      methods, supplemented by a qualitative study of a seriously injured participant
      sample. PARTICIPANTS: All 2547 paediatric and adult major trauma patients
      captured by the Victorian State Trauma Registry with a date of injury from 1 July
      2011 to 30 June 2012 who survived to hospital discharge and did not opt-off from
      the registry. ANALYSIS: To analyse the quantitative data and identify factors
      that predict poor or good outcome, whether there is change over time, differences
      in rates of recovery and change between key participant subgroups, multilevel
      mixed effects regression models will be fitted. To analyse the qualitative data,
      thematic analysis will be used to identify important themes and the relationships
      between themes. CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD: The results of this project have the
      potential to inform clinical decisions and public health policy, which can reduce
      the burden of non-fatal injury and improve the lives of people living with the
      consequences of severe injury.

PMID- 25118260
TI  - TAK1 inhibition accelerates cellular senescence of retinal pigment epithelial
      cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Oxidative stress and cellular senescence are known to contribute to the
      development of AMD; however, the mechanism is not fully understood. This study
      investigated the role of TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) in the senescence of
      RPE cells as a model for the development of dry AMD. METHODS: Cultured human RPE
      cells were treated with the TAK1 inhibitor 5Z-7-oxozeaenol for 1 hour, and then
      treated with 200 MUM hydrogen peroxide for 1 hour. Human RPE cells that were not
      pretreated with TAK1 inhibitor for 1 hour served as controls. Senescence
      associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-gal) activity was detected by
      histochemistry, and p53 expression by immunoblotting. Cell-cycle and apoptosis
      rate in RPE cells were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The TAK1 expression
      in human RPE cells was high and was altered on oxidative stress. Transforming
      growth factor-beta-activated kinase 1 inhibition led to reduction in cell
      proliferation, cell-cycle arrest at G0/G1, and increased SA-beta-gal expression,
      all known to be features of cell senescence. Exposure of cells to oxidative
      stress combined with inhibition of TAK1 activity decreased the expression of
      apoptotic proteins, such as p53, and promoted cellular senescence. Aberrant TAK1
      activity in RPE cells triggered their secretion of factors that induced
      hypertrophy and fibrotic changes in neighboring cells. CONCLUSIONS: The in vitro
      evidence indicated a role for TAK1 in the onset of senescence in RPE cells. The
      data shown hereby demonstrated that TAK1 activity is essential for maintaining
      normal function of RPE cells. Elucidation of its role in mechanisms underlying
      RPE cellular senescence induction may potentiate development of powerful tools
      for halting the development of dry AMD.

PMID- 25118253
TI  - Biotic interactions in the rhizosphere: a diverse cooperative enterprise for
      plant productivity.
AB  - Microbes and plants have evolved biochemical mechanisms to communicate with each
      other. The molecules responsible for such communication are secreted during
      beneficial or harmful interactions. Hundreds of these molecules secreted into the
      rhizosphere have been identified, and their functions are being studied in order
      to understand the mechanisms of interaction and communication among the different
      members of the rhizosphere community. The importance of root and microbe
      secretion to the underground habitat in improving crop productivity is
      increasingly recognized, with the discovery and characterization of new secreting
      compounds found in the rhizosphere. Different omic approaches, such as genomics,
      transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have expanded our understanding of
      the first signals between microbes and plants. In this review, we highlight the
      more recent discoveries related to molecules secreted into the rhizosphere and
      how they affect plant productivity, either negatively or positively. In addition,
      we include a survey of novel approaches to studying the rhizosphere and emerging
      opportunities to direct future studies. 

PMID- 25118255
TI  - Large-scale identification of gibberellin-related transcription factors defines
      group VII ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTORS as functional DELLA partners.
AB  - DELLA proteins are the master negative regulators in gibberellin (GA) signaling
      acting in the nucleus as transcriptional regulators. The current view of DELLA
      action indicates that their activity relies on the physical interaction with
      transcription factors (TFs). Therefore, the identification of TFs through which
      DELLAs regulate GA responses is key to understanding these responses from a
      mechanistic point of view. Here, we have determined the TF interactome of the
      Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) DELLA protein GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE and
      screened a collection of conditional TF overexpressors in search of those that
      alter GA sensitivity. As a result, we have found RELATED TO APETALA2.3, an
      ethylene-induced TF belonging to the group VII ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR of the
      APETALA2/ethylene responsive element binding protein superfamily, as a DELLA
      interactor with physiological relevance in the context of apical hook
      development. The combination of transactivation assays and chromatin
      immunoprecipitation indicates that the interaction with GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE
      impairs the activity of RELATED TO APETALA2.3 on the target promoters. This
      mechanism represents a unique node in the cross regulation between the GA and
      ethylene signaling pathways controlling differential growth during apical hook
      development. 

PMID- 25118261
TI  - Increased corneal epithelial permeability after overnight sleep.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate factors of ethnicity, sex, age, and diurnal variation on
      human corneal epithelial permeability. METHODS: Data of corneal epithelial
      permeability to sodium fluorescein (Pdc) were collected from 374 noncontact lens
      wearers at various times after awakening throughout the day. Mixed-effect models
      were developed to investigate the association between Pdc and factors of
      interest, including time awake (TA), age, sex, ethnicity, and interactions of
      these factors. RESULTS: Two models evaluated the "Pdc recovery period" from
      awakening to 2 hours (Model 1) and the "Pdc plateau" period after TA of 2 hours
      (Model 2). In Model 1, Pdc declined significantly with length of awake time (P =
      0.000), and showed higher Pdc with males (P = 0.098), although this sex
      difference was not observed after 2 hours (Model 2). Both models showed
      significantly higher Pdc in Asians than in non-Asians (P = 0.000) and increased
      Pdc with age (P = 0.048, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline corneal epithelial
      barrier function increases after overnight sleep and varies significantly by
      ethnicity and age.

PMID- 25118262
TI  - Posterior pole asymmetry analyses of retinal thickness of upper and lower sectors
      and their association with peak retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in healthy
      young eyes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the symmetry of the retinal thicknesses (RT) between the 32
      pairs of superior and inferior sectors by posterior pole asymmetrical analysis
      (PPAA) of the spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic (SD-OCT) images in
      healthy eyes. In addition, to determine their association with the position of
      the peak retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. METHODS: A prospective,
      observational, cross-sectional study of 64 right eyes. The Spectralis SD-OCT was
      used to obtain the images, and the PPAA determined the RT of the 64 cells within
      the central 24 degrees  area. The program also compared the thicknesses of
      corresponding cells across the fovea-disc axis. Circular scans were used to
      measure the supra- and infratemporal RNFL peak angle differences (PADs). The
      relationships between the RT of the corresponding cells and the relationship
      between the differences of the RT of the corresponding cells and PAD were
      investigated by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean differences between
      the RT of corresponding cells ranged from 3.1 to 23.2 MUm. The RT of all upper
      cells were significantly correlated with the RT of the corresponding lower cells
      (R = 0.45-0.97, P < 0.001). The coefficients of correlation between the
      corresponding pairs of central- and temporal-macular cells were higher than that
      of the peripheral and nasal-macular cells. The differences of the pairs of nasal
      macular cells RT were significantly correlated with the PAD. CONCLUSIONS: The
      symmetry of the RT between the upper and lower cells was high in the central and
      temporal-macular areas but not in the peripheral and nasal-macular areas.
      (www.umin.ac.jp/ctr number, UMIN000006040.).

PMID- 25118263
TI  - Quantitative analysis of functional changes caused by pinhole glasses.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify the visual functional changes caused by pinhole glasses.
      METHODS: Healthy subjects underwent ophthalmic examinations including uncorrected
      distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected near visual acuity (CNVA), pupil
      size, depth of focus (DOF), accommodative amplitude, visual field (VF) test,
      contrast sensitivity (CS), and stereopsis. Subjects underwent the same
      examinations while wearing pinhole glasses 1 week later. RESULTS: Forty-eight
      eyes of 48 subjects (24 male and 24 female) with a mean age of 35.5+/-6.7 years
      and a mean spherical equivalent of -2.4+/-3.3 diopters (D) were enrolled. The
      pinhole glasses significantly improved UDVA and CNVA (logMAR) from 0.44+/-0.46
      and 0.26+/-0.40 to 0.19+/-0.25 and 0.14+/-0.22, respectively. The pinhole glasses
      markedly enlarged pupils from 3.6+/-0.5 mm photopic size to 6.0+/-0.5 mm, very
      close to the mesopic size of 6.2+/-0.6 mm. Mean DOF and accommodative amplitude
      also significantly increased by approximately 50%, while VF featured a general
      reduction of sensitivity. Mean deviation (MD) significantly decreased from 
      0.48+/-1.57 to -4.22+/-1.66 dB, and visual field index (VFI) decreased from
      99.4+/-0.7% to 98.4+/-1.3%. The CS decreased significantly at all four spatial
      frequencies, and stereopsis deteriorated with pinhole glasses. CONCLUSIONS: The
      pinhole glasses improved visual acuity, DOF, and accommodative amplitude;
      however, they resulted in decreased visual quality including general reduction of
      VF sensitivity, CS, and stereopsis. Therefore, particular attention is needed
      when wearing pinhole glasses while driving, playing sports, or working with
      instruments. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02111356.).

PMID- 25118264
TI  - Generation and characterization of a murine model of Bietti crystalline
      dystrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is a rare, autosomal recessive,
      progressive, degenerative eye disease caused by mutations in the CYP4V2 gene, for
      which no treatments are currently available. Cyp4v3 is the murine ortholog to
      CYP4V2, and to better understand the molecular pathogenesis of this disease we
      have established a Cyp4v3-null mouse line. METHODS: Cyp4v3(-/-) mice were
      generated by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Ocular morphologic
      characteristics were evaluated via fundus imaging, plasma lipid profiling, and
      histologic analysis via Oil Red O reactivity, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and
      transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The Cyp4v3(-/-) mouse recapitulates
      the characteristic features of corneoretinal crystal accumulation and systemic
      dyslipidemia seen in BCD. The Cyp4v3(-/-) mice behave normally and are viable and
      fertile when maintained under specific pathogen-free (SPF) housing conditions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cyp4v3(-/-) mice represent a promising preclinical model that may be
      used to better understand the disease etiology and to evaluate pharmacotherapies
      for this devastating condition.

PMID- 25118266
TI  - Schlemm's canal expands after trabeculectomy in patients with primary angle
      closure glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vivo changes in the Schlemm's canal (SC) in patients
      with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) after trabeculectomy using spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: Forty eyes of 40 patients
      with PACG who underwent trabeculectomy were included. All participants underwent
      SD-OCT. The diameter and area of SC were examined and measured before and within
      1 month after trabeculectomy. All SD-OCT images were processed using adaptive
      compensation algorithm to improve contrast and image quality. Multivariate linear
      regression analysis was performed for predictors of percentage change in the mean
      SC diameter and area. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 60.5 +/- 14.6
      years. Adaptive compensation significantly increased the percentage of sections
      in which SC was observable in the subjects studied from 52.5% (21/40) to 75.0%
      (30/40), which has acceptable intraobserver and interobserver repeatability.
      There was a significant increase in the SC diameter and area at the follow-up
      examination compared with the baseline value (SC diameter: 34.2 +/- 6.2 MUm vs.
      28.4 +/- 6.1 MUm; SC area: 8117 +/- 1942 MUm(2) vs. 5200 +/- 996 MUm(2); all P <
      0.001). After multivariate analysis, the only variable related to changes in SC
      was percentage change in IOP (SC diameter, P = 0.002; SC area, P < 0.001). In
      addition, the magnitude of the change in the SC area also correlated with angle
      opening distance at 750 MUm from the scleral spur at baseline. CONCLUSIONS:
      Expansion of SC was observed after trabeculectomy in PACG patients. The degree of
      SC expansion was related to the extent of the IOP decrease.

PMID- 25118267
TI  - A topographical relationship between visual field defects and optic radiation
      changes in glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the topographic relationship between glaucomatous retinal
      ganglion cell loss and changes in the optic radiation (OR) using diffusion tensor
      imaging (DTI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was completed on nine patients
      with primary open angle glaucoma and nine age- and sex-matched controls. Glaucoma
      patients with binocular, symmetrical superior, or inferior visual hemifield
      defects were selected. A comparative DTI analysis was conducted between OR fibers
      connected to the affected and unaffected visual hemifield in the glaucoma group
      and corresponding OR in the control group. RESULTS: There was a significantly
      lower number of fiber bundles in the affected OR compared with unaffected OR and
      controls (P < 0.01). Radial diffusivity was similar between the affected and
      unaffected OR (P = 0.39), but higher in both groups compared with controls (P <
      0.01). There was no difference in axial diffusivity among all groups. As a
      consequence, fractional anisotropy was lower and mean diffusivity was higher in
      the affected and unaffected OR compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: A significant
      loss of OR fibers connected to the severely damaged part of the optic nerve head,
      but not the fibers connected to the relatively spared retinal hemifield shows a
      direct relationship between retinal neuronal damage and functionally connected OR
      fibers in glaucoma. However, OR fibers connected to the relatively preserved
      visual hemifield in the glaucoma subjects still showed changes in radial
      diffusivity compared with controls, suggesting possible early dysfunction. Our
      results support the notion that glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease involving
      the posterior visual pathway.

PMID- 25118265
TI  - Loss of outer retinal neurons and circuitry alterations in the DBA/2J mouse.
AB  - PURPOSE: The DBA/2J mouse line develops essential iris atrophy, pigment
      dispersion, and glaucomatous age-related changes, including an increase of IOP,
      optic nerve atrophy, and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. The aim of this study
      was to evaluate possible morphological changes in the outer retina of the DBA/2J
      mouse concomitant with disease progression and aging, based on the reduction of
      both the a- and b-waves and photopic flicker ERGs in this mouse line. METHODS:
      Vertically sectioned DBA/2J mice retinas were evaluated at 3, 8, and 16 months of
      age using photoreceptor, horizontal, and bipolar cell markers. Sixteen-month-old
      C57BL/6 mice retinas were used as controls. RESULTS: The DBA/2J mice had outer
      retinal degeneration at all ages, with the most severe degeneration in the oldest
      retinas. At 3 months of age, the number of photoreceptor cells and the thickness
      of the OPL were reduced. In addition, there was a loss of horizontal and ON
      bipolar cell processes. At 8 months of age, RGC degeneration occurred in patches,
      and in the outer retina overlying these patches, cone morphology was impaired
      with a reduction in size as well as loss of outer segments and growth of
      horizontal and bipolar cell processes into the outer nuclear layer. At 16 months
      of age, connectivity between photoreceptors and horizontal and bipolar cell
      processes overlying these patches was lost. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal degeneration in
      DBA/2J mice includes photoreceptor death, loss of bipolar and horizontal cell
      processes, and loss of synaptic contacts in an aging-dependent manner.

PMID- 25118268
TI  - Mitochondrial haplogroups are associated with severity of diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if specific mitochondrial haplogroups associate with
      nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic
      retinopathy (PDR). METHODS: Deidentified medical records for Caucasian patients
      with diabetic retinopathy (DR; 153 NPDR and 138 PDR) were obtained from BioVU,
      Vanderbilt University's electronic, deidentified DNA databank. An independent
      cohort of Caucasian patients with DR (44 NPDR and 57 PDR) from the Vanderbilt Eye
      Institute (VEI) was used for validation. We tested for an association between
      mitochondrial haplogroups and PDR among patients with DR. RESULTS: In the BioVU
      cohort, PDR frequency among Caucasian DR patients differed significantly by
      mitochondrial haplogroup (P = 0.027). Replication in the VEI cohort confirmed
      this association (P = 0.0064). In the combined cohort, patients from the common
      haplogroup H were more likely to have PDR (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0 [95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 1.3-3.0], P = 0.0012), while patients from haplogroup Uk were
      less likely to have PDR (OR = 0.5 [95% CI = 0.3-0.8], P = 0.0049). In logistic
      regression analyses, the addition of diabetes duration, hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c)
      levels, and hypertension had no effect on the associations of haplogroups H and
      Uk with PDR. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, DR patients from mitochondrial
      haplogroup H were more likely to have PDR, while DR patients from haplogroup Uk
      were less likely to have PDR. The association was independent of the major
      clinical variables affecting PDR. The mitochondrial haplogroups were as strong a
      risk factor for PDR as were elevated HgbA1c levels.

PMID- 25118271
TI  - Glycopeptide use is associated with increased mortality in Enterococcus faecalis
      bacteraemia--authors' response.

PMID- 25118272
TI  - Science and culture: dangerous doilies. Interview by Rebecca Horne.

PMID- 25118270
TI  - Homogeneity of antimicrobial policy, yet heterogeneity of antimicrobial
      resistance: antimicrobial non-susceptibility among 108,717 clinical isolates from
      primary, secondary and tertiary care patients in London.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined the 4 year trend in antimicrobial susceptibilities and
      prescribing across levels of care at two London teaching hospitals and their
      multisite renal unit, and for the surrounding community. METHODS: Laboratory and
      pharmacy information management systems were interrogated, with antimicrobial use
      and susceptibilities analysed between hospitals, within hospitals and over time.
      RESULTS: A total of 108,717 isolates from 71,687 patients were identified, with
      significant differences (at P < 0.05) in antimicrobial susceptibility between and
      within hospitals. Across the 4 years, rates of ESBL-/AmpC-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae ranged from 6.4% to 10.7% among community isolates, 17.8% to
      26.9% at ward level and 25.2% to 52.5% in critical care. Significant variations
      were also demonstrated in glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (ward level 6.2%
      17.4%; critical care 21.9%-56.3%), MRSA (ward level 18.5%-38.2%; critical care
      12.5%-47.9%) and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas spp. (ward level 8.3%-16.9%;
      critical care 19.9%-53.7%). Few instances of persistently higher resistance were
      seen between the hospitals in equivalent cohorts, despite persistently higher
      antimicrobial use in Hospital 1 than Hospital 2. We found significant
      fluctuations in non-susceptibility year on year across the cohorts, but with few
      persistent trends. CONCLUSIONS: The marked heterogeneity of antimicrobial
      susceptibilities between hospitals, within hospitals and over time demands
      detailed, standardized surveillance and appropriate benchmarking to identify
      possible drivers and effective interventions. Homogeneous antimicrobial policies
      are unlikely to continue to be suitable as individual hospitals join hospital
      networks, and policies should be tailored to local resistance rates, at least at
      the hospital level, and possibly with finer resolution, particularly for critical
      care.

PMID- 25118274
TI  - Fungal polyketide engineering comes of age.

PMID- 25118275
TI  - PIP5K1alpha inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer.

PMID- 25118269
TI  - Genetic variants associated with severe retinopathy of prematurity in extremely
      low birth weight infants.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine genetic variants associated with severe retinopathy of
      prematurity (ROP) in a candidate gene cohort study of US preterm infants.
      METHODS: Preterm infants in the discovery cohort were enrolled through the Eunice
      Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal
      Research Network, and those in the replication cohort were from the University of
      Iowa. All infants were phenotyped for ROP severity. Because of differences in the
      durations of enrollment between cohorts, severe ROP was defined as threshold
      disease in the discovery cohort and as threshold disease or type 1 ROP in the
      replication cohort. Whole genome amplified DNA from stored blood spot samples
      from the Neonatal Research Network biorepository was genotyped using an Illumina
      GoldenGate platform for candidate gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      involving angiogenic, developmental, inflammatory, and oxidative pathways. Three
      analyses were performed to determine significant epidemiologic variables and SNPs
      associated with levels of ROP severity. Analyses controlled for multiple
      comparisons, ancestral eigenvalues, family relatedness, and significant
      epidemiologic variables. Single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated
      with ROP severity from the discovery cohort were analyzed in the replication
      cohort and in meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eight hundred seventeen infants in the
      discovery cohort and 543 in the replication cohort were analyzed. Severe ROP
      occurred in 126 infants in the discovery and in 14 in the replication cohort. In
      both cohorts, ventilation days and seizure occurrence were associated with severe
      ROP. After controlling for significant factors and multiple comparisons, two
      intronic SNPs in the gene BDNF (rs7934165 and rs2049046, P < 3.1 * 10(-5)) were
      associated with severe ROP in the discovery cohort and were not associated with
      severe ROP in the replication cohort. However, when the cohorts were analyzed
      together in an exploratory meta-analysis, rs7934165 increased in associated
      significance with severe ROP (P = 2.9 * 10(-7)). CONCLUSIONS: Variants in BDNF
      encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor were associated with severe ROP in a
      large candidate gene study of infants with threshold ROP.

PMID- 25118279
TI  - Imaging of the cerebello-pontine angle.

PMID- 25118276
TI  - KLRG+ invariant natural killer T cells are long-lived effectors.
AB  - Immunological memory has been regarded as a unique feature of the adaptive immune
      response mediated in an antigen-specific manner by T and B lymphocytes. However,
      natural killer (NK) cells and gammadeltaT cells, which traditionally are
      classified as innate immune cells, have been shown in recent studies to have
      hallmark features of memory cells. Invariant NKT cell (iNKT cell)-mediated
      antitumor effects indicate that iNKT cells are activated in vivo by vaccination
      with iNKT cell ligand-loaded CD1d(+) cells, but not by vaccination with unbound
      NKT cell ligand. In such models, it previously was thought that the numbers of
      IFN-gamma-producing cells in the spleen returned to the basal level around 1 wk
      after the vaccination. In the current study, we demonstrate the surprising
      presence of effector memory-like iNKT cells in the lung. We found long-term
      antitumor activity in the lungs of mice was enhanced after vaccination with iNKT
      cell ligand-loaded dendritic cells. Further analyses showed that the KLRG1(+)
      (Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G, member 1-positive) iNKT cells
      coexpressing CD49d and granzyme A persisted for several months and displayed a
      potent secondary response to cognate antigen. Finally, analyses of CDR3beta by
      RNA deep sequencing demonstrated that some particular KLRG1(+) iNKT-cell clones
      accumulated, suggesting the selection of certain T-cell receptor repertoires by
      an antigen. The current findings identifying effector memory-like KLRG1(+) iNKT
      cells in the lung could result in a paradigm shift regarding the basis of newly
      developed extrathymic iNKT cells and could contribute to the future development
      of antitumor immunotherapy by uniquely energizing iNKT cells. 

PMID- 25118278
TI  - Engineered kinase activation reveals unique morphodynamic phenotypes and
      associated trafficking for Src family isoforms.
AB  - The Src kinase family comprises nine homologous members whose distinct expression
      patterns and cellular distributions indicate that they have unique roles. These
      roles have not been determined because genetic manipulation has not produced
      clearly distinct phenotypes, and the kinases' homology complicates generation of
      specific inhibitors. Through insertion of a modified FK506 binding protein
      (insertable FKBP12, iFKBP) into the protein kinase isoforms Fyn, Src, Lyn, and
      Yes, we engineered kinase analogs that can be activated within minutes in living
      cells (RapR analogs). Combining our RapR analogs with computational tools for
      quantifying and characterizing cellular dynamics, we demonstrate that Src family
      isoforms produce very different phenotypes, encompassing cell spreading,
      polarized motility, and production of long, thin cell extensions. Activation of
      Src and Fyn led to patterns of kinase translocation that correlated with
      morphological changes in temporally distinct stages. Phenotypes were dependent on
      N-terminal acylation, not on Src homology 3 (SH3) and Src homology 2 (SH2)
      domains, and correlated with movement between a perinuclear compartment,
      adhesions, and the plasma membrane. 

PMID- 25118277
TI  - Immature truncated O-glycophenotype of cancer directly induces oncogenic
      features.
AB  - Aberrant expression of immature truncated O-glycans is a characteristic feature
      observed on virtually all epithelial cancer cells, and a very high frequency is
      observed in early epithelial premalignant lesions that precede the development of
      adenocarcinomas. Expression of the truncated O-glycan structures Tn and sialyl-Tn
      is strongly associated with poor prognosis and overall low survival. The genetic
      and biosynthetic mechanisms leading to accumulation of truncated O-glycans are
      not fully understood and include mutation or dysregulation of
      glycosyltransferases involved in elongation of O-glycans, as well as relocation
      of glycosyltransferases controlling initiation of O-glycosylation from Golgi to
      endoplasmic reticulum. Truncated O-glycans have been proposed to play functional
      roles for cancer-cell invasiveness, but our understanding of the biological
      functions of aberrant glycosylation in cancer is still highly limited. Here, we
      used exome sequencing of most glycosyltransferases in a large series of primary
      and metastatic pancreatic cancers to rule out somatic mutations as a cause of
      expression of truncated O-glycans. Instead, we found hypermethylation of core 1
      beta3-Gal-T-specific molecular chaperone, a key chaperone for O-glycan
      elongation, as the most prevalent cause. We next used gene editing to produce
      isogenic cell systems with and without homogenous truncated O-glycans that
      enabled, to our knowledge, the first polyomic and side-by-side evaluation of the
      cancer O-glycophenotype in an organotypic tissue model and in xenografts. The
      results strongly suggest that truncation of O-glycans directly induces oncogenic
      features of cell growth and invasion. The study provides support for targeting
      cancer-specific truncated O-glycans with immunotherapeutic measures. 

PMID- 25118280
TI  - Interaction of HIV-1 Nef protein with the host protein Alix promotes lysosomal
      targeting of CD4 receptor.
AB  - Nef is an accessory protein of human immunodeficiency viruses that promotes viral
      replication and progression to AIDS through interference with various host
      trafficking and signaling pathways. A key function of Nef is the down-regulation
      of the coreceptor CD4 from the surface of the host cells. Nef-induced CD4 down
      regulation involves at least two independent steps as follows: acceleration of
      CD4 endocytosis by a clathrin/AP-2-dependent pathway and targeting of
      internalized CD4 to multivesicular bodies (MVBs) for eventual degradation in
      lysosomes. In a previous work, we found that CD4 targeting to the MVB pathway was
      independent of CD4 ubiquitination. Here, we report that this targeting depends on
      a direct interaction of Nef with Alix/AIP1, a protein associated with the
      endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machinery that assists
      with cargo recruitment and intraluminal vesicle formation in MVBs. We show that
      Nef interacts with both the Bro1 and V domains of Alix. Depletion of Alix or
      overexpression of the Alix V domain impairs lysosomal degradation of CD4 induced
      by Nef. In contrast, the V domain overexpression does not prevent cell surface
      removal of CD4 by Nef or protein targeting to the canonical ubiquitination
      dependent MVB pathway. We also show that the Nef-Alix interaction occurs in late
      endosomes that are enriched in internalized CD4. Together, our results indicate
      that Alix functions as an adaptor for the ESCRT-dependent, ubiquitin-independent
      targeting of CD4 to the MVB pathway induced by Nef. 

PMID- 25118281
TI  - The T4 phage DNA mimic protein Arn inhibits the DNA binding activity of the
      bacterial histone-like protein H-NS.
AB  - The T4 phage protein Arn (Anti restriction nuclease) was identified as an
      inhibitor of the restriction enzyme McrBC. However, until now its molecular
      mechanism remained unclear. In the present study we used structural approaches to
      investigate biological properties of Arn. A structural analysis of Arn revealed
      that its shape and negative charge distribution are similar to dsDNA, suggesting
      that this protein could act as a DNA mimic. In a subsequent proteomic analysis,
      we found that the bacterial histone-like protein H-NS interacts with Arn,
      implying a new function. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that Arn
      prevents H-NS from binding to the Escherichia coli hns and T4 p8.1 promoters. In
      vitro gene expression and electron microscopy analyses also indicated that Arn
      counteracts the gene-silencing effect of H-NS on a reporter gene. Because McrBC
      and H-NS both participate in the host defense system, our findings suggest that
      T4 Arn might knock down these mechanisms using its DNA mimicking properties. 

PMID- 25118282
TI  - Cathepsin S causes inflammatory pain via biased agonism of PAR2 and TRPV4.
AB  - Serine proteases such as trypsin and mast cell tryptase cleave protease-activated
      receptor-2 (PAR2) at R(36)?S(37) and reveal a tethered ligand that excites
      nociceptors, causing neurogenic inflammation and pain. Whether proteases that
      cleave PAR2 at distinct sites are biased agonists that also induce inflammation
      and pain is unexplored. Cathepsin S (Cat-S) is a lysosomal cysteine protease of
      antigen-presenting cells that is secreted during inflammation and which retains
      activity at extracellular pH. We observed that Cat-S cleaved PAR2 at E(56)?T(57),
      which removed the canonical tethered ligand and prevented trypsin activation. In
      HEK and KNRK cell lines and in nociceptive neurons of mouse dorsal root ganglia,
      Cat-S and a decapeptide mimicking the Cat-S-revealed tethered ligand-stimulated
      PAR2 coupling to Galphas and formation of cAMP. In contrast to trypsin, Cat-S did
      not mobilize intracellular Ca(2+), activate ERK1/2, recruit beta-arrestins, or
      induce PAR2 endocytosis. Cat-S caused PAR2-dependent activation of transient
      receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) in Xenopus laevis oocytes, HEK cells and
      nociceptive neurons, and stimulated neuronal hyperexcitability by adenylyl
      cyclase and protein kinase A-dependent mechanisms. Intraplantar injection of Cat
      S caused inflammation and hyperalgesia in mice that was attenuated by PAR2 or
      TRPV4 deletion and adenylyl cyclase inhibition. Cat-S and PAR2 antagonists
      suppressed formalin-induced inflammation and pain, which implicates endogenous
      Cat-S and PAR2 in inflammatory pain. Our results identify Cat-S as a biased
      agonist of PAR2 that causes PAR2- and TRPV4-dependent inflammation and pain. They
      expand the role of PAR2 as a mediator of protease-driven inflammatory pain. 

PMID- 25118283
TI  - A critical role of the C-terminal segment for allosteric inhibitor-induced
      aberrant multimerization of HIV-1 integrase.
AB  - Allosteric HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibitors (ALLINIs) are a promising class of
      antiretroviral agents for clinical development. Although ALLINIs promote aberrant
      IN multimerization and inhibit IN interaction with its cellular cofactor
      LEDGF/p75 with comparable potencies in vitro, their primary mechanism of action
      in infected cells is through inducing aberrant multimerization of IN. Crystal
      structures have shown that ALLINIs bind at the IN catalytic core domain dimer
      interface and bridge two interacting subunits. However, how these interactions
      promote higher-order protein multimerization is not clear. Here, we used mass
      spectrometry-based protein footprinting to monitor surface topology changes in
      full-length WT and the drug-resistant A128T mutant INs in the presence of ALLINI
      2. These experiments have identified protein-protein interactions that extend
      beyond the direct inhibitor binding site and which lead to aberrant
      multimerization of WT but not A128T IN. Specifically, we demonstrate that C
      terminal residues Lys-264 and Lys-266 play an important role in the inhibitor
      induced aberrant multimerization of the WT protein. Our findings provide
      structural clues for exploiting IN multimerization as a new, attractive
      therapeutic target and are expected to facilitate development of improved
      inhibitors. 

PMID- 25118284
TI  - Amyloid-beta peptide-specific DARPins as a novel class of potential therapeutics
      for Alzheimer disease.
AB  - Passive immunization with anti-amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) antibodies is
      effective in animal models of Alzheimer disease. With the advent of efficient in
      vitro selection technologies, the novel class of designed ankyrin repeat proteins
      (DARPins) presents an attractive alternative to the immunoglobulin scaffold.
      DARPins are small and highly stable proteins with a compact modular architecture
      ideal for high affinity protein-protein interactions. In this report, we describe
      the selection, binding profile, and epitope analysis of Abeta-specific DARPins.
      We further showed their ability to delay Abeta aggregation and prevent Abeta
      mediated neurotoxicity in vitro. To demonstrate their therapeutic potential in
      vivo, mono- and trivalent Abeta-specific DARPins (D23 and 3*D23) were infused
      intracerebroventricularly into the brains of 11-month-old Tg2576 mice over 4
      weeks. Both D23 and 3*D23 treatments were shown to result in improved cognitive
      performance and reduced soluble Abeta levels. These findings demonstrate the
      therapeutic potential of Abeta-specific DARPins for the treatment of Alzheimer
      disease. 

PMID- 25118286
TI  - High-throughput analysis of ultrasonication-forced amyloid fibrillation reveals
      the mechanism underlying the large fluctuation in the lag time.
AB  - Amyloid fibrils form in supersaturated solutions of precursor proteins by a
      nucleation and growth mechanism characterized by a lag time. Although the lag
      time provides a clue to understanding the complexity of nucleation events, its
      long period and low reproducibility have been obstacles for exact analysis.
      Ultrasonication is known to effectively break supersaturation and force
      fibrillation. By constructing a Handai amyloid burst inducer, which combines a
      water bath-type ultrasonicator and a microplate reader, we examined the
      ultrasonication-forced fibrillation of several proteins, with a focus on the
      fluctuation in the lag time. Amyloid fibrillation of hen egg white lysozyme was
      examined at pH 2.0 in the presence of 1.0-5.0 M guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl),
      in which the dominant species varied from the native to denatured conformations.
      Although fibrillation occurred at various concentrations of GdnHCl, the lag time
      varied largely, with a minimum being observed at ~3.0 M, the concentration at
      which GdnHCl-dependent denaturation ended. The coefficient of variation of the
      lag time did not depend significantly on the GdnHCl concentration and was 2-fold
      larger than that of the ultrasonication-dependent oxidation of iodide, a simple
      model reaction. These results suggest that the large fluctuation observed in the
      lag time for amyloid fibrillation originated from a process associated with a
      common amyloidogenic intermediate, which may have been a relatively compact
      denatured conformation. We also suggest that the Handai amyloid burst inducer
      system will be useful for studying the mechanism of crystallization of proteins
      because proteins form crystals by the same mechanism as amyloid fibrils under
      supersaturation.

PMID- 25118285
TI  - Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 regulates nucleotide excision repair through
      deubiquitinating XPC protein and preventing XPC protein from undergoing
      ultraviolet light-induced and VCP/p97 protein-regulated proteolysis.
AB  - Ubiquitin specific protease 7 (USP7) is a known deubiquitinating enzyme for tumor
      suppressor p53 and its downstream regulator, E3 ubiquitin ligase Mdm2. Here we
      report that USP7 regulates nucleotide excision repair (NER) via deubiquitinating
      xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein, a critical damage
      recognition factor that binds to helix-distorting DNA lesions and initiates NER.
      XPC is ubiquitinated during the early stage of NER of UV light-induced DNA
      lesions. We demonstrate that transiently compromising cellular USP7 by siRNA and
      chemical inhibition leads to accumulation of ubiquitinated forms of XPC, whereas
      complete USP7 deficiency leads to rapid ubiquitin-mediated XPC degradation upon
      UV irradiation. We show that USP7 physically interacts with XPC in vitro and in
      vivo. Overexpression of wild-type USP7, but not its catalytically inactive or
      interaction-defective mutants, reduces the ubiquitinated forms of XPC.
      Importantly, USP7 efficiently deubiquitinates XPC-ubiquitin conjugates in
      deubiquitination assays in vitro. We further show that valosin-containing protein
      (VCP)/p97 is involved in UV light-induced XPC degradation in USP7-deficient
      cells. VCP/p97 is readily recruited to DNA damage sites and colocalizes with XPC.
      Chemical inhibition of the activity of VCP/p97 ATPase causes an increase in
      ubiquitinated XPC on DNA-damaged chromatin. Moreover, USP7 deficiency severely
      impairs the repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and, to a lesser extent,
      affects the repair of 6-4 photoproducts. Taken together, our findings uncovered
      an important role of USP7 in regulating NER via deubiquitinating XPC and by
      preventing its VCP/p97-regulated proteolysis. 

PMID- 25118287
TI  - The Toxoplasma pseudokinase ROP5 is an allosteric inhibitor of the immunity
      related GTPases.
AB  - The Red Queen hypothesis proposes that there is an evolutionary arms race between
      host and pathogen. One possible example of such a phenomenon could be the
      recently discovered interaction between host defense proteins known as immunity
      related GTPases (IRGs) and a family of rhoptry pseudokinases (ROP5) expressed by
      the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Mouse IRGs are encoded by an extensive
      and rapidly evolving family of over 20 genes. Similarly, the ROP5 family is
      highly polymorphic and consists of 4-10 genes, depending on the strain of
      Toxoplasma. IRGs are known to be avidly bound and functionally inactivated by
      ROP5 proteins, but the molecular basis of this interaction/inactivation has not
      previously been known. Here we show that ROP5 uses a highly polymorphic surface
      to bind adjacent to the nucleotide-binding domain of an IRG and that this
      produces a profound allosteric change in the IRG structure. This has two dramatic
      effects: 1) it prevents oligomerization of the IRG, and 2) it alters the
      orientation of two threonine residues that are targeted by the Toxoplasma Ser/Thr
      kinases, ROP17 and ROP18. ROP5s are highly specific in the IRGs that they will
      bind, and the fact that it is the most highly polymorphic surface of ROP5 that
      binds the IRG strongly supports the notion that these two protein families are co
      evolving in a way predicted by the Red Queen hypothesis. 

PMID- 25118288
TI  - Shock wave treatment enhances cell proliferation and improves wound healing by
      ATP release-coupled extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation.
AB  - Shock wave treatment accelerates impaired wound healing in diverse clinical
      situations. However, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of shock
      waves have not yet been fully revealed. Because cell proliferation is a major
      requirement in the wound healing cascade, we used in vitro studies and an in vivo
      wound healing model to study whether shock wave treatment influences
      proliferation by altering major extracellular factors and signaling pathways
      involved in cell proliferation. We identified extracellular ATP, released in an
      energy- and pulse number-dependent manner, as a trigger of the biological effects
      of shock wave treatment. Shock wave treatment induced ATP release, increased
      Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK activation, and enhanced proliferation in three different
      cell types (C3H10T1/2 murine mesenchymal progenitor cells, primary human adipose
      tissue-derived stem cells, and a human Jurkat T cell line) in vitro. Purinergic
      signaling-induced Erk1/2 activation was found to be essential for this
      proliferative effect, which was further confirmed by in vivo studies in a rat
      wound healing model where shock wave treatment induced proliferation and
      increased wound healing in an Erk1/2-dependent fashion. In summary, this report
      demonstrates that shock wave treatment triggers release of cellular ATP, which
      subsequently activates purinergic receptors and finally enhances proliferation in
      vitro and in vivo via downstream Erk1/2 signaling. In conclusion, our findings
      shed further light on the molecular mechanisms by which shock wave treatment
      exerts its beneficial effects. These findings could help to improve the clinical
      use of shock wave treatment for wound healing. 

PMID- 25118289
TI  - Regulation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway by microRNA-21 in alcoholic liver
      injury.
AB  - IL-6/Stat3 is associated with the regulation of transcription of key cellular
      regulatory genes (microRNAs) during different types of liver injury. This study
      evaluated the role of IL-6/Stat3 in regulating miRNA and miR-21 in alcoholic
      liver disease. By microarray, we identified that ethanol feeding significantly up
      regulated 0.8% of known microRNAs in mouse liver compared with controls,
      including miR-21. Similarly, the treatment of normal human hepatocytes (N-Heps)
      and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) with ethanol and IL-6 significantly increased
      miR-21 expression. Overexpression of miR-21 decreased ethanol-induced apoptosis
      in both N-Heps and HSCs. The expression level of miR-21 was significantly
      increased after Stat3 activation in N-Heps and HSCs, in support of the concept
      that the 5'-promoter region of miR-21 is regulated by Stat3. Using real time PCR,
      we confirmed that miR-21 activation is associated with ethanol-linked Stat3
      binding of the miR-21 promoter. A combination of bioinformatics, PCR array, dual
      luciferase reporter assay, and Western blot analysis revealed that Fas ligand
      (TNF superfamily, member 6) (FASLG) and death receptor 5 (DR5) are the direct
      targets of miR-21. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-21 by specific Vivo-Morpholino
      and knock-out of IL-6 in ethanol-treated mice also increased the expression of
      DR5 and FASLG in vivo during alcoholic liver injury. The identification of miR-21
      as an important regulator of hepatic cell survival, transformation, and
      remodeling in vitro, as well as its upstream modulators and downstream targets,
      will provide insight into the involvement of altered miRNA expression in
      contributing to alcoholic liver disease progression and testing novel therapeutic
      approaches for human alcoholic liver diseases. 

PMID- 25118292
TI  - Simpson's paradox: how performance measurement can fail even with perfect risk
      adjustment.

PMID- 25118290
TI  - Antiparallel triple-strand architecture for prefibrillar Abeta42 oligomers.
AB  - Abeta42 oligomers play key roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease, but
      their structures remain elusive partly due to their transient nature. Here, we
      show that Abeta42 in a fusion construct can be trapped in a stable oligomer
      state, which recapitulates characteristics of prefibrillar Abeta42 oligomers and
      enables us to establish their detailed structures. Site-directed spin labeling
      and electron paramagnetic resonance studies provide structural restraints in
      terms of side chain mobility and intermolecular distances at all 42 residue
      positions. Using these restraints and other biophysical data, we present a novel
      atomic-level oligomer model. In our model, each Abeta42 protein forms a single
      beta-sheet with three beta-strands in an antiparallel arrangement. Each beta
      sheet consists of four Abeta42 molecules in a head-to-tail arrangement. Four beta
      sheets are packed together in a face-to-back fashion. The stacking of identical
      segments between different beta-sheets within an oligomer suggests that
      prefibrillar oligomers may interconvert with fibrils via strand rotation, wherein
      beta-strands undergo an ~90 degrees  rotation along the strand direction. This
      work provides insights into rational design of therapeutics targeting the process
      of interconversion between toxic oligomers and non-toxic fibrils. 

PMID- 25118291
TI  - A sensory complex consisting of an ATP-binding cassette transporter and a two
      component regulatory system controls bacitracin resistance in Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - Resistance against antimicrobial peptides in many Firmicutes bacteria is mediated
      by detoxification systems that are composed of a two-component regulatory system
      (TCS) and an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. The histidine kinases of
      these systems depend entirely on the transporter for sensing of antimicrobial
      peptides, suggesting a novel mode of signal transduction where the transporter
      constitutes the actual sensor. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      molecular mechanisms of this unusual signaling pathway in more detail, using the
      bacitracin resistance system BceRS-BceAB of Bacillus subtilis as an example. To
      analyze the proposed communication between TCS and the ABC transporter, we
      characterized their interactions by bacterial two-hybrid analyses and could show
      that the permease BceB and the histidine kinase BceS interact directly. In vitro
      pulldown assays confirmed this interaction, which was found to be independent of
      bacitracin. Because it was unknown whether BceAB-type transporters could detect
      their substrate peptides directly or instead recognized the peptide-target
      complex in the cell envelope, we next analyzed substrate binding by the transport
      permease, BceB. Direct and specific binding of bacitracin by BceB was
      demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. Finally, in vitro signal
      transduction assays indicated that complex formation with the transporter
      influenced the autophosphorylation activity of the histidine kinase. Taken
      together, our findings clearly show the existence of a sensory complex composed
      of TCS and ABC transporters and provide the first functional insights into the
      mechanisms of stimulus perception, signal transduction, and antimicrobial
      resistance employed by Bce-like detoxification systems. 

PMID- 25118294
TI  - Predictive markers of radiotherapy-induced rectal   cancer regression.
AB  - Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer receive preoperative radiotherapy to
      reduce the probability of recurrence and to possibly improve overall survival.
      However, this appears dependent on the extent of histological tumour regression
      seen in the resected bowel, which can be highly variable between individuals. No
      predictive marker that can stratify patient management in this regard is
      currently available. Experimental data implicates a variety of factors that are
      involved in the DNA damage response following radiation injury, tumour tissue
      oxygenation, autoimmune antitumour response triggered by radiotherapy and in the
      pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, as potential indicators of radiation
      sensitivity. These details are presented in this review, which may serve as
      targets for clinical validation studies aiming to find predictors of radiotherapy
      response in rectal cancer.

PMID- 25118293
TI  - Alterations of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor gene copy number and protein
      expression are common in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - AIMS: Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) is a tyrosine kinase membrane
      receptor involved in tumourigenesis that may be a potential therapeutic target.
      We aimed to investigate the incidence and prognostic significance of alterations
      in IGF1R copy number, and IGF1R protein expression in resected primary non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and lymph node metastases. METHODS: IGF1R gene copy
      number status was evaluated by chromogenic silver in situ hybridisation and IGF1R
      protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray
      sections from a retrospective cohort of 309 surgically resected NSCLCs and
      results were compared with clinicopathological features, including EGFR and KRAS
      mutational status and patient survival. RESULTS: IGF1R gene copy number status
      was positive (high polysomy or amplification) in 29.2% of NSCLC, and 12.1%
      exhibited IGF1R gene amplification. High IGF1R expression was found in 28.3%.
      There was a modest correlation between IGF1R gene copy number and protein
      expression (r=0.2, p<0.05). Alterations of IGF1R gene copy number and protein
      expression in primary tumours were significantly associated with alterations in
      lymph node metastases (p<0.01). High IGF1R gene copy number and protein
      expression was significantly higher in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) compared
      with other subtypes of NSCLC (p<0.05). There were no other associations between
      IGF1R status and other clinicopathological features including patient age,
      gender, smoking status, tumour size, stage, grade, EGFR or KRAS mutational status
      or overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: High IGF1R gene copy number and protein
      overexpression are frequent in NSCLC, particularly in SCCs, but they are not
      prognostically relevant.

PMID- 25118295
TI  - CXCR4 antagonist inhibits perineural invasion of adenoid cystic carcinoma.
AB  - AIM: Perineural invasion and expression of CXCR4 is characteristic of adenoid
      cystic carcinoma (ACC). Herein, we aimed to demonstrate CXCR4 expression in ACC,
      identify its association with perineural invasion and investigate the impact of
      CXCR4 inhibitor in vitro and in a murine perineural invasion model. METHODS:
      Expression of CXCR4 was assessed in ACC cell lines and in human tissue. The
      effects of gene knockdown using siRNA and specific blocker of CXCR4 (AMD3100)
      were evaluated in vitro. A preclinical perineural invasion model was developed
      using BALB/c nude mouse. The effect of AMD3100 was evaluated in vivo. RESULTS:
      CXCR4 was highly expressed in aggressive strains of ACC in vitro, in the tumour
      in the animal model and in the tumour of human tissue. SDF-1 expression was also
      demonstrated in the nerve of murine and human tissue. Gene knockdown by siRNA and
      inhibition by a CXCR4-specific inhibitor AMD3100 effectively abrogated invasion
      but not proliferation of ACC in vitro. The rate of perineural invasion was
      significantly decreased with AMD3100 treatment in the animal model. CONCLUSIONS:
      CXCR4 is associated with perineural invasion in ACC. AMD3100, which can
      effectively diminish perineural invasion of ACC, may have an adjuvant role in the
      management of ACC.

PMID- 25118296
TI  - Leaf mass per area is independent of vein length per area: avoiding pitfalls when
      modelling phenotypic integration (reply to Blonder et al. 2014).
AB  - It has been recently proposed that leaf vein length per area (VLA) is the major
      determinant of leaf mass per area ( MA), and would thereby determine other traits
      of the leaf economic spectrum (LES), such as photosynthetic rate per mass
      (A(mass)), nitrogen concentration per mass (N(mass)) and leaf lifespan (LL). In a
      previous paper we argued that this 'vein origin' hypothesis was supported only by
      a mathematical model with predestined outcomes, and that we found no support for
      the 'vein origin' hypothesis in our analyses of compiled data. In contrast to the
      'vein origin' hypothesis, empirical evidence indicated that VLA and LMA are
      independent mechanistically, and VLA (among other vein traits) contributes to a
      higher photosynthetic rate per area (A(area)), which scales up to driving a
      higher A(mass), all independently of LMA, N(mass) and LL. In their reply to our
      paper, Blonder et al. (2014) raised questions about our analysis of their model,
      but did not address our main point, that the data did not support their
      hypothesis. In this paper we provide further analysis of an extended data set,
      which again robustly demonstrates the mechanistic independence of LMA from VLA,
      and thus does not support the 'vein origin' hypothesis. We also address the four
      specific points raised by Blonder et al. (2014) regarding our analyses. We
      additionally show how this debate provides critical guidance for improved
      modelling of LES traits and other networks of phenotypic traits that determine
      plant performance under contrasting environments.

PMID- 25118297
TI  - SUMO1 in human sperm: new targets, role in motility and morphology and
      relationship with DNA damage.
AB  - In studies carried out previously, we demonstrated that small ubiquitin-like
      modifier 1 (SUMO1) is associated with poor sperm motility when evaluated with a
      protocol that reveals mostly SUMO1-ylated live sperm. Recently, with another
      protocol, it has been demonstrated that SUMO is expressed in most sperm and is
      related to poor morphology and motility, suggesting that sumoylation may have
      multiple roles depending on its localisation and targets. We show herein, by
      confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation, that dynamin-related protein 1
      (DRP1), Ran GTPase-activating protein 1 (RanGAP1) and Topoisomerase IIalpha,
      SUMO1 targets in somatic and/or germ cells, are SUMO1-ylated in mature human
      spermatozoa. DRP1 co-localises with SUMO1 in the mid-piece, whereas RanGAP1 and
      Topoisomerase IIalpha in the post-acrosomal region of the head. Both SUMO1
      expression and co-localisation with the three proteins were significantly higher
      in morphologically abnormal sperm, suggesting that sumoylation represents a
      marker of defective sperm. DRP1 sumoylation at the mid-piece level was higher in
      the sperm of asthenospermic men. As in somatic cells, DRP1 sumoylation is
      associated with mitochondrial alterations, this protein may represent the link
      between SUMO and poor motility. As SUMO pathways are involved in responses to DNA
      damage, another aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between
      sumoylation and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). By flow cytometry, we demonstrated
      that SUMO1-ylation and SDF are correlated (r=0.4, P<0.02, n=37) and most
      sumoylated sperm shows DNA damage in co-localisation analysis. When SDF was
      induced by stressful conditions (freezing and thawing and oxidative stress),
      SUMO1-ylation increased. Following freezing and thawing, SUMO1-Topoisomerase
      IIalpha co-localisation and co-immunoprecipitation increased, suggesting an
      involvement in the formation/repair of DNA breakage. 

PMID- 25118298
TI  - CAR expression in human embryos and hESC illustrates its role in pluripotency and
      tight junctions.
AB  - Coxsackie virus and adenovirus receptor, CXADR (CAR), is present during
      embryogenesis and is involved in tissue regeneration, cancer and intercellular
      adhesion. We investigated the expression of CAR in human preimplantation embryos
      and embryonic stem cells (hESC) to identify its role in early embryogenesis and
      differentiation. CAR protein was ubiquitously present during preimplantation
      development. It was localised in the nucleus of uncommitted cells, from the
      cleavage stage up to the precursor epiblast, and corresponded with the presence
      of soluble CXADR3/7 splice variant. CAR was displayed on the membrane, involving
      in the formation of tight junction at compaction and blastocyst stages in both
      outer and inner cells, and CAR corresponded with the full-length CAR-containing
      transmembrane domain. In trophectodermal cells of hatched blastocysts, CAR was
      reduced in the membrane and concentrated in the nucleus, which correlated with
      the switch in RNA expression to the CXADR4/7 and CXADR2/7 splice variants. The
      cells in the outer layer of hESC colonies contained CAR on the membrane and all
      the cells of the colony had CAR in the nucleus, corresponding with the
      transmembrane CXADR and CXADR4/7. Upon differentiation of hESC into cells
      representing the three germ layers and trophoblast lineage, the expression of
      CXADR was downregulated. We concluded that CXADR is differentially expressed
      during human preimplantation development. We described various CAR expressions:
      i) soluble CXADR marking undifferentiated blastomeres; ii) transmembrane CAR
      related with epithelial-like cell types, such as the trophectoderm (TE) and the
      outer layer of hESC colonies; and iii) soluble CAR present in TE nuclei after
      hatching. The functions of these distinct forms remain to be elucidated. 

PMID- 25118299
TI  - Expression, activation, and role of AKT isoforms in the uterus.
AB  - The three isoforms of AKT: AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3, are crucial regulators of both
      normal and pathological cellular processes. Each of these isoforms exhibits a
      high level of homology and functional redundancy with each other. However, while
      being highly similar and structurally homologous, a rising amount of evidence is
      showing that each isoform possesses specific targets as well as preferential
      subcellular localization. The role of AKT has been studied extensively in
      reproductive processes, but isoform-specific roles are yet to be fully
      understood. This review will focus on the role of AKT in the uterus and its
      function in processes related to cell death and proliferation such as embryo
      implantation, decidualization, endometriosis, and endometrial cancer in an
      isoform-centric manner. In this review, we will cover the activation of AKT in
      various settings, localization of isoforms in subcellular compartments, and the
      effect of isoform expression on cellular processes. To fully understand the
      dynamic molecular processes taking place in the uterus, it is crucial that we
      better understand the physiological role of AKT isoforms as well as their
      function in the emergence of diseases. 

PMID- 25118300
TI  - Haplo-deficiency of ODF1/HSPB10 in mouse sperm causes relaxation of head-to-tail
      linkage.
AB  - The small heat shock protein ODF1/HSPB10 is essential for male fertility in mice.
      Targeted deletion of Odf1 resulted in acephalic sperm in homozygous mice of mixed
      background (C57BL/6J//129/Sv), whereas heterozygous animals are fully fertile. To
      further elucidate the function of ODF1, we generated incipient congenic mice with
      targeted deletion of Odf1 by successive backcrossing on the 129/Sv background. We
      observed that fecundity of heterozygous Odf1(+/-) male mice was severely reduced
      over backcross generations. However, neither aberrant sperm parameters nor sperm
      anomalies could be observed. Ultra-structural analyses of sperm from incipient
      congenic heterozygous Odf1(+/-) males of backcross generation N7 revealed no
      obvious pathological findings. However, we observed an enlargement of the
      distance between nuclear membrane and capitulum, indicating a weakening of the
      sperm head-to-tail coupling. Severe male subfertility provoked by haplo
      deficiency of ODF1 is therefore most probably caused by impaired head-to-tail
      coupling that eventually might induce sperm decapitation on the specific
      conditions of in vivo fertilisation. As subfertility in haplo-deficient ODF1 male
      mice could not be diagnosed by semen analysis, it seems to be a paradigm for
      unexplained infertility that is a frequent diagnosis for male fertility
      impairment in humans. 

PMID- 25118301
TI  - Seminal plasma aids the survival and cervical transit of epididymal ram
      spermatozoa.
AB  - Seminal plasma purportedly plays a critical role in reproduction, but epididymal
      spermatozoa are capable of fertilisation following deposition in the uterus,
      calling into question the biological requirement of this substance. Through a
      combination of direct observation of spermatozoa in utero using probe-based
      Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy, in vivo assessment of sperm fertility and in vitro
      analysis of various sperm functional parameters, this study investigated the role
      of seminal plasma in spermatozoa transit through the cervix of the ewe. Following
      deposition in the cervical os, epididymal spermatozoa previously exposed to
      seminal plasma displayed an enhanced ability to traverse the cervix as evidenced
      by both significantly higher pregnancy rates and numbers of spermatozoa observed
      at the utero-tubal junction when compared with epididymal spermatozoa not
      previously exposed to seminal plasma. The beneficial effect of seminal plasma on
      sperm transport was clearly localised to transit through the cervix as pregnancy
      rates of spermatozoa deposited directly into the uterus were unaffected by
      exposure to seminal plasma. This phenomenon was not explained by changes to sperm
      motion characteristics, as seminal plasma had no effect on the motility,
      kinematic parameters or mitochondrial membrane potential of spermatozoa. Rather,
      in vitro testing revealed that seminal plasma improved the ability of epididymal
      spermatozoa to penetrate cervical mucus recovered from ewes in oestrus. These
      results demonstrate that the survival and transport of ram spermatozoa through
      the cervix of the ewe is not linked to their motility or velocity but rather the
      presence of some cervical penetration trait conferred by exposure to seminal
      plasma. 

PMID- 25118302
TI  - Individual commitment to a group effect: strengths and weaknesses of bovine
      embryo group culture.
AB  - Recently, new culture devices such as Corral and Primo Vision dishes have been
      designed for the culture of human embryos to allow the combination of group
      culture plus follow-up of individual embryos. Bovine inseminated oocytes were
      allocated to Primo Vision dishes, Corral dishes, individual culture or classical
      group culture. Blastocyst development in Primo Vision dishes was similar to
      classical group culture (34.3 and 39.0% respectively), and better than Corral
      dishes or individual culture (28.9 and 28.5% respectively). In Primo Vision
      dishes, a higher number of 'slow' embryos developed to the blastocyst stage
      compared with their individually cultured counterparts, while no differences were
      observed for 'fast' embryos. 'Slow' embryos in a 'standard drop' had a higher
      chance of becoming a blastocyst compared with individual culture (OR: 2.3),
      whereas blastulation of 'fast' embryos was less efficient in a 'delayed drop'
      than in individual culture (OR: 0.3). The number of non-cleaved embryos in Primo
      Vision dishes did not negatively influence blastocyst development. Likewise,
      removing non-cleaved embryos (NC removed) and regrouping the cleaved embryos
      afterwards (ReGR) did not affect blastocyst development and quality compared with
      group culture in Primo Vision dishes (CTRL, 31.6%, NC removed, 29.3% and ReGR,
      29.6%). The experiments revealed that group culture of bovine embryos in Primo
      Vision dishes is superior to individual culture, primarily because of the higher
      blastocyst rate achieved by slow embryos. Non-cleaved or arrested embryos do not
      hamper the ability of co-cultured bovine embryos to reach the blastocyst stage in
      group culture. 

PMID- 25118303
TI  - Lamin A/C proteins in the spermatid acroplaxome are essential in mouse
      spermiogenesis.
AB  - Spermiogenesis is a complex process of terminal differentiation that is necessary
      to produce mature sperm. Using protein expression profiles of mouse and human
      testes generated from our previous studies, we chose to examine the actions of
      lamin A/C in the current investigation. Lamin A and lamin C are isoforms of the A
      type lamins that are encoded by the LMNA gene. Our results showed that lamin A/C
      was expressed in the mouse testis throughout the different stages of
      spermatogenesis and in mature sperm. Lamin A/C was also expressed in mouse
      haploid germ cells and was found to be localized to the acroplaxome in
      spermiogenesis, from round spermatids until mature spermatozoa. The decreased
      expression of lamin A/C following injections of siRNA against Lmna caused a
      significant increase in caudal sperm head abnormalities when compared with
      negative controls. These abnormalities were characterized by increased
      fragmentation of the acrosome and abnormal vesicles, which failed to fuse to the
      developing acrosome. This fragmentation also caused significant alterations in
      nuclear elongation and acrosome formation. Furthermore, we found that lamin A/C
      interacted with the microtubule plus-end-tracking protein CLIP170. These results
      suggest that lamin A/C is critical for proper structural and functional
      development of the sperm acrosome and head shape. 

PMID- 25118304
TI  - Expression and regulation of the tumor suppressor, SEF, during folliculogenesis
      in humans and mice.
AB  - Similar expression to FGF (Sef or IL17-RD), is a tumor suppressor and an
      inhibitor of growth factors as well as of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling. In
      this study, we examined the regulation of Sef expression by gonadotropins during
      ovarian folliculogenesis. In sexually immature mice, in situ hybridization (ISH)
      localized Sef gene expression to early developing oocytes and granulosa cells
      (GC) but not to theca cells. Sef was also expressed in mouse ovarian endothelial
      cells, in the fallopian tube epithelium as well as in adipose tissue venules. SEF
      protein expression, determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), correlated well
      with Sef mRNA expression in GC, while differential expression was noticed in
      oocytes. High Sef mRNA but undetectable SEF protein levels were observed in the
      oocytes of primary/secondary follicles, while an inverse correlation was found in
      the oocytes of preantral and small antral follicles. Sef mRNA expression dropped
      after pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) administration, peaked at 6-8 h
      after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment, and declined by 12 h after
      this treatment. ISH and IHC localized the changes to oocytes and mural GC
      following PMSG treatment, whereas Sef expression increased in mural GC and
      declined in granulosa-lutein cells upon hCG treatment. The ovarian expression of
      SEF was confirmed using human samples. ISH localized SEF transcripts to human GC
      of antral follicles but not to corpora lutea. Furthermore, SEF mRNA was detected
      in human GC recovered from preovulatory follicles. These results are the first to
      demonstrate SEF expression in a healthy ovary during folliculogenesis. Hormonal
      regulation of its expression suggests that SEF may be an important factor
      involved in intra-ovarian control mechanisms. 

PMID- 25118305
TI  - Comparison of Therapist-Directed and Physician-Directed Respiratory Care in COPD
      Subjects With Acute Pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective medical record review was to
      compare the effects of therapist-directed (protocol RT) and physician-directed
      (non-protocol RT) respiratory therapy on hospital stay and 30-d post-discharge
      readmission in COPD subjects with acute bacterial pneumonia. METHODS: We reviewed
      320 medical records; 244 records were usable. Information gathered included
      gender, age, RT protocol type (protocol RT or non-protocol RT), hospital stay, 30
      d post-discharge readmission, and disease severity score. A 3-way analysis of
      variance and post hoc analysis were performed to determine the possible effects
      of disease severity, age, and RT protocol type on hospital stay and the possible
      interaction effects among these independent variables. A chi-square test for
      independence was computed to determine whether there was an association between
      RT protocol type and 30-d readmission. RESULTS: There were no significant
      interaction effects among RT protocol type, age, and disease severity on hospital
      stay. In addition, there were no significant effects of either RT protocol type
      (P=.41) or age (P=.85) on hospital stay in our subject sample. However, as
      expected, disease severity had a significant effect on hospital stay, increasing
      it by a mean of 2.6 d (95% CI 0.77-4.4, P=.005). The chi-square test for
      independence revealed that the frequency of 30-d readmission was significantly
      associated with RT protocol type (P=.02); fewer 30-d readmissions were associated
      with protocol RT. CONCLUSIONS: We interpreted the finding of no difference in
      mean hospital stay between protocol and non-protocol RT to indicate that protocol
      RT did not confer a disadvantage to subjects in terms of hospital stay.
      Additionally, the results suggest that treatment efficacy is not sacrificed when
      RT is directed by respiratory therapists rather than by physicians regardless of
      disease severity and that therapist-directed protocols may have been of some
      benefit in reducing 30-d post-discharge readmission.

PMID- 25118306
TI  - Neonatal and adult ICU ventilators to provide ventilation in neonates, infants,
      and children: a bench model study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Using a bench test model, we investigated the hypothesis that
      neonatal and/or adult ventilators equipped with neonatal/pediatric modes
      currently do not reliably administer pressure support (PS) in neonatal or
      pediatric patient groups in either the absence or presence of air leaks. METHODS:
      PS was evaluated in 4 neonatal and 6 adult ventilators using a bench model to
      evaluate triggering, pressurization, and cycling in both the absence and presence
      of leaks. Delivered tidal volumes were also assessed. Three patients were
      simulated: a preterm infant (resistance 100 cm H2O/L/s, compliance 2 mL/cm H2O,
      inspiratory time of the patient [TI] 400 ms, inspiratory effort 1 and 2 cm H2O),
      a full-term infant (resistance 50 cm H2O/L/s, compliance 5 mL/cm H2O, TI 500 ms,
      inspiratory effort 2 and 4 cm H2O), and a child (resistance 30 cm H2O/L/s,
      compliance 10 mL/cm H2O, TI 600 ms, inspiratory effort 5 and 10 cm H2O). Two PS
      levels were tested (10 and 15 cm H2O) with and without leaks and with and without
      the leak compensation algorithm activated. RESULTS: Without leaks, only 2
      neonatal ventilators and one adult ventilator had trigger delays under a given
      predefined acceptable limit (1/8 TI). Pressurization showed high variability
      between ventilators. Most ventilators showed TI in excess high enough to
      seriously impair patient-ventilator synchronization (> 50% of the TI of the
      subject). In some ventilators, leaks led to autotriggering and impairment of
      ventilation performance, but the influence of leaks was generally lower in
      neonatal ventilators. When a noninvasive ventilation algorithm was available,
      this was partially corrected. In general, tidal volume was calculated too low by
      the ventilators in the presence of leaks; the noninvasive ventilation algorithm
      was able to correct this difference in only 2 adult ventilators. CONCLUSIONS: No
      ventilator performed equally well under all tested conditions for all explored
      parameters. However, neonatal ventilators tended to perform better in the
      presence of leaks. These findings emphasize the need to improve algorithms for
      assisted ventilation modes to better deal with situations of high airway
      resistance, low pulmonary compliance, and the presence of leaks.

PMID- 25118307
TI  - Subjects hospitalized with the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus in a
      respiratory infection unit: clinical factors correlating with ICU admission.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus was accompanied by high
      morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical
      characteristics of patients with documented 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus
      admitted to a reference chest hospital, the disease outcome, and risk factors
      associated with ICU admission. METHODS: We assessed 109 subjects admitted to the
      respiratory infection unit of a hospital for chest disease with signs and
      symptoms of the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus between April 2009 and December
      2010. Demographic data, comorbidities, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory
      tests, radiographic findings, treatment, and final outcomes were all recorded.
      Factors associated with severe disease requiring ICU admission were determined.
      RESULTS: Ninety subjects (82.5%) had laboratory-confirmed 2009 influenza A
      (H1N1). Sixty-four percent of these subjects had pneumonia on admission, 26% had
      respiratory failure, and 11% required care in the ICU. Dyspnea and the presence
      of infiltrates on chest x-rays were the most common signs among the subjects with
      H1N1. All subjects were treated with antiviral therapy, and 75% received
      antibiotic treatment based on their clinical and laboratory findings. The
      predictive factors of ICU admission were severe hypoxemia and lymphocytosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of subjects with influenza A (H1N1) virus infection was
      influenced by the severity of the disease on admission, the subjects' underlying
      conditions, and complications during hospitalization.

PMID- 25118308
TI  - Use of heliox delivered via high-flow nasal cannula to treat an infant with
      coronavirus-related respiratory infection and severe acute air-flow obstruction.
AB  - Heliox, a helium-oxygen gas mixture, has been used for many decades to treat
      obstructive pulmonary disease. The lower density and higher viscosity of heliox
      relative to nitrogen-oxygen mixtures can significantly reduce airway resistance
      when an anatomic upper air-flow obstruction is present and gas flow is turbulent.
      Clinically, heliox can decrease airway resistance in acute asthma in adults and
      children and in COPD. Heliox may also enhance the bronchodilating effects of beta
      agonist administration for acute asthma. Respiratory syndromes caused by
      coronavirus infections in humans range in severity from the common cold to severe
      acute respiratory syndrome associated with human coronavirus OC43 and other viral
      strains. In infants, coronavirus infection can cause bronchitis, bronchiolitis,
      and pneumonia in variable combinations and can produce enough air-flow
      obstruction to cause respiratory failure. We describe a case of coronavirus OC43
      infection in an infant with severe acute respiratory distress treated with heliox
      inhalation to avoid intubation. 

PMID- 25118309
TI  - A taxonomy for mechanical ventilation: 10 fundamental maxims.
AB  - The American Association for Respiratory Care has declared a benchmark for
      competency in mechanical ventilation that includes the ability to "apply to
      practice all ventilation modes currently available on all invasive and
      noninvasive mechanical ventilators." This level of competency presupposes the
      ability to identify, classify, compare, and contrast all modes of ventilation.
      Unfortunately, current educational paradigms do not supply the tools to achieve
      such goals. To fill this gap, we expand and refine a previously described
      taxonomy for classifying modes of ventilation and explain how it can be
      understood in terms of 10 fundamental constructs of ventilator technology: (1)
      defining a breath, (2) defining an assisted breath, (3) specifying the means of
      assisting breaths based on control variables specified by the equation of motion,
      (4) classifying breaths in terms of how inspiration is started and stopped, (5)
      identifying ventilator-initiated versus patient-initiated start and stop events,
      (6) defining spontaneous and mandatory breaths, (7) defining breath sequences
      (8), combining control variables and breath sequences into ventilatory patterns,
      (9) describing targeting schemes, and (10) constructing a formal taxonomy for
      modes of ventilation composed of control variable, breath sequence, and targeting
      schemes. Having established the theoretical basis of the taxonomy, we demonstrate
      a step-by-step procedure to classify any mode on any mechanical ventilator. 

PMID- 25118310
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory air leak in a child presenting
      with bacterial tracheitis.

PMID- 25118311
TI  - Asthma and adherence to inhaled corticosteroids: current status and future
      perspectives.
AB  - Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the cornerstone of maintenance asthma therapy.
      However, in spite of this, adherence to ICS remains low. The aim of this
      systematic literature review was to provide an overview of the current knowledge
      of adherence to ICS, effects of poor adherence, and means to improve adherence. A
      total of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria: 9 focusing on the level of
      adherence, 6 focusing on effects of poor adherence, and 7 focusing on
      interventions to improve adherence. Three of the studies focused on more than one
      of these end points. The mean level of adherence to ICS was found to be between
      22 and 63%, with improvement up to and after an exacerbation. Poor adherence was
      associated with youth, being African-American, having mild asthma, < 12 y of
      formal education, and poor communication with the health-care provider, whereas
      improved adherence was associated with being prescribed fixed-combination therapy
      (ICS and long-acting beta2 agonists). Good adherence was associated with higher
      FEV1, a lower percentage of eosinophils in sputum, reduction in hospitalizations,
      less use of oral corticosteroids, and lower mortality rate. Overall, 24% of
      exacerbations and 60% of asthma-related hospitalizations could be attributed to
      poor adherence. Most studies have reported an increase in adherence following
      focused interventions, followed by an improvement in quality of life, symptoms,
      FEV1, and oral corticosteroid use. However, 2 studies found no difference in
      health-care utilization, one observed no effect on symptoms, and one observed
      more symptoms in subjects in the intervention group compared with the control
      group. Good adherence to ICS in asthma improves outcome but remains low.
      Interventions to improve adherence show varying results, with most studies
      reporting an increase in adherence but unfortunately not necessarily an
      improvement in outcome. Even following successful interventions, adherence
      remains low. Further research is needed to explore barriers to adherence and
      interventions for improvement. 

PMID- 25118312
TI  - Effects of different levels of pressure support on intra-individual breath-to
      breath variability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence exists that during pressure support ventilation (PSV), the
      addition of an extrinsic (ie, ventilator-generated) breath-to-breath variability
      (BBV) of breathing pattern improves respiratory function. If BBV is beneficial
      per se, choosing the PS level that maximizes it could be considered a valid
      strategy for conventional PSV. In this study, we evaluated the effect of
      different PS levels on intrinsic BBV in acutely ill, mechanically ventilated
      subjects to determine whether a significant relationship exists between PS level
      and BBV magnitude. METHODS: Fourteen invasively mechanically ventilated subjects
      were prospectively studied. PS was adjusted at 20 cm H2O and sequentially reduced
      to 15, 10, and 5 cm H2O. Arterial blood gas analysis and pressure at 0.1 s after
      the onset of inspiration (P0.1) were measured at each PS level. Airway and
      esophageal pressure and air flow were continuously recorded. Peak inspiratory
      flow, tidal volume (VT), breathing frequency, and pressure-time product (PTP)
      were calculated on a breath-by-breath basis. The breathing pattern variability
      was assessed by the coefficient of variation of the time series of VT, peak
      inspiratory flow, and breathing frequency from ~ 60 consecutive breath cycles at
      each PS level. A general linear model for repeated measures was applied, with PS
      as an independent factor. A significance level of .05 was considered. RESULTS:
      Despite a large inter-individual difference in all measured variables (P < .001),
      the coefficient of variation was as low as 30%, and no significant differences in
      the coefficient of variation of peak inspiratory flow, breathing frequency, and
      VT between PS levels were observed (P > .15). Additionally, a significant
      increase in P0.1, PTP, and breathing frequency (P < .01) and a reduction in VT (P
      < .001) were observed with PS reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a significant
      increase in spontaneous activity with PS reduction, BBV was not influenced by the
      PS level and was as low as 30% for all evaluated parameters.

PMID- 25118314
TI  - Gender-specific differences in Adamantiades-Behcet's disease manifestations: an
      analysis of the German registry and meta-analysis of data from the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of gender on the clinical Adamantiades
      Behcet's disease (ABD) phenotype with data from the German ABD registry and a
      meta-analysis from a systematic literature review. METHODS: Using the German ABD
      registry data, we compared 36 clinical variables by gender (with women as the
      reference category) and investigated potential effect modification by HLA-B5 or
      ethnic background. The registry data were combined with those from a literature
      search to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) for variables with data from >=10
      relevant datasets. RESULTS: The German ABD registry provided information for 747
      subjects (58.1% males) and the systematic literature review identified another 52
      datasets informing on 16 variables. Both analyses consistently revealed the
      association of male gender with ocular involvement (RR 1.28 and 1.34 from the ABD
      registry and meta-analysis, respectively), folliculitis (RR 1.30 and 1.26),
      papulopustular lesions (RR 1.23 and 1.25), vascular involvement (RR 2.31 and
      2.27), superficial (RR 2.96 and 1.63) and deep venous thromboses (RR 2.56 and
      2.16) and female gender with genital ulcers (RR 0.78 and 0.92) and joint
      involvement (RR 0.79 and 0.89). The ABD registry data additionally showed male
      gender associated with heart involvement (RR 10.60), whereas the meta-analyses
      revealed male gender associated with the pathergy test (RR 1.14) and female
      gender associated with erythema nodosum (RR 0.86). HLA-B5 and Turkish or German
      origin did not affect the observed associations. CONCLUSION: These analyses
      support gender-associated clinical variations in ABD and in particular a
      clinically meaningful risk of cardiovascular involvement for men.

PMID- 25118315
TI  - The role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of carpal tunnel syndrome:
      a new paradigm.
AB  - Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, affecting
      9% of women, and it is responsible for significant morbidity and occupational
      absence. Clinical assessment is used for initial diagnosis and nerve conduction
      (NC) studies are currently the principal test used to confirm the diagnosis.
      Sensitivity of NC studies is >85% and specificity is >95%. There is now good
      evidence that US can be used as an alternative to NC studies to diagnose CTS. US
      can assess the anatomy of the median nerve and also identify pathology of the
      surrounding structures that may compress the nerve. Median nerve enlargement
      (cross-sectional area >=10 mm(2) at the level of the pisiform bone or tunnel
      inlet) is the most commonly used parameter to diagnose CTS on US, and sensitivity
      has been reported to be as high as 97.9% using this parameter. US may also be
      used to guide therapeutic corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel--thus
      avoiding median nerve injury--and to objectively monitor the response to
      treatment. There is now sufficient evidence to propose a new paradigm for the
      diagnosis of CTS that incorporates US. US is proposed as the initial diagnostic
      test in CTS based on similar sensitivity and specificity to NC studies but higher
      patient acceptability, lower cost and additional capability to assess carpal
      tunnel anatomy and guide injection.

PMID- 25118316
TI  - Vocal fold bamboo nodes in undifferentiated connective tissue disease.

PMID- 25118313
TI  - Methotrexate-mediated inhibition of nuclear factor kappaB activation by distinct
      pathways in T cells and fibroblast-like synoviocytes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a critical activator of
      inflammatory processes and MTX is one of the most commonly prescribed DMARDs for
      treatment of RA. We sought to determine whether MTX inhibited NF-kappaB activity
      in RA and in lymphocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and to define
      underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS: An NF-kappaB luciferase reporter
      plasmid was used to measure NF-kappaB activation across experimental stimuli.
      Flow cytometry was used to quantify changes in intracellular protein levels,
      measure levels of reactive oxygen species and determine apoptosis. Quantitative
      RT-PCR was used to identify changes in MTX target genes. RESULTS: In T cell
      lines, MTX (0.1 MUM) inhibited activation of NF-kappaB via depletion of
      tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and increased Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK)-dependent p53
      activity. Inhibitors of BH4 activity or synthesis also inhibited NF-kappaB
      activation and, similar to MTX, increased JNK, p53, p21 and JUN activity.
      Patients with RA expressed increased levels of phosphorylated or active RelA
      (p65) compared with controls. Levels of phosphorylated RelA were reduced in
      patients receiving low-dose MTX therapy. In contrast, inhibition of NF-kappaB
      activation by MTX was not mediated via BH4 depletion and JNK activation in FLSs,
      but rather was completely prevented by adenosine receptor antagonists.
      CONCLUSION: Our findings support a model whereby distinct pathways are activated
      by MTX in T cells and FLSs to inhibit NF-kappaB activation.

PMID- 25118319
TI  - Standards for the management of sexually transmitted infections--2014.

PMID- 25118318
TI  - The first gamma-H2AX biodosimetry intercomparison exercise of the developing
      European biodosimetry network RENEB.
AB  - In the event of a mass casualty radiation incident, the gamma-H2AX foci assay
      could be a useful tool to estimate radiation doses received by individuals. The
      rapid processing time of blood samples of just a few hours and the potential for
      batch processing, enabling high throughput, make the assay ideal for early triage
      categorisation to separate the 'worried well' from the low and critically exposed
      by quantifying radiation-induced foci in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Within the
      RENEB framework, 8 European laboratories have taken part in the first European
      gamma-H2AX biodosimetry exercise, which consisted of a telescoring comparison of
      200 circulated foci images taken from 8 samples, and a comparison of 10 fresh
      blood lymphocyte samples that were shipped overnight to participating labs 4 or
      24 h post-exposure. Despite large variations between laboratories in the dose
      response relationship for foci induction, the obtained results indicate that the
      network should be able to use the gamma-H2AX assay for rapidly identifying the
      most severely exposed individuals within a cohort who could then be prioritised
      for accurate chromosome dosimetry. 

PMID- 25118320
TI  - The utility of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in the investigation and treatment of
      neurosyphilis.

PMID- 25118321
TI  - Providing a genitourinary medicine colposcopy service.

PMID- 25118322
TI  - Diagnostics within the clinic to test for gonorrhoea and chlamydia reduces the
      time to treatment: a service evaluation.

PMID- 25118323
TI  - Prevalence of and factors mediating HIV infection among sex workers in Lisbon,
      Portugal: the 5-year experience of a community organisation.

PMID- 25118324
TI  - Psychosocial and sexual healthcare needs in men selling sex in Glasgow: a
      retrospective case note review.

PMID- 25118325
TI  - Syphilis: a historical vignette.

PMID- 25118326
TI  - Lipocalin 2 as a membrane-reorganizing agent.
AB  - Lipocalins are a class of proteins that scavenge hydrophobic molecules in diverse
      contexts, including the immune system, the nervous system, and cancer. A recent
      study by Watanbe et al. identifies lipocalin 2 produced by the female mouse
      reproductive tract as a sperm-capacitating agent that alters the membrane
      properties of sperm in preparation for fertilization. The potential for
      lipocalins to act as general modulators of plasma membrane bioactivity is
      discussed. 

PMID- 25118329
TI  - The tyrosine kinase Lyn limits the cytokine responsiveness of plasma cells to
      restrict their accumulation in mice.
AB  - Maintenance of an appropriate number of plasma cells, long-lived antibody
      producing cells that are derived from B cells, is essential for maintaining
      immunological memory while limiting disease. Plasma cell survival relies on
      extrinsic factors, the limited availability of which determines the size of the
      plasma cell population. Mice deficient in the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Lyn are
      prone to an autoimmune disease that is characterized by inflammation and an
      excess of plasma cells (plasmacytosis). We demonstrated that the plasmacytosis
      was intrinsic to B cells and independent of inflammation. We also showed that Lyn
      attenuated signaling by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
      (STAT3) and STAT5 in response to the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-3,
      respectively, in two previously uncharacterized plasma cell signaling pathways.
      Thus, in the absence of Lyn, the survival of plasma cells was improved, which
      enabled the plasma cells to become established in excess numbers in niches in
      vivo. These data identify Lyn as a key regulator of survival signaling in plasma
      cells, limiting plasma cell accumulation and autoimmune disease susceptibility. 

PMID- 25118331
TI  - Commentary on: the oncoplastic reduction approach to breast conservation therapy:
      benefits for margin control.

PMID- 25118328
TI  - Type IV collagen is an activating ligand for the adhesion G protein-coupled
      receptor GPR126.
AB  - GPR126 is an orphan heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)
      coupled receptor (GPCR) that is essential for the development of diverse organs.
      We found that type IV collagen, a major constituent of the basement membrane,
      binds to Gpr126 and activates its signaling function. Type IV collagen stimulated
      the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in rodent Schwann cells, which
      require Gpr126 activity to differentiate, and in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293
      cells expressing exogenous Gpr126. Type IV collagen specifically bound to the
      extracellular amino-terminal region of Gpr126 containing the CUB (complement,
      Uegf, Bmp1) and pentraxin domains. Gpr126 derivatives lacking the entire amino
      terminal region were constitutively active, suggesting that this region inhibits
      signaling and that ligand binding relieves this inhibition to stimulate receptor
      activity. A new zebrafish mutation that truncates Gpr126 after the CUB and
      pentraxin domains disrupted development of peripheral nerves and the inner ear.
      Thus, our findings identify type IV collagen as an activating ligand for GPR126,
      define its mechanism of activation, and highlight a previously unrecognized
      signaling function of type IV collagen in basement membranes. 

PMID- 25118330
TI  - Low-dose CT for patients with clinically suspected acute appendicitis: optimal
      strength of sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction for image quality and
      diagnostic performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As there is increased concern over the radiation exposure
      particularly in adolescents and young adults, computed tomography (CT) dose
      reduction is needed in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. PURPOSE: To evaluate
      the optimal strength of sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) to
      obtain the best image quality on a 30-mAs applied low-dose CT (LDCT 30mAs) and to
      compare the diagnostic performances of the LDCT 30mAs with different SAFIRE
      strengths with that of the 100-mAs applied LDCT (LDCT 100mAs) for the diagnosis
      of acute appendicitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 102 consecutive patients
      (47 men, 55 women; mean age, 41.2 years; range, 15-82 years) with right lower
      quadrant pain underwent abdominal-pelvic CT, consisting of arterial phase LDCT
      100mAs and portal venous phase LDCT30mAs under a fixed 120 kV. LDCT 30mAs images
      were reconstructed separately with five strength levels (S1-S5). Two blinded
      radiologists recorded scores for the subjective image quality of the LDCT 30mAs
      dataset (S0-S5) and confidence scores for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis on
      each dataset and LDCT 100mAs. CT image noise was measured for each set. RESULTS:
      The study population consisted of 58 patients with confirmed appendicitis and 44
      without appendicitis. There was no significant difference in diagnostic
      performance between LDCT 100mAs and LDCT 30mAs with any strength for both readers
      (AUC for reader 1, LDCT 30mAs with S0-S5 = 0.97, LDCT 100mAs = 0.93, P = 0.0936;
      for reader 2, LDCT 30mAs with S0-S5 = 0.96, LDCT 100mAs = 0.97, P = 0.128). The
      measured noise decreased as the strength increased from S0 to S5 (mean, 20.8 >
      17.7 > 15.6 > 13.5 > 11.5 > 9.5, P < 0.0001). However, overall subjective image
      quality on S3 was better than the other strengths for both readers (S0 < S1 < S2
      < S3 > S4 > S5, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Although measured noise declined as
      SAFIRE strength increased, S3 seems optimal for the best subjective image quality
      on LDCT 30mAs. The diagnostic performance of LDCT 30mAs with any strength is
      comparable to that of LDCT 100mAs for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

PMID- 25118327
TI  - Targeting aPKC disables oncogenic signaling by both the EGFR and the
      proinflammatory cytokine TNFalpha in glioblastoma.
AB  - Grade IV glioblastoma is characterized by increased kinase activity of epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR); however, EGFR kinase inhibitors have failed to
      improve survival in individuals with this cancer because resistance to these
      drugs often develops. We showed that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha)
      produced in the glioblastoma microenvironment activated atypical protein kinase C
      (aPKC), thereby producing resistance to EGFR kinase inhibitors. Additionally, we
      identified that aPKC was required both for paracrine TNFalpha-dependent
      activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and for
      tumor cell-intrinsic receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Targeting aPKC decreased
      tumor growth in mouse models of glioblastoma, including models of EGFR kinase
      inhibitor-resistant glioblastoma. Furthermore, aPKC abundance and activity were
      increased in human glioblastoma tumor cells, and high aPKC abundance correlated
      with poor prognosis. Thus, targeting aPKC might provide an improved molecular
      approach for glioblastoma therapy. 

PMID- 25118332
TI  - Insulin treatment prevents the increase in D-serine in hippocampal CA1 area of
      diabetic rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diabetes is a high risk factor for dementia. Employing a diabetic rat
      model, the present study was designed to determine whether the content of D
      serine (D-Ser) in hippocampus is associated with the impairment of spatial
      learning and memory ability. METHODS: Diabetes was induced by a single
      intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The insulin treatment began 3 days
      after STZ injection. RESULTS: We found that both water maze learning and
      hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) were impaired in diabetic rats. The
      contents of glutamate, D-Ser, and serine racemase in the hippocampus of diabetic
      rats were significantly higher than those in the control group. Insulin treatment
      prevented the STZ-induced impairment in water maze learning and hippocampal CA1
      LTP in diabetic rats and also maintained the contents of glutamate, D-Ser, and
      serine racemase at the normal range in hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that insulin treatment has a potent protection effect on CA1-LTP, spatial
      learning and memory ability of the diabetic rats in vivo. Furthermore, insulin
      may take effect by inhibiting the overactivation of N-methyl-d-aspartate
      receptors, which play a critical role in neurotoxicity.

PMID- 25118333
TI  - Evaluation of a pet-assisted living intervention for improving functional status
      in assisted living residents with mild to moderate cognitive impairment: a pilot
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In older adults with cognitive impairment (CI), decreased functional
      status and increased behavioral symptoms require relocation from assisted living
      (AL) to nursing homes. Studies support positive effects of pets on
      health/function. PURPOSE: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Pet AL (PAL)
      intervention to support physical, behavioral, and emotional function in AL
      residents with CI. METHODS: Cognitively impaired AL residents randomized to 60-90
      minute sessions [PAL (n = 22) or reminiscing (n = 18)] twice/week for 12 weeks.
      PAL interventionist encourages residents to perform skills with the visiting dog;
      reminiscing interventionist encourages residents to reminisce. Monthly assessment
      of physical (energy expenditure, activities of daily living), emotional
      (depression, apathy), and behavioral (agitation) function. RESULTS: In linear
      mixed models, physical activity depressive symptoms improved more with PAL.
      CONCLUSION: Evidence supports that the PAL program helps preserve/enhance
      function of AL residents with CI. Additional study is required to evaluate the
      duration and predictors of effectiveness of the PAL intervention.

PMID- 25118335
TI  - Oil binding capacities of triacylglycerol crystalline nanoplatelets: nanoscale
      models of tristearin solids in liquid triolein.
AB  - Polycrystalline particles composed of triacylglycerol (TAG) molecules, and their
      networks, in anhydrous TAG oils find extensive use as edible oils in the food
      industry. Although modelling studies of TAG systems, have been carried out, none
      have attempted to address a problem of central concern to food science and
      technology: the "oil binding capacity" of a system of such edible oils.
      Crystalline nanoparticles (CNPs) have recently been identified as the fundamental
      components of solid fats in oils. Oil binding capacity is an important concept
      regarding the ability of fats particles to retain oil, and the ability of these
      CNPs to bind oil is important in designing healthy foods. We have carried out
      atomic scale molecular dynamics computer simulations to understand the behavior
      of a triacylglycerol oil (triolein) in nanoscale confinements between tristearin
      CNPs. We define a nanoscale oil binding capacity function by utilizing the
      average oil number density, <Phi(d)>, between two CNPs as a function of their
      separation, d. We modelled pure tristearin CNPs as well as tristearin CNPs in
      which the surfaces are covered with an interface comprising soft permanent
      coatings. Their surfaces are "hard" and "soft" respectively. We found that for a
      pair of hard-surface tristearin CNPs a distance d apart, (i) triolein exhibits
      number density, and therefore density, oscillations as a function of d, and (ii)
      the average number density between two such CNPs decreases as d decreases, viz.
      the oil binding capacity is lowered. When a soft layer of oil covers the CNP
      surfaces, we found that the oscillations are smeared out and that the average
      number density between the two CNPs remained approximately constant as d
      decreased indicating a high oil binding capacity. Our results might have
      identified important nanoscale aspects to aid in healthy food design. 

PMID- 25118334
TI  - Strengthening the dementia care triad: identifying knowledge gaps and linking to
      resources.
AB  - This article describes a project to identify the needs of family caregivers and
      health care providers caring for persons with dementia. Participants included 128
      caregivers, who completed a survey, and 27 health care providers, who
      participated in a focus group and completed a survey. Caregivers reported their
      primary source of information about the disease was the doctor; however, the
      majority also reported they were primarily informed of medications and not about
      needed resources. Health care providers identified limited time with patients and
      families, and lack of awareness of community services, as their main challenges.
      Recommendations include strengthening the partnership between physicians,
      patients, and caregivers (the dementia care triad) through additional support and
      training for physicians and caregivers, increasing awareness of the Alzheimer's
      Association, and utilization of technology for families and professionals to
      track the needs of persons with dementia.

PMID- 25118336
TI  - Direct analysis of quaternary alkaloids by in situ reactive desorption corona
      beam ionization MS.
AB  - The direct detection of quaternary alkaloids by atmospheric pressure chemical
      ionization (APCI)-base ambient MS is difficult because of their poor volatility.
      In this study, a reactive protocol was developed for the in situ determination of
      quaternary alkaloids using desorption corona beam ionization (DCBI) mass
      spectrometry (MS). The model compounds of 8 quaternary alkaloids including
      sanguinarine, chelerythrine, cyclanoline, nitidine, coptisine, jatrorrhizine,
      berberine, palmatine and 2 tertiary alkaloids including protopine and
      allocryptopine were investigated in different states such as on a
      polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) plate, in raw herbal materials, and in silica gel.
      After various reactive reagents were studied, the mixture of saturated aqueous
      NaOH solution and CH3OH solvent (3 : 7, v/v) was selected as the optimized
      reactive reagent for the reactive DCBI-MS detection. All the target molecules can
      be detected with high sensitivity. On a PTFE plate the limits of detection were
      0.0795, 0.1060, 0.4860, 0.9665, 0.8879, 0.3987, 0.5557, 0.4591, 0.0889, and
      0.1929 mg L(-1) for sanguinarine, chelerythrine, cyclanoline, nitidine,
      coptisine, jatrorrhizine, berberine, palmatine, protopine, and allocryptopine,
      respectively. The reactive protocol was also applied to the direct detection of
      raw herbal materials and thin layer chromatography successfully. 

PMID- 25118338
TI  - Near infrared hyperspectral imaging for forensic analysis of document forgery.
AB  - Hyperspectral images in the near infrared range (HSI-NIR) were evaluated as a
      nondestructive method to detect fraud in documents. Three different types of
      typical forgeries were simulated by (a) obliterating text, (b) adding text and
      (c) approaching the crossing lines problem. The simulated samples were imaged in
      the range of 928-2524 nm with spectral and spatial resolutions of 6.3 nm and 10
      MUm, respectively. After data pre-processing, different chemometric techniques
      were evaluated for each type of forgery. Principal component analysis (PCA) was
      performed to elucidate the first two types of adulteration, (a) and (b).
      Moreover, Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) was
      used in an attempt to improve the results of the type (a) obliteration and type
      (b) adding text problems. Finally, MCR-ALS and Partial Least Squares-Discriminant
      Analysis (PLS-DA), employed as a variable selection tool, were used to study the
      type (c) forgeries, i.e. crossing lines problem. Type (a) forgeries (obliterating
      text) were successfully identified in 43% of the samples using both the
      chemometric methods (PCA and MCR-ALS). Type (b) forgeries (adding text) were
      successfully identified in 82% of the samples using both the methods (PCA and MCR
      ALS). Finally, type (c) forgeries (crossing lines) were successfully identified
      in 85% of the samples. The results demonstrate the potential of HSI-NIR
      associated with chemometric tools to support document forgery identification. 

PMID- 25118337
TI  - Highly sensitive and selective detection of Pb2+ ions using a novel and simple
      DNAzyme-based quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation biosensor.
AB  - A novel, label-free DNAzyme-based quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation
      monitoring (QCM-D) biosensor was developed for the highly sensitive and specific
      detection of Pb(2+) ions. To enhance the performance of the sensor,
      oligonucleotide-functionalized gold nanoparticles were used for both frequency
      and dissipation amplification. This sensor was developed by immobilizing Pb(2+)
      specific DNAzymes onto the QCM-D sensor surface and allowing them to hybridize
      with substrate-functionalized AuNPs. The DNAzyme catalyzed the cleavage of the
      substrate in the presence of Pb(2+) ions, causing the cleaved substrate
      functionalized AuNPs to be removed from the sensor surface. Thus, Pb(2+) ions can
      be determined on-line by monitoring the change in frequency and dissipation
      signals. The results revealed that the sensor showed a sensitive response to
      Pb(2+) ions with detection limits of 14 nM and 20 nM for frequency and
      dissipation, respectively. This QCM-D biosensor also exhibited excellent
      selectivity toward Pb(2+) ions in the presence of other divalent metal ions. In
      addition, the approach was able to detect Pb(2+) in tap water, demonstrating its
      great potential for monitoring drinking water quality. The proposed sensor system
      described here represents a new class of lead ion sensor. Its simple detection
      strategy makes it feasible for 'pollution-free' detection; thus, the approach
      could have applications in on-line water quality monitoring. 

PMID- 25118339
TI  - Nanopipette delivery: influence of surface charge.
AB  - In this report, transport through a nanopipette is studied and the interplay
      between current rectification and ion delivery for small pipettes is examined.
      First, surface charge dependence of concentration polarization effects in a
      quartz nanopipette was investigated. Electrical characterization was performed
      through current-potential (I-V) measurements. In addition, fluorescein (an
      anionic fluorescent probe) was utilized to optically map ion enrichment and ion
      depletion in the nanopipette tip. Bare nanopipettes and polyethylenimine (PEI)
      modified nanopipettes were examined. Results confirm that concentration
      polarization is a surface charge dependent phenomenon and delivery can be
      controlled through modification of surface charge. The relationship between
      concentration polarization effects and voltage-driven delivery of charged
      electroactive species was investigated with a carbon ring/nanopore electrode
      fabricated from pyrolyzed parylene C (PPC). Factors such as surface charge
      polarity of the nanopipette, electrolyte pH, and electrolyte concentration were
      investigated. Results indicate that with modification of surface charge,
      additional control over delivery of charged species can be achieved. 

PMID- 25118340
TI  - Dual amplification of single nucleotide polymorphism detection using graphene
      oxide and nanoporous gold electrode platform.
AB  - In the present manuscript, a strategy to prompt the sensitivity of a biosensor
      based on the dual amplification of signal by applying a nanoporous gold electrode
      (NPGE) as a support platform and soluble graphene oxide (GO) as an indicator has
      been developed. By increasing the surface area of the biosensing platform and
      because of unique GO/ss-DNA interactions, the sensitivity for the detection of
      SNPs is enhanced. In the presence of SNPs, because of less effective
      hybridization of mutant targets compared to complementary targets, further GO
      could adsorb on mutant targets-modified NPGE viapi-pi interactions, causing a
      large increase in the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of the electrode. This
      protocol provides a cost-effective and fast method for the discrimination of
      different SNPs. Furthermore, this biosensor can detect thermodynamically stable
      SNP (G-T mismatches) in the range of 15-1600 pM. The present strategy is a label
      free and sensitive protocol and does not require sophisticated fabrication. 

PMID- 25118341
TI  - Electrolytic valving isolation of cell co-culture microenvironment with
      controlled cell pairing ratios.
AB  - Cancer-stromal interaction is a critical process in tumorigenesis. Conventional
      dish-based co-culture assays simply mix two cell types in the same dish; thus,
      they are deficient in controlling cell locations and precisely tracking single
      cell behavior from heterogeneous cell populations. Microfluidic technology can
      provide a good spatial-temporal control of microenvironments, but the control has
      been typically realized by using external pumps, making long-term cultures
      cumbersome and bulky. In this work, we have presented a cell-cell interaction
      microfluidic platform that can accurately control the co-culture microenvironment
      by using a novel electrolytic cell isolation scheme without using any valves or
      pneumatic pumps. The proposed microfluidic platform can also precisely control
      the number of interacting cells and pairing ratios to emulate cancer niches. More
      than 80% of the chambers captured the desired number of cells. The duration of
      cell isolation can be adjusted by electrolytic bubble generation and removal. We
      have verified that the electrolytic process has a negligible effect on cell
      viability and proliferation in our platform. To the best of our knowledge, this
      work is the first attempt to incorporate electrolytic bubble generation as a cell
      isolation method in microfluidics. For proof of feasibility, we have performed
      cell-cell interaction assays between prostate cancer (PC3) cells and myoblast
      (C2C12) cells. The preliminary results demonstrated the potential of using
      electrolysis for micro-environmental control during cell culture. Also, the ratio
      controlled cell-cell interaction assays were successfully performed which showed
      that the cell pairing ratios of PC3 to C2C12 affected the proliferation rate of
      myoblast cells due to increased secretion of growth factors from prostate cancer
      cells. 

PMID- 25118343
TI  - Development and delivery of a high-quality European Cardiovascular Magnetic
      Resonance Examination.

PMID- 25118342
TI  - Authors' response.

PMID- 25118344
TI  - The Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre of the British Heart Foundation.

PMID- 25118345
TI  - Country of the month: Ireland 2014.

PMID- 25118346
TI  - Automated external defibrillators should be mandatory on board all commercial
      airliners.

PMID- 25118347
TI  - Author's response.

PMID- 25118348
TI  - High-dimensional cytometry. Preface.

PMID- 25118349
TI  - Retracted: Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of 2-anilinopyridine-3-acrylamides as
      tubulin polymerization inhibitors.

PMID- 25118350
TI  - How to become a successful researcher: tips for early career researchers.

PMID- 25118351
TI  - Elucidation of sevadicin, a novel non-ribosomal peptide secondary metabolite
      produced by the honey bee pathogenic bacterium Paenibacillus larvae.
AB  - American foulbrood (AFB) caused by the bee pathogenic bacterium Paenibacillus
      larvae is the most devastating bacterial disease of honey bees worldwide. From
      AFB-dead larvae, pure cultures of P. larvae can normally be cultivated indicating
      that P. larvae is able to defend its niche against all other bacteria present.
      Recently, comparative genome analysis within the species P. larvae suggested the
      presence of gene clusters coding for multi-enzyme complexes, such as non
      ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs). The products of these enzyme complexes are
      known to have a wide range of biological activities including antibacterial
      activities. We here present our results on antibacterial activity exhibited by
      vegetative P. larvae and the identification and analysis of a novel
      antibacterially active P. larvae tripeptide (called sevadicin; Sev) produced by a
      NRPS encoded by a gene cluster found in the genome of P. larvae. Identification
      of Sev was ultimately achieved by comparing the secretome of wild-type P. larvae
      with knockout mutants of P. larvae lacking production of Sev. Subsequent mass
      spectrometric studies, enantiomer analytics and chemical synthesis revealed the
      sequence and configuration of the tripeptide, D-Phe-D-ALa-Trp, which was shown to
      have antibacterial activity. The relevance of our findings is discussed in
      respect to host-pathogen interactions.

PMID- 25118352
TI  - Cyclic-di-GMP levels affect Pseudomonas aeruginosa fitness in the presence of
      imipenem.
AB  - A large number of genes coding for enzymes predicted to synthesize and degrade 3'
      5-cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP) is found in most bacterial genomes and this
      dinucleotide emerged as an intracellular signal-controlling bacterial behaviour.
      An association between high levels of c-di-GMP and antibiotic resistance may be
      expected because c-di-GMP regulates biofilm formation and this mode of growth
      leads to enhanced antibiotic resistance. However, a clear understanding of this
      correlation has not been established. We found that increased levels of c-di-GMP
      in Pseudomonas aeruginosa improve fitness in the presence of imipenem, even when
      grown as planktonic cells. P. aeruginosa post-transcriptionally regulates the
      amounts of five porins in response to c-di-GMP, including OprD, responsible for
      imipenem uptake. Cells with low c-di-GMP levels are consequently more sensitive
      to this antibiotic. Main efflux pumps or beta-lactamase genes did not show
      altered mRNA levels in P. aeruginosa strains with modified different c-di-GMP
      concentrations. Together, our findings show that c-di-GMP levels modulate fitness
      of planktonic cultures in the presence of imipenem.

PMID- 25118353
TI  - Efficacy of scorpion antivenom in children--author's reply.

PMID- 25118354
TI  - Experience of nutrition rehabilitation centers in management of SAM--author's
      reply.

PMID- 25118355
TI  - Cord blood TSH for screening of hypothyroidism: is it justified--author's reply.

PMID- 25118356
TI  - Good night, sleep tight.  Get better sleep without taking a pill.

PMID- 25118357
TI  - The best options for different types of neck pain.  Prompt treatment can help
      prevent long-term problems.

PMID- 25118358
TI  - Finding relief for recalcitrant bursitis pain.

PMID- 25118359
TI  - Improving range of motion in arthritic joints.

PMID- 25118360
TI  - What to do about back spasms.

PMID- 25118361
TI  - Is it safe to use nonprescription topical medication for my joint and muscle
      pain?

PMID- 25118362
TI  - I have knee osteoarthritis (OA), and a friend recommended shock-absorbing insoles
      to reduce the pain.  Are they really effective?

PMID- 25118363
TI  - Back pain and bedtime--getting the right support.

PMID- 25118364
TI  - Lowering your breast cancer risk.  A daily pill can hold the key to prevention
      for some women.

PMID- 25118365
TI  - Pain of a higher order: cluster headaches.

PMID- 25118366
TI  - [Clinical oncology and the status of oncosurgery].

PMID- 25118368
TI  - Medical devices; gastroenterology-urology devices; classification of the
      implantable transprostatic tissue retractor system. Final order.
AB  - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is classifying the implantable
      transprostatic tissue retractor system into class II (special controls). The
      special controls that will apply to the device are identified in this order and
      will be part of the codified language. The Agency is classifying the device into
      class II (special controls) in order to provide a reasonable assurance of safety
      and effectiveness of the device.

PMID- 25118367
TI  - Gastroenterology-urology devices; reclassification of implanted blood access
      devices. Final rule.
AB  - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a final order to reclassify
      implanted blood access devices, a preamendments class III device, into class II
      (special controls) based on new information and subject to premarket notification
      and to further clarify the identification.

PMID- 25118369
TI  - Final priority; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research-
      Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program. Final
      priority.
AB  - The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
      announces a priority under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
      and Centers Program administered by the National Institute on Disability and
      Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). Specifically, we announce a priority for a
      Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) on Improving Methods of
      Evaluating Return on Investment (ROI) for the State Vocational Rehabilitation
      Services Program (VR Program). The Assistant Secretary may use this priority for
      competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2014 and later years. We take this action to
      focus research attention on an area of national need. We intend for the priority
      to contribute to improved employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

PMID- 25118370
TI  - Final priority; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research-
      Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers. Final priority.
AB  - The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
      announces a priority for the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC)
      Program administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
      Research (NIDRR). Specifically, we announce a priority for an RRTC on Vocational
      Rehabilitation Practices for Youth and Young Adults. The Assistant Secretary may
      use this priority for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2014 and later years. We
      take this action to focus research attention on an area of national need. We
      intend for this priority to contribute to improved outcomes for youth and young
      adults with disabilities in the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services program.

PMID- 25118371
TI  - Final priority; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research-
      Research Fellowships Program (also known as the Mary E. Switzer Research
      Fellowships). Final priority.
AB  - The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
      announces a priority for the Research Fellowships Program administered by the
      National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).
      Specifically, this notice announces a priority for a Distinguished Residential
      Disability and Rehabilitation Policy Fellowship. We take this action to focus
      attention on an area of national need. We intend the priority to build research
      capacity by providing support to highly qualified, experienced researchers,
      including those who are individuals with disabilities, to conduct policy research
      in the areas of disability and rehabilitation.

PMID- 25118372
TI  - Rules regarding the health insurance premium tax credit. Final and temporary
      regulations.
AB  - This document contains final and temporary regulations relating to the health
      insurance premium tax credit enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable
      Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, as amended
      by the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010, the Comprehensive 1099
      Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011,
      and the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2011
      and the 3% Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act. These regulations affect
      individuals who enroll in qualified health plans through Affordable Insurance
      Exchanges (Exchanges) and claim the premium tax credit, and Exchanges that make
      qualified health plans available to individuals. The text of the temporary
      regulations in this document also serves as the text of proposed regulations set
      forth in a notice of proposed rulemaking (REG-104579-13) on this subject in the
      Proposed Rules section in this issue of the Federal Register.

PMID- 25118373
TI  - Branded prescription drug fee. Final regulations, temporary regulations, and
      removal of temporary regulations.
AB  - This document contains final regulations that provide guidance on the annual fee
      imposed on covered entities engaged in the business of manufacturing or importing
      branded prescription drugs. This fee was enacted by section 9008 of the Patient
      Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by section 1404 of the Health Care
      and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. This document also withdraws the
      Branded Prescription Drug Fee temporary regulations and contains new temporary
      regulations regarding the definition of controlled group that apply beginning on
      January 1, 2015. The final regulations and the new temporary regulations affect
      persons engaged in the business of manufacturing or importing certain branded
      prescription drugs. The text of the temporary regulations in this document also
      serves as the text of proposed regulations set forth in a notice of proposed
      rulemaking (REG-123286-14) on this subject in the Proposed Rules section in this
      issue of the Federal Register.

PMID- 25118374
TI  - [Study on adjuvant effect of oral recombinant subunit vaccine formulated with
      chitosan against human enterovirus 71].
AB  - To evaluate the adjuvant effect of recombinant enterovirus 71 (EV71) subunit
      vaccine formulated with chitosan, rabbits were orally immunized with recombinant
      VP1 (rVP1) or rVP1 mixed with chitosan adjuvant. Levels of virus-specific IgG and
      IgA antibodies in sera, mucosal wash buffer (intestine, nasal cavity, and lung),
      and feces were determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
      The titers of neutralizing antibodies against EV71 were determined using
      cytopathic effect-based neutralizing assay, and levels of cytokines (IFN-gamma
      and IL-4) secreted from in vitro-cultured rabbit splenic lymphocytes under
      antigen stimulation were also determined by ELISA. Results showed that
      immunization with rVP1 alone could only induce low levels of serum IgG and
      mucosal IgA, while rVP1 combined with chitosan adjuvant were able to induce
      significantly higher levels of antibodies, rVP1 can only induce neutralizing
      antibodies when used in combination with chitosan. Levels of IFN-gamma and IL-4
      in the group immunized with rVP1 plus chitosan were significantly higher than
      those in the group immunized with rVP1 only or those in the control groups. Our
      study lays the foundation for development of oral VP1 vaccine against EV71
      infection.

PMID- 25118376
TI  - [Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus nucleoprotein specifically
      binds to 60kD SSA/Ro protein in host cells].
AB  - This study aims to investigate whether the nucleoprotein (NP) of severe fever
      with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) can impact the cellular immunity of
      host cells. Gene segments that encode the NP and non-structural protein (NSs) of
      SFTSV were inserted into eukaryotic expression vector VR1012. Host proteins that
      interact with NP and affect immunity were identified with co-immunoprecipitation
      (IP), SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry (MS), and Western blot. Co-localization of NP
      and the identified host proteins was confirmed by confocal microscopy. A 60kD
      SSA/Ro, a protein related to immunity, interacted with NP, as found by IP and MS.
      Confocal microscopy showed that NP and SSA/Ro were co-localized in cytoplasm.
      These results indicated that SFTSV NP may specifically bind to 60kD SSA/Ro and
      cause a series of immune responses and clinical symptoms.

PMID- 25118375
TI  - [Immunoprotective effect of inactivated coxsackievirus A16 vaccine in mice].
AB  - This study aims to construct inactivated coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) vaccine and
      to investigate its protective effect in ICR mice. A clinical isolate of CVA16,
      521-01T, was cultured in VERO cells, inactivated by formaldehyde, and purified by
      ultracentrifugation for vaccine preparation. Purity and other characteristics of
      the vaccine were determined by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Female ICR mice were
      subcutaneously inoculated with inactivated CVA16 or Al(OH)3-absorbed CVA16,
      followed by booster immunization at the end of 2 and 4 weeks. CVA16-specific IgG
      titers in serum were determined by ELISA, and titers of neutralizing antibodies
      were determined by viral neutralization assay. The immunity of T lymphocytes was
      evaluated by IFN-gamma ELISPOT assay. The protective effect was evaluated by
      challenging the neonatal offspring (< 48 hours) of vaccinated female mice with 1
      000 LD50 of CVA16 521-01T. The mortality rates of different groups were compared.
      The results showed that Al(OH)3 +CVA16 could induce high titers of specific IgG
      antibodies in ICR mice. After being boosted two times, the serum IgG antibody
      titer could reach up to 1 : 1 x 10(5) (P = 0.000), and neutralizing antibody
      titer was higher than 1 : 256. Additionally, more spot forming cells were induced
      in the immunized groups than in the negative controls. The maternal antibodies
      showed protective effect in 100% of the neonatal mice challenged with 1 000 LD50
      of CVA16 521-01T. The inactivated CVA16 vaccine has ideal immunogenicity and
      immunoprotective effect. This research lays a foundation for the development and
      evaluation of CVA16 vaccines.

PMID- 25118377
TI  - [Virological impact of stalk region of neuraminidase in influenza A/Anhui/1/05
      (H5N1) and A/Ohio/07/2009 (H1N1) viruses].
AB  - This study aims to investigate the virological impact of the stalk region and
      cysteine (C) in neuraminidase (NA) of influenza A/Anhui/1/05 (H5N1) and
      A/Ohio/07/2009 (H1N1) viruses. The NA of A/ Anhui/1/05 (H5N1), defined as AH N1,
      lacked 20 amino acids (including C, defined as s20) as compared with NA of
      A/Ohio/07/2009 (H1N1) (defined as 09N1). We deleted s20 of 09N1 to construct 09N1
      s20, and inserted s20 into AH N1 to construct AH N1+s20. To investigate the
      impact of C on the biological function of NA, we deleted C in 09N1 to construct
      09N1-C and inserted C into AH N1 to construct AH N1-C. The pseudo-type viral
      particle (pp) system was used to evaluate the impact of these mutants on
      virology. The combination of 09N1-C and 09H1 (defined as 09H1::09N1-C) showed an
      infectivity 8 times that of the wild type 09H1::09N1, while the infectivity of
      the combination of AH N1+C and AH H5 (defined as AH H5::AH N1+C) was much lower
      than that of the wild type AH H5::AH N1. The infectivity of the combination of
      09N1-s20 and 09H1 (defined as 09H1::09N1-s20) was 4 times that of the wild type
      09H1::09N1; the infectivity of the combination of AH N1+s20 and AH H5 (defined as
      AH H5:: AH N1+s20) was 1/7 that of the wild type AH H5::AH N1. The co-existence
      of 09N1-C and AH H5 displayed 6 times the infectivity of AH H5::09N1, while the
      infectivity of 09H1::AH N1+C was very low. Multimer analysis showed that in the
      wild type 09N1, the forms of NA were dimer >> tetramer > monomer; the major
      component of NA in 09N1-C was monomer; in 09N1-s20, the forms of NA were monomer
      >> dimer. AH N1 was mainly composed of monomer; in AH N1+s20, the forms of NA
      were dimer >> monomer > tetramer; in AH N1+C, the forms of NA were dimer >>
      tetramer. Deletion of C or s20 from 09N1 did not change the expression of NA. The
      study suggested that deletion of C from the stalk region of NA in A/Ohio/07/2009
      (H1N1) increases infectivity. Insertion of C into NA's stalk region of A/
      Anhui/1/05 (H5N1) significantly decreases infectivity. Cysteine deletion in the
      stalk region is important for the infectivity of A/Anhui/1/05 (H5N1) and
      A/Ohio/07/2009 (H1N1). It may interfere with the infectivity via changes in NA
      polymerization.

PMID- 25118378
TI  - [Epidemiology of hand, foot, and mouth disease and genetic characterization of
      enterovirus A71: a survey from 2007 to 2012 in Linyi of Shandong Province,
      China].
AB  - To investigate the epidemiology of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and the
      genetic characteristics of enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) in Linyi of Shandong
      Province, China during 2007-2012. The number of reported HFMD cases were obtained
      from the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System (NNDRS) were analyzed by
      descriptive epidemiology method; the VP1 region of EV-A71 isolated from HFMD
      patients in Linyi was amplified and sequenced. Finally, the genetic variability
      and phylogenecity of VP1 sequences of EV-A71 were analyzed by MEGA 5.0. The
      results showed that HFMD incidence was reported in each year from 2007 to 2012 in
      Linyi, and the highest incidence and mortality were reported in 2009, when there
      were total 14697 cases and 9 of death. The reported incidence was 140.28/100000,
      and the mortality was 0.086/100000. The peak incidence usually occurred between
      April and July, and the summit occurred in May. Scattered children accounted for
      77.37%-92.00% of all cases. The peak age was 2.5 years during 2007-2009 and 1.5
      years during 2010-2012. A total of 1365 laboratory-confirmed HFMD cases were
      reported in the 6 consecutive years, accounting for 2.98% of the gross number.
      Among these reports, the ratio of EV-A71 was 44.18%, and the ratio of
      coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) was 46.59%. All EV-A71 strains isolated in Linyi
      during 2007-2012 belonged to the C4a evolutionary branch of C4 genotype. In
      conclusion, HFMD outbreaks occurred every year in Linyi during 2007-2012.
      Incidence varied significantly among different counties. The peak incidence in
      each year lasted from April to July. Most of the patients were children under 3
      years of age, and scattered children took the highest proportion. Co-circulation
      of EV-A71 and CVA16 was the major cause of HFMD in each year. Since the first
      report of HFMD prevalence caused by EV-A71 (C4a) in 2007, the virus has been
      prevalent continuously in Linyi for 6 years.

PMID- 25118379
TI  - [Study on the B cell linear epitopes of rabies virus CVS-11 nucleoprotein].
AB  - To study the B cell linear epitopes of rabies virus CVS-11 nucleoprotein,
      peptides were synthesized according to the amino acid sequences of B cell linear
      epitopes. Linear epitopes predicted by bioinformatics analysis were evaluated
      with immunological techniques. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed
      that titers of antibodies to peptides (355-369 and 385-400 residues of rabies
      virus CVS-11 nucleoprotein) were above 1:12 800 in mouse sera. The antibodies
      recognized denatured rabies virus CVS-11 nucleoprotein in Western blot analysis.
      Purified anti-peptide antibodies recognized natural rabies virus CVS-11
      nucleoprotein in BHK-21 cells in indirect fluorescent antibody test. The 355-369
      and 385-400 residues of rabies virus CVS-11 nucleoprotein were validated as B
      cell linear epitopes.

PMID- 25118380
TI  - [Genome amplification and sequence analysis of human bocavirus 2].
AB  - To obtain the genome sequence of human bocavirus 2 (HBoV2), different regions of
      HBoV2 genome were amplified through PCR in fecal specimens which had been
      identified as single-positive for HBoV2 in 2010. A genome sequence of HBoV2
      (HBoV2-NC, 5444 bp) was obtained after sequence assembly. The phylogenetic
      analysis showed that HBoV2-NC had the closest evolutionary relationship with
      HBoV2 Lanzhou strain. The predication of inverted terminal repeats of HBoV2-NC by
      DINAMelt showed that inverted terminal repeats were contained in HBoV2-NC 5'
      terminal, which had the typical stem-loop structure in other parvoviruses.
      Finally, some flanking sequences of HBoV2-NC were amplified by linker-PCR.

PMID- 25118381
TI  - [Genetic characteristics of influenza A/H3N2 virus neuraminidase gene: a survey
      from 2010 to 2012 in Qinghai Province, China].
AB  - This study aims to perform a survey of genetic variation in neuraminidase (NA)
      gene of influenza A/H3N2 virus, as well as related resistance to NA inhibitors,
      in Qinghai Province of China, 2010 to 2012. Strains of influenza A/H3N2 isolated
      during an influenza survey from 2010 to 2012 in Qinghai were enrolled by random
      sampling. Viral RNA was extracted and amplified by RT-PCR. Purified PCR products
      were sequenced thereafter. Genetic analysis of nucleic acid and the derived amino
      acid sequences was performed by MEGA 4.0. Phylogenetic trees were also
      constructed. Strains isolated during 2010-2011 in this study clustered closely
      with World Health Organization (WHO) 2010-2012 reference vaccine strain
      A/Perth/16/2009 and 2008-2010 reference vaccine strain A/Brisbane/10/2007 on the
      phylogenetic tree, while the 2012 isolates were located on another branch. In
      analysis of derived amino acid sequences, the 2010 isolates mutated at K81T, the
      2011 isolates mutated at I26V and D127N, while the 2012 isolates mutated at E41K,
      P46A, I58V, T71N, L81P, D93G, D127N, D151N, and I307M. The D151N mutation added a
      glycosylation site to the activity center of NA. No significant variation was
      discovered in H3N2 NA gene of 2010-2011 isolates in Qinghai, China. Isolates of
      2012 were found with significant mutation, which has the potential of inducing
      minor resistance to NA inhibitors like zanamivir and oseltamivir.

PMID- 25118382
TI  - [Research on construction of sheep lung adenomas virus pEGFP-C1/exJSRV-env and
      induction of malignant transformation in NIH3T3].
AB  - This study aims to construct a eukaryotic expression system for envelope gene of
      Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus, observes its localization in 293T cells, and
      investigates the potential in inducing malignant transformation of NIH3T3 cells.
      By RT-PCR, the full-length cDNA of envelope gene of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus
      (exJSRV-env) was amplified from the extract of naturally infected sheep lung. The
      clone of target gene was sub-cloned into eukaryotic expression system pEGFP-C1,
      and validated by PCR, restriction endonuclease, and sequencing. Bioinformatic
      analysis concerning biological function and cellular localiza tion of exJSRV-env
      was also performed. The recombinant clone of exJSRV-env was transfected into 293T
      cells and NIH3T3 cells by Lipofectamine LTX. The expression and celluar
      localization in 293T cells were validated by confocal microscopy. Soft agar
      colony formation assay was employed to test the anchorage-independent growth of
      NIH3T3. DNA sequencing and restriction enzyme digestion with Kpn I and Hind III
      indicated the correct construction of the recombinant plasmid, which was named
      pEGFP-C1/exJSRV-env. Amino acid sequence alignment of exJSRV-env with reference
      sequences found 85%-100% homogeneity. A YRNM motif was discovered at the
      cytoplasmic tail of envelope gene, which is exclusively found in exogenous
      viruses. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that our clone of exJSRV-env clustered
      closely with pathogenic exogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retroviruses. Fluorescence
      microscopy indicated typical membrane localization of exJSRV-env protein. NIH3T3
      cells transfected with exJSRV-env lost contact inhibition, and acquired colony
      forming ability in soft agar. This study indicated that envelope protein of
      Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus can induce malignant transformation of mouse
      fibroblast cell NIH3T3. Discoveries of this study provide a basis for further
      structural and functional research on Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus envelope
      protein.

PMID- 25118383
TI  - [Optimization of electroporation parameters for ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney
      cells and transient expression of grass carp reovirus NS26 protein].
AB  - In this study, pEGFP-N1 was chosen as the reporter plasmid and transferred into
      Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney (CIK) cells by electroporation, and the optimal
      electroporation conditions were determined by testing the transfection efficiency
      with different voltages, pulse times, plasmid amounts, and numbers of shocks. The
      results showed that the maximum electroporation efficiency was achieved under the
      following conditions in a 0.2 cm electroporation cuvette containing CIK cells
      (1.5 x 10(7)/mL, 200 microl): electric voltage 200 V, pulse time 45 ms, plasmid
      30 microg, and one electric shock. The total genomic RNA of grass carp reovirus
      (GCRV) was extracted in this experiment and reversely transcribed into cDNA,
      which was used to amplify the gene segment of GCRV non-structural protein NS26
      using designed specific primers. The PCR product was recombined into pEGFP-N1
      vector. The fusion protein EGFP-NS26 was successfully and efficiently expressed
      in the CIK cells by electroporation, which was confirmed by both fluorescent
      imaging and Western blot analysis. This experiment laid a foundation for further
      functional studies of the non-structural protein NS26 of GCRV.

PMID- 25118384
TI  - [Effects of bm47 deletion on viral replication and transcription of Bombyx mori
      nucleopolyhedrovirus].
AB  - Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) bm47 gene is found in all sequenced
      lepidopteran nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs). It is one of the core genes of NPVs.
      However, the role of bm47 in the biological cycle of NPV remains unknown. In this
      study, the Red recombination system was used to knock out bm47 from BmNPV to
      construct bm47-ko-Bacmid in E. coli BW25113 system. Then bm47 gene was introduced
      back to the viral genome using the Bac-to-Bac system to create the repair virus
      bm47-re-Bacmid. TCID50 assay and real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to evaluate the
      effects of bm47 deletion on viral DNA replication, gene transcription, and
      protein expression. qPCR results showed that bm47 knock-out had no significant
      effect on viral DNA replication. However, the qPCR results showed that bm47-ko
      Bacmid significantly decreased the transcription levels of early gene lef-3, late
      gene vp39, and very late gene p10 at 48 h and 72 h after viral transfection of
      BmN cells (P < 0.05). This work will provide a foundation for further studies on
      the biological function of BmNPV bm47 in viral replication and transcription.

PMID- 25118385
TI  - [Characterization of Marburg virus morphology].
AB  - Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV) belong to the family Filoviridae.
      Filoviruses cause severe filovirus hemorrhagic fever (FHF) in humans, with high
      case fatality rates, and represent potential agents for bioterrorism and
      biological weapons. It is necessary to keep surveillance of filoviruses, even
      though there is no report of their isolation and patients in China so far. To
      characterize MARV morphology, the Lake Victoria marburgvirus--Leiden was stained
      negatively and observed under a transmission electron microscope which is one of
      important detection methods for filoviruses in emergencies and bioterrorism. MARV
      showed pleomorphism, with filamentous, rod-shaped, cobra-like, spherical, and
      branch-shaped particles of uniform diameter but different lengths. Pleomorphism
      of negatively stained MARV is summarized in this article, so as to provide useful
      information for possible electron microscopic identification of filoviruses in
      China.

PMID- 25118386
TI  - [A review of detection methods for human bocaviruses].
AB  - Human bocavirus (HBoV) 1-4 have been detected both in respiratory and stool
      samples since the first HBoV was discovered in 2005. HBoV-1 is mostly associated
      with respiratory infection, while HBoV 2-4 are usually associated with intestinal
      tract infection. A variety of signs and symptoms have been described in patients
      with HBoV infection, including cough, wheezing, pneumonia, and diarrhea, but the
      research on pathogenic mechanism of HBoV is limited because HBoV cannot be
      cultured in vitro due to the lack of appropriate host cells. Three-dimensional
      epithelial cell culture, reverse genetics, and viral metagenomics are identified
      as novel tools that may promote the research on pathogenic mechanism of HBoV and
      the discovery of new viruses. This review summaries currently available
      diagnostic approaches such as electron microscopy, cell culture, PCR, and
      immunoassay in order to provide a method reference for indepth research on HBoV.

PMID- 25118387
TI  - [Research progress in receptors involved in rotavirus infection].
AB  - Rotaviruses, which are recognized as one of the major etiological agents among
      infants and young children with diarrhea, consist of three concentric layers of
      protein capsid with the enclosed double-stranded RNA genome. Rotaviruses infect
      host cells mainly by identifying the specific receptors on cell surfaces and
      binding to them. Therefore, receptors are important factors for viruses infecting
      cells. So far, there have been many receptors found to be involved in rotavirus
      infection, including sialic acid, integrin, Toll-like receptor, and blood group
      antigen. This article provides an overview of receptors involved in rotavirus
      infection.

PMID- 25118388
TI  - [An overview of surveillance of avian influenza viruses in wild birds].
AB  - Wild birds (mainly Anseriformes and Charadriiformes) are recognized as the
      natural reservoir of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). The long-term surveillance
      of AIVs in wild birds has been conducted in North America and Europe since 1970s.
      More and more surveillance data revealed that all the HA and NA subtypes of AIVs
      were identified in the wild ducks, shorebirds, and gulls, and the AIVs
      circulating in wild birds were implicated in the outbreaks of AIVs in poultry and
      humans. Therefore, the AIVs in wild birds pose huge threat to poultry industry
      and human health. To gain a better understanding of the ecology and epidemiology
      of AIVs in wild birds, we summarize the transmission of AIVs between wild birds,
      poultry, and humans, the main results of surveillance of AIVs in wild birds
      worldwide and methods for surveillance, and the types of samples and detection
      methods for AIVs in wild birds, which would be vital for the effective control of
      avian influenza and response to possible influenza pandemic.

PMID- 25118389
TI  - [Advances in research on oncolytic adenoviruses in tumor therapy].
AB  - Oncolytic adenoviruses (Ads), which are live, replication-competent viruses that
      can selectively replicate in tumor cells and lead to cell lysis, have been used
      in tumor therapy. But due to the complexity and high mutability of human tumors,
      it becomes a major strategy to improve the selectivity, efficacy, and safety of
      oncolytic Ads. The oncolytic Ads that can express short hairpin RNA, cytokines,
      suicide gene, and matrix-modulating proteins have higher antitumor activity than
      the wild type. Tumor-specific promoters, especially hTERT and HRE promoters,
      increase the selectivity of oncolytic Ads for tumor cells. Moreover, oncolytic
      Ads surface-modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG), liposomes, biodegradable
      nanoparticles, and polypeptides have reduced immunogenicity and hepatotoxicity
      and improved antitumor activity when systemically administered, and the
      selectivity of oncolytic Ads can be significantly increased when linking PEG to
      antibodies, small peptides, cytokines, and ligands. Therefore, engineered
      oncolytic Ads combining the advantages of viral and non-viral vectors, as well as
      immunotherapy, are a promising strategy for improving the efficacy of targeted
      virotherapy.

PMID- 25118390
TI  - [Research progress in functions of coronavirus accessory genes].
AB  - In addition to the structural genes of the coronavirus genome, S, E, M, and N,
      there are several additional genes called "group-specific or accessory genes".
      Their gene products are designated as "accessory proteins", as reports to date
      make it clear that these proteins are not essential for virus replication in
      vitro. Nevertheless, many of these genes are still maintained in the virus genome
      under selective pressure, suggesting that they might play a very important role
      in the survival of the virus in the natural environment of the infected host.
      This review will summarize the research progress in the functions of coronavirus
      accessory genes.

PMID- 25118391
TI  - [Studies on neuronal tracing with pseudorabies virus].
AB  - With its abilities of trans-synaptic tracing and self-replication and wide host
      range, pseudorabies virus (PRV) has been applied in the field of neuroanatomy
      since the 1970s. Four decades of PRV application have made many advances in
      researches on neuronal tracing with PRV. Mechanism studies focused on
      investigating infection of primary neurons and tracing direction in secondary
      neurons, while application studies focused on development of new pathological
      strains and innovation of tracing techniques. To date, the mechanism and
      application of viral tracing are not completely figured out yet. Integration of
      molecular biology technology will improve the efficiency in related researches.

PMID- 25118392
TI  - [Preface for special issue on biomass refinery (2014)].
AB  - Biomass is the most abundant organic macromolecules in nature, which is expected
      to achieve the brilliant of biorefinery equivalent to petroleum refining.
      However, it is considered as the future industry to human due to the complicated
      composition and transformation processes. The traditional lignocellulose bio
      refining thoughts ignored the functional requirements of products, but spent a
      lot of energies to destruct macromolecule into small molecules, and then
      converted the small molecules into different products, which was high energy
      consumption and low atom economy. How to realize the biorefinery of
      lignocellulose is the key point and difficulty to achieve the biomass industry.
      An ideal biorefinery of lignocellulose should as far as possibly to obtain the
      maximum yield of each component, to maintain the integrity of the molecule, to
      optimize the utilization of raw materials and finally to realize the maximum
      value. Therefore, it requires the raw materials refining of lignocellosic biomass
      should be based on the relationship of structure, process transformation and
      related product characteristics. This special issue reports the latest advances
      in the fields of raw material refinery, refining technologies, conversion
      technologies of component.

PMID- 25118393
TI  - [Sumac (Rhus chinensis Mill) biomass refinery engineering].
AB  - Sumac (Rhus chinensis Mill) is an abundant and widely distributed Chinese native
      plant. Sumac fruit contains low content of vegetable oil, as an atypical oil
      plants hardly being processed through traditional vegetable oil production
      technologies. Based on our own studies on the characteristics of sumac fruit and
      branches, we established a novel model of sumac biomass refinery, and constructed
      the sumac biomass refinery technology system and eco-industrial chain
      integration. Steam explosion was the key technology, and several components
      fractionation technologies were integrated in the sumac biomass refinery system.
      The fractionated components were converted into different products depending on
      their functional features. Eight products including sumac fruit oil, biodiesel,
      protein feed, flavonoids, unbleached facial tissue, phenolic resin, biomass
      briquette and biogas were produced in the refinery. The extracted sumac fruit oil
      by steam explosion pretreatment was applied for the new food resource of Ministry
      of Health, and the permit was approved. This research provides a new model for
      the development of atypical wild plant resources.

PMID- 25118394
TI  - [Effect of pretreatment on topochemical and ultrastructural changes of
      lignocellulose plant cell walls: a review].
AB  - Deconstruction of lignocellulosic plant cell walls to fermentable sugars by
      biochemical means is impeded by several poorly understood ultrastructural and
      chemical barriers. Pretreatment is an essential step by altering the
      morphological and compositional characteristics of biomass to enhance the sugar
      release during enzymatic hydrolysis. Therefore, getting insight into this field
      is necessary to improve the conversion of biomass into biofuels. In this review,
      we highlight our recent understanding on the impact of various promising
      pretreatments on biomass, with emphasis on the topochemical and ultrastructural
      changes of plant cell walls that are related to the reduction of recalcitrance
      and the consequence of saccharification. It will lend support to the scientific
      research and development with respect to biomass conversion.

PMID- 25118395
TI  - [Application of process engineering to remove lignocellulose fermentation
      inhibitors].
AB  - Fermentation inhibitors are toxic to cells, which is one of the bottlenecks for
      lignocellulose bio-refinery process. How to remove those inhibitors serves a key
      role in the bioconversion of lignocellulose. This article reviews the sources and
      the types of the inhibitors, especially the updated removal strategies including
      physical methods, chemical methods, biological methods and inhibitor-tolerant
      strain construction strategies. Based on these, we introduce a new bio-refinery
      model named "fractional conversion", which reduces the production of inhibitors
      at pretreatment stage, and a novel in situ detoxification method named
      "fermentation promoter exploitation technology". This review could provide new
      research ideas on the removal of fermentation inhibitors.

PMID- 25118396
TI  - [Progress in natural laccase mediators from lignocelluloses].
AB  - Laccase is one of the most important oxidoreductase with industrialization
      potential. However, due to the high cost and catalytic toxicity of laccase
      synthetic mediator, the laccase-mediator-system still cannot achieve
      industrialization. Therefore, searching for high efficient, environment-friendly,
      and cheap natural mediator from small molecule precursors or intermediates and
      degradation products of lignin has been considered as a hot research topic.
      Therefore, we introduce the type and catalytic mechanism of laccase mediator, the
      composition and separation of natural laccase mediator from water washed solution
      of steam exploded straw, black liquor and lignocelluloses degradation products
      during the fermentation of white-rot fungi. We also provide the theoretical and
      technical direction for exploring of high reactive of laccase natural mediators
      and achieving the oriented high-value utilization of lignocellulose degradation
      products.

PMID- 25118397
TI  - [Degumming of kenaf fibers by combining steam explosion with ultrasonic
      treatment].
AB  - Kenaf has a high content of gum that is difficult to remove. Traditional chemical
      degumming process causes serious environmental pollution. To solve the problem,
      we developed a new method to degum kenaf. We pretreated the kenaf with steam
      explosion followed by ultrasonic treatment. We chose the single factor tests to
      select the ultrasonic frequency, sodium hydroxide concentration and processing
      time. Combined with orthogonal tests, we found that the optimum conditions were
      as follows: ultrasonic frequency was 28 kHz, sodium hydroxide concentration was
      2%, and processing time was 60 min. Under these conditions, the residual gum of
      kenaf fiber was 9.72% and the fineness was 139.45 N(m). Steam explosion combined
      with ultrasonic method is effective in degumming of kenaf.

PMID- 25118398
TI  - [Low temperature plasma technology for biomass refinery].
AB  - Biorefinery that utilizes renewable biomass for production of fuels, chemicals
      and bio-materials has become more and more important in chemical industry.
      Recently, steam explosion technology, acid and alkali treatment are the main
      biorefinery treatment technologies. Meanwhile, low temperature plasma technology
      has attracted extensive attention in biomass refining process due to its unique
      chemical activity and high energy. We systemically summarize the research
      progress of low temperature plasma technology for pretreatment, sugar platflow,
      selective modification, liquefaction and gasification in biomass refinery.
      Moreover, the mechanism of low temperature plasma in biorefinery and its further
      development were also discussed.

PMID- 25118399
TI  - [Effect of byproducts in lignocellulose hydrolysates on ethanol fermentation by
      Issatchenkia orientalis].
AB  - Byproducts in lignocellulose hydrolysates, namely sodium formate (1 to 5 g/L),
      sodium acetic (2.5 to 8.0 g/L), furfural (0.2-2 g/L), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5
      HMF, 1 to 1.0 g/L) or vanillin (0.5 to 2 g/L) were used to evaluate their effects
      on ethanol fermentation by Issatchenkia orientalis HN-1 using single factor test
      and the response surface central composite experiment. Results showed that most
      of the byproducts had no obvious inhibition on the production of ethanol, except
      for the addition of 2 g/L vanillin or 1 g/L of 5-HMF, which reduced the ethanol
      production by 20.38% and 11.2%, respectively. However, high concentration of some
      byproducts in lignocellulose hydrolysates, such as sodium formate (1 to 5 g/L),
      sodium acetic (2.5 to 8.0 g/L), furfural (0.2 to 2 g/L) and vanillin (0.5 to 2
      g/L) inhibited the growth of I. orientalis HN-1 significantly. Compared with the
      control, the dry cell weight of I. orientalis HN-1 decreased by 25.04% to 37.02%,
      28.83% to 43.82%, 20.06% to 37.60% and 26.39% to 52.64%, respectively, when the
      above components were added into the fermentation broth and the fermentation
      lasted for 36 h. No significant interaction effect of the various inhibitors
      (sodium formate, sodium acetic, furfural and vanillin) except for vanillin single
      factor on the ethanol production was observed based on the central composite
      experiments. The concentrations of byproducts in most lignocellulose hydrolysates
      were below the initial inhibition concentration on ethanol production by
      Issatchenkia orientalis HN-1, which indicated that Issatchenkia orientalis HN-1
      can be used for ethanol production from lignocellulose hydrolysates.

PMID- 25118400
TI  - [Pretreatment of industrial lignin and catalytic conversion into phenol].
AB  - Recent concerns about the gradual depletion of conventional fossil resources and
      the pressure from global climate change have accentuated the need for new
      alternative feedstock. As one of the main components in biomass, lignin is the
      second most abundant natural polymer after cellulose, and has the potential to
      serve as a sustainable source of energy and organic carbon to replace petroleum
      based chemicals. Efficient conversion of lignin into high value-added chemicals
      is crucial to improve the economic feasibility of biomass refinery. In the
      present study, several pretreatment technologies on industrial lignin were
      carried out to enhance phenol production. A microwave irradiation assisted
      biphasic reaction system was used to convert pretreated industrial lignin into
      phenolic compounds. Lignin conversion, reaction temperature, time and
      pretreatment method, were optimized. The highest phenol yield was 8.14% obtained
      from lignin pretreated by 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate at 400 W for 60 min
      in a biophasic system catalyze by 1-aminoethyl-3-methylimidazolium
      tetrafluoroborate.

PMID- 25118401
TI  - [Pretreatment of ramie and kenaf stalk for bioethanol production].
AB  - Ramie and kenaf were traditional fiber crops in China, but their stalk after
      decorticating has not been used effectively. The stalk contains a lot of
      cellulose, and can therefore be used for the production of bioethanol. We studied
      the effects of different chemical pretreatment on enzymatic digestibility of
      ramie stalk and kenaf stalk. Ramie and kenaf stalks pretreated with alkali were
      chosen to produce ethanol using quasi-simultaneous saccharification and
      fermentation (Q-SSF) process. The results show that for the stalks pretreated
      with 4% NaOH and 0.02% anthraquinone-2-sulfonic acid sodium salt (AQSS) as
      catalyzer at 170 degrees C for 1 h, the ethanol concentration could reach 51 g/L
      after fermentation for 168 h at 18% of solid substrate concentration. By fed
      batch to 20% of solid substrate concentration, the ethanol concentration could
      reach 63 g/L, 77% and 79% of the cellulose conversion could get for ramie stalk
      and kenaf stalk, respectively. For kenaf stalk pretreated with 5.2% NaHSO3 and
      0.2% H2SO4 at 170 degrees C for 1 h, the ethanol concentration and cellulose
      conversion could reach to 65 g/L and 72%, respectively.

PMID- 25118402
TI  - [Effect of non-ionic surfactants on butanol production with Clostridium
      acetobutylicum ATCC 824].
AB  - The low butanol concentration of acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation causes
      uneconomical product recovery. In this work, the effect of small molecule non
      ionic surfactants on butanol fermentation was evaluated, using laboratory stocks
      of Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824. Non-ionic surfactants substantially
      increased butanol production when additive amount was higher than 1% (W/W).
      Butanol concentration reached 16.9 g/L with 5% (W/W) Tween 80 and 100 g/L glucose
      in a 5 L fermenter. It was found that surfactants micelle solubilization capacity
      to butanol was very limited, indicating that butanol could hardly enter the
      surfactants micelle. Butanol production improvement was probably caused by cell
      surface hydrophobicity change due to surfactants adsorption.

PMID- 25118403
TI  - A new species and species-group of Simulium (Simulium) (Diptera: Simuliidae) from
      Thailand.
AB  - Simulium (Simulium) atipornae sp. nov. is described from females, males, pupae,
      and larvae in Thailand. This new species is characterized in the female by the
      claw with a small subbasal tooth, ovipositor valve triangular with its inner
      margin nearly straight; in the male by the style with a short subbasal
      protuberance and ventral plate Y-shaped, with toothed posterior margin; and in
      the pupa by the head and thoracic integument almost bare and gill with six
      filaments. Taxonomic notes are given to compare this new species with nine
      related species. A new species-group, the christophersi species-group, is
      proposed to accommodate S. atipornae sp. nov. and nine related species.

PMID- 25118404
TI  - Environmental factors related to the abundance and activity of Ochlerotatus
      albifasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in an agricultural landscape of steppe arid
      climate.
AB  - Ochlerotatus albifasciatus (Macquart) is a flood water mosquito whose highest
      density has been found associated both with natural landscapes (prairies or
      grazing fields) in temperate and subtropical regions and with rainfall events. In
      the current study, we aimed to find out how the marked differences between
      environmental factors of agricultural landscape patches in a steppe arid region
      affect the relative abundance of this species. In wetland patches, the high
      activity of adults was closely associated with the flood irrigation system,
      suggesting that the agricultural activity contributes to the proliferation of
      this mosquito. The steppe patches would constitute an adverse environment
      reflected by the abrupt decrease in abundance. Multiple linear regression showed
      that some explanatory variables, such as wetland patches and moment of the day
      (midday), did not contribute significantly to the relative abundance variation.
      In contrast, temperature, wind, and cloud cover seemed to regulate the biting
      activity of females. Temperature affected the activity of mosquitoes in the
      steppe but seemed to have no effect in wetland patches, where the activity of
      mosquitoes was permanent and more stable against changes in temperature. In the
      steppe, which presents low levels of humidity, scarce vegetation, and greater
      wind exposure, the activity seemed to be unstable against small thermal
      variations. The variability of the relative abundance of Oc. albifasciatus in an
      agricultural landscape was widely explained by temperature in combination with
      the microenvironment type, wind speed, and cloud cover and indirectly by human
      activity.

PMID- 25118405
TI  - Intra-annual changes in abundance of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes
      (Ochlerotatus) epactius (Diptera: Culicidae) in high-elevation communities in
      Mexico.
AB  - We examined temporal changes in the abundance of the mosquitoes Aedes (Stegomyia)
      aegypti (L.) and Aedes (Ochlerotatus) epactius Dyar & Knab from June to October
      2012 in one reference community at lower elevation (Rio Blanco; approximately
      1,270 m) and three high-elevation communities (Acultzingo, Maltrata, and Puebla
      City; 1,670-2,150 m) in Veracruz and Puebla States, Mexico. The combination of
      surveys for pupae in water-filled containers and trapping of adults, using BG
      Sentinel traps baited with the BG-Lure, corroborated previous data from 2011
      showing that Ae. aegypti is present at low abundance up to 2,150 m in this part
      of Mexico. Data for Ae. aegypti adults captured through repeated trapping in
      fixed sites in Acultzingo--the highest elevation community (approximately 1,670
      m) from which the temporal intra-annual abundance pattern for Ae. aegypti has
      been described--showed a gradual increase from low numbers in June to a peak
      occurrence in late August, and thereafter declining numbers in September. Ae.
      epactius adults were collected repeatedly in BG-Sentinel traps in all four study
      communities; this is the first recorded collection of this species with a trap
      aiming specifically to collect human-biting mosquitoes. We also present the first
      description of the temporal abundance pattern for Ae. epactius across an
      elevation gradient: peak abundance was reached in mid-July in the lowest
      elevation community (Rio Blanco) but not until mid-September in the highest
      elevation one (Puebla City). Finally, we present data for meteorological
      conditions (mean temperature and rainfall) in the examined communities during the
      study period, and for a cumulative measure of the abundance of adults over the
      full sampling period.

PMID- 25118406
TI  - Effect of diet quality on survival and reproduction of adult Paederus fuscipes
      (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae).
AB  - The survival and reproduction of the beetle Paederus fuscipes Curtis on diets
      that differed in macronutrient composition were investigated in the laboratory.
      The sex organs of females fed each test diet were dissected to evaluate the
      ovarian development over time. Adults fed on a carbohydrate-rich diet lived
      longer than adults fed the other diets, but this diet provided insufficient
      nutrients for reproduction. Females fed on a protein-rich diet had high
      fecundity; however, the mean longevity of reproductive adult P. fuscipes
      significantly was shortened by 20-30 d compared with longevity of 60-70 d for
      adults fed a carbohydrate-rich diet. In contrast, adults that were provided lipid
      rich diet had low survival and fecundity. Overall, the development
      ofprevitellogenic follicles was significantly affected by diet regime and days
      since starting a particular diet. The follicle size of females given protein-rich
      diet increased 0.5-fold 2 wk after beginning the diet. In contrast, the
      development of the follicles was slow in females given the carbohydrate-rich diet
      and the follicles degenerated in females given the lipid-rich diet. In terms of
      ovarian maturation, females fed on a protein-rich diet contained mostly
      vitellogenic and chorionated follicles. In contrast, the ovarioles of females on
      the carbohydrate-rich diet were largely occupied with previtellogenic and
      vitellogenic follicles, whereas for a lipid-rich diet, the follicles remained at
      the previtellogenic stage throughout the experiment.

PMID- 25118407
TI  - Seasonal and spatial oviposition activity of Aedes albopictus (Diptera:
      Culicidae) in Adriatic Croatia.
AB  - Seasonal and spatial ovipositional activity of Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) was
      investigated in Split, South Croatia. During 2009 and 2010, 35 oviposition traps
      were used in this research. For studying oviposition behavior, mean egg density
      and Lloyd's mean crowding were used to define the dispersion of eggs into
      ovitraps and, together with Taylor's power law, to show aggregation degree. To
      show monthly distribution of egg density, Kriging interpolation was used.
      Oviposition activity started in April (week 13) and was completed at the
      beginning December (week 48). Mean egg density reaches the highest values from
      June to early September (week 25-35). Slope of regressions (mean crowding on mean
      density and log variance and log mean density) indicated a clumped distribution
      of eggs. Sampling sites were divided in four groups based on quartiles of median
      and maximum of mean density. There was no significant difference in measured
      abiotic factors (temperature, humidity, and rainfall) and measured mean egg
      density, total amount of eggs, and percentage of positive ovitraps between
      investigated years, except in mean egg density in some localities.

PMID- 25118409
TI  - The relationship between deer density, tick abundance, and human cases of Lyme
      disease in a residential community.
AB  - White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman), serve as the primary host
      for the adult blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis Say), the vector for Lyme
      disease, human babesiosis, and human granulocytic anaplasmosis. Our objective was
      to evaluate the degree of association between deer density, tick abundance, and
      human cases of Lyme disease in one Connecticut community over a 13-yr period. We
      surveyed 90-98% of all permanent residents in the community six times from 1995
      to 2008 to document resident's exposure to tick-related disease and frequency and
      abundance of deer observations. After hunts were initiated, number and frequency
      of deer observations in the community were greatly reduced as were resident
      reported cases of Lyme disease. Number of resident-reported cases of Lyme disease
      per 100 households was strongly correlated to deer density in the community.
      Reducing deer density to 5.1 deer per square kilometer resulted in a 76%
      reduction in tick abundance, 70% reduction in the entomological risk index, and
      80% reduction in resident-reported cases of Lyme disease in the community from
      before to after a hunt was initiated.

PMID- 25118408
TI  - Relative humidity and activity patterns of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae).
AB  - Laboratory studies have shown clear relationships between relative humidity (RH)
      and the activity and survival of Ixodes scapularis Say (blacklegged tick).
      However, field studies have produced conflicting results. We examined this
      relationship using weekly tick count totals and hourly RH observations at three
      field sites, stratified by latitude, within the state of Rhode Island. Records of
      nymphal tick abundance were compared with several RH-related variables (e.g., RH
      at time of sampling and mean weekly daytime RH). In total, 825 nymphs were
      sampled in 2009, a year of greater precipitation, with a weighted average leaf
      litter RH recorded at time of sampling of 85.22%. Alternatively, 649 nymphs were
      collected in 2010, a year of relatively low precipitation, and a weighted average
      RH recorded at time of sampling was 75.51%. Negative binomial regression analysis
      of tick count totals identified cumulative hours < 82% RH threshold as a
      significant factor observed in both years (2009: P = 0.0037; 2010: P < 0.0001).
      Mean weekly daytime RH did not significantly predict tick activity in either
      year. However, mean weekly daytime RH recorded with 1-wk lag before sample date
      was a significant variable (P = 0.0016) in 2010. These results suggest a lag
      effect between moisture availability and patterns of tick activity and abundance.
      Differences in the relative importance of each RH variable between years may have
      been due to abnormally wet summer conditions in 2009.

PMID- 25118410
TI  - Comparison of efficacy of five types of long-lasting insecticidal nets against
      Anopheles fluviatilis, the primary malaria vector in east-central India.
AB  - Five types of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LNs), namely, Olyset, Netprotect,
      PermaNet, DuraNet, and Interceptor, were tested after 20 washes for efficacy in
      terms of mortality, deterrence effect, blood-feeding inhibition, and induced
      exophily of the malaria vector Anopheles fluviatilis in experimental huts in
      Malkangiri district of Odisha State, India. Efficacy of the three synthetic
      pyrethroids (SPs) used in the LNs was also analyzed. Use of LNs reduced the entry
      of An. fluviatilis into the huts by 73.3-83.2%, and the five LNs were comparable
      in terms of deterrence. The exit rate of An. fluviatilis from the huts with
      untreated net was 56.3%, and relative to this, Olyset followed by DuraNet induced
      significantly a higher exophily. In contrast, the exit rate was significantly
      lower with Interceptor. Among the three SPs, permethrin induced significantly
      greater exophily relative to the untreated control, and as a result of this,
      permethrin-treated Olyset produced a lower mortality. Blood-feeding rate of An.
      fluviatilis was significantly lower with all the five LNs than the control.
      Similarly, all the three SPs significantly inhibited blood feeding compared with
      the control. Interceptor and DuraNet, both alphacypermethrin-treated LNs, caused
      relatively a higher mortality of An. fluviatilis than the other LNs. The five
      brands of LNs and three SPs tested in the current study were equally effective in
      terms of deterrence and blood-feeding inhibition; only exiting and killing effect
      differed among them. Permethrin-treated LNs induced greater exophily, while,
      overall, alphacypermethrin-treated LNs killed more An. fluviatilis that entered
      the huts. Advantage of deterrence, excito-repellent, and killing effects of LNs
      and appropriate selection of SP for net treatment are discussed in this paper.

PMID- 25118411
TI  - Multiplex qPCR assay for identification and differentiation of Amblyomma
      americanum, Amblyomma cajennense, and Amblyomma maculatum (Ixodida: Ixodidae)
      tick species in the eastern United States.
AB  - Many ticks of the genus Amblyomma are vectors of human pathogens, and the correct
      species identification is medically and epidemiologically important.
      Morphological identification is time-consuming and requires a high level of
      expertise. Identification of engorged, immature, or damaged ticks and the
      differentiation of closely related species remain problematic. Here, we report
      the development of a real-time TaqMan assay for the genomic identification and
      differentiation of Amblyomma americanum (L.), Amblyomma cajennense (F.), and
      Amblyomma maculatum (Koch), which are human-biting species found in the eastern
      United States. New species-specific sets of oligonucleotides for the multiplex
      reaction that detect and differentiate the ITS2 genomic regions of three target
      species were designed using Visual OMP; the previously published A. americanum
      oligonucleotide set was also incorporated into our assay. Specificity and
      sensitivity tests for two multiplex master mixes using different A. americanum
      sets were performed using individual and pooled samples of adult, nymphal, and
      larval ticks, and optimization procedures were applied. The multiplex assay
      successfully differentiates between genomes of three target species and does not
      cross-react with DNAs of ticks from other genera. Rare cases of nonspecific
      amplification occurred with DNAs of A. imitator and Amblyomma triste Koch
      misidentified as A. americanum and A. maculatum, respectively. However, this
      cross-reaction does not diminish the usefulness of the developed assay east of
      the 95th meridian, where neither A. imitator nor A. triste are found. Two master
      mixes incorporating the previously published or newly developed A. americanum
      sets are being recommended for identification of individual ticks or pooled
      samples, respectively.

PMID- 25118412
TI  - Enhanced toxicity of binary mixtures of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis
      and three essential oil major constituents to wild Anopheles sinensis (Diptera:
      Culicidae) and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae).
AB  - An assessment was made of the toxicity of 12 insecticides and three essential
      oils as well as Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) alone or in
      combination with the oil major constituents (E)-anethole (AN), (E) 
      cinnamaldehyde (CA), and eugenol (EU; 1:1 ratio) to third instars of bamboo
      forest-collected Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and rice paddy field-collected
      Anopheles sinensis Wiedemann. An. sinensis larvae were resistant to various
      groups of the tested insecticides. Based on 24-h LC50 values, binary mixtures of
      Bti and CA, AN, or EU were significantly more toxic against Ae. albopictus larvae
      (0.0084, 0.0134, and 0.0237 mg/liter) and An. sinensis larvae (0.0159, 0.0388,
      and 0.0541 mg/liter) than either Bti (1.7884 and 2.1681 mg/liter) or CA (11.46
      and 18.56 mg/liter), AN (16.66 and 25.11 mg/liter), or EU (24.60 and 31.09
      mg/liter) alone. As judged by cotoxicity coefficient (CC) and synergistic factor
      (SF), the three binary mixtures operated in a synergy pattern (CC, 140.7-368.3
      and SF, 0.0007-0.0010 for Ae. albopictus; CC, 75.1-245.3 and SF, 0.0008-0.0017
      for An. sinensis). Global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic
      insecticides in the aquatic environment justify further studies on the binary
      mixtures of Bti and essential oil constituents described, in particular CA, as
      potential larvicides for the control of malaria vector mosquito populations.

PMID- 25118413
TI  - X-ray-induced sterility in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and male
      longevity following irradiation.
AB  - The mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) is a potent vector of several
      arboviral diseases, most notably chikungunya and dengue fever. In the context of
      the sterile insect technique (SIT), the sterilization of the male mosquitoes
      before their release can be achieved by gamma-ray irradiation. As gamma-ray
      irradiators are becoming increasingly problematic to purchase and transport, the
      suitability of an X-ray irradiator as an alternative for the sterilization of Ae.
      albopictus males was studied. The sterilization of up to 200,000 pupae at one
      time can be achieved with relative ease, and the sterility results obtained were
      comparable with those achieved by gamma irradiation, where 99% sterility is
      induced with a dose of 40 Gy. A significant reduction of longevity was observed
      in the latter stages of the males' life after irradiation treatments, especially
      at doses > 40 Gy, which is consistent with the negative effects on longevity
      induced by similar radiation doses using gamma rays. Females irradiated at 40 Gy
      were not only 100% sterile, but also failed to oviposit entirely, i.e., all of
      the females laid 0 eggs. Overall, it was found that the X-ray irradiator is
      generally suitable for the sterilization process for sterile insect technique
      programs, as it showed a high processing capacity, practicality, high
      effectiveness, and reproducibility.

PMID- 25118414
TI  - Predation and control efficacies of Misgurnus mizolepis (Cypriniformes:
      Cobitidae) toward Culex pipiens molestus (Diptera: Culicidae) and fish toxicity
      of temephos in laboratory and septic tank conditions.
AB  - Culex pipiens molestus Forskal (Diptera: Culicidae) is the dominant mosquito
      species in septic tanks in South Korea. An assessment was made of the biological
      control potential of mud loaches, Misgurnus mizolepis Gunther (Cypriniformes:
      Cobitidae), toward Cx. p. molestus larvae in laboratory and septic tanks. Results
      were compared with those of temephos 20% emulsifiable concentrate. In laboratory
      tests, all mud loaches survived on sedimentation chamber- and effluent chamber
      collected water of aerobic septic tanks (ASTs), whereas all mud loaches died
      within 3-12 h after introduction into sedimentation chamber- and effluent chamber
      collected water of anaerobic septic tanks, Gill hyperplasia and hemorrhages at
      the bases of pectoral fins were detected in all dead mud loaches. These appeared
      to have been caused by bacterial disease, rather than the physical and chemical
      characteristics of the septic tank water. A mud loach consumed an average range
      of 1,072-1,058 larvae of Cx. p. molestus in the AST water at 24 h. At the
      manufacturer's recommended rate (10 ml/ton) in the AST water, the temephos
      formulation did not cause fish mortality. In the AST experiment, predation of
      mosquito larvae by mud loaches at a release rate of one fish per 900 mosquito
      larvae resulted in complete mosquito control from the third day after treatment
      throughout the 18-wk survey period, compared with temephos 20% emulsifiable
      concentrate-treated AST water (reduction rate, 40% at 28 days after treatment).
      Reasonable mosquito control in aerobic septic tanks can be achieved by mosquito
      breeding season stocking of a rate of one mud loach per 900 mosquito larvae.

PMID- 25118415
TI  - Chemical composition, larvicidal, and biting deterrent activity of essential oils
      of two subspecies of Tanacetum argenteum (Asterales: Asteraceae) and individual
      constituents against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).
AB  - Water-distilled essential oils from dried aerial parts of Tanacetum argenteum
      (Lam.) Willd. subsp. argenteum (Lam.) and T. argenteum (Lam.) Willd. subsp. canum
      (C. Koch) Grierson were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography
      mass spectrometry. In total, 27 and 32 components were identified representing
      97.2 and 98.7% of essential oils of subsp. argenteum and canum, respectively.
      Main compounds of T. argenteum subsp. argenteum were alpha-pinene (67.9%) and
      beta-pinene (4.8%), whereas alpha-pinene (53.6%), 1, 8-cineole (14.8%), and
      camphor (4.7%) were the major constituents of subsp. canum. Essential oil of T.
      argenteum subsp. canum at 10 microg/cm2 with Biting Deterrent Index (BDI) value
      of 0.73 showed activity similar to N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) at 25
      mol/cm2, whereas the activity of essential oil of subsp. argenteum was lower (BDI
      = 0.47) than subsp. canum and DEET. Based on 95% CIs, activity of beta
      caryophyllene (BDI value = 0.54) and caryophyllene oxide (BDI = 0.66) were
      significantly lower than DEET. In larval bioassays, essential oil of T. argenteum
      subsp. argenteum showed LC50 value of 93.34 ppm, whereas T. argenteum subsp.
      canum killed only 40% of the larvae at the highest dose of 125 ppm. Among the
      pure compounds, beta-caryophyllene (LC50 = 26 ppm) was the most potent compound
      followed by caryophyllene oxide (LC50 = 29 ppm), which was also similar to (-)
      beta-pinene (LC50 = 35.9 ppm) against 1-d-old Ae. aegypti larvae at 24-h post
      treatment. Compounds (-)-alpha-pinene and (+)-beta-pinene showed similar
      larvicidal activity. Activity of (+)-alpha-pinene with LC50 value of was similar
      to the essential oil of T. argenteum subsp. argenteum.

PMID- 25118416
TI  - A user friendly method to assess Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) vector
      fitness: fecundity.
AB  - Fecundity, bloodmeal size, and survival are among the most important parameters
      in the overall fitness of mosquitoes. Impact of an intervention that affects
      fecundity can be assessed by directly counting the eggs laid by exposed
      mosquitoes, which is usually done manually. We have developed a macroinstruction,
      which can be used to count thousands of Anopheles stephensi Liston eggs in a few
      minutes, to provide an alternative and adaptable method to egg counting as a
      measure of fecundity. The macro was developed using a scanner and a computer
      running AxioVision Rel. 4.8 software, a freely accessible software compatible
      with Windows XP/7/Vista. Using this semiautomated method, it is possible to
      reduce time, avoid human error and bias, and obtain improved consistency in
      studies measuring mosquito fecundity.

PMID- 25118417
TI  - Laboratory and field evaluation of spinosad formulation Natular T30 against
      immature Culex mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae).
AB  - Spinosad consisting of spinosyn A and D is derived from a naturally occurring,
      soil-dwelling bacterium, Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Spinosyns are neurotoxins
      that activate postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid
      receptors and cause rapid excitation of the insect nervous system and ultimately
      exhaustion and death of the targets. During the past 30 yr, numerous spinosad
      based formulations have been developed and applied to control various arthropod
      pests of agricultural importance. Natular T-30 is a new slow-release formulation
      containing 8.33% spinosad for use in mosquito larval control programs. High-level
      larvicidal activity, as indicated by low LC50 and LC90 levels, was demonstrated
      against Culex quinquefasciatus Say in the laboratory. Larvicidal efficacy was
      evaluated in semifield microcosms, field mesocosms, and underground storm drains.
      Fair performance against larval populations of Culex spp. and other mosquito
      species was achieved, although low efficacy during the initial few days
      posttreatment was encountered. This slow-release formulation will play an
      important role in controlling mosquitoes in persistent breeding sources.

PMID- 25118418
TI  - Exploring new thermal fog and ultra-low volume technologies to improve indoor
      control of the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).
AB  - Control of the mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti (L.), inside human habitations must
      be performed quickly and efficiently to reduce the risk of transmission during
      dengue outbreaks. As part of abroad study to assess the efficacy of dengue vector
      control tools for the U.S. Military, two pesticide delivery systems (ultra-low
      volume [ULV] and thermal fog) were evaluated for their ability to provide
      immediate control of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes with a contact insecticide inside
      simulated urban structures. An insect growth regulator was also applied to
      determine how well each sprayer delivered lethal doses of active ingredient to
      indoor water containers for pupal control. Mortality of caged Ae. aegypti,
      pesticide droplet size, and droplet deposition were recorded after applications.
      In addition, larval and pupal mortality was measured from treated water samples
      for 4 wk after the applications. The ULV and the thermal fogger performed equally
      well in delivering lethal doses of adulticide throughout the structures. The ULV
      resulted in greater larval mortality and adult emergence inhibition in the water
      containers for a longer period than the thermal fogger. Therefore, the ULV
      technology is expected to be a better tool for sustained vector suppression when
      combined with an effective insect growth regulator. However, during a dengue
      outbreak, either delivery system should provide an immediate knockdown of vector
      populations that may lower the risk of infection and allow other suppression
      strategies to be implemented.

PMID- 25118420
TI  - First record of Ixodes arboricola (Ixodida: Ixodidae) from Turkey with presence
      of Candidatus Rickettsia vini (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae).
AB  - Birds are the specific hosts of many tick species and may contribute to the
      dissemination of ticks and tick-borne pathogens throughout the world.
      Determination of ticks infesting birds and their pathogens are important for the
      detection of natural foci of human pathogens. Unfortunately, there is very
      limited information about the occurrence of ticks on birds and associated
      pathogens in Turkey. We performed a tick survey on three passerine bird species;
      Parus major, Sylvia atricapilla, and Turdus merula. Ticks collected from these
      birds were identified to species and tested for the presence of Borrelia,
      Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species. Ixodes arboricola Schulze & Schlottke, Ixodes
      frontalis Panzer, and Ixodes ricinus L. were found on the birds. This is the
      first study reporting the presence of I. frontalis and I. arboricola on S.
      atricapilla and P. major, respectively, in Turkey. In addition, the results of
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers specific for gltA and ompA genes and
      DNA sequence analysis of positive PCR products indicated the presence of
      Candidatus Rickettsia vini in I. arboricola ticks. In conclusion, this is the
      first record of both I. arboricola and Candidatus Rickettsia vini in Turkey.
      Therefore, future studies needed to be conducted on the ticks infesting birds and
      their pathogens to elucidate the role of birds in the dispersal of tick species
      and tick-borne pathogens in Turkey.

PMID- 25118419
TI  - Feeding by Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae) enhances Rickettsia parkeri
      (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) infection in the skin.
AB  - Rickettsia parkeri Luckman (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), a member of the
      spotted fever group of Rickettsia, is the tick-borne causative agent of a newly
      recognized, eschar-associated rickettsiosis. Because of its relatively recent
      designation as a pathogen, few studies have examined the pathogenesis of
      transmission of R. parkeri to the vertebrate host. To further elucidate the role
      of tick feeding in rickettsial infection of vertebrates, nymphal Amblyomma
      maculatum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae) were fed on C3H/HeJ mice intradermally
      inoculated with R. parkeri (Portsmouth strain). The ticks were allowed to feed to
      repletion, at which time samples were taken for histopathology,
      immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for
      rickettsial quantification, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
      (RT-PCR) for expression of Itgax, Mcp1, and Il1beta. The group of mice that
      received intradermal inoculation of R. parkeri with tick feeding displayed
      significant increases in rickettsial load and IHC staining, but not in cytokine
      expression, when compared with the group of mice that received intradermal
      inoculation of R. parkeri without tick feeding. Tick feeding alone was associated
      with histopathologic changes in the skin, but these changes, and particularly
      vascular pathology, were more pronounced in the skin of mice inoculated
      previously with R. parkeri and followed by tick feeding. The marked differences
      in IHC staining and qPCR for the R. parkeri with tick feeding group strongly
      suggest an important role for tick feeding in the early establishment of
      rickettsial infection in the skin.

PMID- 25118421
TI  - Detection of bacterial agents in Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) from
      Georgia, USA, and the use of a multiplex assay to differentiate Ehrlichia
      chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii.
AB  - Amblyomma americanum, the lone star tick, is the most common and most aggressive
      human biting tick in the Southeastern United States. It is known to transmit the
      agents of human ehrlichioses, Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii. In
      addition, it carries agents of unspecified pathogenicity to humans, including
      Rickettsia amblyommii, Borrelia lonestari, and the newly emerging Panola Mountain
      Ehrlichia (PME). Surveillance of these ticks for recognized or emerging pathogens
      is necessary for assessing the risk of human infection. From 2005 to 2009, we
      surveyed A. americanum ticks from four locations in the state of Georgia. Ticks
      (1,183 adults, 2,954 nymphs, and 99 larval batches) were tested using a multiplex
      real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay designed to detect and
      discriminate DNA from Rickettsia spp., E. chaffeensis, and E. ewingii. This assay
      was capable of detecting as few as 10 gene copies of the aforementioned agents.
      Ticks were also tested for PME and B. lonestari by nested PCR. The prevalence of
      infection ranged from 0 to 2.5% for E. chaffeensis, 0 to 3.9% for E. ewingii, 0
      to 2.2% for PME, 17 to 83.1% for R. amblyommii, and 0 to 3.1% for B. lonestari.
      There were 46 (4.1%) individual adults positive for two agents, and two females
      that were each positive for three agents. Two larval batches were positive for
      both B. lonestari and R. amblyommii, indicating the potential for transovarial
      transmission of both agents from a single female. Although infrequent in
      occurrence, the dynamics of coinfections in individual ticks should be explored
      further, given the potential implications for differential diagnosis and severity
      of human illness.

PMID- 25118422
TI  - Efficacy of novaluron as a feed-through for control of immature horn flies, house
      flies, and stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae) developing in cow manure.
AB  - Two rates (0.4 mg/kg body weight/d and 0.6 mg/kg body weight/d) of a daily feed
      through formulation of novaluron (Novaluron 0.67% active ingredient Cattle Mix),
      a newer benzoylphenyl urea insecticide, were evaluated for efficacy in
      controlling the larval stage of horn flies, Haematobia irritans (L.), house
      flies, Musca domestica L., and stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), developing
      in cow manure. Both rates of feed-through novaluron, delivered consecutively for
      10 d, reduced adult emergence of all three species when compared with the
      untreated control. The presence of deformed puparia indicated that novaluron had
      an insect growth regulator effect on the developing fly larvae. Both of the feed
      through rates evaluated resulted in 100% reduction of adult stable fly emergence
      after the second day of feed-through treatment. The level of control efficacy
      observed against these three fly species make this feed-through formulation a
      candidate for use in an integrated livestock pest management program,
      particularly in confined cattle production situations where a feed-through
      product could be easily administered.

PMID- 25118423
TI  - A silicone membrane for in vitro feeding of Ixodes scapularis (Ixodida:
      Ixodidae).
AB  - We describe a simple silicone membrane for in vitro feeding of Ixodes scapularis
      (Say), the main tick vector of Lyme borreliosis in the United States. Membranes
      are prepared using regenerated cellulose lens paper, which is coated with a
      controlled layer of silicone by submerging and removing the paper in a defined
      solution of silicone glue dissolved in toluene. Median engorged weight obtained
      by I. scapularis fed on defibrinated bovine blood using these membranes was 109
      mg (32-198 mg). These ticks laid eggs in the laboratory and larvae hatched 6 wk
      later. This method simplifies artificial membranes for in vitro feeding of ixodid
      ticks, which have long required a considerable amount of skill and experience to
      prepare.

PMID- 25118424
TI  - Feeding host range of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) demonstrates its
      opportunistic host-seeking behavior in rural Singapore.
AB  - Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is a competent vector of arboviruses of public health
      importance, including dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus viruses. Ae.
      albopictus is the primary vector of chikungunya virus in Singapore. However,
      despite being ubiquitous, it plays a secondary role in DENV transmission. The
      vectorial capacity of Ae. albopictus for DENV in field settings appears to be
      weak because dengue primarily occurs in Aedes aegypti (L.)-dominated, urban
      settings of the country. As host-seeking behavior is one of the determinants of
      vectorial capacity, we screened 6,762 female Ae. albopictus from rural,
      semiurban, and urban locations in Singapore for avian and nonavian bloodmeals
      using two polymerase chain reaction-sequencing assays developed in-house. The
      majority (83.2%, n = 79) of bloodmeals from rural and semiurban areas were from
      humans. However, Ae. albopictus was also found to feed on shrews, swine, dogs,
      cats, turtles, and multiple hosts in rural settings. In urban areas, all positive
      bloodmeals were from humans. There were no avian bloodmeals. Our findings testify
      that Ae. albopictus is highly anthropophagic even in rural settings, but become
      opportunistic in extremely low human abundance. This opportunistic feeding
      behavior warrants further investigations into the vectorial capacity of Ae.
      albopictus to assess its role in arbovirus transmission in endemic habitats.

PMID- 25118425
TI  - Temporal correlations between mosquito-based dengue virus surveillance measures
      or indoor mosquito abundance and dengue case numbers in Merida City, Mexico.
AB  - Surveillance of dengue virus (DENV) in Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) females is
      of potential interest because human DENV infections are commonly asymptomatic,
      which decreases the effectiveness of dengue case surveillance to provide early
      warning of building outbreaks. Our primary aim was to examine if mosquito-based
      virological measures--monthly percentages of examined Ae. aegypti females
      infected with DENV or examined homes from which at least one DENV-infected Ae.
      aegypti female was collected--are correlated with reported dengue cases in the
      same or subsequent months within study neighborhoods in Meida City, Mexico. The
      study encompassed approximately 30 neighborhoods in the southern and eastern
      parts of the city. Mosquitoes were collected monthly over a 15-mo period within
      study homes (average of 145 homes examined per month); this produced
      approximately 5,800 Ae. aegypti females subsequently examined for DENV RNA.
      Although monthly dengue case numbers in the study neighborhoods varied > 100-fold
      during the study period, we did not find statistically significant positive
      correlations between monthly data for mosquito-based DENV surveillance measures
      and reported dengue cases in the same or subsequent months. Monthly average
      temperature, rainfall, and indoor abundance of Ae. aegypti females were
      positively correlated (P < or = 0.001) with dengue case numbers in subsequent
      months with lag times of 3-5, 2, and 1-2 mo, respectively. However, because
      dengue outbreak risk is strongly influenced by serotype-specific susceptibility
      of the human population to DENV, the value of weather conditions and
      entomological indices to predict outbreaks is very limited. Potential ways to
      improve the sensitivity of mosquito-based DENV surveillance are discussed.

PMID- 25118426
TI  - Effects of azadirachtin on the biology of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera:
      Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) adult female, the main vector of American visceral
      leishmaniasis.
AB  - The effects of azadirachtin A added to the sucrose diet of the adult females on
      the mortality, oviposition, and hatching of the sand fly vector of American
      visceral leishmaniasis Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) were
      investigated. Concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 microg/mg of azadirachtin
      significantly increased insect mortality in comparison with control insects. The
      same dose also significantly reduced oviposition but not hatching. After a long
      development period, significantly fewer adult insects were obtained from eggs
      hatching by azadirachtin-treated females in a dose-response manner. These results
      indicate that azadirachtin is a potent sterilizer that could be used against the
      development of Lu. longipalpis populations and as a tool for studying
      physiological and biochemical processes in phlebotomine species.

PMID- 25118427
TI  - Attractive toxic sugar baits mixed with pyriproxyfen sprayed on plants against
      adult and larval Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae).
AB  - The effect of spraying a mixture of the insect growth regulator (IGR)
      pyriproxyfen (1 mg/liter) and either 1% boric acid sugar bait or eugenol sugar
      bait on croton petra plants (Codiaeum variegatum L.) was evaluated against the
      container-inhabiting mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse). Treatments were applied
      to plants and evaluated against adult and larval Ae. albopictus in the laboratory
      through contact and wash off experiments, respectively. The control treatment
      lacked an active ingredient and were treated with an attractive sugar bait. The
      plants treated with attractive toxic sugar baits plus the IGR resulted in 60-100%
      mortality of laboratory-reared adult Ae. albopictus. The pyriproxyfen solutions
      collected from the plant wash experiment resulted in 80-100% emergence inhibition
      to the exposed third- and fourth-instar larvae, compared with the untreated
      control. Attractive toxic sugar baits mixed with the IGR not only provide
      effective control of adult mosquitoes, but also provide additional control of
      larval mosquitoes after being washed off from the treated plants.

PMID- 25118428
TI  - New strains of Culex flavivirus isolated in Argentina.
AB  - Strains of Culex flavivirus (CxFV), an insect virus isolated initially from
      Japan, were isolated from different species of Culex sp. mosquitoes collected in
      Corrientes province, Argentina, during 2009. CxFV was detected by reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction and by isolation in C6/36 cell culture.
      Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences showed that these strains are
      related closely to a CxFV strain isolated from Trinidad. Our study represents the
      first report of CxFV isolation and characterization in Argentina from the same
      geographic area where West Nile Virus has been detected. Further evaluation and
      viral competition studies will be necessary to determine the impact of this
      insect flavivirus on an infection caused by other pathogenic flaviviruses.

PMID- 25118429
TI  - Peer Assistance Services.

PMID- 25118430
TI  - Prescription drug abuse does not discriminate.

PMID- 25118431
TI  - Marijuana legalization in Colorado: a nursing student's perspective.

PMID- 25118432
TI  - Affordable care.

PMID- 25118433
TI  - Annual address of the President of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin:
      commercialism. 1914.

PMID- 25118434
TI  - Pediatrician's passion evolves into center for childhood safety.

PMID- 25118435
TI  - Data sharing needed to increase quality and decrease costs.

PMID- 25118436
TI  - The Wisconsin Pharmacy Quality Collaborative--a team-based approach to optimizing
      medication therapy outcomes.
AB  - The Wisconsin Pharmacy Quality Collaborative is an initiative of the Pharmacy
      Society of Wisconsin, which connects community pharmacists with patients,
      physicians, and health plans to improve the quality and reduce the cost of
      medication use across Wisconsin. In 2012, the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin
      received a $4.1 million Health Care Innovation Award from the Centers for
      Medicare and Medicaid Services to expand the Wisconsin Pharmacy Quality
      Collaborative statewide. The aims of the Health Care Innovation Award are to help
      reduce health care costs in Wisconsin by over $20 million and improve health and
      health outcomes during the 3-year project period. Methods include implementing a
      redesign of community pharmacy practices and facilitating medication management
      services, which include intervention-based services and comprehensive medication
      review and assessment visits for eligible commercial and Wisconsin Medicaid
      members. The goals of the project are to: (1) improve medication use among
      participating patients; (2) improve patient safety; (3) reduce health care costs
      for participating patients and payers; and (4) establish partnerships between
      pharmacists and physicians to enhance health outcomes.

PMID- 25118437
TI  - Ocular trauma resulting in enucleation: A 12-year experience from a large
      regional institution.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the frequency and cause of traumatic enucleation at the
      University of Wisconsin. METHODS: A 12-year retrospective chart review (2000
      2012) from the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics of patients who
      underwent enucleation following ocular trauma with specimens submitted to the
      University of Wisconsin Eye Pathology Laboratory. RESULTS: A total of 188 eyes
      enucleated following ocular trauma were identified between 2000 and 2012. One
      hundred eleven (59%) cases had an identifiable mechanism of injury recorded in
      the medical record and were included in the final analysis. The overall median
      patient age was 41 years with 83.8% male. Assault was the most common reason for
      enucleation (n=30, 27.0%) of which 15 (13.5%) cases were related to gunshot
      wounds. Other causes included outdoor or recreational activities (n = 20, 18.0%),
      fall (n = 14, 12.6%), non-motor vehicle accidents (n = 6, 5.5%), motor vehicle
      accidents (n = 15, 13.5%), work-related injury (n = 15, 13.5%), and sports
      related injury (n = 11, 10%). CONCLUSION: Assault is the most common cause of
      traumatic ocular injury leading to enucleation. Gunshot and stab wounds were
      responsible for the majority of these cases. Men were much more likely to undergo
      enucleation due to ocular trauma with the exception being that caused by falls,
      where the rate was nearly equal between men and women.

PMID- 25118438
TI  - The Wisconsin immunization registry experience: comparing real-time and batched
      file submissions from health care providers.
AB  - CONTEXT: The Wisconsin Immunization Registry is a confidential, web-based system
      used since 1999 as a centralized repository of immunization information for
      Wisconsin residents. OBJECTIVE: Provide evidence based on Registry experiences
      with electronic data exchange, comparing the benefits and drawbacks of using the
      Health Level 7 standard, including the option for real time data exchange vs the
      flat file method. DESIGN: For data regarding vaccinations received by children
      aged 4 months through 6 years with Wisconsin addresses that were submitted to the
      Registry during 2010 and 2011, data timeliness (days from vaccine administration
      to date information was received) and completeness (percentage of records
      received that include core data elements for electronic storage) were compared by
      file submission method. RESULTS: Data submitted using Health Level 7 were
      substantially more timely than data submitted using the flat file method.
      Additionally, data submitted using Health Level 7 were substantially more
      complete for each of the core elements compared to flat file submission.
      CONCLUSIONS: Health care organizations that submit electronic data to
      immunization information systems should be aware that the technical decision to
      use the Health Level 7 format, particularly if real-time data exchange is
      employed, can result in more timely and accurate data. This will assist
      clinicians in adhering to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
      schedule and reducing over-immunization.

PMID- 25118439
TI  - A clinical, diagnostic, and ecologic perspective on human anaplasmosis in the
      Upper Midwest.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Human anaplasmosis caused by the bacterial pathogen Anaplasma
      phagocytophilum was first discovered in the Upper Midwest in 1990. Since that
      time the number of cases in the region has steadily increased, such that today,
      the pathogen rivals that of Lyme disease in causing human tick-borne-related
      illness. OBJECTIVE: We provide an overview of the biology, clinical
      characteristics, and epidemiology of the disease in the Upper Midwest and discuss
      currently available diagnostic methods. FINDINGS: Rapid differentiation of
      anaplasmosis from other acute febrile illnesses and targeted treatment are
      important for preventing severe disease and potentially fatal outcomes in
      infected individuals. Beyond blood smear analysis and serology, the development
      of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for clinical use holds
      promise in improving our ability to make rapid diagnoses and to differentiate A
      phagocytophilum infections from those produced by closely related Ehrlichia
      pathogens, which are also present in the region. CONCLUSION: Continuing expansion
      of the range of the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapuloris), the principal vector
      of the disease, into areas heavily populated or visited by humans in the region
      likely will result in this pathogen becoming an even greater burden on human
      health. Efforts are needed to better characterize the current geographic
      distribution of human Anaplasma and Ehrlichia cases to identify emerging foci and
      to better understand the enzootic cycles that maintain the pathogens in the
      region. Improved diagnostics may assist with such efforts.

PMID- 25118440
TI  - Idiopathic spontaneous rupture of an intercostal artery.
AB  - Spontaneous rupture of an intercostal artery is exceptionally rare without an
      inciting event such as trauma or nontraumatic arterial wall weakening. This
      report details the diagnosis and treatment of a 47-year-old man who presented
      with a spontaneous hemothorax from an intercostal artery. There are very few
      reports in the literature documenting spontaneous intercostal artery rupture
      without associated illness or injury.

PMID- 25118442
TI  - Endowment transitions from grantmaker to changemaker.

PMID- 25118443
TI  - Reach out or drop out.

PMID- 25118441
TI  - A case of pityriasis amiantacea with rapid response to treatment.
AB  - Pityriasis amiantacea is a rare cutaneous reaction pattern to various underlying
      inflammatory diseases of the scalp. The clinical findings are very characteristic
      but often under-recognized. This condition can lead to scarring alopecia, and can
      be refractory to conservative treatment. It is therefore important to recognize
      the condition so that appropriate treatment can be initiated promptly.

PMID- 25118445
TI  - Just give me a flight plan. How to make IT purchasing more effective.

PMID- 25118444
TI  - Effective IT purchasing. What top-of-line issues comprise, challenge effective
      hardware, software purchasing?

PMID- 25118446
TI  - Revisions to NPSG.15.02.01 on home oxygen use.

PMID- 25118447
TI  - Revisions to National Patient Safety Goal on home oxygen use.

PMID- 25118448
TI  - Accepted: Revised hospital and critical access hospital requirements to align
      with CMS.

PMID- 25118449
TI  - Joint Commission announces changes in addressing Life Safety Code deficiencies.
      Effective July 1, 2014: modifications to processing PFIs and equivalencies.

PMID- 25118450
TI  - Revised: "Human resources" chapter for behavioral health care.

PMID- 25118451
TI  - Clarification: Joint Commission expecations during IQCP transition.

PMID- 25118452
TI  - We must convey the message.

PMID- 25118453
TI  - Be it resolved that the leadership of the MNA...will support Medicare for AII
      without reservation...

PMID- 25118454
TI  - Nursing's voice in politics: the ongoing relationship between NURSES and
      LEGISLATORS.

PMID- 25118455
TI  - APS leadership meets with NIGMS.

PMID- 25118456
TI  - Association of Chairs of Departments of Physiology 2013 Survey Results.

PMID- 25118457
TI  - AAMC Medical School Faculty Compensation Survey.

PMID- 25118458
TI  - APS supports 75 undergraduate students to conduct physiology laboratory research.

PMID- 25118459
TI  - Zucker reappointed editor of AJP - Heart and Circulatory Physiology.

PMID- 25118461
TI  - APS urges OLAW to revise "significant changes" guidance.

PMID- 25118460
TI  - NIH finalizes chimpanzee housing requirements.

PMID- 25118462
TI  - NIH to require balanced sex representation in animal and cell studies.

PMID- 25118464
TI  - Letter to Keneth Baldwin.

PMID- 25118463
TI  - Following Faraday's footsteps: getting involved in science outreach.

PMID- 25118465
TI  - Are you INVESTED in NCNA?

PMID- 25118466
TI  - Legislative update: busy short session.

PMID- 25118467
TI  - NCNA leadership academy 2014: retreat reflections on leadership.

PMID- 25118468
TI  - Unexpected inspiration.

PMID- 25118469
TI  - RIBN conference offered partners/students opportunities to engage.

PMID- 25118470
TI  - Nursing in concert: 2014 ANA membership assembly.

PMID- 25118471
TI  - NP history lesson.

PMID- 25118472
TI  - In your corner.

PMID- 25118473
TI  - Breast cancer--new aspects of tumor biology: are calcitriol and cyclooxygenase-2
      possible targets for breast cancer?
AB  - Up until now there have been many advances in treatment options for breast
      cancers such as targeted therapies like monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors, mTOR antagonists, and vaccines. Despite these advances, there are
      still many more that warrant further exploration. Two of these targets might be
      the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the key enzyme required to convert arachidonic acid
      to prostaglandins, and calcitriol [1,25(OH)2D3] which is the biologically active
      form of vitamin D. Both calcitriol and the inhibition of COX-2 have shown
      antiproliferative and prodifferentiation, as well as pro-apoptotic effects in
      different malignancies in vitro and in vivo, and the key prostaglandin catabolic
      enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) is known to have tumor
      suppressor activity. Furthermore, the combination ofcalcitriol and nonsteroidal
      anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as non-selective and selective COX-2
      inhibitors, acting synergistically to achieve significant cell growth inhibition
      in prostate cancer. Some epidemiological studies suggest that vitamin D confers a
      moderate benefit against breast cancer while most epidemiological studies presume
      that NSAIDs confer the same. Nevertheless there is growing body of evidence that
      COX-2 expression is a fundamental step in breast cancer carcinogenesis. To date,
      clinical trials have been conducted in patients with different malignancies using
      treatment strategies including COX-2 inhibitors and calcitriol and are showing
      partially encouraging results. The goal of this review is to shed light on the
      association between the prostaglandin as well as vitamin D metabolism relating to
      the incidence and therapy of breast cancers. Moreover, this review will also
      highlight potential treatment options, as well as extract any existing
      interactions between the two metabolisms.

PMID- 25118474
TI  - Brain metastases from gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: review of pertinent
      literature.
AB  - Brain metastasis from gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is rare with
      about 222 cases documented in the literature and an incidence of about 11% in
      living GTN patients. Brain metastasis from GTN was part of a disseminated disease
      in 90% of patients, single metastases in the brain - 80% and located in the
      cerebrum - 90%. Brain metastasis was the only manifestation of metastatic GTN in
      11.3% of patients, appeared synchronously with metastatic GTN in other sites of
      the body - 30.6% and was diagnosed from 0.3 to 60 months after diagnosis of
      metastatic GTN in other sites (most often in the lung) - 58.1%. Overall, 83.9% of
      patients with brain metastases from GTN had also lung metastases from GTN. Brain
      metastases from GTN showed a greater tendency to be hemorrhagic compared to brain
      metastases from other primaries. In patients with brain metastases from GTN, the
      best outcome was achieved with multimodal therapy including craniotomy, whole
      brain radiotherapy, and EP-EMA or EMA-CO chemotherapy. Nonetheless, brain
      metastasis from GTN is a grave disease with a median survival time from diagnosis
      of brain metastasis of about 12 months.

PMID- 25118476
TI  - Fertility preservation in women with early stage cervical cancer. Review of the
      literature.
AB  - Within the last decades, the percentage of diagnosed cervical cancer in women of
      reproductive age has increased. The possibility of diagnosing small cervical
      tumors (< or = twocm) in childbearing age, can be explained due to the fact that
      many women, are aware of the benefits of Pap smear or colposcopy examination.
      Many demand a more conservative policy to handle such lesions in order to have an
      uneventful pregnancy in the near future.

PMID- 25118475
TI  - The importance of alpha/beta (alpha/13) interferon receptors and signaling
      pathways for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasias.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Immunotherapies have been effective in treating various forms of
      cancer, including cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CINs) predominantly caused
      by human papilloma virus (HPV). DEVELOPMENT: To establish persistent infections
      in stratified epithelia, HPV induces proliferative lesions. Viral gene products
      are able to change gene expression and cellular proteins. Interferons (IFNs) are
      inducible glycoproteins that have immunomodulatory, antiviral, antiproliferative,
      and antiangiogenic effects. In particular, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) has been
      shown to inhibit the development and progression of cervical cancer. In this
      review, actions of interferons alpha/beta (alpha/beta), including their receptors
      and signaling pathways, are described, as well as their clinical importance in
      the immune response against cervical lesions. CONCLUSION: The interaction of IFN
      alpha/beta with its receptor results in a series of phosphorylation events. These
      mechanisms can be ineffective in IFN response, then it can also compromise the
      therapeutic effects of immunotherapy.

PMID- 25118477
TI  - Relationship of human papilloma virus multiple genotype infection with patient's
      age and type of cervical lesion.
AB  - PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To document the prevalence of infection by multiple
      genotypes of the human papilloma virus (HPV) in patients with cervical pathology
      in a study population, and to determine the relationship between multiple
      genotype infection, age of the patient, and the type of cervical pathology.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of
      1,007 patients were recruited among women seen at the cervical pathology clinic
      of Sant Joan de Deu University Hospital in Barcelona (Spain) between January 2003
      and March 2011. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS v.19 software.
      Differences between groups were considered statistically significant atp < 0.05.
      RESULTS: There was 28.3% of the women (286 cases) that were infected by multiple
      HPV genotypes. The mean number of genotypes identified was 2.52 (range 2 to 8).
      Mean age of the patients with multiple genotype infection was 32.31 years, and
      mean age of the patients with single genotype infection was 37.27 years (p <
      0.001). The prevalence of infection by multiple HPV genotypes was 28% in patients
      with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN 1) and 33% in patients with
      grade CIN 2-3 lesions, and both prevalence rates were significantly higher than
      in patients with carcinoma (20%) (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study
      population the authors found no evidence of higher prevalence of multiple HPV
      genotype infection in women with carcinoma. Age of women with multiple infection
      was lower than those with single infection.

PMID- 25118478
TI  - Predictors of malignancy in endometrial polyps: a multi-institutional cohort
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The risk of endometrial cancer in women with
      endometrial polyps (EPs) has been reported to vary between 0.3% and 4.8%. There
      is a lack of data about the management of asymptomatic women with incidental
      diagnosis of EPs. In the present study the authors correlated demographic and
      clinical characteristics with histopathological features of the EPs
      hysteroscopically removed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational multi
      institutional cohort study was conducted from February 2010 to December 2012 to
      identify all the premenopausal and postmenopausal women consecutively undergoing
      hysteroscopic polypectomy. The data of women were reviewed and clinical features
      were related to histopathologic results. RESULTS: The patients recruited were
      813. The mean age was 52.5 years (range 22-87). The results showed a correlation
      between older age, high body mass index (BMI) and obesity, postmenopausal state,
      abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), hypertension, and risk of malignant EPs. On
      multivariable analysis, the correlation remained only for age (OR 1.08, 95% CI
      1.03 - 1.14) and AUB (OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.87 - 6.65). CONCLUSION: Older patients in
      postmenopausal status with AUB, a high BMI, and hypertension are at higher risk
      for premalignant and malignant polyps. In these patients a surgical approach
      should be used, consisting in hysteroscopical removing of the polyp.

PMID- 25118479
TI  - An in vivo model for the study of ovarian cancer and the persistence of
      characteristic mutations in xenografts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify factors affecting xenograft growth of epithelial ovarian
      cancer (EOC) cells in nude mice and to detect characteristic mutations occurring
      in the xenografts following serial passage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 64
      human EOCs were subcutaneously inoculated in Balb/c nude mice in order to obtain
      a series of xenografts. Whole-exome sequencing was analyzed with Agilent
      SureSelect targeted enrichment capture system and Illumina Solexa Hiseq 2000
      sequencing platform. Mutations were confirmed by comparison against the reference
      genome build 37.3. RESULTS: The tumor take rate was 50% (32/64). TP53 mutation
      was detected in nine often Type II tumors. BRAF and CTNNB1 were not mutated in
      any of the samples, and PTEN mutation occurred in only one sample. The present
      data indicate that advanced stage serous EOCs and early stage non-serous EOCs
      were easy to grow in nude mice, and xenografts maintained the characteristic
      mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced stage serous EOCs and early stage non-serous
      EOCs were easy to grow in nude mice, and xenografts maintained the characteristic
      mutations. Xenografts in nude mice are useful in vivo models for the study of
      human EOCs.

PMID- 25118480
TI  - Toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: The analysis of acute and late toxicity of concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) based on
      review of 120 patients treated in Centre of Oncology in Krakow between 2001 and
      2007. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medium age of the patients was 52 years (43-66).
      Overall, 12 patients (10.0%) were in Stage IB2, 54 (45.0%) in Stage II, 43
      (35.8%) in Stage III, and 11 (9.2%) in Stage IVA. Squamous cell carcinoma was
      present in 114 (95.0%) patients. Well-differentiated (grade 1) tumour was found
      in 39 (32.5%) patients, moderately differentiated (grade 2) in 41 (34.2%), and
      poorly differentiated (grade 3) in 40 (33.3%). Karnofsky performance status score
      was 70 in 72 (60.0%) patients, and 80-90 in 48 (40%). External radiation therapy
      was delivered with high-energy six to 15 MV photon beams using four-field brick
      technique. The total dose of 50 Gy was given in 25 fractions within five weeks
      using standard fractionation. Concurrently with external radiotherapy, six cycles
      of chemotherapy were administered to all the patients as an intravenous infusion
      of once-weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2. On completion of external beam radiotherapy,
      low-dose rate brachytherapy with tandem and two colpostats was performed to
      deliver the dose of 40 Gy to point A in two 20 Gy insertions at weekly intervals.
      RESULTS: Of the 120 patients in the investigated group, 78 (65%) were disease
      free for five years. Symptoms of acute treatment-related toxicity grade 3 or 4
      (WHO) occurred in 21.6% of patients including leucopoenia in 7.5%. anaemia in
      5.0%, nausea and vomiting in 3.3%, diarrhea in 5.0%, and urinary tract infection
      in 0.8%. Full planned treatment (teleradiotherapy + chemotherapy + brachytherapy)
      completed 78.3% of the group; full planned radiotherapy without full chemotherapy
      completed 20% of the patients. Late treatment complications of grade 3 or 4 were
      observed in two (1.6%) patients (narrowing of large intestine requiring surgery
      and recto-vaginal fistula). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with LACC treated with CCRT,
      the most frequent acute toxic effects include: haematological disorders
      (leucopoenia, anaemia), gastrointestinal disorders (nausea and vomiting,
      diarrhea), vulvo-vaginal disorders, and urinary tract infection. The most
      frequent late toxic effects included: rectal bleeding, bowel complications
      requiring surgery, stenosis or recto-vaginal fistula, and haematuria.

PMID- 25118481
TI  - En-bloc pelvic resection with concomitant rectosigmoid colectomy and immediate
      anastomosis as part of primary cytoreductive surgery for patients with advanced
      ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the authors' experiences in en bloc pelvic resection with
      concomitant rectosigmoid colectomy and primary anastomosis as a part of primary
      cytoreductive surgery for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Atotal of 22 patients with FIGO Stage IIB-IV epithelial ovarian cancer
      who underwent en bloc pelvic resection with anastomosis were retrospectively
      reviewed. Data analyses were carried out using SPSS 10.0 and descriptive
      statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) test were
      used for statistical estimations. RESULTS: Median age was 58.8 years. FIGO stage
      distribution of the patients was; one (4.5%) IIB, three (13.7%) IIC, three
      (13.7%) IIIA, six (27.3%) IIIB, and nine (40.9%) IIIC. Median peritoneal cancer
      index (PCI) was 8 (range 5-22) and optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 18
      patients (81.8%) of whom 13 (59.1%) had no macroscopic residual disease (complete
      cytoreduction). There was no perioperative mortality. A total of nine
      complications occurred in seven (31.8%) patients. Anastomotic leakage was
      observed in one (4.5%) patient. There was no re-laparotomy. Mean follow-up time
      was 60 months. There were 15 (68.2%) recurrences of which 12 (80%) presented in
      extra-pelvic localizations. Mean disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival
      (OVS) were estimated as 43.6 and 50.5 months, respectively. Patients with
      complete cytoreduction had a better DFS (p = 0.006) and OVS (p = 0.003) than
      those with incomplete cytoreduction. CONCLUSION: En bloc pelvic resection, as a
      part of surgical cytoreduction, seems to be a safe and effective procedure in
      many patients with advanced ovarian cancer if required. Despite relatively high
      general complication rate, anastomosis-related morbidity of this procedure is low
      as 0.8%. Nevertheless, surgical plan and perioperative care should be
      personalized according to medical and surgical conditions of the patient.

PMID- 25118482
TI  - Apparent diffusion coefficient on 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and
      prognostic factors in breast cancer.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC) provided by 3.0 Tesla diffusion-weighted imaging (3T DWI)
      varies with the prognostic factors Ki67 and grading in invasive breast cancer.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients with 75 invasive breast cancer
      lesions who had undergone 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for local
      staging were enrolled. All lesions were confirmed by histologic and
      immunohistochemical analysis. MRI included both dynamic contrast-enhanced and DWI
      sequences. ADC value was obtained for each lesion. Histologic tumor grade was
      established according to the Nottingham Grading System (NGS), while Ki67
      expression was evaluated by MM1 clone IgG1 mouse anti-human monoclonal antibody.
      Patients were divided into the following groups: grade 1 (G1), grade 2 (G2),
      grade 1 plus grade 2 (G1+G2) and grade 3 (G3), and low Ki67 (< or = 14%),
      intermediate Ki67 (15%-30%), and high Ki67 (> or = 30%). ADC values were compared
      with the G and Ki67 groups. Statistical comparison was carried out using the Mann
      Whitney U and the Kruskal-Wallis H test. RESULTS: ADC values were significantly
      higher in G3 than in G1+G2 tumors; no significant difference was observed when
      G1, G2, and G3 were compared. There was no statistically significant correlation
      between ADC values and Ki67 percentage (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION: ADC values
      obtained on 3T DWI correlate with low (G1+G2) and high-grade (G3) invasive breast
      carcinomas. CONCLUSION: ADC may be a helpful tool for identifying high-grade
      invasive breast carcinoma.

PMID- 25118483
TI  - Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in diagnosis of benign and malignant breast
      lesions.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the value of real-time contrast-enhanced
      ultrasonography (US) in differentiating benign and malignant breast lumps.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with breast lesions were observed. The
      enhancement form, intensity, and time-intensity curve were classified, and the
      characteristics of all the lesions were analyzed. RESULTS: Inhomogeneous partial
      enhancement and entire enhancement were exhibited in most of the malignant
      lesions. High enhancements were observed in malignant lesions, whereas lower
      enhancement and no enhancement were exhibited in the benign tumors. The peak
      value and regression time were significantly different between the two groups.
      CONCLUSION: There's a significant difference regarding the results of real-time
      contrast-enhanced ultrasound between the benign tumor and malignant tumor which
      would help to improve the diagnostic accuracy of breast neoplasms.

PMID- 25118485
TI  - Prognostic factors affecting lymph node involvement in cervical cancer.
AB  - AIM: Clinical and histopathological factors that affect lymph node involvement in
      cervical cancer and the prognostic importance of these factors were evaluated in
      this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 179 patients were diagnosed with
      cervical cancer between January 2001 and June 2010 and were included in this
      study. The patients' charts were evaluated retrospectively and information was
      collected by reaching 89 patients and asking questions. RESULTS: When the
      prognostic factors that affect pelvic lymph node involvement were evaluated,
      increased tumor size and increased invasion depth, presence of lymphovascular
      area involvement, and an advanced stage were observed to statistically
      significantly increase pelvic lymph node involvement. No relationship was found
      between tumor histology and grade; parametrial, endometrial, vaginal involvement,
      and pelvic lymph node involvement. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of prognostic factors in
      cervical cancer plays an important role in determining the morbidity and
      mortality and the treatment strategies.

PMID- 25118484
TI  - Comparison of pelvic masses score (PMS) and Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI 3) in
      the evaluation of pelvic masses.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ovarian cancer is the fourth cause of death from cancer in women
      worldwide and the majority of its diagnoses is made in an advanced stage of the
      disease. Several sonographic scoring systems have been created for a better
      preoperative discrimination between benign and malignant pelvic masses. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate the performances of the Risk of the Malignancy
      Index 3 (RMI 3) and the Pelvic Masses Score (PMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      retrospective study was performed in 55 women admitted to the department of
      Obstetrics and Gynecology of University of Udine for surgical exploration of
      pelvic masses between 2009 and 2012. Sensitivity, specificity, positive
      predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for
      both the scores. RESULTS: PMS showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of
      93.8%, a PPV of 70%, and a NPV of 100%, while RMI 3 yielded a sensitivity of 85%,
      a specificity of 91%, a PPV of 60%, and a NPV of 97.8%. CONCLUSION: The authors
      found that, in discriminating between benign and malignant pelvic disease, the
      PMS method was more reliable than RMI3. PMS is a simple scoring system which can
      be used in clinical practice.

PMID- 25118486
TI  - A survey of Jordanian obstetricians and gynecologists' knowledge and attitudes
      toward human papillomavirus infection and vaccination.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of Jordanian obstetricians and
      gynecologists toward human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its vaccine.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was
      distributed to 400 participants attending scientific meetings. The survey focused
      on three areas: knowledge of HPV infection, vaccine, and attitude toward
      vaccination of female adolescents. RESULTS: Survey response rate was of 72.3%.
      The vast majority knew most of the statements related to knowledge of HPV
      infection, 66% thought that conventional screening Pap test have a sensitivity of
      > 75%, and only 44% of them knew that there are 13 to 17 HPV types that cause
      cervical cancer. The majority of the respondents (79%) knew that the vaccine
      would lead to long lasting immunity and 45% of the respondents thought that the
      vaccination would eliminate the need for regular Pap test. The majority (78%)
      indicated that the vaccine should be given to girls before the beginning of
      sexually active life. Overall, 67.5% of respondents intend to prescribe HPV
      vaccines and 79.6% of the respondents intend to recommend the vaccine if it is
      publicly funded. CONCLUSION: Most of the gynecologists in Jordan have the
      intention to recommend HPV vaccine, the deficit in their knowledge of HPV
      infection and vaccine must be corrected to assure acceptability of the vaccine.

PMID- 25118487
TI  - Curcumin induces human SKOV3 cell apoptosis via the activation of Rho-kinase.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Curcumin has been showed anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effect in
      various cancer cells such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and so on. However the
      pro-apoptosis effect and the mechanism of curcumin in ovarian cell is still not
      very clear. In this study, the authors demonstrated that curcumin induced human
      SKOV3 cell apoptosis and explored the underlying mechanism concerning Rho A/Rho
      kinase pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human SKOV3 cell was performed with MTT
      assay to measure the cell viability with curcumin. The cell was treatment with 15
      microM or 30 microM curcumin and flow cytometry. Cell apoptosis analysis was
      performed to measure the cell apoptosis level. In order to explore the mechanism
      concerning pro-apoptosis activity of curcumin, the cells were pre-treatment with
      Y-27632, a specific Rho-kinase inhibitor, before curcumin was added. Then the
      expression of activated caspase-3 and Rho A, Rho-kinase was detected by western
      blot. RESULTS: Treatment with 15 microM or 30 microM curcumin significantly
      promoted the apoptosis of SKOV3 cell (p < 0.05) and the apoptosis rate is dose
      dependent. Curcumin also activated the expression of Rho A and Rho-kinase in a
      dose-dependent effect. When pre-treatment with Y-27632, the expression of
      activated caspase-3 was significantly decreased compared to the group without Y
      27632 pre-treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin induced human SKOV3 cell
      apoptosis in a dose-dependent effect. The pro-apoptosis effect of curcumin is
      partly mediated via the activation of Rho A/Rho-kinase signal pathway. This may
      help to further clarify the mechanisms of curcumin in ovarian cancer therapy.

PMID- 25118488
TI  - Is HE4 a useful endometrioma marker?
AB  - PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: By the comparison between most used tumor marker trend
      (cancer antigen 125: CA 125 and human epididymal secretory protein E4: HE4)
      before and after laparoscopic surgery, the aim of the present study was to assess
      HE4 usefulness in ovarian benign cyst and endometrioma diagnosis. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty-eight patients were enrolled in this prospective study: 25 women
      underwent unilateral endometriosis ovarian cyst excision, 13 underwent benign
      ovarian cyst incision, and 26 were healthy controls. CA 125 and HE4 serum levels
      were estimated before surgery (in the early proliferative phase of the cycle) and
      one month after surgery. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease of CA 125
      serum level was found after an endometrioma surgical excision but no decreases in
      HE4 serum level. CONCLUSION: In patients with endometrioma, no alteration was
      found in HE4 serum levels before and after surgery, while CA125 serum levels
      decreased after surgery. HE4 may better distinguish a malign cyst from benign
      one, but it is not useful in the diagnosis of low risk endometrioma.

PMID- 25118489
TI  - Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia following
      chemotherapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin) and radiation therapy in ovarian
      cancer: a case report.
AB  - In recent years, the incidence of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t
      MDS) and therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) that occur during
      chemotherapy for ovarian cancer has increased. While alkylating agents and
      topoisomerase II inhibitors are particularly mutagenic and have strong
      leukemogenic potential, paclitaxel and combination chemotherapy/radiation therapy
      also appear to induce t-MDS. The present authors report a case of t-MDS that
      developed during chemotherapy and radiation therapy for ovarian cancer. The
      patient was a 75-year-old woman who received six courses of
      cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/cisplatin (CAP) therapy after initial surgery for
      Stage IIIc grade ovarian cancer in 1995. Beginning in February 2005, the patient
      experienced multiple recurrences due to sternal metastasis. Chemotherapy,
      including paclitaxel and carboplatin (TC), was administered intermittently and
      was combined with radiation therapy to a sternal metastatic lesion. Pancytopenia
      was observed in December 2008, and she was diagnosed with t-MDS (WHO subtype,
      refractory cytopenias with multilineage dysplasia [RCMD]): the time from first
      chemotherapy to t-MDS onset was 106 months. Without evidence of blast crisis, the
      recurrent lesions continued to grow and caused multiple cerebral infarctions,
      from which she eventually died. The cumulative doses of paclitaxel and
      carboplatin administered to this patient were 1,968 mg and 6,480 mg,
      respectively.

PMID- 25118490
TI  - Rectus abdominis muscle resection and fascial reconstruction for the treatment of
      uterine leiomyosarcoma invading the abdominal wall: a case report.
AB  - The authors present a case of intra-abdominal recurrent leiomyosarcoma invading a
      large area of the abdominal wall. The patient underwent cytoreductive surgery,
      including resection of the rectus abdominis muscle, followed by reconstruction of
      the defect using synthetic mesh. The tumor was surgically removed by en bloc
      resection, including most of the rectus abdominis muscle and ileum. The abdominal
      wall defect was repaired using synthetic mesh. The patient underwent radiotherapy
      and chemotherapy after the surgery and was healthy one year later.

PMID- 25118491
TI  - A case of accessory mammary cancer in a male patient and a literature review.
AB  - A 68-year-old Chinese male patient was referred to the present hospital because
      of a right axillary lump in May 2011. Physical examination showed a rigid movable
      mass measuring 35 mm in diameter in the right axilla. No mass was palpable in
      either breast. Mammograms were normal. Physical and imaging examination of the
      head and neck region, lung, and upper and lower gastrointestinal tract also
      revealed no evidence of a primary tumor. Ultrasonography and resonance imaging
      (MRI) revealed no evidence of tumors in the bilateral mammary glands. Fine needle
      histological biopsy for suspected malignancy was performed, and the patient
      underwent tumor resection with axillary lymph node dissection on Jun 2011.
      Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma in ectopic breast tissue was diagnosed
      based on the pathologic result, the tumor was immunohistochemically positive for
      ER, PR, and HER-2.

PMID- 25118492
TI  - Successful treatment of a large symptomatic lymphocyst with percutaneus drainage
      and repeated iodopovidone sclerotherapy.
AB  - The objective of the case report was to present an easy and safe method for
      treatment of a large, persistent lymphocyst, through a procedure performed in an
      ambulatory setting. The patient diagnosed with large (1,800 mi), symptomatic
      (pains, renal insufficiency) lymphocyst after lymphadenectomy for cervical
      cancer, was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage (using vascular
      drains) and five sessions of sclerotherapy with 10% iodopovidone, performed in
      ambulatory settings. The method was minimally invasive, safe, and effective in
      management of symptomatic lymphocyst.

PMID- 25118493
TI  - Heterologous type of malignant mixed Mullerian tumor of the uterus presenting as
      a vulvar mass.
AB  - Carcinosarcoma is a rare, extremely aggressive tumor of the uterus with a poor
      prognosis. The authors describe a case of a 78-year-old woman who presented with
      a giant mass protruding through the cervix, vagina, and vulva. A total abdominal
      hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The
      histopathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed a malignant mixed
      Mullerian tumor. The clinical and pathological features, molecular data, and
      prognosis of this aggressive neoplasm are discussed. Although uterine
      carcinosarcomas are extremely rare, when a postmenopausal woman with a vulvar
      mass is admitted to the gynecology clinic, the physician should consider that the
      mass may be a carcinosarcoma.

PMID- 25118494
TI  - Uterine endometrial carcinoma with trophoblastic differentiation: a case report
      with literature review.
AB  - Choriocarcinoma is categorized as either gestational or nongestational depending
      on its origin. Nongestational choriocarcinoma originated in the trophoblastic
      differentiation is a rare but an aggressive tumor. This article reports a
      nongestational case of a uterine endometrial carcinoma with trophoblastic
      differentiation. A 54-year-old woman with a history of atypical genital bleeding
      that underwent semi-radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy, and
      pelvic lymph nodes dissection. Pathological investigation showed that the tumor
      had endometrioid adenocarcinoma and choriocarcinomatous components. Although a
      series of multimodality treatments including craniotomy were performed, she died
      of aggressive lung and brain metastases one year after the primary surgery.

PMID- 25118495
TI  - Aggressive angiomyxoma of the female genital tract: report of two cases.
AB  - Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) was identified in 1983 and 250 cases of this rare
      tumor have since been reported in the literature. It is characterized by a
      locally infiltrative and recurrent nature; however, it rarely shows distant
      metastasis. Surgical managements can successfully treat AA patients but may
      result in a significant morbidity due to the large size and infiltration of the
      tumor. Less radical surgeries have recently been recommended in the treatment of
      this tumor, but adjuvant therapies have not yet been fully established. The
      authors report here two AA cases that were treated at their hospital, with a
      brief review of the literature.

PMID- 25118496
TI  - Rupture of an endometrioma with extremely high serum CA-125 level (> 10,000
      IU/ml) and ascites resembling ovarian cancer.
AB  - Carbohydate antigen 125 (CA-125) is a type of cell surface glycoproteins present
      in more than 80% of non-mucinous epithelial ovarian carcinomas; however, benign
      gynecologic conditions commonly cause a smaller increase in CA-125 level. This
      report presents the details regarding a 44-year-old woman with extremely high
      serum CA-125 level and ascites. She complained of having abdominal pain and
      abdominal distension. Her serum CA-125 level had been markedly elevated (> 10,000
      IU!ml) and computed tomograpgy (CT) revealed an ovarian tumor and massive
      ascites. The cytological analysis showed no evidence of malignancy, however, the
      positron emission CT (PET-CT) scan suggested ovarian malignancy with peritoneal
      carcinomatosis. Under the impression that the patient had ovarian cancer, the
      present surgical team carried out an explorative laparotomy and discovered the
      ruptured bilateral ovarian endometriomas. In this study, it is suggested that
      clinicians carrying out differential diagnosis of pelvic mass with high serum CA
      125 level and ascites should consider not only ovarian cancer but also ruptured
      endometrioma.

PMID- 25118497
TI  - Adenosarcoma of the uterine body initially presenting as an interstitial small
      tumor of the uterus: a case report.
AB  - Adenosarcoma of the uterine body is a rare mixed tumor in which a benign
      epithelial component is mixed with a malignant stromal element. It has been
      considered that this tumor originates from the endometrium and its most common
      finding of imaging is a polypoid tumor occupying the uterine cavity. The authors
      herein present a case of 37-year-old female with a complaint of abnormal vaginal
      bleeding. At the first visit, transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) showed a round mass with a diameter of one cm in the uterine wall.
      No malignant pathological finding was detected. The patient visited the authors
      again one year later, because of continuous bleeding. At that time, they found a
      polypoid tumor in the uterine cavity, which turned out to be adenosarcoma with
      sarcomatous overgrowth. The round mass in the uterus detected at first time seems
      to have been incipience of adenosarcoma. Prodromal sign of adenosarcoma has not
      been reported previously.

PMID- 25118498
TI  - Reference values for placental growth factor (PlGF) concentration and uterine
      artery doppler pulsatility index (PI) at 11-13(+6) weeks of gestation in the
      Polish population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine placental growth factor (PIGF)
      concentration and uterine artery (UtA) Doppler pulsatility index (PI) at 11
      13(+6) weeks of gestation in the Polish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      prospective study was performed in pregnant women who underwent routine
      ultrasound scan at 11-13(+6) weeks of gestation. All participants completed a
      questionnaire about their medical history demographics and current pregnancy.
      Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was calculated. Gestational age was confirmed by CRL
      and mean UtA PI was calculated. Blood samples were taken to measure beta HCG,
      PAPP-A and P/GF concentrations. RESULTS: Out of the 577 analyzed participants, 60
      (10.4%) were found to have abnormal placentation disorders (20 -hypertensive
      disorders and 40-IUGR). The patients were subdivided into two groups, depending
      on pregnancy outcome: unaffected (n = 517) and affected (n = 60). The study did
      not confirm the anticipated correlation between maternal BMI and PIGF, but the
      concentration of PIGF was significantly increased in smokers. UtA PI values were
      not statistically significantly different depending on maternal age, BMI, method
      of conception, smoking or parity The study confirms that both, UtA PI and PIGF
      concentrations are CRL-dependent. Median MoM values for PIGF and UtA PI were
      obtained for each set of CRL measurements. Median PIGF MoM was decreased in
      pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders and IUGR as compared to the
      unaffected group. CONCLUSIONS: The established reference ranges for UtA PI and
      PIGF at 11-13(+6) weeks of gestation may be of clinical value in predicting
      placenta-associated diseases in early stages of pregnancy in the Polish
      population.

PMID- 25118499
TI  - The role of 401a>G polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase gene
      (MTHFD1) in fetal hypotrophy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Important role is attributed to genetic polymorphisms influencing
      enzymatic activity in folate metabolism. These inherited genetic variants may
      influence fetal growth and fetal hypotrophy development. The aim of the study was
      to investigate the connection of 401A>G polymorphism of methyleneterahydrofolate
      dehydrogenase gene (MTHFD1) with increased risk of fetal hypotrophy. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: To the study group 120 women who delivered children with fetal
      hypotrophy and to the control group 120 healthy women were enrolled. Study group
      was divided into subgroups according to gestational age at delivery (52 patients
      < 37 weeks, 68 patients > or = 37 weeks) and to the neonatal weight (31 mothers
      of newborns with birth weight < 1500 g, 89 mothers of newborns with birth weight
      > or = 1500 g). The genetic analysis was performed with the use of PCR/RFLP
      method. RESULTS: We observed statistically higher occurrence of mutated 401A
      allele in hypotrophy group (401A: 27,1 vs. 18,8%, OR = 1,61, p = 0,02). At
      mothers who delivered hypotrophic children weighted more than 1500 g the presence
      of 401A allele was higher (28,7 vs. 18,8%, OR = 1,74, p = 0,01). Additionally in
      mothers who delivered hypotrophic children before 37 gestational week
      statistically higher frequency of 401A allele has been noted (31,7 vs. 18,8%, OR
      = 2,01, p = 0,007). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that mutated 401A allele
      of MTHFD1 gene is essential risk factor of fetal hypotrophy in population of
      Polish women. Appropriate folate supplementation could be particularly essential
      in women carriers the genetic polymorphism influencing the folate metabolism.

PMID- 25118500
TI  - Comparison of maternal and fetal blood levels of caffeine and its metabolite. A
      pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare caffeine and paraxanthine
      concentrations in venous blood of pregnant women and in the umbilical cord blood
      of their newborns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women who gave birth at the
      Clinic of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Oncology 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Medical
      University of Warsaw were included in the study Caffeine and paraxanthine
      concentrations were analyzed in 30 samples of venous blood serum drawn from the
      women before delivery and 30 samples of umbilical cord blood serum of their
      newborns. Caffeine intake in the last 24 hours before delivery was estimated
      using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis employed a linear logistic regression
      model, Wilcoxon rank sum test and a non-parametric Spearman's rank correlation
      coefficient. RESULTS: No difference was found between caffeine concentration in
      maternal venous blood and neonatal umbilical cord blood. However; paraxanthine
      level in venous blood was higher than in umbilical cord blood (p = 0.04).
      CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine consumed by a pregnant woman passes through the placenta to
      the fetus freely.

PMID- 25118501
TI  - [Results of Doppler examinations in fetuses of mothers with early- and late-onset
      preeclampsia].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Comparison of fetal umbilical and middle cerebral artery flow between
      early- and late-onset preeclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study was conducted
      among 50 patients with preeclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy and
      included 30 women with early-onset and 20 with late-onset disease. Early-onset
      preeclampsia (EOP) and late-onset preeclampsia (LOP) were defined as onset of the
      disease before and after 34 weeks of gestation, respectively Doppler examinations
      of the fetal umbilical and middle cerebral artery were performed in all patients.
      Pulsatility Index (PI) and cerebral-umbilical ratio (CUR) were measured each
      time. RESULTS: Mean value of the umbilical artery PI was significantly higher in
      fetuses of patients with EOP in comparison to LOF, whereas mean PI value in MCA
      was significantly lower in fetuses from the group with EOP than LOP The
      percentage of abnormal results of fetal Doppler examinations, both in the
      umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery was significantly higher in EOP than
      in LOP. The same tendency was observed for CUR. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Early-onset
      preeclampsia is characterized by significantly higher degree of placental
      insufficiency than late-onset disease. 2. The obtained results indicate a
      significant, pathological role of the placenta in early-onset preeclampsia. 3.
      Pathophysiological differences between early- and late-onset preeclampsia lead to
      different clinical approach to patients, depending on the type of the disease,
      including emphasis on Doppler examination in the early-onset preeclampsia. 4. The
      presence or absence of placental insufficiency in pregnancy complicated by
      preeclampsia seems to determine the clinical course of the disease, thus allowing
      for an alternative classification of the condition into placental and maternal
      preeclampsia.

PMID- 25118502
TI  - Retrograde diastolic blood flow in the aortic isthmus is not a simple marker of
      abnormal fetal outcome in pregnancy complicated by IUGR--a pilot study.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the relation between retrograde diastolic blood flow in the
      aortic isthmus and adverse perinatal outcome in fetuses with IUGR. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The study included 33 fetuses with IUGR defined as the estimated fetal
      weight and abdominal circumference under the 10th percentile for a given
      gestational age. The Doppler examination of the blood flow in the aortic isthmus,
      umbilical artery umbilical vein, middle cerebral artery uterine arteries and
      ductus venosus was performed regularly The study population was further divided
      into two subgroups, depending on the aortic isthmus blood flow direction, i.e.
      with and without retrograde isthmic diastolic flow. Furthermore, the relation
      between Doppler blood flow parameters and determinants of the perinatal outcome
      was analyzed. The perinatal outcome was reported as adverse if any of the
      following occurred: umbilical cord blood pH < 7,2; 5-minute Apgar score < 7;
      respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage (/ll/IV grade);
      necrotizing enterocolitis; sepsis; intrauterine or neonatal death. RESULTS: There
      was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse perinatal
      outcome between the antegrade and retrograde isthmic blood flow groups. Moreover;
      the study showed no statistically significant relationship between the retrograde
      blood flow in the aortic isthmus and the prevalence of abnormal flow in the
      analyzed vessels. CONCLUSION: Retrograde diastolic blood flow in the aortic
      isthmus presents a low sensitivity and low predictive value in predicting the
      adverse perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated with IUGR.

PMID- 25118503
TI  - Maternal serum amyloid A levels in pregnancies complicated with preterm prelabour
      rupture of membranes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate a possible association between
      maternal serum amyloid A levels (SAA) and maternal and fetal parameters in
      pregnancies complicated with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM).
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 88 pregnant women (PPROM group, n = 44 and
      control group, n = 44) were included into this prospective case control study
      Serum blood samples for SAA were obtained from both groups within 1 h since the
      rupture of the membranes and before administration of any medicine. The samples
      were kept frozen at -70 degrees C until the analysis. The recorded risk factors
      were: age, gravidity parity delivery mode, gender; fetal birth weight, APGAR
      scores, white blood cell count, microCRRF neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and
      maternal serum SAA levels. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics showed no
      statistically significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). The mode of
      delivery mode was cesarean section: 41% and 43.2% in the study and the control
      group, respectively and this difference was statistically significant between the
      groups (p < 0.05). Fetal parameters also showed statistically significant
      differences (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between
      the groups in terms of micro CRP NLR and SAA. SAA levels were higher in the PPROM
      group (p < 0.005). SAA levels at a cut-off 95.63 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: We are of the
      opinion that second trimester maternal serum SAA level may be a predictive marker
      for PPROM. However further studies with more participants are required.

PMID- 25118504
TI  - [Effects of metformin on the survival of the SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell line and
      the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in O-Glcnacylation].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of
      metformin on the ovarian cancer cells SKOV-3 and analyze the impact of this
      compound on the expression of genes coding for O-GlcNAc cycling enzymes, i.e. O
      GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and -N-acetylglucosaminidase (OGA). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Viability and proliferation of control cells and cells treated with
      metformin were evaluated by MTT test and trypan blue staining. OGT and OGA mRNA
      expressions analysis was performed using real-time PCR method. RESULTS: A
      metformin concentration-dependent decrease of SKOV-3 cell viability was observed.
      The IC50 parameter for metformin cytotoxicity was 14 mM. The SKOV-3 cell doubling
      time was 45 hours. The cell population treated with 10 mM metformin did not
      double even after 72 hours. There was no significant difference in mRNA level of
      OGA between control cells and cells treated with metformin. The OGT mRNA level
      was significantly higher in cells treated with metforrhin for 24 hours as
      compared to the control cells. The increase of OGT mRNA was dependent on time of
      incubation. Cells treated with metformin for 48 hour showed higher expression of
      OGT than cells treated for 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Antiproliferative activity of
      metformin suggests that this compound may be considered as a candidate for
      potential chemotherapeutic agent. However taking into account its impact on the
      expression of O-GlcNAc transferase, further studies on the molecular mechanism of
      metformin action are necessary

PMID- 25118505
TI  - [Metformin in pregnancy].
AB  - Metformin is an oral insulin-sensitizing anti-diabetic drug. Polycystic ovary
      syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes (GDM) are both associated with insulin
      resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Metformin can bring potential benefits in
      pregnant women due to its favorable metabolic effect. Nevertheless, there is a
      possibility of adverse effects on the fetus as metformin crosses the placenta. In
      this review we discuss safety and indications for metformin administration in
      pregnancy.

PMID- 25118506
TI  - [Fetal hepatic artery flow assessment in prenatal diagnostics--a review of the
      literature].
AB  - Standards of screening tests for the most frequent fetal chromosomal defects in
      modern non-invasive prenatal diagnostics provide sensitivity of about 93-96%,
      with the false positive rate of 2.5%. During the first trimester scan, routinely
      performed between 11 and 13+6 week of pregnancy the calculation of the risk for
      chromosomal aberrations is based on maternal age (MA), nuchal translucency (NT),
      levels of free beta human chorionic gonadotropin (free beta-hCG), pregnancy
      associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) in maternal blood, as well as the parameters
      from extended ultrasound examination like evaluation of the nasal bone (NB),
      blood flow in ductus venosus (DV), visualization of the tricuspid valve with
      potential regurgitation (TR) or measurement of the frontomaxillary facial angle
      (FMFA). The 100% detection rate remains unachievable at present, despite
      constantly improving guidelines for specialists, quality of imaging, and
      advancement in ultrasound technology Therefore, several studies have been
      undertaken to establish the group of 'additional markers' of chromosomal defects
      which, when combined with basic markers of routine screening tests, might
      increase the detection rate and approach it to 100%. Results of recent studies
      imply that evaluation of blood flow in fetal hepatic artery performed during the
      first trimester scan may become a new additional marker for chromosomal defects.

PMID- 25118507
TI  - Complications of sub-urethral sling procedures.
AB  - Approximately one-third of the female population has been estimated to suffer
      from stress urinary incontinence. Surgical management of this disorder has been
      an area of ongoing innovation since the beginning of the 20th century. Better
      understanding of the underlying patomechanisms resulted in the invention of
      suburethral sling, that proved to be very effective in terms of the cure rates.
      The introduction of sling techniques also caused a considerable reduction of the
      rates of intra- and postoperative complications of incontinence treatment.
      Unfortunately modern anti-incontinence surgery continues to be associated with a
      high risk of both, perioperative morbidity and long-term adverse outcomes, even
      with the recently introduced single-incision techniques. The article focuses on
      intra- and postoperative complications of sling techniques in anti-incontinence
      surgery. Both, common and rare adverse outcomes are widely discussed.

PMID- 25118509
TI  - [Krukenberg tumor--a multidisciplinary approach--a case report].
AB  - Metastatic lesions within the ovary constitute a serious diagnostic problem in
      daily practice. We present an interesting case of Krukenberg tumor in a woman 13
      years after partial gastrectomy due to stomach cancer. Our case confirms that
      every woman with history of cancer should remain under gynecological control. It
      is important due to a high risk of metastatic changes localized in the ovaries,
      regardless of the time elapsed since the diagnosis of the primary tumor

PMID- 25118508
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis of craniosynostosis (compound Saethre-Chotzen syndrome
      phenotype) caused by a de novo complex chromosomal rearrangement (1; 4; 7) with a
      microdeletion of 7p21.3-7p15.3, including TWIST1 gene--a case report.
AB  - Craniosynostosis (a premature fusion of the cranial sutures) occurs with a
      frequency of 1 in 2100-2500 births and in over 40% cases is caused by known
      genetic factors--either single gene mutations or chromosomal rearrangements.
      Cases caused by complex chromosomal abnormalities are uncommon and likely
      associated with compound phenotype. Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS) [#101400] is
      caused by TWIST1 gene haploinsufficiency. Its phenotype includes uni- or
      bicoronal synostosis, short stature, facial dysmorphism and variable anomalies of
      the hands and feet. Due to its poor sonographic manifestation a prenatal
      diagnosis of SCS is challenging. We report a case of a prenatally detected
      craniosynostosis (compound Saethre-Chotzen syndrome phenotype) caused by a de
      novo complex chromosomal rearrangement (1; 4; 7) with a microdeletion of 7p21.3
      7p15.3, including TWIST1 gene.

PMID- 25118510
TI  - [Assisted reproductive medicine in Poland, 2011--SPiN PTG report].
AB  - AIM: The aim of this report is to present data concerning results and
      complications related to infertility treatment using assisted reproductive
      technology (ART) and insemination (IUI) in Poland in 2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The report was prepared by the Fertility and Sterility Special Interest Group of
      the Polish Gynaecological Society (SPiN PTG), based on individual data provided
      by fertility clinics in Poland. Reporting was voluntary and the provided data was
      not subject to external control. The report presents the availability and the
      structure of infertility treatment services, the number of procedures performed,
      their effectiveness and the most common complications. MAIN RESULTS: In 2013, 33
      Polish fertility clinics provided information to the SPiN PTG report, presenting
      data from the year 2011. The total number of reported treatment cycles using ART
      was 15,340 (incl. 10,011 IVF/ICSI procedures) and 15,627 IUI procedures. The rate
      of clinical pregnancies in terms of a cycle was 34.2% in case of IVF/ ICSI
      procedures and 13.4% in case of IUI. The prevalence of multiple births was 20.2%
      and 8.3% respectively in case of IVF/ICSI and IUI methods. The most frequent
      complication in the course of treatment using ART was ovarian hyperstimulation
      syndrome (OHSS). CONCLUSION: The SPiN PTG report allows to find out the average
      effectiveness and safety of assisted reproduction technologies and is currently
      the only proof of responsibility and due diligence of fertility centres in
      Poland. However due to the lack of a central register of fertility clinics,
      facultative participation in the report as well as incomplete information on
      pregnancy and delivery the collected data does not reflect the full spectrum of
      the Polish reproductive medicine.

PMID- 25118511
TI  - [Recommendations of the Polish Gynecological Society concerning application of
      GINEintima products in gynecology].

PMID- 25118512
TI  - An examination of assessment arrangements and service use for older people in
      receipt of care management.
AB  - With anticipated greater demand for formal care services globally, this article
      examines the sociodemographic and health characteristics of frail older people in
      receipt of community support. Data were collected from audits of case files of
      older people receiving care management at two time points during which two
      government policy initiatives were implemented to promote greater standardization
      in health and social care provision for older people in England. Findings at Time
      2 revealed that there were higher levels of physical and mental impairment and
      more health care assessments undertaken. There was a slight decrease in home care
      receipt but a marginal increase of more intensive home care provision. Service
      users living with a carer were less likely to receive home care but more likely
      to receive respite care or day care than those living alone. The policy goal of
      widening access to specialist health and social care services for older people
      with mental health problems was achieved. Guidance that focused eligibility
      criteria on the identification of older people with complex needs required the
      availability of appropriate support and services. Irrespective of policy
      initiatives, the sociodemographic characteristics of older people and the
      availability of informal support are principal determinants of service provision.

PMID- 25118513
TI  - Increased longevity in HIV: caring for older HIV-infected adults.
AB  - The demographics of the HIV-infected population in the United States have shifted
      in a way that few would have predicted 30 years ago when the tide of sick and
      dying patients largely consisted of young men. Effective ART has allowed those
      infected to live long, productive lives and to grow old with their disease. With
      the increase in life expectancy afforded by HIV treatment, the cause of death
      among HIV-infected individuals is far more likely to be from an HIV-associated
      non-AIDS condition. Nonetheless, HIV seems to accelerate the aging process, and
      care providers involved in the treatment of older patients with HIV need to be
      aware that their patients are at increased risk of developing various common
      disorders, compared to uninfected same-age patients. Clinicians need to remain
      vigilant to the possibility of a new diagnosis of HIV among their older patients.
      Awareness of current or distant risk, frank discussions of sexual practices, and
      willingness to offer routine testing are crucial to making this diagnosis, with
      the recognition that longevity for patients with HIV is directly linked to how
      soon they enter care. HIV infection adds another challenge to the management of
      older patients; geriatricians and HIV specialists need to coordinate their
      efforts to provide patients with comprehensive multidisciplinary care. Older
      patients with HIV also have social and psychological needs that extend beyond the
      medical office. Maintaining independence, acknowledging limitations, reducing
      risk of adverse events such as falls or medication errors, and supporting self
      acceptance and awareness are only a few of the many areas where care providers
      outside the medical office can be important for patients' ongoing well-being.
      Accessing family support, community outreach, church affiliation, or other
      outpatient support networks can be useful for patients. The remarkable change in
      prognosis brought about by effective ART in the mid-1990s has meant that HIV is
      now, for many, a manageable chronic illness. Clinicians and other care providers
      are changing their approach and goals of care as patients with HIV grow old.

PMID- 25118514
TI  - Constipation in the long-term care setting.

PMID- 25118516
TI  - Yet another new era?

PMID- 25118517
TI  - Medical consultations for dental patients in 2014.

PMID- 25118518
TI  - Focus on: impressions.

PMID- 25118519
TI  - Light coaxes stem cells to repair teeth.

PMID- 25118520
TI  - Majority of dental professionals believe implant guidelines necessary for optimal
      patient outcomes.

PMID- 25118521
TI  - High-need dental clinic coming to St. Louis.

PMID- 25118522
TI  - Dental schools name new deans.

PMID- 25118524
TI  - States' and communities' fluoridation efforts honored.

PMID- 25118523
TI  - "Pass that bottle to me!". Red wine's cavity-fighting benefits are once again
      verified.

PMID- 25118525
TI  - Orthodontic forced eruption: a team approach in aesthetic treatment.

PMID- 25118526
TI  - Endodontic canal preparation: innovations in glide path management and shaping
      canals.

PMID- 25118527
TI  - Preformed design bridging concept: a case report.

PMID- 25118528
TI  - A multipurpose temporary tooth replacement: aesthetic tooth-borne alternative
      used prior to an implant.

PMID- 25118529
TI  - Simplifying cementation of high-strength restorations: using an improved resin
      modified glass ionomer cement.

PMID- 25118530
TI  - Placement of a modified subperiosteal implant: a clinical solution to help those
      with no bone.

PMID- 25118531
TI  - Two-stage mini dental implants: is it time to join the party?

PMID- 25118532
TI  - A multidisciplinary team approach improves outcomes: treatment of an
      aesthetically conscious patient with gingival recession.

PMID- 25118533
TI  - Neurosurgery in South Africa.

PMID- 25118535
TI  - Physician, heal thyself: creative writing as a tool for self-care and enhancing
      care of others.

PMID- 25118534
TI  - Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia in North African and sub-Saharan patients.

PMID- 25118536
TI  - The neglected triple disease burden and interaction of helminths, HIV and
      tuberculosis: an opportunity for integrated action in South Africa.

PMID- 25118537
TI  - Palliative care: definition of euthanasia.

PMID- 25118538
TI  - Prof. McQuoid-Mason responds.

PMID- 25118539
TI  - Palliative care: preventing misconceptions.

PMID- 25118540
TI  - Prof. McQuoid-Mason responds.

PMID- 25118541
TI  - WHIDMT: Rossouw and Howard blatantly miss the point.

PMID- 25118543
TI  - E Cape health officials nearly turn TB victims into cash cows.

PMID- 25118542
TI  - Community service doctors 'slaves to the state'--court challenge.

PMID- 25118544
TI  - Quack remedy cast--'we were pawns, not told, didn't know, won't say, don't care'.

PMID- 25118545
TI  - Ivan James Nurick.

PMID- 25118546
TI  - Hessel Utian.

PMID- 25118547
TI  - Diagnosis and management of Pompe disease.
AB  - Pompe disease (PD) is an autosomal-recessively inherited neuromuscular disease
      that, if not diagnosed and treated early, can be fatal. It can present from early
      infancy into adulthood. Due to the lack of acid alpha-glucosidase, there is
      progressive intracellular accumulation of glycogen. The severity of the disease
      is determined by age of onset, organ involvement including the degree of severity
      of muscle involvement, as well as rate of progression. PD is classified into two
      groups: infantile and late-onset, each having two subgroups. The need for two
      tests performed by separate methods (screening and confirmatory) is outlined. It
      is imperative to try to reduce the time to diagnosis and to recognise the
      possibilities of false-positive results. A multidisciplinary team approach to
      treatment of affected patients is optimum with, as team leader, a physician who
      has experience in managing this rare disorder. In this article, we present a
      brief overview of the disease and provide guidelines for diagnosis and management
      of this condition in South Africa.

PMID- 25118548
TI  - The Teddy Bear Clinic Constitutional Court case: sexual conduct between
      adolescent consenting children aged under 16 years decriminalised and a
      moratorium on the reporting duties of doctors and others.
AB  - The Constitutional Court in the Teddy Bear Clinic appeal case held that the
      sections of the Sexual Offences Act that impose criminal liability for sexual
      offences on adolescent children under 16 years of age are invalid. The invalidity
      was suspended for 18 months to allow Parliament to correct the Act's defects. A
      moratorium was imposed on all investigations into, arrests in, prosecutions in,
      and criminal and ancillary proceedings regarding such section 15 and 16 offences.
      This includes the duty to report consensual sexual conduct between children under
      16 years of age in terms of section 54 of the Act--pending Parliament's
      correction. However, it is submitted that the 'best interests of the child'
      principle in the Children's Act and the Constitution should guide all obligatory
      reporting situations involving sexual and other conduct of children, irrespective
      of whether they are adolescents under 16 years old or between 16 and 17 years
      old.

PMID- 25118549
TI  - The risks of gastrointestinal injury due to ingested magnetic beads.
AB  - Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies is a common problem in children. Magnetic
      bead toys are hazardous, having potentially lethal consequences if ingested.
      These magnets conglomerate in different segments of bowel, causing pressure
      necrosis, perforation and/or fistula formation anywhere along the
      gastrointestinal tract. A clinical diagnostic pitfall is that the appearance on
      the initial abdominal radiograph may be misinterpreted by the uninitiated as a
      single metallic object without any intervening intestinal wall. Symptoms do not
      occur until complications have developed, and even then, unless magnet ingestion
      is suspected, treatment may initially be mistakenly expectant, as with any other
      foreign body. After observing a case of multiple magnet ingestion that led to the
      rapid onset of small-bowel inter-loop fistulas and peritonitis, we attempted to
      reproduce the likely sequence of events in a laboratory setting using fresh, post
      mortem porcine bowel as an animal model and placing magnetic toy beads within the
      bowel lumen. Pressure-induced perforation appeared extremely rapidly, replicating
      the operative findings in two of our cases. We propose that if magnet ingestion
      is suspected, early endoscopic or surgical retrieval is mandatory. Appropriate,
      rapid surgical intervention is indicated. Laparoscopy offers a minimally invasive
      therapeutic option.

PMID- 25118550
TI  - The safety of osteoporosis medication.
AB  - Osteoporosis is a common, costly and serious disease, which is still too often
      regarded as an inevitable part of the normal ageing process and therefore sub
      optimally treated, especially in the elderly--in fact, only two out of every 10
      patients who sustain a hip fracture receive any form of assessment or
      prophylactic therapy for osteoporosis. One out of five patients die within 1 year
      after a hip fracture, and < 50% are capable of leading an independent life. Yet
      very effective anti-fracture therapy, capable of reducing fracture risk by 35 -
      60%, is available. A number of publications have recently questioned the safety
      of drugs routinely used to treat patients with osteoporosis. This paper attempts
      to put the situation into perspective and expresses the National Osteoporosis
      Foundation of South Africa's view on the safety of these drugs. Their efficacy in
      preventing skeletal fractures and their cost-effectiveness are not addressed in
      any detail. The paper emphasises the fact that all osteoporosis medications have
      side-effects, some of which are potentially life-threatening.

PMID- 25118551
TI  - Acute intermittent porphyria presenting as progressive muscular atrophy in a
      young black man.
AB  - Acute intermittent porphyria, the most common porphyria affecting the nervous
      system, typically presents with neurovisceral crises followed by a motor
      neuropathy. We describe a 23-year-old black South African man presenting with a
      progressive stuttering, lower motor neuron syndrome developing over months. He
      had not experienced pain or neuropsychiatric symptoms. One year after symptom
      onset he was bed-bound with a flaccid quadriparesis. There was marked amyotrophy,
      but without fasciculations. Sensation was intact apart from a hypo-aesthetic
      patch over the thigh. Electrophysiological investigations showed an active motor
      axonopathy. Urinary porphyrins, delta-aminolaevulinic acid and porphobilinogen
      were elevated. Mutation analysis revealed the c445C>T (R149X) mutation in the
      porphobilinogen deaminase gene. The patient responded dramatically to haem
      arginate and could walk with assistance 2 weeks later. We identified the first
      molecularly confirmed acute intermittent porphyria in a black South African. The
      clinical presentation mimicked a progressive lower motor neuron syndrome.

PMID- 25118552
TI  - The neurological manifestations of the acute porphyrias.

PMID- 25118553
TI  - Increased visibility and discoverability of South African health-related
      research.

PMID- 25118554
TI  - High prevalence of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in Cape Town, South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is administered as the first-line treatment of soft-tissue
      cancers. It has a reported cure rate of up to 85%, but is associated with a high
      incidence of ototoxicity, characterised by irreversible bilateral hearing loss
      and affecting 23 - 50% of adults who receive the drug. OBJECTIVES: To determine
      the incidence of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH),
      Cape Town, South Africa. METHODS: retrospective cross-sectional study of
      cisplatin-receiving cancer patients attending GSH between January 2006 and August
      2011. RESULTS: A total of 377 patients were recorded as receiving cisplatin
      therapy during the study period. A 300% increase in new cisplatin-receiving
      patients receiving audiological monitoring was observed between 2006 and 2010.
      However, only patients with all clinical data as well as baseline and follow-up
      audiometric analyses were investigated. One hundred and seven such patients were
      identified, 55.1% of whom developed cisplatin-induced ototoxicity while receiving
      high-dose (> or = 60 mg/m2) cisplatin treatment. Higher cumulative cisplatin
      dosages were associated with development of significant hearing loss (p = 0.027).
      The odds of developing cisplatin-induced hearing loss were elevated for patients
      with head and neck tumours and lymphoma (p = 0.0465 and p = 0.0563, respectively)
      and were significantly lower for those with reproductive cancers (p = 0.0371).
      CONCLUSION: Comprehensive audiological monitoring should be available for every
      patient during cisplatin treatment to minimise the development of disabling
      hearing loss.

PMID- 25118555
TI  - Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors v. angiotensin receptor blockers in the
      management of hypertension: a funder's perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension poses a huge financial risk to any funder/medical aid,
      including the risk-mitigating strategies provided by the managed care
      organisations that are required to manage patients with hypertension. The South
      African Hypertension Guideline states that the choice of therapy--an angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)-
      should be based on cost and tolerability. OBJECTIVE: To assess the costs of ACEIs
      v. ARBs in the management of hypertensive patients and the prevention of
      cardiovascular complications for a private medical aid scheme in South Africa.
      METHOD: A Phase IV observational, retrospective cohort study of over 480 000
      beneficiaries between 2010 and 2011 was undertaken. Hypertensive patients were
      identified by their chronic medication authorisation and were categorised into
      three groups: ACEI, ARB and combined groups. A cost-benefit analysis was
      performed on the claims data, comparing the input costs in rand against the
      downstream costs using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Data from 28 165 patients
      were included in the study. Based on the health economic analysis that was
      performed, there was no statistically significant difference in the input costs
      between the ACEI and the ARB groups. However, a statistically significant
      reduction in the downstream costs was observed in the ACEI group v. the ARB and
      combined groups (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: It is more cost beneficial to treat
      chronic hypertensive patients with an ACEI than ARBs in preventing cardiovascular
      related complications. It is recommended that managed care companies continue
      recommending ACEIs rather than ARBs in the treatment of hypertensive patients.

PMID- 25118556
TI  - Mammographic screening for breast cancer in a resource-restricted environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mammographic screening is carried out at public sector hospitals as
      part of clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: We report the experience of such screening
      at Tygerberg Academic Hospital (TBAH), a tertiary referral hospital in the
      Western Cape Province, South Africa. METHODS: All mammograms performed between
      2003 and 2012 at TBAH were analysed regarding patient demographics, clinical
      data, indication and outcome according to the American College of Radiology
      Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS). Screening mammography was
      offered to patients > 40 years of age and mammograms were read by experienced
      breast surgeons. Patients with BIRADS 3 and 4 lesions were recalled for short
      term follow-up, further imaging or tissue acquisition. Patients with BIRADS 5
      lesions were recalled for tissue acquisition. Further imaging, method of tissue
      acquisition, histology results and use of neo-adjuvant therapy were also
      recorded. RESULTS: Of 16 105 mammograms, 3 774 (23.4%) were carried out for
      screening purposes. The median age of patients undergoing screening was 54 years.
      Of 407 women with mammograms that were reported as BIRADS 3 - 5 (10.8% of
      screening mammograms), 187 (46% of recalled women) went on to have further
      imaging only. Tissue was acquired in 175 patients (43% of recalled women),
      comprising a biopsy rate of 4.6% of the total series. The malignancy rate in
      cases in which tissue acquisition was done was 25%. Forty-three breast cancers
      were diagnosed (11.4/1 000 examinations). Of the cancers, nine (31%) were ductal
      carcinomas in situ. Of 20 invasive cancers, nine (45%) were < 10 mm in size. Of
      the invasive cancers, 40% were node-positive. CONCLUSIONS: The cancer diagnosis
      rate indicates a high breast cancer load in an urbanised population.

PMID- 25118557
TI  - Results of a pilot programme of mammographic breast cancer screening in the
      Western Cape.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mammographic screening programmes are now established in developing
      countries. We present an analysis of the first screening programme in sub-Saharan
      Africa. METHODS: Women aged > or = 40 years were identified at three primary
      healthcare centres in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, and after giving
      informed consent underwent mammography at a mobile unit. After a single reading,
      patients with American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data
      System (BIRADS) 3 - 5 lesions were referred to a tertiary centre for further
      management. RESULTS: Between 1 February 2011 and 31 August 2012, 2 712 screening
      mammograms were performed. A total of 261 screening mammograms were reported as
      BIRADS 3 - 5 (recall rate 9.6%). Upon review of the 250 available screening
      mammograms, 58 (23%) were rated benign or no abnormalities (BIRADS 1 and 2) and
      no further action was taken. In 32 women, tissue was acquired (biopsy rate for
      the series 1.2%); 10 cancers were diagnosed (biopsy malignancy rate 31%). For the
      entire series of 2 712 screening mammograms, the cancer diagnosis rate was 3.7/1
      000 examinations. Of 10 cancers diagnosed at screening, 5 were TNM clinical stage
      0, 2 stage I and 3 stage II. CONCLUSIONS: The low cancer detection rate achieved,
      and the technical and multiple administrative problems experienced do not justify
      installation of a screening programme using the model utilised in this series.

PMID- 25118558
TI  - Community v. non-community assault among adults in Khayelitsha, Western Cape,
      South Africa: a case count and comparison of injury severity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community assault (CA) or vigilantism is widespread in the township
      of Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa (SA). Anecdotal evidence suggests that
      victims of CA are worse off than other assault cases. However, scientific data on
      the rate and severity of CA cases are lacking for SA. OBJECTIVES: To contribute
      to CA prevention and management strategies by estimating the rate of CA among
      adults in Khayelitsha and comparing the injury severity and survival probability
      between cases of CA and other assault (non-CA) cases. METHODS: We studied four
      healthcare centres in Khayelitsha during July - December 2012. A consecutive case
      series was conducted to capture all CA cases during this period. A retrospective
      folder review was performed on all cases of CA and on a control group of non-CA
      cases to compare injury severity and estimate survival probability. RESULTS: A
      total of 148 adult cases of CA occurred (case rate 1.1/1 000 person-years) over
      the study period. The Injury Severity Scores (ISSs) in the CA group were
      significantly higher than in the non-CA group (p < 0.001), with a median
      (interquartile range) ISS of 3 (2 - 6) in CA cases v. 1 (1 - 2) in non-CA cases.
      Comparison between the CA v. non-CA groups showed that a Glasgow Coma Scale < 15
      (20.1% v. 5.4%, respectively), referral to the tertiary hospital (33.8% v. 22.6%,
      respectively), and crush syndrome (25.7% v. 0.0%, respectively) were all more
      common in CA cases. Survival probabilities were similar in both groups (CA v. non
      CA 99.2% v. 99.3%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The rate of CA among adults in
      Khayelitsha is high, and the severity of injuries sustained by CA victims is
      substantially higher than in other assault cases.

PMID- 25118559
TI  - Self-induction of abortion among women accessing second-trimester abortion
      services in the public sector, Western Cape Province, South Africa: an
      exploratory study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite South Africa's liberal abortion law permitting abortion on
      request in the first trimester and under restricted conditions for second
      trimester pregnancies, the practice of unsafe self-induced abortion persists.
      However, the prevalence of this practice, the methods used and the reasons behind
      it are relatively under-researched. As part of a larger study seeking to improve
      abortion services in the Western Cape Province, we explored reports of prior
      attempts to self-induce abortion among women undergoing legal second-trimester
      abortion. OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence and methods of and factors
      related to unsuccessful attempts at self-induction of abortion by women
      presenting without complications and seeking second-trimester abortion at public
      health facilities in the Western Cape. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study from
      April to August 2010, 194 consenting women undergoing second-trimester abortion
      were interviewed by trained fieldworkers using structured questionnaires at four
      public sector facilities near Cape Town. RESULTS: Thirty-four women (17.5%; 95%
      confidence interval 12.7 - 23.4) reported an unsuccessful attempt to self-induce
      abortion during the current pregnancy before going to a facility for second
      trimester abortion. No factors were significantly associated with self-induction,
      but a relatively high proportion of this small sample were unemployed and spoke
      an indigenous African language at home. A readily available herbal product called
      Stametta was most commonly used; other methods included taking tablets bought
      from unlicensed providers and using other herbal remedies. No use of physical
      methods was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of unsafe self-induction of
      abortion is relatively high in the Western Cape. Efforts to inform women in the
      community about the availability of free services in the public sector and to
      educate them about the dangers of self-induction and unsafe providers should be
      strengthened to help address this public health issue.

PMID- 25118560
TI  - Clinicians ignore best practice guidelines: prospective audit of cardiac injury
      marker ordering in patients with chest pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chest pain is a frequent presenting symptom and is a diagnostic
      challenge. Recent recommendations state that high-sensitivity cardiac troponin
      assays are the only biochemical test required in the diagnosis of acute coronary
      syndrome (ACS) and that other biomarkers such as myoglobin or creatine kinase
      (CK)-MB isoform are not indicated. OBJECTIVE: To establish whether clinician
      ordering in the setting of suspected ACS was in keeping with recent
      recommendations. METHODS: A prospective audit was undertaken of all requests for
      cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and CK-MB received at a large tertiary hospital in
      Durban, South Africa, during a 20-day period in December 2012. RESULTS: A total
      of 193 cardiac marker requests were received: 12 (6.2%) requests were for cTnI
      alone; 8 (4.1%) were for CK-MB alone; and the remaining 173 (89.7%) were for both
      cTnI and CK-MB. Therefore, a total of 181 (93.8%) incorrect requests were
      received during this period. A total of 103 (53.4%) patients had values below the
      cut-off point of 40 ng/l for cTnI, i.e. ACS was ruled out. Of these, 15 had CK-MB
      values above the reference interval. A total of 12 (6.2%) patients had cTnI
      values > 500 ng/l, i.e. ACS was ruled in; 33.3% of this group had normal CK-MB
      values. CONCLUSION: Ordering patterns in the setting of ACS did not reflect
      current recommendations and were wasteful and potentially dangerous.

PMID- 25118561
TI  - Hepatitis B and HIV co-infection in pregnant women: indication for routine
      antenatal hepatitis B virus screening in a high HIV prevalence setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africa is endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. HBV/HIV co-infection in women of
      reproductive age is of clinical and public health importance because these women
      constitute a significant reservoir for horizontal and perinatal HBV transmission.
      Childhood HBV vaccination from 6 weeks of age protects most children against
      chronic HBV infection. However, infants born to HBV/HIV co-infected women are
      more likely to be infected perinatally, with an increased risk of chronic
      hepatitis, than infants born to HBV mono-infected women. OBJECTIVES: The aim of
      our study was to establish the prevalence of HBV infection and HBV/HIV co
      infection in pregnant women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to inform antenatal
      HBV screening and childhood immunisation policies in South Africa. METHODS:
      Stored plasma specimens obtained from 570 pregnant women were tested for
      hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV infectivity, as characterised by the
      presence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and/or HBV DNA load. RESULTS: The
      antenatal HIV prevalence and HBsAg prevalence in this study were 41.6% and 5.3%
      (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.4 - 7.1), respectively. Overall, 3.1% (95% CI 1.7
      - 4.6) of pregnant women were HBV/HIV co-infected, with HBeAg positivity and the
      HBV DNA load being significantly higher in co-infected women. CONCLUSION: We
      report a 5.3% HBV prevalence and a 3.1% HBV/HIV co-infection prevalence in
      pregnant women from this HIV-endemic region. Routine antenatal HBV screening will
      allow early identification of neonates who require HBV active-passive
      immunoprophylaxis at birth. This strategy, together with antenatal
      antiretrovirals, will reduce the risk of perinatal HBV transmission, especially
      in high-risk HBV/ HIV co-infected pregnant women.

PMID- 25118562
TI  - Transition from child- to adult-orientated care for children with long-term
      health conditions: a process, not an event.
AB  - Long-term health conditions in childhood include both congenital conditions and
      acquired diseases. Children with long-term health conditions face issues and
      potential secondary problems that are different from those of adults with chronic
      diseases. Transition to adult-orientated care for such children and adolescents
      is a major challenge. Transition needs to be prepared for and planned. A variety
      of possible transition models exists, depending on circumstances.

PMID- 25118563
TI  - Aedes aegypti larvicide from the ethanolic extract of Piper nigrum black
      peppercorns.
AB  - Due to unavailability of a vaccine and a specific cure to dengue, the focus
      nowadays is to develop an effective vector control method against the female
      Aedes aegypti mosquito. This study aims to determine the larvicidal fractions
      from Piper nigrum ethanolic extracts (PnPcmE) and to elucidate the identity of
      the bioactive compounds that comprise these larvicidal fractions. Larvicidal
      assay was performed by subjecting 3rd to 4th A. aegypti instar larvae to PnPcmE
      of P. nigrum. The PnPcmE exhibited potential larvicidal activity having an LC50
      of 7.1246 +/- 0.1304 ppm (mean +/- Std error). Normal phase vacuum liquid
      chromatography of the PnPcmE was employed which resulted in five fractions, two
      of which showed larvicidal activity. The most active of the PnPcmE fractions is
      PnPcmE-1A, with an LC50 and LC90 of 1.7101 +/- 0.0491 ppm and 3.7078 ppm,
      respectively. Subsequent purification of PnPcmE-1A allowed the identification of
      the larvicidal compound as oleic acid.

PMID- 25118564
TI  - The relationships between adult attachment, theoretical orientation, and
      therapist-reported alliance quality among licensed psychologists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attachment anxiety has been depicted as an undesirable therapist
      characteristic based on findings that preoccupied therapists, relative to those
      with other attachment styles, report more ruptures in the therapeutic alliance.
      What has not been considered, however, is the extent to which attachment dynamics
      are related to theoretical orientations and how attachment styles and theoretical
      orientations combine to predict therapists' perceptions of the quality of their
      alliances. METHOD: The present surveyed 290 licensed psychologists nationally.
      RESULTS: Results revealed that even within a sample of primarily secure
      psychologists, higher 15 levels of attachment anxiety correlated positively with
      the endorsement of psychodynamic orientations, and negatively with the
      endorsement of cognitive-behavioral orientations and self-reported alliance
      quality. Endorsement of cognitive-behavioral orientations, in turn, correlated
      positively with therapist-reported alliance quality. CONCLUSION: The results are
      discussed in terms of the extent to which attachment dimensions should be
      considered in therapists' understandings of their therapeutic alliances.

PMID- 25118565
TI  - Efficient planar perovskite solar cells based on 1.8 eV band gap CH3NH3PbI2Br
      nanosheets via thermal decomposition.
AB  - Hybrid organometallic halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI2Br (or MAPbI2Br) nanosheets
      with a 1.8 eV band gap were prepared via a thermal decomposition process from a
      precursor containing PbI2, MABr, and MACl. The planar solar cell based on the
      compact layer of MAPbI2Br nanosheets exhibited 10% efficiency and a single
      wavelength conversion efficiency of up to 86%. The crystal phase, optical
      absorption, film morphology, and thermogravimetric analysis studies indicate that
      the thermal decomposition process strongly depends on the composition of
      precursors. We find that MACl functions as a glue or soft template to control the
      initial formation of a solid solution with the main MAPbI2Br precursor components
      (i.e., PbI2 and MABr). The subsequent thermal decomposition process controls the
      morphology/surface coverage of perovskite films on the planar substrate and
      strongly affects the device characteristics. 

PMID- 25118566
TI  - Erectile dysfunction in psoriasis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An association between psoriasis and sexual dysfunction has been
      explored. However, not much is known about the factors behind erectile
      dysfunction in these patients. OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence and the
      severity of erectile dysfunction in patients with and without psoriasis and to
      determine potential associations between erectile dysfunction and psoriasis
      patients' characteristics. MATERIALS & METHODS: An observational cross-sectional
      study was conducted at two tertiary hospital-based Dermatology departments.
      Consecutive adult men with psoriasis or other skin conditions were recruited.
      Data were collected using an anonymous, self-completed, designed questionnaire,
      which included the Dermatology Life Quality Index and the 5-item version of the
      International Index of Erectile Function. RESULTS: A total of 135 psoriasis
      patients and 201 controls were included. Psoriasis patients had a higher
      prevalence of erectile dysfunction than controls (61.5% vs 43.8%, p = 0.001), and
      an increased risk of more severe forms of erectile dysfunction. Dermatology Life
      Quality Index, genital psoriasis and psoriasis duration were not associated with
      the presence of erectile dysfunction. In multivariate logistic regression,
      psoriasis and diabetes were found to be independent risk factors for erectile
      dysfunction with estimated odds ratios of 2.28 (CI 95%, 1.40-3.27) and 3.49 (CI
      95%, 1.40-8.66), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study suggests psoriasis as a
      risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Atherosclerosis is a plausible connecting
      link, adding up to the already acknowledged effect of psychological factors in
      these patients. From a clinical standpoint, because erectile dysfunction may
      precede overt cardiovascular disease, it can be used as a precocious marker of
      cardiovascular risk in psoriatic men.

PMID- 25118567
TI  - Selective interception of gelsolin amyloidogenic stretch results in
      conformationally distinct aggregates with reduced toxicity.
AB  - The pathogenesis of protein misfolding diseases is attributed to the cytotoxicity
      caused by amyloidogenic prefibrillar aggregates, rather than mature fibrils. The
      presence of one or more amyloidogenic stretches in different proteins has been
      proven critical for initiating fibril formation. In the present study, we show
      that two natural compounds, curcumin and emetine, bind tightly (Kd < 1.6 MUM) to
      the core amyloidogenic stretch (182-192) of gelsolin (AGel). Binding happens in
      different structural orientations, distinctly modulating the amyloidogenic
      pathway of AGel. While AGel alone undergoes sigmoidal transition to thioflavin T
      (ThT)-responsive fibrillar aggregates with clear lag phase, the presence of
      curcumin or emetine abolishes the lag phase and produces starkly different,
      noncytotoxic end products. Atomic force microscopy revealed that while curcumin
      augments fibril formation, emetine arrests it at an intermediate aggregated stage
      with no fibrillar morphology. FTIR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and
      ANS fluorescence experiments also suggest that these two species are distinct.
      Curcumin and emetine also differentially affect the preformed amyloids with the
      former thickening the fibrils and the latter releasing reclusive oligomers. MD
      simulations further provided mechanistic insights of differential interaction by
      the two compounds modulating amyloid formation. The results were also confirmed
      on the disease-associated amyloidogenic fragment of gelsolin (fAGel). Thus, our
      findings suggest that targeting amyloidogenic stretches in proteins could be
      useful in designing novel molecules against protein misfolding diseases.

PMID- 25118569
TI  - Microbial community response to chlorine conversion in a chloraminated drinking
      water distribution system.
AB  - Temporary conversion to chlorine (i.e., "chlorine burn") is a common approach to
      controlling nitrification in chloraminated drinking water distribution systems,
      yet its effectiveness and mode(s) of action are not fully understood. This study
      characterized occurrence of nitrifying populations before, during and after a
      chlorine burn at 46 sites in a chloraminated distribution system with varying
      pipe materials and levels of observed nitrification. Quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction analysis of gene markers present in nitrifying populations
      indicated higher frequency of detection of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) (72%
      of samples) relative to ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) (28% of samples).
      Nitrospira nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) were detected at 45% of samples,
      while presence of Nitrobacter NOB could not be confirmed at any of the samples.
      During the chlorine burn, the numbers of AOA, AOB, and Nitrospira greatly reduced
      (i.e., 0.8-2.4 log). However, rapid and continued regrowth of AOB and Nitrospira
      were observed along with nitrite production in the bulk water within four months
      after the chlorine burn, and nitrification outbreaks appeared to worsen 6-12
      months later, even after adopting a twice annual burn program. Although high
      throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes revealed a distinct community shift and
      higher diversity index during the chlorine burn, it steadily returned towards a
      condition more similar to pre-burn than burn stage. Significant factors
      associated with nitrifier and microbial community composition included water age
      and sampling location type, but not pipe material. Overall, these results
      indicate that there is limited long-term effect of chlorine burns on nitrifying
      populations and the broader microbial community. 

PMID- 25118568
TI  - Early cortical thickness change after mild traumatic brain injury following motor
      vehicle collision.
AB  - In a motor vehicle collision (MVC), survivors often receive mild traumatic brain
      injuries (mTBI). Although there have been some reports of early white matter
      changes after an mTBI, much less is known about early cortical structural
      changes. To investigate early cortical changes within a few days after an MVC, we
      compared cortical thickness of mTBI survivors with non-mTBI survivors, then
      reexamined cortical thickness in the same survivors 3 months later. MVC survivors
      were categorized as mTBI or non-mTBI based on concussive symptoms documented in
      emergency departments (EDs). Cortical thickness was measured from MRI images
      using FreeSurfer within a few days and again at 3 months after MVC. Post
      traumatic stress symptoms and physical conditions were also assessed. Compared
      with the non-mTBI group (n = 23), the mTBI group (n = 21) had thicker cortex in
      the left rostral middle frontal (rMFG) and right precuneus gyri, but thinner
      cortex in the left posterior middle temporal gyrus at 7.2 +/- 3.1 days after MVC.
      After 3 months, cortical thickness had decreased in left rMFG in the mTBI group
      but not in the non-mTBI group. The cortical thickness of the right precuneus
      region in the initial scans was positively correlated with acute traumatic stress
      symptoms for all survivors and with the number of reduced activity days for mTBI
      survivors who completed the follow-up. The preliminary results suggest that
      alterations in cortical thickness may occur at an early stage of mTBI and that
      frontal cortex structure may change dynamically over the initial 3 months after
      mTBI.

PMID- 25118571
TI  - Rare earth elements supply restrictions: market failures, not scarcity, hamper
      their current use in high-tech applications.

PMID- 25118573
TI  - Cochlear Meniere's Disease in Association With a High Jugular Bulb.

PMID- 25118574
TI  - A Case of Rotational Vertebral Artery Syndrome.

PMID- 25118572
TI  - Development and evaluation of a truncated recombinant NS3 antigen-based indirect
      ELISA for detection of pestivirus antibodies in sheep and goats.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop an indirect ELISA using the helicase domain
      of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) NS3 protein instead of full-length NS3
      protein for detection of BVDV and BDV antibodies in sheep and goats and its
      validation by comparing its sensitivity and specificity with virus neutralization
      test (VNT) as the reference test. The purified 50 kDa recombinant NS3 protein was
      used as the coating antigen in the ELISA. The optimal concentration of antigen
      was 320 ng/well at a serum dilution of 1:20 and the optimal positive cut-off
      optical density value was 0.40 based on test results of 418 VNT negative sheep
      and goat sera samples. When 569 serum samples from sheep (463) and goats (106)
      were tested, the ELISA showed a sensitivity of 91.71% and specificity of 94.59%
      with BVDV VNT. A good correlation (93.67%) was observed between the two tests. It
      showed a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 86.6% with VNT in detecting BDV
      antibody positive or negative samples. This study demonstrates the efficacy of
      truncated recombinant NS3 antigen based ELISA for seroepidemiological study of
      pestivirus infection in sheep and goats. 

PMID- 25118570
TI  - HOIL-1L functions as the PKCzeta ubiquitin ligase to promote lung tumor growth.
AB  - RATIONALE: Protein kinase C zeta (PKCzeta) has been reported to act as a tumor
      suppressor. Deletion of PKCzeta in experimental cancer models has been shown to
      increase tumor growth. However, the mechanisms of PKCzeta down-regulation in
      cancerous cells have not been previously described. OBJECTIVES: To determine the
      molecular mechanisms that lead to decreased PKCzeta expression and thus increased
      survival in cancer cells and tumor growth. METHODS: The levels of expression of
      heme-oxidized IRP2 ubiquitin ligase 1L (HOIL-1L), HOIL-1-interacting protein
      (HOIP), Shank-associated RH domain-interacting protein (SHARPIN), and PKCzeta
      were analyzed by Western blot and/or quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction in different cell lines. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments were used to
      demonstrate the interaction between HOIL-1L and PKCzeta. Ubiquitination was
      measured in an in vitro ubiquitination assay and by Western blot with specific
      antibodies. The role of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) was determined by
      gain/loss-of-function experiments. The effect of HOIL-1L expression on cell death
      was investigated using RNA interference approaches in vitro and on tumor growth
      in mice models. Increased HOIL-1L and decreased PKCzeta expression was assessed
      in lung adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma multiforme and documented in several
      other cancer types by oncogenomic analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      Hypoxia is a hallmark of rapidly growing solid tumors. We found that during
      hypoxia, PKCzeta is ubiquitinated and degraded via the ubiquitin ligase HOIL-1L,
      a component of the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC). In vitro
      ubiquitination assays indicate that HOIL-1L ubiquitinates PKCzeta at Lys-48,
      targeting it for proteasomal degradation. In a xenograft tumor model and lung
      cancer model, we found that silencing of HOIL-1L increased the abundance of
      PKCzeta and decreased the size of tumors, suggesting that lower levels of HOIL-1L
      promote survival. Indeed, mRNA transcript levels of HOIL-1L were elevated in
      tumor of patients with lung adenocarcinoma, and in a lung adenocarcinoma tissue
      microarray the levels of HOIL-1L were associated with high-grade tumors.
      Moreover, we found that HOIL-1L expression was regulated by HIFs. Interestingly,
      the actions of HOIL-1L were independent of LUBAC. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide
      first evidence of a mechanism of cancer cell adaptation to hypoxia where HIFs
      regulate HOIL-1L, which targets PKCzeta for degradation to promote tumor
      survival. We provided a proof of concept that silencing of HOIL-1L impairs lung
      tumor growth and that HOIL-1L expression predicts survival rate in cancer
      patients suggesting that HOIL-1L is an attractive target for cancer therapy.

PMID- 25118575
TI  - Feasibility of a synthetic temporal bone for training in mastoidectomy: face,
      content, and concurrent validity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the face, content, and concurrent validity of the
      synthetic Pettigrew temporal bone (PTB) for mastoidectomy training as compared
      with cadaveric temporal bone (CTB). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective evaluation study.
      METHODS: Participants were invited to perform a step-by-step modified radical
      mastoidectomy using both bones and complete a 22-item, 5-point Likert scale
      questionnaire. The questionnaire is divided into 4 domains: face validity (FV),
      global content (GC), task-specific content (TSC), and curriculum recommendation
      (CR). RESULTS: Thirty-six experts and 89 trainees completed all tasks, 63 using
      CTB and 62 using PTB. The PTB median FV was 4 (IQR: 4-5), GC of 4 (IQR: 4-5), TSC
      of 4 (IQR: 3-4), and CR of 4 (IQR: 4-5). The CTB was rated significantly higher
      than PTB by both groups in all domains; CTB FV: 5 (IQR: 4-5), GC: 5 (IQR: 4-5),
      TSC: 5 (IQR: 4-5), and CR: 5 (IQR: 5-5), p < 0.001 for each. Trainees rated PTB
      significantly higher than experts in all domains. There was no statistically
      significant difference between experts and trainees in rating the CTB in all
      domains. PTB gives similar haptic feedback to CTB, allows the use of suction and
      irrigation, has the important landmarks painted for identification, and contains
      articulating ossicles. The facial nerve anatomy was found to be inaccurate around
      the region of the second genu. CONCLUSION: Participants found PTB to be valid for
      teaching some, yet not all, aspects of mastoid surgery, and experts agreed that
      it could improve global transferrable otologic skills. It is essential that the
      facial nerve anatomy is addressed before recommending this model.

PMID- 25118576
TI  - Hearing preservation cochlear implantation in adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study describes our experience of cochlear implantation (CI) with
      hearing preservation in adolescents. Our aim was to determine if hearing
      preservation is successful in this population, if the preserved hearing is
      maintained, and what the potential benefit of preserving hearing in this
      population is. PATIENTS: Fourteen profoundly deaf adolescents with preservation
      of low-frequency hearing (125, 250, and 500 Hz). INTERVENTION: Twelve adolescents
      had a single-sided CI, and two had bilateral CI. All were having their first
      implantation, and all patients had hearing preservation surgery (soft surgery).
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hearing preservation was measured with preoperative and
      postoperative pure-tone audiograms. Speech audiometry was performed before
      implantation and at subsequent follow-up appointments. RESULTS: Hearing
      preservation (measurable hearing thresholds) was achieved in 13 of 14 patients.
      Average follow-up was 2 years 10 months (range, 4 mo-4 yr 9 mo). Three of 13
      patients with initial successful hearing preservation had deterioration of their
      hearing at subsequent follow-up. The addition of naturally preserved hearing to
      the cochlear implant improved speech audiometry scores compared with using the
      implants in isolation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that residual hearing
      can be consistently preserved and maintained in adolescents during the short
      /medium-term using a soft surgical technique to insert standard-length
      electrodes. The potential benefit of preserving residual low-frequency hearing
      seems to be improvement in speech discrimination in challenging hearing
      conditions, although larger studies are required.

PMID- 25118578
TI  - Minimal Growth of Intracochlear Schwannoma Over 7 Years.

PMID- 25118577
TI  - The correlation between obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and superior
      semicircular canal dehiscence: a new explanation for an increasingly common
      problem.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate rates of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in
      patients with a diagnosis of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). STUDY
      DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Two tertiary referral centers.
      PATIENTS: Thirty-one patients with SSCD were identified from patient records at
      Yale between January 1, 2003 and August 1, 2013 and from the University of
      Cincinnati between November 1, 2008 and November 1, 2013. The control cohort
      consisted of 100 consecutive adult patients who obtained high-resolution CT
      imaging of their temporal bones at Yale University for any reason. INTERVENTIONS:
      CT images were reviewed by two authors in double blind fashion and patient data
      was analyzed statistically. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of OSA, body mass index
      (BMI), and presence of tegmental defects in patients with SSCD were compared to
      the control cohort. RESULTS: The 31 patients with SSCD demonstrated higher BMIs
      [SSCD avg. 31.62, standard deviation (SD) 8.6 vs. no SSCD 28.01, SD 6.3, P =
      0.036], rates of OSA (SSCD 29.03% vs. no SSCD 7.00, P = 0.001), and rates of
      tegmental defects (SSCD avg. 64.5% vs. no SSCD 16%, P = 1.24 * 10(-7)), in
      comparison to the control cohort. SSCD was found in 6 of 100 consecutively
      reviewed adult CT scans and in 0 of 41 scans obtained in those under 17 years of
      age. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SSCD demonstrated higher BMIs, higher rates of
      OSA, and were more likely to have accompanying tegmental defects. These results
      may support a possible causality between increased intracranial pressure and the
      formation of superior semicircular canal dehiscence.

PMID- 25118579
TI  - A United Kingdom survey of concerns, needs, and priorities reported by patients
      diagnosed with acoustic neuroma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Patient Concerns Inventory-Acoustic Neuroma (PCI-AN) was
      developed to explore specifically the concerns that patients would like to
      discuss during their clinic consultation. The PCI covers a range of issues
      including hearing, intimacy, fatigue, financial/benefits, relationships, regret,
      and support for family. It also lists multidisciplinary team (MDT) members that
      patients would like to see or be referred on to. METHOD: The PCI-AN was emailed
      to members of the British Acoustic Neuroma Association. RESULTS: A total of 465
      complete (54.5%) responses were received. There were 284 female and 181 male
      subjects. Overall, the most common treatment modality was surgical excision
      (47%). A quarter of the study cohort had stereotactic radiosurgery, whereas 23%
      were conservatively managed with interval MRI scanning. The remaining 5% had both
      surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery. From the 55-item PCI-AN, the most commonly
      selected issues that patients wanted to talk about were related to the physical
      and functional well-being and treatment received. Tinnitus was the most
      frequently selected issue (46%), followed by fatigue/tiredness (43%), dizziness
      (33%), further investigation (39%), acoustic neuroma treatment (38%), and energy
      levels (32%). More than a quarter of the respondents had fears of their acoustic
      neuroma recurring (29%), had concerns about their facial appearance/ palsy (29%),
      or suffered pain in the head and neck region (26%). The 3 health-care
      professionals patients most wanted to talk with either in clinic or by referral
      were as follows: ENT/neurosurgeon (39%), vestibular (balance) physiotherapist
      (39%), and audiologist (39%). Although it was unknown how many respondents had
      facial palsy, 21% wanted to see a facial palsy physiotherapist, and another 10%
      sought referral to a plastic surgeon. CONCLUSION: The PCI-AN has shed light on an
      interesting array of issues, which may be overlooked by clinicians in busy skull
      base clinic. The PCI-AN allows for patient-directed consultation and ultimately
      empowers them to be actively involved in the management of their health.

PMID- 25118580
TI  - Graft take-rates after tympanoplasty: results from a prospective ear surgery
      database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present a prospective ear surgery database and investigate the
      graft take-rate and prognostic factors for graft take-rate in tympanoplasty using
      the database. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective database study. SETTING: Tertiary
      referral center. PATIENTS: A total of 1606 cases undergoing tympanoplasty types I
      to IV were registered in the database in the period from February 2004 to
      November 2013. INTERVENTION: A total of 837 cases underwent
      myringoplasty/tympanoplasty type I. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Graft take-rate and
      prognostic factors (age, discharge at time of surgery, tuba function, technique,
      graft material, and revision surgery) for tympanoplasty type I were studied. A
      comparison with the graft take-rates for tympanoplasty types II to IV and/or
      cholesteatoma was made. RESULTS: A user-friendly ear surgery database with fast
      data entry and direct import of audiometric data was developed. The graft take
      rate was found to be 93.0% at 2 to 6 months and 86.6% at more than 12 months.
      Except for a discharging ear at the time of surgery, no significant differences
      using chi2 test of association were found when comparing graft take-rates for
      different prognostic factors or more advanced tympanoplasty with or without
      cholesteatoma. A long-term graft take-rate overestimation of 6% was found if
      cases with defaulted follow-up because of early reperforation were not included.
      CONCLUSION: A prospective database can be used to study prognostic factors and
      reduce bias in reporting the graft take-rate. Prospective databases are needed
      for high-quality longitudinal studies but require a continuous and daily effort
      of involved surgeons and therefore need to be convenient and fast to use.

PMID- 25118581
TI  - Assessing Treatment Efficacy and Progression of Necrotizing Otitis Externa.

PMID- 25118582
TI  - Cochlear Implantation in the Setting of Cochlear Ossification as Sequela of
      Malarial Meningitis.

PMID- 25118583
TI  - Neurofibromatosis 2 invasion of the internal auditory canal wall: clinical
      significance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the infiltration of severe phenotype ("Wishart")
      neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-related vestibular nerve schwannomas (VSs) into
      the internal auditory canal wall in contrast to sporadic VS and the milder
      ("Gardner") phenotype NF2-related VS. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series
      involving microscopic examination and review of clinical history. SETTING:
      Temporal bone laboratory, harboring 849 documented pairs of decalcified, formalin
      fixed, celloidin-embedded, sectioned human temporal bones (hTBs) with clinical
      history. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Histologic sections from 56 patients who had been
      treated by the House Clinic for VS and who had pledged their temporal bones were
      identified in the data base of the laboratory. Twenty-four hTBs were from
      individuals with NF2.Each series of sections was examined microscopically for
      evidence of invasion of the walls of the internal auditory canal (IAC), hearing
      thresholds, speech discrimination, score (SDS), and tumor recurrence. RESULTS:
      Infiltration of the walls of the IAC by small buds of VS was found in 17 of the
      24 NF2 hTBs. The only 2 NF2 without invasion were from an elderly patient with
      the milder (Gardner) form of NF2. Ten of the 12 NF2 patients had undergone
      surgery for the removal of their tumor, but residual tumor remained in the bone
      surrounding the IAC. Invasive VS were associated with poorer hearing thresholds
      at 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 Hz and lower SDS score. A relationship between
      invasion and recurrence was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The
      majority of IAC tumors associated with the severe "Wishart" phenotype demonstrate
      bone invasion within the IAC. Invasion of bone was associated with poorer
      hearing. The invasive nature of NF2-associated tumors may partially explain their
      higher recurrence rate after resection. Surgeons managing NF2-related VS should
      be aware of the small infiltrations of the wall of the IAC when removing these
      tumors to minimize recurrence.

PMID- 25118584
TI  - Round window electrocochleography and speech perception outcomes in adult
      cochlear implant subjects: comparison with audiometric and biographical
      information.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Intraoperative round window (RW) electrocochleography (ECoG) can help
      predict speech perception outcomes in adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients.
      BACKGROUND: Speech perception outcomes using CIs are highly variable. Recent data
      demonstrated that intraoperative ECoG could account for nearly half the variance
      in postoperative word scores. The present study seeks to update this correlation
      with a larger sample size and determine if addition of clinical variables
      improves the prediction. METHODS: Intraoperative RW ECoG was performed in adult
      subjects undergoing CI. Amplitudes of the ongoing response to tone bursts of
      multiple frequencies at 85 to 95 dB HL were summed to obtain the total response
      (ECoG-TR). ECoG-TR was correlated with postoperative speech perception scores.
      Multiple linear regression was used to combine clinical factors with the ECoG-TR.
      RESULTS: The ECoG-TR accounted for 40% of the variance in CNC word scores (n =
      32). The preoperative pure tone average (PTA) was the only clinical factor with a
      significant correlation (r2 = 20%). The ability to predict word scores using ECoG
      TR and PTA, or after addition of age and duration of hearing loss, was not
      significantly different from using ECoG-TR alone. For 2 outliers, ECoG-TR
      predicted a better word score than obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of
      cochlear physiology before CI, reduced to a single variable, is a better
      predictor of postoperative speech perception than common clinical factors.
      Additional analysis of the outliers showed that waveform morphology can provide
      distinct information in individual cases.

PMID- 25118586
TI  - Why no Unilateral Vestibular Atelectasis?

PMID- 25118585
TI  - Inactivation of specific Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm factors does not alter
      virulence in infected cholesteatomas.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: When experimental cholesteatomas are infected with Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa (PA) mutants lacking factors associated with the formation of
      biofilms, host defenses are more effective against these strains when compared
      with wild-type strains (PAO1 and OPPA8) in preventing tissue destruction.
      BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified biofilms within chronically infected
      aural cholesteatomas. These infected cholesteatomas are associated with increased
      tissue destruction. Because biofilms are highly resistant to host defenses
      leading to prolonged infection, we propose that the biofilm phenotype of P.
      aeruginosa may be a virulence factor leading to persistence of infection and
      increased tissue destruction. METHODS: Aural cholesteatomas were induced in
      Mongolian gerbils. At the time of induction, the ear canals were inoculated with
      wild-type (PAO1 and OPPA8) and biofilm-deficient (PAO1 DeltapilA, PAO1
      algD::aacC1 and PAO1 galU::aacC1) strains of P. aeruginosa. After 8 weeks, the
      size of the cholesteatomas and levels of bone destruction and deposition were
      measured using microCT scanning and double fluorochrome bone labeling. RESULT:
      Infected cholesteatomas resulted in increased growth, bone destruction, and bone
      deposition when compared with vehicle-only controls. We observed no differences
      between the wild-type (biofilm forming) and the biofilm-deficient strains of P.
      aeruginosa. CONCLUSION: Our hypothesis that biofilm formation is a virulence
      factor in cholesteatomas infected with P. aeruginosa was not supported. A number
      of interpretations of these data are reasonable. It is possible that biofilms are
      not critical in infected cholesteatomas. Alternatively, the mutants that are
      deficient in generating biofilms in vitro may be able to form effective biofilms
      in vivo using alternative pathways.

PMID- 25118587
TI  - "Off-on" electrochemiluminescence system for sensitive detection of ATP via
      target-induced structure switching.
AB  - An "off-on" electrochemiluminescence (ECL) strategy was constructed for highly
      sensitive and selective detection of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) with a
      quantum dots (QDs) modified electrode and a DNAzyme signal probe. The immobilized
      QDs were functionalized with a DNA sequence (DNA1) and then aptamer for
      recognition of target analyte. The signal probe was prepared by assembling
      another DNA sequence (DNA2) and G-quadruplex on gold nanoparticle via Au-S
      chemistry, which was used to bind the probe to electrode surface through a
      hybridization reaction with aptamer and hemin for forming G-quadruplex/hemin
      DNAzyme, respectively. Upon the sandwich hybridization of DNA1-aptamer-DNA2, the
      signal probe could be captured on the aptasensor to catalyze the reduction of
      dissolved oxygen, the coreactant for cathodic ECL emission of QDs, leading to a
      decrease of ECL intensity and thus the "off" state. In the presence of target,
      its recognition by aptamer led to the release of aptamer from electrode surface
      and decreased the amount of captured signal probe, thus the ECL emission was in
      its "on" state. The "off-on" strategy resulted from the target-induced structure
      switching could be used for specific detection of ATP with a linear range of 8
      2000 nM and a detection limit of 7.6 nM. The proposed aptasensor could be
      successfully applied in the ECL detection of ATP in human serum. This method
      could resist environmental interfering agents and be extended for sensitive and
      reliable detection of a wide range of analytes in complex sample. 

PMID- 25118588
TI  - Fate and transport of selected estrogen compounds in Hawaii soils: effect of soil
      type and macropores.
AB  - The fate and transport of estrogen compounds in the environment is of increasing
      concern due to their potential impact on freshwater organisms, ecosystems and
      human health. The behavior of these compounds in batch experiments suggests low
      mobility, while field studies indicate the persistence of estrogen compounds in
      the soil with the possibility of migration to surface water as well as
      groundwater. To better understand the movement of these chemicals through soils,
      we examined their transport in three different Hawaiian soils and two aqueous
      matrices. The three different soils used were an Oxisol, a Mollisol and a cinder,
      characterized by different mineralogical properties and collected at depths of 60
      90 cm and 210-240 cm. Two liquid matrices were used; deionized (DI) water
      containing calcium chloride (CaCl2), and recycled water collected from a
      wastewater treatment facility. The experiments were conducted in packed and
      structured columns. Non-equilibrium conditions were observed during the study,
      especially in the structured soil. This is believed to be primarily related to
      the presence of macropores in the soil. The presence of macropores resulted in
      reduced contact time between soil and estrogens, which facilitated their
      transport. We found that the organic carbon content and mineralogical composition
      of the soils had a profound effect on the transport of the estrogens. The
      mobility of estrone (E1) and 17beta-estradiol (E2) was greater in cinder than in
      the other soils. In column experiments with recycled water, earlier breakthrough
      peaks and longer tails of estrogens were produced compared to those observed
      using DI water. The use of recycled water for agricultural purposes and the
      siting of septic tanks and cesspools should be critically reviewed in light of
      these findings, especially in areas where groundwater is the primary source of
      potable water, such as Hawaii. 

PMID- 25118590
TI  - Preliminary study of an offline simultaneous determination of metoprolol tartrate
      and hydrochlorothiazide in powders and tablets by reflectance near-infrared
      spectroscopy.
AB  - A preliminary study of the feasibility of using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
      for the offline simultaneous determination of metoprolol tartrate (MTP) and
      hydrochlorothiazide (HTZ) in powders and tablets has been carried out. An
      industrial tableting process was simulated using an instrumented tablet press
      replicator - PressterTM. Conventional reference analytics were replaced with
      gravimetric analysis. The NIRS models for powder and tablet analysis were
      developed using 55 samples, and tested on 80 independent samples. Powder mixture
      components were weighed in glass vials to collect reference values, mixed and
      manually transferred to a tablet press replicator and compacted to form tablets.
      NIRS calibration models were developed using spectral and gravimetric reference
      data. The two model drugs were simultaneously quantified exhibiting root mean
      squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.69 and 1.31 mg for HTZ powder and tablet
      samples, respectively, and RMSEP of 3.15 and 3.00 mg for MTP powder and tablet
      samples, respectively. NIRS analysis of MTP and HTZ in powder and tablet form has
      not been reported elsewhere.

PMID- 25118591
TI  - Effect of simulated precompression, compression pressure and tableting speed on
      an offline diffuse transmittance and reflectance near-infrared spectral
      information of model intact caffeine tablets.
AB  - Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is used in the pharmaceutical industry for
      monitoring drug content during the tablet manufacturing process. It is of
      critical importance to understand the effect of process factors on NIRS
      performance. Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology was applied in this work for
      the systematic study of the effects of compression pressure, precompression
      pressure and tableting speed on an average Euclidean distance (AED), which
      reflects spectral features of the tablets, and root mean-squared error of
      prediction (RMSEP) as key performance indicator of NIRS calibration models.
      Caffeine tablets were manufactured in 17 experimental runs in accordance with D
      optimal design. Developed diffuse transmittance (DT) and diffuse reflectance (DR)
      calibration models were tested on five independent test sets to confirm the
      conclusions of the DoE. Compression pressure and tableting speed have shown
      significant effect on the studied responses in DT mode, whereas all three studied
      factors have shown a significant effect in DR mode. Significant factors were
      considered in the development of the global calibration models. The authors
      suggest further study of RMSEP and AED responses to draw reliable conclusions on
      the effects of tableting process factors. The global calibration model in DT mode
      has shown superior performance compared to DR mode.

PMID- 25118589
TI  - RasGRP3 limits Toll-like receptor-triggered inflammatory response in macrophages
      by activating Rap1 small GTPase.
AB  - Host immune cells can detect and destruct invading pathogens via pattern
      recognition receptors. Small Rap GTPases act as conserved molecular switches
      coupling extracellular signals to various cellular responses, but their roles as
      regulators in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling have not been fully elucidated.
      Here we report that Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein 3 (RasGRP3), a
      guanine nucleotide-exchange factor activating Ras and Rap1, limits production of
      proinflammatory cytokines (especially IL-6) in macrophages by activating Rap1 on
      activation by low levels of TLR agonists. We demonstrate that RasGRP3, a dominant
      member of RasGRPs in macrophages, impairs TLR3/4/9-induced IL-6 production and
      relieves dextrane sulphate sodium-induced colitis and collagen-induced arthritis.
      In RasGRP3-deficient RAW264.7 cells obtained by CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing,
      TLR3/4/9-induced activation of Rap1 was inhibited while ERK1/2 activation was
      enhanced. Our study suggests that RasGRP3 limits inflammatory response by
      activating Rap1 on low-intensity pathogen infection, setting a threshold for
      preventing excessive inflammatory response. 

PMID- 25118593
TI  - Effect of seasonal variation on adult clinical laboratory parameters in Rwanda,
      Zambia, and Uganda: implications for HIV biomedical prevention trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of seasonal variation on adult clinical
      laboratory parameters in Rwanda, Zambia, and Uganda and determine its
      implications for HIV prevention and other clinical trials. METHODS: Volunteers in
      a cross-sectional study to establish laboratory reference intervals were asked to
      return for a seasonal visit after the local season had changed from dry to rainy
      or vice versa. Volunteers had to be clinically healthy, not pregnant and negative
      for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis infection at both visits. At each visit,
      blood was taken for measurement of hemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular
      volume, red blood cells, platelets, total white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils,
      lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, CD4/CD8 T cells, aspartate
      aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, direct
      bilirubin, total bilirubin, total immunoglobulin gamma, total protein,
      creatinine, total amylase, creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase
      (LDH). Consensus dry season reference intervals were applied to rainy season
      values (and vice versa) and the proportion of 'out-of-range' values determined.
      Percentage differences between dry and rainy season parameter mean values were
      estimated. RESULTS: In this cohort of 903 volunteers, less than 10.0% of
      consensus parameter (except LDH) values in one season were "out-of-range" in the
      other. Twenty-two (22) percent of rainy season LDH values fell outside of the
      consensus dry season interval with the higher values observed in the rainy
      season. Variability between consensus seasonal means ranged from 0.0% (total WBC,
      neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, and direct bilirubin) to 40.0% (eosinophils).
      Within sites, the largest seasonal variations were observed for monocytes
      (Masaka, 11.5%), LDH (Lusaka, 21.7%), and basophils (Kigali, 22.2%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Seasonality had minimal impact on adult clinical laboratory parameter values in
      Rwanda, Zambia, and Uganda. Seasonal variation may not be an important factor in
      the evaluation of adult clinical laboratory parameters in HIV prevention and
      other clinical trials in these countries.

PMID- 25118592
TI  - Discovery of a rare pterosaur bone bed in a cretaceous desert with insights on
      ontogeny and behavior of flying reptiles.
AB  - A pterosaur bone bed with at least 47 individuals (wing spans: 0.65-2.35 m) of a
      new species is reported from southern Brazil from an interdunal lake deposit of a
      Cretaceous desert, shedding new light on several biological aspects of those
      flying reptiles. The material represents a new pterosaur, Caiuajara dobruskii
      gen. et sp. nov., that is the southermost occurrence of the edentulous clade
      Tapejaridae (Tapejarinae, Pterodactyloidea) recovered so far. Caiuajara dobruskii
      differs from all other members of this clade in several cranial features,
      including the presence of a ventral sagittal bony expansion projected inside the
      nasoantorbital fenestra, which is formed by the premaxillae; and features of the
      lower jaw, like a marked rounded depression in the occlusal concavity of the
      dentary. Ontogenetic variation of Caiuajara dobruskii is mainly reflected in the
      size and inclination of the premaxillary crest, changing from small and inclined
      (~ 115 degrees ) in juveniles to large and steep (~ 90 degrees ) in adults. No
      particular ontogenetic features are observed in postcranial elements. The
      available information suggests that this species was gregarious, living in
      colonies, and most likely precocial, being able to fly at a very young age, which
      might have been a general trend for at least derived pterosaurs.

PMID- 25118594
TI  - Increased lymph node yield in colorectal cancer is not necessarily associated
      with a greater number of lymph node positive cancers.
AB  - The presence of lymph node metastasis is a key prognostic factor in colorectal
      cancer and lymph node yield is an important parameter in assessing the quality of
      histopathology reporting of colorectal cancer excision specimens. This study
      assesses the trend in lymph node evaluation over time in a single institution and
      the relationship with the identification of lymph node positive tumours. It
      compares the lymph node yield of a contemporary dataset compiled from the
      histopathology reports of 2178 patients who underwent surgery for primary
      colorectal cancer between 2005 and 2012 with that of a historic dataset compiled
      from the histopathology reports of 1038 patients who underwent surgery for
      colorectal cancer at 5 yearly intervals from 1975 to 2000. The mean lymph node
      yield was 14.91 in 2005 rising to 21.38 in 2012. In 2012 92.9% of all cases had
      at least 12 lymph nodes examined. Comparison of the mean lymph node yield and
      proportion of Dukes C cases shows a significant increase (Pearson correlation =
      0.927, p = 0.001) in lymph node yield while there is no corresponding significant
      trend in the proportion of Dukes C cases (Pearson correlation =  -0.138, p =
      0.745). This study shows that there is increasing yield of lymph nodes from
      colorectal cancer excision specimens. However, this is not necessarily associated
      with an increase number of lymph node positive cancers. Further risk stratifying
      of colorectal cancer requires consideration of other pathological parameters
      especially the presence of extramural venous invasion and relevant biomarkers.

PMID- 25118595
TI  - Saccharomyces boulardii modifies Salmonella typhimurium traffic and host immune
      responses along the intestinal tract.
AB  - Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) is an enteropathogenic Gram-negative
      bacterium that causes infection following oral ingestion. ST spreads rapidly
      along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and invades the intestinal epithelium to
      ultimately reach internal body organs. The probiotic yeast Saccharomyces
      boulardii BIOCODEX (S.b-B) is prescribed for prophylaxis of diarrheal infectious
      diseases. We previously showed that S.b-B prevents weight loss in ST-infected
      mice and significantly decreases bacterial translocation to the spleen and liver.
      This study was designed to investigate the effect of S.b-B on ST migration along
      the GIT and the impact of the yeast on the host's early innate immune responses.
      Bioluminescent imaging (BLI) was used to evaluate the effect of S.b-B on the
      progression of luminescent Salmonella Typhimurium (ST-lux) in the GIT of mice
      pretreated with streptomycin. Photonic emission (PE) was measured in GIT extracts
      (stomach, small intestine, cecum and colon) at various time periods post
      infection (PI). PE analysis revealed that, 45 min PI, ST-lux had migrated
      slightly faster in the mice treated with S.b-B than in the untreated infected
      animals. At 90 min PI, ST-lux had reached the cecum in both groups of mice.
      Adhesion of ST to S.b-B was visualized in the intestines of the mice and probably
      accounts for (1) the faster elimination of ST-lux in the feces, and (2) reduced
      translocation of ST to the spleen and liver. In the early phase of infection, S.b
      B also modifies the host's immune responses by (1) increasing IFN-gamma gene
      expression and decreasing IL-10 gene expression in the small intestine, and (2)
      elevating both IFN-gamma, and IL-10 mRNA levels in the cecum. BLI revealed that
      S.b-B modifies ST migration and the host immune response along the GIT. Study
      findings shed new light on the protective mechanisms of S.b-B during the early
      phase of Salmonella pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25118596
TI  - Copy number variation in Thai population.
AB  - Copy number variation (CNV) is a major genetic polymorphism contributing to
      genetic diversity and human evolution. Clinical application of CNVs for
      diagnostic purposes largely depends on sufficient population CNV data for
      accurate interpretation. CNVs from general population in currently available
      databases help classify CNVs of uncertain clinical significance, and benign CNVs.
      Earlier studies of CNV distribution in several populations worldwide showed that
      a significant fraction of CNVs are population specific. In this study, we
      characterized and analyzed CNVs in 3,017 unrelated Thai individuals genotyped
      with the Illumina Human610, Illumina HumanOmniexpress, or Illumina HapMap550v3
      platform. We employed hidden Markov model and circular binary segmentation
      methods to identify CNVs, extracted 23,458 CNVs consistently identified by both
      algorithms, and cataloged these high confident CNVs into our publicly available
      Thai CNV database. Analysis of CNVs in the Thai population identified a median of
      eight autosomal CNVs per individual. Most CNVs (96.73%) did not overlap with any
      known chromosomal imbalance syndromes documented in the DECIPHER database. When
      compared with CNVs in the 11 HapMap3 populations, CNVs found in the Thai
      population shared several characteristics with CNVs characterized in HapMap3.
      Common CNVs in Thais had similar frequencies to those in the HapMap3 populations,
      and all high frequency CNVs (>20%) found in Thai individuals could also be
      identified in HapMap3. The majorities of CNVs discovered in the Thai population,
      however, were of low frequency, or uniquely identified in Thais. When performing
      hierarchical clustering using CNV frequencies, the CNV data were clustered into
      Africans, Europeans, and Asians, in line with the clustering performed with
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. As CNV data are specific to origin of
      population, our population-specific reference database will serve as a valuable
      addition to the existing resources for the investigation of clinical significance
      of CNVs in Thais and related ethnicities. 

PMID- 25118597
TI  - Sclerostin blood levels before and after kidney transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sclerostin is secreted by osteocytes. As a circulating inhibitor
      of the Wnt-signaling pathway it inhibits bone formation and contributes to the
      development of osteoporosis. Sclerostin levels are elevated in patients with
      chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Since data for patients after
      kidney transplantation are scarce, we have prospectively measured sclerostin
      levels before and during the first year after renal transplantation and have
      examined the association of sclerostin with parameters of bone mineral metabolism
      and with bone mineral density. METHODS: Sclerostin levels were measured by ELISA
      in 42 consecutive renal transplant recipients before and at defined intervals in
      the first year after transplantation. Bone mineral density was measured by dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Pre-transplant serum sclerostin levels were
      elevated in all patients (61.8 +/- 32.3 pmol/l, normal range 20-30 pmol/l).
      Within 15 days after transplantation and correlating with the improvement of
      renal function, sclerostin levels dropped to 21.0 +/- 14.7 pmol/l and
      subsequently increased to 23.8 +/- 14.9 and 28.0 +/- 16.8 pmol/l after 6 and 12
      months, respectively (P<0.001). A linear mixed model indicated that pre
      transplant sclerostin levels (P<0.001) and time after transplantation (P<0.001)
      were the most important predictors for the rise of post-transplant sclerostin
      levels. No correlation was found between post-transplant sclerostin levels and
      bone mineral density. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid reduction of elevated serum
      sclerostin levels shortly after kidney transplantation parallels the improvement
      of renal function, but contrasts with the more delayed improvement of
      hyperparathyroidism. The normalization of both hormones could contribute to
      improved bone health after renal transplantation.

PMID- 25118598
TI  - Cyclic variations in incubation conditions induce adaptive responses to later
      heat exposure in chickens: a review.
AB  - Selection programs have enabled broiler chickens to gain muscle mass without
      similar enlargement of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems that are
      essential for thermoregulatory efficiency. Meat-type chickens cope with high
      ambient temperature by reducing feed intake and growth during chronic and
      moderate heat exposure. In case of acute heat exposure, a dramatic increase in
      morbidity and mortality can occur. In order to alleviate heat stress in the long
      term, research has recently focused on early thermal manipulation. Aimed at
      stimulation of long-term thermotolerance, the thermal manipulation of embryos is
      a method based on fine tuning of incubation conditions, taking into account the
      level and duration of increases in temperature and relative humidity during a
      critical period of embryogenesis. The consequences of thermal manipulation on the
      performance and meat quality of broiler chickens have been explored to ensure the
      potential application of this strategy. The physiological basis of the method is
      the induction of epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms that control body
      temperature in the long term. Early thermal manipulation can enhance poultry
      resistance to environmental changes without much effect on growth performance.
      This review presents the main strategies of early heat exposure and the
      physiological concepts on which these methods were based. The cellular mechanisms
      potentially underlying the adaptive response are discussed as well as the
      potential interest of thermal manipulation of embryos for poultry production. 

PMID- 25118599
TI  - 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 ameliorates seawater aspiration-induced acute lung
      injury via NF-kappaB and RhoA/Rho kinase pathways.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inflammation and pulmonary edema are involved in the pathogenesis
      of seawater aspiration-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Although several studies
      have reported that 1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) suppresses
      inflammation, it has not been confirmed to be effective in seawater aspiration
      induced ALI. Thus, we investigated the effect of calcitriol on seawater
      aspiration-induced ALI and explored the probable mechanism. METHODS: Male SD rats
      receiving different doses of calcitriol or not, underwent seawater instillation.
      Then lung samples were collected at 4 h for analysis. In addition, A549 cells and
      rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMVECs) were cultured with
      calcitriol or not and then stimulated with 25% seawater for 40 min. After these
      treatments, cells samples were collected for analysis. RESULTS: Results from real
      time PCR showed that seawater stimulation up-regulated the expression of vitamin
      D receptor in lung tissues, A549 cells and RPMVECs. Seawater stimulation also
      activates NF-kappaB and RhoA/Rho kinase pathways. However, we found that
      pretreatment with calcitriol significantly inhibited the activation of NF-kappaB
      and RhoA/Rho kinase pathways. Meanwhile, treatment of calcitriol also improved
      lung histopathologic changes, reduced inflammation, lung edema and vascular
      leakage. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that NF-kappaB and RhoA/Rho
      kinase pathways are critical in the development of lung inflammation and
      pulmonary edema and that treatment with calcitriol could ameliorate seawater
      aspiration-induced ALI, which was probably through the inhibition of NF-kappaB
      and RhoA/Rho kinase pathways.

PMID- 25118603
TI  - Hepatocellular carcinoma: gender differences.

PMID- 25118604
TI  - Microenvironment: HSF1, the troublemaker next door.

PMID- 25118605
TI  - Evidence for prehistoric origins of Egyptian mummification in late Neolithic
      burials.
AB  - Traditional theories on ancient Egyptian mummification postulate that in the
      prehistoric period (i.e. the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, 5th and 4th
      millennia B.C.) bodies were naturally desiccated through the action of the hot,
      dry desert sand. Although molding of the body with resin-impregnated linen is
      believed to be an early Pharaonic forerunner to more complex processes,
      scientific evidence for the early use of resins in artificial mummification has
      until now been limited to isolated occurrences during the late Old Kingdom (c.
      2200 B.C.), their use becoming more apparent during the Middle Kingdom (c. 2000
      1600 BC). We examined linen wrappings from bodies in securely provenanced tombs
      (pit graves) in the earliest recorded ancient Egyptian cemeteries at Mostagedda
      in the Badari region (Upper Egypt). Our investigations of these prehistoric
      funerary wrappings using a combination of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
      (GC-MS) and thermal desorption/pyrolysis (TD/Py)-GC-MS have identified a pine
      resin, an aromatic plant extract, a plant gum/sugar, a natural petroleum source,
      and a plant oil/animal fat in directly AMS-dated funerary wrappings. Predating
      the earliest scientific evidence by more than a millennium, these embalming
      agents constitute complex, processed recipes of the same natural products, in
      similar proportions, as those utilized at the zenith of Pharaonic mummification
      some 3,000 years later. The antibacterial properties of some of these ingredients
      and the localized soft-tissue preservation that they would have afforded lead us
      to conclude that these represent the very beginnings of experimentation that
      would evolve into the famous mummification practice of the Pharaonic period. 

PMID- 25118607
TI  - Experimental study of the vortex-induced vibration of drilling risers under the
      shear flow with the same shear parameter at the different Reynolds numbers.
AB  - A considerable number of studies for VIV under the uniform flow have been
      performed. However, research on VIV under shear flow is scarce. An experiment for
      VIV under the shear flow with the same shear parameter at the two different
      Reynolds numbers was conducted in a deep-water offshore basin. Various
      measurements were obtained by the fiber bragg grating strain sensors.
      Experimental data were analyzed by modal analysis method. Results show several
      valuable features. First, the corresponding maximum order mode of the natural
      frequency for shedding frequency is the maximum dominant vibration mode and multi
      modal phenomenon is appeared in VIV under the shear flow, and multi-modal
      phenomenon is more apparent at the same shear parameter with an increasing
      Reynolds number under the shear flow effect. Secondly, the riser vibrates at the
      natural frequency and the dominant vibration frequency increases for the effect
      of the real-time tension amplitude under the shear flow and the IL vibration
      frequency is the similar with the CF vibration frequency at the Reynolds number
      of 1105 in our experimental condition and the IL dominant frequency is twice the
      CF dominant frequency with an increasing Reynolds number. In addition, the
      displacement trajectories at the different locations of the riser appear the same
      shape and the shape is changed at the same shear parameter with an increasing
      Reynolds number under the shear flow. The diagonal displacement trajectories are
      observed at the low Reynolds number and the crescent-shaped displacement
      trajectories appear with an increasing Reynolds number under shear flow in the
      experiment. 

PMID- 25118602
TI  - Mechanisms of disseminated cancer cell dormancy: an awakening field.
AB  - Metastases arise from residual disseminated tumour cells (DTCs). This can happen
      years after primary tumour treatment because residual tumour cells can enter
      dormancy and evade therapies. As the biology of minimal residual disease seems to
      diverge from that of proliferative lesions, understanding the underpinnings of
      this new cancer biology is key to prevent metastasis. Analysis of approximately 7
      years of literature reveals a growing focus on tumour and normal stem cell
      quiescence, extracellular and stromal microenvironments, autophagy and
      epigenetics as mechanisms that dictate tumour cell dormancy. In this Review, we
      attempt to integrate this information and highlight both the weaknesses and the
      strengths in the field to provide a framework to understand and target this
      crucial step in cancer progression. 

PMID- 25118606
TI  - Acute effects of particulate matter and black carbon from seasonal fires on peak
      expiratory flow of schoolchildren in the Brazilian Amazon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Panel studies have shown adverse effects of air pollution from
      biomass burning on children's health. This study estimated the effect of current
      levels of outdoor air pollution in the Amazonian dry season on peak expiratory
      flow (PEF). METHODS: A panel study with 234 schoolchildren from 6 to 15 years old
      living in the municipality of Tangara da Serra, Brazil was conducted. PEF was
      measured daily in the dry season in 2008. Mixed-effects models and unified
      modelling repeated for every child were applied. Time trends, temperature,
      humidity, and subject characteristics were regarded. Inhalable particulate matter
      (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and black carbon (BC) effects were
      evaluated based on 24-hour exposure lagged by 1 to 5 days and the averages of 2
      or 3 days. Polynomial distributed lag models (PDLM) were also applied. RESULTS:
      The analyses revealed reductions in PEF for PM10 and PM2.5 increases of 10
      ug/m(3) and 1 ug/m(3) for BC. For PM10, the reductions varied from 0.15
      (confidence interval (CI)95%: -0.29; -0.01) to 0.25 l/min (CI95%: -0.40; -0.10).
      For PM2.5, they ranged from 0.46 (CI95%: -0.86 to -0.06) to 0.54 l/min (CI95%:
      0.95; -0.14). As for BC, the reduction was approximately 1.40 l/min. In relation
      to PDLM, adverse effects were noticed in models based on the exposure on the
      current day through the previous 3 days (PDLM 0-3) and on the current day through
      the previous 5 days (PDLM 0-5), specially for PM10. For all children, for PDLM 0
      5 the global effect was important for PM10, with PEF reduction of 0.31 l/min
      (CI95%: -0.56; -0.05). Also, reductions in lags 3 and 4 were observed. These
      associations were stronger for children between 6 and 8 years old. CONCLUSION:
      Reductions in PEF were associated with air pollution, mainly for lagged exposures
      of 3 to 5 days and for younger children.

PMID- 25118608
TI  - Roles of birds and bats in early tropical-forest restoration.
AB  - Restoration of tropical forest depended in large part on seed dispersal by fruit
      eating animals that transported seeds into planted forest patches. We tested
      effectiveness of dispersal agents as revealed by established recruits of tree and
      shrub species that bore seeds dispersed by birds, bats, or both. We documented
      restoration of dispersal processes over the first 76 months of experimental
      restoration in southern Mexico. Mixed-model repeated-measures randomized-block
      ANOVAs of seedlings recruited into experimental controls and mixed-species
      plantings from late-secondary and mature forest indicated that bats and birds
      played different roles in the first years of a restoration process. Bats
      dispersed pioneer tree and shrub species to slowly regenerating grassy areas,
      while birds mediated recruitment of later-successional species into planted
      stands of trees and to a lesser extent into controls. Of species of pioneer trees
      and shrubs established in plots, seven were primarily dispersed by birds, three
      by bats and four by both birds and bats. Of later-successional species recruited
      past the seedling stage, 13 were of species primarily dispersed by birds, and six
      were of species dispersed by both birds and bats. No later-successional species
      primarily dispersed by bats established in control or planted plots.
      Establishment of recruited seedlings was ten-fold higher under cover of planted
      trees than in grassy controls. Even pre-reproductive trees drew fruit-eating
      birds and the seeds that they carried from nearby forest, and provided conditions
      for establishment of shade-tolerant tree species. Overall, after 76 months of
      cattle exclusion, 94% of the recruited shrubs and trees in experimental plots
      were of species that we did not plant. 

PMID- 25118609
TI  - Role of genetics in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative
      colitis (UC), and unclassified IBD, is characterized by chronic intestinal
      inflammation and has a multifactorial etiology with complex interactions between
      genetic and environmental factors. The genetics of IBD are believed to be common
      and complex with over 163 associated genetic loci. However, the genetic
      contribution of the majority of these common loci is small, and the effect sizes
      are low. Although childhood onset IBD represents only 10% to 25% of all IBD
      cases, in depth research into the genetic networks of pediatric IBD has revealed
      exciting new developments and unsuspected pathways. Recent pediatric studies have
      revealed an increasing spectrum of human monogenic diseases with high effect
      sizes or penetrance that can present with IBD or IBD-like intestinal
      inflammation. A substantial proportion of patients with these genetic defects
      present with very early onset of intestinal inflammation, with onset of IBD at
      less than 10 years of age. There is also considerable overlap with primary
      immunodeficiencies and very early onset IBD. This review summarizes the current
      understanding of the genetics of pediatric IBD with a focus on the very early
      onset population and discusses the promising results from the effort of finding
      missing heritability of IBD from studying pediatric population.

PMID- 25118610
TI  - Magnesium retards the progress of the arterial calcifications in hemodialysis
      patients: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of magnesium (Mg) on
      the evolution of arterial calcifications in hemodialysis patients. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Seventy-two stable hemodialysis patients were randomly allocated to two
      groups: 36 administered a regimen containing magnesium carbonate plus calcium
      acetate as a phosphate binder (Mg group), while the rest 36 received calcium
      acetate alone (Ca group). The presence and the progression of arterial
      calcifications were evaluated in plain X-rays using a simple vascular
      calcification score. The duration of the follow-up period was 12 months. RESULTS:
      Thirty-two patients of the Mg group and 27 of the Ca group completed the study.
      The mean time average values of the biochemical laboratories did not differ
      between the two groups, except serum Mg: 2.83 + 0.38 in the Mg group versus 2.52
      + 0.27 mg/dl in the Ca group, p = 0.001. In 9/32 (28.12 %) patients of the Mg
      group and in 12/27 (44.44 %) patients of the Ca group, the arterial
      calcifications were worsened, p = 0.276. Moreover, in 4/32 (15.6 %) patients of
      the Mg group and in 0/27 (0 %) patients of the Ca group, they were improved, p =
      0.040. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum
      magnesium was an independent predictor for no progression of the arterial
      calcifications, p = 0.047. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium probably retards the arterial
      calcifications in hemodialysis patients. Further clinical studies are needed to
      clarify whether magnesium provides cardiovascular protection to this group of
      patients.

PMID- 25118611
TI  - Beneficial dose conversion after switching from higher doses of shorter-acting
      erythropoiesis-stimulating agents to C.E.R.A in CKD patients in clinical
      practice: MINERVA Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess whether the correction dose recommended by the summary of
      product characteristics was adequate and to confirm the adequacy of the
      recommended conversion dosing strategies from shorter-acting erythropoiesis
      stimulating agents (ESAs) to continuous erythropoietin receptor activator
      (C.E.R.A) in anaemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in the clinical
      setting. METHODS: This was a 12-month, multicenter, prospective, observational
      study in anaemic CKD patients on haemodialysis and not on dialysis receiving
      C.E.R.A (at least one dose). RESULTS: A total of 227 patients were included (not
      on dialysis; n = 142; haemodialysis: n = 85). The present analysis was conducted
      on ESA-naive patients (not on dialysis: n = 31) and patients switched from other
      ESA (not on dialysis: n = 63; haemodialysis: n = 57). Both on and not on dialysis
      patients switched from other ESA received lower starting C.E.R.A doses than those
      recommended, and remained stable during the 12-month period. The higher the
      previous ESA dose was, the more beneficial the C.E.R.A dose conversion factor
      was. The proportion of patients with stable haemoglobin within the target range
      (11-13 g/dL) did not vary during the 12-month period both in nondialysis CKD
      patients and in those undergoing dialysis [baseline: 42 (66.7 %) and 34 (59.6 %);
      month 6: 21 (55.3 %) and 26 (50.0 %); month 12: 20 (64.5 %) and 25 (69.4 %),
      respectively]. In naive patients, the mean weight-adjusted C.E.R.A dose during
      the study (1.19 +/- 0.49 ug/kg/month) was similar to the recommended one. C.E.R.A
      was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion from shorter-acting ESAs to C.E.R.A
      doses lower than those recommended can efficiently maintain target haemoglobin
      levels both in nondialysis and haemodialysis CKD patients, particularly when
      switching from higher ESA doses. A monthly C.E.R.A dose of 1.2 ug/Kg seems
      adequate for anaemia correction.

PMID- 25118613
TI  - Septic complications and hospital admissions after transrectal ultrasound-guided
      prostate biopsy: incidence rates and outcomes in 913 consecutive biopsies.

PMID- 25118612
TI  - Protective effects of adiponectin on uncoupling of glomerular VEGF-NO axis in
      early streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether adiponectin could reduce microalbuminuria and
      provide renal protective effects by improving endothelial dysfunction and
      uncoupling of the glomerular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-nitric
      oxide (NO) axis in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS: Wistar
      rats were randomly divided into normal control group, diabetic nephropathy (DN)
      group induced by high-fat feeding and streptozotocin, diabetic rats injected with
      adenovirus-expressed adiponectin (AD-AdipoQ), and diabetic rats injected with AD
      IRES-EGFP as control. Blood and urine samples were collected. Endothelium
      dependent vasodilatation (EDV) of the aorta was measured. Renal tissues were
      collected for CD34 immunohistochemistry. Glomerular NO and VEGF levels were
      measured by the Griess reaction and Western blot testing, respectively. RESULTS:
      Injections of AD-AdipoQ significantly increased serum adiponectin levels and
      reduced the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio in diabetic rats (P < 0.05). The
      levels of plasma glucose, serum insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and
      malondialdehyde were significantly reduced in diabetic rats after injections of
      AD-AdipoQ (P < 0.05). Severe EDV impairment was observed in the DN group, which
      was improved by AD-AdipoQ. CD34 expression in the glomeruli was also higher in
      diabetic rats, indicating increased proliferation of glomerular endothelial
      cells. However, AD-AdipoQ improved the increased proliferation of endothelial
      cells in the glomeruli. Diabetic rats showed increased glomerular VEGF levels and
      reduced NO levels. This uncoupling of the VEGF-NO axis was partially improved by
      AD-AdipoQ. CONCLUSION: Adiponectin reduces the degree of microalbuminuria and has
      renal protective effects by improving endothelial dysfunction and uncoupling of
      the glomerular VEGF-NO axis in early diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 25118601
TI  - A comprehensive reference transcriptome resource for the common house spider
      Parasteatoda tepidariorum.
AB  - Parasteatoda tepidariorum is an increasingly popular model for the study of
      spider development and the evolution of development more broadly. However, fully
      understanding the regulation and evolution of P. tepidariorum development in
      comparison to other animals requires a genomic perspective. Although research on
      P. tepidariorum has provided major new insights, gene analysis to date has been
      limited to candidate gene approaches. Furthermore, the few available EST
      collections are based on embryonic transcripts, which have not been
      systematically annotated and are unlikely to contain transcripts specific to post
      embryonic stages of development. We therefore generated cDNA from pooled embryos
      representing all described embryonic stages, as well as post-embryonic stages
      including nymphs, larvae and adults, and using Illumina HiSeq technology obtained
      a total of 625,076,514 100-bp paired end reads. We combined these data with
      24,360 ESTs available in GenBank, and 1,040,006 reads newly generated from 454
      pyrosequencing of a mixed-stage embryo cDNA library. The combined sequence data
      were assembled using a custom de novo assembly strategy designed to optimize
      assembly product length, number of predicted transcripts, and proportion of raw
      reads incorporated into the assembly. The de novo assembly generated 446,427
      contigs with an N50 of 1,875 bp. These sequences obtained 62,799 unique BLAST
      hits against the NCBI non-redundant protein data base, including putative
      orthologs to 8,917 Drosophila melanogaster genes based on best reciprocal BLAST
      hit identity compared with the D. melanogaster proteome. Finally, we explored the
      utility of the transcriptome for RNA-Seq studies, and showed that this resource
      can be used as a mapping scaffold to detect differential gene expression in
      different cDNA libraries. This resource will therefore provide a platform for
      future genomic, gene expression and functional approaches using P. tepidariorum. 

PMID- 25118615
TI  - Current developments in pharmacogenomics of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Pharmacogenomics has a significant potential to impact how we treat diseases. It
      involves targeting genetically identifiable populations with therapeutic
      interventions that promises to yield immediate positive health outcomes with
      lower or no side effects. The 'trial and error' method of treatment will no
      longer be necessary with the successful implementation of personalized medicine.
      The following is an overview of some new developments in pharmacogenomics of
      multiple sclerosis, and how it has the potential to improve future treatment. 

PMID- 25118614
TI  - Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the mouse neocortex and
      posterior piriform cortices during postnatal development.
AB  - Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) functions as a pleiotropic protein,
      participating in a vast array of cellular and biological processes. Abnormal
      expression of MIF has been implicated in many neurological diseases, including
      Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer's Disease, stroke, and neuropathic pain.
      However, the expression patterns of mif transcript and MIF protein from the early
      postnatal period through adulthood in the mouse brain are still poorly
      understood. We therefore investigated the temporal and spatial expression of MIF
      in the mouse neocortex during postnatal development in detail and partially in
      posterior piriform cortices (pPC). As determined by quantitative real-time PCR
      (qPCR), mif transcript gradually increased during development, with the highest
      level noted at postnatal day 30 (P30) followed by a sharp decline at P75. In
      contrast, Western blotting results showed that MIF increased constantly from P7
      to P75. The highest level of MIF was at P75, while the lowest level of MIF was at
      P7. Immunofluorescence histochemistry revealed that MIF-immunoreactive (ir) cells
      were within the entire depth of the developed neocortex, and MIF was
      heterogeneously distributed among cortical cells, especially at P7, P14, P30, and
      P75; MIF was abundant in the pyramidal layer within pPC. Double immunostaining
      showed that all the mature neurons were MIF-ir and all the intensely stained MIF
      ir cells were parvalbumin positive (Pv +) at adult. Moreover, it was demonstrated
      that MIF protein localized in the perikaryon, processes, presynaptic structures,
      and the nucleus in neurons. Taken together, the developmentally regulated
      expression and the subcellular localization of MIF should form a platform for an
      analysis of MIF neurodevelopmental biology and MIF-related nerve diseases. 

PMID- 25118616
TI  - Hip dislocations after 2,734 elective unilateral fast-track total hip
      arthroplasties: incidence, circumstances and predisposing factors.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the incidence of hip dislocation 90 days after total hip arthroplasty
      in relation to time after surgery, mechanism of dislocation and predisposing
      factors. METHODS: Prospective data on preoperative patient characteristics from
      six Danish arthroplasty departments with similar fast-track approaches were cross
      referenced with the Danish National Patient Registry for complete 90-day follow
      up on readmissions, including emergency-room contacts. Complete patient files and
      postoperative radiographs were reviewed in case of dislocations. Unadjusted
      comparisons were made using t test/Chi-square analyses, while evaluation of risk
      factors potentially predisposing to dislocations was done using uni- and
      multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2,734 consecutive
      unselected procedures were available for analysis, of which 65 (2.4 %) had
      dislocations. Of these, eight were during index admission and five were treated
      and discharged from the emergency room. Mechanisms of dislocation were most often
      movement while supine or sitting for the first 30 days and due to
      squatting/bending from day 31 to 90. The 65 patients with dislocations had
      suboptimal cup placement in 34 (52.3 %), and a femoral head size of <36 mm in 20
      (30.8 %) cases. Predisposing factors of dislocation were age >=75 [OR:1.96 (1.18
      3.38)], pharmacologically treated psychiatric disease [OR:2.37 (1.29-4.36)] and
      department of surgery [OR:2.27 (1.31-3.40)] but not hospital stay of <4 days.
      Departments with recommendations for activity restrictions had fewer dislocations
      than a department without restrictions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients >=75 years and with
      pharmacologically treated psychiatric disease may be at increased risk of
      dislocations after fast-track total hip arthroplasty. Further studies including
      detailed information on patient and prosthesis characteristics, and activity
      restrictions are needed to reduce the risk of dislocation.

PMID- 25118617
TI  - An allosteric model of the inositol trisphosphate receptor with nonequilibrium
      binding.
AB  - The inositol trisphosphate receptor (IPR) is a crucial ion channel that regulates
      the Ca(2+) influx from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cytoplasm. A
      thorough study of the IPR channel contributes to a better understanding of
      calcium oscillations and waves. It has long been observed that the IPR channel is
      a typical biological system which performs adaptation. However, recent advances
      on the physical essence of adaptation show that adaptation systems with a
      negative feedback mechanism, such as the IPR channel, must break detailed balance
      and always operate out of equilibrium with energy dissipation. Almost all
      previous IPR models are equilibrium models assuming detailed balance and thus
      violate the dissipative nature of adaptation. In this article, we constructed a
      nonequilibrium allosteric model of single IPR channels based on the patch-clamp
      experimental data obtained from the IPR in the outer membranes of isolated nuclei
      of the Xenopus oocyte. It turns out that our model reproduces the patch-clamp
      experimental data reasonably well and produces both the correct steady-state and
      dynamic properties of the channel. Particularly, our model successfully describes
      the complicated bimodal [Ca(2+)] dependence of the mean open duration at high
      [IP3], a steady-state behavior which fails to be correctly described in previous
      IPR models. Finally, we used the patch-clamp experimental data to validate that
      the IPR channel indeed breaks detailed balance and thus is a nonequilibrium
      system which consumes energy. 

PMID- 25118619
TI  - Laser desorption with corona discharge ion mobility spectrometry for direct
      surface detection of explosives.
AB  - We present a new highly sensitive technique for the detection of explosives
      directly from the surface using laser desorption-corona discharge-ion mobility
      spectrometry (LD-CD-IMS). We have developed LD based on laser diode modules (LDM)
      and the technique was tested using three different LDM (445, 532 and 665 nm). The
      explosives were detected directly from the surface without any further
      preparation. We discuss the mechanism of the LD and the limitations of this
      technique such as desorption time, transport time and desorption area. After the
      evaluation of experimental data, we estimated the potential limits of detection
      of this method to be 0.6 pg for TNT, 2.8 pg for RDX and 8.4 pg for PETN. 

PMID- 25118618
TI  - The effectiveness of interventions for ageing workers on (early) retirement, work
      ability and productivity: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: To systematically summarise the literature on the effects of
      interventions for ageing workers that address work-related measures of
      sustainable employability, i.e. (early) retirement, work ability and work
      productivity. METHODS: A systematic review was performed by searching five
      electronic databases for relevant studies published between January 1992 and
      February 2014. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental
      intervention studies were included. The study population included workers aged
      >=40 years, and the measured outcomes were positive indicators of labour force
      participation, i.e. (early) retirement, work ability and work productivity. The
      methodological quality of each included study was assessed, and best-evidence
      synthesis was applied to draw conclusions about the evidence for the
      effectiveness of each outcome. RESULTS: Four studies met the inclusion criteria.
      The interventions were diverse and ranged from individual (e.g. exercise)
      programmes to workplace programmes. Limited evidence for a favourable effect on
      early retirement was found. Insufficient evidence was found for the remaining
      outcomes, i.e. work ability and productivity, due to a lack of high-quality
      studies and consistent findings. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient and limited evidence
      is available for a favourable effect of interventions to promote work-related
      components of sustainable employability in ageing workers. This is due to a
      scarcity of RCTs and inconsistent findings between the limited number of studies.
      Additional intervention studies are needed to support evidence-based decision
      making to prolong a healthy and productive working life for ageing workers.

PMID- 25118621
TI  - Targeting the vasculature for cerebroprotection in the immature brain.

PMID- 25118622
TI  - Joep MA Lange.

PMID- 25118620
TI  - Noninvasive detection of sleep/wake changes and cataplexy-like behaviors in
      orexin/ataxin-3 transgenic narcoleptic mice across the disease onset.
AB  - Sleep and behavioral monitoring of young mice is necessary for understating the
      progress of symptoms in congenital and acquired diseases associated with sleep
      and movement disorders. In the current study, we have developed a non-invasive
      sleep monitoring system that identifies wake and sleep patterns of newborn mice
      using a simple piezoelectric transducer (PZT). Using this system, we have
      succeeded in detecting age-dependent occurrences and changes in sleep
      fragmentation of orexin/ataxin-3 narcoleptic mice (a narcoleptic mouse model with
      postnatal hypocretin/orexin cell death) across the disease onset. We also
      detected REM sleep/cataplexy patterns (i.e., immobility with clear heartbeat
      [IMHB] signals due to the flaccid posture) by the PZT system, and found that
      sudden onset of REM sleep-like episodes specifically occur in narcoleptic, but
      not in wild type mice, suggesting that these episodes are likely cataplexy. In
      contrast, gradual onset of IMHB likely reflects occurrence of REM sleep. In
      summary, we have shown that the PZT system is useful as a non-invasive sleep and
      behavior monitoring system to analyze the developmental aspects of sleep and
      movement disorders in mice models. 

PMID- 25118624
TI  - Crossover from Josephson effect to single interface Andreev reflection in
      asymmetric superconductor/nanowire junctions.
AB  - We report on the fabrication and characterization of symmetric nanowire-based
      Josephson junctions, that is, Al- and Nb-based junctions, and asymmetric
      junctions employing superconducting Al and Nb. In the symmetric junctions, a
      clear and pronounced Josephson supercurrent is observed. These samples also show
      clear signatures of subharmonic gap structures. At zero magnetic field, a
      Josephson coupling is found for the asymmetric Al/InAs-nanowire/Nb junctions as
      well. By applying a magnetic field above the critical field of Al or by raising
      the temperature above the critical temperature of Al the junction can be switched
      to an effective single-interface superconductor/nanowire structure. In this
      regime, a pronounced zero-bias conductance peak due to reflectionless tunneling
      has been observed. 

PMID- 25118623
TI  - RAS mutations in benign epithelial tumors associated with BRAF inhibitor
      treatment of melanoma.

PMID- 25118625
TI  - Bioinformatics analysis of biomarkers and transcriptional factor motifs in Down
      syndrome.
AB  - In this study, biomarkers and transcriptional factor motifs were identified in
      order to investigate the etiology and phenotypic severity of Down syndrome. GSE
      1281, GSE 1611, and GSE 5390 were downloaded from the gene expression ominibus
      (GEO). A robust multiarray analysis (RMA) algorithm was applied to detect
      differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In order to screen for biological pathways
      and to interrogate the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway
      database, the database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery
      (DAVID) was used to carry out a gene ontology (GO) function enrichment for DEGs.
      Finally, a transcriptional regulatory network was constructed, and a
      hypergeometric distribution test was applied to select for significantly enriched
      transcriptional factor motifs. CBR1, DYRK1A, HMGN1, ITSN1, RCAN1, SON, TMEM50B,
      and TTC3 were each up-regulated two-fold in Down syndrome samples compared to
      normal samples; of these, SON and TTC3 were newly reported. CBR1, DYRK1A, HMGN1,
      ITSN1, RCAN1, SON, TMEM50B, and TTC3 were located on human chromosome 21 (mouse
      chromosome 16). The DEGs were significantly enriched in macromolecular complex
      subunit organization and focal adhesion pathways. Eleven significantly enriched
      transcription factor motifs (PAX5, EGR1, XBP1, SREBP1, OLF1, MZF1, NFY, NFKAPPAB,
      MYCMAX, NFE2, and RP58) were identified. The DEGs and transcription factor motifs
      identified in our study provide biomarkers for the understanding of Down syndrome
      pathogenesis and progression. 

PMID- 25118626
TI  - Pulmonary hypertension due to acute respiratory distress syndrome.
AB  - Our aims were to describe the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients
      with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), to characterize their
      hemodynamic cardiopulmonary profiles, and to correlate these parameters with
      outcome. All consecutive patients over 16 years of age who were in the intensive
      care unit with a diagnosis of ARDS and an in situ pulmonary artery catheter for
      hemodynamic monitoring were studied. Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed when
      the mean pulmonary artery pressure was >25 mmHg at rest with a pulmonary artery
      occlusion pressure or left atrial pressure <15 mmHg. During the study period, 30
      of 402 critically ill patients (7.46%) who were admitted to the ICU fulfilled the
      criteria for ARDS. Of the 30 patients with ARDS, 14 met the criteria for
      pulmonary hypertension, a prevalence of 46.6% (95% CI; 28-66%). The most common
      cause of ARDS was pneumonia (56.3%). The overall mortality was 36.6% and was
      similar in patients with and without pulmonary hypertension. Differences in
      patients' hemodynamic profiles were influenced by the presence of pulmonary
      hypertension. The levels of positive end-expiratory pressure and peak pressure
      were higher in patients with pulmonary hypertension, and the PaCO2 was higher in
      those who died. The level of airway pressure seemed to influence the onset of
      pulmonary hypertension. Survival was determined by the severity of organ failure
      at admission to the intensive care unit. 

PMID- 25118627
TI  - Associations between CD36 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to coronary
      artery heart disease.
AB  - Associations between polymorphisms of the CD36 gene and susceptibility to
      coronary artery heart disease (CHD) are not clear. We assessed allele frequencies
      and genotype distributions of CD36 gene polymorphisms in 112 CHD patients and 129
      control patients using semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Additionally, we
      detected CD36 mRNA expression by real-time quantitative PCR, and we quantified
      plasma levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) using an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). There were no significant differences between the
      two groups (P>0.05) in allele frequencies of rs1761667 or in genotype
      distribution and allele frequencies of rs3173798. The genotype distribution of
      rs1761667 significantly differed between CHD patients and controls (P=0.034),
      with a significantly higher frequency of the AG genotype in the CHD group
      compared to the control group (P=0.011). The plasma levels of ox-LDL in patients
      with the AG genotype were remarkably higher than those with the GG and AA
      genotypes (P=0.010). In a randomized sample taken from patients in the two
      groups, the CD36 mRNA expression of the CHD patients was higher than that of the
      controls. In CHD patients, the CD36 mRNA expression in AG genotype patients was
      remarkably higher than in those with an AA genotype (P=0.005). After adjusted
      logistic regression analysis, the AG genotype of rs1761667 was associated with an
      increased risk of CHD (OR=2.337, 95% CI=1.336-4.087, P=0.003). In conclusion, the
      rs1761667 polymorphism may be closely associated with developing CHD in the
      Chongqing Han population of China, and an AG genotype may be a genetic
      susceptibility factor for CHD. 

PMID- 25118630
TI  - Metabonomic analysis of the therapeutic effect of Potentilla discolor in the
      treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increased worldwide in parallel with the
      obesity epidemic. Potentilla discolor is one of the most important crude
      materials in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for therapy of hyperglycemia and
      hyperlipidemia. In this work, a plasma metabonomic approach based on the
      combination of UPLC-Q-TOF with multivariate data analysis was applied to
      investigate the therapeutic effects of the extract of P. discolor (EPD) and
      corosolic acid (CA), the main bioactive compounds of P. discolor. Male C57BL/6
      mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD-fed group) for 8 weeks and then treated
      with EPD (EPD-treated group) or CA (CA-treated group) for another 8 weeks. After
      the experimental period, samples of plasma were collected and analyzed by ultra
      performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry
      (UPLC-Q-TOF). The principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares
      discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models were built to find biomarkers of T2DM and
      investigate the therapeutic effects of EPD and CA. 26 metabolites, which are
      distributed in several metabolic pathways, were identified as potential
      biomarkers of T2DM. It was found that EPD and CA could reverse the pathological
      process of T2DM through regulating the disturbed pathway of metabolism. The
      metabonomic results are beneficial not only for the evaluation of the therapeutic
      effect of TCM but also for the elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanism.

PMID- 25118628
TI  - Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing human basic fibroblast growth
      factor increase vasculogenesis in ischemic rats.
AB  - Administration or expression of growth factors, as well as implantation of
      autologous bone marrow cells, promote in vivo angiogenesis. This study
      investigated the angiogenic potential of combining both approaches through the
      allogenic transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
      expressing human basic fibroblast growth factor (hbFGF). After establishing a
      hind limb ischemia model in Sprague Dawley rats, the animals were randomly
      divided into four treatment groups: MSCs expressing green fluorescent protein
      (GFP-MSC), MSCs expressing hbFGF (hbFGF-MSC), MSC controls, and phosphate
      buffered saline (PBS) controls. After 2 weeks, MSC survival and differentiation,
      hbFGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and microvessel
      density of ischemic muscles were determined. Stable hbFGF expression was observed
      in the hbFGF-MSC group after 2 weeks. More hbFGF-MSCs than GFP-MSCs survived and
      differentiated into vascular endothelial cells (P<0.001); however, their
      differentiation rates were similar. Moreover, allogenic transplantation of hbFGF
      MSCs increased VEGF expression (P=0.008) and microvessel density (P<0.001).
      Transplantation of hbFGF-expressing MSCs promoted angiogenesis in an in vivo hind
      limb ischemia model by increasing the survival of transplanted cells that
      subsequently differentiated into vascular endothelial cells. This study showed
      the therapeutic potential of combining cell-based therapy with gene therapy to
      treat ischemic disease. 

PMID- 25118631
TI  - Prostaglandin E2 levels and platelet function are different in cord blood
      compared to adults.
AB  - Neonatal platelets support primary haemostasis and thrombin generation as well as
      adult platelets, despite observable hypoaggregability in vitro. High
      prostaglandin E2 levels at accouchement could account for inhibited platelet
      function via the EP4 receptor. We set out to determine prostaglandin E2 plasma
      levels in cord blood of healthy neonates and evaluate the impact of prostaglandin
      E2 on platelet function in adult and cord blood samples. Prostaglandin E2 plasma
      levels were measured in cord blood and venous adult blood using GC-MS. Impact of
      prostaglandin E2 on platelet aggregation was measured by spiking cord blood and
      adult samples. Contributions of EP3 and EP4 receptors were evaluated using
      respective antagonists. Intracellular cAMP concentrations were measured using a
      commercial ELISA-kit. Prostaglandin E2 plasma levels were substantially higher in
      cord blood than in adult samples. Spiking with prostaglandin E2 resulted in a
      slight but consistent reduction of platelet aggregation in adult blood, but
      response to PGE2 was blunted in cord blood samples. Aggregation response of
      spiked adult samples was still higher than with non-spiked cord blood samples.
      Blockage of EP4 receptors resulted in improved platelet aggregation in adult
      platelets upon prostaglandin E2 spiking, while aggregation in cord blood samples
      remained unaltered. Intracellular cAMP concentrations after preincubation with
      prostaglandin E2 were only increased in adult samples. In conclusion, very high
      prostaglandin E2 concentrations in cord blood affect platelet function. This
      effect may partially explain neonatal platelet hypoaggregability. Peak levels of
      prostaglandin E2 can potentially protect against birth stress-induced platelet
      activation. 

PMID- 25118632
TI  - Hypnosis for induction of labour.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Induction of labour using pharmacological and mechanical methods can
      increase complications. Complementary and alternative medicine methods including
      hypnosis may have the potential to provide a safe alternative option for the
      induction of labour. However, the effectiveness of hypnosis for inducing labour
      has not yet been fully evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of hypnosis
      for induction of labour compared with no intervention or any other interventions.
      SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials
      Register (31 January 2014), handsearched relevant conference proceedings,
      contacted key personnel and organisations in the field for published and
      unpublished references. SELECTION CRITERIA: All published and unpublished
      randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs of acceptable quality
      comparing hypnosis with no intervention or any other interventions, in which the
      primary outcome is to assess whether labour was induced. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two review authors assessed the one trial report that was identified
      (but was subsequently excluded). MAIN RESULTS: No RCTs or cluster-RCTs were
      identified from the search strategy. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence
      available from RCTs to assess the effect of hypnosis for induction of labour.
      Evidence from RCTs is required to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this
      intervention for labour induction. As hypnosis may delay standard care (in case
      standard care is withheld during hypnosis), its use in induction of labour should
      be considered on a case-by-case basis.Future RCTs are required to examine the
      effectiveness and safety of hypnotic relaxation for induction of labour among
      pregnant women who have anxiety above a certain level. The length and timing of
      the intervention, as well as the staff training required, should be taken into
      consideration. Moreover, the views and experiences of women and staff should also
      be included in future RCTs.

PMID- 25118633
TI  - Pathway deregulation and expression QTLs in response to Actinobacillus
      pleuropneumoniae infection in swine.
AB  - Actinobacillus (A.) pleuropneumoniae is among the most important pathogens in
      pig. The agent causes severe economic losses due to decreased performance, the
      occurrence of acute or chronic pleuropneumonia, and an increase in death
      incidence. Since therapeutics cannot be used in a sustainable manner, and
      vaccination is not always available, new prophylactic measures are urgently
      needed. Recent research has provided evidence for a genetic predisposition in
      susceptibility to A. pleuropneumoniae in a Hampshire * German Landrace F2 family
      with 170 animals. The aim of the present study is to characterize the expression
      response in this family in order to unravel resistance and susceptibility
      mechanisms and to prioritize candidate genes for future fine mapping approaches.
      F2 pigs differed distinctly in clinical, pathological, and microbiological
      parameters after challenge with A. pleuropneumoniae. We monitored genome-wide
      gene expression from the 50 most and 50 least susceptible F2 pigs and identified
      171 genes differentially expressed between these extreme phenotypes. We combined
      expression QTL analyses with network analyses and functional characterization
      using gene set enrichment analysis and identified a functional hotspot on SSC13,
      including 55 eQTL. The integration of the different results provides a resource
      for candidate prioritization for fine mapping strategies, such as TF, TFRC,
      RUNX1, TCN1, HP, CD14, among others.

PMID- 25118634
TI  - Modelling age-related metabolic disorders in the mouse.
AB  - Ageing can be characterised by a general decline in cellular function, which
      affects whole-body homoeostasis with metabolic dysfunction-a common hallmark of
      ageing. The identification and characterisation of the genetic pathways involved
      are paramount to the understanding of how we age and the development of
      therapeutic strategies for combating age-related disease. Furthermore, in
      addition to understanding the ageing process itself, we must understand the
      interactions ageing has with genetic variation that results in disease
      phenotypes. The use of model systems such as the mouse, which has a relatively
      short lifespan, rapid reproduction (resulting in a large number of offspring),
      well-characterised biology, a fully sequenced genome, and the availability of
      tools for genetic manipulation is essential for such studies. Here we review the
      relationship between ageing and metabolism and highlight the need for modelling
      these processes. 

PMID- 25118635
TI  - A stem cell medium containing neural stimulating factor induces a pancreatic
      cancer stem-like cell-enriched population.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been studied for their self-renewal capacity and
      pluripotency, as well as their resistance to anticancer therapy and their ability
      to metastasize to distant organs. CSCs are difficult to study because their
      population is quite low in tumor specimens. To overcome this problem, we
      established a culture method to induce a pancreatic cancer stem-like cell (P
      CSLC)-enriched population from human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Human
      pancreatic cancer cell lines established at our department were cultured in CSC
      inducing media containing epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth
      factor (bFGF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), neural cell survivor factor-1
      (NSF-1), and N-acetylcysteine. Sphere cells were obtained and then transferred to
      a laminin-coated dish and cultured for approximately two months. The surface
      markers, gene expression, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, cell cycle, and
      tumorigenicity of these induced cells were examined for their stem cell-like
      characteristics. The population of these induced cells expanded within a few
      months. The ratio of CD24high, CD44high, epithelial specific antigen (ESA) high,
      and CD44variant (CD44v) high cells in the induced cells was greatly enriched. The
      induced cells stayed in the G0/G1 phase and demonstrated mesenchymal and stemness
      properties. The induced cells had high tumorigenic potential. Thus, we
      established a culture method to induce a P-CSLC-enriched population from human
      pancreatic cancer cell lines. The CSLC population was enriched approximately 100
      fold with this method. Our culture method may contribute to the precise analysis
      of CSCs and thus support the establishment of CSC-targeting therapy. 

PMID- 25118637
TI  - Tavaborole: first global approval.
AB  - Tavaborole is a novel, low-molecular weight oxaborole antifungal drug under
      development by Anacor Pharmaceuticals Inc. for the topical treatment of
      onychomycosis of the toenail. The drug has received its first global approval for
      this indication in the US. This article summarizes the milestones in the
      development of tavaborole leading to this first approval for onychomycosis of the
      toenails. 

PMID- 25118636
TI  - Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartomas arise secondary to germline and somatic
      mutations of DICER1 in the pleuropulmonary blastoma tumor predisposition
      disorder.
AB  - Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) is a rare nasal tumor that typically
      presents in young children. We previously reported on NCMH occurrence in children
      with pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB), a rare pulmonary dysembryonic sarcoma that
      is the hallmark neoplasm in the PPB-associated DICER1 tumor predisposition
      disorder. Original pathologic materials from individuals with a PPB, PPB
      associated tumor and/or a DICER1 mutation were centrally reviewed by the
      International PPB Registry. Paraffin-embedded NCMH tumor tissue was available in
      three cases. Laser-capture microdissection was used to isolate mesenchymal
      spindle cells and cartilage in one case for Sanger sequencing of DICER1. Nine
      patients (5F/4M) had PPB and NCMH. NCMH was diagnosed at a median age of 10 years
      (range 6-21 years). NCMH developed 4.5-13 years after PPB. Presenting NCMH
      symptoms included chronic sinusitis and nasal congestion. Five patients had
      bilateral tumors. Local NCMH recurrences required several surgical resections in
      two patients, but all nine patients were alive at 0-16 years of follow-up.
      Pathogenic germline DICER1 mutations were found in 6/8 NCMH patients tested. In 2
      of the patients with germline DICER1 mutations, somatic DICER1 missense mutations
      were also identified in their NCMH (E1813D; n = 2). Three additional PPB patients
      developed other nasal lesions seen in the general population (a Schneiderian
      papilloma, chronic sinusitis with cysts, and allergic nasal polyps with
      eosinophils). Two of these patients had germline DICER1 mutations. Pathogenic
      germline and somatic mutations of DICER1 in NCMH establishes that the genetic
      etiology of NCMH is similar to PPB, despite the disparate biological potential of
      these neoplasms.

PMID- 25118639
TI  - [Subcutaneous emphysema following non-surgical peri-implantitis therapy using an
      air abrasive device: a case report].
AB  - Subcutaneous emphysema are rare complications in periodontology. In most cases,
      they resolve spontaneously. However, air might disperse into deeper facial spaces
      causing life-threatening complications such as compression of the
      tracheobronchial tree or the development of pneumomediastinum. Moreover,
      microorganisms might spread from the oral cavity into deeper spaces. Hence, rapid
      diagnosis of subcutaneous emphysema is important. Characteristic signs are both a
      shiftable swelling and a crepitation. In this case report, the case of a 69-year
      old man with a subcutaneous emphysema immediately after peri-implantitis therapy
      with the use of a glycine-based powder air-polishing device is described.
      Following therapy, air accumulated in the left side of the face. Seven days after
      non-surgical peri-implantitis therapy, the patient was asymptomatic with complete
      resolution of the emphysema. 

PMID- 25118638
TI  - Locally-delivered T-cell-derived cellular vehicles efficiently track and deliver
      adenovirus delta24-RGD to infiltrating glioma.
AB  - Oncolytic adenoviral vectors are a promising alternative for the treatment of
      glioblastoma. Recent publications have demonstrated the advantages of shielding
      viral particles within cellular vehicles (CVs), which can be targeted towards the
      tumor microenvironment. Here, we studied T-cells, often having a natural capacity
      to target tumors, for their feasibility as a CV to deliver the oncolytic
      adenovirus, Delta24-RGD, to glioblastoma. The Jurkat T-cell line was assessed in
      co-culture with the glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) line, MGG8, for the optimal
      transfer conditions of Delta24-RGD in vitro. The effect of intraparenchymal and
      tail vein injections on intratumoral virus distribution and overall survival was
      addressed in an orthotopic glioma stem cell (GSC)-based xenograft model. Jurkat T
      cells were demonstrated to facilitate the amplification and transfer of Delta24
      RGD onto GSCs. Delta24-RGD dosing and incubation time were found to influence the
      migratory ability of T-cells towards GSCs. Injection of Delta24-RGD-loaded T
      cells into the brains of GSC-bearing mice led to migration towards the tumor and
      dispersion of the virus within the tumor core and infiltrative zones. This
      occurred after injection into the ipsilateral hemisphere, as well as into the non
      tumor-bearing hemisphere. We found that T-cell-mediated delivery of Delta24-RGD
      led to the inhibition of tumor growth compared to non-treated controls, resulting
      in prolonged survival (p = 0.007). Systemic administration of virus-loaded T
      cells resulted in intratumoral viral delivery, albeit at low levels. Based on
      these findings, we conclude that T-cell-based CVs are a feasible approach to
      local Delta24-RGD delivery in glioblastoma, although efficient systemic targeting
      requires further improvement. 

PMID- 25118640
TI  - Primary sleeve gastrectomy compared to sleeve gastrectomy as revisional surgery:
      weight loss and complications at intermediate follow-up.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) can be revised to
      sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for various reasons. Data are limited on the safety and
      efficacy of single-stage removal of LAGB and creation of LSG. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of cases was performed from 2010 to 2013. From the primary
      LSG group, a control group was matched in a 2:1 ratio. RESULTS: Thirty-two
      patients underwent single-stage revision from LAGB to LSG, with a control group
      of 64. The most common indication for revision was insufficient weight loss
      (62.5%). Operative time for revision and control groups was 134 and 92 min,
      respectively (p < 0.0001). Hospital stay was 3.22 and 2.59 days, respectively (p
      = 0.02). Overall, the 30-day complication rate for revision and control patients
      was 14.71 and 6.25%, respectively (p = 0.20). There were no leaks, one stricture
      (3.13%) in the revision group, and one reoperation for bleeding in the control
      group (1.56%). For patients with BMI >30 at surgery, change in BMI at 12 months
      for revision and control was 8.77 and 11.58, respectively (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION:
      Single-stage revision can be performed safely, with minimal increases in hospital
      stay and 30-day complications. Weight loss is greater in those who undergo
      primary LSG compared to those who undergo LSG as revision.

PMID- 25118641
TI  - Retroperitoneal unicentric Castleman's disease-a hyaline vascular challenge.
AB  - Castleman's disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. Multiple variants of
      the disease exist, with differentiation based on tissue pathology and number of
      masses within the body. We present the medical diagnostic and surgical treatment
      pathway of a retroperitoneal unicentric hyaline vascular variant complicated by
      close proximity to major vascular structures. 

PMID- 25118642
TI  - Importance of lymph node involvement in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: impact
      on survival and implications for surgical resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conflicting data exist on predictors of nodal metastases and their
      impact on survival in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). We
      aim to identify factors associated with lymph node involvement and evaluate the
      effect of nodal metastases on survival. METHODS: All patients undergoing surgery
      for PNETs in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) tumor
      registry from 1988 to 2010 were included. Predictors of lymph node involvement
      and disease-specific survival (DSS) were evaluated using logistic regression and
      Cox regression, respectively. RESULTS: Patients (1,915) underwent surgery for a
      PNET (62% nonfunctional). Nodal positivity was associated with increasing tumor
      size (p < 0.001) and grade (p < 0.001). Unadjusted DSS at 5 years was 81% for N0,
      74 for Nx, and 69% for N1, respectively, (p < 0.001). After adjustment for tumor
      size and grade, DSS was significantly decreased in N1 patients (HR 1.57; 95% CI
      1.23-1.95). For patients who had at least one node examined and had low-grade
      PNETs <1 cm, no nodal metastases were found. CONCLUSIONS: High tumor grade and
      increasing size predict nodal metastases in patients with PNETs. N1 status is
      independently associated with decreased DSS. Low-grade tumors <1 cm may be
      observed or enucleated.

PMID- 25118643
TI  - Endoscopy in the early postoperative setting after primary gastrointestinal
      anastomosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal anastomoses may require early evaluation and
      treatment via flexible endoscopic techniques when complications arise. There is
      reticence, however, to perform endoscopy given the applied mechanical forces. We
      aimed to identify the incidence of gastrointestinal anastomotic perforation or
      disruption resulting from endoscopy performed <=6 weeks of anastomoses. METHODS:
      Review of patients from 2002 to 2013 who underwent flexible endoscopy within 6
      weeks of creation of gastrointestinal anastomosis. Exclusion criteria included
      intraoperative endoscopy, anastomotic perforation prior to endoscopy, and
      endoscopy remote from the anastomotic site. Data are presented as median
      (interquartile range; IQR) or percentages as appropriate. RESULTS: Twenty-four
      patients met our criteria (age 69 years [IQR 54-77], 54% men]). Endoscopy was
      performed at a median postoperative time of 18 days (IQR 8-30). Indications for
      endoscopy included bleeding (66%), obstruction (13%), pain (13%), concern for
      pancreatic duct leak (4%), and concern for ischemia (4%). Six patients underwent
      therapeutic endoscopic procedures including coagulation (8%), balloon dilation
      (8%), tube decompression (8%), and stent placement (4%). There were no
      anastomotic perforations or disruptions as a result of endoscopy. CONCLUSION:
      Despite theoretical risks of adverse events of flexible endoscopy in the early
      postoperative period, no endoscopic perforations or disruptions occurred in
      recently created surgical anastomoses.

PMID- 25118644
TI  - Surgeon volume plays a significant role in outcomes and cost following open
      incisional hernia repair.
AB  - TITLE: Surgeon Volume Plays a Significant Role in Outcomes and Cost Following
      Open Incisional Hernia Repair PURPOSE: Incisional hernia is a common complication
      following gastrointestinal surgery. Many surgeons elect to perform incisional
      hernia repairs despite performing only limited numbers of hernia repairs
      annually. This study examines the relationship between surgeon/facility volume
      and operative time, reoperation rates, and cost following initial open hernia
      repair. METHODS: The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System
      was queried for elective open initial incisional hernias repairs from 2001 to
      2006. Surgeon/facility volumes were calculated as mean number of open incisional
      hernia repairs per year from 2001 to 2006. Reoperations for recurrent hernia over
      a 5-year period were identified using ICD-9/CPT codes. Multivariable regression
      was used to compare patient, surgeon, and facility characteristics with operative
      time, hernia reoperation, and hospital charges. RESULTS: Eighteen thousand forty
      seven patients met the inclusion criteria. The hernia reoperation rate was 9%,
      and median time to reoperation was 1.4 years (mean = 1.8). After adjusting for
      clinical factors, surgeons performing an average of >=36 repairs/year had
      significantly lower reoperation rates (HR = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) =
      0.48,0.72), operative time (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.67, 95% CI =
      0.64,0.71), and downstream charges (IRR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.57,0.69). Facility
      characteristics (volume, academic affiliation, location) were not associated with
      reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a strong association between
      individual surgeon incisional hernia repair volume and hernia reoperation rates,
      operative efficiency, and charges. Preferential referral to high-volume surgeons
      may lead to improved outcomes and lower costs.

PMID- 25118647
TI  - In silico analysis of different generation beta lactams antibiotics with
      penicillin binding protein-2 of Neisseria meningitidis for curing meningococcal
      disease.
AB  - Neisseria meningitidis is a gram negative, diplococcic pathogen responsible for
      the meningococcal disease and fulminant septicemia. Penicillin-binding proteins-2
      (PBPs) is crucial for the cell wall biosynthesis during cell proliferation of N.
      meningitidis and these are the target for beta-lactam antibiotics. For many years
      penicillin has been recognized as the antibiotic for meningococcal disease but
      the meningococcus has seemed to be antibiotic resistance. In the present work we
      have verified the molecular interaction of Penicillin binding protein-2 N.
      meningitidis to different generation of beta-lactam antibiotics and concluded
      that the third generation of beta-lactam antibiotics shows efficient binding with
      Penicillin binding protein-2 of N. meningitidis. On the basis of binding
      efficiency and inhibition constant, ceftazidime emerged as the most efficient
      antibiotic amongst the other advanced beta-lactam antibiotics against Penicillin
      binding protein-2 of N. meningitidis. 

PMID- 25118648
TI  - PDB explorer -- a web based algorithm for protein annotation viewer and 3D
      visualization.
AB  - The PDB file format, is a text format characterizing the three dimensional
      structures of macro molecules available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB).
      Determined protein structure are found in coalition with other molecules or ions
      such as nucleic acids, water, ions, Drug molecules and so on, which therefore can
      be described in the PDB format and have been deposited in PDB database. PDB is a
      machine generated file, it's not human readable format, to read this file we need
      any computational tool to understand it. The objective of our present study is to
      develop a free online software for retrieval, visualization and reading of
      annotation of a protein 3D structure which is available in PDB database. Main aim
      is to create PDB file in human readable format, i.e., the information in PDB file
      is converted in readable sentences. It displays all possible information from a
      PDB file including 3D structure of that file. Programming languages and scripting
      languages like Perl, CSS, Javascript, Ajax, and HTML have been used for the
      development of PDB Explorer. The PDB Explorer directly parses the PDB file,
      calling methods for parsed element secondary structure element, atoms,
      coordinates etc. PDB Explorer is freely available at
      http://www.pdbexplorer.eminentbio.com/home with no requirement of log-in. 

PMID- 25118646
TI  - Overexpression of oxidored-nitro domain containing protein 1 induces growth
      inhibition and apoptosis in human prostate cancer PC3 cells.
AB  - Previous studies have reported that oxidored-nitro domain containing protein 1
      (NOR1) is a novel tumor suppressor gene identified in various types of cancer,
      such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and cervical cancer. Recent studies have shown
      that NOR1 expression is lower in prostate cancer compared with normal prostate
      tissue. However, the specific function and exact mechanism of NOR1 in prostate
      cancer remains to be clarified. The present study aimed to investigate the
      function and mechanism of NOR1 in prostate cancer PC3 cells. DU145 and PC3 cells
      were transduced with a vector and cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis
      were determined. As predicted, NOR1 overexpression significantly inhibited growth
      and apoptosis in PC3 cells. NOR1 overexpression decreased the expression of the
      anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl and increased the level of the pro
      apoptotic genes Bax and Bak in PC3 cells. Further investigation demonstrated that
      NOR1 overexpression activates caspase-3. Silencing of NOR1 did not inhibit growth
      or induce apoptosis in PC3 cells. Moreover, NOR1 inhibited proliferation and
      induced apoptosis via the activation of MAPK. The overexpression of NOR1
      significantly inhibited tumor growth in PC3 tumor-bearing nude mice. The results
      suggest that the upregulated NOR1 expression was able to inhibit the progression
      of prostate cancer. Thus, NOR1 may be an ideal target for the treatment of
      prostate cancer. 

PMID- 25118649
TI  - Molecular docking studies of curcumin natural derivatives with DNA topoisomerase
      I and II-DNA complexes.
AB  - DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) and II (topo II) are essential enzymes that solve
      the topological problems of DNA by allowing DNA strands or double helices to pass
      through each other during cellular processes such as replication, transcription,
      recombination, and chromatin remodeling. Their critical roles make topoisomerases
      an attractive drug target against cancer. The present molecular docking study
      provides insights into the inhibition of topo I and II by curcumin natural
      derivatives. The binding modes suggested that curcumin natural derivatives docked
      at the site of DNA cleavage parallel to the axis of DNA base pairing.
      Cyclocurcumin and curcumin sulphate were predicted to be the most potent
      inhibitors amongst all the curcumin natural derivatives docked. The binding modes
      of cyclocurcumin and curcumin sulphate were similar to known inhibitors of topo I
      and II. Residues like Arg364, Asn722 and base A113 (when docked to topo I-DNA
      complex) and residues Asp479, Gln778 and base T9 (when docked to topo II-DNA
      complex) seem to play important role in the binding of curcumin natural
      derivatives at the site of DNA cleavage. 

PMID- 25118650
TI  - Mis-sesnse mutations in Tafazzin (TAZ) that escort to mild clinical symptoms of
      Barth syndrome is owed to the minimal inhibitory effect of the mutations on the
      enzyme function: In-silico evidence.
AB  - Tafazzin (EC 2.3.1.23) is a Phospholipid Transacylase involved in Cardiolipin
      remodeling on mitochondrial membrane and coded by TAZ gene (Cytogenetic Location:
      Xq28) in human. Its mutations cause Barth syndrome (MIM ID: #302060)/3-Methyl
      Glutaconyl Aciduria Type II, an inborn error of metabolism often leading to
      foetal or infantile fatality. Nevertheless, some mis-sense mutations result in
      mild clinical symptoms. To evaluate the rationale of mild symptoms and for an
      insight of Tafazzin active site, sequence based and structure based ramifications
      of wild and mutant Tafazzins were compared in-silico. Sequence based domain
      predictions, surface accessibilities on substitution & conserved catalytic sites
      with statistical drifts, as well as thermal stability changes for the mutations
      and the interaction analysis of Tafazzin were performed. Crystal structure of
      Tafazzin is not yet resolved experimentally, therefore 3D coordinates of Tafazzin
      and its mutants were spawned through homology modeling. Energetically minimized
      and structurally validated models were used for comparative docking simulations.
      We analyzed active site geometry of the models in addition to calculating overall
      substrate binding efficiencies for each of the enzyme-ligand complex deduced from
      binding energies instead of comparing only the docking scores. Also, individual
      binding energies of catalytic residues on conserved HX4D motif of Acyltransferase
      superfamily present in Tafazzins were estimated. This work elucidates the basis
      of mild symptoms in patients with mis-sense mutations, identifies the most
      pathogenic mutant among others in the study and also divulges the critical role
      of HX4D domain towards successful transacylation by Taffazin. The in-silico
      observations are in complete agreement with clinical findings reported for the
      patients with mutations. 

PMID- 25118651
TI  - An enzoinformatics study for prediction of efficacies of three novel penem
      antibiotics against New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 bacterial enzyme.
AB  - New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1) is a beta-lactamase (class B
      carbapenemase) containing Zn2+ and other divalent cations as cofactors which
      possesses the ability to inactivate all beta lactams (including carbapenems)
      except aztreonam by catalyzing the hydrolytic cleavage of the substrate amide
      bond. Carbapenemases are either serine enzymes or metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs)
      that utilize at least one zinc ion for hydrolysis. The present study describes
      the molecular interaction of carbapenems (Imipenem, Meropenem, Ertapenem,
      Doripenem, Panipenem, Biapenem, Razupenem, Faropenem, Tebipenem and Tomopenem)
      with NDM-1, beta-lactamase enzyme. Docking between NDM-1 and each of these
      carbapenems (separately) was performed using 'Autodock4.2'.

PMID- 25118645
TI  - The burden of HPV-associated anogenital cancers.
AB  - The epidemiology of anogenital cancers is under going substantial change.
      Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern, particular in resource
      limited settings. Cancers of the anus, penis, vagina and vulva are relatively
      uncommon cancers, but may be increasing in incidence. The change in occurrence of
      anogenital cancers may be due to increasing HPV transmission secondary to changes
      in sexual behaviour. Screening programmes and the HPV vaccine offer optimism that
      anogenital cancers can be prevented. This article reviews the epidemiology of
      anogenital cancers with a focus on Scottish data. 

PMID- 25118652
TI  - Performance evaluation of Warshall algorithm and dynamic programming for Markov
      chain in local sequence alignment.
AB  - Markov Chain is very effective in prediction basically in long data set. In DNA
      sequencing it is always very important to find the existence of certain
      nucleotides based on the previous history of the data set. We imposed the Chapman
      Kolmogorov equation to accomplish the task of Markov Chain. Chapman Kolmogorov
      equation is the key to help the address the proper places of the DNA chain and
      this is very powerful tools in mathematics as well as in any other prediction
      based research. It incorporates the score of DNA sequences calculated by various
      techniques. Our research utilize the fundamentals of Warshall Algorithm (WA) and
      Dynamic Programming (DP) to measures the score of DNA segments. The outcomes of
      the experiment are that Warshall Algorithm is good for small DNA sequences on the
      other hand Dynamic Programming are good for long DNA sequences. On the top of
      above findings, it is very important to measure the risk factors of local
      sequencing during the matching of local sequence alignments whatever the length. 

PMID- 25118653
TI  - In silico analysis for five major cereal crops phytocystatins.
AB  - Five major cereal crops like rice, wheat, maize, barley and sorghum are
      continuously threatened by a multitude of pathogens and other disorders.
      Cystatins offers a pivotal role in deciding the promising plant response. The use
      of bioinformatics tools for phylogenetic relationships of five major cereal crops
      (rice, wheat, maize, barley and sorghum) phytocystatins based on amino acid
      sequence information was elucidated and their secondary and tertiary structures
      were investigated for structural comparisons. Twenty eight distinct
      phytocystatins from 28 plant species were investigated. Phytocystatins could be
      divided into five distinct phylogenetic groups. Five major cereal crops their
      structural features were highly conserved their amino acid sequence similarities
      ranged from 48 to 86%. A new highly conserved amino acid sequence motif,
      YEAKxWxKxF, in the C-terminal end being unique to phytocystatins was identified.
      The predicted 3D homology models showed a high conservation of the general
      central structure of the phytocystatins i.e. the 4-5 anti-parallel beta-sheets,
      wrapping halfway round a single central alpha-helix and particularly the three
      active site regions, the N-terminal, the 1st and 2nd hairpin loops. Any
      structural differences seem to be mainly in the length of the N and C terminal,
      the length of the 2nd hairpin loop and the 5th beta-sheet. Via docking
      experiments, small heterogeneities were observed in the vicinity of the OC-I
      active sites that seemed to be influential in the binding process and stability
      of the resultant inhibitor-protease complex.

PMID- 25118654
TI  - Effects of bridge functions on radial distribution functions of liquid water.
AB  - In this report the radial distribution functions (RDFs) of liquid water are
      calculated on the basis of the classical density functional theory combined with
      the reference interaction site model for molecular liquids. The bridge functions,
      which are neglected in the hypernetted-chain (HNC) approximation, are taken into
      account through the density expansion for the Helmholtz free energy functional up
      to the third order. A factorization approximation to the ternary direct
      correlation functions in terms of the site-site pair correlation functions is
      then employed in the expression of the bridge functions, thus leading to a closed
      set of integral equations for the determination of the RDFs. It is confirmed
      through numerical calculations that incorporation of the oxygen-oxygen bridge
      function substantially improves the poor descriptions by the HNC approximation at
      room temperature, e.g., for the second peak of the oxygen-oxygen RDF.

PMID- 25118656
TI  - {RuNO}(6)vs. co-ligand oxidation: two non-innocent groups in one ruthenium
      nitrosyl complex.
AB  - Recently, a new {RuNO}(6) complex, [Ru(L)(PPh3)(NO)(Cl)](2+) (where L = 1-phenyl
      1-(pyridin-2-yl)-2-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)hydrazine), was reported which exhibits
      a one-electron quasireversible oxidation. The oxidized product,
      [Ru(L)(PPh3)(NO)(Cl)](3+), was isolated and proposed to be a highly unusual
      {RuNO}(5) complex. In this paper, we investigate the electronic structure of both
      of these ruthenium complexes by DFT calculations and find that the oxidized
      species is best described as a {RuNO}(6) complex with a co-ligand radical.
      [Ru(L)(PPh3)(NO)(Cl)](2+) is therefore oxidized to [Ru(L(+))(PPh3)(NO)(Cl)](3+),
      i.e. this is an interesting example of a complex with two non-innocent ligands
      simultaneously bound to a ruthenium center. 

PMID- 25118657
TI  - Does guideline knowledge affect treatment compliance among emergency doctors?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The insufficient adoption of internationally accepted clinical
      guidelines may lead to less than adequate patient care of patients with asthma.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge and treatment compliance with Global
      Initiative of Asthma (GINA, 2011) asthma treatment guidelines among emergency
      physicians (EPs) at a referral hospital in northern Malaysia. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was designed in the territory-level referral hospital in northern
      Malaysia. Twenty-seven EPs were asked to complete an asthma guideline
      questionnaire to assess their knowledge regarding GINA 2011 asthma treatment
      guidelines. A total of 810 patients were enrolled, and 30 patients were selected
      per physician. The authors evaluated the physicians' compliance with GINA 2011
      asthma treatment guidelines. RESULTS: Of 27 EPs, 20 (74.1%) had adequate
      knowledge of GINA 2011 asthma treatment guidelines. A total of 615 (75.9%)
      patients received guideline-recommended emergency treatment. Shortness of breath
      (n = 436, 53.8%) was the most frequently reported chief complaint. Furthermore,
      there was a significant but weak association between knowledge of the guideline
      and treatment compliance among emergency doctors (P = 0.003, phi = 0.110).
      Moreover, there was no significant change in therapy for patients with comorbid
      conditions. The mean age of respondents was 27.3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, a
      fair level of guideline knowledge and treatment compliance was noted among EPs.
      Doctors with adequate guideline knowledge were more likely to comply with GINA
      2011 asthma treatment guidelines.

PMID- 25118655
TI  - Identification and characterization of alkaline protease producing Bacillus
      firmus species EMBS023 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
AB  - Probiotic microorganisms are those which exert a positive exect on the growth of
      the host, when administered as a dietary mixture in an adequate amount. They form
      the best alternative to the use of antibiotics for controlling enteric diseases
      in poultry farm animals, especially in the light of the gruesome problems of
      development of antibiotic resistance in enteric pathogens and the contamination
      of poultry products with antibiotics. 16S rDNA sequencing which has gained wide
      popularity amongst microbiologists for the molecular characterization and
      identification of newly discovered isolates provides accurate identification of
      isolates down to the level of sub-species (strain). It's most important advantage
      over the traditional biochemical characterization methods are that it can provide
      an accurate identification of strains with atypical phenotypic characters as
      well. The following work is an application of 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach
      to identify a novel, alkaline protease producing bacteria, from poultry farm
      waste. The sample was collected from a local poultry farm in the Guntur district,
      Andhra Pradesh, India. Subsequently the sample was serially diluted and the
      aliquots were incubated for a suitable time period following which the suspected
      colony was subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing. The results showed the isolate to be
      a novel, high alkaline protease producing bacteria, which was named Bacillus
      firmus isolate EMBS023, after characterization the sequence of isolate was
      deposited in GenBank with accession number JN990980.

PMID- 25118658
TI  - Physiological measurements using ultra-high field fMRI: a review.
AB  - Functional MRI (fMRI) has grown to be the neuroimaging technique of choice for
      investigating brain function. This topical review provides an outline of fMRI
      methods and applications, with a particular emphasis on the recent advances
      provided by ultra-high field (UHF) scanners to allow functional mapping with
      greater sensitivity and improved spatial specificity. A short outline of the
      origin of the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast is provided,
      followed by a review of BOLD fMRI methods based on gradient-echo (GE) and spin
      echo (SE) contrast. Phase based fMRI measures, as well as perfusion contrast
      obtained with the technique of arterial spin labelling (ASL), are also discussed.
      An overview of 7 T based functional neuroimaging is provided, outlining the
      potential advances to be made and technical challenges to be addressed. 

PMID- 25118659
TI  - 1-calcium phosphate-uracil, a synthesized pyrimidine derivative agent, has anti
      proliferative, pro-apoptotic and anti-invasion effects on multiple tumor cell
      lines.
AB  - 1-calcium phosphate-uracil (1-CP-U), a synthetic pyrimidine derivative, has been
      documented to demonstrate a variety of different biological activities. However,
      the potency and mechanisms of this agent's anti-cancer activity have not been
      elucidated to date. In the present study, the anti-cancer effects of 1-CP-U were
      examined in a range of in vitro assays. Different cell lines were treated with 1
      CP-U at varied concentrations (0.7, 1.0, 1.4 umol/l) for indicated durations. The
      cell proliferation was then examined by MTT assay. The cellular apoptotic effects
      were detected by Hoechst 33342 and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, while the
      capacity of 1-CP-U on invasion and migration were examined by cell invasion and
      wound healing assays. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase proteins, as
      well as pro- and antiapoptotic proteins was detected by western blotting
      analysis. The results identified that 1-CP-U was able to inhibit the viability of
      SKOV3, HeLa, SMMC-7721 and A549 cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner,
      while it exerted only marginal toxic effects on non-cancerous cells. The IC50
      concentration of 1-CP-U for tumor cell lines was ~1.0 umol/l. The growth
      inhibition induced by 1-CP-U was accompanied by a broad spectrum of pro-apoptotic
      activities, in which different cell lines varied in their sensitivity to 1-CP-U.
      Meanwhile, the increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma
      2 (Bcl-2)-associated X and a marked reduction of Bcl-2 levels were associated
      with increased 1-CP-U concentrations. Additionally, anti-migration and anti
      invasion effects of 1-CP-U were evidently associated with the downregulation of
      matrix metalloproteinase proteins. Of note, it was observed that 1-CP-U
      significantly inhibited both the migration and invasion at a lower concentration,
      as compared with the dose required to achieve significant inhibition of
      apoptosis. These results indicated that 1-CP-U appeared to be a more effective
      inhibitor of cell migration and invasion, rather than of apoptosis. In
      conclusion, the present study was the first, to the best of our knowledge, to
      demonstrate the function of 1-CP-U in tumor proliferation, apoptosis and invasion
      with specific effects against cancer cells in vitro, suggesting 1-CP-U as a
      potential novel anticancer agent. 

PMID- 25118660
TI  - Physical and sexual abuse and early-onset bipolar disorder in youths receiving
      outpatient services: frequent, but not specific.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine if physical and sexual abuse showed
      relationships to early-onset bipolar spectrum disorders (BPSD) consistent with
      findings from adult retrospective data. Participants (N = 829, M = 10.9 years old
      +/- 3.4 SD, 60% male, 69% African American, and 18% with BPSD), primarily from a
      low socio-economic status, presented to an urban community mental health center
      and a university research center. Physical abuse was reported in 21%, sexual
      abuse in 20%, and both physical and sexual abuse in 11% of youths with BPSD. For
      youths without BPSD, physical abuse was reported in 16%, sexual abuse in 15%, and
      both physical and sexual abuse in 5% of youths. Among youth with BPSD, physical
      abuse was significantly associated with a worse global family environment, more
      severe depressive and manic symptoms, a greater number of sub-threshold
      manic/hypomanic symptoms, a greater likelihood of suicidality, a greater
      likelihood of being diagnosed with PTSD, and more self-reports of alcohol or drug
      use. Among youth with BPSD, sexual abuse was significantly associated with a
      worse global family environment, more severe manic symptoms, a greater number of
      sub-threshold manic/hypomanic symptoms, greater mood swings, more frequent
      episodes, more reports of past hospitalizations, and a greater number of current
      and past comorbid Axis I diagnoses. These findings suggest that if physical
      and/or sexual abuse is reported, clinicians should note that abuse appears to be
      related to increased severity of symptoms, substance use, greater co-morbidity,
      suicidality, and a worse family environment.

PMID- 25118661
TI  - Effect of DTPP-mediated photodynamic therapy on cell morphology, viability, cell
      cycle, and cytotoxicity in a murine lung adenocarcinoma cell line.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the administration and activation of
      photosensitizing reagents in cancer tissues to induce cytotoxicity. Here we
      examined the effects of 5-5- (4-N, N-diacetoxylphenyl)-10,15,20-
      tetraphenylporphyrin (DTPP) -mediated PDT on cell morphology, viability, cell
      cycle, and cytotoxicity in a murine lung adenocarcinoma cell line. LA795 murine
      lung adenocarcinoma cell line was used in the study, with cellular uptake of DTPP
      being quantified by a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The subcellular localization
      of DTPP was detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy, alteration of cell
      morphology after PDT was observed by an inverted light microscope, and late-stage
      apoptosis was examined by terminal dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) . The effects
      of influencing factors on cytotoxicity of PDT in LA795 cells was investigated
      with varying concentrations of DTPP, energy densities, power densities, and
      antioxidants by 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide
      (MTT) assays. Effects of PDT on cell cycle and plasma membrane integrity were
      studied by flow cytometry analysis. The uptake of DTPP by LA795 cells reached
      maximum after incubation for 24 h. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that
      DTPP was mainly in the mitochondrion, and slight localization was detected in the
      lysosomes. Cellular inhibitory effects increased with increased irradiation dose
      and DTPP concentration, while unactivated DTPP had low toxicity. Flow cytometry
      analysis revealed that DTPP-PDT-treated cells showed S phase arrest. Cell
      membrane damage initiation, repair, and irreversible damage were observed at 2,
      4, and 5 h after DTPP-PDT , respectively. Together, our results demonstrated cell
      apoptosis, compromised viability, and cell cycle S phase arrest of LA795 in
      response to DTPP-PDT , while no effect on the lung cancer cells was observed with
      irradiation or photosensitizer treatment alone.

PMID- 25118662
TI  - Early detection of dental fluorosis using Raman spectroscopy and principal
      component analysis.
AB  - Raman spectroscopic technique has the potential to provide vibrational spectra of
      minerals by analyzing scattered light caused by monochromatic laser excitation.
      In this paper, recent applications of Raman spectroscopy in the study of dental
      hard tissues are reported. Special attention is given to mineral components in
      enamel and to calcium fluoride formed in/on enamel. The criteria used to classify
      the dental hard samples were according to the Dean Index (DI), which consists
      into healthy or control, mild, moderate, and severe, indicating the amount of
      dental fluorosis observed on enamel. A total of 39 dental samples (9 control, 9
      mild, 10 moderate, and 11 severe) were analyzed in the study. Dental samples were
      positioned under an Olympus microscope, and around 10 points were chosen for
      Raman measurement. All spectra were collected by a Horiba Jobin-Yvon LabRAM HR800
      Raman Spectrometer with a laser of 830-nm and 17-mW power irradiation. Raw
      spectra were processed by carrying out baseline correction, smoothing, and
      normalization to remove noise, florescence, and shot noise and then analyzed
      using principal component analysis (PCA). In the spectra of dental samples, we
      observed the main bands as the broad band due to CO[Formula: see text] (240-300
      cm (-1)), CaF 2 (322 cm (-1)), PO[Formula: see text] vibrations (437 and 450 cm (
      1)), PO[Formula: see text] vibrations (582, 598, and 609 cm (-1)), PO[Formula:
      see text] vibrations (960 cm (-1)), PO[Formula: see text] vibrations (1,045 cm (
      1)), and CO[Formula: see text] vibration (1,073 cm (-1)). Nevertheless, the
      intensity of the band at 960 cm (-1) associated to symmetric stretch of
      phosphate, PO[Formula: see text], decreases as the amount of dental fluorosis
      increases, suggesting that the intensity of this band could be used to
      quantitatively measure the level of fluorosis on a dental sample. On the other
      hand, PCA allowed to identify two large clusters discriminating between control,
      and severe and moderate samples with high sensitivity and specificity. PCA was
      able to discriminate mild from moderate samples with 100 % sensitivity and 89 %
      specificity and mild from severe samples with 91 % sensitivity and 100 %
      specificity. In addition, PCA was also able to discriminate between mild samples
      and group formed by the moderate and severe samples with 95 % sensitivity and 89
      % specificity. Finally, PCA allowed us to define the wavelength differences
      between the spectral bands of the healthy teeth with sound enamel and those with
      fluorosis by confirming that the main chemical differences among control and
      severe fluorosis samples were associated to the vibrational modes of phosphate
      (PO[Formula: see text], PO[Formula: see text], PO[Formula: see text], and
      PO[Formula: see text] and carbonate (CO[Formula: see text]) ions. The preliminary
      results suggest that Raman-PCA technique has the potential to be a noninvasive
      real-time tool for the early detection and monitoring evolution of dental
      fluorosis. 

PMID- 25118663
TI  - Are the mitochondrial respiratory complexes blocked by NO the targets for the
      laser and LED therapy?
AB  - Effects of laser (442 and 532 nm) and light-emitting diode (LED) (650 nm)
      radiation on mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial electron transport rate
      (complexes II-III and IV) in the presence of nitric oxide (NO) were investigated.
      It was found that nitric oxide (300 nM-10 MUM) suppresses mitochondrial
      respiration. Laser irradiation of mitochondria (442 nm, 3 J cm(-2)) partly
      restored mitochondrial respiration (approximately by 70 %). Irradiation with
      green laser (532 nm) or red LED (650 nm) in the same dose had no reliable effect.
      Evaluation of mitochondrial electron transport rate in complexes II-III and IV
      and effects of nitric oxide demonstrated almost similar sensitivity of complex II
      III and IV to NO, with approximately 50 % inhibition at NO concentration of 3
      MUM. Subsequent laser or LED irradiation (3 J cm(-2)) showed partial recovery of
      electron transport only in complex IV and only under irradiation with blue light
      (442 nm). Our results support the hypothesis of the crucial role of cytochrome c
      oxidase (complex IV) in photoreactivation of mitochondrial respiration suppressed
      by NO.

PMID- 25118664
TI  - Effect of different surface treatments on the microtensile bond strength of two
      self-adhesive flowable composites.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments
      on the microtensile bond strength (MUTBS) of two different self-adhesive flowable
      composite materials (SACs) to dentin. Forty extracted human molars were
      horizontally flattened to expose the dentin surfaces. The teeth were divided into
      eight groups according to the surface treatments (acid etching, Er:YAG laser
      quantum square pulse (QSP) mode, and Er:YAG laser medium-short pulse (MSP) mode
      at 10 Hz, 1.2 W, 120 mJ, and control-SiC) and SAC type (Vertise Flow and Fusio
      Liquid Dentin) (n = 5). Light cured 4-mm-high composite build-ups were made on
      the dentin surfaces, and the specimens were sectioned into serial sticks (n =
      15). Later, the specimens were attached to microtensile testing machine and
      tensile force was applied at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until failure
      occurred. The failure modes were evaluated using a stereomicroscope at *40
      magnification, and one sample from each group was used for scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) evaluation. The data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and
      Tukey's HSD test (alpha = 0.05). In all surface treatment groups along with the
      control groups, Vertise Flow showed better MUTBS than the Fusio Liquid Dentin
      with the exception of the Er:YAG MSP mode surface treatment (p < 0.05). Etching
      with phosphoric acid and the Er:YAG QSP mode surface treatment significantly
      increased the MUTBS of Vertise Flow (p < 0.05). Etching with phosphoric acid,
      Er:YAG QSP mode surface treatment, and Er:YAG MSP mode surface treatment
      significantly increased the MUTBS of Fusio Liquid Dentin (p < 0.05). The MUTBS of
      Vertise Flow was higher than the MUTBS of Fusio Liquid Dentin. The Er:YAG laser
      irradiation increased the MUTBS of both self-adhesive flowable resin composites
      in two pulse modes tested (MSP or QSP). However, the highest MUTBS was recorded
      when Vertise Flow was applied with acid etching.

PMID- 25118665
TI  - Electrocardiogram derived respiratory rate from QRS slopes and R-wave angle.
AB  - A method for estimating respiratory rate from electrocardiogram (ECG) signals is
      presented. It is based on QRS slopes and R-wave angle, which reflect respiration
      induced beat morphology variations. The 12 standard leads, 3 leads from
      vectorcardiogram (VCG), and 2 additional non-standard leads derived from VCG
      loops were analyzed. The following series were studied as ECG derived respiration
      (EDR) signals: slope between the peak of Q and R waves, slope between the peak of
      R and S waves, and the R-wave angle. Information from several EDR signals was
      combined in order to increase the robustness of estimation. Evaluation is
      performed over two databases containing ECG and respiratory signals
      simultaneously recorded during two clinical tests with different characteristics:
      tilt test, representing abrupt cardiovascular changes, and stress test
      representing a highly non-stationary and noisy environment. A combination of QRS
      slopes and R-wave angle series derived from VCG leads obtained a respiratory rate
      estimation relative error of 0.50 +/- 4.11% (measuring 99.84% of the time) for
      tilt test and 0.52 +/- 8.99% (measuring 96.09% of the time) for stress test.
      These results outperform those obtained by other reported methods, both in tilt
      and stress testing.

PMID- 25118666
TI  - Modeling of the acute effects of primary hypertension and hypotension on the
      hemodynamics of intracranial aneurysms.
AB  - Hemodynamics is a risk factor in intracranial aneurysms (IA). Hypertension and
      pharmacologically induced hypotension are common in IA patients. This study
      investigates how hypertension and hypotension may influence aneurysmal
      hemodynamics. Images of 23 IAs at typical locations were used to build patient
      specific Computational Fluid Dynamics models. The effects of hypotension and
      hypertension were simulated through boundary conditions by modulating the
      normotensive flow and pressure waveforms, in turn produced by a 1D systemic
      vascular model. Aneurysm location and flow pattern types were used to categorize
      the influence of hypotension and hypertension on relevant flow variables
      (velocity, pressure and wall shear stress). Results indicate that, compared to
      other locations, vertebrobasilar aneurysms (VBA) are more sensitive to flow
      changes. In VBAs, space-averaged velocity at peak systole increased by 30% in
      hypertension (16-21% in other locations). Flow in VBAs in hypotension decreased
      by 20% (10-13% in other locations). Momentum-driven hemodynamic types were also
      more affected by hypotension and hypertension, than shear-driven types. This
      study shows how patient-specific modeling can be effectively used to identify
      location-specific flow patterns in a clinically-relevant study, thus reinforcing
      the role played by modeling technologies in furthering our understanding of
      cardiovascular disease, and their potential in future healthcare.

PMID- 25118667
TI  - Development of a 10-year-old full body geometric dataset for computational
      modeling.
AB  - The objective of this study was to create a computer-aided design (CAD) geometric
      dataset of a 10-year-old (10 YO) child. The study includes two phases of efforts.
      At Phase One, the 10 YO whole body CAD was developed from component computed
      tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans of 12 pediatric subjects.
      Geometrical scaling methods were used to convert all component parts to the
      average size for a 10 YO child, based on available anthropometric data. Then the
      component surfaces were compiled and integrated into a complete body. The bony
      structures and flesh were adjusted as symmetrical to minimize the bias from a
      single subject while maintaining anthropometrical measurements. Internal organs
      including the liver, spleen, and kidney were further verified by literature data.
      At Phase Two, internal characteristics for the cervical spine disc, wrist, hand,
      pelvis, femur, and tibia were verified with data measured from additional 94 10
      YO children. The CAD dataset developed through these processes was mostly within
      the corridor of one standard deviation (SD) of the mean. In conclusion, a
      geometric dataset for an average size 10 YO child was created. The dataset serves
      as a foundation to develop computational 10 YO whole body models for enhanced
      pediatric injury prevention.

PMID- 25118668
TI  - Accuracy and reproducibility of patient-specific hemodynamic models of stented
      intracranial aneurysms: report on the Virtual Intracranial Stenting Challenge
      2011.
AB  - Validation studies are prerequisites for computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
      simulations to be accepted as part of clinical decision-making. This paper
      reports on the 2011 edition of the Virtual Intracranial Stenting Challenge. The
      challenge aimed to assess the reproducibility with which research groups can
      simulate the velocity field in an intracranial aneurysm, both untreated and
      treated with five different configurations of high-porosity stents. Particle
      imaging velocimetry (PIV) measurements were obtained to validate the untreated
      velocity field. Six participants, totaling three CFD solvers, were provided with
      surface meshes of the vascular geometry and the deployed stent geometries, and
      flow rate boundary conditions for all inlets and outlets. As output, they were
      invited to submit an abstract to the 8th International Interdisciplinary
      Cerebrovascular Symposium 2011 (ICS'11), outlining their methods and giving their
      interpretation of the performance of each stent configuration. After the
      challenge, all CFD solutions were collected and analyzed. To quantitatively
      analyze the data, we calculated the root-mean-square error (RMSE) over uniformly
      distributed nodes on a plane slicing the main flow jet along its axis and
      normalized it with the maximum velocity on the slice of the untreated case
      (NRMSE). Good agreement was found between CFD and PIV with a NRMSE of 7.28%.
      Excellent agreement was found between CFD solutions, both untreated and treated.
      The maximum difference between any two groups (along a line perpendicular to the
      main flow jet) was 4.0 mm/s, i.e. 4.1% of the maximum velocity of the untreated
      case, and the average NRMSE was 0.47% (range 0.28-1.03%). In conclusion, given
      geometry and flow rates, research groups can accurately simulate the velocity
      field inside an intracranial aneurysm-as assessed by comparison with in vitro
      measurements-and find excellent agreement on the hemodynamic effect of different
      stent configurations. 

PMID- 25118669
TI  - Improvement of biodegradability, bioactivity, mechanical integrity and
      cytocompatibility behavior of biodegradable mg based orthopedic implants using
      nanostructured Bredigite (Ca7MgSi 4O 16) bioceramic coated via ASD/EPD technique.
AB  - This research explored the influence of surface modification of AZ91 Mg alloy on
      the biodegradation, bioactivity, mechanical integrity and cytocompatibility of
      the alloy. For this purpose, a nanostructured bredigite (Ca7MgSi4O16) ceramic
      coating was prepared on biodegradable AZ91 Mg alloy through anodic spark
      deposition and electrophoretic deposition method. The phase composition and
      surface morphology of the coated alloy were characterized by X-ray diffraction,
      scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The properties
      of samples were investigated by electrochemical measurements, immersion test,
      compression examination and cell culturing. The results showed that the
      degradation resistance, bioactivity, mechanical integrity and cytocompatibility
      of biodegradable Mg alloy were improved by the anodic spark deposition and
      electrophorretic deposition of the nanostructured bredigite coating. Therefore,
      the nanostructured bredigite ceramic coating is identified as a good coating for
      AZ91 Mg alloy for the purpose of making biodegradable metallic orthopedic
      implants. 

PMID- 25118670
TI  - Permeability analysis of neuroactive drugs through a dynamic microfluidic in
      vitro blood-brain barrier model.
AB  - This paper presents the permeability analysis of neuroactive drugs and
      correlation with in vivo brain/plasma ratios in a dynamic microfluidic blood
      brain barrier (BBB) model. Permeability of seven neuroactive drugs (Ethosuximide,
      Gabapentin, Sertraline, Sunitinib, Traxoprodil, Varenicline, PF-304014) and trans
      endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) were quantified in both dynamic
      (microfluidic) and static (transwell) BBB models, either with brain endothelial
      cells (bEnd.3) in monoculture, or in co-culture with glial cells (C6). Dynamic
      cultures were exposed to 15 dyn/cm(2) shear stress to mimic the in vivo
      environment. Dynamic models resulted in significantly higher average TEER
      (respective 5.9-fold and 8.9-fold increase for co-culture and monoculture models)
      and lower drug permeabilities (average respective decrease of 0.050 and 0.052
      log(cm/s) for co-culture and monoculture) than static models; and co-culture
      models demonstrated higher average TEER (respective 90 and 25% increase for
      static and dynamic models) and lower drug permeability (average respective
      decrease of 0.063 and 0.061 log(cm/s) for static and dynamic models) than
      monoculture models. Correlation of the resultant logP e values [ranging from 
      4.06 to -3.63 log(cm/s)] with in vivo brain/plasma ratios (ranging from 0.42 to
      26.8) showed highly linear correlation (R (2) > 0.85) for all model conditions,
      indicating the feasibility of the dynamic microfluidic BBB model for prediction
      of BBB clearance of pharmaceuticals. 

PMID- 25118672
TI  - Parasitization of juvenile edible crabs (Cancer pagurus) by the dinoflagellate,
      Hematodinium sp.: pathobiology, seasonality and its potential effects on
      commercial fisheries.
AB  - This study reports on the prevalence and severity of infections caused by the
      parasitic dinoflagellate, Hematodinium in juvenile edible crabs (Cancer pagurus)
      found in 2 intertidal survey sites (Mumbles Head and Oxwich Bay) in the Bristol
      Channel, UK. Crabs were assessed for the presence and severity of Hematodinium
      infections by the histological examination of infected tissues. Such infections
      were found to exhibit a seasonal trend in the 2 study areas with high numbers of
      animals (ca. 30%) infected in the spring to summer but with low severity.
      Conversely, in November only ca. 10% of crabs were infected but these animals had
      large numbers of parasites in their haemolymph and other tissues. At this time,
      the carapace and underlying tissues of infected crabs had the chalky, pinkish
      orange appearance that is characteristic of this disease. Hematodinium-infected
      crabs ranged in size from 12 to 74 mm carapace width. Overall, it is concluded
      that the high prevalence of infection of juvenile crabs in this area may have
      implications for the sustainability of the edible crab fishery in the Bristol
      Channel.

PMID- 25118673
TI  - Recent patents on calcium channel blockers: emphasis on CNS diseases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Altered homeostasis of cell calcium movement is a central stage in
      multiple diseases of CNS. This explains the great therapeutic interest in
      blockers for the various subtypes of voltage-activated calcium channels (VACCs)
      expressed in neurons. Mitigation of Ca(2+) entry excess elicited by those
      blockers may restore the altered synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity and
      gene expression to normal parameters, ending the enhanced neuronal vulnerability.
      AREAS COVERED: This review summarize 23 patents on ligands for L-, N- or T-type
      channels, claimed to have potential therapeutic interest in epilepsy, pain,
      migraine and neurodegenerative diseases. EXPERT OPINION: Collections of compounds
      are generally screened in cell lines expressing a given subtype of VACCs. IC50 to
      block such channels are often, but not always, provided. In few instances,
      compounds exhibiting the highest potency in in vitro experiments are also tested
      in animal models of pain, behavior, epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease. Attempts to
      develop selectivity for a given VACC subtype with non-peptidic organic ligands
      have so far failed. Due to their wide tissue expression, such selectivity is
      crucial for minimizing possible side effects. However, the few data reported by
      patents does not allow prediction of selectivity of the new compounds in many
      cases.

PMID- 25118671
TI  - Characterization of abnormal wall shear stress using 4D flow MRI in human
      bicuspid aortopathy.
AB  - There exists considerable controversy surrounding the timing and extent of aortic
      resection for patients with BAV disease. Since abnormal wall shear stress (WSS)
      is potentially associated with tissue remodeling in BAV-related aortopathy, we
      propose a methodology that creates patient-specific 'heat maps' of abnormal WSS,
      based on 4D flow MRI. The heat maps were created by detecting outlier
      measurements from a volumetric 3D map of ensemble-averaged WSS in healthy
      controls. 4D flow MRI was performed in 13 BAV patients, referred for aortic
      resection and 10 age-matched controls. Systolic WSS was calculated from this
      data, and an ensemble-average and standard deviation (SD) WSS map of the controls
      was created. Regions of the individual WSS maps of the BAV patients that showed a
      higher WSS than the mean + 1.96SD of the ensemble-average control WSS map were
      highlighted. Elevated WSS was found on the greater ascending aorta (35% +/- 15 of
      the surface area), which correlated significantly with peak systolic velocity (R
      (2) = 0.5, p = 0.01) and showed good agreement with the resected aortic regions.
      This novel approach to characterize regional aortic WSS may allow clinicians to
      gain unique insights regarding the heterogeneous expression of aortopathy and may
      be leveraged to guide patient-specific resection strategies for aorta repair. 

PMID- 25118675
TI  - Common Mental Disorders at the Time of Deportation: A Survey at the Mexico-United
      States Border.
AB  - Deportations from the Unites States (US) to Mexico increased substantially during
      the last decade. Considering deportation as a stressful event with potential
      consequences on mental health, we aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of common
      mental disorders (CMD) among deported migrants; and (2) explore the association
      between migratory experience, social support and psychological variables, and CMD
      in this group. In repatriation points along the border, a probability sample of
      deportees responded to the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ). The prevalence of
      CMD was 16.0% (95% CI 12.3, 20.6). There was a U-shaped association between time
      in the US and SRQ score. Times returned to Mexico, having a spouse in the US,
      number of persons in household, less social support, anxiety as a personality
      trait, and avoidant coping style were directly associated with SRQ score. Public
      health policies should address the need for mental health care among deported
      migrants.

PMID- 25118677
TI  - [Hereditary multiple exostoses].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hereditary multiple exostosis (HME) is a hereditary autosomal
      dominant disease in which multiple exostoses occur. Typically, the exostoses are
      primarily located at the metaphysis and migrate with continued growth towards the
      diaphysis. Clinical problems are caused by local pain, impingement of muscle
      tendons and neurovascular structures, malformation - especially in the forearm -
      and malignant transformation - especially exostoses at the trunc and pelvic
      girdle. METHODS: A causal therapy is currently not available. Mechanical
      irritation is an indication for resection of the exostosis. Axial deviation of
      the lower extremity is treated according to the same principles as primary
      malalignments (temporary hemiepiphysiodesis/corrective osteotomy). RESULTS: The
      indication for correction of axial deviation at the upper extremity depends on
      age, extent as well as functional and cosmetic impairment. This should be
      discussed with the patient in detail. The patient has to be informed about the
      risk of malignant transformation after cessation of growth. Growing mass or new
      occurrence of symptoms after end of growth are suspicious and require further
      diagnostic examinations.

PMID- 25118676
TI  - Two acidic, anticoagulant PLA2 isoenzymes purified from the venom of monocled
      cobra Naja kaouthia exhibit different potency to inhibit thrombin and factor Xa
      via phospholipids independent, non-enzymatic mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) is responsible for snakebite
      fatality in Indian subcontinent and in south-western China. Phospholipase A2
      (PLA2; EC 3.1.1.4) is one of the toxic components of snake venom. The present
      study explores the mechanism and rationale(s) for the differences in
      anticoagulant potency of two acidic PLA2 isoenzymes, Nk-PLA2alpha (13463.91 Da)
      and Nk-PLA2beta (13282.38 Da) purified from the venom of N. kaouthia. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: By LC-MS/MS analysis, these PLA2s showed highest similarity (23.5%
      sequence coverage) with PLA2 III isolated from monocled cobra venom. The
      catalytic activity of Nk-PLA2beta exceeds that of Nk-PLA2alpha. Heparin
      differentially regulated the catalytic and anticoagulant activities of these Nk
      PLA2 isoenzymes. The anticoagulant potency of Nk-PLA2alpha was comparable to
      commercial anticoagulants warfarin, and heparin/antithrombin-III albeit Nk
      PLA2beta demonstrated highest anticoagulant activity. The anticoagulant action of
      these PLA2s was partially contributed by a small but specific hydrolysis of
      plasma phospholipids. The strong anticoagulant effect of Nk-PLA2alpha and Nk
      PLA2beta was achieved via preferential, non-enzymatic inhibition of FXa (Ki = 43
      nM) and thrombin (Ki = 8.3 nM), respectively. Kinetics study suggests that the Nk
      PLA2 isoenzymes inhibit their "pharmacological target(s)" by uncompetitive
      mechanism without the requirement of phospholipids/Ca(2+). The anticoagulant
      potency of Nk-PLA2beta which is higher than that of Nk-PLA2alpha is corroborated
      by its superior catalytic activity, its higher capacity for binding to
      phosphatidylcholine, and its greater strength of thrombin inhibition. These PLA2
      isoenzymes thus have evolved to affect haemostasis by different mechanisms. The
      Nk-PLA2beta partially inhibited the thrombin-induced aggregation of mammalian
      platelets suggesting its therapeutic application in the prevention of unwanted
      clot formation. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: In order to develop peptide-based
      superior anticoagulant therapeutics, future application of Nk-PLA2alpha and Nk
      PLA2beta for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders are
      proposed.

PMID- 25118679
TI  - [Spondylosclerosis hemispherica: a rare radiological syndrome of the spine].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spondylosclerosis hemispherica is a rare syndrome of the spine and
      was described first by Dihlmann. The typical radiographic appearance is a
      hemispherical sclerosis of the vertebral body, which is accompanied by pain in
      the affected region. Usually it appears at the lower lumbar spine. The etiology
      varies and includes degenerative disk diseases, scoliosis, bacterial infections,
      ankylosing spondylitis, osteoid osteoma, and malignant diseases.The radiological
      findings of 2 patients with spondylosclerosis hemispherica are presented and the
      current literature discussed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two women (33 and 60 years
      old) with spondylosclerosis hemispherica of the lower spine suffered from low
      back pain and fulfilled all criteria of Dihlmann's description. Malignant disease
      was excluded in both cases with a broad diagnostic workup (lab values, x-ray, CT
      scan, MRI) and in one case a biopsy from the affected vertebra was taken.
      RESULTS: In both cases all radiological findings demonstrated the typical changes
      of spondylosclerosis hemispherica with sclerosis of the vertebra body and
      erosions at the upper and inferior end plates. Malignant disease was excluded in
      one case with a biopsy and in the other case with noninvasive diagnostic
      procedures. Both patients were treated nonsurgically. During clinical follow-up,
      the patients were in a good condition with decreasing regional low back pain and
      no ongoing radiological changes in the affected vertebral bodies. CONCLUSION:
      Spondylosclerosis hemispherica is a syndrome with a typical radiographic
      appearance. The etiology of spondylosclerosis hemispherica is manifold; however,
      malignancy must be excluded. In most cases, noninvasive diagnostics are
      sufficient to rule out malignant growth even in cases with concomitant
      degenerative changes of the affected segment. Thus, there is no need for a biopsy
      except in cases with ambiguous results. Subsequently, close clinical and
      radiological follow-up of the patients with spondylosclerosis hemispherica is
      necessary.

PMID- 25118678
TI  - [Surgical treatment of scapholunate ligament injuries: clinical and radiological
      results].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this work was to retrospectively evaluate clinical and
      radiological results after surgical treatment for scapholunate ligament ruptures.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurements of range of motion, strength, and angles, as
      well as postoperative score assessments were performed in 32 patients. RESULTS:
      The average mobility in the operated wrist was 52 degrees  for flexion, extension
      57 degrees , radial 24 degrees , ulnar deviation 31 degrees  and forearm rotation
      outward 88 degrees  and inward 89 degrees . The recovery of force was 89%
      compared with the healthy hand. It showed an average skapholunar angle of 63
      degrees , a radioulnar angle of 22 degrees  and an average carpal height
      according to Nattrass of 1.49. Our patients rated the operation result with a
      median DASH score of 11 points (range 0-70.8 points). The median objective Mayo
      Wrist Score was 80 points (range 45-100 points). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment
      of scapholunate ligament rupture, especially against the background of carpal
      collapse, is a very satisfactory method with very good results in the objective
      function and strength, and a high level of patient satisfaction.

PMID- 25118680
TI  - [Cement-free and cemented Excia hip shaft prosthesis: comparison of intermediate
      term results].
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: For fixation of total hip prostheses, cemented and cement-free
      techniques are available. Normally, anchoring techniques and the definitive
      endoprosthesis model are determined preoperatively based on the available
      information, such as the quality of bone. Some newer endoprosthesis models
      utilize the same instruments for both implantation techniques. In this way it is
      possible to decide on the final anchoring technique intraoperatively. Because
      such a combined endoprosthesis system has been used in our clinic for 10 years,
      we were interested in the clinical results at the intermediate stage. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: In a prospective, non-randomized study 105 pairs from a continuing
      series were formed from 105 cases treated with cement-free prostheses and the
      latest cemented shaft implants from the same year. In this way a total of 210 hip
      shaft endoprostheses from the years 2002 to 2006 were included in the study.
      After an average time period of 6.3 years (range 4.5-8.2 years) the patients were
      recalled for a follow-up examination. The clinical results, early and late
      complications were analyzed. The immediately postoperative X-ray images and those
      from the follow-up examination were evaluated by an independent external expert
      with respect to primary positioning, migration and any signs of loosening.
      RESULTS: At the follow-up examination at an average of 6.3 years the quota was
      73%. The indications for cement-free/cemented total hip endoprosthesis were:
      primary arthritis 87%/98%, secondary arthritis 10%/2% and others 3%/0%. At the
      time of the last follow-up examination 4 and 14 patients, respectively, had died.
      The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain was given as 0.72/0.78. The Harris hip
      score improved from 54/48 to 93/90 points. The implant-related survival rate was
      99.5%. Due to a periprosthetic fracture one of the cemented shafts had to be
      removed. Luxation occurred in 3/2 cases, respectively, of which 4 could be
      conservatively treated. In one cement-free case a head elongation and a change to
      an inlay with an anti-luxation shoulder was necessary. A fracture of the
      trochanter major was conservatively treated and an intraoperative shaft fissure
      was stabilized with wire cerclage and titan banding. The radiological evaluation
      showed no implant loosening or statistically significant differences in the shaft
      positioning. DISCUSSION: Short and intermediate clinical and radiological results
      showed no differences in patients of similar average age in the sixth decade of
      life. The significant improvements in the Harris hip score and the range of
      movement could be confirmed in the intermediate term and are comparable to other
      current implants. It can be concluded that an intraoperative decision on the
      fixation technique based on the macroscopically visible bone quality supports the
      reliably good results of both methods.

PMID- 25118681
TI  - [Partial knee replacement].

PMID- 25118683
TI  - Answer to the letter to the editor of L. Uhrenholt et al. concerning "do X-ray
      occult fractures play a role in chronic pain following a whiplash injury?" by
      Hertzum-Larsen R, Petersen H, Kasch H, Bendix T, Eur Spine J, 2014; DOI
      10.1007/s00586-014-3362-3.

PMID- 25118689
TI  - Erysipeloid Hodgkin lymphoma.

PMID- 25118684
TI  - Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the spine: results at seven years of average
      follow-up in a series of 10 cases surgically treated and a review of literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review a series of ten cases with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of
      the spine, that have undergone surgery to describe clinical presentation, results
      and complications associated with surgical treatment; a review of literature
      reporting the main characteristics of the cases already published has been
      reported. METHODS: A review of patients affected by epithelioid
      hemangioendothelioma surgically treated by the senior author from 1995 to 2012
      was carried out. Ten cases were identified and clinical and radiological
      characteristics, therapy, complications and survival were valued. RESULTS: Wide
      margin was achieved in two out of ten cases, marginal margin in seven and
      intralesional margin in one case. Average intraoperative blood loss was about
      2,800 ml. Reported complications were one case of cord injury, one of dural tear,
      two cases of massive blood loss, a case of reconstruction failure, a wound
      dehiscence with deep infection, a pneumonia episode and a deep vein thrombosis
      with pulmonary embolism. Average follow-up was 84.4 months. Two local
      recurrences, after 32 and 37 months and two deaths for metastasis, after 14 and
      36 months, were reported. Although several chemotherapy protocols are available
      for the treatment of EH of soft tissue, they are not relevant for the bone.
      CONCLUSIONS: Wide surgery is probably associated with a better prognosis. Indeed
      most deaths and local recurrences reported in literature happened after
      intralesional surgery or chemotherapy/RT alone. The presenting study suggests
      that the best approach to achieve long-term local control and a major survival
      could be wide surgery, nevertheless more cases series are necessary to verify
      survival rate.

PMID- 25118685
TI  - Comparison between walking test and treadmill test for intermittent claudication
      associated with lumbar spinal canal stenosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To clarify the priorities of the walking test and the treadmill test for
      intermittent claudication of lumbar canal stenosis. METHODS: The study population
      comprised 45 subjects, with a mean age of 72.6 years. An investigator walked with
      the subjects during the walking test or watched the subjects walking on the
      treadmill machine in the treadmill test. RESULTS: The pain scales became
      significantly worse after the walking test. Ten patients who were diagnosed as
      root symptom type or cauda equine symptoms were subsequently diagnosed as mixed
      type by the walking test. The numbers of patients who experienced muscle weakness
      that was not revealed at rest were eight with the walking test and seven with the
      treadmill test. The numbers of patients who experienced sensory disturbance that
      was not observed at rest were seven with the walking test and two with the
      treadmill test. CONCLUSIONS: The walking test detected significantly more
      symptoms that were not detected at rest than the treadmill test.

PMID- 25118690
TI  - Site-directed mutagenesis of IRX9, IRX9L and IRX14 proteins involved in xylan
      biosynthesis: glycosyltransferase activity is not required for IRX9 function in
      Arabidopsis.
AB  - Xylans constitute the main non-cellulosic polysaccharide in the secondary cell
      walls of plants. Several genes predicted to encode glycosyltransferases are
      required for the synthesis of the xylan backbone even though it is a homopolymer
      consisting entirely of beta-1,4-linked xylose residues. The putative
      glycosyltransferases IRX9, IRX14, and IRX10 (or the paralogs IRX9L, IRX14L, and
      IRX10L) are required for xylan backbone synthesis in Arabidopsis. To investigate
      the function of IRX9, IRX9L, and IRX14, we identified amino acid residues known
      to be essential for catalytic function in homologous mammalian proteins and
      generated modified cDNA clones encoding proteins where these residues would be
      mutated. The mutated gene constructs were used to transform wild-type Arabidopsis
      plants and the irx9 and irx14 mutants, which are deficient in xylan synthesis.
      The ability of the mutated proteins to complement the mutants was investigated by
      measuring growth, determining cell wall composition, and microscopic analysis of
      stem cross-sections of the transgenic plants. The six different mutated versions
      of IRX9 and IRX9-L were all able to complement the irx9 mutant phenotype,
      indicating that residues known to be essential for glycosyltransferases function
      in homologous proteins are not essential for the biological function of
      IRX9/IRX9L. Two out of three mutated IRX14 complemented the irx14 mutant,
      including a mutant in the predicted catalytic amino acid. A IRX14 protein mutated
      in the substrate-binding DxD motif did not complement the irx14 mutant. Thus,
      substrate binding is important for IRX14 function but catalytic activity may not
      be essential for the function of the protein. The data indicate that IRX9/IRX9L
      have an essential structural function, most likely by interacting with the
      IRX10/IRX10L proteins, but do not have an essential catalytic function. Most
      likely IRX14 also has primarily a structural role, but it cannot be excluded that
      the protein has an important enzymatic activity. 

PMID- 25118691
TI  - An appraisal of female sex work in Nigeria--implications for designing and
      scaling up HIV prevention programmes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The HIV epidemic in Nigeria is complex with diverse factors driving
      the epidemic. Accordingly, Nigeria's National Agency for the Control of AIDS is
      coordinating a large-scale initiative to conduct HIV epidemic appraisals across
      all states. These appraisals will help to better characterize the drivers of the
      epidemic and ensure that the HIV prevention programmes match the local epidemic
      context, with resources allocated to interventions that have the greatest impact
      locally. Currently, the mapping and size estimation of Female Sex Workers (FSWs)-
      a major component of the appraisal has been completed in seven states. These
      states are using the data generated to plan, prioritize and scale-up sub-national
      HIV prevention programmes. METHODOLOGY: It involved a two-level process of
      identifying and validating locations where FSWs solicit and/or meet clients
      ("hotspots"). In the first level, secondary key informants were interviewed to
      collect information about the geographic location and description of the
      hotspots. For the second level, FSWs were interviewed at each hotspot and
      information on population size estimates, typologies and operational dynamics of
      the FSWs were collected. RESULTS: Across the seven states, a total of 17,266
      secondary key informants and 5,732 FSWs were interviewed. 10,233 hotspots were
      identified with an estimated 126,489 FSWs ranging from 5,920 in Anambra to 46,691
      in Lagos. The most common hotspots were bars/nightclubs (30%), hotels/lodges
      (29.6%), streets (16.6%), and brothels (14.6%). Furthermore, the population
      density of FSWs (per thousand adult men) across the states ranged from 2 in
      Anambra to 17 in the Federal Capital Territory. CONCLUSION: FSW populations in
      Nigeria are large and diverse, with substantial differences between and within
      states. Improved understanding of the location, population size, density,
      organizational typologies and clients of sex work has informed and is central to
      Nigeria's planning process for scaling up focused HIV prevention programmes.

PMID- 25118692
TI  - Pregnancy-related systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical features, outcome and
      risk factors of disease flares--a case control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features, outcome, and risk factors of
      disease flares in patients with pregnancy-related lupus (PRL). METHODS: Medical
      charts of 155 consecutive PRL inpatients were systematically reviewed, including
      demographic data, clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment,
      complications, and outcome. RESULTS: PRL cases were divided into active (a-PRL)
      (n = 82, 53.0%) and stable lupus (s-PRL) (n = 73, 47.0%). Compared with
      nonpregnant active female systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, a-PRL
      including new-onset lupus (n-PRL) and flare lupus (f-PRL) (n = 41 respectively),
      had a higher incidence of renal and hematological involvement but less
      mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal involvement (p<0.05). The incidence of
      preeclampsia/eclampsia, fetal loss, and preterm birth were significantly higher
      in a-PRL than in s-PRL (p<0.05). Despite receiving a more vigorous glucocorticoid
      treatment, a-PRL mothers had a poorer prognosis (p<0.001). Five (6.1%) of them
      died and 13 (15.9%) developed severe irreversible organ failure, whereas none of
      these events was observed in the s-PRL group. Multivariate logistic analysis
      indicated that a history of lupus flares and serological activity
      (hypocomplementemia and/or anti-dsDNA positivity) at the time of conception were
      associated with lupus flares in PRL mothers. CONCLUSIONS: SLE patients with a
      flare history and serological activity at the time of conception were at an
      increased risk of disease flares during pregnancy and puerperium. a-PRL patients
      were more prone to renal and hematological involvement, pregnancy complications,
      and a poorer prognosis despite more vigorous glucocorticoid treatment.

PMID- 25118694
TI  - Statin therapy is associated with improved survival in patients with non-serous
      papillary epithelial ovarian cancer: a retrospective cohort analysis.
AB  - AIM: To determine whether statin use is associated with improved epithelial
      ovarian cancer (OvCa) survival. METHODS: This is a single-institution
      retrospective cohort review of patients treated for OvCa between 1992 and 2013.
      Inclusion criteria were International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
      (FIGO) stage I-IV OvCa. The primary exposures analyzed were hyperlipidemia and
      statin use. The primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and disease
      specific survival (DSS). RESULTS: 442 patients met inclusion criteria. The cohort
      was divided into three groups: patients with hyperlipidemia who used statins (n =
      68), patients with hyperlipidemia who did not use statins (n = 28), and patients
      without hyperlipidemia (n = 346). OvCa outcomes were evaluated. When we analyzed
      the entire cohort, we found no significant differences in PFS or DSS among the
      groups. The median PFS for hyperlipidemics using statins, hyperlipidemics not
      using statins, and non-hyperlipidemics was 21.7, 13.6, and 14.7 months,
      respectively (p = 0.69). Median DSS for hyperlipidemics using statins,
      hyperlipidemics not using statins, and non-hyperlipidemics was 44.2, 75.7, and
      41.5 months, respectively (p = 0.43). These findings did not change after
      controlling for confounders. However, a secondary analysis revealed that, among
      patients with non-serous-papillary subtypes of OvCa, statin use was associated
      with a decrease in hazards of both disease recurrence (adjusted HR = 0.23, p =
      0.02) and disease-specific death (adjusted HR = 0.23, p = 0.04). To augment the
      findings in the retrospective cohort, the histology-specific effects of statins
      were also evaluated in vitro using proliferation assays. Here, statin treatment
      of cell lines resulted in a variable level of cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Statin
      use among patients with non-serous-papillary OvCa was associated with improvement
      in both PFS and DSS.

PMID- 25118695
TI  - Involvement of the carboxyl-terminal region of the yeast peroxisomal half ABC
      transporter Pxa2p in its interaction with Pxa1p and in transporter function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The peroxisome is a single membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic
      cells involved in lipid metabolism, including beta-oxidation of fatty acids. The
      human genetic disorder X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is caused by
      mutations in the ABCD1 gene (encoding ALDP, a peroxisomal half ATP-binding
      cassette [ABC] transporter). This disease is characterized by defective
      peroxisomal beta-oxidation and a large accumulation of very long-chain fatty
      acids in brain white matter, adrenal cortex, and testis. ALDP forms a homodimer
      proposed to be the functional transporter, whereas the peroxisomal transporter in
      yeast is a heterodimer comprising two half ABC transporters, Pxa1p and Pxa2p,
      both orthologs of human ALDP. While the carboxyl-terminal domain of ALDP is
      engaged in dimerization, it remains unknown whether the same region is involved
      in the interaction between Pxa1p and Pxa2p. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using a
      yeast two-hybrid assay, we found that the carboxyl-terminal region (CT) of Pxa2p,
      but not of Pxa1p, is required for their interaction. Further analysis indicated
      that the central part of the CT (designated CT2) of Pxa2p was indispensable for
      its interaction with the carboxyl terminally truncated Pxa1_NBD. An interaction
      between the CT of Pxa2p and Pxa1_NBD was not detected, but could be identified in
      the presence of Pxa2_NBD-CT1. A single mutation of two conserved residues
      (aligned with X-ALD-associated mutations at the same positions in ALDP) in the
      CT2 of the Pxa2_NBD-CT protein impaired its interaction with Pxa1_NBD or Pxa1_NBD
      CT, resulting in a mutant protein that exhibited a proteinase K digestion profile
      different from that of the wild-type protein. Functional analysis of these mutant
      proteins on oleate plates indicated that they were defective in transporter
      function. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The CT of Pxa2p is involved in its
      interaction with Pxa1p and in transporter function. This concept may be applied
      to human ALDP studies, helping to establish the pathological mechanism for CT
      related X-ALD disease.

PMID- 25118696
TI  - Analysis of the Citrullus colocynthis transcriptome during water deficit stress.
AB  - Citrullus colocynthis is a very drought tolerant species, closely related to
      watermelon (C. lanatus var. lanatus), an economically important cucurbit crop.
      Drought is a threat to plant growth and development, and the discovery of drought
      inducible genes with various functions is of great importance. We used high
      throughput mRNA Illumina sequencing technology and bioinformatic strategies to
      analyze the C. colocynthis leaf transcriptome under drought treatment. Leaf
      samples at four different time points (0, 24, 36, or 48 hours of withholding
      water) were used for RNA extraction and Illumina sequencing. qRT-PCR of several
      drought responsive genes was performed to confirm the accuracy of RNA sequencing.
      Leaf transcriptome analysis provided the first glimpse of the drought responsive
      transcriptome of this unique cucurbit species. A total of 5038 full-length cDNAs
      were detected, with 2545 genes showing significant changes during drought stress.
      Principle component analysis indicated that drought was the major contributing
      factor regulating transcriptome changes. Up regulation of many transcription
      factors, stress signaling factors, detoxification genes, and genes involved in
      phytohormone signaling and citrulline metabolism occurred under the water deficit
      conditions. The C. colocynthis transcriptome data highlight the activation of a
      large set of drought related genes in this species, thus providing a valuable
      resource for future functional analysis of candidate genes in defense of drought
      stress. 

PMID- 25118697
TI  - The effect of lentivirus-mediated PSPN genetic engineering bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells on Parkinson's disease rat model.
AB  - Persephin (PSPN) is one of the neurotrophic factors of the glial cell line
      derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs) which have been found to
      promote the survival of specific populations of neurons. The aim of this study
      was to assess the potential therapeutic function of gene-modified mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSCs)-Lv-PSPN-MSCs in 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) rats
      models. Here, we worked on the isolation, purification, identification and
      amplification of MSCs in vitro. The expression analysis revealed that several of
      the neural marker proteins like nestin, GFAP and S100 were expressed by rat MSCs.
      MES23.5 cells co-cultured with Lv-PSPN-MSCs showed less 6-OHDA induced cell death
      than control cells in vitro. When Lv-PSPN-MSCs were injected into the striatum of
      PD rats, we observed the survival rate, migration, differentiation and the
      behavior change of PD rats. We found that Lv-PSPN-MSCs showed higher survival
      rate in rat brain compared with Lv-null-MSCs. Rotational behavior showed that
      rats receiving Lv-PSPN-MSCs showed the most significant improvement compared with
      those in other groups. HPLC results showed the content of DA in striatum of rats
      which received Lv-PSPN-MSCs was highest compared with those in other groups. In
      conclusion, our results suggest that transplantation of Lv-PSPN-MSCs can lead to
      remarkable therapeutic effects in PD rats. 

PMID- 25118699
TI  - Atopic Dermatitis Burden Scale for Adults: Development and Validation of a New
      Assessment Tool.
AB  - Atopic dermatitis (AD) occurs in approximately 2-3% of adults. The aim of this
      study was to develop and validate the self-administered Atopic Dermatitis Burden
      Scale for Adults (ABS-A). Patients were enrolled consecutively from those
      attending the Station Thermale Avene for a diagnosis of AD. ABS-A was developed
      using standard methodology, and consisted of 3 phases: exploratory, development,
      and validation. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), concurrent validity
      (Spearman's correlation between ABS-A, SF-12 and Dermatology Life Quality Index
      [DLQI)]), and discriminant validity, were analysed. A total of 128 adults (68.8%
      females) completed the ABS-A, consisting of 18 items grouped into 4 domains. ABS
      A showed good internal coherence (Cronbach's alpha, 0.89) and was correlated with
      both SF-12 components [r = -0.36, p < 0.0001 (Physical); r = -0.52, p < 0.0001
      (Mental)] and DLQI (r = 0.78; p < 0.0001). The ABS-A score varied significantly
      according to AD severity. To our knowledge, ABS-A is the first specific tool for
      assessing AD burden in adult patients.

PMID- 25118698
TI  - Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by recombinase polymerase
      amplification.
AB  - Improved access to effective tests for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) has been
      designated a public health priority by the World Health Organisation. In high
      burden TB countries nucleic acid based TB tests have been restricted to
      centralised laboratories and specialised research settings. Requirements such as
      a constant electrical supply, air conditioning and skilled, computer literate
      operators prevent implementation of such tests in many settings. Isothermal DNA
      amplification technologies permit the use of simpler, less energy intensive
      detection platforms more suited to low resource settings that allow the accurate
      diagnosis of a disease within a short timeframe. Recombinase Polymerase
      Amplification (RPA) is a rapid, low temperature isothermal DNA amplification
      reaction. We report here RPA-based detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      complex (MTC) DNA in <20 minutes at 39  degrees C. Assays for two MTC specific
      targets were investigated, IS6110 and IS1081. When testing purified MTC genomic
      DNA, limits of detection of 6.25 fg (IS6110) and 20 fg (IS1081)were consistently
      achieved. When testing a convenience sample of pulmonary specimens from suspected
      TB patients, RPA demonstrated superior accuracy to indirect fluorescence
      microscopy. Compared to culture, sensitivities for the IS1081 RPA and microscopy
      were 91.4% (95%CI: 85, 97.9) and 86.1% (95%CI: 78.1, 94.1) respectively (n = 71).
      Specificities were 100% and 88.6% (95% CI: 80.8, 96.1) respectively. For the
      IS6110 RPA and microscopy sensitivities of 87.5% (95%CI: 81.7, 93.2) and 70.8%
      (95%CI: 62.9, 78.7) were obtained (n = 90). Specificities were 95.4 (95% CI:
      92.3,98.1) and 88% (95% CI: 83.6, 92.4) respectively. The superior specificity of
      RPA for detecting tuberculosis was due to the reduced ability of fluorescence
      microscopy to distinguish Mtb complex from other acid fast bacteria. The rapid
      nature of the RPA assay and its low energy requirement compared to other
      amplification technologies suggest RPA-based TB assays could be of use for
      integration into a point-of-care test for use in resource constrained settings.

PMID- 25118700
TI  - Modulation of short-latency afferent inhibition depends on digit and task
      relevance.
AB  - Short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) occurs when a single transcranial
      magnetic stimulation (TMS) pulse delivered over the primary motor cortex is
      preceded by peripheral electrical nerve stimulation at a short inter-stimulus
      interval (~ 20-28 ms). SAI has been extensively examined at rest, but few studies
      have examined how this circuit functions in the context of performing a motor
      task and if this circuit may contribute to surround inhibition. The present study
      investigated SAI in a muscle involved versus uninvolved in a motor task and
      specifically during three pre-movement phases; two movement preparation phases
      between a "warning" and "go" cue and one movement initiation phase between a "go"
      cue and EMG onset. SAI was tested in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and
      abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles in twelve individuals. In a second
      experiment, the origin of SAI modulation was investigated by measuring H-reflex
      amplitudes from FDI and ADM during the motor task. The data indicate that changes
      in SAI occurred predominantly in the movement initiation phase during which SAI
      modulation depended on the specific digit involved. Specifically, the greatest
      reduction in SAI occurred when FDI was involved in the task. In contrast, these
      effects were not present in ADM. Changes in SAI were primarily mediated via
      supraspinal mechanisms during movement preparation, while both supraspinal and
      spinal mechanisms contributed to SAI reduction during movement initiation.

PMID- 25118702
TI  - Optimizing the discovery and clinical translation of nanoparticles: could
      microfluidics hold the key?

PMID- 25118703
TI  - Recent progress in multidrug delivery to cancer cells by liposomes.

PMID- 25118704
TI  - Formulating the magic bullet: barriers to clinical translation of nanoparticle
      cancer gene therapy.

PMID- 25118701
TI  - Impact of early life adversity on reward processing in young adults: EEG-fMRI
      results from a prospective study over 25 years.
AB  - Several lines of evidence have implicated the mesolimbic dopamine reward pathway
      in altered brain function resulting from exposure to early adversity. The present
      study examined the impact of early life adversity on different stages of neuronal
      reward processing later in life and their association with a related behavioral
      phenotype, i.e. attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 162 healthy
      young adults (mean age = 24.4 years; 58% female) from an epidemiological cohort
      study followed since birth participated in a simultaneous EEG-fMRI study using a
      monetary incentive delay task. Early life adversity according to an early family
      adversity index (EFA) and lifetime ADHD symptoms were assessed using standardized
      parent interviews conducted at the offspring's age of 3 months and between 2 and
      15 years, respectively. fMRI region-of-interest analysis revealed a significant
      effect of EFA during reward anticipation in reward-related areas (i.e. ventral
      striatum, putamen, thalamus), indicating decreased activation when EFA increased.
      EEG analysis demonstrated a similar effect for the contingent negative variation
      (CNV), with the CNV decreasing with the level of EFA. In contrast, during reward
      delivery, activation of the bilateral insula, right pallidum and bilateral
      putamen increased with EFA. There was a significant association of lifetime ADHD
      symptoms with lower activation in the left ventral striatum during reward
      anticipation and higher activation in the right insula during reward delivery.
      The present findings indicate a differential long-term impact of early life
      adversity on reward processing, implicating hyporesponsiveness during reward
      anticipation and hyperresponsiveness when receiving a reward. Moreover, a similar
      activation pattern related to lifetime ADHD suggests that the impact of early
      life stress on ADHD may possibly be mediated by a dysfunctional reward pathway.

PMID- 25118707
TI  - A preliminary study on the quality and safety of milk in donkeys positive for
      Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - Toxoplasmosis is one of the five parasitic diseases considered as a priority for
      public health action. The consumption of raw milk products represents a possible
      risk, in particular for certain categories of people. The aim of this study was
      to evaluate the possible effects of Toxoplasma gondii on milk yield and quality
      in sero-positive animals with parasitemia. Eighteen healthy lactating Amiata
      jennies, between 90 and 180 days were included in the study. Four donkeys scored
      positive for immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and each IFAT positive
      donkey presented parasitic DNA both in the blood and milk. No significant
      differences were found between milk yield in PCR-positive donkeys compared with
      the negative cases, however the former tended to have a greater production. Milk
      quality in the positive donkeys showed a significantly lower percentage of casein
      (0.72% v. 0.81%) and ash (0.32% v. 0.37%). Positive cases had a highly
      significant larger average diameter of globules (2.35 um) and fewer globules/ml
      (2.39 * 10(8)). Somatic cell and bacterial counts were normal and in agreement
      with the literature. Toxoplasma gondii did not seem to present clinical forms in
      lactating jennies. Further in vivo studies are needed to further assess the risk
      of T. gondii transmission through donkey milk, together with the impact of
      different stages of infection on milk quality.

PMID- 25118708
TI  - Association of a polymorphism in the BIRC6 gene with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.
AB  - Recently an association was observed between alleles in genes of the unfolded
      protein response pathway and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The goal of the
      current study is to investigate the role of these two genes, protein disulphide
      isomerase A member 5 (PDIA5) and baculoviral IAP repeat containing 6 (BIRC6), in
      different forms of glaucoma. 278 patients with POAG, 132 patients with primary
      angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and 135 patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma
      (PEXG) were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs11720822 in
      PDIA5 and 471 POAG, 184 PACG and 218 PEXG patients were genotyped for rs2754511
      in BIRC6. Genotyping was done by allelic discrimination PCR, and genotype and
      allele frequencies were calculated. Logistic regression analyses were performed
      using R software to determine the association of these SNPs with glaucoma. The
      allele and genotype frequencies of rs11720822 in PDIA5 were not associated with
      POAG, PACG or PEXG. The TT genotype of rs2754511 in BIRC6 was found to be
      protective for PEXG (p = 0.05, OR 0.42 [0.22-0.81]) in the Pakistani population,
      but not for POAG or PACG. This study did not confirm a previously reported
      association of risk alleles in PDIA5 and BIRC6 with POAG, but did demonstrate a
      protective role of the T allele of rs2754511 in the BIRC6 gene in PEXG. This
      supports a role for the unfolded protein response pathway and regulation of
      apoptotic cell death in the pathogenesis of PEXG.

PMID- 25118710
TI  - Fullerene C60 functionalized gamma-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticle: Synthesis,
      characterization, and biomedical applications.
AB  - Hybrid magnetic nanoparticles composed from C60 fullerene and gamma-Fe2O3 were
      synthesized by hydrothermal method. XRD, FT-IR, VSM, SEM, and HR-TEM were
      employed for characterizations. The magnetic saturation value of C60-gamma-Fe2O3
      magnetic nanoparticles was 66.5 emu g(-1). Concentration of Fe in nanoparticles
      as determined by ICP-OES was 40.7% Fe. Particle size of C60-gamma-Fe2O3 magnetic
      nanoparticles was smaller than 10 nm. Maximum adsorption capacity of C60-gamma
      Fe2O3 for flurbiprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was calculated
      from Langmuir isotherm as 142.9 mg g(-1).

PMID- 25118711
TI  - Multimode laser cooling and ultra-high sensitivity force sensing with nanowires.
AB  - Photo-induced forces can be used to manipulate and cool the mechanical motion of
      oscillators. When the oscillator is used as a force sensor, such as in atomic
      force microscopy, active feedback is an enticing route to enhance measurement
      performance. Here we show broadband multimode cooling of -23 dB down to a
      temperature of 8 +/- 1 K in the stationary regime. Through the use of periodic
      quiescence feedback cooling, we show improved signal-to-noise ratios for the
      measurement of transient signals. We compare the performance of real feedback to
      numerical post processing of data and show that both methods produce similar
      improvements to the signal-to-noise ratio of force measurements. We achieved a
      room temperature force measurement sensitivity of <2 * 10(-16)N with integration
      time of less than 0.1 ms. The high precision and fast force microscopy results
      presented will potentially benefit applications in biosensing, molecular
      metrology, subsurface imaging and accelerometry.

PMID- 25118709
TI  - Structural characterization of a Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase from
      Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - The Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferases (GNATs) are ubiquitously expressed in
      nature and perform a diverse range of cellular functions through the acetylation
      of small molecules and protein substrates. Using activated acetyl coenzyme A as a
      common acetyl donor, GNATs catalyse the transfer of an acetyl group to acceptor
      molecules including aminoglycoside antibiotics, glucosamine-6-phosphate,
      histones, serotonin and spermidine. There is often only very limited sequence
      conservation between members of the GNAT superfamily, in part, reflecting their
      capacity to bind a diverse array of substrates. In contrast, the secondary and
      tertiary structures are highly conserved, but then at the quaternary level there
      is further diversity, with GNATs shown to exist in monomeric, dimeric, or
      tetrameric states. Here we describe the X-ray crystallographic structure of a
      GNAT enzyme from Staphylococcus aureus with only low sequence identity to
      previously solved GNAT proteins. It contains many of the classical GNAT motifs,
      but lacks other hallmarks of the GNAT fold including the classic beta-bulge
      splayed at the beta-sheet interface. The protein is likely to be a dimer in
      solution based on analysis of the asymmetric unit within the crystal structure,
      homology with related GNAT family members, and size exclusion chromatography. The
      study provides the first high resolution structure of this enzyme, providing a
      strong platform for substrate and cofactor modelling, and structural/functional
      comparisons within this diverse enzyme superfamily.

PMID- 25118713
TI  - Conducting research and collaborating with researchers: the experience of
      clinicians in a residential treatment center.
AB  - This paper describes the experience of clinicians in conducting research and
      collaborating with academic researchers. As part of clinical routine of a
      residential program for adolescent substance abusers, empirical data have been
      collected to assess client's needs before and after treatment, improve clinical
      practice, and identify barriers to change. Some of the challenges faced and the
      benefits learned in conducting these studies are presented. In addition to
      highlighting the convergence of research interests between clinicians and
      academicians, the conclusion offers general recommendations to foster these
      partnerships and solidify the scientific-practitioner model.

PMID- 25118712
TI  - Systematics of spiny predatory katydids (Tettigoniidae: Listroscelidinae) from
      the Brazilian Atlantic Forest based on morphology and molecular data.
AB  - Listroscelidinae (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) are insectivorous Pantropical
      katydids whose taxonomy presents a long history of controversy, with several
      genera incertae sedis. This work focused on species occurring in the Brazilian
      Atlantic Forest, one of the world's most threatened biomes. We examined material
      deposited in scientific collections and visited 15 conservation units from Rio de
      Janeiro to southern Bahia between November 2011 and January 2012, catching 104
      specimens from 10 conservation units. Based on morphological and molecular data
      we redefined Listroscelidini, adding a new tribe, new genus and eight new species
      to the subfamily. Using morphological analysis, we redescribed and added new
      geographic records for six species, synonymized two species and built a
      provisional identification key for the Atlantic Forest Listroscelidinae.
      Molecular results suggest two new species and a new genus to be described,
      possibly by the fission of the genus Hamayulus. We also proposed a 500 bp region
      in the final portion of the COI to be used as a molecular barcode. Our data
      suggest that the Atlantic Forest Listroscelidinae are seriously endangered,
      because they occur in highly preserved forest remnants, show high rates of
      endemism and have a narrow geographic distribution. Based on our results, we
      suggest future collection efforts must take into account the molecular barcode
      data to accelerate species recognition. 

PMID- 25118714
TI  - Drinking pattern, abstention and problem drinking as risk factors for depressive
      symptoms: evidence from three urban Eastern European populations.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine whether the frequency and amount of alcohol consumed in binge
      drinking sessions, total annual volume of alcohol consumed, problem drinking and
      abstaining from alcohol are associated with depressive symptoms in Eastern
      Europe. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional data from a total of 24,381
      participants from general population samples of the Czech Republic (N = 7,601),
      Russia (N = 6,908) and Poland (N = 9,872) aged 45-69 years in 2002-2005.
      Depressive symptoms were defined as >= 16 points on the Centre for
      Epidemiological Studies - Depression (CES-D) scale. Several alcohol related
      measures were derived using responses from the graduated frequency questionnaire.
      Binge drinking was defined at several sex-specific thresholds (ranging from 60+
      to 140+ g of ethanol) and two frequencies (at least monthly or weekly). Total
      annual alcohol intake in grams was also extracted. Problem drinking was defined
      as >= 2 positive answers on the CAGE questionnaire. RESULTS: Problem drinking was
      consistently associated with approximately a 2-fold increase in odds of
      depressive symptoms across all countries and in both sexes. Abstaining from
      alcohol was typically associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms.
      Analyses separating lifelong abstainers and former drinkers in the Russian cohort
      revealed that this increased odds was driven by former drinkers. Amongst men,
      heavy frequent binge drinking was associated with increased odds of depressive
      symptoms in the Czech Republic and Poland. In women, heavy infrequent binge
      drinking was associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms in Russia and
      Poland. Only in Polish men was higher annual volume of alcohol intake associated
      with increased odds of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Abstaining from alcohol
      and problem drinking were associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms
      in these Eastern European populations. Annual volume of alcohol intake as well as
      frequency and amount of alcohol consumed in a binge drinking session were less
      consistently associated with depressive symptoms.

PMID- 25118715
TI  - De novo comparative transcriptome analysis of Acremonium chrysogenum: high-yield
      and wild-type strains of cephalosporin C producer.
AB  - beta-lactam antibiotics are widely used in clinic. Filamentous fungus Acremonium
      chrysogenum is an important industrial fungus for the production of CPC, one of
      the major precursors of beta-lactam antibiotics. Although its fermentation yield
      has been bred significantly over the past decades, little is known regarding
      molecular changes between the industrial strain and the wild type strain. This
      limits the possibility to improve CPC production further by molecular breeding.
      Comparative transcriptome is a powerful tool to understand the molecular
      mechanisms of CPC industrial high yield producer compared to wild type. A total
      of 57 million clean sequencing reads with an average length of 100 bp were
      generated from Illumina sequencing platform. 22,878 sequences were assembled.
      Among the assembled unigenes, 9502 were annotated and 1989 annotated sequences
      were assigned to 121 pathways by searching against the Kyoto Encyclopedia of
      Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) database. Furthermore, we compared the
      transcriptome differences between a high-yield and a wild-type strain during
      fermentation. A total of 4329 unigenes with significantly different transcription
      level were identified, among which 1737 were up-regulated and 2592 were down
      regulated. 24 pathways were subsequently determined which involve glycerolipid
      metabolism, galactose metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. We also examined the
      transcription levels of 18 identified genes, including 11 up-regulated genes and
      7 down-regulated genes using reverse transcription quantitative -PCR (RT-qPCR).
      The results of RT-qPCR were consistent with the Illumina sequencing. In this
      study, the Illumina sequencing provides the most comprehensive sequences for gene
      expression profile of Acremonium chrysogenum and allows de novo transcriptome
      assembly while lacking genome information. Comparative analysis of RNA-seq data
      reveals the complexity of the transcriptome in the fermentation of different
      yield strains. This is an important public information platform which could be
      used to accelerate the research to improve CPC production in Acremonium
      chrysogenum. 

PMID- 25118716
TI  - Skills training of health workers in the use of a non surgical device (PrePex)
      for adult Safe Male Circumcision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) is a proven approach for partial
      protection of men from acquisition of HIV infection. Several sub-Saharan African
      countries have a target to circumcise 80% of males aged 15 to 49. The use of
      devices such as PrePex would aid scaling up of SMC. Since most health workers
      would have no prior experience with use of devices, skills training is needed.
      This paper explores a skills transfer model at an urban site in Uganda.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess the practicability and feasibility of rapid short duration
      training for safe PrePex device use. METHODS: A prospective study, conducted over
      8 weeks (August-October 2012) at International Hospital Kampala, an urban Kampala
      hospital, examining the performance of various health worker cadres after
      training in the use of a non-surgical device (PrePex). The prospective study
      obtained approval from the Makerere School of Medicine Research and Ethics
      Committee and the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology. If eligible,
      and after the subject signed the informed consent form, they were enrolled into
      the study. RESULTS: Ten health workers were successfully trained in use of PrePex
      during a 3 day non-residential on-the-job training course. After the first three
      days of training, the trained health workers performed 561 placements and 529
      device removals successfully. Over all adverse events (AE) rates were below <=
      2%; however, there were some differences in AE rates across the cadres trained
      but not significant (p>0.25 for moderate AEs). CONCLUSION: Rapid training for
      safe use of the PrePex device is feasible for the range of health workers
      available for SMC in resource limited settings, but among those with past SMC
      experience.

PMID- 25118720
TI  - A comparison of mid-forehead and axillary temperatures in newborn intensive care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate accuracy of mid-forehead (MFH) thermometry compared with
      digital axilla (DAT) temperatures in infants in newborn intensive care. STUDY
      DESIGN: A comparative study of MFH and DAT temperatures of newborn infants
      receiving tertiary-level intensive care. All admissions were considered and the
      following exclusion criteria applied: 'in extremis', hypoxic ischemic
      encephalopathy or non-English-speaking parents. Foot temperatures, infant and
      environmental variables were measured. RESULT: In all, 783 readings were obtained
      in 100 infants with a birth weight range 515 to 4885 g (mean 2152 g). The between
      person correlation was 0.30 (P < 0.001) and the within-person correlation was
      0.52 (P < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots showed wide 95% confidence intervals in the
      differences between MFH and DAT measurements (-0.87 to 1.16  degrees C).
      Differences were affected by infant variables measured. MFH more accurately
      predicted DAT measurements in smaller neonates and were less accurate in neonates
      requiring Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CONCLUSION: MFH
      thermometry is not able to replace DAT temperature recording in the newborn
      intensive care.

PMID- 25118717
TI  - Regulation of microRNA function in somatic stem cell proliferation and
      differentiation.
AB  - microRNAs (miRNAs) are important modulators of development. Owing to their
      ability to simultaneously silence hundreds of target genes, they have key roles
      in large-scale transcriptomic changes that occur during cell fate transitions. In
      somatic stem and progenitor cells--such as those involved in myogenesis,
      haematopoiesis, skin and neural development--miRNA function is carefully
      regulated to promote and stabilize cell fate choice. miRNAs are integrated within
      networks that form both positive and negative feedback loops. Their function is
      regulated at multiple levels, including transcription, biogenesis, stability,
      availability and/or number of target sites, as well as their cooperation with
      other miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins. Together, these regulatory mechanisms
      result in a refined molecular response that enables proper cellular
      differentiation and function.

PMID- 25118722
TI  - Decreasing abundance, increasing diversity and changing structure of the wild bee
      community (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) along an urbanization gradient.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wild bees are important pollinators that have declined in diversity
      and abundance during the last decades. Habitat destruction and fragmentation
      associated with urbanization are reported as part of the main causes of this
      decline. Urbanization involves dramatic changes of the landscape, increasing the
      proportion of impervious surface while decreasing that of green areas. Few
      studies have investigated the effects of urbanization on bee communities. We
      assessed changes in the abundance, species richness, and composition of wild bee
      community along an urbanization gradient. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Over
      two years and on a monthly basis, bees were sampled with colored pan traps and
      insect nets at 24 sites located along an urbanization gradient. Landscape
      structure within three different radii was measured at each study site. We
      captured 291 wild bee species. The abundance of wild bees was negatively
      correlated with the proportion of impervious surface, while species richness
      reached a maximum at an intermediate (50%) proportion of impervious surface. The
      structure of the community changed along the urbanization gradient with more
      parasitic species in sites with an intermediate proportion of impervious surface.
      There were also greater numbers of cavity-nesting species and long-tongued
      species in sites with intermediate or higher proportion of impervious surface.
      However, urbanization had no effect on the occurrence of species depending on
      their social behavior or body size. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We found nearly a
      third of the wild bee fauna known from France in our study sites. Indeed, urban
      areas supported a diverse bee community, but sites with an intermediate level of
      urbanization were the most speciose ones, including greater proportion of
      parasitic species. The presence of a diverse array of bee species even in the
      most urbanized area makes these pollinators worthy of being a flagship group to
      raise the awareness of urban citizens about biodiversity.

PMID- 25118724
TI  - Cervical cancer biopsy reporting: a review.
AB  - The terminology for reporting human papillomavirus-associated squamous lesions in
      the cervix, both in tissue samples and cytology specimens, has suffered from many
      changes throughout the last years creating confusion in interpreting cervical
      biopsy and cytology reports by clinicians. This review presents a summary and
      discussion of the current terminology for reporting results of cervical biopsies
      and cytology with emphasis in the lower anogenital squamous terminology consensus
      recommendations for tissue specimens and the 2001 Bethesda Workshop for reporting
      cytology results. Microscopic features of cervical lesions in tissue samples and
      cytology specimens are presented. Biomarkers, including p16 and Ki-67, are
      discussed and how they can help the pathologist when dealing with difficult
      cases. 

PMID- 25118725
TI  - Calretinin immunohistochemistry versus improvised rapid Acetylcholinesterase
      histochemistry in the evaluation of colorectal biopsies for Hirschsprung disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry on rectal mucosal biopsies
      accurately diagnoses Hirschsprung disease (HD), but is not widely employed as it
      requires special tissue handling and pathologist expertise. Calretinin
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been reported to be comparable to AChE staining
      with the loss of expression correlating with aganglionosis. AIM: The aim was to
      evaluate calretinin IHC as a primary diagnostic tool in comparison to the
      improvised rapid AChE technique in the diagnosis of HD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      total of 74 rectal biopsies (18 fresh frozen - 18 cases, 56 formalin fixed - 33
      cases) from 51 cases of suspect HD were evaluated with hematoxylin and
      eosin/AChE/Calretinin. Ten biopsies each from ganglionated and aganglionated
      segments served as positive and negative controls. Ileal (3), appendiceal (3) and
      ring bowel (2) biopsies were also included. Two pathologists blinded to the
      clinical details evaluated the histomorphology with AChE and calretinin.
      Observations were statistically analyzed and Cohen's k coefficient employed to
      assess agreement between two pathologists and calretinin and the AChE. RESULTS:
      The study confirmed HD in 26 and non-HD in 25 cases. There were 7 neonates, 5 low
      level biopsies and 14 "inadequate" biopsies. The results of calretinin were
      comparable with AChE with a statistically significant measure of agreement of k =
      0.973 between the two. One false-positive case of HD was noted with calretinin.
      The advantages and disadvantages of calretinin versus AChE are discussed.
      CONCLUSION: Calretinin is a reliable single immune marker for ruling out HD by
      its specific positive mucosal staining of formalin fixed rectal biopsy. The
      improvised AChE staining remains indispensable to confirm HD on fresh biopsies
      and thus, along with calretinin IHC maximizes the diagnostic accuracy of HD in
      difficult cases.

PMID- 25118726
TI  - Evaluation of central nervous system metastases with immunohistochemistry
      correlation.
AB  - CONTEXT: Brain metastases are the most common intracranial neoplasms. They are
      often the first symptom of systemic malignancy. Hence, immunohistochemistry (IHC)
      is of importance in evaluating the origin of brain metastases. AIMS: The aim was
      to detect the primary site of brain metastases and evaluate the role of IHC in
      diagnosing the same. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 74 patients of brain
      metastases with unknown primary was analyzed. IHC was performed in these cases.
      The histopathological findings were correlated with clinical and radiological
      data. RESULTS: Of 74 cases in which IHC was done; the most common primary site
      was lung (51 cases). Even after applying IHC, the primary could not be diagnosed
      in 10 cases. CONCLUSION: Brain metastases are often the first indicator of
      systemic malignancy. Lung is the most common primary site in cases with unknown
      primary, as deduced by IHC findings.

PMID- 25118727
TI  - A histopathological study of liver and biliary remnants in the long-term
      survivors (>10 years) of cases of biliary atresia.
AB  - CONTEXT: Biliary atresia (BA) is a destructive process affecting both extra- and
      intra-hepatic bile ducts leading to fibrosis and obliteration of the biliary tree
      and cirrhosis usually within 2 years. Factors influencing the outcome of
      portoenterostomy (PE) have not been clearly defined. AIMS: Our aim was to
      identify children with no evidence of liver disease 10 years or more after PE and
      to compare the pathology of liver and biliary remnants in this group with those
      associated with poor outcome. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective observational
      study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wedge biopsies of liver and portal remnants, taken
      at the time of PE, where available, were reviewed. The parameters studied were -
      presence of large bile ducts (>150 MU), degree of fibrosis and bile duct
      proliferation (BDP), presence of ductal plate malformation (DPM) and age at
      operation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Fisher's exact test with Freeman Halton
      extension for univariate analysis and Logistic regression analysis as
      multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of 68 cases operated between 1995 and 2001, 14
      patients survived >10 years and 54 were associated with poor outcome. Large ducts
      were significantly more in survivors (70% vs. 26%, P = 0.02). DPM was not seen in
      any of the survivors and was present in 24% of poor outcome group. Fibrosis and
      BDP were also significantly less among the survivors (P < 0.001, P = 0.03,
      respectively). The mean ages at operation in the two groups were 66.8 and 89.6
      days, respectively. CONCLUSION: From this study, we feel that lower degree of
      fibrosis and BDP, absence of DPM, presence of large ducts and younger age at
      operation were associated with better long-term outcome. Of these, degree of
      fibrosis was the most significant factor.

PMID- 25118718
TI  - Bidirectional cargo transport: moving beyond tug of war.
AB  - Vesicles, organelles and other intracellular cargo are transported by kinesin and
      dynein motors, which move in opposite directions along microtubules. This
      bidirectional cargo movement is frequently described as a 'tug of war' between
      oppositely directed molecular motors attached to the same cargo. However,
      although many experimental and modelling studies support the tug-of-war paradigm,
      numerous knockout and inhibition studies in various systems have found that
      inhibiting one motor leads to diminished motility in both directions, which is a
      'paradox of co-dependence' that challenges the paradigm. In an effort to resolve
      this paradox, three classes of bidirectional transport models--microtubule
      tethering, mechanical activation and steric disinhibition--are proposed, and a
      general mathematical modelling framework for bidirectional cargo transport is put
      forward to guide future experiments.

PMID- 25118728
TI  - A clinicopathological study of interface dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interface dermatitis (ID) refers to a pattern of skin reaction
      characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate that appears to obscure the dermo
      epidermal junction when observed at low power examination and referred to as
      lichenoid tissue reaction. A wide range of inflammatory skin diseases exhibits
      interface change with considerable overlap of histological features. The aim of
      the present study was to study the clinical features and microscopic features of
      ID. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material for the present study consisted of skin
      biopsy samples collected from patients attending the outpatient Department of
      Dermatology. The study was conducted for a period of 3 years from 2007 to 2010.
      During this period, a total of 125 cases was studied. RESULTS: In the present
      study, a total of 125 cases of ID was studied which presented clinically as
      papulosquamous disorders. Majority of the cases of ID were seen in women (57.6%).
      Majority of ID were lichen planus (LP) and its variants (63.2%).
      Clinicopathological concordance was seen in 109 cases (87.2%) and discordance in
      16 cases (12.8%). CONCLUSION: The mere presence of an interface lichenoid
      inflammatory reaction should not be the sole criterion for the diagnosis of LP or
      one of its many variants, as now seems to be the case. A clinicopathologic
      correlation is absolutely essential for a conclusive diagnosis of ID.

PMID- 25118721
TI  - Catecholamine-resistant hypotension and myocardial performance following patent
      ductus arteriosus ligation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We performed a multicenter study of preterm infants, who were about to
      undergo patent ductus arteriosus ligation, to determine whether echocardiographic
      indices of impaired myocardial performance were associated with subsequent
      development of catecholamine-resistant hypotension following ligation. STUDY
      DESIGN: A standardized treatment approach for hypotension was followed at each
      center. Infants were considered to have catecholamine-resistant hypotension if
      their dopamine infusion was > 15 MUg kg(-1)min(-1). Echocardiograms and cortisol
      measurements were obtained between 6 and 14 h after the ligation (prior to the
      presence of catecholamine-resistant hypotension). RESULT: Forty-five infants were
      enrolled, 10 received catecholamines (6 were catecholamine-responsive and 4
      developed catecholamine-resistant hypotension). Catecholamine-resistant
      hypotension was not associated with decreased preload, shortening fraction or
      ventricular output. Infants with catecholamine-resistant hypotension had
      significantly lower levels of systemic vascular resistance and postoperative
      cortisol concentration. CONCLUSION: We speculate that low cortisol levels and
      impaired vascular tone may have a more important role than impaired cardiac
      performance in post-ligation catecholamine-resistant hypotension.

PMID- 25118729
TI  - Revisiting epidermal growth factor receptor in glioblastoma multiforme: does it
      play a role in response to therapy?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are the most aggressive class
      of cancer of central nervous system with hallmark characteristics that include
      rampant proliferation, necrosis, and endothelial proliferation. Epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) has been implicated as the primary contributor to
      glioblastoma initiation and succession. The present study was designed to
      evaluate EGFR protein expression in GBM as predictor of response to therapy and
      survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epidermal growth factor receptor was assessed by
      immunohistochemistry as a percentage of positive tumor cells in hot spots (10
      high-power fields). The study group comprised of 35 cases of GBM. All cases
      underwent surgical resection and subsequently underwent radiotherapy (n = 17) or
      radiotherapy with adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy (n = 18). Immediate response
      to therapy was assessed at 3 months using World Health Organization response
      evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria and cases followed up for survival.
      RESULTS: Twenty-four cases (68.6%) expressed EGFR while 11/35 (31.4%) cases were
      negative. Response to therapy was evident in 21/35 cases (60.0%) and 14/35 were
      (40.0%) nonresponders. Mean EGFR protein expression in responders was 37.23 +/-
      33.70 and in nonresponders was 59.5 +/- 39.46 (P = 0.542). The percentage of
      responders which were EGFR negative was 72.7% and while response in EGFR positive
      cases was observed in 54.2%. Mean survival in EGFR positive and negative GBM was
      394.37 +/- 189.11 and 420.54 +/- 191.23 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: The EGFR
      negative cases appear to respond better to therapy, however, the difference is
      not statistically significant (P = 0.298). Further, EGFR protein expression does
      not play a definitive role in predicting survival. This is an original study
      evaluating EGFR in terms of therapeutic response.

PMID- 25118730
TI  - The prognostic significance of bone marrow metastases: evaluation of 58 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone marrow biopsy is widely used method for diagnosis, follow-up and
      staging of hemato-oncologic diseases. This procedure is also used for determining
      the bone marrow metastasis in patients with solid tumors. In this study,
      clinical, hematological, and pathological features of 58 patients with bone
      marrow metastases diagnosed by bone marrow biopsies were examined retrospectively
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 3345 bone marrow biopsies performed in our hospital
      between January 2006 and August 2013, 58 cases with solid tumor metastasized to
      bone marrow were included in this study. RESULTS: Among 58 cases with solid organ
      carcinoma metastasis in bone marrow, mean age was 59.9. Thirty-nine cases were
      found to have a known primary tumor focus. The most common tumors metastasized to
      bone marrow were breast carcinomas (23 patients, 59%), gastric carcinomas (6
      patients, 15.3%), prostate carcinomas (4 patients, 10,2%), and lung carcinomas (3
      patients, 7.7%), respectively. Nineteen patients were firstly diagnosed from bone
      marrow biopsies as metastatic carcinomas. The median overall survival after bone
      marrow metastasis was 28 days (95% confidence interval: 7.5-48.4). The median
      overall survival difference was not statistically significant between patients
      with primary known and unknown tumor (P = 0.973). Statistically significant
      difference was observed between the survival of breast cancer and gastric cancer
      (P = 0.028). The most common hematologic symptom was the coexistence of anemia
      and thrombocytopenia (31%), thrombocytopenia (27.6%) and anemia (20.7%) alone.
      The median overall survival difference was statistically significant between
      patients who have anemia and thrombocytopenia (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Bone
      marrow biopsy is an easily accessible, easily applied, a useful procedure for
      diagnosing metastatic diseases in patients with hematologic symptoms such as
      anemia and thrombocytopenia besides being an uncomfortable procedure for
      patients. Furthermore, it is useful in predicting the prognosis and short survey
      after diagnosing bone marrow metastasis.

PMID- 25118732
TI  - Prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing uropathogens and their
      antibiotic resistance profile in patients visiting a tertiary care hospital in
      central India: Implications on empiric therapy.
AB  - CONTEXT: Antimicrobial resistance showed by different uropathogens is one of the
      barricades that might hinder a successful treatment. Detection of extended
      spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production among uropathogens is an important
      marker of endemicity. AIMS: The present prospective study was done to identify
      the trends of uropathogens, to find the prevalence of ESBL isolates and to study
      the antibiotic resistance profile of the ESBL and non-ESBL uropathogenic
      isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in the Department of
      Microbiology of a teaching tertiary care hospital from July 2013 to September
      2013. All the uropathogenic isolates were identified up to species level by
      conventional methods. The prevalence of potential ESBL producers was explored.
      Antibiotic resistance test of the urinary isolates was done by disc-diffusion
      method and the results were interpreted according to Clinical Laboratory
      Standards Institute-2013 guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 670 urine samples from
      male and female patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD) and inpatient
      department (IPD) of our hospital were collected. A significantly higher number of
      IPD and OPD males (55.1% and 55.5%) were found to be culture positive.
      Escherichia coli (55.3%) was the most frequently isolated uropathogen followed by
      Klebsiella pneumoniae (23%). However, strains of Escherichia coli (41.6%) were
      the highest ESBL producing isolates followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36.1%).
      ESBL producing isolates were found to be multidrug-resistant when compared to non
      ESBL producers. However, excessive drug-resistance among non-ESBL producing
      isolates can't be ignored. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms a global trend toward
      increased resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. We emphasize on the formulation
      of antibiotic policy for a particular geographical area.

PMID- 25118731
TI  - An appraisal of clinicopathological parameters in Japanese encephalitis and
      changing epidemiological trends in upper Assam, India.
AB  - CONTEXT: Japanese encephalitis (JE), an acute mosquito-borne viral disease, is
      one of the leading causes of viral encephalitis in the South-East Asian region.
      JE is endemic in Assam. The morbidity and mortality due to JE is significant with
      outbreaks every year during the monsoons. AIMS: The aim was to study the
      clinicopathological profile of JE; to examine their role in predicting disease
      outcome; and to document the increase in the incidence of JE among the adult
      population in this region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinically suspected acute
      encephalitis syndrome (AES) cases admitted in Assam Medical College and Hospital
      during the period of May 2011 to April 2012 were tested by JE virus specific
      Immunoglobulin M capture ELISA. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data analysis was
      performed using SPSS version 16.0. RESULTS: Out of 424 AES cases, 194 were JE
      positive. The occurrence of JE in adults was higher (P < 0.001) than the
      pediatric age group. The study recorded a high rate of renal dysfunction in JE
      cases. A single case of JE induced abortion and two cases of JE
      neurocysticercosis co-infections were documented. Regression analysis revealed
      that adult population, unconsciousness, paresis and elevated cerebrospinal fluid
      protein level were associated with a worse prognosis in JE cases. Mortality in JE
      positive cases was higher than the JE negative cases (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The
      study attempts to highlight the role played by a combination of clinical and
      laboratory parameters in assessing the severity and outcome in JE and may help in
      directing the limited medical resources toward those that need it the most.

PMID- 25118733
TI  - Comparison of severe pneumonia caused by Human metapneumovirus and respiratory
      syncytial virus in hospitalized children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to compare the incidence and clinical
      characteristics of severe pneumonia caused by Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) to
      respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      total of 151 children hospitalized with severe pneumonia, were tested for hMPV
      using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. At the same time, samples
      were tested for RSV and other common respiratory viruses. Medical records,
      including clinical, laboratory data, and chest radiography findings, were
      reviewed for all children. RESULTS: Of the 151 samples, 88 (58.3%) were positive
      for respiratory viruses. Of the 88 positive, there were 6 (4.0%) with hMPV, 66
      (43.7%) with RSV, 13 (8.6%) with influenza A, 2 (1.3%) with parainfluenza virus
      III, 1 (0.7%) with parainfluenza virus I, 1 (0.7%) with adenovirus and 1 (0.7%)
      with influenza B. hMPV-infected patients were significantly older than RSV
      infected patients (P < 0.001). Children with hMPV pneumonia had fever more
      frequently (P = 0.03). Two hMPV-positive patients (33.3%) required admission to
      an intensive care unit, and two patients (33.3%) required mechanical ventilation.
      The duration of illness was 18.33 +/- 7.09 days. These characteristics of hMPV
      infections were similar to patients with RSV infections. CONCLUSION: Human
      metapneumovirus is an infrequent viral pathogen causing severe pneumonia in
      children. Children with hMPV were older than those with RSV. The disease caused
      by hMPV was similar in presentation and severity to RSV, with a minority of
      children requiring additional respiratory support.

PMID- 25118734
TI  - Prevalence and invasiveness of community-acquired methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reports suggest that the prevalence of community-acquired methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has increased, and that CA-MRSA is more
      virulent than healthcare-associated (HA)-MRSA. AIMS: The aim of this study is to
      gain a better understanding of the invasiveness and prevalence of CA-MRSA in
      patients; we systematically reviewed the literature by conducting a meta
      analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE and PUBMED databases
      from the year these databases were established to January 2013. RESULTS: The
      pooled CA-MRSA prevalence among 50,737 patients from 33 studies was 39.0% (range,
      30.8-47.8%). The pooled CA-MRSA prevalence rates among pediatric and adult
      patients with MRSA infection were 50.2% (range, 37.5-62.8%) and 42.3% (range,
      16.4-73.3%), respectively. The pooled CA-MRSA prevalence rates of MRSA-infected
      patients in Asia, Europe, and North America were 23.1% (range, 12.0-39.8%), 37.4%
      (range, 21.1-56.4%), and 47.4% (range, 35.8-59.4%), respectively. Using the
      random effects model, we determined that the pooled odds ratio of invasive
      infections in CA- and HA-MRSA was 0.30 (95% confidence interval: 0.08-1.10; P =
      0.07, test for heterogeneity P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CA-MRSA
      in MRSA infection varied with area and population. No difference in the ability
      to cause invasive infections was found between CA- and HA-MRSA. This finding
      challenges the view that CA-MRSA is more virulent than HA-MRSA.

PMID- 25118735
TI  - Genotype MTBDR plus assay for molecular detection of rifampicin and isoniazid
      resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - AIM: This study was performed for the rapid identification of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis complex and its resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid, directly
      from the sputum samples of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A commercially available genotype MTBDR plus assay was used for the
      identification and detection of mutations in Mycobacterial isolates. A total of
      100 sputum samples of pulmonary tuberculosis patients were analyzed by using the
      genotype MTBDR plus assay. The MTBDR plus assay is designed to detect the
      mutations in the hotspot region of rpoB gene, katG and regulatory region of inhA
      gene. RESULTS: The genotype MTBDR plus assay detected 22% multidrug resistant
      (MDR), 2% rifampicin (RMP) monoresistant and 1% isoniazid (INH) monoresistant
      isolates. In 22 MDR isolates, the codons most frequently involved in RMP
      associated mutations were codon 531 (54.55%), 516 (31.82%) and 526 (13.63%), and
      90.90% of MDR isolates showed KatG S315T mutations and 9.1% showed inhA C-15T
      mutations associated with INH resistance. CONCLUSION: The new genotype MTBDR plus
      assay represents a rapid, reliable tool for the detection of MDR-TB, wherein
      results are obtained in 5 h allowing early and appropriate treatment, which is
      essential to cut the transmission path and reduce the spread of MDR-TB. The
      genotype MTBDR plus assay can readily be included in a routine laboratory work
      for the early diagnosis and control of MDR-TB.

PMID- 25118736
TI  - Phosphatase and tensin analog expression in arterial atherosclerotic lesions.
AB  - CONTEXT: Phosphatase and tensin analog (PTEN) gene mutation has been proven for
      pro-inflammatory property and proliferative potential through tyrosine kinase
      pathway. We studied mutated PTEN for its pathogenetic association in arterial
      atherosclerosis. AIMS: The objective was to study mutation of PTEN by
      immunohistochemical method in arterial atherosclerotic lesions and correlate with
      grades of atherosclerosis, smooth muscle migration in intima, degree of
      inflammation and Framingham heart study risk factors. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Human,
      Prospective Clinical study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied patients with
      arterial occlusive disease diagnosed by Doppler ultrasonography over a 2-year
      period. Immunohistochemistry was performed with mouse monoclonal antibodies for
      PTEN and smooth muscle actin (SMA). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test.
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Aorta was the single most common vessel affected (21%).
      Mean age of patients studied was 48.6 years and 80% were male. Mutant PTEN was
      associated with higher grades of atherosclerotic lesions (P < 0.0001) graded by
      American Heart Association classification and with smooth muscle proliferation
      and migration in intima (P < 0.0001). No statistically significant association
      with the vessel wall inflammation and other risk factors of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 25118737
TI  - Loss of chromosome Y in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: age related or neoplastic
      phenomenon?
AB  - Loss of chromosome Y (LOY) in the bone marrow has long been considered as an age
      related phenomenon with an incidence of more than 25% in males beyond the age of
      80 years. Though reported as an acquired abnormality in myeloid neoplasms, it has
      rarely been described in B-lymphoblastic leukemia which primarily is a disease of
      the young. We describe here in three cases of pediatric B-lymphoblastic leukemia
      with LOY. Conventional cytogenetic studies and fluorescence in situ hybridization
      studies using centromeric probes for chromosome X and Y on peripheral blood
      samples ruled out constitutional LOY in all the three cases favoring it to be a
      neoplastic phenomenon. 

PMID- 25118738
TI  - Role of water quality assessments in hospital infection control: experience from
      a new oncology center in eastern India.
AB  - Water quality assessment and timely intervention are essential for health.
      Microbiology, total dissolved solids (TDS) and free residual chlorine were
      measured for water quality maintenance in an oncology center in India. Impact of
      these interventions over a period of 22 months has been demonstrated with four
      cardinal events. Pseudomonas in hospital water was controlled by adequate
      chlorination, whereas high TDS in the central sterile supply department water was
      corrected by the installation of electro-deionization plant. Contaminated bottled
      water was replaced using quality controlled hospital supply. Timely detection and
      correction of water-related issues, including reverse osmosis plant was possible
      through multi-faceted approach to water quality. 

PMID- 25118739
TI  - Observations on Citrobacter species from a tertiary care health center with
      special reference to multi-drug resistance and presence of CTX-M gene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Citrobacter is an important nosocomial pathogen and its multi-drug
      resistant (MDR) isolates are increasingly being reported across the globe. They
      are known to produce extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) and harbor CTX-M
      gene. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to isolate Citrobacter sp. from clinical specimens,
      analyze their MDR status and look for the presence of CTX-M gene. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this prospective study, Citrobacter isolates positive for ESBL on
      screening, were confirmed by combined disc method along with minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) for cefotaxime. In selected cefotaxime resistant isolates,
      multiplex polymerase chain reaction was done for blaCTX-M gene. RESULTS: Of 146
      Citrobacter sp. isolated, most (73%) were from admitted patients and hospital
      stay of >72 h and prior antibiotic intake were the most common associated
      factors. Maximum isolates were from pus (41.1%). Citrobacter freundii was the
      commonest species (49%) followed by Citrobacter koseri (28%); 79 were ESBL
      producers. Seventy were cefotaxime resistant as shown by MIC. blaCTX-M gene was
      detected in 15/40 of these isolates, all belonged to CTX-M group 1. CONCLUSION:
      Overall incidence of Citrobacter in our setup is low, but they were mostly MDR,
      and ESBL production was high, which is a cause of concern. blaCTX-M gene
      detection is important because of its rapid transmission to other bacterial
      species.

PMID- 25118740
TI  - Human parvovirus B19 in Iranian pregnant women: a serologic survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parvovirus B19 infection is associated with clinical symptoms that
      vary in the spectrum from trivial to severe. The important clinical
      manifestations are erythema infectiosum or the fifth disease, transient aplastic
      anemia in patients with hemoglobinopathies, acute polyarthralgia syndrome in
      adults, hydrops fetalis, spontaneous abortion and stillbirth. Acute infection in
      nonimmune pregnant women can lead to fetal hydrops. In view of the many
      complications that can result from acute parvovirus B19 infections during
      pregnancy, documenting the seroprevalence of anti-parvovirus B19 IgG and its
      association with the history of abortion in an Iranian population of pregnant
      women would be of value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum samples from 86 pregnant
      women were collected between May and September 2011 in West Azerbaijan province
      of Iran. Every pregnant woman completed a questionnaire which included age,
      history of tattooing, blood transfusion, and abortion. Anti-B19 specific IgG was
      detected by using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Anti
      B19-specific IgG antibody was detected in (65/86, 75.6%) of pregnant women. The
      mean age was 25.56 +/- 5.30 years and three women had a documented history of
      blood transfusion (2 of them tested seropositive for B19). 16/18 (88.8%) of women
      with a history of abortion were IgG positive. The frequency of abortion sessions
      in the seropositive group (25 sessions of abortion: 11 women experienced once, 2
      twice, 2 thrice and one 4 times) was 4.03 times greater than abortion in
      seronegative group (2 abortions/21 seronegative women). CONCLUSION: Our study
      reaffirms previous reports regarding the higher frequency of abortion among anti
      B19 IgG seropositive pregnant women and a possible role of this viral infection
      in the pathogenesis of abortion.

PMID- 25118741
TI  - Metastatic ganglioneuroma: a misnomer.
AB  - Neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma and ganglioneuroma atumors arising from the
      neural crest cells. Ganglioneuroma is considered as the most mature amongst the
      three and usually has no metastatic potential. Spontaneous maturation of
      neuroblastoma into ganglioneuroma is, however, quite well-known. Here, we present
      a case of an 8-year-old girl child with evidence of metastasis of ganglioneuroma
      into a lymph node. 

PMID- 25118742
TI  - Primary extrauterine endometrial stromal sarcoma: Located in pelvic and abdominal
      tissue and arising in endometriosis.
AB  - Primary extrauterine endometrial stromal sarcoma is a rare tumor and it is
      infrequently associated with endometriosis. We are reporting a case of this
      unusual tumor in a 42-year-old female who presented with multiple nodules of
      tumor in the abdomen and pelvis and with metastases in para-aortic lymph nodes.
      The right parametrium, in addition, had a focus of endometriosis, which was
      contiguous with the tumor, confirming its origin. 

PMID- 25118743
TI  - Leiomyoadenomatoid tumor of the uterus: report of a rare entity and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Adenomatoid tumor occurs in the testicular spermatic cord and ejaculatory duct in
      males and in the fallopian tube and uterus in the females. These are usually
      small, benign lesions and are mostly incidental findings. Leiomyo-adenomatoid
      tumor (LMAT) is a variant of adenomatoid tumor, where in the smooth muscle
      component is predominant. Only nine cases of LMAT are reported so far in the
      English literature. We report one case and review the nine cases reported so far.

PMID- 25118744
TI  - Clear cell myomelanocytic tumor of the falciform ligament/ligamentum teres.
AB  - Clear cell myomelanocytic tumors (CCMTs) of the falciform ligament/ligamentum
      teres are extremely rare. CCMTs are a variant of perivascular epithelioid cell
      tumors. We present a case of hepatic CCMT in a 54-year-old woman with abdominal
      pain. The patient had an 8.8 cm well-demarcated tumor in the right lobe of the
      liver. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a heterogeneous mass that
      enhanced significantly in the arterial and portal venous phases, and was less
      enhanced in the delayed phase. The patient underwent a right hemihepatectomy and
      cholecystectomy. The tumor cells had clear to slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm,
      vesicular nuclei, and were positive for HMB-45 and smooth muscle actin. The
      patient had no recurrence after 36 months follow-up. A review of the literature
      identified 10 hepatic CCMTs. Hepatic CCMTs are usually benign tumors of young
      women that present as large masses located in the right lobe of the liver. 

PMID- 25118746
TI  - Cutaneous myxoma: an important clue to Carney complex.
AB  - A 22-year-old male became unconscious and was found to have left-sided weakness
      and facial asymmetry. Previously, he had up to 35 excisions for subcutaneous
      swellings all over the body, commencing at age 6 years. Examination revealed
      small nodular skin lesions on the neck, the eyelid and hard palate. Two
      dimensional echocardiography showed two left atrial masses. Histopathological
      examination of the subcutaneous lesions showed cutaneous myxomas with a prominent
      epithelial component. The left atrial masses were also myxomas. The case attempts
      to highlight the importance of histopathological examination of subcutaneous
      swellings. Cutaneous and subcutaneous manifestations, including cutaneous
      myxomas, are among the earliest presentations in Carney's complex and may herald
      potentially fatal cardiac myxoma. The prominent epithelial component in cutaneous
      myxomas may be confusing and cause diagnostic difficulties. 

PMID- 25118745
TI  - Clear cell myoepithelial carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma.
AB  - Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common epithelial neoplasm of lacrimal gland. A
      clear cell myoepithelial carcinoma arising in the background of pleomorphic
      adenoma is common in the salivary glands but very rare in the lacrimal glands. We
      report the case of a 27 year old man whose lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma
      recurred several times over a period of four years and ultimately evolved into a
      clear cell myoepithelial carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. 

PMID- 25118747
TI  - Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoepithelioma-like gastric carcinoma located on
      gastric high body: two case reports.
AB  - Lymphoepithelioma-like gastric carcinoma (LELGC) is a rare neoplasm of the
      stomach with an incidence of 1-4% of all gastric cancers. It is characterized by
      the presence of a lymphoid stroma with cells arranged primarily in micro
      alveolar, thin trabecular, and primitive tubular patterns or isolated cells. It
      is one of the histological patterns observed in patients with Epstein - Barr
      virus (EBV)-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC). In situ hybridization was
      usually used to confirm the presence of EBV. There are two types of EBVaGC,
      LELGC, and ordinary type. Approximately, 15-25% of EBVaGC exhibit the LELGC
      pattern. Here, we described two cases of LELGC and the related literatures were
      reviewed as well. The two cases were submucosal mass from a 59- or 63-year-old
      man. We found LELGC has special clinicopathologic features and protein expression
      profile. This should promote us to make a true diagnosis. 

PMID- 25118748
TI  - Diagnostic dilemma in myoepithelial carcinoma of cheek.
AB  - Myoepithelial carcinoma (MC) is a rare neoplasm of the salivary gland generally
      occurring in the parotid gland and rarely in the minor salivary glands. It poses
      a diagnostic challenge on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology because it can
      show different cell types and lack clear features of malignancy. This can lead to
      a range of differential diagnosis on cytology. The diagnostic difficulty can be
      compounded if the lesion is present at an unusual site. A 41-year-old male
      presented with a recurrent swelling on the check since 2 years with a prior
      history of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) at the same site 8 years back. FNA was
      performed and a diagnosis of recurrent PA or myoepithelial cell neoplasm was
      given. Final diagnosis was made on histology and immunohistochemistry studies and
      reported as MC of minor salivary gland originating within PA. Pathologist should
      be aware of the occurrence of MC at the sites of the minor salivary glands in the
      oral cavity and its wide morphologic spectrum to make a confident diagnosis of MC
      preoperatively. 

PMID- 25118749
TI  - Cytoplasmic-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies targeting myeloperoxidase in
      Wegener's granulomatosis: a rare phenomenon.
AB  - Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) patients can rarely have antineutrophil cytoplasmic
      antibodies (ANCAs) directed against myeloperoxidase (MPO), producing a
      cytoplasmic pattern on indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). This has important
      implications in the diagnosis and pathophysiology of the disease. We present to
      you a report of three cases of WG, demonstrating a cytoplasmic-ANCA pattern on
      indirect IIF, but directed against MPO. It is necessary to diagnose a patient
      taking into account both the autoimmune test results and the clinical features. 

PMID- 25118750
TI  - Nonhemophilic hemosiderotic synovitis of the knee: a case report and review of
      literature.
AB  - Synovium is specialized mesenchymal tissue lining the inner surface of the joint
      capsule and is the site for a series of pathologic processes that are
      characteristic, and in some cases specific, to this distinctive tissue.
      Hemosiderotic synovitis is a rare and inadequately defined synovial proliferative
      disorder, which develops with recurrent hemorrhages in the joint. The most
      affected joint from bleeding is the knee whatever the etiology is. Repeated
      hemarthrosis may produce significant structural alteration of joints leading to
      chronic osteoarthritis. The most common cause is hereditary clotting factor
      deficiency diseases like hemophilia. We report a rare case of nonhemophilic
      hemosiderotic synovitis of the knee joint, in which the patient lacks history of
      any bleeding diathesis. Its definitive diagnosis was possible only by
      histopathological examination. The prompt recognition of this distinct subtype of
      hemosiderotic synovitis and awareness of underlying causes should lead to earlier
      diagnosis, appropriate therapy, less joint destruction, and better outcomes. 

PMID- 25118751
TI  - Spurious platelet count due to cryoglobulins in a patient with smoldering
      myeloma.
AB  - Use of automated hematology analyzers for routine blood count reporting has
      increased the reproducibility and accuracy of test results. However, at times,
      these instruments may generate spurious test results. Such results can result in
      inappropriate investigations or treatment decisions in patients. Spuriously
      normal or high platelet counts carry the risk of under diagnosis of the true
      thrombocytopenia with adverse clinical implications. We present a patient with
      smoldering myeloma with spurious platelet count due to cryoglobulins. 

PMID- 25118752
TI  - Omental sclerosing extramedullary hematopoietic tumors in Janus kinase-2 negative
      myelofibrosis: caveat at frozen section.
AB  - Sclerosing extramedullary hematopoietic tumors (SEMHTs) are associated with
      chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms. These extremely rare mass lesions were
      first described in kidney and peritoneum. On histopathology, they are
      characterized by sclerosis, entrapped fat, atypical megakaryocytes with myeloid
      and erythroid elements. Only approximately ten cases have been subsequently
      reported in orbit, lacrimal system, liver, omentum, and skin. The authors present
      a case of SEMHTs as incidentally detected omental nodules, while the patient was
      undergoing splenectomy for Janus kinase-2 negative myelofibrosis. The authors
      postulate their origin in omentum-associated lymphoid tissue; and highlight the
      diagnostic dilemma presented by SEMHTs at frozen section. 

PMID- 25118753
TI  - Aggressive natural killer-cell leukemia: classical presentation of a rare
      disease.
AB  - Aggressive natural killer-cell leukaemia is a rare aggressive form of natural
      killer-cell neoplasm. We report a case of a 40-year-old male who presented with
      jaundice, raised blood counts,generalised lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly.
      The diagnosis was established by flow cytometric analysis of bone marrow
      aspirate. The patient, however, succumbed to his illness within 2 weeks of
      starting chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third reported
      case from India. 

PMID- 25118754
TI  - Hospital acquired urinary tract infection by multidrug-resistant Brevundimonas
      vesicularis.
AB  - Infections caused by Brevundimonas vesicularis, a nonfermenting Gram-negative
      bacterium, are very rare. Here, we report the first case of multidrug-resistant
      hospital acquired urinary tract infection by B. vesicularis. Patient was
      successfully treated with antimicrobial therapy with piperacillin-tazobactam and
      amikacin. 

PMID- 25118755
TI  - Extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Proteus penneri: a rare missed
      pathogen?
AB  - Indole negative Proteus species are invariably incorrectly identified as Proteus
      mirabilis, often missing out isolates of Proteus penneri. We report a case of
      extended spectrum beta lactamase producing and multidrug-resistant P. penneri
      isolated from pus from pressure sore of a patient of road traffic accident.
      Correct and rapid isolation and identification of such resistant pathogen are
      important as they are significant nosocomial threat. 

PMID- 25118756
TI  - Massive pleural effusion due to paragonimiasis: biochemical, cytological, and
      parasitological findings.
AB  - Paragonimiasis is an important food-borne parasitic zoonosis caused by trematode
      species of the genus, Paragonimus occurring in many parts of the world except in
      Australia and Antarctica. In India, it is an emerging parasitic disease, which is
      endemic in the northeast states where people have a common practice of eating raw
      or inadequately cooked freshwater crabs. In these states, Paragonimus
      heterotremus has been identified as the major causative agent of the human
      paragonimiasis. The most common clinical form of the disease is pulmonary
      paragonimiasis; however, extra-pulmonary manifestations are not uncommon. Here,
      we report a case of primary massive unilateral pleural effusion due to
      paragonimiasis. The diagnosis was confirmed by finding Paragonimus ova in the
      pleural fluid. The patient was successfully treated with repeated thoracocentesis
      and a course of praziquantel. 

PMID- 25118757
TI  - Panoramic images of testicular feminizing syndrome.

PMID- 25118758
TI  - Intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis in E-beta thalassemia.

PMID- 25118759
TI  - Cutaneous images of interest of fascioliasis from India.

PMID- 25118760
TI  - Quiz 3/2014.

PMID- 25118761
TI  - Quiz 4/2014.

PMID- 25118762
TI  - Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of gallbladder: a rare presentation.

PMID- 25118763
TI  - Paratesticular myxofibrosarcoma.

PMID- 25118764
TI  - Calcifying fibrous tumor of the rectum: a case report.

PMID- 25118765
TI  - Barium granuloma mimicking carcinoma rectum: an unusual presentation.

PMID- 25118766
TI  - Nodal metastatic, undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma and classical Hodgkin
      lymphoma: age old mimics.

PMID- 25118767
TI  - Gastric glomus tumor: a brief report.

PMID- 25118768
TI  - Solitary angiokeratoma of tongue: a rare entity clinically mistaken as a
      malignant tumor.

PMID- 25118769
TI  - Relevance of synovial cells in gouty tophus on fine needle aspiration cytology.

PMID- 25118770
TI  - Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia M7 presenting with extreme myelofibrosis.

PMID- 25118771
TI  - Histological identification of Entomophthoromycosis in biopsy samples is
      required.

PMID- 25118772
TI  - Intestinal spirochetosis: a disease or an interesting finding.

PMID- 25118773
TI  - Commentary on intestinal spirochetosis.

PMID- 25118774
TI  - Comparison of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute 2008 and 2010
      guidelines in interpreting susceptibility of enterobacteriaceae isolates.

PMID- 25118775
TI  - Isolated nasal chromoblastomycosis.

PMID- 25118776
TI  - Aeromonas species isolated from a case of meningitis.

PMID- 25118777
TI  - Spectrum of lymph node pathology: inadequate data, challenging issues.

PMID- 25118778
TI  - Slide seminars: is it the right way to test the students' surgical pathology
      knowledge?

PMID- 25118779
TI  - Vaccination management and vaccination errors: a representative online-survey
      among primary care physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effective immunizations require a thorough, multi-step process, yet
      few studies comprehensively addressed issues around vaccination management.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess variations in vaccination management and vaccination errors
      in primary care. METHODS: A cross sectional, web-based questionnaire survey was
      performed among 1157 primary physicians from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany: a
      representative 10% random sample of general practitioners (n = 946) and all
      teaching physicians from the University Duisburg-Essen (n = 211). Four quality
      aspects with three items each were included: patient-related quality (patient
      information, patient consent, strategies to increase immunization rates), vaccine
      related quality (practice vaccine spectrum, vaccine pre-selection, vaccination
      documentation), personnel-related quality (recommendation of vaccinations,
      vaccine application, personnel qualification) and storage-related quality
      (storage device, temperature log, vaccine storage control). For each of the four
      quality aspects, "good quality" was reached if all three criteria per quality
      aspect were fulfilled. Good vaccination management was defined as fulfilling all
      twelve items. Additionally, physicians' experiences with errors and nearby-errors
      in vaccination management were obtained. RESULTS: More than 20% of the physicians
      participated in the survey. Good vaccination management was reached by 19% of the
      practices. Patient-related quality was good in 69% of the practices, vaccine
      related quality in 73%, personnel-related quality in 59% and storage-related
      quality in 41% of the practices. No predictors for error reporting and good
      vaccination management were identified. CONCLUSIONS: We identified good results
      for vaccine- and patient-related quality but need to improve issues that revolve
      around vaccine storage.

PMID- 25118781
TI  - Deep penetrating nevus-like borderline tumors: A unique subset of ambiguous
      melanocytic tumors with malignant potential and normal cytogenetics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deep penetrating nevi (DPN) are a relatively uncommon subtype of
      melanocytic nevi. A small subset of these lesions exhibit atypical features
      (cytologic and architectural atypia, mitotic activity) seen in melanoma. These
      lesions we term the deep penetrating nevus-like borderline tumor. Unequivocal
      melanomas can show overlapping morphologic features of DPN, which have been
      termed plexiform melanomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 40 cases of DPN-like borderline
      tumor were identified along with 6 cases of plexiform melanoma. Clinical follow
      up was obtained, along with cytogenetic analysis in the form of fluorescent in
      situ hybridization (FISH) and/or comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).
      RESULTS: The DPN-like borderline tumor cases included 24 females and 16 males. Of
      sentinel lymph node biopsies performed, 1/3 of cases showed lymph node
      involvement. All patients where an aggressive clinical approach was adopted
      remain free of disease. All 6 DPN-like borderline tumor cases tested by CGH
      showed normal cytogenetics, as did 7 of 9 cases tested by FISH. Of the plexiform
      melanomas, 4/6 patients died of disease. In 3 cases there was morphologic
      progression from a DPN-like borderline tumor to overt melanoma. In one case of
      progression, cytogenetics was normal in the DPN-like borderline tumor and then
      abnormal in the progressed melanoma. CONCLUSION: DPN-like borderline tumors are
      melanocytic tumors associated with a high incidence of regional lymph node
      disease and exhibiting the potential for melanoma progression despite a normal
      cytogenetic profile. Patients with these lesions should be aggressively managed,
      with at least complete re-excision and consideration of sentinel node biopsy,
      regardless of cytogenetic data.

PMID- 25118782
TI  - Preventive effects of Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 with different courses
      and different doses on intestinal inflammation in murine model of colitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the in vivo effect of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN)
      with different courses and different doses to Sprague-Dawley rats with
      trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. METHODS: The probiotic was
      orally administered with different courses of treatment (with or without pre
      administration) and different doses (10(7)-10(9) CFU/day) to Sprague-Dawley rats
      with TNBS-induced colitis. Therapeutic effects, levels of cytokine in serum, mRNA
      and protein expression were analyzed. RESULTS: Oral EcN administration after TNBS
      induced improved colitis dose dependently. In parallel, a reduction of disease
      activity index and colonic MPO activity together with a decreased level of TNF
      alpha and a trend of increased IL-10 expression was detected. Pre-administration
      of 10(7)CFU/day EcN to TNBS-treated rats resulted in a significant protection
      against inflammatory response and colons isolated from these rats exhibited a
      more pronounced expression of ZO-1 than the other groups. In the group of pre
      administration of 10(9)CFU/day, the condition was not improved but deteriorated.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study convincingly demonstrates that pre-administration of
      probiotic EcN with low dose is able to protect colitis of rats and mediate up
      regulation of ZO-1 expression, but long-term of high-dose EcN may do harm to
      colitis.

PMID- 25118785
TI  - Relevance of intracellular polarity to accuracy of eukaryotic chemotaxis.
AB  - Eukaryotic chemotaxis is usually mediated by intracellular signals that tend to
      localize at the front or back of the cell. Such intracellular polarities
      frequently require no extracellular guidance cues, indicating that spontaneous
      polarization occurs in the signal network. Spontaneous polarization activity is
      considered relevant to the persistent motions in random cell migrations and
      chemotaxis. In this study, we propose a theoretical model that connects
      spontaneous intracellular polarity and motile ability in a chemoattractant
      solution. We demonstrate that the intracellular polarity can enhance the accuracy
      of chemotaxis. Chemotactic accuracy should also depend on chemoattractant
      concentration through the concentration-dependent correlation time in the
      polarity direction. Both the polarity correlation time and the chemotactic
      accuracy depend on the degree of responsiveness to the chemical gradient. We show
      that optimally accurate chemotaxis occurs at an intermediate responsiveness of
      intracellular polarity. Experimentally, we find that the persistence time of
      randomly migrating Dictyostelium cells depends on the chemoattractant
      concentration, as predicted by our theory. At the optimum responsiveness, this
      ameboid cell can enhance its chemotactic accuracy tenfold. 

PMID- 25118783
TI  - TLR4 inhibition impairs bacterial clearance in a therapeutic setting in murine
      abdominal sepsis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To investigate the therapeutic effect of E5564 (a
      clinically used TLR4 inhibitor) in murine abdominal sepsis elicited by
      intraperitoneal infection with a highly virulent Escherichia coli in the context
      of concurrent antibiotic therapy. METHODS: Mice were infected with different
      doses (~2 * 10(4)-2 * 10(6) CFU) of E. coli O18:K1 and treated after 8 h with
      ceftriaxone 20 mg/kg i.p. combined with either E5564 10 mg/kg i.v. or vehicle.
      For survival studies this treatment was repeated every 12 h. Bacterial loads and
      inflammatory parameters were determined after 20 h in peritoneal lavage fluid,
      blood, liver and lung tissue. Plasma creatinin, AST, ALT and LDH were determined
      to assess organ injury. RESULTS: E5564 impaired bacterial clearance under the
      antibiotic regime after infection with a low dose E. coli (1.7 * 10(4) CFU) while
      renal function was slightly preserved. No differences were observed in bacterial
      load and organ damage after infection with a tenfold higher (1.7 * 10(5) E. coli)
      bacterial dose. While treatment with E5564 slightly attenuated inflammatory
      markers provoked by the sublethal doses of 104-105 E. coli under the antibiotic
      regime, it did not affect lethality evoked by infection with 1.7 * 106 E. coli.
      CONCLUSIONS: The impact of TLR4 inhibition during abdominal sepsis by virulent E.
      coli bacteria is only beneficial at low infection grade at cost of bactericidal
      activity.

PMID- 25118786
TI  - Joep MA Lange.

PMID- 25118784
TI  - Blockade of proteinase-activated receptor 4 inhibits neutrophil recruitment in
      experimental inflammation in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The activation of proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) has
      been implicated in the development of important hallmarks of inflammation,
      including in vivo leukocyte recruitment; however, its role in the regulation of
      leukocyte migration in response to inflammatory stimuli has not been elucidated
      until now. Here, we examined the effects of the PAR4 antagonist YPGKF-NH 2 (tcY
      NH2) on neutrophil recruitment in experimentally induced inflammation. METHODS:
      BALB/c mice were intrapleurally injected with tcY-NH2 (40 ng/kg) prior to
      intrapleural injection of carrageenan (Cg) or neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL8;
      the number of infiltrating neutrophils was evaluated after 4 h, and KC production
      was assessed at different times after Cg injection. Neutrophil adhesion and
      rolling cells were studied using a brain circulation preparation 4 h after the Cg
      or CXCL8 challenge in tcY-NH2-treated mice. RESULTS: PAR4 blockade inhibited
      CXCL8- and Cg-induced neutrophil migration into the pleural cavity of BALB/c mice
      and reduced neutrophil rolling and adherence. Surprisingly, PAR4 blockade
      increased the level of KC in response to carrageenan. CONCLUSION: These results
      demonstrated that PAR4 blockade impairs neutrophil migration in vivo, suggesting
      that PAR4 plays an important role in the regulation of inflammation, at least in
      part because of its ability to inhibit the actions of the neutrophil
      chemoattractant CXCL8.

PMID- 25118787
TI  - A monoclonal antibody against PMEL.
AB  - PMEL, also known as Pmel17 or gp100, is a melanocyte-specific glycoprotein that
      is essential for the formation of stage II melanosomes. As it has a highly
      restricted expression pattern in normal tissues and a transient presence on the
      cell surface, PMEL is believed to be a potential target for antibody drug
      conjugate therapy in some pigmentary diseases. The production of a high
      specificity and high affinity monoclonal antibody against human PMEL was helpful
      for the antibody drug conjugate therapy study. In the present study, monoclonal
      antibodies (MAbs) against PMEL were obtained by immunizing BALB/c mice with the
      recombinant PMEL-GST fusion protein. Three mAbs (A3F, G11B, and J7E) with a titer
      of 1:6000, 1:10,000, and 1:3000, respectively, were obtained. Immunoglobulin
      subclass assay revealed that A3F was IgG2b, G11B was IgG1, and J7E was IgG2a.
      Specificity analysis by Western blotting demonstrated that A3F and J7E cross
      reacted with GPNMB or LAMP; however, G11B reacted with PMEL only.
      Immunohistochemistry experiments showed that G11B could bind human PMEL antigen
      in normal skin. Flow cytometry assay demonstrated that G11B could bind to the
      surface of PMEL positive melanoma cells but not PMEL negative cells. Taken
      together, these results show that this G11B provides a useful tool for the
      antibody drug conjugate therapy study in some pigmentary diseases. 

PMID- 25118788
TI  - Vitamin D status among children and adolescents on anticonvulsant drugs in
      southern Switzerland.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is recognised that vitamin D status is often inadequate (<50
      nmol/l) in epileptic children, mainly because some anticonvulsant drugs induce
      the enzymes responsible for its metabolism. The purpose of the present study was
      to address vitamin D status among children and adolescents treated with
      anticonvulsant drugs and control subjects who reside in southern Switzerland, a
      high solar radiation region. METHODS: Between January and May 2013, total serum
      25-hydroxyvitamin D was assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry in 58 children and adolescents with epilepsy and 29 controls
      residing in southern Switzerland. Dark-skinned individuals, females wearing dress
      styles covering practically the whole body and subjects with body mass index
      >=85th percentile for age and sex were excluded. RESULTS: Concentration of serum
      25-hydroxyvitamin D was similar in epilepsy patients (48 [37-62] nmol/l; median
      and interquartile range) and controls (53 [47-64] nmol/l). An inadequate serum 25
      hydroxyvitamin D concentration was common both among patients (55%) and control
      subjects (34%). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly lower among patients
      treated with anticonvulsant drugs that induce the metabolism of vitamin D (30 [21
      51] nmol/l) than among the remaining patients (51 [40-65] nmol/l) and controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates a relevant tendency towards inadequate
      vitamin D status among children with and without anticonvulsant drug management
      who reside in southern Switzerland. This tendency is more prominent in patients
      treated with anticonvulsant drugs that induce the metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin
      D.

PMID- 25118789
TI  - The pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and ease of use of a novel portable
      metered-dose cannabis inhaler in patients with chronic neuropathic pain: a phase
      1a study.
AB  - Chronic neuropathic pain is often refractory to standard pharmacological
      treatments. Although growing evidence supports the use of inhaled cannabis for
      neuropathic pain, the lack of standard inhaled dosing plays a major obstacle in
      cannabis becoming a "main stream" pharmacological treatment for neuropathic pain.
      The objective of this study was to explore the pharmacokinetics, safety,
      tolerability, efficacy, and ease of use of a novel portable thermal-metered-dose
      inhaler (tMDI) for cannabis in a cohort of eight patients suffering from chronic
      neuropathic pain and on a stable analgesic regimen including medicinal cannabis.
      In a single-dose, open-label study, patients inhaled a single 15.1 +/- 0.1 mg
      dose of cannabis using the Syqe Inhaler device. Blood samples for Delta(9)
      tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 11-hydroxy-Delta(9)-THC were taken at baseline and
      up to 120 minutes. Pain intensity (0-10 VAS), adverse events, and satisfaction
      score were monitored following the inhalation. A uniform pharmacokinetic profile
      was exhibited across all participants (Delta(9)-THC plasma Cmax +/- SD was 38 +/-
      10 ng/mL, Tmax +/- SD was 3 +/- 1 minutes, AUC0->infinity +/- SD was 607 +/- 200
      ng.min/mL). Higher plasma Cmax increase per mg Delta(9)-THC administered (12.3
      ng/mL/mg THC) and lower interindividual variability of Cmax (25.3%), compared
      with reported alternative modes of THC delivery, were measured. A significant 45%
      reduction in pain intensity was noted 20 minutes post inhalation (P = .001),
      turning back to baseline within 90 minutes. Tolerable, lightheadedness, lasting
      15-30 minutes and requiring no intervention, was the only reported adverse event.
      This trial suggests the potential use of the Syqe Inhaler device as a smokeless
      delivery system of medicinal cannabis, producing a Delta(9)-THC pharmacokinetic
      profile with low interindividual variation of Cmax, achieving pharmaceutical
      standards for inhaled drugs.

PMID- 25118790
TI  - Failure of dabigatran and rivaroxaban to prevent thromboembolism in
      antiphospholipid syndrome: a case series of three patients.
AB  - Direct oral factor inhibitors (DOFIs) are an attractive alternative to vitamin K
      antagonists (VKA) for the treatment of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
      (APS). In the absence of prospective, randomised trial data, reports of
      therapeutic failures in clinical practice alert clinicians to potential
      limitations of DOFI therapy for this indication. Data for all cases were
      collected from a centralised system that contains complete medical records of all
      patients treated and followed at Mayo Medical Center. We present here three
      consecutive APS patients who had had no thromboembolism recurrence on warfarin
      but were switched to DOFIs. The diagnosis of APS was established according to
      currently recommended criteria. The three cases were as follows: A woman with
      primary APS developed thrombotic endocarditis with symptomatic cerebral emboli
      after transition to dabigatran. A second woman with primary APS experienced
      ischemic arterial strokes and right transverse-sigmoid sinus thrombosis after
      conversion to rivaroxaban. A man with secondary APS suffered porto-mesenteric
      venous thrombosis after switching to rivaroxaban. None of these patients had
      failed warfarin prior to the transition to DOFIs. Based on these three cases, we
      advocate caution in using DOFIs for APS patients outside of a clinical trial
      setting, until further data becomes available. 

PMID- 25118791
TI  - Acquisition of the stop-spirant alternation in bilingual Mexican Spanish-English
      speaking children: theoretical and clinical implications.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of typical acquisition
      of the Mexican Spanish stop-spirant alternation in bilingual Spanish-English
      speaking children and to shed light on the theoretical debate over which sound is
      the underlying form in the stop-spirant allophonic relationship. We predicted
      that bilingual children would acquire knowledge of this allophonic relationship
      by the time they reach age 5;0 (years;months) and would demonstrate higher
      accuracy on the spirants, indicating their role as the underlying phoneme. This
      quasi-longitudinal study examined children's single word samples in Spanish from
      ages 2;4-8;2. Samples were phonetically transcribed and analyzed for accuracy,
      substitution errors and acoustically for intensity ratios. Bilingual children
      demonstrated overall higher accuracy on the voiced stops as compared to the
      spirants. Differences in substitution errors across ages were found and acoustic
      analyses corroborated perceptual findings. The clinical implication of this
      research is that bilingual children may be in danger of overdiagnosis of speech
      sound disorders because acquisition of this allophonic rule in bilinguals appears
      to differ from what has been found in previous studies examining monolingual
      Spanish speakers.

PMID- 25118792
TI  - Metformin combined with p38 MAPK inhibitor improves cisplatin sensitivity in
      cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of metformin, combined
      with a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, on the sensitivity
      of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer to cisplatin. The expression and
      distribution of phosphorylated p38 MAPK (P-p38 MAPK) was confirmed in drug
      resistant and primary ovarian cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry and western
      blotting. A bromodeoxyuridine ELISA kit was used to analyze the effects of
      metformin, SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, and metformin combined with SB203580,
      on the cell proliferation of SKOV3/DDP cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells.
      The protein expression of P-p38 MAPK was significantly higher in cisplatin
      resistant ovarian cancer, as compared with the primary ovarian cancer tissues.
      Metformin combined with SB203580 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of
      SKOV3/DDP cells to cisplatin. In conclusion, the p38 MAPK signaling pathway may
      be associated with cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer. Metformin, combined with
      the p38 MAPK inhibitor, significantly increased the sensitivity of SKOV3/DDP
      cells to cisplatin treatment. 

PMID- 25118793
TI  - Proteinuria is associated with neurocognitive impairment in antiretroviral
      therapy treated HIV-infected individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proteinuria is a marker of vascular dysfunction that predicted
      increased cardiovascular mortality and is associated with neurocognitive
      impairment (NCI) in population-based studies. We examined associations between
      proteinuria and HIV-associated NCI. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression
      was used to examine associations between NCI at the first neurocognitive
      assessment (baseline) and simultaneous, clinically significant proteinuria [as
      random spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratios (UP/Cr) >=200 mg/g] in a
      prospective multicenter observational cohort study. Generalized estimating
      equations were used to examine associations between baseline proteinuria and
      subsequent NCI among subjects without NCI at baseline. NCI was defined as a Z
      score, derived from the combination of normalized scores from the Trailmaking A
      and B and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Digit Symbol tests.
      RESULTS: A total of 1972 subjects were included in this analysis. Baseline
      proteinuria was associated with increased odds of NCI [odds ratio (OR): 1.41, 95%
      confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 1.85; P = 0.01] and with subsequent NCI among
      subjects without NCI at baseline (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.93; P = 0.046) in
      multivariable models adjusted for risk factors and potential confounders. Similar
      associations were evident when these analyses were limited to visits at which
      time study subjects maintained plasma HIV RNA levels <200 copies per milliliter.
      CONCLUSIONS: The association between proteinuria and NCI observed in this study
      adds to a growing body of evidence implicating contributions by vascular disease
      to NCI in antiretroviral treated individuals. Studies examining interventions
      that improve vascular function are warranted.

PMID- 25118794
TI  - Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a web-based smoking cessation
      intervention for HIV-infected smokers: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a Web-based
      tobacco treatment for persons living with HIV (PLWH). DESIGN: Prospective,
      randomized controlled trial. SETTING: HIV-care center in the Bronx, New York.
      SUBJECTS: Eligibility criteria included HIV infection, current tobacco usage,
      interest in quitting, and access to a computer with internet. One hundred thirty
      eight subjects enrolled, and 134 completed the study. INTERVENTION: Positively
      Smoke Free on the Web (PSFW), an 8-session, 7-week targeted tobacco treatment
      program for PLWH, was compared with standard care (brief advice to quit and self
      help brochure). All subjects were offered nicotine patches. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: The main feasibility outcomes were number of sessions logged into,
      number of Web pages visited, number of interactive clicks, and total time logged
      in. The main efficacy outcome was biochemically verified, 7-day point prevalence
      abstinence 3 months after intervention. RESULTS: PSFW subjects logged into a mean
      of 5.5 of 8 sessions and 26.2 of 41 pages. They executed a mean of 10 interactive
      clicks during a mean total of 59.8 minutes logged in. Most required reminder
      phone calls to complete the sessions. Educational level, anxiety score, and home
      access of the Web site were associated with Web site usage. Ten percent of the
      PSFW group vs. 4.3% of controls achieved the abstinence end point. Among those
      who completed all 8 sessions, 17.9% were abstinent, and among women completers,
      30.8% were abstinent. CONCLUSIONS: Web-based treatment is a feasible strategy for
      PLWH smokers, and preliminary findings suggest therapeutic efficacy.

PMID- 25118796
TI  - Preventing tuberculosis among HIV-infected pregnant women in Lesotho: the case
      for rolling out active case finding and isoniazid preventive therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Lesotho Ministry of Health issued guidelines on active case
      finding (ACF) for tuberculosis (TB) and isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in
      April 2011. ACF has been recommended in maternal and child health (MCH) settings
      globally, however, the feasibility of implementing IPT within MCH in countries
      with high concurrent HIV and TB epidemics is unknown. DESIGN/METHODS: The study
      evaluated the implementation of ACF and IPT guidelines in MCH settings in 2
      health facilities in Lesotho. This descriptive prospective study analyzed data
      collected during routine services. Categorical data and continuous variables were
      summarized using descriptive statistics. The chi test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test
      was used to ascertain significant associations between categorical and continuous
      variables, respectively. RESULTS: Data from 160 HIV-positive and 640 HIV-negative
      women were reviewed. Within this study population, 99.8% of women were screened
      for TB, and 11.4% HIV-positive women compared with 2.3% HIV-negative women were
      reported to have symptoms of TB (P < 0.001). IPT was initiated in 124/158 (78.5%)
      HIV-positive pregnant women, 64.5% women completed a 6-month IPT regimen, 2
      (1.6%) died of causes unrelated to IPT/TB, and 31.5% were lost to follow-up.
      Predictors of IPT initiation among HIV-positive women included gestational age at
      the first antenatal visit (unadjusted odds ratio, -0.93; 95% confidence interval:
      -0.88 to 0.98), and receipt of antiretroviral therapy for treatment rather than
      for prevention of mother-to-child transmission prophylaxis only (odds ratio,
      4.59; 95% confidence interval: 1.32 to 15.93). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of ACF
      and IPT is feasible within the MCH setting. Uptake of IPT during pregnancy among
      HIV-positive women was high, but with a high rate of loss to follow-up.

PMID- 25118797
TI  - Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 as a potential therapeutic target in
      Huntington's disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant
      neurodegenerative disorder caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the amino
      terminal region of the huntingtin (htt) protein, which underlies the loss of
      striatal and cortical neurons. Glutamate has been implicated in a number of
      neurodegenerative diseases, and several studies suggest that the metabotropic
      glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) may represent a target for the treatment of HD.
      AREAS COVERED: The main goal of this review is to discuss the current data in the
      literature regarding the role of mGluR5 in HD and evaluate the potential of
      mGluR5 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of HD. mGluR5 is highly
      expressed in the brain regions affected in HD and is involved in movement
      control. Moreover, mGluR5 interacts with htt and mutated htt profoundly affects
      mGluR5 signaling. However, mGluR5 stimulation can activate both neuroprotective
      and neurotoxic signaling pathways, depending on the context of activation. EXPERT
      OPINION: Although the data published so far strongly indicate that mGluR5 plays a
      major role in HD-associated neurodegeneration, htt aggregation and motor
      symptoms, it is not clear whether mGluR5 stimulation can diminish or intensify
      neuronal cell loss and HD progression. Thus, future experiments will be necessary
      to further investigate the outcome of drugs acting on mGluR5 for the treatment of
      neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 25118795
TI  - High medication adherence during periconception periods among HIV-1-uninfected
      women participating in a clinical trial of antiretroviral pre-exposure
      prophylaxis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be an important safer
      conception strategy for HIV-1-uninfected women with HIV-1-infected partners.
      Understanding medication adherence in this population may inform whether PrEP is
      a feasible safer conception strategy. METHODS: We evaluated predictors of
      pregnancy and adherence to study medication among HIV-1-uninfected women enrolled
      in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of PrEP among African HIV-1
      serodiscordant couples. Participants were counseled on HIV-1 risk reduction,
      contraception, and adherence and tested for pregnancy at monthly study visits.
      Pill counts of dispensed drug were performed and, at a subset of visits, plasma
      was collected to measure active drug concentration. RESULTS: Among 1785 women,
      pregnancy incidence was 10.2 per 100 person-years. Younger age, not using
      contraception, having an additional sexual partner, and reporting unprotected sex
      were associated with increased likelihood of pregnancy. Monthly clinic pill
      counts estimated that women experiencing pregnancy took 97% of prescribed doses
      overall, with at least 80% pill adherence for 98% of study months, and no
      difference in adherence in the periconception period compared with previous
      periods (P = 0.98). Tenofovir was detected in plasma at 71% of visits where
      pregnancy was discovered. By multiple measures, adherence was similar for women
      experiencing and not experiencing pregnancy (P >= 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      clinical trial of PrEP, pregnancy incidence was 10% per year despite excellent
      access to effective contraception. Women experiencing pregnancy had high
      medication adherence, suggesting that PrEP may be an acceptable and feasible
      safer conception strategy for HIV-1-uninfected women with HIV-1-serodiscordant
      partners.

PMID- 25118799
TI  - Two new drugs for skin and skin structure infections.

PMID- 25118800
TI  - Sucroferric oxyhydroxide (Velphoro) for hyperphosphatemia.

PMID- 25118798
TI  - Effects of high mobility group protein box 1 and toll like receptor 4 pathway on
      warts caused by human papillomavirus.
AB  - Accumulative evidence has demonstrated that inflammation has an important role in
      human papillomavirus (HPV) oncogenicity. However, the effects of high mobility
      group protein box 1 (HMGB1)-toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway
      associated inflammation on epidermal warts caused by HPV remain unclear. The
      present study investigated the HMGB1, TLR4 and nuclear factor-kappaB p65
      expression in condyloma acuminatum (CA) and verruca vulgaris (VV).
      Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis revealed that p65 expression in
      epithelial nuclei in VV and CA was significantly higher than in normal skin (NS)
      (P<0.01), and p65 in CA was higher than in VV but this difference was not
      significant. The level of extracellular HMGB1 increased significantly and
      progressively from NS to VV to CA (P<0.05). The level of TLR4 on the surface of
      epithelial membranes in the CA samples was significantly higher than in NS
      (P<0.01), and TLR4 in VV samples was significantly lower than in NS (P<0.01).
      There was a positive correlation between p65 expression in the epithelial nuclei
      and HMGB1 in the epithelial intercellular spaces (r=0.5199, P<0.01). These
      findings indicate that inflammation is intensified in warts caused by HPV. HMGB1
      TLR4 pathway-associated inflammation may therefore have a pivotal role in CA.
      HMGB1, rather than TLR4, may be a vital mediator of inflammation in VV. Therapies
      targeting HMGB1 may be a potential strategy for the treatment of HPV-associated
      warts.

PMID- 25118801
TI  - Glycerol phenylbutyrate (Ravicti) for urea cycle disorders.

PMID- 25118802
TI  - A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device (Cefaly) for migraine
      prevention.

PMID- 25118803
TI  - Accumulated knowledge and prevention practices in oral health.
AB  - This text begins by reflecting on health promotion and equity/ inequity. In
      health, inequity is understood as a political concept that has moral implications
      and that is committed to social justice. A discussion follows on some issues
      regarding the risk and prevention of diseases, still considered a hegemonic
      practice, and lack of experience in oral health-care, bearing in mind the concept
      of vulnerability. The risk is probabilistic and involves the mathematical chances
      of acquiring a disease in a certain group, whereas vulnerability addresses the
      potential of acquiring or not acquiring a disease in a certain environment. The
      need for systematic studies on determinants is stressed, with the ultimate goal
      of improving health and reducing inequities, and with the concern and political
      intention of including health equity in governmental policies. 

PMID- 25118804
TI  - Presence of a plant-like proton-translocating pyrophosphatase in a scuticociliate
      parasite and its role as a possible drug target.
AB  - The proton-translocating inorganic pyrophosphatases (H(+)-PPases) are primary
      electrogenic H(+) pumps that derive energy from the hydrolysis of inorganic
      pyrophosphate (PPi). They are widely distributed among most land plants and have
      also been found in several species of protozoan parasites. Here we describe, for
      the first time, the molecular cloning and functional characterization of a gene
      encoding an H(+)-pyrophosphatase in the protozoan scuticociliate parasite
      Philasterides dicentrarchi, which infects turbot. The predicted P. dicentrarchi
      PPase (PdPPase) consists of 587 amino acids of molecular mass 61.7 kDa and an
      isoelectric point of 5.0. Several motifs characteristic of plant vacuolar H(+)
      PPases (V-H(+)-PPases) were also found in the PdPPase, which contains all the
      sequence motifs of the prototypical type I V-H(+)-PPase from Arabidopsis thaliana
      vacuolar pyrophosphatase type I (AVP1) plant. The PdPPase has a characteristic
      residue that determines strict K(+)-dependence, but unlike AVP1, PdPPase contains
      an N-terminal signal peptide (SP) sequence. Antibodies generated by vaccination
      of mice with a genetic or recombinant protein containing a partial sequence of
      the PdPPase and a common motif with the polyclonal antibody PABHK specific to
      AVP1 recognized a single band of about 62 kDa in western blots. These antibodies
      specifically stained both vacuole and the alveolar membranes of trophozoites of
      P. dicentrarchi. H+ transport was partially inhibited by the bisphosphonate
      pamidronate (PAM) and completely inhibited by NaF. The bisphosphonate PAM
      inhibited both H+-translocation and gene expression. PdPPase and PAM also
      inhibited in vitro growth of the ciliates. The apparent lack of V-H(+)-PPases in
      vertebrates and the parasite sensitivity to PPI analogues may provide a molecular
      target for developing new drugs to control scuticociliatosis.

PMID- 25118805
TI  - Wind farm facilities in Germany kill noctule bats from near and far.
AB  - Over recent years, it became widely accepted that alternative, renewable energy
      may come at some risk for wildlife, for example, when wind turbines cause large
      numbers of bat fatalities. To better assess likely populations effects of wind
      turbine related wildlife fatalities, we studied the geographical origin of the
      most common bat species found dead below German wind turbines, the noctule bat
      (Nyctalus noctula). We measured stable isotope ratios of non-exchangeable
      hydrogen in fur keratin to separate migrants from local individuals, used a
      linear mixed-effects model to identify temporal, spatial and biological factors
      explaining the variance in measured stable isotope ratios and determined the
      geographical breeding provenance of killed migrants using isoscape origin models.
      We found that 72% of noctule bat casualties (n = 136) were of local origin, while
      28% were long-distance migrants. These findings highlight that bat fatalities at
      German wind turbines may affect both local and distant populations. Our results
      indicated a sex and age-specific vulnerability of bats towards lethal accidents
      at turbines, i.e. a relatively high proportion of killed females were recorded
      among migratory individuals, whereas more juveniles than adults were recorded
      among killed bats of local origin. Migratory noctule bats were found to originate
      from distant populations in the Northeastern parts of Europe. The large catchment
      areas of German wind turbines and high vulnerability of female and juvenile
      noctule bats call for immediate action to reduce the negative cross-boundary
      effects of bat fatalities at wind turbines on local and distant populations.
      Further, our study highlights the importance of implementing effective mitigation
      measures and developing species and scale-specific conservation approaches on
      both national and international levels to protect source populations of bats. The
      efficacy of local compensatory measures appears doubtful, at least for migrant
      noctule bats, considering the large geographical catchment areas of German wind
      turbines for this species.

PMID- 25118807
TI  - Profile of microRNAs associated with aging in rat liver.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) play an
      important role in the regulation of genes involved in various cellular and
      developmental processes. However, the expression of miRNAs during the aging
      process remains largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to analyze
      miRNA expression profiles in rat livers during the aging process. The livers of
      male Wistar rats at different stages of development (fetal, aged 3 days, and 1,
      2, 4, 8 and 36 weeks of age) were used. Total RNA was extracted from the livers.
      We analyzed the expression levels of 679 rat miRNA probes. In addition,
      immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was
      performed. Several up- and downregulated miRNAs were identified in the rat livers
      at 7 different fetal developmental stages and at 36 weeks of age. We observed the
      upregulation of miR-29a, miR-29c, miR-195 and miR-497, whereas miR-301a, miR-148b
      3p, miR-7a, miR-93, miR-106b, miR-185, miR-450a, miR-539 and miR-301b were
      downregulated in the aging rat livers. The number of PCNA-positive hepatocytes
      was decreased with age. In conclusion, our findings suggest that these up- and
      downregulated miRNAs play an important role in aging by regulating cell cycles
      that are involved in liver senescence. Further investigation is required to
      reveal additional target genes of the miRNAs expressed in the liver and the roles
      of miRNAs in the developmental process of aging in the liver.

PMID- 25118808
TI  - Unusual cyclic terpenoids with terminal pendant prenyl moieties: from occurrence
      to synthesis.
AB  - The paper reviews the known examples of cyclic terpenoids produced from open
      chain polyenic precursors by an "unusual" biosynthetic pathway, involving
      selective electrophilic attack on an internal double bond followed by
      cyclization. The resulting compounds possess cyclic backbones with pendant
      terminal prenyl groups. Synthetic approaches applied for the synthesis of such
      specifically functionalized compounds are also discussed, as well as biological
      activity of reported representatives.

PMID- 25118809
TI  - Protuberant fibro-osseous lesions of the temporal bone: two additional case
      reports.
AB  - The most commonly encountered fibro-osseous lesions of the skull bone are fibrous
      dysplasia and ossifying fibroma. Two cases of a unique "protuberant fibro-osseous
      lesion of the temporal bone" were first described by Selesnick and colleagues in
      1999, and 2 further cases were reported in 2010 under the name "Bullough lesion".
      We recently found 2 new cases of this rare entity. Two Korean female patients
      aged 70 and 54 years presented with slow growing postauricular masses without
      pain or tenderness for 6 and 7 years, respectively. Computed tomography revealed
      a 2.9 cm calcified mass in the temporal bone of the first patient, and a 5.5 cm
      enhancing mass with internal cartilaginous matrix in the temporal bone of the
      second patient. Intramedullary or intracranial extension was not found in either
      case, and en bloc removals were performed. Microscopically, multiple round to
      oval osseous islands were scattered throughout the bland fibrous stroma in both
      cases. The osseous islands varied in size and were lamellar or woven, without
      osteoblastic rimming, and surrounded by fibroblastic bands. Neither patient has
      shown evidence of postoperative recurrence for 18 months. The location,
      histology, and clinical course of these 2 cases were identical to the 4 cases
      previously reported, although age and sex varied. The lesions were tested for the
      R201H mutation in the GNAS gene, which is present in fibrous dysplasia. No
      mutations were found, suggesting a different genetic background for these
      lesions. 

PMID- 25118806
TI  - The potential of transcription factor-based genetic engineering in improving crop
      tolerance to drought.
AB  - Drought is one of the major constraints in crop production and has an effect on a
      global scale. In order to improve crop production, it is necessary to understand
      how plants respond to stress. A good understanding of regulatory mechanisms
      involved in plant responses during drought will enable researchers to explore and
      manipulate key regulatory points in order to enhance stress tolerance in crops.
      Transcription factors (TFs) have played an important role in crop improvement
      from the dawn of agriculture. TFs are therefore good candidates for genetic
      engineering to improve crop tolerance to drought because of their role as master
      regulators of clusters of genes. Many families of TFs, such as CCAAT,
      homeodomain, bHLH, NAC, AP2/ERF, bZIP, and WRKY have members that may have the
      potential to be tools for improving crop tolerance to drought. In this review,
      the roles of TFs as tools to improve drought tolerance in crops are discussed.
      The review also focuses on current strategies in the use of TFs, with emphasis on
      several major TF families in improving drought tolerance of major crops. Finally,
      many promising transgenic lines that may have improved drought responses have
      been poorly characterized and consequently their usefulness in the field is
      uncertain. New advances in high-throughput phenotyping, both greenhouse and field
      based, should facilitate improved phenomics of transgenic lines. Systems biology
      approaches should then define the underlying changes that result in higher yields
      under water stress conditions. These new technologies should help show whether
      manipulating TFs can have effects on yield under field conditions.

PMID- 25118810
TI  - Activating BRAF V600E mutation in aggressive pediatric Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis: demonstration by allele-specific PCR/direct sequencing and
      immunohistochemistry.
AB  - Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare neoplastic disease originating from
      cells characterized by antigen-presenting Langerhans cell phenotype. The clinical
      spectrum of LCH is highly variable including localized and disseminated forms
      mostly occurring in children. Recently, about 60% of LCHs were reported to carry
      the activating BRAF mutation V600E. In our retrospective study, we evaluated the
      occurrence and prognostic impact of the V600E mutation in formaldehyde-fixed,
      paraffin-embedded samples from 15 pediatric LCH cases treated at our institution.
      Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing were used
      to demonstrate the presence of V600E mutation, and immunohistochemistry (IHC)
      using the mutant protein-specific VE1 antibody clone was performed to confirm
      mutant BRAF protein expression. Eight of 15 (53.3%) cases proved to be BRAF
      mutants by any of the methods applied, with a single case showing a discrepancy
      (PCR negative/IHC positive). Four of the BRAF-mutant cases (50.0%) showed
      refractory disease and progressed to death within 43 months, whereas the
      remaining mutant cases were stable and responded well to therapy. Wild-type BRAF
      cases (7/15, 46.6%) with generally comparable initial presentation were all
      treated successfully. In conclusion, activating V600E BRAF mutation can be
      frequently demonstrated in pediatric LCH by both allele-specific PCR and IHC.
      Unfavorable risk cases potentially also responding to BRAF-inhibitory therapy can
      be identified by mutation testing using archival formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin
      embedded tumor samples. 

PMID- 25118811
TI  - Uterine polyps with features overlapping with those of Mullerian adenosarcoma: a
      clinicopathologic analysis of 29 cases emphasizing their likely benign nature.
AB  - Mullerian adenosarcoma (MA) is a mixed Mullerian neoplasm composed of malignant
      stroma and benign epithelium. Endometrial and endocervical polyps are common
      entities in surgical pathology practice and most can be readily distinguished
      from MA; however, some have overlapping features, causing diagnostic confusion.
      In this study, we examined uterine polyps falling short of the diagnosis of MA
      quantitatively, qualitatively, or both. Our aims were to (1) characterize
      formally the morphologic features of atypical uterine polyps and (2) determine
      clinical outcome. Cases were evaluated for morphologic features of MA (phyllodes
      like architecture, intraglandular polypoid projections, altered periglandular
      stroma, and stromal cytologic atypia), and the maximum number of mitoses per 10
      high-power fields. The percentage involvement within a polyp by any atypical
      feature was estimated. The most common change was abnormal architecture, although
      periglandular stromal abnormalities and increased mitoses were also frequent
      findings. Stromal cytologic atypia was rare and when present was focal and mild.
      Histologic follow-up was performed in 24/29 (86%). Two patients had uterine
      polyps with unusual features similar to those noted on the initial biopsy. The
      remainder showed either polyp without unusual features or no residual polyp.
      Clinical follow-up information was available for 28/29 (97%). Twenty-seven of 28
      were alive without evidence of disease, whereas 1 patient had died of pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma. We have shown that uterine polyps with features overlapping with
      those of MA have a benign clinical course, even with conservative management, as
      no cases showed progression or malignant transformation. 

PMID- 25118812
TI  - Distinguishing nested variants of urothelial carcinoma from benign mimickers by
      TERT promoter mutation.
AB  - Nested variant of urothelial carcinoma (NVUC) is an uncommon variant with
      minimally atypical cytology, which may overlap with benign urothelial lesions
      such as von Brunn nests, cystitis cystica, cystitis glandularis, and nephrogenic
      adenoma. Because of the tumor's deceptively bland appearance, these cancers can
      potentially be misdiagnosed as benign lesions, leading in some cases to a
      significant delay in correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Prior studies
      suggest that Ki67 and p53 are useful markers in distinguishing NVUC from benign
      lesions. However, the overlap in the rates of immunoreactivity has prevented
      pathologists from using these markers as reliable adjunct markers in
      differentiating NVUC from mimickers. In addition, large nested variant urothelial
      carcinoma (LNVUC), a relatively new entity, shares features of both the NVUC and
      papillary urothelial carcinomas with an inverted growth pattern. They also mimic
      benign lesions, such as proliferation of von Brunn nests and inverted urothelial
      papilloma. With the recent demonstration of a strong association of TERT promoter
      mutations and urothelial carcinoma, we hypothesized that TERT promoter mutations
      would be a useful marker to distinguish NVUC and LNVUC from other benign
      urothelial lesions. We have therefore sequenced the TERT promoter region of 20
      cases of NVUC, 10 cases of LNVUC, 5 cases of von Brunn nests, 3 cases of cystitis
      cystica, 3 cases of cystitis glandularis, and 3 cases of nephrogenic adenoma. We
      found that 17 of 20 cases of NVUC and 8 of 10 cases of LNVUC had TERT promoter
      mutation: C228T; no mutation was found in any of the benign mimickers (0/14).
      This result strongly suggests that TERT promoter mutation is a useful adjunct
      biomarker to distinguish NVUC and LNVUC from benign mimickers. 

PMID- 25118813
TI  - Gastrointestinal tract-derived pulse granulomata: clues to an underrecognized
      pseudotumor.
AB  - Pulse granulomata (PG) in the lung and oral pathology literature are presumed due
      to food (pulse) introduced by mucosal injury. Herein, we report the largest
      series of PG in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT): 22 resections were
      prospectively collected from 17 patients (8 men, range=28 to 85 y). All patients
      had a history of intestinal injury/disease: diverticulitis, fistula,
      adenocarcinoma, perforation, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, anastomotic site
      leak, and/or stent leak. Nine of 22 specimens were designated "masses"; most of
      these were clinically concerning for neoplasia. Sites of involvement included the
      small and large intestine, appendix, liver, gallbladder, mesentery, omentum,
      peritoneum, cervix, ovary, and skin. PG were typically nodular (21/22) and
      multifocal (15/22); most involved the external surface of the bowel (20/22), and
      they ranged in size from 1.5 to 100 mm. Histologically, they contained variable
      amounts of hyaline ribbons and rings, inflammation, foreign body giant cells,
      calcifications, and food; larger lesions displayed circumferential stellate
      fibrosis (12/22). We describe 3 morphologic variants: hyaline predominant
      (mimicking amyloid), cellular predominant (mimicking spindle cell neoplasms), and
      sclerosing mesenteritis-like. All patients are alive and well at the time of
      follow-up. Histologically processed legumes showed similar structures as those
      identified in PG, providing support for an entrapped food origin. In summary, we
      detail important clinicopathologic clues, describe the PG morphologic spectrum,
      and demonstrate how to distinguish PG from their mimics. Although PG can present
      as clinically concerning masses, we conclude that they are pseudotumors arising
      secondary to entrapped food introduced through mucosal trauma, similar to their
      lung and oral counterparts. 

PMID- 25118814
TI  - Annexin A10 expression in microsatellite-unstable colorectal cancers: is it
      specific to sporadic tumors?

PMID- 25118815
TI  - Lobular panniculitic infiltrates with overlapping histopathologic features of
      lupus panniculitis (lupus profundus) and subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma: a
      conceptual and practical dilemma.
AB  - Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is characterized by
      panniculitic infiltrates that may be difficult to distinguish from inflammatory
      disorders, particularly lupus erythematosus profundus (LEP). We report on 11
      patients (M:F=5:6; median age: 49 y; range: 20 to 75 y) presenting with lobular
      panniculitic infiltrates showing histopathologic features of both SPTCL and LEP
      in different parts of the same biopsy specimen. The areas showing aspects of
      SPTCL revealed dense infiltrates of small and medium-sized, atypical alpha/beta T
      cytotoxic lymphocytes with focal rimming of the adipocytes and high
      proliferation. In other areas the infiltrate was composed of nodules of B
      lymphocytes arranged characteristically at the periphery of the fat lobules and
      in the septa and showing a low proliferation rate. CD123-positive plasmocytoid
      dendritic cells arranged in small clusters could be observed in 3 cases. Our
      observation raises an important question concerning the relationship between
      SPTCL and LEP. A simple chance overlap of 2 unrelated pathologies seems unlikely,
      as we could observe these unusual features in 11 cases, much more than mere
      chance would justify. Three other hypotheses may explain the features observed in
      our patients: (1) these are examples of SPTCL with focal histologic features
      mimicking those of LEP; (2) these are examples of LEP with focal atypical
      histologic features mimicking those of SPTCL; (3) SPTCL and LEP may represent 2
      ends of a spectrum, a hypothesis that may be supported by the frequent
      association of the 2 diseases. 

PMID- 25118817
TI  - Light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM): past, present and future.
AB  - Light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has emerged as an important imaging
      modality to follow biology in live 3D samples over time with reduced
      phototoxicity and photobleaching. In particular, LSFM has been instrumental in
      revealing the detail of early embryonic development of Zebrafish, Drosophila, and
      C. elegans. Open access projects, DIY-SPIM, OpenSPIM, and OpenSPIN, now allow
      LSFM to be set-up easily and at low cost. The aim of this paper is to facilitate
      the set-up and use of LSFM by reviewing and comparing open access projects, image
      processing tools and future challenges. 

PMID- 25118816
TI  - Intracellular TCR-signaling pathway: novel markers for lymphoma diagnosis and
      potential therapeutic targets.
AB  - Despite the immunologic functions of T-cell receptor signaling molecules being
      extensively investigated, their potential as immunohistochemical markers has been
      poorly explored. With this background, we evaluated the expression of 5
      intracellular proteins-GADS, DOK2, SKAP55, ITK, and PKCalpha-involved in T-cell
      receptor signaling in normal and neoplastic hematologic tissue samples, using
      antibodies raised against fixation-resistant epitopes of the 5 molecules. All 5
      antibodies were associated with normal T-cell differentiation. GADS, DOK2,
      SKAP55, and ITK turned out to be T-cell lineage-specific markers in the setting
      of lymphoid and myeloid precursor neoplasms but showed differential expression in
      peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) subtypes, being detected in PTCL/not otherwise
      specified (NOS) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma but negative in anaplastic
      large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Peripheral B-cell lymphomas were consistently
      negative for ITK, with occasional cases showing expression of DOK2 and SKAP55,
      and a proportion (47%) of hairy cell leukemias were GADS. Notably, PKCalpha
      highlighted a defective antigen in both PTCL/NOS (6%) and angioimmunoblastic T
      cell lymphoma (10%), mostly negative in ALCL, and was aberrantly expressed in
      classical Hodgkin lymphoma (65%), Burkitt lymphoma (48%), and plasma cell myeloma
      (48%). In conclusion, all five molecules evaluated play a role in T-cell
      differentiation in normal and neoplastic tissues. They can be applied confidently
      to routine sections contributing primarily to assignment of T-lineage
      differentiation in the setting of hematopoietic precursor neoplasms
      (GADS/DOK2/SKAP55/ITK) and for the differential diagnosis between ALCL and
      PTCL/NOS (GADS/DOK2/SKAP55/ITK) or classical Hodgkin lymphoma (PKCalpha).
      Finally, association with specific tumor subtypes may have therapeutic potential.

PMID- 25118818
TI  - Controlled drug release from the aggregation-disaggregation behavior of pH
      responsive microgels.
AB  - In this submission, two independent sets of microgels were synthesized that
      exhibit pH responsivity over different solution pH ranges. The microgels were
      synthesized by copolymerizing two different comonomers with poly(N
      isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm). The microgels copolymerized with acrylic acid
      exhibit a negative charge above pH 4.25, while the microgels copolymerized with N
      [3-(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide exhibit a positive charge below pH 8.4;
      these microgels are neutral outside of these pH ranges. We show that aggregates
      form when the two independent sets of microgels are exposed to one another in a
      solution that renders them both charged. Furthermore, in solutions of pH outside
      of this range, the microgels disaggregate because one of the microgels becomes
      neutralized. This behavior was exploited to load (aggregation) and release
      (disaggregation) a small-molecule model drug, methylene blue. This aggregate
      based system is one example of how pNIPAm-based microgels can be used for
      controlled/triggered drug delivery, which can have implications for therapeutics.

PMID- 25118820
TI  - Crystal structure and luminescence property of a novel blue-emitting
      Cs2xCa2xGd2(1-x)(PO4)2:Eu(2+) (x = 0.36) phosphor.
AB  - A novel blue-emitting double-phosphate phosphor Cs0.72Ca0.72Gd1.28(PO4)2:Eu(2+)
      was synthesized by the sol-gel method, and the structure and luminescence
      properties were investigated in detail. The crystal structure and chemical
      composition of Cs0.72Ca0.72Gd1.28(PO4)2 matrix was analyzed and determined based
      on Rietveld refinements and phase and chemical composition analysis. The
      composition-optimized Cs0.72Ca0.72Gd1.28(PO4)2:Eu(2+) exhibited strong blue
      light, peaking at 462 nm upon excitation at 365 nm with the CIE coordinates of
      (0.139, 0.091). The quenching concentration of Eu(2+) in the
      Cs0.72Ca0.72Gd1.28(PO4)2 phase was about 0.01 and attributed to the dipole
      quadrupole interaction. The thermally stable luminescence properties,
      fluorescence decay curves and diffuse reflectance spectra of
      Cs0.72Ca0.72Gd1.28(PO4)2:Eu(2+) phosphors are also discussed, all of which
      indicate that the Cs0.72Ca0.72Gd1.28(PO4)2:Eu(2+) phosphor is a promising
      phosphor for application in white-light UV LEDs. 

PMID- 25118819
TI  - Quantitative comparison and metabolite profiling of saponins in different parts
      of the root of Panax notoginseng.
AB  - Although both rhizome and root of Panax notoginseng are officially utilized as
      notoginseng in "Chinese Pharmacopoeia", individual parts of the root were
      differently used in practice. To provide chemical evidence for the differentiated
      usage, quantitative comparison and metabolite profiling of different portions
      derived from the whole root, as well as commercial samples, were carried out,
      showing an overall higher content of saponins in rhizome, followed by main root,
      branch root, and fibrous root. Ginsenoside Rb2 was proposed as a potential marker
      with a content of 0.5 mg/g as a threshold value for differentiating rhizome from
      other parts. Multivariate analysis of the metabolite profile further suggested 32
      saponins as potential markers for the discrimination of different parts of
      notoginseng. Collectively, the study provided comprehensive chemical evidence for
      the distinct usage of different parts of notoginseng and, hence, is of great
      importance for the rational application and exploitation of individual parts of
      notoginseng. 

PMID- 25118821
TI  - Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane on dynamically rearranging supported chloride
      catalysts.
AB  - Ethane is oxidatively dehydrogenated with a selectivity up to 95% on catalysts
      comprising a mixed molten alkali chloride supported on a mildly redox-active
      Dy2O3-doped MgO. The reactive oxyanionic OCl(-) species acting as active sites
      are catalytically formed by oxidation of Cl(-) at the MgO surface. Under reaction
      conditions this site is regenerated by O2, dissolving first in the alkali
      chloride melt, and in the second step dissociating and replenishing the oxygen
      vacancies on MgO. The oxyanion reactively dehydrogenates ethane at the melt-gas
      phase interface with nearly ideal selectivity. Thus, the reaction is concluded to
      proceed via two coupled steps following a Mars-van-Krevelen-mechanism at the
      solid-liquid and gas-liquid interface. The dissociation of O2 and/or the
      oxidation of Cl(-) at the melt-solid interface is concluded to have the lowest
      forward rate constants. The compositions of the oxide core and the molten
      chloride shell control the catalytic activity via the redox potential of the
      metal oxide and of the OCl(-). Traces of water may be present in the molten
      chloride under reaction conditions, but the specific impact of this water is not
      obvious at present. The spatial separation of oxygen and ethane activation sites
      and the dynamic rearrangement of the surface anions and cations, preventing the
      exposure of coordinatively unsaturated cations, are concluded to be the origin of
      the surprisingly high olefin selectivity. 

PMID- 25118823
TI  - Narrative review of the barriers and facilitators to chlamydia testing in general
      practice.
AB  - As the cornerstone of Australian primary health care, general practice is a
      setting well suited for regular chlamydia testing but testing rates remain low.
      This review examines the barriers and facilitators to chlamydia testing in
      general practice. Six databases--Medline, PubMed, Meditext, PsycInfo, Scopus and
      Web of Science--were used to identify peer-reviewed publications that addressed
      barriers and facilitators to chlamydia testing in general practice using the
      following terms: 'chlamydia test*', 'STI test*' 'general practice', 'primary
      care', 'family medicine', 'barriers', 'facilitators' and 'enablers' from 1997
      until November 2013. Data about the study design and key findings were extracted
      from the publications. A framework method was used to manage the data and
      organise publications into three categories -patient, general practitioner, and
      general practice. Key findings were then classified as a barrier or facilitator.
      Sixty-nine publications were included, with 41 quantitative studies, 17
      qualitative studies, and 11 using mixed methods. Common barriers identified in
      all three groups included a lack of knowledge, awareness or training, demands on
      time and workload, and the social context of testing. Facilitators included the
      normalisation of testing, the use of nurses and other practice staff, education
      and incentives. Numerous barriers and facilitators to chlamydia testing in
      general practice have been identified. While the barriers are well studied, many
      of the facilitators are not as well researched, and highlight areas for further
      study.

PMID- 25118822
TI  - Generation of Ugt1-deficient murine liver cell lines using TALEN technology.
AB  - The Crigler-Najjar Syndrome Type I (CNSI) is a rare genetic disorder caused by
      mutations in the Ugt1a1 gene. It is characterized by unconjugated
      hyperbilirubinemia that may result in severe neurologic damage and death if
      untreated. To date, liver transplantation is the only curative treatment. With
      the aim of generating mutant cell lines of the Ugt1 gene, we utilized the TALEN
      technology to introduce site-specific mutations in Ugt1 exon 4. We report a fast
      and efficient method to perform gene knockout in tissue culture cells, based on
      the use of TALEN pairs targeting restriction enzyme (RE) sites in the region of
      interest. This strategy overcame the presence of allele-specific single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and pseudogenes, conditions that limit INDELs'
      detection by Surveyor. We obtained liver-derived murine N-Muli cell clones having
      INDELs with efficiency close to 40%, depending on the TALEN pair and RE target
      site. Sequencing of the target locus and WB analysis of the isolated cell clones
      showed a high proportion of biallelic mutations in cells treated with the most
      efficient TALEN pair. Ugt glucuronidation activity was reduced basal levels in
      the biallelic mutant clones. These mutant liver-derived cell lines could be a
      very useful tool to study biochemical aspects of Ugt1 enzyme activity in a more
      natural context, such as substrate specificity, requirement of specific co
      factors, the study of inhibitors and other pharmacological aspects, and to
      correlate enzyme activity to the presence of specific mutations in the gene, by
      adding back to the mutant cell clones specific variants of the Ugt1 gene. In
      addition, since genome editing has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic
      approach to cure genetic diseases, the definition of the most efficient TALEN
      pair could be an important step towards setting up a platform to perform genome
      editing in CNSI. 

PMID- 25118824
TI  - Influence of functional groups on organic aerosol cloud condensation nucleus
      activity.
AB  - Organic aerosols in the atmosphere are composed of a wide variety of species,
      reflecting the multitude of sources and growth processes of these particles.
      Especially challenging is predicting how these particles act as cloud
      condensation nuclei (CCN). Previous studies have characterized the CCN efficiency
      for organic compounds in terms of a hygroscopicity parameter, kappa. Here we
      extend these studies by systematically testing the influence of the number and
      location of molecular functional groups on the hygroscopicity of organic
      aerosols. Organic compounds synthesized via gas-phase and liquid-phase reactions
      were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with
      scanning flow CCN analysis and thermal desorption particle beam mass
      spectrometry. These experiments quantified changes in kappa with the addition of
      one or more functional groups to otherwise similar molecules. The increase in
      kappa per group decreased in the following order: hydroxyl ? carboxyl >
      hydroperoxide > nitrate ? methylene (where nitrate and methylene produced
      negative effects, and hydroperoxide and nitrate groups produced the smallest
      absolute effects). Our results contribute to a mechanistic understanding of
      chemical aging and will help guide input and parametrization choices in models
      relying on simplified treatments such as the atomic oxygen:carbon ratio to
      predict the evolution of organic aerosol hygroscopicity. 

PMID- 25118825
TI  - Vapor-wall deposition in chambers: theoretical considerations.
AB  - In order to constrain the effects of vapor-wall deposition on measured secondary
      organic aerosol (SOA) yields in laboratory chambers, researchers recently varied
      the seed aerosol surface area in toluene oxidation and observed a clear increase
      in the SOA yield with increasing seed surface area (Zhang, X.; et al. Proc. Natl.
      Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2014, 111, 5802). Using a coupled vapor-particle dynamics
      model, we examine the extent to which this increase is the result of vapor-wall
      deposition versus kinetic limitations arising from imperfect accommodation of
      organic species into the particle phase. We show that a seed surface area
      dependence of the SOA yield is present only when condensation of vapors onto
      particles is kinetically limited. The existence of kinetic limitation can be
      predicted by comparing the characteristic time scales of gas-phase reaction,
      vapor-wall deposition, and gas-particle equilibration. The gas-particle
      equilibration time scale depends on the gas-particle accommodation coefficient
      alphap. Regardless of the extent of kinetic limitation, vapor-wall deposition
      depresses the SOA yield from that in its absence since vapor molecules that might
      otherwise condense on particles deposit on the walls. To accurately extrapolate
      chamber-derived yields to atmospheric conditions, both vapor-wall deposition and
      kinetic limitations must be taken into account. 

PMID- 25118827
TI  - Evaluation of visual acuity, macular status, and subfoveal choroidal thickness
      changes after cataract surgery in eyes with diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Progression of diabetic macular edema has been reported as a common
      cause of poor visual acuity recovery after cataract surgery in patients with
      diabetes. Despite being responsible for the blood supply to the outer retina, the
      role of the choroidal layer in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is
      not yet understood. Our objective is to characterize macular and subfoveal
      choroidal thickness changes after cataract surgery in eyes with DR. METHODS:
      Thirty-five eyes with clinically significant cataract of patients with DR were
      divided into three groups based on clinical and optical coherence tomography
      findings: patients with DR without macular edema, patients with DR and macular
      thickening detected on optical coherence tomography, and finally patients with
      clinically significant macular edema. All cases were submitted to ophthalmologic
      examination and spectral domain optical coherence tomography 1 week before
      cataract surgery and repeated 1 month after surgery. Patients with preoperative
      clinically significant macular edema were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab
      at the time of surgery. RESULTS: All groups showed a significant increase in
      visual acuity 1 month after surgery (P < 0.001). Mean foveal thickness increased
      significantly in all groups, including controls (P = 0.013), except in patients
      who were simultaneously treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (P = 0.933). An
      increase of maximum macular thickness of at least 11% was found in 25.7% of the
      DR eyes, but no such increase occurred in the control eyes. No significant change
      was verified for subfoveal choroidal thickness in any of the studied groups.
      CONCLUSION: Surgical inflammation associated with cataract surgery caused a
      significant increase of macular thickness in control and DR eyes that were not
      treated with intravitreous bevacizumab. Such macular changes were not accompanied
      by subfoveal choroidal thickness changes in any of the study groups, suggesting
      that the changes in macular thickness associated with the surgery are not related
      to changes in choroidal thickness and that there is no relation between inner
      blood-retinal barrier status and diabetic choroidal angiopathy.

PMID- 25118826
TI  - Polysialylated N-glycans identified in human serum through combined developments
      in sample preparation, separations, and electrospray ionization-mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - The N-glycan diversity of human serum glycoproteins, i.e., the human blood serum
      N-glycome, is both complex and constrained by the range of glycan structures
      potentially synthesizable by human glycosylation enzymes. The known glycome,
      however, has been further limited by methods of sample preparation, available
      analytical platforms, e.g., based upon electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry
      (ESI-MS), and software tools for data analysis. In this report several
      improvements have been implemented in sample preparation and analysis to extend
      ESI-MS glycan characterization and to include polysialylated N-glycans. Sample
      preparation improvements included acidified, microwave-accelerated, PNGase F N
      glycan release to promote lactonization, and sodium borohydride reduction, that
      were both optimized to improve quantitative yields and conserve the number of
      glycoforms detected. Two-stage desalting (during solid phase extraction and on
      the analytical column) increased sensitivity by reducing analyte signal division
      between multiple reducing-end-forms or cation adducts. Online separations were
      improved by using extended length graphitized carbon columns and adding TFA as an
      acid modifier to a formic acid/reversed phase gradient, providing additional
      resolving power and significantly improved desorption of both large and heavily
      sialylated glycans. To improve MS sensitivity and provide gentler ionization
      conditions at the source-MS interface, subambient pressure ionization with
      nanoelectrospray (SPIN) was utilized. When these improved methods are combined
      together with the Glycomics Quintavariate Informed Quantification (GlyQ-IQ)
      recently described (Kronewitter et al. Anal. Chem. 2014, 86, 6268-6276), we are
      able to significantly extend glycan detection sensitivity and provide expanded
      glycan coverage. We demonstrated the application of these advances in the context
      of the human serum glycome, and for which our initial observations included the
      detection of a new class of heavily sialylated N-glycans, including
      polysialylated N-glycans.

PMID- 25118828
TI  - Fractional anisotropy in corpus callosum is associated with facilitation of motor
      representation during ipsilateral hand movements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coactivation of primary motor cortex ipsilateral to a unilateral
      movement (M1(ipsilateral)) has been observed, and the magnitude of activation is
      influenced by the contracting muscles. It has been suggested that the
      microstructural integrity of the callosal motor fibers (CMFs) connecting M1
      regions may reflect the observed response. However, the association between the
      structural connectivity of CMFs and functional changes in M1(ipsilateral) remains
      unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between
      functional changes within M1(ipsilateral) during unilateral arm or leg movements
      and the microstructure of the CMFs connecting both homotopic representations (arm
      or leg). METHODS: Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess changes in
      motor evoked potentials (MEP) in an arm muscle during unilateral movements
      compared to rest in fifteen healthy adults. Functional magnetic resonance imaging
      was then used to identify regions of M1 associated with either arm or leg
      movements. Diffusion-weighted imaging data was acquired to generate CMFs for arm
      and leg areas using the areas of activation from the functional imaging as seed
      masks. Individual values of regional fractional anisotropy (FA) of arm and leg
      CMFs was then calculated by examining the overlap between CMFs and a standard
      atlas of corpus callosum. RESULTS: The change in the MEP was significantly larger
      in the arm movement compared to the leg movement. Additionally, regression
      analysis revealed that FA in the arm CMFs was positively correlated with the
      change in MEP during arm movement, whereas a negative correlation was observed
      during the leg movement. However, there was no significant relationship between
      FA in the leg CMF and the change in MEP during the movements. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings suggest that individual differences in interhemispheric structural
      connectivity may be used to explain a homologous muscle-dominant effect within
      M1(ipsilateral) hand representation during unilateral movement with topographical
      specificity.

PMID- 25118830
TI  - Room-temperature near-infrared high-Q perovskite whispering-gallery planar
      nanolasers.
AB  - Near-infrared (NIR) solid-state micro/nanolasers are important building blocks
      for true integration of optoelectronic circuitry. Although significant progress
      has been made in III-V nanowire lasers with achieving NIR lasing at room
      temperature, challenges remain including low quantum efficiencies and high Auger
      losses. Importantly, the obstacles toward integrating one-dimensional nanowires
      on the planar ubiquitous Si platform need to be effectively tackled. Here we
      demonstrate a new family of planar room-temperature NIR nanolasers based on
      organic-inorganic perovskite CH3NH3PbI(3-a)X(a) (X = I, Br, Cl) nanoplatelets.
      Their large exciton binding energies, long diffusion lengths, and naturally
      formed high-quality planar whispering-gallery mode cavities ensure adequate gain
      and efficient optical feedback for low-threshold optically pumped in-plane
      lasing. We show that these remarkable wavelength tunable whispering-gallery
      nanolasers can be easily integrated onto conductive platforms (Si, Au, indium tin
      oxide, and so forth). Our findings open up a new class of wavelength tunable
      planar nanomaterials potentially suitable for on-chip integration.

PMID- 25118829
TI  - Cachexia: a problem of energetic inefficiency.
AB  - An alteration of energy balance is the immediate cause of the so-called cachexia.
      Although alterations of energy intake are often associated with cachexia, it has
      lately became clear that an increased energy expenditure is the main cause of
      wasting associated with different types of pathological conditions, such as
      cancer, infections or chronic heart failure among others. Different types of
      molecular mechanisms contribute to energy expenditure and, therefore, involuntary
      body weight loss; among them, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) consumption by
      sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pumps could represent a key mechanism. In other
      cases, an increase in energy inefficiency will further contribute to energy
      imbalance. 

PMID- 25118831
TI  - High-level expression and characterization of bioactive human truncated variant
      of hepatocyte growth factor in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is an effective anti-fibrotic factor because of
      its bioactivity in inhibiting fibrosis-related proteins in the development of
      hepatic fibrosis. However, high-level production of bioactive mature form HGF is
      difficult because of its complex structure. Here, we report a non-fusion protein
      expression system to obtain truncated variant of N-terminal hairpin and first
      kringle domains of HGF (tvNK1) in Escherichia coli to determine its anti-fibrotic
      effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Under the selected conditions of
      cultivation and isopropyl-beta-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside induction, the
      expression level of tvNK1 accounted for approximately 65 % of the total cellular
      protein and 50 % of fusion protein in the supernatant of whole cell lysates. The
      recombinant protein could be purified in one step with Ni(2+)-affinity
      chromatograph. Finally, about 65 mg recombinant tvNK1 was obtained from 1 l
      fermentation culture with no <95 % purity. In vitro, the final purified tvNK1 was
      shown to inhibit the proliferation of HSCs and decrease the mRNA and protein
      expression levels of fibrosis-related COL1A1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin genes.

PMID- 25118832
TI  - Celastrus paniculatus Willd. mitigates t-BHP induced oxidative and apoptotic
      damage in C2C12 murine muscle cells.
AB  - Identification, exploration and scientific validation of antioxidant rich herbal
      extracts to mitigate the radical induced cell damage provide new insights in the
      field of ayurvedic research/therapies. In the present study, we evaluated the
      anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic potential of Celastrus paniculatus seed extract
      (CPSE) against tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced mice muscle cell
      damage. The extract at a dose of 50 ug/ml protected the cells up to 70 % as
      evidenced by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide
      cell survival assay and also prevented LDH leakage against t-BHP induced
      cytotoxicity. CPSE showed potential antioxidant activity by restoring
      mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited reactive oxygen species generation
      and lipid peroxidation. CPSE pretreatment also regulated the antioxidant markers
      such as superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes content and proteins
      expression. Further CPSE showed anti-apoptotic effects by regulating cytochrome-C
      and heat shock protein-70 expression and also showed 43 % muscle cell DNA damage
      inhibitory activity against t-BHP challenge as observed by single cell gel
      electrophoresis assay. Overall the extract inhibits the muscle cell damage, thus
      explaining the possible anti-oxidant/anti-apoptotic defense status of the C.
      paniculatus seed extract. 

PMID- 25118833
TI  - Vitamin A concentration in human milk and its relationship with liver reserve
      formation and compliance with the recommended daily intake of vitamin A in pre
      term and term infants in exclusive breastfeeding.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate vitamin A concentration in mature breast milk of nursing
      mothers aiming to meet the daily needs and the formation of liver reserve in pre
      term (PT) and term infants (T) in comparison with the recommended intake for this
      nutrient in this group. METHODS: We analyzed the retinol concentration in the
      milk of 120 nursing mothers (40 of PT infants and 80 of T infants) by collecting
      10 mL of mature breast milk, held by a hand spray of one of the breasts 2 h after
      the last feeding in the morning. The cutoff points adopted for identification of
      vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and the liver reserve were <1.05 and >2.3 MUmol/L,
      respectively. RESULTS: The concentrations of retinol in the human milk of T
      infants were superior to concentrations in the milk of PT infants (1.87 + 0.81 >
      1.38 + 0.67 MUmol/L, p < 0.0001). They were higher in T compared to PT (352.64 +
      152.72 > 217.65 + 105.65 MUg, p < 0.0001), but both were below the
      recommendation. VAD was 20.0 % (T) and 27.5 % (PT). Only 40.0 % (T) and 22.5 %
      (PT) of the mothers had retinol concentrations in milk above 2.3 mmol/L.
      CONCLUSION: The milk of the nursing mothers studied did not have enough retinol
      to meet the daily needs and to form liver reserve in both groups, especially in
      PT newborns. This finding reinforces the idea that supplementation with massive
      doses of vitamin A in the immediate postpartum period can be used as a protective
      device of the infant against VAD.

PMID- 25118834
TI  - Sequential combination of flavopiridol with Taxol synergistically suppresses
      human ovarian carcinoma growth.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose is to investigate the effects of the sequential combination
      treatment of Taxol and flavopiridol on human ovarian carcinoma in vitro and in
      vivo. METHODS: Cell viabilities were determined using the cell counting kit and
      by flow cytometry. RT-PCR, TUNEL, and immunoblotting assays were used to detect
      cellular apoptotic activities following treatments. Tumor growth and microvessel
      density (MVD) detection of mice bearing SKOV3 cells were studied. RESULTS: Taxol
      or flavopiridol alone was cytotoxic against SKOV3 cells in vitro with a viability
      rate of 38.2 +/- 1.3 % for 1 umol/L Taxol and 44.3 +/- 5.9 % for 300 nM
      flavopiridol. Sequential combination treatment with Taxol and flavopiridol
      resulted in a viability rate of 9.1 +/- 0.8 %. The apoptotic rate of SKOV3 cells
      was 15.7 +/- 1.7, 9.4 +/- 0.4 and 51.1 +/- 2.5 % for Taxol, flavopiridol, and
      combination of Taxol and flavopiridol, respectively. Significant synergisms were
      observed in SKOV3 cells in vitro, following the sequential combination of Taxol
      for 24 h followed by flavopiridol for 24 h, which resulted in the most
      substantial cell death and the highest apoptotic rate. All treatments showed
      significant suppression of tumor growth at the end point of the in vivo study.
      All treatments significantly reduce the value of MVD. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential
      combination treatment with Taxol and flavopiridol exerted synergistic cytotoxic
      activities against SKOV3 cells in vitro and significantly suppress the tumor
      growth of mice bearing SKOV3 cells. It should be further explored as a potential
      clinically useful regimen against ovarian cancer.

PMID- 25118835
TI  - The expression of GLTSCR2 in cervical intra-epithelial lesion and cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: GLTSCR2 was originally identified as a candidate tumor suppressor in
      several types of cancers. The present study was to investigate the expression
      pattern of GLTSCR2 in different cervical lesion tissues, appraise its potential
      role in cervical cancerogenesis. METHODS: 225 histologically confirmed samples
      representing a wide range of cervical disease processes were studied in this
      study using immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: Compared with normal cervix and
      low-grade cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN I), cervical cancer and high
      grade cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN II-III) tissues had lower
      expression scores of IHC staining of GLTSCR2. The positive staining signals of
      GLTSCR2 in CIN were decreased according to the grades of the intra-epithelial
      lesions. The IHC scores of GLTSCR2 in cervical cancer tissues were significantly
      lower than that in adjacent normal tissues. Different from previous report, we
      also found that GLTSCR2 was expressed in both nucleus and cytoplasm of cervical
      tissues, and the cytoplasmic expression of GLTSCR2 was observed in almost all
      tissues. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the GLTSCR2 expression decreased with the
      rise of the grade of cervical lesions. GLTSCR2 may play an important role in
      carcinogenesis of cervical cancer.

PMID- 25118836
TI  - Efficacies and pregnant outcomes of fertility-sparing treatment with
      medroxyprogesterone acetate for endometrioid adenocarcinoma and complex atypical
      hyperplasia: our experience and a review of the literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: We retrospectively analyzed oncologic and reproductive outcomes of
      fertility-seeking premenopausal women with complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) or
      Grade 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma (G1EA) who underwent medical management with
      high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) therapy. METHODS: Patients were given
      a dose of 400-600 mg of MPA orally on a daily basis. They had histologically
      confirmed CAH or G1EA at presumed stage IA and wished to preserve fertility.
      Endometrial tissue sampling was carried out by dilation and curettage before and
      after the treatment and the pathologic response to MPA treatment was assessed.
      RESULTS: A total of 27 premenopausal patients received MPA therapy. The median
      follow-up time was 39.2 months (3.4-153.8 months). Complete response was achieved
      in 81.8 % (9/11) of CAH cases and 68.8 % (11/16) of G1EA. Although no recurrences
      were found in CAH patients, nine G1EA patients (81.8 %) eventually recurred and
      underwent total hysterectomy. Neither therapeutic death nor irreversible
      toxicities were observed during the follow-up periods. Five patients (4 CAH and 1
      G1EA) became pregnant and had nine live births. CONCLUSION: The high efficacy of
      fertility-sparing treatment with MPA was shown demonstrated. MPA therapy can be
      considered acceptable for the purpose of enabling patients to preserve their
      fertility. However, the rate of recurrence was high in patients with G1EA. Even
      in responders, close follow-up is required and a total hysterectomy needs to be
      considered without delay. Patients should be aware of the risks and limitations
      of this conservative treatment.

PMID- 25118837
TI  - Glutathione S-transferase M1 modulates allergen-induced NF-kappaB activation in
      asthmatic airway epithelium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) is a phase II enzyme and
      regulator of inflammatory signaling in airway epithelial cells. We have found
      upregulation of neutrophilic airway inflammation in atopic asthmatics expressing
      GSTM1 gene (GSTM1+) compared to GSTM1null asthmatics. We hypothesized that GSTM1
      modulates NF-kappaB activation in bronchial epithelium in atopic asthmatics. We
      determined regulation of allergen-induced NF-kappaB activation in bronchial
      epithelium by GSTM1 in human atopic asthmatics in vivo. METHODS: Endobronchial
      biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples were collected from 13 GSTM1+
      and 12 GSTM1null human atopic asthmatics at baseline and 24 h after segmental
      allergen challenge. A quantitative analysis of NF-kappaB activation in airway
      epithelium was accomplished using a polyclonal antibody against the
      phosphorylated p65 component of NF-kappaB. Elastase-positive neutrophils in the
      bronchial wall were quantified. RESULTS: Postallergen neutrophilia in airway
      subepithelium and epithelial lining fluid was greater in GSTM1+ compared to
      GSTM1null asthmatics. Airway eosinophilia was similar in GSTM1+ and GSTM1null
      asthmatics. Allergen-provoked NF-kappaB induction in bronchial epithelium was
      significantly greater in GSTM1+ compared to GSTM1null asthmatics. Activation of
      NF-kappaB activation in airway epithelial cells correlated with interleukin-8
      concentrations and absolute neutrophil numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in
      GSTM1+ but not GSTM1null asthmatics. CONCLUSIONS: Allergen-induced neutrophilic
      airway inflammation in GSTM1+ asthmatics is associated with NF-kappaB activation
      in airway epithelial cells in vivo. These novel data provide a potential
      mechanism of the genomic link between GSTM1 polymorphism and airway neutrophilia
      in atopic asthma.

PMID- 25118838
TI  - Treatment of exertional heat stress developed during low or moderate physical
      work.
AB  - PURPOSE: We examined whether treatment for exertional heat stress via ice water
      immersion (IWI) or natural recovery is affected by the intensity of physical work
      performed and, thus, the time taken to reach hyperthermia. METHODS: Nine adults
      (18-45 years; 17.9 +/- 2.8 percent body fat; 57.0 +/- 2.0 mL kg(-1) min(-1) peak
      oxygen uptake) completed four conditions incorporating either walking or jogging
      at 40  degrees C (20 % relative humidity) while wearing a non-permeable rain
      poncho. Upon reaching 39.5  degrees C rectal temperature (Tre), participants
      recovered either via IWI in 2  degrees C water or via natural recovery (seated in
      a ~29  degrees C environment) until T re returned to 38  degrees C. RESULTS:
      Cooling rates were greater in the IWI [Tre: 0.24  degrees C min(-1); esophageal
      temperature (Tes): 0.24  degrees C min(-1)] than the natural recovery (Tre and
      Tes: 0.03  degrees C min(-1)) conditions (p < 0.001) with no differences between
      the two moderate and the two low intensity conditions (p > 0.05). Cooling rates
      for T re and T es were greater in the 39.0-38.5  degrees C (Tre: 0.19  degrees C
      min(-1); Tes: 0.31  degrees C min(-1)) compared with the 39.5-39.0  degrees C
      (Tre: 0.11  degrees C min(-1); Tes: 0.13  degrees C min(-1)) period across
      conditions (p < 0.05). Similar reductions in heart rate and mean arterial
      pressure were observed during recovery across conditions (p > 0.05), albeit
      occurred faster during IWI. Percent change in plasma volume at the end of natural
      recovery and IWI was 5.96 and 9.58%, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The
      intensity of physical work performed and, thus, the time taken to reach
      hyperthermia does not affect the effectiveness of either IWI treatment or natural
      recovery. Therefore, while the path to hyperthermia may be different for each
      patient, the path to recovery must always be immediate IWI treatment.

PMID- 25118839
TI  - Wavelet-based intensity analysis of the mechanomyograph and electromyograph
      during the H-reflex.
AB  - PURPOSE: The relationship between mechanomyography (MMG) and electromyography
      (sEMG) during electrically evoked muscle contraction was examined using the von
      Tscharner "intensity analysis," which describes the power of a non-stationary
      signal as a function of both frequency and time. METHOD: Data for 8 college-aged
      participants (3 males; 5 females) with measurable H-reflexes were analyzed.
      Recruitment curves for H-reflex (H), M-wave (M) using sEMG, and peak-to-peak MMG
      (MMGp-p) were elicited through incremental tibial nerve stimulation. The maximum
      peak-to-peak values for H and M for each sample were summed (HM); and maximum
      intensity values were measured for MMG, H, and M following the intensity analysis
      and computation of total intensity (MMGCvT, HCvT, MCvT). HCvT and MCvT were
      subsequently added together (HMCvT) for comparisons. RESULTS: Correlations of
      HM:MMGp-p, HM:MMGCvT, HMCvT:MMGCvT, HMCvT:MMGp-p, were low (r = 0.34, 0.33, 0.09,
      and 0.12, respectively, p < 0.001); and correlations of HM:HMCvT, MMGCvT:MMGp-p,
      were moderate-to-high (r = 0.69 and 0.97, respectively, p < 0.001). Correlations
      for individuals ranged from 0.61 to 0.99 across comparisons. The time at which
      maximal intensities occurred reflected the transition from a predominant H-reflex
      to the onset of the M-wave and declining lag times were noted with increasing
      intensity. CONCLUSIONS: The intensity analysis provides insight into the
      frequency characteristics of the H-reflex and M-wave not seen in traditional
      analysis of the H-reflex. The intensity analysis may be a useful tool in studying
      individual variations and changes in the contraction velocities of skeletal
      muscle.

PMID- 25118840
TI  - Age difference in efficiency of locomotion and maximal power output in well
      trained triathletes.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of age on cycling
      efficiency and sprint power output in well-trained endurance masters athletes.
      METHODS: The investigation was conducted on 60 healthy well-trained triathletes
      separated into six separate groups (n = 10) depending on age: 20-29 years old; 30
      39 years old; 40-49 years old; 50-59 years old; 60-69 years old; 70 years old.
      Each participant attended the laboratory on three separate occasions to perform
      (1) an incremental cycling test, (2) maximal peak sprint power test, involving
      three 5-s sprint efforts (3) and a 10-min sub-maximal cycling test for
      determination of cycling efficiency. RESULTS: Cycling efficiency decreased beyond
      50 years (50-59 years compared with 20-29 years: -7.3 +/- 1.8%; p < 0.05) and
      continued to decrease beyond 60 years (60-69 years compared with 50-59 years: 
      10.7 +/- 2.4%; p < 0.05), no further decrease was observed after 70 years. A
      continuous impairment in maximal sprint power output was observed after the age
      of 50 years leading to an overall decrease of 36% between 20-29 years and >70
      years. Significant positive relationships were observed between maximal sprint
      power output and both cycling efficiency (r(2) = 0.64, p < 0.05) and maximal
      aerobic power (r(2) = 0.42 and p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present data indicates
      a significant effect of ageing on cycling efficiency and maximal sprint power
      output after 50 years and a significant relationship was found between these two
      parameters.

PMID- 25118841
TI  - Muscle synergies in preparation to a step made with and without obstacle.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study multi-muscle synergies during preparation in making a step
      (self-paced level stepping vs. obstacle crossing stepping). METHODS: The
      uncontrolled manifold hypothesis was used to explore the organization of leg and
      trunk muscles into groups (M-modes) and co-variation of M-mode involvement (M
      mode synergies) during stepping tasks. Subjects performed two tasks: (1) making a
      comfortable step from quiet stance (STCS), (2) stepping over an obstacle of 15%
      body height from quiet stance, STOS. Electromyographic (EMG) signals of 10
      postural muscles were recorded and analyzed. Principal component analysis was
      used to identify M-modes within the space of integrated indices of muscle
      activity. Variance in the M-mode space across stepping trials was partitioned
      into two components, one that did not affect the average value of center of
      pressure (COP) shift and the other that did. An index (DeltaV) corresponding to
      the normalized difference between two components of variance was computed.
      RESULTS: Under the two tasks, strong multi-M-mode synergies stabilizing
      trajectories of the COP in the anterior-posterior direction were found. Despite
      the significant differences in the COP shifts and EMG patterns of postural
      adjustments, the synergies showed only minor differences across the conditions.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the robustness of multi-M-mode synergies
      across different manners of making a step.

PMID- 25118842
TI  - How standard is standard care? Exploring control group outcomes in behaviour
      change interventions for young people with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Poor descriptions of standard care may compromise interpretation of
      results in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of health interventions. We
      investigated quality of standard care in RCTs of behaviour change interventions
      for young people with type 1 diabetes and consider implications for evaluating
      trial outcomes. DESIGN: We conducted systematic searches for articles published
      between 1999 and 2012. We extracted standard care descriptions and contacted
      trial authors to complete a checklist of standard care activities. The
      relationship between standard care quality and outcomes was examined via subgroup
      meta-analyses and meta-regression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Standard care
      descriptions, standard care quality, and relationships between standard care
      quality with medical and psychological outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 20 RCTs
      described across 26 articles. Published descriptions of standard care were
      limited to service-level features. Author responses indicated standard care
      provision extended beyond published accounts. Subgroup analyses suggested control
      groups receiving higher standard care quality showed larger improvements in both
      medical and psychological outcomes, although standard care quality did not
      predict outcomes significantly. CONCLUSION: The quality of care delivered to
      control group participants can influence outcomes of RCTs. Inadequate reporting
      exacerbates this issue by masking variations between trials. We argue for
      increased clarity in reporting standard care in future trials.

PMID- 25118845
TI  - Dual-lumen chest port infection rates in patients with head and neck cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate dual-lumen chest port infection
      rates in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) compared to those with other
      malignancies (non-HNC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective
      study was performed on 1,094 consecutive chest ports placed over a 2-year period.
      Patients with poor follow-up (n = 53), no oncologic history (n = 13), or single
      lumen ports (n = 183) were excluded yielding a study population of 845 patients.
      The electronic medical records were queried for demographic information, data
      regarding ports and infections, and imaging review. RESULTS: HNC patients
      experienced more infections (42 vs. 30), an increased infection rate per 1,000
      catheter days (0.68 vs. 0.21), and more early infections within 30 days compared
      to non-HNC patients (10 vs. 6) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.02, respectively). An
      existing tracheostomy at the time of port placement was associated with infection
      in the HNC group (p = 0.02) but was not an independent risk factor for infection
      in the study population overall (p = 0.06). There was a significant difference in
      age, male gender, and right-sided ports between the HNC and non-HNC groups (p <
      0.01, p < 0.001, and p = 0.01), although these were not found to be independent
      risk factors for infection (p = 0.32, p = 0.76, p = 0.16). CONCLUSION: HNC
      patients are at increased risk for infection of dual-lumen chest ports placed via
      a jugular approach compared to patients with other malignancies. Tracheostomy is
      associated with infection in HNC patients but is not an independent risk factor
      for infection in the oncologic population as a whole.

PMID- 25118843
TI  - [Multiple sclerosis : rehabilitation and long-term course].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly complex disabling disease with
      variable pathology and clinical course. Progressive multisystemic involvement of
      the central nervous system leads to complex functional disturbances and
      disabilities. Despite disease-modifying therapies and pharmacological symptomatic
      treatment, the majority of MS patients develop progressive impairments in
      functions, activities and quality of life in the long-term. Rehabilitation
      interventions aim at improving symptoms and functional deficits and reducing the
      negative impact on activities and social participation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate
      the impact and value of rehabilitation interventions in MS. METHODS: Specific
      literature search in PubMed. RESULTS: Good evidence exists for a positive effect
      of various rehabilitation interventions and multidisciplinary programs. Long-term
      prognosis is very variable and depends on various influencing factors. Due to an
      often unpredictable change of disease activity and the high variability, accurate
      prediction of long-term prognosis in individual MS cases is still challenging.
      CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation measures should be considered in an early phase of the
      disease for maintaining functional abilities and reducing the risk of progression
      of disabilities. Assignment to specific interventions and setting of
      rehabilitation depend on disease-specific and personal factors and specific
      goals. Monosyndromic or oligosyndromic impairments in the early phases of the
      disease can be approached by targeted monodisciplinary ambulatory interventions,
      whereas more severe and complex disabilities generally necessitate a more
      intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation.

PMID- 25118846
TI  - Nuclear translocation of lysyl oxidase is promoted by interaction with
      transcription repressor p66beta.
AB  - Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an amine oxidase involved in protein cross-linking of the
      extracellular matrix. Less well characterized is the role that LOX plays among
      nuclear proteins, and molecular mechanisms of its transport to the nucleus are
      currently unknown. Here, we have employed yeast two-hybrid library screening and
      found that the LOX catalytic domain interacts with the transcription repressor
      p66beta. This interaction has been confirmed in vitro and has been found to be
      accomplished through the CR2-containing domain of p66beta. Moreover, co
      expression of p66beta and LOX in living tumor cells leads to the nuclear
      accumulation of LOX. Thus, p66beta might be important for the regulation of LOX
      in the nucleus. 

PMID- 25118844
TI  - [Statement of the German Ophthalmological Society, the Retina Society and the
      Professional Association of German Ophthalmologists for intravitreal treatment of
      macular edema in uveitis: Date: 02/07/2014].

PMID- 25118847
TI  - Lung transplantation for advanced cystic lung disease due to nonamyloid kappa
      light chain deposits.
AB  - RATIONALE: Cystic lung light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a severe and rare
      form of nonamyloid kappa light chain deposits localized in the lung, potentially
      leading to end-stage respiratory insufficiency. OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcome
      after lung transplantation (LT) in this setting with particular attention to
      disease recurrence. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study of
      seven patients who underwent LT for cystic lung LCDD in France between September
      1992 and June 2012 in five centers. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In total, five
      females and two males (mean age, 39.1 +/- 5.3 yr) underwent one single LT or
      seven double LT (one retransplantation). Before LT, the patients showed a
      constant obstructive ventilatory pattern with low carbon monoxide diffusing
      capacity and resting hypoxemia. Lung computed tomography revealed widespread
      cysts with occasional micronodulations. No extrapulmonary disease or plasma cell
      neoplasm was detected. The serum-free kappa/lambda light chain ratio was
      increased in three cases. The median follow-up after LT was 56 months (range, 1
      110 mo). Kaplan-Meier survival was 85.7, 85.7, and 64.3% at 1, 3, and 5 years,
      respectively. Three patients died from multiorgan failure (n = 1), chronic
      rejection (n = 1), and breast cancer (n = 1) at 23 days, 56 months, and 96
      months, respectively. At the end of follow-up, no patients showed recurrence on
      imaging or histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: This small case series confirms that
      cystic lung LCDD is a severe disease limited to the lung, affecting mostly young
      females. LT appears to be a good therapeutic option allowing for satisfactory
      long-term survival. We found no evidence of recurrence of the disease after LT.

PMID- 25118848
TI  - Shopping behavior for ADHD drugs: results of a cohort study in a pharmacy
      database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications are
      subject to abuse, misuse, and diversion. Obtaining ADHD prescriptions from
      multiple prescribers or filled across multiple pharmacies, known as 'doctor
      shopping', may reflect such unsanctioned use. We sought to create a definition of
      shopping behavior that differentiated ADHD medications from medications with low
      risk of diversion, i.e. asthma medications, and describe the incidence,
      frequency, and demography of shopping behavior. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      cohort study in a pharmacy database-LRx-covering 65 % of US retail pharmacies.
      Subjects had ADHD or asthma medication dispensed between February 2011 and
      January 2012. We followed subjects for 18 months to assess the number with
      overlapping dispensings from different prescribers, and the number of prescribers
      and pharmacies involved in those dispensings. RESULTS: We included 4,402,464
      subjects who were dispensed ADHD medications, and 6,128,025 subjects who were
      dispensed asthma medications. Overlapping prescriptions from two or more
      prescribers dispensed by three or more pharmacies was four times more frequent in
      the ADHD cohort than in the asthma cohort. Using this definition, ADHD medication
      shopping behavior was more common among experienced users than naive users, and
      was most common in subjects aged 10-39 years. Among subjects who shopped, 57.4 %
      shopped only once (accounting for 22.4 % of episodes), and 9.2 % shopped six or
      more times (accounting for 42.0 % of episodes). Shoppers more often received
      stimulant ADHD drugs than non-stimulants. CONCLUSIONS: Overlapping prescriptions
      by different prescribers and filled at three or more pharmacies defines ADHD
      medication shopping. Shopping behavior is most common in adolescents and younger
      adults. A small proportion of shoppers is responsible for a large number of
      shopping episodes.

PMID- 25118849
TI  - Lower urinary tract symptoms in women with diabetes mellitus: a current review.
AB  - A literature review of the most current publications studying lower urinary tract
      symptoms (LUTS) and findings in diabetic women was conducted including articles
      from January 2013 to April 2014. Current reports consistently note that aging and
      obesity are significantly associated with worsened LUTS in diabetic women.
      Glucosuria has variable effects on urodynamic parameters and LUTS, but has a
      significant association with urinary tract infection (UTI) and incontinence at
      clinically relevant numbers, such as HbA1C values. The presence of severe
      nocturia in diabetic patients warrants careful surveillance for cardiovascular
      risks given the significant association with mortality. Diabetics appear to be at
      higher risk for colonization with the virulent, extended-spectrum, beta-lactamase
      producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species in UTI. Novel therapies in
      glycemic control and for diabetic bladder dysfunction are undergoing animal model
      trials with encouraging results. The most promising of these includes stem cell
      therapy, although a need exists for human studies. 

PMID- 25118851
TI  - Optimizing urology group partnerships: collaboration strategies and compensation
      best practices.
AB  - Market forces in health care have created substantial regulatory, legislative,
      and reimbursement changes that have had a significant impact on urology group
      practices. To maintain viability, many urology groups have merged into larger
      integrated entities. Although group operations vary considerably, the majority of
      groups have struggled with the development of a strong culture, effective
      decision-making, and consensus-building around shared resources, income, and
      expense. Creating a sustainable business model requires urology group leaders to
      allocate appropriate time and resources to address these issues in a proactive
      manner. This article outlines collaboration strategies for creating an effective
      culture, governance, and leadership, and provides practical suggestions for
      optimizing the performance of the urology group practice. 

PMID- 25118850
TI  - Impact of alpha blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and combination therapy on
      sexual function.
AB  - Medical treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic
      hyperplasia are frequently associated with changes in sexual function. While
      these medications are generally well-tolerated and have both reduced and delayed
      more invasive surgical options, the ramifications of long-term chronic use are
      largely unknown. Sexual side effects of these medications are frequently either
      reported as part of a short-term initial drug study or have inflexible endpoints
      that are not able to gauge more subtle changes in sexual performance. This review
      will delineate the currently known effects of these medications on sexual
      function and will consider mechanisms of dysfunction. 

PMID- 25118852
TI  - Robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy: is there evidence to go beyond the
      experimental stage?
AB  - Open simple prostatectomy (OSP) is an effective and durable treatment for select
      patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and large-volume
      prostate glands (>80 cc), yet is associated with clinically significant risk of
      bleeding, transfusion, prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS), and
      complications. Robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) potentially reduces
      intraoperative blood loss and improves perioperative outcomes. Thirteen non
      comparative series (Level 3 evidence) of RASP have established its safety and
      efficacy and have demonstrated substantially decreased risk of transfusion,
      complications, and mean LOS relative to published series of OSP, but with
      consistently longer operative times. Comparative outcomes data (Level 1 and Level
      2 evidence), however, are relatively lacking. Thus, while RASP has advanced
      beyond the experimental stage, definitive outcomes studies are needed to
      establish its benefits and costs relative to OSP and transurethral surgery. 

PMID- 25118853
TI  - The evaluation and management of refractory neurogenic overactive bladder.
AB  - Patients with neurologic disease commonly develop overactive bladder (OAB)
      symptoms of urgency, frequency, and/or urge incontinence that remain bothersome
      despite oral pharmacologic therapy. Management of refractory OAB in the
      neurogenic population is a complex issue with no uniform treatment strategy. When
      treatment fails or patients generally are dissatisfied with the adverse effects
      of oral therapy, available options include sacral neuromodulation, percutaneous
      tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), botulinum toxin injections, and lower urinary
      tract reconstruction such as augmentation cystoplasty. A thorough knowledge and
      understanding of available and emerging treatment options for neurogenic detrusor
      overactivity is paramount to assisting clinicians in choosing an appropriate
      treatment. This article reviews the non-pharmacologic treatment options for
      neurogenic OAB, mainly botulinum toxin, neuromodulation, and lower urinary tract
      reconstruction, and discusses important relevant studies. 

PMID- 25118856
TI  - Single-molecule electroluminescence and photoluminescence of polyfluorene unveils
      the photophysics behind the green emission band.
AB  - Optoelectronic properties of polyfluorene, a blue light-emitting organic
      semiconductor, are often degraded by the presence of green emission that
      originates mainly from oxidation of the polymer. Here, we use single-molecule
      electroluminescence (EL) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy on polyfluorene
      chains confined in vertical cylinders of a phase-separated block copolymer to
      spectrally resolve the green band and investigate in detail the photophysical
      processes responsible for its appearance. In both EL and PL, a substantial
      fraction of polyfluorene chains shows spectrally stable green emission which is
      ascribed to a keto defect. In addition, in EL, we observe a new type of
      vibrationally resolved spectra distributed over a wide range of frequencies and
      showing strong spectral dynamics. Based on quantum chemical calculations, this
      type is proposed to originate from charge-assisted formation and stabilization of
      ground-state aggregates. The results are expected to have broad implications in
      the fields of photophysics and material design of polyfluorene materials. 

PMID- 25118855
TI  - Neurogenic bladder: from diagnosis to management.
AB  - Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) present with a wide range and variety of
      urologic manifestations, depending upon the level of injury. Historically,
      patients with spinal cord injury experienced significant mortality related to
      renal failure. Greater knowledge of the pathophysiology of SCI, however, has
      contributed to a reduction in mortality. It is essential to perform a thorough
      initial evaluation and regular follow-up of these patients to achieve the primary
      goal of preservation of renal function, with the secondary goal of optimizing the
      patient's quality of life. 

PMID- 25118858
TI  - Erratum to: Positive Affect Processing and Joint Attention in Infants at High
      Risk for Autism: An Exploratory Study.

PMID- 25118854
TI  - Surgical management of Peyronie's disease.
AB  - Peyronie's disease (PD) has a significant impact on the quality of life of both
      patients and their partners due to the compromised sexual function and physical
      deformation resulting from the condition. PD is a connective tissue disorder
      marked by fibrotic healing of the tunica albuginea, leading to penile deformities
      including curvature, shortening, loss of girth, hourglass appearance, and
      hinging. Despite the multiple medical therapies available, surgery is the gold
      standard of treatment once the plaque has stabilized. We present a review of the
      disease process, preoperative evaluation, operative planning, surgical treatments
      with outcomes and complications, and nascent developments in surgical management
      and graft development. Options include tunical lengthening procedures, tunical
      shortening procedures, and penile prosthesis. Decision-making is governed by
      degree of curvature, erectile function, and associated penile deformities. In
      cases with curvature of less than 60-70 degrees, adequate penile length, and no
      hourglass deformity, patients are candidates for tunical shortening procedures.
      Patients with curvature greater than 60-70 degrees, penile hourglass or hinge
      destabilizing deformities, and adequate erectile function should be counseled
      with regard to tunical lengthening procedures. Patients with poor preoperative
      erectile function should undergo inflatable penile prosthesis placement, with
      possible secondary straightening procedures. Technique selection should be based
      upon surgeon preference, expertise, and experience, as evidence does not
      necessarily support one procedure over another. 

PMID- 25118859
TI  - In the eyes of residents good supervisors need to be more than engaged
      physicians: the relevance of teacher work engagement in residency training.
AB  - During their development into competent medical specialists, residents benefit
      from their attending physicians' excellence in teaching and role modelling. Work
      engagement increases overall job performance, but it is unknown whether this also
      applies to attending physicians' teaching performance and role modelling.
      Attending physicians in clinical teaching practice take on roles as doctors and
      teachers. Therefore, this study (a) examined levels of attending physicians' work
      engagement in both roles, and (b) quantified the relationships of both work
      engagement roles to their teaching performance and role model status. In this
      multicenter survey, residents evaluated attending physicians' teaching
      performance and role model status using the validated System for Evaluation of
      Teaching Qualities. Attending physicians self-reported their work engagement on a
      7-point scale, separately for their roles as doctors and teachers, using the
      validated 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. In total, 549 (68 %) residents
      filled out 4,305 attending physician evaluations and 627 (78 %) attending
      physicians participated. Attending physicians reported higher work engagement in
      their doctor than in their teacher roles (mean difference: 0.95; 95 % CI 0.86
      1.04; p < 0.001). Teacher work engagement was positively related to teaching
      performance (regression coefficient, B: 0.11; 95 % CI 0.08-0.14; p < 0.001),
      which in turn was positively associated to role model status (B: 1.08; 95 % CI
      0.10-1.18; p < 0.001). In the eyes of residents, good supervisors need to be more
      than engaged physicians, as attending physicians with high teacher work
      engagement were evaluated as better teachers.

PMID- 25118860
TI  - Identifying longitudinal growth trajectories of learning domains in problem-based
      learning: a latent growth curve modeling approach using SEM.
AB  - To determine the direction and extent to which medical student scores (as
      observed by small-group tutors) on four problem-based-learning-related domains
      change over nine consecutive blocks during a two-year period (Domains: Problem
      Solving/Use of Information/Group Process/Professionalism). Latent growth curve
      modeling is used to analyze performance trajectories in each domain of two
      cohorts of 1st and 2nd year students (n = 296). Slopes of the growth trajectories
      show similar linear increments in the first three domains. Further analysis
      revealed relative strong individual variability in initial scores but not in
      their later increments. Professionalism, on the other hand, shows low variability
      and has very small, insignificant slope increments. In this study, we showed that
      the learning domains (Problem Solving, Use of Information, and Group Process)
      observed during PBL tutorials are not only related to each other but also develop
      cumulatively over time. Professionalism, in contrast to the other domains
      studied, is less affected by the curriculum suggesting that this represents a
      stable characteristic. The observation that the PBL tutorial has an equal benefit
      to all students is noteworthy and needs further investigation.

PMID- 25118857
TI  - Randomized controlled trial comparing gastric cancer screening by
      gastrointestinal X-ray with serology for Helicobacter pylori and pepsinogens
      followed by gastrointestinal endoscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Based on the results of several case-control and cohort studies
      gastrointestinal X-ray (GI X-ray) has been recommended for use in the nationwide
      screening program for gastric cancer.. Although this was the only effective
      screening program when almost all of the Japanese population were Helicobacter
      pylori (H. pylori) positive, there has been concern whether an alternative
      effective screening system should be established for the future H. pylori
      negative generation. We therefore conducted the first randomized controlled trial
      (RCT) comparing GI X-ray and gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) scheduled according
      to results of serological testing (ST); this was done to determine the potential
      for an alternative screening method. METHODS: Subjects who fulfilled the
      inclusion criteria were residents between the ages of 30 and 74 and who were able
      to receive gastric cancer screening in the Yurihonjo area. Participants were
      assigned to the GI X-ray group or the GIE-ST group by computer randomization.
      Subjects in each group were further subdivided into 4 categories according to
      their different risks for gastric cancer. The feasibility of stratified
      randomization was serologically assessed and detection rates of gastric cancer at
      entry by the different screening methods were also compared. RESULTS: Of the
      2,962 subjects invited, 1,206 individuals (41 percent) were included in the first
      stage of this stratified RCT, and 604 and 602 individuals were assigned to the GI
      X-ray group and the GIE-ST group, respectively. There were no statistically
      significant differences in sex, age, height, body weight, smoking, alcohol intake
      and family history of cancer between the 2 groups. During ST the GI X-ray group
      showed a distribution that was not statistically different from that of the GIE
      ST group. Although 3 cases of gastric cancer were detected in the GIE-ST group,
      there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. One
      complication found was barium aspiration during the examination in the X-ray
      group. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that baseline demographic features of the 2
      groups were well balanced. We are now organizing the first RCT to compare the
      existing screening method and the alternative method (Clinical trial registration
      number: UMIN000005962).

PMID- 25118861
TI  - Community of learners: charting learning in first year graduate entry medical
      students during problem-based learning (PBL) study.
AB  - This study considers social learning practices within and outside the overt
      curriculum. A thematic approach was used to analyse data from six focus group
      interviews with 11 graduate entry medical students from a UK university over a
      year of study. The results indicate that: (1) during their first year of study
      students form a community of learning practice, (2) this community of practice
      influences learning inside and outside the overt curriculum, (3) there is a
      changing community profile over the year of practice, (4) the students'
      engagement in problem-based learning (PBL) as part of their overt curriculum
      strongly influences the development of a community of practice and hence learning
      both inside and outside the overt curriculum. Findings are discussed in terms of
      Wenger's community of practice framework, the role of distributed cognition and
      social learning. It is concluded that PBL is an effective approach for academics
      to enrich students' social learning practices.

PMID- 25118862
TI  - Rituals of Madness in the Practices of Place.
AB  - While completing a PhD in literature with a focus on the practices of physical
      and linguistic spaces, I was also working and sleeping (on call) at a dilapidated
      house in a poorer part of Bristol in case I was needed by one of five paranoid or
      clinically psychotic residents. I gave out medication in the morning, then went
      home to study in a small rented room. I began to see ritual everywhere--in my
      professors' routines; my own habits; the behaviours of the mentally ill patients.
      This paper is the story of a number of madnesses and the problems with reading
      ritual performance in everything we do.

PMID- 25118863
TI  - Fairness norms and theory of mind in an ultimatum game: judgments, offers, and
      decisions in school-aged children.
AB  - The sensitivity to fairness undergoes relevant changes across development.
      Whether such changes depend on primary inequity aversion or on sensitivity to a
      social norm of fairness is still debated. Using a modified version of the
      Ultimatum Game that creates informational asymmetries between Proposer and
      Responder, a previous study showed that both perceptions of fairness and fair
      behavior depend upon normative expectations, i.e., beliefs about what others
      expect one should do in a specific situation. Individuals tend to comply with the
      norm when risking sanctions, but disregard the norm when violations are
      undetectable. Using the same methodology with children aged 8-10 years, the
      present study shows that children's beliefs and behaviors differ from what is
      observed in adults. Playing as Proposers, children show a self-serving bias only
      when there is a clear informational asymmetry. Playing as Responders, they show a
      remarkable discrepancy between their normative judgment about fair procedures (a
      coin toss to determine the offer) and their behavior (rejection of an unfair
      offer derived from the coin toss), supporting the existence of an outcome bias
      effect. Finally, our results reveal no influence of theory of mind on children's
      decision-making behavior. 

PMID- 25118866
TI  - Difficult needle decompression of bilateral tension pneumothoraces in an obese
      female patient.

PMID- 25118865
TI  - Evolution of inspiratory diaphragm activity in children over the course of the
      PICU stay.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diaphragm function should be monitored in critically ill patients, as
      full ventilatory support rapidly induces diaphragm atrophy. Monitoring the
      electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) may help assess the level of
      diaphragm activity, but such monitoring results are difficult to interpret
      because reference values are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe EAdi
      values in critically ill children during a stay in the pediatric intensive care
      unit (PICU), from the acute to recovery phases, and to assess the impact of
      ventilatory support on EAdi. METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal
      observational study of children requiring mechanical ventilation for >=24 h. EAdi
      was recorded using a validated method in the acute phase, before extubation,
      after extubation, and before PICU discharge. RESULTS: Fifty-five critically ill
      children were enrolled in the study. Median maximum inspiratory EAdi (EAdimax)
      during mechanical ventilation was 3.6 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.2-7.6] MUV in
      the acute phase and 4.8 (IQR 2.0-10.7) MUV in the pre-extubation phase. Periods
      of diaphragm inactivity (with no detectable inspiratory EAdi) were frequent
      during conventional ventilation, even with a low level of support. EAdimax in
      spontaneous ventilation was 15.4 (IQR 7.4-20.7) MUV shortly after extubation and
      12.6 (IQR 8.1-21.3) MUV before PICU discharge. The difference in EAdimax between
      mechanical ventilation and post-extubation periods was significant (p < 0.001).
      Patients intubated mainly because of a lung pathology exhibited higher EAdi (p <
      0.01), with a similar temporal increase. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first
      systematic description of EAdi evolution in children during their stay in the
      PICU. In our patient cohort, diaphragm activity was frequently low in
      conventional ventilation, suggesting that overassistance or oversedation is
      common in clinical practice. EAdi monitoring appears to be a helpful tool to
      detect such situations.

PMID- 25118867
TI  - Pathergy phenomenon: huge pyoderma gangrenosum following tube thoracostomy.

PMID- 25118869
TI  - A large vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm due to percutaneous internal jugular vein
      cannulation.

PMID- 25118868
TI  - Mortality related to after-hours discharge from intensive care in Australia and
      New Zealand, 2005-2012.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: After-hours discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) is
      associated with adverse patient outcomes including increased ICU readmissions and
      mortality. Since Australian and New Zealand data were last published, overall ICU
      patient mortality has decreased; however it is unknown whether changes in
      discharge practices have contributed to these improved outcomes. Our aim was to
      examine trends over time in discharge timing and the contemporary associations
      with mortality and ICU readmission. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using
      data from the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient
      Database (ANZICS APD) for patients admitted to Australian and New Zealand ICUs
      between January 2005 and December 2012. Data collected included patient
      characteristics, time of ICU discharge, hospital mortality and ICU readmissions.
      RESULTS: Between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2012, there were 710,535 patients
      available for analysis, of whom 109,384 (15.4 %) were discharged after-hours
      (1800-0600 hours). There were no changes in timing of ICU discharge over the 8
      years of the study. Patients discharged after-hours had a higher hospital
      mortality (6.4 versus 3.6 %; P < 0.001) and more ICU readmissions (5.1 versus 4.5
      %; P < 0.001) than patients discharged in-hours. Although post-ICU mortality for
      all patients declined during the study period, the risk associated with after
      hours discharge remained elevated throughout (odds ratio 1.34, 95 % confidence
      intervals 1.30-1.38). CONCLUSIONS: After-hours discharge remains an important
      independent predictor of hospital mortality and readmission to ICU. Despite
      widespread dissemination this evidence has not translated into fewer after-hours
      discharges or reduction in risk in Australian and New Zealand hospitals.

PMID- 25118870
TI  - Silk fibroin/collagen and silk fibroin/chitosan blended three-dimensional
      scaffolds for tissue engineering.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this study, the silk fibroin blended constructs were produced,
      scaffold performances of different kinds of scaffold were analyzed, and the
      better type for tissue engineering was optimized. METHODS: The silk
      fibroin/collagen (SF/C) and silk fibroin/chitosan (SF/CS) were made using a
      freeze-drying technique, porosity, water absorption expansion rate, mechanical
      properties and pore size of different scaffold was detected. Bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) of 4-week-old male Wistar rats were separated by
      density gradient centrifugation, third generation BMSCs were seeded onto
      scaffolds, cultured 14 days, proliferation and metabolize of cells were detected
      in different time using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay
      method, and cell morphology and distribution were observed by histological
      analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Porosity, water
      absorption expansion rate and Young's modulus of SF/C were significantly higher
      than SF/CS (p < 0.05); pore size of SF/C and SF/CS was 103 +/- 12 and 76 +/- 11
      MUm and had no significant differences between two types (p > 0.05); MTT results
      showed that the metabolism of cells in the SF/C was better than SF/CS; after
      cultivation for 14 days, in the inner zone of scaffolds, cells staining were
      little or absent from SF/CS, lots of cells staining were existing in SF/C; pore
      size was consistent, holes communicated with each other better, stem cells grew
      well inside the scaffolds, extended fully and secreted much extracellular matrix
      under SEM in SF/C scaffold; internal structure of SF/CS was disorder, holes size
      were not consistent, and did not communicated with each other and cells were
      partly dead. CONCLUSION: Compared with SF/CS, SF/C scaffold showed better
      porosity, water absorption expansion rate, elasticity modulus and pore size,
      cells grow well inside the scaffolds, and was more suitable for tissue
      engineering.

PMID- 25118871
TI  - Calcineurin-mediated regulation of hyphal growth, septation, and virulence in
      Aspergillus fumigatus.
AB  - Calcineurin is a heterodimeric protein phosphatase complex composed of catalytic
      (CnaA) and regulatory (CnaB) subunits and plays diverse roles in regulating
      fungal stress responses, morphogenesis, and pathogenesis. Fungal pathogens
      utilize the calcineurin pathway to survive in the host environment and cause life
      threatening infections. The immunosuppressive calcineurin inhibitors (FK506 and
      cyclosporine A) are active against fungi, making calcineurin a promising
      antifungal drug target. Here, we review novel findings on calcineurin
      localization and functions in Aspergillus fumigatus hyphal growth and septum
      formation through regulation of proteins involved in cell wall biosynthesis.
      Extensive mutational analysis in the functional domains of A. fumigatus CnaA has
      led to an understanding of the relevance of these domains for the localization
      and function of CnaA at the hyphal septum. An evolutionarily conserved novel mode
      of calcineurin regulation by phosphorylation in filamentous fungi was found to be
      responsible for virulence in A. fumigatus. This finding of a filamentous fungal
      specific mechanism controlling hyphal growth and virulence represents a potential
      target for antifungal therapy. 

PMID- 25118872
TI  - Aspergillus: sex and recombination.
AB  - The genus Aspergillus is one of the most widespread groups of fungi on Earth,
      comprised of about 300-350 species with very diverse lifestyles. Most species
      produce asexual propagula (conidia) on conidial heads. Despite their ubiquity, a
      sexual cycle has not yet been identified for most of the aspergilli. Where sexual
      reproduction is present, species exhibit either homothallic (self fertile) or
      heterothallic (obligate outcrossing) breeding systems. A parasexual cycle has
      also been described in some Aspergillus species. As in other fungi, sexual
      reproduction is governed by mating-type (MAT) genes, which determine sexual
      identity and are involved in regulating later stages of sexual development.
      Previous population genetic studies have indicated that some supposedly asexual
      aspergilli exhibit evidence of a recombining population structure, suggesting the
      presence of a cryptic sexual cycle. In addition, genome analyses have revealed
      networks of genes necessary for sexual reproduction in several Aspergillus
      species, again consistent with latent sexuality in these fungi. Knowledge of MAT
      gene presence has then successfully been applied to induce sexual reproduction
      between MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 isolates of certain supposedly asexual aspergilli.
      Recent progress in understanding the extent and significance of sexual
      reproduction is described here, with special emphasis on findings that are
      relevant to clinically important aspergilli. 

PMID- 25118873
TI  - Killed Saccharomyces cerevisiae protects against lethal challenge of Cryptococcus
      grubii.
AB  - Heat-killed Saccharomyces cerevisiae (HKY) vaccination protects mice against
      aspergillosis, coccidioidomycosis, mucormycosis, or candidiasis. We studied HKY
      protection against murine cryptococcosis. Once weekly subcutaneous HKY doses (S,
      6 * 10(7); 2S, 1.2 * 10(8); 3S, 2.4 * 10(8)) began 28 (*3), 35 (*4), or 42 (*6)
      days prior to intravenous Cryptococcus grubii infection. Survival through 28
      days, and CFU in the organs of survivors, were compared to saline-vaccinated
      controls. In the initial experiment, S, S*4, or 2S reduced brain CFU; liver or
      spleen CFU was reduced by S*4 or 2S. In a more lethal second experiment, 2S*6,
      2S, or 3S*4 improved survival, and HKY regimens reduced CFU in the brain, liver,
      or spleen, with 2S*6, 2S, or 3S*4 most efficacious. Dose size appears more
      important than the number of doses: Regimens >S were superior, and 2S and 2S*6
      were equivalent. 2S and 3S were equivalent, suggesting doses >2S do not provide
      additional protection. HKY protects against Cryptococcus, supporting components
      of HKY as a basis for the development of a panfungal vaccine.

PMID- 25118874
TI  - Killing rates for caspofungin against Candida albicans after brief and continuous
      caspofungin exposure in the presence and absence of serum.
AB  - It was previously demonstrated that brief (<=1 h) exposures to echinocandins are
      as effective to kill Candida albicans cells as continuous 24-h exposure. However,
      killing rates after continuous and short (1 h) echinocandin exposures to C.
      albicans have not yet been evaluated in RPMI-1640 with and without 50 % serum. We
      evaluated four echinocandin susceptible C. albicans bloodstream isolates, ATCC
      10231 type strain and an echinocandin-resistant isolate (DPL20, FKS F645P).
      Caspofungin MICs, time-kill and postantifungal effect (PAFE) tests were performed
      in RPMI-1640 with and without 50 % serum. Killing rates (k values) in time-kill
      and PAFE experiments were determined for each strain and concentration. In time
      kill experiments, colony count decreases were isolate- and concentration
      dependent at 0.25, 1, 4, 8, 16 and 32 mg/L in RPMI-1640, but concentration
      independent at 1, 4, 8, 16 and 32 mg/L in 50 % serum. One-hour caspofungin
      exposure at 4, 16 and 32 mg/L resulted in CFU decreases comparable with the
      results obtained in time-kill experiments in RPMI-1640, but 50 % serum at 4, 16
      and 32 mg/L allowed growth of all isolates (k values were negative) (P < 0.05
      0.001). PAFE in 50 % serum decreased markedly at 4, 16 and 32 mg/L. Killing rates
      remained high and concentration-independent in 50 % serum in case of continuous
      but not in case of brief caspofungin exposure. As only a short growth inhibition
      without killing was observed in 50 % serum, clinical relevance of caspofungin
      PAFE in vivo is questionable.

PMID- 25118875
TI  - Prevalence of Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis in vulvovaginal
      Candidiasis.
AB  - Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis were isolated from patients with
      vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis were
      found in presumptive Candida glabrata isolates, which were identified using the
      API Candida system. We retrospectively re-examined vaginal presumptive Candida
      glabrata isolates for Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis from January 1,
      2003, through December 31, 2012, via detection of the ITS1 region and the 5.8S
      ribosomal RNA gene. Among 301 presumptive Candida glabrata isolates, 293 isolates
      were confirmed as C. glabrata (97.34 %), 7 isolates were identified as C.
      nivariensis (2.33 %) and 1 isolate was identified as C. bracarensis (0.33 %). The
      C. nivariensis and C. bracarensis isolates were confirmed by sequencing. All C.
      nivariensis isolates were susceptible to nystatin and susceptible or susceptible
      dose-dependent to fluconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, and clotrimazole. The C.
      bracarensis isolate was susceptible to nystatin and the tested azoles. Among the
      seven patients with VVC caused by C. nivariensis and who were treated with
      various antifungal agents, only one patient achieved mycological eradication at
      both the day 7-14 and day 30-35 follow-ups. The C. bracarensis isolate was
      isolated from a symptomatic pregnant woman; additional data for this patient were
      unavailable. We conclude that C. nivariensis and C. bracarensis existed in the
      vaginal samples of patients with VVC. Therapeutic efficacy in the patients with
      C. nivariensis was poor and inconsistent with the observed in vitro antifungal
      susceptibility, which requires further study.

PMID- 25118876
TI  - Single-stage supramalleolar osteotomy for coronal plane deformity.
AB  - A variety of surgical procedures are utilized for management of ankle
      osteoarthritis. The most common etiology in patients with ankle osteoarthritis is
      post-traumatic often resulting in asymmetric ankle osteoarthritis with
      concomitant valgus or varus deformity. A substantial part of tibiotalar joint is
      often preserved, therefore, in appropriate patients, joint-preserving surgery
      holds the potential to be a superior treatment option than joint-sacrificing
      procedures including total ankle replacement or ankle arthrodesis. This review is
      designed to describe indications and contraindications for single-stage
      supramalleolar realignment surgery. Complications associated with this type of
      surgery and postoperative outcome are highlighted using recent literature. 

PMID- 25118878
TI  - Osteoporosis and the risk of symptomatic nephrolithiasis: a population-based 5
      year follow-up study in Taiwan.
AB  - This study estimates the risk of symptomatic nephrolithiasis within 5 years of
      newly diagnosed osteoporosis in a Taiwan population. This cohort study consisted
      of patients with a diagnosis of osteoporosis between Jan. 2003 and Dec. 2005 (N =
      1634). Four age- and gender- matched patients for every patient in the study
      cohort were selected using random sampling as the comparison cohort (N = 6536).
      All patients were tracked for 5 years from the date of cohort entry to identify
      whether they developed symptomatic nephrolithiasis. Cox proportional hazard
      regressions were performed to evaluate the 5-year nephrolithiasis-free survival
      rates. During the 5-year follow-up period, 60 osteoporosis patients (3.7%) and
      165 non- osteoporosis patients (2.5%) developed symptomatic nephrolithiasis. The
      adjusted HR of symptomatic nephrolithiasis was 1.38 times greater risk for
      patients with osteoporosis than for the comparison cohort (95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.03-1.86; P < .05). Osteoporosis is very likely to be an
      independent risk factor for subsequent diagnosis of symptomatic nephrolithiasis.

PMID- 25118877
TI  - The prevalence of workaholism: a survey study in a nationally representative
      sample of Norwegian employees.
AB  - Workaholism has become an increasingly popular area for empirical study. However,
      most studies examining the prevalence of workaholism have used non-representative
      samples and measures with poorly defined cut-off scores. To overcome these
      methodological limitations, a nationally representative survey among employees in
      Norway (N = 1,124) was conducted. Questions relating to gender, age, marital
      status, caretaker responsibility for children, percentage of full-time
      equivalent, and educational level were asked. Workaholism was assessed by the use
      of a psychometrically validated instrument (i.e., Bergen Work Addiction Scale).
      Personality was assessed using the Mini-International Personality Item Pool.
      Results showed that the prevalence of workaholism was 8.3% (95% CI  = 6.7-9.9%).
      An adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that workaholism was negatively
      related to age and positively related to the personality dimensions
      agreeableness, neuroticism, and intellect/imagination. Implications for these
      findings are discussed.

PMID- 25118883
TI  - Voyage to the bottom of the 'seaquence'.

PMID- 25118879
TI  - Augmented efficacy with the combination of blockade of the Notch-1 pathway,
      bortezomib and romidepsin in a murine MT-1 adult T-cell leukemia model.
AB  - Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is an aggressive malignancy caused by human T-cell
      lymphotropic virus-1. There is no accepted curative therapy for ATL. We have
      reported that certain ATL patients have increased Notch-1 signaling along with
      constitutive activation of the nuclear factor-kappaB pathway. Physical and
      functional interaction between these two pathways provides the rationale to
      combine the gamma-secretase inhibitor compound E with the proteasome inhibitor
      bortezomib. Moreover, romidepsin, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has
      demonstrated major antitumor action in leukemia/lymphoma. In this study, we
      investigated the therapeutic efficacy of the single agents and the combination of
      these agents in a murine model of human ATL, the MT-1 model. Single and double
      agents inhibited tumor growth as monitored by tumor size (P<0.05), and prolonged
      survival of leukemia-bearing mice (P<0.05) compared with the control group. The
      combination of three agents significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy as
      assessed by tumor size, tumor markers in the serum (human soluble interleukin-2
      receptor-alpha and beta2-microglobulin) and survival of the MT-1 tumor-bearing
      mice, compared with all other treatment groups (P<0.05). Improved therapeutic
      efficacy obtained by combining compound E, bortezomib and romidepsin supports a
      clinical trial of this combination in the treatment of ATL. 

PMID- 25118884
TI  - RAB11-mediated trafficking in host-pathogen interactions.
AB  - Many bacterial and viral pathogens block or subvert host cellular processes to
      promote successful infection. One host protein that is targeted by invading
      pathogens is the small GTPase RAB11, which functions in vesicular trafficking.
      RAB11 functions in conjunction with a protein complex known as the exocyst to
      mediate terminal steps in cargo transport via the recycling endosome to cell-cell
      junctions, phagosomes and cellular protrusions. These processes contribute to
      host innate immunity by promoting epithelial and endothelial barrier integrity,
      sensing and immobilizing pathogens and repairing pathogen-induced cellular
      damage. In this Review, we discuss the various mechanisms that pathogens have
      evolved to disrupt or subvert RAB11-dependent pathways as part of their infection
      strategy.

PMID- 25118885
TI  - Uniting the classification of cultured and uncultured bacteria and archaea using
      16S rRNA gene sequences.
AB  - Publicly available sequence databases of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene,
      also known as 16S rRNA in bacteria and archaea, are growing rapidly, and the
      number of entries currently exceeds 4 million. However, a unified classification
      and nomenclature framework for all bacteria and archaea does not yet exist. In
      this Analysis article, we propose rational taxonomic boundaries for high taxa of
      bacteria and archaea on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence identities and
      suggest a rationale for the circumscription of uncultured taxa that is compatible
      with the taxonomy of cultured bacteria and archaea. Our analyses show that only
      nearly complete 16S rRNA sequences give accurate measures of taxonomic diversity.
      In addition, our analyses suggest that most of the 16S rRNA sequences of the high
      taxa will be discovered in environmental surveys by the end of the current
      decade.

PMID- 25118886
TI  - The impact of various platelet indices as prognostic markers of septic shock.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Platelet indices, including mean platelet volume (MPV), are readily
      available blood tests, although their prognostic value in patients with septic
      shock has not been fully explored. Current evidence has found contradictory
      results. This study aims to explore the behavior of platelet indices in septic
      shock and their clinical prognostic value. METHODS: Charts of septic shock
      patients from January to December 2012 in a tertiary medical center in Northern
      China were reviewed retrospectively. Platelet indices were recorded during the
      first five consecutive days after admission, as well as the penultimate and the
      last day of hospital stay. The data were compared between surviving and non
      surviving patients. RESULTS: A total of 124 septic shock patients were enrolled.
      Thirty-six of the patients survived and 88 of them expired. MPV in the non
      survivor group was higher than that of the survivor group, especially on the last
      day. PDW and PLCR showed increased trends, while PCT and PLT decreased in the non
      survivor group. Among the PLT indices, MPV had the highest area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve (0.81) with a precision rate of 75.6% at
      a cut-off of 10.5.Compared with other more usual septic shock prognostic markers,
      MPV is second only to lactate for the highest area under the curve. CONCLUSION: A
      statistically significant difference was seen between survivors and non-survivors
      for platelet indices which make them easily available and useful prognostic
      markers for patients in septic shock.

PMID- 25118887
TI  - Megakaryocytic potentiating factor and mature mesothelin stimulate the growth of
      a lung cancer cell line in the peritoneal cavity of mice.
AB  - The mesothelin (MSLN) gene encodes a 71 kilodalton (kDa) precursor protein that
      is processed into megakaryocytic potentiating factor (MPF), a 31 kDa protein that
      is secreted from the cell, and mature mesothelin (mMSLN), a 40 kDa cell surface
      protein. The mMSLN binds to CA125, an interaction that has been implicated in the
      intra-cavitary spread of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. To better define the
      role of MPF and mMSLN, growth of the lung cancer cell line A549 was evaluated in
      immuno-deficient mice with inactivation of the Msln gene. We observed that Msln-/
      mice xenografted with intraperitoneal A549 tumors survive significantly long
      than tumor-bearing Msln+/+ mice. When tumor-bearing Msln-/- mice are supplemented
      with recombinant MPF (and to a lesser extent mMSLN), most of this survival
      advantage is lost. These studies demonstrate that MPF and mMSLN have an important
      role in the growth of lung cancer cells in vivo and raise the possibility that
      inactivation of MPF may be a useful treatment for lung and other MSLN expressing
      cancers.

PMID- 25118888
TI  - Protective effect of magnesium and metformin on endometrium and ovary in
      experimental diabetes mellitus.
AB  - We evaluated the effect of magnesium and metformin on streptozotocin (STZ)
      induced diabetes mellitus (DM) in non-pregnant female rats. The study comprised
      four groups, each consisting of eight, non-pregnant, adult Wistar female rats
      with a weight range of 170-250 g, maintained under the usual laboratory
      conditions. One group of female rats was the control group that received no
      treatment. To induce DM, the other three groups of animals received
      streptozotocin (STZ), 60 mg/kg i.p. (in a single dose). The first STZ group
      received no additional treatment. The second group received MgCl2 1 mmol/kg/day
      i.p. daily, for eight weeks. The third group received daily metformin, 100
      mg/kg/day per os (endogastric probe), for eight weeks. Blood glucose, total
      plasma magnesium concentrations, and oxidative status were determined prior to,
      24 hours and eight weeks after administration of the STZ. After eight weeks of
      treatment, the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed. The uterus and ovaries
      were removed and examined under optical microscopy. The data obtained were
      analyzed statistically using the ANOVA test. The results showed that the number
      of atretic ovarian follicles was 84%higher in the STZ-induced diabetes group
      compared to the control group (p<0.01). The number of atretic follicles found in
      the group receiving daily MgCl2 was 32% higher compared to the untreated control
      group (p<0.05). The number of atretic follicles was increased by only 27% in the
      metformin-treated group, as compared with the untreated control group.. The STZ
      induced diabetes group presented an endometrial epithelial atrophy not seen in
      the control group. MgCl2 administration attenuated the degree of endometrial
      atrophy, there being an endometrial epithelial thickness of 19.43 +/- 0.51 MUm in
      the STZ+MgCl2 group (p<0.05), as compared to a thickness of 13.51 +/- 0.27 MUm in
      the STZ only-treated diabetic group.

PMID- 25118889
TI  - BABYSCAN: a whole body counter for small children in Fukushima.
AB  - BABYSCAN, a whole body counter for small children with a detection limit for
      (137)Cs of better than 50 Bq/body, was developed, and the first unit has been
      installed at a hospital in Fukushima, to help families with small children who
      are very much concerned about internal exposures. The design principles,
      implementation details and the initial operating experience are described. 

PMID- 25118890
TI  - Correction-less dosimetry of nonstandard photon fields: a new criterion to
      determine the usability of radiation detectors.
AB  - In the IAEA-AAPM dosimetry formalism, detector measurements in general
      nonstandard conditions are corrected using the factor
      k(f(clin),f(msr))(Q(clin),Q(msr)). This factor needs to be evaluated on a case-by
      case basis which is difficult to accomplish in practice. The present paper aims
      to provide a method that allows neglecting correction factors for small and
      composite IMRT fields by first determining a radiation detector's usability in
      these fields. Detailed models of nine radiation detectors are built: four
      ionization chambers (NE2571, A12, A1SL, A14), three small field detectors
      (PTW31018 microLion, PTW60003 natural diamond, PTW60012 unshielded diode) and two
      near water-equivalent detectors (alanine, W1 scintillating fiber). Using the
      egs_chamber Monte Carlo code, dose response functions at 6 MV and 25 MV are
      sampled for each detector and their corresponding volume of water. These
      functions are then used with a newly derived criterion to evaluate an upper bound
      xi(f(ns),f(msr))(Q(ns),Q(msr)) on the variable
      epsilon(f(ns),f(msr))(Q(ns),Q(msr)) if no field collimation/modulation occurs
      over a given perturbation zone. The variable epsilon(f(ns),f(msr))(Q(ns),Q(msr))
      is defined as the absolute value of the relative deviation from unity of a
      nonstandard field quality correction factor k(f(ns),f(msr))(Q(ns),Q(msr)). Using
      the same criterion, perturbation zones are evaluated by finding the smallest
      field size allowed for correction-less dosimetry with a given tolerance
      xi(f(ns),f(msr))(Q(ns),Q(msr)). For composite fields, the sensitivity of
      detectors to the non-uniformity of virtual symmetric collapsed beams over regions
      of interest specified by the criterion is studied to estimate an upper bound xi
      (f(ns),f(ref))(Q(ns),Q) on epsilon(f(ns),f(ref))(Q(ns),Q) for a given beam
      flatness. Finally, a newly defined perturbation function is used to minimize the
      perturbations of the microLion chamber through density compensation. The
      theoretical criterion shows good agreement with full Monte Carlo simulations of
      epsilon(f(ns),f(msr))(Q(ns) Q(msr)). Perturbation zones are shown to be sensitive
      to both the energy of the beam and the orientation of the detector. The density
      compensated microLion shows significantly improved response in both axial and
      radial orientations in small and composite IMRT fields. Finally, the new Exradin
      W1 scintillator is shown to have xi(f(ns),f(msr))(Q(ns),Q(msr)) values under 1%
      in small fields. The methods presented in this work theoretically show that
      correction-less dosimetry of nonstandard field can be accomplished by knowing the
      limit of usability of radiation detectors in these conditions. Potential
      applications include small field output factor measurements and absolute absorbed
      dose to water verification in the QA of clinical IMRT fields.

PMID- 25118891
TI  - Association of cystatin C with measures of obesity and its impact on
      cardiovascular events among healthy US adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study sought to explore the relationship between cystatin C
      (CysC) and anthropometric measures of obesity and the influence of this
      association on mortality [cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease,
      and all-cause] in a nationally representative population free of CVD, diabetes
      mellitus, and macroalbuminuria (MA). METHODS: The study cohort included 4577
      adult participants of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      (NHANES). Spearman correlation analysis was performed to ascertain the
      association between various anthropometric measures and CysC. Formal statistical
      analyses of the interaction term between anthropometric measures and CysC for
      outcomes were performed followed by stratified multivariate Cox proportional
      hazard analyses. RESULTS: A moderate degree of association was seen between CysC
      and measures of visceral adiposity as represented by waist-to-height ratio (WHR)
      and waist circumference (WC) and only a weak association between CysC and body
      mass index (BMI). CysC was predictive of all study outcomes in individuals with
      normal anthropometric measurements only. CONCLUSIONS: CysC correlated better with
      measures of visceral adiposity (WC and WHR) compared to BMI and appears to be a
      better predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes among those with
      anthropometric measures not suggestive of obesity compared to those with abnormal
      measures of anthropometry.

PMID- 25118892
TI  - Comments on the paper "Modelling of cell killing due to sparsely ionizing
      radiation in normoxic and hypoxic conditions and an extension to high LET
      radiation" by A. Mairani et al., Int. J. Radiat. Biol. 89(10), 2013, 782-793.

PMID- 25118893
TI  - Short-term effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields exposure on
      Alzheimer's disease in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: With the development and widespread use of electromagnetic field (EMF)
      technology, recent studies are focusing on the effects of EMF on human health.
      Recently, extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have been
      studied with great interest due to their possible effects on Alzheimer's disease
      (AD). The objective of the present study was to investigate the interaction
      between ELF-EMF exposure and memory impairment in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two
      groups (n = 10). Animals were exposed to 100 MUT/50 Hz ELF-EMF or subjected to
      sham exposure when 12 weeks old. After 12 weeks, the Morris water maze (MWM) was
      used to test the changes in cognitive and memory ability. Amyloid-beta (Abeta)
      content in cortex, hippocampus and plasma were measured by ELISA assays. The
      morphology of neuron was detected by H&E staining. RESULTS: After exposure, the
      body weight of rats showed no difference compared with the control group. The
      application of ELF-EMF did not induce any cognitive and memory impairment
      compared with the sham-exposure group. The determination of Abeta showed no
      significant change between the two groups, and there was no histological change
      in ELF-EMF exposure group. CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that short
      term exposure of 100 MUT/50 Hz ELF-EMF had no effects on cognition and memory of
      rats, and did not alter the expression of Abeta and the neuron morphology.
      However, more comprehensive studies are still required to elucidate the possible
      effects and underlying mechanisms of ELF-EMF exposure on living organisms.

PMID- 25118896
TI  - Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) and p53 labelling index correlates with
      tumour grade in meningiomas.
AB  - Meningiomas are one of the most frequent intracranial tumours, with 13
      histological types and three grades according to the 2007 WHO Classification of
      Tumours of the Central Nervous System. p53, as one of the most potent tumour
      suppressor proteins, plays a role in nearly 50% of human tumours. Poly(ADP
      ribose) polymerase (PARP) is a DNA repair enzyme with high ATP demand. It plays a
      role in apoptosis by activating an apoptosis inducing factor, and in necrosis by
      consuming NAD+ and ATP. Only PARP1 has been investigated in detail in tumours out
      of the 17 members of the PARP superfamily; however, its role has not been studied
      in meningiomas yet. The aim of this study was to determine the role of p53 and
      PARP1 in meningiomas of different grade and to establish whether there is any
      correlation between the p53 and PARP1 expression. Both PARP1 and p53 have been
      expressed in all examined meningiomas. PARP1 labelled grade II tumours with a
      higher intensity as compared to grade I and III neoplasms, respectively. An
      increased p53 expression was noted in grade III meningiomas. There was no
      statistical correlation between p53 and PARP1 expression. Our data indicate that
      both PARP1 and p53 activation is a feature in meningiomas of higher grade, PARP1
      overexpression being an early, whereas p53 overexpression, a late event in tumour
      progression. 

PMID- 25118895
TI  - Blocking TRPV1 in nucleus accumbens inhibits persistent morphine conditioned
      place preference expression in rats.
AB  - The function of TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily, member
      1) in the central nervous system is gradually elucidated. It has been recently
      proved to be expressed in nucleus accumbens (NAc), a region playing an essential
      role in mediating opioid craving and taking behaviors. Based on the general role
      of TRPV1 antagonist in blocking neural over-excitability by both pre- and post
      synaptic mechanisms, TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (CPZ) was tested for its
      ability to prohibit persistent opioid craving in rats. In the present study, we
      assessed the expression of TRPV1 in nucleus accumbens and investigated the effect
      of CPZ in bilateral nucleus accumbens on persistent morphine conditioned place
      preference (mCPP) in rats. We also evaluated the side-effect of CPZ on activity
      by comparing cross-beam times between groups. We found that morphine conditioned
      place preference increased the TRPV1 expression and CPZ attenuated morphine
      conditioned place preference in a dose-dependent and target-specific manner after
      both short- and long-term spontaneous withdrawal, reflected by the reduction of
      the increased time in morphine-paired side. CPZ (10 nM) could induce prolonged
      and stable inhibition of morphine conditioned place preference expression. More
      importantly, CPZ did not cause dysfunction of activity in the subjects tested,
      which indicates the inhibitory effect was not obtained at the sacrifice of
      regular movement. Collectively, these results indicated that injection of TRPV1
      antagonist in nucleus accumbens is capable of attenuating persistent morphine
      conditioned place preference without affecting normal activity. Thus, TRPV1
      antagonist is one of the promising therapeutic drugs for the treatment of opioid
      addiction. 

PMID- 25118897
TI  - Neuroprotective properties of ciliary neurotrophic factor on retinoic acid (RA)
      predifferentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.
AB  - Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a neurocytokine, which could promote
      survival and/or differentiation in many cell types. In this study, the biological
      effects of CNTF on retinoic acid (RA)-predifferentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma
      cells and the underlying molecular mechanism of this effect were investigated for
      the first time. The results showed that RA was able to increase cells
      susceptibility to CNTF via regulating the expression levels of CNTF receptors. A
      further study revealed that CNTF could induce phosphorylation of STAT3, Akt and
      ERK1/2 in RA-predifferentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, while the promoting
      activity of CNTF on survival and neurite growth of cells was attenuated by co
      treatment with JAK2 inhibitor AG490 (25 MUM), STAT3 inhibitor Curcumin (50 MUM),
      PI3K inhibitor LY-294002 (50 uM), but not by co-treatment with MEK inhibitor
      PD98059 (50 MUM). These findings suggested that JAK2/STAT3, as well as PI3K/Akt,
      play important roles in mediating the survival and neurite growth response of RA
      predifferentiated cells to CNTF. Our study may be useful to further understand
      the functional role of CNTF and offer a convenient model to explore the
      therapeutic potential of CNTF in neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 25118898
TI  - Anaplastic transformation of low-grade gliomas (WHO II) on magnetic resonance
      imaging.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Malignant transformation among gliomas WHO II ranges between 35%
      and 89%. However, according to some reports, all gliomas WHO II undergo such
      transformation over time. The aim of the study was to analyse MRI parameters
      indicating anaplastic transformation of gliomas WHO II. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Forty-six consecutive patients were enrolled in the study (20 females and 26
      males; range of age 36 +/- 9 years) with supratentorial glioma WHO II.
      Multiparametric MR examination included morphological imaging, perfusion-weighted
      imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
      Group division depended on the course of disease (ST - stable group, AT -
      anaplastic transformation group). RESULTS: Subtotal tumour resection was achieved
      in the whole AT group, whereas in the ST group, total tumour resection was
      achieved in 10/29 (34%) patients. The size of the residual tumour after surgery
      was statistically significantly higher in the AT group compared to the ST group
      (AT: 51.5 cm3 +/- 37.7 vs. ST: 29.0 cm3 +/- 37.9; p = 0.011). Contrast
      enhancement in the AT group occurred in 5/11 (45%) of tumours and in none of the
      patients' areas of contrast enhancement were resected during surgery/biopsy.
      However, the initial MR showed contrast enhancement in 10/29 (34%) of patients in
      the ST group. The areas of contrast enhancement were totally resected in all
      patients. Compared to the ST group tumours that underwent anaplastic
      transformation had statistically significantly higher values of mean nrCBV and
      max nrCBV on the initial MR, the follow-up and final MR examinations. However,
      statistically significant differences between the groups in ADC values were
      observed on the follow-up and final MR whereas mean Cho/Cr and mean Cho/NAA were
      observed as late as on the final MR examination. CONCLUSIONS: Multiparametric MR
      examination allows the detection of LGGs with high probability of rapid
      anaplastic transformation and the detection of transformation prior to the
      occurrence of contrast enhancement. The value of nrCBV is the most useful in the
      diagnosis of anaplastic transformation. The resection of contrast enhancement
      area of the tumour significantly increases time to anaplastic transformation of
      LGGs.

PMID- 25118899
TI  - Secretory meningiomas: immunohistochemical pattern of lectin and ultrastructure
      of pseudopsammoma bodies.
AB  - Secretory meningioma is an infrequent histological subtype of benign, WHO grade I
      meningioma, that is characterized by focal epithelial and secretory
      transformation of meningothelial cells. The leading histopathological feature of
      neoplastic tissue is the presence of eosinophilic hyaline inclusions, defined as
      "pseudopsammoma bodies". These inclusions are mostly intracytoplasmic, different
      in size and often multiple. They are stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and
      are immunopositive for epithelial and secretory markers. The aim of this study
      was to determine the pattern of lectin bindings and ultrastructural features of
      secretory meningiomas. The examination was performed on 8 cases of secretory
      meningiomas that occurred in women and were mostly associated with prominent
      peritumoural oedema. Histologically, the tumours exhibited numerous eosinophilic,
      PAS positive pseudopsammoma bodies. Immunohistochemical studies revealed a
      strong, ring-like cytokeratin expression around the pseudopsammoma bodies. The
      inclusions were CEA and EMA positive but negative for vimentin. The
      immunolabeling with four lectins (PNA, SBA, Con A and DBA) was studied. The
      majority of pseudopsammoma bodies and surrounding tumour cells were strongly
      labelled with PNA and SBA. Immunolabelling with Con A showed irregular staining
      with high intensity in small inclusions. Immunostaining with DBA was seldom
      positive in inclusions and negative in the tumour cell cytoplasm. Ultrastructure
      of pseudopsammoma bodies exhibited advanced heterogeneity. The size of inclusions
      and the content of intracytoplasmic lumina varied greatly. Some pseudopsammoma
      bodies seemed to be located extracellularly and lacked the obvious lumina. Our
      ultrastructural study and lectin binding pattern support the unique epithelial
      and secretory transformation of neoplastic cells connected with their altered
      glycosylation.

PMID- 25118900
TI  - Effects of hypothermia on ex vivo microglial production of pro- and anti
      inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide in hypoxic-ischemic brain-injured mice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Activated microglia produce neurotoxic factors, including pro
      inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO), in response to neuronal
      destruction. Therapeutic suppression of microglial release of these factors by
      various approaches including hypothermia is considered to be neuroprotective
      after severe brain damage. We examined the effects of hypothermic culture on the
      production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and NO in ex vivo microglia
      that were derived from mice with hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury, through the
      stimulation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) that play significant roles in the
      pathological processes underlying a sterile central nervous system injury.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two-day-old mice underwent the right common carotid artery
      ligation followed by 6% oxygen for 30 min, and thereafter were placed at 37
      degrees C for 24 h, after which microglia were isolated and then cultured with
      TLR2 and TLR4 agonists at 33 degrees C and 37 degrees C. Cytokine and NO levels
      in culture supernatants were measured. RESULTS: Compared with 37 degrees C,
      hypothermia (33 degrees C) reduced the production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha: a pro-inflammatory cytokine) at 6 h and interleukin-10 (IL-10: an
      anti-inflammatory cytokine) and NO at 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: In TLR-activated
      microglia that were derived from mice with HI brain injury, hypothermia reduced
      the production of TNF-alpha, IL-10, and NO temporally, a clinically relevant
      finding suggesting that neuroprotection conferred by therapeutic hypothermia is
      related to attenuation of early-phase and late-phase inflammatory factors as well
      as that of late-phase anti-inflammatory factor(s) released from microglia.

PMID- 25118901
TI  - Monitoring of very long-chain fatty acids levels in X-linked
      adrenoleukodystrophy, treated with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and
      Lorenzo's Oil.
AB  - X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is a rare, neurodegenerative peroxisomal disorder
      connected with mutation in the ABCD1 gene, causing impairment of the peroxisomal
      beta-oxidation process and in consequence, accumulation of very long-chain fatty
      acids (VLCFA) in blood and tissues. In this study we present serum very long
      chain fatty acids levels during clinical course in an X-linked
      adrenoleukodystrophy patient after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (HSCT) and on Lorenzo's Oil in a 11 years' period. The patient was diagnosed at
      the age of 8 months by family screening. The administration of LO was started at
      2 years of age. HSCT from a family donor was performed twice. VLCFA serum levels
      were detected by the GC method. Chimaerism subsequent to HSCT was also analyzed.
      Increasing very long-chain fatty acids levels correlate with a decreasing
      chimaerism level after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The sequential
      monitoring of very long-chain fatty acids serum levels is important and useful
      for assessment of engraftment, graft failure or rejection.

PMID- 25118902
TI  - Involvement of D1/D2 dopamine antagonists upon open-arms exploratory behaviours
      induced by intra-nucleus accumbens shell administration of N-methyl-D-aspartate.
AB  - Glutamatergic system stimulation in some parts of the brain may affect anxiety
      related behaviours, aversive learning and memory. This system retains many
      interactions with dopaminergic neurotransmission. We have studied the effect of
      nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell glutamatergic system activation on anxiety-related
      behaviours as well as aversive learning and memory in adult male Wistar rats
      using the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor agonist, NMDA. Furthermore, the
      possible involvement of the NAc shell dopamine D1 and D2 receptors upon NMDA
      induced effects was evaluated. The elevated plus-maze task was used to assess the
      drugs' concomitant effects on anxiety, learning and memory in rats. All drugs
      were delivered into the NAc shell via bilaterally implanted indwelling cannulae.
      The NMDA-induced anxiolytic-like behaviours upon retest could possibly be
      attributed to the further avoidance acquisition impairments. Moreover, the
      inhibition of dopaminergic system using SCH 23390 and sulpiride induced an
      anxiolytic-like response and impaired the aversive memory acquisition during
      retest. However, the concurrent intra-NAc shell microinjection of the
      subthreshold dose of SCH 23390 and sulpiride (0.125 ug/rat) reversed the
      anxiolytic-like effect and blocked the aversive memory impairment induced by
      intra-NAc shell NMDA. Our results suggest a modulatory role of the NAc shell
      dopaminergic system on NMDA-induced effects in the aversive memory.

PMID- 25118903
TI  - Neuroprotective effect of rotigotine against complex I inhibitors, MPP+ and
      rotenone, in primary mesencephalic cell culture.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dopamine agonists are suggested to be more efficacious in treating
      Parkinson's disease (PD) as they have neuroprotective properties in addition to
      their receptor-related actions. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was designed
      to investigate the neuroprotective effects of rotigotine, a D3/D2/D1 dopamine
      receptor agonist, against the two powerful complex I inhibitors, 1-methyl-4
      phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and rotenone, in primary mesencephalic cell culture
      relevant to PD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Primary mesencephalic cell cultures were
      prepared from embryonic mouse mesencephala at gestation day 14. Three sets of
      cultures were treated with rotigotine alone, rotigotine and MPP+, and rotigotine
      and rotenone to investigate the effect of rotigotine on the survival of
      dopaminergic neurons against age-, MPP+- and rotenone-induced cell death. At the
      end of each treatment, cultures were fixed and stained immunohistochemically
      against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The effect of rotigotine against rotenone
      induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using CH-H2DCFDA
      fluorescence dye. RESULTS: Rotigotine alone did not influence the survival of
      tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (THir) neurons except at 10 uM, it
      significantly decreased the number of THir neurons by 40% compared to untreated
      controls. Treatment of cultures with 0.01 uM rotigotine rescued 10% of THir
      neurons against MPP+-induced cell death. Rotigotine was also found to
      significantly rescue 20% of THir neurons at 0.01 uM of rotenone-treated cultures.
      Using of CH-H2DCFDA fluorescence dye, it was found that rotigotine significantly
      attenuated ROS production compared to rotenone-treated cultures. CONCLUSIONS:
      Rotigotine provides minor protection against MPP+ and rescues a significant
      number of THir neurons against rotenone in primary mesencephalic cell cultures
      relevant to PD.

PMID- 25118904
TI  - Primary angiitis of the central nervous system: a study of histopathological
      patterns and review of the literature.
AB  - Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a rare form of
      vasculitis of unknown aetiology. Multifaceted clinical manifestations, non
      specific MRI findings, a broad range of differential diagnoses and diverse
      pathological appearances prove to be a diagnostic challenge. However, a prompt
      diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial to avoid permanent damage. Hence,
      we present the clinico-pathological spectrum of this entity and highlight the
      limitations of currently available diagnostic modalities. We describe in detail
      the histopathological findings of eight cases of PACNS diagnosed at the
      Department of Pathology, AIIMS, over a period of eight years. Eight cases of
      PACNS were identified during this period. Five cases (62.5%) showed features of
      granulomatous vasculitis, two (25%) showed lymphocytic vasculitis and one case
      (12.5%) showed a predominantly necrotizing pattern of vasculitis. Diagnosis of
      PACNS is a challenge and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. Appropriate
      work-up to exclude other conditions is mandatory. Brain biopsy is useful in
      making the diagnosis and ruling out mimicking conditions. 

PMID- 25118905
TI  - Dendritic and spinal alterations of neurons from Edinger-Westphal nucleus in
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder, causing a
      progressive decline of intellectual faculties, impairment of behavior and social
      performance, and impairment of speech eloquence, associated with various
      neurological manifestations based on a variable neuropathological background.
      Edinger-Westphal nucleus is a selective target of Alzheimer pathology early in
      the course of the disease. We attempted to determine the morphological
      alterations of the dendrites and the dendritic spines in Edinger-Westphal nucleus
      of 7 cases that fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease. For
      the histological study, we applied (a) routine neuropathological techniques and
      (b) rapid Golgi method. We proceeded to 3D neuronal reconstruction for the
      estimation of dendritic and spinal changes in Alzheimer's disease. The
      morphological and morphometric analysis revealed a substantial neuronal loss and
      synaptic alterations in Edinger-Westphal nucleus in all the cases of Alzheimer's
      disease. Distal dendritic branches are prominently affected. The neuronal loss
      and alteration of the spines in Edinger-Westphal nucleus in Alzheimer's disease
      may be related to the exaggerated pupillary reaction to cholinergic antagonists.
      Furthermore, the vulnerability of distal branches to Alzheimer's disease might be
      related to neuroplasticity impairment. 

PMID- 25118906
TI  - Iron-induced fibrin formation may explain vascular pathology in Alzheimer's
      disease.

PMID- 25118907
TI  - A genomewide study of body mass index and its genetic correlation with
      thromboembolic risk. Results from the GAIT project.
AB  - Thrombosis and obesity are complex epidemiologically associated diseases. The
      mechanism of this association is not yet understood. It was the objective of this
      study to identify genetic components of body mass index (BMI) and their possible
      role in the risk of thromboembolic disease. With the self-reported BMI of 397
      individuals from 21 extended families enrolled in the GAIT (Genetic Analysis of
      Idiopathic Thrombophilia) Project, we estimated the heritability of BMI and the
      genetic correlation with the risk of thrombosis. Subjects were genotyped for an
      autosomal genome-wide scan with 363 highly-informative DNA markers. Univariate
      and bivariate multipoint linkage analyses were performed. The heritability for
      BMI was 0.31 (p=2.9*10-5). Thromboembolic disease (including venous and arterial)
      and BMI had a significant genetic correlation (rhoG=0.54, p=0.005). Two linkage
      signals for BMI were obtained, one at 13q34 (LOD=3.36, p=0.0004) and other at
      2q34, highly suggestive of linkage (LOD=1.95). Bivariate linkage analysis with
      BMI and thrombosis risk also showed a significant signal at 13q34 (LOD=3),
      indicating that this locus influences at the same time normal variation in the
      BMI phenotype as well as susceptibility to thrombosis. In conclusion, BMI and
      thrombosis are genetically correlated. The locus 13q34, which showed pleiotropy
      with both phenotypes, contains two candidate genes, which may explain our linkage
      pleiotropic signal and deserve further investigation as possible risk factors for
      obesity and thrombosis. 

PMID- 25118908
TI  - Targeting Plasmodium falciparum transmission with primaquine: same efficacy,
      improved safety with a lower dose?
AB  - Malaria transmission is declining worldwide, leading to a growing interest in
      strategies to reach elimination and eradication. Insecticide and drug resistance
      threaten these efforts, driving an interest in the use of gametocytocidal drugs
      to curb the spread of artemisinin resistance and accelerate the path to malaria
      elimination. Primaquine is the only marketed drug that can kill mature Plasmodium
      falciparum gametocytes, which can otherwise contribute to ongoing transmission
      for long periods of time. While primaquine has been widely used in Asia and the
      Americas, African countries have little experience with this drug and are
      reluctant to use primaquine due to a fear of hemolytic side effects. We discuss
      the underlying knowledge base and motivation to use primaquine as a P. falciparum
      transmission blocker, revealing that while primaquine implementation can benefit
      from further study, there remains an overall need for improved transmission
      blocking drugs. 

PMID- 25118910
TI  - A mathematical model evaluating the timing of early diagnostic testing in HIV
      exposed infants in South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy is often initiated too late to impact early
      HIV-related infant mortality. Earlier treatment requires an earlier diagnosis,
      and the currently recommended 6-week HIV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test
      needs reconsideration. This study aims to identify (1) optimal testing intervals
      to maximize the number of perinatal HIV infections diagnosed and (2) programmatic
      issues that impact diagnosis. METHODS: A mathematical model was developed to
      simulate antiretroviral prophylaxis uptake and health outcomes in 240,000 HIV
      exposed South African infants. The model considered routine early testing with 1
      PCR (at birth, 6, 10, or 14 weeks of age) and with 2 PCR tests (at birth and at
      6, 10, or 14 weeks of age). RESULTS: A single 6-week test would diagnose the same
      number of perinatal HIV infections as birth testing (P = 0.92) but fewer
      infections than a 10-week test (P < 0.01). Ten-week testing identifies the
      highest number of perinatally infected infants (P < 0.01 compared with a single
      test at all other ages) but does not save additional life years compared with
      birth testing (P = 0.27). Performing 2 PCR tests (at birth and 10 weeks) would
      identify the highest number of perinatal infections (P < 0.01 versus a second 6-
      or 14-week test). However, 25% of perinatal HIV infections would remain
      undiagnosed, largely because of failure to return PCR test results to caregivers.
      CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks may no longer be the optimal age to diagnose perinatal HIV
      infections. Two early PCR tests (at birth and 10 weeks) would likely be the ideal
      diagnostic algorithm, but must be coupled with improved program coverage.

PMID- 25118911
TI  - Differential co-expression analysis of rheumatoid arthritis with microarray data.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying molecular
      mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using microarray expression profiles from
      osteoarthritis and RA patients, to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for
      the condition. The gene expression profile of GSE27390 was downloaded from Gene
      Expression Omnibus, including 19 samples from patients with RA (n=9) or
      osteoarthritis (n=10). Firstly, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were
      obtained with the thresholds of |logFC|>1.0 and P<0.05, using the t-test method
      in LIMMA package. Then, differentially co-expressed genes (DCGs) and
      differentially co-expressed links (DCLs) were screened with q<0.25 by the
      differential coexpression analysis and differential regulation analysis of gene
      expression microarray data package. Secondly, pathway enrichment analysis for
      DCGs was performed by the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated
      Discovery and the DCLs associated with RA were selected by comparing the obtained
      DCLs with known transcription factor (TF)-targets in the TRANSFAC database.
      Finally, the obtained TFs were mapped to the known TF-targets to construct the
      network using cytoscape software. A total of 1755 DEGs, 457 DCGs and 101988 DCLs
      were achieved and there were 20 TFs in the obtained six TF-target relations
      (STAT3-TNF, PBX1-PLAU, SOCS3-STAT3, GATA1-ETS2, ETS1-ICAM4 and CEBPE-GATA1) and
      457 DCGs. A number of TF-target relations in the constructed network were not
      within DCLs when the TF and target gene were DCGs. The identified TFs may have an
      important role in the pathogenesis of RA and have the potential to be used as
      biomarkers for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for
      RA.

PMID- 25118912
TI  - The third issue of 2014. Editorial.

PMID- 25118913
TI  - Intervention program efficacy for spelling difficulties.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop an intervention procedure for spelling difficulties and to
      verify the effectiveness of the intervention program in students with lower
      spelling performance. METHOD: We developed an intervention program for spelling
      difficulties, according to the semiology of the errors. The program consisted of
      three modules totaling 16 sessions. The study included 40 students of the third
      to fifth grade of public elementary education of the city of Marilia (SP), of
      both genders, in aged of eight to 12 years old, being distributed in the
      following groups: GI (20 students with lower spelling performance) and GII (20
      students with higher spelling performance). In situation of pre and post-testing,
      all groups were submitted to the Pro-Orthography. RESULTS: The results
      statistically analyzed showed that, in general, all groups had average of right
      that has higher in post-testing, reducing the types of errors second semiologycal
      classification, mainly related to natural spelling errors. However, the results
      also showed that the groups submitted to the intervention program showed better
      performance on spelling tests in relation to not submitted. CONCLUSION: The
      intervention program developed was effective once the groups submitted showed
      better performance on spelling tests in relation to not submitted. Therefore, the
      intervention program can help professionals in the Health and Education to
      minimize the problems related to spelling, giving students an intervention that
      is effective for the development of the spelling knowledge.

PMID- 25118914
TI  - The lexical development of children with hearing impairment and associated
      factors.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed at analyzing the association between the lexical
      development of children with hearing impairment and their psychosocial and
      socioeconomic characteristics and medical history. METHODS: An analytic
      transversal study was conducted in an Auditive Health Attention Service. One
      hundred and ten children from 6 to 10 years old using hearing aids and presenting
      hearing loss that ranged from light to deep levels were evaluated. All children
      were subjected to oral, written language and auditory perception tests. Parents
      answered a structured questionnaire to collect data from their medical history
      and socioeconomic status, and questionnaires about the features of the family
      environment and psychosocial characteristics. Multivariate analysis was performed
      by logistic regression, being the initial model composed by variables with p<0,20
      in the univariate analysis. In the final model, we adopted a significance level
      of 5%. RESULTS: The final model of the multivariate analysis showed an
      association between the performance on the vocabulary test and the results of
      phonemic discrimination test (OR=0.81; 95%CI 0.73-0.89). CONCLUSION: The results
      show the importance of stimulating the auditory processing, particularly the
      phonemic discrimination skill, throughout the rehabilitation process of children
      with hearing impairment. This stimulation can enhance lexical development and
      minimize the metalanguage and learning difficulties often observed in these
      children.

PMID- 25118916
TI  - Comparing the results of DAADD and ABC of children included in autism spectrum
      disorders.
AB  - PURPOSE: To verify if there are characteristic behaviors of the different
      diagnosis included in the autism spectrum according to the Differential
      Assessment of Autism and Other Developmental Disorders (DAADD) and to the Autism
      Behavior Checklist (ABC). METHOD: Participants were 45 individuals and their
      respective speech-language therapists. All therapists are graduate students
      working with the children for at least 1 year. This time was considered
      sufficient to the therapists to have the information required by the DAADD
      questionnaire. It is comprised by 3 protocols specifically designed to children
      with 2 to 4 years, 4 to 6 years and 6 to 8 years, the same criteria used to
      separate the research groups, G1, G2 and G3, respectively. Data referring to the
      ABC were retrieved from the subject's files at the Laboratorio de Investigacao
      Fonoaudiologica nos Disturbios do Espectro do Autismo (Research Laboratory on
      Language Disorders in the Autism Spectrum) of the School of Medicine,
      Universidade de Sao Paulo, where it is routinely applied during the annual
      assessment. RESULTS: Answers to the different areas of DAADD are similar to the
      different areas of ABC. These data show data the diagnosis by DAADD is easier in
      older children. Although there is no significant difference, the large occurrence
      of Rett's syndrome diagnosis according to the DAADD was associated to higher risk
      for autism according to the ABC in G1. With increasing age this tendency
      decreases and either in G2 and G3 Autism is the most frequent diagnosis.
      CONCLUSION: Although the results of both questionnaires tend to agree more with
      increasing age, the DAADD is more sensitive in the different ages while the ABC
      if more specific only to older children.

PMID- 25118915
TI  - Mean length utterance in Brazilian children: a comparative study between Down
      syndrome, specific language impairment, and typical language development.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the linguistic performance of Brazilian Portuguese-speaking
      children with Down syndrome by analyzing their Mean Length Utterance; to compare
      their performance to that of children with Specific Language Impairment and
      Typical Development; and to verify whether children with Down syndrome present
      developmental language delay or disorder. METHOD: Participants were 25 children
      with Down syndrome (Research Group), matched by mental age to a Control Group of
      typically developing children, and to a Control Group of children with Specific
      Language Impairment. Participants were divided into subgroups, according to age
      range (three, four and five years). Speech samples were collected for the
      Research Group, and the Mean Length Utterance was analyzed for morphemes and
      words. RESULTS: Differences were observed between the performance of the Research
      Group and both Control Groups, and the former presented inferior Mean Length
      Utterance values for all age ranges, characterizing a delay in grammar and
      general language development. CONCLUSION: The description of the linguistic
      abilities of Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children with Down syndrome indicated
      important grammatical deficits, especially regarding the use of functional words.

PMID- 25118917
TI  - Global developmental abilities of cochlear implanted children with spastic
      cerebral palsy: two experimental groups.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze gross motor, fine motor-adaptive, language, social function
      performance, and communicative behaviors among cochlear-implanted children with
      spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and children with CP without hearing loss (HL) and to
      compare them with children with normal development. METHODS: Prospective cross
      sectional study involving 12 children with mean age of 63 months, distributed
      into two experimental groups: G1-4 children with CP and cochlear implant (CI)
      users and G2-4 children with CP without HL. A third group (G3) was the control
      group with four typically developing children. In the experimental groups, six
      children were classified in level II and two in level IV, using the Gross Motor
      Function Classification System. We used the Denver Developmental Screening Test
      II and the Communicative Behavior Observation (CBO). RESULTS: G3 showed better
      performance than G1 and G2 in all evaluations. G2 showed better results than G1
      in language, communication, personal-social, and fine motor-adaptive areas,
      except in the gross motor area. Aspects of language and communicative behaviors
      were lower in both experimental groups, especially in G1. Skills related to
      personal-social area showed no differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: Motor
      impairment of G1 and G2 and HL in G1 affected the development in the assessed
      areas, but these factors did not restrict personal-social development. Children
      with CP did not achieve high development in social function; however, the
      difference with relation to G3 was not statically significant. The CI provided a
      channel for oral language reception and social interaction, which has a key role
      in determining the quality of life.

PMID- 25118918
TI  - Otoacoustic emissions and biomarkers of oxidative stress in students of a tobacco
      producing region.
AB  - PURPOSE: To verify the association between the amplitude of distortion-product
      otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and biomarkers of oxidative stress (OS) in resident
      students of the tobacco-producing region. METHODS: Participated in the study
      group (SG) 21 normal-hearing students from the tobacco-producing region, and in
      the control group (CG) 25 normal-hearing students who did not live in the
      countryside. The auditory system was assessed by DPOAE and the following
      biomarkers: dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and micronucleus test (MN).
      RESULTS: Both groups showed DPOAE present in both ears. Significant difference
      was detected between groups--in the right ear in the frequency of 4.000 Hz and in
      the left ear in the frequency of 2.000 Hz--with the mean amplitude of the DPOAE
      of the SG lower than the one found in the CG. Considering both ears, the SG
      presented lower mean across all frequencies and it was found a significant
      difference in the frequencies of 2.000 and 4.000 Hz. The overall mean of DPOAE,
      by ear, no significant differences were observed. In relation to the rate of
      production of free radicals, the mean of the SG was significantly higher than
      that of the mean of the CG. For the frequency of abnormal cells in the MN test,
      the mean of the SG was also considerate significantly higher than the mean of the
      CG. CONCLUSION: The SG showed a lower response level of DPOAE at all frequencies
      and high levels of biomarkers of EO, however there was no association between
      assessments.

PMID- 25118919
TI  - Correlation of the findings of auditory steady-state evoked potential and of
      behavioral hearing assessment in infants with sensorineural hearing loss.
AB  - PURPOSE: To correlate the findings of an open-field audiometry with the
      thresholds of steady-state auditory-evoked potentials (SSAEPs) found in infants
      of up to 6 months of age with sensorineural hearing loss. METHODS: This study
      included 19 infants with sensorineural hearing loss (8 males and 11 females),
      with minimum age of 2 months and maximum age of 6 months. The SSAEPs were
      assessed at 500 and 2000 Hz, and the audiometry was performed in open field
      through observation of behavioral responses to sound stimuli, at the same
      frequencies. RESULTS: We observed a significant correlation between the findings
      of both tests conducted at 500 and 2000 Hz, with p-values of 0.002 and 0.013,
      respectively. There was no statistical difference between ears (p=0.532) and
      genders (p=0.615). CONCLUSION: We conclude that there was a significant
      correlation between the SSAEP thresholds and the findings of the open-field
      audiometry. Therefore, we can affirm that the SSAEPs are a viable examination,
      able to predict the degree and configuration of hearing loss in infants of up to
      6 months of age, and that they can be included in the clinical routine of hearing
      assessments conducted in children.

PMID- 25118920
TI  - Association between pharyngeal residue and posterior oral spillage with
      penetration and aspiration in stroke.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed at showing association between the posterior oral
      spillage and pharyngeal residue with tracheal aspiration and/or laryngeal
      penetration in stroke. METHODS: Clinical cross-sectional retrospective
      multicenter study. The study included 63 videofluoroscopic tests of post-ischemic
      stroke individuals and oropharyngeal dysphagia data of the three reference
      centers providing care for patients with dysphagia (43 men and 20 women; age
      range: from 40 to 90 years). These individuals were divided into two groups.
      Group I consisted of 35 participants with the presence of penetration and/or
      laryngotracheal aspiration, and Group II consisted of 28 individuals with no
      penetration and/or aspiration. Videofluoroscopic swallowing test results were
      analyzed to divide the groups, and the presence of posterior oral spillage and
      pharyngeal residue was observed. RESULTS: No association was found between the
      groups with posterior oral spillage (chi2=1.65; p=0.30; phi2=0.02), but there was
      statistical difference for the association between pharyngeal residue
      (chi2=12.86; p=0.003; phi2=0.20) and the groups. CONCLUSION: There is an
      association between pharyngeal residue and penetration with tracheal aspiration
      in post-stroke individuals.

PMID- 25118921
TI  - Evaluation of the force applied by the tongue and lip on the maxillary central
      incisor tooth.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the development and testing of a system that measures forces
      exerted by the tongue and upper lip on a tooth during rest and during swallowing.
      METHODS: Twenty-eight subjects, aged 19-31 years (mean: 23.2 years) were
      submitted to measurement of forces exerted by the upper lip and tongue on the
      maxillary right central incisor tooth. Flexiforce resistive sensors were fixed on
      the labial and lingual surfaces of the tooth. They were connected to an amplifier
      circuit and a data acquisition board for processing and transmitting information
      to a computer. RESULTS: At rest, the tongue force on the tooth was 0.00+/-0.00 N
      and the lip force on tooth was 0.02+/-0.02 N. The difference between them was
      significant. During swallowing, the values were 0.31+/-0.38 N and 0.15+/-0.14 N,
      for the tongue and lip, respectively. This difference was not significant.
      CONCLUSION: At rest, the lip exerts a larger force than the tongue on the
      maxillary right central incisor tooth. During swallowing, there was no difference
      between lip and tongue force on the tooth.

PMID- 25118922
TI  - National Policy on Health Care Hearing: an evaluative study from covering
      services and diagnostic procedures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the National Policy on Hearing Health Care (PNASA) based on
      the coverage of specialized services and diagnostic procedures in hearing health
      care in Brazil. METHODS: This is an evaluation study focused on the coverage of
      specialized services that offer moderate- and high-complexity diagnostic
      procedures by region and in Brazil as a whole. We analyzed the data for the
      period of 2004-2011 collected from the Unified Health System's Informatics
      Department database (DATASUS), under the link "Information on health" and
      tabulated using the software Tabwin. While collecting data from this platform, we
      selected "procedures for diagnostic purposes", and the selected way of
      organization was "diagnoses in otorhinolaryngology/audiology" of moderate and
      high complexity. We estimated coverage and evolution of the number of procedures
      according to the country's five geographic macroregions. RESULTS: We identified
      an increase of 113% in service coverage and of 61% in the quantity of moderate-
      and high-complexity hearing health diagnostic procedures throughout the country.
      The northern region had an increase of 78% in the number of procedures, higher
      than all other regions. However, a proportionally larger number of procedures
      were performed in the southeast. We identified a significant increase in the
      number of examinations of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) for hearing triage,
      transient-evoked OAE and distortion product, as well as of diagnostic
      reassessments of hearing loss in patients older than 3 years. CONCLUSION: There
      has been an increase in services and actions in hearing health care in Brazil
      since PNASA was implemented, but regional inequalities in the distribution of
      these services still persist.

PMID- 25118923
TI  - Tongue contour for /s/ and /?/ in children with speech sound disorder.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the tongue shape for /s/ and /?/ sounds in three different
      groups of children with and without speech sound disorder. METHODS: The six
      participants were divided into three groups: Group 1--two typically developing
      children, Group 2--two children with speech sound disorder presenting any other
      phonological processes but not the ones involving the production of the /?/ and
      Group 3--two children with speech sound disorder presenting any phonological
      processes associated to the presence of the phonological process of palatal
      fronting (these two children produced /?/ as /s/) aged between 5 and 8 years old,
      all speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. The data were the words /'?avi/ (key) and
      /'sapu/ (frog). Tongue contour was individually traced for the five productions
      of each target word. RESULTS: The analysis of the tongue contour pointed to
      evidences that both /s/ and /?/ were produced using distinct tongue contours for
      G1 and G2. The production of these two groups was more stable than G3. The tongue
      contour for /s/ and /?/ from the children in G3 was similar, indicating that
      their production was undifferentiated. CONCLUSION: The use of the ultrasound
      applied to the speech analysis was effective to confirm the perceptual analysis
      of the sound made by the speech-language pathologist.

PMID- 25118924
TI  - Cross-cultural adaptation of the Italian version of the Voice Activity
      Participation Profile.
AB  - The Vocal Activity Participation Profile (VAPP), originally developed in English,
      is a self-assessment tool used to measure individuals' voice activity limitation
      and participation restriction. Based on the fact that the cultural/linguistic
      adaptation is an essential step of validating a protocol in another language, the
      purpose was to linguistically and culturally adapt the VAPP into Italian. The
      adaptation was performed in accordance to the Scientific Advisory Committee of
      the Medical Outcomes Trust. The translation was performed by one bilingual speech
      language pathologist and by one bilingual interpreter, who knew about the purpose
      of this project. A bilingual English teacher, who had not participated in the
      previous step, performed the back translation. A committee composed by three
      speech-language pathologists specialized in voice and one laryngologist compared
      the forward and backward translations, to assess for any discrepancies. A final
      version was produced and called Profilo di Attivita e Partecipazione Vocale
      (PAPV). A "not applicable" option was included to each item and was administered
      to 17 individuals with voice problems, six males and 11 females, aged between 21
      to 55 years. All items were relevant, as no patients chose the "not applicable"
      option. However, four individuals, who had a lower educational level, did not
      fully understand the instructions of the opening statement. Therefore, the
      questionnaire was further reviewed and adjusted to clarify the information.
      Otherwise, no items were changed and/or deleted. The PAPV kept the same structure
      as the original version. The cultural equivalence of the Italian VAPP was
      demonstrated and entitled PAPV, whose validation is currently in process. 

PMID- 25118925
TI  - Speech language therapy for cancer patients and new tendencies.

PMID- 25118926
TI  - Non-apoptotic functions of caspase-7 during osteogenesis.
AB  - Caspase-3 and -7 are generally known for their central role in the execution of
      apoptosis. However, their function is not limited to apoptosis and under specific
      conditions activation has been linked to proliferation or differentiation of
      specialised cell types. In the present study, we followed the localisation of the
      activated form of caspase-7 during intramembranous (alveolar and mandibular
      bones) and endochondral (long bones of limbs) ossification in mice. In both bone
      types, the activated form of caspase-7 was detected from the beginning of
      ossification during embryonic development and persisted postnatally. The bone
      status was investigated by microCT in both wild-type and caspase-7-deficient
      adult mice. Intramembranous bone in mutant mice displayed a statistically
      significant decrease in volume while the mineral density was not altered.
      Conversely, endochondral bone showed constant volume but a significant decrease
      in mineral density in caspase-7 knock-out mice. Cleaved caspase-7 was present in
      a number of cells that did not show signs of apoptosis. PCR array analysis of the
      mandibular bone of caspase-7-deficient versus wild-type mice pointed to a
      significant decrease in mRNA levels for Msx1 and Smad1 in early bone formation.
      These observations might explain the decrease in the alveolar bone volume of
      adult knock-out mice. In conclusion, this study is the first to report a non
      apoptotic function of caspase-7 in osteogenesis and also demonstrates further
      specificities in endochondral versus intramembranous ossification. 

PMID- 25118927
TI  - Autophagy promotes paclitaxel resistance of cervical cancer cells: involvement of
      Warburg effect activated hypoxia-induced factor 1-alpha-mediated signaling.
AB  - Paclitaxel is one of the most effective chemotherapy drugs for advanced cervical
      cancer. However, acquired resistance of paclitaxel represents a major barrier to
      successful anticancer treatment. In this study, paclitaxel-resistant HeLa
      sublines (HeLa-R cell lines) were established by continuous exposure and
      increased autophagy level was observed in HeLa-R cells. 3-Methyladenine or ATG7
      siRNA, autophagy inhibitors, could restore sensitivity of HeLa-R cells to
      paclitaxel compared with parental HeLa cells. To determine the underlying
      molecular mechanism, differentially expressed proteins between HeLa and HeLa-R
      cells were identified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with
      electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight MS/MS. We found glycolysis
      associated proteins were upregulated in HeLa-R cell lines. Inhibition of
      glycolysis by 2-deoxy-D-glucose or koningic acid could decrease autophagy and
      enhance sensitivity of HeLa-R cells to paclitaxel. Moreover, glycolysis could
      activate HIF1-alpha. Downregulation of HIF1-alpha by specific siRNA could
      decrease autophagy and resensitize HeLa-R cells to paclitaxel. Taken together, a
      possible Warburg effect activated HIF1-alpha-mediated signaling-induced
      autophagic pathway is proposed, which may provide new insight into paclitaxel
      chemoresistance. 

PMID- 25118928
TI  - The LRRK2 inhibitor GSK2578215A induces protective autophagy in SH-SY5Y cells:
      involvement of Drp-1-mediated mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial-derived ROS
      signaling.
AB  - Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene have been associated
      with Parkinson's disease, and its inhibition opens potential new therapeutic
      options. Among the drug inhibitors of both wild-type and mutant LRRK2 forms is
      the 2-arylmethyloxy-5-subtitutent-N-arylbenzamide GSK257815A. Using the well
      established dopaminergic cell culture model SH-SY5Y, we have investigated the
      effects of GSK2578215A on crucial neurodegenerative features such as
      mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy. GSK2578215A induces mitochondrial
      fragmentation of an early step preceding autophagy. This increase in
      autophagosome results from inhibition of fusion rather than increases in
      synthesis. The observed effects were shared with LRRK2-IN-1, a well-described,
      structurally distinct kinase inhibitor compound or when knocking down LRRK2
      expression using siRNA. Studies using the drug mitochondrial division inhibitor 1
      indicated that translocation of the dynamin-related protein-1 has a relevant role
      in this process. In addition, autophagic inhibitors revealed the participation of
      autophagy as a cytoprotective response by removing damaged mitochondria.
      GSK2578215A induced oxidative stress as evidenced by the accumulation of 4
      hydroxy-2-nonenal in SH-SY5Y cells. The mitochondrial-targeted reactive oxygen
      species scavenger MitoQ positioned these species as second messengers between
      mitochondrial morphologic alterations and autophagy. Altogether, our results
      demonstrated the relevance of LRRK2 in mitochondrial-activated pathways mediating
      in autophagy and cell fate, crucial features in neurodegenerative diseases. 

PMID- 25118929
TI  - Stabilization of apoptotic cells: generation of zombie cells.
AB  - Apoptosis is characterized by degradation of cell components but plasma membrane
      remains intact. Apoptotic microtubule network (AMN) is organized during apoptosis
      forming a cortical structure beneath plasma membrane that maintains plasma
      membrane integrity. Apoptotic cells are also characterized by high reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) production that can be potentially harmful for the cell. The
      aim of this study was to develop a method that allows stabilizing apoptotic cells
      for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. By using a cocktail composed of
      taxol (a microtubule stabilizer), Zn(2+) (a caspase inhibitor) and coenzyme Q10
      (a lipid antioxidant), we were able to stabilize H460 apoptotic cells in cell
      cultures for at least 72 h, preventing secondary necrosis. Stabilized apoptotic
      cells maintain many apoptotic cell characteristics such as the presence of
      apoptotic microtubules, plasma membrane integrity, low intracellular calcium
      levels and mitochondrial polarization. Apoptotic cell stabilization may open new
      avenues in apoptosis detection and therapy. 

PMID- 25118930
TI  - Release and activity of histone in diseases.
AB  - Histones and their post-translational modifications have key roles in chromatin
      remodeling and gene transcription. Besides intranuclear functions, histones act
      as damage-associated molecular pattern molecules when they are released into the
      extracellular space. Administration of exogenous histones to animals leads to
      systemic inflammatory and toxic responses through activating Toll-like receptors
      and inflammasome pathways. Anti-histone treatment (e.g., neutralizing antibodies,
      activated protein C, recombinant thrombomodulin, and heparin) protect mice
      against lethal endotoxemia, sepsis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, trauma,
      pancreatitis, peritonitis, stroke, coagulation, and thrombosis. In addition,
      elevated serum histone and nucleosome levels have been implicated in multiple
      pathophysiological processes and progression of diseases including autoimmune
      diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Therefore, extracellular histones
      could serve as biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets in human diseases. 

PMID- 25118931
TI  - Improving the therapeutic potential of endostatin by fusing it with the BAX BH3
      death domain.
AB  - Endostatin (ES) inhibits angiogenesis, reducing tumor growth in animal models.
      However, it has low therapeutic effect in human clinical trials. BAX is a member
      of the BCL-2 family of proteins; its proapoptotic (BH3) domain interacts with
      other members of the family in the cytoplasm, to induce apoptosis. Here, we fused
      the BAX BH3 domain with murine ES, to enhance ES potency. Endothelial cells
      specifically internalize the fusion protein ES-BAX. The presence of the BAX
      domain enhances endothelial cell death by apoptosis by 1.8-fold and diminishes
      microvessel outgrowth in the rat aortic ring assay by 6.5-fold. Daily injections
      of 15 MUg of ES-BAX/g in tumor-bearing mice reduce tumor weight by 86.9% as
      compared with ES-treated animals. Co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that ES
      BAX interacts with members of the BCL-2 family. Also, ES interacts with BCL-2,
      BCL-XL, and BAK in endothelial cell lysates, suggesting a potential new mechanism
      for the apoptosis induction by ES. The superiority of the ES-BAX antiangiogenic
      effect indicates that this fusion protein could be a promising therapeutic
      alternative to treat cancer. 

PMID- 25118932
TI  - Cholesterol oxidase from Bordetella species promotes irreversible cell apoptosis
      in lung adenocarcinoma by cholesterol oxidation.
AB  - Cholesterol oxidase (COD), an enzyme catalyzing the oxidation of cholesterol, has
      been applied to track the distribution of membrane cholesterol. Little
      investigations about the effect of COD on tumor cells have been performed. In the
      present study, we provided evidence that COD from Bordetella species (COD-B),
      induced apoptosis of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. COD-B treatment
      inhibited Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in dose- and time-dependent manner,
      which was not reversed and was even aggravated by cholesterol addition. Further
      investigation indicated that COD-B treatment promoted the generation of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) and that cholesterol addition further elevated ROS levels.
      Moreover, COD-B treatment resulted in JNK and p38 phosphorylation, downregulation
      of Bcl-2, upregulation of Bax, activated caspase-3 and cytochrome C release,
      which likely responded to freshly produced hydrogen peroxide that accompanied
      cholesterol oxidation. Catalase pretreatment could only partially prevent COD-B
      induced events, suggesting that catalase inhibited H2O2-induced signal
      transduction but had little effect on signal pathways involved in cholesterol
      depletion. Our results demonstrated that COD-B led to irreversible cell apoptosis
      by decreasing cholesterol content and increasing ROS level. In addition, COD-B
      may be a promising candidate for a novel anti-tumor therapy. 

PMID- 25118933
TI  - The protease Omi regulates mitochondrial biogenesis through the GSK3beta/PGC
      1alpha pathway.
AB  - Loss of the mitochondrial protease activity of Omi causes mitochondrial
      dysfunction, neurodegeneration with parkinsonian features and premature death in
      mnd2 (motor neuron degeneration 2) mice. However, the detailed mechanisms
      underlying this pathology remain largely unknown. Here, we report that Omi
      participates in the process of mitochondrial biogenesis, which has been linked to
      several neurodegenerative diseases. The mitochondrial biogenesis is deficit in
      mnd2 mice, evidenced by severe decreases of mitochondrial components,
      mitochondrial DNA and mitochondrial density. Omi cleaves glycogen synthase kinase
      3beta (GSK3beta), a kinase promoting PPARgamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha)
      degradation, to regulate PGC-1alpha, a factor important for the mitochondrial
      biogenesis. In mnd2 mice, GSK3beta abundance is increased and PGC-1alpha
      abundance is decreased significantly. Inhibition of GSK3beta by SB216763 or
      overexpression of PGC-1alpha can restore mitochondrial biogenesis in mnd2 mice or
      Omi-knockdown N2a cells. Furthermore, there is a significant improvement of the
      movement ability of mnd2 mice after SB216763 treatment. Thus, our study
      identified Omi as a novel regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, involving in Omi
      protease-deficient-induced neurodegeneration. 

PMID- 25118934
TI  - Specific antibody binding to the APP672-699 region shifts APP processing from
      alpha- to beta-cleavage.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is the
      most common cause of dementia in the elderly, is characterized by the
      accumulation of amyloid-beta (Abeta) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, as well
      as a progressive loss of synapses and neurons in the brain. The major
      pertinacious component of amyloid plaques is Abeta, a variably sized peptide
      derived from the integral membrane protein amyloid precursor protein (APP). The
      Abeta region of APP locates partly within its ecto- and trans-membrane domains.
      APP is cleaved by three proteases, designated as alpha-, beta-, and gamma
      secretases. Processing by beta- and gamma-secretase cleaves the N- and C-terminal
      ends of the Abeta region, respectively, releasing Abeta, whereas alpha-secretase
      cleaves within the Abeta sequence, releasing soluble APPalpha (sAPPalpha). The
      gamma-secretase cleaves at several adjacent sites to yield Abeta species
      containing 39-43 amino acid residues. Both alpha- and beta-cleavage sites of
      human wild-type APP are located in APP672-699 region (ectodomain of beta-C
      terminal fragment, ED-beta-CTF or ED-C99). Therefore, the amino acid residues
      within or near this region are definitely pivotal for human wild-type APP
      function and processing. Here, we report that one ED-C99-specific monoclonal
      antibody (mAbED-C99) blocks human wild-type APP endocytosis and shifts its
      processing from alpha- to beta-cleavage, as evidenced by elevated accumulation of
      cell surface full-length APP and beta-CTF together with reduced sAPPalpha and
      alpha-CTF levels. Moreover, mAbED-C99 enhances the interactions of APP with
      cholesterol. Consistently, intracerebroventricular injection of mAbED-C99 to
      human wild-type APP transgenic mice markedly increases membrane-associated beta
      CTF. All these findings suggest that APP672-699 region is critical for human wild
      type APP processing and may provide new clues for the pathogenesis of sporadic
      AD. 

PMID- 25118937
TI  - Depletion of intermediate filament protein Nestin, a target of microRNA-940,
      suppresses tumorigenesis by inducing spontaneous DNA damage accumulation in human
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a major malignant tumor of the head and neck
      region in southern China. The understanding of its underlying etiology is
      essential for the development of novel effective therapies. We report for the
      first time that microRNA-940 (miR-940) significantly suppresses the proliferation
      of a variety of cancer cell lines, arrests cells cycle, induces caspase-3/7
      dependent apoptosis and inhibits the formation of NPC xenograft tumors in mice.
      We further show that miR-940 directly binds to the 3'-untranslated regions of
      Nestin mRNA and promotes its degradation. Likewise, depletion of Nestin inhibits
      tumor cell proliferation, arrest cells at G2/M, induces apoptosis and suppresses
      xenograft tumor formation in vivo. These functions of miR-940 can be reversed by
      ectopic expression of Nestin, suggesting that miR-940 regulates cell
      proliferation and survival through Nestin. Notably, we observed reduced miR-940
      and increased Nestin levels in NPC patient samples. Protein microarray revealed
      that knockdown of Nestin in 5-8F NPC cells alters the phosphorylation of proteins
      involved in the DNA damage response, suggesting a mechanism for the miR
      940/Nestin axis. Consistently, depletion of Nestin induced spontaneous DNA damage
      accumulation, delayed the DNA damage repair process and increased the sensitivity
      to irradiation and the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. Collectively, our
      findings indicate that Nestin, which is downregulated by miR-940, can promote
      tumorigenesis in NPC cells through involvement in the DNA damage response. The
      levels of microRNA-940 and Nestin may serve as indicators of cancer status and
      prognosis. 

PMID- 25118935
TI  - Impaired cell death and mammary gland involution in the absence of Dock1 and Rac1
      signaling.
AB  - Throughout life, the tight equilibrium between cell death and the prompt
      clearance of dead corpses is required to maintain a proper tissue homeostasis and
      prevent inflammation. Following lactation, mammary gland involution is triggered
      and results in the death of excessive epithelial cells that are rapidly cleared
      by phagocytes to ensure that the gland returns to its prepregnant state.
      Orthologs of Dock1 (dedicator of cytokinesis 1), Elmo and Rac1 (ras-related C3
      botulinum toxin substrate 1) in Caenorhabditis elegans are part of a signaling
      module in phagocytes that is linking apoptotic cell recognition to cytoskeletal
      reorganization required for engulfment. In mammals, Elmo1 was shown to interact
      with the phosphatidylserine receptor Bai1 and relay signals to promote
      phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Still, the role of the RacGEF Dock1 in the
      clearance of dying cells in mammals was never directly addressed. We generated
      two mouse models with conditional inactivation of Dock1 and Rac1 and revealed
      that the expression of these genes is not essential in the mammary gland during
      puberty, pregnancy and lactation. We induced mammary gland involution in these
      mice to investigate the role of Dock1/Rac1 signaling in the engulfment of cell
      corpses. Unpredictably, activation of Stat3 (signal transducer and activator of
      transcription 3), a key regulator of mammary gland involution, was impaired in
      the absence of Rac1 and Dock1 expression. Likewise, failure to activate properly
      Stat3 was coinciding with a significant delay in the initiation and progression
      of mammary gland involution in mutant animals. By using an in vitro phagocytosis
      assay, we observed that Dock1 and Rac1 are essential to mediate engulfment in
      epithelial phagocytes. In vivo, cell corpses accumulated at late time points of
      involution in Dock1 and Rac1 mutant mammary glands. Overall, our study
      demonstrated an unsuspected role for Dock1/Rac1 signaling in the initiation of
      mammary gland involution, and also suggested a role for this pathway in the
      clearance of dead cells by epithelial phagocytes. 

PMID- 25118938
TI  - Detrimental effects of Notch1 signaling activated by cadmium in renal proximal
      tubular epithelial cells.
AB  - We examined the roles of Notch1 signaling and its cross-talk with other signaling
      pathways, including p53 and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, in cadmium
      induced cellular damage in HK-2 human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells.
      Following exposure to cadmium chloride (CdCl2), the level of Notch intracellular
      domain (NICD), the cleaved form of the Notch1 receptor, was increased and
      accumulated in the nuclear fraction. Knockdown of Notch1 with siRNA or treatment
      with the gamma-secretase inhibitor, DAPT (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl)]
      S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester), prevented CdCl2-induced morphological change of
      HK-2 cells and reduction of cell viability. Knockdown of Jagged1 or Jagged2, the
      ligands of the Notch1 receptor, partially suppressed cadmium cytotoxicity.
      Inhibition of p53 activity with pifithrin-alpha or inhibition of PI3K with
      LY294002 suppressed CdCl2-induced cellular damage and elevation of Notch1-NICD.
      In addition, treatment with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
      inhibitor, AG1478, and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor inhibitor, PPP,
      suppressed both Notch1-NICD accumulation and Akt phosphorylation in HK-2 cells
      exposed to CdCl2. However, knockdown of Notch1 did not affect CdCl2-induced p53
      accumulation and phosphorylation but suppressed phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt, and
      p70 S6 kinase. Depletion of Notch1 suppressed CdCl2-induced reduction of E
      cadherin expression and elevation of Snail expression. Furthermore, treatment
      with SB216763, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3, suppressed the potency
      of LY294002 treatment to reduce Snail expression in HK-2 cells exposed to CdCl2.
      Knockdown of Snail with siRNA partially prevented HK-2 cells from CdCl2-induced
      reduction of E-cadherin expression and cellular damage. These results suggest
      that cadmium exposure induces the activation of Notch1 signaling in renal
      proximal tubular cells with cooperative activation by the p53 and PI3K/Akt
      signaling pathways; the resultant expression of Snail, a repressor of E-cadherin
      expression, might lead to cellular damage by decreasing cell-cell adhesion. 

PMID- 25118939
TI  - FAK competes for Src to promote migration against invasion in melanoma cells.
AB  - Melanoma is one of the most deadly cancers because of its high propensity to
      metastasis, a process that requires migration and invasion of tumor cells driven
      by the regulated formation of adhesives structures like focal adhesions (FAs) and
      invasive structures like invadopodia. FAK, the major kinase of FAs, has been
      implicated in many cellular processes, including migration and invasion. In this
      study, we investigated the role of FAK in the regulation of invasion. We report
      that suppression of FAK in B16F10 melanoma cells led to increased invadopodia
      formation and invasion through Matrigel, but impaired migration. These effects
      are rescued by FAK WT but not by FAK(Y397F) reexpression. Invadopodia formation
      requires local Src activation downstream of FAK and in a FAK phosphorylation
      dependant manner. FAK deletion correlates with increased phosphorylation of Tks-5
      (tyrosine kinase substrate with five SH3 domain) and reactive oxygen species
      production. In conclusion, our data show that FAK is able to mediate opposite
      effects on cell migration and invasion. Accordingly, beneficial effects of FAK
      inhibition are context dependent and may depend on the cell response to
      environmental cues and/or on the primary or secondary changes that melanoma
      experienced through the invasion cycle. 

PMID- 25118942
TI  - Future impacts of nitrogen deposition and climate change scenarios on forest
      crown defoliation.
AB  - Defoliation is an indicator for forest health in response to several stressors
      including air pollutants, and one of the most important parameters monitored in
      the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air
      Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). The study aims to estimate crown
      defoliation in 2030, under three climate and one nitrogen deposition scenarios,
      based on evaluation of the most important factors (meteorological, nitrogen
      deposition and chemical soil parameters) affecting defoliation of twelve European
      tree species. The combination of favourable climate and nitrogen fertilization in
      the more adaptive species induces a generalized decrease of defoliation. On the
      other hand, severe climate change and drought are main causes of increase in
      defoliation in Quercus ilex and Fagus sylvatica, especially in Mediterranean
      area. Our results provide information on regional distribution of future
      defoliation, an important knowledge for identifying policies to counteract
      negative impacts of climate change and air pollution. 

PMID- 25118941
TI  - Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor inhibits interleukin
      1beta-induced catabolic and inflammatory responses in murine chondrocytes.
AB  - Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) is a newly
      identified member of the adipocytokine family, whose precise role in chondrocyte
      metabolism remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the effect of vaspin on chondrocytes. The cell viability and the
      cytotoxicity of vaspin in chondrocytes were examined. Furthermore, the gene
      expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9, a disintegrin and
      metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 and 5 and cathepsin D was also
      examined, as well as the protein production of cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E2
      and inducible nitrous oxide synthase following treatment with different
      concentrations of vaspin in the absence or presence of interleukin-1-beta (IL
      1beta). In addition, the protein levels of the inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB
      (IkappaB-alpha) and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB)
      were investigated. Vaspin was not able to stimulate the proliferation of
      chondrocytes and demonstrated no significant cytotoxic effect at concentrations
      of 10-500 ng/ml following coincubation for 24 and 48 h. However, vaspin inhibited
      IL-1beta-induced production of catabolic factors and inflammatory mediators in
      chondrocytes, and also suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-kappaB and the
      degradation of IkappaB-alpha. The data from the present study suggested that
      vaspin has a protective effect in chondrocyte metabolism and is an important
      factor in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis.

PMID- 25118943
TI  - D'scent of man: a comparative survey of primate chemosignaling in relation to
      sex.
AB  - This article is part of a Special Issue (Chemosignals and Reproduction). As
      highly visual animals, primates, in general, and Old World species (including
      humans), in particular, are not immediately recognized for reliance in their
      daily interactions on olfactory communication. Nevertheless, views on primate
      olfactory acuity and the pervasiveness of their scent signaling are changing,
      with increased appreciation for the important role of body odors in primate
      social and sexual behavior. All major taxonomic groups, from lemurs to humans,
      are endowed with scent-producing organs, and either deposit or exude a wealth of
      volatile compounds, many of which are known semiochemicals. This review takes a
      comparative perspective to illustrate the reproductive context of primate
      signaling, the relevant information content of their signals, the sexually
      differentiated investigative responses generated, and the behavioral or
      physiological consequences of message transmission to both signaler and receiver.
      Throughout, humans are placed alongside their relatives to illustrate the
      evolutionary continuum in the sexual selection of primate chemosignals. This ever
      growing body of evidence points to a critical role of scent in guiding the social
      behavior and reproductive function throughout the primate order. 

PMID- 25118940
TI  - Impulsivity in disorders of food and drug misuse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests some overlap between the pathological use of food
      and drugs, yet how impulsivity compares across these different clinical disorders
      remains unclear. Substance use disorders are commonly characterized by elevated
      impulsivity, and impulsivity subtypes may show commonalities and differences in
      various conditions. We hypothesized that obese subjects with binge-eating
      disorder (BED) and abstinent alcohol-dependent cohorts would have relatively more
      impulsive profiles compared to obese subjects without BED. We also predicted
      decision impulsivity impairment in obesity with and without BED. METHOD: Thirty
      obese subjects with BED, 30 without BED and 30 abstinent alcohol-dependent
      subjects and age- and gender-matched controls were tested on delay discounting
      (preference for a smaller immediate reward over a larger delayed reward),
      reflection impulsivity (rapid decision making prior to evidence accumulation) and
      motor response inhibition (action cancellation of a prepotent response). RESULTS:
      All three groups had greater delay discounting relative to healthy volunteers.
      Both obese subjects without BED and alcohol-dependent subjects had impaired motor
      response inhibition. Only obese subjects without BED had impaired integration of
      available information to optimize outcomes over later trials with a cost
      condition. CONCLUSIONS: Delay discounting appears to be a common core impairment
      across disorders of food and drug intake. Unexpectedly, obese subjects without
      BED showed greater impulsivity than obese subjects with BED. We highlight the
      dissociability and heterogeneity of impulsivity subtypes and add to the
      understanding of neurocognitive profiles across disorders involving food and
      drugs. Our results have therapeutic implications suggesting that disorder
      specific patterns of impulsivity could be targeted.

PMID- 25118944
TI  - Successful non-surgical deep uterine transfer of porcine morulae after 24 hour
      culture in a chemically defined medium.
AB  - Excellent fertility and prolificacy have been reported after non-surgical deep
      uterine transfers of fresh in vivo-derived porcine embryos. Unfortunately, when
      this technology is used with vitrified embryos, the reproductive performance of
      recipients is low. For this reason and because the embryos must be stored until
      they are transferred to the recipient farms, we evaluated the potential
      application of non-surgical deep uterine transfers with in vivo-derived morulae
      cultured for 24 h in liquid stage. In Experiment 1, two temperatures (25  degrees
      C and 37  degrees C) and two media (one fully defined and one semi-defined) were
      assessed. Morulae cultured in culture medium supplemented with bovine serum
      albumin and fetal calf serum at 38.5  degrees C in 5% CO2 in air were used as
      controls. Irrespective of medium, the embryo viability after 24 h of culture was
      negatively affected (P<0.05) at 25  degrees C but not at 37  degrees C compared
      with the controls. Embryo development was delayed in all experimental groups
      compared with the control group (P<0.001). Most of the embryos (95.7%) cultured
      at 37  degrees C achieved the full or expanded blastocyst stage, and unlike the
      controls, none of them hatched at the end of culture. In Experiment 2, 785
      morulae were cultured in the defined medium at 37  degrees C for 24 h, and the
      resulting blastocysts were transferred to the recipients (n = 24). Uncultured
      embryos collected at the blastocyst stage (n = 750) were directly transferred to
      the recipients and used as controls (n = 25). No differences in farrowing rates
      (91.7% and 92.0%) or litter sizes (9.0 +/- 0.6 and 9.4 +/- 0.8) were observed
      between the groups. This study demonstrated, for the first time, that high
      reproductive performance can be achieved after non-surgical deep uterine
      transfers with short-term cultured morulae in a defined medium, which opens new
      possibilities for the sanitary, safe national and international trade of porcine
      embryos and the commercial use of embryo transfer in pigs.

PMID- 25118945
TI  - Perinatal protein malnutrition affects mitochondrial function in adult and
      results in a resistance to high fat diet-induced obesity.
AB  - Epidemiological findings indicate that transient environmental influences during
      perinatal life, especially nutrition, may have deleterious heritable health
      effects lasting for the entire life. Indeed, the fetal organism develops specific
      adaptations that permanently change its physiology/metabolism and that persist
      even in the absence of the stimulus that initiated them. This process is termed
      "nutritional programming". We previously demonstrated that mothers fed a Low
      Protein-Diet (LPD) during gestation and lactation give birth to F1-LPD animals
      presenting metabolic consequences that are different from those observed when the
      nutritional stress is applied during gestation only. Compared to control mice,
      adult F1-LPD animals have a lower body weight and exhibit a higher food intake
      suggesting that maternal protein under-nutrition during gestation and lactation
      affects the energy metabolism of F1-LPD offspring. In this study, we investigated
      the origin of this apparent energy wasting process in F1-LPD and demonstrated
      that minimal energy expenditure is increased, due to both an increased
      mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle and an increased mitochondrial density
      in White Adipose Tissue. Importantly, F1-LPD mice are protected against high-fat
      diet-induced obesity. Clearly, different paradigms of exposure to malnutrition
      may be associated with differences in energy expenditure, food intake, weight and
      different susceptibilities to various symptoms associated with metabolic
      syndrome. Taken together these results demonstrate that intra-uterine environment
      is a major contributor to the future of individuals and disturbance at a critical
      period of development may compromise their health. Consequently, understanding
      the molecular mechanisms may give access to useful knowledge regarding the onset
      of metabolic diseases. 

PMID- 25118950
TI  - Near surface magnetic domain observation with ultra-high resolution.
AB  - Near field magnetic force microscopy (NF-MFM) has been demonstrated to locally
      observe the magnetic fine structures in nanosized recording bits at an operating
      distance of 1 nm. The nanoscale magnetic domains, the polarity of surface
      magnetic charges, as well as the 3D magnetic fields leaking from the bits are
      investigated via NF-MFM with a soft NiFe tip. A Fourier analysis of the images
      suggests that the magnetic moment can be determined locally in a volume as small
      as 5 nanometers. The NF-MFM is crucial to the analysis of surface magnetic
      features and allows a wide range of future applications, for example, in data
      storage and biomedicine. 

PMID- 25118949
TI  - Modulation of gene expression in endothelial cells in response to high LET nickel
      ion irradiation.
AB  - Ionizing radiation can elicit harmful effects on the cardiovascular system at
      high doses. Endothelial cells are critical targets in radiation-induced
      cardiovascular damage. Astronauts performing a long-term deep space mission are
      exposed to consistently higher fluences of ionizing radiation that may accumulate
      to reach high effective doses. In addition, cosmic radiation contains high linear
      energy transfer (LET) radiation that is known to produce high values of relative
      biological effectiveness (RBE). The aim of this study was to broaden the
      understanding of the molecular response to high LET radiation by investigating
      the changes in gene expression in endothelial cells. For this purpose, a human
      endothelial cell line (EA.hy926) was irradiated with accelerated nickel ions (Ni)
      (LET, 183 keV/um) at doses of 0.5, 2 and 5 Gy. DNA damage was measured 2 and 24 h
      following irradiation by gamma-H2AX foci detection by fluorescence microscopy and
      gene expression changes were measured by microarrays at 8 and 24 h following
      irradiation. We found that exposure to accelerated nickel particles induced a
      persistent DNA damage response up to 24 h after treatment. This was accompanied
      by a downregulation in the expression of a multitude of genes involved in the
      regulation of the cell cycle and an upregulation in the expression of genes
      involved in cell cycle checkpoints. In addition, genes involved in DNA damage
      response, oxidative stress, apoptosis and cell-cell signaling (cytokines) were
      found to be upregulated. An in silico analysis of the involved genes suggested
      that the transcription factors, E2F and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, may be
      involved in these cellular responses.

PMID- 25118947
TI  - Transcriptome analysis of red swamp crawfish Procambarus clarkii reveals genes
      involved in gonadal development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The red swamp crawfish, Procambarus clarkii, has become one of the
      most economically important cultured species in China. Currently, little is known
      about the gonadal development of this species. Isolation and characterization of
      genes are an initial step towards understanding gonadal development of P.
      clarkii. RESULTS: Using the 454 pyrosequencing technology, we obtained a total of
      1,134,993 high quality sequence reads from the crawfish testis and ovary
      libraries. We aimed to identify different genes with a potential role in gonad
      development. The assembly formed into 22,652 isotigs, distributed by GO analysis
      across 55 categories in the three ontologies, 'molecular function', 'cellular
      component', and 'biological processes'. Comparative transcript analysis showed
      that 1,720 isotigs in the ovary were up-regulated and 2138 isotigs were down
      regulated. Several gonad development related genes, such as vitellogenin, cyclin
      B, cyclin-dependent kinases 2, Dmc1 and ubiquitin were identified. Quantitative
      real-time PCR verified the expression profiles of 14 differentially expressed
      genes, and confirmed the reliability of the 454 pyrosequencing. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings provide an archive for future research on gonadal development at a
      molecular level in P. clarkii and other crustacean. This data will be helpful to
      develop new ideas for artificial regulation of the reproductive process in
      crawfish aquaculture.

PMID- 25118952
TI  - A tailor-made nucleoside-based colourimetric probe of formic acid.
AB  - A ratiometric, specific probe of formic acid has been developed. It is based on
      intermolecular nucleobase-pairing of inosine-capped plasmonic nanoparticles to
      form nucleoside channels, which are destabilised by the analyte. 

PMID- 25118951
TI  - A population-based study of corneal arcus and its risk factors in Iran.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of corneal arcus, its risk factors, and its
      relationship to ocular and visual indices. METHODS: In this cross-sectional
      study, 300 clusters were randomly selected from Shahroud in the north of Iran,
      using multistage sampling. A total of 20 people were invited to participate from
      each cluster. After enrollment, all optometric, biometric and ophthalmic exams
      were conducted on site. RESULTS: Of 6311 people invited, 5190 (82.2%)
      participated in the study. The prevalence of corneal arcus was 23.3% (95%
      confidence interval, CI, 22.1-24.6), and 98.4% were bilateral cases. The
      prevalence of corneal arcus was higher in men (odds ratio, OR, 2.02, 95% CI 1.8
      2.3, p < 0.001) and increased with age (OR 1.1/year, p < 0.001). In a
      multivariable-adjusted regression model, age (OR 1.1/year, p = 0.006), male sex
      (OR 1.30, p = 0.001), diabetes (OR 0.7, p < 0.001), smoking (OR 1.5, p = 0.003),
      outdoor activity (OR 1.4, p = 0.006), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.01, p =
      0.012), and diastolic blood pressure (OR 0.99, p = 0.016) were significantly
      correlated with corneal arcus. Including biometric components in another model,
      corneal thickness (OR 0.99, p < 0.001), anterior chamber depth (OR 0.68, p <
      0.001) and corneal radius of curvature (OR 1.59, p < 0.001) were significantly
      correlated with corneal arcus. CONCLUSION: This study adds valuable information
      to the epidemiology of corneal arcus in Iran and the Middle East. In people aged
      over 60 years, nearly 50% of the study population had corneal arcus. Older age,
      male sex, smoking, and systolic hypertension were risk factors for corneal arcus.
      Corneal arcus was also associated with thin and flat corneas and shallow anterior
      chamber depth.

PMID- 25118953
TI  - Functional analyses on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative
      effects of extracts and compounds from Ilex latifolia Thunb., a Chinese bitter
      tea.
AB  - Ilex latifolia Thunb., widely distributed in China, has been used as a functional
      food and drunk for a long time. This study was aimed to identify the bioactive
      constituents with antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. I.
      latifolia was extracted with 95% ethanol and then partitioned into four
      fractions: petroleum ether fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, n-butanol fraction,
      and water fraction. Results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction was found to
      have significant ferric reducing antioxidant power activity, DPPH radical
      scavenging activity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, cytotoxicity against
      human cervix carcinoma HeLa cells, and inhibitory effect on NO production in
      macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Five compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate
      fraction, and they were identified as ethyl caffeate (1), ursolic acid (2),
      chlorogenic acid (3), 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (4), and 3,5-di-O
      caffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (5), the last two of which were isolated for the
      first time from I. latifolia. Compounds 4 and 5 exhibited cytotoxicity actions
      against tumor cell line. Compound 3 showed the strongest anti-inflammatory
      activity of all the compounds. The results obtained in this work might contribute
      to the understanding of biological activities of I. latifolia and further
      investigation on its potential application values for food and drug. 

PMID- 25118955
TI  - Images in Anesthesiology: Coexisting Aortic Stenosis and Left Ventricular Outflow
      Tract Obstruction.

PMID- 25118954
TI  - Spontaneous intracranial hypotension: presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

PMID- 25118957
TI  - Controlling the minimal self assembly of "complex" polyoxometalate clusters.
AB  - Despite the vast number of polyoxometalate clusters now known, an ongoing and
      important challenge is to understand causality in the assembly of "complex"
      clusters at a mechanistic level, since this is the only way the rational,
      targeted synthesis of new compounds will ever be achieved. Often, the complexity
      of the reactions themselves makes such investigations near impossible, as very
      small changes can often make dramatic differences. Herein, we explore a very
      simple [A + B] binary synthetic system that gives rise to the facile assembly of
      two isomeric anions, [Fe(III)(H2O)2{gamma-Fe(III)SiW9O34(H2O)}2](11-) (1) and
      [Fe(III)(H2O)2{gamma-Fe(III)2SiW8O33(H2O)2}{gamma-SiW10O35}](11-) (2), which can
      be formed as individual and dimeric species (3) and (4). Furthermore, the simple
      binary nature of this synthetic system allowed its investigation by a
      comprehensive time-resolved ESI-MS analysis, yielding unprecedented mechanistic
      information regarding the initial interactions and reorganizations of the {gamma
      SiW10} precursor in the presence of Fe(2+). 

PMID- 25118956
TI  - Synergetic effect of Zn substitution on the electron and phonon transport in
      Mg2Si0.5Sn0.5-based thermoelectric materials.
AB  - Mg2Si1-xSnx alloys are a prospective material for thermoelectric generators at
      moderate temperatures. The thermoelectric properties of Mg2Si0.5Sn0.5-based
      thermoelectric materials with only Zn substitution or Zn/Sb co-doping were
      investigated. Isoelectronic Zn substitution did not affect the carrier
      concentration, but improved the carrier mobility. Zn atoms incorporated into a Sb
      doped Mg2Si0.5Sn0.5 matrix simultaneously boosted the power factor and suppressed
      the lattice thermal conductivity, leading to an enhancement of the thermoelectric
      figure of merit ZT of the resulting bulk materials. The interplay between the
      electron and phonon transport of Mg2Si0.5Sn0.49Sb0.01 substituted with Zn at Mg
      sites results in an enhancement of the ZT by 25% at ~730 K, from ZT~ 0.8 in
      Mg2Si0.5Sn0.49Sb0.01 to ZT~ 1.0 in Mg1.98Zn0.02Si0.5Sn0.49Sb0.01. Solid solutions
      in the Mg2Si-Mg2Sn system appear to be more promising for thermoelectric
      applications. 

PMID- 25118958
TI  - Label-free single cell kinetics of the invasion of spheroidal colon cancer cells
      through 3D Matrigel.
AB  - This article reports label-free, real-time, and single-cell quantification of the
      invasion of spheroidal colon cancer cells through three-dimensional (3D) Matrigel
      using a resonant waveguide grating (RWG) imager. This imager employs a time
      resolved swept wavelength interrogation scheme to monitor cell invasion and
      adhesion with a temporal resolution up to 3 s and a spatial resolution of 12 MUm.
      As the model system, spheroids of human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells are
      generated by culturing the cells in 96-well round-bottom ultralow attachment
      plates. 3D Matrigel is formed by its gelation in 384-well RWG biosensor
      microplates. The invasion and adhesion of spheroidal HT29 cells is initiated by
      placing individual spheroids onto the Matrigel-coated biosensors. The time series
      RWG images are obtained and used to extract the optical signatures arising from
      the adhesion after the cells are dissociated from the spheroids and invade
      through the 3D Matrigel. Compound profiling shows that epidermal growth factor
      accelerates cancer cell invasion, while vandetanib, a multitarget kinase
      inhibitor, dose-dependently inhibits invasion. This study demonstrates that the
      label-free imager can monitor in real-time the invasion of spheroidal cancer
      cells through 3D matrices. 

PMID- 25118959
TI  - Zn(II)-benzotriazolate clusters based amide functionalized porous coordination
      polymers with high CO2 adsorption selectivity.
AB  - Two new porous coordination polymers (PCPs) based on different nanosized C3
      symmetry ligands and Zn(II)-benzotriazolate clusters have been synthesized
      solvothermally. Both of the desolvated complexes show selective uptake of CO2
      over CH4 and N2 at ambient temperature. 

PMID- 25118960
TI  - Facile formation of ordered vertical arrays by droplet evaporation of Au nanorod
      organic solutions.
AB  - Droplet evaporation is a simple method to induce organization of Au nanorods into
      ordered superstructures. In general, the self-assembly process occurs by
      evaporation of aqueous suspensions under strictly controlled experimental
      conditions. Here we present formation of large area ordered vertical arrays by
      droplet evaporation of Au nanorod organic suspensions. The uncontrolled (free
      air) evaporation of such suspensions yielded to formation of ordered nanorod
      domains covering the entire area of a 5 mm diameter droplet. Detailed
      investigation of the process revealed that nanorods organized into highly ordered
      vertical domains at the interface between solvent and air on a fast time scale
      (minutes). The self-assembly process mainly depended on the initial concentration
      of nanorod solution and required minimal control of other experimental
      parameters. Nanorod arrays displayed distinct optical properties which were
      analyzed by optical imaging and spectroscopy and compared to results obtained
      from theoretical calculations. The potential use of synthesized arrays as surface
      enhanced Raman scattering probes was demonstrated with the model molecule 4
      aminobenzenthiol. 

PMID- 25118961
TI  - Selective peptide modifications via ruthenium-catalyzed allylic alkylations.
AB  - Ruthenium-catalyzed allylic alkylations are an interesting alternative to
      palladium-catalyzed processes, since they can provide products which are not
      accessible under Pd-catalysis. Chiral terminal allylic substrates can be reacted
      with perfect stereo- and regioretention, and also (Z)-configured allylic
      substrates can be converted isomerization-free. This allows highly
      stereoselective modifications of peptides at glycine subunits. The configuration
      at the alpha-position of the new generated alpha-amino acid can be controlled by
      the chiral peptide chain, and at the beta-position by using chiral allylic
      substrates. 

PMID- 25118963
TI  - Management of sexually transmitted infections in New York State health care
      organizations: who is thinking about the quality of STI care?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) warrant a
      renewed focus on the management of STIs in health care organizations. The extent
      to which hospitals and community health centers (CHCs) have established processes
      and allocated staff for the management of STIs within their organizations remains
      poorly understood. METHODS: A New York State Department of Health survey was
      distributed electronically through a closed state communication network to
      targeted administrators at New York State hospitals and CHCs. The survey asked if
      STI management in their facilities included the following: the ability to measure
      and report rates of STIs, a process to assess the quality of STI care and
      treatment outcomes, and a centralized person/unit to coordinate its work
      throughout the facility. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify whether
      organizational characteristics were associated with survey findings. RESULTS:
      Ninety-five percent (243/256) of hospitals and CHCs responded to the survey.
      Fifty percent of respondents had a person or unit to report rates of STIs; 30%
      reported an organization-wide process for monitoring the quality of STI care,
      which, according to the multivariate analysis, was associated with CHCs; only 23%
      reported having a centralized person or unit for coordinating STI management.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most facilities report STI cases to comply with public health
      surveillance requirements but do not measure infection rates, assess the quality
      of STI care, or coordinate its work throughout the facility. The development of
      this organizational capacity would likely decrease STI rates, improve treatment
      outcomes, and address local public health goals.

PMID- 25118964
TI  - A self-assessed questionnaire can help in the diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is often responsible for acute
      pelvic pain, yet its clinical diagnosis is difficult. The aim of this study was
      to develop and validate prediction rules for the diagnosis of PID in patients
      seen for acute pelvic pain, based solely on a self-assessed questionnaire.
      METHODS: From September 2006 to April 2008, 499 consecutive patients presenting
      at the gynecology emergency departments of 5 hospitals for acute pelvic pain
      completed a Self-Assessment Questionnaire for Gynecological Emergencies. Seventy
      three were identified as having a PID. Two-thirds of the database was randomly
      selected for the derivation of the prediction rules, and the other third was used
      for internal validation. We developed 2 scores, one that rules out a diagnosis of
      PID and one that predicts PID, based on multiple logistic regression with
      jackknife estimates. These scores were then validated with the validation data
      set. RESULTS: Four variables were independently associated with PID: scattered
      pain radiation and/or diffuse pain, insidious pain, peritoneal irritation, and
      abnormal vaginal discharge. They were used to create a sensitive prediction model
      that rules out PID. Four other variables were used to build another model that
      predicted PID with high specificity: abnormal vaginal discharge, bilateral pelvic
      pain, constipation, and presence of an intrauterine device. The probability of
      PID for the patients in the low-risk group was 1.1% (95% confidence interval,
      0.03-5.8), and the probability of PID in the high-risk group was 55% (95%
      confidence interval, 31.5-76.9). CONCLUSION: These 2 prediction rules that
      classify patients in low risk or high risk of PID, based on simple items
      collected by a self-assessed questionnaire that are composed only of case history
      and autodescription of the pain, may prove useful for diagnosing or ruling out
      PID in patients with acute pelvic pain.

PMID- 25118962
TI  - Effects of two Chinese herbal formulae for the treatment of moderate to severe
      stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicenter, double-blind,
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two Chinese
      herbal formulae for the treatment of stable COPD. METHODS: A multicenter, double
      blind, double-dummy, and randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. All
      groups were treated with additional conventional medicines. There were a 6-month
      treatment and a 12-month follow-up for 5 times. Primary outcomes included lung
      function test, exacerbation frequency, score of SGRQ. Second outcomes consisted
      of 6MWD, BODE index, psychological field score, inflammatory factors and
      cortisol. RESULTS: A total of 331 patients were randomly divided into two active
      treatment groups (Bushen Yiqi (BY) granule group, n = 109; Bushen Fangchuan (BF)
      tablet group, n = 109) and a placebo group (n = 113). Finally 262 patients
      completed the study. BY granule & BF tablet increased the values of VC, FEV1 (%)
      and FEV1/FVC (%), compared with placebo. BY granule improved PEF. Both treatments
      reduced acute exacerbation frequency (P = 0.067), BODE index and psychological
      field score, while improved 6MWD. In terms of descent rang of SGRQ score, both
      treatments increased (P = 0.01). Both treatments decreased inflammatory
      cytokines, such as IL-8, and IL-17(P = 0.0219). BY granule obviously descended IL
      17(P<0.05), IL-1beta (P = 0.05), IL-6, compared with placebo. They improved the
      level of IL-10 and cortisol. BY granule raised cortisol (P = 0.07) and decreased
      TNF-alpha. Both treatments slightly descended TGF-beta1. In terms of safety,
      subject compliance and drug combination, there were no differences (P>0.05) among
      three groups. CONCLUSIONS: BY granule and BF tablet were positively effective for
      the treatment of COPD, and the former performed better in general. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Register center ChiCTR-TRC-09000530.

PMID- 25118965
TI  - Bone involvement in secondary syphilis: a case report and systematic review of
      the literature.
AB  - Bone involvement is an unusual manifestation of secondary syphilis, but little
      information is available in the English-language literature. We carried out a
      systematic review of the English-language literature from 1964 to 2013,
      describing cases of secondary syphilis with bone involvement. We also describe a
      case of secondary syphilis with multiple osteolytic lesions, mimicking metastatic
      cancer or myeloma, which was included in an analysis of 37 eligible cases of
      secondary syphilis with bone involvement. Of these 37 patients, 28 (76%) patients
      were male, and the median age was 32 years (range, 12-64 years). Eleven (30%)
      patients had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection with a median CD4
      lymphocyte count of 343 cells/mm (range, 130-689 cells/mm). The diagnosis of
      early syphilis was suspected based on mucocutaneous findings in 28 (76%) cases.
      In the remaining 9 (24%) cases, high titers of nontreponemal serologic tests were
      the only evidence of early syphilis. The median venereal disease research
      laboratory (VDRL) titer was 1:64 (range, 1:8-1:320), and median rapid plasma
      reagin (RPR) titer was 1:64 (range, 1:16-1:512). The bones most often affected
      were long bones of the limbs (n = 22) and skull (n = 21). The bone lesions were
      multifocal in 27 (73%) cases and osteolytic in 19 (51%) cases. The treatment of
      syphilitic bone lesions was medical only in most patients, and prognosis was
      favorable with high-dose penicillin therapy. Clinical features and outcome
      between HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected patients were not different. Knowledge of
      this rare entity may lead to early diagnosis and appropriate management. 

PMID- 25118966
TI  - Chlamydia screening for sexually active young women under the Affordable Care
      Act: new opportunities and lingering barriers.
AB  - The Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) contains a provision requiring private
      insurers issuing or renewing plans on or after September 23, 2010, to provide,
      without cost sharing, preventive services recommended by US Preventive Services
      Task Force (grades A and B), among other recommending bodies. As a grade A
      recommendation, chlamydia screening for sexually active young women 24 years and
      younger and older women at risk for chlamydia falls under this requirement. This
      article examines the potential effect on chlamydia screening among this
      population across private and public health plans and identifies lingering
      barriers not addressed by this legislation. Examination of the impact on women
      with private insurance touches upon the distinction between coverage under
      grandfathered plans, where the requirement does not apply, and nongrandfathered
      plans, where the requirement does apply. Acquisition of private health insurance
      through health insurance Marketplaces is also discussed. For public health plans,
      coverage of preventive services without cost sharing differs for individuals
      enrolled in standard Medicaid, covered under the Medicaid expansion included in
      the ACA, or those enrolled under the Children's Health Insurance Program or who
      fall under Early, Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment criteria. The
      discussion of lingering barriers not addressed by the ACA includes the uninsured,
      physician reimbursement, cost sharing, confidentiality, low rates of appropriate
      sexual history taking by providers, and disclosures of sensitive information. In
      addition, the role of safety net programs that provide health care to individuals
      regardless of ability to pay is examined in light of the expectation that they
      also remain a payer of last resort. 

PMID- 25118968
TI  - Molecular typing of Treponema pallidum: identification of a new sequence of
      tp0548 gene in Shandong, China.

PMID- 25118967
TI  - The cost of implementing rapid HIV testing in sexually transmitted disease
      clinics in the United States.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rapid HIV testing in high-risk populations can increase the number
      of persons who learn their HIV status and avoid spending clinic resources to
      locate persons identified as HIV infected. METHODS: We determined the cost to
      sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics of point-of-care rapid HIV testing
      using data from 7 public clinics that participated in a randomized trial of rapid
      testing with and without brief patient-centered risk reduction counseling in
      2010. Costs included counselor and trainer time, supplies, and clinic overhead.
      We applied national labor rates and test costs. We calculated median clinic start
      up costs and mean cost per patient tested, and projected incremental annual costs
      of implementing universal rapid HIV testing compared with current testing
      practices. RESULTS: Criteria for offering rapid HIV testing and methods for
      delivering nonrapid test results varied among clinics before the trial. Rapid HIV
      testing cost an average of US $22/patient without brief risk reduction counseling
      and US $46/patient with counseling in these 7 clinics. Median start-up costs per
      clinic were US $1100 and US $16,100 without and with counseling, respectively.
      Estimated incremental annual costs per clinic of implementing universal rapid HIV
      testing varied by whether or not brief counseling is conducted and by current
      clinic testing practices, ranging from a savings of US $19,500 to a cost of US
      $40,700 without counseling and a cost of US $98,000 to US $153,900 with
      counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Universal rapid HIV testing in STD clinics with same-day
      results can be implemented at relatively low cost to STD clinics, if brief risk
      reduction counseling is not offered.

PMID- 25118969
TI  - The molecular typing data of recently identified subtype 11q/j of Treponema
      pallidum subsp. pallidum suggest imported case of yaws.

PMID- 25118970
TI  - When is syphilis not syphilis? Or is it?

PMID- 25118971
TI  - Age-specific chlamydial infection among pregnant women in the United States:
      evidence for updated recommendations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the United States, chlamydia screening has been recommended for
      all pregnant women by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) but
      only for pregnant women who are at increased risk by the US Preventive Services
      Task Force (USPSTF). Very limited evidence, such as age-specific chlamydia
      positivity in pregnant women, has been used to develop these recommendations.
      METHODS: We analyzed data from a large commercial laboratory corporation in the
      United States in 2013. At the first prenatal visit made by women aged 15 to 44
      years for whom a chlamydia test was performed between June 2008 and July 2010, we
      estimated positivity of chlamydia by age, insurance coverage, geographic region,
      and test type. RESULTS: Of 601,001 pregnant women aged 15 to 44 years who had
      routine prenatal care, 62.9% had private insurance and 32.9% had Medicaid
      coverage, 60.3% resided in the South region, and 43.2% were aged 15 to 24 years,
      26.8% were aged 25 to 29 years, and 19.1% were aged 30 to 34 years. Chlamydia
      positivity was 3.6% overall, and significantly decreased as age increased (15-19
      years: 9.6 %; 20-24 years: 5.2%; 25-29 years: 1.8%; 30-34 years: 0.9%; and 35-44
      years: 0.6%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings of higher positivity among
      younger pregnant women suggest that the yield is likely to be greater from
      screening younger pregnant women than from screening older pregnant women to
      identify chlamydia infection. The benefits of harmonizing CDC and USPSTF
      recommendations for pregnant women could be explored by reviewing age-specific
      positivity data and estimating the frequency of prenatal adverse health outcomes
      caused by chlamydia to develop consensus regarding the age limit for pregnant
      women who should be screened.

PMID- 25118972
TI  - Congenital syphilis investigation processes and timing in Louisiana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital syphilis (CS) is a potentially life-threatening yet
      preventable infection. State and local public health jurisdictions conduct
      investigations of possible CS cases to determine case status and to inform public
      health prevention efforts. These investigations occur when jurisdictions receive
      positive syphilis test results from pregnant women or from infants. METHODS: We
      extracted data from Louisiana's electronic case management system for 328 infants
      investigated as possible CS cases in 2010 to 2011. Using date stamps from the
      case management system, we described CS investigations in terms of processes and
      timing. RESULTS: Eighty-seven investigations were prompted by positive test
      results from women who were known to be pregnant by the health jurisdiction, and
      241 investigations were prompted by positive syphilis test results from infants.
      Overall, investigations required a median of 101 days to complete, although 25%
      were complete within 36 days. Investigations prompted by positive test results
      from infants required a median of 135 days to complete, and those prompted by
      positive test results from pregnant women required a median of 41 days.
      CONCLUSIONS: Three times as many CS investigations began with reported positive
      syphilis test results from infants as from pregnant women, and these
      investigations required more time to complete. When CS investigations begin after
      an infant's birth, the opportunity to ensure that women are treated during
      pregnancy is missed, and surveillance data cannot inform prevention efforts on a
      timely basis. Consistently ascertaining pregnancy status among women whose
      positive syphilis test results are reported to public health jurisdictions could
      help to assure timely CS prevention efforts.

PMID- 25118973
TI  - Cross-sectional study of genital, rectal, and pharyngeal Chlamydia and gonorrhea
      in women in rural South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data of genital chlamydia and gonorrhea, required to
      inform design and implementation of control programs, are limited for rural
      Africa. There are no data on the prevalence of rectal or pharyngeal infections
      among African women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 604 adult women visiting
      25 primary health care facilities in rural South Africa was conducted. Vaginal,
      anorectal, and oropharyngeal swabs were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and
      Neisseria gonorrhoeae. RESULTS: Prevalence of genital chlamydia was 16% and that
      of gonorrhea was 10%; rectal chlamydial infection was diagnosed in 7.1% and
      gonococcal in 2.5% of women. One woman had pharyngeal chlamydia. Most women with
      genital chlamydia (61%) and gonorrhea (57%) were asymptomatic. Independent risk
      factors for genital chlamydia were younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.96
      per year; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.98), hormonal contraceptive use
      (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.7), pregnancy (aOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3-4.4), and
      intravaginal cleansing (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.04-2.8). Intravaginal cleansing was
      associated with genital gonorrhea (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.3). CONCLUSIONS:
      Genital and rectal, but not pharyngeal, chlamydia and gonorrhea are highly
      prevalent and frequently asymptomatic in women in rural South Africa. Young women
      attending health care facilities for antenatal care or family planning should be
      prioritized in control efforts.

PMID- 25118974
TI  - Flexible graphene-graphene composites of superior thermal and electrical
      transport properties.
AB  - Graphene is known for high thermal and electrical conductivities. In the
      preparation of neat carbon materials based on graphene, a common approach has
      been the use of well-exfoliated graphene oxides (GOs) as the precursor, followed
      by conversion to reduced GOs (rGOs). However, rGOs are more suitable for the
      targeted high electrical conductivity achievable through percolation but
      considerably less effective in terms of efficient thermal transport dictated by
      phonon progression. In this work, neat carbon films were fabricated directly from
      few-layer graphene sheets, avoiding rGOs completely. These essentially graphene
      graphene composites were of a metal-like appearance and mechanically flexible,
      exhibiting superior thermal and electrical transport properties. The observed
      thermal and electrical conductivities are higher than 220 W/m . K and 85000 S/m,
      respectively. Some issues in the further development of these mechanically
      flexible graphene-graphene nanocomposite materials are discussed and so are the
      associated opportunities.

PMID- 25118975
TI  - Enhancing Patient Flexibility of Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin G Dosing:
      Pharmacokinetic Outcomes of Various Maintenance and Loading Regimens in the
      Treatment of Primary Immunodeficiency.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Standard treatment for patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID)
      is monthly intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), or weekly/biweekly subcutaneous
      immunoglobulin (SCIG) infusion. We used population pharmacokinetic modeling to
      predict immunoglobulin G (IgG) exposure following a broad range of SCIG dosing
      regimens for initiation and maintenance therapy in patients with PID. METHODS:
      Simulations of SCIG dosing were performed to predict IgG concentration-time
      profiles and exposure metrics [steady-state area under the IgG concentration-time
      curve (AUC), IgG peak concentration (C max), and IgG trough concentration (C min)
      ratios] for various infusion regimens. RESULTS: The equivalent of a weekly SCIG
      maintenance dose administered one, two, three, five, or seven times per week, or
      biweekly produced overlapping steady-state concentration-time profiles and
      similar AUC, C max, and C min values [95% confidence interval (CI) for ratios was
      0.98-1.03, 0.95-1.09, and 0.92-1.08, respectively]. Administration every 3 or 4
      weeks resulted in higher peaks and lower troughs; the 95% CI of the AUC, C max,
      and C min ratios was 0.97-1.04, 1.07-1.26, and 0.86-0.95, respectively. IgG
      levels >7 g/L were reached within 1 week using a loading dose regimen in which
      the weekly maintenance dose was administered five times in the first week of
      treatment. In patients with very low endogenous IgG levels, administering 1.5
      times the weekly maintenance dose five times in the first week of treatment
      resulted in a similar response. CONCLUSIONS: The same total weekly SCIG dose can
      be administered at different intervals, from daily to biweekly, with minimal
      impact on serum IgG levels. Several SCIG loading regimens rapidly achieve
      adequate serum IgG levels in treatment-naive patients.

PMID- 25118977
TI  - Composition-dependent interfacial abruptness in Au-catalyzed Si(1-x)Ge(x)/Si/Si(1
      x)Ge(x) nanowire heterostructures.
AB  - As MOSFETs are scaled down, power dissipation remains the most challenging
      bottleneck for nanoelectronic devices. To circumvent this challenge, alternative
      devices such as tunnel field effect transistors are potential candidates, where
      the carriers are injected by a much less energetically costly quantum band to
      band tunneling mechanism. In this context, axial nanowire heterointerfaces with
      well-controlled interfacial abruptness offer an ideal structure. We demonstrate
      here the effect of tuning the Ge concentration in a Si1-xGex part of the nanowire
      on the Si/Si1-xGex and Si1-xGex/Si interfacial abruptness in axial Si-Si1-xGex
      nanowire heterostructures grown by the Au-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid method.
      The two heterointerfaces are always asymmetric irrespective of the Ge
      concentration or nanowire diameter. For a fixed diameter, the value of interface
      abruptness decreases with increasing the Ge content for the Si/Si1-xGex interface
      but shows no strong Ge dependence at the Si1-xGex/Si interface where it features
      a linear correlation with the nanowire diameter. To rationalize these findings, a
      kinetic model for the layer-by-layer growth of nanowire heterostructures from a
      ternary Au-Ge-Si alloy is established that predicts a discrepancy in Ge
      concentration in the layer and the catalyst droplet. The Ge concentration in each
      layer is predicted to be dependent on the composition of the preceding layer. The
      most abrupt heterointerface (~5 nm) is achieved by growing Si1-xGex with x = 0.85
      on Si in a 25 nm diameter nanowire. 

PMID- 25118976
TI  - Medically complex pregnancies and early breastfeeding behaviors: a retrospective
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is beneficial for women and infants, and medical
      contraindications are rare. Prenatal and labor-related complications may hinder
      breastfeeding, but supportive hospital practices may encourage women who intend
      to breastfeed. We measured the relationship between having a complex pregnancy
      (entering pregnancy with hypertension, diabetes, or obesity) and early infant
      feeding, accounting for breastfeeding intentions and supportive hospital
      practices. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of data from a
      nationally-representative survey of women who gave birth in 2011-2012 in a US
      hospital (N = 2400). We used logistic regression to examine the relationship
      between pregnancy complexity and breastfeeding. Self-reported prepregnancy
      diabetes or hypertension, gestational diabetes, or obesity indicated a complex
      pregnancy. The outcome was feeding status 1 week postpartum; any breastfeeding
      was evaluated among women intending to breastfeed (N = 1990), and exclusive
      breastfeeding among women who intended to exclusively breastfeed (N = 1418). We
      also tested whether breastfeeding intentions or supportive hospital practices
      mediated the relationship between pregnancy complexity and infant feeding status.
      RESULTS: More than 33% of women had a complex pregnancy; these women had 30%
      lower odds of intending to breastfeed (AOR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52-0.98). Rates of
      intention to exclusively breastfeed were similar for women with and without
      complex pregnancies. Women who intended to breastfeed had similar rates of any
      breastfeeding 1 week postpartum regardless of pregnancy complexity, but
      complexity was associated with >30% lower odds of exclusive breastfeeding 1 week
      among women who intended to exclusively breastfeed (AOR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47
      0.98). Supportive hospital practices were strongly associated with higher odds of
      any or exclusive breastfeeding 1 week postpartum (AOR = 4.03; 95% CI, 1.81-8.94;
      and AOR = 2.68; 95% CI, 1.70-4.23, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Improving clinical
      and hospital support for women with complex pregnancies may increase
      breastfeeding rates and the benefits of breastfeeding for women and infants.

PMID- 25118979
TI  - Normal controlled attenuation parameter values: a prospective study of healthy
      subjects undergoing health checkups and liver donors in Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) is a noninvasive
      method of assessing hepatic steatosis. We defined the normal range of CAP values
      in healthy subjects and evaluated the associated factors. METHODS: CAP values
      were measured in a cohort of healthy subjects who were screened as living liver
      transplantation donors and those who underwent health checkups. Subjects with
      current or a history of chronic liver disease, abnormalities on liver-related
      laboratory tests, or fatty liver on ultrasonography or biopsy were excluded.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the 264 recruited subjects (131 males and 133 females;
      76 potential liver donors and 188 subjects who had undergone health checkups) was
      49.2 years. The mean CAP value was 224.8 +/- 38.7 dB/m (range 100.0-308.0 dB/m),
      and the range of normal CAP values (5th-95th percentiles) was 156.0-287.8 dB/m.
      The mean CAP value was significantly higher in the health checkup than in the
      potential liver donor group (227.5 +/- 42.0 vs. 218.2 +/- 28.3 dB/m, P = 0.040).
      CAP values did not differ significantly according to gender or age in either
      group (all P > 0.05). In a multivariate linear regression analysis, body mass
      index (beta = 0.271, P = 0.024) and triglyceride levels (beta = 0.348, P = 0.008)
      were found to be independently associated with CAP values. CONCLUSION: We
      determined the normal range of CAP values and found that body mass index and
      triglyceride levels were associated with the CAP values of healthy subjects.

PMID- 25118981
TI  - Carbon monoxide inhibits inward rectifier potassium channels in cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Reperfusion-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) severely threatens the lives of
      post-myocardial infarction patients. Carbon monoxide (CO)--produced by haem
      oxygenase in cardiomyocytes--has been reported to prevent VF through an unknown
      mechanism of action. Here, we report that CO prolongs action potential duration
      (APD) by inhibiting a subset of inward-rectifying potassium (Kir) channels. We
      show that CO blocks Kir2.2 and Kir2.3 but not Kir2.1 channels in both
      cardiomyocytes and HEK-293 cells transfected with Kir. CO directly inhibits
      Kir2.3 by interfering with its interaction with the second messenger
      phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2). As the inhibition of Kir2.2 and
      Kir2.3 by CO prolongs APD in myocytes, cardiac Kir2.2 and Kir2.3 are promising
      targets for the prevention of reperfusion-induced VF.

PMID- 25118980
TI  - The importance of intraoperative selenium blood levels on organ dysfunction in
      patients undergoing off-pump cardiac surgery: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiac surgery is accompanied by an increase of oxidative stress,
      a significantly reduced antioxidant (AOX) capacity, postoperative inflammation,
      all of which may promote the development of organ dysfunction and an increase in
      mortality. Selenium is an essential co-factor of various antioxidant enzymes. We
      hypothesized a less pronounced decrease of circulating selenium levels in
      patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery due to less
      intraoperative oxidative stress. METHODS: In this prospective randomised,
      interventional trial, 40 patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass
      grafting were randomly assigned to undergo either on-pump or OPCAB-surgery, if
      both techniques were feasible for the single patient. Clinical data, myocardial
      damage assessed by myocard specific creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB),
      circulating whole blood levels of selenium, oxidative stress assessed by
      asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels, antioxidant capacity determined by
      glutathionperoxidase (GPx) levels and perioperative inflammation represented by
      interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured at predefined perioperative time
      points. RESULTS: At end of surgery, both groups showed a comparable decrease of
      circulating selenium concentrations. Likewise, levels of oxidative stress and IL
      6 were comparable in both groups. Selenium levels correlated with antioxidant
      capacity (GPx: r = 0.720; p<0.001) and showed a negative correlation to
      myocardial damage (CK-MB: r =  -0.571, p<0.001). Low postoperative selenium
      levels had a high predictive value for the occurrence of any postoperative
      complication. CONCLUSIONS: OPCAB surgery is not associated with less oxidative
      stress and a better preservation of the circulating selenium pool than on-pump
      surgery. Low postoperative selenium levels are predictive for the development of
      complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01409057.

PMID- 25118982
TI  - Thermal effects of cold light sources used in otologic surgery.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the thermal effects of cold light
      sources and endoscopes on the inner ear. 25 male guinea pigs were assigned
      equally to five groups (1: Halogen-1 min, 2: Halogen-5 min, 3: Xenon-1 min, 4:
      Xenon-5 min, 5: Controls). After both bullae of the guinea pigs were opened,
      light sources and endoscopes were positioned in the middle ears of the first four
      groups for specific time periods. DPOAE and ABR tests were conducted on all
      animals at the beginning of the study, at the end of surgery, and 2 h after
      surgery. The temperatures of cold light sources were measured by a thermocouple
      thermometer, and the surface temperatures of the endoscopes were measured by an
      infrared thermometer. DPOAE and ABR measurements performed right after and 2 h
      after surgery in group 1, 2, 3, and 5 did not reveal any significant difference.
      In group 4, DPOAE values were significantly lower and ABR threshold values were
      significantly higher than those in the other groups, right after and 2 h after
      surgery. Thermocouple thermometer readings showed that, after the first minute,
      the Xenon light source generated significantly more temperature rise than the
      Halogen light source. The surface temperatures of all endoscopes returned to
      normal approximately 1 min after light sources were turned off. Our study
      demonstrated that when an endoscope using a Xenon light source was applied to the
      middle ear for a specific time periods, inner ear functions deteriorated, as
      reflected by audiologic tests.

PMID- 25118983
TI  - ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism and the risk of ischemic heart disease: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - ATP binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCB1) plays a critical role in the
      development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Emerging evidence suggests
      that common functional polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene might have an impact on an
      individual's susceptibility to ischemic heart disease, but individually published
      results are inconclusive. The MEDLINE (1966-2013), the Cochrane Library Database
      (Issue 12, 2013), EMBASE (1980-2013), CINAHL (1982-2013), Web of Science (1945
      2013), and the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM; 1982-2013) were searched without
      language restrictions. Meta-analysis was performed with the use of the STATA
      statistical software. Odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95%
      CIs) were calculated. Seven case-control studies with a total of 2310 myocardial
      infarction (MI) patients and 10,506 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients met
      the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis results indicated that ABCB1 C3435T
      polymorphism may be associated with an increased risk of MI and ACS, especially
      among Asian populations (T allele vs. C allele: OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.31-1.49,
      ph=0.058). Meta-regression analyses showed that clinical subtype and ethnicity
      may be the main sources of heterogeneity (T allele vs. C allele: OR=1.16, 95%
      CI=0.97-1.37, ph=0.036). Our findings provide empirical evidence that ABCB1
      C3435T polymorphism may contribute to the risk of MI and ACS, especially among
      Caucasian populations. Thus, detection of ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism may be a
      promising biomarker for the early detection of MI and ACS. 

PMID- 25118985
TI  - Titanosaur osteoderms from the Upper Cretaceous of Lo Hueco (Spain) and their
      implications on the armor of Laurasian titanosaurs.
AB  - Titanosaurs are the only sauropod dinosaurs known to bear a dermal armor. Their
      osteoderms are relatively rare finds, with few more than a hundred specimens
      recovered worldwide. Also, little is known about their intra-individual, intra
      specific or inter-specific variability. The macrovertebrate site of Lo Hueco
      (Upper Cretaceous; Cuenca, Spain) has yielded several complete specimens of
      osteoderms, some associated with fairly articulated specimens. They are all
      variations of the morphotype known as bulb and root. The presence of only this
      morphotype in Europe, which is considered as the primitive condition among
      titanosaurs, seems to indicate that the known Upper Cretaceous Laurasian
      titanosaurs only bore these referred bulb and root osteoderms. An eliptic Fourier
      analysis on the outline of complete specimens from this morphotype reveals: i)
      that they truly are part of a morphological cline; and ii) the existence of a
      consistent correlation between the outline and the morphology of the bulb. Such
      variation along a cline is more consistent with intra-individual rather than
      inter-specific variation. The osteoderms associated with a single titanosaur
      individual from Lo Hueco reinforce this hypothesis. 

PMID- 25118984
TI  - The gut microbiota and developmental programming of the testis in mice.
AB  - Nutrients and environmental chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, have been
      incriminated in the current increase in male reproductive dysfunction, but the
      underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The gastrointestinal tract represents the
      largest surface area exposed to our environment and thereby plays a key role in
      connection with exposure of internal organs to exogenous factors. In this context
      the gut microbiome (all bacteria and their metabolites) have been shown to be
      important contributors to body physiology including metabolism, cognitive
      functions and immunity. Pivotal to male reproduction is a proper development of
      the testis, including the formation of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) that
      encapsulates and protects germ cells from stress induced environmental cues, e.g.
      pathogenic organisms and xenobiotics. Here we used specific pathogen free (SPF)
      mice and germ-free (GF) mice to explore whether gut microbiota and/or their
      metabolites can influence testis development and regulation of BTB. Lumen
      formation in the seminiferous tubules, which coincides with the development of
      the BTB was delayed in the testes of GF mice at 16 days postpartum. In addition,
      perfusion experiments (Evans blue) demonstrated increased BTB permeability in
      these same mice. Reduced expressions of occludin, ZO-2 and E-cadherin in GF
      testis suggested that the microbiota modulated BTB permeability by regulation of
      cell-cell adhesion. Interestingly, exposure of GF mice to Clostridium
      Tyrobutyricum (CBUT), which secrete high levels of butyrate, restored the
      integrity of the BTB and normalized the levels of cell adhesion proteins.
      Moreover, the GF mice exhibited lower serum levels of gonadotropins (LH and FSH)
      than the SPF group. In addition, the intratesticular content of testosterone was
      lower in GF compared to SPF or CBUT animals. Thus, the gut microbiome can
      modulate the permeability of the BTB and might play a role in the regulation of
      endocrine functions of the testis. 

PMID- 25118987
TI  - Effects of ambient temperature on the performance of CCD array spectroradiometers
      and practical implications for field measurements.
AB  - The performance of miniature CCD array spectroradiometers, which are widely used
      for the assessment of personal and environmental exposures, may be affected by
      variations in ambient temperature. The dark signal, spectral sensitivity and
      wavelength position of six different array spectroradiometer models, produced by
      two different manufacturers, were assessed in ambient temperatures ranging from 5
      degrees C to 40  degrees C. The results are presented with a discussion of the
      practical implications for field measurements when the instruments are used
      outside of a temperature controlled environment. 

PMID- 25118986
TI  - A new basal ankylosaurid (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Lower Cretaceous
      Jiufotang Formation of Liaoning Province, China.
AB  - A new ankylosaurid, Chuanqilong chaoyangensis gen. et sp. nov., is described here
      based on a nearly complete skeleton from the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation
      of Baishizui Village, Lingyuan City, Liaoning Province, China. Chuanqilong
      chaoyangensis can be diagnosed on the basis of two autapomorphies (glenoid fossa
      for quadrate at same level as the dentary tooth row; distally tapering ischium
      with constricted midshaft) and also a unique combination of character states
      (slender, wedge-like lacrimal; long retroarticular process; humerus with strongly
      expanded proximal end; ratio of humerus to femur length  = 0.88). Although a
      phylogenetic analysis places Chuanqilong chaoyangensis as the sister taxon of the
      sympatric Liaoningosaurus near the base of the Ankylosauridae, the two taxa can
      be distinguished on the basis of many features, such as tooth morphology and
      ischial shape, which are not ontogeny-related. Chuanqilong chaoyangensis
      represents the fourth ankylosaurid species reported from the Cretaceous of
      Liaoning, China, suggesting a relatively high diversity in Cretaceous Liaoning.

PMID- 25118988
TI  - Through a glass darkly: economics and personalised medicine.
AB  - Personalised medicine and pharmacogenetic-test-guided treatment strategies will
      be of increasing importance in the future, both in terms of healthcare provision
      and evaluation. It is well recognised that significant variability exists in the
      response of patients to drugs resulting from genetic or biological variations;
      however, we are only now gradually becoming aware of the complexities involved.
      Enormous variability occurs in the risk-benefit ratio that will be experienced by
      each individual patient as a consequence of their overall genetic make-up.
      Although not a panacea, enhanced scientific knowledge of the genetic basis for
      such variability offers the potential for a more 'tailored' approach to
      prescribing in the future, making it more closely attuned to the needs of the
      individual patient. Such 'personalised' medicine has the potential to
      revolutionise care provision in a manner that provides a range of challenges to
      current structures and processes of 'conventional' healthcare delivery. The aim
      of this paper is to outline such challenges and analyse potential ways in which
      they may be addressed in the future. It provides non-expert readers with a non
      technical case study of the complexities inherent in the evaluation of a
      pharmacogenetic-test-guided treatment strategy from a health economic
      perspective. Wherever possible, technical issues have been minimised; however,
      references are provided for readers who wish to enhance their knowledge of the
      pharmacological basis of the case study of cytochrome P450 test-guided treatment.
      The case study aims simply to illustrate the approach and difficulties
      encountered in the health economic evaluation of complex pharmacogenetic
      technologies. Such technologies present a range of new and complex issues which
      have crucial implications for health economists attempting to obtain an accurate
      assessment of the 'value' of the technology in clinical practice in an array of
      patient subgroups. Personalised medicine is the future and this paper highlights
      how pharmaceutical manufacturers, clinicians, regulators and other stakeholders
      must all play their part in the inevitable and accelerating move into this
      complex and uncertain future. 

PMID- 25118989
TI  - A review of approaches for the management of specialty pharmaceuticals in the
      United States.
AB  - With increased innovation and development of specialty pharmaceuticals, the US
      and global healthcare industries are looking to implement appropriate management
      strategies to control both utilization and costs. Specialty pharmaceuticals are
      high-cost medications that treat complex, chronic, rare, and difficult-to-manage
      conditions. These drugs require special drug handling, appropriate clinical
      outcomes monitoring, and effective cost controls. The primary scope of this
      article is to discuss various strategies being implemented for specialty
      pharmaceutical utilization and cost management and correlated outcomes in the
      USA; these outcomes include enhanced health insurance plan benefit designs with
      formulary modifications and greater patient cost burden. Additional methods to
      manage specialty pharmaceuticals include the use of specialty pharmacies for drug
      distribution, increased emphasis on coordination of care and evidence-based
      medicine, as well as healthcare reform and regulations. Healthcare spending, both
      in the US and globally, continues to increase, with a rising proportion of drug
      spend towards specialty pharmaceuticals. Continued specialty pharmaceutical
      innovation and introduction of biosimilar products will evolve the currently
      utilized management strategies for these drugs. 

PMID- 25118992
TI  - Treatment and management of neuromuscular channelopathies.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Neuromuscular channelopathies are heterogeneous disorders with
      marked phenotypic and genotypic variability. These include non-dystrophic
      myotonia (NDM), periodic paralysis (PP), and congenital myasthenic syndrome
      (CMS). Their diverse clinical manifestations remain a challenge in diagnosis and
      management to this date. These disorders impact quality of life and cause
      lifelong disabling symptoms. Treatment options are few and not FDA-approved. This
      is largely due to a paucity of large, randomized clinical trials in these rare
      diseases. Challenges of conducting such trials include the rarity of these
      disorders and the genetic heterogeneity. Physicians rely on off-label use of
      drugs to treat muscle channelopathies to reduce morbidity and improve quality of
      life. Besides pharmacological treatment, dietary modifications, lifestyle
      changes, awareness of triggers, and genetic counseling also play an important
      role in long-term disease management. This article reviews the current management
      strategies for neuromuscular channelopathies.

PMID- 25118991
TI  - Identification of the conserved and novel miRNAs in Mulberry by high-throughput
      sequencing.
AB  - miRNAs are a class of non-coding endogenous small RNAs. They play vital roles in
      plant growth, development, and response to biotic and abiotic stress by
      negatively regulating genes. Mulberry trees are economically important species
      with multiple uses. However, to date, little is known about mulberry miRNAs and
      their target genes. In the present study, three small mulberry RNA libraries were
      constructed and sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technology. Results
      showed 85 conserved miRNAs belonging to 31 miRNA families and 262 novel miRNAs at
      371 loci. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis confirmed the expression
      pattern of 9 conserved and 5 novel miRNAs in leaves, bark, and male flowers. A
      total of 332 potential target genes were predicted to be associated with these
      113 novel miRNAs. These results provide a basis for further understanding of
      mulberry miRNAs and the biological processes in which they are involved. 

PMID- 25118993
TI  - Downregulated CXCL12 expression in mesenchymal stem cells associated with severe
      aplastic anemia in children.
AB  - The mechanisms of idiopathic severe aplastic anemia (SAA) in children are not
      completely understood. Insufficiency of the bone marrow microenvironment, in
      which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an important element, can be a potential
      factor associated with hematopoietic impairment. In the current study, we studied
      whether aberrant gene expression could be found in MSCs from children with SAA.
      Using microarray analysis, two different patterns of global gene expression were
      detected in the SAA MSCs. Fourteen genes (POLE2, HGF, KIF20A, TK1, IL18R1, KITLG,
      FGF18, RRM2, TTK, CXCL12, DLG7, TOP2A, NUF2, and TYMS), which are related to DNA
      synthesis, cytokines, or growth factors, were significantly downregulated.
      Further, knockdown of gene expression was performed using the small hairpin RNA
      (shRNA)-containing lentivirus method. We found that knockdown of CXCL12, HGF, IL
      18R1, FGF18, or RRM2 expression compelled MSCs from the controls to behave like
      those from the SAA children, with decreased survival and differentiation
      potential. Among them, inhibition of CXCL12 gene expression had the most profound
      effects on the behavior of MSCs. Further experiments regarding re-introduction of
      the CXCL12 gene could largely recover the survival and differentiation potential
      in MSCs with inhibition of CXCL12 expression. Our findings suggest that MSCs from
      children with SAA exhibit aberrant gene expression profiles and downregulation of
      CXCL12 gene may be associated with alterations in the bone marrow
      microenvironment. 

PMID- 25118994
TI  - CD4+ T cell counts reflect the immunosuppressive state of CD4 helper cells in
      patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - The recovery of the host immune system after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation is pivotal to prevent infections, relapse, and secondary
      malignancies. In particular, numerical CD4+ T cells reconstitution is delayed and
      CD4 helper cell function is considered impaired as a consequence of the
      transplant procedure and concomitant immunosuppressive medication. From HIV/AIDS
      patients, it is known that numerical and functional CD4 defects increase the risk
      of opportunistic infections. However, and in contrast to patients with HIV, anti
      infective prophylaxis after allogeneic transplantation is usually given for 6
      months depending on immunosuppressive medication and existing graft-versus-host
      disease but independently of absolute CD4+ T cells counts. We hypothesized that a
      qualitative T cell defect is existing after allogeneic transplantation,
      especially in patients with delayed immune-reconstitution. Applying
      transcriptional as well as functional approaches, we show that CD4+ T cells with
      delayed recovery have a distinct transcriptional profile and cluster differently
      from T cells originated from patients with completed immune recovery. Moreover,
      inhibitory signatures are substantially enriched within the transcriptional
      profile of these T cells translating to functional defects and impaired
      interleukin 2 production. In addition to time after transplant, CD4+ T cells
      numbers should be considered for the decision to stop or maintain antimicrobial
      prophylaxis in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. 

PMID- 25118990
TI  - Functional interaction between bicarbonate transporters and carbonic anhydrase
      modulates lactate uptake into mouse cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Blood-derived lactate is a precious energy substrate for the heart muscle.
      Lactate is transported into cardiomyocytes via monocarboxylate transporters
      (MCTs) together with H(+), which couples lactate uptake to cellular pH
      regulation. In this study, we have investigated how the interplay between
      different acid/base transporters and carbonic anhydrases (CA), which catalyze the
      reversible hydration of CO2, modulates the uptake of lactate into isolated mouse
      cardiomyocytes. Lactate transport was estimated both as lactate-induced
      acidification and as changes in intracellular lactate levels measured with a
      newly developed Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) nanosensor. Recordings
      of intracellular pH showed an increase in the rate of lactate-induced
      acidification when CA was inhibited by 6-ethoxy-2-benzothiazolesulfonamide (EZA),
      while direct measurements of lactate flux demonstrated a decrease in MCT
      transport activity, when CA was inhibited. The data indicate that catalytic
      activity of extracellular CA increases lactate uptake and counteracts
      intracellular lactate-induced acidification. We propose a hypothetical model, in
      which HCO3 (-), formed from cell-derived CO2 at the outer surface of the
      cardiomyocyte plasma membrane by membrane-anchored, extracellular CA, is
      transported into the cell via Na(+)/HCO3 (-) cotransport to counteract
      intracellular acidification, while the remaining H(+) stabilizes extracellular pH
      at the surface of the plasma membrane during MCT activity to enhance lactate
      influx into cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 25118995
TI  - Influence of TGFB1 C-509T polymorphism on gastric cancer risk associated with TGF
      beta1 expression in the gastric mucosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) has dual roles
      inhibiting and promoting carcinogenesis. Although many researchers have conducted
      association studies between TGFB1 C-509T polymorphism and the risk of developing
      gastric cancer, the results are not uniform. METHODS: We genotyped 1028 gastric
      cancer patients and 958 controls by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism method. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess
      the expression of TGF-beta1 in the cancer and noncancerous tissues of 120 gastric
      cancer patients. mRNA expression was also measured in noncancerous gastric mucosa
      by qRT-PCR in the 282 subjects. RESULTS: The CT genotype in the TGFB1 C-509T
      polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer development
      (adjusted OR 1.35, 95 % CI 1.07-1.71, P = 0.013), especially for intestinal-type
      cancer (adjusted OR 1.43, 95 % CI 1.08-1.90, P = 0.014). More frequent TGF-beta1
      expression was found in the center of cancer tissue in the TGFB1-509T carrier
      group than in the others (90.5 % vs. 72.2 %, P = 0.010). T-carriers also
      presented higher expression level of gastric TGF-beta1 mRNA than non T-carriers
      (median 1.29 vs. 0.80, P = 0.004) when they were infected by H. pylori. Cancer
      patients showed elevated gastric TGFB1gene expression compared to the control
      group (median 1.22 vs. 0.89, P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The carcinogenic effect of
      TGF-beta1 might be associated with increased gastric TGF-beta1 expression in
      subjects with the T allele of TGFB1-509.

PMID- 25118997
TI  - Expression of S6K1 in human visceral adipose tissue is upregulated in obesity and
      related to insulin resistance and inflammation.
AB  - The ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) is a component of the insulin signalling
      pathway that has been proposed as a key molecular factor in insulin resistance
      development under conditions of nutrient overload. The aim was to evaluate the
      involvement of S6K1 in obesity as well as to explore their association with
      visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation. Samples obtained from 40 subjects
      were used. Gene expression levels of RPS6KB1 and key inflammatory markers were
      analysed in VAT. The effect of insulin on transcript levels of RPS6KB1 in human
      differentiated adipocytes was also explored. RPS6KB1 mRNA levels in VAT were
      increased (P < 0.05) in obese patients. Insulin treatment significantly enhanced
      (P < 0.01) gene expression levels of RPS6KB1 and a positive association (P <
      0.05) of RPS6KB1 expression with different markers of insulin resistance was
      observed. Moreover, RPS6KB1 gene expression levels were positively correlated
      with VAT gene expression levels of the inflammatory markers CCL2, CD68, MMP2,
      MMP9, VEGFA and CHI3L1 as well as with mRNA levels of MTOR and MAPK8,
      representative players involved in signalling pathways related to S6K1. The
      increased levels of S6K1 in obesity and its positive association with insulin
      resistance and inflammation suggest a role for this protein in the changes that
      take place in VAT in obesity establishing a link between inflammation and a
      higher risk for the development of metabolic diseases.

PMID- 25118998
TI  - Insulin and GH-IGF-I axis: endocrine pacer or endocrine disruptor?
AB  - Growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis may play a role in
      maintaining glucose homeostasis in synergism with insulin. IGF-1 can directly
      stimulate glucose transport into the muscle through either IGF-1 or insulin/IGF-1
      hybrid receptors. In severely decompensated diabetes including diabetic
      ketoacidosis, plasma levels of IGF-1 are low and insulin delivery into the portal
      system is required to normalize IGF-1 synthesis and bioavailability.
      Normalization of serum IGF-1 correlated with the improvement of glucose
      homeostasis during insulin therapy providing evidence for the use of IGF-1 as
      biomarker of metabolic control in diabetes. Taking apart the inherent mitogenic
      discussion, diabetes treatment using insulins with high affinity for the IGF-1
      receptor may act as an endocrine pacer exerting a cardioprotective effect by
      restoring the right level of IGF-1 in bloodstream and target tissues, whereas
      insulins with low affinity for the IGF-1 receptor may lack this positive effect.
      An excessive and indirect stimulation of IGF-1 receptor due to sustained and
      chronic hyperinsulinemia over the therapeutic level required to overtake
      acute/chronic insulin resistance may act as endocrine disruptor as it may
      possibly increase the cardiovascular risk in the short and medium term and
      mitogenic/proliferative action in the long term. In conclusion, normal IGF-1 may
      be hypothesized to be a good marker of appropriate insulin treatment of the
      subject with diabetes and may integrate and make more robust the message coming
      from HbA1c in terms of prediction of cardiovascular risk. 

PMID- 25118999
TI  - Effects of exenatide, insulin, and pioglitazone on liver fat content and body fat
      distributions in drug-naive subjects with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Ectopic accumulation of lipids in nonadipose tissues plays a primary role in the
      pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was to examine the
      effects of exenatide, insulin, and pioglitazone on liver fat content and body fat
      distributions in T2DM. Thirty-three drug-naive T2DM patients (age 52.7 +/- 1.7
      years, HbA1c 8.7 +/- 0.2 %, body mass index 24.5 +/- 0.5 kg/m(2)) were randomized
      into exenatide, insulin, or pioglitazone for 6 months. Intrahepatic fat (IHF),
      visceral fat (VF), and subcutaneous fat (SF) were measured using proton nuclear
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)
      and adiponectin were assayed by ELISA. HbA1c declined significantly in all three
      groups. Body weight, waist, and serum triglycerides decreased with exenatide.
      After interventions, IHF significantly reduced with three treatments (exenatide
      Delta = -68 %, insulin Delta = -58 %, pioglitazone Delta = -49 %). Exenatide
      reduced VF (Delta = -36 %) and SF (Delta = -13 %), and pioglitazone decreased VF
      (Delta = -30 %) with no impact on SF, whereas insulin had no impact on VF or SF.
      Levels of TNFalpha (exenatide/insulin/pioglitazone) decreased, and levels of
      adiponectin (exenatide/pioglitazone) increased. Analysis showed that DeltaIHF
      correlated with DeltaHbA1c and Deltaweight. Besides, DeltaIHF correlated with
      Deltatriglycerides and DeltaTNFalpha, but the correlations fell short of
      significance after BMI adjustment. By linear regression analysis, DeltaHbA1c
      alone explained 41.5 % of the variance of DeltaIHF, and DeltaHbA1c + Deltaweight
      explained 57.6 % of the variance. Liver fat content can be significantly reduced
      irrespective of using exenatide, insulin, and pioglitazone. Early glycaemic
      control plays an important role in slowing progression of fatty liver in T2DM. 

PMID- 25119000
TI  - Process and formulation variables of pregabalin microspheres prepared by w/o/o
      double emulsion solvent diffusion method and their clinical application by animal
      modeling studies.
AB  - Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant drug used for neuropathic pain and as an adjunct
      therapy for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization in adults.
      In conventional therapy recommended dose for pregabalin is 75 mg twice daily or
      50 mg three times a day, with maximum dosage of 600 mg/d. To achieve maximum
      therapeutic effect with a low risk of adverse effects and to reduce often drug
      dosing, modified release preparations; such as microspheres might be helpful.
      However, most of the microencapsulation techniques have been used for lipophilic
      drugs, since hydrophilic drugs like pregabalin, showed low-loading efficiency and
      rapid dissolution of compounds into the aqueous continous phase. The purpose of
      this study was to improve loading efficiency of a water-soluble drug and modulate
      release profiles, and to test the efficiency of the prepared microspheres with
      the help of animal modeling studies. Pregabalin is a water soluble drug, and it
      was encapsulated within anionic acrylic resin (Eudragit S 100) microspheres by
      water in oil in oil (w/o/o) double emulsion solvent diffusion method.
      Dichloromethane and corn oil were chosen primary and secondary oil phases,
      respectively. The presence of internal water phase was necessary to form stable
      emulsion droplets and it accelerated the hardening of microspheres. Tween 80 and
      Span 80 were used as surfactants to stabilize the water and corn oil phases,
      respectively. The optimum concentration of Tween 80 was 0.25% (v/v) and Span 80
      was 0.02% (v/v). The volume of the continous phase was affected the size of the
      microspheres. As the volume of the continous phase increased, the size of
      microspheres decreased. All microsphere formulations were evaluated with the help
      of in vitro characterization parameters. Microsphere formulations (P1-P5)
      exhibited entrapment efficiency ranged between 57.00 +/- 0.72 and 69.70 +/-
      0.49%; yield ranged between 80.95 +/- 1.21 and 93.05 +/- 1.42%; and mean particle
      size were between 136.09 +/- 2.57 and 279.09 +/- 1.97 um. Pregabalin microspheres
      having better results among all formulations (Table 3) were chosen for further
      studies such as differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared
      analysis and dissolution studies. In the last step, the best pregabalin
      microsphere formulation (P3) was chosen for in vivo animal studies. The
      pregabalin-loaded microspheres (P3) and conventional pregabalin capsules were
      applied orally in rats for three days, resulted in clinical improvement of cold
      allodynia, an indicator of peripheral neuropathy. This result when evaluated
      together with the serum pregabalin levels and in vitro release studies suggests
      that the pregabalin microspheres prepared with w/o/o double emulsion solvent
      diffusion method can be an alternative form for neuropathic pain therapy.
      Conclusively, a drug delivery system successfully developed that showed modified
      release up to 10 h and could be potentially useful to overcome the frequent
      dosing problems associated with pregabalin conventional dosage form. 

PMID- 25119003
TI  - The role of human papillomavirus infection in the head and neck region and
      methods for its detection.
AB  - Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the etiological factors of many benign and
      malignant lesions localized in the skin and mucous membranes in the region of the
      urogenital organs and head and neck. Currently, most assays for the detection of
      HPV are based on detecting the presence of viral nucleic acids, mostly viral DNA.
      These molecular techniques can be divided into: 1) methods based on a targeted,
      selective amplification of nucleic acids, 2) signal amplification methods, 3)
      nucleic acid hybridization assays. This paper presents and explains a number of
      different HPV detection methods and provides examples of some commonly available
      commercial tests. 

PMID- 25119002
TI  - Risk factors for intraocular involvement in patients with primary central nervous
      system lymphoma.
AB  - To determine the risk factors for intraocular involvement in patients with
      primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), a retrospective chart review was
      performed on 136 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with PCNSL. The
      patients were investigated for demographics, clinical manifestation, and the
      profile of immunohistochemical tumor biomarkers, as well as for the presence of
      intraocular involvement of lymphoma at diagnosis or during follow-up. The mean
      age of the entire cohort was 58.6 +/- 12.4 years, and the mean follow-up period
      was 31.1 +/- 30.8 months. Twenty-nine (21 %) patients had an intraocular
      involvement, among which 20 (69 %) patients presented with intraocular
      involvement at diagnosis of PCNSL and 9 (31 %) patients developed intraocular
      involvement after a mean period of 32.4 +/- 33.6 months. Of the patients with
      intraocular involvement, 8 (28 %) had no visual symptom at the diagnosis of
      ocular invasion. Between those with and without intraocular involvement, no
      significant differences were found with respect to the age, sex, and follow-up
      period as well as cerebrospinal fluid spread and bone marrow involvement. Among
      the immunohistochemical biomarkers, the Ki-67 proliferation index was
      significantly higher in patients with intraocular involvement than in patients
      without (P = 0.021), but the other investigated biomarkers did not show a
      significant difference between the two groups. A Ki-67 level >=80 % was a risk
      factor for the intraocular involvement in patients with PCNSL (odds ratio, 2.63).
      Median overall survival was 39.0 months in the entire cohort and was not
      significantly different between those with and without intraocular involvement (P
      = 0.959). 

PMID- 25119004
TI  - Review of small cell carcinoma of the kidney with focus on clinical and
      pathobiological aspects.
AB  - Small cell carcinoma (SmCC) of the kidney is extremely rare. In this article, we
      present a review of SmCC of the kidney with the focus on clinical and
      pathobiological aspects. Macroscopically, this tumor often shows a bulky mass
      extensively replacing the renal parenchyma with vascular invasion and metastasis
      to lymph nodes. Histologically, the tumor is composed of small cells with scant
      cytoplasm, round to oval nuclei, finely granular chromatin and inconspicuous
      nucleoli. Rosette or tubular formation may be present. Immunohistochemically,
      neoplastic cells show variable positivity for neuron-specific enolase,
      chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CD57 (Leu7) and CD56. A dot-like staining pattern
      for cytokeratin may also be observed. An electron microscopic examination may
      identify electron-dense neurosecretory granules in the cytoplasm. As a
      therapeutic option, nephrectomy and systemic chemotherapy should be considered.
      However, despite multimodal therapy, most patients have a dismal outcome and die
      of widely metastatic disease within one to two years. As there are limited
      genetic data on SmCC of the kidney, a large series studying this will be needed
      in the future. 

PMID- 25119005
TI  - Breast pathology after cryotherapy. Histological regression of breast cancer
      after cryotherapy.
AB  - A breast saving treatment is contemporary the preferred method of treatment with
      comparable results in comparing with mastectomy. In this study were evaluated the
      effects of cryotherapy by histological verification of changes in post treatment
      resection specimens. Fifty-three patients in age of 38-81 year with
      histologically confirmed breast cancer in needle biopsies were managed by
      cryotherapy between 1999 and 2007. The patients were operated between day 1 and
      35 after cryotherapy. The histologic examination of operation materials showed in
      all cases at least partial tumor destruction. In general in 54.7% of all handled
      cases (29 patient) there was no residual tumor. In 6 cases (22.2%) from group 1
      and in 23 cases (88.5%) of group 2 no tumor rest was found. Cryotherapy can lead
      to complete destruction of tumoral tissue. In our study all 29 (54.7%) of tumor
      free cases after cryotherapy were those with cT1 stage. The experience of
      operator and the correct selection of appropriate patients (primarily taking the
      tumor size into account) play the most important role for achieving the best
      results. 

PMID- 25119001
TI  - Unyielding progress: recent advances in the treatment of central nervous system
      neoplasms with radiosurgery and radiation therapy.
AB  - In the past decade, our understanding of the roles of external beam radiotherapy
      (EBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the management of brain tumors has
      dramatically improved. To highlight the changes and contemporary treatment
      approaches, we review the indications and outcomes of ionizing radiation for
      benign intracranial tumors and brain metastases. For nonfunctioning pituitary
      adenomas, SRS is able to achieve radiographic tumor control in at least 90 % of
      cases. The rate of SRS-induced endocrine remission for functioning pituitary
      adenomas depends on the tumor subtype, but it is generally lower than the rate of
      radiographic tumor control. The most common complications from pituitary adenoma
      SRS treatment are hypopituitarism and cranial neuropathies. SRS has become the
      preferred treatment modality for vestibular schwannomas and skull base
      meningiomas less than 3 cm in size. Large vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas
      remain best managed with initial surgical resection or EBRT for surgically
      ineligible patients. For small to moderately sized brain metastases, there has
      been a shift toward treatment of newly diagnosed patients with SRS alone due to
      similar local control rates compared with surgical resection. RCTs have shown
      combined SRS and whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for brain metastases to
      decrease rates of local and distant intracranial recurrence compared to SRS
      alone. However, the improved intracranial control comes at the expense of poorer
      neurocognitive outcomes and without prolonging overall survival. Therefore, WBRT
      is generally reserved for salvage therapy. While EBRT has been frequently
      supplanted by SRS for the treatment pituitary adenomas and brain metastases, it
      still proves useful in selected cases of large lesions which are not amenable to
      surgical debulking or for those with widespread disease, poor performance status,
      and short life expectancy. In recent years, the scope of SRS has extended beyond
      the intracranial space to include extradural and intradural spinal tumors.

PMID- 25119006
TI  - Selected morphologic features influencing the prognosis of conventional renal
      cell carcinomas co-expressing P53 and MDM2.
AB  - Renal cell carcinoma is the most deadly of common urologic malignancies. The
      classical prognostic factors, including tumor type, grade and stage, as well as
      performance status of the patient, offer important information, but there is a
      need for new biomarkers which could improve the quality of prognostication. It
      has been proposed that tumors co-expressing P53 and MDM2 could represent a
      specific, more aggressive subgroup. The aim of the study was to explore this
      hypothesis using tissue microarrays, using two different anti-P53 antibodies. The
      material analyzed consisted of 470 cases of renal clear cell carcinoma. Reaction
      for P53 was positive in 15.1 or 13.2% of cases, depending on the antibody used.
      Reaction for MDM2 was positive in 37.9% of cases; 6.5 or 5.3% of cases
      coexpressed P53 and MDM2. Both P53-positive and double P53/MDM2-positive cases
      were higher grade and more likely to contain a sarcomatoid component, but their
      stage was similar to negative cases. PAb1081 P53-positive MDM2-positive cases
      were larger than the rest of the tumors (7.6 cm vs. 6.1 cm, p < 0.001). Our data
      support the hypothesis of prognostic significance of P53, and double P53/MDM2
      positivity, yet further studies are needed to clarify the issue. 

PMID- 25119007
TI  - Evaluation of calretinin immunohistochemistry as an additional tool in confirming
      the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease.
AB  - Hirschsprung disease (HD) is a congenital malformation defined as the absence of
      myenteric and submucosal ganglion cells (GCs) in the distal rectum and variable
      length of the contiguous bowel. The aim of this study was to assess the utility
      of calretinin immunochemistry in comparison with that of standard histology
      complemented with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry routinely employed
      at our institution to evaluate rectal biopsies carried out for suspicion of HD.
      Twenty-one rectal biopsies were reviewed, including 14 from patients with
      suspected HD, 6 from infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and 1 from a
      patient diagnosed with spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP). Sections stained
      with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) revealed absence of ganglion cells in 13 cases which
      included 11 patients with HD and 2 patients with NEC. Among 13 cases of
      aganglionosis the AChE reaction pattern was consistent with HD in 2 patients.
      Calretinin positivity was observed in all rectal biopsies showing the presence of
      GC, and the staining was consistently absent in all cases of aganglionosis. In 6
      rectal biopsies in which abnormal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining was not
      seen, loss of calretinin immunoreactivity helped establish the diagnosis of HD. 

PMID- 25119008
TI  - Study of nano-hydroxyapatite/zirconia stabilized with yttria in bone healing:
      histopathological study in rabbit model.
AB  - Acceleration of bone healing has always been a major challenge in orthopedic
      surgery, the aim of this study was an evaluation of the biological effects of
      zirconia-stabilized yttria on bone healing, using an in vivo model. Nano
      hydroxyapatite powder with zirconia-stabilized yttria were inserted in rabbit
      tibia and then histologically analyzed and compared with non-treated controls so
      thirty six. New Zealand white male rabbits randomly divided into two groups of 18
      rabbits each. A cortical hole of 4 mm diameter and 8 mm depth in each tibia was
      drilled. In group I, the defect was left empty, whereas in group II, the bone
      defect was packed with nano-hydroxyapatite/5% zirconia stabilized with yttria.
      Histological evaluations were performed at two, four and six weeks after the
      implantation. Microscopic changes on two groups along with the time course were
      scored and statistical analysis showed that the average scores in group II were
      significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). Histological analysis was
      shown to be significantly improved by the nano-hydroxyapatite/5% zirconia
      stabilized with yttria compared with the control group, suggesting that this
      biomaterial promote the healing of cortical bone, presumably by acting as an
      osteoconductive. 

PMID- 25119009
TI  - The comparison of nuclear ubiquitous casein and cyclin-dependent kinases
      substrate (NUCKS) with Ki67 proliferation marker expression in common skin
      tumors.
AB  - Nuclear ubiquitous casein and cyclin-dependent kinases substrate (NUCKS) is a
      chromosomal protein of unknown function. Its amino acid composition and structure
      of its DNA binding domain resemble those of high mobility group A (HMGA) proteins
      which are associated with various malignancies. Since changes in expression of
      HMGA are considered as a marker of tumor progression, it is possible that similar
      changes in expression of NUCKS could be a useful tool in diagnosis of malignant
      skin tumors. To investigate this assumption we used specific antibodies against
      NUCKS for immunohistochemistry of squamous (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
      as well as keratoacanthoma (KA). We found high expression of NUCKS in nuclei of
      SCC and BCC cells which exceeded expression of the well-known proliferation
      marker Ki67. Expression of NUCKS in benign KA was much below that of malignant
      tumors. With the present study and based on our previous experience we would like
      to suggest the NUCKS protein as a novel proliferation marker for
      immunohistochemical evaluation of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded skin tumor
      specimens. We would like to emphasize that NUCKS abundance in malignant skin
      tumors is higher than that of the well-known proliferation marker Ki67, thus
      allowing more precise assessment of tumor proliferation potential. 

PMID- 25119010
TI  - Cadmium in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between cadmium (Cd) and
      bladder cancer (urothelial carcinoma of the bladder). Cadmium concentrations in
      two 36-sample series of bladder cancer tissue and blood, from patients with the
      neoplasm, were matched with those of the control group. The amount of heavy metal
      in every tissue sample was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. This
      was correlated with tumour stage. While the median cadmium concentration levels
      reached statistically lower values in the bladder cancer tissue, as compared with
      the non-cancer one (11.695 ng/g and 56.32 ng/g respectively, p < 0.001), the
      median Cd levels in the blood of the patients with this carcinoma showed no
      statistical difference when compared to those of the control group (8.237 MUg/l
      and 7.556 MUg/l respectively, p = 0.121). The median levels of cadmium in the
      bladder tissue, depending on the stage of the tumour, compared with the tissue
      without the neoplasm, observed the same relationship for both non-muscle invasive
      and muscle-invasive tumours (p < 0.002 and p < 0.02 respectively). This study has
      shown that patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder had lower tissue
      cadmium levels than people without tumour while no difference in the Cd blood
      levels between the two groups of patients under investigation was found. 

PMID- 25119011
TI  - Phosphate nephropathy after administration of bowel purgative containing sodium
      phosphate - a case report.
AB  - A 65-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with an elevated serum
      creatinine concentration associated with leukocyturia and erythrocyturia. Past
      medical history analysis revealed that four months before current hospitalization
      she had been subjected to colonoscopy preceded by the administration of oral
      sodium phosphate solution (OSP) as preparation for this procedure. Kidney biopsy
      revealed mild chronic tubulo-interstitial inflammation and scarring with
      prominent cortical tubular calcium phosphate deposits. The diagnosis of phosphate
      nephropathy, most probably secondary to OSP ingestion was made. During follow-up
      the renal function remained impaired but stable with eGFR of 25 ml/min/1.73 m2.
      The patient is currently under the care of the nephrology clinic. 

PMID- 25119012
TI  - Appearance of estrogen positive bilateral breast carcinoma with HER2 gene
      amplification in a patient with aplastic anemia.
AB  - Immunosuppressive therapy is one of the standard therapy protocols for aplastic
      anemia (AA). However, immunosuppressive therapy and androgenic steroids can
      promote development of solid tumors such as squamous carcinoma, head and neck
      tumors, adenocarcinoma of the stomach, hepatocarcinoma and breast carcinoma in
      long surviving patients with aplastic anemia. We present here a rare case of a 56
      year-old woman in whom bilateral adenocarcinoma of the breast developed 11 years
      after the start of immunosuppressive and androgenic steroid therapy for aplastic
      anemia. Histological examination showed invasive ductal carcinoma with intense
      nuclear staining for estrogen receptors. Her2 immunohistochemistry was positive
      for 80% of stained cells, and chromogenic in situ hybridization showed a high
      level of HER2 gene amplification. This case indicated that a new therapy option
      is needed for estimation and evaluation to avoid the consequence of cancer
      occurrence. 

PMID- 25119013
TI  - Primary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the breast with amplification of the HER2
      gene confirmed by FISH - case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Fifty five-years-old woman was presented to the general surgery upon the
      palpation of a mass in her left breast. In the excisional biopsy performed,
      partially cystic tumor of 2 * 1 cm with solid areas was macroscopically observed.
      After through microscopic examination, the patient was diagnosed as invasive
      mucinous cystadenocarcinoma and the tumor was found to be ER- and PR-negative and
      C-erbB2 (2+). In the fluorescent in situ hybridization, HER2/neu gene
      amplification was observed. Here, we present the clinical, cytological,
      morphological and immunohistochemical features of a very rare type of breast
      carcinoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the breast, with the review of the
      relevant literature. 

PMID- 25119014
TI  - Nested variant of urothelial carcinoma of renal pelvis - a case report.
AB  - We report a case of an 80-year-old woman with a very rare subtype of urothelial
      carcinoma - nested variant of urothelial carcinoma mimicking physiological von
      Brunn's nests. Optimal treatment of NVUC has not been determined due to the small
      number of cases, as well as the lack of randomized and follow-up studies. In our
      case the right retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy was chosen. 

PMID- 25119015
TI  - Bilateral pheochromocytoma/intra-adrenal paraganglioma in von Hippel-Lindau
      patient causing acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - A 26-year-old male presented to the emergency department complaining of
      obstipation, severe headache and abdominal pain. An autopsy revealed bilateral
      pheochromocytoma and acute myocardial infarction. The tumor cells showed positive
      immunoreactivity of both chromogranin A and synaptophysin and were negative for
      adrenocortical markers such as SF-1, c17, scc, 3?-HSD as well as SDHB, suggesting
      a germline mutation of the gene SDHB or SDHD. Molecular genetic analyses did not
      show a mutation in these two genes, but a mutation in the VHL gene, in exon 3:
      VHL c.499C>T. This is a missense mutation and causes an amino acid change
      (Arg167Trp). 

PMID- 25119016
TI  - Hodgkin's lymphoma mimicking tuberculosis in cervical lymph nodes.
AB  - The authors present a case description of an 81-year-old male with general
      symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss) and cervical/supraclavicular
      lymphadenopathy. The revised lymph node histopathological examination revealed
      nodular sclerosis classical Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with abundant
      tuberculosis-mimicking granulomatous reaction. The diagnosis may be difficult due
      to similarities in clinical course, laboratory tests and imaging. The morphology
      of Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg cells and the immunohistochemical profile are the most
      helpful in differential diagnosis. In cases where granulomas coexist with
      negative acid-fast staining, pathologists should always recommend evaluation of
      further and broader diagnostic procedures to exclude Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      infection. 

PMID- 25119017
TI  - Breast mass detection using slice conspicuity in 3D reconstructed digital breast
      volumes.
AB  - In digital breast tomosynthesis, the three dimensional (3D) reconstructed volumes
      only provide quasi-3D structure information with limited resolution along the
      depth direction due to insufficient sampling in depth direction and the limited
      angular range. The limitation could seriously hamper the conventional 3D image
      analysis techniques for detecting masses because the limited number of projection
      views causes blurring in the out-of-focus planes. In this paper, we propose a
      novel mass detection approach using slice conspicuity in the 3D reconstructed
      digital breast volumes to overcome the above limitation. First, to overcome the
      limited resolution along the depth direction, we detect regions of interest
      (ROIs) on each reconstructed slice and separately utilize the depth directional
      information to combine the ROIs effectively. Furthermore, we measure the
      blurriness of each slice for resolving the degradation of performance caused by
      the blur in the out-of-focus plane. Finally, mass features are extracted from the
      selected in focus slices and analyzed by a support vector machine classifier to
      reduce the false positives. Comparative experiments have been conducted on a
      clinical data set. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach
      outperforms the conventional 3D approach by achieving a high sensitivity with a
      small number of false positives. 

PMID- 25119019
TI  - Digital divide 2.0: the role of social networking sites in seeking health
      information online from a longitudinal perspective.
AB  - Adopting a longitudinal angle, this study analyzed data from the Pew Internet's
      Health Tracking Survey in 2006, 2008, and 2010 to identify potential
      communication inequalities in social networking site use. Results showed that
      with the growing role of social networking site use in predicting people's
      likelihood of seeking health information online, the socioeconomic and
      demographic factors that contributed to the disparities in social networking site
      use could also lead to disparities in seeking health information online. Also,
      results indicated that people are more likely to seek heath-related information
      online if they or their close family or friends have a chronic disease situation.

PMID- 25119021
TI  - Calcification of arteries supplying the gastric tube: a new risk factor for
      anastomotic leakage after esophageal surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between the amount and location of
      calcifications of the supplying arteries of the gastric tube, as determined with
      a vascular calcification scoring system, and the occurrence of anastomotic
      leakage after esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction in patients with
      esophageal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was
      obtained, and the informed consent requirement was waived for this retrospective
      study. Consecutive patients who underwent elective esophagectomy for cancer with
      gastric tube reconstruction and cervical anastomosis between 2003 and 2012 were
      identified from a prospective database. Vascular calcification scores were
      retrospectively assigned by reviewing the routine preoperative computed
      tomographic (CT) images. In patients with anastomotic leakage, presence and
      severity of calcifications of the aorta (score of 0-2), celiac axis (score of 0
      2), right postceliac arteries (common hepatic, gastroduodenal, and right
      gastroepiploic arteries; score of 0-1), and left postceliac arteries (splenic and
      left gastroepiploic arteries, score of 0-1) along with patient- and procedure
      related characteristics were compared with those of patients without leakage by
      using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 246 patients, 58
      (24%) experienced anastomotic leakage. No significant differences in patient
      related factors were found between patients with leakage and those without
      leakage, with the exception of more chronic use of steroids in the leakage group
      (7% [four of 58] vs 0% [0 of 188], P = .003). At univariate analysis, leakage was
      more common in patients with calcification of the aorta (27% [28 of 102] and 35%
      [13 of 37] vs 16% [17 of 107], P = .029) and the right postceliac arteries (55%
      [six of 11] vs 22% [52 of 235], P = .013). At multivariate analysis, both minor
      (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 3.94) and major (odds ratio,
      2.87; 95% confidence interval: 1.22, 6.72) aortic calcifications were associated
      with leakage. Also, an independent association with leakage was found for
      calcifications of the right postceliac arteries (odds ratio, 4.22; 95% confidence
      interval: 1.24, 14.4). CONCLUSION: Atherosclerotic calcification of the aorta and
      right postceliac arteries that supply the gastric tube is an independent risk
      factor for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy.

PMID- 25119022
TI  - Diagnostic utility of second-look US for breast lesions identified at MR imaging:
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of second-look ultrasonography (US)
      in the assessment of lesions identified at breast magnetic resonance (MR)
      imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the PubMed database for
      articles published up to January 6, 2013, was performed by using predefined
      search terms applied in a standardized manner. Second-look US studies for the
      assessment of breast lesions identified at MR imaging were eligible for this meta
      analysis. Two independent reviewers performed the literature review and data
      extraction. Eligible studies presented data on the number of lesions examined and
      the number of lesions detected at second-look US. The reference standard for
      lesion diagnosis was either histopathologic or follow-up examination. Sources of
      bias were assessed by using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies
      2, or QUADAS-2 Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 , tool.
      Statistical analysis included data pooling, heterogeneity testing, and meta
      regression. RESULTS: Seventeen studies that included benign and malignant lesions
      met the inclusion criteria. The general lesion detection rate at second-look US
      was very heterogeneous and ranged between 22.6% and 82.1% (pooled rate, 57.5%
      [1266 of 2201]; 95% confidence interval [ CI confidence interval ]: 50.0%, 64.1%
      [random-effects model]; I(2) = 90.9%; P < .0001). The highest second-look US
      detection rates were observed for mass lesions (as opposed to nonmass lesions)
      and malignant (vs benign) lesions (P < .001 for both). Pooled positive and
      negative predictive values (positive or negative second-look US correlates of MR
      imaging-detected malignant or benign lesions) were calculated as 30.7% (95% CI
      confidence interval : 25.3%, 36.4%; I(2) = 75.4%; P < .0001) and 87.8% (95% CI
      confidence interval : 82.0%, 92.7%; I(2) = 82.1%; P < .0001), respectively, by
      using random-effects models. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated
      variable utility of second-look US in MR imaging-detected lesions, as lesion
      detection rates were very heterogeneous. Subgroup analysis showed that malignant
      and mass lesions were more likely to be detected at second-look US. Furthermore,
      malignancy was not excluded if a lesion was not detected at second-look US.

PMID- 25119020
TI  - Biallelic alterations of the large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS1) gene in
      infiltrative, but not superficial, basal cell carcinomas in a Japanese patient
      with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.
AB  - The present study was conducted to address the molecular pathogenesis underlying
      the progression of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in a nevoid basal cell carcinoma
      syndrome (NBCCS) patient. We analyzed infiltrative BCCs that invaded the
      subcutaneous tissue of the scalp and penetrated the skull in a 61-year-old
      Japanese female. Whole-exome sequencing validated by Sanger sequencing was
      applied to assess the subcutaneously infiltrative BCCs. Differences in genetic
      alterations between the superficial and infiltrative BCCs were also examined. Of
      particular note, the infiltrative BCCs showed a nonsense mutation, c.943C>T,
      resulting in p.Q315X in the large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS1) gene, as well as the
      loss of the wild-type allele of LATS1 (6q25.1), thus indicating that the LATS1
      gene was biallelically disrupted. In contrast, no alterations in the LATS1 gene
      were observed in the superficial BCCs. Additionally, a loss of heterozygosity
      analysis revealed that the distal region of chromosome 6q where LATS1 locates was
      deleted in a heterozygous manner. The present results imply that the biallelic
      disruption of LATS1 is a progressive factor of the infiltrative BCCs observed in
      this NBCCS patient and suggest that the Hippo pathway is a potential therapeutic
      target in cases of infiltrative BCC.

PMID- 25119018
TI  - Dissecting the regulatory microenvironment of a large animal model of non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma: evidence of a negative prognostic impact of FOXP3+ T cells in canine B
      cell lymphoma.
AB  - The cancer microenvironment plays a pivotal role in oncogenesis, containing a
      number of regulatory cells that attenuate the anti-neoplastic immune response.
      While the negative prognostic impact of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the context
      of most solid tissue tumors is well established, their role in lymphoid
      malignancies remains unclear. T cells expressing FOXP3 and Helios were documented
      in the fine needle aspirates of affected lymph nodes of dogs with spontaneous
      multicentric B cell lymphoma (BCL), proposed to be a model for human non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma. Multivariable analysis revealed that the frequency of lymph node
      FOXP3(+) T cells was an independent negative prognostic factor, impacting both
      progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.10; p = 0.01) and overall survival
      (hazard ratio 1.61; p = 0.01) when comparing dogs showing higher than the median
      FOXP3 expression with those showing the median value of FOXP3 expression or less.
      Taken together, these data suggest the existence of a population of Tregs
      operational in canine multicentric BCL that resembles thymic Tregs, which we
      speculate are co-opted by the tumor from the periphery. We suggest that canine
      multicentric BCL represents a robust large animal model of human diffuse large
      BCL, showing clinical, cytological and immunophenotypic similarities with the
      disease in man, allowing comparative studies of immunoregulatory mechanisms.

PMID- 25119023
TI  - Crossed cerebellar diaschisis due to cerebral diffuse large B cell lymphoma on
      18F-FDG PET/CT.

PMID- 25119024
TI  - Oncogene ablation-resistant pancreatic cancer cells depend on mitochondrial
      function.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers in
      western countries, with a median survival of 6 months and an extremely low
      percentage of long-term surviving patients. KRAS mutations are known to be a
      driver event of PDAC, but targeting mutant KRAS has proved challenging. Targeting
      oncogene-driven signalling pathways is a clinically validated approach for
      several devastating diseases. Still, despite marked tumour shrinkage, the
      frequency of relapse indicates that a fraction of tumour cells survives shut down
      of oncogenic signalling. Here we explore the role of mutant KRAS in PDAC
      maintenance using a recently developed inducible mouse model of mutated Kras
      (Kras(G12D), herein KRas) in a p53(LoxP/WT) background. We demonstrate that a
      subpopulation of dormant tumour cells surviving oncogene ablation (surviving
      cells) and responsible for tumour relapse has features of cancer stem cells and
      relies on oxidative phosphorylation for survival. Transcriptomic and metabolic
      analyses of surviving cells reveal prominent expression of genes governing
      mitochondrial function, autophagy and lysosome activity, as well as a strong
      reliance on mitochondrial respiration and a decreased dependence on glycolysis
      for cellular energetics. Accordingly, surviving cells show high sensitivity to
      oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors, which can inhibit tumour recurrence. Our
      integrated analyses illuminate a therapeutic strategy of combined targeting of
      the KRAS pathway and mitochondrial respiration to manage pancreatic cancer. 

PMID- 25119025
TI  - Mechanism of Dis3l2 substrate recognition in the Lin28-let-7 pathway.
AB  - The pluripotency factor Lin28 inhibits the biogenesis of the let-7 family of
      mammalian microRNAs. Lin28 is highly expressed in embryonic stem cells and has a
      fundamental role in regulation of development, glucose metabolism and tissue
      regeneration. Overexpression of Lin28 is correlated with the onset of numerous
      cancers, whereas let-7, a tumour suppressor, silences several human oncogenes.
      Lin28 binds to precursor let-7 (pre-let-7) hairpins, triggering the 3' oligo
      uridylation activity of TUT4 and TUT7 (refs 10-12). The oligoU tail added to pre
      let-7 serves as a decay signal, as it is rapidly degraded by Dis3l2 (refs 13,
      14), a homologue of the catalytic subunit of the RNA exosome. The molecular basis
      of Lin28-mediated recruitment of TUT4 and TUT7 to pre-let-7 and its subsequent
      degradation by Dis3l2 is largely unknown. To examine the mechanism of Dis3l2
      substrate recognition we determined the structure of mouse Dis3l2 in complex with
      an oligoU RNA to mimic the uridylated tail of pre-let-7. Three RNA-binding
      domains form an open funnel on one face of the catalytic domain that allows RNA
      to navigate a path to the active site different from that of its exosome
      counterpart. The resulting path reveals an extensive network of uracil-specific
      interactions spanning the first 12 nucleotides of an oligoU-tailed RNA. We
      identify three U-specificity zones that explain how Dis3l2 recognizes, binds and
      processes uridylated pre-let-7 in the final step of the Lin28-let-7 pathway.

PMID- 25119029
TI  - Earth science: Warning signs of the Iquique earthquake.

PMID- 25119027
TI  - Abrupt glacial climate shifts controlled by ice sheet changes.
AB  - During glacial periods of the Late Pleistocene, an abundance of proxy data
      demonstrates the existence of large and repeated millennial-scale warming
      episodes, known as Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO) events. This ubiquitous feature of
      rapid glacial climate change can be extended back as far as 800,000 years before
      present (BP) in the ice core record, and has drawn broad attention within the
      science and policy-making communities alike. Many studies have been dedicated to
      investigating the underlying causes of these changes, but no coherent mechanism
      has yet been identified. Here we show, by using a comprehensive fully coupled
      model, that gradual changes in the height of the Northern Hemisphere ice sheets
      (NHISs) can alter the coupled atmosphere-ocean system and cause rapid glacial
      climate shifts closely resembling DO events. The simulated global climate
      responses--including abrupt warming in the North Atlantic, a northward shift of
      the tropical rainbelts, and Southern Hemisphere cooling related to the bipolar
      seesaw--are generally consistent with empirical evidence. As a result of the
      coexistence of two glacial ocean circulation states at intermediate heights of
      the ice sheets, minor changes in the height of the NHISs and the amount of
      atmospheric CO2 can trigger the rapid climate transitions via a local positive
      atmosphere-ocean-sea-ice feedback in the North Atlantic. Our results, although
      based on a single model, thus provide a coherent concept for understanding the
      recorded millennial-scale variability and abrupt climate changes in the coupled
      atmosphere-ocean system, as well as their linkages to the volume of the
      intermediate ice sheets during glacials.

PMID- 25119028
TI  - Continuing megathrust earthquake potential in Chile after the 2014 Iquique
      earthquake.
AB  - The seismic gap theory identifies regions of elevated hazard based on a lack of
      recent seismicity in comparison with other portions of a fault. It has
      successfully explained past earthquakes (see, for example, ref. 2) and is useful
      for qualitatively describing where large earthquakes might occur. A large
      earthquake had been expected in the subduction zone adjacent to northern Chile,
      which had not ruptured in a megathrust earthquake since a M ~8.8 event in 1877.
      On 1 April 2014 a M 8.2 earthquake occurred within this seismic gap. Here we
      present an assessment of the seismotectonics of the March-April 2014 Iquique
      sequence, including analyses of earthquake relocations, moment tensors, finite
      fault models, moment deficit calculations and cumulative Coulomb stress transfer.
      This ensemble of information allows us to place the sequence within the context
      of regional seismicity and to identify areas of remaining and/or elevated hazard.
      Our results constrain the size and spatial extent of rupture, and indicate that
      this was not the earthquake that had been anticipated. Significant sections of
      the northern Chile subduction zone have not ruptured in almost 150 years, so it
      is likely that future megathrust earthquakes will occur to the south and
      potentially to the north of the 2014 Iquique sequence. 

PMID- 25119026
TI  - Noncoding RNA transcription targets AID to divergently transcribed loci in B
      cells.
AB  - The vast majority of the mammalian genome has the potential to express noncoding
      RNA (ncRNA). The 11-subunit RNA exosome complex is the main source of cellular 3'
      5' exoribonucleolytic activity and potentially regulates the mammalian noncoding
      transcriptome. Here we generated a mouse model in which the essential subunit
      Exosc3 of the RNA exosome complex can be conditionally deleted. Exosc3-deficient
      B cells lack the ability to undergo normal levels of class switch recombination
      and somatic hypermutation, two mutagenic DNA processes used to generate antibody
      diversity via the B-cell mutator protein activation-induced cytidine deaminase
      (AID). The transcriptome of Exosc3-deficient B cells has revealed the presence of
      many novel RNA exosome substrate ncRNAs. RNA exosome substrate RNAs include xTSS
      RNAs, transcription start site (TSS)-associated antisense transcripts that can
      exceed 500 base pairs in length and are transcribed divergently from cognate
      coding gene transcripts. xTSS-RNAs are most strongly expressed at genes that
      accumulate AID-mediated somatic mutations and/or are frequent translocation
      partners of DNA double-strand breaks generated at Igh in B cells. Strikingly,
      translocations near TSSs or within gene bodies occur over regions of RNA exosome
      substrate ncRNA expression. These RNA exosome-regulated, antisense-transcribed
      regions of the B-cell genome recruit AID and accumulate single-strand DNA
      structures containing RNA-DNA hybrids. We propose that RNA exosome regulation of
      ncRNA recruits AID to single-strand DNA-forming sites of antisense and divergent
      transcription in the B-cell genome, thereby creating a link between ncRNA
      transcription and overall maintenance of B-cell genomic integrity. 

PMID- 25119030
TI  - Developmental biology: It takes muscle to make blood cells.

PMID- 25119031
TI  - Immunology: Mammalian watchdog targets bacteria.

PMID- 25119032
TI  - Antiviral immunity via RIG-I-mediated recognition of RNA bearing 5'-diphosphates.
AB  - Mammalian cells possess mechanisms to detect and defend themselves from invading
      viruses. In the cytosol, the RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), RIG-I (retinoic acid
      inducible gene I; encoded by DDX58) and MDA5 (melanoma differentiation-associated
      gene 5; encoded by IFIH1) sense atypical RNAs associated with virus infection.
      Detection triggers a signalling cascade via the adaptor MAVS that culminates in
      the production of type I interferons (IFN-alpha and beta; hereafter IFN), which
      are key antiviral cytokines. RIG-I and MDA5 are activated by distinct viral RNA
      structures and much evidence indicates that RIG-I responds to RNAs bearing a
      triphosphate (ppp) moiety in conjunction with a blunt-ended, base-paired region
      at the 5'-end (reviewed in refs 1, 2, 3). Here we show that RIG-I also mediates
      antiviral responses to RNAs bearing 5'-diphosphates (5'pp). Genomes from
      mammalian reoviruses with 5'pp termini, 5'pp-RNA isolated from yeast L-A virus,
      and base-paired 5'pp-RNAs made by in vitro transcription or chemical synthesis,
      all bind to RIG-I and serve as RIG-I agonists. Furthermore, a RIG-I-dependent
      response to 5'pp-RNA is essential for controlling reovirus infection in cultured
      cells and in mice. Thus, the minimal determinant for RIG-I recognition is a base
      paired RNA with 5'pp. Such RNAs are found in some viruses but not in uninfected
      cells, indicating that recognition of 5'pp-RNA, like that of 5'ppp-RNA, acts as a
      powerful means of self/non-self discrimination by the innate immune system.

PMID- 25119033
TI  - Enhanced neonatal Fc receptor function improves protection against primate SHIV
      infection.
AB  - To protect against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection, broadly
      neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) must be active at the portals of viral entry in
      the gastrointestinal or cervicovaginal tracts. The localization and persistence
      of antibodies at these sites is influenced by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn),
      whose role in protecting against infection in vivo has not been defined. Here, we
      show that a bnAb with enhanced FcRn binding has increased gut mucosal tissue
      localization, which improves protection against lentiviral infection in non-human
      primates. A bnAb directed to the CD4-binding site of the HIV-1 envelope (Env)
      protein (denoted VRC01) was modified by site-directed mutagenesis to increase its
      binding affinity for FcRn. This enhanced FcRn-binding mutant bnAb, denoted VRC01
      LS, displayed increased transcytosis across human FcRn-expressing cellular
      monolayers in vitro while retaining FcgammaRIIIa binding and function, including
      antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, at levels similar
      to VRC01 (the wild type). VRC01-LS had a threefold longer serum half-life than
      VRC01 in non-human primates and persisted in the rectal mucosa even when it was
      no longer detectable in the serum. Notably, VRC01-LS mediated protection superior
      to that afforded by VRC01 against intrarectal infection with simian-human
      immunodeficiency virus (SHIV). These findings suggest that modification of FcRn
      binding provides a mechanism not only to increase serum half-life but also to
      enhance mucosal localization that confers immune protection. Mutations that
      enhance FcRn function could therefore increase the potency and durability of
      passive immunization strategies to prevent HIV-1 infection. 

PMID- 25119034
TI  - Inflammatory caspases are innate immune receptors for intracellular LPS.
AB  - The murine caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome responds to various bacterial
      infections. Caspase-11 activation-induced pyroptosis, in response to cytoplasmic
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is critical for endotoxic shock in mice. The mechanism
      underlying cytosolic LPS sensing and the responsible pattern recognition receptor
      are unknown. Here we show that human monocytes, epithelial cells and
      keratinocytes undergo necrosis upon cytoplasmic delivery of LPS. LPS-induced
      cytotoxicity was mediated by human caspase-4 that could functionally complement
      murine caspase-11. Human caspase-4 and the mouse homologue caspase-11 (hereafter
      referred to as caspase-4/11) and also human caspase-5, directly bound to LPS and
      lipid A with high specificity and affinity. LPS associated with endogenous
      caspase-11 in pyroptotic cells. Insect-cell purified caspase-4/11 underwent
      oligomerization upon LPS binding, resulting in activation of the caspases.
      Underacylated lipid IVa and lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides (LPS
      RS) could bind to caspase-4/11 but failed to induce their oligomerization and
      activation. LPS binding was mediated by the CARD domain of the caspase. Binding
      deficient CARD-domain point mutants did not respond to LPS with oligomerization
      or activation and failed to induce pyroptosis upon LPS electroporation or
      bacterial infections. The function of caspase-4/5/11 represents a new mode of
      pattern recognition in immunity and also an unprecedented means of caspase
      activation. 

PMID- 25119035
TI  - Piezo1 integration of vascular architecture with physiological force.
AB  - The mechanisms by which physical forces regulate endothelial cells to determine
      the complexities of vascular structure and function are enigmatic. Studies of
      sensory neurons have suggested Piezo proteins as subunits of Ca(2+)-permeable non
      selective cationic channels for detection of noxious mechanical impact. Here we
      show Piezo1 (Fam38a) channels as sensors of frictional force (shear stress) and
      determinants of vascular structure in both development and adult physiology.
      Global or endothelial-specific disruption of mouse Piezo1 profoundly disturbed
      the developing vasculature and was embryonic lethal within days of the heart
      beating. Haploinsufficiency was not lethal but endothelial abnormality was
      detected in mature vessels. The importance of Piezo1 channels as sensors of blood
      flow was shown by Piezo1 dependence of shear-stress-evoked ionic current and
      calcium influx in endothelial cells and the ability of exogenous Piezo1 to confer
      sensitivity to shear stress on otherwise resistant cells. Downstream of this
      calcium influx there was protease activation and spatial reorganization of
      endothelial cells to the polarity of the applied force. The data suggest that
      Piezo1 channels function as pivotal integrators in vascular biology. 

PMID- 25119036
TI  - Required enhancer-matrin-3 network interactions for a homeodomain transcription
      program.
AB  - Homeodomain proteins, described 30 years ago, exert essential roles in
      development as regulators of target gene expression; however, the molecular
      mechanisms underlying transcriptional activity of homeodomain factors remain
      poorly understood. Here investigation of a developmentally required POU
      homeodomain transcription factor, Pit1 (also known as Pou1f1), has revealed that,
      unexpectedly, binding of Pit1-occupied enhancers to a nuclear matrin-3-rich
      network/architecture is a key event in effective activation of the Pit1-regulated
      enhancer/coding gene transcriptional program. Pit1 association with Satb1 (ref.
      8) and beta-catenin is required for this tethering event. A naturally occurring,
      dominant negative, point mutation in human PIT1(R271W), causing combined
      pituitary hormone deficiency, results in loss of Pit1 association with beta
      catenin and Satb1 and therefore the matrin-3-rich network, blocking Pit1
      dependent enhancer/coding target gene activation. This defective activation can
      be rescued by artificial tethering of the mutant R271W Pit1 protein to the matrin
      3 network, bypassing the pre-requisite association with beta-catenin and Satb1
      otherwise required. The matrin-3 network-tethered R271W Pit1 mutant, but not the
      untethered protein, restores Pit1-dependent activation of the enhancers and
      recruitment of co-activators, exemplified by p300, causing both enhancer RNA
      transcription and target gene activation. These studies have thus revealed an
      unanticipated homeodomain factor/beta-catenin/Satb1-dependent localization of
      target gene regulatory enhancer regions to a subnuclear architectural structure
      that serves as an underlying mechanism by which an enhancer-bound homeodomain
      factor effectively activates developmental gene transcriptional programs. 

PMID- 25119037
TI  - Inappropriate p53 activation during development induces features of CHARGE
      syndrome.
AB  - CHARGE syndrome is a multiple anomaly disorder in which patients present with a
      variety of phenotypes, including ocular coloboma, heart defects, choanal atresia,
      retarded growth and development, genitourinary hypoplasia and ear abnormalities.
      Despite 70-90% of CHARGE syndrome cases resulting from mutations in the gene
      CHD7, which encodes an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeller, the pathways
      underlying the diverse phenotypes remain poorly understood. Surprisingly, our
      studies of a knock-in mutant mouse strain that expresses a stabilized and
      transcriptionally dead variant of the tumour-suppressor protein p53
      (p53(25,26,53,54)), along with a wild-type allele of p53 (also known as Trp53),
      revealed late-gestational embryonic lethality associated with a host of
      phenotypes that are characteristic of CHARGE syndrome, including coloboma, inner
      and outer ear malformations, heart outflow tract defects and craniofacial
      defects. We found that the p53(25,26,53,54) mutant protein stabilized and
      hyperactivated wild-type p53, which then inappropriately induced its target genes
      and triggered cell-cycle arrest or apoptosis during development. Importantly,
      these phenotypes were only observed with a wild-type p53 allele, as
      p53(25,26,53,54)(/-) embryos were fully viable. Furthermore, we found that CHD7
      can bind to the p53 promoter, thereby negatively regulating p53 expression, and
      that CHD7 loss in mouse neural crest cells or samples from patients with CHARGE
      syndrome results in p53 activation. Strikingly, we found that p53 heterozygosity
      partially rescued the phenotypes in Chd7-null mouse embryos, demonstrating that
      p53 contributes to the phenotypes that result from CHD7 loss. Thus, inappropriate
      p53 activation during development can promote CHARGE phenotypes, supporting the
      idea that p53 has a critical role in developmental syndromes and providing
      important insight into the mechanisms underlying CHARGE syndrome. 

PMID- 25119040
TI  - Interacting supernovae from photoionization-confined shells around red supergiant
      stars.
AB  - Betelgeuse, a nearby red supergiant, is a fast-moving star with a powerful
      stellar wind that drives a bow shock into its surroundings. This picture has been
      challenged by the discovery of a dense and almost static shell that is three
      times closer to the star than the bow shock and has been decelerated by some
      external force. The two physically distinct structures cannot both be formed by
      the hydrodynamic interaction of the wind with the interstellar medium. Here we
      report that a model in which Betelgeuse's wind is photoionized by radiation from
      external sources can explain the static shell without requiring a new
      understanding of the bow shock. Pressure from the photoionized wind generates a
      standing shock in the neutral part of the wind and forms an almost static,
      photoionization-confined shell. Other red supergiants should have much more
      massive shells than Betelgeuse, because the photoionization-confined shell traps
      up to 35 per cent of all mass lost during the red supergiant phase, confining
      this gas close to the star until it explodes. After the supernova explosion,
      massive shells dramatically affect the supernova light curve, providing a natural
      explanation for the many supernovae that have signatures of circumstellar
      interaction. 

PMID- 25119039
TI  - Structural mechanism of glutamate receptor activation and desensitization.
AB  - Ionotropic glutamate receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate
      excitatory synaptic transmission in the vertebrate brain. To gain a better
      understanding of how structural changes gate ion flux across the membrane, we
      trapped rat AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid) and
      kainate receptor subtypes in their major functional states and analysed the
      resulting structures using cryo-electron microscopy. We show that transition to
      the active state involves a 'corkscrew' motion of the receptor assembly, driven
      by closure of the ligand-binding domain. Desensitization is accompanied by
      disruption of the amino-terminal domain tetramer in AMPA, but not kainate,
      receptors with a two-fold to four-fold symmetry transition in the ligand-binding
      domains in both subtypes. The 7.6 A structure of a desensitized kainate receptor
      shows how these changes accommodate channel closing. These findings integrate
      previous physiological, biochemical and structural analyses of glutamate
      receptors and provide a molecular explanation for key steps in receptor gating. 

PMID- 25119038
TI  - AhR sensing of bacterial pigments regulates antibacterial defence.
AB  - The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a highly conserved ligand-dependent
      transcription factor that senses environmental toxins and endogenous ligands,
      thereby inducing detoxifying enzymes and modulating immune cell differentiation
      and responses. We hypothesized that AhR evolved to sense not only environmental
      pollutants but also microbial insults. We characterized bacterial pigmented
      virulence factors, namely the phenazines from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the
      naphthoquinone phthiocol from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as ligands of AhR. Upon
      ligand binding, AhR activation leads to virulence factor degradation and
      regulated cytokine and chemokine production. The relevance of AhR to host defence
      is underlined by heightened susceptibility of AhR-deficient mice to both P.
      aeruginosa and M. tuberculosis. Thus, we demonstrate that AhR senses distinct
      bacterial virulence factors and controls antibacterial responses, supporting a
      previously unidentified role for AhR as an intracellular pattern recognition
      receptor, and identify bacterial pigments as a new class of pathogen-associated
      molecular patterns. 

PMID- 25119041
TI  - Interleukin-22 alleviates metabolic disorders and restores mucosal immunity in
      diabetes.
AB  - The connection between an altered gut microbiota and metabolic disorders such as
      obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease is well established. Defects in
      preserving the integrity of the mucosal barriers can result in systemic
      endotoxaemia that contributes to chronic low-grade inflammation, which further
      promotes the development of metabolic syndrome. Interleukin (IL)-22 exerts
      essential roles in eliciting antimicrobial immunity and maintaining mucosal
      barrier integrity within the intestine. Here we investigate the connection
      between IL-22 and metabolic disorders. We find that the induction of IL-22 from
      innate lymphoid cells and CD4(+) T cells is impaired in obese mice under various
      immune challenges, especially in the colon during infection with Citrobacter
      rodentium. While innate lymphoid cell populations are largely intact in obese
      mice, the upregulation of IL-23, a cytokine upstream of IL-22, is compromised
      during the infection. Consequently, these mice are susceptible to C. rodentium
      infection, and both exogenous IL-22 and IL-23 are able to restore the mucosal
      host defence. Importantly, we further unveil unexpected functions of IL-22 in
      regulating metabolism. Mice deficient in IL-22 receptor and fed with high-fat
      diet are prone to developing metabolic disorders. Strikingly, administration of
      exogenous IL-22 in genetically obese leptin-receptor-deficient (db/db) mice and
      mice fed with high-fat diet reverses many of the metabolic symptoms, including
      hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance. IL-22 shows diverse metabolic benefits, as
      it improves insulin sensitivity, preserves gut mucosal barrier and endocrine
      functions, decreases endotoxaemia and chronic inflammation, and regulates lipid
      metabolism in liver and adipose tissues. In summary, we identify the IL-22
      pathway as a novel target for therapeutic intervention in metabolic diseases. 

PMID- 25119042
TI  - PRC2 loss amplifies Ras-driven transcription and confers sensitivity to BRD4
      based therapies.
AB  - The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) exerts oncogenic effects in many tumour
      types. However, loss-of-function mutations in PRC2 components occur in a subset
      of haematopoietic malignancies, suggesting that this complex plays a dichotomous
      and poorly understood role in cancer. Here we provide genomic, cellular, and
      mouse modelling data demonstrating that the polycomb group gene SUZ12 functions
      as tumour suppressor in PNS tumours, high-grade gliomas and melanomas by
      cooperating with mutations in NF1. NF1 encodes a Ras GTPase-activating protein
      (RasGAP) and its loss drives cancer by activating Ras. We show that SUZ12 loss
      potentiates the effects of NF1 mutations by amplifying Ras-driven transcription
      through effects on chromatin. Importantly, however, SUZ12 inactivation also
      triggers an epigenetic switch that sensitizes these cancers to bromodomain
      inhibitors. Collectively, these studies not only reveal an unexpected connection
      between the PRC2 complex, NF1 and Ras, but also identify a promising epigenetic
      based therapeutic strategy that may be exploited for a variety of cancers. 

PMID- 25119043
TI  - Haematopoietic stem cell induction by somite-derived endothelial cells controlled
      by meox1.
AB  - Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are self-renewing stem cells capable of
      replenishing all blood lineages. In all vertebrate embryos that have been
      studied, definitive HSCs are generated initially within the dorsal aorta (DA) of
      the embryonic vasculature by a series of poorly understood inductive events.
      Previous studies have identified that signalling relayed from adjacent somites
      coordinates HSC induction, but the nature of this signal has remained elusive.
      Here we reveal that somite specification of HSCs occurs via the deployment of a
      specific endothelial precursor population, which arises within a sub-compartment
      of the zebrafish somite that we have defined as the endotome. Endothelial cells
      of the endotome are specified within the nascent somite by the activity of the
      homeobox gene meox1. Specified endotomal cells consequently migrate and colonize
      the DA, where they induce HSC formation through the deployment of chemokine
      signalling activated in these cells during endotome formation. Loss of meox1
      activity expands the endotome at the expense of a second somitic cell type, the
      muscle precursors of the dermomyotomal equivalent in zebrafish, the external cell
      layer. The resulting increase in endotome-derived cells that migrate to colonize
      the DA generates a dramatic increase in chemokine-dependent HSC induction. This
      study reveals the molecular basis for a novel somite lineage restriction
      mechanism and defines a new paradigm in induction of definitive HSCs. 

PMID- 25119044
TI  - CRISPR-mediated direct mutation of cancer genes in the mouse liver.
AB  - The study of cancer genes in mouse models has traditionally relied on genetically
      engineered strains made via transgenesis or gene targeting in embryonic stem
      cells. Here we describe a new method of cancer model generation using the
      CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR
      associated proteins) system in vivo in wild-type mice. We used hydrodynamic
      injection to deliver a CRISPR plasmid DNA expressing Cas9 and single guide RNAs
      (sgRNAs) to the liver that directly target the tumour suppressor genes Pten (ref.
      5) and p53 (also known as TP53 and Trp53) (ref. 6), alone and in combination.
      CRISPR-mediated Pten mutation led to elevated Akt phosphorylation and lipid
      accumulation in hepatocytes, phenocopying the effects of deletion of the gene
      using Cre-LoxP technology. Simultaneous targeting of Pten and p53 induced liver
      tumours that mimicked those caused by Cre-loxP-mediated deletion of Pten and p53.
      DNA sequencing of liver and tumour tissue revealed insertion or deletion
      mutations of the tumour suppressor genes, including bi-allelic mutations of both
      Pten and p53 in tumours. Furthermore, co-injection of Cas9 plasmids harbouring
      sgRNAs targeting the beta-catenin gene and a single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide
      donor carrying activating point mutations led to the generation of hepatocytes
      with nuclear localization of beta-catenin. This study demonstrates the
      feasibility of direct mutation of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes in the
      liver using the CRISPR/Cas system, which presents a new avenue for rapid
      development of liver cancer models and functional genomics. 

PMID- 25119046
TI  - Promoter sequences direct cytoplasmic localization and translation of mRNAs
      during starvation in yeast.
AB  - A universal feature of the response to stress and nutrient limitation is
      transcriptional upregulation of genes that encode proteins important for
      survival. Under many such conditions, the overall protein synthesis level is
      reduced, thereby dampening the stress response at the level of protein
      expression. For example, during glucose starvation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      (yeast), translation is rapidly repressed, yet the transcription of many stress-
      and glucose-repressed genes is increased. Here we show, using ribosomal profiling
      and microscopy, that this transcriptionally upregulated gene set consists of two
      classes: one class produces messenger RNAs that are translated during glucose
      starvation and are diffusely localized in the cytoplasm, including many heat
      shock protein mRNAs; and the other class produces mRNAs that are not efficiently
      translated during glucose starvation and are concentrated in foci that co
      localize with P bodies and stress granules, a class that is enriched for mRNAs
      involved in glucose metabolism. Surprisingly, the information specifying the
      differential localization and protein production of these two classes of mRNA is
      encoded in the promoter sequence: promoter responsiveness to heat-shock factor 1
      (Hsf1) specifies diffuse cytoplasmic localization and higher protein production
      on glucose starvation. Thus, promoter sequences can influence not only the levels
      of mRNAs but also the subcellular localization of mRNAs and the efficiency with
      which they are translated, enabling cells to tailor protein production to the
      environmental conditions. 

PMID- 25119045
TI  - A long noncoding RNA protects the heart from pathological hypertrophy.
AB  - The role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in adult hearts is unknown; also unclear
      is how lncRNA modulates nucleosome remodelling. An estimated 70% of mouse genes
      undergo antisense transcription, including myosin heavy chain 7 (Myh7), which
      encodes molecular motor proteins for heart contraction. Here we identify a
      cluster of lncRNA transcripts from Myh7 loci and demonstrate a new lncRNA
      chromatin mechanism for heart failure. In mice, these transcripts, which we named
      myosin heavy-chain-associated RNA transcripts (Myheart, or Mhrt), are cardiac
      specific and abundant in adult hearts. Pathological stress activates the Brg1
      Hdac-Parp chromatin repressor complex to inhibit Mhrt transcription in the heart.
      Such stress-induced Mhrt repression is essential for cardiomyopathy to develop:
      restoring Mhrt to the pre-stress level protects the heart from hypertrophy and
      failure. Mhrt antagonizes the function of Brg1, a chromatin-remodelling factor
      that is activated by stress to trigger aberrant gene expression and cardiac
      myopathy. Mhrt prevents Brg1 from recognizing its genomic DNA targets, thus
      inhibiting chromatin targeting and gene regulation by Brg1. It does so by binding
      to the helicase domain of Brg1, a domain that is crucial for tethering Brg1 to
      chromatinized DNA targets. Brg1 helicase has dual nucleic-acid-binding
      specificities: it is capable of binding lncRNA (Mhrt) and chromatinized--but not
      naked--DNA. This dual-binding feature of helicase enables a competitive
      inhibition mechanism by which Mhrt sequesters Brg1 from its genomic DNA targets
      to prevent chromatin remodelling. A Mhrt-Brg1 feedback circuit is thus crucial
      for heart function. Human MHRT also originates from MYH7 loci and is repressed in
      various types of myopathic hearts, suggesting a conserved lncRNA mechanism in
      human cardiomyopathy. Our studies identify a cardioprotective lncRNA, define a
      new targeting mechanism for ATP-dependent chromatin-remodelling factors, and
      establish a new paradigm for lncRNA-chromatin interaction.

PMID- 25119047
TI  - Jam1a-Jam2a interactions regulate haematopoietic stem cell fate through Notch
      signalling.
AB  - Notch signalling plays a key role in the generation of haematopoietic stem cells
      (HSCs) during vertebrate development and requires intimate contact between signal
      emitting and signal-receiving cells, although little is known regarding when,
      where and how these intercellular events occur. We previously reported that the
      somitic Notch ligands, Dlc and Dld, are essential for HSC specification. It has
      remained unclear, however, how these somitic requirements are connected to the
      later emergence of HSCs from the dorsal aorta. Here we show in zebrafish that
      Notch signalling establishes HSC fate as their shared vascular precursors migrate
      across the ventral face of the somite and that junctional adhesion molecules
      (JAMs) mediate this required Notch signal transduction. HSC precursors express
      jam1a (also known as f11r) and migrate axially across the ventral somite, where
      Jam2a and the Notch ligands Dlc and Dld are expressed. Despite no alteration in
      the expression of Notch ligand or receptor genes, loss of function of jam1a led
      to loss of Notch signalling and loss of HSCs. Enforced activation of Notch in
      shared vascular precursors rescued HSCs in jam1a or jam2a deficient embryos.
      Together, these results indicate that Jam1a-Jam2a interactions facilitate the
      transduction of requisite Notch signals from the somite to the precursors of
      HSCs, and that these events occur well before formation of the dorsal aorta. 

PMID- 25119049
TI  - Gradual unlocking of plate boundary controlled initiation of the 2014 Iquique
      earthquake.
AB  - On 1 April 2014, Northern Chile was struck by a magnitude 8.1 earthquake
      following a protracted series of foreshocks. The Integrated Plate Boundary
      Observatory Chile monitored the entire sequence of events, providing
      unprecedented resolution of the build-up to the main event and its rupture
      evolution. Here we show that the Iquique earthquake broke a central fraction of
      the so-called northern Chile seismic gap, the last major segment of the South
      American plate boundary that had not ruptured in the past century. Since July
      2013 three seismic clusters, each lasting a few weeks, hit this part of the plate
      boundary with earthquakes of increasing peak magnitudes. Starting with the second
      cluster, geodetic observations show surface displacements that can be associated
      with slip on the plate interface. These seismic clusters and their slip
      transients occupied a part of the plate interface that was transitional between a
      fully locked and a creeping portion. Leading up to this earthquake, the b value
      of the foreshocks gradually decreased during the years before the earthquake,
      reversing its trend a few days before the Iquique earthquake. The mainshock
      finally nucleated at the northern end of the foreshock area, which skirted a
      locked patch, and ruptured mainly downdip towards higher locking. Peak slip was
      attained immediately downdip of the foreshock region and at the margin of the
      locked patch. We conclude that gradual weakening of the central part of the
      seismic gap accentuated by the foreshock activity in a zone of intermediate
      seismic coupling was instrumental in causing final failure, distinguishing the
      Iquique earthquake from most great earthquakes. Finally, only one-third of the
      gap was broken and the remaining locked segments now pose a significant,
      increased seismic hazard with the potential to host an earthquake with a
      magnitude of >8.5. 

PMID- 25119048
TI  - X-ray structure of the mouse serotonin 5-HT3 receptor.
AB  - Neurotransmitter-gated ion channels of the Cys-loop receptor family mediate fast
      neurotransmission throughout the nervous system. The molecular processes of
      neurotransmitter binding, subsequent opening of the ion channel and ion
      permeation remain poorly understood. Here we present the X-ray structure of a
      mammalian Cys-loop receptor, the mouse serotonin 5-HT3 receptor, at 3.5 A
      resolution. The structure of the proteolysed receptor, made up of two fragments
      and comprising part of the intracellular domain, was determined in complex with
      stabilizing nanobodies. The extracellular domain reveals the detailed anatomy of
      the neurotransmitter binding site capped by a nanobody. The membrane domain
      delimits an aqueous pore with a 4.6 A constriction. In the intracellular domain,
      a bundle of five intracellular helices creates a closed vestibule where lateral
      portals are obstructed by loops. This 5-HT3 receptor structure, revealing part of
      the intracellular domain, expands the structural basis for understanding the
      operating mechanism of mammalian Cys-loop receptors. 

PMID- 25119051
TI  - Comment on: editorial by Husted et al. "Non-vitamin K antagonist oral
      anticoagulants (NOACs): no longer new or novel". (Thromb Haemost 2014; 111: 781
      782).

PMID- 25119050
TI  - Protein competition switches the function of COP9 from self-renewal to
      differentiation.
AB  - The balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation is controlled by
      intrinsic factors and niche signals. In the Drosophila melanogaster ovary, some
      intrinsic factors promote germline stem cell (GSC) self-renewal, whereas others
      stimulate differentiation. However, it remains poorly understood how the balance
      between self-renewal and differentiation is controlled. Here we use D.
      melanogaster ovarian GSCs to demonstrate that the differentiation factor Bam
      controls the functional switch of the COP9 complex from self-renewal to
      differentiation via protein competition. The COP9 complex is composed of eight
      Csn subunits, Csn1-8, and removes Nedd8 modifications from target proteins.
      Genetic results indicated that the COP9 complex is required intrinsically for GSC
      self-renewal, whereas other Csn proteins, with the exception of Csn4, were also
      required for GSC progeny differentiation. Bam-mediated Csn4 sequestration from
      the COP9 complex via protein competition inactivated the self-renewing function
      of COP9 and allowed other Csn proteins to promote GSC differentiation. Therefore,
      this study reveals a protein-competition-based mechanism for controlling the
      balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Because numerous self
      renewal factors are ubiquitously expressed throughout the stem cell lineage in
      various systems, protein competition may function as an important mechanism for
      controlling the self-renewal-to-differentiation switch. 

PMID- 25119052
TI  - Does proximal tibial osteotomy with a novel osteotomy system obtain coronal plane
      correction without affecting tibial slope and patellar height?
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine changes in tibial slope, patellar height, and coronal plane
      alignment after medial opening wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO) using a
      modern osteotomy system. METHODS: Patients undergoing medial opening wedge PTO
      for any indication with follow-up until radiographic union were identified. Pre-
      and post-operative tibial slope (referenced off the anterior tibial cortex,
      proximal tibial anatomic axis, and posterior tibial cortex), patellar height
      (Caton-Deschamps, Blackburne-Peel, and Insall-Salvati indices), and coronal plane
      [mechanical axis and weight-bearing line (WBL) ratio] measurements were taken by
      two observers and compared. RESULTS: Review of 27 patients demonstrated unchanged
      tibial slope and slightly decreased patellar height post-operatively (Caton
      Deschamps: -0.10 +/- 0.09; Blackburne-Peel: -0.11 +/- 0.10). Coronal plane
      measurements showed 6.4 degrees  +/- 1.8 degrees  mean change in mechanical axis.
      Mean post-operative WBL ratio was significantly lower (51.6 +/- 11.5 %) than mean
      goal WBL ratio (62.2 +/- 2.5 %). Preoperative mechanical axis >6 degrees  varus
      and osteoarthritis alone as the surgical indication were risk factors for
      undercorrection >10 %. CONCLUSIONS: Medial opening wedge PTO using a recently
      developed instrumentation system was found to have no effect on tibial slope.
      Patellar height was decreased after osteotomy using this system, although
      clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Coronal plane undercorrection
      of 10.6 % of the target WBL ratio was seen in the group as a whole, although
      secondary analysis of these results indicated that patients with medial
      compartment osteoarthritis and/or preoperative mechanical axis of >6 degrees 
      varus accounted for the majority of the cases of undercorrection. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Retrospective case series, Level IV.

PMID- 25119053
TI  - Retention of the posterior cruciate ligament does not affect femoral rotational
      alignment in TKA using a gap-balance technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previous studies have evaluated the ability of the gap technique to
      achieve accurate rotational placement in both posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
      retaining and PCL-substituting total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of the
      present study was to determine (1) the accuracy of this technique in degrees and
      (2) whether retention of the PCL affects the rotational alignment of the femoral
      component relative to the transepicondylar axis during TKA. The hypothesis of
      this study was that retention of the PCL does not affect the femoral rotational
      alignment in TKA using a gap-balancing technique because both procedures are
      reported to have good long-term clinical outcomes. METHODS: The femoral rotation
      angle (FRA) relative to the transepicondylar axis was examined in 206 patients
      who underwent primary TKA using either PCL-retaining (104 knees) or PCL
      substituting (102 knees) prostheses to determine the effect of PCL retention on
      FRA. Quantitative three-dimensional computed tomography was used to assess the
      FRA in both groups. All values are expressed as median (25th percentile, 75th
      percentile). RESULTS: Postoperative FRA in the PCL-retaining group was -1.1
      degrees  (-2.8 degrees , 2.2 degrees ) and in the PCL-substituting group was -0.1
      degrees  (-2.5 degrees , 2.8 degrees ). The groups were not statistically
      different. One outlier was found in the PCL-retaining group, and none was found
      in the PCL-substituting group. CONCLUSIONS: The gap technique reliably allows
      accurate rotational alignment of the femoral component during TKA despite the
      retention of the PCL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level II.

PMID- 25119054
TI  - Comparison of the outcome of early and delayed surgical treatment of complete
      acromioclavicular joint dislocation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and radiographic
      results and the complication rate between early and delayed surgical treatment of
      acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. METHODS: Publications in the
      management of ACJ dislocation are identified from the PubMed database between
      January 1993 and December 2013 using "acromioclavicular joint" and "dislocation"
      as keywords. The eligibility criteria included are as follows: (1) ACJ
      dislocation; (2) intervention, early compared with delayed surgical treatment or
      the surgical treatment for acute compared with chronic ACJ dislocation; (3)
      human; and (4) English articles. Exclusion criteria consist of the following: (1)
      type I and type II ACJ dislocation, (2) no definition of the time of early and
      delayed surgery in studies, (3) no comparison between the clinical result of
      early and delayed surgery in studies, (4) laboratory studies, radiographic
      studies, biomechanical studies, (5) the cases including fractures or revisions in
      studies, and (6) systematic analyses. RESULTS: Eight studies comparing early and
      delayed surgical treatment of ACJ dislocation are included in this systematic
      review. According to Constant scores and shoulder subjective value, early surgery
      has better functional outcomes than delayed surgery in the treatment of ACJ
      dislocation (P < 0.05). Partial-dislocation/re-dislocation is found at 26.0 % in
      early and 38.1 % in delayed surgical treatment (P < 0.05). The rate of CC
      ossification in early surgical treatment is found as the same as the delayed. The
      complication rates are found at 12.5 % in early surgical treatment and 17.7 % in
      the delayed, which is not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Early surgical
      treatment may have superiority to the delayed procedure in the management of ACJ
      dislocation with better functional outcomes and more satisfied reduction.
      However, high-quality evidence studies are required to provide stronger support
      for this opinion in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 25119055
TI  - Radiological outcomes of pinless navigation in total knee arthroplasty: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of pinless navigation
      (BrainLAB((r)) VectorVision((r)) Knee 2.5 Navigation System) as an intra
      operative alignment guide in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The authors
      hypothesized that pinless navigation would reduce the proportion of outliers in
      conventional TKA, without a significant increase in the duration of surgery.
      METHODS: Between 2011 and 2012, 100 patients scheduled for a unilateral primary
      TKA were randomized into two groups: pinless navigation and conventional surgery.
      All TKAs were performed with the surgical aim of achieving neutral coronal
      alignment with a 180 degrees  mechanical axis. The primary outcomes of this study
      were post-operative radiographic assessment of lower limb alignment using hip
      knee-ankle angle (HKA) and components placement using coronal femoral-component
      angle (CFA) and coronal tibia-component angle (CTA). RESULTS: There was a smaller
      proportion of outliers for HKA, CFA and CTA at 10, 2 and 2 % respectively, in the
      pinless navigation group, compared to 32, 16 and 16 %, respectively, in the
      conventional group (p = 0.013, p = 0.032 and p = 0.032, respectively). The mean
      CFA was also more accurate at 90 degrees  in the pinless navigation group
      compared to 91 degrees  in the conventional group (p = 0.002). There was no
      difference in the duration of surgery between the two groups (n.s.). CONCLUSIONS:
      Pinless navigation improves lower limb alignment and components placement without
      a significant increase in the duration of surgery. The authors recommend the use
      of pinless navigation to verify the coronal alignments of conventional cutting
      blocks in TKA before the bone cuts are made. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

PMID- 25119056
TI  - Development of a brief substance use sensation seeking scale: validation and
      prediction of injection-related behaviors.
AB  - Sensation seeking, a personality trait, has been shown to predict engagement in
      high-risk behaviors. However, little is known regarding the impact of sensation
      seeking on substance use among street youth. We therefore sought to modify a
      sensation seeking scale (SSS) for use among this population. Street youth from
      the Vancouver-based At-Risk Youth Study (n = 226) completed the modified SSS.
      Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA/CFA) were undertaken to
      establish the scale's dimensionality and internal validity. The association
      between SSS score and injection-related behaviors was tested using generalized
      estimating equation analysis. EFA results indicated scale unidimensionality. The
      comparative fit index (CFI) suggested acceptable fit (CFI = 0.914). In
      multivariate analysis, sensation seeking was independently associated with
      injection drug use, crystal methamphetamine use, polysubstance use, and binge
      drug use (all p < 0.05). Our findings provide preliminary support for the use of
      the modified SSS among street youth. 

PMID- 25119058
TI  - Can the immunological response to botulinum toxin trigger headaches?
AB  - OnabotulinumtoxinA has recently proved beneficial for the treatment of chronic
      migraine; even though, headaches are not infrequently reported by patients
      receiving botulinum toxins for different conditions. Here the author discusses
      the potential mechanisms on how the immunological response following the
      application of botulinum toxins may trigger headaches and/or migraine. 

PMID- 25119060
TI  - Kanglaite stimulates anticancer immune responses and inhibits HepG2 cell
      transplantation-induced tumor growth.
AB  - Previous studies revealed that Kanglaite (KLT) exhibits antitumor and
      immunomodulatory activities. In the present study, we show that KLT treatment
      stimulated the immune response by increasing the number of T cells and natural
      killer (NK) cells in the blood of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.
      Experiments in tumor-bearing mice were further designed in order to explore the
      effects of KLT on the immune system and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The
      results showed that KLT improves the tumor cell transplantation-induced reduction
      in the serum level of the cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-2, and rescues the levels of
      CD4+ T cells in host mice. These events enhanced the cytotoxic activities of
      natural killer and CD8+ T cells against the hepatic HepG2 cancer cells. KLT
      administration further increased the mRNA level of certain nuclear factor kappaB
      (NF-kappaB)-responsive genes in CD4+ cells. The chromatin immunoprecipitation
      assay showed that KLT increases the association of the NF-kappaB p65 subunit to
      the promoter regions of interleukin (IL)-2- and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2-encoding
      genes in CD4+ T cells. Our study demonstrated that KLT is the main active
      ingredient of coix seed exhibiting anticancer and immunomodulatory properties.
      Induction of NF-kappaB-mediated gene transcription in CD4+ T cells is involved in
      the immunomodulatory activity of KLT.

PMID- 25119059
TI  - Novel mechanism of intra-renal angiotensin II-induced sodium/proton exchanger 3
      expression by losartan in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate the molecular pharmacodynamic mechanisms
      of losartan used in the treatment of hypertension. A total of 12 spontaneously
      hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided randomly into an SHR group treated with
      saline and LOS group treated with losartan. Six Wistar-kyoto rats (WKY) were
      enrolled as the WKY group with saline in the study. The LOS group received 30
      mg/kg/day losartan by intragastric injection, while the SHR and WKY were fed the
      same volume of saline. The dosage was modulated according to the weekly weight.
      Changes in blood pressure were measured by the indirect tail cuff method.
      Angiotensin (Ang) II production in the plasma and renal tissue was measured by an
      immunoradiometric method. Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE)3 and serum and glucocorticoid
      inducible kinase (SGK)1 were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      (qPCR) and western blot analysis. When compared with the WKY group, the blood
      pressure of the SHR and LOS groups were higher prior to treatment with losartan.
      Following two weeks, blood pressure was reduced and the trend continued to
      decrease over the following six weeks. The plasma and renal tissue levels of Ang
      II in the SHR and LOS groups were significantly higher than those in the WKY
      group. NHE3 and SGK1 were increased at the mRNA and protein level in the SHR
      group, and losartan reduced the expression of both of them. The results suggested
      that in hypertensive rats, the circular and tissue renin angiotensin systems were
      activated, and the increased Ang II stimulated the expression of NHE3 and SGK1,
      which was reduced by losartan. Therefore, the effects of losartan in hypertension
      may be associated with the Ang II-SGK1-NHE3 of intra-renal tissue. 

PMID- 25119061
TI  - The expression of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV in
      neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract.
AB  - Neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) of the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract is
      infrequent but often produces hormones to cause distinct clinical features.
      Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) is a G-protein coupled receptor for
      GLP1, which is cleaved by dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV, a peptidase that
      regulates the activity of peptide hormones. Since these molecules are involved in
      the neuroendocrine function of NEN, they could serve molecular targets for
      diagnosis and therapy of NEN. However, the expressions of these molecules in NEN
      are not well studied. We therefore examined the expression of GLP1R and DPP-IV in
      22 cases of pancreatic NEN (P-NEN) and 20 cases of gastrointestinal NEN (GI-NEN)
      by immunostaining. GLP1R was expressed in all eight insulinomas (100 %) but so in
      only four out of 14 cases (29 %) of non-insulinomas. In contrast to GLP1R, DPP-IV
      was detected in one out of eight insulinomas (13 %) and in 12 out of 14 cases (86
      %) of non-insulinomas. In GI-NEN, GLP1R was negative in all 10 cases of the
      foregut NEN, whereas it was expressed in all three cases (100 %) of midgut NEN
      and four out of seven cases (57 %) of hindgut NEN. DPP-IV was expressed in five
      out of 10 cases (50 %) of the foregut NEN. The expression was detected in two out
      of three cases (67 %) of midgut NEN and in all seven cases (100 %) of hindgut
      NEN. In conclusion, we found distinct expression patterns of GLP1R and DPP-IV
      depending on the neuroendocrine cell types in P-NEN and the anatomical sites in
      GI-NEN.

PMID- 25119062
TI  - Nintedanib for the treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - An unmet need remains for effective, well-tolerated treatment options in advanced
      non-small-cell lung cancer that can alleviate the disease burden for a broad
      selection of patients. Nintedanib (Vargatef) is a potent, oral, triple
      angiokinase inhibitor of three distinct pro-angiogenic pathways. A recent Phase
      III trial of second-line nintedanib plus docetaxel met the primary end point of
      progression-free survival and demonstrated significant benefit in the key
      secondary end point of overall survival, with median overall survival greater
      than 1 year for patients with adenocarcinoma histology. This article summarizes
      preclinical and clinical experience with nintedanib in non-small-cell lung cancer
      to date and discusses how it may be used in the future, including prospects for
      individualizing treatment by tumor proliferation dynamics and molecular
      biomarkers of response. 

PMID- 25119063
TI  - Effect of iDose4 iterative reconstruction algorithm on image quality and
      radiation exposure in prospective and retrospective electrocardiographically
      gated coronary computed tomographic angiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare a commercially available
      reconstruction algorithm (iDose4) with filtered back projection (FBP) in terms of
      image quality (IQ) for both retrospective electrocardiographically gated and
      prospective electrocardiographically triggered cardiac computed tomographic
      angiography (CCTA) protocols and to evaluate the achievable radiation dose
      reduction. METHODS: A total cohort of 58 patients underwent either prospective
      CTCA or retrospective CTCA with full or reduced tube current-time product (in
      milliampere-second) protocol on a 64-slice multidetector computed tomographic
      scanner. All images were reconstructed with FBP, whereas the reduced milliampere
      second images were also reconstructed using 2 levels (levels 4 and 6) of iDose4.
      Subjective and objective IQ was evaluated. RESULTS: Dose reductions of 43% in the
      retrospective CCTA protocol and 27% in the prospective CCTA protocol were
      achieved without compromising IQ. In the prospective CCTA protocol, the reduced
      dose images were highly scored; thus, additional reduction of exposure settings
      is feasible. In the retrospective acquisition, dose reduction has led to similar
      IQ scores between the reduced-dose iDose4 images and the full-dose FBP images.
      Considering different reconstructions (FBP, iDose-L4 and -L6) of the same
      acquisition data, increase in iDose4 level resulted in less noisy images. A
      slight improvement was also noticed in all IQ indices; however, this improvement
      was not statistically significant for both acquisition protocols. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study demonstrated that the application of iDose at CCTA facilitates
      significant radiation dose reduction by maintaining diagnostic quality. The
      combination of iDose4 with prospective acquisition is able to significantly
      reduce effective dose associated with CTCA at values of approximately 2 mSv and
      even lower.

PMID- 25119064
TI  - Choosing the best reconstruction technique in abdominal computed tomography: a
      systematic approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is uncertainty regarding the effect of iterative reconstruction
      (IR) techniques and other reconstruction algorithms on image quality. The aim of
      this study was to optimize image quality in relation to radiation dose in
      computed tomography (CT) liver examinations by comparing images reconstructed
      with different abdominal filters with and without IR. METHODS: An anthropomorphic
      phantom was scanned on a Toshiba Aquilion ONE CT scanner. Images at 2 different
      dose levels were reconstructed with 12 different body reconstruction filters, all
      with both filtered back-projection and Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction 3
      dimensional. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed. The 2
      reconstruction combinations with the highest scores from the phantom study were
      evaluated in a second comparison of clinical images. Six liver examinations were
      reconstructed with both filters and evaluated using visual grading analysis.
      RESULTS: Two combinations of reconstruction filters and IR were the only 2
      options among the 8 best images at both dose levels (area under the curve, 0.96
      and 0.94 for 15 mGy as well as 0.86 and 0.84 for 10 mGy). In the patient study,
      one of these filters in combination with IR scored slightly higher than the other
      in combination with IR (mean score, 2.60 and 2.57, respectively; P = 0.56).
      Iterative reconstruction did not significantly increase lesion detectability for
      any of the filters. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the preferred choice
      for reconstruction of CT liver examinations performed with the Toshiba Aquilion
      ONE should be the FC18 filter with IR, although the IR technique did not
      significantly improve lesion detectability and did not compensate for the dose
      reduction in this study.

PMID- 25119065
TI  - Computed tomography imaging manifestations of commonly used materials in
      posttraumatic craniofacial repair.
AB  - An expansive array of materials exists within the armamentarium of craniofacial
      surgeons. For patients undergoing repair of posttraumatic injuries, computed
      tomography is the imaging modality of choice in the postoperative setting.
      Therefore, radiologists will invariably encounter implants constructed with
      various materials, depending on the surgeon's preference. The appearance of these
      materials on computed tomography is broad, ranging from hyperdense to
      radiolucent. To avoid misdiagnosis, radiologists should be familiar with all of
      the materials currently in use. 

PMID- 25119066
TI  - Perceptions of users and providers on barriers to utilizing skilled birth care in
      mid- and far-western Nepal: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although skilled birth care contributes significantly to the
      prevention of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, utilization of such
      care is poor in mid- and far-western Nepal. This study explored the perceptions
      of service users and providers regarding barriers to skilled birth care. DESIGN:
      We conducted 24 focus group discussions, 12 each with service users and service
      providers from different health institutions in mid- and far-western Nepal. All
      discussions examined the perceptions and experiences of service users and
      providers regarding barriers to skilled birth care and explored possible
      solutions to overcoming such barriers. RESULTS: Our results determined that major
      barriers to skilled birth care include inadequate knowledge of the importance of
      services offered by skilled birth attendants (SBAs), distance to health
      facilities, unavailability of transport services, and poor availability of SBAs.
      Other barriers included poor infrastructure, meager services, inadequate
      information about services/facilities, cultural practices and beliefs, and low
      prioritization of birth care. Moreover, the tradition of isolating women during
      and after childbirth decreased the likelihood that women would utilize delivery
      care services at health facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Service users and providers
      perceived inadequate availability and accessibility of skilled birth care in
      remote areas of Nepal, and overall utilization of these services was poor.
      Therefore, training and recruiting locally available health workers, helping
      community groups establish transport mechanisms, upgrading physical facilities
      and services at health institutions, and increasing community awareness of the
      importance of skilled birth care will help bridge these gaps.

PMID- 25119069
TI  - Coping with the longevity revolution.

PMID- 25119067
TI  - A novel Interactive Health Communication Application (IHCA) for parents of
      children with long-term conditions: Development, implementation and feasibility
      assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few evidence-based, on-line resources exist to support home-based
      care of childhood long-term conditions. METHODS: In a feasibility study, children
      with stages 3, 4, or 5 chronic kidney disease, parents and professionals
      collaboratively developed a novel Online Parent Information and Support (OPIS)
      application. Parents were randomized to an intervention arm with access to OPIS
      or a control arm without access. OPIS usage was assessed using Google Analytics.
      Parents in the intervention arm completed the Suitability Assessment of Materials
      (SAM) and User Interface Satisfaction (USE) questionnaires and participated in
      qualitative interviews. RESULTS: Twenty parents accessed OPIS with a mean of 23.3
      (SD 20.8, range 2-64) visits per user. Responses from the SAM and USE
      questionnaires were positive, most respondents rating OPIS highly and finding it
      easy to use. Qualitative suggestions include refinement of OPIS components,
      enabling personalization of OPIS functionalities and proactive endorsements of
      OPIS by professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of OPIS into standard practice
      is feasible in the centre where it was developed. Suggested developments will
      augment reported strengths to inform ongoing testing in the wider UK network of
      units. Our design and methods are transferrable to developing and evaluating web
      applications to support home-based clinical care-giving for other long-term
      conditions.

PMID- 25119070
TI  - [Significances of the life experience for the long-lived elderly person in the
      process of death/dying and mourning].
AB  - This is a study using the Heideggerian theoretical-phenomenological approach,
      which sought to understand the significances of the life experience for the long
      lived elderly person in the process of death/dying and mourning. It was conducted
      in 2009 with 16 long-lived senior citizens of both genders who were aged between
      80 and 90, members of a community center for the elderly located in a suburban
      neighborhood of the city of Salvador in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The results
      showed that the long-lived elderly person experiences the mourning status process
      when relatives and friends become ill and die. Furthermore, they gave ambiguous
      reports with respect to the fear of death. With the attributed significances, it
      was possible to arrive at the unit of significance, namely the authenticity and
      lack of authenticity of the individual regarding imminent death. The conclusion
      reached is that long-lived elderly individuals faced with the process of
      death/dying and mourning is apparent or concealed in accordance with the moment
      they are experiencing and the opportunities that present themselves, in other
      words, it is greatly influenced by their past. 

PMID- 25119068
TI  - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and risk for drug use disorder: a
      population-based follow-up and co-relative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD) and drug use disorder (DUD) is well documented, it is unclear
      whether it is causal or results from familial confounding. METHOD: In this study
      we included all 551 164 individuals born in Sweden between 1991 and 1995 and used
      linked data from multiple nationwide registries to identify those with ADHD prior
      to age 15 years (1.71%). We used Cox proportional hazards models to investigate
      the future risk for DUD as a function of an ADHD registration and then compared
      the results from the entire population with the results from a co-relative
      design. Using the Swedish Multi-Generation Register, we identified all full
      sibling, half-sibling and first-cousin pairs discordant for ADHD. RESULTS: In the
      population sample, ADHD had a substantially increased risk for future DUD with a
      hazard ratio (HR) of 3.34 after accounting for gender and parental education.
      Examining discordant cousin pairs, discordant half-siblings and discordant
      siblings, those with ADHD had HRs for DUD of 3.09, 2.10 and 2.38 respectively.
      Controlling for the number of ADHD registrations, ADHD patients with and without
      stimulant treatment were similarly associated with later DUD risk. CONCLUSIONS:
      ADHD diagnosed before 15 years of age was strongly related to future risk for
      DUD. The magnitude of this association was modestly reduced in relative pairs
      discordant for ADHD, suggesting that the ADHD-DUD association is partly causal
      and partly a result of familial confounding. We found no evidence to suggest that
      this association resulted from stimulant treatment.

PMID- 25119057
TI  - Mutational consequences of aberrant ion channels in neurological disorders.
AB  - Neurological channelopathies are attributed to aberrant ion channels affecting
      CNS, PNS, cardiac, and skeletal muscles. To maintain the homeostasis of excitable
      tissues, functional ion channels are necessary to rely electrical signals,
      whereas any malfunctioning serves as an intrinsic factor to develop neurological
      channelopathies. Molecular basis of these disease is studied based on genetic and
      biophysical approaches, e.g., loci positional cloning, whereas pathogenesis and
      bio-behavioral analysis revealed the dependency on genetic mutations and inter
      current triggering factors. Although electrophysiological studies revealed the
      possible mechanisms of diseases, analytical study of ion channels remained
      unsettled and therefore underlying mechanism in channelopathies is necessary for
      better clinical application. Herein, we demonstrated (i) structural and
      functional role of various ion channels (Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+),Cl(-)), (ii)
      pathophysiology involved in the onset of their associated channelopathies, and
      (iii) comparative sequence and phylogenetic analysis of diversified sodium,
      potassium, calcium, and chloride ion channel subtypes. 

PMID- 25119071
TI  - [Evaluation of the functional capacity of the elderly and factors associated with
      disability].
AB  - The scope of this study was to evaluate the functional capacity and analyze the
      characteristics associated with the disability of elderly individuals attended in
      a Family Health Strategy Unit in Montes Claros in the state of Minas Gerais. The
      Lawton and Brody scale and the Katz scale were used and then analyzed using
      multinomial logistic regression. 286 elderly individuals were interviewed with
      ages ranging from 60 to 103 years and a mean age of 71.2 years (SD +/- 8.3). Of
      these, 61.9% self-reported their independence in terms of functional capacity.
      The dependence only in IADL was positively associated with age >= 75 years (OR =
      8.38), female gender (OR = 3.64) and heart disease (OR = 3.24). The dependence in
      IADL and ADL was positively associated with age >= 75 years (OR = 6.40), without
      a partner (OR = 3.26), those who had had a stroke (OR = 51.85), heart disease (OR
      = 4.18) and diabetes (OR = 3.35). The highest proportion of elderly was
      considered independent to carry out basic and instrumental activities of daily
      living. However, a significant portion still has impaired functional status. It
      is essential that the teams of the Family Health Strategy strive for health
      promotion and disease prevention, and therapeutic interventions that can minimize
      the factors that influence functional capacity. 

PMID- 25119072
TI  - Effect of the elimination of chronic diseases on disability-free life expectancy
      among elderly individuals in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2010.
AB  - The scope of this study was to establish whether the elimination of certain
      chronic diseases is capable of leading to the compression of morbidity among
      elderly individuals in Sao Paulo (Brazil), 2010. A population-based, cross
      sectional study was carried out with official data for the city of Sao Paulo
      (Brazil) in 2010 and data from the SABE (Health, Wellbeing and Ageing) study. A
      total of 907 elderly individuals were evaluated, 640 of whom were women (64.6%).
      Sullivan's method was used for the calculation of disability-free life expectancy
      (DFLE). Life tables for cause elimination were used to calculate the
      probabilities of death with the elimination of health conditions. In absolute
      terms, the gains in LE and DFLE were greater in the younger age group (60 to 74
      years) in both genders. In relative terms (%DFLE in LE), the gains were higher
      among women aged 75 years or older and among men aged 60 years. If eliminated,
      heart disease was the condition that would most lead to the compression of
      morbidity in both genders. The elimination of chronic diseases from the elderly
      population could lead to a compression of morbidity in men and women at both 60
      years of age and 75 years of age or older. 

PMID- 25119073
TI  - [Influence of voice and hearing changes in the quality of life of active elderly
      individuals].
AB  - This article seeks to verify the self-rated impact of voice and hearing changes
      of active elderly individuals in their daily lives, and the influence of this
      self-rating on quality of life. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 72
      elderly individuals of an Open University for Senior Citizens in the state of Sao
      Paulo. The questionnaires applied were HHIE-S; VHI and WHOQoL-Old. The Pearson
      correlation coefficient was used adopting a p-level significance value of < 0.05.
      The impact of hearing difficulties on daily life was perceived by 45.8%, and
      moderate or severe voice handicap by 9.7% of the elderly individuals. The self
      rating of hearing impact on daily life was correlated with the voice handicap
      index. Quality of life was negatively affected by the increase in self-rating of
      hearing and voice difficulties in daily life. The sample profile is typical of
      successful aging with the acceptance of aging changes and consequently less
      impact on daily lives than expected. The findings suggest that there is an impact
      of voice and hearing handicap on quality of life, although it has revealed high
      indices, bolstering the characteristic of adaptation of the sample to aging. The
      results justify the need for improving actions of self-care and empowerment for
      the elderly. 

PMID- 25119074
TI  - [Gait speed, grip strength and self-rated health among the elderly: data from the
      FIBRA Campinas network, Sao Paulo, Brazil].
AB  - The article seeks to investigate patterns of performance and relationships
      between grip strength, gait speed and self-rated health, and investigate the
      relationships between them, considering the variables of gender, age and family
      income. This was conducted in a probabilistic sample of community-dwelling
      elderly aged 65 and over, members of a population study on frailty. A total of
      689 elderly people without cognitive deficit suggestive of dementia underwent
      tests of gait speed and grip strength. Comparisons between groups were based on
      low, medium and high speed and strength. Self-related health was assessed using a
      5-point scale. The males and the younger elderly individuals scored significantly
      higher on grip strength and gait speed than the female and oldest did; the
      richest scored higher than the poorest on grip strength and gait speed; females
      and men aged over 80 had weaker grip strength and lower gait speed; slow gait
      speed and low income arose as risk factors for a worse health evaluation. Lower
      muscular strength affects the self-rated assessment of health because it results
      in a reduction in functional capacity, especially in the presence of poverty and
      a lack of compensatory factors. 

PMID- 25119075
TI  - [Drug prescriptions of patients treated in a geriatric outpatient ward of a
      university hospital: a descriptive cross-sectional study].
AB  - The scope of this study was to evaluate drug prescriptions for elderly patients
      in the geriatric outpatient ward of a hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive
      study was conducted in a university hospital, with the application of a
      questionnaire. Patients aged >60 years were interviewed about their drug
      prescriptions and a total of 208 patients were interviewed. The average number of
      drugs used per person was 3.8 and the drugs most used were for the cardiovascular
      system (37%). 406 potential interactions were identified in 140 patients (67.3%),
      and duplicate therapy was found in two prescriptions. The potentially
      inappropriate drug most used for the elderly was nifedipine (2.4%). Data from
      this study support the relevance of the issue of drug use among the elderly, thus
      reinforcing the importance of the evaluation of the process of the prescription
      of drugs for this population.

PMID- 25119076
TI  - [Vestibular rehabilitation in the quality of life and the symptomatology of
      dizziness among the elderly].
AB  - The scope of this paper was to analyze the effect of a structured protocol of
      vestibular rehabilitation in the symptomatology of dizziness and the quality of
      life among the elderly. Nine elderly individuals were attended, namely four males
      and five females. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) was used to assess
      quality of life and the dizziness quantification scale for the symptomatology of
      dizziness. A protocol for vestibular rehabilitation consisting of group
      activities was then developed. The Wilcoxon test and Student t-test were used for
      data analysis. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the
      relationship between quality of life and the symptomology of dizziness. The
      significance level used was 5%. There was significant improvement in the
      symptomatology of dizziness, overall quality of life and physical, emotional and
      functional aspects after completion of the program. There was also a good
      positive correlation between the symptomatology of dizziness and quality of life.
      The conclusion reached was that program participants had a significant
      improvement of dizziness, general quality of life and their respective vestibular
      rehabilitation aspects. There was also a good correlation between symptomatology
      of dizziness and overall quality of life. 

PMID- 25119077
TI  - [Ways of thinking and acting of the elderly when tackling
      functionality/disability issues].
AB  - Functionality is a crucial dimension of the health of the elderly. The aim of
      this work is to investigate the elements that comprise the significance of
      disability for the elderly residents of the city of Bambui in the state of Minas
      Gerais. A qualitative approach was adopted in which the model of signs,
      significance and actions was used in both data collection and analysis.
      Interviews were conducted with 57 elderly individuals (30 women; 27 men) ranging
      from 61 to 96 years of age registered in primary care units. The participants
      interpret functionality/disability (disease) as "being able to cope/not being
      able to cope" or "being a burden" (illness) to others. "Not being able to cope"
      refers to the inexorable functional loss inherent to the aging process, while
      "being a burden" relates to the permanent condition of generating pain and
      suffering to both patient and care giver. The way to deal with the "not being
      able to cope" condition is related to resignation. On the other hand, praying is
      the way to deal with "being a burden." Religion and resignation can help during
      critical moments, though they also reveal the lack of resources and alternatives
      for support and intervention in the most severe cases. 

PMID- 25119078
TI  - [Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in elderly individuals treated under the
      Family Health Strategy, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil].
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and
      relate it to the socioeconomic, hygienic, sanitary and health conditions of the
      elderly of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio
      Grande do Sul, Brazil. The research involved a cross-sectional study in which a
      questionnaire with epidemiologic questions was applied and blood samples were
      taken. The assessment of IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii was performed using the ELISA
      technique. Seroprevalence was evaluated among 599 elderly individuals with 88%
      for IgG anti-T. gondii and with 0.8% for IgM. In the multivariate analysis, the
      variables that associated themselves independently with positive IgG were age
      range, personal income and wearing spectacles. Those associated with positive IgM
      were age, self-rated health and wearing spectacles. The results call attention to
      the high prevalence of IgG anti-T. gondii in elderly individuals in the FHS in
      Porto Alegre, generating concern in the event that the reactivation of
      toxoplasmosis and the development of more severe symptoms of this infection
      occur. 

PMID- 25119079
TI  - [Cost and characterization of hospital infection among the elderly].
AB  - The increase in the number of elderly individuals has a direct impact on the
      health system with hospitalization complications such as hospital infection (HI).
      The objective of this study is to characterize and evaluate the cost of HI among
      the elderly in a public hospital for the elderly. Descriptive, cross-sectional
      research was conducted. Elderly individuals with HI in 2010 comprised the
      population of the study. The data were drawn from hospital records and analysis
      was performed using Excel 2003 and SPSS software. The results indicated that 341
      seniors participated in the study with a HI index 3% higher than the monthly
      average. The most frequent infectious sites were: respiratory tract infection
      (58.1%), urinary tract infection (28.6%) and surgical infection (4.6%). Each
      hospitalization cost R$ 28,714.10 on average and 5% of this amount was for
      antibiotics. The increase of 15 days average added R$ 17,946.3 to costs of
      hospitalization. The conclusion drawn is that the elderly have increased
      vulnerability to HI. The infections extend the hospitalization period and
      increase costs varying according to the nature of the infection. 

PMID- 25119080
TI  - [Primary healthcare geared to the needs of the elderly: from theory to practice].
AB  - This article seeks to establish a confrontation between theory and practice with
      respect to healthcare for the elderly. The theory was evaluated by a study of
      documents that comprise the legal and theoretical framework related to the health
      of the elderly, which generated a matrix to assess universal access, equity,
      comprehensiveness and quality of care. However, the practice of healthcare was
      evaluated by a population-based study conducted on 862 elderly individuals and a
      census that assessed primary healthcare (PHC) units in two districts of Porto
      Alegre in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The variables chosen to verify
      the categories were type of care accessed, first contact attribute, wheelchair
      accessibility and availability of priority access. Other variables include
      comprehensive care and the presence of dental root remains, basic PHC score, the
      adequacy of health facilities and ongoing professional training, as well as cross
      sectional categories, elderly groups and home care. A mismatch was found between
      recommendation and practice in some factors and advances were observed in the
      equity and quality of care regarding the ongoing training of professionals. 

PMID- 25119081
TI  - [Do elderly individuals with a cognitive handicap have worse oral health?].
AB  - A comparison of the oral health of elderly people with and without a cognitive
      handicap was assessed. The cognitive condition, the indices of decayed, missing,
      filled teeth (DMFT), decayed, filled roots (DFR), the need for dental treatment,
      the presence of plaque (P), calculus (C), the community periodontal index (CPI),
      the rate of periodontal attachment loss (PAL), edentulism, prosthetic use and the
      need for prosthetics were evaluated in a complex probabilistic sample by
      conglomerates of the elderly (65-74 years). PASW(r) 17.0 was used for the
      statistical analyses with correction for the design effect, applying the Mann
      Whitney and chi-square test with 95% reliability. A total of 736 elderly
      individuals were interviewed and examined. Those with cognitive impairment had
      higher average DMFT, DFR and lower average healthy sextant CPI, a lower
      prevalence of sextants without plaque/calculus, use of prosthetics and higher
      prevalence of edentulism and need for prosthetics. Elderly individuals with a
      cognitive handicap had poorer oral health. 

PMID- 25119082
TI  - [Factors associated with satisfaction with life among elderly caregivers and non
      caregivers].
AB  - This article seeks to investigate associations between satisfaction with life and
      sociodemographic variables, health conditions, functionality, social involvement
      and social support among elderly caregivers and non-caregivers, as well as
      between satisfaction and the intensity of stress in the caregiver group. A sample
      of 338 caregivers was selected according to two items of the Brazilian version of
      the Elders Life Stress Inventory. A comparison-group of elderly non-caregivers
      was selected at random, with a similar gender, age and income profile. Data were
      derived from self-reported questionnaires and scales. Elderly caregivers with low
      levels of satisfaction and high levels of stress revealed more symptoms of
      insomnia, fatigue, diseases and worse IADL performance. Those with greater
      satisfaction and less stress revealed a good level of social support. Insomnia,
      depression and fatigue were associated with low satisfaction among caregivers,
      and with fatigue, depression and low social support among non-caregivers. It was
      considered relevant that instrumental, psychological and informative support can
      improve the quality of life and the quality of care provided by elderly
      caregivers, especially if they are affected by unfavorable health and
      psychosocial conditions and low satisfaction with life. 

PMID- 25119083
TI  - [Assessment of the technology of care relations in the health services:
      perception of the elderly included in the family health strategy in Bambui,
      Brazil].
AB  - In the health field, technologies of care relations are in the scope of the
      worker-user encounter, implying intersubjectivity with the development of
      relationships between subjects, resulting in action. Evaluation studies
      synthesize knowledge produced on the consequences of using these technologies for
      society. This anthropological study aims to understand the perception of the
      elderly regarding the resolution capability and effectiveness of the acts
      produced in health care relationships in the context of the Family Health
      Strategy (ESF). The group studied consisted of 57 elderly residents in Bambui,
      State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The model of signs, meanings and actions was used
      for collecting and analyzing data and the semi-structured interview was applied
      as a research technique. Elderly individuals assess resolution capability and
      effectiveness of the acts of care in the ESF as negative, with relation to the
      quality of user and professional interaction. The ESF is not effective and the
      desired change in the health care model has not occurred in practice. It repeats
      the centrality of the medical-drug-procedure model that treats the disease rather
      than the patient, perceiving old age as a disease and illness as being related to
      aging. 

PMID- 25119084
TI  - [Body image perception and associated factors among elderly residents in a city
      in northeast Brazil: a population-based study].
AB  - The article aims to verify body image perception and associated factors among
      elderly individuals in Campina Grande, State of Paraiba. It involves a cross
      sectional, population and home-based study, with individuals 60 years or older of
      both sexes. Body image perception was considered the dependent variable for
      purposes of analysis and study of possible associations. The independent
      variables were: age group, nutritional status, number of diseases, health
      perception and regular practice of physical activities. To identify associated
      factors, univariate and multivariate regression analyses were carried out using
      SPSS 17.0 software. Overall, 806 elderly individuals were interviewed. Men showed
      greater satisfaction with body image when compared to women and older
      participants were more satisfied than younger participants. Among the factors
      related to dissatisfaction in women, underweight and overweight/obesity were
      associated with an increased risk of dissatisfaction. Among men, older age
      constituted a protective factor for dissatisfaction, while underweight and
      overweight/obesity were risk factors for dissatisfaction. The results of this
      study suggest a possible influence of nutritional status on body image perception
      among the elderly, negatively affecting their perception of body image. 

PMID- 25119085
TI  - [Association between physical and psychosocial impacts of oral disorders and
      quality of life among the elderly].
AB  - This study sought to evaluate the association between the impact of oral
      disorders in terms of physical/psychosocial dimensions and quality of life among
      the elderly. It involved a cross-sectional study conducted among the elderly (65
      74 years) in 2008/2009. The social impact was assessed using the Oral Health
      Impact Profile (OHIP 14) and the quality of life using the SF 12 Short-Form
      Health Survey. Descriptive, univariate and multivariate (logistic regression)
      analysis was conducted with correction for the design effect, using SPSS(r)18.0
      software. Of the 800 individuals approached, 736 elderly individuals participated
      (TR = 92%), with a mean age of 67.77 years, the majority of whom showed no impact
      based on the measurement of the prevalence of OHIP. The functional limitation
      dimension of the OHIP was associated with the physical domain of the SF12,
      irrespective of the other variables investigated. However, the seriousness of
      OHIP and its psychological discomfort and disability dimensions was associated
      with the mental domain of the SF12. The conclusion reached is that some impacts
      of oral disorders were associated with unsatisfactory quality of life in the
      physical and mental domains. 

PMID- 25119086
TI  - [Male participation in types of physical activities of a program for the elderly:
      a longitudinal study].
AB  - The article seeks to describe male participation on a physical activity program
      for the elderly in the south of Brazil over a ten-year period (2003-2013). The
      data of the study were extracted from a database and assessed using descriptive
      and inferential statistics and assessment of the thematic content. The first
      phase of the study was longitudinal (from 2003 to 2013) with 163 elderly
      participants, while the second phase was cross-sectional for the year of 2013
      with 45 elderly individuals. Male participation was, on average, 3.5 times lower
      than female participation for all years assessed, and the activity most practiced
      was swimming. In the year 2013, the average age of the elderly men was 68 +/- 7.8
      years. Most of them are married, have tertiary education, good acquisitive power,
      positive self perception of health, one or more diagnosed diseases, and do not
      participate in any other physical activity outside the program. According to the
      elderly, the reasons for participating most cited was the search for quality of
      life and health and, for continuing to exercise, acquiring the taste for the
      physical activity. Understanding the profile of these individuals and of the
      reasons that motivate them are important tools to comprehend the issue and help
      to define public politics directed at this population group. 

PMID- 25119087
TI  - [Physical inactivity among non-institutionalized elderly individuals: a
      population-based study].
AB  - The scope of this study is to assess the prevalence of physical inactivity among
      the elderly in Northeast Brazil and analyze the associated lifestyle and socio
      demographic factors and health conditions. The work presented here is a
      descriptive and association-based study using secondary data derived from a
      population-based epidemiological study that included 316 elderly participants.
      The physical activity level of each participant was assessed using the
      International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The explanatory variables examined
      in this study were gender, age group, family set-up, ability to read and write,
      paid or voluntary employment, smoking, symptoms of depression, high blood
      pressure, fasting hyperglycemia and functional capacity. The prevalence of
      physical inactivity was 46.5. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated
      that physical inactivity was positively associated with the age group >= 80 years
      (PR = 2.37), with the lack of an occupation (PR = 4.86) and with dependence on
      instrumental activities of daily life (PR = 1.47) and basic activities of daily
      life (PR = 1.60). Physical inactivity was highly prevalent in the surveyed
      population, making it essential to discuss programs that encourage and enable
      increased physical activity to combat the risk factors of a sedentary lifestyle. 

PMID- 25119088
TI  - [Influence of socioeconomic factors on the quality of life of elderly
      hypertensive individuals].
AB  - This study sought to evaluate the association between socioeconomic variables and
      the quality of life of elderly hypertensive patients treated under the Family
      Health Program in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. An analytical
      cross study was conducted in a representative sample of 294 elderly hypertensive
      patients. Data were collected using a questionnaire on socioeconomic
      characteristics and quality of life (MINICHAL). The data were analyzed using the
      nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Kuskall-Wallis tests. The results showed that
      marital status, religion and education affect the quality of life of elderly
      hypertensive patients in a statistically significant way. Elderly hypertensive
      patients who were single/divorced/widowed, evangelical, spiritualist and
      belonging to other religious bodies, illiterate achieved lower scores in terms of
      quality of life. For the remaining variables, there was no statistical
      association. The conclusion, drawn is that socioeconomic factors such as marital
      status, education and religion influence the quality of life of elderly
      hypertensive patients. 

PMID- 25119089
TI  - [Factors related to the quality of life of the elderly in programs for senior
      citizens].
AB  - Population aging is a social phenomenon that demands the attention of health
      professionals. This article seeks to analyze the influence of possible
      intervening factors on the quality of life of the elderly. It was a cross
      sectional, quantitative, descriptive and exploratory study, in which 182 elderly
      of both genders participated. They were aged >= 60 years and were enrolled in
      programs for senior citizens from three universities located in the cities of Sao
      Paulo, Sao Caetano do Sul and Mogi das Cruzes. To evaluate the subjective
      perception of quality of life, the World Health Organization Quality of Life
      questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref) was used. Multiple linear regression analysis was
      performed on the dependent and independent variables. A significance level of 5%
      was adopted. The results showed that the absence of disease positively influenced
      the quality of life on the four domains evaluated. In the environmental domain,
      full tertiary education, old age, the absence of disease and being a resident in
      Sao Caetano do Sul positively influenced the quality of life of the elderly. The
      factors associated with better quality of life were: full tertiary education, old
      age, the absence of disease and being a resident in Sao Caetano do Sul, in that
      order of importance. 

PMID- 25119090
TI  - [Low weight and functional disability in institutionalized elderly interns in
      Uberlandia in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil].
AB  - This article seeks to identify the association between nutritional status and
      functional dependence in institutionalized elderly interns in Uberlandia, Minas
      Gerais. It involved a cross-sectional study with 233 elderly interns in which
      sociodemographic variables, nutritional status and degree of dependency were
      assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression with
      robust variance to assess the association between nutritional status and
      functional dependence of these senior citizens. Low weight by the Body Mass Index
      was associated with functional dependence after controlling for socioeconomic and
      demographic variables. The elderly with low weight had a prevalence ratio of
      dependence of 1.2 times the prevalence rate of dependence of well nourished
      elderly interns. As reported in the literature, age was also associated with
      dependence with a prevalence ratio of 1.19 for the longest living. Low weight is
      an important factor associated with functional disability. Thus, the need for
      evaluation, monitoring and recovery of nutritional status in the
      institutionalized elderly is stressed, as in addition to reducing morbidity and
      mortality from several diseases and improve quality of life, it can also prevent
      and delay functional dependency. 

PMID- 25119092
TI  - [Factors that influence the sexuality of the elderly: an integrative review].
AB  - The scope of this article is to analyze the scientific evidence addressing the
      factors that influence the sexuality of the elderly. It involved an online search
      carried out in pairs, including original articles published between 2006 and
      October 2011 in Portuguese, English or Spanish, which fulfilled the requirements
      of the study. The MEDLINE, LILACS, CidSaude and BDENF databases were used with
      the key words: sexualidade e idoso / sexuality and elderly / sexualidad y
      anciano. The articles selected were assessed for methodological quality using two
      instruments, namely CASP and the Hierarchical Classification of Evidence. After
      analysis, 15 articles were included in the review, which discuss the culture of
      asexuality of the elderly, whereby the experience of sexuality only prevails
      among younger people. The absence of the partner due to widowhood, attributing
      value to beauty standards of the young, the occurrence of disease, use of
      medication, and changes in sexual physiology were identified as important factors
      that influence the sexuality of the elderly. The conclusion drawn is that social
      and cultural factors, changes in body physiology, and the occurrence of disease
      interfere with the sexuality of the elderly, making it necessary for nursing
      professionals to be proactive in debunking myths and providing orientation. 

PMID- 25119091
TI  - [Evaluation of the quality of primary health care from the perspective of the
      elderly].
AB  - The scope of this study was to assess the quality of Primary Health Care (PHC)
      provided to the elderly from their viewpoint. The study design was cross
      sectional and observational in a stratified random sample of elderly individuals,
      enrolled in 10 of the 20 Basic Health Units (BHU) in the city of Macaiba, State
      of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. After an interview conducted using the adult
      version of the primary care assessment tool (PCATool-Brazil), the quality level
      was estimated (0-10, based on desirable attributes) and the association between
      demographic and socioeconomic factors was analyzed. The participants (n = 100)
      assigned a score of fair (5.7) to Quality; Longitudinality of care was awarded a
      high score (7.3), however Integrality (4.7), Family Orientation (4.1) and
      Accessibility (3.8) were considered weak. Socio-demographic factors linked to
      vulnerability (low income, rural area and older age) were positively associated
      with different PHC attributes. A margin for improvement in PHC attributes was
      observed, especially with respect to increasing the focus on the family,
      extending working hours in BHUs and enhancing prevention of diseases and ensuing
      complications. 

PMID- 25119093
TI  - [Factors associated with the danger of accidental falls among institutionalized
      elderly individuals: an integrative review].
AB  - The scope of this research is to identify the major risk factors associated with
      accidental falls among the elderly. It involves an integrative review of the
      literature between 2002 and 2012 in English and Portuguese. The selection of
      articles was based on the following key words in the Lilacs, Medline and BDENF
      databases: accidental falls, homes for the elderly and health services. In the
      final sample 19 articles were selected, of which 11 were national and 8 were
      international. They indicate that the major factors related to the risk of
      accidental falls in Homes for the Elderly are: being female, being diagnosed with
      chronic disease, treatment with benzodiazepine, earlier cases of accident falls,
      and mobility restriction. The research reveals that architectonic and furniture
      inadequacies in Homes for the Elderly may be predisposing factors for accidental
      falls. Analysis of the articles reveals the need for further longitudinal studies
      and, consequently, enhanced monitoring of the conditions of the functional
      capacity of the elderly, especially the risks related to falls, considered one of
      the leading causes of death among institutionalized elderly individuals. 

PMID- 25119094
TI  - [Health promotion in primary care: study based on the Paulo Freire method].
AB  - The scope of this study is to analyze the implementation of health promotion
      actions in the working process of the Family Health Teams of a city in the state
      of Santa Catarina. It involves research adopting a qualitative approach linked to
      the methodological benchmark of Paulo Freire, consisting of three dialectic
      moments: thematic investigation; encoding and decoding; critical revelation.
      Fifteen Culture Circles were conducted, covering five district health units, with
      the participation of 70 professionals. Each meeting was scheduled to last two
      hours with an average attendance of thirteen participants of the Family Health
      teams. The research revealed that there are limitations to the implementation of
      health promotion as a key element of participatory action together with the
      community. It also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinarity and
      intersectorality between workers and the city, state and federal manager. The
      commitment to the principles of the Unified Health System (SUS) and health
      promotion also presents itself as a challenge to improve the quality of life of
      the population. 

PMID- 25119095
TI  - [The Singular Therapeutic Project and mental health practices at Family Health
      Support Centers in Guarulhos in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil].
AB  - Various studies describe the Singular Therapeutic Project (STP) as a powerful
      instrument of care for the users of specialized mental health services. It is
      also put forward as a tool to organize and support the activities of the Family
      Health Support Centers (FHSC), based on the concepts of co-responsibility and
      comprehensive care. The article seeks to analyze the development of STP by mental
      health teams of FHSC and its articulations with services of Primary Health Care
      (PHC), psychosocial services and other sectors of society. It involved
      qualitative research performed in Guarulhos in the state of Sao Paulo in 2012 by
      systematic observation and conducting semi-structured interviews with mental
      health professionals from support centers. The content analysis method was
      employed for interpretation of the findings. The STP in FHSC faces obstacles
      related to lack of definition of work object (attention or management?),
      precarious working conditions and overlapping functions. It is necessary to
      analyze the technological feasibility of the STP based on the peculiarities of
      PHC, avoiding straightforward transposition of technological tools among the
      different services that comprise the psychosocial care network. 

PMID- 25119096
TI  - [Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Health and Taste Attitude Scale
      (HTAS) in Portuguese].
AB  - The scope of this study was to show the cross-cultural adaptation and validation
      of the Health and Taste Attitude Scale in Portuguese. The methodology included
      translation of the scale; evaluation of conceptual, operational and item-based
      equivalence by 14 experts and 51 female undergraduates; semantic equivalence and
      measurement assessment by 12 bilingual women by the paired t-test, the Pearson
      correlation coefficient and the coefficient intraclass correlation; internal
      consistency and test-retest reliability by Cronbach's alpha and intraclass
      correlation coefficient, respectively, after application on 216 female
      undergraduates; assessment of discriminant and concurrent validity via the t-test
      and Spearman's correlation coefficient, respectively, in addition to Confirmatory
      Factor and Exploratory Factor Analysis. The scale was considered adequate and
      easily understood by the experts and university students and presented good
      internal consistency and reliability (u 0.86, ICC 0.84). The results show that
      the scale is valid and can be used in studies with women to better understand
      attitudes related to taste. 

PMID- 25119097
TI  - [Meat consumption by adults in southern Brazil: a population-based study].
AB  - This paper is the result of a cross-sectional population-based study that
      evaluated individuals aged 20 or more living in the urban area of Pelotas in the
      state of Rio Grande do Sul and sought to describe the frequency of meat
      consumption and the habit of eating meat with an excess of fat. It evaluated the
      consumption over the past year of red meat (including bone, steak and ground
      beef), white meats (chicken and fish) and viscera and processed meats. Of the
      2,730 people interviewed, 99.1% (CI95% 98.7 - 99.5) consumed some type of meat
      over the past year, while around 32% reported daily consumption. The prevalence
      of consumption of red meat (99.3% CI95% 98.9 - 99.6) and white meat (99.4% CI95%
      99.1 - 99.7) was similar. Chicken was the meat most consumed by interviewees
      (98.0% CI95% 97.4 - 98.5), while viscera were the least consumed (59.1% CI95%
      56.4 - 61.7). The processed meats consumed by 85.5% (CI95% 83.7 - 87.2) of the
      respondents, presented the highest prevalence of daily consumption (16.6%). Meats
      with excess of fat were consumed by 52.3% (CI95% 49.8 - 54.8) of adults,
      especially men and people of lower education and economic status. 

PMID- 25119098
TI  - [Contractual arrangements in primary health care: the experience of Portugal and
      Brazil].
AB  - The contractual arrangements adopted in the Family Health Strategy are a topic as
      yet scantly addressed in studies. It is introduced in Brazil in different models
      in accordance with the contracting entity and the legal status of the contracted
      service provider; and in Portugal, it is based on a model of inter-governmental
      contractual arrangements with the Family Health Units. In this paper, the current
      status of contractual arrangements in both countries is presented and their
      attributes of joint planning, accountability with autonomy and performance-based
      incentive programs are discussed. The main contributions are: better coordination
      of the health organizations; substitution of the hierarchical command-control
      logic with greater participation; and accountability of professionals with
      enhanced performance of their activities. The conclusion reached is that one of
      the facilitating elements is gradual construction, in an environment of ongoing
      learning, with health professionals playing the leading role. However, the major
      challenges include transparency in the implementation of processes, the
      enforcement of sound auditing mechanisms and information systems, as well as the
      continuous review of indicators and their suitability for the health needs of the
      population. 

PMID- 25119099
TI  - [Alteration of profile of treatment of the public psychiatric hospitals of Belo
      Horizonte, Brazil, in the context of mental health care reform].
AB  - This article seeks to describe the profile of treatment and internment in public
      psychiatric hospitals in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from 2002 to 2011. The changes
      in the characteristics of treatment and the profiles of the patients treated are
      analyzed in the context of health care reform. It is a study of temporal series
      with trend analysis by means of linear regression. There was a reduction in the
      total of patients treated in the period under scrutiny. Inversely, there was an
      increase in internments with a reduction in length of stay, though no change in
      readmission rates. Patients from Belo Horizonte prevailed, however a relative
      increase in demand from the surrounding area was observed. There was a reversal
      in the prevalence of morbidity switching from psychotic disorders to disorders
      resulting from the use of alcohol and/or other drugs. The alteration observed in
      the profile of treatment in public psychiatric hospitals in Belo Horizonte was
      concomitant with the progressive implementation of community mental health
      services, which have probably met the demand that was formerly directed to these
      hospitals. Currently the psychiatric hospital is not the first, much less the
      only venue for treatment in the mental health network in Minas Gerais. 

PMID- 25119102
TI  - Anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract and n-hexane fraction
      mojabanchromanol b from Myagropsis myagroides.
AB  - AIMS: This study was carried out to verify the anti-inflammatory effect of
      methanol extract from Myagropsis myagroides (MMME) and its n-hexane fraction
      mojabanchromanol b. MAIN METHODS: The murine macrophages Raw264.7 cells were
      used. The pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha) and the
      expression of iNOS, COX-2, and NF-kappaB p65 were examined by ELISA and
      immunoblotting. To investigate the inhibitory effect of MMME in an animal model
      of inflammation, an assay to determine croton oil-induced ear edema in mice was
      performed. KEY FINDINGS: NO levels decreased with increasing concentration of
      MMME, and were inhibited up to 50%. The secretion of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL
      1beta was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner, especially at 50MUg/mL,
      inhibition activities of cytokines were over 50%. MMME also suppressed the
      expression of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-kappaB p65, suggesting that MMME could affect
      the expression of inflammation related cytokines and proteins through the
      deregulation of NF-kappaB. Moreover, the formation of mouse ear edema was reduced
      at the highest dose tested compared to that in the control, and generated similar
      effects compared with prednisolone at 250mg/kg in mice ear edema evaluation test.
      In addition, the results in photomicrograph of mice ear tissue and mast cells
      also showed the same effect. After purification of fractions of MMME, it
      indicated that n-hexane fraction mojabanchromanol b was the most active fraction
      showing the inhibitory effect of IL-6 and TNF-alpha. SIGNIFICANCE: These results
      suggested that MMME and mojabanchromanol b may have great effects on inflammatory
      factors and be potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic materials.

PMID- 25119103
TI  - The effects of PTBP3 silencing on the proliferation and differentiation of MKN45
      human gastric cancer cells.
AB  - AIMS: PTBP3 overexpression inhibits the differentiation of leukemia cells;
      however, its effects on the differentiation and proliferation of solid cancer
      cells remain unclear. Thus, the impact of PTBP3 on the differentiation and
      proliferation of gastric cancer cells was investigated. MAIN METHODS: PTBP3
      expression was analyzed in normal and tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry. A
      xenograft model was established in nude mice by subcutaneous injection of
      untransfected human gastric cancer MKN45 cells or those expressing a control
      vector or PTBP3 siRNA. We analyzed the tumor inhibition rate, the expression of
      PTBP3, the PCNA-positive rate and the serum levels of CEA, CA199, CA125, LDH, ALP
      and gamma-GT in different groups. KEY FINDINGS: The tumor weights in the PTBP3
      siRNA group were significantly lower than that of the MKN45 cell control group
      (P<0.001). Immunohistochemistry analysis of PCNA expression revealed that it was
      markedly reduced after PTBP3 silencing. ELISAs showed that the serum levels of
      CEA and CA199 tumor markers as well as LDH and ALP were reduced after PTBP3
      silencing. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that MKN45 cells expressing
      PTBP3 siRNA had reduced nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and regular nuclei,
      suggesting differentiation. SIGNIFICANCE: PTBP3 may promote proliferation and
      inhibit the differentiation of human gastric cancer MKN45 cells.

PMID- 25119104
TI  - Preparation, characterisation and bioactivity evaluation of the inclusion complex
      formed between picoplatin and gamma-cyclodextrin.
AB  - The inclusion complex of picoplatin with gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD) was
      prepared and characterised by different analytical methods, including NMR, FTIR,
      TGA, phase solubility as well as SEM. All of these approaches indicated that
      picoplatin was able to form an inclusion complex with gamma-CD, and that the
      picoplatin/gamma-CD inclusion compounds exhibited different spectroscopic
      features and properties from free picoplatin. The stoichiometry of the complex
      was 1:1; the pyridine group of picoplatin was deeply inserted into the cavity of
      gamma-CD and the amine platinum group of picoplatin was near the narrower rim of
      gamma-CD. The calculated apparent stability constant of the complex was 10,318M(
      1). Moreover, the water solubility of picoplatin was significantly improved,
      according to phase-solubility studies. The complex maintained its anticancer
      activity, as shown by an in vitro cell-survival assay on A549 and MCF-7 cancer
      cell lines. All of these results showed that inclusion complexation may be a
      promising strategy to design a novel formulation of picoplatin as an anticancer
      therapy. 

PMID- 25119105
TI  - In vitro induced regulatory T cells are unique from endogenous regulatory T cells
      and effective at suppressing late stages of ongoing autoimmunity.
AB  - Strategies to boost the numbers and functions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are
      currently being tested as means to treat autoimmunity. While Tregs have been
      shown to be effective in this role, strategies to manipulate Tregs to effectively
      suppress later stages of ongoing diseases need to be established. In this study,
      we evaluated the ability of TGF-beta-induced Tregs (iTregs) specific for the
      major self-antigen in autoimmune gastritis to suppress established autoimmune
      gastritis in mice. When transferred into mice during later stages of disease,
      iTregs demethylated the Foxp3 promoter, maintained Foxp3 expression, and
      suppressed effector T cell proliferation. More importantly, these iTregs were
      effective at stopping disease progression. Untreated mice had high numbers of
      endogenous Tregs (enTregs) but these were unable to stop disease progression. In
      contrast, iTregs, were found in relatively low numbers in treated mice, yet were
      effective at stopping disease progression, suggesting qualitative differences in
      suppressor functions. We identified several inhibitory receptors (LAG-3, PD-1,
      GARP, and TNFR2), cytokines (TGF-beta1 and IL12p35), and transcription factors
      (IRF4 and Tbet) expressed at higher levels by iTregs compared to enTregs isolated
      form mice with ongoing disease, which likely accounts for superior suppressor
      ability in this disease model. These data support efforts to use iTregs in
      therapies to treat establish autoimmunity, and show that iTregs are more
      effective than enTregs at suppressing inflammation in this disease model. 

PMID- 25119110
TI  - Topological insulator states in a honeycomb lattice of s-triazines.
AB  - Two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride materials have been drawing
      increasing attentions in energy conversion, environment protection and spintronic
      devices. Here, based on first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that the
      already-synthesized honeycomb lattice of s-triazines with a chemical formula of
      C6N6 (g-C6N6) has topologically nontrivial electronic states characterized by
      px,y-orbital band structures with a topological invariant of Z2 = 1, and stronger
      spin-orbital coupling (SOC) than both graphene and silicene. The band gaps opened
      in the px,y-orbital bands due to SOC are 5.50 meV (K points) and 8.27 eV (Gamma
      point), respectively, implying that the quantum spin Hall effect (QSHE) could be
      achieved in this 2D graphitic carbon nitride material at a temperature lower than
      95 K. This offers a viable approach for searching for 2D Topological Insulators
      (TIs) in metal-free organic materials. 

PMID- 25119106
TI  - The DNA binding property of PML/RARA but not the integrity of PML nuclear bodies
      is indispensable for leukemic transformation.
AB  - PML/RARA is the oncoprotein driving acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). It
      suppresses genes expression by recruitment of a number of transcriptional
      repressors, resulting in differentiation block and malignant transformation of
      hematopoietic cells. Here, we found that mice primary hematopoietic progenitor
      cells (HPCs), transduced by DNA-binding-defective PML/RARA mutants, were
      deficient in colony formation. Further experiments showed that DNA-binding
      defective PML/RARA mutants could not repress the transcription of retinoic acid
      regulated genes. Intriguingly, there were no significant differences of the micro
      speckled intracellular distribution between the mutants and wild-type PML/RARA.
      Some retinoic acid target genes regulated by PML/RARA are involved in not only
      differentiation block but also hematopoietic cell self-renewal. Altogether, our
      data demonstrate that direct DNA-binding is essential for PML/RARA to immortalize
      hematopoietic cells, while disruption of PML-nuclear body does not seem to be a
      prerequisite for hematopoietic cell transformation. 

PMID- 25119111
TI  - Integrating metalloporphycenes into p-type NiO-based dye-sensitized solar cells.
AB  - In the current work, we have explored a novel synthetic route towards metalated
      porphycenes and their use in p-type NiO-based dye-sensitized solar cells.
      Particular emphasis is placed on the influence that the relative positioning of
      the anchoring group exerts on the DSSC performance. 

PMID- 25119112
TI  - Ionic-liquid-micelle-functionalized mesoporous Fe3O4 microspheres for
      ultraperformance liquid chromatography determination of anthraquinones in dietary
      supplements.
AB  - A magnetic solid-phase extraction method using ionic liquid (IL)-micelle
      functionalized mesoporous Fe3O4 microspheres (MFMs) was proposed for the
      preconcentration of anthraquinones in dietary supplements. The analytes were then
      determined by ultraperformance liquid chromatography combined with an ultraviolet
      detector. The extraction parameters, such as the choice of ILs, the
      concentrations of ILs and MFMs, the pH of diluent, and the concentration of
      acetic acid in the eluent, were presented. Under the optimized conditions, the
      limits of detection and limits of quantitation were 0.4-2.8 ng mL(-1) and 1.4-9.4
      ng mL(-1), respectively. The accuracy of the proposed method was investigated by
      recovery in herb and granules of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, yielding values between
      89.25% and 96.48%. The use of the proposed method in the sample pretreatment of
      complex dietary supplements is feasible due to the high surface area and
      excellent adsorption capacity of MFMs after modification with IL. 

PMID- 25119107
TI  - Risk factors and adverse perinatal outcomes among term and preterm infants born
      small-for-gestational-age: secondary analyses of the WHO Multi-Country Survey on
      Maternal and Newborn Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small for gestational age (SGA) is not only a major indicator of
      perinatal mortality and morbidity, but also the morbidity risks in later in life.
      We aim to estimate the association between the birth of SGA infants and the risk
      factors and adverse perinatal outcomes among twenty-nine countries in Africa,
      Latin America, the Middle East and Asia in 359 health facilities in 2010-11.
      METHODS: We analysed facility-based, cross-sectional data from the WHO Multi
      country Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health. We constructed multilevel logistic
      regression models with random effects for facilities and countries to estimate
      the risk factors for SGA infants using country-specific birthweight reference
      standards in preterm and term delivery, and SGA's association with adverse
      perinatal outcomes. We compared the risks and adverse perinatal outcomes with
      appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants categorized by preterm and term
      delivery. RESULTS: A total of 295,829 singleton infants delivered were analysed.
      The overall prevalence of SGA was highest in Cambodia (18.8%), Nepal (17.9%), the
      Occupied Palestinian Territory (16.1%), and Japan (16.0%), while the lowest was
      observed in Afghanistan (4.8%), Uganda (6.6%) and Thailand (9.7%). The risk of
      preterm SGA infants was significantly higher among nulliparous mothers and
      mothers with chronic hypertension and preeclampsia/eclampsia (aOR: 2.89; 95% CI:
      2.55-3.28) compared with AGA infants. Higher risks of term SGA were observed
      among sociodemographic factors and women with preeclampsia/eclampsia, anaemia and
      other medical conditions. Multiparity (> = 3) (AOR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.83-0.92) was
      a protective factor for term SGA. The risk of perinatal mortality was
      significantly higher in preterm SGA deliveries in low to high HDI countries.
      CONCLUSION: Preterm SGA is associated with medical conditions related to
      preeclampsia, but not with sociodemographic status. Term SGA is associated with
      sociodemographic status and various medical conditions.

PMID- 25119114
TI  - Syntheses and structures of copper complexes of 3-(6-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-2
      yl)pyrazol-1-ide and their excellent performance in the syntheses of nitriles and
      aldehydes.
AB  - Reactions of a pincer ligand 2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine
      (pzpypzH) with Cu(NO3)2, Cu(ClO4)2, CuSO4, CuCl2 or CuI produced three dinuclear
      Cu(ii) complexes [{Cu(NO3)}(MU-pzpypz)]2 (1), [{Cu(ClO4)}(MU-pzpypz)]2 (2),
      [Cu2(MU-SO4)(MU-pzpypz)2].2MeOH (3.2MeOH), one mononuclear Cu(ii) complex
      [CuCl2(pzpypzH)] (4) and one trinuclear Cu(i)/Cu(ii) complex [(ICu)(MU-I)2Cu2(MU
      pzpypz)2] (5), respectively. Treatment of 4 with two equiv. of AgNO3 in DMF also
      gave rise to 1. Complexes 1-5 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR
      spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 or 2 has a dimeric
      structure in which two {Cu(X)} (X = NO3, ClO4) fragments are interconnected by
      two MU-pzpypz(-) ligands. 3 also adopts a dimeric structure in which two Cu(ii)
      centers are interconnected by a pair of MU-pzpypz(-) ligands and one MU-SO4(2-)
      ion. The Cu(ii) center in 4 is five-coordinated by three N atoms of the pzpypzH
      ligand and two Cl atoms. In 5, two Cu(ii) centers are bridged by two MU-pzpypz(-)
      ligands and one CuI3(2-) unit, forming a unique trinuclear structure. Complexes 1
      5 displayed high catalytic activity toward the ammoxidation of alcohols to
      nitriles and the aerobic oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes in H2O. The nitrile
      or aldehyde products could be readily separated from the catalytic system by
      extraction and the residual aqueous solution containing 1 retained good activity
      for several cycles. 

PMID- 25119115
TI  - Electrochemical behavior of the 1,10-phenanthroline ligand on a multiwalled
      carbon nanotube surface and its relevant electrochemistry for selective
      recognition of copper ion and hydrogen peroxide sensing.
AB  - 1,10-Phenanthroline (Phen) is a well-known benchmark ligand and has often been
      used in the coordination chemistry for the complexation of transition metal ions,
      such as Fe(2+), Ni(2+), and Co(2+). Because the electro-oxidation potential of
      Phen is much higher (>2 V versus Ag/AgCl) than the water decomposition potential,
      i.e., ~1.5 V versus Ag/AgCl, in pH 7, it is practically difficult to electro
      oxidize Phen in aqueous medium using any conventional electrodes, such as glassy
      carbon electrode (GCE), gold, and platinum. Interestingly, herein, we report an
      unexpected oxidation of Phen to a highly redox active 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6
      dione (Phen-dione) and its confinement on a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)
      modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/MWCNT@Phen-dione) surface by potential
      cycling of Phen-adsorbed GCE/MWCNT (GCE/MWCNT@Phen) from -1 to 1 V versus Ag/AgCl
      in pH 7 phosphate buffer solution. GCE/MWCNT@Phen-dione showed selective
      recognition of copper ion (GCE/MWCNT@Phen-dione-Cu(2+)) by catalyzing the
      hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction in a neutral pH solution. The precise
      structure of the Phen electro-oxidized product has been identified after
      characterizing the electrode and/or ethanolic extract of the product by various
      techniques, such as Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) (for copper complex), liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS), electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) (for
      copper complex), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and in situ electrochemical quartz
      crystal microbalance (EQCM) and comparing electrochemical behavior of several
      control compounds, such as phenanthrene and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone. It is
      concluded that the product formed is 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, wherein the
      dione position is ortho to each other and the copper ion is complexed with
      nitrogen of the phenanthroline ring. With extended electrochemical oxidation of a
      structurally similar ligand, 2,2'-bipyridine failed to show any such
      electrochemical dynamics. Finally, applicability of GCE/MWCNT@Phen-dione-Cu(2+)
      for electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide in a couple of real samples is
      successfully demonstrated. 

PMID- 25119113
TI  - Identification and association of the single nucleotide polymorphisms, C-509T,
      C+466T and T+869C, of the TGF-beta1 gene in patients with asthma and their
      influence on the mRNA expression level of TGF-beta1.
AB  - Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is an important fibrogenic and
      immunomodulatory cytokine participating in the pathogenesis of a number of
      illnesses related to the growth, differentiation and migration of cells. It also
      plays a key role in inflammation, atherosclerosis, vascular inflammation and
      asthma. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the
      expression of the TGF-beta1 gene and its genetic polymorphisms, and the disease
      phenotype. The study comprised 173 patients with asthma, as well as 163 healthy
      volunteers as a control group. The gender profiles of the groups were similar
      (p=0.8415). Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-high
      resolution melting (HRM). The results were verified by sequencing. Gene
      expression was evaluated by RT-PCR. This study evaluated the role and frequency
      of genetic polymorphisms (C-509T, C+466T and T+869C) of the TGF-beta1 gene in the
      study group (patients with asthma) and the control group (healthy volunteers).
      The results obtained for the patients and healthy controls were as follows: C
      509T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (controls, TT/CT/CC
      0.4444/0.5309/0.0247; patients, TT/CT/CC-0.3699/0.6012/0.0289), C+466T SNP
      (controls, TT/CT/CC-1.000/0.000/0.000; patients, TT/CT/CC-1.000/0.000/0.000) and
      T+869C SNP (controls, TT/CT/CC-1.000/0.000/0.000; patients, TT/CT/CC
      1.000/0.000/0.000). Only the C-509T polymorphism was found to play a significant
      role in the pathogenesis of asthma, as well as a risk factor in the loss of the
      clinical control of the disease [TT vs. CC/CT, odds ratio (OR) 2.38; confidence
      interval (CI) 1.22-4.66; p=0.0103]. A significant difference was noted between
      the study and control groups with regard to the mRNA expression of TGF-beta1
      (p=0.0133). A higher level of expression of the TGF-beta1 gene correlated with
      the time of diagnosis of patients over 16 years of age (p=0.0255). This study
      demonstrates that the C-509T SNP is a significant clinical risk factor for asthma
      and that the TGF-beta1 cytokine contributes to the progression of the illness.

PMID- 25119116
TI  - Comparison of two non-mydriatic fundus cameras to obtain retinal arterio-venous
      ratio.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze device-dependent variability of two non-mydriatic fundus
      cameras to obtain arterio-venous ratio (AVR), central retinal arteriolar
      equivalent (CRAE), and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) in static vessel
      analysis (SVA). METHODS: We examined 53 participants (29 men, 24 women; median
      age 46 years) of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). We took 45 degrees 
      optic-disc-centered fundus images of the right eye with two different non
      mydriatic fundus cameras. The first photograph was obtained from the TRC-NW 200,
      the second from the OCT 2000 (both Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). One
      experienced grader graded image quality from 1 "ideal quality" to 5 "not
      analyzable" and determined AVR, CRAE, and CRVE with the software Vesselmap3
      (Imedos, Jena, Germany). RESULTS: Average image quality was 1.8 for the TRC-NW
      200 and 1.6 for the OCT 2000. AVR could not be determined in 5 images of the TRC
      NW 200 due to low image quality, while six images of the OCT 2000 were not
      analyzable. The difference between AVR taken from two different non-mydriatic
      cameras was 0.01 +/- 0.03 in Bland-Altman plots. The difference between CRAE was
      0.17 +/- 10.15 and between CRVE was -2.32 +/- 11.76. CONCLUSIONS: The two
      different non-mydriatic cameras showed good agreement with respect to image
      quality. When using the same reading software, AVR, CRAE, and CRVE agreed well.
      Thus, funduscopy and SVA seem to be robust against inter-device variability. As a
      result, device dependency can remain unconsidered in follow-up examinations with
      different technical equipment. However, variability might impact more with
      devices from different manufacturers.

PMID- 25119117
TI  - Randomized clinical trial on epidural versus patient-controlled analgesia for
      laparoscopic colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare epidural analgesia (EDA) to patient-controlled opioid-based
      analgesia (PCA) in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
      BACKGROUND: EDA is mainstay of multimodal pain management within enhanced
      recovery pathways [enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)]. For laparoscopic
      colorectal resections, the benefit of epidurals remains debated. Some consider
      EDA as useful, whereas others perceive epidurals as unnecessary or even
      deleterious. METHODS: A total of 128 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic
      colorectal resections were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial comparing EDA
      versus PCA. Primary end point was medical recovery. Overall complications,
      hospital stay, perioperative vasopressor requirements, and postoperative pain
      scores were secondary outcome measures. Analysis was performed according to the
      intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: Final analysis included 65 EDA patients
      and 57 PCA patients. Both groups were similar regarding baseline characteristics.
      Medical recovery required a median of 5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3-7.5
      days) in EDA patients and 4 days (IQR, 3-6 days) in the PCA group (P = 0.082).
      PCA patients had significantly less overall complications [19 (33%) vs 35 (54%);
      P = 0.029] but a similar hospital stay [5 days (IQR, 4-8 days) vs 7 days (IQR,
      4.5-12 days); P = 0.434]. Significantly more EDA patients needed vasopressor
      treatment perioperatively (90% vs 74%, P = 0.018), the day of surgery (27% vs 4%,
      P < 0.001), and on postoperative day 1 (29% vs 4%, P < 0.001), whereas no
      difference in postoperative pain scores was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Epidurals seem to
      slow down recovery after laparoscopic colorectal resections without adding
      obvious benefits. EDA can therefore not be recommended as part of ERAS pathways
      in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

PMID- 25119118
TI  - Assessing Technical Competence in Surgical Trainees: A Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically examine the literature describing the methods by
      which technical competence is assessed in surgical trainees. BACKGROUND: The last
      decade has witnessed an evolution away from time-based surgical education. In
      response, governing bodies worldwide have implemented competency-based education
      paradigms. The definition of competence, however, remains elusive, and the impact
      of these education initiatives in terms of assessment methods remains unclear.
      METHODS: A systematic review examining the methods by which technical competence
      is assessed was conducted by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and the
      Cochrane database of systematic reviews. Abstracts of retrieved studies were
      reviewed and those meeting inclusion criteria were selected for full review. Data
      were retrieved in a systematic manner, the validity and reliability of the
      assessment methods was evaluated, and quality was assessed using the Grading of
      Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation classification. RESULTS:
      Of the 6814 studies identified, 85 studies involving 2369 surgical residents were
      included in this review. The methods used to assess technical competence were
      categorized into 5 groups; Likert scales (37), benchmarks (31), binary outcomes
      (11), novel tools (4), and surrogate outcomes (2). Their validity and reliability
      were mostly previously established. The overall Grading of Recommendations
      Assessment, Development and Evaluation for randomized controlled trials was high
      and low for the observational studies. CONCLUSIONS: The definition of technical
      competence continues to be debated within the medical literature. The methods
      used to evaluate technical competence predominantly include instruments that were
      originally created to assess technical skill. Very few studies identify standard
      setting approaches that differentiate competent versus noncompetent performers;
      subsequently, this has been identified as an area with great research potential.

PMID- 25119119
TI  - Glycopeptides versus beta-lactams for the prevention of surgical site infections
      in cardiovascular and orthopedic surgery: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of glycopeptides and beta-lactams in
      preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) in cardiac, vascular, and orthopedic
      surgery. BACKGROUND: The cost-effectiveness of switching from beta-lactams to
      glycopeptides for preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis has been controversial.
      beta-Lactams are generally recommended in clean surgical procedures, but they are
      ineffective against resistant gram-positive bacteria. METHODS: PubMed,
      International Pharmaceuticals Abstracts, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched for
      randomized clinical trials comparing glycopeptides and beta-lactams for
      prophylaxis in adults undergoing cardiac, vascular, or orthopedic surgery.
      Abstracts and conference proceedings were included. Two independent reviewers
      performed study selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias.
      RESULTS: Fourteen studies with a total of 8952 patients were analyzed. No
      difference was detected in overall SSIs between antibiotic types. However,
      compared with beta-lactams, glycopeptides reduced the risk of resistant
      staphylococcal SSIs by 48% (relative risk, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.29
      0.93; P = 0.03) and enterococcal SSIs by 64% (relative risk, 0.36; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.16-0.80; P = 0.01), but increased respiratory tract infections by 54%
      (relative risk, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-2.01; P <= 0.01). Subgroup
      analysis of cardiac procedures showed superiority of beta-lactams in preventing
      superficial and deep chest SSIs, susceptible staphylococcal SSIs, and respiratory
      tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: Glycopeptides reduce the risk of resistant
      staphylococcal SSIs and enterococcal SSIs, but increase the risk of respiratory
      tract infections. Additional high-quality randomized clinical trials are needed
      as these results are limited by high risk of bias.

PMID- 25119120
TI  - Laparoscopic repair of very large hiatus hernia with sutures versus absorbable
      mesh versus nonabsorbable mesh: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determine whether absorbable or nonabsorbable mesh in repair of large
      hiatus hernias reduces the risk of recurrence, compared with suture repair.
      BACKGROUND: Repair of large hiatus hernia is associated with radiological
      recurrence rates of up to 30%, and to improve outcomes mesh repair has been
      recommended. Previous trials have shown less short-term recurrence with mesh, but
      adverse outcomes limit mesh use. METHODS: Multicentre prospective double blind
      randomized controlled trial of 3 methods of repair: sutures versus absorbable
      mesh versus nonabsorbable mesh. Primary outcome-hernia recurrence assessed by
      barium meal radiology and endoscopy at 6 months. Secondary outcomes-clinical
      symptom scores at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients
      enrolled: 43 sutures, 41 absorbable mesh, and 42 nonabsorbable mesh. Among them,
      96.0% were followed up to 12 months, with objective follow-up data in 92.9%. A
      recurrent hernia (any size) was identified in 23.1% after suture repair, 30.8%
      after absorbable mesh, and 12.8% after nonabsorbable mesh (P = 0.161). Clinical
      outcomes were similar, except less heartburn at 3 and 6 months and less bloating
      at 12 months with nonabsorbable mesh; more heartburn at 3 months, odynophagia at
      1 month, nausea at 3 and 12 months, wheezing at 6 months; and inability to belch
      at 12 months after absorbable mesh. The magnitudes of the clinical differences
      were small. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were seen for recurrent
      hiatus hernia, and the clinical differences were unlikely to be clinically
      significant. Overall outcomes after sutured repair were similar to mesh repair.

PMID- 25119121
TI  - Indeterminate Pulmonary Nodules in Colorectal Cancer: Follow-up Guidelines Based
      on a Risk Predictive Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chest computed tomographic (CT) scans frequently detect indeterminate
      pulmonary nodules (IPNs) in patients with colorectal cancer. The discovery of
      such nodules creates a clinical dilemma. PURPOSE: This study was performed to
      identify clinical characteristics of IPNs and develop a predictive model to
      predict the risk of progression to pulmonary metastases in patients with
      colorectal cancer. METHODS: We analyzed data from a prospectively collected
      database involving 1195 patients with colorectal carcinoma who underwent curative
      surgery between January 2008 and June 2010. A predictive model was constructed on
      the basis of the probability risk score and validated in 115 patients collected
      from a separate treatment period. RESULTS: Of the 1195 patients who underwent a
      baseline staging chest computed tomography, 326 (27.2%) had IPNs. During a median
      follow-up of 26.7 months (interquartile range: 18.0-37.2), 74 (28.1%) showed
      pulmonary metastases. Five variables maintained prognostic significance after
      multivariate analysis: metachronous nodule, bilateral involvement, positive
      perineural invasion, increased number of positive lymph nodes, and rectal
      location of cancer. The 2-year progression-free survival rates for the very low-,
      low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 96%, 82%, 46%, and 16%,
      respectively (P < 0.001), with a concordance index of 0.81 (95% confidence
      interval, 0.75-0.86). This model was validated in a separate patient set (P <
      0.001), with a C-index of 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.88). CONCLUSIONS:
      A predictive model for progression of IPNs may be clinically useful in
      discriminating patients who might benefit from an aggressive surveillance program
      and early pulmonary metastasectomies.

PMID- 25119122
TI  - Abdominoperineal resection provides better local control but equivalent overall
      survival to local excision of anorectal malignant melanoma: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the extent of surgery is associated with survival
      in anorectal malignant melanoma (ARMM). BACKGROUND: ARMM is a rare and highly
      malignant neoplasm with unfavorable prognosis. The optimal surgical management,
      abdominoperineal resection (APR) or local excision (LE), has been long debated,
      but conclusive evidence has not been obtained. METHODS: A comprehensive
      electronic literature search was performed to identify studies evaluating
      survival between APR and LE for ARMM. The main outcome measures were overall
      survival, relapse-free survival, and local recurrence. A meta-analysis was
      performed using the random-effects models to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and
      95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Thirty-one studies, with a total of 1006
      patients [544 (54.1%) APR and 462 (45.9%) LE], were included. Meta-analyses
      showed that overall survival (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.74-1.76; P = 0.54) and relapse
      free survival (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.43-2.09; P = 0.89) did not differ
      significantly between the APR and LE groups. APR significantly reduced local
      recurrence compared with LE (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.36; P < 0.00001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although several limitations, such as inclusion of only
      retrospective studies with relatively small sample size and selection biases for
      surgical procedure, are involved, this meta-analysis suggested that APR has no
      survival benefit; however, APR confers better local control than LE. Given that
      local failures after LE could be managed by salvage surgery, minimizing morbidity
      and maximizing quality of life should be the focus in surgical treatment of ARMM.

PMID- 25119123
TI  - Postoperative venous thromboembolism outcomes measure: analytic exploration of
      potential misclassification of hospital quality due to surveillance bias.

PMID- 25119124
TI  - Natural promoters of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystallization.
AB  - Crystallization is often facilitated by modifiers that interact with specific
      crystal surfaces and mediate the anisotropic rate of growth. Natural and
      synthetic modifiers tend to function as growth inhibitors that hinder solute
      attachment and impede the advancement of layers on crystal surfaces. There are
      fewer examples of modifiers that operate as growth promoters, whereby modifier
      crystal interactions accelerate the kinetic rate of crystallization. Here, we
      examine two proteins, lysozyme and lactoferrin, which are observed in the organic
      matrix of three types of pathological stones: renal, prostatic, and pancreatic
      stones. This work focuses on the role of these proteins in the crystallization of
      calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), the most prominent constituent of human kidney
      stones. Using a combination of experimental techniques, we show that these
      proteins, which are rich in l-arginine and l-lysine amino acids, promote COM
      growth. The synthesis and testing of peptides derived from contiguous segments of
      lysozyme's primary amino acid sequence revealed subdomains within the protein
      that operate either as an inhibitor or promoter of COM growth, with the latter
      exhibiting efficacies that nearly match that of the protein. We observed that
      cationic proteins promote COM growth over a wide range of modifier concentration,
      which differs from calcification promoters in the literature that exhibit dual
      roles as promoters and inhibitors at low and high concentration, respectively.
      This seems to suggest a unique mechanism of action for lysozyme and lactoferrin.
      Possible explanations for their effects on COM growth and crystal habit are
      proposed on the basis of classical colloidal theories and the physicochemical
      properties of peptide subdomains, including the number and spatial location of
      charged or hydrogen-bonding moieties. 

PMID- 25119125
TI  - Factors behind negative attitudes toward cadaveric organ donation: a comparison
      between medical and non-medical students in China: retraction.

PMID- 25119126
TI  - National assessment of early biliary complications after liver transplantation:
      economic implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite improvement in surgical technique and medical management of
      liver transplant recipients, biliary complications remain a frequent cause of
      posttransplant morbidity and graft loss. Biliary complications require
      potentially expensive interventions including radiologic procedures and surgical
      revisions. METHODS: A national data set linking transplant registry and Medicare
      claims data for 12,803 liver transplant recipients was developed to capture
      information on complications, treatments, and associated direct medical costs up
      to 3 years after transplantation. RESULTS: Biliary complications were more common
      in recipients of donation after cardiac death compared to donation after brain
      death allografts (23% vs. 19% P<0.001). Among donation after brain death
      recipients, biliary complications were associated with $54,699 (95% confidence
      interval [CI], $49,102 to $60,295) of incremental spending in the first year
      after transplantation and $7,327 in years 2 and 3 (95% CI, $4,419-$10,236).
      Biliary complications in donation after cardiac death recipients independently
      increased spending by $94,093 (95% CI, $64,643-$124,542) in the first year and
      $12,012 (95% CI, $-1,991 to $26,016) in years 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: This national
      study of biliary complications demonstrates the significant economic impact of
      this common perioperative complication and suggests a potential target for
      quality of care improvements.

PMID- 25119127
TI  - Time-to-referral, use, and efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation after heart
      transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Timely access, adherence, and efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation
      programs (CRP) are important given the potential to mitigate or reverse the side
      effects of immunosuppressive medications, weight gain, and cardiovascular
      deconditioning that place heart transplant (HT) recipients at increased
      cardiovascular risk. However, there is a dearth of information on use and
      efficacy of CRPs. Therefore, we examined process indicators (time to referral and
      correlates, program adherence) and clinical outcome indicators (functional
      capacity (VO(2peak)), anthropometrics) of CR post-HT compared to post-coronary
      artery bypass graft (CABG). METHODS: Baseline, 6-month exercise stress test
      results, and anthropometrics were examined retrospectively among consecutively
      enrolled post-HT and age-matched and sex-matched CABG patients. Time to referral
      and program entry, attendance, and completion rates were also measured. RESULTS:
      Heart transplant (n=43) and CABG patients were referred 24.9 +/- 48.9 and 2.1 +/-
      3.6 months, respectively, after surgery (P=0.003). Once referred, there was no
      difference in elapsed-time to program entry (P=0.2). There was a positive
      relationship between time to referral and baseline waist circumference (r=0.5,
      P=0.001), body mass index (r=0.5, P=0.002), hip circumference (r=0.4, P=0.008),
      and body fat percentage (r=0.4, P=0.03) in HT. Heart transplant and CABG patients
      had similar rates of CRP dropout (27.9% vs. 37.2% respectively, P=0.4). There was
      improvement in VO(2peak) for HT (2.4 +/- 4.2 mL/kg/min; P=0.02) and CABG (5.5 +/-
      5.4 mL/kg/min, P<0.001), but was greater for CABG (P=0.04). Anthropometric
      measures remained stable for both cohorts (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a
      lengthy delay in time from HT to CRP referral, though once referred, gain
      significant benefit in functional capacity. The appropriateness of this wait
      needs to be elucidated; however, it appears that longer wait times are associated
      with adverse effects on body composition.

PMID- 25119129
TI  - The preferences and perspectives of nephrologists on patients' access to kidney
      transplantation: a systematic review.
AB  - We aimed to describe nephrologists' attitudes to patients' access to kidney
      transplantation. Studies that assessed nephrologists' perspectives toward patient
      referral, screening, and eligibility for kidney transplantation were synthesized.
      Twenty-four studies (n>=4695) were included. Patients with comorbidities, were
      nonadherent, of older age, ethnic minorities, or low socioeconomic status were
      less likely to be recommended. Six themes underpinned nephrologists'
      perspectives: prioritizing individual benefit and safety, maximizing efficiency,
      patient accountability, justifying gains, protecting unit outcomes, and
      reluctance to raise patients' expectations. Evidence-based guidelines may support
      systematic and equitable decision-making. Interventions for high-risk or
      disadvantaged patient populations could reduce disparities in access to
      transplantation. 

PMID- 25119128
TI  - Lung transplantation for severe pulmonary hypertension--awake extracorporeal
      membrane oxygenation for postoperative left ventricular remodelling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bilateral lung transplantation (BLTx) is an established treatment for
      end-stage pulmonary hypertension (PH). Ventilator weaning failure and death are
      more common as in BLTx for other indications. We hypothesized that left
      ventricular (LV) dysfunction is the main cause of early postoperative morbidity
      or mortality and investigated a weaning strategy using awake venoarterial
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). METHODS: In 23 BLTx for severe PH,
      ECMO used during BLTx was continued for a minimum of 5 days (BLTx-ECMO group).
      Echocardiography, left atrial (LA) and Swan-Ganz catheters were used for
      monitoring. Early extubation after transplantation was attempted under continued
      ECMO. RESULTS: Preoperatively, all patients had severely reduced cardiac index
      (mean, 2.1 L/min/m2). On postoperative day 2, reduction of ECMO flow resulted in
      increasing LA and decreasing systemic blood pressures. On the day of ECMO
      explantation (median, postoperative day 8), LV diameter had increased; LA and
      blood pressures remained stable. Survival rates at 3 and 12 months were 100% and
      96%, respectively. Data were compared to two historic control groups of BLTx
      without ECMO (BLTx ventilation) or combined heart-lung transplantation for severe
      PH. CONCLUSION: Early after BLTx for severe PH, the LV may be unable to handle
      normalized LV preload. This can be effectively bridged with awake venoarterial
      ECMO.

PMID- 25119130
TI  - Extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia in solid organ
      transplant recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the risk factors, molecular epidemiology,
      antibiotic therapy, and outcomes of bacteremia because of extensively drug
      resistant (XDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa in solid organ transplant (SOT)
      recipients. METHODS: All episodes of bacteremia occurring in SOT recipients were
      prospectively documented from 2007 to 2013. RESULTS: Of 318 episodes of
      bacteremia, 49 were caused by P. aeruginosa. Thirty-one strains (63%) were XDR
      defined by nonsusceptibility to at least one agent in all but two or fewer
      antipseudomonal antimicrobial categories. Time from transplantation to bacteremia
      was shorter in XDR P. aeruginosa group comparing to other etiologies (median days
      66 vs. 278; P=0.03). Factors independently associated with XDR P. aeruginosa
      bacteremia were prior transplantation, nosocomial acquisition, and septic shock
      at onset. XDR P. aeruginosa isolates belonged to a single clone (ST-175).
      Comparing to other etiologies, patients with bacteremia because of XDR P.
      aeruginosa more often received inadequate empirical antibiotic therapy.
      Persistence of bacteremia, shock, respiratory failure and intensive care unit
      admission were more frequent in patients with XDR P. aeruginosa. The overall case
      fatality rate was higher among patients with XDR P. aeruginosa bacteremia than in
      the others (38% vs. 16%; P=0.009). CONCLUSION: Bacteremia because of XDR P.
      aeruginosa should be carefully considered when selecting empirical antibiotic
      therapy for hospitalized SOT recipients with prior transplantation presenting
      with septic shock.

PMID- 25119131
TI  - The risk of cancer in recipients of living-donor, standard and expanded criteria
      deceased donor kidney transplants: a registry analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kidneys from expanded criteria deceased donors may elicit a strong
      inflammatory response, predisposing recipients to an increased risk of cancer
      after transplantation. We aimed to determine the association between donor types
      and cancer risk after kidney transplantation. METHODS: Using the Australian and
      New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, we assessed the association between
      different donor types (living donor, standard, and expanded criteria deceased
      donors) and the risk of cancer after kidney transplantation using adjusted Cox
      proportional hazard and competing risk models. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up
      period of 4.4 years in 7,040 patients (34,684 patient-years), 468 patients (6.6%)
      developed cancer. The overall risks for cancer were 1,080, 1,444, and 2,018 per
      100,000 patient-years for recipients of living donor, standard, and expanded
      criteria deceased donor kidneys, respectively. Compared to recipients of living
      donor kidneys, recipients of expanded criteria deceased donor kidneys were at an
      increased risk of cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.52; 95% confidence
      interval [95% CI], 1.15-2.02; P = 0.004), particularly for genitourinary cancer
      (adjusted HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.03-3.10; P = 0.038) and post-transplant
      lymphoproliferative disease (adjusted HR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.38-5.37; P = 0.004).
      CONCLUSION: Recipients of expanded criteria deceased donor kidneys are at
      substantially increased risk of cancer, especially cancers with a viral etiology.
      Allocation of expanded criteria deceased donor kidneys to potential recipients
      should balance the harms, such as the excess risk of cancer against the survival
      gains and quality-of-life benefits associated with transplantation.

PMID- 25119132
TI  - Changes in circulating endothelial cells count could become a valuable tool in
      the diagnostic definition of acute graft-versus-host disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is
      burdened by life-threatening complications, with graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)
      being the major cause of morbility and mortality. Recently, clinical and
      physiopathologic evidences showed that vascular endothelium can be a target of
      GvHD in the early phase and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) represent
      surrogate markers of endothelial damage. METHODS: Using the CellSearch System
      (Veridex LLC, Raritan, NJ), CECs were counted before (T1), after conditioning
      regimen (T2), at engraftment (T3), at GvHD onset (T4), and after steroid
      treatment (T5) in 40 patients (7 Hodgkin's Disease, 13 Acute Myeloblastic
      Leukemia, 5 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, 8 Multiple Myeloma, 3 Chronic
      Lymphocytic Leukemia, 1 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, 1 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, 2
      Severe Aplastic Anemia) undergoing allo-HSCT. RESULTS: The median CEC per
      milliliter at T1 was 20 (n=33, range 4-718), in comparison to a value of 2
      (range, 1-14) in controls (P<0.001). At T3, CEC per milliliter were 47 (range, 16
      148) in GvHD patients and 92 (range, 23-276) in patients without GvHD (P=0.006).
      This difference remained significant in multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 0.97;
      95% confidence interval, 0.96-0.99; P=0.02). At GvHD onset, the relative increase
      of CEC counts from time of engraftment (T4 vs. T3) was 44% (range, -43% to 569%)
      in GvHD patients versus 0% (range, -49% to 2%) in patients without GvHD
      (P=0.003), being confirmed as significant in multivariate analysis (odds ratio,
      1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.08; P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Changes in CEC
      count can represent a promising marker to monitor endothelial damage in patients
      undergoing allo-HSCT and could become a valuable tool in the diagnostic
      definition of GvHD.

PMID- 25119133
TI  - A novel simple noninvasive index to predict renal transplant acute rejection by
      contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the application of quantitative contrast
      enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the assessment of renal allograft dysfunction
      and to establish a new noninvasive index to predict acute rejection (AR).
      METHODS: Fifty-seven renal transplant recipients were enrolled in this
      prospective study. Before renal allograft biopsy, CEUS examinations were
      performed.The biopsy results proved 23 cases of AR (AR group), 10 cases of acute
      tubular necrosis (ATN group), and 24 with normal evolution (stable group).
      Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography parameters including rising time (RT), time to
      peak (TTP), and the delta-time among regions of interest (DeltaRT and DeltaTTP)
      were analyzed. RESULTS: In the AR group, RT and TTP of interlobar artery and
      medulla (RTi, RTm, TTPi, and TTPm) as well as DeltaRT and DeltaTTP between
      medulla and cortex (DeltaRTm-c and DeltaTTPm-c) were significantly higher
      compared with those in the stable group. RTm and TTPm as well as DeltaRTm-c and
      DeltaTTPm-c were remarkably higher compared with those in the ATN group. DeltaRTm
      c and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were identified as independent
      predictors by multivariate analysis (P = 0.008 and P = 0.024). On the basis of
      the multivariate analysis results and area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curves of individual markers, we constructed a new simple index, P
      = -0.587 + 0.286 *DeltaRTm-c - 0.028 * eGFR; new index = e(P)/(1 + e(P)), to
      discriminate AR, which had better area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curves than eGFR or individual CEUS parameters. CONCLUSION:
      Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography parameters are reliable markers for
      differentiating the perfusion status of transplanted kidneys. Furthermore, the
      new simple index can easily predictAR with a high degree of accuracy.

PMID- 25119135
TI  - Ion pairing: from water clusters to the aqueous bulk.

PMID- 25119134
TI  - The outcomes of simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation using donation
      after cardiac death organs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been a remarkable increase in simultaneous liver and kidney
      transplantations (SLK). As organ demand has increased, so has the use of donation
      after cardiac death (DCD). However, little is known about the outcomes of DCD in
      SLK. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis using the United Network for
      Organ Sharing database to compare the outcomes of DCD SLK to donation after brain
      death (DBD) and determine the impact of donor and recipient factors on allograft
      and patient survival. RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2011, a total of 3,026 subjects
      received SLK from DBD and 98 from DCD. Kidney, liver, and patient survival from
      DCD donors were inferior to DBD at 1, 3, and 5 years (P=0.0056, P=0.0035, and
      P=0.0205, respectively). With the use of the Cox model, DCD was a significant
      risk factor for kidney and liver allograft failure and patient mortality.
      Recipient factors that were associated with worse allograft and patient outcomes
      included black race, diabetes, being on a ventilator, hospitalization, delayed
      graft function, hepatocellular carcinoma, and intensive care unit stay. Older age
      of the donor was also associated with worse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Despite the
      decreased allograft and patient survival compared with DBD, DCD SLK provides an
      acceptable option for SLK, with a survival probability of more than 50% at 5
      years.

PMID- 25119136
TI  - The p53-reactivating small molecule RITA induces senescence in head and neck
      cancer cells.
AB  - TP53 is the most commonly mutated gene in head and neck cancer (HNSCC), with
      mutations being associated with resistance to conventional therapy. Restoring
      normal p53 function has previously been investigated via the use of RITA
      (reactivation of p53 and induction of tumor cell apoptosis), a small molecule
      that induces a conformational change in p53, leading to activation of its
      downstream targets. In the current study we found that RITA indeed exerts
      significant effects in HNSCC cells. However, in this model, we found that a
      significant outcome of RITA treatment was accelerated senescence. RITA-induced
      senescence in a variety of p53 backgrounds, including p53 null cells. Also,
      inhibition of p53 expression did not appear to significantly inhibit RITA-induced
      senescence. Thus, this phenomenon appears to be partially p53-independent.
      Additionally, RITA-induced senescence appears to be partially mediated by
      activation of the DNA damage response and SIRT1 (Silent information regulator T1)
      inhibition, with a synergistic effect seen by combining either ionizing radiation
      or SIRT1 inhibition with RITA treatment. These data point toward a novel
      mechanism of RITA function as well as hint to its possible therapeutic benefit in
      HNSCC. 

PMID- 25119137
TI  - Topical, Non-Medicated LOYON((r)) in Facilitating the Removal of Scaling in
      Infants and Children with Cradle Cap: a Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cradle cap is a very common condition in infants that presents as
      greasy, scaly patches on the scalp within the first weeks of life. Although
      usually disappearing by itself, the condition worries parents because of its
      appearance. When removing the scales, it is crucial to prevent spot bleedings to
      avoid infections. The investigational medical device LOYON((r)) (Cetiol((r)) CC,
      dimethicone) solution (G. Pohl-Boskamp GmbH & Co. KG, Hohenlockstedt, Germany)
      has the potential to meet these needs since it removes scales gently. It was,
      therefore, the aim of this proof-of-concept study to assess the efficacy and
      safety of topically applied, non-medicated LOYON((r)) in facilitating the removal
      of scaling in infants and children with cradle cap without inducing spot
      bleedings. METHODS: This single-center, open, proof-of-concept, pilot study was
      conducted in 20 male or female infants/children aged 3-36 months with clinically
      diagnosed cradle cap. The 8-day study period included one to three applications
      of LOYON((r)). Clinical assessment of scaling and secondary parameters was
      performed at baseline and after treatment. Adverse events were recorded. A
      questionnaire on subjective efficacy and usability was handed out to the parents.
      RESULTS: With a maximum of three applications of LOYON((r)) applied to 20
      subjects, a reduction in scaling intensity from moderate or severe to very mild
      or mild was achieved in 80% of the subjects. Treatment success, defined as the
      reduction of the scaling baseline score by at least two points, was achieved in
      50% of subjects. Results of this study do not indicate any safety concern. No
      spot bleedings were observed. LOYON((r)) was generally well tolerated and overall
      treatment was rated as "good" by the parents/legal guardians. CONCLUSION: This
      study suggests that LOYON((r)) is well tolerated, safe and effective in
      facilitating the removal of scaling in infants and children with cradle cap. With
      its gentle approach and rapid effect, LOYON((r)) thus represents a good
      alternative to home remedies for treatment of cradle cap.

PMID- 25119139
TI  - Analysis of the aggregation of an anionic porphyrin with a cationic surfactant at
      the supercritical carbon dioxide-water interface using UV-visible external
      reflection spectrometry.
AB  - An external reflection (ER) spectrometric device was developed to directly
      measure adsorbates at the supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2)-water interface.
      The aggregation of diprotonated species of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H
      porphinetetrasulfonic acid (H4tpps(2-)) at the positively charged SC-CO2-water
      interface, prepared by adsorption by the cetyltrimethylammonium ion (CTA(+)), was
      studied using this device. Orientations of the H4tpps(2-) monomers and J
      aggregates at the SC-CO2-water interface were assessed using s- and p-polarized
      external reflection (ER) spectra. It appeared that the porphyrin plane of the
      H4tpps(2-) monomer was nearly parallel to the SC-CO2-water interface, and that
      the long axis of the rod-like H4tpps(2-) J-aggregate was also nearly parallel to
      the interface. Dependence of the ER spectra on CTA(+) concentration and CO2
      pressure were investigated, and the interfacial CTA(+) concentration was found to
      cause changes in the interfacial H4tpps(2-) species present. Increasing the CO2
      pressure changed the interfacial species from the H4tpps(2-) monomer to the
      H4tpps(2-) J-aggregate because the interfacial CTA(+) concentration increased as
      the pressure increased. This suggests that the interfacial chemical species can
      be changed by controlling the pressure and temperature of the SC-CO2. This is the
      first report of direct measurements of the chemical species at the SC-CO2-water
      interface, as far as we know. 

PMID- 25119140
TI  - Characterization of the peer review network at the Center for Scientific Review,
      National Institutes of Health.
AB  - The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest source of funding for
      biomedical research in the world. This funding is largely effected through a
      competitive grants process. Each year the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) at
      NIH manages the evaluation, by peer review, of more than 55,000 grant
      applications. A relevant management question is how this scientific evaluation
      system, supported by finite resources, could be continuously evaluated and
      improved for maximal benefit to the scientific community and the taxpaying
      public. Towards this purpose, we have created the first system-level description
      of peer review at CSR by applying text analysis, bibliometric, and graph
      visualization techniques to administrative records. We identify otherwise latent
      relationships across scientific clusters, which in turn suggest opportunities for
      structural reorganization of the system based on expert evaluation. Such studies
      support the creation of monitoring tools and provide transparency and knowledge
      to stakeholders. 

PMID- 25119138
TI  - A comparative study of techniques for differential expression analysis on RNA-Seq
      data.
AB  - Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technology allow high-throughput
      cDNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to be widely applied in transcriptomic studies, in
      particular for detecting differentially expressed genes between groups. Many
      software packages have been developed for the identification of differentially
      expressed genes (DEGs) between treatment groups based on RNA-Seq data. However,
      there is a lack of consensus on how to approach an optimal study design and
      choice of suitable software for the analysis. In this comparative study we
      evaluate the performance of three of the most frequently used software tools:
      Cufflinks-Cuffdiff2, DESeq and edgeR. A number of important parameters of RNA-Seq
      technology were taken into consideration, including the number of replicates,
      sequencing depth, and balanced vs. unbalanced sequencing depth within and between
      groups. We benchmarked results relative to sets of DEGs identified through either
      quantitative RT-PCR or microarray. We observed that edgeR performs slightly
      better than DESeq and Cuffdiff2 in terms of the ability to uncover true
      positives. Overall, DESeq or taking the intersection of DEGs from two or more
      tools is recommended if the number of false positives is a major concern in the
      study. In other circumstances, edgeR is slightly preferable for differential
      expression analysis at the expense of potentially introducing more false
      positives. 

PMID- 25119141
TI  - Potassium-sulfur batteries: a new member of room-temperature rechargeable metal
      sulfur batteries.
AB  - We report room-temperature rechargeable potassium-sulfur (K-S) batteries using
      ordered mesoporous carbon (CMK-3)/sulfur and polyanilime (PANI) coated CMK
      3/sulfur composites as the cathode and metallic potassium as the anode. The
      electrochemical reaction mechanism was investigated by electrochemical tests,
      TEM, XRD, and Raman spectra. It was found that K-S batteries delivered two
      reduction peaks located at about 2.1 and 1.8 V and one oxidation peak at about
      2.2 V, respectively. Meanwhile, K2S3 was the major discharge product that could
      be charged to reversibly form S and K ion. Through optimization of sulfur
      content, the CMK-3/sulfur composite with 40.8 wt % S displayed an initial
      discharge capacity of 512.7 mAh g(-1) and a capacity of 202.3 mAh g(-1) after 50
      cycles at a current density of 50 mA g(-1). A coating of conductive polyanilime
      (PANI) on the CMK-3/sulfur composite is effective in enhancing the cycling
      performance. In comparison, PANI@CMK-3/sulfur composite showed a capacity of
      329.3 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles at 50 mA g(-1). The results shed light on the
      basic study of rechargeable K-S batteries. 

PMID- 25119142
TI  - Povarov-type reaction using methyl as new input: direct synthesis of substituted
      quinolines by I2-mediated formal [3 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition.
AB  - A highly efficient molecular iodine mediated formal [3 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition
      reaction for the direct synthesis of substituted quinolines from methyl ketones,
      arylamines, and styrenes is developed. The methyl group of the methyl ketone
      represents uniquely reactive input in the Povarov reaction. A self-sequenced
      iodination/Kornblum oxidation/Povarov/aromatization mechanism has been proposed
      as a possible reaction sequence to account for the results observed in this
      study. 

PMID- 25119143
TI  - Multiscale modeling of the electrostatic impact of self-assembled monolayers used
      as gate dielectric treatment in organic thin-film transistors.
AB  - This study sheds light on the microscopic mechanisms by which self-assembled
      monolayers (SAMs) determine the onset voltage in organic thin-film transistors
      (OTFTs). Experiments and modeling are combined to investigate the self-assembly
      and electrostatic interaction processes in prototypical OTFT structures
      (SiO2/SAM/pentacene), where alkylated and fluoroalkylated silane SAMs are
      compared. The results highlight the coverage-dependent impact of the SAM on the
      density of semiconductor states and enable the rationalization and the control of
      the OTFT characteristics. 

PMID- 25119144
TI  - Do the ends justify the means? A test of alternatives to the FDA proposed
      cigarette warning labels.
AB  - Three studies provide empirical, social scientific tests of alternatives to the
      originally proposed U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cigarette package
      warning labels on health risk beliefs, perceived fear, and effectiveness. Our
      research addresses questions at the root of the legal disputes surrounding FDA
      regulation of cigarette package warning labels. Specifically, we describe results
      from three studies that investigate the mediating role of health beliefs and
      perceived fear in shaping message effectiveness and intentions to quit. The first
      study featured nonsmoking young adults, while the second and third studies
      sampled adult daily smokers. Each study was a randomized experiment with five
      warning-label image conditions: full-color graphic warning labels, black-and
      white graphic warning labels, warning text (no graphic image), Surgeon General's
      warning labels, and no warning. Results consistently indicate that graphic
      warning labels (in both color and black-and-white) promote increased perceptions
      of fear, which in turn are associated with greater (perceived and actual)
      effectiveness. We conclude with a discussion of the results, highlighting
      implications, public policy considerations, and suggestions for future research. 

PMID- 25119145
TI  - Disturbed cortico-amygdalar functional connectivity as pathophysiological
      correlate of working memory deficits in bipolar affective disorder.
AB  - Patients suffering from bipolar affective disorder show deficits in working
      memory functions. In a previous functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we
      observed an abnormal hyperactivity of the amygdala in bipolar patients during
      articulatory rehearsal in verbal working memory. In the present study, we
      investigated the dynamic neurofunctional interactions between the right amygdala
      and the brain systems that underlie verbal working memory in both bipolar
      patients and healthy controls. In total, 18 euthymic bipolar patients and 18
      healthy controls performed a modified version of the Sternberg item-recognition
      (working memory) task. We used the psychophysiological interaction approach in
      order to assess functional connectivity between the right amygdala and the brain
      regions involved in verbal working memory. In healthy subjects, we found
      significant negative functional interactions between the right amygdala and
      multiple cortical brain areas involved in verbal working memory. In comparison
      with the healthy control subjects, bipolar patients exhibited significantly
      reduced functional interactions of the right amygdala particularly with the right
      hemispheric, i.e., ipsilateral, cortical regions supporting verbal working
      memory. Together with our previous finding of amygdala hyperactivity in bipolar
      patients during verbal rehearsal, the present results suggest that a disturbed
      right-hemispheric "cognitive-emotional" interaction between the amygdala and
      cortical brain regions underlying working memory may be responsible for amygdala
      hyperactivation and affects verbal working memory (deficits) in bipolar patients.

PMID- 25119148
TI  - Darzens reaction rate enhancement using aqueous media leading to a high level of
      kinetically controlled diastereoselective synthesis of steroidal epoxyketones.
AB  - Darzens reactions between halocarbonyls and aldehydes have been carried out in
      water in the presence of a Li(+)-containing base, a phase-transfer catalyst, and
      granular polytetrafluoroethylene under mechanical stirring. Reactions using both
      aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes produced epoxides stereoselectively in good to
      excellent yields. This is the first time that aliphatic aldehydes with alpha-H
      have been used in aqueous Darzens reactions. The Darzens reactions were much
      faster in water than in organic solvents. This aqueous rate enhancement occurred
      for Darzens reactions between enantiopure steroidal haloketones and aldehydes,
      yielding enantiopure spiroepoxides with a high level of kinetically controlled
      diastereoselectivity. Chromatography was avoided in the purifications of the
      steroidal spiroepoxides. This is an example of preparing enantiopure epoxyketones
      via aqueous Darzens reaction using chiral alpha-haloketone substrates. 

PMID- 25119147
TI  - Development and evaluation of magnetic microemulsion: tool for targeted delivery
      of camptothecin to BALB/c mice-bearing breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Development and evaluation of camptothecin-loaded-microemulsion (ME) and
      -magnetic microemulsion (MME) for passive/active-targeted delivery to BALB/c mice
      bearing breast cancer. METHODS: Based on the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams
      camptothecin-loaded-MEs and -MMEs were developed using benzyl alcohol:Captex 300
      (3:1), TPGS:Tween 80 (2:1) and water. Furthermore, characterized for their
      droplet size distribution, magnetic susceptibility and effect of droplet size in
      plasma and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo targeting potential, drug release,
      haemolytic potential, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, in vivo biodistribution and
      lactone ring stability. RESULTS: Drug-loaded MEs showed uniform droplet
      distribution, extended drug release (76.07 +/- 4.30% at 24 h), acceptable level
      of haemolytic activity (<20%), significant cytotoxicity (129 +/- 3.9 ng/mL)
      against MCF-7 cancer cells and low DNA damage in lymphocytes. Targeting potential
      of MMEs was documented in 4T1 breast cancer-induced BALB/c mice. MMEs were
      concentrated more at the target tissue on introduction of external magnetic
      field. In vivo biodistribution study documented the active targeting of 5067.56
      +/- 354.72 ng/gm and passive targeting of 1677.58 +/- 134.20 ng/gm camptothecin
      to breast cancer from MME and ME, respectively. Lactone stability study shows
      around 80% of the lactone stable at 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Developed ME and MME may
      act as a promising nanocarrier for efficient targeting of breast cancer tissues.

PMID- 25119146
TI  - DSM-5 reviewed from different angles: goal attainment, rationality, use of
      evidence, consequences--part 1: general aspects and paradigmatic discussion of
      depressive disorders.
AB  - DSM-5 was published in 2013 after about 10 years of preparation. Part 1 of this
      paper discusses several more general aspects of DSM-5 and offers a detailed,
      paradigmatic analysis of changes made to the chapter on depressive disorders. The
      background for the changes is analysed on the basis of a PubMed search and review
      papers on the classification of mental disorders in general and on empirical
      knowledge about individual disorders. Contrary to the original plans, DSM-5 has
      not introduced a primarily dimensional diagnostic system but has widely preserved
      the categorical system of disorders. Also, it has not adopted a more
      neurobiological approach to disorders by including biological markers to increase
      the objectivity of psychiatric diagnoses but has maintained the primarily symptom
      based, descriptive approach. The criteria for some disorders have been changed,
      including affective, schizophrenic and addiction disorders, and a few new
      disorders have been added. A minimal version of the dimensional approach was
      realised through the introduction of several transnosological specifiers and the
      option to make symptom- or syndrome-related severity and dimensional assessments.
      These specifiers and assessments might allow a more individualised description of
      a patient's psychopathological state and more personalised treatment. However,
      most of the symptom- and syndrome-related assessments are not mandatory and
      therefore may not be used in clinical practice.

PMID- 25119149
TI  - Controlled stripes of ultrafine ferroelectric domains.
AB  - In the pursuit of ferroic-based (nano)electronics, it is essential to minutely
      control domain patterns and domain switching. The ability to control domain
      width, orientation and position is a prerequisite for circuitry based on fine
      domains. Here, we develop the underlying theory towards growth of ultra-fine
      domain patterns, substantiate the theory by numerical modelling of practical
      situations and implement the gained understanding using the most widely applied
      ferroelectric, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3, demonstrating controlled stripes of 10 nm wide
      domains that extend in one direction along tens of micrometres. The observed
      electrical conductivity along these thin domains embedded in the otherwise
      insulating film confirms their potential for electronic applications.

PMID- 25119151
TI  - Bani Adam: Saadi Shirazi (AD 1184-1283/1291) and the concept of empathy.

PMID- 25119150
TI  - Temporal and spatial distribution of the aquaporin 1 in spinal cord and dorsal
      root ganglia after traumatic injuries of the sciatic nerve.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aquaporin family comprises a large family of integral membrane
      proteins that enable the movement of water and other small, neutral solutes
      across plasma membranes. Although function and mechanism of aquaporins in central
      nervous system injury have been reported, the pathophysiologic role of aquaporin
      1 (AQP1) in peripheral nerve has not been extensively documented. In the present
      study, we aimed to study the temporal and spatial distribution of AQP1 in spinal
      cord and dorsal root ganglia after sciatic nerve injury. METHODS: Forty-eight
      adult female mice were randomly divided into four groups (intact controls, sham
      operated, cut injury, and crush injury). Animals receiving cut or crush injuries
      were sacrificed at the 2nd, 24th, and 48th postoperative hours. Spinal cord
      samples at the level of lumbosacral intumescences and corresponding dorsal root
      ganglia on the experimental and contralateral side were dissected free and
      proceeded to AQP1 immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Our quantitative estimations
      revealed that a sharp increase in AQP1 immunoreactivity at the 24th postoperative
      hour was observed. This sharp increase was no more evident at 48 h after sciatic
      nerve injury. Identical peak was observed after both cut and crush injuries.
      CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that there was a temporal relationship with an
      increased expression of AQP1 following injury sustained to the sciatic nerve that
      was significantly observed in dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord. Those
      expressions were also subsided over time.

PMID- 25119152
TI  - A hybrid technique for ventriculoatrial shunt implantation--technical note.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to present the new hybrid technique for
      ventriculoatrial shunt implantation. METHODS: Two-and-a-half-year-old boy needed
      ventriculoatrial shunt implantation due to communicating hydrocephalus and
      impaired absorptive ability of the peritoneum. Because of a complete occlusion of
      the right internal jugular vein and critical stenosis of a distal part of the
      left internal jugular vein, the procedure was performed under fluoroscopy
      guidance in the catheterisation laboratory equipped with a 3-dimensional single
      plane angiography machine (Philips Allura--The Netherlands). At the level of
      critical stenosis of the left jugular vein, it was decided to perform a
      percutaneous venous balloon angioplasty. This procedure allowed inserting the
      ventriculoatrial shunt into the right atrium. RESULTS: The whole postoperative
      period was uneventful. Now, the child is free from symptoms of increased
      intracranial pressure. The boy has been followed for 9 months. In the control MRI
      examination, the ventricular system did not change as compared with the previous
      study. CONCLUSION: The disadvantage of the hemodynamic technique is a higher dose
      of X-ray irradiation in comparison to other techniques. The hybrid technique
      should be reserved only to very complicated cases.

PMID- 25119154
TI  - The importance of radiation worker studies.

PMID- 25119153
TI  - Neurocutaneous melanosis is associated with tethered spinal cord.
AB  - PURPOSE: Neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) is a rare congenital disorder occurring
      in children born with multiple or large congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) in
      association with melanocytic deposits in the leptomeninges. Multiple associations
      between NCM and other syndromes or neurologic abnormalities have been reported.
      Of note, there exists a possible association between NCM and tethered cord (TC).
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts and films of all patients with the
      diagnosis of NCM at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP) from August 2002
      to present. RESULTS: Five children met the criteria for NCM at our institution
      over a 12-year period. Apart from the melanocytic deposits, one or more
      additional spinal abnormalities were identified in all children. Three children
      had radiographic evidence of a low-lying conus medullaris, two of which also
      demonstrated lipomatous infiltration of the filum terminale, consistent with a
      tethered cord (TC). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical features of NCM include dermatologic
      and neurologic manifestations. To date, this is the first series to note an
      association between NCM and TC. While nearly all recent series of NCM patients
      advocate early MRI of the neuroaxis, we recommend screening imaging of the spine
      on children with possible NCM regardless of the locations of CMN.

PMID- 25119156
TI  - Reference selection influences the reliability of conclusions.

PMID- 25119158
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging in acute hamstring injury: can we provide a return to
      play prognosis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sports physicians are increasingly requested to perform magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) of acute hamstring muscle injuries and to provide a
      prognosis of the time to return to play (RTP) on the basis of their findings.
      OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the literature on the prognostic value of
      MRI findings for time to RTP in acute hamstring muscle injuries. DATA SOURCES:
      The databases of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were
      searched in June 2013. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies evaluating MRI as a
      prognostic tool for determining time to RTP in athletes with acute hamstring
      injuries were eligible for inclusion. DATA ANALYSIS: Two authors independently
      screened the search results and assessed risk of bias using criteria for quality
      appraisal of prognosis studies. A best-evidence synthesis was used to identify
      the level of evidence. RESULTS: Of the 12 studies included, one had a low risk of
      bias and 11 a high risk of bias. There is moderate evidence that injuries without
      hyperintensity on fluid-sensitive sequences are associated with a shorter time to
      RTP and that injuries involving the proximal free tendon are associated with a
      longer time to RTP. Limited evidence was found for an association of central
      tendon disruption, injury not affecting the musculotendinous junction and a total
      rupture with a longer time to RTP. The other MRI findings studied showed either
      no association or there was conflicting evidence. CONCLUSION: There is currently
      no strong evidence for any MRI finding that gives a prognosis on the time to RTP
      after an acute hamstring injury, owing to considerable risks of bias in the
      studies on this topic.

PMID- 25119157
TI  - Cooling athletes with a spinal cord injury.
AB  - Cooling strategies that help prevent a reduction in exercise capacity whilst
      exercising in the heat have received considerable research interest over the past
      3 decades, especially in the lead up to a relatively hot Olympic and Paralympic
      Games. Progressing into the next Olympic/Paralympic cycle, the host, Rio de
      Janeiro, could again present an environmental challenge for competing athletes.
      Despite the interest and vast array of research into cooling strategies for the
      able-bodied athlete, less is known regarding the application of these cooling
      strategies in the thermoregulatory impaired spinal cord injured (SCI) athletic
      population. Individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) have a reduced afferent
      input to the thermoregulatory centre and a loss of both sweating capacity and
      vasomotor control below the level of the spinal cord lesion. The magnitude of
      this thermoregulatory impairment is proportional to the level of the lesion. For
      instance, individuals with high-level lesions (tetraplegia) are at a greater risk
      of heat illness than individuals with lower-level lesions (paraplegia) at a given
      exercise intensity. Therefore, cooling strategies may be highly beneficial in
      this population group, even in moderate ambient conditions (~21  degrees C). This
      review was undertaken to examine the scientific literature that addresses the
      application of cooling strategies in individuals with an SCI. Each method is
      discussed in regards to the practical issues associated with the method and the
      potential underlying mechanism. For instance, site-specific cooling would be more
      suitable for an athlete with an SCI than whole body water immersion, due to the
      practical difficulties of administering this method in this population group.
      From the studies reviewed, wearing an ice vest during intermittent sprint
      exercise has been shown to decrease thermal strain and improve performance. These
      garments have also been shown to be effective during exercise in the able-bodied.
      Drawing on additional findings from the able-bodied literature, the combination
      of methods used prior to and during exercise and/or during rest periods/half-time
      may increase the effectiveness of a strategy. However, due to the paucity of
      research involving athletes with an SCI, it is difficult to establish an optimal
      cooling strategy. Future studies are needed to ensure that research outcomes can
      be translated into meaningful performance enhancements by investigating cooling
      strategies under the constraints of actual competition. Cooling strategies that
      meet the demands of intermittent wheelchair sports need to be identified, with
      particular attention to the logistics of the sport.

PMID- 25119159
TI  - Effect of (a)synchronous light fluctuation on diversity, functional and
      structural stability of a marine phytoplankton metacommunity.
AB  - Disentangling the mechanisms that maintain the stability of communities and
      ecosystem properties has become a major research focus in ecology in the face of
      anthropogenic environmental change. Dispersal plays a pivotal role in maintaining
      diversity in spatially subdivided communities, but only a few experiments have
      simultaneously investigated how dispersal and environmental fluctuation affect
      community dynamics and ecosystem stability. We performed an experimental study
      using marine phytoplankton species as model organisms to test these mechanisms in
      a metacommunity context. We established three levels of dispersal and exposed the
      phytoplankton to fluctuating light levels, where fluctuations were either
      spatially asynchronous or synchronous across patches of the metacommunity.
      Dispersal had no effect on diversity and ecosystem function (biomass), while
      light fluctuations affected both evenness and community biomass. The temporal
      variability of community biomass was reduced by fluctuating light and temporal
      beta diversity was influenced interactively by dispersal and fluctuation, whereas
      spatial variability in community biomass and beta diversity were barely affected
      by treatments. Along the establishing gradient of species richness and dominance,
      community biomass increased but temporal variability of biomass decreased, thus
      highest stability was associated with species-rich but highly uneven communities
      and less influenced by compensatory dynamics. In conclusion, both specific traits
      (dominance) and diversity (richness) affected the stability of metacommunities
      under fluctuating conditions. 

PMID- 25119155
TI  - Physical activity, air pollution and the brain.
AB  - This review introduces an emerging research field that is focused on studying the
      effect of exposure to air pollution during exercise on cognition, with specific
      attention to the impact on concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor
      (BDNF) and inflammatory markers. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that regular
      physical activity enhances cognition, and evidence suggests that BDNF, a
      neurotrophin, plays a key role in the mechanism. Today, however, air pollution is
      an environmental problem worldwide and the high traffic density, especially in
      urban environments and cities, is a major cause of this problem. During exercise,
      the intake of air pollution increases considerably due to an increased
      ventilation rate and particle deposition fraction. Recently, air pollution
      exposure has been linked to adverse effects on the brain such as cognitive
      decline and neuropathology. Inflammation and oxidative stress seem to play an
      important role in inducing these health effects. We believe that there is a need
      to investigate whether the well-known benefits of regular physical activity on
      the brain also apply when physical activity is performed in polluted air. We also
      report our findings about exercising in an environment with ambient levels of air
      pollutants. Based on the latter results, we hypothesize that traffic-related air
      pollution exposure during exercise may inhibit the positive effect of exercise on
      cognition. 

PMID- 25119161
TI  - Production of arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids by the marine oomycete
      Halophytophthora.
AB  - Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are fatty acids with more than one double
      bond in the chemical structure. Arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4 (n-6)) and
      eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 22:5 (n-3)) are common PUFAs with beneficial health
      effects. Marine fish and meat are the main sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty
      acids in human's diet, respectively. In particular, there is a general decline in
      fish catch, implicating the need for an alternative source of omega-3 fatty
      acids. Previous studies have examined the production of polyunsaturated fatty
      acids including ARA and EPA by various microorganisms, including microalgae,
      fungi, and thraustochytrids. In this study, the production of ARA and EPA by 10
      isolates of four estuarine Halophytophthora species (Halophytophthora avicenniae,
      Halophytophthora polymorphica, Halophytophthora vesicula, and Halophytophthora
      spinosa var. spinosa) cultured from fallen mangrove leaves in Taiwan was
      examined. The yield of ARA ranged from 0.004 to 0.052 g/L with the highest yield
      of ARA obtained from H. spinosa var. spinosa IMB162, but no or a very low level
      of EPA was produced by IMB162. For EPA production by Halophytophthora spp., the
      yield ranged from 0 to 0.047 g/L. Percentage of ARA in total fatty acid ranged
      between 7.16 and 25.02%. One-way ANOVA analysis using Tukey Test (p >= 0.05)
      suggested that there is significant difference in the percentage of EPA in total
      fatty acid produced by the isolates, which ranged from 0.01 to 18.42%. BODIPY
      505/515 fluorescent staining suggests that lipid bodies were evenly distributed
      in the mycelia of Halophytophthora species.

PMID- 25119160
TI  - A tree-ring perspective on the terrestrial carbon cycle.
AB  - Tree-ring records can provide valuable information to advance our understanding
      of contemporary terrestrial carbon cycling and to reconstruct key metrics in the
      decades preceding monitoring data. The growing use of tree rings in carbon-cycle
      research is being facilitated by increasing recognition of reciprocal benefits
      among research communities. Yet, basic questions persist regarding what tree
      rings represent at the ecosystem level, how to optimally integrate them with
      other data streams, and what related challenges need to be overcome. It is also
      apparent that considerable unexplored potential exists for tree rings to refine
      assessments of terrestrial carbon cycling across a range of temporal and spatial
      domains. Here, we summarize recent advances and highlight promising paths of
      investigation with respect to (1) growth phenology, (2) forest productivity
      trends and variability, (3) CO2 fertilization and water-use efficiency, (4)
      forest disturbances, and (5) comparisons between observational and computational
      forest productivity estimates. We encourage the integration of tree-ring data:
      with eddy-covariance measurements to investigate carbon allocation patterns and
      water-use efficiency; with remotely sensed observations to distinguish the timing
      of cambial growth and leaf phenology; and with forest inventories to develop
      continuous, annually-resolved and long-term carbon budgets. In addition, we note
      the potential of tree-ring records and derivatives thereof to help evaluate the
      performance of earth system models regarding the simulated magnitude and dynamics
      of forest carbon uptake, and inform these models about growth responses to (non
      )climatic drivers. Such efforts are expected to improve our understanding of
      forest carbon cycling and place current developments into a long-term
      perspective. 

PMID- 25119162
TI  - Predicted effects of gypsy moth defoliation and climate change on forest carbon
      dynamics in the New Jersey pine barrens.
AB  - Disturbance regimes within temperate forests can significantly impact carbon
      cycling. Additionally, projected climate change in combination with multiple,
      interacting disturbance effects may disrupt the capacity of forests to act as
      carbon sinks at large spatial and temporal scales. We used a spatially explicit
      forest succession and disturbance model, LANDIS-II, to model the effects of
      climate change, gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) defoliation, and wildfire on the
      C dynamics of the forests of the New Jersey Pine Barrens over the next century.
      Climate scenarios were simulated using current climate conditions (baseline), as
      well as a high emissions scenario (HadCM3 A2 emissions scenario). Our results
      suggest that long-term changes in C cycling will be driven more by climate change
      than by fire or gypsy moths over the next century. We also found that simulated
      disturbances will affect species composition more than tree growth or C
      sequestration rates at the landscape level. Projected changes in tree species
      biomass indicate a potential increase in oaks with climate change and gypsy moth
      defoliation over the course of the 100-year simulation, exacerbating current
      successional trends towards increased oak abundance. Our research suggests that
      defoliation under climate change may play a critical role in increasing the
      variability of tree growth rates and in determining landscape species composition
      over the next 100 years. 

PMID- 25119163
TI  - Reduction in the size of enlarged pelvic lymph nodes after chemoradiation therapy
      is associated with fewer lymph node metastases in locally advanced rectal
      carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: We hypothesized that a reduction in the size of the lymph nodes after
      neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal carcinoma would be associated
      with decreased lymph node metastases and/or a better prognosis. METHODS: Between
      March 2006 and April 2012, 71 patients with primary rectal cancer received
      neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT). For all lymph nodes 5 mm or larger in
      size, the major and minor axes were measured on CT scan images, and the product
      was calculated. The lymph node size was determined before and after CRT. The
      patients were divided into three groups based on the lymph node size before and
      after treatment. Group A exhibited a reduction in size of 60% or more, Group B a
      reduction of less than 60% and Group C had no lymph node enlargement before
      treatment. RESULTS: The incidence of lymph node metastases on pathological
      examination was 15% in Group A and 50% in Group B (p = 0.006). The five-year
      disease-free survival in Group A was 84% compared with 78% in Group B (log rank p
      = 0.34). The five-year overall survival in Group A was 92% compared with 74% in
      Group B (log rank p = 0.088). CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in the size of enlarged
      lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy may be a useful prognostic factor for
      recurrence and survival.

PMID- 25119167
TI  - In memoriam Professor Przemyslaw Gabryel (01.12.1919 - 27.04.2014).

PMID- 25119165
TI  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-6 levels in the serum and
      cerebrospinal fluid of children with viral infection-induced encephalopathy.
AB  - We investigated changes in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and
      interleukin (IL)-6 levels in pediatric patients with central nervous system (CNS)
      infections, particularly viral infection-induced encephalopathy. Over a 5-year
      study period, 24 children hospitalized with encephalopathy were grouped based on
      their acute encephalopathy type (the excitotoxicity, cytokine storm, and
      metabolic error types). Children without CNS infections served as controls. In
      serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, BDNF and IL-6 levels were increased
      in all encephalopathy groups, and significant increases were noted in the
      influenza-associated and cytokine storm encephalopathy groups. Children with
      sequelae showed higher BDNF and IL-6 levels than those without sequelae. In
      pediatric patients, changes in serum and CSF BDNF and IL-6 levels may serve as a
      prognostic index of CNS infections, particularly for the diagnosis of
      encephalopathy and differentiation of encephalopathy types. 

PMID- 25119164
TI  - The beneficial effect of chitooligosaccharides on cell behavior and function of
      primary Schwann cells is accompanied by up-regulation of adhesion proteins and
      neurotrophins.
AB  - Chitosan-based tissue engineered nerve grafts are successfully used for bridging
      peripheral nerve gaps. The biodegradation products of chitosan are water
      dissolvable chitooligosaccharides (COSs), which have been shown to support
      peripheral nerve regeneration. In this study, we aimed to examine in vitro
      interactions between COSs and Schwann cells (SCs), the principal glial cells in
      the peripheral nervous system. Treatment of primary SCs with COSs enhanced cell
      survival and promoted cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner (0.25-1.0
      mg/ml), as determined by real-time cell analyzer-based assay, cell growth assay,
      cell cycle analysis, and EdU incorporation. Western blot analysis and
      immunocytochemistry with antibodies against MBP and MAG (two myelin-specific
      markers) showed that COSs enhanced axonal myelination in a co-culture system
      consisting of SCs and dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). Furthermore, we observed that
      COSs enhanced the protein expression of N-cadherin and beta-catenin in primary
      SCs, and also increased the release of BDNF and NGF in co-culture of SCs with
      DRGs. And we also noted that knockdown of N-cadherin in primary SCs reduced COSs
      induced increase in cell proliferation. Our findings suggested that beneficial
      effects of COSs on cell behavior and functions of primary SCs might be
      accompanied by up-regulation of adhesion proteins and neurotrophins, thus
      providing a new insight into the supportive role of COSs during peripheral nerve
      regeneration.

PMID- 25119168
TI  - Review of renal tumors associated with Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome with focus on
      clinical and pathobiological aspects.
AB  - Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome (BHDS) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder
      characterized by clinical features of skin lesions, pulmonary lesions and renal
      tumor. The gene responsible for this syndrome is located on chromosome 17p11.2
      and designated as FLCN. In this article, we review renal tumors associated with
      BHDS with a focus on clinical and pathobiological aspects. Renal tumors often
      occur multifocally or bilaterally in the imaging analyses or gross examination.
      Histological examination of renal tumors includes a variety of subtypes such as
      hybrid oncocytic tumor, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC), oncocytoma, clear
      cell RCC and papillary RCC. The histologic discordance in multiple tumors seems
      to be characteristic of this syndrome. Oncocytosis is observed histologically in
      about half of the cases. Several investigations have elucidated that folliculin
      may be involved in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway recently.
      Renal tumors composed of clear cells may behave in an aggressive fashion.
      However, renal tumors including hybrid oncocytic tumor, chromophobe RCC and
      oncocytoma behave mostly in an indolent fashion. 

PMID- 25119169
TI  - Ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas usually retained SMAD4 and p53 protein
      status as well as expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers and
      cell cycle regulators at the stage of liver metastasis.
AB  - There are limited data on the biology of metastatic pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of the present study was to compare the expression
      of immunohistochemical markers that may be involved in the development of
      metastatic disease in primary PDAC and in synchronous liver metastatic tissues.
      Thirty-two stains (corresponding to proteins encoded by 31 genes: SMAD4, TP53,
      ACTA2, CDH1, CDKN1A, CLDN1, CLDN4, CLDN7, CTNNB1, EGFR, ERBB2, FN1, KRT19,
      MAPK1/MAPK3, MAPK14, MKI67, MMP2, MMP9, MUC1 (3 antibodies), MUC5AC, MUC6, MTOR,
      MYC, NES, PTGS2, RPS6, RPS6KB1, TGFB1, TGFBR1, VIM) were evaluated using tissue
      microarray of 26 pairs of primary PDACs and their liver metastases. There were no
      significant differences in expression levels of examined proteins between primary
      and secondary lesions. In particular, metastatic PDAC retained the primary
      tumour's SMAD4 protein status in all and p53 protein status in all but one case.
      This surprising homogeneity also involved expression levels of markers of
      epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as well as cell cycle regulators studied. In
      conclusion, the biological profiles of primary PDACs and their liver metastases
      seemed to be similar. Molecular alterations of PDAC related to a set of
      immunohistochemical markers examined in the present study were already present at
      the stage of localized disease. 

PMID- 25119170
TI  - Selected immunohistochemical features of conventional renal cell carcinomas
      coexpressing P53 and MDM2.
AB  - Renal clear cell carcinoma (CCRCC) is an aggressive tumor for which new
      prognostic factors are needed. It has been suggested that CCRCCs co-expressing
      P53 and MDM2 could represent a special subgroup; therefore the aim of this study
      was to explore their immunohistochemical features. The material studied consisted
      of 470 cases of CCRCC. Immunohistochemistry for MDM2, P53, Ki-67, VEGF-A, VEGF-C,
      VEGF-D, GLUT1, CA9, and CK 7 was performed on tissue microarrays and assessed
      semi-quantitatively. On average, 6.6% or 5.3% of cases were P53+/MDM2+, depending
      on the P53 antibody used. The mean percentage of Ki-67 positive cells was 0.6%
      and p53-positive MDM2-positive cases showed significantly higher expression of Ki
      67. The other immunohistochemical parameters studied did not differ between p53
      positive MDM2-positive cases and the rest of the subtypes studied. Expression of
      almost all immunohistochemical markers differed with respect to pT stage; only
      for CA9 was the difference not significant. Furthermore, almost all
      immunohistochemical markers studied differed with respect to differences in
      grade; only for GLUT1 was the difference not significant. Our results suggest
      that with the exception of Ki-67, there are no significant associations between
      analyzed markers and the double P53+/MDM2+ phenotype. 

PMID- 25119171
TI  - Histochemical and immunohistochemical characteristics of elastofibromas.
AB  - Elastofibromas are slow-growing and rare soft-tissue tumors. The etiology and
      pathogenetic mechanisms are still controversial and there are only a few studies
      in the literature investigating the histochemical, immunohistochemical, and
      genetic features to determine the pathogenesis. We investigated the cellular
      composition of lesions with a diagnosis of elastofibroma in 17 patients by using
      histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. There were 17 cases with a mean
      age of 53.5 years. Mean lesion diameter was 6.6 cm. The immunohistochemical
      method showed vimentin and factor XIIIa positivity in all cases. Four cases had
      focal myoglobin positivity in the spindle-shaped cells between the collagen
      fibers. Spindle cells were positive for CD34 in 8 cases. Smooth muscle actin,
      desmin, type 4 collagen and laminin were negative in all cases. The elastic
      nature of the abnormal fibers was shown histoch with Verhoeff elastin staining
      and aldehyde fuchsin staining in all cases. Our results have shown that the
      concurrent positivity of factor XIIIa and CD34 in the cells forming the lesion
      might show that the lesionoriginates from primitive dermal mesenchymal cells. In
      addition, the myoglobin positivity found in some cases indicates the possibility
      of a myofibroblastic origin of elastofibromas. 

PMID- 25119172
TI  - The influence of Th1/Th2 and CD4+ regulatory t cells of mesenteric lymph nodes on
      systemic lipopolysaccharide.
AB  - Our aims were to study the influence of the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of rats
      on systemic lipopolysaccharide and to identify the factor that affects the
      intestinal endotoxin translocation. Ninety-six male Wistar rats were randomly
      divided into a sham-operation group (S group) and a cecal ligation and
      perforation group (CLP group). Twenty-four hours after modeling, we tested the
      Th1/Th2 ratio and percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg in the MLN. At the same
      time, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the abdominal aortic blood was detected. In
      the CLP group, the Th1/Th2 ratio was obviously lower than in the S group.
      Otherwise, the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg of the CLP group was
      significantly higher than the S group. In the abdominal aortic blood, the LPS
      level of the CLP group was also higher than in the S group. Through correlation
      analysis, we found that the level of LPS was positively correlated with the
      percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg, and negatively correlated with the Th1/Th2
      ratio. This model reveals that the immune suppression of the MLN might affect the
      level of LPS in the abdominal aortic blood, which might play a certain role in
      affecting the endotoxin translocation. 

PMID- 25119173
TI  - Parotid gland tumors in children - pre- and postoperative diagnostic
      difficulties.
AB  - Major salivary gland tumors are very rare in the developmental period. Confirming
      tumor changes in the salivary gland requires precise diagnostic imaging involving
      an ultrasonography scan, computed tomography and magnetic resonance. Needle
      aspiration biopsy (NAB) of the tumor is of high importance. Excision is the basic
      treatment method in cases of parotid gland tumor. The statistical data concerning
      tumors favor less invasive methods, which seems logical in the population of
      children. The surgical methods used in tumor treatment feature extracapsular
      excision of tumor, partial parotidectomy and total parotidectomy, sometimes
      followed by lymphatic node surgery. The clinical cases presented in the paper
      show difficulties with pre- and postoperative histopathological diagnosis in
      major salivary gland tumors in children. A core biopsy of the tumor may improve
      the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis but it does not exclude the possibility of
      misdiagnosis. 

PMID- 25119174
TI  - Expression of insulin-like growth factor receptor type 1 correlate with lymphatic
      metastases in human gastric cancer.
AB  - Most patients with gastric cancer are diagnosed at advanced clinical stages with
      a high frequency of lymph node metastasis. It is very important to find novel
      factors for the early diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of gastric cancer. It
      has been shown that IGF-1R activates mitotic division and inhibits apoptosis of
      cancer cells through the activation of signaling MAP/ERK and PI3K/Akt-1 pathways.
      IGF-1R plays a role in cell transformation and maintenance of the phenotype in
      modified cells. Moreover, an IGF-1 receptor effect influences the processes of
      adhesion, migration, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. The aim of the study
      was to assess the expression of IGF-1R in gastric carcinoma in correlation with
      selected anatomo-clinical parameters. The study enrolled a group of 49 patients
      treated surgically for gastric cancer. 28 patients had no lymph node metastases.
      The expression of the studied proteins was assessed using the immunohistochemical
      method. We found that the expression of IGF-1R in gastric cancer is associated
      with lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), is correlated with worse prognosis and
      high histological malignancy grade, and is an independent predictor of survival
      in patients with gastric cancer (p < 0.001). IGF-1R may play an important role in
      tumor growth and metastasis via the lymphatic pathway. 

PMID- 25119175
TI  - Polymorphism of the glutathione S-transferase P1 gene (GST-pi) in breast
      carcinoma.
AB  - Breast carcinoma is the most common cancer and cause of death among females
      worldwide, including Jordan. The risk factors for breast carcinoma are linked to
      DNA mutation and failure of DNA repair or detoxification systems. Identification
      of susceptibility factors that predispose individuals to breast carcinoma if they
      are exposed to particular environmental agents might give further insight into
      the etiology of this malignancy. The glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme
      family detoxifies carcinogenic compounds. Several genes that code for these
      enzymes are polymorphic, with particular genotypes previously shown to confer an
      increased carcinoma risk. The present study investigates GST-pi polymorphism in
      100-tissue samples previously diagnosed as breast carcinoma, and in 48 non-cancer
      age-matched breast tissues, using the restriction fragment length polymorphism
      (RFLP) method for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product. Among breast
      cancer cases, 58%, 40% and 2% were homozygous (Ile/Ile), heterozygous (Ile/Val)
      and homozygous (Val/Val) respectively. In the control group, 58%, 37.5% and 4.2%
      were homozygous (Ile/Ile), heterozygous (Ile/Val), and homozygous (Val/Val)
      respectively. Our results did not support the involvement of GST-pi gene
      polymorphism in susceptibility to breast carcinoma in the tested North Jordanian
      female population. 

PMID- 25119176
TI  - Mast cell phenotype in benign and malignant tumors of the prostate.
AB  - The molecular phenotypic heterogeneity of mast cells (MCs) makes them attractive
      as potential therapeutic targets in anti-cancer adjuvant therapy. Mast cell
      aggregations observed in tumors suggested their involvement in tumor
      pathogenesis. Despite several studies using mast cell tryptase, MCs' involvement
      in the progression of prostate tumors has not been demonstrated. The aim of our
      study was to identify and quantify the phenotypic heterogeneity of MCs in
      prostate lesions. Our study included 7 cases of normal prostate, 25 cases of
      benign epithelial hyperplasia and 64 cases of prostate carcinoma. MCs were
      immunohistochemically assessed using three markers: tryptase, chymase and CD117.
      Two immunophenotypes of MCs were identified in benign lesions:
      tryptase+/CD117+/chymase- and tryptase-/chymase+/CD117+, located in peritumoral
      areas. Intratumoral MC phenotype of malignant lesions was characterized by
      tryptase+/chymase+/CD117+, while in the peritumoral areas three different MCs
      phenotypes were identified: tryptase+/chymase+/CD117-, tryptase+/CD117+/chymase-
      and chymase+/CD117+/tryptase-. Our results suggest the correlation of chymase
      positive MCs of the peritumoral areas and CD117 positive MCs of the intratumoral
      areas with tumor grade. 

PMID- 25119177
TI  - Bilateral Sertoli cell adenoma in gonads, associated with serous cystadenoma.
AB  - Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome is an extremely infrequent disease. The
      patients exhibit female phenotype because of insensitivity to the androgen
      receptor and may develop tumors, especially in their undescended gonads. We
      report a case of bilateral Sertoli cell adenoma in gonads with unilateral serous
      cystadenoma, in an elderly phenotypic woman with primary amenorrhea. We also
      provide radiological and pathological studies. 

PMID- 25119178
TI  - Renal myxoma: an unexpected differential diagnosis.
AB  - Myxomas are rare mesenchymal tumors that can appear in many anatomical locations,
      although they are mainly seen in heart and skin. To date, only twelve cases of
      pure renal myxomas have been reported in the literature. We describe a case of a
      young Cuban woman with an asymptomatic irregular cyst lesion in her left kidney
      which was eventually diagnosed as renal myxoma. We also provide radiological and
      pathological studies.

PMID- 25119179
TI  - Re: co-existence of intramuscular spindle cell lipoma with an intramuscular
      ordinary lipoma. Report of a case.

PMID- 25119180
TI  - Melanotic oncocytic metaplasia of the nasopharynx.
AB  - We report a rare case of melanotic oncocytic metaplasia of the nasopharynx in a
      63-year-old man, presenting as several black nodules up to several millimeters at
      the nasopharynx. It is a benign mimicker of malignant melanoma. 

PMID- 25119181
TI  - A prospective study of biomarker-guided chemotherapy in patients with non-small
      cell lung cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the therapeutic value of biomarker-guided chemotherapy in
      patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Eighty-five
      NSCLC patients at stage IIIb or IV were divided into two groups based on the
      feasibility of biomarker analysis. Group A included patients with biomarker data
      (n = 41); Group B were patients without biomarker results (n = 44). Tumor samples
      obtained by fiberoptic bronchoscopy and computerized tomography-guided needle
      biopsy were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for intratumoral level of excision
      repair cross-complementing gene 1 (ERCC1), ribonucleotide reductase M1 (RRM1),
      and beta-tubulin III. Chemotherapy regimens in Group A were determined according
      to the status of molecular signatures, whereas a standard gemcitabine plus
      cisplatin regimen was used for Group B. Tumor response, patient survival, and
      adverse effects were monitored for both groups. RESULTS: The overall response
      rate, defined as complete response plus partial response, was 56.1% for Group A,
      significantly higher than that in Group B (31.8%; P = 0.024). The median
      progression-free survival (PFS) time was 5.2 months for Group A, significantly
      longer than that of Group B (4.1 months; P = 0.026). The 1-year survival rate of
      Group A was 65.9%, significantly higher than that of Group B (40.9%; P = 0.021),
      whereas the median overall survival times were 13.5 versus 12.5 months for Groups
      A and B, respectively (P = 0.483). The adverse effects in the two groups were
      essentially the same. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarker-tailored chemotherapy based on
      ERCC1, RRM1, and beta-tubulin III expression showed significantly increased
      response rate, median PFS time, and 1-year survival rate in patients with NSCLC.

PMID- 25119183
TI  - The combination of Cl-IB-MECA with paclitaxel: a new anti-metastatic therapeutic
      strategy for melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Metastatic melanoma is considered one of the most aggressive malignant
      tumours, representing the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma progression is
      associated with the abrogation of normal controls that limit cell proliferation,
      migration, and invasion, eventually leading to metastasis. Based on the variety
      of cellular mechanisms involved in metastatic progression, we aimed to evaluate
      the effect of inosine (50 MUM) and of the combination of Cl-IB-MECA (10 MUM) with
      paclitaxel (10 ng/mL) on several stages of melanoma progression. METHODS:
      Proliferation, migration, adhesion, invasion, and colony formation assays were
      performed on human C32 and A375 metastatic melanoma cells. Levels of ERK1/2 were
      also determined using an ELISA kit. Moreover, mouse aortic rings were treated
      with vascular endothelial growth factor in order to assess the microvessel
      sprouting (an indicator of angiogenesis) in the presence of the referred
      compounds. RESULTS: We demonstrate that inosine induced, through A3 adenosine
      receptor activation, proliferation, migration, adhesion, and invasion on C32 and
      A375 melanoma cells, although with dissimilar importance on the two melanoma cell
      lines. Inosine also increased colony formation on A375 cells. Levels of ERK1/2
      were increased after inosine exposure and that increase was dependent on A3
      adenosine receptor activation in both cell lines. Moreover, microvessel sprouting
      stimulated by inosine was decreased by the combination of Cl-IB-MECA with
      paclitaxel. CONCLUSIONS: Cl-IB-MECA combined with paclitaxel was able to impair
      almost all of the referred metastatic related mechanisms induced by inosine,
      making this approach a valuable tool for combinatory therapy against metastatic
      melanoma.

PMID- 25119182
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics of daunorubicin in children: a report from
      the Children's Oncology Group.
AB  - PURPOSE: We explored the impact of obesity, body composition, and genetic
      polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of daunorubicin in children with
      cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients <=21 years receiving daunorubicin as an
      infusion of any duration <24 h for any type of cancer were eligible. Plasma drug
      concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Body
      composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Obesity was defined
      as a BMI >95% for age or as body fat >30%. NONMEM was used to perform PK model
      fitting. The Affymetrix DMET chip was used for genotyping. The impact of genetic
      polymorphisms was investigated using SNP/haplotype association analysis with
      estimated individual PK parameters. RESULTS: A total of 107 subjects were
      enrolled, 98 patients had PK sampling, and 50 patients underwent DNA analysis.
      Population estimates for daunorubicin clearance and volume of distribution were
      116 L/m(2)/h +/- 14% and 68.1 L/m(2) +/- 24%, respectively. Apparent
      daunorubicinol clearance and volume of distribution were 26.8 L/m(2)/h +/- 5.6%
      and 232 L/m(2) +/- 10%, respectively. No effect of body composition or obesity
      was observed on PK. Forty-four genes with variant haplotypes were tested for
      association with PK. FMO3-H1/H3 genotype was associated with lower daunorubicin
      clearance than FMO3-H1/H1, p = 0.00829. GSTP1*B/*B genotype was also associated
      with lower daunorubicin clearance compared to GSTP1*A/*A, p = 0.0347. However,
      neither of these associations was significant after adjusting for multiple
      testing by either Bonferroni or false discovery rate correction. CONCLUSIONS: We
      did not detect an effect of body composition or obesity on daunorubicin PK. We
      found suggestive associations between FMO3 and GSTP1 haplotypes with daunorubicin
      PK that could potentially affect efficacy and toxicity.

PMID- 25119184
TI  - Population pharmacokinetic and covariate analysis of pertuzumab, a HER2-targeted
      monoclonal antibody, and evaluation of a fixed, non-weight-based dose in patients
      with a variety of solid tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of pertuzumab
      across clinical trials in a variety of solid tumors, evaluate the potential
      impact of patient characteristics on PK, and confirm the appropriateness of the
      fixed (non-weight-based) dose. METHODS: Pertuzumab concentration data collected
      following intravenous administration during eleven phase I/II studies and the
      pivotal phase III trial CLEOPATRA were analyzed using nonlinear mixed-effects
      modeling. The potential impact of patient and laboratory characteristics and HER2
      target-related variables on pertuzumab PK were investigated in a covariate
      analysis. The final model was used to confirm selection of fixed, non-weight
      based dosing of pertuzumab, and to compare pertuzumab PK in CLEOPATRA with the
      other studies. RESULTS: The analysis included 4,525 serum concentration
      measurements from 481 patients with solid tumors. Pertuzumab PK in the 2-25 mg/kg
      dose range was described by a two-compartment linear model with first-order
      elimination. The elimination clearance and central compartment volume were 0.235
      L/day, and 3.11 L, respectively, and the terminal elimination half-life was 18.0
      days. Baseline serum albumin and lean body weight had statistically significant
      effects on pertuzumab clearance; however, simulations showed that the magnitude
      of their effects on pertuzumab exposure was minimal compared with overall
      variability and was not clinically relevant. Thus, variations in these factors do
      not require dose adjustments. CONCLUSIONS: The fixed, non-weight-based dosing of
      pertuzumab, 840 mg loading dose followed by a 420 mg maintenance dose every 3
      weeks, in patients with the solid tumors in this analysis is well supported by
      the population pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation results.

PMID- 25119186
TI  - Evolution of treatment regimens in multiple myeloma: a social network analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard
      for assessing the efficacy of new treatments compared to standard treatments.
      However, the reasoning behind treatment selection in RCTs is often unclear. Here,
      we focus on a cohort of RCTs in multiple myeloma (MM) to understand the patterns
      of competing treatment selections. METHODS: We used social network analysis (SNA)
      to study relationships between treatment regimens in MM RCTs and to examine the
      topology of RCT treatment networks. All trials considering induction or
      autologous stem cell transplant among patients with MM were eligible for our
      analysis. Medline and abstracts from the annual proceedings of the American
      Society of Hematology and American Society for Clinical Oncology, as well as all
      references from relevant publications were searched. We extracted data on
      treatment regimens, year of publication, funding type, and number of patients
      enrolled. The SNA metrics used are related to node and network level centrality
      and to node positioning characterization. RESULTS: 135 RCTs enrolling a total of
      36,869 patients were included. The density of the RCT network was low indicating
      little cohesion among treatments. Network Betweenness was also low signifying
      that the network does not facilitate exchange of information. The maximum
      geodesic distance was equal to 4, indicating that all connected treatments could
      reach each other in four "steps" within the same pathway of development. The
      distance between many important treatment regimens was greater than 1, indicating
      that no RCTs have compared these regimens. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that
      research programs in myeloma, which is a relatively small field, are surprisingly
      decentralized with a lack of connectivity among various research pathways. As a
      result there is much crucial research left unexplored. Using SNA to visually and
      analytically examine treatment networks prior to designing a clinical trial can
      lead to better designed studies.

PMID- 25119185
TI  - Multiplexing spheroid volume, resazurin and acid phosphatase viability assays for
      high-throughput screening of tumour spheroids and stem cell neurospheres.
AB  - Three-dimensional cell culture has many advantages over monolayer cultures, and
      spheroids have been hailed as the best current representation of small avascular
      tumours in vitro. However their adoption in regular screening programs has been
      hindered by uneven culture growth, poor reproducibility and lack of high
      throughput analysis methods for 3D. The objective of this study was to develop a
      method for a quick and reliable anticancer drug screen in 3D for tumour and human
      foetal brain tissue in order to investigate drug effectiveness and selective
      cytotoxic effects. Commercially available ultra-low attachment 96-well round
      bottom plates were employed to culture spheroids in a rapid, reproducible manner
      amenable to automation. A set of three mechanistically different methods for
      spheroid health assessment (Spheroid volume, metabolic activity and acid
      phosphatase enzyme activity) were validated against cell numbers in healthy and
      drug-treated spheroids. An automated open-source ImageJ macro was developed to
      enable high-throughput volume measurements. Although spheroid volume
      determination was superior to the other assays, multiplexing it with resazurin
      reduction and phosphatase activity produced a richer picture of spheroid
      condition. The ability to distinguish between effects on malignant and the
      proliferating component of normal brain was tested using etoposide on UW228-3
      medulloblastoma cell line and human neural stem cells. At levels below 10 uM
      etoposide exhibited higher toxicity towards proliferating stem cells, whereas at
      concentrations above 10 uM the tumour spheroids were affected to a greater
      extent. The high-throughput assay procedures use ready-made plates, open-source
      software and are compatible with standard plate readers, therefore offering high
      predictive power with substantial savings in time and money. 

PMID- 25119187
TI  - Use of Kampo diagnosis in randomized controlled trials of Kampo products in
      Japan: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Committee for Evidence-based Medicine (EBM) of the Japan Society
      for Oriental Medicine started compiling Evidence Reports of Kampo Treatment
      (EKAT) in 2007. EKAT is a compilation of structured abstracts of randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs), along with comments by a third party reviewer. As of 31
      December, 2012, there were 378 RCTs of Kampo medicines in Japan. The primary
      research question of this study is "How frequently is Kampo diagnosis used in
      RCTs of Kampo medicines?" The secondary research question is "When is Kampo
      diagnosis used in RCTs?" MATERIALS AND METHODS: The structured abstract (SA) of
      each RCT article was reviewed to examine how Kampo diagnosis was used in RCTs,
      especially how Kampo diagnosis was used in the randomization process. RESULTS:
      Kampo diagnosis was used before randomization in 27 RCTs (7.1%), after
      randomization in 31 RCTs (8.2%), and not used in 320 RCTs (84.7%). Before
      randomization, Kampo diagnosis was used as a criterion for inclusion in 10 RCTs,
      criterion for exclusion in 9 RCTs, and criteria for both inclusion and exclusion
      in 2 RCTs. Kampo formulas were determined according to Kampo diagnosis in 7 RCTs.
      After randomization, subgroup analyses according to Kampo diagnosis were done in
      27 RCTs, and grade of disease severity at Kampo diagnosis was used for analysis
      as an endpoint in 4 RCTs. CONCLUSIONS: Kampo diagnosis was used before
      randomization only in approximately 15% of RCTs, and the number of RCT articles
      using Kampo diagnosis after randomization was almost the same as that before
      randomization. Further studies to determine the good RCTs conforming to CONSORT
      requirements and good systematic reviews conforming to PRISMA requirements are
      needed to clarify the significance of Kampo diagnosis.

PMID- 25119188
TI  - Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid induces ROS-mediated cleavage of HSP90 in
      leukemia cells.
AB  - Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone that supports stability of
      client proteins. We found that HSP90 was cleaved to 55 kDa protein after
      treatment with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors including suberoylanilide
      hydroxamic acid (SAHA) in several leukemia cell lines. We further analyzed
      molecular changes induced by SAHA in K562 cells. The SAHA-induced cleavage of
      HSP90 was blocked by a pan-caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk, implying that the
      process is dependent on caspase activity. However, the experiments using
      antagonistic and agonistic Fas antibodies revealed that the cleavage of HSP90 was
      not dependent on Fas signaling. SAHA induced generation of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS), and the cleavage of HSP90 was blocked by a ROS scavenger N
      acetylcystein (NAC). We also confirmed that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced
      cleavage of HSP90 in a similar manner. Caspase 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10 were
      activated by treatment with SAHA, and the activities were reduced by the
      pretreatment of NAC. Treatment of the cells with caspase 10 inhihitor, but not
      other inhibitors of caspases activated by SAHA, prevented cleavage of HSP90 by
      SAHA. SAHA-induced ROS generation and HSP90 cleavage were dependent on newly
      synthesized unknown proteins. Taken together, our results suggest that the
      cleavage of HSP90 by SAHA is mediated by ROS generation and caspase 10
      activation. HSP90 cleavage may provide an additional mechanism involved in anti
      cancer effects of HDAC inhibitors. 

PMID- 25119189
TI  - Movement coordination during conversation.
AB  - Behavioral coordination and synchrony contribute to a common biological mechanism
      that maintains communication, cooperation and bonding within many social species,
      such as primates and birds. Similarly, human language and social systems may also
      be attuned to coordination to facilitate communication and the formation of
      relationships. Gross similarities in movement patterns and convergence in the
      acoustic properties of speech have already been demonstrated between interacting
      individuals. In the present studies, we investigated how coordinated movements
      contribute to observers' perception of affiliation (friends vs. strangers)
      between two conversing individuals. We used novel computational methods to
      quantify motor coordination and demonstrated that individuals familiar with each
      other coordinated their movements more frequently. Observers used coordination to
      judge affiliation between conversing pairs but only when the perceptual stimuli
      were restricted to head and face regions. These results suggest that observed
      movement coordination in humans might contribute to perceptual decisions based on
      availability of information to perceivers. 

PMID- 25119191
TI  - Understanding reproducibility of human IVF traits to predict next IVF cycle
      outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evaluating the failed IVF cycle often provides useful prognostic
      information. Before undergoing another attempt, patients experiencing an
      unsuccessful IVF cycle frequently request information about the probability of
      future success. Here, we introduced the concept of reproducibility and formulae
      to predict the next IVF cycle outcome. METHODS: The experimental design was based
      on the retrospective review of IVF cycle data from 2006 to 2013 in two different
      IVF centers and statistical analysis. The reproducibility coefficients (r) of IVF
      traits including number of oocytes retrieved, oocyte maturity, fertilization,
      embryo quality and pregnancy were estimated using the interclass correlation
      coefficient between the repeated IVF cycle measurements for the same patient by
      variance component analysis. The formulae were designed to predict next IVF cycle
      outcome. RESULTS: The number of oocytes retrieved from patients and their
      fertilization rate had the highest reproducibility coefficients (r = 0.81 ~
      0.84), which indicated a very close correlation between the first retrieval cycle
      and subsequent IVF cycles. Oocyte maturity and number of top quality embryos had
      middle level reproducibility (r = 0.38 ~ 0.76) and pregnancy rate had a relative
      lower reproducibility (r = 0.23 ~ 0.27). Based on these parameters, the next
      outcome for these IVF traits might be accurately predicted by the designed
      formulae. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of the concept of reproducibility to our
      human IVF program allows us to predict future IVF cycle outcomes. The traits of
      oocyte numbers retrieved, oocyte maturity, fertilization, and top quality embryos
      had higher or middle reproducibility, which provides a basis for accurate
      prediction of future IVF outcomes. Based on this prediction, physicians may
      counsel their patients or change patient's stimulation plans, and laboratory
      embryologists may improve their IVF techniques accordingly.

PMID- 25119190
TI  - Resolving fluorophores by unmixing multispectral fluorescence tomography with
      independent component analysis.
AB  - It is a challenging problem to resolve and identify drug (or non-specific
      fluorophore) distribution throughout the whole body of small animals in vivo. In
      this article, an algorithm of unmixing multispectral fluorescence tomography
      (MFT) images based on independent component analysis (ICA) is proposed to solve
      this problem. ICA is used to unmix the data matrix assembled by the
      reconstruction results from MFT. Then the independent components (ICs) that
      represent spatial structures and the corresponding spectrum courses (SCs) which
      are associated with spectral variations can be obtained. By combining the ICs
      with SCs, the recovered MFT images can be generated and fluorophore concentration
      can be calculated. Simulation studies, phantom experiments and animal experiments
      with different concentration contrasts and spectrum combinations are performed to
      test the performance of the proposed algorithm. Results demonstrate that the
      proposed algorithm can not only provide the spatial information of fluorophores,
      but also recover the actual reconstruction of MFT images. 

PMID- 25119192
TI  - Anti-mullerian hormone as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for PCOS patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether the measurement of serum AMH can be used to
      diagnose PCOS and as a tool to predict the prognosis of PCOS. METHODS: This is a
      case-control study. Women of reproductive age (18-35 years) were recruited
      consecutively at a tertiary academic hospital during the period of March 2009
      October 2011 and were divided into case (PCOS patients defined by the Rotterdam
      criteria) and control groups (non-PCOS patients). Menstrual history, clinical
      manifestations of hyperandrogenism, ovarian ultrasound assessments, and the
      levels of AMH, LH, FSH, and estradiol were collected. RESULTS: Seventy-one cases
      and 71 controls were recruited. AMH serum levels were significantly higher in
      PCOS patients than in controls. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the serum AMH
      assay in PCOS patients reached a value of 0.870. With a cut-off value of 4.45
      ng/ml, the serum AMH level had a sensitivity of 76.1 % and a specificity of 74.6
      %. The most common phenotypes of PCOS in this study were anovulation and
      polycystic ovary (63.4 %). However, the mean level of AMH was highest in the
      phenotypes of anovulation, polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogenism (11.1 ng/ml).
      CONCLUSIONS: In Indonesian women, AMH can be used as an alternative diagnostic
      criteria for PCOS patients with a cut-off value of 4.45 ng/ml. AMH value rise
      when hyperandrogenism is present therefore serum AMH levels also reflect the
      phenotype of PCOS. However, these findings must be confirmed with larger clinical
      studies.

PMID- 25119193
TI  - Response of red deer stags (Cervus elaphus) to playback of harsh versus common
      roars.
AB  - Red deer stags (Cervus elaphus) give two distinct types of roars during the
      breeding season, the "common roar" and the "harsh roar." Harsh roars are more
      frequent during contexts of intense competition, and characterized by a set of
      features that increase their perceptual salience, suggesting that they signal
      heightened arousal. While common roars have been shown to encode size information
      and mediate both male competition and female choice, to our knowledge, the
      specific function of harsh roars during male competition has not yet been
      studied. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that the specific structure of male
      harsh roars signals high arousal to competitors. We contrast the behavioral
      responses of free ranging, harem-holding stags to the playback of harsh roars
      from an unfamiliar competitor with their response to the playback of common roars
      from the same animal. We show that males react less strongly to sequences of
      harsh roars than to sequences of common roars, possibly because they are
      reluctant to escalate conflicts with highly motivated and threatening unfamiliar
      males in the absence of visual information. While future work should investigate
      the response of stags to harsh roars from familiar opponents, our observations
      remain consistent with the hypothesis that harsh roars may signal motivation
      during male competition, and illustrate how intrasexual selection can contribute
      to the diversification of male vocal signals. 

PMID- 25119194
TI  - Optimal duration of anticoagulation. Provoked versus unprovoked VTE and role of
      adjunctive thrombophilia and imaging tests.
AB  - Once anticoagulation is stopped, the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism
      (VTE) over years after a first episode is consistently around 30%. This risk is
      higher in patients with unprovoked than in those with (transient) provoked VTE,
      and among the latter in patients with medical than in those with surgical risk
      factors. Baseline parameters that have been found to be related to the risk of
      recurrent VTE are the proximal location of deep-vein thrombosis, obesity, old
      age, male sex and non-0 blood group, whereas the role of inherited thrombophilia
      is controversial. The persistence of residual vein thrombosis at ultrasound
      assessment has consistently been shown to increase the risk, as do persistently
      high values of D-dimer and the early development of the post-thrombotic syndrome.
      Although the latest international guidelines suggest indefinite anticoagulation
      for most patients with the first episode of unprovoked VTE, strategies that
      incorporate the assessment of residual vein thrombosis and D-dimer have the
      potential to identify subjects in whom anticoagulation can be safely
      discontinued. Moreover, new opportunities are offered by a few emerging anti-Xa
      and anti-IIa oral compounds, which are likely to induce fewer haemorrhagic
      complications than vitamin K antagonists while preserving the same effectiveness;
      and by low-dose aspirin, which has the potential to prevent the occurrence of
      both venous and arterial thrombotic events. 

PMID- 25119203
TI  - Save the children.

PMID- 25119202
TI  - Modeling the inflammatory response in the hypothalamus ensuing heat stroke:
      iterative cycle of model calibration, identifiability analysis, experimental
      design and data collection.
AB  - Heat Stroke (HS) is a life-threatening illness caused by prolonged exposure to
      heat that causes severe hyperthermia and nervous system abnormalities. The long
      term consequences of HS are poorly understood and deeper insight is required to
      find possible treatment strategies. Elevated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines
      during HS recovery suggest to play a major role in the immune response. In this
      study, we developed a mathematical model to understand the interactions and
      dynamics of cytokines in the hypothalamus, the main thermoregulatory center in
      the brain. Uncertainty and identifiability analysis of the calibrated model
      parameters revealed non-identifiable parameters due to the limited amount of
      data. To overcome the lack of identifiability of the parameters, an iterative
      cycle of optimal experimental design, data collection, re-calibration and model
      reduction was applied and further informative experiments were suggested.
      Additionally, a new method of approximating the prior distribution of the
      parameters for Bayesian optimal experimental design based on the profile
      likelihood is presented. 

PMID- 25119201
TI  - Bone mineral density and vitamin D status in ambulatory and non-ambulatory
      children with cerebral palsy.
AB  - This study assessed distal femur and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) Z
      scores in children with cerebral palsy. BMD z-score was lower in non-ambulatory
      than in ambulatory children. Somewhat surprisingly, among ambulatory children,
      those with better walking abilities had higher BMD z-score than those with more
      impaired walking ability. INTRODUCTION: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have
      increased risk for low bone mineral density (BMD). The aim was to explore the
      difference in BMD at the distal femur and lumbar spine between ambulatory and non
      ambulatory children with CP and the relationship between vitamin D status and
      BMD. METHODS: Fifty-one children (age range 8-18 years; 20 girls) with CP
      participated. Their BMD Z-scores were measured in the lumbar spine and the distal
      femur using dual X-ray absorptiometry, and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OHD)
      concentrations were measured in serum. Children with GMFCS level I-III were
      defined as 'walkers' while children with level IV-V were defined as 'non-walkers.
      RESULTS: Non-walkers had lower mean BMD Z-scores (range -1.7 to -5.4) than
      walkers at all sites (range -0.8 to -1.5). Among walkers, BMD Z-scores at the
      distal femur were lower in those with GMFCS level II than with level I (p values
      < 0.004). A similar difference was found between the affected and unaffected limb
      in children with hemiplegia. Mean 25-OHD concentration was 45 nmol/L (SD = 18);
      lower in walkers (mean = 41 nmol/L; SD = 18) than in non-walkers (mean = 53
      nmol/L; SD = 19; p = 0.041). There were no correlations between 25-OHD and BMD z
      scores. CONCLUSIONS: The main predictor of low BMD Z-scores in the distal femur
      was the inability to walk, but the results suggest that the degree of the
      neuromotor impairment may also be a significant predictor. Vitamin D status did
      not correlate with BMD z-scores.

PMID- 25119204
TI  - Future computing.

PMID- 25119217
TI  - Native ecosystems blitzed by drought.

PMID- 25119205
TI  - China should aim for a total cap on emissions.

PMID- 25119218
TI  - Health check for deep-sea mining.

PMID- 25119219
TI  - Teen drug use gets supersize study.

PMID- 25119220
TI  - US assesses virus of the Caribbean.

PMID- 25119221
TI  - Online collaboration: Scientists and the social network.

PMID- 25119222
TI  - Society: Don't blame the mothers.

PMID- 25119225
TI  - Conservation: White possums must stay cool to survive.

PMID- 25119226
TI  - Centenary: Russian stamp to honour physicist.

PMID- 25119227
TI  - Transgenic crops: Mexican GM maize rift is not so simple.

PMID- 25119228
TI  - Sexual harassment: Create ethics codes to curb sex abuse.

PMID- 25119229
TI  - Neuroscience: What females really want.

PMID- 25119230
TI  - Solar system: Sandcastles in space.

PMID- 25119231
TI  - Condensed-matter physics: Glasses made from pure metals.

PMID- 25119232
TI  - Astronomical instrumentation: Atmospheric blurring has a new enemy.

PMID- 25119233
TI  - Limits on fundamental limits to computation.
AB  - An indispensable part of our personal and working lives, computing has also
      become essential to industries and governments. Steady improvements in computer
      hardware have been supported by periodic doubling of transistor densities in
      integrated circuits over the past fifty years. Such Moore scaling now requires
      ever-increasing efforts, stimulating research in alternative hardware and
      stirring controversy. To help evaluate emerging technologies and increase our
      understanding of integrated-circuit scaling, here I review fundamental limits to
      computation in the areas of manufacturing, energy, physical space, design and
      verification effort, and algorithms. To outline what is achievable in principle
      and in practice, I recapitulate how some limits were circumvented, and compare
      loose and tight limits. Engineering difficulties encountered by emerging
      technologies may indicate yet unknown limits. 

PMID- 25119234
TI  - Cohesive forces prevent the rotational breakup of rubble-pile asteroid (29075)
      1950 DA.
AB  - Space missions and ground-based observations have shown that some asteroids are
      loose collections of rubble rather than solid bodies. The physical behaviour of
      such 'rubble-pile' asteroids has been traditionally described using only
      gravitational and frictional forces within a granular material. Cohesive forces
      in the form of small van der Waals forces between constituent grains have
      recently been predicted to be important for small rubble piles (ten kilometres
      across or less), and could potentially explain fast rotation rates in the small
      asteroid population. The strongest evidence so far has come from an analysis of
      the rotational breakup of the main-belt comet P/2013 R3 (ref. 7), although that
      was indirect and poorly constrained by observations. Here we report that the
      kilometre-sized asteroid (29075) 1950 DA (ref. 8) is a rubble pile that is
      rotating faster than is allowed by gravity and friction. We find that cohesive
      forces are required to prevent surface mass shedding and structural failure, and
      that the strengths of the forces are comparable to, though somewhat less than,
      the forces found between the grains of lunar regolith. 

PMID- 25119235
TI  - Formation of monatomic metallic glasses through ultrafast liquid quenching.
AB  - It has long been conjectured that any metallic liquid can be vitrified into a
      glassy state provided that the cooling rate is sufficiently high. Experimentally,
      however, vitrification of single-element metallic liquids is notoriously
      difficult. True laboratory demonstration of the formation of monatomic metallic
      glass has been lacking. Here we report an experimental approach to the
      vitrification of monatomic metallic liquids by achieving an unprecedentedly high
      liquid-quenching rate of 10(14) K s(-1). Under such a high cooling rate, melts of
      pure refractory body-centred cubic (bcc) metals, such as liquid tantalum and
      vanadium, are successfully vitrified to form metallic glasses suitable for
      property interrogations. Combining in situ transmission electron microscopy
      observation and atoms-to-continuum modelling, we investigated the formation
      condition and thermal stability of the monatomic metallic glasses as obtained.
      The availability of monatomic metallic glasses, being the simplest glass formers,
      offers unique possibilities for studying the structure and property relationships
      of glasses. Our technique also shows great control over the reversible
      vitrification-crystallization processes, suggesting its potential in micro
      electromechanical applications. The ultrahigh cooling rate, approaching the
      highest liquid-quenching rate attainable in the experiment, makes it possible to
      explore the fast kinetics and structural behaviour of supercooled metallic
      liquids within the nanosecond to picosecond regimes. 

PMID- 25119238
TI  - Developing a genetic fuzzy system for risk assessment of mortality after cardiac
      surgery.
AB  - Cardiac events could be taken into account as the leading causes of death
      throughout the globe. Such events also trigger an undesirable increase in what
      treatment procedures cost. Despite the giant leaps in technological development
      in heart surgery, coronary surgery still carries the high risk of the mortality.
      Besides, there is still a long way ahead to accurately predict and assess the
      mortality risk. This study is an attempt to develop an expert system for the risk
      assessment of mortality following the cardiac surgery. The developed system
      involves three main steps. In the first step, a filtering feature selection
      method is applied to select the best features. In the second step, an ad hoc data
      driven method is utilized to generate the preliminary fuzzy inference system.
      Finally, a hybrid optimization method is presented to select the optimum subset
      of the rules. The study relies on 1,811 samples to evaluate the diagnosis
      performance of the proposed system. The obtained classification accuracy is very
      promising with regard to other benchmark classification methods including binary
      logistic regression (LR) and multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP) with the
      same attributes. The developed system leads to 100% sensitivity and 84.7%
      specificity, while LR and MLP methods statistically come up with lower figures
      (65, 78.6 and 65%, 75.8%), respectively. Now, a fuzzy supportive tool can be
      potentially taken as an alternative for the current mortality risk assessment
      system that are applied in coronary surgeries, and are chiefly based on crisp
      database.

PMID- 25119237
TI  - Transport networks and inequities in vaccination: remoteness shapes measles
      vaccine coverage and prospects for elimination across Africa.
AB  - Measles vaccination is estimated to have averted 13.8 million deaths between 2000
      and 2012. Persisting heterogeneity in coverage is a major contributor to
      continued measles mortality, and a barrier to measles elimination and
      introduction of rubella-containing vaccine. Our objective is to identify
      determinants of inequities in coverage, and how vaccine delivery must change to
      achieve elimination goals, which is a focus of the WHO Decade of Vaccines. We
      combined estimates of travel time to the nearest urban centre (?50 000 people)
      with vaccination data from Demographic Health Surveys to assess how remoteness
      affects coverage in 26 African countries. Building on a statistical mapping of
      coverage against age and geographical isolation, we quantified how modifying the
      rate and age range of vaccine delivery affects national coverage. Our scenario
      analysis considers increasing the rate of delivery of routine vaccination,
      increasing the target age range of routine vaccination, and enhanced delivery to
      remote areas. Geographical isolation plays a key role in defining vaccine
      inequity, with greater inequity in countries with lower measles vaccine coverage.
      Eliminating geographical inequities alone will not achieve thresholds for herd
      immunity, indicating that changes in delivery rate or age range of routine
      vaccination will be required. Measles vaccine coverage remains far below targets
      for herd immunity in many countries on the African continent and is likely to be
      inadequate for achieving rubella elimination. The impact of strategies such as
      increasing the upper age range eligible for routine vaccination should be
      considered.

PMID- 25119239
TI  - Construction the model on the breast cancer survival analysis use support vector
      machine, logistic regression and decision tree.
AB  - The aim of the paper is to use data mining technology to establish a
      classification of breast cancer survival patterns, and offers a treatment
      decision-making reference for the survival ability of women diagnosed with breast
      cancer in Taiwan. We studied patients with breast cancer in a specific hospital
      in Central Taiwan to obtain 1,340 data sets. We employed a support vector
      machine, logistic regression, and a C5.0 decision tree to construct a
      classification model of breast cancer patients' survival rates, and used a 10
      fold cross-validation approach to identify the model. The results show that the
      establishment of classification tools for the classification of the models
      yielded an average accuracy rate of more than 90% for both; the SVM provided the
      best method for constructing the three categories of the classification system
      for the survival mode. The results of the experiment show that the three methods
      used to create the classification system, established a high accuracy rate,
      predicted a more accurate survival ability of women diagnosed with breast cancer,
      and could be used as a reference when creating a medical decision-making frame.

PMID- 25119240
TI  - Analysis of laryngeal fractures in decomposed bodies using microfocus computed
      tomography (mfCT).
AB  - Postmortem computed tomography (CT) is now routinely performed in forensic
      autopsies. Microfocus computed tomography (mfCT) has attracted recent attention
      because it can provide more detailed information than routine postmortem CT can.
      This feasibility study evaluated the usefulness of mfCT for examination of the
      hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage in cases of suspected strangulation, where
      advanced decomposition precludes detection of petechial hemorrhages and
      hemorrhages adjacent to fractures. The results show that mfCT was useful for
      identification of thin fracture lines in the fragile laryngeal structures. We
      suggest that mfCT should be considered for forensic autopsies in cases of
      suspected strangulation with advanced decomposition. 

PMID- 25119241
TI  - High variation in hypoxanthine determination after analytical treatment of
      vitreous humor samples.
AB  - In the field of legal medicine the correct determination of the time of death is
      of great importance because an error in calculating the post-mortem interval
      (PMI) could be crucial in a criminal investigation. The quantification of
      hypoxanthine (Hx) concentration in the vitreous humor (VH) as a means to estimate
      PMI is useful when dealing with a recent time interval of death and has several
      advantages over other biological matrices. However, due to its viscous nature, VH
      has to be liquefied prior to its analysis, and the different procedures to
      liquefy it may cause alterations in Hx concentration, and hence in estimation of
      PMI. The aim of this study was to determine differences in Hx concentration after
      applying several pre-analytical treatments to different aliquots of the same VH
      sample. Enzymatic digestion, sonication, centrifugation and heat were the
      liquefying methods applied to reduce the viscosity of 105 VH samples. Analysis
      was performed using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography in tandem
      with mass spectrometry. Statistically significant differences in the measured Hx
      concentrations were found between enzymatic digestion and the other three methods
      analyzed (sonication, centrifugation, and heat). Additionally, high data
      dispersion was found under heat treatment but was not observed for centrifugation
      or sonication, where similar and more moderate results were found. We conclude
      that high variations in Hx determination are observed when enzymatic digestion or
      heat treatment is used and we therefore recommend sonication or centrifugation to
      quantify Hx concentration in the VH. 

PMID- 25119242
TI  - Is cerebral swelling following cranio-cerebral trauma instantaneous? An insight
      into the Byard and Vink proposition.

PMID- 25119244
TI  - Forensic text books: how to publish and perish, all at the same time.

PMID- 25119243
TI  - Is the phenomenon of "crow's feet" in cases of high-voltage accidents a vital
      reaction?

PMID- 25119245
TI  - Improvement of Aspergillus oryzae NRRL 3484 by mutagenesis and optimization of
      culture conditions in solid-state fermentation for the hyper-production of
      extracellular cellulase.
AB  - Spore suspensions of Aspergillus oryzae NRRL 3484 were subjected to mutagenesis
      using ultraviolet-irradiation followed by chemical treatments to improve the
      biosynthesis of cellulase. Ten mutant strains namely UEAC7, UEAR5, UNAC4, UNAC16,
      UNAR19, UNBC7, UNBR3, UNBR10, UNBR23 and UNBR25 were selected and their
      extracellular cellulase activities were assayed. Mutant UNAC4 gave the highest
      cellulase production [2,455 +/- 28 U/g-dry substrate (ds) for filter paper-ase
      (FP-ase)] in a yield 4-fold exceeding that of the wild type strain (578 +/- 5.0
      U/g-ds for FP-ase). Rice straw (RS) was used as a sole carbon source for the
      enzyme production at a concentration of 10 % (w/v). Maximum cellulase production
      was achieved at initial medium pH 5.5, initial moisture content 77 % and an
      incubation temperature 28  degrees C on the fifth day of growth. NH4Cl proved to
      be the suitable added nitrogen source for maximum enzyme production followed by
      peptone. These results clearly indicate the cost-effectiveness of solid state
      fermentation technology in the economic production of extracellular cellulase.
      The hyper-production of cellulase by mutant strain UNAC4 has potential for
      industrial processes that convert lignocellulosic material (e.g. RS) into
      products of commercial value such as glucose and biofuels. 

PMID- 25119246
TI  - Soil bacterial diversity in degraded and restored lands of Northeast Brazil.
AB  - Land degradation deteriorates biological productivity and affects environmental,
      social, and economic sustainability, particularly so in the semi-arid region of
      Northeast Brazil. Although some studies exist reporting gross measures of soil
      microbial parameters and processes, limited information is available on how land
      degradation and restoration strategies influence the diversity and composition of
      soil microbial communities. In this study we compare the structure and diversity
      of bacterial communities in degraded and restored lands in Northeast Brazil and
      determine the soil biological and chemical properties influencing bacterial
      communities. We found that land degradation decreased the diversity of soil
      bacteria as indicated by both reduced operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness
      and Shannon index. Soils under native vegetation and restoration had
      significantly higher bacterial richness and diversity than degraded soils.
      Redundancy analysis revealed that low soil bacterial diversity correlated with a
      high respiratory quotient, indicating stressed microbial communities. By
      contrast, soil bacterial communities in restored land positively correlated with
      high soil P levels. Importantly, however, we found significant differences in the
      soil bacterial community composition under native vegetation and in restored
      land, which may indicate differences in their functioning despite equal levels of
      bacterial diversity. 

PMID- 25119247
TI  - Low expression of microRNA-30c promotes invasion by inducing epithelial
      mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - MicroRNA (miR)-30c has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in numerous
      diseases. Aberrant miR-30c expression has been associated with the invasion of
      different types of cancer. However, the potential mechanisms underlying the
      association between miR-30c and invasion has been poorly elucidated in non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the present study, quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction demonstrated that the expression of miR-30c was reduced in lung cancer
      specimens (n=85). Suppressing the expression of miR-30c promoted the invasion of
      A549 cells, while overexpressed miR-30c inhibited the invasion of A549 cells.
      Furthermore, aberrant miR-30c expression was able to control the expression
      levels of markers (E-cadherin, snail and vimentin) of epithelial mesenchymal
      transition (EMT). In conclusion, miR-30c regulated the invasion of NSCLC cells
      and low miR-30 levels induced EMT. 

PMID- 25119248
TI  - [Regulating the internet: a comparative analysis of Brazil, Chile, Spain, the US,
      and France].
AB  - Global governance is of key concern in the current debate over the workings of
      the world's computer network, and Brazil has played a notable role in this
      process, especially after approval of the Marco Civil da Internet (law 12.965,
      april 23, 2014), which defines Brazil's regulatory framework for the internet.
      Dubbed the internet bill of rights, this law sets out the principles, guarantees,
      rights, and duties of internet users and providers in Brazil. Based on the
      fundamental categories of net neutrality, internet users' right to privacy, and
      copyright discussions from the perspective of intellectual property, the article
      offers a comparative analysis of regulations in five countries: Brazil, Chile,
      Spain, the US, and France. 

PMID- 25119249
TI  - [Obsessions before Freud: history and clinical practice].
AB  - The article analyses the significance of the concept of "obsession" in nineteenth
      century alienism. From a clinical point of view, Esquirol's description was
      completed by other authors (Jules Falret, Legrand du Saulle). In the area of
      psychopathological studies, French alienism, with Morel's emotional delirium or
      Janet's psychasthenia, defended the emotional theory, as opposed to the
      intellectual disorder proposed by German doctors. Lastly, the importance of the
      cultural framework is stressed in the appearance of obsessive symptoms and their
      interpretation. Along these lines, the article discusses the relationship of
      religious scruples to melancholy or the appearance of diagnostic categories
      subject to fin de siecle codes and mentalities. 

PMID- 25119252
TI  - Statistics commentary series: commentary #4--relative risk and the number needed
      to treat.

PMID- 25119251
TI  - Rifampicin improves neuronal apoptosis in LPS-stimulated co-cultured BV2 cells
      through inhibition of the TLR-4 pathway.
AB  - Agents inhibiting microglial activation are attracting attention as candidate
      drugs for neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, researchers
      have focused on the immunosuppression induced by rifampicin. Our previous study
      showed that rifampicin inhibits the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      induced pro-inflammatory mediators and improves neuron survival in inflammation;
      however, the mechanism through which rifampicin inhibits microglial inflammation
      and its neuroprotective effects are not completely understood. In this study, we
      examined the effects of rifampicin on morphological changes induced by LPS in
      murine microglial BV2 cells. Then we investigated, in BV2 microglia, the effects
      of rifampicin on two signaling pathway componentss stimulated by LPS, the Toll
      like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). In addition,
      we co-cultured BV2 microglia and neurons to observe the indirect neuroprotective
      effects of rifampicin. Rifampicin inhibited LPS-stimulated expression of the TLR
      4 gene. When neurons were co-cultured with LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia, pre
      treatment with rifampicin increased neuronal viability and reduced the number of
      apoptotic cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that rifampicin, with its
      anti-inflammatory properties, may be a promising agent for the treatment of
      neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 25119250
TI  - The toxicology investigators consortium case registry-the 2013 experience.
AB  - The Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) Case Registry was established in
      2010 by the American College of Medical Toxicology. The Registry includes all
      medical toxicology consultations performed at participating sites. This report
      summarizes the Registry data for 2013. A query of the ToxIC Registry was carried
      out for the dates of January 1 through December 31, 2013. Specific data reviewed
      for analysis included demographics (age, gender), source of consultation, reasons
      for consultation, agents involved in toxicological exposures, signs, symptoms and
      clinical findings, and treatment. A total of 8,598 cases were entered into the
      Registry in 2013. Females accounted for 49.2 % of cases, males for 47.7 %, and
      gender was not reported in 3.1 %. The majority of patients (63.4 %) were adults
      between the ages of 19 and 65 years. There were 93 fatalities (1.1 %). Most
      referrals for medical toxicology consultation originated from the emergency
      department (59.7 %) or inpatient services (16.7 %). Exposures to pharmaceutical
      products (intentional and unintentional) made up 50.0 % of cases. Illicit drug
      abuse (8.0 %) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) (4.8 %) were the next most
      frequent reasons for consultation. Similar to past years, nonopioid analgesics,
      sedative-hypnotics, and opioids were the most commonly encountered agents.
      Symptoms or clinical findings were documented in 71.1 % of patients. Of all
      cases, 54.6 % required some form of medical treatment (antidotes, antivenom,
      chelation, specific types of supportive care). This report serves as a
      comprehensive survey of medical toxicology practice within participating
      institutions. Prior trends continued to apply this year and indicate analgesic
      (opioid and nonopioid), sedative-hypnotic/muscle relaxant agents, illicit drug
      use, and ADRs continue to be major toxicological problems. Cases requiring
      medical toxicology consultation in 2013 predominantly involved pharmaceuticals
      and illicit drugs. Reasons for these drug exposures were diverse and included
      intentional overdose, unintentional exposure, withdrawal syndromes, and ADRs.
      Nonopioid analgesics, sedative-hypnotic agents, and opioids remained the most
      frequently encountered agent classes. While over half of cases required some form
      of medical treatment, fatalities were uncommon.

PMID- 25119254
TI  - The three-dimensional shape analysis of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral
      artery using MRA at 3T.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is of great
      importance to neurosurgery and interventional radiology. The purpose of this
      study was to describe the M1 segment in three dimensions based on shape
      projection using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). METHODS: A three-view
      method was established and used in the retrospective analysis of 717 M1 segments
      derived from 3D-TOF MRA images. In this method, the M1 segment was first
      projected on three orthogonal planes (axial, coronary, and sagittal plane); the
      courses of the projected vessels were classified as line-shape, C-shape, or S
      shape on each orthogonal plane; and then the actual parameters, including
      internal diameter and so on, were measured on the projected images. The shape
      classifications and the measured parameters were efficient methods of describing
      the M1 segment. Twelve geometric models of the vessels were reconstructed and
      were compared with those from an actual validation method. RESULTS: The 3D shape
      of the M1 segment in the 3D orthogonal views was not uniform. Only 17.3 % M1
      segments were straight, 43.5 % followed plane curves, and nearly 40 % were
      tortuous in 3D space. The probability distributions of shape classifications
      changed with age. The proportion of the tortuous vessels increased with age. We
      also showed that the three-view method is effective with a volume relative error
      of less than 13 %. CONCLUSION: The three-view method is convenient for describing
      the 3D morphology, including the shape information, of the M1 segment. It is a
      potential method for planning and predicting risk in
      neurosurgery/neurointervention.

PMID- 25119253
TI  - The effects of hemorrhagic parenchymal infarction on the establishment of sensori
      motor structural and functional connectivity in early infancy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to characterize alterations of
      structural and functional connectivity within the developing sensori-motor system
      in infants with focal perinatal brain injury and at high risk of cerebral palsy.
      METHODS: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor
      imaging (DTI) data were used to study the developing functional and structural
      connectivity framework in six infants born prematurely at term equivalent age.
      This was first characterised in three infants without focal pathology, which was
      then compared to that derived from three infants with unilateral haemorrhagic
      parenchymal infarction and a subsequent focal periventricular white matter lesion
      who developed later haemiparesis. RESULTS: Functional responses to passive hand
      movement were in the contralateral perirolandic cortex, regardless of focal
      pathology. In infants with unilateral periventricular injury, afferent thalamo
      cortical tracts appeared to have developed compensatory trajectories which
      circumvented areas of damage. In contrast, efferent corticospinal tracts showed
      marked asymmetry at term equivalent age following focal brain injury. Sensori
      motor network analysis suggested that inter-hemispheric functional connectivity
      is largely preserved despite pathology and that impairment may be associated with
      adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. CONCLUSION: Following focal perinatal brain
      injury, altered structural and functional connectivity is already present and can
      be characterized with MRI at term equivalent age. The results of this small case
      series suggest that these techniques may provide valuable new information about
      prognosis and the pathophysiology underlying cerebral palsy.

PMID- 25119255
TI  - Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute vertebrobasilar occlusion using
      the Trevo device: a single-centre experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety
      of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute vertebrobasilar artery
      occlusion (VBAO) using the Trevo StentrieverTM device. METHODS: Twenty patients
      diagnosed with VBAO underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with the
      intention to perform mechanical thrombectomy with stent-retrievers between August
      2011 and October 2013. Two patients were excluded because another device was
      primarily used; in two other patients, thrombectomy was not possible. RESULTS:
      Thrombectomy with the Trevo device was performed in 16 patients. The
      StentrieverTM was used either as the sole device (56.3 %) or in conjunction with
      up to four additional devices or techniques. Thirty-three clot retrieval
      manoeuvres were performed (mean 2.1 +/- 1.3, range 1-5); the device could be
      deployed and retrieved in all manoeuvres (100 %). No device-related complications
      occurred. Mean duration of the endovascular intervention was 71.8 min (+/-39.9;
      range 22-144). Complete or near complete recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral
      infarction (TICI) >=2b) was achieved in 13 patients (81.3 %). Eleven patients
      (68.8 %) survived and seven patients (43.8 %) showed a good clinical outcome at
      discharge, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 or National Institute of
      Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) improvement >=10 points. Including the two patients
      in whom thrombectomy was not possible, successful recanalization, good clinical
      outcome and survival were achieved in 72.2, 38.9 and 61.1 %, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Thrombectomy in patients with acute VBAO using the Trevo
      StentrieverTM-either as the sole device or in conjunction with other devices-is
      feasible and seems to be similarly effective and safe as in the anterior
      circulation compared to reported data in the literature.

PMID- 25119257
TI  - Transverse myelitis extended to disseminated encephalitis in systemic lupus
      erythematosus: Histological evidence for vasculitis.
AB  - A 42-year-old woman was admitted due to systemic lupus erythematosus complicated
      with glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hypertension. During the treatment for
      these complications, she presented motor paresis and sensory loss caused by
      transverse myelitis. In spite of methyl prednisolone pulse therapy, she further
      developed acute confusional state due to disseminated encephalitis and fell into
      respiratory arrest. On laboratory examination, elevation of anti-NR2 antibodies
      in serum as well as in cerebrospinal fluid was noted. Although she recovered from
      the disseminated encephalitis after extensive treatment with high doses of
      corticosteroid and intravenous cyclophosphamide, she suddenly died of pulmonary
      hypertension. Autopsy findings confirmed the presence of liquefaction necrosis in
      the entire circumference of the whole spinal cord along with intimal hyperplasia
      and obliteration of the small arteries, accompanied by mononuclear cell
      infiltration and disruption of internal elastic lamina. It is therefore most
      likely that our patient developed longitudinal transverse myelitis through spinal
      cord vasculitis, which extended to brainstem and brain parenchyma, leading to the
      development of disseminated encephalitis.

PMID- 25119256
TI  - Injury of the lower ascending reticular activating system in patients with
      hypoxic-ischemic brain injury: diffusion tensor imaging study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Many studies have reported on vulnerable areas and neural tracts of
      the brain after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HI-BI). However, little is known
      about injury of the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS). We attempted to
      investigate on injury of the lower portion of the ARAS in patients with HI-BI
      using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients
      with HI-BI and 10 control subjects were recruited for this study. We classified
      the patients into two subgroups according to the preservation of arousal:
      subgroup A (eight patients)-intact arousal and subgroup B (six patients)-impaired
      arousal. The lower portion of the ARAS between the pontine reticular formation
      and the thalamus was reconstructed using the probabilistic tractography method.
      Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and tract volume (TV) were
      measured. RESULTS: The FA value and TV were decreased in subgroup B compared with
      those of the control group, although no difference was observed in the MD value
      (p < 0.05). However, for all DTT parameters, no difference was observed between
      subgroup A and the control group and between subgroup A and subgroup B (p >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Injury of the lower portion of the ARAS was found between the
      pontine reticular formation and the thalamus in patients with impaired arousal
      after HI-BI. We believe that analysis using DTT could be helpful in the
      evaluation of patients with impaired arousal after HI-BI.

PMID- 25119258
TI  - Are Sjogren's syndrome and IgG4-related disease able to coexist?

PMID- 25119259
TI  - Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of rheumatoid arthritis
      like arthritis in a patient with adult T-cell leukemia.
AB  - A 43-year-old Japanese woman with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) developed
      rheumatoid arthritis-like polyarthritis with dermatitis and skin erosion. Her
      rheumatoid factor and C-reactive protein results were positive. Musculoskeletal
      ultrasonography showed intra-articular and peritendinous power Doppler signal
      positive synovitis. Plain magnetic resonance imaging showed synovitis of the
      above lesion and remarkable bone marrow edema/osteitis. She was diagnosed as
      having ATL-associated arthritis based on the invasion of ATL cells by skin biopsy
      at the arthritis lesion.

PMID- 25119260
TI  - The roles of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in transplantation.
AB  - CD11b(+)Gr1(+) myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are an important
      regulatory innate cell population and have significant inhibitory effect on T
      cell-mediated responses. In addition to their negative role in cancer
      development, MDSCs also exert strong regulatory effects on transplantation and
      autoimmunity. In many transplantation models, such as bone marrow transplant,
      renal transplant, heart transplant and skin transplant settings, MDSCs accumulate
      and have inhibitory effect on graft rejection. However, the inducing factors,
      detailed phenotype and functional molecular mediators of MDSCs are significantly
      different in various transplant models. With their strong suppressive activity,
      MDSCs could become a potential clinical therapy during transplantation tolerance
      induction and the combination of the MDSCs with other immunoregulatory cells or
      immunosuppressive drugs is an intriguing protocol in the future. In this review,
      we will summarize MDSC expansion, activation and induction in different
      transplantation models and discuss the effects of immunoregulatory cells and
      immunosuppressive drugs on MDSCs in transplant settings. 

PMID- 25119261
TI  - Facile and rapid synthesis of Pd nanodendrites for electrocatalysis and surface
      enhanced Raman scattering applications.
AB  - Numerous properties from metal nanostructures can be tuned by controlling both
      their size and shape. In particular, the latter is extremely important because
      the type of crystalline surface affects the surface electronic density. This
      paper describes a simple approach to the synthesis of highly-structured,
      anisotropic palladium nanostructured dendrites. They were obtained using an eco
      friendly biomolecule 5-hydroxytryptophan, which acts as both a reducing and
      stabilizing agent. The growth mechanism is proposed for the evolution of
      dendrites morphology. It was found that the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptophan
      played a vital role on the morphology of the nanostructured Pd dendrites. This
      nanomaterial shows enhanced electrocatalytic performance towards the oxidation of
      formic acid, and it exhibits surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties towards
      the prostate specific antigen. These properties may be explored in fuel cells and
      biosensors, respectively. 

PMID- 25119262
TI  - Spray pyrolysis of CZTS nanoplatelets.
AB  - We demonstrate that copper-zinc-tin-sulphide nanoplatelets can be directly grown
      onto a molybdenum-coated substrate using spray pyrolysis starting from a mixture
      of metal thiocarbamates precursors. The structure and phase purity of the
      nanoplatelets is discussed in detail. 

PMID- 25119264
TI  - Unusual assembly of lacunary heteropolymolybdates with cyanometalate fragment.
AB  - Two new cyanide-bridged heteropolymolybdate complexes have been synthesized by a
      facile self-assembly process in aqueous solution, which demonstrates a successful
      tactic to incorporate the cyanometalate fragment into lacunary
      heteropolymolybdate. Magnetic investigation showed that complex 2 exhibits slow
      magnetic relaxation behavior.

PMID- 25119263
TI  - Sex chromosomes and karyotype of the (nearly) mythical creature, the Gila
      monster, Heloderma suspectum (Squamata: Helodermatidae).
AB  - A wide variety of sex determination systems exist among squamate reptiles. They
      can therefore serve as an important model for studies of evolutionary transitions
      among particular sex determination systems. However, we still have only a limited
      knowledge of sex determination in certain important lineages of squamates. In
      this respect, one of the most understudied groups is the family Helodermatidae
      (Anguimorpha) encompassing the only two venomous species of lizards which are
      potentially lethal to human beings. We uncovered homomorphic ZZ/ZW sex
      chromosomes in the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) with a highly
      heterochromatic W chromosome. The sex chromosomes are morphologically similar to
      the ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes of monitor lizards (Varanidae). If the sex chromosomes
      of helodermatids and varanids are homologous, female heterogamety may be
      ancestral for the whole Anguimorpha group. Moreover, we found that the karyotype
      of the Gila monster consists of 2n = 36 chromosomes (14 larger metacentric
      chromosomes and 22 acrocentric microchromosomes). 2n = 36 is the widely
      distributed chromosomal number among squamates. In his pioneering works
      representing the only previous cytogenetic examination of the family
      Helodermatidae, Matthey reported the karyotype as 2n = 38 and suggested a
      different chromosomal morphology for this species. We believe that this was
      probably erroneously. We also discovered a strong accumulation of telomeric
      sequences on several pairs of microchromosomes in the Gila monster, which is a
      trait documented relatively rarely in vertebrates. These new data fill an
      important gap in our understanding of the sex determination and karyotype
      evolution of squamates.

PMID- 25119266
TI  - Perspectives in pediatric pathology, chapter 1. Normal development of testicular
      structures: from the bipotential gonad to the fetal testis.

PMID- 25119265
TI  - Elucidating the role of DEPTOR in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a Ser/Thr protein
      kinase that, in response to nutrient stimulation, regulates cellular growth,
      proliferation, survival, protein synthesis and gene transcription. It has also
      been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) with neuronal cells and hippocampal
      slices of AD transgenic mice experiencing dysregulated mTOR and synaptic
      plasticity in response to treatment with the toxic amyloid beta (Abeta(1-42))
      peptide, which has been implicated in AD. DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting
      protein (DEPTOR) is a protein which can bind to mTOR and cause its inhibition,
      and functions as a regulatory protein of mTOR to control its activity. The
      inhibition of mTOR has been shown to have a neuroprotective effect; in an animal
      model, it was shown to protect against Abeta-induced neurotoxicity. In the
      present study, to investigate to role of DEPTOR in a model of AD, we neuronally
      differentiated the SH-SY5Y cell line and examined the effects of treatment with
      an Abeta(42) peptide, thus mimicking plaque formation. This resulted in a
      significant increase in mTOR and a significant decrease in DEPTOR expression
      compared to the unstimulated controls. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, we
      demonstrate for the first time a reduction in the protein level of DEPTOR in the
      precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus and occipital lobe of a brain with AD
      compared to a normal control, as well as a significant reduction in DEPTOR
      expression in samples from late-onset AD (LOAD) compared to early-onset familial
      AD (EOFAD). The reduction in DEPTOR expression in cases of AD compared to healthy
      controls can lead to an augmentation of mTOR signalling, leading to Abeta
      accumulation, which in turn leads to a further reduction in DEPTOR expression.
      This results in the accumulation of amyloid plaque, shifting the balance from
      neuroprotection to neurodegeneration.

PMID- 25119267
TI  - Familiarity with interest breeds gossip: contributions of emotion, expectation,
      and reputation.
AB  - Although gossip serves several important social functions, it has relatively
      infrequently been the topic of systematic investigation. In two experiments, we
      advance a cognitive-informational approach to gossip. Specifically, we sought to
      determine which informational components engender gossip. In Experiment 1,
      participants read brief passages about other people and indicated their
      likelihood to share this information. We manipulated target familiarity
      (celebrity, non-celebrity) and story interest (interesting, boring). While
      participants were more likely to gossip about celebrity than non-celebrity
      targets and interesting than boring stories, they were even more likely to gossip
      about celebrity targets embedded within interesting stories. In Experiment 2, we
      additionally probed participants' reactions to the stories concerning emotion,
      expectation, and reputation information conveyed. Analyses showed that while such
      information partially mediated target familiarity and story interest effects,
      only expectation and reputation accounted for the interactive pattern of gossip
      behavior. Our findings provide novel insights into the essential components and
      processing mechanisms of gossip. 

PMID- 25119268
TI  - Slow magnetic relaxation in a mononuclear eight-coordinate cobalt(II) complex.
AB  - The quest for the single-molecular magnets (SMMs) based on mononuclear transition
      metal complexes is focused on the low-coordinate species. No transition-metal
      complex with a coordination number of eight has been shown to exhibit SMM
      properties. Here the magnetic studies have been carried out for a mononuclear,
      eight-coordinate cobalt(II)-12-crown-4 (12C4) complex [Co(II)(12C4)2](I3)2(12C4)
      (1) with a large axial zero-field splitting. Magnetic measurements show field
      induced, slow magnetic relaxation under an applied field of 500 Oe at low
      temperature. The magnetic relaxation time tau was fitted by the Arrhenius model
      to afford an energy barrier of Ueff = 17.0 cm(-1) and a preexponential factor of
      tau0 = 1.5 * 10(-6) s. The work here presents the first example of the eight
      coordinate, mononuclear, 3d metal complex exhibiting the slow magnetic
      relaxation. 

PMID- 25119272
TI  - Vertebral artery dissection as cause of sulcal artery syndrome.

PMID- 25119269
TI  - Development of a multi-species biotic ligand model predicting the toxicity of
      trivalent chromium to barley root elongation in solution culture.
AB  - Little knowledge is available about the influence of cation competition and metal
      speciation on trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) toxicity. In the present study, the
      effects of pH and selected cations on the toxicity of trivalent chromium
      (Cr(III)) to barley (Hordeum vulgare) root elongation were investigated to
      develop an appropriate biotic ligand model (BLM). Results showed that the
      toxicity of Cr(III) decreased with increasing activity of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) but
      not with K(+) and Na(+). The effect of pH on Cr(III) toxicity to barley root
      elongation could be explained by H(+) competition with Cr(3+) bound to a biotic
      ligand (BL) as well as by the concomitant toxicity of CrOH(2+) in solution
      culture. Stability constants were obtained for the binding of Cr(3+), CrOH(2+),
      Ca(2+), Mg(2+) and H(+) with binding ligand: log KCrBL 7.34, log KCrOHBL 5.35,
      log KCaBL 2.64, log KMgBL 2.98, and log KHBL 4.74. On the basis of those
      estimated parameters, a BLM was successfully developed to predict Cr(III)
      toxicity to barley root elongation as a function of solution characteristics.

PMID- 25119270
TI  - Heterogeneous reactions of particulate matter-bound PAHs and NPAHs with NO3/N2O5,
      OH radicals, and O3 under simulated long-range atmospheric transport conditions:
      reactivity and mutagenicity.
AB  - The heterogeneous reactions of ambient particulate matter (PM)-bound polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs (NPAHs) with NO3/N2O5, OH radicals,
      and O3 were studied in a laboratory photochemical chamber. Ambient PM2.5 and PM10
      samples were collected from Beijing, China, and Riverside, California, and
      exposed under simulated atmospheric long-range transport conditions for O3 and OH
      and NO3 radicals. Changes in the masses of 23 PAHs and 20 NPAHs, as well as the
      direct and indirect-acting mutagenicity of the PM (determined using the
      Salmonella mutagenicity assay with TA98 strain), were measured prior to and after
      exposure to NO3/N2O5, OH radicals, and O3. In general, O3 exposure resulted in
      the highest relative degradation of PM-bound PAHs with more than four rings
      (benzo[a]pyrene was degraded equally well by O3 and NO3/N2O5). However, NPAHs
      were most effectively formed during the Beijing PM exposure to NO3/N2O5. In
      ambient air, 2-nitrofluoranthene (2-NF) is formed from the gas-phase NO3 radical-
      and OH radical-initiated reactions of fluoranthene, and 2-nitropyrene (2-NP) is
      formed from the gas-phase OH radical-initiated reaction of pyrene. There was no
      formation of 2-NF or 2-NP in any of the heterogeneous exposures, suggesting that
      gas-phase formation of NPAHs did not play an important role during chamber
      exposures. Exposure of Beijing PM to NO3/N2O5 resulted in an increase in direct
      acting mutagenic activity which was associated with the formation of mutagenic
      NPAHs. No NPAH formation was observed in any of the exposures of the Riverside
      PM. This was likely due to the accumulation of atmospheric degradation products
      from gas-phase reactions of volatile species onto the surface of PM collected in
      Riverside prior to exposure in the chamber, thus decreasing the availability of
      PAHs for reaction. 

PMID- 25119273
TI  - Acute orthostatic headache and diplopia due to a spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

PMID- 25119274
TI  - Hemidystonia caused by frontal cortical infarction.

PMID- 25119275
TI  - Mercury (Hg) in fish consumed by the local population of the Jaguaribe River
      lower basin, Northeast Brazil.
AB  - The knowledge of Hg concentrations in fish is of considerable interest since
      these organisms are a major source of protein to coastal human populations and
      fishing communities. The main source of human exposure to Hg contamination occurs
      through the consumption of fish. In this paper, we compare Hg concentration in 13
      fish species from Jaguaribe River lower basin and an adjacent coastal region in
      the northeastern coast of Brazil. We sampled fish from three stretches of the
      river: fluvial, estuarine, and marine regions. We tested the hypothesis that Hg
      concentration in muscle tissue vary according to species, location, and trophic
      level. Significant differences were observed among species and trophic level, but
      these could not be observed among the regions studied. As expected, the highest
      concentrations were observed in carnivorous fish (5.6-107.5; 26.9 +/- 18.8 ng g(
      1)). Hg concentrations observed in this study are similar to those observed in
      regions of low environmental contamination. We estimated Hg intake to vary
      between 0.02 and 0.22 ng Hg kg body weight(-1) week(-1), for the average body
      weight of 56.7 kg, which was considered as low exposure and therefore, a low risk
      to consumers of fish from the regions studied.

PMID- 25119276
TI  - Simultaneously degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol and EDTA in aqueous solution by
      the bimetallic Cu-Fe/O2 system.
AB  - Oxidative degradation of aqueous organic contaminants 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4
      DCP) using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-enhanced bimetallic Cu-Fe
      system in the presence of dissolved oxygen was investigated. The proposed process
      was applied for the pH range of 3~7 with the degradation efficiency of 2,4-DCP
      and EDTA varying within 10 %, and achieved at 100 % degradation of 40 mg L(-1)
      2,4-DCP in 1 h, at the initial pH of 3, 25 g L(-1) of bimetallic Fe-Cu powder
      (WCu/WFe = 0.01289) and initial EDTA of 0.57 mM. However, the removal efficiency
      of 2,4-DCP in control tests were 7.52 % (Cu-Fe/O2 system) and 84.32 % (EDTA
      enhanced Fe/O2 process), respectively, after 3 h, reaction. The proposed main
      mechanism, involves the in situ generation of H2O2 by the electron transfer from
      Fe(0) to O2 which was enhanced by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and the
      in situ generation of .OH via advanced oxidation reaction. Accordingly, 2,4-DCP
      was attacked by .OH to achieve complete dechlorination and low molecular weight
      organic acids, even mineralized. Systematic studies on the effects of initial
      EDTA and 2,4-DCP concentration, Cu-Fe dosing, Cu content, and pH revealed that
      these effects need to be optimized to avoid the excessive consumption of .OH and
      new EDTA and heavy metal Cu pollution.

PMID- 25119277
TI  - Insights into community-based discrimination of water quality status using an
      annual pool of phytoplankton in mid-subtropical canal systems.
AB  - With rapid response to environmental changes, phytoplankton communities have been
      used as a favorable bioindicator to evaluate environmental stress and
      anthropogenic impacts in aquatic ecosystems. The feasibility for their community
      based bioassessment was studied in a mid-subtropical canal (Tiesha River),
      southern China, during a 1-year cycle (November 2009-December 2010). Samples were
      monthly collected at four sampling stations within a contamination gradient.
      Environmental variables, such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO),
      chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), total phosphorus
      (TP), and total nitrogen (TN), were measured synchronously for comparison with
      biotic parameters. The phytoplankton community structures showed a significant
      difference among four stations. The spatial variation in abundance was
      significantly correlated with the changes in environmental variables, especially
      TN, TP, and COD. Four dominant species (Aulacoseira granulata, Leptocylindrus
      danicus, Oscillatoria tenuis, and Radiococcus nimbatus) were significantly
      correlated with nutrients, while the species richness index represented a
      significant correlation with BOD5. The phytoplankton-based Saprobien indices
      could not reveal the spatial variation in water quality status although may
      reflect water pollution levels (from beta- to alpha-mesosaprobic zone) in the
      canal system. It is suggested that phytoplankton communities might be used as a
      potentially robust bioindicator for discriminating environmental quality status
      in mid-tropical canal systems.

PMID- 25119278
TI  - The minimum detectable difference (MDD) and the interpretation of treatment
      related effects of pesticides in experimental ecosystems.
AB  - In the European registration procedure for pesticides, microcosm and mesocosm
      studies are the highest aquatic experimental tier to assess their environmental
      effects. Evaluations of microcosm/mesocosm studies rely heavily on no observed
      effect concentrations (NOECs) calculated for different population-level
      endpoints. Ideally, a power analysis should be reported for the concentration
      response relationships underlying these NOECs, as well as for measurement
      endpoints for which significant effects cannot be demonstrated. An indication of
      this statistical power can be provided a posteriori by calculated minimum
      detectable differences (MDDs). The MDD defines the difference between the means
      of a treatment and the control that must exist to detect a statistically
      significant effect. The aim of this paper is to expand on the Aquatic Guidance
      Document recently published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and to
      propose a procedure to report and evaluate NOECs and related MDDs in a harmonised
      way. In addition, decision schemes are provided on how MDDs can be used to assess
      the reliability of microcosm/mesocosm studies and for the derivation of effect
      classes used to derive regulatory acceptable concentrations. Furthermore,
      examples are presented to show how MDDs can be reduced by optimising experimental
      design and sampling techniques.

PMID- 25119279
TI  - Root morphological responses of three hot pepper cultivars to Cd exposure and
      their correlations with Cd accumulation.
AB  - Cultivars of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) differ widely in their fruit cadmium
      (Cd) concentrations. Previously, we suggested that low-Cd cultivars are better
      able to prevent the translocation of Cd from roots to aboveground parts, but the
      corresponding mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, we aimed to improve
      understanding of the root morphological characteristics of the mechanisms
      involved in two low-Cd and a high-Cd cultivar. Seedlings were grown in nutrient
      solutions containing 0 (control), 2, and 10 MUM Cd for 20 days, and Cd contents
      for the three cultivars were compared with changes in root morphology. The total
      root length (RL), root surface area (SA), number of root tips (RT), and specific
      root length (SRL) of all cultivars were decreased significantly by the 10 MUM Cd
      treatment with the exception of the SA in JFZ, which showed no obvious change.
      For each cultivar, the 10 MUM Cd treatment decreased significantly RL and SA
      specifically in roots with diameters (RD) of RD <= 0.2 mm or 0.2 mm < RD <= 0.4
      mm, and increased significantly RL and SA specifically in roots with diameters of
      0.6 mm < RD <= 0.8 mm. Hot pepper cultivars differ greatly in Cd accumulation and
      root morphology. In the 10 MUM Cd treatment, root volume (RV), SA, and RT of all
      cultivars were negatively correlated with Cd concentration and amount in roots.
      However, RL, SA, RV, and RT of all cultivars were positively correlated with Cd
      concentration and amount in shoots, and translocation rate of Cd. The two low-Cd
      cultivars of hot pepper had less root tips, shorter root length, and smaller root
      surface area than the high-Cd cultivar in 10 MUM Cd treatment, which may play a
      vital role in reducing root-to-shoot Cd translocation.

PMID- 25119280
TI  - How do two giant panda populations adapt to their habitats in the Qinling and
      Qionglai Mountains, China.
AB  - The spatial separation of the Qinling Mountains from the western mountains has
      caused morphological and genetic distinctions of giant pandas. Could this
      separation also cause the pandas' behavior change? In this research, we focused
      on the pandas' movement pattern and selected two wild panda groups in Foping and
      Wolong Nature Reserves (NR) to represent the populations in the Qinling and
      Qionglai Mountains, respectively. We hypothesized that the Qinling pandas have
      developed a different seasonal movement pattern compared with the pandas in the
      western mountains. We analyzed the radio tracking data from two NRs by using GIS.
      Our results showed the following significant differences: (1) The Foping pandas
      live most of the year in the low elevation areas and move higher during June and
      remain through August while the Wolong pandas live most of the year in the high
      elevation areas and move lower in April and stay through June; (2) Comparing
      their low and high elevational areas shows the distinct spatial patterns between
      reserves, forming two obviously separated clusters in Foping but a single-compact
      cluster in Wolong; (3) Foping pandas move an average of 425 m +/- 147 s.d. daily,
      while Wolong pandas move an average of 550 m +/- 343 s.d. daily; and (4) Three
      habitat factors (i.e., terrain, temperature, and bamboo nutrient) were taken as
      the driving forces and analyzed, and they showed a strong support explanation to
      these different movement behaviors of pandas in two NRs. Our findings have
      important implications for management, for instance, it needs to be careful
      considering the behavior difference of the pandas when reintroducing them to the
      wild.

PMID- 24839579
TI  - Greetings from the editor-in-chief.

PMID- 24839580
TI  - The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES): current
      status and challenges.

PMID- 25055010
TI  - WHO Western Pacific regional action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs
      (2014-2020).

PMID- 24904754
TI  - T cell immunosenescence, hypertension, and arterial stiffness.

PMID- 25119285
TI  - NHC-AuCl/selectfluor: a highly efficient catalytic system for carbene-transfer
      reactions.
AB  - The combination of NHC-gold complex and Selectfluor has been found to be a highly
      efficient catalyst system for carbene-transfer reactions, with a turnover number
      (TON) up to 990000 and a turnover frequency (TOF) up to 82500 h(-1). 

PMID- 25119286
TI  - Optical modulation of waveguiding in spiropyran-functionalized polydiacetylene
      microtube.
AB  - Optical modulation of waveguiding and logic operations play significant roles in
      highly integrated optical communication components, optical computing, and
      photonic circuits. Herein, we designed and synthesized spiropyran-functionalized
      polydiacetylene (SFPDA) microtubes, and realized reversible optical modulation of
      waveguiding in SFPDA microtubes through fluorescence resonance energy transfer
      (FRET) between the PDA matrix and spiropyran in open merocyanine (MC) form within
      the surface of the microtubes. Because of the reversible isomerization
      characteristics of spiropyran units, we have realized resettable, multireadout
      logic system that includes OR and INHIBIT logic operations in SFPDA microtube. 

PMID- 25119287
TI  - Novel one-, two-, and three-dimensional selenidostannates templated by iron(II)
      complex cation.
AB  - The novel iron selenidostannates [Fe(bipy)3]Sn4Se9.2H2O (1) and
      [Fe(bipy)3]2[Sn3Se7]2.bipy.2H2O (2) (bipy = bipyridine) were prepared by the
      reactions of Sn, Se, FeCl2.4H2O, bipy, and dien with/without KSCN under
      hydrothermal conditions (dien = diethylenetriamine). In 1, four SnSe5 units
      condense via edge sharing to form the novel 3-D framework selenidostannate
      (infinity)3[Sn4Se92-] containing an interpenetrating channel system. The
      [Fe(bipy)3]2+ cations are accommodated in the different channels according to the
      conformation of the [Fe(bipy)3]2+ cation. In 2, three SnSe5 units share edges to
      form a 2-D (infinity)2[Sn3Se72-] layered anion, while two SnSe5 units and one
      SnSe4 unit are connected via edge sharing, forming a 1-D (infinity)1[Sn3Se72-]
      chainlike anion. The (infinity)1[Sn3Se72-], [Fe(bipy)3]2+, bipy, and H2O species
      are embedded between the (infinity)2[Sn3Se72-] layers. 2 is the first example of
      a selenidostannate constructed by both (infinity)2[Sn3Se72-]and
      (infinity)1[Sn3Se72-] anions. The coexistence of 1-D (infinity)1[Sn3Se72-] and 2
      D (infinity)2[Sn3Se72-] anions in 2 might support the possible reaction mechanism
      that the (infinity)2[Sn3Se72-] anions are formed by condensation of the
      (infinity)1[Sn3Se72-] chains. 1 and 2 exhibit band gaps at 1.43 and 2.01 eV,
      respectively.

PMID- 25119288
TI  - Viscous friction between crystalline and amorphous phase of dragline silk.
AB  - The hierarchical structure of spider dragline silk is composed of two major
      constituents, the amorphous phase and crystalline units, and its mechanical
      response has been attributed to these prime constituents. Silk mechanics,
      however, might also be influenced by the resistance against sliding of these two
      phases relative to each other under load. We here used atomistic molecular
      dynamics (MD) simulations to obtain friction forces for the relative sliding of
      the amorphous phase and crystalline units of Araneus diadematus spider silk. We
      computed the coefficient of viscosity of this interface to be in the order of
      10(2) Ns/m(2) by extrapolating our simulation data to the viscous limit.
      Interestingly, this value is two orders of magnitude smaller than the coefficient
      of viscosity within the amorphous phase. This suggests that sliding along a
      planar and homogeneous surface of straight polyalanine chains is much less
      hindered than within entangled disordered chains. Finally, in a simple finite
      element model, which is based on parameters determined from MD simulations
      including the newly deduced coefficient of viscosity, we assessed the frictional
      behavior between these two components for the experimental range of relative
      pulling velocities. We found that a perfectly relative horizontal motion has no
      significant resistance against sliding, however, slightly inclined loading causes
      measurable resistance. Our analysis paves the way towards a finite element model
      of silk fibers in which crystalline units can slide, move and rearrange
      themselves in the fiber during loading.

PMID- 25119289
TI  - Longitudinal hemodynamic measurements in swine heart failure using a fully
      implantable telemetry system.
AB  - Chronic monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and flow in conscious free
      roaming large animals can offer considerable opportunity to understand the
      progression of cardiovascular diseases and can test new diagnostics and
      therapeutics. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of
      chronic, simultaneous measurement of several hemodynamic parameters (left
      ventricular pressure, systemic pressure, blood flow velocity, and heart rate)
      using a totally implantable multichannel telemetry system in swine heart failure
      models. Two solid-state blood pressure sensors were inserted in the left
      ventricle and the descending aorta for pressure measurements. Two Doppler probes
      were placed around the left anterior descending (LAD) and the brachiocephalic
      arteries for blood flow velocity measurements. Electrocardiographic (ECG)
      electrodes were attached to the surface of the left ventricle to monitor heart
      rate. The telemeter body was implanted in the right side of the abdomen under the
      skin for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. The animals were subjected to various heart
      failure models, including volume overload (A-V fistula, n = 3), pressure overload
      (aortic banding, n = 2) and dilated cardiomyopathy (pacing-induced tachycardia, n
      = 3). Longitudinal changes in hemodynamics were monitored during the progression
      of the disease. In the pacing-induced tachycardia animals, the systemic blood
      pressure progressively decreased within the first 2 weeks and returned to
      baseline levels thereafter. In the aortic banding animals, the pressure
      progressively increased during the development of the disease. The pressure in
      the A-V fistula animals only showed a small increase during the first week and
      remained stable thereafter. The results demonstrated the ability of this
      telemetry system of long-term, simultaneous monitoring of blood flow, pressure
      and heart rate in heart failure models, which may offer significant utility for
      understanding cardiovascular disease progression and treatment.

PMID- 25119290
TI  - ATF3 and extracellular matrix-related genes associated with the process of
      chronic obstructive pulmonary.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public
      health problem worldwide and is proved to be the number three cause of death in
      globally. The objective of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism of
      the progression of COPD. METHODS: Using the GSE1650 affymetrix microarray data
      accessible from Gene Expression Omnibus database, we first identified the
      differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 18 COPD samples and 12 normal
      samples, followed by the GO / KEGG pathway analysis and gene interaction networks
      analysis of the DEGs. Our study identified 134 DEGs which involved in regulation
      of immune response, vesicle transport system, growth regulator and extracellular
      matrix (ECM)-related pathways. RESULTS: Gene interaction networks analysis showed
      that the sub-network involved by activating transcription factor-3 (ATF3) was the
      most significant sub-network in gene interaction networks. Furthermore, the
      investigation of extracellular matrix-related genes showed that genes like
      collagen and insulin-like growth factor binding protein could clearly distinguish
      the COPD and normal control. CONCLUSIONS: The genes regulated by ATF3
      transcriptional activator as well as ECM-related genes may play an important role
      in the process of COPD. Our study provides a comprehensive bioinformatics
      analysis of genes and pathways which may be involved in the progression of COPD.

PMID- 25119291
TI  - Feasibility of using the nasal route for linear endobronchial ultrasound.
AB  - PURPOSE: Linear endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a safe and accurate diagnostic
      test for mediastinal adenopathy. Its feasibility through the nasal route has not
      been reported. The objective of this study was to document the feasibility of
      linear EBUS using the nasal route and compare its accuracy and safety with the
      oral route. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of consecutive subjects who
      underwent an EBUS procedure under conscious sedation at our center was conducted.
      Nasal insertion of the bronchoscope was attempted in all subjects; the oral route
      was used in case of failed nasal insertion. Characteristics of the procedure and
      the diagnostic accuracy of EBUS were compared between the two insertion routes.
      RESULTS: From May to October 2012, 209 subjects underwent an EBUS. Complete data
      were available for 196 subjects. Nasal insertion of the EBUS bronchoscope was
      possible in 73.5 %. There was no difference between the two insertion routes in
      the location and number of stations sampled per subject. Procedure duration and
      complications (epistaxis, bronchial bleeding, desaturation, and pneumothorax)
      were similar between the two groups (2.1 % for nasal group vs 1.9 % for oral
      group). Minor epistaxis occurred in one subject in the nasal group. Comparing the
      nasal and oral groups, rates of adequate specimens were similar (90.5 vs 88.9 %,
      respectively; p = 0.68), and proportions of diagnostic specimens were not
      statistically different (51.4 vs 42.3 %, respectively; p = 0.26). CONCLUSION:
      Linear EBUS can be performed safely and with high accuracy via the nasal route.
      Controlled studies are required to determine which insertion route provides best
      patient comfort.

PMID- 25119292
TI  - Service, training and outreach--the EARS Inc. Model for a self sustainable
      hearing program in action.
AB  - PURPOSE: EARS Inc. is a faith based not-for-profit organization established in
      1998. As an organization, it has consistently maintained a goal to provide both
      short-term and long-term projects in low and middle income countries. One
      specific project undertaken by EARS Inc involved developing a hearing health
      program in the Dominican Republic. METHODS: This article is a review of the
      challenges and successes encountered on the road to establishing improved access
      and affordability of hearing aid technology for the hearing impaired in Domincan
      Republic. RESULTS: Despite the challenges, after 12 years of local programming,
      the hearing health services in the Dominican Republic were successfully
      implemented. The development of these services included the simultaneous
      development of a training program, earmould laboratory, hearing aid repair
      services as well as calibration services and sales of batteries and accessories.
      CONCLUSIONS: As demonstrated in this review, it is possible to develop
      sustainable and comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitation hearing services in a
      developing country. It is clear that training, equipping and empowering local
      staffs are instrumental to the success of the program. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      REHABILITATION: A good hearing aid fitting is more than supplying technology.
      Patient education and the clinician fitting the hearing aid are important. Access
      to follow-up services including battery supplies, hearing aid adjustments and
      hearing aid repairs is essential for a hearing aid fitting program in low and
      middle income countries to be sustainable. Check the WHO guidelines for hearing
      aid provision in developing countries when planning a program. When working in a
      country, co-ordinate with local professionals involved in hearing health where
      available.

PMID- 25119293
TI  - Developing self-sustainable hearing centers in the developing world--case study
      of EARs Inc project in Dominican Republic.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper presents the case study of the project EARS Ind developed in
      the Dominican Republic (DR) with the purpose of increasing access and
      affordability of hearing aid technology for the hearing impaired. This case study
      demonstrates how a program can fit hearing aids to patients with hearing
      impairments can be developed in low and middle income countries. METHODS: The
      project planning documents and project statistics and reports were reviewed. A
      questionnaire and follow-up interviews were used to gain a clear understanding of
      the situation in the EARS Inc. DR hearing aid project. RESULTS: The case study is
      presented of the development and services in the DR with a particular focus on
      the choices made in regard to hearing aid services including manufacturer
      choices, procurement, distribution, pricing and service delivery. The development
      of these services included the simultaneous development of a training program,
      ear mould laboratory, hearing aid repair services, also sales of batteries and
      accessories as well as the development of calibration services. CONCLUSIONS: The
      development of comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitation services requires
      equipping and training local staff. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: A good
      hearing aid fitting is more than technology--patient education and the clinician
      fitting the hearing aid are important. Access to follow-up services including
      battery supplies, hearing aid adjustments and hearing aid repairs is essential to
      any hearing aid fitting program in low and middle income countries. Check the WHO
      guidelines for hearing aid provision in developing countries when planning a
      program. When working in a country co-ordinate with local professional involved
      in hearing health where available.

PMID- 25119294
TI  - Cell oxidation-reduction imbalance after modulated radiofrequency radiation.
AB  - Aim of this study was to evaluate an influence of modulated radiofrequency field
      (RF) of 1800 MHz, strength of 30 V/m on oxidation-reduction processes within the
      cell. The assigned RF field was generated within Gigahertz Transversal
      Electromagnetic Mode cell equipped by signal generator, modulator, and amplifier.
      Cell line V79, was irradiated for 10, 30, and 60 min, specific absorption rate
      was calculated to be 1.6 W/kg. Cell metabolic activity and viability was
      determined by MTT assay. In order to define total protein content, colorimetric
      method was used. Concentration of oxidised proteins was evaluated by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) marked with fluorescent
      probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate were measured by means of plate reader
      device. In comparison with control cell samples, metabolic activity and total
      protein content in exposed cells did not differ significantly. Concentrations of
      carbonyl derivates, a product of protein oxidation, insignificantly but
      continuously increase with duration of exposure. In exposed samples, ROS level
      significantly (p < 0.05) increased after 10 min of exposure. Decrease in ROS
      level was observed after 30-min treatment indicating antioxidant defence
      mechanism activation. In conclusion, under the given laboratory conditions,
      modulated RF radiation might cause impairment in cell oxidation-reduction
      equilibrium within the growing cells. 

PMID- 25119296
TI  - Regioselective synthesis of enones via a titanium-promoted coupling of
      unsymmetrical alkynes with weinreb amides.
AB  - A modular titanium-promoted coupling of unsymmetrical internal alkynes with
      Weinreb amides is described. The coupling reaction takes place at room
      temperature and affords E-trisubstituted enones in moderate to good yields with
      high levels of regioselectivity. The system shows moderate chemoselectivity. 

PMID- 25119295
TI  - A small molecule restores function to TRPML1 mutant isoforms responsible for
      mucolipidosis type IV.
AB  - Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder
      often characterized by severe neurodevelopmental abnormalities and neuro-retinal
      degeneration. Mutations in the TRPML1 gene are causative for MLIV. We used lead
      optimization strategies to identify--and MLIV patient fibroblasts to test--small
      molecule activators for their potential to restore TRPML1 mutant channel
      function. Using the whole-lysosome planar patch-clamp technique, we found that
      activation of MLIV mutant isoforms by the endogenous ligand PI(3,5)P2 is strongly
      reduced, while activity can be increased using synthetic ligands. We also found
      that the F465L mutation renders TRPML1 pH insensitive, while F408Delta impacts
      synthetic ligand binding. Trafficking defects and accumulation of zinc in
      lysosomes of MLIV mutant fibroblasts can be rescued by the small molecule
      treatment. Collectively, our data demonstrate that small molecules can be used to
      restore channel function and rescue disease associated abnormalities in patient
      cells expressing specific MLIV point mutations.

PMID- 25119297
TI  - Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia under everolimus in two patients with metastatic
      pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor with immunosuppressive properties, is
      used in several types of advanced tumors. Materials and METHODS: We describe the
      first two cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients given everolimus
      for metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. RESULTS: The first patient
      presented with respiratory symptoms in the context of grade 4 lymphopenia 2 weeks
      after starting everolimus; the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia was
      made post-mortem. After suspecting everolimus-related interstitial pneumonitis in
      the second patient, Pneumocystis jirovecii was detected, and cotrimoxazole
      therapy led to a favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Everolimus may induce
      pneumonitis, lymphopenia and opportunistic infections. The time from treatment
      initiation to opportunistic infection may be short. Risk factors in oncology
      deserve further identification in order to start prophylaxis without delay.

PMID- 25119299
TI  - Fundamental study of a real-time occupational dosimetry system for interventional
      radiology staff.
AB  - Real-time monitoring of the radiation doses received by interventional radiology
      (IR) staff has become highly desirable. However, occupational doses are rarely
      measured in real time, due to the lack of a feasible method for use in IR.
      Recently, the i2 system by RaySafeTM has been introduced to measure occupational
      exposure in IR in real time. The i2 system consists of several personal
      dosimeters (PDs) and a base station with a display and computer interfacing. We
      evaluated the fundamental performance (dose linearity, dose-rate dependence,
      angular dependence, batch uniformity and reproducibility) of the i2 system. The
      dose linearity of the i2 was excellent (R(2) = 1.00) The i2 exhibited slight dose
      rate dependence (~20%) at very high dose rates (250 mGy h(-1)). Little angular
      dependence (within 20%) was observed between 0 degrees  and +/-45 degrees , in
      either the vertical or horizontal direction. We also found that the PD was highly
      sensitive (about 200%) at angles behind it, e.g. 180 degrees . However, this
      backscattered radiation is not a problem, in general, due to the placement of the
      i2 sensor (PD) on the lead apron. We conclude that the i2 system facilitates
      accurate real-time monitoring and management of occupational doses during IR. 

PMID- 25119298
TI  - A proteinaceous fraction of wheat bran may interfere in the attachment of
      enterotoxigenic E. coli K88 (F4+) to porcine epithelial cells.
AB  - Wheat bran (WB) from Triticum aestivum has many beneficial effects on human
      health. To the best of our knowledge, very little has been published about its
      ability to prevent pathogenic bacterial adhesion in the intestine. Here, a WB
      extract was fractionated using different strategies, and the obtained fractions
      were tested in different in vitro methodologies to evaluate their interference in
      the attachment of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 to intestinal
      porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) with the aim of identifying the putative anti
      adhesive molecules. It was found that a proteinaceous compound in the >300-kDa
      fraction mediates the recognition of ETEC K88 to IPEC-J2. Further fractionation
      of the >300-kDa sample by size-exclusion chromatography showed several proteins
      below 90 kDa, suggesting that the target protein belongs to a high-molecular
      weight (MW) multi-component protein complex. The identification of some relevant
      excised bands was performed by mass spectrometry (MS) and mostly revealed the
      presence of various protease inhibitors (PIs) of low MW: Serpin-Z2B, Class II
      chitinase, endogenous alpha-amylase/subtilisin inhibitor and alpha
      amylase/trypsin inhibitor CM3. Furthermore, an incubation of the WB extract with
      ETEC K88 allowed for the identification of a 7S storage protein globulin of
      wheat, Globulin 3 of 66 kDa, which may be one of the most firmly attached WB
      proteins to ETEC K88 cells. Further studies should be performed to gain an
      understanding of the molecular recognition of the blocking process that takes
      place. All gathered information can eventually pave the way for the development
      of novel anti-adhesion therapeutic agents to prevent bacterial pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25119301
TI  - An electrochemical immunosensor based on interdigitated array microelectrode for
      the detection of chlorpyrifos.
AB  - An electrochemical immunosensor based on interdigitated array microelectrodes
      (IDAMs) was developed for sensitive, specific and rapid detection of
      chlorpyrifos. Anti-chlorpyrifos monoclonal antibodies were orientedly immobilized
      onto the gold microelectrode surface through protein A. Chlorpyrifos were then
      captured by the immobilized antibody, resulting in an impedance change in the
      IDAMs surface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used in conjunction
      with the fabricated sensor to detect chlorpyrifos. Under optimum conditions, the
      impedance value change of chlorpyrifos was proportional to its concentrations in
      the range of 10(0)-10(5) ng/mL. The detection limit was found to be 0.014 ng/mL
      for chlorpyrifos. The proposed chlorpyrifos immunosensor could be used as a
      screening method in pesticide determination for the analysis of environmental,
      agricultural and pharmaceutical samples due to its rapidity, sensitivity and low
      cost.

PMID- 25119302
TI  - Epimorphin expression in a rat model of pulmonary hypoplasia associated with
      congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
AB  - PURPOSE: The pathogenesis of pulmonary hypoplasia associated with congenital
      diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains unclear. Interactions between the epithelium
      and surrounding mesenchyme play an important role in normal lung morphogenesis.
      Epimorphin, a stromal protein, plays a role in epithelial morphogenesis and lung
      branching, both of which are involved in pulmonary hypoplasia. In this study, we
      aimed to examine the relationship between epimorphin and pulmonary hypoplasia
      associated with CDH in an animal model. METHODS: Time-pregnant rats were exposed
      to nitrofen or vehicle on gestational day 9 (D9). Fetuses were harvested on D16
      and D20, and were divided into control, hypoplastic lungs with CDH (CDH+), and
      hypoplastic lungs without CDH (CDH-). Both lungs of each fetus were removed and
      subjected to morphometric and molecular biologic analyses. Lung-to-body weight
      ratios were calculated. Pulmonary RNA was extracted, and relative mRNA level of
      epimorphin was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Protein
      expression of epimorphin was investigated by Western blotting. RESULTS: In groups
      D16 and D20, lung-to-body weight ratios in subgroups CDH+ were significantly
      lower than those of controls and CDH-. The relative mRNA expression levels of
      epimorphin were significantly increased in both lungs in subgroup CDH+ compared
      with controls and CDH- on D16. Pulmonary epimorphin gene expression levels were
      significantly decreased in CDH+ group on D20 compared to controls. Western
      blotting confirmed the qRT-PCR results showing decreased pulmonary epimorphin
      protein expression in CDH+ hypoplastic lungs compared to controls on D20.
      CONCLUSION: Our study shows that there is an association between the epimorphin
      expression and pulmonary hypoplasia associated with CDH. Although the cause
      effect relationship is far from being established, epimorphin-related mechanisms
      have a more critical role in early (D16) developmental stage.

PMID- 25119303
TI  - "Spiral intestinal lenghtening and tailoring (SILT)" for a child with severely
      short bowel.
AB  - We report a child with post-surgical short bowel state who underwent bowel
      expansion followed by spiral intestinal lengthening and tailoring (SILT) at 10
      months of age. Growth at 1-year follow-up is along the 15-25th centile on 82 %
      oral calories as normal diet and 18 % as parenteral nutrition, and he is passing
      2-3 semisolid motions daily. SILT is a versatile technique for reconstructing
      dilated bowel towards improved propulsion and absorption, and has a role in the
      management of the short bowel state. 

PMID- 25119305
TI  - Georg Buchner, Sigmund Freud and the "Schadelnerven" (cranial nerves) - research
      on the brain and soul in the 19th century.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the authors' encounter with one of Sigmund Freud's original
      works about the anatomy of the human brain stem and his interest in the
      scientist, anatomist, philosopher, writer and revolutionary Georg Buchner led to
      re-examination and review of the original writings of two major 19th century
      protagonists of brain anatomy research. The aim of the authors is to highlight
      the achievements of both Freud and Buchner in the field of comparative brain
      morphology. METHODS: The medical and philosophical publications of Georg Buchner
      were reviewed with reference to the historical-critical edition of his complete
      works and writings (the so-called Marburg edition). Evaluation of the
      neuroanatomical achievements of Sigmund Freud was based on a summary of his
      publications and also partially on his autobiographical writings. RESULTS: After
      careful review of their publications both Freud and Buchner should be
      acknowledged as brain scientists focusing particularly on comparative morphology.
      Both chose fish as the subject of their macroscopic (Buchner) and microscopic
      (Freud) neuroanatomical studies, and both cut across their own language and
      cultural space by continuing their work in France. In interpreting their findings
      both were influenced by their respective contemporary methodological schools of
      thought. Buchner became a soul scientist/psychologist by turning to the writing
      of literary texts, heralding the end of his idealistic and metaphysical
      interpretation of life. Likewise, Freud increasingly devoted himself to the
      destiny of man and his "conditio humana," eventually turning away from anatomical
      brain research. CONCLUSION: Review of the biographies and medical-scientific, as
      well as philosophical publications, of Georg Buchner and Sigmund Freud reveal
      striking parallels between the two researchers in addition to common insights
      that have generally been ignored or only marginally addressed in the past. Both
      should be appreciated and remembered as forerunners of today's neuroscientific
      community.

PMID- 25119306
TI  - [Rare cause of an abdominal emergency--case 6/2014].
AB  - HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: We report on a 58-year-old male patient with
      abdominal and right-sided flank pain, who presented with the picture of an acute
      abdominal emergency. INVESTIGATIONS: Laboratory tests revealed evidence of an
      inflammation and a hematuria. In the Doppler duplex ultrasound and computed
      tomography, chronic idiopathic periaortitis was diagnosed. The inflammatory
      fibrosing disease resulted in urine retention and rupture of the fornix of the
      right kidney. DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: After surgical implementation of
      an ureteral stent and initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, it came to an
      improvement of the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In the differential diagnosis of an
      acute abdominal emergency, diseases of the aorta should be taken into account.
      Especially in male patients with anatomical complications it is important to
      exclude an inflammatory-fibrosing disease.

PMID- 25119307
TI  - Identification of a novel HOG1 homologue from an industrial glycerol producer
      Candida glycerinogenes.
AB  - Candida glycerinogenes, a glycerol production industrial strain with hyperosmo
      adaptation can grow well in 15 % (w/v) NaCl or 55 % (w/v) glucose. To understand
      the osmo-adaptation mechanism in C. glycerinogenes, the mitogen-activated protein
      kinase HOG1 gene (CgHOG1), which plays an essential role in the yeast
      hyperosmotic response, was isolated by degenerate PCR and SEFA-Formed Adaptor
      PCR. The CgHOG1 gene was then transformed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae hog1Delta
      null mutant, which restored the recombination S. cerevisiae to the wild-type
      phenotype with osmo-adaptation. To further clarify the function of CgHOG1, the
      phosphorylation of CgHOG1 and transcription of the glycerol-3-phosphate
      dehydrogenase gene (GPD1) of the CgHOG1-harbouring S. cerevisiae mutant was
      detected, and found to be similar to that of wild-type S. cerevisiae. In
      addition, the recombination S. cerevisiae with CgHOG1 gene significantly
      accumulated intracellular glycerol when stressed with NaCl.

PMID- 25119308
TI  - Acid resistance contributes to the high-pressure carbon dioxide resistance of
      Escherichia coli K-12.
AB  - Effect of deletion of acid resistant genes of E. coli on the high-pressure carbon
      dioxide (HPC) resistance was investigated. Genes coding amino acid
      decarboxylases, such as lysine, arginine, and glutamate decarboxylase, were found
      to contribute to HPC resistance. Protonophore-treated cells showed
      hypersensitivity to HPC, confirming that HPC induced cytoplasm acidification and
      exerted severe damage on cells by intrusion of gaseous carbon dioxide into
      cytoplasm. 

PMID- 25119304
TI  - The effects of healthy aging, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's
      disease on recollection and familiarity: a meta-analytic review.
AB  - It is well established that healthy aging, amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
      (aMCI), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are associated with substantial declines in
      episodic memory. However, there is still debate as to how two forms of episodic
      memory - recollection and familiarity - are affected by healthy and pathological
      aging. To address this issue we conducted a meta-analytic review of the effect
      sizes reported in studies using remember/know (RK), receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) and process dissociation (PD) methods to examine
      recollection and familiarity in healthy aging (25 published reports), aMCI (9
      published reports), and AD (5 published reports). The results from the meta
      analysis revealed that healthy aging is associated with moderate-to-large
      recollection impairments. Familiarity was not impaired in studies using ROC or PD
      methods but was impaired in studies that used the RK procedure. aMCI was
      associated with large decreases in recollection whereas familiarity only tended
      to show a decrease in studies with a patient sample comprised of both single
      domain and multiple-domain aMCI patients. Lastly, AD was associated with large
      decreases in both recollection and familiarity. The results are consistent with
      neuroimaging evidence suggesting that the hippocampus is critical for
      recollection whereas familiarity is dependent on the integrity of the surrounding
      perirhinal cortex. Moreover, the results highlight the relevance of method
      selection when examining aging, and suggest that familiarity deficits might be a
      useful behavioral marker for identifying individuals that will develop dementia. 

PMID- 25119309
TI  - Acanthamoeba T4, T5 and T11 isolated from mineral water bottles in southern
      Brazil.
AB  - Acanthamoeba is a protist potential pathogen, capable of causing a blinding
      keratitis in contact lens wearers and disseminated infection, leading to
      granulomatous amebic encephalitis in immunocompromised individuals. This amoeba
      is a ubiquitous organism that has been isolated from various domestic water
      systems, such as cooling towers and hospital water networks. The objective of
      this work was to investigate the presence of Acanthamoeba in mineral water
      bottles marketed in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. Positive samples were further
      classified at the genotype level after sequencing the ASA.S1 region of 18S rDNA
      gene. Six of the eight isolates belonged to T5 genotype, one to T4 genotype, and
      one was T11. Several genotypes have been reported worldwide as causative of
      pathologies in humans, including genotypes T4, T5 and T11. Overall, the
      widespread distribution of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains in the
      studied source demands more awareness within the public and health professionals,
      because this pathogen is emerging as a risk for human health worldwide. 

PMID- 25119311
TI  - Common and rare variants in the exons and regulatory regions of osteoporosis
      related genes improve osteoporotic fracture risk prediction.
AB  - CONTEXT: Osteoporotic fracture risk is highly heritable, but genome-wide
      association studies have explained only a small proportion of the heritability to
      date. Genetic data may improve prediction of fracture risk in osteopenic subjects
      and assist early intervention and management. OBJECTIVE: To detect common and
      rare variants in coding and regulatory regions related to osteoporosis-related
      traits, and to investigate whether genetic profiling improves the prediction of
      fracture risk. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study was conducted in
      three clinical units in Korea. PARTICIPANTS: Postmenopausal women with extreme
      phenotypes (n = 982) were used for the discovery set, and 3895 participants were
      used for the replication set. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We performed targeted
      resequencing of 198 genes. Genetic risk scores from common variants (GRS-C) and
      from common and rare variants (GRS-T) were calculated. RESULTS: Nineteen common
      variants in 17 genes (of the discovered 34 functional variants in 26 genes) and
      31 rare variants in five genes (of the discovered 87 functional variants in 15
      genes) were associated with one or more osteoporosis-related traits. Accuracy of
      fracture risk classification was improved in the osteopenic patients by adding
      GRS-C to fracture risk assessment models (6.8%; P < .001) and was further
      improved by adding GRS-T (9.6%; P < .001). GRS-C improved classification accuracy
      for vertebral and nonvertebral fractures by 7.3% (P = .005) and 3.0% (P = .091),
      and GRS-T further improved accuracy by 10.2% (P < .001) and 4.9% (P = .008),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that both common and rare
      functional variants may contribute to osteoporotic fracture and that adding
      genetic profiling data to current models could improve the prediction of fracture
      risk in an osteopenic individual.

PMID- 25119310
TI  - Exercise-induced irisin secretion is independent of age or fitness level and
      increased irisin may directly modulate muscle metabolism through AMPK activation.
AB  - CONTEXT: Irisin has been proposed to be a myokine mediating the effect of
      exercise on adipocyte browning. The physiology of irisin in humans is not
      completely understood. OBJECTIVE: To study the physiology of irisin in healthy
      individuals with different age and fitness levels and to explore the direct
      effects of irisin on muscle metabolism. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS: Treadmill
      exercise studies were conducted to measure circulating irisin at baseline and in
      response to exercise among old and young, physically active and sedentary
      individuals. Also, high- and moderate-intensity swimming was performed in
      adolescent men and women to study the effect of exercise intensity and the time
      course of irisin induction by acute bouts of exercise. Human myotubes were
      treated with recombinant irisin, and the effect on gene expression, cell
      signaling, and metabolism was examined. RESULTS: Baseline circulating irisin was
      lower in old (vs young) and physically active (vs sedentary) subjects. Despite
      differences in basal levels, the percentage increase of irisin by acute bouts of
      exercise was not related to age or fitness level. The time course study revealed
      that circulating irisin increased immediately after high-intensity interval
      exercise and declined 1 hour thereafter. In vitro experiments showed that irisin
      facilitates glucose and lipid metabolism in human muscle through AMP kinase
      phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the differences in basal irisin levels,
      exercise-induced irisin secretion is independent of age or fitness level.
      Increased irisin can directly modulate muscle metabolism through AMP kinase
      activation.

PMID- 25119312
TI  - Changes in bone mineral density in newly diagnosed testicular cancer patients
      after anticancer treatment.
AB  - CONTEXT: Patients with germ cell tumors (GCTs) have an excellent prognosis but
      are at risk for silent fractures. Data on bone mineral density (BMD) after
      anticancer treatment are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was BMD
      monitoring in GCT patients treated with or without chemotherapy. DESIGN: We
      prospectively studied 63 newly diagnosed GCT patients with a median age of 33
      years (range 16-70 y) within 3 months of unilateral orchidectomy. Twenty-seven
      patients (42.9%) had no metastases. Thirty-six patients (57.1%) with metastatic
      disease received combination chemotherapy. SETTING: This study was conducted at
      the outpatient clinic of a single academic institution. INTERVENTIONS: We
      performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and collected blood samples on a
      yearly basis, before and up to 5 years after anticancer treatment. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Changes in total hip and lumbar spine BMD, serum concentrations of
      gonadal hormones, and bone turnover markers were measured. RESULTS: BMD remained
      normal in stage I patients. In patients with metastatic disease, a significant
      decrease in lumbar spine BMD (-1.52%; P = .004) and total hip BMD (-2.05%; P <
      .0001) was observed 1 year after chemotherapy and remained stable thereafter for
      up to 5 years. There was no significant relationship between the observed
      decrease in BMD and gonadal status, vitamin D status, or cumulative dose of
      cisplatin or (antiemetic) corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic GCT survivors
      demonstrate significant bone loss within the first year after curative
      combination chemotherapy, with no recovery up to 5 years after anticancer
      treatment. Whether this bone loss is associated with increased fracture risk and
      whether this could be prevented by bone modifying treatment remains to be
      established.

PMID- 25119313
TI  - Ethnic differences in insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function, and hepatic
      extraction between Japanese and Caucasians: a minimal model analysis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Ethnic differences have previously been reported for type 2 diabetes.
      OBJECTIVE: We aimed at assessing the potential differences between Caucasian and
      Japanese subjects ranging from normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to impaired glucose
      tolerance (IGT) and to type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study
      with oral glucose tolerance tests to assess beta-cell function, hepatic insulin
      extraction, and insulin sensitivity. PARTICIPANTS: PARTICIPANTS included 120
      Japanese and 150 Caucasian subjects. MAIN OUTCOMES: Measures of beta-cell
      function, hepatic extraction, and insulin sensitivity were assessed using C
      peptide, glucose, and insulin minimal models. RESULTS: Basal beta-cell function
      (Phi(b)) was lower in Japanese compared with Caucasians (P < .01). In subjects
      with IGT, estimates of the dynamic (Phi(d)) and static (Phi(s)) beta-cell
      responsiveness were significantly lower in the Japanese compared with Caucasians
      (P < .05). In contrast, values of insulin action showed higher sensitivity in the
      Japanese IGT subjects. Hepatic extraction was similar in NGT and IGT groups but
      higher in Japanese type 2 diabetic subjects (P < .01). Despite differences in
      insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function, and hepatic extraction, the disposition
      indices were similar between the 2 ethnic groups at all glucose tolerance states.
      Furthermore, the overall insulin sensitivity and beta-cell responsiveness for all
      glucose tolerance states were similar in Japanese and Caucasians after accounting
      for differences in body mass index. CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence for a
      similar ability of Japanese and Caucasians to compensate for increased insulin
      resistance.

PMID- 25119314
TI  - Aldosterone suppression on contralateral adrenal during adrenal vein sampling
      does not predict blood pressure response after adrenalectomy.
AB  - CONTEXT: Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is the only reliable means to distinguish
      between aldosterone-producing adenoma and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, the two
      most common subtypes of primary aldosteronism (PA). AVS protocols are not
      standardized and vary widely between centers. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the
      study was to retrospectively investigate whether the presence of contralateral
      adrenal (CL) suppression of aldosterone secretion was associated with improved
      postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy for PA.
      SETTING: The study was carried out in eight different referral centers in Italy,
      Germany, and Japan. PATIENTS: From 585 consecutive AVS in patients with confirmed
      PA, 234 procedures met the inclusion criteria and were used for the subsequent
      analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 82% of patients displayed contralateral suppression.
      This percentage was significantly higher in ACTH stimulated compared with basal
      procedures (90% vs 77%). The CL ratio was inversely correlated with the
      aldosterone level at diagnosis and, among AVS parameters, with the lateralization
      index (P = .02 and P = .01, respectively). The absence of contralateral
      suppression was not associated with a lower rate of response to adrenalectomy in
      terms of both clinical and biochemical parameters, and patients with CL
      suppression underwent a significantly larger reduction in the aldosterone levels
      after adrenalectomy. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with lateralizing indices of
      greater than 4 (which comprised the great majority of subjects in this study), CL
      suppression should not be required to refer patients to adrenalectomy because it
      is not associated with a larger blood pressure reduction after surgery and might
      exclude patients from curative surgery.

PMID- 25119317
TI  - On the chemical behavior of C60 hosting H2O and other isoelectronic neutral
      molecules.
AB  - The density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate the chemical behavior
      of C60 hosting neutral guest molecules (NGM). The deformed atoms in molecules
      (DAM) allowed identifying the regions of electron density depletion and
      accumulation. The studied NGM are CH4, NH3, H2O, and HF. Based on dipole moment
      and polarizabilities analyses it is predicted that the NGM@C60 should be more
      soluble in polar solvents than C60. The deformations on the surface electron
      density of the fullerenes explain this finding, which might be relevant for
      further applications of these systems. It was found that the intrinsic reactivity
      of studied NGM@C60 is only moderately higher than that of C60. This trend is
      supported by the global reactivity indexes and the frontier orbitals analyses.
      The free radical scavenging activity of the studied systems, via single electron
      transfer, was found to be strongly dependent on the chemical nature of the
      reacting free radical. The presence of the studied NGM inside the C60 influences
      only to some extent the reactivity of C60 toward free radicals. The distortion of
      the electron density on the C60 cage, caused by the NGM, is directly related to
      the electron withdrawing capacity of the later. 

PMID- 25119316
TI  - Lenti-GDNF gene therapy protects against Alzheimer's disease-like neuropathology
      in 3xTg-AD mice and MC65 cells.
AB  - AIMS: Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is emerging as a potent
      neurotrophic factor with therapeutic potential against a range of
      neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD). We assayed the
      effects of GDNF treatment in AD experimental models through gene-therapy
      procedures. METHODS: Recombinant lentiviral vectors were used to overexpress GDNF
      gene in hippocampal astrocytes of 3xTg-AD mice in vivo, and also in the MC65
      human neuroblastoma that conditionally overexpresses the 99-residue carboxyl
      terminal (C99) fragment of the amyloid precursor protein. RESULTS: After 6 months
      of overexpressing GDNF, 10-month-old 3xTg-AD mice showed preserved learning and
      memory, while their counterparts transduced with a green fluorescent protein
      vector showed cognitive loss. GDNF therapy did not significantly reduce amyloid
      and tau pathology, but rather, induced a potent upregulation of brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor that may act in concert with GDNF to protect neurons from
      atrophy and degeneration. MC65 cells overexpressing GDNF showed an abolishment of
      oxidative stress and cell death that was at least partially mediated by a reduced
      presence of intracellular C99 and derived amyloid beta oligomers. CONCLUSIONS:
      GDNF induced neuroprotection in the AD experimental models used. Lentiviral
      vectors engineered to overexpress GDNF showed to be safe and effective, both as a
      potential gene therapy and as a tool to uncover the mechanisms of GDNF
      neuroprotection, including cross talk between astrocytes and neurons in the
      injured brain.

PMID- 25119315
TI  - Integrative analysis of GWASs, human protein interaction, and gene expression
      identified gene modules associated with BMDs.
AB  - CONTEXT: To date, few systems genetics studies in the bone field have been
      performed. We designed our study from a systems-level perspective by integrating
      genome-wide association studies (GWASs), human protein-protein interaction (PPI)
      network, and gene expression to identify gene modules contributing to
      osteoporosis risk. METHODS: First we searched for modules significantly enriched
      with bone mineral density (BMD)-associated genes in human PPI network by using 2
      large meta-analysis GWAS datasets through a dense module search algorithm. One
      included 7 individual GWAS samples (Meta7). The other was from the Genetic
      Factors for Osteoporosis Consortium (GEFOS2). One was assigned as a discovery
      dataset and the other as an evaluation dataset, and vice versa. RESULTS: In
      total, 42 modules and 129 modules were identified significantly in both Meta7 and
      GEFOS2 datasets for femoral neck and spine BMD, respectively. There were 3340
      modules identified for hip BMD only in Meta7. As candidate modules, they were
      assessed for the biological relevance to BMD by gene set enrichment analysis in 2
      expression profiles generated from circulating monocytes in subjects with low
      versus high BMD values. Interestingly, there were 2 modules significantly
      enriched in monocytes from the low BMD group in both gene expression datasets
      (nominal P value <.05). Two modules had 16 nonredundant genes. Functional
      enrichment analysis revealed that both modules were enriched for genes involved
      in Wnt receptor signaling and osteoblast differentiation. CONCLUSION: We
      highlighted 2 modules and novel genes playing important roles in the regulation
      of bone mass, providing important clues for therapeutic approaches for
      osteoporosis.

PMID- 25119318
TI  - Quantum dynamics study of H + DBr and D + HBr reaction.
AB  - Time-dependent quantum wave packet calculations have been performed for the H +
      DBr and D + HBr reaction using the recent diabatic potential energy surfaces.
      Reaction probabilities, integral cross sections, and rate constants are obtained.
      The results show that the isotopic effects have an influence on the nonadiabatic
      effect which is generally inversely proportional to the atom mass. The calculated
      rate constants are in good overall agreement with experimental values, indicating
      that the ab initio surfaces are accurate to describe the isotopic effects. 

PMID- 25119319
TI  - A computational study of hydrogen bonds in intermolecular systems of high
      complexity: arachno-pentaborane(11)...Y with Y = O2 and N 2.
AB  - The interactions of arachno-B(5)H(11) with N(2) and O(2) were theoretically
      studied. In the B(5)H(11)...N(2) and B(5)H(11)...O(2) complexes, the terminal
      hydrogens of B(5)H(11) work as electron donors whereas the bridge ones as
      electron acceptors. The optimized structures and the corresponding harmonic
      vibration spectra were investigated through the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory.
      In order to characterize the hydrogen bonds, the topological calculations
      inherent to the QTAIM protocol and MEP analysis were carried out. The NBO
      analyses were useful in the interpretation of the red-shifts and blue-shifts on
      the stretch frequencies of the proton donors, of course in agreement with the
      Bent rule for the chemical bonding as well as by the conceptions of
      hyperconjugation or hybridization.

PMID- 25119322
TI  - No lost opportunities in the emergency department.

PMID- 25119321
TI  - UK mental health provision is not up to scratch.

PMID- 25119323
TI  - Integrating psychological screening into reviews of patients with COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a high
      prevalence of anxiety and depression, which can have an impact on their symptoms
      and the way they manage their condition. Intervention that takes psychological
      distress into account may lead to better outcomes than simple advice-giving. AIM:
      To explore the feasibility of integrating psychological screening and
      intervention into nurse-led reviews of patients with COPD. METHOD: Nurses were
      given training on a pathway developed for patients with COPD. This included
      screening for depression and anxiety and assessing their severity; providing self
      management education by means of a motivational approach; and offering pulmonary
      rehabilitation. RESULTS: The nurses' level of confidence increased following
      training. Patients were accepting of the screening process and felt more able and
      motivated to manage their condition after the intervention. Eleven of the 35
      patients that took part in the study period had evidence of anxiety and/or
      depression. Out of a total of 16 patients eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation,
      12 agreed to referral. Of these, three patients were seen by their GP, one was
      started on antidepressants, and one was referred to the psychology service.
      CONCLUSION: Training practice nurses to screen for depression and anxiety, and to
      offer self-management education using a motivational interviewing approach,
      increased the reported capability and motivation of patients with COPD to manage
      their condition. It may also improve the uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation. Use
      of this pathway does not place a burden on other care providers or greatly
      increase prescribing costs.

PMID- 25119320
TI  - Optimization of dual-energy subtraction chest radiography by use of a direct
      conversion flat-panel detector system.
AB  - We aimed to optimize the exposure conditions in the acquisition of soft-tissue
      images using dual-energy subtraction chest radiography with a direct-conversion
      flat-panel detector system. Two separate chest images were acquired at high- and
      low-energy exposures with standard or thick chest phantoms. The high-energy
      exposure was fixed at 120 kVp with the use of an auto-exposure control technique.
      For the low-energy exposure, the tube voltages and entrance surface doses ranged
      40-80 kVp and 20-100 % of the dose required for high-energy exposure,
      respectively. Further, a repetitive processing algorithm was used for reduction
      of the image noise generated by the subtraction process. Seven radiology
      technicians ranked soft-tissue images, and these results were analyzed using the
      normalized-rank method. Images acquired at 60 kVp were of acceptable quality
      regardless of the entrance surface dose and phantom size. Using a repetitive
      processing algorithm, the minimum acceptable doses were reduced from 75 to 40 %
      for the standard phantom and to 50 % for the thick phantom. We determined that
      the optimum low-energy exposure was 60 kVp at 50 % of the dose required for the
      high-energy exposure. This allowed the simultaneous acquisition of standard
      radiographs and soft-tissue images at 1.5 times the dose required for a standard
      radiograph, which is significantly lower than the values reported previously. 

PMID- 25119324
TI  - Arterialised earlobe capillary blood gases in the COPD population.
AB  - Arterialised ear lobe capillary blood (ELCB) gas sampling is a widely used
      clinical procedure undertaken across both primary and secondary care settings.
      The prevalence of this sampling method has grown among health professionals,
      coupled with a growing demand for domiciliary oxygen therapy in the UK, in
      particular for those who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
      Research studies supporting arterialised ELCB gas sampling show inconsistencies
      in technique, and a survey of respiratory nurses' current practice demonstrated
      wider inconsistencies. In the absence of national clinical guidelines to direct
      this practice, and an acknowledged and accepted under-calculation of partial
      pressure of oxygen, this article investigates the sampling method used to obtain
      arterialised ELCB gas sampling and consequently questions its reliability in
      practice. 

PMID- 25119325
TI  - Spiritual coping of older persons in Malta and Australia (part 2).
AB  - Part I presented the research methodology and the quantitative findings of this
      descriptive sequential explanatory study. Part 2 will discuss the qualitative
      findings that explain the impact of the use of spiritual coping strategies on
      institutionalised older persons. Participants were recruited from six
      institutions in Malta and Australia: four private homes (two in Australia, n=30;
      two in Malta, n=43) and two state residences in Malta (n=64). The residents
      (n=137; 103 women, 34 men), aged 72.8 years (mean) were all Roman Catholics,
      mobile and with a minimal residence of 6 months. The quantitative data (phase I)
      were collected by the Maltese version of the Spiritual Coping scale (SCS) (
      Baldacchino and Buhagiar, 2003 ) while the qualitative data were collected
      through audiotaped face-to-face interviews (n=42) (phase II) and three focus
      groups (n=23) (phase III). The qualitative data generated three main themes,
      namely: self-empowerment through connectedness with God, self, others and nature;
      belongingness to the residence; and the finding of meaning and purpose in life or
      the perceived afterlife. Recommendations were made for integration of
      spirituality into nursing education and clinical practice; more frequent
      participation in the socio-religious activities at ward level; self-awareness
      exercises and support groups; and further crosscultural longitudinal studies. 

PMID- 25119326
TI  - Importance of being flexible in nurse education.

PMID- 25119327
TI  - Decontamination methods for flexible nasal endoscopes.
AB  - A national survey was carried out to investigate the current UK practice for
      decontaminating flexible nasal endoscopes. A postal questionnaire was sent to
      Sisters in Charge of 200 ear, nose and throat (ENT) outpatient departments in the
      UK, with an overall response rate of 60.5%. Decontamination with chlorine dioxide
      wipes was the most favoured method, used in 58% of the hospitals that
      participated in this survey. Automated machines were also used in many places
      (34%). Only a few hospitals used flexible sheaths (7%). Many departments do not
      use a separate protocol for high-risk patients. 

PMID- 25119328
TI  - Understanding the concept of the key worker: do focus groups help?
AB  - The concept of the 'key-worker role' within paediatric haematology and oncology
      services is recognised in the UK through inclusion in published policies and
      guidance. Such guidance originates from both statutory and voluntary sector
      organisations. Within the policy direction itself, references are made to both
      'designated' and 'non-designated' key workers, and there remains ongoing
      confusion within the professional field about the exact nature of the process of
      'key-working' and how this should operate. This confusion therefore also exists
      for parents, carers and service users. The project described here aimed to
      examine the concept of the key-worker role through consultation with users as
      part of local service development. Focus group discussion was identified as the
      methodology of choice. Careful planning and delivery ensured that meaningful data
      emerged. Active participation by those attending the focus group discussion was
      observed. The focus group was in two sessions, both of which were digitally
      recorded and transcribed, with contemporaneous notes taken. These were subjected
      to thematic analysis and clear themes emerged regarding the importance of
      terminology, communication, skill mix and the use of technology. This local
      project achieved greater clarity about how to develop the key-worker role to best
      meet the needs of users through highlighting the need to include both the key
      worker role, and the process of key-working. It is concluded that the use of
      focus groups is both a valid and valuable mechanism of consultation, as user
      consultation regarding service design and evaluation of care delivered is high on
      the wider agenda of the NHS. 

PMID- 25119329
TI  - New registration process for overseas nurses.

PMID- 25119330
TI  - The Mental Capacity Act 2005: riding the storm of criticism.

PMID- 25119331
TI  - Written communication: from staff nurse to nurse consultant. Part 1: core
      principles.

PMID- 25119332
TI  - We should engage with the Code.

PMID- 25119333
TI  - Dosimetric evaluation of hybrid brass/stainless-steel apertures for proton
      therapy.
AB  - In passive scattering proton therapy, patient specific collimators (apertures)
      are used to laterally shape the proton beam, and compensators are employed to
      distally conform proton dose to the target. Brass is a commonly used material for
      apertures and recently a hybrid brass/stainless-steel (BR/SST) aperture design
      has been introduced to reduce treatment cost without clinical flow change. We
      measured stopping power and leakage dose for apertures made of stainless steel
      and brass in the Proton Therapy system. The linear stopping power ratios for
      stainless steel (type 304) and brass to water were calculated to be 5.46 and
      5.51, respectively. Measured stopping power ratios of SST and BR were 5.51  +/- 
      0.04 and 5.56  +/-  0.08, respectively, which agrees with the calculated values
      within 1%. Leakage dose on the downstream surface of two slabs of O18 cm
      stainless steel apertures (total thickness of 6.5 cm) for the maximum available
      proton energy (235 MeV) was 1.283% +/- 0.004% of the prescription dose, and was
      smaller compared to the 1.358% +/- 0.005% leakage dose measured for existing
      brass apertures of identical physical dimensions. Therefore, the existing beam
      range limits for brass aperture slabs used at our institution with safety margin
      allowances for material composition and delivered beam range uncertainties can be
      safely applied for the new BR/SST aperture design. Potential range differences in
      the brass and stainless steel interface regions of the hybrid design were further
      investigated using EBT3 GafChromic film. Film dosimetry revealed no discernible
      range variations across the brass and stainless steel interface regions. Neutron
      dose to the patient from brass and stainless steel apertures was simulated using
      the Monte Carlo method. The results indicate that stainless steel produces
      similar patient neutron dose compared to brass. Material activation dose rates of
      stainless steel were measured over a period of 7 d after irradiation. The
      measurements showed that the proton induced SST activity is initially lower and
      also decays at a faster rate than that induced in brass, therefore requires no
      changes in radiation protection requirements on material disposals. The Monte
      Carlo simulation confirmed higher initial activity of brass than stainless steel
      shortly after irradiation. The hybrid BR/SST aperture design is suitable for
      clinical use to replace the current brass apertures for all clinically used
      proton ranges. The existing aperture disposal procedures also satisfy radiation
      protection requirements for the new hybrid type apertures. 

PMID- 25119334
TI  - Transplantation of neural stem cells clonally derived from embryonic stem cells
      promotes recovery after murine spinal cord injury.
AB  - The pathology of spinal cord injury (SCI) makes it appropriate for cell-based
      therapies. Treatments using neural stem cells (NSCs) in animal models of SCI have
      shown positive outcomes, although uncertainty remains regarding the optimal cell
      source. Pluripotent cell sources such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) provide a
      limitless supply of therapeutic cells. NSCs derived using embryoid bodies (EB)
      from ESCs have shown tumorigenic potential. Clonal neurosphere generation is an
      alternative method to generate safer and more clinically relevant NSCs without
      the use of an EB stage for use in cell-based therapies. We generated clonally
      derived definitive NSCs (dNSCs) from ESC. These cells were transplanted into a
      mouse thoracic SCI model. Embryonic stem cell-derived definitive neural stem cell
      (ES-dNSC)-transplanted mice were compared with controls using behavioral measures
      and histopathological analysis of tissue. In addition, the role of remyelination
      in injury recovery was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. The
      SCI group that received ES-dNSC transplantation showed significant improvements
      in locomotor function compared with controls in open field and gait analysis. The
      cell treatment group had a significant enhancement of spared neural tissue.
      Immunohistological assessments showed that dNSCs differentiated primarily to
      oligodendrocytes. These cells were shown to express myelin basic protein,
      associate with axons, and support nodal architecture as well as display proper
      compact, multilayer myelination in electron microscopic analysis. This study
      provides strong evidence that dNSCs clonally derived from pluripotent cells using
      the default pathway of neuralization improve motor function after SCI and enhance
      sparing of neural tissue, while remaining safe and clinically relevant. 

PMID- 25119335
TI  - Elaidic, vaccenic, and rumenic acid status during pregnancy: association with
      maternal plasmatic LC-PUFAs and atopic manifestations in infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have explored whether fetal exposure to trans fatty acids
      (TFAs) influences the inception of atopic diseases. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the relationship between the concentration of specific TFAs (elaidic,
      vaccenic, and rumenic acids) in maternal plasma and the risk of developing atopic
      manifestations in the first year of life. METHODS: A subsample from a population
      based pregnancy cohort of the INMA Project was analyzed. Maternal intake of fatty
      acids was assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire (75.5% of the cohort). TFAs
      and n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids were measured in samples
      of plasmatic phospholipids at 12 wk of pregnancy. Information regarding eczema
      and wheeze in offspring was obtained through questionnaires at ages 6 and 14 mo.
      RESULTS: Elaidic acid correlated negatively with n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated
      fatty acids (total, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid), and rumenic
      acid positively with both n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in
      maternal plasma. Neither of these two fatty acids was associated with the risk of
      atopic eczema or wheeze in offspring in the first year of life. However, a higher
      vaccenic acid level was found to be linked to a lower risk of atopic eczema.
      CONCLUSION: High vaccenic acid concentrations in maternal plasma may protect
      offspring against atopic eczema in infancy.

PMID- 25119337
TI  - MBL2 gene polymorphisms increase the risk of adverse neurological outcome in
      preterm infants: a preliminary prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As described in animal models, the lectin-complement pathway is
      central to the propagation of ischemia-reperfusion injuries in many tissues,
      including the brain. Similarly, it might affect the genesis of brain damage in
      preterm infants. MBL2 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), regulating
      mannose-binding lectin (MBL) serum levels, could predict the risk of adverse
      neurological outcome in these infants. METHODS: To evaluate the association
      between SNPs of the MBL2 gene and long-term neurological outcomes in preterm
      infants, 75 infants (gestational age (GA) <= 32 wk) were observed in a
      prospective longitudinal study and assessed by clinical and instrumental exams at
      12 and 24 mo of corrected age (CA). They were genotyped for the promoter
      polymorphism -221 and for the exon-1 variant alleles (at codons 52, 54, and 57)
      of the MBL2 gene. RESULTS: The MBL2 exon-1 OO genotype was more frequent in
      children with an adverse neurological outcome (5/35; 7%) than in controls (0/40;
      0%), P = 0.045. The risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in carriers of the
      genotype OO was marked, without reaching statistical significance (odds ratio:
      8.67; 95% confidence interval: 0.87-86.06; P = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Preterm infants
      who are carriers of MBL2 exon-1 OO genotype are exposed to an increased risk of
      adverse neurological outcomes.

PMID- 25119336
TI  - One size will never fit all: the future of research in pediatric transfusion
      medicine.
AB  - There is concern at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and
      among transfusion medicine specialists regarding the small number of
      investigators and studies in the field of pediatric transfusion medicine (PTM).
      Accordingly, the objective of this article is to provide a snapshot of the
      clinical and translational PTM research considered to be of high priority by
      pediatricians, neonatologists, and transfusion medicine specialists. Included is
      a targeted review of three research areas of importance: (i) transfusion
      strategies, (ii) short- and long-term clinical consequences, and (iii)
      transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases. The recommendations by PTM and
      transfusion medicine specialists represent opportunities and innovative
      strategies to execute translational research, observational studies, and clinical
      trials of high relevance to PTM. With the explosion of new biomedical knowledge
      and increasingly sophisticated methodologies over the past decade, this is an
      exciting time to consider transfusion medicine as a paradigm for addressing
      questions related to fields such as cell biology, immunology, neurodevelopment,
      outcomes research, and many others. Increased awareness of PTM as an important,
      fertile field and the promotion of accompanying opportunities will help establish
      PTM as a viable career option and advance basic and clinical investigation to
      improve the health and wellbeing of children. 

PMID- 25119338
TI  - Reduced sensitivity of the renal vasculature to angiotensin II in young rats: the
      role of the angiotensin type 2 receptor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The angiotensin type-2 receptor (AT2R) opposes the vasoconstrictor
      actions of angiotensin II (AngII) mediated through the angiotensin type-1
      receptor (AT1R). Renal AT2R levels are high during fetal life, but decrease
      significantly during postnatal maturation. To provide insight into the functional
      role of the AT2R in the kidney during postnatal development, we investigated the
      effects of AT2R antagonism on cardiovascular responses to AngII in young and
      adult male rats. METHODS: In anesthetized 3- and 6-wk-old male Sprague-Dawley
      rats, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal blood flow (RBF) were measured in
      response to AngII in the presence of vehicle treatment or AT2R blockade with
      PD123319. RESULTS: The pressor effect of AngII and associated reduction in RBF
      were significantly less in 3-wk- than 6-wk-old rats. AT2R blockade potentiated
      the reduction in RBF in response to AngII in 3-wk-old rats only. CONCLUSION: In
      young rats, the AT2R modulates the response to AngII, blunting renal
      vasoconstriction. This effect is attenuated with age in association with a
      developmental reduction in renal AT2R expression. These findings may have
      implications for the development of novel therapies that target the renin
      angiotensin system for the improvement of renal function in term and, in
      particular, preterm infants.

PMID- 25119339
TI  - Effects of iron supplements and perinatal factors on fetal hemoglobin
      disappearance in LBW infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The homeostatic mechanisms of iron metabolism and erythropoiesis in
      infants are unclear. Infants synthesize both fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and adult
      hemoglobin (HbA), and it is not known how the hemoglobin switch is regulated. We
      hypothesized that iron supplements to infants affect the disappearance of HbF.
      METHODS: We randomized 285 low-birth-weight infants (2,000-2,500 g) into three
      intervention groups receiving 0, 1, or 2 mg/kg/d of iron supplements from 6 wk to
      6 mo of age. In the present secondary analysis, we analyzed iron status, total
      hemoglobin (Hb), and HbF fraction at 6 wk, 12 wk, and at 6 mo and calculated
      absolute levels of HbF. RESULTS: We observed dose-dependent increased levels of
      Hb in iron-supplemented groups at 6 mo of age. However, for absolute HbF
      concentration, there was no similar effect of intervention. Mean (SD) HbF was
      81.2 (16.8), 37.0 (13.8), and 8.1 (5.6) g/l at 6 wk, 12 wk, and 6 mo,
      respectively, similar in all groups. In linear regression analyses,
      postconceptional age turned out as the major predictor of HbF, independent of
      gestational age at birth. CONCLUSION: Our hypothesis was rejected. Instead, we
      confirmed a close correlation to postconceptional age, supporting a genetically
      programmed switch, insensitive to most environmental factors including birth.

PMID- 25119340
TI  - Combination of intrauterine growth restriction and a high-fat diet impairs
      cholesterol elimination in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of adult
      onset hypercholesterolemia. High-fat diet (HFD) consumption potentiates IUGR
      induced increased cholesterol. Cholesterol is converted to bile acids by Cyp7a1
      in preparation for excretion. We hypothesized that IUGR rats fed a HFD will have
      increased cholesterol, decreased Cyp7a1 protein levels, and decreased bile acids
      compared to control rats fed a HFD. METHODS: At day 21, IUGR and control pups
      were placed on one of three diets: a regular chow or one of two HFDs containing
      1% or 2% cholesterol. Cholesterol levels and hepatic Cyp7a1 protein levels were
      quantified a postnatal week 28. RESULTS: Both HFDs increased serum cholesterol
      levels in control rats, and HFD fed IUGR rats had further increased serum
      cholesterol up to 35-fold. Both HFDs increased hepatic cholesterol levels, and
      IUGR further increased hepatic cholesterol levels up to fivefold. IUGR decreased
      hepatic Cyp7a1 protein up to 75%, and hepatic bile acids up to 54%. CONCLUSION:
      IUGR increased cholesterol and bile acids and decreased Cyp7a1 protein in rats
      fed a HFD without changing food intake. These findings suggest that IUGR
      increases the vulnerability of HFD fed rats to hypercholesterolemia via decreased
      cholesterol conversion to bile acids.

PMID- 25119342
TI  - Psychometric Evaluation of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire
      Version B.
AB  - Examining the fear of delivery after childbirth is important. The authors' aim is
      to examine the overall psychometric quality of the Wijma Delivery
      Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire version B. Reliability and validity of the
      instrument were evaluated via reliability analysis, exploratory and confirmatory
      factor analyses, and multidimensional subscore estimation. A six-factor model was
      proposed to explain instrument results. Factors included concerns about labor
      pain, lack of positive behaviors, loneliness, lack of positive feelings, concerns
      about childbirth, and concerns about the baby. Researchers provide psychometric
      evidence about the quality of the questionnaire to measure fear of delivery after
      childbirth. 

PMID- 25119341
TI  - Bystander activation and anti-tumor effects of CD8+ T cells following Interleukin
      2 based immunotherapy is independent of CD4+ T cell help.
AB  - We have previously demonstrated that immunotherapy combining agonistic anti-CD40
      and IL-2 (IT) results in synergistic anti-tumor effects. IT induces expansion of
      highly cytolytic, antigen-independent "bystander-activated" (CD8(+)CD44high) T
      cells displaying a CD25(-)NKG2D(+) phenotype in a cytokine dependent manner,
      which were responsible for the anti-tumor effects. While much attention has
      focused on CD4(+) T cell help for antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell expansion,
      little is known regarding the role of CD4(+) T cells in antigen-nonspecific
      bystander-memory CD8(+) T cell expansion. Utilizing CD4 deficient mouse models,
      we observed a significant expansion of bystander-memory T cells following IT
      which was similar to the non-CD4 depleted mice. Expanded bystander-memory CD8(+)
      T cells upregulated PD-1 in the absence of CD4(+) T cells which has been
      published as a hallmark of exhaustion and dysfunction in helpless CD8(+) T cells.
      Interestingly, compared to CD8(+) T cells from CD4 replete hosts, these bystander
      expanded cells displayed comparable (or enhanced) cytokine production, lytic
      ability, and in vivo anti-tumor effects suggesting no functional impairment or
      exhaustion and were enriched in an effector phenotype. There was no acceleration
      of the post-IT contraction phase of the bystander memory CD8(+) response in CD4
      depleted mice. The response was independent of IL-21 signaling. These results
      suggest that, in contrast to antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell expansion, CD4(+) T
      cell help is not necessary for expansion and activation of antigen-nonspecific
      bystander-memory CD8(+) T cells following IT, but may play a role in regulating
      conversion of these cells from a central memory to effector phenotype.
      Additionally, the expression of PD-1 in this model appears to be a marker of
      effector function and not exhaustion.

PMID- 25119344
TI  - Response to Ansell et al. "Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs):
      no longer new or novel". (Thromb Haemost 2014; 112: 841).

PMID- 25119345
TI  - Site-specific immobilization of recombinant antibody fragments through material
      binding peptides for the sensitive detection of antigens in enzyme immunoassays.
AB  - The immobilization of an antibody is one of the key technologies that are used to
      enhance the sensitivity and efficiency of the detection of target molecules in
      immunodiagnosis and immunoseparation. Recombinant antibody fragments such as VHH,
      scFv and Fabs produced by microorganisms are the next generation of ligand
      antibodies as an alternative to conventional whole Abs due to a smaller size and
      the possibility of site-directed immobilization with uniform orientation and
      higher antigen-binding activity in the adsorptive state. For the achievement of
      site-directed immobilization, affinity peptides for a certain ligand molecule or
      solid support must be introduced to the recombinant antibody fragments. In this
      mini-review, immobilization technologies for the whole antibodies (whole Abs) and
      recombinant antibody fragments onto the surfaces of plastics are introduced. In
      particular, the focus here is on immobilization technologies of recombinant
      antibody fragments utilizing affinity peptide tags, which possesses strong
      binding affinity towards the ligand molecules. Furthermore, I introduced the
      material-binding peptides that are capable of direct recognition of the target
      materials. Preparation and immobilization strategies for recombinant antibody
      fragments linked to material-binding peptides (polystyrene-binding peptides (PS
      tags) and poly (methyl methacrylate)-binding peptide (PMMA-tag)) are the focus
      here, and are based on the enhancement of sensitivity and a reduction in the
      production costs of ligand antibodies. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: Recent advances in molecular engineering of antibody.

PMID- 25119343
TI  - [Generalized anxiety disorder].
AB  - Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental condition with
      substantial impact on psychosocial functioning and quality of life. There is also
      an increased risk of comorbidity with several other mental and somatic diseases.
      Clinical symptomatology is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worrying
      about distinct issues of daily living which is frequently associated with somatic
      symptoms of stress and anxiety. Neurobiological and psychological research
      provide evidence for alterations in (para) limbic areas, a disturbed
      monoaminergic transmission as well as for dysfunctional learning in the
      pathogenesis of GAD. Therefore, second generation antidepressants, such as
      selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), selective serotonin
      norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRI), the calcium channel modulator
      pregabalin and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are the first choice treatment
      options. Depending on symptom severity, patient preference and availability, both
      medication and CBT can be applied as monotherapy or in combination. 

PMID- 25119346
TI  - Endovascular repair of arterial iliac vessel wall lesions with a self-expandable
      nitinol stent graft system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the therapeutic outcome after endovascular repair of iliac
      arterial lesions (IALs) using a self-expandable Nitinol stent graft system.
      METHODS: Between July 2006 and March 2013, 16 patients (13 males, mean age: 68
      years) with a self-expandable Nitinol stent graft. A total of 19 lesions were
      treated: nine true aneurysms, two anastomotic aneurysms, two dissections, one
      arteriovenous fistula, two type 1B endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair,
      one pseudoaneurysm, and two perforations after angioplasty. Pre-, intra-, and
      postinterventional imaging studies and the medical records were analyzed for
      technical and clinical success and postinterventional complications. RESULTS: The
      primary technical and clinical success rate was 81.3% (13/16 patients) and 75.0%
      (12/16), respectively. Two patients had technical failure due to persistent type
      1A endoleak and another patient due to acute stent graft thrombosis. One patient
      showed severe stent graft kinking on the first postinterventional day. In two
      patients, a second intervention was performed. The secondary technical and
      clinical success rate was 87.5% (14/16) and 93.8% (15/16). The minor complication
      rate was 6.3% (patient with painful hematoma at the access site). The major
      complication rate was 6.3% (patient with ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis).
      During median follow-up of 22.4 months, an infection of the aneurysm sac in one
      patient and a stent graft thrombosis in another patient were observed.
      CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair of various IALs with a self-expandable Nitinol
      stent graft is safe and effective.

PMID- 25119348
TI  - The parasitic fauna of the European bison (Bison bonasus) (Linnaeus, 1758) and
      their impact on the conservation. Part 1. The summarising list of parasites
      noted.
AB  - During the current century, 88 species of parasites have been recorded in Bison
      bonasus. These are 22 species of protozoa (Trypanosoma wrublewskii, T. theileri,
      Giardia sp., Sarcocystis cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. hominis, S. fusiformis, Neospora
      caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium sp., Eimeria cylindrica, E.
      subspherica, E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. canadensis, E. ellipsoidalis, E.
      alabamensis, E. bukidnonensis, E. auburnensis, E. pellita, E. brasiliensis,
      Babesia divergens), 4 trematodes species (Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fasciola
      hepatica, Parafasciolopsis fasciolaemorpha, Paramphistomum cervi), 4 cestodes
      species (Taenia hydatigena larvae, Moniezia benedeni, M. expansa, Moniezia sp.),
      43 nematodes species (Bunostomum trigonocephalum, B. phlebotomum, Chabertia
      ovina, Oesophagostomum radiatum, O. venulosum, Dictyocaulus filaria, D.viviparus,
      Nematodirella alcidis, Nematodirus europaeus, N. helvetianus, N. roscidus, N.
      filicollis, N. spathiger, Cooperia oncophora, C. pectinata, C. punctata, C.
      surnabada, Haemonchus contortus, Mazamastrongylus dagestanicus, Ostertagia
      lyrata, O. ostertagi, O. antipini, O. leptospicularis, O. kolchida, O.
      circumcincta, O. trifurcata, Spiculopteragia boehmi, S. mathevossiani, S.
      asymmetrica, Trichostrongylus axei, T. askivali, T. capricola, T. vitrinus,
      Ashworthius sidemi, Onchocerca lienalis, O. gutturosa, Setaria labiatopapillosa,
      Gongylonema pulchrum, Thelazia gulosa, T. skrjabini, T. rhodesi, Aonchotheca
      bilobata, Trichuris ovis), 7 mites (Demodex bisonianus, D. bovis, Demodex sp.,
      Chorioptes bovis, Psoroptes equi, P. ovis, Sarcoptes scabiei), 4 Ixodidae ticks
      (Ixodes ricinus, I. persulcatus, I. hexagonus, Dermacentor reticulatus), 1
      Mallophaga species (Bisonicola sedecimdecembrii), 1 Anoplura (Haematopinus
      eurysternus), and 2 Hippoboscidae flies (Lipoptena cervi, Melophagus ovinus).
      There are few monoxenous parasites, many typical for cattle and many newly
      acquired from Cervidae. 

PMID- 25119347
TI  - Artificially constructed quorum-sensing circuits are used for subtle control of
      bacterial population density.
AB  - Vibrio fischeri is a typical quorum-sensing bacterium for which lux box, luxR,
      and luxI have been identified as the key elements involved in quorum sensing. To
      decode the quorum-sensing mechanism, an artificially constructed cell-cell
      communication system has been built. In brief, the system expresses several
      programmed cell-death BioBricks and quorum-sensing genes driven by the promoters
      lux pR and PlacO-1 in Escherichia coli cells. Their transformation and expression
      was confirmed by gel electrophoresis and sequencing. To evaluate its performance,
      viable cell numbers at various time periods were investigated. Our results showed
      that bacteria expressing killer proteins corresponding to ribosome binding site
      efficiency of 0.07, 0.3, 0.6, or 1.0 successfully sensed each other in a
      population-dependent manner and communicated with each other to subtly control
      their population density. This was also validated using a proposed simple
      mathematical model. 

PMID- 25119349
TI  - The parasitic fauna of the European bison (Bison bonasus) (Linnaeus, 1758) and
      their impact on the conservation. Part 2. The structure and changes over time.
AB  - During the last century the recorded parasite fauna of Bison bonasus includes 88
      species. These are 22 species of protozoa, 4 trematode species, 4 cestode
      species, 43 nematode species, 7 mites, 4 Ixodidae ticks, 1 Mallophaga species, 1
      Anoplura, and 2 Hippoboscidae flies. There are few monoxenous parasites, the
      majority of parasites are typical for other Bovidae and Cervidae species and many
      are newly acquired from Cervidae. This is an evident increased trend in the
      parasite species richness, in both the prevalence and intensity of infections,
      which is associated with the bison population size, host status (captive breeding
      or free-ranging) and the possibility of contact with other ruminant species. In
      light of the changes to parasite species richness during the last decades,
      special emphasis shall be given to new parasite species reported in European
      bison, their pathogenicity and potential implications for conservation. 

PMID- 25119350
TI  - Larval helminths in the invasive American brine shrimp Artemia franciscana
      throughout its annual cycle.
AB  - One of the best examples of rapid displacement of native species by an invader is
      the eradication of native Artemia salina and A. parthenogenetica in the
      Mediterranean by the introduced American A. franciscana. Previous studies based
      on sampling from limited time periods suggest that the success of the American
      species as a competitor may be due partly to different parasite burden, since
      native Artemia spp. have high cestode infection rates regulating their density.
      The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that the helminth infection in A.
      franciscana in its invasive range is low throughout its annual life cycle.
      Samples of A. franciscana were collected every second month from La Tapa saltern
      (Andalusia) during one year. Five helminth species were recorded: cestodes
      Flamingolepis liguloides, F. flamingo, Gynandrotaenia stammeri (all flamingo
      parasites), Eurycestus avoceti (a shorebird parasite) and larval spirurids of the
      Acuariinae (the first record of nematodes in Artemia). The overall infection rate
      was low, with total prevalence 5.9% and prevalence of individual parasite species
      between 0.2 and 3.2%. The mean abundance of helminths was 0.005-0.155 (av.
      0.068), 5-13 times lower than in native congeners. Waterbird counts indicate that
      the low infection rates cannot be explained by lack of definitive hosts. The
      results are consistent with the hypothesis that helminths have no regulating
      effect on the invasive brine shrimp in the Mediterranean. The replacement of the
      native populations by the invader can be partially explained by a competition
      mediated by parasites/predators through a differential impact on host fitness. 

PMID- 25119351
TI  - Feline patent Toxoplasma-like coccidiosis among feral cats (Felis catus) in Doha
      city, Qatar and its immediate surroundings.
AB  - Doha city has a high feral cat population and studies of hospital records in Doha
      have shown that human toxoplasmosis also occurs. Clearly, there is a need to
      understand the role of cats as vectors of human toxoplasmosis in the city and as
      a first step we assessed the extent of patent Toxoplasma-like coccidial
      infections among feral cats. Oocysts in cat faeces were detected between June
      2008 and April 2010, from a range of locations radiating out of the city centre
      in concentric semi circular/elliptic rings and by north, west and south divisions
      within each of the rings. In total 4,652 cats were sampled and overall prevalence
      of oocysts was 9.1%. Prevalence was 10.1% in the first summer, and then dropped
      to 8.4% in the following winter and further to 6.8% in the next summer before
      rising to 10.6% in the final winter of the study; this interaction between annual
      period and season was significant. There were also significant changes in
      prevalence across each of the consecutive months of the study, but no clear
      pattern was evident. Prevalence did not vary significantly by city sector and
      there was no difference in prevalence between the host sexes. We conclude
      therefore, that despite minor and significant perturbations, the prevalence of
      patent Toxoplasma-like coccidial infections among cats in Doha is remarkably
      stable throughout the year, across years and spatially within the city's
      districts. 

PMID- 25119352
TI  - Metazoan endoparasites diversity of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (Siluriformes:
      Pimelodidae) as an indicator of environmental alterations on a tropical aquatic
      system.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to detect the alterations of Pseudoplatystoma
      corruscans parasite infracommunity structure, after the construction of the Porto
      Primavera dam on the high Parana River floodplain. The execution of this research
      was based on 119 host specimens collected between March 2011 and September 2012,
      and the results were compared to studies performed on periods before the
      reservoir's construction, when 110 fishes were collected between March 1992 and
      February 1993. Five parasite species still remain on the environment, despite the
      environmental modifications: Choanoscolex abscissus, Spasskyelina spinulifera,
      Nomimoscolex pertierrae, Harriscolex kaparari and Contracaecum sp 2. The Berger
      Parker dominance index, calculated to the parasite fauna of 1992, did not show
      the dominance of any species, while, on the present days, this same index accused
      the dominance of Nomimoscolex pertierrae (49%) and Choanoscolex abscissus (50%).
      The present study reports the disappearance of Megathylacus travassosi,
      Contracaecum sp. 1, Contracaecum sp. 3, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) sp. and
      Cucullanus pseudoplatystomae, suggesting the possibility of a local extinction or
      a host switch of these species. It has also been registered an Acanthocephala
      specimen, a genus not observed on this host yet. The results here presented show
      that the antropic influences on natural systems alter the environmental
      conditions, what is reflected on the richness and diversity parasite levels. 

PMID- 25119354
TI  - Ultrastructural study of Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni Chen, 1955 (Class:
      Litostomatea) from China with an emphasis on its vestibulum.
AB  - A detailed description of the fine structure of Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni
      Chen, 1955 with an emphasis on its vestibulum is given in the present paper. As
      to the vestibular kinetids, special attention is paid to the characters of T1, T2
      microtubules and nematodesmata. Serving as the major skeleton to the vestibular
      cortex, the T1, T2 and Pc microtubules are described herein and their support
      function is also discussed. Moreover, the well-developed nematodesmata of the
      vestibular kinetids that form a large basket-like complex are described in
      detail. 

PMID- 25119353
TI  - Molecular characterization of two opecoelid trematodes from fishes in the Gulf of
      Mexico, with a description of a new species of Helicometra.
AB  - The plagioporine opecoelids Helicometra fasciata (Rudolphi, 1819) Odhner, 1902,
      and Macvicaria crassigula (Linton, 1910) Bartoli, Bray, and Gibson, 1989 have
      been reported from fishes in expansive geographic regions, disjointed from their
      type localities. New material of M. crassigula was collected from near its type
      locality as well as specimens resembling Helicometra fasciata sensu lato from
      three triglids in the Gulf of Mexico. Comparisons of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA)
      sequences, comprising the partial 18S rDNA, internal transcribed spacer region (=
      ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2), and partial 28S rDNA gene, from M. crassigula and
      Helicometra fasciata sensu lato in the Gulf of Mexico were made with sequences
      deposited in GenBank from those species from the Mediterranean Sea. Results
      reveal that M. crassigula sensu stricto from the Gulf of Mexico is distinct from
      the two cryptic species of M. crassigula sensu lato from the Mediterranean Sea
      and Helicometra fasciata sensu lato in this study differs from H. fasciata
      sequences from the Mediterranean Sea, thus Helicometra manteri sp. nov. is
      described. 

PMID- 25119356
TI  - Calamicoptes anatidus sp. nov., a new quill wall mite (Acari: Laminosioptidae)
      from the Greater Scaup Aythya marila (L.) (Aves: Anseriformes).
AB  - Calamicoptes anatidus sp. nov., a new species of rarely found parasitic mites of
      the family Laminosioptidae (Acari: Astigmata) is described from quill walls of
      wing covert feathers of Aythya marila Linnaeus (Anseriformes: Anatidae) captured
      in Poland. This is the first record of the family Laminosioptidae on birds of the
      order Anseriformes and the first record of this mite family in the fauna of
      Poland. Females of the new species are most similar to those of C. arenariae
      Lombert, Gaud et Lukoschus, 1984 and differ from them by the presence of the
      pygidial shield, which covers dorsal and ventro-lateral parts of the opisthosoma,
      and by having setae c2 and d2 short and subequal in length, and setae se and cp
      not reaching the metapodonotal shield. 

PMID- 25119355
TI  - Grillotia erinaceus (van Beneden, 1858) (Cestoda:Trypanorhyncha) from whiting in
      the Black Sea, with observations on seasonality and host-parasite
      interrelationship.
AB  - The genus Grillotia Guiart, 1927 is cosmopolitan in its distribution and the type
      species, G. erinaceus (van Beneden, 1858), has been relatively well studied.
      However, this study provides infection indices of Grillotia erinaceus from
      southern and northern Black Sea whiting Merlangius merlangus for the first time.
      The specimens of Grillotia erinaceus were obtained from subserosa of the anterior
      oesophagus, stomach, pyloric caeca, liver, ovaries and mesenterium of whiting
      caught by commercial fishing vessels off Sinop, Turkey and off Balaklava,
      Ukraine. Fish were examined during the period from May 2011 to April 2012.
      Prevalence and mean intensity values in 268 fish collected off Sinop in the Black
      Sea were 18.66% and 1.82 +/- 0.16 parasites per infected fish, respectively. In
      Ukrainian 166 whiting samples collected off Balaklava in the Black Sea, however,
      G. erinaceus plerocercus infection prevalence was 10.24% and mean intensity 1.71
      +/- 0.75 parasites per infected fish. Infection parameters were also determined
      at both sampling sites in relation with host length, sex and season. 

PMID- 25119358
TI  - Seven new species of helminths for reptiles from Armenia.
AB  - Helminthic infections of reptiles habiting in the territory of Armenia are
      examined. Seven species of helminths new for reptiles from Armenia are
      registered: Parapharyngodon skrjabini, Oswaldocruzia goezei, Neoxysomatium sp.,
      Telorchis assula, Nematotaenia tarentolae, Mesocestoides lineatus and Spirometra
      erinacei europea. Descriptions and pictures of them are given. 

PMID- 25119357
TI  - Thermophilic potentially pathogenic amoebae isolated from natural water bodies in
      Poland and their molecular characterization.
AB  - The free-living amoebae (FLA) may live in the environment and also within other
      organisms as parasites and then they are called amphizoic. They are potentially
      pathogenic for humans and animals and are found in water that is a source of
      infection. The aim of this study was molecular detection and identification of
      these FLA in natural water bodies in North-Western Poland to evaluate the risk of
      the pathogenic amoebae infections. We examined surface water samples collected
      from 50 sites and first, the tolerance thermic test was performed in order to
      select thermophilic, potentially pathogenic strains. For molecular identification
      of FLA, regions of 18S rDNA, 16S rDNA and intergenic spacers were amplified.
      Acanthamoeba T4 and T16 genotypes of 18S rDNA gene and 18S rDNA of H. vermiformis
      were detected. We identified two variants of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype, two
      variants of Acanthamoeba T16 genotype and one variant of H. vermiformis.
      Identification of the T16 genotype and H. vermiformis in water was for the first
      time in Poland. Additionally, we made attempts to adapt the RLB method for
      detection and differentiation of FLA species and strains. PCR seems to be more
      sensitive than RLB hybridization, though. 

PMID- 25119359
TI  - Molecular detection and characterization of Theileria species in the Philippines.
AB  - Theileriosis is a tick-borne disease of domestic and wild animals that cause
      devastating economic loss in livestock in tropical and subtropical regions.
      Theileriosis is not yet documented in the Philippines as compared to babesiosis
      and anaplasmosis which are considered major tick-borne diseases that infect
      livestock in the country and contribute major losses to the livestock industry.
      The study was aimed to detect Theileria sp. at genus level in blood samples of
      cattle using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Specifically, it determined
      the phylogenetic relationship of Theileria species affecting cattle in the
      Philippines to other Theileria sp. registered in the GenBank. A total of 292
      blood samples of cattle that were collected from various provinces were used.
      Theileria sp. was detected in 43/292 from the cattle blood samples using PCR
      assay targeting the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene. DNA sequence
      showed high similarity (90-99%) among the reported Theileria sp. isolates in the
      GenBank and the Philippine isolates of Theileria. Phylogenetic tree construction
      using nucleotide sequence classified the Philippine isolates of Theileria as
      benign. However, nucleotide polymorphism was observed in the new isolate based on
      nucleotide sequence alignment. It revealed that the new isolate can be a new
      species of Theileria. 

PMID- 25119360
TI  - Repeat region of Brugia malayi sheath protein (Shp-1) carries Dominant B epitopes
      recognized in filarial endemic population.
AB  - Transmission of lymphatic filariasis is mediated through microfilariae (L1 stage
      of the parasite) which is encased in an eggshell called sheath. The sheath
      protein Shp-1 stabilizes the structure due to the unique repeat region with Met
      Pro-Pro-Gln-Gly sequences. Microfilarial proteins could be used as transmission
      blocking vaccines. Since the repeat region of Shp-1 was predicted to carry
      putative B epitopes, this region was used to analyze its reactivity with clinical
      samples towards construction of peptide vaccine. In silico analysis of Shp-1
      showed the presence of B epitopes in the region 49-107. The polypeptide epitopic
      region Shp-149-107 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Antibody
      reactivity of the Shp-149-107 construct was evaluated in filarial endemic
      population by ELISA. Putatively immune endemic normals (EN) showed significantly
      high reactivity (P < 0.05) when compared to all the other categories. Antibody
      reactivity of Shp-1 repeat region was similar to that of whole protein proving
      that this region carries B epitopes responsible for its humoral response in
      humans. Thus this can be employed for inducing anti-microfilarial immunity in the
      infected population that may lead to reduction in transmission intensity and also
      it could be used along with other epitopes from different stages of the parasite
      in order to manage the disease effectively. 

PMID- 25119361
TI  - The helminth fauna study of European common brown frog (Rana temporaria Linnaeus,
      1758) in the Volga basin.
AB  - In this paper we considered information on the helminth fauna of the European
      common brown frog (Rana temporaria Linnaeus, 1758) from 10 regions of the Volga
      basin. This study includes consolidated data of different authors over the last
      30 years, supplemented by the results of our own research. There are reliably
      known finds of 29 species of helminths: Monogenea - 1, Trematoda - 21, Nematoda -
      7. Trematodes Gorgodera asiatica Pigulevsky, 1945, Paralepoderma cloacicola
      (Luhe, 1909), mtc. and nematodes Icosiella neglecta (Diesing, 1851) were observed
      for the first time in a given host on the territory of Russia and the Volga
      Basin. Six species of worms make the basis of helminth fauna: nematodes Rhabdias
      bufonis, Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Neoxysomatium brevicaudatum and Cosmocerca
      ornata, trematode Haplometra cylindracea and monogenea Polystoma integerrimum.
      These six species are the most common and widespread parasites of the brown frog.
      For each species of helminths there is the following information included:
      taxonomic position, localization, area of detection, biology, definitive hosts,
      geographic distribution, the degree of host-specificity. 

PMID- 25119362
TI  - Comparative analyses of different genetic markers for the detection of
      Acanthamoeba spp. isolates.
AB  - Acanthamoeba are widespread free-living amoebae which may cause granulomatous
      amoebic encephalitis (GAE), keratitis, skin ulcerations and disseminated tissue
      infection. An important diagnostic and prognostic factor for the treatment of
      infection is a quick and correct diagnosis of amoebae strains. The aim of our
      study was to develop a rapid method for detection and identification of
      pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp. strains from diagnostic material collected from
      water. In this study we analysed five amplification-based genetic markers (Aca
      16S, Ac6/210, GP, JDP, Nelson) used for identification of pathogenic Acanthamoeba
      spp. strains isolated in water sources in Poland, Iceland and Sweden. Our results
      demonstrated the presence of pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains in tap water. PCR
      assay appeared to be a more rapid and sensitive method to detect the presence of
      amoebae than the limited conventional techniques. Based on our observations, we
      can confirm that the use of four out of five genetic markers (Aca 16S, Ac 6/210,
      JDP, GP, Nelson) may be helpful in identification of Acanthamoeba spp. strains,
      but only one Aca 16S primer pair is a highly specific marker that distinguishes
      between pathogenic strains of Acanthamoeba and other free-living amoeba families.

PMID- 25119363
TI  - Foleyellides rhinellae sp. nov. (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) a new filaria
      parasitizing Rhinella marina (Anura, Bufonidae) in Mexico.
AB  - A new nematode species, Foleyellides rhinellae sp. nov. (Onchocercidae), is
      described from specimens found in the body cavity of the cane toad, Rhinella
      marina (Linnaeus) (Anura, Bufonidae), in the Laguna de Coyuca, Guerrero, in the
      Pacific slope of Mexico. The new species differs from the other nine species of
      Foleyellides by infecting bufonid anurans and by the number and arrangement of
      caudal papillae. Other distinguishing feature of the new species is the size of
      the left spicule (0.16-0.23 long), the smallest recorded among the species
      included in the genus. Foleyellides rhinellae sp. nov. is the second known
      species of the genus recorded from amphibians of Mexico. 

PMID- 25119364
TI  - Monogenean parasites from fishes of the Vaal Dam, Gauteng Province, South Africa
      II. New locality records.
AB  - Baseline information on parasitic infections, including monogenean infections on
      wild fishes, may aid in implementation of proactive measures as opposed to
      reactive research aimed at crisis control with reference to future aquaculture
      applications. The aim of this project was to examine the freshwater monogenean
      fauna of the Vaal Dam, Vaal River system, South Africa. This short communication
      reports on infection statistics for monogenean species, some representing new
      locality records. Parasites were collected from host species other than Labeo
      spp. from the Vaal Dam, during a summer (January 2010) survey. Fish collected
      using gill nets of varying mesh sizes were weighed and measured. Mucous smears
      were prepared from the skin and fins with the aid of microscope slides. Fish were
      killed humanely by severing the spinal cord behind the head. Gills were carefully
      removed and divided into areas which were separately scraped to investigate
      potential parasite site preference. The areas examined were dorsal, median and
      ventral positions on both the anterior and posterior hemibranch. Both mucous
      smears and gill scrapings were examined with the aid of a stereo microscope. More
      parasites were collected from the first or second gill arches, the medial
      position on the gill, and the anterior hemibranch. Preference for either left or
      right gill set was inconclusive. Spatial distribution of parasites is thought to
      result from water flow over the gills during respiration. This paper reports a
      new locality record for the following monogenean species: Quadriacanthus
      aegypticus, Dactylogyrus extensus, Dactylogyrus minitus, Gyrodactylus kherulensis
      and Dactylogyrus lamellatus. 

PMID- 25119365
TI  - Ocular system involvement in the course of human trichinellosis. Pathological and
      diagnostic aspects.
AB  - Pathomechanism of lesions in the course of trichinellosis was discussed,
      representing a sum of immunopathologicaI, pathomorphological and biochemical
      phenomena. Particular attention was devoted to clinical pathology of the visual
      organ, which prevails at the acute stage of trichinellosis. In evaluation of
      clinical signs/symptoms manifested in the visual organ traits of its anatomic,
      morphological structure, function of the eyeball muscles and eyeball vascular
      system were taken into account. Ocular lesions in the course of trichinellosis
      reflect in principle angiomyositis due to immunopathology resulting from
      migration of Trichinella larvae to many organs and to structures of visual
      system. 

PMID- 25119366
TI  - Differences in snail ecology lead to infection pattern variation of Echinostoma
      spp. larval stages.
AB  - The infection patterns of parasites are often tied to host behavior. Although
      most studies have investigated definitive hosts and their parasites, intermediate
      host behavior may play a role in shaping the distribution and accumulation of
      parasites, particularly the larval stages. In an attempt to answer this question,
      more than 4,500 pulmonate snails were collected from 11 states in the mid
      Atlantic and Midwestern United States in the summer of 2012. These snails were
      necropsied and echinostome metecercariae were commonly observed infecting the
      snails as 2(nd) intermediate hosts (20.0%). The snails included species of 3
      genera with distinct differences in the infection patterns of Echinostoma spp.
      metacercariae among them. Physa spp. (comprising of P. acuta and P. gyrina)
      snails exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of infection (23.5%) than both
      Lymnaea columella (11.6%) and Helisoma spp. (comprising of H. anceps and H.
      trivolvis) (14.2%; P < 0.05), with no difference in prevalence observed between
      the latter 2 genera (P > 0.05). The intensity of metacercariae within the snail
      hosts was significantly different between the 3 genera (P < 0.05), with L.
      columella having the highest intensity (24.3 +/- 5.6), followed by Physa spp.
      (15.2 +/- 1.5) and Helisoma spp. (5.0 +/- 0.9). Differences in prevalence and
      intensity were also observed when the different snail families co-habited the
      same body of water. The disparities in infection patterns are likely due to
      distinct differences in the behavioral and feeding ecology of the snail hosts. 

PMID- 25119367
TI  - A new brachycladiid species (Digenea) from Gervais' beaked whale Mesoplodon
      europaeus in north-western Atlantic waters.
AB  - A new species of the digenean family Brachycladiidae Odhner, 1905 is described
      from the bile ducts of a Gervais' beaked whale Mesoplodon europaeus Gervais
      (Ziphiidae) stranded on the North Atlantic coast of Florida. These parasites were
      assigned to Brachycladium Looss, 1899 and differed from other species of the
      genus in the relative size of the oral and ventral suckers, the form and size of
      the eggs and their extremely small body size. A canonical discriminant analysis
      was used to examine differences between these specimens and the smallest
      available individuals of B. atlanticum (Abril, Balbuena and Raga, 1991) Gibson,
      2005, considered the morphologically closest species. The overall results
      exhibited significant differences between the two samples and a jack-knife
      classification showed that 96.2% of the specimens were correctly classified to
      their group. In view of evidence from morphological data, the specimens from M.
      europaeus are considered as new to science and are designated as Brachycladium
      parvulum n. sp. 

PMID- 25119368
TI  - Metazoan parasites from herring (Clupea harengus L.) as biological indicators in
      the Baltic Sea.
AB  - Zoographical distribution of metazoan fish parasites in herring, Clupea harengus,
      from the Baltic Sea was analysed in order to use them as potential biological
      indicators. A total of 210 herring from six different sampling sites were
      investigated, harbouring 12 different parasite species [five digeneans (D), one
      cestode (C), three nematodes (N) and three acanthocephalans (A)]. The
      distribution of the parasite species differed according to region, with a
      distinct gradient of decreasing species richness towards the east of the Baltic
      Sea. The western localities at Kiel Bay, Rugen and Poland had the highest
      parasite diversity, including the marine parasite species Anisakis simplex (s.s.)
      (N), Brachyphallus crenatus and Hemiurus luehei (both D). The eastern localities
      had low parasite species richness, predominated by the freshwater digenean
      Diplostomum spathaceum. We could identify three different Baltic herring stocks,
      the spring-spawning herring of the western Baltic reaching from the Kattegat to
      the German and Polish coast, the stock of the central Baltic proper and the
      northern stock of C. harengus var. membras of the Gulf of Finland. The limited
      distribution of the herring parasites within the Baltic Sea enables their use as
      biological indicators for migration patterns and stock separation. The
      acanthocephalan Pomphorhynchus laevis that has already been used as an
      accumulation bioindicator for heavy metals was only recorded for the western
      herring stocks. However, the presence of mainly generalistic parasites and their
      uneven distribution patterns make their use as indicators for regional
      environmental and global change more difficult. 

PMID- 25119369
TI  - Identifying phenotypes involved in susceptibility to Schistosoma mansoni
      infection in F1B6CBA mice.
AB  - Schistosomiasis is a disease with a strong genetic component influenced by
      socioeconomic and ecological factors. Epidemiological studies have identified
      several genetic regions involved in the schistosomiasis susceptibility. However,
      it is not well known what physiological traits are predisposing to the disease.
      The study of experimental infections in inbred mouse strains with variable
      genetic susceptibility to the disease offers a good opportunity to tackle this
      question. F1B6CBA hybrid between the most divergent strains was infected in order
      to characterize the immunophenotypes that correlate with the susceptibility of
      schistosomiasis disease in mice. Complete blood counts and immunophenotype were
      determined at 0, 3, 6, and 9 weeks post infection. Nine weeks after cercariae
      exposure, animals were perfused and worm recovery was assessed. A large number of
      hepatic lesions, a reduction in the eosinophil and basophil count in the acute
      phase of infection and the decreased number of monocytes, neutrophils and B
      lymphocytes are phenotypes associated with increased susceptibility to S. mansoni
      infection. 

PMID- 25119370
TI  - A new species of Rhinonastes (Monogenoidea, Dactylogyridae), nasal parasite of
      Prochilodus argenteus (Actinopterygii, Characiformes) from Brazil.
AB  - A new species of Rhinonastes, hitherto monotypic, is described and illustrated
      from the nasal cavity of 'curimat', Prochilodus argenteus from Sao Francisco
      River, Brazil. Rhinonastes curimatae n. sp. presents a male copulatory organ with
      more than five rings while the type species of the genus is characterized by male
      copulatory organ with less than two rings. This is the first record of a nasal
      parasite in P. argenteus. 

PMID- 25119371
TI  - Observations on oocyst development of Eimeria stiedai in rabbits.
AB  - The formation of the oocyst wall was examined in Eimeria stiedai in the bile duct
      epithelium of the rabbit and was found to follow the general eimerian pattern.
      However from the beginning of the formation of the outer layer of the oocyst wall
      the parasite was surrounded by a rarely reported veil membrane. Cell damage of
      the bile ducts at the gamogony stage of parasite development is depicted. 

PMID- 25119372
TI  - Increased serum urea to creatinine ratio and its negative correlation with
      arterial pressure in canine babesiosis.
AB  - The increase of the serum urea to creatinine ratio (UCR) was observed in dogs
      infected with Babesia canis. Previous studies have suggested that decrease of
      blood pressure can be one of the reasons for this phenomenon. In this work
      statistically significant increase of the UCR was observed in dogs with
      babesiosis. Comparison of the UCR between 23 azotaemic dogs and 25 non-azotaemic
      dogs infected with Babesia canis showed statistically significantly higher mean
      of the UCR in azotaemic dogs. Correlations between UCR and systolic, diastolic
      and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP and MAP) in 48 dogs infected with B. canis
      were negative (UCR and SAP: r = -0.3909; UCR and DAP: r = -0.3182; UCR and MAP: r
      = -0.3682) and statistically significant (p < 0.05). This result may indicate
      contribution of hypotension in the increase of the UCR in canine babesiosis.
      However, the correlations were not high, and there was no statistically
      significant correlation between UCR and arterial pressures in azotaemic dogs.
      Thus, it seems that decrease of blood pressure in dogs with babesiosis explains
      only partially the cause of increased UCR in infected dogs. The other authors
      suggested hyperureagenesis and myocardial injury as a potential reason for the
      increased UCR in canine babesiosis. Thus, further studies are needed to determine
      causes of increased UCR in dogs with babesiosis, especially on the connection
      between UCR changes and the concentrations of plasma cardiac troponins and
      ammonia, and the occurrence of occult blood on fecal examination. 

PMID- 25119373
TI  - Individual growth detection of bacterial species in an in vitro oral
      polymicrobial biofilm model.
AB  - Most in vitro studies on the antibacterial effects of antiseptics have used
      planktonic bacteria in monocultures. However, this study design does not reflect
      the in vivo situation in oral cavities harboring different bacterial species that
      live in symbiotic relationships in biofilms. The aim of this study was to
      establish a simple in vitro polymicrobial model consisting of only three
      bacterial strains of different phases of oral biofilm formation to simulate in
      vivo oral conditions. Therefore, we studied the biofilm formation of Actinomyces
      naeslundii (An), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), and Enterococcus faecalis (Ef) on
      96-well tissue culture plates under static anaerobic conditions using artificial
      saliva according to the method established by Pratten et al. that was
      supplemented with 1 g l(-1) sucrose. Growth was separately determined for each
      bacterial strain after incubation periods of up to 72 h by means of quantitative
      real-time polymerase chain reaction and live/dead staining. Presence of an
      extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) was visualized by Concanavalin A
      staining. Increasing incubation times of up to 72 h showed adhesion and
      propagation of the bacterial strains with artificial saliva formulation. An and
      Ef had significantly higher growth rates than Fn. Live/dead staining showed a
      median of 49.9 % (range 46.0-53.0 %) of living bacteria after 72 h of incubation,
      and 3D fluorescence microscopy showed a three-dimensional structure containing
      EPS. An in vitro oral polymicrobial biofilm model was established to better
      simulate oral conditions and had the advantage of providing the well-controlled
      experimental conditions of in vitro testing. 

PMID- 25119374
TI  - Interactive sections of an Internet-based intervention increase empowerment of
      chronic back pain patients: randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic back pain (CBP) represents a significant public health
      problem. As one of the most common causes of disability and sick leave, there is
      a need to develop cost-effective ways, such as Internet-based interventions, to
      help empower patients to manage their disease. Research has provided evidence for
      the effectiveness of Internet-based interventions in many fields, but it has paid
      little attention to the reasons why they are effective. OBJECTIVE: This study
      aims to assess the impact of interactive sections of an Internet-based self
      management intervention on patient empowerment, their management of the disease,
      and, ultimately, health outcomes. METHODS: A total of 51 patients were recruited
      through their health care providers and randomly assigned to either an
      experimental group with full access to the Internet-based intervention or a
      control group that was denied access to the interactive sections and knew nothing
      thereof. The intervention took 8 weeks. A baseline, a mid-term after 4 weeks, and
      a final assessment after 8 weeks measured patient empowerment, physical exercise,
      medication misuse, and pain burden. RESULTS: All patients completed the study.
      Overall, the intervention had a moderate effect (F1.52=2.83, P=.03, eta(2)=0.30,
      d=0.55). Compared to the control group, the availability of interactive sections
      significantly increased patient empowerment (midterm assessment: mean
      difference=+1.2, P=.03, d=0.63; final assessment: mean difference=+0.8, P=.09,
      d=0.44) and reduced medication misuse (midterm assessment: mean difference=-1.5,
      P=.04, d=0.28; final assessment: mean difference=-1.6, P=.03, d=-0.55) in the
      intervention group. Both the frequency of physical exercise and pain burden
      decreased, but to equal measures in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest
      that interactive sections as part of Internet-based interventions can positively
      alter patients' feelings of empowerment and help prevent medication misuse.
      Detrimental effects were not observed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov:
      NCT02114788; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02114788 (Archived by
      WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ROXYVoPR).

PMID- 25119376
TI  - Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer targeting normal and traumatized
      mouse utricle.
AB  - Balance dysfunction is closely associated with loss of vestibular hair cells
      (HCs). Gene therapy shows promise when used to protect or regenerate vestibular
      HCs to preserve or restore adequate vestibular function. Adeno-associated virus
      (AAV) vectors allow long-term gene expression in the absence of toxicity. To
      noninvasively define an AAV serotype exhibiting favorable tropism toward the
      vestibular sensory epithelium, we characterized the transgene expression
      potential of AAV vectors (serotypes 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8) inoculated into adult mouse
      utricle via canalostomy. We found that AAV8 was the most effective AAV vector in
      utricular gene transfer. Swim tests and measurements of auditory brainstem
      response revealed minimal loss of vestibular function and hearing after
      canalostomy. In the normal utricle after AAV8 infusion, transduction efficiency
      peaked at 7 days, and was maintained thereafter, in vestibular HCs, and at 3 days
      in supporting cells (SCs). In the streptomycin-lesioned utricle, the SC
      transduction efficiency peaked at 7 days and decreased at 30 days. In conclusion,
      AAV8-mediated gene transfer via canalostomy facilitates efficient and safe
      transduction in mouse vestibular sensory epithelium, and may in the future become
      clinically relevant for human vestibular gene therapy. 

PMID- 25119375
TI  - Adjuvant effects of L. acidophilus LW1 on immune responses to the foot-and-mouth
      disease virus DNA vaccine in mice.
AB  - The adjuvant effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on DNA vaccination are not
      fully understood. It has been hypothesized that swine-derived Lactobacillus
      acidophilus SW1 (LASW1) could function as an immune adjuvant to enhance antigen
      specific immune responses after foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) DNA vaccination in
      mice. To evaluate the effect of oral LASW1 on the immune response to a DNA
      vaccine (pRC/CMV-vp1) harboring FMD VP1 gene, anti-FMDV antibody and its
      isotypes, T-cell proliferation, and cytokine detection were investigated. The
      results showed that LASW1 was able to enhance FMDV-specific antibody levels and
      FMDV-neutralizing antibodies. After a booster vaccine, the anti-FMDV antibody
      titers and FMDV-neutralizing antibodies levels induced by pRC/CMV-vp1 were higher
      in mice treated with LSAW1 than in the group immunized with pRC/CMV-vp1 alone
      (the control). Using T-cell proliferation, the stimulation index of the LASW1
      group was significantly higher in response to ConA and 146S antigen (P<0.05) than
      in the control group. Importantly, higher concentrations of IFN-gamma and IFN
      gamma-producing cells were also observed in splenocytes isolated from the
      experimental LASW1 mice, indicating that INF-gamma secretion is important to the
      immune response to LASW1. The results indicate that LASW1 is a promising immune
      adjuvant in DNA vaccination against FMD when administrated orally. 

PMID- 25119378
TI  - Transduction efficiency of neurons and glial cells by AAV-1, -5, -9, -rh10 and 
      hu11 serotypes in rat spinal cord following contusion injury.
AB  - Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are a promising system for therapeutic gene
      delivery to neurons in a number of neurodegenerative conditions including spinal
      cord injuries (SCIs). Considering the role of macrophages and glia in the
      progression of 'secondary damage', we searched for the optimal vectors for gene
      transfer to both neurons and glia following contusion SCI in adult rats.
      Contusion models share many similarities to most human spinal cord traumas.
      Several AAV serotypes known for their neuronal tropism expressing enhanced green
      fluorescent protein (GFP) were injected intraspinally following thoracic T10
      contusion. We systematically compared the transduction efficacy and cellular
      tropism of these vectors for neurons, macrophages/microglia, oligodendrocytes,
      astrocytes and NG2-positive glial cells following contusion SCI. No additional
      changes in inflammatory responses or behavioral performance were observed for any
      of the vectors. We identified that AAV-rh10 induced robust transduction of both
      neuronal and glial cells. Even though efficacy to transduce neurons was
      comparable to already established AAV-1, AAV-5 and AAV-9, AAV-rh10 transduced
      significantly higher number of macrophages/microglia and oligodendrocytes in
      damaged spinal cord compared with other serotypes tested. Thus, AAV-rh10 carries
      promising potential as a gene therapy vector, particularly if both the neuronal
      and glial cell populations in damaged spinal cord are targeted. 

PMID- 25119380
TI  - Whole-genome mapping for high-resolution genotyping of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - A variety of molecular typing techniques have been developed to investigate the
      clonal relationship among bacterial isolates, including those associated with
      nosocomial infections. In this study, the authors evaluated whole-genome mapping
      as a tool to investigate the genetic relatedness between Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      isolates, including metallo beta-lactamase-positive outbreak isolates. 

PMID- 25119377
TI  - SR-A and SREC-I binding peptides increase HDAd-mediated liver transduction.
AB  - Helper-dependent adenoviral (HDAd) vectors can mediate long-term, high-level
      transgene expression from transduced hepatocytes without inducing chronic
      toxicity. However, vector therapeutic index is narrow because of a toxic acute
      response with potentially lethal consequences elicited by high vector doses.
      Kupffer cells (KCs) and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are major
      barriers to efficient hepatocyte transduction. We investigated two small peptides
      (PP1 and PP2) developed by phage display to block scavenger receptor type A (SR
      A) and scavenger receptor expressed on endothelial cells type I (SREC-I),
      respectively, for enhancement of HDAd-mediated hepatocyte transduction
      efficiency. Pre-incubation of J774A.1 macrophages with either PP1 or PP2 prior to
      HDAd infection significantly reduced viral vector uptake. In vivo, fluorochrome
      conjugated PP1 and PP2 injected intravenously into mice co-localized with both
      CD68 and CD31 on KCs and LSECs, respectively. Compared with saline pre-treated
      animals, intravenous injections of both peptides prior to the injection of an
      HDAd resulted in up to 3.7- and 2.9-fold increase of hepatic transgene expression
      with PP1 and PP2, respectively. In addition to greater hepatocyte transduction,
      compared with control saline injected mice, pre-treatment with either peptide
      resulted in no increased levels of serum interleukin-6, the major marker of
      adenoviral vector acute toxicity. In summary, we developed small peptides that
      significantly increase hepatocyte transduction efficacy and improve HDAd
      therapeutic index with potential for clinical applications. 

PMID- 25119381
TI  - Soil carbon and nitrogen fractions and crop yields affected by residue placement
      and crop types.
AB  - Soil labile C and N fractions can change rapidly in response to management
      practices compared to non-labile fractions. High variability in soil properties
      in the field, however, results in nonresponse to management practices on these
      parameters. We evaluated the effects of residue placement (surface application
      [or simulated no-tillage] and incorporation into the soil [or simulated
      conventional tillage]) and crop types (spring wheat [Triticum aestivum L.], pea
      [Pisum sativum L.], and fallow) on crop yields and soil C and N fractions at the
      0-20 cm depth within a crop growing season in the greenhouse and the field. Soil
      C and N fractions were soil organic C (SOC), total N (STN), particulate organic C
      and N (POC and PON), microbial biomass C and N (MBC and MBN), potential C and N
      mineralization (PCM and PNM), NH4-N, and NO3-N concentrations. Yields of both
      wheat and pea varied with residue placement in the greenhouse as well as in the
      field. In the greenhouse, SOC, PCM, STN, MBN, and NH4-N concentrations were
      greater in surface placement than incorporation of residue and greater under
      wheat than pea or fallow. In the field, MBN and NH4-N concentrations were greater
      in no-tillage than conventional tillage, but the trend reversed for NO3-N. The
      PNM was greater under pea or fallow than wheat in the greenhouse and the field.
      Average SOC, POC, MBC, PON, PNM, MBN, and NO3-N concentrations across treatments
      were higher, but STN, PCM and NH4-N concentrations were lower in the greenhouse
      than the field. The coefficient of variation for soil parameters ranged from 2.6
      to 15.9% in the greenhouse and 8.0 to 36.7% in the field. Although crop yields
      varied, most soil C and N fractions were greater in surface placement than
      incorporation of residue and greater under wheat than pea or fallow in the
      greenhouse than the field within a crop growing season. Short-term management
      effect on soil C and N fractions were readily obtained with reduced variability
      under controlled soil and environmental conditions in the greenhouse compared to
      the field. Changes occurred more in soil labile than non-labile C and N fractions
      in the greenhouse than the field. 

PMID- 25119379
TI  - Assessment of oncolytic HSV efficacy following increased entry-receptor
      expression in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor cell lines.
AB  - Limited expression and distribution of nectin-1, the major herpes simplex virus
      (HSV) type-1 entry-receptor, within tumors has been proposed as an impediment to
      oncolytic HSV (oHSV) therapy. To determine whether resistance to oHSVs in
      malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) was explained by this
      hypothesis, nectin-1 expression and oHSV viral yields were assessed in a panel of
      MPNST cell lines using gamma134.5-attenuated (Deltagamma134.5) oHSVs and a
      gamma134.5 wild-type (wt) virus for comparison. Although there was a correlation
      between nectin-1 levels and viral yields with the wt virus (R=0.75, P =0.03),
      there was no correlation for Deltagamma134.5 viruses (G207, R7020 or C101) and a
      modest trend for the second-generation oHSV C134 (R=0.62, P=0.10). Nectin-1
      overexpression in resistant MPNST cell lines did not improve Deltagamma134.5 oHSV
      output. While multistep replication assays showed that nectin-1 overexpression
      improved Deltagamma134.5 oHSV cell-to-cell spread, it did not confer a sensitive
      phenotype to resistant cells. Finally, oHSV yields were not improved with
      increased nectin-1 in vivo. We conclude that nectin-1 expression is not the
      primary obstacle of productive infection for Deltagamma134.5 oHSVs in MPNST cell
      lines. In contrast, viruses that are competent in their ability to counter the
      antiviral response may derive benefit with higher nectin-1 expression. 

PMID- 25119383
TI  - Factors associated with recently acquired hepatitis C virus infection in people
      who inject drugs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: new findings from an
      unlinked anonymous monitoring survey.
AB  - Monitoring infections and risk in people who inject drugs (PWID) is important for
      informing public health responses. In 2011, a novel hepatitis C antibody (anti
      HCV) avidity-testing algorithm to identify samples compatible with recent primary
      infection was introduced into a national surveillance survey. PWID are recruited
      annually, through >60 needle-and-syringe programmes and prescribing services. Of
      the 980 individuals that could have been at risk of HCV infection, there were 20
      (2%) samples that were compatible with recent primary infection. These were more
      common among: those imprisoned ?5 times [8/213; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.7,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 2.04-37.03]; women (8/230; aOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.41
      10.38); and those ever-infected with hepatitis B (5/56; aOR 6.25, 95% CI 2.12
      18.43). This study is the first to apply this algorithm and to examine the risk
      factors associated with recently acquired HCV infection in a national sample of
      PWID in the UK. These findings highlight underlying risks and suggest targeted
      interventions are needed.

PMID- 25119382
TI  - Innate immunodeficiency following genetic ablation of Mcl1 in natural killer
      cells.
AB  - The cytokine IL-15 is required for natural killer (NK) cell homeostasis; however,
      the intrinsic mechanism governing this requirement remains unexplored. Here we
      identify the absolute requirement for myeloid cell leukaemia sequence-1 (Mcl1) in
      the sustained survival of NK cells in vivo. Mcl1 is highly expressed in NK cells
      and regulated by IL-15 in a dose-dependent manner via STAT5 phosphorylation and
      subsequent binding to the 3'-UTR of Mcl1. Specific deletion of Mcl1 in NK cells
      results in the absolute loss of NK cells from all tissues owing to a failure to
      antagonize pro-apoptotic proteins in the outer mitochondrial membrane. This NK
      lymphopenia results in mice succumbing to multiorgan melanoma metastases, being
      permissive to allogeneic transplantation and being resistant to toxic shock
      following polymicrobial sepsis challenge. These results clearly demonstrate a non
      redundant pathway linking IL-15 to Mcl1 in the maintenance of NK cells and innate
      immune responses in vivo. 

PMID- 25119385
TI  - Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of gallbladder.

PMID- 25119386
TI  - Mesenteric inflammatory pseudotumor: a case report and comprehensive literature
      review.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to provide an overview of the literature on
      mesenteric/omental inflammatory pseudotumors (IPTs). METHODOLOGY: We present a
      new case of mesenteric IPT. We also conducted a systematic search of the English
      language medical literature using PubMed, Medline, Google, and Google Scholar
      related to mesenteric or omental IPTs. The following search terms were used in
      various combinations: inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, IPT, mesentery, and
      omentum. The search included articles published in the English language between
      January, 1978 and April, 2014. Studies were excluded if the full text was
      unavailable or missing information prohibited comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 30
      reports concerning 36 patients with inflammatory pseudotumors meeting the
      aforementioned criteria were included. The patients were aged from 10 months to
      68 years (mean, 19.98 +/- 20.5 years); 12 were female (16.75 +/- 16.97 years;
      range, 10 months to 68 years) and 24 were male (21.6 +/- 21.9 years; range, 18
      months to 63 years). Detailed clinical and pathologic characteristics of 36
      patients with IPTs are provided in Table 1. CONCLUSION: IPTs may be definitively
      diagnosed only by histopathological examination and are most effectively treated
      by resection with negative surgical borders. No consensus has yet been reached
      regarding when nonsurgical treatment options are most appropriate in management
      of these lesions. IPTs often recur locally, while distant metastases are very
      rare. Postoperative close surveillance is essential to detect recurrences early.

PMID- 25119388
TI  - Social-emotional aspects of male escorting: experiences of men working for an
      agency.
AB  - Social situations and emotional correlates associated with male sex work have not
      been well documented. Most of the research in this area focuses on sexual
      activity with little mention of other aspects of the job. Yet, research with
      female sex workers finds significant social and emotional components to sex work.
      The current study focused on how male sex workers (MSWs) perceived and adapted to
      the social-emotional aspects of their job. As part of a larger project examining
      MSWs working for a single escort agency, 40 men (M age, 22.3 years, 75 %
      Caucasian) located in the mid-Atlantic U.S. participated in semi-structured
      interviews. The agency owner was also interviewed. Participants reported a range
      of social and emotional factors regarding sex work and employed a variety of
      strategies to provide good customer service and adapt to negative experiences.
      For most, social support was inhibited due to fear of stigmatization that might
      result if participants disclosed sex work to significant others outside the
      agency. Instead, interactions within the agency provided core work-related social
      support for most MSWs. Emotional and relational tasks inherent to escort work
      grew easier with experience and negativity about the job declined. Our data
      suggested that socially connected individuals seemed to be more satisfied with
      sex work. Social and emotional requirements represented a significant but
      unanticipated component of male sex work to which escorts actively adapted.
      Escorting may be similar to other service occupations in terms of the social
      emotional situations and skills involved.

PMID- 25119387
TI  - Discrimination and depressive symptoms among sexual minority youth: is gay
      affirming religious affiliation a protective factor?
AB  - Researchers have examined perceived discrimination as a risk factor for
      depression among sexual minorities; however, the role of religion as a protective
      factor is under-investigated, especially among sexual minority youth. Drawing on
      a cross-sectional study investigating campus climate at a large public university
      in the U.S. midwest, we examined the role of affiliation with a gay-affirming
      denomination (i.e., endorsing same-sex marriage) as a moderating factor in the
      discrimination-depression relationship among self-identified sexual minority (n =
      393) and heterosexual youth (n = 1,727). Using multivariate linear regression
      analysis, religious affiliation was found to moderate the discrimination
      depression relationship among sexual minorities. Specifically, the results
      indicated that the harmful effects of discrimination among sexual minority youth
      affiliated with denominations that endorsed same-sex marriage were significantly
      less than those among peers who affiliated with denominations opposing same-sex
      marriage or who identified as secular. In contrast, religious affiliation with
      gay-affirming denominations did not moderate the discrimination-depression
      relationship among heterosexual participants. The findings suggest that, although
      religion and same-sex sexuality are often seen as incompatible topics, it is
      important when working with sexual minority clients for clinicians to assess
      religious affiliation, as it could be either a risk or a protective factor,
      depending on the religious group's stance toward same-sex sexuality. To promote
      the well-being of sexual minority youth affiliated with denominations opposed to
      same-sex marriage, the results suggest these faith communities may be encouraged
      to reconsider their position and/or identify ways to foster youth's resilience to
      interpersonal discrimination.

PMID- 25119389
TI  - Capturing sexual violence experiences among battered women using the revised
      sexual experiences survey and the revised conflict tactics scales.
AB  - The assessment of intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) has garnered increased
      attention in recent years. However, uncertainty about which measure best captures
      experiences of IPSV remains. The present study focused on the direct comparison
      of two widely used measures of IPSV: the revised Sexual Experiences Survey (SES)
      and the revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2). A secondary aim of the study was
      to extend the scope of IPSV acts by evaluating the presence of pornographic acts
      and experiences of forced sexual relations with other individuals. The current
      sample consisted of 138 battered women using the services of shelters. Results
      indicated that 79.7 % of women reported at least one incident of IPSV on either
      the CTS2 or the SES. The concordance rate between both measures was 76.8 %, with
      the highest concordance being for severe sexual violence. The Sexual Violence
      scale of the CTS2, which is more concise than the SES, identified 16.7 % more
      cases of IPSV. In addition, 26.1 % of women reported at least one incident
      involving pornography and 9.4 % had been forced to engage in sexual activities
      with other individuals. Women who reported experiences associated with
      pornography were 12-20 times more likely to be victims of severe sexual violence
      on the two measures. Such findings confirm the high prevalence of sexual violence
      among this population and indicate how rates can vary depending on the measures
      used. This study also underscores the relevance of investigating diverse types of
      violent acts to better understand how IPSV manifests itself. 

PMID- 25119390
TI  - Hepatitis B virus inhibits the expression of CD82 through hypermethylation of its
      promoter in hepatoma cells.
AB  - The tumor suppressor gene CD82, also known as KAI1, may act as a general
      suppressor of metastasis in numerous types of cancer. It is hypothesized that
      downregulation of CD82 gene expression may be an important factor in the
      induction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however the mechanism for this
      requires further study. In the present study, the relative mRNA and protein
      expression levels of the CD82 gene were determined in HCC and adjacent non-tumor
      tissues. The association between the CD82 gene and the hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      was also investigated, by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western
      blotting, luciferase reporter assays and mass spectrometry with matrix-assisted
      laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass array. CD82 expression was shown
      to be suppressed in response to HCC promoter methylation. Relative CD82 mRNA and
      protein expression levels were downregulated in HCC tissues (P<0.05). HBx protein
      inhibited CD82 promoter activity and subsequently the mRNA and protein expression
      levels. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that HBV could inhibit the expression of
      CD82 at the transcriptional level, and repress the activity of the CD82 promoter
      through hypermethylation. In addition, the methyl enzyme inhibitor 5-aza-CdR
      could induce the CD82 promoter activity and the relative expression level of CD82
      mRNA, as observed by an increase in luciferase activity driven by the CD82
      promoter. The observations of the present study suggest that hypermethylation of
      the CD82 promoter may be an event leading to the development of HCC. Low
      expression of CD82 is likely to be involved in tumor progression. HBV may inhibit
      the expression of CD82 through hypermethylation of the promoter in hepatoma
      cells. 

PMID- 25119394
TI  - Oral bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine against tuberculosis: why not?
AB  - The bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is the only licensed vaccine for human
      use against tuberculosis (TB). Although controversy exists about its efficacy,
      the BCG vaccine is able to protect newborns and children against disseminated
      forms of TB, but fails to protect adults against active forms of TB. In the last
      few years, interest in the mucosal delivery route for the vaccine has been
      increasing owing to its increased capacity to induce protective immune responses
      both in the mucosal and the systemic immune compartments. Here, we show the
      importance of this route of vaccination in newly developed vaccines, especially
      for vaccines against TB.

PMID- 25119395
TI  - The first report of the vanC1 gene in Enterococcus faecium isolated from a human
      clinical specimen.
AB  - The vanC1 gene, which is chromosomally located, confers resistance to vancomycin
      and serves as a species marker for Enterococcus gallinarum. Enterococcus faecium
      TJ4031 was isolated from a blood culture and harbours the vanC1gene. Polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed to detect vanXYc and vanTc genes. Only
      the vanXYc gene was found in the E. faecium TJ4031 isolate. The minimum
      inhibitory concentrations of vancomycin and teicoplanin were 2 ug/mL and 1 ug/mL,
      respectively. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR results revealed that the
      vanC1and vanXYc genes were not expressed. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and
      southern hybridisation results showed that the vanC1 gene was encoded in the
      chromosome. E. faecalis isolated from animals has been reported to harbour
      vanC1gene. However, this study is the first to report the presence of the
      vanC1gene in E. faecium of human origin. Additionally, our research showed the
      vanC1gene cannot serve as a species-specific gene of E. gallinarum and that it is
      able to be transferred between bacteria. Although the resistance marker is not
      expressed in the strain, our results showed that E. faecium could acquire the
      vanC1gene from different species.

PMID- 25119397
TI  - Ectopic tooth superiorly located in the maxillary sinus.

PMID- 25119398
TI  - Malformation, deformity, and discrepancy: focus on terminology.

PMID- 25119396
TI  - Odontogenic differentiation of vascular endothelial growth factor-transfected
      human dental pulp stem cells in vitro.
AB  - Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can be induced towards odontogenic
      differentiation. Previous studies have shown that vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) is able to induce the osteogenic differentiation of cells, but the
      effectiveness of VEGF in the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs remains
      unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lentivirus-mediated human
      VEGF gene transfection on the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of
      human DPSCs in vitro. DPSCs were transfected with either lentiviral pCDH-CMV-MCS
      EFI-copGFP (pCDH) vector or recombinant pCDH-VEGF vector, and the growth
      characteristics of the resulting DPSCs/Vector and DPSCs/VEGF were subsequently
      assessed. The odontogenic differentiation genes of the two groups of cells,
      including alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, dentin sialophosphoprotein and
      dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (qPCR). The specific proteins of odontogenic differentiation, including
      dentin sialoprotein and DMP1, were analyzed by western blotting. DPSCs/VEGF
      showed similar proliferation characteristics to DPSCs/Vector during the
      observation period. qPCR results showed that the relative VEGF gene expression
      was significantly higher in DPSCs/VEGF than that in DPSCs/Vector two days after
      transfection (P<0.01). Similarly, western blot analysis showed that the protein
      expression levels of VEGF were higher in DPSCs/VEGF than those in DPSCs/Vector.
      On the first, fourth, eighth and 16th days after lentivirus-mediated
      transfection, the expression of odontogenic differentiation-specific genes and
      proteins was higher in DPSCs/VEGF than that in DPSCs/Vector. These results
      indicated that lentivirus-mediated VEGF gene transfection promoted the
      odontogenic differentiation of human DPSCs in vitro.

PMID- 25119399
TI  - Pediatric Castleman disease of the parotid.

PMID- 25119401
TI  - Herpes simpex infection after septorhinoplasty.

PMID- 25119400
TI  - Foot ischemia after a free fibula flap harvest: immediate salvage with an
      interpositional sapheneous vein graft.
AB  - The most dreaded major donor-site complication of free fibula flap is a foot
      ischemia, which is fortunately rare. Various authors have discussed the efficacy
      of the use of preoperative imaging methods including color Doppler, magnetic
      resonance angiography, and conventional angiography. A 25-year-old man presented
      with a 10-cm mandibular defect after a facial gunshot injury. Lower extremity
      color Doppler revealed triphasic peroneal, tibialis anterior, and posterior
      artery flows. A fibula osteocutaneous flap was harvested, and the mandible was
      reconstructed. However, the suture sites at the donor site began to demonstrate
      signs of necrosis, abscess formation, and widespread cellulitis beginning from
      postoperative day 9. Angiogram of the lower extremity on the 13th day
      demonstrated no flow in the right posterior tibial artery distal to the popliteal
      artery, whereas the anterior tibial artery had weak flow with collateral filling
      distally. An emergency bypass with a saphenous vein graft between the popliteal
      artery and the distal posterior tibial artery was performed. Repeated
      debridements, local wound care, and vacuum-assisted closure were applied. A skin
      graft was placed eventually. The extremity healed without severe functional
      disability. In conclusion, although the arterial anatomy is completely normal in
      preoperative evaluation, vascular complications may still ocur at the donor
      fibula free flap site. In addition, emergency cardiovascular bypass surgery, as
      we experienced, may be necessary for limb perfusion. 

PMID- 25119402
TI  - Papillary cystadenoma of the upper lip.

PMID- 25119403
TI  - Infantile hemangioma: treatment rate during the proliferating phase.

PMID- 25119404
TI  - A patient with intraoral fire during tonsillectomy.
AB  - Perioperative fires inside the mouth can have long-lasting sequelae. They are
      potentially dangerous both to the patient and to the operation room staff as
      well. Herein, we present a flash fire in the oropharynx, secondary to
      electrosurgery during a tonsillectomy operation in a young child. Despite a
      potentially devastating situation, the patient recovered well within just a week
      following intraoral burn injuries, and the initially interrupted tonsillectomy
      operation was completed without complications. The dangerous situations leading
      to fire hazards and the prevention measures are discussed. 

PMID- 25119405
TI  - Somatotopic organization of trigeminal ganglion: three-dimensional reconstruction
      of three divisions.
AB  - Clearing the somatotopic organization of trigeminal ganglion can help us to
      improve the precision of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. The distribution of
      primary afferent perikarya of 3 branches of trigeminal nerve in the trigeminal
      ganglion was investigated in the rabbit, and 3D model was reconstructed then.
      After application of wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase and DiI to the
      cut endings of the 3 branches of trigeminal nerve, ophthalmic cells were found in
      the anteromedial part of the trigeminal ganglion, mandibular cells in the
      posterolateral part, and maxillary cells in the middle part. The results suggest
      that the somatotopic organization of the ganglion in rabbits is a mediolateral
      direction reflecting the mediolateral order of the ophthalmic, maxillary, and
      mandibular nerves. 

PMID- 25119407
TI  - Intraoperative high-dose epinephrine infiltration in cleft palate repair.

PMID- 25119409
TI  - Effective treatment of congenital muscular torticollis using botulinum toxin.

PMID- 25119410
TI  - India: reverse innovation and the dichotomy of medical resources.

PMID- 25119411
TI  - Treatment of large calvarial defects with bone transport osteogenesis: a
      preclinical sheep model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone transport osteogenesis (BTO), distraction of a free portion of
      bone across a defect, offers an autologous solution to large cranial defects that
      may allow treatment without permanent hardware implantation. This study
      establishes a sheep model to evaluate the feasibility and distraction kinetics of
      BTO. METHODS: Subtotal cranial defects (3.5 * 3.5 cm) were created in 10 young
      adult sheep and a transport segment (3.5 * 2 cm) traversed the defect at varying
      distraction rates (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm/day) using semi-buried cranial
      distractors. After a 6-week consolidation period, sheep were euthanized and the
      resultant bone was analyzed by CT, histology, and mechanical testing. RESULTS:
      Gross examination, histology, and 3D CT revealed that control animals had fibrous
      nonunion whereas distraction animals had ossified defects with fibrous nonunion
      at the distal docking site. There was one premature consolidation in the 0.5
      mm/day group. The volume of bony regenerate in the 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm/day
      distraction rate groups was statistically indistinct (P = 0.16). The mean
      flexural moduli (MPa) of non-decalcified samples from the control cranium,
      transport segment, and bone regenerate were found to be 4.50 +/- 4.9, 6.17 +/-
      2.1, and 4.14 +/- 4.8, respectively (P = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: This experiment
      provides proof of concept for BTO for large calvarial defects in a sheep model.
      Distraction at a rate of 0.5 mm per day may place individuals at higher risk for
      premature consolidation, but distraction rates did not have significant effects
      on regenerate quantity or quality. Future work will include the use of
      curvilinear distraction devices for 3-dimensional contour.

PMID- 25119412
TI  - Osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle: a classification system based on
      computed tomographic appearances.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to introduce the classification of
      osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle based on computed tomographic images and
      to present our treatment experiences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2002
      and December 2012, a total of 61 patients with condylar osteochondroma were
      treated in our division. Both clinical and radiologic aspects were reviewed. The
      average follow-up period was 24.3 months with a range of 6 to 120 months.
      RESULTS: Two types of condylar osteochondroma were presented: type 1 (protruding
      expansion) in 50 patients (82.0%) and type 2 (globular expansion) in 11 patients
      (18.0%). Type 1 condylar osteochondroma presented 5 forms: anterior/anteromedial
      (58%), posterior/posteromedial (6%), medial (16%), lateral (6%), and gigantic
      (14%). Local resection was performed on patients with type 1 condylar
      osteochondroma. Subtotal condylectomy/total condylectomy using costochondral
      graft reconstruction with/without orthognathic surgeries was performed on
      patients with type 2 condylar osteochondroma. During the follow-up period, tumor
      reformation, condyle absorption, and new deformity were not detected. The
      patients almost reattained facial symmetry. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative
      classification based on computed tomographic images will help surgeons to choose
      the suitable surgical procedure to treat the condylar osteochondroma.

PMID- 25119413
TI  - Analysis of therapeutic effect of microvascular decompression surgery on
      idiopathic hemifacial spasm.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to study the therapeutic effect of
      microvascular decompression surgery on idiopathic hemifacial spasm with
      compression on different zones of facial nerve. METHODS: The clinical data of 348
      patients with idiopathic hemifacial spasm treated by microvascular decompression
      surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 5 groups
      according to compression on different zones of facial nerve by offending vessels.
      Root exit point was compressed in 18 patients (group A), transitional zone of
      brainstem was compressed in 42 patients (group B), attached segment of brainstem
      was compressed in 35 patients (group C), distal cisternal portion was compressed
      in 21 patients (group D), and 2 or more zones were compressed in 232 patients
      (group E). The therapeutic effect was observed, and outcome of excellent and
      partial good were regarded as effective. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for
      0.5 to 2 years. The effective rates were 94.4%, 95.2%, 97.1%, 95.2%, and 93.9% in
      group A, group B, group C, group D, and group E, respectively.No death occurred
      during operation,and there were no severe complications such as complete facial
      paralysis, intracranial hematoma, and hearing loss after operation. CONCLUSION:
      Microvascular decompression surgery is the first choice for treatment hemifacial
      spasm. Proper detection of offending vessels and complete decompression may be
      the key factors to increase the cure rate.

PMID- 25119414
TI  - Appraisal of efficacy and safety of intralesional injection of high concentration
      of bleomycin A5 for treatment of huge macrocystic lymphatic malformations in
      cervical region.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects and safety
      of intralesional injection of high concentration of bleomycin A5 for huge (more
      than 5 cm in diameter) macrocystic lymphatic malformations (LMs) in the cervical
      region. Thirty-two patients with huge macrocystic LMs were treated with
      percutaneous injection of bleomycin A5 in our department between 2006 and 2011.
      Among them, 13 patients had unilateral submandibular lesions, and 19 patients had
      lesions in anterior cervical regions. The age of patients ranged from 10 months
      to 29 years (mean age, 11.4 y). The concentration of the drug was as high as 2.7
      mg/mL (8 mg/3 mL) with an addition of dexamethasone. The mean sessions of
      injection were 1.6 (1-3 sessions). Repeated injection interval was 4 to 6 weeks.
      The follow-up period was 6 months to 4 years after the last treatment, and the
      mean follow-up time was 18 months. The results were evaluated based on clinical
      examination and Doppler ultrasonography scan. The clinical follow-up showed
      excellent response in 28 of the 32 patients, whereas 4 of the 32 patients also
      had a satisfactory response. No serious complications were encountered.
      Intralesional injection of high concentration of bleomycin A5 was an effective
      and safe treatment of huge macrocystic LMs in the cervical region and can obtain
      satisfactory results esthetically and functionally without surgery. 

PMID- 25119415
TI  - How many theories on the genetic code do we need?

PMID- 25119416
TI  - Evidence of three-level trophic transfer of quantum dots in an aquatic food chain
      by using bioimaging.
AB  - In this study, we demonstrated the three-level trophic transfer of quantum dots
      (QDs) within the aquatic food chain. Using bioimaging, we observed QD transfer
      from protozoa (Astasia longa) to zooplankton (Moina macrocopa) to fish (Danio
      rerio). Bioimaging is an effective tool that can improve our understanding of the
      delivery of nanomaterials in vivo. Measurement with an intravital multiphoton
      laser scanning microscope visually proved the transfer of QDs from the first to
      the second and the second to the third levels. As QDs may be passed from lower
      organisms to humans via the food chain, our findings have implications for the
      safety of their use.

PMID- 25119418
TI  - Utility of models of the gastrointestinal tract for assessment of the digestion
      and absorption of engineered nanomaterials released from food matrices.
AB  - Engineered metal/mineral, lipid and biochemical macromolecule nanomaterials (NMs)
      have potential applications in food. Methodologies for the assessment of NM
      digestion and bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract are nascent and
      require refinement. A working group was tasked by the International Life Sciences
      Institute NanoRelease Food Additive project to review existing models of the
      gastrointestinal tract in health and disease, and the utility of these models for
      the assessment of the uptake of NMs intended for food. Gastrointestinal digestion
      and absorption could be addressed in a tiered approach using in silico
      computational models, in vitro non-cellular fluid systems and in vitro cell
      culture models, after which the necessity of ex vivo organ culture and in vivo
      animal studies can be considered. Examples of NM quantification in
      gastrointestinal tract fluids and tissues are emerging; however, few standardized
      analytical techniques are available. Coupling of these techniques to
      gastrointestinal models, along with further standardization, will further
      strengthen methodologies for risk assessment.

PMID- 25119417
TI  - Toxic responses in rat embryonic cells to silver nanoparticles and released
      silver ions as analyzed via gene expression profiles and transmission electron
      microscopy.
AB  - After exposing rat embryonic cells to 20 MUg/mL of silver nanoparticle (NP)
      suspension and their released ions for different time periods, silver
      nanoparticles were found in cellular nuclei, mitochondria, cytoplasm and
      lysosomes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We also observed
      mitochondrial destruction, distension of endoplasmic reticulum and apoptotic
      bodies. Global gene expression analysis showed a total of 279 genes that were up
      regulated and 389 genes that were down-regulated in the silver-NP suspension
      exposure group, while 3 genes were up-regulated and 41 genes were down-regulated
      in the silver ion exposure group. Further, the GO pathway analysis suggested that
      these differentially expressed genes are involved in several biological
      processes, such as energy metabolism, oxygen transport, enzyme activities,
      molecular binding, etc. It is possible that inhibition of oxygen transport is
      mediated by the significant down-regulation of genes of the globin family, which
      might play an important role in silver ion-induced toxicity. KEGG pathway
      analysis showed that there were 23 signal pathways that were affected in the
      cells after exposure to silver-NP suspension, but not silver ion alone. The most
      significant change concerned inflammatory signal pathways, which were only found
      in silver-NP suspension exposed cells, indicating that inflammatory response
      might play an important role in the mechanism(s) of silver-NP-induced toxicity.
      The significant up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases 3 and 9 suggests that
      silver NPs could induce extracellular matrix degradation via an inflammatory
      signaling pathway. The significant up-regulation of secretory leukocyte peptidase
      inhibitor and serine protease inhibitor 2c was considered to be an embryonic
      cellular defense mechanism in response to silver-NP-induced inflammation.

PMID- 25119419
TI  - Optimising the use of commercial LAL assays for the analysis of endotoxin
      contamination in metal colloids and metal oxide nanoparticles.
AB  - Engineered nanoparticles (NP) are generally contaminated by bacterial endotoxin,
      a ubiquitous bacterial molecule with significant toxic and inflammatory effects.
      The presence of endotoxin, if not recognised, can be responsible for many of the
      in vitro and in vivo effects attributed to NPs. The Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate
      (LAL) assay, the test requested by regulatory authorities for assessing endotoxin
      contamination in products for human use, is not immediately applicable for
      testing endotoxin in NP preparations, mainly due to the possible interference of
      NPs with the assay readouts and components. In this study, we have compared
      different commercially available LAL assays for detecting endotoxin in gold,
      silver and iron oxide NPs. Different NP chemistry, concentrations and surface
      coatings could differently interfere with the LAL assays' results. After accurate
      testing of the possible interaction/interference of NPs with the various assay
      components, the modified chromogenic LAL assay proved the most suitable assay for
      measuring endotoxin in NP samples, provided the appropriate controls are
      performed. Thus, endotoxin determination can be performed in NP preparation with
      commercial LAL assays only after assay validation, i.e. once possible
      interference of NPs with the assay components and readouts has been excluded.

PMID- 25119420
TI  - Problem gambling subtypes based on psychological distress, alcohol abuse and
      impulsivity.
AB  - The notion of comorbidities within problem gambling populations has important
      clinical implications, particularly for appropriate treatment matching. The
      comorbidities most commonly cited in problem gambling literature include
      depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse and impulsivity. Previous research shows
      evidence of patterns in multiple co-occurring comorbidities and that there may be
      different subtypes of gamblers based on these patterns. To further the current
      understanding of gambling subtypes, the aim of our study was to identify subtypes
      of gamblers currently in treatment. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis yielded four
      mutually exclusive groups of 202 gamblers: (1) gamblers with comorbid
      psychological problems (35%); (2) 'pure' gamblers without other comorbidities
      (27%); (3) gamblers with comorbid alcohol abuse (25%); and (4) 'multimorbid'
      gamblers (13%). The four groups differed on demographic information, drug use and
      gambling behaviours including gambling activity and problem gambling severity.
      Gamblers with comorbid psychological problems were more likely to be older women
      on low income, more likely to report a family history of psychological problems
      and were more often electronic gaming machine players. As expected, 'pure'
      gamblers had lower problem gambling severity and were more likely to report
      current abstinence. Gamblers with comorbid alcohol abuse were more likely to be
      young men who used stimulant drugs, endorsed a higher quality of life and worked
      full-time. 'Multimorbid' gamblers were elevated on all comorbidities, had general
      problems related to their health and wellbeing and reported high rates of
      hostility and aggression. These groups combine elements of existing conceptual
      models of gambling subtypes and may require different treatments.

PMID- 25119422
TI  - Targeting IgE to facilitate oral immunotherapy for food allergy: a potential new
      role for anti-IgE therapy?
AB  - Food allergy is a major public health problem without satisfactory treatment
      options. Of several new treatments being studied, oral immunotherapy (OIT)
      appears to be the most promising. Unfortunately, OIT is associated with an
      unacceptably high frequency of allergic reactions. However, recent studies
      suggest that OIT might be made safer and faster when performed in conjunction
      with anti-IgE monoclonal antibody as an adjunctive treatment. 

PMID- 25119421
TI  - Cannabis-related impairment: the impacts of social anxiety and misconceptions of
      friends' cannabis-related problems.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Socially anxious cannabis users are especially vulnerable to cannabis
      related impairment, yet mechanisms underlying this vulnerability remain unclear.
      Socially anxious persons may use cannabis despite related problems if they
      believe such problems are common, and thus socially acceptable. Yet no known
      studies have examined the impact of beliefs regarding others' cannabis-related
      problems on one's own use-related problems. METHOD: This study investigated the
      impact of beliefs about a close friend's experience with cannabis-related
      problems on the relationship between social anxiety and cannabis-related
      problems. The sample consisted of 158 (75% female) current (past-month) cannabis
      using undergraduates. RESULTS: Believing one's friend experienced more cannabis
      problems was related to experiencing more cannabis-related problems oneself. In
      fact, perceived friend's problems accounted for 40% of the unique variance in
      one's own cannabis problems. Descriptive norms (others' use) and injunctive norms
      (others' approval of risky use) were unrelated to the number of one's own
      problems. Social anxiety was related to experiencing more cannabis problems. This
      relation was moderated by perceived friend's problems such that greater social
      anxiety was related to more cannabis-related problems among participants who
      believed their friend experienced more cannabis-related problems. This was not
      the case among participants who believed their friend experienced fewer problems.
      CONCLUSIONS: Normative beliefs regarding a close friend's cannabis problems were
      robustly and uniquely related to experiencing more cannabis-related impairment.
      Beliefs regarding friends' experience with cannabis-related problems may play an
      especially important role in the experience of cannabis-related problems among
      socially anxious users.

PMID- 25119423
TI  - Steroid withdrawal in kidney allograft recipients.
AB  - This review highlights the aggregate of knowledge obtained from the temporal
      trend of kidney transplant immune suppression. We will discuss the burden of
      steroid side effects and their impact on quality of life in kidney allograft
      recipients, which have led to minimizing steroid exposure. Issues arising since
      the inception of the concept of steroid withdrawal will be discussed, along with
      how they have continually led to a shift in research focus on this subject
      matter. The usefulness of surveillance biopsies and how further elucidation of
      the pathophysiology of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy could contribute
      to improving long-term allograft outcomes will also be discussed. We will
      elaborate on the role of calcineurin inhibitor minimization alongside steroid
      withdrawal in improving long-term graft survival. Future expectations of
      subsequent studies with a view to improving overall kidney allograft outcomes by
      eliminating attendant problems associated with steroids will also be covered. 

PMID- 25119426
TI  - Structure, stability and photocatalytic H2 production by Cr-, Mn-, Fe-, Co-, and
      Ni-substituted decaniobate clusters.
AB  - Here we report synthesis and characterization of early transition-metal(TM)
      substituted decaniobates as a continuation of our previous report of
      tetramethylammonium (TMA) salt of FeNb9 and NiNb9: TMA6[H2Cr(III)Nb9O28].14H2O
      (1, CrNb9), TMA8[Mn(III)Nb9O28].29H2O (2, MnNb9) and TMA7[H2Co(II)Nb9O28].25H2O
      (3, CoNb9). Among the TM-substituted decaniobates, CoNb9 or NiNb9 exhibit a
      higher photocatalytic H2 evolution activity in methanol-water mixtures than
      others. 

PMID- 25119425
TI  - The effect of the cation alkyl chain branching on mutual solubilities with water
      and toxicities.
AB  - The design of ionic liquids has been focused on the cation-anion combinations but
      other more subtle approaches can be used. In this work the effect of the
      branching of the cation alkyl chain on the design of ionic liquids (ILs) is
      evaluated. The mutual solubilities with water and toxicities of a series of
      bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-based ILs, combined with imidazolium, pyridinium,
      pyrrolidinium, and piperidinium cations with linear or branched alkyl chains, are
      reported. The mutual solubility measurements were carried out in the temperature
      range from (288.15 to 323.15) K. From the obtained experimental data, the
      thermodynamic properties of the solution (in the water-rich phase) were
      determined and discussed. The COnductor like Screening MOdel for Real Solvents
      (COSMO-RS) was used to predict the liquid-liquid equilibrium. Furthermore,
      molecular dynamic simulations were also carried out aiming to get a deeper
      understanding of these fluids at the molecular level. The results show that the
      increase in the number of atoms at the cation ring (from five to six) leads to a
      decrease in the mutual solubilities with water while increasing their toxicity,
      and as expected from the well-established relationship between toxicities and
      hydrophobicities of ILs. The branching of the alkyl chain was observed to
      decrease the water solubility in ILs, while increasing the ILs solubility in
      water. The inability of COSMO-RS to correctly predict the effect of branching
      alkyl chains toward water solubility on them was confirmed using molecular
      dynamic simulations to be due to the formation of nano-segregated structures of
      the ILs that are not taken into account by the COSMO-RS model. In addition, the
      impact of branched alkyl chains on the toxicity is shown to be not trivial and to
      depend on the aromatic nature of the ILs. 

PMID- 25119424
TI  - Nitroso Diels-Alder (NDA) reaction as an efficient tool for the functionalization
      of diene-containing natural products.
AB  - This review describes the use of nitroso Diels-Alder reactions for the
      functionalization of complex diene-containing natural products in order to
      generate libraries of compounds with potential biological activity. The
      application of this methodology to the structural modification of a series of
      natural products (thebaine, steroidal dienes, rapamycin, leucomycin, colchicine,
      isocolchicine and piperine) is discussed using relevant examples from the
      literature from 1973 onwards. The biological activity of the resulting compounds
      is also discussed. Additional comments are provided that evaluate the methodology
      as a useful tool in organic, bioorganic and medicinal chemistry. 

PMID- 25119428
TI  - The relationship between electronic nursing care reminders and missed nursing
      care.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to explore relationships between nurses' perceptions
      of the impact of health information technology on their clinical practice in the
      acute care setting, their use of electronic nursing care reminders, and episodes
      of missed nursing care. The study aims were accomplished with a descriptive
      design using adjusted correlations. A convenience sample (N = 165) of medical
      and/or surgical, intensive care, and intermediate care RNs working on acute care
      hospital units participated in the study. Nurses from 19 eligible nursing units
      were invited to participate. Adjusted relationships using hierarchical multiple
      regression analyses indicated significant negative relationships between missed
      nursing care and nursing care reminders and perceptions of health information
      technology. The adjusted correlations support the hypotheses that there is a
      relationship between nursing care reminder usage and missed nursing care and a
      relationship between health information technology and missed nursing care. The
      relationships are negative, indicating that nurses who rate higher levels of
      reminder usage and health information technology have decreased reports of missed
      nursing care. The study found a significant relationship between nursing care
      reminders usage and decreased amounts of missed nursing care. The findings can be
      used in a variety of improvement endeavors, such as encouraging nurses to utilize
      nursing care reminders, aid information system designers when designing nursing
      care reminders, and assist healthcare organizations in assessing the impact of
      technology on nursing practice. 

PMID- 25119427
TI  - GATA6 loss-of-function mutations contribute to familial dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the most prevalent form of primary heart muscle
      disease, is the third most common cause of heart failure and the most frequent
      reason for cardiac transplantation. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that
      genetic risk factors are crucial in the pathogenesis of DCM. However, DCM is
      genetically heterogeneous, and the genetic basis of DCM in a large majority of
      cases remains unclear. In the current study, the coding exons and flanking
      introns of the GATA6 gene, which encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor
      essential for cardiogenesis, was sequenced in 140 unrelated patients with DCM,
      and two novel heterozygous mutations, p.C447Y and p.H475R, were identified in two
      index patients with DCM, respectively. Analysis of the pedigrees showed that in
      each family the mutation co-segregated with DCM transmitted in an autosomal
      dominant pattern, with complete penetrance. The missense mutations were absent in
      400 control chromosomes and predicted to be disease-causing by MutationTaster or
      probably damaging by PolyPhen-2. The alignment of multiple GATA6 proteins across
      species revealed that the altered amino acids were completely conserved
      evolutionarily. The functional assays showed that the mutated GATA6 proteins were
      associated with significantly reduced transcriptional activation in comparison
      with their wild-type counterpart. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first
      study on the association of GATA6 loss-of-function mutations with enhanced
      susceptibility to familial DCM, which provides novel insight into the molecular
      mechanism of DCM and suggests potential implications for the antenatal
      prophylaxis and allele-specific treatment of DCM. 

PMID- 25119430
TI  - Dual changes in conformation and optical properties of fluorophores within a
      metal-organic framework during framework construction and associated sensing
      event.
AB  - Microsized chemosensor particle (CPP-16, CPP means coordination polymer
      particle), which is made from a metal-organic framework (MOF), is synthesized
      using pyrene-functionalized organic building block. This building block contains
      three important parts, a framework construction part, a Cu(2+) detection part,
      and a fluorophore part. PXRD studies have revealed that CPP-16 has a 3D cubic
      structure of MOF-5. During both MOF formation and sensing event, fluorophores
      within CPP-16 undergo dual changes in conformation and optical properties. After
      MOF construction, pyrene moieties experience an unusual complete conversion from
      monomer to excimer form. This conversion takes place due to a confinement effect
      induced by space limitations within the MOF structure. The selective sensing
      ability of CPP-16 on Cu(2+) over many other metal ions is verified by emission
      spectra and is also visually identified by fluorescence microscopy images.
      Specific interaction of Cu(2+) with binding sites within CPP-16 causes a second
      conformational change of the fluorophores, where they change from stacked excimer
      (CPP-16) to quenched excimer states (CPP-16.Cu(2+)). 

PMID- 25119431
TI  - A general diastereoselective catalytic vinylogous aldol reaction among tetramic
      acid-derived pyrroles.
AB  - A catalytic diastereoselective aldol reaction has been developed for N1
      arylated/C2-O-silylated/C3-methylated and brominated/C4-O-methylated pyrroles in
      its reactions with various aldehydes. Syn adducts emerge with regard to the
      vicinal nitrogen and oxygen heteroatom substituents. The N1-aryl residue
      undergoes oxidative cleavage, and the C3-bromine atom undergoes palladium
      mediated coupling reactions, both without disturbing the newly created
      stereocenters. 

PMID- 25119429
TI  - CCR5 controls immune and metabolic functions during Toxoplasma gondii infection.
AB  - CCR5, an important receptor related to cell recruitment and inflammation, is
      expressed during experimental Toxoplasma gondii infection. However, its role in
      the immunopathology of toxoplasmosis is not clearly defined yet. Thus, we
      inoculated WT and CCR5(-/-) mice with a sub lethal dose of the parasite by oral
      route. CCR5(-/-) mice were extremely susceptible to infection, presenting higher
      parasite load and lower tissue expression of IL-12p40, IFN-gamma, TNF, IL-6,
      iNOS, Foxp3, T-bet, GATA-3 and PPARalpha. Although both groups presented
      inflammation in the liver with prominent neutrophil infiltration, CCR5(-/-) mice
      had extensive tissue damage with hepatocyte vacuolization, steatosis, elevated
      serum triglycerides and transaminases. PPARalpha agonist Gemfibrozil improved the
      vacuolization but did not rescue CCR5(-/-) infected mice from high serum
      triglycerides levels and enhanced mortality. We also found intense inflammation
      in the ileum of CCR5(-/-) infected mice, with epithelial ulceration, augmented
      CD4 and decreased frequency of NK cells in the gut lamina propria. Most
      interestingly, these findings were accompanied by an outstanding accumulation of
      neutrophils in the ileum, which seemed to be involved in the gut immunopathology,
      once the depletion of these cells was accompanied by reduced local damage.
      Altogether, these data demonstrated that CCR5 is essential to the control of T.
      gondii infection and to maintain the metabolic, hepatic and intestinal integrity.
      These findings add novel information on the disease pathogenesis and may be
      relevant for directing future approaches to the treatment of multi-deregulated
      diseases.

PMID- 25119432
TI  - Radical scavenging ability of gallic acid toward OH and OOH radicals. Reaction
      mechanism and rate constants from the density functional theory.
AB  - Gallic acid is a ubiquitous compound, widely distributed in the vegetal kingdom
      and frequently found in the human diet. In the present work, its primary
      antioxidant activity has been investigated using the density functional theory
      (DFT), and the quantum mechanics-based test for overall free radical scavenging
      activity (QM-ORSA) protocol. It was found that gallic acid is a better
      antioxidant than the reference compound, Trolox, regardless of the polarity of
      the environment. In addition, gallic acid is predicted to be among the best
      peroxyl radical scavengers identified so far in nonpolar (lipid) media. This
      compound is capable of scavenging hydroxyl radicals at diffusion-limited rates,
      and hydroperoxyl radicals with rate constants in the order of 10(5) M(-1) s(-1).
      The deprotonation of gallic acid, in aqueous solution, is predicted to increase
      the protective action of this compound against oxidative stress. Gallic acid was
      also identified as a versatile scavenger, capable of rapidly deactivating a wide
      variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) via
      electron transfer at physiological pH. 

PMID- 25119435
TI  - Abstracts from the ESP Meeting 2014.

PMID- 25119433
TI  - Risk factors for linezolid-associated thrombocytopenia in adult patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Thrombocytopenia (TP) is a common adverse effect of linezolid (LZD).
      However, risk factors for LZD-associated TP have been reported in Western
      patients with relatively heavy body weight. The aim of this study was to
      determine the risk factors for LZD-associated TP in Asian population. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 101 consecutive
      patients who received LZD therapy (1,200 mg/day) between July 2003 and December
      2013 at a tertiary referral hospital in Tokyo, Japan. The patients with obvious
      other causes for TP were excluded. The information of target infectious disease,
      patients' age, gender, body weight, body mass index, baseline serum creatinine
      (SCr), baseline platelet count, and treatment duration was collected
      retrospectively. TP was defined as >= 50% decrease in platelet count from
      baseline. Bi- and multi-variate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 101
      patients were included (mean age [SD] 64 [18]; male gender [%], 57 [56]). Median
      duration [range] of LZD therapy was 14 days [1-67]. LZD-associated TP was
      identified in 42 patients (42%). For TP, adjusted odds ratio (OR) [95% CI] of
      daily per kg dose (DPKD) and SCr was 1.14 [1.05-1.26] and 1.51 [1.01-2.50],
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Higher DPKD and elevated SCr are significantly
      associated with LZD-associated TP. These findings suggest that daily dose of LZD
      should be adjusted using body weight, as typically done in pediatrics, in adults
      as well. Renal function also should be considered for dose adjustment.

PMID- 25119436
TI  - Synthesis, structure, and magnetic and electrochemical properties of quasi-linear
      and linear iron(I), cobalt(I), and nickel(I) amido complexes.
AB  - Three potassium crown ether salts, [K(Et2O)2(18-crown-6)][Fe{N(SiMe3)Dipp}2] (1a;
      Dipp = C6H3-2,6-Pr(i)2), [K(18-crown-6)][Fe{N(SiMe3)Dipp}2].0.5PhMe (1b), and
      [K(18-crown-6)][M{N(SiMe3)Dipp}2] (M = Co, 2; M = Ni, 3), of the two-coordinate
      linear or near-linear bis-amido monoanions [M{N(SiMe3)Dipp}2](-) (M = Fe, Co, Ni)
      were synthesized by one-electron reduction of the neutral precursors
      M{N(SiMe3)Dipp}2 with KC8 in the presence of 18-crown-6. They were characterized
      by X-ray crystallography, UV-vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and magnetic
      measurements. The anions feature lengthened M-N bonds in comparison with their
      neutral precursors, with slightly bent coordination (N-Fe-N = ca. 172 degrees )
      for the iron(I) complex, but linear coordination for the cobalt(I) and nickel(I)
      complexes. Fits of the temperature dependence of chiMT of 1 and 2 reveal that the
      iron(I) and cobalt(I) complexes have large negative D zero-field splittings and a
      substantial orbital contribution to their magnetic moments with L = 2, whereas
      the nickel(I) complex has at most a small orbital contribution to its magnetic
      moment. The magnetic results have been used to propose an ordering of the 3d
      orbitals in each of the complexes. 

PMID- 25119434
TI  - Structural study of the RIPoptosome core reveals a helical assembly for kinase
      recruitment.
AB  - Receptor interaction protein kinase 1 (RIP1) is a molecular cell-fate switch.
      RIP1, together with Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) and caspase
      8, forms the RIPoptosome that activates apoptosis. RIP1 also associates with RIP3
      to form the necrosome that triggers necroptosis. The RIPoptosome assembles
      through interactions between the death domains (DDs) of RIP1 and FADD and between
      death effector domains (DEDs) of FADD and caspase-8. In this study, we analyzed
      the overall structure of the RIP1 DD/FADD DD complex, the core of the
      RIPoptosome, by negative-stain electron microscopy and modeling. The results show
      that RIP1 DD and FADD DD form a stable complex in vitro similar to the previously
      described Fas DD/FADD DD complex, suggesting that the RIPoptosome and the Fas
      death-inducing signaling complex share a common assembly mechanism. Both
      complexes adopt a helical conformation that requires type I, II, and III
      interactions between the death domains. 

PMID- 25119439
TI  - Echinocandin-induced eosinophilia: a case report.
AB  - Drug-induced eosinophilia is difficult to diagnose. Severe organ damage can occur
      if it is left untreated. Presently, caspofungin is the only echinocandin that has
      been reported to cause eosinophilia. A patient who developed eosinophilia after
      exposure to caspofungin and re-challenge with anidulafungin is presented.
      Eosinophilia resolved upon discontinuation of both drugs.

PMID- 25119438
TI  - Bmovo-1 regulates ovary size in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.
AB  - The regulation of antagonistic OVO isoforms is critical for germline formation
      and differentiation in Drosophila. However, little is known about genes related
      to ovary development. In this study, we cloned the Bombyx mori ovo gene and
      investigated its four alternatively spliced isoforms. BmOVO-1, BmOVO-2 and BmOVO
      3 all had four C2H2 type zinc fingers, but differed at the N-terminal ends, while
      BmOVO-4 had a single zinc finger. Bmovo-1, Bmovo-2 and Bmovo-4 showed the highest
      levels of mRNA in ovaries, while Bmovo-3 was primarily expressed in testes. The
      mRNA expression pattern suggested that Bmovo expression was related to ovary
      development. RNAi and transgenic techniques were used to analyze the biological
      function of Bmovo. The results showed that when the Bmovo gene was downregulated,
      oviposition number decreased. Upregulation of Bmovo-1 in the gonads of transgenic
      silkworms increased oviposition number and elevated the trehalose contents of
      hemolymph and ovaries. We concluded that Bmovo-1 was involved in protein
      synthesis, contributing to the development of ovaries and oviposition number in
      silkworms. 

PMID- 25119440
TI  - Spleen enlargement is a common finding in acute Puumala hantavirus infection and
      it does not associate with thrombocytopenia.
AB  - The pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) infection is
      probably multifactorial. We aimed to evaluate the possible spleen enlargement
      during acute PUUV infection, and to determine its association with
      thrombocytopenia and disease severity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the
      spleen was performed in 20 patients with acute PUUV infection. MRI was repeated 5
      8 months later. The change in spleen length was compared with markers describing
      the severity of the disease. In all patients, the spleen length was increased in
      the acute phase compared with the control phase (median 129 mm vs 111 mm, p <
      0.001). The change correlated with maximum C-reactive protein value (r = 0.513, p
      = 0.021) and inversely with maximum leukocyte count (r = -0.471, p = 0.036), but
      not with maximum serum creatinine level or minimum platelet count. Enlarged
      spleen, evaluated by MRI, was shown to be a common finding during acute PUUV
      infection. However, it does not associate with thrombocytopenia and acute kidney
      injury.

PMID- 25119441
TI  - Murine typhus in elderly patients: a prospective study of 49 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The characteristics of Rickettsia typhi infection in elderly patients
      have not been extensively described in the literature. METHODS: We conducted a
      prospective study on murine typhus in patients > 65 years old in two endemic
      areas of Greece. RESULTS: Forty-nine elderly patients were analyzed, including 30
      (61.2%) males. The clinical triad of fever (100% of patients), headache (83.7%),
      and rash (73.5%), occurred in 63% of patients, whereas malaise (85.7%), anorexia
      (65.3%), and myalgia (59.2%) were also common. Frequent laboratory findings were
      transaminasemia (89.8%), lactate dehydrogenase elevation (65.3%), hematuria
      (55.1%), thrombocytopenia (53.1%), anemia (51%), leucopenia (40.8%), and mild
      hyponatremia (23.5%). Complications developed in 16 patients (32.7%); no deaths
      were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The main clinical and laboratory characteristics of
      murine typhus are similar in elderly and younger adults. However, elderly
      patients have a more severe clinical picture, evidenced by a higher complication
      rate and longer duration of fever, even with appropriate treatment. To our
      knowledge, this is the first study to focus on murine typhus in a geriatric
      population.

PMID- 25119442
TI  - NUNDO: a numerical model of a human torso phantom and its application to
      effective dose equivalent calculations for astronauts at the ISS.
AB  - The health effects of cosmic radiation on astronauts need to be precisely
      quantified and controlled. This task is important not only in perspective of the
      increasing human presence at the International Space Station (ISS), but also for
      the preparation of safe human missions beyond low earth orbit. From a radiation
      protection point of view, the baseline quantity for radiation risk assessment in
      space is the effective dose equivalent. The present work reports the first
      successful attempt of the experimental determination of the effective dose
      equivalent in space, both for extra-vehicular activity (EVA) and intra-vehicular
      activity (IVA). This was achieved using the anthropomorphic torso phantom
      RANDO((r)) equipped with more than 6,000 passive thermoluminescent detectors and
      plastic nuclear track detectors, which have been exposed to cosmic radiation
      inside the European Space Agency MATROSHKA facility both outside and inside the
      ISS. In order to calculate the effective dose equivalent, a numerical model of
      the RANDO((r)) phantom, based on computer tomography scans of the actual phantom,
      was developed. It was found that the effective dose equivalent rate during an EVA
      approaches 700 MUSv/d, while during an IVA about 20 % lower values were observed.
      It is shown that the individual dose based on a personal dosimeter reading for an
      astronaut during IVA results in an overestimate of the effective dose equivalent
      of about 15 %, whereas under an EVA conditions the overestimate is more than 200
      %. A personal dosemeter can therefore deliver quite good exposure records during
      IVA, but may overestimate the effective dose equivalent received during an EVA
      considerably.

PMID- 25119444
TI  - Growing dynamical facilitation on approaching the random pinning colloidal glass
      transition.
AB  - Despite decades of research, it remains to be established whether the
      transformation of a liquid into a glass is fundamentally thermodynamic or dynamic
      in origin. Although observations of growing length scales are consistent with
      thermodynamic perspectives, the purely dynamic approach of the Dynamical
      Facilitation (DF) theory lacks experimental support. Further, for vitrification
      induced by randomly freezing a subset of particles in the liquid phase,
      simulations support the existence of an underlying thermodynamic phase
      transition, whereas the DF theory remains unexplored. Here, using video
      microscopy and holographic optical tweezers, we show that DF in a colloidal glass
      forming liquid grows with density as well as the fraction of pinned particles. In
      addition, we observe that heterogeneous dynamics in the form of string-like
      cooperative motion emerges naturally within the framework of facilitation. Our
      findings suggest that a deeper understanding of the glass transition necessitates
      an amalgamation of existing theoretical approaches. 

PMID- 25119443
TI  - The design and discovery of lixisenatide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes
      mellitus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lixisenatide is a once-daily short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1
      (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM). It is used in combination with oral antidiabetics and/or basal
      insulin in patients inadequately controlled on these medications and who are
      undergoing diet and lifestyle modification. GLP-1RAs glucose-dependently increase
      insulin secretion, decrease glucagon secretion, and slow gastric emptying,
      thereby improving glycemic control. GLP-1RAs are associated with body weight
      benefits and low rates of hypoglycemia which are welcome in patients with T2DM.
      AREAS COVERED: The authors describe the identification of GLP-1RAs as suitable
      targets for modification with structure-inducing probe technology to improve
      stability and resistance to proteolytic degradation. Clinical studies have
      assessed lixisenatide across > 5000 patients as a monotherapy or add-on to a
      variety of commonly used antidiabetic medications. These studies highlighted the
      effects of lixisenatide on gastric emptying, explaining its particular
      improvements in postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) excursions and underscoring its
      efficacy in combination with insulin glargine. Lixisenatide was well tolerated,
      with nausea and vomiting being the most frequently reported adverse events.
      EXPERT OPINION: The once-daily administration of lixisenatide as well as its
      substantial sustained effect on gastric emptying and, hence, PPG excursions are
      all important features compared with the other GLP-1RAs. The combination of two
      injectables, such as basal insulin to lower fasting plasma glucose and a GLP-1RA
      that curtails PPG excursions, is clinically valuable and could differentiate
      lixisenatide from other GLP-1RAs, especially from those continuously acting GLP
      1RAs with little effect on gastric emptying and PPG excursions.

PMID- 25119446
TI  - Breaking news....

PMID- 25119447
TI  - Dysphagia and associated risk factors following extubation in cardiovascular
      surgical patients.
AB  - Following cardiovascular (CV) surgery, prolonged mechanical ventilation of >48 h
      increases dysphagia frequency over tenfold: 51 % compared to 3-4 % across all
      durations. Our primary objective was to identify dysphagia frequency following CV
      surgery with respect to intubation duration. Our secondary objective was to
      explore characteristics associated with dysphagia across the entire sample. Using
      a retrospective design, we stratified all consecutive patients who underwent CV
      surgery in 2009 at our institution into intubation duration groups defined a
      priori: I (<= 12 h), II (>12 to <= 24 h), III (>24 to <= 48 h), and IV (>48 h).
      Eligible patients were >18 years old who survived extubation following coronary
      artery bypass alone or cardiac valve surgery. Patients who underwent tracheotomy
      were excluded. Pre-, peri-, and postoperative patient variables were extracted
      from a pre-existing database and medical charts by two blinded reviewers.
      Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Across the entire sample, multivariable
      logistic regression analysis determined independent predictors of dysphagia.
      Across the entire sample, dysphagia frequency was 5.6 % (51/909) but varied by
      group: I, 1 % (7/699); II, 8.2 % (11/134); III, 16.7 % (6/36); and IV, 67.5 %
      (27/40). Across the entire sample, the independent predictors of dysphagia
      included intubation duration in 12-h increments (p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] 1.93,
      95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.63-2.29) and age in 10-year increments (p =
      0.004; OR 2.12, 95 % CI 1.27-3.52). Patients had a twofold increase in their odds
      of developing dysphagia for every additional 12 h with endotracheal intubation
      and for every additional decade in age. These patients should undergo post
      extubation swallow assessments to minimize complications.

PMID- 25119448
TI  - Water extracts from winery by-products as tobacco defense inducers.
AB  - Water extracts from winery by-products exhibited significant plant defense
      inducer properties. Experiments were conducted on three marc extracts containing
      various amounts of polyphenols and anthocyanins. Infiltration of red, white and
      seed grape marc extracts into tobacco leaves induced hypersensitive reaction-like
      lesions with cell death evidenced by Evans Blue staining. The infiltration zones
      and the surrounding areas revealed accumulation of autofluorescent compounds
      under UV light. Leaf infiltration of the three winery by-product extracts induced
      defense gene expression. The antimicrobial PR1, beta-1,3-glucanase PR2, and
      chitinase PR3 target genes were upregulated locally in tobacco plants following
      grape marc extract treatments. The osmotin PR5 transcripts accumulated as well in
      red marc extract treated-tobacco leaves. Overall, the winery by-product extracts
      elicited an array of plant defense responses making the grape residues a
      potential use of high value compounds.

PMID- 25119449
TI  - Effects of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni and Zn on asexual reproduction and early development of
      the tropical sea anemone Aiptasia pulchella.
AB  - Currently few studies present sub-lethal toxicity data for tropical marine
      species, and there are no routine toxicity tests using marine cnidarians. The
      symbiotic sea anemone Aiptasia pulchella has been identified as a useful species
      for ecotoxicological risk assessment, and would provide a tropical marine
      cnidarian representative. Chronic sub-lethal toxicity tests assessing the effects
      of 28-day trace metal exposure on asexual reproduction in A. pulchella were
      investigated, and concentration-dependant reductions in the number of offspring
      that were produced were evident for all metal exposures. Metal concentration
      estimates causing 50% reductions in the numbers of asexually-reproduced juveniles
      after 28-day exposures (28-day effect concentrations 50%: EC50s) were 14 ug/L for
      copper, 63 ug/L for zinc, 107 ug/L for cobalt, 145 ug/L for cadmium, and 369 ug/L
      for nickel. Slightly higher 28-day EC50s of 16 ug/L for copper, 192 ug/L for
      zinc, 172 ug/L for cobalt, 185 ug/L for cadmium, and 404 ug/L for nickel
      exposures and were estimated based on reductions in the total number of live
      developed and undeveloped offspring. These sensitive and chronic sub-lethal
      toxicity estimates help fill the knowledge gap related to metal effects on
      cnidarians over longer exposure periods, and this newly-developed bioassay may
      provide a much needed tool for ecotoxicological risk assessment relevant to
      tropical marine environments.

PMID- 25119450
TI  - Environmental stressors can enhance the development of community tolerance to a
      toxicant.
AB  - Ecosystems are subject to a combination of recurring anthropogenic and natural
      disturbances, such as climate change and pesticide exposure. Biological
      communities are known to develop tolerance to recurring disturbances due to
      successive changes at both the community and organismal levels. However,
      information on how additional stressors may affect the development of such
      community tolerance is scarce to date. We studied the influence of hydrological
      disturbance on the reaction of zooplankton communities to repeated insecticide
      pulses in outdoor microcosms. The communities were exposed to three successive
      pulses of the insecticide esfenvalerate (0.03, 0.3, and 3 ug/L) and to the
      gradual removal of water and its subsequent replacement over three cycles or to a
      constant water level. Except at the highest esfenvalerate concentration, the
      communities developed tolerance to the toxicant, as indicated by their decreasing
      reaction to subsequent insecticide applications, and this development was
      enhanced by hydrological disturbance. The pronounced decline of the key taxa
      Daphnia spp. through the combined action of the two stressors was identified as
      the main mechanism responsible for the increase in community tolerance under a
      fluctuating water level. Under a constant water level, the abundance of Daphnia
      spp. did not decrease significantly without the insecticide treatment, indicating
      that other mechanisms were responsible for the observed community tolerance. The
      present study shows that additional stressors can facilitate the development of
      community tolerance and that such facilitation is propagated through community
      level mechanisms. 

PMID- 25119451
TI  - The imaging feature in capsule endoscopy on Maffucci syndrome with intestinal
      hemangioma.

PMID- 25119452
TI  - Combined application of clip and endoloop for the prevention of postpolypectomy
      complications in large pedunculated colonic polyps: a better choice.

PMID- 25119453
TI  - Cancer screenee cohort study of the National Cancer Center in South Korea.
AB  - The Cancer Screenee Cohort Study was first established in 2002 by the National
      Cancer Center in South Korea to investigate all possible risk factors related to
      cancers and to expand biological specimen banking for the development of
      effective methodologies for cancer detection, diagnosis, and prevention. As of
      July in 2014, total 41,105 participants were enrolled in this cohort. Data were
      collected via questionnaire, clinical examination, cancer screening, and
      biological specimen testing including blood, urine, and exfoliated cervical
      cells. The highest incidence was found to be thyroid cancer, according to a
      nested case-control study that was linked to the National Cancer Registry
      information as of December 31, 2011. Case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort
      studies have been published using these data since 2009. Diet and nutrition was
      the most published topic, followed by genetics, hepatitis B virus and liver
      cancer screening, methodologies, physical activity, obesity, metabolic syndrome,
      smoking and alcohol consumption, and blood type. Evidence from the Cancer
      Screenee Cohort Study is highly anticipated to reduce the burden of cancer in the
      Korean population and aid in the detection, diagnosis, and prevention of cancer. 

PMID- 25119454
TI  - Prevalence and healthcare utilization of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia
      in South Korea: disparity among patients with different immune statuses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Despite the clinical and epidemiological importance of herpes zoster
      (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), their disease and economic burden related
      to immune status has not been studied in South Korea. Our aim was to calculate
      the prevalence and rate of healthcare utilization related to HZ and PHN among
      Korean patients stratified by immune status. METHODS: This retrospective study
      used the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service National Patients Sample
      (HIRA K-NPS) database, which includes all medical claims from January to December
      2009 on a representative sample of the Korean population. HZ and PHN patients
      aged >= 50 years were categorized into three groups by immune status: severely
      immunocompromised group, moderately compromised group, and non-compromised group.
      The prevalence, disease-related healthcare utilization, and medical costs were
      compared across the three groups. RESULTS: We estimated that there were 312,136
      HZ patients and 48,461 PHN patients >= 50 years in South Korea. The prevalence of
      HZ and PHN was 18.54 and 2.88 per 1,000 persons, respectively, and increased with
      deteriorating immune status. The number of outpatient visits and hospitalization
      rate among HZ patients were highest in the severely immunocompromised group
      (4.38% and 7.52%, respectively) and lowest in the non-compromised group (3.82%
      and 4.08%, respectively). The average medical cost per patient in the severe
      group was the highest (240 US dollars) and that of the non-compromised group was
      the lowest (161 US dollars). No parameters were significantly different among
      patients with PHN by immunity. CONCLUSIONS: HZ patients with severe
      immunodeficiency had a higher prevalence of HZ, more outpatient visits and
      hospitalizations, longer hospitalizations, and higher medical costs than their
      counterparts did. Efforts should be made to reduce the HZ-related burden of
      severely immunocompromised patients.

PMID- 25119455
TI  - Atrial fibrillation in end stage renal disease patients: influence of
      hemodialysis on P wave duration and atrial dimension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prevalence and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) are high in
      hemodialysis (HD) patients. Intra-atrial conduction velocity slowing plays an
      important role in AF onset. The aim of our study was to measure P wave duration
      (Pwd), expression of intra-atrial conduction velocity, in HD patients with and
      without a history of AF. METHODS: The study was performed in 47 end stage renal
      disease (ESRD) patients, subdivided into four groups: 19 patients within the
      first 6 months from starting HD therapy (HD1); the same patients studied 18 +/- 3
      months later (HD2); patients with no history of AF and long dialytic age (HD3, n
      = 13); and patients with sinus rhythm but history of AF (HDAF, n = 15); and 18
      healthy controls. In all patients P wave high resolution recording and
      electrolyte plasma values were obtained before and after a HD session, and atrial
      diameter was assessed by echocardiography. RESULTS: Patients with the shortest
      dialysis vintage showed the shortest Pwd [131.2 +/- 11.0 (HD1) vs. 139.8 +/- 11.7
      (HD2), 142.1 +/- 7.2 (HD3), 152.3 +/- 15.0 (HDAF) ms; p < 0.05], while Pwd was
      prolonged in patients with AF history when compared to all other groups (p <
      0.03). At multivariate analysis atrial dimension was independently related to Pwd
      (R = 0.40, p < 0.02). HD session induced a significant increase of Pwd (141 +/-
      14.0-152 +/- 17.0 ms, p < 0.001), that was correlated to modifications of K(+)
      concentration (R = 0.8, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: HD therapy prolongs Pwd. HD
      patients with a history of AF have prolonged Pwd compared to patients without,
      suggesting that increased Pwd is a marker of AF risk in patients with ESRD. HD
      session acutely increases Pwd, creating conditions favoring AF onset.

PMID- 25119456
TI  - Central administration of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 antagonist alleviates
      the development and maintenance of peripheral neuropathic pain in mice.
AB  - AIM: To explore the roles of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in spinal
      processing of neuropathic pain at the central nervous system (CNS). METHODS:
      Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation
      (pSNL) model was assessed in mice. Effects of a single intrathecal (central)
      administration of AMD3100 (intrathecal AMD3100), a CXCR4 antagonist, on pain
      behavior and pain-related spinal pathways and molecules in the L3-L5 spinal cord
      segment was studied compare to saline treatment. RESULTS: Rotarod test showed
      that intrathecal AMD3100 did not impair mice motor function. In pSNL-induced
      mice, intrathecal AMD3100 delayed the development of mechanical allodynia and
      reversed the established mechanical allodynia in a dose-dependent way. Moreover,
      intrathecal AMD3100 downregulated the activation of JNK1 and p38 pathways and the
      protein expression of p65 as assessed by western blotting. Real-time PCR test
      also demonstrated that substance P mRNA was decreased, while adrenomedullin and
      intercellular adhesion molecule mRNA was increased following AMD3100 treatment.
      CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that central (spinal) CXCR4 is involved in the
      development and maintenance of PNP and the regulation of multiple spinal
      molecular events under pain condition, implicating that CXCR4 would potentially
      be a therapeutic target for chronic neuropathic pain.

PMID- 25119458
TI  - A commentary on the disparate perspectives of clinical microbiologists and
      surgeons: Ad hoc antimicrobial use.
AB  - Prosthetic joints and other orthopedic implants have improved quality of life for
      patients world-wide and the use of such devices is increasing. However, while
      infection rates subsequent to associated surgery are relatively low (<3%), the
      consequences of incidence are considerable, encompassing morbidity (including
      amputation) and mortality in addition to significant social and economic costs.
      Emphasis, therefore, has been placed on mitigating microbial risk, with clinical
      microbiologists and surgeons utilizing rapidly evolving molecular laboratory
      techniques in detection and diagnosis of infection, which still occurs despite
      sophisticated patient management. Multidisciplinary approaches are regularly
      adopted to achieve this. In this commentary, we describe an unusual case of
      Actinomyces infection in total hip arthroplasty and, in that context, describe
      the perspectives of the clinical microbiology and surgical teams and how they
      contrasted. More specifically, this case demonstrates an ad hoc approach to
      structured eradication of biofilms and intracellular bacteria related to
      biomaterials, as reflected in early usage of linezolid. This is a complex topic
      and, as described in this case, such accelerated treatment can be effective. This
      commentary focuses on the merits of such inadvisable use of potent antimicrobials
      amid the risk of diminishing valuable antimicrobial efficacy, albeit resulting in
      desirable patient outcomes.

PMID- 25119457
TI  - Low-level laser irradiation improves functional recovery and nerve regeneration
      in sciatic nerve crush rat injury model.
AB  - The development of noninvasive approaches to facilitate the regeneration of post
      traumatic nerve injury is important for clinical rehabilitation. In this study,
      we investigated the effective dose of noninvasive 808-nm low-level laser therapy
      (LLLT) on sciatic nerve crush rat injury model. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley
      rats were divided into 6 experimental groups: a normal group with or without 808
      nm LLLT at 8 J/cm(2) and a sciatic nerve crush injury group with or without 808
      nm LLLT at 3, 8 or 15 J/cm(2). Rats were given consecutive transcutaneous LLLT at
      the crush site and sacrificed 20 days after the crush injury. Functional
      assessments of nerve regeneration were analyzed using the sciatic functional
      index (SFI) and hindlimb range of motion (ROM). Nerve regeneration was
      investigated by measuring the myelin sheath thickness of the sciatic nerve using
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by analyzing the expression of growth
      associated protein 43 (GAP43) in sciatic nerve using western blot and
      immunofluorescence staining. We found that sciatic-injured rats that were
      irradiated with LLLT at both 3 and 8 J/cm(2) had significantly improved SFI but
      that a significant improvement of ROM was only found in rats with LLLT at 8
      J/cm(2). Furthermore, the myelin sheath thickness and GAP43 expression levels
      were significantly enhanced in sciatic nerve-crushed rats receiving 808-nm LLLT
      at 3 and 8 J/cm(2). Taken together, these results suggest that 808-nm LLLT at a
      low energy density (3 J/cm(2) and 8 J/cm(2)) is capable of enhancing sciatic
      nerve regeneration following a crush injury.

PMID- 25119463
TI  - Does minimally-invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy have advantages over its open
      method? A meta-analysis of retrospective studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While more and more open procedures now routinely performed using
      laparoscopy, minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD) remains one of the
      most challenging abdominal procedures. Therefore, we carried out this meta
      analysis to evaluate whether MIPD is safe, feasible and worthwhile. METHODS:
      PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies published
      between January 1994 and November 2013 comparing MIPD with open
      pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). Intraoperative outcomes, oncologic safety,
      postoperative complications, and postoperative recovery were evaluated. RESULTS:
      11 retrospective studies representing 869 patients (327 MIPDs, 542 OPDs) were
      included. MIPD was associated with a reduction in estimated blood loss (MD 
      361.93 ml, 95% CI -519.22 to -204.63 ml, p<0.001, I(2) = 94%), wound infection
      (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.78, p = 0.007, I(2) = 0%), and hospital stay (MD -2.64
      d, 95% CI -4.23 to -1.05 d, p = 0.001, I(2) = 78%). However, it brings longer
      operative time (MD 105 min, 95% CI 49.73 to 160.26 min, p<0.001, I(2) = 93%).
      There were no significant differences between the two procedures in likelihood of
      overall complications (p = 0.05), pancreatic fistula (PF) (p = 0.86), delayed
      gastric empting (DGE) (p = 0.96), positive surgical margins (p = 0.07), retrieval
      of lymph nodes (p = 0.48), reoperation (p = 0.16) and mortality (p = 0.64).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that MIPD is currently safe, feasible and
      worthwhile. But considering the selection bias, complexity of MIPD and lack of
      long-term oncologic outcomes, we suggest it be performed in a high-volume
      pancreatic surgery center in selected patients.

PMID- 25119464
TI  - The pattern and loci of training-induced brain changes in healthy older adults
      are predicted by the nature of the intervention.
AB  - There is enormous interest in designing training methods for reducing cognitive
      decline in healthy older adults. Because it is impaired with aging, multitasking
      has often been targeted and has been shown to be malleable with appropriate
      training. Investigating the effects of cognitive training on functional brain
      activation might provide critical indication regarding the mechanisms that
      underlie those positive effects, as well as provide models for selecting
      appropriate training methods. The few studies that have looked at brain
      correlates of cognitive training indicate a variable pattern and location of
      brain changes--a result that might relate to differences in training formats. The
      goal of this study was to measure the neural substrates as a function of whether
      divided attentional training programs induced the use of alternative processes or
      whether it relied on repeated practice. Forty-eight older adults were randomly
      allocated to one of three training programs. In the single repeated training,
      participants practiced an alphanumeric equation and a visual detection task, each
      under focused attention. In the divided fixed training, participants practiced
      combining verification and detection by divided attention, with equal attention
      allocated to both tasks. In the divided variable training, participants completed
      the task by divided attention, but were taught to vary the attentional priority
      allocated to each task. Brain activation was measured with fMRI pre- and post
      training while completing each task individually and the two tasks combined. The
      three training programs resulted in markedly different brain changes. Practice on
      individual tasks in the single repeated training resulted in reduced brain
      activation whereas divided variable training resulted in a larger recruitment of
      the right superior and middle frontal gyrus, a region that has been involved in
      multitasking. The type of training is a critical factor in determining the
      pattern of brain activation.

PMID- 25119465
TI  - Functional balance between the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase of influenza
      A(H1N1)pdm09 HA D222 variants.
AB  - D222G/N substitutions in A(H1N1)pdm09 hemagglutinin may be associated with
      increased binding of viruses causing low respiratory tract infections and human
      pathogenesis. We assessed the impact of such substitutions on the balance between
      hemagglutinin binding and neuraminidase cleavage, viral growth and in vivo
      virulence.Seven viruses with differing polymorphisms at codon 222 (2 with D, 3 G,
      1 N and 1 E) were isolated from patients and characterized with regards
      hemagglutinin binding affinity (Kd) to alpha-2,6 sialic acid (SAalpha-2,6) and
      SAalpha-2,3 and neuraminidase enzymatic properties (Km, Ki and Vmax). The
      hemagglutination assay was used to quantitatively assess the balance between
      hemagglutinin binding and neuraminidase cleavage. Viral growth properties were
      compared in vitro in MDCK-SIAT1 cells and in vivo in BALB/c mice. Compared with
      D222 variants, the binding affinity of G222 variants was greater for SAalpha-2,3
      and lower for SAalpha-2,6, whereas that of both E222 and N222 variants was
      greater for both SAalpha-2,3 and SAalpha-2,6. Mean neuraminidase activity of D222
      variants (16.0 nmol/h/10(6)) was higher than that of G222 (1.7 nmol/h/10(6)
      viruses) and E/N222 variants (4.4 nmol/h/10(6) viruses). The hemagglutination
      assay demonstrated a deviation from functional balance by E222 and N222 variants
      that displayed strong hemagglutinin binding but weak neuraminidase activity. This
      deviation impaired viral growth in MDCK-SIAT1 cells but not infectivity in mice.
      All strains but one exhibited low infectious dose in mice (MID50) and replicated
      to high titers in the lung; this D222 strain exhibited a ten-fold higher MID50
      and replicated to low titers. Hemagglutinin-neuraminidase balance status had a
      greater impact on viral replication than hemagglutinin affinity strength, at
      least in vitro, thus emphasizing the importance of an optimal balance for
      influenza virus fitness. The mouse model is effective in assessing binding to
      SAalpha-2,3 but cannot differentiate SAalpha-2,3- from SAalpha-2,6- preference,
      nor estimate the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase balance in A(H1N1)pdm09 strains.

PMID- 25119468
TI  - Combining XCO2 measurements derived from SCIAMACHY and GOSAT for potentially
      generating global CO2 maps with high spatiotemporal resolution.
AB  - Global warming induced by atmospheric CO2 has attracted increasing attention of
      researchers all over the world. Although space-based technology provides the
      ability to map atmospheric CO2 globally, the number of valid CO2 measurements is
      generally limited for certain instruments owing to the presence of clouds, which
      in turn constrain the studies of global CO2 sources and sinks. Thus, it is a
      potentially promising work to combine the currently available CO2 measurements.
      In this study, a strategy for fusing SCIAMACHY and GOSAT CO2 measurements is
      proposed by fully considering the CO2 global bias, averaging kernel, and
      spatiotemporal variations as well as the CO2 retrieval errors. Based on this
      method, a global CO2 map with certain UTC time can also be generated by employing
      the pattern of the CO2 daily cycle reflected by Carbon Tracker (CT) data. The
      results reveal that relative to GOSAT, the global spatial coverage of the
      combined CO2 map increased by 41.3% and 47.7% on a daily and monthly scale,
      respectively, and even higher when compared with that relative to SCIAMACHY. The
      findings in this paper prove the effectiveness of the combination method in
      supporting the generation of global full-coverage XCO2 maps with higher temporal
      and spatial sampling by jointly using these two space-based XCO2 datasets. 

PMID- 25119469
TI  - Targeting strategies for delivery of anti-HIV drugs.
AB  - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a significant cause of
      mortality globally. Though antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced AIDS
      related morbidity and mortality, there are several drawbacks in the current
      therapy, including toxicity, drug-drug interactions, development of drug
      resistance, necessity for long-term drug therapy, poor bio-availability and lack
      of access to tissues and reservoirs. To circumvent these problems, recent anti
      HIV therapeutic research has focused on improving drug delivery systems through
      drug delivery targeted specifically to host cells infected with HIV or could
      potentially get infected with HIV. In this regard, several surface molecules of
      both viral and host cell origin have been described in recent years, that would
      enable targeted drug delivery in HIV infection. In the present review, we provide
      a comprehensive overview of the need for novel drug delivery systems, and the
      successes and challenges in the identification of novel viral and host-cell
      molecules for the targeted drug delivery of anti-HIV drugs. Such targeted anti
      retroviral drug delivery approaches could pave the way for effective treatment
      and eradication of HIV from the body. 

PMID- 25119466
TI  - Anticancer activities of pterostilbene-isothiocyanate conjugate in breast cancer
      cells: involvement of PPARgamma.
AB  - Trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene (PTER), a natural dimethylated analog of
      resveratrol, preferentially induces certain cancer cells to undergo apoptosis and
      could thus have a role in cancer chemoprevention. Peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), a member of the nuclear receptor
      superfamily, is a ligand-dependent transcription factor whose activation results
      in growth arrest and/or apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. Here we
      investigated the potential of PTER-isothiocyanate (ITC) conjugate, a novel class
      of hybrid compound (PTER-ITC) synthesized by appending an ITC moiety to the PTER
      backbone, to induce apoptotic cell death in hormone-dependent (MCF-7) and 
      independent (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines and to elucidate PPARgamma
      involvement in PTER-ITC action. Our results showed that when pre-treated with
      PPARgamma antagonists or PPARgamma siRNA, both breast cancer cell lines
      suppressed PTER-ITC-induced apoptosis, as determined by annexin V/propidium
      iodide staining and cleaved caspase-9 expression. Furthermore, PTER-ITC
      significantly increased PPARgamma mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent
      manner and modulated expression of PPARgamma-related genes in both breast cancer
      cell lines. This increase in PPARgamma activity was prevented by a PPARgamma
      specific inhibitor, in support of our hypothesis that PTER-ITC can act as a
      PPARgamma activator. PTER-ITC-mediated upregulation of PPARgamma was counteracted
      by co-incubation with p38 MAPK or JNK inhibitors, suggesting involvement of these
      pathways in PTER-ITC action. Molecular docking analysis further suggested that
      PTER-ITC interacted with 5 polar and 8 non-polar residues within the PPARgamma
      ligand-binding pocket, which are reported to be critical for its activity.
      Collectively, our observations suggest potential applications for PTER-ITC in
      breast cancer prevention and treatment through modulation of the PPARgamma
      activation pathway. 

PMID- 25119470
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms other than factor V Leiden are associated with
      coagulopathy and osteonecrosis of the femoral head in Chinese patients.
AB  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of factor V Leiden have been associated
      with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in Caucasians but remains
      controversial in Asians. We used an SNP microarray to screen 55 loci of factor V
      gene in patients with ONFH of Chinese. Significantly different candidate SNPs at
      14 loci were analyzed in 146 patients and 116 healthy controls using MALDI-TOF
      (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight) mass spectrometry
      and gene sequencing. The factor V Leiden (rs6025) was not found in all
      participants. Six SNP loci (rs9332595, rs6020, rs9332647, rs3766110, rs10919186,
      and rs12040141) were confirmed with significant differences in patients but not
      in controls. The rs6020 G-to-A polymorphism was found in 88.9% of the patients.
      In addition, a high percentage (87.6%) of the patients had an abnormal
      coagulation profile that included hyperfibrinogen, elevated fibrinogen
      degradation products, elevated D-dimer, abnormal protein S, abnormal protein C,
      or a decrease in anti-thrombin III. Patients with the rs6020 G-to-A polymorphism
      (mutation) had a higher risk (odds ratio: 4.62; 95% confidence interval: 1.44
      14.8) of having coagulation abnormalities than did those without the mutation
      (wild-type) (chi(2) p  =  0.006). Our findings suggested that the rs6020
      polymorphism might be the genetic trait that accounts for the higher prevalence
      of ONFH in the Chinese population than in Westerners. Exposure to risk factors
      such as alcohol and steroids in patients with the rs6020 polymorphism causes
      coagulation abnormalities and, subsequently, thromboembolisms in the femoral
      head.

PMID- 25119471
TI  - Longitudinal evaluation of the metabolic response of a tumor xenograft model to
      single fraction radiation therapy using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
AB  - Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to evaluate the metabolic
      profile of human glioblastoma multiform brain tumors grown as xenografts in nude
      mice before, and at multiple time points after single fraction radiation therapy.
      Tumors were grown over the thigh in 16 mice in this study, of which 5 served as
      untreated controls and 11 had their tumors treated to 800 cGy with 200 kVp x
      rays. Spectra were acquired within 24 h pre-treatment, and then at 3, 7 and 14 d
      post-treatment using a 9.4 T animal magnetic resonance (MR) system. For the
      untreated control tumors, spectra (1-2 per mouse) were acquired at different
      stages of tumor growth. Spectra were obtained with the PRESS pulse sequence using
      a 3  *  3 * 3 mm(3) voxel. Analysis was performed with the LCModel software
      platform. Six metabolites were profiled for this analysis: alanine (Ala), myo
      inositol (Ins), taurine (Tau), creatine and phosphocreatine (Cr + PCr), glutamine
      and glutamate (Glu + Gln), and total choline (glycerophosphocholine +
      phosphocholine) (GPC + PCh). For the treated cohort, most metabolite/water
      concentration ratios were found to decrease in the short term at 3 and 7 d post
      treatment, followed by an increase at 14 d post-treatment toward pre-treatment
      values. The lowest concentrations were observed at 7 d post-treatment, with
      magnitudes (relative to pre-treatment concentration ratios) of: 0.42  +/-  24.6%
      (Ala), 0.43  +/-  15.3% (Ins), 0.68  +/-  27.9% (Tau), 0.52  +/-  14.6%
      (GPC+PCh), 0.49  +/-  21.0% (Cr + PCr) and 0.78  +/-  24.5% (Glu + Gln). Control
      animals did not demonstrate any significant correlation between tumor volume and
      metabolite concentration, indicating that the observed kinetics were the result
      of the therapeutic intervention. We have demonstrated the feasibility of using
      MRS to follow multiple metabolic markers over time for the purpose of evaluating
      therapeutic response of tumors to radiation therapy. This study provides
      supporting evidence that metabolite/water concentration ratios have the potential
      to be used as biomarkers for the assessment of the response to therapy. 

PMID- 25119472
TI  - Prevalence of skin problems and leg ulceration in a sample of young injecting
      drug users.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug users suffer harm from the injecting process, and clinical
      services are reporting increasing numbers presenting with skin-related problems
      such as abscesses and leg ulcers. Skin breakdown can lead to long-term health
      problems and increased service costs and is often the first indication of serious
      systemic ill health. The extent of skin problems in injecting drug users has not
      previously been quantified empirically, and there is a dearth of robust topical
      literature. Where skin problems have been reported, this is often without clear
      definition and generic terms such as 'soft tissue infection' are used which lack
      specificity. The aim of this study was to identify the range and extent of skin
      problems including leg ulceration in a sample of injecting drug users.
      Definitions of skin problems were developed and applied to descriptions from drug
      users to improve rigour. METHODS: Data were collected in needle exchanges and
      methadone clinics across Glasgow, Scotland, from both current and former drug
      injectors using face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Two hundred participants were
      recruited, of which 74% (n = 148) were males and 26% (n = 52) were females. The
      age range was 21-44 years (mean 35 years). Just under two thirds (64%, n = 127)
      were currently injecting or had injected within the last 6 months, and 36% (n =
      73) had previously injected and had not injected for more than 6 months.Sixty per
      cent (n = 120) of the sample had experienced a skin problem, and the majority
      reported more than one problem. Most common were abscesses, lumps, track marks
      and leg ulcers. Fifteen per cent (n = 30) of all participants reported having had
      a leg ulcer. CONCLUSIONS: This is an original empirical study which demonstrated
      unique findings of a high prevalence of skin disease (60%) and surprisingly high
      rates of leg ulceration (15%). Skin disease in injecting drug users is clearly
      widespread. Leg ulceration in particular is a chronic recurring condition that is
      costly to treat and has long-term implications for drug users and services caring
      for current or former injectors long after illicit drug use has ceased.

PMID- 25119473
TI  - Unveiling viral-host interactions within the 'microbial dark matter'.
AB  - Viruses control natural microbial communities. Identification of virus-host pairs
      relies either on their cultivation or on metagenomics and tentative assignment
      based on genomic signatures. Both approaches have severe drawbacks when aiming to
      target such pairs within the uncultured majority. Here we present an unambiguous
      way to assign viruses to hosts that does not rely on any previous information
      about either of them nor requires their cultivation. First, genomic contents of
      individual cells present in an environmental sample are retrieved by means of
      single-cell genomic technologies. Then, individual cell genomes are hybridized
      against a set of individual viral genomes from the same sample, previously
      immobilized on a microarray. Infected cells will yield positive hybridization as
      they carry viral genomes, which can be then sequenced and characterized. Using
      this method, we pinpoint viruses infecting the ubiquitous hyperhalophilic
      Nanohaloarchaeota, included in the so-called 'microbial dark matter' (the
      uncultured fraction of the microbial world). 

PMID- 25119475
TI  - [The relevance of the trace elements zinc and iron in the milk fever disease of
      cattle].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the concentrations of Zn and Fe
      as well as their relationships to metabolic parameters in milk fever cows.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 195 Simmental cows, downer cows and clinically
      healthy control animals were divided into five groups: a) control group (CG, n =
      21), b) all cows with milk fever (MF) (n = 174), c) MF cows without additional
      diseases (n = 145), d) cows with MF and mastitis (n = 10) and e) cows with
      retained placenta or endometritis (n = 19). Selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe),
      calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (Pi), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha),
      haptoglobin (Hp), antioxidants (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidative Capacity: TEAC),
      non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), bilirubin, urea,
      creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline
      phosphatase (AP) were analysed in the blood serum. RESULTS: The concentrations of
      Zn, Fe, Ca, Pi and TEAC were lower in groups b) to e) whereas Hp was higher than
      in the CG (p <= 0.05). In group c), lower Ca and Pi concentrations were found
      when compared to groups d) and e) (p <= 0.05). In group e), Zn concentrations
      were significantly lower than in group c) (p <= 0.05). Zn was negatively
      correlated with K (CG) and positively correlated with TEAC, Cu, Mn and Fe (groups
      b and c) and with Mn (group e) (p <= 0.05). Fe was positively correlated with Ca
      (group c), Pi (group c), K (groups b and c) and Mg (groups b-d) as well as with
      Zn, Cu and Se (groups b and c) (p <= 0.05). In groups b) and c), TNFalpha was
      increased and negatively correlated with Fe (p <= 0.05). AP activity in groups b)
      and e) was lower than in the CG (p <= 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results and
      literature data support the hypothesis that Zn and Fe could be engaged in bone
      metabolism and be involved in the pathogenesis of MF. The concentrations of Hp
      and TEAC support this interpretation. Control of the Zn and Fe status of cows and
      Zn supplementation should be included in the prevention and advanced therapy of
      MF.

PMID- 25119474
TI  - Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide is a useful tool for assessing coronary heart
      disease risk in a Japanese general population.
AB  - B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been reported to be associated with
      cardiovascular prognosis in a community-based population. In addition,
      accumulation of individual cardiovascular risk factors is important in predicting
      an individual's risk of future cardiovascular disease. However, there have been
      few reports showing that BNP is a comprehensive marker of the accumulation of
      cardiovascular risk factors. We studied 1530 community-dwelling subjects without
      obvious heart diseases or renal dysfunction (mean age 62 +/- 15 years; 569 men
      and 961 women) who participated in an annual health checkup in a rural Japanese
      community. Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk was estimated, and patients were
      placed into the following three groups based on the Framingham function: low
      risk, moderate risk and high risk. The prevalence of moderate- and high-risk
      subjects for CHD rose in both genders with increasing plasma BNP levels. The area
      under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed a modest ability of
      plasma BNP levels to detect these subjects (0.755 and 0.700 for men and women,
      respectively). The optimal thresholds for the identification of subjects with
      moderate- and high-risk disease were BNP concentrations of 12.0 and 22.0 pg ml(
      1), with sensitivities of 70% and 66% and specificities of 71% and 63% for men
      and women, respectively. In conclusion, subjects with high plasma BNP levels were
      at higher risk for CHD in a population without obvious heart disease or renal
      dysfunction.

PMID- 25119476
TI  - [Blood serum vitamin B12 concentration in dairy cows during early lactation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of the blood serum vita- min B12
      concentration of dairy cows post partum (p. p.) and to investigate its
      relationship with metabolic parameters, the erythrogram and the health status of
      the cows. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples from 157 Holstein-Friesian-cows
      were obtained for metabolic analysis at 2-6 days p. p. and at 4-5 weeks p. p. In
      addition, clinical findings were compiled to evaluate the health status
      (healthy/morbid). RESULTS: In all animals a decline in the vitamin B12
      concentration (p <= 0.05) at 4 weeks p. p. was observed. Animals of both groups
      (healthy/morbid) had higher values for the erythrocyte count, haematocrit and
      haemoglobin concentration 2-6 days p. p. when compared to 4 weeks p. p. In all
      cows, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity was closely correlated to the
      vitamin B12 concentration (p <= 0.01). Furthermore, all animals displayed
      elevated concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and
      bilirubin (p <= 0.05) at 2-6 days p. p. as a consequence of partus-dependent
      increased lipolysis. There was a smaller decrease in the vitamin B12
      concentration in the morbid cows compared to the healthy cows (p   <=   0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The vitamin B12 concentration is
      significantly dynamic during lactation and displays a close relationship with the
      GGT activity and the parameters of energy metabolism. Vitamin B12 may act as an
      indicator for increased lipolysis and cholestasis. Higher vitamin B12
      concentrations may indicate clinical problems. A relationship with haematopoiesis
      is recognizable from the red cell readings. Decreasing red cell readings
      associated with reduced performance could be related to a low vitamin B12
      concentration. The close correlations of vitamin B12 with GGT activity and
      bilirubin concentration may indicate cholestatic metabolic stress in dairy cows
      at blood serum concentrations >= 227 ng/l (3rd quartile 2-6 days p. p. healthy
      group). Morbid cows can already be identified at the subclinical stage.

PMID- 25119477
TI  - [Energy intake and body weight development of Warmblood foals that changed stud
      at weaning].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the energy requirements of Warmblood foals
      with a change of the stud at weaning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine colts purchased
      at weaning participated in the study aged approximately 6 months to 1 year. They
      were transported to the stud by their breeders either having been separated from
      their dams in their home stable or upon arrival at the stud. The foals were
      offered a late first cut of haylage, oats and foal starter feed. To ensure
      individual feeding of concentrates, the foals were tethered twice daily. The
      total combined haylage intake of all foals per day was recorded. Individual
      concentrate intake, body weight and body condition score (BCS) were documented at
      4-week intervals. RESULTS: The total energy intake was 74 MJ digestible energy
      (68 MJ metabolisable energy) per animal per day. The foals had been delivered at
      the stud with a comparably low body weight (285 +/- 30 kg) and BCS (4.2 +/- 0.4
      on a scale from 1 to 9). At the end of the study, aged 319 +/- 22 days, they
      attained an average body weight of 326 +/- 24 kg and a BCS of 4.2 +/- 0.4. The
      energy intake of the foals of this study was higher and their body weight
      development slower than in foals of a parallel study, which were born and raised
      in the stud and therefore exposed to less stressful weaning conditions.
      CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Foals with a comparatively low body weight and
      BCS at weaning in combination with further stressors need considerably more
      energy than foals that undergo less stressful weaning conditions.

PMID- 25119478
TI  - [New drugs for horses and production animals in 2013].
AB  - In 2013, only one newly developed active pharmaceutical ingredient for horses and
      food-producing animals was released on the German market for veterinary drug
      products. The ionophore monensin from the group of polyether antibiotics is now
      available as an orally administered continuous release intraruminal device for
      cattle (Kexxtone(r)). Furthermore, two established veterinary active
      pharmaceutical ingredients are available for additional species: The antibiotic
      amoxicillin (Suramox(r)) is also authorized for ducks and turkeys and the
      dissociative anesthetic ketamine is now authorized for sheep, goats and dairy
      cattle. Additionally, one veterinary drug with a new pharmaceutical form as well
      as one product with a new strength have been launched on the market for
      veterinary drugs for horses and food producing animals. 

PMID- 25119479
TI  - [Resection of a carpal bone row in a Pustertaler Sprinze cow with chronic
      purulent arthritis of the carpal joint and osteomyelitis].
AB  - This case report describes the clinical and radiographic findings and the
      surgical treatment of a serofibrinous arthritis of the antebrachiocarpal joint
      and of a chronic purulent arthritis of the intercarpal and carpometacarpal joints
      with osteomyelitis of the distal carpal bones and subchondral osteomyelitis of
      the proximal metacarpal bones in a cow of the breed "Pustertaler Sprinze". The
      therapy comprised an arthrotomy of both joint spaces and the resection of the
      distal row of the carpal bones. The right forelimb had been immobilised for 70
      days by a full limb cast. After this period, radiographs revealed an ob- vious
      ankylosis of the carpal joint, and the cow showed only a slight lameness. Six
      years postoperatively this cow was still in the herd and had produced six calves.

PMID- 25119480
TI  - [Tuberculosis in cattle - surprisingly re-emerging or continuously present?].
AB  - Tuberculosis in cattle, caused by Mycobacterium (M.) bovis/M. caprae, is globally
      one of the most important zoonotic diseases in cattle. It was widespread in
      Germany until the second half of the 20th century. Due to the effective control
      and eradication campaigns in Germany, the epidemic was almost eradicated.
      Consequently, Germany was regarded as essentially tuberculosis free since the end
      of 1961 (West) and the end of 1978 (East). By declaring the unified Germany
      "officially free of tuberculosis" (OTF) in 1996, freedom from tuberculosis was
      officially ratified by the European Commission. The prerequisite was the
      detection of tuberculosis in less than 0.1% of the cattle holdings per year in
      Germany. This status has been steadily maintained hitherto, thus resulting in
      some loss of awareness of bovine tuberculosis by veterinarians, farmers and the
      public over many decades. After 1996, the number of notified outbreaks had been
      on average less than 10 per 200,000 cattle holdings per year for many years. It
      was the year 2008 when the numbers increased. Based in part on subsequently
      enhanced ante mortem testing efforts, 46 outbreaks were notified in 2013. Bavaria
      and Lower Saxony were the federal states with the highest number of cases.
      Consequently, the national tuberculosis regulation was revised in 2009, 2012 and
      2013 to form the basis for a modification of tuberculosis surveillance.
      Regionally, an improvement of the control strategy was considered necessary. In
      addition to the traditionally applied examination and detection methods of the
      tuberculin skin test (ante mortem) and bacteriological culture (post mortem), the
      gamma-interferon-release assay (ante mortem) and the molecular detection of the
      causative pathogen (post mortem) were introduced into the official collection of
      recommended methods. Consequently, the diagnostic procedure of tuberculosis has
      been accelerated. However, in many cases the increase in the range of available
      test systems did not increase the ease in the interpretation of results. 

PMID- 25119481
TI  - Emerging issues in translating laboratory experiments to applications for
      society.

PMID- 25119483
TI  - Non invasive monitoring in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients.
AB  - Cardiopulmonary monitoring is a key component in the evaluation and management of
      critically ill patients. Clinicians typically rely on a combination of invasive
      and non-invasive monitoring to assess cardiac output and adequacy of ventilation.
      Recent technological advances have led to the introduction: of continuous non
      invasive monitors that allow for data to be obtained at the bedside of critically
      ill patients. These advances help to identify hemodynamic changes and allow for
      interventions before complications occur. In this manuscript, we highlight
      several important methods of non-invasive cardiopulmonary monitoring, including
      capnography, transcutaneous monitoring, pulse oximetry, and near infrared
      spectroscopy. 

PMID- 25119482
TI  - VirtualSpectrum, a tool for simulating peak list for multi-dimensional NMR
      spectra.
AB  - NMR spectroscopy is a widely used technique for characterizing the structure and
      dynamics of macromolecules. Often large amounts of NMR data are required to
      characterize the structure of proteins. To save valuable time and resources on
      data acquisition, simulated data is useful in the developmental phase, for data
      analysis, and for comparison with experimental data. However, existing tools for
      this purpose can be difficult to use, are sometimes specialized for certain types
      of molecules or spectra, or produce too idealized data. Here we present a fast,
      flexible and robust tool, VirtualSpectrum, for generating peak lists for most
      multi-dimensional NMR experiments for both liquid and solid state NMR. It is
      possible to tune the quality of the generated peak lists to include sources of
      artifacts from peak overlap, noise and missing signals. VirtualSpectrum uses an
      analytic expression to represent the spectrum and derive the peak positions,
      seamlessly handling overlap between signals. We demonstrate our tool by comparing
      simulated and experimental spectra for different multi-dimensional NMR spectra
      and analyzing systematically three cases where overlap between peaks is
      particularly relevant; solid state NMR data, liquid state NMR homonuclear (1)H
      and (15)N-edited spectra, and 2D/3D heteronuclear correlation spectra of
      unstructured proteins. We analyze the impact of protein size and secondary
      structure on peak overlap and on the accuracy of structure determination based on
      data of different qualities simulated by VirtualSpectrum. 

PMID- 25119484
TI  - In vitro conversion of vinyl to formyl groups in naturally occurring
      chlorophylls.
AB  - The chemical structural differences distinguishing chlorophylls in oxygenic
      photosynthetic organisms are either formyl substitution (chlorophyll b, d, and f)
      or the degree of unsaturation (8-vinyl chlorophyll a and b) of a side chain of
      the macrocycle compared with chlorophyll a. We conducted an investigation of the
      conversion of vinyl to formyl groups among naturally occurring chlorophylls. We
      demonstrated the in vitro oxidative cleavage of vinyl side groups to yield formyl
      groups through the aid of a thiol-containing compound in aqueous reaction mixture
      at room temperature. Heme is required as a catalyst in aqueous solution but is
      not required in methanolic reaction mixture. The conversion of vinyl- to formyl-
      groups is independent of their position on the macrocycle, as we observed
      oxidative cleavages of both 3-vinyl and 8-vinyl side chains to yield formyl
      groups. Three new chlorophyll derivatives were synthesised using 8-vinyl
      chlorophyll a as substrate: 8-vinyl chlorophyll d, [8-formyl]-chlorophyll a, and
      [3,8-diformyl]-chlorophyll a. The structural and spectral properties will provide
      a signature that may aid in identification of the novel chlorophyll derivatives
      in natural systems. The ease of conversion of vinyl- to formyl- in chlorophylls
      demonstrated here has implications regarding the biosynthetic mechanism of
      chlorophyll d in vivo. 

PMID- 25119485
TI  - Unique odd-chain polyenoic phospholipid fatty acids present in chytrid fungi.
AB  - Chytrid fungi are ubiquitous components of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems yet
      they remain understudied. To investigate the use of phospholipid fatty acids as
      phenotypic characteristics in taxonomic studies and biomarkers for ecological
      studies, 18 chytrid fungi isolated from soil to freshwater samples were grown in
      defined media and their phospholipid fatty acid profile determined. Gas
      chromatographic/mass spectral analysis indicated the presence of fatty acids
      typically associated with fungi, such as 16:1(n-7), 16:0, 18:2(n-6), 18:3(n-3)
      18:1(n-9), and 18:0, as well as, a number of odd-chain length fatty acids,
      including two polyunsaturated C-17 fatty acids. Conversion to their 3
      pyridylcarbinol ester facilitated GC-MS determination of double-bond positions
      and these fatty acid were identified as 6,9-17:2 [17:2(n-8)] and 6,9,12-17:3
      [17:3(n-5)]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of
      polyunsaturated C-17 fatty acids isolated from the phospholipids of chytrid
      fungi. Cluster analysis of PLFA profiles showed sufficient correlation with
      chytrid phylogeny to warrant inclusion of lipid analysis in species descriptions
      and the presence of several phospholipid fatty acids of restricted phylogenetic
      distributions suggests their usefulness as biomarkers for ecological studies. 

PMID- 25119487
TI  - Expression of genes controlling unsaturated fatty acids biosynthesis and oil
      deposition in developing seeds of Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.).
AB  - Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L., Euphorbiaceae) seed oil is rich in alpha
      linolenic acid, a kind of n-3 fatty acids with many health benefits. To discover
      the mechanism underlying alpha-linolenic acid accumulation in sacha inchi seeds,
      preliminary research on sacha inchi seed development was carried out from one
      week after fertilization until maturity, focusing on phenology, oil content, and
      lipid profiles. The results suggested that the development of sacha inchi seeds
      from pollination to mature seed could be divided into three periods. In addition,
      investigations on the effect of temperature on sacha inchi seeds showed that
      total oil content decreased in the cool season, while unsaturated fatty acid and
      linolenic acid concentrations increased. In parallel, expression profiles of 17
      unsaturated fatty acid related genes were characterized during seed development
      and the relationships between gene expression and lipid/unsaturated fatty acid
      accumulation were discussed.

PMID- 25119486
TI  - Dietary lipid intake only partially influences variance in serum phospholipid
      fatty acid composition in adolescents: impact of other dietary factors.
AB  - The present study aimed to assess the correlation between food and fatty acid
      (FA) intake and the serum phospholipid (PL) FA status in European adolescents and
      explored the percentage of variation in serum PL FA that could be attributed to
      dietary habits. Participants included 528 adolescents recruited in the HELENA
      Study. Dietary intake was assessed by two, self-administered, non-consecutive 24
      h recalls. PL FA concentrations were measured in fasting venous serum samples.
      Reduced rank regressions were applied to examine the combined effect of food
      intakes. Results indicated that the variance in serum PL FA in adolescents, that
      could be explained by diet varied from 7.0% for MUFA to 14.2% for n-3FA. The
      variance in the long-chain n-3FA was mainly explained by fish intake but also by
      coffee and tea consumption. In conclusion this study indicated that dietary
      intake influences the serum PL FA status to a limited amount but that also other
      factors interfere. However, dietary intake is important as it is among those
      factors that could be modified. Furthermore, the results suggest that the overall
      dietary habits should be considered instead of only the consumption of single
      foods or nutrients, as the medium of the food or concomitant intake of foods and
      nutrients might interact and as such influence absorption or metabolism.

PMID- 25119488
TI  - What are the factors that interplay from normal pregnancy to near miss maternal
      morbidity in a Nigerian tertiary health care facility?
AB  - Researchers in Nigeria examined the epidemiological characteristics and factors
      associated with maternal outcomes using a mixed method approach: a prospective
      case control study design involving 375 pregnant women who received maternal care
      from a tertiary facility and in-depth interviews reporting the experience of near
      miss survivors. A generalized ordered logit model was used to generate the
      estimates of partial proportional odds ratios (and 95% confidence intervals)
      across categories of the outcome variable. Factors strongly associated with
      maternal morbidity were late referral of women, presence of complications at
      booking antenatal visits, low birth weight, and severe birth asphyxia. The
      nearmiss women were further characterized, and a low proportion (25%) had organ
      dysfunction or failure. The challenge of such diagnoses in resource-constrained
      settings raises questions about the appropriateness of using organ dysfunction
      criteria in developing countries. 

PMID- 25119491
TI  - Ebola--underscoring the global disparities in health care resources.

PMID- 25119490
TI  - Supporting cancer patients in illness management: usability evaluation of a
      mobile app.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mobile phones and tablets currently represent a significant presence
      in people's everyday lives. They enable access to different information and
      services independent of current place and time. Such widespread connectivity
      offers significant potential in different app areas including health care.
      OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to evaluate the usability of the Connect Mobile app. The
      mobile app enables mobile access to the Connect system, an online system that
      supports cancer patients in managing health-related issues. Along with symptom
      management, the system promotes better patient-provider communication,
      collaboration, and shared decision making. The Connect Mobile app enables access
      to the Connect system over both mobile phones and tablets. METHODS: The study
      consisted of usability tests of a high fidelity prototype with 7 cancer patients
      where the objectives were to identify existing design and functionality issues
      and to provide patients with a real look-and-feel of the mobile system. In
      addition, we conducted semistructured interviews to obtain participants' feedback
      about app usefulness, identify the need for new system features and design
      requirements, and measure the acceptance of the mobile app and its features
      within everyday health management. RESULTS: The study revealed a total of 27
      design issues (13 for mobile apps and 14 for tablet apps), which were mapped to
      source events (ie, errors, requests for help, participants' concurrent feedback,
      and moderator observation). We also applied usability heuristics to identify
      violations of usability principles. The majority of violations were related to
      enabling ease of input, screen readability, and glanceability (15 issues), as
      well as supporting an appropriate match between systems and the real world (7
      issues) and consistent mapping of system functions and interactions (4 issues).
      Feedback from participants also showed the cancer patients' requirements for
      support systems and how these needs are influenced by different context-related
      factors, such as type of access terminal (eg, desktop computer, tablet, mobile
      phone) and phases of illness. Based on the observed results, we proposed design
      and functionality recommendations that can be used for the development of mobile
      apps for cancer patients to support their health management process. CONCLUSIONS:
      Understanding and addressing users' requirements is one of the main prerequisites
      for developing useful and effective technology-based health interventions. The
      results of this study outline different user requirements related to the design
      of the mobile patient support app for cancer patients. The results will be used
      in the iterative development of the Connect Mobile app and can also inform other
      developers and researchers in development, integration, and evaluation of mobile
      health apps and services that support cancer patients in managing their health
      related issues.

PMID- 25119492
TI  - Hiwi facilitates chemoresistance as a cancer stem cell marker in cervical cancer.
AB  - Hiwi, also named PiwiL1, is a human homologue of the Piwi family which is
      associated with stem cells and is overexpressed in several types of cancers. In
      the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of Hiwi in cervical
      carcinogenesis. Immunochemical analysis showed a significantly higher frequency
      of Hiwi staining in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) and
      cervical cancer tissues when comparing with the frequency in normal cervices.
      Particularly, Hiwi staining was restricted to basal cells of the normal cervix
      and was associated with the progression of cervical cancer and chemotherapy
      resistance. We further found that ectopic Hiwi increased the chemical resistance
      in SiHa cells, and silencing of Hiwi in HeLa cells decreased the cell viability.
      In addition, as a cancer stem cell marker, Hiwi promoted the tumorsphere
      formation in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo and elevated the expression of
      several stem cell self-renewal-associated transcription factors, in spite of
      inhibited the proliferation. These results suggest that Hiwi may participate in
      the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer and may be a potential therapeutic target
      molecule for cervical cancers. 

PMID- 25119493
TI  - Bisphenol A modulates colorectal cancer protein profile and promotes the
      metastasis via induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transitions.
AB  - More and more evidences indicate that endocrine disruptor chemicals such as
      bisphenol A (BPA) can act as carcinogens and enhance susceptibility to
      tumorigenesis. Although the gut is in direct contact with orally ingested BPA,
      effects of BPA on occurrence and development of colorectal cancer remain an
      unexplored endpoint. Colorectal cancer SW480 cells treated with nanomolar (10(-8)
      M) or greater (10(-5) M) concentrations of BPA were compared with responses of a
      control group. Proteomic study revealed that more than 56 proteins were modulated
      following exposure to BPA, which are relevant to structure, motility and
      proliferation of cells, production of ATP, oxidative stress, and protein
      metabolism. Further studies revealed that BPA increased migration and invasion
      and triggered transformations from epithelial to mesenchymal transitions (EMTs)
      of colorectal cancer cells, which was characterized by acquiring mesenchymal
      spindle-like morphology and increasing the expression of N-cadherin with a
      concomitant decrease of E-cadherin. Accordingly, BPA treatment increased the
      expression of transcription factor Snail. Furthermore, signal AKT/GSK-3beta
      mediated stabilization of Snail is involved during BPA-induced EMT of colon
      cancer cells. Our study first demonstrated that the xenoestrogen BPA at nanomolar
      and greater concentrations modulates the protein profiles and promotes the
      metastasis of colorectal cancer cells via induction of EMT. 

PMID- 25119495
TI  - Doctor-patient/family relationships: current status and projections for the
      future.

PMID- 25119494
TI  - Biology of ferritin in mammals: an update on iron storage, oxidative damage and
      neurodegeneration.
AB  - Iron is an abundant transition metal that is essential for life, being associated
      with many enzyme and oxygen carrier proteins involved in a variety of fundamental
      cellular processes. At the same time, the metal is potentially toxic due to its
      capacity to engage in the catalytic production of noxious reactive oxygen
      species. The control of iron availability in the cells is largely dependent on
      ferritins, ubiquitous proteins with storage and detoxification capacity. In
      mammals, cytosolic ferritins are composed of two types of subunits, the H and the
      L chain, assembled to form a 24-mer spherical cage. Ferritin is present also in
      mitochondria, in the form of a complex with 24 identical chains. Even though the
      proteins have been known for a long time, their study is a very active and
      interesting field yet. In this review, we will focus our attention to mammalian
      cytosolic and mitochondrial ferritins, describing the most recent advancement
      regarding their storage and antioxidant function, the effects of their genetic
      mutations in human pathology, and also the possible involvement in non-iron
      related activities. We will also discuss recent evidence connecting ferritins and
      the toxicity of iron in a set of neurodegenerative disorder characterized by
      focal cerebral siderosis. 

PMID- 25119496
TI  - Peer victimization, caregiver restriction of food intake, and degree of
      overweight in youth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although caregiver restriction of child food intake is a common weight
      control strategy, factors that make a caregiver more likely to engage in
      restriction have not been fully explored. This study examined the relations
      between child weight, peer victimization, and restriction. Peer victimization was
      expected to serve as a mechanism through which child weight was associated with
      restriction. METHOD: Two hundred fourteen youth (6-17 yr) were recruited from
      pediatric primary care clinics in the South. Youth reported their levels of peer
      victimization, and caregivers reported on their use of restriction of child food
      intake. Child height and weight were obtained from medical records. RESULTS:
      Ethnic minority adolescent females were more likely to be obese than nonethnic
      minority adolescents/children. Greater child body mass index (BMI)-z was
      associated with increased caregiver restriction (B = 0.86, p < .05) and peer
      victimization (B = 0.66, p < .05). When peer victimization was entered into the
      model of BMI-z predicting caregiver restriction of child food intake, the
      relationship between these 2 variables decreased from 74% to 46% and was no
      longer significant (B = 0.68, p = .08). However, the test of the indirect effect
      was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Greater degree of overweight was associated
      with increased peer victimization, which in turn related to caregiver restriction
      of food intake. Children's social relationships may serve as an impetus for
      caregivers to engage in child weight control practices. Clinicians should
      regularly screen for weight-related peer difficulties and provide caregivers with
      guidance on healthy versus unhealthy weight control practices to promote overall
      child health.

PMID- 25119489
TI  - The recombinant expression systems for structure determination of eukaryotic
      membrane proteins.
AB  - Eukaryotic membrane proteins, many of which are key players in various biological
      processes, constitute more than half of the drug targets and represent important
      candidates for structural studies. In contrast to their physiological
      significance, only very limited number of eukaryotic membrane protein structures
      have been obtained due to the technical challenges in the generation of
      recombinant proteins. In this review, we examine the major recombinant expression
      systems for eukaryotic membrane proteins and compare their relative advantages
      and disadvantages. We also attempted to summarize the recent technical strategies
      in the advancement of eukaryotic membrane protein purification and
      crystallization. 

PMID- 25119497
TI  - On the nature of non-covalent interactions in isomers of 2,5-dichloro-1,4
      benzoquinone dimers - ground- and excited-state properties.
AB  - The competition between non-covalent interactions (NCIs), such as C-H???O, C
      H???Cl, C-Cl???O, C-Cl???Cl-C, C-O???C, C-Cl???C and C-O???pi, in the isomers of
      the 2,5-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ) dimer were investigated by quantum
      chemical calculations to study the properties of the ground and excited states.
      All the interactions were identified through bond critical points (BCP) with an
      atoms in molecule (AIM) study. Isomer 1 (IH) and isomer 6 (IP) were surprisingly
      very stable, and the largest stabilization energies of 4.16 and 5.39 kcal mol(
      1), respectively, were observed for the ground state and 5.67 and 6.07 kcal mol(
      1), respectively, were observed for the excited state at the MP2/6-31++G(d,p)
      level of theory. The orientations of the excited-state isomers were similar to
      those of the ground-state except for isomer 5 (IX) and isomer 9 (IM), which
      disturbed the relative energy stability order. The calculated absorption spectra
      have shown two absorption splits for isomers 5, 7, 8 and 9 through the acute
      angle between the transition dipole moment of the monomers. The circular
      dichroism (CD) couplet of the CD spectrum and the value of optical rotation (OR)
      have indicated that isomers 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9 have chiral characteristics. The
      study of the absorption and CD spectra has revealed the impact of intermolecular
      NCIs on chirality.

PMID- 25119498
TI  - MacroH2A suppresses the proliferation of the B16 melanoma cell line.
AB  - MacroH2A is the most frequently altered histone, which participates in cancer
      progression. Increasing evidence demonstrates that cancer progression could be
      regulated by macroH2A by affecting the cell cycle. In the present study, it was
      demonstrated that macroH2A suppresses melanoma cell progression and the molecular
      mechanisms underlying this process were examined. The interference and
      overexpression vectors of macroH2A were constructed and then transferred into B16
      melanoma cells and, following transfection, were analyzed by quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blot analysis and immunofluorescence
      assays. Apoptosis and the cell cycle stage among all the treatment groups were
      detected. Then, cyclin D1, cyclin D3, cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK) 4,
      CDK6 and CDK8 expression was detected in order to elucidate the effects of
      macroH2A on cell cycle-related genes. The results demonstrated that the
      overexpression of macroH2A suppressed melanoma cell progression and arrested the
      cells in the G2/M stage. Furthermore, macroH2A inhibits cyclin D1, cyclin D2,
      CDK6 and CDK8 expression in B16 melanoma cells. In conclusion, the results
      demonstrated that macroH2A, a critical component of chromatin, suppresses the
      development of melanoma (which results from a disordered cell cycle) through
      regulating cyclin D1, cyclin D3 and CDK6 genes. 

PMID- 25119499
TI  - Use of linked electronic health records to assess mortality and length of stay
      associated with pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 at a UK teaching hospital.
AB  - Effective use of data linkage is becoming an increasingly important focus in the
      new healthcare system in England. We linked data from the results of a multiplex
      PCR assay for respiratory viruses for a population of 230 inpatients at a UK
      teaching hospital with their patient administrative system records in order to
      compare the mortality and length of stay of patients who tested positive for
      influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 with those positive for another influenza A virus. The
      results indicated a reduced risk of death among influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 patients
      compared to other influenza A strains, with an adjusted risk ratio of 0.25 (95%
      confidence interval 0.08-0.75, P = 0.01), while no significant differences were
      found between the lengths of stay in the hospital for these two groups. Further
      development of such methods to link hospital data in a routine fashion could
      provide a rapid means of gaining epidemiological insights into emerging
      infectious diseases.

PMID- 25119500
TI  - Development and cross-validation of prognostic models to assess the treatment
      effect of cisplatin/pemetrexed chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma patients.
AB  - Better understanding of the treatment effect of cisplatin/pemetrexed chemotherapy
      on lung adenocarcinoma patients is needed to facilitate chemotherapy planning and
      patient care. In this retrospective study, we will develop prognostic models by
      the cross-validation method using clinical and serum factors to predict outcomes
      of cisplatin/pemetrexed chemotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma patients. Lung
      adenocarcinoma patients admitted between 2008 and 2013 were enrolled. 29 serum
      parameters of laboratory tests and 14 clinical factors were analyzed to develop
      the prognostic models. First, the stepwise selection and five-fold cross
      validation were performed to identify candidate prognostic factors. Then a
      classification of all patients based on the number of metastatic sites resulted
      in four distinct subsets. In each subset, a prognostic model was fitted with the
      most accurate prognostic factors from the candidate prognostic factors.
      Categorical survival prediction was estimated using a log-rank test and
      visualized with Kaplan-Meier method. 227 lung adenocarcinoma patients were
      enrolled. Twenty candidate prognostic factors evaluated using the five-fold cross
      validation method were total protein, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, creatine
      kinase, age, smoking index, neuron-specific enolase, bone metastasis, total
      triglyceride, albumin, gender, uric acid, CYFRA21-1, lymph node metastasis, liver
      metastasis, lactate dehydrogenase, CA153, peritoneal metastasis, CA125, and
      CA199. From these 20 candidate prognostic factors, the multivariate Cox
      proportional hazard model with the highest prognostic accuracy in each subset was
      identified by the stepwise forward selection method, which generated significant
      prognostic stratifications in Kaplan-Meier survival analyses (all log-rank p <
      0.01). Generally, the prognostic models using five-fold cross-validation achieve
      a good prediction performance. The prognostic models can be administered safely
      to lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with first-line cisplatin/pemetrexed
      chemotherapy, and a comprehensive assessment of clinical and serum factors helps
      predict the outcomes of cisplatin/pemetrexed chemotherapy.

PMID- 25119501
TI  - Evaluation of docetaxel- and oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy in
      postgastrectomy gastric cancer patients reveals obvious survival benefits in
      docetaxel-treated mixed signet ring cell carcinoma patients.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the disease-free and overall survival
      (DFS and OS, respectively) in 991 postgastrectomy gastric cancer patients
      untreated (n = 372) or treated with either oxaliplatin-based (n = 376) or
      docetaxel-based (n = 243) chemotherapy and to identify prognostic factors that
      could help establish subgroups of patients who would benefit from such treatment.
      The median follow-up duration was 55.3 months (range 31.2-90.8 months). Subgroup
      analyses revealed that gastric adenocarcinoma (DFS 56.9 vs 53.2 months, P =
      0.180, chi(2) = 1.802; OS not reached vs 70.7 months, P = 0.521, chi(2) = 0.412),
      but not absolute signet ring cell (SRC) carcinoma (DFS 15.1/18.0 vs 10.1 months,
      P = 0.171/0.259, chi(2) = 1.874/1.275; OS 21.0/26.1 vs 20.5 months, P =
      0.551/0.196, chi(2) = 0.355/1.674), patients undergoing either docetaxel- or
      oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy had a lower risk of recurrence and increased
      survival in comparison to those without chemotherapy. In the mixed SRC carcinoma
      patients, DFS and OS of patients treated with docetaxel-based regimen had a
      longer survival (DFS 50.1 vs 29.9 months, P = 0.046, chi(2) = 3.987; OS not
      reached vs 48.6 months, P = 0.016, chi(2) = 5.854) and lower risk of recurrence
      and death (DFS HR 0.540, 95 % CI 0.355-0.874, P = 0.012; OS HR 0.452, 95 % CI
      0.259-0.790, P = 0.005) than oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Cumulatively, our
      results indicate that adjuvant chemotherapy is beneficial and that docetaxel
      based regimen should be considered for patients with mixed SRC carcinoma.

PMID- 25119502
TI  - EBP50 inhibits the migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells via
      LIMK/cofilin and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/MMP signaling pathway.
AB  - The scaffold protein ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50, also
      known as NHERF1 or NHERF) inhibits epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced breast
      cancer cell proliferation after 3 days by blocking EGF receptor (EGFR)
      phosphorylation. The loss of EBP50 stimulates EGFR activity and induces the
      appearance of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotypic features in biliary
      cancer cells. However, the involvement of EBP50 in breast cancer migration and
      invasion remains unknown. We report that EBP50 inhibits the migration and
      invasion of breast cancer cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of LIN-11,
      Isl1, and MEC-3 protein domain kinase, as well as cofilin. This phosphorylation
      is a critical step in cofilin recycling and actin polymerization mediating
      cytoskeletal rearrangement. Additionally, EGF-induced phosphorylation of Akt and
      mTOR was suppressed by upregulation of EBP50. Our results indicate that EBP50 is
      significantly involved in breast cancer invasion/metastasis via LIMK/cofilin and
      the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/MMP signaling pathway.

PMID- 25119503
TI  - Toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cetuximab for locoregionally
      advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor can be found in 80 % of
      patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and is
      associated with shorter survival. In this work, we evaluated the feasibility of
      adding cetuximab to concurrent cisplatin and radiotherapy (RT) in locoregionally
      advanced NPC. Twenty-eight patients with locoregionally advanced NPC who received
      the combination therapy were retrospectively reviewed and short-term efficacy was
      evaluated. Grade 3-4 oral mucositis occurred in 20 (71.4 %) patients. Grade 3
      radiotherapy-related dermatitis occurred in seven patients (25 %). Three patients
      (14.3 %) had grade 3 and one patient (3.6 %) had grade 4 cetuximab-related
      acneiform rashes. These grade 3-4 skin and mucosal toxic effects were manageable
      and reversible. At a median follow-up of 33.4 months (95 % CI 29.2-38.1 months),
      the 2-year progression-free survival was 89.3 % (95 % CI 76.4-98.1 %). In
      conclusion, concurrent administration of cetuximab, cisplatin and RT is a
      feasible strategy against locoregionally advanced NPC. Preliminary survival data
      compare favorably with historic data and further follow-up is warranted.

PMID- 25119504
TI  - Co-expression of EGFR and CK5/6 in primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast.
AB  - Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast (PSCCB) is an extremely rare breast
      tumor lacking hormone receptors and HER2 expression. However, in comparison with
      triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma (TN-IDC), little is known about the
      PSCCB. Twenty-nine patients with PSCCB in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center
      from 1995 to 2010 were recruited in this study, along with 681 cases of TN-IDC
      during the same period. The clinicopathologic features and prognosis of PSCCB
      compared to TN-IDC were assessed. Furthermore, biomarkers of EGFR, CK5/6, E
      cadherin, VEGF, TOPII, and p53 were immunostained to investigate the prognostic
      determinant of PSCCB. Patients with PSCCB were older than those with TN-IDC (P =
      0.009) and presented with lower lymph node involvement (P = 0.015). There was no
      difference in overall survival (OS) between PSCCB and TN-IDC. However, the
      disease-free survival (DFS) of PSCCB was poorer than that of TN-IDC (P = 0.007).
      Multivariate analysis revealed that combined over-expression of EGFR and CK5/6
      was the only independent prognostic factor for OS of PSCCB (HR 6.08, 95 % CI 1.33
      27.85, P = 0.020) and associated with lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.023) and p53
      expression (P = 0.013). Other predictors for poorer OS and DFS were lymphatic
      metastasis and stage III, which failed to show significance after multivariate
      analysis. Furthermore, platinum-based chemotherapy was identified to improve the
      OS of PSCCB with EGFR + CK5/6+ (P = 0.027). The prognosis of PSCCB is poorer than
      that of TN-IDC. As the only independent prognostic factor for PSCCB, combined
      over-expression of EGFR and CK5/6 might be a potential indicator for the use of
      platinum-based chemotherapy.

PMID- 25119505
TI  - Biomimetic Randall's plaque as an in vitro model system for studying the role of
      acidic biopolymers in idiopathic stone formation.
AB  - Randall's plaque (RP) deposits seem to be consistent among the most common type
      of kidney stone formers, idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers. This group
      forms calcium oxalate renal stones without any systemic symptoms, which
      contributes to the difficulty of understanding and treating this painful and
      recurring disease. Thus, the development of an in vitro model system to study
      idiopathic nephrolithiasis, beginning with RP pathogenesis, can help in
      identifying how plaques and subsequently stones form. One main theory of RP
      formation is that calcium phosphate deposits initially form in the basement
      membrane of the thin loops of Henle, which then fuse and spread into the
      interstitial tissue, and ultimately make their way across the urothelium, where
      upon exposure to the urine, the mineralized tissue serves as a nidus for
      overgrowth with calcium oxalate into a stone. Our group has found that many of
      the unusual morphologies found in RP and stones, such as concentrically laminated
      spherulites and mineralized collagenous tissue, can be reproduced in vitro using
      a polymer-induced liquid precursor (PILP) process, in which acidic polypeptides
      induce a liquid phase amorphous precursor to the mineral, yielding non
      equilibrium crystal morphologies. Given that there are many acidic proteins and
      polysaccharides present in the renal tissue and urine, we have put forth the
      hypothesis that the PILP system may be involved in urolithiasis. Therefore, our
      goal is to develop an in vitro model system of these two stages of composite
      stone formation to study the role that various acidic macromolecules may play. In
      our initial experiments presented here, the development of "biomimetic" RP was
      investigated, which will then serve as a nidus for calcium oxalate overgrowth
      studies. To mimic the tissue environment, MatriStem((r)) (ACell, Inc.), a
      decellularized porcine urinary bladder matrix was used, because it has both an
      intact epithelial basement membrane surface and a tunica propria layer, thus
      providing the two types of matrix constituents found associated with mineral in
      the early stages of RP formation. We found that when using the PILP process to
      mineralize this tissue matrix, the two sides led to dramatically different
      mineral textures, and they bore a striking resemblance to native RP, which was
      not seen in the tissue mineralized via the classical crystal nucleation and
      growth process. The interstitium side predominantly consisted of collagen
      associated mineral, while the luminal side had much less mineral, which appeared
      to be tiny spherules embedded within the basement membrane. Although these
      studies are only preliminary, they support our hypothesis that kidney stones may
      involve non-classical crystallization pathways induced by the large variety of
      macromolecular species in the urinary environment. We believe that mineralization
      of native tissue scaffolds is useful for developing a model system of stone
      formation, with the ultimate goal of developing strategies to avoid RP and its
      detrimental consequences in stone formation, or developing therapeutic treatments
      to prevent or cure the disease. Supported by NIDDK grant RO1DK092311.

PMID- 25119508
TI  - Nitroxide-labeled pyrimidines for non-covalent spin-labeling of abasic sites in
      DNA and RNA duplexes.
AB  - Non-covalent and site-directed spin labeling gives easy access to spin-labeled
      nucleic acids for the study of their structure and dynamics by electron
      paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. In a search for improved spin labels
      for non-covalent binding to abasic sites in duplex DNA and RNA, ten pyrimidine
      derived spin labels were prepared in good yields and their binding was evaluated
      by continuous wave (CW)-EPR spectroscopy. Most of the spin labels showed lower
      binding affinity than the previously reported label c towards abasic sites in DNA
      and RNA. The most promising labels were triazole-linked spin labels and a
      pyrrolocytosine label. In particular, the N1-ethylamino derivative of a triazole
      linked uracil spin label binds fully to both DNA and RNA containing an abasic
      site. This is the first example of a spin label that binds fully through non
      covalent interactions with an abasic site in RNA. 

PMID- 25119507
TI  - R2CHADS2 score is significantly associated with ankle-brachial index <0.9 in
      patients without atrial fibrillation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies demonstrated CHADS2 score and impaired renal function
      were both associated with ankle-brachial index (ABI) < 0.9 in patients without
      atrial fibrillation (AF). Hence, we hypothesized the R2CHADS2 score had a
      significant correlation with ABI < 0.9 and the aim of this study was to validate
      this association in non-AF patients. METHODS: A total of 1482 patients without AF
      were included. ABI was measured using an ABI-form device. Peripheral arterial
      occlusive disease (PAOD) was defined as ABI < 0.9 in either leg. RESULTS: Of the
      1482 subjects, the prevalence of ABI < 0.9 was 5.6%. Multivariate analysis showed
      that increased age (odds ratio [OR], 1.049; P < 0.001), decreased estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (OR, 0.978; P = 0.006), and increased R2CHADS2 score
      (OR, 1.738; P < 0.001) were associated with ABI < 0.9. In addition, in patients
      with CHADS2 score ? 2, the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was
      significantly associated with ABI < 0.9 (P ? 0.006), but in patients with CHADS2
      score < 2, there was no such association (P = 0.357). CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      demonstrated R2CHADS2 score was positively correlated with ABI < 0.9. In
      addition, the presence of CKD was a risk factor of ABI < 0.9 in patients with
      CHADS2 score ? 2. Hence, increased R2CHADS2 score in non-AF patients and the
      presence of CKD in non-AF patients with CHADS2 score ? 2 were useful parameters
      in identifying the high risk group of PAOD.

PMID- 25119509
TI  - Improving the Multidisciplinary Treatment of Chronic Pain by Stimulating Body
      Awareness: A Cluster-randomized Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of methodological flaws and a lack of theoretical foundation
      of body awareness (BA) in previous effect studies of interventions directed to
      stimulate BA, it is impossible to attribute treatment effects to this specific
      component of a multidisciplinary treatment. Therefore, this study evaluated short
      term and long-term effects of a multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program
      with and without psychomotor therapy (PMT), which focused on BA (measured by the
      scale of body connection) as a primary target of intervention. METHODS: Ninety
      four patients clustered in 20 treatment groups were cluster randomized, using a
      biased-coin design, to multidisciplinary treatment as usual with or without PMT.
      Outcome variables were health-related quality of life, disability, and
      depression. BA, catastrophizing, and self-efficacy were measured as potential
      process variables. Assessments were performed at baseline, directly after
      treatment, and at 3, 6, and 12 month follow-ups. The data were analyzed by linear
      mixed-model analysis according to the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: Data
      of all 94 patients were used for analyses. After treatment, significant
      differences favoring PMT were found between conditions on depression (regression
      coefficient [RC]=-5.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], -8.81 to -1.21), BA
      (RC=0.23; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.42) and catastrophizing (RC=-4.76; 95% CI, -8.03 to 
      1.48). These differences were no longer significant for depression at the 3-month
      follow-up and for catastrophizing at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: No
      clinical meaningful differences were found between treatment conditions in the
      primary outcome measures health-related quality of life and disability. However,
      this is the first long-term RCT that has shown that PMT improves BA in patients
      with chronic pain and shows good effect size and a significant decrease for
      catastrophizing.

PMID- 25119506
TI  - Unified theory on the pathogenesis of Randall's plaques and plugs.
AB  - Kidney stones develop attached to sub-epithelial plaques of calcium phosphate
      (CaP) crystals (termed Randall's plaque) and/or form as a result of occlusion of
      the openings of the Ducts of Bellini by stone-forming crystals (Randall's plugs).
      These plaques and plugs eventually extrude into the urinary space, acting as a
      nidus for crystal overgrowth and stone formation. To better understand these
      regulatory mechanisms and the pathophysiology of idiopathic calcium stone
      disease, this review provides in-depth descriptions of the morphology and
      potential origins of these plaques and plugs, summarizes existing animal models
      of renal papillary interstitial deposits, and describes factors that are believed
      to regulate plaque formation and calcium overgrowth. Based on evidence provided
      within this review and from the vascular calcification literature, we propose a
      "unified" theory of plaque formation-one similar to pathological
      biomineralization observed elsewhere in the body. Abnormal urinary conditions
      (hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, and hypocitraturia), renal stress or trauma, and
      perhaps even the normal aging process lead to transformation of renal epithelial
      cells into an osteoblastic phenotype. With this de-differentiation comes an
      increased production of bone-specific proteins (i.e., osteopontin), a reduction
      in crystallization inhibitors (such as fetuin and matrix Gla protein), and
      creation of matrix vesicles, which support nucleation of CaP crystals. These
      small deposits promote aggregation and calcification of surrounding collagen.
      Mineralization continues by calcification of membranous cellular degradation
      products and other fibers until the plaque reaches the papillary epithelium.
      Through the activity of matrix metalloproteinases or perhaps by brute physical
      force produced by the large sub-epithelial crystalline mass, the surface is
      breached and further stone growth occurs by organic matrix-associated nucleation
      of CaOx or by the transformation of the outer layer of CaP crystals into CaOx
      crystals. Should this theory hold true, developing an understanding of the
      cellular mechanisms involved in progression of a small, basic interstitial plaque
      to that of an expanding, penetrating plaque could assist in the development of
      new therapies for stone prevention.

PMID- 25119510
TI  - Experimental Pelvic Pain Impairs the Performance During the Active Straight Leg
      Raise Test and Causes Excessive Muscle Stabilization.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The active straight leg raise (ASLR) test is widely used clinically
      to assess severity of lumbopelvic pain due to decreased stability of the
      sacroiliac joint (SIJ). This study aimed to bypass the influence of decreased SIJ
      stability on the ASLR test by investigating the effect of experimental pelvic
      pain and hyperalgesia on the outcome of the ASLR test. METHODS: Thirty-four
      healthy participants took part in this randomized crossover study. Pelvic pain
      was induced by injecting hypertonic saline into the long posterior sacroiliac
      ligament. Isotonic saline was injected on the contralateral side as control. Pain
      intensity was assessed on an electronic visual analogue scale. The Likert scores
      of difficulty performing the ASLR test and simultaneous electromyography of trunk
      and thigh muscles were recorded before, during, and postpain. Pressure pain
      thresholds were assessed bilaterally in the pelvic area and lower limb. RESULTS:
      Compared with the control condition and baseline, hypertonic saline injections
      caused (P<0.05): (1) higher visual analogue scale scores of the pain intensity;
      (2) reduced pressure pain thresholds at the injection site and lateral to S2; (3)
      increased difficulty in performing the ASLR rated on the Likert scale; and (4)
      bilateral increase in the electromyography activity of stabilizing trunk and
      thigh muscles during pain. DISCUSSION: These data demonstrate that pain and
      hyperalgesia in conditions unaffected by biomechanical SIJ impairments change the
      outcome of the ASLR test toward what is seen in clinical lumbopelvic pain. This
      may implicate pain-related changes in motor control strategies potentially
      relevant for the transition from acute into chronic pain.

PMID- 25119512
TI  - Effect of spinal cord stimulation on sensory characteristics: a randomized,
      blinded crossover study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is increasingly used to treat various
      chronic pain conditions. One undetermined issue is to what extent SCS alters the
      processing of sensory information from the periphery, including those stimuli
      that are mediated by small-fiber populations. We aimed to investigate these
      possible changes using quantitative sensory testing (QST). METHODS: Fourteen
      patients in long-term SCS treatment for complex regional pain syndrome (n=5) or
      pain following peripheral nerve injury (n=9) were examined with QST. All patients
      answered questions about their pain and underwent QST while the SCS treatment was
      activated and deactivated (12 h interval between the sessions) in a randomized,
      double-blinded crossover setting. Both the painful side and the corresponding
      contralateral side were examined. RESULTS: Thermal and mechanical thresholds were
      similar during SCS activation and deactivation. The same result was found for
      intensity of pain and areas with painful symptoms even though all patients had
      documented long-term benefit of the treatment. DISCUSSION: The results support
      existing evidence suggesting that SCS does not change sensory characteristics,
      which is important information for both patients and clinicians. Changes in pain
      intensity after deactivation of SCS may be different in short-term and long-term
      SCS treatment.

PMID- 25119511
TI  - Onset of analgesia and efficacy of ibuprofen sodium in postsurgical dental pain:
      a randomized, placebo-controlled study versus standard ibuprofen.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A novel, immediate-release tablet formulation of ibuprofen (IBU)
      sodium dihydrate, Advil Film Coated Tablets (IBUNa), has been developed that is
      absorbed faster than standard IBU tablets. The objective of the current study was
      to compare the efficacy and onset of analgesia of this new formulation with
      standard IBU tablets after a single dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (N=316)
      with at least moderate baseline postsurgical dental pain were randomized to 400
      mg IBUNa, Advil (IBUAdv), Motrin (IBUMot), or placebo. Primary endpoints were
      time-weighted sum of pain relief (PR) and pain intensity differences over 8 hours
      (SPRID 0-8) and time to onset of meaningful pain relief (TMPR) measured by the
      double-stopwatch method. RESULTS: SPRID 0-8 was significantly greater for IBUNa
      and the other active treatments versus placebo (P<0.001). IBUNa had a
      significantly earlier TMPR versus placebo, pooled IBUAdv/IBUMot, and IBUMot
      (P<0.001 for all), and a marginally faster TMPR (P=0.075) versus IBUAdv. Results
      for secondary endpoints were similar. Adverse events were comparable across
      treatment groups, with gastrointestinal disorders being most frequently reported.
      Most adverse events were mild or moderate. DISCUSSION: This novel formulation of
      IBUNa provided superior overall PR compared with placebo and more rapid onset of
      analgesic effect compared with standard IBU tablets. Rapid PR is important in the
      treatment of acute pain, including dental pain, and this IBUNa formulation
      represents a new treatment option for rapid PR.

PMID- 25119513
TI  - Does Change Occur for the Reasons We Think It Does? A Test of Specific
      Therapeutic Operations During Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Chronic Pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relative validity of 2 conceptual models-Specific,
      General-by which therapeutic mechanisms in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for
      chronic pain achieve favorable outcomes. METHODS: As part of a clinical trial of
      enhanced versus standard CBT, people with chronic pain received treatment
      consisting of 3 pain coping skill modules. In secondary analyses of a subsample
      (n=56), we examined pretreatment to session 4 (of 10 sessions) changes in Chronic
      Pain Coping Inventory subscales that corresponded to receipt of one of 3 modules;
      namely Relaxation, Exercise, and Cognitive Coping modules. RESULTS: Findings
      indicated that: (1) participants receiving the Relaxation module improved more
      than other groups in relaxation skills, and improved substantially on other
      coping skills, as well; (2) participants receiving Exercise and Cognitive Coping
      modules showed mixed improvements and did not improve more than other groups on
      exercise use or cognitive coping, respectively; and (3) measures of patient
      therapist working alliance and patient expectations of treatment benefit at
      session three correlated significantly with some coping skills changes.
      DISCUSSION: Change with CBT may occur both by theory-specified mechanisms and
      general mechanisms. However, the results provide the most support for a General
      Mechanism model in which changes on coping skills have spreading effects on the
      use of other coping skills. Significant relationships between some skill changes
      and indexes of patient-therapist working alliance and outcome expectations
      suggest that nonspecific factors also play a role in treatment-related changes in
      the use of pain coping strategies.

PMID- 25119514
TI  - Living Life With My Child's Pain: The Parent Pain Acceptance Questionnaire
      (PPAQ).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Parents' emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses are highly
      influential on children's pain and functional outcomes. One important response to
      pediatric pain is acceptance: the degree to which an individual participates in
      routine daily activities in the presence of pain and is willing to let pain be a
      part of their life without efforts to control or avoid it. However, no tool
      currently exists to assess parents' own acceptance of their child's pain. The aim
      of this study was to validate the Parent Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (PPAQ).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PPAQ was administered to 310 parents of youth with
      chronic pain in an outpatient pediatric headache program and a day hospital pain
      rehabilitation program. An exploratory factor analysis revealed 2 factors for the
      PPAQ: an 11-item Activity Engagement scale and a 4-item Acceptance of Pain
      related Thoughts and Feelings scale. RESULTS: The PPAQ total score and subscales
      demonstrated strong internal consistency. Greater parent pain acceptance was
      positively associated with child pain acceptance, and was negatively correlated
      with parent protective behaviors, parent minimizing behaviors, parent and child
      pain catastrophizing, and child fear of pain. Parent protective behaviors and
      child pain acceptance both served as mediators of the relationship between parent
      pain acceptance and child functional disability. CONCLUSIONS: The PPAQ is a valid
      measure of parent pain acceptance and may provide valuable insights into parent
      responses to child pain and the ways in which parent acceptance influences child
      outcomes. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are
      discussed.

PMID- 25119515
TI  - The impacts of information about the risks and benefits of pork consumption on
      Chinese consumers' perceptions towards, and intention to eat, pork.
AB  - This study investigates the impacts of information on the benefits and risks of
      eating pork on Chinese consumers' attitudes and intentions. Data were collected
      in March 2013 through a consumer survey (n=909) in Beijing and Baoding City. An
      experiment was conducted using three types of message (positive, negative, and
      balanced) combined with three information sources (government, research
      institutes, and the pork industry). Participants ate pork almost every second
      day. They perceived pork as rather nutritious and relatively expensive and had
      neutral views about its healthiness and safety. Exposure to negative information
      (about risks only) resulted in a significant and negative change in consumers'
      perceptions of pork's nutritional value, price, healthiness and safety, while
      exposure to positive information (about benefits only) caused a positive change
      in consumers' perceptions about pork's healthiness and safety. Exposure to
      balanced information resulted in a significant and negative change in the
      perceived nutritional value of pork. Participants' intended frequency of pork
      consumption was significantly lower after exposure to information, irrespective
      of the type of information received. Exposure to risks-only information decreased
      consumers' intention to eat pork, while exposure to benefit-only information had
      a positive effect on consumers' intentions to eat pork. Exposure to balanced
      risk/benefit information had no effect on intended pork consumption. Of the
      information used, governmental materials were found to have a positive impact on
      consumers' perceptions of pork's safety. Implications for communication
      strategies with Chinese consumers about pork consumption are discussed.

PMID- 25119516
TI  - Complete sequence analysis of mitochondrial DNA and telomere length in aplastic
      anemia.
AB  - The present study was primarily undertaken to examine the hypothesis that
      mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and telomere length may be associated with
      aplastic anemia (AA). Our study included a single institution analysis of 40
      patients presenting with AA first diagnosed at the Affiliated Hospital of
      Shandong, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between 2010 and 2013. Bone
      marrow and oral epithelial samples were collected from patients with AA (n=40)
      for mtDNA mutation and telomere length determinations. Bone marrow specimens were
      collected from 40 healthy volunteers as controls for the examination of telomere
      length. The mitochondrial genome was amplified by polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR), and the products were used for sequencing and analysis. We detected 146
      heteroplasmic mutations in 18 genes from 40 patients with AA, including 39 silent
      mutations and 28 frameshift mutations. We used the gamma globin gene (HBG) as the
      control gene in real-time PCR to survey the relative telomere length measurements
      of the patients with AA and the healthy volunteers. Telomere length was expressed
      as the relative T/S value. We observed a negative correlation between the mtDNA
      non-silent mutation and the white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin and platelet
      count. Of note, there was a positive correlation between the relative T/S value
      and WBC count, hemoglobin and platelet count, and a negative correlation between
      the non-silent mutation and the relative T/S value. We conclude that the
      functional impairment of the mitochondrial respiratory chain induced by mutation
      and telomere length shortening may play an important role in the process of
      hematopoietic failure in patients with AA. Additionally, mtDNA mutations and
      telomere length shortening influenced each other. 

PMID- 25119518
TI  - Supplement use by UK-based British Army soldiers in training.
AB  - The use of supplements is widespread at all levels of civilian sport and a
      prevalence of 60-90 % is reported among high-performance UK athletes, including
      juniors. The prevalence of supplement use among UK-based British Army personnel
      is not known. The aim of the present study was to establish the point prevalence
      of supplement use in UK-based British Army soldiers under training (SuTs) and
      associated staff. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was carried out in 3168
      British Army SuTs and soldiers, equating to 3.1 % of regular Army strength, based
      at eleven Phase 1, 2 and 3 UK Army training sites. Overall, 38 % of the
      respondents reported current use of supplements, but prevalence varied according
      to the course attended by the respondents. The number of different supplements
      used was 4.7 (sd 2.9). Supplements most commonly used were protein bars, powders
      and drinks (66 %), isotonic carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drinks (49 %),
      creatine (38 %), recovery sports drinks (35 %), multivitamins (31 %) and vitamin
      C (25 %). A small proportion of respondents reported the use of amphetamines and
      similar compounds (1.6 %), cocaine (0.8 %), anabolic androgenic steroids (1.1 %),
      growth hormone (2.0 %), and other anabolic agents, e.g. testosterone (4.2 %).
      Logistic regression modelling indicated that, for current users, younger age,
      being female, smoking and undergoing Officer Cadet training were associated with
      greater supplement use. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of
      dietary and training supplement use in UK-based British military personnel. Self
      administration of a wide range of supplements is reported by British military
      personnel in training, which is at least as great as that reported by those on
      deployment, and has implications for Defence policy and educational needs. 

PMID- 25119519
TI  - Cold region bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils: do we know enough?

PMID- 25119521
TI  - Patterns in the use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid and other therapies
      following upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anticoagulants and/or antiplatelet agents such as acetylsalicylic
      acid (ASA) are important in prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events, but may be
      associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). However, discontinuing
      these agents may leave patients at risk of CV events. OBJECTIVES: This study
      aimed to assess patterns of therapy after UGIB in routine clinical practice.
      METHODS: The Health Improvement Network UK primary care database was used to
      identify a cohort of patients aged 40-84 years with a UGIB event between 2000 and
      2007 (n = 2,036). Patients were followed up for 1 year from the recorded UGIB. Re
      prescription rates for antithrombotics and drugs that can modify the risk of UGIB
      were estimated at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days. RESULTS: At 365 days, the re
      prescription rate was 43 % for ASA, 66 % for warfarin, 69 % for clopidogrel, and
      49 % for dipyridamole. The re-prescription rate of gastroprotective agents at 365
      days for current users of histamine H2-receptor antagonists was 36 % and that of
      proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) was 97 %. In patients who were prescribed ASA
      before UGIB (n = 572), only 24 % were prescribed a PPI in the previous year. In
      patients who were prescribed ASA in the year after UGIB (n = 337), 92 % were
      prescribed a PPI. CONCLUSIONS: Antiplatelet use fell after UGIB events. In
      patients who were prescribed a PPI after a UGIB event, there was increased re
      prescription of antiplatelet agents and antithrombotics.

PMID- 25119522
TI  - 5'-Guanosine monophosphate mediated biocompatible porous hydrogel of beta-FeOOH
      viscoelastic behavior, loading, and release capabilities of freeze-dried gel.
AB  - The present manuscript reports the characterization, optimization of rheological
      properties, and loading and release capabilities of 5'-GMP mediated beta-FeOOH
      hydrogel. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis indicates it to contain mainly the
      left-handed helix similar to that of Z-DNA. The highest viscosity (>300 cP)
      corresponds to the sample containing 2.5 * 10(-3) mol dm(-3) of 5'-GMP (SP2H).
      Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron
      microscope (TEM) studies indicate the freeze-dried (FD) SP2H to be porous in
      nature, which is also supported by its high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface
      area of 226 m(2)/g as compared to that of SP3H (75 m(2)/g). Selected area
      electron diffraction (SAED) analysis and Raman spectroscopy show it to contain
      beta-FeOOH phase. The FD SP2H exhibits the high swelling ratio (326%) and loading
      capacity for methylene blue (MB) dye. It displays a controlled and efficient
      release (>90%) for optimized [MB] (2.5 * 10(-4) mol dm(-3)) in 48 h. The low
      toxicity of as synthesized FD SP2H nanostructures against MDA-MB-231 (breast
      cancer cells) up to 100 MUg/mL suggests its biocompatible nature. The high
      porosity, surface area, % swelling, and loading and release performance of the
      hydrogel indicate its potential for drug delivery and other biological
      applications. 

PMID- 25119523
TI  - Transition-metal-free tandem oxidative removal of benzylic methylene group by C-C
      and C-N bond cleavage followed by intramolecular new aryl C-N bond formation
      under radical conditions.
AB  - A novel tandem oxidative conversion of 10,11-dihydro-5H
      dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepines to phenazines has been achieved under transition
      metal-free, mild conditions using K2S2O8 or DDQ as the oxidizing agent. The
      transformation proceeds through oxidative removal of a benzylic methylene group
      by C-C and C-N bond cleavage followed by a new aryl C-N bond formation under
      radical conditions. 

PMID- 25119520
TI  - Self-titrating anticoagulant nanocomplexes that restore homeostatic regulation of
      the coagulation cascade.
AB  - Antithrombotic therapy is a critical portion of the treatment regime for a number
      of life-threatening conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and
      cancer; yet, proper clinical management of anticoagulation remains a challenge
      because existing agents increase the propensity for bleeding in patients. Here,
      we describe the development of a bioresponsive peptide-polysaccharide nanocomplex
      that utilizes a negative feedback mechanism to self-titrate the release of
      anticoagulant in response to varying levels of coagulation activity. This
      nanoscale self-titrating activatable therapeutic, or nanoSTAT, consists of a
      cationic thrombin-cleavable peptide and heparin, an anionic polysaccharide and
      widely used clinical anticoagulant. Under nonthrombotic conditions, nanoSTATs
      circulate inactively, neither releasing anticoagulant nor significantly
      prolonging bleeding time. However, in response to life-threatening pulmonary
      embolism, nanoSTATs locally release their drug payload and prevent thrombosis.
      This autonomous negative feedback regulator may improve antithrombotic therapy by
      increasing the therapeutic window and decreasing the bleeding risk of
      anticoagulants. 

PMID- 25119524
TI  - Homogeneous photochemical water oxidation by biuret-modified Fe-TAML: evidence of
      Fe(V)(O) intermediate.
AB  - Water splitting, leading to hydrogen and oxygen in a process that mimics natural
      photosynthesis, is extremely important for devising a sustainable solar energy
      conversion system. Development of earth-abundant, transition metal-based
      catalysts that mimic the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II, which is
      involved in oxidation of water to O2 during natural photosynthesis, represents a
      major challenge. Further, understanding the exact mechanism, including
      elucidation of the role of active metal-oxo intermediates during water oxidation
      (WO), is critical to the development of more efficient catalysts. Herein, we
      report Fe(III) complexes of biuret-modified tetra-amidomacrocyclic ligands (Fe
      TAML; 1a and 1b) that catalyze fast, homogeneous, photochemical WO to give O2,
      with moderate efficiency (maximum TON = 220, TOF = 0.76 s(-1)). Previous studies
      on photochemical WO using iron complexes resulted in demetalation of the iron
      complexes with concomitant formation of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) that were
      responsible for WO. Herein, we show for the first time that a high valent
      Fe(V)(O) intermediate species is photochemically generated as the active
      intermediate for the oxidation of water to O2. To the best of our knowledge, this
      represents the first example of a molecular iron complex catalyzing photochemical
      WO through a Fe(V)(O) intermediate. 

PMID- 25119527
TI  - Perturbation of the charge density between two bridged Mo2 centers: the remote
      substituent effects.
AB  - A series of terephthalate-bridged dimolybdenum dimers with various formamidinate
      ancillary ligands, denoted as [Mo2(ArNCHNAr)3]2(MU-O2CC6H4CO2) (Ar = p-XC6H4,
      with X = OCH3 (1), CH3 (2), F (3), Cl (4), OCF3 (5), and CF3 (6)), has been
      synthesized and studied in terms of substituent effects on electron
      delocalization between the two dimetal sites. X-ray structural analyses show that
      these complexes share the same molecular scaffold with the para-substituents (X)
      being about 8 A away from the Mo2 center. It is found that the remote
      substituents have the capability to tune the electronic properties of the
      complexes. For the series 1 to 6, the metal-metal bond distances (d(Mo-Mo))
      decrease slightly and continuously; the potential separations (DeltaE(1/2)) for
      the two successive one-electron oxidations decrease constantly, and the metal to
      ligand transition energies (lambda(max)) increase in order. More interestingly,
      the two types of methine protons, H(?) on the horizontal and H(?) on the vertical
      ligands with respect to the plane defined by the Mo-Mo bond vectors and bridging
      ligand, display separate resonant signals delta(?) and delta(?) in the NMR
      spectra. The displacements of the chemical shifts, Deltadelta(?-?) = delta(?) -
      delta(?), are getting smaller as the substituents vary from electron-donating to 
      withdrawing. These results show that the peripheral groups on the [Mo2] units
      function to fine-tune the metal-metal interactions crossing the bridging ligand.
      The experimental parameters, DeltaE(1/2), lambda(max), and Deltadelta(?-?), which
      are linearly related with the Hammett constants (sigma(X)) of the X groups, can
      be used to probe the charge density on the two [Mo2] units and the electronic
      delocalization between them.

PMID- 25119526
TI  - In silico analysis of missense mutations in LPAR6 reveals abnormal phospholipid
      signaling pathway leading to hypotrichosis.
AB  - Autosomal recessive hypotrichosis is a rare genetic irreversible hair loss
      disorder characterized by sparse scalp hair, sparse to absent eyebrows and
      eyelashes, and sparse axillary and body hair. The study, presented here,
      established genetic linkage in four families showing similar phenotypes to
      lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 (LPAR6) gene on chromosome 13q14.11-q21.32.
      Subsequently, sequence analysis of the gene revealed two previously reported
      missense mutations including p.D63V in affected members of one and p.I188F in
      three other families. Molecular modeling and docking analysis was performed to
      investigate binding of a ligand oleoyl-L-alpha-lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) to
      modeled protein structures of normal and mutated (D63V, G146R, I188F, N248Y, S3T,
      L277P) LPAR6 receptors. The mutant receptors showed a complete shift in
      orientation of LPA at the binding site. In addition, hydropathy analysis revealed
      a significant change in the membrane spanning topology of LPAR6 helical segments.
      The present study further substantiated involvement of LPAR6-LPA signaling in the
      pathogenesis of hypotrichosis/woolly hair and provided additional insight into
      the molecular mechanism of hair development. 

PMID- 25119525
TI  - The disorganized visual cortex in reelin-deficient mice is functional and allows
      for enhanced plasticity.
AB  - A hallmark of neocortical circuits is the segregation of processing streams into
      six distinct layers. The importance of this layered organization for cortical
      processing and plasticity is little understood. We investigated the structure,
      function and plasticity of primary visual cortex (V1) of adult mice deficient for
      the glycoprotein reelin and their wild-type littermates. In V1 of rl-/- mice,
      cells with different laminar fates are present at all cortical depths.
      Surprisingly, the (vertically) disorganized cortex maintains a precise
      retinotopic (horizontal) organization. Rl-/- mice have normal basic visual
      capabilities, but are compromised in more challenging perceptual tasks, such as
      orientation discrimination. Additionally, rl-/- animals learn and memorize a
      visual task as well as their wild-type littermates. Interestingly, reelin
      deficiency enhances visual cortical plasticity: juvenile-like ocular dominance
      plasticity is preserved into late adulthood. The present data offer an important
      insight into the capabilities of a disorganized cortical system to maintain basic
      functional properties. 

PMID- 25119528
TI  - Screening of beta-secretase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from plant
      resources.
AB  - The therapeutic agents for dementia are limited due to the complex system
      underlying the mechanisms. Taking a preventive point of view, we focused on the
      inhibition of beta-secretase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). In addition, plant
      resources including herbs and spices have been widely consumed, and further, may
      be consumed for a long period over a lifetime. Considering this background, we
      screened beta-secretase and AChE inhibitors from curry spices. Amongst them,
      curry leaf, black pepper, and turmeric extracts were effective to inhibit beta
      secretase. Furthermore, black pepper and turmeric extracts were also effective to
      inhibit AChE. Having these results in hand, we focused on the investigation of
      beta-secretase inhibitors since the inhibitor of this enzyme has not previously
      been well investigated. As a result, alpha- and beta-caryophyllene, beta
      caryophyllene oxide (from curry leaf), piperine (from black pepper), curcumin,
      demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin (from turmeric) were successfully
      identified as low molecular inhibitors. This is the first report to determine
      alpha- and beta-caryophyllene, beta-caryophyllene oxide, and piperine as beta
      secretase inhibitors. These compounds may pass through the blood brain barrier
      since their molecular weights are relatively low. 

PMID- 25119529
TI  - Enhanced ultra-low-frequency interlayer shear modes in folded graphene layers.
AB  - Few-layer graphene has attracted tremendous attention owing to its exceptional
      electronic properties inherited from single-layer graphene and new features led
      by introducing extra freedoms such as interlayer stacking sequences or rotations.
      Effectively probing interlayer shear modes are critical for unravelling
      mechanical and electrical properties of few-layer graphene and further developing
      its practical potential. Unfortunately, shear modes are extremely weak and almost
      fully blocked by a Rayleigh rejecter in Raman measurements. This greatly hinders
      investigations of shear modes in few-layer graphene. Here, we demonstrate
      enhancing of shear modes by properly folding few-layer graphene. As a direct
      benefit of the strong signal, enhancement mechanism, vibrational symmetry,
      anharmonicity and electron-phonon coupling of the shear modes are uncovered
      through studies of Raman mapping, polarization- and temperature-dependent Raman
      spectroscopy. This work complements Raman studies of graphene layers, and paves
      an efficient way to exploit low-frequency shear modes of few-layer graphene and
      other two-dimensional layered materials. 

PMID- 25119530
TI  - Contrasting behavior of heterochromatic and euchromatic chromosome portions and
      pericentric genome separation in pre-bouquet spermatocytes of hybrid mice.
AB  - The spatial distribution of parental genomes has attracted much interest because
      intranuclear chromosome distribution can modulate the transcriptome of cells and
      influence the efficacy of meiotic homologue pairing. Pairing of parental
      chromosomes is imperative to sexual reproduction as it translates into homologue
      segregation and genome haploidization to counteract the genome doubling at
      fertilization. Differential FISH tagging of parental pericentromeric genome
      portions and specific painting of euchromatic chromosome arms in Mus musculus
      (MMU) * Mus spretus (MSP) hybrid spermatogenesis disclosed a phase of homotypic
      non-homologous pericentromere clustering that led to parental pericentric genome
      separation from the pre-leptoteneup to zygotene stages. Preferential clustering
      of MMU pericentromeres correlated with particular enrichment of epigenetic marks
      (H3K9me3), HP1-gamma and structural maintenance of chromosomes SMC6 complex
      proteins at the MMU major satellite DNA repeats. In contrast to the separation of
      heterochromatic pericentric genome portions, the euchromatic arms of homeologous
      chromosomes showed considerable presynaptic pairing already during leptotene
      stage of all mice investigated. Pericentric genome separation was eventually
      disbanded by telomere clustering that concentrated both parental pericentric
      genome portions in a limited nuclear sector of the bouquet nucleus. Our data
      disclose the differential behavior of pericentromeric heterochromatin and the
      euchromatic portions of the parental genomes during homologue search. Homotypic
      pericentromere clustering early in prophase I may contribute to the exclusion of
      large repetitive DNA domains from homology search, while the telomere bouquet
      congregates and registers spatially separated portions of the genome to fuel
      synapsis initiation and high levels of homologue pairing, thus contributing to
      the fidelity of meiosis and reproduction.

PMID- 25119534
TI  - Seasonal variation and source apportionment of organic tracers in PM10 in
      Chengdu, China.
AB  - Organic compound tracers including n-alkanes, triterpane, sterane, polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dicarboxylic acids of airborne particulate
      matter (PM10) were characterized for samples collected at five sites from July
      2010 to March 2011 using GC/MS. Spatial and temporal variations of these organic
      tracers in PM10 were studied, and their sources were then identified
      respectively. Average daily concentrations of PM10 varied in different seasons
      with the trend of PM10 in winter (0.133 mg/m(3)) > autumn (0.120 mg/m(3)) >
      spring (0.103 mg/m(3)) > summer (0.098 mg/m(3)). Daily concentrations of n
      alkanes (C11-C36) ranged from 12.11 to 163.58 ng/m(3) with a mean of 61.99
      ng/m(3). The C max and CPI index of n-alkanes indicated that vehicle emissions
      were the major source in winter, while the contributions of high plant wax
      emissions became significant in other seasons. It was discovered that the main
      sources of triterpenoid and steranes were gasoline and diesel engine emissions.
      Concentrations of ?15PAHs in PM10 also varied (12.25-58.56 ng/m(3)) in different
      seasons, and chrysene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene,
      benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(ghi) perylene and fluoranthene were the dominant
      components. In the four seasons, the concentration of ?15PAHs was relatively
      higher at the northern site because of traffic congestion. The main source of
      airborne PAHs was traffic emissions and coal combustion. Average daily
      concentrations of dicarboxylic acids (C4-C10) in PM10 ranged from 12.11 to 163.58
      ng/m(3), of which azeleic acid was the major compound (0.49-52.04 ng/m(3),
      average 14.93 ng/m(3)), followed by succinic acid (0.56-19.08 ng/m(3), average
      6.84 ng/m(3)). The ratio of C6/C9 showed that the major source in winter was
      biological, while the contributions of emissions from anthropogenic activities
      were much higher in summer.

PMID- 25119532
TI  - Comorbidities among the HIV-infected patients aged 40 years or older in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART),
      life expectancy of HIV-infected patients has significantly prolonged. An
      increasing number of HIV-infected patients are aging and concurrent use of
      medications are not uncommon for management of metabolic complications and
      cardiovascular diseases related to aging and prolonged exposure to cART. METHODS:
      We reviewed medical records of all HIV-infected patients aged 40 years or older
      who had been followed at a university hospital for HIV care in Taiwan between
      January and December 2013. A standardized case record form was used to collect
      information on demographics and clinical characteristics, comorbidity, cART, and
      concurrent medications. RESULTS: During the study period, 610 patients aged 40 to
      49 years (mean, 44.1) and 310 aged 50 years or older (mean, 58.8) sought HIV care
      at this hospital. Compared with patients aged 40 to 49 years, those aged 50 years
      or older were significantly more likely to be female (15.9% vs 3.8%); to have
      received cART (97.7% vs 94.8%) and a lower plasma HIV RNA load (1.6 vs 1.7 log10
      copies/ml); and to have diabetes mellitus (18.4% vs 4.6%), hypertension (31.0% vs
      10.8%), hyperlipidemia (29.4% vs 11.6%), coronary artery disease (6.8% vs 0.5%),
      and an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (11.5% vs 2.7%);
      and were significantly less likely to have syphilis. Other than HIV infection,
      patients aged 50 years or older were more likely to have been receiving two or
      more concurrent medications than those aged 40 to 49 years (22.9% vs 6.4%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a significant proportion of the HIV-infected
      patients aged 50 years or older have multiple comorbidities that may increase the
      risk for cardiovascular and renal complications. Issues of poly-pharmacy among
      the HIV-infected patients who are aging should be addressed to ensure adherence
      and minimize drug-drug interactions.

PMID- 25119535
TI  - Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology and ground-water ionicity: study
      based on Sri Lanka.
AB  - High incidence of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDU) in Sri Lanka
      is shown to correlate with the presence of irrigation works and rivers that bring
      in 'nonpoint source' fertilizer runoff from intensely agricultural regions. We
      review previous attempts to link CKDU with As, Cd and other standard toxins.
      Those studies (e.g. the WHO-sponsored study), while providing a wealth of data,
      are inconclusive in regard to aetiology. Here, we present new proposals based on
      increased ionicity of drinking water due to fertilizer runoff into the river
      system, redox processes in the soil and features of 'tank'-cascades and aquifers.
      The consequent chronic exposure to high ionicity in drinking water is proposed to
      debilitate the kidney via a Hofmeister-type (i.e. protein-denaturing) mechanism. 

PMID- 25119537
TI  - [Femoral nailing using a helical nail shape (LFN((r)))].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Antegrade femoral nailing through a greater trochanteric entry portal
      avoids damage to the proximal external rotators and to the ramus profundus of the
      medial femoral circumflex artery, furthermore eases insertion in adipose
      subjects. However a helical nail shape is necessary for this pathway because
      bending in two perpendicular planes has to be passed by the nail. INDICATIONS:
      All femoral shaft fractures suitable for antegrade nailing (type 32-A/B/C).
      Additional femoral neck fractures (type 31-B) by using proximal Recon
      interlocking screws. CONTRAINDICATIONS: The common contraindications for femoral
      nailing. In certain subtrochanteric fractures (Type 32-A/B) the proximal femoral
      nail may be favorable. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: General or spinal anesthesia. Supine
      position with flexion/abduction of the contralateral leg in order to facilitate
      fluoroscopy of the proximal femur in a true lateral view. Closed reduction of
      length and axis. Measurement of length and diameter of the nail using a
      radiolucent ruler. Dorsolateral approach to the greater trochanter. Insertion of
      the guide wire 10 mm lateral to the trochanteric tip (anteroposterior view) and
      in the middle third of the trochanter (lateral view). Reaming of the insertion
      point using a flexible reamer. If reaming of the entire medullary canal is
      desired, this should be done using a long intramedullary guide wire in
      combination with a long flexible reamer. Insertion of the nail starts in an
      anterior position and ends in a lateral position of the insertion instrument, so
      a 90 degrees  external rotation of the nail occurs during insertion. Proximal
      interlocking is performed using the guide of the insertion instrument. Check
      interfragmentary rotation. Distal interlocking using a radiolucent drill device.
      POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Depends on the fracture shape: stable interfragmentary
      support may allow early full weight bearing. Otherwise, reduced weight bearing is
      recommended for at least 6 weeks. RESULTS: In a prospective mulicentric study,
      227 helical femoral nails were used for antegrade femoral nailing. Follow-up
      after 12 month was available in 74 %. Surgeons' rating for ease of identifying
      entry site was excellent or good in 89 %. Functional and radiological results
      after 12 months do not prove significant benefits over conventional antegrade
      femoral nails.

PMID- 25119538
TI  - Lysophosphatidic acid induces anxiety-like behavior via its receptors in mice.
AB  - Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a potent bioactive lipid mediator with diverse
      biological properties. We previously found altered expression of the LPA-related
      genes in rodents after treatment with sertraline, which is widely used to treat
      anxiety disorders and depression. However, little is known about the behavioral
      effects of LPA. In the present study, we investigated the behavioral effects of
      intracerebroventricular injection of LPA in adult mice. LPA did not significantly
      affect spontaneous locomotor activity, suggesting that LPA does not induce
      hyperactivity, ataxia, or sedation. We next investigated the emotional effects of
      LPA via the hole-board test. LPA significantly increased the number of head-dips
      in a dose- and time-related manner. A significant induction of head-dip counts
      occurred 15 and 30 min after LPA administration. To clarify the involvement of
      LPA receptors, we examined the effect of the non-selective LPA1-4 receptor
      antagonist, 1-bromo-3(S)-hydroxy-4-(palmitoyloxy)butyl-phosphonate (BrP-LPA) co
      administered with LPA. BrP-LPA dose-dependently inhibited LPA-induced head-dip
      counts. We next investigated anxiety-like behavior via the elevated plus-maze
      test. LPA significantly reduced the percentage of time spent in the open arms and
      BrP-LPA dose-dependently inhibited this anxiety-like behavior. In conclusion, LPA
      induced anxiety-like behavior in mice via LPA receptors. Our results suggest that
      LPA signaling plays an important role in regulating anxiety in mice.

PMID- 25119536
TI  - The Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)/Met Axis: A Neglected Target in the Treatment
      of Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms?
AB  - Met is the receptor of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a cytoprotective cytokine.
      Disturbing the equilibrium between Met and its ligand may lead to inappropriate
      cell survival, accumulation of genetic abnormalities and eventually, malignancy.
      Abnormal activation of the HGF/Met axis is established in solid tumours and in
      chronic haematological malignancies, including myeloma, acute myeloid leukaemia,
      chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML), and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The
      molecular mechanisms potentially responsible for the abnormal activation of
      HGF/Met pathways are described and discussed. Importantly, inCML and in MPNs, the
      production of HGF is independent of Bcr-Abl and JAK2V617F, the main molecular
      markers of these diseases. In vitro studies showed that blocking HGF/Met function
      with neutralizing antibodies or Met inhibitors significantly impairs the growth
      of JAK2V617F-mutated cells. With personalised medicine and curative treatment in
      view, blocking activation of HGF/Met could be a useful addition in the treatment
      of CML and MPNs for those patients with high HGF/MET expression not controlled by
      current treatments (Bcr-Abl inhibitors in CML; phlebotomy, hydroxurea, JAK
      inhibitors in MPNs). 

PMID- 25119540
TI  - A prospective, randomized, controlled trial of the postoperative analgesic
      effects of spraying 0.25 % levobupivacaine after bilateral axillo-breast approach
      robotic thyroidectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robotic thyroidectomy (RoT) is frequently performed due to its
      excellent cosmesis and recovery features. However, postoperative pain in the
      operating field after RoT remains a concern due to extensive tissue dissection
      and tension during the operation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      anterior chest pain and the effect of levobupivacaine spraying on postoperative
      pain control after bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) RoT. METHODS: We
      randomized 55 adult patients scheduled for BABA RoT into the control group (group
      C, n = 27) or the levobupivacaine group (group L, n = 28). At the end of surgery,
      patients in groups C and L were sprayed with the same volume (30 ml) of normal
      saline and 0.25 % levobupivacaine, respectively, on the flap dissection area.
      Pain scores, the consumption of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), and other
      adverse effects were assessed at 1, 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS:
      Patients in group L showed lower pain scores than those of group C at 1 h (50 [0
      100] vs. 80 [20-100]; p = 0.004), 6 h (30 [0-90] vs. 70 [30-90]; p < 0.001), 24 h
      (30 [0-80] vs. 50 [10-80]; p = 0.016) and 48 h (10 [0-80] vs. 30 [10-80]; p <
      0.001) postoperatively. PCA consumption of group L was less than that of group C
      at 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery. There were no significant differences in
      postoperative nausea-vomiting, headache, or dizziness. Local anesthetic-related
      adverse effects were not reported. CONCLUSION: Levobupivacaine spray on the
      operative field at the end of BABA RoT reduced postoperative pain and PCA
      consumption without adverse events.

PMID- 25119539
TI  - Common mechanisms in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation: a BrainNet Europe
      gene expression microarray study.
AB  - Neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system are characterized by
      pathogenetic cellular and molecular changes in specific areas of the brain that
      lead to the dysfunction and/or loss of explicit neuronal populations. Despite
      exhibiting different clinical profiles and selective neuronal loss, common
      features such as abnormal protein deposition, dysfunctional cellular transport,
      mitochondrial deficits, glutamate excitotoxicity, iron accumulation and
      inflammation are observed in many neurodegenerative disorders, suggesting
      converging pathways of neurodegeneration. We have generated comparative genome
      wide gene expression data, using the Illumina HumanRef 8 Beadchip, for
      Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease,
      multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia using an extensive
      cohort (n = 113) of well-characterized post-mortem brain tissues. The analysis of
      whole-genome expression patterns across these major disorders offers an
      outstanding opportunity not only to look into exclusive disease-specific changes,
      but more importantly to look for potential common molecular pathogenic
      mechanisms. Surprisingly, no dysregulated gene that passed our selection criteria
      was found in common across all six diseases. However, 61 dysregulated genes were
      shared when comparing five and four diseases. The few genes highlighted by our
      direct gene comparison analysis hint toward common neuronal homeostatic, survival
      and synaptic plasticity pathways. In addition, we report changes to several
      inflammation-related genes in all diseases. This work is supportive of a general
      role of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis and/or response to
      neurodegeneration. 

PMID- 25119542
TI  - Magnetic lower esophageal sphincter augmentation device removal.
AB  - Implantation of a magnetic lower esophageal sphincter augmentation device is now
      an alternative to fundoplication in the surgical management of gastroesophageal
      reflux disease (GERD). Although successful management of GERD has been reported
      following placement of the device, there are instances when device removal is
      needed. The details of the technique for laparoscopic magnetic lower esophageal
      sphincter device removal are presented to assist surgeons should device removal
      become necessary. 

PMID- 25119541
TI  - Systematic review of the clinical and cost effectiveness of cholecystectomy
      versus observation/conservative management for uncomplicated symptomatic
      gallstones or cholecystitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gallstone disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder in
      industrialised countries. Although symptoms can be severe, some people can be
      symptom free for many years after the original attack. Surgery is the current
      treatment of choice, but evidence suggests that observation is also feasible and
      safe. We reviewed the evidence on cholecystectomy versus observation for
      uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones and conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis.
      METHODS: We searched six electronic databases (last search April 2014). We
      included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomised comparative
      studies where adults received either cholecystectomy or observation/conservative
      management for the first episode of symptomatic gallstone disease (biliary pain
      or cholecystitis) being considered for surgery in secondary care. Meta-analysis
      was used to combine results. A de novo Markov model was developed to assess the
      cost effectiveness of the interventions. RESULTS: Two RCTs (201 participants)
      were included. Eighty-eight percent of people randomised to surgery and 45 % of
      people randomised to observation underwent cholecystectomy during the 14-year
      follow-up period. Participants randomised to observation were significantly more
      likely to experience gallstone-related complications (RR = 6.69, 95 % CI = 1.57
      28.51, p = 0.01), in particular acute cholecystitis (RR = 9.55, 95 % CI = 1.25
      73.27, p = 0.03), and less likely to undergo surgery (RR = 0.50, 95 % CI = 0.34
      0.73, p = 0.0004) or experience surgery-related complications (RR = 0.36, 95 % CI
      = 0.16-0.81, p = 0.01) than those randomised to surgery. Fifty-five percent of
      people randomised to observation did not require surgery, and 12 % of people
      randomised to cholecystectomy did not undergo surgery. On average, surgery costs
      L1,236 more per patient than conservative management, but was more effective.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment for symptomatic
      gallstones. However, approximately half the observation group did not require
      surgery or suffer complications indicating that it may be a valid alternative to
      surgery. A multicentre trial is needed to establish the effects, safety and cost
      effectiveness of observation/conservative management relative to cholecystectomy.

PMID- 25119544
TI  - Expression profiling of sucrose metabolizing genes in Saccharum, Sorghum and
      their hybrids.
AB  - Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS; EC 2.4.1.14), sucrose synthase (SuSy; EC
      2.4.1.13) and soluble acid invertase (SAI; EC 3.2.1.26) are key enzymes that
      regulate sucrose fluxes in sink tissues for sucrose accumulation in sugarcane and
      sorghum. In this study, the expression profiling of sucrose-related genes, i.e.
      SPS, SuSy and SAI in two sets of hybrids viz., one from a Sorghum * Saccharum
      cross and the other from a Saccharum * Sorghum cross, high- and low-sucrose
      varieties, sweet and grain sorghum lines was carried out using semi-quantitative
      reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at monthly intervals.
      The results indicated differential expression of the three genes in high- and low
      sucrose forms. Expression of SPS and SuSy genes was high in high-sucrose
      varieties, Saccharum * Sorghum hybrids and sweet sorghum and lower in low-sucrose
      varieties, Sorghum * Saccharum hybrids and grain sorghum. SAI showed a lower
      expression in high-sucrose varieties, Saccharum * Sorghum hybrids and sweet
      sorghum and higher expression in low-sucrose varieties, Sorghum * Saccharum
      hybrids and the grain sorghum. This study describes the positive association of
      SPS and SuSy and negative association of SAI on sucrose accumulation. This is the
      first report of differential expression profiling of SPS, SuSy and SAI in
      intergeneric hybrids involving sugarcane and sorghum, which opens the possibility
      for production of novel hybrids with improved sucrose content and with early
      maturity. 

PMID- 25119543
TI  - Immunoadjuvant activity of the nanoparticles' surface modified with mannan.
AB  - Mannan (MN) is the natural ligand for mannose receptors, which are widely
      expressed on dendritic cells (DCs). The purpose of this study was to assess the
      effect of formulation parameters on the immunogenicity of MN-decorated poly (D, L
      lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) in terms of their ability to
      stimulate DC phenotypic as well as functional maturation. For this purpose, NPs
      were formulated from either ester-terminated or COOH-terminated PLGA.
      Incorporation of MN in NPs was achieved through encapsulation, physical
      adsorption or chemical conjugation. Murine bone marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) were
      treated with various NP formulations and assessed for their ability to up
      regulate DC cell surface markers, secrete immunostimulatory cytokines and to
      activate allogenic T cell responses. DCs treated with COOH-terminated PLGA-NPs
      containing chemically conjugated MN (MN-Cov-COOH) have shown superior performance
      in improving DC biological functions, compared to the rest of the formulations
      tested. This may be attributed to the higher level of MN incorporation in the
      former formulation. Incorporation of MN in PLGA NPs through chemical conjugation
      can lead to enhanced DC maturation and stimulatory function. This strategy may be
      used to develop more effective PLGA-based vaccine formulations. 

PMID- 25119545
TI  - Anti-bactericidal properties of stingray Dasyatis pastinaca groups V, IIA, and IB
      phospholipases A2: a comparative study.
AB  - Group IIA secreted phospholipase A2 (group IIA sPLA2) is known to display potent
      Gram-positive bactericidal activity in vitro and in vivo. We have analyzed the
      bactericidal activity of the full set of native stingray and dromedary groups V,
      IIA, and IB sPLA2s on several Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. The rank
      order potency among both marine and mammal sPLA2s against Gram-positive bacteria
      is group IIA > V > IB, whereas Gram-negative bacteria exhibited a much higher
      resistance. There is a synergic action of the sPLA2 with lysozyme when added to
      the bacteria culture prior to sPLA2.The bactericidal efficiency of groups V and
      IIA sPLA2s was shown to be dependent upon the presence of calcium ions and to a
      less extent Mg(2+) ions and then a correlation could be made to its hydrolytic
      activity of membrane phospholipids. Importantly, we showed that stingray and
      dromedary groups V, IIA, and IB sPLA2s present no cytotoxicity after their
      incubation with MDA-MB-231cells. stingray groups V and IIA sPLA2s, like mammal
      ones, may be considered as future therapeutic agents against bacterial
      infections. 

PMID- 25119546
TI  - Development of optimal medium content for bioelements accumulation in Bacopa
      monnieri (L.) in vitro culture.
AB  - Bacopa monnieri is one of the most interesting plants from the Ayurveda system.
      The aims of present research were, basing on in vitro shoot culture of B.
      monnieri, to determine content and to evaluate the influence of physiologically
      important metabolites on the selected bioelements accumulation in biomass. The
      most significant increase in biomass production was observed in the culture
      medium enriched with 0.5 mg/L of anthranilic acid. In this medium also, the
      highest accumulation of Mg was noted. The highest concentration of iron was
      determined in B. monnieri in vitro culture enriched with 0.25 g/L of serine. The
      addition of L-tryptophan, magnesium sulfate, and zinc hydroaspartate caused only
      a small increase in the accumulation of copper in B. monnieri. Increase in Zn
      accumulation was obtained in biomass from in vitro culture of B. monnieri with
      the addition of magnesium sulfate and zinc hydroaspartate. In the case of Na, the
      maximum level of this element was in biomass from medium enriched with zinc
      hydroaspartate. Twofold increase in K concentration was obtained in biomass from
      cultures on medium with addition of serine and magnesium sulfate. The
      concentrations of Ca in biomass of all studied media were at the similar level. 

PMID- 25119547
TI  - Genome shuffling enhances lipase production of thermophilic Geobacillus sp.
AB  - Thermostable lipases are potential enzymes for biocatalytic application. In this
      study, the lipase production of Geobacillus sp. CF03 (WT) was improved by genome
      shuffling. After two rounds of genome shuffling, one fusant strain (FB1) achieved
      increase lipase activity from the populations generated by ultraviolet
      irradiation and ethyl methylsulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis. The growth rate and
      lipase production of FB1 increased highest by 150 and 238 %, respectively, in
      comparison to the wild type. The fusant enzyme had a significant change in
      substrate specificity but still prefers the long-chain length substrates. It had
      an optimum activity at 60  degrees C, pH at 7.0-8.0, with p-nitrophenyl palmitate
      (C16) as a substrate and retained about 50 % of their activity after 15 min at 70
      degrees C, pH 8.0. Furthermore, the fusant lipase showed the preference of
      sesame oil, waste palm oil, and canola oil. Therefore, the genome shuffling
      strategy has been successful to strain improvement and selecting strain with
      multiple desirable characteristics. 

PMID- 25119548
TI  - Lipid production of microalga Ankistrodesmus falcatus increased by nutrient and
      light starvation in a two-stage cultivation process.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the stimulation of lipid production on the
      microalga Ankistrodesmus falcatus by varying cultivation conditions during the
      stationary phase. The effect of three factors (presence and absence of nitrogen,
      phosphorus, and light) has been tested once the cultures reached the stationary
      phase with the aim to increase the value of the biomass for further applications.
      Lipid content, elemental composition, Nile red fluorescence evolution, and
      calorific value of microalgal biomass were studied as well as biomass growth.
      Biomass presented a lipid content of 36.54 % at the end of the first stage, while
      at the end of the second stage, the experiments with the absence of phosphorus
      increased their lipid content until 45.94 and 44.55 %, the first with nitrogen
      and light presence and the second with absence of all factors. The combination of
      phosphorus absence and nitrogen and light presence achieved the highest lipid
      productivity (20.27 mg/L/day). The two-stage strategy to culture microalgae is a
      feasible option to increase the economic or energetic value of biomass. 

PMID- 25119549
TI  - The application of the Biolog EcoPlate approach in ecotoxicological evaluation of
      dairy sewage sludge.
AB  - An increasing amount of sewage sludge requires reasonable management, whereas its
      storage might be environmentally hazardous. Due to the organic matter and
      nutrient presence in sediments, it may be used as organic fertilizer. However,
      beyond the valuable contests, sewage sludge can also contain toxic or dangerous
      ingredients like heavy metals. Therefore, there is a need to develop methods for
      rapid assessment of sediment ecotoxicity that will determine its possible
      applicability in agriculture. The Biolog(r) EcoPlate enables the metabolic
      profile diversity evaluation of microbial populations in environmental samples,
      which reflects the state of their activity. It is regarded as a modern technology
      that by means of biological properties allows quick characterization of the
      ecological status of environmental samples, such as sewage sludge. 

PMID- 25119550
TI  - Continuous esterification of free fatty acids in crude biodiesel by an integrated
      process of supercritical methanol and sodium methoxide catalyst.
AB  - An integrated process of supercritical methanol (SCM) and sodium methoxide
      catalyst was developed to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) via continuous
      esterification from crude biodiesel. The crude biodiesel with high free fatty
      acid (FFA) content must be refined to reduce the acid value (AV) for meeting the
      quality standards. The process parameters were studied by Box-Behnken design
      (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM). The experimental results revealed
      that the AV of crude biodiesel decreased from 18.66 to 0.55 mg KOH g(-1) at the
      reaction conditions of 350  degrees C, 0.5 % amount of sodium methoxide catalyst,
      and 10 MPa. Temperature shows the most significant effect on the esterification,
      followed by pressure and amount of sodium methoxide catalyst. This integrated
      process proved to be a potential route to refine the crude biodiesel because of
      its continuity, high efficiency, and less energy consumption with relatively
      moderate reaction conditions compared with conventional methods. 

PMID- 25119551
TI  - Effect of phytase application during high gravity (HG) maize mashes preparation
      on the availability of starch and yield of the ethanol fermentation process.
AB  - Phytic acid present in raw materials used in distilling industry can form
      complexes with starch and divalent cations and thus limit their biological
      availability. The influence of the enzymatic hydrolysis of phytate complexes on
      starch availability during the alcoholic fermentation process using high gravity
      (HG) maize mashes was analyzed. Indicators of the alcoholic fermentation as well
      as the fermentation activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae D-2 strain were
      statistically evaluated. Phytate hydrolysis improved the course of the alcoholic
      fermentation of HG maize mashes. The final ethanol concentration in the media
      supplemented with phytase applied either before or after the starch hydrolysis
      increased by 1.0 and 0.6 % v/v, respectively, as compared to the control
      experiments. This increase was correlated with an elevated fermentation yield
      that was higher by 5.5 and 2.0 L EtOH/100 kg of starch, respectively. Phytate
      hydrolysis resulted also in a statistically significant increase in the initial
      concentration of fermenting sugars by 14.9 mg/mL of mash, on average, which was a
      consequence of a better availability of starch for enzymatic hydrolysis. The
      application of phytase increased the attenuation of HG media fermentation thus
      improving the economical aspect of the ethanol fermentation process. 

PMID- 25119552
TI  - Effect of electroporation on bioconversion of isoflavones and probiotic
      properties of parents and subsequent passages of Bifidobacterium longum.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the effects of electroporation on growth,
      bioconversion of isoflavones, and probiotic properties of parent organisms and
      subsequent passages of Bifidobacterium longum FTDC 8643. Electroporation with the
      strength of electric field at 7.5 kV cm(-1) for 3.5 ms was applied on B. longum
      FTDC 8643. The viability of B. longum FTDC 8643 increased significantly upon
      treatment with electroporation. Such treatment also enhanced the intracellular
      and extracellular beta-glucosidase activity, leading to enhanced production of
      bioactive isoflavone aglycones in mannitol-soymilk (P < 0.05). In addition, these
      treated cells also exhibited better tolerance toward acidic (pH 2 and pH 3) and
      intestinal bile salt condition compared to the control (P < 0.05). The
      electroporated cell also possessed better adhesion ability and antimicrobial
      activity (P < 0.05). However, all these positive effects were only prevalent in
      the parent cells and were not observed in their subsequent passages of
      electroporated cells. Our results suggested that electroporation could enhance
      the bioactive and probiotic potentials of parent cells of B. longum FTDC 8643 and
      could be used in the production of probiotic foods with enhanced bioactivity. 

PMID- 25119553
TI  - Targeting improvements in patient safety at a large academic center: an
      institutional handoff curriculum for graduate medical education.
AB  - PROBLEM: Handoffs are an integral component of patient care, and the number of
      handoffs has increased as a result of duty hours restrictions for resident
      physicians. A structured handoff curriculum improves accuracy and has been shown
      to decrease medical errors. A standardized approach across all specialties is
      lacking in the published literature. The authors discuss the development and
      implementation of an institution-wide handoff curriculum for incoming first-year
      residents. APPROACH: An Innovation in Graduate Medical Education committee,
      including faculty from multiple specialties, identified an educational deficiency
      in handoffs and selected this as the target for the educational innovation.
      Meetings were held to develop and implement an extensive handoff curriculum for
      incoming first-year residents. The designed curriculum included large- and small
      group sessions, and a specialty-specific observed simulated handoff experience.
      The authors analyzed participants' pre- and postsurveys using descriptive
      statistics. OUTCOMES: One hundred and twenty-four participants attended the
      formalized handoff training day. Following training, residents recognized that
      dedicated time for verbal exchange, templates for accessing and recording
      information, interactive handoffs giving priority to ill patients, and
      highlighting action items were most important for effective handoff. NEXT STEPS:
      Both undergraduate and graduate medical education curricula need to develop
      formalized training and methods to assess competencies in handoffs. Training
      incoming residents is a logical starting place, but programs should be
      systematically disseminated across all specialties, from residents to faculty, in
      order to be effectively integrated into the culture of an institution.

PMID- 25119554
TI  - Time well spent: the association between time and effort allocation and intent to
      leave among clinical faculty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the relationship between clinical faculty members'
      time/effort in four mission areas, their assessment of the distribution of that
      time/effort, and their intent to leave the institution and academic medicine.
      METHOD: Faculty from 14 U.S. medical schools participated in the 2011-2012
      Faculty Forward Engagement Survey. The authors conducted multivariate logistic
      regression analyses to evaluate relationships between clinical faculty members'
      self-reported time/effort in each mission area, assessment of time/effort, and
      intent to leave the institution and academic medicine. RESULTS: Of the 13,722
      clinical faculty surveyed, 8,349 (60.8%) responded. Respondents reported an
      average of 54.5% time/effort in patient care. The authors found no relationship
      between time/effort in patient care and intent to leave one's institution.
      Respondents who described spending "far too much/too much" time in patient care
      were more likely to report intent to leave their institution (odds ratio 2.12,
      P<.001). Those who assessed their time/effort in all mission areas as "about
      right" were less likely to report intent to leave their institution (64/1,135;
      5.6%) than those who reported "far too little/too little" or "far too much/too
      much" time/effort in one or more mission areas (535/3,671; 14.6%; P<.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the authors found no relationship between reported
      time/effort in patient care and intent to leave, the perception of "far too
      much/too much" time/effort spent in that mission area was correlated with intent
      to leave the institution. Efforts to align time/effort spent in each mission area
      with faculty expectations may improve retention.

PMID- 25119555
TI  - The Quality Improvement Knowledge Application Tool Revised (QIKAT-R).
AB  - PURPOSE: Quality improvement (QI) has been part of medical education for over a
      decade. Assessment of QI learning remains challenging. The Quality Improvement
      Knowledge Application Tool (QIKAT), developed a decade ago, is widely used
      despite its subjective nature and inconsistent reliability. From 2009 to 2012,
      the authors developed and assessed the validation of a revised QIKAT, the "QIKAT
      R." METHOD: Phase 1: Using an iterative, consensus-building process, a national
      group of QI educators developed a scoring rubric with defined language and
      elements. Phase 2: Five scorers pilot tested the QIKAT-R to assess validity and
      inter- and intrarater reliability using responses to four scenarios, each with
      three different levels of response quality: "excellent," "fair," and "poor."
      Phase 3: Eighteen scorers from three countries used the QIKAT-R to assess the
      same sets of student responses. RESULTS: Phase 1: The QI educators developed a
      nine-point scale that uses dichotomous answers (yes/no) for each of three QIKAT-R
      subsections: Aim, Measure, and Change. Phase 2: The QIKAT-R showed strong
      discrimination between "poor" and "excellent" responses, and the intra- and
      interrater reliability were strong. Phase 3: The discriminative validity of the
      instrument remained strong between excellent and poor responses. The intraclass
      correlation was 0.66 for the total nine-point scale. CONCLUSIONS: The QIKAT-R is
      a user-friendly instrument that maintains the content and construct validity of
      the original QIKAT but provides greatly improved interrater reliability. The
      clarity within the key subsections aligns the assessment closely with QI
      knowledge application for students and residents.

PMID- 25119556
TI  - Gelatinases and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer are associated
      with cyclosporin-A-induced attenuation of periodontal degradation in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study aims to examine the inhibitory effect of
      cyclosporin-A (CsA) on periodontal breakdown and to further explore the
      correlations of CsA-induced attenuation of periodontal bone loss with the
      expressions of gelatinases (i.e., matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-2 and MMP-9) and
      extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN). METHODS: Forty Sprague
      Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control; 2) CsA; 3)
      ligature (Lig); and 4) ligature plus CsA (Lig + CsA). The CsA group received 10
      mg ? Kg(-1) ? d(-1) CsA for 8 days. The Lig group received silk ligature on
      selected molars. The Lig + CsA group received silk ligature and CsA treatment.
      The inhibitory effects of CsA on the ligature-induced periodontal breakdown was
      examined with microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and histometric analyses to
      analyze the amount of attachment loss, crestal bone loss, connective tissue
      attachment, and the surface area with inflammatory cell infiltration. The effects
      of CsA on ligature-induced expressions of gelatinases and EMMPRIN in gingival
      tissues were examined with Western blotting and zymography, respectively.
      RESULTS: By micro-CT and histology, the Lig + CsA group had significantly more
      periodontal breakdown than the control and CsA groups but less periodontal
      breakdown than the Lig group. Consistent results were found for the expressions
      of gelatinases and EMMPRIN among the groups demonstrating that the Lig + CsA
      group had significantly less gingival protein expression of gelatinases and
      EMMPRIN than the Lig group. CONCLUSIONS: CsA inhibited the expressions of
      gelatinase MMPs and EMMPRIN and partially prevented the periodontal breakdown in
      ligature-induced experimental periodontitis. The CsA-induced attenuation of
      periodontal bone loss was strongly correlated positively with the expressions of
      MMP-2, MMP-9, and EMMPRIN in gingiva.

PMID- 25119557
TI  - Resistance to cigarette smoke is increased in periodontal ligament cells by
      attachment to collagen and fibronectin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The toxic effects of cigarette smoke often presents in smokers as
      increased incidence and severity of periodontal disease. These patients
      demonstrate symptomatic inflammation, increased probing depth, and tooth loss
      likely attributable to the direct effects of cigarette smoke on periodontal
      ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. The goal of this in vitro study is to investigate the
      direct effects of smoking on PDL fibroblasts, focusing on cell-extracellular
      matrix (ECM) interactions and cell survival. METHODS: PDL cells were plated for
      various times on tissue culture plastic, PDL-derived ECMs, collagen Type I, or
      fibronectin. Cells were exposed to various concentrations of cigarette smoke
      extract (CSE) at different times during the cell attachment process.
      Subsequently, cell survival was quantified using calcein-acetoxymethyl ester
      compound and a fluorescent plate reader. RESULTS: After exposure to CSE, PDL cell
      survival increased with increased cell attachment time to plastic. These
      observations were independent of soluble factors present in PDL cell-conditioned
      media. PDL-derived ECMs and collagen Type I-pretreated plates promoted increased
      cell survival after 1 day of cell attachment. Fibronectin-pretreated plates
      demonstrated increased cell survival after 3 days of cell attachment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cell-ECM interactions increase survival of PDL cells exposed to CSE.
      It is suggested that the increased survival is attributable to PDL cells altering
      their ECM, potentially by depositing collagen and fibronectin. This may imply
      that cells embedded in an ECM would be more resistant to the toxic effects of
      cigarette smoke, leading to increased cell death near the exposed edges of a
      wound.

PMID- 25119558
TI  - Association of CCL5 and CCR5 gene polymorphisms with periodontitis in Taiwanese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that genetic factors may predispose individuals
      to periodontal diseases. The present case-control study aims to test whether the 
      403 single nucleotide polymorphism of chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5-403) and the 32-bp
      deletion of CCR5 (CCR5Delta32) polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility
      to chronic and aggressive periodontitis. METHODS: Taiwanese participants (N =
      213) were grouped into control group (CG), generalized aggressive periodontitis
      (GAgP), or chronic periodontitis (CP) groups. DNA samples were obtained from
      peripheral blood. CCL5-403, evaluated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism, and CCR5Delta32, evaluated by polymerase chain
      reaction, were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: There was a significant
      association between type of periodontitis and having allele A or G in the CCL5
      403 polymorphism. GAgP patients were 3.7 times more likely than CP patients and
      2.0 times more likely than CG patients to have allele A, instead of allele G, in
      CCL5-403. GAgP patients were 3.1 times more likely than CG patients to have AG
      versus GG genotype. GAgP patients were also 5.0 and 19.8 times more likely than
      CP patients to have AG and AA genotypes, respectively, compared to GG. For the
      CCR5Delta32 polymorphism, no association was found between the type of
      periodontitis and having different genotype or allele distributions among GAgP,
      CP, or CG patients. CONCLUSION: The single nucleotide polymorphism of CCL5-403 G
      substitution by A may play a role in AgP; however, the CCR5Delta32 polymorphism
      may not.

PMID- 25119559
TI  - Factors affecting utilization of dental services during pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate factors affecting
      utilization of dental services during pregnancy. METHODS: Participants in this
      cross-sectional study were mothers visiting a community health center for their
      infants'/toddlers' immunization. Data were collected through a questionnaire
      about demographics, oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices, as well as
      barriers to dental visits during pregnancy. Mean (SD) and frequencies were used
      for data description. Different factors were analyzed as predictors for
      utilization of dental services using multiple logistic regression analysis.
      RESULTS: In total, 423 mothers completed the study. Mean (SD) age at delivery was
      29.5 (5.3) years. Almost all participants brushed their teeth at least once daily
      with toothpaste. During pregnancy, 19.2% of mothers reported difficulties with
      brushing, and 25% had dental/periodontal problems. Half of the participants had a
      dental visit during pregnancy; 93% were for dental checkups, 80.5% received
      preventive care, and 28.8% received dental/periodontal treatments. Canadian-born
      women were 48% more likely to visit the dentist during pregnancy compared with
      non-Canadian counterparts (P = 0.048). Level of education, dental insurance, and
      household income were also positively associated with usage (P <0.001). Mothers
      with more knowledge about possible connections between oral health and pregnancy
      and those who visited the dentist every 6 months had better odds of visiting the
      dentist during pregnancy (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Three major factors predicting
      the utilization of dental services during pregnancy were: 1) perceived need, 2)
      habit of regular dental visits, and 3) access to dental services.

PMID- 25119560
TI  - Periodontal disease as a risk indicator for poor physical fitness: a cross
      sectional observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity has been associated with poor oral health. The
      aim of this study is to assess whether periodontal disease is a risk indicator
      for poor physical fitness. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 111 males
      who performed a physical fitness test (PFT) composed of four exercises: 1) push
      ups conducted by pushing the body up and lowering it down using the arms; 2) pull
      ups with the body suspended by the arms gripped on a bar; 3) sit-ups in which the
      upper and lower vertebrae are lifted from the floor; and 4) running for 12
      minutes. A PFT score (range of 1 to 300) was determined for each participant,
      with higher scores indicating better physical fitness. One periodontist assessed
      attachment loss (AL) and probing depth (PD). Physical fitness was dichotomized
      according to whether the highest PFT score was "achieved" or "not achieved."
      Multivariable logistic models were fitted adjusting for age, overweight (body
      mass index of 25 to 29.9 kg/m(2)), and frequency of daily exercise. RESULTS: The
      mean age of the sample was 34.8 +/- 10.3 years. Overweight individuals
      demonstrated significantly lower PFT scores (276.9 +/- 24.1 points) than normal
      weight individuals (289.3 +/- 16.8 points). Individuals presenting at least one
      tooth with AL >= 4 mm had significantly lower PFT scores (277.8 +/- 23.6 points)
      compared with those without this status (285.9 +/- 20.2 points). A 1-mm increment
      in PD or AL significantly decreased the chance of reaching the highest PFT score
      by 69% or 75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Periodontal disease may be considered a
      risk indicator for poor physical fitness in males.

PMID- 25119561
TI  - Effects of scaling and root planing on clinical response and serum levels of
      adipocytokines in patients with obesity and chronic periodontitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite several investigations suggesting that obesity is a risk
      indicator for periodontitis, little is known about the effect of obesity on
      periodontal treatment response. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects
      of scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical parameters and circulating levels
      of leptin and adiponectin in patients with obesity with chronic periodontitis
      (CP). METHODS: Twenty-four patients with obesity and CP and 24 patients without
      obesity with CP were submitted to SRP. Clinical parameters were assessed at
      baseline and 3 and 6 months after therapy. Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin
      were evaluated at all time points, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      RESULTS: SRP improved the clinical parameters of both groups at 3 and 6 months (P
      < 0.05). Nonetheless, the patients without obesity presented a lower mean probing
      depth (PD) at 6 months after therapy and a greater reduction in PD from baseline
      to 6 months in the full-mouth analysis (primary outcome variable) and in
      initially deep sites (P < 0.05). Leptin serum levels were higher in patients with
      obesity than in patients without obesity at all time points (P < 0.05). No
      changes in the serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were observed in groups
      with and without obesity after therapy (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with
      obesity and CP presented lower reductions in PD than patients without obesity
      with CP at 6 months after SRP. Furthermore, the treatment did not affect the
      circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin in any group.

PMID- 25119562
TI  - The future of stem cell therapy in hernia and abdominal wall repair.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stem cell therapies have been proposed in preclinical trials as new
      treatment options in abdominal wall repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This work
      lists sources of feasible cell lines and the current status of literature and
      provides a cautious outlook into future developments. Special attention was paid
      to translational issues and practicabilty in a complex field. CONCLUSION: Cell
      based therapies will play a role in the clinical setting in the future.
      Regulatory and ethical issues need to be addressed as well as the proof of cost
      effectiveness.

PMID- 25119563
TI  - Long-term outcome after randomizing prolene hernia system, mesh plug repair and
      Lichtenstein for inguinal hernia repair.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess long-term superiority in terms of chronic pain between prolene
      hernia system (PHS), mesh plug repair (MPR) and Lichtenstein (L) technique for
      inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Eight years after randomizing three commonly
      used techniques for primary inguinal hernia repair, the outcome was evaluated
      with a questionnaire measuring pain on verbal descriptor and visual analogue
      scales, including limitations on daily life activities, sensory disturbances and
      recurrences. From previous results patients characteristics, operative details
      and short- and mid-term pain outcome were extracted. RESULTS: 270 out of 308
      eligible patients (88%) completed the follow-up after median 7.6 years (range 6.9
      9.2) after the inguinal hernia operation. No significant differences between the
      repair techniques were found for pain, sensory disturbances or recurrences.
      Overall, the hernia recurrence rate was 6.3%. In total 63 patients (23%) reported
      long-term pain of which one-fourth graded this moderate to severe. Pain was
      experienced at least weekly by 26 patients (10%) and limiting daily activities
      for 36 patients (13%). With regard to the previously reported pain at 3 and 15
      months follow-up, 106 patients (39%) experience no pain at all. For 101 patients
      (37%), initial pain disappeared. 41 patients (15%) suffered persisting pain at
      all three measure moments. 22 patients (8%) reported pain at 8 years follow-up
      after an initial pain-free period. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term outcome after
      randomizing PHS, MPR and L showed no clinically relevant differences in chronic
      pain and its consequences. Although chronic pain is diminishing over time it
      remains a serious complication and has sometimes an onset long after the inguinal
      repair.

PMID- 25119566
TI  - Impact of supplementary feeding on reproductive success of white storks.
AB  - European white stork (Ciconia ciconia) populations have been object to several
      conservation measures such as reintroduction programs, habitat improvement or
      supplementary feeding in the last decades. Although recent white stork censuses
      revealed an upward trend of most of the western populations, evaluations of the
      relative importance of certain conservation measures are still scarce or even
      lacking. In our study we analyzed the effect of supplementary feeding on the
      reproductive success of white storks in conjunction with other factors such as
      weather or nest site characteristics. We present data of 569 breeding events at
      80 different nest sites located in variable distances to an artificial feeding
      site at Affenberg Salem (south-western Germany) collected from 1990-2012. A
      multilevel Poisson regression revealed that in our study population (1)
      reproductive success was negatively affected by monthly precipitation in April,
      May and June, (2) pairs breeding on power poles had a lower reproductive success
      than pairs breeding on platforms or trees and (3) reproductive success was
      significantly higher in pairs breeding in close distance to the feeding site. The
      number of fledglings per nest decreased by 8% per kilometer distance to the
      feeding site. Our data suggest that supplementary feeding increases fledgling
      populations which may be a tool to attenuate population losses caused by factors
      such as habitat deterioration or unfavorable conditions in wintering habitats. 

PMID- 25119564
TI  - Foodborne cereulide causes beta-cell dysfunction and apoptosis.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: To study the effects of cereulide, a food toxin often found at
      low concentrations in take-away meals, on beta-cell survival and function.
      METHODS: Cell death was quantified by Hoechst/Propidium Iodide in mouse (MIN6)
      and rat (INS-1E) beta-cell lines, whole mouse islets and control cell lines
      (HepG2 and COS-1). Beta-cell function was studied by glucose-stimulated insulin
      secretion (GSIS). Mechanisms of toxicity were evaluated in MIN6 cells by mRNA
      profiling, electron microscopy and mitochondrial function tests. RESULTS: 24 h
      exposure to 5 ng/ml cereulide rendered almost all MIN6, INS-1E and pancreatic
      islets apoptotic, whereas cell death did not increase in the control cell lines.
      In MIN6 cells and murine islets, GSIS capacity was lost following 24 h exposure
      to 0.5 ng/ml cereulide (P<0.05). Cereulide exposure induced markers of
      mitochondrial stress including Puma (p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis,
      P<0.05) and general pro-apoptotic signals as Chop (CCAAT/-enhancer-binding
      protein homologous protein). Mitochondria appeared swollen upon transmission
      electron microscopy, basal respiration rate was reduced by 52% (P<0.05) and
      reactive oxygen species increased by more than twofold (P<0.05) following 24 h
      exposure to 0.25 and 0.50 ng/ml cereulide, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Cereulide causes apoptotic beta-cell death at low
      concentrations and impairs beta-cell function at even lower concentrations, with
      mitochondrial dysfunction underlying these defects. Thus, exposure to cereulide
      even at concentrations too low to cause systemic effects appears deleterious to
      the beta-cell.

PMID- 25119565
TI  - Reduced functional reserve in patients with age-related white matter changes: a
      preliminary FMRI study of working memory.
AB  - Subcortical age-related white matter changes (ARWMC) are a frequent finding in
      healthy elderly people suggested to cause secondary tissue changes and possibly
      affecting cognitive processes. We aimed to determine the influence of the extent
      of ARWMC load on attention and working memory processes in healthy elderly
      individuals. Fourteen healthy elderly subjects (MMSE >26; age 55-80 years)
      performed three fMRI tasks with increasing difficulty assessing alertness,
      attention (0-back), and working memory (2-back). We compared activation patterns
      in those with only minimal ARWMC (Fazekas 0-1) to those with moderate to severe
      ARWMC (Fazekas 2-3). During the fMRI experiments, the study population showed
      activation in brain areas typically involved in attention and working memory with
      a recruitment of cortical areas with increasing task difficulty. Subjects with
      higher lesion load showed a higher activation at all task levels with only sparse
      increase of signal with increasing complexity. In the lower lesion load group,
      rising task difficulty lead to a significant and widely distributed increase of
      activation. Although the number of patients included in the study is small, these
      findings suggest that even clinically silent ARWMC may affect cognitive
      processing and lead to compensatory activation during cognitive tasks. This can
      be interpreted as a reduction of functional reserve and may pose a risk for
      cognitive decline in these patients. 

PMID- 25119567
TI  - Hydroclimate variations in central and monsoonal Asia over the past 700 years.
AB  - Hydroclimate variations since 1300 in central and monsoonal Asia and their
      interplay on interannual and interdecadal timescales are investigated using the
      tree-ring based Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) reconstructions. Both the
      interannual and interdecadal variations in both regions are closely to the
      Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). On interannual timescale, the most robust
      correlations are observed between PDO and hydroclimate in central Asia.
      Interannual hydroclimate variations in central Asia are more significant during
      the warm periods with high solar irradiance, which is likely due to the enhanced
      variability of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, the high-frequency component
      of PDO, during the warm periods. We observe that the periods with significant
      interdecadal hydroclimate changes in central Asia often correspond to periods
      without significant interdecadal variability in monsoonal Asia, particularly
      before the 19th century. The PDO-hydroclimate relationships appear to be bridged
      by the atmospheric circulation between central North Pacific Ocean and Tibetan
      Plateau, a key area of PDO. While, in some periods the atmospheric circulation
      between central North Pacific Ocean and monsoonal Asia may lead to significant
      interdecadal hydroclimate variations in monsoonal Asia. 

PMID- 25119569
TI  - [Germ cell and embryonal tumors].
AB  - Germ cell tumors, which constitute approximately 3-5% of tumors of the central
      nervous system (CNS), can be subdivided into germinomas, embryonal carcinomas,
      yolk sac tumors, choriocarcinomas, teratomas and mixed germ cell tumors. The
      diagnosis of intracranial germ cell tumor is based on the clinical symptoms,
      detection of tumor markers, such as alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and the beta subunit
      of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) in blood and cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord, CSF
      cytology and histology. The diagnosis of a secreting germ cell tumor, i.e. a non
      germinoma, can be made by the determination of AFP and hCG as tumor markers.
      Germinomas are radiosensitive but are equally as sensitive to chemotherapy.
      Teratomas of the CNS are mostly diagnosed in newborns and infants. The most
      decisive role in the treatment of teratomas is played by as complete a resection
      as possible. Chemotherapy and irradiation play a subordinate role.Embryonal
      tumors, which constitute approximately 15-20% of CNS tumors, include
      medulloblastomas, primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) of the CNS and the
      atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor of the CNS. Medulloblastoma is the most common
      malignant brain tumor in childhood and adolescence. The incidence peak is the
      fifth year of life with a male predisposition in a ratio of 1.5:1.
      Medulloblastomas constitute 12-25% of all pediatric CNS tumors and 30-40% of
      pediatric tumors of the posterior cranial fossa. At the time of diagnosis
      evidence of dissemination in the CSF cavity is found in approximately 40% of
      patients. The extreme cell density makes medulloblastomas hyperdense in computed
      tomography (CT) and can therefore be differentiated from hypodense astrocytomas.
      The PNETs are histologically related to medulloblastomas, pineoblastomas,
      atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors and peripheral neuroblastomas. They are
      relatively rare in children constituting less than 5% of supratentorial
      neoplasms. Patients are mostly clinically conspicuous due to macrocephalus and
      signs of brain pressure and/or seizures. In native CT the solid components of
      PNETs show a hyperdensity compared to the surrounding brain parenchyma probably
      due to the high cell density. Cysts and calcification are often detectable. The
      survival rate of children with CNS tumors has continuously increased in recent
      years. When corresponding clinical symptoms appear, such as headache, nausea or
      vomiting when fasting, all of which are evidence of increased intracranial
      pressure, MRI should be carried out as quickly as possible. Children should be
      treated in centers with departments of pediatric oncology and hematology and
      within the framework of studies. 

PMID- 25119568
TI  - Host density and competency determine the effects of host diversity on trematode
      parasite infection.
AB  - Variation in host species composition can dramatically alter parasite
      transmission in natural communities. Whether diverse host communities dilute or
      amplify parasite transmission is thought to depend critically on species traits,
      particularly on how hosts affect each other's densities, and their relative
      competency as hosts. Here we studied a community of potential hosts and/or decoys
      (i.e. non-competent hosts) for two trematode parasite species, Echinostoma
      trivolvis and Ribeiroia ondatrae, which commonly infect wildlife across North
      America. We manipulated the density of a focal host (green frog tadpoles, Rana
      clamitans), in concert with manipulating the diversity of alternative species, to
      simulate communities where alternative species either (1) replace the focal host
      species so that the total number of individuals remains constant (substitution)
      or (2) add to total host density (addition). For E. trivolvis, we found that
      total parasite transmission remained roughly equal (or perhaps decreased
      slightly) when alternative species replaced focal host individuals, but parasite
      transmission was higher when alternative species were added to a community
      without replacing focal host individuals. Given the alternative species were
      roughly equal in competency, these results are consistent with current theory.
      Remarkably, both total tadpole and per-capita tadpole infection intensity by E.
      trivolvis increased with increasing intraspecific host density. For R. ondatrae,
      alternative species did not function as effective decoys or hosts for parasite
      infective stages, and the diversity and density treatments did not produce clear
      changes in parasite transmission, although high tank to tank variation in R.
      ondatrae infection could have obscured patterns. 

PMID- 25119570
TI  - [Soft tissue tumors : Imaging strategy for local primary diagnostics -
      manifestation, pearls and pitfalls in MRI].
AB  - Only approximately 1% of soft tissue tumors are malignant. Potentially malignant
      lesions can be recognized by ultrasound and submitted for magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI). Radiography can supply valuable additional information. The MRI
      examination is the imaging reference standard for soft tissue tumors and also
      serves as local staging modality. Lesions which are indeterminate in MRI, or in
      which therapy is dependent on histology results, should be biopsied. Referral to
      a reference center is recommended. The multitude of soft tissue tumor entities
      are classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) system (latest
      version 2013). Some tumors show characteristic locations and MRI morphology.
      Sarcoma staging by imaging is influenced by the size and site in comparison to
      the surface fascia. International standards must be adhered to: decisive for the
      patient is in particular the care by an experienced interdisciplinary tumor team.

PMID- 25119571
TI  - A preliminary pilot randomized crossover study of uzara (Xysmalobium undulatum)
      versus ibuprofen in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preliminary evaluation of efficacy and safety of uzara use in
      treatment of moderate and severe primary dysmenorrhea in comparison to ibuprofen.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, comparative two way cross-over study
      comprised 60 single female students at Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University,
      Egypt, aged 19-28 years with moderate (n = 46) or severe (n = 14) primary
      dysmenorrhea. Participants were randomized to take either uzara (80 mg/8 hours
      for two doses, then 40 mg/8 hours) then ibuprofen (400 mg/6 hours) in two
      subsequent cycles or vice versa. The pain intensity, using VAS, was recorded
      immediately before taking the medication (0 hour) and after 4, 12, 24, 48-60, 96
      120 hours. Main outcome measures included effectiveness of pain relief defined as
      drop of VAS to 3 or less, patient's global evaluation of the drug, absence from
      school, the use of a rescue medication, and, in those who continued the
      treatment, the pain intensity difference (PID) at different points after start of
      medication and its sum (SPID). RESULTS: Uzara was comparably effective to
      ibuprofen (78.3% vs. 86.7% of cycles; respectively), with comparable rates of
      effectiveness on global evaluation (being around 50% for either drug), and rates
      of school absences (11.7% vs. 13.3%; respectively). The need for rescue
      medication was different (18.3% and 10%; respectively), albeit with no
      statistical significance. The means of PID at different time points and SPID were
      comparable, with significantly lower average mean of VAS scores compared to that
      felt with no medication (1.6 vs. 6.8, p<0.001). Side effects were less with uzara
      than ibuprofen (0% vs. 8.3%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Uzara might be as effective as
      ibuprofen in management of primary dysmenorrhea but with less side effects. These
      findings need to be confirmed by a properly designed trial with a larger sample
      size. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN25618258.

PMID- 25119574
TI  - Adjunctive treatments in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome.
AB  - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating process that involves
      pulmonary inflammation, alveolar damage and hypoxemic respiratory failure.
      Although advances in management approaches over the past two decades have
      resulted in significantly improved outcomes, death from pediatric ARDS may still
      occur in up to 35% of patients. While invasive mechanical ventilation is an
      essential component of ARDS management, various adjuncts have been utilized as
      treatment for these patients. However, evidence-based data in infants and
      children in this area are lacking. In this article, the authors review the
      available evidence supporting (or not supporting) the use of non-ventilatory
      adjunctive strategies in the management of pediatric ARDS, including prone
      positioning, pulmonary vasodilators, beta-agonists, steroids and surfactant. 

PMID- 25119573
TI  - Dysfunction of bone marrow vascular niche in acute graft-versus-host disease
      after MHC-haploidentical bone marrow transplantation.
AB  - Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is the most common complication of
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which is often
      accompanied by impaired hematopoietic reconstitution. Sinusoidal endothelial
      cells (SECs) constitute bone marrow (BM) vascular niche that plays an important
      role in supporting self-renewal capacity and maintaining the stability of HSC
      pool. Here we provide evidences that vascular niche is a target of aGvHD in a
      major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-haploidentical matched murine HSCT model.
      The results demonstrated that hematopoietic cells derived from GvHD mice had the
      capacity to reconstitute hematopoiesis in healthy recipient mice. However,
      hematopoietic cells from healthy donor mice failed to reconstitute hematopoiesis
      in GvHD recipient mice, indicating that the BM niche was impaired by aGvHD in
      this model. We further demonstrated that SECs were markedly reduced in the BM of
      aGvHD mice. High level of Fas and caspase-3 expression and high rate of apoptosis
      were identified in SECs, indicating that SECs were destroyed by aGvHD in this
      murine HSCT model. Furthermore, high Fas ligand expression on engrafted donor
      CD4(+), but not CD8(+) T cells, and high level MHC-II but not MHC-I expression on
      SECs, suggested that SECs apoptosis was mediated by CD4(+) donor T cells through
      the Fas/FasL pathway.

PMID- 25119572
TI  - Tumour cells expressing single VEGF isoforms display distinct growth, survival
      and migration characteristics.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) is produced by most cancer cells as
      multiple isoforms, which display distinct biological activities. VEGF plays an
      undisputed role in tumour growth, vascularisation and metastasis; nevertheless
      the functions of individual isoforms in these processes remain poorly understood.
      We investigated the effects of three main murine isoforms (VEGF188, 164 and 120)
      on tumour cell behaviour, using a panel of fibrosarcoma cells we developed that
      express them individually under endogenous promoter control. Fibrosarcomas
      expressing only VEGF188 (fs188) or wild type controls (fswt) were typically
      mesenchymal, formed ruffles and displayed strong matrix-binding activity. VEGF164
      and VEGF120-producing cells (fs164 and fs120 respectively) were less typically
      mesenchymal, lacked ruffles but formed abundant cell-cell contacts. On 3D
      collagen, fs188 cells remained mesenchymal while fs164 and fs120 cells adopted
      rounded/amoeboid and a mix of rounded and elongated morphologies respectively.
      Consistent with their mesenchymal characteristics, fs188 cells migrated
      significantly faster than fs164 or fs120 cells on 2D surfaces while contractility
      inhibitors accelerated fs164 and fs120 cell migration. VEGF164/VEGF120 expression
      correlated with faster proliferation rates and lower levels of spontaneous
      apoptosis than VEGF188 expression. Nevertheless, VEGF188 was associated with
      constitutively active/phosphorylated AKT, ERK1/2 and Stat3 proteins. Differences
      in proliferation rates and apoptosis could be explained by defective signalling
      downstream of pAKT to FOXO and GSK3 in fs188 and fswt cells, which also
      correlated with p27/p21 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor over-expression. All
      cells expressed tyrosine kinase VEGF receptors, but these were not
      active/activatable suggesting that inherent differences between the cell lines
      are governed by endogenous VEGF isoform expression through complex interactions
      that are independent of tyrosine kinase receptor activation. VEGF isoforms are
      emerging as potential biomarkers for anti-VEGF therapies. Our results reveal
      novel roles of individual isoforms associated with cancer growth and metastasis
      and highlight the importance of understanding their diverse actions. 

PMID- 25119576
TI  - [(Gastro-)intestinal tract (reflections to issue 4/2014 - editorial)].

PMID- 25119575
TI  - [Nerve-preserving low anterior rectum resection].
AB  - AIM: The Performance of an oncological low anterior rectum resection with
      preservation of the sympathic and parasympathic nerves is illustrated.
      INDICATION: The total mesorectal excision (TME) by Robert Heald et al. is the
      gold standard for rectal cancer operations which has lowered drastically the
      local recurrence rate. As the survival data improve, the new focus is the
      postoperative quality of life with preserving of the bladder and sexual function.
      METHOD: We demonstrate an anterior rectal cancer operation with preserving of the
      sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves step by step. CONCLUSION: The critical
      parts of preserving the nerves with the N. hypogastricus superior and inferior as
      well as the neurovascular bundle "erigent pillar" are demonstrated.

PMID- 25119577
TI  - [Barrett's neoplasia: where is the problem?].
AB  - The Barrett mucosa is characterised by metaplastic transformation in the distal
      oesophagus from squamous epithelium into columnar-lined cells and shows an
      increased risk for progression into adenocarcinoma. Up to date an international
      definition of Barrett's oesophagus is still lacking and it is also difficult to
      separate low-grade dysplasia/intraepithelial neoplasia from high-grade
      dysplasia/intraepithelial neoplasia. The present review describes the criteria
      for the histological diagnosis, discusses the possibilities of endoscopic
      diagnosis and highlights the biomarkers of the Barrett mucosa. 

PMID- 25119578
TI  - [Helicobacter pylori: short overview on selected data from the history and their
      value for clinical medicine, in particular, surgery - what does the
      (general/abdominal) surgeon need to know].
AB  - The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) represents one of the most
      notable events in the field of experimental and clinical medicine with great
      impact to daily practice even to surgery. It has led to a paradigm shift in the
      treatment of peptic ulcer disease. For the time period of almost one century,
      several scientists had described spiral-shaped bacteria in the stomach of animals
      and humans. However, it lasted till the early 1980s when Robin Warren and Barry
      Marshall successfully cultured H. pylori and recognised its causal relationship
      to chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Since then, our knowledge about H.
      pylori and related diseases has been continuously growing. Today, the bacterium
      is known to be mainly responsible for the development of chronic gastritis,
      peptic ulcer disease, MALT lymphoma and is considered as the main risk factor for
      the development of gastric cancer - all this led to a switch in the basic
      aetiopathogenetic considerations. In particular, eradication of H. pylori helped
      to i) develop an aetiology-based therapeutic and preventive approach to the
      diseases listed above according and adapted to findings, stage and manifestation,
      and ii) define a new role of surgery in the treatment concept. In addition, more
      and more evidence is being gathered for a possible association between the
      bacterium and several extragastric diseases. 

PMID- 25119580
TI  - The placebo effect, sleep difficulty, and side effects: a balanced placebo model.
AB  - Medical treatment is usually accompanied by a warning about potential side
      effects. While constituting an important component of informed consent, these
      warnings may themselves contribute to side effects via the placebo effect. We
      tested this possibility using a 2 * 2 between-subjects design. Under the guise of
      a trial of a new hypnotic, 91 undergraduates experiencing difficulty sleeping
      were allocated to receive a warning about a target side effect (either increase
      or decrease in appetite, counterbalanced) or no warning and then to receive
      placebo treatment or no treatment for one week. Placebo treatment led to
      significantly better sleep on almost all self-reported outcomes, suggesting a
      placebo effect for reported sleep difficulty. Actigraphy recordings were
      unaffected by treatment. There was a clear effect of the warning in that placebo
      treated participants who were warned about side effects were much more likely to
      report the target side effect than those not warned about side effects.
      Implications for clinical practice are discussed.

PMID- 25119582
TI  - Non-invasive whole-body plethysmograph for assessment and prediction of radiation
      induced lung injury using simultaneously acquired nitric oxide and lung volume
      measurements.
AB  - Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a prevalent side effect in patients who
      undergo thoracic irradiation as part of their cancer treatment. Preclinical
      studies play a major role in understanding disease onset under controlled
      experimental conditions. The aim of this work is to develop a single-chambered
      optimized, non-invasive, whole-body plethysmograph prototype for unrestrained
      small animal lung volume measurements for preclinical RILI studies. The system is
      also designed to simultaneously obtain nitric oxide (NO) measurements of the
      expired breath. The device prototype was tested using computer simulations,
      phantom studies and in vivo measurements in experimental animal models of RILI.
      The system was found to improve resemblance to true breathing signal
      characteristics as measured by improved skewness (21.83%) and kurtosis (51.94%)
      in addition to increased overall signal sensitivity (3.61%) of the acquired
      breath signal, when compared to matching control data. NO concentration data was
      combined with breath measurements in order to predict early RILI onset. The
      system was evaluated using serial weekly measurements in hemi-thorax irradiated
      rats (n = 8) yielding a classification performance of 50.0%, 62.5%, 87.5% using
      lung volume only, NO only, and combined measurements of both, respectively. Our
      results indicate that improved performance could be achieved when measurements of
      lung volume are combined with those of NO. This would provide the overall
      plethysmography system with the ability to provide useful diagnostic and
      prognostic information for preclinical and, potentially, clinical thoracic dose
      escalation studies. 

PMID- 25119581
TI  - Therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment related peripheral neuropathies.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common
      toxicity associated with multiple chemotherapeutic agents. CIPN may have a
      detrimental impact on patients' quality of life and functional ability, as well
      as result in chemotherapy dose reductions. Although symptoms of CIPN can improve
      with treatment completion, symptoms may persist. Currently, the treatment options
      for CIPN are quite limited. Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake
      inhibitor, has the most evidence supporting its use in the treatment of CIPN.
      Other agents with potential benefit for the treatment of established CIPN include
      gabapentinoids, venlafaxine, tricyclic antidepressants, and a topical gel
      consisting of the combination of amitriptyline, ketamine, and baclofen; none of
      these, however, has been proven to be helpful and ongoing/future studies may well
      show that they are not beneficial. The use of these agents is often based on
      their efficacy in the treatment of non-CIPN neuropathic pain, but this does not
      necessarily mean that they will be helpful for CIPN-related symptoms. Other
      nonpharmacologic interventions including acupuncture and Scrambler therapy are
      supported by positive preliminary data; however, further larger, placebo
      controlled trial data are needed to confirm or refute their effectiveness.

PMID- 25119583
TI  - Blockade of epidermal growth factor receptor/mammalian target of rapamycin
      pathway by Icariside II results in reduced cell proliferation of osteosarcoma
      cells.
AB  - Icariside II is considered one of the most important natural flavonoids with
      multiple bioactivities from traditional Chinese medicine Yin Yanghuo (YYH) or
      Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium koreanum Nakai). Previous studies show that Icariside
      II exhibits potent cytotoxicity against a broad spectrum of human cancer cells
      through various signaling transduction pathways. However, there are few reports
      about the effect of Icariside II on osteosarcoma cell. In this study, we found
      that Icariside II decreased cell proliferation in human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells
      and human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells. In addition, Icariside II inactivated
      EGFR/mTOR signaling pathway, including EGFR, PI3K/AKT/PRAS40, Raf/MEK/ERK as well
      as mTOR. Furthermore, Icariside II inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF)
      induced activation of EGFR/mTOR signaling pathway. Pretreatment of EGF partially
      reversed cell viability decreased by Icariside II. Importantly, Icariside II
      inhibited the proliferation of transplantable tumors and EGFR/mTOR signaling
      pathway in sarcoma-180 bearing mice. In summary, these results indicate that
      Icariside II inhibits the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in
      vivo via EGFR/mTOR signaling pathway. 

PMID- 25119585
TI  - Antiretroviral therapy adherence measurement in non-clinical settings in South
      India.
AB  - Optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is key to viral suppression,
      but may be impeded by psychosocial consequences of HIV-infection such as stigma
      and depression. Measures of adherence in India have been examined in clinic
      populations, but little is known about the performance of these measures outside
      clinical settings. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 151 Tamil-speaking
      people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in India recruited through HIV support
      networks and compared single item measures from the Adult AIDS Clinical Trial
      Group (AACTG) scale, a visual analog scale (VAS), and a question on timing of
      last missed dose. Depression was measured using the Major Depression Inventory
      (MDI) and HIV-related stigma was measured using an adaptation of the Berger
      Stigma Scale. Mean age was 35.6 years (SD +/- 5.9); 55.6% were male; mean MDI
      score was 11.9 (SD +/- 9.1); and mean stigma score was 67.3 (SD +/- 12.0). Self
      reported perfect adherence (no missed doses) was 93.3% using the AACTG item,
      87.1% using last missed dose, and 83.8% using the VAS. The measures had moderate
      agreement with each other (kappa 0.45-0.57). Depression was associated with lower
      adherence irrespective of adherence measure used, and remained significantly
      associated in multivariable analyses adjusting for age and marital status. Stigma
      was not associated with adherence irrespective of the measure used. The VAS
      captured the greatest number of potentially non-adherent individuals and may be
      useful for identifying PLHA in need of adherence support. Given the consistent
      and strong association between poorer adherence and depression, programs that
      jointly address adherence and mental health for PLHA in India may be more
      effective than programs targeting only one. 

PMID- 25119584
TI  - A cautionary tale for autologous vascular tissue engineering: impact of human
      demographics on the ability of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to recruit
      and differentiate into smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Autologous tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) generated using adult stem
      cells have shown promising results, but many preclinical evaluations do not test
      the efficacy of stem cells from patient populations likely to need therapy (i.e.,
      elderly and diabetic humans). Two critical functions of these cells will be (i)
      secreting factors that induce the migration of host cells into the graft and (ii)
      differentiating into functional vascular cells themselves. The purpose of this
      study was to analyze whether adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs)
      sourced from diabetic and elderly patients have a reduced ability to promote
      human smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and differentiation potential toward
      SMCs, two important processes in stem cell-based tissue engineering of vascular
      grafts. SMC monolayers were disrupted in vitro by a scratch wound and were
      induced to close the wound by exposure to media conditioned by AD-MSCs from
      healthy, elderly, and diabetic patients. Media conditioned by AD-MSCs from
      healthy patients promoted the migration of SMCs and did so in a dose-dependent
      manner; heating the media to 56 degrees C eliminated the media's potency. AD-MSCs
      from diabetic and elderly patients had a decreased ability to differentiate into
      SMCs under angiotensin II stimulation; however, only AD-MSCs from elderly donors
      were unable to promote SMC migration. Gender and body-mass index of the patients
      showed no effect on either critical function of AD-MSCs. In conclusion, AD-MSCs
      from elderly patients may not be suitable for autologous TEBVs due to inadequate
      promotion of SMC migration and differentiation. 

PMID- 25119586
TI  - Attachment styles and sexual dysfunctions: a case-control study of female and
      male sexuality.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate attachment styles in a group of women
      and men with sexual dysfunction. We recruited 44 subjects (21 women and 23 men)
      with sexual dysfunction and 41 subjects (21 women and 20 men) with healthy sexual
      function as the control group. Validated instruments for the evaluation of male
      and female sexual dysfunctions (M/F SD) and a psychometric tool specifically
      designed to investigate attachment style were administered. In women, significant
      differences were found between subjects with sexual dysfunction and healthy
      controls. The scales indicating an insecure attachment showed: discomfort with
      closeness (FSD = 42.85 +/- 11.55 vs CTRL = 37.38 +/- 8.54; P < 0.01),
      relationship as secondary (FSD = 26.76 +/- 2.60 vs CTRL = 18.42 +/- 7.99; P <
      0.01), and need for approval (FSD=26.38 +/- 3.61 vs CTRL = 20.76 +/- 7.36; P <
      0.01). Healthy women also had significantly higher scores in secure attachment
      (confidence: FSD = 24.57 +/- 3.89 vs CTRL = 33.42 +/- 5.74; P < 0.01). Men with
      sexual dysfunctions differed from healthy men in confidence (MSD = 30 +/- 6.33 vs
      CTRL = 36.05 +/- 5.26; P < 0.01) and in discomfort with closeness (MSD = 39.08 +/
      8 vs CTRL = 34.25 +/- 7.54; P < 0.05). These results suggest that particular
      aspects related to insecure attachment have a determinant role in people with
      sexual dysfunctions. It is therefore fundamental to identify the attachment
      styles and relational patterns in patients receiving counselling and
      psychological treatments focussed on sexual problems.

PMID- 25119588
TI  - Strong association of high urinary iodine with thyroid nodule and papillary
      thyroid cancer.
AB  - This study demonstrates a strong association of high urinary iodine with thyroid
      nodules and papillary thyroid cancer as well as aggressive cancer features,
      suggesting that high urinary iodine is a risk factor for thyroid cancer. The risk
      of high iodine intake for thyroid cancer has been suggested but not established.
      The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between urine iodine
      levels and thyroid nodule and thyroid cancer. We preoperatively tested fasting
      urine iodine in 154 thyroid nodule patients and correlated the results with
      pathological diagnoses and compared with 306 subjects as normal control. The
      median urine iodine (MUI) was 331.33 MUg/L in patients with benign thyroid
      nodules versus 466.23 MUg/L in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)
      (P=0.003), both of which were in the excessive iodine state and higher than the
      MUI of 174.30 MUg/L in the control group (P < 0.001), which was in the sufficient
      iodine state. Excessive iodine state (MUI>300 MUg/L) was seen in 62.75% of
      patients with benign thyroid nodules and 66.99% of patients with PTC, both of
      which were significantly higher than the iodine excessive rate of 19.93% in the
      control group (P<0.001). Moreover, MUI in patients with PTC with lymph node
      metastasis was significantly higher than that of PTC patients without lymph node
      metastasis (P<0.001). Urine iodine of thyroid cancer patients with stage III and
      IV disease was significantly higher than that of patients with stage I and II
      diseases (P<0.001). Multivariable analyses showed that, like sand calcification
      of thyroid nodule and TSH, urine iodine was an independent risk factor for PTC.
      These data demonstrate a significant association between high urinary iodine and
      benign and malignant thyroid nodules and PTC aggressiveness, supporting high
      urinary iodine as a risk factor for thyroid malignancy. Further studies are
      warranted to confirm these findings.

PMID- 25119587
TI  - Kruppel-like factor 5 as potential molecular marker in cervical cancer and the
      KLF family profile expression.
AB  - Cervical cancer (CC) as other cancer types, presents molecular deregulations,
      such as the alterations of transcription factors. Kruppel-like factors (KLF) are
      a family of transcriptional regulators. They are involved in diverse cellular
      processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis among others. Here,
      we analyzed the expression of all 17 KLF members at messenger RNA (mRNA) level,
      and protein expression of the two most commonly altered KLF5 and KLF6 in cervical
      tissues. Fifty-nine cervical tissues ranging from normal tissue to CC were
      evaluated for KLF1-17 mRNA expression by end-point RT-PCR and KLF5 by qRT-PCR.
      For KLF5 and KLF6 protein analysis, a tissue microarray was constructed
      containing the 59 cases and subjected for immunohistochemistry assay and KLF6
      IVS1-27G>A single nucleotide polymorphism by direct DNA sequencing. KLF2-16
      expressions were present in normal tissue, whereas all 17 were present in Low
      Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion, High-Grade-SIL and CC, unrelated to
      presence of human papillomavirus (HPV). KLF5 mRNA expression gradually increased
      throughout the subgroups and overexpressed in CC (p=0.01). KLF5 and KLF6 proteins
      were immunodetected in all samples. For the KLF6 SNP analysis, 80% of the CC
      population analyzed presented GG genotype and the remaining 20% presented GA
      genotype (p=0.491). Our present data show that KLFs expression could not be
      related to HPV presence, at least at transcriptional level, and KLF5 mRNA
      overexpression could represent a potential molecular marker for CC; KLF6 SNP has
      no relation to increased risk of CC.

PMID- 25119589
TI  - Association between murine double minute 2 T309G polymorphism and risk of liver
      cancer.
AB  - During the past decade, a number of studies were published to evaluate the
      association between murine double minute 2 (MDM2) T309G polymorphism and risk of
      liver cancer. However, the association between MDM2 T309G polymorphism and risk
      of liver cancer was still unclear owing to the conflicting results from those
      published studies. An undated meta-analysis of all eligible studies was carried
      out to comprehensively assess the association. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95
      % confidence interval (95% CI) was used to evaluate the association between MDM2
      T309G polymorphism and risk of liver cancer. Finally, ten studies with a total of
      2,243 cases and 3,471 controls were finally included into the meta-analysis.
      Overall, there was an association between MDM2 T309G polymorphism and risk of
      liver cancer (G vs. T: OR=1.39, 95% CI 1.17-1.64, P<0.001; GG vs. TT: OR=1.87,
      95% CI 1.34-2.62, P<0.001; GG/GT vs. TT: OR=1.61, 95 % CI 1.24-2.08, P<0.001).
      Subgroup analysis in Europeans showed that there was also an association between
      MDM2 T309G polymorphism and risk of liver cancer in Europeans (G vs. T: OR=1.81,
      95% CI 1.45-2.27, P<0.001; GG vs. TT: OR=3.26, 95% CI 1.99-5.32, P<0.001; GG/GT
      vs. TT: OR=2.20, 95% CI 1.58-3.07, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis in Asians showed
      that there was also an association between MDM2 T309G polymorphism and risk of
      liver cancer in Asians (G vs. T: OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.06-1.52, P=0.010; GG vs. TT:
      OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.11-2.27, P=0.011; GG/GT vs. TT: OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.07-1.87,
      P=0.016). The meta-analysis provides a strong evidence for the association
      between MDM2 T309G polymorphism and risk of liver cancer.

PMID- 25119590
TI  - Molecular regulation of ovarian cancer cell invasion.
AB  - The molecular mechanism underlying ovarian cancer invasiveness and metastasis
      remains unclear. Since significant downregulation in microRNA 200 (miRNA200)
      family (miR200a, miR200b, and miR200c) has been reported in the invasive ovarian
      cancer cells, here, we used two human ovarian cancer cell lines, OVCAR3 and
      SKOV3, to study the molecular basis of miR200, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3)
      activation, and cancer invasiveness. We found that overexpression of either
      miR200 family member in OVCAR3 or SKOV3 cells significantly inhibited production
      and secretion of MMP3 and cancer invasiveness. Moreover, forced MMP3 expression
      abolished miR200-induced inhibition of ovarian cancer cell invasiveness,
      suggesting that miR200 family inhibited ovarian cell invasiveness via
      downregulating MMP3. Furthermore, ZEB1, a major target of miR200, was inhibited
      by miR200 overexpression. Forced ZEB1 expression abolished miR200-induced
      inhibition of ovarian cancer cell invasiveness, suggesting that ZEB1 is a direct
      target of miR200 for inhibiting ovarian cell invasiveness. Finally,
      phosphorylated SMAD3 (pSMAD3), a major partner of ZEB1, was efficiently inhibited
      by miR200, which could be restored by forced expression of ZEB1, but not by
      forced expression of MMP3, suggesting that ZEB1/pSMAD3 is signaling cascade
      upstream of MMP3 in this model. Taken together, our data suggest that miR200
      family inhibited ovarian cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis by
      downregulating MMP3, possibly through ZEB1/pSMAD3. 

PMID- 25119591
TI  - Novel methodologies in analysis of small molecule biomarkers and living cells.
AB  - Enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) is widely used for biomarker
      detection. A good biomarker can distinguish patients from healthy or benign
      diseases. However, the ELISA method is not suitable for small molecule or trace
      substance detection. Along with the development of new technologies, an
      increasing level of biomaterials, especially small molecules, will be identified
      as novel biomarkers. Quantitative immuno-PCR, chromatography-mass spectrometry,
      and nucleic acid aptamer are emerging methodologies for detection of small
      molecule biomarkers, even in living cells. In this review, we focus on these
      novel technologies and their potential for small molecule biomarkers and living
      cell analysis. 

PMID- 25119593
TI  - Different mutational characteristics of TSG in cell lines and surgical specimens.
AB  - One of the most crucial concerns of cancer research pertains to the differences
      between the neoplastic cells in tumor specimens in vivo and their counterparts in
      cell lines. The huge amount of results deposited in cancer genetic databases
      allows to address this issue from a wider perspective. Our analysis of the Sanger
      Institute Catalog Of Somatic Mutations In Cancer (COSMIC) database v61 showed a
      lower percentage of homozygous mutations in a group of tumor suppressor genes in
      surgical samples (in vivo) in comparison to their frequency in cell lines (in
      vitro). Similarly, the mutations resulting in the lack of protein (e.g., nonsense
      mutations or whole gene deletions) of several tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) were
      more frequently observed in vitro than in vivo. In this article, we suggest two
      potential explanations of these data. Firstly, TSG heterozygous mutations
      resulting in the modified protein (e.g., missense mutations) may be gradually
      (when the specific molecular context is achieved) changed to homozygous mutations
      resulting in the lack of protein during carcinogenesis. Secondly, among different
      independent pathways of tumorigenesis, those leading to homozygous nonsense
      mutations are characteristic for cells which are more efficiently stabilized in
      vitro. To conclude, these observations may be interesting for researchers working
      with cell line in vitro models illustrating the extent to which they reflect the
      tumors in vivo. 

PMID- 25119592
TI  - Adjuvant and chemopreventive therapies for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a
      literature review.
AB  - The recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after potentially curative
      hepatic resection (HR) is very high. Many clinical trials have explored the
      efficacy of several treatment modalities to prevent recurrence, including
      adjuvant and chemopreventive therapy, but they have often reported contradictory
      findings. As a result, most liver guidelines and liver seminars do not
      unequivocally endorse adjuvant or chemopreventive therapy for HCC patients after
      potentially curative HR. To examine the available evidence on this question, we
      comprehensively searched PubMed for controlled studies that included a supportive
      care or placebo control arm, and we used the GRADE system to classify and assess
      the results. 

PMID- 25119594
TI  - Hsa-miR-195 targets PCMT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma that increases tumor life
      span.
AB  - MicroRNAs are small 19-25 nucleotides which have been shown to play important
      roles in the regulation of gene expression in many organisms. Downregulation or
      accumulation of miRNAs implies either tumor suppression or oncogenic activation.
      In this study, differentially expressed hsa-miR-195 in hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) was identified and analyzed. The prediction was done using a consensus
      approach of tools. The validation steps were done at two different levels in
      silico and in vitro. FGF7, GHR, PCMT1, CITED2, PEX5, PEX13, NOVA1, AXIN2, and
      TSPYL2 were detected with high significant (P < 0.005). These genes are involved
      in important pathways in cancer like MAPK signaling pathway, Jak-STAT signaling
      pathways, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, angiogenesis, Wnt signaling pathway,
      and TGF-beta signaling pathway. In vitro target validation was done for protein-L
      isoaspartate (D-aspartate) O-methyltransferase (PCMT1). The co-transfection of
      pmirGLO-PCMT1 and pEGP-miR-195 showed highly significant results. Firefly
      luciferase was detected using Lumiscensor and t test analysis was done. Firefly
      luciferase expression was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in comparison to
      the control. The low expression of firefly luciferase validates the method of
      target prediction that we used in this work by working on PCMT1 as a target for
      miR-195. Furthermore, the rest of the predicted genes are suspected to be real
      targets for hsa-miR-195. These target genes control almost all the hallmarks of
      liver cancer which can be used as therapeutic targets in cancer treatment.

PMID- 25119595
TI  - Podoplanin expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts in oral cancer.
AB  - Podoplanin is a mucin-type glycoprotein widely used as a lymphatic endothelial
      marker. It is well known that podoplanin is expressed in various neoplasms
      including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Apart from podoplanin expression
      in cancer cells, recent studies have suggested that podoplanin expression in
      stromal cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) may be an indicator of poor
      prognosis in various cancers. In the present study, we performed
      immunohistochemical analyses of podoplanin and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha
      SMA) in OSCC in order to clarify the significance of podoplanin-positive CAFs.
      Paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of 69 primary and 29 corresponding metastatic
      lesions in lymph nodes were examined immunohistochemically using antibodies
      against podoplanin and alpha-SMA. Podoplanin-positive stromal fibroblasts were
      detected in 51 (73.9%) of the 69 primary OSCCs and 24 (82.8%) of the 29 lymph
      nodes metastases. alpha-SMA immunoreactivity was observed in 39 (56.5%) of the
      primaries and 24 (82.8%) of the metastases. Further examination showed that 38
      (74.5%) of the primary lesions and 23 (95.8%) of the metastases with podoplanin
      positivity were also positive for alpha-SMA. In addition, the intensity of alpha
      SMA immunoreactivity increased as that of podoplanin became stronger. Podoplanin
      positive CAFs are considered to be myofibroblasts that may contribute to
      progression of oral cancer.

PMID- 25119597
TI  - Analysis of Tim-3 as a therapeutic target in prostate cancer.
AB  - T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 (Tim-3) is a
      newly discovered immunomodulatory, which plays an important role in immunity
      regulation. Recent evidence suggests that Tim-3 is differentially regulated in a
      variety of tumors and has a potential as a therapeutic target. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the effect of Tim-3 on the development of prostate
      cancer (PCa). Tim-3 expressing on peripheral CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells was analyzed
      by flow cytometry. The relationships between Tim-3 expression and
      clinicopathological features were analyzed. Immunohistochemical expression of Tim
      3 was examined in our large numbers of paraffin-fixed prostate tissues. Flow
      cytometry revealed that expression of Tim-3 was significantly increased on both
      CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in PCa patients than that in benign prostate hyperplasia
      (BPH) patients. Also, the level of Tim-3 on CD4+ T cells was positively
      correlated with CD8+ T cells in patients. Further analyses revealed that the
      levels of Tim-3 on CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells exhibited different expression
      patterns in terms of localization depending on pathological category of PCa and
      metastasis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that positive staining of Tim-3
      in PCa but little or no staining of Tim-3 was observed in BPH epithelium. Tim-3
      may affect the development and progression of PCa, which may provide knowledge
      for using Tim-3 as a novel therapy for effective PCa management. 

PMID- 25119598
TI  - Downregulation of a long noncoding RNA-ncRuPAR contributes to tumor inhibition in
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - In recent years, the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer is
      increasingly focused. ncRuPAR is a newly detected lncRNA; in previous study, we
      found out that ncRuPAR could inhibit tumor progression by downregulating protease
      activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), but its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is never
      elucidated. Here, we conducted a self-control study which includes 105 CRC
      samples. By quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical
      staining, we detected the expression of ncRuPAR and PAR-1 as well as their
      correlation; we further associated these data with the clinicopathologic
      parameters. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to
      evaluate the diagnostic value of ncRuPAR and PAR-1, respectively. Our results
      indicated that the expression of ncRuPAR was significantly downregulated in CRC
      compared with paired adjacent nontumor tissues, but the level of PAR-1 mRNA in
      cancerous tissues was significantly higher than in adjacent normal areas. The
      expression of ncRuPAR was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis,
      distant metastasis, Duck's stage, differentiation, and TNM stage and was
      potentially negatively associated with the mRNA levels and EI scores of PAR-1.
      The area under the ROC curve of ncRuPAR was 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI):
      0.75-0.87); at a cutoff value of 8.34, the ncRuPAR measurement had a sensitivity
      of 97.14%, a specificity of 65.87%, and an accuracy of 82.86% to predict CRC.

PMID- 25119596
TI  - The clinical significance and regulation mechanism of hypoxia-inducible factor-1
      and miR-191 expression in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - The aim of study was to discuss the correlation and regulatory mechanism of HIF-1
      and miR-191 expression in pancreatic tumor. The association between the miR-191
      and the clinicopathologic characteristics and the prognosis of pancreatic cancer
      was further explored. After hypoxic cultured for 6 and 12 h, qRT-PCR and Western
      blot were practiced to analyze the miR-191 and HIF-1 expression of MIA PaCa-2 and
      Aspac1 cells. We regulated the HIF-1 expression via plasmid and siRNA
      transfection to observe the alteration of HIF-1 and miR-191 expression. ChIP
      sequencing identified the binding sites of HIF-1 and miR-191. Dual luciferase
      assays were practiced to verify the binding sites. Immunohistochemical staining
      was practiced to analyze the expression of HIF-1, while qRT-PCR were done for
      investigating miR-191 in tumor tissues. Then, the association between the
      expression of them and the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of
      pancreatic cancer were analyzed. After hypoxic cultured 12 h, the expression of
      HIF-1 protein, HIF-1mRNA and miR-191 of MIA PaCa-2 and AsPC-1 cells increased
      significantly (P < 0.05). After HIF-1 overexpressing plasmid transfected to the
      MIA PaCa-2 and AsPC-1 cells for 48 h, the expression of HIF-1 protein, HIF-1mRNA,
      and miR-191 upregulated significantly (P < 0.05). While after transfected the MIA
      PaCa-2 cells by HIF-1 siRNA, the significant decreasing of HIF-1 protein, HIF
      1mRNA, and miR-191 expression were observed (P < 0.05). ChIP sequencing showed
      the protein synthesis of HIF-1 increased in hypoxia situation. Only the HRE5 (
      1,169 bp, ChIP4) were significantly brighter in hypoxia in comparing with
      normoxic cells. In dual luciferase assays, after pGL3-miR-191 and HIF-1
      overexpressing plasmid co-transfect the MIAPaCa-2 cells for 48 h, its relative
      expression of bioluminescence was higher than those co-transfected by mutant miR
      191 vectors and HIF-1 overexpressing plasmid or by pGL3-miR-191 and HIF-1 empty
      plasmid. The expression of miR-191 closely associated with the tumor size, pTNM
      stage, lymph node metastasis, and perineural invasion (P < 0.05). Patients with
      higher expression of miR-191 were a risk factor for prognosis of pancreatic
      cancers. Expression of HIF-1 in pancreatic cancer cells increased under the
      condition of chronic hypoxia, which may bind to HRE2 in 5'flanking region of miR
      191 and initiate transcription of miR-191. Expression of miR-191 was
      significantly higher in pancreatic tumor tissues. The expression of miR-191
      closely associated with the tumor size, pTNM stage, lymph node metastasis and
      perineural invasion and poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 25119599
TI  - miR-152 suppresses gastric cancer cell proliferation and motility by targeting
      CD151.
AB  - We aimed to study the post-translational regulation of CD151 by the microRNA miR
      152. CD151 is highly expressed in gastric cancer (GC) and has been shown to
      accelerate GC by enhancing invasion and metastasis; however, its regulation is
      still unclear. Our results showed decreased expression of miR-152 in GC tissue
      samples and cell lines. In addition, miR-152 complementation significantly
      inhibits both the proliferation and motility of GC cells. CD151 was found to be a
      target of miR-152, and overexpression of CD151 attenuated the suppressive effect
      of miR-152. Our findings highlight an essential role of miR-152 in the regulation
      of proliferation and motility of GC cells and suggest a potential application of
      miR-152 in GC treatment. 

PMID- 25119600
TI  - TES was epigenetically silenced and suppressed the epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition in breast cancer.
AB  - The TES gene was frequently lost in breast cancer, which could inhibit tumor
      invasion and the formation of distant metastasis. However, the underlying
      mechanisms remain unknown yet. In the present study, we aimed to investigate how
      TES was silenced and its roles in EMT--the key step for tumor metastasis. Real
      time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the
      mRNA and protein expression of target genes; the status of TES promoter was
      determined by methylation-specific PCR and subsequently, DNA sequencing.
      Overexpression or downregulation of TES was achieved by pcDNA3.1-TES or shRNA-TES
      transfection. Cellular adhesion and migration were investigated by the adhesion
      and Transwell assays. Morphological changes of breast cancer cells were observed
      under the optical microscope. The Rho A activity was measured using a commercial
      kit, and its roles in TES-manipulated EMT were determined by real-time PCR and
      Western blot. The 42.3% (33/78) breast cancer tissues presented hypermethylation
      of the TES gene, whereas only 2 (2.6%) non-malignant cases were hypermethylated
      (P<0.001). Moreover, TES hypermethylation was significantly correlated with
      larger tumor diameter (P=0.03) and lympho node metastasis (P=0.024). In primary
      cultured breast cancer cells, the demethylation treatment using 5-aza-dC notably
      restored the expression of TES. In vitro, overexpression of TES enhanced cellular
      adhesion inhibited migration and suppressed EMT, while downregulation of TES
      impaired cellular adhesion, promoted migration, and enhanced EMT. TES
      overexpression also activated the Rho A signal, which is a critical factor for
      the effects of TES on the EMT procedure. We firstly proved that frequent loss of
      TES in breast cancer was caused by promoter hypermethylation, which was
      correlated with poor prognosis. In vitro, TES enhanced cellular adhesion,
      suppressed tumor migration, and inhibited EMT. Moreover, the Rho A pathway was
      critical for the effects of TES on EMT, which can be blocked by the Rho A
      inhibitor. Therefore, we propose restoration of TES as a potent strategy for
      breast cancer therapy.

PMID- 25119601
TI  - Armc8 expression was elevated during atypia-to-carcinoma progression and
      associated with cancer development of breast carcinoma.
AB  - Armadillo repeat-containing protein 8 (Armc8) is a key factor to regulate cell
      membrane adhesion complex through promoting alpha-catenin degradation. However,
      its expression and function in human malignant tumors are largely unknown. Here,
      we present our study investigating Armc8 expression in tumor and non-tumor breast
      tissues including 45 normal epithelia, 53 lesions of hyperplasia with or without
      dysplasia, 22 benign tumors, and 92 carcinomas including 28 carcinomas in situ
      and 64 infiltrating carcinomas using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western
      blotting study. Armc8 expression was detected mainly in the cytoplasm with
      occasional membrane immunostaining. The positive rate of Armc8 expression in
      normal breast epithelia (8.9%, four out of 45) was very low. No significant
      difference was found between Armc8 expression in usual ductal hyperplasia (UDH)
      (11.1%, two out of 18), benign breast tumors including intraductal papilloma
      (10.0%, one out of 10) and fibroadenoma (8.3%, one out of 12), and normal breast
      epithelia (p>0.05). Elevated expression of Armc8 was found in breast epithelia
      with dysplasia (24.0%, six out of 25) compared to that in normal breast
      epithelia, UDH, and benign breast tumors (p<0.05). Armc8 expression in breast
      carcinoma including breast carcinoma in situ (10/28, 35.7%), infiltrating ductal
      carcinoma (60.7%, 34/56), and infiltrating lobular carcinoma (50.0%, 4/8) was
      higher than that in normal breast epithelia, UDH, benign breast tumors, and
      breast epithelia with dysplasia (p<0.05). The highest expression of Armc8 was
      found in infiltrating breast carcinoma (59.4%, 38/64) compared to all the other
      breast tissues. Higher Armc8 expression was found to be linked to lymph node
      metastasis and advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages (III+IV) in
      infiltrating breast carcinoma (p<0.05). We further confirmed Armc8 expression in
      breast epithelial cell line MCF10A and breast carcinoma cell lines including MCF
      7, MDA-MB-231, and ZR751 using Western blotting and immunofluorescent study.
      These results indicate that the elevated expression of Armc8 may be involved in
      carcinogenesis including atypia-to-carcinoma progression and cancer development
      of breast carcinoma.

PMID- 25119603
TI  - In Vitro and in vivo characterization of wireless and passive micro system
      enabling gastrointestinal pressure monitoring.
AB  - This paper presents a wireless and passive micro pressure system based on the LC
      mutual inductance detection mechanism for gastrointestinal (GI) pressure
      monitoring. The micro pressure system is composed of a sensor capsule (a pressure
      sensitive micro capacitive sensor in series with an induction coil to form an LC
      tank) and a detection unit (a detection coil connected with a network analyzer).
      The pressure variations under measurement lead to changes in the capacitance of
      the pressure sensor and therefore a shift in the LC tank resonant frequency,
      quantified by the impedance measurement of the detection coil. The pressure
      sensor was fabricated using microfabrication processes with key parameters
      optimized. The in vitro characterization of the micro pressure system recorded a
      sensitivity of 0.2491 kHz/kPa (-10 kPa to 30 kPa). One-month rabbit stomach
      pressure monitoring was conducted based on the developed micro pressure system as
      a confirmation of device long term in vivo stability. Furthermore, rabbit stomach
      pressure variations before and after food feeding was recorded and compared where
      three distinctive contraction patterns (random contraction with low amplitude,
      irregular strong contractions and regular contraction in a cyclic manner)
      following food feeding were located. Compared to previous reported GI pressure
      sensors, this LC tank is featured with simple device structure without batteries
      and electrical components for energy transfer. Both in vitro and in vivo
      characterization confirm the functionality of the system, which may enable the
      gastrointestinal motility study in the near future.

PMID- 25119602
TI  - Chronic atrophic gastritis in association with hair mercury level.
AB  - The objective of this study was to explore hair mercury level in association with
      chronic atrophic gastritis, a precancerous stage of gastric cancer (GC), and thus
      provide a brand new angle of view on the timely intervention of precancerous
      stage of GC. We recruited 149 healthy volunteers as controls and 152 patients
      suffering from chronic gastritis as cases. The controls denied upper
      gastrointestinal discomforts, and the cases were diagnosed as chronic superficial
      gastritis (n=68) or chronic atrophic gastritis (n=84). We utilized Mercury
      Automated Analyzer (NIC MA-3000) to detect hair mercury level of both healthy
      controls and cases of chronic gastritis. The statistic of measurement data was
      expressed as mean +/- standard deviation, which was analyzed using Levene
      variance equality test and t test. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to
      determine associated factors affecting hair mercury levels, and multiple stepwise
      regression analysis was performed to deduce regression equations. Statistical
      significance is considered if p value is less than 0.05. The overall hair mercury
      level was 0.908949 +/- 0.8844490 ng/g [mean +/- standard deviation (SD)] in
      gastritis cases and 0.460198 +/- 0.2712187 ng/g (mean+/-SD) in healthy controls;
      the former level was significantly higher than the latter one (p=0.000<0.01). The
      hair mercury level in chronic atrophic gastritis subgroup was 1.155220 +/-
      0.9470246 ng/g (mean +/- SD) and that in chronic superficial gastritis subgroup
      was 0.604732 +/- 0.6942509 ng/g (mean +/- SD); the former level was significantly
      higher than the latter level (p<0.01). The hair mercury level in chronic
      superficial gastritis cases was significantly higher than that in healthy
      controls (p<0.05). The hair mercury level in chronic atrophic gastritis cases was
      significantly higher than that in healthy controls (p<0.01). Stratified analysis
      indicated that the hair mercury level in healthy controls with eating seafood was
      significantly higher than that in healthy controls without eating seafood
      (p<0.01) and that the hair mercury level in chronic atrophic gastritis cases was
      significantly higher than that in chronic superficial gastritis cases (p<0.01).
      Pearson correlation analysis indicated that eating seafood was most correlated
      with hair mercury level and positively correlated in the healthy controls and
      that the severity of gastritis was most correlated with hair mercury level and
      positively correlated in the gastritis cases. Multiple stepwise regression
      analysis indicated that the regression equation of hair mercury level in controls
      could be expressed as 0.262 multiplied the value of eating seafood plus 0.434,
      the model that was statistically significant (p<0.01). Multiple stepwise
      regression analysis also indicated that the regression equation of hair mercury
      level in gastritis cases could be expressed as 0.305 multiplied the severity of
      gastritis, the model that was also statistically significant (p<0.01). The graphs
      of regression standardized residual for both controls and cases conformed to
      normal distribution. The main positively correlated factor affecting the hair
      mercury level is eating seafood in healthy people whereas the predominant
      positively correlated factor affecting the hair mercury level is the severity of
      gastritis in chronic gastritis patients. That is to say, the severity of chronic
      gastritis is positively correlated with the level of hair mercury. The
      incessantly increased level of hair mercury possibly reflects the development of
      gastritis from normal stomach to superficial gastritis and to atrophic gastritis.
      The detection of hair mercury is potentially a means to predict the severity of
      chronic gastritis and possibly to insinuate the environmental mercury threat to
      human health in terms of gastritis or even carcinogenesis.

PMID- 25119604
TI  - Adverse effects of prohibiting narrow provider networks.
AB  - Many insurers participating in the new insurance exchanges are controlling costs
      by offering plans with narrow provider networks. Proposed regulations would
      promote network adequacy, but a pro-provider stance may not be inherently pro
      consumer or even pro-patient. 

PMID- 25119605
TI  - Genotype-phenotype correlation--promiscuity in the era of next-generation
      sequencing.
AB  - Newly cost-effective next-generation sequencing has led to an explosion of
      discoveries of novel genetic mutations that reveal the rampant "promiscuity" of
      genotype-phenotype relationships. Such discoveries should ultimately
      revolutionize clinical care. 

PMID- 25119609
TI  - Efficacy of high-dose versus standard-dose influenza vaccine in older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As compared with a standard-dose vaccine, a high-dose, trivalent,
      inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3-HD) improves antibody responses to influenza
      among adults 65 years of age or older. This study evaluated whether IIV3-HD also
      improves protection against laboratory-confirmed influenza illness. METHODS: We
      conducted a phase IIIb-IV, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active
      controlled trial to compare IIV3-HD (60 MUg of hemagglutinin per strain) with
      standard-dose trivalent, inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3-SD [15 MUg of
      hemagglutinin per strain]) in adults 65 years of age or older. Assessments of
      relative efficacy, effectiveness, safety (serious adverse events), and
      immunogenicity (hemagglutination-inhibition [HAI] titers) were performed during
      the 2011-2012 (year 1) and the 2012-2013 (year 2) northern-hemisphere influenza
      seasons. RESULTS: A total of 31,989 participants were enrolled from 126 research
      centers in the United States and Canada (15,991 were randomly assigned to receive
      IIV3-HD, and 15,998 to receive IIV3-SD). In the intention-to-treat analysis, 228
      participants in the IIV3-HD group (1.4%) and 301 participants in the IIV3-SD
      group (1.9%) had laboratory-confirmed influenza caused by any viral type or
      subtype associated with a protocol-defined influenza-like illness (relative
      efficacy, 24.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.7 to 36.5). At least one serious
      adverse event during the safety surveillance period was reported by 1323 (8.3%)
      of the participants in the IIV3-HD group, as compared with 1442 (9.0%) of the
      participants in the IIV3-SD group (relative risk, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.99).
      After vaccination, HAI titers and seroprotection rates (the percentage of
      participants with HAI titers >= 1:40) were significantly higher in the IIV3-HD
      group. Conclusions: Among persons 65 years of age or older, IIV3-HD induced
      significantly higher antibody responses and provided better protection against
      laboratory-confirmed influenza illness than did IIV3-SD. (Funded by Sanofi
      Pasteur; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01427309.).

PMID- 25119610
TI  - Clinical practice: Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
AB  - A 19-year-old man is brought to his primary physician by his father, who explains
      that his son washes his hands a hundred times a day, will not touch anything that
      has been touched by someone else without scrubbing it first, and has a fear of
      germs that has left him isolated in his bedroom, unable to eat, and wishing he
      were dead. Although the father reports that his son has always been finicky, this
      problem started approximately 2 years ago and has gradually become completely
      disabling. How should this patient be evaluated and treated?

PMID- 25119611
TI  - Syndromes of thrombotic microangiopathy.
AB  - This review article covers the diverse pathophysiological pathways that can lead
      to microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and a procoagulant state with or without
      damage to the kidneys and other organs. 

PMID- 25119612
TI  - Images in clinical medicine: Syphilitic gumma.
AB  - A 45-year-old woman presented to a clinic in rural Uganda with a 1-year history
      of a progressively enlarging ulcerated mass on the hard palate. The mass had
      initially been painless but recently had become painful and was causing
      difficulty in speaking and swallowing. 

PMID- 25119608
TI  - Global sodium consumption and death from cardiovascular causes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High sodium intake increases blood pressure, a risk factor for
      cardiovascular disease, but the effects of sodium intake on global cardiovascular
      mortality are uncertain. METHODS: We collected data from surveys on sodium intake
      as determined by urinary excretion and diet in persons from 66 countries
      (accounting for 74.1% of adults throughout the world), and we used these data to
      quantify the global consumption of sodium according to age, sex, and country. The
      effects of sodium on blood pressure, according to age, race, and the presence or
      absence of hypertension, were calculated from data in a new meta-analysis of 107
      randomized interventions, and the effects of blood pressure on cardiovascular
      mortality, according to age, were calculated from a meta-analysis of cohorts.
      Cause-specific mortality was derived from the Global Burden of Disease Study
      2010. Using comparative risk assessment, we estimated the cardiovascular effects
      of current sodium intake, as compared with a reference intake of 2.0 g of sodium
      per day, according to age, sex, and country. RESULTS: In 2010, the estimated mean
      level of global sodium consumption was 3.95 g per day, and regional mean levels
      ranged from 2.18 to 5.51 g per day. Globally, 1.65 million annual deaths from
      cardiovascular causes (95% uncertainty interval [confidence interval], 1.10
      million to 2.22 million) were attributed to sodium intake above the reference
      level; 61.9% of these deaths occurred in men and 38.1% occurred in women. These
      deaths accounted for nearly 1 of every 10 deaths from cardiovascular causes
      (9.5%). Four of every 5 deaths (84.3%) occurred in low- and middle-income
      countries, and 2 of every 5 deaths (40.4%) were premature (before 70 years of
      age). The rate of death from cardiovascular causes associated with sodium intake
      above the reference level was highest in the country of Georgia and lowest in
      Kenya. CONCLUSIONS: In this modeling study, 1.65 million deaths from
      cardiovascular causes that occurred in 2010 were attributed to sodium consumption
      above a reference level of 2.0 g per day. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates
      Foundation.).

PMID- 25119613
TI  - Case Records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 25-2014. A 37-year-old
      man with ulcerative colitis and bloody diarrhea.
AB  - A 37-year-old man with ulcerative colitis was admitted to the hospital because of
      abdominal cramping, diarrhea, hematochezia, fever to a peak temperature of 38.8 
      degrees C, and drenching night sweats. Several weeks earlier, he had performed
      home fecal transplantation.

PMID- 25119614
TI  - Low sodium intake--cardiovascular health benefit or risk?

PMID- 25119606
TI  - Association of urinary sodium and potassium excretion with blood pressure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Higher levels of sodium intake are reported to be associated with
      higher blood pressure. Whether this relationship varies according to levels of
      sodium or potassium intake and in different populations is unknown. METHODS: We
      studied 102,216 adults from 18 countries. Estimates of 24-hour sodium and
      potassium excretion were made from a single fasting morning urine specimen and
      were used as surrogates for intake. We assessed the relationship between
      electrolyte excretion and blood pressure, as measured with an automated device.
      RESULTS: Regression analyses showed increments of 2.11 mm Hg in systolic blood
      pressure and 0.78 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure for each 1-g increment in
      estimated sodium excretion. The slope of this association was steeper with higher
      sodium intake (an increment of 2.58 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure per gram for
      sodium excretion >5 g per day, 1.74 mm Hg per gram for 3 to 5 g per day, and 0.74
      mm Hg per gram for <3 g per day; P<0.001 for interaction). The slope of
      association was steeper for persons with hypertension (2.49 mm Hg per gram) than
      for those without hypertension (1.30 mm Hg per gram, P<0.001 for interaction) and
      was steeper with increased age (2.97 mm Hg per gram at >55 years of age, 2.43 mm
      Hg per gram at 45 to 55 years of age, and 1.96 mm Hg per gram at <45 years of
      age; P<0.001 for interaction). Potassium excretion was inversely associated with
      systolic blood pressure, with a steeper slope of association for persons with
      hypertension than for those without it (P<0.001) and a steeper slope with
      increased age (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the association of estimated
      intake of sodium and potassium, as determined from measurements of excretion of
      these cations, with blood pressure was nonlinear and was most pronounced in
      persons consuming high-sodium diets, persons with hypertension, and older
      persons. (Funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and others.).

PMID- 25119615
TI  - Bariatric surgery versus intensive medical therapy for diabetes.

PMID- 25119616
TI  - Bariatric surgery versus intensive medical therapy for diabetes.

PMID- 25119617
TI  - Bariatric surgery versus intensive medical therapy for diabetes.

PMID- 25119618
TI  - Bariatric surgery versus intensive medical therapy for diabetes.

PMID- 25119607
TI  - Urinary sodium and potassium excretion, mortality, and cardiovascular events.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal range of sodium intake for cardiovascular health is
      controversial. METHODS: We obtained morning fasting urine samples from 101,945
      persons in 17 countries and estimated 24-hour sodium and potassium excretion
      (used as a surrogate for intake). We examined the association between estimated
      urinary sodium and potassium excretion and the composite outcome of death and
      major cardiovascular events. RESULTS: The mean estimated sodium and potassium
      excretion was 4.93 g per day and 2.12 g per day, respectively. With a mean follow
      up of 3.7 years, the composite outcome occurred in 3317 participants (3.3%). As
      compared with an estimated sodium excretion of 4.00 to 5.99 g per day (reference
      range), a higher estimated sodium excretion (>= 7.00 g per day) was associated
      with an increased risk of the composite outcome (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.30), as well as increased risks of death and major
      cardiovascular events considered separately. The association between a high
      estimated sodium excretion and the composite outcome was strongest among
      participants with hypertension (P=0.02 for interaction), with an increased risk
      at an estimated sodium excretion of 6.00 g or more per day. As compared with the
      reference range, an estimated sodium excretion that was below 3.00 g per day was
      also associated with an increased risk of the composite outcome (odds ratio,
      1.27; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.44). As compared with an estimated potassium excretion
      that was less than 1.50 g per day, higher potassium excretion was associated with
      a reduced risk of the composite outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In this study in which
      sodium intake was estimated on the basis of measured urinary excretion, an
      estimated sodium intake between 3 g per day and 6 g per day was associated with a
      lower risk of death and cardiovascular events than was either a higher or lower
      estimated level of intake. As compared with an estimated potassium excretion that
      was less than 1.50 g per day, higher potassium excretion was associated with a
      lower risk of death and cardiovascular events. (Funded by the Population Health
      Research Institute and others.).

PMID- 25119619
TI  - Bariatric surgery versus intensive medical therapy for diabetes.

PMID- 25119620
TI  - Aortic dilatation with bicuspid aortic valve.

PMID- 25119622
TI  - Lyme disease.

PMID- 25119623
TI  - Lyme disease.

PMID- 25119621
TI  - Lyme disease.

PMID- 25119624
TI  - Activated protein C resistance assay and factor V Leiden.
AB  - The authors suggest that functional testing for activated protein C resistance is
      cheaper and more clinically relevant than genetic testing to detect a factor V
      Leiden mutation in identifying persons who are at risk for thromboembolism. 

PMID- 25119625
TI  - Images in clinical medicine: Morphologic changes in erythrocytes in
      hypertriglyceridemia.
AB  - A 39-year-old woman with a history of gestational diabetes was admitted with
      epigastric pain from acute pancreatitis. She had no history of hyperlipidemia,
      but multiple blood samples were grossly lipemic, and serum triglyceride levels
      were markedly increased. 

PMID- 25119626
TI  - Reinforcement with fascia lata as an alternative in the repair of chronic
      quadriceps tendon injuries.

PMID- 25119627
TI  - The Role and Influence of Faith Leaders on Health-Related Issues and Programs in
      their Congregation.
AB  - This qualitative study explored the influence of faith leaders on health-related
      issues within their congregation. Semi-structured interviewers with 24 faith
      leaders found that chronic conditions and poor health behaviors were the top
      health challenges facing their congregation. A majority mentioned health-related
      activities taking place at their church. Most believed they had influence on
      their congregation for issues related to health/wellness, most commonly in the
      form of increasing awareness. A majority talked about the importance of being a
      role model. It is important to understand how to most effectively capitalize on
      the strengths of and engage pastors in health promotion efforts. 

PMID- 25119628
TI  - Increased congregational support for parents of children with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - Positive health outcomes are related to adults' religious congregational
      participation. For parents of children with chronic disease, structured daily
      care routines and/or strict infection control precautions may limit
      participation. For this exploratory study, we examined the relationship between
      congregational support and religious coping by parents of children with cystic
      fibrosis (CF) compared to parents for whom child health issues were not
      significant stressors. CF parents reported higher levels of emotional support
      from congregation members and use of religious coping. Within-group differences
      were found for CF parents by denominational affiliation. Congregational support
      for parents dealing with child chronic disease is important. 

PMID- 25119629
TI  - [Heatstroke in dogs in southern Germany. A retrospective study over a 5.5-year
      period].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Heatstroke is a life-threating emergency in dogs. The aim of this
      retrospective study was to analyse the sources of heat stroke in dogs,
      predisposing and prognostic factors, results of physical examination and clinical
      pathology as well as the course of this condition and appropriate treatment.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient histories of 12 dogs diagnosed with heat stroke
      over a 5.5-year period were analysed retrospectively. Normality was tested using
      the Kolmogrow-Smirnow Test and analysed using T-tests, the Chi-square test and
      the Mann-Whitney U-test. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS:
      Heat stroke occurred most frequently during summer, particularly in the
      afternoon. The most common cause of heat stroke was heat exposition in a car.
      Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented. The most common clinical signs were
      polypnoea, tachycardia, hyperthermia and depression to prostration as well as
      gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Clinical pathology results included
      haemoconcentration, thrombocytopenia, hyperkalemia, prolonged activated partial
      thromboplastin time and azotemia. Therapies employed included oxygen application,
      cooling, fluid therapy and administration of gastrointestinal protectants,
      antiemetics and antibiotics. Duration of hospitalization was 1-6 days. The
      overall mortality rate was 50%. Most of the non-survivors died or were euthanized
      within 24-48 hours after presentation. All animals remaining alive after 3 days
      survived and could be discharged from hospital. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Heat stroke
      is a life-threating condition, which can lead to shock, sepsis, coagulation
      disorders and multiorgan failure. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are
      important factors for a positive outcome. Furthermore, intensive monitoring and
      rapid therapy adaption as required are pivotal.

PMID- 25119631
TI  - Feline lower urinary tract disease in a German cat population. A retrospective
      analysis of demographic data, causes and clinical signs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate epidemiologic data, clinical signs, results of
      urinalysis and causes of lower urinary tract disease in a German veterinary
      hospital population of cats and to determine if the demographic data, history,
      clinical signs and urinalysis results correlate with a particular etiology.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cats presented with signs of feline lower urinary tract
      disease (FLUTD) with a documented history and physical examination, a complete
      urinalysis (urine specific gravity, urine dipstick and sediment, urine culture)
      of urine obtained by cystocentesis or catheterization, and diagnostic imaging of
      the urinary tract were included into the study. Cats that had received a previous
      treatment during the same episode of FLUTD were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 302
      cats were included into the study. Cats with FLUTD presented throughout the
      seasons with similar frequency. The most common diagnosis was feline idiopathic
      cystitis (FIC) (55.0%), followed by bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI)
      (18.9%), urethral plug (10.3%) and urolithiasis (7.0%). Urethral obstruction was
      significantly more frequent in cats with FIC than in cats with UTI. Cats with FIC
      and urethral plugs were significantly younger and had significantly higher body
      weights than cats with UTI and neoplasia. FIC and urethral plugs were
      significantly more common causes of FLUTD in cats younger than 10 years compared
      to cats that were 10 years or older (65.2% versus [vs.] 35.8% and 13.3% vs.
      3.0%), while the incidences of UTI and neoplasia increased with age (12.9% vs.
      41.8% and 1.0% vs. 13.4%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FIC and UTI are the
      most common diagnoses in cats with FLUTD, with a significant age-related
      difference in incidence.

PMID- 25119632
TI  - [New drugs for small animals in 2013].
AB  - In 2013, four active pharmaceutical ingredients were released on the German
      market for small animals. Those are the recombinant human bone morphogenetic
      protein-2 dibotermin alfa (TruScient(r)), the ectoparasiticide of the oxadiazine
      group indoxacarb (Activyl(r)), the antiepileptic imepitoin (Pexion(r)) and the
      angiotensin-II1-receptor antagonist telmisartan (Semintra(r)). One substance was
      authorized for an additional species. The prolactin antagonist cabergoline is now
      also authorized for use in cats. In addition, three active pharmaceutical
      ingredients, which were approved in 2013 for use in human medicine and are of
      potential interest to veterinary medicine, are discussed. These are the
      antineoplastic ingredients dabrafenib, enzalutamide and vismodegib. 

PMID- 25119630
TI  - Diagnostic efficacy of the leukogram and the chemiluminometric ACTH measurement
      to diagnose canine hypoadrenocorticism.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The gold standard in the diagnosis of canine
      hypoadrenocorticism (HA) is the adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) response test. As
      synthetic ACTH (tetracosactide [Synacthen(r)]) is currently not available in the
      European Union, the evaluation of other diagnostic tests seemed warranted. The
      diagnostic efficacy of electrolytes, the leukogram and endogenous ACTH
      concentrations to diagnose HA was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical
      records of 145 dogs with clinical signs suspect for spontaneous HA were included
      in a retrospective study. HA was diagnosed (n = 38) or ruled out (n = 84) by
      using an ACTH response test. In 23 patients HA was excluded by basal cortisol
      measurement. The diagnostic performance of various variables was assessed based
      on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and by calculating differential
      positive rates. A decision tree (IBM SPSS Decision Trees 20, IBM Corporation) was
      constructed with the variables neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (N/LR) and sodium
      to potassium ratio (Na/KR) to illustrate the diagnostic efficacy of the
      respective test results. RESULTS: The best single variables to diagnose HA were
      the endogenous ACTH concentration (area under the ROC curve [ROC AUC] 0.97;
      cutoff > 50 pmol/l: sensitivity 96%, specificity 100%) and the Na/KR (ROC AUC
      0.905; cutoff <= 22: sensitivity 92%, specificity 91%). The diagnostic
      performance of various variables of the leukogram was poor to moderate (ROC AUC
      0.625-0.828). 68% of dogs with HA had a Na/KR <= 22 and a N/LR <= 2.3, a
      combination not observed in dogs with non-adrenal diseases. CONCLUSION AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As secondary HA is very rare, endogenous ACTH measurement is
      a very good alternative to the traditional ACTH response test. Data also suggest
      that the combination of a Na/KR <= 22 and a N/LR <= 2.3 is highly specific and
      can be used to rule in HA.

PMID- 25119633
TI  - [Porencephaly in a female Greater Swiss Mountain Dog].
AB  - A 15-month-old female Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was presented after an epileptic
      episode. In addition, the owner had noticed a recent marked change in the
      animal's behaviour. Because of the progressive nature of the neurological signs,
      a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain was performed and porencephaly in
      the parietal lobe of the right hemisphere was diagnosed. The dog was euthanized
      and submitted for pathology. Because of the histopathological findings and the
      history of a craniocerebral injury whilst a puppy, a traumatic genesis of this
      rare cystic lesion is discussed. 

PMID- 25119634
TI  - [Ovarian tumor in a koi carp (Cyprinus carpio): Diagnosis, surgery, postoperative
      care and tumour classification].
AB  - Although ovarian tumour in the koi (Cyprinus carpio) does not appear to be an
      uncommon condition, its occurrence and therapy has rarely been reported. In the
      present case, the decision for surgery was based on clinical and sonographic
      findings of an intracoelomic mass. We used tricaine methansulfonate for the
      anaesthesia. Laparotomy was performed by ventral access and an ovarian tumour of
      12-cm diameter was removed. The wound was sutured in two layers using Vicryl(r).
      In addition to the application of an analgesic, an antibiotic and vitamins, the
      postoperative conditions the patient was kept under were adapted to support wound
      healing. The fish recovered uneventfully and was clinically healthy during the 16
      month observation period. Based on the histological findings, the tumour was
      diagnosed as a thecoma. Investigations using antibodies against vimentin,
      cytokeratin, S 100 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) failed to provide
      reliable results. 

PMID- 25119635
TI  - [Evidence-based guidelines for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in the dog and
      cat].
AB  - Early recognition of a cardio-pulmonary arrest (CPA) is crucial for patient
      survival. Every non-breathing and non-responsive patient should be considered to
      have CPA, and examination of the vital signs should last no longer than 5-10
      seconds. If in doubt, effective chest compressions should be started immediately
      (frequency of 100-120 compressions per minute, compression depth one third to
      half of the chest diameter, full chest wall recoil between the compressions, no
      interruption, change of compressing person every 2 minutes). Furthermore, the
      patient should be intubated and ventilated as early as possible with a frequency
      of 10 breaths per minute and a volume of 10 ml/kg. Additional measures include
      monitoring (electrocardiogram, end-expiratory carbon dioxide concentration),
      placement of an intravenous or intraosseous catheter, administration of opioid-,
      benzodiazepine- and/or alpha2-antagonists and ECG-dependent therapy to restore
      spontaneous circulation. In the case of asystole and pulseless electric activity,
      epinephrine (0.01 mg/kg every 3-5 minutes, alternative dose concept: 0.1 mg/kg
      epinephrine) is advised. In the case of CPA due to elevated vagal tonus or
      bradycardia, atropine should be given (0.04 mg/kg every 3-5 minutes). If
      ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachyarrhythmia is present,
      defibrillation is the therapy of choice. When this is not possible, amiodarone (5
      mg/kg) or lidocaine (2 mg/kg) should be administered. Furthermore, 100% oxygen
      should be given during resuscitation, while only a few patients benefit from
      infusion therapy. Following the return of spontaneous circulation, intensive care
      of the patient is necessary. This involves intense monitoring and support of the
      haemodynamic situation using intravenous fluids, vasopressors and positive
      inotropic drugs as well as an improvement of gas exchange and neuroprotection. 

PMID- 25119636
TI  - Fluorescence in situ hybridization of chromosome 17 polysomy in breast cancer
      using thin tissue sections causes the loss of CEP17 and HER2 signals.
AB  - Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2 gene) and chromosome 17 polysomy
      are associated with breast cancer prognosis, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
      HER2 gene analysis using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 4-um
      sections assuming a nuclear diameter of 6 um caused the loss of genetic DNA.
      Using intact whole nuclei FISH (WNFISH) and thin tissue section FISH (TTFISH),
      109 cases of invasive breast cancer were examined to observe correlations among
      HER2 gene amplification, CEP17 polysomy and the HER2/CEP17 ratio. The results
      showed significant differences in the mean copy number of HER2 and the HER2/CEP17
      ratios between the WNFISH and TTFISH groups. No significant differences were
      observed in HER2 amplified, equivocal and non-amplified HER2 samples. Thirty
      seven cases of CEP17 polysomy and 72 cases of non-polysomy were detected by
      WNFISH. Twenty-nine cases of CEP17 polysomy and 72 cases of non-polysomy were
      detected by TTFISH. Significant differences were observed between the two methods
      using the McNemar test (P=0.039). In conclusion, detection of chromosome 17
      polysomy in breast cancer with fluorescence in situ hybridization using thin
      tissue sections may cause the loss of CEP17 and HER2 signals. 

PMID- 25119637
TI  - Neuroprogression and staging in psychiatry: historical considerations.

PMID- 25119638
TI  - Looking beyond the prevalence of depression in Brazil: are we prepared to go
      further?

PMID- 25119639
TI  - Prevalence of depression morbidity among Brazilian adults: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and major depressive
      disorder, as assessed in population-based cross-sectional studies of Brazilian
      adults. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature. The major
      databases were searched up through October 2013. Two researchers selected the
      studies, extracted the data, and assessed their methodological quality. Meta
      analyses were performed using random effects. RESULTS: Of the 2,971 records
      retrieved, we selected 27 studies that assessed the prevalence of depression
      morbidity in 464,734 individuals (66% women). Eleven different screening tools
      were used to assess depression morbidity. The prevalence of depressive symptoms
      was 14% (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 13-16; I2 = 99.5%), whereas the 1-year
      prevalence of major depressive disorder was 8% (95%CI 7-10; I2 = 86.7%), and the
      lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder was 17% (95%CI 14-19; I2 =
      91.6%). All rates were higher in women than in men. No causes of heterogeneity
      could be identified. CONCLUSION: Depression morbidity was common among Brazilian
      adults, and affects more women than men. Inconsistencies across studies highlight
      the need for standardization of future research. Clinicians should routinely
      investigate for the presence of depression morbidity in this population.

PMID- 25119640
TI  - Will the DSM-5 changes in criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder impact
      clinical practice?

PMID- 25119641
TI  - Obsessive-compulsive disorder in fathers during pregnancy and postpartum.

PMID- 25119642
TI  - Developmental disability in schoolchildren from four Brazilian regions.

PMID- 25119643
TI  - Mental health of refugees: report of a successful case in Brazil.

PMID- 25119645
TI  - Direct observation of OH formation from stabilised Criegee intermediates.
AB  - The syn-CH3CHOO Criegee intermediate formed from the ozonolysis of propene and
      (E)-2-butene was detected via unimolecular decomposition and subsequent detection
      of OH radicals by a LIF-FAGE instrument. An observed time dependent OH
      concentration profile was analysed using a detailed model focusing on the
      speciated chemistry of Criegee intermediates based on the recent literature. The
      absolute OH concentration was found to depend on the steady state concentration
      of syn-CH3CHOO at the injection point while the time dependence of the OH
      concentration profile was influenced by the sum of the rates of unimolecular
      decomposition of syn-CH3CHOO and wall loss. By varying the most relevant
      parameters influencing the SCI chemistry in the model and based on the temporal
      OH concentration profile, the unimolecular decomposition rate k (293 K) of syn
      CH3CHOO was shown to lie within the range 3-30 s(-1), where a value of 20 +/- 10
      s(-1) yields the best agreement with the CI chemistry literature. 

PMID- 25119644
TI  - Stem cell characteristics of dormant cells and cisplatin-induced effects on the
      stemness of epithelial ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - Tumor dormancy is a common biological property of malignancies and a leading
      factor in treatment failure, metastasis and tumor recurrence. The present study
      generated mouse xenograft models by injection of PKH26-labeled SKOV3 ovarian
      cancer cells, which were divided into two groups: The control group (SKOV3-P
      tumors,) and the treatment group that generated resistant tumors following
      prolonged administration of cisplatin (SKOV3-R tumors). Administration of
      cisplatin resulted in inhibition of the tumor growth and SKOV3-R tumors coexisted
      with their host at a stable size. According to fluorochrome PKH26 retention,
      there were multiple cell clones (PKH26hi, PKH26low and PKH26neg cells) in the
      single cell line generated from xenograft tumors. PKH26hi subsets in SKOV3-P and
      SKOV3-R tumors were dormant cells, as the majority were arrested in G0/G1 phase
      and expressed high levels of the stem cell markers Oct-4, Nestin, CD117 and CD44.
      PKH26hi subsets also demonstrated greater clonogenic capability in vitro and
      tumorigenicity in vivo, as compared with PKH26low and PKH26neg cells. Notably,
      chemotherapy was demonstrated to lead to the enrichment and enhanced stem-like
      characteristics of dormant/slow-cycling PKH26hi cells. The results of the present
      study have demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that
      dormant tumor cells exhibit stem-like characteristics, and that cisplatin
      enhances these characteristics in epithelial ovarian cancer cells. 

PMID- 25119646
TI  - A novel zinc-finger HIT protein with an additional PAPA-1-like region from Suaeda
      liaotungensis K. enhanced transgenic Arabidopsis drought and salt stresses
      tolerance.
AB  - Zinc-finger HIT belongs to the cross-brace zinc finger protein family and is
      involved in the regulation of plant defense and stress responses. In this study,
      we cloned a full-length zinc-finger HIT gene (1,377 bp) named SlPAPA1 using
      polymerase chain reaction from Suaeda liaotungensis K. and investigated its
      function by overexpression in transgenic Arabidopsis. SlPAPA1 contains a zinc
      finger HIT domain and a Pim-1-associated protein-1 (PAP-1)-associated protein-1
      like (PAPA-1-like) conserved region. Its expression in S. liaotungensis was
      induced by drought, high-salt, and cold (4  degrees C) stresses and by abscisic
      acid (ABA). Subcellular localization experiments in onion epidermal cells
      indicated that SlPAPA1 is localized in the nucleus. Yeast-one hybrid assays
      showed that SlPAPA1 functions as a transcriptional activator. SlPAPA1 transgenic
      Arabidopsis displayed a higher survival ratio and lower rate of water loss under
      drought stress; a higher germination ratio, higher survival ratio, and lower root
      inhibition rate under salt stress; and a lower germination ratio and root
      inhibition rate under ABA treatment, compared with wild-type Arabidopsis. These
      results suggested that SlPAPA1 functions as a stress-responsive zinc-finger HIT
      protein involved in the ABA-dependent signaling pathway and may have potential
      applications in transgenic breeding to enhance crops abiotic stress tolerances. 

PMID- 25119647
TI  - Virus-like particles from Escherichia Coli-derived untagged papaya ringspot virus
      capsid protein purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography enhance the
      antibody response against a soluble antigen.
AB  - There is a growing interest in using virus-like particles (VLPs) as scaffolds for
      the presentation of antigens of choice to the immune system. In this work, VLPs
      from papaya ringspot virus capsid protein expressed in Escherichia coli were
      evaluated as enhancers of antibody response against a soluble antigen.
      Interestingly, although the capsid protein lacks a histidine tag, its
      purification by immobilized metal affinity chromatography was achieved. The
      formation of VLPs was demonstrated by electron microscopy for the first time for
      this capsid protein. VLPs were enriched by polyethylene glycol precipitation.
      Additionally, these VLPs were chemically coupled to green fluorescent protein in
      order to evaluate them as antigen carriers; however, bioconjugate instability was
      observed. Nonetheless, the adjuvant effect of these VLPs on BALB/c mice was
      evaluated, using GFP as antigen, resulting in a significant increase in anti-GFP
      IgG response, particularly, IgG1 class, demonstrating that the VLPs enhance the
      immune response against the antigen chosen in this study. 

PMID- 25119649
TI  - Approaches to the total synthesis of chaetochalasin A.
AB  - Chaetochalasin A is a complex natural product whose biosynthesis may involve two
      domino Diels-Alder reactions. Approaches to the total synthesis of chaetochalasin
      A using this approach have been studied. Methyl (6R,8S,2Z,4E,10E,12E,14E)
      6,8,10,14-tetramethylhexadeca-2,4,10,12,14-pentaenoate was identified as a key
      intermediate and was synthesized from (E)-1-bromo-4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-2
      methylbut-2-ene using diastereoselective alkylations of derivatives of (+)
      pseudoephedrine to introduce the stereogenic centres, a modified Julia reaction
      to prepare the conjugated triene and a phosphonate condensation to provide the
      (2Z)-alkene. However, during the synthesis, facile geometrical isomerisation of
      the (14E)-trisubstituted and (2Z)-double-bonds was observed and attempts to
      incorporate this pentaene into a synthesis of chaetochalasin A led to the
      formation of mixtures of products. The analogous ethyl 6,8,10,14
      tetramethylhexadeca-4,10,12,14-tetraenoate [that lacks the (2Z)-double-bond] was
      incorporated into a Diels-Alder precursor by acylation of a valine-derived N
      acylpyrrolidinone followed by oxidative elimination of the corresponding 3
      (phenylselanyl)pyrrolidinone. However, preliminary studies of the macrocycle
      forming Diels-Alder reaction for a synthesis of chaetochalasin A were complicated
      by (E,Z)-isomerisation of the (10E)-double-bond of the conjugated triene and
      three Diels-Alder adducts were isolated and characterised. Further studies of
      this approach to chaetochalasin A will require an alternative procedure for the
      generation of the acylpyrrolinone in the presence of the acid sensitive
      conjugated triene. 

PMID- 25119648
TI  - Matrix-assisted refolding, purification and activity assessment using a 'form
      invariant' assay for matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2).
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinases expression is used as biomarker for various cancers and
      associated malignancies. Since these proteinases can cleave many intracellular
      proteins, overexpression tends to be toxic; hence, a challenge to purify them. To
      overcome these limitations, we designed a protocol where full length pro-MMP2
      enzyme was overexpressed in E. coli as inclusion bodies and purified using 6xHis
      affinity chromatography under denaturing conditions. In one step, the enzyme was
      purified and refolded directly on the affinity matrix under redox conditions to
      obtain a bioactive protein. The pro-MMP2 protein was characterized by mass
      spectrometry, CD spectroscopy, zymography and activity analysis using a simple in
      house developed 'form invariant' assay, which reports the total MMP2 activity
      independent of its various forms. The methodology yielded higher yields of
      bioactive protein compared to other strategies reported till date, and we
      anticipate that using the protocol, other toxic proteins can also be
      overexpressed and purified from E. coli and subsequently refolded into active
      form using a one step renaturation protocol. 

PMID- 25119650
TI  - Kinetics of 3-nitrotyrosine modification on exposure to hypochlorous acid.
AB  - The markers 3-nitrotyrosine and 3-chlorotyrosine are measured as surrogates for
      reactive nitrogen species and hypochlorous acid respectively, which are both
      elevated in inflamed human tissues. Previous studies reported a loss of 3
      nitrotyrosine when exposed to hypochlorous acid, suggesting that observations of
      3-nitrotyrosine underestimate the presence of reactive nitrogen species in
      diseased tissue (Whiteman and Halliwell, Biochemical and Biophysical Research
      Communications, 258, 168-172 (1999)). This report evaluates the significance of 3
      nitrotyrosine loss by measuring the kinetics of the reaction between 3
      nitrotyrosine and hypochlorous acid. The results demonstrate that 3-nitrotyrosine
      is chlorinated by hypochlorous acid or chloramines to form 3-chloro-5
      nitrotyrosine. As 3-nitrotyrosine from in vivo samples is usually found within
      proteins rather than as free amino acid, we also examined the reaction of 3
      nitrotyrosine modification in the context of peptides. The chlorination of 3
      nitrotyrosine in peptides was observed to occur up to 700-fold faster than
      control reactions using equivalent amino acid mixtures. These results further
      advance our understanding of tyrosine chlorination and the use of 3-nitrotyrosine
      formed in vivo as a biomarker of reactive nitrogen species.

PMID- 25119651
TI  - miR-195/497 induce postnatal quiescence of skeletal muscle stem cells.
AB  - Skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs), the major source for skeletal muscle
      regeneration in vertebrates, are in a state of cell cycle arrest in adult
      skeletal muscles. Prior evidence suggests that embryonic muscle progenitors
      proliferate and differentiate to form myofibres and also self-renew, implying
      that MuSCs, derived from these cells, acquire quiescence later during
      development. Depletion of Dicer in adult MuSCs promoted their exit from
      quiescence, suggesting microRNAs are involved in the maintenance of quiescence.
      Here we identified miR-195 and miR-497 that induce cell cycle arrest by targeting
      cell cycle genes, Cdc25 and Ccnd. Reduced expression of MyoD in juvenile MuSCs,
      as a result of overexpressed miR-195/497 or attenuated Cdc25/Ccnd, revealed an
      intimate link between quiescence and suppression of myogenesis in MuSCs.
      Transplantation of cultured MuSCs treated with miR-195/497 contributed more
      efficiently to regenerating muscles of dystrophin-deficient mice, indicating the
      potential utility of miR-195/497 for stem cell therapies. 

PMID- 25119652
TI  - Factors Affecting Caregiver Burden 1 Year After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A
      Prospective Nationwide Multicenter Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess burden in the caregivers of patients with severe traumatic
      brain injury (TBI) 1 year postinjury, related to caregiver's demographic data and
      social network, patient's demographic data, injury severity, and functional
      status. DESIGN: Prospective national multicenter study. Self-report from
      caregivers, patient data collected from the national cohort on patients with
      severe TBI. PARTICIPANTS: 92 caregivers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The Caregiver
      Burden Scale (CBS). RESULTS: Total caregiver burden was reported high in 16% of
      caregivers and moderate in 34%. The mean total burden index was 2.12, indicating
      a moderate burden. Caregivers reported highest scores on the General strain
      index, followed by the Disappointment index. Poor social network, feeling
      loneliness, and caring for patients with severe disability were significant
      predictors of higher burden in univariate analyses (P < .01). Multiple linear
      regression analyses showed that experiencing loneliness and caring for a patient
      with more severe disability were independent predictors for higher caregiver
      burden for all CBS indices. Marital status (married) and low frequency of meeting
      friends were significant results in some indices. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of a social
      network, feeling loneliness, and patient's functional status are predictors of
      caregiver burden. General strain, disappointment, and isolation were identified
      as areas in which caregiver burden is high.

PMID- 25119653
TI  - Trajectories of Sleep and Its Predictors in the First Year Following Traumatic
      Brain Injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine how sleep patterns change over the first year following
      traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to determine whether specific demographic and
      disease characteristics predict the trajectories of sleep. DESIGN: Prospective
      study. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-three patients with first-ever mild to severe TBI.
      MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Sleep measured by actigraphy for 7 consecutive days in the
      first, third, sixth, and twelfth months following TBI: Chinese versions of Beck
      Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory-II (CBDI-II) measured at the same
      time points. Data were analyzed with a linear mixed model. RESULTS: Sleep
      efficiency (the ratio of sleep time to the total time spent in bed) showed a
      significant upward trend during the study period. Scores on the Chinese version
      of the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the CBDI-II as well as the use of analgesics
      significantly predicted the slope of change in sleep efficiency over time.
      CONCLUSIONS: Poor sleep efficiency is a common symptom in the first year among
      patients with first-ever TBI. Healthcare providers should consider both mental
      health and pain issues when dealing with sleep complaints in patients with TBI.

PMID- 25119655
TI  - Preferential adsorption behavior of methylene blue dye onto surface hydroxyl
      group enriched TiO2 nanotube and its photocatalytic regeneration.
AB  - The present manuscript focus on the synthesis of surface hydroxyl group enriched
      titanium dioxide nanotube (TNT) by hydrothermal method for preferential
      adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye. The mixture of methylene blue (MB) and
      rhodamine B (RhB) dye was used to study the preferential adsorption nature of
      TNT. The synthesized TNT were characterized by various techniques such as powder
      X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption, and ammonia-temperature programmed
      desorption (NH3-TPD) analysis. Result demonstrated that enhancement in the
      surface area of TNT and higher number of hydroxyl group on the surface of TNT. In
      the binary mixture, the adsorption of MB dye was 12.9 times higher as compared to
      RhB dye, which clearly indicated the preferential adsorption of MB dye on TNT
      surface. The preferential interaction of MB on TNT is due to the electrostatic
      interaction between the cationic MB and negatively charged TNT surface. The
      preferential adsorption of MB dye was studied by applying Langmuir, Freundlich
      and Sips isotherm; pseudo-first and second-order kinetic model. Furthermore, the
      regeneration of dye adsorbed TNT was carried out by eco-friendly photocatalytic
      process under the irradiation of ultraviolet light. 

PMID- 25119654
TI  - Association of alcohol drinking with verbal and visuospatial memory impairment in
      older adults: Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South Korea (CREDOS)
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study's aim was to examine the association of alcohol consumption
      with verbal and visuospatial memory impairment in older people. METHODS:
      Participants were 1,572, aged >=60 years, in the hospital-based registry of the
      Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South Korea (CREDOS). Moderate drinking
      was defined as no more than seven drinks per week and three drinks per day.
      Memory impairment was defined as performance with more than 1 standard deviation
      below the mean value on the Seoul Verbal Learning Test and Rey Complex Figure
      Test. RESULTS: Those who consumed alcohol moderately, compared with abstainers,
      had a lower odds of verbal memory impairment (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.64; 95%
      Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.46-0.87), adjusting for covariates. Visuospatial
      memory, however, was not significantly associated with alcohol consumption.
      CONCLUSIONS: Moderate alcohol drinking is associated with a reduced likelihood of
      verbal memory impairment among older people attending memory clinics.

PMID- 25119657
TI  - Contact electrification field-effect transistor.
AB  - Utilizing the coupled metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor and
      triboelectric nanogenerator, we demonstrate an external force
      triggered/controlled contact electrification field-effect transistor (CE-FET), in
      which an electrostatic potential across the gate and source is created by a
      vertical contact electrification between the gate material and a "foreign"
      object, and the carrier transport between drain and source can be
      tuned/controlled by the contact-induced electrostatic potential instead of the
      traditional gate voltage. With the two contacted frictional layers vertically
      separated by 80 MUm, the drain current is decreased from 13.4 to 1.9 MUA in
      depletion mode and increased from 2.4 to 12.1 MUA in enhancement mode at a drain
      voltage of 5 V. Compared with the piezotronic devices that are controlled by the
      strain-induced piezoelectric polarization charged at an interface/junction, the
      CE-FET has greatly expanded the sensing range and choices of materials in
      conjunction with semiconductors. The CE-FET is likely to have important
      applications in sensors, human-silicon technology interfacing, MEMS,
      nanorobotics, and active flexible electronics. Based on the basic principle of
      the CE-FET, a field of tribotronics is proposed for devices fabricated using the
      electrostatic potential created by triboelectrification as a "gate" voltage to
      tune/control charge carrier transport in conventional semiconductor devices. By
      the three-way coupling among triboelectricity, semiconductor, and
      photoexcitation, plenty of potentially important research fields are expected to
      be explored in the near future.

PMID- 25119656
TI  - Postoperative radioactive iodine administration for differentiated thyroid cancer
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Radioactive iodine (RAI) is administered postoperatively to
      the majority of thyroid cancer patients. No available study has demonstrated any
      benefit in low-risk patients. RECENT FINDINGS: RAI should be used selectively in
      low and intermediate-risk patients, based on the surgical and pathological
      reports and on postoperative serum thyroglobulin level and neck ultrasonography.
      When used, a low activity (30 mCi) is administered following recombinant human
      thyrotropin stimulation. High-risk patients are treated with a high activity of
      RAI (100 mCi or more). SUMMARY: RAI is not administered in many low-risk patients
      who can be reliably followed up with serum thyroglobulin determination on L
      thyroxine treatment and neck ultrasonography. RAI may be administered in case of
      abnormality, and this delay will not reduce the chance of cure.

PMID- 25119658
TI  - Dynamics of the DNA repair proteins WRN and BLM in the nucleoplasm and nucleoli.
AB  - We have investigated the mobility of two EGFP-tagged DNA repair proteins, WRN and
      BLM. In particular, we focused on the dynamics in two locations, the nucleoli and
      the nucleoplasm. We found that both WRN and BLM use a "DNA-scanning" mechanism,
      with rapid binding-unbinding to DNA resulting in effective diffusion. In the
      nucleoplasm WRN and BLM have effective diffusion coefficients of 1.62 and 1.34
      MUm(2)/s, respectively. Likewise, the dynamics in the nucleoli are also best
      described by effective diffusion, but with diffusion coefficients a factor of ten
      lower than in the nucleoplasm. From this large reduction in diffusion coefficient
      we were able to classify WRN and BLM as DNA damage scanners. In addition to WRN
      and BLM we also classified other DNA damage proteins and found they all fall into
      one of two categories. Either they are scanners, similar to WRN and BLM, with
      very low diffusion coefficients, suggesting a scanning mechanism, or they are
      almost freely diffusing, suggesting that they interact with DNA only after
      initiation of a DNA damage response. 

PMID- 25119661
TI  - Applicability domain based on ensemble learning in classification and regression
      analyses.
AB  - We discuss applicability domains (ADs) based on ensemble learning in
      classification and regression analyses. In regression analysis, the AD can be
      appropriately set, although attention needs to be paid to the bias of the
      predicted values. However, because the AD set in classification analysis is too
      wide, we propose an AD based on ensemble learning and data density. First, we set
      a threshold for data density below which the prediction result of new data is not
      reliable. Then, only for new data with a data density higher than the threshold,
      we consider the reliability of the prediction result based on ensemble learning.
      By analyzing data from numerical simulations and quantitative structural
      relationships, we validate our discussion of ADs in classification and regression
      analyses and confirm that appropriate ADs can be set using the proposed method. 

PMID- 25119660
TI  - MicroRNA-449 suppresses proliferation of hepatoma cell lines through blockade
      lipid metabolic pathway related to SIRT1.
AB  - MicroRNA (miRNA or miR) inhibition of oncogenic related pathways has been shown
      to be a promising therapeutic approach for cancer. SIRT1 might be a promoter
      factor on tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism
      is unknown. We investigated whether miRNAs regulate the SIRT1 and its downstream
      SREBP-lipogenesis-cholesterogenesis metabolic pathway in hepatoma cells. Human
      hepatoma cells were transfected with miR-449 mimics and inhibitors, and the
      effects of miR-449 on cell proliferation was assessed. We identified the miRNAs,
      miR-449, that control lipogenesis and cholesterogenesis in hepatoma cells by
      inhibiting SIRT1 and SREBP-1c expression and downregulating their targeted genes,
      including fatty acid synthase (FASN) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase
      (HMGCR). MiR-449 repressed DNA synthesis, mitotic entry and proliferation of
      hepatoma cells. Restoration of miR-449 led to suppression of SIRT1 expression and
      liver tumorigenesis. The newly identified miRNAs, miR-449 represents a novel
      targeting mechanism for HCC therapy. 

PMID- 25119662
TI  - Redox and photoinduced electron-transfer properties in short distance organoboryl
      ferrocene-subphthalocyanine dyads.
AB  - Reaction between ferrocene lithium or ethynylferrocene magnesium bromide and
      (chloro)boronsubphthalocyanine leads to formation of ferrocene- (2) and
      ethynylferrocene- (3) containing subphthalocyanine dyads with a direct
      organometallic B-C bond. New donor-acceptor dyads were characterized using UV-vis
      and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopies, NMR method, and X-ray
      crystallography. Redox potentials of the rigid donor-acceptor dyads 2 and 3 were
      studied using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry
      (DPV) approaches and compared to the parent subphthalocyanine 1 and
      conformationally flexible subphthalocyanine ferrocenenylmethoxide (4) and
      ferrocenyl carboxylate (5) dyads reported earlier. It was found that the first
      oxidation process in dyads 2 and 3 is ferrocene-centered, while the first
      reduction as well as the second oxidation are centered at the subphthalocyanine
      ligand. Density functional theory-polarized continuum model (DFT-PCM) and time
      dependent (TD) DFT-PCM methods were used to probe the electronic structures and
      explain the UV-vis and MCD spectra of complexes 1-5. DFT-PCM calculations suggest
      that the LUMO, LUMO+1, and HOMO-3 in new dyads 2 and 3 are centered at the
      subphthalocyanine ligand, while the HOMO to HOMO-2 in both dyads are
      predominantly ferrocene-centered. TDDFT-PCM calculations on compounds 1-5 are
      indicative of the pi -> pi* transitions dominance in their UV-vis spectra, which
      is consistent with the experimental data. The excited state dynamics of the
      parent subphthalocyanine 1 and dyads 2-5 were investigated using time-resolved
      transient spectroscopy. In the dyads 2-5, the initially excited state is rapidly
      (<2 ps) quenched by electron transfer from the ferrocene ligand. The lifetime of
      the charge transfer state demonstrates a systematic dependence on the structure
      of the bridge between the subphthalocyanine and ferrocene. 

PMID- 25119659
TI  - Systemic administration of erythropoietin inhibits retinopathy in RCS rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats develop vasculopathy as
      photoreceptors degenerate. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of
      erythropoietin (EPO) on retinopathy in RCS rats. METHODS: Fluorescein angiography
      was used to monitor retinal vascular changes over time. Changes in retinal glia
      and vasculature were studied by immunostaining. To study the effects of EPO on
      retinal pathology, EPO (5000 IU/kg) was injected intraperitoneally in 14 week old
      normal and RCS rats twice a week for 4 weeks. Changes in the retinal vasculature,
      glia and microglia, photoreceptor apoptosis, differential expression of p75
      neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), pro-neurotrophin 3 (pro-NT3), tumour necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNFalpha), pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) and vascular
      endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the production of CD34(+) cells and
      mobilization of CD34(+)/VEGF-R2(+) cells as well as recruitment of CD34(+) cells
      into the retina were examined after EPO treatment. RESULTS: RCS rats developed
      progressive capillary dropout and subretinal neovascularization which were
      accompanied by retinal gliosis. Systemic administration of EPO stabilized the
      retinal vasculature and inhibited the development of focal vascular lesions.
      Further studies showed that EPO modulated retinal gliosis, attenuated
      photoreceptor apoptosis and p75NTR and pro-NT3 upregulation, promoted the
      infiltration of ramified microglia and stimulated VEGF-A expression but had
      little effect on TNFalpha and PEDF expression. EPO stimulated the production of
      red and white blood cells and CD34(+) cells along with effective mobilization of
      CD34(+)/VEGF-R2(+) cells. Immunofluorescence study demonstrated that EPO enhanced
      the recruitment of CD34+ cells into the retina. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest
      that EPO has therapeutic potentials in treatment of neuronal and vascular
      pathology in retinal disease. The protective effects of EPO on photoreceptors and
      the retinal vasculature may involve multiple mechanisms including regulation of
      retinal glia and microglia, inhibition of p75NTR-pro-NT3 signaling together with
      stimulation of production and mobilization of bone marrow derived cells.

PMID- 25119663
TI  - Substrate positioning by Gln(239) stimulates turnover in factor inhibiting HIF,
      an alphaKG-dependent hydroxylase.
AB  - Nonheme Fe(II)/alphaKG-dependent oxygenases catalyze diverse reactions, typically
      inserting an O atom from O2 into a C-H bond. Although the key to their catalytic
      cycle is the fact that binding and positioning of primary substrate precede O2
      activation, the means by which substrate binding stimulates turnover is not well
      understood. Factor Inhibiting HIF (FIH) is a Fe(II)/alphaKG-dependent oxygenase
      that acts as a cellular oxygen sensor in humans by hydroxylating the target
      residue Asn(803), found in the C-terminal transactivation domain (CTAD) of
      hypoxia inducible factor-1. FIH-Gln(239) makes two hydrogen bonds with CTAD
      Asn(803), positioning this target residue over the Fe(II). We hypothesized the
      positioning of the side chain of CTAD-Asn(803) by FIH-Gln(239) was critical for
      stimulating O2 activation and subsequent substrate hydroxylation. The steady
      state characterization of five FIH-Gln(239) variants (Ala, Asn, Glu, His, and
      Leu) tested the role of hydrogen bonding potential and sterics near the target
      residue. Each variant exhibited a 20-1200-fold decrease in kcat and
      kcat/KM(CTAD), but no change in KM(CTAD), indicating that the step after CTAD
      binding was affected by point mutation. Uncoupled O2 activation was prominent in
      these variants, as shown by large coupling ratios (C = [succinate]/[CTAD-OH] = 3
      5) for each of the FIH-Gln(239) -> X variants. The coupling ratios decreased in
      D2O, indicating an isotope-sensitive inactivation for variants, not observed in
      the wild type. The data presented indicate that the proper positioning of CTAD
      Asn(803) by FIH-Gln(239) is necessary to suppress uncoupled turnover and to
      support substrate hydroxylation, suggesting substrate positioning may be crucial
      for directing O2 reactivity within the broader class of alphaKG hydroxylases. 

PMID- 25119667
TI  - A high-protein formula increases colonic peptide transporter 1 activity during
      neonatal life in low-birth-weight piglets and disturbs barrier function later in
      life.
AB  - Dietary peptides are absorbed along the intestine through peptide transporter 1
      (PepT-1) which is highly responsive to dietary protein level. PepT-1 is also
      involved in gut homeostasis, both initiating and resolving inflammation. Low
      birth-weight (LBW) neonates are routinely fed a high-protein (HP) formula to
      enhance growth. However, the influence of this nutritional practice on PepT-1
      activity is unknown. Intestinal PepT-1 activity was compared in normal-birth
      weight (NBW) and LBW piglets. The effect of HP v. normal-protein (NP) formula
      feeding on PepT-1 activity and gut homeostasis in LBW piglets was evaluated,
      during the neonatal period and in adulthood. Flux of cephalexin (CFX) across the
      tissue mounted in Ussing chambers was used as an indicator of PepT-1 activity.
      CFX flux was greater in the ileum, but not jejunum or colon, of LBW than NBW
      piglets during the neonatal period. When LBW piglets were formula-fed, the HP
      formula increased colonic CFX during the 1st week of life. Later in life,
      intestinal CFX fluxes and barrier function were similar whether LBW pigs had been
      fed NP or HP formula. However, colonic permeability of HP- but not NP-fed pigs
      increased when luminal pH was brought to 6.0. The formyl peptide N-formyl
      methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine conferred colonic barrier protection in HP-fed
      piglets. Heat shock protein 27 levels in the colonic mucosa of HP-fed LBW pigs
      correlated with the magnitude of response to the acidic challenge. In conclusion,
      feeding a HP formula enhanced colonic PepT-1 activity in LBW pig neonates and
      increased sensitivity of the colon to luminal stress in adulthood. 

PMID- 25119668
TI  - Micro-segmented flow and multisensor-technology for microbial activity profiling.
AB  - The combination of micro-segmented flow with miniaturized flow-through
      multisensor-technology has been utilized for metabolite profiling of soil
      bacteria. Series of sub-MUl segments were generated containing soil sample slurry
      from historic copper mining sites and exposed to heavy metal salts of copper and
      nickel. Segments were examined for bacterial growth and spectral properties as
      well as for the effect of heavy metal-treatment after different incubation times.
      In order to evaluate microbial growth, extinction was recorded with 4 different
      spectral channels. Fluorescence was measured using a microflow-through
      fluorometer to detect both growth and production of fluorescent dyes or
      metabolites. The incidence of single segments with enhanced absorption in one of
      the spectral channels or enhanced fluorescence was scored to detect soil
      microorganisms with interesting properties for further screening. The study could
      show that the number of vegetated segments, the density of microorganisms in the
      segments after cultivation and the spectral response are different for separate
      soil samples and different metals. Thus, the highly parallelized and miniaturized
      segmented flow method is a promising tool for profiling of soil samples with
      regard to identifying micro-organisms with interesting profiles for secondary
      metabolite-production. 

PMID- 25119665
TI  - Multi-level factors affecting entry into and engagement in the HIV continuum of
      care in Iringa, Tanzania.
AB  - Progression through the HIV continuum of care, from HIV testing to lifelong
      retention in antiretroviral therapy (ART) care and treatment programs, is
      critical to the success of HIV treatment and prevention efforts. However,
      significant losses occur at each stage of the continuum and little is known about
      contextual factors contributing to disengagement at these stages. This study
      sought to explore multi-level barriers and facilitators influencing entry into
      and engagement in the continuum of care in Iringa, Tanzania. We used a mixed
      methods study design including facility-based assessments and interviews with
      providers and clients of HIV testing and treatment services; interviews, focus
      group discussions and observations with community-based providers and clients of
      HIV care and support services; and longitudinal interviews with men and women
      living with HIV to understand their trajectories in care. Data were analyzed
      using narrative analysis to identify key themes across levels and stages in the
      continuum of care. Participants identified multiple compounding barriers to
      progression through the continuum of care at the individual, facility, community
      and structural levels. Key barriers included the reluctance to engage in HIV
      services while healthy, rigid clinic policies, disrespectful treatment from
      service providers, stock-outs of supplies, stigma and discrimination, alternate
      healing systems, distance to health facilities and poverty. Social support from
      family, friends or support groups, home-based care providers, income generating
      opportunities and community mobilization activities facilitated engagement
      throughout the HIV continuum. Findings highlight the complex, multi-dimensional
      dynamics that individuals experience throughout the continuum of care and
      underscore the importance of a holistic and multi-level perspective to understand
      this process. Addressing barriers at each level is important to promoting
      increased engagement throughout the continuum. 

PMID- 25119664
TI  - Membrane interacting regions of Dengue virus NS2A protein.
AB  - The Dengue virus (DENV) NS2A protein, essential for viral replication, is a
      poorly characterized membrane protein. NS2A displays both protein/protein and
      membrane/protein interactions, yet neither its functions in the viral cycle nor
      its active regions are known with certainty. To highlight the different membrane
      active regions of NS2A, we characterized the effects of peptides derived from a
      peptide library encompassing this protein's full length on different membranes by
      measuring their membrane leakage induction and modulation of lipid phase
      behavior. Following this initial screening, one region, peptide dens25, had
      interesting effects on membranes; therefore, we sought to thoroughly characterize
      this region's interaction with membranes. This peptide presents an
      interfacial/hydrophobic pattern characteristic of a membrane-proximal segment. We
      show that dens25 strongly interacts with membranes that contain a large
      proportion of lipid molecules with a formal negative charge, and that this effect
      has a major electrostatic contribution. Considering its membrane modulating
      capabilities, this region might be involved in membrane rearrangements and thus
      be important for the viral cycle. 

PMID- 25119669
TI  - High seroprevalence of human herpesvirus type 8 infection in males with advanced
      lung carcinoma.
AB  - Human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) DNA is consistently found in all types of
      Kaposi's sarcoma, which is prevalent in immunocompromised patients. Patients with
      advanced lung carcinoma often showed immunologic abnormalities, and prevalence of
      HHV-8 infection is unclear. In this study, blood samples from 109 lung carcinoma
      patients and 109 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were analyzed for
      lymphocyte and monocyte counts, and for antibody, DNA, and genotype of HHV-8.
      Lung carcinoma patients had significantly lower lymphocyte and higher monocyte
      counts than healthy controls (p < 0.0001, both). HHV-8 seropositivity was more
      prevalent in lung carcinoma patients (41.3%), particularly in male patients
      (50.8%), than in controls (24.8%) (p = 0.01 and 0.002, respectively). The
      seropositivity was also significantly higher in male (50.8%) than female patients
      (27.3%, p = 0.01). Titers of HHV-8 antibody in patients also significantly
      exceeded those in controls (p = 0.004). Under a higher threshold (antibody titer
      >=1:160) which is equivalent to that of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, lung
      carcinoma patients still had higher HHV-8 seropositivity than controls (p =
      0.006). Three patients with stage IV lung carcinoma were positive for HHV-8 DNA
      with K1 gene subtype C3, D1, and E, respectively; they had much lower lymphocyte
      counts (658 +/- 132 uL) than patients positive for HHV-8 antibodies only (1,449
      +/- 873 uL). The study indicates that lung carcinoma patients, particularly
      males, have a high seroprevalence of HHV-8. HHV-8 DNA detected in the patients
      with advanced lung carcinoma may be a result of virus reactivation in the
      immunocompromised status.

PMID- 25119671
TI  - The Au(I) catalyzed activation of allenamides and their subsequent transformation
      into chromanes: a method for the regiocontrolled addition to the alpha- and gamma
      positions of the allene unit.
AB  - Au(I) activation of allenamides in the presence of phenols leads to the formation
      of chromanes in moderate to good yields. This catalytic process is dependent on
      the counterion which facilitates the activation of the in situ formed imine.
      Furthermore, this iminium can be intercepted by trimethylallyl silane, via the
      Hosomi-Sakurai reaction, giving a formal procedure for the regioselective
      intermolecular addition of two carbon nucleophiles to an allenamide at the alpha-
      and gamma-positions. 

PMID- 25119670
TI  - Vaccination with Streptococcus pyogenes nuclease A stimulates a high antibody
      response but no protective immunity in a mouse model of infection.
AB  - Streptococcus pyogenes is a human pathogen which causes a spectrum of diseases
      ranging from pharyngitis to rheumatic fever, necrotising fasciitis and toxic
      shock syndrome. Development of a vaccine for S. pyogenes has been confounded both
      by the diversity of the disease-causing serotypes and the spectre of
      inadvertently stimulating autoimmunity. The S. pyogenes nuclease A (SpnA) is a
      recently characterised virulence factor that is highly conserved across strains
      and expressed during human disease. Deletion of spnA from S. pyogenes results in
      reduced survival of bacteria in whole human blood and attenuated virulence in a
      mouse model of infection. Collectively these features suggest that SpnA has
      potential as a vaccine candidate for S. pyogenes. Mice vaccinated subcutaneously
      with single or multiple doses of recombinant SpnA emulsified in Incomplete
      Freund's Adjuvant developed a robust and durable IgG response, including
      neutralising activity, to this protein. However, vaccination with rSpnA conferred
      no advantage in terms of lesion development, disease symptoms or colonisation
      levels after a sub-lethal subcutaneous challenge with S. pyogenes. Anti-SpnA
      serum IgG responses and neutralising activity were increased in response to
      challenge, indicating that SpnA is expressed in vivo. SpnA is unlikely to be a
      suitable antigen for a vaccine against S. pyogenes. 

PMID- 25119672
TI  - Roles of Ebp2 and ribosomal protein L36 in ribosome biogenesis in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae.
AB  - Ebp2 plays an essential role in biogenesis of 60S ribosomal subunits. We
      determined the genetic interactions between EBP2 and RPL36A/B, which encodes
      ribosomal protein L36a/b. RPL36A/B was a multicopy suppressor to ebp2 mutants,
      and the suppression was not common to defects in ribosome biogenesis resulting
      from other mutations of assembly factors. Disruption of RPL36A or RPL36B caused
      synthetic enhancement of the growth defect of the ebp2-14 allele at high
      temperatures. Disruption of RPL36B led to a more severe growth defect than that
      of RPL36A due to imbalances in the expression levels of the duplicated genes.
      Primer-extension analysis revealed that L36a/b is required for the processing of
      27SA2, 27SA3, and 27SBL pre-rRNAs. Two-hybrid analysis indicated that Ebp2
      interacts with ribosomal proteins L36a/b, L34a/b, and L8, which in mature
      ribosomes are located adjacent to each other in close proximity to the 3' end of
      5.8S rRNA. These results suggest that Ebp2 functions cooperatively with ribosomal
      proteins L36, L34, and L8 in biogenesis of the 60S ribosomal subunit. 

PMID- 25119674
TI  - Rapid development of proteomics in China: from the perspective of the Human Liver
      Proteome Project and technology development.
AB  - Proteomics focuses on the systematic identification and quantification of entire
      proteomes and interpretation of proteins' biological functions. During the last
      decade, proteomics in China has grown much faster than other research fields in
      the life sciences. At the beginning of the second decade of the 21(st) century,
      the rapid development of high-resolution and high-speed mass spectrometry makes
      proteomics a powerful tool to study the mechanisms underlying
      physiological/pathological processes in organisms. This article provides a brief
      overview of proteomics technology development and representative scientific
      progress of the Human Liver Proteome Project (HLPP) in China over the past three
      years. 

PMID- 25119673
TI  - Tetracaine, a local anesthetic, preferentially induces translational inhibition
      with processing body formation rather than phosphorylation of eIF2alpha in yeast.
AB  - It is unclear whether local anesthetics, such as tetracaine, and antipsychotics,
      such as phenothiazines, act on lipids or proteins. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
      these drugs inhibit growth, translation initiation, and actin polarization, and
      induce cell lysis at high concentrations. These activities are likely due to the
      cationic amphiphilic structure common to these agents. Although drug-induced
      translational inhibition is conserved in mammalian cells, other mechanisms,
      including the phosphorylation of eIF2alpha, a eukaryotic translational initiation
      factor, remain poorly understood. At a concentration of 10 mM, tetracaine rapidly
      inhibited translation initiation and lysed cells, whereas, at 2.5 mM, it slowly
      induced inhibition without lysis. The pat1 disruptant defective in mRNA decapping
      and the xrn1 disruptant defective in 5'-3' exoribonuclease were partially
      resistant to translational inhibition by tetracaine at each concentration, but
      the gcn2 disruptant defective in the eIF2alpha kinase was not. Phosphorylation of
      eIF2alpha was induced by 10 mM but not by 2.5 mM tetracaine, whereas processing
      bodies (P-bodies) were formed at 2.5 mM in Pat1-dependent and -independent
      manners. Therefore, administration of tetracaine inhibits translation initiation
      with P-body formation at both concentrations but acts via the Gcn2-eIF2alpha
      system only at the higher concentration. Because other local anesthetics and
      phenothiazines induced Pat1-dependent P-body formation, the mechanisms involved
      in translational inhibition by these cationic amphiphiles are similar. These
      results suggest that this dose-dependent biphasic translational inhibition by
      tetracaine results from an increase in membrane proteins that are indirectly
      inhibited by nonspecific interactions of cationic amphiphiles with membrane
      lipids. 

PMID- 25119675
TI  - Pathogenesis of a Chinese strain of bovine adenovirus type 3 infection in albino
      guinea pigs.
AB  - Bovine adenovirus type 3 (BAV-3) is considered one of the most important
      respiratory tract agents of cattle and is widespread among cattle around the
      world. A BAV-3 strain was isolated from a bovine nasal swab for the first time in
      China in 2009 and named HLJ0955. Subsequently, BAV-3 has frequently been isolated
      from calves with respiratory diseases in China. To date, only limited study on
      the pathogenesis of BAV-3 infection in cotton rats has been conducted, and the
      pathogenesis of BAV-3 infection in guinea pigs has not been reported. Therefore,
      sixteen albino guinea pigs were inoculated intranasally with HLJ0955. All of the
      infected guinea pigs had apparently elevated rectal temperatures (39.2  degrees C
      39.9  degrees C) at 2-7 days post-inoculation (PI). Consolidation and petechial
      hemorrhage were also observed in guinea pigs experimentally infected with
      HLJ0955. Viral replication was detectable by virus isolation and titration and by
      immunohistochemistry in the lungs of guinea pigs as early as 24 h PI. Viral DNA
      was detectable in the lungs of infected guinea pigs during 11 days of observation
      by real-time PCR. Virus-neutralizing antibodies against BAV-3 were detectable
      from 11 days PI and reached a peak titer at 15 days PI. Histopathological changes
      mainly occurred in the lungs of infected guinea pigs and were characterized by
      thickening of alveolar septa, mononuclear cell infiltration, hemorrhage and
      alveolar epithelial necrosis. These results indicate that HLJ0955 can replicate
      in the lungs of guinea pigs and cause fever and gross and histological lesions.
      The guinea pig infection model of BAV-3 would serve as a useful system for
      monitoring the infection process and pathogenesis of the Chinese BAV-3 strain
      HLJ0955, as well as immune responses to BAV-3 vaccines.

PMID- 25119676
TI  - Improvements to pairwise sequence comparison (PASC): a genome-based web tool for
      virus classification.
AB  - The number of viral genome sequences in the public databases is increasing
      dramatically, and these sequences are playing an important role in virus
      classification. Pairwise sequence comparison is a sequence-based virus
      classification method. A program using this method calculates the pairwise
      identities of virus sequences within a virus family and displays their
      distribution, and visual analysis helps to determine demarcations at different
      taxonomic levels such as strain, species, genus and subfamily. Subsequent
      comparison of new sequences against existing ones allows viruses from which the
      new sequences were derived to be classified. Although this method cannot be used
      as the only criterion for virus classification in some cases, it is a
      quantitative method and has many advantages over conventional virus
      classification methods. It has been applied to several virus families, and there
      is an increasing interest in using this method for other virus families/groups.
      The Pairwise Sequence Comparison (PASC) classification tool was created at the
      National Center for Biotechnology Information. The tool's database stores
      pairwise identities for complete genomes/segments of 56 virus families/groups.
      Data in the system are updated every day to reflect changes in virus taxonomy and
      additions of new virus sequences to the public database. The web interface of the
      tool ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sutils/pasc/ ) makes it easy to navigate and
      perform analyses. Multiple new viral genome sequences can be tested
      simultaneously with this system to suggest the taxonomic position of virus
      isolates in a specific family. PASC eliminates potential discrepancies in the
      results caused by different algorithms and/or different data used by researchers.

PMID- 25119677
TI  - A novel combination of a new umbravirus, a new satellite RNA and potato leafroll
      virus causes tobacco bushy top disease in Ethiopia.
AB  - Etiological studies of a recently emerged bushy top disease of tobacco in
      Ethiopia indicated that a ~4.5-kb dsRNA from infected plants represents an
      umbravirus, whereas a smaller band (~0.5 kb) is that of a new satellite RNA.
      Potato leafroll virus was also consistently associated with the disease. The
      three agents, whose experimental host ranges are restricted to members of the
      family Solanaceae, always occurred together in field samples and are transmitted
      together by the aphid Myzus persicae nicotianae. The umbravirus, which represents
      a new species, is most closely related to groundnut rosette virus, and the name
      Ethiopian tobacco bushy top virus is proposed.

PMID- 25119678
TI  - Molecular detection and characterization of human gyroviruses identified in the
      ferret fecal virome.
AB  - The recently described novel gyroviruses may infect chickens and/or humans;
      however, their pathogenic potential is unknown. In our metagenomic investigation,
      we detected many of the novel gyroviruses in the fecal viromes of ferrets with
      lymph node and organ enlargement. The complete genomic sequences of selected
      gyrovirus strains showed 90.7-99.4 % similarity to homologous reference gyrovirus
      strains. This study did not demonstrate an association between gyrovirus shedding
      from ferrets and the observed background disease; however, it provides evidence
      for genetic diversity among gyroviruses and raises the possibility that pet
      ferrets may transmit gyroviruses to heterologous hosts, e.g., humans.

PMID- 25119679
TI  - Genetic characterization of porcine kobuvirus and detection of coinfecting
      pathogens in diarrheic pigs in Jiangsu Province, China.
AB  - In this study, 396 samples from diarrheic pigs on 46 pig farms in Jiangsu
      Province, China, were analyzed by RT-PCR. One-hundred eighty-one pigs from 37
      farms tested positive for porcine kobuvirus (PKV). Phylogenetic analysis of the
      3D gene from 19 isolates showed sequence homology of 88.0 %-100 % and 69.4 %-100
      % for nucleotides and amino acids, respectively, while similarity to isolates of
      other kobuviruses was 69.6 %-78.8 % and 27.8 %-56.9 %, respectively. One-hundred
      eighty-five samples contained two or more pathogens, and 31/68 PKV-positive
      samples tested positive for other diarrheic pathogens, confirming the existence
      of PKV infection and coinfection.

PMID- 25119681
TI  - Near-infrared spectroscopy for monitoring renal transplant perfusion.

PMID- 25119682
TI  - Hypervitaminosis A is prevalent in children with CKD and contributes to
      hypercalcemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin A accumulates in renal failure, but the prevalence of
      hypervitaminosis A in children with predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) is
      not known. Hypervitaminosis A has been associated with hypercalcemia. In this
      study we compared dietary vitamin A intake with serum retinoid levels and their
      associations with hypercalcemia. METHODS: We studied the relationship between
      vitamin A intake, serum retinoid levels, and serum calcium in 105 children with
      CKD stages 2-5 on dialysis and posttransplant. Serum retinoid measures included
      retinol (ROH), its active retinoic acid (RA) metabolites [all-trans RA (at-RA)
      and 13-cis RA] and carrier proteins [retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) and
      transthyretin (TTR)]. Dietary vitamin A intake was assessed using a food diary.
      RESULTS: Twenty-five children were in CKD 2-3, 35 in CKD 4-5, 23 on dialysis and
      22 posttransplant; 53 % had vitamin A intake above the Reference Nutrient Intake
      (RNI) value. Children receiving supplemental feeds compared with diet alone had
      higher vitamin A intake (p = 0.02) and higher serum ROH (p < 0.001). Notably,
      increased ROH was seen as early as CKD stage 2. For every 10 ml/min/1.73 m(2)
      fall in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), there was a 13 % increase in
      ROH. RBP4 levels were increased in CKD 3-5 and dialysis patients. The lowest
      ratios of ROH:RBP4 were seen in dialysis compared with CKD 2-3 (p = 0.03),
      suggesting a relative increase in circulating RBP4. Serum ROH, RBP4 and at-RA
      were associated with serum calcium. On multivariable analysis RBP4 levels and
      alfacalcidol dose were significant predictors of serum calcium (model R (2) 32 %)
      in dialysis patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hypervitaminosis A is seen in early CKD, with
      highest levels in children on supplemental feeds compared with diet alone. Serum
      retinoid levels significantly predict hypercalcemia.

PMID- 25119683
TI  - Procalcitonin as a postmortem sepsis marker. A comparison of the validity of
      results obtained from blood serum, aqueous humour and cerebrospinal fluid.
AB  - In recent years, serum levels of the prohormone procalcitonin have been
      investigated in a number of studies in relation to postmortem sepsis diagnostics,
      as macroscopic and histomorphological findings are, as a rule, nonspecific.
      However, due to advanced haemolysis, it is often not possible to determine serum
      procalcitonin (PCT) levels in cases of sepsis-related death. Moreover, the impact
      of postmortem interval on PCT levels is largely unclarified. In view of this, the
      present pilot study investigated PCT levels in the serum, aqueous humour, and
      cerebrospinal fluid in a study population of 25 persons who died of sepsis and a
      control population of 25 deaths unrelated to sepsis. Using the Mann-Whitney U
      test, statistically significant differences in PCT levels were determined for all
      the analysed samples from the study and control populations. Logistic regression
      analysis was used to calculate cut-off values for sepsis diagnosis for all the
      sample types. Furthermore, the serum elimination rates published by Tsokos et al.
      (Int J Legal Med 114:237-243, 2001) were used to calculate the PCT levels at the
      time of death for the cases with a known postmortem interval. The results of our
      study demonstrate that, taking account of the postmortem elimination process, it
      is possible to infer the value at the time of death from the procalcitonin levels
      measured in all three sample types and to interpret this with the aid of a
      defined cut-off value. The findings need to be verified based on a larger study
      population.

PMID- 25119685
TI  - Fatal contact shot to the chest caused by the gas jet from a muzzle-loading
      pistol discharging only black powder and no bullet: case study and experimental
      simulation of the wounding effect.
AB  - In modern medico-legal literature, only a small number of publications deal with
      fatal injuries from black powder guns. Most of them focus on the morphological
      features such as intense soot soiling, blast tattooing and burn effects in close
      range shots or describe the wound ballistics of spherical lead bullets. Another
      kind of "unusual" and potentially lethal weapons are handguns destined for firing
      only blank cartridges such as starter and alarm pistols. The dangerousness of
      these guns is restricted to very close and contact range shots and results from
      the gas jet produced by the deflagration of the propellant. The present paper
      reports on a suicide committed with a muzzle-loading percussion pistol cal. 45.
      An unusually large stellate entrance wound was located in the precordial region,
      accompanied by an imprint mark from the ramrod and a faint greenish discoloration
      (apparently due to the formation of sulfhemoglobin). Autopsy revealed an
      oversized powder cavity, multiple fractures of the anterior thoracic wall as well
      as ruptures of the heart, the aorta, the left hepatic lobe and the diaphragm. In
      total, the zone of mechanical destruction had a diameter of approx. 15 cm. As
      there was no exit wound and no bullet lodged in the body, the injury was caused
      exclusively by the inrushing combustion gases of the propellant (black powder)
      comparable with the gas jet of a blank cartridge gun. In contact shots to
      ballistic gelatine using the suicide's pistol loaded with black powder but no
      projectile, the formation of a nearly spherical cavity could be demonstrated by
      means of a high-speed camera. The extent of the temporary cavity after firing
      with 5 g of black powder roughly corresponded to the zone of destruction found in
      the suicide's body.

PMID- 25119684
TI  - Genetic and forensic implications in epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias: a case
      series.
AB  - Epilepsy affects approximately 3% of the world's population, and sudden death is
      a significant cause of death in this population. Sudden unexpected death in
      epilepsy (SUDEP) accounts for up to 17% of all these cases, which increases the
      rate of sudden death by 24-fold as compared to the general population. The
      underlying mechanisms are still not elucidated, but recent studies suggest the
      possibility that a common genetic channelopathy might contribute to both epilepsy
      and cardiac disease to increase the incidence of death via a lethal cardiac
      arrhythmia. We performed genetic testing in a large cohort of individuals with
      epilepsy and cardiac conduction disorders in order to identify genetic mutations
      that could play a role in the mechanism of sudden death. Putative pathogenic
      disease-causing mutations in genes encoding cardiac ion channel were detected in
      24% of unrelated individuals with epilepsy. Segregation analysis through genetic
      screening of the available family members and functional studies are crucial
      tasks to understand and to prove the possible pathogenicity of the variant, but
      in our cohort, only two families were available. Despite further research should
      be performed to clarify the mechanism of coexistence of both clinical conditions,
      genetic analysis, applied also in post-mortem setting, could be very useful to
      identify genetic factors that predispose epileptic patients to sudden death,
      helping to prevent sudden death in patients with epilepsy.

PMID- 25119686
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FEV6 from microspirometry to
      detect airflow obstruction in primary care: a randomised cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Forced expiratory volume in 1s/forced expiratory volume in 6 s (
      FEV1/FEV6) assessment with a microspirometer may be useful in the diagnostic work
      up of subjects who are suspected of having COPD in primary care. AIM: To
      determine the diagnostic accuracy of a negative pre-bronchodilator (BD)
      microspirometry test relative to a full diagnostic spirometry test in subjects in
      whom general practitioners (GPs) suspect airflow obstruction. METHODS: Cross
      sectional study in which the order of microspirometry and diagnostic spirometry
      tests was randomised. Study subjects were (ex-)smokers aged >=50 years referred
      for diagnostic spirometry to a primary care diagnostic centre by their GPs. A pre
      BD FEV1/FEV6 value <0.73 as measured with the PiKo-6 microspirometer was compared
      with a post-BD FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity) <0.70 and FEV1/FVC<lower limit of
      normal (LLN) from diagnostic spirometry. RESULTS: One hundred and four subjects
      were analysed (59.6% males, 42.3% current smokers). Negative predictive values
      from microspirometry for airflow obstruction based on the fixed and LLN cut-off
      points were 94.4% (95% confidence interval (CI), 86.4-98.5) and 96.3% (95% CI,
      88.2-99.3), respectively. In all, 18% of positive microspirometry results were
      not confirmed by a post-BD FEV1/FVC <0.70 and 44% of tests were false positive
      compared with the LLN criterion for airflow obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Pre
      bronchodilator microspirometry seems to be able to reliably preselect patients
      for further assessment of airflow obstruction by means of regular diagnostic
      spirometry. However, use of microspirometry alone would result in overestimation
      of airflow obstruction and should not replace regular spirometry when diagnosing
      COPD in primary care.

PMID- 25119688
TI  - On stand by: host genetics of HIV control.
AB  - The impact of host genetic variation on determining the differential outcomes
      after HIV infection has been studied by two approaches: targeting of candidate
      genes and genome-wide association studies (GWASs). The overlap in genetic
      variants that has been identified by these two means has essentially been
      restricted to variants near to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I genes,
      although variation in the CCR5 locus, which was first shown to have an effect on
      HIV outcomes using the candidate gene approach, does reach significance genome
      wide when very large samples sizes (i.e. thousands) are used in GWAS. Overall,
      many of the variants identified by the candidate gene approach are likely to be
      spurious, as no additional variants apart from a novel variant near the HLA-C
      gene have been consistently identified by GWAS. Variants with low frequency
      and/or low impact on HIV outcomes are likely to exist in the genome and there
      could be many of them, but these are not identifiable, given current GWAS sample
      sizes. Several loci centrally involved in the immune response, including the
      immunoglobulin genes, T-cell receptor loci, or leukocyte receptor complex, are
      either poorly covered on the GWAS chips or difficult to interpret due to their
      repetitive nature and/or the presence of insertion/deletion polymorphisms in the
      region. These loci warrant further interrogation, but genetic characterization of
      these regions across a range of individuals will first be required. Finally,
      synergistic interactions between loci may affect outcome after infection, as
      suggested by associations of specific, functionally relevant HLA and killer cell
      immunoglobulin-like receptor variants with HIV disease outcomes, and these
      require further consideration as well. 

PMID- 25119691
TI  - Beta-glucan for Pneumocystis pneumonia diagnosis in persons with AIDS: authors'
      reply.

PMID- 25119689
TI  - Clinical impact of altered T-cell homeostasis in treated HIV patients enrolled in
      a large observational cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE(S): We investigated the probability of transitioning in or out of the
      CD3+ T-cell homeostatic range during antiretroviral therapy, and we assessed the
      clinical impact of lost T-cell homeostasis (TCH) on AIDS-defining illnesses
      (ADIs) or death. DESIGN: Within the Canadian Observational Cohort (CANOC), we
      studied 4463 antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive HIV-positive patients initiating
      combination ART (cART) between 2000 and 2010. METHODS: CD3+ trajectories were
      estimated using a four state Markov model. CD3+ T-cel percentage states were
      classified as follows: very low (<50%), low (50-64%), normal (65-85%), and high
      (>85%). Covariates associated with transitioning between states were examined.
      The association between CD3+ T-cell percentage states and time to ADI/death from
      cART initiation was determined using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: A
      total of 4463 patients were followed for a median of 3 years. Two thousand, five
      hundred and eight (56%) patients never transitioned from their baseline CD3+ T
      cell percentage state; 85% of these had normal TCH. In multivariable analysis,
      individuals with time-updated low CD4+ cell count, time-updated detectable viral
      load, older age, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection were less likely to
      maintain TCH. In the multivariable proportional hazards model, both very low and
      high CD3+ T-cell percentages were associated with increased risk of ADI/death
      [adjusted hazard ratio=1.91 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.27-2.89) and hazard
      ratio=1.49 (95% CI: 1.13-1.96), respectively]. CONCLUSION: Patients with very low
      or high CD3+ T-cell percentages are at risk for ADIs/death. To our knowledge,
      this is the first study linking altered TCH and morbidity/mortality in cART
      treated HIV-positive patients.

PMID- 25119690
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of novel algorithms for rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis in HIV
      infected individuals in Uganda.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Xpert MTB/RIF ('Xpert') and urinary lateral-flow lipoarabinomannan (LF
      LAM) assays offer rapid tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. This study evaluated the
      cost-effectiveness of novel diagnostic algorithms utilizing combinations of Xpert
      and LF-LAM for the detection of active TB among people living with HIV. DESIGN:
      Cost-effectiveness analysis using data from a comparative study of LF-LAM and
      Xpert, with a target population of HIV-infected individuals with signs/symptoms
      of TB in Uganda. METHODS: A decision-analysis model compared multiple strategies
      for rapid TB diagnosis:sputum smear-microscopy; sputum Xpert; smear-microscopy
      combined with LF-LAM; and Xpert combined with LF-LAM. Primary outcomes were the
      costs and DALY's averted for each algorithm. Cost-effectiveness was represented
      using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER). RESULTS: Compared with an
      algorithm of Xpert testing alone, the combination of Xpert with LF-LAM was
      considered highly cost-effective (ICER $57/DALY-averted) at a willingness to pay
      threshold of Ugandan GDP per capita. Addition of urine LF-LAM testing to smear
      microscopy was a less effective strategy than Xpert replacement of smear
      microscopy, but was less costly and also considered highly cost-effective (ICER
      $33 per DALY-averted) compared with continued usage of smear-microscopy alone.
      Cost-effectiveness of the Xpert plus LF-LAM algorithm was most influenced by
      HIV/ART costs and life-expectancy of patients after TB treatment. CONCLUSION: The
      addition of urinary LF-LAM to TB diagnostic algorithms for HIV-infected
      individuals is highly cost-effective compared with usage of either sputum smear
      microscopy or Xpert alone.

PMID- 25119692
TI  - Immunologic nonresponders and T-regulatory cells in HIV-1 infection.

PMID- 25119693
TI  - Viral and bacterial risks associated with mephedrone abuse in HIV-infected men
      who have sex with men.

PMID- 25119687
TI  - Frequently asked questions about in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence: practical
      issues.
AB  - The aim of this educational review is to provide practical information on the
      hardware, methodology, and the hands on application of chlorophyll (Chl) a
      fluorescence technology. We present the paper in a question and answer format
      like frequently asked questions. Although nearly all information on the
      application of Chl a fluorescence can be found in the literature, it is not
      always easily accessible. This paper is primarily aimed at scientists who have
      some experience with the application of Chl a fluorescence but are still in the
      process of discovering what it all means and how it can be used. Topics discussed
      are (among other things) the kind of information that can be obtained using
      different fluorescence techniques, the interpretation of Chl a fluorescence
      signals, specific applications of these techniques, and practical advice on
      different subjects, such as on the length of dark adaptation before measurement
      of the Chl a fluorescence transient. The paper also provides the physiological
      background for some of the applied procedures. It also serves as a source of
      reference for experienced scientists. 

PMID- 25119694
TI  - Groundwater quality assessment and its correlation with gastroenteritis using
      GIS: a case study of Rawal Town, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
AB  - Majority of the people of Pakistan get drinking water from groundwater source.
      Nearly 40 % of the total ailments reported in Pakistan are the result of dirty
      drinking water. Every summer, thousands of patients suffer from acute
      gastroenteritis in the Rawal Town. Therefore, a study was designed to generate a
      water quality index map of the Rawal Town and identify the relationship between
      bacteriological water quality and socio-economic indicators with gastroenteritis
      in the study area. Water quality and gastroenteritis patient data were collected
      by surveying the 262 tubewells and the major hospitals in the Rawal Town. The
      collected spatial data was analyzed by using ArcGIS spatial analyst (Moran's I
      spatial autocorrelation) and geostatistical analysis tools (inverse distance
      weighted, radial basis function, kriging, and cokriging). The water quality index
      (WQI) for the study area was computed using pH, turbidity, total dissolved
      solids, calcium, hardness, alkalinity, and chloride values of the 262 tubewells.
      The results of Moran's I spatial autocorrelation showed that the groundwater
      physicochemical parameters were clustered. Among IDW, radial basis function, and
      kriging and cokriging interpolation techniques, cokriging showed the lowest root
      mean square error. Cokriging was used to make the spatial distribution maps of
      water quality parameters. The WQI results showed that more than half of the
      tubewells in the Rawal Town were providing "poor" to "unfit" drinking water. The
      Pearson's coefficient of correlation for gastroenteritis with fecal coliform was
      found significant (P < 0.05) in Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) zone 2, and
      with shortage of toilets, it was significant (P < 0.05) in WASA zones 1 and 3.
      However, it was significantly (P < 0.01) inversely related with literacy rate in
      WASA zones 1, 2, and 3. 

PMID- 25119696
TI  - Enhancing the brightness of Si nanocrystal light-emitting devices with electro
      excited surface plasmons.
AB  - The use of electro-excited surface plasmons (SPs) in Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) is
      shown to enhance the brightness of Si nanocrystal light-emitting devices (Si-NC
      LEDs). The Ag-NPs are prepared on the Si-NC thin film by ultrasonic irradiation
      and postannealing treatments. Electro-excited SPs on Ag-NPs are found, which are
      induced by electron impact on Ag-NPs and the front electrode Al layer during the
      charge injection process of LED. The electro-excited SPs enhance the
      electroluminescence of Si-NC, or LED brightness, via the SP field coupling to the
      exciton dipole moment of Si-NC. A maximal 5.2-fold brightness enhancement of Si
      NC LED is achieved at the postannealing temperature of 200  degrees C. Remnant
      far-field radiations arising from electro-excited SPs are detected, which further
      supports the existence of such SPs. 

PMID- 25119695
TI  - Determination of heavy metal contents in some freshwater fishes.
AB  - The concentrations of heavy metals in tench, pike-perch, and common carp fish
      caught in four different seasons from Damsa dam lake (Nevsehir) were determined.
      Heavy metal contents of fishes changed depending on seasons. The highest Al
      (20.894 mg/kg) in tench was established in winter, and the lowest Al (1.605
      mg/kg) was determined in summer. Fe content of tench fish changed between 112.906
      mg/kg (autumn) and 31.207 mg/kg (spring). In addition, Zn contents of tench were
      found between 36.0323 mg/kg (summer) and 430.586 mg/kg (winter). The results
      indicate that concentrations of Cu of tench varied from 0.1934 mg/kg (winter) to
      15.422 mg/kg (autumn). Results indicate that concentrations varied from 2.923
      mg/kg (autumn) to 32.078 mg/kg (summer) with a mean of 11.1893 mg/kg for Al;
      0.2483 mg/kg (spring) to 3.3088 mg/kg (autumn) with a mean of 1.6189 mg/kg for
      Ni; 0.5325 mg/kg (spring) to 0.845 mg/kg (autumn) with a mean of 0.7234 for Pb;
      and 7.0464 mg/kg (winter) to 253.686 mg/kg (summer) with a mean of 133.6348 for
      Zn. In common carp, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Se, Ga, and Te
      contents were determined as 3.9623 mg/kg; 0.1293, 0.2336, 0.0526, 0.1543, 4.2406,
      0.726, 1.797, 0.6216, 6.8536, 0.1783, 0.7876, and 0.371 mg/kg in autumn,
      respectively. 

PMID- 25119697
TI  - Understanding p53: new insights into tumor suppression.
AB  - p53 (aka TP53) is a powerful tumor suppressor, and oncogenic transformation is
      induced when the ability of p53 to suppress tumorigenesis is compromised. p53 not
      only prevents tumorigenesis, but also tumor progression, that is, local invasion
      and distant metastasis. Recently, we showed that cytoplasmic p53 prevents RAS
      driven invasion via alteration of actin cytoskeleton remodeling. This follows
      modulation of mitochondrial integrity. The transcriptional activity of p53 has
      been restored using small molecules; however, their success as cancer therapies
      is largely dependent on the status of downstream targets of p53. It is therefore
      important to elucidate the role of these downstream targets in p53 regulated
      tumor progression. With the recently described mechanism of tumor suppression
      highlighting a role of p53's downstream targets in the regulation of actin
      cytoskeleton dynamics and lamellipodia formation, we suggest that potential
      therapeutic targets may be revealed within this mechanism that can be exploited
      in anticancer therapy. 

PMID- 25119698
TI  - E-health interventions for suicide prevention.
AB  - Many people at risk of suicide do not seek help before an attempt, and do not
      remain connected to health services following an attempt. E-health interventions
      are now being considered as a means to identify at-risk individuals, offer self
      help through web interventions or to deliver proactive interventions in response
      to individuals' posts on social media. In this article, we examine research
      studies which focus on these three aspects of suicide and the internet: the use
      of online screening for suicide, the effectiveness of e-health interventions
      aimed to manage suicidal thoughts, and newer studies which aim to proactively
      intervene when individuals at risk of suicide are identified by their social
      media postings. We conclude that online screening may have a role, although there
      is a need for additional robust controlled research to establish whether suicide
      screening can effectively reduce suicide-related outcomes, and in what settings
      online screening might be most effective. The effectiveness of Internet
      interventions may be increased if these interventions are designed to
      specifically target suicidal thoughts, rather than associated conditions such as
      depression. The evidence for the use of intervention practices using social media
      is possible, although validity, feasibility and implementation remains highly
      uncertain. 

PMID- 25119699
TI  - Prevalence and antibiogram profiling of Escherichia coli pathotypes isolated from
      the Kat River and the Fort Beaufort abstraction water.
AB  - Escherichia coli is a widespread bacterium encompassing a variety of strains,
      ranging from highly pathogenic strains, causing worldwide outbreaks of severe
      diseases to avirulent, well characterized safe laboratory strains. This study
      evaluated the prevalence and antibiogram profiles of E. coli pathotypes isolated
      from the Kat River and Fort Beaufort abstraction water. A total of 171 out of 278
      confirmed E. coli isolates were positive for at least one pathogenic determinant
      and these included enteropathogenic E. coli (6%), enterotoxigenic E. coli (47%),
      uropathogenic E. coli (2%), neonatal meningitis E. coli (5%), diffusely adherent
      E. coli (1%) and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (1%). Interestingly, enteroinvasive
      and enteroaggregative E. coli were not detected. The phenotypic antibiogram
      profiles of the isolates revealed that all were resistant to penicillin G, while
      98% and 38% of the pathotypes were resistant to ampicillin and trimethoprim
      sulphamethoxazole, respectively. About 8% of the isolates were resistant to
      streptomycin. More than half of the isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic
      resistance with 44% being resistant to three antibiotics and 8% resistant to four
      antibiotics. We conclude that the Kat River is a reservoir of potentially
      virulent antibiotic resistant E. coli strains that can cause serious health risks
      to humans who drink raw water from this river, or in the case that consumption of
      treated drinking water coincides with failed drinking water processes. 

PMID- 25119701
TI  - [Aging and climate change: impact on health-related quality of life].

PMID- 25119700
TI  - Type and course of symptoms demonstrated in the terminal and dying phases by
      people with dementia in nursing homes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In all, 39 % of people living in Swiss nursing homes suffer from
      dementia. Detailed data about type and course of symptoms displayed by these
      patients in their terminal phase are lacking. METHODS: This descriptive,
      retrospective study analysed 65 nursing documents from deceased people with
      dementia in four nursing homes in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. RESULTS:
      Difficulties with mobility (81 %), pain (71 %) and sleep disturbance (63 %) were
      the most frequent of the 10 identified symptoms. Towards the end of life,
      difficulties with mobility, sleep disturbance, agitation and other
      neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as episodes of depression, decreased (decrescent
      pattern), while pain, feeding problems, breathing abnormalities, apathy and
      anxiety increased (crescent pattern). Courses of pain were documented in 17 % of
      the nursing records. In addition, 76 % of the residents had been visited on a
      daily basis by next of kin in their last 7 days, compared with only one third of
      residents previously. Furthermore, daily communication between healthcare
      professionals and next of kin tripled during this period. CONCLUSION: The
      documented prevalence of a high and increasing level of pain towards the end of
      life, combined with the lack of documented courses of pain, shows potential for
      improvement in pain relief and pain identification for patients with dementia in
      their terminal phase. The increasing number of visits by next of kin and the
      increasingly intensive contact between healthcare professionals and next of kin
      in the last 7 days are a strong indicator that the end of life can be predicted
      relatively well by the involved participants and appropriate reactions follow.

PMID- 25119702
TI  - Heat waves and mortality in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, 2003-2013: what effect do
      heat-health action plans and the heat warning system have?
AB  - Following the heat wave of August 2003 that caused over 70,000 fatalities in
      Western Europe, heat-health action plans (HHAP) and heat warning systems were
      implemented in many European countries, including Germany. The effect of these
      preventive measures (informing the population as well as nursing and medical
      personnel) on excess mortality during heat waves in Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
      is studied, taking into account newly published data on a modifying effect of air
      pollution on heat mortality. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Mortality data comprising all
      deaths registered in the city of Frankfurt was obtained from the statistical
      state office; air temperature and air pollution data in Frankfurt Ost were
      obtained from the Hessian state office for environment and geology. SPSS Version
      15 was used for statistical analysis (bivariate and partial correlations,
      nonparametric tests/Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney test). RESULTS: Temperature
      data as well as air pollution and daily mortality exhibited extreme values in
      summer 2003 compared to the summer periods 2004-2013. Never again were such
      levels of temperature and air pollution reached. In 2003, excess mortality was
      78%, and as high as 113% among the population aged >80 years. During the heat
      wave of 2010, the total excess mortality was 23% (significant) and 38% in the
      population aged >80 years, while during heat waves in 2006 and 2013 no
      significant increase in total mortality was seen (total excess mortality 12% and
      4%; not significant). CONCLUSION: Lower excess mortality could be seen in
      Frankfurt am Main during heat waves following the implementation of HHAP and the
      heat warning system. This might be an effect of the measures implemented by the
      HHAP to reduce heat mortality. However, it cannot be ruled out that this might
      also be an effect of shorter heat wave periods and lower air pollution in the
      subsequent years. Therefore, further efforts are needed to improve the resilience
      of the population, especially the elderly population, to better cope with heat
      waves.

PMID- 25119703
TI  - The challenges posed by climate change to successful ageing.
AB  - Ever since the 2003 heat wave that caused 70,000 heat deaths, the dramatic
      consequences of climate change and rising temperatures in Europe have become an
      intensively researched topic. During heat waves, the older urban adult population
      is at highest risk. The STOPHOT project is the first investigation in Austria to
      establish a comprehensive knowledge base on heat perception, awareness of heat
      risks and adaptive/coping behaviours among older adults. The main research
      questions include: (1) Does climate change endanger the chances of successful
      ageing in urban areas? (2) How do age, social inequalities and the living
      environment intersect with environmental stressors in affecting successful
      ageing? (3) Which heat adaption strategies do older adults deploy and to what
      extent can they mediate heat stress in an effort to increase chances of
      successful ageing under the conditions of climate change? The results indicate
      that climate change and rising temperatures are in fact one important determinant
      of whether and how an older person can maintain well-being in later life. Older
      adults (> 65 years) with a low socio-economic status and poor health conditions,
      who tend to be socially isolated, are most at risk. However, no 'heat island
      effect' of the residential environment could be found. How much a person suffers
      from heat stress is highly dependent on the adaption strategies deployed.
      Adaption strategies of older urban residents mostly centred on body-related
      measures, such as drinking more or wearing lighter clothes, and indoor-centred
      measures, particularly avoiding the outdoors.

PMID- 25119704
TI  - Comprehension of climate change and environmental attitudes across the lifespan.
AB  - Given the coincidence of the demographic change and climate change in the
      upcoming decades the aging voter gains increasing importance in climate change
      mitigation and adaptation processes. It is generally assumed that information
      status and comprehension of complex processes underlying climate change are
      prerequisites for adopting pro-environmental attitudes and taking pro
      environmental actions. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated in how far (1)
      environmental knowledge and comprehension of feedback processes underlying
      climate change and (2) pro-environmental attitudes change as a function of age.
      Our sample consisted of 92 participants aged 25-75 years (mean age 49.4 years, SD
      17.0). Age was negatively related to comprehension of system structures inherent
      to climate change, but positively associated with level of fear of consequences
      and anxiousness towards climate change. No significant relations were found
      between environmental knowledge and pro-environmental attitude. These results
      indicate that, albeit understanding of relevant structures of the climate system
      is less present in older age, age is not a limiting factor for being engaged in
      the complex dilemma of climate change. Results bear implications for the
      communication of climate change and pro-environmental actions in aging societies.

PMID- 25119705
TI  - [Health protection during heat waves: European recommendations and experience in
      Hesse].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the course of climate change periods of extreme heat will probably
      happen more frequently. The aim of heat health action plans is to prevent the
      health consequences of heat. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present work is to
      develop a proposal for a heat health action plan for Hesse, Germany. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In 34 interviews with experts the existing heat health warning
      system was evaluated. Heat health action plans of 8 European countries were
      analysed. On this basis a concept for a heat health action plan for Hesse was
      developed. RESULTS: In Hesse only nursing homes take preventative measures
      reliably, other health care sectors act along varying individual criteria. Heat
      health action plans include a heat health warning system and measures. They
      arrange competences and risk communication. Local authorities are responsible for
      implementation. Some plans include a surveillance system of mortality or
      morbidity. In a heat health action plan for Hesse measures should be specified
      and adapted to specific needs on the local level. Physicians in outpatient
      clinics are in a key position having contact with the vulnerable group of the
      elderly. CONCLUSION: A heat health action plan offers opportunities for effective
      prevention if responsibilities are defined and evaluated, and monitoring of
      mortality and morbidity is integrated. In the structures of the German health
      care system efforts to prevent heat-related illness cannot succeed without
      reliable participation of the outpatient medical system.

PMID- 25119706
TI  - Efficacy of new pediatric extra-corporeal life support system (Endumo 2000) for
      postoperative management after Norwood operation.
AB  - This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a new pediatric extra-corporeal life
      support (ECLS) system (Endumo 2000, Heiwa Bussan, Tokyo, Japan) for postoperative
      management after the Norwood operation. Thirty-three consecutive patients with
      hypoplastic left heart syndrome or its variant undergoing the Norwood operation
      between August 2007 and December 2013 were divided into two groups according to
      available ECLS devices. Before November 2009, pediatric Emersave (TERUMO,
      Saitama, Japan) was employed as the ECLS device, and 14 patients were operated on
      during this period (Emersave era: 7 boys; 2.9 kg). After December 2009, Endumo
      2000 was employed and 19 patients were operated on (Endumo era: 8 boys, 3.1 kg).
      The demographic characteristics of both groups showed no significant differences.
      ECLS was initiated in 7 of 14 patients (50%) during the Emersave era and 7 of 19
      patients (37%) during the Endumo era (p = 0.45). Chest reentry for hemostasis
      during ECLS support was more frequently needed in patients supported by Emersave
      (5/7) than Endumo (1/7) (p = 0.03). The first ECLS circuit durability of Endumo
      was significantly longer than that of Emersave (p = 0.01). The survival at
      discharge rate in patients required ECLS was 0% (0/7) when supported by Emersave,
      but 57% (4/7) by Endumo (p = 0.02). As a result, the survival at discharge rate
      was 43% (6/14) in the Emersave era and 79% (14/19) in the Endumo era (p = 0.03).
      Longer durability and superior antithrombogenicity of the Endumo 2000 contributed
      to the improvement of surgical outcomes after the Norwood operation.

PMID- 25119707
TI  - Trace elements concentration in nails and association with airway inflammation in
      adolescents.
AB  - Asthma is a multifactorial disease and its severity varies with the inflammatory
      status of the patient. It has been hypothesized that deficiency of trace elements
      has an important role in the etiology of asthma. The aim of the study was to
      evaluate the concentration of trace elements in nails of adolescents with
      different degrees of airway inflammation. We assessed the prevalence of active
      and severe asthma in adolescents (n = 106) through the ISAAC questionnaire.
      Subjects were allocated into two different groups according to the value of
      fraction exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measured. Also, nail specimens were
      collected in order to determine the concentration of accumulated trace elements
      (Cu, Zn, Mn, Se) by ICP-MS. It was performed Student's t test to evaluate
      statistical differences between inflammatory groups considering normally
      distributed data. On the other hand, when data presented non-normal distribution,
      Mann-Whitney U test was utilized. Spearman coefficients were calculated to
      investigate correlations between FeNO and mineral concentrations. Exhaled NO was
      increased in male subjects. We found association between active asthma and
      elevated exhaled NO. There was no significant difference in Cu (4.40 vs. 4.52),
      Zn (84.66 vs. 79.48), Mn (0.59 vs. 0.76), and Se (0.18 vs. 0.19) concentrations
      (MUg/g) among distinct FeNO groups as well as was not observed correlation
      between exhaled NO levels and any element. Deficiency of trace elements in nails
      were not associated with increased FeNO. 

PMID- 25119708
TI  - Anatomical region differences and age-related changes in copper, zinc, and
      manganese levels in the human brain.
AB  - Using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after samples microwave
      assisted acid digestion, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) levels were
      measured in 14 different areas of the human brain of adult individuals (n = 42;
      71 +/- 12, range 50-101 years old) without a known history of neurodegenerative,
      neurological, or psychiatric disorder. The main goals of the work were to
      establish the "normal" (reference) values for those elements in the human brain
      and to evaluate the age-related changes, a prior and indispensable step in order
      to enlighten the role of trace element (TE) in human brain physiology and their
      involvement in aging and neurodegenerative processes. Considering the mean values
      for the 14 regions, Zn (mean +/- sd; range 53 +/- 5; 43-61 MUg/g) was found at
      higher levels, followed by Cu (22 +/- 5; 10-37 MUg/g) and Mn (1.3 +/- 0.3; 0.5
      2.7 MUg/g). The TE distribution across the brain tissue showed to be quite
      heterogeneous: the highest levels of Zn were found in the hippocampus (70 +/- 10;
      49-95 MUg/g) and superior temporal gyrus (68 +/- 10; 44-88 MUg/g) and the lowest
      in the pons (33 +/- 8; 19-51 MUg/g); the highest levels of Cu and Mn were found
      in the putamen (36 +/- 13; 21-76 MUg/g and 2.5 +/- 0.8; 0.7-4.5 MUg/g,
      respectively) and the lowest in the medulla (11 +/- 6; 2-30 MUg/g and 0.8 +/-
      0.3; 0.2-1.8 MUg/g, respectively). A tendency for an age-related increase in Zn
      and Mn levels was observed in most brain regions while Cu levels showed to be
      negatively correlated with age. 

PMID- 25119709
TI  - Analysis of the DNA interaction of copper compounds belonging to the
      Casiopeinas(r) antitumoral series.
AB  - Casiopeinas(r) are mixed-chelate copper complexes with antitumor tested
      potential. Their activity, both in vitro and in vivo, as antiproliferative,
      cytotoxic, and genotoxic drugs has been assessed. Biological results of these
      copper compounds have deserved some of them entering clinical trials. Significant
      efforts have been devoted to the in-depth identification of their mechanism of
      action. Using gel electrophoresis analysis, we have previously shown that the
      interaction of the Casiopeinas(r) Cas II-gly, [Cu(4,7-dimethyl-1,10
      phenanthroline)(glycinate)]NO3 with DNA, triggers the cleavage of the biomolecule
      by a free radical mechanism. In this work, we further study the behavior of
      different complexes of the same Casiopeinas(r) series also including glycinate as
      co-ligand {Cas VI-gly (5,6 dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline glycinato copper(II)
      nitrate), Cas VII-gly (1,10-phenanthroline glycinato copper(II) nitrate), and Cas
      IX-gly (2,2'-bipyridine glycinato copper(II) nitrate)} and of a Casiopeinas(r)
      with a different co-ligand (Cas III-Cs; 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline
      salicylaldehydato-copper(II) nitrate). While all of them produce DNA degradation,
      the performance in the presence of a radical scavenger suggests the existence of
      differences in their mechanism of interaction with DNA. 

PMID- 25119710
TI  - It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the third issue of 2014. Introduction.

PMID- 25119711
TI  - Effects of Ti surface treatments with silane and arginylglycylaspartic acid
      peptide on bone cell progenitors.
AB  - Achieving optimal aesthetic appearance is a major objective in dental implant
      design, and the interaction between the materials and the bone cell progenitors
      is an important factor in the attainment of this objective. In this study, a
      novel concept was evaluated by varying the surface modifications on titanium
      (Ti). Different levels of roughness can be attained by machine grinding (M), sand
      blasting, and acid etching (SLA) of the samples. The behavior of bone cell
      progenitors (D1) on the surfaces of Ti disks with different surface modifications
      was investigated. The surfaces of M or SLA disks were silanized (MS or SLAS
      group) through treatment with silane/Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (GRGDS) peptide (MSP or
      SLASP group) and anchored particles of tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) on the
      specimen surfaces (SLA-TTCP group). Physicochemical analysis was performed by
      metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle
      analysis. The proliferation and the quantitative alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
      production of D1 cells on the surface of different sample groups were determined.
      The SLASP group had a significantly larger D1 cell proliferation than the other
      groups after 4 and 7 d of incubation (p < 0.05). ALP expression was a very early
      marker of differentiation, and was the first indication of the increasing number
      of cells at 7 d of culture. Among the groups in the M substrate series (i.e., M,
      MS, and MSP) and in the SLA series (i.e., SLA, SLAS, and SLASP), the MSP and
      SLASP specimens exhibited superior differentiation abilities on respective
      cultures until day 7 and day 10. A high number of hydrophilic surfaces dominated
      cell proliferation in the early stage of cell attachment. However, factors
      affecting the pore structure and the surface morphology can improve cell
      proliferation and differentiation. According to analyses of proliferation and ALP
      expression of bone cell progenitors D1, the original SLA implant surface can be
      improved with surface treatment methods, such as silanization and treatment with
      graft GRGDS pentapeptide. These methods can be potential candidates for the
      promotion of bone growth.

PMID- 25119712
TI  - Correlation between SNP genotypes and periodontitis in Japanese type II diabetic
      patients: a preliminary study.
AB  - The present study aims to investigate the correlation between SNP genotype
      patterns and periodontitis severity in Japanese type II diabetic patients. A
      cross-sectional study in 43 Japanese diabetic patients with periodontitis was
      performed. Blood samples were drawn for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
      analyses and periodontal index (probing pocket depth and clinical attachment
      level) was subsequently recorded. Twelve functional genes with SNPs that had been
      shown to be associated with diabetes and/or inflammation were genotyped using a
      nuclease-mediated SNP-specific ligation method. Subjects with two or more sites
      with clinical attachment level >=6 mm and who additionally had one or more sites
      with pocket depth >=5 mm were classified as having severe periodontitis.
      Proportions of risk genotypes/non-risk genotypes between severe and non-severe
      periodontitis were subsequently compared. A high frequency (21/43 participants,
      49%) of adiponectin gene polymorphism (ADIPOQ 45T > G) homozygous risk genotype
      (TT genotype) was observed in the participants. The frequency of TGF-beta1 SNP
      (29C > T) risk genotype (TT genotype) in severe periodontitis (34%, n = 11) was
      significantly higher than in non-severe periodontitis (0%, n = 0) (p = 0.04). Our
      study suggests that TGF-beta1 SNPs (29C > T) may be used as one of the risk
      indicators for severe periodontitis in Japanese diabetic patients.

PMID- 25119714
TI  - A time series evaluation of the FAST National Stroke Awareness Campaign in
      England.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In February 2009, the Department of Health in England launched the
      Face, Arm, Speech, and Time (FAST) mass media campaign, to raise public awareness
      of stroke symptoms and the need for an emergency response. We aimed to evaluate
      the impact of three consecutive phases of FAST using population-level measures of
      behaviour in England. METHODS: Interrupted time series (May 2007 to February
      2011) assessed the impact of the campaign on: access to a national stroke
      charity's information resources (Stroke Association [SA]); emergency hospital
      admissions with a primary diagnosis of stroke (Hospital Episode Statistics for
      England); and thrombolysis activity from centres in England contributing data to
      the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke UK database. RESULTS: Before
      the campaign, emergency admissions (and patients admitted via accident and
      emergency [A&E]) and thrombolysis activity was increasing significantly over
      time, whereas emergency admissions via general practitioners (GPs) were
      decreasing significantly. SA webpage views, calls to their helpline and
      information materials dispatched increased significantly after phase one. Website
      hits/views, and information materials dispatched decreased after phase one; these
      outcomes increased significantly during phases two and three. After phase one
      there were significant increases in overall emergency admissions (505, 95% CI =
      75 to 935) and patients admitted via A&E (451, 95% CI = 26 to 875). Significantly
      fewer monthly emergency admissions via GPs were reported after phase three (-19,
      95% CI =  -29 to -9). Thrombolysis activity per month significantly increased
      after phases one (3, 95% CI = 1 to 6), and three (3, 95% CI = 1 to 4).
      CONCLUSIONS: Phase one had a statistically significant impact on information
      seeking behaviour and emergency admissions, with additional impact that may be
      attributable to subsequent phases on information seeking behaviour, emergency
      admissions via GPs, and thrombolysis activity. Future campaigns should be
      accompanied by evaluation of impact on clinical outcomes such as reduced stroke
      related morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 25119713
TI  - Analysis of the relationship between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis
      within a local clinical system: a cross-sectional observational pilot study.
AB  - It has been revealed that atherosclerosis and periodontal disease may have a
      common mechanism of "chronic inflammation". Several reports have indicated that
      periodontal infection is related to atherosclerosis, but none have yet reported
      such an investigation through the cooperation of local clinics. This study was
      performed in local Japanese clinics to examine the relationship between
      periodontal disease and atherosclerosis under collaborative medical and dental
      care. A pilot multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on 37 medical
      patients with lifestyle-related diseases under consultation in participating
      medical clinics, and 79 periodontal patients not undergoing medical treatment but
      who were seen by participating dental clinics. Systemic examination and
      periodontal examination were performed at baseline, and the relationships between
      periodontal and atherosclerosis-related clinical markers were analyzed. There was
      a positive correlation between LDL-C level and plasma IgG antibody titer to
      Porphyromonas gingivalis. According to the analysis under adjusted age, at a cut
      off value of 5.04 for plasma IgG titer to Porphyromonas gingivalis, the IgG titer
      was significantly correlated with the level of low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL-C). This study suggested that infection with periodontal
      bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis) is associated with the progression of
      atherosclerosis. Plasma IgG titer to Porphyromonas gingivalis may be useful as
      the clinical risk marker for atherosclerosis related to periodontal disease.
      Moreover, the application of the blood examination as a medical check may lead to
      the development of collaborative medical and dental care within the local medical
      clinical system for the purpose of preventing the lifestyle-related disease. 

PMID- 25119715
TI  - Do simultaneously viewed objects influence scene recognition individually or as
      groups? Two perceptual studies.
AB  - The ability to quickly categorize visual scenes is critical to daily life,
      allowing us to identify our whereabouts and to navigate from one place to
      another. Rapid scene categorization relies heavily on the kinds of objects scenes
      contain; for instance, studies have shown that recognition is less accurate for
      scenes to which incongruent objects have been added, an effect usually
      interpreted as evidence of objects' general capacity to activate semantic
      networks for scene categories they are statistically associated with. Essentially
      all real-world scenes contain multiple objects, however, and it is unclear
      whether scene recognition draws on the scene associations of individual objects
      or of object groups. To test the hypothesis that scene recognition is steered, at
      least in part, by associations between object groups and scene categories, we
      asked observers to categorize briefly-viewed scenes appearing with object pairs
      that were semantically consistent or inconsistent with the scenes. In line with
      previous results, scenes were less accurately recognized when viewed with
      inconsistent versus consistent pairs. To understand whether this reflected
      individual or group-level object associations, we compared the impact of pairs
      composed of mutually related versus unrelated objects; i.e., pairs, which, as
      groups, had clear associations to particular scene categories versus those that
      did not. Although related and unrelated object pairs equally reduced scene
      recognition accuracy, unrelated pairs were consistently less capable of drawing
      erroneous scene judgments towards scene categories associated with their
      individual objects. This suggests that scene judgments were influenced by the
      scene associations of object groups, beyond the influence of individual objects.
      More generally, the fact that unrelated objects were as capable of degrading
      categorization accuracy as related objects, while less capable of generating
      specific alternative judgments, indicates that the process by which objects
      interfere with scene recognition is separate from the one through which they
      inform it. 

PMID- 25119716
TI  - Movements of blue sharks (Prionace glauca) across their life history.
AB  - Spatial structuring and segregation by sex and size is considered to be an
      intrinsic attribute of shark populations. These spatial patterns remain poorly
      understood, particularly for oceanic species such as blue shark (Prionace
      glauca), despite its importance for the management and conservation of this
      highly migratory species. This study presents the results of a long-term
      electronic tagging experiment to investigate the migratory patterns of blue
      shark, to elucidate how these patterns change across its life history and to
      assess the existence of a nursery area in the central North Atlantic. Blue sharks
      belonging to different life stages (n = 34) were tracked for periods up to 952
      days during which they moved extensively (up to an estimated 28.139 km),
      occupying large parts of the oceanic basin. Notwithstanding a large individual
      variability, there were pronounced differences in movements and space use across
      the species' life history. The study provides strong evidence for the existence
      of a discrete central North Atlantic nursery, where juveniles can reside for up
      to at least 2 years. In contrast with previously described nurseries of coastal
      and semi-pelagic sharks, this oceanic nursery is comparatively vast and open
      suggesting that shelter from predators is not its main function. Subsequently,
      male and female blue sharks spatially segregate. Females engage in seasonal
      latitudinal migrations until approaching maturity, when they undergo an ontogenic
      habitat shift towards tropical latitudes. In contrast, juvenile males generally
      expanded their range southward and apparently displayed a higher degree of
      behavioural polymorphism. These results provide important insights into the
      spatial ecology of pelagic sharks, with implications for the sustainable
      management of this heavily exploited shark, especially in the central North
      Atlantic where the presence of a nursery and the seasonal overlap and alternation
      of different life stages coincides with a high fishing mortality.

PMID- 25119718
TI  - At-sea associations in foraging little penguins.
AB  - Prey distribution, patch size, and the presence of conspecifics are important
      factors influencing a predator's feeding tactics, including the decision to feed
      individually or socially. Little is known about group behaviour in seabirds as
      they spend most of their lives in the marine environment where it is difficult to
      observe their foraging activities. In this study, we report on at-sea foraging
      associations of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) during the breeding season.
      Individuals could be categorised as (1) not associating; (2) associating when
      departing from and/or returning to the colony; or (3) at sea when travelling,
      diving or performing synchronised dives. Out of 84 separate foraging tracks, 58
      (69.0%) involved associations with conspecifics. Furthermore, in a total of 39
      (46.4%), individuals were found to dive during association and in 32 (38.1%),
      individuals were found to exhibit synchronous diving. These behaviours suggest
      little penguins forage in groups, could synchronise their underwater movements
      and potentially cooperate to concentrate their small schooling prey. 

PMID- 25119720
TI  - Recognition of elementary arm movements using orientation of a tri-axial
      accelerometer located near the wrist.
AB  - In this paper we present a method for recognising three fundamental movements of
      the human arm (reach and retrieve, lift cup to mouth, rotation of the arm) by
      determining the orientation of a tri-axial accelerometer located near the wrist.
      Our objective is to detect the occurrence of such movements performed with the
      impaired arm of a stroke patient during normal daily activities as a means to
      assess their rehabilitation. The method relies on accurately mapping transitions
      of predefined, standard orientations of the accelerometer to corresponding
      elementary arm movements. To evaluate the technique, kinematic data was collected
      from four healthy subjects and four stroke patients as they performed a number of
      activities involved in a representative activity of daily living, 'making-a-cup
      of-tea'. Our experimental results show that the proposed method can independently
      recognise all three of the elementary upper limb movements investigated with
      accuracies in the range 91-99% for healthy subjects and 70-85% for stroke
      patients. 

PMID- 25119719
TI  - Modified treatment approach using cardiovascular disease risk calculator for
      primary prevention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recent guidelines for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular
      events are an important advancement. For primary prevention, statins are
      recommended if the ten-year risk is >= 5% (consideration for therapy) or >= 7.5%
      (definitive treatment unless contraindication after discussion). We rationalized
      that a significant cohort with ten-year risk below the treatment thresholds would
      predictably surpass them within the recommended 4-6 year window for reassessing
      the ten-year risk. As atherosclerosis is a progressive disease, these individuals
      may therefore benefit with more aggressive therapies even at baseline. METHODS
      AND FINDINGS: We used publicly available NHANES dataset for ten-year risk
      calculation. There were 1805 participants. To evaluate the ten-year risk change
      at five years, we considered two scenarios: no change in the baseline parameters
      except increased age by five (No Change) and alternatively 10% improvement in
      systolic BP, total and HDL-c, no smoking with five-year increase in age (Reduced
      Risk Profile). Amongst non-diabetics with <5% risk at baseline, 35% reached or
      exceeded 5% risk in five years (5% reached or exceed the 7.5% risk) with No
      Change and 9% reached or exceeded 5% risk in five years (none reached 7.5% risk)
      with Reduced Risk Profile; furthermore, 94% of the non-diabetic cohort with
      baseline risk between 3.5%-5% would exceed the 5% and/or 7.5% boundary limit with
      No Change. Amongst non-diabetics with 5-7.5% baseline risks, 87% reached or
      exceeded 7.5% with No Change while 30% reached or exceeded 7.5% risk with Reduced
      Risk Profile. CONCLUSIONS: A significant population cohort at levels below the
      treatment thresholds will predictably exceed these limits with time with or
      without improvement in modifiable risk factors and may benefit with more
      aggressive therapy at baseline. We provide an improved risk calculator that
      allows for integrating expected risk modification into discussion with an
      individual. This needs to be prospectively tested in clinical trials.

PMID- 25119717
TI  - Divergent effects of liraglutide, exendin-4, and sitagliptin on beta-cell mass
      and indicators of pancreatitis in a mouse model of hyperglycaemia.
AB  - AIMS: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase
      4 (DPP4) inhibitors improve glucose tolerance by still incompletely understood
      mechanisms. Each class of antihyperglycemic drugs has also been proposed to
      increase pancreatitis risk. Here, we compare systematically the effects of two
      widely-used GLP-1 analogues, liraglutide and exendin-4, and the DPP4 inhibitor,
      sitagliptin, in the mouse. METHODS: C57BL6 mice were maintained for 131 days on a
      normal diet (ND) or a diet comprising 60% fat (HFD) before measurements of
      fasting blood glucose and insulin, and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance. Beta-
      and alpha- cell volume, and Reg3b immunoreactivity, were measured by
      immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic slices. RESULTS: Whereas liraglutide
      (200 ug/kg) and exendin-4 (10 ug/kg) treatment reduced body weight and/or
      improved glucose tolerance, sitagliptin (10 mg/kg) was without effect on either
      parameter. Liraglutide caused a sharp reduction in beta-cell mass in both ND and
      HFD mice, whereas exendin-4 exerted no effect. By contrast, sitagliptin unmasked
      an action of high fat diet to increase beta-cell mass. Reg3B positive area was
      augmented by all three agents in normal chow-fed mice, whilst sitagliptin and
      exendin-4, but not liraglutide, affected this parameter in HFD animals.
      Correspondingly sitagliptin, but not the GLP-1 analogues, increased circulating
      amylase levels in ND and HFD mice. CONCLUSIONS: Liraglutide improves glucose
      tolerance in the mouse whilst exerting relatively modest effects on pancreatitis
      risk. Conversely, exendin-4 and sitagliptin, at doses which exert, respectively,
      minor or no effects on metabolic parameters, lead to signs of pancreatitis.

PMID- 25119721
TI  - Dolichoectasia and the risk of stroke and vascular disease: a critical appraisal.
AB  - Dolichoectasia (DE) in cerebral arteries is a poorly understood arteriopathy that
      has been associated with increased risk of vascular morbidity and mortality.
      Dolichoectasia tends to affects older individuals with vascular risk factors, but
      it can also be secondary to specific conditions related with extracellular matrix
      health. The range of methods used to study DE and the biases inherent to hospital
      based samples weaken the generalizability of DE study results to the general
      population. Within the context of these limitations, there is growing evidence
      that DE is a serious condition that can increase the risk of vascular death.
      Recurrent strokes and compressive symptoms are among the major causes of
      morbidity, but cardiac ischemic disease and aortic aneurysms are not uncommon in
      populations with DE. The devastating outcomes of patients with DE are a call to
      action aimed at improving the quality of research on the topic and discovering
      therapies that can palliate the burden of DE in the population. 

PMID- 25119723
TI  - Targeted delivery of doxorubicin to A549 lung cancer cells by CXCR4 antagonist
      conjugated PLGA nanoparticles.
AB  - Doxorubicin is used to treat a variety of cancers, but dose limiting toxicity or
      intrinsic and acquired resistance limits its application in many types of cancer.
      CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor which implicates in metastasis of cancers including
      lung cancer. LFC131, a peptide inhibitor of CXCR4-ligand binding, is a linear
      type of low molecular weight CXCR4 antagonist. In this study, we investigated the
      possibility of using LFC131 conjugated nanoparticles for targeted delivering
      doxorubicin to CXCR4 expressing lung cancer cells. The LFC131 peptide was
      conjugated to sodium carboxylmethyl cellulose coated poly(dl-lactic-co-glycolic
      acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles. Binding and cellular uptake of doxorubicin-loaded
      LFC131 conjugated nanoparticles (LFC131-DOX NP) in adenocarcinomic human alveolar
      basal epithelial cells called A549 cells were higher and faster than that of
      untargeted nanoparticles. The specificity of CXCR4-mediated internalization of
      LFC131-DOX NPs was confirmed by using free LFC131 peptide or anti-CXCR4
      monoclonal antibody. Cell studies suggested that sustained release of doxorubicin
      afforded by PLGA nanoparticles may enable LFC131-DOX NP as a targeted and
      controlled release drug delivery system. 

PMID- 25119722
TI  - The evaluation and treatment of endocrine forms of hypertension.
AB  - Endocrine hypertension is an important secondary form of hypertension, identified
      in between 5% and 10% of general hypertensive population. Primary aldosteronism
      is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension, accounting for 1%-10% in
      uncomplicated hypertension and 7%-20% in resistant hypertension. Other less
      common causes of endocrine hypertension include Cushing syndrome,
      pheochromocytoma, thyroid disorders, and hyperparathyroidism. Diagnosis requires
      a high index of suspicion and the use of appropriate screening tests based on
      clinical presentation. Failure to make proper diagnosis may lead to catastrophic
      complications or irreversible hypertensive target organ damage. Accordingly,
      patients who are suspected to have endocrine hypertension should be referred to
      endocrinologists or hypertension specialists who are familiar with management of
      the specific endocrine disorders. 

PMID- 25119725
TI  - Towards a sustainable world through human factors and ergonomics: it is all about
      values.
AB  - In this paper, we analyse two approaches that attempt to address how a human
      factors and ergonomics (HFE) perspective can contribute to the sustainability of
      the human race. We outline the principles, purposes and fields of application of
      ergoecology and green ergonomics, and thereafter deal with their context of
      emergence, and the overlaps in purpose, and principles. Shared values are deduced
      and related to socio-technical principles for systems' design. Social
      responsibility and environmental/ecospheric responsibility are the leading
      threads of ergoecology and green ergonomics, giving rise to the values of:
      respect for human rights, respect for the Earth, respect for ethical decision
      making, appreciation of complexity, respect for transparency and openness, and
      respect for diversity. We discuss the consequences of considering these values in
      HFE theory and practice. 

PMID- 25119724
TI  - Nonparametric method for detecting imprinting effect using all members of general
      pedigrees with missing data.
AB  - Imprinting effects can lead to parent-of-origin patterns in complex human
      diseases. For a diallelic marker locus, Pedigree Parental-Asymmetry Test (PPAT)
      and its extension MCPPAT using pedigrees allowing for missing genotypes are
      simple and powerful for detecting imprinting effects. However, these approaches
      only take affected offspring into consideration, thus not making full use of the
      data available. In this paper, we propose Monte Carlo Pedigree Parental-Asymmetry
      Test using both affected and unaffected (MCPPATu) offsprings, which allows for
      missing genotypes through Monte Carlo sampling. Simulation studies demonstrate
      that MCPPATu controls the empirical type I error rate well under the null
      hypotheses of no parent-of-origin effects. It is also demonstrated that the use
      of additional information from unaffected offspring and partially observed
      genotypes in the analysis can greatly improve the statistical power. Indeed, for
      common diseases, MCPPATu is much more powerful than MCPPAT when all genotypes are
      observed and the power improvement is even greater when there is missing data.
      For rarer diseases, there are still substantial power gains with the inclusion of
      unaffected offspring, although the gains are less impressive compared with those
      for more common diseases. 

PMID- 25119728
TI  - Effect of obesity on aromatase inhibitor efficacy in postmenopausal, hormone
      receptor-positive breast cancer: a systematic review.
AB  - Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) decrease the production of oestrogen, decreasing
      stimulation of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Theoretically, AIs may be
      less effective in obese women, due to the greater quantity of aromatase in
      peripheral fatty tissue. We performed a systematic review to assess the effect of
      obesity on AI efficacy in breast cancer treatment. The review followed PRISMA
      guidelines. Studies included were interventional or observational studies with
      comparison groups, of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast
      cancer on treatment with an AI, alone or in combination with other drugs, in
      which body mass index or another measure of obesity was recorded. Studies in all
      languages were included; if published as an abstract only, authors were contacted
      for further information. Outcome measures included overall survival, disease-free
      survival or time to progressive disease, survival from the start of therapy,
      mortality measures, local or distant recurrence of primary cancer and time to
      recurrence. Of 2,344 citations identified from five databases, eight studies met
      the criteria for inclusion; three randomised controlled trials and five
      retrospective cohort studies. Due to variability in study factors, it was not
      possible to perform a quantitative meta-analysis. However, the systematic review
      showed a trend towards a negative effect of obesity on AI efficacy. There is
      evidence of a negative effect of obesity on AI efficacy in postmenopausal hormone
      receptor-positive breast cancer, but the size of the effect cannot be assessed.
      More information is needed before clinical recommendations are made. 

PMID- 25119727
TI  - Women's empowerment and contraceptive use: the role of independent versus
      couples' decision-making, from a lower middle income country perspective.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is little available evidence of associations between the
      various dimensions of women's empowerment and contraceptive use having been
      examined--and of how these associations are mediated by women's socio-economic
      and demographic statuses. We assessed these phenomena in Pakistan using a
      structured-framework approach. METHODS: We analyzed data on 2,133 women who were
      either using any form of contraceptive or living with unmet need for
      contraception. The survey was conducted during May - June 2012, with married
      women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in three districts of Punjab. The
      dimensions of empowerment were categorized broadly into: economic decision
      making, household decision-making, and women's mobility. Two measures were
      created for each dimension, and for the overall empowerment: women's independent
      decisions, and those taken jointly by couples. Contraceptive use was categorized
      as either female-only or couple methods on the basis of whether a method requires
      the awareness of, or some support and cooperation from, the husband. Multinomial
      regression was used, by means of Odds Ratios (OR), to assess associations between
      empowerment dimensions and female-only and couple contraceptive methods. RESULTS:
      Overall, women tend to get higher decision-making power with increased age,
      higher literacy, a greater number of children, or being in a household that has
      superior socio-economic status. The measures for couples' decision-making for
      overall empowerment and for each dimension of it showed positive associations
      with couple methods as well as with female-only methods. The only exception was
      the measure of economic empowerment, which was associated only with the couple
      method. CONCLUSION: Couples' joint decision-making is a stronger determinant of
      the use of contraceptive methods than women-only decision-making. This is the
      case over and above the contribution of women's socio-demographic and economic
      statuses. Effort needs to be made to educate women and their husbands equally,
      with particular focus on highly effective contraceptive methods.

PMID- 25119726
TI  - Simultaneous measurement of smoothened entry into and exit from the primary
      cilium.
AB  - Ciliary accumulation of signaling proteins must result from a rate of ciliary
      entry that exceeds ciliary exit, but approaches for distinguishing ciliary entry
      vs. exit are lacking. Using a photoconvertible fluorescent protein tag, we
      establish an assay that allows a separate but simultaneous examination of ciliary
      entry and exit of the Hedgehog signaling protein Smoothened in individual cells.
      We show that KAAD-cyclopamine selectively blocks entry, whereas ciliobrevin
      interferes initially with exit and eventually with both entry and exit of ciliary
      Smoothened. Our study provides an approach to understanding regulation of ciliary
      entry vs. exit of Hedgehog signaling components as well as other ciliary
      proteins. 

PMID- 25119729
TI  - Peer influences on internalizing and externalizing problems among adolescents: a
      longitudinal social network analysis.
AB  - Adolescents who like each other may become more similar to each other with regard
      to internalizing and externalizing problems, though it is not yet clear which
      social mechanisms explain these similarities. In this longitudinal study, we
      analyzed four mechanisms that may explain similarity in adolescent peer networks
      with regard to externalizing and internalizing problems: selection,
      socialization, avoidance and withdrawal. At three moments during one school-year,
      we asked 542 adolescents (8th grade, M-age = 13.3 years, 51 % female) to report
      who they liked in their classroom, and their own internalizing and externalizing
      problems. Adolescents tend to prefer peers who have similar externalizing problem
      scores, but no significant selection effect was found for internalizing problems.
      Adolescents who share the same group of friends socialize each other and then
      become more similar with respect to externalizing problems, but not with respect
      to internalizing problems. We found no significant effects for avoidance or
      withdrawal. Adolescents may choose to belong to a peer group that is similar to
      them in terms of externalizing problem behaviors, and through peer group
      socialization (e.g., enticing, modelling, mimicking, and peer pressure) become
      more similar to that group over time.

PMID- 25119730
TI  - The effect of seasonality on the structure of rotifers in a black-water shallow
      lake in Central Amazonia.
AB  - Rotifers have often been used as indicators of sudden changes in physical and
      chemical features of the aquatic environment. Such features vary greatly during
      flood pulse events in small lakes connected to major floodplains. However, few
      are the studies that investigate the consequences of the flood pulse in rotifer
      species composition, abundance, richness and diversity, especially in Amazonian
      lakes. We analyzed samples from a small blackwater lake of an "igarape" connected
      permanently to the Negro river, in Central Amazonia. Samples were taken twice a
      year for two years, comprising flooding and receding periods of the flood pulse.
      Rotifer abundance increased significantly after draught events, and electrical
      conductivity and turbidity were intrinsically related to such variation. Species
      composition also changed from flooding to receding periods. Some taxa, such as
      Brachionus zahniseri reductus and Lecane remanei were restricted to receding
      periods, while Brachionus zahniseri, Brachionus gillardi and Lecane proiecta were
      only present during flooding. A shift in the composition of rotifer families was
      observed from one period to another, showing the effect of renewing waters of the
      flood pulse. These results suggest that the flood pulse acts as a driving force
      and stressing condition, considerably altering rotifer community dynamics, either
      changing species composition or decreasing abundance. 

PMID- 25119731
TI  - Reproduction of a whiptail lizard (Ameivula ocellifera, Teiidae) from a coastal
      area in northeastern Brazil.
AB  - The reproductive ecology of Ameivula ocellifera was studied from September 2009
      to August 2010 in a coastal area of the state of Ceara, Brazil. Females
      reproduced continuously throughout the year, with a peak at the end of the rainy
      season. Even though there was a predominance of pre-reproductive individuals in
      the sample, gonadal activity of males peaked synchronously to female
      reproduction. Mean clutch size was 1.98 +/- 0.56 and positively associated with
      female body size, while mean egg volume was 510.54 +/- 84.29 mm3 and unrelated to
      female body size. We did not find any association between clutch size and average
      egg volume. 

PMID- 25119733
TI  - Richness, composition and trophic groups of an avian community in the Pernambuco
      Endemism Centre, Alagoas, Brazil.
AB  - In northeastern Brazil, the reduction of the natural forest cover to a series of
      small, isolated fragments has had negative consequences for the local avian
      fauna, in particular, a loss of the more specialized species, while the
      populations of some generalists have tended to increase. The present study
      focuses on the composition and trophic groups of a bird community on a farm in
      the northeastern Brazilian state of Alagoas. Monthly surveys were conducted
      between November 2008 and October 2009, based on mist-netting and systematic
      observations. Overall, 112 species were recorded, of which 76 were associated
      with the two forest fragments surveyed, while all the others were observed
      exclusively in the surrounding matrix of pasture and orchards. The bird community
      presented a predominance of insectivorous species, followed by omnivores.
      However, specialized trunk-creeping and understory insectivores accounted for
      only around 15% of the species in this feeding category. The reduced diversity of
      other guilds and species with more specialized diets, and the complete absence of
      sensitive species such as large parrots and raptors, reflects the severe
      fragmentation and degradation of the local forests, which has greatly reduced the
      availability of dietary resources and breeding sites. 

PMID- 25119732
TI  - Bark harvesting systems of Drimys brasiliensis Miers in the Brazilian Atlantic
      rainforest.
AB  - Drimys brasiliensis Miers, locally known as cataia or casca-de-anta, is a native
      tree species of the Atlantic Rainforest. Its bark is harvested from natural
      populations. This study examined the recovery capacity of the bark of D.
      brasiliensis under different bark harvesting methods, as well as the influence of
      these approaches on its population dynamics and reproductive biology. While none
      of these treatments resulted in changes in phenological behavior or the rate of
      increase of diameter at breast height and tree height, the removal of wider bark
      strips resulted in lower rates of bark recovery and higher rates of insect attack
      and diseases. Accordingly, the results recommend using strips of bark 2 cm wide
      and 2 m long, with 4 cm between strips, for effective rates of bark regrowth and
      for lower susceptibility to insect attack and diseases. From these studies, we
      concluded that D. brasiliensis has a high potential for sustainable management of
      its natural populations, demonstrating the possibility of generating an important
      supplementary income for farmers and contributing to the use and conservation of
      the Atlantic Rainforest. 

PMID- 25119734
TI  - Feeding and larval growth of an exotic freshwater prawn Macrobrachium equidens
      (Decapoda: Palaemonidae), from Northeastern Para, Amazon Region.
AB  - In the present study, we carried out experiments on the diet of the freshwater
      prawn Macrobrachium equidens. We tested which type of food and which density of
      food is suitable for larval development. For the experiment on the type of food,
      eight treatments were carried out: (I) starvation, (AL) microalgae, (RO)
      rotifers, (AN) Artemia, (RO + AN) rotifers + Artemia, (AL + RO) microalgae +
      rotifers, (AL + AN) microalgae + Artemia, (AL + RO + AN) microalgae + rotifers +
      Artemia. For the experiment on the density of food, we used the type of food,
      which had resulted in a high survival rate in the previous experiment. Three
      treatments were carried out: 4, 8 and 16 Artemia nauplii /mL. The rate of feeding
      during larval development was observed. The survival, weight and percentage of
      juveniles of each feeding experiment were determined. We found that larvae are
      carnivores; however, they have requirements with respect to the type of food,
      because larvae completed their cycle from the zoeal to the juvenile stage only
      when Artemia nauplii were available. We also verified that the larvae feed mainly
      during the day-time, and are opportunistic with respect to the density of food
      offered. 

PMID- 25119735
TI  - Regulation of IL-8 promoter activity by verrucarin A in human monocytic THP-1
      cells.
AB  - Macrocyclic trichothecenes have been frequently detected in fungi in water
      damaged buildings and exhibited higher toxicity than the well-studied
      trichothecenes; however, the mechanism underlying their toxicity has been poorly
      understood. In this study, transcriptional regulation of the cytokine interleukin
      (IL)-8 by a macrocyclic trichothecene, verrucarin A (VA), in human monocytic THP
      1 cells is reported. Consistent with previous findings, VA was 100-fold more
      cytotoxic than deoxynivalenol (DON), while ochratoxin A (OA) was not cytotoxic.
      In cells transduced with the wild-type IL-8 promoter luciferase construct, VA
      induced a biphasic dose response composed of an upregulation of luciferase
      expression at low concentrations of 0.01-1 ng/ml and a downregulation at high
      levels of 10 ng/ml and higher. In contrast, DON induced a sigmoid-shaped dose
      response with the EC50 of 11.6 ng/ml, while OA did not markedly affect the IL-8
      expression. When cells were transduced with IL-8 promoter with a mutation of
      transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-binding site, VA (1
      ng/ml), DON (1000 ng/ml), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha (20 ng/ml)
      induced luciferase expression were impaired. In addition, the NF-kappaB inhibitor
      caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibited VA-, DON-, and TNFalpha-induced luciferase
      expression. Mutation of the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (CEBP) beta binding
      site of the IL-8 promoter affected only DON-, but not VA- and TNFalpha-induced
      luciferase expression. Taken together, these results suggested that VA activated
      IL-8 promoter via an NF-kappaB-dependent, but not CEBPbeta-dependent, pathway in
      human monocytes. 

PMID- 25119736
TI  - Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) induce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity
      produced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)
      stimulated male human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
AB  - Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) possess a small size, large surface area,
      and high reactivity, which enable them to permeate the cytoplasmic or nuclear
      membrane and attach to biological molecules. During medical applications, SWNCT
      are usually administered intravenously, which enhances interaction with blood
      components. Yet despite this exposure potential, safety evaluation studies of
      SWCNTs focused on human blood cells are still lacking. Therefore, this study was
      undertaken to examine cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and proinflammatory responses
      following SWCNT treatment of phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated male human
      peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). SWCNT were found to inhibit cell growth, as
      well as to induce DNA breakage, and micronuclei (MN) formation via reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) generation. The addition of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) a cell
      permeable antioxidant, decreased ROS generation, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity
      produced by SWCNT treatment. In addition, SWCNT induced tumor necrosis factor
      (TNF)-alpha release after 24 h, yet this phenomenon was not related to ROS
      generation, as antioxidant NAC treatment did not affect increased proinflammatory
      cytokine levels in the phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated male human PBL. 

PMID- 25119737
TI  - Relationship between hemorrhagic stroke hospitalization and exposure to fine
      particulate air pollution in Taipei, Taiwan.
AB  - This study was undertaken to determine whether there was a correlation between
      fine particle (PM2.5) levels and hospital admissions for hemorrhagic stroke (HS)
      in Taipei, Taiwan. Hospital admissions for HS and ambient air pollution data for
      Taipei were obtained for the period 2006-2010. The relative risk of hospital
      admissions was estimated using a case-crossover approach, controlling for weather
      variables, day of the week, seasonality, and long-term time trends. For the
      single-pollutant model (without adjustment for other pollutants), increased HS
      admissions were significantly associated with PM2.5 levels both on warm days (>23
      degrees C) and cool days (<23 degrees C), with an interquartile range rise
      associated with a 12% (95% CI = 7-18%) and 4% (95% CI = 0-8%) elevation in
      admissions for HS, respectively. In the two-pollutant models, PM2.5 remained
      significantly high after inclusion of SO2 or O3 on both warm and cool days. This
      study provides evidence that higher levels of PM2.5 increase the risk of hospital
      admissions for HS.

PMID- 25119738
TI  - The effect of composition, size, and solubility on acute pulmonary injury in rats
      following exposure to Mexico city ambient particulate matter samples.
AB  - Particulate matter (PM)-associated metals can contribute to adverse
      cardiopulmonary effects following exposure to air pollution. The aim of this
      study was to investigate how variation in the composition and size of ambient PM
      collected from two distinct regions in Mexico City relates to toxicity
      differences. Male Wistar Kyoto rats (14 wk) were intratracheally instilled with
      chemically characterized PM10 and PM2.5 from the north and PM10 from the south of
      Mexico City (3 mg/kg). Both water-soluble and acid-leachable fractions contained
      several metals, with levels generally higher in PM10 South. The insoluble and
      total, but not soluble, fractions of all PM induced pulmonary damage that was
      indicated by significant increases in neutrophilic inflammation, and several lung
      injury biomarkers including total protein, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase
      activity, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity 24 and 72 h postexposure. PM10
      North and PM2.5 North also significantly decreased levels of the antioxidant
      ascorbic acid. Elevation in lung mRNA biomarkers of inflammation (tumor necrosis
      factor [TNF]-alpha and macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-2), oxidative stress
      (heme oxygenase [HO]-1, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor
      [LOX]-1, and inducibile nitric oxide synthase [iNOS]), and thrombosis (tissue
      factor [TF] and plasminogen activator inhibitor [PAI]-1), as well as reduced
      levels of fibrinolytic protein tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), further
      indicated pulmonary injury following PM exposure. These responses were more
      pronounced with PM10 South (PM10 South > PM10 North > PM2.5 North), which
      contained higher levels of redox-active transition metals that may have
      contributed to specific differences in selected lung gene markers. These findings
      provide evidence that surface chemistry of the PM core and not the water-soluble
      fraction played an important role in regulating in vivo pulmonary toxicity
      responses to Mexico City PM.

PMID- 25119739
TI  - Toxicity and accumulation of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its metabolites in
      Atlantic salmon alevins exposed to an industrially polluted water.
AB  - A pond in an industrial area in Sweden was selected to study adverse effects on
      salmon alevins from 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT)-contaminated water. Chemical
      screening revealed heavy contamination of TNT and its degradation products, 2
      amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT) and 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4-ADNT),
      ranging from 0.05 to 230 g/kg in the sediment (dry weight) within the water
      system. Pond water contained 3 mg/L TNT. A dilution series of pond water mixed
      with tap water revealed increased death frequency in alevins down to fivefold
      dilution (approximate 0.4 mg TNT/L). Uptake was concentration dependent, reaching
      7, 9, and 22 MUg/g tissue for TNT, 2-ADNT, and 4-ADNT at the highest test
      concentration. A time-dependent uptake of TNT and its degradation products was
      found at a water concentration of 0.08 mg TNT/L. Degradation products of TNT
      showed a more efficient uptake compared to native TNT, and accumulation of 4-ADNT
      was more pronounced during the late phase of the 40-d exposure study.
      Bioconcentration factors (BCF) (0.34, 52, and 134 ml/g for TNT, 2-ADNT, and 4
      ADNT, respectively) demonstrated a significant uptake of the metabolite 4-ADNT in
      alevin tissue. Disturbed physiological conditions and delayed development in
      alevins were not studied, but may not be excluded even at 125-fold diluted pond
      water (0.016 mg TNT/L). BCF data indicated that bioaccumulation of TNT
      metabolites need to be considered in TNT chronic toxicity. Fish species and age
      differences in the accumulation of TNT metabolites need to be further studied.

PMID- 25119741
TI  - Identification of angiogenesis-related miRNAs in a population of patients with
      renal clear cell carcinoma.
AB  - In the present study, we compared the expression of miRNAs and angiogenesis
      related genes in the renal tumors and adjacent normal renal tissues of patients
      with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The first part of the present study
      was a preliminary analysis of 4 patients with stage T1a/b ccRCC that measured the
      levels of angiogenesis and expression of angiogenesis-related genes and miRNAs in
      the tumors and adjacent normal renal tissues. The second part of this study was
      an analysis of 30 patients with stage T1, T2 or T3 ccRCC that employed qPCR to
      characterize expression of angiogenesis-related miRNAs in the tumors and adjacent
      normal tissues. The first part of this study indicated that all 4 patients had
      increased levels of CD34 in tumors, indicating elevated angiogenesis. However,
      quantitative analysis of microvessel density and expression of miRNAs indicated
      highly variable results among these patients. The data of all patients in the
      present study indicated that more patients with stage T1 ccRCC had higher
      expression of miR-126 and miR-378 in their normal tissues, whereas more patients
      with stage T2/3 ccRCC had higher expression of these miRNAs in their tumor
      tissues. The tumors of patients with ccRCC had lower expression of miR-126 and
      miR-378 during the early stages of disease (T1), but higher expression of these
      miRNAs during the later stages of disease (T2/T3). 

PMID- 25119742
TI  - MicroRNA-193b is a regulator of amyloid precursor protein in the blood and
      cerebrospinal fluid derived exosomal microRNA-193b is a biomarker of Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - Amyloid precursor protein (APP) has an important function in the generation of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). In our previous study, miR-193b was found to be
      downregulated in the hippocampi of 9-month-old APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice
      using microRNA (miR) array. In the present study, bioinformatic analyses showed
      that miR-193b was a miR that was predicted to potentially target the 3'
      untranslated region (UTR) of APP. Subsequently, the function of miR-193b on APP
      was studied. The levels of miR-193b, exosomal miR-193b, Abeta, tau, p-tau, HCY
      and APOE in samples from APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice, mild cognitive
      impairment (MCI) and dementia of Alzheimer-type (DAT) patients, were measured.
      The results indicated that overexpression of miR-193b could repress the mRNA and
      protein expression of APP. The miR-193b inhibitor oligonucleotide induced
      upregulation of APP. Binding sites of miR-193b in the 3'-UTR of APP were
      identified by luciferase assay. MCI and DAT patients had lower exosomal miR-193b,
      but not total miR-193b, in the blood as compared with the controls. DAT patients
      had lower exosomal miR-193b levels in blood as compared with the MCI group. A
      decreased exosomal miR-193b expression level was additionally observed in the
      cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of DAT patients. Negative correlations were found
      between exosomal miR-193b and Abeta42 in the CSF of DAT patients. In conclusion,
      these findings showed that miR-193b may function in the development of AD and
      exosomal miR-193b has potential as a novel, non-invasive, blood-based biomarker
      of MCI and DAT patients. 

PMID- 25119743
TI  - Immunoprophylaxis against respiratory syncytial virus with palvizumab: what is
      new?

PMID- 25119744
TI  - Respiratory infections in children up to two years of age on prophylaxis with
      palivizumab.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the viruses involved in acute respiratory tract infections
      and to analyze the rates of hospitalization and death in children on palivizumab
      prophylaxis. METHODS: Prospective cohort of 198 infants up to one year old who
      were born before 29 weeks of gestational age and infants under two years old with
      hemodynamically unstable cardiopathy or chronic pulmonary disease who received
      prophylactic palivizumab against severe respiratory syncytial virus infections in
      2008. During the study period, in each episode of acute respiratory tract
      infection, nasopharyngeal aspirate was collected to identify respiratory
      syncytial virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3, influenza A and B by
      direct immunofluorescence, rhinovirus and metapneumovirus by polymerase chain
      reaction preceded by reverse transcription. Data regarding hospitalization and
      deaths were monitored. RESULTS: Among the 198 studied infants, 117 (59.1%)
      presented acute respiratory tract infections, with a total of 175 episodes. Of
      the 76 nasopharyngeal aspirates collected during respiratory tract infections, 37
      were positive, as follow: rhinovirus (75.7%), respiratory syncytial virus
      (18.9%), parainfluenza (8.1%), adenovirus 2 (2.7%), metapneumovirus (2.7%) and
      three samples presented multiple agents. Of the 198 children, 48 (24.4%) were
      hospitalized: 30 (15.2%) for non-infectious etiology and 18 (9.1%) for
      respiratory causes. Among these 18 children, one case of respiratory syncytial
      virus was identified. Two deaths were reported, but respiratory syncytial virus
      was not identified. CONCLUSIONS: During the prophylaxis period, low frequency of
      respiratory syncytial virus infections and low rates of hospitalization were
      observed, suggesting the benefit of palivizumab prophylaxis.

PMID- 25119745
TI  - Prevalence and profile of congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension in
      Down syndrome in a pediatric cardiology service.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequence and profile of congenital heart defects in
      Down syndrome patients referred to a pediatric cardiologic center, considering
      the age of referral, gender, type of heart disease diagnosed by transthoracic
      echocardiography and its association with pulmonary hypertension at the initial
      diagnosis. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection of
      138 patients with Down syndrome from a total of 17,873 records. Descriptive
      analysis of the data was performed, using Epi-Info version 7. RESULTS: Among the
      138 patients with Down syndrome, females prevailed (56.1%) and 112 (81.2%) were
      diagnosed with congenital heart disease. The most common lesion was ostium
      secundum atrial septal defect, present in 51.8%, followed by atrioventricular
      septal defect, in 46.4%. Ventricular septal defects were present in 27.7%, while
      tetralogy of Fallot represented 6.3% of the cases. Other cardiac malformations
      corresponded to 12.5%. Pulmonary hypertension was associated with 37.5% of the
      heart diseases. Only 35.5% of the patients were referred before six months of
      age. CONCLUSIONS: The low percentage of referral until six months of age
      highlights the need for a better tracking of patients with Down syndrome in the
      context of congenital heart disease, due to the high frequency and progression of
      pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 25119746
TI  - Estimating outcomes in newborn infants using fuzzy logic.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To build a linguistic model using the properties of fuzzy logic to
      estimate the risk of death of neonates admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care
      Unit. METHODS: Computational model using fuzzy logic. The input variables of the
      model were birth weight, gestational age, 5th-minute Apgar score and inspired
      fraction of oxygen in newborn infants admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
      of Taubate, Southeast Brazil. The output variable was the risk of death,
      estimated as a percentage. Three membership functions related to birth weight,
      gestational age and 5th-minute Apgar score were built, as well as two functions
      related to the inspired fraction of oxygen; the risk presented five membership
      functions. The model was developed using the Mandani inference by means of
      Matlab(r) software. The model values were compared with those provided by experts
      and their performance was estimated by ROC curve. RESULTS: 100 newborns were
      included, and eight of them died. The model estimated an average possibility of
      death of 49.7+/-29.3%, and the possibility of hospital discharge was 24+/-17.5%.
      These values are different when compared by Student's t-test (p<0.001). The
      correlation test revealed r=0.80 and the performance of the model was 81.9%.
      CONCLUSIONS: This predictive, non-invasive and low cost model showed a good
      accuracy and can be applied in neonatal care, given the easiness of its use.

PMID- 25119747
TI  - Preterm newborns at Kangaroo Mother Care: a cohort follow-up from birth to six
      months.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcomes, growth and exclusive breastfeeding
      rates in premature infants assisted by Kangaroo Mother Care at birth, at
      discharge and at six months of life. METHODS: Prospective study of a premature
      infants cohort assisted by Kangaroo Mother Care in a tertiary public maternity in
      Northeast Brazil with birth weight <=1750g and with clinical conditions for
      Kangaroo care. RESULTS: The sample was composed by 137 premature infants, being
      62.8% female, with average birth weight of 1365+/-283g, average gestational age
      of 32+/-3 weeks and 26.2% were adequate for gestational age. They have been
      admitted in the Kangaroo Ward with a median of 13 days of life, weighing 1430+/
      167g and, at this time, 57.7% were classified as small for corrected gestational
      age. They were discharged with 36.8+/-21.8 days of chronological age, weighing
      1780+/-165g and 67.9% were small for corrected gestational age. At six months of
      life (n=76), they had an average weight of 5954+/-971g, and 68.4% presented
      corrected weight for gestational age between percentiles 15 and 85 of the World
      Health Organization (WHO) weight curve. Exclusive breastfeeding rate at discharge
      was 56.2% and, at six months of life, 14.4%. CONCLUSIONS: In the studied sample,
      almost two thirds of the children assisted by Kangaroo Mother Care were, at six
      months of life, between percentiles 15 and 85 of the WHO weight curves. The
      frequency of exclusive breastfeeding at six months was low.

PMID- 25119748
TI  - Alpha-tocopherol concentration in serum and colostrum of mothers with gestational
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the levels of alpha-tocopherol in colostrum
      and in the serum of healthy and diabetic mothers. METHODS: This cross-sectional
      study enrolled 51 volunteer mothers, 20 with the diagnosis of gestational
      diabetes mellitus and 31 without associated diseases. Serum and colostrum samples
      were collected in fasting in the immediate postpartum period and alpha-tocopherol
      was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In order to define
      the nutritional status of vitamin E, the cutoff point for the serum (697.7ug/dL)
      was adopted. Student's t-test for independent variables compared the average
      concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in the serum and in the colostrum between
      control and gestational diabetes mellitus groups. Pearson's correlation was used
      to assess the relationship between the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in serum
      and colostrum for both groups. Differences were considered significant when
      p<0.05. RESULTS: The alpha-tocopherol concentration in colostrum was 1,483.1+/
      533.8ug/dL for Control Group and 1,368.8+/-681.8ug/dL for diabetic women, without
      differences between groups (p=0.50). However, alpha-tocopherol concentration in
      the serum was 1,059.5+/-372.7ug/dL in the Control Group and 1,391.4+/-531.5ug/dL
      in the diabetic one (p<0.01). No correlation was found between the concentration
      of alpha-tocopherol in the serum and in the colostrum for control and diabetic
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: The groups had adequate nutritional status of vitamin E.
      Gestational diabetes was not associated with changes in alpha-tocopherol
      concentration in colostrum.

PMID- 25119749
TI  - Pediatrician's knowledge on the management of the infant who cries excessively in
      the first months of life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the attitude, the practice and the knowledge of
      pediatricians regarding the management of the infant who cries excessively in the
      first months of life. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study that enrolled
      pediatricians (n=132) randomly interviewed at a Pediatric meeting in Brazil, in
      August 2012. The data were collected by a self-administered standardized form
      after reading the hypothetical case of an infant who cried excessively. RESULTS:
      The majority of the participants were females, the mean age was 39 years and the
      average mean time working in the specialty was 14 years; 52.2% were Board
      Certified by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. The diagnosis most often
      considered was gastroesophageal reflux disease (62.9%), followed by infant colic
      (23.5%) and cow's milk allergy (6.8%). The diagnostic test most frequently
      mentioned was 24-hour esophageal pH-monitoring (21.9%). The medications most
      frequently indicated were domperidone (30.3%), the combination of domperidone
      with ranitidine (12.1%) and paracetamol (6%). CONCLUSIONS: In the approach of the
      infant who cries excessively, diagnostic tests are frequently requested and
      unnecessary medical treatment is usually recommended.

PMID- 25119750
TI  - Intake of protein, calcium and sodium in public child day care centers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess calcium, protein and sodium intake, of children that attend
      public day-care centers and to compare it with the recommended one. METHODS:
      Cross-sectional descriptive study in seven public day care centers of Sao Paulo
      city, Southeast Brazil, which enrolled 366 children between 12 and 36 months of
      age. The data collection occurred between September and December 2010. Each day
      care center was evaluated for three non-consecutive days, totaling 42 days and
      210 meals. Dietary intake was assessed by a direct food weighing method. For the
      nutritional calculation, DietWin(r) Profissional 2.0 was used, and the adequacy
      was calculated according to the recommendations of the National School Feeding
      Program for energy, protein, calcium and sodium. The calcium/protein relation was
      also calculated, as well as calcium density (mg/1,000kcal). RESULTS: The energy
      (406.4kcal), protein (18.2g) and calcium (207.6mg) consumption did not reach the
      recommended values in all the evaluated day care centers. Sodium intake exceeded
      up to three times the recommendation. The calcium/protein ratio of 11.7mg/g was
      less than the adequate one (20mg/g). CONCLUSIONS: There was inadequacy of
      calcium, protein and sodium dietary intake, in children attending public day-care
      centers.

PMID- 25119751
TI  - Prevalence of weight excess according to age group in students from Campinas, SP,
      Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of weight excess in children and
      adolescents attending public and private schools of Campinas, Southeast Brazil,
      according to age group. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that enrolled 3,130
      students from 2010 to 2012. The weight and the height were measured and the body
      mass index (BMI) was calculated. The students were classified by BMI Z-score/age
      curves of the World Health Organization (WHO)-2007 (thinness, normal weight,
      overweight and obesity) and by age group (7-10, 11-14 and 15-18 years).
      Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to verify variables
      associated to overweight and obesity. RESULTS: Among the 3,130 students, 53.7%
      attended public schools and 53.4% were girls. The prevalence of weight excess
      (overweight or obesity) was higher in private schools (37.3%) than in public ones
      (32.9%) and among males (37.5%), compared to females (32.7%; p<0.05). The chance
      of having weight excess in children aged 7-10 years was more than twice of those
      over 15 years old (OR 2.4; 95%CI 2.0-3.0) and it was 60% higher for the group
      with 11-14 years old (OR 1.6; 95%CI 1.3-2.0). The chance of being obese was three
      times higher in 7-10 years old children than in the adolescents with 15-18 years
      old (OR 4.4; 95%CI 3.3-6.4) and 130% higher than the group with 11-14 years old
      (OR 2.3; 95%CI 1.6-3.2). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of weight excess in Campinas
      keeps increasing at an alarming rate, especially in the younger age group.

PMID- 25119752
TI  - Body composition and risk for metabolic alterations in female adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study anthropometrical and body composition variables as predictors
      of risk for metabolic alterations and metabolic syndrome in female adolescents.
      METHODS: Biochemical, clinical and corporal composition data of 100 adolescents
      from 14 to 17 years old, who attended public schools in Vicosa, Southeastern
      Brazil, were collected. RESULTS: Regarding nutritional status, 83, 11 and 6%
      showed eutrophia, overweight/obesity and low weight, respectively, and 61%
      presented high body fat percent. Total cholesterol presented the highest
      percentage of inadequacy (57%), followed by high-density lipoprotein (HDL - 50%),
      low-density lipoprotein (LDL - 47%) and triacylglycerol (22%). Inadequacy was
      observed in 11, 9, 3 and 4% in relation to insulin resistance, fasting insulin,
      blood pressure and glycemia, respectively. The highest values of the fasting
      insulin and the Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were
      verified at the highest quartiles of body mass index (BMI), waist perimeter,
      waist-to-height ratio and body fat percent. Body mass index, waist perimeter, and
      waist-to-height ratio were the better predictors for high levels of HOMA-IR,
      blood glucose and fasting insulin. Waist-to-hip ratio was associated to arterial
      hypertension diagnosis. All body composition variables were effective in
      metabolic syndrome diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Waist perimeter, BMI and waist-to
      height ratio showed to be good predictors for metabolic alterations in female
      adolescents and then should be used together for the nutritional assessment in
      this age range.

PMID- 25119753
TI  - Assessment of calcium intake by adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the daily calcium intake of adolescents in schools from
      Chapeco, Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, to check if calcium intake is in
      accordance with the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI), and to investigate variables
      associated with daily calcium intake. METHODS: Cross-sectional study approved by
      the Institutional Review Board and developed in 2010. Students of the 8th grade
      completed questionnaires with personal data and questions about the calcium-rich
      foods intake frequency. In order to compare students with adequate (1300mg) or
      inadequate intake of calcium/day (<1300mg), parametric and nonparametric tests
      were used. RESULTS: A total of 214 students with a mean age of 14.3+/-1.0 years
      were enrolled. The median daily calcium intake was 540mg (interquartile range -
      IQ: 312-829mg) and only 25 students (11.7%) had calcium intake within the
      recommendations of the DRI for age. Soft drink consumption >=3 times/week was
      associated with a lower intake of calcium. CONCLUSIONS: Few students ingested
      adequate levels of calcium for the age group. It is necessary to develop a
      program to encourage a greater intake of calcium-rich foods in adolescence.

PMID- 25119754
TI  - Neck circumference as a new anthropometric indicator for prediction of insulin
      resistance and components of metabolic syndrome in adolescents: Brazilian
      Metabolic Syndrome Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between neck circumference and insulin
      resistance and components of metabolic syndrome in adolescents with different
      adiposity levels and pubertal stages, as well as to determine the usefulness of
      neck circumference to predict insulin resistance in adolescents. METHODS: Cross
      sectional study with 388 adolescents of both genders from ten to 19 years old.
      The adolescents underwent anthropometric and body composition assessment,
      including neck and waist circumferences, and biochemical evaluation. The pubertal
      stage was obtained by self-assessment, and the blood pressure, by auscultation.
      Insulin resistance was evaluated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin
      Resistance. The correlation between two variables was evaluated by partial
      correlation coefficient adjusted for the percentage of body fat and pubertal
      stage. The performance of neck circumference to identify insulin resistance was
      tested by Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve. RESULTS: After the adjustment
      for percentage body fat and pubertal stage, neck circumference correlated with
      waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides and markers of insulin
      resistance in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the neck
      circumference is a useful tool for the detection of insulin resistance and
      changes in the indicators of metabolic syndrome in adolescents. The easiness of
      application and low cost of this measure may allow its use in Public Health
      services.

PMID- 25119755
TI  - Biochemical, anthropometric and body composition indicators as predictors of
      hepatic steatosis in obese adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of hepatic steatosis and to assess the
      performance of biochemical, anthropometric and body composition indicators for
      hepatic steatosis in obese teenagers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 79
      adolecents aged from ten to 18 years old. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed by
      abdominal ultrasound in case of moderate or intense hepatorenal contrast and/or a
      difference in the histogram >=7 on the right kidney cortex. The insulin
      resistance was determined by the Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance
      (HOMA-IR) index for values >3.16. Anthropometric and body composition indicators
      consisted of body mass index, body fat percentage, abdominal circumference and
      subcutaneous fat. Fasting glycemia and insulin, lipid profile and hepatic
      enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma
      glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase, were also evaluated. In order to
      assess the performance of these indicators in the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis
      in teenagers, a ROC curve analysis was applied. RESULTS: Hepatic steatosis was
      found in 20% of the patients and insulin resistance, in 29%. Gamma
      glutamyltransferase and HOMA-IR were good indicators for predicting hepatic
      steatosis, with a cutoff of 1.06 times above the reference value for gamma
      glutamyltransferase and 3.28 times for the HOMA-IR. The anthropometric
      indicators, the body fat percentage, the lipid profile, the glycemia and the
      aspartate aminotransferase did not present significant associations. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with high gamma-glutamyltransferase level and/or HOMA-IR should be
      submitted to abdominal ultrasound examination due to the increased chance of
      having hepatic steatosis.

PMID- 25119756
TI  - Associated factors of overweight in adolescents from public schools in Northern
      Minas Gerais State, Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In order to support plans and actions that combat the local increasing
      overweight and obesity prevalence in adolescents, the factors associated to
      weight excess in public school students from Montes Claros, MG, Southeast Brazil,
      were studied. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a sample of adolescents from
      the public schools of the city. The nutritional status was evaluated and an
      inquiry was carried out in the schools to determine food consumption and practice
      of physical activities. Factors associated to weight excess were assessed by
      bivariate analysis followed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Weight excess
      prevalence was detected in 18.5% of the 535 adolescents evaluated. The factors
      associated to weight excess were: per capita income above half minimum wage (OR
      1.99; 95%CI 1.01-3.93), candy consumption above two daily portions (OR 1.94;
      95%CI 1.13-3.32) and absence of sport activity during leisure time (OR 2.54;
      95%CI 1.15-5.59). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of weight excess in adolescents
      from public schools is relevant and associated with socioeconomic condition of
      the family, bad eating habits and sedentary life.

PMID- 25119757
TI  - Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in obese normotensive children and adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that obese normotensive children and
      adolescents present impaired cardiac autonomic control compared to non-obese
      normotensive ones. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, 66 children and
      adolescents were divided into the following groups: Obese (n=31, 12+/-3 years
      old) and Non-Obese (n=35, 13+/-3 years old). Obesity was defined as body mass
      index greater than the 95th percentile for age and gender. Blood pressure was
      measured by oscillometric method after 15 minutes of rest in supine position. The
      heart rate was continuously registered during ten minutes in the supine position
      with spontaneous breathing. The cardiac autonomic control was assessed by heart
      rate variability, which was calculated from the five-minute minor variance of the
      signal. The derivations were the index that indicates the proportion of the
      number of times in which normal adjacent R-R intervals present differences >50
      miliseconds (pNN50), for the time domain, and, for the spectral analysis, low
      (LF) and high frequency (HF) bands, besides the low and high frequencies ratio
      (LF/HF). The results were expressed as mean+/-standard deviation and compared by
      Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney's U-test. RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure
      (116+/-14 versus 114+/-13mmHg, p=0.693) and diastolic blood pressure (59+/-8
      versus 60+/-11mmHg, p=0.458) were similar between the Obese and Non-Obese groups.
      The pNN50 index (29+/-21 versus 43+/-23, p=0.015) and HF band (54+/-20 versus
      64+/-14 normalized units - n.u., p=0.023) were lower in the Obese Group. The LF
      band (46+/-20 versus 36+/-14 n.u., p=0.023) and LF/HF ratio (1.3+/-1.6 versus
      0.7+/-0.4, p=0.044) were higher in Obese Group. CONCLUSIONS: Obese normotensive
      children and adolescents present impairment of cardiac autonomic control.

PMID- 25119758
TI  - Assessment of respiratory muscle strength in children according to the
      classification of body mass index.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the respiratory muscle strength among eutrophic,
      overweight and obese school children, as well as to identify anthropometric and
      respiratory variables related to the results. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey
      with healthy schoolchildren aged 7-9 years old, divided into three groups: Normal
      weight, Overweight and Obese. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in
      Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was applied. The body mass index (BMI) was
      evaluated, as well as the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) with a
      portable digital device. The maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP
      and MEP) were measured by a digital manometer. Comparisons between the groups
      were made by Kruskal-Wallis test. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to
      analyze the correlations among the variables. RESULTS: MIP of eutrophic school
      children was higher than MIP found in overweight (p=0.043) and obese (p=0.013)
      children. MIP was correlated with BMI percentile and weight classification (r=
      0.214 and r=-0.256) and MEP was correlated with height (r=0.328). Both pressures
      showed strong correlation with each other in all analyses (r>=0.773), and less
      correlation with FEV1 (MIP - r=0.362 and MEP - r=0.494). FEV1 correlated with MEP
      in all groups (r: 0.429 - 0.569) and with MIP in Obese Group (r=0.565). Age was
      correlated with FEV1 (r=0.578), MIP (r=0.281) and MEP (r=0.328). CONCLUSIONS:
      Overweight and obese children showed lower MIP values, compared to eutrophic
      ones. The findings point to the influence of anthropometric variables on
      respiratory muscle strength in children.

PMID- 25119759
TI  - Prevalence of headache and its interference in the activities of daily living in
      female adolescent students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of headache and its interference in the
      activities of daily living (ADL) in female adolescent students. METHODS: This
      descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 228 female adolescents from a public
      school in the city of Petrolina, Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil, aged ten to 19
      years. A self-administered structured questionnaire about socio-demographic
      characteristics, occurrence of headache and its characteristics was employed.
      Headaches were classified according to the International Headache Society
      criteria. The chi-square test was used to verify possible associations, being
      significant p<0.05. RESULTS: After the exclusion of 24 questionnaires that did
      not met the inclusion criteria, 204 questionnaires were analyzed. The mean age of
      the adolescents was 14.0+/-1.4 years. The prevalence of headache was 87.7%. Of
      the adolescents with headache, 0.5% presented migraine without pure menstrual
      aura; 6.7%, migraine without aura related to menstruation; 1.6%, non-menstrual
      migraine without aura; 11.7%, tension-type headache and 79.3%, other headaches.
      Significant associations were found between pain intensity and the following
      variables: absenteeism (p=0.001); interference in ADL (p<0.001); medication use
      (p<0.001); age (p=0.045) and seek for medical care (p<0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The
      prevalence of headache in female adolescents observed in this study was high,
      with a negative impact in ADL and school attendance.

PMID- 25119760
TI  - Congenital heart disease and chromossomopathies detected by the karyotype.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the relationship between congenital heart defects and
      chromosomal abnormalities detected by the karyotype. DATA SOURCES: Scientific
      articles were searched in MEDLINE database, using the descriptors "karyotype" OR
      "chromosomal" OR "chromosome" AND "heart defects, congenital". The research was
      limited to articles published in English from 1980 on. DATA SYNTHESIS: Congenital
      heart disease is characterized by an etiologically heterogeneous and not well
      understood group of lesions. Several researchers have evaluated the presence of
      chromosomal abnormalities detected by the karyotype in patients with congenital
      heart disease. However, most of the articles were retrospective studies developed
      in Europe and only some of the studied patients had a karyotype exam. In this
      review, only one study was conducted in Latin America, in Brazil. It is known
      that chromosomal abnormalities are frequent, being present in about one in every
      ten patients with congenital heart disease. Among the karyotype alterations in
      these patients, the most important is the trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). These
      patients often have associated extra-cardiac malformations, with a higher risk of
      morbidity and mortality, which makes heart surgery even more risky. CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite all the progress made in recent decades in the field of cytogenetic, the
      karyotype remains an essential tool in order to evaluate patients with congenital
      heart disease. The detailed dysmorphological physical examination is of great
      importance to indicate the need of a karyotype.

PMID- 25119761
TI  - Tools used for evaluation of Brazilian children's quality of life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the available tools to evaluate children's quality of life
      validated for Brazilian language and culture. DATA SOURCES: Search of scientific
      articles in Medline, Lilacs and SciELO databases using the combination of
      descriptors "quality of life", "child" and "questionnaires" in Portuguese and
      English. DATA SYNTHESIS: Among the tools designed to assess children's quality of
      life validated for the Brazilian language and culture, the Auto questionnaire
      Qualite de Vie Enfant Image (AUQEI), the Child Health Questionnaire - Parent Form
      50 (CHQ-PF50), the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL(tm)) version 4.0
      and the Kidscreen-52 are highlighted. Some tools do not include all range of ages
      and some lack domains that are currently considered relevant in the context of
      childhood, such as bullying. Moreover, due to the cultural diversity of Brazil,
      it may be necessary to adapt some instruments or to validate other tools.
      CONCLUSIONS: There are validated instruments to evaluate children's quality of
      life in Brazil. However, the validation or the adaptation of other international
      tools have to be considered in order to overcome current deficiencies.

PMID- 25119762
TI  - Heart rate variability in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To gather current information about the effects of type 1 diabetes
      mellitus on children's cardiac autonomic behavior. DATA SOURCES: The search of
      articles was conducted on PubMed, Ibecs, Medline, Cochrane, Lilacs, SciELO and
      PEDro databases using the MeSH terms: "autonomic nervous system", "diabetes
      mellitus", "child", "type 1 diabetes mellitus", "sympathetic nervous system" and
      "parasympathetic nervous system", and their respective versions in Portuguese
      (DeCS). Articles published from January 2003 to February 2013 that enrolled
      children with 9-12 years old with type 1 diabetes mellitus were included in the
      review. DATA SYNTHESIS: The electronic search resulted in four articles that
      approached the heart rate variability in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus,
      showing that, in general, these children present decreased global heart rate
      variability and vagal activity. The practice of physical activity promoted
      benefits for these individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Children with type 1 diabetes
      mellitus present changes on autonomic modulation, indicating the need for early
      attention to avoid future complications in this group.

PMID- 25119764
TI  - Let's reduce the blood volume collected for laboratorial exams?

PMID- 25119763
TI  - Genitalia burn: accident or violence? Concerns that transcend injury treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of genital burn which raised the suspicion of
      maltreatment (sexual abuse and neglect by lack of supervision). CASE DESCRIPTION:
      An infant was taken to the Emergency Room of a pediatric hospital with an
      extensive burn in the vulva and perineum. The mother claimed the burn had been
      caused by a sodium-hydroxide-based product. However, the injury severity led to
      the suspicion of sexual abuse, which was then ruled out by a multidisciplinary
      team, based on the consistent report by the mother. Besides, the lesion type
      matched those caused by the chemical agent involved in the accident and the
      family context was evaluated and considered adequate. The patient had a favorable
      outcome and was discharged after four days of hospitalization. Outpatient follow
      up during six months after the accident enabled the team to rule out neglect by
      lack of supervision. COMMENTS: Accidents and violence are frequent causes of
      physical injuries in children, and the differential diagnosis between them can be
      a challenge for healthcare workers, especially in rare clinical conditions
      involving patients who cannot speak for themselves. The involvement of a
      multidisciplinary trained team helps to have an adequate approach, ensuring child
      protection and developing a bond with the family; the latter is essential for a
      continued patient follow-up.

PMID- 25119775
TI  - An organic hydrophilic dye for water-based dye-sensitized solar cells.
AB  - In this study we report the first organic hydrophilic dye employed for 100% water
      based electrolyte DSSCs. We show that the replacement of alkyl by glycolic chains
      in the dye structure is able to provide excellent wettability, resulting in an
      efficient system with remarkably reduced desorption problems that allowed us to
      perform tests over a wide pH range. By changing the electrolyte composition,
      employing chenodeoxycholic acid as a co-adsorbent and using PEDOT counter
      electrodes, 3% power conversion efficiency under 1-sun illumination was obtained.
      We show that chenodeoxycholic acid does not significantly increase the
      wettability, and we provide new insights into the higher performance resulting
      from its co-adsorption. 

PMID- 25119777
TI  - Association Between Serum Amyloid-Beta and Renal Functions: Implications for
      Roles of Kidney in Amyloid-Beta Clearance.
AB  - Amyloid-beta (Abeta) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD), and it is a major therapeutic target for AD. It is proposed that
      removal of Abeta in blood can facilitate Abeta clearance from the brain,
      representing a promising therapeutic approach for AD. However, the efficacy and
      mechanisms for Abeta clearance by peripheral organs and tissues remain largely
      unknown. In the present study, 47 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients (16 newly
      diagnosed patients who had never been dialyzed and 31 patients who were receiving
      dialysis) and 43 normal controls (NC) were enrolled. We found that serum Abeta
      levels were significantly higher in CKD patients than NC. CKD patients who were
      receiving dialysis had lower serum Abeta levels than patients without receiving
      dialysis, being comparable to NC. Furthermore, serum Abeta levels were correlated
      with renal functions reflected by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and
      residual GFR (rGFR). Our study suggests that kidney is involved in peripheral
      clearance of Abeta, and dialysis might be a potential therapeutic approach of
      Abeta removal. 

PMID- 25119778
TI  - The case for extracellular Nm23-H1 as a driver of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
      progression.
AB  - Studies in the 1990s identified a link between extracellular Nm23 proteins and
      acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Confidence in the importance of these observations
      was undermined by a lack of appreciation that extracellular Nm23 proteins were
      relevant to either normal or pathophysiology coupled with the lack of
      demonstrable activity of Nm23 proteins against human AML cell lines. However,
      independent studies have highlighted the importance of Nm23-H1 in AML and have
      identified an elaborate Nm23-H1-mediated cross talk between cells within the AML
      clone. In other studies, roles for Nm23-H1 have now also been implicated in the
      maintenance of the stem cell state of embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced
      pluripotent stem (IPS) cells. In this review, we have generated a unifying model
      of the action of Nm23-H1 in AML, including previously unpublished data from our
      laboratory, and provide arguments as to why we consider this role to be distinct
      from that in ES and IPS cells. 

PMID- 25119780
TI  - A Cross-sectional Analysis Investigating Organizational Factors That Influence
      Near-Miss Error Reporting Among Hospital Pharmacists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Underreporting near-miss errors undermines hospitals' ability to
      improve patient safety. The objective of this analysis was to determine the
      extent to which punitive work climate, inadequate error feedback to staff, or
      insufficient preventative procedures are associated with decreased frequency of
      near-miss error reporting among hospital pharmacists. METHODS: Survey data were
      obtained from the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality 2010 Hospital Survey
      on Patient Safety Culture. Near-miss error reporting was defined using a Likert
      scale response to the question, "When a mistake is made, but is caught and
      corrected before affecting the patient, how often is this reported?" Work
      climate, error feedback to staff, and preventative procedures were defined
      similarly using responses to survey questions. Multivariate ordinal regressions
      estimated the likelihood of agreeing that near-miss errors were rarely reported,
      conditional upon perceived levels of punitive work climate, error feedback, or
      preventative procedures. RESULTS: Pharmacists disagreeing that procedures were
      sufficient and that feedback on errors was adequate were more likely to report
      that near-miss errors were rarely reported (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.7-3.8; OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.5-5.1). Those agreeing that mistakes
      were held against them were equally likely as those disagreeing to report that
      errors were rarely reported (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.61-1.1). CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate
      error feedback to staff and insufficient preventative procedures increase the
      likelihood that near-miss errors will be underreported. Hospitals seeking to
      improve near-miss error reporting should improve error-reporting infrastructures
      to enable feedback, which, in turn, would create a more preventative system that
      improves patient safety.

PMID- 25119779
TI  - Unique immunomodulatory effects of azelastine on dendritic cells in vitro.
AB  - Allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis are among the most common
      inflammatory skin diseases in western countries, and antigen-presenting cells
      like dendritic cells (DC) are key players in their pathophysiology. Histamine, an
      important mediator of allergic reactions, influences DC maturation and cytokine
      secretion, which led us to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of the well
      known histamine H1 receptor antagonists: azelastine, olopatadine, cetirizine, and
      pyrilamine. Unlike other H1 antihistamines, azelastine decreased
      lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-12
      secretion from murine bone marrow-derived DC. This effect was independent of
      histamine receptors H1, H2, or H4 and may be linked to inhibition of the nuclear
      factor kappa B pathway. Moreover, only azelastine reduced proliferation of
      allogenic T cells in a mixed leukocyte reaction. We then tested topical
      application of the H1 antihistamines on mice sensitized against toluene-2,4
      diisocyanate, a model of Th2-mediated allergic contact dermatitis. In contrast to
      the in vitro results, all investigated substances were efficacious in reducing
      allergic ear swelling. Azelastine has unique effects on dendritic cells and T
      cell interaction in vitro. However, this did not translate into superior in vivo
      efficacy for Th2-mediated allergic dermatitis, possibly due to the effects of the
      antihistamines on other cell types involved in skin inflammation. Future research
      will have to clarify whether these properties are relevant to in vivo models of
      allergic inflammation with a different T cell polarization. 

PMID- 25119781
TI  - Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Patient Safety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there is extensive evidence on disparities in the process
      and outcomes of health care, data on racial and ethnic disparities in patient
      safety remain inconclusive in the United States. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this
      study were to (1) explore differences in reporting race/ethnicity in studies on
      disparities in patient safety; (2) assess adjustment for socioeconomic status,
      comorbidity, and disease severity; and (3) make recommendations on the inclusion
      of race/ethnicity for future studies on adverse events. METHODS: We searched
      PubMed database (for articles published from 1991 to May 1, 2013) using a
      predetermined criteria for studies on racial and ethnic disparities in patient
      safety. Only quantitative studies that used chart review or administrative data
      for the detection of adverse events were considered for eligibility. Two
      reviewers independently extracted data on inclusion of race/ethnicity in baseline
      characteristics and in stratification of outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 174
      studies were initially obtained from the search. Of these, 24 met inclusion
      criteria and received full-text review. Meta-analysis was not performed because
      of the methodological and statistical heterogeneity between studies. Eight
      studies included race/ethnicity in baseline characteristics and adjusted for
      confounders. Hospital-level variations such teaching status and percentage of
      minorities served were infrequently analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this
      is the first methodological review of racial/ethnic disparities in patient safety
      in the United States. The evidence on the existence of disparities in adverse
      events was mixed. Poor stratification of outcomes by race/ethnicity and
      consideration of geographic and hospital-level variations explain the
      inconclusive evidence; variations in the quality of care at hospitals should be
      considered in studies using national databases.

PMID- 25119776
TI  - Mice Lacking Functional Fas Death Receptors Are Protected from Kainic Acid
      Induced Apoptosis in the Hippocampus.
AB  - The Fas receptor (FasR)/Fas ligand (FasL) system plays a significant role in the
      process of neuronal loss in neurological disorders. Thus, in the present study,
      we used a real-time PCR array focused apoptosis (Mouse Apoptosis RT(2) PCR Array)
      to study the role of the Fas pathway in the apoptotic process that occurs in a
      kainic acid (KA) mice experimental model. In fact, significant changes in the
      transcriptional activity of a total of 23 genes were found in the hippocampus of
      wild-type C57BL/6 mice after 12 h of KA treatment compared to untreated mice.
      Among the up-regulated genes, we found key factors involved in the extrinsic
      apoptotic pathway, such as tnf, fas and fasL, and also in caspase genes (caspase 
      4, caspase-8 and caspase-3). To discern the importance of the FasR/FasL pathway,
      mice lacking the functional Fas death receptor (lpr) were also treated with KA.
      After 24 h of neurotoxin treatment, lpr mice exhibited a reduced number of
      apoptotic positive cells, determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase
      dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) method in different regions of the hippocampus,
      when compared to wild-type mice. In addition, treatment of lpr mice with KA did
      not produce significant changes in the transcriptional activity of genes related
      to apoptosis in the hippocampus, either in the fas and fas ligand genes or in
      caspase-4 and caspase-8 and the executioner caspase-3 genes, as occurred in wild
      type C57BL/6 mice. Thus, these data provide direct evidence that Fas signalling
      plays a key role in the induction of apoptosis in the hippocampus following KA
      treatment, making the inhibition of the death receptor pathway a potentially
      suitable target for excitotoxicity neuroprotection in neurological conditions
      such as epilepsy.

PMID- 25119782
TI  - Organizational, Cultural, and Psychological Determinants of Smart Infusion Pump
      Work Arounds: A Study of 3 U.S. Health Systems.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated nurse perceptions of smart infusion medication pumps
      to provide evidence-based insights on how to help reduce work around and improve
      compliance with patient safety policies. Specifically, we investigated the
      following 3 research questions: (1) What are nurses' current attitudes about
      smart infusion pumps? (2) What do nurses think are the causes of smart infusion
      pump work arounds? and (3) To whom do nurses turn for smart infusion pump
      training and troubleshooting? METHODS: We surveyed a large number of nurses (N =
      818) in 3 U.S.-based health care systems to address the research questions above.
      We assessed nurses' opinions about smart infusion pumps, organizational
      perceptions, and the reasons for work arounds using a voluntary and anonymous Web
      based survey. Using qualitative research methods, we coded open-ended responses
      to questions about the reasons for work arounds to organize responses into useful
      categories. RESULTS: The nurses reported widespread satisfaction with smart
      infusion pumps. However, they reported numerous organizational, cultural, and
      psychological causes of smart pump work arounds. Of 1029 open-ended responses to
      the question "why do smart pump work arounds occur?" approximately 44% of the
      causes were technology related, 47% were organization related, and 9% were
      related to individual factors. Finally, an overwhelming majority of nurses
      reported seeking solutions to smart pump problems from coworkers and being
      trained primarily on the job. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals may
      significantly improve adherence to smart pump safety features by addressing the
      nontechnical causes of work arounds and by providing more leadership and
      formalized training for resolving smart pump-related problems.

PMID- 25119783
TI  - Sociocultural Factors Influencing Incident Reporting Among Physicians and Nurses:
      Understanding Frames Underlying Self- and Peer-Reporting Practices.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Voluntary reporting of incidents is a common approach for improving
      patient safety. Reporting behaviors may vary because of different frames within
      and across professions, where frames are templates that individuals hold and that
      guide interpretation of events. Our objectives were to investigate frames of
      physicians and nurses who report into a voluntary incident reporting system as
      well as to understand enablers and inhibitors of self-reporting and peer
      reporting. METHODS: This is a qualitative case study-confidential in-depth
      interviews with physicians and nurses in General Internal Medicine in a Canadian
      tertiary care hospital. RESULTS: Frames that health care practitioners use in
      their reporting practices serve as enablers and inhibitors for self-reporting and
      peer reporting. Frames that inhibit reporting are shared by physicians and
      nurses, such as the fear of blame frame regarding self-reporting and the
      tattletale frame regarding peer reporting. These frames are underpinned by a
      focus on the individual, despite the organizational message of reporting for
      learning. A learning frame is an enabler to incident reporting. Viewing the
      objective of voluntary incident reporting as learning allows practitioners to
      depersonalize incident reporting. The focus becomes preventing recurrence and not
      the individual reporting or reported on. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians and nurses use
      various frames that bound their views of self and peer incident reporting-further
      progress should incorporate an understanding of these deep-seated views and
      beliefs.

PMID- 25119784
TI  - Patient Handoffs: Is Cross Cover or Night Shift Better?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Studies show singular handoffs between health care providers to be
      risky. Few describe sequential handoffs or compare handoffs from different
      provider types. We investigated the transfer of information across 2 handoffs
      using a piloted survey instrument. We compared cross-cover (every fourth night
      call) with dedicated night-shift residents. METHODS: Surveys assessing provider
      knowledge of hospitalized patients were administered to pediatric residents.
      Primary teams were surveyed about their handoff upon completion of daytime
      coverage of a patient. Night-shift or cross-covering residents were surveyed
      about their handoff of the same patient upon completion of overnight coverage.
      Pediatric hospitalists rated the consistency of information between the surveys.
      Absolute difference was calculated between the 2 providers' rating of a patient's
      (a) complexity and (b) illness severity. Scores were compared across provider
      type. RESULTS: Fifty-nine complete handoff pairs were obtained. Fourteen and 45
      handoff surveys were completed by a cross-covering and a night-shift provider,
      respectively. There was no significant difference in information consistency
      between primary and night-shift (median, 4.0; interquartile range [IQR], 3-4)
      versus primary and cross-covering providers (median, 4.0; IQR, 3-4). There was no
      significant difference in median patient complexity ratings (night shift, 3.0;
      IQR, 1-5, versus cross cover, 3.5; IQR, 1-5) or illness severity ratings (night
      shift, 2.0; IQR, 1-4, versus cross-cover, 3.0; IQR, 1-6) when comparing provider
      types giving a handoff. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a difference in physicians'
      transfer of information during 2 handoffs among providers taking traditional call
      or on night shift. Development of tools to measure handoff consistency is needed.

PMID- 25119785
TI  - A Step Toward High Reliability: Implementation of a Daily Safety Brief in a
      Children's Hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Health care is a high-risk industry. To improve communication about
      daily events and begin the journey toward a high reliability organization, the
      Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health implemented a daily
      safety brief. METHODS: Various departments in our children's hospital were asked
      to participate in a daily safety brief, reporting daily events and unexpected
      outcomes within their scope of responsibility. Participants were surveyed before
      and after implementation of the safety brief about communication and awareness of
      events in the hospital. The length of the brief and percentage of departments
      reporting unexpected outcomes were measured. RESULTS: The analysis of the
      presurvey and the postsurvey showed a statistically significant improvement in
      the questions related to the awareness of daily events as well as communication
      and relationships between departments. The monthly mean length of time for the
      brief was 15 minutes or less. Unexpected outcomes were reported by 50% of the
      departments for 8 months. CONCLUSIONS: A daily safety brief can be successfully
      implemented in a children's hospital. Communication between departments and
      awareness of daily events were improved. Implementation of a daily safety brief
      is a step toward becoming a high reliability organization.

PMID- 25119786
TI  - Application of Failure Mode Effect Analysis to Improve the Care of Septic
      Patients Admitted Through the Emergency Department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) is a proactive multistep tool
      used to analyze risks, identify failures before they occur, and prioritize
      preventive measures. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team trained on FMEA
      methodology analyzed the process of treatment of septic patients and recorded
      processes under 3 major phases (recognition of severe sepsis, referral, and
      resuscitation). The team identified potential failure modes in each process;
      assigned severity, occurrence, and detection scores for each; and calculated the
      risk priority numbers (RPNs). Finally, higher-priority failure modes (RPN of
      >=300) were analyzed to redesign the care process. RESULTS: We identified 27
      processes and 48 failure modes with a mean RPN of 270. Twenty-two high-risk
      failures were identified by RPN of 300 or higher. All identified critical
      processes were related to phase 1 (recognition of sepsis) and phase 3
      (resuscitation). The most critical process seemed to be related to the initial
      workup and treatment of septic patients, with 4 potential failure modes and a
      total RPN of 1485. CONCLUSIONS: Patient safety and care reliability issues are a
      major concern in health care. This study suggests that tools such as FMEA can
      enable a detailed analysis of the care process of septic patients by outlining
      potential failure modes and guiding improvement efforts.

PMID- 25119787
TI  - Improving Insulin Administration Through Redesigning Processes of Care: A
      Multidisciplinary Team Approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This article describes a quality improvement project using a
      multidisciplinary team approach to improve the rate of errors of omission of
      preprandial subcutaneous coverage insulin orders. METHODS: A Diabetic Management
      Work Group was created to evaluate the system processes that affect success and
      failure of timely administration and documentation of preprandial coverage
      insulin, commonly referred to as sliding scale coverage. Data before and after
      the project were collected to evaluate the effectiveness of a process change
      through the bar code medication administration system, in which preprandial
      coverage insulin order sets were changed to eliminate errors of omission and
      improve documentation. RESULTS: A review of 833 random blood glucose measurements
      with corresponding short- or rapid-acting insulin coverage orders was conducted.
      A mean error of omission rate of 23.4% was identified with respect to coverage
      insulin that was clinically indicated by provider-ordered insulin set but not
      administered or documented in the electronic medication record. After process
      redesign and implementation, 951 blood glucose measurements with corresponding
      insulin coverage orders were randomly reviewed, and a mean of 10.7% of omission
      rate for coverage insulin administration was identified. This represented a
      decrease in omission of coverage insulin by 54% compared with preprocess
      improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased errors of omission as well as improved
      administration and documentation of coverage insulin were demonstrated by this
      multimodal process change. Scheduled standardized order sets, extensive nursing
      staff education, and enhanced efficiency of the existing process led to improved
      outcomes.

PMID- 25119788
TI  - An overview of measurement activities in the partnership for patients.
AB  - The Partnership for Patients, launched in April 2011, is a national quality
      improvement initiative from the Department of Health and Human Services that has
      set ambitious goals for U.S. providers to improve patient safety and care
      transitions. This paper outlines the initiative's measurement strategy,
      describing four measurement-related objectives: (1) to track national progress
      toward the program goals that U.S. hospitals reduce preventable adverse events by
      40% and readmissions by 20%; (2) to support local quality improvement measurement
      in participating hospitals by providing the appropriate tools, training, and
      programmatic structure; (3) to obtain feedback on hospital and contractor
      progress, in close to real time, so the project can be effectively managed; and
      (4) to evaluate the program's impact on adverse event and readmission rates. 

PMID- 25119789
TI  - A multitasking functional group leads to structural diversity using designer C-H
      activation reaction cascades.
AB  - The C-H activation strategy has become one of the preferred methods to introduce
      chemical functionality to a chemically inert carbon atom. Intensive efforts have
      been devoted to developing either versatile bond formations (product structural
      diversity) or effective directing groups (substrate site selectivity). From the
      views of medicinal and synthetic practitioners, the C-H activation approach
      remains inadequate due to its limitation to point-to-point derivatization. Direct
      assembly of 3D molecular complexity in a single step remains elusive for this
      strategy. Towards this goal, a multitasking functional group is required to
      accomplish several missions in one pot: site selecitivity, cleavability and redox
      versatility. We demonstrate that an oxyacetamide group is such a multifunctional
      warhead that enables a series of C-H functionalization cascades and allows direct
      access to structurally diverse polycyclic heterocyles in one pot. The progress of
      these reaction cascades were fully controlled by oxidants and temperature. The
      proliferation of the reaction chain can be extended to a four-step cascade. 

PMID- 25119790
TI  - Curcumin prevents maleate-induced nephrotoxicity: relation to hemodynamic
      alterations, oxidative stress, mitochondrial oxygen consumption and activity of
      respiratory complex I.
AB  - The potential protective effect of the dietary antioxidant curcumin (120
      mg/Kg/day for 6 days) against the renal injury induced by maleate was evaluated.
      Tubular proteinuria and oxidative stress were induced by a single injection of
      maleate (400 mg/kg) in rats. Maleate-induced renal injury included increase in
      renal vascular resistance and in the urinary excretion of total protein, glucose,
      sodium, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and N-acetyl beta-D
      glucosaminidase (NAG), upregulation of kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1, decrease
      in renal blood flow and claudin-2 expression besides of necrosis and apoptosis of
      tubular cells on 24 h. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring the oxidation
      of lipids and proteins and diminution in renal Nrf2 levels. Studies were also
      conducted in renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cells and in mitochondria isolated from
      kidneys of all the experimental groups. Maleate induced cell damage and reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) production in LLC-PK1 cells in culture. In addition, maleate
      treatment reduced oxygen consumption in ADP-stimulated mitochondria and
      diminished respiratory control index when using malate/glutamate as substrate.
      The activities of both complex I and aconitase were also diminished. All the
      above-described alterations were prevented by curcumin. It is concluded that
      curcumin is able to attenuate in vivo maleate-induced nephropathy and in vitro
      cell damage. The in vivo protection was associated to the prevention of oxidative
      stress and preservation of mitochondrial oxygen consumption and activity of
      respiratory complex I, and the in vitro protection was associated to the
      prevention of ROS production.

PMID- 25119791
TI  - Comparison of ready biodegradation estimation methods for fragrance materials.
AB  - Biodegradability is fundamental to the assessment of environmental exposure and
      risk from organic chemicals. Predictive models can be used to pursue both
      regulatory and chemical design (green chemistry) objectives, which are most
      effectively met when models are easy to use and available free of charge. The
      objective of this work was to evaluate no-cost estimation programs with respect
      to prediction of ready biodegradability. Fragrance materials, which are
      structurally diverse and have significant exposure potential, were used for this
      purpose. Using a database of 222 fragrance compounds with measured ready
      biodegradability, 10 models were compared on the basis of overall accuracy,
      sensitivity, specificity, and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC), a measure
      of quality for binary classification. The 10 models were VEGA(c) Non-Interactive
      Client, START (Toxtree(c)), Biowin(c)1-6, and two models based on inductive
      machine learning. Applicability domain (AD) was also considered. Overall accuracy
      was ca. 70% and varied little over all models, but sensitivity, specificity and
      MCC showed wider variation. Based on MCC, the best models for fragrance compounds
      were Biowin6, VEGA and Biowin3. VEGA performance was slightly better for the <50%
      of the compounds it identified as having "high reliability" predictions (AD index
      >0.8). However, removing compounds with one and only one quaternary carbon
      yielded similar improvement in predictivity for VEGA, START, and Biowin3/6, with
      a smaller penalty in reduced coverage. Of the nine compounds for which the eight
      models (VEGA, START, Biowin1-6) all disagreed with the measured value, measured
      analog data were available for seven, and all supported the predicted value.
      VEGA, Biowin3 and Biowin6 are judged suitable for ready biodegradability
      screening of fragrance compounds. 

PMID- 25119792
TI  - Strain superlattices and macroscale suspension of graphene induced by corrugated
      substrates.
AB  - We investigate the organized formation of strain, ripples, and suspended features
      in macroscopic graphene sheets transferred onto corrugated substrates made of an
      ordered array of silica pillars with variable geometries. Depending on the pitch
      and sharpness of the corrugated array, graphene can conformally coat the surface,
      partially collapse, or lie fully suspended between pillars in a fakir-like
      fashion over tens of micrometers. With increasing pillar density, ripples in
      collapsed films display a transition from random oriented pleats emerging from
      pillars to organized domains of parallel ripples linking pillars, eventually
      leading to suspended tent-like features. Spatially resolved Raman spectroscopy,
      atomic force microscopy, and electronic microscopy reveal uniaxial strain domains
      in the transferred graphene, which are induced and controlled by the geometry. We
      propose a simple theoretical model to explain the structural transition between
      fully suspended and collapsed graphene. For the arrays of high density pillars,
      graphene membranes stay suspended over macroscopic distances with minimal
      interaction with the pillars' apexes. It offers a platform to tailor stress in
      graphene layers and opens perspectives for electron transport and nanomechanical
      applications. 

PMID- 25119794
TI  - Evolution of quality of life in patients with Korsakoff's syndrome in a long-term
      care facility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder
      characterized by severe amnesia. Quality of life (QoL) is becoming an
      increasingly used outcome measure in clinical practice but little is known about
      QoL in KS and how it may change over time. The purpose of this study was
      therefore to assess the QoL in patients with KS at baseline and with a 20-month
      follow-up. METHODS: The current study is a longitudinal study on the QoL in
      patients with KS living in two long-term care facilities for KS patients in the
      Netherlands. QoL was scored with the proxy-based QUALIDEM scale with a 20-month
      follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 72 KS patients included at baseline, 57 KS patients
      had a follow-up QoL score (79.2%). On the subscales "Feeling at home," "Positive
      affect," and "Care relationship" of the QUALIDEM, there was a better QoL in the
      follow-up, although effects were relatively small. Other subscales indicated a
      stable QoL over time. There were inter-relations between changes in subscales.
      CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of this study is that patients with KS on average
      do show a relatively stable moderate to good QoL despite the severity of the
      syndrome. On specific subscales, there is a small increase in QoL over time.
      Results do suggest that prolonged stay in a long-term care facility for KS
      patients does have a neutral to a positive effect on QoL in KS.

PMID- 25119795
TI  - PM2.5 constituents and hospital emergency-room visits in Shanghai, China.
AB  - Although ambient PM2.5 has been linked to adverse health effects, the chemical
      constituents that cause harm are largely unclear. Few prior studies in a
      developing country have reported the health impacts of PM2.5 constituents. In
      this study, we examined the short-term association between PM2.5 constituents and
      emergency room visits in Shanghai, China. We measured daily concentrations of
      PM2.5, organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and eight water-soluble ions
      between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012. We analyzed the data using
      overdispersed generalized linear Poisson models. During our study period, the
      mean daily average concentration of PM2.5 in Shanghai was 55 MUg/m(3). Major
      contributors to PM2.5 mass included OC, EC, sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium. For a
      1-day lag, an interquartile range increment in PM2.5 mass (36.47 MUg/m(3))
      corresponded to 0.57% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13%, 1.01%] increase of
      emergency room visits. In all the three models used, we found significant
      positive associations of emergency room visits with OC and EC. Our findings
      suggest that PM2.5 constituents from the combustion of fossil fuel (e.g., OC and
      EC) may have an appreciable influence on the health impact attributable to PM2.5.

PMID- 25119793
TI  - Bromelain surface modification increases the diffusion of silica nanoparticles in
      the tumor extracellular matrix.
AB  - Tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) represents a major obstacle to the diffusion of
      therapeutics and drug delivery systems in cancer parenchyma. This biological
      barrier limits the efficacy of promising therapeutic approaches including the
      delivery of siRNA or agents intended for thermoablation. After extravasation due
      to the enhanced penetration and retention effect of tumor vasculature, typical
      nanotherapeutics are unable to reach the nonvascularized and anoxic regions deep
      within cancer parenchyma. Here, we developed a simple method to provide
      mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) with a proteolytic surface. To this extent,
      we chose to conjugate MSN to Bromelain (Br-MSN), a crude enzymatic complex,
      purified from pineapple stems, that belongs to the peptidase papain family. This
      surface modification increased particle uptake in endothelial, macrophage, and
      cancer cell lines with minimal impact on cellular viability. Most importantly Br
      MSN showed an increased ability to digest and diffuse in tumor ECM in vitro and
      in vivo. 

PMID- 25119797
TI  - [Triazole antifungal agents: practice guidelines of therapeutic drug monitoring
      and perspectives in treatment optimization].
AB  - Antifungal triazole agents (fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole and
      posaconazole) are widely used for the management of invasive fungal infections
      (IFI). These drugs are indicated both for the prophylaxis and treatment of IFI,
      particularly in candidiasis and aspergillosis, major cause of mortality in
      immunocompromised patients. Due to a large interindividual pharmacokinetic
      variability leading to sub-therapeutic or toxic concentrations and to
      concentration-efficacy and/or -toxicity relationships, therapeutic drug
      monitoring (TDM) of antifungal triazole is fully justified. This review provides
      an overview of literature based data that confirm the usefulness of such TDM and
      its level of evidence as well as the practical guidelines for its implementation.
      In addition, we discuss the interest of new tools to improve the clinical
      management of IFI, such as genotyping tests optimizing initial voriconazole
      dosing regimen or the development of a new solid oral tablet of posaconazole
      improving its bioavailability and limiting absorption disorders. 

PMID- 25119798
TI  - [Pharmacogenetics and prediction of side effects of drugs].
AB  - Drug response is often variable from one individual to another, which sometimes
      makes them difficult to use when the therapeutic range is narrow. This
      interindividual variability in response can be explained in part by genetic
      factors affecting the metabolism, transport and the mechanism of action of drugs.
      Pharmacogenetics studies the genetic mechanisms involved in the response to drugs
      in order to optimize drug therapy, both in terms of efficacy and job security.
      This article summarizes the most known present clinical applications that
      illustrate the benefit of pharmacogenetic tests available to the clinician and
      are feasible for routine therapeutic management of patients (prediction of
      efficacy and toxicity of drugs), but also to demonstrate the benefit of
      pharmacogenetic tests in terms of health economics (reducing the incidence of
      hospitalizations for adverse drug events). 

PMID- 25119799
TI  - [Determination of the plasma global antioxidant capacity: a critical review].
AB  - With respect to prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cancers, the healthcare
      professionals are more and more interested in the blood determination of
      antioxidants (vitamins C and E, carotenoids, glutathione, ubiquinone, antioxidant
      enzymes). The major problem of these analysis is their elevated cost. At the
      request of the healthcare professionals, the laboratories of clinical biology
      suggest the measurement of the plasma global antioxidant capacity (GAC) as a
      replacement of the individual determination of all these antioxidants. The
      present review shows that such a test presents a large number of gaps, the major
      one being that it essentially reflects the plasma concentration of uric acid and
      proteins. On basis of nine arguments, we show that the measurement of the plasma
      GAC cannot be considered as an in vivo marker of oxidative stress nor lead to the
      prescription antioxidant complement. 

PMID- 25119800
TI  - [Analytical performances of SPAPLUS(r) turbidimeter for the dosage of
      immunoglobulins and beta-2 microglobulin in serum].
AB  - We evaluated the analytical performances of the SPAPLUS((r)) immunoturbidimeter
      assays manufactured by The Binding Site((r)) for the quantification of thirteen
      immunological parameters in serum: IgG, IgA, IgM and IgD immunoglobulins, IgG
      subclasses (1 to 4), IgA subclasses (1 and 2), beta-2 microglobulin, free light
      chains kappa and lambda. The within-day precision (repeatability) and the between
      day precision (reproducibility) were obtained for two or three concentration
      levels depending of the parameter and were below the recommendations of the
      manufacturer, except for the repeatability of IgG1 (at a level of concentration
      of 6.7 g/L). An agreement above 90% (with Bland and Altman analysis) was observed
      between the results obtained with SPAPLUS((r)) and those obtained with the
      nephelometer IMMAGE((r)) 800 or radial immunodiffusion. The evaluation confirmed
      the linearity of the assays and the absence of contamination for all the
      parameters tested. We also assessed the practicability of the SPAPLUS((r)) in
      terms of maintenance, frequency of calibration and cadence tests. The
      SPAPLUS((r)) immunoturbidimeter displays good analytical performances for the
      immunological parameters evaluated in the present work.

PMID- 25119801
TI  - [Evaluation of the quality of clinical practice guidelines published in the
      Annales de Biologie Clinique with the help of the EFLM checklist].
AB  - Several tools are available to help evaluate the quality of clinical practice
      guidelines (CPG). The AGREE instrument (Appraisal of guidelines for research &
      evaluation) is the most consensual tool but it has been designed to assess CPG
      methodology only. The European federation of laboratory medicine (EFLM) recently
      designed a check-list dedicated to laboratory medicine which is supposed to be
      comprehensive and which therefore makes it possible to evaluate more thoroughly
      the quality of CPG in laboratory medicine. In the present work we test the
      comprehensiveness of this check-list on a sample of CPG written in French and
      published in Annales de biologie clinique (ABC). Thus we show that some work
      remains to be achieved before a truly comprehensive check-list is designed. We
      also show that there is some room for improvement for the CPG published in ABC,
      for example regarding the fact that some of these CPG do not provide any
      information about allowed durations of transport and of storage of biological
      samples before analysis, or about standards of minimal analytical performance, or
      about the sensitivities or the specificities of the recommended tests. 

PMID- 25119796
TI  - [Weakening osteopathies, chronic kidney disease, malabsorption, biological
      anomalies of calium/phosphorus metabolism: appropriate indications for a reasoned
      reimbursment of serum vitamin D measurement].

PMID- 25119802
TI  - [Comparative study of parathormone and vitamin D measurements by three automats:
      ADVIA Centaur XP(r) (Siemens), ISYS(r) (IDS) and Liaison(r) (Diasorin)].
AB  - Vitamin D (Vit.D) and parathormone (PTH) measurements are usually prescribed for
      phosphocalcic metabolism assessment and, especially for Vit.D, more and more
      frequently for other pathologies. In order to step up to automated techniques for
      these analysis in our laboratory, we tested 3 devices: ADVIA Centaur XP((r))
      (Siemens), ISYS((r)) (IDS) and Liaison((r)) (Diasorin), which allow to
      simultaneously quantify Vit.D and PTH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      fidelity of these methods as well as study the correlation between them and the
      radioimmunological techniques previously used in our laboratory : " ELSA PTH "
      (Iba Cisbio International) and " 25-OH D " (IDS). The comparison of PTH analysis
      was performed on a population of chronic renal failure patients undergoing
      haemodialysis. According to our study, the 3 devices show acceptable analytical
      performances; anyway the measurements realized on the ISYS analyzer are the ones
      showing the best results in terms of fidelity, and the closest results to those
      obtained with the RIA reference techniques.

PMID- 25119803
TI  - Relationships between pharmacokinetic parameters of carbamazepine and therapeutic
      response in patients with bipolar disease.
AB  - This study aimed to assess the relationship between plasma levels of
      carbamazepine and its active metabolite 10,11-epoxide-carbamazepine, and the
      therapeutic response in patients with bipolar disease. Thirteen patients were
      kept on a fixed individual dose of carbamazepine for 19 weeks under psychiatric
      care. Steady-state plasma concentrations of carbamazepine and its metabolite
      10,11-epoxide-carbamazepine were measured at weeks 4, 12, and 20 by HPLC essay.
      Simultaneously, the psychopathologic state was assessed using the Brief
      Psychiatric rating scale (BPRS). Upon correlational analysis, mean BPRS scores
      did not correlate with the plasma levels of carbamazepine, whereas both mean
      plasma levels of 10, 11-epoxide-carbamazepine concentrations and 10,11-epoxide
      carbamazepine to plasma carbamazepine ratio were closely correlated with mean
      values of BPRS scores (r = 0.80, p =10(-4), r= -0.89, p =10(-3) respectively).
      Optimum therapeutic response was observed among patients who had a plasma
      metabolite level of 1.4 MUg/mL and a plasma carbamazepine concentrations of 7
      MUg/mL simultaneously. These results suggest that both plasma carbamazepine and
      10,11-epoxide-carbamazepine levels must be fixed to achieve optimum therapeutic
      response. In order to reach these conditions, inhibitor drugs (such as valproic
      acid) or inductor drugs (such as phenobarbital) of epoxyde-hydrolase might be
      coadministered with the carbamazepine in order to adapt the plasma level of 10,11
      epoxide-carbamazepine. 

PMID- 25119804
TI  - [EEQ in clinical embryology: a starting program].
AB  - Every laboratory including those working in assisted reproductive technologies
      have to be accredited EN ISO 15189 before 2020. This standardisation includes an
      external quality evaluation (EQE). In order to work out an EQE tool, we used
      images extracted from our own database developed during daily practice. We
      achieved an easily online tool called: "EEQ en embryologie clinique", developed
      on Biologie prospective web site with ART French biologists Association (Blefco)
      expertise in evaluation of early human embryonic stages. In 2013, 38 ART
      laboratories participate to the first program with more than 90% of appropriates
      results. The present article aims at describing this tool and discussing its
      limits. 

PMID- 25119805
TI  - [Pathophysiological characterization of metabolic syndrome in overweight, obese
      and type 2 diabetic Algerian subjects: interest of adipokines as dysmetabolic
      biomarkers].
AB  - The body fat accretion (BFA) is correlated to energy homeostasis and/or
      hemodynamic dysfunction, being mediated by insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and
      recently by adipokines. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the
      associations between metabolic syndrome markers and the secretion disturbs of
      leptin, adiponectin and resistin during overweight (OW), obesity (OB) and type 2
      diabetes de type 2 (T2DM) stages. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was undertaken
      on 240 subjects who were divided in 3 groups: overweight, obese and diabetic
      groups, according to age, sex and the BMI value. The metabolic syndrome was
      investigated according to the NCEP/ATPIII criteria. Insulin resistance was
      assessed by HOMA model. Metabolic parameters were determined on Cobas(r).
      Adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
      on human ELISA reader - Biotek ELX 800. RESULTS: The adipokines secretion is
      influenced by the adipose tissue accretion and insulin resistance state. The BFA
      in OB and OW subjects is positively correlated to the increase of serum leptin,
      whereas the serum adiponectin is reduced. The serum adipokines profile is
      modulated differently between men and women, particularly for leptin. Resistin
      secretion follows the evolution of leptinemia. CONCLUSION: It appears that
      adipokines as major dysmetabolic biomarkers, and can be considered as relevant
      biological tools in the diagnosis of cardiovascular and T2DM predictive risk in
      overweight and obese subjects.

PMID- 25119806
TI  - [Cytogenetics study of chromosomal instability in Fanconi anemia in Tunisia].
AB  - Cells of Fanconi anemia (FA) is characterized by cellular and chromosomal
      hypersensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents. We tested mitomycin C at 25 ng/mL,
      40 ng/mL and diepoxybutane 0.1 MUg/mL in order to select a reference technique in
      the diagnosis of AF. We also studied the mitotic segregation of sex chromosomes.
      Our study focused on 73 patients with aplastic anemia suspecting AF and also 17
      healthy controls. Thus, the MMC 25 ng/mL with a sensitivity to detect AF cells.
      DEB, by contrast, showed better specificity. FISH study shows the presence of
      instability in the AF mitotic cells. The association for routine diagnosis of MMC
      25 ng/mL and DEB 0.1 mcg/mL, and the search for a mitotic instability by FISH is
      the best way of cytogenetic diagnosis of AF. 

PMID- 25119807
TI  - [Another case of the rare complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia:
      angioedema].
AB  - Angioedema is a rare but may be serious (laryngeal edema). This is a recurrent
      edema, subcutaneous and/or submucosal, whose cause is a hereditary or acquired
      deficiency in C1 inhibiteur (C1 inhibitor fraction of complement). We present the
      case of a 56 years old patient who showed recurrent episodes of swelling of the
      face and hands in association with chronic lymphocytic leukemia stage A. The
      exploration of the complement pathway has allowed retaining the diagnosis of
      acquired angioedema type I. The association of angioedema and lymphoproliferative
      syndrome is rare; we present this interesting case to discuss it from the
      literature data. 

PMID- 25119808
TI  - A rare pediatric case of cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma.
AB  - Cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma (CGD-TCL) is a recent entity described in
      the newly revised World health organization-European organization for research
      and treatment of cancer classification of cutaneous lymphomas. Only a few cases
      have been reported, of which two pediatric cases. A 15 years old child with a 6
      months history of polyadenopathy, cutaneous lesions, general edema and
      deterioration of general condition was hospitalized. Results from laboratory
      testing, cutaneous histopathology and immunohistochemistry showed a primary CGD
      TCL. Staging was completed by a total body computed tomography. Therapy was
      planified with SMILE protocol. It is a highly aggressive tumor resistant to
      chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. The GDTCL is characterized by
      a worse prognosis with a median survival of 15 months. Early diagnosis is
      essential and aggressive therapy is necessary. 

PMID- 25119809
TI  - [Gemella haemolysans brain abscess in a child with complex congenital heart
      disease].
AB  - Gemella haemolysans, a Gram positive cocci which are deemed to be the normal
      inhabitant of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx, has been recognized as a
      pathogen involved in abscess formation. The aim of this case report is to
      demonstrate that it is also involved in brain abscess in children. We report, to
      our knowledge, the first pediatric case of Gemella haemolysans brain abscess in
      an 11 years old child carrying a complex congenital heart disease (dextrocardia
      with single right ventricle) which evolved favorably under antibiotic therapy.
      Because of its similarity with Streptococcus viridans groupe, Gemella haemolysans
      often remains under-diagnosed in the laboratory. The contribution of
      microbiologists in its correct identification is very important. 

PMID- 25119810
TI  - [Immunoanalytical characteristics of galectin-3].
AB  - This paper points out the structural and physiological data of galectin-3, and
      emphasizes its role in cardiac fibrosis and heart failure pathophysiology. Then
      we summarize the optimal conditions for sampling, assays and we discuss the
      interpretation of results. 

PMID- 25119811
TI  - [Metabolic and inflammatory profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome associated to
      weight excess].
AB  - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and weight excess exhibited metabolic
      abnormalities and elevated cardiovascular risk. Our objective was to assess
      metabolic and inflammatory profiles in women with PCOS associated to weight
      excess; 85 women were enrolled. Four groups were then identified with and without
      PCOS and/or weight excess. Hyperlipidemia was significantly more observed in the
      two groups with weight excess. In whom insulinresistance and high sensitive C
      reactive protein were also elevated. Abnormalities observed when PCOS and weight
      excess are associated would mimic these observed in isolated weight excess with
      some particularities. 

PMID- 25119812
TI  - Pharmacological and dietary agents for colorectal cancer chemoprevention: effects
      on polyamine metabolism (review).
AB  - Chemoprevention is the long-term use of different chemical agents, both synthetic
      and natural, to prevent or delay the onset of disease. Since colorectal cancer
      has a significant environmental component, it is an ideal disease in which to
      evaluate the potential benefits of chemopreventive agents. The polyamines,
      spermine, spermidine and putrescine have been involved in almost all the steps of
      colorectal tumorigenesis. Consequently, polyamine biosynthesis and catabolism can
      be considered as promising targets for cancer chemoprevention. A variety of drug
      formulations have been tested for their efficacy in affecting polyamines in a
      strategy of colorectal cancer prevention. Different molecules, such as
      biosynthesis inhibitors and catabolism inducers, have been proposed alone or in
      combination with other drugs proved to diminish the colorectal cancer risk.
      Interestingly, also diet can play a role in cancer prevention by affecting
      polyamines. Several dietary components, such as probiotics or flavonoids, have
      been shown to affect the polyamine metabolic pathway in colorectal neoplastic
      tissue. On the other hand, the polyamines ingested with diet might contrast the
      above cited effects shown by both drugs and nutritional factors. It is,
      therefore, fundamental to acquire more data also on these aspects in view of an
      innovative approach to colorectal oncology. This review summarizes data on the
      role of polyamine metabolism in neoplastic transformation of colorectal mucosa
      and as possible target for colorectal cancer chemoprevention. Attention will be
      focused on the influence of drugs and nutritional factors on polyamine
      metabolism, as well as the role played by dietary polyamines.

PMID- 25119813
TI  - Dinuclear zinc(II) complexes with hydrogen bond donors as structural and
      functional phosphatase models.
AB  - It is becoming increasingly apparent that the secondary coordination sphere can
      have a crucial role in determining the functional properties of biomimetic metal
      complexes. We have therefore designed and prepared a variety of ligands as
      metallo-hydrolase mimics, where hydrogen bonding in the second coordination
      sphere is able to influence the structure of the primary coordination sphere and
      the substrate binding. The assessment of a structure-function relationship is
      based on derivates of 2,6-bis{[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl}-4
      methylphenol (HBPMP = HL(1)) and 2-{[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl}-6-{[(2
      hydroxybenzyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl}-4-methylphenol (H2BPBPMP =
      H2L(5)), well-known phenolate-based ligands for metallo-hydrolase mimics. The
      model systems provide similar primary coordination spheres but site-specific
      modifications in the secondary coordination sphere. Pivaloylamide and amine
      moieties were chosen to mimic the secondary coordination sphere of the
      phosphatase models, and the four new ligands H3L(2), H3L(3), HL(4), and H4L(6)
      vary in the type and geometric position of the H-bond donors and acceptors,
      responsible for the positioning of the substrate and release of the product
      molecules. Five dinuclear Zn(II) complexes were prepared and structurally
      characterized in the solid, and four also in solution. The investigation of the
      phosphatase activity of four model complexes illustrates the impact of the H
      bonding network: the Michaelis-Menten constants (catalyst-substrate binding) for
      all complexes that support hydrogen bonding are smaller than for the reference
      complex, and this generally leads to higher catalytic efficiency and higher
      turnover numbers. 

PMID- 25119816
TI  - Orientational and vibrational relaxation dynamics of perylene in the cyclohexane
      ethanol binary solvent system.
AB  - The rotational dynamics and vibrational population relaxation of the nonpolar
      probe molecule perylene have been studied in a series of ethanol-cyclohexane
      binary solvent mixtures, with the goal of relating solvent system composition to
      local organization. Steady-state spectroscopic data show that there is a
      discontinuous dependence of the spectroscopic origin on binary solvent system
      composition for perylene. Both rotational diffusion and vibrational population
      relaxation time constants show a clear discontinuity between 5% and 7.5% (v/v)
      ethanol in cyclohexane, suggesting a discontinuous change on molecular scale
      rearrangement in the chromophore local environment. We interpret these results in
      the context of the chromophore residing in an environment that is not homogeneous
      on the molecular scale and changes in its average conformation with binary
      solvent system composition. 

PMID- 25119814
TI  - Increasing and decreasing the ultrastability of bacterial chemotaxis core
      signaling complexes by modifying protein-protein contacts.
AB  - The chemosensory signaling array of bacterial chemotaxis is composed of
      functional core units containing two receptor trimers of dimers, a homodimeric
      CheA kinase, and two CheW adaptor proteins. In vitro reconstitutions generate
      individual, functional core units and larger functional assemblies, including
      dimers, hexagons, and hexagonal arrays. Such reconstituted complexes have been
      shown to have both quasi-stable and ultrastable populations that decay with
      lifetimes of 1-2 days and ~3 weeks at 22  degrees C, respectively, where decay
      results primarily from proteolysis of the bound kinase [Erbse, A. H., and Falke,
      J. J. (2009) Biochemistry 48, 6975-6987; Slivka, P. F., and Falke, J. J. (2012)
      Biochemistry 51, 10218-10228]. In this work, we show that the ultrastable
      population can be destabilized to the quasi-stable level via the introduction of
      a bulky tryptophan residue at either one of two essential protein-protein
      interfaces within the core unit: the receptor-kinase contact or kinase-adaptor
      interface 1. Moreover, we demonstrate that the quasi-stable population can be
      made ultrastable via the introduction of a disulfide bond that covalently
      stabilizes the latter interface. The resulting disulfide at least doubles the
      functional lifetime of the ultrastable population, to >=5.9 weeks at 22  degrees
      C, by protecting the kinase from endogenous and exogenous proteases. Together,
      these results indicate that the ultrastability of reconstituted core complexes
      requires well-formed contacts among the receptor, kinase, and adaptor proteins,
      whereas quasi-stability arises from less perfect contacts that allow slow
      proteolysis of the bound kinase. Furthermore, the results reveal that
      ultrastability, and perhaps the size or order of chemosensory complexes and
      arrays, can be increased by an engineered disulfide bond that covalently cross
      links a key interface. Overall, it appears that native ultrastability has evolved
      to provide an optimal rather than maximal level of kinetic durability, suggesting
      that altered selective pressure could either increase or decrease the functional
      lifetime of core complexes. 

PMID- 25119815
TI  - 14,15-Epoxyeicosa-5,8,11-trienoic Acid (14,15-EET) surrogates: carboxylate
      modifications.
AB  - The cytochrome P450 eicosanoid 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5,8,11-trienoic acid (14,15-EET)
      is a powerful endogenous autacoid that has been ascribed an impressive array of
      physiologic functions including regulation of blood pressure. Because 14,15-EET
      is chemically and metabolically labile, structurally related surrogates
      containing epoxide bioisosteres were introduced and have become useful in vitro
      pharmacologic tools but are not suitable for in vivo applications. A new
      generation of EET mimics incorporating modifications to the carboxylate were
      prepared and evaluated for vasorelaxation and inhibition of soluble epoxide
      hydrolase (sEH). Tetrazole 19 (ED50 0.18 MUM) and oxadiazole-5-thione 25 (ED50
      0.36 MUM) were 12- and 6-fold more potent, respectively, than 14,15-EET as
      vasorelaxants; on the other hand, their ability to block sEH differed
      substantially, i.e., 11 vs >500 nM. These data will expedite the development of
      potent and specific in vivo drug candidates. 

PMID- 25119817
TI  - Airflow limitation following cardiopulmonary exercise testing and heavy-intensity
      intermittent exercise in children with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - The clinical importance of exercise testing and training in the healthcare
      management of young patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is growing. The aim of the
      present study was to determine the incidence of airflow limitation following
      cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and heavy-intensity intermittent exercise
      (HIIE) in young patients with CF. Nineteen young patients with CF and respective
      paired-matched controls performed CPET and HIIE on separate days. Forced
      expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was measured pre- and post each exercise
      modality. A fall in FEV1 of 10 % or greater was used to define airflow
      limitation. The incidence of airflow limitation was significantly greater in the
      CF group than in the controls following CPET (32 vs. 5 %; p = 0.03); however, no
      significant difference in the incidence of airflow limitation was shown following
      HIIE between the CF group and controls (11 vs. 16 %; p = 0.64). CONCLUSION: Our
      data show that the incidence of airflow limitation following CPET in young
      patients with CF is high. Therefore, clinicians may wish to identify whether
      young CF patients experience airflow limitation following strenuous exercise,
      such as CPET, before it is performed. However, HIIE carries a low risk for
      airflow limitation and may be prescribed as a safe, yet effective exercise
      modality for young patients with CF.

PMID- 25119818
TI  - The impact of preterm birth on participation in childhood occupation.
AB  - Outcome studies of premature babies have focused their assessments predominately
      on neurodevelopmental impairments without relating these deficits to the impact
      they have on a child's everyday life. This study aims to determine whether very
      'preterm birth alone' impacts on a child's ability to participate in and carry
      out childhood activities. Forty-four former premature infants between 6 months
      and 5 years 6 months, born in Galway University Hospital, Ireland, without
      physical or intellectual disability, were compared with 51 age-matched term-born
      infants. Study infants had an average gestation of 29 weeks and birth weight of
      1,145 g. Functional skills were assessed using the Adaptive Behavior Assessment
      Scale-II and the Assessment of Preschool Children's Participation. Premature
      infants had significantly lower mean scores in overall adaptive behaviour
      compared to term infants, regardless of whether chronological (difference = 13.6,
      95% (CI) = [8.2, 19.1]) or corrected (difference = 6.6, 95% CI = [1.4, 11.8]) age
      was used. Premature infants had lower mean scores in conceptual, social and
      practical skills, but no difference was found between the groups in intensity or
      diversity of participation. CONCLUSION: Premature infants had significantly lower
      scores in adaptive behaviour than term infants. This measurable effect of preterm
      birth on 'childhood occupations' merits further investigation.

PMID- 25119819
TI  - First report of the symbiotic bacterium Xenorhabdus indica associated with the
      entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema yirgalemense.
AB  - The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema yirgalemense is considered a promising
      agent in the biocontrol of insects. However, little is known about the bacteria
      living in symbiosis with the nematode. In this study, we have identified the only
      available bacterial strain (157-C) isolated from S. yirgalemense, as a member of
      the species Xenorhabdus indica. Identification was based on 16S rDNA, recA, dnaN,
      gltX, gyrB and infB gene sequence analyses. The relatedness of strain 157-C to
      the type strain of X. indica (DSM 17 382) was confirmed with DNA-DNA
      hybridization. The phenotypic characteristics of strain 157-C are similar to
      those described for the type strain of X. indica. This is the first report
      associating X. indica with S. yirgalemense. 

PMID- 25119820
TI  - Is sperm hyaluronic acid binding ability predictive for clinical success of
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection: PICSI vs. ICSI?
AB  - Although intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is now a widely-used technique,
      it is still of interest to improve our knowledge as to which is the best
      spermatozoon to be selected for ICSI. Infertile men have increased risks of
      producing aneuploid spermatozoa. Using hyaluronic acid (HA)-binding sperm
      selection may reduce the genetic risks such as chromosomal aberrations of
      offspring. In the present study we examined the clinical success of ICSI with HA
      selected sperm ('physiologic' ICSI, PICSI) compared to conventional ICSI, as well
      as the necessity to differentiate patients according to the initial HA-binding
      assay result (HBA score) and whether the sperm concentration or HBA score can
      provide additional information. We observed a significantly higher fertilization
      rate (FR) of the PICSI group with >60% HBA, implantation rate (IR) of the PICSI
      group with <= 60% HBA, and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in every PICSI group
      compared to the ICSI groups (p < 0.01). We also observed a significantly higher
      life birth rate (LBR) in the PICSI group with <= 60% HBA compared to ICSI
      patients with <= 60% HBA (p < 0.001). The pregnancy loss rate (PLR) was
      significantly lower in PICSI patients compared to the ICSI group (p < 0.0001).
      The FR, IR, CPR, and LBR of the PICSI group with <50% HBA were significantly
      higher and the PLR was lower than in the ICSI group with <50% HBA (p < 0.01). A
      statistically significant correlation was found between the sperm concentration
      and the HA-binding capacity (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). We found a closer relationship
      between HBA score and FR (r = 0.53, NS) than between sperm concentration and FR
      (r = 0.14, NS). HBA could be considered for sperm selection prior to ICSI because
      of its success and apparent ability to reduce genetic complications. However,
      this must be extended to a larger study.

PMID- 25119823
TI  - Geoscience themed issue: editorial.

PMID- 25119821
TI  - An easy and efficient method for native and immunoreactive Echinococcus
      granulosus antigen 5 enrichment from hydatid cyst fluid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, the serodiagnosis of cystic echinococcosis relies mostly
      on crude Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid as the antigen. Consequently,
      available immunodiagnostic tests lack standardization of the target antigen and,
      in turn, this is reflected on poor sensitivity and specificity of the serological
      diagnosis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here, a chromatographic method
      enabling the generation of highly enriched Antigen 5 (Ag5) is described. The
      procedure is very easy, efficient and reproducible, since different hydatid cyst
      fluid (HCF) sources produced very similar chromatograms, notwithstanding the
      clearly evident and extreme heterogeneity of the starting material. In addition,
      the performance of the antigen preparation in immunological assays was
      preliminarily assessed by western immunoblotting and ELISA on a limited panel of
      cystic echinococcosis patients and healthy controls. Following western
      immunoblotting and ELISA experiments, a high reactivity of patient sera was seen,
      with unambiguous and highly specific results. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The
      methods and results reported open interesting perspectives for the development of
      sensitive diagnostic tools to enable the timely and unambiguous detection of
      cystic echinococcosis antibodies in patient sera.

PMID- 25119825
TI  - Nut crop yield records show that budbreak-based chilling requirements may not
      reflect yield decline chill thresholds.
AB  - Warming winters due to climate change may critically affect temperate tree
      species. Insufficiently cold winters are thought to result in fewer viable flower
      buds and the subsequent development of fewer fruits or nuts, decreasing the yield
      of an orchard or fecundity of a species. The best existing approximation for a
      threshold of sufficient cold accumulation, the "chilling requirement" of a
      species or variety, has been quantified by manipulating or modeling the
      conditions that result in dormant bud breaking. However, the physiological
      processes that affect budbreak are not the same as those that determine yield.
      This study sought to test whether budbreak-based chilling thresholds can
      reasonably approximate the thresholds that affect yield, particularly regarding
      the potential impacts of climate change on temperate tree crop yields. County
      wide yield records for almond (Prunus dulcis), pistachio (Pistacia vera), and
      walnut (Juglans regia) in the Central Valley of California were compared with 50
      years of weather records. Bayesian nonparametric function estimation was used to
      model yield potentials at varying amounts of chill accumulation. In almonds,
      average yields occurred when chill accumulation was close to the budbreak-based
      chilling requirement. However, in the other two crops, pistachios and walnuts,
      the best previous estimate of the budbreak-based chilling requirements was 19-32
      % higher than the chilling accumulations associated with average or above average
      yields. This research indicates that physiological processes beyond requirements
      for budbreak should be considered when estimating chill accumulation thresholds
      of yield decline and potential impacts of climate change.

PMID- 25119822
TI  - The association of PTPN22 R620W polymorphism is stronger with late-onset AChR
      myasthenia gravis in Turkey.
AB  - A functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the PTPN22 gene encoding a
      protein tyrosine phosphatase has been associated with autoimmune disorders
      including myasthenia gravis (MG). As the PTPN22 R620W polymorphism has a wide
      variation of allele frequencies among different populations, this polymorphism
      was investigated in MG in Turkey. An emphasis is put on MG subgroups according to
      autoantibody (Abs) production and presence of thymoma. DNA samples from 416
      patients with clinically diagnosed generalized MG (231 with Abs to acetylcholine
      receptor, AChR-MG), 53 with Abs to muscle-specific kinase (MuSK-MG), 55 patients
      with no detectable Abs (SN-MG), 77 patients with thymoma (TAMG) and 293 healthy
      controls (HC) were genotyped for the SNP (PTPN22 R620W, C1858T, rs2476601). The
      PTPN22 T allele was increased in AChR-MG patients (odds ratio [OR]: 2.5, 95%CI:
      1.2-5.1). The association was stronger in late disease-onset AChR (LOMG, OR: 3.1,
      95%CI: 1.2-8.2). MuSK-MG, SN-MG and TAMG groups did not carry the variant allele
      more frequently than the HC. In contrast to findings in other autoimmune
      diseases, the distribution of the PTPN22 polymorphism in this population provides
      a susceptibility marker for AChR-MG. The strongest association is detected in
      patients with LOMG. 

PMID- 25119826
TI  - Sport events and climate for visitors--the case of FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022.
AB  - The effect of weather on sport events is not well studied. It requires special
      attention if the event is taking place at a time and place with extreme weather
      situations. For the world soccer championship in Qatar (Doha 2022), human
      biometeorological analysis has been performed in order to identify the time of
      the year that is most suitable in terms of thermal comfort for visitors attending
      the event. The analysis is based on thermal indices like Physiologically
      Equivalent Temperature (PET). The results show that this kind of event may be not
      appropriate for visitors, if it is placed during months with extreme conditions.
      For Doha, this is the period from May to September, when conditions during a
      large majority of hours of the day cause strong heat stress for the visitors. A
      more appropriate time would be the months November to February, when thermally
      comfortable conditions are much more frequent. The methods applied here can
      quantify the thermal conditions and show limitations and possibilities for
      specific events and locations. 

PMID- 25119828
TI  - The CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) polymorphism -2518A/G is associated with gout in
      the Chinese Han male population.
AB  - Gout is usually characterized by uric acid-induced recurrent attacks of acute
      inflammatory arthritis. CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), a chemokine involved in the
      recruitment and migration of monocytes/macrophages, has previously been shown to
      be increased in the plasma of gout patients. In this study, we examined whether
      the CCL2 -2518A/G (rs1024611) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affects
      susceptibility to gout in a Chinese Han male population. Genomic DNA from gout
      patients (n = 1,109) and ethnically matched gout-free controls (n = 1,034) was
      genotyped for the CCL2 -2518A/G SNP using polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism. The Chi-square test was performed to investigate
      the association of genotypic and allelic frequencies between cases and controls,
      and the -2518G allele was shown to be associated with a significantly increased
      risk of gout development [P = 0.007, odds ratio 1.182, 95% confidence interval
      1.047-1.335]. The GG genotypic distribution was also significantly different
      between cases and controls (adjusted P = 0.021). However, genotypic distributions
      and allelic frequencies did not indicate significant associations (P = 0.150 and
      P = 0.050, respectively) between tophi and non-tophi patients. Our findings
      support a key role for the CCL2 SNP -2518A/G in association with gout
      susceptibility in the Chinese Han male population. However, additional studies in
      other populations should be carried out to confirm this finding.

PMID- 25119827
TI  - An investigation into the relationship between anti-Helicobacter pylori and anti
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies in patients with axial spondyloarthritis and
      Crohn disease.
AB  - Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a musculoskeletal inflammatory disease linked with
      immune responses to intestinal microbiota, and subclinical intestinal ulcerations
      that are closely related to inflammatory bowel diseases. Helicobacter pylori is a
      common cause of gastroduodenal ulceration, and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      antibodies (ASCA) are associated with intestinal inflammation in both Crohn
      disease (CD) and SpA. We investigated the relationship between H. pylori and
      ASCA. Ninety-one patients with axial SpA and forty with CD were included. ASCA
      IgG/IgA and anti-H. pylori IgG titers were assessed by ELISA. The proportion of
      ASCA+ patients in the positive and negative anti-H. pylori IgG groups with SpA
      and CD were compared using Chi-square tests, and correlations were evaluated
      using the Spearman's coefficient. Anti-H. pylori IgG titers were significantly
      negatively correlated with the ASCA IgG (r = -0.563, p < 0.001) and IgA (r = 
      0.342, p = 0.019) titers in the axial SpA patients. The same pattern of negative
      correlation was also observed in the CD patients. Anti-H. pylori+ serology was
      significantly more frequent in axial SpA patients than in those with CD (52.4 vs.
      18.4 %, p < 0.001), while ASCA+ serology was significantly more frequent in CD
      patients than in SpA patients. A negative correlation between the anti-H. pylori
      titers and ASCA was found for axial SpA and CD. Anti-H. pylori+ serology was more
      frequent in SpA than in CD, while ASCA positivity was more frequent in CD
      patients than in those with SpA. A possible influence of H. pylori on the
      development of ASCA needs further investigation.

PMID- 25119829
TI  - Frequency of joint involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis during a 5-year
      follow-up of newly diagnosed patients: implications for MR imaging as outcome
      measure.
AB  - To assess the sequence and type of active joints in a cohort of newly diagnosed
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients with full access to current
      treatment at first visit and during a follow-up period of 5-years, in order to
      identify an index joint/group of joints for magnetic resonance imaging in JIA.
      Patient charts of all consecutive newly diagnosed JIA patients with a follow-up
      duration of at least 5 years were analyzed. Patients were derived from two
      tertiary pediatric rheumatology centers. Patient characteristics and data
      concerning the presence of joints with arthritis and the use of medication were
      recorded. Findings from 95 JIA patients [39 (41 %) oligoarticular and 56 (59 %)
      polyarticular] were analyzed. At first visit, distribution of active joints among
      patients was as follows: knee (n = 70, 74 %), ankle (n = 55, 58 %), elbow (n =
      23, 24 %), wrist (n = 23, 24 %), metacarpophalangeal (MCP) (n = 20, 21 %),
      proximal interphalangeal (PIP) (n = 13, 14 %), hip (n = 6, 6 %), shoulder (n = 5,
      5 %), and distal interphalangeal (DIP) (n = 4, 4 %) joints. After a follow-up
      period of 5 years, the cumulative percentage of patients with specific joint
      involvement changed into: knee (n = 88, 93 %), ankle (n = 79, 83 %), elbow (n =
      43, 45 %), wrist (n = 38, 40 %), MCP (n = 36, 38 %), PIP (n = 29, 31 %), shoulder
      (n = 20, 21 %), hip (n = 17, 19 %), and DIP (n = 9, 10 %) joints. Despite changes
      in treatment strategies over the years, the knee remains the most commonly
      involved joint at onset and during follow-up in JIA, followed by the ankle,
      elbow, and wrist. For the evaluation of outcome with MRI, the knee appears the
      most appropriate joint in JIA.

PMID- 25119831
TI  - Celiac symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome associated with numerous somatic symptoms
      including gastrointestinal manifestations of nonspecific nature. Celiac disease
      and nongluten sensitivity frequently evolve in adults with gastrointestinal and
      extraintestinal symptoms similar to those found among patients with fibromyalgia.
      The objective of the present study was to evaluate the presence of celiac-type
      symptoms among patients with fibromyalgia in comparison with healthy subjects and
      with those experienced by adult celiac patients and subjects with gluten
      sensitivity. A list of typical celiac-type symptoms was developed, comparing the
      frequency of presentation of these symptoms between patients with fibromyalgia (N
      = 178) and healthy subjects (N = 131), in addition to those of celiac patients
      and gluten-sensitive patients reported in the literature. The frequency of
      presentation of every celiac-type symptom, excepting anemia, was significantly
      higher among patients with fibromyalgia compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
      Regarding the existing data in the literature, the prevalence of fatigue,
      depression, cognitive symptoms and cutaneous lesions predominated among patients
      with fibromyalgia, whereas the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms was higher
      among patients with fibromyalgia compared to gluten-sensitive patients and was
      similar among patients with fibromyalgia and celiac disease patient. The
      symptomatological similarity of both pathologies, especially gastrointestinal
      symptoms, suggests that at least a subgroup of patients with fibromyalgia could
      experience subclinical celiac disease or nonceliac gluten intolerance.

PMID- 25119830
TI  - An insight into the gastrointestinal component of fibromyalgia: clinical
      manifestations and potential underlying mechanisms.
AB  - Fibromyalgia syndrome is characterized by chronic generalized pain accompanied by
      a broad symptomatologic spectrum. Besides chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances,
      headaches and cognitive dysfunction that are extensively described in the
      literature, a considerable proportion of patients with fibromyalgia experience
      gastrointestinal symptoms that are commonly overlooked in the studies that are
      not specifically dedicated to evaluate these manifestations. Nevertheless,
      various attempts were undertaken to explore the gastrointestinal dimension of
      fibromyalgia. Several studies have demonstrated an elevated comorbidity of
      irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among patients with fibromyalgia. Other studies
      have investigated the frequency of presentation of gastrointestinal symptoms in
      fibromyalgia in a nonspecific approach describing several gastrointestinal
      complaints frequently reported by these patients such as abdominal pain,
      dyspepsia and bowel changes, among others. Several underlying mechanisms that
      require further investigation could serve as potential explanatory hypotheses for
      the appearance of such manifestations. These include sensitivity to dietary
      constituents such as gluten, lactose or FODMAPs or alterations in the brain-gut
      axis as a result of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or subclinical enteric
      infections such as giardiasis. The gastrointestinal component of fibromyalgia
      constitutes a relevant element of the multidisciplinary pathophysiologic
      mechanisms underlying fibromyalgia that need to be unveiled, as this would
      contribute to the adequate designation of relevant treatment alternatives
      corresponding to these manifestations. 

PMID- 25119832
TI  - Serum IL-33 level and IL-33 gene polymorphisms in Behcet's disease.
AB  - Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Increased productions of
      cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-18 are documented, and IL
      1alpha and beta gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to the
      disease. IL-33 is a recently discovered member of IL-1 cytokine family. The aim
      of the study was to detect serum IL-33 level and IL-33 gene polymorphisms in a
      cohort of BD. Unrelated 117 patients with BD and 149 healthy controls (HC) were
      enrolled. Serum IL-33 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      method. DNA samples were harvested using an appropriate commercial DNA isolation
      kit. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL-33 gene (rs7044343, rs1157505,
      rs11792633 and rs1929992) were genotyped using the appropriate commercial
      primer/probe sets on real-time PCR. Serum IL-33 level was not significantly
      different in the BD and HC groups (p > 0.05). However, its level was lower in the
      active BD patients compared to the inactive ones and HC group (p = 0.044 and p =
      0.037, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of the
      genotypic and allelic distributions of rs1157505 and rs1929992 polymorphisms (p >
      0.05 for all). However, the TT variants of rs7044343 and rs11792633 polymorphisms
      were very rare, and the T allele frequencies of these polymorphisms were lower,
      in the BD group compared to the HC group (p < 0.0001 for all). The rs7044343 and
      rs11792633 variants of IL-33 gene are associated with the decreased risk of BD in
      our cohort. Therefore, it may be concluded that IL-33 acts a protective role on
      the pathogenesis of BD. 

PMID- 25119833
TI  - Neuropsychiatric manifestations and associated autoantibodies in systemic lupus
      erythematosus patients from Western India.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus with neuropsychiatric involvement (NPSLE) can be
      diagnosed clinically, but there is no definite serological biomarker established.
      The objectives of this study were to evaluate the neuropsychiatric involvement in
      systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and to detect the autoantibodies
      associated with them. Sixty NPSLE patients along with sixty SLE patients without
      neuropsychiatric involvement from Maharashtra, India, were included. All patients
      were clinically diagnosed using the American College of Rheumatology criteria.
      Disease activity was assessed using the systemic lupus erythematosus disease
      activity index. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-dsDNA, anti-neuronal
      antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence test. Anti-ribosomal
      antibodies (anti-Rib-P) were tested by ELISA. NPSLE was diagnosed in age group
      ranging between 10 and 20 years compared with SLE patients without
      neuropsychiatric involvement (21-30 years). The most frequent symptoms were
      psychosis (75%), followed by seizures (58%), lupus headache (40%), cognitive
      dysfunction (36%), mood disorder (30%), cerebrovascular disease (20%), and
      anxiety (18%). ANA were present in all. The prevalence of anti-Rib-P was 26.6% in
      NPSLE and 16.6% in SLE patients without neuropsychiatric involvement. Anti
      neuronal antibodies were found in 56.7% in NPSLE and 43.4% in SLE patients
      without neuropsychiatric involvement. Anti-neuronal antibodies were found to be
      highest in the patients of psychosis (66.6%) followed by central nerve system
      disease (63.63 %) and seizures (56.25%). There was an early onset of
      neuropsychiatric involvement. Anti-Rib-P antibodies as well as anti-neuronal
      antibodies did not show statistically significant correlation with
      neuropsychiatric manifestations in NPSLE patients.

PMID- 25119835
TI  - Histological and ultrastructural evidence for zinc sequestration in Solanum
      nigrum L.
AB  - The accumulation of contaminants in the environment due to anthropogenic
      activities is a matter of global concern. Solanum nigrum L. plants, able to
      accumulate zinc and hyperaccumulate cadmium, were challenged with 0.025 g Zn L(
      1) during 35 days. The localization of Zn in roots, stems and leaves of S. nigrum
      plants was evaluated by autometallography (AMG) in order to determine the
      specific tissue, cell and subcellular compartments of Zn sequestration. This Zn
      concentration resulted in stunted plant growth but no other symptoms of Zn
      toxicity. Zinc concentration in the plants was highest in the roots, 666 mg Zn
      kg(-1) fresh weight (f.w.), and lower in the stems, 318 mg Zn kg(-1) f.w., and
      leaves, 101 mg Zn kg(-1) f.w. Roots of Zn-treated plants showed an underdeveloped
      structure but additional layers of proliferating cortical parenchyma cells. AMG
      of S. nigrum roots, stems and leaves revealed a generalized Zn distribution
      associated with the cell walls in all tissues. In the vasculature (xylem and
      phloem), Zn was observed at the plasma membrane-cell wall complex of vascular
      parenchyma cells and conducting elements. Conspicuous Zn deposits were detected
      in the vacuoles of cortical parenchyma and starch sheath, as well as in the
      tonoplast of the mesophyll cells. Our results suggest that Zn flux through the
      plant occurs via the xylem and phloem and associated parenchyma until it is
      conducted to permanent storage sites, namely, the apoplast and vacuoles of
      cortical parenchyma cells of the root, stem and the leaf mesophyll. 

PMID- 25119836
TI  - A 2-year observational study of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple
      sclerosis converting to glatiramer acetate from other disease-modifying
      therapies: the COPTIMIZE trial.
AB  - Studies suggest that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)
      who do not benefit from other disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) may benefit
      from converting to glatiramer acetate (GA). COPTIMIZE was a 24-month
      observational study designed to assess the disease course of patients converting
      to GA 20 mg daily from another DMT. Eligible patients had converted to GA and had
      received prior DMT for 3-6 months, depending on the reasons for conversion.
      Patients were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. In total, 672
      patients from 148 centers worldwide were included in the analysis. Change of
      therapy to GA was prompted primarily by lack of efficacy (53.6 %) or intolerable
      adverse events (AEs; 44.8 %). Over a 24-month period, 72.7 % of patients were
      relapse free. Mean annual relapse rate decreased from 0.86 [95 % confidence
      interval (CI) 0.81-0.91] before the change to 0.32 (95 % CI 0.26-0.40; p <
      0.0001) at last observation, while the progression of disability was halted, as
      the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores remained stable.
      Patients improved significantly (p < 0.05) on measures of fatigue, quality of
      life, depression, and cognition; mobility scores remained stable. The results
      indicate that changing RRMS patients to GA is associated with positive treatment
      outcomes.

PMID- 25119834
TI  - Emerging roles of pericytes in the regulation of the neurovascular unit in health
      and disease.
AB  - Pericytes of the central nervous system (CNS) are uniquely positioned within a
      multicellular structure termed the neurovascular unit (NVU) to provide crucial
      support to blood brain barrier (BBB) formation, maintenance, and stability.
      Numerous CNS diseases are associated with some aspect of BBB dysfunction. A
      dysfunction can manifest as one or multiple disruptions to any of the following
      barriers: physical, metabolic, immunological and transport barrier. A breach in
      the BBB can notably result in BBB hyper-permeability, endothelial activation and
      enhanced immune-endothelial interaction. How the BBB is regulated within this
      integrated unit remains largely unknown, especially as it relates to pericyte
      endothelial interaction. We summarize the latest findings on pericyte origin,
      possible marker expression, and availability within different organ systems. We
      highlight pericyte-endothelial cell interactions, concentrating on extra- and
      intra- cellular signaling mechanisms linked to platelet derived growth factor-B,
      transforming growth factor -beta, angiopoietins, Notch, and gap junctions. We
      discuss the role of pericytes in the NVU under inflammatory insult, focusing on
      how pericytes may indirectly affect leukocyte CNS infiltration, the direct role
      of pericyte-mediated basement membrane modifications, and immune responses. We
      review new findings of pericyte actions in CNS pathologies including Alzheimer's
      disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, diabetic retinopathy, and HIV-1 infection.
      The uncovering of the regulatory role of pericytes on the BBB will provide key
      insight into how barrier integrity can be re-established during
      neuroinflammation. 

PMID- 25119837
TI  - Cerebrospinal-fluid orexin levels and daytime somnolence in frontotemporal
      dementia.
AB  - Daytime somnolence and sleep-wake cycle disturbances are commonly encountered
      symptoms in Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Orexin-A (Hypocretin-1) is a
      hypothalamic neuropeptide regulating the sleep-wake rhythm. We investigated the
      cerebrospinal-fluid (CSF) orexin levels in a population of FTD patients and
      evaluated whether there is a relationship between daytime somnolence and CSF
      orexin concentrations. CSF orexin levels were measured in a sample of FTD
      patients (n = 11) compared to a population of non-demented controls (n = 13)
      similar for age and sex. Moreover, CSF orexin concentrations were correlated with
      daytime somnolence investigated by means of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) in
      both FTD patients and controls. FTD patients showed CSF orexin concentrations
      (164.3 +/- 66.45 vs 170.81 +/- 42.73 pg/mL) and ESS scores (7.45 +/- 4.36 vs 3.84
      +/- 1.82) not different from controls. However, three FTD patients showed
      pathological daytime sleepiness (ESS > 10) coupled with the lowest CSF orexin
      levels. In addition, we found a significant negative correlation between CSF
      orexin levels and ESS scores in the FTD population (R = -0.91; p < 0.0001), which
      was not evident in the control group (R = 0.16; p > 0.05). This is the first
      study investigating CSF orexin concentrations in FTD. We did not find differences
      in CSF orexin concentrations between FTD patients and controls. However, a
      significant negative correlation between daytime somnolence and CSF orexin levels
      was evident in FTD patients. Moreover, we have found that pathological daytime
      somnolence was evident in those FTD patients with the lowest CSF orexin levels.
      Based on these findings, we argued that lower orexin levels may be permissive for
      increased daytime somnolence in FTD. 

PMID- 25119838
TI  - Dopamine transporter availability in motor subtypes of de novo drug-naive
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Tremor dominant (TD) and akinetic-rigid type (ART) are two motor subtypes of
      Parkinson's disease associated with different disease progression and
      neurochemical/neuropathological features. The role of presynaptic nigrostriatal
      dopaminergic damage is still controversial, poorly explored, and only assessed in
      medicated patients. In this study, we investigated with FP-CIT SPECT the striatal
      dopamine transporter (DAT) availability in drug-naive PD patients with ART and TD
      phenotypes. Fifty-one de novo, drug-naive patients with PD underwent FP-CIT SPECT
      studies. Patients were evaluated with Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale
      (UPDRS) part III and Hoehn and Yahr scale (H&Y) and divided into ART (24/51) and
      TD (27/51) according to UPDRS part III. ART and TD patients were not different
      with regard to age, gender, and disease duration. However, compared to TD, ART
      patients presented higher UPDRS part III (p = 0.01) and H&Y (p = 0.02) and lower
      DAT availability in affected and unaffected putamen (p = 0.008 and p = 0.007,
      respectively), whereas no differences were found in caudate. Moreover, in the
      whole group of patients, rigidity and bradykinesia, but not tremor scores of
      UPDRS part III were significantly related to FP-CIT binding in the putamen. These
      results suggest that in newly diagnosed drug-naive PD patients DAT availability
      might be different between ART and TD in relation to different disease severity.

PMID- 25119839
TI  - Detailing intra-lesional venous lumen shrinking in multiple sclerosis
      investigated by sFLAIR MRI at 7-T.
AB  - Intra-lesional venous lumen shrinking detectable by MRI was suggested as an in
      vivo marker of inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). In our study mean
      diameters of pre-, post- and intra-lesional venous sections were determined in 49
      patients with MS or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) using a pixel-wise
      analysis on susceptibility-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (sFLAIR)
      images and T2*-weighted (T2*w) imaging at 7 Tesla (T). We observed post-to-intra
      lesional venous lumen shrinking on T2*w images (p = 0.036) in an analysis of 338
      venous sections. Pre-to-intra-lesional venous lumen reduction was only detectable
      in less than 50% of lesions and failed statistical significance when analysing
      T2*w (p = 0.325) and sFLAIR images (p = 0.258). In conclusion, thinning of intra
      lesional veins in MS is--if detectable at all--probably less severe than
      previously reported, and affects only a minority of MS lesions.

PMID- 25119841
TI  - Intracranial hemorrhage risk with the new oral anticoagulants: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The new oral anticoagulants/non-vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants (NOACs)
      have recently reached the market and less is known about their safety in
      comparison to their efficacy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate intracranial
      hemorrhage (ICH) risk with NOACs, the most feared adverse event of
      anticoagulation treatment. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of phase
      III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NOACs versus any control and
      reporting ICH events. Studies were searched through Medline and Cochrane Library
      (April 2014). Reviews and reference lists were also screened. Random effects'
      meta-analysis was performed to derive pooled estimates expressed as relative risk
      (RR) and 95 % CI. Number needed to treat/harm (NNT/NNH) taking into account the
      baseline risk was also calculated. Heterogeneity was evaluated with I (2) test.
      18 RCTs evaluating 148,149 patients were included. NOAC significantly reduced ICH
      risk compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) (RR 0.44; 95 % CI 0.36-0.54; I (2) =
      37 %; NNT: 137 during 2 years) and to sequential treatment with low molecular
      weight heparin and VKA (RR 0.28; 95 % CI 0.12-0.65; I (2) = 0 %; NNT: 463
      patients during 7 months). Compared to placebo, NOACs were associated with an
      increased ICH risk (RR 3.31; 95 % CI 1.59-6.90; I (2) = 0 %; NNH: 433 during 1
      year). Results were similar for the different NOAC drugs and across the different
      clinical conditions. In patients requiring anticoagulation treatment, the risk of
      ICH is about half with the NOACs in comparison to standard antithrombotic
      treatment. This safer profile found in RCTs should be confirmed in real-world
      database studies.

PMID- 25119842
TI  - Hippocampal damage and affective disorders after treatment of cerebral aneurysms.
AB  - Despite good neurological outcome after the treatment of ruptured or incidental
      cerebral aneurysms, many patients complain about mood disturbances such as
      anxiety and depression. The present study investigated the nature of these
      affective disorders, their trigger factors, and corresponding structural brain
      changes. We assessed 63 patients matched by history of previous subarachnoid
      hemorrhage (SAH) and treatment modality (clipping vs. coiling) by a test battery
      including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and beck depression
      inventory-II (BDI-II). MR imaging for the evaluation of structural changes
      included H(1)-MR spectroscopy, hippocampal volumetry, and diffusion tensor
      imaging (DTI). The applied multimodal imaging revealed no significant differences
      between patients with previous SAH and patients with incidental aneurysms; there
      were also no substantial differences between patients with and without previous
      SAH with respect to depression and anxiety. However, we observed significantly
      higher mean HADS scores in patients treated surgically versus patients treated by
      coiling (p < 0.01). BDI-II tended to be higher in surgically treated patients,
      but this difference appeared statistically insignificant. Surgically treated
      patients displayed substantial hippocampal damage in all imaging techniques:
      reduction in mean concentrations of N-acetylaspartate (p = 0.04), hippocampal
      volume reduction (p = 0.012), and diffusion disorder (p = 0.02). The structural
      alterations correlated significantly with the increased HADS scores. In contrast
      to endovascular treatment, aneurysm surgery seems to be associated with an
      increased incidence of mood disorders corresponding to hippocampal neuronal loss,
      independent of preceding SAH.

PMID- 25119844
TI  - Reducing central nervous system complications associated with the human
      immunodeficiency virus.

PMID- 25119843
TI  - The presence of dysautonomia in different subgroups of myasthenia gravis
      patients.
AB  - To analyze the presence of autonomic dysfunction in different subgroups of
      myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. Standard cardiovascular reflex tests according
      to Ewing, spectral and time domain analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) at
      rest were assessed in 27 patients with thymoma-associated acetylcholine receptor
      (AChR)-positive MG, 25 AChR-positive MG patients without thymoma and 23 patients
      with muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) MG. All patients were compared to the
      healthy controls, matched for sex and age. In the group of AChR-positive MG
      patients with thymoma, hand grip (p < 0.05), orthostasis (p < 0.05), breathing
      test (p < 0.05) and Valsalva maneuver (p < 0.01) were more often pathological
      than in the controls. Analysis of the spectral domain of HRV showed increased low
      frequency (p < 0.05) and decreased high-frequency component (p < 0.05). Time
      domain parameters of HRV and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) at rest were
      significantly reduced (p < 0.01). In the patients with AChR MG without thymoma,
      Valsalva maneuver test was more often pathological (p < 0.05) and higher rate of
      supraventricular extrasystoles (p < 0.01) was registered than in the healthy
      controls. In the patients with MuSK-positive MG, hand grip and Valsalva maneuver
      tests were more often pathological than in the controls (p < 0.05). Low-frequency
      component of the spectral domain of HRV (p < 0.05) and the frequency of cardiac
      arrhythmia were increased. BRS at rest was significantly lower in patients
      compared to the controls (p < 0.01). We determined the presence of autonomic
      failure in all subgroups of MG patients. Since autonomic dysfunction can lead to
      cardiac arrhythmias and even sudden death, it is of major importance to be aware
      of this association and to properly diagnose and treat these patients.

PMID- 25119845
TI  - Patients' perspectives on the impact of a new COPD diagnosis in the face of
      multimorbidity: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a major cause of
      morbidity and mortality worldwide, often occurs in the presence of comorbidities,
      which may influence experience and management of the disease. No prior research
      seems to have gained perspectives of newly diagnosed primary care COPD patients
      in the context of multimorbidity. AIMS: This qualitative study aimed to explore
      the impact of a new diagnosis of COPD in the context of multimorbidity and also
      sought to gain a better understanding of how patients react to the diagnosis and
      incorporate it into their lives. METHODS: Participants were identified from a
      cohort of primary care patients with multimorbidity recently diagnosed with COPD.
      Data was collected via semi-structured interviews from nine male and eight female
      participants. Thematic analysis was performed and the data interpreted from a
      constructivist perspective. RESULTS: Five core themes regarding COPD were
      induced: (i) reaction to diagnosis, (ii) impact on function and health behaviour,
      (iii) factors influencing self-management capacity, (iv) healthcare utilisation
      and (v) interplay of comorbidities. Most participants had difficulty recognising
      the importance of COPD and its long-term implications. For many, the salience of
      another chronic condition outweighed COPD. Self-management capacity and
      utilisation of healthcare services were challenged by low prioritisation of COPD
      among other comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an insight into how
      primary care patients feel about being diagnosed with COPD, as well as their
      prioritisation of the disease in the context of multimorbidity. It highlights the
      need for tailored education and personalised management incorporating patients'
      perspectives in primary care.

PMID- 25119846
TI  - Simultaneous detection of distinct ubiquitin chain topologies by 19F NMR.
AB  - The dynamic interplay between ubiquitin (Ub) chain construction and destruction
      is critical for the regulation of many cellular pathways. To understand these
      processes, it would be ideal to simultaneously detect different Ub chains as they
      are created and destroyed in the cell. This objective cannot be achieved with
      existing detection strategies. Here, we report on the use of 19F Nuclear Magnetic
      Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to detect and characterize conformationally distinct
      Ub oligomers. By exploiting the environmental sensitivity of the 19F nucleus and
      the conformational diversity found among Ub chains of different linkage types, we
      can simultaneously resolve the 19F NMR signals for mono-Ub and three distinct di
      Ub oligomers (K6, K48, and K63) in heterogeneous mixtures. The utility of this
      approach is demonstrated by the ability to interrogate the selectivity of
      deubiquitinases with multiple Ub substrates in real time. We also demonstrate
      that 19F NMR can be used to discern Ub linkages that are formed by select E3
      ligases found in pathogenic bacteria. Collectively, our results assert the
      potential of 19F NMR for monitoring Ub signaling in cells to reveal fundamental
      insights about the associated cellular pathways.

PMID- 25119848
TI  - Characteristics of international staff victims of psychiatric patient assaults:
      review of published findings, 2000-2012.
AB  - Psychiatric patient assaults on staff are a worldwide occupational hazard that
      results in human suffering and dollar cost expense. International research in the
      1990s documented the frequent occurrence of these assaults. This present paper
      reviewed the published, international literature on staff victim assaults during
      the first decade of the new century. The findings indicate assaults on staff
      remain a serious worldwide issue as it was in the 1990s, even with new policy
      initiatives in place meant to reduce such violence. The findings by continents
      and a detailed methodological inquiry are presented.

PMID- 25119849
TI  - Comment on: "Insulin glargine in a Brazilian state: should the government
      disinvest?".

PMID- 25119847
TI  - Suicidality in non-treatment seeking young adults with subsyndromal gambling
      disorder.
AB  - Gambling Disorder is associated with elevated rates of suicidal thoughts and
      acts. However, virtually nothing is known about suicidality in people with
      subsyndromal forms of gambling disorder. A total of 174 non-treatment seeking
      subjects were recruited for a study of impulsivity and met criteria for a
      subsyndromal form of DSM-5 gambling disorder (31.0 % females; mean age = 21.7 +/-
      3.61 years). Subjects were categorized as being 'at risk of suicide' or 'no
      suicide risk' based on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).
      Those with and without suicidality were compared on clinical and cognitive
      measures. 32 (18.4 %) met MINI criteria for suicidality. Suicidality was
      significantly associated with mood and anxiety disorders, greater rates of
      nicotine consumption, and relative impairments in decision-making and cognitive
      flexibility. These findings suggest that decision-making impairments may be
      implicated in the development of both gambling problems and suicidality. Future
      work should address causality, neural correlates, and tailored suicide prevention
      strategies for people with, or at risk for, disordered forms of gambling.

PMID- 25119850
TI  - Authors' reply to Dr. Malerbi: "Insulin glargine in a Brazilian state: should the
      government disinvest?".

PMID- 25119851
TI  - The buckling of single-layer MoS2 under uniaxial compression.
AB  - Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the buckling of
      single-layer MoS2 under uniaxial compression. The strain rate is found to have an
      important effect on the critical buckling strain, where higher strain rate leads
      to larger critical strain. The critical strain is almost temperature-independent
      for [Formula: see text] K, and it increases with increasing temperature for
      [Formula: see text] K owing to the thermal vibration assisted healing mechanism
      on the buckling deformation. The length-dependence of the critical strain from
      our simulations is in good agreement with the prediction of the Euler buckling
      theory. 

PMID- 25119852
TI  - Responses to ROS inducer agents in zebrafish cell line: differences between
      copper and UV-B radiation.
AB  - Fish are commonly exposed to environmental pollutants, which in turns could
      induce an oxidative stress. So, it is important to understand the effects and the
      responses elicited by these toxicants in fish species, being fish cell lines
      important tools for this purpose. Thus, the aim of the present study was to
      compare the effects of copper and UV-B radiation exposure on zebrafish
      hepatocytes (ZFL lineage) in terms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels,
      sulfhydril groups content and mRNA levels of important genes related to cellular
      response to toxic agents. Exposure of ZFL cells to UV-B radiation (23.3 mJ/cm(2))
      significantly increased levels of intracellular ROS and mRNA of both superoxide
      dismutase isoforms (sod1 and sod2), three glutathione S-transferase isoforms
      (gstalpha, gstu and gstpi) and a heat shock protein (hsp70). However, no changes
      in nonprotein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH) content, as well as in the mRNA levels of
      genes related to glutathione (GSH) synthesis and recycling, were observed.
      Contrary to this, copper exposure (20 mg/L) diminished NP-SH content and
      increased the levels of mRNA of genes related to GSH synthesis (gclc and gs).
      Moreover, copper exposure increases the mRNA levels of some genes related to
      antioxidant defenses (gpx and gstpi), biotransformation reactions (cyp1a1) and
      protein repair (hsp70). In conclusion, these results demonstrated that both
      toxicants could increase ROS levels in ZFL cell line, but the responses are
      different, which could be related to activation of different signaling pathways.

PMID- 25119853
TI  - Effects of dietary cholesterol supplementation on growth and cholesterol
      metabolism of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed diets with cottonseed meal
      or rapeseed meal.
AB  - This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of cholesterol on growth and
      cholesterol metabolism of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed diets with
      cottonseed meal (CSM) or rapeseed meal (RSM). Four experimental diets were
      formulated to contain 550 g kg(-1) CSM or 450 g kg(-1) RSM with or without 9 g
      kg(-1) supplemental cholesterol. Growth rate and feed utilization efficiency of
      fish fed diets with 450 g kg(-1) RSM were inferior to fish fed diets with 550 g
      kg(-1) CSM regardless of cholesterol level. Dietary cholesterol supplementation
      increased the growth rate of fish fed diets with RSM, and growth rate and feed
      utilization efficiency of fish fed diets with CSM. Similarly, dietary cholesterol
      supplementation increased the plasma total cholesterol (TC), high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and
      triiodothyronine levels, but decreased the plasma triglycerides and cortisol
      levels of fish fed diets with RSM or CSM. In addition, supplemental cholesterol
      increased the free cholesterol and TC levels in intestinal contents, but
      decreased the hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase activity of fish
      fed diets with RSM or CSM. These results indicate that 9 g kg(-1) cholesterol
      supplementation seems to improve the growth of rainbow trout fed diets with CSM
      or RSM, and the growth-promoting action may be related to the alleviation of the
      negative effects caused by antinutritional factors and/or make up for the
      deficiency of endogenous cholesterol in rainbow trout.

PMID- 25119854
TI  - Conditional expression of the type 2 angiotensin II receptor in mesenchymal stem
      cells inhibits neointimal formation after arterial injury.
AB  - Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are an effective treatment for
      obstructive coronary artery diseases. However, the procedure's success is limited
      by remodeling and formation of neointima. In the present study, we engineered rat
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to express type 2 angiotensin II receptor (AT2R)
      using a tetracycline-regulated system that can strictly regulate AT2R expression.
      We tested the ability of the modified MSCs to reduce neointima formation
      following arterial injury. We subjected rats to balloon injury, and reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) indicated no significant AT2R
      expression in normal rat arteries. Low expression of AT2R was observed at 28 days
      after balloon-induced injury. Interestingly, MSCs alone were unable to reduce
      neointimal hyperplasia after balloon-induced injury; after transplantation of
      modified MSCs, doxycycline treatment significantly upregulated neointimal AT2R
      expression and inhibited osteopontin mRNA expression, as well as neointimal
      formation. Taken together, these results suggest that transplantation of MSCs
      conditionally expressing AT2R could effectively suppress neointimal hyperplasia
      following balloon-induced injury. Therefore, MSCs with a doxycycline-controlled
      gene induction system may be useful for the management of arterial injury after
      PCI.

PMID- 25119856
TI  - Biological and analytical stability of a peripheral blood gene expression score
      for obstructive coronary artery disease in the PREDICT and COMPASS studies.
AB  - A gene expression score (GES) for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) has
      been validated in two multicenter studies. Receiver-operating characteristics
      (ROC) analysis of the GES on an expanded Personalized Risk Evaluation and
      Diagnosis in the Coronary Tree (PREDICT) cohort (NCT no. 00500617) with CAD
      defined by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) or clinical reads yielded
      similar performance (area under the curve (AUC)=0.70, N=1,502) to the original
      validation cohort (AUC=0.70, N=526). Analysis of 138 non-Caucasian and 1,364
      Caucasian patients showed very similar performance (AUCs=0.72 vs. 0.70). To
      assess analytic stability, stored samples of the original validation cohort
      (N=526) was re-tested after 5 years, and the mean score changed from 20.3 to 19.8
      after 5 years (N=501, 95 %). To assess patient scores over time, GES was
      determined on samples from 173 Coronary Obstruction Detection by Molecular
      Personalized Gene Expression (COMPASS) study (NCT no. 01117506) patients at
      approximately 1 year post-enrollment. Mean scores increased slightly from 15.9 to
      17.3, corresponding to a 2.5 % increase in obstructive CAD likelihood. Changes in
      cardiovascular medications did not show a significant change in GES.

PMID- 25119855
TI  - Imaging subclinical atherosclerosis: is it ready for prime time? A review.
AB  - Imaging subclinical atherosclerosis holds the promise of individualized
      cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment. The large arsenal of noninvasive imaging
      techniques available today is playing an increasingly important role in the
      diagnosis and monitoring of subclinical atherosclerosis. However, there is a
      debate about the advisability of clinical screens for subclinical atherosclerosis
      and which modality is the most appropriate for monitoring risk and
      atherosclerosis progression. This article offers an overview of the traditional
      and emerging noninvasive imaging modalities used to detect early atherosclerosis,
      surveys population studies addressing the value of subclinical atherosclerosis
      detection, and also examines guideline recommendations for their clinical
      implementation. The clinical relevance of this manuscript lies in the potential
      of current imaging technology to improve CV risk prediction based on traditional
      risk factors and the present recommendations for subclinical atherosclerosis
      assessment. Noninvasive imaging will also help to identify individuals at high CV
      who would benefit from intensive prevention or therapeutic interventions. 

PMID- 25119857
TI  - A review of the role of electronic health record in genomic research.
AB  - Electronic health record (EHR)-driven genomic research is a recent strategy used
      to answer research questions using EHR data linked to DNA samples. In models
      using EHR, after the subject's DNA is collected, a linkage between the DNA sample
      and the EHR data is maintained. This makes the EHR the paramount source of
      phenotypic information. The National Human Genome Research Institute sponsored
      Electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) network began in five sites in
      2007 and was expanded to nine sites in 2012. This network has developed the
      methods and best practices for utilizing EHR as a tool for genomic research.
      Therefore, it is vital to understand the configuration of EHR used to capture
      data in clinical practice and feasibility of integration with clinical genetic
      test results. We present a detailed review of the role and importance of EHR in
      the field of genomic research. 

PMID- 25119858
TI  - Risk of selected gastrointestinal toxicities in breast cancer patients treated
      with regimens containing lapatinib; a pooled analysis of randomized controlled
      studies.
AB  - We performed a pooled analysis of randomized controlled studies evaluating
      selected gastrointestinal adverse events associated with lapatinib use in breast
      cancer patients. Eligible studies included randomized Phase II and III trials of
      patients with breast cancer on lapatinib; describing events of diarrhea, nausea,
      vomiting and stomatitis. Our search strategy yielded 390 potentially relevant
      citations on lapatinib from Pubmed/Medline and other databases. After exclusion
      of ineligible studies, a total of 19 clinical trials were considered eligible for
      the analysis. The relative risk (RR) of all-grade diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and
      stomatitis were 3.09 (95% CI: 2.14-4.43; p < 0.00001), 1.24 (95% CI: 1.07- 1.43;
      p < 0.005), 1.35 (95% CI: 1.22-1.49; p = 0.0001), 1.96 (95% CI: 1.07-2.67; p =
      0.02); respectively. Exploratory subgroup analysis showed no effect of disease
      stage on the RR of the relevant adverse events. While, The RR of high-grade
      diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomatitis were 6.63 (95% CI: 2.94-14.96; p <
      0.00001), 1.37 (95% CI: 0.91-2.06; p = 0.13), 1.80 (95% CI: 1.21-2.68; p =
      0.004), 2.44 (95% CI: 1.41-4.22 p < 0.001); respectively. Our pooled analysis has
      demonstrated that regimens containing lapatinib are associated with a
      significantly increased risk of high-grade diarrhea, vomiting and stomatitis in
      patients with breast cancer. Clinicians should be aware of these risks and
      perform regular clinical monitoring. 

PMID- 25119859
TI  - Antioxidant defense and hepatoprotection by procyanidins from almond (Prunus
      amygdalus) skins.
AB  - Procyanidins, polymeric flavan-3-ols, are known to possess antioxidant,
      antiatherogenic, and anticarcinogenic properties. In the present study, we
      investigated the role of almond (Prunus amygdalus) skin procyanidins (ASP) in
      regulating the protein expression of phase II detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes
      in HepG2 cells and acetaminophen (APAP)-treated hepatotoxic mice. Treatments of
      ASP significantly induced the expression of phase II enzymes including NAD(P)H:
      quinoneoxidoreductase 1, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide
      dismutase in the cells and mice. ASP also potently enhanced the expression of
      nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and antioxidant response element (ARE)
      reporter gene activity in vitro. APAP-induced hepatotoxic markers including AST
      and ALT in mice were inhibited by ASP administration. However, regulation of
      upstream kinases by ASP was different between in vitro and in vivo models.
      Collectively, ASP could induce the activation of Nrf2/ARE-mediated phase II
      detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes but with differential regulation on upstream
      kinases between in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 25119860
TI  - Effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on hormones of energy
      balance in a TCDD-sensitive and a TCDD-resistant rat strain.
AB  - One of the hallmarks of the acute toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
      (TCDD) is a drastically reduced feed intake by an unknown mechanism. To further
      elucidate this wasting syndrome, we followed the effects of a single large dose
      (100 MUg/kg) of TCDD on the serum levels of several energy balance-influencing
      hormones, clinical chemistry variables, and hepatic aryl hydrocarbon receptor
      (AHR) expression in two rat strains that differ widely in their TCDD
      sensitivities, for up to 10 days. TCDD affected most of the analytes in sensitive
      Long-Evans rats, while there were few alterations in the resistant Han/Wistar
      strain. However, analyses of feed-restricted unexposed Long-Evans rats indicated
      several of the perturbations to be secondary to energy deficiency. Notable
      increases in ghrelin and glucagon occurred in TCDD-treated Long-Evans rats alone,
      which links these hormones to the wasting syndrome. The newly found energy
      balance regulators, insulin-like growth factor 1 and fibroblast growth factor 21
      (FGF-21), appeared to function in concert in body weight loss-induced metabolic
      state, and FGF-21 was putatively linked to increased lipolysis induced by TCDD.
      Finally, we demonstrate a reverse set of changes in the AHR protein and mRNA
      response to TCDD and feed restriction, suggesting that AHR might function also as
      a physiological regulator, possibly involved in the maintenance of energy
      balance. 

PMID- 25119863
TI  - Silver nanoparticles/ibuprofen-loaded poly(L-lactide) fibrous membrane: anti
      infection and anti-adhesion effects.
AB  - Infection caused by bacteria is one of the crucial risk factors for tendon
      adhesion formation. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP)-loaded physical barriers were
      reported to be effective in anti-infection and anti-adhesion. However, high
      silver load may lead to kidney and liver damages. This study was designed for
      Ibuprofen (IBU)-loaded poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) electrospun fibrous membranes
      containing a low dosage of Ag to evaluate its potential in maintaining suitable
      anti-infection and good anti-adhesion effects. The in vitro drug release study
      showed a sustained release of Ag ions and IBU from the membrane. Inferior
      adherence and proliferation of fibroblasts were found on the Ag4%-IBU4%-loaded
      PLLA electrospun fibrous membranes in comparison with pure PLLA and 4% Ag-loaded
      PLLA membranes. In the antibacterial test, all Ag-loaded PLLA electrospun fibrous
      membranes prevented the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus
      epidermidis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Ibuprofen is
      effective in enhancing the anti-adhesion and anti-proliferation effects of 4% Ag
      loaded PLLA fibrous membrane. The medical potential of infection reduction and
      adhesion prevention of Ag4%-IBU4%-loaded PLLA electrospun fibrous membrane
      deserves to be further studied.

PMID- 25119861
TI  - Mechanistic understanding of toxicity from nanocatalysts.
AB  - Nanoparticle-based catalysts, or nanocatalysts, have been applied in various
      industrial sectors, including refineries, petrochemical plants, the
      pharmaceutical industry, the chemical industry, food processing, and
      environmental remediation. As a result, there is an increasing risk of human
      exposure to nanocatalysts. This review evaluates the toxicity of popular
      nanocatalysts applied in industrial processes in cell and animal models. The
      molecular mechanisms associated with such nanotoxicity are emphasized to reveal
      common toxicity-inducing pathways from various nanocatalysts and the uniqueness
      of each specific nanocatalyst. 

PMID- 25119862
TI  - Current status of long non-coding RNAs in human cancer with specific focus on
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - The latest investigations of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have revealed their
      important role in human cancers. LncRNAs are larger than 200 nucleotides in
      length and fulfill their cellular purpose without being translated into proteins.
      Though the molecular functions of some lncRNAs have been elucidated, there is
      still a high number of lncRNAs with unknown or controversial functions. In this
      review, we provide an overview of different lncRNAs and their role in human
      cancers. In particular, we emphasize their importance in tumorigenesis of
      colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer worldwide. 

PMID- 25119864
TI  - Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for lupus nephritis patients
      refractory to conventional therapy.
AB  - Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell transplantation (MSCT) has been shown to be
      clinically efficacious in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. Here, we
      analyzed the role of allogeneic MSCT to induce renal remission in patients with
      active and refractory lupus nephritis (LN). This is an open-label and single
      center clinical trial conducted from 2007 to 2010 in which 81 Chinese patients
      with active and refractory LN were enrolled. Allogeneic bone marrow- or umbilical
      cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were administered intravenously at the
      dose of 1 million cells per kilogram of bodyweight. All patients were then
      monitored over the course of 12 months with periodic follow-up visits to evaluate
      renal remission, as well as possible adverse events. The primary outcome was
      complete renal remission (CR) and partial remission (PR) at each follow-up, as
      well as renal flares. The secondary outcome included renal activity score, total
      disease activity score, renal function, and serologic index. During the 12-month
      follow-up, the overall rate of survival was 95 % (77/81). Totally, 60.5 % (49/81)
      patients achieved renal remission during 12-month visit by MSCT. Eleven of 49
      (22.4 %) patients experienced renal flare by the end of 12 months after a
      previous remission. Renal activity evaluated by British Isles Lupus Assessment
      Group (BILAG) scores significantly declined after MSCT (mean +/- SD, from 4.48 +/
      2.60 at baseline to 1.09 +/- 0.83 at 12 months), in parallel with the obvious
      amelioration of renal function. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) improved
      significantly 12 months after MSCT (mean +/- SD, from 58.55 +/- 19.16 to 69.51 +/
      27.93 mL/min). Total disease activity evaluated by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
      Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores also decreased after treatment (mean +/-
      SD, from 13.11 +/- 4.20 at baseline to 5.48 +/- 2.77 at 12 months). Additionally,
      the doses of concomitant prednisone and immunosuppressive drugs were tapered. No
      transplantation-related adverse event was observed. Allogeneic MSCT resulted in
      renal remission for active LN patients within 12-month visit, confirming its use
      as a potential therapy for refractory LN. 

PMID- 25119866
TI  - [Relevance of the current discussion on prioritization for rheumatology].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increase in age-related diseases that can be expected due to
      demographic changes, the growing medicalization and the medical technological
      progress with new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, will probably lead to
      rising health expenditure in the coming years. The resulting financial problems
      have so far mostly been countered by an increase in health insurance
      contributions, tax subsidies, rationalization and hidden rationing. The
      potentials of explicit prioritization processes have so far not been made use of
      in Germany compared to some other countries where this is already in common use.
      METHODS: Prioritization in the healthcare system is a procedure of mental
      clarification and determination of the priority or subordination of certain
      indications, patient groups or methods with the result of multilevel ranking.
      Human dignity, equality and solidarity are fundamental values on which
      prioritization is based. The medical need, the urgency of treatment, the expected
      medical benefits, the treatment risk, the cost efficiency and the evidence level
      are criteria towards which prioritization is oriented. RESULTS: Prioritization
      processes lead to scientifically substantiated care recommendations which support
      decisions regarding the medically rational, ethically justifiable and
      economically meaningful use of limited resources. In order to gain broad public
      acceptance, prioritization guidelines should be developed in a transparent way by
      democratically justified committees the composition of which still needs to be
      clarified. Fundamental concepts, cornerstones of the current debate and efforts
      that have already been made to make progress in this field are presented in
      summarized form in this article.

PMID- 25119865
TI  - History of knee injury and MRI-assessed knee structures in middle- and older-aged
      adults: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe the associations between
      history of knee injury and knee structure using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      This study included two population-based samples: the Tasmanian Older Adult
      Cohort (TASOAC) study (n = 430; mean age, 63.0 years; range, 51-79 years; 51 %
      female) and the Offspring study (n = 372; mean age, 45.0 years; range, 26-61
      years; 57.5 % female). In both studies, 1.5 T MRI scans of the right knee were
      performed to measure bone marrow lesions (BMLs), cartilage volume, tibial bone
      area, cartilage defects and meniscal pathology. History of knee injury was
      assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. The association between knee
      injury and knee structure was determined using multiple linear and log binomial
      regression models. Nineteen percent of the middle-aged and 12 % of the older
      adults reported a history of knee injury. In middle-aged adults, BML presence
      (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.6 (95 % CI, 1.2; 2.1)), tibial bone area (difference
      of means (DM) = +86 (+23, +149)) and meniscal extrusion presence (PR = 2.7 (1.1,
      6.8)) were significantly higher in those with knee injury. In older adults,
      cartilage defect presence (PR = 1.3 (1.0, 1.7)), lateral (DM = -265 (-439, -92))
      and total tibial (DM = -325 (-600, -51)) cartilage volume, BML presence (PR = 1.4
      (1.0, 1.9)) and tibial bone area (DM = +140 (+19, +260)) were significantly
      associated with knee injury. Meniscal tears showed no significant associations in
      either cohorts. The association between knee injury and MRI-assessed structural
      pathology in the knee joint is moderate and appears to be stronger in older
      adults compared to middle-aged adults.

PMID- 25119867
TI  - Oleuropein offers cardioprotection in rats with acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - Myocardial infarction causes a cascade of events, which leads to heart failure,
      debilitation and death. This study examined possible cardioprotective effect of
      oleuropein in rats with acute myocardial infarction. Male Sprague-Dawly rats were
      allocated to five groups: sham, myocardial infarction receiving vehicle, and
      three myocardial infarction receiving oleuropein at 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg/day for
      7 days, and underwent sham operation or coronary ligation. Twenty-four hours
      later, animals underwent echocardiographic and hemodynamic studies, and infarct
      areas, serum concentrations of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were
      determined. Myocardial infarction group receiving vehicle had significantly lower
      left ventricular developed and systolic pressures, rate of rise/decrease of left
      ventricular pressure, stroke volume, ejection fraction and cardiac output, and
      serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase than those of sham group.
      Pretreatment with oleuropein prevented the reduction of these variables.
      Moreover, the group had a significantly higher serum malondialdehyde, interleukin
      1beta, TNF-alpha, creatin kinase-MB, and troponin I, lactate dehydrogenase, and
      infarct area than those of sham group. Pretreatment with oleuropein prevented the
      increase of these variables. The findings indicate that coronary ligation results
      in acute myocardial infarction characterized by impaired cardiac function, and
      oleuropein pretreatment prevented cardiac impairment partly by reducing oxidative
      stress and release of proinflammatory cytokines.

PMID- 25119868
TI  - High-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array mapping in Brassica
      oleracea: identification of QTL associated with carotenoid variation in broccoli
      florets.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: A high-resolution genetic linkage map of B. oleracea was developed
      from a B. napus SNP array. The work will facilitate genetic and evolutionary
      studies in Brassicaceae. A broccoli population, VI-158 * BNC, consisting of 150
      F2:3 families was used to create a saturated Brassica oleracea (diploid: CC)
      linkage map using a recently developed rapeseed (Brassica napus) (tetraploid:
      AACC) Illumina Infinium single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. The map
      consisted of 547 non-redundant SNP markers spanning 948.1 cM across nine
      chromosomes with an average interval size of 1.7 cM. As the SNPs are anchored to
      the genomic reference sequence of the rapid cycling B. oleracea TO1000, we were
      able to estimate that the map provides 96 % coverage of the diploid genome.
      Carotenoid analysis of 2 years data identified 3 QTLs on two chromosomes that are
      associated with up to half of the phenotypic variation associated with the
      accumulation of total or individual compounds. By searching the genome sequences
      of the two related diploid species (B. oleracea and B. rapa), we further
      identified putative carotenoid candidate genes in the region of these QTLs. This
      is the first description of the use of a B. napus SNP array to rapidly construct
      high-density genetic linkage maps of one of the constituent diploid species. The
      unambiguous nature of these markers with regard to genomic sequences provides
      evidence to the nature of genes underlying the QTL, and demonstrates the value
      and impact this resource will have on Brassica research.

PMID- 25119869
TI  - The detection of a de novo allele of the Glu-1Dx gene in wheat-rye hybrid
      offspring.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: This study provides a link between a de novo gene and novel
      phenotype in wheat-rye hybrids that can be used as a model for induced de novo
      genetic variation. Wide hybridization can produce de novo DNA variation that may
      cause novel phenotypes. However, there is still a lack of specific links between
      changed genes and novel phenotypes in wide hybrids. The well-studied high
      molecular-weight glutenin subunit (HMW-GS) genes in tribe Triticeae provide a
      useful model for addressing this issue. In this study, we investigated the
      feasibility of a wheat-rye hybridization method for inducing de novo phenotypes
      using the Glu-1Dx2.2 subunit as an example. We developed three hexaploid wheat
      lines with normal fertility and a Glu-1Dx2.2 variant, named Glu-1Dx2.2 (v) ,
      derived from three F1 hybrids. The wild-type Glu-1Dx2.2 has two direct repeats of
      295 bp length separated by an intervening 101 bp in its central repetitive
      region. In the mutant Glu-1Dx2.2 (v) , one copy of the repeats and the
      intervening sequence were deleted, probably through homology-dependent
      illegitimate recombination (IR). This study provides a direct link between a de
      novo allele and novel phenotype. Our results indicate that the wheat-rye method
      may be a useful tool to induce de novo genetic variations that broaden the
      genetic diversity for wheat improvement.

PMID- 25119870
TI  - Next generation genetic mapping of the Ligon-lintless-2 (Li2) locus in upland
      cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Mapping-by-sequencing and novel subgenome-specific SNP markers were
      used to fine map the Ligon-lintless 2 ( Li 2 ) short-fiber gene in tetraploid
      cotton. These methodologies will accelerate gene identification in polyploid
      species. Next generation sequencing offers new ways to identify the genetic
      mechanisms that underlie mutant phenotypes. The release of a reference diploid
      Gossypium raimondii (D5) genome and bioinformatics tools to sort tetraploid reads
      into subgenomes has brought cotton genetic mapping into the genomics era. We used
      multiple high-throughput sequencing approaches to identify the relevant region of
      reference sequence and identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the
      short-fiber mutant Ligon-lintless 2 (Li 2) gene locus. First, we performed RNAseq
      on 8-day post-anthesis (DPA) fiber cells from the Li 2 mutant and its wild type
      near isogenic line (NIL) Gossypium hirsutum cv. DP5690. We aligned sequence reads
      to the D5 genome, sorted the reads into A and D subgenomes with PolyCat and
      called SNPs with InterSNP. We then identified SNPs that would result in non
      synonymous substitutions to amino acid sequences of annotated genes. This step
      allowed us to identify a 1-Mb region with 24 non-synonymous SNPs, representing
      the introgressed region that differentiates Li 2 from its NIL. Next, we sequenced
      total DNA from pools of F2 plants, using a super bulked segregant analysis
      sequencing (sBSAseq) approach. The sBSAseq predicted 82 non-synonymous SNPs among
      3,494 SNPs in a 3-Mb region that includes the region identified by RNAseq. We
      designed subgenome-specific SNP markers and tested them in an F2 population of
      1,733 individuals to construct a genetic map. Our resulting genetic interval
      contains only one gene, an aquaporin, which is highly expressed in wild-type
      fibers and is significantly under-expressed in elongating Li 2 fiber cells.

PMID- 25119871
TI  - An extensive analysis of the African rice genetic diversity through a global
      genotyping.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: We present here the first curated collection of wild and cultivated
      African rice species. For that, we designed specific SNPs and were able to
      structure these very low diverse species. Oryza glaberrima, the cultivated
      African rice, is endemic from Africa. This species and its direct ancestor, O.
      barthii, are valuable tool for improvement of Asian rice O. sativa in terms of
      abiotic and biotic stress resistance. However, only a few limited studies about
      the genetic diversity of these species were performed. In the present paper, and
      for the first time at such extend, we genotyped 279 O. glaberrima, selected both
      for their impact in current breeding and for their geographical distribution, and
      101 O. barthii, chosen based on their geographic origin, using a set of 235 SNPs
      specifically designed for African rice diversity. Using those data, we were able
      to structure the individuals from our sample in three populations for O. barthii,
      related to geography, and two populations in O. glaberrima; these two last
      populations cannot be linked however to any currently phenotyped trait. Moreover,
      we were also able to identify misclassification in O. glaberrima as well as in O.
      barthii and identified new form of O. sativa from the set of African varieties.

PMID- 25119872
TI  - Gene-based SNP discovery and genetic mapping in pea.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Gene-based SNPs were identified and mapped in pea using five
      recombinant inbred line populations segregating for traits of agronomic
      importance. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is one of the world's oldest domesticated
      crops and has been a model system in plant biology and genetics since the work of
      Gregor Mendel. Pea is the second most widely grown pulse crop in the world
      following common bean. The importance of pea as a food crop is growing due to its
      combination of moderate protein concentration, slowly digestible starch, high
      dietary fiber concentration, and its richness in micronutrients; however, pea has
      lagged behind other major crops in harnessing recent advances in molecular
      biology, genomics and bioinformatics, partly due to its large genome size with a
      large proportion of repetitive sequence, and to the relatively limited investment
      in research in this crop globally. The objective of this research was the
      development of a genome-wide transcriptome-based pea single-nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) marker platform using next-generation sequencing technology. A
      total of 1,536 polymorphic SNP loci selected from over 20,000 non-redundant SNPs
      identified using deep transcriptome sequencing of eight diverse Pisum accessions
      were used for genotyping in five RIL populations using an Illumina GoldenGate
      assay. The first high-density pea SNP map defining all seven linkage groups was
      generated by integrating with previously published anchor markers. Syntenic
      relationships of this map with the model legume Medicago truncatula and lentil
      (Lens culinaris Medik.) maps were established. The genic SNP map establishes a
      foundation for future molecular breeding efforts by enabling both the
      identification and tracking of introgression of genomic regions harbouring QTLs
      related to agronomic and seed quality traits.

PMID- 25119874
TI  - A study on usefulness evaluation of SUV measured in mini-PACS for each one of
      PET/CT equipment.
AB  - To save and analyze the data from a positron emission tomography/computed
      tomography (PET/CT) scan, it is sometimes important to use a server away from the
      workstation of the equipment or to install and operate mini-picture archiving and
      communication system (PACS). Mini-PACS was developed to save the data from a scan
      and measure the standard uptake value (SUV) in PACS that could be measured only
      in PET/CT equipment manufactured by many companies. Against this background, this
      study examined whether the SUV measured in PET/CT equipment was the same value in
      mini-PACS. This study evaluated Biograph 16 and Biograph 40 manufactured by
      SIEMENS and Discovery Ste 8 manufactured by GE, all of which are installed in
      this hospital. The SUV of the aorta of 30 patients, who had undergone an (18)F
      FDG whole body PET scan in the period from February to October 2012, was measured
      at the height of the liver and mediastinum. In the mini-PACS program, the SUV was
      also measured and analyzed in an image with the same phase. According to the
      study results, the coefficient of the SUV of the liver in PET/CT equipment and
      mini-PACS was 0.99, 0.98, and 0.64 in Biograph 16, Biograph 40, and Discovery Ste
      8, respectively, where the coefficient of the SUV of aorta was 0.98, 0.98, and
      0.66 in Biograph 16, Biograph 40, and Discovery Ste 8, showing a positive
      correlation in all equipment. 

PMID- 25119873
TI  - A high-resolution linkage map of the Rfd1, a restorer-of-fertility locus for
      cytoplasmic male sterility in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) produced by a
      combination of bulked segregant analysis and RNA-Seq.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: We utilized a combination of BSA and RNA-Seq to identify SNPs linked
      to the Rfd1 locus, a restorer-of-fertility gene in radish. A high-density linkage
      map was constructed using this approach. Male fertility of cytoplasmic male
      sterility conditioned by the Dongbu cytoplasmic and genic male-sterility
      cytoplasm can be restored by a restorer-of-fertility locus, Rfd1, in radish. To
      construct a high-density linkage map and to identify a candidate gene for the
      Rfd1 locus, bulked segregant analysis and RNA-seq approaches were combined. A
      total of 26 and 28 million reads produced from male-fertile and male-sterile
      bulked RNA were mapped to the radish reference unigenes. After stringent
      screening of SNPs, 327 reliable SNPs of 109 unigenes were selected. Arabidopsis
      homologs for 101 of the 109 genes were clustered around the 4,000 kb region of
      Arabidopsis chromosome 3, which was syntenic to the Rfd1 flanking region. Since
      the reference unigene set was incomplete, the contigs were de novo assembled to
      identify 134 contigs harboring SNPs. Most of SNP-containing contigs were also
      clustered on the same syntenic region in Arabidopsis chromosome. A total of 21
      molecular markers positioned within a 2.1 cM interval including the Rfd1 locus
      were developed, based on the selected unigenes and contigs. A segregating
      population consisting of 10,459 individuals was analyzed to identify recombinants
      containing crossovers within this interval. A total of 284 identified
      recombinants were then used to construct a high-density map, which delimited the
      Rfd1 locus into an 83-kb syntenic interval of Arabidopsis chromosome 3. Since no
      candidate gene, such as a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR)-coding gene, was found
      in this interval, 231 unigenes and 491 contigs containing putative PPR motifs
      were analyzed further, but no PPR gene in linkage disequilibrium with the Rfd1
      locus could be found.

PMID- 25119875
TI  - The effect of caste and reproductive state on the chemistry of the cephalic
      labial glands secretion of Bombus terrestris.
AB  - The cephalic labial glands are well developed in many bee species. In bumble bee
      males, they cover most of the head volume, and their secretion is used in marking
      reproductive territories and attracting virgin queens. In females, however, they
      are poorly studied. Here, we present chemical analyses of their secretion in
      queens and workers of Bombus terrestris under various social conditions. The
      secretion revealed a context-dependent composition with sterile females
      possessing large amounts of fatty acid dodecyl esters, ranging from dodecyl
      hexanoate to dodecyl oleate, compared to small amounts in fertile females.
      Significant reduction in the dodecyl esters also was found in queens at the
      competition phase, where worker reproduction, aggression, and gyne
      differentiation occur. The exclusive production of esters by sterile individuals
      also is typical of Dufour's gland secretion in this species, albeit in this case
      these are octyl rather than dodecyl esters, and the differences between sterile
      and fertile individuals are qualitative rather than quantitative. We propose that
      the labial gland esters provide yet another signal of reproductive inactivity. In
      virgin queens, it may signal that egg laying is deferred to the next season,
      while in workers it reinforces the message "I am sterile and out of the
      reproductive competition". Whether the reduction in dodecyl esters in fertile
      queens as a function of colony social development is involved in regulating gyne
      production and the onset of the competition phase is yet to be deciphered. 

PMID- 25119876
TI  - A pilot study of a new spectrophotometry device to measure tissue oxygen
      saturation.
AB  - Tissue oxygen saturation (SO2) measurements have the potential for far wider use
      than at present but are limited by device availability and portability for many
      potential applications. A device based on a small, low-cost general-purpose
      spectrophotometer (the Harrison device) might facilitate wider use. The aim of
      this study was to compare the Harrison device with a commercial instrument, the
      LEA O2C.Measurements were carried out on the forearm and finger of 20 healthy
      volunteers, using a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm to induce different
      levels of oxygenation. Repeatability of both devices was assessed, and the Bland
      Altman method was used to assess agreement between them.The devices showed
      agreement in overall tracking of changes in SO2. Test-retest agreement for the
      Harrison device was worse than for O2C, with SD repeatability of 10.6% (forearm)
      or 18.6% (finger). There was no overall bias between devices, but mean (SD)
      difference of 1.2 (11.8%) (forearm) or 4.4 (11.5%) (finger) were outside of a
      clinically acceptable range.Disagreements were attributed to the stability of the
      Harrison probe and the natural SO2 variations across the skin surface increasing
      the random error. Therefore, though not equivalent to the LEA O2C, a probe
      redesign and averaged measurements may help establish the Harrison device as a
      low cost alternative. 

PMID- 25119877
TI  - Fecal impaction.
AB  - Fecal impaction (FI) is a common and potentially serious medical condition that
      occurs in all age groups. Children, incapacitated patients, and the
      institutionalized elderly are considered the highest at-risk populations. FI
      usually occurs in the setting of chronic or severe constipation, anatomic
      anorectal abnormalities, and neurogenic or functional gastrointestinal disorders.
      Generally, FI is a preventable disorder, and early recognition is important, as
      it is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and high health care costs.
      Evaluation with a careful history and physical examination, in conjunction with
      radiologic imaging, such as an acute abdominal series or computed tomography
      (CT), is imperative. Prompt identification and treatment minimize the risk of
      complications attributable to FI, which may include bowel obstruction leading to
      stercoral ulcer, perforation, peritonitis, or cardiopulmonary collapse with
      hemodynamic instability. Treatment options include manual fragmentation and
      extraction of the fecal mass, distal colonic cleansing using enemas and rectal
      lavage with the aid of a sigmoidoscope, and/or using water-soluble contrast media
      such as Gastrografin to both identify the extent of the impaction and aid in
      cleansing and removal. Surgical resection of the involved colon or rectum is
      reserved for peritonitis resulting from bowel perforation. Since recurrence is
      common, implementing preventive measures such as increasing daily water and fiber
      intake, limiting medications that decrease colonic motility, using secretagogues
      or prokinetic agents, and treating underlying anatomic defects are highly
      important. 

PMID- 25119878
TI  - MicroRNAs as modulators and biomarkers of inflammatory and neuropathic pain
      conditions.
AB  - The post-transcriptional regulator molecules, microRNAs, have emerged as
      important biomarkers and modulators of numerous pathophysiological processes
      including oncogenesis and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, a significant number
      of dysregulations in microRNAs have been reported in patients suffering from
      painful disorders such as complex regional pain syndrome, cystitis-induced
      chronic pain and irritable bowel disorder, in both affected tissues and the
      circulation. Moreover, microRNAs are known to be involved in pain processing
      based on several recent findings in animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic
      pain. The basis of this review was to cover and summarize available articles in
      English encompassing "microRNA and pain". In animal pain models widespread
      microRNA modulation is present and manifests on multiple levels i.e.: the dorsal
      root ganglia, the spinal dorsal horn and the brain. Numerous functional in vivo
      studies have found that dysregulated microRNAs are involved in the post
      transcriptional modulation of genes implicated in pain generation and
      maintenance. Lastly, a few animal studies have delivered promising results as to
      the possibility of applying microRNAs as therapeutics to alleviate established
      pain and several clinical studies have highlighted the potential in applying
      microRNAs as biomarkers in painful conditions such as complex regional pain
      syndrome and fibromyalgia. This review briefly introduces the basics of
      microRNAs, their biogenesis and function, and mainly focuses on the recent
      advances made in understanding the role of microRNAs in relation to pain
      processing and painful conditions. It also provides an overview of widely diverse
      methodological approaches and results with a potential for future implications of
      microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of pain. 

PMID- 25119879
TI  - The oral commensal Streptococcus mitis shows a mixed memory Th cell signature
      that is similar to and cross-reactive with Streptococcus pneumoniae.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carriage of and infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae is known to
      predominantly induce T helper 17 (Th17) responses in humans, but the types of Th
      cells showing reactivity towards commensal streptococci with low pathogenic
      potential, such as the oral commensals S. mitis and S. salivarius, remain
      uncharacterized. METHODS: Memory CD4(+) T helper (Th) cell subsets were isolated
      from healthy human blood donors according to differential expression of chemokine
      receptors, expanded in vitro using polyclonal stimuli and characterized for
      reactivity against different streptococcal strains. RESULTS: Th cells responding
      to S. mitis, S. salivarius and S. pneumoniae were predominantly in a
      CCR6(+)CXCR3(+) subset and produced IFN-gamma, and in a CCR6(+)CCR4(+) subset and
      produced IL-17 and IL-22. Frequencies of S. pneumoniae-reactive Th cells were
      higher than frequencies of S. mitis- and S. salivarius-specific Th cells. S.
      mitis and S. pneumoniae isogenic capsule knock-out mutants and a S. mitis mutant
      expressing the serotype 4 capsule of S. pneumoniae showed no different Th cell
      responses as compared to wild type strains. S. mitis-specific Th17 cells showed
      cross-reactivity with S. pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONS: As Th17 cells partly control
      clearance of S. pneumoniae, cross-reactive Th17 cells that may be induced by
      commensal bacterial species may influence the immune response, independent of
      capsule expression.

PMID- 25119880
TI  - Atrial fibrillation as a marker of occult cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that cancer increases risk of atrial
      fibrillation. Whether atrial fibrillation is a marker for underlying occult
      cancer is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study (1980-2011) of all Danish
      patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation. To examine cancer risk, we computed
      absolute risk at 3 months and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) by comparing
      observed cancer incidence among patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation
      with that expected based on national cancer incidence during the period. RESULTS:
      Median follow-up time was 3.4 years among 269 742 atrial fibrillation patients.
      Within 3 months of follow-up, 6656 cancers occurred (absolute risk, 2.5%; 95%
      confidence intervals [CI], 2.4%-2.5%) versus 1302 expected, yielding a SIR of
      5.11; 95% CI, 4.99-5.24. Associations were particularly strong for cancers of the
      lung, kidney, colon, ovary, and for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The SIR within 3
      months of follow-up was 7.02; 95% CI, 6.76-7.28 for metastatic and 3.53; 95% CI,
      3.38-3.68 for localized cancer. Beyond 3 months of follow-up, overall cancer risk
      was modestly increased (SIR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.12-1.15). CONCLUSION: Patients with
      new-onset atrial fibrillation had a markedly increased relative risk of a cancer
      diagnosis within the next three months, however, corresponding absolute risk was
      small.

PMID- 25119882
TI  - A hybrid model for predicting the prevalence of schistosomiasis in humans of
      Qianjiang City, China.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS/OBJECTIVE: Schistosomiasis is still a major public health problem in
      China, despite the fact that the government has implemented a series of
      strategies to prevent and control the spread of the parasitic disease. Advanced
      warning and reliable forecasting can help policymakers to adjust and implement
      strategies more effectively, which will lead to the control and elimination of
      schistosomiasis. Our aim is to explore the application of a hybrid forecasting
      model to track the trends of the prevalence of schistosomiasis in humans, which
      provides a methodological basis for predicting and detecting schistosomiasis
      infection in endemic areas. METHODS: A hybrid approach combining the
      autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and the nonlinear
      autoregressive neural network (NARNN) model to forecast the prevalence of
      schistosomiasis in the future four years. Forecasting performance was compared
      between the hybrid ARIMA-NARNN model, and the single ARIMA or the single NARNN
      model. RESULTS: The modelling mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE)
      and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the ARIMA-NARNN model was 0.1869 *
      10(-4), 0.0029, 0.0419 with a corresponding testing error of 0.9375 * 10(-4),
      0.0081, 0.9064, respectively. These error values generated with the hybrid model
      were all lower than those obtained from the single ARIMA or NARNN model. The
      forecasting values were 0.75%, 0.80%, 0.76% and 0.77% in the future four years,
      which demonstrated a no-downward trend. CONCLUSION: The hybrid model has high
      quality prediction accuracy in the prevalence of schistosomiasis, which provides
      a methodological basis for future schistosomiasis monitoring and control
      strategies in the study area. It is worth attempting to utilize the hybrid
      detection scheme in other schistosomiasis-endemic areas including other
      infectious diseases.

PMID- 25119881
TI  - Nasal sensitization with ragweed pollen induces local-allergic-rhinitis-like
      symptoms in mice.
AB  - Recently, the concept of local allergic rhinitis (LAR) was established, namely
      rhinitis symptoms with local IgE production and negative serum antigen-specific
      IgE. However, the natural course of LAR development and the disease pathogenesis
      is poorly understood. This study investigated the pathophysiology of mice with
      allergic rhinitis that initially sensitized with ragweed pollen through the nasal
      route. Mice were nasally administrated ragweed pollen over consecutive days
      without prior systemic immunization of the allergen. Serial nasal sensitization
      of ragweed pollen induced an allergen-specific increase in sneezing, eosinophilic
      infiltration, and the production of local IgE by day 7, but serum antigen
      specific IgE was not detected. Th2 cells accumulated in nose and cervical lymph
      nodes as early as day 3. These symptoms are characteristic of human LAR.
      Continual nasal exposure of ragweed pollen for 3 weeks resulted in the onset of
      classical AR with systemic atopy and adversely affected lung inflammation when
      the allergen was instilled into the lung. Fcer1a(-/-) mice were defective in
      sneezing but developed normal eosinophilic infiltration. Contrary, Rag2(-/-) mice
      were defective in both sneezing and eosinophilic infiltration, suggesting that T
      cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease. These observations
      demonstrate nasal allergen sensitization to non-atopic individuals can induce
      LAR. Because local Th2 cell accumulation is the first sign and Th2 cells have a
      central role in the disease, a T-cell-based approach may aid the diagnosis and
      treatment of LAR.

PMID- 25119883
TI  - Engineered hyperactive integrase for concerted HIV-1 DNA integration.
AB  - The DNA cutting and joining reactions of HIV-1 integration are catalyzed by
      integrase (IN), a viral protein that functions as a tetramer bridging the two
      viral DNA ends (intasome). Two major obstacles for biochemical and structural
      studies of HIV-1 intasomes are 1) the low efficiency of assembly with
      oligonucleotide DNA substrates, and 2) the non-specific aggregation of both
      intasomes and free IN in the reaction mixture. By fusing IN with a small non
      specific DNA binding protein, Sulfolobus solfataricus chromosomal protein Sso7d
      (PDB: 1BNZ), we have engineered a highly soluble and hyperactive IN. Unlike wild
      type IN, it efficiently catalyzes intasome assembly and concerted integration
      with oligonucleotide DNA substrates. The fusion IN protein also functions to
      integrate viral reverse transcripts during HIV-infection. The hyperactive HIV-1
      IN may assist in facilitating future biochemical and structural studies of HIV-1
      intasomes. Understanding the mechanistic basis of the Sso7d-IN fusion protein
      could provide insight into the factors that have hindered biophysical studies of
      wild-type HIV-1 IN and intasomes. 

PMID- 25119884
TI  - Persistent release of IL-1s from skin is associated with systemic cardio-vascular
      disease, emaciation and systemic amyloidosis: the potential of anti-IL-1 therapy
      for systemic inflammatory diseases.
AB  - The skin is an immune organ that contains innate and acquired immune systems and
      thus is able to respond to exogenous stimuli producing large amount of
      proinflammatory cytokines including IL-1 and IL-1 family members. The role of the
      epidermal IL-1 is not limited to initiation of local inflammatory responses, but
      also to induction of systemic inflammation. However, association of persistent
      release of IL-1 family members from severe skin inflammatory diseases such as
      psoriasis, epidermolysis bullosa, atopic dermatitis, blistering diseases and
      desmoglein-1 deficiency syndrome with diseases in systemic organs have not been
      so far assessed. Here, we showed the occurrence of severe systemic cardiovascular
      diseases and metabolic abnormalities including aberrant vascular wall remodeling
      with aortic stenosis, cardiomegaly, impaired limb and tail circulation, fatty
      tissue loss and systemic amyloid deposition in multiple organs with liver and
      kidney dysfunction in mouse models with severe dermatitis caused by persistent
      release of IL-1s from the skin. These morbid conditions were ameliorated by
      simultaneous administration of anti-IL-1alpha and IL-1beta antibodies. These
      findings may explain the morbid association of arteriosclerosis, heart
      involvement, amyloidosis and cachexia in severe systemic skin diseases and
      systemic autoinflammatory diseases, and support the value of anti-IL-1 therapy
      for systemic inflammatory diseases. 

PMID- 25119885
TI  - Large artery stiffness and carotid intima-media thickness in relation to markers
      of calcium and bone mineral metabolism in African women older than 46 years.
AB  - Vascular calcification and cardiovascular diseases have been associated with
      altered bone metabolism. We explored the relationships of arterial pressures and
      carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) with parathyroid hormone, 25
      hydroxycholecalciferol and their ratio (PTH:25(OH)D3) as well as a marker of bone
      resorption (CTX) in lean and overweight/obese African women. A population of 434
      African women older than 46 years was divided into lean and overweight/obese
      groups. We assessed brachial blood pressure, central pulse pressure (cPP) and
      CIMT, and determined PTH, 25(OH)D3 and CTX concentrations. Overweight/obese women
      had elevated PTH and PTH:25(OH)D3 compared with lean women (both P<0.001),
      whereas lean women had higher CTX (P<0.001). Single, partial and multiple
      regression analyses indicated that, in lean women CIMT was independently
      associated with PTH:25(OH)D3 (R(2)=0.22; beta=0.26; P=0.003), whereas in obese
      women cPP was associated with both PTH:25(OH)D3 (R2=0.20; beta=0.17; P=0.017) and
      CTX (R2=0.20; beta=0.17; P=0.025). In conclusion, we found that in African women
      with increased adiposity, cPP (as a surrogate measure of arterial stiffness), was
      positively associated with alterations in bone metabolism and calciotropic
      hormones, whereas CIMT of lean women was positively associated with PTH:25(OH)D3.
      Our results suggest that alterations in bone and calcium metabolism may
      contribute to arterial calcification in older African women.

PMID- 25119886
TI  - Association between undiagnosed hypertension and microalbuminuria in South Asians
      without known diabetes.
AB  - Data suggest increased rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in those with
      undiagnosed hypertension (HTN). Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of
      CKD in undiagnosed hypertensives in a previously unreported subgroup of
      individuals of South Asian ethnicity. We analysed data from subjects in the
      ADDITION-Leicester study, a UK based multiethnic, community diabetes screening
      study. Standard definitions included: HTN-mean recorded BP of ?140/90 mm Hg, CKD
      stage 3 and above-estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml min(-1) per
      1.73 m2 and microalbuminuria as albumin creatinine ratio ?3 mg mmol(-1). Logistic
      regression was performed with age, gender and body mass index (kg m(-2)) as co
      variates. 6082 individuals (52.5% female, mean age, 57.2 years; White European,
      77.8% and South Asian, 22.0%), 31.1% had undiagnosed HTN. Overall, individuals
      with undiagnosed HTN compared with normotensives had an odds ratio for
      microalbuminuria of 2.24 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.72-2.94). For South
      Asians, the odds ratio was 3.81. (95% CI: 2.24-6.47) for microalbuminuria with a
      trend towards an eGFR<60 ml min(-1) per 1.73 m2. Future studies should consider
      intensified screening for HTN to refine the population suitable for CKD
      screening, particularly in the South Asian ethnic group.

PMID- 25119887
TI  - Accelerated analysis of three-dimensional blood flow of the thoracic aorta in
      stroke patients.
AB  - To test if new software accelerates analysis of in vivo acquired 4D flow MRI
      data. Respiration-gated and ECG-synchronized 4D flow MRI of the aorta was
      performed in 20 stroke patients using a routine 3-Tesla MRI system (TIMTRIO,
      Siemens, Germany). 3D blood flow data was processed by one experienced observer
      using new (A = MEVISFlow) and widely-used software (B = EnSight + Velomap
      /FlowTool). Evaluation included: inter-/intra-observer variability of software A
      and inter-software comparison regarding (1) blood flow quantification (total
      /peak flow) and (2) flow visualisation, plus (3) measurement of the time required
      for visualization and quantification of data (software A&B). (1) Inter-/intra
      observer agreement of software A (mean difference <=5.2 and <=0.9 %,
      respectively) and inter-software agreement (mean difference <= 2.2 %) was high
      with high correlation of peak and total blood flow (r >= 0.74; p < 0.001 and r >=
      0.91; p < 0.001). (2) Comparison of blood flow visualization showed substantial
      agreement (kappa >= 0.68). (3) Data-analysis was three times faster when using
      software A [18:10 (+/-1:29) vs. 58:30 (+/-5:28) min; p < 0.0001]. Acceleration of
      blood flow quantification and visualisation using new software strongly
      facilitates future applications of 4D flow MRI and thus enables its usage in
      larger patient cohorts in clinical research and routine.

PMID- 25119888
TI  - High-pitch prospective ECG-triggered helical coronary computed tomography
      angiography in clinical practice: image quality and radiation dose.
AB  - High-pitch prospective ECG-triggered helical (PTH) protocols for coronary
      computed tomography angiography (CCTA) have demonstrated adequate image quality
      (IQ) in small-scaled studies and highly selected patients. Clinical applicability
      in a general clinical population is uncertain. This study evaluated the
      implementation of a PTH protocol in a routine clinical cohort, focusing on IQ and
      radiation dose. The local scientific board approved the retrospective analysis
      and all patients signed an informed consent statement for usage of their data. In
      consecutive patients suspected of coronary artery disease CCTA was performed
      using a dual source 128-slice scanner. All patients with a regular heart rate <65
      bpm underwent a PTH CCTA. IQ for each coronary segment was graded (1 = absence of
      artifacts to 4 = non-evaluable). In 664 (80.4 %) of 826 included patients [mean
      age +/- standard deviation (SD) 57 +/- 11, 65 % female, mean body mass index
      (BMI) +/- SD 27 +/- 9 kg m(-2)] PTH CCTA was acquired whereas in 162 (19.6 %) a
      non-PTH sequence was used. Reasons for not performing a PTH protocol were
      persistent high heart rate (41.6 %) or heart rate irregularity (58.4 %). Mean +/-
      SD heart rates for PTH and non-PTH CCTA were 55 +/- 5 and 65 +/- 9 bpm,
      respectively, p < 0.001. In the PTH group 92 % of the segments were of diagnostic
      quality (score 1-3), versus 87 % in the non-PTH group (p = 0.055). Per patient,
      mean IQ score was 1.19 and 1.21 respectively (lower is better; p = 0.012).
      Effective dose (including topogram, test bolus, and coronary calcium score), as
      calculated with a conversion factor of 0.014 mSv mGy(-1) cm(-1) was 1.6 +/- 0.6
      and 4.7 +/- 2.6 mSv for the PTH and the non-PTH group respectively, (p < 0.001).
      Performing high-pitch PTH sequences on a routine basis is feasible in the
      majority of patients with high IQ and significant reduction in radiation dose. 

PMID- 25119889
TI  - Computed tomography for planning and postoperative imaging of transvenous mitral
      annuloplasty: first experience in an animal model.
AB  - To investigate the use of computed tomography (CT) to measure the mitral valve
      annulus size before implantation of a percutaneous mitral valve annuloplasty
      device in an animal trial. Seven domestic pigs underwent CT before and after
      implantation of a CardiobandTM (a percutaneously implantable mitral valve
      annuloplasty device) with a second-generation 128-section dual-source CT machine.
      Implantation of the CardiobandTM was performed in a standard fashion according to
      a protocol. Animals were sacrificed afterwards and the hearts explanted. The
      CardiobandTM was found to be adequately implanted in all animals, with no anchor
      dehiscence and no damage of the circumflex artery (CX) or the coronary sinus
      (CS). The correct length of the band as chosen according to the length of the
      posterior mitral annulus measured in CT before implantation was confirmed in
      gross examination in all animals. The device did not result in a metal artifact
      related degradation of image quality. The closest distance from the closest
      anchor to the CX was 2.1 +/- 0.7 mm in diastole and 1.6 +/- 0.5 mm systole.
      Mitral annulus distance to the CS was 6.4 +/- 1.3 mm in diastole and 7.7 +/- 1.1
      mm in systole. CT visualization and measurement of the mitral valve annulus
      dimensions is feasible and can become the imaging method of choice for procedure
      planning of CardiobandTM implantations or other transcatheter mitral annuloplasty
      devices. 

PMID- 25119891
TI  - Annual report SWEDEHEART 2012.

PMID- 25119892
TI  - Characteristics of childbearing women, obstetrical interventions and preterm
      delivery: a comparison of the US and France.
AB  - Preterm delivery rates have remained consistently higher in the US than France,
      but the reasons for this excess remain poorly understood. We examined if
      differences in socio-demographic risk factors or more liberal use of obstetrical
      interventions contributed to higher rates in the US. Data on singleton live
      births in 1995, 1998 and 2003 from US birth certificates and the French National
      Perinatal Survey were used to analyze preterm delivery rate by maternal
      characteristics (age, parity, marital status, education, race (US)/nationality
      (France), prenatal care and smoking). We distinguished between preterm deliveries
      with a cesarean or a labor induction and those without these interventions.
      Unadjusted and adjusted risk ratios (RR) for the US compared to France were
      estimated using log-binomial regression. Preterm delivery rates were 7.9 % in the
      US and 4.7 % in France (risk ratio [RR] = 1.7, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.6
      1.8). The US had more teen mothers and late entry to prenatal care, but fewer
      women smoked, although adjustment for these and other confounders did not reduce
      RR (1.8, 95 % CI 1.7-1.9). Preterm delivery rates associated with labor induction
      or cesarean were 3.3 % in the US and 2.1 % in France (RR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.5-1.7);
      the corresponding rates for preterm delivery without these interventions were 4.5
      and 2.5 % (RR 1.8, 95 % CI 1.7-1.9), respectively. Key socio-demographic risk
      factors and more obstetric intervention do not explain higher US preterm delivery
      rates. Avenues for future research include the impact of universal access to
      health services (universal health insurance?) on health care quality and the
      association between more generous social policies, stress and the risks of
      preterm delivery.

PMID- 25119890
TI  - The nuclear envelope: an intriguing focal point for neurogenetic disease.
AB  - Mutations in genes encoding nuclear envelope proteins cause a wide range of
      inherited diseases, many of which are neurological. We review the genetic causes
      and what little is known about pathogenesis of these nuclear envelopathies that
      primarily affect striated muscle, peripheral nerve and the central nervous
      system. We conclude by providing examples of experimental therapeutic approaches
      to these rare but important neuromuscular diseases. 

PMID- 25119893
TI  - Assessing strategies for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction at the
      outpatient clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is the most
      common form of heart failure (HF), its diagnosis being a challenge to the
      outpatient clinic practice. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare two strategies
      derived from algorithms of the European Society of Cardiology Diastology
      Guidelines for the diagnosis of HFPEF. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 166
      consecutive ambulatory patients (67.9+/-11.7 years; 72% of women). The strategies
      to confirm HFPEF were established according to the European Society of Cardiology
      Diastology Guidelines criteria. In strategy 1 (S1), tissue Doppler
      echocardiography (TDE) and electrocardiography (ECG) were used; in strategy 2
      (S2), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement was included. RESULTS: In S1,
      patients were divided into groups based on the E/E'ratio as follows: GI, E/E'> 15
      (n = 16; 9%); GII, E/E'8 to 15 (n = 79; 48%); and GIII, E/E'< 8 (n = 71; 43%).
      HFPEF was confirmed in GI and excluded in GIII. In GII, TDE [left atrial volume
      index (LAVI) >= 40 mL/m2; left ventricular mass index LVMI) > 122 for women and >
      149 g/m2 for men] and ECG (atrial fibrillation) parameters were assessed,
      confirming HFPEF in 33 more patients, adding up to 49 (29%). In S2, patients were
      divided into three groups based on BNP levels. GI (BNP > 200 pg/mL) consisted of
      12 patients, HFPEF being confirmed in all of them. GII (BNP ranging from 100 to
      200 pg/mL) consisted of 20 patients with LAVI > 29 mL/m2, or LVMI >= 96 g/m2 for
      women or >= 116 g/m2 for men, or E/E'>= 8 or atrial fibrillation on ECG, and the
      diagnosis of HFPEF was confirmed in 15. GIII (BNP < 100 pg/mL) consisted of 134
      patients, 26 of whom had the diagnosis of HFPEF confirmed when GII parameters
      were used. Measuring BNP levels in S2 identified 4 more patients (8%) with HFPEF
      as compared with those identified in S1. CONCLUSION: The association of BNP
      measurement and TDE data is better than the isolated use of those parameters. BNP
      can be useful in identifying patients whose diagnosis of HF had been previously
      excluded based only on TDE findings.

PMID- 25119894
TI  - Ivabradine improves heart rate variability in patients with nonischemic dilated
      cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ivabradine is a novel specific heart rate (HR)-lowering agent that
      improves event-free survival in patients with heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES: We
      aimed to evaluate the effect of ivabradine on time domain indices of heart rate
      variability (HRV) in patients with HF. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with
      compensated HF of nonischemic origin were included. Ivabradine treatment was
      initiated according to the latest HF guidelines. For HRV analysis, 24-h Holter
      recording was obtained from each patient before and after 8 weeks of treatment
      with ivabradine. RESULTS: The mean RR interval, standard deviation of all normal
      to normal RR intervals (SDNN), the standard deviation of 5-min mean RR intervals
      (SDANN), the mean of the standard deviation of all normal-to-normal RR intervals
      for all 5-min segments (SDNN index), the percentage of successive normal RR
      intervals exceeding 50 ms (pNN50), and the square root of the mean of the squares
      of the differences between successive normal to normal RR intervals (RMSSD) were
      low at baseline before treatment with ivabradine. After 8 weeks of treatment with
      ivabradine, the mean HR (83.6 +/- 8.0 and 64.6 +/- 5.8, p < 0.0001), mean RR
      interval (713 +/- 74 and 943 +/- 101 ms, p < 0.0001), SDNN (56.2 +/- 15.7 and
      87.9 +/- 19.4 ms, p < 0.0001), SDANN (49.5 +/- 14.7 and 76.4 +/- 19.5 ms, p <
      0.0001), SDNN index (24.7 +/- 8.8 and 38.3 +/- 13.1 ms, p < 0.0001), pNN50 (2.4
      +/- 1.6 and 3.2 +/- 2.2 %, p < 0.0001), and RMSSD (13.5 +/- 4.6 and 17.8 +/- 5.4
      ms, p < 0.0001) substantially improved, which sustained during both when awake
      and while asleep. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that treatment with ivabradine
      improves HRV in nonischemic patients with HF.

PMID- 25119895
TI  - Left atrial volume index and prediction of events in acute coronary syndrome:
      Solar Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to some international studies, patients with acute coronary
      syndrome (ACS) and increased left atrial volume index (LAVI) have worse long-term
      prognosis. However, national Brazilian studies confirming this prediction are
      still lacking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate LAVI as a predictor of major cardiovascular
      events (MCE) in patients with ACS during a 365-day follow-up. METHODS:
      Prospective cohort of 171 patients diagnosed with ACS whose LAVI was calculated
      within 48 hours after hospital admission. According to LAVI, two groups were
      categorized: normal LAVI (<= 32 mL/m2) and increased LAVI (> 32 mL/m2). Both
      groups were compared regarding clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, in
      and out-of-hospital outcomes, and occurrence of ECM in up to 365 days. RESULTS:
      Increased LAVI was observed in 78 patients (45%), and was associated with older
      age, higher body mass index, hypertension, history of myocardial infarction and
      previous angioplasty, and lower creatinine clearance and ejection fraction.
      During hospitalization, acute pulmonary edema was more frequent in patients with
      increased LAVI (14.1% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.024). After discharge, the occurrence of
      combined outcome for MCE was higher (p = 0.001) in the group with increased LAVI
      (26%) as compared to the normal LAVI group (7%) [RR (95% CI) = 3.46 (1.54-7.73)
      vs. 0.80 (0.69-0.92)]. After Cox regression, increased LAVI increased the
      probability of MCE (HR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.28-7.40, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION:
      Increased LAVI is an important predictor of MCE in a one-year follow-up.

PMID- 25119896
TI  - Haplotype analysis of interleukin-10 gene promoter polymorphisms in chronic
      hepatitis C infection: a case control study.
AB  - High prevalence of hepatitis c virus (HCV) infection in some areas necessitates
      more investigations of the causative factors. Genetic factors that cause
      disruption in operation or secretion of interleukin 10 (IL-10), an anti
      inflammatory cytokine, may play a role in the intensity of the disease. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate genetic variants of IL-10 gene polymorphisms in HCV
      patients and their relationship with HCV disease. Fifty HCV patients and the same
      number of healthy individuals who were referred to hepatitis clinic in Mashhad,
      northeast of Iran, were recruited. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood.
      Genotyping for IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms in three positions (-1082 G>A, 
      819 C>T and -592 C>A) was conducted by amplification refractory mutation system
      polymerase chain reaction. Haplotype analysis was performed using PHASE software.
      In a recessive analysis model of the -1082 position (GG vs. AA+AG), GG genotype
      was more common in patients (adjusted p = 0.02; OR = 4.66 [95% CI 1.31-16.35]).
      Also, ATA haplotype was more prevalent in HCV patients (adjusted p = 0.061; OR =
      1.87 [95% CI 0.97-3.61]). Also, ATC/GCA diplotypes were more common in controls
      (adjusted p=0.002; adjusted OR = 0.27 [95% CI 0.11-0.63]). Although we found a
      possible association between IL-10 promoter polymorphisms and HCV infection,
      certain genotypes or diplotypes may confer a higher risk or susceptibility for
      developing HCV infection.

PMID- 25119897
TI  - Expression of GOLPH2 is associated with the progression of and poor prognosis in
      gastric cancer.
AB  - Golgi phosphoprotein 2 (GOLPH2) has been associated with the development and
      progression of various human cancers. The aims of this study were to investigate
      the relationship between GOLPH2 and gastric cancer (GC) progression and explore
      the clinical significance of GOLPH2 in GC. GOLPH2 expression was examined in four
      pairs of primary GC tissues and the adjacent non-cancerous tissues from the same
      patients, using immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative PCR and western
      blotting. Furthermore, GOLPH2 protein expression was analyzed in 10 normal
      gastric tissues and 385 clinicopathologically characterized cases of GC by IHC.
      Statistical analyses were performed to determine the prognostic and diagnostic
      associations. GOLPH2 mRNA and protein expression were both markedly upregulated
      in GC tissues, compared with the paired adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The Chi
      square test and Spearman analysis revealed a significant correlation between
      GOLPH2 expression and clinical stage, T classification, lymph node metastasis,
      metastasis and venous invasion. Patients with a higher GOLPH2 expression had a
      shorter overall survival (OS), compared to patients with lower GOLPH2 expression.
      Notably, our results suggested that GOLPH2 is associated with the development and
      progression of GC. Therefore, additional studies focusing on the potential of
      GOLPH2 as a novel therapeutic target in GC are required. 

PMID- 25119898
TI  - Desmocollin-2 affects the adhesive strength and cytoskeletal arrangement in
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells.
AB  - Desmocollin-2 (DSC2), a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the desmosomal
      cadherin family, has been found to be differentially expressed in several types
      of cancer and to be involved in tumor progression. The tumor metastasis
      suppressing property of DSC2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has
      been described, however, its contribution to cell cohesion in ESCC remains to be
      elucidated. In the present study, using RNA interference (RNAi), the expression
      of DSC2 was silenced in SHEEC and KYSE510 cells. Hanging drop and fragmentation
      assays were performed to investigate the role of DSC2 in cell-cell adhesion.
      Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy were used to analyze the expression
      and localization of cell adhesion molecules and cytoskeletal arrangement. The
      results demonstrated that DSC2 knock down by RNAi caused defects in cell-cell
      adhesion and a concomitant reduction in desmosomal protein expression and
      adherens junction molecule distribution. A decrease in the expression of DSC2
      caused an increase in free gamma-catenin levels, thus promoting its recruitment
      to the adherens junction complex. In addition, the RNAi-mediated inhibition of
      DSC2 led to keratin intermediate filament retraction and filamentous-actin
      cytoskeleton rearrangement. Taken together, these data support our previous
      findings and the proposal that DSC2 may be involved in the regulation of the
      invasive behavior of cells by a mechanism that controls cell-cell attachment and
      cytoskeleton rearrangement. 

PMID- 25119899
TI  - Inferring the provenance of an alien species with DNA barcodes: the neotropical
      butterfly Dryas iulia in Thailand.
AB  - The Neotropical butterfly Dryas iulia has been collected from several locations
      in Thailand and Malaysia since 2007, and has been observed breeding in the wild,
      using introduced Passiflora foetida as a larval host plant. The butterfly is bred
      by a butterfly house in Phuket, Thailand, for release at weddings and Buddhist
      ceremonies, and we hypothesized that this butterfly house was the source of wild,
      Thai individuals. We compared wing patterns and COI barcodes from two, wild Thai
      populations with individuals obtained from this butterfly house. All Thai
      individuals resemble the subspecies D. iulia modesta, and barcodes from wild and
      captive Thai specimens were identical. This unique, Thai barcode was not found in
      any of the 30 specimens sampled from the wild in the species' native range, but
      is most similar to specimens from Costa Rica, where many exporting butterfly
      farms are located. These data implicate the butterfly house as the source of
      Thailand's wild D. iulia populations, which are currently so widespread that
      eradication efforts are unlikely to be successful. 

PMID- 25119901
TI  - [Identification of three novel frameshift mutations in the RUNX2 gene in three
      sporadic Chinese cases with cleidocranial dysplasia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular etiology of three patients with sporadic
      cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) and to provide genetic counseling and prenatal
      diagnosis for the family members based on the identified mutations. METHODS:
      Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples using a standard method.
      All 7 coding exons of the RUNX2 gene and their flanking intronic sequences were
      amplified by PCR and sequenced directly. The PCR products of the exons with
      mutations from the three patients were cloned into a T-vector. Positive clones
      were sequenced. RESULTS: The three patients who have the typical CCD phenotypes
      involving clavicles, calvarium, stature, and teeth have carried various
      frameshift mutations in the RUNX2 gene. Patient 1 has a gross deletion of 80
      nucleotides in exon 1 (c.227_306del), which caused a frameshift beginning at the
      Q/A repeat of the polypeptide and a premature termination (p.Ala76GlyfsX58).
      Patient 2 has a 2-bp duplication in exon 2 (c.471_472dupGG), which also caused a
      frameshift and a premature termination (p.Ala158GlyfsX19). Patient 3 has a T
      duplication in exon 7 (c.1321dupT), which caused a frameshift and a premature
      termination (p.Ser370PhefsX13) as well. CONCLUSION: The three novel mutations in
      RUNX2 are the underlying molecular mechanism for the CCD phenotypes of three
      sporadic Chinese patients, respectively. These have broadened the mutation
      spectrum of RUNX2 gene and provided a molecular basis for the genetic counseling
      and prenatal diagnosis for the affected families.

PMID- 25119902
TI  - [A novel mutation in GCH1 gene causes dopa-responsive dystonia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify potential mutation of the GCH1 gene in a Chinese family
      affected with dopa-responsive dystonia. METHODS: Genomic DNA of patients was
      extracted from peripheral blood samples. The 6 exons of the GCH1 gene and at
      least 100 bp of flanking intronic sequences were amplified with PCR. Potential
      mutations were screened by direct sequencing. Identified mutation was verified
      with denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) in 100 healthy
      controls. RESULTS: All patients were found to be heterozygous for a novel
      c.597delT (p.Ala200LeufsX5) deletion in the exon 5 of the GCH1 gene. The deletion
      of T has resulted in formation of a shorter (203 amino acids) truncated non
      functional guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I. The same mutation was not
      found in the 100 controls. CONCLUSION: A novel GCH1 gene frameshifing mutation
      probably underlies the dopa-responsive dystonia in this Chinese family.

PMID- 25119903
TI  - [Prenatal genetic diagnosis for two Chinese families affected with oculocutaneous
      albinism type II].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform genotyping analysis and subsequent prenatal genetic
      diagnosis for two families affected with oculocutaneous albinism (OCA). METHODS:
      Direct sequencing of TYR and P genes was performed in two albino probands. Family
      members were screened for corresponding mutant alleles. Prenatal genetic
      diagnoses were performed at early pregnancy by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) at
      mid-pregnancy through amniocentesis. RESULTS: No mutations were detected in the
      TYR gene in either probands, whereas 4 heterozygous mutations of the P gene were
      found, namely c.406C>T, c.535A>G, c.808-2A>G and c.2180T>C, among which c.535A>G
      and c.808-2A>G were novel. In the first round prenatal genetic testing, both
      fetuses were found to have the same genotypes as the probands. Both families had
      decided to terminate the pregnancy after genetic counseling. In the second round
      testing, neither of the fetuses was found to be affected by genotyping. The
      pregnancies continued and two healthy fetuses were born. CONCLUSION: OCA can be
      classified by genotyping, with which reliable prenatal diagnosis and feasible
      genetic counseling may be provided.

PMID- 25119900
TI  - SSU rDNA divergence in planktonic foraminifera: molecular taxonomy and
      biogeographic implications.
AB  - The use of planktonic foraminifera in paleoceanography requires taxonomic
      consistency and precise assessment of the species biogeography. Yet, ribosomal
      small subunit (SSUr) DNA analyses have revealed that most of the modern morpho
      species of planktonic foraminifera are composed of a complex of several distinct
      genetic types that may correspond to cryptic or pseudo-cryptic species. These
      genetic types are usually delimitated using partial sequences located at the
      3'end of the SSUrDNA, but typically based on empirical delimitation. Here, we
      first use patristic genetic distances calculated within and among genetic types
      of the most common morpho-species to show that intra-type and inter-type genetic
      distances within morpho-species may significantly overlap, suggesting that
      genetic types have been sometimes inconsistently defined. We further apply two
      quantitative and independent methods, ABGD (Automatic Barcode Gap Detection) and
      GMYC (General Mixed Yule Coalescent) to a dataset of published and newly obtained
      partial SSU rDNA for a more objective assessment of the species status of these
      genetic types. Results of these complementary approaches are highly congruent and
      lead to a molecular taxonomy that ranks 49 genetic types of planktonic
      foraminifera as genuine (pseudo)cryptic species. Our results advocate for a
      standardized sequencing procedure allowing homogenous delimitations of
      (pseudo)cryptic species. On the ground of this revised taxonomic framework, we
      finally provide an integrative taxonomy synthesizing geographic, ecological and
      morphological differentiations that can occur among the genuine (pseudo)cryptic
      species. Due to molecular, environmental or morphological data scarcities, many
      aspects of our proposed integrative taxonomy are not yet fully resolved. On the
      other hand, our study opens up the potential for a correct interpretation of
      environmental sequence datasets. 

PMID- 25119904
TI  - [Mutation analysis for a family affected with riboflavin responsive-multiple acyl
      CoA dehydrogenase deficiency].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify pathogenic mutation in a boy affected with riboflavin
      responsive-multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (RR-MADD). METHODS: The
      patient was initially diagnosed as primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) and has
      been treated with carnitine supplementation for 7 years. Clinical manifestations
      and characteristics of fibula muscle specimen were analyzed. Potential mutation
      in electron transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase (ETFDH) gene (for the patient and
      his parents) and carnitine transfer protein gene (SLC22A5) (for the patient) was
      screened. RESULTS: Electronic microscopy of the muscle specimen has suggested
      lipid storage myopathy. Mutation analysis has found that the patient carried
      compound heterozygous mutations, c.250G>A and c.380T>C, in exon 3 of the ETFDH
      gene, whilst his father and mother were heterozygous for the c.380T>C and
      c.250G>A mutations, respectively. Screening of the SLC22A5 gene has yielded no
      clinically meaningful result. After the establishment of diagnosis of RR-MADD,
      the condition of the patient has improved greatly with supplementation of high
      doses of riboflavin along with continuous carnitine supplement. CONCLUSION: The
      c.250G>A (p.Ala84Thr) mutation of exon 3 of the ETFDH gene has been a hot spot in
      Southern Chinese population, whilst the c.380T>C (p.Leu127Pro) is rarely
      reported. Our case has suggested that therapeutic diagnosis cannot substitute
      genetic testing. The mechanism for having stabilized the patient with only
      carnitine supplementation for 7 years needs further investigation.

PMID- 25119905
TI  - [Analysis of 22 patients with congenital cleft lip and palate using high
      resolution chromosome microarray].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) for
      identifying the etiology of patients with congenital cleft lip and palate.
      METHODS: Twenty-two patients with no identifiable chromosomal aberrations by
      conventional cytogenetic technique were selected. DNA was extracted and
      hybridized with Affymetrix CytoScan(TM) HD arrays following the manufacturer's
      protocol. The data were analyzed with a CHAS v2.0 software. RESULTS: CMA analysis
      has identified submicroscopic copy number variants (CNVs) in all of the cases,
      which have ranged from 100 kb to 1.8 Mb. Potential pathogenic CNVs were
      identified in 5 patients (22.7%), which involved microdeletions and
      microduplications on 8p23.1, 10q22.2-q22.3, 6q26, 20p12.1 and 18q12.3. MYST4,
      MACROD2 and SOX7 genes are likely the causative genes. CONCLUSION: CMA is an
      effective method for identification of etiology in patients with cleft lip and
      palate. CMA should be provided for patients with cleft lip and palate but a
      normal karyotype. Especially for those with additional structural abnormalities,
      there is a high risk for submicroscopic chromosomal aberrations.

PMID- 25119906
TI  - [Establishment and application of quantitative detection for heteroplasmic mtDNA
      mutation 3243A->G].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a rapid, simple, cost-effective, accurate and sensitive
      method for quantitative detection of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 3243A->G mutation
      in order to provide reference for selecting the best detection method under
      different conditions. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral
      leucocytes of 17 individuals from a Wenzhou family featuring maternally inherited
      diabetes and deafness (MIDD). Heteroplasmic level of mtDNA 3243A->G mutation was
      determined respectively with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment
      length polymorphism (PCR-RLFP), real time-amplification refractory mutation
      system-quantitative PCR (RT-ARMS-qPCR) and pyrosquencing. Eleven plasmids with
      various heteroplasmic levels of the 3243A->G mutation (ranging from 0 to
      100%)were constructed as the standards. The reliability of above methods was
      compared by correlation coefficient based on observed and expected values.
      RESULTS: For all three methods, measurement of the standards showed a linear
      correlation between the expected and detected values, i.e., PCR-RFLP
      (R(2)=0.828), RT-ARMS-qPCR (R(2)=0.998) and pyrosquencing (R(2)=0.997). For the
      MIDD family, it was consistent that there are 13 members carrying the A3243G
      mutation with different heteroplasmic levels. And there was no significant
      difference between the results by RT-ARMS-qPCR and pyrosquencing. CONCLUSION: PCR
      RFLP is not appropriate for the quantitative detection but could be used for
      early clinical screening. Both RT-ARMS-qPCR and pyrosquencing are suitable for
      the detection of low heteroplasmic level of A3243G mutation. Compared with
      pyrosquencing, RT-ARMS-qPCR is rapid, reliable and cost-effective, and is the
      best choice for detecting low mutation loads.

PMID- 25119907
TI  - [Genetic diagnosis and analysis of related genes for a pedigree with 2p25 and
      12p13 cryptic rearrangements].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze chromosome aberration in a child with mental retardation
      and abnormalities and its parents. METHODS: Chromosome G banding, multiplex
      ligation-dependent probe amplification, fluorescence in situ hybridization and
      single nucleotide polymorphisms array were employed for analysis. RESULTS:
      Karyotype analysis revealed that the child was 46,XX and the father was 46,XY,
      while the mother was 46,XX, add (12)(p13). Subtelomeric region analysis with MLPA
      displayed that the child has reduced ACP1 gene copy number in 2p25 region and
      increased SLC6A12,KDM5A gene copy numbers in 12p11 region. SNP-array has fine
      mapped the duplication to 12p13.33-p12.3, a 15.142 Mb region, and a deletion to
      2p25.3 for 3.194 Mb, which resulted in duplication of 9 genes including SLC6A12
      as well as deletion of 11 genes including SNTG2, respectively. FISH analysis
      revealed that the child was 46,XX,ish,der(2),t(2;12)(p25;p13)mat, or partial
      monosomy 2p25 and partial trisomy 12p13. In addition,the mother was a carrier
      with cryptic balanced translocation chromosome, 46,XX,isht(2;12) (p25;p13).
      Mental abnormalities and retardation of the child may be attributed to
      heterozygous deletion of SNTG2, MYT1L genes and duplication of SLC6A12 gene.
      CONCLUSION: Combined use of MLPA, FISH and SNP-array can facilitate accurate
      diagnosis of cryptic rearrangement at genomic level.

PMID- 25119908
TI  - [Association of CMA1 gene tag single nucleotide polymorphisms with essential
      hypertension in Yi population from Yunnan].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tag
      SNPs) of chymase gene (CMA1) with essential hypertension in Yi population from
      Yunnan, China. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out. Four tag
      SNPs(rs1956921, rs1800876, rs5244 and rs1885108) were genotyped in 303 patients
      with essential hypertension and 312 healthy controls using polymerase chain
      reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP) method. RESULTS: No
      significant difference in genotypic and allelic distributions of the four
      polymorphisms was detected between the two groups(P>0.05), and the same results
      existed in the females. The frequencies of rs1956921 C allele and a C-T haplotype
      constructed with rs1956921 and rs5244 were greater in male patients compared with
      male controls(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The rs1956921 C allele of the CMA1 gene and
      the C-T haplotype constructed with rs1956921 and rs5244 may be risk factors for
      essential hypertension in ethnic Yi males from Yunnan.

PMID- 25119909
TI  - [Association of TLR4 gene polymorphisms with large artery atherosclerotic stroke
      and vascular bed selectivity of atherosclerotic lesions].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of TLR4 gene polymorphisms with large artery
      atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke and liability to atherosclerosis in an ethnic Han
      population from northern China. METHODS: The study has involved 286 LAA stroke
      patients and 300 healthy controls. The LAA group has been divided 4 subsets
      according to angiostenosis conditions. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism and pyrosequencing were employed to analyze three
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) (rs1927914, rs1927911 and rs2149356) of the
      TLR4 gene. A Haploview software package was used to analyze the haplotypes.
      RESULTS: SNPs rs1927911 and rs2149356 were associated with LAA stroke. Genotypic
      and allelic frequencies of rs1927914 did not differ significantly between the two
      groups. Genetic variants of the three SNPs did not vary significantly between all
      subsets. Haplotype analysis was revealed a significant difference between the LAA
      group and the control group. Compared with the controls, the frequencies of
      haplotypes H2 and H8 were lower, and that of H3 was greater in the LAA group.
      CONCLUSION: An association between the TLR4 gene polymorphisms and LAA stroke
      subtype in ethnic Han population in northern China has been found. However, no
      association of liability to atherosclerosis in different vascular bed has been
      found with these polymorphisms.

PMID- 25119910
TI  - [Influence of assisted reproduction technologies on genomic imprinting of embryos
      and offspring].
AB  - Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) include controlled ovarian
      hyperstimulation, in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection, in vitro maturation of oocytes, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis,
      etc. They have been used for the treatment of impaired fertility but may damage
      the health of offspring. The ART procedures may alter the epigenetic status of
      these offspring and DNA methylation may be a crucial mechanism. This paper
      summarizes epigenetic alterations in ART embryos and offspring, and discusses the
      risks. 

PMID- 25119911
TI  - [The function of transcription factor P63 and its signaling pathway during limb
      development].
AB  - The development of human limb is controlled by several transcription factors and
      signaling pathways, which are organized in precise time- and space-restricted
      manners. Recent studies showed that P63 and its signaling pathway play important
      roles in this process. Transcription factor P63, one member of the P53 family, is
      characterized by a similar amino acid domain, plays a crucial role in the
      development of limb and ectoderm differentiation, especially with its DNA binding
      domain, and sterile alpha motif domains. Mutated P63 gene may produce abnormal
      transcription factor P63 which can affect the signaling pathway. Furthermore,
      defective signaling protein in structure and/or quantity is synthesized though
      the pathway. Eventually, members of the signaling protein family are involved in
      the regulation of differentiation and development of stem cell, which causes
      deformity of limbs. In brief, three signaling pathways are related to the digit
      formation along three axes, including SHH-ZPA, FGFs-AER and Lmx1B-Wnt7a-En1. Each
      contains numerous signaling molecules which are integrated in self-regulatory
      modules that assure the acquisition or the correct digit complements. These
      finding has brought new clues for deciphering the etiology of congenital limb
      malformation and may provide alternatives for both prevention and treatment. 

PMID- 25119912
TI  - [Detection of mosaic trisomy 9 missed by conventional cytogenetics using SNP
      array and fluorescence in situ hybridization].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To detect mosaic trisomy 9 missed by conventional cytogenetics.
      METHODS: Peripheral blood genomic DNA from a girl with mental retardation was
      analyzed using Affymetrix CytoScan (TM) HD array. Fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) was also performed on samples from two patients. RESULTS:
      The SNP-array analysis has revealed multiple duplications along chromosome 9.
      FISH analysis showed that, for the peripheral blood sample from one patient, 40
      of 100 interphase cells and 15 of 100 metaphase cells carried trisomy 9. For the
      cord blood sample from another patient, 35 of 100 interphase cells and 10 of 100
      cultured cells carried trisomy 9. CONCLUSION: SNP-array is useful for detecting
      low-level mosaicism which may be missed by conventional cytogenetics. Combined
      with karyotype and microarray analyses, FISH is a focused and targeted approach
      for diagnosing mosaic trisomy. They may provide a useful tool for differentiating
      pseudomosaicisms from true mosaicisms.

PMID- 25119913
TI  - [Identification of a novel splicing mutation in COL1A1 gene in a Chinese family
      affected with typeIosteogenesis imperfecta].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic cause for a large family affected with
      typeIosteogenesis imperfecta. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral
      venous blood samples. The entire coding region and intron-exon boundaries of the
      COL1A1 gene were subjected to PCR amplification and direct sequencing. Total RNA
      was also extracted from immortalized B cell lines from the patients, with the
      first strand of cDNA synthesized with an oligo(dT)18 primer. The PCR products
      were directly sequenced using the TA cloned plasmid. RESULTS: A c.3208G>A
      mutation has been identified in the COL1A1 gene, which can alter the splicing
      pattern of mRNA. CONCLUSION: A novel splicing mutation c.3208G>A of the COL1A1
      gene probably underlies the disease.

PMID- 25119915
TI  - [Establishment of an allele-specific PCR method for direct screening of CYP21A2
      gene mutation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish an allele-specific PCR method for detect screening of
      CYP21A2 gene mutation. METHODS: Allele-specific PCR primers and analogy primers
      were designed based on the sequence alignment of CYP21A2 and CYP21AP genes.
      Genomic DNA was extracted from blood specimens of 4 patients with 21-hydroxylase
      deficiency and 5 healthy controls and respectively amplified with allele-specific
      PCR primers and analogy primers and sequenced. RESULTS: Mutations of CYP21A2
      including IVS2-13A/C>G, Arg356Trp and Arg149Pro were found with the established
      method in all of the 4 patients but not in the healthy controls. When detected
      with the analogy primers set, IVS2-13A/C>G and Arg356Trp were observed in both
      patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSION: The allele-specific PCR-based method
      is a simple, effective and reliable method for the detection of CYP21A2 gene
      mutation.

PMID- 25119914
TI  - [Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2G: clinical, pathological and genetic
      analysis of a case].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate TCAP gene mutation and clinical features of a Chinese
      patient with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2G(LGMD 2G). METHODS: Clinical
      data of the patient was analyzed. Exons of the TCAP gene were amplified and
      sequenced. RESULTS: The patient has presented clinically as LGMD and
      pathologically as vacuolar myopathy. Genetic analysis has identified compound
      heterozygous mutations of exons 1 and 2 of the TCAP gene(c.100delC, c.166insG).
      CONCLUSION: LGMD is a group of neuromuscular disorders with substantial
      phenotypic heterogeneity. Genetic diagnosis has become indispensable for accurate
      diagnosis for patients suspected to have the disease.

PMID- 25119916
TI  - [Result survey analysis of prenatal chromosome karyotyping in an external quality
      assessment program].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of prenatal karyotype of the external quality
      assessment program in 2013 in order to provide references and recommendations for
      improving the capability and performances of karyotype analysis of prenatal
      screening laboratories. METHODS: Five lots of quality control cell photos were
      sent to 500 laboratories. The participants were asked to decide whether the
      photos have demonstrated any abnormal karyotype and determine the abnormal type.
      The results should be submitted before the deadline and compared with the
      standard results to evaluate the performances of the laboratory. RESULTS: One
      hundred forty three laboratories have returned their karyotype results for the
      survey. The standard answers were 7,XX,+18, 46,X,i(X)(q10), 46,XY,i(21)(q10) or
      46,XY,+21,der(21;21)(q10;q10), 46,XY and 47,XY,+21 in sequential order, which
      were used to estimate the score of each participant. The pass rates for five lots
      were 97.9%, 97.2%, 95.8%, 100.0% and 97.9%, respectively. The total pass rate was
      97.7%. The error rates were 2.1%, 2.8%, 4.2%, 0 and 2.1%, respectively. The total
      error rate was 2.3%. CONCLUSION: Some laboratories did not correctly identify the
      abnormal karyotypes, while some could not determine the right type of karyotype.
      The external quality assessment program of prenatal diagnosis of karyotype
      analysis should be conducted annually in order to improve the capability and
      performances of karyotype analysis of prenatal screening laboratories.

PMID- 25119917
TI  - [Analysis of erythroid-specific blood group genes using un-mobilized peripheral
      stem cells cultured in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze specific expression of blood group genes using nucleated
      erythroid cells cultured from un-mobilized peripheral stem cells in vitro.
      METHODS: Hematopoietic stem cells(HSC) bearing the CD34 antigen were isolated
      from peripheral blood by centrifugation and magnetic beads sorting, followed by
      suspension culture in vitro. Cells were collected from medium on various stages
      and analyzed by immunofluorescence. The RNA transcription of RH and ABO blood
      group genes was analyzed using culture cells on day 12. RESULTS: A total
      of(3.19+/-0.13) *10 (4) CD34+cells were isolated from about 50 mL peripheral
      blood with a recovery rate of 67.3%+/-2.7%. The cells amount in erythroid-lineage
      culture system on day 9 reached a plateau of a 237.1+/-15.5-fold amplification of
      the initial cell input. The stem cell-specific CD34 antigen was dropped off,
      while the erythroid-specific CD235a and CD240D antigens were increased in culture
      period. RHD/CE and ABO genes can be amplified using RNA extracted from culture
      cells on day 12, and genotypes of Rh and ABO systems by DNA sequencing were
      consistent with their serologic phenotypes. CONCLUSION: A method was established
      to analyze the gene expression of erythroid blood group derived from un-mobilized
      peripheral stem cells cultured in vitro. It can be used to study the expression
      of various erythroid-specific genes.

PMID- 25119918
TI  - [Association of MMP-14 gene polymorphism with cerebral infarction - a case
      control study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between cerebral infarction (CI) and
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the exon of membrane-type 1 matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP-14) gene in Chinese Han population. METHODS: Five hundred
      seventy four patients with CI and 463 healthy individuals were recruited. Serum
      MMP-14 level was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
      rs1042704 and rs2236307 polymorphisms of the MMP-14 gene were genotyped with a
      TaqMan assay. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to analyze the
      risk factors of CI. RESULTS: A significant lower risk of CI was found in
      individuals with MMP-14 rs2236307 TC and CC genotypes (vs. TT genotype: P<0.05).
      The frequencies of MMP-14 rs2236307 C allele were significantly different between
      the CI group (37.46%) and the control group (43.95%) (P=0.003). Serum level of
      MMP-14 was higher in the CI group (P=0.003) and was also higher in the group with
      MMP-14 rs2236307 TT genotype compared with those with CT and CC genotypes
      (P=0.000; P=0.009). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the MMP-14
      rs2236307 CT+CC genotypes was a protective factor, and that history of
      hypertension, smoking status, triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure and
      systolic blood pressure were the independent risk factors of CI (AOR:2.027,
      1.302, 1.296, 1.434, 2.087; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The rs2236307 polymorphism of
      MMP-14 gene is associated with CI, for which the C allele maybe a protective
      factor. No association of MMP-14 gene rs1042704 polymorphism with CI has been
      found.

PMID- 25119919
TI  - [Analysis for 2 samples with HLA-DQB1 allele dropout at exon 2 in sequence-based
      typing].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the reason for HLA-DQB1 allele dropout during routine
      sequence-based typing(SBT) in order to improve the accuracy of typing. METHODS:
      Two thousand samples derived from HLA high-resolution typing laboratory were
      typed for HLA-DQB1 locus using an AlleleSEQR HLA-DQB1 SBT kit. Non-conclusive
      results and "abnormal" sequencing samples were retyped using a LABType rSSO HD
      HLA-DQB1 kit and further analyzed with both sequence-specific primers and group
      specific primers and sequenced for haplotype analysis. RESULTS: Among the 2000
      samples, 2 samples with no conclusive result were identified. The heterozygosity
      was confirmed with both the LAB Type SSO HD HLA-DQB1 kit and PCR-SBT in house
      method. Subsequent HLA-DQB1 cloning and haplotype sequencing have elucidated that
      HLA-DQB1*02:02 dropped out at exon 2 for the first sample and HLA-DQB1*02:01:01
      dropped out at exon 2 for the second sample during PCR amplification. No novel
      nucleotide mutation was found. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that
      preferential amplification at exon 2 of DQB1 may result in allele dropout in exon
      2 sequences during HLA-DQB1 SBT test. This may provide useful information for HLA
      genotyping.

PMID- 25119921
TI  - [Spinocerebellar ataxia-a family with eight cases].

PMID- 25119920
TI  - [Detection of p53 gene deletion in Xinjiang patients with chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia by fluorescence in situ hybridization and its clinical significance].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of p53 gene deletion in Xinjiang patients
      with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and its clinical significance. METHODS:
      Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect the p53
      gene deletion in 77 patients with CLL. Presence of the deletion and its
      association with clinical and laboratory features as well as prognostic factors
      were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survivals, and the
      results were compared using a Log-rank test. RESULTS: p53 gene deletion was found
      in 10 (12.9%) of the patients but none from the control group (P<0.05). The
      deletion was found in 12.5% (4/32) of ethnic Hans and 13.3% (6/45) of ethnic
      Uyghurs (P>0.05). No significant different distribution of p53 gene deletion was
      found in regard to sex, age, ethnicity, peripheral blood cell count (except for
      Hb) or the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, beta2-micro globulin and CD38
      (P>0.05). The deletion rate was higher in the group with high expression of ZAP
      70 and patients with advanced stage disease than that in the group of low
      expression and early-stage CLL (P<0.05). Among 20 patients who received
      fludarabine therapy, the overall remission rate for those with p53 gene deletion
      (20%) was lower than those without (75%) (P<0.05). With a median follow-up time
      of 39.0 (8.0-136.0) months, 11 cases had died (14.3%), among them, 7 cases died
      from CLL and related complications, and all of them were founded p53 gene
      deletion. In patients with p53 gene deletion, the progression-free survival (18
      months) was shorter than those without the deletion (55 months) (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The p53 gene deletion has been found in more than 10% of patients
      with CLL, and the deletion rate did not significantly differ between ethnic Han
      and Uyghur patients. The deletion is associated with advanced stage of the
      disease. High-level ZAP-70 expression and the presence of p53 deletion are
      associated with shorter survival and poor response to fludarabine containing
      therapy. Therefore, drugs affecting the p53 signaling pathway should be avoided.

PMID- 25119922
TI  - [Association of polymorphisms of HLA-DRB1 gene with unexplained recurrent
      spontaneous abortion in ethnic Hans from Henan].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of polymorphisms of human leukocyte antigen
      DRB1 gene (HLA-DRB1) with susceptibility to unexplained recurrent spontaneous
      abortion (URSA). METHODS: The HLA-DRB1 gene was typed with polymerase chain
      reaction-specific sequence primers (PCR-SSP) method in 200 couples with URSA and
      200 couples with a normal pregnancy history. RESULTS: The frequencies of DRB1*09
      and DRB1*13 alleles were significantly greater in the URSA group compared with
      the control group (14.50% vs. 9.50%, and 7.00% vs. 4.38%, both P<0.05), whilst
      the frequencies of DRB1*04 and DRB1*12 alleles were significantly lower (7.13%
      vs. 10.75%, and 8.63% vs. 14.38%, both P<0.05). For females from the URSA group,
      the frequency of DRB1*09 allele (14.00%) was significantly higher compared with
      the controls (9.25%) (P=0.036), whilst the frequency of DRB1*12(8.50%) allele was
      significantly lower (14.00%) (P=0.014). For males in the URSA group, the
      frequencies of DRB1*09 and DRB1*13 alleles were significantly higher than those
      of the controls (15.00% vs. 9.75%, and 9.25% vs. 4.00%, both P<0.05), whilst the
      frequencies of DRB1*04 and DRB1*12 alleles were significantly lower (5.75% vs.
      12.25%, and 8.75% vs. 14.75%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The DRB1*09 and DRB1*13
      alleles may contribute to the susceptibility of URSA, while DRB1*04 and DRB1*12
      alleles may confer a protective effect factors. For females, however, no
      significant association of DRB1*13 and DRB1*04 alleles with URSA was found.

PMID- 25119923
TI  - [Clinical and genetics characteristics of patients with monosomal karyotype acute
      myeloid leukemia patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and genetics characteristics of patients
      with monosomal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (MK-AML). METHODS: The karyotypes
      of 3743 patients with newly-diagnosed de novo AML were analyzed, which had
      identified 153 cases with MK-AML, for whom the clinical and genetics
      characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 2056 patients (54.9%) among
      all patients. A total of 153 patients fulfilling the criteria for MK-AML were
      identified, which comprised 93 males and 60 females, with a median age of 54. The
      median white blood cell count on presentation was 4.4*10 (9)/L. One hundred and
      forty-five cases (94.8%) have fulfilled the criteria for complex karyotype (>= 3
      chromosomal abnormalities). Although the monosomy could be found with all
      autosomes, chromosome 7 has been most frequently involved (38.56%, 59/153).
      CONCLUSION: MK-AML is a distinct cytogenetic subtype of AML. Monosomy 7 is
      frequently detected among MK-AML patients. The monosomal karyotype is common
      among elder patients with AML.

PMID- 25119924
TI  - [Sequence analysis of a novel allele HLA-C*01:78].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic basis for a novel allele HLA-C*01:78.
      METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood using a QIAGEN quick DNA
      extraction kit. The regions encompassing HLA-C from exon 1 to intron 3 and intron
      3 to 3'UTR were amplified and cloned using a cloning sequencing kit in order to
      split the two alleles apart. Selected clones were sequenced to include exons 2 to
      4. RESULTS: Sequencing results have indicated the HLA-C alleles of the proband to
      be a novel C*03:04 allele. The sequence has been submitted to GenBank (KF049216).
      BLAST analysis has confirmed the novel allele to have one nucleotide difference
      as C*01:03 at genomic nt316C>A (codon 82CGC>AGC) in exon 2, which has resulted in
      replacement of one amino acid (82R>S). CONCLUSION: The novel allele has been
      officially named as C*01:78 by the WHO Nomenclature Committee. The HLA allele
      type of the proband was therefore A*02:07, 24:02; B*40:01, 46:01; C*01:78, 03:04;
      DQB1*05:02, 05:02; DRB1*16:02, 16:02.

PMID- 25119925
TI  - [Identification of a novel allele HLA-B*37:04:02].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report on a novel HLA allele identified in a Chinese individual.
      METHODS: Routine HLA genotyping was carried out with polymerase chain reaction
      sequence specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR-SSOP) and sequencing-based typing
      (SBT). RESULTS: A new HLA allele has been identified. The sequence differed from
      its closest allele B*37:04:01 at nt618 (GCG->GCA), which resulted in no change of
      codon 206. CONCLUSION: A novel HLA allele HLA-B*37:04:02 (GU391034) has been
      identified and officially named by the WHO Nomenclature Committee.

PMID- 25119927
TI  - [Two pedigrees with benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy].

PMID- 25119926
TI  - [Confirmation of 17 rare HLA alleles and prediction of their haplotypes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To confirm 17 rare HLA alleles detected during routine HLA typing and
      deduce their haplotypes. METHODS: Bi-allelic sequence-based typing and Luminex
      DNA PCR-SSOP assay were applied for the initial or repeat HLA typing,
      respectively. The rare HLA alleles were confirmed with mono-allelic sequence
      based typing. Predicted haplotypes of the rare alleles were inferred based on the
      frequencies of HLA alleles and haplotypes in Han population. RESULTS: The
      authenticity of the total 17 rare HLA alleles was proven, and 18 predicted
      haplotypes associated with the rare alleles were recognized. A*11:12 and
      DRB1*13:19 were detected twice among unrelated individuals. CONCLUSION: Study of
      rare HLA alleles and predicted haplotype can provide useful information for donor
      searching and transplantation, and enrich polymorphisms of HLA in this
      population.

PMID- 25119928
TI  - [Hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia-a pedigree with six cases].

PMID- 25119931
TI  - Excited-state wavepacket and potential reconstruction by coherent anti-Stokes
      Raman scattering.
AB  - Among the major challenges in the chemical sciences is controlling chemical
      reactions and deciphering their mechanisms. Since much of chemistry occurs in
      excited electronic states, in the last three decades scientists have employed a
      wide variety of experimental techniques and theoretical methods to recover
      excited-state potential energy surfaces and the wavepackets that evolve on them.
      These methods have been partially successful but generally do not provide a
      complete reconstruction of either the excited state wavepacket or potential. We
      have recently proposed a methodology for reconstructing excited-state molecular
      wavepackets and the corresponding potential energy surface [Avisar and Tannor,
      Phys. Rev. Lett., 2011, 106, 170405]. In our approach, the wavepacket is
      represented as a superposition of the set of vibrational eigenfunctions of the
      molecular ground-state Hamiltonian. We assume that the multidimensional ground
      state potential surface is known, and therefore these vibrational eigenfunctions
      are known as well. The time-dependent coefficients of the basis functions are
      obtained by experimental measurement of the resonant coherent anti-Stokes Raman
      scattering (CARS) signal. Our reconstruction strategy has several significant
      advantages: (1) the methodology requires no a priori knowledge of any excited
      state potential. (2) It applies to dissociative as well as to bound excited-state
      potentials. (3) It is general for polyatomics. (4) The excited-state potential
      surface is reconstructed simultaneously with the wavepacket. Apart from making a
      general contribution to the field of excited-state spectroscopy, our method
      provides the information on the excited-state wavepacket and potential necessary
      to design laser pulse sequences to control photochemical reactions. 

PMID- 25119929
TI  - Novel secondary somatic mutations in Ewing's sarcoma and desmoplastic small round
      cell tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ewing's sarcoma (ES) and desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT)
      are small round blue cell tumors driven by an N-terminal containing EWS
      translocation. Very few somatic mutations have been reported in ES, and none have
      been identified in DSRCT. The aim of this study is to explore potential
      actionable mutations in ES and DSRCT. METHODOLOGY: Twenty eight patients with ES
      or DSRCT had tumor tissue available that could be analyzed by one of the
      following methods: 1) Next-generation exome sequencing platform; 2) Multiplex
      PCR/Mass Spectroscopy; 3) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based single- gene
      mutation screening; 4) Sanger sequencing; 5) Morphoproteomics. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Novel somatic mutations were identified in four out of 18 patients with
      advanced ES and two of 10 patients with advanced DSRCT (six out of 28
      (21.4%));KRAS (n = 1), PTPRD (n = 1), GRB10 (n = 2), MET (n = 2) and PIK3CA (n =
      1). One patient with both PTPRD and GRB10 mutations and one with a GRB10 mutation
      achieved a complete remission (CR) on an Insulin like growth factor 1 receptor
      (IGF1R) inhibitor based treatment. One patient, who achieved a partial remission
      (PR) with IGF1R inhibitor treatment, but later developed resistance, demonstrated
      a KRAS mutation in the post-treatment resistant tumor, but not in the pre
      treatment tumor suggesting that the RAF/RAS/MEK pathway was activated with
      progression. CONCLUSIONS: We have reported several different mutations in
      advanced ES and DSRCT that have direct implications for molecularly-directed
      targeted therapy. Our technology agnostic approach provides an initial mutational
      roadmap used in the path towards individualized combination therapy.

PMID- 25119930
TI  - Final results of a phase II study of paclitaxel, bevacizumab, and gemcitabine as
      first-line therapy for patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Efficacy and safety data for combining bevacizumab, gemcitabine, and
      paclitaxel for locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer are limited. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: AVALUZ trial evaluates the combination of bevacizumab 10 mg/kg,
      gemcitabine 2,000 mg/m(2) plus paclitaxel 150 mg/m(2), on days 1 and 15 of each
      28-day course in previously untreated HER-2 negative patients. RESULTS: Median
      progression-free survival (PES): 12.3 months. The overall response and clinical
      benefit rate (CR + PR + SD) were 72 % (95 % CI 60.9-82.0 %) and 89 % (95 % CI
      80.3-95.3 %), respectively. Median overall survival: 27.4 mo. Baseline
      circulating tumor cell (CTCs) >=2 versus CTCs <2 was associated with lower PFS, p
      = 0.046. Overall response was significantly greater in patients with intense
      angiotensin type 1 receptor (AGTR1) expression (99 vs. 60 % [p = 0.021]). The
      most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events were: neutropenia (10 %); febrile
      neutropenia (1 %); sensory neuropathy (13 %); and asthenia (6 %). Grade 3 adverse
      events of interest with bevacizumab included bleeding (1 %) and hypertension (4
      %). One patient developed cardiac ischemia (1 %). CONCLUSIONS: Adding bevacizumab
      to chemotherapy appeared feasible and well tolerated, producing toxicity
      comparable to other effective combined first-line regimens. Baseline circulating
      endothelial cells and AGTR1 expression are predictive of PFS and response.

PMID- 25119932
TI  - Screening for depressive symptoms in older adults in the Family Health Strategy,
      Porto Alegre, Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To analyze the prevalence of depression in older adults and associated
      factors. METHODS Cross-sectional study using a stratified random sample of 621
      individuals aged >= 60 from 27 family health teams in Porto Alegre, RS, Southern
      Brazil, between 2010 and 2012. Community health agents measured depression using
      the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Scores of >= 6 were considered as
      depression and between 11 and 15 as severe depression. Poisson regression was
      used to search for independent associations of sociodemographic and self
      perceived health with both depression and its severity. RESULTS The prevalence of
      depression was 30.6% and was significantly higher in women (35.9% women versus
      20.9% men, p < 0.001). The variables independently associated with depression
      were: female gender (PR = 1.4, 95%CI 1.1;1.8); low education, especially
      illiteracy (PR = 1.8, 95%CI 1.2;2 6); regular self-rated health (OR = 2.2, 95%CI
      1.6;3.0); and poor/very poor self-rated health (PR = 4.0, 95%CI 2.9;5.5). Except
      for education, the strength of association of these factors increases
      significantly in severe depression. CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of depression
      was observed in the evaluations conducted by community health agents,
      professionals who are not highly specialized. The findings identified using the
      15-item Geriatric Depression Scale in this way are similar to those in the
      literature, with depression more associated with low education, female gender and
      worse self-rated health. From a primary health care strategic point of view, the
      findings become still more relevant, indicating that community health agents
      could play an important role in identifying depression in older adults. 

PMID- 25119933
TI  - Disability in instrumental activities of daily living among older adults: gender
      differences.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To analyze gender differences in the incidence and determinants of
      disability regarding instrumental activities of daily living among older adults.
      METHODS The data were extracted from the Saude, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE 
      Health, Wellbeing and Ageing) study. In 2000, 1,034 older adults without
      difficulty in regarding instrumental activities of daily living were selected.
      The following characteristics were evaluated at the baseline: sociodemographic
      and behavioral variables, health status, falls, fractures, hospitalizations,
      depressive symptoms, cognition, strength, mobility, balance and perception of
      vision and hearing. Instrumental activities of daily living such as shopping and
      managing own money and medication, using transportation and using the telephone
      were reassessed in 2006, with incident cases of disability considered as the
      outcome. RESULTS The incidence density of disability in instrumental activities
      of daily living was 44.7/1,000 person/years for women and 25.2/1,000 person/years
      for men. The incidence rate ratio between women and men was 1.77 (95%CI
      1.75;1.80). After controlling for socioeconomic status and clinical conditions,
      the incidence rate ratio was 1.81 (95%CI 1.77;1.84), demonstrating that women
      with chronic disease and greater social vulnerability have a greater incidence
      density of disability in instrumental activities of daily living. The following
      were determinants of the incidence of disability: age >= 80 and worse perception
      of hearing in both genders; stroke in men; and being aged 70 to 79 in women.
      Better cognitive performance was a protective factor in both genders and better
      balance was a protective factor in women. CONCLUSIONS The higher incidence
      density of disability in older women remained even after controlling for adverse
      social and clinical conditions. In addition to age, poorer cognitive performance
      and conditions that adversely affect communication disable both genders. Acute
      events, such as a stroke, disables elderly men more, whereas early deficits
      regarding balance disable women more. 

PMID- 25119934
TI  - Cut-off point for WHOQOL-bref as a measure of quality of life of older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To propose a cut-off for the World Health Organization Quality of Life
      Bref (WHOQOL-bref) as a predictor of quality of life in older adults.METHODS
      Cross-sectional study with 391 older adults registered in the Northwest Health
      District in Belo Horizonte, MG, Southeastern Brazil, between October 8, 2010 and
      May 23, 2011. The older adults' quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL
      bref. The analysis was rationalized by outlining two extreme and simultaneous
      groups according to perceived quality of life and satisfaction with health
      (quality of life good/satisfactory - good or very good self-reported quality of
      life and being satisfied or very satisfied with health - G5; and poor/very poor
      quality of life - poor or very poor self-reported quality of life and feeling
      dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with health - G6). A Receiver-Operating
      Characteristic curve (ROC) was created to assess the diagnostic ability of
      different cut-off points of the WHOQOL-bref.RESULTS ROC curve analysis indicated
      a critical value 60 as the optimal cut-off point for assessing perceived quality
      of life and satisfaction with health. The area under the curve was 0.758, with a
      sensitivity of 76.8% and specificity of 63.8% for a cut-off of >= 60 for overall
      quality of life (G5) and sensitivity 95.0% and specificity of 54.4% for a cut-off
      of < 60 for overall quality of life (G6).CONCLUSIONS Diagnostic interpretation of
      the ROC curve revealed that cut-off < 60 for overall quality of life obtained
      excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value for tracking older adults
      with probable worse quality of life and dissatisfied with health. 

PMID- 25119935
TI  - Social protection systems in vulnerable families: their importance for the public
      health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To analyze the effectiveness of the Chilean System of Childhood Welfare
      in transferring benefits to socially vulnerable families. METHODS A cross
      sectional study with a sample of 132 families from the Metropolitan Region,
      Chile, stratified according to degree of social vulnerability, between September
      2011 and January 2012. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers of
      the studied families in public health facilities or their households. The
      variables studied were family structure, psychosocial risk in the family context
      and integrated benefits from the welfare system in families that fulfill the
      necessary requirements for transfer of benefits. Descriptive statistics to
      measure location and dispersion were calculated. A binary logistic regression,
      which accounts for the sample size of the study, was carried out. RESULTS The
      groups were homogenous regarding family size, the presence of biological father
      in the household, the number of relatives living in the same dwelling, income
      generation capacity and the rate of dependency and psychosocial risk (p >= 0.05).
      The transfer of benefits was low in all three groups of the sample (<= 23.0%).
      The benefit with the best coverage in the system was the Single Family Subsidy,
      whose transfer was associated with the size of the family, the presence of
      relatives in the dwelling, the absence of the father in the household, a high
      rate of dependency and a high income generation capacity (p <= 0.10). CONCLUSIONS
      The effectiveness of benefit transfer was poor, especially in families that were
      extremely socially vulnerable. Further explanatory studies of benefit transfers
      to the vulnerable population, of differing intensity and duration, are required
      in order to reduce health disparities and inequalities. 

PMID- 25119936
TI  - Perceived health in the Portuguese population aged >= 35.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the exploratory relationship between determinants of
      health, life satisfaction, locus of control, attitudes and behaviors and health
      related quality of life in an adult population. METHODS: Observational study
      (analytical and cross-sectional) with a quantitative methodological basis. The
      sample was composed oy 1,214 inhabitants aged >= 35 in 31 civil parishes in the
      County of Coimbra, Portugal, 2011-2012. An anonymous and voluntary health survey
      was conducted, which collected the following information: demographic, clinical
      record, health and lifestyle behaviors; health related quality of life (Medical
      Outcomes Study, Short Form-36); health locus of control; survey of health
      attitudes and behavior, and quality of life index. Pearson's Linear Correlation,
      t-Student, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney; One-way ANOVA; Brown-Forsythe's F; Kruskal
      Wallis; Multiple Comparisons: Tukey (HSD), Games-Howell and Conover were used in
      the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Health related quality of life was shown to be
      lower in females, in older age groups, in obese/overweight individuals, widows,
      unassisted, those living alone, living in rural/suburban areas, those who did not
      work and with a medium-low socioeconomic level. Respondents with poor/very poor
      self-perceived health (p < 0.0001), with chronic disease (p < 0.0001), who
      consumed < 3 meals per day (p <= 0.01), who were sedentary, who slept <= 6 h/day
      and had smoked for several years revealed the worst health results. Health
      related quality of life was positively related with a bigger internal locus, with
      better health attitudes and behaviors (physical exercise, health and nutritional
      care, length of dependence) and with different areas of life satisfaction.
      CONCLUSIONS: Better health related quality of life was associated with certain
      social, psychological, family and health characteristics, a satisfactory
      lifestyle, better socioeconomic conditions and a good internal locus of control
      over health attitudes and behaviors.

PMID- 25119937
TI  - HIV risk practices by female sex workers according to workplace.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To investigate differences in HIV infection- related risk practices by
      Female Sex Workers according to workplace and the effects of homophily on
      estimating HIV prevalence. METHODS Data from 2,523 women, recruited using
      Respondent-Driven Sampling, were used for the study carried out in 10 Brazilian
      cities in 2008-2009. The study included female sex workers aged 18 and over. The
      questionnaire was completed by the subjects and included questions on
      characteristics of professional activity, sexual practices, use of drugs, HIV
      testing, and access to health services. HIV quick tests were conducted. The
      participants were classified in two groups according to place of work: on the
      street or indoor venues, like nightclubs and saunas. To compare variable
      distributions by place of work, we used Chi-square homogeneity tests, taking into
      consideration unequal selection probabilities as well as the structure of
      dependence between observations. We tested the effect of homophily by workplace
      on estimated HIV prevalence. RESULTS The highest HIV risk practices were
      associated with: working on the streets, lower socioeconomic status, low regular
      smear test coverage, higher levels of crack use and higher levels of syphilis
      serological scars as well as higher prevalence of HIV infection. The effect of
      homophily was higher among sex workers in indoor venues. However, it did not
      affect the estimated prevalence of HIV, even after using a post-stratification by
      workplace procedure. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that strategies should
      focus on extending access to, and utilization of, health services. Prevention
      policies should be specifically aimed at street workers. Regarding the
      application of Respondent-Driven Sampling, the sample should be sufficient to
      estimate transition probabilities, as the network develops more quickly among sex
      workers in indoor venues. 

PMID- 25119938
TI  - Senses of body image in adolescents in elementary school.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To comprehend the perception of body image in adolescence. METHODS: A
      qualitative study was conducted with eight focus groups with 96 students of both
      sexes attending four public elementary school institutions in the city of Rio de
      Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, in 2013. An interview guide with questions about
      the adolescents' feelings in relation to: their bodies, standards of idealized
      beauty, practice of physical exercise and sociocultural influences on self-image.
      In the data analysis we sought to understand and interpret the meanings and
      contradictions of narratives, understanding the subjects' context and reasons and
      the internal logic of the group. RESULTS: Three thematic categories were
      identified. The influence of media on body image showed the difficulty of
      achieving the perfect body and is viewed with suspicion in face of standards of
      beauty broadcast; the importance of a healthy body was observed as standards of
      beauty and good looks were closely linked to good physical condition and result
      from having a healthy body; the relationship between the standard of beauty and
      prejudice, as people who are not considered attractive, having small physical
      imperfections, are discriminated against and can be rejected or even excluded
      from society. CONCLUSIONS: The standard of perfect body propagated by media
      influences adolescents' self-image and, consequently, self-esteem and is
      considered an unattainable goal, corresponding to a standard of beauty described
      as artificial and unreal. However, it causes great suffering and discrimination
      against those who do not feel they are attractive, which can lead to health
      problems resulting from low self-esteem.

PMID- 25119939
TI  - Cumulative mortality of Aedes aegypti larvae treated with compounds.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate the larvicidal activity of Azadirachta indica, Melaleuca
      alternifolia, carapa guianensis essential oils and fermented extract of Carica
      papaya against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae). METHODS The
      larvicide test was performed in triplicate with 300 larvae for each experimental
      group using the third larval stage, which were exposed for 24h. The groups were:
      positive control with industrial larvicide (BTI) in concentrations of 0.37 ppm
      (PC1) and 0.06 ppm (PC2); treated with compounds of essential oils and fermented
      extract, 50.0% concentration (G1); treated with compounds of essential oils and
      fermented extract, 25.0% concentration (G2); treated with compounds of essential
      oils and fermented extract, 12.5% concentration (G3); and negative control group
      using water (NC1) and using dimethyl (NC2). The larvae were monitored every 60
      min using direct visualization. RESULTS No mortality occurred in experimental
      groups NC1 and NC2 in the 24h exposure period, whereas there was 100% mortality
      in the PC1 and PC2 groups compared to NC1 and NC2. Mortality rates of 65.0%,
      50.0% and 78.0% were observed in the groups G1, G2 and G3 respectively, compared
      with NC1 and NC2. CONCLUSIONS The association between three essential oils from
      Azadirachta indica, Melaleuca alternifolia, Carapa guianensis and fermented
      extract of Carica papaya was efficient at all concentrations. Therefore, it can
      be used in Aedes aegypti Liverpool third larvae stage control programs. 

PMID- 25119940
TI  - Principal components and generalized linear modeling in the correlation between
      hospital admissions and air pollution.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between concentrations of air pollutants and
      admissions for respiratory causes in children. METHODS Ecological time series
      study. Daily figures for hospital admissions of children aged < 6, and daily
      concentrations of air pollutants (PM10, SO2, NO2, O3 and CO) were analyzed in the
      Regiao da Grande Vitoria, ES, Southeastern Brazil, from January 2005 to December
      2010. For statistical analysis, two techniques were combined: Poisson regression
      with generalized additive models and principal model component analysis. Those
      analysis techniques complemented each other and provided more significant
      estimates in the estimation of relative risk. The models were adjusted for
      temporal trend, seasonality, day of the week, meteorological factors and
      autocorrelation. In the final adjustment of the model, it was necessary to
      include models of the Autoregressive Moving Average Models (p, q) type in the
      residuals in order to eliminate the autocorrelation structures present in the
      components. RESULTS For every 10:49 MUg/m3 increase (interquartile range) in
      levels of the pollutant PM10 there was a 3.0% increase in the relative risk
      estimated using the generalized additive model analysis of main components
      seasonal autoregressive - while in the usual generalized additive model, the
      estimate was 2.0%. CONCLUSIONS Compared to the usual generalized additive model,
      in general, the proposed aspect of generalized additive model - principal
      component analysis, showed better results in estimating relative risk and quality
      of fit. 

PMID- 25119941
TI  - Disparities in cervical and breast cancer mortality in Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To analyze cervical and breast cancer mortality in Brazil according to
      socioeconomic and welfare indicators. METHODS Data on breast and cervical cancer
      mortality covering a 30-year period (1980-2010) were analyzed. The data were
      obtained from the National Mortality Database, population data from the Brazilian
      Institute of Geography and Statistics database, and socioeconomic and welfare
      information from the Institute of Applied Economic Research. Moving averages were
      calculated, disaggregated by capital city and municipality. The annual percent
      change in mortality rates was estimated by segmented linear regression using the
      joinpoint method. Pearson's correlation coefficients were conducted between
      average mortality rate at the end of the three-year period and selected
      indicators in the state capital and each Brazilian state. RESULTS There was a
      decline in cervical cancer mortality rates throughout the period studied, except
      in municipalities outside of the capitals in the North and Northeast. There was a
      decrease in breast cancer mortality in the capitals from the end of the 1990s
      onwards. Favorable socioeconomic indicators were inversely correlated with
      cervical cancer mortality. A strong direct correlation was found with favorable
      indicators and an inverse correlation with fertility rate and breast cancer
      mortality in inner cities. CONCLUSIONS There is an ongoing dynamic process of
      increased risk of cervical and breast cancer and attenuation of mortality because
      of increased, albeit unequal, access to and provision of screening, diagnosis and
      treatment.  

PMID- 25119942
TI  - Spatial study of homicide rates in the state of Bahia, Brazil, 1996-2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To analyze the spatial distribution of homicide mortality in the state
      of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. METHODS Ecological study of the 15 to 39-year old
      male population in the state of Bahia in the period 1996-2010. Data from the
      Mortality Information System, relating to homicide (X85-Y09) and population
      estimates from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics were used. The
      existence of spatial correlation, the presence of clusters and critical areas of
      the event studied were analyzed using Moran's I Global and Local indices. RESULTS
      A non-random spatial pattern was observed in the distribution of rates, as was
      the presence of three clusters, the first in the north health district, the
      second in the eastern region, and the third cluster included townships in the
      south and the far south of Bahia. CONCLUSIONS The homicide mortality in the three
      different critical areas requires further studies that consider the
      socioeconomic, cultural and environmental characteristics in order to guide
      specific preventive and interventionist practices. 

PMID- 25119943
TI  - Deported Mexican migrants: health status and access to care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To describe the health status and access to care of forced-return
      Mexican migrants deported through the Mexico-United States border and to compare
      it with the situation of voluntary-return migrants. METHODS Secondary data
      analysis from the Survey on Migration in Mexico's Northern Border from 2012. This
      is a continuous survey, designed to describe migration flows between Mexico and
      the United States, with a mobile-population sampling design. We analyzed
      indicators of health and access to care among deported migrants, and compare them
      with voluntary-return migrants. Our analysis sample included 2,680 voluntary
      return migrants, and 6,862 deportees. We employ an ordinal multiple logistic
      regression model, to compare the adjusted odds of having worst self-reported
      health between the studied groups. RESULTS As compared to voluntary-return
      migrants, deportees were less likely to have medical insurance in the United
      States (OR = 0.05; 95%CI 0.04;0.06). In the regression model a poorer self
      perceived health was found to be associated with having been deported (OR = 1.71,
      95%CI 1.52;1.92), as well as age (OR = 1.03, 95%CI 1.02;1.03) and years of
      education (OR = 0.94 95%CI 0.93;0.95). CONCLUSIONS According to our results,
      deportees had less access to care while in the United States, as compared with
      voluntary-return migrants. Our results also showed an independent and
      statistically significant association between deportation and having poorer self
      perceived health. To promote the health and access to care of deported Mexican
      migrants coming back from the United States, new health and social policies are
      required. 

PMID- 25119944
TI  - Cross-cultural validity of the demand-control questionnaire: Swedish and
      Brazilian workers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cross-cultural validity of the Demand-Control
      Questionnaire, comparing the original Swedish questionnaire with the Brazilian
      version. METHODS We compared data from 362 Swedish and 399 Brazilian health
      workers. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were performed to test
      structural validity, using the robust weighted least squares mean and variance
      adjusted (WLSMV) estimator. Construct validity, using hypotheses testing, was
      evaluated through the inspection of the mean score distribution of the scale
      dimensions according to sociodemographic and social support at work variables.
      RESULTS The confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses supported the instrument
      in three dimensions (for Swedish and Brazilians): psychological demands, skill
      discretion and decision authority. The best-fit model was achieved by including
      an error correlation between work fast and work intensely (psychological demands)
      and removing the item repetitive work (skill discretion). Hypotheses testing
      showed that workers with university degree had higher scores on skill discretion
      and decision authority and those with high levels of Social Support at Work had
      lower scores on psychological demands and higher scores on decision authority.
      CONCLUSIONS The results supported the equivalent dimensional structures across
      the two culturally different work contexts. Skill discretion and decision
      authority formed two distinct dimensions and the item repetitive work should be
      removed. 

PMID- 25119945
TI  - Tuberculosis Control Program and patient satisfaction, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate factors associated with users' satisfaction in the
      Tuberculosis Control Program. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 295 patients
      aged >= 18 years, with two or more outpatient visits in the Tuberculosis Control
      Program, in five cities in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, RJ,
      Southeastern Brazil, in 2010. Considering an estimated population of 4,345
      patients, the sampling plan included 15 health care units participating in the
      program, divided into two strata: units in Rio de Janeiro City, selected with
      probability proportional to the monthly average number of outpatient visits, and
      units in the other four cities. In the units, four temporal clusters of five
      patients each were selected with equal probability, totaling 300 patients. A
      questionnaire investigating the users' clinical and sociodemographic variables
      and aspects of care and service in the program relevant to user satisfaction was
      applied to the patients. Descriptive statistics about users and their
      satisfaction with the program were obtained, and the effects of factors
      associated with satisfaction were estimated. RESULTS Patients were predominantly
      males (57.7%), with a mean age of 40.9 and with low level of schooling. The mean
      treatment time was 4.1 months, mostly self-administered (70.4%). Additionally,
      25.8% had previously been treated for tuberculosis. There was a high level of
      satisfaction, especially regarding medication provision, and respect to patients
      by the health professionals. Patients who were younger (<= 30), those on self
      administered treatment, and with graduate level, showed less satisfaction.
      Suggestions to improve the services include having more doctors (70.0%), and
      offering exams in the same place of attendance (55.1%). CONCLUSIONS Patient
      satisfaction with the Tuberculosis Control Program was generally high, although
      lower among younger patients, those with university education and those on self
      administered treatment. The study indicates the need for changes to structural
      and organizational aspects of care, and provides practical support for its
      improvement. 

PMID- 25119946
TI  - Temporal trends and spatial distribution of unsafe abortion in Brazil, 1996-2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To analyze temporal trends and distribution patterns of unsafe abortion
      in Brazil. METHODS Ecological study based on records of hospital admissions of
      women due to abortion in Brazil between 1996 and 2012, obtained from the Hospital
      Information System of the Ministry of Health. We estimated the number of unsafe
      abortions stratified by place of residence, using indirect estimate techniques.
      The following indicators were calculated: ratio of unsafe abortions/100 live
      births and rate of unsafe abortion/1,000 women of childbearing age. We analyzed
      temporal trends through polynomial regression and spatial distribution using
      municipalities as the unit of analysis. RESULTS In the study period, a total of
      4,007,327 hospital admissions due to abortions were recorded in Brazil. We
      estimated a total of 16,905,911 unsafe abortions in the country, with an annual
      mean of 994,465 abortions (mean unsafe abortion rate: 17.0 abortions/1,000 women
      of childbearing age; ratio of unsafe abortions: 33.2/100 live births). Unsafe
      abortion presented a declining trend at national level (R2: 94.0%, p < 0.001),
      with unequal patterns between regions. There was a significant reduction of
      unsafe abortion in the Northeast (R2: 93.0%, p < 0.001), Southeast (R2: 92.0%, p
      < 0.001) and Central-West regions (R2: 64.0%, p < 0.001), whereas the North (R2:
      39.0%, p = 0.030) presented an increase, and the South (R2: 22.0%, p = 0.340)
      remained stable. Spatial analysis identified the presence of clusters of
      municipalities with high values for unsafe abortion, located mainly in states of
      the North, Northeast and Southeast Regions. CONCLUSIONS Unsafe abortion remains a
      public health problem in Brazil, with marked regional differences, mainly
      concentrated in the socioeconomically disadvantaged regions of the country.
      Qualification of attention to women's health, especially to reproductive aspects
      and attention to pre- and post-abortion processes, are necessary and urgent
      strategies to be implemented in the country.

PMID- 25119948
TI  - Interface between intellectual disability and mental health: hermeneutic review.
AB  - A literature review was conducted aiming to understand the interface between the
      Intellectual Disability and Mental Health fields and to contribute to mitigating
      the path of institutionalizing individuals with intellectual deficiencies. The so
      called dual diagnosis phenomenon remains underestimated in Brazil but is the
      object of research and specific public policy internationally. This phenomenon
      alerts us to the prevalence of mental health problems in those with intellectual
      disabilities, limiting their social inclusion. The findings reinforce the
      importance of this theme and indicate possible diagnostic invisibility of the
      development of mental illness in those with intellectual disabilities in Brazil,
      which may contribute to sustaining psychiatric institutionalization of this
      population.  

PMID- 25119949
TI  - Phytotherapy in primary health care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To characterize the integration of phytotherapy in primary health care
      in Brazil. METHODS Journal articles and theses and dissertations were searched
      for in the following databases: SciELO, Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science
      and Theses Portal Capes, between January 1988 and March 2013. We analyzed 53
      original studies on actions, programs, acceptance and use of phytotherapy and
      medicinal plants in the Brazilian Unified Health System. Bibliometric data,
      characteristics of the actions/programs, places and subjects involved and type
      and focus of the selected studies were analyzed. RESULTS Between 2003 and 2013,
      there was an increase in publications in different areas of knowledge, compared
      with the 1990-2002 period. The objectives and actions of programs involving the
      integration of phytotherapy into primary health care varied: including other
      treatment options, reduce costs, reviving traditional knowledge, preserving
      biodiversity, promoting social development and stimulating inter-sectorial
      actions. CONCLUSIONS Over the past 25 years, there was a small increase in
      scientific production on actions/programs developed in primary care. Including
      phytotherapy in primary care services encourages interaction between health care
      users and professionals. It also contributes to the socialization of scientific
      research and the development of a critical vision about the use of phytotherapy
      and plant medicine, not only on the part of professionals but also of the
      population. 

PMID- 25119947
TI  - Non-adherence to telemedicine interventions for drug users: systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To estimate rates of non-adherence to telemedicine strategies aimed at
      treating drug addiction. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of randomized
      controlled trials investigating different telemedicine treatment methods for drug
      addiction. The following databases were consulted between May 18, 2012 and June
      21, 2012: PubMed, PsycINFO, SciELO, Wiley (The Cochrane Library), Embase,
      Clinical trials and Google Scholar. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment,
      Development and Evaluation was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. The
      criteria evaluated were: appropriate sequence of data generation, allocation
      concealment, blinding, description of losses and exclusions and analysis by
      intention to treat. There were 274 studies selected, of which 20 were analyzed.
      RESULTS Non-adherence rates varied between 15.0% and 70.0%. The interventions
      evaluated were of at least three months duration and, although they all used
      telemedicine as support, treatment methods differed. Regarding the quality of the
      studies, the values also varied from very poor to high quality. High quality
      studies showed better adherence rates, as did those using more than one technique
      of intervention and a limited treatment time. Mono-user studies showed better
      adherence rates than poly-user studies. CONCLUSIONS Rates of non-adherence to
      treatment involving telemedicine on the part of users of psycho-active substances
      differed considerably, depending on the country, the intervention method, follow
      up time and substances used. Using more than one technique of intervention, short
      duration of treatment and the type of substance used by patients appear to
      facilitate adherence. 

PMID- 25119951
TI  - Knowing the previously unknown: identification of a methodological challenge for
      pharmacoepidemiology.

PMID- 25119950
TI  - Study of T helper (17) and T regulatory cells in psoriatic patients receiving
      live attenuated varicella vaccine therapy in a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of live attenuated varicella vaccine (Varilrix((r))) as an
      adjuvant treatment in severe cases of psoriasis has recently been postulated. Its
      efficacy raised questions regarding its possible mechanisms of action. OBJECTIVE:
      To compare the efficacy and safety of combining Varilrix((r)) and cyclosporine to
      cyclosporine alone in the treatment of severe psoriasis. Furthermore, to study
      the expression of T helper (Th)17 and T regulatory (Tregs) cells before and after
      therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included 24
      psoriatic patients, randomly divided into 2 groups (A and B). All patients
      received cyclosporine at a daily dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day. In addition, group A
      received 4 doses of Varilrix((r)) once/3 weeks, and group B received 4 doses of
      subcutaneous saline. Skin biopsies were obtained from all patients before and
      after therapy and from all controls for estimation of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-22
      and Forkhead boxP3 (FoxP3) using RT-PCR. RESULTS: Group A patients showed a
      significantly higher % of clinical improvement (P = 0.011), which occurred
      earlier than group B. At baseline, levels of IL-17 and IL-22 were significantly
      higher while the level of FoxP3 was significantly lower in patients (P<0.001)
      compared to controls. After therapy, both groups showed significant reductions in
      both IL-17 and IL-22 levels, and significant elevation in FoxP3 (P<0.001). This
      change was significantly more evident in group A patients. CONCLUSION: Live
      attenuated varicella vaccine could play a role in the treatment of psoriasis when
      combined with low dose cyclosporine through accentuating the influence on the
      Th17/Treg balance.

PMID- 25119952
TI  - Causal inference using mixture models: a word of caution.

PMID- 25119953
TI  - Comparative effectiveness of patient-centered strategies to improve FDA
      medication guides.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Med Guides are the only Food and Drug Administration-regulated source
      of written patient information distributed with prescriptions drugs. Despite
      their potential value, studies have found them to have limited utility.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of patient-centered strategies for the
      design of Med Guides to improve comprehension. DESIGN: A cross-sectional,
      randomized trial. SETTING: Two primary care clinics in Chicago, Illinois; one
      based in a public university hospital and the other within a private academic
      medical center. PATIENTS: A total of 1003 adults aged 18-85 years. INTERVENTION:
      The format and layout of content from 3 typical Med Guides (by reading
      difficulty, length, exposure) were modified several ways to promote information
      accessibility. Working with patients, the 3 most preferred versions were
      evaluated. The first used 2 columns to organize content (Column), a second
      mimicked over-the-counter "Drug Facts" labeling (Drug Facts), and the third
      followed health literacy best practices using a simple table format (Health
      Literacy prototype). MEASURES: Tailored comprehension assessment of content from
      3 representative Med Guides. RESULTS: Comprehension was significantly greater for
      all 3 prototypes compared with the current standard (all P<0.001). The Health
      Literacy prototype consistently demonstrated the highest comprehension scores,
      and in multivariable analyses, outperformed both the Drug Facts [beta=-4.43, 95%
      confidence interval (CI), -6.21 to -2.66] and Column (beta=-4.04, 95% CI, -5.82
      to -2.26) prototypes. Both older age (older than 60 y: beta=-10.54, 95% CI, 
      15.12 to -5.96), low and marginal literacy skills were independently associated
      with poorer comprehension (low: beta=-31.92, 95% CI, -35.72 to -28.12; marginal:
      beta=-12.91, 95% CI, -16.01 to -9.82). CONCLUSIONS: The application of evidence
      based practices to the redesign of Med Guides significantly improved patient
      comprehension. Although some age and literacy disparities were reduced with the
      Health Literacy format in particular, both older age and low literacy remained
      independently associated with poorer comprehension. More aggressive strategies
      will likely be needed to gain assurances that all patients are informed about
      their prescribed medications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.Gov
      #NCT01731405.

PMID- 25119954
TI  - Elderly breast and colorectal cancer patients' clinical course: patient and
      contextual influences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The social and medical environments that surround people are each
      independently associated with their cancer course. The extent to which these
      characteristics may together mediate patients' cancer care and outcomes is not
      known. METHODS: Using multilevel methods and data, we studied elderly breast and
      colorectal cancer patients (level I) within urban social (level II: ZIP code
      tabulation area) and health care (level III: hospital service area) contexts. We
      sought to determine (1) which, if any, observable social and medical contextual
      attributes were associated with patient cancer outcomes after controlling for
      observable patient attributes, and (2) the magnitude of residual variation in
      patient cancer outcomes at each level. RESULTS: Numerous patient attributes and
      social area attributes, including poverty, were associated with unfavorable
      patient cancer outcomes across the full clinical cancer continuum for both
      cancers. Health care area attributes were not associated with patient cancer
      outcomes. After controlling for observable covariates at all 3 levels, there was
      substantial residual variation in patient cancer outcomes at all levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: After controlling for patient attributes known to confer risk of
      poor cancer outcomes, we find that neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage exerts
      an independent and deleterious effect on residents' cancer outcomes, but the area
      supply of the specific types of health care studied do not. Multilevel
      interventions targeted at cancer patients and their social areas may be useful.
      We also show substantial residual variation in patient outcomes across social and
      health care areas, a finding potentially relevant to traditional small area
      variation research methods.

PMID- 25119955
TI  - Prescription opioid use among disabled Medicare beneficiaries: intensity, trends,
      and regional variation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prescription opioid use and overdose deaths are increasing in the
      United States. Among disabled Medicare beneficiaries under the age of 65, the
      rise in musculoskeletal conditions as qualifying diagnoses suggests that opioid
      analgesic use may be common and increasing, raising safety concerns. METHODS:
      From a 40% random-sample Medicare denominator, we identified fee-for-service
      beneficiaries under the age of 65 and created annual enrollment cohorts from 2007
      to 2011 (6.4 million person-years). We obtained adjusted, annual opioid use
      measures: any use, chronic use (>= 6 prescriptions), intensity of use [daily
      morphine equivalent dose (MED)], and opioid prescribers per user. Geographic
      variation was studied across Hospital Referral Regions. RESULTS: Most measures
      peaked in 2010. The adjusted proportion with any opioid use was 43.9% in 2007,
      44.7% in 2010, and 43.7% in 2011. The proportion with chronic use rose from 21.4%
      in 2007 to 23.1% in 2011. Among chronic users: mean MED peaked at 81.3 mg in
      2010, declining to 77.4 mg in 2011; in 2011, 19.8% received >= 100 mg MED; 10.4%
      received >= 200 mg. In 2011, Hospital Referral Region-level measures varied
      broadly (5th-95th percentile): any use: 33.0%-58.6%, chronic use: 13.9%-36.6%;
      among chronic users, mean MED: 45 mg-125 mg; mean annual opioid prescribers: 2.4
      3.7. CONCLUSIONS: Among these beneficiaries, opioid use was common. Although
      intensity stabilized, the population using opioids chronically grew. Variation
      shows a lack of a standardized approach and reveals regions with mean MED at
      levels associated with overdose risk. Future work should assess outcomes, chronic
      use predictors, and policies balancing pain control and safety.

PMID- 25119956
TI  - Nontraumatic paecilomyces anterior segment infection: a pathognomonic clinical
      appearance.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to review a series of consecutive cases of
      corneal and scleral infection by Paecilomyces spp. and to identify features of
      clinical presentation and assess treatment modalities. METHODS: This
      retrospective review of a case series included 22 patients with nontraumatic
      Paecilomyces anterior segment infections who were seen in a tertiary referral
      practice. Outcome measures were the number of eyes that were lost and visual
      acuity in eyes that were saved. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with Paecilomyces
      corneal or scleral infection with no significant history of trauma or surgery
      were identified over a 20-year period. Two distinct clinical presentations were
      noted with 17 presenting with corneal infection and 5 initially presenting with
      scleral infection, and all demonstrated a classical endothelial plaque and deep
      stromal infiltrate. Almost all required single or multiple anterior segment
      reconstructive surgeries together with systemic and topical antifungal agents.
      The first 10 patients were treated with amphotericin B, whereas the remaining 12
      patients were treated with voriconazole and 21 of 22 patients underwent surgery.
      Paecilomyces spp. was identified from most intraocular specimens although corneal
      fungal growth was noted only from deep corneal biopsies or corneal buttons
      removed during corneal transplantation. Outcomes were better in the last 12
      patients treated with voriconazole. CONCLUSIONS: Nontraumatic Paecilomyces
      anterior segment infection presents with a pathognomonic clinical picture when
      the cornea is the initial site of infection and later in scleral infections.
      Early identification and aggressive treatment with extirpative surgery and
      voriconazole may result in retention of the eye with useful vision.

PMID- 25119957
TI  - Descemet membrane detachment after Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy in a patient with
      fuchs dystrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) is uncommon. It most frequently
      occurs as a complication of intraocular surgery. The aim of this study was to
      report a case of DMD after neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser
      capsulotomy in a patient with Fuchs dystrophy. METHODS: We describe the case of
      an 89-year-old man suffering from Fuchs dystrophy, who underwent cataract surgery
      on his left eye. Three years later, the patient presented with posterior capsule
      opacification, which was treated using Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. The day after
      the procedure, the patient came back for emergency treatment because of an acute
      reduction in his vision caused by a DMD. RESULTS: Fifteen days after an initial
      treatment involving the injection of air into the anterior chamber coupled with
      ocular paracentesis, clinical examination revealed a significant improvement in
      visual acuity, reduction in corneal edema, and reattachment of Descemet membrane.
      These findings were confirmed using anterior segment optical coherence
      tomography. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of DMD
      after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy.

PMID- 25119958
TI  - Wound healing process after corneal stromal thinning observed with anterior
      segment optical coherence tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to observe the wound healing process after
      corneal stromal thinning by using anterior segment optical coherence tomography
      (AS-OCT) and a slit lamp. METHODS: Four patients with corneal stromal thinning (2
      patients: corneal iron foreign bodies; 2 patients: keratitis) were included.
      Serial AS-OCT and slit-lamp examinations were used to follow up the progress of
      these patients. The thicknesses of the whole cornea and the corneal stroma were
      measured with AS-OCT and compared with the findings observed during the slit-lamp
      examination. RESULTS: AS-OCT showed that epithelial hypertrophy and hyperplasia
      initially occurred in the area of the corneal stromal thinning; subsequently,
      scar tissue formed in the area with an improvement in the thickness of the
      corneal stroma. This wound healing process was observed in all 4 patients. The
      scar tissue initially appeared opaque on slit-lamp examination and was
      characterized by a high signal produced on AS-OCT, which was different from the
      normal corneal stroma. The scar tissue gradually appeared clear on slit-lamp
      examination; however, the high signal on AS-OCT remained. CONCLUSIONS: AS-OCT can
      be used to detect the wound healing process of corneal stromal thinning.

PMID- 25119959
TI  - Lens status as the single most important factor in endothelium protection after
      vitreous surgery: a prospective study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitreous surgery on
      the corneal endothelium. METHODS: A total of 113 eyes undergoing pars plana
      vitrectomy for variable indications at a tertiary care center were included
      prospectively. The mean age was 41 years (range, 9-84 years), and 60% were male.
      The endothelial cell count was measured preoperatively and on postoperative day
      1, 30, 90, and 180. The rate of endothelial cell loss was measured and analysis
      performed based on gauge of surgery, lens status, and vitreous substitute used.
      RESULTS: About 7.6% of endothelial cells were lost at postoperative day 1. This
      rate had decreased to 2.5% in the first 30 days, 1.5% between days 30 and 90, and
      1.4% between days 90 and 180. Significant difference in endothelial cell loss was
      noted on day 1 between phakic (7.2%), pseudophakic (6.4%), and aphakic (11.4%)
      eyes with similar results at 6 months. There was no significant difference
      between the gauges of surgery (20 G vs. 23 G) or the vitreous substitutes used
      (air vs. gas vs. silicone oil) on day 1 or at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial
      decompensation is an important complication of vitreoretinal surgery. Precautions
      should be taken in aphakics and patients requiring anterior segment manipulation.
      Although there is immediate cell loss, the rate of cell loss approaches normative
      values with time.

PMID- 25119960
TI  - Healing rate of corneal erosions: comparison of the effect of chloramphenicol eye
      drops and ointment and high-concentration hyaluronic acid in an animal model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of chloramphenicol eye
      drops or ointment, high-concentration hyaluronic acid, or no treatment on
      reepithelialization of corneal erosions in an experimental model. METHODS:
      Uniform 6-mm corneal erosions were created in 23 rabbit eyes. The rabbits were
      randomized to 4 treatment groups: (1) chloramphenicol eye drops group, (2)
      chloramphenicol ointment, (3) hyaluronic acid 2.3%, and (4) untreated. Treatment
      was administered every 8 hours until reepithelialization occurred. Eyes were
      photographed every 8 hours with a cobalt blue-filtered light with fluorescein
      drops until reepithelialization occurred. The area of the erosion at each time
      point was analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the
      reepithelialization of the corneal erosion among the 3 treatment groups (72-75
      hours, P > 0.05). The time was significantly shorter (51 hours) for the control
      untreated group (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The use of chloramphenicol in the form
      of eye drops or ointment for prophylaxis in corneal erosions has a similar effect
      on the healing rate of the erosion. Both forms of the antibiotic and high
      concentration hyaluronic acid had an effect of slowing down the healing of the
      erosion when compared with when no treatment was given. Therefore, the decision
      to treat erosions with eye drops or ointment can be based on the patient's
      comfort.

PMID- 25119962
TI  - Effects of subconjunctival tocilizumab versus bevacizumab in treatment of corneal
      neovascularization in rabbits.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the antiangiogenic effects of
      subconjunctival application of bevacizumab and tocilizumab on the regression of
      corneal neovascularization (NV) in rabbits. METHODS: Corneal neovascularization
      was induced in 48 eyes of 24 rabbits. Seven days after suture placement, the
      rabbits were divided into 4 groups of 6 rabbits each and treated
      subconjunctivally with 0.1 mL balanced salt solution (group 1), 0.1 mL
      tocilizumab (0.25 mg per 0.1 mL and 2.5 mg per 0.1 mL, groups 2 and 3), or 0.1 mL
      bevacizumab (2.5 mg per 0.1 mL) (group 4). Digital photographs of the eyes were
      obtained and the surface areas of corneal neovascularization were measured on
      days 7 and 14 after subconjunctival injections. On days 7 and 14, 3 rabbits were
      randomly chosen and the eyes were extracted. Half of the corneal specimens were
      analyzed histopathologically, and the other half were used to measure the
      concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and IL-6 using a
      multiplex bead assay, and the levels were compared with those of the controls.
      RESULTS: The surface areas of induced corneal neovascularization were
      significantly smaller in groups 3 and 4 (2.5 mg of tocilizumab and 2.5 mg of
      bevacizumab) compared with the control group on days 7 and 14 (P < 0.05). Group 2
      did not show significant difference from the control group on days 7 and 14.
      There were no differences observed in the reduced neovascularization areas in
      groups 3 and 4 on days 7 and 14. The concentrations of VEGF in groups 3 and 4
      were significantly lower than in the control group, and IL-6 mRNA levels were
      significantly lower in group 3 than in the other groups (P < 0.001) on days 7 and
      14. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the reduced expression of VEGF in all
      3 experimental groups compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: An
      antiangiogenic effect was observed after subconjunctival injection of 2.5 mg
      tocilizumab to an extent similar to that seen with 2.5 mg bevacizumab, which
      indicates that subconjunctival application of tocilizumab is effective for the
      inhibition of corneal neovascularization.

PMID- 25119963
TI  - In vivo confocal microscopic features of corneal pseudodendritic lesions in
      tyrosinemia type II.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the clinical and in vivo confocal microscopic (IVCM) findings
      of corneal deposits in a patient with tyrosinemia type II. METHODS: The
      pretreatment and 1-month posttreatment slit-lamp examination and IVCM findings of
      a patient with tyrosinemia type II are described. RESULTS: A 12-year-old girl
      diagnosed with tyrosinemia type II was evaluated for photophobia and bilateral
      ocular discomfort of 1-year duration. The patient had been placed on topical
      acyclovir treatment with the diagnosis of recurrent bilateral herpetic keratitis
      during the previous 12 months. Slit-lamp examination revealed bilateral
      dendritiform epithelial lesions in the central cornea, which stained poorly with
      fluorescein. IVCM highlighted multiple hyperreflective linear crystalline
      deposits at the level of superficial epithelium. One month after discontinuation
      of acyclovir treatment and initiation of a protein-restricted diet therapy,
      improvement in the patient's symptoms and regression of corneal epithelial
      lesions was noted. Reduction in the extent of corneal deposits was also confirmed
      with IVCM. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal involvement, secondary to hereditary tyrosinemia
      type II, is characterized by pseudodendritic epithelial lesions on slit-lamp
      examination and hyperreflective linear deposits in the superficial epithelium
      using IVCM. These lesions may regress expeditiously with a low-protein diet. IVCM
      may be a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of this disorder by
      highlighting the crystalline structures in the superficial epithelial layers and
      also in evaluating the response to the treatment in patients with tyrosinemia
      type II.

PMID- 25119961
TI  - Corneal graft rejection 10 years after penetrating keratoplasty in the cornea
      donor study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of donor and recipient
      factors on corneal allograft rejection and evaluate whether a rejection event was
      associated with graft failure. METHODS: One thousand ninety subjects undergoing
      penetrating keratoplasty for a moderate risk condition (principally Fuchs
      dystrophy or pseudophakic corneal edema) were followed for up to 12 years.
      Associations of baseline recipient and donor factors with the occurrence of a
      rejection event were assessed in univariate and multivariate proportional hazards
      models. RESULTS: Among 651 eyes with a surviving graft at 5 years, the 10-year
      graft failure (+/-99% confidence interval) rates were 12% +/- 4% among eyes with
      no rejection events in the first 5 years, 17% +/- 12% in eyes with at least 1
      probable, but no definite rejection event, and 22% +/- 20% in eyes with at least
      1 definite rejection event. The only baseline factor significantly associated
      with a higher risk of definite graft rejection was a preoperative history of
      glaucoma, particularly when previous glaucoma surgery had been performed and
      glaucoma medications were being used at the time of transplant (10-year incidence
      35% +/- 23% compared with 14% +/- 4% in eyes with no history of
      glaucoma/intraocular pressure treatment, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who
      experienced a definite rejection event frequently developed graft failure raising
      important questions as to how we might change acute and long-term corneal graft
      management. Multivariate analysis indicated that previous use of glaucoma
      medications and glaucoma filtering surgery was a significant risk factor related
      to a definite rejection event.

PMID- 25119964
TI  - Changes in color vision and contrast sensitivity after descemet membrane
      endothelial keratoplasty for fuchs endothelial dystrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate contrast sensitivity, color vision,
      and subjective patient satisfaction after Descemet membrane endothelial
      keratoplasty (DMEK) in patients with bilateral Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED).
      METHODS: From a group of 500 DMEK surgeries performed in our center, patients
      with a history of bilateral FED and unilateral DMEK were identified. A total of
      29 patients were included in the study and divided into 2 groups: phakic (n = 12)
      and pseudophakic unilateral DMEK (n = 17) and their contralateral, untreated FED
      affected eye. In addition, a control group of 10 healthy eyes of 10 patients was
      included. Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity and Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue color
      vision tests were performed. Subjective optical quality was graded with a
      questionnaire. RESULTS: Compared with untreated FED-affected eyes, best spectacle
      corrected visual acuity was higher after DMEK in phakic and pseudophakic eyes (P
      = 0.030 and P < 0.001, respectively); a similar result was obtained for contrast
      sensitivity (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Color vision did not differ
      between untreated FED-affected and DMEK-operated eyes in the phakic group (P =
      0.802) and the pseudophakic group (P = 0.227). Subjective optical quality was
      better in DMEK-operated eyes than in untreated FED-affected eyes in the phakic
      group (P < 0.001) and in the pseudophakic group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In FED,
      DMEK may not only be effective for obtaining a higher visual acuity but
      particularly improving the contrast sensitivity may also lead to better
      subjective optical performance. Although frequently mentioned spontaneously by
      patients, an objective change in color vision could not be substantiated. Hence,
      quantifying contrast sensitivity before surgery may aid in the decision for
      surgery, and in the evaluation of surgical outcome.

PMID- 25119965
TI  - Phytochrome-interacting transcription factors PIF4 and PIF5 induce leaf
      senescence in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Plants initiate senescence to shed photosynthetically inefficient leaves. Light
      deprivation induces leaf senescence, which involves massive transcriptional
      reprogramming to dismantle cellular components and remobilize nutrients. In
      darkness, intermittent pulses of red light can inhibit senescence, likely via
      phytochromes. However, the precise molecular mechanisms transducing the signals
      from light perception to the inhibition of senescence remain elusive. Here, we
      show that in Arabidopsis, dark-induced senescence requires phytochrome
      interacting transcription factors PIF4 and PIF5 (PIF4/PIF5). ELF3 and phytochrome
      B inhibit senescence by repressing PIF4/PIF5 at the transcriptional and post
      translational levels, respectively. PIF4/PIF5 act in the signalling pathways of
      two senescence-promoting hormones, ethylene and abscisic acid, by directly
      activating expression of EIN3, ABI5 and EEL. In turn, PIF4, PIF5, EIN3, ABI5 and
      EEL directly activate the expression of the major senescence-promoting NAC
      transcription factor ORESARA1, thus forming multiple, coherent feed-forward
      loops. Our results reveal how classical light signalling connects to senescence
      in Arabidopsis. 

PMID- 25119966
TI  - Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in planning the osseous resection margins
      of bony tumours in the proximal femur: based on coronal T1-weighted versus STIR
      images.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the extent of tumours using magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) is the basis for bone resection in limb-salvage surgery. We aimed to
      compare the accuracy of T1-weighted MRI and STIR sequences in measuring the
      extent of proximal femoral tumours, using the macroscopic specimens as the gold
      standard for comparison. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared single coronal T1
      weighted with STIR sequences in 34 proximal femoral tumours, using bivalved
      resected macroscopic tumours for comparison. After randomisation, four observers
      measured longitudinal osseous tumour extent using MRI and specimen photographs on
      two separate occasions, 3 weeks apart. RESULTS: There were 25 metastatic tumours,
      8 chondrosarcomas and 1 myeloma. Eight patients presented with pathological
      fractures. The Pearson's correlation coefficient for comparison of T1 with
      macroscopic tumours was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83 to 0.96) for all
      observers and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81 to 0.95) for STIR images. This difference was
      not statistically significant, and T1 and STIR sequence measurements had similar
      precision and accuracy. Bland-Altman plots showed T1-weighted imaging to be
      unbiased, whereas STIR sequences were biased and had systematic error. Moreover,
      STIR measurements overestimated tumour size by 6.4 mm (95% CI: -26.9 to 39.7 mm)
      and 2 patients were outliers. T1 measurements were closer to the macroscopic
      measurements with a mean difference of 1.3 mm (95% CI: -28.9 mm to 31.5 mm), with
      3 patients falling outside of this. The variance was greater for STIR
      measurements. This difference between T1 and STIR measurements was statistically
      significant (p = 0.000003). The intra-observer reliability between separate
      measurements for MRI and specimen photographs achieved interclass correlation
      coefficients of 0.97, 0.96 and 0.95 (T1, STIR and macroscopic tumour
      respectively). T1 had greater interobserver correlation than for STIR and
      macroscopic tumour measurements (0.88 vs 0.85 and 0.85 respectively). These
      differences in interclass correlation were not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSION: This study has shown T1-weighted MRI sequences to be unbiased
      compared with STIR sequences at determining intra-osseous tumour extent. STIR
      overestimates the length of bone tumours. T1 is therefore preferred for pre
      operative planning for the resection of bone tumours.

PMID- 25119967
TI  - FGFR3-related condition: a skeletal dysplasia with similarities to thanatophoric
      dysplasia and SADDAN due to Lys650Met.
AB  - Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene account for six
      related skeletal dysplasia conditions: achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia,
      thanatophoric dysplasia types 1 and 2, SADDAN (severe achondroplasia with
      developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans), and platyspondylic lethal skeletal
      dysplasia, San Diego type. This group of disorders has very characteristic
      clinical and radiologic features, which distinguish them from other skeletal
      dysplasias. They display a spectrum of severity in the skeletal findings, ranging
      from relatively mild hypochondroplasia to lethal thanatophoric dysplasia. We
      report a patient who has the missense FGFR3 mutation, Lys650Met, previously
      reported in association only with SADDAN, who exhibits some findings similar to
      both thanatophoric dysplasia (types 1 and 2) in addition to those findings
      characteristic of SADDAN. 

PMID- 25119969
TI  - PMCA4 (ATP2B4) mutation in familial spastic paraplegia.
AB  - Familial spastic paraplegia (FSP) is a heterogeneous group of disorders
      characterized primarily by progressive lower limb spasticity and weakness. More
      than 50 disease loci have been described with different modes of inheritance. In
      this study, we identified a novel missense mutation (c.803G>A, p.R268Q) in the
      plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA4, or ATP2B4) gene in a Chinese family with
      autosomal dominant FSP using whole-exome sequencing and confirmed with Sanger
      sequencing. This mutation co-segregated with the phenotype in the six family
      members studied and is predicted to be pathogenic when multiple deleteriousness
      predictions were combined. This novel R268Q mutation was not present in over
      7,000 subjects in public databases, and over 1,000 Han Chinese in our database.
      Prediction of potential functional consequence of R268Q mutation on PMCA4 by
      computational modeling revealed that this mutation is located in protein
      aggregation-prone segment susceptible to protein misfolding. Analysis for
      thermodynamic protein stability indicated that this mutation destabilizes the
      PMCA4 protein structure with higher folding free energy. As PMCA4 functions to
      maintain neuronal calcium homeostasis, our result showed that calcium
      dysregulation may be associated with the pathogenesis of FSP. 

PMID- 25119968
TI  - The role of nibrin in doxorubicin-induced apoptosis and cell senescence in
      Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome patients lymphocytes.
AB  - Nibrin plays an important role in the DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair.
      DDR is a crucial signaling pathway in apoptosis and senescence. To verify whether
      truncated nibrin (p70), causing Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome (NBS), is involved in
      DDR and cell fate upon DNA damage, we used two (S4 and S3R) spontaneously
      immortalized T cell lines from NBS patients, with the founding mutation and a
      control cell line (L5). S4 and S3R cells have the same level of p70 nibrin,
      however p70 from S4 cells was able to form more complexes with ATM and BRCA1.
      Doxorubicin-induced DDR followed by cell senescence could only be observed in L5
      and S4 cells, but not in the S3R ones. Furthermore the S3R cells only underwent
      cell death, but not senescence after doxorubicin treatment. In contrary to
      doxorubicin treatment, cells from all three cell lines were able to activate the
      DDR pathway after being exposed to gamma-radiation. Downregulation of nibrin in
      normal human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) did not prevent the activation
      of DDR and induction of senescence. Our results indicate that a substantially
      reduced level of nibrin or its truncated p70 form is sufficient to induce DNA
      damage dependent senescence in VSMCs and S4 cells, respectively. In doxorubicin
      treated S3R cells DDR activation was severely impaired, thus preventing the
      induction of senescence. 

PMID- 25119970
TI  - Posttranslational protein modifications by reactive nitrogen and chlorine species
      and strategies for their prevention and elimination.
AB  - Proteins are subject to various posttranslational modifications, some of them
      being undesired from the point of view of metabolic efficiency. Prevention of
      such modifications is expected to provide new means of therapy of diseases and
      decelerate the process of aging. In this review, modifications of proteins by
      reactive nitrogen species and reactive halogen species, is briefly presented and
      means of prevention of these modifications and their sequelae are discussed,
      including the denitrase activity and inhibitors of myeloperoxidase.

PMID- 25119974
TI  - Bromide: a pressing issue to address in China's shale gas extraction.

PMID- 25119972
TI  - Targeting BRAF mutant metastatic colorectal cancer: clinical implications and
      emerging therapeutic strategies.
AB  - Increasing knowledge of the underlying signaling pathways and molecular defects
      involved in colorectal cancer growth or progression enabled the discovery of
      several prognostic and predictive biomarkers, leading to the development of novel
      molecularly targeted therapies. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      signaling pathway plays a critical role in colorectal cancer progression.
      Mutations in BRAF, a principal effector of Ras in this signaling cascade, are
      found in 10 % of colorectal cancer and play a clear pathogenic role, particularly
      in patients with metastatic disease. Intense efforts have therefore focused on
      targeting BRAF as an oncogenic driver, with mixed early results. This article
      summarizes the molecular and clinical features of BRAF mutant colorectal cancer,
      the prognostic and predictive role of BRAFV600E mutation in colorectal cancer,
      initial clinical trial results in targeting BRAFV600E, and the more recent
      preclinical insights into potential mechanisms of resistance to BRAF inhibition
      that have now led to a number of rationale-driven combination therapeutic
      strategies. 

PMID- 25119973
TI  - Rebiopsy during disease progression in patients treated by TKI for oncogene
      addicted NSCLC.
AB  - All lung cancer patients with mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or
      rearranged EML4-ALK eventually develop acquired resistance to treatment. Rebiopsy
      may give insight into the resistance mechanisms and direct further lines of
      treatment. Here, we evaluate the potential interest and limitations of rebiopsy.
      Patients with mutant EGFR or rearranged EML4-ALK non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) and acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors were included in a
      retrospective study to determine the percentage of patients who underwent
      rebiopsy and whether rebiopsy would have been possible, or not, in the remaining
      patients. In a cohort of 84 patients from 6 institutions, a biopsy had been
      performed in 39 cases. Biopsy samples were sufficient for histopathological or
      cytological examination in 35 cases (89.7 %). Complete or partial response had
      been observed in 84.5 % of patients whose cancer further progressed and who
      underwent rebiopsy. A biopsy could have been considered in 30 of the 45 remaining
      patients. Those with brain (N = 9) and bone (N = 2) metastases and/or with
      contraindications (N = 6) were excluded (two patients had both brain metastases
      and a contraindication). The rebiopsy target was thoracic in 62 % of cases and on
      distant metastases in 38 % of cases. Patients with NSCLC and an activating
      mutation could undergo a rebiopsy in 72 % of cases. A response to treatment does
      not preclude the possibility of rebiopsy at the time of progression.

PMID- 25119975
TI  - Synthesis of colloidal microgels using oxygen-controlled flow lithography.
AB  - We report a synthesis approach based on stop-flow lithography (SFL) for
      fabricating colloidal microparticles with any arbitrary 2D-extruded shape. By
      modulating the degree of oxygen inhibition during synthesis, we achieved
      previously unattainable particle sizes. Brownian diffusion of colloidal discs in
      bulk suggests the out-of-plane dimension can be as small as 0.8 MUm, which agrees
      with confocal microscopy measurements. We measured the hindered diffusion of
      microdiscs near a solid surface and compared our results to theoretical
      predictions. These colloidal particles can also flow through physiological
      microvascular networks formed by endothelial cells undergoing vasculogensis under
      minimal hydrostatic pressure (~5 mm H2O). This versatile platform creates future
      opportunities for on-chip parametric studies of particle geometry effects on
      particle passage properties, distribution and cellular interactions. 

PMID- 25119976
TI  - Treating the violent patient with psychosis or impulsivity utilizing
      antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-dose monotherapy.
AB  - Insufficient treatment of psychosis often manifests as violent and aggressive
      behaviors that are dangerous to the patient and others, and that warrant
      treatment strategies which are not considered first-line, evidence-based
      practices. Such treatment strategies include both antipsychotic polypharmacy
      (simultaneous use of 2 antipsychotics) and high-dose antipsychotic monotherapy.
      Here we discuss the hypothesized neurobiological substrates of various types of
      violence and aggression, as well as providing arguments for the use of
      antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-dose monotherapy to target dysfunctional
      neurocircuitry in the subpopulation of patients that is treatment-resistant,
      violent, and aggressive. In this review, we focus primarily on the data
      supporting the use of second-generation, atypical antipsychotics both at high
      doses and in combination with other antipsychotics. 

PMID- 25119977
TI  - Zirconium complexes of phenylene-bridged {ONSO} ligands: coordination chemistry
      and stereoselective polymerization of rac-lactide.
AB  - Sequential tetradentate dianionic thio-imine diphenolate ligands featuring an
      ortho-phenylene core and their zirconium complexes are described for the first
      time. Ligands that include different combinations of bulky-alkyl groups and halo
      groups on the two phenol arms were prepared by a substitution/condensation
      reaction sequence. An unexpected fac-fac wrapping mode was found in the solid
      state for the ligands in the octahedral [{ONSO}Zr(O(t)Bu)2] complexes. The
      complexes were all fluxional, and the barrier for enantiomer interconversion was
      found to depend on the phenolate substituents. The complexes were found to
      catalyze the polymerization of rac-lactide to poly(lactic acid) in solution with
      polymer tacticities varying from heterotactic to atactic which showed correlation
      to the nature of phenolate substituents but not to the degree of complex
      fluxionality. 

PMID- 25119978
TI  - Binding free energy based structural dynamics analysis of HIV-1 RT RNase H
      inhibitor complexes.
AB  - Accurate prediction of binding free energies associated with small molecules
      binding to a receptor is a major challenge in drug design processes. To achieve
      this goal many computational methods have been developed ranging from highly
      efficient empirical based docking schemes to high accuracy methods based on e.g.
      free energy calculations. In this study, binding affinity predictions for a set
      of HIV-1 RNase H inhibitors have been performed using MM-PB(GB)/SA methods. The
      current study describes in detail how the choice of initial ligand structures,
      e.g. protonation states, impacts the predicted ranking of the compounds. In
      addition we study the structural dynamics of the RNase H complexes using
      molecular dynamics. The role of each residue contribution to the overall binding
      free energy is also explored and used to explain the variations in the inhibition
      potency. The results reported here can be useful for design of small molecules
      against RNase H activity in the development of effective drugs for HIV treatment.

PMID- 25119979
TI  - Perspectives in Pediatric Pathology, Chapter 12. Congenital Epididymal Anomalies.

PMID- 25119980
TI  - Remember that? Or does it just seem familiar? A sophisticated test for assessing
      memory in humans and animals reveals a specific cognitive impairment following
      general anesthesia in infancy.

PMID- 25119982
TI  - Local coding based matching kernel method for image classification.
AB  - This paper mainly focuses on how to effectively and efficiently measure visual
      similarity for local feature based representation. Among existing methods,
      metrics based on Bag of Visual Word (BoV) techniques are efficient and
      conceptually simple, at the expense of effectiveness. By contrast, kernel based
      metrics are more effective, but at the cost of greater computational complexity
      and increased storage requirements. We show that a unified visual matching
      framework can be developed to encompass both BoV and kernel based metrics, in
      which local kernel plays an important role between feature pairs or between
      features and their reconstruction. Generally, local kernels are defined using
      Euclidean distance or its derivatives, based either explicitly or implicitly on
      an assumption of Gaussian noise. However, local features such as SIFT and HoG
      often follow a heavy-tailed distribution which tends to undermine the motivation
      behind Euclidean metrics. Motivated by recent advances in feature coding
      techniques, a novel efficient local coding based matching kernel (LCMK) method is
      proposed. This exploits the manifold structures in Hilbert space derived from
      local kernels. The proposed method combines advantages of both BoV and kernel
      based metrics, and achieves a linear computational complexity. This enables
      efficient and scalable visual matching to be performed on large scale image sets.
      To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed LCMK method, we conduct extensive
      experiments with widely used benchmark datasets, including 15-Scenes,
      Caltech101/256, PASCAL VOC 2007 and 2011 datasets. Experimental results confirm
      the effectiveness of the relatively efficient LCMK method. 

PMID- 25119981
TI  - Vaccine-mediated immune responses to experimental pulmonary Cryptococcus gattii
      infection in mice.
AB  - Cryptococcus gattii is a fungal pathogen that can cause life-threatening
      respiratory and disseminated infections in immune-competent and immune-suppressed
      individuals. Currently, there are no standardized vaccines against cryptococcosis
      in humans, underlying an urgent need for effective therapies and/or vaccines. In
      this study, we evaluated the efficacy of intranasal immunization with C. gattii
      cell wall associated (CW) and/or cytoplasmic (CP) protein preparations to induce
      protection against experimental pulmonary C. gattii infection in mice. BALB/c
      mice immunized with C. gattii CW and/or CP protein preparations exhibited a
      significant reduction in pulmonary fungal burden and prolonged survival following
      pulmonary challenge with C. gattii. Protection was associated with significantly
      increased pro-inflammatory and Th1-type cytokine recall responses, in vitro and
      increased C. gattii-specific antibody production in immunized mice challenged
      with C. gattii. A number of immunodominant proteins were identified following
      immunoblot analysis of C. gattii CW and CP protein preparations using sera from
      immunized mice. Immunization with a combined CW and CP protein preparation
      resulted in an early increase in pulmonary T cell infiltrates following challenge
      with C. gattii. Overall, our studies show that C. gattii CW and CP protein
      preparations contain antigens that may be included in a subunit vaccine to induce
      prolonged protection against pulmonary C. gattii infection. 

PMID- 25119983
TI  - Diversity of selected Lupinus angustifolius L. genotypes at the phenotypic and
      DNA level with respect to microscopic seed coat structure and thickness.
AB  - The paper investigates seed coat characteristics (as a percentage of overall seed
      diameter) in Lupinus angustifolius L., a potential forage crop. In the study ten
      L. angustifolius genotypes, including three Polish cultivars, two Australian
      cultivars, three mutants originated from cv. 'Emir', and one Belarusian and one
      Australian breeding line were evaluated. The highest seed coat percentage was
      recorded in cultivars 'Sonet' and 'Emir'. The lowest seed coat thickness
      percentage (below 20%) was noted for breeding lines 11257-19, LAG24 and cultivar
      'Zeus' (17.87%, 18.91% 19.60%, respectively). Despite having low seed weight, the
      Australian line no. 11257-19 was characterized by a desirable proportion of seed
      coat to the weight of seeds. In general, estimation of the correlation
      coefficient indicated a tendency that larger seeds had thinner coats. Scanning
      Electron Microscopy images showed low variation of seed coat sculpture and the
      top of seeds covered with a cuticle. Most of the studied genotypes were
      characterized by a cristatepapillate seed coat surface, formed by elongated
      polygonal cells. Only breeding line no. 11267-19 had a different shape of the
      cells building the surface layer of the coat. In order to illustrate genetic
      diversity among the genotypes tested, 24 ISSR primers were used. They generated a
      total of 161 polymorphic amplification products in 10 evaluated narrow-leaved
      lupin genotypes. 

PMID- 25119984
TI  - Differential responses of herbivores and herbivory to management in temperate
      European beech.
AB  - Forest management not only affects biodiversity but also might alter ecosystem
      processes mediated by the organisms, i.e. herbivory the removal of plant biomass
      by plant-eating insects and other arthropod groups. Aiming at revealing general
      relationships between forest management and herbivory we investigated aboveground
      arthropod herbivory in 105 plots dominated by European beech in three different
      regions in Germany in the sun-exposed canopy of mature beech trees and on beech
      saplings in the understorey. We separately assessed damage by different guilds of
      herbivores, i.e. chewing, sucking and scraping herbivores, gall-forming insects
      and mites, and leaf-mining insects. We asked whether herbivory differs among
      different forest management regimes (unmanaged, uneven-aged managed, even-aged
      managed) and among age-classes within even-aged forests. We further tested for
      consistency of relationships between regions, strata and herbivore guilds. On
      average, almost 80% of beech leaves showed herbivory damage, and about 6% of leaf
      area was consumed. Chewing damage was most common, whereas leaf sucking and
      scraping damage were very rare. Damage was generally greater in the canopy than
      in the understorey, in particular for chewing and scraping damage, and the
      occurrence of mines. There was little difference in herbivory among differently
      managed forests and the effects of management on damage differed among regions,
      strata and damage types. Covariates such as wood volume, tree density and plant
      diversity weakly influenced herbivory, and effects differed between herbivory
      types. We conclude that despite of the relatively low number of species attacking
      beech; arthropod herbivory on beech is generally high. We further conclude that
      responses of herbivory to forest management are multifaceted and environmental
      factors such as forest structure variables affecting in particular microclimatic
      conditions are more likely to explain the variability in herbivory among beech
      forest plots. 

PMID- 25119985
TI  - Modulation of GABA-A receptors of astrocytes and STC-1 cells by taurine
      structural analogs.
AB  - Taurine activates and modulates GABA receptors in vivo as well as those expressed
      in heterologous systems. This study aimed to determine whether the structural
      analogs of taurine: homotaurine and hypotaurine, have the ability to activate
      GABA-A receptors that include GABArho subunits. The expression of GABA-A
      receptors containing GABArho has been reported in the STC-1 cells and astrocytes.
      In both cell types, taurine, homo-, and hypotaurine gated with low efficiency a
      picrotoxin-sensitive GABA-A receptor. The known bimodal modulatory effect of
      taurine on GABArho receptors was not observed; however, differences between the
      activation and deactivation rates were detected when they were perfused together
      with GABA. In silico docking simulations suggested that taurine, hypo-, and
      homotaurine do not form a cation-pi interaction such as that generated by GABA in
      the agonist-binding site of GABArho. This observation complements the
      electrophysiological data suggesting that taurine and its analogs act as partial
      agonists of GABA-A receptors. All the observations above suggest that the
      structural analogs of taurine are partial agonists of GABA-A receptors that
      occupy the agonist-binding site, but their structures do not allow the proper
      interaction with the receptor to fully gate its Cl(-) channel. 

PMID- 25119986
TI  - Adjuvant chemotherapy after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: a comparative
      study using inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The role of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) after radical cystectomy for
      bladder cancer remains unclear. This study evaluated the benefits of cisplatin
      based AC plus surgery versus surgery alone in patients with bladder cancer.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 746 patients who underwent radical
      cystectomy for bladder cancer were reviewed. The association between AC and
      survival was analyzed using Cox regression models. To reduce the impact of
      treatment selection bias and potential confounding in an observational study,
      significant differences in patient characteristics were rigorously adjusted using
      inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting (IPTW). RESULTS: The cohort consisted
      of 746 patients (664 men and 82 women) of mean age 62.4 years and median follow
      up of 64.3 months (range, 1-231.4 months). Of these patients, 176 (23.6%)
      received AC after cystectomy and 570 (76.4%) underwent cystectomy alone. Patients
      who received AC were significantly younger (60 vs. 63 years, p = 0.001) and
      significantly more likely to have high pathologic T stage (p = 0.001), lymph node
      metastasis (p = 0.001), high grade (p = 0.001), and lymphovascular invasion (p =
      0.001) than patients who underwent cystectomy alone. Multivariable analysis
      showed a cancer-specific survival (CSS) benefit for AC [hazard ratio (HR) 0.56,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.80, p = 0.002], as did low pathologic T
      stage, absence of lymph node metastasis, and absence of lymphovascular invasion.
      After IPTW adjustment for baseline characteristics, AC remained an independent
      predictor of CSS (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.69-0.99, p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Cisplatin
      based AC after radical cystectomy had survival benefits in patients with bladder
      cancer, even after IPTW adjustment for confounding variables.

PMID- 25119987
TI  - Severe gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with locally advanced head and neck
      squamous cell carcinoma treated by concurrent radiotherapy and Cetuximab.
AB  - PURPOSE: Concurrent administration of Cetuximab with radiotherapy (Cetuximab
      radiation) has been accepted as an alternative option for locally advanced head
      and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The purpose of this study was to
      retrospectively compare complications of Cetuximab-radiation with those of
      concurrent chemoradiation (cCRT) with a special concern on gastrointestinal (GI)
      hemorrhage associated with Cetuximab-radiation. METHODS: Indication of Cetuximab
      radiation/cCRT for locally advanced HNSCC was primary, postoperative adjuvant, or
      salvage after recurrence. Our first choice for patients with advanced HNSCC was
      cCRT; however, if patients did not have enough organ function but with a
      favorable performance status, Cetuximab-radiation was applied. RESULTS: From
      April 2013 to March 2014, 30 patients were identified who were treated with
      Cetuximab-radiation or cCRT and each cohort consisted of 15 patients. Patients in
      Cetuximab-radiation cohort suffered from a statistically higher rate of G3/4
      dermatitis compared with cCRT cohort (80 vs. 13.3%, respectively, p < 0.001).
      More patients required unexpected hospitalization due to deterioration of their
      general condition and total parenteral nutrition in Cetuximab-radiation cohort (p
      = 0.011 and p = 0.025, respectively). While none experienced GI bleeding in cCRT
      cohort, four patients experienced GI bleeding including two grade 4 bleeding in
      Cetuximab-radiation cohort (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is probable that there
      exists a group of patients who are susceptible for Cetuximab-radiation not only
      in terms of well-known dermatitis and mucositis but also of gastrointestinal
      complications.

PMID- 25119988
TI  - Genome analysis of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Subsp. plantarum UCMB5113: a
      rhizobacterium that improves plant growth and stress management.
AB  - The Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum strain UCMB5113 is a Gram
      positive rhizobacterium that can colonize plant roots and stimulate plant growth
      and defense based on unknown mechanisms. This reinforcement of plants may provide
      protection to various forms of biotic and abiotic stress. To determine the
      genetic traits involved in the mechanism of plant-bacteria association, the
      genome sequence of UCMB5113 was obtained by assembling paired-end Illumina reads.
      The assembled chromosome of 3,889,532 bp was predicted to encode 3,656 proteins.
      Genes that potentially contribute to plant growth promotion such as indole-3
      acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis, acetoin synthesis and siderophore production were
      identified. Moreover, annotation identified putative genes responsible for non
      ribosomal synthesis of secondary metabolites and genes supporting environment
      fitness of UCMB5113 including drug and metal resistance. A large number of genes
      encoding a diverse set of secretory proteins, enzymes of primary and secondary
      metabolism and carbohydrate active enzymes were found which reflect a high
      capacity to degrade various rhizosphere macromolecules. Additionally, many
      predicted membrane transporters provides the bacterium with efficient uptake
      capabilities of several nutrients. Although, UCMB5113 has the possibility to
      produce antibiotics and biosurfactants, the protective effect of plants to
      pathogens seems to be indirect and due to priming of plant induced systemic
      resistance. The availability of the genome enables identification of genes and
      their function underpinning beneficial interactions of UCMB5113 with plants. 

PMID- 25119989
TI  - Cyclophilin A (CypA) interacts with NF-kappaB subunit, p65/RelA, and contributes
      to NF-kappaB activation signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peptidyl-prolyl isomerase cyclophilin A (CypA) plays important roles
      in signaling, protein translocation, inflammation, and cancer formation. However,
      little is known about the mechanisms by which CypA exerts its effects. C57BL/6
      Ppia (encoding CypA)-deficient embryonic fibroblasts show reduced activation of
      the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB),
      the p65/RelA subunit, suggesting that CypA may mediate modulation of NF-kappaB
      activity to exert its biological effects. METHODOLOGY: Western blotting and qRT
      PCR analyses were used to evaluate the association of CypA deficiency with
      reduced activation of NF-kappaB/p65 at the protein level. GST pull-down and co
      immunoprecipitation were used to examine interactions between CypA and p65/RelA.
      Truncation mutants and site-directed mutagenesis were used to determine the
      sequences of p65/RelA required for interactions with CypA. Enhancement of
      p65/RelA nuclear translocation by CypA was assessed by co-transfection and
      immunofluorescent imaging. Treatment of cells with cycloheximide that were
      harvested at various time points for Western blot analyses was carried out to
      evaluate p65/RelA protein stability. The functional activity of NF-kappaB was
      assessed by electrophoretic mobility-shift assays (EMSA), luciferase assays, and
      changes in expression levels of target genes. RESULTS: GST pull-down assays in
      vitro and co-immunoprecipitation analyses in vivo provided evidence for protein
      protein interactions. These interactions were further supported by identification
      of a CypA-binding consensus-like sequence within NF-kappaB subunit p65 at the N
      terminal 170-176 amino acid residues. Significantly, CypA provided stability for
      NF-kappaB p65 and promoted NF-kappaB p65 nuclear translocation, resulting in
      increased nuclear accumulation and enhanced NF-kappaB activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings revealed important mechanisms that regulate NF-kappaB activation, and
      offer new insights into the role of CypA in aberrant activation of NF-kappaB
      mediated signaling for altered expression of its target genes, resulting in
      pathological effects in various diseases.

PMID- 25119991
TI  - Comparative analysis of seven viral nuclear export signals (NESs) reveals the
      crucial role of nuclear export mediated by the third NES consensus sequence of
      nucleoprotein (NP) in influenza A virus replication.
AB  - The assembly of influenza virus progeny virions requires machinery that exports
      viral genomic ribonucleoproteins from the cell nucleus. Currently, seven nuclear
      export signal (NES) consensus sequences have been identified in different viral
      proteins, including NS1, NS2, M1, and NP. The present study examined the roles of
      viral NES consensus sequences and their significance in terms of viral
      replication and nuclear export. Mutation of the NP-NES3 consensus sequence
      resulted in a failure to rescue viruses using a reverse genetics approach,
      whereas mutation of the NS2-NES1 and NS2-NES2 sequences led to a strong reduction
      in viral replication kinetics compared with the wild-type sequence. While the
      viral replication kinetics for other NES mutant viruses were also lower than
      those of the wild-type, the difference was not so marked. Immunofluorescence
      analysis after transient expression of NP-NES3, NS2-NES1, or NS2-NES2 proteins in
      host cells showed that they accumulated in the cell nucleus. These results
      suggest that the NP-NES3 consensus sequence is mostly required for viral
      replication. Therefore, each of the hydrophobic (Phi) residues within this NES
      consensus sequence (Phi1, Phi2, Phi3, or Phi4) was mutated, and its viral
      replication and nuclear export function were analyzed. No viruses harboring NP
      NES3 Phi2 or Phi3 mutants could be rescued. Consistent with this, the NP-NES3
      Phi2 and Phi3 mutants showed reduced binding affinity with CRM1 in a pull-down
      assay, and both accumulated in the cell nucleus. Indeed, a nuclear export assay
      revealed that these mutant proteins showed lower nuclear export activity than the
      wild-type protein. Moreover, the Phi2 and Phi3 residues (along with other Phi
      residues) within the NP-NES3 consensus were highly conserved among different
      influenza A viruses, including human, avian, and swine. Taken together, these
      results suggest that the Phi2 and Phi3 residues within the NP-NES3 protein are
      important for its nuclear export function during viral replication. 

PMID- 25119992
TI  - Kinetic analysis of the multistep aggregation mechanism of monoclonal antibodies.
AB  - We investigate by kinetic analysis the aggregation mechanism of two monoclonal
      antibodies belonging to the IgG1 and IgG2 subclass under thermal stress. For each
      IgG, we apply a combination of size exclusion chromatography and light scattering
      techniques to resolve the time evolution of the monomer, dimer, and trimer
      concentrations, as well as the average molecular weight and the average
      hydrodynamic radius of the aggregate distribution. By combining the detailed
      experimental characterization with a theoretical kinetic model based on
      population balance equations, we extract relevant information on the contribution
      of the individual elementary steps on the global aggregation process. The
      analysis shows that the two molecules follow different aggregation pathways under
      the same operating conditions. In particular, while the monomer depletion of the
      IgG1 is found to be rate-limited by monomeric conformational changes, bimolecular
      collision is identified as the rate-limiting step in the IgG2 aggregation
      process. The measurement of the microscopic rate constants by kinetic analysis
      allows the quantification of the protein-protein interaction potentials expressed
      in terms of the Fuchs stability ratio (W). It is found that the antibody
      solutions exhibit large W values, which are several orders of magnitude larger
      than the values computed in the frame of the DLVO theory. This indicates that,
      besides net electrostatic repulsion, additional effects delay the aggregation
      kinetics of the antibody solutions with respect to diffusion-limited conditions.
      These effects likely include the limited efficiency of the collision events due
      to the presence of a limited number of specific aggregation-prone patches on the
      heterogeneous protein surface, and the contribution of additional repulsive non
      DLVO forces to the protein-protein interaction potential, such as hydration
      forces. 

PMID- 25119993
TI  - Isoegomaketone induces apoptosis in SK-MEL-2 human melanoma cells through
      mitochondrial apoptotic pathway via activating the PI3K/Akt pathway.
AB  - Isoegomaketone (IK) is a major biologically active component of Perilla
      frutescens. In this study, we investigated the contribution of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) to IK-induced apoptosis in human melanoma SK-MEL-2 cells. We found
      that IK inhibited the proliferation of SK-MEL-2 human melanoma cells in a dose
      dependent manner. IK also induced sub-G1 DNA accumulation, formation of apoptotic
      bodies, nuclear condensation, and a DNA ladder in SK-MEL-2 cells. IK also induced
      activation of caspase-3 and -9, whereas caspase-8 was unaffected. Further, N
      acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, ROS scavenger) treatment to SK-MEL-2 cells significantly
      reduced IK-induced cell death. Pretreatment of NAC to SK-MEL-2 cells followed by
      100 uM IK reduced the protein levels of Bax and cytochrome c as well as PARP
      cleavage, whereas the protein level of Bcl-2 increased. Moreover, IK inhibited
      the phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR protein and cell proliferation induced by
      LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor. In conclusion, IK-induced ROS generation regulates
      cell growth inhibition and it induces apoptosis through caspase-dependent and 
      independent pathways via modulation of PI3K/AKT signaling in SK-MEL-2 cells.

PMID- 25119994
TI  - Preparation and in vitro/in vivo characterization of tranilast-AMP clay complex
      for improving drug dissolution and bioavailability.
AB  - The present study aimed to develop an effective oral formulation of tranilast
      (TL), a poorly soluble anti-inflammatory drug, via the formation of drug complex
      with 3-aminopropyl functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate (AMP clay) and improve
      the pH-dependent drug dissolution and bioavailability of TL. The drug-clay
      complex (TL-AMP complex) was prepared by co-precipitation method and its
      structural properties were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The
      dissolution profiles of TL-AMP complex were evaluated at different pHs. The
      formation of TL-AMP complex significantly improved the dissolution rate as well
      as the extent of drug release at acidic pHs, while the dissolution of untreated
      TL was negligible at pH 1.2 and 4.0. TL-AMP complex also achieved faster drug
      release than untreated drug (about 90 vs 30 % within 30 min) at pH 6.8. After
      oral administration to rats, TL-AMP complex enhanced significantly (p < 0.05)
      oral drug exposure and increased Cmax and AUC by six- and threefolds,
      respectively, compared to untreated TL. In conclusion, TL-AMP complex may be
      promising to improve the pH-dependent dissolution as well as bioavailability of
      TL.

PMID- 25119995
TI  - Identification of significant features by the Global Mean Rank test.
AB  - With the introduction of omics-technologies such as transcriptomics and
      proteomics, numerous methods for the reliable identification of significantly
      regulated features (genes, proteins, etc.) have been developed. Experimental
      practice requires these tests to successfully deal with conditions such as small
      numbers of replicates, missing values, non-normally distributed expression
      levels, and non-identical distributions of features. With the MeanRank test we
      aimed at developing a test that performs robustly under these conditions, while
      favorably scaling with the number of replicates. The test proposed here is a
      global one-sample location test, which is based on the mean ranks across
      replicates, and internally estimates and controls the false discovery rate.
      Furthermore, missing data is accounted for without the need of imputation. In
      extensive simulations comparing MeanRank to other frequently used methods, we
      found that it performs well with small and large numbers of replicates, feature
      dependent variance between replicates, and variable regulation across features on
      simulation data and a recent two-color microarray spike-in dataset. The tests
      were then used to identify significant changes in the phosphoproteomes of cancer
      cells induced by the kinase inhibitors erlotinib and 3-MB-PP1 in two
      independently published mass spectrometry-based studies. MeanRank outperformed
      the other global rank-based methods applied in this study. Compared to the
      popular Significance Analysis of Microarrays and Linear Models for Microarray
      methods, MeanRank performed similar or better. Furthermore, MeanRank exhibits
      more consistent behavior regarding the degree of regulation and is robust against
      the choice of preprocessing methods. MeanRank does not require any imputation of
      missing values, is easy to understand, and yields results that are easy to
      interpret. The software implementing the algorithm is freely available for
      academic and commercial use. 

PMID- 25119996
TI  - Rising CO2 levels will intensify phytoplankton blooms in eutrophic and
      hypertrophic lakes.
AB  - Harmful algal blooms threaten the water quality of many eutrophic and
      hypertrophic lakes and cause severe ecological and economic damage worldwide.
      Dense blooms often deplete the dissolved CO2 concentration and raise pH. Yet,
      quantitative prediction of the feedbacks between phytoplankton growth, CO2
      drawdown and the inorganic carbon chemistry of aquatic ecosystems has received
      surprisingly little attention. Here, we develop a mathematical model to predict
      dynamic changes in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), pH and alkalinity during
      phytoplankton bloom development. We tested the model in chemostat experiments
      with the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa at different CO2
      levels. The experiments showed that dense blooms sequestered large amounts of
      atmospheric CO2, not only by their own biomass production but also by inducing a
      high pH and alkalinity that enhanced the capacity for DIC storage in the system.
      We used the model to explore how phytoplankton blooms of eutrophic waters will
      respond to rising CO2 levels. The model predicts that (1) dense phytoplankton
      blooms in low- and moderately alkaline waters can deplete the dissolved CO2
      concentration to limiting levels and raise the pH over a relatively wide range of
      atmospheric CO2 conditions, (2) rising atmospheric CO2 levels will enhance
      phytoplankton blooms in low- and moderately alkaline waters with high nutrient
      loads, and (3) above some threshold, rising atmospheric CO2 will alleviate
      phytoplankton blooms from carbon limitation, resulting in less intense CO2
      depletion and a lesser increase in pH. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the
      model predictions were qualitatively robust. Quantitatively, the predictions were
      sensitive to variation in lake depth, DIC input and CO2 gas transfer across the
      air-water interface, but relatively robust to variation in the carbon uptake
      mechanisms of phytoplankton. In total, these findings warn that rising CO2 levels
      may result in a marked intensification of phytoplankton blooms in eutrophic and
      hypertrophic waters. 

PMID- 25119997
TI  - Hemispheric asymmetry in the auditory facilitation effect in dual-stream rapid
      serial visual presentation tasks.
AB  - Even though auditory stimuli do not directly convey information related to visual
      stimuli, they often improve visual detection and identification performance.
      Auditory stimuli often alter visual perception depending on the reliability of
      the sensory input, with visual and auditory information reciprocally compensating
      for ambiguity in the other sensory domain. Perceptual processing is characterized
      by hemispheric asymmetry. While the left hemisphere is more involved in
      linguistic processing, the right hemisphere dominates spatial processing. In this
      context, we hypothesized that an auditory facilitation effect in the right visual
      field for the target identification task, and a similar effect would be observed
      in the left visual field for the target localization task. In the present study,
      we conducted target identification and localization tasks using a dual-stream
      rapid serial visual presentation. When two targets are embedded in a rapid serial
      visual presentation stream, the target detection or discrimination performance
      for the second target is generally lower than for the first target; this deficit
      is well known as attentional blink. Our results indicate that auditory stimuli
      improved target identification performance for the second target within the
      stream when visual stimuli were presented in the right, but not the left visual
      field. In contrast, auditory stimuli improved second target localization
      performance when visual stimuli were presented in the left visual field. An
      auditory facilitation effect was observed in perceptual processing, depending on
      the hemispheric specialization. Our results demonstrate a dissociation between
      the lateral visual hemifield in which a stimulus is projected and the kind of
      visual judgment that may benefit from the presentation of an auditory cue. 

PMID- 25119998
TI  - The 5 kDa protein NdhP is essential for stable NDH-1L assembly in
      Thermosynechococcus elongatus.
AB  - The cyanobacterial NADPH:plastoquinone oxidoreductase complex (NDH-1), that is
      related to Complex I of eubacteria and mitochondria, plays a pivotal role in
      respiration as well as in cyclic electron transfer (CET) around PSI and is
      involved in a unique carbon concentration mechanism (CCM). Despite many
      achievements in the past, the complex protein composition and the specific
      function of many subunits of the different NDH-1 species remain elusive. We have
      recently discovered in a NDH-1 preparation from Thermosynechococcus elongatus two
      novel single transmembrane peptides (NdhP, NdhQ) with molecular weights below 5
      kDa. Here we show that NdhP is a unique component of the ~ 450 kDa NDH-1L
      complex, that is involved in respiration and CET at high CO2 concentration, and
      not detectable in the NDH-1MS and NDH-1MS' complexes that play a role in carbon
      concentration. C-terminal fusion of NdhP with his-tagged superfolder GFP and the
      subsequent analysis of the purified complex by electron microscopy and single
      particle averaging revealed its localization in the NDH-1L specific distal unit
      of the NDH-1 complex, that is formed by the subunits NdhD1 and NdhF1. Moreover,
      NdhP is essential for NDH-1L formation, as this type of NDH-1 was not detectable
      in a DeltandhP::Km mutant.

PMID- 25119999
TI  - Modelling size structured food webs using a modified niche model with two
      predator traits.
AB  - The structure of food webs is frequently described using phenomenological
      stochastic models. A prominent example, the niche model, was found to produce
      artificial food webs resembling real food webs according to a range of summary
      statistics. However, the size structure of food webs generated by the niche model
      and real food webs has not yet been rigorously compared. To fill this void, I use
      a body mass based version of the niche model and compare prey-predator body mass
      allometry and predator-prey body mass ratios predicted by the model to empirical
      data. The results show that the model predicts weaker size structure than
      observed in many real food webs. I introduce a modified version of the niche
      model which allows to control the strength of size-dependence of predator-prey
      links. In this model, optimal prey body mass depends allometrically on predator
      body mass and on a second trait, such as foraging mode. These empirically
      motivated extensions of the model allow to represent size structure of real food
      webs realistically and can be used to generate artificial food webs varying in
      several aspects of size structure in a controlled way. Hence, by explicitly
      including the role of species traits, this model provides new opportunities for
      simulating the consequences of size structure for food web dynamics and
      stability. 

PMID- 25120000
TI  - RNAseq analysis of cassava reveals similar plant responses upon infection with
      pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: An RNAseq-based analysis of the cassava plants inoculated with Xam
      allowed the identification of transcriptional upregulation of genes involved in
      jasmonate metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and putative targets for a
      TALE. Cassava bacterial blight, a disease caused by the gram-negative bacterium
      Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam), is a major limitation to cassava
      production worldwide and especially in developing countries. The molecular
      mechanisms underlying cassava susceptibility to Xam are currently unknown. To
      identify host genes and pathways leading to plant susceptibility, we analyzed the
      transcriptomic responses occurring in cassava plants challenged with either the
      non-pathogenic Xam strain ORST4, or strain ORST4(TALE1 Xam ) which is pathogenic
      due to the major virulence transcription activator like effector TALE1 Xam . Both
      strains triggered similar responses, i.e., induction of genes related to
      photosynthesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and repression of genes related
      to jasmonic acid signaling. Finally, to search for TALE1 Xam virulence targets,
      we scanned the list of cassava genes induced upon inoculation of ORST4(TALE1 Xam
      ) for candidates harboring a predicted TALE1 Xam effector binding element in
      their promoter. Among the six genes identified as potential candidate targets of
      TALE1 Xam a gene coding for a heat shock transcription factor stands out as the
      best candidate based on their induction in presence of TALE1 Xam and contain a
      sequence putatively recognized by TALE1 Xam .

PMID- 25120002
TI  - Epidermal stem cells in the isthmus/infundibulum influence hair shaft
      differentiation: evidence from targeted DLX3 deletion.

PMID- 25120001
TI  - Knockdown of the 7S globulin subunits shifts distribution of nitrogen sources to
      the residual protein fraction in transgenic soybean seeds.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: A platform of gene silencing by amiRNA had been established in
      fertile transgenic soybean. We demonstrated that knockdown of storage protein
      shifted the distribution of nitrogen sources in soybean seeds. Artificial
      microRNAs (amiRNAs) were designed using the precursor sequence of the endogenous
      soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) miRNA gma-miR159a and expressed in transgenic
      soybean plants to suppress the biosynthesis of 7S globulin, which is one of the
      major storage proteins. Seed-specific expression of these amiRNAs (amiR-7S)
      resulted in a strong suppression of 7S globulin subunit genes and decreased
      accumulation of the 7S globulin subunits in seeds. Thus, the results demonstrate
      that a platform for gene silencing by amiRNA was first developed in fertile
      transgenic soybean plants. There was no difference in nitrogen, carbon, and lipid
      contents between amiR-7S and control seeds. Four protein fractions were collected
      from defatted mature seeds on the basis of solubility at different pH to examine
      the distribution of nitrogen sources and compensatory effects. In the whey and
      lipophilic fractions, nitrogen content was similar in amiR-7S and control seeds.
      Nitrogen content was significantly decreased in the major soluble protein
      fraction and increased in the residual fraction (okara) of the amiR-7S seeds.
      Amino acid analysis revealed that increased nitrogen compounds in okara were
      proteins or peptides rather than free amino acids. Our study indicates that the
      decrease in 7S globulin subunits shifts the distribution of nitrogen sources to
      okara in transgenic soybean seeds.

PMID- 25120005
TI  - Immunogenicity of biotherapy used in psoriasis: the science behind the scenes.
AB  - A potential limitation in the use of biologic drugs used to treat psoriasis is
      the development of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). Many factors contribute to this
      unwanted immune response, from the product itself, to its mode of administration,
      the underlying disease, and patient characteristics. ADAs may decrease the
      efficacy of biologic drugs by neutralizing them or modifying their clearance and
      may account for hypersensitivity reactions. This article reviews the scientific
      basis of immunogenicity and the mechanisms by which it affects clinical outcomes.
      It also considers testing for immunogenicity and how biologic therapy of
      psoriasis may be tailored on the basis of immunogenicity. 

PMID- 25120007
TI  - Biophysical characterisation of calumenin as a charged F508del-CFTR folding
      modulator.
AB  - The cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) is a cyclic-AMP dependent
      chloride channel expressed at the apical surface of epithelial cells lining
      various organs such as the respiratory tract. Defective processing and
      functioning of this protein caused by mutations in the CFTR gene results in loss
      of ionic balance, defective mucus clearance, increased proliferation of biofilms
      and inflammation of human airways observed in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The
      process by which CFTR folds and matures under the influence of various chaperones
      in the secretory pathway remains incompletely understood. Recently, calumenin, a
      secretory protein, belonging to the CREC family of low affinity calcium binding
      proteins has been identified as a putative CFTR chaperone whose biophysical
      properties and functions remain uncharacterized. We compared hydropathy,
      instability, charge, unfoldability, disorder and aggregation propensity of
      calumenin and other CREC family members with CFTR associated chaperones and
      calcium binding proteins, wild-type and mutant CFTR proteins and intrinsically
      disordered proteins (IDPs). We observed that calumenin, along with other CREC
      proteins, was significantly more charged and less folded compared to CFTR
      associated chaperones. Moreover like IDPs, calumenin and other CREC proteins were
      found to be less hydrophobic and aggregation prone. Phylogenetic analysis
      revealed a close link between calumenin and other CREC proteins indicating how
      evolution might have shaped their similar biophysical properties. Experimentally,
      calumenin was observed to significantly reduce F508del-CFTR aggregation in a
      manner similar to AavLEA1, a well-characterized IDP. Fluorescence microscopy
      based imaging analysis also revealed altered trafficking of calumenin in
      bronchial cells expressing F508del-CFTR, indicating its direct role in the
      pathophysiology of CF. In conclusion, calumenin is characterized as a charged
      protein exhibiting close similarity with IDPs and is hypothesized to regulate
      F508del-CFTR folding by electrostatic effects. This work provides useful insights
      for designing optimized synthetic structural correctors of CFTR mutant proteins
      in the future. 

PMID- 25120009
TI  - Baseline patient characteristics, incidence of CINV, and physician perception of
      CINV incidence following moderately and highly emetogenic chemotherapy in Asia
      Pacific countries.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper describes the incidence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and
      vomiting (CINV) after highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC or MEC)
      for cancer in six Asia Pacific countries. METHODS: Sequential adult patients
      naive to chemotherapy and scheduled to receive at least two cycles of single-day
      HEC or MEC were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Patients
      completed the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC)
      Antiemesis Tool on post-chemotherapy days 2 and 6 to record acute-phase (first 24
      h) and delayed-phase (days 2-5) CINV. RESULTS: There were 648 evaluable patients
      (318 HEC, 330 MEC) from Australia (n = 74), China (153), India (88), Singapore
      (57), South Korea (151), and Taiwan (125). Mean (SD) patient age was 56 (12) and
      58% of patients were women; the most common primary cancers were breast (27%),
      lung (22%), and colon (20%). Overall in cycle 1, complete response (no emesis or
      rescue antiemetics) was recorded by 69% (95% confidence interval (CI), 66-73) of
      all evaluable patients, with country percentages ranging from 55 to 78% (p <
      0.001). After HEC, no emesis was recorded by 75% and no nausea by 38% of
      patients. After MEC, 80% had no emesis and 50% no nausea. Acute-phase CINV was
      better controlled than delayed-phase CINV, and the control of nausea was the
      lowest of any CINV measure in all phases. In a CINV perception survey, physicians
      tended to overestimate emesis rate and underestimate nausea rate. CONCLUSIONS:
      CINV remains a substantial problem, and country-specific information about CINV
      can be useful in developing strategies to improve outcomes for patients
      undergoing chemotherapy.

PMID- 25120008
TI  - Research in cancer care disparities in countries with universal healthcare:
      mapping the field and its conceptual contours.
AB  - The paper reviews published studies focused on disparities in receipt of cancer
      treatments and supportive care services in countries where cancer care is free at
      the point of access. We map these studies in terms of the equity stratifiers they
      examined, the countries in which they took place, and the care settings and
      cancer populations they investigated. Based on this map, we reflect on patterns
      of scholarly attention to equity and disparity in cancer care. We then consider
      conceptual challenges and opportunities in the field, including how treatment
      disparities are defined, how equity stratifiers are defined and conceptualized
      and how disparities are explained, with special attention to the challenge of
      psychosocial explanations.

PMID- 25120010
TI  - Distress among caregivers of phase I trial participants: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The number of patients with cancer enrolling in phase I trials is
      expected to increase as these trials incorporate patient selection and exhibit
      greater efficacy in the era of targeted therapies. Despite the fact that people
      with advanced cancer often require a caregiver, little is known about the
      experience of caregivers of people enrolling in oncology phase I clinical trials.
      We conducted a cross-sectional study assessing the distress and emotion
      regulation of caregivers of phase I trial participants to inform the design of
      future interventions targeting the unique needs of this population. METHODS:
      Caregivers of oncology patients were approached at the patient's phase I clinical
      trial screening visit. Caregiver participants completed a one-time survey
      incorporating validated instruments to comprehensively assess distress and
      emotion regulation. Basic demographic information about both the caregiver and
      patient was collected. RESULTS: Caregivers exhibited greater distress than
      population norms. Emotion regulation was also moderately impaired. Respondents
      identified positive aspects of caregiving despite exhibiting moderate distress.
      CONCLUSION: Enrollment of a patient in a phase I clinical trial is a time of
      stress for their caregivers. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of
      engaging caregivers of phase I trial participants and the need to better support
      them through this component of their caregiving experience.

PMID- 25120011
TI  - Reproductive health and endocrine disruption in women with breast cancer: a pilot
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess whether incorporation of an
      original reproductive health assessment and algorithm into breast cancer care
      helps providers appropriately manage patient reproductive health goals and to
      follow laboratory markers for fertility and correlate these with menstruation.
      METHODS: This prospective observational pilot study was set in an urban, public
      hospital. Newly diagnosed premenopausal breast cancer patients between 18 and 49
      years old were recruited for this study prior to chemotherapy initiation. As the
      intervention, these patients received a reproductive health assessment and care
      per the study algorithm at 3-month intervals for 24 months. Blood samples were
      also collected at the same time intervals. The main outcome measures were to
      assess if the reproductive health management was consistent with patient goals
      and to track any follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid-stimulating
      hormone (TSH) level changes throughout treatment and post-treatment period.
      RESULTS: Two patients were pregnant at study initiation. They received obstetric
      consultations, opted to continue pregnancies, and postpone treatment; both
      delivered at term without complications. One woman desired future childbearing
      and received fertility preservation counseling. All women received family
      planning consultations and received/continued effective contraceptive methods.
      Seventy-three percent used long-term contraception, 18 % remained abstinent, and
      9 % used condoms. During chemotherapy, FSH rose to menopausal levels in 82 % of
      patients and TSH rose significantly in 9 %. While 82 % of women experienced
      amenorrhea, 44 % of these women resumed menstruation after chemotherapy.
      CONCLUSIONS: The assessment and algorithm were useful in managing patients'
      reproductive health needs. Chemotherapy-induced endocrine disruption impacted
      reproductive health.

PMID- 25120012
TI  - Peripherally inserted central catheters in non-hospitalized cancer patients: 5
      year results of a prospective study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Few prospective follow-up studies evaluating the use of peripherally
      inserted central catheters (PICCs) to deliver chemotherapy and/or home parenteral
      nutrition (HPN) have focused exclusively on oncology outpatients. The aim of this
      prospective study was to assess the reliability and the safety of PICCs over a 5
      year use in non-hospitalized cancer patients requiring long-term intravenous
      therapies. METHODS: Since June 2008, all adult oncology outpatient candidates for
      PICC insertion were consecutively enrolled and the incidence of catheter-related
      complications was investigated. The follow-up continued until the PICC removal.
      RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-nine PICCs in 250 patients (98 % with solid
      malignancies) were studied, for a total of 55,293 catheter days (median dwell
      time 184 days, range 15-1,384). All patients received HPN and 71 % received
      chemotherapy during the study period. The incidence of catheter-related
      bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) was low (0.05 per 1,000 catheter days), PICC
      related symptomatic thrombosis was rare (1.1 %; 0.05 per 1,000 catheter days),
      and mechanical complications were uncommon (13.1 %; 0.63 per 1,000 catheter
      days). The overall complication rate was 17.5 % (0.85 per 1,000 catheter days)
      and PICCs were removed because of complications only in 7 % of cases. The main
      findings of this study were that, if accurately managed, PICCs can be safely used
      in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or HPN, recording a low incidence
      of CRBSI, thrombosis, and mechanical complications; a long catheter life span;
      and a low probability of catheter removal because of complications. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our study suggests that PICCs can be successfully utilized as safe and long
      lasting venous access devices in non-hospitalized cancer patients.

PMID- 25120013
TI  - Is there coronary artery disease in the cancer patient who manifests with chest
      pain, shortness of breath and/or tachycardia? A retrospective observational
      cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cancer therapies lead to chest pain (CP), shortness of breath (SOB),
      and/or tachydysrhythmias (TACH Y) requiring cardiac risk stratification including
      coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). We posit that cancer patients
      with CP, SOB and/or TACH Y have greater odds of having coronary artery disease
      (CAD) identified by CCTA than those that do not. METHODS: Eligibility for this
      IRB-approved retrospective observational cohort included those with cancer that
      had CCTA performed. Groups were stratified with and without CP, SOB, and/or TACH
      Y. Electronic medical records were mined for appropriate CPT codes from 01012010
      to 08312013. Demographics, cancer type, and clinical outcomes were obtained.
      Standard t tests, odds ratios, and frequencies were used. RESULTS: Of 176
      participants identified; 84 were male (48 %) and 118 were Caucasian (67 %). Of
      those, 100/176 (57 %) had CP, SOB, and/or TACH Y; 72/100 (72 %) had CP; 10/100
      (10 %) had TACH Y; and 18/100 (18 %) had SOB. Of the 72 with CP, 40 (56 %) had
      CAD; of the 10 with TACH Y, 6 (60 %) had CAD; of the 18 with SOB, and 10 (56 %)
      had CAD. Thus, a 2.6-fold increased odds of having CAD (56/100 = 56 %) compared
      to 25/76 (33 %) in the group with cancer without CP, SOB, and/or TACH Y (95 % CI
      = 1.40 to 4.83; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Cancer patients with CP, SOB, and/or TACH
      Y have a 2.6-fold increased odds of having CAD compared to cancer patients
      without CP, SOB, and/or TACH Y (95 % CI = 1.40 to 4.83; p = 0.003).

PMID- 25120015
TI  - Antiplatelet therapy in the management of myeloproliferative neoplasms.
AB  - Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is given to most patients with polycythemia
      vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) although some uncertainties
      encompass this clinical practice. In patients with history of thrombosis, the use
      of ASA is supported on the results observed in the general population showing a
      substantial net benefit of this treatment in preventing thrombosis. In the
      European collaboration study on low-dose aspirin in polycythemia vera (ECLAP),
      ASA reduced the risk of thrombosis without increasing the risk of major bleeding
      when compared with placebo, supporting the primary prevention of thrombosis in
      PV. In ET, the efficacy of low-dose ASA has not been tested in randomized
      clinical trials. Two retrospective studies have shown that low-dose ASA could
      benefit ET patients older than 60 years when combined with cytoreduction, whereas
      in young, low-risk patients, ASA benefits to particular subgroups of patients. In
      spite of the fact that in primary myelofibrosis the incidence of thrombosis is
      increased, the use of ASA is not clearly recommended.

PMID- 25120014
TI  - Exploring the relation of harsh parental discipline with child emotional and
      behavioral problems by using multiple informants. The generation R study.
AB  - Parental harsh disciplining, like corporal punishment, has consistently been
      associated with adverse mental health outcomes in children. It remains a
      challenge to accurately assess the consequences of harsh discipline, as
      researchers and clinicians generally rely on parent report of young children's
      problem behaviors. If parents rate their parenting styles and their child's
      behavior this may bias results. The use of child self-report on problem behaviors
      is not common but may provide extra information about the relation of harsh
      parental discipline and problem behavior. We examined the independent
      contribution of young children's self-report above parental report of emotional
      and behavioral problems in a study of maternal and paternal harsh discipline in a
      birth cohort. Maternal and paternal harsh discipline predicted both parent
      reported behavioral and parent reported emotional problems, but only child
      reported behavioral problems. Associations were not explained by pre-existing
      behavioral problems at age 3. Importantly, the association with child reported
      outcomes was independent from parent reported problem behavior. These results
      suggest that young children's self-reports of behavioral problems provide unique
      information on the effects of harsh parental discipline. Inclusion of child self
      reports can therefore help estimate the effects of harsh parental discipline more
      accurately. 

PMID- 25120018
TI  - Size effects in bimagnetic CoO/CoFe2O4 core/shell nanoparticles.
AB  - The control of the size of bimagnetic nanoparticles represents an important step
      toward the study of fundamental properties and the design of new nanostructured
      magnetic materials. We report the synthesis and the structural and magnetic
      characterization of bimagnetic CoO/CoFe2O4 core/shell nanoparticles. The material
      was fabricated by a seed-mediated growth high-temperature decomposition method
      with sizes in the range of 5-11 nm. We show that the core/shell morphology
      favours the crystallinity of the shell phase, and the reduction of the particle
      size leads to a remarkable increase of the magnetic hardening. When the size is
      reduced, the coercive field at 5 K increases from 21.5 kOe to 30.8 kOe, while the
      blocking temperature decreases from 388 K to 167 K. The size effects on the
      magnetic behaviour are described through a phenomenological model for strongly
      ferri-/antiferromagnetic coupled phases. 

PMID- 25120016
TI  - Functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders and quality of life of
      people living with HIV/AIDS.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study compared the Quality of Life (QOL) according to the presence
      of functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders and evaluated the
      convergent validity between the dimensions of the WHOQOL and the OHIP-14 scores
      among people living with HIV. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with
      patients enrolled in reference centres of a midsize Brazilian city. Interviews
      were conducted when the participants arrived at the centres seeking services for
      medical appointments and collecting medicines. The OHIP-14 was used to evaluate
      the functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders. QOL was assessed using
      the general issues and six domains of the WHOQOL-HIV BREF. The Chi square test,
      Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman correlation analysis were used for analysis.
      RESULTS: The sample comprised 422 people living with HIV/AIDS (response rate:
      81.2%). The prevalence of functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders
      was 34.0%. The prevalence of very poor/poor QOL and those who were very
      dissatisfied/dissatisfied with their health was higher among those with
      functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders. There was a negative
      correlation between the scores on the domains of QOL and the severity of the
      impact of the oral disorders (r-value ranged from -0.107 to -0.30). CONCLUSION:
      Individuals with functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders were found
      to more frequently rate their QOL as poor/very poor, and were more often
      dissatisfied with health. The correlation between the scores of QOL and
      functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders scores was weak, indicating
      that they represent different constructs. The measures of functional and
      psychosocial impact of oral disorders should be complemented by general measures
      of QOL.

PMID- 25120019
TI  - Fibroelastolytic papulosis in an elderly woman with a 30-year history:
      overlapping between pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis
      and white fibrous papulosis of the neck.

PMID- 25120017
TI  - Quality of life after pulmonary embolism: first cross-cultural evaluation of the
      pulmonary embolism quality-of-life (PEmb-QoL) questionnaire in a Norwegian
      cohort.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to translate and test the
      psychometrical properties of the disease-specific pulmonary embolism quality-of
      life questionnaire (PEmb-QoL). METHODS: Patients with a prior history of
      pulmonary embolism (PE) were identified from the thrombosis registry at Ostfold
      Hospital Trust, Fredrikstad, Norway. All eligible patients were asked to complete
      the generic EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D) QoL questionnaire as well as the disease
      specific PEmb-QoL at baseline and after 2 weeks. Construct validity was tested
      using principal component factor analysis. Criterion validity was tested using
      Spearman's correlation coefficients (rho) between EQ-5D and PEmb-QoL. Internal
      consistency reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, while
      test-retest reliability was calculated using the intra-class correlation
      coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: A total of 213 participants had complete datasets
      and were included in further analyses. Factor analysis with varimax rotation
      yielded six factors explaining 71% of the cumulative variance. Cronbach's alpha
      coefficient was found to be 0.94, indicating a very good intercorrelation of
      items. Of the 213 participants, 145 (68%) completed the questionnaire a second
      time. The ICC ranged from 0.75 to 0.86, indicating good test-retest reliability.
      All factors were found significant with p values <0.001. The criterion validity
      of the PEmb-QoL was confirmed through good correlation with other similar health
      related quality-of-life constructs in the EQ-5D. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the
      current study indicate that Norwegian version of the PEmb-QoL is both valid and
      reliable, thus representing an important supplement in subjective outcomes
      measurement among patients sustaining PE.

PMID- 25120021
TI  - Cellular transplantation-based evolving treatment options in spinal cord injury.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) often represents a condition of permanent neurologic
      deficit. It has been possible to understand and delineate the mechanisms
      contributing to loss of function following primary injury. The clinicians might
      hope to improve the outcome in SCI injury by designing treatment strategies that
      could target these secondary mechanisms of response to injury. However, the
      approaches like molecular targeting of the neurons or surgical interventions have
      yielded very limited success till date. In recent times, a great thrust is put on
      to the cellular transplantation mode of treatment strategies to combat SCI
      problems so as to gain maximum functional recovery. In this review, we discuss
      about the various cellular transplantation strategies that could be employed in
      the treatment of SCI. The success of such cellular approaches involving Schwann
      cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, peripheral nerve, embryonic CNS tissue and
      activated macrophage has been supported by a number of reports and has been
      detailed here. Many of these cell transplantation strategies have reached the
      clinical trial stages. Also, the evolving field of stem cell therapy has made it
      possible to contemplate the role of both embryonic stem cells and induced
      pluripotent stem cells to stimulate the differentiation of neurons when
      transplanted in SCI models. Moreover, the roles of tissue engineering techniques
      and synthetic biomaterials have also been explained with their beneficial and
      deleterious effects. Many of these cell-based therapeutic approaches have been
      able to cause only a little change in recovery and a combinatorial approach
      involving more than one strategy are now being tried out to successfully treat
      SCI and improve functional recovery. 

PMID- 25120020
TI  - Species distribution of clinical Acinetobacter isolates revealed by different
      identification techniques.
AB  - A total of 2582 non-duplicate clinical Acinetobacter spp. isolates were collected
      to evaluate the performance of four identification methods because it is
      important to identify Acinetobacter spp. accurately and survey the species
      distribution to determine the appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Phenotyping
      (VITEK 2 and VITEK MS) and genotyping (16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequencing) methods
      were applied for species identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility test of
      imipenem and meropenem was performed with a disk diffusion assay. Generally, the
      phenotypic identification results were quite different from the genotyping
      results, and their discrimination ability was unsatisfactory, whereas 16S rRNA
      and rpoB gene sequencing showed consistent typing results, with different
      resolution. Additionally, A. pittii, A. calcoaceticus and A. nosocomialis, which
      were phylogenetically close to A. baumannii, accounted for 85.5% of the non-A.
      baumannii isolates. One group, which could not be clustered with any reference
      strains, consisted of 11 isolates and constituted a novel Acinetobacter species
      that was entitled genomic species 33YU. None of the non-A. baumannii isolates
      harbored a blaOXA-51-like gene, and this gene was disrupted by ISAba19 in only
      one isolate; it continues to be appropriate as a genetic marker for A. baumannii
      identification. The resistance rate of non-A. baumannii isolates to imipenem
      and/or meropenem was only 2.6%, which was significantly lower than that of A.
      baumannii. Overall, rpoB gene sequencing was the most accurate identification
      method for Acinetobacter species. Except for A. baumannii, the most frequently
      isolated species from the nosocomial setting were A. pittii, A. calcoaceticus and
      A. nosocomialis. 

PMID- 25120022
TI  - Dosage effect of rocuronium on intraoperative neuromonitoring in patients
      undergoing thyroid surgery.
AB  - The effect of different concentrations of rocuronium bromide used for anesthesia
      induction during thyroid surgery on the intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve
      monitoring was evaluated. One hundred patients undergoing thyroid operation were
      randomized into five groups (20 patients per group). Patients in group I were
      operated and monitored without the use of rocuronium bromide. Patients in groups
      II-V were respectively injected with 0.5x, 1x, 1.5x, and 2x ED95 rocuronium
      bromide intravenously. The time from injecting the rocuronium bromide to the
      beginning of tube insertion was recorded, the conditions of tracheal intubation
      were evaluated, and the changes in blood pressure and pulse during the intubation
      process were monitored. Vagus nerve/recurrent laryngeal nerve evoked muscle
      potential was monitored using the NIM-Response3.0 nerve electromyography monitor.
      The amplitude of electromyography signal was recorded every 5 min during 30 min
      after successful tracheal intubation. The tracheal intubation success rate was
      100% in all groups. Compared with group I, intubating condition scores (Cooper
      scores) in the patients of groups II-V were higher (P < 0.05). The stability of
      intraoperative neuromonitoring signal amplitude in groups I-III met the
      monitoring standards. The findings suggest that the use of 0.5x or 1x ED95
      rocuronium bromide during the anesthesia induction can improve the tracheal tube
      conditions without affecting the intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve
      monitoring. The use of 1x ED95 rocuronium bromide induction was associated with
      the best results.

PMID- 25120023
TI  - High-level S100A6 promotes metastasis and predicts the outcome of T1-T2 stage in
      clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - S100A6 (calcyclin), functions in cell cycle progression and differentiation, has
      been reported to promote the tumorigenesis and malignancy of many types of
      cancers. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of
      RCC, lacking both promising prognostic markers and effective therapeutic targets.
      In our previous study, we have found the elevated S100A6 in the ccRCC tumor
      tissues, and the differentially expressed genes determined by microarray analysis
      were found to be strongly related to tumor metastasis after S100A6 knockdown and
      overexpression in the ccRCC cell line 786-O. The mRNA expression of S100A6
      detected by RT-PCR in 6 cell lines and 174 tumor tissues, including 58 metastatic
      ccRCC and 116 clinicopathological features paired non-metastatic ccRCC (1:2),
      indicated S100A6 was elevated in the metastatic cells and tumor tissues. The
      protein expression was consistent with mRNA expression. The biological function
      of S100A6 in promoting metastasis was determined through overexpression and
      knockdown of S100A6 in the ccRCC cell lines 786-O, caki-1, and ACHN. In the
      scratch wound migration assay as well as migration and invasion assays, S100A6
      knockdown significantly suppressed the migratory and invasive abilities of tumor
      cells, whereas overexpression enhanced the malignancy. Further research with the
      follow-up data of 129 ccRCC patients were analyzed by the Cox regression and
      survival analysis. The expression of S100A6 was up-regulated in metastatic ccRCC
      cells. In the metastatic tumor tissues, the expression of S100A6 was also higher
      than in the non-metastatic tissues. High S100A6 expression might be crucial to
      promote metastasis in ccRCC by enhancing the ability of tumor cells migration and
      invasion. In addition, the quantitative mRNA expression of S100A6 in the tumor
      tissues was an independent risk factor and might be used as a prognostic marker
      for the metastatic risk of the localized T1-T2 stage ccRCC. 

PMID- 25120025
TI  - Effects of brain lesions on moral agency: ethical dilemmas in investigating moral
      behavior.
AB  - Understanding how the "brain produces behavior" is a guiding idea in
      neuroscience. It is thus of no surprise that establishing an interrelation
      between brain pathology and antisocial behavior has a long history in brain
      research. However, interrelating the brain with moral agency--the ability to act
      in reference to right and wrong--is tricky with respect to therapy and
      rehabilitation of patients affected by brain lesions. In this contribution, we
      outline the complexity of the relationship between the brain and moral behavior,
      and we discuss ethical issues of the neuroscience of ethics and of its clinical
      consequences. First, we introduce a theory of moral agency and apply it to the
      issue of behavioral changes caused by brain lesions. Second, we present a
      typology of brain lesions both with respect to their cause, their temporal
      development, and the potential for neural plasticity allowing for rehabilitation.
      We exemplify this scheme with case studies and outline major knowledge gaps that
      are relevant for clinical practice. Third, we analyze ethical pitfalls when
      trying to understand the brain-morality relation. In this way, our contribution
      addresses both researchers in neuroscience of ethics and clinicians who treat
      patients affected by brain lesions to better understand the complex ethical
      questions, which are raised by research and therapy of brain lesion patients.

PMID- 25120024
TI  - Effect of different iodine concentrations on well-differentiated thyroid cancer
      cell behavior and its inner mechanism.
AB  - High iodine intake might be an important factor in the promotion of thyroid
      cancer and the incidence of thyroid carcinoma has increased obviously these years
      especially in area of high iodine intake, though the mechanism of which remains
      unknown. The aim of present study was to gain more insight into the influence of
      different iodine concentrations on cell behavior, such as proliferation and
      migration, and to further investigate its molecular mechanism using two well
      differentiated thyroid cancer cell lines. Our study evaluated the effect of
      different iodine concentrations on cell behavior and investigated relevant
      molecules involved. The results indicated that iodine in vitro could promote the
      growth of thyroid cancer cells with the increase of iodine concentration in a
      specific range. Such effect may be related to signaling pathways as Akt and Erk
      and cytokine VEGF-A. 

PMID- 25120026
TI  - Post-vaccinal distemper encephalitis in two Border Collie cross littermates.
AB  - CASE HISTORY: One 4.5-month-old male Border Collie cross presented with
      aggression and seizures in October 2006. A 16-month-old, female, spayed Border
      Collie cross presented with hypersalivation and a dropped jaw and rapidly became
      stuporous in September 2007. The dogs were littermates and developed acute
      neurological signs 5 and 27 days, respectively, after vaccination with different
      modified live vaccines containing canine distemper virus. HISTOPATHOLOGICAL
      FINDINGS: Sections of brain in both dogs showed evidence of encephalitis mainly
      centred on the grey matter of brainstem nuclei, where there was extensive and
      intense parenchymal and perivascular infiltration of histiocytes and lymphocytes.
      Intra-nuclear and intra-cytoplasmic inclusions typical of distemper were
      plentiful and there was abundant labelling for canine distemper virus using
      immunohistochemistry. DIAGNOSIS: Post-vaccinal canine distemper. CLINCIAL
      RELEVANCE: Post-vaccinal canine distemper has mainly been attributed to virulent
      vaccine virus, but it may also occur in dogs whose immunologic nature makes them
      susceptible to disease induced by a modified-live vaccine virus that is safe and
      protective for most dogs.

PMID- 25120027
TI  - [Subacute lower back pain and acute kidney failure in a 47-year old man].
AB  - A 47-year-old man presented with subacute, low back pain and increased creatinine
      levels. A CT scan showed an extrinsic, bilateral compression of the ureters by a
      retroperitoneal mass with pronounced uptake of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose in positron
      emission tomography. Histological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of
      retroperitoneal fibrosis. Urological decompression was performed. The initiated
      corticosteroids led to a rapid clinical improvement and regression of the
      retroperitoneal mass. A relapse occurred after tapering of corticosteroids with a
      prompt response to increase of the dosage. 

PMID- 25120028
TI  - Higher apolipoprotein B levels are associated with earlier onset of first-ever
      atherosclerotic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have revealed apolipoproteins are risk factors for
      ischemic stroke, but the influence of apolipoproteins on onset age of first-ever
      atherosclerotic stroke has not been well investigated. METHODS: We recruited 357
      qualified participants from consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who
      came to the stroke registry center in Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital,
      Chengdu, China. Patients were stratified into tertiles according to the
      distributions of apoB levels for large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) and small
      artery atherosclerosis (SAA) groups. The onset age of stroke was analyzed
      tripartitely in terms of early-onset group, the middling-onset group and the late
      onset group. Multinomial logistical regression was used to analyze the
      associations between the two. RESULTS: The risk of early-onset stroke increased
      monotonically with higher apoB levels (the second tertile, adjusted OR = 2.61,
      95% CI 1.18-5.79 (p = 0.018); the third tertile, adjusted OR = 19.52, 95% CI 5.93
      64.31 (p < 0.001)), and patients with the highest tertile of apoB levels had a
      9.20 times (95% CI, 2.97-28.53, p < 0.001) increased risk of middling-onset
      stroke in reference to late onset of stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The present study
      suggests the higher the apolipoprotein B levels are, the earlier an
      atherosclerotic stroke might occur in a Chinese population.

PMID- 25120030
TI  - Flavonoid content, free radical scavenging and increase in xanthine oxidase
      inhibitory activity in Galgeun-tang following fermentation with Lactobacillus
      plantarum.
AB  - Galgeun-tang (GT) prior to and following fermentation with Lactobacillus
      plantarum was analyzed to determine the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents
      and the antioxidant activity. GT, fermented GT (FGT) and their three solvent
      partitioned fractions, which were prepared by successive partitioning with ethyl
      acetate (EtOAc), butanol (BuOH) and water, were evaluated for total polyphenol
      and flavonoid contents, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging
      activity and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. Following fermentation,
      the total polyphenol content only increased slightly; however, the flavonoid
      content increased by 24.3%. The radical scavenging activity increased from 22.4
      to 27.5% and the XO inhibitory activity increased from 20.2 to 62.4% at 500
      ug/ml. The EtOAc fraction among the solvent-partitioned fractions demonstrated
      the highest total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, radical scavenging
      activities and XO inhibitory activity, and the quantity also markedly increased
      following fermentation. 

PMID- 25120031
TI  - Maturation of Plasmodium falciparum in multiply infected erythrocytes and the
      potential role in malaria pathogenesis.
AB  - Erythrocytes containing two or more parasites, referred to here as multiply
      infected erythrocytes (MIEs), are common in the blood of humans infected by
      Plasmodium falciparum. It is necessary to study these cells closely because the
      excess numbers of parasites they contain suggest that they could be overloaded
      with virulence factors. Here, microscopic examinations of blood smears from
      patients showed that up to seven merozoites can successfully invade an
      erythrocyte and mature to ring stage. However, in vitro culture showed that only
      up to three parasites can mature to late schizont stage. These observations were
      made by culturing the parasites in erythrocytes containing hemoglobin AA (HbAA),
      HbAS, and HbSS. Biochemical analysis of saponin-concentrated culture suggests
      that more hemozoin is produced in a MIE than in a singly infected erythrocyte
      (SIE). Studies have shown that ingestion of excessive hemozoin destroys monocytes
      and neutrophils, which could impair the immune system. Cultured parasites were
      also examined by transmission electron microscopy, and it was found that the
      quantity of knobs was dramatically increased on the membranes of erythrocytes
      containing multiple schizonts, compared to those containing only one schizont.
      Knobs contain, among other things, P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1
      (PfEMP1) complex which mediates sequestration and promotes severe malaria. These
      findings suggest that P. falciparum increases its virulence by producing MIEs. On
      sexual life cycle of the parasite, microphotographs are presented in this report
      showing, for the first time, that two gametocytes can develop in one erythrocyte;
      they are referred to here as twin gametocytes. It is not known whether they can
      infect mosquitoes. 

PMID- 25120032
TI  - Acute visceral cysticercosis by Taenia hydatigena in lambs and treatment with
      praziquantel.
AB  - An acute outbreak of Taenia hydatigena cysticercosis, causing mortality in 5 of
      21 (23.8%) female lambs, is reported. Gross post-mortem examinations and
      histology showed Cysticercus tenuicollis as the cause of death. Biochemical
      parameters in infected lambs confirmed severe hepatitis. Praziquantel, given once
      at 15 mg/kg body weight (bw), was administered and a dramatic improvement in the
      clinical condition and biochemical parameters was observed up to 30 days
      following treatment. 

PMID- 25120029
TI  - Analysis of TNF-antagonist switch over time and associated risk factors in the
      Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Limited data from large cohorts are available on tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol)
      switch over time. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of switching from one TNF
      antagonist to another and to identify associated risk factors. METHODS: Data from
      the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Cohort Study (SIBDCS) were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Of 1731 patients included into the SIBDCS (956 with Crohn's disease [CD]
      and 775 with ulcerative colitis [UC]), 347 CD patients (36.3%) and 129 UC
      patients (16.6%) were treated with at least one TNF antagonist. A total of 53/347
      (15.3%) CD patients (median disease duration 9 years) and 20/129 (15.5%) of UC
      patients (median disease duration 7 years) needed to switch to a second and/or a
      third TNF antagonist, respectively. Median treatment duration was longest for the
      first TNF antagonist used (CD 25 months; UC 14 months), followed by the second
      (CD 13 months; UC 4 months) and third TNF antagonist (CD 11 months; UC 15
      months). Primary nonresponse, loss of response and side effects were the major
      reasons to stop and/or switch TNF antagonist therapy. A low body mass index, a
      short diagnostic delay and extraintestinal manifestations at inclusion were
      identified as risk factors for a switch of the first used TNF antagonist within
      24 months of its use in CD patients. CONCLUSION: Switching of the TNF antagonist
      over time is a common issue. The median treatment duration with a specific TNF
      antagonist is diminishing with an increasing number of TNF antagonists being
      used.

PMID- 25120033
TI  - Elastic properties of chemical-vapor-deposited monolayer MoS2, WS2, and their
      bilayer heterostructures.
AB  - Elastic properties of materials are an important factor in their integration in
      applications. Chemical vapor deposited (CVD) monolayer semiconductors are
      proposed as key components in industrial-scale flexible devices and building
      blocks of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals heterostructures. However, their
      mechanical and elastic properties have not been fully characterized. Here we
      report high 2D elastic moduli of CVD monolayer MoS2 and WS2 (~170 N/m), which is
      very close to the value of exfoliated MoS2 monolayers and almost half the value
      of the strongest material, graphene. The 2D moduli of their bilayer
      heterostructures are lower than the sum of 2D modulus of each layer but
      comparable to the corresponding bilayer homostructure, implying similar
      interactions between the hetero monolayers as between homo monolayers. These
      results not only provide deep insight into understanding interlayer interactions
      in 2D van der Waals structures but also potentially allow engineering of their
      elastic properties as desired. 

PMID- 25120034
TI  - BRCA genetic counseling among at-risk Latinas in New York City: new beliefs shape
      new generation.
AB  - Despite the life-saving information that genetic counseling can provide for women
      at hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer (HBOC) risk, Latinas
      disproportionately underuse such services. Understanding Latinas' beliefs and
      attitudes about BRCA genetic counseling may be the key to better health promotion
      within this underserved, at-risk group. We conducted 12 focus groups (N = 54)
      with at-risk Latina women in New York City, followed by 30 in-depth interviews
      among a subset of the focus group women. Both were professionally transcribed,
      translated where applicable and data analysis was completed by two coders trained
      in qualitative methods. Results revealed personal and community knowledge about
      BRCA genetic counseling was relatively low, although women felt largely positive
      about counseling. The main motivator to undergo genetic counseling was concerns
      about learning family members' cancer status, while the main barrier was
      competing demands. Generational differences were apparent, with younger women
      (approximately <55 years) reporting that they were more interested in educating
      themselves about counseling and other ways to prevent cancer. Younger women were
      also less likely to ascribe to traditionally Latino-centered cultural beliefs
      which could serve as barriers (e.g. machismo, fatalismo, destino) to undergoing
      genetic counseling. Participants were largely enthusiastic about educational
      efforts to increase awareness of genetic counseling among Latinos. Revealing the
      beliefs and attitudes of underserved Latinas may help shape culturally
      appropriate educational materials and promotion programs to increase BRCA genetic
      counseling uptake within this underrepresented community. 

PMID- 25120035
TI  - A pilot study of BRCA mutation carriers' knowledge about the clinical impact of
      prophylactic-oophorectomy and views on fertility consultation: a single-center
      pilot study.
AB  - BRCA mutation carriers will experience early surgically induced menopause
      following prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (PBSO). This pilot study
      aimed to investigate their (1) knowledge about the clinical impact of PBSO; (2)
      views on fertility consultation (FC)/fertility preservation (FP) treatment; and
      (3) difficulties in conceiving compared to non-carriers. A cross-sectional,
      single institution web-survey was performed at a university-based IVF center.
      Women aged 18-50 years who were screened for BRCA gene mutations from 2005 to
      2013 were recruited via mail. Forty-one BRCA-positive and 110 BRCA-negative women
      completed the survey (response rate: 50 %). The knowledge about the reproductive
      impact of PBSO was limited, with the majority of women in this highly educated
      sample only identifying the correct response 64 % of the time. Among BRCA
      mutation carriers, 24 (59 %) had positive views about FC/FP treatments. A larger
      proportion of women with no children at the time of BRCA testing, and those who
      were non-white tended to have positive views toward FP. Women with, versus
      without, BRCA mutations were more likely to have difficulty in conceiving (p =
      0.08). This well-educated group had limited knowledge about the reproductive
      clinical impact of PBSO, or the benefit of a FP before PBSO. Most women with BRCA
      mutations were interested in FC/FP treatment if they had not completed
      childbearing at the time of screening. Targeted referrals for FC at the time of
      BRCA screening may help women improve knowledge and allow improved decision
      making about reproductive options. 

PMID- 25120036
TI  - Mothers' experiences of genetic counselling in Johannesburg, South Africa.
AB  - Genetic counselling is offered in diverse settings, and patient reactions vary
      due to differences in personal, family and community beliefs, local healthcare
      settings, as well as cultural background. Together, these factors influence how
      individuals experience genetic counselling. This study aimed to describe and
      document the experiences of thirteen mothers, with children with Down syndrome,
      oculocutaneous albinism or haemophilia B, who had received genetic counselling at
      state hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa. A qualitative research design
      drawing on principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used. Four
      voice-recorded focus groups were conducted and the resulting data were analysed
      using thematic content analysis. Five themes were identified in the data: thrown
      into the unknown; a worthwhile experience; a break in communication; telling the
      family and the community; and spreading the word. It was seen that genetic
      counselling cannot be viewed as a singular experience, but rather as one which is
      influenced by mothers' lived experiences and their interactions with other
      healthcare services, family and community members. The results from this study
      showed that genetic services and conditions were poorly understood, that the
      experience of genetic counselling varied amongst mothers, and on-going patient
      support is needed particularly when addressing family and community members.
      Further research is needed to assess what information is valuable to individuals
      during genetic counselling and how to deliver this information in a contextually
      appropriate manner. Greater awareness of genetic conditions is also required
      amongst communities and healthcare professionals. Valuable insight was gained
      from this study which can be used to improve local training programmes and
      genetic counselling services in Johannesburg, and in South Africa. 

PMID- 25120037
TI  - Clinical utility of chromosomal microarray analysis of DNA from buccal cells:
      detection of mosaicism in three patients.
AB  - Mosaic chromosomal abnormalities are relatively common. However, mosaicism may be
      missed due to multiple factors including failure to recognize clinical
      indications and order appropriate testing, technical limitations of diagnostic
      assays, or sampling tissue (s) in which mosaicism is either not present, or
      present at very low levels. Blood leukocytes have long been the "gold standard"
      sample for cytogenetic analysis; however, the culturing process for routine
      chromosome analysis can complicate detection of mosaicism since the normal cell
      line may have a growth advantage in culture, or may not be present in the cells
      that produce metaphases (the lymphocytes). Buccal cells are becoming increasingly
      utilized for clinical analyses and are proving to have many advantages. Buccal
      swabs allow for simple and noninvasive DNA collection. When coupled with a
      chromosomal microarray that contains single nucleotide polymorphic probes,
      analysis of buccal cells can maximize a clinician's opportunity to detect
      cytogenetic mosaicism. We present three cases of improved diagnosis of mosaic
      aberrations using buccal specimens for chromosomal microarray analysis. In each
      case, the aberration was either undetectable in blood or present at such a low
      level it likely could have gone undetected. These cases highlight the limitations
      of certain laboratory methodologies for identifying mosaicism. We also present
      practice implications for genetic counselors, including clinic workflow changes
      and counseling approaches based on increasing use of buccal samples. 

PMID- 25120039
TI  - Water-displacement plethysmography: a technique for the simultaneous thermal
      manipulation and measurement of whole-hand and whole-foot blood flows.
AB  - The purpose of this project was to design, construct and validate water
      displacement plethysmographs for the forearm, hand and foot that could clamp
      segmental skin temperature whilst simultaneously measuring cutaneous blood flow.
      Two experiments were performed. In the first, the forearm plethysmograph was
      validated against a mercury-in-silastic plethysmograph under thermoneutral
      conditions, with and without forearm heating. Cutaneous vascular conductance was
      elevated almost three-fold by this treatment, however, there were no significant
      differences between the two forms of plethysmography in either state (P > 0.05).
      In study two, hand and foot blood flows were measured under clamped thermoneutral
      conditions, but with three local skin temperature treatments (5, 25, 40  degrees
      C). The hand had significantly higher blood flows than the foot at both 25 
      degrees C (4.07 versus 2.20 mL.100 mL( - 1).min( - 1); P < 0.05) and 40  degrees
      C (8.20 versus 4.47 mL.100 mL( - 1).min( - 1); P < 0.05). The foot was maximally
      constricted during the two lower temperatures, yet the cutaneous thermal
      sensitivity of the hand was almost two-fold greater (P < 0.05). This evidence
      supports the significant role played by these appendages in heat loss and
      conservation, and these plethysmographs will now be used to map cutaneous
      vascular responses (forearm, hand, calf, foot) across combinations of core and
      local skin temperatures. 

PMID- 25120038
TI  - Use of a patient-entered family health history tool with decision support in
      primary care: impact of identification of increased risk patients on genetic
      counseling attendance.
AB  - Several barriers inhibit collection and use of detailed family health history
      (FHH) in primary care. MeTree, a computer-based FHH intake and risk assessment
      tool with clinical decision support, was developed to overcome these barriers.
      Here, we describe the impact of MeTree on genetic counseling (GC) referrals and
      attendance. Non-adopted, English speaking adults scheduled for a well-visit in
      two community-based primary-care clinics were invited to participate in an
      Implementation-Effectiveness study of MeTree. Participants' demographic
      characteristics and beliefs were assessed at baseline. Immediately after an
      appointment with a patient for whom GC was recommended, clinicians indicated
      whether they referred the patient and, if not, why. The study genetic counselor
      kept a database of patients with a GC recommendation and contacted those with a
      referral. Of 542 patients completing MeTree, 156 (29 %) received a GC
      recommendation. Of these, 46 % (n = 72) were referred and 21 % (n = 33) underwent
      counseling. Patient preferences, additional clinical information unavailable to
      MeTree, and an incomplete clinician evaluation of the FHH accounted for the 85
      patients clinicians chose not to refer. Although MeTree identified a significant
      proportion of patients for whom GC was recommended, persistent barriers indicate
      the need for improved referral processes and patient and physician education
      about the benefits of GC. 

PMID- 25120042
TI  - Blood donation: comparing individual characteristics, attitudes, and feelings of
      donors and nondonors.
AB  - The shortage of blood donors and increased demand for blood is an important
      health issue. Finding ways to increase donor recruitment and retention is a
      priority and, thus, an important area for research. This article aims to better
      understand donors and nondonors on the basis of their social responsibility,
      susceptibility to interpersonal influence, involvement in and attitude towards
      the blood donation issue, and their aroused feelings. The data from 345 completed
      surveys were collected via a web-based, self-administered method. Mean
      differences were examined and the conceptual model was tested via structural
      equation modeling. The findings provide important clarification of donation and
      nondonation behavior. 

PMID- 25120040
TI  - Non-small-cell lung cancer resectability: diagnostic value of PET/MR.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic performance of PET/MR in patients with non
      small-cell lung cancer. METHODS: Fifty consecutive consenting patients who
      underwent routine (18)F-FDG PET/CT for potentially radically treatable lung
      cancer following a staging CT scan were recruited for PET/MR imaging on the same
      day. Two experienced readers, unaware of the results with the other modalities,
      interpreted the PET/MR images independently. Discordances were resolved in
      consensus. PET/MR TNM staging was compared to surgical staging from thoracotomy
      as the reference standard in 33 patients. In the remaining 17 nonsurgical
      patients, TNM was determined based on histology from biopsy, imaging results (CT
      and PET/CT) and follow-up. ROC curve analysis was used to assess accuracy,
      sensitivity and specificity of the PET/MR in assessing the surgical resectability
      of primary tumour. The kappa statistic was used to assess interobserver agreement
      in the PET/MR TNM staging. Two different readers, without knowledge of the PET/MR
      findings, subsequently separately reviewed the PET/CT images for TNM staging. The
      generalized kappa statistic was used to determine intermodality agreement between
      PET/CT and PET/MR for TNM staging. RESULTS: ROC curve analysis showed that PET/MR
      had a specificity of 92.3 % and a sensitivity of 97.3 % in the determination of
      resectability with an AUC of 0.95. Interobserver agreement in PET/MR reading
      ranged from substantial to perfect between the two readers (Cohen's kappa 0.646 -
      1) for T stage, N stage and M stage. Intermodality agreement between PET/CT and
      PET/MR ranged from substantial to almost perfect for T stage, N stage and M stage
      (Cohen's kappa 0.627 - 0.823). CONCLUSION: In lung cancer patients PET/MR appears
      to be a robust technique for preoperative staging.

PMID- 25120041
TI  - Machine learning models for the differential diagnosis of vascular parkinsonism
      and Parkinson's disease using [(123)I]FP-CIT SPECT.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study's objective was to develop diagnostic predictive models using
      data from two commonly used [(123)I]FP-CIT SPECT assessment methods: region-of
      interest (ROI) analysis and whole-brain voxel-based analysis. METHODS: We
      included retrospectively 80 patients with vascular parkinsonism (VP) and 164
      patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who underwent [(123)I]FP-CIT SPECT.
      Nuclear-medicine specialists evaluated the scans and calculated bilateral caudate
      and putamen [(123)I]FP-CIT uptake and asymmetry indices using BRASS software.
      Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to compare the radioligand uptake
      between the two diseases at the voxel level. Quantitative data from these two
      methods, together with potential confounding factors for dopamine transporter
      availability (sex, age, disease duration and severity), were used to build
      predictive models following a tenfold cross-validation scheme. The performance of
      logistic regression (LR), linear discriminant analysis and support vector machine
      (SVM) algorithms for ROI data, and their penalized versions for SPM data
      (penalized LR, penalized discriminant analysis and SVM), were assessed. RESULTS:
      Significant differences were found in the ROI analysis after covariate correction
      between VP and PD patients in [(123)I]FP-CIT uptake in the more affected side of
      the putamen and the ipsilateral caudate. Age, disease duration and severity were
      also found to be informative in feeding the statistical model. SPM localized
      significant reductions in [(123)I]FP-CIT uptake in PD with respect to VP in two
      specular clusters comprising areas corresponding to the left and right striatum.
      The diagnostic predictive accuracy of the LR model using ROI data was 90.3 % and
      of the SVM model using SPM data was 90.4 %. CONCLUSION: The predictive models
      built with ROI data and SPM data from [(123)I]FP-CIT SPECT provide great
      discrimination accuracy between VP and PD. External validation of these methods
      is necessary to confirm their applicability across centres.

PMID- 25120043
TI  - Jaypatient-induced service sabotage behavior: the issue of self-esteem of
      hospital nurses.
AB  - Worrying incidents exist where disgruntled nurses destroy good service quality
      through sabotage behavior. Previous studies report the organizational and
      environmental factors that might lead to service sabotage behaviors; here
      individual differences in proclivity to service sabotage within any given
      environment of managerial context are reported. The study first uses interviews
      to establish typologies of difficult patients. Regression analysis and ANOVA
      applied to survey data shows that low self-esteem in nurses leads to service
      sabotage behavior, and that these nurses are less mature both chronologically and
      emotionally, less experienced, and less educated than their more typical
      counterparts. 

PMID- 25120044
TI  - Awareness of and attitudes toward direct-to-consumer prescription drug
      advertising among young adults.
AB  - This study examines awareness and knowledge of and attitudes toward direct-to
      consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertising among young adults between 18 and 24
      years of age. The study finds that young adults are not as aware of prescription
      drug advertising as older consumers, however, they are aware of specific heavily
      advertised drugs, especially those for allergy medications, birth control, and
      sleep aids. Young adults hold mixed to negative views about advertising in
      general, and they do not view DTC prescription drug advertising as a beneficial
      source of information, nor do they believe such advertising serves to educate
      consumers. 

PMID- 25120045
TI  - What is driving the growth in medical tourism?
AB  - The current study directly surveyed consumers on their experiences and
      consideration of medical tourism to test the variables thought to impact medical
      tourism. The sample was deployed to qSample's international traveler panel. The
      survey was completed by 68.5% of participants. Over a third of the respondents
      said they had considered medical tourism; 15% had actually traveled to another
      country for medical care. Dental treatment was named most often as the type of
      treatment pursued in another country. Cost was mentioned most frequently as the
      reason for medical tourism. Prior international travel emerged as an important
      factor. 

PMID- 25120046
TI  - Direct-to-consumer advertising of predictive genetic tests: a health belief model
      based examination of consumer response.
AB  - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of predictive genetic tests (PGTs) has added
      a new dimension to health advertising. This study used an online survey based on
      the health belief model framework to examine and more fully understand consumers'
      responses and behavioral intentions in response to a PGT DTC advertisement.
      Overall, consumers reported moderate intentions to talk with their doctor and
      seek more information about PGTs after advertisement exposure, though consumers
      did not seem ready to take the advertised test or engage in active information
      search. Those who perceived greater threat from the disease, however, had
      significantly greater behavioral intentions and information search behavior. 

PMID- 25120047
TI  - Attitudes and beliefs regarding direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceutical
      drugs: an exploratory comparison of physicians and pharmaceutical sales
      representatives.
AB  - Even with many changes in regulation in recent years, direct-to-consumer
      advertising (DTCA) of pharmaceutical drugs remains a complicated and contentious
      issue. Many in our society argue for increased legislation of DTCA while others
      believe that DTCA serves a useful purpose and should not be overregulated. This
      study was designed to compare attitudes and beliefs regarding DTCA held by two
      key stakeholder groups, physicians and pharmaceutical sales representatives. A
      questionnaire was created, pretested, and administered to 30 physicians and 30
      pharmaceutical sales representatives to investigate these issues. Significant
      differences between these two groups were found and implications for DTCA are
      discussed. 

PMID- 25120048
TI  - Flow cytometric analysis of SOX11: a new diagnostic method for distinguishing B
      cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma from mantle cell
      lymphoma.
AB  - The differential diagnosis between mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and B-cell chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (B-CLL/SLL) is essential, since
      MCL usually has a more aggressive clinical course. By flow cytometry both MCL and
      B-CLL are CD19, CD20 and usually CD5 positive. However, ambiguities in other
      immune phenotypic markers of these lymphoma entities sometimes complicate the
      flow cytometric differential diagnosis. We here demonstrate that the
      transcription factor SOX11, which is highly up-regulated in most MCL, can be
      analyzed by flow cytometry. SOX11 protein could be consistently detected in ex
      vivo isolated MCL but not in B-CLL/SLL. Flow cytometry also enabled protein
      quantification, and SOX11 protein levels correlated with mRNA expression. We
      suggest that implementing detection of SOX11 in diagnostic flow cytometry would
      be beneficial for accurate and reliable diagnosis of MCL, especially for
      distinguishing cases of MCL and B-CLL/SLL with aberrant immune phenotypes, and
      for cases of rare cyclin D1 negative MCL. 

PMID- 25120049
TI  - Use of a claims database to characterize and estimate the incidence rate for
      Castleman disease.
AB  - Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder affecting single
      (unicentric; UCD) or multiple (multicentric; MCD) lymph nodes. The incidence of
      this difficult to diagnose disease is poorly understood, as no International
      Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code is available. This study
      utilized a unique strategy to estimate its incidence using two commercial claims
      databases, IMS LifeLinkTM and Truven Health Analytics MarketScan((r)). Patients
      with an index diagnosis of lymphadenopathy (ICD-9 code 785.6) were followed
      longitudinally for 1 year prior to and 2 years post-index diagnosis date. An
      algorithm that identifies potential patients with CD was developed to determine
      the incidence rate in person-years. The incidence rate for CD was calculated as
      21 (IMS LifeLinkTM) and 25 (MarketScan((r))) per million person-years.
      Additionally, 23% of patients with CD were identified as potentially suffering
      from MCD. These results are consistent with the definition of an orphan disease,
      and the low incidence of the disease estimated in the literature. 

PMID- 25120050
TI  - Incidence of secondary neoplasms in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia
      treated with all-trans retinoic acid plus chemotherapy or with all-trans retinoic
      acid plus arsenic trioxide.
AB  - The incidence and pattern of secondary neoplasms in patients with acute
      promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)
      containing regimens is not well described. We compared 160 patients with APL
      treated with ATRA plus idarubicin (n = 54) or ATRA plus arsenic trioxide (ATO) (n
      = 106) for the incidence of secondary cancers per unit time of follow-up. Median
      follow-up times for the two cohorts were 136 and 29 months, respectively. Nine
      patients developed secondary cancers in the chemotherapy group. These included
      two breast cancers, three myelodysplastic syndromes/acute myeloid leukemia, one
      vulvar cancer, one prostate cancer, one colon cancer and one soft tissue sarcoma.
      A melanoma and one pancreatic cancer developed in the ATO group. We conclude that
      treatment of patients with APL using the non-chemotherapy regimen of ATRA plus
      ATO is not associated with a higher incidence of secondary cancers (p = 0.29)
      adjusted for unit time of exposure. 

PMID- 25120053
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 25120051
TI  - Transmission of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma by bone marrow transplant.

PMID- 25120052
TI  - Underlying autoimmune diseases are not aggravated during treatment with
      lenalidomide in patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

PMID- 25120055
TI  - New limonoids from Hortia oreadica and unexpected coumarin from H. superba using
      chromatography over cleaning Sephadex with sodium hypochlorite.
AB  - Previous investigations of H. oreadica reported the presence of a wide spectrum
      of complex limonoids and dihydrocinnamic acids. Our interest in the Rutaceae
      motivated a reinvestigation of H. oreadica, H. brasiliana and H. superba
      searching for other secondary metabolites present in substantial amounts for
      taxonomic analysis. In a continuation of the investigation of the H. oreadica,
      three new limonoids have now been isolated 9alpha-hydroxyhortiolide A, 11beta
      hydroxyhortiolide C and 1(S*)-acetoxy-7(R*)-hydroxy-7-deoxoinchangin. All the
      isolated compounds from the Hortia species reinforce its position in the
      Rutaceae. With regard to limonoids the genus produces highly specialized
      compounds, whose structural variations do not occur in any other member of the
      Rutaceae, thus, it is evident from limonoid data that Hortia takes an isolated
      position within the family. In addition, H. superba afforded the unexpected
      coumarin 5-chloro-8-methoxy-psoralen, which may not be a genuine natural product.
      Solid-state cross-polarisation/magic-angle-spinning 13C nuclear magnetic
      resonance, X-Ray fluorescence and Field-emission gun scanning electron microscopy
      experiments show that the Sephadex LH-20 was modified after treatment with NaOCl,
      suggesting that when xanthotoxin (8-methoxy-psoralen) was extracted from cleaning
      of the gel column, chlorination of the aromatic system occurred. 

PMID- 25120054
TI  - Bioevaluation of novel anti-biofilm coatings based on PVP/Fe3O4 nanostructures
      and 2-((4-ethylphenoxy)methyl)-N- (arylcarbamothioyl)benzamides.
AB  - Novel derivatives were prepared by reaction of aromatic amines with 2-(4
      ethylphenoxymethyl)benzoyl isothiocyanate, affording the N-[2-(4
      ethylphenoxymethyl) benzoyl]-N?-(substituted phenyl)thiourea. Structural
      elucidation of these compounds was performed by IR, NMR spectroscopy and
      elemental analysis. The new compounds were used in combination with Fe3O4 and
      polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for the coating of medical surfaces. In our
      experiments, catheter pieces were coated by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser
      Evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The microbial adherence ability was investigated
      in 6 multi-well plates by using culture based methods. The obtained surfaces were
      also assessed for their cytotoxicity with respect to osteoblast cells, by using
      fluorescence microscopy and MTT assay. The prepared surfaces by advanced laser
      processing inhibited the adherence and biofilm development ability of
      Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa tested strains while cytotoxic
      effects on the 3T3-E1 preosteoblasts embedded in layer shaped alginate hydrogels
      were not observed. These results suggest that the obtained medical surfaces,
      based on the novel thiourea derivatives and magnetic nanoparticles with a
      polymeric shell could represent a promising alternative for the development of
      new and effective anti-infective strategies. 

PMID- 25120056
TI  - Synthesis and cytotoxic activity evaluation of novel arylpiperazine derivatives
      on human prostate cancer cell lines.
AB  - A series of novel arylpiperazine derivatives was synthesized. The in vitro
      cytotoxic activities of all synthesized compounds against three human prostate
      cancer cell lines (PC-3, LNCaP, and DU145) were evaluated by a CCK-8 assay.
      Compounds 9 and 15 exhibited strong cytotoxic activities against LNCaP cells
      (IC50<5 MUM), and compound 8 (IC50=8.25 MUM) possessed the most potent activity
      against DU145 cells. However, these compounds also exhibited cytotoxicity towards
      human epithelial prostate normal cells RWPE-1. The structure-activity
      relationship (SAR) of these arylpiperazine derivatives was also discussed based
      on the obtained experimental data.

PMID- 25120057
TI  - Comparative pharmacokinetics study of sinomenine in rats after oral
      administration of sinomenine monomer and Sinomenium acutum extract.
AB  - Various products containing sinomenine monomer and extracts of Sinomenium acutum
      have been widely applied in clinical treatments. The goal of the present study
      was to compare the pharmacokinetics of sinomenine in rats after oral
      administration of sinomenine monomer and Sinomenium acutum extract, and to
      attempt to explore potential component-component interactions between the
      constituents of this traditional Chinese herbal medicine. A reliable and specific
      reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography method was developed to
      analyze sinomenine in rat plasma. Pharmacokinetic parameters for sinomenine were
      processed by non-compartmental analysis. The results showed that the maximum
      concentration, the area under the concentration-time curve, clearance and the
      apparent volume of distribution of sinomenine in the Sinomenium acutum extract
      statistically differed from those of sinomenine monomer (p < 0.05); however, the
      mean residence time, time of peak concentration, and half-life did not show
      significant differences between the two groups. These findings suggested that
      some additional components in the Sinomenium acutum extract may decrease the
      absorption of sinomenine. The complex interactions between sinomenine and other
      components of the herbal extract could result in the altered pharmacokinetic
      behavior of sinomenine, which may subsequently cause different therapeutic and
      detoxification effects. 

PMID- 25120058
TI  - Fused-ring derivatives of quinoxalines: spectroscopic characterization and
      photoinduced processes investigated by EPR spin trapping technique.
AB  - 10-Ethyl-7-oxo-7,10-dihydropyrido[2,3-f]quinoxaline derivatives, synthesized as
      promising biologically/photobiologically active compounds were characterized by
      UV/vis, FT-IR and fluorescent spectroscopy. Photoinduced processes of these
      derivatives were studied by EPR spectroscopy, monitoring in situ the generation
      of reactive intermediates upon UVA (lambdamax=365 nm) irradiation. The formation
      of reactive oxygen species and further oxygen- and carbon-centered radical
      intermediates was detected and possible reaction routes were suggested. To
      quantify the investigated processes, the quantum yields of the superoxide radical
      anion spin-adduct and 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine N-oxyl generation were
      determined, reflecting the activation of molecular oxygen by the excited state of
      the quinoxaline derivative.

PMID- 25120061
TI  - Proposed International League Against Epilepsy Classification 2010: new insights.
AB  - The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Classification of Seizures in
      1981 and the Classification of the Epilepsies, in 1989 have been widely accepted
      the world over for the last 3 decades. Since then, there has been an explosive
      growth in imaging, genetics and other fields in the epilepsies which have changed
      many of our concepts. It was felt that a revision was in order and hence the ILAE
      commissioned a group of experts who submitted the initial draft of this revised
      classification in 2010. This review focuses on what are the strengths and
      weaknesses of this new proposed classification, especially in the context of a
      developing country. 

PMID- 25120059
TI  - Isocorydine derivatives and their anticancer activities.
AB  - In order to improve the anticancer activity of isocorydine (ICD), ten isocorydine
      derivatives were prepared through chemical structure modifications, and their in
      vitro and in vivo activities were experimentally investigated. 8-Amino
      isocorydine (8) and 6a,7-dihydrogen-isocorydione (10) could inhibit the growth of
      human lung (A549), gastric (SGC7901) and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines in
      vitro. Isocorydione (2) could inhibit the tumor growth of murine sarcoma S180
      bearing mice, and 8-acetamino-isocorydine (11), a pro-drug of 8-amino-isocorydine
      (8), which is instable in water solution at room temperature, had a good
      inhibitory effect on murine hepatoma H22-induced tumors. The results suggested
      that the isocorydine structural modifications at C-8 could significantly improve
      the biological activity of this alkaloid, indicating its suitability as a lead
      compound in the development of an effective anticancer agent. 

PMID- 25120060
TI  - Expression of cytokeratin 8, vimentin, syndecan-1 and Ki-67 during human tooth
      development.
AB  - Spatio-temporal immunolocalizations of cytokeratin 8 (CK8), vimentin, syndecan-1
      and Ki-67 were analyzed in ten human incisors and canine tooth germs between the
      7th and 20th developmental weeks. CK8 expression was mild to moderate in the
      epithelial tooth parts, while it shifted from absent or mild in its mesenchymal
      parts, but few cells, sparsely distributed throughout the tooth germ, strongly
      expressed CK8. As development progressed, CK8 expression increased to strong in
      preameloblasts, while expression of vimentin increased to moderate in the
      epithelial and mesenchymal tooth parts, particularly in the dental papilla and
      sac. Co-expression of CK8 and vimentin was observed in some parts of the tooth
      germ, and was increasing in the differentiating preameloblasts and
      preodontoblasts. Syndecan-1 showed characteristic shift of expression from
      epithelial to mesenchymal tooth parts, being particularly strong in dental
      papilla, sac and cervical loops, while co-expression of Ki-67/syndecan-1 was
      strong in the dental papilla. Our study demonstrated spatio-temporal expression
      and restricted co-expression of the investigated markers, indicating
      participation of CK8 and vimentin in cell proliferation and migration, and
      differentiation of preodontoblasts and preameloblasts. Our data also suggest
      involvement of syndecan-1 in morphogenesis of the developing tooth crown and
      cervical loops, and together with CK8 and vimentin in differentiation of
      preameloblasts and preodontoblasts. 

PMID- 25120062
TI  - Serum bisphenol A concentration and premature thelarche in female infants aged 4
      month to 2-year.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the association between serum bisphenol A and premature
      thelarche in female infants aged 4-mo to 2-y. METHODS: A total of 251 female
      infants (aged 4 mo to 2 y) with premature thelarche and 33 healthy age-matched
      control subjects were analyzed. All participants underwent physical examination
      and serum bisphenol A was measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Serum bisphenol A concentration in the
      premature thelarche group (3.48 ng/ml, 95%CI: 0.09-140.26) was significantly
      higher than that in the control group (1.70 ng/ml, 95%CI: 0.06-51.78) (p =
      0.039). There was no correlation between age and serum bisphenol A (BPA) level.
      Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum BPA concentration
      positively associated with premature thelarche, and the effect of BPA fell down
      as the age grew. CONCLUSIONS: This hospital-based study implied that there is an
      association between serum BPA concentrations and premature thelarche.
      Additionally, serum BPA levels were markedly higher in infants aged 4-mo to 2-y
      old, raising a concern for public health authorities.

PMID- 25120064
TI  - Chikungunya virus transmission found in the United States: US health authorities
      brace for wider spread.

PMID- 25120063
TI  - ARID3B expression in primary breast cancers and breast cancer-derived cell lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: ARID3B (AT-rich interaction domain 3) is a member of the family of
      ARID proteins, which constitutes evolutionarily conserved transcription factors
      implicated in normal development, differentiation, cell cycle regulation and
      chromatin remodeling. In addition, ARID3B has been linked to cellular
      immortalization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumorigenesis. Given
      the emerging role of ARID3B in tumor development, we examined its expression in
      primary patient-derived breast cancer samples and breast cancer-derived cell
      lines. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect ARID3B expression
      in 63 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) invasive breast cancer samples. In
      addition, a panel of 6 (estrogen receptor-positive and -negative, ERBB2-positive
      and -negative) breast cancer-derived cell lines and immortalized non-tumorigenic
      epithelial breast cells were used for ARID3B expression analysis using RT-PCR.
      Specific primers and Western blotting were used to detect ARID3B isoforms.
      RESULTS: Using IHC, nuclear, cytoplasmic and low levels of membranous ARID3B
      staining were detected in all 63 primary invasive breast tumors. Nuclear ARID3B
      staining positively correlated with estrogen receptor (ER) status and negatively
      correlated with tumor grade, mitotic index and ERBB2 status of the patients.
      Increased nuclear expression of ARID3B was confirmed in breast cancer-derived
      cell lines expressing ERalpha. In addition, two out of three ERBB2-positive
      breast cancer cell lines were found to lack full length ARID3B. Three ARID3B
      isoforms were found to be present in normal breast epithelial cells as well as in
      breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION: We report a positive correlation between ER
      positivity and nuclear ARID3B expression in primary breast cancers, along with a
      negative correlation with the ERBB2 status. Very similar correlations were noted
      in breast cancer-derived cell lines. Since in the recent past ARID3B expression
      has increasingly been related to cancer-associated proteins and microRNAs,
      knowledge on ARID3B expression and function may be instrumental for gaining
      further insight into potentially important cancer-related networks.

PMID- 25120068
TI  - A symposium in honor of Peter B. Dervan, the 2014 ACS Chemical Biology
      Lectureship Award Winner.

PMID- 25120070
TI  - Lack of evidence that Tonkean macaques understand what others can hear.
AB  - By distinguishing the attentional cues of their mates, animals can learn what
      part of their environment is of potential interest. However, recognizing the
      attentional states of others through auditory perception appears to be difficult,
      since these states are generally not accompanied by ostensive signals liable to
      reveal them. In this context, one study found that rhesus macaques withhold their
      action when unobserved, then concluding that they know what others can hear. We
      replicated this study by testing 18 Tonkean macaques in an experimental setting
      where subjects had to choose between two boxes containing a food reward. One box
      made a noise when opened, and the other opened silently. An experimenter was
      present and could either have her back to subjects or be facing them. If subjects
      aimed to avoid attracting the experimenter's attention, they were expected to
      select the silent box while the experimenter's back was turned. Results showed
      that subjects did not discriminate between boxes, whatever the experimenter's
      position. We thus found no evidence that Tonkean macaques are able to take the
      auditory attentional states of a human into account. It is therefore premature to
      conclude that monkeys can establish a link between hearing and knowing. 

PMID- 25120072
TI  - Lives of a journal.

PMID- 25120073
TI  - Effect of the cation on the interactions between alkyl methyl imidazolium
      chloride ionic liquids and water.
AB  - A systematic study of the interactions between water and alkyl methyl imidazolium
      chloride ionic liquids at 298.2 K, based on activity coefficients estimated from
      water activity measurements in the entire solubility range, is presented. The
      results show that the activity coefficients of water in the studied ILs are
      controlled by the hydrophilicity of the cation and the cation-anion interaction.
      To achieve a deeper understanding on the interactions between water and the ILs,
      COSMO-RS and FTIR spectroscopy were also applied. COSMO-RS was used to predict
      the activity coefficient of water in the studied ionic liquids along with the
      excess enthalpies, suggesting the formation of complexes between three molecules
      of water and one IL molecule. On the basis of quantum-chemical calculations, it
      is found that cation-anion interaction plays an important role upon the ability
      of the IL anion to interact with water. The changes in the peak positions/band
      areas of OH vibrational modes of water as a function of IL concentration were
      investigated, and the impact of the cation on the hydrogen-bonding network of
      water is identified and discussed. 

PMID- 25120071
TI  - Development and performance of a 129-GHz dynamic nuclear polarizer in an ultra
      wide bore superconducting magnet.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to build a dynamic nuclear polarization system for operation
      at 4.6 T (129 GHz) and evaluate its efficiency in terms of (13)C polarization
      levels using free radicals that span a range of ESR linewidths. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A liquid helium cryostat was placed in a 4.6 T superconducting magnet
      with a 150-mm warm bore diameter. A 129-GHz microwave source was used to
      irradiate (13)C enriched samples. Temperatures close to 1 K were achieved using a
      vacuum pump with a 453-m(3)/h roots blower. A hyperpolarized (13)C nuclear
      magnetic resonance (NMR) signal was detected using a saddle coil and a Varian
      VNMRS console operating at 49.208 MHz. Samples doped with free radicals BDPA (1,3
      bisdiphenylene-2-phenylallyl), trityl OX063 (tris{8-carboxyl-2,2,6,6-benzo(1,2
      d:4,5-d)-bis(1,3)dithiole-4-yl}methyl sodium salt), galvinoxyl ((2,6-di-tert
      butyl-alpha-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)-p-tolyloxy),
      2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 4-oxo-TEMPO (4-Oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1
      piperidinyloxy) were assayed. Microwave dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)
      spectra and solid-state (13)C polarization levels for these samples were
      determined. RESULTS: (13)C polarization levels close to 50 % were achieved for [1
      (13)C]pyruvic acid at 1.15 K using the narrow electron spin resonance (ESR)
      linewidth free radicals trityl OX063 and BDPA, while 10-20 % (13)C polarizations
      were achieved using galvinoxyl, DPPH and 4-oxo-TEMPO. CONCLUSION: At this field
      strength free radicals with smaller ESR linewidths are still superior for DNP of
      (13)C as opposed to those with linewidths that exceed that of the (1)H Larmor
      frequency.

PMID- 25120074
TI  - Synthesis of NaLuF4-based nanocrystals and large enhancement of upconversion
      luminescence of NaLuF4:Gd, Yb, Er by coating an active shell for bioimaging.
AB  - A series of NaLuF4-based hexagonal phase upconversion nanocrystals (UCNs) were
      synthesized by a facile solvothermal method and the properties of the UCNs were
      investigated. The results show that the as-prepared nanocrystals exhibit pure
      hexagonal lattice structures, uniform morphologies, high monodispersities and
      excellent upconversion luminescence. The upconversion luminescence (UCL)
      intensities of the UCNs can be enhanced by coating with a shell of NaLuF4. More
      interestingly, the UCL intensities of active-shell coated nanocrystals
      (NaLuF4:Gd, Yb, Er@NaLuF4:Yb, Ho and NaLuF4:Gd, Yb, Er@NaLuF4:Yb) are remarkably
      higher than that of inert-shell coated nanocrystals (NaLuF4:Gd, Yb, Er@NaLuF4),
      and NaLuF4:Gd, Yb, Er@NaLuF4:Yb, Ho is higher than NaLuF4:Gd, Yb, Er@NaLuF4:Yb.
      The mechanisms of upconversion luminescence enhancement are discussed in detail.
      The bioimaging application of the nanocrystals showed that bright upconversion
      luminescence was observed when UCNs-labeled HeLa cells were excited with 980 nm
      light. This study presents a facile method for the synthesis of NaLuF4-based
      upconversion nanocrystals with intense luminescence that can be used as potential
      fluorescent probes for sensitive bioimaging, and the suggested mechanism could
      provide new insights into fabrication of upconversion materials with high
      upconversion fluorescence. 

PMID- 25120075
TI  - Functional alterations in the dorsal raphe nucleus following acute and chronic
      ethanol exposure.
AB  - Alcoholism is a pervasive disorder perpetuated in part to relieve negative mood
      states like anxiety experienced during alcohol withdrawal. Emerging evidence
      demonstrates a role for the serotonin-rich dorsal raphe (DR) in anxiety following
      ethanol withdrawal. The current study examined the effects of chronic ethanol
      vapor exposure on the DR using slice electrophysiology in male DBA2/J mice. We
      found that chronic ethanol exposure resulted in deficits in social approach
      indicative of increased anxiety-like behavior at both 24 h and 7 days post
      ethanol exposure. At 24 h post-ethanol exposure, we observed increased
      excitability and decreased spontaneous inhibitory transmission (inhibitory
      postsynaptic currents, IPSCs) in the DR. At 7 days post-ethanol exposure, we
      observed increased spontaneous and miniature excitatory transmission (excitatory
      postsynaptic currents, EPSCs). Because acute ethanol alters GABA transmission in
      other brain regions, we assessed the effects of ex vivo ethanol (50 mM) on
      miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) in the DR 24-h post-ethanol exposure. Bath application
      of ethanol enhanced the amplitude of mIPSCs in cells from ethanol-naive and
      chronic intermittent ethanol-exposed (CIE) mice, but significantly enhanced the
      frequency of mIPSCs only in cells from CIE mice, suggesting that DR neurons are
      more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of acute ethanol following CIE. On the
      basis of these findings, we hypothesize that net excitation of DR neurons
      following chronic ethanol exposure contributes to enhanced anxiety during ethanol
      withdrawal, and that increased sensitivity of DR neurons to subsequent ethanol
      exposure may mediate acute ethanol's ability to relieve anxiety during ethanol
      withdrawal. 

PMID- 25120076
TI  - High locomotor reactivity to novelty is associated with an increased propensity
      to choose saccharin over cocaine: new insights into the vulnerability to
      addiction.
AB  - Drug addiction is associated with a relative devaluation of natural or socially
      valued reinforcers that are unable to divert addicts from seeking and consuming
      the drug. Before protracted drug exposure, most rats prefer natural rewards, such
      as saccharin, over cocaine. However, a subpopulation of animals prefer cocaine
      over natural rewards and are thought to be vulnerable to addiction. Specific
      behavioral traits have been associated with different dimensions of drug
      addiction. For example, anxiety predicts loss of control over drug intake whereas
      sensation seeking and sign-tracking are markers of a greater sensitivity to the
      rewarding properties of the drug. However, how these behavioral traits predict
      the disinterest for natural reinforcers remains unknown. In a population of rats,
      we identified sensation seekers (HR) on the basis of elevated novelty-induced
      locomotor reactivity, high anxious rats (HA) based on the propensity to avoid
      open arms in an elevated-plus maze and sign-trackers (ST) that are prone to
      approach, and interaction with, reward-associated stimuli. Rats were then tested
      on their preference for saccharin over cocaine in a discrete-trial choice
      procedure. We show that HR rats display a greater preference for saccharin over
      cocaine compared with ST and HA whereas the motivation for the drug was
      comparable between the three groups. The present data suggest that high locomotor
      reactivity to novelty, or sensation seeking, by predisposing to an increased
      choice toward non-drug rewards at early stages of drug use history, may prevent
      the establishment of chronic cocaine use. 

PMID- 25120078
TI  - Use of ultrasound in the insertion of a vascular closure device: a comparative
      retrospective study with the standard blind technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate whether ultrasound (US) assistance can decrease the rate of
      complications related to the use of vascular closure devices (VCDs). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A retrospective comparative study was done on 150 consecutive
      patients who had a VCD inserted under US guidance after retrograde common-femoral
      artery (CFA) puncture. This group was compared to a historical control group of
      150 consecutive patients who had the same VCDs inserted with the standard blind
      technique. After the procedures, patients were placed at bedrest for at least 6
      h. Technical success, defined as correct deployment without adjunctive manual
      compression, blood count and US evaluation of the arterial puncture site was done
      at 24 h and at 3 months. Differences in terms of efficacy and safety were
      statistically evaluated using US guidance as a predictor for a lower complication
      rate. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 147/150 patients (98 %) in the
      study group vs. 141/150 cases (94 %) of the control group (p = 0.038). In three
      cases (2 %) adjunctive manual compression (<=5 min) was required. One
      pseudoaneurysm (0.65 %) occurred after 24 h, solved with manual compression. Six
      minor complications (4 %)--haematoma (n = 5; 3.35 %), recurrent wound bleeding (n
      = 1; 0.65 %)--were reported. In the control group four (2.65 %) major
      complications occurred: CFA occlusion managed with surgical bypass, CFA
      dissection solved by surgical bypass, two pseudoaneurysms solved with manual
      compression. Thirteen (8.65 %) minor complications were observed with haematoma
      (n = 10; 6.65 %), and recurrent wound bleeding (n = 3; 2.0 %). The comparative
      analysis of the total complication rate and major complication rate between the
      study group and the control group was statistically significant (p = 0.016 and p
      = 0.049, respectively). A 24-h evaluation showed a triphasic flow within the CFA
      in 150/150 patients (100 %) of the study group and in 146/150 cases (97.35 %) of
      the control group. CONCLUSION: VCD inserted under US guidance increases the
      success rate reducing the number of complications.

PMID- 25120079
TI  - Mammotome((r)) and EnCor ((r)): comparison of two systems for stereotactic vacuum
      assisted core biopsy in the characterisation of suspicious mammographic
      microcalcifications alone.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors sought to compare the diagnostic performance of the
      Mammotome((r)) and EnCor((r)) vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) systems in the
      assessment of suspicious mammographic microcalcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Between January 2011 and July 2012, a total of 169 VABB were performed by
      stereotactic guidance on a prone table. The Mammotome((r)) 11G (S1) or EnCor((r))
      10G (S2) probes were used randomly. Sampling time and the number of frustules
      collected were considered; sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy,
      positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV) of both procedures were
      evaluated, considering the final histological examination as reference (B1, B3,
      B5 lesions underwent surgical excision; B2 lesion were considered confirmed after
      a negative follow-up of at least 1 year). RESULTS: There were no statistically
      significant differences between the two groups of patients according to the
      number of procedures (S1 82/169; S2 87/169), average age, BIRADS category (4a,
      b), and average size of the lesions. The two systems did not differ statistically
      for correlation with the final histology (S1 k = 0.94 +/- 0.06; S2 k = 0.92 +/-
      0.08) and underestimation of B3 lesions or in situ (S1 4.5%; S2 4.3%).
      Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, diagnostic accuracy of S1 and S2 were also
      not statistically different. The systems differed only in sampling time (S1 80;
      S2 63 s), but not in total procedure time. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the
      effectiveness of VABB in the assessment of microcalcifications and highlights the
      lack of significant differences between the two systems in terms of diagnostic
      performance.

PMID- 25120080
TI  - Regarding hypertension treatment are we following worldwide tendencies?

PMID- 25120077
TI  - Blonanserin ameliorates phencyclidine-induced visual-recognition memory deficits:
      the complex mechanism of blonanserin action involving D3-5-HT2A and D1-NMDA
      receptors in the mPFC.
AB  - Blonanserin differs from currently used serotonin 5-HT2A/dopamine-D2 receptor
      antagonists in that it exhibits higher affinity for dopamine-D2/3 receptors than
      for serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. We investigated the involvement of dopamine-D3
      receptors in the effects of blonanserin on cognitive impairment in an animal
      model of schizophrenia. We also sought to elucidate the molecular mechanism
      underlying this involvement. Blonanserin, as well as olanzapine, significantly
      ameliorated phencyclidine (PCP)-induced impairment of visual-recognition memory,
      as demonstrated by the novel-object recognition test (NORT) and increased
      extracellular dopamine levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). With
      blonanserin, both of these effects were antagonized by DOI (a serotonin 5-HT2A
      receptor agonist) and 7-OH-DPAT (a dopamine-D3 receptor agonist), whereas the
      effects of olanzapine were antagonized by DOI but not by 7-OH-DPAT. The
      ameliorating effect was also antagonized by SCH23390 (a dopamine-D1 receptor
      antagonist) and H-89 (a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor). Blonanserin
      significantly remediated the decrease in phosphorylation levels of PKA at
      Thr(197) and of NR1 (an essential subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
      receptors) at Ser(897) by PKA in the mPFC after a NORT training session in the
      PCP-administered mice. There were no differences in the levels of NR1
      phosphorylated at Ser(896) by PKC in any group. These results suggest that the
      ameliorating effect of blonanserin on PCP-induced cognitive impairment is
      associated with indirect functional stimulation of the dopamine-D1-PKA-NMDA
      receptor pathway following augmentation of dopaminergic neurotransmission due to
      inhibition of both dopamine-D3 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the mPFC.

PMID- 25120081
TI  - Impact of different obesity assessment methods after acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity is an important cardiovascular risk factor.
      Therefore, identifying the best method for measuring waist circumference (WC) is
      a priority. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the eight methods of measuring WC in patients
      with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as a predictor of cardiovascular complications
      during hospitalization. METHODS: Prospective study of patients with ACS. The
      measurement of WC was performed by eight known methods: midpoint between the last
      rib and the iliac crest (1), point of minimum circumference (2); immediately
      above the iliac crest (3), umbilicus (4), one inch above the umbilicus (5), one
      centimeter above the umbilicus (6), smallest rib and (7) the point of greatest
      circumference around the waist (8). Complications included: angina, arrhythmia,
      heart failure, cardiogenic shock, hypotension, pericarditis and death. Logistic
      regression tests were used for predictive factors. RESULTS: A total of 55
      patients were evaluated. During the hospitalization period, which corresponded on
      average to seven days, 37 (67%) patients had complications, with the exception of
      death, which was not observed in any of the cases. Of these complications, the
      only one that was associated with WC was angina, and with every cm of WC
      increase, the risk for angina increased from 7.5 to 9.9%, depending on the
      measurement site. It is noteworthy the fact that there was no difference between
      the different methods of measuring WC as a predictor of angina. CONCLUSION: The
      eight methods of measuring WC are also predictors of recurrent angina after acute
      coronary syndromes.

PMID- 25120082
TI  - Resistance exercise restores endothelial function and reduces blood pressure in
      type 1 diabetic rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resistance exercise effects on cardiovascular parameters are not
      consistent. OBJECTIVES: The effects of resistance exercise on changes in blood
      glucose, blood pressure and vascular reactivity were evaluated in diabetic rats.
      METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group (n = 8);
      sedentary diabetic (n = 8); and trained diabetic (n = 8). Resistance exercise was
      carried out in a squat device for rats and consisted of three sets of ten
      repetitions with an intensity of 50%, three times per week, for eight weeks.
      Changes in vascular reactivity were evaluated in superior mesenteric artery
      rings. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the maximum response of acetylcholine
      induced relaxation was observed in the sedentary diabetic group (78.1 +/- 2%) and
      an increase in the trained diabetic group (95 +/- 3%) without changing potency.
      In the presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, the acetylcholine-induced
      relaxation was significantly reduced in the control and trained diabetic groups,
      but not in the sedentary diabetic group. Furthermore, a significant increase (p <
      0.05) in mean arterial blood pressure was observed in the sedentary diabetic
      group (104.9 +/- 5 to 126.7 +/- 5 mmHg) as compared to that in the control group.
      However, the trained diabetic group showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in
      the mean arterial blood pressure levels (126.7 +/- 5 to 105.1 +/- 4 mmHg) as
      compared to the sedentary diabetic group. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance exercise could
      restore endothelial function and prevent an increase in arterial blood pressure
      in type 1 diabetic rats.

PMID- 25120083
TI  - Evaluation of sexual dimorphism in the efficacy and safety of
      simvastatin/atorvastatin therapy in a southern Brazilian cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease,
      and statins have been effective in controlling lipid levels. Sex differences in
      the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of statins contribute to
      interindividual variations in drug efficacy and toxicity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      the presence of sexual dimorphism in the efficacy and safety of
      simvastatin/atorvastatin treatment. METHODS: Lipid levels of 495 patients (331
      women and 164 men) were measured at baseline and after 6 +/- 3 months of
      simvastatin/atorvastatin treatment to assess the efficacy and safety profiles of
      both drugs. RESULTS: Women had higher baseline levels of total cholesterol (TC),
      low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (HDL-C) compared with men (p < 0.0001). After treatment, women
      exhibited a greater decrease in plasma TC and LDL-C levels compared with men.
      After adjustment for covariates, baseline levels of TC and LDL-C influenced more
      than 30% of the efficacy of lipid-lowering therapy (p < 0.001), regardless of
      sex. Myalgia [with or without changes in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels]
      occurred more frequently in women (25.9%; p = 0.002), whereas an increase in CPK
      and/or abnormal liver function was more frequent in in men (17.9%; p = 0.017).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that baseline TC and LDL-C levels are the main
      predictors of simvastatin/atorvastatin therapy efficacy, regardless of sex. In
      addition, they suggest the presence of sexual dimorphism in the safety of
      simvastatin/atorvastatin. The effect of sex differences on receptors, transporter
      proteins, and gene expression pathways needs to be better evaluated and
      characterized to confirm these observations.

PMID- 25120084
TI  - Obesity does not lead to imbalance between myocardial phospholamban
      phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The activation of the beta-adrenergic system promotes G protein
      stimulation that, via cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), alters the structure
      of protein kinase A (PKA) and leads to phospholamban (PLB) phosphorylation. This
      protein participates in the system that controls intracellular calcium in muscle
      cells, and it is the primary regulator of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump
      activity. In obesity, the beta-adrenergic system is activated by the influence of
      increased leptin, therefore, resulting in higher myocardial phospholamban
      phosphorylation via cAMP-PKA. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the involvement of
      proteins which regulate the degree of PLB phosphorylation due to beta-adrenergic
      activation in obesity. In the present study, we hypothesized that there is an
      imbalance between phospholamban phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, with
      prevalence of protein phosphorylation. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly
      distributed into two groups: control (n = 14), fed with normocaloric diet; and
      obese (n = 13), fed with a cycle of four unsaturated high-fat diets. Obesity was
      determined by the adiposity index, and protein expressions of phosphatase 1 (PP
      1), PKA, PLB, phosphorylated phospholamban at serine16 (PPLB-Ser16) were assessed
      by Western blot. RESULTS: Obesity caused glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia,
      hypertriglyceridemia, hyperleptinemia and did not alter the protein expression of
      PKA, PP-1, PLB, PPLB-Ser16. CONCLUSION: Obesity does not promote an imbalance
      between myocardial PLB phosphorylation and dephosphorylation via beta-adrenergic
      system.

PMID- 25120085
TI  - High-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a predictor of cardiovascular events after
      ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and
      recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with ST
      elevation myocardial infarction who undergo primary percutaneous coronary
      intervention remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential
      association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and an increased risk of
      MACE such as death, heart failure, reinfarction, and new revascularization in
      patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: This prospective cohort study
      included 300 individuals aged >18 years who were diagnosed with ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction and underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention at
      a tertiary health center. An instrument evaluating clinical variables and the
      Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and Global Registry of Acute
      Coronary Events (GRACE) risk scores was used. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
      was determined by nephelometry. The patients were followed-up during
      hospitalization and up to 30 days after infarction for the occurrence of MACE.
      Student's t, Mann-Whitney, chi-square, and logistic regression tests were used
      for statistical analyses. P values of <=0.05 were considered statistically
      significant. RESULTS: The mean age was 59.76 years, and 69.3% of patients were
      male. No statistically significant association was observed between high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein and recurrent MACE (p = 0.11). However, high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein was independently associated with 30-day mortality
      when adjusted for TIMI [odds ratio (OR), 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07
      1.51; p = 0.005] and GRACE (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.06-1.49; p = 0.007) risk scores.
      CONCLUSION: Although high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was not predictive of
      combined major cardiovascular events within 30 days after ST-elevation myocardial
      infarction in patients who underwent primary angioplasty and stent implantation,
      it was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality.

PMID- 25120087
TI  - Case 3/2014--81-year-old patient hospitalized for decompensated heart failure.

PMID- 25120089
TI  - Valvular heart team.

PMID- 25120086
TI  - Lipoprotein (a): structure, pathophysiology and clinical implications.
AB  - The chemical structure of lipoprotein (a) is similar to that of LDL, from which
      it differs due to the presence of apolipoprotein (a) bound to apo B100 via one
      disulfide bridge. Lipoprotein (a) is synthesized in the liver and its plasma
      concentration, which can be determined by use of monoclonal antibody-based
      methods, ranges from < 1 mg to > 1,000 mg/dL. Lipoprotein (a) levels over 20-30
      mg/dL are associated with a two-fold risk of developing coronary artery disease.
      Usually, black subjects have higher lipoprotein (a) levels that, differently from
      Caucasians and Orientals, are not related to coronary artery disease. However,
      the risk of black subjects must be considered. Sex and age have little influence
      on lipoprotein (a) levels. Lipoprotein (a) homology with plasminogen might lead
      to interference with the fibrinolytic cascade, accounting for an atherogenic
      mechanism of that lipoprotein. Nevertheless, direct deposition of lipoprotein (a)
      on arterial wall is also a possible mechanism, lipoprotein (a) being more prone
      to oxidation than LDL. Most prospective studies have confirmed lipoprotein (a) as
      a predisposing factor to atherosclerosis. Statin treatment does not lower
      lipoprotein (a) levels, differently from niacin and ezetimibe, which tend to
      reduce lipoprotein (a), although confirmation of ezetimibe effects is pending.
      The reduction in lipoprotein (a) concentrations has not been demonstrated to
      reduce the risk for coronary artery disease. Whenever higher lipoprotein (a)
      concentrations are found, and in the absence of more effective and well-tolerated
      drugs, a more strict and vigorous control of the other coronary artery disease
      risk factors should be sought. 

PMID- 25120088
TI  - Bioresorbable vascular scaffold use in a case of in-stent restenosis.

PMID- 25120090
TI  - Insights of optical coherence tomography in renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia
      in a patient with spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

PMID- 25120093
TI  - Development of CMX001 (Brincidofovir) for the treatment of serious diseases or
      conditions caused by dsDNA viruses.
AB  - CMX001 (hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir, Brincidofovir) is a broad spectrum, lipid
      conjugate of cidofovir that is converted intracellularly into the active
      antiviral, cidofovir diphosphate. The lipid conjugation results in oral
      bioavailability, higher intracellular concentrations of active drug, lower plasma
      concentrations of cidofovir and increased antiviral potency against dsDNA
      viruses. 

PMID- 25120091
TI  - Multivalent polymers for drug delivery and imaging: the challenges of
      conjugation.
AB  - Multivalent polymers offer a powerful opportunity to develop theranostic
      materials on the size scale of proteins that can provide targeting, imaging, and
      therapeutic functionality. Achieving this goal requires the presence of multiple
      targeting molecules, dyes, and/or drugs on the polymer scaffold. This critical
      review examines the synthetic, analytical, and functional challenges associated
      with the heterogeneity introduced by conjugation reactions as well as polymer
      scaffold design. First, approaches to making multivalent polymer conjugations are
      discussed followed by an analysis of materials that have shown particular promise
      biologically. Challenges in characterizing the mixed ligand distributions and the
      impact of these distributions on biological applications are then discussed.
      Where possible, molecular-level interpretations are provided for the structures
      that give rise to the functional ligand and molecular weight distributions
      present in the polymer scaffolds. Lastly, recent strategies employed for
      overcoming or minimizing the presence of ligand distributions are discussed. This
      review focuses on multivalent polymer scaffolds where average stoichiometry
      and/or the distribution of products have been characterized by at least one
      experimental technique. Key illustrative examples are provided for scaffolds that
      have been carried forward to in vitro and in vivo testing with significant
      biological results. 

PMID- 25120092
TI  - Identification of a human neonatal immune-metabolic network associated with
      bacterial infection.
AB  - Understanding how human neonates respond to infection remains incomplete. Here, a
      system-level investigation of neonatal systemic responses to infection shows a
      surprisingly strong but unbalanced homeostatic immune response; developing an
      elevated set-point of myeloid regulatory signalling and sugar-lipid metabolism
      with concomitant inhibition of lymphoid responses. Innate immune-negative
      feedback opposes innate immune activation while suppression of T-cell co
      stimulation is coincident with selective upregulation of CD85 co-inhibitory
      pathways. By deriving modules of co-expressed RNAs, we identify a limited set of
      networks associated with bacterial infection that exhibit high levels of inter
      patient variability. Whereas, by integrating immune and metabolic pathways, we
      infer a patient-invariant 52-gene-classifier that predicts bacterial infection
      with high accuracy using a new independent patient population. This is further
      shown to have predictive value in identifying infection in suspected cases with
      blood culture-negative tests. Our results lay the foundation for future
      translation of host pathways in advancing diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic
      strategies for neonatal sepsis. 

PMID- 25120094
TI  - Neurogenin 3 is important but not essential for pancreatic islet development in
      humans.

PMID- 25120096
TI  - Orbital Lipomatosis: A Complication of Steroid Therapy in the Sweet Syndrome.
AB  - The description of a Sweet syndrome steroid dependant-induced orbital lipomatosis
      is reported. A 76-year-old-man with history of Sweet syndrome presented with
      severe bilateral proptosis (Hertel value, 25 mm) with decreased visual acuity and
      evoked potentials lengthened. A bilateral transpalpebral orbital decompression
      was performed by resection of intraorbital fat without bone removal. The surgery
      was uneventful. The volume of resected orbital fat was 15 ml for both sides.
      Proptosis reduction was 6 mm. Postoperative Hertel values were 19 mm, and evoked
      potentials were improved. The proptosis was managed successfully. Orbital
      lipectomy led to minimal sequelae and may be repeated if necessary in this case. 

PMID- 25120095
TI  - Macrophage mTORC1 disruption reduces inflammation and insulin resistance in obese
      mice.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Inflammatory factors secreted by macrophages play an important
      role in obesity-related insulin resistance. Being at the crossroads of a nutrient
      hormonal signalling network, the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)
      controls important functions in the regulation of energy balance and peripheral
      metabolism. However, the role of macrophage mTORC1 in insulin resistance is still
      unclear. In the current study, we investigated the physiological role of
      macrophage mTORC1 in regulating inflammation and insulin sensitivity. METHODS: We
      generated mice deficient in the regulatory associated protein of mTOR (Raptor) in
      macrophages, by crossing Raptor (also known as Rptor) floxed mice (Raptor
      (flox/flox)) with mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the Lysm
      Cre promoter (Mac-Raptor (KO)). We fed mice chow or high-fat diet (HFD) and
      assessed insulin sensitivity in liver, muscle and adipose tissue. Subsequently,
      we measured inflammatory gene expression in liver and adipose tissue and
      investigated the role of Raptor deficiency in the regulation of inflammatory
      responses in peritoneal macrophages from HFD-fed mice or in palmitic acid
      stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). RESULTS: Mac-Raptor (KO) mice
      fed HFD had improved systemic insulin sensitivity compared with Raptor
      (flox/flox) mice. Macrophage Raptor deficiency reduced inflammatory gene
      expression in liver and adipose tissue, fatty liver and adipose tissue macrophage
      content in response to HFD. In peritoneal macrophages from mice fed with an HFD
      for 12 weeks, macrophage Raptor deficiency decreased inflammatory gene
      expression, through attenuation of the inactivation of Akt and subsequent
      inhibition of the inositol-requiring element 1alpha/clun NH2-terminal kinase
      nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells
      (IRE1alpha/JNK/NFkappaB) pathways. Similarly, mTOR inhibition as a result of
      Raptor deficiency or rapamycin treatment decreased palmitic acid-induced
      inflammatory gene expression in BMDMs in vitro. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The
      disruption of mTORC1 signalling in macrophages protects mice against inflammation
      and insulin resistance potentially by inhibiting HFD- and palmitic acid-induced
      IRE1alpha/JNK/NFkappaB pathway activation.

PMID- 25120097
TI  - Exercise for people with high cardiovascular risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When two or more cardiovascular risk factors occur in one individual,
      they may interact in a multiplicative way promoting cardiovascular disease.
      Exercise has proven to be effective in controlling individual risk factors but
      its effect on overall cardiovascular risk remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess the effects of exercise training in people with increased cardiovascular
      risk but without a concurrent cardiovascular disease on general cardiovascular
      mortality, incidence of cardiovascular events, and total cardiovascular risk.
      SEARCH METHODS: A search was conducted in CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2013,
      Issue 10 of 12), Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to week 2 November 2013), EMBASE Classic +
      EMBASE via Ovid (1947 to Week 47 2013), CINAHL Plus with Full Text via EBSCO (to
      November 2013), Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) (1970 to 22
      November 2013), and Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (CPCI-S)
      (1990 to 22 November 2013) on Web of Science (Thomson Reuters). We did not apply
      any date or language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized clinical trials
      comparing aerobic or resistance exercise training versus no exercise or any
      standard approach that does not include exercise. Participants had to be 18 years
      of age or older with an average 10-year Framingham risk score of 10% for
      cardiovascular disease over 10 years, or with two or more cardiovascular risk
      factors, and no history of cardiovascular disease. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      The selection of studies and subsequent data collection process were conducted by
      two independent authors. Disagreements were solved by consensus. The results were
      reported descriptively. It was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis because of
      the high heterogeneity and high risk of bias in the included studies. MAIN
      RESULTS: A total of four studies were included that involved 823 participants,
      412 in the exercise group and 411 in the control group. Follow-up of participants
      ranged from 16 weeks to 6 months. Overall, the included studies had a high risk
      of selection, detection, and attrition bias. Meta-analysis was not possible
      because the interventions (setting, type and intensity of exercise) and outcome
      measurements were not comparable, and the risk of bias in the identified studies
      was high. No study assessed cardiovascular or all-cause mortality or
      cardiovascular events as individual outcomes. One or more of the studies reported
      on total cardiovascular risk, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, exercise
      capacity, and health-related quality of life but the available evidence was not
      sufficient to determine the effectiveness of exercise. Adverse events and smoking
      cessation were not assessed in the included studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      Evidence to date is entirely limited to small studies with regard to sample size,
      short-term follow-up, and high risk of methodological bias, which makes it
      difficult to derive any conclusions on the efficacy or safety of aerobic or
      resistance exercise on groups with increased cardiovascular risk or in
      individuals with two or more coexisting risk factors. Further randomized clinical
      trials assessing controlled exercise programmes on total cardiovascular risk in
      individuals are warranted.

PMID- 25120098
TI  - Aberrant expression of B7-H3 in gastric adenocarcinoma promotes cancer cell
      metastasis.
AB  - B7-H3 belongs to the B7 superfamily, a group of molecules that costimulate or
      downmodulate T cell responses. Although it has been shown that B7-H3 can inhibit
      T cell responses, several studies, most of them performed in murine systems,
      found B7-H3 to act in a co-stimulatory manner. In addition, B7-H3 is also
      expressed in various human cancers and is correlated with the poor outcome of
      cancer patients. The functional role of B7-H3 in cancer is still controversially
      discussed. In the present study, we compared B7-H3 expression in normal gastric
      tissues and gastric cancer tissue specimens and determined the effects of low B7
      H3 expression on the human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 by using RNAi. B7-H3
      expression in gastric specimens was determined by tissue qPCR and
      immunohistochemisty. A SGC-7901 cell line with low B7-H3 expression was
      established by lentiviral-mediated RNA interference to investigate the effect of
      B7-H3 on cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro. By establishing an
      orthotopic transplantation gastric cancer mouse model, the effect of B7-H3 on
      cell migration and invasion was studied in vivo. B7-H3 expression was
      significantly higher in the gastric cancer group than that in the normal gaster
      group. B7-H3 knockdown by RNA interference decreased cell migration and Transwell
      invasion up to 50% in vitro. In the orthotopic transplantation gastric cancer
      mouse model, the effect of inhibiting metastasis by knockdown of B7-H3 was
      assessed in terms of the average postmortem abdominal visceral metastatic tumor
      weight. The results revealed that inhibition of B7-H3 expression reduced gastric
      cancer metastasis in vivo. In conclusion, B7-H3 is aberrantly expressed in
      gastric cancer. In addition to modulating tumor immunity, B7-H3 may have a novel
      role in regulating SGC-7901 cell metastasis. 

PMID- 25120099
TI  - Genetic characterization and phylogenetic relationships based on 18S rRNA and
      ITS1 region of small form of canine Babesia spp. from India.
AB  - Canine babesiosis is a vector borne disease caused by intra-erythrocytic
      apicomplexan parasites Babesia canis (large form) and Babesia gibsoni (small
      form), throughout the globe. Apart from few sporadic reports on the occurrence of
      B. gibsoni infection in dogs, no attempt has been made to characterize Babesia
      spp. of dogs in India. Fifteen canine blood samples, positive for small form of
      Babesia, collected from northern to eastern parts of India, were used for
      amplification of 18S rRNA gene (~1665bp) of Babesia sp. and partial ITS1 region
      (~254bp) of B. gibsoni Asian genotype. Cloning and sequencing of the amplified
      products of each sample was performed separately. Based on sequences and
      phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA and ITS1 sequences, 13 were considered to be B.
      gibsoni. These thirteen isolates shared high sequence identity with each other
      and with B. gibsoni Asian genotype. The other two isolates could not be assigned
      to any particular species because of the difference(s) in 18S rRNA sequence with
      B. gibsoni and closer identity with Babesiaoccultans and Babesiaorientalis. In
      the phylogenetic tree, all the isolates of B. gibsoni Asian genotype formed a
      separate major clade named as Babesia spp. sensu stricto clade with high
      bootstrap support. The two unnamed Babesia sp. (Malbazar and Ludhiana isolates)
      clustered close together with B. orientalis, Babesia sp. (Kashi 1 isolate) and B.
      occultans of bovines. It can be inferred from this study that 18S rRNA gene and
      ITS1 region are highly conserved among 13 B. gibsoni isolates from India. It is
      the maiden attempt of genetic characterization by sequencing of 18S rRNA gene and
      ITS1 region of B. gibsoni from India and is also the first record on the
      occurrence of an unknown Babesia sp. of dogs from south and south-east Asia. 

PMID- 25120100
TI  - In-silico analysis of claudin-5 reveals novel putative sites for post
      translational modifications: Insights into potential molecular determinants of
      blood-brain barrier breach during HIV-1 infiltration.
AB  - The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a huge challenge and is a serious issue in
      deciphering the pathophysiology of central nervous system disorders. Endothelial
      tight junctions play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the BBB.
      Post-translational modifications (PTMs) in endothelial tight junction proteins
      are known to cause deleterious functional impairment and possible disruptions in
      BBB integrity. PTMs in tight junction proteins play an important role in human
      immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry through the BBB. Human claudin-5 is
      one of the highly expressed brain endothelial tight junction protein and various
      PTMs in claudin-5 are expected to aid HIV-1 in crossing the BBB. A precise
      characterization of PTMs in claudin-5 is important for understanding its role in
      HIV-1 brain infiltration. In this study, we have examined post-translational
      crosstalk between phosphorylation, O-glycosylation, palmitoylation and
      methylation sites in claudin-5, which could alter claudin-5's ability to maintain
      BBB integrity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on claudin
      5 protein that suggests a novel interplay between potential PTM sites. PTMs of
      predicted residues in claudin-5, suggested in this study, can serve as compelling
      targets for potential therapeutic agents against HIV-1 induced neuropathogenesis.
      Further site-specific experimental studies in this aspect are highly recommended.

PMID- 25120101
TI  - Activated cytotoxic T-lymphocyte immunotherapy is effective for advanced oral and
      maxillofacial cancers.
AB  - Conventional cancer treatments are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, but
      treatment efficiency is insufficient and cancer recurrence is common.
      Immunotherapy has been added as an important cancer treatment component, but no
      reports on its efficacy in oral and maxillofacial cancers exist. We evaluated the
      clinical efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy using ex vivo-activated cytotoxic T
      lymphocytes (CTL) in the treatment of 7 patients with advanced oral and
      maxillofacial cancers with stage IV disease at diagnosis. The mean follow-up
      period was 26.2 months. Phenotype of the lymphocyte assay revealed that the
      percentage of CD4(+) T cells decreased and that of CD8(+) T cells increased among
      infused lymphocytes compared to that in unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMCs), and infused lymphocytes produced a significantly higher level of
      IFN-gamma than PBMCs or tumor cells alone. In a representative patient who
      refused surgery tumor regression was confirmed after CTL infusion. Computed
      tomography clearly indicated a significant reduction in tumor size followed by
      the complete disappearance of the tumor. Histological examination showed that the
      cancers in patients receiving CTL therapy were heavily infiltrated with
      lymphocytes. The other 2 patients who received CTL therapy as adjuvant therapy
      showed neither recurrent disease nor new disease lesions. The 1-year survival
      rates showing response and those with progressive disease were 100 and 25%,
      respectively. Moreover, no significant adverse reactions were reported during the
      study period. CTL therapy remains in the early stages of treatment options, but
      it has potential as a valuable treatment and improvement of quality of life for
      patients with otherwise incurable cancers.

PMID- 25120103
TI  - Determination of psychotropic use in children and adolescents from a prescription
      database: methodological issues.

PMID- 25120102
TI  - Inhibition of form-deprivation myopia by a GABAAOr receptor antagonist, (1,2,5,6
      tetrahydropyridin-4-yl) methylphosphinic acid (TPMPA), in guinea pigs.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of the relatively selective GABAAOr receptor
      antagonist (1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl) methylphosphinic acid (TPMPA) on form
      deprivation myopia (FDM) in guinea pigs. METHODS: A diffuser was applied
      monocularly to 30 guinea pigs from day 10 to 21. The animals were randomized to
      one of five treatment groups. The deprived eye received daily sub-conjunctival
      injections of 100 MUl TPMPA at a concentration of (i) 0.03 %, ( ii) 0.3 %, or
      (iii) 1 %, a fourth group (iv) received saline injections, and another (v) no
      injections. The fellow eye was left untreated. An additional group received no
      treatment to either eye. Prior to and at the end of the treatment period,
      refraction and ocular biometry were performed. RESULTS: Visual deprivation
      produced relative myopia in all groups (treated versus untreated eyes, P < 0.05).
      The amount of myopia was significantly affected by the drug treatment (one-way
      ANOVA, P < 0.0001); myopia was less in deprived eyes receiving either 0.3 % or 1
      % TPMPA (saline = -4.38 +/- 0.57D, 0.3 % TPMPA = -3.00 +/- 0.48D, P < 0.01; 1 %
      TPMPA = -0.88 +/- 0.51D, P < 0.001). The degree of axial elongation was
      correspondingly less (saline = 0.13 +/- 0.02 mm, 0.3 % TPMPA = 0.09 +/- 0.01 mm,
      P < 0.01, 1 % TPMPA = 0.02 +/- 0.01 mm, P < 0.001) as was the VC elongation
      (saline = 0.08 +/- 0.01 mm, 0.3 % TPMPA = 0.05 +/- 0.01 mm, P < 0.01, 1 % TPMPA =
      0.01 +/- 0.01 mm; P < 0.001). ACD and LT were not affected (one-way ANOVA, P >
      0.05). One percent TPMPA was more effective at inhibiting myopia than 0.3 % (P <
      0.01), and 0.03 % did not appreciably inhibit the myopia (0.03 % TPMPA versus
      saline, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sub-conjunctival injections of TPMPA inhibit FDM
      in guinea pig models in a dose-dependent manner.

PMID- 25120104
TI  - Functional profile of a novel modulator of serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate
      neurotransmission.
AB  - RATIONALE: Schizophrenia remains among the most prevalent neuropsychiatric
      disorders, and current treatment options are accompanied by unwanted side
      effects. New treatments that better address core features of the disease with
      minimal side effects are needed. OBJECTIVES: As a new therapeutic approach, 1-(4
      fluoro-phenyl)-4-((6bR, 10aS)-3-methyl-2,3,6b,9,10,10a-hexahydro-1H,7H
      pyrido[3',4':4,5]pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]quinoxalin-8-yl)-butan-1-one (ITI-007) is
      currently in human clinical trials for the treatment of schizophrenia. Here, we
      characterize the preclinical functional activity of ITI-007. RESULTS: ITI-007 is
      a potent 5-HT2A receptor ligand (K i  = 0.5 nM) with strong affinity for dopamine
      (DA) D2 receptors (K i  = 32 nM) and the serotonin transporter (SERT) (K i  = 62
      nM) but negligible binding to receptors (e.g., H1 histaminergic, 5-HT2C, and
      muscarinic) associated with cognitive and metabolic side effects of antipsychotic
      drugs. In vivo it is a 5-HT2A antagonist, blocking (+/-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4
      iodoamphetamine hydrochloride (DOI)-induced headtwitch in mice with an inhibitory
      dose 50 (ID50) = 0.09 mg/kg, per oral (p.o.), and has dual properties at D2
      receptors, acting as a postsynaptic D2 receptor antagonist to block D-amphetamine
      hydrochloride (D-AMPH) hyperlocomotion (ID50 = 0.95 mg/kg, p.o.), yet acting as a
      partial agonist at presynaptic striatal D2 receptors in assays measuring striatal
      DA neurotransmission. Further, in microdialysis studies, this compound
      significantly and preferentially enhances mesocortical DA release. At doses
      relevant for antipsychotic activity in rodents, ITI-007 has no demonstrable
      cataleptogenic activity. ITI-007 indirectly modulates glutamatergic
      neurotransmission by increasing phosphorylation of GluN2B-type N-methyl-D
      aspartate (NMDA) receptors and preferentially increases phosphorylation of
      glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta) in mesolimbic/mesocortical dopamine
      systems. CONCLUSION: The combination of in vitro and in vivo activities of this
      compound support its development for the treatment of schizophrenia and other
      psychiatric and neurologic disorders.

PMID- 25120106
TI  - Potential sensitivity of bias analysis results to incorrect assumptions of
      nondifferential or differential binary exposure misclassification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Results of bias analyses for exposure misclassification are dependent
      on assumptions made during analysis. We describe how adjustment for
      misclassification is affected by incorrect assumptions about whether sensitivity
      and specificity are the same (nondifferential) or different (differential) for
      cases and noncases. METHODS: We adjusted for exposure misclassification using
      probabilistic bias analysis, under correct and incorrect assumptions about
      whether exposure misclassification was differential or not. First, we used
      simulated data sets in which nondifferential and differential misclassification
      were introduced. Then, we used data on obesity and diabetes from the National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in which both self-reported
      (misclassified) and measured (true) obesity were available, using literature
      estimates of sensitivity and specificity to adjust for bias. The ratio of odds
      ratio (ROR; observed odds ratio divided by true odds ratio) was used to quantify
      magnitude of bias, with ROR = 1 signifying no bias. RESULTS: In the simulated
      data sets, under incorrect assumptions (eg, assuming nondifferential
      misclassification when it was truly differential), results were biased, with RORs
      ranging from 0.18 to 2.46. In NHANES, results adjusted based on incorrect
      assumptions also produced biased results, with RORs ranging from 1.26 to 1.55;
      results were more biased when making these adjustments than when using the
      misclassified exposure values (ROR = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Making an incorrect
      assumption about nondifferential or differential exposure misclassification in
      bias analyses can lead to more biased results than if no adjustment is performed.
      In our analyses, incorporating uncertainty using probabilistic bias analysis was
      not sufficient to overcome this problem.

PMID- 25120105
TI  - Etazolate, a phosphodiesterase-4 enzyme inhibitor produces antidepressant-like
      effects by blocking the behavioral, biochemical, neurobiological deficits and
      histological abnormalities in hippocampus region caused by olfactory bulbectomy.
AB  - RATIONALE: Olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) is a widely used model for antidepressant
      screening and known to induce neurodegeneration in several brain areas. Our
      earlier studies demonstrated that etazolate produced antidepressant-like effects
      in behavioral despair models of depression; however, the potential role of
      etazolate on behavior and morphological changes in the hippocampus region along
      with its underlying mechanism(s) following OBX has not been adequately addressed.
      OBJECTIVES: We evaluated if etazolate could protect against OBX-induced
      depression-like behavioral deficits and neurodegeneration. The possible
      underlying mechanism of etazolate in OBX model was also investigated. METHODS:
      The effects of etazolate were measured in a battery of behavioral paradigms,
      including the forced swim test (FST), sucrose consumption, open arm activity in
      elevated plus maze (EPM), and hyperemotionality tests. The underlying mechanisms
      were investigated by measuring serum corticosterone (CORT), cyclic adenosine
      monophosphate (cAMP), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and oxidative/nitrosative stress (lipid peroxidation
      and nitrite) levels and antioxidant enzymes, like reduced glutathione (GSH),
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels in the hippocampus. RESULT:
      OBX rats showed depression-like behavior anomalies in behavioral paradigms. OBX
      rats also showed high CORT and decreased cAMP, phosphorylated CREB (pCREB), and
      BDNF levels. Additionally, we found increased oxidative/nitrosative stress and
      reduced antioxidant enzyme levels in the hippocampus. Histopathological analysis
      showed morphological changes and neuronal loss in the hippocampus. Etazolate (0.5
      and 1 mg/kg) attenuated the OBX-induced behavioral, biochemical, neurobiological,
      and histopathological alterations. CONCLUSION: The aforesaid results suggest that
      etazolate produces an antidepressant-like effect and neuroprotection in OBX,
      which is possibly mediated by modulating biochemical and neurobiological markers
      in the hippocampus.

PMID- 25120107
TI  - Visfatin -948G/T and resistin -420C/G polymorphisms in Egyptian type 2 diabetic
      patients with and without cardiovascular diseases.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is one of the main threats to human health in the 21st century.
      Visfatin/Nampt and resistin are novel adipokines that have been implicated in the
      pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      complication. Several genetic studies have shown inconsistent results regarding
      association of visfatin/Nampt gene (NAMPT) and resistin gene (RETN) polymorphisms
      with T2DM and CVD complications. Here, we investigate whether NAMPT -948G/T and
      RETN -420C/G polymorphisms are associated with T2DM, its CVD complications, and
      serum adipokines levels in 90 Egyptian diabetic patients (44 without CVD and 46
      with CVD) along with 60 healthy control subjects. Higher frequencies of NAMPT 
      948G/G and RETN -420G/G were observed among T2DM patients compared with controls.
      Furthermore, the frequencies of these genotypes were significantly higher in T2DM
      patients with CVD than those without CVD. Both NAMPT -948G/G and RETN -420G/G
      genotypes and G alleles were significantly associated with T2DM and CVD in
      Egyptian diabetic patients. Moreover, serum visfatin/Nampt and resistin levels
      were markedly elevated in T2DM patients, with the highest values observed in G/G
      genotypes among T2DM patients with CVD. In addition, positive correlations were
      observed between plasma adipokines levels and CVD risk factors. In conclusion,
      our data suggests that genetic variations in NAMPT -948G/T and RETN -420C/G may
      contribute to the disposition for T2DM and its CVD complications in Egyptian
      patients. However, further studies with greater sample size should be performed
      to verify these results. 

PMID- 25120108
TI  - Screening older Latinos for dementia in the primary care setting.
AB  - The purpose was to compare the Spanish language picture version of the Free and
      Cued Selective Reminding Test with Immediate Recall (pFCSRT+IR) and the Mini
      Mental State Exam (MMSE) in identifying very mild dementia among Spanish speaking
      Latino patients. The tests and an independent diagnostic assessment were
      administered to 112 Latino patients free of medically diagnosed dementia from an
      urban primary care clinic. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the
      area under the curve (AUC) were used to examine differences in the operating
      characteristics of the pFCSRT+IR and the MMSE. Cut scores were manipulated to
      equate sensitivities (specificities) at clinically relevant values to compare
      differences in specificities (sensitivities) using the Pearson Chi Square test.
      Youden's index was used to select the optimal cut scores. Twenty-four of the 112
      primary care patients (21%) received a research dementia diagnosis, indicating a
      substantial burden of unrecognized dementia. MMSE scores but not free recall
      scores were associated with years of education in patients free of dementia. AUC
      was significantly higher for free recall than for MMSE. Free recall performed
      significantly better than the MMSE in sensitivity and in specificity. Using
      optimal cut scores, patients with impaired free recall were 10 times more likely
      to have dementia than patients with intact recall, and patients with impaired
      MMSE scores were 4.5 times more likely to have dementia than patients with intact
      scores. These results suggest that the Spanish language pFCSRT+IR may be an
      effective tool for dementia screening in educationally diverse Latino primary
      care populations.

PMID- 25120111
TI  - [Mental health services from a public health perspective].

PMID- 25120112
TI  - [Mental health care reform: the end or still in progress?].

PMID- 25120109
TI  - Exercise in ZDF rats does not attenuate weight gain, but prevents hyperglycemia
      concurrent with modulation of amino acid metabolism and AKT/mTOR activation in
      skeletal muscle.
AB  - PURPOSE: Protein metabolism is altered in obesity, accompanied by elevated plasma
      amino acids (AA). Previously, we showed that exercise delayed progression to type
      2 diabetes in obese ZDF rats with maintenance of beta cell function and reduction
      in hyperglucocorticoidemia. We hypothesized that exercise would correct the
      abnormalities we found in circulating AA and other indices of skeletal muscle
      protein metabolism. METHODS: Male obese prediabetic ZDF rats (7-10/group) were
      exercised (swimming) 1 h/day, 5 days/week from ages 6-19 weeks, and compared with
      age-matched obese sedentary and lean ZDF rats. RESULTS: Food intake and weight
      gain were unaffected. Protein metabolism was altered in obese rats as evidenced
      by increased plasma concentrations of essential AA, and increased muscle
      phosphorylation (ph) of Akt(ser473) (187%), mTOR(ser2448) (140%), eIF4E-binding
      protein 1 (4E-BP1) (111%), and decreased formation of 4E-BP1*eIF4E complex (75%,
      0.01 <= p <= 0.05 for all measures) in obese relative to lean rats. Exercise
      attenuated the increase in plasma essential AA concentrations and muscle Akt and
      mTOR phosphorylation. Exercise did not modify phosphorylation of S6K1, S6, and 4E
      BP1, nor the formation of 4E-BP1*eIF4E complex, mRNA levels of ubiquitin or the
      ubiquitin ligase MAFbx. Positive correlations were observed between ph-Akt and
      fed circulating branched-chain AA (r = 0.56, p = 0.008), postprandial glucose (r
      = 0.42, p = 0.04) and glucose AUC during an IPGTT (r = 0.44, p = 0.03).
      CONCLUSION: Swimming exercise-induced attenuation of hyperglycemia in ZDF rats is
      independent of changes in body weight and could result in part from modulation of
      muscle AKT activation acting via alterations of systemic AA metabolism.

PMID- 25120113
TI  - [Primary mental healthcare reform in Quebec and the role and coordination
      strategies of general practitioners].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The health and mental health systems in Quebec have recently been
      substantially transformed. At the heart of this restructuring, reforms aimed to
      strengthen primary care and to better integrate services, which are central
      trends internationally. This article summarizes Quebec's primary health and
      mental health reforms. It also presents the key role of general practitioners in
      the treatment of mental health disorders and their coordination strategies with
      the mental health care resources in the province. METHODS: Numerous documents on
      the Quebec health and mental health reforms and the international literature on
      primary mental health care were consulted for this study. Information on general
      practitioner roles in mental health were based on administrative data from the
      Regie de l'assurance maladie du Quebec (RAMQ) for all medical procedures
      performed in 2006. The data was compared with the results of a survey realized in
      the same year with 398 general practitioners in Quebec. Complementary qualitative
      data was collected through one hour interviews on a subsample of 60 of those
      general practitioners. RESULTS: The central aim of the Quebec healthcare reform
      was to improve services integration by implementing local healthcare networks. A
      population health approach and a hierarchical service provision were promoted.
      For a better access and continuity of care, family medicine groups and network
      clinics were also developed. The mental health reform (Action Plan in Mental
      Health, 2005-2010) was launched in this general context. It prioritized the
      consolidation of primary care and shared-care (i.e. increased networking between
      general practitioners and psychosocial workers and psychiatrists) by reinforcing
      the role of general practitioners in mental health, developing mental health
      interdisciplinary teams in primary care and adding a psychiatrist-respondent
      function in each Quebec local healthcare network. In mental health, general
      practitioners played a central role as the primary source of care and networking
      to other resources either primary or specialized health care services. Between 20
      25% of visits to general practitioners are related to mental health problems.
      Nearly all general practitioners manage common mental disorders and believed
      themselves competent to do so; however, the reverse is true for the management of
      serious mental disorders. Mainly general practitioners practiced in silo without
      much relation with the mental health care resources. Numerous factors were found
      to influence the management of mental health problems: patients' profiles (e.g.
      the complexity of mental health problems, concomitant disorders), individual
      characteristics of the general practitioners (e.g. informal network, training);
      professional culture (e.g. formal clinical mechanisms), the institutional setting
      (e.g. multidisciplinary or not) and organizations of services (e.g. policies).
      CONCLUSION: Unfortunately, the Quebec health and mental health care reforms have
      not been fully implemented yet. Family medicine groups and networks clinics,
      primary mental health teams and psychiatrists-respondent are not optimally
      operational and therefore, are not having a significant outcome. Support
      mechanisms to help implement the reforms were not prioritized. Hindering factors
      should be identified and minimized to increase positive changes in the health and
      mental health systems. This article concludes on the importance of implementing
      continuums of care, especially local healthcare networks and best practices in
      mental health. Furthermore, strong strategies to support the implementation of
      changes should always accompany sweeping reforms.

PMID- 25120110
TI  - The effect of green tea extract supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative
      stress parameters in male sprinters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although research suggests that antioxidant supplementation can
      protect against exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress, also delayed
      post-exercise muscle recovery and hindered adaptation to training were reported
      in the supplemented athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate
      the effects of green tea extract (GTE) supplementation on selected blood markers
      of oxidative stress and muscle damage in sprinters during preparatory phase of
      their training cycle. METHODS: Sixteen sprinters participated in a double-blind,
      randomized, placebo (PL)-controlled crossover study, including two 4-week
      treatment periods with PL and GTE (980 mg polyphenols daily). The sprinters
      performed two repeated cycle sprint tests (RST; 4 * 15 s, with 1-min rest
      intervals), after PL and GTE supplementation. Blood was sampled before (at rest),
      5 min after RST, and after the 24-h recovery. The activities of superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase were measured in erythrocytes, and
      total polyphenols, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), uric acid (UA), albumin
      (AL), malondialdehyde (MDA), and creatine kinase (CK) were determined in blood
      plasma. RESULTS: Repeated cycle sprint test performed after PL induced an
      increase in MDA, TAC, and SOD. Moreover, an increase in UA, AL, and CK was
      observed after RST irrespective of experimental conditions (PL, GTE).
      Supplementation with GTE caused an increase in total polyphenols and TAC at rest,
      and a decrease in MDA and SOD after RST. No significant changes in sprint
      performance were noted after GTE, as compared to PL. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation
      with GTE prevents oxidative stress induced by RST in sprinters. Furthermore, GTE
      supplementation does not seem to hinder training adaptation in antioxidant enzyme
      system. On the other hand, neither prevention of exercise-induced muscle damage,
      nor an improvement in sprint performance is noted after GTE administration.

PMID- 25120114
TI  - [What's a framework without its frame?].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In 2005, the Quebec Ministry of Health launched a major reform of its
      Mental Health services. This reform aimed both the type of services
      (collaborative care; community care) and the structure (shift to primary care
      venues) in which these services where offered. Any major reform must be supported
      by different means. This article will review which means are best suited to do
      this and up to what point these where used to support the implementation of the
      reform. It will also help in preparing for the upcoming launch of the next Mental
      Health Plan of Action by the Quebec Ministry of Health. METHOD: The authors
      exchanged on several occasions on their observations and thoughts on the subject.
      RESULTS: Any major health reform must be supported by different means. Some are
      related to legislation or government policies, but these alone are insufficient.
      Others means include academic and continuing development actions, service
      accreditation or certification and user participation in policy and
      implementation stages of service delivery. CONCLUSION: If some means of support
      are easily invested, some are neglected. An effort should be made to use all
      available means to support the upcoming Plan of Action. User involvement seems
      particularly promising.

PMID- 25120115
TI  - [Policies and mental health action plans in OECD: lessons for Quebec?].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this research are: 1) to provide a conceptual
      framework for analyzing mental health policies; 2) to compare mental health
      policies across a sample of OECD jurisdictions; 3) to describe configurations of
      mental health policies; 4) to identify practical implications for the Province of
      Quebec. METHODS:  DESIGN: This research is a comparative synthetic study of
      mental health policies. SAMPLING: The web sites of the Ministries of health of
      the thirty-four OECD countries and ten Canadian Provinces were searched for
      mental health policies proposed within the last fifteen years. Twenty one such
      policies (with an English or French version) were retrieved, covering thirteen
      OECD countries, six Canadian Provinces and the WHO. ANALYSIS: Content analysis
      was performed based on the categories (differentiation, integration, governance)
      and sub-categories of the aforementioned conceptual framework. Eight policies
      that together cover the variations encountered between all policies were used to
      identify typical configurations. RESULTS: A conceptual framework derived from
      Parsons' Theory of Social Action posits that social action systems must exhibit a
      level of internal differentiation that corresponds to the heterogeneity of their
      external environment and also a level of integration that allows them to remain
      coherent despite the complexity of their environment. Governance mechanisms help
      them maintain an equilibrium between differentiation and integration.In terms of
      differentiation, mental health policies exhibit much variation between the needs
      and the groups that are prioritized (age, gender, ethnicity, culture, etc.), the
      types of interventions that are proposed (promotion, prevention, treatment,
      rehabilitation, etc.), the systemic levels at which interventions take place
      (society, government as a whole, health care system, organizations, programs,
      individuals), and the level of specification and scientific basis of proposed
      interventions. In terms of integration, policies promote various mechanisms
      belonging to four general categories of increasing effectiveness from
      hierarchical separation of mandates, to exchange of information, to collaborative
      planning, and to complete structural integration and co-localisation of certain
      components (ex. dependence and mental health services). In terms of governance,
      policies present program theories of varying explicitness and scientific bases,
      and with different emphases on structures, processes or outcomes. Management
      models also vary in terms of precision, accountability, financing mechanisms,
      information systems, and the importance of clinical governance and quality
      improvement.Five configurations of mental health policies are identified (the
      public health, the professional, the structural technocratic, the functional
      technocratic, and the political), each comprising typical combinations of the
      preceding ingredients. CONCLUSION: The current Quebec mental health policy
      belongs to the structural technocratic configuration. It specifies fragmented
      mental health structures with mild integration mechanisms. In the future, it
      should consider improving its public health aspects (inter-sector work on the
      determinants of mental health), professional aspects (emphasis on scientific
      evidence, clinical governance and quality), and functional aspects (integrated
      specialized community mental health and addiction services). But political
      factors may prevent it from doing so.

PMID- 25120116
TI  - [Reflections and recommendations from Quebec mental health university institutes
      on the working paper of the provincial forum for the 2014-2020 Mental Health
      Action Plan].
AB  - GOAL: Quebec's three mental health university institutes (DMHUI, IUSMM and the
      IUSMQ) and the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke submitted a
      statement to the provincial consultation forum on the 2014-2020 Mental Health
      Action Plan (MHAP), which was held in January 2014 and organized by the Ministere
      de la Sante et des Services sociaux (MSSS). This article presents these
      institutes' main recommendations. METHOD: Mental health university institutes
      deliver a wide and diverse range of services. They know about the challenges of
      organizing mental health services and are aware of national and international
      trends in the delivery of the best organizational and clinical practices in
      mental health. It is therefore as key stakeholders in the mental health care
      network that they commented on each component in the working paper. RESULTS: The
      proposed orientations are consistent with the 2005-2010 MHAP. The presented
      themes clearly reflect current issues, although the guidelines must be more
      explicit regarding the vision of how services will be organized in coming years.
      These institutes therefore suggest that the following principles be included: the
      full exercise of citizenship rights, the organization of services within
      integrated networks, performance, continuous improvement and innovation, as well
      as a global and integrated vision of health. The complexity of today's problems
      requires flexibility, complementarity and continuity of services, particularly
      for youth, aboriginals, and people with concomitant disorders. These institutions
      therefore stress the importance of prevention, early intervention programs, and
      increased support for first-line general practitioners and health care
      professionals. They also emphasized that specialized inpatient and outpatient
      services should not be neglected. Community services must also be structured
      around various levels of support, such as ICM and ACT, as well as around
      specialized programs available in hospital outpatient clinics. The development
      and transfer of knowledge remain a central issue when it comes to improving the
      mental health of the general population. The consolidation of ultra-specialized
      services, teaching and research should be included in the next MHAP. Finally, a
      global health perspective must go beyond the MSSS framework to become a
      governmental and interministerial commitment based on a vision of public mental
      health that incorporates the health status of the general population and accounts
      for social determinants. CONCLUSION: It is important to have a national plan that
      promotes a vision. This plan must be part of an interministerial action plan that
      truly supports the full exercise of citizenship rights and the fight against
      stigmatization in collaboration with people who use these services and their
      families.

PMID- 25120117
TI  - [Youth mental health at the cross roads of service organization].
AB  - The importance of children and youth mental health is increasingly recognized.
      This rapidly developing field cannot be conceptualized as an extension of adult
      services to a younger age group and its developmental and organizational
      specificities are the object of debate. Reviewing recent literature in this
      domain and some preliminary information about the Quebec Mental Health Plan
      implementation, this paper addresses some of the questions which structure this
      debate in Quebec.Quebec mental health plan has put at the forefront collaboration
      among disciplines and partnership among institutions. In spite of having produced
      significant improvement in the field, discontinuities in services, which
      interfere with an ecosystemic model of care, persist. Recent studies suggest that
      the organisational climate which surrounds youth mental health services has a
      direct impact on the quality of services and on youth health outcomes. A flexible
      management structure, which engages clinicians and health workers, favors
      empowerment, minimizes work stress and facilitates partnership, is needed to
      foster successful interdisciplinary and intersectorial collaboration. This
      collaboration is the cornerstone of youth mental health services. 

PMID- 25120118
TI  - [The role of the mental health community in an evolving mental health system.
      State of knowledge and recommendations].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this article are: 1) to trace the history and role
      of mental health community organizations (MHCO) in the Quebec mental health
      system as well as their specific values and practices; and 2) to examine the
      impact of the Quebec Mental Health Plan 2005-2010 on the functioning of community
      organizations and their relations with the public healthcare system. METHODS:
      This article draws upon writings produced by the principal provincial and
      regional community organization associations in Quebec, as well as results of
      previous studies related to inter-organizational relations among MHCO. RESULTS:
      The Quebec community-based system consists of several successive generations of
      the MHCO, each constructed within a particular context. Before 1960, the Canadian
      Mental Health Association offered activities for promotion and prevention in
      mental health and participated in the development of several MHCO. The 1970s
      witnessed the formation of groups aimed at the protection of human rights and the
      first alternative resources. During the 1980s and 90s, a proliferation of MHCO
      followed upon their formal recognition by the Ministere de la Sante et des
      services sociaux (MSSS). These new organizations were established not so much in
      opposition, or as an alternative, to the public mental health system, but in
      complement with it. By 2012-13, there were 412 MCHO financed by the MSSS offering
      services to the population. Roughly half were located in the regions of Montreal,
      Monteregie and the Capitale Nationale. The MHCO are distinguished from public
      institutions by a number of characteristics: 1) treatment based not on diagnosis
      but on the overall situation of the person; 2) shared experience with peers; and
      3) empowerment, inviting the person to become involved in decisions concerning
      his/her treatment and service use as well as decisions that concern the
      functioning of the organization; 4) establishment of more egalitarian
      relationships between service users and treating professionals; and 5) rootedness
      of the organization within the community. MCHO are grouped at the provincial
      level according to their functions, their ideological affinity, and or their
      particular mandate, but there is no national classification of community
      organizations as yet. The financing of community organizations remains a
      principal source of discontent. The MSSS has indicated that the overall financing
      of MCHO should correspond to at least 10% of global expenditures for mental
      health programming, whereas the actual budget is equivalent to only 8.8%. This
      underfunding obliges community organizations to reduce services despite demands
      for increased financial assistance, which runs the risk of provoking increased
      "revolving door" situations, and the utilization of emergency services in cases
      of service users transferred from hospitals to the Health Social Services
      Centers, who are in difficulty after losing contact with their service providers
      who would otherwise have provided follow-up. As well, MCHO fear the loss of their
      autonomy and of being reduced to the role of secondary services in signing these
      service agreements. The current reform would represent a step backward for MHCO
      in terms of recognition of their expertise. The former consultation structures
      have been dispossessed of any real power, decision making now being in the hands
      of the regional agency and directors of institutions. Numerous relocations of
      personnel have also lead to breaks in contact between MCHO and the public system,
      as these relationships were usually informal. CONCLUSIONS: A number of
      recommendations emanate from these findings that may permit MHCO to respond more
      adequately to the needs of the population served without calling into question
      their autonomy: 1) offer more adequate financing, particularly for self-help
      groups and organizations offering psychosocial rehabilitation, access to
      education and work reintegration; 2) allocate specific services exclusively to
      the community-based system in order to avoid duplication in services; 3)
      recognize a multiplicity of approaches; and 4) reconstruct appropriate decision
      making structures.

PMID- 25120119
TI  - [Advanced nursing practice: a must for the quality of care and mental health
      services].
AB  - New professional legislation and reorganization of mental health services have
      had a significant influence on mental health nursing practice. Many nurses have
      demonstrated clinical leadership and have been able to adapt their services to
      the needs of the population specially in the primary health care setting.
      However, many believe that the role of nurses is not sufficiently known and
      optimally utilized in mental health services. In this article we take a critical
      look at the mental health nursing practice in Quebec and at the essential
      requirements for its development. This review aims to: 1) describe current trends
      in the changing roles and the modernization of mental health nursing practice in
      Quebec, 2) provide an overview of the development of advanced nursing practice
      and its impact on the quality of mental health services; 3) clarify the concept
      of advanced nursing practice and position its development in Quebec and 4)
      propose various strategies for optimizing the role of nurses and their
      complementarity with other professionals providing mental health services. This
      review presents innovative practices developed by nurses in the context of the
      restructuring of mental health services. For example, new nursing roles have been
      developed to improve the collaboration with general practitioners groups in
      primary care settings and facilitate the evaluation and monitoring of patient
      presenting medical and psychological problems. Another interesting innovation was
      set up by nurses in developing a new service to allow timely access to integrated
      care for patients with substance abuse and mental health problems. The various
      testimonies reported in this article illustrate the potential contribution of
      these nursing innovations in improving the mental health services in Quebec.
      Also, in few countries, the reform of mental health services has been a good time
      to recognize this potential. Thus, some countries have repositioned the role of
      mental health nurses and supported the development of new models of advanced
      practice in mental health. These developments have been particularly significant
      in the United States and Australia. In United States, during the 1990s, at least
      four models of advanced practice in mental health nursing have been developed
      leading to wide variations in the roles, education, job titles, scope of practice
      and legal authorizations. Consequently, a consensus model of uniform standards of
      practice, accreditation and education has been proposed. This LACE model
      (Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, Education) will be in effect in 2015.
      Australia has adopted a more systematic approach, unified and progressive to
      facilitate the development of advanced mental health nursing practice. Australia
      who, through their many publications, retains more attention since a clear
      definition of the role of the nurse practitioner in mental health and a legal
      framework has been adopted at the national level. The Australian experience and
      the finding from studies suggest that mental health nurse practitioners and
      nurses who are specialized in mental health have the potential to make a
      significant contribution to enhancing access to and quality of mental health care
      through flexible an innovative approaches. So there are more and more evidence
      and indications that Quebec should invest in enhancing the skills of mental
      health nurses through the development of advanced nursing practice and
      integration of this new model in primary care. In addition, researches, funded by
      the Canadian Services Research Foundation (CHSRF, 2010), shows that the
      contribution of advanced nursing practice has never been stronger and there is a
      broad consensus to its value for the Canadian health care system (Dicenso.et
      Lukosius-Briant, 2010). The implementation of advanced practice nursing role in
      mental health is part of best practices required to improve care and mental
      health services and should be taken into account in future Action Plan 2014-2020.

PMID- 25120120
TI  - [The role of families in the Quebec mental health system].
AB  - Purpose. This paper aims to summarize the current situation regarding the role of
      families of persons with mental disorders within the mental health system in
      Quebec.Methods. We made a research in the most recent and pertinent papers or
      books regarding: 1) the history of the family involvement in the mental health
      system in Quebec; 2) the present situation of these families and the models that
      we can see and 3) identify in recent governmental or research documents
      recommendations regarding a greater empowerment of the families in the mental
      health system.Results. The research provides a historical perspective to the
      roles occupied by families. First the family was described as a causal agent; the
      work of the psychoanalyst Freud described the family unit as a source of
      conflicts in the areas of affect and sexual dynamics, and which results in the
      appearance of psychiatric symptoms. Later, this view of a causal agent came both
      from the point of view of genetic and from expressed emotions. In the 70's new
      perspectives such as general systems theory (von Bertalanffy, 1968), described
      the family as responsive to mental disorder of one of its members rather than a
      responsible agent. With the deinstitutionalization movement, the family was
      perceived as a source of solutions for persons with mental illness, but also as
      persons who can live some burden. This subject became well described and a
      several studies reported about adverse effects of caring for a person with mental
      disorder on the health, well-being and feeling of caregiver burden. In the 90's,
      some government action plans called for the relationship between the family and
      the health system as a partnership. Also, families want to be involved in
      decisions about care and to be informed about the diagnosis and treatment
      options. ( Lefley et Wasow, 1993)A new model developed by FFAPAMM that identifies
      three main roles enables to contextualize the current role in the current system.
      This model, called CAP lists and describes three roles of families that, if they
      are dependent on the past, continue to mingle in our time. These roles
      are:Accompanist: the role imposed by being near a person with mental illness
      (Fradet, 2012). As an accompanist, the family needs to establish relationships
      with health professionals. Accompanists want to be considered by stakeholders and
      be respected in their desire to share information and participate in
      decisions.Client: this is the role that derives from the accompanist when the
      caregiver receives care services for its psychological or physical problems
      related to the fact support a sick person.Partner: it is relative to the
      involvement (or not) the role of family members in the organization of care. It
      is a role of participation and decision-making. In this context, we also speak of
      participation in the consultation mechanisms.Recommendations from a Quebec
      research project and a report of the Commission on Mental Health of Canada will
      consider a future where the needs and aspirations of families will be taken into
      account in mental health general services, short term health care, community
      mental health services. There are also some guidelines regarding education for
      professionals about the needs of families and about changing politics.Conclusion.
      There exists in all associations of families of person with mental disorders,
      training on topics such as how to behave towards different mental disorders or
      aggressiveness near reached. A project of the Douglas Institute has hired a
      family member to the emergency room to help families better manage this often
      difficult time and to facilitate communication with stakeholders. Another project
      called "Learning to come closer without aggression" has helped more than 200
      family members undergo training inspired by the Omega approach, which helps them
      better manage their own behavior in situations of aggression with their loved
      one. 

PMID- 25120122
TI  - [Mental health services in Australia].
AB  - Canada is 1.5 times the size of Australia. Australia's population of 20 million
      is located principally on the east coast. Like Canada, the Australia has a
      federal system of Government with 5 States and two territories. Each State and
      territory has its own legislation on mental health. The federal (Commonwealth)
      Government is responsible for health care planning. In addition, the federal
      Government subsidizes an insurance program (Medicare) that covers visits to
      specialists and family physicians, while provincial governments are involved in
      the provision of hospital care and community mental health services. The
      Commonwealth government also subsidises the cost of medication through the
      Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. These funds are supplemented by private health
      insurance. Mental health costs account for 6.5 per cent of all health care costs.
      Primary care treats the majority of common psychological disorders such as
      anxiety or depression, while specialist mental health services concentrate on
      those with severe mental illness. There have been 4 national mental health plans
      since 1992 with the long term aims of promoting mental health, increasing the
      quality and responsiveness of services, and creating a consistent approach to
      mental health service system reform among Australian states and territories.
      These systematic cycles of planning have first allowed a shift from psychiatric
      hospitals to community services, from reliance on psychiatric hospitals as
      pivotal to psychiatric care system. Community care budgets have increased, but
      overall have decreased with money not following patients; but recent deployment
      of federally funded through Medicare access to psychotherapy by psychologists for
      common mental disorders in primary care have increased overall budget. Concerns
      remain that shift to youth first onset psychosis clinics may come from older long
      term psychotic patients, a form of discrimination whilst evidence amount of
      excess mortality by cardio-vascular diseases and cancers, and due to poverty,
      poor health prevention and primary health care for these patients. From a system
      perspective, Australia has been inspired by Canada and created in 2012 its own
      mental health commission with a similar leading role for patients and families,
      aboriginal people representatives, but also a surveillance of the system with its
      own yearly report, like the Quebec Health Commissioner 2012 mental health system
      performance report. 

PMID- 25120121
TI  - [Public participation and civic participation of service users in relation to the
      Mental Health Action Plan 2005-2010: their spokesperson function].
AB  - CONTEXT: Among the guiding principles of the Mental Health Action Plan 2005-2010
      (MHAP) of the Quebec Ministere de la sante et des services sociaux (Health and
      Social Services) is the recognition that persons who use mental health services
      (consumers) can be active agents of their own individual and collective recovery
      journey. In accordance with this principle, the MHAP called for greater
      participation of consumers in local, regional and national decision-making bodies
      within the network of health and social services in Quebec. OBJECTIVE: The
      objectives of this article are to look back on the various forms of consumers'
      participation in connection with the MHAP since its enactment, and to better
      understand the complexities of being spokespersons through the Actor Network
      Theory conceptual framework. METHOD: A scientific literature review was
      conducted. Different angles of analysis were used to highlight convergences and
      trends based on official governmental publications and ongoing research on
      consumers' participation in decision and policy making. It was thought that a
      vertical case study approach would offer an historical perspective going back to
      the early 1960s to discuss the foundations of an "ideology of participation."
      Another way of assessing participation is through a horizontal approach that
      would compare the terms of participation implemented from one regional authority
      to the other, in order to cover most of the Quebec territory. RESULTS: The MHAP
      did not provide clear indicators of how to assess progress made with regards to
      greater consumer participation. In some regions of Quebec, this participation was
      coordinated by community organizations that designated their representatives. In
      other regions, local authorities included consumers on a more individual basis to
      give their opinion. As all were not at the same stage in their recovery process,
      some were in a position to speak using the "we," while others still needed to
      express themselves using the "I." In either case, their function as spokespersons
      proved to be a bi-directional function. In one direction, the spokesperson
      informed the governmental and institutional stakeholders about the expectations
      of consumers and about their daily life realities. In the other way, they were
      able to explain and make more intelligible the intricacies of the system with a
      lay language, which helped non specialists they encountered to remain informed
      partners, even though indirectly. As they shared their experience as
      spokespersons with their peers, their peers were able to get a clearer
      understanding of the progress made to effectively promote active and effective
      participation. The lack of clear expectations and dedicated means to support
      participation, induced discrepancies from one region to another, making it
      difficult, though, to assess progress made overall. CONCLUSION: As the function
      of spokesperson got more professionalized with increased opportunities to
      participate in policy and decision-making, spokespersons spoke from an "us"
      rather than an "I" standpoint. The concept of public participation evolved to one
      of civic participation, with the possibility to transcend the "us" and "them"
      dichotomy, as members of a community are all citizens to one another. Still, the
      terms and conditions of participation could be better defined and more
      predictable for greater equity in terms of access to different levels of policy
      and decision-making.

PMID- 25120123
TI  - [A global reform of mental health care based on a community approach: the Belgian
      experience].
AB  - The developments in mental health care in Belgium over the last few years show
      that some major steps are already taken towards implementing community oriented
      care. In Belgium, we are going through a historic moment, as the proposed reform
      is ambitious but also complex. Indeed we talk here about a comprehensive mental
      health care reform which brings together federal, regional and community
      competencies.It aims to transform part of hospital care into community oriented
      care by e.g. creating mobile teams in the existing community care mechanisms.In
      the same time we are developing an operational approach to networking focusing on
      the needs of care users and of their families.In this paper, we will describe the
      content of the reform, its mechanisms and all care professionals involved. We
      will also present the progress of the exploratory phase by stressing not only
      positive aspects that highlight the evolving nature of our approach, but also the
      difficulties we are facing in implementing it. 

PMID- 25120124
TI  - [The effect of age, gender and socioeconomic status on the use of services for
      psychological distress symptoms in the general medical sector: Results from the
      ESA research program on mental health and aging].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was, first, to document the psychometric
      characteristics of a measure of the older adults' socioeconomic status and,
      secondly, to test the effect of the socioeconomic status on the association
      between the older adults perceived need to improve their mental health and their
      use of services in the general medical sector for psychological distress symptoms
      taking into account the effect of age and gender. METHOD: Data used in this study
      come from the ESA study (Enquete sur la sante des aines) on mental health and
      aging, conducted in 2005-2008 using a probabilistic sample (n=2811) of the older
      adult population aged 65 years and over living at home in Quebec. RESULTS: Our
      results showed that a measurement model of the older adults' socioeconomic status
      including an individual-level (SES_I) and an area/contextual-level dimension of
      socioeconomic deprivation (SES_C) was plausible. The reliability of the SES index
      used in the ESA research program was .92. Our results showed that women (b=-.43)
      and older people (b=-.16) were more at risk to have a disadvantaged socioeconomic
      status. However, our results did not show evidence of a significant association
      between the older adults' socioeconomic status, their perception of a need to
      improve their mental health and the use of medical services for psychological
      distress symptoms in the general medical sector in the older adult population in
      Quebec. CONCLUSION: Our results do not support the idea suggested in other
      studies that socioeconomic status has an effect on the older adults use of
      services for psychological distress symptoms in the general medical sector and
      suggest that in a context where medical health services are provided under a
      public insurance programme context, the socioeconomic status does not influence
      access to services in the general medical sector in the older adult population.

PMID- 25120126
TI  - [Evaluating the implementation of involuntary hospitalization procedures: a
      profile of people, audits and recommendations].
AB  - Since the 1990s, legislative reforms have been undertaken in many Western
      countries to reduce involuntary hospitalization. Studies examining fluctuation
      rates before and after the legislative reform show a general trend toward an
      increase rather than a decrease in involuntary hospitalization rates (de Stefano
      & Ducci, 2008). In Quebec, many reports have shown that consent for psychiatric
      evaluation and hospitalisation for people who present an imminent danger to
      themselves or to others is difficult to obtain due to clinical, legal, and
      ethical considerations. To facilitate this process, a new protocol was developed
      and implemented following the training of 335 health workers and 85 medical
      doctors in 6 hospitals. Our study evaluated this protocol and established a
      profile of people who had been hospitalized against their will. Using a
      retrospective analysis, we examined the files of 179 patients who underwent a
      psychiatric evaluation process during an involuntary hospitalization. This file
      analysis allowed us to develop a better profile of these people and determine
      whether the required forms were present and how adequately they were filled out
      by the professionals. We also conducted a study with the professionals
      responsible for applying the new protocol to get a better idea of its
      characteristics (relative advantage, compatibility, simplicity, reversibility and
      observability) as well as the principles of consent and the obstacles to its
      implementation.Our study showed that that half of the patients were diagnosed
      with schizophrenia or another psychosis. Fifty-four point two percent (54.2%) of
      the patients were males, 79% were single or separated and only 18,4% were
      working. At the time of their crisis situation, 30,7% were brought to the
      hospital by police officers and 19% were already hospitalized. The remaining
      patients were brought in by ambulance, family members or they came in by
      themselves. Professional opinion of the new protocol was positive however they
      did not rigorously enter the data required in the new forms. The new form was
      present in only 51% of files and when consent was given, it was only documented
      in 27% of the cases.These results highlight the need to improve the documentation
      process given in the protocol. It would be very useful to establish strategies to
      obtain this consent in light of the specific characteristics that make up this
      subgroup of people who have been hospitalized against their will. Legislation
      alone is not enough to invoke a change in the involuntary hospitalisation rate.
      The clinical and organisational context must also be actively prepared to receive
      this new practice. In order to do this, evaluative research could contribute to
      improving the level of implementation and be of benefit to people in crisis and
      those with mental disorders. 

PMID- 25120125
TI  - [Attitudes of general physicians and family medicine residents towards patients
      with borderline personality disorder].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Several studies suggest that health professionals show negative
      attitudes towards people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Many
      publications have focused on the attitudes of nurses or other type of clinicians
      like social workers or psychologists. Few researches concern the attitudes of
      general physicians towards BPD even if they are the main professionals involved
      in the evaluation and treatment of these patients. Additionally, patients with
      BPD frequently consult general physicians and, because of the difficulties
      interacting with these patients, they do not always receive the treatments
      required by their condition. This research aims to assess the attitudes of
      general physicians and family medicine residents regarding patients presenting
      with this disorder. METHOD: Forty family medicine residents and thirty-five
      general physicians were compared to thirty-nine mental health professionals using
      the Attitudes toward people with BPD Scale (ABPDS; Bouchard, 2001). This measure
      has two subscales labeled Comfort when interacting with someone who has BPD and
      Positives perceptions about BPD. The internal consistency of the scale as well as
      the two distinct factors are satisfactory. The participants also complete a socio
      demographic questionnaire. Means, t tests, ANOVAs and factorial ANOVAs are
      completed in order to compare the three groups on the ABPDS and explore the
      influence of variables such as sex, age, years of experience, and professional
      setting (urban or rural) on the results. RESULTS: The results show that general
      physicians have similar attitudes than mental health professionals towards people
      presenting with BPD and that family medicine residents present less positive
      attitude than the other two groups. In addition, clinicians with less experience
      tend to have less positive attitudes towards people with BPD and clinicians from
      urban settings seem to have more positive attitude. It was difficult to
      determinate which variables influence the results because the years of
      experience, the professional settings and the title of the participants are
      extremely related. The factorial ANOVAs show no interaction effect between these
      three variables. CONCLUSION: Several studies show that health professionals
      present negative attitudes toward patients with BPD. This study reveals that
      general physicians and family medicine residents show respectively similar
      attitudes or less positive attitudes than other mental health professionals.
      These results underline the importance of providing specific training about BPD
      to family medicine residents. Because general physicians guide the evaluations
      and interventions concerning these patients and mental health professionals
      interact regularly with BPD, it will be helpful if all the clinicians receive
      more specific training regarding this disorder.

PMID- 25120127
TI  - [For us, being full citizens means...].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: One of the four main chapters of the consultation document proposed by
      the Quebec Ministere de la sante et des services sociaux (Health and Social
      Services), in preparation for the National Forum on the Mental Health Action Plan
      2014-2020, is dedicated to the full exercise of citizenship. This paper reports
      the dialogue that took place between the CEO of a university mental health
      institute and a group of service users, in order to participate in the
      consultation process regarding the full exercise of citizenship. METHOD: Since
      May 2013, a dozen service users have gathered in the Projet citoyen at the
      Research Centre of Institut universitaire en sante mentale de Montreal (IUSMM).
      The Projet citoyen is a culturally adapted transposition, in Quebec, of the
      Citizens Project that is in place in New Haven, Connecticut. One of the key
      components of both the Projet citoyen and the Citizens Project interventions is a
      group training regarding citizenship. Participants discuss what it means for them
      to be full citizens and they support each other in achieving personal or
      collective goals. To assess progress made in such matters, a new Citizenship
      Measurement has been developed by the Yale Program for Recovery & Community
      Health, and translated into French. This Mesure de la citoyennete is in the
      process of being validated; peer research assistants conducted data collection by
      asking 178 people who use the mental health services of Quebec to complete the
      French Mesure de la citoyennete. The preliminary results of a statistical
      analysis were used to structure the dialogue between the IUSMM CEO and the
      participants of the Projet citoyen. RESULTS: Three sub-scales emerged from
      preliminary statistical analysis (clusters). Colleagues of the Projet citoyen
      were invited, through a focus group conducted by one of them, to give evocative
      labels to these sub-scales. Regarding the first one, we felt that it was about
      asking ourselves what we can bring to others' lives, wondering how we, as members
      of the community, can make a difference for a more inclusive civic cohabitation.
      The label "contribution to the community" was chosen. For the second sub-scale,
      personal and social spheres emerged as both being essential to the achievement of
      full citizenship. These spheres must be respected in complementarity. Hence we
      chose the label: "personal and social integrity." Finally, the third sub-scale
      seemed to combine items that have the common elements of respecting human rights,
      respecting the person, and respecting the autonomy of the person. "Rights and
      freedom of choice" was chosen as a label for that sub-set. The IUSMM CEO immersed
      herself in the Projet citoyen and as her dialogue with the participants deepened
      around these features, a sense of mutual respect and friendliness got stronger.
      Participants were pleasantly surprised to see that an influential CEO can be
      sensitive and comfortable expressing this sensitivity, even with her emotions
      while interacting with service users as they are exercising their own citizenship
      as research colleagues. CONCLUSION: This case study illustrates a way of
      triangulating qualitative and quantitative data sets generated from a
      participatory-action research project for which people who use mental health
      services have been active research partners throughout. A mobilizing effect was
      found among participants of the Projet citoyen who become multipliers once back
      in their respective communities and neighborhoods. This effect can also affect a
      senior manager. The ISUMM CEO was inspired to relay and communicate this
      innovative thinking on the full exercise of citizenship as a governmental
      priority in mental health. It could thus be recommended to implement and network
      some Projets citoyens in other educational, research and clinical settings. This
      would provide opportunities for service users to contribute to the community -
      here, the scientific community. It would exemplify respect for personal and
      social integrity by channeling the expression of the lived experience into an
      instrument of change. These Projets citoyens would advocate for the rights and
      freedom of choice of service users as partners, in action, of a citizenship
      oriented mental health system.

PMID- 25120129
TI  - On the formation of the porous structure in nanostructured a-Si coatings
      deposited by dc magnetron sputtering at oblique angles.
AB  - The formation of the porous structure in dc magnetron sputtered amorphous silicon
      thin films at low temperatures is studied when using helium and/or argon as the
      processing gas. In each case, a-Si thin films were simultaneously grown at two
      different locations in the reactor which led to the assembly of different porous
      structures. The set of four fabricated samples has been analyzed at the
      microstructural level to elucidate the characteristics of the porous structure
      under the different deposition conditions. With the help of a growth model, we
      conclude that the chemical nature of the sputter gas not only affects the
      sputtering mechanism of Si atoms from the target and their subsequent transport
      in the gaseous/plasma phase towards the film, but also the pore formation
      mechanism and dynamics. When Ar is used, pores emerge as a direct result of the
      shadowing processes of Si atoms, in agreement with Thornton's structure zone
      model. The introduction of He produces, in addition to the shadowing effects, a
      new process where a degree of mobility results in the coarsening of small pores.
      Our results also highlight the influence of the composition of sputtering gas and
      tilt angles (for oblique angle deposition) on the formation of open and/or
      occluded porosity. 

PMID- 25120128
TI  - Systemic oxygenation weakens the hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha
      dependent and extracellular adenosine-mediated tumor protection.
AB  - Intratumoral hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1-alpha)-dependent
      CD39/CD73 ectoenzymes may govern the accumulation of tumor-protecting
      extracellular adenosine and signaling through A2A adenosine receptors (A2AR) in
      tumor microenvironments (TME). Here, we explored the conceptually novel
      motivation to use supplemental oxygen as a treatment to inhibit the hypoxia/HIF
      1alpha-CD39/CD73-driven accumulation of extracellular adenosine in the TME in
      order to weaken the tumor protection. We report that hyperoxic breathing (60 %
      O2) decreased the TME hypoxia, as well as levels of HIF-1alpha and downstream
      target proteins of HIF-1alpha in the TME according to proteomic studies in mice.
      Importantly, oxygenation also downregulated the expression of adenosine
      generating ectoenzymes and significantly lowered levels of tumor-protecting
      extracellular adenosine in the TME. Using supplemental oxygen as a tool in
      studies of the TME, we also identified FHL-1 as a potentially useful marker for
      the conversion of hypoxic into normoxic TME. Hyperoxic breathing resulted in the
      upregulation of antigen-presenting MHC class I molecules on tumor cells and in
      the better recognition and increased susceptibility to killing by tumor-reactive
      cytotoxic T cells. Therapeutic breathing of 60 % oxygen resulted in the
      significant inhibition of growth of established B16.F10 melanoma tumors and
      prolonged survival of mice. Taken together, the data presented here provide proof
      of principle for the therapeutic potential of systemic oxygenation to convert the
      hypoxic, adenosine-rich and tumor-protecting TME into a normoxic and
      extracellular adenosine-poor TME that, in turn, may facilitate tumor regression.
      We propose to explore the combination of supplemental oxygen with existing
      immunotherapies of cancer. KEY MESSAGES: Oxygenation decreases levels of tumor
      protecting hypoxia. Oxygenation decreases levels of tumor protecting
      extracellular adenosine. Oxygenation decreases expression of HIF-1alpha dependent
      tumor-protecting proteins. Oxygenation increases MHC class I expression and
      enables tumor regression.

PMID- 25120130
TI  - Closed-tube human leukocyte antigen DQA1*05 genotyping assay based on switchable
      lanthanide luminescence probes.
AB  - Genotyping in closed tube is commonly performed using polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) amplification and allele-specific oligonucleotide probes using fluorescence
      resonance energy transfer (FRET). Here we introduce a homogeneous human leukocyte
      antigen (HLA)-DQA1*05 end-point PCR assay based on switchable lanthanide
      luminescence probe technology and a simple dried blood sample preparation. The
      switchable probe technology is based on two non-luminescent oligonucleotide
      probes: one carrying a non-luminescent lanthanide chelate and the other carrying
      a light-absorbing antenna ligand. Hybridization of the probes in adjacent
      positions to the target DNA leads to the formation of a highly luminescent
      lanthanide chelate complex by self-assembly of the reporter molecules.
      Performance of the HLA-DQA1*05 assay was evaluated by testing blood samples
      collected on sample collection cards and was prepared by lysing the punched
      samples (3-mm discs) using alkaline reaction conditions and high temperature.
      Testing of 147 blood samples yielded 100% correlation to the heterogeneous DELFIA
      technology-based reference assay. Genotyping requires carefully designed probe
      sequences able to discriminate matched and mismatched target sequences by
      hybridization. Furthermore, definite genotype discrimination was achieved because
      inherently non-luminescent switchable probes together with time-resolved
      measurement mode led to very low background signal level and, therefore, very
      high signal differences averaging 54-fold between DQA1*05 and other alleles. 

PMID- 25120131
TI  - Combining stress-only myocardial perfusion imaging with coronary calcium scanning
      as a new paradigm for initial patient work-up: an exploratory analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We conducted an exploratory analysis to test whether the addition of
      a CAC scan can increase the applicability of stress-only SPECT-MPI. METHODS: We
      studied 162 patients referred for rest/stress SPECT-MPI who underwent a CAC scan.
      Each scan was interpreted by two readers in stepwise fashion: stress-only images;
      addition of clinical data; and addition of CAC data. At each step, the reader was
      asked if rest SPECT-MPI was necessary. RESULTS: Stress-only images were
      interpreted as normal in 62, probably normal in 42, equivocal in 15, probably
      abnormal in 5, and definitely abnormal in 38 patients. Rest SPECT-MPI imaging was
      considered necessary, in 0% of normal studies, but in 88% of probably normal
      studies, and 100% of those with equivocal/abnormal studies. Addition of the
      clinical data did not materially change this decision. Additional consideration
      of the CAC scan results did not influence the deemed lack of need for a rest
      SPECT-MPI with normal SPECT-MPI or the necessity of rest SPECT-MPI with abnormal
      SPECT-MPI. However, the CAC scan reduced the deemed need for a rest SPECT-MPI in
      72% with a probably normal, 47% with an equivocal, and 40% of those with a
      probably abnormal SPECT-MPI. CONCLUSIONS: Our exploratory analysis indicates that
      addition of a CAC scan to stress SPECT-MPI tends to diminish experienced readers'
      deemed need to perform rest SPECT-MPI studies among patients with probably normal
      or borderline stress-only SPECT-MPI studies. Thus, further study appears
      warranted to assess the utility of using CAC scanning as a means for increasing
      the percent of SPECT-MPI studies that can be performed as stress-only studies.

PMID- 25120133
TI  - Phase analysis of myocardial SPECT to understand mechanisms of disease and
      therapy.

PMID- 25120134
TI  - Are absolute myocardial blood flow PET measurements ready for clinical use?

PMID- 25120132
TI  - Data-driven respiratory motion tracking and compensation in CZT cameras: a
      comprehensive analysis of phantom and human images.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study described a method for tracking and compensating
      respiratory motion in cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) cameras. We evaluated motion
      effects on myocardial perfusion imaging and assessed the usefulness of motion
      compensation in phantom and clinical studies. METHODS: SPECT studies were
      obtained from an oscillating heart phantom and 552 patients using CZT cameras
      with list-mode acquisition. Images were reformatted in 500-ms frames, and the
      activity centroid was calculated as respiratory signal. The myocardial perfusion,
      left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, and LV volume were assessed before and
      after the motion compensation technique. RESULTS: In phantom studies, we
      documented only minimal bias between simulated and measured shifts. Significantly
      reduced tracer activity, increased wall thickness and decreased volume in scans
      with 15 mm or more axial shifts were noted. In clinical studies, there was a
      higher prevalence of significant motion after treadmill exercise. The motion
      compensation technique could successfully compensate those motion artifacts.
      CONCLUSION: The described method allows for tracking and compensating respiratory
      motion in CZT cameras. Significant respiratory motion is still not uncommon using
      CZT cameras, especially in patients who underwent treadmill tests. Motion
      blurring can be compensated using image processing techniques and image quality
      could be significantly improved.

PMID- 25120136
TI  - Training in time-limited dynamic psychotherapy: A systematic comparison of pre-
      and post-training cases treated by one therapist.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study systematically compared cases treated by the
      same therapist in order to understand the group comparison findings of a larger
      study on training of experienced therapists (the "Vanderbilt II" psychotherapy
      project). METHOD: The therapist, Dr C., was selected based on the therapist's
      overall treatment successes. His two patients were selected based on their
      outcomes and the relative training cohort from which they were drawn: a case with
      successful outcome from the pre-training cohort and a case of negligible
      improvement from the post-training cohort. RESULTS: Dr C. demonstrated a variety
      of interpersonal skills throughout his pre-training case, though there was also
      poor interpersonal process throughout. However, in the second case he had
      considerable difficulty in adapting his typical therapeutic approach to the
      requirements of the time-limited dynamic psychotherapy (TLDP) manual, even while
      appearing to work hard to find ways to use the manual. CONCLUSIONS: Dr C.'s
      spontaneity, and his unique set of interpersonal skills may enhanced his initial
      rapport and alliance building with clients and yet may not have interfaced well
      with TLDP. His unique interpersonal skills also may have contributed to problems
      of interpersonal process. Future research may benefit from examining the
      interaction of between therapist interpersonal skills and the implementation of
      the treatment manual.

PMID- 25120138
TI  - Chemical-assisted femtosecond laser writing of lab-in-fibers.
AB  - The lab-on-chip (LOC) platform has presented a powerful opportunity to improve
      functionalization, parallelization, and miniaturization on planar or multilevel
      geometries that has not been possible with fiber optic technology. A migration of
      such LOC devices into the optical fiber platform would therefore open the
      revolutionary prospect of creating novel lab-in-fiber (LIF) systems on the basis
      of an efficient optical transport highway for multifunctional sensing. For the
      LIF, the core optical waveguide inherently offers a facile means to interconnect
      numerous types of sensing elements along the optical fiber, presenting a radical
      opportunity for optimizing the packaging and densification of diverse components
      in convenient geometries beyond that available with conventional LOCs. In this
      paper, three-dimensional patterning inside the optical fiber by femtosecond laser
      writing, together with selective chemical etching, is presented as a powerful
      tool to form refractive index structures such as optical waveguides and gratings
      as well as to open buried microfluidic channels and optical resonators inside the
      flexible and robust glass fiber. In this approach, optically smooth surfaces (~12
      nm rms) are introduced for the first time inside the fiber cladding that
      precisely conform to planar nanograting structures when formed by aberration-free
      focusing with an oil-immersion lens across the cylindrical fiber wall. This
      process has enabled optofluidic components to be precisely embedded within the
      fiber to be probed by either the single-mode fiber core waveguide or the laser
      formed optical circuits. We establish cladding waveguides, X-couplers, fiber
      Bragg gratings, microholes, mirrors, optofluidic resonators, and microfluidic
      reservoirs that define the building blocks for facile interconnection of inline
      core-waveguide devices with cladding optofluidics. With these components, more
      advanced, integrated, and multiplexed fiber microsystems are presented
      demonstrating fluorescence detection, Fabry-Perot interferometric refractometry,
      and simultaneous sensing of refractive index, temperature, and bending strain.
      The flexible writing technique and multiplexed sensors described here open
      powerful prospects to migrate the benefits of LOCs into a more flexible and
      miniature LIF platform for highly functional and distributed sensing
      capabilities. The waveguide backbone of the LIF inherently provides an efficient
      exchange of information, combining sensing data that are attractive in telecom
      networks, smart catheters for medical procedures, compact sensors for security
      and defense, shape sensors, and low-cost health care products. 

PMID- 25120137
TI  - Resveratrol attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Ca2+ overload by inhibiting
      the Wnt5a/Frizzled-2 pathway in rat H9c2 cells.
AB  - Resveratrol is able to protect myocardial cells from ischemia/reperfusion-induced
      injury. However, the mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. In the present
      study, it is reported that resveratrol has a critical role in the control of Ca2+
      overload, which is the primary underlying cause of ischemia/reperfusion injury.
      Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) treatment decreased the cell viability and increased
      the apoptosis of H9c2 cells, whereas the caspase-3 and intracellular Ca2+ levels
      were greatly elevated compared with the control group. Treatment of H9c2 cells
      with resveratrol (5, 15 and 30 uM) reduced caspase-3 expression and cardiomyocyte
      apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, and the intracellular Ca2+ overload was
      also significantly decreased. Furthermore, Frizzled-2 and Wnt5a belong to the non
      canonical Wnt/Ca2+ pathway, which have been demonstrated to be responsible for
      Ca2+ overload, and were thus detected in the present study. The results indicated
      that both the mRNA and protein expression levels of Frizzled-2 and Wnt5a in H/R
      induced H9c2 cells were markedly increased compared with the levels found in
      normal cells, and treatment with resveratrol (5, 15 and 30 uM) significantly
      reduced the expression of Frizzled-2 and Wnt5a compared with the H/R group. The
      results indicated that resveratrol protected myocardial cells from H/R injury by
      inhibiting the Ca2+ overload through suppression of the Wnt5a/Frizzled-2 pathway.

PMID- 25120135
TI  - HIV and Stem Cell Transplantation.
AB  - In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons, the incidence of
      hematologic malignancies, including leukemia and lymphoma, is increased despite
      the use of successful antiretroviral therapy. Hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (SCT) is emerging as a safe and effective therapy for HIV
      infected persons with hematologic malignancies. Management of these patients is
      complicated by drug-drug interactions involving antiretroviral therapy (ART) that
      may impact conditioning agent efficacy and metabolism of immunosuppressive
      medications and potentiate drug toxicities. As such, optimal strategies for ART
      remain controversial. We discuss recent advances, controversies, and future
      directions related to SCT in HIV-infected persons, including the investigation of
      allogeneic SCT as a strategy for HIV cure. 

PMID- 25120139
TI  - Immunohistological examination of a skin lesion in a Japanese case with hand,
      foot and mouth disease caused by coxsackie-virus A6.

PMID- 25120143
TI  - From epidemiology and genetics to diagnostics, outcome measures, and novel
      treatments in autoimmune bullous diseases.

PMID- 25120144
TI  - Proteomic revelations.
AB  - The power of proteomics in cultured skin fibroblasts from individuals with either
      systemic sclerosis or recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa has led to the
      common finding of senescence and deficiencies in autophagy. Both of these
      disorders exert high demand on fibroblast activity, and without the protective
      action of autophagy cellular stress could have many adverse effects that are
      further amplified by the senescent phenotype. 

PMID- 25120145
TI  - The virtues of oxygenation: low tissue oxygen adversely affects the killing of
      Leishmania.
AB  - Hypoxia contributes to the persistence of infections through altered immune
      responses. Studies examining skin O2 changes at the site of a lesion are limited.
      The prevailing methods require the use of electrochemical O2 sensors or
      radiolabeled electrodes that utilize O2 and may interfere with the precision at
      low O2 levels. In this issue, Mahnke et al. (2014) demonstrate, using a novel
      fluorescence-based imaging technology, that low oxygen tension (pO2) impairs NO
      mediated anti-leishmanial immunity, leading to increased parasite burden.
      Replenishing tissue oxygen profoundly enhanced NO-mediated leishmanial killing,
      underscoring the need to accurately assess oxygenation in infected tissues as a
      novel strategy to challenge intracellular infection. The technology presented
      here may have clinical-translational potential in noninvasively assessing disease
      burden and response to treatment. 

PMID- 25120146
TI  - A new player on the psoriasis block: IL-17A- and IL-22-producing innate lymphoid
      cells.
AB  - Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a recently discovered family of innate immune
      cells belonging to the lymphoid lineage, yet lacking antigen-specific receptors.
      ILCs were first identified in the intestinal tract, where they contribute to
      epithelial barrier integrity and host responses to commensal microbes. Teunissen
      et al. (in the current issue) and Villanova et al. (2014) now suggest an
      important role for type 3 ILCs (ILC3s) in the skin, particularly in psoriasis.
      Both groups found an increased frequency of IL-22- and/or IL-17A-producing ILCs
      in psoriatic skin and blood. These cells are activated in response to IL-1beta
      and IL-23, correlate with disease severity, and are decreased following antitumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNFalpha) treatment. The presence of a novel ILC
      population in psoriatic skin, one that responds to biologic therapeutics,
      suggests that dysregulation of ILCs is a contributing factor to psoriasis
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 25120147
TI  - Gene regulation at a distance: higher-order chromatin folding and the coordinated
      control of gene transcription at the epidermal differentiation complex locus.
AB  - Chromatin structure and spatial interactions between proximal and distal gene
      regulatory elements, including gene core promoters and enhancers, are important
      in the control of gene transcription. In this issue, Oh et al. characterized an
      AP-1-dependent enhancer at the epidermal differentiation complex locus that
      establishes spatial interactions with numerous gene promoter regions at that
      locus. 

PMID- 25120148
TI  - Keratinocyte growth regulation TRP-ed up over downregulated TRPV4?
AB  - This commentary on an exciting new study (Fusi et al., 2014) puts the finding of
      TRPV4 downregulation in several nonmelanoma skin cancers into context. The
      original paper point toward possible use of TRPV4 as dermatopathologic marker,
      also toward the possibility that downregulated TRPV4 can affect biological
      properties of the cancer, by enhancing, but also regulating tumor growth. As
      calcium-permeable TRPV4 has recently been identified as UVB-receptor in skin
      keratinocytes, where it regulates skin tissue injury and pain after UVB
      overexposure, it is discussed whether TRPV4 downregulation can also be found in
      other non-UVB-exposed cancers. 

PMID- 25120149
TI  - Augmentation of cutaneous wound healing by pharmacologic mobilization of
      endogenous bone marrow stem cells.
AB  - Novel therapeutic tools to accelerate wound healing would have a major impact on
      the overall burden of skin disease. Lin et al. demonstrate in mice that
      endogenous bone marrow stem cell mobilization, produced by a pharmacologic
      combination of AMD3100 and tacrolimus, leads to faster and better-quality wound
      healing, findings that have exciting potential for clinical translation. 

PMID- 25120150
TI  - JID VisualDx Quiz: September 2014.

PMID- 25120151
TI  - Tissue microarray.

PMID- 25120152
TI  - Cells to surgery quiz: September 2014.

PMID- 25120153
TI  - Dental knowledge and attitude toward school dental-health programs among parents
      of kindergarten children in Winterthur.
AB  - The current study investigated the attitudes and knowledge regarding diet and
      oral hygiene of parents with kindergarten children. The parents' statements were
      evaluated in terms of their socioeconomic background and were compared with the
      annual clinical examination of the children. The objective of the study was to
      assess the effectiveness of the school dental-health program and adapt it to
      today's societal needs. Of those who participated in the interview, 61% were
      Swiss, 16% were from former Yugoslavia or Turkey, and 12% each from the EU or
      other countries. Of the children examined, 39% already had caries, and 18% of
      those showed more than two lesions. The parents' knowledge correlated with the
      severity of the child's caries as well as with the parents' income, country of
      origin, and education. There was a correlation between the child's dental decay
      and lower income, as well as lower education and non-Swiss nationality of the
      parents. Parents with higher income and better education more often participated
      in the preschool's preventive program. Parents from former Yugoslavia or Turkey
      participated less frequently than parents from other countries. The study
      demonstrated that parents who especially needed instruction and prophylaxis are
      contacted too late or not at all through the dental-health program at
      kindergarten and that new approaches to prevention should be implemented to more
      effectively reach the parents. 

PMID- 25120154
TI  - Women with osteoarthritis have elevated synovial fluid levels of insulin-like
      growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-binding protein-3.
AB  - The present study explores the possible connection between synovial fluid
      concentrations of insulin like growth factor (IGF-1), IGF-binding protein (IGFBP
      3), leptin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in osteoarthritis (OA). Synovial fluid
      specimens were obtained from a total of thirty-four individuals with and without
      OA. Protein-normalized measurements of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and leptin concentrations
      in synovial fluid showed significantly (P < 0.05) elevated levels in women with
      knee OA but not in men. This study provides initial evidence that protein
      normalized IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 and leptin levels increase in synovial fluid of
      women but not in men with OA versus those without OA. 

PMID- 25120155
TI  - Hematologic malignancies of the pancreas.
AB  - Hematologic malignancies are relatively uncommon neoplasms of abdominal soft
      tissue. This article discusses the clinical and imaging features of pancreatic
      lymphoma, pancreatic extraosseous multiple myeloma, granulocytic sarcoma
      (chloroma), posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, and Castleman disease.
      The combination of imaging findings and the appropriate clinical presentation
      should allow the radiologist to raise a provisional diagnosis of hematologic
      malignancy. 

PMID- 25120156
TI  - Studies of hot photoluminescence in plasmonically coupled silicon via variable
      energy excitation and temperature-dependent spectroscopy.
AB  - By integrating silicon nanowires (~150 nm diameter, 20 MUm length) with an Omega
      shaped plasmonic nanocavity, we are able to generate broadband visible
      luminescence, which is induced by high order hybrid nanocavity-surface plasmon
      modes. The nature of this super bandgap emission is explored via
      photoluminescence spectroscopy studies performed with variable laser excitation
      energies (1.959 to 2.708 eV) and finite difference time domain simulations.
      Furthermore, temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy shows that the
      observed emission corresponds to radiative recombination of unthermalized (hot)
      carriers as opposed to a resonant Raman process. 

PMID- 25120157
TI  - Development of a PET scanner for simultaneously imaging small animals with MRI
      and PET.
AB  - Recently, positron emission tomography (PET) is playing an increasingly important
      role in the diagnosis and staging of cancer. Combined PET and X-ray computed
      tomography (PET-CT) scanners are now the modality of choice in cancer treatment
      planning. More recently, the combination of PET and magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) is being explored in many sites. Combining PET and MRI has presented many
      challenges since the photo-multiplier tubes (PMT) in PET do not function in high
      magnetic fields, and conventional PET detectors distort MRI images. Solid state
      light sensors like avalanche photo-diodes (APDs) and more recently silicon photo
      multipliers (SiPMs) are much less sensitive to magnetic fields thus easing the
      compatibility issues. This paper presents the results of a group of Canadian
      scientists who are developing a PET detector ring which fits inside a high field
      small animal MRI scanner with the goal of providing simultaneous PET and MRI
      images of small rodents used in pre-clinical medical research. We discuss the
      evolution of both the crystal blocks (which detect annihilation photons from
      positron decay) and the SiPM array performance in the last four years which
      together combine to deliver significant system performance in terms of speed,
      energy and timing resolution. 

PMID- 25120158
TI  - Development of an ELISA and immunochromatographic strip for highly sensitive
      detection of microcystin-LR.
AB  - A monoclonal antibody for microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) was produced by
      cell fusion. The immunogen was synthesized in two steps. First, ovalbumin/ bovine
      serum albumin was conjugated with 6-acetylthiohexanoic acid using a carbodiimide
      EDC (1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride)/ NHS (N
      hydroxysulfosuccinimide) reaction. After dialysis, the protein was reacted with
      MC-LR based on a free radical reaction under basic solution conditions. The
      protein conjugate was used for immunization based on low volume. The antibodies
      were identified by indirect competitive (ic)ELISA and were subjected to tap water
      and lake water analysis. The concentration causing 50% inhibition of binding of
      MC-LR (IC50) by the competitive indirect ELISA was 0.27 ng/mL. Cross-reactivity
      to the MC-RR, MC-YR and MC-WR was good. The tap water and lake water matrices had
      no effect on the detection limit. The analytical recovery of MC-LR in the water
      samples in the icELISA was 94%-110%. Based on this antibody, an
      immunochromatographic biosensor was developed with a cut-off value of 1 ng/mL,
      which could satisfy the requirement of the World Health Organization for MC-LR
      detection in drinking water. This biosensor could be therefore be used as a fast
      screening tool in the field detection of MC-LR. 

PMID- 25120159
TI  - A novel carbon nanofibers grown on glass microballoons immunosensor: a tool for
      early diagnosis of malaria.
AB  - This paper presents a novel method for direct detection of Plasmodium falciparum
      histidine rich protein-2 (PfHRP-2) antigen using carbon nanofiber (CNF) forests
      grown on glass microballoons (NMBs). Secondary antibodies specific to PfHRP-2
      densely attached to the CNFs exhibit extraordinary ability for the detection of
      minute concentrations of Plasmodium species. A sandwich immunoassay protocol was
      employed, where a glass substrate was used to immobilize primary antibodies at
      designated capture zones. High signal amplification was obtained in both
      colorimetric and electrical measurements due to the CNFs through specific
      binding. As a result, it was possible to detect PfHRP-2 levels as low as 0.025
      ng/mL concentration in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) using a visual signal
      within only 1 min of test duration. Lower limits of 0.01 ng/mL was obtained by
      measuring the electrical resistivity of the capture zone. This method is also
      highly selective and specific in identifying PfHRP-2 and other Plasmodium species
      from the same solution. In addition, the stability of the labeling mechanism
      eliminates the false signals generated by the use of dyes in current malaria
      rapid diagnostic test kits (MRDTs). Thus, the rapid, sensitive and high signal
      amplification capabilities of NMBs is a promising tool for early diagnosis of
      malaria and other infectious diseases. 

PMID- 25120160
TI  - A catheter-based acoustic interrogation device for monitoring motility dynamics
      of the lower esophageal sphincter.
AB  - This paper presents novel minimally-invasive, catheter-based acoustic
      interrogation device for monitoring motility dynamics of the lower esophageal
      sphincter (LES). A micro-oscillator actively emitting sound wave at 16 kHz is
      located at one side of the LES, and a miniature microphone is located at the
      other side of the sphincter to capture the sound generated from the oscillator.
      Thus, the dynamics of the opening and closing of the LES can be quantitatively
      assessed. In this paper, experiments are conducted utilizing an LES motility
      dynamics simulator. The sound strength is captured by the microphone and is
      correlated to the level of LES opening and closing controlled by the simulator.
      Measurements from the simulator model show statistically significant (p < 0.05)
      Pearson correlation coefficients (0.905 on the average in quiet environment and
      0.736 on the average in noisy environment, D.O.F. = 9). Measuring the level of
      LES opening and closing has the potential to become a valuable diagnostic
      technique for understanding LES dysfunction and the disorders associated with it.

PMID- 25120161
TI  - A wireless portable high temperature data monitor for tunnel ovens.
AB  - Tunnel ovens are widely used in the food industry to produce biscuits and
      pastries. In order to obtain a high quality product, it is very important to
      control the heat transferred to each piece of dough during baking. This paper
      proposes an innovative, non-distorting, low cost wireless temperature measurement
      system, called "eBiscuit", which, due to its size, format and location in the
      metal rack conveyor belt in the oven, is able to measure the temperature a real
      biscuit experience while baking. The temperature conditions inside the oven are
      over 200  degrees C for several minutes, which could damage the "eBiscuit"
      electronics. This paper compares several thermal insulating materials that can be
      used in order to avoid exceeding the maximum operational conditions (80  degrees
      C) in the interior of the "eBiscuit. The data registered is then transmitted to a
      base station where information can be processed to obtain an oven model. The
      experimental results with real tunnel ovens confirm its good performance, which
      allows detecting production anomalies early on. 

PMID- 25120162
TI  - Flexible capacitive electrodes for minimizing motion artifacts in ambulatory
      electrocardiograms.
AB  - This study proposes the use of flexible capacitive electrodes for reducing motion
      artifacts in a wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) device. The capacitive electrodes
      have conductive foam on their surface, a shield, an optimal input bias resistor,
      and guarding feedback. The electrodes are integrated in a chest belt, and the
      acquired signals are transmitted wirelessly for ambulatory heart rate monitoring.
      We experimentally validated the electrode performance with subjects standing and
      walking on a treadmill at speeds of up to 7 km/h. The results confirmed the
      highly accurate heart rate detection capacity of the developed system and its
      feasibility for daily-life ECG monitoring. 

PMID- 25120163
TI  - A group neighborhood average clock synchronization protocol for wireless sensor
      networks.
AB  - Clock synchronization is a very important issue for the applications of wireless
      sensor networks. The sensors need to keep a strict clock so that users can know
      exactly what happens in the monitoring area at the same time. This paper proposes
      a novel internal distributed clock synchronization solution using group
      neighborhood average. Each sensor node collects the offset and skew rate of the
      neighbors. Group averaging of offset and skew rate value are calculated instead
      of conventional point-to-point averaging method. The sensor node then returns
      compensated value back to the neighbors. The propagation delay is considered and
      compensated. The analytical analysis of offset and skew compensation is
      presented. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the protocol and
      reveal that the protocol allows sensor networks to quickly establish a consensus
      clock and maintain a small deviation from the consensus clock. 

PMID- 25120164
TI  - Active in-database processing to support ambient assisted living systems.
AB  - As an alternative to the existing software architectures that underpin the
      development of smart homes and ambient assisted living (AAL) systems, this work
      presents a database-centric architecture that takes advantage of active databases
      and in-database processing. Current platforms supporting AAL systems use database
      management systems (DBMSs) exclusively for data storage. Active databases employ
      database triggers to detect and react to events taking place inside or outside of
      the database. DBMSs can be extended with stored procedures and functions that
      enable in-database processing. This means that the data processing is integrated
      and performed within the DBMS. The feasibility and flexibility of the proposed
      approach were demonstrated with the implementation of three distinct AAL
      services. The active database was used to detect bed-exits and to discover common
      room transitions and deviations during the night. In-database machine learning
      methods were used to model early night behaviors. Consequently, active in
      database processing avoids transferring sensitive data outside the database, and
      this improves performance, security and privacy. Furthermore, centralizing the
      computation into the DBMS facilitates code reuse, adaptation and maintenance.
      These are important system properties that take into account the evolving
      heterogeneity of users, their needs and the devices that are characteristic of
      smart homes and AAL systems. Therefore, DBMSs can provide capabilities to address
      requirements for scalability, security, privacy, dependability and
      personalization in applications of smart environments in healthcare. 

PMID- 25120165
TI  - Dielectric and terahertz spectroscopy of polarizable and nonpolarizable water
      models: a comparative study.
AB  - Using extensive classical molecular dynamics simulations, we compute the
      dielectric and far-infrared spectra of nine popular water models, including
      polarizable and nonpolarizable ones. We analyze the dielectric spectra using a
      two-relaxation model that allows one to extract the characteristic time of both
      the main dielectric relaxation and the fast relaxation. The use of a Cole-Cole
      functional form permits also quantitative assessment of the absence of deviations
      from the Debye form of the main dielectric peak. In the THz region of the
      spectrum, we compute the infrared absorbance caused by molecular libration, which
      appears to be qualitatively different for three main groups of molecular models.
      The complexity of the librational band is further investigated by decomposing the
      spectrum into the contributions of water fractions with a different number of
      hydrogen-bonded neighbors. 

PMID- 25120166
TI  - Subcellular localization of DAXX influence ox-LDL induced apoptosis in
      macrophages.
AB  - Here we aimed to evaluate the effects of DAXX subcellular localization on ox-LDL
      induced macrophages apoptosis. Cytoplasmic localization vector DAXX-W621A and
      nuclear localization vector DAXX-S667A were constructed by point mutation in
      DAXX. Blank vector, full length DAXX, DAXX-W621A, DAXX-S667A was transfect into
      RAW264.7 cells, respectively. Then the cells were incubated with 100 mg/ml ox-LDL
      for 48 h. Immunofluorescent assay was used to assay the localization of DAXX. MTT
      and Flow cytometry was used to determine cellular viability and apoptosis. RT-PCR
      and Western blot were used to analyze the expression levels. A significantly
      increased expression of DAXX was found in transfected cells of DAXX. The content
      of DAXX in nucleus was significantly increased in DAXX(S667A), and DAXX was
      significantly increased in cytoplasm of DAXX(W621A). Besides, we found DAXX was
      mainly expressed in nucleus with a low-level expression in cytoplasm through
      immunofluorescence. However in DAXX(W621A) group, the DAXX began to transferred
      to cytoplasm, which exhibited significant florescence. After treated with ox-LDL,
      the cytoactive of DAXX-W621A exhibited significantly decreased level when
      compared DAXX group. However, after added inhibitor LMB, the inhibition was
      relieved. The cell viability was also significantly increased in DAXX-S667A
      group. The results of apoptosis rates were similar in each group. Furthermore, we
      found the expression of ASK1 and JNK was also consistent with the apoptosis
      rates. Cytoplasmic localization of DAXX can increase injury sensitivity of ox-LDL
      on cells, and nuclear localization can antagonise the effect of ox-LDL. Besides,
      it is certified ox-LDL induced apoptosis is mainly through ASK1-JNK pathway. 

PMID- 25120167
TI  - The association between KL polymorphism and prostate cancer risk in Korean
      patients.
AB  - The Klotho (KL) gene is a classical "aging suppressor" gene. Although recent
      studies have shown that KL participates in the progression of several types of
      human cancers, the relationship between KL polymorphism and prostate cancer was
      unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the association between KL
      genetic polymorphisms and prostate cancer. Twenty-five common single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in KL gene (including KL gene polymorphism C1818T in exon 4)
      were assessed in 272 prostate cancer cases and 173 controls. Single-locus
      analyses were conducted using unconditional logistic regression. In addition, we
      did a haplotype analysis for the 25 KL SNPs tested. CC genotype of C1548T KL
      polymorphism had approximately twofold increased prostate cancer risk compared
      with the homozygous genotype TT and heterozygote CT (odds ratio 1.85 [95% CI,
      1.09-3.12], P = 0.02). We also found that non-T allele carriers had significantly
      higher prostate cancer risk associated with the prostate cancer clinical
      characteristics (tumor stage or Gleason score). Our findings suggested that the
      C1548T polymorphism of KL gene is associated with the prostate cancer and may act
      as a risk factor for the development of prostate cancer.

PMID- 25120168
TI  - Biochemical and molecular characterization of Avena indolines and their role in
      kernel texture.
AB  - Among cereals, Avena sativa is characterized by an extremely soft endosperm
      texture, which leads to some negative agronomic and technological traits. On the
      basis of the well-known softening effect of puroindolines in wheat kernel
      texture, in this study, indolines and their encoding genes are investigated in
      Avena species at different ploidy levels. Three novel 14 kDa proteins, showing a
      central hydrophobic domain with four tryptophan residues and here named
      vromindoline (VIN)-1,2 and 3, were identified. Each VIN protein in diploid oat
      species was found to be synthesized by a single Vin gene whereas, in hexaploid A.
      sativa, three Vin-1, three Vin-2 and two Vin-3 genes coding for VIN-1, VIN-2 and
      VIN-3, respectively, were described and assigned to the A, C or D genomes based
      on similarity to their counterparts in diploid species. Expression of oat
      vromindoline transgenes in the extra-hard durum wheat led to accumulation of
      vromindolines in the endosperm and caused an approximate 50 % reduction of grain
      hardness, suggesting a central role for vromindolines in causing the extra-soft
      texture of oat grain. Further, hexaploid oats showed three orthologous genes
      coding for avenoindolines A and B, with five or three tryptophan residues,
      respectively, but very low amounts of avenoindolines were found in mature
      kernels. The present results identify a novel protein family affecting cereal
      kernel texture and would further elucidate the phylogenetic evolution of Avena
      genus. 

PMID- 25120169
TI  - Genome-wide identification of citrus ATP-citrate lyase genes and their transcript
      analysis in fruits reveals their possible role in citrate utilization.
AB  - ATP-citrate lyase (ACL, EC4.1.3.8) catalyzes citrate to oxaloacetate and acetyl
      CoA in the cell cytosol, and has important roles in normal plant growth and in
      the biosynthesis of some secondary metabolites. We identified three ACL genes,
      CitACLalpha1, CitACLalpha2, and CitACLbeta1, in the citrus genome database. Both
      CitACLalpha1 and CitACLalpha2 encode putative ACL alpha subunits with 82.5 %
      amino acid identity, whereas CitACLbeta1 encodes a putative ACL beta subunit.
      Gene structure analysis showed that CitACLalpha1 and CitACLalpha2 had 12 exons
      and 11 introns, and CitACLbeta1 had 16 exons and 15 introns. CitACLalpha1 and
      CitACLbeta1 were predominantly expressed in flower, and CitACLalpha2 was
      predominantly expressed in stem and fibrous roots. As fruits ripen, the
      transcript levels of CitACLalpha1, CitACLbeta1, and/or CitACLalpha2 in cultivars
      'Niuher' and 'Owari' increased, accompanied by significant decreases in citrate
      content, while their transcript levels decreased significantly in 'Egan No. 1'
      and 'Iyokan', although citrate content also decreased. In 'HB pummelo', in which
      acid content increased as fruit ripened, and in acid-free pummelo, transcript
      levels of CitACLalpha2, CitACLbeta1, and/or CitACLalpha1 increased. Moreover,
      mild drought stress and ABA treatment significantly increased citrate contents in
      fruits. Transcript levels of the three genes were significantly reduced by mild
      drought stress, and the transcript level of only CitACLbeta1 was significantly
      reduced by ABA treatment. Taken together, these data indicate that the effects of
      ACL on citrate use during fruit ripening depends on the cultivar, and the
      reduction in ACL gene expression may be attributed to citrate increases under
      mild drought stress or ABA treatment. 

PMID- 25120171
TI  - The clock is ticking: the sound of a ticking clock speeds up women's attitudes on
      reproductive timing.
AB  - The "biological clock" serves as a powerful metaphor that reflects the
      constraints posed by female reproductive biology. The biological clock refers to
      the progression of time from puberty to menopause, marking the period during
      which women can conceive children. Findings from two experiments suggest that
      priming the passage of time through the sound of a ticking clock influenced
      various aspects of women's (but not men's) reproductive timing. Moreover,
      consistent with recent research from the domain of life history theory, those
      effects depended on women's childhood socioeconomic status (SES). The subtle
      sound of a ticking clock led low (but not high) SES women to reduce the age at
      which they sought to get married and have their first child (Study 1), as well as
      the priority they placed on the social status and long-term earning potential of
      potential romantic partners (Study 2). Findings suggest that early developmental
      sensitization processes can interact with subtle environmental stimuli to affect
      reproductive timing during adulthood. 

PMID- 25120170
TI  - Faculty survey to assess research literacy and evidence-informed practice
      interest and support at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
AB  - CONTEXT: Educating healthcare practitioners to understand, critically evaluate,
      and apply evidence to the clinical practice of complementary and alternative
      medicine has been an important initiative for the National Institutes of Health
      National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the self-assessed research skills and interest of faculty at Pacific
      College of Oriental Medicine (New York campus) and their likely support of, and
      participatory interest in, an evidence-based medicine (EBM) training program.
      DESIGN: The survey was administered in Survey Monkey. All questions were close
      ended with 5-point Likert answers, except for one open-ended question at the end
      of the survey. SETTING: One of three campuses of Pacific College of Oriental
      Medicine (PCOM), the largest Chinese medicine college in the United States.
      PARTICIPANTS: 102 faculty employed at PCOM. RESULTS: The response rate was 88.7%.
      Responses illustrated a generally high degree of interest and support for
      research, EBM, and institutional participation in research activities. Faculty
      who responded to the open-ended question (19.6% of respondents) expressed
      concerns about the relevance of research to Chinese medicine and the possibility
      of co-option by biomedicine. CONCLUSIONS: While faculty were overall supportive
      and interested in research and EBM, the results are consistent with the
      hypothesis that success of EBM training programs could be enhanced by soliciting
      and addressing faculty concerns and by being inclusive of approaches that honor
      the traditions of Chinese medicine and its own forms of clinical evidence.

PMID- 25120173
TI  - Size, dimensionality, and strong electron correlation in nanoscience.
AB  - In electronic structure theory, electron-electron repulsion is normally
      considered only in an average (or mean field) sense, for example, in a single
      Hartree-Fock determinant. This is the simple molecular orbital model, which is
      often a good approximation for molecules. In infinite systems, this averaging
      treatment leads to delocalized electronic bands, an excellent description of bulk
      3D sp(3) semiconductors. However, in reality electrons try to instantaneously
      avoid each other; their relative motion is correlated. Strong electron-electron
      repulsion and correlation create new collective states and cause new femtosecond
      kinetic processes. This is especially true in 1D and 2D systems. The quantum size
      effect, a single electron property, is widely known: the band gap increases with
      decreasing size. This Account focuses on the experimental consequences of strong
      correlation. We first describe pi-pi* excited states in carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
      To obtain the spectra of individual CNTs, we developed a white-light, right-angle
      resonant Rayleigh scattering method. Discrete exciton transitions dominate the
      optical absorption spectra of both semiconducting and metallic tubes. Excitons
      are bound neutral excited states in which the electron and hole tightly orbit
      each other due to their mutual Coulomb attraction. We then describe more
      generally the independent roles of size and dimensionality in nanoelectronic
      structure, using additional examples from graphene, trans-polyacetylene chains,
      transition metal dichalcogenides, organic/inorganic Pb iodide perovskites,
      quantum dots, and pentacene van der Waals crystals. In 1D and 2D chemical
      systems, the electronic band structure diagram can be a poor predictor of
      properties if explicit correlation is not considered. One- and two-dimensional
      systems show quantum confinement and especially strong correlation as compared
      with their 3D parent systems. The Coulomb interaction is enhanced because the
      electrons are on the surface. One- and two-dimensional systems can exhibit
      essentially molecular properties even though they are infinite in size. Zero
      dimensional Qdots show quantum confinement and modest electron correlation.
      Correlation is weak in 3D bulk semiconductors. Strongly correlated electronic
      states can behave as if they have fractional charge and effectively separate the
      spin and charge of the electron. This is apparent in the "soliton" state of
      polyacetylene, the fractional charge quantum Hall state of graphene, and the
      Luttinger electrical conductivity of metallic CNTs.

PMID- 25120172
TI  - Short sleep duration reduces the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease onset
      in men: a community-based longitudinal cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies show an association between short sleep
      duration and the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study
      examined the association between short sleep duration and the onset of NAFLD.
      METHODS: This community-based, retrospective, longitudinal cohort study included
      6,370 Japanese subjects who had undergone annual health check-ups more than twice
      at a single center between April 2003 and March 2010. After excluding 3,941
      subjects, the records of 2,429 Japanese subjects were reviewed. RESULTS: Two
      groups comprised the study cohort: those with short (<= 6 h) sleep durations (n =
      1,543) and those with moderate (7-8 h) sleep durations (n = 886). During the
      observation period, 296 subjects developed NAFLD. Multivariate analysis
      identified an association between short sleep duration and the reduced onset of
      NAFLD in men (odds ratio: 0.551, 95% confidence interval 0.365-0.832, p = 0.005).
      There was no association between short sleep duration and NAFLD onset in women.
      The prevalence of NAFLD onset in men increased significantly as sleep duration
      increased, as follows: 12.5, 18.4, and 27.4% among subjects who had sleep
      durations of <= 4, 5-6, and 7-8 h, respectively (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study demonstrates an association between sleep duration and NAFLD onset. Short
      sleep duration reduced the risk of NAFLD onset in men. Correct recognition is
      important to prevent disease progression and further complications.

PMID- 25120174
TI  - Incremental predictive value of natriuretic peptides for prognosis in the chronic
      stable heart failure population: a systematic review.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether measurement of natriuretic
      peptides independently adds incremental predictive value for mortality and
      morbidity in patients with chronic stable heart failure (CSHF). We electronically
      searched Medline(r), EmbaseTM, AMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and CINAHL from 1989 to June
      2012. We also searched reference lists of included articles, systematic reviews,
      and the gray literature. Studies were screened for eligibility criteria and
      assessed for methodological quality. Data were extracted on study design,
      population demographics, assay cutpoints, prognostic risk prediction model
      covariates, statistical methods, outcomes, and results. One hundred and eighty
      three studies were identified as prognostic in the systematic review. From these,
      15 studies (all NT-proBNP) considered incremental predictive value in CSHF
      subjects. Follow-up varied from 12 to 37 months. All studies presented at least
      one estimate of incremental predictive value of NT-proBNP relative to the base
      prognostic model. Using discrimination or likelihood statistics, these studies
      consistently showed that NT-proBNP increased model performance. Three studies
      used re-classification and model validation computations to establish incremental
      predictive value; these studies showed less consistency with respect to added
      value. Although there were differences in the base risk prediction models, assay
      cutpoints, and lengths of follow-up, there was consistency in NT-proBNP adding
      incremental predictive value for prognostic models in chronic stable CSHF
      patients. The limitations in the literature suggest that studies designed to
      evaluate prognostic models should be undertaken to evaluate the incremental value
      of natriuretic peptide as a predictor of mortality and morbidity in CSHF.

PMID- 25120175
TI  - Quantitative short-wave infrared multispectral imaging of in vivo tissue optical
      properties.
AB  - Extending the wavelength range of spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) into
      the short-wave infrared (SWIR) has the potential to provide enhanced sensitivity
      to chromophores such as water and lipids that have prominent absorption features
      in the SWIR region. Here, we present, for the first time, a method combining SFDI
      with unstructured (zero spatial frequency) illumination to extract tissue
      absorption and scattering properties over a wavelength range (850 to 1800 nm)
      largely unexplored by previous tissue optics techniques. To obtain images over
      this wavelength range, we employ a SWIR camera in conjunction with an SFDI
      system. We use SFDI to obtain in vivo tissue reduced scattering coefficients at
      the wavelengths from 850 to 1050 nm, and then use unstructured wide-field
      illumination and an extrapolated power-law fit to this scattering spectrum to
      extract the absorption spectrum from 850 to 1800 nm. Our proof-of-principle
      experiment in a rat burn model illustrates that the combination of multispectral
      SWIR imaging, SFDI, and unstructured illumination can characterize in vivo
      changes in skin optical properties over a greatly expanded wavelength range. In
      the rat burn experiment, these changes (relative to normal, unburned skin)
      included increased absorption and increased scattering amplitude and slope,
      consistent with changes that we previously reported in the near-infrared using
      SFDI.

PMID- 25120176
TI  - Conservative management of vestibular schwannomas of 15 to 31 mm intracranial
      diameter.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the natural course of vestibular schwannomas 15 to 31 mm in
      diameter. METHODS: A retrospective study of 45 patients conservatively managed
      with interval scanning was performed. Outcome measures were: changes in tumour
      size, clinical features and hearing. A tumour was considered to be growing if it
      increased in size by more than 2 mm. RESULTS: Initial tumour sizes ranged from 15
      to 31 mm, with a mean (+/- standard deviation) diameter of 20.1 +/- 4.3 mm. The
      duration of follow up ranged from 6 months to 14 years (median, 3 years). Tumours
      grew in 11 cases (24.4 per cent), remained stable in 30 cases (66.7 per cent) and
      regressed in 4 cases (8.9 per cent). The overall mean tumour growth rate was 0.9
      +/- 2.2 mm per year; in growing tumours, it was 3.6 +/- 2.9 mm per year.
      CONCLUSION: Outcomes were similar to those reported for smaller tumours. These
      findings suggest that patients with medium or moderately large tumours can be
      safely offered an initial period of conservative management before intervention
      is considered.

PMID- 25120177
TI  - Personalizing energy expenditure estimation using physiological signals
      normalization during activities of daily living.
AB  - In this paper we propose a generic approach to reduce inter-individual
      variability of different physiological signals (HR, GSR and respiration) by
      automatically estimating normalization parameters (e.g. baseline and range). The
      proposed normalization procedure does not require a dedicated personal
      calibration during system setup. On the other hand, normalization parameters are
      estimated at system runtime from sedentary and low intensity activities of daily
      living (ADLs), such as lying and walking. When combined with activity-specific
      energy expenditure (EE) models, our normalization procedure improved EE
      estimation by 15 to 33% in a study group of 18 participants, compared to state of
      the art activity-specific EE models combining accelerometer and non-normalized
      physiological signals. 

PMID- 25120178
TI  - Magnitude of perceived depth of multiple stereo transparent surfaces.
AB  - According to the geometric relational expression of binocular stereopsis, for a
      given viewing distance the magnitude of the perceived depth of objects would be
      the same, as long as the disparity magnitudes were the same. However, we found
      that this is not necessarily the case for random-dot stereograms that depict
      parallel, overlapping, transparent stereoscopic surfaces (POTS). The data from
      five experiments indicated that (1) the magnitude of perceived depth between the
      two outer surfaces of a three- or a four-POTS configuration can be smaller than
      that for an identical pair of stereo surfaces of a two-POTS configuration for the
      range of disparities that we used (5.2-19.4 arcmin); (2) this phenomenon can be
      observed irrespective of the total dot density of a POTS configuration, at least
      for the range that we used (1.1-3.3 dots/deg(2)); and (3) the magnitude of
      perceived depth between the two outer surfaces of a POTS configuration can be
      reduced as the total number of stereo surfaces is increased, up to four surfaces.
      We explained these results in terms of a higher-order process or processes, with
      an output representing perceived depth magnitude, which is weakened when the
      number of its surfaces is increased. 

PMID- 25120179
TI  - The projected hand illusion: component structure in a community sample and
      association with demographics, cognition, and psychotic-like experiences.
AB  - The projected hand illusion (PHI) is a variant of the rubber hand illusion (RHI),
      and both are commonly used to study mechanisms of self-perception. A
      questionnaire was developed by Longo et al. (2008) to measure qualitative changes
      in the RHI. Such psychometric analyses have not yet been conducted on the
      questionnaire for the PHI. The present study is an attempt to validate minor
      modifications of the questionnaire of Longo et al. to assess the PHI in a
      community sample (n = 48) and to determine the association with selected
      demographic (age, sex, years of education), cognitive (Digit Span), and clinical
      (psychotic-like experiences) variables. Principal components analysis on the
      questionnaire data extracted four components: Embodiment of "Other" Hand,
      Disembodiment of Own Hand, Deafference, and Agency-in both synchronous and
      asynchronous PHI conditions. Questions assessing "Embodiment" and "Agency" loaded
      onto orthogonal components. Greater illusion ratings were positively associated
      with being female, being younger, and having higher scores on psychotic-like
      experiences. There was no association with cognitive performance. Overall, this
      study confirmed that self-perception as measured with PHI is a multicomponent
      construct, similar in many respects to the RHI. The main difference lies in the
      separation of Embodiment and Agency into separate constructs, and this likely
      reflects the fact that the "live" image of the PHI presents a more realistic
      picture of the hand and of the stroking movements of the experimenter compared
      with the RHI. 

PMID- 25120180
TI  - Large-scale analysis of posttranslational modifications in the hippocampus of
      patients with Alzheimer's disease using pI shift and label-free quantification
      without enrichment.
AB  - Posttranslational modifications modulate protein function in cells. Global
      analysis of multiple posttranslational modifications can provide insight into
      physiology and disease, but presents formidable challenges. In the present study,
      we used a technique that does not require target enrichment to analyze
      alterations in the phosphorylation and ubiquitination of proteins from patients
      with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Guided by our previous findings, we applied three
      strategies to further our understanding of the dysregulation of
      posttranslationally modified proteins. We first identified phosphorylation sites
      by determining peptide pI shifts using OFFGEL. Second, using tandem mass
      spectrometry, we determined the ubiquitination status of the proteins using an
      assay for a trypsin digestion remnant of ubiquitination (Gly-Gly). Third, for
      large-scale discovery, we quantified the global differences in protein
      expression. Of the proteins expressed in AD tissue at levels of 2.0 or greater
      compared with controls, 60 were phosphorylated and 56 were ubiquitinated. Of the
      proteins expressed at levels of 0.5 or lower compared with controls, 81 were
      phosphorylated and 56 were ubiquitinated. Approximately 98 % of the
      phosphopeptides exhibited a pI shift. We identified 112 new phosphorylation sites
      (51.38 %), and 92 new ubiquitination sites (96.84 %). Taken together, our
      findings suggest that analysis of the alterations in posttranslationally modified
      proteins may contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of AD and other
      diseases. 

PMID- 25120181
TI  - Characterization and analysis of structural isomers of dimethyl methoxypyrazines
      in cork stoppers and ladybugs (Harmonia axyridis and Coccinella septempunctata).
AB  - The three constitutional isomers of dimethyl-substituted methoxypyrazines: 3,5
      dimethyl-2-methoxypyrazine 1; 2,5-dimethyl-3-methoxypyrazine 2; and 2,3-dimethyl
      5-methoxypyrazine 3 are potent flavor compounds with similar mass spectrometric,
      gas chromatographic, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic behavior.
      Therefore, unambiguous analytical determination is critical, particularly in
      complex matrices. The unequivocal identification of 1-3 could be achieved by homo
      and heteronuclear NMR correlation experiments. The observed mass fragmentation
      for 1-3 is proposed and discussed, benefitting from synthesized partially
      deuterated 1 and 2. On common polar and apolar stationary phases used in gas
      chromatography (GC) 1 and 2 show similar behavior whereas 3 can be separated. In
      our focus on off-flavor analysis with respect to wine aroma, 1 has been described
      as a "moldy" off-flavor compound in cork and 2 as a constituent in Harmonia
      axyridis contributing to the so-called "ladybug taint," whereas 3 has not yet
      been described as a constituent of wine aroma. A successful separation of 1 and 2
      could be achieved on octakis-(2,3-di-O-pentyl-6-O-methyl)-gamma-cyclodextrin as
      stationary phase in GC. Applying heart-cut multidimensional GC analysis with
      tandem mass spectrometric detection we could confirm the presence of 1 as a
      "moldy" off-flavor compound in cork. However, in the case of Harmonia axyridis, a
      previous identification of 2 has to be reconsidered. In our experiments we
      identified the constitutional isomer 1, which was also found in Coccinella
      septempunctata, another species discussed with respect to the "ladybug taint."
      The analysis of such structurally related compounds is a demonstrative example
      for the importance of a chromatographic separation, as mass spectrometric data by
      itself could not guarantee the unequivocal identification. 

PMID- 25120182
TI  - A wide range optical pH sensor for living cells using Au@Ag nanoparticles
      functionalized carbon nanotubes based on SERS signals.
AB  - p-Aminothiophenol (pATP) functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)
      have been demonstrated as an efficient pH sensor for living cells. The proposed
      sensor employs gold/silver core-shell nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs) functionalized
      MWCNTs hybrid structure as the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate
      and pATP molecules as the SERS reporters, which possess a pH-dependent SERS
      performance. By using MWCNTs as the substrate to be in a state of aggregation,
      the pH sensing range could be extended to pH 3.0~14.0, which is much wider than
      that using unaggregated Au@Ag NPs without MWCNTs. Furthermore, the pH-sensitive
      performance was well retained in living cells with a low cytotoxicity. The
      developed SERS-active MWCNTs-based nanocomposite is expected to be an efficient
      intracellular pH sensor for bio-applications. 

PMID- 25120183
TI  - Relating surface-enhanced Raman scattering signals of cells to gold nanoparticle
      aggregation as determined by LA-ICP-MS micromapping.
AB  - The cellular response to nanoparticle exposure is essential in various contexts,
      especially in nanotoxicity and nanomedicine. Here, 14-nm gold nanoparticles in
      3T3 fibroblast cells are investigated in a series of pulse-chase experiments with
      a 30-min incubation pulse and chase times ranging from 15 min to 48 h. The gold
      nanoparticles and their aggregates are quantified inside the cellular
      ultrastructure by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
      micromapping and evaluated regarding the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)
      signals. In this way, both information about their localization at the micrometre
      scale and their molecular nanoenvironment, respectively, is obtained and can be
      related. Thus, the nanoparticle pathway from endocytotic uptake, intracellular
      processing, to cell division can be followed. It is shown that the ability of the
      intracellular nanoparticles and their accumulations and aggregates to support
      high SERS signals is neither directly related to nanoparticle amount nor to high
      local nanoparticle densities. The SERS data indicate that aggregate geometry and
      interparticle distances in the cell must change in the course of endosomal
      maturation and play a critical role for a specific gold nanoparticle type in
      order to act as efficient SERS nanoprobe. This finding is supported by TEM
      images, showing only a minor portion of aggregates that present small
      interparticle spacing. The SERS spectra obtained after different chase times show
      a changing composition and/or structure of the biomolecule corona of the gold
      nanoparticles as a consequence of endosomal processing.

PMID- 25120185
TI  - Biotransformation and detectability of the designer drug 2,5-dimethoxy-4
      propylphenethylamine (2C-P) studied in urine by GC-MS, LC-MS(n), and LC-high
      resolution-MS(n).
AB  - 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-propylphenethylamine (2C-P) is a hallucinogenic designer drug of
      the phenethylamine class, the so-called 2Cs, named according to the ethyl spacer
      between the nitrogen and the aromatic ring. The aims of the present work were to
      identify the phases I and II metabolites of 2C-P. In addition, the detectability
      of 2C-P and its metabolites in urine as proof of an intake in clinical or
      forensic cases was tested. According to the identified metabolites, the following
      pathways were proposed: N-acetylation; deamination followed by reduction to the
      corresponding alcohol and oxidation to carbonic acid; mono- and bis-hydroxylation
      at different positions; mono- and bis-O-demethylation, followed by
      glucuronidation, sulfation, or both; and combination of these steps. Proof of an
      intake of a common user's dose of 2C-P was possible by both standard urine
      screening approaches, the GC-MS as well as the LC-MS(n) approach.

PMID- 25120184
TI  - Emerging trends in precision fabrication of microapertures to support suspended
      lipid membranes for sensors, sequencing, and beyond.
AB  - Suspended lipid membranes, also called black lipid membranes (BLMs), are an
      important model system that approximates the lipid bilayer environment of cell
      membranes. Increasingly, BLMs are utilized in sensing strategies that harness
      high sensitivity measurements of ion flux across the membrane, typically
      facilitated by ion channel proteins. BLMs are suspended across microapertures
      that connect two otherwise isolated fluidic compartments, and the precision
      fabrication of such microapertures can contribute to the stability and
      performance of the resulting BLM. Here, we highlight two emerging trends in the
      precision fabrication of microapertures for BLM formation: microfabrication in
      silicon-based thin film substrates, and microfabrication in the negative
      photoresist material SU-8. Four unique fabrication strategies are outlined, and
      we project the impact that these microfabrication strategies will have for BLM
      integrated bioanalytical technologies. 

PMID- 25120186
TI  - Reproducibility of retention time and peak area in comprehensive two-dimensional
      liquid chromatography.
AB  - Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography is used to separate anionic,
      nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants by substance class, alkyl chain
      distribution, and degree of ethoxylation. A nearly orthogonal system with a
      hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) phase in the first and a reversed
      phase material in the second dimension is applied to generate a separation with
      maximum peak capacity. The potential of the developed method is demonstrated by
      the reproducibility of retention time and peak area, which shows standard
      deviations less than 5 % and the analysis of real samples. An external
      calibration and the standard addition method were applied to determine unknown
      concentrations for the alkyl chain homologues of a betaine and for one ethoxylate
      (EO) homologue of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate in a sample mixture. 

PMID- 25120187
TI  - Investigating the contribution of the active site environment to the slow
      reaction of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase domain 2 with oxygen.
AB  - The prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHDs) catalyse the post-translational
      hydroxylation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), a modification that
      regulates the hypoxic response in humans. The PHDs are Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate
      (2OG) oxygenases; their catalysis is proposed to provide a link between cellular
      HIF levels and changes in O2 availability. Transient kinetic studies have shown
      that purified PHD2 reacts slowly with O2 compared with some other studied 2OG
      oxygenases, a property which may be related to its hypoxia-sensing role. PHD2
      forms a stable complex with Fe(II) and 2OG; crystallographic and kinetic analyses
      indicate that an Fe(II)-co-ordinated water molecule, which must be displaced
      before O2 binding, is relatively stable in the active site of PHD2. We used
      active site substitutions to investigate whether these properties are related to
      the slow reaction of PHD2 with O2. While disruption of 2OG binding in a R383K
      variant did not accelerate O2 activation, we found that substitution of the
      Fe(II)-binding aspartate for a glutamate residue (D315E) manifested significantly
      reduced Fe(II) binding, yet maintained catalytic activity with a 5-fold faster
      reaction with O2. The results inform on how the precise active site environment
      of oxygenases can affect rates of O2 activation and provide insights into
      limiting steps in PHD catalysis. 

PMID- 25120188
TI  - Copeptin is not a useful biomarker for small-for-gestational-age: a case control
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate copeptin as a biomarker for small-for-gestational-age.
      METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control study on maternal copeptin levels
      measured in gestational week 12 and 19 and risk of small-for-gestational age.
      Cases were defined as pregnant women who delivered a small-for-gestational-age
      infant. Small-for-gestational age was defined as a birth weight - 22% or less
      than expected according to gestational age (n = 39). Controls were pregnant women
      who delivered a normal-weight infant (n = 119). The copeptin ultrasensitive
      Kryptor kit (BRAHMS) was used to determine copeptin in maternal serum. We
      established reference ranges for copeptin by 95% prediction intervals with 90%
      confidence intervals. Paired and unpaired t-tests were performed to test the null
      hypothesis of no difference in copeptin levels within and between the groups.
      RESULTS: The reference intervals for copeptin in normal pregnancies were 1.24
      5.51 pmol/L (90% confidence intervals on upper and lower limit were 1.13-1.37 and
      5.00-6.08 pmol/L) at gestational week 12, and 1.30-5.09 pmol/L (90% confidence
      intervals were 1.19-1.42 and 4.65-5.57 pmol/L) at gestational week 19. Copeptin
      levels decreased from week 12-19 in cases (p = 0.02), whereas no change was
      observed in controls (p = 0.61). We found no difference in copeptin levels in
      cases compared to controls in gestational week 12 (p = 0.10) and week 19 (p =
      0.81). CONCLUSION: The present study could not demonstrate copeptin as a novel
      biomarker for small-for-gestational-age.

PMID- 25120189
TI  - Gate-opening gas adsorption and host-guest interacting gas trapping behavior of
      porous coordination polymers under applied AC electric fields.
AB  - The gate-opening adsorption behavior of the one-dimensional chain compound [Ru2(4
      Cl-2-OMePhCO2)4(phz)] (1; 4-Cl-2-OMePhCO2(-) = 4-chloro-o-anisate; phz =
      phenazine) for various gases (O2, NO, and CO2) was electronically monitored in
      situ by applying ac electric fields to pelletized samples attached to a cryostat,
      which was used to accurately control the temperature and gas pressure. The gate
      opening and -closing transitions induced by gas adsorption/desorption,
      respectively, were accurately monitored by a sudden change in the real part of
      permittivity (epsilon'). The transition temperature (TGO) was also found to be
      dependent on the applied temperature and gas pressure according to the Clausius
      Clapeyron equation. This behavior was also observed in the isostructural compound
      [Rh2(4-Cl-2-OMePhCO2)4(phz)] (2), which exhibited similar gate-opening adsorption
      properties, but was not detected in the nonporous gate-inactive compound [Ru2(o
      OMePhCO2)4(phz)] (3). Furthermore, the imaginary part of permittivity (epsilon")
      effectively captured the electronic perturbations of the samples induced by the
      introduced guest molecules. Only the introduction of NO resulted in the increase
      of the sample's electronic conductivity for 1 and 3, but not for 2. This behavior
      indicates that electronic host-guest interactions were present, albeit very weak,
      at the surface of sample 1 and 3, i.e., through grain boundaries of the sample,
      which resulted in perturbation of the conduction band of this material's
      framework. This technique involving the in situ application of ac electric fields
      is useful not only for rapidly monitoring gas sorption responses accompanied by
      gate-opening/-closing structural transitions but also potentially for the
      development of molecular framework materials as chemically driven electronic
      devices. 

PMID- 25120190
TI  - Telomerase inhibition abolishes the tumorigenicity of pediatric ependymoma tumor
      initiating cells.
AB  - Pediatric ependymomas are highly recurrent tumors resistant to conventional
      chemotherapy. Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein critical in permitting limitless
      replication, has been found to be critically important for the maintenance of
      tumor-initiating cells (TICs). These TICs are chemoresistant, repopulate the
      tumor from which they are identified, and are drivers of recurrence in numerous
      cancers. In this study, telomerase enzymatic activity was directly measured and
      inhibited to assess the therapeutic potential of targeting telomerase. Telomerase
      repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) (n = 36) and C-circle assay/telomere
      FISH/ATRX staining (n = 76) were performed on primary ependymomas to determine
      the prevalence and prognostic potential of telomerase activity or alternative
      lengthening of telomeres (ALT) as telomere maintenance mechanisms, respectively.
      Imetelstat, a phase 2 telomerase inhibitor, was used to elucidate the effect of
      telomerase inhibition on proliferation and tumorigenicity in established cell
      lines (BXD-1425EPN, R254), a primary TIC line (E520) and xenograft models of
      pediatric ependymoma. Over 60 % of pediatric ependymomas were found to rely on
      telomerase activity to maintain telomeres, while no ependymomas showed evidence
      of ALT. Children with telomerase-active tumors had reduced 5-year progression
      free survival (29 +/- 11 vs 64 +/- 18 %; p = 0.03) and overall survival (58 +/-
      12 vs 83 +/- 15 %; p = 0.05) rates compared to those with tumors lacking
      telomerase activity. Imetelstat inhibited proliferation and self-renewal by
      shortening telomeres and inducing senescence in vitro. In vivo, Imetelstat
      significantly reduced subcutaneous xenograft growth by 40 % (p = 0.03) and
      completely abolished the tumorigenicity of pediatric ependymoma TICs in an
      orthotopic xenograft model. Telomerase inhibition represents a promising
      therapeutic approach for telomerase-active pediatric ependymomas found to
      characterize high-risk ependymomas. 

PMID- 25120192
TI  - Anti-Abeta antibody target engagement: commentary regarding Watt et al. Acta
      Neuropathol 127:803-810 (2014).

PMID- 25120191
TI  - C9orf72 FTLD/ALS-associated Gly-Ala dipeptide repeat proteins cause neuronal
      toxicity and Unc119 sequestration.
AB  - Hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 is the most common pathogenic mutation
      in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar
      degeneration (FTLD). Despite the lack of an ATG start codon, the repeat expansion
      is translated in all reading frames into dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins, which
      form insoluble, ubiquitinated, p62-positive aggregates that are most abundant in
      the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. To specifically analyze DPR toxicity and
      aggregation, we expressed DPR proteins from synthetic genes containing a start
      codon but lacking extensive GGGGCC repeats. Poly-Gly-Ala (GA) formed p62-positive
      cytoplasmic aggregates, inhibited dendritic arborization and induced apoptosis in
      primary neurons. Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis to identify poly-GA co
      aggregating proteins revealed a significant enrichment of proteins of the
      ubiquitin-proteasome system. Among the other interacting proteins, we identified
      the transport factor Unc119, which has been previously linked to neuromuscular
      and axonal function, as a poly-GA co-aggregating protein. Strikingly, the levels
      of soluble Unc119 are strongly reduced upon poly-GA expression in neurons,
      suggesting a loss of function mechanism. Similar to poly-GA expression, Unc119
      knockdown inhibits dendritic branching and causes neurotoxicity. Unc119
      overexpression partially rescues poly-GA toxicity suggesting that poly-GA
      expression causes Unc119 loss of function. In C9orf72 patients, Unc119 is
      detectable in 9.5 % of GA inclusions in the frontal cortex, but only in 1.6 % of
      GA inclusions in the cerebellum, an area largely spared of neurodegeneration. A
      fraction of neurons with Unc119 inclusions shows loss of cytosolic staining. Poly
      GA-induced Unc119 loss of function may thereby contribute to selective
      vulnerability of neurons with DPR protein inclusions in the pathogenesis of
      C9orf72 FTLD/ALS. 

PMID- 25120194
TI  - Effective implementation of health information technologies in U.S. hospitals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Two issues pertaining to the effective implementation of health
      information technologies (HITs) in U.S. hospitals are examined. First, which
      information technology (IT) system is better--a homegrown or an outsourced one?
      In the second issue, the critical role of in-house IT expertise/capabilities in
      the effective implementation of HITs is investigated. STUDY DESIGN/DATA
      COLLECTION: The data on type of HIT system and IT expertise/capabilities were
      collected from a national sample of senior executives of U.S. hospitals. The data
      on quality of patient care were gathered from the Hospital Compare Web site.
      FINDINGS: The quality of patient care was significantly higher in hospitals
      deploying a homegrown HIT system than hospitals deploying an outsourced HIT
      system. Furthermore, the professional competence and compelling vision of the
      chief information officer was found to be a major driver of another key IT
      capability of hospitals-professionalism of IT staff. The positive relationship of
      professionalism of IT staff with quality of patient care was mediated by
      proactive employee behavior. CONCLUSION: A homegrown HIT system achieves better
      quality of patient care than an outsourced one. The chief information officer's
      IT vision and the professional expertise and professionalism of IT staff are
      important IT capabilities in U.S. hospitals.

PMID- 25120193
TI  - Anti-Abeta antibody target engagement: a response to Siemers et al.

PMID- 25120195
TI  - Cumulative impact of periodic top-down communications on infection prevention
      practices and outcomes in two units.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The problem of interest in this study is the challenge of consistent
      implementation of evidence-based infection prevention practices at the unit
      level, a challenge broadly characterized as "change implementation failure." The
      theoretical literature suggests that periodic top-down communications promoting
      tacit knowledge exchanges across professional subgroups may be effective for
      enabling change in health care organizations. However, gaps remain in
      understanding the mechanisms by which top-down communications enable practice
      change at the unit level. Our study sought to both validate the theoretical
      literature and address this gap. PURPOSE: Correspondingly, this study posed two
      research questions. (1) What is the impact of periodic "top-down" communications
      on practice change at the unit level? (2) What are the "unit-level" communication
      dynamics enabling practice changes? Whereas this article focuses on addressing
      the first question, the second question has been addressed in an earlier Health
      Care Management Review article (Rangachari et al., 2013). METHODS: A prospective
      study was conducted in two intensive care units at an academic health center.
      Both units had low baseline adherence to central line bundle (CLB) and higher
      than-expected catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). Periodic top-down
      communication interventions were conducted over 52 weeks to promote CLB adherence
      in both units. Simultaneously, the study examined (a) unit-level communication
      dynamics related to CLB through weekly "communication logs," completed by unit
      physicians, nurses, and managers, and (b) unit outcomes, that is, CLB adherence
      and CRBSI rates. FINDINGS: Both units showed increased adherence to CLB and
      significant, sustained declines in CRBSIs. Results showed that the interventions
      cumulatively had a significant negative (desired) impact on "catheter days," that
      is, central catheter use. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Results help validate the
      theoretical literature and identify evidence-based management strategies for
      practice change at the unit level. They suggest that periodic top-down
      communications have the potential to modify interprofessional knowledge exchanges
      and enable practice change at the unit level, leading to significantly improved
      outcomes and reduced costs.

PMID- 25120196
TI  - Within-subject comparison of word recognition and spiral ganglion cell count in
      bilateral cochlear implant recipients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although published reports have not demonstrated a positive
      correlation between the number of residual spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) and word
      recognition scores in patients with unilateral multichannel cochlear implants,
      this study was designed to retest this hypothesis in patients with bilateral
      multichannel cochlear implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a pool of 133
      temporal bones, all subjects with bilateral multichannel cochlear implants who
      were deafened bilaterally by the same etiology were studied. A total of 12
      temporal bones from 6 subjects were identified and processed after death for
      histology. The SGCs were counted using standard techniques. The differences
      between left and right SGC counts as well as the differences in word recognition
      scores were calculated for each subject. Correlation analysis was performed
      between the differences of SGC counts and the differences of word recognition
      scores. RESULTS: Differences in SGC counts were highly correlated with the
      differences in word recognition scores (R = 0.934, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: This
      study suggests higher residual SGCs predicted better performance after
      implantation in a given patient. The results also support attempts to identify
      factors which may promote survival of SGCs.

PMID- 25120197
TI  - Documentation and localization of force-mediated filamin A domain perturbations
      in moving cells.
AB  - Endogenously and externally generated mechanical forces influence diverse
      cellular activities, a phenomenon defined as mechanotransduction. Deformation of
      protein domains by application of stress, previously documented to alter
      macromolecular interactions in vitro, could mediate these effects. We engineered
      a photon-emitting system responsive to unfolding of two repeat domains of the
      actin filament (F-actin) crosslinker protein filamin A (FLNA) that binds multiple
      partners involved in cell signalling reactions and validated the system using F
      actin networks subjected to myosin-based contraction. Expressed in cultured
      cells, the sensor-containing FLNA construct reproducibly reported FLNA domain
      unfolding strikingly localized to dynamic, actively protruding, leading cell
      edges. The unfolding signal depends upon coherence of F-actin-FLNA networks and
      is enhanced by stimulating cell contractility. The results establish protein
      domain distortion as a bona fide mechanism for mechanotransduction in vivo. 

PMID- 25120199
TI  - The "tale" of poly(A) binding protein: the MLLE domain and PAM2-containing
      proteins.
AB  - The cytoplasmic poly(A) binding protein 1 (PABPC1) is an essential eukaryotic
      translational initiation factor first described over 40 years ago. Most studies
      of PABPC1 have focused on its N-terminal RRM domains, which bind the mRNA 3'
      poly(A) tail and 5' translation complex eIF4F via eIF4G; however, the protein
      also contains a C-terminal MLLE domain that binds a peptide motif, termed PAM2,
      found in many proteins involved in translation regulation and mRNA metabolism.
      Studies over the past decade have revealed additional functions of PAM2
      containing proteins (PACs) in neurodegenerative diseases, circadian rhythms,
      innate defense, and ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. Here, we summarize
      functional and structural studies of the MLLE/PAM2 interaction and discuss the
      diverse roles of PACs.

PMID- 25120198
TI  - Deficiency of MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) prevents adverse remodelling
      and promotes endothelial healing after arterial injury.
AB  - Maladaptive remodelling of the arterial wall after mechanical injury (e. g.
      angioplasty) is characterised by inflammation, neointima formation and media
      hypertrophy, resulting in narrowing of the affected artery. Moreover, mechanical
      injury of the arterial wall causes loss of the vessel protecting endothelial cell
      monolayer. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-activated protein kinase 2
      (MK2), a major downstream target of p38 MAPK, regulates inflammation, cell
      migration and proliferation, essential processes for vascular remodelling and re
      endothelialisation. Therefore, we investigated the role of MK2 in remodelling and
      re-endothelialisation after arterial injury in genetically modified mice in vivo.
      Hypercholesterolaemic low-density-lipoprotein-receptor-deficient mice (ldlr-/-)
      were subjected to wire injury of the common carotid artery. MK2-deficiency (ldlr
      /-/mk2-/-) nearly completely prevented neointima formation, media hypertrophy,
      and lumen loss after injury. This was accompanied by reduced proliferation and
      migration of MK2-deficient smooth muscle cells. In addition, MK2-deficiency
      severely reduced monocyte adhesion to the arterial wall (day 3 after injury,
      intravital microscopy), which may be attributed to reduced expression of the
      chemokine ligands CCL2 and CCL5. In line, MK2-deficiency significantly reduced
      the content of monocytes, neutrophiles and lymphocytes of the arterial wall (day
      7 after injury, flow cytometry). In conclusion, in a model of endothelial injury
      (electric injury), MK2-deficiency strongly increased proliferation of endothelial
      cells and improved re-endothelialisation of the arterial wall after injury.
      Deficiency of MK2 prevents adverse remodelling and promotes endothelial healing
      of the arterial wall after injury, suggesting that MK2-inhibition is a very
      attractive intervention to prevent restenosis after percutaneous therapeutic
      angioplasty.

PMID- 25120201
TI  - Wilson's disease presenting as rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder: a
      possible window to early treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe characteristics of REM sleep behavior disorder in Wilson's
      disease. METHOD: Questionnaire-based interviews (patients and relatives),
      neurological examinations, two-week prospective dream-diary, video
      polysomnography, transcranial sonography, MRI. RESULTS: Four Wilson's disease
      cases with REM sleep behavior disorder were described; three had REM sleep
      behavior disorder as initial symptom. All showed mesencephalic tegmental/tectal
      sonographic hyperechogenicities and two presented ponto-mesencephalic tegmental
      MRI hyperintensities. CONCLUSION: This first description of REM sleep behavior
      disorder in Wilson's disease in literature documents REM sleep behavior disorder
      as a possible presenting symptom of Wilson's disease and adds further evidence to
      the parallelism of Parkinson's disease and Wilson's disease in phenotype and
      brainstem topography, which ought to be further studied. REM sleep behavior
      disorder has prognostic relevance for neurodegeneration in alpha
      synucleinopathies. In Wilson's disease, usefulness of early diagnosis and
      treatment are already well established. REM sleep behavior disorder in Wilson's
      disease offers a possible theoretical model for potential early treatment in this
      extrapyramidal and brainstem paradigm syndrome, previewing the possibility of
      neuroprotective treatment for REM sleep behavior disorder in "pre-clinical"
      Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 25120202
TI  - Electroencephalographic and behavioral effects of intracerebroventricular or
      intraperitoneal injections of toxic honey extract in adult Wistar rats and GAERS.
AB  - Toxic honey, containing grayanotoxin, is obtained from nectar and polen of
      rhododendron. Consumed in excess it produces seizures and convulsions. In order
      to investigate whether the toxic honey extract can be used as a seizure model, we
      examined the electroencephalographic (EEG) and motor effects of
      intracerebroventricular (icv) or intraperitoneal (ip) injection of toxic honey
      extract in Wistar rats or in genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg
      (GAERS). Male Wistar rats or GAERS were stereotaxically implanted with bilateral
      cortical recording electrodes in all ip groups and cannula in the icv groups.
      Based on the previous study, an extract was obtained from the non-toxic and toxic
      honey. After the injection of the non-toxic or toxic honey extract, seizure
      stages and changes in EEG were evaluated from 9 am to noon. The icv
      administration of toxic honey extract produced stage 4 seizures and bilateral
      cortical spikes within 30-60 min and these effects disappeared after 120 min in
      Wistar rats or GAERS. The mean of bilateral cortical spike acitivity in EEG of
      Wistar rats was 804.2 +/- 261.0 s in the 3-h period. After the icv administration
      of toxic honey extract to GAERS, the mean duration of spike-and-wave discharges
      (SWDs) in GAERS significantly decreased during the first 60 min and then returned
      to baseline level. Ip injection of toxic honey extract caused no seizure and no
      change in EEG in either GAERS or Wistars. These results suggest that the icv
      administration of toxic honey extract can be used as a seizure model.

PMID- 25120200
TI  - Improving outcomes for youth with ADHD: a conceptual framework for combined
      neurocognitive and skill-based treatment approaches.
AB  - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent and chronic mental
      health condition that often results in substantial impairments throughout life.
      Although evidence-based pharmacological and psychosocial treatments exist for
      ADHD, effects of these treatments are acute, do not typically generalize into non
      treated settings, rarely sustain over time, and insufficiently affect key areas
      of functional impairment (i.e., family, social, and academic functioning) and
      executive functioning. The limitations of current evidence-based treatments may
      be due to the inability of these treatments to address underlying neurocognitive
      deficits that are related to the symptoms of ADHD and associated areas of
      functional impairment. Although efforts have been made to directly target the
      underlying neurocognitive deficits of ADHD, extant neurocognitive interventions
      have shown limited efficacy, possibly due to misspecification of training targets
      and inadequate potency. We argue herein that despite these limitations, next
      generation neurocognitive training programs that more precisely and potently
      target neurocognitive deficits may lead to optimal outcomes when used in
      combination with specific skill-based psychosocial treatments for ADHD. We
      discuss the rationale for such a combined treatment approach, prominent examples
      of this combined treatment approach for other mental health disorders, and
      potential combined treatment approaches for pediatric ADHD. Finally, we conclude
      with directions for future research necessary to develop a combined
      neurocognitive + skill-based treatment for youth with ADHD.

PMID- 25120203
TI  - Study of proximal femoral bone perfusion with 3D T1 dynamic contrast-enhanced
      MRI: a feasibility study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare measurements of semi
      quantitative and pharmacokinetic parameters in areas of red (RBM) and yellow bone
      marrow (YBM) of the hip, using an in-house high-resolution DCE T1 sequence, and
      to assess intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of these measurements.
      METHODS: The right hips of 21 adult patients under 50 years of age were studied.
      Spatial resolution was 1.8 * 1.8 * 1.8 mm(3), and temporal resolution was 13.5
      seconds. Two musculoskeletal radiologists independently processed DCE images and
      measured semi-quantitative and pharmacokinetic parameters in areas of YBM and
      RBM. Signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios were calculated.
      Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was assessed. RESULTS: Area under the
      curve (AUC) and initial slope (IS) were significantly greater for RBM than for
      YBM (p < 0.05). K(trans) and kep were also significantly greater for RBM (p <
      0.05). There was no significant difference in time to peak between the regions (p
      < 0.05). SNR, CNR, and intra- and inter-observer reproducibility were all good.
      CONCLUSIONS: DCE study of the whole hip is feasible with high spatial resolution
      using a 3D T1 sequence. Measures were possible even in low vascularized areas of
      the femoral head. K(trans), kep, AUC, and IS values were significantly different
      between red and yellow marrow, whereas TTP values were not. KEY POINTS: High
      spatial-resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of hip structures is feasible.
      Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility is good. Red and yellow bone marrow
      have different perfusion patterns.

PMID- 25120204
TI  - Anatomic variants of the pancreatic duct and their clinical relevance: an MR
      guided study in the general population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequency of pancreatic duct (PD) variants and
      their effect on pancreatic exocrine function in a population-based study using
      non-invasive secretin-stimulated magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
      (sMRCP). METHODS: Nine hundred and ninety-five volunteers, 457 women and 538 men,
      aged 51.9 +/- 13.4 years, underwent navigator-triggered, T2-weighted, 3D turbo
      spin echo MRCP on a 1.5 T system after 1 unit/kg secretin administration. Two
      readers evaluated images for PD variants. Pancreatic exocrine function and
      morphological signs of chronic pancreatitis such as abnormalities of the main PD,
      side branch dilatation, and pancreatic cysts were evaluated and related to PD
      variants using a Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc analysis. RESULTS: Of all
      sMRCP, 93.2% were of diagnostic quality. Interobserver reliability for detection
      of PD variants was found to be kappa 0.752 (95 %CI, 0.733 - 0.771). Normal PD
      variants were observed in 90.4% (n = 838/927). Variants of pancreas divisum was
      identified in 9.6% (n = 89/927). Abnormalities of the main PD, side branch
      dilatation, and pancreatic cysts were observed in 2.4%, 16.6%, and 27.7%,
      respectively, and were not significantly different between pancreas divisum and
      non-divisum group (P = 0.122; P = 0.152; P = 0.741). There was no association
      between PD variants and pancreatic exocrine function (P = 0.367). CONCLUSION: PD
      variants including pancreas divisum are not associated with morphological signs
      of chronic pancreatitis or restriction of pancreatic exocrine function. KEY
      POINTS: MRCP allows the evaluation of pancreatic duct variants and morphological
      change. Pancreatic duct variants are not associated with morphological signs of
      chronic pancreatitis. Pancreas divisum is not accompanied by restriction of
      pancreatic exocrine function. Pancreatic duct variants including pancreas divisum
      are limited in their clinical relevance.

PMID- 25120205
TI  - Differentiation of focal nodular hyperplasia from hepatocellular adenomas with
      low-mechanical-index contrast-enhanced sonography (CEUS): effect of size on
      diagnostic confidence.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of
      contrast-enhanced sonography (CEUS) for the differentiation of focal nodular
      hyperplasia (FNH) from hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) according to lesion size.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with a definite diagnosis of FNH or HCA who
      underwent CEUS were included in this institutional review board (IRB)-approved
      study. A total of 43 FNHs and 20 HCAs, including 15 inflammatory HCAs and five
      unclassified HCAs, were analysed. Two radiologists reviewed the diagnostic CEUS
      parameters separately and in consensus, including the presence or absence of
      centrifugal filling and central vessels. The sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp),
      and inter-observer confidence (Kappa) of CEUS diagnostic parameters were
      assessed. RESULTS: Inter-observer agreement of CEUS for FNH diagnosis was high
      (kappa = 0.81) with an overall Se of 67.4% [29/43 (CI 95%: 51.4-80.1 %)] and an
      Sp of 100% [20/20 (CI 95%: 81-100%)]. Significantly higher Se figures were found
      for lesions <= 35 mm than for lesions > 35 mm [respectively, 93 % (28/30) (CI
      95%: 77.6-99.2) vs. 7.7% (1/13) (CI 95%: 0.2-36%), p = 0.002] with unchanged
      specificity. CONCLUSION: CEUS is highly specific for the diagnosis of FNH, with
      very good inter-observer agreement, whatever the size, but its sensitivity is
      significantly reduced in diagnosing lesions larger than 35 mm. KEY POINTS: * CEUS
      is highly specific for the diagnosis of FNH, regardless of lesion size * CEUS
      shows reduced sensitivity in diagnosing FNH lesions larger than 35 mm * The
      filling patterns of hepatocellular adenomas are not affected by lesion size.

PMID- 25120208
TI  - Synthesis and structures of tris(2-pyridyl)aluminate sandwich compounds [{RAl(2
      py')2}2M] (py' = 2-pyridyl, M = Ca, Mn, Fe).
AB  - Reactions of the lithium salts [{RAl(2-py')3Li.THF] [2-py' = 2-py (2-pyridyl), R
      = (n)Bu (1), R = (sec)Bu (2); py' = 5-Me-2-py (5-methyl-2-pyridyl), R = Me (3); 6
      Me-2-py (6-methyl-2-pyridyl), R = Et (4b)] with the corresponding metal(ii)
      halides give the new heterobimetallic sandwich compounds [{RAl(2-py)3}2M] [R =
      (n)Bu, M = Ca (5), Mn (6), Fe (7); R = (sec)Bu, M = Ca (8), Mn (9)], [{MeAl(5-Me
      2-py)3}2Ca] (10) and [{EtAl(6-Me-2-py)3}2Ca] (11) and the co-complex [{EtAl(6-Me
      2-py)3}Mn(MU-Cl)Li{(6-Me-2-py)3AlEt}] (12). While neither the bridgehead group
      (R) nor remote ring Me-groups have any impact on metal coordination in 5-10, the
      introduction of Me groups into the pyridyl substituent at the 6-position (i.e.,
      adjacent to the donor pyridyl-N atoms) has a marked effect on the ability of the
      ligands to form sandwich arrangements, as seen in the distorted structure of the
      sandwich compound 11 and in the formation of the co-complex 12, consisting of a
      two half-sandwich arrangement linked by a MU-Cl ion. The syntheses and solid
      state structures of the new precursor 4b and the new compounds 5-12 are reported.

PMID- 25120206
TI  - Correlations of (18)F-fluorothymidine uptake with pathological tumour size, Ki-67
      and thymidine kinase 1 expressions in primary and metastatic lymph node
      colorectal cancer foci.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine correlations of (18)F-fluorothymidine (FLT) uptake with
      pathological tumour size and immunohistochemical Ki-67, and thymidine kinase 1
      (TK-1) expressions in primary and metastatic node colorectal cancer foci.
      METHODS: Thirty primary cancers (PCs) and 37 metastatic nodes (MNs) were
      included. FLT uptake was assessed by visual scores (non-visible: 0-1 and visible:
      2-4), standardized uptake value (SUV), and correlated with size, Ki-67, and TK-1.
      SUV was measured in visible lesions. FLT heterogeneity was assessed by visual
      scores (no heterogeneous uptake: 0 and heterogeneous uptake: 1-4). RESULTS: Forty
      two lesions were visible. The visible group showed significantly higher values
      than the non-visible group in size, Ki-67, and TK-1 (each p < 0.05). Size
      correlated significantly with visual score (PC; rho = 0.74 and MN; rho = 0.63),
      SUVmax (PC; rho = 0.49, and MN; rho = 0.76), and SUVmean (PC; rho = 0.40 and MN;
      rho = 0.76) (each p < 0.05). Visual score correlated significantly with size (rho
      = 0.86), Ki-67max (rho = 0.35), Ki-67mean (rho = 0.38), TK-1max (rho = 0.35) and
      TK-1mean (rho = 0.25) (each p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found
      between FLT uptake and Ki-67 or TK-1 in 42 visible lesions (each p > 0.05).
      Heterogeneous FLT uptake was noted in 73 % (22/30) of PCs. CONCLUSION: FLT uptake
      correlated with size. Heterogeneous FLT distribution in colorectal cancers may be
      one of the causes of weak or lack of FLT uptake/Ki-67 or TK-1 correlation. KEY
      POINTS: FLT uptake correlated well with tumour size in colorectal cancer. Weak or
      lack of FLT uptake/Ki-67 and TK-1 correlations were observed. Immunohistochemical
      Ki-67 and TK-1 expressions are not always correlated with FLT uptake.

PMID- 25120207
TI  - Non-invasive biomechanical characterization of intervertebral discs by shear wave
      ultrasound elastography: a feasibility study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although magnetic resonance is widely spread to assess qualitatively
      disc morphology, a simple method to determine reliably intervertebral disc status
      is still lacking. Shear wave elastography is a novel technique that allows
      quantitative evaluation of soft-tissues' mechanical properties. The aim of this
      study was to assess preliminary the feasibility and reliability of mechanical
      characterization of cervical intervertebral discs by elastography and to provide
      first reference values for asymptomatic subjects. METHODS: Elastographic
      measurements were performed to determine shear wave speed (SWS) in C6-C7 or C7-T1
      disc of 47 subjects; repeatability and inter-operator reproducibility were
      assessed. RESULTS: Global average shear wave speed (SWS) was 3.0 +/- 0.4 m/s;
      measurement repeatability and inter-user reproducibility were 7 and 10%,
      respectively. SWS was correlated with both subject's age (p = 1.3 * 10(-5)) and
      body mass index (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Shear wave elastography in
      intervertebral discs proved reliable and allowed stratification of subjects
      according to age and BMI. Applications could be relevant, for instance, in early
      detection of disc degeneration or in follow-up after trauma; these results open
      the way to larger cohort studies to define the place of this technique in routine
      intervertebral disc assessment. KEY POINTS: A simple method to obtain objectively
      intervertebral disc status is still lacking. Shear wave elastography was applied
      in vivo to assess intervertebral discs. Elastography showed promising results in
      biomechanical disc evaluation. Elastography could be relevant in clinical routine
      for intervertebral disc assessment.

PMID- 25120209
TI  - Targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway in prostate cancer: challenges and opportunities
      (review).
AB  - The PI3K/Akt pathway is an actively pursued therapeutic target in oncology. In
      prostate cancer, the activation of this pathway appears to be characteristic of
      many aggressive prostate cancers. Further, activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway is
      more frequently observed as prostate cancer progresses toward a resistant,
      metastatic disease. Signalling from this pathway activates numerous survival,
      growth, metabolic and metastatic functions characteristic of aggressive cancer.
      Biomarkers of this pathway have correlated activation of this pathway to high
      grade disease and higher risk of disease progression. Therefore there is
      significant interest in developing effective strategies to target this pathway in
      prostate cancer. In this review, we discuss the pre-clinical and clinical data
      relevant to targeting of the PI3K/Akt pathway in prostate cancer. In particular,
      we review the rationale and relevance of co-targeting approaches against the
      PI3K/Akt pathway. It is anticipated that through an improved understanding of the
      biology of the PI3K/Akt pathway in prostate cancer, relevant biomarkers and
      rationale combination therapies will optimize targeting of this pathway to
      improve outcomes among patients with aggressive prostate cancer. 

PMID- 25120210
TI  - Mapping central alpha-helix linker mediated conformational transition pathway of
      calmodulin via simple computational approach.
AB  - The effects of intrinsic structural flexibility of calmodulin protein on the
      mechanism of its allosteric conformational transition are investigated in this
      article. Using a novel in silico approach, the conformational transition pathways
      of intact calmodulin as well as the isolated N- and C- terminal domains are
      identified and energetically characterized. It is observed that the central alpha
      helix linker amplifies the structural flexibility of intact Ca(2+)-free
      calmodulin, which might facilitate the transition of the two domains. As a
      result, the global conformational transition of Ca(2+)-free calmodulin is
      initiated by the barrierless transition of two domains and proceeds through the
      barrier associated unwinding and bending of the central alpha-helix linker. The
      binding of Ca(2+) cations to calmodulin further increases the structural
      flexibility of the C-terminal domain and results in a downhill transition pathway
      of which all regions transit in a concerted manner. On the other hand, the
      separation of the N- and C-terminal domains from calmodulin protein loses the
      mediating function of central alpha-helix linker, leading to more difficult
      conformational transitions of both domains. The present study provides novel
      insights into the correlation of the integrity of protein, the structural
      flexibility, and the mechanism of conformational transition of proteinlike
      calmodulin. 

PMID- 25120211
TI  - Perioperative cardiovascular complications versus perioperative bleeding in
      consecutive patients with known cardiac disease undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
      Focus on antithrombotic medication. The PRAGUE-14 registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interruption of antithrombotic treatment before surgery may prevent
      bleeding, but at the price of increasing cardiovascular complications. This
      prospective study analysed the impact of antithrombotic therapy interruption on
      outcomes in non-selected surgical patients with known cardiovascular disease
      (CVD). METHODS: All 1200 consecutive patients (age 74.2 +/- 10.2 years)
      undergoing major non-cardiac surgery (37.4 % acute, 61.4 % elective) during a
      period of 2.5 years while having at least one CVD were enrolled. Details on
      medication, bleeding, cardiovascular complications and cause of death were
      registered. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 3.9 % (versus 0.9 % mortality
      among 17,740 patients without CVD). Cardiovascular complications occurred in 91
      (7.6 %) patients (with 37.4 % case fatality). Perioperative bleeding occurred in
      160 (13.3 %) patients and was fatal in 2 (1.2 % case fatality). Multivariate
      analysis revealed age, preoperative anaemia, history of chronic heart failure,
      acute surgery and general anaesthesia predictive of cardiovascular complications.
      For bleeding complications multivariate analysis found warfarin use in the last 3
      days, history of hypertension and general anaesthesia as independent predictive
      factors. Aspirin interruption before surgery was not predictive for either
      cardiovascular or for bleeding complications. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative
      cardiovascular complications in these high-risk elderly all-comer surgical
      patients with known cardiovascular disease are relatively rare, but once they
      occur, the case fatality is high. Perioperative bleeding complications are more
      frequent, but their case fatality is extremely low. Patterns of interruption of
      chronic aspirin therapy before major non-cardiac surgery are not predictive for
      perioperative complications (neither cardiovascular, nor bleeding). Simple
      baseline clinical factors are better predictors of outcomes than antithrombotic
      drug interruption patterns.

PMID- 25120212
TI  - Prognostic value of microvolt T-wave alternans in a real-world ICD population.
      Twente ICD Cohort Studie (TICS).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Survival benefit from ICD implantation is relatively low in primary
      prevention patients. Better patient selection is important to maintain maximum
      survival benefit while reducing the number of unnecessary implants. Microvolt T
      wave alternans (MTWA) is a promising risk marker. In this study, we aimed to
      evaluate the predictive value of MTWA in ICD patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: This
      study was a substudy of the Twente ICD Cohort Study (TICS). Patients with
      ischaemic or non-ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction who received an ICD
      following current ESC guidelines were eligible for inclusion. Exercise-MTWA was
      performed and classified as non-negative or negative. The primary endpoint was
      the composite of mortality and appropriate shock therapy. Analysis was performed
      in 134 patients (81 % male, mean age 62 years, mean ejection fraction 26.5 %).
      MTWA was non-negative in 64 %. There was no relation between non-negative MTWA
      testing and mortality and/or appropriate shock therapy (all p-values >0.15). Due
      to clinical conditions, 24 % were ineligible for testing. These patients
      experienced the highest risk for mortality (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Non-negative
      MTWA testing did not predict mortality and/or appropriate shock therapy.
      Furthermore, MTWA testing is not feasible in a large percentage of patients.
      These ineligible patients experience the highest risk for mortality.

PMID- 25120213
TI  - Trait mindfulness and autobiographical memory specificity.
AB  - Training in mindfulness skills has been shown to increase autobiographical memory
      specificity. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is also an
      association between individual differences in trait mindfulness and memory
      specificity using a non-clinical student sample (N = 70). Also examined were the
      relationships between other memory characteristics and trait mindfulness, self
      reported depression and rumination. Participants wrote about 12 autobiographical
      memories, which were recalled in response to emotion word cues in a minimal
      instruction version of the Autobiographical Memory Test, rated each memory for
      seven characteristics, and completed the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, the
      Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and the Ruminative Responses Scale. Higher
      rumination scores were associated with more reliving and more intense emotion
      during recall. Depression scores were not associated with any memory variables.
      Higher trait mindfulness was associated with lower memory specificity and with
      more intense and more positive emotion during recall. Thus, trait mindfulness is
      associated with memory specificity, but the association is opposite to that found
      in mindfulness training studies. It is suggested that this difference may be due
      to an influence of trait mindfulness on memory encoding as well as retrieval
      processes and an influence on the mode of self-awareness that leads to a greater
      focus on momentary rather than narrative self-reference.

PMID- 25120215
TI  - Can immunostimulants efficiently replace antibiotic in striped catfish
      (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) against bacterial infection by Edwardsiella
      ictaluri?
AB  - The present study was performed to determine the efficacy of lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) and levamisole on immune response and disease resistance in striped catfish
      and to compare their respective efficiency with the one of an antibiotic
      treatment after infection of fish by the bacteria Edwardsiella ictaluri. Fish
      were divided into 3 groups and each group was injected with LPS (3 mg/kg fish),
      levamisole (5 mg/kg fish) or phosphate buffer saline as control. At day 21st post
      immunostimulant injection, fish were bled for assaying immunological variables
      and then challenged with E. ictaluri. Three days after bacterial infection, an
      antibiotic treatment was applied into fish subgroups and mortality was compared
      daily between antibiotic treated and untreated fish until 2 weeks post-challenge.
      LPS and levamisole significantly enhanced non-specific immune responses such as
      respiratory burst, lysozyme and complement activity in fish compared with control
      (p < 0.05). Respiratory burst and complement activity significantly increased in
      levamisole groups when compared with LPS groups while lysozyme activity did not
      differ significantly between immunostimulant treatments. Total immunoglobulins
      significantly increased in levamisole treatment compared with control. After
      challenge test, accumulated mortality was reduced significantly in both non
      antibiotic and antibiotic subgroups of LPS and levamisole compared with control.
      Moreover, no differences of mortality were observed between fish treated with
      levamisole or LPS without antibiotics and control fish treated with antibiotics.
      These results support the possible replacement of antibiotics in striped catfish
      farming by immunostimulants such as levamisole and LPS.

PMID- 25120214
TI  - Epidermal growth factor receptor and KRAS mutations in lung adenocarcinoma: a
      retrospective study of the Lebanese population.
AB  - Molecular genetic analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Kirsten
      rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) mutations in lung adenocarcinoma has become an
      integral part of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment; however, their prevalence
      varies with ethnicity. Little is know concerning their prevalence in Arab
      populations. In the present study, mutational analysis for EGFR and KRAS was
      performed on two cohorts of the Lebanese population. Lung adenocarcinoma cases
      (106) underwent mutational analysis for KRAS in exon 2, codon 12 and 13 and exon
      3 codon 61 by reverse hybridization using the KRAS 12/13/61 StripAssay(r).
      Subsequently, cases with no KRAS mutations underwent EGFR mutational analysis
      using the EGFR RGQ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits for real-time PCR on the
      Rotor-Gene Q 5-plex HRM. KRAS mutations were detected in 37.7% of 106 lung
      adenocarcinomas; 85% had a G>T substitution in codon 12 and 13 of exon 2, and
      8.5% had EGFR mutations with exon 19 deletions (88.9%) and one case with L858R
      substitution in exon 21. EGFR mutations were significantly correlated with
      females, non-smokers and well differentiation of the tumor. This is the first
      study in an Arab population that reports the prevalence of both EGFR and KRAS
      gene mutations in lung adenocarcinoma using very sensitive mutational analysis
      techniques. Therefore, EGFR reflex testing should be implemented in the
      management of lung adenocarcinomas, while KRAS testing must await the
      identification of effective targeted therapy. 

PMID- 25120216
TI  - Characteristic and functional analysis of a ficolin-like protein from the oyster
      Crassostrea hongkongensis.
AB  - Ficolins are a group of soluble animal proteins with multiple roles in innate
      immunity. These proteins recognize and bind carbohydrates in pathogens and
      activate the complement system, leading to opsonization, leukocyte activation,
      and direct pathogen killing, which have been reported in many animal species but
      might not be present in the shellfish lineage. In the present study, we
      identified the first fibrinogen-related protein from the oyster, Crassostrea
      hongkongensis. This novel ficolin-like protein contains a typical signal peptide
      and a fibrinogen-related domain (designated ChFCN) at the N and C termini,
      respectively, but does not contain the additional collagen-like domain of
      ficolins. The full-length cDNA of ChFCN is 1105 bp, encoding a putative protein
      of 297 amino acids with the molecular weight of 35.5 kD. ChFCN is ubiquitously
      expressed in selected tissues, with the highest expression level observed in the
      gills. The temporal expression of ChFCN following microbe infection shows that
      the expression of ChFCN in hemocytes increases at 3 h post-challenge. The ChFCN
      protein expression was also examined, and fluorescence microscopy revealed that
      deChFCN (truncated signal peptide) is located in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells.
      Full-length ChFCN was detected in the medium supernatant by western blot
      analysis. Recombinant ChFCN proteins with the molecular weight about 50 kD bind
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Staphylococcus haemolyticus or Escherichia coli K-12,
      but not those from Vibrio alginolyticus. Furthermore, the rChFCN protein could
      agglutinate Gram-negative bacteria E. coli K-12 and enhance the phagocytosis of
      C. hongkongensis hemocytes in vitro. These results indicate that ChFCN might play
      an important role in the immunity response of oysters.

PMID- 25120217
TI  - Molecular cloning and characterization of high mobility group box1 (Ls-HMGB1)
      from humphead snapper, Lutjanus sanguineus.
AB  - High mobility group box1 (HMGB1) is a kind of chromatin-associated nonhistone
      protein important for nucleosome formation, transcriptional regulation and
      inflammation. However, the reports about HMGB1 of marine fish were still limited.
      Here, we cloned and characterized a HMGB1 gene from humphead snapper, Lutjanus
      sanguineus (Ls-HMGB1). The Ls-HMGB1 cDNA composed of 1199 bp with a 70 bp of 5'
      UTR, 630 bp open reading frame (ORF) and 499 bp 3'-UTR, encoded a polypeptide of
      210 amino acids (GenBank Accession No: KJ783442). Sequence alignment of Ls-HMGB1
      showed the highest similarity of 91% with Sciaenops ocellatus HMGB1 protein.
      Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that Ls-HMGB1 had
      relatively high expression level in skin, kidney and heart. After Vibrio harveyi
      and poly I:C stimulation, transcripts of Ls-HMGB1 were significantly increased
      and reached to peak at 18 h p.i. The L. sanguineus interleukin-6 (Ls-IL6)
      transcription in HK leukocytes was significantly induced by recombinant LsHMGB1
      (rLsHMGB1). These results indicated that Ls-HMGB1 may play an important role in
      immune response of L. sanguineus during pathogen challenge.

PMID- 25120218
TI  - N-acetylglucosamine enhances survival ability of tilapias infected by
      Streptococcus iniae.
AB  - Streptococcus iniae infection has emerged as a serious fish health and economic
      problem in the global aquaculture operations. Current antibiotic options are few
      and possess severe practical limitations and potential adverse environmental
      impacts. The major factor contributing to the large burden of S. iniae disease in
      aquaculture is the lack of fundamental knowledge of innate immunity against the
      pathogen. In the present study, we use a tilapia model to explore which
      metabolites are crucial for the defense against the infection caused by S. iniae.
      We establish GC/MS based metabolic profile of tilapia liver and then compare the
      metabolic difference between survivals and the dying fish post the bacterial
      infection. We identify elevating N-acetylglucosamine in survival group as the
      most crucial metabolite differentiating the survivals from the dying in these
      fish infected by S. iniae. Exogenous N-acetylglucosamine significantly elevates
      survival ability of tilapia against the infection caused by S. iniae. Our
      findings highlight the importance of metabolic strategy against bacterial
      infections. 

PMID- 25120219
TI  - Inducible and constitutive expression of an elicitor gene Hrip1 from Alternaria
      tenuissima enhances stress tolerance in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Hrip1 is a novel hypersensitive response-inducing protein secreted by Alternaria
      tenuissima that activates defense responses and systemic acquired resistance in
      tobacco. This study investigates the role that Hrip1 plays in responses to
      abiotic and biotic stress using transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana expressing the
      Hrip1 gene under the control of the stress-inducible rd29A promoter or
      constitutive cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Bioassays showed that
      inducible Hrip1 expression in rd29A?Hrip1 transgenic lines had a significantly
      higher effect on plant height, silique length, plant dry weight, seed germination
      and root length under salt and drought stress compared to expression in 35S?Hrip1
      lines and wild type plants. The level of enhancement of resistance to Botrytis
      cinerea by the 35S?Hrip1 lines was higher than in the rd29A?Hrip1 lines.
      Moreover, stress-related gene expression in the transgenic Arabidopsis lines was
      significantly increased by 200 mM NaCl and 200 mM mannitol treatments, and
      defense genes in the jasmonic acid and ethylene signaling pathway were
      significantly up-regulated after Botrytis inoculation in the Hrip1 transgenic
      plants. Furthermore, the activity of some antioxidant enzymes, such as peroxidase
      and catalase increased after salt and drought stress and Botrytis infection.
      These results suggested that the Hrip1 protein contributes to abiotic and biotic
      resistance in transgenic Arabidopsis and may be used as a useful gene for
      resistance breeding in crops. Although the constitutive expression of Hrip1 is
      suitable for biotic resistance, inducible Hrip1 expression is more responsive for
      abiotic resistance. 

PMID- 25120220
TI  - A complex RARE is required for the majority of Nedd9 embryonic expression.
AB  - Neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down-regulated 9 (Nedd9, Casl,
      Hef1, p105cas, Ef1) is a scaffolding protein that assembles complexes involved in
      regulating cell adhesion, migration, division, and survival. Nedd9 is found very
      early in the developing embryonic nervous system. A highly conserved complex
      retinoic acid response element (RARE) is located 485 base pairs (bp) upstream of
      exon 2B in the promoter of the Nedd9 gene. Mice transgenic for a 5.2 kilobase
      (kb) region of the 2B Nedd9 promoter containing the RARE upstream of a lacZ
      reporter gene [Nedd9(RARE)-lacZ] show a large subset of the normal endogenous
      Nedd9 expression including that in the caudal hindbrain neuroepithelium, spinal
      cord, dorsal root ganglia (drg) and migrating neural crest (ncc). However, the
      transgenic mice do not recapitulate the native Nedd9 expression pattern in
      presumptive rhombomeres (pr) 3 and 5 of the early hindbrain, the base of the
      neuroepithelium in the midbrain, nor the forebrain telencephalon. Thus, the 5.2
      kb region containing the intact RARE drives a large subset of Nedd9 expression,
      with additional sequences outside of this region needed to define the full
      complement of expression. When the 5.2 kb construct is modified (eight point
      mutations) to eliminate responsiveness of the RARE to all-trans retinoic acid
      (atRA) [Nedd9(mutRARE)-lacZ], virtually all beta-galactosidase (beta-gal, lacZ)
      expression is lost. Exposure of Nedd9(RARE)-lacZ transgenic embryos to excess
      atRA at embryonic day 8.0 (E8.0) leads to rostral ectopic transgene expression
      within 6 h whereas the Nedd9(mutRARE)-lacZ mutant does not show this effect. Thus
      the RARE upstream of the Nedd9 2B promoter is necessary for much of the
      endogenous gene expression during early development as well as ectopic expression
      in response to atRA. 

PMID- 25120221
TI  - Imaging spectrum of peritoneal carcinomatosis on FDG PET/CT.
AB  - Recognition of patterns has always been extremely important in cross-sectional
      imaging. Peritoneal involvement, both primary and as dissemination from
      abdominopelvic malignancies, is manifested in different forms, purely because of
      anatomical complexity. We studied series of peritoneal involvement by (18)F
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography fusion
      imaging and derived patterns of tracer uptake on maximum intensity projection and
      cross-sectional fusion images. 

PMID- 25120222
TI  - PTP1B inhibitors for type 2 diabetes treatment: a patent review (2011 - 2014).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) plays an important role in
      the negative regulation of insulin signal transduction pathway and has emerged as
      novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. PTP1B inhibitors
      enhance the sensibility of insulin receptor (IR) and have favorable curing effect
      for insulin resistance-related diseases. A large number of PTP1B inhibitors,
      either synthetic or isolated as bioactive agents from natural products, have
      developed and investigated for their ability to stimulate insulin signaling.
      AREAS COVERED: This review includes an updated summary (2011 - 2014) of PTP1B
      inhibitors that have been published in patent applications, with an emphasis on
      their chemical structure, mode of action and therapeutic outcomes. The usefulness
      of PTP1B inhibitors as pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes
      is also discussed. EXPERT OPINION: PTP1B inhibitors show beneficial effects to
      enhance sensibility of IR by restricting the activity of enzyme and have
      favorable curing effects. However, structural homologies in the catalytic domain
      of PTP1B with other protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) like leukocyte common
      antigen-related, CD45, SHP-2 and T-cell-PTP present a challenging task of
      achieving selectivity. Thus, for therapeutic application of PTP1B inhibitors,
      highly selective molecules exhibiting desired effects without side effects are
      expected to find clinical application.

PMID- 25120224
TI  - Magnetic steering control of multi-cellular bio-hybrid microswimmers.
AB  - Bio-hybrid devices, which integrate biological cells with synthetic components,
      have opened a new path in miniaturized systems with the potential to provide
      actuation and control for systems down to a few microns in size. Here, we address
      the challenge of remotely controlling bio-hybrid microswimmers propelled by
      multiple bacterial cells. These devices have been proposed as a viable method for
      targeted drug delivery but have also been shown to exhibit stochastic motion. We
      demonstrate a method of remote magnetic control that significantly reduces the
      stochasticity of the motion, enabling steering control. The demonstrated
      microswimmers consist of multiple Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) bacteria
      attached to a 6 MUm-diameter superparamagnetic bead. We characterize their motion
      and define the parameters governing their controllability. We show that the
      microswimmers can be controlled along two-dimensional (2-D) trajectories using
      weak magnetic fields (<=10 mT) and can achieve 2-D swimming speeds up to 7.3 MUm
      s(-1). This magnetic steering approach can be integrated with sensory-based
      steering in future work, enabling new control strategies for bio-hybrid
      microsystems. 

PMID- 25120223
TI  - Disruption of resting functional connectivity in Alzheimer's patients and at-risk
      subjects.
AB  - The resting brain exhibits continuous intrinsic activity, which is correlated
      between groups of regions forming resting state networks. Evaluating resting
      connectivity is a popular approach for studying brain diseases. Several hundred
      studies are now available that address integrity of resting connectivity in
      patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), as
      well as preclinical at-risk subjects. Most studies focus on the default mode
      network, a system of specific brain areas showing strong connected resting
      activity that attenuates during goal-directed behavior. The extent of intrinsic
      brain activity tends to be strongly correlated with cognitive processes and is
      specifically disrupted in AD and MCI patients and at-risk subjects, with changes
      seeming to evolve during the transition between the disease stages. In this
      study, we review the current findings in default mode network and other resting
      state network studies in AD and MCI patients and at-risk subjects as assessed by
      resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. 

PMID- 25120225
TI  - Fast and mild strategy, using superhydrophobic surfaces, to produce
      collagen/platelet lysate gel beads for skin regeneration.
AB  - Platelet lysate (PL) was encapsulated in collagen (Coll) millimetric gel beads,
      on biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces, under mild conditions, with the aim of
      obtaining easy-to-handle formulations able to provide sustained release of
      multiple growth factors for skin ulcers treatment. The gel particles were
      prepared with various concentrations of PL incorporating or not stem cells, and
      tested as freshly prepared or after being freeze-dried or cryopreserved. Coll +
      PL particles were evaluated regarding degradation in collagenase-rich environment
      (simulating the aggressive environment of the chronic ulcers), sustained release
      of total protein, PDGF-BB and VEGF, cell proliferation (using particles as the
      only source of growth factors), scratch wound recovery and angiogenic capability.
      Compared to Coll solely particles, incorporation of PL notably enhanced cell
      proliferation (inside and outside gels) and favored scratch wound recovery and
      angiogenesis. Moreover, cell-laden gel particles containing PL notably improved
      cell proliferation and even migration of cells from one particle towards a
      neighbor one, which led to cell-cell contacts and the spontaneous formation of
      tissue layers in which the spherical gels were interconnected by the stem cells. 

PMID- 25120228
TI  - Perceptions of mailed HPV self-testing among women at higher risk for cervical
      cancer.
AB  - Whether human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing can expand access to cervical
      cancer screening will depend on making the test accessible and acceptable to
      higher-risk women. To evaluate a novel delivery mode, we mailed HPV self-test
      kits to low-income, under-screened women and assessed their perceptions of self
      testing and cervical cancer prevention. We conducted a telephone survey of 199
      women in North Carolina. Eligibility criteria included not having had a Pap test
      in 4 years and reporting 1 or more indicators of economic hardship, such as being
      uninsured. Over half (55 %) of women in the diverse sample were non-Hispanic
      black, and almost three-quarters (74 %) reported annual household incomes of
      $20,000 or less. Trust in HPV self-testing was moderate to high, with almost all
      women (98 %) agreeing the mailed test was safe. A few women (6 %) preferred HPV
      self-testing to Pap testing for protecting health, but most (75 %) had no
      preference. Trust in or preference for mailed self-testing did not vary by race
      or income. However, compared to white women, black women had lower HPV-related
      knowledge (OR 0.46, 95 % CI 0.23-0.92) and perceived lower cervical cancer risk
      in the absence of screening (OR 0.44, 95 % CI 0.22-0.86). We found similar
      patterns of disparities for women with very low (<$10,000) versus relatively
      higher incomes. Our findings suggest that, across racial and economic subgroups,
      under-screened women generally trust HPV self-tests delivered by mail. To
      succeed, programs for HPV self-testing must overcome disparities in knowledge and
      perceptions related to cervical cancer screening.

PMID- 25120229
TI  - Evaluation of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System among men who have
      sex with men in Denver, Colorado.
AB  - Denver Public Health implements the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System
      (NHBS), a cyclical survey of populations at increased risk for HIV. We evaluated
      the implementation of NHBS among Denver men who have sex with men (MSM),
      considering the system's simplicity, data quality, representativeness, and
      sensitivity to trends. We found that the time required for implementation and the
      complexity of data management and analysis are barriers to disseminating local
      findings. Data quality has improved in each cycle of the study but must be
      protected by continually checking for errors and training field staff to be
      attentive to detail. Compared with the US census and other convenience samples of
      Denver MSM, the overall demographic representativeness of NHBS has improved over
      time. However, there is concern that the underlying population included in the
      study may be changing. NHBS survey data show evidence of two suspected trends in
      the local MSM population at risk for HIV: increasing sexual risk-taking and the
      transition away from bars as a dominant partner-finding location. It is unclear
      whether the increasing reports of sexual risk-taking reflect a real trend or
      simply a change in the population sampled, since most NHBS participants are
      recruited at gay bars and other venues. To ensure that the sample continues to
      represent the underlying population at risk and accurately identify trends, it is
      necessary to closely monitor MSM sample characteristics during implementation and
      incorporate weighted data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention into analyses. 

PMID- 25120230
TI  - Medication use in community-residing older adults in Taiwan: a comparison between
      conventional and complementary and alternative medications.
AB  - Older adults are at risk of problems of medication use including underuse,
      overuse, and misuse. The purposes of this study were to investigate the
      prevalence of the use of conventional and complementary and alternative
      medications (CAM) in older adults and to explore which factors related to their
      medication use. For this descriptive correlational study, 1,427 citizens who were
      65 years old or older from two towns in Yilan County, Taiwan were interviewed by
      ten trained public health nurses between June and September, 2013. Instruments in
      this study were physical functional capacity, depressive symptoms, and medication
      use. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis and the Chi-square test were
      used to detect relationships among research variables. Of the 1,427 participants,
      75.4 % used at least one type of conventional medication, and the average number
      of medications used was 2.9 (SD = 2.1). Polypharmacy (the use of five or more
      medications) was identified in 20.1 % of participants. Significant factors
      related to conventional medications use were older age (chi(2) = 41.7***), female
      (chi(2) = 7.6**), bad memory (chi(2) = 11.2**), defect cognition status (chi(2) =
      7.8**), lost the interest to do anything depressive symptoms (chi(2) = 7.2**),
      and independent in their daily activities (chi(2) = 41.3***). We found that
      sociodemographic characteristics and factors pertaining to health status
      determine the difference between the use of conventional medications and CAM by
      rural older adults. Our study results suggested that health professionals in
      Taiwan must be educated and trained in how to integrate CAM into current
      conventional treatment.

PMID- 25120227
TI  - A review of OROS methylphenidate (Concerta((r))) in the treatment of attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioural
      disorder with onset during childhood. It affects a child's development, both at
      home and at school, and impacts on social, emotional and cognitive functioning,
      in both the home and the school environment. Untreated ADHD is very often
      associated with poor academic achievement, low occupational status, increased
      risk of substance abuse and delinquency. Current practice guidelines recommend a
      multimodal approach in the treatment of ADHD, which includes educational,
      behavioural and mental health interventions, and pharmacological management.
      Stimulant medications, including methylphenidate (MPH) and amphetamine products,
      are recommended as first-line pharmacotherapy in the treatment of ADHD. The
      choice of stimulant is influenced by several factors; the most influential factor
      is the duration of action. Long-acting medication provides benefits long after
      school and work. It also increases the likelihood of once-daily dosing, thereby
      eliminating the need for mid-day dosing, making the treatment more private,
      avoiding stigma and improving adherence to medication. MPH is the most widely
      used psychotropic medication in child psychiatry. It was first developed for use
      in children as an oral, immediate-release formulation and more recently as
      various extended-release formulations. These latter formulations include the 12 h
      preparation Concerta((r)) (osmotic-release oral system [OROS] MPH), which
      utilizes an osmotic pump system, designed to overcome the difficulties of
      multiple daily dosing. Since it received approval from the US Food and Drug
      Administration in August 2000, OROS MPH has been quickly and widely accepted as
      one of the preferred treatments for ADHD because of its once-daily dosing. This
      paper reviews the data in support of long-acting OROS MPH in children,
      adolescents and adults, both in ADHD and in association with its comorbidities.

PMID- 25120226
TI  - Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells improve motor functions and are
      neuroprotective in the 6-hydroxydopamine-rat model for Parkinson's disease when
      cultured in monolayer cultures but suppress hippocampal neurogenesis and
      hippocampal memory function when cultured in spheroids.
AB  - Adult human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been reported to
      induce neuroprotective effects in models for Parkinson's disease (PD). However,
      these effects strongly depend on the most optimal application of the transplant.
      In the present study we compared monolayer-cultured (aMSC) and spheroid (sMSC)
      MSC following transplantation into the substantia nigra (SN) of 6-OHDA lesioned
      rats regarding effects on the local microenvironment, degeneration of
      dopaminergic neurons, neurogenesis in the hippocampal DG as well as motor and
      memory function in the 6-OHDA-rat model for PD. aMSC transplantation
      significantly increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and brain-derived neurotrophic
      factor (BDNF) levels in the SN, increased the levels of the glial fibrillary
      acidic protein (GFAP) and improved motor functions compared to untreated and sMSC
      treated animals. In contrast, sMSC grafting induced an increased local
      microgliosis, decreased TH levels in the SN and reduced numbers of newly
      generated cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) without yet affecting hippocampal
      learning and memory function. We conclude that the neuroprotective potential of
      adipose-derived MSC in the rat model of PD crucially depends on the applied
      cellular phenotype.

PMID- 25120231
TI  - Comparisons of tunnel-graft angle and tunnel length and position between
      transtibial and transportal techniques in anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate tunnel-graft angle, tunnel length and position
      and change in graft length between transtibial (30 patients) and anteromedial (30
      patients) portal techniques using 3D knee models after anterior cruciate ligament
      (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: The 3D angle between femoral or tibial tunnels and
      graft at 0 degrees  and 90 degrees  flexion were compared between groups. We
      measured tunnel lengths and positions and evaluated the change in graft length
      from 0 degrees  to 90 degrees  flexion. RESULTS: The 3D angle at the femoral
      tunnel with graft showed a significant difference between groups at 0 degrees 
      flexion (p = 0.01) but not at 90 degrees  flexion (p = 0.12). The 3D angle of the
      tibial tunnel showed no significant differences between groups. Femoral tunnel
      length in the transtibial group was significantly longer than in the transportal
      group (40.7 vs 34.7 mm,), but tibial tunnel length was not. The relative height
      of the lateral femoral condyle was significantly lower in the transportal than
      the transtibial group (24.1% vs 34.4%). No significant differences were found
      between groups in terms of tibial tunnel position. The change in graft length
      also showed no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Even though the
      transportal technique in ACL reconstruction can place the femoral tunnel in a
      better anatomical position than the transtibial technique, it has risks of a
      short femoral tunnel and acute angle at the femoral tunnel. Moreover, there was
      also no difference in the change of the graft length between groups.

PMID- 25120232
TI  - Full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears: correlation of findings by arthroscopy
      and magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to correlate measurements of the width
      and retraction of isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears determined
      by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with measurements recorded by arthroscopy
      using a continuous millimetre scale. METHODS: A total of 53 individuals with
      isolated supraspinatus tears and retraction < 30 mm underwent arthroscopy at our
      centre. Tear width and retraction measured by arthroscopy (reference standard)
      and MRI (index test) on a continuous millimetre scale were compared. All
      measurements were performed by a single radiologist blinded to intra-operative
      findings and one surgeon who had previous access to MRI results. RESULTS: The
      average tear retraction was 12.60 +/- 4.89 mm by arthroscopy and 16.81 +/- 6.29
      mm by MRI. Those measures exhibited moderate correlation (r = 0.643, p < 0.001)
      and an average difference of 4.21 mm (p < 0.001). Average tear width was 12.87 +/
      4.15 mm by arthroscopy and 14.19 +/- 5.20 by MRI. Those measures exhibited
      moderate correlation (r = 0.526, p < 0.001) and an average difference of 1.32 mm,
      which was not statistically significant (p = 0.109). CONCLUSION: Measures of
      retraction and width obtained by MRI and arthroscopy exhibited moderate
      correlation in small- or medium-sized supraspinatus tears.

PMID- 25120233
TI  - Latent tuberculosis reactivation in a patient with erythrodermic psoriasis under
      treatment with ustekinumab and a low dose steroid, despite isoniazid
      chemoprophylaxis.

PMID- 25120236
TI  - Graph theoretical analysis on the kinetic rate equations of linear chain and
      cyclic reaction networks.
AB  - Graph theoretical solutions for kinetic rate equations of some reaction networks
      involving linear chains and cycles have been derived; condensation polymerization
      and long chain of radioactive decay come under the purview of the former whereas
      the interconversion of the species in cycles under the later. The reactions for
      the linear chains considered here proceed monotonically to the steady states with
      time whereas the cycle with all irreversible steps has been found to have either
      periodic or monotonic time evaluation of concentrations depending on the values
      of rate constants of the involved paths. In case of a cyclic reaction having all
      reversible paths, the condition for the microscopic reversibility has been
      derived on the basis of the assumption that the decay constants obtained for this
      case are all real. 

PMID- 25120235
TI  - Ophthalmologic complications after intraoral local anesthesia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The first ophthalmologic complication in conjunction with a dental
      anesthesia was reported in 1936. The objective of the present study was a
      detailed analysis of case reports about that topic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After
      conducting a literature search in PubMed this study analyzed 108 ophthalmologic
      complications following intraoral local anesthesia in 65 case reports with
      respect to patient-, anesthesia-, and complication- related factors. RESULTS: The
      mean age of the patients was 33.8 years and females predominated (72.3%). The
      most commonly reported complication was diplopia (39.8%), mostly resulting from
      paralysis of the lateral rectus muscle. Other relatively frequent complications
      included ptosis (16.7%), mydriasis (14.8%) and amaurosis (13%). Ophthalmologic
      complications were mainly associated with block anesthesia of the inferior
      alveolar nerve (45.8%) or the posterior superior alveolar nerve (40.3%).
      Typically, the ophthalmologic complications in conjunction with intraoral local
      anesthesia had an immediate to short onset, and disappeared as the anesthesia
      subsided. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The increased number of ophthalmologic
      complications after intraoral local anesthesia in females may suggest a gender
      effect. Double vision (diplopia) is the most frequently described complication,
      which is usually completely reversible like the other reported ophthalmologic
      complications.

PMID- 25120234
TI  - Sequencing, physical organization and kinetic expression of the patulin
      biosynthetic gene cluster from Penicillium expansum.
AB  - Patulin is a polyketide-derived mycotoxin produced by numerous filamentous fungi.
      Among them, Penicillium expansum is by far the most problematic species. This
      fungus is a destructive phytopathogen capable of growing on fruit, provoking the
      blue mold decay of apples and producing significant amounts of patulin. The
      biosynthetic pathway of this mycotoxin is chemically well-characterized, but its
      genetic bases remain largely unknown with only few characterized genes in less
      economic relevant species. The present study consisted of the identification and
      positional organization of the patulin gene cluster in P. expansum strain NRRL
      35695. Several amplification reactions were performed with degenerative primers
      that were designed based on sequences from the orthologous genes available in
      other species. An improved genome Walking approach was used in order to sequence
      the remaining adjacent genes of the cluster. RACE-PCR was also carried out from
      mRNAs to determine the start and stop codons of the coding sequences. The patulin
      gene cluster in P. expansum consists of 15 genes in the following order: patH,
      patG, patF, patE, patD, patC, patB, patA, patM, patN, patO, patL, patI, patJ, and
      patK. These genes share 60-70% of identity with orthologous genes grouped
      differently, within a putative patulin cluster described in a non-producing
      strain of Aspergillus clavatus. The kinetics of patulin cluster genes expression
      was studied under patulin-permissive conditions (natural apple-based medium) and
      patulin-restrictive conditions (Eagle's minimal essential medium), and
      demonstrated a significant association between gene expression and patulin
      production. In conclusion, the sequence of the patulin cluster in P. expansum
      constitutes a key step for a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to
      patulin production in this fungus. It will allow the role of each gene to be
      elucidated, and help to define strategies to reduce patulin production in apple
      based products. 

PMID- 25120237
TI  - Identification of atomic-level mechanisms for gas-phase X- + CH3Y SN2 reactions
      by combined experiments and simulations.
AB  - For the traditional model of gas-phase X(-) + CH3Y SN2 reactions, C3v ion-dipole
      pre- and postreaction complexes X(-)---CH3Y and XCH3---Y(-), separated by a
      central barrier, are formed. Statistical intramolecular dynamics are assumed for
      these complexes, so that their unimolecular rate constants are given by RRKM
      theory. Both previous simulations and experiments have shown that the dynamics of
      these complexes are not statistical and of interest is how these nonstatistical
      dynamics affect the SN2 rate constant. This work also found there was a
      transition from an indirect, nonstatistical, complex forming mechanism, to a
      direct mechanism, as either the vibrational and/or relative translational energy
      of the reactants was increased. The current Account reviews recent collaborative
      studies involving molecular beam ion-imaging experiments and direct (on-the-fly)
      dynamics simulations of the SN2 reactions for which Cl(-), F(-), and OH(-) react
      with CH3I. Also considered are reactions of the microsolvated anions OH(-)(H2O)
      and OH(-)(H2O)2 with CH3I. These studies have provided a detailed understanding
      of the atomistic mechanisms for these SN2 reactions. Overall, the atomistic
      dynamics for the Cl(-) + CH3I SN2 reaction follows those found in previous
      studies. The reaction is indirect, complex forming at low reactant collision
      energies, and then there is a transition to direct reaction between 0.2 and 0.4
      eV. The direct reaction may occur by rebound mechanism, in which the ClCH3
      product rebounds backward from the I(-) product or a stripping mechanism in which
      Cl(-) strips CH3 from the I atom and scatters in the forward direction. A similar
      indirect to direct mechanistic transition was observed in previous work for the
      Cl(-) + CH3Cl and Cl(-) + CH3Br SN2 reactions. At the high collision energy of
      1.9 eV, a new indirect mechanism, called the roundabout, was discovered. For the
      F(-) + CH3I reaction, there is not a transition from indirect to direct reaction
      as Erel is increased. The indirect mechanism, with prereaction complex formation,
      is important at all the Erel investigated, contributing up ~60% of the reaction.
      The remaining direct reaction occurs by the rebound and stripping mechanisms.
      Though the potential energy curve for the OH(-) + CH3I reaction is similar to
      that for F(-) + CH3I, the two reactions have different dynamics. They are akin,
      in that for both there is not a transition from an indirect to direct reaction.
      However, for F(-) + CH3I indirect reaction dominates at all Erel, but it is less
      important for OH(-) + CH3I and becomes negligible as Erel is increased. Stripping
      is a minor channel for F(-) + CH3I, but accounts for more than 60% of the OH(-) +
      CH3I reaction at high Erel. Adding one or two H2O molecules to OH(-) alters the
      reaction dynamics from that for unsolvated OH(-). Adding one H2O molecule
      enhances indirect reaction at low Erel, and changes the reaction mechanism from
      primarily stripping to rebound at high Erel. With two H2O molecules the dynamics
      is indirect and isotropic at all collision energies.

PMID- 25120238
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin E on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.
AB  - Vitamin E (vit-E) is a lipophilic antioxidant, and its anti-inflammatory activity
      is still not full characterized. Thus, our goal was to investigate the anti
      inflammatory effect of repeated vit-E treatment in the arthritis induced by the
      intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). We observed an
      increase in arthritis scores, interleukin-1beta and H2O2 levels, neutrophil and
      macrophage infiltration, thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia, and loss of
      function induced by intraplantar CFA injection. These effects were unaltered
      after 1 day, partially reversed after 3 days, and inhibited after 9 days after
      vit-E treatment. Furthermore, the concentration of vit-E was reduced and that of
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha was increased in the CFA-injected paw. Both effects
      were reversed from 1 to 9 days after vit-E treatment. However, vit-E treatment
      did not alter CFA-induced edema at any time. Thus, vit-E treatment produced an
      anti-inflammatory effect of slow onset in CFA, which demonstrates a disease
      modifying drug profile. 

PMID- 25120240
TI  - Why does guessing incorrectly enhance, rather than impair, retention?
AB  - The finding that trying, and failing, to predict the upcoming to-be-remembered
      response to a given cue can enhance later recall of that response, relative to
      studying the intact cue-response pair, is surprising, especially given that the
      standard paradigm (e.g., Kornell, Hays, & Bjork, 2009) involves allocating what
      would otherwise be study time to generating an error. In three experiments, we
      sought to eliminate two potential heuristics that participants might use to aid
      recall of correct responses on the final test and to explore the effects of
      interference both at an immediate and at a delayed test. In Experiment 1, by
      intermixing strongly associated to-be-remembered pairs with weakly associated
      pairs, we eliminated a potential heuristic participants can use on the final test
      in the standard version of the paradigm-namely, that really strong associates are
      incorrect responses. In Experiment 2, by rigging half of the participants'
      responses to be correct, we eliminated another potential heuristic-namely, that
      one's initial guesses are virtually always wrong. In Experiment 3, we examined
      whether participants' ability to remember-and discriminate between-their
      incorrect guesses and correct responses would be lost after a 48-h delay, when
      source memory should be reduced. Across all experiments, we continued to find a
      robust benefit of trying to guess to-be-learned responses, even when incorrect,
      versus studying intact cue-response pairs. The benefits of making incorrect
      guesses are not an artifact of the paradigm, nor are they limited to short
      retention intervals.

PMID- 25120241
TI  - Testing can counteract proactive interference by integrating competing
      information.
AB  - Testing initially learned information before presenting new information has been
      shown to counteract the deleterious effects of proactive interference by
      segregating competing sources of information. The present experiments were
      conducted to demonstrate that testing can also have its effects in part by
      integrating competing information. Variations of classic A-B, A-D paired
      associate learning paradigms were employed that included two lists of word pairs
      and a cued-recall test. Repeated pairs appeared in both lists (A-B, A-B), control
      pairs appeared in List 2 only (A-B, C-D), and changed pairs appeared with the
      same cue in both lists but with different responses (A-B, A-D). The critical
      manipulation was whether pairs were tested or restudied in an interpolated phase
      that occurred between Lists 1 and 2. On a final cued-recall test, participants
      recalled List 2 responses and then indicated when they recollected that responses
      had earlier changed between lists. The change recollection measure indexed the
      extent to which competing responses were integrated during List 2. Change was
      recollected more often for tested than for restudied pairs. Proactive
      facilitation was obtained in cued recall when change was recollected, whereas
      proactive interference was obtained when change was not recollected. These
      results provide evidence that testing counteracted proactive interference in part
      by making List 1 responses more accessible during List 2, thus promoting
      integration and increasing later recollection of change. These results have
      theoretical implications because they show that testing can counteract proactive
      interference by integrating or segregating competing information. 

PMID- 25120242
TI  - Getting completely turned around: how disorientation impacts subjective straight
      ahead.
AB  - In manipulating a pointer to indicate subjective straight ahead (SSA),
      participants were more variable after a series of whole-body rotations in
      conjunction with external sensory blockade than after external sensory blockade
      alone. The variability of reported SSA did not increase consequent to a temporal
      delay matched to the time taken by the rotation procedure. These results suggest
      that an observer's egocentric reference frame is more complex and less stable
      than has previously been thought. 

PMID- 25120239
TI  - Protease-activated receptor 4: a critical participator in inflammatory response.
AB  - Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are G protein-coupled receptors of which four
      members PAR1, PAR2, PAR3, and PAR4 have been identified, characterized by a
      typical mechanism of activation involving various related proteases. The amino
      terminal sequence of PARs is cleaved by a broad array of proteases, leading to
      specific proteolytic cleavage which forms endogenous tethered ligands to induce
      agonist-biased PAR activation. The biological effect of PARs activated by
      coagulation proteases to regulate hemostasis and thrombosis plays an enormous
      role in the cardiovascular system, while PAR4 can also be activated by trypsin,
      cathepsin G, the activated factor X of the coagulation cascade, and trypsin IV.
      Irrespective of its role in thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, PAR4
      activation is believed to be involved in inflammatory lesions, as show by
      investigations that have unmasked the effects of PAR4 on neutrophil recruitment,
      the regulation of edema, and plasma extravasation. This review summarizes the
      roles of PAR4 in coagulation and other extracellular protease pathways, which
      activate PAR4 to participate in normal regulation and disease. 

PMID- 25120243
TI  - Revision laryngeal framework surgery performed by directly pulling the lateral
      cricoarytenoid muscle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Revision laryngeal framework surgery is usually performed for
      medialisation laryngoplasty failure, rather than for failure after arytenoid
      adduction. We describe a new method for revision arytenoid adduction surgery,
      performed by directly pulling the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle ('lateral
      cricoarytenoid muscle pull surgery'). METHODS: We describe a case of revision
      laryngeal framework surgery, present a literature review and describe the
      advantages of lateral cricoarytenoid muscle pull surgery over the original method
      of arytenoid adduction using a posterior approach. RESULTS: Medialisation
      laryngoplasty combined with arytenoid adduction was performed following
      unilateral vocal fold paralysis from mediastinal surgery, resulting in severe
      glottic insufficiency. The patient's voice improved after the initial surgery,
      but had deteriorated 18 months later. Revision surgery was performed using
      lateral cricoarytenoid muscle pull surgery, and her voice recovered normally in
      terms of perceptual impression. The post-operative course was uneventful for 10
      months following revision surgery. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the
      first case of revision arytenoid adduction performed using a lateral
      cricoarytenoid muscle pull approach. Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle pull surgery
      should therefore be considered as a new fenestration approach for arytenoid
      adduction.

PMID- 25120244
TI  - Dual-phase (99m)Tc-MIBI scintigraphy with delayed neck and thorax SPECT/CT and
      bone scintigraphy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: correlation with
      clinical or pathological variables.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between (99m)Tc
      MIBI and (99m)Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy and clinical or pathological variables,
      including preoperative serum PTH levels and tumor diameter, in patients with
      newly diagnosed PHPT. METHODS: Dual-phase (99m)Tc-MIBI planar scintigraphy was
      performed in 244 patients with PHPT. Of these patients, 155 underwent (99m)Tc-MDP
      bone scintigraphy to detect bone changes before parathyroidectomy. Factors
      influencing (99m)Tc-MIBI scintigraphy and (99m)Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy detection
      rate were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression
      analysis; optimal cutoff values for predicting positive (99m)Tc-MIBI and (99m)Tc
      MDP bone scintigraphy were evaluated using ROC analysis. RESULTS: Among 244
      patients, 174 (71.31 %) patients with 181 foci had a positive (99m)Tc-MIBI planar
      scintigraphy; delayed neck and thorax SPECT/CT could identify and locate the
      (99m)Tc-MIBI lesions but could not find more lesions than planar scintigraphy. 70
      (28.69 %) patients had a negative (99m)Tc-MIBI planar scintigraphy. Tumor
      diameter, serum PTH level and symptoms were statistically significant predictive
      factors in predicting positive (9m)Tc-MIBI scintigraphy both univariate and
      multivariate logistic regression analyses. The optimal thresholds for tumor
      diameter and serum PTH by ROC analysis were 1.03 cm and 127.60 ng/L,
      respectively. Among 155 patients with bone scintigraphy, (99m)Tc-MDP bone
      scintigraphy showed positive finding in 80 (51.61 %) patients and negative
      finding in 75 patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that
      patient age, sex, tumor diameter and PTH level (>=150 ng/L) were statistically
      significant in predicting positive (99m)Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy. Multivariate
      logistic regression analysis showed both tumor diameter and PTH >= 150 ng/L were
      statistically significant in predicting positive (99m)Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy.
      The optimal thresholds for tumor diameter and serum PTH by ROC analysis were 1.96
      cm and 163.85 ng/L, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The utility of delayed neck and
      thorax SPECT/CT over dual-phase (99m)Tc-MIBI planar scintigraphy is that it can
      identify and locate a parathyroid tumor in about more than 70 % of patients in
      PHPT and provide the assistance for surgical planning. These studies also suggest
      that (99m)Tc-MIBI scintigraphy and (99m)Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy are closely
      correlated with tumor diameter and PTH; which may show negative results when
      tumor diameter is small and serum PTH level is low.

PMID- 25120245
TI  - The role of FDG-PET/CT in differentiated thyroid cancer patients with negative
      iodine-131 whole-body scan and elevated anti-Tg level.
AB  - AIM: In the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after a successful
      total-near total thyroidectomy and I-131 ablation therapy, anti-thyroglobulin
      antibodies (anti-Tg) may be persistently or progressively increased in the
      patients with an undetectable serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level. In these cases,
      further investigation was performed to search for recurrence/metastases. The aim
      of our study was clarifying the role of FDG-PET/CT in detecting
      recurrence/metastasis in patients with DTC with negative serum Tg and elevated
      anti-Tg level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients (32 female, 8 male;
      mean age: 43.15 years (22-65); mean age at diagnosis: 39.08 (16-64)) with DTC who
      had undetectable serum Tg and elevated anti-Tg level after a successful initial
      therapy were included in the study. All of the patients had serum anti-Tg of >40
      IU/ml and underwent FDG-PET/CT to search for recurrence/metastasis. RESULTS:
      Twenty patients (50 %) had recurrence/metastasis on FDG-PET/CT while the other 20
      had no pathologic findings. Of the 20 patients who had positive FDG-PET/CT, 12
      had a histopathological final diagnosis of which 11 were true positive (TP) and 1
      was false positive (FP). On the other hand, 16 of the 40 patients had a
      histopathological final diagnosis of which 11/16 had TP, 1/16 FP, 3/16 false
      negative (FN) and 1/16 true negative (TN) findings by PET/CT. The final diagnosis
      was made by clinical follow-up in the remaining 24 patients. Of these, 8 patients
      were PET positive, and in 1 (12.5 %) of 8 patients a decrease in serum anti-Tg
      level, in 2 (25 %) patients a saw-toothed pattern and in 5 (62.5 %) a progressive
      increase in the serum anti-Tg level were noted during the follow-up. Of the 16 of
      24 patients who were diagnosed by clinical follow-up, in 8 a (50 %) decrease in
      serum anti-Tg level, in 6 (37.5 %) a saw-toothed pattern, and in 2 (12.5 %) a
      progressively increased anti-Tg level was seen. Of the 40 patients, 14 (35 %) had
      a diagnosis of recurrence/metastasis finally, with PET/CT detecting 11 (78.6 %)
      of them. CONCLUSION: The value of a persistently or progressively increased serum
      anti-Tg level in the follow-up of DTC in the prediction of recurrence/metastasis
      is controversial. However, it is reported that FDG-PET can be useful in the
      detection of recurrence/metastasis. We conclude from the available data that
      PET/CT can be effectively used in the detection of recurrence/metastasis in the
      follow-up of patients with DTC and negative serum Tg and a
      persistently/progressively increased anti-Tg level. Besides, one half of the
      patients were FDG negative, meaning that further studies are needed to assess the
      prognostic-clinical value of PET negativity.

PMID- 25120246
TI  - A laparoscopic gastrectomy approach decreases the incidence and severity of
      emergence agitation after sevoflurane anesthesia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Compared to open gastrectomy (OG), laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) has
      improved short-term outcomes and equivalent oncological outcomes. In this study,
      a potential short-term advantage of LG over OG, reduced risk of emergence
      agitation, was evaluated. METHODS: This retrospective study compared LG versus OG
      with respect to emergence agitation in 400 adult patients who underwent
      sevoflurane anesthesia. In all cases, a serial Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale
      (RASS) assessment was performed in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Patients
      with a RASS score >=+1 at any time were considered to have emergence agitation.
      Severe agitation was defined as a RASS score of +3 or +4. RESULTS: This study
      included 214 OG group subjects and 186 LG group subjects in the analysis. The
      overall incidence of emergence agitation was significantly lower in the LG group
      than the OG group (23.7 vs. 43.5 %, p < 0.001). The LG group had a significantly
      lower incidence of severe agitation than the OG group (1.1 vs. 4.7 %, p = 0.035).
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the type of surgery
      (OG vs. LG), as well as current smoking, total dose of rescue opioids used in the
      PACU, and maximum pain score in the PACU, were independent risk factors for
      emergence agitation (odds ratio, 1.984; 95 % confidence interval, 1.249-3.153; p
      = 0.004). Patients with emergence agitation had significantly increased PACU
      stays (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to an open approach, a laparoscopic
      gastrectomy approach can provide the short-term benefit of decreased emergence
      agitation.

PMID- 25120247
TI  - Risk factors for weight loss among patients surviving 5 years after esophageal
      cancer surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify factors influencing postoperative weight
      loss >=15 % in long-term survivors after esophageal cancer surgery. METHODS: A
      population-based study was conducted in Sweden between 2001 and 2005, with
      regular follow-up for 5 years. Current weight, weight at operation, and average
      weight were assessed and dichotomized as weight loss of >=15 %. Logistic
      regression estimated relative risks of weight loss between pre- and 5 years
      postoperatively, expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals
      (CIs). Statistically significant differences in nutritional symptoms between
      weight loss groups were analyzed using linear regression models to likewise test
      as risk factors. Body mass index (BMI) at operation (< or >=25), sex, and
      preoperative weight loss (< or >=10 %) were tested as risk factors. Nutritional
      symptoms were selected from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment
      of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OES18, including fatigue, nausea and vomiting,
      dyspnoea, appetite loss, diarrhea, and dysphagia, eating difficulties, reflux and
      pain. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients were included. Patients with preoperative
      BMI >=25 were at a threefold increased risk (OR 3.2; 95 % CI 1.4-7.3) for
      postoperative weight loss of >=15 % 5 years after operation. Moreover, eating
      difficulties, pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and appetite loss were
      clinically relevant and statistically significantly worse symptoms experienced
      among those with a weight loss of >=15 % (all at p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Overweight at the time of operation is associated with postoperative weight loss
      from a long-term perspective. Several nutritional symptoms are associated with
      weight loss of >15 % 5 years postoperatively.

PMID- 25120248
TI  - Low infiltration of peritumoral regulatory T cells predicts worse outcome
      following resection of colorectal liver metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) count in several types of
      cancer, including colorectal cancer and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM),
      reportedly predicts survival following resection; however, the prognostic
      significance of the TIL counts remains controversial. METHODS: In total, 162
      patients who underwent potentially curative resection for CRLM from 1992 to 2010
      were immunohistochemically analyzed retrospectively. CD4, CD8, and FoxP3 were
      examined as markers for helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and regulatory T cells
      (Tregs), respectively. The correlation between patients' TIL composition and long
      term outcome was investigated. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 46.6 months
      for all patients and 46.8 months for survivors. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) at
      1, 3, and 5 years was 93.2, 65.6, and 51.0 %, respectively. The 5-year disease
      free survival and CSS among patients with high infiltration of peritumoral Tregs
      was 44.2 and 74.8 %, respectively, while those of patients with low infiltration
      of peritumoral Tregs was 18.9 and 40.3 %, respectively (p < 0.01 for both).
      Multivariate analyses indicated that synchronous liver metastases,
      hypoalbuminemia, and low peritumoral Treg infiltration were significant
      predictors of unfavorable CSS. CONCLUSIONS: Low peritumoral Treg infiltration
      proved to be a significant predictor of unfavorable CSS in patients undergoing
      resection for CRLM.

PMID- 25120249
TI  - Impact of distal pancreatectomy on outcomes of peritoneal surface disease treated
      with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left upper quadrant involvement by peritoneal surface disease (PSD)
      may require distal pancreatectomy (DP) to obtain complete cytoreduction. Herein,
      we study the impact of DP on outcomes of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). METHODS: Analysis of a prospective
      database of 1,019 procedures was performed. Malignancy type, performance status,
      resection status, comorbidities, Clavien-graded morbidity, mortality, and overall
      survival were reviewed. RESULTS: DP was a component of 63 CRS/HIPEC procedures,
      of which 63.3 % had an appendiceal primary. While 30-day mortality between
      patients with and without DP was no different (2.6 vs. 3.2 %; p = 0.790), 30-day
      major morbidity was worse in patients receiving a DP (30.2 vs. 18.8 %; p =
      0.031). Pancreatic leak rate was 20.6 %. Intensive care unit days and length of
      stay were longer in DP versus non-DP patients (4.6 vs. 3.5 days, p = 0.007; and
      22 vs. 14 days, p < 0.001, respectively). Thirty-day readmission was similar for
      patients with and without DP (29.2 vs. 21.1 %; p = 0.205). Median survival for
      low-grade appendiceal cancer (LGA) patients requiring DP was 106.9 months versus
      84.3 months when DP was not required (p = 0.864). All seven LGA patients
      undergoing complete cytoreduction inclusive of DP were alive at the conclusion of
      the study (median follow-up 11.8 years). CONCLUSIONS: CRS/HIPEC including DP is
      associated with a significant increase in postoperative morbidity but not
      mortality. Survival was similar for patients with LGA whether or not DP was
      performed. Thus, the need for a DP should not be considered a contraindication
      for CRS/HIPEC procedures in LGA patients when complete cytoreduction can be
      achieved.

PMID- 25120250
TI  - Iterative cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for
      recurrent or progressive diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma:
      clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is an aggressive
      disease for which cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been used with remarkable survival benefits. Our aim
      was to analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of recurrent
      DMPM managed with iterative CRS and HIPEC. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a
      prospectively maintained database for all patients treated for DMPM from 1989 to
      2012. RESULTS: Of 205 consecutive CRS and HIPEC procedures, 44 (21.5 %) patients
      underwent an iterative procedure-22 (50.0 %) males versus 22 (50.0 %) females.
      Mean age at recurrence was 51.5 years. There was no 30-day mortality following an
      iterative procedure, and the grade III-V morbidity was 2.3 %. The median overall
      survival of patients undergoing an iterative CRS and HIPEC was 54 months versus
      77 months following an initial CRS and HIPEC (p = 0.96). Patients undergoing an
      iterative surgery had a 3- and 5-year survival of 61 and 46 %, respectively,
      versus 60 and 52 % following an initial CRS and HIPEC. Amongst the iterative
      group, the achieved complete cytoreduction (CC) score was 15.9, 18.2, 22.7, and
      43.2 % for CC0, CC1, CC2 and CC3, respectively, versus 3.1, 43.5, 28.6 and 24.8
      %, respectively, following initial CRS (p = 0.000). Significant predictors of an
      improved survival in multivariate analysis were an epithelioid subtype, female
      sex, complete or near CC (CC0 or CC1), HIPEC regimen utilized, absence of
      postoperative complication, and age at diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Iterative CRS and
      HIPEC can be performed safely and appear to have benefits with this group of
      patients showing an improved median survival.

PMID- 25120251
TI  - Quality of life after isolated limb infusion for in-transit melanoma of the
      extremity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolated limb infusion (ILI) has been associated with persistent
      edema, numbness, pain, and functional impairment of the treated limb. However,
      health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has not yet been assessed using a
      validated questionnaire. METHODS: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy
      Melanoma (FACT-M) questionnaires were collected from subjects enrolled a phase I
      ILI trial with temozolomide at baseline and 2, 6 weeks, and 3 months post-ILI. Of
      28 enrolled patients, 19 patients received maximum tolerated dose of temozolomide
      and are included in the HRQOL analysis. Clinical and operative variables and
      treatment response data also were collected. RESULTS: HRQOL scores showed a trend
      of improvement from baseline through 3-months post-ILI as measured by FACT-M and
      the melanoma surgery scores. There were no differences in HRQOL when patients
      were stratified by disease burden, clinical toxicity level, and 3-month disease
      response. Additionally, fewer patients complained of pain, numbness, and swelling
      of the affected limb at 3 months post-ILI compared to baseline, and also these
      symptoms were improved at the immediate postoperative visit compared with
      baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the known morbidity of ILI, we have demonstrated
      with a validated HRQOL questionnaire that HRQOL is not adversely impacted at
      therapeutic doses of temozolomide delivered intra-arterially from baseline
      through 3 months posttreatment. Patient centered-outcomes should be evaluated as
      a standard part of all future regional therapy trials using standardized melanoma
      specific HRQOL questionnaires to more completely evaluate the utility of this
      type of treatment strategy.

PMID- 25120252
TI  - Peritoneal surface disease with synchronous hepatic involvement treated with
      Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
      (HIPEC).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with peritoneal surface disease (PSD) often present with
      synchronous hepatic involvement (HI). The impact of addressing the hepatic
      component during CRS/HIPEC on operative and survival outcomes is not clearly
      defined. METHODS: A prospective database of 1,067 procedures was reviewed based
      on primary tumor, performance status, resection status, type of liver involvement
      (superficial or parenchymal) and hepatic resection, morbidity, mortality, and
      overall survival. RESULTS: There were 108 (10 %) CRS/HIPEC procedures performed
      with synchronous liver debulking in 99 patients with PSD from 27 (33 %)
      appendiceal and 32 (39 %) colorectal primary lesions. Ninety percent of patients
      underwent subsegmental hepatic resection, whereas 22 % had disease with hepatic
      parenchymal involvement. Median intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay were
      3.5 and 13.6 days, respectively. Clavien grade III/IV morbidity was similar for
      patients with or without resected HI (18.9 vs. 22.5 %; p = 0.39). The 30-day
      mortality rate was 6.5 and 2.8 % (p = 0.07) for patients with and without
      resected HI, respectively. The median survival for all patients with low-grade
      appendiceal cancer was 42.1 months with resected HI and 95.5 months without HI (p
      = 0.03). Median survival for colorectal cancer patients after complete
      cytoreduction was 21.2 months with HI versus 33.6 months without HI (p = 0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: Synchronous resection of limited HI does not increase the morbidity
      or mortality of CRS/HIPEC procedures. The survival benefit, although still
      meaningful, was less for patients with HI. Resectable low volume HI in patients
      with PSD from colon and appendiceal primary lesions should not be considered a
      contraindication for CRS/HIPEC procedures.

PMID- 25120253
TI  - Adjuvant imatinib for GIST: the pie is shrinking.

PMID- 25120254
TI  - The importance of surgical volume on outcomes in thyroid surgery revisited: old
      is in again : editorial response to "what's old is new again" by Julie Ann Sosa
      (doi: 10.1245/s10434-014-3850-z).

PMID- 25120255
TI  - Comparison of long-term outcomes of colonic stent as "bridge to surgery" and
      emergency surgery for malignant large-bowel obstruction: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The short-term safety and efficacy of insertion of a self-expandable
      metallic colonic stent followed by elective surgery, bridge to surgery (BTS), for
      malignant large-bowel obstruction (MLBO) have been well described. However, long
      term oncological outcomes are still debated. Hence, this study is conducted to
      evaluate long-term outcomes of colonic stent insertion followed by surgery for
      MLBO. METHODS: A comprehensive electronic literature search through May 2014 was
      performed to identify studies comparing long-term outcomes between BTS and
      emergency surgery for MLBO. The main outcome measures were overall survival (OS),
      disease-free survival (DFS), and recurrence. A meta-analysis was performed using
      random-effects models to calculate risk ratios (RRs) with 95 % confidence
      intervals (95 % CIs). RESULTS: There were 11 studies that matched the criteria
      for inclusion, yielding a total of 1136 patients, of whom 432 (38.0 %) underwent
      BTS and 704 (62.0 %) underwent emergency surgery. In OS analyses of all patients
      and patients who underwent curative resection, BTS was similar to emergency
      surgery [(RR = 0.95; 95 % CI 0.75-1.21; P = 0.66) (RR = 0.96; 95 % CI 0.67-1.37;
      P = 0.82), respectively]. DFS (RR = 1.06; 95 % CI 0.91-1.24; P = 0.43) and
      recurrence (RR = 1.13; 95 % CI 0.82-1.54; P = 0.46) did not differ significantly
      between the BTS and emergency surgery groups. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this meta
      analysis on long-term as well as well-described short-term outcomes suggest that
      BTS could be a promising alternative strategy for MLBO patients.

PMID- 25120256
TI  - Duration of breastfeeding as a risk factor for vertebral fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: Among the risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures, gynecological
      history (fertile period, parity and breastfeeding) play an important part.
      Changes in calcium metabolism to enable an adequate mineral transfer to the milk
      have a prominent role in bone loss during breastfeeding. Data on the influence of
      breastfeeding in postmenopausal osteoporosis are inconsistent. The aim of the
      present study was to identify any association between duration of breastfeeding
      and vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. METHODS: All patients underwent
      the following tests: bone mineral density measurements of the lumbar spine (L1
      L4) and the total and femoral neck using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and
      antero-posterior and lateral radiography of the thoracic and lumbar spine to
      identify vertebral fractures. RESULTS: The study involved 752 women with a mean
      age of 64.5+/-9.3; 23% of them reported vertebral osteoporotic fractures. The
      women with vertebral fractures had breastfed for longer periods (11.8+/-12.9 vs.
      9.3+/-11.2months, p=0.03) and had more pregnancies (2.6+/-2.2 vs. 2.2+/-1.3,
      p=0.002). Breastfeeding for more than 18months was associated with a two-fold
      risk of developing vertebral fractures (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.14-5.38, p=0.04),
      particularly in those without current or past use of drugs positively affecting
      bone. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed an association between long periods of
      breastfeeding and vertebral fractures, supporting a role for lengthy lactation as
      a risk factor for osteoporotic fractures after menopause. Bearing in mind all the
      benefits of breastfeeding, this finding suggests the importance of an adequate
      calcium and vitamin D intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with the aid of
      dietary supplements if necessary.

PMID- 25120257
TI  - Heavy metal concentrations of groundwater in the east of Ergene Basin, Turkey.
AB  - The aim of this research was to investigate the concentrations of the heavy
      metals (copper, iron, zinc, chromium, cadmium and lead) and determine their
      relationship between pH and EC in the east of Ergene Basin, Turkey. For this
      purpose 18 groundwater samples were collected in May 2013. Results show that mean
      concentrations of Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr, Cd and Pb were, 0.005, 0.012, 0.083, 0.016,
      0.000 and 0.0006 mg L(-1) respectively, with the decreasing sequence of Zn > Cr >
      Fe > Cu > Pb > Cd. No significant correlations were found among metals. Only
      moderate positive correlation was determined between Pb and pH (r = 0.451; p <
      0.05). All metal pollutants studied in the groundwater were below international
      and national guidelines except Cr.

PMID- 25120258
TI  - Early life stage (ELS) toxicity of sucralose to fathead minnows, Pimephales
      promelas.
AB  - Sucralose, an intense artificial sweetener, has been detected in wastewater and
      surface waters at concentrations ranging from ng/L to low ug/L. Although over a
      hundred studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety of sucralose for human
      consumption, few studies have focused on the chronic ecotoxicological effects of
      this compound in fish. As a remedy to this data gap, an early-life stage toxicity
      test was conducted to assess the effects of sucralose on hatching, survival, and
      growth of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Hatching, survival, and growth
      were unaffected by 98 mg/L of sucralose. The Lowest-Observed-Effect Concentration
      (LOEC) and the No-Observed-Effect Concentration (NOEC) for fathead minnows
      determined by this study are >98 and 98 mg/L, respectively. The results from this
      study suggest that the concentrations of sucralose detected in the environment
      are well below those required to cause adverse effects to developing aquatic
      organisms.

PMID- 25120259
TI  - Relationship of bifenthrin sediment concentrations to grain size and total
      organic carbon in California waterbodies: implications for ecological risk.
AB  - A summary analysis of data sets from six California waterbodies was conducted to
      determine the relationship of bifenthrin sediment concentrations to: %
      sand/gravel; % silt; % clay; % silt/clay and % total organic carbon (TOC). The
      relationship of TOC to % sand/gravel, % silt, % clay, and % silt/clay was also
      analyzed. Statistically significant and meaningful direct relationships were
      reported between bifenthrin and % TOC, % silt, % clay and % silt/clay while a
      significant and meaningful inverse relationship was reported between bifenthrin
      and % sand/gravel. A significant and meaningful inverse relationship was reported
      between % TOC and % sand/gravel, while a significant and meaningful direct
      relationship was reported between % TOC and % silt, % clay and % silt/clay.
      Significant bifenthrin sediment concentrations would not be expected in non
      depositional (sand/gravel) areas which have been reported to be dominant in
      various streams in California's Central Valley and are also the preferred habitat
      for many benthic macroinvertebrate taxa. 

PMID- 25120260
TI  - Biosensor analysis of anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibody affinity.
AB  - Anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPAs) are detected in rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) sera and because of their strict association with the disease are
      considered marker antibodies, probably endowed with pathogenic potential.
      Antibody affinity is one of the parameters affecting pathogenicity. Three
      diagnostic citrullinated peptides-viral citrullinated peptide 1 (VCP1) and VCP2
      derived from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded proteins and histone citrullinated
      peptide 1 (HCP1) derived from histone H4-were synthesized as tetrameric multiple
      antigen peptides and immobilized on sensor chips CM5 type in a Biacore T100
      instrument. Specific binding of purified antibodies from RA patients to the three
      peptides was analyzed by surface plasmon resonance using two arginine-containing
      sequences as controls. Employing a 1:1 binding model for affinity constant
      calculation, ACPAs interacted with VCP1 and VCP2 with lower apparent affinity
      (10(-6) M>KD>10(-7) M) and interacted with HCP1 with higher apparent affinity
      (KD=10(-8) M). The results indicate that the binding to citrullinated peptides is
      characterized by wide differences in affinity, with slower association and faster
      dissociation rates in the case of antibodies to viral citrullinated peptides as
      compared with antibodies specific for the histone peptide. This biosensor
      analysis shows the high cross-reactivity of purified ACPAs that bind other
      citrullinated peptides besides the one used for purification.

PMID- 25120263
TI  - The interplay of restriction-modification systems with mobile genetic elements
      and their prokaryotic hosts.
AB  - The roles of restriction-modification (R-M) systems in providing immunity against
      horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and in stabilizing mobile genetic elements (MGEs)
      have been much debated. However, few studies have precisely addressed the
      distribution of these systems in light of HGT, its mechanisms and its vectors. We
      analyzed the distribution of R-M systems in 2261 prokaryote genomes and found
      their frequency to be strongly dependent on the presence of MGEs, CRISPR-Cas
      systems, integrons and natural transformation. Yet R-M systems are rare in
      plasmids, in prophages and nearly absent from other phages. Their abundance
      depends on genome size for small genomes where it relates with HGT but saturates
      at two occurrences per genome. Chromosomal R-M systems might evolve under cycles
      of purifying and relaxed selection, where sequence conservation depends on the
      biochemical activity and complexity of the system and total gene loss is
      frequent. Surprisingly, analysis of 43 pan-genomes suggests that solitary R-M
      genes rarely arise from the degradation of R-M systems. Solitary genes are
      transferred by large MGEs, whereas complete systems are more frequently
      transferred autonomously or in small MGEs. Our results suggest means of testing
      the roles for R-M systems and their associations with MGEs. 

PMID- 25120266
TI  - MosaicSolver: a tool for determining recombinants of viral genomes from pileup
      data.
AB  - Viral recombination is a key evolutionary mechanism, aiding escape from host
      immunity, contributing to changes in tropism and possibly assisting transmission
      across species barriers. The ability to determine whether recombination has
      occurred and to locate associated specific recombination junctions is thus of
      major importance in understanding emerging diseases and pathogenesis. This paper
      describes a method for determining recombinant mosaics (and their proportions)
      originating from two parent genomes, using high-throughput sequence data. The
      method involves setting the problem geometrically and the use of appropriately
      constrained quadratic programming. Recombinants of the honeybee deformed wing
      virus and the Varroa destructor virus-1 are inferred to illustrate the method
      from both siRNAs and reads sampling the viral genome population (cDNA library);
      our results are confirmed experimentally. Matlab software (MosaicSolver) is
      available. 

PMID- 25120265
TI  - COMET: adaptive context-based modeling for ultrafast HIV-1 subtype
      identification.
AB  - Viral sequence classification has wide applications in clinical, epidemiological,
      structural and functional categorization studies. Most existing approaches rely
      on an initial alignment step followed by classification based on phylogenetic or
      statistical algorithms. Here we present an ultrafast alignment-free subtyping
      tool for human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1) adapted from Prediction by
      Partial Matching compression. This tool, named COMET, was compared to the widely
      used phylogeny-based REGA and SCUEAL tools using synthetic and clinical HIV data
      sets (1,090,698 and 10,625 sequences, respectively). COMET's sensitivity and
      specificity were comparable to or higher than the two other subtyping tools on
      both data sets for known subtypes. COMET also excelled in detecting and
      identifying new recombinant forms, a frequent feature of the HIV epidemic.
      Runtime comparisons showed that COMET was almost as fast as USEARCH. This study
      demonstrates the advantages of alignment-free classification of viral sequences,
      which feature high rates of variation, recombination and insertions/deletions.
      COMET is free to use via an online interface.

PMID- 25120264
TI  - Degradation of DNA damage-independently stalled RNA polymerase II is independent
      of the E3 ligase Elc1.
AB  - Transcription elongation is a highly dynamic and discontinuous process, which
      includes frequent pausing of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). RNAPII complexes that
      stall persistently on a gene during transcription elongation block transcription
      and thus have to be removed. It has been proposed that the cellular pathway for
      removal of these DNA damage-independently stalled RNAPII complexes is similar or
      identical to the removal of RNAPII complexes stalled due to DNA damage. Here, we
      show that-consistent with previous data-DNA damage-independent stalling causes
      polyubiquitylation and proteasome-mediated degradation of Rpb1, the largest
      subunit of RNAPII, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as model system. Moreover,
      recruitment of the proteasome to RNAPII and transcribed genes is increased when
      transcription elongation is impaired indicating that Rpb1 degradation takes place
      at the gene. Importantly, in contrast to the DNA damage-dependent pathway Rpb1
      degradation of DNA damage-independently stalled RNAPII is independent of the E3
      ligase Elc1. In addition, deubiquitylation of RNAPII is also independent of the
      Elc1-antagonizing deubiquitylase Ubp3. Thus, the pathway for degradation of DNA
      damage-independently stalled RNAPII is overlapping yet distinct from the
      previously described pathway for degradation of RNAPII stalled due to DNA damage.
      Taken together, we provide the first evidence that the cell discriminates between
      DNA damage-dependently and -independently stalled RNAPII. 

PMID- 25120268
TI  - Rolling circle replication requires single-stranded DNA binding protein to avoid
      termination and production of double-stranded DNA.
AB  - In rolling circle replication, a circular template of DNA is replicated as a long
      single-stranded DNA concatamer that spools off when a strand displacing
      polymerase traverses the circular template. The current view is that this type of
      replication can only produce single-stranded DNA, because the only 3'-ends
      available are the ones being replicated along the circular templates. In contrast
      to this view, we find that rolling circle replication in vitro generates large
      amounts of double stranded DNA and that the production of single-stranded DNA
      terminates after some time. These properties can be suppressed by adding single
      stranded DNA-binding proteins to the reaction. We conclude that a model in which
      the polymerase switches templates to the already produced single-stranded DNA,
      with an exponential distribution of template switching, can explain the observed
      data. From this, we also provide an estimate value of the switching rate
      constant. 

PMID- 25120267
TI  - Multiple LacI-mediated loops revealed by Bayesian statistics and tethered
      particle motion.
AB  - The bacterial transcription factor LacI loops DNA by binding to two separate
      locations on the DNA simultaneously. Despite being one of the best-studied model
      systems for transcriptional regulation, the number and conformations of loop
      structures accessible to LacI remain unclear, though the importance of multiple
      coexisting loops has been implicated in interactions between LacI and other
      cellular regulators of gene expression. To probe this issue, we have developed a
      new analysis method for tethered particle motion, a versatile and commonly used
      in vitro single-molecule technique. Our method, vbTPM, performs variational
      Bayesian inference in hidden Markov models. It learns the number of distinct
      states (i.e. DNA-protein conformations) directly from tethered particle motion
      data with better resolution than existing methods, while easily correcting for
      common experimental artifacts. Studying short (roughly 100 bp) LacI-mediated
      loops, we provide evidence for three distinct loop structures, more than
      previously reported in single-molecule studies. Moreover, our results confirm
      that changes in LacI conformation and DNA-binding topology both contribute to the
      repertoire of LacI-mediated loops formed in vitro, and provide qualitatively new
      input for models of looping and transcriptional regulation. We expect vbTPM to be
      broadly useful for probing complex protein-nucleic acid interactions. 

PMID- 25120270
TI  - Crystal structure of the catalytic core of Rad2: insights into the mechanism of
      substrate binding.
AB  - Rad2/XPG belongs to the flap nuclease family and is responsible for a key step of
      the eukaryotic nucleotide excision DNA repair (NER) pathway. To elucidate the
      mechanism of DNA binding by Rad2/XPG, we solved crystal structures of the
      catalytic core of Rad2 in complex with a substrate. Rad2 utilizes three
      structural modules for recognition of the double-stranded portion of DNA
      substrate, particularly a Rad2-specific alpha-helix for binding the cleaved
      strand. The protein does not specifically recognize the single-stranded portion
      of the nucleic acid. Our data suggest that in contrast to related enzymes (FEN1
      and EXO1), the Rad2 active site may be more accessible, which would create an
      exit route for substrates without a free 5' end. 

PMID- 25120269
TI  - sPARTA: a parallelized pipeline for integrated analysis of plant miRNA and
      cleaved mRNA data sets, including new miRNA target-identification software.
AB  - Parallel analysis of RNA ends (PARE) is a technique utilizing high-throughput
      sequencing to profile uncapped, mRNA cleavage or decay products on a genome-wide
      basis. Tools currently available to validate miRNA targets using PARE data employ
      only annotated genes, whereas important targets may be found in unannotated
      genomic regions. To handle such cases and to scale to the growing availability of
      PARE data and genomes, we developed a new tool, 'sPARTA' (small RNA-PARE target
      analyzer) that utilizes a built-in, plant-focused target prediction module (aka
      'miRferno'). sPARTA not only exhibits an unprecedented gain in speed but also it
      shows greater predictive power by validating more targets, compared to a popular
      alternative. In addition, the novel 'seed-free' mode, optimized to find targets
      irrespective of complementarity in the seed-region, identifies novel intergenic
      targets. To fully capitalize on the novelty and strengths of sPARTA, we developed
      a web resource, 'comPARE', for plant miRNA target analysis; this facilitates the
      systematic identification and analysis of miRNA-target interactions across
      multiple species, integrated with visualization tools. This collation of high
      throughput small RNA and PARE datasets from different genomes further facilitates
      re-evaluation of existing miRNA annotations, resulting in a 'cleaner' set of
      microRNAs. 

PMID- 25120273
TI  - Detection of AGEs as markers for carbohydrate metabolism and protein
      denaturation.
AB  - Approximately 100 years have passed since the Maillard reaction was first
      reported in the field of food chemistry as a condensation reaction between
      reducing sugars and amino acids. This reaction is thought to progress slowly
      primarily from glucose with proteins in vivo. An early-stage product, called the
      "Amadori product", is converted into advanced glycation end products. Those
      accumulate in the body in accordance with age, with such accumulation being
      enhanced by lifestyle-related diseases that result in the denaturation of
      proteins. Recent studies have demonstrated that intermediate carbonyls are
      generated by several pathways, and rapidly generate many glycation products.
      However, accurate quantification of glycation products in vivo is difficult due
      to instability and differences in physicochemical properties. In this connection,
      little is known about the relationship between the structure of glycation
      products and pathology. Furthermore, the interaction between proteins modified by
      glycation and receptors for advanced glycation end products is also known to
      induce the production of several inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, those
      inhibitors have been developed over the world to prevent lifestyle-related
      diseases. In this review, we describe the process of protein denaturation induced
      by glycation and discuss the possibility of using the process as a marker of age
      related diseases. 

PMID- 25120272
TI  - Syntheses and characterizations of the in vivo replicative bypass and mutagenic
      properties of the minor-groove O2-alkylthymidine lesions.
AB  - Endogenous metabolism, environmental exposure, and treatment with some
      chemotherapeutic agents can all give rise to DNA alkylation, which can occur on
      the phosphate backbone as well as the ring nitrogen or exocyclic nitrogen and
      oxygen atoms of nucleobases. Previous studies showed that the minor-groove O(2)
      alkylated thymidine (O(2)-alkyldT) lesions are poorly repaired and persist in
      mammalian tissues. In the present study, we synthesized oligodeoxyribonucleotides
      harboring seven O(2)-alkyldT lesions, with the alkyl group being a Me, Et, nPr,
      iPr, nBu, iBu or sBu, at a defined site and examined the impact of these lesions
      on DNA replication in Escherichia coli cells. Our results demonstrated that the
      replication bypass efficiencies of the O(2)-alkyldT lesions decreased with the
      chain length of the alkyl group, and these lesions directed promiscuous
      nucleotide misincorporation in E. coli cells. We also found that deficiency in
      Pol V, but not Pol II or Pol IV, led to a marked drop in bypass efficiencies for
      most O(2)-alkyldT lesions. We further showed that both Pol IV and Pol V were
      essential for the misincorporation of dCMP opposite these minor-groove DNA
      lesions, whereas only Pol V was indispensable for the T->A transversion
      introduced by these lesions. Depletion of Pol II, however, did not lead to any
      detectable alterations in mutation frequencies for any of the O(2)-alkyldT
      lesions. Thus, our study provided important new knowledge about the cytotoxic and
      mutagenic properties of the O(2)-alkyldT lesions and revealed the roles of the
      SOS-induced DNA polymerases in bypassing these lesions in E. coli cells. 

PMID- 25120274
TI  - Brazilian green propolis improves immune function in aged mice.
AB  - Aging weakened innate and adaptive immunity both quantitatively and
      qualitatively. Some components in propolis could stimulate immune function in
      young animals or cultured immune cells in vitro. Few studies had been carried out
      in the aged. The present study was to evaluate the effects of Brazilian green
      propolis supplementation on the immunological parameters in aged mice. Eighty
      Kunming mice, aged 15-18 months, were randomly assigned to the control and three
      experimental groups supplemented with different doses (83.3, 157.4 and 352.9
      mg/kg.bw respectively) of Brazilian green propolis. The experiment lasted for 4
      weeks. Contents of total polyphenol, flavonoid, cinnamic acid and artepillin-C in
      Brazilian green propolis were analyzed. Splenic NK cytotoxic, T lymphocyte
      proliferation and antibody generation cells, as well as the phagocytosis of
      peritoneal macrophages, ear swelling, and serum contents of IgG, IgM, hemolysin
      and cytokines were measured. After 4 weeks of treatment, the phagocytosis of
      peritoneal macrophages was enhanced in 157.4 mg/kg and 352.9 mg/kg groups. Ear
      swelling increased in all propolis treatmented groups. Antibodies specific to
      sheep erythrocytes were higher in the groups receiving 157.4 and 352.9 mg/kg.bw
      than that of control group. IgG level dramatically increased in the groups
      receiving 83.3 and 157.4 mg/kg.bw in comparison to the control group. These
      results indicate that administration of Brazilian green propolis have a positive
      effect on innate and adaptive immunity in aged mice. 

PMID- 25120271
TI  - The bone-specific Runx2-P1 promoter displays conserved three-dimensional
      chromatin structure with the syntenic Supt3h promoter.
AB  - Three-dimensional organization of chromatin is fundamental for transcriptional
      regulation. Tissue-specific transcriptional programs are orchestrated by
      transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. The RUNX2 transcription factor
      is required for differentiation of precursor cells into mature osteoblasts.
      Although organization and control of the bone-specific Runx2-P1 promoter have
      been studied extensively, long-range regulation has not been explored. In this
      study, we investigated higher-order organization of the Runx2-P1 promoter during
      osteoblast differentiation. Mining the ENCODE database revealed interactions
      between Runx2-P1 and Supt3h promoters in several non-mesenchymal human cell
      lines. Supt3h is a ubiquitously expressed gene located within the first intron of
      Runx2. These two genes show shared synteny across species from humans to sponges.
      Chromosome conformation capture analysis in the murine pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1
      cell line revealed increased contact frequency between Runx2-P1 and Supt3h
      promoters during differentiation. This increase was accompanied by enhanced
      DNaseI hypersensitivity along with RUNX2 and CTCF binding at the Supt3h promoter.
      Furthermore, interplasmid-3C and luciferase reporter assays showed that the
      Supt3h promoter can modulate Runx2-P1 activity via direct association. Taken
      together, our data demonstrate physical proximity between Runx2-P1 and Supt3h
      promoters, consistent with their syntenic nature. Importantly, we identify the
      Supt3h promoter as a potential regulator of the bone-specific Runx2-P1 promoter.

PMID- 25120275
TI  - Tempol intake improves inflammatory status in aged mice.
AB  - Oxidative stress is associated with both healthy aging and age-related disease
      states. In connection with oxidative stress, immunity is also a major component
      as a result of the chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with the
      development of tissue aging. Here we show that long-term treatment with the
      antioxidant tempol extends life-span in mice. Tempol-treated mice exhibited a
      reduction in mortality at 20 months. Tempol drinking did not have any effect on
      body weight, amount of visceral adipose tissue, or plasma biochemical parameters
      in aged mice. Body temperature of aged control mice (which drank only water) was
      significantly lower than young mice, but this reduction of body temperature was
      partially restored in aged mice which drank tempol. Plasma thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances and C-reactive protein were significantly increased in the
      control aged mice compared with young mice, but levels of both were normalized by
      tempol drinking. One of the endogenous antioxidants, ascorbic acid, was
      significantly increased in the plasma of mice which consumed tempol. The
      proportion of CD4 lymphocytes in the blood of aged tempol-treated mice was
      partially increased in comparison to aged control mice. These results suggest
      that the reduction of mortality by tempol is due to amelioration of chronic
      inflammation and improved function of the immune system through antioxidant
      effects. 

PMID- 25120276
TI  - Acetaldehyde is an oxidative stressor for gastric epithelial cells.
AB  - Alcohol drinking and smoking contain the risk of a carcinogenesis. Acetaldehyde
      is content in cigarette smoke and an ethanol metabolite. However the clear
      evidence for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by acetaldehyde in gastric
      cells in vitro is none. In this study, we elucidated acetaldehyde is an oxidative
      stress inducer on rat gastric epithelial cells by electron paramagnetic resonance
      measurement in living cells. We also confirmed whether acetaldehyde-induced
      cellular ROS was derived from mitochondria or not. The results of cellular ROS
      determination showed that an increment of cellular ROS was shown for 15 min in
      living cells from exposing 0.1% (v/v) acetaldehyde. Lipid peroxidation in
      cellular membrane also induced by 0.1% ethanol and the tendency is same in the
      results of cellular ROS determination. JC-1 stained showed the decrement of
      mitochondrial membrane potential. These results indicated that acetaldehyde is
      not merely a necrotizing factor for gastric epithelial cells, but also an
      oxidative stress inducer via injured mitochondria. 

PMID- 25120277
TI  - Citrulline increases cholesterol efflux from macrophages in vitro and ex vivo via
      ATP-binding cassette transporters.
AB  - Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is a mechanism critical to the anti
      atherogenic property of HDL. Although citrulline contributes to the amelioration
      of atherosclerosis via endothelial nitric oxide production, it remains unclear
      whether it affects RCT. This study was undertaken to clarify the effects of
      citrulline on expressions of specific transporters such as ATP binding cassette
      transporters (ABC)A1 and ABCG1, and the cholesterol efflux from macrophages to
      apolipoprotein (apo) A-I or HDL in vitro and ex vivo. Citrulline increased ABCA1
      and ABCG1 mRNA and protein levels in THP-1 macrophages, translating into enhanced
      apoA-I- and HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux. In the human crossover study, 8
      healthy male volunteers (age 30-49 years) consumed either 3.2 g/day citrulline or
      placebo for 1 week. Citrulline consumption brought about significant increases in
      plasma levels of citrulline and arginine. Supporting the in vitro data, monocyte
      derived macrophages (MDM) differentiated under autologous post-citrulline sera
      demonstrated enhancement of both apoA-I- and HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux
      through increased ABCA1 and ABCG1 expressions, compared to MDM differentiated
      under pre-citrulline sera. However, the placebo did not modulate these
      parameters. Therefore, in addition to improving endothelium function, citrulline
      might have an anti-atherogenic property by increasing RCT of HDL. 

PMID- 25120278
TI  - Maternal protein restriction induces alterations in hepatic tumor necrosis factor
      alpha/CYP7A1 signaling and disorders regulation of cholesterol metabolism in the
      adult rat offspring.
AB  - It is well recognized that adverse events in utero impair fetal development and
      lead to the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome in adulthood. To
      investigate the mechanisms linking impaired fetal growth to increased
      cholesterol, an important clinical risk factor characterizing the metabolic
      syndrome and cardiovascular disease, we examined the impact of maternal
      undernutrition on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)/c-jun N-terminal kinase
      (JNK) signaling pathway and the cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1)
      expression in the livers of the offspring with a protein restriction model. The
      male offspring with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) caused by the
      isocaloric low-protein diet showed decreased liver weight at birth and augmented
      circulation and hepatic cholesterol levels at 40 weeks of age. Maternal
      undernutrition significantly upregulated cytokine TNF-alpha expression and JNK
      phospholytion levels in the livers from fetal age to adulthood. Elevated JNK
      phospholytion could be linked to downregulated hepatocyte nuclear factor-4alpha
      and CYP7A1 expression, subsequently led to higher hepatic cholesterol. This work
      demonstrated that intrauterine malnutrition-induced IUGR might result in
      intrinsic disorder in hepatic TNF-alpha/CYP7A1 signaling, and contribute to the
      development of hypercholesterolemia in later life. 

PMID- 25120279
TI  - Consumption of strawberries on a daily basis increases the non-urate 2,2-diphenyl
      1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of fasting plasma in healthy
      subjects.
AB  - Strawberries contain anthocyanins and ellagitanins which have antioxidant
      properties. We determined whether the consumption of strawberries increase the
      plasma antioxidant activity measured as the ability to decompose 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) in healthy subjects. The study involved 10
      volunteers (age 41 +/- 6 years, body weight 74.4 +/- 12.7 kg) that consumed 500 g
      of strawberries daily for 9 days and 7 matched controls. Fasting plasma and spot
      morning urine samples were collected at baseline, during fruit consumption and
      after a 6 day wash-out period. DPPH decomposition was measured in both
      deproteinized native plasma specimens and pretreated with uricase (non-urate
      plasma). Twelve phenolics were determined with HPLC. Strawberries had no effect
      on the antioxidant activity of native plasma and circulating phenolics. Non-urate
      plasma DPPH decomposition increased from 5.7 +/- 0.6% to 6.6 +/- 0.6%, 6.5 +/-
      1.0% and 6.3 +/- 1.4% after 3, 6 and 9 days of supplementation, respectively. The
      wash-out period reversed this activity back to 5.7 +/- 0.8% (p<0.01). Control
      subjects did not reveal any changes of plasma antioxidant activity. Significant
      increase in urinary urolithin A and 4-hydroxyhippuric (by 8.7- and 5.9-times
      after 6 days of supplementation with fruits) was noted. Strawberry consumption
      can increase the non-urate plasma antioxidant activity which, in turn, may
      decrease the risk of systemic oxidants overactivity. 

PMID- 25120280
TI  - The inhibitory effect of heat treatment against epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines.
AB  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in cancer
      metastasis. In this study, we evaluated the effect of heat treatment on tumor
      growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)-induced EMT in pancreatic cancer cells and tried
      to ascertain the mechanism related to any observed effects. Human pancreatic
      cancer cell lines (BxPC-3, PANC-1 and MIAPaCa-2) were stimulated by TGF-beta1,
      and evaluated for morphological changes using immunofluorescence and EMT-related
      factors (i.e., E-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail or ZEB-1) using RT-PCR. To examine the
      effect of heat on EMT, the cancer cells were heat-treated at 43 degrees C for 1 h
      then stimulated with TGF-beta1. We then evaluated whether or not heat treatment
      changed the expression of EMT-related factors and cell migration and also whether
      Smad activation was inhibited in TGF-beta signaling. After being treated with TGF
      beta1, pancreatic cancer cells resulted in EMT and cell migration was enhanced.
      Heat treatment inhibited TGF-beta1-induced changes in morphology, inhibited the
      expression of EMT-related factors, and attenuated TGF-beta1-induced migration in
      pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, we observed that heat treatment blocked
      TGF-beta1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2 in PANC-1 cells. Our results suggest
      that heat treatment can suppress TGF-beta1-induced EMT and opens the possibility
      of a new therapeutic use of hyperthermia as a potential treatment for cancer
      metastasis. 

PMID- 25120281
TI  - Estimate of dietary phosphorus intake using 24-h urine collection.
AB  - Increases in serum phosphorus levels and dietary phosphorus intake induces
      vascular calcification, arterial sclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Limiting
      phosphorus intake is advisable, however, no assessment methods are capable of
      estimating dietary phosphorus intake. We hypothesized that urinary phosphorus
      excretion can be translated into estimation of dietary phosphorus intake, and we
      evaluated whether a 24-h urine collection method could estimate dietary
      phosphorus intake. Thirty two healthy subjects were recruited for this study.
      Subjects collected urine samples over 24 h and weighed dietary records. We
      calculated dietary protein intake and phosphorus intake from dietary records and
      urine collection, and investigated associations between the two methods in
      estimating protein and phosphorus intake. Significant positive correlations were
      observed between dietary records and UC for protein and phosphorus intake. The
      average intakes determined from dietary records were significantly higher than
      from urine collection for both protein and phosphorus. There was a significant
      positive correlation between both the phosphorus and protein difference in
      dietary records and urine collection. The phosphorus-protein ratio in urine
      collection was significantly higher than in dietary records. Our data indicated
      that the 24-h urine collection method can estimate the amount of dietary
      phosphorus intake, and the results were superior to estimation by weighed dietary
      record. 

PMID- 25120282
TI  - Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species accelerate the expression of heme carrier
      protein 1 and enhance photodynamic cancer therapy effect.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy using hematoporphyrin and its derivatives is clinically
      useful for cancer treatments. It has been reported that cancer cells incorporate
      hematoporphyrin and its derivatives via heme carrier protein 1, which is a proton
      coupled folate transporter. However, the mechanism of this protein expression has
      not been elucidated. In general, the concentration of reactive oxygen species in
      cancer cells is higher than that in normal cells. We previously reported that
      reactive oxygen species from mitochondria involved in the expression of peptide
      transporter 1 and accelerate the uptake of 5-aminolevulinic acid, which is a
      precursor of protoporphyrin IX. We suggested mitochondrial reactive oxygen
      species also regulated the expression of heme carrier protein 1. In this study,
      we used a rat gastric mucosal cell line RGM1 and its cancer-like mutated cell
      line RGK1. We clarified the expression of heme carrier protein 1 increased in
      cancer cells and it decreased in manganese superoxide dismutase expressed cancer
      cells. In addition, the uptake level of hematoporphyrin and photodynamic
      therapeutic effect were also decreased in manganese superoxide dismutase
      expressed cancer cells in comparison with cancer cells. Thus, we concluded that
      mitochondrial reactive oxygen species regulated heme carrier protein 1 expression
      and photodynamic therapeutic effect. 

PMID- 25120283
TI  - Improvement in medical students' communication and interpersonal skills as
      evaluated by patient satisfaction questionnaire after curriculum reform.
AB  - Fifteen years of undergraduate medical education curriculum reform at Saga
      Medical School was evaluated by measuring medical students' communication and
      interpersonal skills with a patient satisfaction questionnaire developed by the
      American Board of Internal Medicine. A multiphase cross-sectional study was
      conducted at the General Medicine Clinic of Saga Medical School Hospital in phase
      I (1998-1999), phase II (2001-2002), and phase III (2009-2010). A total of 1,963
      patient ratings for 437 medical students' performance was analyzed. The average
      scores of phases II and III were significantly higher than for phase I. The
      average score of female students showed a significant difference between phases I
      and II, but no difference between phases II and III. The average score of male
      students showed no difference between phases I and II, but significant difference
      between phases II and III. The phase II curriculum introduced basic clinical
      skills and examination and improved female students' performance. The phase III
      curriculum was effective for male students because it emphasized the clinical
      skill program more and introduced problem-based learning. Curriculum reform at
      Saga Medical School is considered to have made good progress in improving
      students' clinical competence and patient-centered attitudes. 

PMID- 25120284
TI  - Diagnostic utility of broad range bacterial 16S rRNA gene PCR with degradation of
      human and free bacterial DNA in bloodstream infection is more sensitive than an
      in-house developed PCR without degradation of human and free bacterial DNA.
AB  - We compared a commercial broad range 16S rRNA gene PCR assay (SepsiTest) to an in
      house developed assay (IHP). We assessed whether CD64 index, a biomarker of
      bacterial infection, can be used to exclude patients with a low probability of
      systemic bacterial infection. From January to March 2010, 23 patients with
      suspected sepsis were enrolled. CD64 index, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein
      were measured on admission. Broad range 16S rRNA gene PCR was performed from
      whole blood (SepsiTest) or blood plasma (IHP) and compared to blood culture
      results. Blood samples spiked with Staphylococcus aureus were used to assess
      sensitivity of the molecular assays in vitro. CD64 index was lower in patients
      where possible sepsis was excluded than in patients with microbiologically
      confirmed sepsis (P = 0.004). SepsiTest identified more relevant pathogens than
      blood cultures (P = 0.008); in three patients (13%) results from blood culture
      and SepsiTest were congruent, whereas in four cases (17.4%) relevant pathogens
      were detected by SepsiTest only. In vitro spiking experiments suggested equal
      sensitivity of SepsiTest and IHP. A diagnostic algorithm using CD64 index as a
      decision maker to perform SepsiTest shows improved detection of pathogens in
      patients with suspected blood stream infection and may enable earlier targeted
      antibiotic therapy. 

PMID- 25120285
TI  - Induction of IL-12 production in human peripheral monocytes by Trypanosoma cruzi
      Is mediated by glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored mucin-like glycoproteins and
      potentiated by IFN- gamma and CD40-CD40L interactions.
AB  - Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is
      characterized by immunopathology driven by IFN-gamma secreting Th1-like T cells.
      T. cruzi has a thick coat of mucin-like glycoproteins covering its surface, which
      plays an important role in parasite invasion and host immunomodulation. It has
      been extensively described that T. cruzi or its products-like GPI anchors
      isolated from GPI-anchored mucins from the trypomastigote life cycle stage (tGPI
      mucins)-are potent inducers of proinflammatory responses (i.e., cytokines and NO
      production) by IFN-gamma primed murine macrophages. However, little is known
      about whether T. cruzi or GPI-mucins exert a similar action in human cells. We
      therefore decided to further investigate the in vitro cytokine production profile
      from human mononuclear cells from uninfected donors exposed to T. cruzi as well
      as tGPI-mucins. We observed that both living T. cruzi trypomastigotes and tGPI
      mucins are potent inducers of IL-12 by human peripheral blood monocytes and this
      effect depends on CD40-CD40L interaction and IFN-gamma. Our findings suggest that
      the polarized T1-type cytokine profile seen in T. cruzi infected patients might
      be a long-term effect of IL-12 production induced by lifelong exposure to T.
      cruzi tGPI-mucins. 

PMID- 25120289
TI  - Cost of treating diabetic kidney disease.

PMID- 25120286
TI  - Can the TLR-4-mediated signaling pathway be "a key inflammatory promoter for
      sporadic TAA"?
AB  - Thoracic aorta shows with advancing age various changes and a progressive
      deterioration in structure and function. As a result, vascular remodeling (VR)
      and medial degeneration (MD) occur as pathological entities responsible
      principally for the sporadic TAA onset. Little is known about their genetic,
      molecular, and cellular mechanisms. Recent evidence is proposing the strong role
      of a chronic immune/inflammatory process in their evocation and progression.
      Thus, we evaluated the potential role of Toll like receptor- (TLR-) 4-mediated
      signaling pathway and its polymorphisms in sporadic TAA. Genetic,
      immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses were assessed. Interestingly, the
      rs4986790 TLR4 polymorphism confers a higher susceptibility for sporadic TAA (OR
      = 14.4, P = 0.0008) and it represents, together with rs1799752 ACE, rs3918242 MMP
      9, and rs2285053 MMP-2 SNPs, an independent sporadic TAA risk factor. In
      consistency with these data, a significant association was observed between their
      combined risk genotype and sporadic TAA. Cases bearing this risk genotype showed
      higher systemic inflammatory mediator levels, significant inflammatory/immune
      infiltrate, a typical MD phenotype, lower telomere length, and positive
      correlations with histopatological abnormalities, hypertension, smoking, and
      ageing. Thus, TLR4 pathway should seem to have a key role in sporadic TAA. It
      might represent a potential useful tool for preventing and monitoring sporadic
      TAA and developing personalized treatments. 

PMID- 25120288
TI  - Cholesterol oxidase binds TLR2 and modulates functional responses of human
      macrophages.
AB  - Cholesterol oxidase (ChoD) is considered to be an important virulence factor for
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), but its influence on macrophage activity is
      unknown. Here we used Nocardia erythropolis ChoD, which is very similar to the
      Mtb enzyme (70% identity at the amino-acid level), to evaluate the impact of
      bacterial ChoD on the activity of THP-1-derived macrophages in vitro. We found
      that ChoD decreased the surface expression of Toll-like receptor type 2 (TLR2)
      and complement receptor 3 (CR3) on these macrophages. Flow cytometry and confocal
      microscopy showed that ChoD competed with lipoteichoic acid for ligand binding
      sites on TLR2 but not on CR3, suggesting that ChoD signaling is mediated via
      TLR2. Binding of ChoD to the membrane of macrophages had diverse effects on the
      activity of macrophages, activating p38 mitogen activated kinase and stimulating
      production of a large amount of interleukin-10. Moreover, ChoD primed macrophages
      to enhance the production of reactive oxygen species in response to the phorbol
      myristate acetate, which was reduced by "switching off" TLR-derived signaling
      through interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases 1 and 4 inhibition. Our study
      revealed that ChoD interacts directly with macrophages via TLR2 and influences
      the biological activity of macrophages during the development of the initial
      response to infection. 

PMID- 25120290
TI  - Direct costs associated with chronic kidney disease among type 2 diabetic
      patients in India.
AB  - The aim of this study was to estimate the direct costs of medical care among
      hospitalized type 2 diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total
      of 209 (M:F, 133:76) patients were divided into groups based on the severity of
      kidney disease. Group 1 subjects had undergone renal transplantation (n = 12),
      group 2 was CKD patients on hemodialysis (n = 45), group 3 was patients with CKD,
      prior to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (n = 66), and group 4 (n = 86) consisted
      of subjects without any complications. Details about expenditure per
      hospitalization, length of stay during admission, direct medical and nonmedical
      cost, expenditure for the previous two years, and source of bearing the
      expenditure were recorded in a questionnaire. Diabetic patients with CKD prior to
      ESRD spend more per hospitalization than patients without any complications.
      [Median ? 12,664 vs. 3,214]. The total median cost of CKD patients on
      hemodialysis was significantly higher than other CKD patients (INR 61,170 vs.
      12,664). The median cost involved in kidney transplantation was ? 392,920. The
      total expenditure for hospital admissions in two years was significantly higher
      for dialysis than transplantation. Patients on hemodialysis or kidney
      transplantation tend to stay longer as inpatient admissions. The source of funds
      for the expenditure was mainly personal savings (46%). The expenditure on
      hospital admissions for CKD was considerably higher, and so, there is a need to
      develop a protocol on a cost-effective strategy for the treatment of CKD. 

PMID- 25120287
TI  - Lipid isolated from a Leishmania donovani strain reduces Escherichia coli induced
      sepsis in mice through inhibition of inflammatory responses.
AB  - Sepsis is the reflection of systemic immune response that manifests in the
      sequential inflammatory process in presence of infection. This may occur as a
      result of gram-negative bacterial sepsis including Escherichia coli infection
      that gives rise to excessive production of inflammatory mediators and causes
      severe tissue injuries. We have reported earlier that the lipid of attenuated
      Leishmania donovani suppresses the inflammatory responses in arthritis patients.
      Using heat killed E. coli stimulated macrophages, we have now investigated the
      effect of leishmanial total lipid (LTL) isolated from Leishmania donovani
      (MHO/IN/1978/UR6) for amelioration of the inflammatory mediators and
      transcriptional factor with suppression of TLR4-CD14 expression. To evaluate the
      in vivo effect, E. coli induced murine sepsis model was used focusing on the
      changes in different parameter(s) of lung injury caused by sepsis, namely, edema,
      vascular permeability, and pathophysiology, and the status of different cytokine
      chemokine(s) and adhesion molecule(s). Due to the effect of LTL, E. coli induced
      inflammatory cytokine-chemokine(s) levels were significantly reduced in serum and
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid simultaneously. LTL also improved the lung injury
      and suppressed the cell adhesion molecules in lung tissue. These findings
      indicate that LTL may prove to be a potential anti-inflammatory agent and provide
      protection against gram-negative bacterial sepsis with pulmonary impairment. 

PMID- 25120291
TI  - Frequency and clinicopathological correlations of histopathological variants of
      pediatric idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
AB  - There is no information on the frequency and clinicopathological correlations of
      the histopathological variants of primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
      (FSGS) in children presenting with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in
      Pakistan. All consecutive children (<=17 years) who presented with INS, and in
      whom the histological diagnosis of FSGS was made on renal biopsies, were included
      in this prospective study. Their clinical, laboratory, and histopathological
      features at the time of presentation were noted from the case files and the
      biopsy reports for analysis and clinicopathological correlations. Out of 138
      children, 93 (67.4%) were males and 45 (32.6%) were females. The mean age was
      8.95 +/- 4.14 (range: 1.5-17) years. All had NS, with steroid dependant NS (SDNS)
      in 45 (32.6%) and steroid resistant NS (SRNS) in 93 (67.4%) cases. Renal
      dysfunction at the time of presentation was found in six (4.3%) children. Global
      glomerulosclerosis was found in 68 (49.3%) cases. The mean number of glomeruli
      involved by segmental scarring was 2.98 +/- 2.44. FSGS, not otherwise specified
      (NOS) was the most prevalent variant, comprising 89.1% of all cases. Collapsing
      variant comprised 8%, tip variant 1.4%, perihilar 0.7%, and cellular 0.7%.
      Hyaline arteriolosclerosis was found in 13 (9.4%) cases. Mild interstitial
      fibrosis/tubular atrophy was found in 95 (68.6%) cases, moderate in 18 (13%), and
      severe in two (1.4%) cases. In conclusion, FSGS, NOS variant was the highly
      prevalent variant, while collapsing type was also found in small but significant
      number of cases. Remaining three variants were distinctly rare in our children. 

PMID- 25120292
TI  - Prospective blood pressure measurement in renal transplant recipients.
AB  - Blood pressure (BP) control at home is difficult when managed only with office
      blood pressure monitoring (OBPM). In this prospective study, the reliability of
      BP measurements in renal transplant patients with OBPM and home blood pressure
      monitoring (HBPM) was compared with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)
      as the gold standard. Adult patients who had living-related renal transplantation
      from March 2007 to February 2008 had BP measured by two methods; OBPM and ABPM at
      pretransplantation, 2(nd), 4(th), 6(th), and 9(th) months and all the three
      methods: OBPM, ABPM, and HBPM at 6 months after transplantation. A total of 49
      patients, age 35 +/- 11 years, on prednisolone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate
      were evaluated. A total of 39 were males (79.6%). Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic
      BP (DBP) measured by OBPM were higher than HBPM when compared with ABPM. When
      assessed using OBPM and awake ABPM, both SBP and DBP were significantly
      overestimated by OBPM with mean difference of 3-12 mm Hg by office SBP and 6-8 mm
      Hg for office DBP. When HBPM was compared with mean ABPM at 6 months both the SBP
      and DBP were overestimated by and 7 mm Hg respectively. At 6 months post
      transplantation, when compared with ABPM, OBPM was more specific than HBPM in
      diagnosing hypertension (98% specificity, Kappa: 0.88 vs. 89% specificity, Kappa:
      0.71). HBPM was superior to OBPM in identifying patients achieving goal BP (89%
      specificity, Kappa: 0.71 vs. 50% specificity Kappa: 0.54). In the absence of a
      gold standard for comparison the latent class model analysis still showed that
      ABPM was the best tool for diagnosing hypertension and monitoring patients
      reaching targeted control. OBPM remains an important tool for the diagnosis and
      management of hypertension in renal transplant recipients. HBPM and ABPM could be
      used to achieve BP control. 

PMID- 25120293
TI  - Renal outcome in biopsy proven cases of graft pyelonephritis.
AB  - The incidence, risk factors and outcome of graft pyelonephritis are variably
      described in literature. All patients who had been transplanted at our center
      between January 2002 and November 2006 and had presented with acute graft
      dysfunction were subjected to biopsy. Those patients who had neutrophilic casts
      and interstitial inflammation with predominant neutrophils were included in the
      study. Out of the 265 patients, 110 were transplanted in the period and underwent
      biopsy for graft dysfunction. Out of the 110 patients, 26 had biopsy proven acute
      graft pyelonephritis (AGPN). Nine patients had early AGPN (within 6 months) and
      the other 17 had late AGPN. Nearly 19% of patients were culture negative and five
      patients had no clinical features of urinary tract infection; AGPN being a
      surprise finding on biopsy. Among the risk factors, only hepatitis C virus
      infection was significantly associated with AGPN. All patients received 4-6 weeks
      of antibiotics with at least 3 weeks of parenteral antibiotics. Majority (75%) of
      our patients experienced relapse of AGPN. Graft function was significantly lower
      6 months after onset when compared to baseline, portending a poor outcome for
      these patients. Out of 26, 7 (27%) of our patients had biopsy features of
      concomitant acute cellular rejection. The treatment of acute rejection, however,
      did not improve the outcome. 

PMID- 25120294
TI  - Differences among children, adolescents and adults with severe leptospirosis: A
      comparative analysis.
AB  - Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of global importance caused by Leptospira
      interrogans. The aim of this study was to compare the data between children,
      adolescents and adults with leptospirosis. This is a retrospective study
      including a total of 373 consecutive patients with leptospirosis, admitted to
      tertiary hospitals in Northeast of Brazil, from May 1985 to August 2010. The
      patients were divided into two groups (age <=21 years and >21 years). The adults
      were 304 (81.5%) of the population, with a mean ge of 41 +/- 13 (range 22-84)
      years. The pediatric group was 16 +/- 3 (range 9-21) years. Signs and symptoms
      where similar between the groups, excepting arrhythmia, which was more frequent
      in adults and vomiting, more common in children (16% vs. 0%, P = 0.04 and 65% vs.
      79%, P = 0.02), respectively. Adult group presented with higher serum urea (137
      vs. 97 mg/dl, P = 0.002) and creatinine (4.3 vs. 3.0 mg/dl, P = 0.007). Acute
      kidney injury (AKI) was observed in 80%, mainly in adults (83% vs. 70% P <
      0.005). Adults required renal replacement therapy more frequently than children
      (38% vs. 11%, P < 0.0001). Mortality was higher in adults (14.8% vs. 2.8%, P =
      0.005) and in adults with AKI (93% vs. 7%, P < 0.05). There are important
      differences between the adults and children with leptospirosis. AKI was more
      frequent in adults and it was associated with increased mortality. 

PMID- 25120295
TI  - Wilson's disease - A rare cause of renal tubular acidosis with metabolic bone
      disease.
AB  - We report a 16-year-old boy who presented with weakness of lower limbs. He was
      diagnosed to have Wilson's disease, renal tubular acidosis and osteoporosis.
      Screening of siblings showed that his younger sister was also affected by the
      disease. 

PMID- 25120296
TI  - An interesting case of primary hypoparathyroidism.
AB  - Primary hypoparathyroidism can occur due to an activating mutation of calcium
      sensing receptor (CaSR). Most patients remain asymptomatic and therefore not
      diagnosed until adulthood. We present a 38-year-old lady who had a history of
      muscle cramps since 8 years. She presented with vomiting, abdomen pain and body
      ache, showed clinical evidence of hypovolemia, severe hypocalcemia, hypokalemia,
      hypomagnesemia, hyperphosphatemia and metabolic alkalosis. Her 24 h urinary
      phosphorus was low and 24 h urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride
      were high. Her intact parathormone was on the lower side of the normal range. She
      improved once we had corrected her biochemical abnormalities. By excluding
      acquired causes of hypoparathyroidism, we are able to conclude that this may be a
      case of primary hypoparathyroidism due to activating mutation of CaSR. 

PMID- 25120297
TI  - Thyrocervical artery - jugular fistula following internal jugular venous
      catheterization.
AB  - Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an anomalous communication between an artery and a
      vein, caused by an iatrogenic or traumatic etiology. Surgically created upper
      limb AVF remains the preferred vascular access for patients on maintenance
      hemodialysis. Nonetheless central vein cannulation for hemodialysis is a common
      procedure done in patients who need hemodialysis. We incidentally detected a
      thyrocervical artery - jugular fistula in a patient on maintenance hemodialysis.
      He underwent a successful intra arterial coil embolization of the feeding vessel.
      Review of literature has shown that, a thyrocervical artery - internal jugular
      vein arteriovenous fistula following a central venous catheterization has not
      been reported so far. 

PMID- 25120298
TI  - IgA dominant postinfectious glomerulonephritis: Report of two cases.
AB  - Immunoglobulin A (IgA) dominant postinfectious glomerulonephritis (IgA PIGN) is a
      distinct clinical entity increasingly recognized in adult. It usually presents
      with reduced glomerular filtration rate, heavy proteinuria, and has unfavorable
      prognosis. Immunofluorescence study of renal biopsy specimens have IgA as
      dominant or codominant antibody. We encountered two cases of IgA dominant PIGN
      recently presenting as rapidly progr essive glomerulonephritis and managed
      conservatively. Both the patients are on follow-up and do not have complete
      recovery of renal function till date. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess the
      progression of the disease in these patients. 

PMID- 25120299
TI  - Extending the longevity of a complicated arteriovenous fistula using endovascular
      intervention.
AB  - A brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula was complicated by a central venous
      stenosis, which could not be relieved. A cephalojugular bypass was performed
      using an interpositoned graft, which later developed tight stenoses at both ends
      of the graft. This was successfully treated with endovascular intervention,
      extending the longevity of the vascular access. 

PMID- 25120300
TI  - Multifocal bacterial osteomyelitis in a renal allograft recipient following
      urosepsis.
AB  - Non-tubercular bacterial osteomyelitis is a rare infection. We report on a renal
      allograft recipient with osteomyelitis complicating urosepsis, manifesting as a
      multifocal infection poorly responsive to appropriate antibiotics and surgical
      intervention and culminating in graft loss. 

PMID- 25120301
TI  - Chronic renal failure, hyperkalemia, and colonic ulcers.

PMID- 25120303
TI  - Apparent steroid resistance associated with prednisolone suspension.

PMID- 25120302
TI  - D-penicillamine-induced membranous nephropathy.

PMID- 25120304
TI  - Comment on: Malignant hypertension and nephrotic range proteinuria without
      hematuria: IgA nephropathy.

PMID- 25120305
TI  - Acute renal failure secondary to ingestion of unknown mercury containing medicine
      not due to Ayurvedic medicine.

PMID- 25120306
TI  - Immunosupression for patients of endocarditis with glomerulonephritis.

PMID- 25120307
TI  - Seminoma in undescended testes presenting with acute renal failure.

PMID- 25120308
TI  - Membranous nephropathy and carbamazepine.

PMID- 25120309
TI  - Unfounded reports on thyroid cancer.

PMID- 25120310
TI  - Ten tips for authors of scientific articles.
AB  - Writing a good quality scientific article takes experience and skill. I propose
      'Ten Tips' that may help to improve the quality of manuscripts for scholarly
      journals. It is advisable to draft first version of manuscript and revise it
      repeatedly for consistency and accuracy of the writing. During the drafting and
      revising the following tips can be considered: 1) focus on design to have proper
      content, conclusion, points compliant with scope of the target journal,
      appropriate authors and contributors list, and relevant references from widely
      visible sources; 2) format the manuscript in accordance with instructions to
      authors of the target journal; 3) ensure consistency and logical flow of ideas
      and scientific facts; 4) provide scientific confidence; 5) make your story
      interesting for your readers; 6) write up short, simple and attractive sentences;
      7) bear in mind that properly composed and reflective titles increase chances of
      attracting more readers; 8) do not forget that well-structured and readable
      abstracts improve citability of your publications; 9) when revising adhere to the
      rule of 'First and Last' - open your text with topic paragraph and close it with
      resolution paragraph; 10) use connecting words linking sentences within a
      paragraph by repeating relevant keywords. 

PMID- 25120311
TI  - Role of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
AB  - The importance of innate immunity in host defense is becoming clear after
      discovery of innate immune receptors such as Toll-like receptor or Nod-like
      receptor. Innate immune system plays an important role in diverse pathological
      situations such as autoimmune diseases. Role of innate immunity in the
      pathogenesis of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome
      or atherosclerosis that has not been previously considered as inflammatory
      disorders, is also being appreciated. Here, the role of innate immunity in the
      development of type 1 diabetes, a classical organ-specific autoimmune disease,
      and type 2 diabetes will be discussed, focusing on the role of specific innate
      immune receptors involved in these disease processes. 

PMID- 25120312
TI  - Withaferin A-caused production of intracellular reactive oxygen species modulates
      apoptosis via PI3K/Akt and JNKinase in rabbit articular chondrocytes.
AB  - Withaferin A (WFA) is known as a constituent of Ayurvedic medicinal plant,
      Withania somnifera, and has been used for thousands of years. Although WFA has
      been used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and has a wide range of
      biochemical and pharmacologic activities, there are no findings suggesting its
      properties on chondrocytes or cartilage. The aim of the present study is to
      investigate the effects of WFA on apoptosis with focus on generation of
      intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we showed that WFA
      significantly increased the generation of intracellular ROS in a dose-dependent
      manner. We also determined that WFA markedly leads to apoptosis as evidenced by
      accumulation of p53 by Western blot analysis. N-Acetyl-L-Cystein (NAC), an
      antioxidant, prevented WFA-caused expression of p53 and inhibited apoptosis of
      chondrocytes. We also found that WFA causes the activation of PI3K/Akt and
      JNKinase. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt and JNKinase with LY294002 (LY)/triciribine (TB)
      or SP600125 (SP) in WFA-treated cells reduced accumulation of p53 and inhibited
      fragmented DNA. Our findings suggested that apoptosis caused by WFA-induced
      intracellular ROS generation is regulated through PI3K/Akt and JNKinase in rabbit
      articular chondrocytes. 

PMID- 25120313
TI  - Clinicopathological features of rare BRAF mutations in Korean thyroid cancer
      patients.
AB  - The most common BRAF mutation in thyroid cancer is c.1799T>A (p.Val600Glu), and
      other BRAF mutations are rarely reported. We investigated the clinicopathological
      features of thyroid cancer with rare BRAF mutations. A total of 2,763 patients
      with thyroid cancer underwent molecular testing by direct DNA sequencing for
      mutations in BRAF exon 15. Among them, 2,110 (76.4%) had BRAF mutations. The
      c.1799T>A mutation was found in 2,093 (76.9%) of 2,722 papillary carcinomas and
      in one of 7 medullary carcinomas. Sixteen cases (0.76%) harbored rare mutation
      types. Five cases had single-nucleotide substitutions, 5 cases had small in-frame
      deletion or insertion, and one harbored a two-nucleotide substitution. Of these
      mutations, 2 were novel (c.1797_1798insGAGACTACA, c.[1799T>A; 1801_1812del]). The
      c.1801A>G mutation was identified in 4 follicular variant papillary carcinomas
      and one follicular carcinoma. None of the patients with the c.1801A>G mutation
      showed extrathyroidal extension or lymph node metastasis. The prevalence of rare
      BRAF mutations was 0.76% of all BRAF-positive thyroid cancers, and the rare
      mutations were associated with less aggressive pathologic features. Although BRAF
      mutations are detected exclusively in papillary carcinoma, they are also found in
      medullary carcinoma and follicular carcinoma. [Corrected]

PMID- 25120314
TI  - Influenza vaccination and associated factors among Korean cancer survivors : a
      cross-sectional analysis of the Fourth & Fifth Korea National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Surveys.
AB  - Influenza vaccination is important for cancer survivors, a population with
      impaired immunity. This study was designed to assess influenza vaccination
      patterns among Korean cancer survivors. In this cross-sectional analysis, data
      were obtained from standardized questionnaires from 943 cancer survivors and
      41,233 non-cancer survivors who participated in the Fourth and Fifth Korea
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007-2011). We identified the
      adjusted influenza vaccination rates and assessed factors associated with
      influenza vaccination using multivariate logistic regression. Cancer survivors
      tended to have a higher adjusted influenza vaccination rate than the general
      population. The rates for influenza vaccination in specific cancer types such as
      stomach, hepatic, colon, and lung cancers were significantly higher than non
      cancer survivors. Among all cancer survivors, those with chronic diseases,
      elderly subjects, and rural dwellers were more likely to receive influenza
      vaccination; those with cervical cancer were less likely to receive influenza
      vaccination. Cancer survivors were more likely to receive influenza vaccinations
      than non-cancer survivors, but this was not true for particular groups,
      especially younger cancer survivors. Cancer survivors represent a sharply growing
      population; therefore, immunization against influenza among cancer survivors
      should be concerned as their significant preventative healthcare services. 

PMID- 25120315
TI  - Sirolimus conversion efficacy for graft function improvement and histopathology
      in renal recipients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency.
AB  - This study was designed to evaluate whether sirolimus (SRL) conversion
      effectively improves renal function and histopathology in calcineurin inhibitor
      (CNI)-treated renal recipients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency. SRL
      conversion from CNI was performed in patients who underwent kidney
      transplantation from 6 months to 5 yr prior to screening. Forty-five patients
      were enrolled. The effect of SRL conversion on graft function was evaluated, and
      protocol biopsies were performed preconversion and 1 yr after conversion. Overall
      graft function after SRL conversion gradually improved, and the improvement in
      renal function was closely associated with the shorter duration of CNI exposure.
      When we divided the patients by the duration of CNI exposure, the patients with
      less than 1 yr of CNI exposure demonstrated significant improvement, but patients
      with a greater than 1 yr CNI exposure did not exhibit significant improvement. In
      contrast, protocol biopsies demonstrated no significant improvements in the
      modified "ah" score or other Banff scores after SRL conversion. Furthermore, the
      duration of CNI treatment prior to SRL conversion was not associated with
      histological findings 1 yr after SRL conversion. SRL conversion improved graft
      function in renal recipients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency, but this
      effect is not accompanied by histological improvement. 

PMID- 25120316
TI  - Four-week effects of allopurinol and febuxostat treatments on blood pressure and
      serum creatinine level in gouty men.
AB  - The aim of this study was to observe the effects of uric acid lowering therapy
      (UALT), febuxostat and allopurinol, on blood pressure (BP) and serum creatinine
      level. Post-hoc data were derived from a phase-III, randomised, double-blind, 4
      week trial of male gouty patients that compared the safety and efficacy of
      febuxostat and allopurinol in adults with gout. The subjects were randomly
      assigned to one of five groups, 35-37 in each group (febuxostat: 40, 80, 120
      mg/d; allopurinol: 300 mg/d; control group: placebo). Blood pressure and serum
      creatinine level were measured at baseline and at weeks 2 and 4. Diastolic BP and
      creatinine level had decreased significantly in the UALT groups compared to the
      control group at week 4. Diastolic BP had decreased significantly in the
      allopurinol group and serum creatinine level had decreased significantly in the
      febuxostat groups at week 4. After adjusting for confounding variables, serum
      uric acid changes were found to be significantly correlated with changes in serum
      creatinine level but were not associated with changes in systolic or diastolic
      BP. UALT in gouty subjects significantly decreased diastolic BP and serum
      creatinine level. Changes in uric acid were significantly correlated with those
      in serum creatinine level, suggesting the feasibility of renal function
      improvement through UALT in gouty men. 

PMID- 25120317
TI  - The risk of osteoporotic fractures according to the FRAX model in Korean patients
      with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - The aim of the current study is to identify patients without osteoporosis who met
      the criteria of the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) of the National
      Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) only. The incidence of fractures was investigated
      in patients who met only the FRAX criteria of the NOF and patients who presented
      osteoporosis. Five hundred and forty five patients with rheumatoid arthritis who
      visited a single center were recruited in Korea. In the follow-up period of
      median 30 months, the new onset of fractures was investigated. Of 223 patients
      who have no osteoporosis, 39 (17.4%) satisfied the FRAX criteria for
      pharmacological intervention. During the follow-up period, 2 new onset fractures
      occurred in patients who met only the FRAX criteria and 22 new onset fractures
      did in patients with osteoporosis by bone mineral density. The incidence rate for
      new onset fractures of patients who met only the FRAX criteria was with 295.93
      per 10,000 person-years higher than in the general population with 114.99 per
      10,000 person-years. Patients who met the FRAX criteria of the NOF only need
      pharmacological intervention because their numbers of incidence for new onset
      fractures are similar to those of patients with osteoporosis by BMD. 

PMID- 25120318
TI  - Follow-up testing of interferon-gamma release assays are useful in ankylosing
      spondylitis patients receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha for latent
      tuberculosis infection.
AB  - We evaluated the utility of follow-up interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) for
      the diagnosis of reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or new
      tuberculosis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients receiving anti-tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFalpha). The study participants (n=127) had a
      negative IGRA screening before receiving anti-TNFalpha and were evaluated by
      follow-up IGRA. We retrospectively examined data of the subjects according to
      age, gender, tuberculosis prophylaxis, concomitant medications, IGRA conversion
      and anti-TNFalpha, including type and treatment duration. The median duration of
      anti-TNFalpha was 21.5 months, and the median age was 35.3 yr. Of the 127
      patients, IGRA conversion was found in 10 patients (7.9%). There was no
      significant variation between IGRA conversion rate and any risk factors except
      for age. IGRA conversion rate was not significantly different between AS and
      rheumatoid arthritis (P=0.12). IGRA conversion was observed in AS patients
      receiving anti-TNFalpha in Korea. A follow-up IGRA test can be helpful for
      identifying LTBI or new tuberculosis in AS patients receiving anti-TNFalpha. 

PMID- 25120319
TI  - Impact of multimodality approach for patients with leptomeningeal metastases from
      solid tumors.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment patterns, outcome and
      prognosticators for patients with leptomeningeal metastases from solid tumor.
      Medical records of 80 patients from January 1, 2004 to May 31, 2011 were
      retrospectively reviewed. Most frequent site of origin was the lung (59%)
      followed by the breast (25%). Most patients were treated with intrathecal
      chemotherapy (90%) and/or whole brain radiotherapy (67.5%). Systemic therapy was
      offered to 27 patients (33.8%). Percentage of patients treated with single, dual,
      and triple modality were 32.5%, 43.8%, and 23.8%, respectively. Median survival
      was 2.7 months and 1 yr survival rate was 11.3%. Multivariate analysis showed
      that negative cerebrospinal fluid cytology, fewer chemotherapy regimen prior to
      leptomeningeal metastases, whole brain radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and
      combined modality treatment (median survival; single 1.4 vs. dual 2.8 vs. triple
      8.3 months, P<0.001) had statistical significance on survival. Subgroup analysis
      of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients showed that targeted therapy had
      significant independent impact on survival (median survival; 10.5 vs. 3.0 months,
      P=0.008). Unlike previous reports, survival of patients with NSCLC primary was
      comparable to breast primary. Furthermore, combined modality treatment for all
      patients and additionally targeted therapy for NSCLC patients should be
      considered in the treatment of leptomeningeal metastases from solid tumor. 

PMID- 25120320
TI  - Acute kidney injury after using contrast during cardiac catheterization in
      children with heart disease.
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is closely associated with the mortality of
      hospitalized patients and long-term development of chronic kidney disease,
      especially in children. The purpose of our study was to assess the evidence of
      contrast-induced AKI after cardiac catheterization in children with heart disease
      and evaluate the clinical usefulness of candidate biomarkers in AKI. A total of
      26 children undergoing cardiac catheterization due to various heart diseases were
      selected and urine and blood samples were taken at 0 hr, 6 hr, 24 hr, and 48 hr
      after cardiac catheterization. Until 48 hr after cardiac catheterization, there
      was no significant increase in serum creatinine level in all patients. Unlike
      urine kidney injury molecule-1, IL-18 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated
      lipocalin, urine liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) level showed
      biphasic pattern and the significant difference in the levels of urine L-FABP
      between 24 and 48 hr. We suggest that urine L-FABP can be one of the useful
      biomarkers to detect subclinical AKI developed by the contrast before cardiac
      surgery. 

PMID- 25120321
TI  - Comparison of Korean COPD guideline and GOLD initiative report in term of acute
      exacerbation: a validation study for Korean COPD guideline.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare the Korean COPD guideline to GOLD
      consensus report in terms of acute exacerbation. A total of 361 patients were
      enrolled in this study, and 16.9% of them experienced acute exacerbation during
      the follow-up. A total of 6.3% of patients in GOLD A, 9.5% in GOLD B, 7.7% in
      GOLD C and 17.0% of GOLD D experienced exacerbation during the first year of
      follow-up, respectively (P=0.09). There was no one who experienced exacerbation
      during the first year of follow-up in the Korean group 'ga'. The 12-month
      exacerbation rates of Korean group 'na' and 'da' were 4.5% and 16.0%,
      respectively (P<0.001). We explore the experience of exacerbation in patients
      with change of their risk group after applying Korean COPD guideline. A total of
      16.0% of the patients who were reclassified from GOLD A to Korean group 'da'
      experienced acute exacerbation,and 15.3% from GOLD B to Korean group 'da'
      experienced acute exacerbation. In summary, the Korean COPD guideline is useful
      to differentiate the high risk from low risk for exacerbation in terms of
      spirometry. This indicates that application of Korean COPD guideline is
      appropriate to treat Korean COPD patients. 

PMID- 25120322
TI  - Relationship of liver stiffness and controlled attenuation parameter measured by
      transient elastography with diabetes mellitus in patients with chronic liver
      disease.
AB  - High prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with liver cirrhosis has been
      reported in many studies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship
      of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis assessed by transient elastography with
      diabetes in patients with chronic liver disease. The study population consisted
      of 979 chronic liver disease patients. Liver fibrosis and steatosis were assessed
      by liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP)
      on transient elastography. Diabetes was diagnosed in 165 (16.9%) of 979 patients.
      The prevalence of diabetes had significant difference among the etiologies of
      chronic liver disease. Higher degrees of liver fibrosis and steatosis, assessed
      by LSM and CAP score, showed higher prevalence of diabetes (F0/1 [14%], F2/3
      [18%], F4 [31%], P<0.001; S0/1 [15%], S2 [17%], S3 [26%], P=0.021). Multivariate
      analysis showed that the independent predictive risk factors for diabetes were
      hypertension (OR, 1.98; P=0.001), LSM F4 (OR, 1.86; P=0.010), male gender (OR,
      1.60; P=0.027), and age>50 yr (OR, 1.52; P=0.046). The degree of hepatic fibrosis
      but not steatosis assessed by transient elastography has significant relationship
      with the prevalence of diabetes in patients with chronic liver disease. 

PMID- 25120323
TI  - KISS1 gene polymorphisms in Korean girls with central precocious puberty.
AB  - Kisspeptin/G-protein couple receptor-54 (GPR54) system plays a key role in the
      activation of the gonadotropic axis at puberty. Central precocious puberty (CPP)
      is caused by the premature activation of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing
      hormone secretion. This study was aimed to identify KISS1 gene variations and to
      investigate the associations between KISS1 gene variations and CPP in Korean
      girls. All coding exons of KISS1 gene were sequenced in Korean girls with CPP (n
      = 143) and their healthy controls (n = 101). Nine polymorphisms were identified
      in KISS1 gene. A novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), 55648176 T/G, was
      identified for the first time. SNP 55648184 C/G and 55648186 -/T were detected
      more frequently in CPP group than in control group. SNP 55648176 T/G was detected
      less frequently in CPP group than in control group. Haplotype GGGC-ACCC was
      detected less frequently in CPP group. The genetic variations of KISS1 gene can
      be contributing factors of development of CPP. The association between the gene
      variations and CPP should be validated by further evidence obtained from large
      scaled and functional studies.

PMID- 25120324
TI  - Early prophylactic versus late selective use of surfactant for respiratory
      distress syndrome in very preterm infants: a collaborative study of 53 multi
      center trials in Korea.
AB  - Pulmonary surfactant (PS) therapy was proven to be highly successful for the
      treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. As a results,
      early prophylactic (EP) PS therapy has been introduced recently in Europe, the US
      and Korea. However, no multi-center study was compared EP and late selective (LS)
      PS therapies in Korea. We performed a retrospective multi-center study to compare
      the outcomes of EP and LS PS therapies in very preterm infants. We analyzed
      clinical morbidity and mortality for 1,291 infants in 2010 (LS group) and 1,249
      infants in 2011 (EP group); the infants were born <30 weeks of gestation and had
      birth weight <=1,250 g, and were chosen from 53 neonatal intensive care units in
      Korea. Compared to the LS group (22.5%), the overall mortality was better in the
      EP group (19.9%) and there was no increased need for retreatment.There were
      additional benefits in the EP group such as fewer associated complications. To
      the best of knowledge, our study is the first nationwide Korean study to compare
      the outcomes of EP and LS therapies, and it provides evidences that EP PS therapy
      is important in very preterm infants to improve for survival and reduce
      morbidities. 

PMID- 25120325
TI  - Effect of renal insufficiency on stone recurrence in patients with urolithiasis.
AB  - The study was designed to assess the relationship between glomerular filtration
      rate (GFR) and urinary stone-forming constituents, and to assess the effect of
      renal insufficiency on stone recurrence risk in first stone formers (SF).
      Baseline serum creatinine levels were obtained, and renal insufficiency was
      defined as creatinine clearance <=60 mL/min (Cockroft-Gault). This retrospective
      case-control study consists of 342 first SF; 171 SF with normal renal function
      were selected with 1:1 propensity scores matched to 171 SF with renal
      insufficiency. Urinary metabolic evaluation was compared to renal function. GFR
      was positively correlated with urinary calcium, uric acid, and citrate excretion.
      Subjects with renal insufficiency had significantly lower urinary calcium, uric
      acid, and citrate excretion than those with normal renal function, but not urine
      volume. With regard to urinary metabolic abnormalities, similar results were
      obtained. SF with renal insufficiency had lower calcium oxalate supersaturation
      indexes and stone recurrence rates than SF with normal renal function. Kaplan
      Meier curves showed similar results. In conclusion, GFR correlates positively
      with urinary excretion of stone-forming constituents in SF. This finding implies
      that renal insufficiency is not a risk factor for stone recurrence. 

PMID- 25120326
TI  - Neuropathic pain model of peripheral neuropathies mediated by mutations of glycyl
      tRNA synthetase.
AB  - Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited motor and sensory
      neuropathy. Previous studies have found that, according to CMT patients,
      neuropathic pain is an occasional symptom of CMT. However, neuropathic pain is
      not considered to be a significant symptom associated with CMT and, as a result,
      no studies have investigated the pathophysiology underlying neuropathic pain in
      this disorder. Thus, the first animal model of neuropathic pain was developed by
      our laboratory using an adenovirus vector system to study neuropathic pain in
      CMT. To this end, glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GARS) fusion proteins with a FLAG-tag
      (wild type [WT], L129P and G240R mutants) were expressed in spinal cord and
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons using adenovirus vectors. It is known that
      GARS mutants induce GARS axonopathies, including CMT type 2D (CMT2D) and distal
      spinal muscular atrophy type V (dSMA-V). Additionally, the morphological
      phenotypes of neuropathic pain in this animal model of GARS-induced pain were
      assessed using several possible markers of pain (Iba1, pERK1/2) or a marker of
      injured neurons (ATF3). These results suggest that this animal model of CMT using
      an adenovirus may provide information regarding CMT as well as a useful strategy
      for the treatment of neuropathic pain. 

PMID- 25120328
TI  - Association between bone mineral density and clinical consequences: cross
      sectional study of Korean postmenopausal women in an orthopaedic outpatient
      clinic.
AB  - This study is to identify the characteristics of BMD and the related clinical
      consequences through a nationwide, consecutive, cross-sectional study. A total of
      1,281 postmenopausal women was enrolled nationwide and underwent measurement for
      BMD using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Following the T-spine and L-spine
      plane radiography, they were evaluated for vertebral fracture by a semi
      quantitative method using the Genant's method. Relationship between BMD and
      osteoporotic fracture and a degree of deformity in vertebral fracture, treatment
      history in osteoporosis and the EQ-5D was analyzed. The distribution of the
      normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis group was 25.9%, 37.0%, and 37.2% in lumbar
      spine, and 31.4%, 45.3%, and 23.3% in femur neck, respectively. BMD in subjects
      with symptomatic or asymptomatic vertebral fracture was significantly lower than
      those without fracture. The femur neck and total hip BMDs were significantly
      lower in hip fracture group (0.646 g/cm(2) and 0.643 g/cm(2), respectively) and
      wrist fracture group (0.661 g/cm(2) and 0.712 g/cm(2), respectively) than in
      subjects without fracture (0.721 g/cm(2) and 0.712 g/cm(2), respectively). The
      BMD was significantly lower with more severe degree of deformity in vertebral
      fracture and lower scores in mobility, usual activities and pain/discomfort of
      the EQ-5D. In Korean postmenopausal women, the prevalence of osteoporosis and
      vertebral, hip and wrist fracture increase and quality of life decreases with
      lower BMD. 

PMID- 25120327
TI  - The influence of depression, anxiety and somatization on the clinical symptoms
      and treatment response in patients with symptoms of lower urinary tract symptoms
      suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - This is the first study to investigate the influence of depression, anxiety and
      somatization on the treatment response for lower urinary tract symptoms/benign
      prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). The LUTS/BPH patients were evaluated with the
      Korean versions of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Patient
      Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale
      (GAD-7) and the PHQ-15. The primary endpoint was a responder rate defined by the
      total score of IPSS (<= 7) at the end of treatment. The LUTS/BPH severity was
      significantly higher in patients with depression (whole symptoms P = 0.024;
      storage sub-symptom P = 0.021) or somatization (P = 0.024) than in those without,
      while the quality of life (QOL) was significantly higher in patients with anxiety
      (P = 0.038) than in those without. Anxious patients showed significantly higher
      proportion of non-response (odds ratio [OR], 3.294, P = 0.022) than those
      without, while somatic patients had a trend toward having more non-responders
      (OR, 2.552, P = 0.067). Our exploratory results suggest that depression, anxiety
      and somatization may have some influences on the clinical manifestation of
      LUTS/BPH. Further, anxious patients had a lower response to treatment in patients
      with LUTS/BPH. Despite of limitations, the present study demonstrates that
      clinicians may need careful evaluation of psychiatric symptoms for proper
      management of patients with LUTS/BPH. 

PMID- 25120330
TI  - Transplantation of a horseshoe kidney found during harvest operation of a
      cadaveric donor: a case report.
AB  - A 34-yr-old female was diagnosed as being brain dead. Preoperative ultrasound
      revealed no abnormal focal lesions. However, the horseshoe kidney was identified
      during organ harvest. En bloc nephrectomy was performed. The kidney was divided
      at the midline of isthmus. The divided right kidney was discarded due to numerous
      arteries and veins. The divided left kidney was transplanted. After declamping,
      the kidney was well perfused and started clearing. Resistive index was 0.72.
      Glomerular filtration ratio was 84.69 mL/min on postoperative day 14. The
      horseshoe kidney can be successfully transplanted and could be a good solution
      for the shortage of organ donors. 

PMID- 25120329
TI  - Aminophylline partially prevents the decrease of body temperature during
      laparoscopic abdominal surgery.
AB  - Aminophylline can elicit thermogenesis in rats or increase metabolic rate during
      cold stress in lambs. We tested the hypothesis that aminophylline would reduce
      the change in core body temperature during laparoscopic abdominal surgery
      requiring pneumoperitoneum. Fifty patients were randomly divided into an
      aminophylline group (n=25) and a saline control group (n=25). Esophageal
      temperature, index finger temperature, and hemodynamic variables, such as mean
      blood pressure and heart rate, were measured every 15 min during sevoflurane
      anesthesia. In the aminophylline group, esophageal temperatures at T45 (36.1+/
      0.38 vs. 35.7+/-0.29, P=0.024), T60 (36.0+/-0.39 vs. 35.6+/-0.28, P=0.053), T75
      (35.9+/-0.34 vs. 35.5+/-0.28, P=0.025), T90 (35.8+/-0.35 vs. 35.3+/-0.33,
      P=0.011), and T105 (35.8+/-0.36 vs. 35.1+/-0.53, P=0.017) and index finger
      temperatures at T15 (35.8+/-0.46 vs. 34.9+/-0.33, P<0.001), T30 (35.7+/-0.36 vs.
      35.0+/-0.58, P=0.029), T45 (35.8+/-0.34 vs. 35.2+/-0.42, P=0.020), T60 (35.7+/
      0.33 vs. 34.9+/-0.47, P=0.010), T75 (35.6+/-0.36 vs. 34.8+/-0.67, P=0.028), T90
      (35.4+/-0.55 vs. 34.4+/-0.89, P=0.042), and T105 (34.9+/-0.53 vs. 33.9+/-0.85,
      P=0.024) were significantly higher than in the saline control group.
      Aminophylline is effective in maintaining the core temperature through a
      thermogenic effect, despite reduced peripheral thermoregulatory vasoconstriction.

PMID- 25120331
TI  - Acute pancreatitis induced by methimazole treatment in a 51-year-old korean man:
      a case report.
AB  - Methimazole (MMI)-induced acute pancreatitis is very rare but severe adverse
      reaction. A 51-yr-old male developed a high fever, chills, and abdominal pain,
      two weeks after commencement on MMI for the treatment of Graves' disease. There
      was no evidence of agranulocytosis, and fever subsided soon after stopping MMI
      treatment. However, 5 hr after taking an additional dose of MMI, abdominal pain
      and fever developed again. His symptoms, biochemical, and imaging studies were
      compatible with acute pancreatitis. After withdrawal of MMI, he showed clinical
      improvement. This is the first case of MMI-induced acute pancreatitis in Korea.
      Clinicians should be aware of the rare but possible MMI-induced pancreatitis in
      patients complaining of fever and abdominal pain. 

PMID- 25120332
TI  - Trends and risk factors of the epidemic of charcoal burning suicide in a recent
      decade among Korean people.
AB  - The aims of this study were to analyze annual trends of charcoal burning (CB)
      suicide, 2000 to 2011, and to examine the risk factors of CB suicide in Korea.
      Data on suicides (n=138,938) were obtained from the Statistics Korea. The
      proportion of CB suicides among all suicide deaths reported was 0.7% (84 cases)
      in 2007, and since 2008 it has rapidly increased to 7.9% (1,251 cases) in 2011.
      Of significant risk factors of CB suicide, the presence of the media report of
      Ahn's suicide was the greatest risk factor (adjusted odds ratio, 11.69; 95% CI,
      10.30-13.23) of the initial phase of the continuing CB suicides since 2008.
      Korean Government should urgently consider effective measures against CB suicide,
      including enforced media regulations on reporting such suicides. 

PMID- 25120333
TI  - Susceptibility of Escherichia coli from community-acquired urinary tract
      infection to fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, and temocillin in Korea.
AB  - With increase of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli in community-acquired
      urinary tract infections (CA-UTI), other treatment option with a therapeutic
      efficacy and a low antibiotic selective pressure is necessary. In this study, we
      evaluated in vitro susceptibility of E. coli isolates from CA-UTI to fosfomycin
      (FM), nitrofurantoin (NI), temocillin (TMO) as well as trimethoprim
      sulfamethoxazole (SMX), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and cefepime (FEP). The minimal
      inhibitory concentrations were determined by E-test or agar dilution method
      according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, using
      346 E. coli collected in 12 Korean hospitals from March 2010 to February 2011.
      FM, NI and TMO showed an excellent susceptibility profile; FM 100% (346/346), TMO
      96.8% (335/346), and NI 99.4% (344/346). Conversely, resistance rates of CIP and
      SMX were 22% (76/346) and 29.2% (101/349), respectively. FEP still retained an
      activity of 98.5%. In Korea, NI and TMO in addition to FM are a good therapeutic
      option for uncomplicated CA-UTI, especially for lower UTI. 

PMID- 25120337
TI  - Biometric risk factors for corneal neovascularization associated with hydrogel
      soft contact lens wear in Korean myopic patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the biometric risk factors for corneal surface
      complications associated with hydrogel soft contact lens (SCL) fitting in myopic
      patients in Korea. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study. The
      records of 124 subjects (124 eyes) who wore SCLs on a daily basis were reviewed.
      Thirty-one patients (31 eyes) who were diagnosed with corneal neovascularization
      (NV) while wearing SCLs were included in the complication group. Ninety-three age
      and sex-matched patients (93 eyes) who wore SCLs, who did not have corneal NV
      and who visited our clinic for correction of refractive errors were included in
      the control group. The degree of spherical equivalent, astigmatism and corneal
      base curve radius (BCR) were compared in both groups. RESULTS: Patients with NV
      exhibited poorer best corrected visual acuity and more myopia than controls (p =
      0.008 and 0.006, respectively). In univariate analysis, highly myopic patients (
      9 diopters [D] or higher) were more likely to experience NV (odds ratio [OR],
      2.232; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.602 to 3.105). High astigmatism (>=2 D)
      increased the risk of complications (OR, 2.717; 95% CI, 1.141 to 6.451). Steep
      cornea, in which BCR was <7.5 mm, also raised the risk of complications (OR,
      4.000; 95% CI, 1.661 to 9.804). Flat cornea was not a risk factor for the
      development of NV. CONCLUSIONS: High myopia, high astigmatism, and steep cornea
      seemed to be risk factors in the development of corneal NV in SCL wearers.

PMID- 25120336
TI  - Higher order aberrations of the corneal surface after laser subepithelial
      keratomileusis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes of higher order aberrations (HOAs) before and
      after laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) and to analyze the influence of
      tear film instability on HOAs of the corneal surface after LASEK. METHODS: In
      this cross-sectional study, 31 patients who underwent LASEK were divided into dry
      eye (16 patients, 32 eyes) and non-dry eye groups (15 patients, 30 eyes).
      Uncorrected distance visual acuity, spherical equivalent refraction, ablation
      depth, tear film parameters and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire
      scores were evaluated in both groups. Total HOA root mean square (RMS), third
      order coma, third-order trefoil and fourth-order spherical aberration (SA) of the
      corneal surface immediately and at 10 seconds after blinking were measured before
      and after surgery. RESULTS: The total HOA RMS, coma, trefoil and SA significantly
      increased after LASEK compared with preoperative values in both groups. In the
      dry eye group, total HOA RMS, coma and trefoil significantly increased except for
      SA at 10 seconds after blinking compared with those measured immediately after
      blinking. In addition, the changes of total HOA RMS, coma and trefoil were
      negatively correlated with tear film break-up time (R = -0.420, -0.473 and 
      0.439, respectively), but positively correlated with OSDI score (R = 0.433, 0.499
      and 0.532, respectively). In the non-dry eye group, there were no significant
      differences between HOAs measured at 10 seconds after blinking and those measured
      immediately after blinking. CONCLUSIONS: The HOAs including coma, trefoil and SA
      significantly increased after LASEK. The tear film instability in the dry eye can
      be associated with more deterioration of the optical quality after LASEK, due to
      more significant increase of total HOA RMS, coma and trefoil.

PMID- 25120338
TI  - Efficacy of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or steroid
      injection in diabetic macular edema according to fluid turbidity in optical
      coherence tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if short term effects of intravitreal anti-vascular
      endothelial growth factor or steroid injection are correlated with fluid
      turbidity, as detected by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)
      in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients. METHODS: A total of 583 medical records
      were reviewed and 104 cases were enrolled. Sixty eyes received a single
      intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) on the first attack of DME and 44 eyes
      received triamcinolone acetonide treatment (IVTA). Intraretinal fluid turbidity
      in DME patients was estimated with initial intravitreal SD-OCT and analyzed with
      color histograms from a Photoshop program. Central macular thickness and visual
      acuity using a logarithm from the minimum angle of resolution chart, were
      assessed at the initial period and 2 months after injections. RESULTS: Visual
      acuity and central macular thickness improved after injections in both groups. In
      the IVB group, visual acuity and central macular thickness changed less as the
      intraretinal fluid became more turbid. In the IVTA group, visual acuity underwent
      less change while central macular thickness had a greater reduction (r = -0.675,
      p = 0.001) as the intraretinal fluid was more turbid. CONCLUSIONS: IVB and IVTA
      injections were effective in reducing central macular thickness and improving
      visual acuity in DME patients. Further, fluid turbidity, which was detected by SD
      OCT may be one of the indexes that highlight the influence of the steroid
      dependent pathogenetic mechanism.

PMID- 25120339
TI  - Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor versus observation in acute
      central serous chorioretinopathy: one-year results.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) compared with observation for treating acute central serous
      chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: A retrospective study of 36 patients with acute
      CSC, including 21 patients treated with anti-VEGF (anti-VEGF group) and 15
      patients with observation (observation group). Patients in the anti-VEGF group
      received a single dose of bevacizumab or ranibizumab at baseline. Best-corrected
      visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) and resolution of subretinal
      fluid (SRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were assessed. The integrity of
      the foveal inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) line at 12 months was also
      analyzed. RESULTS: Resolution of SRF was achieved in 20 of 21 eyes in the anti
      VEGF group and in 12 of 15 eyes in the observation group (p = 0.151). Mean BCVA
      and CFT were not different between the two groups at 12 months (p > 0.05). The
      amount of change in BCVA, however, differed significantly between the groups (p =
      0.044). Final OCT more frequently detected the foveal IS/OS line in the anti-VEGF
      group than in the observation group (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: In terms of BCVA,
      anti-VEGF and observation only had similar therapeutic effects in acute CSC
      patients. In some patients, however, the rapid resolution of SRF by anti-VEGF
      might reduce the risk of photoreceptor degeneration and improve long-term visual
      acuity.

PMID- 25120341
TI  - Depth and area of retinal nerve fiber layer damage and visual field correlation
      analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between the structural damage as assessed
      by time-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and functional changes in
      glaucoma. METHODS: In total, 190 patients with normal tension glaucoma or primary
      open angle glaucoma were included in this study. The thickness of retinal nerve
      fiber layer (RNFL) around the optic disc and the area of RNFL defect were
      determined using OCT scans. The relationships between the RNFL thickness or area
      of the defect and visual field (VF) indices were assessed using the Lowess
      function, regression analysis and partial Spearman correlation. The differences
      between these associations depending on the stage of VF damage were further
      analyzed. Age, optic disc size, refraction, central corneal thickness and the
      presence of systemic disease were corrected for in order to exclude confounding
      factors. RESULTS: A logarithmic scale of RNFL thickness showed a negative linear
      relationship with VF indices. The area of the RNFL defect showed a weak
      correlation with the pattern of standard deviation, whereas the remnant RNFL
      thickness was moderately correlated with the pattern of standard deviation
      (partial Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.39, -0.47, respectively; p <
      0.0001). Many outliers were detected in the Lowess-plotted graphs. Multiplication
      of the area and the inverted RNFL thickness showed a moderately correlated
      logarithmic relationship with the VF indices (partial Spearman correlation
      coefficient, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.34 to 0.57; p < 0.0001). In the
      severe stage of VF damage, correlation between the area of the RNFL defect and
      mean deviation was significantly greater than in other stages (partial Spearman
      correlation coefficient, -0.66; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The thickness of the RNFL
      had a negative logarithmic correlation with the VF indices and was more relevant
      to the VF indices than the area of the RNFL defect, as measured by OCT.

PMID- 25120340
TI  - Assessment of macular ganglion cell loss patterns in neurologic lesions that
      mimic glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate patterns of macular retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss
      measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography in patients with
      neurologic lesions mimicking glaucoma. METHODS: We evaluated four patients with
      neurological lesions who showed characteristic patterns of RGC loss, as
      determined by ganglion cell thickness (GCT) mapping. RESULTS: Case 1 was a 30
      year-old man who had been treated with glaucoma medication. A left homonymous
      vertical pattern of RGC loss was observed in his GCT map and a past brain
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hemorrhagic lesion around the right
      optic radiation. Case 2 was a 72-year-old man with a pituitary adenoma who had a
      binasal vertical pattern of RGC loss that corresponded with bitemporal
      hemianopsia. Case 3 was a 77-year-old man treated for suspected glaucoma. His GCT
      map showed a right inferior quadratic pattern of loss, indicating a right
      superior homonymous quadranopsia in his visual field (VF). His brain MRI revealed
      a left posterior cerebral artery territory infarct. Case 4 was a 38-year-old
      woman with an unreliable VF who was referred for suspected glaucoma. Her GCT map
      revealed a left homonymous vertical pattern of RGC loss, which may have been
      related to a previous head trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the patterns of
      macular RGC loss may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of RGC-related
      diseases, including glaucoma and neurologic lesions. When a patient's VF is
      unavailable, this method may be an effective tool for diagnosing and monitoring
      transneuronal retrograde degeneration-related structural changes.

PMID- 25120342
TI  - Patterns of subsequent progression of localized retinal nerve fiber layer defects
      on red-free fundus photographs in normal-tension glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate patterns of subsequent progression of localized retinal
      nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects and to quantify the extent of progression in
      normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients. METHODS: Thirty-three eyes of 33
      consecutive NTG patients who had shown continuous progression of localized RNFL
      defect on serial red-free fundus photographs were selected for the study.
      Patterns of subsequent progression of localized RNFL defects were categorized,
      and extents of progression were quantified. Serial evaluations of disc
      stereophotographs and visual fields were also performed to detect progression.
      RESULTS: The most common pattern was continuous widening of the defect towards
      the macula (n = 11, 33.3%) followed by sharpening of the defect border after
      widening of the defect towards the macula (n = 5, 15.2%), continuous widening of
      the defect away from the macula (n = 2, 6.1%), and deepening of the defect after
      appearance of a new defect (n = 2, 6.1%). Four eyes (12.1%) simultaneously showed
      two patterns of subsequent progression. In 13 eyes that showed continuous
      widening of the defect, subsequent angular widening towards the macula and away
      from the macula were 9.2 +/- 6.0 degrees  (range, 1.1 degrees  to 24.4 degrees ;
      n = 11) and 5.2 +/- 4.9 degrees  (range, 0.3 degrees  to 11.3 degrees ; n = 2),
      respectively. Thirty-two eyes showed no progression of optic disc cupping. Out of
      the 21 eyes in which Humphrey central 30-2 threshold visual field tests were
      performed after progression of RNFL defects, 15 eyes showed no deterioration in
      the visual field. CONCLUSIONS: There were nine patterns of subsequent progression
      of localized RNFL defects. Among them, continuous RNFL loss proceeding temporally
      was the most common one. Initial progression of the defect proceeded temporally,
      especially in the defect located at the inferior fundus, might be at a risk of
      further RNFL loss temporally.

PMID- 25120343
TI  - Lateral geniculate body evoked potentials elicited by visual and electrical
      stimulation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Blind individuals who have photoreceptor loss are known to perceive
      phosphenes with electrical stimulation of their remaining retinal ganglion cells.
      We proposed that implantable lateral geniculate body (LGB) stimulus electrode
      arrays could be used to generate phosphene vision. We attempted to refine the
      basic reference of the electrical evoked potentials (EEPs) elicited by
      microelectrical stimulations of the optic nerve, optic tract and LGB of a
      domestic pig, and then compared it to visual evoked potentials (VEPs) elicited by
      short-flash stimuli. METHODS: For visual function measurement, VEPs in response
      to short-flash stimuli on the left eye of the domestic pig were assessed over the
      visual cortex at position Oz with the reference electrode at Fz. After
      anesthesia, linearly configured platinum wire electrodes were inserted into the
      optic nerve, optic track and LGB. To determine the optimal stimulus current, EEPs
      were recorded repeatedly with controlling the pulse and power. The threshold of
      current and charge density to elicit EEPs at 0.3 ms pulse duration was about +/
      10 uA. RESULTS: Our experimental results showed that visual cortex activity can
      be effectively evoked by stimulation of the optic nerve, optic tract and LGB
      using penetrating electrodes. The latency of P1 was more shortened as the
      electrical stimulation was closer to LGB. The EEPs of two-channel in the visual
      cortex demonstrated a similar pattern with stimulation of different spots of the
      stimulating electrodes. We found that the LGB-stimulated EEP pattern was very
      similar to the simultaneously generated VEP on the control side, although
      implicit time deferred. CONCLUSIONS: EEPs and VEPs derived from visual-system
      stimulation were compared. The LGB-stimulated EEP wave demonstrated a similar
      pattern to the VEP waveform except implicit time, indicating prosthetic-based
      electrical stimulation of the LGB could be utilized for the blind to perceive
      vision of phosphenes.

PMID- 25120344
TI  - Comparative quantification of plasma TDRD7 mRNA in cataract patients by real-time
      polymerase chain reaction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between plasma TDRD7 mRNA and lens
      transparency, and to evaluate plasma TDRD7 mRNA as a potential marker for
      cataracts and its sub-type by quantitatively analyzing human peripheral blood.
      METHODS: Plasma RNA was extracted from 40 patients with cataracts, and 30 normal
      controls of matched age and gender. Blood cholesterol and fasting glucose were
      measured, and the RNA extracted from the sample was synthesized into cDNA. After
      polymerase chain reaction, the results were compared after quantifying the TDRD7
      mRNA using ABL1 mRNA for normalization. We analyzed the relative gene expression
      data via the DeltaDeltaCt method. RESULTS: The normalized 2(-DeltaDeltaCt) of
      plasma TDRD7 mRNA based on ABL1 mRNA was 1.52 +/- 0.63 in the case of the control
      group and 1.05 +/- 0.34 in the case of the cataract patients, and the TDRD7
      expression level of the cataract patients was lower than that of the control
      group (p = 0.048). The comparison of the genetic values of different types of
      cataracts demonstrated that the TDRD7 expression level of the cortical type and
      mixed type were lower than those of the nuclear type and posterior subcapsular
      opacity type (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Human cataracts and the TDRD7 gene loss-of
      function mutations are strongly causally related, as the expression level of
      plasma TDRD7 mRNA in patients with cataracts was statistically significantly
      lower than in the normal control group.

PMID- 25120345
TI  - Optical coherence tomography to evaluate dengue.

PMID- 25120346
TI  - Is this really sutureless intrascleral pocket technique of transscleral fixation?

PMID- 25120347
TI  - A Korean woman with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the uvea.

PMID- 25120348
TI  - Pseudohypopyon after management of posterior capsule rupture using intracameral
      triamcinolone injection in cataract surgery.

PMID- 25120349
TI  - Accelerated versus conventional corneal collagen cross-linking in the treatment
      of mild keratoconus: a comparative study.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the use of accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking in the
      management of mild and moderate progressive keratoconus in comparison with
      conventional cross-linking. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective randomized
      interventional case-control clinical trial. A total 25 eyes of 18 patients were
      randomly divided into two groups: group A included 14 eyes that received
      accelerated collagen cross-linking; and group B included eleven eyes that
      received conventional cross-linking (Dresden protocol). Cases with grade 1 and 2
      keratoconus (Krumeich classification) with topographic evidence of progression
      were included. The uncorrected visual acuity and best spectacle-corrected visual
      acuity were recorded. Pentacam((r)) corneal analysis imaging was used: The
      maximum and minimum keratometry and the central corneal thickness were recorded.
      Ocular Response Analyzer((r)) (ORA) measurements were carried out to document the
      biomechanical parameters. Corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor were
      recorded. Postoperative evaluation included uncorrected visual acuity, best
      corrected visual acuity, and Pentacam and ORA measurements at 6 and 12 months.
      The follow-up period was 12 months. RESULTS: A progressive decrease in the flat
      keratometry, steep keratometry, and mean keratometry was noted throughout the
      follow-up period in both the accelerated and conventional groups. The improvement
      in keratometry was not statistically significant. The best spectacle-corrected
      visual acuity showed a statistically significant improvement in both groups by 1
      year. The corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor showed nonsignificant
      improvement in both groups. The central corneal thickness showed a significant
      thinning at 6 months in both groups but approached baseline values by 12 months.
      CONCLUSION: Accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking appears to show comparable
      results to conventional cross-linking in arresting the progression of mild
      keratoconus.

PMID- 25120350
TI  - Evaluation of dacryocystorhinostomy using optical coherence tomography and
      rebamipide ophthalmic suspension.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical outcome of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) by
      measuring the tear meniscus, using optical coherence tomography and rebamipide
      ophthalmic suspension. METHODS: Patients with nasolacrimal obstruction and
      chronic dacryocystitis who were scheduled for an endonasal DCR underwent tear
      meniscus examinations before and 2 months after surgery. Vertical scans of the
      inferior menisci were performed before and at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 minutes after
      the instillation of rebamipide ophthalmic suspension. The tear menisci areas were
      measured with imaging software. Ten young adults without epiphora formed the
      control group. RESULTS: Anatomical success was achieved on 22 sides of 21
      patients. The patients' postoperative tear menisci were significantly smaller
      than the preoperative menisci at all points during the test, and the response to
      volume loading in the postoperative patients was corrected to nearly that of the
      young, healthy adults. Nevertheless, the postoperative meniscus area tended to be
      larger than that of the young adults at all points. CONCLUSION: The reduced tear
      meniscus area after DCR reflected the success of the surgical procedure. However,
      incomplete recovery of the meniscus after the test might suggest a residual
      disorder of the lacrimal drainage system after DCR.

PMID- 25120352
TI  - Neuroretinitis in ocular bartonellosis: a case series.
AB  - We report a case series of neuroretinitis in ocular bartonellosis and describe
      the serologic verification for Bartonella henselae. This is a retrospective
      interventional case series of four patients who presented in the ophthalmology
      clinic of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from June 2012 to March 2013. All
      four patients had a history of contact with cats and had fever prior to ocular
      symptoms. Each patient presented with neuroretinitis characterized by optic disc
      swelling with macular star. Serology analysis showed strongly positive for B.
      henselae in all of the patients. All patients were treated with oral azithromycin
      (except case 4, who was treated with oral doxycycline), and two patients (case 1
      and case 3) had poor vision at initial presentation that warranted the use of
      oral prednisolone. All patients showed a good visual outcome except case 3.
      Vision-threatening ocular manifestation of cat scratch disease can be improved
      with systemic antibiotics and steroids. 

PMID- 25120354
TI  - Potential patient benefit of a subcutaneous formulation of tocilizumab for the
      treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a critical review.
AB  - Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was revolutionized during the last decade
      with the development of new biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
      (DMARDs) enabling the targeting of immune cells and cytokines other than tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF). Subcutaneous formulations of the newer biologic DMARDs
      facilitate not only patients' emancipation from the hospital, but reduce both
      societal and medical costs. Intravenous tocilizumab (TCZ) in RA has an efficacy
      and safety profile similar to anti-TNF in both the short and long-term. However,
      TCZ can be administered in monotherapy without loss of efficacy when patients do
      not tolerate methotrexate or synthetic DMARDs. TCZ is consistently found superior
      to methotrexate and possibly superior to adalimumab in monotherapy in randomized
      controlled trials. Subcutaneous administration of TCZ is as effective and safe as
      its intravenous administration in RA patients during the first year of treatment.
      Similar to intravenous TCZ, patients' weight and possibly previous use of anti
      TNF influence the efficacy of subcutaneous TCZ. Additionally, combination with
      synthetic DMARDs seems to expose RA patients to more adverse events independently
      of its administration route. Pharmacokinetics of different administration routes
      could potentially lead to differences in efficacy, adverse events, and auto
      immunogenicity. The concentration of free TCZ before new TCZ dose (C trough) is
      higher in the subcutaneous route, while the maximal concentration of free TCZ is
      higher in the intravenous route. The subcutaneous dosages of TCZ 162 mg every
      week, and every 2 weeks in RA patients with low body weight (<60 kg) work well.
      Nevertheless, dosage and intervals of subcutaneous TCZ administration could be
      adjusted during the course of treatment since 80% of non-Japanese RA patients
      with usually higher body weight achieved similar efficacy with the low TCZ dosage
      in combination with a synthetic DMARD. Patients want effective, easy-to
      administer therapy with sustained prolonged efficacy without the need of
      polypharmacy and with minimal to no side effects. Subcutaneous TCZ in RA patients
      in monotherapy seems to live up to patients' expectations. 

PMID- 25120353
TI  - Design, synthesis, and anticancer activity of novel berberine derivatives
      prepared via CuAAC "click" chemistry as potential anticancer agents.
AB  - A series of novel derivatives of phenyl-substituted berberine triazolyls has been
      designed and synthesized via copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition click
      chemistry in an attempt to develop antitumor agents. All of the compounds were
      evaluated for anticancer activity against a panel of three human cancer cell
      lines, including MCF-7 (breast), SW-1990 (pancreatic), and SMMC-7721 (liver) and
      the noncancerous human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cell lines. The
      results indicated that most of the compounds displayed notable anticancer
      activities against the MCF-7 cells compared with berberine. Among these
      derivatives, compound 16 showed the most potent inhibitory activity against the
      SW-1990 and SMMC-7721 cell lines, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration
      (IC50) values of 8.54+/-1.97 MUM and 11.87+/-1.83 MUM, respectively. Compound 36
      exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against the MCF-7 cell line, with
      an IC50 value of 12.57+/-1.96 MUM. Compound 16 and compound 36 exhibited low
      cytotoxicity in the HUVEC cell line, with IC50 values of 25.49+/-3.24 MUM and
      30.47+/-3.47 MUM. Furthermore, compounds 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 32, and 36 exhibited
      much better selectivity than berberine toward the normal cell line HUVEC. 

PMID- 25120351
TI  - Managing Sjogren's Syndrome and non-Sjogren Syndrome dry eye with anti
      inflammatory therapy.
AB  - Dry eye from Sjogren's syndrome is a multifactorial disease that results in
      dysfunction of the lacrimal functional unit. Studies have shown changes in tear
      composition, including inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and metalloproteinase.
      T-lymphocytes have been shown to increase in the conjunctiva and lacrimal glands
      in patient and animal models. This inflammation is in part responsible for the
      pathogenesis of the disease, which results in symptoms of eye irritation, ocular
      surface epithelial disease, and loss of corneal barrier function. There are a
      number of anti-inflammatory approaches for treating this disease. The current
      study reviews details of immune response and anti-inflammatory therapies used to
      control this disease. 

PMID- 25120355
TI  - Effects of annatto-derived tocotrienol supplementation on osteoporosis induced by
      testosterone deficiency in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous animal models have demonstrated that tocotrienol is a
      potential treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis. This study evaluated the
      antiosteoporotic effects of annatto-derived tocotrienol (AnTT) using a
      testosterone-deficient osteoporotic rat model. METHODS: Forty rats were divided
      randomly into baseline, sham, orchidectomized, AnTT, and testosterone groups. The
      baseline group was euthanized without undergoing any surgical treatment or
      intervention. The remaining groups underwent orchidectomy, with the exception of
      the sham group. AnTT 60 mg/kg/day was given orally to the AnTT group, while the
      testosterone group received testosterone enanthate 7 mg/kg per week
      intramuscularly for 8 weeks. Structural changes in trabecular bone at the
      proximal tibia were examined using microcomputed tomography. Structural and
      dynamic changes at the distal femur were examined using histomorphometric
      methods. Serum osteocalcin and C-terminal of type 1 collagen crosslinks were
      measured. Bone-related gene expression in the distal femur was examined. RESULTS:
      There were significant degenerative changes in structural indices in the
      orchidectomized group (P<0.05), but no significant changes in dynamic indices,
      bone remodeling markers, or gene expression (P>0.05) when compared with the sham
      group. The AnTT group showed significant improvement in structural indices at the
      femur (P<0.05) and significantly increased expression of bone formation genes
      (P<0.05). Testosterone was more effective than AnTT in preventing degeneration of
      bone structural indices in the femur and tibia (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: AnTT
      supplementation improves bone health in testosterone-deficient rats by enhancing
      bone formation. Its potential should be evaluated further by varying the dosage
      and treatment duration.

PMID- 25120356
TI  - The effects of Tai Ji Quan training on limits of stability in older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limits of stability, defined as the ability to maintain the center of
      gravity within the boundary of the base of support, is critically important for
      older adults in performing their activities of daily living. However, few
      exercise programs specifically tailored to enhance limits of stability exist. The
      primary purpose of this study was to determine whether a therapeutically designed
      intervention, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB), could improve
      limits of stability in older adults. A secondary purpose was to examine
      concomitant change in limits of stability and physical performance as a result of
      the intervention. METHODS: A single-group design was used in which 145 community
      dwelling older adults (average age: 75 years) were enrolled in TJQMBB classes,
      participating twice weekly for 48 weeks. Primary outcome measures were three
      indicators of limits of stability (LOS) (endpoint excursion, movement velocity,
      and directional control), with secondary measures of physical performance being
      Timed Up and Go and 50-foot speed walk (in seconds), which were assessed at
      baseline, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks. Changes in the repeated measures of outcome
      variables were analyzed via latent curve analysis. RESULTS: At 48 weeks, a
      significant rate of change (improvement) over time was observed in the three
      limits of stability indicators (endpoint execution: 8.30% LOS, P<0.001; movement
      velocity: 0.86 degrees/second, P<0.001; directional control: 6.79% of 100,
      P<0.001); all reached a threshold of real change as judged by the minimal
      detectable change values. Improvements in the three limits of stability measures
      were concomitantly correlated with improved (reduced times) performance scores in
      the Timed Up and Go (-0.30, -0.45, and -0.55, respectively) and 50-foot walk (
      0.33, -0.49, and -0.41, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this single-group study,
      community-dwelling older adults trained through TJQMBB significantly improved
      their limits of stability, providing preliminary support for the use of TJQMBB as
      a therapeutic modality for enhancing functional activities in older adults.

PMID- 25120357
TI  - Increased body fat rather than body weight has harmful effects on 4-year changes
      of renal function in the general elderly population with a normal or mildly
      impaired renal function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With increasing age, body fat increases and muscle mass reduces. Even
      people with a normal weight may have a higher percentage of body fat. The aim of
      this study is to investigate the association between increased body fat and renal
      function decline (RFD) in the general elderly population with normal or mildly
      impaired renal function. METHOD: We conducted a prospective study of 615 healthy
      individuals in the general Korean population aged >= 60 years who participated in
      two health screening check-ups separated by a 4-year period. Obesity was defined
      as the highest sex-specific tertiles of the percentage body fat (PBF). The main
      outcome was changes of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during the 4
      years. Significant RFD was defined as a decrease of eGFR over the upper quartile
      (<=-2.1% per year). RESULTS: The mean age was 67.2 +/- 6.6 years. The median
      value of the absolute decline in the eGFR and the percent change was -3.0
      mL/minute/1.73 m(2) and -0.87%/year in men and -3.1 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) and 
      0.89%/year in women, respectively. When stratified by sex-specific PBF tertiles,
      pronounced differences were observed in both sexes; those at the highest tertile
      of PBF showed the greatest decline in eGFR. Even after adjustments for
      traditional risk factors of RFD, PBF was independently associated with eGFR
      changes (beta=-0.181; P<0.001). In addition, the harmful effect of a high PBF was
      consistently found in subjects with a normal weight, too (beta=-0.141; P=0.006).
      Cases of significant RFD occurred in 181 participants (29.4%), and the risk was
      higher in obese participants as compared with the nonobese participants. The odd
      ratios (95% confidence interval) for significant RFD were 2.76 (1.28-7.74) in men
      and 2.02 (1.06-4.43) in women in a whole population and 3.15 (1.03-18.52) in men
      and 1.44 (1.01-3.28) in women with a normal weight, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Among the elderly population without comorbidities, increased body fat has a
      harmful effect on RFD, irrespective of body weight.

PMID- 25120358
TI  - Age as a risk factor for acute mountain sickness upon rapid ascent to 3,700 m
      among young adult Chinese men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between age and
      acute mountain sickness (AMS) when subjects are exposed suddenly to high
      altitude. METHODS: A total of 856 young adult men were recruited. Before and
      after acute altitude exposure, the Athens Insomnia Scale score (AISS) was used to
      evaluate the subjective sleep quality of subjects. AMS was assessed using the
      Lake Louise scoring system. Heart rate (HR) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2)
      were measured. RESULTS: Results showed that, at 500 m, AISS and insomnia
      prevalence were higher in older individuals. After acute exposure to altitude,
      the HR, AISS, and insomnia prevalence increased sharply, and the increase in
      older individuals was more marked. The opposite trend was observed for SaO2. At
      3,700 m, the prevalence of AMS increased with age, as did severe AMS, and AMS
      symptoms (except gastrointestinal symptoms). Multivariate logistic regression
      analysis showed that age was a risk factor for AMS (adjusted odds ratio [OR]
      1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.13, P<0.05), as well as AISS (adjusted
      OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.28-1.51, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study is the first
      to demonstrate that older age is an independent risk factor for AMS upon rapid
      ascent to high altitude among young adult Chinese men, and pre-existing poor
      subjective sleep quality may be a contributor to increased AMS prevalence in
      older subjects.

PMID- 25120359
TI  - The application of EDTA in drug delivery systems: doxorubicin liposomes loaded
      via NH4EDTA gradient.
AB  - The applications of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) have been expanded
      from the treatment of heavy metal poisoning to chelation therapies for
      atherosclerosis, heart disease, and cancers, in which EDTA reduces morbidity and
      mortality by chelating toxic metal ions. In this study, EDTA was used in a drug
      delivery system by adopting an NH4EDTA gradient method to load doxorubicin into
      liposomes with the goal of increasing therapeutic effects and decreasing drug
      related cytotoxicity. The particle size of the optimum NH4EDTA gradient liposomes
      was 79.4+/-1.87 nm, and the entrapment efficiency was 95.54%+/-0.59%. In vitro
      studies revealed that liposomes prepared using an NH4EDTA gradient possessed long
      term stability and delayed drug release. The in vivo studies also showed the
      superiority of the new doxorubicin formulation. Compared with an equivalent drug
      dose (5 mg/kg) prepared by (NH4)2SO4 gradient, NH4EDTA gradient liposomes showed
      no significant differences in tumor inhibition ratio, but cardiotoxicity and
      liposome-related immune organ damage were lower, and no drug-related deaths were
      observed. These results show that use of the NH4EDTA gradient method to load
      doxorubicin into liposomes could significantly reduce drug toxicity without
      influencing antitumor activity. 

PMID- 25120360
TI  - Preparation, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of baicalin-loaded liposomes.
AB  - Baicalin (BA) is a major constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a
      medicinal herb. Previous pharmacokinetic studies of BA showed its low oral
      bioavailability. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel BA-loaded
      liposome (BA-LP) to enhance oral bioavailability. BA-LP, composed of BA,
      Tween((r)) 80, Phospholipon((r)) 90H, and citric acid at weight ratio of
      96/50/96/50, respectively, was prepared by the effervescent dispersion technique
      and characterized in terms of morphology, size, zeta potential, encapsulation
      efficiency, and the in vitro release. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution
      studies were carried out in rats after oral administration of BA-LP and a
      carboxymethyl cellulose suspension containing BA (BA-CMC) as a control. BA-LP
      exhibited a spherical shape by transmission electron microscopy observation. BA
      LP had a mean particle size of 373+/-15.5 nm, zeta potential of -20.1+/-0.22 mV,
      and encapsulation efficiency of 82.7%+/-0.59%. The BA-LP showed a sustained
      release behavior, and the in vitro drug-release kinetic model fit well with the
      Weibull distribution equation: lnln (1/(1-Q)) =0.609 lnt -1.230 (r=0.995). The
      oral bioavailability and the peak concentration of the BA-LP was threefold and
      2.82-fold that of BA-CMC, respectively. The in vivo distribution results
      indicated that drug concentrations were significantly increased in the liver,
      kidney, and lung in the case of BA-LP, which were 5.59-fold, 2.33-fold, and 1.25
      fold higher than those of BA-CMC, respectively. In conclusion, the study
      suggested that BA-LP might be a potential oral drug delivery system to improve
      bioavailability of BA. 

PMID- 25120361
TI  - Effects of size and surface of zinc oxide and aluminum-doped zinc oxide
      nanoparticles on cell viability inferred by proteomic analyses.
AB  - Although the health effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the
      respiratory system have been reported, the fate, potential toxicity, and
      mechanisms in biological cells of these particles, as related to particle size
      and surface characteristics, have not been well elucidated. To determine the
      physicochemical properties of ZnONPs that govern cytotoxicity, we investigated
      the effects of size, electronic properties, zinc concentration, and pH on cell
      viability using human alveolar-basal epithelial A549 cells as a model. We
      observed that a 2-hour or longer exposure to ZnONPs induced changes in cell
      viability. The alteration in cell viability was associated with the zeta
      potentials and pH values of the ZnONPs. Proteomic profiling of A549 exposed to
      ZnONPs for 2 and 4 hours was used to determine the biological mechanisms of ZnONP
      toxicity. p53-pathway activation was the core mechanism regulating cell viability
      in response to particle size. Activation of the Wnt and TGFbeta signaling
      pathways was also important in the cellular response to ZnONPs of different
      sizes. The cadherin and Wnt signaling pathways were important cellular mechanisms
      triggered by surface differences. These results suggested that the size and
      surface characteristics of ZnONPs might play an important role in their observed
      cytotoxicity. This approach facilitates the design of more comprehensive systems
      for the evaluation of nanoparticles. 

PMID- 25120362
TI  - Tolerance-like innate immunity and spleen injury: a novel discovery via the
      weekly administrations and consecutive injections of PEGylated emulsions.
AB  - There has been an increasing interest in the study of the innate immune system in
      recent years. However, few studies have focused on whether innate immunity can
      acquire tolerance. Therefore, in this study, we investigated tolerance in the
      innate immune system via the consecutive weekly and daily injections of emulsions
      modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG), referred to as PEGylated emulsions (PE).
      The effects of these injections of PE on pharmacokinetics and biodistribution
      were studied in normal and macrophage-depleted rats. Additionally, we evaluated
      the antigenic specificity of immunologic tolerance. Immunologic tolerance against
      PE developed after 21 days of consecutive daily injections or the fourth week of
      PE administration. Compared with a single administration, it was observed that
      the tolerant rats had a lower rate of PE clearance from the blood, which was
      independent of the stress response. In addition, weekly PE injections caused
      injury to the spleen. Furthermore, the rats tolerant to PEs with the methoxy
      group (-OCH3) of PEG, failed to respond to the PEs with a different terminal
      group of PEG or to non-PEG emulsions. Innate immunity tolerance was induced by
      PE, regardless of the mode of administration. Further study of this mechanism
      suggested that monocytes play an essential role in the suppression of innate
      immunity. These findings provide novel insights into the understanding of the
      innate immune system. 

PMID- 25120363
TI  - Development and characterization of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with a
      cisplatin-bearing polymer coating for targeted drug delivery.
AB  - A highly selective and efficient cancer therapy can be achieved using
      magnetically directed superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) bearing
      a sufficient amount of the therapeutic agent. In this project, SPIONs with a
      dextran and cisplatin-bearing hyaluronic acid coating were successfully
      synthesized as a novel cisplatin drug delivery system. Transmission electron
      microscopy images as well as X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the
      individual magnetite particles were around 4.5 nm in size and monocrystalline.
      The small crystallite sizes led to the superparamagnetic behavior of the
      particles, which was exemplified in their magnetization curves, acquired using
      superconducting quantum interference device measurements. Hyaluronic acid was
      bound to the initially dextran-coated SPIONs by esterification. The resulting
      amide bond linkage was verified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
      The additional polymer layer increased the vehicle size from 22 nm to 56 nm, with
      a hyaluronic acid to dextran to magnetite weight ratio of 51:29:20. A maximum
      payload of 330 MUg cisplatin/mL nanoparticle suspension was achieved, thus the
      particle size was further increased to around 77 nm with a zeta potential of -45
      mV. No signs of particle precipitation were observed over a period of at least 8
      weeks. Analysis of drug-release kinetics using the dialysis tube method revealed
      that these were driven by inverse ligand substitution and diffusion through the
      polymer shell as well as enzymatic degradation of hyaluronic acid. The biological
      activity of the particles was investigated in a nonadherent Jurkat cell line
      using flow cytometry. Further, cell viability and proliferation was examined in
      an adherent PC-3 cell line using xCELLigence analysis. Both tests demonstrated
      that particles without cisplatin were biocompatible with these cells, whereas
      particles with the drug induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, with
      secondary necrosis after prolonged incubation. In conclusion, combination of
      dextran-coated SPIONs with hyaluronic acid and cisplatin represents a promising
      approach for magnetic drug targeting in the treatment of cancer. 

PMID- 25120364
TI  - Examining the relationship between adherence and satisfaction with antidepressant
      treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adherence to antidepressant treatment is an essential step in the
      management of patients with major depressive disorder, and several factors can
      contribute to antidepressant nonadherence. Evidence supports the hypothesis that
      patient treatment satisfaction will result in improved adherence; therefore, the
      aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between patient treatment
      satisfaction and adherence to antidepressants, and the role of patient beliefs
      toward medication in patient treatment satisfaction. METHODS: This was an
      observational, nonexperimental survey of all patients attending Al Amal
      Psychiatric Hospital (500 beds) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Medication adherence was
      assessed using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), and
      treatment satisfaction was assessed using the Treatment Satisfaction
      Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM 1.4). RESULTS: A total of 403 patients met the
      inclusion criteria; 50.4% were females; participant age ranged from 18 to 60
      years; and 16 % of the patients reported side effects after using
      antidepressants. Both males and females reported high treatment satisfaction
      rates: - 79.21% (standard deviation [SD] 8.52) and 86.55% (SD 14.34),
      respectively - with statistically significant associations found for female sex,
      older age, and three or more physician visits per year. Adherence to
      antidepressants was associated with treatment satisfaction with the
      antidepressants, with a direct positive correlation. CONCLUSION: The results of
      this study showed high treatment satisfaction scores among patients in Saudi
      Arabia with major depressive disorder, which correlated with adherence and
      patient beliefs about the necessity of treatment. This finding has improved the
      understanding of the role of patient beliefs, which can help caregivers and other
      stakeholders to improve satisfaction with antidepressants.

PMID- 25120365
TI  - A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of bupropion versus
      methylphenidate in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some trials have suggested that bupropion, as well as
      methylphenidate, is beneficial in the treatment of attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this systematic
      review was to summarize the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of
      bupropion in comparison with methylphenidate for ADHD treatment. Included studies
      were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared bupropion and
      methylphenidate. Clinical studies conducted between January 1991 and January 2014
      were reviewed. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE((r)), EMBASETM, CINAHL, PsycINFO((r)), and
      the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched in January 2014.
      Additionally, clinical trials were identified from the databases of
      ClinicalTrials.gov and the EU Clinical Trials Register. STUDY ELIGIBLE CRITERIA
      PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: All RCTs of bupropion and methylphenidate
      reporting final outcomes relevant to 1) ADHD severity, 2) response or remission
      rates, 3) overall discontinuation rate, or 4) discontinuation rate due to adverse
      events. Language restriction was not applied. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS
      METHODS: The relevant clinical trials were examined and the data of interest were
      extracted. Additionally, the risks of bias were also inspected. The efficacy
      outcomes were the mean changed scores of ADHD rating scales, the overall response
      rate, and the overall remission rates. The overall discontinuation rate and the
      discontinuation rate due to adverse events were determined. Relative risks and
      weighted mean differences or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence
      intervals were estimated using a random effect model. RESULTS: A total of 146
      subjects in four RCTs comparing bupropion with methylphenidate in the treatment
      of ADHD were included. The pooled mean changed scores of the Iowa-Conner's
      Abbreviated Parent and Teacher Questionnaires and the ADHD Rating Scale-IV for
      parents and teachers of children and adolescents with ADHD in the bupropion- and
      methylphenidate-treated groups were not significantly different. Additionally,
      the pooled mean changed score in adult ADHD between the two groups, measured by
      the ADHD Rating Scale-IV and the Adult ADHD Rating Scale, was also not
      significantly different. The pooled rates of response, overall discontinuation,
      and discontinuation due to adverse events between the two groups were not
      significantly different. CONCLUSION: Based on limited data from this systematic
      review, bupropion was as effective as methylphenidate for ADHD patients.
      Additionally, tolerability and acceptability were also comparable. However, these
      findings should be considered as very preliminary results. To confirm this
      evidence, further studies in this area should be conducted.

PMID- 25120367
TI  - Double-balloon tamponade in the management of postpartum hemorrhage: a case
      series.
AB  - To show the efficacy of double-balloon cervical ripening catheter in the
      management of postpartum hemorrhage originating from the lower segment of the
      uterus or the upper parts of the vagina. METHODS: Patients with intractable
      bleeding from the lower segment of the uterus and the upper parts of the vagina
      after Cesarean or vaginal deliveries were treated by double-balloon cervical
      ripening catheter. RESULTS: Double-balloon catheter was used in seven patients,
      and it was properly placed in all of them. No other intervention was needed to
      control bleeding. Two patients were delivered vaginally, and five patients were
      delivered by Cesarean section. Length of hospitalization was longer in the
      vaginal delivery patients (average hospitalization was 12 days in the vaginal
      delivery patients and 5 days in the Cesarean section patients). The need for
      blood and blood products transfusion (average of blood and blood products
      transfusion was 30 U in the vaginal delivery patients and 6 U in the Cesarean
      patients) was also higher in the vaginal delivery patients. CONCLUSION: Although
      double-balloon cervical ripening catheter is designed for the induction of labor,
      it can successfully control intractable bleedings from the lower segment of the
      uterus and the upper parts of the vagina. This procedure can save patients from
      undergoing more morbid procedures.

PMID- 25120368
TI  - Clinical utility of the neutrophil elastase inhibitor sivelestat for the
      treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome.
AB  - Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a serious condition that can arise
      following direct or indirect lung injury. It is heterogeneous and has a high
      mortality rate. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment and there is no
      definitive pharmacological treatment as yet. Sivelestat is a neutrophil elastase
      inhibitor approved in Japan and the Republic of Korea for acute lung injury,
      including acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with systemic
      inflammatory response syndrome. The aim of this review is to examine the clinical
      utility of sivelestat in different disease states, using data from nonclinical
      and clinical studies. In nonclinical studies, sivelestat appears to show benefit
      in acute lung injury without inhibiting the host immune defense in cases of
      infection. Clinical studies do not yet provide a clear consensus. Phase III and
      IV Japanese studies have shown improvements in pulmonary function, length of
      intensive care unit stay, and mechanical ventilation, but a non-Japanese
      multicenter study did not demonstrate sivelestat to have an effect on ventilator
      free days or 28-day all-cause mortality. Evidence of improvement in various
      parameters, including duration of stay in intensive care, mechanical ventilation,
      the ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen
      (PaO2/FIO2 ratio) ratio, and lung injury scores, has been shown in patients with
      sepsis or gastric aspiration, and following the surgical treatment of esophageal
      cancer. To date, there are no particular concerns regarding adverse events, and
      the available data do not suggest that sivelestat might worsen infections. One
      study has analyzed cost-effectiveness, finding that sivelestat may reduce costs
      compared with standard care. The currently available evidence suggests that
      sivelestat may show some benefit in the treatment of acute lung injury/acute
      respiratory distress syndrome, although large, randomized controlled trials are
      needed in specific pathophysiological conditions to explore these potential
      benefits. 

PMID- 25120369
TI  - Impact of pharmacist interventions on drug-related problems and laboratory
      markers in outpatients with human immunodeficiency virus infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Substantial complexity has been introduced into treatment regimens
      for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Many drug-related
      problems (DRPs) are detected in these patients, such as low adherence,
      therapeutic inefficacy, and safety issues. We evaluated the impact of pharmacist
      interventions on CD4+ T-lymphocyte count, HIV viral load, and DRPs in patients
      with HIV infection. METHODS: In this 18-month prospective controlled study, 90
      outpatients were selected by convenience sampling from the Hospital Dia
      University of Campinas Teaching Hospital (Brazil). Forty-five patients comprised
      the pharmacist intervention group and 45 the control group; all patients had HIV
      infection with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Pharmaceutical
      appointments were conducted based on the Pharmacotherapy Workup method, although
      DRPs and pharmacist intervention classifications were modified for applicability
      to institutional service limitations and research requirements. Pharmacist
      interventions were performed immediately after detection of DRPs. The main
      outcome measures were DRPs, CD4+ T-lymphocyte count, and HIV viral load. RESULTS:
      After pharmacist intervention, DRPs decreased from 5.2 (95% confidence interval
      [CI] =4.1-6.2) to 4.2 (95% CI =3.3-5.1) per patient (P=0.043). A total of 122
      pharmacist interventions were proposed, with an average of 2.7 interventions per
      patient. All the pharmacist interventions were accepted by physicians, and among
      patients, the interventions were well accepted during the appointments, but
      compliance with the interventions was not measured. A statistically significant
      increase in CD4+ T-lymphocyte count in the intervention group was found (260.7
      cells/mm(3) [95% CI =175.8-345.6] to 312.0 cells/mm(3) [95% CI =23.5-40.6],
      P=0.015), which was not observed in the control group. There was no statistical
      difference between the groups regarding HIV viral load. CONCLUSION: This study
      suggests that pharmacist interventions in patients with HIV infection can cause
      an increase in CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts and a decrease in DRPs, demonstrating the
      importance of an optimal pharmaceutical care plan.

PMID- 25120366
TI  - Clinical and economic studies of eptifibatide in coronary stenting.
AB  - Platelet adhesion and aggregation at the site of coronary stenting can have
      catastrophic clinical and economic consequences. Therefore, effective platelet
      inhibition is vital during and after percutaneous coronary intervention.
      Eptifibatide is an intravenous antiplatelet agent that blocks the final common
      pathway of platelet aggregation and thrombus formation by binding to glycoprotein
      IIb/IIIa receptors on the surface of platelets. In clinical studies, eptifibatide
      was associated with a significant reduction of mortality, myocardial infarction,
      or target vessel revascularization in patients with acute coronary syndrome
      undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. However, recent trials conducted
      in the era of dual antiplatelet therapy and newer anticoagulants failed to
      demonstrate similar results. The previously seen favorable benefit of
      eptifibatide was mainly offset by the increased risk of bleeding. Current
      American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend
      its use as an adjunct in high-risk patients who are undergoing percutaneous
      coronary intervention with traditional anticoagulants (heparin or enoxaparin),
      who are not otherwise at high risk of bleeding. In patients receiving bivalirudin
      (a newer safer anticoagulant), routine use of eptifibatide is discouraged except
      in select situations (eg, angiographic complications). Although older
      pharmacoeconomic studies favor eptifibatide, in the current era of P2Y12
      inhibitors and newer safer anticoagulants, the increased costs associated with
      bleeding make the routine use of eptifibatide an economically nonviable option.
      The cost-effectiveness of eptifibatide with the use of strategies that decrease
      the bleeding risk (eg, transradial access) is unknown. This review provides an
      overview of key clinical and economic studies of eptifibatide well into the
      current era of potent antiplatelet agents, novel safer anticoagulants, and
      contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention. 

PMID- 25120370
TI  - The difficulties of interprofessional teamwork in diabetes care: a questionnaire
      survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a multifactorial disease and its nature means that
      interprofessional teamwork is essential for its treatment. However, in general,
      interprofessional teamwork has certain problems that impede its function. To
      clarify these problems in relation to diabetes care, a questionnaire survey was
      conducted. METHODS: The participants who were involved in diabetes-related
      educational seminars, and medical personnel who were engaged in diabetes care
      from the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, were asked to complete
      the questionnaire about perceptions of, and satisfaction with, interprofessional
      teamwork across multiple health care providers, who were actually involved in
      diabetes care. RESULTS: From 456 people who were asked to take the questionnaire,
      275 people answered. The percentages of the respondents according to profession
      who considered multidisciplinary teamwork sufficient were as follows: physicians,
      20.5%; nurses, 12.7%; registered dietitians, 29.6%; pharmacists, 21.9%;
      physiotherapists, 18.2%; and clinical laboratory technicians 15.4%. Insufficient
      interprofessional communication and inconsistency in motivation levels among
      staff were frequently cited as causes of insufficient teamwork. All professions
      considered interprofessional meetings or conferences necessary and essential for
      teamwork. CONCLUSION: The survey revealed that interprofessional teamwork in
      diabetes care is currently insufficient. Continuous efforts to change each
      profession's perceptions about interprofessional teamwork and efforts to improve
      the quality of interprofessional meetings are necessary.

PMID- 25120371
TI  - Silencing B7-H1 enhances the anti-tumor effect of bladder cancer antigen-loaded
      dendritic cell vaccine in vitro.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether short hairpin RNA (shRNA)
      expressing lentiviral particles targeting B7-H1 infection could result in B7-H1
      knockdown on dendritic cells (DCs) and to investigate whether B7-H1 silencing
      could augment the immune function of DCs and further elicit a more potent anti
      tumor immune effect against bladder cancer cells in vitro. METHODS: Monocyte
      derived DCs, which were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, were
      infected by a recombinant lentivirus containing shRNA sequence aimed at B7-H1.
      After that, the infected DCs were pulsed by tumor antigens and used to stimulate
      cytotoxic T lymphocytes-based anti-tumor effect in vitro. RESULTS: The lentivirus
      mediated shRNA delivery method efficiently and effectively silenced B7-H1 in DCs.
      Furthermore, the B7-H1 silencing enhanced the stimulatory capacity and the
      secretion of interleukin-12, but down-regulated interleukin-10 secretion. And
      more importantly, the anti-tumor effect of bladder cancer antigen-loaded DC
      vaccine in vitro was also potentially augmented. CONCLUSION: This study suggests
      that a combination of B7-H1 knockdown and target antigen delivery could augment
      anti-tumor effects in vitro, which potentially provides a novel strategy in the
      immunotherapy of bladder cancer.

PMID- 25120372
TI  - PKN1 modulates TGFbeta and EGF signaling in HEC-1-A endometrial cancer cell line.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The response of cells to TGFbeta and EGF is mediated by a network of
      various intracellular regulators. The signaling crosstalk between different
      regulators is of key importance for tumorigenesis. The crosstalk may explain the
      modulation of cellular responses to the same regulator by another signaling
      molecule. As PKN1 - a serine/threonine kinase implicated in tumorigenesis - was
      identified as potential crosstalk node for TGFbeta and EGF signaling, the
      cellular functions that may be affected by PKN1 in a crosstalk of TGFbeta and EGF
      were explored. METHODS: To investigate the contribution of PKN1 to TGFbeta and
      EGF signaling, transiently PKN1-transfected HEC-1-A endometrial cancer cells were
      generated and subjected to treatment with TGFbeta1, EGF, and their combination.
      Proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, wound healing, and migration assays were
      performed. The impact of PKN1 on the expression and phosphorylation of
      intracellular proteins was monitored by immunoblotting. RESULTS: It was
      demonstrated that PKN1 modulated the responses of HEC-A-1 endometrial cancer
      cells to TGFbeta1 and EGF. PKN1 had an inhibitory effect on the stimulation of
      cell migration, and PKN1 kinase activity was required for the inhibitory effect
      of TGFbeta and EGF on cell proliferation and invasiveness. It was observed that
      phosphorylation of Smad2, FAK, and Erk1/2 correlated with responses of the cells
      to TGFbeta1 and EGF. CONCLUSION: PKN1 modulates TGFbeta- and EGF-dependent
      regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, and therefore is a
      component of the network signaling downstream of TGFbeta and EGF.

PMID- 25120373
TI  - A community-based exercise intervention transitions metabolically abnormal obese
      adults to a metabolically healthy obese phenotype.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lower habitual physical activity and poor cardiorespiratory fitness
      are common features of the metabolically abnormal obese (MAO) phenotype that
      contribute to increased cardiovascular disease risk. The aims of the present
      study were to determine 1) whether community-based exercise training transitions
      MAO adults to metabolically healthy, and 2) whether the odds of transition to
      metabolically healthy were larger for obese individuals who performed higher
      volumes of exercise and/or experienced greater increases in fitness. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome components were measured in 332 adults (190 women,
      142 men) before and after a supervised 14-week community-based exercise program
      designed to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors. Obese (body mass index >=30 kg .
      m(2)) adults with two to four metabolic syndrome components were classified as
      MAO, whereas those with no or one component were classified as metabolically
      healthy but obese (MHO). After community exercise, 27/68 (40%) MAO individuals
      (P<0.05) transitioned to metabolically healthy, increasing the total number of
      MHO persons by 73% (from 37 to 64). Compared with the lowest quartiles of
      relative energy expenditure and change in fitness, participants in the highest
      quartiles were 11.6 (95% confidence interval: 2.1-65.4; P<0.05) and 7.5 (95%
      confidence interval: 1.5-37.5; P<0.05) times more likely to transition from MAO
      to MHO, respectively. CONCLUSION: Community-based exercise transitions MAO adults
      to metabolically healthy. MAO adults who engaged in higher volumes of exercise
      and experienced the greatest increase in fitness were significantly more likely
      to become metabolically healthy. Community exercise may be an effective model for
      primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 25120374
TI  - Diabetes disease progression in Goto-Kakizaki rats: effects of salsalate
      treatment.
AB  - This study investigates the antidiabetic effects of salsalate on disease
      progression of diabetes in non-obese diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, an
      experimental model of type 2 diabetes. Salsalate was formulated in rat chow
      (1,000 ppm) and used to feed rats from 5 to 21 weeks of age. At 5 weeks of age,
      GK and Wistar (WIS) control rats were subdivided into four groups, each composed
      of six rats: GK rats with standard diet (GK-C); GK rats with salsalate-containing
      diet (GK-S); WIS rats with standard diet (WIS-C); and WIS rats with salsalate
      containing diet (WIS-S). The GK-C rats (167.2+/-11.6 mg/dL) showed higher blood
      glucose concentrations than WIS-C rats (133.7+/-4.9 mg/dL, P<0.001) at the
      beginning of the experiment, and had substantially elevated blood glucose from an
      age of 15 weeks until sacrifice at 21 weeks (341.0+/-133.6 mg/dL). The GK-S rats
      showed an almost flat profile of blood glucose from 4 weeks (165.1+/-11.0 mg/dL)
      until sacrifice at 21 weeks of age (203.7+/-22.2 mg/dL). While this difference in
      blood glucose between 4 and 21 weeks in GK-S animals was significant, blood
      glucose at 21 weeks was significantly lower in GK-S compared to GK-C animals. At
      sacrifice, salsalate decreased plasma insulin (GK-S =1.0+/-0.3; GK-C =2.0+/-0.3
      ng/mL, P<0.001) and increased plasma adiponectin concentrations (GK-S =15.9+/
      0.7; GK-C =9.7+/-2.0 MUg/mL, P<0.001). Salsalate also lowered total cholesterol
      in GK-S rats (96.1+/-8.5 mg/dL) compared with GK-C rats (128.0+/-11.4 mg/dL,
      P<0.001). Inflammation-related genes (Ifit1 and Iigp1) exhibited much higher mRNA
      expression in GK-C rats than WIS-C rats in liver, adipose, and muscle tissues,
      while salsalate decreased the Ifit1 and Iigp1 mRNA only in adipose tissue. These
      results suggest that salsalate acts to both increase adiponectin and decrease
      adipose tissue-based inflammation while preventing type 2 diabetes disease
      progression in GK rats. 

PMID- 25120375
TI  - Transdermal fentanyl patch for postoperative analgesia in total knee
      arthroplasty: a randomized double-blind controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of a transdermal fentanyl patch (TFP) (50
      MUg/hour) applied 10-12 hours before surgery versus placebo for postoperative
      pain control of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled
      40 patients undergoing elective TKA under spinal anesthesia using isobaric or
      hyperbaric bupivacaine. Subjects were randomized to receive a TFP (Duragesic((r))
      50 MUg/hour) or placebo patch applied with a self-adhesive to the anterior chest
      wall 10-12 hours before spinal anesthesia. Every patient was given patient
      controlled morphine for postoperative pain control. Patients were evaluated every
      4 hours until 48 hours. RESULTS: Morphine consumption at 24 and 48 hours in the
      TFP group versus the placebo group was 15.40+/-12.65 and 24.90+/-20.11 mg versus
      33.60+/-19.06 and 57.80+/-12.65 mg (P<=0.001). Numeric rating scale scores at
      rest and during movement over 48 hours were lower in the TFP group. Ambulation
      and nausea/vomiting scores were statistically greater, but not clinically
      significant in the TFP group. Sedation scores were low and not statistically
      significantly different between groups. There was no severe respiratory
      depression. CONCLUSION: TFP (50 MUg/hour) applied 10-12 hours before surgery can
      effectively and safely decrease morphine consumption and pain scores during the
      first 48 hours after TKA surgery.

PMID- 25120378
TI  - "One for all and all for one": consensus-building within communities in rural
      India on their health microinsurance package.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study deals with consensus by poor persons in the informal
      sector in rural India on the benefit-package of their community-based health
      insurance (CBHI). In this article we describe the process of involving rural poor
      in benefit-package design and assess the underlying reasons for choices they made
      and their ability to reach group consensus. METHODS: The benefit-package
      selection process entailed four steps: narrowing down the options by community
      representatives, plus three Choosing Healthplans All Together (CHAT) rounds
      conducted among female members of self-help groups. We use mixed-methods and four
      sources of data: baseline study, CHAT exercises, in-depth interviews, and
      evaluation questionnaires. We define consensus as a community resolution reached
      by discussion, considering all opinions, and to which everyone agrees. We use the
      coefficient of unalikeability to express consensus quantitatively (as variability
      of categorical variables) rather than just categorically (as a binomial Yes/No).
      FINDINGS: The coefficient of unalikeability decreased consistently over
      consecutive CHAT rounds, reaching zero (ie, 100% consensus) in two locations, and
      confirmed gradual adoption of consensus. Evaluation interviews revealed that the
      wish to be part of a consensus was dominant in all locations. The in-depth
      interviews indicated that people enjoyed the participatory deliberations, were
      satisfied with the selection, and that group decisions reflected a consensus
      rather than majority. Moreover, evidence suggests that pre-selectors and
      communities aimed to enhance the likelihood that many households would benefit
      from CBHI. CONCLUSION: The voluntary and contributory CBHI relies on an engaging
      experience with others to validate perceived priorities of the target group. The
      strongest motive for choice was the wish to join a consensus (more than price or
      package-composition) and the intention that many members should benefit. The
      degree of consensus improved with iterative CHAT rounds. Harnessing group
      consensus requires catalytic intervention, as the process is not spontaneous.

PMID- 25120377
TI  - Spiritual and religious aspects of skin and skin disorders.
AB  - Skin and skin disorders have had spiritual aspects since ancient times. Skin,
      hair, and nails are visible to self and others, and touchable by self and others.
      The skin is a major sensory organ. Skin also expresses emotions detectable by
      others through pallor, coldness, "goose bumps", redness, warmth, or sweating.
      Spiritual and religious significances of skin are revealed through how much of
      the skin has been and continues to be covered with what types of coverings, scalp
      and beard hair cutting, shaving and styling, skin, nail, and hair coloring and
      decorating, tattooing, and intentional scarring of skin. Persons with visible
      skin disorders have often been stigmatized or even treated as outcasts. Shamans
      and other spiritual and religious healers have brought about healing of skin
      disorders through spiritual means. Spiritual and religious interactions with
      various skin disorders such as psoriasis, leprosy, and vitiligo are discussed.
      Religious aspects of skin and skin diseases are evaluated for several major
      religions, with a special focus on Judaism, both conventional and kabbalistic. 

PMID- 25120379
TI  - Empathy levels among first year Malaysian medical students: an observational
      study.

PMID- 25120376
TI  - Noncontraceptive benefits of the estradiol valerate/dienogest combined oral
      contraceptive: a review of the literature.
AB  - Combined oral contraceptives formulated to include estradiol (E2) have recently
      become available for the indication of pregnancy prevention. A combined estradiol
      valerate and dienogest pill (E2V/DNG), designed to be administered using an
      estrogen step-down and a progestin step-up regimen over 26 days of active
      treatment followed by 2 days of placebo (26/2-day regimen), has also undergone
      research to assess the potential for additional noncontraceptive benefits.
      Randomized, placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated that E2V/DNG is an
      effective treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding - a reduction in median
      menstrual blood loss approaching 90% occurs after 6 months of treatment. To date,
      E2V/DNG is the only oral contraceptive approved for this indication. Comparator
      studies have also demonstrated a reduction in hormone withdrawal-associated
      symptoms in users of E2V/DNG compared with a conventional 21/7-day regimen of
      ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel. Other potential noncontraceptive benefits
      associated with E2V/DNG, like improvement in dysmenorrhea, sexual function, and
      quality of life, are comparable with those associated with other combined oral
      contraceptives and are discussed further in this review. 

PMID- 25120380
TI  - Primary healthcare system and practice characteristics in Singapore.
AB  - It is crucial to adapt and improve the (primary) health care systems of countries
      to prepare for future patient profiles and their related needs. The main aim of
      this study was to acquire a comprehensive overview of the perceptions of primary
      care experts in Singapore about the state of primary care in Singapore, and to
      compare this with the state of primary care in other countries. Notwithstanding
      ranked 2(nd) in terms of efficiency of health care, Singapore is facing
      significant health care challenges. Emails were sent to 85 experts, where they
      were asked to rate Singapore's primary care system based on nine internationally
      adopted health system characteristics and six practice characteristics (response
      rate = 29%). The primary care system in Singapore received an average of 10.9 out
      of 30 possible points. Lowest ratings were given to: earnings of primary care
      physicians compared to specialists, requirement for 24 hr accessibility of
      primary care services, standard of family medicine in academic departments,
      reflection of community served by practices in patient lists, and the access to
      specialists without needing to be referred by primary care physicians. Singapore
      was categorized as a 'low' primary care country according to the experts. 

PMID- 25120381
TI  - An exploration of self-management support in the context of palliative nursing: a
      modified concept analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of self-management is often ambiguous, yet, it is an
      important area in clinical practice for palliative nurses. A clear conceptual
      understanding, however, of what it represents is lacking. METHOD: This paper
      reports an analysis of the concept of self-management support in palliative
      nursing. Avant and Walker's method was used to guide this concept analysis. A
      search of electronic databases (1990-2013), use of internet search engines and
      supplementary hand searching produced an international data set of reviews,
      empirical research, editorials, protocols and guidelines. RESULTS: Based on the
      analysis self-management support in palliative nursing has been defined as
      assessing, planning, and implementing appropriate care to enable the patient to
      live until they die and supporting the patient to be given the means to master or
      deal with their illness or their effects of their illness themselves.
      CONCLUSIONS: Clarity with the concept of self-management support and palliative
      nursing could enable nurses to provide more patient and family centred care to
      people facing life threatening illnesses.

PMID- 25120382
TI  - Metformin inhibition of neuroblastoma cell proliferation is differently modulated
      by cell differentiation induced by retinoic acid or overexpression of NDM29 non
      coding RNA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metformin is a widely used oral hypoglycemizing agent recently
      proposed as potential anti-cancer drug. In this study we report the
      antiproliferative effect of metformin treatment in a high risk neuroblastoma cell
      model, focusing on possible effects associated to different levels of
      differentiation and/or tumor initiating potential. METHODS: Antiproliferative and
      cytotoxic effects of metformin were tested in human SKNBE2 and SH-SY5Y
      neuroblastoma cell lines and in SKNBE2 cells in which differentiation is induced
      by retinoic acid treatment or stable overexpression of NDM29 non-coding RNA, both
      conditions characterized by a neuron-like differentiated phenotype. RESULTS: We
      found that metformin significantly inhibits the proliferation of NB cells, an
      effect that correlates with the inhibition of Akt, while AMPK activity resulted
      unchanged. Notably, metformin effects were modulated in a different ways by
      differentiating stimuli, being abolished after retinoic acid treatment but
      potentiated by overexpression of NDM29. CONCLUSION: These data suggest the
      efficacy of metformin as neuroblastoma anticancer agent, and support the
      requirement of further studies on the possible role of the differentiation status
      on the antiproliferative effects of this drug.

PMID- 25120385
TI  - The in-hospital consultation today: whom does it best serve?

PMID- 25120383
TI  - New strategy to control cell migration and metastasis regulated by CCN2/CTGF.
AB  - Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)/CCN family member 2 (CCN2) is a CCN family
      member of matricellular signaling modulators. It has been shown that CCN2/CTGF
      mediates cell adhesion, aggregation and migration in a large variety of cell
      types, including vascular endothelial cells, fibroblasts, epithelial cells,
      aortic smooth muscle and also pluripotent stem cells. Others matricellular
      proteins are capable of interacting with CCN2/CTGF to mediate its function. Cell
      migration is a key feature for tumor cell invasion and metastasis. CCN2/CTGF
      seems to be a prognostic marker for cancer. In addition, here we intend to
      discuss recent discoveries and a new strategy to develop therapies against
      CCN2/CTGF, in order to treat cancer metastasis. 

PMID- 25120386
TI  - The man in the waiting room.

PMID- 25120384
TI  - hsa-mir-30c promotes the invasive phenotype of metastatic breast cancer cells by
      targeting NOV/CCN3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For treatment and prevention of metastatic disease, one of the
      premier challenges is the identification of pathways and proteins to target for
      clinical intervention. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs, which
      regulate cellular activities by either mRNA degradation or translational
      inhibition. Our studies focused on the invasive properties of hsa-mir30c based on
      its high expression in MDA-MB-231 metastatic cells and our bioinformatic analysis
      of the Cancer Genome Atlas that identified aberrant hsa-mir-30c to be associated
      with poor survival. METHODS: Contributions of hsa-mir-30c to breast cancer cell
      invasion were examined by Matrigel invasion transwell assays following modulation
      of hsa-mir-30c or hsa-mir-30c* levels in MDA-MB-231 cells. hsa-mir-30c in silico
      predicted targets linked to cell invasion were screened for targeting by hsa-mir
      30c in metastatic breast cancer cells by RT-qPCR. The contribution to invasion by
      a target of hsa-mir-30c, Nephroblastoma overexpressed (NOV), was characterized by
      siRNA and invasion assays. Significant effects were determined using Student's T
      tests with Welch's correction for unequal variance. RESULTS: MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231
      cells were used as models of poorly invasive and late-stage metastatic disease,
      respectively. By modulating the levels of hsa-mir-30c in these cells, we observed
      concomitant changes in breast cancer cell invasiveness. From predicted targets of
      hsa-mir-30c that were related to cellular migration and invasion, NOV/CCN3 was
      identified as a novel target of hsa-mir-30c. Depleting NOV by siRNA caused a
      significant increase in the invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 cells is a regulatory
      protein associated with the extracellular matrix. CONCLUSIONS: NOV/CCN3
      expression, which protects cells from invasion, is known in patient tumors to
      inversely correlate with advanced breast cancer and metastasis. This study has
      identified a novel target of hsa-mir-30c, NOV, which is an inhibitor of the
      invasiveness of metastatic breast cancer cells. Thus, hsa-mir-30c-mediated
      inhibition of NOV levels promotes the invasive phenotype of MDA-MB-231 cells and
      significantly, the miR-30/NOV pathways is independent of RUNX2, a known target of
      hsa-mir-30c that promotes osteolytic disease in metastatic breast cancer cells.
      Our findings allow for mechanistic insight into the clinical observation of poor
      survival of patients with elevated hsa-mir-30c levels, which can be considered
      for miRNA-based translational studies.

PMID- 25120387
TI  - Percutaneous closure versus medical therapy alone for cryptogenic stroke patients
      with a patent foramen ovale: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - Of cryptogenic stroke patients younger than 55 years of age, up to 61% have had a
      patent foramen ovale (PFO). Observational studies have revealed reductions in
      recurrent neurologic events through PFO closure versus medical therapy, and
      randomized controlled trials have shown nonsignificant trends toward benefit. We
      systematically searched for randomized controlled trials of percutaneous PFO
      closure with medical therapy versus medical therapy alone in patients with
      cryptogenic stroke and performed a meta-analysis of treatment outcomes. The
      primary endpoint was combined death, stroke, and transient ischemic attack. We
      included 3 trials. Of 2,303 total patients, 1,150 underwent PFO closure and 1,153
      received medical therapy (median follow-up period, 2.6 yr). The pooled incidence
      of the primary endpoint was 1.2 events per 100 patient-years in the closure group
      (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-2.3) and 1.8 in the therapy group (95% CI, 0.7
      2.9) (P=0.32); the number needed to treat was 167 (range, 100-500). The
      corresponding pooled hazard ratio was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.44-1.01; P=0.054) in favor
      of closure. Closure was associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation:
      relative risk=3.51 (95% CI, 1.44-8.55; P=0.006). When stratified by device, use
      of the AmplatzerTM PFO Occluder resulted in significant stroke-prevention benefit
      over medical therapy alone: hazard ratio=0.44 (95% CI, 0.21-0.95; P=0.037). When
      compared with medical therapy alone, PFO closure with medical therapy showed a
      trend toward a decreased hazard of combined events, although the absolute event
      reduction was small and the number needed to treat was high.

PMID- 25120388
TI  - Abdominal fat suspension device for maintaining normal cardiorespiratory function
      in patients undergoing conscious sedation during surgery: a feasibility study.
AB  - Obese patients undergoing conscious-sedation surgery have increased perioperative
      morbidity because their excess abdominal tissue limits diaphragmatic excursion.
      We describe a simple device that might help attenuate this risk. We created a
      noninvasive suction device for abdominal suspension. By lifting the burden of
      excess weight, this device should decrease respiratory effort. To test the
      feasibility of excess weight removal in relieving cardiac stress, we tested 22
      supine, healthy, normal-weight subjects by measuring their heart rates with and
      without a 13-kg tissue model on their abdomen to simulate excess weight. There
      was no significant difference in blood oxygen saturation before and after weight
      removal (P=0.318). However, the decrease in heart rate was significant (P
      <0.0001; paired 2-sample, one-tailed t test), which implies decreased respiratory
      effort. This result suggests the possibility that abdominal mass suspension in
      obese patients is associated with decreased respiratory effort. 

PMID- 25120389
TI  - Use of oversized injectable valves in growing children for total repair of right
      ventricular outflow tract anomalies (preliminary results).
AB  - Right ventricular outflow tract surgery was originally confined to transannular
      patching, in the belief that pulmonary regurgitation was well tolerated. Because
      follow-up evaluations revealed the deleterious effects of pulmonary
      regurgitation, surgery today aims to spare or replace the valve. Available
      replacement devices have short lifetimes, considering growth mismatch in
      children. We hypothesize that oversizing the right infundibulum anticipates
      growth and that a squeezed prosthesis can complete the expansion process. The No
      React(r) Injectable BioPulmonic Valve is designed for right infundibular surgery
      in adults, and hundreds of implants have shown promising results. We used this
      device for surgery in babies, with the addition of an innovative oversizing
      technique. This study evaluates our preliminary results and investigates whether
      such a technique might reduce growth mismatch. From September 2010 through July
      2012, we implanted 11 injectable pulmonic valves. The median age of our patients
      was 23 months. After opening the right infundibulum, we enlarged it as much as
      possible with a wide patch. Before completing the patch suture, we injected an
      oversized valve. No problems occurred during surgery. No major insufficiency or
      leak was observed. We conclude that prostheses can be quite oversized and perform
      well even when not completely expanded. Oversized injectable pulmonic valves,
      shrunken to a smaller diameter, enabled the implantation of a device wider than
      otherwise possible, without affecting performance. Moreover, the prosthesis
      tended to return to its original size following growth, thereby reducing growth
      mismatch. Longer follow-up and larger numbers of patients are needed for
      verification.

PMID- 25120390
TI  - Left ventricular remodeling after late revascularization correlates with baseline
      viability.
AB  - The ideal management of stable patients who present late after acute ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) is still a matter of conjecture. We hypothesized
      that the extent of improvement in left ventricular function after successful
      revascularization in this subset was related to the magnitude of viability in the
      infarct-related artery territory. However, few studies correlate the improvement
      of left ventricular function with the magnitude of residual viability in patients
      who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention in this setting. In 68 patients
      who presented later than 24 hours after a confirmed first STEMI, we performed
      resting, nitroglycerin-enhanced, technetium-99m sestamibi single-photon emission
      computed tomography-myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) before percutaneous
      coronary intervention, and again 6 months afterwards. Patients whose baseline
      viable myocardium in the infarct-related artery territory was more than 50%, 20%
      to 50%, and less than 20% were divided into Groups 1, 2, and 3 (mildly,
      moderately, and severely reduced viability, respectively). At follow-up, there
      was significant improvement in end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and
      left ventricular ejection fraction in Groups 1 and 2, but not in Group 3. We
      conclude that even late revascularization of the infarct-related artery yields
      significant improvement in left ventricular remodeling. In patients with more
      than 20% viable myocardium in the infarct-related artery territory, the extent of
      improvement in left ventricular function depends upon the amount of viable
      myocardium present. The SPECT-MPI can be used as a guide for choosing patients
      for revascularization. 

PMID- 25120391
TI  - Heart failure in remission for more than 13 years after removal of a left
      ventricular assist device.
AB  - Mechanical cardiac unloading with use of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
      is associated with substantial improvements in left ventricular function and
      enables subsequent LVAD explantation in some patients. We describe the case of a
      35-year-old man with dilated nonischemic cardiomyopathy who was supported with an
      LVAD for 9 months. After the device was removed, he led a normal life for 13
      years and 4 months. However, at 49 years of age, he presented with new signs and
      symptoms of heart failure, necessitating implantation of a 2nd LVAD. Afterwards,
      he has remained asymptomatic. This case is unique in that the patient lived a
      normal life for longer than a decade before renewed left ventricular
      decompensation necessitated repeat LVAD therapy. Histologic examination revealed
      few changes between the first device's removal in 1999 and the 2nd device's
      implantation in 2012. 

PMID- 25120392
TI  - Myxoma of the left ventricle.
AB  - This report concerns a 69-year-old woman who presented with an asymptomatic
      myxoma in the left ventricle. The tumor was successfully excised. We provide a
      very brief review of 72 other published cases of surgically treated left
      ventricular myxoma. 

PMID- 25120393
TI  - Nontyphoidal cardiac salmonellosis: two case reports and a review of the
      literature.
AB  - Nontyphoidal Salmonella, especially Salmonella enterica, is a rare cause of
      endocarditis and pericarditis that carries a high mortality rate. Proposed
      predisposing conditions include immunodeficiency states, congenital heart
      defects, and cardiac valve diseases. We present 2 cases of cardiovascular
      salmonellosis. The first case is that of a 73-year-old woman with mechanical
      mitral and bioprosthetic aortic valves who died from sequelae of nontyphoidal
      Salmonella mitral valve vegetation, aortic valve abscess, and sepsis. The second
      case is that of a 62-year-old man with a recent systemic lupus erythematosus
      exacerbation treated with oral steroids, who presented with obstructive features
      of tamponade and sepsis secondary to a large S. enteritidis purulent pericardial
      cyst. He recovered after emergent pericardial drainage and antibiotic therapy.
      Identifying patients at risk of cardiovascular salmonellosis is important for
      early diagnosis and treatment to minimize sequelae and death. We reviewed the
      literature to identify the predisposing risk factors of nontyphoidal Salmonella
      cardiac infection. 

PMID- 25120394
TI  - Left ventricular aneurysm repair with use of a bovine pericardial patch.
AB  - Left ventricular aneurysm, which can impair systolic function, has a reported
      incidence of 10% to 35% in patients after myocardial infarction. In a 58-year-old
      woman who had a history of myocardial infarction, we excised a large left
      ventricular aneurysm and restored left ventricular geometry with use of a bovine
      pericardial patch. The aneurysm's characteristics and the patient's preoperative
      left ventricular ejection fraction of 0.25 had indicated surgical intervention.
      The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, and her left ventricular
      ejection fraction was 0.50 to 0.55 on the 4th postoperative day. This case
      illustrates the value of surgical treatment for patients who have a debilitating
      left ventricular aneurysm. 

PMID- 25120395
TI  - Coarctation of persistent 5th aortic arch: first report of catheter-based
      intervention.
AB  - Persistent 5th aortic arch, originally called double-lumen aortic arch, is a
      rarely reported cardiac developmental anomaly that results in systemic-to
      systemic or systemic-to-pulmonary shunting. When this malformation occurs, other
      intracardiac defects are almost always present. We report the case of a 7-month
      old girl who presented with a heart murmur; she was found to have an interrupted
      4th aortic arch and coarctation of a persistent 5th aortic arch, with no other
      defects. To our knowledge, this is the 3rd report of a pediatric patient with
      this condition in isolation, and the first report of its diagnosis and treatment
      by means of cardiac catheterization and balloon angioplasty. 

PMID- 25120396
TI  - Left main coronary artery obstruction by dislodged native-valve calculus after
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
AB  - Transcatheter aortic valve replacement can be an effective, reliable treatment
      for severe aortic stenosis in surgically high-risk or ineligible patients.
      However, various sequelae like coronary artery obstruction can occur, not only in
      the long term, but also immediately after the procedure. We present the case of a
      78-year-old woman whose left main coronary artery became obstructed with calculus
      2 hours after the transfemoral implantation of an Edwards Sapien XT aortic valve.
      Despite percutaneous coronary intervention in that artery, the patient died. This
      case reminds us that early recognition of acute coronary obstruction and prompt
      intervention are crucial in patients with aortic stenosis who have undergone
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

PMID- 25120397
TI  - Cor triatriatum dexter and atrial septal defect in a 43-year-old woman.
AB  - Cor triatriatum dexter is a rare congenital heart anomaly in which a membrane
      divides the right atrium into 2 chambers. We report the case of a 43-year-old
      woman who had cor triatriatum dexter and a large atrial septal defect. During
      attempted percutaneous closure, the balloon disrupted the membrane and revealed
      that the defect had no inferior rim, precluding secure placement of an Amplatzer
      Septal Occluder. Surgical treatment subsequently proved to be successful. In
      patients with an incomplete membrane and a septal defect with well-defined rims,
      percutaneous treatment can be the first choice. In patients who have cor
      triatriatum dexter and unfavorable anatomic features or concomitant complex heart
      anomalies, open-heart surgery remains the gold standard for treatment. 

PMID- 25120398
TI  - Concomitant reconstruction of arch vessels during repair of aortic dissection.
AB  - Surgery for acute aortic dissection is challenging, especially in cases of
      cerebral malperfusion. Should we perform only the aortic repair, or should we
      also reconstruct the arch vessels when they are severely affected by the disease
      process? Here we present a case of acute aortic dissection with multiple tears
      that involved the brachiocephalic artery and caused cerebral and right upper
      extremity malperfusion. The patient successfully underwent complete replacement
      of the brachiocephalic artery and the aortic arch during deep hypothermic
      circulatory arrest, with antegrade cerebral protection. We have found this
      technique to be safe and reproducible for use in this group of patients. 

PMID- 25120399
TI  - Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by double-chambered right
      ventricle presenting in adulthood.
AB  - Congenital heart diseases that cause obstruction of the right ventricular outflow
      tract are often difficult to diagnose. We report the case of a 49-year-old man
      who presented with long-standing shortness of breath on exertion. Imaging
      revealed right ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by a double-chambered
      right ventricle, and he was referred for surgical correction. This case
      emphasizes both the detailed perioperative evaluation that is needed when
      diagnosing adults who present with manifestations of congenital heart disease and
      a method of successful surgical correction that resulted in symptom resolution.

PMID- 25120400
TI  - Penetrating nail-gun injury of the heart managed by adenosine-induced asystole in
      the absence of a heart-lung machine.
AB  - During his work, an 18-year-old carpenter-in-training overbalanced and shot
      himself in the left median thorax with a nail gun. The patient was delivered to
      our thoracic surgery unit with a tentative diagnosis of penetrating lung trauma.
      An emergent computed tomogram showed a heart-penetrating nail injury. The patient
      was taken to the operating room, where he underwent emergency surgery that
      included sternotomy, pericardiotomy, extraction of the nail, and trauma treatment
      of the heart injury. The surgery was performed in a unit without a heart-lung
      machine. For that reason, asystole was chemically induced by the intravenous
      administration of adenosine. The surgery was successful, and the patient was
      discharged from the hospital on the 10th postoperative day. In cases of
      penetrating injuries of the heart, especially those with a foreign body retained
      in situ, we believe that the intravenous administration of adenosine is an
      elegant solution for the rapid provocation of asystole. In contrast to other
      methods, adenosine-induced asystole enables relatively safe myocardial
      manipulation in the absence of a cardiac surgical unit and a heart-lung machine. 

PMID- 25120402
TI  - Septic coronary artery embolism treated with aspiration thrombectomy: case report
      and review of literature.
AB  - Coronary embolization is a potentially fatal sequela of endocarditis. We report a
      case of Candida endocarditis with septic embolism to the left anterior descending
      coronary artery. This embolism was successfully treated with aspiration
      thrombectomy followed by balloon angioplasty. The treatment of acute coronary
      syndrome in the presence of septic embolism is controversial. Aspiration
      thrombectomy has been performed in this situation before, and it appears to be
      safer and more feasible than is thrombolysis or percutaneous transluminal
      angioplasty.

PMID- 25120401
TI  - Intimal sarcoma in the aortic arch partially obstructing the aorta with
      metastasis to the brain.
AB  - Primary tumors of the aorta are rare entities. We report the unusual
      manifestation of an aortic intimal sarcoma that presented as a brain metastasis
      in a 56-year-old, otherwise healthy woman. After the brain mass had been
      resected, multiple imaging methods revealed pseudocoarctation and the primary
      tumor in the aortic arch. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the
      diagnosis of an aortic intimal sarcoma with use of real-time, 3-dimensional
      transesophageal echocardiography.

PMID- 25120403
TI  - Intraoperative surgical sealant application during cardiac defect repair.
AB  - Bleeding can occur as a sequela to cardiac surgery. Surgical products-such as
      conventional sutures and clips, and somewhat less conventional sealants-have been
      developed to prevent this event. Among these, CoSeal is a sealant used at our
      institution; here we report the cases of 2 patients in whom CoSeal was used
      successfully as either a supplement or an alternative to suture repair. This
      sealant was found to be useful in attaining hemostasis both in high-pressure
      ventricular repair and in the rupture of a friable coronary sinus adjacent to
      vital structures (in this instance, a left circumflex coronary artery). 

PMID- 25120404
TI  - Left-atrial-appendage occluder migrates in an asymptomatic patient.
AB  - Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a new approach to the
      prevention of cardioembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation. We
      implanted an LAA occlusion device (AmplatzerTM Cardiac Plug) in a 70-year-old
      woman via a transseptal approach. Upon her discharge from the hospital, a
      transthoracic echocardiogram showed stable anchoring of the device; 6 months
      after implantation, a routine transthoracic echocardiogram revealed migration of
      the occluder into the left ventricular outflow tract, in the absence of symptoms.
      We surgically removed the device from the mitral subvalvular apparatus and closed
      the LAA with sutures. This case shows that percutaneous LAA occlusion can result
      in serious adverse events, including device migration in the absence of signs or
      symptoms; therefore, careful follow-up monitoring is mandatory. 

PMID- 25120405
TI  - Finding a lost coronary stent months later with use of multimethod imaging.

PMID- 25120406
TI  - Commissural prolapse of the mitral valve identified on 3-dimensional
      transesophageal echocardiography.

PMID- 25120407
TI  - Association of left ventricular noncompaction with polycystic kidney disease as
      shown by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

PMID- 25120408
TI  - Acute paraplegia during weightlifting: an unusual vascular catastrophe.

PMID- 25120409
TI  - More on weightlifting injuries.

PMID- 25120410
TI  - Low-amplitude electrocardiogram in a patient with atrial fibrillation, direct
      current electrical cardioversion, and takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 25120412
TI  - Yet another Bradford's law: new evidence on integrated care from Japan.

PMID- 25120411
TI  - Health related quality of life and parental perceptions of child vulnerability
      among parents of a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: results from a web
      based survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A chronic illness, such as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), has
      an impact on the whole family, especially on parents caring for the ill child.
      Therefore the aim of this study is to evaluate parental Health Related Quality of
      Life (HRQOL) and parental perceptions of child vulnerability (PPCV) and
      associated variables in parents of a child with JIA. METHODS: Parents of all JIA
      patients (0-18 years) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, were eligible. HRQOL was
      measured using the TNO-AZL Questionnaire (TAAQOL) and PPCV using the Child
      Vulnerability Scale (CVS). The HRQOL of parents of a child with JIA was compared
      to a norm population, and differences between parents of a child with JIA and
      active arthritis versus parents of a child with JIA without active arthritis were
      analyzed (ANOVA). For PPCV, parents of a child with JIA were compared to a norm
      population, including healthy and chronically ill children (Chi(2), Mann-Whitney
      U test). Variables associated with PPCV were identified by logistic regression
      analyses. RESULTS: 155 parents (87.5% mothers) completed online questionnaires.
      JIA parents showed worse HRQOL than parents of healthy children on one out of
      twelve domains: fine motor HRQOL (p < .001). Parents of children with active
      arthritis showed worse HRQOL regarding daily activities (p < .05), cognitive
      functioning (p < .01) and depressive emotions (p < .05) compared to parents of
      children without active arthritis. Parents of children with JIA perceived their
      child as more vulnerable than parents of a healthy child (p < .001) and parents
      of a chronically ill child (p < .001). Parents of children with active arthritis
      reported higher levels of PPCV (p < .05) than parents of children without active
      arthritis. A higher degree of functional disability (p < .01) and shorter disease
      duration (p < .05) were associated with higher levels of PPCV. CONCLUSION: The
      HRQOL of JIA parents was comparable to the HRQOL of parents of a healthy child.
      JIA parents of a child with active arthritis showed worse HRQOL than parents of a
      child without active arthritis. Parents perceived their child with JIA as
      vulnerable.

PMID- 25120413
TI  - Methodological development of the interactive INTERLINKS Framework for Long-term
      Care.
AB  - There is increasing international research into health and social care services
      for older people in need of long-term care (LTC), but problems remain with
      respect to acquiring robust comparative information to enable judgements to be
      made regarding the most beneficial and cost-effective approaches. The project
      'INTERLINKS' ('Health systems and LTC for older people in Europe') funded by the
      EU 7th Framework programme was developed to address the challenges associated
      with the accumulation and comparison of evidence in LTC across Europe. It
      developed a concept and method to describe and analyse LTC and its links with the
      health and social care system through the accumulation of policy and practice
      examples on an interactive web-based framework for LTC. This paper provides a
      critical overview of the theoretical and methodological approaches used to
      develop and implement the INTERLINKS Framework for LTC, with the aim of providing
      some guidance to researchers in this area. INTERLINKS has made a significant
      contribution to knowledge but robust evidence and comparability across European
      countries remain problematic due to the current and growing complexity and
      diversity of integrated LTC implementation. 

PMID- 25120414
TI  - Esophageal Perforation due to Transesophageal Echocardiogram: New Endoscopic Clip
      Treatment.
AB  - Esophageal perforation due to transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) during cardiac
      surgery is rare. A 72-year-old female underwent TEE during an operation for
      aortic valve replacement. Further, the patient presented hematemesis. Gastroscopy
      revealed an esophageal bleeding ulcer. Endoscopic therapy was successful.
      Although a CT scan excluded perforation, the patient became febrile, and a second
      gastroscopy revealed a big perforation at the site of ulcer. The patient's
      clinical condition required endoscopic intervention with a new OTSC((r)) clip
      (Ovesco Endoscopy, Tubingen, Germany). The perforation was successfully sealed.
      The patient remained on intravenous antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors and
      parenteral nutrition for few days, followed by enteral feeding. She was
      discharged fully recovered 3 months later. We clearly demonstrate an effective,
      less invasive treatment of an esophageal perforation with a new endoscopic clip. 

PMID- 25120415
TI  - Severe Colitis Associated with both Epstein-Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus
      Reactivation in a Patient with Severe Aplastic Anemia.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are members of the herpesvirus
      family and common causes of viral infection in humans. CMV infection of the
      gastrointestinal tract occurs mainly in immunocompromised individuals, on the
      other hand EBV infection and reactivation involving the gastrointestinal tract is
      very rare. A 56-year-old man was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia and
      treated with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine (CSP). After 2 years
      of ATG/CSP therapy, he suddenly started passing bloody diarrhea and developed a
      high fever despite CSP treatment. Endoscopic features included severe edema and
      multiple superficial ulcers; the patient was initially diagnosed with severe
      colitis resembling inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, his symptoms did
      not resolve with steroid treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis of samples
      obtained from a second colonoscopy showed cells positive for CMV, and in situ
      hybridization revealed EBV-encoded small RNA-1-positive cells. Additionally, the
      patient's serum was positive for C7-HRP, and both blood and colon tissues were
      positive for EBV DNA, which was detected using PCR analysis. We finally diagnosed
      the patient with colitis associated with reactivation of both CMV and EBV. The
      patient remains diarrhea-free after 1.5 years with scheduled globulin treatment
      and after cessation of immunosuppressive drug therapy. To our knowledge, this is
      the first reported case of an immunodeficient patient with severe hemorrhagic
      colitis that was associated with reactivation of both EBV and CMV, and whose
      endoscopic findings mimicked IBD. 

PMID- 25120416
TI  - Characterization of primary afferent spinal innervation of mouse uterus.
AB  - The primary afferent innervation of the uterus is incompletely understood. The
      aim of this study was to identify the location and characteristics of primary
      afferent neurons that innervate the uterine horn of mice and correlate the
      different morphological types of putative primary afferent nerve endings,
      immunoreactive to the sensory marker, calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP).
      Using retrograde tracing, injection of 5-10 MUL of 1,1'-didodecyl-3,3,3,3'
      tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) into discrete single sites in each
      uterine horn revealed a biomodal distribution of sensory neurons in dorsal root
      ganglia (DRG) with peak labeling occurring between T13-L3 and a second smaller
      peak between L6-S1. The mean cross sectional area of labeled cells was 463 MUm(2)
      +/- s.e.m. A significantly greater proportion of labeled neurons consisted of
      small cell bodies (<300 MUm(2)) in the sacral spinal cord (S2) compared with peak
      labeling at the lumbar (L2) region. In both sections and whole mount
      preparations, immunohistochemical staining for CGRP revealed substantial
      innervation of the uterus by CGRP-positive nerve fibers located primarily at the
      border between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers (N = 4). The nerve
      endings were classified into three distinct types: "single," "branching," or
      "complex," that often aligned preferentially in either the circular or
      longitudinal axis of the smooth muscles. Complex endings were often associated
      with mesenteric vessels. We have identified that the cell bodies of primary
      afferent neurons innervating the mouse uterus lie primarily in DRG at L2 and S1
      spinal levels. Also, the greatest density of CGRP immunoreactivity lies within
      the myometrium, with at least three different morphological types of nerve
      endings identified. These findings will facilitate further investigations into
      the mechanisms underlying sensory transduction in mouse uterus. 

PMID- 25120417
TI  - Bidirectional control of a one-dimensional robotic actuator by operant
      conditioning of a single unit in rat motor cortex.
AB  - The design of efficient neuroprosthetic devices has become a major challenge for
      the long-term goal of restoring autonomy to motor-impaired patients. One approach
      for brain control of actuators consists in decoding the activity pattern obtained
      by simultaneously recording large neuronal ensembles in order to predict in real
      time the subject's intention, and move the prosthesis accordingly. An alternative
      way is to assign the output of one or a few neurons by operant conditioning to
      control the prosthesis with rules defined by the experimenter, and rely on the
      functional adaptation of these neurons during learning to reach the desired
      behavioral outcome. Here, several motor cortex neurons were recorded
      simultaneously in head-fixed awake rats and were conditioned, one at a time, to
      modulate their firing rate up and down in order to control the speed and
      direction of a one-dimensional actuator carrying a water bottle. The goal was to
      maintain the bottle in front of the rat's mouth, allowing it to drink. After
      learning, all conditioned neurons modulated their firing rate, effectively
      controlling the bottle position so that the drinking time was increased relative
      to chance. The mean firing rate averaged over all bottle trajectories depended
      non-linearly on position, so that the mouth position operated as an attractor.
      Some modifications of mean firing rate were observed in the surrounding neurons,
      but to a lesser extent. Notably, the conditioned neuron reacted faster and led to
      a better control than surrounding neurons, as calculated by using the activity of
      those neurons to generate simulated bottle trajectories. Our study demonstrates
      the feasibility, even in the rodent, of using a motor cortex neuron to control a
      prosthesis in real-time bidirectionally. The learning process includes
      modifications of the activity of neighboring cortical neurons, while the
      conditioned neuron selectively leads the activity patterns associated with the
      prosthesis control. 

PMID- 25120418
TI  - Longitudinal changes in task-evoked brain responses in Parkinson's disease
      patients with and without mild cognitive impairment.
AB  - Cognitive deficits are common in Parkinson's disease. Previous cross-sectional
      research has demonstrated a link between cognitive impairments and fronto
      striatal dopaminergic dysmodulation. However, longitudinal studies that link
      disease progression with altered task-evoked brain activity are lacking.
      Therefore, our objective was to longitudinally evaluate working-memory related
      brain activity changes in Parkinson's disease patients with and without mild
      cognitive impairment (MCI). Patients were recruited within a longitudinal cohort
      study of incident patients with idiopathic parkinsonism. We longitudinally (at
      baseline examination and at 12-months follow-up) compared 28 patients with
      Parkinson's disease without MCI with 11 patients with Parkinson's disease and
      MCI. Functional MRI blood oxygen level dependent signal was measured during a
      verbal two-back working-memory task. Patients with MCI under-recruited bilateral
      medial prefrontal cortex at both time-points (main effect of group: p < 0.001,
      uncorrected). Critically, a significant group-by-time interaction effect (p <
      0.001, uncorrected) was found in the right fusiform gyrus, indicating that
      working-memory related activity decreased for patients with Parkinson's disease
      and MCI between baseline and follow-up, while patients without MCI were stable
      across time-points. The functional connectivity between right fusiform gyrus and
      bilateral caudate nucleus was stronger for patients without MCI relative to
      patients with MCI. Our findings support the view that deficits in working-memory
      updating are related to persistent fronto-striatal under-recruitments in patients
      with early phase Parkinson's disease and MCI. The longitudinal evolution of MCI
      in Parkinson's disease translates into additional task-evoked posterior cortical
      changes. 

PMID- 25120419
TI  - Origin and function of short-latency inputs to the neural substrates underlying
      the acoustic startle reflex.
AB  - The acoustic startle reflex (ASR) is a survival mechanism of alarm, which rapidly
      alerts the organism to a sudden loud auditory stimulus. In rats, the primary ASR
      circuit encompasses three serially connected structures: cochlear root neurons
      (CRNs), neurons in the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC), and motoneurons in
      the medulla and spinal cord. It is well-established that both CRNs and PnC
      neurons receive short-latency auditory inputs to mediate the ASR. Here, we
      investigated the anatomical origin and functional role of these inputs using a
      multidisciplinary approach that combines morphological, electrophysiological and
      behavioral techniques. Anterograde tracer injections into the cochlea suggest
      that CRNs somata and dendrites receive inputs depending, respectively, on their
      basal or apical cochlear origin. Confocal colocalization experiments demonstrated
      that these cochlear inputs are immunopositive for the vesicular glutamate
      transporter 1 (VGLUT1). Using extracellular recordings in vivo followed by
      subsequent tracer injections, we investigated the response of PnC neurons after
      contra-, ipsi-, and bilateral acoustic stimulation and identified the source of
      their auditory afferents. Our results showed that the binaural firing rate of PnC
      neurons was higher than the monaural, exhibiting higher spike discharges with
      contralateral than ipsilateral acoustic stimulations. Our histological analysis
      confirmed the CRNs as the principal source of short-latency acoustic inputs, and
      indicated that other areas of the cochlear nucleus complex are not likely to
      innervate PnC. Behaviorally, we observed a strong reduction of ASR amplitude in
      monaural earplugged rats that corresponds with the binaural summation process
      shown in our electrophysiological findings. Our study contributes to understand
      better the role of neuronal mechanisms in auditory alerting behaviors and
      provides strong evidence that the CRNs-PnC pathway mediates fast
      neurotransmission and binaural summation of the ASR. 

PMID- 25120420
TI  - Urinary oxytocin positively correlates with performance in facial visual search
      in unmarried males, without specific reaction to infant face.
AB  - The neuropeptide oxytocin plays a central role in prosocial and parental behavior
      in non-human mammals as well as humans. It has been suggested that oxytocin may
      affect visual processing of infant faces and emotional reaction to infants.
      Healthy male volunteers (N = 13) were tested for their ability to detect infant
      or adult faces among adult or infant faces (facial visual search task). Urine
      samples were collected from all participants before the study to measure the
      concentration of oxytocin. Urinary oxytocin positively correlated with
      performance in the facial visual search task. However, task performance and its
      correlation with oxytocin concentration did not differ between infant faces and
      adult faces. Our data suggests that endogenous oxytocin is related to facial
      visual cognition, but does not promote infant-specific responses in unmarried men
      who are not fathers. 

PMID- 25120421
TI  - Removing ballistocardiogram (BCG) artifact from full-scalp EEG acquired inside
      the MR scanner with Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP).
AB  - Ballistocardiogram (BCG) artifact remains a major challenge that renders
      electroencephalographic (EEG) signals hard to interpret in simultaneous EEG and
      functional MRI (fMRI) data acquisition. Here, we propose an integrated learning
      and inference approach that takes advantage of a commercial high-density EEG cap,
      to estimate the BCG contribution in noisy EEG recordings from inside the MR
      scanner. To estimate reliably the full-scalp BCG artifacts, a near-optimal subset
      (20 out of 256) of channels first was identified using a modified recording
      setup. In subsequent recordings inside the MR scanner, BCG-only signal from this
      subset of channels was used to generate continuous estimates of the full-scalp
      BCG artifacts via inference, from which the intended EEG signal was recovered.
      The reconstruction of the EEG was performed with both a direct subtraction and an
      optimization scheme. We evaluated the performance on both synthetic and real
      contaminated recordings, and compared it to the benchmark Optimal Basis Set (OBS)
      method. In the challenging non-event-related-potential (non-ERP) EEG studies, our
      reconstruction can yield more than fourteen-fold improvement in reducing the
      normalized RMS error of EEG signals, compared to OBS. 

PMID- 25120423
TI  - Processing of spatial sounds in human auditory cortex during visual,
      discrimination and 2-back tasks.
AB  - Previous imaging studies on the brain mechanisms of spatial hearing have mainly
      focused on sounds varying in the horizontal plane. In this study, we compared
      activations in human auditory cortex (AC) and adjacent inferior parietal lobule
      (IPL) to sounds varying in horizontal location, distance, or space (i.e.,
      different rooms). In order to investigate both stimulus-dependent and task
      dependent activations, these sounds were presented during visual discrimination,
      auditory discrimination, and auditory 2-back memory tasks. Consistent with
      previous studies, activations in AC were modulated by the auditory tasks. During
      both auditory and visual tasks, activations in AC were stronger to sounds varying
      in horizontal location than along other feature dimensions. However, in IPL, this
      enhancement was detected only during auditory tasks. Based on these results, we
      argue that IPL is not primarily involved in stimulus-level spatial analysis but
      that it may represent such information for more general processing when relevant
      to an active auditory task. 

PMID- 25120422
TI  - A review on auditory space adaptations to altered head-related cues.
AB  - In this article we present a review of current literature on adaptations to
      altered head-related auditory localization cues. Localization cues can be altered
      through ear blocks, ear molds, electronic hearing devices, and altered head
      related transfer functions (HRTFs). Three main methods have been used to induce
      auditory space adaptation: sound exposure, training with feedback, and explicit
      training. Adaptations induced by training, rather than exposure, are consistently
      faster. Studies on localization with altered head-related cues have reported poor
      initial localization, but improved accuracy and discriminability with training.
      Also, studies that displaced the auditory space by altering cue values reported
      adaptations in perceived source position to compensate for such displacements.
      Auditory space adaptations can last for a few months even without further contact
      with the learned cues. In most studies, localization with the subject's own
      unaltered cues remained intact despite the adaptation to a second set of cues.
      Generalization is observed from trained to untrained sound source positions, but
      there is mixed evidence regarding cross-frequency generalization. Multiple brain
      areas might be involved in auditory space adaptation processes, but the auditory
      cortex (AC) may play a critical role. Auditory space plasticity may involve
      context-dependent cue reweighting. 

PMID- 25120424
TI  - Automatic real-time monitoring and assessment of tremor parameters in the upper
      limb from orientation data.
AB  - Upper limb tremor is the most prevalent movement disorder and, unfortunately, it
      is not effectively managed in a large proportion of the patients. Neuroprostheses
      that stimulate the sensorimotor pathways are one of the most promising
      alternatives although they are still under development. To enrich the
      interpretation of data recorded during long-term tremor monitoring and to
      increase the intelligence of tremor suppression neuroprostheses we need to be
      aware of the context. Context awareness is a major challenge for neuroprostheses
      and would allow these devices to react more quickly and appropriately to the
      changing demands of the user and/or task. Traditionally kinematic features are
      used to extract context information, with most recently the use of joint angles
      as highly potential features. In this paper we present two algorithms that enable
      the robust extraction of joint angle and related features to enable long-term
      continuous monitoring of tremor with context awareness. First, we describe a
      novel relative sensor placement identification technique based on orientation
      data. We focus on relative rather than absolute sensor location, because in many
      medical applications magnetic and inertial measurement units (MIMU) are used in a
      chain stretching over adjacent segments, or are always placed on a fixed set of
      locations. Subsequently we demonstrate how tremor parameters can be extracted
      from orientation data using an adaptive estimation algorithm. Relative sensor
      location was detected with an accuracy of 94.12% for the 4 MIMU configuration,
      and 100% for the 3 MIMU configurations. Kinematic tracking error values with an
      average deviation of 8% demonstrate our ability to estimate tremor from
      orientation data. The methods presented in this study constitute an important
      step toward more user-friendly and context-aware neuroprostheses for tremor
      suppression and monitoring. 

PMID- 25120425
TI  - A new paradigm to induce mental stress: the Sing-a-Song Stress Test (SSST).
AB  - We here introduce a new experimental paradigm to induce mental stress in a quick
      and easy way while adhering to ethical standards and controlling for potential
      confounds resulting from sensory input and body movements. In our Sing-a-Song
      Stress Test, participants are presented with neutral messages on a screen,
      interleaved with 1-min time intervals. The final message is that the participant
      should sing a song aloud after the interval has elapsed. Participants sit still
      during the whole procedure. We found that heart rate and skin conductance during
      the 1-min intervals following the sing-a-song stress message are substantially
      higher than during intervals following neutral messages. The order of magnitude
      of the rise is comparable to that achieved by the Trier Social Stress Test. Skin
      conductance increase correlates positively with experienced stress level as
      reported by participants. We also simulated stress detection in real time. When
      using both skin conductance and heart rate, stress is detected for 18 out of 20
      participants, approximately 10 s after onset of the sing-a-song message. In
      conclusion, the Sing-a-Song Stress Test provides a quick, easy, controlled and
      potent way to induce mental stress and could be helpful in studies ranging from
      examining physiological effects of mental stress to evaluating interventions to
      reduce stress. 

PMID- 25120427
TI  - Investigating the effect of modifying the EEG cap lead configuration on the
      gradient artifact in simultaneous EEG-fMRI.
AB  - EEG data recorded during simultaneous fMRI are contaminated by large voltages
      generated by time-varying magnetic field gradients. Correction of the resulting
      gradient artifact (GA) generally involves low-pass filtering to attenuate the
      high-frequency voltage fluctuations of the GA, followed by subtraction of a GA
      template produced by averaging over repeats of the artifact waveforms. This
      average artifact subtraction (AAS) process relies on the EEG amplifier having a
      large enough dynamic range to characterize the artifact voltages and on
      invariance of the artifact waveform over repeated image acquisitions. Saturation
      of the amplifiers and changes in subject position can leave unwanted residual GA
      after AAS. Previous modeling work suggested that modifying the lead layout and
      the exit position of the cable bundle on the EEG cap could reduce the GA
      amplitude. Here, we used simulations and experiments to evaluate the effect of
      modifying the lead paths on the magnitude of the GA and on the residual artifact
      after AAS. The modeling work showed that for wire paths following great circles,
      the smallest overall GA occurs when the leads converge at electrode Cz. The
      performance of this new cap design was compared with a standard cap in
      experiments on a spherical agar phantom and human subjects. Using gradient pulses
      applied separately along the three Cartesian axes, we found that the GA due to
      the foot-head gradient was most significantly reduced relative to a standard cap
      for the phantom, whereas the anterior-posterior GA was most attenuated for human
      subjects. In addition, there was an overall 37% reduction in the RMS GA amplitude
      produced by a standard EPI sequence when comparing the two caps on the phantom.
      In contrast, the subjects showed an 11% increase in the average RMS of the GA.
      This work shows that the optimal design reduces the GA on a spherical phantom
      however; these gains are not translated to human subjects, probably due to the
      differences in geometry. 

PMID- 25120428
TI  - Regulation and targeting of enzymes mediating Parkinson's disease pathogenesis:
      focus on Parkinson's disease kinases, GTPases, and ATPases.

PMID- 25120426
TI  - An anatomical and functional topography of human auditory cortical areas.
AB  - While advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) throughout the last decades
      have enabled the detailed anatomical and functional inspection of the human brain
      non-invasively, to date there is no consensus regarding the precise subdivision
      and topography of the areas forming the human auditory cortex. Here, we propose a
      topography of the human auditory areas based on insights on the anatomical and
      functional properties of human auditory areas as revealed by studies of cyto- and
      myelo-architecture and fMRI investigations at ultra-high magnetic field (7
      Tesla). Importantly, we illustrate that-whereas a group-based approach to analyze
      functional (tonotopic) maps is appropriate to highlight the main tonotopic axis
      the examination of tonotopic maps at single subject level is required to detail
      the topography of primary and non-primary areas that may be more variable across
      subjects. Furthermore, we show that considering multiple maps indicative of
      anatomical (i.e., myelination) as well as of functional properties (e.g.,
      broadness of frequency tuning) is helpful in identifying auditory cortical areas
      in individual human brains. We propose and discuss a topography of areas that is
      consistent with old and recent anatomical post-mortem characterizations of the
      human auditory cortex and that may serve as a working model for neuroscience
      studies of auditory functions. 

PMID- 25120429
TI  - Spike generation estimated from stationary spike trains in a variety of neurons
      in vivo.
AB  - To any model of brain function, the variability of neuronal spike firing is a
      problem that needs to be taken into account. Whereas the synaptic integration can
      be described in terms of the original Hodgkin-Huxley (H-H) formulations of
      conductance-based electrical signaling, the transformation of the resulting
      membrane potential into patterns of spike output is subjected to stochasticity
      that may not be captured with standard single neuron H-H models. The dynamics of
      the spike output is dependent on the normal background synaptic noise present in
      vivo, but the neuronal spike firing variability in vivo is not well studied. In
      the present study, we made long-term whole cell patch clamp recordings of
      stationary spike firing states across a range of membrane potentials from a
      variety of subcortical neurons in the non-anesthetized, decerebrated state in
      vivo. Based on the data, we formulated a simple, phenomenological model of the
      properties of the spike generation in each neuron that accurately captured the
      stationary spike firing statistics across all membrane potentials. The model
      consists of a parametric relationship between the mean and standard deviation of
      the inter-spike intervals, where the parameter is linearly related to the
      injected current over the membrane. This enabled it to generate accurate
      approximations of spike firing also under inhomogeneous conditions with input
      that varies over time. The parameters describing the spike firing statistics for
      different neuron types overlapped extensively, suggesting that the spike
      generation had similar properties across neurons. 

PMID- 25120432
TI  - Stem cells for neonatal stroke- the future is here.

PMID- 25120430
TI  - How big is the myelinating orchestra? Cellular diversity within the
      oligodendrocyte lineage: facts and hypotheses.
AB  - Since monumental studies from scientists like His, Ramon y Cajal, Lorente de No
      and many others have put down roots for modern neuroscience, the scientific
      community has spent a considerable amount of time, and money, investigating any
      possible aspect of the evolution, development and function of neurons. Today, the
      complexity and diversity of myriads of neuronal populations, and their
      progenitors, is still focus of extensive studies in hundreds of laboratories
      around the world. However, our prevalent neuron-centric perspective has dampened
      the efforts in understanding glial cells, even though their active participation
      in the brain physiology and pathophysiology has been increasingly recognized over
      the years. Among all glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS),
      oligodendrocytes (OLs) are a particularly specialized type of cells that provide
      fundamental support to neuronal activity by producing the myelin sheath. Despite
      their functional relevance, the developmental mechanisms regulating the
      generation of OLs are still poorly understood. In particular, it is still not
      known whether these cells share the same degree of heterogeneity of their
      neuronal companions and whether multiple subtypes exist within the lineage. Here,
      we will review and discuss current knowledge about OL development and function in
      the brain and spinal cord. We will try to address some specific questions: do
      multiple OL subtypes exist in the CNS? What is the evidence for their existence
      and those against them? What are the functional features that define an
      oligodendrocyte? We will end our journey by reviewing recent advances in human
      pluripotent stem cell differentiation towards OLs. This exciting field is still
      at its earliest days, but it is quickly evolving with improved protocols to
      generate functional OLs from different spatial origins. As stem cells constitute
      now an unprecedented source of human OLs, we believe that they will become an
      increasingly valuable tool for deciphering the complexity of human OL identity. 

PMID- 25120431
TI  - Striatal cholinergic interneurons in isolated generalized dystonia-rationale and
      perspectives for stem cell-derived cellular models.
AB  - Interneurons comprise a minority of the striatal neuronal population of roughly
      5%. However, this heterogeneous population is of particular interest as it
      fulfills an important relay function in modulating the output of the only type of
      striatal projection neurons, i.e., the medium spiny neuron (MSN).One subtype of
      this heterogenous group, the cholinergic interneuron, is of particular scientific
      interest as there is a relevant body of evidence from animal models supporting
      its special significance in the disease process. The development of protocols for
      directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (PSC) into striatal
      interneurons provides a unique opportunity to derive in vitro those cell types
      that are most severely affected in dystonia.In this review we first aim to give a
      concise overview about the normal function of striatal interneurons and their
      dysfunction in dystonia in order to identify the most relevant interneuronal
      subtype for the pathogenesis of dystonia. Secondly we demonstrate how knowledge
      about the embryonic development of striatal interneurons is of particular help
      for the development of differentiation protocols from PSC and by this depict
      potential ways of deriving in vitro disease models of dystonia. We furthermore
      address the question as to whether cell replacement therapies might represent a
      beneficial approach for the treatment of dystonia. 

PMID- 25120433
TI  - Emerging role of the KCNT1 Slack channel in intellectual disability.
AB  - The sodium-activated potassium KNa channels Slack and Slick are encoded by KCNT1
      and KCNT2, respectively. These channels are found in neurons throughout the
      brain, and are responsible for a delayed outward current termed I KNa. These
      currents integrate into shaping neuronal excitability, as well as adaptation in
      response to maintained stimulation. Abnormal Slack channel activity may play a
      role in Fragile X syndrome, the most common cause for intellectual disability and
      inherited autism. Slack channels interact directly with the fragile X mental
      retardation protein (FMRP) and I KNa is reduced in animal models of Fragile X
      syndrome that lack FMRP. Human Slack mutations that alter channel activity can
      also lead to intellectual disability, as has been found for several childhood
      epileptic disorders. Ongoing research is elucidating the relationship between
      mutant Slack channel activity, development of early onset epilepsies and
      intellectual impairment. This review describes the emerging role of Slack
      channels in intellectual disability, coupled with an overview of the
      physiological role of neuronal I KNa currents. 

PMID- 25120435
TI  - Gain control mechanisms in spinal motoneurons.
AB  - Motoneurons provide the only conduit for motor commands to reach muscles. For
      many years, motoneurons were in fact considered to be little more than passive
      "wires". Systematic studies in the past 25 years however have clearly
      demonstrated that the intrinsic electrical properties of motoneurons are under
      strong neuromodulatory control via multiple sources. The discovery of potent
      neuromodulation from the brainstem and its ability to change the gain of
      motoneurons shows that the "passive" view of the motor output stage is no longer
      tenable. A mechanism for gain control at the motor output stage makes good
      functional sense considering our capability of generating an enormous range of
      forces, from very delicate (e.g., putting in a contact lens) to highly forceful
      (emergency reactions). Just as sensory systems need gain control to deal with a
      wide dynamic range of inputs, so to might motor output need gain control to deal
      with the wide dynamic range of the normal movement repertoire. Two problems
      emerge from the potential use of the brainstem monoaminergic projection to
      motoneurons for gain control. First, the projection is highly diffuse
      anatomically, so that independent control of the gains of different motor pools
      is not feasible. In fact, the system is so diffuse that gain for all the motor
      pools in a limb likely increases in concert. Second, if there is a system that
      increases gain, probably a system to reduce gain is also needed. In this review,
      we summarize recent studies that show local inhibitory circuits within the spinal
      cord, especially reciprocal and recurrent inhibition, have the potential to solve
      both of these problems as well as constitute another source of gain modulation. 

PMID- 25120436
TI  - Inhibitory projections from the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body to the
      medial nucleus of the trapezoid body in the mouse.
AB  - Neurons in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) receive prominent
      excitatory input through the calyx of Held, a giant synapse that produces large
      and fast excitatory currents. MNTB neurons also receive inhibitory glycinergic
      inputs that are also large and fast, and match the calyceal excitation in terms
      of synaptic strength. GABAergic inputs provide additional inhibition to MNTB
      neurons. Inhibitory inputs to MNTB modify spiking of MNTB neurons both in-vitro
      and in-vivo, underscoring their importance. Surprisingly, the origin of the
      inhibitory inputs to MNTB has not been shown conclusively. We performed
      retrograde tracing, anterograde tracing, immunohistochemical experiments, and
      electrophysiological recordings to address this question. The results support the
      ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) as at least one major source of
      glycinergic input to MNTB. VNTB fibers enter the ipsilateral MNTB, travel along
      MNTB principal neurons and produce several bouton-like presynaptic terminals.
      Further, the contribution of GABA to the total inhibition declines during
      development, resulting in only a very minor fraction of GABAergic inhibition in
      adulthood, which is matched in time by a reduction in expression of a GABA
      synthetic enzyme in VNTB principal neurons. 

PMID- 25120434
TI  - A molecular web: endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, and oxidative
      stress.
AB  - Execution of fundamental cellular functions demands regulated protein folding
      homeostasis. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an active organelle existing to
      implement this function by folding and modifying secretory and membrane proteins.
      Loss of protein folding homeostasis is central to various diseases and budding
      evidences suggest ER stress as being a major contributor in the development or
      pathology of a diseased state besides other cellular stresses. The trigger for
      diseases may be diverse but, inflammation and/or ER stress may be basic
      mechanisms increasing the severity or complicating the condition of the disease.
      Chronic ER stress and activation of the unfolded-protein response (UPR) through
      endogenous or exogenous insults may result in impaired calcium and redox
      homeostasis, oxidative stress via protein overload thereby also influencing vital
      mitochondrial functions. Calcium released from the ER augments the production of
      mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Toxic accumulation of ROS within ER
      and mitochondria disturbs fundamental organelle functions. Sustained ER stress is
      known to potentially elicit inflammatory responses via UPR pathways.
      Additionally, ROS generated through inflammation or mitochondrial dysfunction
      could accelerate ER malfunction. Dysfunctional UPR pathways have been associated
      with a wide range of diseases including several neurodegenerative diseases,
      stroke, metabolic disorders, cancer, inflammatory disease, diabetes mellitus,
      cardiovascular disease, and others. In this review, we have discussed the UPR
      signaling pathways, and networking between ER stress-induced inflammatory
      pathways, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial signaling events, which further
      induce or exacerbate ER stress. 

PMID- 25120439
TI  - Plasma membrane transporters GAT-1 and GAT-3 contribute to heterogeneity of
      GABAergic synapses in neocortex.
AB  - Cortical GABAergic synapses exhibit a high degree of molecular, anatomical and
      functional heterogeneity of their neurons of origins, presynaptic mechanisms,
      receptors, and scaffolding proteins. GABA transporters (GATs) have an important
      role in regulating GABA levels; among them, GAT-1 and GAT-3 play a prominent role
      in modulating tonic and phasic GABAAR-mediated inhibition. We asked whether GAT-1
      and GAT-3 contribute to generating heterogeneity by studying their
      ultrastructural localization at cortical symmetric synapses using pre- and post
      embedding electron microcopy. GAT-1 and GAT-3 staining at symmetric synapses
      showed that in some cases the transporters were localized exclusively over axon
      terminals; in others they were in both axon terminals and perisynaptic astrocytic
      processes; and in some others GAT-1 and GAT-3 were in perisynaptic astrocytic
      processes only. Moreover, we showed that the organizational pattern of GAT-1, but
      not of GAT-3, exhibits a certain degree of specificity related to the post
      synaptic target of GABAergic synapses. These findings show that symmetric
      synapses expressing GAT-1 or GAT-3 are heterogeneous, and indicate that plasma
      membrane transporters can contribute to synaptic heterogeneity. 

PMID- 25120437
TI  - Sound-by-sound thalamic stimulation modulates midbrain auditory excitability and
      relative binaural sensitivity in frogs.
AB  - Descending circuitry can modulate auditory processing, biasing sensitivity to
      particular stimulus parameters and locations. Using awake in vivo single unit
      recordings, this study tested whether electrical stimulation of the thalamus
      modulates auditory excitability and relative binaural sensitivity in neurons of
      the amphibian midbrain. In addition, by using electrical stimuli that were either
      longer than the acoustic stimuli (i.e., seconds) or presented on a sound-by-sound
      basis (ms), experiments addressed whether the form of modulation depended on the
      temporal structure of the electrical stimulus. Following long duration electrical
      stimulation (3-10 s of 20 Hz square pulses), excitability (spikes/acoustic
      stimulus) to free-field noise stimuli decreased by 32%, but returned over 600 s.
      In contrast, sound-by-sound electrical stimulation using a single 2 ms duration
      electrical pulse 25 ms before each noise stimulus caused faster and varied forms
      of modulation: modulation lasted <2 s and, in different cells, excitability
      either decreased, increased or shifted in latency. Within cells, the modulatory
      effect of sound-by-sound electrical stimulation varied between different acoustic
      stimuli, including for different male calls, suggesting modulation is specific to
      certain stimulus attributes. For binaural units, modulation depended on the ear
      of input, as sound-by-sound electrical stimulation preceding dichotic acoustic
      stimulation caused asymmetric modulatory effects: sensitivity shifted for sounds
      at only one ear, or by different relative amounts for both ears. This caused a
      change in the relative difference in binaural sensitivity. Thus, sound-by-sound
      electrical stimulation revealed fast and ear-specific (i.e., lateralized)
      auditory modulation that is potentially suited to shifts in auditory attention
      during sound segregation in the auditory scene. 

PMID- 25120440
TI  - Differential processing of natural scenes in posterior cortical atrophy and in
      Alzheimer's disease, as measured with a saccade choice task.
AB  - Atrophy of the medial temporal lobe structures that support scene perception and
      the binding of an object to its context (i.e., the hippocampus and the
      parahippocampal cortex) appears early in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      However, few studies have investigated scene perception in people with AD. Here,
      we assessed the ability to find a target object within a natural scene in people
      with AD and in people with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA, a variant of AD).
      Pairs of color photographs were displayed on the left and right of a fixation
      cross for 1 s. In separate blocks of trials, participants were asked to
      categorize the target (an animal) by either moving their eyes toward the
      photograph containing the target (the saccadic choice task) or pressing a key
      corresponding to the target's location (the manual choice task). Isolated objects
      and objects within scenes were studied in both tasks. Participants with PCA were
      more impaired in detection of a target within a scene than participants with AD.
      The latter's performance pattern was more similar to that of age-matched controls
      in terms of accuracy, saccade latencies and the benefit gained from contextual
      information. Participants with PCA benefited less from contextual information in
      both the saccade and the manual choice tasks-suggesting that people with
      posterior brain lesions have impairments in figure/ground segregation and are
      more sensitive to object crowding. 

PMID- 25120438
TI  - Activation of lateral hypothalamus-projecting parabrachial neurons by intraorally
      delivered gustatory stimuli.
AB  - The present study investigated a subpopulation of neurons in the mouse
      parabrachial nucleus (PbN), a gustatory and visceral relay area in the brainstem,
      that project to the lateral hypothalamus (LH). We made injections of the
      retrograde tracer Fluorogold (FG) into LH, resulting in fluorescent labeling of
      neurons located in different regions of the PbN. Mice were stimulated through an
      intraoral cannula with one of seven different taste stimuli, and PbN sections
      were processed for immunohistochemical detection of the immediate early gene c
      Fos, which labels activated neurons. LH projection neurons were found in all PbN
      subnuclei, but in greater concentration in lateral subnuclei, including the
      dorsal lateral subnucleus (dl). Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) was observed in
      the PbN in a stimulus-dependent pattern, with the greatest differentiation
      between intraoral stimulation with sweet (0.5 M sucrose) and bitter (0.003 M
      quinine) compounds. In particular, sweet and umami-tasting stimuli evoked robust
      FLI in cells in the dl, whereas quinine evoked almost no FLI in cells in this
      subnucleus. Double-labeled cells were also found in the greatest quantity in the
      dl. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that the dl contains direct a
      projection to the LH that is activated preferentially by appetitive compounds;
      this projection may be mediated by taste and/or postingestive mechanisms. 

PMID- 25120442
TI  - Executive function and bilingualism in young and older adults.
AB  - Research suggests that being bilingual results in advantages on executive control
      processes and disadvantages on language tasks relative to monolinguals.
      Furthermore, the executive function advantage is thought to be larger in older
      than younger adults, suggesting that bilingualism may buffer against age-related
      changes in executive function. However, there are potential confounds in some of
      the previous research, as well as inconsistencies in the literature. The goal of
      the current investigation was to examine the presence of a bilingual advantage in
      executive control and a bilingual disadvantage on language tasks in the same
      sample of young and older monolingual anglophones, monolingual francophones, and
      French/English bilinguals. Participants completed a series of executive function
      tasks, including a Stroop task, a Simon task, a sustained attention to response
      task (SART), the Wisconsin Card Sort Test (WCST), and the digit span subtest of
      the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and language tasks, including the Boston
      Naming Test (BNT), and category and letter fluency. The results do not
      demonstrate an unequivocal advantage for bilinguals on executive function tasks
      and raise questions about the reliability, robustness and/or specificity of
      previous findings. The results also did not demonstrate a disadvantage for
      bilinguals on language tasks. Rather, they suggest that there may be an influence
      of the language environment. It is concluded that additional research is required
      to fully characterize any language group differences in both executive function
      and language tasks. 

PMID- 25120441
TI  - Niche convergence suggests functionality of the nocturnal fovea.
AB  - The fovea is a declivity of the retinal surface associated with maximum visual
      acuity. Foveae are widespread across vertebrates, but among mammals they are
      restricted to haplorhine primates (tarsiers, monkeys, apes, and humans), which
      are primarily diurnal. Thus primates have long contributed to the view that
      foveae are functional adaptations to diurnality. The foveae of tarsiers, which
      are nocturnal, are widely interpreted as vestigial traits and therefore evidence
      of a diurnal ancestry. This enduring premise is central to adaptive hypotheses on
      the origins of anthropoid primates; however, the question of whether tarsier
      foveae are functionless anachronisms or nocturnal adaptations remains open. To
      explore this question, we compared the diets of tarsiers (Tarsius) and scops owls
      (Otus), taxa united by numerous anatomical homoplasies, including foveate vision.
      A functional interpretation of these homoplasies predicts dietary convergence. We
      tested this prediction by analyzing stable isotope ratios that integrate dietary
      information. In Borneo and the Philippines, the stable carbon isotope
      compositions of Tarsius and Otus were indistinguishable, whereas the stable
      nitrogen isotope composition of Otus was marginally higher than that of Tarsius.
      Our results indicate that species in both genera consumed mainly ground-dwelling
      prey. Taken together, our findings support a functional interpretation of the
      many homoplasies shared by tarsiers and scops owls, including a retinal fovea. We
      suggest that the fovea might function similarly in tarsiers and scops owls by
      calibrating the auditory localization pathway. The integration of auditory
      localization and visual fixation during prey detection and acquisition might be
      critical at low light levels. 

PMID- 25120443
TI  - On the generalizability of resting-state fMRI machine learning classifiers.
AB  - Machine learning classifiers have become increasingly popular tools to generate
      single-subject inferences from fMRI data. With this transition from the
      traditional group level difference investigations to single-subject inference,
      the application of machine learning methods can be seen as a considerable step
      forward. Existing studies, however, have given scarce or no information on the
      generalizability to other subject samples, limiting the use of such published
      classifiers in other research projects. We conducted a simulation study using
      publicly available resting-state fMRI data from the 1000 Functional Connectomes
      and COBRE projects to examine the generalizability of classifiers based on
      regional homogeneity of resting-state time series. While classification
      accuracies of up to 0.8 (using sex as the target variable) could be achieved on
      test datasets drawn from the same study as the training dataset, the
      generalizability of classifiers to different study samples proved to be limited
      albeit above chance. This shows that on the one hand a certain amount of
      generalizability can robustly be expected, but on the other hand this
      generalizability should not be overestimated. Indeed, this study substantiates
      the need to include data from several sites in a study investigating machine
      learning classifiers with the aim of generalizability. 

PMID- 25120444
TI  - Toward a new conception of habit and self-control in adolescent maturation.

PMID- 25120446
TI  - Assessment of size ordered recruitment.

PMID- 25120445
TI  - Roles of frontal and temporal regions in reinterpreting semantically ambiguous
      sentences.
AB  - Semantic ambiguity resolution is an essential and frequent part of speech
      comprehension because many words map onto multiple meanings (e.g., "bark,"
      "bank"). Neuroimaging research highlights the importance of the left inferior
      frontal gyrus (LIFG) and the left posterior temporal cortex in this process but
      the roles they serve in ambiguity resolution are uncertain. One possibility is
      that both regions are engaged in the processes of semantic reinterpretation that
      follows incorrect interpretation of an ambiguous word. Here we used fMRI to
      investigate this hypothesis. 20 native British English monolinguals were scanned
      whilst listening to sentences that contained an ambiguous word. To induce
      semantic reinterpretation, the disambiguating information was presented after the
      ambiguous word and delayed until the end of the sentence (e.g., "the teacher
      explained that the BARK was going to be very damp"). These sentences were
      compared to well-matched unambiguous sentences. Supporting the reinterpretation
      hypothesis, these ambiguous sentences produced more activation in both the LIFG
      and the left posterior inferior temporal cortex. Importantly, all but one subject
      showed ambiguity-related peaks within both regions, demonstrating that the group
      level results were driven by high inter-subject consistency. Further support came
      from the finding that activation in both regions was modulated by meaning
      dominance. Specifically, sentences containing biased ambiguous words, which have
      one more dominant meaning, produced greater activation than those with balanced
      ambiguous words, which have two equally frequent meanings. Because the context
      always supported the less frequent meaning, the biased words require
      reinterpretation more often than balanced words. This is the first evidence of
      dominance effects in the spoken modality and provides strong support that frontal
      and temporal regions support the updating of semantic representations during
      speech comprehension. 

PMID- 25120448
TI  - Habit and embodiment in Merleau-Ponty.

PMID- 25120447
TI  - The role of parietal cortex in the formation of color and motion based concepts.
AB  - Imaging evidence shows that separate subdivisions of parietal cortex, in and
      around the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), are engaged when stimuli are grouped
      according to color and to motion (Zeki and Stutters, 2013). Since grouping is an
      essential step in the formation of concepts, we wanted to learn whether parietal
      cortex is also engaged in the formation of concepts according to these two
      attributes. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and choosing the
      recognition of concept-based color or motion stimuli as our paradigm, we found
      that there was strong concept-related activity in and around the IPS, a region
      whose homolog in the macaque monkey is known to receive direct but segregated
      anatomical inputs from V4 and V5. Parietal activity related to color concepts was
      juxtaposed but did not overlap with activity related to motion concepts, thus
      emphasizing the continuation of the segregation of color and motion into the
      conceptual system. Concurrent retinotopic mapping experiments showed that within
      the parietal cortex, concept-related activity increases within later stage IPS
      areas. 

PMID- 25120449
TI  - Agency over a phantom limb and electromyographic activity on the stump depend on
      visuomotor synchrony: a case study.
AB  - Most patients, post-amputation, report the experience of a phantom limb. Some
      even sense voluntary movements when viewing a mirror image of the intact limb
      superimposed onto the phantom limb. While delayed visual feedback of an action is
      known to reduce a sense of agency, the effect of delayed visual feedback on
      phantom motor sensation (i.e., sense of controlling a phantom limb) has not been
      examined. Using a video-projection system, we examined the effect of delayed
      visual feedback on phantom motor sensation in an upper-limb amputee (male; left
      upper-limb amputation). He was instructed to view mirrored video images of his
      intact hand clasping and unclasping during a phantom limb movement. He then rated
      the intensity of the phantom motor sensation. Three types of hand movement images
      were presented as follows: synchronous, asynchronous with a 250-ms delay, and
      asynchronous with a 500-ms delay. Results showed that phantom motor sensation
      decreased when the image was delayed by 250 and 500 ms. However, when we
      instructed the patient to adjust the phase of phantom limb movement to that of
      the image with a 500-ms delay, phantom motor sensation increased. There was also
      a positive correlation between intensity of phantom motor sensation and
      electromyographic (EMG) activity on deltoids at the patient's stump. These
      results suggest that phantom motor sensation and EMG activity on the stump depend
      on visuomotor synchrony and top-down effects. 

PMID- 25120450
TI  - Neurofeminism and feminist neurosciences: a critical review of contemporary brain
      research.
AB  - To date, feminist approaches to neurosciences have evaluated the debates
      surrounding practices of knowledge production within and research results of
      contemporary brain research. Consequently, neurofeminist scholars have critically
      examined gendered impacts of neuroscientific research. Feminist neuroscientists
      also develop research approaches for a more gender-appropriate neuroscientific
      research on several levels. Based on neurofeminist critique feminist
      neuroscientists aim to enrich neuroscientific work by offering methodological
      suggestions for a more differentiated setup of categories and experimental
      designs, for reflective result presentations and interpretations as well as for
      the analysis of result validity. Reframing neuro-epistemologies by including
      plasticity concepts works to uncover social influences on the gendered
      development of the brain and of behavior. More recently, critical work on
      contemporary neurocultures has highlighted the entanglements of neuroscientific
      research within society and the implications of 'neurofacts' for gendered
      cultural symbolisms, social practices, and power relations. Not least,
      neurofeminism critically analyses the portrayal of neuro-knowledge in popular
      media. This article presents on overview on neurofeminist debates and on current
      approaches of feminist neurosciences. The authors conclude their review by
      calling for a more gender-appropriate research approach that takes into account
      both its situatedness and reflections on the neuroscientific agenda, but also
      questions neurofeminist discourse in regards to uses and misuses of its concepts.

PMID- 25120451
TI  - Situated affective and social neuroscience.

PMID- 25120452
TI  - Marking the counterfactual: ERP evidence for pragmatic processing of German
      subjunctives.
AB  - Counterfactual conditionals are frequently used in language to express
      potentially valid reasoning from factually false suppositions. Counterfactuals
      provide two pieces of information: their literal meaning expresses a
      suppositional dependency between an antecedent (If the dice had been rigged...)
      and a consequent (... then the game would have been unfair). Their second,
      backgrounded meaning refers to the opposite state of affairs and suggests that,
      in fact, the dice were not rigged and the game was fair. Counterfactual
      antecedents are particularly intriguing because they set up a counterfactual
      world which is known to be false, but which is nevertheless kept to when
      evaluating the conditional's consequent. In the last years several event-related
      potential (ERP) studies have targeted the processing of counterfactual
      consequents, yet counterfactual antecedents have remained unstudied. We present
      an EEG/ERP investigation which employed German conditionals to compare
      subjunctive mood (which marks counterfactuality) with indicative mood at the
      critical point of mood disambiguation via auxiliary introduction in the
      conditional's antecedent. Conditional sentences were presented visually one word
      at a time. Participants completed an acceptability judgment and probe detection
      task which was not related to the critical manipulation of linguistic mood. ERPs
      at the point of mood disambiguation in the antecedent were compared between
      indicative and subjunctive. Our main finding is a transient negative deflection
      in frontal regions for subjunctive compared to indicative mood in a time-window
      of 450-600 ms. We discuss this novel finding in respect to working memory
      requirements for rule application and increased referential processing demands
      for the representation of counterfactuals' dual meaning. Our result suggests that
      the counterfactually implied dual meaning is processed without any delay at the
      earliest point where counterfactuality is marked by subjunctive mood. 

PMID- 25120453
TI  - Magnetoencephalographic study on facial movements.
AB  - In this review, we introduced our three studies that focused on facial movements.
      In the first study, we examined the temporal characteristics of neural responses
      elicited by viewing mouth movements, and assessed differences between the
      responses to mouth opening and closing movements and an averting eyes condition.
      Our results showed that the occipitotemporal area, the human MT/V5 homologue, was
      active in the perception of both mouth and eye motions. Viewing mouth and eye
      movements did not elicit significantly different activity in the occipitotemporal
      area, which indicated that perception of the movement of facial parts may be
      processed in the same manner, and this is different from motion in general. In
      the second study, we investigated whether early activity in the occipitotemporal
      region evoked by eye movements was influenced by the facial contour and/or
      features such as the mouth. Our results revealed specific information processing
      for eye movements in the occipitotemporal region, and this activity was
      significantly influenced by whether movements appeared with the facial contour
      and/or features, in other words, whether the eyes moved, even if the movement
      itself was the same. In the third study, we examined the effects of inverting the
      facial contour (hair and chin) and features (eyes, nose, and mouth) on processing
      for static and dynamic face perception. Our results showed the following: (1) In
      static face perception, activity in the right fusiform area was affected more by
      the inversion of features while that in the left fusiform area was affected more
      by a disruption in the spatial relationship between the contour and features; and
      (2) In dynamic face perception, activity in the right occipitotemporal area was
      affected by the inversion of the facial contour. 

PMID- 25120454
TI  - Uni- and crossmodal refractory period effects of event-related potentials provide
      insights into the development of multisensory processing.
AB  - To assess uni- and multisensory development in humans, uni- and crossmodal event
      related potential (ERP) refractory period effects were investigated. Forty-one
      children from 4 to 12 years of age and 15 young adults performed a bimodal
      oddball task with frequent and rare visual and auditory stimuli presented with
      two different interstimulus intervals (ISIs). Amplitudes of the visual and
      auditory ERPs were modulated as a function of the age of the participants, the
      modality of the preceding stimulus (same vs. different) and the preceding ISI
      (1000 or 2000 ms). While unimodal refractory period effects were observed in all
      age groups, crossmodal refractory period effects differed among age groups. Early
      crossmodal interactions (<150 ms) existing in the youngest age group (4-6 years)
      disappeared, while later crossmodal interactions (>150 ms) emerged with a
      parietal topography in older children and adults. Our results are compatible with
      the intersensory differentiation and the multisensory perceptual narrowing
      approach of multisensory development. Moreover, our data suggest that uni- and
      multisensory development run in parallel with unimodal development leading. 

PMID- 25120455
TI  - Unconvincing support for role of mirror neurons in "action understanding":
      commentary on Michael et al. (2014).

PMID- 25120456
TI  - It's too quick to blame myself-the effects of fast and slow rates of change on
      credit assignment during object lifting.
AB  - Although there have been substantial research efforts examining the effect of
      various rates of change in reaching movements, there has been little to no
      research devoted to this issue during object manipulation tasks. In force-field
      and visuomotor adaptation studies, two parallel processes have been identified:
      first, a fast process that adapts and de-adapts quickly is thought to enable the
      actor to deal with potentially transient perturbations. Second, a slower, but
      longer lasting process adapts if these initial perturbations persist over time.
      In a largely separate body of research, the role of credit assignment has been
      examined in terms of allotting the cause of errors to changes in the body vs.
      changes in the outside world. Of course, these two processes are usually linked
      within the real world, with short lasting perturbations most often being linked
      to external causes and longer lasting perturbations being linked to internal
      causes. Here, we demonstrate that the increases in load forces associated with a
      gradual increase in object weight during a natural object lifting task are
      transferred when lifting a novel object, whereas a sudden increase in object
      weight is not. We speculate that gradual rates of change in the weight of the
      object being lifted are attributed to the self, whereas fast rates of change are
      more likely to be attributed to the external environment. This study extends our
      knowledge of the multiple timescales involved in motor learning to a more natural
      object manipulation scenario, while concurrently providing support for the
      hypothesis that the multiple time scales involved in motor learning are tuned for
      different learning contexts. 

PMID- 25120457
TI  - The feedback related negativity encodes both social rejection and explicit social
      expectancy violation.
AB  - Humans consistently make predictions about the valence of future events and use
      feedback to validate initial predictions. While the valence of outcomes provides
      utilitarian information, the accuracy of predictions is crucial for future
      performance adjustment. The feedback related negativity (FRN), identified as a
      marker of reward prediction error, possibly encodes social rejection and social
      prediction error. To test this possibility, we used event related potential (ERP)
      techniques combined with social tasks in which participants were required to make
      explicit predictions (whether others will accept their "friend request" or not,
      Experiment 1) or implicit predictions (whether they would like this person or
      not, Experiment 2) respectively, and then received social feedback. We found that
      the FRN is sensitive to social rejection and explicit social prediction error in
      Experiment 1 but not implicit social prediction error in Experiment 2. We
      conclude that the FRN encodes social rejection and explicit social expectancy
      violation. 

PMID- 25120458
TI  - Intraindividual reaction time variability affects P300 amplitude rather than
      latency.
AB  - The neural correlates of intraindividual response variability were investigated
      in a serial choice reaction time (CRT) task. Reaction times (RTs) from the faster
      and slower portions of the RT distribution for the task were separately
      aggregated and associated P300 event-related potentials computed. Independent
      behavioral measures of executive function and IQ were also recorded. Across
      frontal, fronto-central, central, centro-parietal and parietal scalp regions,
      P300 amplitudes were significantly greater for faster relative to slower
      behavioral responses. However, P300 peak amplitude latencies did not differ
      according to the speed of the behavioral RT. Importantly, controlling for select
      independent measures of executive function attenuated shared variance in P300
      amplitude for faster and slower trials. The findings suggest that P300 amplitude
      rather than latency is associated with the speed of behavioral RTs, and the
      possibility that fluctuations in executive control underlie variability in
      speeded responding. 

PMID- 25120459
TI  - Does co-morbid obsessive-compulsive disorder modify the abnormal language
      processing in schizophrenia patients? An FMRI study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impaired language processing is one of the most replicated findings
      in functional brain studies of schizophrenia (SCH). This is demonstrated by
      reduced activations in left prefrontal language areas (i.e., BA44/45, the
      inferior frontal gyrus, IFG) presented as decreased language lateralization. This
      finding was documented both in chronic as well as in first-episode SCH patients,
      arguing for a neurobiological marker for SCH. In a previous study, we
      demonstrated the specificity of this finding to SCH patients when compared to
      obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients in whom language processing was
      similar to healthy controls. Since a sizable proportion of SCH patients also meet
      DSM-IV criteria for OCD, we further sought to elucidate whether OCD attenuates
      abnormal prefrontal language lateralization in this unique group of schizo
      obsessive patients compared to their non-OCD-SCH counterparts. METHODS: We used
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate regional activation
      and language lateralization in the left and right IFG and inter-hemispheric
      functional connectivity (FC) during a language task of auditory verb generation
      in 14 SCH patients with OCD, compared to 17 SCH patients without OCD, 13 OCD
      patients and 14 healthy controls. RESULTS: No between-group differences were
      found in the behavioral measurements of word generation. However, while OCD
      patients were indistinguishable from healthy volunteers, a similarly reduced
      lateralization in the IFG and diminished inter-hemispheric FC was noted in the
      two SCH groups with and without OCD. CONCLUSION: The co-occurrence of OCD in SCH
      does not attenuate abnormal processing of language as reflected by regional IFG
      activity and FC. These results further support the notion that these language
      processing abnormalities are characteristic of SCH and that SCH-OCD combined
      psychopathology is more akin to SCH than to OCD.

PMID- 25120460
TI  - Masking reveals parallel form systems in the visual brain.
AB  - It is generally supposed that there is a single, hierarchically organized pathway
      dedicated to form processing, in which complex forms are elaborated from simpler
      ones, beginning with the orientation-selective cells of V1. In this
      psychophysical study, we undertook to test another hypothesis, namely that the
      brain's visual form system consists of multiple parallel systems and that complex
      forms are other than the sum of their parts. Inspired by imaging experiments
      which show that forms of increasing perceptual complexity (lines, angles, and
      rhombuses) constituted from the same elements (lines) activate the same visual
      areas (V1, V2, and V3) with the same intensity and latency (Shigihara and Zeki,
      2013, 2014), we used backward masking to test the supposition that these forms
      are processed in parallel. We presented subjects with lines, angles, and
      rhombuses as different target-mask pairs. Evidence in favor of our supposition
      would be if masking is the most effective when target and mask are processed by
      the same system and least effective when they are processed in different systems.
      Our results showed that rhombuses were strongly masked by rhombuses but only
      weakly masked by lines or angles, but angles and lines were well masked by each
      other. The relative resistance of rhombuses to masking by low-level forms like
      lines and angles suggests that complex forms like rhombuses may be processed in a
      separate parallel system, whereas lines and angles are processed in the same one.

PMID- 25120461
TI  - Structure of receptive fields in a computational model of area 3b of primary
      sensory cortex.
AB  - In a previous work, we introduced a computational model of area 3b which is built
      upon the neural field theory and receives input from a simplified model of the
      index distal finger pad populated by a random set of touch receptors (Merkell
      cells). This model has been shown to be able to self-organize following the
      random stimulation of the finger pad model and to cope, to some extent, with
      cortical or skin lesions. The main hypothesis of the model is that learning of
      skin representations occurs at the thalamo-cortical level while cortico-cortical
      connections serve a stereotyped competition mechanism that shapes the receptive
      fields. To further assess this hypothesis and the validity of the model, we
      reproduced in this article the exact experimental protocol of DiCarlo et al. that
      has been used to examine the structure of receptive fields in area 3b of the
      primary somatosensory cortex. Using the same analysis toolset, the model yields
      consistent results, having most of the receptive fields to contain a single
      region of excitation and one to several regions of inhibition. We further
      proceeded our study using a dynamic competition that deeply influences the
      formation of the receptive fields. We hypothesized this dynamic competition to
      correspond to some form of somatosensory attention that may help to precisely
      shape the receptive fields. To test this hypothesis, we designed a protocol where
      an arbitrary region of interest is delineated on the index distal finger pad and
      we either (1) instructed explicitly the model to attend to this region
      (simulating an attentional signal) (2) preferentially trained the model on this
      region or (3) combined the two aforementioned protocols simultaneously. Results
      tend to confirm that dynamic competition leads to shrunken receptive fields and
      its joint interaction with intensive training promotes a massive receptive fields
      migration and shrinkage. 

PMID- 25120462
TI  - Associative learning of classical conditioning as an emergent property of
      spatially extended spiking neural circuits with synaptic plasticity.
AB  - Associative learning of temporally disparate events is of fundamental importance
      for perceptual and cognitive functions. Previous studies of the neural mechanisms
      of such association have been mainly focused on individual neurons or synapses,
      often with an assumption that there is persistent neural firing activity that
      decays slowly. However, experimental evidence supporting such firing activity for
      associative learning is still inconclusive. Here we present a novel, alternative
      account of associative learning in the context of classical conditioning,
      demonstrating that it is an emergent property of a spatially extended, spiking
      neural circuit with spike-timing dependent plasticity and short term synaptic
      depression. We show that both the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli can be
      represented by spike sequences which are produced by wave patterns propagating
      through the network, and that the interactions of these sequences are timing
      dependent. After training, the occurrence of the sequence encoding the
      conditioned stimulus (CS) naturally regenerates that encoding the unconditioned
      stimulus (US), therefore resulting in association between them. Such associative
      learning based on interactions of spike sequences can happen even when the
      timescale of their separation is significantly larger than that of individual
      neurons. In particular, our network model is able to account for the temporal
      contiguity property of classical conditioning, as observed in behavioral studies.
      We further show that this emergent associative learning in our network model is
      quite robust to noise perturbations. Our results therefore demonstrate that
      associative learning of temporally disparate events can happen in a distributed
      way at the level of neural circuits. 

PMID- 25120463
TI  - 1D-3D hybrid modeling-from multi-compartment models to full resolution models in
      space and time.
AB  - Investigation of cellular and network dynamics in the brain by means of modeling
      and simulation has evolved into a highly interdisciplinary field, that uses
      sophisticated modeling and simulation approaches to understand distinct areas of
      brain function. Depending on the underlying complexity, these models vary in
      their level of detail, in order to cope with the attached computational cost.
      Hence for large network simulations, single neurons are typically reduced to time
      dependent signal processors, dismissing the spatial aspect of each cell. For
      single cell or networks with relatively small numbers of neurons, general purpose
      simulators allow for space and time-dependent simulations of electrical signal
      processing, based on the cable equation theory. An emerging field in
      Computational Neuroscience encompasses a new level of detail by incorporating the
      full three-dimensional morphology of cells and organelles into three-dimensional,
      space and time-dependent, simulations. While every approach has its advantages
      and limitations, such as computational cost, integrated and methods-spanning
      simulation approaches, depending on the network size could establish new ways to
      investigate the brain. In this paper we present a hybrid simulation approach,
      that makes use of reduced 1D-models using e.g., the NEURON simulator-which
      couples to fully resolved models for simulating cellular and sub-cellular
      dynamics, including the detailed three-dimensional morphology of neurons and
      organelles. In order to couple 1D- and 3D-simulations, we present a geometry-,
      membrane potential- and intracellular concentration mapping framework, with which
      graph- based morphologies, e.g., in the swc- or hoc-format, are mapped to full
      surface and volume representations of the neuron and computational data from 1D
      simulations can be used as boundary conditions for full 3D simulations and vice
      versa. Thus, established models and data, based on general purpose 1D-simulators,
      can be directly coupled to the emerging field of fully resolved, highly detailed
      3D-modeling approaches. We present the developed general framework for 1D/3D
      hybrid modeling and apply it to investigate electrically active neurons and their
      intracellular spatio-temporal calcium dynamics. 

PMID- 25120464
TI  - Operant conditioning: a minimal components requirement in artificial spiking
      neurons designed for bio-inspired robot's controller.
AB  - In this paper, we investigate the operant conditioning (OC) learning process
      within a bio-inspired paradigm, using artificial spiking neural networks (ASNN)
      to act as robot brain controllers. In biological agents, OC results in behavioral
      changes learned from the consequences of previous actions, based on progressive
      prediction adjustment from rewarding or punishing signals. In a neurorobotics
      context, virtual and physical autonomous robots may benefit from a similar
      learning skill when facing unknown and unsupervised environments. In this work,
      we demonstrate that a simple invariant micro-circuit can sustain OC in multiple
      learning scenarios. The motivation for this new OC implementation model stems
      from the relatively complex alternatives that have been described in the
      computational literature and recent advances in neurobiology. Our elementary
      kernel includes only a few crucial neurons, synaptic links and originally from
      the integration of habituation and spike-timing dependent plasticity as learning
      rules. Using several tasks of incremental complexity, our results show that a
      minimal neural component set is sufficient to realize many OC procedures. Hence,
      with the proposed OC module, designing learning tasks with an ASNN and a bio
      inspired robot context leads to simpler neural architectures for achieving
      complex behaviors. 

PMID- 25120465
TI  - Brain-computer interface-based robotic end effector system for wrist and hand
      rehabilitation: results of a three-armed randomized controlled trial for chronic
      stroke.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an
      Electroencephalography (EEG)-based Motor Imagery (MI) Brain-Computer Interface
      (BCI) coupled with a Haptic Knob (HK) robot for arm rehabilitation in stroke
      patients. In this three-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled trial; 21
      chronic hemiplegic stroke patients (Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMMA) score 10
      50), recruited after pre-screening for MI BCI ability, were randomly allocated to
      BCI-HK, HK or Standard Arm Therapy (SAT) groups. All groups received 18 sessions
      of intervention over 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week, 90 min per session. The BCI-HK
      group received 1 h of BCI coupled with HK intervention, and the HK group received
      1 h of HK intervention per session. Both BCI-HK and HK groups received 120 trials
      of robot-assisted hand grasping and knob manipulation followed by 30 min of
      therapist-assisted arm mobilization. The SAT group received 1.5 h of therapist
      assisted arm mobilization and forearm pronation-supination movements
      incorporating wrist control and grasp-release functions. In all, 14 males, 7
      females, mean age 54.2 years, mean stroke duration 385.1 days, with baseline FMMA
      score 27.0 were recruited. The primary outcome measure was upper extremity FMMA
      scores measured mid-intervention at week 3, end-intervention at week 6, and
      follow-up at weeks 12 and 24. Seven, 8 and 7 subjects underwent BCI-HK, HK and
      SAT interventions respectively. FMMA score improved in all groups, but no
      intergroup differences were found at any time points. Significantly larger motor
      gains were observed in the BCI-HK group compared to the SAT group at weeks 3, 12,
      and 24, but motor gains in the HK group did not differ from the SAT group at any
      time point. In conclusion, BCI-HK is effective, safe, and may have the potential
      for enhancing motor recovery in chronic stroke when combined with therapist
      assisted arm mobilization. 

PMID- 25120467
TI  - Sequential treatment of multiple actinic keratoses with solaraze and actikerall.
AB  - Interest is increasing in the use of sequential or combined therapeutic
      modalities for spot or area treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs) to achieve
      complete sustained remission. For multiple lesions in a contained area, topical
      treatment offers less discomfort, better cosmesis and greater patient convenience
      than destructive/ablative techniques. Twelve patients with multiple grade I and
      II AK lesions of the scalp (cases 1-10) or the dorsum of the hand (cases 11 and
      12), most with a history of recurrence, were treated with Solaraze gel (3%
      diclofenac sodium in 2.5% hyaluronic acid) twice daily for 12 weeks, followed by
      a 2-week treatment-free interval, then Actikerall cutaneous solution (5
      fluorouracil 5 mg/g and salicylic acid 100 mg/g) once daily for up to 6 weeks as
      required. Sequential treatment provided complete (clinical and histological)
      clearance in 8/10 male patients. Two patients with numerous lesions had partial
      clearance (significant improvement) and the remaining few lesions were treated
      with erbium laser. Both female patients achieved complete clinical clearance with
      sequential treatment. Solaraze/Actikerall were well tolerated. A case of contact
      dermatitis with Solaraze resolved after discontinuation and the patient
      progressed to treatment with Actikerall. Local application site reactions
      resolved upon treatment completion. Topical lesion-directed sequential treatment
      with Solaraze/Actikerall is a rational approach to treat patients with multiple
      AKs. Sequential treatment produces excellent clearance rates which are
      accompanied by relevant improvement in patients' quality of life. 

PMID- 25120468
TI  - Keratoacanthoma accompanied by multiple lung squamous cell carcinomas developing
      in a renal transplant recipient.
AB  - Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a benign keratinocytic neoplasm that spontaneously
      regresses after 3-6 months and shares features with well-differentiated squamous
      cell carcinoma (SCC). An increased incidence of both KA and non-melanoma skin
      tumor, including SCC, is seen among immunosuppressed, organ-transplant
      recipients. In this report we describe a case of KA accompanied by multiple lung
      SCCs developing in a renal transplant recipient. 

PMID- 25120466
TI  - Characterizing relationships of DTI, fMRI, and motor recovery in stroke
      rehabilitation utilizing brain-computer interface technology.
AB  - The relationship of the structural integrity of white matter tracts and cortical
      activity to motor functional outcomes in stroke patients is of particular
      interest in understanding mechanisms of brain structural and functional changes
      while recovering from stroke. This study aims to probe these underlying
      mechanisms using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and fMRI measures. We examined
      the structural integrity of the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC)
      using DTI and corticomotor activity using motor-task fMRI in stroke patients who
      completed up to 15 sessions of rehabilitation therapy using Brain-Computer
      Interface (BCI) technology. We hypothesized that (1) the structural integrity of
      PLIC and corticomotor activity are affected by stroke; (2) changes in structural
      integrity and corticomotor activity following BCI intervention are related to
      motor recovery; (3) there is a potential relationship between structural
      integrity and corticomotor activity. We found that (1) the ipsilesional PLIC
      showed significantly decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) values when compared to
      the contralesional PLIC; (2) lower ipsilesional PLIC-FA values were significantly
      associated with worse motor outcomes (i.e., ipsilesional PLIC-FA and motor
      outcomes were positively correlated.); (3) lower ipsilesional PLIC-FA values were
      significantly associated with greater ipsilesional corticomotor activity during
      impaired-finger-tapping-task fMRI (i.e., ipsilesional PLIC-FA and ipsilesional
      corticomotor activity were negatively correlated), with an overall bilateral
      pattern of corticomotor activity observed; and (4) baseline FA values predicted
      motor recovery assessed after BCI intervention. These findings suggest that (1)
      greater vs. lesser microstructural integrity of the ipsilesional PLIC may
      contribute toward better vs. poor motor recovery respectively in the stroke
      affected limb and demand lesser vs. greater cortical activity respectively from
      the ipsilesional motor cortex; and that (2) PLIC-FA is a promising biomarker in
      tracking and predicting motor functional recovery in stroke patients receiving
      BCI intervention. 

PMID- 25120469
TI  - Rothmund-thomson syndrome: a 13-year follow-up.
AB  - Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder presenting
      with poikiloderma and other clinical features, affecting the bones and eyes and,
      in type II RTS, presenting an increased risk for malignancy. With about 300 cases
      reported so far, we present a 13-year follow-up including clinical images, X-rays
      and genetic analysis. A 13-month-old female started with a facial rash with
      blisters on her cheeks and limbs at the age of 3 months along with congenital
      hypoplastic thumbs, frontal bossing and fine hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. The
      patient was lost to follow-up and returned 12 years later with palmoplantar
      hyperkeratotic lesions, short stature, disseminated poikiloderma and sparse scalp
      hair, with absence of eyelashes and eyebrows. Radiographic analysis showed radial
      ray defect, absence of the thumb and three wrist carpal bones, and reduced bone
      density. Gene sequencing for the RECQL4 helicase gene revealed a mutation on each
      allele. RTS is a rare disease, and in this patient we observed the evolution of
      her skin lesions and other clinical features, which were important for the
      classification of type II RTS. The next years will provide even more information
      on this rare disease. 

PMID- 25120470
TI  - Primary Duodenal Adenocarcinoma without Stenosis: A Case Report with a Brief
      Literature Review.
AB  - This article focuses on the symptomatic and diagnostic problems of primary
      duodenal adenocarcinoma (PDA) by way of two case reports and a literature review.
      An 85-year-old woman with an adenocarcinoma in the 1st duodenal portion was
      offered palliative care. A 90-year-old woman with an adenocarcinoma in the 3rd
      duodenal portion was also offered palliative care. A unique finding in the two
      cases reported herein is that PDA did not cause stenosis and occlusion of the
      lumen. As no reports of PDA without stenosis have been published so far, these
      cases may add to our knowledge of PDA. The diagnosis of PDA is often delayed
      because its symptoms may be absent until the tumor has progressed, thus leading
      to a delay of several months. Patients typically present with a long history of
      variable and vague symptoms, and many are diagnosed with advanced disease. As
      regards clinical manifestations, abdominal pain is the most frequent symptom. The
      majority of these tumors are found to have infiltrated the duodenal wall at
      presentation, with many being unresectable due to local and distal invasion.
      Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and gastrointestinal barium radiography are the main
      diagnostic tests for PDA, detecting 88.6 and 83.3% of tumors, respectively. In
      some cases, ultrasonography or computed tomography are useful for detecting PDA
      and determining vascular invasion. 

PMID- 25120471
TI  - Use of Core Needle Biopsy rather than Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology in the
      Diagnostic Approach of Breast Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In the following study case, we reviewed breast ultrasound
      guided core needle biopsy (CNB), using Mammotome (vacuum-assisted breast biopsy)
      and Tru-cut, carried out on palpable and nonpalpable uncertain breast lumps or
      malignant large lesions to be submitted to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Examinations were conducted during a 4-year period of clinical activity
      in a highly specialized center, from December 2009 to December 2013, in 712
      patients previously subjected to fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). RESULTS:
      The results demonstrated that among the 712 breast biopsies, in many cases FNAC
      was not conclusive, and therefore we proceeded with the echo-guided biopsy,
      through which we were able to collect sufficient material for the histological
      examination in order to direct patients to surgery or follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: CNB
      is far superior to FNAC, especially in cases of uncertainty, where it is
      preferable to proceed directly with CNB, which may also determine additional
      prognostic and predictive markers. Initially FNAC is less expensive, but the
      actual costs involved tend to be higher for FNAC as it is less accurate and a CNB
      is often required. In accordance with recent publications, we can confirm the
      full validity of CNB in the diagnostic approach of breast lesions.

PMID- 25120473
TI  - Severe dermatologic reactions with bendamustine: a case series.
AB  - Cutaneous drug reactions make up the largest proportion of adverse events in the
      medical field. Causality, in particular, is difficult to determine, and
      therefore, preventing recurrent reactions can be challenging. Bendamustine was
      initially thought to be a well-tolerated chemotherapy agent with few side effects
      aside from bone marrow suppression. However, the incidence of cutaneous reactions
      reported is rising. We describe three such reactions in relation to bendamustine
      administration in hopes of adding to the awareness of such side effects. 

PMID- 25120472
TI  - Horrifying Basal cell carcinoma: cytological, immunohistochemical, and
      ultrastructural findings.
AB  - Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a slow-growing and frequently occurring tumor of
      the eyelids. Among BCC cases, there is a subtype of aggressive cases called
      horrifying BCC (HBCC). There are also rare BCC cases that show neuroendocrine
      differentiation. Here, we describe a case of HBCC with neuroendocrine
      differentiation. The patient, a 41-year-old woman, presented with abnormal left
      eye tearing and left cheek pain. On computed tomography imaging, a tumor that
      extended to the left orbit was detected in the left cheek. On cytological
      examination of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) samples, the tumor cells were
      observed as sheet-like clusters and single bare nuclei with a clear background;
      peripheral palisading was not clearly seen. On examination of the biopsy specimen
      taken after FNA, the tumor was found to be composed of cancer cell nests with
      scattered peripheral palisading in the dermis. Immunohistochemically, the tumor
      cells were positive for cytokeratin (CK) 7 and CD56 and were negative for CK20,
      synaptophysin, and chromogranin A. Membrane-bound dense-core granules were
      detected on ultrastructural study. A HBCC case with neuroendocrine
      differentiation has not been previously reported. The correlation between the
      presence of neuroendocrine differentiation in HBCC and patient prognosis should
      be further studied. 

PMID- 25120474
TI  - Massive bilateral serous retinal detachment in a case of hypertensive
      chorioretinopathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Systemic high blood pressure is related to a variety of retinal
      manifestations. We present an atypical case of hypertensive chorioretinopathy
      with massive bilateral serous retinal detachment. CASE REPORT: A 26-year-old male
      with a genitourinary malformation and secondary grade IV chronic kidney failure
      as well as high blood pressure complained of acute vision loss. Dilated fundus
      examination evidenced a bilateral serous retinal detachment with macular
      involvement. The patient was unresponsive to oral antihypertensive therapy and
      dialysis treatment. The serous retinal detachment progressively decreased after
      the restoration of dialysis and antihypertensive therapy. The final visual acuity
      was 0.50 in both eyes. DISCUSSION: In cases of serous macular detachment, it is
      mandatory to rule out different systemic and ocular diseases. The presence of
      uncontrolled high blood pressure may produce aggressive bilateral retinal
      changes, thus hypertension must be under early and strict control in order to
      improve the visual outcomes.

PMID- 25120475
TI  - Swept-source optical coherence tomographic findings of choroidal osteoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the morphologic features of a choroidal osteoma using swept
      source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF).
      METHODS: Two eyes of two cases with a choroidal osteoma were studied using SS-OCT
      and FAF. RESULTS: The location of the tumor was circumpapillary without macular
      involvement in case 1 and juxtapapillary with macular involvement in case 2. Both
      cases had a mixture of calcified and decalcified areas, and a concomitant
      choroidal neovascularization was found in case 2. The FAF images showed decreased
      autofluorescence in the central decalcified regions and relatively preserved
      fluorescence in marginal calcified regions in both cases. SS-OCT revealed a
      normal inner retina and an abnormal outer retina in both cases, and subretinal
      fluid in case 2. The calcified regions appeared sponge-like and were multilayered
      in case 2. A lamellar reflective pattern was observed in the decalcified regions
      in case 1, and hyperreflective mound-like areas were observed in both cases. SS
      OCT demonstrated hyperreflective areas above Bruch's membrane accompanied by
      disruption of Bruch's membrane in case 1. The chorioscleral border was visible in
      both cases. CONCLUSIONS: The FAF pattern in the calcified and decalcified areas
      of the choroidal osteoma may correspond to the different stage of tumor
      evolution. The SS-OCT findings indicate that choroidal osteomas can have
      characteristic reflective patterns and alterations of the overlying retina.

PMID- 25120476
TI  - Systemic inflammation, blood-brain barrier vulnerability and cognitive/non
      cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer disease: relevance to pathogenesis and therapy.
AB  - The incidence of dementia is increasing at an alarming rate, and has become a
      major public health concern. Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of
      dementia and is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. In addition to
      classical neuropathological features such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary
      tangles (NFT), accumulation of activated immune cells has been documented in the
      AD brain, suggesting a contribution of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of
      AD. Besides cognitive deterioration, non-cognitive symptoms, such as agitation,
      aggression, depression and psychosis, are often observed in demented patients,
      including those with AD, and these neuropsychological symptoms place a heavy
      burden on caregivers. These symptoms often exhibit sudden onset and tend to
      fluctuate over time, and in many cases, they are triggered by an infection in
      peripheral organs, suggesting that inflammation plays an important role in the
      pathogenesis of these non-cognitive symptoms. However, there is no mechanistic
      explanation for the relationship between inflammation and neuropsychiatric
      symptoms. Observations from experimental mouse models indicate that alteration of
      brain blood vessels, especially blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, may
      contribute to the relationship. The current review summarizes the results from
      recent studies on the relationship between inflammation and AD, while focusing on
      cerebrovascular alterations, which might provide an insight into the pathogenesis
      of cognitive/non-cognitive symptoms in AD patients and suggest a basis for the
      development of new therapeutic treatments for these conditions. 

PMID- 25120479
TI  - Inflammatory nociception responses do not vary with age, but diminish with the
      pain history.
AB  - Some of the relevant factors that must be considered when dealing with old age
      include its growing numbers in the general population and pain contention in this
      age group. In this sense, it is important to study whether antinociceptive
      responses change with age. To elucidate this point, persistent pain in animals is
      the preferred model. In addition, the response to inflammatory pain in the same
      individual must be explored along its lifetime. Male Wistar rats were infiltrated
      with carrageenan (50 MUl intraplantar) and tested 3 h and 24 h after injection
      using thermal (plantar test) and mechanociceptive tests (von Frey). The rats were
      divided into the following groups: (a) young rats infiltrated for the first time
      at 12 weeks of age and re-infiltrated at 15 and 17 weeks; (b) adult rats
      infiltrated for the first time at 28 weeks of age and re-infiltrated at 44 and 56
      weeks; and (c) old rats infiltrated for the first time at 56 weeks of age and re
      infiltrated at 72 weeks. The rats tested for the first time at 12 and 56 weeks of
      age showed hyperalgesia due to carrageenan infiltration at 3 h and 24 h after
      injection. This result showed that old rats maintain the same antialgesic
      response due to inflammation. However, when the injection was repeated in the
      three age groups, the latency to the thermal and mechanociceptive responses at 3
      h is increased when compared to animals exposed for the first time to
      inflammation. The response to thermal and mechanociception in old rats is the
      same as in young animals as long as the nociceptive stimulus is not repeated. The
      repetition of the stimulus produces changes compatible with desensitization of
      the response and evidences the significance of algesic stimulus repetition in the
      same individual rather than the age of the individual. 

PMID- 25120478
TI  - Effects of combined MAO-B inhibitors and levodopa vs. monotherapy in Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior studies report that monoamine oxidases inhibitors (MAO-I) when
      used as an adjunct to levodopa ameliorate motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease
      (PD), but this was not tested in relation to cognitive or psychiatric measures.
      OBJECTIVE: Here, we tested the effects of MAO-I as an adjunct to levodopa, in
      comparison to levodopa or dopamine (DA) agonists alone, on various cognitive,
      affective and quality of life measures. METHODS: We studied three groups of
      subjects: healthy controls, PD patients on combined levodopa and MAO-I, and PD
      patients on levodopa or DA agonists only. RESULTS: We found that compared to
      monotherapy, combined MAO-I and levodopa seemed to improve cognition, including
      probabilistic learning, working memory and executive functions. There were no
      differences between the different medication regimes on deterministic learning,
      attention or memory recall. It was also found that MAO-I as an adjunct to
      levodopa improves affective measures such as depression, apathy, anxiety and
      quality of life. Interestingly, this enhancing effect of combined levodopa and
      MAO-I was more pronounced in PD patients with severe akinesia, compared to
      patients with severe tremor. CONCLUSION: Our data are in agreement with (a) the
      Continuous Dopaminergic Stimulation (CDS) theory which states that continuous
      stimulation of the basal ganglia enhances motor, psychiatric and cognitive
      functions in PD patients; and/or (b) findings that MAO-I increase the
      bioavailability of monoamines that have beneficial effects on motor and
      behavioral dysfunction in PD.

PMID- 25120480
TI  - Graph analysis of verbal fluency test discriminate between patients with
      Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment and normal elderly controls.
AB  - Verbal fluency is the ability to produce a satisfying sequence of spoken words
      during a given time interval. The core of verbal fluency lies in the capacity to
      manage the executive aspects of language. The standard scores of the semantic
      verbal fluency test are broadly used in the neuropsychological assessment of the
      elderly, and different analytical methods are likely to extract even more
      information from the data generated in this test. Graph theory, a mathematical
      approach to analyze relations between items, represents a promising tool to
      understand a variety of neuropsychological states. This study reports a graph
      analysis of data generated by the semantic verbal fluency test by cognitively
      healthy elderly (NC), patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment-subtypes amnestic
      (aMCI) and amnestic multiple domain (a+mdMCI)-and patients with Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). Sequences of words were represented as a speech graph in which
      every word corresponded to a node and temporal links between words were
      represented by directed edges. To characterize the structure of the data we
      calculated 13 speech graph attributes (SGA). The individuals were compared when
      divided in three (NC-MCI-AD) and four (NC-aMCI-a+mdMCI-AD) groups. When the three
      groups were compared, significant differences were found in the standard measure
      of correct words produced, and three SGA: diameter, average shortest path, and
      network density. SGA sorted the elderly groups with good specificity and
      sensitivity. When the four groups were compared, the groups differed
      significantly in network density, except between the two MCI subtypes and NC and
      aMCI. The diameter of the network and the average shortest path were
      significantly different between the NC and AD, and between aMCI and AD. SGA
      sorted the elderly in their groups with good specificity and sensitivity,
      performing better than the standard score of the task. These findings provide
      support for a new methodological frame to assess the strength of semantic memory
      through the verbal fluency task, with potential to amplify the predictive power
      of this test. Graph analysis is likely to become clinically relevant in neurology
      and psychiatry, and may be particularly useful for the differential diagnosis of
      the elderly. 

PMID- 25120477
TI  - Alzheimer's disease: relevant molecular and physiopathological events affecting
      amyloid-beta brain balance and the putative role of PPARs.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of age-related dementia. With
      the expected aging of the human population, the estimated morbidity of AD
      suggests a critical upcoming health problem. Several lines of research are
      focused on understanding AD pathophysiology, and although the etiology of the
      disease remains a matter of intense debate, increased brain levels of amyloid
      beta (Abeta) appear to be a critical event in triggering a wide range of
      molecular alterations leading to AD. It has become evident in recent years that
      an altered balance between production and clearance is responsible for the
      accumulation of brain Abeta. Moreover, Abeta clearance is a complex event that
      involves more than neurons and microglia. The status of the blood-brain barrier
      (BBB) and choroid plexus, along with hepatic functionality, should be considered
      when Abeta balance is addressed. Furthermore, it has been proposed that exposure
      to sub-toxic concentrations of metals, such as copper, could both directly affect
      these secondary structures and act as a seeding or nucleation core that
      facilitates Abeta aggregation. Recently, we have addressed peroxisomal
      proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs)-related mechanisms, including the direct
      modulation of mitochondrial dynamics through the PPARgamma-coactivator-1alpha
      (PGC-1alpha) axis and the crosstalk with critical aging- and neurodegenerative
      related cellular pathways. In the present review, we revise the current knowledge
      regarding the molecular aspects of Abeta production and clearance and provide a
      physiological context that gives a more complete view of this issue.
      Additionally, we consider the different structures involved in AD-altered Abeta
      brain balance, which could be directly or indirectly affected by a nuclear
      receptor (NR)/PPAR-related mechanism. 

PMID- 25120482
TI  - Sarcopenia and physical frailty: two sides of the same coin.

PMID- 25120481
TI  - Amylin and its analogs: a friend or foe for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease?
AB  - Amylin, a gut-brain axis hormone, and amyloid-beta peptides (Abeta), a major
      component of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, share several features,
      including similar beta-sheet secondary structures, binding to the same receptor
      and being degraded by the same protease, insulin degrading enzyme (IDE). However,
      while amylin readily crosses the blood brain barrier (BBB) and mediates several
      activities including improving glucose metabolism, relaxing cerebrovascular
      structure, modulating inflammatory reaction and perhaps enhancing neural
      regeneration, Abeta has no known physiological functions. Thus, abundant Abeta in
      the AD brain could block or interfere with the binding of amylin to its receptor
      and hinder its functions. Recent studies using animal models for AD demonstrate
      that amylin and its analog reduce the AD pathology in the brain and improve
      cognitive impairment in AD. Given that, in addition to amyloid plaques and
      neurofibrillary tangles, perturbed cerebral glucose metabolism and
      cerebrovascular damage are the hallmarks of the AD brain, we propose that giving
      exogenous amylin type peptides have the potential to become a new avenue for the
      diagnosis and therapeutic of AD. Although amylin's property of self-aggregation
      may be a limitation to developing it as a therapeutic for AD, its clinical
      analog, pramlintide containing 3 amino acid differences from amylin, does not
      aggregate like human amylin, but more potently mediates amylin's activities in
      the brain. Pramlintide is an effective drug for diabetes with a favorable profile
      of safety. Thus a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
      should be conducted to examine the efficacy of pramlintide for AD. This review
      summarizes the knowledge and findings on amylin type peptides and discuss pros
      and cons for their potential for AD. 

PMID- 25120484
TI  - From industrial research to academic discoveries, toward a new concept of
      partnership: the Biomathics model.

PMID- 25120483
TI  - Relationships between Personality Traits, Medial Temporal Lobe Atrophy, and White
      Matter Lesion in Subjects Suffering from Mild Cognitive Impairment.
AB  - Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a heterogeneous cognitive status that can be a
      prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is particularly relevant to focus
      on prodromal stages of AD such as MCI, because patho-physiological abnormalities
      of AD start years before the dementia stage. Medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy
      resulting from AD lesions and cerebrovascular lesions [i.e., white matter lesions
      (WML), lacunar strokes, and strokes] are often revealed concurrently on magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) in MCI subjects. Personality changes have been reported
      to be associated with MCI status and early AD. More specifically, an increase in
      neuroticism and a decrease in conscientiousness have been reported, suggesting
      that higher and lower scores, respectively, in neuroticism and conscientiousness
      are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. However,
      personality changes have not been studied concomitantly with pathological
      structural brain alterations detected on MRI in patients suffering from MCI.
      Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess the relationship
      between MTL atrophy, WML, lacunar strokes, and personality traits in such
      patients. The severity of WML was strongly associated with lower levels of
      conscientiousness and higher levels of neuroticism. Conversely, no association
      was detected between personality traits and the presence of lacunar strokes or
      MTL atrophy. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that personality changes
      occurring in a MCI population, at high risk of AD, are associated with WML, which
      can induce executive dysfunctions, rather than with MTL atrophy. 

PMID- 25120485
TI  - Implementation of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic strategies in early
      research phases of drug discovery and development at Novartis Institute of
      Biomedical Research.
AB  - Characterizing the relationship between the pharmacokinetics (PK, concentration
      vs. time) and pharmacodynamics (PD, effect vs. time) is an important tool in the
      discovery and development of new drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. The
      purpose of this publication is to serve as a guide for drug discovery scientists
      toward optimal design and conduct of PK/PD studies in the research phase. This
      review is a result of the collaborative efforts of DMPK scientists from various
      Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic (MAP) departments of the global organization
      Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research (NIBR). We recommend that PK/PD
      strategies be implemented in early research phases of drug discovery projects to
      enable successful transition to drug development. Effective PK/PD study design,
      analysis, and interpretation can help scientists elucidate the relationship
      between PK and PD, understand the mechanism of drug action, and identify PK
      properties for further improvement and optimal compound design. Additionally,
      PK/PD modeling can help increase the translation of in vitro compound potency to
      the in vivo setting, reduce the number of in vivo animal studies, and improve
      translation of findings from preclinical species into the clinical setting. This
      review focuses on three important elements of successful PK/PD studies, namely
      partnership among key scientists involved in the study execution; parameters that
      influence study designs; and data analysis and interpretation. Specific examples
      and case studies are highlighted to help demonstrate key points for
      consideration. The intent is to provide a broad PK/PD foundation for colleagues
      in the pharmaceutical industry and serve as a tool to promote appropriate
      discussions on early research project teams with key scientists involved in PK/PD
      studies. 

PMID- 25120486
TI  - The IRP/IRE system in vivo: insights from mouse models.
AB  - Iron regulatory proteins 1 and 2 (IRP1 and IRP2) post-transcriptionally control
      the expression of several mRNAs encoding proteins of iron, oxygen and energy
      metabolism. The mechanism involves their binding to iron responsive elements
      (IREs) in the untranslated regions of target mRNAs, thereby controlling mRNA
      translation or stability. Whereas IRP2 functions solely as an RNA-binding
      protein, IRP1 operates as either an RNA-binding protein or a cytosolic aconitase.
      Early experiments in cultured cells established a crucial role of IRPs in
      regulation of cellular iron metabolism. More recently, studies in mouse models
      with global or localized Irp1 and/or Irp2 deficiencies uncovered new
      physiological functions of IRPs in the context of systemic iron homeostasis.
      Thus, IRP1 emerged as a key regulator of erythropoiesis and iron absorption by
      controlling hypoxia inducible factor 2alpha (HIF2alpha) mRNA translation, while
      IRP2 appears to dominate the control of iron uptake and heme biosynthesis in
      erythroid progenitor cells by regulating the expression of transferrin receptor 1
      (TfR1) and 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase 2 (ALAS2) mRNAs, respectively. Targeted
      disruption of either Irp1 or Irp2 in mice is associated with distinct phenotypic
      abnormalities. Thus, Irp1(-/-) mice develop polycythemia and pulmonary
      hypertension, while Irp2(-/-) mice present with microcytic anemia, iron overload
      in the intestine and the liver, and neurologic defects. Combined disruption of
      both Irp1 and Irp2 is incombatible with life and leads to early embryonic
      lethality. Mice with intestinal- or liver-specific disruption of both Irps are
      viable at birth but die later on due to malabsorption or liver failure,
      respectively. Adult mice lacking both Irps in the intestine exhibit a profound
      defect in dietary iron absorption due to a "mucosal block" that is caused by the
      de-repression of ferritin mRNA translation. Herein, we discuss the physiological
      function of the IRE/IRP regulatory system. 

PMID- 25120487
TI  - Drug elucidation: invertebrate genetics sheds new light on the molecular targets
      of CNS drugs.
AB  - Many important drugs approved to treat common human diseases were discovered by
      serendipity, without a firm understanding of their modes of action. As a result,
      the side effects and interactions of these medications are often unpredictable,
      and there is limited guidance for improving the design of next-generation drugs.
      Here, we review the innovative use of simple model organisms, especially
      Caenorhabditis elegans, to gain fresh insights into the complex biological
      effects of approved CNS medications. Whereas drug discovery involves the
      identification of new drug targets and lead compounds/biologics, and drug
      development spans preclinical testing to FDA approval, drug elucidation refers to
      the process of understanding the mechanisms of action of marketed drugs by
      studying their novel effects in model organisms. Drug elucidation studies have
      revealed new pathways affected by antipsychotic drugs, e.g., the insulin
      signaling pathway, a trace amine receptor and a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.
      Similarly, novel targets of antidepressant drugs and lithium have been identified
      in C. elegans, including lipid-binding/transport proteins and the SGK-1 signaling
      pathway, respectively. Elucidation of the mode of action of anesthetic agents has
      shown that anesthesia can involve mitochondrial targets, leak currents, and gap
      junctions. The general approach reviewed in this article has advanced our
      knowledge about important drugs for CNS disorders and can guide future drug
      discovery efforts. 

PMID- 25120489
TI  - Analysis of co-assembly and co-localization of ameloblastin and amelogenin.
AB  - Epithelially-derived ameloblasts secrete extracellular matrix proteins including
      amelogenin, enamelin, and ameloblastin. Complex intermolecular interactions among
      these proteins are believed to be important in controlling enamel formation. Here
      we provide in vitro and in vivo evidence of co-assembly and co-localization of
      ameloblastin with amelogenin using both biophysical and immunohistochemical
      methods. We performed co-localization studies using immunofluorescence confocal
      microscopy with paraffin-embedded tissue sections from mandibular molars of mice
      at 1, 5, and 8 days of age. Commercially-available ameloblastin antibody (M300)
      against mouse ameloblastin residues 107-407 and an antibody against full-length
      recombinant mouse (rM179) amelogenin were used. Ameloblastin-M300 clearly reacted
      along the secretory face of ameloblasts from days 1-8. Quantitative co
      localization was analyzed (QCA) in several configurations by choosing appropriate
      regions of interest (ROIs). Analysis of ROIs along the secretory face of
      ameloblasts revealed that at day 1, very high percentages of both the
      ameloblastin and amelogenin co-localized. At day 8 along the ameloblast cells the
      percentage of co-localization remained high for the ameloblastin whereas co
      localization percentage was reduced for amelogenin. Analysis of the entire
      thickness on day 8 revealed no significant co-localization of amelogenin and
      ameloblastin. With the progress of amelogenesis and ameloblastin degradation,
      there was a segregation of ameloblastin and co-localization with the C-terminal
      region decreased. CD spectra indicated that structural changes in ameloblastin
      occurred upon addition of amelogenin. Our data suggest that amelogenin
      ameloblastin complexes may be the functional entities at the early stage of
      enamel mineralization. 

PMID- 25120490
TI  - Comparison of two mouse ameloblast-like cell lines for enamel-specific gene
      expression.
AB  - Ameloblasts are ectoderm-derived cells that produce an extracellular enamel
      matrix that mineralizes to form enamel. The development and use of immortalized
      cell lines, with a stable phenotype, is an important contribution to biological
      studies as it allows for the investigation of molecular activities without the
      continuous need for animals. In this study we compare the expression profiles of
      enamel-specific genes in two mouse derived ameloblast-like cell lines: LS8 and
      ALC cells. Quantitative PCR analysis indicates that, relative to each other, LS8
      cells express greater mRNA levels for genes that define secretory-stage
      activities (Amelx, Ambn, Enam, and Mmp20), while ALC express greater mRNA levels
      for genes that define maturation-stage activities (Odam and Klk4). Western blot
      analyses show that Amelx, Ambn, and Odam proteins are detectable in ALC, but not
      LS8 cells. Unstimulated ALC cells form calcified nodules, while LS8 cells do not.
      These data provide greater insight as to the suitability of both cell lines to
      contribute to biological studies on enamel formation and biomineralization, and
      highlight some of the strengths and weaknesses when relying on enamel epithelial
      organ-derived cell lines to study molecular activities of amelogenesis. 

PMID- 25120488
TI  - Nano-scale measurement of biomolecules by optical microscopy and semiconductor
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Over the past decade, great developments in optical microscopy have made this
      technology increasingly compatible with biological studies. Fluorescence
      microscopy has especially contributed to investigating the dynamic behaviors of
      live specimens and can now resolve objects with nanometer precision and
      resolution due to super-resolution imaging. Additionally, single particle
      tracking provides information on the dynamics of individual proteins at the
      nanometer scale both in vitro and in cells. Complementing advances in microscopy
      technologies has been the development of fluorescent probes. The quantum dot, a
      semi-conductor fluorescent nanoparticle, is particularly suitable for single
      particle tracking and super-resolution imaging. This article overviews the
      principles of single particle tracking and super resolution along with describing
      their application to the nanometer measurement/observation of biological systems
      when combined with quantum dot technologies. 

PMID- 25120491
TI  - Need for multi-scale systems to identify spindle orientation regulators relevant
      to tissue disorganization in solid cancers.

PMID- 25120493
TI  - Sympathetic dysfunction in vasovagal syncope and the postural orthostatic
      tachycardia syndrome.
AB  - Orthostatic intolerance is the inability to tolerate the upright posture and is
      relieved by recumbence. It most commonly affects young women and has a major
      impact on quality of life and psychosocial well-being. Several forms of
      orthostatic intolerance have been described. The most common one is the recurrent
      vasovagal syncope (VVS) phenotype which presents as a transient and abrupt loss
      of consciousness and postural tone that is followed by rapid recovery. Another
      common type of orthostatic intolerance is the postural orthostatic tachycardia
      syndrome (POTS) which is characterized by an excessive rise in heart rate upon
      standing and is associated with symptoms of presyncope such as light-headedness,
      fatigue, palpitations, and nausea. Maintenance of arterial pressure under
      condition of reduced central blood volume during the orthostasis is accomplished
      in large part through sympathetic efferent nerve traffic to the peripheral
      vasculature. Therefore sympathetic nervous system (SNS) dysfunction is high on
      the list of possible contributors to the pathophysiology of orthostatic
      intolerance. Investigations into the role of the SNS in orthostatic intolerance
      have yielded mixed results. This review outlines the current knowledge of the
      function of the SNS in both VVS and POTS. 

PMID- 25120495
TI  - Can exercise increase fitness and reduce weight in patients with schizophrenia
      and depression?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychiatric patients have a reduced life expectancy of 15-20 years
      compared with the general population. Most years of lost life are due to the
      excess mortality from somatic diseases. Sedentary lifestyle and medication is
      partly responsible for the high frequency of metabolic syndrome in this patient
      group and low levels of physical activity is associated with increased risk of
      cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and all-cause mortality. This study aimed to
      review trials allocating patients with either schizophrenia or depression to
      exercise interventions for effect on cardiovascular fitness, strength, and
      weight. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO including randomized
      clinical trial allocating patients with either schizophrenia or depression to
      isolated exercise interventions. RESULTS: We identified five trials including
      patients with schizophrenia (n = 94) and found little evidence that exercise
      could increase cardiovascular fitness or decrease weight. Nine exercise trials
      for patients with depression (n = 892) were identified increasing cardiovascular
      fitness by 11-30% and strength by 33-37%. No evidence in favor of exercise for
      weight reduction was found. CONCLUSION: Based on the current evidence isolated
      exercise interventions are unlikely to improve cardiovascular fitness or induce
      weight loss in patients with schizophrenia. In patients with depression, exercise
      interventions are likely to induce clinically relevant short term effects,
      however, due to lack of reporting, little is known about the effect on weight
      reduction and cardiovascular fitness. Future exercise trials regarding patients
      with mental illness should preferably measure changes in cardiovascular strength,
      repetition maximum, and anthropometric outcomes. Ideally, participants should be
      assessed beyond the intervention to identify long lasting effects.

PMID- 25120492
TI  - Plasmacytoid dendritic cells: development, functions, and role in atherosclerotic
      inflammation.
AB  - Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a specialized subset of DCs that links
      innate and adaptive immunity. They sense viral and bacterial pathogens and
      release high levels of Type I interferons (IFN-I) in response to infection. pDCs
      were shown to contribute to inflammatory responses in the steady state and in
      pathology. In atherosclerosis, pDCs are involved in priming vascular inflammation
      and atherogenesis through production of IFN-I and chemokines that attract
      inflammatory cells to inflamed sites. pDCs also contribute to the proinflammatory
      activation of effector T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and conventional DCs. However,
      tolerogenic populations of pDCs are found that suppress atherosclerosis
      associated inflammation through down-regulation of function and proliferation of
      proinflammatory T cell subsets and induction of regulatory T cells with potent
      immunomodulatory properties. Notably, atheroprotective tolerogenic DCs could be
      induced by certain self-antigens or bacterial antigens that suggests for great
      therapeutic potential of these DCs for development of DC-based anti-atherogenic
      vaccines. 

PMID- 25120494
TI  - Tenascin-C and mechanotransduction in the development and diseases of
      cardiovascular system.
AB  - Living tissue is composed of cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). In the heart
      and blood vessels, which are constantly subjected to mechanical stress, ECM
      molecules form well-developed fibrous frameworks to maintain tissue structure.
      ECM is also important for biological signaling, which influences various cellular
      functions in embryonic development, and physiological/pathological responses to
      extrinsic stimuli. Among ECM molecules, increased attention has been focused on
      matricellular proteins. Matricellular proteins are a growing group of non
      structural ECM proteins highly up-regulated at active tissue remodeling, serving
      as biological mediators. Tenascin-C (TNC) is a typical matricellular protein,
      which is highly expressed during embryonic development, wound healing,
      inflammation, and cancer invasion. The expression is tightly regulated, dependent
      on the microenvironment, including various growth factors, cytokines, and
      mechanical stress. In the heart, TNC appears in a spatiotemporal-restricted
      manner during early stages of development, sparsely detected in normal adults,
      but transiently re-expressed at restricted sites associated with tissue injury
      and inflammation. Similarly, in the vascular system, TNC is strongly up-regulated
      during embryonic development and under pathological conditions with an increase
      in hemodynamic stress. Despite its intriguing expression pattern, cardiovascular
      system develops normally in TNC knockout mice. However, deletion of TNC causes
      acute aortic dissection (AAD) under strong mechanical and humoral stress.
      Accumulating reports suggest that TNC may modulate the inflammatory response and
      contribute to elasticity of the tissue, so that it may protect cardiovascular
      tissue from destructive stress responses. TNC may be a key molecule to control
      cellular activity during development, adaptation, or pathological tissue
      remodeling. 

PMID- 25120496
TI  - Trophic Mechanisms for Exercise-Induced Stress Resilience: Potential Role of
      Interactions between BDNF and Galanin.
AB  - Current concepts of the neurobiology of stress-related disorders, such as anxiety
      and depression emphasize disruptions in neural plasticity and neurotrophins. The
      potent trophic actions of exercise, therefore, represent not only an effective
      means for prevention and treatment of these disorders, they also afford the
      opportunity to employ exercise paradigms as a basic research tool to uncover the
      neurobiological mechanisms underlying these disorders. Novel approaches to
      studying stress-related disorders focus increasingly on trophic factor signaling
      in corticolimbic circuits that both mediate and regulate cognitive, behavioral,
      and physiological responses to deleterious stress. Recent evidence demonstrates
      that the neural plasticity supported by these trophic mechanisms is vital for
      establishing and maintaining resilience to stress. Therapeutic interventions that
      promote these mechanisms, be they pharmacological, behavioral, or environmental,
      may therefore prevent or reverse stress-related mental illness by enhancing
      resilience. The present paper will provide an overview of trophic mechanisms
      responsible for the enhancement of resilience by voluntary exercise with an
      emphasis on brain-derived neurotrophic factor, galanin, and interactions between
      these two trophic factors. 

PMID- 25120497
TI  - Timing and time perception: A selective review and commentary on recent reviews.

PMID- 25120499
TI  - Testing strong factorial invariance using three-level structural equation
      modeling.
AB  - Within structural equation modeling, the most prevalent model to investigate
      measurement bias is the multigroup model. Equal factor loadings and intercepts
      across groups in a multigroup model represent strong factorial invariance
      (absence of measurement bias) across groups. Although this approach is possible
      in principle, it is hardly practical when the number of groups is large or when
      the group size is relatively small. Jak et al. (2013) showed how strong factorial
      invariance across large numbers of groups can be tested in a multilevel
      structural equation modeling framework, by treating group as a random instead of
      a fixed variable. In the present study, this model is extended for use with three
      level data. The proposed method is illustrated with an investigation of strong
      factorial invariance across 156 school classes and 50 schools in a Dutch
      dyscalculia test, using three-level structural equation modeling. 

PMID- 25120500
TI  - Is there an inverted-U relationship between creativity and psychopathology?

PMID- 25120498
TI  - The role of arousal in the spontaneous regulation of emotions in healthy aging: a
      fMRI investigation.
AB  - Despite ample support for enhanced affective well-being and emotional stability
      in healthy aging, the role of potentially important dimensions, such as the
      emotional arousal, has not been systematically investigated in neuroimaging
      studies. In addition, the few behavioral studies that examined effects of arousal
      have produced inconsistent findings. The present study manipulated the arousal of
      pictorial stimuli to test the hypothesis that preserved emotional functioning in
      aging is modulated by the level of arousal, and to identify the associated neural
      correlates. Young and older healthy participants were presented with negative and
      neutral pictures, which they rated for emotional content, while fMRI data were
      recorded. There were three main novel findings regarding the neural mechanisms
      underlying the processing of negative pictures with different levels of arousal
      in young and older adults. First, the common engagement of the right amygdala in
      young and older adults was driven by high arousing negative stimuli. Second,
      complementing an age-related reduction in the subjective ratings for low arousing
      negative pictures, there were opposing patterns of activity in the
      rostral/ventral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the amygdala, which showed
      increased vs. decreased responses, respectively, to low arousing negative
      pictures. Third, increased spontaneous activity in the ventral ACC/ventromedial
      prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in older adults was linked to reduced ratings for low
      arousing negative pictures. Overall, these findings advance our understanding of
      the neural correlates underlying processing of negative emotions with different
      levels of arousal in the context of enhanced emotional functioning in healthy
      aging. Notably, the results support the idea that older adults have emotion
      regulation networks chronically activated, in the absence of explicit induction
      of the goal to regulate emotions, and that this effect is specific to low
      arousing negative emotions. 

PMID- 25120501
TI  - Error management for musicians: an interdisciplinary conceptual framework.
AB  - Musicians tend to strive for flawless performance and perfection, avoiding errors
      at all costs. Dealing with errors while practicing or performing is often
      frustrating and can lead to anger and despair, which can explain musicians'
      generally negative attitude toward errors and the tendency to aim for flawless
      learning in instrumental music education. But even the best performances are
      rarely error-free, and research in general pedagogy and psychology has shown that
      errors provide useful information for the learning process. Research in
      instrumental pedagogy is still neglecting error issues; the benefits of risk
      management (before the error) and error management (during and after the error)
      are still underestimated. It follows that dealing with errors is a key aspect of
      music practice at home, teaching, and performance in public. And yet, to be
      innovative, or to make their performance extraordinary, musicians need to risk
      errors. Currently, most music students only acquire the ability to manage errors
      implicitly - or not at all. A more constructive, creative, and differentiated
      culture of errors would balance error tolerance and risk-taking against error
      prevention in ways that enhance music practice and music performance. The
      teaching environment should lay the foundation for the development of such an
      approach. In this contribution, we survey recent research in aviation, medicine,
      economics, psychology, and interdisciplinary decision theory that has
      demonstrated that specific error-management training can promote metacognitive
      skills that lead to better adaptive transfer and better performance skills. We
      summarize how this research can be applied to music, and survey-relevant research
      that is specifically tailored to the needs of musicians, including generic
      guidelines for risk and error management in music teaching and performance. On
      this basis, we develop a conceptual framework for risk management that can
      provide orientation for further music education and musicians at all levels. 

PMID- 25120502
TI  - Parallel effects of memory set activation and search on timing and working memory
      capacity.
AB  - Accurately estimating a time interval is required in everyday activities such as
      driving or cooking. Estimating time is relatively easy, provided a person attends
      to it. But a brief shift of attention to another task usually interferes with
      timing. Most processes carried out concurrently with timing interfere with it.
      Curiously, some do not. Literature on a few processes suggests a general
      proposition, the Timing and Complex-Span Hypothesis: A process interferes with
      concurrent timing if and only if process performance is related to complex span.
      Complex-span is the number of items correctly recalled in order, when each item
      presented for study is followed by a brief activity. Literature on task
      switching, visual search, memory search, word generation and mental time travel
      supports the hypothesis. Previous work found that another process, activation of
      a memory set in long term memory, is not related to complex-span. If the Timing
      and Complex-Span Hypothesis is true, activation should not interfere with
      concurrent timing in dual-task conditions. We tested such activation in single
      task memory search task conditions and in dual-task conditions where memory
      search was executed with concurrent timing. In Experiment 1, activating a memory
      set increased reaction time, with no significant effect on time production. In
      Experiment 2, set size and memory set activation were manipulated. Activation and
      set size had a puzzling interaction for time productions, perhaps due to
      difficult conditions, leading us to use a related but easier task in Experiment
      3. In Experiment 3 increasing set size lengthened time production, but memory
      activation had no significant effect. Results here and in previous literature on
      the whole support the Timing and Complex-Span Hypotheses. Results also support a
      sequential organization of activation and search of memory. This organization
      predicts activation and set size have additive effects on reaction time and
      multiplicative effects on percent correct, which was found. 

PMID- 25120503
TI  - Using Bayes to get the most out of non-significant results.
AB  - No scientific conclusion follows automatically from a statistically non
      significant result, yet people routinely use non-significant results to guide
      conclusions about the status of theories (or the effectiveness of practices). To
      know whether a non-significant result counts against a theory, or if it just
      indicates data insensitivity, researchers must use one of: power, intervals (such
      as confidence or credibility intervals), or else an indicator of the relative
      evidence for one theory over another, such as a Bayes factor. I argue Bayes
      factors allow theory to be linked to data in a way that overcomes the weaknesses
      of the other approaches. Specifically, Bayes factors use the data themselves to
      determine their sensitivity in distinguishing theories (unlike power), and they
      make use of those aspects of a theory's predictions that are often easiest to
      specify (unlike power and intervals, which require specifying the minimal
      interesting value in order to address theory). Bayes factors provide a coherent
      approach to determining whether non-significant results support a null hypothesis
      over a theory, or whether the data are just insensitive. They allow accepting and
      rejecting the null hypothesis to be put on an equal footing. Concrete examples
      are provided to indicate the range of application of a simple online Bayes
      calculator, which reveal both the strengths and weaknesses of Bayes factors. 

PMID- 25120505
TI  - Measuring the crowd within again: a pre-registered replication study.
AB  - According to the crowd within effect, the average of two estimates from one
      person tends to be more accurate than a single estimate of that person. The
      effect implies that the well documented wisdom of the crowd effect-the crowd's
      average estimate tends to be more accurate than the individual estimates-can be
      obtained within a single individual. In this paper, we performed a high-powered,
      pre-registered replication study of the original experiment. Our replication
      results are evaluated with the traditional null hypothesis significance testing
      approach, as well as with effect sizes and their confidence intervals. We adopted
      a co-pilot approach, in the sense that all analyses were performed independently
      by two researchers using different analysis software. Moreover, we report Bayes
      factors for all tests. We successfully replicated the crowd within effect, both
      when the second guess was made immediately after the first guess, as well as when
      it was made 3 weeks later. The experimental protocol, the raw data, the post
      processed data and the analysis code are available online. 

PMID- 25120507
TI  - The role of both parents' attachment pattern in understanding childhood obesity.
AB  - Within the research area on the determinants of childhood obesity, a relatively
      new approach is the use of attachment theory to explore the mechanisms underlying
      children's obesity risk, especially considered as emotion regulation strategies
      in parent-child relationship. Few are the empirical researches that have
      addressed this issue. The empirical investigations have used self-report measures
      to assess adult attachment. In attachment studies, the use of interview methods
      and/or performance-based instruments is advised to evaluate the entire range of
      possible adult attachment patterns and comprehensively explain the emotional
      strategies, correlates, and consequences of individual differences in attachment
      system functioning. The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which both
      parents' attachment patterns serve as self-regulative mechanisms related to
      childhood overweight/obesity by the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System
      (AAP) in a sample of 44 mothers and fathers of children referred for obesity.
      Insecure attachment was found as a risk factor both for mothers and fathers. Also
      unresolved/disorganization was found to play a significant role in childhood
      obesity. The role of father's attachment was explored and findings suggested
      considering it in etiology and treatment of childhood obesity. 

PMID- 25120506
TI  - Musicians are more consistent: Gestural cross-modal mappings of pitch, loudness
      and tempo in real-time.
AB  - Cross-modal mappings of auditory stimuli reveal valuable insights into how humans
      make sense of sound and music. Whereas researchers have investigated cross-modal
      mappings of sound features varied in isolation within paradigms such as speeded
      classification and forced-choice matching tasks, investigations of
      representations of concurrently varied sound features (e.g., pitch, loudness and
      tempo) with overt gestures-accounting for the intrinsic link between movement and
      sound-are scant. To explore the role of bodily gestures in cross-modal mappings
      of auditory stimuli we asked 64 musically trained and untrained participants to
      represent pure tones-continually sounding and concurrently varied in pitch,
      loudness and tempo-with gestures while the sound stimuli were played. We
      hypothesized musical training to lead to more consistent mappings between pitch
      and height, loudness and distance/height, and tempo and speed of hand movement
      and muscular energy. Our results corroborate previously reported pitch vs. height
      (higher pitch leading to higher elevation in space) and tempo vs. speed
      (increasing tempo leading to increasing speed of hand movement) associations, but
      also reveal novel findings pertaining to musical training which influenced
      consistency of pitch mappings, annulling a commonly observed bias for convex
      (i.e., rising-falling) pitch contours. Moreover, we reveal effects of
      interactions between musical parameters on cross-modal mappings (e.g., pitch and
      loudness on speed of hand movement), highlighting the importance of studying
      auditory stimuli concurrently varied in different musical parameters. Results are
      discussed in light of cross-modal cognition, with particular emphasis on studies
      within (embodied) music cognition. Implications for theoretical refinements and
      potential clinical applications are provided. 

PMID- 25120508
TI  - Emotion and affect in mental imagery: do fear and anxiety manipulate mental
      rotation performance?
AB  - Little is known about the effects of fear as a basic emotion on mental rotation
      (MR) performance. We expected that the emotional arousal evoked by fearful
      stimuli presented prior to each MR trial would enhance MR performance. Regarding
      the influence of anxiety, high anxious participants are supposed to show slower
      responses and higher error rates in this specific visuo-spatial ability.
      Furthermore, with respect to the embodied cognition viewpoint we wanted to
      investigate if the influence of fear on MR performance is the same for egocentric
      and object-based transformations. To investigate this, we presented either
      negative or neutral images prior to each MR trial. Participants were allocated to
      the specific emotion in a randomized order. Results show that fear enhances MR
      performance, expressed by a higher MR speed. Interestingly, this influence is
      dependent on the type of transformation: it is restricted to egocentric
      rotations. Both observation of emotional stimuli and egocentric strategies are
      associated with left hemisphere activation which could explain a stronger
      influence on this type of transformation during observation. Another possible
      notion is the conceptual link between visuo-spatial perspective taking and
      empathy based on the co-activation of parietal areas. Stronger responses in
      egocentric transformations could result from this specific link. Regarding the
      influence of anxiety, participants with high scores on the trait-anxiety scale
      showed poor results in both reaction time and MR speed. Findings of impoverished
      recruitment of prefrontal attentional control in patients with high scores in
      trait anxiety could be the explanation for this reduced performance. 

PMID- 25120509
TI  - Visual appearance interacts with conceptual knowledge in object recognition.
AB  - Objects contain rich visual and conceptual information, but do these two types of
      information interact? Here, we examine whether visual and conceptual information
      interact when observers see novel objects for the first time. We then address how
      this interaction influences the acquisition of perceptual expertise. We used two
      types of novel objects (Greebles), designed to resemble either animals or tools,
      and two lists of words, which described non-visual attributes of people or man
      made objects. Participants first judged if a word was more suitable for
      describing people or objects while ignoring a task-irrelevant image, and showed
      faster responses if the words and the unfamiliar objects were congruent in terms
      of animacy (e.g., animal-like objects with words that described human).
      Participants then learned to associate objects and words that were either
      congruent or not in animacy, before receiving expertise training to rapidly
      individuate the objects. Congruent pairing of visual and conceptual information
      facilitated observers' ability to become a perceptual expert, as revealed in a
      matching task that required visual identification at the basic or subordinate
      levels. Taken together, these findings show that visual and conceptual
      information interact at multiple levels in object recognition. 

PMID- 25120511
TI  - Psychotherapy participants show increased physiological responsiveness to a lab
      stressor relative to matched controls.
AB  - Accumulating evidence indicates that psychotherapy participants show increased
      physiological responsiveness to stress. The purpose of the present study was to
      examine differences between individuals participating in outpatient psychotherapy
      and matched controls using an experimental design. Forty-two psychotherapy
      participants and 48 matched controls were assessed on cardiovascular and cortisol
      functioning at baseline, during the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), and during a
      20-min recovery period. Psychotherapy participants and matched controls did not
      differ at baseline or during the TSST on the physiological measures but
      psychotherapy participants had higher cortisol and heart rate (HR) during the
      recovery period. In regards to reactivity, cortisol increased during the recovery
      period for the psychotherapy participants but decreased for those in the matched
      control group. Psychotherapy participants experiencing clinically significant
      levels of distress displayed elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure and
      HR during the TSST when compared to psychotherapy participants not experiencing
      clinically significant levels of distress. Overall, physiological reactivity to
      stress appears to be an important issue for those in psychotherapy and directly
      addressing this issue may help improve psychotherapy outcomes. 

PMID- 25120510
TI  - Multi-domain computerized cognitive training program improves performance of
      bookkeeping tasks: a matched-sampling active-controlled trial.
AB  - Cognitive skills are important predictors of job performance, but the extent to
      which computerized cognitive training (CCT) can improve job performance in
      healthy adults is unclear. We report, for the first time, that a CCT program
      aimed at attention, memory, reasoning and visuo-spatial abilities can enhance
      productivity in healthy younger adults on bookkeeping tasks with high relevance
      to real-world job performance. 44 business students (77.3% female, mean age 21.4
      +/- 2.6 years) were assigned to either (a) 20 h of CCT, or (b) 20 h of
      computerized arithmetic training (active control) by a matched sampling
      procedure. Both interventions were conducted over a period of 6 weeks, 3-4 1-h
      sessions per week. Transfer of skills to performance on a 60-min paper-based
      bookkeeping task was measured at three time points-baseline, after 10 h and after
      20 h of training. Repeated measures ANOVA found a significant Group X Time effect
      on productivity (F = 7.033, df = 1.745; 73.273, p = 0.003) with a significant
      interaction at both the 10-h (Relative Cohen's effect size = 0.38, p = 0.014) and
      20-h time points (Relative Cohen's effect size = 0.40, p = 0.003). No significant
      effects were found on accuracy or on Conners' Continuous Performance Test, a
      measure of sustained attention. The results are discussed in reference to
      previous findings on the relationship between brain plasticity and job
      performance. Generalization of results requires further study. 

PMID- 25120512
TI  - A holistic intervention program for children from low socioeconomic status
      families.

PMID- 25120504
TI  - Elucidating unconscious processing with instrumental hypnosis.
AB  - Most researchers leverage bottom-up suppression to unlock the underlying
      mechanisms of unconscious processing. However, a top-down approach - for example
      via hypnotic suggestion - paves the road to experimental innovation and
      complementary data that afford new scientific insights concerning attention and
      the unconscious. Drawing from a reliable taxonomy that differentiates subliminal
      and preconscious processing, we outline how an experimental trajectory that
      champions top-down suppression techniques, such as those practiced in hypnosis,
      is uniquely poised to further contextualize and refine our scientific
      understanding of unconscious processing. Examining subliminal and preconscious
      methods, we demonstrate how instrumental hypnosis provides a reliable adjunct
      that supplements contemporary approaches. Specifically, we provide an integrative
      synthesis of the advantages and shortcomings that accompany a top-down approach
      to probe the unconscious mind. Our account provides a larger framework for
      complementing the results from core studies involving prevailing subliminal and
      preconscious techniques. 

PMID- 25120514
TI  - Singing and social inclusion.
AB  - There is a growing body of neurological, cognitive, and social psychological
      research to suggest the possibility of positive transfer effects from structured
      musical engagement. In particular, there is evidence to suggest that engagement
      in musical activities may impact on social inclusion (sense of self and of being
      socially integrated). Tackling social exclusion and promoting social inclusion
      are common concerns internationally, such as in the UK and the EC, and there are
      many diverse Government ministries and agencies globally that see the arts in
      general and music in particular as a key means by which social needs can be
      addressed. As part of a wider evaluation of a national, Government-sponsored
      music education initiative for Primary-aged children in England ("Sing Up"),
      opportunity was taken by the authors, at the request of the funders, to assess
      any possible relationship between (a) children's developing singing behavior and
      development and (b) their social inclusion (sense of self and of being socially
      integrated). Subsequently, it was possible to match data from n = 6087
      participants, drawn from the final 3 years of data collection (2008-2011), in
      terms of each child's individually assessed singing ability (based on their
      singing behavior of two well-known songs to create a "normalized singing score")
      and their written responses to a specially-designed questionnaire that included a
      set of statements related to children's sense of being socially included to which
      the children indicated their level of agreement on a seven-point Likert scale.
      Data analyses suggested that the higher the normalized singing development
      rating, the more positive the child's self-concept and sense of being socially
      included, irrespective of singer age, sex and ethnicity. 

PMID- 25120517
TI  - Intersubjectivity and interaction as crucial for understanding the moral role of
      shame: a critique of TOSCA-based shame research.

PMID- 25120515
TI  - The body and the fading away of abstract concepts and words: a sign language
      analysis.
AB  - One of the most important challenges for embodied and grounded theories of
      cognition concerns the representation of abstract concepts, such as "freedom."
      Many embodied theories of abstract concepts have been proposed. Some proposals
      stress the similarities between concrete and abstract concepts showing that they
      are both grounded in perception and action system while other emphasize their
      difference favoring a multiple representation view. An influential view proposes
      that abstract concepts are mapped to concrete ones through metaphors.
      Furthermore, some theories underline the fact that abstract concepts are grounded
      in specific contents, as situations, introspective states, emotions. These
      approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive, since it is possible that they
      can account for different subsets of abstract concepts and words. One novel and
      fruitful way to understand the way in which abstract concepts are represented is
      to analyze how sign languages encode concepts into signs. In the present paper we
      will discuss these theoretical issues mostly relying on examples taken from
      Italian Sign Language (LIS, Lingua dei Segni Italiana), the visual-gestural
      language used within the Italian Deaf community. We will verify whether and to
      what extent LIS signs provide evidence favoring the different theories of
      abstract concepts. In analyzing signs we will distinguish between direct forms of
      involvement of the body and forms in which concepts are grounded differently, for
      example relying on linguistic experience. In dealing with the LIS evidence, we
      will consider the possibility that different abstract concepts are represented
      using different levels of embodiment. The collected evidence will help us to
      discuss whether a unitary embodied theory of abstract concepts is possible or
      whether the different theoretical proposals can account for different aspects of
      their representation. 

PMID- 25120516
TI  - On the interrelation between reduced lateralization, schizotypy, and creativity.

PMID- 25120513
TI  - Hits and misses: leveraging tDCS to advance cognitive research.
AB  - The popularity of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques in basic, commercial,
      and applied settings grew tremendously over the last decade. Here, we focus on
      one popular neurostimulation method: transcranial direct current stimulation
      (tDCS). Many assumptions regarding the outcomes of tDCS are based on the results
      of stimulating motor cortex. For instance, the primary motor cortex is
      predictably suppressed by cathodal tDCS or made more excitable by anodal tDCS.
      However, wide-ranging studies testing cognition provide more complex and
      sometimes paradoxical results that challenge this heuristic. Here, we first
      summarize successful efforts in applying tDCS to cognitive questions, with a
      focus on working memory (WM). These recent findings indicate that tDCS can result
      in cognitive task improvement or impairment regardless of stimulation site or
      direction of current flow. We then report WM and response inhibition studies that
      failed to replicate and/or extend previously reported effects. From these
      opposing outcomes, we present a series of factors to consider that are intended
      to facilitate future use of tDCS when applied to cognitive questions. In short,
      common pitfalls include testing too few participants, using insufficiently
      challenging tasks, using heterogeneous participant populations, and including
      poorly motivated participants. Furthermore, the poorly understood underlying
      mechanism for long-lasting tDCS effects make it likely that other important
      factors predict responses. In conclusion, we argue that although tDCS can be used
      experimentally to understand brain function its greatest potential may be in
      applied or translational research. 

PMID- 25120518
TI  - Role-play facilitates children's mindreading of those with atypical color
      perception.
AB  - The present study examined the effects of role-play experience on children's
      mindreading ability. Forty-one primary school children (20 boys, 21 girls, mean
      age: 9.37 years, range: 8-11 years) were introduced to a communication task in
      which the use of mindreading was essential. During each trial, participants
      viewed a shelf, presented on a laptop, which contained several familiar objects,
      and they were instructed to touch an object on the shelf following an order
      issued by a "manager" who stood at the opposite side of the shelf. There were two
      managers: one was a monkey manager with normal color vision, and the other was a
      dog manager with restricted color vision. The monkey manager could see all the
      objects in the same colors as the participants, whereas the dog manager saw some
      objects in different colors. Participants were required to respond according to
      the manager's instruction. In the restricted color vision condition, the dog
      manager saw the colors of objects differently; thus, participants had to work out
      his intentions, according to his different perspective. In the normal color
      vision condition, all objects were in the same colors as those seen by the monkey
      manager. Before the test phase, participants in the role-play group were provided
      a role-play experience in which they assumed the role of the dog manager with
      restricted color vision. The experimental data were analyzed using a 2 * 2 mixed
      design ANOVA (role-play condition * communication partner condition) to examine
      differences in the error rate. Both main effects and its interaction were
      significant. According to the post-hoc analyses, participants in the no-role-play
      condition made significantly more errors in the restricted color vision condition
      than in the normal color vision condition, whereas no such difference was found
      among participants in the role-play condition. These results suggest that role
      play experience could facilitate mindreading of characters with restricted color
      vision. 

PMID- 25120519
TI  - A fan effect in anaphor processing: effects of multiple distractors.
AB  - Research suggests that the presence of a non-referent from the same category as
      the referent interferes with anaphor resolution. In five experiments, the
      hypothesis that multiple non-referents would produce a cumulative interference
      effect (i.e., a fan effect) was examined. This hypothesis was supported in
      Experiments 1A and 1B, with subjects being less accurate and slower to recognize
      referents (1A) and non-referents (1B) as the number of potential referents
      increased from two to five. Surprisingly, the number of potential referents led
      to a decrease in anaphor reading times. The results of Experiments 2A and 2B
      replicated the probe-recognition results in a completely within-subjects design
      and ruled out the possibility that a speeded-reading strategy led to the fan
      effect findings. The results of Experiment 3 provided evidence that subjects were
      resolving the anaphors. These results suggest that multiple non-referents do
      produce a cumulative interference effect; however, additional research is
      necessary to explore the effect on anaphor reading times. 

PMID- 25120520
TI  - Responsibility problems for criminal justice.

PMID- 25120522
TI  - Movement induced tremor in musicians and non-musicians reflects adaptive brain
      plasticity.
AB  - Evidence exists that motor dexterity is associated with a higher tremor amplitude
      of physiological tremor. Likewise, lower frequencies are associated with motor
      control. So far only case reports of a higher amplitude of physiological tremor
      in musicians exist. Moreover, no study has investigated lower frequencies during
      a finger movement task in musicians who can be regarded as a model of motor
      expertise. We developed a model and derived three hypotheses which we
      investigated in this study: (1) Tremor amplitude is higher in the range of
      physiological tremor and (2) higher for frequency ranges of dystonic tremor in
      musicians compared to non-musicians; (3) there is no difference in tremor
      amplitude at frequencies below 4 Hz. We measured tremor during a finger flexion
      extension movement in 19 musicians (age 26.5 +/- 8.2 years) and 24 age matched
      non-musicians (age 26.5 +/- 8.7). By using empirical mode decomposition in
      combination with a Hilbert transform we obtained the instantaneous frequency and
      amplitude, allowing to compare tremor amplitudes throughout the movement at
      various frequency ranges. We found a significantly higher tremor amplitude in
      musicians for physiological tremor and a tendency toward a higher amplitude
      during most of the movement in the frequency range of 4-8 Hz, which, however, was
      not significant. No difference was found in the frequency range below 4 Hz for
      the flexion and for almost the entire extension movement. Our results corroborate
      findings that the 8-12 Hz oscillatory activity plays a role in motor dexterity.
      However, our results do not allow for the conclusion that tremor at the frequency
      range of 4-8 Hz is related to either plasticity induced changes that are
      beneficial for motor skill development nor to maladaptive changes as, e.g., focal
      dystonia. 

PMID- 25120521
TI  - The emergence of human prosociality: aligning with others through feelings,
      concerns, and norms.
AB  - The fact that humans cooperate with nonkin is something we take for granted, but
      this is an anomaly in the animal kingdom. Our species' ability to behave
      prosocially may be based on human-unique psychological mechanisms. We argue here
      that these mechanisms include the ability to care about the welfare of others
      (other-regarding concerns), to "feel into" others (empathy), and to understand,
      adhere to, and enforce social norms (normativity). We consider how these
      motivational, emotional, and normative substrates of prosociality develop in
      childhood and emerged in our evolutionary history. Moreover, we suggest that
      these three mechanisms all serve the critical function of aligning individuals
      with others: Empathy and other-regarding concerns align individuals with one
      another, and norms align individuals with their group. Such alignment allows us
      to engage in the kind of large-scale cooperation seen uniquely in humans. 

PMID- 25120523
TI  - Age-related changes in the temporal dynamics of executive control: a study in 5-
      and 6-year-old children.
AB  - Based on the Dual Mechanisms of Control theory (Braver et al., 2007), this study
      conducted in 5- and 6-year-olds, tested for a possible shift between two modes of
      control, proactive vs. reactive, which differ in the way goal information is
      retrieved and maintained in working memory. To this end, we developed a children
      adapted version of the AX-Continuous-Performance Task (AX-CPT). Twenty-nine 5
      year-olds and 28-6-year-olds performed the task in both low and high working
      memory load conditions (corresponding, respectively, to a short and a long cue
      probe delay). Analyses suggested that a qualitative change in the mode of control
      occurs within the 5-year-old group. However, quantitative, more graded changes
      were also observed both within the 5-year-olds, and between 5 and 6 years of age.
      These graded changes demonstrated an increasing efficiency in proactive control
      with age. The increase in working memory load did not impact the type of dynamics
      of control, but had a detrimental effect on sensitivity to cue information. These
      findings highlight that the development of the temporal dynamics of control can
      be characterized by a shift from reactive to proactive control together with a
      more protracted and gradual improvement in the efficiency of proactive control.
      Moreover, the question of whether the observed shift in the mode of control is
      task dependant is debated. 

PMID- 25120524
TI  - AT1 receptor blockade alters nutritional and biometric development in obesity
      resistant and obesity-prone rats submitted to a high fat diet.
AB  - Obesity is a chronic metabolic condition with important public health
      implications associated with numerous co-morbidities including cardiovascular
      disease, insulin resistance, and hypertension. The renin angiotensin system
      (RAS), best known for its involvement in cardiovascular control and body fluid
      homeostasis has, more recently, been implicated in regulation of energy balance.
      Interference with the RAS (genetically or pharmacologically) has been shown to
      influence body weight gain. In this study we investigated the effects of systemic
      AT1 receptor blockade using losartan on ingestive behaviors and weight gain in
      diet induced obese (DIO) rats. Prior to losartan administration (30 mg/kg/day)
      body weight gain remained constant within the DIO animals (3.6 +/- 0.3 g/day, n =
      8), diet resistant (DR) animals (2.1 +/- 0.6 g/day, n = 8) and in the age-matched
      chow fed control (CHOW) animals (2.8 +/- 0.3 g/day, n = 8), Losartan
      administration abolished body weight gain in animals fed a high fat diet (DIO: 
      0.4 +/- 0.7 g/day, n = 8; and DR: -0.8 +/- 0.3 g/day, n = 8) while chow fed
      animals continued to gain weight (2.2 +/- 0.3 g/day, n = 8) as they had
      previously to oral administration of losartan. This decrease in daily body weight
      gain was accompanied by a decrease in food intake in the HFD fed animals.
      Following the removal of losartan, both the DIO and DR animals again showed daily
      increases in body weight gain and food intake which were similar to control
      values. Our data demonstrate that oral losartan administration attenuates body
      weight gain in animals fed a HFD whether the animal is obese (DIO) or not DR
      while having no effect on body weight gain in age-matched chow fed animals
      suggesting a protective effect of losartan against body weight gain while on a
      HFD. 

PMID- 25120525
TI  - Colors, colored overlays, and reading skills.
AB  - In this article, we are concerned with the role of colors in reading written
      texts. It has been argued that colored overlays applied above written texts
      positively influence both reading fluency and reading speed. These effects would
      be particularly evident for those individuals affected by the so called Meares
      Irlen syndrome, i.e., who experience eyestrain and/or visual distortions - e.g.,
      color, shape, or movement illusions - while reading. This condition would
      interest the 12-14% of the general population and up to the 46% of the dyslexic
      population. Thus, colored overlays have been largely employed as a remedy for
      some aspects of the difficulties in reading experienced by dyslexic individuals,
      as fluency and speed. Despite the wide use of colored overlays, how they exert
      their effects has not been made clear yet. Also, according to some researchers,
      the results supporting the efficacy of colored overlays as a tool for helping
      readers are at least controversial. Furthermore, the very nature of the Meares
      Irlen syndrome has been questioned. Here we provide a concise, critical review of
      the literature. 

PMID- 25120526
TI  - Selectivity in early prosocial behavior.
AB  - Prosocial behavior requires expenditure of personal resources for the benefit of
      others, a fact that creates a "problem" when considering the evolution of
      prosociality. Models that address this problem have been developed, with emphasis
      typically placed on reciprocity. One model considers the advantages of being
      selective in terms of one's allocation of prosocial behavior so as to improve the
      chance that one will be benefitted in return. In this review paper, we first
      summarize this "partner choice" model and then focus on prosocial development in
      the preschool years, where we make the case for selective partner choice in early
      instances of human prosocial behavior. 

PMID- 25120527
TI  - Effects of distraction on memory and cognition: a commentary.
AB  - This commentary is a review of the findings and ideas reported in the preceding
      nine articles on the effects of distraction on aspects of cognitive performance.
      The articles themselves deal with the disruptive effects of distraction on recall
      of words, objects and events, also on visual processing, category formation and
      other cognitive tasks. The commentary assesses the part played by "domain
      general" suppression of distracting information and the "domain-specific"
      competition arising when tasks and distraction involve very similar material.
      Some forms of distraction are meaningfully relevant to the ongoing task, and
      Treisman's (1964) model of selective attention is invoked to provide an account
      of findings in this area. Finally, individual differences to vulnerability to
      distraction are discussed; older adults are particularly affected by distracting
      stimuli although the failure to repress distraction can sometimes prove
      beneficial to later cognitive performance. 

PMID- 25120528
TI  - In the jungle of time: the concept of identity as a way out.
AB  - WHAT COULD BE A UNIFYING PRINCIPLE FOR THE MANIFOLD OF TEMPORAL EXPERIENCES: the
      simultaneity or temporal order of events, the subjective present, the duration of
      experiences, or the impression of a continuity of time? Furthermore, we time
      travel to the past visiting in imagination previous experiences in episodic
      memory, and we also time travel to the future anticipating actions or plans. For
      such time traveling we divide time into three domains: past, present, and future.
      What could be an escape out of this "jungle of time" characterized by many
      different perceptual and conceptual phenomena? The key concept we want to propose
      is "identity" which is derived from homeostasis as a fundamental biological
      principle. Within this conceptual frame two modes of identity are distinguished:
      individual or self-identity required because of homeostatic demands, and object
      related identity necessary for the reliability and efficiency of neuro-cognitive
      processing. With this concept of self- and object-identity, the different
      temporal experiences can be conceptualized within a common frame. Thus, we
      propose a fundamental biological principle to conceptually unify temporal
      phenomena on the psychological level. 

PMID- 25120529
TI  - Eye movement measurement in diagnostic assessment of disorders of consciousness.
AB  - We review the literature to appraise the evidence supporting or disputing the use
      of eye movement measurement in disorders of consciousness (DOC) with low levels
      of arousal or awareness, such as minimally conscious state (MCS), vegetative
      state (VS), and coma for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. We will focus on the
      effectiveness of each technique in the diagnostic classification of these
      patients and the gradual trend in research from manual to computerized tracking
      methods. New tools have become available at clinicians' disposal to assess eye
      movements with high spatial and temporal fidelity. The close relationship between
      eye movement generation and organic dysfunction in the brain allows these tools
      to be applied to the assessment of severe DOC as a unique supplementary toolset.
      We posit that eye tracking can improve clinical diagnostic precision for DOC, a
      key component of assessment that often dictates the course of clinical care in
      DOC patients. We see the emergence of long-term eye-tracking studies with
      seamless integration of technology in the future to improve the performance of
      clinical assessment in DOC. 

PMID- 25120530
TI  - Developmental dynamics of radial vulnerability in the cerebral compartments in
      preterm infants and neonates.
AB  - The developmental vulnerability of different classes of axonal pathways in
      preterm white matter is not known. We propose that laminar compartments of the
      developing cerebral wall serve as spatial framework for axonal growth and
      evaluate potential of anatomical landmarks for understanding reorganization of
      the cerebral wall after perinatal lesions. The 3-T MRI (in vivo) and histological
      analysis were performed in a series of cases ranging from 22 postconceptional
      weeks to 3 years. For the follow-up scans, three groups of children (control,
      normotypic, and preterms with lesions) were examined at the term equivalent age
      and after the first year of life. MRI and histological abnormalities were
      analyzed in the following compartments: (a) periventricular, with periventricular
      fiber system; (b) intermediate, with periventricular crossroads, sagittal strata,
      and centrum semiovale; (c) superficial, composed of gyral white matter, subplate,
      and cortical plate. Vulnerability of thalamocortical pathways within the
      crossroads and sagittal strata seems to be characteristic for early preterms,
      while vulnerability of long association pathways in the centrum semiovale seems
      to be predominant feature of late preterms. The structural indicator of the
      lesion of the long association pathways is the loss of delineation between
      centrum semiovale and subplate remnant, which is possible substrate of the
      diffuse periventricular leukomalacia. The enhanced difference in MR signal
      intensity of centrum semiovale and subplate remnant, observed in damaged children
      after first year, we interpret as structural plasticity of intact short cortico
      cortical fibers, which grow postnatally through U-zones and enter the cortex
      through the subplate remnant. Our findings indicate that radial distribution of
      MRI signal abnormalities in the cerebral compartments may be related to lesion of
      different classes of axonal pathways and have prognostic value for predicting the
      likely outcome of prenatal and perinatal lesions. 

PMID- 25120532
TI  - Higher TNF-alpha, IGF-1, and Leptin Levels are Found in Tasters than Non-Tasters.
AB  - Taste perception is controlled by taste cells that are present in the tongue that
      produce and secrete various metabolic hormones. Recent studies have demonstrated
      that taste receptors in tongue, gut, and pancreas are associated with local
      hormone secretion. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a link
      between taste sensitivity and levels of circulating metabolic hormones in humans
      and whether taste sensitivity is potentially related to peripheral metabolic
      regulation. Thirty-one subjects were recruited and separated into tasters and non
      tasters based on their phenol thiocarbamide (PTC) bitter taste test results.
      Fasting plasma and saliva were collected and levels of hormones and cytokines
      were assayed. We observed significant differences in both hormone levels and
      hormone-body mass index (BMI) correlation between tasters and non-tasters.
      Tasters had higher plasma levels of leptin (p = 0.05), tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha) (p = 0.04), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (p =
      0.03). There was also a trend toward increased IGF-1 levels in the saliva of
      tasters (p = 0.06). We found a positive correlation between plasma levels of
      glucose and BMI (R = 0.4999, p = 0.04) exclusively in non-tasters. In contrast,
      plasma C-peptide levels were found to be positively correlated to BMI (R =
      0.5563, p = 0.03) in tasters. Saliva TNF-alpha levels were negatively correlated
      with BMI in tasters (R = -0.5908, p = 0.03). Our findings demonstrate that there
      are differences in circulating levels of leptin, TNF-alpha, and IGF-1 between
      tasters and non-tasters. These findings indicate that in addition to the
      regulation of food consumption, taste perception also appears to be tightly
      linked to circulating metabolic hormone levels. People with different taste
      sensitivity may respond differently to the nutrient stimulation. Further work
      investigating the link between taste perception and peripheral metabolic control
      could potentially lead to the development of novel therapies for obesity or Type
      2 diabetes. 

PMID- 25120533
TI  - Inter-species interconnections in acid mine drainage microbial communities.
AB  - Metagenomic studies are revolutionizing our understanding of microbes in the
      biosphere. They have uncovered numerous proteins of unknown function in tens of
      essentially unstudied lineages that lack cultivated representatives. Notably, few
      of these microorganisms have been visualized, and even fewer have been described
      ultra-structurally in their essentially intact, physiologically relevant states.
      Here, we present cryogenic transmission electron microscope (cryo-TEM) 2D images
      and 3D tomographic datasets for archaeal species from natural acid mine drainage
      (AMD) microbial communities. Ultrastructural findings indicate the importance of
      microbial interconnectedness via a range of mechanisms, including direct
      cytoplasmic bridges and pervasive pili. The data also suggest a variety of
      biological structures associated with cell-cell interfaces that lack explanation.
      Some may play roles in inter-species interactions. Interdependences amongst the
      archaea may have confounded prior isolation efforts. Overall, the findings
      underline knowledge gaps related to archaeal cell components and highlight the
      likely importance of co-evolution in shaping microbial lineages. 

PMID- 25120531
TI  - Estrogens and stem cells in thyroid cancer.
AB  - Recent discoveries highlight the emerging role of estrogens in the initiation and
      progression of different malignancies through their interaction with stem cell
      (SC) compartment. Estrogens play a relevant role especially for those tumors
      bearing a gender disparity in incidence and aggressiveness, as occurs for most
      thyroid diseases. Although several experimental lines suggest that estrogens
      promote thyroid cell proliferation and invasion, their precise contribution in SC
      compartment still remains unclear. This review underlines the interplay between
      hormones and thyroid function, which could help to complete the puzzle of gender
      discrepancy in thyroid malignancies. Defining the association between estrogen
      receptors' status and signaling pathways by which estrogens exert their effects
      on thyroid cells is a potential tool that provides important insights in
      pathogenetic mechanisms of thyroid tumors. 

PMID- 25120534
TI  - Effect of sulfate on low-temperature anaerobic digestion.
AB  - The effect of sulfate addition on the stability of, and microbial community
      behavior in, low-temperature anaerobic expanded granular sludge bed-based
      bioreactors was investigated at 15 degrees C. Efficient bioreactor performance
      was observed, with chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies of >90%, and
      a mean SO(2-) 4 removal rate of 98.3%. In situ methanogensis appeared unaffected
      at a COD: SO(2-) 4 influent ratio of 8:1, and subsequently of 3:1, and was
      impacted marginally only when the COD: SO(2-) 4 ratio was 1:2. Specific
      methanogenic activity assays indicated a complex set of interactions between
      sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), methanogens and homoacetogenic bacteria. SO(2-)
      4 addition resulted in predominantly acetoclastic, rather than hydrogenotrophic,
      methanogenesis until >600 days of SO(2-) 4-influenced bioreactor operation.
      Temporal microbial community development was monitored by denaturation gradient
      gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S rRNA genes. Fluorescence in situ hybridizations
      (FISH), qPCR and microsensor analysis were combined to investigate the
      distribution of microbial groups, and particularly SRB and methanogens, along the
      structure of granular biofilms. qPCR data indicated that sulfidogenic genes were
      present in methanogenic and sulfidogenic biofilms, indicating the potential for
      sulfate reduction even in bioreactors not exposed to SO(2-) 4. Although the
      architecture of methanogenic and sulfidogenic granules was similar, indicating
      the presence of SRB even in methanogenic systems, FISH with rRNA targets found
      that the SRB were more abundant in the sulfidogenic biofilms. Methanosaeta
      species were the predominant, keystone members of the archaeal community, with
      the complete absence of the Methanosarcina species in the experimental bioreactor
      by trial conclusion. Microsensor data suggested the ordered distribution of
      sulfate reduction and sulfide accumulation, even in methanogenic granules. 

PMID- 25120536
TI  - Production of a recombinant vaccine candidate against Burkholderia pseudomallei
      exploiting the bacterial N-glycosylation machinery.
AB  - Vaccines developing immune responses toward surface carbohydrates conjugated to
      proteins are effective in preventing infection and death by bacterial pathogens.
      Traditional production of these vaccines utilizes complex synthetic chemistry to
      acquire and conjugate the glycan to a protein. However, glycoproteins produced by
      bacterial protein glycosylation systems are significantly easier to produce, and
      could possible be used as vaccine candidates. In this work, we functionally
      expressed the Burkholderia pseudomallei O polysaccharide (OPS II), the
      Campylobacter jejuni oligosaccharyltransferase (OTase), and a suitable
      glycoprotein (AcrA) in a designer E. coli strain with a higher efficiency for
      production of glycoconjugates. We were able to produce and purify the OPS II-AcrA
      glycoconjugate, and MS analysis confirmed correct glycan was produced and
      attached. We observed the attachment of the O-acetylated deoxyhexose directly to
      the acceptor protein, which expands the range of substrates utilized by the OTase
      PglB. Injection of the glycoprotein into mice generated an IgG immune response
      against B. pseudomallei, and this response was partially protective against an
      intranasal challenge. Our experiments show that bacterial engineered
      glycoconjugates can be utilized as vaccine candidates against B. pseudomallei.
      Additionally, our new E. coli strain SDB1 is more efficient in glycoprotein
      production, and could have additional applications in the future. 

PMID- 25120537
TI  - Identification of a cyclic-di-GMP-modulating response regulator that impacts
      biofilm formation in a model sulfate reducing bacterium.
AB  - We surveyed the eight putative cyclic-di-GMP-modulating response regulators (RRs)
      in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough that are predicted to function via two
      component signaling. Using purified proteins, we examined cyclic-di-GMP (c-di
      GMP) production or turnover in vitro of all eight proteins. The two RRs
      containing only GGDEF domains (DVU2067, DVU0636) demonstrated c-di-GMP production
      activity in vitro. Of the remaining proteins, three RRs with HD-GYP domains
      (DVU0722, DVUA0086, and DVU2933) were confirmed to be Mn(2+)-dependent
      phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in vitro and converted c-di-GMP to its linear form,
      pGpG. DVU0408, containing both c-di-GMP production (GGDEF) and degradation
      domains (EAL), showed c-di-GMP turnover activity in vitro also with production of
      pGpG. No c-di-GMP related activity could be assigned to the RR DVU0330,
      containing a metal-dependent phosphohydrolase HD-OD domain, or to the HD-GYP
      domain RR, DVU1181. Studies included examining the impact of overexpressed cyclic
      di-GMP-modulating RRs in the heterologous host E. coli and led to the
      identification of one RR, DVU0636, with increased cellulose production.
      Evaluation of a transposon mutant in DVU0636 indicated that the strain was
      impaired in biofilm formation and demonstrated an altered carbohydrate:protein
      ratio relative to the D. vulgaris wild type biofilms. However, grown in liquid
      lactate/sulfate medium, the DVU0636 transposon mutant showed no growth impairment
      relative to the wild-type strain. Among the eight candidates, only the transposon
      disruption mutant in the DVU2067 RR presented a growth defect in liquid culture.
      Our results indicate that, of the two diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) that function
      as part of two-component signaling, DVU0636 plays an important role in biofilm
      formation while the function of DVU2067 has pertinence in planktonic growth. 

PMID- 25120535
TI  - Deciphering the role of DC subsets in MCMV infection to better understand immune
      protection against viral infections.
AB  - Infection of mice with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) recapitulates many
      physiopathological characteristics of human CMV infection and enables studying
      the interactions between a virus and its natural host. Dendritic cells (DC) are
      mononuclear phagocytes linking innate and adaptive immunity which are both
      necessary for MCMV control. DC are critical for the induction of cellular
      immunity because they are uniquely efficient for the activation of naive T cells
      during their first encounter with a pathogen. DC are equipped with a variety of
      innate immune recognition receptors (I2R2) allowing them to detect pathogens or
      infections and to engulf molecules, microorganisms or cellular debris. The
      combinatorial engagement of I2R2 during infections controls DC maturation and
      shapes their response in terms of cytokine production, activation of natural
      killer (NK) cells and functional polarization of T cells. Several DC subsets
      exist which express different arrays of I2R2 and are specialized in distinct
      functions. The study of MCMV infection helped deciphering the physiological roles
      of DC subsets and their molecular regulation. It allowed the identification and
      first in vivo studies of mouse plasmacytoid DC which produce high level of
      interferons-alpha/beta early after infection. Despite its ability to infect DC
      and dampen their functions, MCMV induces very robust, efficient and long-lasting
      CD8 T cell responses. Their priming may rely on the unique ability of uninfected
      XCR1(+) DC to cross-present engulfed viral antigens and thus to counter MCMV
      interference with antigen presentation. A balance appears to have been reached
      during co-evolution, allowing controlled replication of the virus for horizontal
      spread without pathological consequences for the immunocompetent host. We will
      discuss the role of the interplay between the virus and DC in setting this
      balance, and how advancing this knowledge further could help develop better
      vaccines against other intracellular infectious agents. 

PMID- 25120538
TI  - HTLV-1 and HTLV-2: highly similar viruses with distinct oncogenic properties.
AB  - HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 share broad similarities in their overall genetic organization
      and expression pattern, but they differ substantially in their pathogenic
      properties. This review outlines distinctive features of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 that
      might provide clues to explain their distinct clinical outcomes. Differences in
      the kinetics of viral mRNA expression, functional properties of the regulatory
      and accessory proteins, and interactions with cellular factors and signal
      transduction pathways are discussed. 

PMID- 25120542
TI  - Articles from the 15th ICI Meeting in Milan, Italy.

PMID- 25120540
TI  - Ontogenic, Phenotypic, and Functional Characterization of XCR1(+) Dendritic Cells
      Leads to a Consistent Classification of Intestinal Dendritic Cells Based on the
      Expression of XCR1 and SIRPalpha.
AB  - In the past, lack of lineage markers confounded the classification of dendritic
      cells (DC) in the intestine and impeded a full understanding of their location
      and function. We have recently shown that the chemokine receptor XCR1 is a
      lineage marker for cross-presenting DC in the spleen. Now, we provide evidence
      that intestinal XCR1(+) DC largely, but not fully, overlap with CD103(+) CD11b(-)
      DC, the hypothesized correlate of "cross-presenting DC" in the intestine, and are
      selectively dependent in their development on the transcription factor Batf3.
      XCR1(+) DC are located in the villi of the lamina propria of the small intestine,
      the T cell zones of Peyer's patches, and in the T cell zones and sinuses of the
      draining mesenteric lymph node. Functionally, we could demonstrate for the first
      time that XCR1(+)/CD103(+) CD11b(-) DC excel in the cross-presentation of orally
      applied antigen. Together, our data show that XCR1 is a lineage marker for cross
      presenting DC also in the intestinal immune system. Further, extensive phenotypic
      analyses reveal that expression of the integrin SIRPalpha consistently demarcates
      the XCR1(-) DC population. We propose a simplified and consistent classification
      system for intestinal DC based on the expression of XCR1 and SIRPalpha. 

PMID- 25120541
TI  - Toll-like receptor-4 modulation for cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 25120539
TI  - Blowing on embers: commensal microbiota and our immune system.
AB  - Vertebrates have co-evolved with microorganisms resulting in a symbiotic
      relationship, which plays an important role in health and disease. Skin and
      mucosal surfaces are colonized with a diverse population of commensal microbiota,
      over 1000 species, outnumbering the host cells by 10-fold. In the past 40 years,
      studies have built on the idea that commensal microbiota is in constant contact
      with the host immune system and thus influence immune function. Recent studies,
      focusing on mutualism in the gut, have shown that commensal microbiota seems to
      play a critical role in the development and homeostasis of the host immune
      system. In particular, the gut microbiota appears to direct the organization and
      maturation of lymphoid tissues and acts both locally and systemically to regulate
      the recruitment, differentiation, and function of innate and adaptive immune
      cells. While the pace of research in the area of the mucosal-immune interface has
      certainly intensified over the last 10 years, we are still in the early days of
      this field. Illuminating the mechanisms of how gut microbes shape host immunity
      will enhance our understanding of the causes of immune-mediated pathologies and
      improve the design of next-generation vaccines. This review discusses the recent
      advances in this field, focusing on the close relationship between the adaptive
      immune system and commensal microbiota, a constant and abundant source of foreign
      antigens. 

PMID- 25120543
TI  - SOCS Proteins in Macrophage Polarization and Function.

PMID- 25120544
TI  - The Intercellular Metabolic Interplay between Tumor and Immune Cells.
AB  - Functional and effective immune response requires a metabolic rewiring of immune
      cells to meet their energetic and anabolic demands. Beyond this, the availability
      of extracellular and intracellular metabolites may serve as metabolic signals
      interconnecting with cellular signaling events to influence cellular fate and
      immunological function. As such, tumor microenvironment represents a dramatic
      example of metabolic derangement, where the highly metabolic demanding tumor
      cells may compromise the function of some immune cells by competing nutrients (a
      form of intercellular competition), meanwhile may support the function of other
      immune cells by forming a metabolic symbiosis (a form of intercellular
      collaboration). It has been well known that tumor cells harness immune system
      through information exchanges that are largely attributed to soluble protein
      factors and intercellular junctions. In this review, we will discuss recent
      advance on tumor metabolism and immune metabolism, as well as provide examples of
      metabolic communications between tumor cells and immune system, which may
      represent a novel mechanism of conveying tumor-immune privilege. 

PMID- 25120545
TI  - Strategies for designing and monitoring malaria vaccines targeting diverse
      antigens.
AB  - After more than 50 years of intensive research and development, only one malaria
      vaccine candidate, "RTS,S," has progressed to Phase 3 clinical trials. Despite
      only partial efficacy, this candidate is now forecast to become the first
      licensed malaria vaccine. Hence, more efficacious second-generation malaria
      vaccines that can significantly reduce transmission are urgently needed. This
      review will focus on a major obstacle hindering development of effective malaria
      vaccines: parasite antigenic diversity. Despite extensive genetic diversity in
      leading candidate antigens, vaccines have been and continue to be formulated
      using recombinant antigens representing only one or two strains. These vaccine
      strains represent only a small fraction of the diversity circulating in natural
      parasite populations, leading to escape of non-vaccine strains and challenging
      investigators' abilities to measure strain-specific efficacy in vaccine trials.
      Novel strategies are needed to overcome antigenic diversity in order for vaccine
      development to succeed. Many studies have now cataloged the global diversity of
      leading Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax vaccine antigens. In this
      review, we describe how population genetic approaches can be applied to this rich
      data source to predict the alleles that best represent antigenic diversity,
      polymorphisms that contribute to it, and to identify key polymorphisms associated
      with antigenic escape. We also suggest an approach to summarize the known global
      diversity of a given antigen to predict antigenic diversity, how to select
      variants that best represent the strains circulating in natural parasite
      populations and how to investigate the strain-specific efficacy of vaccine
      trials. Use of these strategies in the design and monitoring of vaccine trials
      will not only shed light on the contribution of genetic diversity to the
      antigenic diversity of malaria, but will also maximize the potential of future
      malaria vaccine candidates. 

PMID- 25120547
TI  - Visualizing T Cell Migration in situ.
AB  - Mounting a protective immune response is critically dependent on the orchestrated
      movement of cells within lymphoid tissues. The structure of secondary lymphoid
      organs regulates immune responses by promoting optimal cell-cell and cell
      extracellular matrix interactions. Naive T cells are initially activated by
      antigen presenting cells in secondary lymphoid organs. Following priming,
      effector T cells migrate to the site of infection to exert their functions.
      Majority of the effector cells die while a small population of antigen-specific T
      cells persists as memory cells in distinct anatomical locations. The persistence
      and location of memory cells in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues is critical to
      protect the host from re-infection. The localization of memory T cells is
      carefully regulated by several factors including the highly organized secondary
      lymphoid structure, the cellular expression of chemokine receptors and
      compartmentalized secretion of their cognate ligands. This balance between the
      anatomy and the ordered expression of cell surface and soluble proteins regulates
      the subtle choreography of T cell migration. In recent years, our understanding
      of cellular dynamics of T cells has been advanced by the development of new
      imaging techniques allowing in situ visualization of T cell responses. Here, we
      review the past and more recent studies that have utilized sophisticated imaging
      technologies to investigate the migration dynamics of naive, effector, and memory
      T cells. 

PMID- 25120546
TI  - Cancer stem cell immunology: key to understanding tumorigenesis and tumor immune
      escape?
AB  - Cancer stem cell (CSC) biology and tumor immunology have shaped our understanding
      of tumorigenesis. However, we still do not fully understand why tumors can be
      contained but not eliminated by the immune system and whether rare CSCs are
      required for tumor propagation. Long latency or recurrence periods have been
      described for most tumors. Conceptually, this requires a subset of malignant
      cells which is capable of initiating tumors, but is neither eliminated by immune
      cells nor able to grow straight into overt tumors. These criteria would be
      fulfilled by CSCs. Stem cells are pluripotent, immune-privileged, and long
      living, but depend on specialized niches. Thus, latent tumors may be maintained
      by a niche-constrained reservoir of long-living CSCs that are exempt from
      immunosurveillance while niche-independent and more immunogenic daughter cells
      are constantly eliminated. The small subpopulation of CSCs is often held
      responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, and recurrence. Experimentally,
      this hypothesis was supported by the observation that only this subset can
      propagate tumors in non-obese diabetic/scid mice, which lack T and B cells. Yet,
      the concept was challenged when an unexpectedly large proportion of melanoma
      cells were found to be capable of seeding complex tumors in mice which further
      lack NK cells. Moreover, the link between stem cell-like properties and
      tumorigenicity was not sustained in these highly immunodeficient animals. In
      humans, however, tumor-propagating cells must also escape from immune-mediated
      destruction. The ability to persist and to initiate neoplastic growth in the
      presence of immunosurveillance - which would be lost in a maximally
      immunodeficient animal model - could hence be a decisive criterion for CSCs.
      Consequently, integrating scientific insight from stem cell biology and tumor
      immunology to build a new concept of "CSC immunology" may help to reconcile the
      outlined contradictions and to improve our understanding of tumorigenesis. 

PMID- 25120548
TI  - Loss of Arabidopsis GAUT12/IRX8 causes anther indehiscence and leads to reduced G
      lignin associated with altered matrix polysaccharide deposition.
AB  - GAlactUronosylTransferase12 (GAUT12)/IRregular Xylem8 (IRX8) is a putative
      glycosyltransferase involved in Arabidopsis secondary cell wall biosynthesis.
      Previous work showed that Arabidopsis irregular xylem8 (irx8) mutants have
      collapsed xylem due to a reduction in xylan and a lesser reduction in a
      subfraction of homogalacturonan (HG). We now show that male sterility in the irx8
      mutant is due to indehiscent anthers caused by reduced deposition of xylan and
      lignin in the endothecium cell layer. The reduced lignin content was demonstrated
      by histochemical lignin staining and pyrolysis Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometry
      (pyMBMS) and is associated with reduced lignin biosynthesis in irx8 stems.
      Examination of sequential chemical extracts of stem walls using 2D (13)C-(1)H
      Heteronuclear Single-Quantum Correlation (HSQC) NMR spectroscopy and antibody
      based glycome profiling revealed a reduction in G lignin in the 1 M KOH extract
      and a concomitant loss of xylan, arabinogalactan and pectin epitopes in the
      ammonium oxalate, sodium carbonate, and 1 M KOH extracts from the irx8 walls
      compared with wild-type walls. Immunolabeling of stem sections using the
      monoclonal antibody CCRC-M138 reactive against an unsubstituted xylopentaose
      epitope revealed a bi-lamellate pattern in wild-type fiber cells and a collapsed
      bi-layer in irx8 cells, suggesting that at least in fiber cells, GAUT12
      participates in the synthesis of a specific layer or type of xylan or helps to
      provide an architecture framework required for the native xylan deposition
      pattern. The results support the hypothesis that GAUT12 functions in the
      synthesis of a structure required for xylan and lignin deposition during
      secondary cell wall formation. 

PMID- 25120549
TI  - Structural divergence of plant TCTPs.
AB  - The Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) is a highly conserved protein
      at the level of sequence, considered to play an essential role in the regulation
      of growth and development in eukaryotes. However, this function has been inferred
      from studies in a few model systems, such as mice and mammalian cell lines,
      Drosophila and Arabidopsis. Thus, the knowledge regarding this protein is far
      from complete. In the present study bioinformatic analysis showed the presence of
      one or more TCTP genes per genome in plants with highly conserved signatures and
      subtle variations at the level of primary structure but with more noticeable
      differences at the level of predicted three-dimensional structures. These
      structures show differences in the "pocket" region close to the center of the
      protein and in its flexible loop domain. In fact, all predictive TCTP structures
      can be divided into two groups: (1) AtTCTP1-like and (2) CmTCTP-like, based on
      the predicted structures of an Arabidopsis TCTP and a Cucurbita maxima TCTP;
      according to this classification we propose that their probable function in
      plants may be inferred in principle. Thus, different TCTP genes in a single
      organism may have different functions; additionally, in those species harboring a
      single TCTP gene this could carry multiple functions. On the other hand, in
      silico analysis of AtTCTP1-like and CmTCTP-like promoters suggest that these
      share common motifs but with different abundance, which may underscore
      differences in their gene expression patterns. Finally, the absence of TCTP genes
      in most chlorophytes with the exception of Coccomyxa subellipsoidea, indicates
      that other proteins perform the roles played by TCTP or the pathways regulated by
      TCTP occur through alternative routes. These findings provide insight into the
      evolution of this gene family in plants. 

PMID- 25120551
TI  - Programmed cell death (PCD): an essential process of cereal seed development and
      germination.
AB  - The life cycle of cereal seeds can be divided into two phases, development and
      germination, separated by a quiescent period. Seed development and germination
      require the growth and differentiation of new tissues, but also the ordered
      disappearance of cells, which takes place by a process of programmed cell death
      (PCD). For this reason, cereal seeds have become excellent model systems for the
      study of developmental PCD in plants. At early stages of seed development,
      maternal tissues such as the nucellus, the pericarp, and the nucellar projections
      undergo a progressive degeneration by PCD, which allows the remobilization of
      their cellular contents for nourishing new filial tissues such as the embryo and
      the endosperm. At a later stage, during seed maturation, the endosperm undergoes
      PCD, but these cells remain intact in the mature grain and their contents will
      not be remobilized until germination. Thus, the only tissues that remain alive
      when seed development is completed are the embryo axis, the scutellum and the
      aleurone layer. In germinating seeds, both the scutellum and the aleurone layer
      play essential roles in producing the hydrolytic enzymes for the mobilization of
      the storage compounds of the starchy endosperm, which serve to support early
      seedling growth. Once this function is completed, scutellum and aleurone cells
      undergo PCD; their contents being used to support the growth of the germinated
      embryo. PCD occurs with tightly controlled spatial-temporal patterns allowing
      coordinated fluxes of nutrients between the different seed tissues. In this
      review, we will summarize the current knowledge of the tissues undergoing PCD in
      developing and germinating cereal seeds, focussing on the biochemical features of
      the process. The effect of hormones and redox regulation on PCD control will be
      discussed. 

PMID- 25120550
TI  - Mathematical modeling reveals that metabolic feedback regulation of SnRK1 and
      hexokinase is sufficient to control sugar homeostasis from energy depletion to
      full recovery.
AB  - Sucrose and trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) are central compounds in the regulation
      and orchestration of whole plant metabolism, growth, development, and flowering.
      To evaluate their highly complex and regulatory interaction with the two
      conserved sugar and energy sensors Snf1-related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1), an AMPK
      related protein kinase, and hexokinase (Hxk), we developed a kinetic model which
      demonstrates the subtle metabolic control of sugar homeostasis in a wide range of
      concentrations without the need for changes in gene expression or protein
      concentrations. Our model approach is based on a comprehensive set of published
      metabolite concentrations under various conditions and coupled enzyme kinetics
      accounting for the role of SnRK1 and Hxk in the sugar and energy homeostasis.
      This allowed us to investigate interactions between sugar phosphates, such as
      T6P, which are metabolic inhibitors of SnRK1 and Hxk, and sucrose synthesis
      during the transition from carbon deficiency to availability. Model simulations
      and sensitivity analyses indicated that slight changes in SnRK1 activity induced
      by allosteric effectors may be sufficient to explain a dramatic readjustment of
      metabolic homeostasis. This may comprise up to 10-fold changes in metabolite
      concentrations. Further, the Hxk/T6P/SnRK1 interaction implemented in the model
      supports the interpretation of phenotypic and transcriptomic changes observed in
      Hxk overexpressing plants. Finally, our approach presents a theoretical framework
      to kinetically link metabolic networks to underlying regulatory instances. 

PMID- 25120552
TI  - Regulation of cell fate determination in plants.

PMID- 25120554
TI  - Zn(2+)-dependent surface behavior of diacylglycerol pyrophosphate and its
      mixtures with phosphatidic acid at different pHs.
AB  - Diacylglycerol pyrophosphate (DGPP) is a minor lipid that attenuates the
      phosphatidic acid (PA) signal, and also DGPP itself would be a signaling lipid.
      Diacylglycerol pyrophosphate is an anionic phospholipid with a pyrophosphate
      group attached to diacylglycerol that was shown to respond to changes of pH, thus
      affecting the surface organization of DGPP and their interaction with PA. In this
      work, we have investigated how the presence of Zn(2+) modulates the surface
      organization of DGPP and its interaction with PA at acidic and basic pHs. Both
      lipids formed expanded monolayers at pHs 5 and 8. At pH 5, monolayers formed by
      DGPP became stiffer when Zn(2+)was added to the subphase, while the surface
      potential decreased. At this pH, Zn(2+) induced a phase transition from an
      expanded to a condensed-phase state in monolayers formed by PA. Conversely, at pH
      8 the effects induced by the presence of Zn(2+) on the surface behaviors of the
      pure lipids were smaller. Thus, the interaction of the bivalent cation with both
      lipids was modulated by pH and by the ionization state of the polar head groups.
      Mixed monolayers of PA and DGPP showed a non-ideal behavior and were not affected
      by the presence of Zn(2+) at pH 8. This could be explained considering that when
      mixed, the lipids formed a closely packed monolayer that could not be further
      modified by the cation. Our results indicate that DGPP and PA exhibit expanded-
      and condensed-phase states depending on pH, on the proportion of each lipid in
      the film and on the presence of Zn(2+). This may have implications for a possible
      role of DGPP as a signaling lipid molecule. 

PMID- 25120556
TI  - Quality assessment and control of high-throughput sequencing data.

PMID- 25120555
TI  - Primary analysis of repeat elements of the Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)
      transcriptome and genome.
AB  - As part of our Asian seabass genome project, we are generating an inventory of
      repeat elements in the genome and transcriptome. The karyotype showed a diploid
      number of 2n = 24 chromosomes with a variable number of B-chromosomes. The
      transcriptome and genome of Asian seabass were searched for repetitive elements
      with experimental and bioinformatics tools. Six different types of repeats
      constituting 8-14% of the genome were characterized. Repetitive elements were
      clustered in the pericentromeric heterochromatin of all chromosomes, but some of
      them were preferentially accumulated in pretelomeric and pericentromeric regions
      of several chromosomes pairs and have chromosomes specific arrangement. From the
      dispersed class of fish-specific non-LTR retrotransposon elements Rex1 and MAUI
      like repeats were analyzed. They were wide-spread both in the genome and
      transcriptome, accumulated on the pericentromeric and peritelomeric areas of all
      chromosomes. Every analyzed repeat was represented in the Asian seabass
      transcriptome, some showed differential expression between the gonads. The other
      group of repeats analyzed belongs to the rRNA multigene family. FISH signal for
      5S rDNA was located on a single pair of chromosomes, whereas that for 18S rDNA
      was found on two pairs. A BAC-derived contig containing rDNA was sequenced and
      assembled into a scaffold containing incomplete fragments of 18S rDNA. Their
      assembly and chromosomal position revealed that this part of Asian seabass genome
      is extremely rich in repeats containing evolutionarily conserved and novel
      sequences. In summary, transcriptome assemblies and cDNA data are suitable for
      the identification of repetitive DNA from unknown genomes and for comparative
      investigation of conserved elements between teleosts and other vertebrates. 

PMID- 25120553
TI  - Looking at plant cell cycle from the chromatin window.
AB  - The cell cycle is defined by a series of complex events, finely coordinated
      through hormonal, developmental and environmental signals, which occur in a
      unidirectional manner and end up in producing two daughter cells. Accumulating
      evidence reveals that chromatin is not a static entity throughout the cell cycle.
      In fact, there are many changes that include nucleosome remodeling, histone
      modifications, deposition and exchange, among others. Interestingly, it is
      possible to correlate the occurrence of several of these chromatin-related events
      with specific processes necessary for cell cycle progression, e.g., licensing of
      DNA replication origins, the E2F-dependent transcriptional wave in G1, the
      activation of replication origins in S-phase, the G2-specific transcription of
      genes required for mitosis or the chromatin packaging occurring in mitosis.
      Therefore, an emerging view is that chromatin dynamics must be considered as an
      intrinsic part of cell cycle regulation. In this article, we review the main
      features of several key chromatin events that occur at defined times throughout
      the cell cycle and discuss whether they are actually controlling the transit
      through specific cell cycle stages. 

PMID- 25120557
TI  - Development and in silico evaluation of large-scale metabolite identification
      methods using functional group detection for metabolomics.
AB  - Large-scale identification of metabolites is key to elucidating and modeling
      metabolism at the systems level. Advances in metabolomics technologies,
      particularly ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry (MS) enable comprehensive
      and rapid analysis of metabolites. However, a significant barrier to meaningful
      data interpretation is the identification of a wide range of metabolites
      including unknowns and the determination of their role(s) in various metabolic
      networks. Chemoselective (CS) probes to tag metabolite functional groups combined
      with high mass accuracy provide additional structural constraints for metabolite
      identification and quantification. We have developed a novel algorithm,
      Chemically Aware Substructure Search (CASS) that efficiently detects functional
      groups within existing metabolite databases, allowing for combined molecular
      formula and functional group (from CS tagging) queries to aid in metabolite
      identification without a priori knowledge. Analysis of the isomeric compounds in
      both Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) and KEGG Ligand demonstrated a high
      percentage of isomeric molecular formulae (43 and 28%, respectively), indicating
      the necessity for techniques such as CS-tagging. Furthermore, these two databases
      have only moderate overlap in molecular formulae. Thus, it is prudent to use
      multiple databases in metabolite assignment, since each major metabolite database
      represents different portions of metabolism within the biosphere. In silico
      analysis of various CS-tagging strategies under different conditions for adduct
      formation demonstrate that combined FT-MS derived molecular formulae and CS
      tagging can uniquely identify up to 71% of KEGG and 37% of the combined KEGG/HMDB
      database vs. 41 and 17%, respectively without adduct formation. This difference
      between database isomer disambiguation highlights the strength of CS-tagging for
      non-lipid metabolite identification. However, unique identification of complex
      lipids still needs additional information. 

PMID- 25120558
TI  - Genome and metabolic network of "Candidatus Phaeomarinobacter ectocarpi" Ec32, a
      new candidate genus of Alphaproteobacteria frequently associated with brown
      algae.
AB  - Rhizobiales and related orders of Alphaproteobacteria comprise several genera of
      nodule-inducing symbiotic bacteria associated with plant roots. Here we describe
      the genome and the metabolic network of "Candidatus Phaeomarinobacter ectocarpi"
      Ec32, a member of a new candidate genus closely related to Rhizobiales and found
      in association with cultures of the filamentous brown algal model Ectocarpus. The
      "Ca. P. ectocarpi" genome encodes numerous metabolic pathways that may be
      relevant for this bacterium to interact with algae. Notably, it possesses a large
      set of glycoside hydrolases and transporters, which may serve to process and
      assimilate algal metabolites. It also harbors several proteins likely to be
      involved in the synthesis of algal hormones such as auxins and cytokinins, as
      well as the vitamins pyridoxine, biotin, and thiamine. As of today, "Ca. P.
      ectocarpi" has not been successfully cultured, and identical 16S rDNA sequences
      have been found exclusively associated with Ectocarpus. However, related
      sequences (>=97% identity) have also been detected free-living and in a Fucus
      vesiculosus microbiome barcoding project, indicating that the candidate genus
      "Phaeomarinobacter" may comprise several species, which may colonize different
      niches. 

PMID- 25120560
TI  - The role of AGG interruptions in fragile X repeat expansions: a twenty-year
      perspective.
AB  - In 1994, it was suggested that AGG interruptions affect the stability of the
      fragile X triplet repeat. Until recently, however, this hypothesis was not
      explored on a large scale due primarily to the technical difficulty of
      determining AGG interruption patterns of the two alleles in females. The recent
      development of a PCR technology that overcomes this difficulty and accurately
      identifies the number and position of AGGs has led to several studies that
      examine their influence on repeat stability. Here, we present a historical
      perspective of relevant studies published during the last 20 years on AGG
      interruptions and examine those recent publications that have refined risk
      estimates for repeat instability and full-mutation expansions. 

PMID- 25120561
TI  - HumanViCe: host ceRNA network in virus infected cells in human.
AB  - Host-virus interaction via host cellular components has been an important field
      of research in recent times. RNA interference mediated by short interfering RNAs
      and microRNAs (miRNA), is a widespread anti-viral defense strategy. Importantly,
      viruses also encode their own miRNAs. In recent times miRNAs were identified as
      key players in host-virus interaction. Furthermore, viruses were shown to exploit
      the host miRNA networks to suite their own need. The complex cross-talk between
      host and viral miRNAs and their cellular and viral targets forms the environment
      for viral pathogenesis. Apart from protein-coding mRNAs, non-coding RNAs may also
      be targeted by host or viral miRNAs in virus infected cells, and viruses can
      exploit the host miRNA mediated gene regulatory network via the competing
      endogenous RNA effect. A recent report showed that viral U-rich non-coding RNAs
      called HSUR, expressed in primate virus herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) infected T
      cells, were able to bind to three host miRNAs, causing significant alteration in
      cellular level for one of the miRNAs. We have predicted protein coding and non
      protein-coding targets for viral and human miRNAs in virus infected cells. We
      identified viral miRNA targets within host non-coding RNA loci from AGO
      interacting regions in three different virus infected cells. Gene ontology (GO)
      and pathway enrichment analysis of the genes comprising the ceRNA networks in the
      virus infected cells revealed enrichment of key cellular signaling pathways
      related to cell fate decisions and gene transcription, like Notch and Wnt
      signaling pathways, as well as pathways related to viral entry, replication and
      virulence. We identified a vast number of non-coding transcripts playing as
      potential ceRNAs to the immune response associated genes; e.g., APOBEC family
      genes, in some virus infected cells. All these information are compiled in
      HumanViCe (http://gyanxet-beta.com/humanvice), a comprehensive database that
      provides the potential ceRNA networks in virus infected human cells. 

PMID- 25120559
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatic steatosis and inflammatory bowel
      diseases.
AB  - As an adaptive response to the overloading with misfolded proteins in the
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ER stress plays critical roles in maintaining protein
      homeostasis in the secretory pathway to avoid damage to the host. Such a
      conserved mechanism is accomplished through three well-orchestrated pathways
      known collectively as unfolded protein response (UPR). Persistent and
      pathological ER stress has been implicated in a variety of diseases in metabolic,
      inflammatory, and malignant conditions. Furthermore, ER stress is directly linked
      with inflammation through UPR pathways, which modulate transcriptional programs
      to induce the expression of inflammatory genes. Importantly, the inflammation
      induced by ER stress is directly responsible for the pathogenesis of metabolic
      and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we will discuss the potential
      signaling pathways connecting ER stress with inflammation. We will also depict
      the interplay between ER stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of hepatic
      steatosis, inflammatory bowel diseases and colitis-associated colon cancer. 

PMID- 25120563
TI  - Accelerometer-Based Method for Extracting Respiratory and Cardiac Gating
      Information for Dual Gating during Nuclear Medicine Imaging.
AB  - Both respiratory and cardiac motions reduce the quality and consistency of
      medical imaging specifically in nuclear medicine imaging. Motion artifacts can be
      eliminated by gating the image acquisition based on the respiratory phase and
      cardiac contractions throughout the medical imaging procedure.
      Electrocardiography (ECG), 3-axis accelerometer, and respiration belt data were
      processed and analyzed from ten healthy volunteers. Seismocardiography (SCG) is a
      noninvasive accelerometer-based method that measures accelerations caused by
      respiration and myocardial movements. This study was conducted to investigate the
      feasibility of the accelerometer-based method in dual gating technique. The SCG
      provides accelerometer-derived respiratory (ADR) data and accurate information
      about quiescent phases within the cardiac cycle. The correct information about
      the status of ventricles and atria helps us to create an improved estimate for
      quiescent phases within a cardiac cycle. The correlation of ADR signals with the
      reference respiration belt was investigated using Pearson correlation. High
      linear correlation was observed between accelerometer-based measurement and
      reference measurement methods (ECG and Respiration belt). Above all, due to the
      simplicity of the proposed method, the technique has high potential to be applied
      in dual gating in clinical cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain
      motion-free images in the future. 

PMID- 25120562
TI  - A revised dated phylogeny of the arachnid order Opiliones.
AB  - Dating the Opiliones tree of life has become an important enterprise for this
      group of arthropods, due to their ancient origins and important biogeographic
      implications. To incorporate both methodological innovations in molecular dating
      as well as new systematic discoveries of harvestman diversity, we conducted total
      evidence dating on a data set uniting morphological and/or molecular sequence
      data for 47 Opiliones species, including all four well-known Palaeozoic fossils,
      to test the placement of both fossils and newly discovered lineages in a single
      analysis. Furthermore, we investigated node dating with a phylogenomic data set
      of 24,202 amino acid sites for 14 species of Opiliones, sampling all extant
      suborders. In this way, we approached molecular dating of basal harvestman
      phylogeny using different data sets and approaches to assess congruence of
      divergence time estimates. In spite of the markedly different composition of data
      sets, our results show congruence across all analyses for age estimates of basal
      nodes that are well constrained with respect to fossil calibrations (e.g.,
      Opiliones, Palpatores). By contrast, derived nodes that lack fossil calibrations
      (e.g., the suborders Cyphophthalmi, and Laniatores) have large uncertainty
      intervals in diversification times, particularly in the total evidence dating
      analysis, reflecting the dearth of calibration points and undersampling of
      derived lineages. Total evidence dating consistently produced older median ages
      than node dating for ingroup nodes, due to the nested placement of multiple
      Palaeozoic fossils. Our analyses support basal diversification of Opiliones in
      the Ordovician-Devonian period, corroborating the inferred ancient origins of
      this arthropod order, and underscore the importance of diversity discovery-both
      paleontological and neontological-in evolutionary inference. 

PMID- 25120564
TI  - 15-Deoxy- gamma 12,14-prostaglandin J2 Reduces Liver Impairment in a Model of
      ConA-Induced Acute Hepatic Inflammation by Activation of PPAR gamma and Reduction
      in NF- kappa B Activity.
AB  - Objective. 15-Deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) reduces inflammation
      and has been identified as an anti-inflammatory prostaglandin in numerous animal
      models. In this study, we investigated both effects of 15d-PGJ2 and its
      protection mechanism in concanavalin A- (ConA-) induced autoimmune hepatitis in
      mice. Materials and Methods. In vivo, Balb/C mice were injected with ConA (25
      mg/kg) to induce acute autoimmune hepatitis, and 15d-PGJ2 (10 MUg or 25 MUg) was
      administered 1 h before the ConA injection. The histological grade,
      proinflammatory cytokine levels, and NF-kappaB and PPARgamma activity were
      determined 6, 12, and 24 h after the ConA injection. In vitro, LO2 cells and
      RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with 15d-PGJ2 (2 MUM) 1 h before the stimulation
      with ConA (30 MUg/mL). The NF-kappaB and PPARgamma activity were determined 30
      min after the ConA administration. Results. Pretreatment with 15d-PGJ2 reduced
      the pathological effects of ConA-induced autoimmune hepatitis and significantly
      reduced the levels of cytokines after injection. 15d-PGJ2 activated PPARgamma,
      blocked the degradation of IkappaBalpha, and inhibited the translocation of NF
      kappaB into the nucleus. Conclusion. These results indicate that 15d-PGJ2
      protects against ConA-induced autoimmune hepatitis by reducing proinflammatory
      cytokines. This reduction in inflammation may correlate with the activation of
      PPARgamma and the reduction in NF-kappaB activity. 

PMID- 25120565
TI  - Pathogenesis of chronic urticaria: an overview.
AB  - The pathogenesis of chronic urticaria is not well delineated and the treatment is
      palliative as it is not tied to the pathomechanism. The centrality of mast cells
      and their inappropriate activation and degranulation as the key
      pathophysiological event are well established. The triggering stimuli and the
      complexity of effector mechanisms remain speculative. Autoimmune origin of
      chronic urticaria, albeit controversial, is well documented. Numerical and
      behavioral alterations in basophils accompanied by changes in signaling molecule
      expression and function as well as aberrant activation of extrinsic pathway of
      coagulation are other alternative hypotheses. It is also probable that mast cells
      are involved in the pathogenesis through mechanisms that extend beyond high
      affinity IgE receptor stimulation. An increasing recognition of chronic urticaria
      as an immune mediated inflammatory disorder related to altered cytokine-chemokine
      network consequent to immune dysregulation resulting from disturbed innate
      immunity is emerging as yet another pathogenic explanation. It is likely that
      these different pathomechanisms are interlinked rather than independent cascades,
      acting either synergistically or sequentially to produce clinical expression of
      chronic urticaria. Insights into the complexities of pathogenesis may provide an
      impetus to develop safer, efficacious, and targeted immunomodulators and
      biological treatment for severe, refractory chronic urticaria. 

PMID- 25120567
TI  - Sildenafil Ameliorates Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats: Role of iNOS
      and eNOS.
AB  - Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is used for the treatment of serious
      Gram-negative infections. However, its usefulness is limited by its
      nephrotoxicity. Sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, was
      reported to prevent or decrease tissue injury. The aim of this study is to
      evaluate the potential protective effects of sildenafil on gentamicin-induced
      nephrotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats were injected with gentamicin (100
      mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 6 days with and without sildenafil. Sildenafil
      administration resulted in nephroprotective effect in gentamicin-intoxicated rats
      as it significantly decreased serum creatinine and urea, urinary albumin, and
      renal malondialdehyde and nitrite/nitrate levels, with a concomitant increase in
      renal catalase and superoxide dismutase activities compared to gentamicin-treated
      rats. Moreover, immunohistochemical examination revealed that sildenafil
      treatment markedly reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression,
      while expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was markedly
      enhanced. The protective effects of sildenafil were verified histopathologically.
      In conclusion, sildenafil protects rats against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity
      possibly, in part, through its antioxidant activity, inhibition of iNOS
      expression, and induction of eNOS production. 

PMID- 25120566
TI  - Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review.
AB  - Zinc, both in elemental or in its salt forms, has been used as a therapeutic
      modality for centuries. Topical preparations like zinc oxide, calamine, or zinc
      pyrithione have been in use as photoprotecting, soothing agents or as active
      ingredient of antidandruff shampoos. Its use has expanded manifold over the years
      for a number of dermatological conditions including infections (leishmaniasis,
      warts), inflammatory dermatoses (acne vulgaris, rosacea), pigmentary disorders
      (melasma), and neoplasias (basal cell carcinoma). Although the role of oral zinc
      is well-established in human zinc deficiency syndromes including acrodermatitis
      enteropathica, it is only in recent years that importance of zinc as a
      micronutrient essential for infant growth and development has been recognized.
      The paper reviews various dermatological uses of zinc. 

PMID- 25120569
TI  - Identification and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of Brucella species
      isolated from human brucellosis.
AB  - Brucellosis is a world-wide zoonotic disease with a major impact on the public
      health. Due to the high risk of laboratory acquired infection, limited laboratory
      investigations were performed on this organism, including detailed identification
      and susceptibility study. Brucella melitensis is the commonest aetiological agent
      for human brucellosis in this region. The in vitro susceptibility pattern against
      selected antimicrobial agents was assessed using E-test. All isolates were noted
      to be sensitive to all the antimicrobial agents tested except for rifampicin
      where elevated MIC > 1 MUg/mL was noted in 30 out of 41 isolates tested. 

PMID- 25120570
TI  - Degree and rate of growth discordance in dichorionic twins conceived by in vitro
      fertilization.
AB  - Objective. Our objective was to estimate degree and rate of discordant growth and
      its impact on perinatal outcome in dichorionic twin pregnancies conceived by in
      vitro fertilization (IVF) compared to those conceived spontaneously. Study
      Design. Growth discordance was defined as 90th percentiles for the study
      population. Adverse perinatal outcome was defined as 5-minute Apgar score <7
      and/or admission to neonatal intensive care unit. Results. In the total study
      population of dichorionic twins (176 conceived by IVF and 215 spontaneously), 30%
      discordant growth represented the 90th percentile. After adjusting for
      gestational age, discordant twins conceived by IVF or spontaneously were at
      higher risk for adverse perinatal outcome (hazard ratio 4.4; 95% CI 2.4-8.3, P <
      0.0001; hazard ratio 2.5; 95% CI 1.5-4.4, P = 0.001, resp.). Similar rates of 5
      minute Apgar score <7, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, and delivery
      <34 weeks were found between discordant twins conceived by IVF and those
      conceived spontaneously. Conclusion. Dichorionic twins conceived by IVF are at
      similar risk for the rate and degree of discordant growth and adverse perinatal
      outcome compared to dichorionic twins conceived spontaneously. 

PMID- 25120571
TI  - Stem cells: innovations in clinical applications.
AB  - The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as clinical therapeutics is a relatively
      new avenue of study for treatment of a variety of diseases. The therapeutic
      impact of the MSCs is based upon their multiplicities of function and interaction
      with host tissues. MSCs can be anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, antimicrobial,
      and regenerative, all which may improve outcomes in scenarios of damaged tissues
      and inflammation. Although most studies focus on utilizing MSCs to direct
      clinical efficacy, it is the ability to orchestrate host response in surrounding
      tissue that is especially unique and versatile. This orchestration of host
      response can be applied to a variety of clinical scenarios not only through cell
      cell interactions but also through production of bioactive secreted factors.
      These bioactive factors include small proteins, chemokines, cytokines, and other
      cellular regulators. These factors have the capacity to induce angiogenesis or
      blood vessel development, be chemotactic, and induce cellular recruitment. MSCs
      also have the capacity to differentiate with the implicated environment to
      regenerate tissue or accommodate host tissue in a cell specific manner. The
      differentiation cannot only be done in vivo but also can be optimized in vitro
      prior to in vivo administration, potentiating the versatility of the MSCs and
      opening avenues for corrective therapy and cell delivery of genes. The
      differentiation process depends on the environment with which the MSCs are put
      and results in active communication between the newly administered cells host
      tissue. Since these properties have been identified, there are a variety of
      clinical trials and studies being conducted on MSCs ability to treat human
      disease. This review outlines the potential use of MSCs, the types of tissue, and
      the innovative applications of MSCs for the treatment of diseases. 

PMID- 25120572
TI  - Clinical, Molecular, and Epidemiological Analysis of Dengue Cases during a Major
      Outbreak in the Midwest Region of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
AB  - This study aims to perform the first molecular and clinical-epidemiological
      analysis of dengue cases in Divinopolis, MG, Brazil. Data from 4,110 cases of
      dengue were accessed and 190 clinical samples were collected for molecular
      analyses. In this study, 2.7% of the men and 3.0% of the women were admitted to
      hospital. There was no association between gender and hospital admission. The
      symptoms observed in this study are according to the Health Ministry, but fever
      was present in 82.2% and not in 100% of cases. The chance of hospital admission
      was 1.55 higher in patients with any kind of bleeding (334) and 2.4% of
      individuals without bleeding were also hospitalized due to other warning signs.
      In the molecular analyses, 23% of the samples were positive for DENV. DENV-2 and
      DENV-3 were identified in 2010, DENV-3 in 2011, DENV-1 in 2012, and DENV-1 and
      DENV-4 in 2013. DENV detection was possible in samples with only one day of
      symptoms. This first report of dengue data in Divinopolis provided more insight
      into the viral types and effects of disease in the city, confirming the need for
      caution in assessing cases of suspected dengue and for revision of the criteria
      proposed by the Health Ministry to classify cases of the disease. 

PMID- 25120573
TI  - Ginsenoside rb1 protects neonatal rat cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/ischemia
      induced apoptosis and inhibits activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
AB  - Aim. To investigate the effect of Ginsenoside Rb1 (GS-Rb1) on hypoxia/ischemia
      (H/I) injury in cardiomyocytes in vitro and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway
      mediated mechanism. Methods. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) for the H/I
      groups were kept in DMEM without glucose and serum, and were placed into a
      hypoxic jar for 24 h. GS-Rb1 at concentrations from 2.5 to 40 uM was given during
      hypoxic period for 24 h. NRCMs injury was determined by MTT and lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay. Cell apoptosis, ROS accumulation, and
      mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed by flow cytometry. Cytosolic
      translocation of mitochondrial cytochrome c and Bcl-2 family proteins were
      determined by Western blot. Caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities were determined by
      the assay kit. Results. GS-Rb1 significantly reduced cell death and LDH leakage
      induced by H/I. It also reduced H/I induced NRCMs apoptosis induced by H/I, in
      accordance with a minimal reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst. Moreover, GS-Rb1
      markedly decreased the translocation of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the
      cytosol, increased the Bcl-2/ Bax ratio, and preserved mitochondrial
      transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim). Its administration also inhibited activities
      of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Conclusion. Administration of GS-Rb1 during H/I in
      vitro is involved in cardioprotection by inhibiting apoptosis, which may be due
      to inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. 

PMID- 25120574
TI  - Effect of yoga on pain, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and serotonin in
      premenopausal women with chronic low back pain.
AB  - Background. Serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known to
      be modulators of nociception. However, pain-related connection between yoga and
      those neuromodulators has not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate
      the effect of yoga on pain, BDNF, and serotonin. Methods. Premenopausal women
      with chronic low back pain practiced yoga three times a week for 12 weeks. At
      baseline and after 12 weeks, back pain intensity was measured using visual
      analogue scale (VAS), and serum BDNF and serotonin levels were evaluated.
      Additionally, back flexibility and level of depression were assessed. Results.
      After 12-week yoga, VAS decreased in the yoga group (P < 0.001), whereas it
      increased (P < 0.05) in the control group. Back flexibility was improved in the
      yoga group (P < 0.01). Serum BDNF increased in the yoga group (P < 0.01), whereas
      it tended to decrease in the control group (P = 0.05). Serum serotonin maintained
      in the yoga group, while it reduced (P < 0.01) in the control group. The
      depression level maintained in the yoga group, whereas it tended to increase in
      the control group (P = 0.07). Conclusions. We propose that BDNF may be one of the
      key factors mediating beneficial effects of yoga on chronic low back pain. 

PMID- 25120576
TI  - Tanshinone IIA Downregulates HMGB1 and TLR4 Expression in a Spinal Nerve Ligation
      Model of Neuropathic Pain.
AB  - Fifty-four Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200~240 g were randomly divided into sham
      operated group (sham group), vehicle-treated SNL group (model group), and Tan IIA
      treated SNL group (Tan IIA group). Tan IIA was administered intraperitoneally to
      rats in the Tan IIA-treated group at a dose of 30 mg/kg daily for 14 days after
      SNL surgery. Paw withdrawal mechanical thresholds (PWTs) and paw withdrawal
      thermal latencies (PWLs) were measured. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and
      Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA and protein expression in the spinal cord were
      measured. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL
      1beta), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the spinal cord were measured, too. Both
      the mechanical and heat pain thresholds were significantly decreased. After Tan
      IIA treatment, HMGB1, and TLR4 mRNA and protein levels, the expression of TNF
      alpha and IF-1beta was reduced significantly. In conclusion, Tanshinone IIA
      reversed SNL-induced thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia and
      downregulated HMGB1 and TLR4 levels and inhibited the HMGB1-TLR4 pathway.
      Tanshinone IIA inhibited TNF-alpha and IL-1beta expression but not IF-10
      expression in the spinal cords of SNL rats. These results indicate that
      Tanshinone IIA inhibited SNL-induced neuropathic pain via multiple effects, and
      targeting the HMGB1-TLR4 pathway could serve as the basis of new antinociceptive
      agents. 

PMID- 25120575
TI  - Xilei san ameliorates experimental colitis in rats by selectively degrading
      proinflammatory mediators and promoting mucosal repair.
AB  - Xilei san (XLS), a herbal preparation widely used in China for erosive and
      ulcerative diseases, has been shown to be effective in ulcerative colitis (UC).
      The present experiments were conducted to assess its efficacy and determine its
      mechanism of action in a rat model that resembles human UC. The model was induced
      by adding 4% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to the rats' drinking water for 7 days.
      XLS was administered daily by retention enema from day 2 to day 7; the rats were
      sacrificed on day 8. The colon tissues were obtained for further experiments. A
      histological damage score and the activity of tissue myeloperoxidase were used to
      evaluate the severity of the colitis. The colonic cytokine levels were detected
      in a suspension array, and epithelial proliferation was assessed using Ki-67
      immunohistochemistry. Intrarectal administration of XLS attenuated the DSS
      induced colitis, as evidenced by a reduction in both the histological damage
      score and myeloperoxidase activity. It also decreased the levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines, but increased the mucosal repair-related cytokines. In
      addition, the epithelial Ki-67 expression was upregulated by XLS. These results
      suggest that XLS attenuates DSS-induced colitis by degrading proinflammatory
      mediators and promoting mucosal repair. XLS could be a potential topical
      treatment for human UC. 

PMID- 25120577
TI  - A Study on the Effect of Neurogenesis and Regulation of GSK3beta/PP2A Expression
      in Acupuncture Treatment of Neural Functional Damage Caused by Focal Ischemia in
      MCAO Rats.
AB  - 170 SD rats were randomly divided to five groups. Rats in model group, no
      acupuncture group, and acupuncture group were subjected to MCAO surgery.
      Acupuncture group received 3 consecutive acupuncture treatments at a parameter
      that deep in 2 mm towards apex nasi and thrust/lifted at 3 times per second for 1
      minute, while model group and no-acupuncture group were no-intervention control
      groups. Serious neural functional damage and sharp decrease of cerebral blood
      flow, obvious infarction volume, increased nestin mRNA expression, and
      immunopositive cells population (nestin(+), BrdU(+) and nestin/BrdU(+)) were
      found in MCAO rats which had not been observed in normal group and sham-operated
      group. However, the damage was attenuated by rat's "self-healing" capacity 3 days
      after MCAO. And the "self-healing" capacity can be strengthen by acupuncture
      treatment through increasing cerebral blood flow, neurogenesis, and regulation of
      gene transcription or GSK-3beta and PP2A expression. In conclusion, the present
      study indicates that the underlying mechanism of acupuncture treatment on neural
      functional damage caused by focal ischemia injury is a multiple interaction which
      may involve improved cerebral blood supply, neurogenesis, and regulation of gene
      transcription or GSK-3beta and PP2A expression in MCAO rats. 

PMID- 25120579
TI  - Influence of providers and nurses on completion of non-targeted HIV screening in
      an urgent care setting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
      that all adults be offered non-targeted HIV screening in all care settings,
      screening in acute-care settings remains unacceptably low. We performed an
      observational study to evaluate an HIV screening pilot in an academic-community
      partnership health center urgent care clinic. METHODS: We collected visit data
      via encounter forms and demographic and laboratory data from electronic medical
      records. A post-pilot survey of perceptions of HIV screening was administered to
      providers and nurses. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors
      associated with completion of testing. RESULTS: Visit provider and triage nurse
      were highly associated with both acceptance of screening and completion of
      testing, as were younger age, male gender, and race/ethnicity. 23.5% of patients
      completed tests, although 36.0% requested screening; time constraints as well as
      risk perceptions by both the provider and patient were cited as limiting
      completion of screening. Post-pilot surveys showed mixed support for ongoing HIV
      screening in this setting by providers and little support by nurses. CONCLUSIONS:
      Visit provider and triage nurse were strongly associated with acceptance of
      testing, which may reflect variable opinions of HIV screening in this setting by
      clinical staff. Among patients accepting screening, visit provider remained
      strongly associated with completion of testing. Despite longstanding
      recommendations for non-targeted HIV screening, further changes to improve the
      testing and results process, as well as provider education and buy-in, are needed
      to improve screening rates.

PMID- 25120580
TI  - Therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole: a case report of multiple drug
      interactions in a patient with an increased CYP2C19 activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Voriconazole is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 and CYP
      3A4. Drug-drug interactions and genetic polymorphisms modulate their activities.
      CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year old African female patient with resistant HIV and a
      cerebral mass of unknown origin was treated with voriconazole for a suspicion of
      disseminated Aspergillosis infection. Voriconazole trough concentrations (C0)
      were within target range while the patient was under esomeprazole, a CYP2C19
      inhibitor. Phenotyping showed decreased CYP2C19 activity, whereas genotyping
      showed a variant allele associated with increased enzyme activity. The patient
      was switched to ranitidine because of the introduction of atazanavir. CYP3A4
      inhibition by atazanavir combined with uninhibited CYP2C19 activity resulted in
      subtherapeutic voriconazole C0. The reintroduction of esomeprazole allowed
      restoring voriconazole C0 back to target range. CONCLUSION: The integration of
      drug-drug interactions and pharmacogenetics data is crucial to interpret drug
      concentrations correctly, thus preventing suboptimal exposure to voriconazole.

PMID- 25120581
TI  - The radiographic method for evaluation of axial vertebral rotation - presentation
      of the new method.
AB  - The objective of this study is to present a new radiographic method for the
      assessment of vertebral rotation from an antero-posterior view of conventional X
      rays which is sufficiently precise in comparison with radiographic methods
      presently used in clinical practice (methods of Nash-Moe and Perdriolle). This
      method is based on the properties of the geometric shape of vertebrae and their
      shared dimensional proportions. It means that the relation between vertebral body
      width and height doesn't change significantly within the entire thoracic and
      lumbar sections of the spine. In order to verify the method, we have constructed
      a special device for vertebral fixation. Subsequently, the X-ray pictures of
      individual human vertebrae with predefined rotation values (ranging from 0
      degrees to 45 degrees by steps of 3 degrees) were radio-graphically measured and
      then compared with their actual axial rotation on the vertebral rotation device.
      All arithmetic averages correlate very closely with the actual values. The
      verification of axial vertebral rotation with the assistance of CT and MRI
      pictures of six scoliotic patients (in supine position) and the evaluation of
      axial vertebral rotation by both the new radiographic method and with the
      Perdriolle method proved the satisfactory accuracy of our method. The main
      advantage of the newly presented radiographic method is the uncomplicated
      measurement of vertebral rotation from AP projection of conventional X-ray
      pictures or from its printed copies. The gold standard of the new radiographic
      method is the evaluation of axial rotation of vertebrae to 30 degrees
      approximately and the shape of vertebral bodies without severe structural
      deformities. The new radiographic method seems to be suitable for use in clinical
      practice. 

PMID- 25120578
TI  - Differential glycosylation of envelope gp120 is associated with differential
      recognition of HIV-1 by virus-specific antibodies and cell infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV-1 entry into host cells is mediated by interactions between the
      virus envelope glycoprotein (gp120/gp41) and host-cell receptors. N-glycans
      represent approximately 50% of the molecular mass of gp120 and serve as potential
      antigenic determinants and/or as a shield against immune recognition. We
      previously reported that N-glycosylation of recombinant gp120 varied, depending
      on the producer cells, and the glycosylation variability affected gp120
      recognition by serum antibodies from persons infected with HIV-1 subtype B.
      However, the impact of gp120 differential glycosylation on recognition by broadly
      neutralizing monoclonal antibodies or by polyclonal antibodies of individuals
      infected with other HIV-1 subtypes is unknown. METHODS: Recombinant multimerizing
      gp120 antigens were expressed in different cells, HEK 293T, T-cell,
      rhabdomyosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and Chinese hamster ovary cell lines.
      Binding of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies
      from sera of subtype A/C HIV-1-infected subjects with individual gp120 glycoforms
      was assessed by ELISA. In addition, immunodetection was performed using Western
      and dot blot assays. Recombinant gp120 glycoforms were tested for inhibition of
      infection of reporter cells by SF162 and YU.2 Env-pseudotyped R5 viruses.
      RESULTS: We demonstrated, using ELISA, that gp120 glycans sterically adjacent to
      the V3 loop only moderately contribute to differential recognition of a short
      apex motif GPGRA and GPGR by monoclonal antibodies F425 B4e8 and 447-52D,
      respectively. The binding of antibodies recognizing longer peptide motifs
      overlapping with GPGR epitope (268 D4, 257 D4, 19b) was significantly altered.
      Recognition of gp120 glycoforms by monoclonal antibodies specific for other than
      V3-loop epitopes was significantly affected by cell types used for gp120
      expression. These epitopes included CD4-binding site (VRC03, VRC01, b12),
      discontinuous epitope involving V1/V2 loop with the associated glycans (PG9,
      PG16), and an epitope including V3-base-, N332 oligomannose-, and surrounding
      glycans-containing epitope (PGT 121). Moreover, the different gp120 glycoforms
      variably inhibited HIV-1 infection of reporter cells. CONCLUSION: Our data
      support the hypothesis that the glycosylation machinery of different cells shapes
      gp120 glycosylation and, consequently, impacts envelope recognition by specific
      antibodies as well as the interaction of HIV-1 gp120 with cellular receptors.
      These findings underscore the importance of selection of appropriately
      glycosylated HIV-1 envelope as a vaccine antigen.

PMID- 25120582
TI  - Human Mammary Tumor Virus (HMTV) sequences in human milk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retroviral sequences 90-95% homologous to the mouse mammary tumor
      virus (MMTV) were present in 38% of the breast cancers studied from American
      women and were not detectable in non-tumor breast tissue from the same patient.
      The entire proviral structure was described and viral particles were isolated
      from primary cultures of human breast cancer. This virus was designated as human
      mammary tumor virus (HMTV). Hormone response elements present in the HMTV Long
      Terminal-Repeat (LTR) suggest a mechanism for association of HMTV with hormonally
      responding tissues. In fact, the incidence of HMTV sequences is higher in
      gestational breast cancers, which are associated with hormonal changes. Milk
      epithelial cells are also under hormonal regulation and therefore are excellent
      specimens for HMTV sequence detection. METHODS: The HMTV sequence was studied in
      milk samples from lactating women recruited with increased risk of breast cancer
      because they had undergone breast biopsies (Biopsy-Group) and lactating women
      without breast biopsies (Reference-Group). RESULTS: HMTV-env sequences were
      detected by PCR in milk of 7.61% of 92 women of the Reference-Group and in 20.55%
      of 73 women of the Biopsy-Group (p: 0.015). The sequences were 94-98% homologous
      to MMTV. HMTV-env and HMTV-env/LTR junction sequences were detected in high-speed
      pellet RNA, implying the presence of HMTV viral particles. PCR assays to detect
      the murine mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene and intracisternal-A-type
      particle sequences were performed to rule out mouse mitochondrial or genomic DNA
      contamination. Eight women of the 73 Biopsy-Group participants had breast cancer
      and the milk of only one of these eight women had HMTV-env sequences. In the
      remaining 65 women of the Biopsy-Group, under enough clinical suspicion to lead
      to biopsy, HMTV was detected in 14, nearly three times the number of milks as
      compared to the Reference-Group (21.54% versus 7.61%; p: 0.016). CONCLUSION: The
      significance of HMTV in milk from the Reference-Group, the greater frequency in
      the milk of women who had undergone a breast biopsy and its possible infectivity
      for infants are important questions under study. The similarity of HMTV to MMTV
      is striking and suggests one possible avenue for viral transmission in humans.

PMID- 25120583
TI  - A simple structure-based model for the prediction of HIV-1 co-receptor tropism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 enters host cells through interaction
      of its V3 loop (which is part of the gp120 protein) with the host cell receptor
      CD4 and one of two co-receptors, namely CCR5 or CXCR4. Entry inhibitors binding
      the CCR5 co-receptor can prevent viral entry. As these drugs are only available
      for CCR5-using viruses, accurate prediction of this so-called co-receptor tropism
      is important in order to ensure an effective personalized therapy. With the
      development of next-generation sequencing technologies, it is now possible to
      sequence representative subpopulations of the viral quasispecies. RESULTS: Here
      we present T-CUP 2.0, a model for predicting co-receptor tropism. Based on our
      recently published T-CUP model, we developed a more accurate and even faster
      solution. Similarly to its predecessor, T-CUP 2.0 models co-receptor tropism
      using information of the electrostatic potential and hydrophobicity of V3-loops.
      However, extracting this information from a simplified structural vacuum-model
      leads to more accurate and faster predictions. The area-under-the-ROC-curve (AUC)
      achieved with T-CUP 2.0 on the training set is 0.968+/-0.005 in a leave-one
      patient-out cross-validation. When applied to an independent dataset, T-CUP 2.0
      has an improved prediction accuracy of around 3% when compared to the original T
      CUP. CONCLUSIONS: We found that it is possible to model co-receptor tropism in
      HIV-1 based on a simplified structure-based model of the V3 loop. In this way,
      genotypic prediction of co-receptor tropism is very accurate, fast and can be
      applied to large datasets derived from next-generation sequencing technologies.
      The reduced complexity of the electrostatic modeling makes T-CUP 2.0 independent
      from third-party software, making it easy to install and use.

PMID- 25120586
TI  - Correlation study on adiponectin gene SNP45 and long-term oxidative stress in
      patients with diabetes and carotid atherosclerosis.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the
      adiponectin gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)45 T/G and long-term
      oxidative stress in type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with carotid
      atherosclerosis. Patients with T2DM were divided into non-carotid atherosclerosis
      and carotid atherosclerosis groups, which were then subsequently divided into TT
      and TG + GG groups according to the adiponectin SNP45 T/G genotypes. Enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay, TaqMan probe quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR), PCR-TaqMan, color Doppler and other methods were used to determine the
      adiponectin levels, gene polymorphisms, acquired mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) A3243G
      somatic cell mutation rates and the carotid intima-media thickness. The somatic
      cell mutation rate of acquired mtDNA A3243A/G in the T2DM carotid atherosclerosis
      group was significantly higher compared with the group without carotid
      atherosclerosis. In addition, the acquired mtDNA A3243A/G somatic cell mutation
      rate in the T2DM carotid atherosclerosis group with the adiponectin gene SNP45 TT
      genotype was significantly lower compared with the SNP45 TG/GG genotype group.
      T2DM combined with carotid atherosclerosis was associated with long-term
      oxidative stress. In addition, adiponectin gene SNP45 T/G was associated with
      increased mtDNA A3243A/G somatic mutation rates in T2DM patients with carotid
      atherosclerosis. Therefore, adiponectin gene polymorphisms may lead to diabetes
      atherosclerosis through oxidative stress.

PMID- 25120587
TI  - Correlation between cystathionine beta-synthase T883C genetic polymorphism and
      primary hypertension.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between cystathionine beta
      synthase (CBS) T833C polymorphisms and primary hypertension. A case-control study
      was conducted by genotyping the representative variation in 545 hypertensive
      individuals (aged 49.23+/-7.56 years) and 500 normotensive individuals (aged
      49.90+/-10.01 years). The T833C genetic polymorphisms of the CBS enzyme were
      detected in all subjects by amplification refractory mutation system polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The CBS T833C polymorphism was successfully
      genotyped in the general population with a sample size of 1,045 (545+500)
      individuals. The genotypic and allelic frequency distributions of the CBS T833C
      polymorphism were not significantly different between the hypertensive and
      normotensive groups (P>0.05). The CC genotype was significantly different
      (P<0.05) from the CT and TT genotypes in terms of body mass index (BMI), and the
      levels of triglycerides (TG) and homocysteine (Hcy). Multiple logistic regression
      analysis revealed that BMI, total cholesterol (TC) level, smoking, plasma Hcy
      level and a family history of hypertension were the independent risk factors for
      hypertension in the population studied. The results indicate that the level of
      plasma Hcy was a risk factor for hypertension in the population studied. However,
      the mutation of the CBS T833C gene was not concluded to be an important
      hereditary factor for influencing the level of plasma Hcy.

PMID- 25120585
TI  - Summary of the various treatments for osteonecrosis of the femoral head by
      mechanism: A review.
AB  - Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), also known as femoral head avascular
      necrosis, is a pathological state with a number of possible etiologies including
      steroid administration, alcohol abuse, traumatic events, vascular injury and
      idiopathic origins. ONFH causes a reduction in the vascular supply to the
      subchondral bone of the femoral head, which results in osteocyte death and the
      collapse of the articular surface. Treatments for ONFH include non-weight-bearing
      therapy, physical support, the promotion of osteoclast apoptosis, and the
      reduction of osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis. The aim of the present review
      was to summarize the treatments for ONFH by mechanism from a new perspective and
      to describe the condition with an emphasis on treatment options.

PMID- 25120588
TI  - Objective parameters aid the prediction of fistulas in pancreatic surgery.
AB  - Insufficiency of pancreatic anastomosis with leakage from the pancreatic stump
      and the development of fistulas account for the majority of surgical
      complications following pancreatic resection, which are often life threatening.
      The cause of pancreatic fistulas of the remnant tissue on a molecular level
      remains unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate risk
      factors associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) formation and to
      define parameters that may predict the resection outcome. Pancreatic resection
      margins were selected from 31 patients, including 16 individuals without and 15
      patients with POPF, to analyze the degree of fibrosis, lipomatous atrophy,
      inflammatory activity and infiltration. Wound healing factors were assessed by
      luminex technology using tissue homogenates, while the distribution in situ was
      assessed using immunohistochemistry. Increased chronic inflammatory infiltration,
      a higher degree of fibrosis and a reduction in lipomatous atrophy were observed
      in the samples without anastomotic fistulas. Multiplex analysis of 38 wound
      healing factors demonstrated significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-6, 
      8 and -12, glucagon-like peptide-1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -2, -3
      and -12 in the group without fistulas, while lower concentrations of IL-10, IL-17
      and gastric inhibitory polypeptide were observed. Therefore, the observations of
      the present study indicated that increased inflammatory infiltration and
      inflammatory activity, as well as higher concentrations of proinflammatory
      cytokines and higher MMP levels at the resection margins, predisposed individuals
      to a lower fistula incidence rate following pancreatic resection.

PMID- 25120589
TI  - Protective effects of quercetin and hyperoside on renal fibrosis in rats with
      unilateral ureteral obstruction.
AB  - Prevention of renal fibrosis is an important therapeutic strategy in the
      treatment of obstructive nephropathy. The purpose of the present study was to
      identify whether the combination of two natural plant-derived flavanoids,
      quercetin and hyperoside (QH), could inhibit renal fibrosis in the model of
      unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats. QH mixtures (1:1) were fed to
      Wistar rats, and UUO ligation was performed on all the rats with the exception of
      the sham group. Masson's trichrome staining was used for interstitial fibrosis,
      while immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were used to detect the
      expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibronectin (FN). In the QH
      group, the expression of SMA and FN was significantly lower than that in the
      untreated UUO group. In addition, QH administration significantly inhibited the
      SMA and FN expression of mesangial cells induced by interleukin-1beta.
      Consequently, it was evident that combinational QH therapy prevented UUO-induced
      renal fibrosis. Based on these findings, the combinatorial intervention of
      phytomedicine may present an improved treatment strategy for renal fibrotic
      disease.

PMID- 25120590
TI  - Lentivirus vector-mediated mitofusin-2 overexpression in rat ovary changes
      endocrine function and promotes follicular development in vivo.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and effect of rat
      mitofusin-2 (rMfn2) in the ovaries and other organs in rats. Rat models were
      developed by the intraovarian microinjection of an rMfn2-overexpressing
      lentiviral vector. Lenti-green fluorescent protein (GFP)-rMfn2 was microinjected
      into rat ovaries at a dosage of 2*106 tuberculin units virosome (n=25) and lenti
      GFP was microinjected as a control (n=25). The expression of rMfn2 in the ovaries
      and other tissues was observed by fluorescence microscopy on days 7, 15, 30, 45
      and 60 after the microinjection (n=5/day from each group). The serum levels of
      estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and
      luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined by radioimmunoassay. Western blotting
      was used for the quantitative analysis of the expression of rMfn2 and the
      progesterone receptor (PR), estradiol receptor (ER), luteinizing hormone receptor
      (LHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). The expression of rMfn2
      was detected on day 7 after infection, increased with time and was maintained
      efficiently until day 60. In addition, rMfn2 was highly expressed in the
      fallopian tubes, uterus, cardiac muscle, liver and kidney, but expressed at a low
      level in adipose tissue. The serum levels of E2 and P in the model group were
      significantly increased compared with those in the control group, whereas the FSH
      and LH levels showed no significant difference between groups. The expression
      levels of the ER and PR in the model group were higher than those in the control
      group; however, no significant difference was observed between groups for the
      expression levels of LHR and FSHR. These findings suggest that the intraovarian
      microinjection of lenti-GFP-rMfn2 resulted in a significant time-dependent
      overexpression of rMfn2 in various organs, and that rMfn2 overexpression in rat
      ovaries changed the endocrine function and promoted follicular development.

PMID- 25120584
TI  - Current animal models of bladder cancer: Awareness of translatability (Review).
AB  - Experimental animal models are crucial in the study of biological behavior and
      pathological development of cancer, and evaluation of the efficacy of novel
      therapeutic or preventive agents. A variety of animal models that recapitulate
      human urothelial cell carcinoma have thus far been established and described,
      while models generated by novel techniques are emerging. At present a number of
      reviews on animal models of bladder cancer comprise the introduction of one type
      of method, as opposed to commenting on and comparing all classifications, with
      the merits of a certain method being explicit but the shortcomings not fully
      clarified. Thus the aim of the present study was to provide a summary of the
      currently available animal models of bladder cancer including transplantable
      (which could be divided into xenogeneic or syngeneic, heterotopic or orthotopic),
      carcinogen-induced and genetically engineered models in order to introduce their
      materials and methods and compare their merits as well as focus on the
      weaknesses, difficulties in operation, associated problems and translational
      potential of the respective models. Findings of these models would provide
      information for authors and clinicians to select an appropriate model or to judge
      relevant preclinical study findings. Pertinent detection methods are therefore
      briefly introduced and compared.

PMID- 25120591
TI  - Clinical analysis and etiology of porokeratosis.
AB  - The present study was performed in order to define the clinical manifestations of
      porokeratosis, with particular emphasis on genital porokeratosis. A total of 55
      cases of porokeratosis were retrospectively reviewed between 2000 and 2007 from
      Huashan Hospital (Shanghai, China). Out of 55 cases, there were 22 cases of
      porokeratosis of Mibelli, 17 cases of disseminated superficial actinic
      porokeratosis (DSAP), 15 cases of disseminated superficial porokeratosis and one
      case of linear porokeratosis. The ratio of males to females was 39:16. Among
      them, 12 cases had a family history of porokeratosis. During the five-year follow
      up period, no malignant transformation was observed and no further aggravation of
      lesions was detected. The results indicated that the initial region of DSAP in
      the Chinese population may differ from Caucasians. In combination with other
      studies, the present study found that genital porokeratosis in the Chinese
      population is often associated with pruritus. Since no recurrence was observed in
      cases treated with surgical excision, it was suggested that surgical excision is
      a viable treatment strategy and should be used for porokeratotic lesions if
      possible. In addition, regular follow-ups are required, since the aggravation of
      porokeratosis may cause the development of malignancy transformation.

PMID- 25120592
TI  - Preclinical humanized mouse model with ectopic ovarian tissues.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to establish human ovarian stroma within the
      mouse subcutaneously, in order for the resulting stroma to serve as a useful
      preclinical tool to study the progression of human ovarian cancer in a humanized
      ovarian microenvironment. Normal human ovarian tissues were subcutaneously
      implanted into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice and then the implants
      were identified by immunohistochemistry. The implants became vascularized and
      retained their original morphology for about 4 weeks following implantation.
      Immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin-7 confirmed the ovarian origin of
      the epithelial cells. CD34 staining demonstrated human-derived vessels. Positive
      estrogen receptor and partially-positive progesterone receptor staining indicated
      the estrogen and progesterone dependence of the implants. Only vascular pericytes
      expressed alpha-smooth muscle actin, indicating the normal ovarian origin of the
      xenografts. Human ovarian tissue successfully survived in SCID mice and retained
      its original properties. This humanized mouse model may be used as preclinical
      tool to investigate ovarian cancer.

PMID- 25120593
TI  - MicroRNA expression profile in intrauterine hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypoplasia
      in rats.
AB  - Hypoxia is necessary for fetal development; however, excess hypoxia is
      detrimental. The mechanisms underlying the effects of hypoxia on lung development
      remain unclear, although important roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) during lung
      development have recently been established. However, the effect on lung
      development at an miRNA expression level, following changes in oxygen tension,
      have not yet been studied. In the present study, pregnant rats were exposed to a
      fraction of inspired oxygen of 10.5 or 21% for two days on gestation day 19,
      following which the body weight, lung wet weight, radial alveolar count (RAC) and
      mean linear intercept (Lm) of the newborn pups were analyzed on postnatal day 1.
      To define the role of miRNAs during lung development following intrauterine
      hypoxia exposure, the miRNA expression pattern was profiled using a miRNA
      microarray. The newborn rats in the hypoxic group exhibited statistically
      significant decreases in body weight, lung weight and the RAC, as well as a
      marked increase in the Lm. A total of 69 miRNAs were identified to have
      significant changes in expression, including 55 upregulated and 14 downregulated
      miRNAs. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to validate the
      microarray results of six selected miRNAs. Therefore, the results indicated that
      late gestation intrauterine hypoxia exposure may cause lung injury and miRNAs may
      play important roles in this process.

PMID- 25120594
TI  - Comparison of the radiosensitivities of neurons and glial cells derived from the
      same rat brain.
AB  - Non-proliferating cells, such as mature neurons, are generally believed to be
      more resistant to X-rays than proliferating cells, such as glial and vascular
      endothelial cells. Therefore, the late adverse effects of radiotherapy on the
      brain have been attributed to the radiation-induced damage of glial and vascular
      endothelial cells. However, little is known about the radiosensitivities of
      neurons and glial cells due to difficulties in culturing these cells,
      particularly neurons, independently. In the present study, primary dissociated
      neurons and glial cultures were prepared separately from the hippocampi and
      cerebrum, respectively, which had been obtained from the same fetal rat on
      embryonic day 18. X-irradiations of 50 Gy were performed on the cultured neurons
      and glial cells at 7 and 21 days in vitro (DIV). The cells were fixed at 24 h
      after irradiation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end
      labeling was then performed to measure the apoptotic indices (AIs). The AIs of
      non-irradiated and irradiated neurons at 7 DIV were 23.7+/-6.7 and 64.9+/-4.8%,
      and those at 21 DIV were 52.1+/-17.4 and 44.6+/-12.5%, respectively. The AIs of
      non-irradiated and irradiated glial cells at 7 DIV were 5.8+/-1.5 and 78.4+/-3.3%
      and those at 21 DIV were 9.6+/-2.6 and 86.3+/-4.9%, respectively. Glial cells and
      neurons were radiosensitive at 7 DIV. However, while glial cells were
      radiosensitive at 21 DIV, neurons were not.

PMID- 25120595
TI  - Elevated levels of alanine transaminase and triglycerides within normal limits
      are associated with fatty liver.
AB  - In the present study, the threshold values of laboratory data for the diagnosis
      of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were investigated. The study
      enrolled patients who had undergone abdominal ultrasound (US) between April 2013
      and August 2013, and for whom laboratory data were available on the same day.
      NAFLD was diagnosed following observations of a bright liver or hepatorenal echo
      contrast on the abdominal US scans. Patients were excluded from the study if they
      had liver diseases or had been prescribed prednisolone or methotrexate. Receiver
      operating characteristic curves, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Fisher's exact
      probability test were used for data analysis. In total, 80 NAFLD and 94 non-NAFLD
      patients were enrolled in the study. The threshold levels of alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) and triglyceride (TG) for the diagnosis of NAFLD were 19.0
      IU/l and 101 mg/dl, respectively. Patients were divided into two groups according
      to the levels of ALT and TG. Those with ALT levels of >19 IU/l and TG levels of
      >101 mg/dl were defined as the positive group, while the remaining patients were
      classified as the negative group. The specificity and positive predictive value
      using the combined threshold levels of ALT >19 IU/l and TG >101 mg/dl were 80.9
      and 75.0%, respectively. Therefore, the results indicated that ALT levels of >19
      IU/l or TG levels of >101 mg/dl were useful markers for the screening of NAFLD.
      However, NAFLD was more strongly suspected in patients with ALT levels of >19
      IU/l and TG levels of >101 mg/dl.

PMID- 25120596
TI  - Long-term follow-up of whole lung lavage in patients with pulmonary alveolar
      proteinosis.
AB  - Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disorder characterized by intra
      alveolar accumulation of lipid and proteinaceous material. While a small subset
      of patients with PAP spontaneously improve or even undergo disease remission, the
      majority of patients develop persistent or progressive disease. Numerous
      therapies have been used to treat PAP over the years; however, at present, whole
      lung lavage (WLL) remains the gold standard treatment for PAP. In the present
      study, data were accumulated from a cohort of patients with PAP (n=11) between
      2003 and 2011 at the Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical
      University. The disease affected males and females with a ratio of 2.7:1 and all
      the males were current or previous smokers. The disease severity score (DSS) of
      the patients was mainly distributed in DSS 4 or DSS 5. All the patients underwent
      WLL at least once, with one patient undergoing WLLs twice and another patient
      three times. The clinical features, arterial blood gas and pulmonary function of
      the patients, were assessed prior to and following the lavage. WLL resulted in a
      significant improvement in symptoms, radiographic features, PaO2, D(A-a)O2 and
      DLCO in patients with PAP, while pulmonary ventilation function did not
      significantly improve. WLL appears to be an effective approach for the treatment
      of PAP and leads to an improvement in survival rate.

PMID- 25120597
TI  - Helicobacter pylori infection promotes the invasion and metastasis of gastric
      cancer through increasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and matrix
      metalloproteinase-10.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of Helicobacter
      pylori infection in the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer. Specimens from
      80 patients with gastric cancer (of which 20 patients had metastatic gastric
      cancer) and 40 patients with chronic gastritis were included in this study. H.
      pylori infection was determined by ELISA and the expression of matrix
      metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-10 was observed using immunohistochemistry.
      The correlation between H. pylori infection and the clinical pathological
      features of gastric cancer was analyzed by SPSS 13.0 software. The protein
      expression levels of MMP-1 and MMP-10 in MGC-803 cells infected with H. pylori
      were analyzed using western blotting. H. pylori infection was found in 62 of the
      80 patients with gastric cancer and in 13 of the 40 patients with chronic
      gastritis. In addition, H. pylori infection was correlated with the staging and
      lymph node metastasis, but not with the gender, age and histological types of
      patients. H. pylori infection was also significantly correlated with the
      expression of MMP-1 and MMP-10 (r=0.8718, P<0.05 and r=0.5477, P<0.05,
      respectively). The expression of MMP-1 and MMP-10 was significantly upregulated
      following induction by H. pylori infection (P<0.05), with significant effects
      occurring following infection for 12 and 6 h, respectively. H. pylori infection
      may promote the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer by increasing the
      expression of MMP-1 and MMP-10.

PMID- 25120598
TI  - DNA methylation of microRNA-375 in impaired glucose tolerance.
AB  - In the present study, the expression levels and DNA methylation status of
      microRNA (miRNA)-375 in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were analyzed and the role of DNA methylation of miRNA
      375 in the pathogenesis of T2DM was investigated. Compared with the miR-375
      levels in patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n=53), the samples from
      patients with IGT (n=44) exhibited downregulation of miR-375, while those from
      patients with T2DM (n=54) exhibited upregulation of miR-375 in the plasma.
      Additionally, the samples from patients with IGT were observed to be
      hypermethylated compared with those from patients with T2DM and NGT (P=0.042).
      Analysis of three CpG units (CpG1.2, CpG20 and CpG25.26.27) from 17 CpG sites
      (between -990 and -1,258 bp, relative to the transcription start site) revealed
      higher methylation levels in patients with IGT compared with those in patients
      with NGT (P<0.05). The methylation of two CpG units (CpG1.2 and CpG25.26.27) was
      higher in patients with IGT than in the patients with T2DM (P<0.05). Thus, the
      present study demonstrated that the miR-375 promoter was hypermethylated and the
      levels of miR-375 in the plasma were downregulated in the patients with IGT. DNA
      hypomethylation may have an important role in the regulation of miR-375
      expression and may contribute to the pathogenesis of T2DM.

PMID- 25120599
TI  - Characteristics and risk factor analysis of 410 cases of tracheobronchial
      tuberculosis.
AB  - The present study analyzed the characteristics and risk factors associated with
      tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB) in 410 patients with TBTB. Retrospective
      analysis was performed on the clinical features, bronchoscopy performance,
      bacteriological examination, imaging and treatment of 410 patients who were
      diagnosed with TBTB using bronchoscopy. Among the 410 patients, 10 patients
      underwent chest X-ray which revealed two cases of atelectasis, eight cases of
      patch or spot shadows, three cases of cavity, one case of nodule and one case
      with no abnormalities. The remaining 400 patients underwent computed tomography
      chest scans and/or airway reconstruction examinations. Among all the lesion
      types, the cavity type was found to be the most likely to cause bronchial
      stenosis or obstruction, with statistically significant differences when compared
      with the congestion, stenosis or scar lesion types (P<0.01). Moreover, for the
      cavity type, there were 194 sites of obstruction prior to therapy; however, only
      23 sites of obstruction remained following therapy. Furthermore, there were 34
      sites without stenosis prior to therapy and 205 sites without stenosis following
      therapy. The number of sites of obstruction was significantly decreased and the
      number of sites without stenosis was increased upon therapy. These findings
      suggest that the cavity type is the most sensitive type to therapy among the five
      types of TBTB lesion.

PMID- 25120601
TI  - Diagnosis of the cavo-hepato-atrial pathway in Budd-Chiari syndrome by
      ultrasonography.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the ultrasonic features of the cavo
      hepato-atrial pathway in Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), by which blood is drained
      from the occluded inferior vena cava (IVC) to the right atrium via hepatic veins.
      Ultrasonograms from 11 patients with BCS with cavo-hepato-atrial pathways were
      retrospectively studied. Doppler ultrasound was used to observe the direction of
      the flow and measure the velocity of the blood-draining vessels. Blood flow in
      the draining vessels and the collaterals was shown as blue, red or bicolored
      depending on whether the flow direction was away from the transducer, towards the
      transducer or both. For measurement, the Doppler angle between the axis of the
      Doppler beam and that of the vein examined was always <60 degrees .
      Ultrasonography was performed 1-2 weeks prior to digital subtraction angiography
      (DSA). All patients were confirmed by DSA. Membranous and segmental occlusions of
      IVCs were observed in seven and four cases, respectively. Blood flow from the IVC
      reversed to the hepatic/accessory hepatic vein, continued through the dilated
      intrahepatic collaterals, onward to the other hepatic vein and finally to the
      right atrium. The majority of the inlets (8/11) of hepatic veins above the
      occlusion were narrow compared with the dilated distant parts of the lumens.
      Accelerated blood flow in the inlets was detected in all patients regardless of
      the luminal diameter. In conclusion, the results from the present study suggest
      that the unusual cavo-hepato-atrial pathway can be diagnosed reliably by
      ultrasonography, which may be useful for clinical management.

PMID- 25120600
TI  - Fistular onion stalk extract exhibits anti-atherosclerotic effects in rats.
AB  - Fistular onion stalk is used as a traditional herbal medicine, and its extract
      exhibits certain beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. In this study, the
      effects of fistular onion stalk extract on the pathological features, circulating
      inflammatory cytokines, local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and
      signaling pathway activities were examined using an in vivo model of
      atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis of the aorta was induced by loading Sprague
      Dawley rats with a high-fat diet and vitamin D2. Fistular onion stalk extract
      administration began five weeks after the induction of atherosclerosis and
      continued for 12 weeks. Rats treated with fistular onion stalk extract showed a
      significant reduction in the pathological region compared with the vehicle
      treated controls. Inhibition of atherosclerosis was associated with preservation
      of the vascular wall and immune cell infiltration. The extract also reduced the
      levels of the local inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, monocyte
      chemoattractant protein-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Furthermore, the
      extract downregulated the local activity of the RAAS. In addition, extract
      treatment inhibited several inflammatory signaling pathways by preventing
      phosphorylation, including the nuclear factor kappaB, Janus kinase/signal
      transducers and activators of transcription and mitogen-activated protein kinase
      pathways. These data indicate that fistular onion stalk extract may be useful for
      the attenuation of atherosclerosis, and the mechanism includes the regulation of
      the local inflammatory response.

PMID- 25120602
TI  - Diagnosis and management of a patient with primary pulmonary diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) is an uncommon type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
      The majority of PPLs are of low-grade, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type.
      Primary pulmonary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is extremely rare, and
      prompt diagnosis may be challenging since its clinical symptoms and signs are
      nonspecific. Although the clinical features, diagnostic procedures, optimal
      management and prognostic factors of this disease have not yet been well defined,
      open thoracotomy and chest computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous biopsy
      are the preferred methods used in previous studies. In the present case report,
      the diagnosis and management of a patient with primary pulmonary DLBCL is
      reported. A 68-year-old patient was admitted to hospital in May 2013, with
      complaints of shortness of breath and intermittent wheezing and a cough
      associated with the production of small amounts of phlegm. Following admission,
      chest CT scans revealed a mass in the right middle lobe with ground-glass
      opacities at the lesion margins, as well as air bronchograms in the areas of
      consolidation. Bronchoscopy was performed and revealed an endobronchial lesion
      and partial stenosis in the distal end of the middle segment bronchus.
      Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) of the right hilar lymph node, as well as
      endobronchial biopsy, was performed. The patient was diagnosed with primary
      pulmonary DLBCL by subsequent histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis
      of biopsy specimens collected via TBNA. Following the final diagnosis, standard
      treatment with CHOP chemotherapy resulted in significant clinical and
      radiological response and the patient remained in remission 8 months later. These
      results indicate that TBNA may be an effective method for the diagnosis of
      primary pulmonary DLBCL.

PMID- 25120603
TI  - Post-transplant recurrent pericarditis with pericardial tamponade is successfully
      treated with colchicine: A case report.
AB  - Recurrent pericarditis is a rare complication following renal transplantation.
      Colchicine, an inhibitor of microtubule polymerization, has been recommended for
      the treatment of recurrent acute pericarditis in non-transplant patients and is
      commonly used for the treatment of gout in transplant patients. However, the use
      of colchicine for the treatment of recurrent pericarditis in renal transplant
      patients has rarely been reported. In the present study, a rare case of recurrent
      pericarditis, manifested as large pericardial effusion and pericardial tamponade
      within the first year following renal transplantation, was successfully treated
      with colchicine. Therefore, low-dose colchicine may be a safe and effective
      option for the treatment of recurrent pericarditis in renal transplant patients.

PMID- 25120604
TI  - Whole bone marrow cell culture: A convenient protocol for the in vitro expansion
      of endothelial progenitor cells.
AB  - The number and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may be a
      predictive factor for the severity and outcome of cardiovascular disease.
      However, the manipulation of bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) cultures for
      EPCs is an elaborate and difficult procedure in small experimental animals. The
      present study aimed to assess the feasibility of whole bone marrow cell (WBMC)
      culture for expanding EPCs in small experimental animals. C57BL/6 mice (age, 3-4
      weeks; weight, 9.47+/-0.76 g) were used as the experimental animals, and WBMCs
      were isolated from the femora and tibiae and cultured in endothelial cell growth
      medium-2. A BMMC culture for EPCs was used as a control. EPC growth, phenotype
      and functions were assessed in vitro and in vivo. The results demonstrated that
      EPCs were easily obtained from a WBMC culture in vitro. The cells exhibited
      similar growth and biological characteristics when compared with the EPCs derived
      from the traditional BMMC culture system. Thus, the cells were able to
      simultaneously bind to lectin and cause phagocytosis of acetylated-low density
      lipoproteins. In addition, the cells exhibited high expression levels of cluster
      of differentiation 34 and fetal liver kinase 1, and possessed similar functional
      properties to BMMC-derived EPCs, including vascular network formation,
      proliferation, adhesion and migration abilities in vitro. Thus, WBMC-derived EPCs
      can improve the outcome of pulmonary vascular disease when transplanted into a
      monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension mouse model. The results of the
      present study indicated that the WBMC culture system is a more convenient and
      effective method of obtaining and expanding EPCs compared with BMMC culture, with
      the advantage of a simplified procedure.

PMID- 25120605
TI  - Identification of genes in HepG2 cells that respond to DNA methylation and
      histone deacetylation inhibitor treatment.
AB  - Previous studies have demonstrated that epigenetics has an important role in the
      regulation of gene expression in cancer. Epigenetics is the study of reversible,
      heritable changes in gene function, which occur independently from changes in the
      DNA sequence. DNA methylation and histone deacetylation are the two most
      important epigenetic modifications. DNA methylation was one of the first
      discovered epigenetic modifications and it may lead to changes in chromatin
      structure, DNA conformation and DNA stability, thereby controlling gene
      expression. Sample data on the HepG2 cell line from the Gene Expression Omnibus
      database under GSE5230 accession number were obtained and GEOquery and the limma
      package were then used to analyze the data and identify differentially expressed
      genes using Gene Otology. This was conducted in order to investigate the effect
      on gene expression of inhibiting DNA methylation and histone deacetylation, and
      to explore the potential role of epigenetics in the development and treatment of
      hepatic carcinoma. It was found that inhibition of DNA methylation and histone
      deacetylation affected not only substance metabolism, but also the immune
      activity in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, common target sites for transcription
      factors were identified in the differentially expressed genes. It may be
      concluded that the inhibition of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation
      contributes to the treatment of hepatic carcinoma and may provide a novel
      therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hepatic cancer.

PMID- 25120607
TI  - A patient with agranulocytosis following the discontinuation of methimazole
      treatment for 4 months: A case report.
AB  - Agranulocytosis is a rare and serious adverse effect of antithyroid drugs (ATD),
      in particular methimazole (MMI), and usually develops within 3 months following
      the start of uninterrupted ATD treatment. Agranulocytosis may also develop for
      the first time following interruption and subsequent resumption of the same ATD
      treatment. In this case report, a 27-year-old female, who was treated for
      thyrotoxicosis with MMI, developed agranulocytosis following the discontinuation
      of MMI treatment for four months. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first
      study to report this. The aim of this report is to increase the awareness of
      physicians of the onset of agranulocytosis when MMI is discontinued, and to
      demonstrate that MMI should be used with caution.

PMID- 25120606
TI  - Prognostic significance of artemin and GFRalpha1 expression in laryngeal squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - Artemin (ARTN) has been implicated in the development and progression of several
      human malignancies. However, the clinical and prognostic significance of ARTN and
      its receptors has not yet been investigated in human laryngeal squamous cell
      carcinoma (LSCC). Therefore, in the present study, the protein expression of ARTN
      and its receptor, namely GFRalpha1, was determined in 76 LSCC and 26 laryngeal
      polyp tissue samples using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the
      clinicopathological and prognostic significance of ARTN and GFRalpha1 expression
      was analyzed in patients with LSCC. The results revealed that the expression of
      ARTN and GFRalpha1 was significantly increased in LSCC compared with polyp tissue
      samples. Furthermore, the expression of ARTN and GFRalpha1 was positively
      associated with pTNM stage in LSCC. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses revealed a
      strong association between the expression of ARTN or GFRalpha1 and the survival
      of patients with LSCC. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the expression of
      ARTN was significantly correlated with the expression GFRalpha1. In conclusion,
      the results demonstrated that ARTN and GFRalpha1 may be useful predictors of
      disease progression and outcome in patients with LSCC.

PMID- 25120608
TI  - Iron regulates the expression of ferroportin 1 in the cultured hFOB 1.19
      osteoblast cell line.
AB  - Iron metabolism is tightly regulated in osteoblasts, and ferroportin 1 (FPN1) is
      the only identified iron exporter in mammals to date. In the present study, the
      regulation of FNP1 in human osteoblasts was investigated following various iron
      treatments. The human osteoblast cell line hFOB 1.19 was treated with ferric
      ammonium citrate (FAC) or desferrioxamine (DFO) of various concentrations. The
      intracellular iron ion levels were measured using a confocal laser scanning
      microscope. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of FPN1 were
      detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and
      immunofluorescence. The results demonstrated that increasing iron concentrations
      via FAC treatment increased the expression of FPN1. By contrast, decreasing the
      iron concentration by DFO treatment decreased FNP1 expression levels. In addition
      to demonstrating that the FNP1 expression changed according to the iron
      concentration, the observations indicated that changes in FPN1 expression may
      contribute to the maintenance of the intracellular iron balance in osteoblasts.

PMID- 25120609
TI  - Unilateral ovarian and fallopian tube agenesis in an infertile patient with a
      normal uterus.
AB  - Congenital agenesis of the unilateral adnexa is a condition that has rarely been
      described in the literature. The current study presents the case of a 26-year-old
      female who was admitted to the Department of Gynecology at the Women's Hospital
      of Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, Zhejiang) for primary infertility. The patient
      was diagnosed with unilateral ovarian and fallopian tubal agenesis, without
      malformations of the uterus and urinary tract, during diagnostic laparoscopy and
      hysteroscopy. A literature review was conducted with the aim of determining the
      possible causes of these anomalies. However, the etiology of the adnexal anomaly
      remained unclear, although torsion or congenital defects were the most likely
      explanation. Therefore, the observations of the present study indicate that
      contralateral tubal pathologies may contribute to sterility.

PMID- 25120610
TI  - The effect of the Ras homolog gene family (Rho), member A/Rho associated coiled
      coil forming protein kinase pathway in atrial fibrosis of type 2 diabetes in
      rats.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus promotes atrial structural remodeling, thereby producing atrial
      arrhythmogenicity. Atrial arrhythmia can substantially increase the risk of
      premature death. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Ras homolog
      gene family, member A (RhoA)/Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase
      (ROCK) in atrial fibrosis in diabetic hearts, and the effects of fasudil
      hydrochloride hydrate on atrial fibrosis. An eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley
      rat model of type 2 diabetes was established using a high-fat diet combined with
      streptozotocin [30 mg/kg, once, intraperitoneal (i.p.)]. Animals were randomly
      divided into three groups: Control rats, untreated diabetic rats that received
      vehicle, and treated diabetic rats that received Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil
      hydrochloride hydrate (10 mg/kg/day, i.p., for 14 weeks). The morphological
      features of atrial fibrosis were observed using Masson staining. The mRNA
      expression levels of RhoA, ROCK1, ROCK2, type-I and type-III procollagen were
      assessed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of RhoA,
      ROCK1 and ROCK2 were evaluated using western blot analysis. The atria of
      untreated diabetic rats showed evident atrial fibrosis as compared to the control
      rats; the mRNA expression levels of RhoA, ROCK1, ROCK2, type-I and type-III
      procollagen were upregulated; and the protein levels of RhoA, ROCK1 and ROCK2
      were increased. The treatment with fasudil hydrochloride hydrate significantly
      reduced atrial fibrosis, mRNA levels of RhoA, ROCK1, ROCK2, type-I and type-III
      procollagen, and the protein levels of RhoA, ROCK1 and ROCK2. The results
      suggested that RhoA/ROCK was involved in atrial fibrosis, and that fasudil
      hydrochloride hydrate ameliorates atrial fibrosis through the RhoA/ROCK pathway
      in rats with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 25120611
TI  - Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma of the finger in an elderly patient: CT and MRI
      findings with pathologic correlation.
AB  - Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma (CAF) is a rare, locally aggressive fibroblastic
      lesion that occurs predominantly in the distal extremities of children and
      adolescents. In the present study, a case of pathologically proven CAF arising in
      the right little finger of a 69-year-old woman is presented. Physical examination
      revealed a firm, immobile, non-tender mass. Plain radiographs showed a faintly
      calcified soft tissue mass without bone involvement and computed tomography scans
      clearly demonstrated the presence of the lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging
      revealed that the lesion exhibited low to intermediate signal intensity on T1
      weighted images and heterogeneous high signal intensity with small foci of low
      signal intensity on T2-weighted spectral presaturation with inversion recovery
      images. Contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images demonstrated intense
      heterogeneous enhancement throughout the mass. The patient underwent an
      excisional biopsy. Histologically, the tumor showed a biphasic pattern, composed
      of a moderately cellular fibromatosis-like component and irregular calcified
      areas with polygonal epithelioid cells. There has been no evidence of local
      recurrence four months following surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this case
      report describes the oldest patient with this condition.

PMID- 25120612
TI  - Promoter methylation of Raf kinase inhibitory protein: A significant prognostic
      indicator for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.
AB  - DNA methylation has an important role in the development of carcinomas. As a
      metastasis suppressor gene, Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) suppresses tumor
      cell invasion and metastasis. In the present study, the associations between RKIP
      protein expression and promoter methylation with clinicopathological parameters,
      prognosis and survival rates in gastric adenocarcinoma were investigated. RKIP
      protein expression and promoter methylation were measured in 135 cases of
      surgically resected gastric adenocarcinoma specimens and corresponding normal
      tissues using immunohistochemistry and methylation-specific polymerase chain
      reaction, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to analyze the
      patient survival rate. Prognostic factors were determined using multivariate Cox
      analysis. RKIP promoter methylation was detected in 48.9% of gastric carcinoma
      tissues and 5.17% of adjacent tissues (P<0.05). RKIP protein expression was
      detected in 43.0% of gastric carcinoma tissues and 91.1% of adjacent tissues
      (P<0.05). The protein expression levels and promoter methylation of RKIP were
      shown to correlate with pathological staging, Union for International Cancer
      Control-stage, tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). In
      addition, the protein expression of RKIP in gastric carcinomas was demonstrated
      to be associated with promoter methylation of RKIP. Survival analysis of gastric
      carcinoma patients revealed that promoter methylation in RKIP-positive tumors
      correlated with a significantly shorter survival time when compared with RKIP
      negative tumors (P=0.0002, using the log-rank test). Using multivariate Cox
      analysis, promoter methylation of RKIP was shown to be an independent prognostic
      factor (P=0.033). These results indicated that abnormal promoter methylation of
      RKIP may be one cause of downregulated RKIP expression. Downregulation of RKIP
      expression was shown to correlate with the incidence and development of gastric
      carcinomas. Thus, abnormal promoter methylation of RKIP may be a valuable
      biomarker for estimating gastric carcinoma prognosis.

PMID- 25120613
TI  - Lopinavir inhibits insulin signaling by promoting protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B
      expression.
AB  - Treatment with antiretroviral therapy, including protease inhibitors (PIs), may
      result in metabolic side-effects, for example insulin resistance. The aim of the
      present study was to investigate the mechanism of the dysregulation of insulin
      signaling by two PIs, lopinavir and darunavir, by analyzing changes in the
      expression or activity of proteins associated with insulin signaling. 3T3-L1
      preadipocytes were pretreated with lopinavir or darunavir for 48 h and then
      stimulated with insulin for 30 min. The cell lysates were subjected to western
      blotting with anti-phospho-insulin receptor substrate (IRS) 1, anti-IRS1, anti
      suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1, anti-SOCS3 and anti-protein tyrosine
      phosphatase (PTP) 1B antibodies and to immunoprecipitation with anti-IRS1
      antibody. Translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) following treatment with
      lopinavir or darunavir was observed using immunofluorescence. While GLUT4 was
      recruited to the cellular membrane in control adipocytes following insulin
      stimulation, it was diffusely distributed in the cytosol in lopinavir-treated
      adipocytes. In darunavir-treated adipocytes, GLUT4 was mainly recruited to the
      cellular membrane, but some GLUT4 remained in the cytosol. After insulin
      stimulation, IRS1 was tyrosine-phosphorylated to a greater extent in control
      adipocytes compared with darunavir-treated adipocytes. Tyrosine phosphorylation
      of IRS1 was inhibited in lopinavir-treated adipocytes. The expression of PTP1B
      was upregulated in adipocytes pretreated with the PIs, particularly lopinavir,
      compared with those pretreated with a vehicle control. The degree of regulation
      in insulin signaling differs between lopinavir and darunavir. One mechanism by
      which lopinavir regulates insulin signaling is by the promotion of PTP1B
      expression.

PMID- 25120614
TI  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus control and atherosclerosis prevention in a non-obese
      rat model using duodenal-jejunal bypass.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent disease worldwide and during its
      conventional treatment, vascular complications remain unavoidable. Roux-en-Y
      gastric bypass (GBP) is able to induce the remission of T2DM. However, studies of
      duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB), a modified procedure of GBP, are being carried out
      to investigate its ability to induce the remission of T2DM and protect the aorta
      from atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of DJB on
      the rate of T2DM remission and the prevention of atherosclerosis in the aorta in
      rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes without obesity, and to explore the
      mechanism of DJB in protecting the aorta from atherosclerosis. A T2DM rat model
      was established with a high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin. Surgery was
      performed to analyze its effects on glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism,
      inflammation and pathological changes. Furthermore, changes in c-jun NH2-terminal
      kinase 1 (JNK1) and inhibitor of kappaB kinase (IKKbeta) genes in the aorta
      following DJB surgery were examined. Levels of blood glucose, lipids, insulin and
      tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were significantly elevated in the T2DM
      diabetic model compared with the non-diabetic control. A gradual recovery was
      observed in the DJB group following surgery. Foam cells and atherosclerotic
      plaques appeared in the ascending aortic tissue in the sham-surgery and T2DM
      groups, whereas only slight lesions were observed in the DJB group. The
      expression levels of JNK1 and IKKbeta genes in the aorta were significantly
      increased in the sham-operated and T2DM groups compared with those in the DJB and
      normal control groups. The present study demonstrated that DJB caused remission
      of T2DM without weight loss in non-obese rats. Thus, DJB may delay or prevent the
      occurrence and development of atherosclerosis in the aorta and this may occur
      through the JNK1 and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathways.

PMID- 25120615
TI  - Protective roles of erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins in chronic heart failure
      with anemia.
AB  - Anemia is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and
      is frequently treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating proteins (ESPs). Previous
      studies, however, have been relatively short in duration and have not provided
      conclusive data on the safety or clinical efficacy of ESP treatment. The aim of
      this study was to explore the safety and therapeutic effects of ESPs in patients
      with anemia and CHF. A systematic literature search in EMBASE and MEDLINE from
      their inception to July 2013 was performed, and clinical studies that evaluated
      the effects of ESPs among patients with CHF were identified. Randomized clinical
      trials comparing the effects of ESP treatment with those of placebo treatment or
      usual care regimes in anemic patients with CHF were included. Nine randomized,
      controlled trials were identified, comprising 750 patients with CHF and anemia
      receiving ESP treatment for between three months and one year. ESP treatment had
      a significantly lower risk of CHF hospitalization [relative risk (RR), 0.47; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 0.32-0.70; P=0.0002] and a moderate reduction in
      mortality risk (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.38-1.19; P=0.18). Treatment with ESPs in
      patients with symptomatic CHF and anemia resulted in significant improvements in
      hemoglobin, hematocrit and brain natriuretic peptide levels, as well as exercise
      capacity, renal function, New York Heart Association class and left ventricular
      ejection fraction. In conclusion, this study found that treatment with ESPs
      exerts beneficial effects against CHF and is not associated with a higher
      mortality rate or adverse effects. These outcomes support the instigation of a
      trial evaluating the treatment of anemia with ESPs in patients with chronic CHF.

PMID- 25120616
TI  - Toll-like receptor 4 monoclonal antibody attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced
      acute lung injury in mice.
AB  - Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has an important role in the recognition of
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and in the activation of the inflammatory cascade. In
      the present study, the effect of TLR4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) on LPS-induced
      acute lung injury (ALI) was investigated in mice. A total of 45 male BALB/c mice
      were randomly divided into three groups, namely, the control (group C), sepsis
      (group S) and pretreatment groups (group P). Mice in group P were
      intraperitoneally treated with TLR4 mAb 1 h prior to the intraperitoneal
      administration of LPS. Following treatment with LPS for increasing times periods
      in groups S and P, the mRNA expression level of TLR4 in the lung tissue and the
      expression of inflammatory factors in the serum were analyzed by quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively.
      The degree of pulmonary edema, expressed as (wet weight - dry weight)/wet weight,
      as well as the lung injury scores, observed using a light microscope, were also
      analyzed. The results demonstrated that intraperitoneal administration of LPS in
      mice increased the mRNA expression levels of TLR4, the secretion of inflammatory
      factors in the serum, the degree of pulmonary edema and the lung injury score in
      a time-dependent manner. However, pretreatment with TLR4 mAb effectively
      attenuated the increased mRNA expression of TLR4 and the overproduction of
      inflammatory factors to correct the pulmonary edema and the elevated lung injury
      score induced by LPS. Therefore, TLR4 plays a critical role in LPS-induced ALI,
      and the TLR4 mAb decreases the secretion of inflammatory factors and attenuates
      the degree of pulmonary edema, thereby protecting the lungs from LPS-induced ALI.

PMID- 25120617
TI  - Treatment protocols for growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas combined with
      craniofacial fibrous dysplasia: A case report of atypical McCune-Albright
      syndrome.
AB  - McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a rare, post-zygotic (non-germline) disorder,
      characterized by hypersecretory endocrinopathies, fibrous dysplasia of the bone
      and cafe-au-lait macules. The most common endocrine dysfunction is gonadal
      hyperfunction; thus, hypersecretion of growth hormones (GHs) as a manifestation
      of endocrine hyperfunction in MAS is rarely reported. MAS affects both genders,
      although the majority of cases have been reported in young females. Atypical
      presentations of MAS, with only one or two of the classic symptoms, have been
      previously described, but remain particularly challenging due to the lack of a
      diagnostic phenotype. In patients with atypical MAS, analysis of mutations in the
      gene of the alpha-subunit of the stimulatory G-protein is limited; thus,
      diagnosis is based on clinical judgment. In the present study, a male with
      polyostotic fibrous dysplasia and GH-secreting pituitary adenomas, diagnosed with
      atypical MAS, was reported. The pituitary adenoma was effectively treated with
      radiotherapy and the patient underwent surgery for the polyostotic fibrous
      dysplasia, with marked improvements observed in appearance.

PMID- 25120618
TI  - Overexpression of netrin-1 increases the expression of tight junction-associated
      proteins, claudin-5, occludin, and ZO-1, following traumatic brain injury in
      rats.
AB  - The function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) depends on the integrity of tight
      junction (TJ)-associated proteins. Netrin-1 is known to promote angiogenesis and
      may also regulate the BBB. To understand the association between netrin-1 and the
      TJ-associated proteins, the expression levels of proteins involved in maintaining
      the integrity of the BBB, including netrin-1, claudin-5, occludin and zonula
      occluden (ZO)-1, were investigated in the present study using quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. The aim
      of the present study was to determine the changes in BBB permeability and whether
      pZsGreen1-N1 mediated overexpression of netrin-1 increased the expression of the
      TJ-associated proteins following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The results
      demonstrated that the levels of mRNA transcription and protein expression of the
      TJ-associated proteins, claudin-5, occludin and ZO-1, were significantly reduced
      following TBI. Furthermore, the changes in the expression of these three TJ
      proteins were consistent with the changes in the BBB permeability, indicating
      that weakening intercellular junctions leads to BBB opening. The present study
      also demonstrated that netrin-1 significantly increased the downregulation of
      claudin-5, occludin and ZO-1 expression levels induced by TBI, which provided a
      basis for further investigation on the role of netrin-1 in the integrity of TJs
      and proper functioning of the BBB.

PMID- 25120619
TI  - Role of cystatin C in renal damage and the optimum cut-off point of renal damage
      among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - The aims of the present study were to evaluate the roles of serum cystatin C
      (SCysC) and urinary cystatin C (UCysC) in renal function impairment and
      investigate the optimum cut-off point for renal function impairment among
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). A total of 742 inpatients and
      outpatients with type 2 DM (age, 20-75 years) were enrolled in this population
      based cross-sectional study. The levels of SCysC and UCysC were determined and
      the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) of the calculated risk
      ratios of the different renal damage indicators were obtained. The levels of
      UCysC, urinary beta2-microglobulin (Ubeta2-MG), urinary albumin (UALB) and SCysC
      in the renal function impairment groups were observed in the following order: GFR
      C>GFR-B>GFR-A (P<0.05 or P<0.01). According to the levels of GFR were divided
      into 4 groups, group GFR-A >= 80ml/min, GFR-B group 50-80 ml/min, group Ccr-C 20
      50 ml/min, group GFR-D <20 ml/min. Following adjustment for age and gender,
      multivariate correlation analysis results revealed that levels of Ubeta2-MG,
      UCysC and UALB negatively correlated with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR;
      P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, the duration of DM and the levels of SCysC and
      serum uric acid were shown to positively correlate with the GFR (P<0.05 or
      P<0.01). ORs for early renal function impairment significantly increased from the
      DM duration category of four years (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.54-1.92). Receiver
      operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that the optimum DM cut-off point
      was four years, in which 60.79% sensitivity and 69.66% specificity were observed.
      Therefore, UCsyC levels may be used as an efficient indicator for the evaluation
      of early renal function impairment among patients with type 2 DM. In addition,
      renal lesions may initially occur in the renal tubule and then form in the renal
      glomerulus of patients with type 2 DM.

PMID- 25120620
TI  - Irradiation facilitates the inhibitory effect of the heat shock protein 90
      inhibitor NVP-BEP800 on the proliferation of malignant glioblastoma cells through
      attenuation of the upregulation of heat shock protein 70.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate the effect of NVP-BEP800, a novel heat
      shock protein (Hsp) 90 inhibitor of the 2-aminothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine class, in
      combination with radiation on glioblastoma cells. T98G human glioblastoma cells
      were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), NVP-BEP800, NVP-BEP800 in
      combination with X-ray irradiation (10 Gy, 20 min), or X-ray irradiation only,
      and cultured for 40 h. Cell viability was measured upon completion of the
      treatments. In addition, apoptosis was measured and immunoblot analysis was
      performed to analyze the expression levels of cellular protein inhibitory kappaB
      kinase beta (IKKbeta). The combined treatment with NVP-BEP800 and X-ray
      irradiation resulted in the synergistic destruction of malignant cells.
      Furthermore, NVP-BEP800 significantly induced apoptosis in the human glioblastoma
      cells. The immunoblot analysis data indicated that NVP-BEP800 markedly reduced
      the expression level of IKKbeta. The results also revealed that X-ray irradiation
      significantly attenuated the increase in the level of Hsp70 in cells treated with
      NVP-BEP800. Since elevated levels of Hsp70 are associated with drug resistance
      induced by Hsp90 inhibitors, the effects of X-ray irradiation on Hsp70 levels may
      be associated with the enhanced effect on cells of the presence of irradiation.
      The results of the current study suggest that irradiation enhances the inhibitory
      effect of NVP-BEP800 on the proliferation of malignant glioblastoma cells by
      downregulating the expression level of cellular signaling protein IKKbeta and
      attenuating the upregulation of Hsp70 that is induced by NVP-BEP800.

PMID- 25120621
TI  - Effects of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha and matrix metalloproteinase-9 on
      alveolar-capillary barrier disruption and lung edema in rat models of severe
      acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hypoxia-inducible factor
      1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) on alveolar-capillary
      barrier disruption and lung edema in rat models of severe acute pancreatitis
      associated lung injury (PALI). A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were
      randomly divided into a sham surgery group (n=10) and three PALI groups, in which
      acute pancreatitis was induced by the retrograde infusion of 5% sodium
      taurocholate (1 ml/kg). The PALI groups were as follows: i) Untreated PALI group
      (n=10); ii) 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) group (5 mg/kg body mass; n=10); and iii)
      2ME2 group (15 mg/kg body mass; n=10). In the two 2ME2 groups, the HIF-1alpha
      inhibitor 2ME2 was administered intraperitoneally 1 h after the induction of AP.
      The severity of the pancreatitis was evaluated by the serum amylase levels and
      pathology. The severity of the lung injury was evaluated by the wet/dry ratio,
      blood gas analysis and pathology. The alveolar-capillary barrier disruption was
      assessed by Evans blue dye extravasation. The protein and mRNA expression levels
      of HIF-1alpha and MMP-9 were studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
      (ELISAs), western blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction. The active tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were measured using an
      ELISA. The HIF-1alpha inhibitor 2ME2 attenuated the severity of the pancreatitis
      and PALI, while the lung edema and alveolar-capillary barrier disruption were
      significantly ameliorated compared with those in the untreated PALI group.
      Administration of the higher dose of 2ME2 significantly suppressed the protein
      expression of MMP-9 in the lung tissues. The results indicate that HIF-1alpha has
      a major function in alveolar-capillary barrier disruption and lung edema in PALI
      via a molecular pathway cascade involving MMP-9. Inhibition of HIF-1alpha by 2ME2
      attenuates alveolar-capillary barrier disruption and lung edema. Pharmacological
      blockade of this pathway in patients with PALI may provide a novel therapeutic
      strategy.

PMID- 25120623
TI  - Inhibitory effect of gene combination in a mouse model of colon cancer with liver
      metastasis.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to establish an animal liver metastasis model
      with human colon cancer and investigate the inhibitory effect of the wild type
      (WT) p53 gene combined with thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (TK/GCV) and cytosine
      deaminase/5-fluorocytosine (CD/5-FC) systems on liver metastasis of colon cancer.
      A nude mouse liver metastasis model with human colon cancer was established via a
      spleen cultivation method. A total of 32 nude mice were randomly divided into
      four groups, each group with eight mice. Group 1 mice received splenic injections
      of SW480 cells (control group), while group 2 mice were injected with SW480/p53
      cells in the spleen. Group 3 mice were administered splenic injections of
      SW480/TK-CD cells, and GCV and 5-FC were injected into the abdominal cavity.
      Finally, group 4 mice received splenic injections of SW480/p53 cells mixed in
      equal proportion with SW480/TK-CD cells, as well as GCV and 5-FC injections in
      the abdominal cavity. These cells described were constructed in our laboratory
      and other laboratories. The number of liver metastatic tumors, the liver
      metastasis rate, conventional pathology, electron microscopy and other indicators
      in the nude mice of each group were compared and observed. The nude mouse liver
      metastasis model with human colon cancer was successfully established; the liver
      metastasis rate of the control group was 100%. The results demonstrated that the
      rate of liver metastasis in the nude mice in each treatment group decreased, as
      well as the average number of liver metastatic tumors. Furthermore, the effect of
      the treatment group with genetic combination (group 4) was the most effective,
      demonstrating that WTp53 had a synergistic effect with TK/GCV and CD/5-FC.
      Therefore, the present study successfully established a mouse model of liver
      metastasis with colon cancer by injecting human colon cancer cells in the spleen.
      Combined gene therapy was shown to have a synergistic effect, which effectively
      inhibited the formation of liver metastasis from colon cancer.

PMID- 25120622
TI  - Quantitative assessment of iron in heart and liver phantoms using dual-energy
      computed tomography.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between dual-energy
      computed tomography (DECT) Hounsfield units (HU) and iron concentration, as well
      as the correlation between HU and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived R2*
      values, in phantoms of the heart and liver tissue. Phantoms were constructed
      containing pig heart or liver tissue and varying concentrations of iron (0.1, 5,
      10, 15, 20 and 25 mg/ml). The phantoms were then examined by DECT and MRI. Linear
      regression analysis was used to determine the correlations between HU and iron
      concentration and HU and R2* values. The HU value of DECT increased with
      increasing iron concentrations in the liver and heart phantoms in a linear
      manner. The slope of the HU value change against iron concentration revealed that
      DeltaH80-140 provided a better discernment of iron concentration as compared with
      DeltaH100-140. The derived R2 values were all >0.9 for the associations of DECT
      and MRI measurements with iron concentrations. Therefore, DECT may be used for
      the determination of iron concentration in the liver and heart tissue, with the
      results correlating with those obtained with MRI.

PMID- 25120624
TI  - EBP50 regulates the apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells by decreasing the
      expression levels of Bcl-2.
AB  - Increasing evidence has demonstrated that ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM)-binding
      phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) is involved in the malignant transformation of numerous
      human cancers. The present study investigated the involvement of EBP50
      overexpression in the tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer (PC). The results
      revealed that overexpression of EBP50 suppressed cell growth, promoted cell
      apoptosis and arrested G1-to-S phase progression in two human PC cell lines.
      Overexpression of EBP50 also suppressed B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression.
      Furthermore, nude mouse tumor xenograft models were established by the
      subcutaneous injection of cell lines stably transfected with an EBP50-expressing
      plasmid. The in vivo data indicated that overexpression of EBP50 inhibited the
      growth of the PC tumors and induced cell apoptosis. Thus, the present study
      demonstrated that EBP50 overexpression induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in
      PC by decreasing Bcl-2 expression. The results suggest that EBP50 may function as
      a potential tumor suppressor in vivo and in vitro.

PMID- 25120625
TI  - Gliomatosis cerebri mimicking acute viral encephalitis and with malignant
      transformation of partial lesions: A case report.
AB  - Gliomatosis cerebri (GC) is a rare glial neoplasm, characterized by extensive
      diffuse brain infiltration and relative preservation of the underlying
      architecture. In the present case report, a patient with type 2 GC, which
      mimicked the clinicoradiological course of acute viral encephalitis, is
      presented. A 56-year-old male presented with fever, dizziness, headache and
      numbness in the right extremities three days prior to admission to hospital. The
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed mild pleocytosis. Brain magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) revealed hyperintensity on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery
      images in the left frontal, temporal, insular lobes and in the left thalamus. No
      signal enhancement was observed following gadolinium administration. The patient
      was diagnosed with acute viral encephalitis of unknown cause and received a 10
      day course of acyclovir, intravenously. At the follow-up three months later, the
      patient had personality changes and memory deterioration. The results from the
      follow-up MRI revealed no remarkable changes. At the follow-up six months after
      presentation, the patient had expressive aphasia and severe headaches.
      Subsequently, the patient had two tonic-clonic seizure onsets. The results from
      the MRI showed an increase in lesion size, more edema around the lesion and
      irregular enhancement in the left frontal lobe. However, the lesions in the left
      temporal and insular lobes and in the left thalamus were nearly unchanged.
      Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) showed elevated choline (Cho)/creatine (Cr)
      and Cho/N-acetylaspartate (NAA) ratios, as well as decreased NAA/Cr ratios.
      Surgery was performed and the neuropathological diagnosis of WHO grade III
      astrocytoma was confirmed. Thus, it is important to pay attention to the
      differential diagnoses of GC and acute viral encephalitis in patients who have
      widespread MRI lesions. A brain biopsy is recommended for a diagnosis in this
      case.

PMID- 25120626
TI  - In vitro damage of Candida albicans biofilms by chitosan.
AB  - With the increasing usage of indwelling medical devices in clinical practice, the
      frequency of fungal infections has increased, such as that of Candida albicans
      (C. albicans). Biofilms, a protected niche for microorganisms, are resistant to a
      range of current antifungal agents. Chitosan is a polyatomic biopolymer with
      advantageous biocompatibility, biodegradation, nontoxicity and antibacterial
      properties. To investigate the inhibitory effect of chitosan on biofilms formed
      by C. albicans, cell viability, 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H
      tetrazolium-5-caboxanilide reduction, and morphological assays, including
      fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were employed. As
      assessed by cell viability assay, chitosan showed significant inhibitory effects
      on the planktonic cells and the biofilm of C. albicans in a dose-dependent
      manner. Fluorescence microscopy and SEM assays confirmed that the chitosan
      treated group showed delayed C. albicans biofilm formation with defect
      morphological features, due to the inhibitory effects of the vast majority of
      fungal cell growth. In conclusion, C. albicans biofilms were compromised by the
      treatment with chitosan, providing an alternative therapeutic strategy against
      the fungal biofilms in the medical devices.

PMID- 25120627
TI  - Cryopreserved mouse fetal liver stromal cells treated with mitomycin C are able
      to support the growth of human embryonic stem cells.
AB  - An immortalized mouse fetal liver stromal cell line, named KM3, has demonstrated
      the potential to support the growth and maintenance of human embryonic stem cells
      (hESCs). In this study, the characteristics of KM3 cells were examined following
      cryopreservation at -70 degrees C and in liquid nitrogen for 15, 30 and 60 days
      following treatment with 10 MUg/ml mitomycin C. In addition, whether the KM3
      cells were suitable for use as feeder cells to support the growth of hESCs was
      evaluated. The inhibition of mitosis without cell death was observed when the KM3
      cells were treated with 10 MUg/ml mitomycin C for 2 h. The morphology of the KM3
      cells cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for 60 days was not markedly changed, and
      the cell survival rate was 84.60+/-1.14%. By contrast, the survival rate of the
      KM3 cells was 66.40+/-2.88% following cryopreservation at -70 degrees C for 60
      days; the cells readily detached, were maintained for a shorter time, and had a
      reduced expression level of basic fibroblast growth factor. hESCs cultured on KM3
      cells cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for 60 days showed the typical bird's nest
      structure, with clear boundaries and a differentiation rate of 16.33+/-2.08%. The
      differentiation rate of hESCs cultured on KM3 cells cryopreserved at -70 degrees
      C for 60 days was 37.67+/-3.51%. These results indicate that the cryopreserved
      KM3 cells treated with mitomycin C may be directly used in the subculture of
      hESCs, and the effect is relatively good with -70 degrees C short-term or liquid
      nitrogen cryopreservation.

PMID- 25120628
TI  - Nicotinamide mononucleotide improves energy activity and survival rate in an in
      vitro model of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) repletion has been shown to provide
      marked neuroprotection from genotoxic agent-induced neuronal and astrocyte cell
      death. One of the key precursors of NAD+ is nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
      Therefore, it was hypothesized that NMN may attenuate apoptosis and improve
      energy metabolism in Parkinson's disease (PD)-like behavioral and
      neuropathological changes, and produce significant beneficial effects. In this
      study, a cellular model of PD, using rotenone-treated PC12 cells, was established
      to test the hypothesis that NMN may decrease PD-like pathological changes.
      Experiments were carried out to investigate cell survival, including an
      intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Apoptotic and necrotic cell
      death, NAD+ levels and ATP levels were also evaluated. It was observed that NMN
      was able to significantly attenuate the rotenone-induced reduction in the
      survival rate of PC12 cells, as assessed by MTT and LDH assays. NMN treatment
      also significantly reduced the rotenone-induced apoptosis of the cells, as
      assessed by flow cytometry-based Annexin V/7-aminoactinomycin D staining.
      Furthermore, NMN restored intracellular levels of NAD+ and ATP in the rotenone
      treated cells, thus demonstrating the capacity of NMN to ameliorate mitochondrial
      inhibitor-induced impairments of energy metabolism. The present study indicates
      that NMN produces significant beneficial effects by attenuating apoptosis and
      improving energy metabolism in a cellular model of PD. These results suggest that
      NMN may become a promising therapeutic drug for PD.

PMID- 25120629
TI  - Associations between apolipoprotein CIII concentrations and microalbuminuria in
      type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Microalbuminuria (MAU) is a strong predictor of diabetic nephropathy (DN), which
      is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus
      (DM). Dyslipidemia exists in the majority of patients with DM and contributes to
      micro- and macrovascular complications associated with DM. Apolipoprotein CIII
      (apoCIII) is an inhibitor of the activity of lipoprotein lipase, which
      metabolizes triglyceride (TG) in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and
      facilitates its clearance from plasma. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the associations between apoCIII and MAU and the effects of
      atorvastatin in type 2 diabetes. In total, 120 subjects were divided into type 2
      diabetes and type 2 DN groups, while 60 healthy subjects were selected as
      controls. The patients with DN were administered 20 mg atorvastatin daily for 16
      weeks. Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and levels of HbA1c, FBG, TG, VLDL
      cholesterol (VLDL-C), apoCIII and MAU were markedly elevated in the type 2
      diabetes and type 2 DN groups compared with those in the control group (P<0.01),
      while high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were decreased
      significantly (P<0.01). All patients with type 2 DN showed significantly elevated
      blood pressure, apoCIII levels, MAU, course of the disease and rate of stroke and
      retinopathy compared with the patients with type 2 diabetes (P<0.01). MAU was
      significantly positively correlated with the course of the disease, systolic
      blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, BMI and HbA1c, FBG, TG, total
      cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, VLDL-C and apoCIII levels
      (P<0.05), whereas negatively correlated with HDL-C levels (r=-0.194, P=0.020).
      Logistic regression analysis showed that apoCIII levels were independently
      associated with MAU (odds ratio, 1.100; 95% confidence interval, 1.037-1.153;
      P<0.001). Atorvastatin improved the lipid profile and MAU in patients with type 2
      DN (P<0.01). Therefore, the present study demonstrated that an independent
      positive correlation exists between the levels of apoCIII and MAU in patients
      with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, atorvastatin may be used to improve the lipid
      profile and MAU in type 2 DN.

PMID- 25120630
TI  - Antiosteoporotic effects of Polycan in combination with calcium lactate-gluconate
      in ovariectomized rats.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the optimum composition of
      Polycan (beta-glucan complex) and calcium lactate-gluconate (CaLG) that exhibited
      the most beneficial effects in ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporotic rats.
      Polycan and CaLG single formulas (100 mg/kg each), and three doses (50, 100 and
      200 mg/kg) of three mixed formulas [polycan:CaLG (PCLG)=1:99, 5:95 and 10:90]
      were orally administered once a day for 84 days. The effects of the test
      materials were compared with those of a risedronate sodium-treated group. OVX
      resulted in an increase in body weight, decreased bone formation, elevated serum
      osteocalcin levels and urine deoxypyridinoline/creatinine ratio, as well as
      decreased serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels, femur indices, bone
      mineral content, bone mineral density and failure load. However, these OVX
      induced osteoporotic changes markedly decreased following the administration of
      the test materials. Continuous oral treatment of Polycan or CaLG single formulas
      and the PCLG mixed formulas preserved bone mass and strength. The PCLG 10:90
      mixed formula exhibited the most favorable synergistic antiosteoporotic effects
      in the OVX-induced osteoporotic rats as compared with equal doses of the Polycan
      or CaLG single formulas.

PMID- 25120631
TI  - Naringin administration inhibits platelet aggregation and release by reducing
      blood cholesterol levels and the cytosolic free calcium concentration in
      hyperlipidemic rabbits.
AB  - This study investigated the effects of naringin on platelet aggregation and
      release in hyperlipidemic rabbits, and the underlying mechanisms. The safety of
      naringin was also investigated. The rabbits were orally administered 60, 30 or 15
      mg/kg of naringin once a day for 14 days after being fed a high fat/cholesterol
      diet for four weeks. Following the two weeks of drug administration, the degree
      of platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, adenosine diphosphate and
      collagen was significantly reduced by naringin at certain doses compared with
      those in the rabbits of the model group (P<0.01). The levels of P-selectin and
      platelet factor 4 (PF4) also decreased following treatment with naringin compared
      with those of the model group. Certain doses of naringin significantly reduced
      the total cholesterol (TC) levels and elevated the ratio of high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol to TC compared with those in the model group, and
      significantly decreased the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). No
      significant difference in the coagulation function was observed between the
      control and drug-treatment groups. These results indicate that naringin improved
      platelet aggregation and inhibited the excessive release of P-selectin and PF4 in
      hyperlipidemic rabbits. This study suggests that the antiplatelet effect of
      naringin may be due to its ability to regulate the levels of blood cholesterol
      and [Ca2+]i in platelets. Naringin also did not cause bleeding in the
      hyperlipidemic rabbits.

PMID- 25120632
TI  - Pharmacological postconditioning with tanshinone IIA attenuates myocardial
      ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3
      kinase pathway.
AB  - Tanshinone IIA, one of the active ingredients in the Chinese medicine Danshen, is
      cardioprotective when applied prior to sustained myocardial ischemia. The present
      study aimed to investigate whether pharmacological postconditioning with
      tanshinone IIA attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury when applied
      prior to prolonged reperfusion following a sustained ischemia. A total of 88
      Sprague-Dawley rats received 30 min myocardial ischemia followed by 5 or 120 min
      reperfusion. Compared with the ischemia-reperfusion model group, the group that
      received an intravenous injection of 10 mg/kg tanshinone IIA prior to reperfusion
      had a reduced myocardial infarct size, higher levels of phospho-Akt and phospho
      endothelial nitric oxide synthase and less reduction in the optical density of
      the mitochondria at 540 nm, indicating that the mitochondrial permeability
      transition (MPT) was attenuated. The cardioprotective effect conferred by
      tanshinone IIA was abolished by LY294002, a specific inhibitor of
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). These results demonstrate that tanshinone
      IIA postconditioning protects the myocardium from ischemia-reperfusion injury
      through the PI3K/Akt pathway, and the MPT may be also involved in this process.

PMID- 25120633
TI  - Effects of spironolactone and losartan on the early neovascularization of acute
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of spironolactone and
      losartan on the early healing stage of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rats.
      An AMI rat model was established and the rats were randomly divided into four
      groups: AMI (n=12), AMI + spironolactone (AMI + S; n=12), AMI + losartan (AMI +
      L; n=12) and AMI + spironolactone combined with losartan (AMI + S + L; n=12).
      Sham-operated rats served as a control group (n=12). The expression levels of
      matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix
      metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the non-infarcted myocardium surrounding the AMI
      area were determined using immunohistochemistry. In addition, the capillary
      density in the non-infarcted myocardium surrounding the AMI area was detected.
      The capillary densities around the infarcted area in the AMI and treatment groups
      at day 7 and 14 following AMI surgery were significantly higher compared with the
      sham-operated rats. Compared with the AMI group, the capillary densities around
      the infarcted area and the ratio of MMPs/TIMP-1 were increased in the treatment
      groups following AMI surgery; however, the increased ratio of MMPs/TIMP-1 was
      reduced at day 14 following AMI surgery. Therefore, these results indicated that
      spironolactone and losartan may promote the formation of collateral circulation
      in the non-infarcted tissue surrounding the infarcted area by regulating the
      production of MMPs.

PMID- 25120635
TI  - Autologous stem cell transplantation for a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined
      significance mimicking amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case report.
AB  - It is rare for patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
      (MGUS) to present with clinical features of fatal motor neuron disease, for
      example amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). There is no standard and effective
      therapy for either MGUS or ALS. In addition, stem cell transplantation appears to
      be ineffective for the treatment of this disease. In the present study, a 47-year
      old female with MGUS that mimicked ALS is presented. The M-protein levels of the
      patient were normalized following two cycles of chemotherapy and autologous stem
      cell transplantation treatment. MGUS was found to be alleviated and the symptoms
      of ALS did not deteriorate. The results showed a positive therapeutic effect of
      autologous stem cell transplantation for MGUS.

PMID- 25120634
TI  - Effect of sodium ferulate on delayed rectifier K+ currents in PC12 cells.
AB  - In order to investigate the effect of sodium ferulate (SF) on voltage-activated
      K+ channels, the delayed rectifier K+ current (Ik) in PC12 rat pheochromocytoma
      cells was recorded using the automated patch-clamp method. The results indicated
      that following the application of SF, the Ik in PC12 cells was significantly
      decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The analysis of activation kinetic
      curves and inactivation kinetic curves of Ik showed that SF had an effect on the
      activation and inactivation kinetics. Following the application of 15.3 MUM SF,
      the activation curve of the Ik of PC12 cells was shifted to positive potentials
      and the inactivation curve of the Ik of PC12 cells was shifted to negative
      potentials. This study revealed that the delayed rectifier K+ currents of PC12
      cells were inhibited following SF treatment in a concentration-dependent manner.
      The mechanism may be associated with the delayed activation and enhanced
      inactivation of Ik-associated channels.

PMID- 25120636
TI  - Exposure to high levels of glucose increases the expression levels of genes
      involved in cholesterol biosynthesis in rat islets.
AB  - Cells continually adjust their gene expression profiles in order to adapt to the
      availability of nutrients. Glucose is a major regulator of pxancreatic beta-cell
      function and cell growth. However, the mechanism of beta-cell adaptation to high
      levels of glucose remains uncertain. To identify the specific targets responsible
      for adaptation to high levels of glucose, the differentially expressed genes from
      primary rat islets treated with 3.3 and 16.7 mmol/l glucose for 24 h were
      detected by DNA microarray. The results revealed that the expression levels of
      genes that encode enzymes required for de novo cholesterol biosynthesis [3
      hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 (Hmgcs1), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA
      reductase (Hmgcr), mevalonate (diphospho) decarboxylase (Mvd), isopentenyl
      diphosphate delta-isomerase 1 (Idi1), squalene epoxidase (Sqle) and 7
      dehydrocholesterol reductase (Dhcr7)] were significantly increased in islets
      treated with high levels of glucose compared with those in the islets treated
      with lower glucose levels. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction further
      confirmed that glucose stimulated the expression levels of these genes in a dose-
      and time-dependent manner. A similar result was obtained in islets isolated from
      rats subjected to 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of continuous glucose infusion. It has
      previously been recognized that cholesterol homeostasis is important for beta
      cell function. The present study provides, to the best of our knowledge, the
      first evidence for the involvement of the de novo cholesterol biosynthesis
      pathway in the adaptation of rat islets to high levels of glucose in vitro and in
      vivo.

PMID- 25120637
TI  - Protective effects of Guanxin Shutong capsule drug-containing serum on tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha-induced endothelial dysfunction through nicotinamide
      adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and the nitric oxide pathway.
AB  - The Chinese medicinal formula Guanxin Shutong capsule (GXSTC) has been used for
      almost 10 years as a clinical treatment for chest pain, depression, palpitation
      and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects
      of GXSTC drug-containing serum on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
      stimulated endothelial cells. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and
      nitric oxide (NO) levels and NO synthase (NOS) activity were measured as
      standards of endothelial dysfunction. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) activity were evaluated using commercial kits. In addition, the
      protein expression of endothelial NOS (eNOS), AKT and nicotinamide adenine
      dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits was examined to evaluate the
      effect of GXSTC drug-containing serum on ECV304 cells. GXSTC significantly
      reversed the decrease in NO production induced by TNF-alpha (5 ng/ml) in ECV304
      cells. The expression of NADPH oxidase subunits was increased by TNF-alpha
      treatment, but markedly inhibited by treatment with GXSTC in TNF-alpha-stimulated
      cells. In summary, GXSTC increased the production of NO in ECV304 cells and
      exerted a protective effect on ECV304 cells stimulated with TNF-alpha by
      upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of eNOS. This was accompanied by
      increased SOD activity and reduced MDA levels. These results suggested that GXSTC
      protects the endothelium via the NO pathway and exhibits antioxidant effects.

PMID- 25120638
TI  - Inhibition of Aurora-B suppresses HepG2 cell invasion and migration via the
      PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling pathway in vitro.
AB  - In the present study, the effect of Aurora-B inhibition on HepG2 cell invasion
      and migration in vitro was investigated. A recombinant plasmid targeting the
      Aurora-B gene (MiR-Aurora-B) was used to inhibit Aurora-B expression in HepG2
      cells. Cell migration and invasion were investigated using Transwell migration
      and invasion assays. The results demonstrated that cell invasion and migration
      were suppressed by inhibiting Aurora-B. In addition, the effect of Aurora-B
      inhibition on the activity of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/nuclear
      factor (NF)-kappaB signaling pathway was investigated by analyzing the protein
      expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-Akt, Akt, NF-kappaB p65, matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 using western blot analysis. The results
      demonstrated that the protein expression levels of p-Akt, NF-kappaB p65, MMP-2
      and MMP-9 were reduced significantly by inhibiting Aurora-B. Therefore,
      inhibition of Aurora-B was shown to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma cell
      migration and invasion by decreasing the activity of the PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB
      signaling pathway in vitro.

PMID- 25120639
TI  - Progesterone protects blood-brain barrier function and improves neurological
      outcome following traumatic brain injury in rats.
AB  - Inflammatory responses are associated with blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction
      and neurological deficits following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of the
      present study was to investigate the effects of progesterone on the expression of
      the inflammatory mediators prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),
      nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in
      the brain, BBB permeability, cerebral edema and neurological outcome, as well as
      to explore the mechanism of its neuroprotective effect. In this study, male rats
      were randomly divided into three groups: a sham-operated group (SHAM), a TBI
      group (TBI) and a progesterone treatment group (TBI-PROG). The TBI model was
      established using a modified Feeney's weight-dropping method. Brain samples were
      extracted 24 h following injury. The expression levels of COX-2 and NF-kappaB
      were examined using immunohistochemistry, whilst the expression levels of PGE2
      and TNF-alpha were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. BBB
      permeability was analyzed using Evans blue and cerebral edema was determined
      using the dry-wet method. The neurological outcome was evaluated using the
      modified neurological severity score test. The results revealed that progesterone
      treatment significantly reduced post-injury inflammatory response, brain edema
      and Evans blue dye extravasation, and improved neurological scores compared with
      those in the TBI group. In conclusion, the inhibition of inflammation may be an
      important mechanism by which progesterone protects the BBB and improves
      neurological outcome.

PMID- 25120640
TI  - Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl. attenuates CCl4-induced hepatic damage in
      imprinting control region mice.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the preventive effect of the
      traditional Chinese medicine, Dendrobium candidum Wall ex Lindl. (D. candidum),
      on CCl4-induced hepatic damage in mice. The CCl4-induced hepatic damage mice were
      treated with D. candidum, and the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase
      (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), triglyceride
      (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were determined. In addition, serum cytokine
      levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and
      interferon (IFN)-gamma were analyzed with kits, while liver tissues were analyzed
      using hematoxylin and eosin staining and reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, the contents of D. candidum were determined by
      nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). D. candidum was demonstrated to successfully
      prevent hepatic damage in mice. The serum levels of AST, ALT and LDH were
      significantly decreased when the mice were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg D.
      candidum, as compared with the control mice (P<0.05). The lowest enzymatic
      activities were exhibited in the 400 mg/kg D. candidum group, which produced
      similar results to the positive control drug, silymarin. In addition, in the 400
      mg/kg D. candidum group, the highest levels of TG and TC were observed among the
      treated groups. D. candidum-treated groups also demonstrated reduced levels of
      the serum proinflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. The
      sections of liver tissue examined during histopathology in the high concentration
      400 mg/kg D. candidum group recovered well from CCl4 damage; however, the
      sections in the 200 mg/kg D. candidum group revealed necrosis to a more serious
      degree. RT-PCR analysis was conducted on inflammation-associated genes, including
      nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, IkappaB-alpha, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)
      and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, in the livers of the mice. The 400 mg/kg D. candidum
      group demonstrated significantly decreased mRNA expression levels of NF-kappaB,
      iNOS and COX-2, but an increased expression level of IkappaB-alpha when compared
      with the CCl4-treated control group. Furthermore, using NMR, 11 compounds were
      identified in the D. candidum leaf, whose functional contents may aid the
      preventive effect observed in the current study. Therefore, D. candidum may
      potentially contribute to the prevention of CCl4-induced hepatic damage in vivo.

PMID- 25120641
TI  - NUP214 fusion genes in acute leukemia (Review).
AB  - Nucleoporin 214 (NUP214), previously termed CAN, is required for cell cycle and
      nucleocytoplasmic transport. The genetic features and clinical implications of
      five NUP214-associated fusion genes are described in this review. SET-NUP214 was
      most frequently observed in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL),
      concomitant with the elevated expression of HOXA cluster genes. Furthermore, the
      fusion transcript may be regarded as a potential minimal residual disease marker
      for SET-NUP214-positive patients. Episomal amplifications of NUP214-ABL1 are
      specific to T-ALL patients. The NUP214-ABL1 gene is observed in ~6% of T-ALL, in
      children and adults. Targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors plus standard
      chemotherapy appear to present a promising treatment strategy. DEK-NUP214 is
      formed by the fusion of exon 2 of DEK and exon 6 of NUP214. Achieving molecular
      negativity of DEK-NUP214 is of great importance for individual management. SQSTM1
      NUP214 and NUP214-XKR3 were only identified in one T-ALL patient and one cell
      line, respectively. The NUP214 fusions have significant diagnostic and
      therapeutic implications for leukemia patients. Additional NUP214-associated
      fusions require identification in future studies.

PMID- 25120642
TI  - Aberrant DNA methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma tumor suppression (Review).
AB  - Aberrant DNA methylation leads to altered gene expression, resulting in cancerous
      features. Numerous tumor suppressor genes are silenced by DNA methylation during
      hepatocarcinogenesis. Promoter CpG island hypermethylation is an important
      mechanism for inactivating tumor suppressor genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC). Hypermethylation of CpG islands in the p16 (INK4a) and p15 (INK4b)
      promoters may increase the risk of developing HCC, particularly hepatitis B virus
      related HCC. Environmental factors can lead to geographic variations in the
      methylation status of CpG islands. Aberrant DNA methylation of CpG islands is
      catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Thus, abnormal variations of DNMTs
      can contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis. In hepatitis-related HCC, microRNAs
      participate in hepatocarcinogenesis by directly targeting DNMTs, during which
      hepatitis B virus X acts as a regulator. DNA methylation may also contribute to
      HCC tumorigenesis by regulating the cell cycle. Based on the importance of DNA
      methylation in tumor suppression of HCC, certain DNA methylations may predict the
      risk of tumor development, tumor staging, patient survival and HCC recurrence.

PMID- 25120643
TI  - Potential new role of the GHSR-1a-mediated signaling pathway in cardiac
      remodeling after myocardial infarction (Review).
AB  - The gastrointestinal hormone ghrelin has important cardiovascular protective
      effects, however, its specific mechanisms are not yet completely understood.
      Recent studies have shown that the ghrelin receptor, growth hormone secretagogue
      receptor type 1a (GHSR-1a), regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis and
      inflammation-related signaling pathways. In human aortic endothelial cells,
      ghrelin activates NO production through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and
      Akt activation, and these effects can be blocked by knockdown of GHSR-1a. Obese
      mice have been found to exhibit an increased GHSR-1a content and expression in
      the heart, associated with an increase in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)
      content and an increase AKT content and phosphorylation. Furthermore, GHSR-1a
      expression was observed to be increased in heart failure after myocardial
      infarction (MI) in rats. Given such complexity in GHSR-1a signaling and crosstalk
      with the AMPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, both of which are well-known
      factors involved in cardiac remodeling after MI, we speculate that GHSR-1a
      signaling may play a regulatory role in cardiac protection and hope to identify
      new drugs targets. However, to date, no direct association between GHSR-1a and
      cardiac remodeling has been found. Therefore, further studies are required.

PMID- 25120644
TI  - Normal tissue studies in radiation oncology: A systematic review of highly cited
      articles and citation patterns.
AB  - Radiation therapy is one of the cornerstones of modern multidisciplinary cancer
      treatment. Normal tissue tolerance is critical as radiation-induced side effects
      may compromise organ function and quality of life. The importance of normal
      tissue research is reflected by the large number of scientific articles, which
      have been published between 2006 and 2010. The present study identified important
      areas of research as well as seminal publications. The article citation rate is
      among the potential indicators of scientific impact. Highly cited articles,
      arbitrarily defined as those with >=15 citations, were identified via a
      systematic search of the citation database, Scopus. Up to 608 articles per year
      were published between 2006 and 2010, however, <10% of publications in each year
      accumulated >=15 citations. This figure is notably low, when compared with other
      oncology studies. A large variety of preclinical and clinical topics, including
      toxicity prediction, the dose-volume relationship and radioprotectors,
      accumulated >=15 citations. However, clinical prevention or mitigation studies
      were underrepresented. The following conclusion may be drawn from the present
      study; despite the improved technology that has resulted in superior dose
      distribution, clinical prevention or mitigation studies are critical and must
      receive higher priority, funding and attention.

PMID- 25120645
TI  - Colorectal laterally spreading tumors show characteristic expression of cell
      polarity factors, including atypical protein kinase C lambda/iota, E-cadherin,
      beta-catenin and basement membrane component.
AB  - Colorectal flat-type tumors include laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) and flat
      depressed-type tumors. The former of which shows a predominant lateral spreading
      growth rather than an invasive growth. The present study examined the
      morphological characteristics of LSTs, in comparison with polypoid- or flat
      depressed-type tumors, along with the expression of atypical protein kinase C
      (aPKC) lambda/iota, a pivotal cell polarity regulator, and the hallmarks of cell
      polarity, as well as with type IV collagen, beta-catenin and E-cadherin. In
      total, 37 flat-type (24 LSTs and 13 flat depressed-type tumors) and 20 polypoid
      type colorectal tumors were examined. The LSTs were classified as 15 LST adenoma
      (LST-A) and nine LST cancer in adenoma (LST-CA). An immunohistochemical
      examination was performed on aPKC lambda/iota, type IV collagen, beta-catenin and
      E-cadherin. The LST-A and -CA showed a superficial replacing growth pattern, with
      expression of beta-catenin and E-cadherin in the basolateral membrane and type IV
      collagen along the basement membrane. In addition, 86.6% of LST-A and 55.6% of
      LST-CA showed aPKC lambda/iota expression of 1+ (weak to normal intensity
      staining in the cytoplasm compared with the normal epithelium). Furthermore, ~45%
      of the polypoid-type adenomas showed 2+ (moderate intensity staining in the
      cytoplasm and/or nucleus) and 66.7% of the polypoid-type cancer in adenoma were
      3+ (strong intensity staining in the cytoplasm and nucleus). A statistically
      significant positive correlation was observed between the expression of aPKC
      lambda/iota and beta-catenin (r=0.842; P<0.001), or type IV collagen (r=0.823;
      P<0.001). The LSTs showed a unique growth pattern, different from the expanding
      growth pattern presented by a polypoid tumor and invasive cancer. The growth
      characteristics of LST appear to be caused by adequate coexpression of beta
      catenin, type IV collagen and aPKC lambda/iota.

PMID- 25120647
TI  - Matrigel induces L-plastin expression and promotes L-plastin-dependent invasion
      in human cholangiocarcinoma cells.
AB  - The function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumor microenvironment is
      not limited to forming a barrier against tumor invasion. As demonstrated in
      pathological specimens, cholangiocarcinoma samples exhibit an enrichment of the
      ECM surrounding the tumor cells. In this study, we examined involvement of the
      ECM in the regulation of the invasiveness of cholangiocarcinoma cells. The RMCCA1
      cholangiocarcinoma cell line was cultured in culture plates either with or
      without a coating of reconstituted ECM basement membrane preparation (BD Matrigel
      matrix). In vitro invasion assays were then performed. In addition, the protein
      expression profile of the cell line was examined using two-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The proteins
      expressed and their functional associations with cancer progression were
      determined. Culturing the RMCCA1 cell line in the BD Matrigel matrix induced cell
      invasion. Numerous proteins were induced by culturing the RMCCA1 cells in the
      matrix gel. The expression of L-plastin, an actin-binding protein, was
      significantly upregulated. The knockdown of L-plastin expression by siRNA
      silencing significantly suppressed the cellular response to matrix gel-stimulated
      cancer cell invasion. The ECM promotes the invasiveness of cholangiocarcinoma
      cells by upregulating L-plastin. These findings suggest the potential
      exploitation of this mechanism as a means of inhibiting the invasiveness of
      cholangiocarcinoma cells.

PMID- 25120646
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of four different stem cell markers in prostate
      cancer: High expression of NANOG in conjunction with hypoxia-inducible factor
      1alpha expression is involved in prostate epithelial malignancy.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in a variety of cancer types,
      including prostate cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
      immunohistochemical expression of NANOG, octamer 4 (OCT4), cluster of
      differentiation 133 (CD133) and NESTIN, which are all CSC markers, and assess
      their function in prostate carcinogenesis. A total of 114 patients were referred
      to the Kanazawa Medical University Hospital (Uchinada, Japan) having presented
      with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen levels and/or abnormal digital
      rectal examinations, and underwent transrectal ultrasound sonography guided eight
      core biopsies. The prostate pathological specimens were re-evaluated for
      selection in this study. When specimens were diagnosed as prostate cancer,
      immunohistochemical analysis of the four different stem cell markers (NANOG,
      OCT4, CD133 and NESTIN) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha was performed.
      Prostate cancer was found in 38 cases (33.3%), while the other patients had
      benign prostate hyperplasia with prostatitis. All prostate cancers were
      histopathologically identified as adenocarcinomas of various grades, and cancer
      cells and intraepithelial neoplasia (high grade) were immunohistochemically shown
      to express NANOG and OCT4, but not CD133 and NESTIN. The intensity of NANOG
      expression was much greater than that of OCT4, and the positivity and intensity
      of the four stem cell markers, including NANOG, were elevated with high Gleason
      scores. A significant correlation was observed between the NANOG- and HIF-1alpha
      positive regions. The CSC markers, in particular OCT4 and NANOG, were
      immunohistochemically expressed in prostate cancers. Furthermore, HIF-1alpha
      expression may affect NANOG and/or OCT4 expression. The findings of the current
      study suggested that NANOG expression may be a biomarker for the diagnosis of
      prostate cancer, and the coexpression of NANOG and HIF-1alpha may be involved in
      prostate carcinogenesis.

PMID- 25120648
TI  - Coexistence of t(15;17) and t(15;16;17) detected by fluorescence in situ
      hybridization in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia: A case report and
      literature review.
AB  - Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by the t(15;17)(q22;q21),
      which results in the fusion of the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) gene at 15q22
      with the retinoic acid alpha-receptor (RARA) gene at 17q21. The current study
      presents the case of a 54-year-old female with APL carrying the atypical PML/RARA
      fusion signal due to a novel complex variant translocation
      t(15;16;17)(q22;q24;q21), as well as the classical PML/RARA fusion signal.
      Subsequent array comparative genomic hybridization revealed somatic, cryptic
      deletions on 3p25.3, 8q23.1 and 12p13.2-p13.1, and a duplication on 8q11.2;
      however, no genetic material loss or gain was observed in the breakpoint regions
      of chromosomes 15, 16 or 17. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first
      report of the coexistence of two abnormal clones, one classical and one variant,
      presenting simultaneously in addition to cryptic chromosome segmental imbalances
      in an adult APL patient.

PMID- 25120649
TI  - Telomerase Cajal body protein 1 depletion inhibits telomerase trafficking to
      telomeres and induces G1 cell cycle arrest in A549 cells.
AB  - Telomerase Cajal body protein 1 (TCAB1) is a telomerase holoenzyme, which is
      markedly enriched in Cajal bodies (CBs) and facilitates the recruitment of
      telomerase to CBs in the S phase of the cell cycle. This recruitment is dependent
      on TCAB1 binding to a telomerase RNA component. The majority of cancer cells are
      able to grow indefinitely due to telomerase and its mechanism of trafficking to
      telomeres. In the present study, a certain level of TCAB1 expression in A549
      human lung cells was identified and TCAB1 knockdown exhibited a potent
      antiproliferative effect on these cells, which was coupled with a decrease in the
      cell density and activity of the cellular enzymes. In addition, TCAB1-depletion
      was demonstrated to inhibit telomerase trafficking to telomeres in the A549
      cells, leading to subsequent G1 cell cycle arrest without inducing apoptotic cell
      death. Overall, these observations indicated that TCAB1 may be essential for A549
      cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation, and may be a potential candidate
      for the development of a therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinomas.

PMID- 25120650
TI  - Clinical significance of the 'not otherwise specified' subtype in candidates for
      resectable non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - The histological subtype of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a significant
      factor when selecting treatment strategies. However, cases are occasionally
      encountered that are diagnosed as 'not otherwise specified' (NOS) prior to
      surgery, due to an uncertain histological subtype. The present study investigated
      the prognostic significance of the NOS subtype for patients with resectable
      NSCLC. Between 2001 and 2011, 1,913 patients were diagnosed with NSCLC using
      transbronchial biopsy and underwent surgical resection at two facilities in
      Japan. Of these patients, 151 (7.9%) were pre-operatively diagnosed with NSCLC
      NOS (NOS group) and the remainder had confirmed histological subtypes (confirmed
      group). The present study compared the clinicopathological features and prognoses
      of these groups. Analyses of resected specimens revealed that pleomorphic cell
      carcinoma, large cell neuroendocrine cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and
      adenosquamous carcinoma were significantly more common in the NOS group than in
      the confirmed group (P<0.001, P=0.002, P=0.019 and P=0.014, respectively). The
      five-year survival rate was significantly poorer in the NOS group (60.5 vs.
      67.1%; P=0.010), particularly for stage I disease (70.8 vs. 80.7%; P=0.007). The
      results of a multivariate analysis of overall survival indicated that NOS was a
      significant independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.02-1.86; P=0.041). These results indicated that pre-operative NOS was
      significantly associated with poorer survival, including for stage I disease. In
      conjunction with other clinicopathological parameters, NOS can be a useful
      prognostic factor when deciding on a treatment strategy for NSCLC.

PMID- 25120651
TI  - Aberrant methylation and silencing of IRF8 expression in non-small cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the aberrant methylation and
      altered expression of the interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) gene in non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pyrosequencing assays were performed on 191 tumor
      specimens from NSCLC patients. The changes in IRF8 mRNA expression, prior to and
      following treatment with a demethylating agent and methylation itself, were
      examined in 13 lung cancer cell lines by quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      (qPCR) and pyrosequencing. IRF8 protein expression was examined in 94 of the 191
      NSCLC specimens by immunohistochemical analysis. The IRF8 methylation level was
      significantly higher in the tumor tissues than in matched non-malignant lung
      tissues (P<0.0001). IRF8 was more frequently methylated in tumor tissues compared
      with matched non-malignant lung tissues, as defined by a predetermined cut-off
      value (P<0.0001). The IRF8 methylation level was strongly correlated with the
      change in mRNA expression in lung cancer cell lines and with the protein
      expression level in primary tumors. The IRF8 gene was more frequently methylated
      in patients without an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation than in
      patients with an EGFR mutation (P=0.015). IRF8 methylation correlated with
      recurrent prognosis in adenocarcinomas (log-rank test, P=0.048). IRF8 protein
      expression was frequently silenced in males, smokers, patients with non
      adenocarcinoma or with wild-type EGFR, or in an advanced stage. IRF8 is often
      silenced by its methylation, which is a frequent event in NSCLC and, therefore,
      methylation of IRF8 may act as a prognostic marker for recurrence. Analysis of
      IRF8 methylation status may provide novel opportunities for improved prognosis
      and therapy of resected NSCLC.

PMID- 25120652
TI  - Long-term urodynamic evaluation of laparoscopic radical cystectomy with
      orthotopic ileal neobladder for bladder cancer.
AB  - The long-term urodynamics of laparoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic
      ileal neobladder for bladder cancer remain unclear in the clinical setting. The
      present prospective observational study was conducted between January 2010 and
      December 2012 to evaluate the 6-month and 12-month follow-up data of urodynamic
      changes of bladder cancer patients who were initially treated by laparoscopic
      radical cystectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder. A total of 53 eligible
      patients were included, and all patients were followed up for at least 12 months,
      with a median time of 18 months. During the follow-up period, no patients
      reported difficulty urinating, and the daily frequency of urination and the urine
      output were gradually improved with time. Dynamic urodynamic examinations showed
      that the maximum flow rate (11.4+/-1.1 vs. 7.3+/-1.4 ml/sec; P<0.001), residual
      urine content (22.8+/-10.5 vs. 40.7+/-12.7 ml; P<0.001), maximum bladder capacity
      (373.8+/-62.2 vs. 229.7+/-56.3 ml; P<0.001) and maximum bladder pressure during
      filling (35.8+/-6.7 vs. 26.4+/-7.0 cm H2O; P<0.001) at 12 months were all
      improved significantly compared with that at 6 months after the initial surgical
      treatment. However, there were no significant differences in maximum bladder
      pressure during voiding (75.7+/-24.7 vs. 73.1+/-24.7 cm H2O; P=0.618) and bladder
      compliance (26.9+/-13 vs. 27.4+/-13.1 cm H2O; P=0.848) at 12 and 6 months after
      initial surgical treatment. In conclusion, the urodynamics of this orthotopic
      ileal neobladder gradually improve, and its long-term urine storage and voiding
      functions are acceptable.

PMID- 25120653
TI  - Tonsil neuroendocrine carcinoma concurrent with hepatocellular carcinoma: A case
      report.
AB  - The majority of neuroendocrine tumors appear to be sporadic. Neuroendocrine
      carcinoma (NEC) typically arises in pancreatic, parathyroid and adrenal glands,
      but rarely arises in salivary glands. NEC of the tonsil is a rare type of tumor
      and the concurrent presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered
      to be more uncommon. There are few case reports of NEC of the tonsil in the
      literature and to date no studies have been conducted to establish its optimal
      management. The current study presents a case of a 72-year-old male who presented
      with left neck and tonsil tumors. A biopsy from the tonsil revealed a NEC, and
      computed tomography showed liver cirrhosis, multiple liver cancers and portal
      vein thrombosis, as well as metastasis to the hilar, abdomen and retroperitoneum.
      Histological examination of the hepatic revealed primary HCC. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is a condition that has not previously been reported.

PMID- 25120654
TI  - Lung adenocarcinoma harboring L858R and T790M mutations in epidermal growth
      factor receptor, with poor response to gefitinib: A case report.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality among malignant diseases in humans
      worldwide. During the last decade, molecular targeted therapies for non-small
      cell lung cancer using first-generation, reversible epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including gefitinib, have been
      shown to be a promising approach for patients harboring activating mutations in
      EGFR. The current study reports a 77-year-old patient diagnosed with
      adenocarcinoma harboring L858R and T790M point mutations in the EGFR gene. The
      patient was treated with gefitinib as the second-line therapy, but no clinical
      benefit was observed. As the majority of patients with lung cancer receiving EGFR
      TKI therapy acquire resistance, repeated biopsies and detection of the EGFR
      mutation state are beneficial for selecting appropriate treatments.

PMID- 25120656
TI  - Human cytomegalovirus inhibits apoptosis by regulating the activating
      transcription factor 5 signaling pathway in human malignant glioma cells.
AB  - The activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5), also termed ATFx, is a member of
      the ATF/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) family of basic zipper
      proteins. ATF5 is an anti-apoptotic protein that is highly expressed in malignant
      glioma and is essential for glioma cell survival. Accumulating evidence indicates
      that human malignant gliomas are universally infected with human cytomegalovirus
      (HCMV). Recent studies have shown that HCMV may be resistant to the induction of
      apoptosis by disrupting cellular pathways in glioblastoma. To investigate the
      potential anti-apoptotic function of HCMV in glioma, malignant U87 glioma cells
      were infected with HCMV. The present study showed that HCMV infection suppressed
      apoptosis in glioblastoma U87 cells by regulating the expression of ATF5.
      Furthermore, in glioblastoma U87 cells, HCMV infection induced cellular
      proliferation in parallel with an increase in the expression level of ATF5 and B
      cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 to Bcl-2-associated X protein ratio. Loss of ATF5
      function was achieved using a dominant-negative form of ATF5 in U87 cells,
      whereby cells appeared to grow marginally following HCMV infection when compared
      with the control. However, the anti-apoptotic ability was appeared to decline in
      the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay.
      These results indicate that ATF5 signaling pathways may be important in the anti
      apoptotic activity of HCMV-infected glioblastoma cells; therefore, the anti
      apoptotic molecular mechanisms of HCMV in human glioblastoma cells were
      investigated in the current study. Prevention of HCMV infection may present a
      potential and promising approach for the treatment of malignant gliomas.

PMID- 25120657
TI  - Phosphatase and tensin homolog overexpression decreases proliferation and
      invasion and increases apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.
AB  - Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a potent tumor suppressor which
      regulates various cellular functions. The aim of the present study was to analyze
      the function of PTEN gene expression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells. This
      gene exhibits a unique function in cell migration and proliferation during the
      early stages of embryonic development. However, its role as a tumor suppressor
      gene in tongue squamous carcinoma cells remains unclear. In the present study, an
      SCC-4 cell line stably expressing PTEN was established and the effects of PTEN
      gene expression on SCC-4 cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis were
      investigated. PTEN expression was found to induce apoptosis in SCC-4 cells,
      possibly via negative regulation of the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/Akt
      signaling pathway and increased expression of Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell
      death. In addition, PTEN was found to control the epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition in SCC cells, thereby reducing their invasive ability. Furthermore,
      Transwell assay revealed that the expression of E-cadherin was increased, while
      the expression of vimentin and SNAIL was decreased. This study has provided an
      important insight into the mechanisms by which PTEN mediates the progression and
      early metastasis of tongue carcinoma.

PMID- 25120655
TI  - miR-320a is an independent prognostic biomarker for invasive breast cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and is the second
      leading cause of cancer-related mortality among females. miRNAs are a class of
      small noncoding RNAs that are aberrantly expressed in human cancers. Due to their
      small size and stability, miRNAs have the potential to be efficacious clinical
      targets. MicroRNA-320a (miR-320a) has been shown to be dysregulated in multiple
      malignancies. In the present study, the expression levels of miR-320a were
      investigated in 15 paraffin-embedded in situ breast carcinoma and 130 invasive
      breast cancer tissues, and the prognostic value for breast cancer patients was
      assessed. Chromogenic in situ hybridization revealed that 60/130 (46%) invasive
      breast cancer tissues exhibited high expression levels of miR-320a (staining
      index score of >=4). Furthermore, miR-320a staining was found to significantly
      correlate with tumor size (P=0.046), clinical stage (P<0.001), lymph node
      metastasis (P<0.001) and distant metastasis (P=0.006). In addition, patients
      exhibiting low miR-320a expression levels had shorter overall survival times
      (P<0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that miR-320a was an
      independent prognostic biomarker for invasive breast cancer (hazard ratio, 0.221;
      95% confidence interval, 0.050-0.979; P=0.047). Receiver operator characteristic
      curves revealed that the prognostic value of miR-320a was enhanced when compared
      with the widely used prognostic biomarkers (estrogen receptor, progesterone
      receptor and human epidermal growth factor-2) in invasive breast cancer. The
      results of the present study suggest that miR-320a presents a potential biomarker
      for the prognosis of invasive breast cancer, and dysregulation of miR-320a may be
      involved in invasive breast cancer progression.

PMID- 25120658
TI  - Submucosal small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx detected using 18F
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography: A case
      report and review of the literature.
AB  - A 67-year-old male presented with a metastatic carcinoma in the right side of the
      neck from an unknown primary site. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography showed increased 18F-FDG uptake in the right
      larynx and right neck lymph nodes. A smooth lesion was identified in the
      submucosa of the right supraglottic region via a suspension laryngoscopy under
      general anaesthesia. A biopsy was performed and a frozen section revealed a small
      cell (SC) carcinoma. A total laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissection were
      performed simultaneously, and the pathological results demonstrated a SC
      neuroendocrine carcinoma. The patient received chemo-radiotherapy
      postoperatively, however, succumbed due to distant metastasis one year following
      surgery.

PMID- 25120659
TI  - Misdiagnosis of pancreatic papillary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma: A case report.
AB  - The morbidity of papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas is extremely low
      and the condition is rarely first found as spinal metastases, thus it is often
      misdiagnosed prior to surgery. The present study reports a case of papillary
      cystadenocarcinoma with thoracolumbar metastases in a 56-year-old male. The first
      symptom to occur was backache, however, computed tomography revealed no positive
      findings. The pain became exacerbated and the patient underwent lumbar and
      thoracic vertebrae magnetic resonance imaging, which identified abnormal signals.
      Imaging and pathological examinations were used for the final diagnosis. Due to
      multiple bone metastases, the patient the administration of induction
      chemotherapy was suggested, however, the patient refused. The patient succumbed
      to the disease in June 2013.

PMID- 25120660
TI  - Multifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis in an adult with a pathological fracture
      of the mandible and spontaneous malunion: A case report.
AB  - Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is rare in the adult population and even
      rarer with jaw involvement. The current study presents the case of a 39-year-old
      male who complained of recurrent pain, swelling of the gingiva and an occasional
      pus-like discharge in the right mandible for one year. The patient was previously
      prescribed antibiotics, but this did not resolve the problem. An initial
      panoramic radiograph showed an osteolytic lesion and bone fracture in the right
      mandible. Eight months later, a new radiograph showed the spontaneous malunion of
      the fractured mandible. The patient was eventually diagnosed with Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Further lesions were
      found in the ribs and ilium by nuclear bone scanning. The patient was
      subsequently treated with systemic chemotherapy, and the lesions are currently
      effectively being controlled. This study is the first to show that spontaneous
      intralesional bone regeneration may lead to reunification of the mandible
      fracture caused by LCH in an adult.

PMID- 25120662
TI  - Shikonin promotes autophagy in BXPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells through the
      PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate the effect of shikonin on autophagy in
      BXPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells and its underlying mechanism. Cell viability
      was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and the expression of light
      chain (LC) 3, p62, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, phosphorylated (p)-PI3K
      and p-Akt was analyzed using western blot analysis. Following treatment with 1
      MUmol/l shikonin for 48 h and 2.5 and 5 MUmol/l shikonin for 24 and 48 h, the
      viability of the BXPC-3 cells was found to be significantly reduced and the
      protein expression of LC3-II/LC3-I was observed to be increased, while the
      protein expression of p62, PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K and p-Akt was decreased. These
      findings suggest that shikonin promotes autophagy in BXPC-3 cells and that the
      underlying mechanism may be associated with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

PMID- 25120661
TI  - Clinical significance of aberrant mammalian target of rapamycin expression in
      stage IIIB colon cancer.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the significance of aberrant
      expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the activated form of mTOR
      kinase, phosphorylated mTOR (pmTOR), in human stage IIIB colon cancer. The
      expression of mTOR and pmTOR was detected by immunohistochemistry in the tumor
      tissue of stage IIIB colon cancer patients. The association between the
      expression of mTOR, pmTOR and clinicopathological parameters of patients was
      analyzed. The positive expression of mTOR and pmTOR was observed to be higher in
      75.5% (80/106) and 76.4% (81/106) of the 106 colon cancer specimens, compared
      with the adjacent normal tissues. The high level of pmTOR expression was found to
      be significantly higher in the invasive tumor front cells and resulted in a
      higher risk of mortality. The results suggested that mTOR and pmTOR may be
      promising clinical markers and present novel molecular targets for designing
      novel therapeutic strategies to treat this malignancy.

PMID- 25120663
TI  - A 4-cm lipoma of the transverse colon causing colonic intussusception: A case
      report and literature review.
AB  - Colonic lipomas are rare benign tumors. Colonic intussusception is an uncommon
      complication of colonic lipoma. The current study presents an unusual case of a 4
      cm symptomatic lipoma of the transverse colon causing colonic intussusception. A
      65-year-old female was admitted to Wenzhou Central Hospital (Wenzhou, Zhejiang,
      China) with intermittent pain in the left abdomen that had been present for two
      weeks. Colonoscopy revealed a 4*5-cm intraluminal spherical mass with erosional
      mucosa 60 cm above the anal verge, indicating the presence of a malignant
      gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a
      well-defined fatty tissue mass of 4 cm in diameter in the distal transverse colon
      proximal to the splenic flexure, with intussusception. The patient underwent
      segmental resection of the transverse colon and intraoperative frozen sections
      were obtained. The intraoperative frozen sections revealed a submucosal lipoma of
      the transverse colon and thus, a conclusive diagnosis was achieved. The patient
      was followed up for one year and 10 months following the segmental resection of
      the transverse colon, with a good prognosis. This study may increase clinical
      awareness with regard to colonic lipomas. Furthermore, open surgery combined with
      use of intraoperative frozen sections should be recommended for large symptomatic
      colonic lipomas accompanied by colonic intussusception, thus avoiding unnecessary
      radical resection and improving patient prognosis.

PMID- 25120664
TI  - Polymorphism of the p38beta gene in patients with colorectal cancer.
AB  - The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways have been
      proposed to participate in the pathological process of cancer by affecting
      inflammation, proliferation, metastasis and cell survival. A single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP; rs2235356, -1628A->G) in the promoter region of the p38beta
      gene has been proposed as a genetic modifier for colorectal cancer (CRC) in a
      Chinese population. The present study evaluated the susceptibility of patients
      possessing this SNP to CRC, in addition to determining its association with
      clinical parameters in Swedish patients with CRC. Using the LightSNiP genotyping
      assay, this SNP was screened in 389 patients with CRC and 517 control subjects.
      No significant difference in the genotype distribution or in the allelic
      frequencies was identified between the two groups nor was any association
      identified with the clinical parameters. These findings indicate that the -1628A
      >G polymorphism of the p38beta gene is not significantly associated with a
      susceptibility to CRC in a Swedish population.

PMID- 25120665
TI  - Combination of autoantibodies against NY-ESO-1 and viral capsid antigen
      immunoglobulin A for improved detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in
      Southern China and Southeast Asia, and early detection remains a challenge.
      Autoantibodies have been found to precede the manifestations of symptomatic
      cancer by several months to years, making their identification of particular
      relevance for early detection. In the present study, the diagnostic value of
      serum autoantibodies against NY-ESO-1 in NPC patients was evaluated. The study
      included 112 patients with NPC and 138 normal controls. Serum levels of
      autoantibodies against NY-ESO-1 and classical Epstein-Barr virus marker, viral
      capsid antigen immunoglobulin A (VCA-IgA), were measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. Measurement of autoantibodies against NY-ESO-1 and VCA-IgA
      demonstrated a sensitivity/specificity of 42.9/94.9% [95% confidence interval
      (CI), 33.7-52.6/89.4-97.8%] and 55.4/95.7% (95% CI, 45.7-64.7/90.4-98.2%),
      respectively. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve for
      autoantibodies against NY-ESO-1 (0.821; 95% CI, 0.771-0.871) was marginally lower
      than that for VCA-IgA (0.860; 95% CI, 0.810-0.910) in NPC. The combination of
      autoantibodies against NY-ESO-1 and VCA-IgA yielded an enhanced sensitivity of
      80.4% (95% CI, 71.6-87.0%) and a specificity of 90.6% (95% CI, 84.1-94.7%).
      Moreover, detection of autoantibodies against NY-ESO-1 could differentiate early
      stage NPC patients from normal controls. Our results suggest that autoantibodies
      against NY-ESO-1 may serve as a potential biomarker, as a supplement to VCA-IgA,
      for the screening and diagnosis of NPC.

PMID- 25120666
TI  - Extended curettage and heat ablation for desmoplastic fibroma of the distal femur
      with a 12-year follow-up period: A case report.
AB  - Desmoplastic fibroma is a particularly rare, benign but locally aggressive,
      primary bone tumor. Owing to previously published reports stating high recurrence
      rates following curettage, the recommended primary treatment for desmoplastic
      fibroma is a marginal to wide tumor resection. In the current report, the case of
      an athlete with desmoplastic fibroma of the distal femur who was treated with
      extended curettage, heat ablation and artificial bone grafting is described. The
      postoperative course was uneventful and no recurrence has been observed during
      the 12-year follow-up period. The patient is able to sit on his heels with a
      straight back, without pain and is able run a complete marathon.

PMID- 25120667
TI  - Lymphatic invasion of micropapillary cancer cells is associated with a poor
      prognosis of pathological stage IA lung adenocarcinomas.
AB  - The cancer cells of lung adenocarcinoma with a micropapillary pattern (MPP) have
      been found to frequently invade lymphatic vessels, and the prognosis of patients
      with lung adenocarcinoma with an MPP is poor. In the present study, the cancer
      cells of lung adenocarcinomas containing an MPP were found to express vimentin
      more extensively than those in lung adenocarcinoma without an MPP. The
      contribution of cancer cells in the MPP component to adenocarcinoma lymphatic
      invasion was assessed using vimentin as a marker. Vimentin expression was
      analyzed in the cancer cells present in each lymphatic vessel and compared with
      the expression of vimentin in the cancer cells in the adenocarcinomas without an
      MPP component. The results showed that the cancer cells in the lymphatic vessels
      expressed vimentin more extensively than those in the adenocarcinoma components
      without an MPP, suggesting that cancer cells derived from an MPP component are
      present in the lymphatic vessels. By contrast, the area of the MPP component in
      each adenocarcinoma was <25%. These findings suggest that cancer cells in MPP
      components have a high capacity to invade lymphatic vessels and that their high
      invasive capacity may be associated with a poor prognosis in patients with
      adenocarcinoma with an MPP component.

PMID- 25120668
TI  - Interleukin 4, interleukin 6 and osteopontin-serological markers of head and neck
      malignancy in primary diagnostics: A pilot study.
AB  - The progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is stimulated by
      various angiogenic peptides and growth factors. A correlation between tumor
      progression and the secretion of various serological mediators in patients with
      malignant tumors of the head and neck is of major interest for tumor diagnostics,
      evaluation of the therapy response and it may predict prognosis by specifying the
      individual tumor biology. Established chemotherapeutic regimes for head and neck
      tumors usually consist of platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs and 5
      fluorouracil (5-FU). The present pilot study sought to assess the eligibility of
      seven serological factors as biomarkers for malignant tumors of the head and
      neck: Platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor,
      epidermal growth factor receptor, osteopontin, granulocyte-colony stimulating
      factor, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-6. The serum levels of each factor in 20
      patients receiving concomitant radiochemotherapy with cisplatin or carboplatin
      and 5-FU with curative intent were determined prior and subsequent to
      chemotherapy and were compared with 40 healthy controls. Another aim of the pilot
      study was to investigate whether the serum of patients showed significant
      differences in the concentrations of the analyzed factors at the start of
      concomitant radiochemotherapy compared with the controls, whether those markers
      indicated a neoplastic process and whether concomitant radiochemotherapy with
      cisplatin or carboplatin and 5-FU induced significant alterations of
      concentration compared with pre-therapeutic levels. The included patients were
      histopathologically diagnosed with HNSCC and the average age was 62.3 years. The
      serum samples of the patients were obtained during the course of regular pre- and
      post-chemotherapeutic blood draws one week prior to the start of
      radiochemotherapy and one week following the completion of chemotherapy. The
      healthy controls were collected from patients of the Sleep Laboratory of the
      Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital
      (Mannheim, Germany) without clinical evidence or laboratory signs of inflammation
      or history of a malignant disease. The average age was 50.3 years. The
      serological level of each factor was ascertained by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay in duplicate. Serum levels of IL-4, IL-6 and osteopontin were significantly
      increased in patients with HNSCC compared with those in chemotherapy-naive
      healthy controls. IL-4 and osteopontin showed no significant therapy-associated
      alterations. Notably, IL-6 levels significantly increased post-therapeutically.
      Using logistic regression with osteopontin and IL-4, an individual risk-profile
      for random samples was calculated. IL-4, IL-6 and osteopontin appear to be
      suitable indicators of the neoplastic process as they are significantly increased
      in HNSCC patients compared with the control group. With the exception of IL-6,
      whose levels were in fact increased following therapy, a significant therapy
      associated alteration of these factors was missing. Therefore, these serological
      markers failed to predict the therapy response, but they may be valuable as a
      screening instrument in primary diagnostics.

PMID- 25120670
TI  - Metachronous multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors and adenocarcinoma of the
      colon: A case report.
AB  - Synchronous or metachronous occurrence of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
      and other primary gastrointestinal neoplasms has previously been reported.
      However, to the best of our knowledge, there are few studies regarding
      metachronous multiple GISTs and adenocarcinoma of the colon. The current case of
      an 80-year-old male patient who underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for
      colonic adenocarcinoma, located in the ascending colon, is presented. Twenty-one
      months after receiving the laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, two new disc-like
      bulge lesions in the descending colon and rectosigmoid were identified during an
      endoscopic follow-up examination, and a segmental bowel resection was performed.
      The final diagnosis of multiple colonic GISTs was established as a result of
      histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry.

PMID- 25120669
TI  - Polypoid colonic metastases from gastric stump carcinoma: A case report.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate polypoid colonic metastases from gastric
      stump carcinoma by performing a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of a
      patient with such a diagnosis, and by discussing other previous case studies from
      the literature. The patient of the present study was an 80-year-old male who had
      undergone a gastrectomy 48 years previously for a benign perforated gastric
      ulcer. A colonoscopy revealed >10 multiple polypoid lesions of 6-10 mm in
      diameter distributed throughout the entire colon, except in the rectum. Each
      lesion had either erosion or a depression at the top and several were covered
      with a white fur-like substance. Biopsy specimens excised from the stomach showed
      a poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma with diffuse signet ring cells, and a
      colonoscopy-guided biopsy revealed a signet ring cell adenocarcinoma. The patient
      was referred to the Oncology unit (Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing, China) for
      assessment and chemotherapy treatment, which was initiated with 1,000 mg Xeloda
      orally administered twice a day for two-week courses every three weeks. The
      patient succumbed to upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and pneumonia after three
      months. Gastric or gastric stump carcinoma may metastasize to the colon
      presenting as solitary or multiple colonic polyps. Thus, it is important to
      consider this diagnosis as such colon metastases may mimic solitary or multiple
      colonic polyps, which are commonly observed. A differential diagnosis is required
      in this complicated situation.

PMID- 25120672
TI  - Inflammatory cytokines induce vascular endothelial growth factor-C expression in
      melanoma-associated macrophages and stimulate melanoma lymph node metastasis.
AB  - Lymph node colonization by tumor cells is one of the key determinants of melanoma
      staging and prognosis, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the
      predominant type of inflammatory cell in the tumor environment which secretes
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, the most potent lymphangiogenic
      growth factor. In the present study, to elucidate the mechanism involved in VEGF
      C expression in TAMs, murine peritoneal macrophages were co-cultivated with
      syngeneic B16 melanoma cells to mimic the reciprocal interactions between tumor
      cells and macrophages found in spontaneous tumors. In the present study, upon
      contact with tumor cells, macrophages were found to express a higher level of
      VEGF-C which was associated with an increase in the expression of IL-1beta and
      TNF-alpha and their receptors. Antibodies against the IL-1beta and TNF-alpha
      receptors were added to media that had been conditioned by the macrophage-tumor
      cell co-cultures and inhibition of VEGF-C was observed in macrophages co
      cultivated with the tumor cells. Furthermore, when IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were
      used at a non-toxic level, they enhanced peritoneal lymph node colonization by
      melanoma cells. Thus, in the present study, macrophagic IL-1beta and TNF-alpha
      were observed to promote VEGF-C expression in TAMs, as well as melanoma lymph
      node metastasis, suggesting that inhibiting the signaling between tumor cells and
      TAMs may be required to inhibit lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis.

PMID- 25120671
TI  - Undifferentiated embryonal liver sarcoma in childhood: A case report.
AB  - In order to improve the diagnosis and therapy of undifferentiated embryonal liver
      sarcoma (UELS), the present study presents the case of a 9-year-old female with
      UELS and discusses UELS in childhood. The patient presented with abdominal pain
      and fever. The laboratory tests, radiographic examination and pathological
      features presented by the female were similar to those of typical cases of UELS
      reported in childhood. The patient initially received surgical treatment and the
      immunohistochemical findings suggested that the patient had UELS. The patient's
      parents refused adjuvant chemotherapy and demonstrated a right prerenal mass 6
      months post-surgery. Microscopic examination revealed that the tumor was evidence
      of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma recurrence. However, the patient was
      comfortable and physical examination revealed no abnormal conditions. In
      addition, the laboratory results were normal. Abdominal computed tomography scan
      and ultrasound were performed every 3 months to monitor the tumor recurrence. At
      the time of writing, it has been 6 months after the second surgical procedure and
      there has been no appearence of abnormalities. Previous studies have shown that
      patients who receive combined therapy with complete tumor resection and adjuvant
      chemotherapy have a longer survival time than those who undergo surgical therapy
      alone. Complete tumor resection combined with adjuvant chemotherapy may reduce
      the risk of recurrence and enhance the survival time in patients with UELS.

PMID- 25120674
TI  - Chemotherapy-induced fulminant acute pancreatitis in pancreatic carcinoma: A case
      report.
AB  - Cases of chemotherapy-induced pancreatitis are rarely reported and among those
      diagnosed, the majority are mild and self-limiting. However, no previous cases of
      fulminant acute pancreatitis (FAP) induced by chemotherapeutic agents have been
      reported. The current study presents a case of FAP in a 62-year-old female on
      gemcitabine and capecitabine therapy. The patient was admitted to the China-Japan
      Friendship Hospital (Beijing, China) with the symptoms of acute pancreatitis two
      days after the completion of the first cycle of chemotherapy. Shock, hypoxemia
      and acute renal failure supervened, which resulted in mortality. As the common
      etiologies of pancreatitis were eliminated, a correlation between the incidence
      of FAP, and pancreatic cancer or chemotherapy, or both was suspected. Clinicians
      should be aware of this potential adverse effect when prescribing
      chemotherapeutic agents, particularly in patients with pre-existing risk factors
      for pancreatitis.

PMID- 25120673
TI  - Effect of daphnoretin on the proliferation and apoptosis of A549 lung cancer
      cells in vitro.
AB  - Daphnoretin is an active constituent of Wikstroemia indica C.A. Mey., which is
      widely distributed in the northwest and southwest regions of China. Previous
      studies have shown that daphnoretin has anticancer effects on leukemia,
      osteosarcoma and uterine cervix cancer cells. However, the effect of daphnoretin
      on human lung cancer cells has yet to be elucidated. In the present study,
      daphnoretin was observed to inhibit A549 lung cancer cell proliferation in a
      concentration- and time-dependent manner. Fluorescent microscopy and flow
      cytometric analysis showed that daphnoretin induced A549 cell apoptosis in a
      concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis also revealed that
      daphnoretin induced apoptosis through the regulation of the B-cell lymphoma-2
      gene family in A549 cells. These findings indicate that daphnoretin may have
      potential as a therapeutic agent for the management of lung cancer.

PMID- 25120675
TI  - Primary adrenal nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: A case report
      and review of the literature.
AB  - Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a subtype of Hodgkin
      lymphoma (HL), and is a rare disease manifestation in the adrenal gland, which is
      difficult to be diagnosed and treated. In the present study, we report a case of
      primary adrenal NLPHL in a 36-year-old male patient. The patient was without
      specific clinical signs and the definitive diagnosis was achieved by histological
      study. The patient underwent a laparoscopic left adrenalectomy and chemotherapy
      regimen of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (ABVD). There is
      no standard treatment for adrenal NLPHL and therefore, treatment is based on that
      for other types of NLPHL, which includes radiotherapy and ABVD chemotherapy.
      Given the rarity of this disease, there are limited experiences with regard to
      its diagnosis and treatment. This study is useful for the differential diagnosis
      and treatment of adrenal masses.

PMID- 25120676
TI  - Primary chondrosarcoma presenting as an intrathoracic mass: A report of three
      cases.
AB  - Primary intrathoracic chondrosarcomas are rare tumors. The present study reports
      three cases of primary intrathoracic chondrosarcomas in two males and one female
      aged between 45 and 64 years. Clinically, one case presented with cough and blood
      sputum, while the other two cases of primary intrathoracic chondrosarcoma were
      found incidently during a routine health examination. Radiologically, the
      chondrosarcomas presented as large masses with intratumoral calcification.
      Chondrosarcoma should be distinguished from other calcified pulmonary lesions. In
      this study, all three cases underwent surgical treatment, and in one case, the
      surgery was accompanied by radiotherapy. To date, all patients have been followed
      up for between two and three years and are alive.

PMID- 25120677
TI  - Epithelioid angiosarcoma of the kidney: A case report and literature review.
AB  - Epithelioid angiosarcoma (EAS) is a rare disease which presents a great
      diagnostic challenge. The present study reports a case of EAS in the kidney in a
      75-year-old male who presented with gross hematuria. An abdominal computed
      tomography scan revealed space-occupying lesions of the right kidney and renal
      cell carcinoma was suspected. Histological examination of the resected specimens
      showed pleomorphic epithelioid cells with vesicular nuclei, prominent nucleoli
      and eosinophilic cytoplasm that lined irregular vascular spaces.
      Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the tumor cells were positive for
      AE1/AE3, cytokeratin (CK) 7, vimentin, cluster of differentiation (CD) 31 and E
      cadherin, but showed no staining for CD10, CD34, factor VIII, CK20,
      carcinoembryonic antigen or desmin. Based on the histopathological and
      immunohistochemical findings, the patient was diagnosed with epithelioid
      angiosarcoma. Postoperative radiation therapy was administered and no recurrence
      was observed six months after surgery.

PMID- 25120678
TI  - Imaging observations of a schwannoma of low malignant potential in the anterior
      abdominal wall: A case report.
AB  - Neurilemmoma, also known as schwannoma, is an uncommon benign neoplasm that is
      most commonly found in the trunk and head and neck regions. The present study
      reports the case of a 67-year-old female with schwannoma localized in the
      anterior abdominal wall and analyzes the ultrasound and computed tomography (CT)
      imaging observations of the schwannoma. A dynamic time-intensity curve was also
      recorded in the study. A well-defined, elliptic low echo level, heterogeneous
      mass was observed during ultrasound examination. The CT scan revealed a solid,
      heterogeneous, low-density mass in the abdominal wall. Contrast-enhanced scans
      showed a heterogeneously enhanced mass during the arterial and venous phase.
      Centripetal fill-in was demonstrated and the mass was markedly, homogenously
      enhanced relative to the muscles during the delayed phase. Peak enhancement was
      observed during the venous phase and then slowly declined. However, the mass was
      hyperattenuated during the delayed phase. The lesion was completely excised and
      no evidence of recurrence has been identified during the 3 months of follow-up.
      The present study suggested that a diagnosis of schwannoma should be considered
      for certain patients with masses in the abdominal wall. Peripheral enhancement
      during the arterial and venous phases and homogeneous enhancement in the delayed
      phase are the significant imaging findings of a schwannoma.

PMID- 25120679
TI  - Never in mitosis gene A-related kinase 6 promotes cell proliferation of
      hepatocellular carcinoma via cyclin B modulation.
AB  - Never in mitosis gene A-related kinase (Nek) 6 is a recently identified Nek that
      is required for mitotic cell cycle progression; however, the role and mechanism
      of Nek6 activity during hepatocarcinogenesis is not well known. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the potential roles and internal mechanism of Nek6 in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. In the present study, Nek6 was found
      to be overexpressed in HCC samples and cell lines by florescent real-time
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blot
      analysis. Furthermore, it was evidenced to contribute to oncogenesis and
      progression. The ectopic overexpression of Nek6 promoted cell proliferation and
      colony formation, whereas gene silencing of Nek6 inhibited these phenotypes, as
      documented in Huh7, PLC/PRF/5, Hep3B and HepG2 HCC cell lines. Mechanistic
      analyses indicated that Nek6 regulates the transcription of cyclin B through cdc2
      activation, and promotes the accumulation of G0/G1-phase cells. In conclusion,
      the findings of the current study suggested that Nek6 contributes to the
      oncogenic potential of HCC, and may present as a potential therapeutic target in
      this disease.

PMID- 25120680
TI  - Expression of WASF3 in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: Correlation with
      clinicopathological features and prognosis.
AB  - Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family member 3 (WASF3) is required for invasion
      and metastasis in different cancer cell types, and has been demonstrated to
      possess prognostic value in various types of human cancer. However, to the best
      of our knowledge, the expression profile of WASF3 and its correlations with the
      clinicopathological features of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not yet
      been described. In the present study, the mRNA expression levels of WASF3, in 38
      NSCLC patients and in matched normal tissues, were assessed using quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction and the protein expression in 96 specimens was analyzed
      using immunohistochemistry. In addition, patient survival data were collected
      retrospectively and the association between WASF3 expression and five-year
      overall survival was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the mRNA expression
      level of WASF3 in cancer tissues was markedly (approximately five times) higher
      compared with that of the normal tissues. The WASF3 protein expression profile in
      NSCLC was consistent with the mRNA expression result, which also correlated with
      the histological subtype and tumor stage. Furthermore, patients with WASF3
      positive expression were associated with a poorer prognosis compared with those
      exhibiting WASF3-negative expression, and the five-year survival rate was 20.8
      and 46.5%, respectively (Kaplan-Meier; log-rank, P=0.004). In the multivariate
      analysis, which included other clinicopathological features, WASF3 emerged as an
      independent prognostic factor (relative risk, 0.463; 95% CI, 0.271-0.792). These
      results indicate that WASF3 may be critical in the pathogenesis of NSCLC, in
      addition to being a valuable prognostic factor for NSCLC patients. Further
      investigations are required to identify the efficacy of WASF3 as a potential
      therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.

PMID- 25120681
TI  - Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase is overexpressed in prostate cancer and
      correlates with prolonged progression-free and overall survival times.
AB  - Nicotinamide N -methyltransferase (NNMT) has been identified to be associated
      with tumorigenesis and the malignant transformation of numerous types of cancer.
      The aim of the present study was to explore the expression and prognostic
      significance of NNMT in prostate cancer (PCa). Immunohistochemical NNMT
      expression was examined in 26 cases of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), 18
      cases of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and 120 cases of
      PCa. While rarely expressed in BPH (8/26 cases; 30.8%), NNMT was found to be
      significantly upregulated in HGPIN (15/18 cases; 83.3%) and PCa (77/120 cases;
      64.2%). Clinicopathological analysis revealed that NNMT expression was negatively
      correlated with Gleason score (P<0.001). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival
      curves revealed that high NNMT expression was associated with prolonged
      progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) times in patients with
      advanced PCa. Multivariate analysis showed that NNMT was an independent
      prognostic marker of PFS and OS in patients with advanced PCa. The results of the
      present study suggested that NNMT may contribute to the development of PCa and
      may potentially be a favorable prognostic marker for the survival of patients
      with advanced PCa.

PMID- 25120682
TI  - Periductal stromal sarcoma of the breast: A case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Periductal stromal sarcoma (PSS), spindle and epithelioid types, is a rare
      subtype of malignant fibroepithelial tumor. The morphological characteristics of
      this neoplasm are different from phyllodes tumor and stromal sarcoma. PSS
      exhibits biphasic histology with benign ductal elements and a sarcomatous stroma
      composed of spindle cells and lacking phyllodes tumor architecture. The
      therapeutic management of PSS is based on wide surgery with free margins, and
      adjuvant therapies are not required. To the best of our knowledge, the recurrence
      of PSS in <=5 months has not been reported in the literature to date. This report
      describes a 43-year-old woman who presented to our hospital with a recurrence of
      nodules in the left breast. The patient had undergone lumpectomy at a different
      hospital 5 months previously, and a diagnosis of phyllodes tumor was
      pathologically confirmed. On presentation at our hospital, the patient underwent
      a second lumpectomy. Histological examination revealed PSS and the patient
      underwent a simple mastectomy of the left breast with no adjuvant treatment (such
      as chemotherapy or radiotherapy). After 9 months of close follow-up examinations,
      no recurrence was observed. PSS is an extremely rare disease with low-grade
      sarcomatous behavior, which may evolve into a phyllodes tumor or an entity of
      breast cancer. Therefore, frequent follow-up examinations are required.

PMID- 25120683
TI  - Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver mistaken for hepatic abscess in
      an adult.
AB  - Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) predominantly occurs in
      children under the age of 10 years, and ~90% of cases occur in children <15 years
      old. Patients may complain of abdominal pain, fever or other symptoms. No
      significant decrease has been identified in the hepatic function or elevation of
      alpha-fetoprotein, which differentiates UESL from primary carcinomas of the
      liver. In the present study, a rare and misdiagnosed case of an UESL arising in a
      male, which was mistaken for a hepatic abscess and retrospectively re-diagnosed,
      is reported. This case was misdiagnosed as a hepatic abscess initially, and it
      was diagnosed as UESL subsequent to performing tests, including a type-B
      ultrasonic scan and computed tomography (CT), and evaluating pathological
      findings. The rapid recurrence of the tumor in this patient was identified by CT,
      and this is associated with the malignancy of the disease. Currently, patients
      with UESL have a poor prognosis as there is not a successful treatment strategy.
      The present study analyzes the course of diagnosis and potential treatment for
      the disease.

PMID- 25120684
TI  - Ovarian steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified: A rare case of
      postmenopausal vaginal bleeding.
AB  - Ovarian steroid cell tumors (SCTs), not otherwise specified (NOS) are
      particularly rare ovarian tumors, which are composed of steroid-hormone secreting
      cells. The majority of patients with this tumor produce excessive quantities of
      testosterone and virilization is common. The current report presents a rare case
      of SCT in a 59-year-old female who presented with postmenopausal vaginal
      bleeding. The patient had experienced irregular vaginal bleeding for two months,
      12 years after menopause. Transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging
      identified a solid adnexal mass and the pathological result of diagnostic
      curettage showed a proliferative endometrium. The patient's serum estrogen and
      testosterone levels were elevated (393.71 nmol/l and 22.28 nmol/l, respectively).
      The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, hysterectomy and
      bisalpingectomy. The neoplasm was well-circumscribed, solid, homogeneous and
      yellow in color. Microscopically, the tumor was predominantly composed of
      granular eosinophilic or vacuolated cytoplasm. Reinke's crystals, prominent
      nucleoli and Call-Exner bodies were not observed, and there was no mitotic
      figure. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the tumor cells were strongly
      positive for inhibin. The present rare case aims to expand the current knowledge
      of this type of ovarian tumor.

PMID- 25120685
TI  - Expression of Kin17 promotes the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
      in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Kin17 protein is ubiquitously expressed in mammals and is correlated with vital
      biological functions. However, little is known about the role of Kin17 in the
      proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The aim of the present study was
      to investigate whether the upregulation of Kin17 can promote the growth of
      hepatocellular carcinoma cells. A series of assays was performed to study the
      effect of Kin17 in the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro
      and in vivo. The western blotting results revealed that Kin17 expression was
      increased in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues compared with that of the
      corresponding normal tissues. Moreover, ectopic upregulation of Kin17 expression
      promoted the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. These
      results indicated that Kin17 is involved in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular
      carcinoma, and that Kin17 has the potential to serve as a therapeutic target for
      hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 25120686
TI  - B7-H3 and B7-H1 expression in cerebral spinal fluid and tumor tissue correlates
      with the malignancy grade of glioma patients.
AB  - The B7 family consists of activating and inhibitory molecules that regulate
      immune responses. Recent research demonstrated the roles of soluble B7-H3 (sB7
      H3) and soluble B7-H1 (sB7-H1) in the blood serum of various tumors; however,
      none of these studies investigated the expression of these proteins in the
      cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and blood serum of patients with glioma. The aim of
      the present study was to investigate the expression of B7-H3 and B7-H1 in the
      CSF, blood serum and tissues of patients with glioma and their correlation with
      clinicopathological data. Between January 2012 and November 2012, samples were
      obtained from 78 patients with glioma, four CSF samples were obtained from
      patients with a moderate traumatic brain injury, four brain tissue samples were
      obtained from patients with a traumatic brain injury and 40 blood serum samples
      were obtained from healthy individuals. The expression of B7-H3 and B7-H1 in the
      CSF, blood serum and tumor samples of the patients with high-grade glioma was
      found to be higher than that in the patients with low-grade glioma. However, no
      significant differences in sB7-H3 and sB7-H1 expression were observed in the
      blood serum of the patients with glioma compared with the healthy control
      subjects. In addition, the expression of sB7-H3 and sB7-H1 in the CSF of the
      patients with glioma was higher than that in the CSF of the patients with a
      moderate traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, in the patients with glioma, B7-H3
      and B7-H1 expression in the CSF and tumor tissue, although not in the blood
      serum, correlated with the glioma grade.

PMID- 25120687
TI  - Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the breast: A case report.
AB  - Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, metastasizing tumor of the deep
      dermis and subcutaneous tissue. While it frequently occurs in the trunk and
      extremities, breast involvement has rarely been reported. In the present case,
      imaging and pathological technologies were used to detect DFSP of the breast.
      Surgical excision with wide margins (>3 cm) and pathology revealed spindle cells
      arranged in storiform patterns and short fascicles which were crucially CD34
      positive, enabling a definitive diagnosis prior to surgery.

PMID- 25120688
TI  - Breast cancer metastasis to the stomach confirmed using gastroscopy: A case
      report.
AB  - Breast cancer metastasis to the stomach is relatively rare. Unlike infiltrating
      ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) has a high tendency to
      metastasize to the stomach. The present study reports a case of a 53-year-old
      female who had undergone a modified radical mastectomy of the left breast for ILC
      eight years previously and presented at the clinic seeking treatment for
      epigastric discomfort from sour regurgitation and belching that had persisted for
      one month. Gastroscopy revealed multiple apophysis lesions in the stomach, which
      were diagnosed as metastatic tumors to the stomach. The diagnosis was further
      established using histological and immunohistochemical analyses for gross cystic
      disease fluid protein-15, cytokeratin (CK) 7 and CK20. The patient was treated
      with systemic chemotherapy without surgery. During the treatment, two gastroscopy
      procedures revealed that the apophysis lesions in the gastric body had narrowed
      significantly. Few cases of breast cancer metastasizing to the stomach have been
      reported, particularly those that have been confirmed using gastroscopy. The
      present study reports a case of breast cancer metastasis to the stomach to raise
      awareness of the condition.

PMID- 25120690
TI  - Progression of penile cutaneous horn to squamous cell carcinoma: A case report.
AB  - The current report presents the case of a 43-year-old male suffering from a
      penile cutaneous horn. A surgical excision of the lesion was performed and
      histopathology demonstrated hyperkeratosis, dyskeratosis and epithelial
      hyperplasia. The cutaneous horn progressed to squamous cell carcinoma <1.5 months
      following surgery and a partial penectomy was conducted. The International Index
      of Erectile Function 5 questionnaire was used to assess the patient and the score
      had decreased in the one-month postoperative follow-up compared with that of the
      preoperative period. These findings indicate that undergoing a partial penectomy
      on initial diagnosis of a penile cutaneous horn should be considered in order to
      conserve a greater quantity of the penile tissue and improve the postoperative
      quality of life.

PMID- 25120689
TI  - Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the renal pelvis: A case report.
AB  - Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a high-grade malignant neoplasm which exhibits
      morphological and/or immunohistochemical evidence of bidirectional epithelial and
      mesenchymal differentiation. Sarcomatoid carcinoma occurring in the upper urinary
      tract is rare. The present study reports a case of primary sarcomatoid carcinoma
      of the renal pelvis. A 49-year-old female patient was admitted to Beijing Chao
      Yang Hospital for experiencing two weeks of intermittent hematuria. A computed
      tomography scan revealed a mass of 2 cm in diameter in the left renal pelvis. A
      retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy combined with a bladder cuff excision was
      performed, and the final pathological diagnosis was sarcomatoid carcinoma of the
      renal pelvis. The patient did not receive systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
      Regular follow-up was performed for 30 months, and there was no evidence of tumor
      local recurrence or distant metastasis.

PMID- 25120691
TI  - Metastasis of mesothelioma to the maxillary gingiva.
AB  - Malignant mesothelioma predominantly arises from the serosal surfaces of the
      pleural or peritoneal cavity. There is currently no effective standard treatment
      for mesothelioma and the prognosis for patients is poor; the majority of patients
      with malignant mesothelioma succumb between 12 and 17 months following diagnosis.
      The association of all forms of malignant mesothelioma with asbestos exposure has
      been well documented. However, metastasis to the oral gingiva is rare, as only
      four cases have previously been reported; two cases of metastasis to the tongue
      and four cases to the jaw bone. In the current report, the case of a 62-year-old
      male with metastatic mesothelioma is presented. To the best of our knowledge,
      this is the first report regarding the metastasis of this type of neoplasm to the
      maxillary gingiva.

PMID- 25120692
TI  - Biological characteristics of prostate cancer cells are regulated by hypoxia
      inducible factor 1alpha
AB  - Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha has been reported to be associated with
      malignancy in a number of types of cancer. However, the role of HIF-1 alpha in
      the regulation of prostate cancer (PCa) growth has yet to be elucidated. The
      present study aimed to investigate the effect of HIF-1alpha on the biological
      characteristics of the PCa PC3 cell line. Full-length (fL) HIF-1alpha and
      dominant-negative (dn) HIF-1alpha were transfected into PC3 cells. The expression
      of HIF-1alpha and its downstream genes, including vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF), erythropoietin (EPO) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), were
      detected using western blot analysis. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration
      were assessed using MTT, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick
      end labeling and Boyden chamber assays. The expression of VEGF, EPO and CXCR4 was
      found to be upregulated in the fL HIF-1alpha-transfected PC3 cells and
      downregulated in the dn HIF-1alpha-transfected PC3 cells. The overexpression of
      HIF-1alpha was observed to enhance cell proliferation and migration and decrease
      docetaxol-induced cell apoptosis. However, dn HIF-1alpha was found to attenuate
      cell proliferation and migration, and promote docetaxol-induced cell apoptosis.
      These findings indicate that HIF-1alpha regulates the proliferation, apoptosis
      and migration of PC3 cells, at least in part, by regulating the expression of its
      target genes, including VEGF, EPO and CXCR4. Thus, the use of HIF-1alpha
      inhibitors may be a promising therapy for the treatment of PCa.

PMID- 25120693
TI  - XRCC2 rs3218536 polymorphism decreases the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells
      to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitor.
AB  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with the development of
      certain types of cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the association
      between X-ray repair complementing defective repair in Chinese hamster cells 2
      (XRCC2) SNPs and colorectal cancer (CRC) cell sensitivity to the poly(ADP-ribose)
      polymerase (PARP) 1 inhibitor olaparib (AZD2281). SNaPshot(r) analysis of XRCC2
      SNPs was performed in five CRC cell lines. The AZD2281-sensitivities of the CRC
      cells were also analyzed using MTT assays. The effect of AZD2281 on XRCC2 and
      PARP1 expression was investigated in the five cell lines using quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. Parallel investigations were
      performed using a cisplatin (DDP) model of DNA damage. The XRCC2 rs3218536 SNP
      was found to be associated with the LoVo microsatellite instability CRC cell
      line. The relative rate of growth inhibition was found to be lower in the LoVo
      cells following treatment with AZD2281 compared with the other four cell lines
      (P=0.002). Furthermore, the XRCC2 mRNA level in the LoVo cells was observed to be
      significantly higher than that in the other four cell lines (P<0.05). Similar
      results were found using the DDP model of DNA damage (P<0.05). The present study
      indicated that the XRCC2 rs3218536 polymorphism decreases the sensitivity of CRC
      cells to AZD2281.

PMID- 25120696
TI  - Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation-assisted enucleation of Xp11.2 translocation
      renal cell carcinoma: A case report.
AB  - The current study presents a case of Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma
      (Xp11.2 RCC) in a 30-year-old female. The patient was referred to The Affiliated
      Drum Tower Hospital of the Medical College of Nanjing University (Nanjing,
      Jiangsu, China) due to a right renal tumor without evident symptoms, which was
      found by a routine physical examination. A computed tomography (CT) scan
      indicated that the mass exhibited cystic and solid components. The patient
      underwent laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation-assisted enucleation.
      Immunohistochemistry revealed intense nuclear staining for transcription factor
      E3 protein in the cancer cells. The patient was diagnosed with Xp11.2 RCC. The
      urological and radiological outcomes remained satisfactory after >2.5 years of
      follow-up.

PMID- 25120695
TI  - Conservative management of endometrial stromal sarcoma at stage III: A case
      report.
AB  - Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is a rare malignant tumor of the uterus. The
      standard treatment is surgery, such as total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo
      oophorectomy. The use of adjuvant treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation
      therapy and endocrine therapy, remains controversial, so it is uncommon for
      conservative management to be performed in patients with low-grade ESS. The
      present study reports the case of a 19-year-old female with ESS at stage III who
      underwent a local mass resection by laparoscopic surgery. A high dose of
      progestin (medroxyprogesterone acetate) therapy was then administered.
      Conservative management resulted in complete remission of the low-grade ESS, with
      no sign of recurrence at the 33-month follow-up.

PMID- 25120694
TI  - Implications of PPPDE1 expression in the distribution of plakoglobin and beta
      catenin in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Human PPPDE peptidase domain-containing protein 1 (PPPDE1) is a recently
      identified protein; however, its exact functions remain unclear. In our previous
      study, the PPPDE1 protein was found to be decreased in certain cancer tissues. In
      the present study, a total of 96 pancreatic ductal carcinoma tissue samples and
      31 normal tissues samples were assessed to investigate the distribution of
      plakoglobin and beta-catenin under the conditions of various PPPDE1 expression
      levels by means of immunohistochemistry. Generally, the staining of PPPDE1 was
      strong in normal tissues, but weak in cancer tissues. Plakoglobin was mainly
      distributed along the membrane and cytoplasm border in normal cells, but was less
      evident in the membranes of cancer cells. In particular, a greater percentage of
      cells exhibited low membrane plakoglobin expression in cancer tissue with low
      PPPDE1 expression (PPPDE1-low cancer) compared with that in cancer tissue with
      high PPPDE1 expression (PPPDE1-high cancer). The distribution of beta-catenin in
      normal tissues was similar to that of plakoglobin. However, beta-catenin was
      peculiarly prone to invade nucleus in PPPDE1-low cancer compared with PPPDE1-high
      cancer. Our data suggested potential links between PPPDE1 expression and the
      distribution of plakoglobin and beta-catenin in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,
      providing insights into the role of PPPDE1 in the progression of pancreatic
      cancer.

PMID- 25120697
TI  - Osteosarcoma arising from the parapharyngeal space: A case report.
AB  - The current study presents a rare case of osteoblastic osteosarcoma arising from
      an extremely rare site, namely, the parapharyngeal space. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first study of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) of an osteosarcoma in the parapharyngeal space with
      pathological correlation. A 56-year-old male presented with a mass of the right
      facial region. CT and MRI showed a heterogeneous mass, with ossification or
      calcification, occupying the parapharyngeal space. Open biopsy revealed an
      osteoblastic osteosarcoma containing calcified malignant osteoid. Lung CT also
      showed multiple lung metastases at the time of the first visit to the Department
      of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine (Osaka,
      Japan). Systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy were administered to the patient
      for palliation. The patient was alive at the 24-month follow-up subsequent to
      this treatment. Although a definitive diagnosis requires the use of a biopsy, the
      CT and MRI findings described in the present study suggest inclusion of this rare
      tumor in the differential diagnosis that is formed when such findings occur in
      the parapharyngeal space. The present study also briefly discusses osteosarcoma
      of the parapharyngeal space.

PMID- 25120698
TI  - Traumatic breast transposal to the abdominal wall: A case report.
AB  - Although abdominal wall masses are commonly observed in clinical practice,
      traumatic breast transposal appearing as an abdominal wall mass is a rare event.
      The unique phenomenon of a post-traumatic breast growing healthily in the
      abdominal wall has never previously been reported. The current study presents the
      case of a 40-year-old female who developed an unusually transposed, but healthy
      mammary gland in the right upper abdominal wall following a severe pedestrian
      traffic accident. In that accident, the powerful impact of the car caused
      multiple right-sided rib fractures, lung injuries and a protruding mass on the
      right abdominal wall. This sudden onset protruding mass was indicated to be
      breast tissue by computed tomography imaging and ultrasound scanning. The
      transposed mammary gland was resected and a pathological examination confirmed
      that it consisted of normal breast tissue. In this case, the force of the car
      caused no significant damage or necrosis to the right breast, but instead was
      sufficient to shift the mammary gland to the abdomen, where it grew healthily 6
      months in its new location. This case highlights the capability of the mammary
      gland to withstand a powerful impact and survive. Moreover, it advances our
      knowledge of how mammary tissues respond to severe blunt-force impacts.

PMID- 25120703
TI  - Primary intraosseous carcinoma arising from an odontogenic cyst: A case report.
AB  - Cyst-like lesions in the mandible rarely develop into malignancies, and the
      reported incidence is between 0.3 and 2%. The present study describes a rare case
      of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma of the mandible arising from an
      odontogenic cyst. A 59-year-old female was referred to Asahi University Murakami
      Memorial Hospital (Gifu, Japan), with acute pain in the right molars. An initial
      examination revealed buccal swelling and paresthesia of the mental nerve.
      Following an intraoral examination, the oral mucosa was confirmed to be normal,
      however, percussion pain was experienced between the lower right first premolar
      and second molar. Panoramic radiography revealed a retained lower right wisdom
      tooth and an irregular radiolucent area between the lower right molar and a
      mandibular angle with unclear margins. Computed tomography revealed diffuse bone
      resorption and an extensive loss of cortical bone on the buccal and lingual
      sides. A biopsy was performed and the pathological diagnosis was of a squamous
      cell carcinoma arising from the epithelial lining of the odontogenic cyst.
      Radical dissection was subsequently performed, however, histopathological
      examination of the resected specimen revealed neither invasion into the
      surrounding tissues penetrating the periosteum nor lymph node metastasis at the
      right submandibular lesion. Following the pathological diagnosis of primary
      intraosseous carcinoma (PIOC), the patient received 6,000 Gy radiation as post
      operative radiotherapy and chemotherapy with oral administration of tegafur,
      gimeracil and oteracil potassium. The patient is currently undergoing follow-up
      examinations. Although PIOC arising from an odontogenic cyst is rare, it should
      be considered as a differential diagnosis for radiolucency of the jaw bone,
      particularly in older patients exhibiting a history of cystic lesions.

PMID- 25120705
TI  - Primary neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma of the parotid gland: A case report
      and review of the literature.
AB  - Small cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant epithelial tumor that predominantly
      arises in the lungs. Primary SCC of the parotid gland is rare and difficult to
      diagnose by analysis of frozen sections obtained during surgery. Due to the
      aggressive nature of SCC and the frequent occurrence of distant metastases,
      identification of the disease is important. The current study reports the case of
      a male patient who presented with a right parotid gland mass. The tumor was
      resected and evaluated by light microscopy and immunohistochemical analysis.
      Immunohistochemically, the tumor was positive for cytokeratin, epithelial
      membrane antigen, cluster of differentiation 117, synaptophysin and thyroid
      transcription factor-1, which indicated that the tumor was a SCC of the parotid
      gland. An extended resection of the right parotid gland mass and dissection of
      the facial nerve were performed. Following discharge from the hospital, the
      patient received radiation therapy postoperatively. The patient has remained
      disease free during five months of follow-up.

PMID- 25120699
TI  - Giant primary cystic mediastinal lymphangioma: A case report.
AB  - Cystic lymphangioma mainly occurs in children. Cystic mediastinal lymphangioma
      (CML) originates from mediastinal tissues and is an extremely uncommon cystic
      lymphangioma that develops from the lymphatic vessels. The present study reports
      the case of 46-year-old male patient with a giant CML that was surgically
      resected by video-assisted thoracoscopy. The largest diameter of the CML was 18.0
      cm, and ~400 ml of pale yellow fluid was removed from the cystic cavity during
      surgery. The postoperative pathological reports on the cystic wall showed that
      the neoplasm was a CML. At present, at the one-year postoperative follow-up,
      there are no signs of recurrence. In conclusion, complete surgical resection may
      prevent recurrence.

PMID- 25120702
TI  - Isolated duodenal myeloid sarcoma associated with the CBFbeta/MYH11 fusion gene
      followed by acute myeloid leukemia progression: A case report and literature
      review.
AB  - Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare disease that presents as an extramedullary
      tumorous mass of immature myeloid precursors. The majority of MS are identified
      in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and rarely present as a primary isolated
      MS without AML. In addition, inversion of chromosome 16 [inv(16)] and the
      CBFbeta/MYH11 fusion gene are rarely associated with MS. The current study
      reports a female patient with an isolated duodenal MS, who developed AML-M4
      associated with the CBFbeta/MYH11 fusion gene and 48,XX,inv(16),+13,+22. A review
      of previously reported cases of isolated MS with the CBFbeta/MYH11 fusion gene
      was also performed. Isolated MS with the CBFbeta/MYH11 fusion gene was often
      observed in abdominal lesions, with the intestinal tract being the predominantly
      involved site. In addition, patients with isolated MS with the CBFbeta/MYH11
      fusion exhibited a high risk of developing systemic AML. The diagnosis of
      isolated MS may be particularly challenging and, therefore, determining the
      optimal standard treatment for isolated MS is required.

PMID- 25120701
TI  - Association between four common microRNA polymorphisms and the risk of
      hepatocellular carcinoma and HBV infection.
AB  - microRNAs (miR/miRNAs) have been demonstrated to function as tumor suppressors
      and oncogenes, and miRNA polymorphisms may have a role in cancer development. The
      present study aimed to investigate the association between the miR-146aG>C, miR
      149C>T, miR-196a2C>T and miR-499A>G polymorphisms and the risk of hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A total of 271 patients
      with HCC and 532 healthy control participants were enrolled in the present study.
      miR-146aG>C, miR-149C>T, miR-196a2C>T and miR-499A>G polymorphisms were genotyped
      using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism
      method. A significant difference was identified in the genotype frequency of miR
      196a2C>T in the patients in the case group compared with the control group
      (chi2=6.88; P=0.032). Compared with the CC genotype, the miR-196a2 TT genotype
      was associated with a significantly reduced risk of HCC [odds ratio (OR), 0.62;
      95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38-0.99], and a significantly reduced risk was
      also found in the dominant (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49-0.98) and recessive (OR, 0.70;
      95% CI, 0.46-1.02) models. Moreover, individuals with HBV who were carrying the
      miR-196a2 CT and TT genotypes had a significantly reduced risk of HCC (OR, 0.62;
      95% CI, 0.41-0.95; and OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.20-0.73, respectively). In conclusion,
      the present study found that the miR-196a2C>T polymorphism has a protective
      effect in patients with HCC, particularly in those with HBV infection.

PMID- 25120700
TI  - Mutation analysis of key genes in RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN pathways in Chinese
      patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - The RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN signaling pathways play central roles in
      hepatocarcinogenesis. KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and PTEN are key
      cancer-related genes in the RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN signaling pathways. Genetic
      alterations in these genes often lead to the dysregulation of the two cascades.
      Little is known regarding the frequency of hotspot mutations in these critical
      components among Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the
      current study, 57 somatic hotspot mutations in 36 HCCs samples collected from
      Chinese patients using direct DNA sequencing method were examined. Two cases of
      KRAS somatic mutations (KRAS codon 61; Gln to His) were identified among 36 HCCs
      (5.6%). However, no mutations were found in the NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, PIK3R1
      and PTEN genes. These findings indicated that point mutations in the KRAS gene,
      but not mutations in NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and PTEN genes, at a
      somatic level contribute to the abnormal activation of the RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN
      pathways in HCC.

PMID- 25120704
TI  - Metformin inhibits the proliferation of A549/CDDP cells by activating p38 mitogen
      activated protein kinase.
AB  - Metformin (Met) has been widely used in hypoglycemic therapy, and it is also able
      to reduce the incidence of tumors and tumor-related mortality. The present study
      investigated whether Met could inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells and
      enhance the sensitivity of a cisplatin-resistant lung cancer A549/CDDP cell line
      to cisplatin. It was found that Met treatment inhibited the proliferation of
      different lung cancer cells. Met inhibited the cell cycle of the A549/CDDP cells
      and induced apoptosis. Upon Met treatment, the A549/CDDP cells were arrested at
      the G1 phase. The apoptosis of the A549/CDDP cells was confirmed by the
      appearance of apoptotic bodies in cells stained with Hoechst 33258, and by the
      cleavage of BH3 interacting-domain death agonist and poly (ADP-ribose)
      polymerase. Furthermore, results showed that the phosphorylation level of p38
      mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was increased after Met treatment. The
      p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, significantly blocked Met-induced apoptosis in the
      A549/CDDP cells. It was further demonstrated that Met could enhance the
      sensitivity of the A549/CDDP cells to cisplatin. In summary, the present study
      identified Met as a drug sensitizer that could improve the treatment effect of
      cisplatin in cisplatin-resistant lung cancers.

PMID- 25120706
TI  - Ovarian hyperstimulation in premenopausal women during adjuvant tamoxifen
      treatment for endocrine-dependent breast cancer: A report of two cases.
AB  - Adjuvant endocrine therapy is an integral component of care for endocrine
      dependent breast cancer. The aim of this type of therapy is to counteract the
      production and the action of estrogens. The ovary is the primary site of estrogen
      production in premenopausal women, whereas, in postmenopausal women, the main
      source of estrogens is adipose tissue. Therefore, ovarian function suppression is
      an effective adjuvant strategy in premenopausal estrogen-dependent breast cancer.
      Similarly, the inhibition of estrogen action at the receptor site by tamoxifen
      has proven to be effective. To date, international consensus statements recommend
      tamoxifen (20 mg/day) for five years as the standard adjuvant endocrine therapy
      for premenopausal women. It should be noted that tamoxifen is a potent inducer of
      ovarian function and consequent hyperestrogenism in premenopausal women. In the
      present study, we report two cases of ovarian cyst formation with very high
      estrogen levels and endometrial hyperplasia during the administration of
      tamoxifen alone as adjuvant treatment for estrogen receptor-positive breast
      cancer in premenopausal women. These cases suggest that in young premenopausal
      patients with estrogen-dependent breast cancer, ovarian suppression is an
      essential prerequisite for an adjuvant endocrine therapy with tamoxifen. In this
      context, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist treatment by suppressing
      effective ovarian function may lead to a hypoestrogenic status that may
      positively impact breast cancer prognosis and prevent the effects of tamoxifen at
      the gynecological level. It is important to reconsider the action of tamoxifen on
      ovarian function and include these specific effects of tamoxifen in the informed
      consent of premenopausal patients who are candidates for tamoxifen alone as
      adjuvant endocrine treatment.

PMID- 25120707
TI  - Oral malignant melanoma: A report of two cases with BRAF molecular analysis.
AB  - Primary oral malignant melanoma is a rare condition, accounting for 1.3-1.4% of
      all melanomas, usually presenting with an aggressive clinical behavior. The
      present study reports the clinicopathological findings of two cases of oral
      malignant melanoma and discusses the epidemiology, diagnosis and current
      therapeutic approaches for this uncommon condition. In the first case the patient
      presented with a pigmented lesion located on the lower mucosal lip. The patient
      showed no nodal metastases and therefore, underwent a wedge resection. After
      seven months, the patient presented with neck lymph nodes and multiple visceral
      metastases. Molecular analysis of BRAF, using a pyrosequencing approach, revealed
      the presence of BRAF V600E mutation. The patient developed multiple visceral
      metastases, but refused treatment and was lost to follow-up. In the second case,
      no BRAF V600E mutation was found, but the patient exhibited a pigmented patch in
      the lower gingival mucosa, which was excised by surgical treatment. The patient
      was followed up by an oncologist, but did not undergo an additional therapy and
      is currently alive with no evidence of visceral metastases at one year following
      the diagnosis.

PMID- 25120708
TI  - Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary gingiva: A case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare, but distinct histologic
      variant of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region. It is considered
      to have a poor prognosis due to its aggressive behavior and tendency to
      metastasize. The usual sites of BSCC are the floor of the mouth, hypopharynx and
      base of the tongue, and according to the English-language literature its
      presentation in the gingiva is somewhat uncommon. In the current report, the
      unusual case of a 40-year-old male is presented; the patient exhibited a painless
      irregular mass in the maxillary gingiva, which infiltrated the maxillary sinus,
      as observed by computed tomography. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections
      revealed a diagnosis of BSCC with typical central necrosis in the cancer nests,
      which contained basaloid and squamous cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that
      p63 was weakly positive, high molecular weight cytokeratin (CK) was focally
      positive, and S-100, CK7, CK14 and vimentin were negative. It must be noted that
      histopathology results may be incorrectly interpreted as adenoid cystic
      carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma and basal cell adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 25120709
TI  - Meningeal myofibroblastoma in the frontal lobe: A case report.
AB  - Myofibroblastoma is a benign tumor composed of spindle cells in clusters and
      fascicles. To date, only three cases of intracranial myofibroblastoma have been
      reported. The present study reports the case of a 47-year-old female with
      meningeal myofibroblastoma. The patient had a history of ovarian cyst resection
      and presented with paroxysmal mild headaches that had been apparent for 4 years.
      Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a well-circumscribed mass in the left
      frontal lobe. A resection of the mass was performed. Abundant fascicular clusters
      of spindle- and oval-shaped cells were found by conventional histopathology.
      Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that these cells were strongly positive
      for smooth muscle actin, weakly positive for epithelial membrane antigen and
      negative for cluster of differentiation (CD)117, CD34, S-100 or desmin, with a Ki
      67 index of >10%. These results supported the diagnosis of myofibroblastoma. No
      recurrence of the mass was found during the 24-month follow-up period. Overall,
      the patient exhibited a rare type of meningeal neoplasm. Resection of the tumor
      proved to be successful and no recurrence were found. Histopathological and
      immunohistochemical staining is crucial to form a diagnosis. To the best of our
      knowledge, the present study is the first to show the presence of
      myofibroblastoma in the left frontal lobe.

PMID- 25120710
TI  - Icotinib inhibits the invasion of Tca8113 cells via downregulation of nuclear
      factor kappaB-mediated matrix metalloproteinase expression.
AB  - Icotinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which
      has been revealed to inhibit proliferation in tumor cells. However, the effect of
      icotinib on cancer cell metastasis remains to be explained. This study examines
      the effect of icotinib on the migration and invasion of squamous cells of tongue
      carcinoma (Tca8113 cells) in vitro. The results of the Boyden chamber invasion
      assay demonstrated that icotinib reduced cell invasion, suppressed the protein
      levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-2 and MMP-9, and increased the
      expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. In addition, icotinib was
      found to significantly decrease the protein levels of nuclear factor kappaB (NF
      kappaB) p65, which suggested that icotinib inhibits NF-kappaB activity.
      Furthermore, treatment with the NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate,
      suppressed cell invasion and MMP-2 expression. These results suggested that
      icotinib inhibits the invasion of Tca8113 cells by downregulating MMP via the
      inactivation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathways.

PMID- 25120711
TI  - Late-onset sarcoidosis in a patient with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid
      tissue non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A case report.
AB  - The simultaneous presence of hematological malignancies and sarcoidosis, defined
      as sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome, has been reported in 79 patients in the
      literature to date. The majority of these patients were affected by sarcoidosis
      and developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma or acute leukemia after 1-2 years; however, in
      <20 cases the malignancy developed first. This report presents the case of an 83
      year-old male with a clinical history of Helicobacter pylori-positive gastric
      mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. The patient developed sarcoidosis 10
      years after the first diagnosis, which caused the diagnostic work-up and
      differential diagnosis between a lymphoma relapse and de novo sarcoidosis to be
      challenging.

PMID- 25120712
TI  - Maintenance therapy with capecitabine in patients with locally advanced
      unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Therapeutic options for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) include
      concurrent chemoradiation, induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation or
      systemic therapy alone. The original Gastro-Intestinal Study Group and Eastern
      Cooperative Oncology Group studies defined fluorouracil (5-FU) with concurrent
      radiation therapy followed by maintenance 5-FU until progression, as the standard
      therapy for this subset of patients. Although this combined therapy has been
      demonstrated to increase local control and median survival from 8 to 12 months,
      almost all patients succumb to the disease secondary to either local or distant
      recurrence. Our earlier studies provided a strong rationale for the use of
      capecitabine in combination with concurrent radiation followed by maintenance
      capecitabine therapy. To report our clinical experience, we retrospectively
      evaluated our patients who were treated with maintenance capecitabine. We
      reviewed the medical records of patients with LAPC who received treatment with
      capecitabine and radiation, followed by a 4-week rest, then capecitabine alone
      1,000 mg twice daily (ECOG performance status 2 or age >70 years) or 1,500 mg
      twice daily for 14 days every 3 weeks until progressive disease. We treated 43
      patients between September 2004 and September 2012. The population consisted of
      16 females and 25 males, with a median age of 64 years (range, 38-80 years).
      Patients received maintenance capecitabine for median duration of 9 months
      (range, 3-18 months). The median overall survival (OS) for these patients was 17
      months, with two patients still living and receiving therapy. The 6-month
      survival rate was 91% (39/43), 1-year survival rate was 72% (31/43) and 2-year OS
      rate was 26% (11/43). Grade 3 or 4 toxicity was observed rarely: Hand-foot
      syndrome (HFS) in two patients, diarrhea in one patient and peripheral neuropathy
      in one patient, and there was no mortality directly related to treatment.
      Capecitabine maintenance therapy following chemoradiation in LAPC offers an
      effective, tolerable and convenient alternative to 5-FU. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the largest study of its kind which has determined the safety
      and efficacy of capecitabine maintenance therapy for patients with LAPC.

PMID- 25120713
TI  - Crosstalk between the p38 and TGF-beta signaling pathways through TbetaRI,
      TbetaRII and Smad3 expression in plancental choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells.
AB  - Choriocarcinoma is a highly aggressive tumor that develops from germ cells. Some
      choriocarcinomas originate in the testes or ovaries, while others may develop in
      the uterus after a normal pregnancy or after miscarriage. The tumor is
      characterized by early hematogenous spread to distal organs, such as the lung and
      brain. Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) is key in regulating tumor
      cell proliferation and invasion through a variety of Smad-dependent and 
      independent pathways, including the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      pathway. There appears to be crosstalk between the TGF-beta/Smad and p38 MAPK
      pathways; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk are not
      fully understood. The present study validated the role of TGF-beta signaling in
      cancer progression and explored the interaction between Smad and p38 MAPK
      signaling on transduction mediators in choriocarcinoma using the JEG-3 cell line.
      MTT assay was used to detect the effect of TGF-beta1 on JEG-3 cell proliferation.
      Cells were treated with p38 MAPK inhibitor and TGF-beta receptor inhibitor,
      followed by TGF-beta1, and reverse transcription quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the transcriptional levels of Smad3
      and TGF-beta receptors. The data demonstrated that TGF-beta can enhance the
      viability of JEG-3 cells. Blockade of the TGF-beta and p38 MAPK pathways
      attenuated the expression of Smad3, TGF-beta receptor type I (TbetaRI) and
      TbetaRII, and inhibited their expression in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis
      revealed that p38 MAPK is involved in and contributes to the TGF-beta pathway,
      dependent on the regulation of TbetaRI, TbetaRII and Smad3. Further investigation
      of the interactions between the TGF-beta and p38 MAPK pathways may offer
      potential venues for therapeutic intervention for choriocarcinoma.

PMID- 25120715
TI  - Laparoscopic liver biopsy in the diagnosis of hepatic epithelioid
      hemangioendothelioma: A case report.
AB  - Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is a rare vascular tumor of the
      liver, and its definitive diagnosis is completely dependent on histopathological
      verification. In the present study, we report the case of a patient whose
      percutaneous liver biopsy failed to reveal a diagnosis of HEH, twice, and who was
      ultimately diagnosed by laparoscopic liver biopsy. The patient was a 42-year-old
      female with mild right upper quadrant discomfort. Ultrasonography and magnetic
      resonance imaging showed multiple mass lesions scattered throughout the liver,
      but no evidence of extrahepatic diseases. The initial laboratory tests included
      liver function tests and tumor markers were within normal limits. Subsequently,
      two, ultrasound (US)-guided liver biopsies from the liver lesion were performed
      using an 18-gauge needle, and both of these showed massive hepatocellular
      necrosis. To obtain adequate tissue samples for histological examination, the
      patient underwent laparoscopic liver biopsy. The overall immunohistochemical
      findings supported the diagnosis of HEH. In the present case, two, US-guided
      percutaneous liver biopsies failed to diagnose HEH, and laparoscopic liver biopsy
      was safely performed to obtained adequate specimens for analysis. Although this
      method is not the preferred technique and has certain disadvantages, it is
      considered to be a useful and minimally invasive approach for liver lesions when
      other less-invasive diagnostic modalities fail or are difficult to be performed.

PMID- 25120714
TI  - Tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma mimicking a thyroid tumor: A case report.
AB  - At present, only eight cases of tracheal adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs)
      mimicking thyroid tumors have been reported. Since there are no guidelines
      available regarding their diagnosis and treatment, they present a significant
      clinical challenge. In the present study, patient treatment was analyzed to
      deliver the first concise summary of treatment options in patients with ACC
      mimicking a thyroid tumor. In addition, all available data regarding molecular
      abnormalities of this disease have been discussed. The current study presents a
      case of a 17-year-old patient with a tracheal ACC mimicking a thyroid tumor. The
      patient was diagnosed in 2007 with a pathological mass between the left lobe of
      the thyroid and the trachea, and underwent surgery and radiotherapy. In 2010,
      multiple lesions in the lungs were diagnosed and pulmonary metastasectomy was
      performed. Following surgery, the patient has been disease-free for almost 30
      months. Thyroid tumor biopsy may reveal ACCs. This pathological report requires
      further investigation of the head and neck in order to confirm if the disease is
      of tracheal origin. Patients may present with a neck swelling, hoarseness of
      voice or dysphagia. Surgery must be considered as first-line therapy for all
      patients with local disease as it may be curative. For palliative treatment
      chemoradiotherapy based on cisplatin may be effective. The identification of
      cytogenetics, tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, epigenetic alterations and
      mitochondrial abnormalities specific for ACCs is critical to the development of
      targeted therapies. Thus far, large studies have only reported the
      transcriptional activator Myb and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway
      to be disrupted in ACCs.

PMID- 25120716
TI  - High efficacy of gefitinib in the treatment of EGFR mutation-positive advanced
      non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma: A case report.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such
      as gefitinib and erlotinib, are known to play a significant role in EGFR mutation
      positive non-small cell lung cancer. When an EGFR mutation is found, gefitinib
      and erlotinib have been shown to have significant roles in the treatment of
      untreated advanced NSCLC. This study reports an EGFR mutation in NSCLC treated
      with gefitinib and is notable due to the patient's marked improvement following a
      shorter than average duration of treatment with gefitinib. The present study
      reports the case of a 58-year-old male smoker with a dry cough. Computed
      tomography revealed a mass in the left inferior lobe of the lung. The patient was
      subsequently diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma, and an EGFR mutation
      (in-frame deletions of E746-A750 in exon 19) was found. The patient received
      multiple rounds of chemotherapy, followed by gefitinib maintenance therapy for 3
      months. Later on, a grade 1 acne-like rash developed on the face and back that
      lasted throughout the treatment. Currently, the patient is stable, with no
      evidence of disease progression. The present study describes the disease and the
      treatment using gefitinib.

PMID- 25120717
TI  - Cathepsin D serum and urine concentration in superficial and invasive
      transitional bladder cancer as determined by surface plasmon resonance imaging.
AB  - Determination of cathepsin D (Cat D) concentration in serum and urine may be
      useful in the diagnosis of bladder cancer. The present study included 54 healthy
      patients and 68 patients with bladder cancer, confirmed by transurethral
      resection or cystectomy. Cat D concentration was determined using a surface
      plasmon resonance imaging biosensor. Cat D concentration in the serum of bladder
      cancer patients was within the range of 1.3-5.59 ng/ml, while for healthy donors
      it was within the range of 0.28-0.52 ng/ml. In urine, the Cat D concentration of
      bladder cancer patients was within the range of 1.35-7.14 ng/ml, while for
      healthy donors it was within the range of 0.32-0.68 ng/ml. Cat D concentration
      may represent an efficient tumor marker, as its concentration in the serum and
      urine of transitional cell carcinoma patients is extremely high when compared
      with healthy subjects.

PMID- 25120718
TI  - A large odontogenic myxoma of the bilateral maxillae: A case report.
AB  - Odontogenic myxomas (OMs) are benign mesenchymal locally aggressive neoplasms of
      the jaw bone. Although OMs predominantly involve the mandible, maxillary tumors
      are usually more aggressive than mandibular tumors. The present study describes
      the case of a 37-year-old male with a large odontogenic myxoma of the bilateral
      maxillae, which caused a defect in the right skull base bone. The tumor was
      successfully removed through radical resection of the hard tissue and local
      resection around the envelope of the soft tissue. The tumor exhibited no
      recurrence. However, the current methods for bilateral maxillary reconstruction
      to restore the maxillary buttress and achieve an optimal aesthetic appearance are
      complicated due to the lack of suitable conditions for oral rehabilitation with
      good dentition.

PMID- 25120719
TI  - Clinical significance of serum soluble death receptor 5 concentration in locally
      advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.
AB  - There is an urgent requirement for the identification of suitable biomarkers for
      the diagnosis and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The present
      study aimed to measure the levels of serum soluble death receptor 5 (sDR5) in
      patients with locally advanced stage III NSCLC, and to evaluate its diagnostic
      and prognostic significance in these patients. The sDR5 concentrations were
      evaluated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in 50 healthy controls
      and 122 patients with locally advanced stage III NSCLC [including 57
      adenocarcinoma (ADC) and 65 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients], before and
      after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. It was found that the pretreatment sDR5
      levels in patients with NSCLC were higher than the sDR5 levels of healthy
      controls (P<0.001). However, no significant difference in the sDR5 levels was
      observed between the ADC and SCC subgroups (P=0.874). According to multiple
      clinical classifications, a significant increase in the pretreatment serum sDR5
      levels could be observed in IIIB-stage patients compared with IIIA-stage patients
      (P=0.009). Patients with a tumor burden >3 cm had higher pretreatment sDR5
      concentration than those with a tumor burden <=3 cm (P=0.026). Additionally, T4
      stage patients had significantly higher pretreatment sDR5 levels compared with
      those of T1-stage patients (P<0.001). There were no significant differences
      between pre- and post-treatment sDR5 concentrations in the total NSCLC patient
      group (P=0.462), ADC subgroup (P=0.066) and SCC subgroup (P=0.052). Furthermore,
      when patients were divided according to therapeutic response, the pretreatment
      sDR5 levels in the responder patients were significantly lower compared with
      those of the non-responders (P<0.001). Further survival analysis showed that the
      patients whose pretreatment sDR5 levels were <=14 pg/ml (cutoff value, 14 pg/ml)
      had a longer progression-free survival (PFS) time than patients with sDR5 levels
      >14 pg/ml. However, no correlation was observed between the post-treatment sDR5
      levels and therapeutic response or PFS time. To the best of our knowledge, the
      present study results provide the first evidence that the pretreatment serum
      levels of sDR5 may be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis, prediction and
      prognosis of patients with locally advanced stage III NSCLC.

PMID- 25120720
TI  - Serum secreted frizzled-related protein 5 levels differentially decrease in
      patients with hepatitis B virus-associated chronic infection and hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of serum secreted
      frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5), an inhibitor of Wnt signaling, in hepatitis B
      virus (HBV)-associated infections and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.
      Serum SFRP5 levels were detected in 147 patients with HBV-associated chronic
      infection or HCC. Compared with the non-HBV-infected and non-HCC group, the HBV
      associated chronic infection and HCC groups exhibited decreased serum SFRP5
      levels. A significant inverse correlation between serum SFRP5 levels and HBV DNA
      levels was identified in the HBV-associated chronic infection and HCC groups.
      Furthermore, SFRP5 levels differentially decreased in patients with HBV
      associated diseases, in a manner which was dependent on liver disease status.
      Compared with patients exhibiting HBV-associated chronic infection, patients with
      HCC were found to exhibit lower serum SFRP5 levels. The results of the present
      study indicated that patients with HBV-associated liver infection and HCC
      exhibited significantly deceased serum SFRP5 levels, which were found to
      negatively correlate with HBV DNA levels. Serum SFRP5 levels may present a
      biomarker for the severity of HBV-associated liver infection, and the risk of HCC
      initiation and progression.

PMID- 25120721
TI  - Metaplastic breast carcinoma development following surgical resection of an
      inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in the right breast: A case report.
AB  - Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are uncommon, mesenchymal lesions, and
      malignant transformation is extremely rare. The current study presents the case
      of a 56-year-old female with a rapidly growing mass in the right breast, which
      was diagnosed as IMT. Immunohistochemically, the mass was positive for smooth
      muscle actin (SMA) and Ki-67 (positive staining in 30% of the cells), and
      negative for S-100, cluster of differentiation (CD)34, p63 and cytokeratin.
      Malignant transformation to metaplastic carcinoma of the spindle-cell type was
      observed following surgical resection. This metaplastic carcinoma demonstrated
      positive immunoreactivity for cytokeratin, vimentin, CD34, p63 and Ki-67 (>30%),
      and was negative for cytokeratin 7, SMA, desmin and S-100. The patient underwent
      total mastectomy of the right breast, followed by palliative chemotherapy with
      capecitabine; however, the patient succumbed to the disease after 12 weeks. The
      unusual case presented in the current study emphasizes the importance of pre
      operative examinations to determine the benign or malignant nature of IMTs, which
      aids in the choice of appropriate surgical procedures.

PMID- 25120723
TI  - 10058-F4, a c-Myc inhibitor, markedly increases valproic acid-induced cell death
      in Jurkat and CCRF-CEM T-lymphoblastic leukemia cells.
AB  - Adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has a poor prognosis. Although
      it has been found that activation of Notch1 signaling occurs in >50% T-ALL
      patients, gamma-secretase inhibitors that target Notch1 signaling are of limited
      efficacy. However, c-Myc is an important direct target of Notch1 and, thus, c-Myc
      is another potential therapeutic target for T-ALL. Valproic acid (VPA), a histone
      deacetylase inhibitor, has been reported to treat various hematological
      malignancies. In the present study, we showed that c-Myc expression, at a
      transcriptional level, was dose-dependently downregulated in VPA-induced growth
      inhibition in T-ALL cell lines, Jurkat and CCRF-CEM cells. 10058-F4, a small
      molecule c-Myc inhibitor, could increase the downregulation of c-Myc and markedly
      increase the growth inhibition and cell death induced by VPA in Jurkat and CCRF
      CEM cells, which was accompanied by obvious cleavage of capase-3. Z-VAD-FMK, a
      caspase inhibitor, partially prevented the anti-leukemic effect. The results of
      the present study suggest that c-Myc inhibitors increase cell death induced by
      VPA in a caspase-dependent and -independent manner, and their combination could
      be a potent therapeutic strategy for adult T-ALL patients.

PMID- 25120724
TI  - PIN1 promoter polymorphism (-842 G>C) contributes to a decreased risk of cancer:
      Evidence from meta-analysis.
AB  - Peptidyl-prolylcis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (encoded by the PIN1 gene)
      regulates the conformation of proline-directed phosphorylation sites and is
      important in the etiology of cancer. Since the identification of a functional
      polymorphism of PIN1, (-842 G>C; rs2233678), in the PIN1 promoter region,
      numerous studies have evaluated the association between the PIN1 promoter
      polymorphism (-842 G>C) and cancer risk. However, the available results are
      inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation, a meta-analysis of seven
      previous case-control studies was performed, which included 4,524 cases
      exhibiting different tumor types and 4,561 control subjects. The published
      literature was retrieved from PubMed and EMBASE. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the
      association. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrated that
      individuals carrying the variant C allele (G/C and C/C) were associated with a
      significantly decreased cancer risk (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62-0.90 for GC vs. GG;
      OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64-0.88 for GC/CC vs. GG). In further stratified analyses, a
      decreased cancer risk was observed in the following subgroups: Breast and lung
      cancer patients, Asian individuals, and in studies with a sample size >500. The
      results indicated that the PIN1 promoter polymorphism (-842 G>C; rs2233678)
      contributes to a decreased risk of cancer via attenuating the transcriptional
      activity.

PMID- 25120722
TI  - Synergy of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and carboplatin in growth suppression of SKOV
      3 cells.
AB  - 1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] has been demonstrated to inhibit the
      growth of cancer cells. However, carboplatin is the most widely used
      chemotherapeutic agent to treat cancer. We hypothesized that vitamin D may
      enhance the antiproliferative effects of carboplatin, and tested this hypothesis
      in ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells treated with carboplatin and 1,25(OH)2D3. Cell
      viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8, while cell cycle distribution,
      apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential
      (MMP) were analyzed by flow cytometry. In these experiments, 1,25(OH)2D3 and
      carboplatin each provided dose-dependent suppression of SKOV-3 growth, and
      synergy was demonstrated between 10 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 and carboplatin. The
      proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase was markedly reduced by the drug combination,
      while the proportion of cells in G2/M phase was increased. Apoptosis did not
      increase in ovarian cancer cells treated with 10 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 alone; however,
      1,25(OH)2D3 evidently enhanced carboplatin-induced apoptosis. Similarly, ROS
      production was evidently higher and MMP was lower in cells treated with the two
      drugs than in those treated with each drug alone. The results suggested that
      1,25(OH)2D3 suppresses SKOV-3 growth and enhances the antiproliferative effect of
      carboplatin. The drugs function synergistically by inducing cell cycle arrest,
      increasing apoptosis and ROS production, and reducing MMP.

PMID- 25120725
TI  - Claudin-4 expression in gastric cancer cells enhances the invasion and is
      associated with the increased level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9
      expression.
AB  - Claudin-4 is a member of a large family of transmembrane proteins known as
      claudins, which are essential for the formation and maintenance of tight
      junctions. Our previous studies have revealed that claudin-4 proteins are
      overexpressed in metastatic gastric cancer. To clarify the roles of claudin-4 in
      gastric cancer metastasis, human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells
      constitutively expressing wild-type claudin-4 were generated. Expression of
      claudin-4 in AGS cells was found to increase cell invasion and migration, as
      measured by Boyden invasion chamber assays. Moreover, the claudin-4-expressing
      AGS cells were found to have increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9
      expression, indicating that claudin-mediated increased invasion may be mediated
      through the activation of the MMP protein. Overall, the results suggest that
      claudin-4 overexpression may promote gastric cancer metastasis through the
      increased invasion of gastric cancer cells.

PMID- 25120726
TI  - Combined treatment of PC-3 cells with ultrasound and microbubbles suppresses
      invasion and migration.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ultrasound treatment
      combined with microbubbles inhibits cell invasion and migration in androgen
      independent prostate cancer (PCa) cells and to identify the probable mechanism.
      Ultrasound was used in continuous wave mode at a frequency of 21 kHz and with a
      spatial-average temporal-average intensity of 46 mW/cm2. Ultrasound combined with
      microbubbles (200 MUl; SonoVue) was administered to androgen-independent human
      PCa PC-3 cells for 30 sec. The PC-3 cells were divided into three groups: The
      control group, the ultrasound group (US) and the ultrasound combined with
      microbubbles group (US + MB). Following treatment for 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, cell
      counting kit-8 was used to assess cell viability. Cell invasion and migration was
      measured 12 h after treatment using Transwell migration assays. Quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to evaluate the
      expression of the migration-associated proteins, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2
      and MMP-9. Cell reproduction levels in the US and US + MB groups were
      significantly suppressed when compared with the control group (P<0.01) following
      24 h of treatment and this suppression was significantly higher in the US + MB
      group than in the US group (P<0.01). However, no significant differences in cell
      reproduction levels between the three groups were identified at 12 h (P>0.05).
      Ultrasound combined with microbubbles significantly suppressed the level of
      invasion and migration in the PC-3 cells compared with the control group
      (190.83+/-14.63 vs. 509.67+/-18.62, P<0.01; and 86.67+/-10.60 vs. 271.33+/-65.14;
      P<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, combined treatment with ultrasound and
      microbubbles suppressed the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. In conclusion, it was
      found that ultrasound combined with microbubbles suppressed invasion and
      migration in human PCa PC-3 cells via downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

PMID- 25120727
TI  - Giant colonic lipoma with prolapse through the rectum treated by external local
      excision: A case report.
AB  - Colonic lipomas are a rare type of gastrointestinal benign tumor. Those that are
      <2 cm are generally asymptomatic and do not require any treatment. However, those
      that are >2 cm may be symptomatic, resulting in abdominal pain, changes in bowel
      habits, intestinal obstruction and rectal bleeding. A 39-year-old male patient
      presented with a mass prolapse through the anal canal, which was causing anal
      pain and rectal bleeding. The patient was admitted to hospital via the emergency
      services and directed to the Department of General Surgery with the preliminary
      diagnosis of a rectal prolapse. A pedunculated polyp (size, 10*8*7.5 cm) was
      detected at the 35th cm of the anal canal. Due to the large size of the polyp, an
      endoscopic polypectomy could not be performed. Therefore, the prolapsed lipoma
      was excised externally and the patient was discharged on the first postoperative
      day on which no complications were experienced. A colonic lipoma must be
      considered during the differential diagnosis of anorectal diseases, such as
      hemorrhoids and rectal prolapses. Local excision, hemicolectomy, and segmental
      and external resection should be considered in addition to an endoscopic
      polypectomy for the diagnosis and treatment of colonic lipomas.

PMID- 25120728
TI  - Intraspinal leiomyoma: A case report and literature review.
AB  - Leiomyomas are benign tumors which are predominantly found in the genitourinary
      and gastrointestinal tracts. Leiomyomas in the spine are extremely rare. The
      current study presents a case of a 35-year-old female with intraspinal leiomyoma
      who presented with low back pain and weakness in the left leg of two months.
      Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an epidural mass
      at the T11-12 levels. The patient underwent a T11-12 laminectomy through
      posterior approach, achieving total removal of the tumor with a well-demarcated
      dissection plane. Pathological examination demonstrated a leiomyoma.
      Postoperatively, the patient showed a significant improvement in neurological
      function. Although intraspinal leiomyoma is extremely rare, it should be
      considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal lesions in females. The
      diagnosis is predominantly dependent on a pathological examination. Gross total
      resection is recommended for its treatment, however the prognosis remains poor.
      Post-operative hormonal therapy may be useful in controlling tumor recurrence.

PMID- 25120729
TI  - Is apolipoprotein E4 an important risk factor for vascular dementia?
AB  - Despite the fact that vascular dementia (VaD) represents the seconding leading
      cause of dementia in the USA, behind only Alzheimer's disease (AD), there remains
      a lack of consensus on the pathological criteria required for diagnosis of this
      disease. A number of clinical diagnostic criteria exist but are poorly validated
      and inconsistently applied. It is clear that vascular risk factors play an
      important role in the etiology of VaD, including hypertension, stroke, diabetes,
      and atherosclerosis. Vascular risk factors may increase the risk for VaD by
      promoting inflammation, cerebral vascular disease, white matter lesions, and
      hippocampal sclerosis. Because vascular risk factors seem to impart a high degree
      of risk for conferring VaD, it seems logical that the apolipoprotein E (APOE)
      status of individuals may be important. APOE plays a critical role in
      transporting cholesterol in and out of the CNS and in AD it is known that
      harboring the APOE allele increases the risk of AD perhaps due to the improper
      functioning of this protein. The purpose of this review is to examine the
      important pathological features and risk factors for VaD and to provide a
      critical assessment of the current literature regarding whether or not apoE4 also
      confers disease risk in VaD. The preponderance of data suggests that harboring
      one or both APOE4 alleles elevates the risk for VaD, but not to the same extent
      as found in AD. 

PMID- 25120730
TI  - A focused review of hematopoietic neoplasms occurring in the therapy-related
      setting.
AB  - Hematological neoplasms developed in patients with a history of cytotoxic
      therapies comprise a group of diseases with a poor clinical outcome, and
      collectively categorized as "therapy-related myeloid neoplasms" (t-MN) in the
      2008 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification. In recent years, numerous
      publications have emerged, and these studies have greatly expanded the scope of
      our understanding in this field. We here focused our review on several selected
      areas including secondary malignancies occurring in patients with autoimmune
      diseases; radiation therapy alone as a causative agent; the similarity and
      differences between therapy-related myelodysplastic syndromes (t-MDS) and acute
      myeloid leukemia (t-AML); clinical behavior and treatment outcome of t-AML
      patients with favorable cytogenetics; the incidence and clinical features of
      myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms, as well as acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia and myeloproliferative neoplasms in patients with prior cytotoxic
      exposure. These recent studies have shown that therapy-related hematopoietic
      neoplasms are heterogeneous, and may manifest in various forms, more complex than
      we have recognized previously. Cytogenetic abnormalities and underlying mutations
      are likely to be the major factors dictating prognosis. 

PMID- 25120732
TI  - BMP-7 attenuates liver fibrosis via regulation of epidermal growth factor
      receptor.
AB  - The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of bone morphogenetic protein-7
      (BMP-7) on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in vivo and on
      the hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation in vitro. In vivo, thirty male ICR
      mice were randomly allocated to three groups, the control group (n = 6), the CCl4
      group (n = 18) and the BMP-7+CCl4 group (n = 6). The model of liver fibrosis was
      induced by intraperitoneal injection with CCl4 three times per week lasting for
      12 weeks in CCl4 group and the BMP-7+CCl4 group. After 8 weeks injection with
      CCl4, mice were intraperitoneal injected with human recombinant BMP-7 in BMP
      7+CCl4 group. Meanwhile, mice in the CCl4 group were only intraperitoneal
      injection with equal amount of saline. The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed
      by HE and Masson's staining. PCR and western blot were used to detect mRNA and
      protein levels. In BMP-7+CCl4 group, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase
      (ALT) and aminotransferase (AST) were decreased and serum albumin (Alb) was
      increased. Meanwhile, the expressions of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF
      beta1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) were down-regulated by BMP-7
      intervention as compared to the CCl4 group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, BMP-7 also
      suppressed the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and
      phosphorylated-epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR). HE and Masson stain
      showed that liver damage was alleviated in BMP-7+CCl4 group. In vitro study,
      expression of EGFR, TGF-beta1 and alpha-SMA were down regulated by BMP-7 dose
      dependently, indicating it might effect on suppression of HSC activation.
      Therefore, our data indicate BMP-7 was capable of inhibiting liver fibrosis and
      suppressing HSCs activation, and these effects might rely on its crosstalk with
      EGFR and TGF-beta1. We suggest that BMP-7 may be a potential reagentfor the
      prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. 

PMID- 25120731
TI  - Omega-conotoxin MVIIC attenuates neuronal apoptosis in vitro and improves
      significant recovery after spinal cord injury in vivo in rats.
AB  - Excessive accumulation of intracellular calcium is the most critical step after
      spinal cord injury (SCI). Reducing the calcium influx should result in a better
      recovery from SCI. Calcium channel blockers have been shown a great potential in
      reducing brain and spinal cord injury. In this study, we first tested the
      neuroprotective effect of MVIIC on slices of spinal cord subjected to ischemia
      evaluating cell death and caspase-3 activation. Thereafter, we evaluated the
      efficacy of MVIIC in ameliorating damage following SCI in rats, for the first
      time in vivo. The spinal cord slices subjected a pretreatment with MVIIC showed a
      cell protection with a reduction of dead cells in 24.34% and of caspase-3
      specific protease activation. In the in vivo experiment, Wistar rats were
      subjected to extradural compression of the spinal cord at the T12 vertebral level
      using a weigh of 70 g/cm, following intralesional treatment with either placebo
      or MVIIC in different doses (15, 30 and 60 pmol) five minutes after injury.
      Behavioral testing of hindlimb function was done using the Basso Beattie
      Bresnahan locomotor rating scale, and revealed significant recovery with 15 pmol
      (G15) compared to other trauma groups. Also, histological bladder structural
      revealed significant outcome in G15, with no morphological alterations, and anti
      NeuN and TUNEL staining showed that G15 provided neuron preservation and
      indicated that this group had fewer neuron cell death, similar to sham. These
      results showed the neuroprotective effects of MVIIC in in vitro and in vivo model
      of SCI with neuronal integrity, bladder and behavioral improvements. 

PMID- 25120733
TI  - Benign notochordal cell tumor: a retrospective study of 11 cases with 13 vertebra
      bodies.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical data, MRI, pathological diagnosis, treatment and
      long-term effects of benign notochordal cell tumor (BNCT), a newly described
      novel spine tumor. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 11 patients' clinical data
      of the above. RESULTS: The ratio of males to females was 4:7, and the average age
      was 49.2 years (range, 18-74 years). Cervical vertebra (5; 38.5%) and thoracic
      vertebra (5; 38.5%) were the most frequent site followed by the lumbar vertebra
      (3; 23%). Pain was the main symptom except case 2 who were diagnosed accidently
      because of prostate cancer. The mean delay from first clinical symptoms to
      diagnosis was ranged from 2 months to 20 years. MRI showed all BNCTs were
      osteolytic lesions with hypointense on T1-weighted sequences, hyperintense on T2
      weighted sequences. There were 4 vertebral bodies with wedge fracture. There were
      two cases that had two noncontiguous vertebral bodies with BNCT. In histology,
      marrow replacement was noted by multivacuolated physaliphorous cells
      immunoreactive for CK, EMA and S100 protein. All 10 cases except case 2 had
      vertebral reconstruction and fixation with different methods. Of the 11 patients,
      9 had full follow-up data which showed no evidence of recurrence or metastasis
      without further treatment. CONCLUSION: Noncontiguous multi-centricity BNCTs are
      rare. No specific vertebrae are more frequently involved. Once BNCT is diagnosed
      by pathology, the surgical intervention is necessary for the patients with
      obvious clinical symptoms although it is benign. There is no evidence of BNCT
      recurrence or metastasis.

PMID- 25120734
TI  - Primary angiosarcoma of the kidney: case analysis and literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis
      of primary angiosarcoma of the kidney. METHODS: We treated a patient with primary
      angiosarcoma, then searched the published papers with the terms of 'primary
      angiosarcoma of the kidney' and 'primary renal angiosarcoma' in PubMed database,
      found 27 patients with detailed data, and analyzed their characters in the
      clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. RESULTS: The primary
      angiosarcoma occurred mainly from 50 years old to 69 years old, predominated in
      male patients. The clinical presentation was flank pain and hematuria, and the
      nephrectomy was the mainstay of the treatment; the maximum diameter and the
      metastasis status at the time of diagnosis had important prognostic value.
      CONCLUSIONS: The primary angiosarcoma is a rare carcinoma and lacks of specific
      presentation. Accurate diagnosis depends on pathological examination. Surgery is
      the mainstay of the treatment, but the prognosis is poor.

PMID- 25120735
TI  - Immune cells in primary and metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
AB  - We have previously described immune cells in untreated primary gastrointestinal
      stromal tumors (GIST). Here we compare immune cells in metastatic and primary
      GIST, and describe their chemoattractants. For this purpose, tissue microarrays
      from 196 patients, 188 primary and 51 metastasized GIST were constructed for
      paraffin staining. Quantitative analysis was performed for cells of macrophage
      lineage (Ki-M1P, CD68), T-cells (CD3, CD56) and B-cells (CD20). Chemokine gene
      expression was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. Immuno-localisation was verified by
      immunofluorescence. Ki-M1P+ cells were the predominant immune cells in both
      primary and metastatic GIST (2 8.8% +/- 7.1, vs. 26.7% +/- 6.3). CD68+
      macrophages were significantly fewer, with no significant difference between
      primary GIST (3.6% +/- 2.1) and metastases (4.6% +/- 1.5). CD3+ T-cells were the
      most dominant lymphocytes with a significant increase in metastases (7.3% +/- 2.3
      vs. 2.2% +/- 1.8 in primary GIST, P < 0.01). The percentage of CD56+ NK-cells was
      1.1% +/- 0.9 in the primary, and 2.4 +/- 0.7 (P < 0.05) in the metastases. The
      number of CD20+ B-cells was generally low with 0.6% +/- 0.7 in the primary and
      1.8% +/- 0.3 (P < 0.05) in the metastases. Analysis of the metastases showed
      significantly more Ki-M1P+ cells in peritoneal metastases (31.8% +/- 7.4 vs.
      18.2% +/- 3.7, P < 0.01), whilst CD3+ T-cells were more common in liver
      metastases (11.7% +/- 1.8 vs. 4.4% +/- 2.6, P < 0.01). The highest transcript
      expression was seen for monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1/CCL2), macrophage
      inflammatory protein 1alpha (MIP-1alpha/CCL3) and the pro-angiogenic growth
      related oncoprotein 1 (Gro-alpha/CXCL-1). Whilst the ligands were predominantly
      expressed in tumor cells, their receptors were mostly present in immune cells.
      This locally specific microenvironment might influence neoplastic progression of
      GIST at the different metastatic sites. 

PMID- 25120736
TI  - Angiopoietin-1 gene-modified human mesenchymal stem cells promote angiogenesis
      and reduce acute pancreatitis in rats.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can serve as a vehicle for gene therapy.
      Angiopoietin-1 (ANGPT1) plays an important role in the regulation of endothelial
      cell survival, vascular stabilization, and angiogenesis. We hypothesized that
      ANGPT1 gene-modified MSCs might be a potential therapeutic approach for severe
      acute pancreatitis (SAP) in rats. Human umbilical cord-derived MSCs with or
      without transfection with lentiviral vectors containing the ANGPT1 gene were
      delivered through the tail vein of rats 12 h after induction of SAP.
      Administration of MSCs alone significantly reduced pancreatic injury and
      inflammation, as reflected by reductions in pancreatitis severity scores and
      serum amylase and lipase levels as well as reducing the serum levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-1beta, and IL-6).
      Furthermore, administration of ANGPT1-transfected MSCs resulted in not only
      further reductions in pancreatic injury and serum levels of proinflammatory
      cytokines, but also promotion of pancreatic angiogenesis. These results suggest
      that MSCs and ANGPT1 have a synergistic role in the treatment of SAP. ANGPT1 gene
      modified MSCs may be developed as a potential novel therapy strategy for the
      treatment of SAP. 

PMID- 25120737
TI  - Mast cell chymase in keloid induces profibrotic response via transforming growth
      factor-beta1/Smad activation in keloid fibroblasts.
AB  - This study was to examine whether mast cell chymase exists in human keloids and
      exerts its profibrotic effect via transforming growth factor-beta1/Smad signaling
      pathway. The number of mast cells and the expression levels of chymase in keloids
      and normal skin were examined by immunohistochemistry assays. The mRNA expression
      and activity changes of chymase in keloids and normal skin were determined by
      real-time quantitative PCR and radioimmunoassay. After keloid fibroblasts were
      treated with different concentrations of chymase (0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 ng/mL)
      for various time periods, the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts, collagen
      synthesis, mRNA and protein expression of TGF-beta1, and the protein expression
      of phosphorylated Smad2/3, Smad2/3 and Smad7 were investigated using MTT assay,
      ELISA and Western blotting. Mast cells and chymase exist in keloid. Gene
      expression and activity of mast cell chymase in keloid are significantly higher
      than those in normal skin. Chymase promotes keloid fibroblast proliferation and
      collagen synthesis by activating TGF-beta1. The activation of Smad protein
      signaling pathway by chymase is related to the elevated P-Smad protein expression
      in keloid fibroblasts. Our data demonstrated that mast cell chymase plays an
      important role in keloid formation through TGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathway. 

PMID- 25120738
TI  - Generation of a chimeric dust mite hypoallergen using DNA shuffling for
      application in allergen-specific immunotherapy.
AB  - Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only treatment that provides long lasting
      relief of allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, SIT-based traditional remedies carry
      the risk of producing local and/or systemic side effects. To improve the safety
      and efficacy of SIT, it has been proposed that SIT must utilize allergens that
      are hypoallergenic but hyperimmunogenic. Therefore, we used DNA shuffling to
      generate mutant genes encoding hypoallergens with potent immunogenicity and
      screened them for their capacity to modify the allergic response. We tentatively
      shuffled the major group 1 allergen genes from house dust mite, Dermatophagoides
      farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and discovered a novel chimeric gene,
      termed C 1. The gene was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the chimeric
      protein C 1 was purified. An animal model of asthma demonstrated that C 1 not
      only decreased the production of serum IgE and IgG1, and inhibited the production
      of IL-4 and IL-5 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). C 1 also boosted the
      levels of IgG2a and IFN-gamma, which may demonstrate a rebalance of TH1 and TH2
      allergic response. Additionally, flow cytometry showed that the immunogenicity of
      C 1 was higher than that of ProDer f 1, but was not significantly different from
      that of ProDer p 1. Our findings suggest that the C 1 is hypoallergenic and yet
      highly immunogenic, which makes it potentially safe and effective for use in SIT
      of allergic asthma. 

PMID- 25120739
TI  - Interleukin-1beta induces autophagy by affecting calcium homeostasis and
      trypsinogen activation in pancreatic acinar cells.
AB  - The strong up-regulation of inflammatory mediators has been reported to play a
      key role in acute pancreatitis (AP). Elevated serum levels of interleukin-1beta
      (IL-1beta) are associated with the development of AP. However, the precise effect
      and mechanism of IL-1beta in AP remains obscure. In this study, we investigated
      the potential role and mechanism of IL-1beta in AP. We measured autophagy
      activation in response to IL-1beta in AR42J cells. The disrupting effects of IL
      1beta on cellular Ca(2+) were observed. To determine whether the disruption of
      Ca(2+) signaling has protective effects in vivo during AP, male C57BL/6 mice were
      treated with cerulein to induce AP. We found that the treatment of AR42J cells
      with IL-1beta triggered autophagy and that the autophagic flux was impaired. In
      addition, IL-1beta induced Ca(2+) release from the ER. Furthermore, the
      expression of the ER stress markers GRP78 and IRE1 also increased. 2APB, an
      antagonist of the InsP3 receptor, inhibited increased expression of autophagy
      markers. Subsequent biochemical assays revealed that co-culture with IL-1beta
      could induce the activation of trypsinogen to trypsin and reduce the viability of
      acinar cells. Pathological changes of the pancreas were also observed in vivo. We
      found that the pathological injuries of the pancreas were significantly
      alleviated in mice co-treated with 2APB. Taken together, our results indicate
      that IL-1beta can induce trypsin activation and decrease cellular viability in
      pancreatic acinar cells. These effects depend on impaired autophagy via
      intracellular calcium changes. Ca(2+) signaling may become a promising
      therapeutic target in the treatment of pancreatitis. 

PMID- 25120740
TI  - Prognostic value of CD44 expression in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CD44 is a potentially interesting prognostic marker and therapeutic
      target in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although the expression of CD44 has
      been reported to correlate with poor prognosis of NSCLC in most literatures, some
      controversies still exist. Since the limited patient numbers within independent
      studies, here we performed a meta-analysis to clarify the correlations between
      CD44 expression and prognosis and clinicopathological features in NSCLC. METHODS:
      Relevant literatures were identified using PubMed, EMBASE and CNKI (China
      National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases (up to February 2014). Data from
      eligible studies were extracted and included into meta-analysis using a random
      effects model. Studies were pooled. Summary hazard ratios (HR) and clinical
      parameters were calculated. RESULTS: We performed a final analysis of 1772
      patients from 23 evaluable studies for Prognostic Value and 2167 patients from 28
      evaluable studies for clinicopathological features. Our study shows that the
      pooled hazard ratio (HR) of overexpression CD44-V6 for overall survival in NSCLC
      was 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-2.21] by univariate analysis and
      1.29 (95% CI: 0.71-2.37) by multivariate analysis.The pooled HR of overexprssion
      panCD44 for overall survival in NSCLC was 1.53 (95% CI: 0.58-4.04) by univariate
      analysis and 3.00 (95% CI: 1.53-5.87) by multivariate analysis. Overexpression of
      CD44-V6 is associated with tumor differentiation (poor differentiation, OR =
      1.66, 95% CI: 1.12-2.45), tumor histological type [squamous cell carcinomas
      (SCC), OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.63-5.02], clinical TMN stage (TMN stage III, OR =
      2.22, 95% CI: 1.44-3.43) and lymph node metastasis (N1-3, 3.52, 95% CI: 2.08
      5.93) in patients with NSCLC. However, there was no significant association
      between CD44-V6 and tumor size [T category, OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.73-2.78].
      CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis showed that CD44-V6 is an efficient prognostic
      factor for NSCLC. Overexpression of CD44-V6 was significantly associated with
      tumor differentiation, tumor histological type, clinical TMN stage and lymph node
      metastasis. However, there was no significant association between CD44-V6 and
      tumor size. Large prospective studies are now needed to confirm the clinical
      utility of CD44 as an independent prognostic marker.

PMID- 25120741
TI  - Efficacy of glucocorticoids in rodents of severe acute pancreatitis: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of corticosteroid in the management of severe acute
      pancreatitis (SAP) remains contentious and is still being debated despite many
      pre-clinical studies demonstrating benefits. The limitations of clinical research
      on corticosteroid in SAP are disparities with regard to benefit, a lack of
      adequate safety data and insufficient understanding of its mechanisms of action.
      Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of corticosteroid
      in experimental SAP and take a closer look at the relation between the animal
      studies and prospective trials. METHODS: Studies investigating corticosteroid use
      in rodent animal models of SAP were identified by searching multiple three
      electronic databases through October 2013, and by reviewing references lists of
      obtained articles. Data on mortality, changes of ascitic fluid and histopathology
      of pancreas were extracted. A random-effects model was used to compute the pooled
      efficacy. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also performed. RESULTS:
      We identified 15 published papers which met our inclusion criteria.
      Corticosteroid prolonged survival by a factor of 0.35 (95% CI 0.21-0.59).
      Prophylactic use of corticosteroid showed efficacy with regards to ascitic fluid
      and histopathology of pancreas, whereas therapeutic use did not. Efficacy was
      higher in large dose and dexamethasone groups. Study characteristics, namely type
      of steroids, rout of delivery, genders and strains of animal, accounted for a
      significant proportion of between-study heterogeneity. No significant publication
      bias was observed. CONCLUSIONS: On the whole, corticosteroids have showed
      beneficial effects in rodent animal models of SAP. Prophylactic use of
      corticosteroid has failed to validate usefulness in prophylaxis of postendoscopic
      retrogradcholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. Further appropriate and
      informative animal experiments should be performed before conducting clinical
      trials investigating therapeutic use in SAP.

PMID- 25120742
TI  - In vitro differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into endometrial
      epithelial cells in mouse: a proteomic analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been
      demonstrated to differentiate into female endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) in
      vivo. Our previous studies demonstrated that BMSCs can differentiate in the
      direction of EECs when co-cultured with endometrial stromal cells in vitro. Here,
      we obtain and analyse differential proteins and their relevant pathways in the
      process of BMSCs differentiating into EECs by isobaric tags for relative and
      absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomic analysis. METHODS: A 0.4-MUm pore size
      indirect co-culture system was established with female mice endometrial stromal
      cells (EStCs) restricted in the upper Transwell chamber and BMSCs in the lower
      well plate. After indirect co-culture for several days, the BMSCs were revealed
      to progressively differentiate towards EECs in vitro. Then, four groups were
      divided according to different co-culture days with single culture groups of
      BMSCs as controls. Proteins were detected using iTRAQ based on 2DLC-ESI-MS/MS and
      data were analysed by bioinformatics. RESULTS: A total number of 311 proteins
      were detected, of which 210 proteins were identified with relative quantitation.
      Among them, 107 proteins were differentially expressed with a 1.2-fold change as
      the benchmark, with 61 up-regulated and 46 down-regulated proteins. Differential
      proteins CK19 and CK8 were epithelial markers and upregulated. Stromal marker
      vimentin were downregulated. Top canonical pathways was "remodeling of epithelial
      adhesions junctions" and "actin cytoskeleton signaling". Top networks was "cell
      to-cell signaling and interaction, tissue development and cellular movement"
      regulated by ERK/MAPK and alpha-catenin. CONCLUSION: To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first preliminary study of differential protein expression
      in the differentiation process of BMSCs into EECs in vitro. We further elucidated
      BMSCs differentiated in the direction of EECs. In addition, ERK/MAPK and alpha
      catenin played important roles by regulating core differential proteins in the
      "cell-to-cell signaling and interaction, tissue development and cellular
      movement" network.

PMID- 25120743
TI  - Recurrent inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors harboring PIK3CA and KIT mutations.
AB  - Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is a relatively rare soft tissue
      malignancy. It exhibits locally aggressive behavior with a tendency for local
      recurrence and rare metastasis, and rare recurrent IMTs may show histological
      progression. The genetic hallmark of IMT is ALK rearrangement from chromosome arm
      2p, but gene mutations involved in IMT remain poorly understood. The aim of the
      present study was to perform a pairwise comparison of the gene mutations
      occurring in primary and recurrent IMT from the same patient. We conducted a high
      throughput analysis of 238 known mutations of 19 oncogenes in pairwise comparison
      primary and recurrent samples from 2 patients of IMT using Sequenom MassARRAY
      technology. Our results revealed 2 mutations in 2 recurrent lesion samples,
      including one in exon 11 of the KIT gene, resulting in a T-C substitution at
      position 1727 (L576P), the recurrent sample underwent histologic progression with
      "pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma-like" transformation; the other mutation
      was in exon 19 of the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic
      subunit alpha (PIK3CA) gene, resulting in a G-A substitution at position 1624
      (E542K). Moreover, no any mutation was found in the primary lesion samples from 2
      patients. Our findings suggest that variable genome changes might be present in
      IMT, especially during the progression from a primary tumour to recurrence. To
      the best of our knowledge, no such longitudinal study of IMT has been undertaken
      previously. 

PMID- 25120744
TI  - Accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy processed by cytologic smear and cell
      block techniques for the diagnosis of lacrimal gland tumors: a study of 48 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)
      processed by smear cytology and cell block (CB) techniques for the diagnosis of
      lacrimal gland tumors (LGTs). STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective study, we enrolled
      48 consecutive patients with LGTs. Immediately after excision of LGTs, the
      tissues were underwent FNAB with 23-gauge needles. The FNAB samples were
      processed to produce cytologic smears and CB from which slides were cut for
      immunohistochemical staining. The remainders were submitted for routine
      histopathologic processing. The diagnostic value of FNAB was assessed by
      comparing the FNAB diagnoses to those made by routine histopathology. RESULTS:
      Cytopathologic evaluations based on smear cytology and CB with sections stained
      immunohistochemically can distinguish non-epithelial lesions from epithelial ones
      in all cases. The diagnostic sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies for
      distinguishing benign from malignant lesions were: cytologic smears--76%, 68%,
      and 71%, respectively; CB with immunohistochemical staining--88%, 87%, and 88%,
      respectively. The accuracy of the tissue diagnosis compared to routine
      histopathology was less for cytologic smears (58%) than for CB with
      immunohistochemistry (81%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FNAB of LGT processed using a
      CB technique capable of producing immunohistochemically stained slides results in
      a greater percentage of accurate tissue diagnoses than do cytologic smears, when
      compared to routine histopathology.

PMID- 25120745
TI  - IL-22 promotes the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells via IL
      22R1/AKT/MMP-9 signaling.
AB  - IL-22, one important inflammatory cytokine of the IL-10 family, exerts its
      functions via IL-22 receptor that is composed of IL-22R1 and IL-10R2 subunits.
      Although IL-22 expression is reported to be elevated in many cancers, and
      increased IL-22 expression correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis,
      little is known about the role of IL-22 in gastric cancer. In our study, we found
      that IL-22 stimulation promoted the migration and invasion of SGC-7901 cells.
      Furthermore, IL-22 increased AKT activation and MMP-9 production in a time- and
      dose-dependent manner, while knockdown of IL-22R1 attenuated the effect of IL-22
      on gastric cancer cells. In addition, blocking of AKT activation suppressed the
      expression and secretion of MMP-9. Taken together, this present study suggests
      that IL-22 stimulation enhances the migration and invasion of gastric cancer
      cells by regulating IL-22R1/AKT/MMP-9 signaling axis. 

PMID- 25120746
TI  - Monoacylglycerol lipase promotes metastases in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a serine hydrolase that hydrolyzes
      monoacylglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol. It has recently been found
      to be involved in cancer progression through the free fatty acid or
      endocannabinoid network after studies on its function in the endocannabinoid
      system. Here, we determined a role for MAGL in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC),
      which is known for its high metastatic potential. Among the different NPC cells
      we tested, MAGL was highly expressed in high metastatic NPC cells, whereas low
      metastatic potential NPC cells exhibited lower expression of MAGL. Overexpression
      of MAGL in low metastatic NPC cells enhanced their motile behavior and metastatic
      capacity in vivo. Conversely, knockdown of MAGL reduced the motility of highly
      metastatic cells, reducing their metastatic capacity in vivo. Growth rate was not
      influenced by MAGL in either high or low metastatic cells. MAGL expression was
      associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins, such as E
      cadherin, vimentin and Snail. It was also related to the sidepopulation (SP) of
      NPC cells. Our findings establish that MAGL promotes metastases in NPC through
      EMT, and it may serve as a target for the prevention of NPC metastases. 

PMID- 25120747
TI  - Transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells protects myocardium by regulating
      14-3-3 protein in a rat model of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem
      cells (BMSCs) up-regulating the expression of 14-3-3 protein, blocking the
      myocardial apoptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy and thereby improving cardiac
      function. METHODS AND RESULTS: (1) Rat model of diabetic cardiomyopathy was made
      by feeding rats with high fat/high sugar diet and intraperitoneal injection of
      small dose of streptozocin (STZ). The model was successfully established as
      confirmed by the detection of blood sugar, lipid profile, ultrasonographic and
      hemodynamic examinations. (2) Bone marrow (BM) liquid was taken from the rat
      femur and tibia bones. The BMSCs were obtained by culture and were confirmed by
      phase-contrast microscopy and flow cytometry. The BMSCs were transplanted into
      the rats and fluorescent microscopy showed that transplantation was successful.
      (3) TUNNEL, Western blotting revealed that in rats of DCM group, myocardial
      apoptosis was more severe and expression of capase-3 was significantly up
      regulated while in rats receiving transplantation of BMSCs showed opposite
      changes, with the differences being statistically significant (P < 0.05). (4)
      Western blotting exhibited that, compared with DCM group, 14-3-3 and p-Ask1
      protein was significantly increased while Ask1 was obviously decreased.
      CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that transplantation of bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells could inhibit the myocardial apoptosis in diabetic
      cardiomyopathy, possibly by up-regulating the expression of 14-3-3 protein and
      inhibiting the phosphorylation of Ask1.

PMID- 25120748
TI  - Co-expression of delta-catenin and RhoA is significantly associated with a
      malignant lung cancer phenotype.
AB  - Delta-catenin, a member of the p120-catenin subfamily, and the Rho GTPase RhoA
      both have roles in the regulation of the cytoskeleton. In this study, we found
      that delta-catenin positive expression and RhoA over-expression is consistently
      found in non-small cell lung cancer, but not in normal lung tissue, and that
      their co-expression was significantly associated with histological type,
      differentiation, pTNM stage, lymphatic metastasis and a poor prognosis. We also
      demonstrate that delta-catenin can directly interact with RhoA and regulate its
      activity, which in turn mediates tumor invasion and metastasis. 

PMID- 25120749
TI  - Capsular tension ring implantation after lens extraction for management of
      subluxated cataracts.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of implantation of a capsular
      tension ring (CTR) and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) after lens
      extraction in subluxated cataracts. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology,General
      Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: We
      selected 36 eyes in 34 patients with zonular dialysis <150 degrees . After
      emulsification and removal of the residual cortex, we inserted a CTR into the
      capsular bag to center the PCIOL. We measured preoperative and postoperative best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA), centration of the CTR and IOL, and perioperative
      complications. RESULTS: No capsule collapseor fluctuationof the anterior chamber
      occurred. Most eyes (63.89%) had nuclear sclerosis of >= 3+. A CTR was implanted
      into the capsular bag without extension of zonular dialysis. A traumatic
      subluxated cataract was the most common cause (20 of 36 [55.56%]). We found a
      subluxated cataract in 3 eyes (3 of 36 [8.33%]) with previous acute angle-closure
      glaucoma. Mean follow up was 20.3 +/- 2.4 months. Preoperatively, only 5 eyes
      (13.89%) had a BCVA of >= 20/40, compared with 30eyes at the last visit (83.33%,
      P<.001). Improved BCVA was achieved in 33 eyes (91.7%) in week 1, and visual
      acuity remained stable up to 1 year. The CTRs with PCIOL were well centered at 1
      year. CONCLUSION: In patients with a subluxated hard cataract <120 degrees , CTR
      implantation should be performed after lens extraction without extension of
      zonular dialysis and capsular destabilization. Maintaining anterior chamber depth
      and avoiding capsular bag collapse are critical.

PMID- 25120750
TI  - Clinical value of CD133 and nestin in patients with glioma: a population-based
      study.
AB  - Cancer stem cell-related (CSC) markers have been suggested to have promising
      potentials as novel types of prognostic and predictive markers in gliomas.
      However no single CSC-related marker is currently used in clinical decisions. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of CD133 and nestin
      separately and in combination using a novel quantitative approach in a well
      characterized population-based cohort of glioma patients. The expression of CD133
      and nestin was measured by systematic random sampling in stained paraffin
      sections from 239 glioma patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2009. We found that
      the expression of CD133 did not correlate with WHO grade, and there was no
      association with overall survival (OS). The level of nestin correlated positively
      with WHO grade. In patients with WHO grade II tumors, a high level of nestin was
      associated with short progression-free survival (PFS) in multivariate analysis.
      High levels of co-localization were associated with poor PFS in patients with WHO
      grade II tumors, but not with OS. We conclude that CD133 was not an independent
      prognostic factor, but a high level of nestin was associated with poor PFS in
      patients with WHO grade II tumors. The combination of double-immunofluorescence
      and automated analysis seems to be a feasible and reproducible approach for
      investigation of the prognostic potential of biomarkers. 

PMID- 25120751
TI  - Expression of leucine aminopeptidase 3 (LAP3) correlates with prognosis and
      malignant development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
AB  - Leucine aminopeptidases (LAPs) were associated with tumor cell proliferation,
      invasion and/or angiogenesis. LAP3 is one important member of this family.
      However, its clinical significance and biological function in hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that LAP3
      expression was significantly up-regulated in HCC tissues as well as cells and was
      closely correlated with lower differentiation, positive lymph node metastasis and
      high Ki-67 expression, indicating a poor prognosis. Then cell viability assays,
      flow cytometry assays, wound-healing assays and matrigel invasion assays were
      performed to demonstrate that LAP3 promoted HCC cells proliferation by regulating
      G1/S checkpoint in cell cycle and advanced HCC cells migration. Furthermore, we
      discovered that knockdown LAP3 will enhance the sensitivity of HCC cells to
      cisplatin, thus promoting the cell death of HCC cells. Collectively, our results
      indicated that up-regulated expression of LAP3 might contribute to the
      proliferation and metastasis of HCC. Our data gains greater insight into the
      cancer-promoting role of LAP3 and its functions in HCC cells, possibly providing
      potential therapeutic strategies for clinical trials. 

PMID- 25120753
TI  - Co-expression of uPAR and CXCR4 promotes tumor growth and metastasis in small
      cell lung cancer.
AB  - Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and C-X-C-chemokine receptor
      4 (CXCR4) are considered as key molecules in invasion and metastasis of several
      cancers via extracellular matrix degeneration and assist tumor metastasis to
      specific sites by chemotaxis. However, the combined effect of uPAR and CXCR4 on
      small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the most aggressive type of lung cancer, is not
      clear. In this study, we detected the expression of uPAR and CXCR4 in SCLC tissue
      samples (n = 50) by immunohistochemistry. The tumors with high expression of both
      uPAR and CXCR4 (12/50) had larger size, higher lymph node (LN) metastasis and
      worse prognosis of patients than those with low expression of uPAR and CXCR4
      (38/50) (P < 0.05). We further identified and isolated the both uPAR and CXCR4
      positive expression subpopulation cells (uPAR(+)CXCR4(+) cells) from the SCLC
      cell line H446 by flow cytometry. The uPAR(+)CXCR4(+) cancer cells showed a
      higher invasive and migrating capacity in the transwell and wound healing assays
      compared with other subpopulation cells (P < 0.05). uPAR(+)CXCR4(+) cells
      injected subcutaneously in nude mice markedly increased tumor growth and induced
      lung metastasis, while other subpopulation cells did not. In conclusion, these
      data suggest that uPAR and CXCR4 co-expression predicts worse prognosis of SCLC
      patients. uPAR(+)CXCR4(+) cells promote the tumor growth and play a potential
      role in metastasis of SCLC. 

PMID- 25120754
TI  - Effects of simulated microgravity by RCCS on the biological features of Candida
      albicans.
AB  - During the spaceflight, a wide variety of microorganisms may be carried to the
      outer space by astronauts and aviation component. The yeast Candida albicans is
      an important opportunistic pathogen responsible for a variety of cutaneous and
      systemic human infections in human body, and the yeast cell itself could be
      affected by various stressful environmental factors including the weightless
      environment. We evaluated the effects of simulated microgravity on biological
      features of Candida albicans using the rotary cell culture system (RCCS). The
      growth curves of Candida albicans cultured in RCCS were recorded by
      spectrophotometer, the morphogenic switches were observed by optical microscope,
      and the viability of cells exposed to the various concentrations of fluconazole
      solution was assayed by flow cytometry at 7th, 14th and 21st day of experiment.
      The results showed that Candida albicans SC5314 under modeled microgravity were
      manifested as the growth curves leftward-shifted, lag phase shortened, along with
      logarithmic phase and stationary phase forwarded (P < 0.05). The simulated
      microgravity increased the growth rate and mycelia formation of Candida albicans.
      A statistically significant decrease in viability was detected in cells cultured
      for 7 d, 14 d and 21 d in group of simulated microgravity compared with the
      control group (P < 0.05). The increase of exposure time to simulate microgravity
      resulted in the decrease of viability of cells accordingly in same drug
      concentration compared with the control group. The study demonstrated that the
      three weeks' simulated microgravity in RCCS had a noticeable affect on the growth
      status of mycelia and spores and the morphogenic switches of Candida albicans,
      meanwhile, the yeast cells under simulated microgravity showed an increased
      antifungal susceptibility to fluconazole. 

PMID- 25120752
TI  - RNA-seq identifies determinants of oxaliplatin sensitivity in colorectal cancer
      cell lines.
AB  - Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, such as FOLFOX, is the first-line therapy for
      advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) or metastatic CRC patients. However, the partial
      response of patients to these regimes and the severe peripheral neuropathy
      toxicity induced by oxaliplatin makes it urgent to figure out biomarkers for
      oxaliplatin sensitivity to select suitable patients who benefit from these
      treatments. In present work, 21 CRC cell lines with different sensitivities to
      oxaliplatin were applied to RNA-seq. The basal expression profiles of these cell
      lines were correlated to their response to oxaliplatin. Bioinformatics analysis
      suggested that expression of 58 genes was correlated, negatively or positively,
      to oxaliplatin response across the 21 CRC cell lines. These 58 genes were mainly
      enriched in small molecules biochemistry, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and EMT
      pathways. The latter two pathways were predicted to be activated in oxaliplatin
      resistant CRC cell lines. Moreover, 15 genes were validated by qPCR that their
      expression levels were actually closely correlated to their response to
      oxaliplatin, in line with the biocomputation prediction. Taken together, our work
      might provide potential biomarkers for oxaliplatin sensitivity in CRC cell lines
      and therapeutic targets for combinational therapy with oxaliplatin. 

PMID- 25120755
TI  - Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B8 is secreted via non-classical pathway.
AB  - Mouse aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B8 (AKR1B8) has the highest similarity
      to human aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10), a secretory protein
      through lysosomes-mediated non-classical secretory pathway. To identify whether
      AKR1B8 is secreted through the same pathway, we carried out this study. Self
      developed sandwich ELISA and western blot were used to detect AKR1B8 in cells and
      culture medium of CT-26 murine colon carcinoma cells. AKR1B8 releases in an
      independent manner to Brefeldin A, an inhibitor of ER-to-Golgi classical
      secretion pathway. Several factors, which are involved in the non-classical
      secretion pathway, such as temperature, ATP and calcium ion, regulated AKR1B8
      secretion from mouse colorectal cancer cells CT-26. Lysosomotropic NH4Cl
      increased AKR1B8 secretion, and AKR1B8 was located in isolated lysosomes.
      Therefore, AKR1B8 is a new secretory protein through the lysosomes-mediated non
      classical pathway. 

PMID- 25120756
TI  - Evaluation of glycophenotype in prostatic neoplasm by chemiluminescent assay.
AB  - This work aimed to evaluate the glycophenotype in normal prostate, bening
      prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa) tissues by a
      chemiluminescent method. Concanavalin A (Con A), Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA
      I) and Peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectins were conjugated to acridinium ester
      (lectins-AE). These conjugates remained capable to recognize their specific
      carbohydrates. Tissue samples were incubated with lectins-AE. The
      chemiluminescence of the tissue-lectin-AE complex was expressed in relative light
      units (RLU). Transformed tissues (0.25 cm(2) by 8 um of thickness) showed
      statistical significant lower alpha-D-glucose/mannose (BPH: 226,931 +/- 17,436;
      PCa: 239,520 +/- 12,398) and Gal-beta(1-3)-GalNAc (BPH: 28,754 +/- 2,157; PCa:
      16,728 +/- 1,204) expression than normal tissues (367,566 +/- 48,550 and 409,289
      +/- 22,336, respectively). However, higher alpha-L-fucose expression was observed
      in PCa (251,118 +/- 14,193) in relation to normal (200,979 +/- 21,318) and BHP
      (169,758 +/- 10,264) tissues. It was observed an expressive decreasing of the
      values of RLU by inhibition of the interaction between tissues and lectins-AE
      using their specific carbohydrates. The relationship between RLU and tissue area
      showed a linear correlation for all lectin-AE in both transformed tissues. These
      results indicated that the used method is an efficient tool for specific,
      sensitive and quantitative analyses of prostatic glycophenotype. 

PMID- 25120757
TI  - Propranolol enhanced adipogenesis instead of induction of apoptosis of
      hemangiomas stem cells.
AB  - Propranolol has been widely used in treating infantile hemangiomas (IHs). But
      recurrence of IHs was found in some cases on cessation of propranolol treatment.
      The other is that Chinese individuals reacted to propranolol differently from
      American Whites. Whether the difference of sensitivity is due to the beta
      adrenoceptor (beta-AR) expression pattern of hemangioma initiating cells remains
      unclear. In the present study, we isolated hemangioma-derived stem cells (hemSCs)
      from proliferative IHs and analyzed the biological characteristics and beta-AR
      expression pattern of hemSCs by immunostaining, Western blotting and multilineage
      differentiation assay as well. We also tested the effects of propranolol on
      hemSCs by evaluating VEGF expression, proliferation and apoptosis related
      parameters. Our results indicated that CD133(+) hemSCs located pre-vascular in
      proiferative IH tissues. Both beta1 and beta2-AR were expressed, while beta2-AR
      was dominant on hemSCs. Propranolol at 100-150 MUM inhibited proliferation of
      hemSCs, not did 50 MUM. Propranolol down-regulated VEGF expression of hemSCs,
      instead of inducing apoptosis. The adipogenic potential was enhanced by
      propranolol. Therefore, our current results suggested propranolol could not
      induce apoptosis of hemSCs, but played a curative role though suppressing VEGF
      synthesis and enhancement of adipogenesis of hemSCs. Our results might partially
      provide the insight of mechanism of relapse in some cases on cessation of
      propranolol treatment. 

PMID- 25120758
TI  - S100B ranks as a new marker of multiple traumas in patients and may accelerate
      its development by regulating endothelial cell dysfunction.
AB  - S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B) is recently known as the markers for
      inflammatory diseases. However, its roles and underlying mechanism on multiple
      traumas remain unclearly. In this study, total 123 patients (87 male and 36
      female) were enrolled and divided into two group: Injury severity score (ISS) >=
      16 (n = 69); ISS < 16 (n = 54). ELISA assay confirmed that the circulating S100B
      levels in multi-trauma were obviously higher than that in healthy volunteers.
      Additionally, S100B concentrations was associated with injury severity as an
      obviously higher levels of S100B (2.18 MUg/L) in severe trauma group (ISS >= 16)
      than 1.26 MUg/L in moderate trauma group (ISS < 16). Furthermore, the average
      concentration of S100B was 2.91 MUg/L (n = 14) in fatal patients and 2.21 MUg/L
      in survivors, suggesting an obvious correlation between S100B and the severity
      degree of multi-injury. Further analysis confirmed an obvious correlation between
      S100B levels and sE-selectin, and Von willebrand factor (vWF), both of these are
      the marker of endothelial cell injury. After transfection with pcDNA3.1-S100B,
      human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cell apoptotic ratio was
      dramatically up-regulated, concomitant with the increase in IL-6 and IL-8 levels,
      suggesting that S100B might regulate the development of polytrauma by mediating
      endothelial cell dysfunction. Together, these results suggest a potential
      predictive value of S100B and its underlying mechanism in the pathological
      process of polytrauma. Therefore, this study will support the potential clinical
      aspect for the diagnostic and treatment of polytrauma and its complications. 

PMID- 25120759
TI  - PNMA1 promotes cell growth in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Paraneoplastic Ma1 (PNMA1) is a member of an expanding family of 'brain/testis'
      proteins involved in an autoimmune disorder defined as paraneoplastic
      neurological syndrome (PNS). Although it is widely studied in PNS, little is
      known about the underlying clinical significance and biological function of PNMA1
      in tumors. Here, we find that elevated PNMA1 expression is more commonly observed
      in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines, compared with normal
      pancreatic cell and tissues from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patient.
      Besides, higher PNMA1 expression is closely correlated with large tumor size.
      Suppression of endogenous PNMA1 expression decreases cell viability and promotes
      cell apoptosis. Subsequent studies reveal that the PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK pathway and
      members of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family may be involved in the pro-survival
      and anti-apoptotic effect of PNMA1 on PDAC. Taken together, this study provides
      evidence that PNMA1 is involved in tumor growth of pancreatic carcinoma and PNMA1
      related pathways might represent a new treatment strategy. 

PMID- 25120761
TI  - RNAi-mediated silencing of the Skp-2 gene causes inhibition of growth and
      induction of apoptosis in human renal carcinoma cells.
AB  - Renal cancer ranks one of the most frequent causes of cancer death in the world.
      S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP 2) is overexpressed in human tumors and
      has prognostic value in many cancers including renal cancer, indicating its
      potential as a therapeutic target. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic
      potential of Skp-2 in renal cancer using the technique of RNA silencing via short
      hairpin RNA (shRNA). Synthetic shRNA duplexes against Skp-2 were introduced to
      down-regulate the expression of Skp-2 in a highly malignant renal carcinoma cell
      line, ACHN. The results indicated that siRNA targeting of Skp-2 could lead to an
      efficient and specific inhibition of endogenous Skp-2 activity. Furthermore, we
      found that depletion of Skp-2 caused a dramatic cell cycle arrest, followed by
      massive apoptotic cell death, and eventually resulted in a significant decrease
      in growth, viability and tumor formation in renal cancer cell lines studied. 

PMID- 25120760
TI  - HMGB1 enhances smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in pulmonary artery
      remodeling.
AB  - HMGB1 is a necessary and critical mediator of acute lung injury and can act as a
      chemoattractant and anti-apoptosis factor in injury or repair in diseases. In
      this study we sought to determine whether HMGB1 is involved in the remodeling of
      pulmonary artery and investigate the mechanism. A rat model of pulmonary artery
      remodeling was successful induced with LPS infusion and the increasing of
      pulmonary arteries media was obviously inhibited in rats treated with thrice
      inject of HMGB1 neutralizing antibody. The percent of areas of tunica media to
      total artery wall was (0.53 +/- 0.15), (0.81 +/- 0.10) and (0.59 +/- 0.11) in
      control, LPS and antibody group respectively (p<0.05). Meanwhile, treatment with
      HMGB1 neutralizing antibody not only decreased the level of HMGB1 mRNA and
      protein significantly, but inhibited the expression of PCAN and Bcl-2 as well. On
      the contrary, Bax, a gen which represented the apoptosis, revealed an absolutely
      reversed trend to Bcl-2 in pulmonary arteries. Experiments in vitro showed that
      HMGB1 could stimulate the proliferation of hPASMC in MTT test and increase the
      number of migrated cells in a concentration-dependent manner in chemotaxis assay
      using modified Boyden chambers. In conclusion, data from this study support the
      concept that HMGB1 is involved in the remodeling of pulmonary artery by enhancing
      proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cell. Inhibiting HMGB1 may be a new
      target to deal with the remodeling of pulmonary artery.

PMID- 25120762
TI  - Identification of collaboration patterns of dysfunctional pathways in breast
      cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women. We aimed to
      illuminate the molecular dysfunctional mechanisms of BC progression. The mRNA
      expression profile of BC GSE15852 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus
      database, including 43 normal samples and 43 cancer samples. Differentially
      expressed genes (DEGs) in BC were screened using the t-test by Benjamin and
      Hochberg method. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of the
      selected DEGs were enriched using Hypergeomeric distribution model. In addition,
      functional similarity network among the enriched pathways was constructed to
      further analyze the collaboration of these pathways. We found 848 down-regulated
      DEGs were associated with 16 significant dysfunctional pathways, including PPAR
      signaling fatty acid metabolism, and 1584 up-regulated DEGs were related to 6
      significant dysfunctional pathways, like cell cycle, protein export, and antigen
      processing and presentation in BC samples. Crosstalk network analysis of pathways
      indicated that pyruvate metabolism, propanoate metabolism, and glycolysis
      gluconeogenesis were the pathways with closest connections with other pathways in
      BC. In addition, other antigen processing and presentation, including 19 DEGs;
      PPAR signaling pathway, including 18 DEGs; and pyruvate metabolism pathway,
      including 13 DEGs were further analyzed. Our results suggested that dysfunctional
      of significant pathways can greatly affect the progression of BC. Several
      significant disorder pathways were enriched in our comprehensive study. They may
      provide guidelines to explore the dysfunctional mechanism of BC progression. 

PMID- 25120763
TI  - Unclassified renal cell carcinoma: a clinicopathological, comparative genomic
      hybridization, and whole-genome exon sequencing study.
AB  - Unclassified renal cell carcinoma (URCC) is a rare variant of RCC, accounting for
      only 3-5% of all cases. Studies on the molecular genetics of URCC are limited,
      and hence, we report on 2 cases of URCC analyzed using comparative genome
      hybridization (CGH) and the genome-wide human exon GeneChip technique to identify
      the genomic alterations of URCC. Both URCC patients (mean age, 72 years)
      presented at an advanced stage and died within 30 months post-surgery.
      Histologically, the URCCs were composed of undifferentiated, multinucleated,
      giant cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunostaining revealed that both URCC
      cases had strong p53 protein expression and partial expression of cluster of
      differentiation-10 and cytokeratin. The CGH profiles showed chromosomal
      imbalances in both URCC cases: gains were observed in chromosomes 1p11-12, 1q12
      13, 2q20-23, 3q22-23, 8p12, and 16q11-15, whereas losses were detected on
      chromosomes 1q22-23, 3p12-22, 5p30-ter, 6p, 11q, 16q18-22, 17p12-14, and 20p.
      Compared with 18 normal renal tissues, 40 mutated genes were detected in the URCC
      tissues, including 32 missense and 8 silent mutations. Functional enrichment
      analysis revealed that the missense mutation genes were involved in 11 different
      biological processes and pathways, including cell cycle regulation, lipid
      localization and transport, neuropeptide signaling, organic ether metabolism, and
      ATP-binding cassette transporter signaling. Our findings indicate that URCC may
      be a highly aggressive cancer, and the genetic alterations identified herein may
      provide clues regarding the tumorigenesis of URCC and serve as a basis for the
      development of targeted therapies against URCC in the future. 

PMID- 25120764
TI  - Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 expression as a prognosic biomarker in patients
      with solid tumor: a meta analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: A great deal of studies have been performed on the prognostic value of
      monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in solid tumors in recent years. However,
      no consistent outcomes are reported. Therefore, the prognostic value of MCP-1
      still remains controversial in patients with solid tumors. Here we aimed to
      evaluate the prognostic value of MCP-1 expression for patients with solid tumors.
      METHODS: Comprehensive literature was selected from PUBMED and EMBASE and
      clinical studies which reported analysis of survival data about MCP-1 in solid
      tumors were included. Stata 11.0 was used for performing a meta-analysis on
      evaluating the relation between MCP-1 and clinical staging, overall survival (OS)
      and disease free survival (DFS). RESULTS: Eleven studies with a total of 1324
      patients with solid tumors were included into our meta-analysis. The result
      showed that high concentration of MCP-1 was related to a worse OS (HR = 1.95, 95%
      CI 1.32-2.88). The subgroup analysis on different location of tumors showed that
      high concentration of MCP-1 meant bad prognosis in patients with digestive cancer
      (HR = 2.66, 95% CI 1.44-4.91) and urogenital cancer (HR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.61
      3.10), even head and neck cancer (HR = 1.99, 95% CI 0.95-4.18) other than
      respiratory cancer (HR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.39-3.11). Another subgroup analysed on
      different sites of cancer and indicated a poor prognosis on adenocarcinoma (HR =
      2.10, 95% CI 1.63-2.69). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that MCP-1 can be
      regarded as a poor prognostic maker for solid tumors and may represent important
      new therapeutic targets.

PMID- 25120765
TI  - Increased HIF-1alpha expression in tumor cells and lymphocytes of tumor
      microenvironments predicts unfavorable survival in esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma patients.
AB  - The expression of hypoxia-induced factor (HIF)-1alpha is up-regulated in tumor
      microenvironments under hypoxia condition. However, the prognostic significance
      of HIF-1alpha in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is still elusive. We
      measured the HIF-1alpha expression by immunochemistry in tumor specimens from 136
      resected ESCC; in the current study, the HIF-1alpha expression in tumor cells was
      significantly associated with tumor stage (P = 0.003) and lymph node metastasis
      (P = 0.006); whereas the HIF-1alpha expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
      (TILs) had no relationship with patients' clinicopathological parameters.
      Patients with high HIF-1alpha expression in tumor cells or in TILs showed worse
      survival related to those with low HIF-1alpha expression. Multivariate analysis
      demonstrated that expression of HIF-1alpha in TILs was an independent factor for
      DFS (P = 0.007) and OS (P = 0.013). Additionally, the expression of HIF-1alpha in
      tumor cells was an independent factor for DFS (P = 0.037) and OS (P = 0.033) in
      locoregional ESCC patients, whereas the expression of HIF-1alpha in TILs was an
      independent factor for DFS (P = 0.048) and OS (P = 0.039) in metastatic ESCC
      patients. Correlation analysis revealed that expressions of HIF-1alpha in tumor
      cells and in TILs were positively correlated, and patients with combined high HIF
      1alpha in both tumor cells and TILs had the worst survivals (P < 0.05). These
      findings suggest that the HIF-1alpha expressions in different cell populations of
      ESCC microenvironments have different clinical relevance and prognostic impact on
      patients. 

PMID- 25120766
TI  - RNAi screening identifies HAT1 as a potential drug target in esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - Esophageal carcinoma (EC) is one of the most fatal carcinomas of the
      gastrointestinal tract. Aberrant activity of histone acetyltransferases
      (HATs)/deacetylases (HDACs) play a critical role in carcinogenesis through the
      regulation of the genes involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, and
      apoptosis. However, cellular functions of HATs/HDACs in esophageal cancer and its
      molecular mechanisms remain unclear. An RNAi screen was used in this study to
      identify the histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and deacetylases (HDACs) that
      could be critical for the survival of EC cells. We demonstrated that HAT1
      (histone acetyltransferase 1) was an important determinant to regulate the
      proliferation of human EC Eca-109 cells. Furthermore, we showed that the
      knockdown of HAT1 induced a G2/M cell cycle arrest, which was associated with the
      disruption of cell cycle-related events, including the decrease of cyclinD1 as
      well as alteration in cyclinB1 expression. The expression of HAT1 was validated
      to be higher in the primary tumors and adjacent tissue as compared to that of the
      normal esophageal tissue. Furthermore, we found that HAT1 expression was directly
      correlated with the poor tumor differentiation of EC tissue, which suggested that
      HAT1 played an important role in esophageal carcinoma and that it could be a
      novel EC therapeutic target. 

PMID- 25120767
TI  - Nuclear localizaiton of beta-catenin is associated with poor survival and chemo
      /radioresistance in human cervical squamous cell cancer.
AB  - Nuclear expression of beta-catenin has been suggested as an independent
      prognostic marker in a variety of cancers. The objective of this study was to
      investigate the clinicopathologic significance of nuclear beta-catenin expression
      in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). In this original
      research article, we detected nuclear beta-catenin expression in 29/171 CSCC
      tissues (17.0%). Patients without nuclear beta-catenin expression had a
      significantly better outcome than patients with nuclear beta-catenin expression
      (93.7% versus 82.7% P = 0.027). Furthermore, nuclear beta-catenin expression was
      predictive of prognosis in CSCC patients with early stage disease (FIGO stage I
      or tumor size <= 4 cm), with well/moderately differentiated tumors, or lymph node
      metastasis. Interestingly, nuclear beta-catenin expression correlated with poor
      outcome in patients who received postoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
      Multivariate analysis suggested that nuclear beta-catenin expression is an
      independent prognostic indicator in CSCC. Our findings suggest that nuclear beta
      catenin expression may be used as a prognostic biomarker in CSCC, especially for
      patients with early stage disease, well/moderately differentiated tumors, or
      lymph node metastasis. Moreover, nuclear beta-catenin expression has potential as
      a predictive marker of chemoresistance and radioresistance in CSCC. 

PMID- 25120768
TI  - Overexpression of MAGE-D4 in colorectal cancer is a potentially prognostic
      biomarker and immunotherapy target.
AB  - Melanoma-associated antigen D4 (MAGE-D4) is a novel member of MAGE family. This
      study aimed to examine the expression and immunogenicity of MAGE-D4 in colorectal
      cancer (CRC) to determine its potential as a prognosis and immunotherapeutic
      target. The expression of MAGE-D4 mRNA and protein was determined by RT-PCR and
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) in CRCs with paired adjacent non-tumor tissues,
      colorectal adenomas and normal colorectal tissues, respectively. Sera from 64 CRC
      patients were tested for MAGE-D4 antibody by ELISA. MAGE-D4 mRNA was more
      frequently expressed in CRCs (76.7%, 46/60) than in adjacent non-tumor tissues
      (15.0%, 9/60). MAGE-D4 protein was detected in all the CRC tissues tested, 70.0%
      of which showed high expression. There was no MAGE-D4 protein detected in any
      paired adjacent non-tumor tissue. No MAGE-D4 expression was found in colorectal
      adenomas and normal colorectal tissues by either RT-PCR or immunohistochemistry.
      Patients with high MAGE-D4 protein expression had significantly shorter overall
      survival than those with low MAGE-D4 protein expression (median, 68.6 vs 122.2
      months; P=0.030). Furthermore, multivariate analysis exhibited high MAGE-D4
      protein expression had a trend toward an independent prognostic factor (hazard
      ratio: 6.124; P=0.050). Humoral immunity to MAGE-D4 was detected in 12 of 64
      (18.8%) CRC patients' sera but not in 77 healthy donors. There was no correlation
      between MAGE-D4 expression, serum antibody and clinicopathological parameters.
      These findings suggest MAGE-D4 may serve as a potentially prognostic biomarker
      and an attractive target of immunotherapy in CRC. 

PMID- 25120769
TI  - Expression of aquaporin 8 and phosphorylation of Erk1/2 in cervical epithelial
      carcinogenesis: correlation with clinicopathological parameters.
AB  - Overexpression of aquaporins (AQPs) has been reported in several human cancers.
      Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (Erk1/2) are associated with
      tumorigenesis and cancer progression and may upregulate AQPs expression. In this
      study, we examined cervical tissue samples to establish the relationship between
      Erk1/2 and AQPs in cervical carcinoma by RT-PCR, Western blot and
      immunohistochemistry. We also examined the relationship between AQP8, Erk1/2 and
      clinicopathological variables in patients with cervical cancer. Our results
      showed that Erk1/2 was differentially expressed at the level of transcription and
      was most highly expressed in CIN samples (P < 0.05). At the level of translation,
      significant differences were seen in the expression of AQP8, Erk1/2 and P-Erk1/2
      (P < 0.05). Expression was highest in CIN samples, where 80.9%, 76.6%, and 66% of
      samples were positive for AQP8, Erk1/2 and P-Erk1/2, respectively. Expression in
      cervical carcinoma samples was higher than in normal cervical tissues (P < 0.01).
      AQP8 expression was associated with the depth of invasion of cervical cancer
      cells, and the expression of Erk1/2 and P-Erk1/2 was increased in earlier
      clinical stages and in lymphatic metastasis. AQP8 expression was positively
      correlated with Erk1/2 expression in cervical cancer. In conclusions, increased
      AQP8, Erk1/2 and P-Erk1/2 expression may play a role in transformation of CIN
      into cervical cancer, and in early invasion and lymphatic metastasis of cervical
      cancer. These proteins could potentially be used as molecular markers for early
      diagnosis of cervical carcinoma. 

PMID- 25120771
TI  - Inhibitory effect of beta-elemene on human breast cancer cells.
AB  - It has been approved for the clinical application of beta-elemene to treat
      various cancers mainly brain tumors in China. In the present study, we found that
      beta-elemene significantly inhibited the in vitro growth of human breast cancer
      cells by inducing apoptosis. In addition, beta-elemene also induced the
      conversion of LC3-I into LC3-II as well as the formation of autolysosomes,
      indicating the activation of autophagy. Interestingly, inhibition of autophagy
      significantly potentiated the growth-inhibitory effect of beta-elemene on breast
      cancer cells. In summary, beta-elemene induced cytoprotective autophagy in human
      breast cancer cells in addition to apoptosis. Inhibition of autophagy
      significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of beta-elemene to human breast cancer
      cells. Therefore, combination of beta-elemene with autophagy inhibitors could be
      a promising strategy for the treatment of breast cancer. 

PMID- 25120770
TI  - Apigenin suppresses GLUT-1 and p-AKT expression to enhance the chemosensitivity
      to cisplatin of laryngeal carcinoma Hep-2 cells: an in vitro study.
AB  - Glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) and PI3K/Akt are known to be closely involved in
      resistance to chemotherapy. Co-targeted therapy reducing GLUT-1 expression and
      PI3K/Akt pathway activity may overcome the chemoresistance of human cancers.
      Apigenin may inhibit the expression of GLUT-1 and the PI3K/Akt pathway. We
      hypothesized that over-expression of GLUT-1 and p-Akt was associated with the
      resistance to cisplatin of laryngeal carcinoma Hep-2 cells. We explored whether
      apigenin inhibited GLUT-1 and p-Akt, resulting in sensitization of laryngeal
      carcinoma Hep-2 cells to cisplatin. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting
      confirmed the presence of GLUT-1 mRNA, and GLUT-1 and p-Akt proteins in Hep-2
      cells. We found that resistance or insensitivity of Hep-2 cells to cisplatin
      might be associated with such expression. Apigenin markedly enhanced the
      cisplatin-induced suppression of Hep-2 cell growth. This effect was concentration
      and time-dependent. Thus apigenin may significantly reduce the levels of GLUT-1
      mRNA, and GLUT-1 and p-Akt proteins, in cisplatin-treated Hep-2 cells, in a
      concentration- and time-dependent manner. To conclude, overexpression of GLUT-1
      mRNA may be associated with the resistance to cisplatin of laryngeal carcinoma
      Hep-2 cells. Apigenin may enhance the sensitivity to cisplatin of laryngeal
      carcinoma cells via inhibition of GLUT-1 and p-Akt expression. 

PMID- 25120772
TI  - Effects of BMSCs interactions with adventitial fibroblasts in
      transdifferentiation and ultrastructure processes.
AB  - In this study an in vitro model of simulated blood vessel injury was used to
      study the effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)
      morphology and to detect vascular smooth muscle actin (SM alpha-actin) expression
      in the presence of adventitial fibroblasts. BMSCs from rats with DAPI-labeled
      nuclei were co-cultured with adventitial fibroblasts for 7 days, while BMSCs
      cultured alone served as controls. Cell morphology of BMSCs was assessed by laser
      confocal microscopy and SM alpha-actin or calponin expression in BMSCs was
      detected by immunofluorescence staining. The expression of SM alpha-actin mRNA
      was identified using RT-PCR. Cell ultrastructure was assessed by electron
      microscopy. The results demonstrate that BMSCs with DAPI-labeled nuclei were
      smaller compared with fibroblasts, and their nuclei emitted a blue fluorescence.
      Most BMSCs displayed a polygonal shape changing from their original long fusiform
      shape. BMSCs with blue nuclei and red cytoplasm (SM alpha-actin positive or
      calponin positive) were observed, and a substantial number of filaments were
      present in the cytoplasm as observed under electron microscopy. The number of
      these cells increased as a function of culture duration. However, SM alpha-actin
      expression was weak and calponin expression was not detected in the control
      group. This study provides important new information on the characterization of
      artherosclerosis pathogenesis and vascular restenosis after blood vessel injury.
      Our findings demonstrate that direct interactions with adventitial fibroblasts
      can induce vascular smooth muscle-like cell differentiation in BMSCs. 

PMID- 25120773
TI  - Expression profiles of HA117 and its neighboring gene DPF3 in different colon
      segments of Hirschsprung's disease.
AB  - Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is characterized by the absence of enteric ganglion
      cells along variable regions of the colon. Established theory demonstrates that
      HSCR is the consequence caused by the abnormal arrest of the migration and
      differentiation of neural crest-derived stem cells (NCSCs). And retinoid
      signaling was considered to be involved. We speculated that, HA117, a retinoid
      related transcript of a long noncoding RNA (LncRNA), may be involved in the
      genesis of HSCR. In current research, colon specimens were collected from 25 HSCR
      patients and grouped into 3 segments: proximal anastomosis, dilated segment and
      stenotic segment. Real-Time PCR was used to analyze the expression profiles of
      HA117 and its neighboring gene DPF3 in different colon segments. Fluorescence in
      situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to detect the distribution of HA117 in the
      gut wall. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the protein expression of
      DPF3 in different colon segments. HA117 expression in stenotic segment was higher
      compared to proximal anastomosis and dilated segment (p < 0.05). Whereas DPF3b
      mRNA was lower in stenotic segment than that in two other segments (p < 0.05).
      FISH detected HA117 was distributed in mucosa and muscle layer, mainly present in
      stenotic segment. Immunohistochemical staining showed that intensive DPF3
      staining occurred in proximal anastomosis and the positive staining was hardly
      observed in stenotic segment. The results suggested that HA117 may be a factor
      exerting an anti-differentiation or or anti-maturation role in the genesis of
      HSCR. This gave us a novel cue for better understanding the etiology of HSCR. 

PMID- 25120774
TI  - Possible prognostic significance of p53, cyclin D1 and Ki-67 in the second
      primary malignancy of patients with double primary malignancies.
AB  - Patients with two types of primary cancers are rare. In this study, we
      investigated the expression of p53, cyclin D1, and Ki-67 in the second primary
      malignancy. Tissue samples were obtained from the second primary cancer site of
      43 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for double primary cancer. p53,
      cyclin D1 and Ki-67 were determined using immunohistochemistry. Categorical
      variables were compared using the Chi-squared test; correlation between data
      scores and histology was calculated using the Spearman's rank-order correlation.
      The expression rates of p53, cyclin D1 and Ki-67 in the second primary malignancy
      site were 60.5%, 30.2% and 65.1% respectively. p53 expression showed
      statistically significant association with tumor occurrence interval,
      pathological grading and nodal metastasis (p < 0.05). Positive correlation was
      detected between the expression of cyclin D1 and Ki-67 and the expression of p53
      (r = 0.313, p = 0.041; r = 0.319, p = 0.037, respectively). High-expressing p53
      or cyclin D second primary malignancies were associated with decreased overall
      survival (p = 0.040 and p = 0.043, respectively). Ki-67 expression levels did not
      exhibit statistically significant differences in survival. In conclusion,
      elevated protein expression of p53, cyclin D1 and Ki-67 in the second primary
      malignancy is an indicator of more aggressive malignant behavior of the secondary
      tumor. These markers may have prognostic value in the clinical setting. 

PMID- 25120775
TI  - Knockdown of Aurora-B inhibits osteosarcoma cell invasion and migration via
      modulating PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling pathway.
AB  - Increasing evidences reveal that Aurora-B may be involved in metastasis of
      malignant tumor. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Aurora-B
      on invasion and migration of OS cells and the activity of PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB
      signaling pathway in vitro. The expression of Aurora-B and p-Akt (Ser473)
      proteins was detected by immunohistochemistry in OS tissues from 24 patients with
      pulmonary metastatic disease, and the relationship between Aurora-B and p-Akt was
      investigated. The results showed that there was a positive correlation between
      Aurora-B and p-Akt protein expression. Furthermore, we down-regulated the
      expression of Aurora-B through a recombinant lentivirus (Lv-shAURKB). Migration
      and invasion of cells were investigated by wound healing and transwell invasion
      assays. Results showed that silencing Aurora-B inhibited cell migratory and
      invasive ability of OS cells in vitro. Finally, knockdown of Aurora-B suppresses
      the activity of PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling pathway in OS cells. Our results
      indicated that knockdown of Aurora-B suppresses OS cells migratory and invasive
      ability via modulating the "PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB" signaling pathway in vitro. The
      Aurora-B blocker may be a new therapeutic strategy in OS management. 

PMID- 25120776
TI  - Increased chromogranin A and neuron-specific enolase in rats with chronic
      nonbacterial prostatitis induced by 17-beta estradiol combined with castration.
AB  - Although chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNBP) is a common diagnosis in middle
      aged men, the etiology of this disease remains poorly understood. Neuroendocrine
      cells play an important role in the neuroendocrine regulation of the prostate,
      and chromogranin A (CgA) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) are regarded as
      classic markers of neuroendocrine cells. This study aimed to determine CgA and
      NSE levels in a CNBP rat model to evaluate the role of neuroendocrine cells in
      the pathogenesis of CNBP. For developing a CNBP rat model, we examined the
      ability of 17-beta estradiol and surgical castration alone or in combination to
      induce CNBP. Histologic inflammation of the prostate was assessed in CNBP-induced
      rats by hematoxylin-eosin staining, whereas CgA and NSE protein levels were
      assessed by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assays. Our results showed that 17-beta estradiol combined with
      castration successfully induced CNBP and that CgA and NSE levels were increased
      in the prostate of CNBP rats as compared to those without CNBP. These findings
      indicate that the neuroendocrine regulation mediated by neuroendocrine cells may
      be involved in the pathogenesis of CNBP. 

PMID- 25120777
TI  - Granular cell tumor of the esophagus: a clinicopathological study of 31 cases.
AB  - Granular cell tumors (GCTs) in esophagus are rare tumors lacking of systemic
      large group reports. In this study, we summarized the clinical characteristics,
      histological features and therapeutic approaches of 31 cases. GCTs generally
      located at middle and distal of the esophagus in middle aged and elderly patients
      with no incidence of gender differences. Histologically, tumor cells were mainly
      plump and polygonal with abundant, granular, amphophilic or eosinophilic
      cytoplasm. The growth pattern was solid or nested, usually with minimal
      infiltration and inflammatory infiltrates and lymphoid aggregation. All GCTs in
      the present study were benign according to Nasser criteria. Nestin, NSE, CD68 and
      S100 protein were moderate to strong positive. Moreover, a developmental
      morphology of a GCT was found, which included areas of relatively normal Schwann
      cells, transitional cells and typical cells of GCTs. All patients received
      endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).
      Twenty-six patients were followed up and remained clinically well. In conclusion,
      GCTs of esophagus are neurogenic origin tumors with favourable prognosis.
      Definite diagnosis of GCTs relies upon pathological examination. The Nasser
      criteria for stratification are practical in guiding treatment strategy. ESD is a
      recommended therapeutic strategy, and the range of application is expanding. 

PMID- 25120778
TI  - Alterations of microRNAs are associated with impaired growth of MCF-7 breast
      cancer cells induced by inhibition of casein kinase 2.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Protein Kinase (casein kinase 2, CK2) is a pleiotropic serine
      threonine kinase that is frequently dysregulated in many human tumors; microRNAs
      (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs which play important roles in human
      cancers. This study aimed to investigate the role of CK2 and miRNA expression in
      breast cancer. METHODS: Casein kinase 2 in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was
      inhibited by the CK2 inhibitor TBB (4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole), then cell
      proliferation was studied using MTT assay, and cell cycle distribution and
      apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The alteration of microRNAs expression
      profile was determined by microarray technology, followed by RT-PCR confirmation.
      RESULTS: Here, we for the first time showed that inhibition of CK2 in MCF-7
      breast cancer cells causes suppressed cell growth, which was related with
      dysregulation of the miRNA profile and altered expression. CK2 inhibition induced
      the up-regulated expression of 17 miRNAs and 10 down-regulated microRNAs which
      contributed to the impaired growth, inhibited cell cycle progress and increased
      apoptosis of MCF-7 cells by a CK2 inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      highlight the potential role of dysregulated miRNA expression regulated by CK2 in
      breast cancer.

PMID- 25120779
TI  - Cyclin D1b overexpression inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis
      in cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Cyclin D1b is one of two proteins translated from cyclin D1 transcripts (isoforms
      a and b) that are generated due to gene polymorphism. Our previous study has
      reported low cyclin D1b expression in cervical cancer tissue, with an expression
      level in moderately or poorly differentiated tissues that was significantly lower
      than that in well-differentiated tissues. However, the functional role of cyclin
      D1b in cervical cancer remains to be elucidated. In this study, using a cervical
      cancer cell line with stable expression of cyclin D1b, we found that upregulation
      of cyclin D1b initiated cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and induced
      apoptosis, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and colony formation.
      Furthermore, xenograft transplantation experiments in nude mice demonstrated that
      cyclin D1b upregulation inhibited cancer growth and induce apoptosis in vivo. In
      conclusion, the present study indicates anti-tumor effects of cyclin D1b in
      cervical cancer, suggesting that cyclin D1b may represent a potential therapeutic
      target for cervical cancer. 

PMID- 25120780
TI  - Different levels of circulating Th22 cell and its related molecules in Graves'
      disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to make a comparative analysis of the possible
      different expression of Th22 cells in two subtypes of autoimmune thyroid diseases
      (AITDs), i.e., Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). METHODS: We
      recruited 61 AITDs patients (31 GD and 30 HT) and 22 controls. Serum level of IL
      22 was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proportion of
      Th22 cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was analyzed by flow
      cytometry. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of IL-22, its receptors (IL10R2,
      IL22R1) and key transcription factor (aryl hydrocarbon receptor, AHR) in PBMCs
      were assayed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT
      PCR). Several cytokines of the cultured PBMCs were also measured under IL-22
      stimulation. RESULTS: The proportion of Th22 cells, serum IL22 level and IL-22
      mRNA expression were significantly higher in patients with GD than in healthy
      controls. Additionally, AHR increased in GD patients compared to healthy
      controls. However, the elevation of Th22 cells and their relative cytokines was
      not found in patients with HT. Consistent with specific mRNAs expression of
      cultured PBMCs, IL-4 increment in supernatant was much higher in GD group than in
      control group, while IFN-gamma levels were decreased under IL-22 stimulation.
      CONCLUSION: Th22 cells may participate in the pathogenesis of AITDs as a
      proinflammatory factor, especially in GD, through expressing and secreting IL-22.

PMID- 25120781
TI  - Vascular alterations in schwannoma.
AB  - Schwannomas or neurilemmoma are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors, which most
      frequently occur at the cerebellopontine angle. This morphologic study examines
      vascular alterations in these tumors, comparing them to other benign spindle cell
      neoplasms of the nervous system, while correlating these findings with evidence
      of vascular permeability. Thirty-four nervous system spindle cell neoplasms,
      sixteen schwannomas, nine fibroblastic/transitional meningiomas and nine
      peripheral neurofibromas were stained with H&E, Prussian-blue stain, and
      immunoreacted for factor VIII-related antigen and interstitial albumin.
      Schwannomas had focal clusters of vascular proliferation including groups of
      small thin-walled vessels, as well as larger vessels with extensive
      hyalinization. Neurofibromas and meningiomas almost uniformly had modest numbers
      of well-defined, thin walled individual vessels. Free hemosiderin and hemosiderin
      laden macrophages were frequently identified in schwannomas. Prussian-blue stain
      for iron revealed focal or fairly widespread positivity in almost all
      schwannomas, only one meningioma and none of the neurofibromas. Immunoreaction
      for albumin demonstrated leakage of vascular proteins into the interstitium
      confirming tumor vessel permeability in schwannomas. Neither neurofibromas nor
      meningiomas displayed any detectable interstitial albumin. The above findings
      confirm a degree of reactive proliferation of vessels in schwannoma along with
      functional deficits in their vascular integrity with permeability to protein and
      blood. The presence of hyalinized vessels, hemosiderin, both free and within
      macrophages, and more readily evident Prussian blue staining, may provide an
      additional diagnostic clue in discriminating between histologically similar
      spindle cell lesions. The study however raises the possibility that these changes
      likely precede or facilitate the degenerative 'ancient change' seen in some
      schwannoma. 

PMID- 25120782
TI  - miR-218 modulate hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation through
      PTEN/AKT/PI3K pathway and HoxA10.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the regulatory mechanism of miR-218 in human
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: qPCR was used to compare the expression
      levels miR-218 among six hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and normal liver
      tissues. After transfecting MHCC97L cells with either miR-218 mimics or miR-218
      inhibitor, western blotting was used to examine the expressing patterns of
      cyclinD1, p21, and PTEN/AKT/PI3K signaling pathway-related proteins. MTT and
      colony forming assay was used to assess the capability of cell proliferation.
      Bioinformatic method was applied to predict the binding of miR-218 on HoxA10, and
      western blotting was used to examine the modulatory effect of miR-218 AND HoxA10
      on PTEN/AKT/PI3K pathway in HCC. RESULTS: The expression levels of miR-218 were
      frequently lower in HCC cell lines than in normal liver tissues. Over-expression
      of miR-218 in HCC cells significantly decreased cell proliferation whereas
      inhibiting miR-218 promoted cancer cell proliferation. Western blotting analysis
      demonstrated that tumorigenesis related protein cyclin D1 and p21, as well as
      PTEN/AKT/PI3K signaling pathways were actively modulated by miR-218 in HCC cells.
      The expression of endogenous HoxA10 was also down-regulated by miR-218 over
      expression, and silencing HoxA10 directly activated PTEN in HCC cells.
      CONCLUSION: Modulation of miR-218 actively affected HCC cancer cell development.
      The regulatory mechanism of miR-218 in HCC cells was acting through PTEN/AKT/PI3K
      pathway and possibly associated with HoxA10.

PMID- 25120783
TI  - Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicts mortality and adverse-outcomes
      after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in Chinese people.
AB  - Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been reported to predict cardiovascular
      risks and mortality in coronary artery diseases. We aimed to evaluate the
      capacity of NLR to predict long-term mortality in Chinese patients presenting
      with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We recorded NLR at
      admission, 24 or 72 hours after admission, and at discharge (14+/-2 days) of 692
      patients presenting with STEMI at Xuanwu hospital, Beijing between 2002 and 2005,
      and assessed the capacity of NLR to predict mortality during follow up (median
      9.43, interquartile range (IQR) 8.65-10.28 years). Backward stepwise multivariate
      Cox regression revealed that average inpatient NLR (NLRaverage) predicted all
      cause mortality (Hazard ratio 1.481) more accurately than absolute leukocyte and
      neutrophil counts (P<0.001). When patients were stratified into tertiles by
      NLRaverage (T1 NLR<3.16, T3 NLR>4.75), patients in T3 exhibited a 4.621-fold
      higher risk of mortality than patients in T1 (P=0.002). Patients in T3 had a
      significantly higher incidence of all-cause mortality (10.00%) than T1 (2.17%)
      and T2 (4.31%), cardiac-mortality (8.70%) than T1 (2.17%) and T2 (4.31%),
      hypotension (20.00%) than T1 (5.65%) and T2 (12.93%), arrhythmia (43.91%) than T1
      (24.14%) and T2 (24.35%), and defibrillation (7.83%) than T1 (1.74%) and T2
      (5.17%) in hospital; and suffered from higher mortality (46.09%) than T1 (9.13%)
      and T2 (29.74%), cardiac mortality (27.83%) than T1 (5.22%) and T2 (15.52%) and
      MACE events (36.52%) than T1 (13.04%) and T2 (31.9%) during long-term follow-up.
      Average NLR was a useful and powerful predictor of mortality and adverse-outcomes
      in Chinese patients presenting with STEMI. 

PMID- 25120784
TI  - Clinicopathological features of hepatitis B virus recurrence after liver
      transplantation: eleven-year experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate new changes in the clinical pathology of
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT)
      in era of new nucleoside or nucleotide analogues. METHODS: One hundred and eighty
      four adult patients who underwent OLT for HBV-related end-stage liver disease
      between 1999 and 2010 were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 156
      received lamivudine (LAM) plus hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and 28 were
      treated with LAM. The liver function, serologic parameters and HBV-DNA of the 184
      recipients were followed up, and clinical pathological characteristics of grafts
      with HBV recurrence were examined in this study. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy
      nine (97%) were alive at their last follow-up and eleven (6%) had developed HBV
      recurrence at a median of 22 (range 6 to 46) months post-OLT. Two of the 11
      recipients were detected with HBV-S gene mutation, and 5 were tested with YMDD
      mutation. Four recipients who died of irreversible graft dysfunction secondary to
      HBV recurrence, developed fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) because of no
      effective antiviral agents available in the early stages of HBV recurrence after
      OLT. Six recipients who received adefovir (ADV) (and Entecavir, ETV) in the early
      stages of HBV recurrence after OLT achieved improvement in hepatic histology.
      CONCLUSIONS: HBV recurrence post-OLT could be controlled at an acceptable level
      for a long time and the recipients could achieve long-term survival by using new
      antiviral agents, instead of advancing into FCH in the short term after HBV
      recurrence.

PMID- 25120785
TI  - Dynamic metabolites profile of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion revealed by (1)H NMR
      based metabolomics contributes to potential biomarkers.
AB  - Current metabolomic studies of ischemic brain mainly attach importance on a
      certain ischemic period, are lack of data about dynamic metabolites in ischemic
      stroke process, especially early period. Thus, in this study, (1)H NMR
      spectroscopy was used to investigate biochemical changes in the early stages of
      rats' focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. Serum samples of 0, 0.5,
      1, 3, 6, 12, 24 h of reperfusion, based on multivariate data analyses, were
      tested to analyze the changing of metabolites during the early disease process.
      Partial least squares-discriminant analysis scores plots of the (1)H NMR data
      revealed clear differences among the experiment groups. Combination the results
      of loading plot and t-test, we found that 13 metabolites were changed
      significantly. Among that, malonic acid and glycine are the most noticeable
      variable metabolites. Dramatic changed malonic acid and glycine most probably
      served as biomarkers in this study. These findings help us understand the
      biochemical metabolite changes in early ischemic stroke stages, especially
      different periods. That may be conducive to distinguish at-risk individuals,
      benefit early diagnosis and understand the dynamic pathogenesis of early cerebral
      ischemia. 

PMID- 25120786
TI  - Immunohistochemical study for the origin of ductular reaction in chronic liver
      disease.
AB  - The appearance of proliferating bile ductular structures, which is called the
      "atypical ductular reaction" is frequently observed in various chronic liver
      diseases associated. However, the origin of these increased bile ductules has
      been a matter of controversy. In this study, we investigated the origin of
      ductular cells as an aspect of relation between epithelial to mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) and epithelial members of liver parenchyme, such as hepatocyte
      and cholangiocyte by immunohistochemical staining of human liver. Thirteen
      specimens of surgically resected liver with biliary cirrhosis were selected.
      Three sets of double immunohistochemical stains were done; Hep-Par 1 -
      cytokeratin 19 (CK19), Hep-Par 1 - alpha-sm ooth mus cle actin (alpha-SMA) and
      CK19 - alpha-SMA. As a result, we investigated the dual expression of the markers
      of hepatocyte and cholangiocyte in the same cell; in ductular cell and
      surrounding hepatocyte. However, there seems to be no dual expression of markers
      for EMT with epithelial markers. This study suggests a possibility of phenotypic
      change of mature hepatocyte into cholangiocyte. Future studies will be necessary
      to determine the role that proliferating cholangiocytes play in the pathogenesis
      of biliary fibrosis and how cholangiocytes interact with other cell types of the
      liver such as hepatic stellate cells or Kupffer cells. 

PMID- 25120787
TI  - Prognostic value of hormone receptor status conversion following neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy in a series of operable breast cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the prognostic value of hormone receptor (HR) status
      conversion after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with primary breast
      cancer. METHODS: 267 stage II-III breast cancer patients treated with NAC who had
      residual disease in the breast after NAC were retrospectively studied. The
      patients were divided into four groups based on the HR status: Group A, patients
      with HR-positive both before and after NAC; Group B, patients with HR status
      positive-to-negative change; Group C, patients with HR status negative-to
      positive change; Group D, patients with HR-negative both before and after NAC.
      Patients with positive HR status (regardless of before or after NAC) were treated
      with adjuvant endocrine therapy, and a survival analysis was performed. RESULTS:
      In total, 15.7% of patients had HR status change after NAC. progression-free
      survival (PFS) in Group A was similar to that in Group C (hazard ratio, 1.16; P =
      0.652), but that in Group B was significantly lesser than that in Group A (hazard
      ratio, 6.88; P = 0.001), and that in Group C was significantly longer than that
      in Group D (hazard ratio, 6.88; P = 0.001). A similar pattern of results was
      obtained for overall survival (OS). CONCLUSIONS: The switch of HR status after
      NAC is remarkable for breast cancer. An HR switch may identify patients who would
      benefit from adjuvant endocrine therapy and impact the long-term outcome.

PMID- 25120789
TI  - Decreased LINE-1 methylation levels in aldosterone-producing adenoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Abnormal global DNA methylation levels are associated with many
      diseases. In this study, we examined long interspersed nuclear elements-1 (LINE
      1) methylation as a biomarker for abnormal global DNA methylation and aldosterone
      producing adenoma (APA). METHODS: Tissues from 25 APA and 6 normal adrenal glands
      (NAs) were analyzed for LINE-1 methylation by real-time methylation-specific
      polymerase chain reaction. The estimated LINE-1 methylation level was then tested
      for correlation with the clinicopathologic parameters of APA patients. RESULTS:
      The methylation index (MI) level for LINE-1 was 0.91 in NA samples and 0.77 in
      APA samples (P < 0.001). For the APA samples, there were no statistical
      correlations between the MI level and various clinicopathologic parameters such
      as gender (P = 0.07). CONCLUSION: LINE-1 methylation is significantly lower in
      APA samples than in NA samples. LINE-1 methylation is not correlated with the
      clinical characteristics of APA.

PMID- 25120790
TI  - Expression and clinical significance of cancer-testis genes in clear cell renal
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - Cancer-testis (CT) antigens, which are encoded by CT genes, have been recognized
      as a group of highly attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy. However, the
      expression and clinical relevance of CT genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
      (ccRCC) remains largely unknown. The present study aims to analyze the expression
      profile of 6 individual CT genes including MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3, MAGE-A12, cTAGE-1,
      cTAGE-2, and NY-ESO-1 in ccRCC and further investigate their possible
      correlations with clinicopathologic characteristics. The mRNA expressions of
      these CT genes were detected using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) in 105 ccRCC tissue samples (T1-2 in 70 samples, T3-4 in 35
      samples; G1-2 in 65 samples, G3-4 in 40 samples) as well as the paired adjacent
      normal tissues. The most frequently expressed CT gene was MAGE-A3 (27.6%),
      followed by MAGE-A12 (23.8%), NY-ESO-1 (21%), MAGE-A1 (20%), cTAGE-1 (17.1%), and
      cTAGE-2 (14.3%). In contrast, no expression of CT genes was detected in the
      paired adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, the MAGE-A3 protein expression was
      determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. MAGE-A3 protein was
      expressed in 21.9% ccRCC samples with a cytoplasmic staining pattern. No MAGE-A3
      protein expression was found in the paired adjacent normal tissues. There was a
      significant correlation between MAGE-A3 expression at both mRNA (P =0.045) and
      protein (P = 0.03) levels with advanced stages of the disease. Taken together, CT
      genes may serve as promising targets of specific immunotherapy for ccRCC and
      particularly, MAGE-A3 may serve as a potential prognostic marker for ccRCC
      patients. 

PMID- 25120788
TI  - Transcription factors related to epithelial mesenchymal transition in tumor
      center and margin in invasive lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment has many roles involving tumor progression, invasion
      and metastasis. The tumor cells at the tumor border loose epithelial properties
      and acquire mesenchymal features. This, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) has been suggested to be an important process for tissue and lymphovascular
      invasion. Pulmonary tissue samples from 15 patients with primary adenocarcinoma
      were evaluated with using immunofluorescence multi-staining the EMT-associated
      markers including E-cadherin and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), and
      transcription factors including E-SNAIL and SLUG, and ZEB1. The data were
      analyzed in specific area, such as tumor center and tumor border. In this study
      we show that the invasive adenocarcinoma differentially expressed SNAIL and SLUG,
      and Zeb1 and it was associated with the loss of epithelial marker (E-cadherin)
      and gaining of mesenchymal marker (alpha-SMA) at the invasive border of lung
      carcinoma. The positive rates of SNAIL and ZEB1 were 26.7% and 0% in the tumor
      center and 40% and 20% in tumor margin, respectively. In addition, the expression
      of both SNAIL and ZEB1 at the border of tumor was observed in two cases (2/10).
      These two cases were associated with lymph node metastasis and advanced stage.
      The process of EMT has been suggested to be of prime importance for tissue and
      lymphovascular invasion. The process of EMT may be activated in the tumor border
      of lung adenocarcinoma. Related transcription factors, such as SNAIL and SLUG,
      and ZEB1, might be induced by paracrine effects of surrounded inflammatory cells
      and fibroblasts. 

PMID- 25120791
TI  - Decreased RGS6 expression is associated with poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer
      patients.
AB  - Regulator of G-protein signaling 6 (RGS6), a member of a family of RGS proteins,
      has been reported to involve in multiple processes during tumor development.
      However, its role in pancreatic cancer has not been studied yet. In this study,
      we aimed to investigate the expression of RGS6 in pancreatic cancer and its role
      in predicting outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer. We first measured the
      expression of RGS6 mRNA in 20 cases of tumor tissues and matched adjacent non
      tumorous tissues by quantitative real-time PCR and examined RGS6 protein by
      immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays containing 90 tumor and 90 paired
      adjacent non-tumor tissues. Decreased RGS6 mRNA detected in primary tumor,
      compared with their non-tumor counterparts. In addition, decreased RGS6 protein
      expression was associated with tumor differentiation (P = 0.027), pT
      classification (P = 0.034), smoking status (P = 0.041) and a poor survival (P =
      0.007). Cox proportional hazards regression modeling analysis revealed that lymph
      node metastasis (P = 0.001; hazard ratio, 2.347, 95% CI, 1.387-3.972), tumor
      differentiation (P = 0.015; hazard ratio, 0.505, 95% CI, 0.291-0.876) and RGS6
      expression (P = 0.048; hazard ratio, 0.567, 95% CI, 0.324-0.994) were three
      independent prognostic factors. Taken together, these date demonstrate that RGS6
      decreases in tumor tissue and may serve as a novel biomarker for outcomes in
      pancreatic cancer patients and be a potential therapeutic target potential
      therapeutic target. 

PMID- 25120794
TI  - Complement membrane attack complex is related with immune-mediated necrotizing
      myopathy.
AB  - This study is to investigate the expression of complement membrane attack complex
      (C5b-9) in the skeletal muscle of patients with necrotizing myopathy (NM), and to
      investigate the relationship between C5b-9 and NM. Thirteen patients with NM and
      control patients with polymyositis and muscular dystrophy were enrolled in this
      study. Examinations including creatine kinase (CK) and L-lactate dehydrogenase
      (LDH) in the serum, electromyogram and muscle pathological examination were
      performed. C5b-9 expression in the skeletal muscle was determined by
      immunohistochemistry and analyzed by Image Plus Pro 6.0. C5b-9 expression was
      particularly prominent in necrotic muscle fibers, and also positive in blood
      vessels. C5b-9 diffusely expressed in vascular endothelial cells and smooth
      muscle layer. But the intensity was not related with the elevated level of serum
      CK. So, C5b-9 is strongly expressed in the necrotic muscle fiber and blood
      vessels, and may contribute to the pathogenesis of NM. 

PMID- 25120792
TI  - A new 5-grading score in the diagnosis of prostate cancer with real-time
      elastography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of transrectal real-time
      elastography (TRTE) in diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCA). METHODS: 195 patients
      with an elevated PSA level were enrolled in the study. A novel 5-grading score of
      prostate outer gland was applied by TRTE imaging. Receiver-operating
      characteristic curve (ROC) analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic
      performance of TRTE score. RESULTS: TRTE scores in patients with PCA and benign
      condition were 3.20 +/- 1.11 (range: 1-5) and 2.24 +/- 1.01 (range: 1-4),
      respectively (P < 0.001). The best cutoff value of TRTE score was 3, and the
      sensitivity, specificity, accuracy in the diagnosis were 68.6% (35/51), 69.4%
      (100/144) and 69.2% (135/195), respectively. The accuracy of TRTE in volume <= 30
      ml group was significantly higher than that in the volume >= 50 ml group and the
      30-50 ml group (76.9% vs. 65.0% and 76.9% vs. 71.4%, both P < 0.001). Accuracy of
      TRTE score was higher for those with PSA ranged 4-10 ng/ml than those with PSA >
      10 ng/ml (85.3% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: TRTE score, a novel semi
      quantitative assessment of patients' prostate stiffness, can be served as a
      useful screening method for patients suspicious of PCA, especially those only
      having an elevated PSA level.

PMID- 25120795
TI  - Metastasis-associated colon cancer-1 is a novel prognostic marker for cervical
      cancer.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) expression
      in cervical cancer. METHODS: One hundred and four paraffin-embedded cervical
      cancer specimens were immunohistochemically analyzed for MACC1 expression. The
      expression of MACC1 in 8 pairs of cervical cancer and adjacent normal cervical
      tissues were detected by Real-time PCR. RESULTS: MACC1 expression was upregulated
      in cervical cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal cervical tissues.
      Patients with higher MACC1 expression had shorter overall survival time, whereas
      those with lower ASAP1 expression survived longer (P = 0.029). Moreover, high
      expression of MACC1 was correlated with FIGO stage (P = 0.039) and lymph nodes
      metastasis (P = 0.003) of this disease. Multivariate analysis revealed that MACC1
      was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.043) for the overall survival of
      cervical cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that MACC1 may
      contribute to tumor development and progression in cervical cancer, and that
      MACC1 could be a useful marker for the prognosis of cervical cancer.

PMID- 25120793
TI  - Ileal interposition reduces blood glucose levels and decreases insulin resistance
      in a type 2 diabetes mellitus animal model by up-regulating glucagon-like peptide
      1 and its receptor.
AB  - This study is to explore the possible mechanism of ileal interposition (IT)
      treatment of glycemic control of the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by
      establishing an IT animal model. Twelve T2DM rats (GK rats) of 8-week old were
      divided into GK IT surgery group (GK-IT) and GK sham group (GK-Sham). Six Wistar
      rats were used as the non-T2DM sham group (WS-Sham). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay was used to detect plasma insulin concentration and fasting pancreas
      glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentration changes. Homeostasis model
      assessment of insulin resistance was used to quantitatively measure insulin
      resistance. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) expression was detected by
      Western blotting. IT significantly decreased fasting blood glucose level and the
      oral glucose tolerance, and reduced insulin resistance of GK rats by increasing
      GLP-1 concentration and GLP-1R levels. The postoperative pancreatic beta-cell
      apoptosis rate of GK-Sham group was significantly higher than those in the GK-IT
      group and the WS-Sham group. IT significantly reduces blood glucose and decreases
      insulin resistance by up-regulating GLP-1 concentrations and GLP-1R levels, which
      may contribute to insulin secretion of pancreatic beta-cells and decreases
      apoptosis of pancreatic beta-cell. 

PMID- 25120796
TI  - Sex-specific association of the peptidase D gene rs731839 polymorphism and serum
      lipid levels in the Mulao and Han populations.
AB  - Little is known about the association of peptidase D (PEPD) gene rs731839 single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and serum lipid profiles in the Chinese population.
      The objective of the present study was to detect the association of the PEPD
      rs731839 SNP and serum lipid levels in the Mulao and Han populations. Genotyping
      of the PEPD rs731839 SNP was performed in 751 subjects of Mulao and 762 subjects
      of Han using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length
      polymorphism and then confirmed by direct sequencing. The A allele carriers had
      higher serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo)
      AI levels and lower triglyceride (TG) levels in Mulao; and higher HDL-C, low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and ApoAI levels in Han than the A allele
      non-carriers. Subgroup analyses showed that the A allele carriers had higher HDL
      C, ApoAI levels and lower TG levels in Mulao males but not in females; higher
      total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C and ApoAI levels in Han males; and higher
      TG, HDL-C and ApoAI levels in Han females than the A allele non-carriers. Serum
      lipid parameters were also correlated with several environmental factors in Mulao
      and Han populations, or in males and females in both ethnic groups. The
      association of the PEPD rs731839 SNP and serum lipid levels was different between
      the Mulao and Han populations, and between males and females in the both ethnic
      groups. There may be an ethnic- and/or sex-specific association of the PEPD
      rs731839 SNP and serum lipid levels in our study populations. 

PMID- 25120799
TI  - Serum levels of microRNA-133b and microRNA-206 expression predict prognosis in
      patients with osteosarcoma.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the aberrant expression
      of microRNA (miR)-133b and miR-206 can be used as potential prognostic markers of
      human osteosarcoma. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
      reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of miR
      133b and miR-206 in 100 pairs of osteosarcoma tissues and matched noncancerous
      bone tissues, and serum samples from 100 patients with osteosarcoma as well as in
      serum samples from 100 healthy controls. As a result, expression levels of miR
      133b and miR-206 were both significantly decreased in osteosarcoma tissues and
      patients' sera (both P<0.001). Then, the downregulation of miR-133b and miR-206
      both more frequently occurred in osteosarcoma patients with high tumor grade
      (both P=0.01), positive metastasis (both P<0.001) and recurrence (both P<0.001).
      Moreover, the patients with low miR-133b expression and low miR-206 expression
      both had shorter overall survival (OS, both P<0.001) and disease-free survival
      (DFS, both P<0.001) than those with high expressions. Of note, the OS and DFS of
      patients with combined low expression of miR-133b and miR-206 (miR-133b-low/miR
      206-low) were the shortest (both P<0.001). Furthermore, low miR-133b expression,
      low miR-206 expression and conjoined expression of miR-133b/miR-206 were all
      independent prognostic factors for OS and DFS of osteosarcoma patients.
      Collectively, the aberrant expression of miR-133b and miR-206 may be implicated
      in tumorigenesis and tumor progression of osteosarcoma. More interestingly,
      detection of serum miR-133b and miR-206 expression could be further developed as
      novel, non-invasive and efficient markers for prognosis in patients with
      osteosarcomas. 

PMID- 25120797
TI  - Expression of ALDH1 and TGFbeta2 in benign and malignant breast tumors and their
      prognostic implications.
AB  - The specific mechanism underlying the role of putative stem cell marker aldehyde
      dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) playing in development and progression of breast cancer
      is currently unclear. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) signaling pathway
      is reported to be activated in most cancers. Thus a study was initiated to
      explore possible differences and correlation of ALDH1 and TGFbeta2 expression in
      the most common malignant and benign tumors of the breast in Chinese women.
      Samples of 75 breast cancer tissues, 30 paracancerous normal tissues, and 39
      fibroadenoma breast tissues were investigated for the expression of ALDH1 and
      TGFbeta2 using immunohistochemistry. The positive rates of ALDH1 and TGFbeta2
      protein were 62.67% and 66.67%, respectively, in breast cancer tissues, which
      were significantly higher than that in normal fibroadenoma breast (P<0.05) and
      paracancerous tissues (P<0.01). ALDH1 and TGFbeta2 status were significantly
      associated with tumor histological grade and receptor status (P<0.05). Expression
      of ALDH1 was found to be positively correlative to TGFbeta2 in breast cancer (r =
      0.33, P<0.01). Expression of both proteins remained significantly associated with
      reduced overall survival (OS) by univariate analysis (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox
      regression analysis showed that ALDH1 expression, tumor stage, and lymph node
      status are independent prognostic factors in invasive breast cancer patients.
      Thus ALDH1 and TGFbeta2 play important roles in the development of breast cancer.
      The ALDH1 phenotype is an independent predictor of poor prognosis, and TGFbeta2
      signaling pathway activation might be involved in the pathological regulation of
      ALDH1 in breast cancer. 

PMID- 25120800
TI  - Expression of O(6)-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and its clinical
      significance in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm.
AB  - O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a widespread DNA repair enzyme
      defending against mutation caused by guanine O(6)-alkylating agents. Until now,
      we know only little about the expression of MGMT in gastroenteropancreatic
      neuroendocrine neoplasm (GEP-NEN). To study the expression of MGMT and its
      clinical significance in GEP-NEN, 174 specimens of GEP-NEN were examined, of
      which 152 specimens came from The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
      University during October 1995 to November 2013, 22 specimens came from Peking
      Union Medical College Hospital during September 2004 to April 2010. MGMT protein
      was detected with EnVision immunohistochemical staining method.
      Clinicopathological factors were also collected and analyzed. We observed that
      the overall expression rate of MGMT was 83.9%. Over expression of MGMT protein
      was not associated with sex, age, functional status, primary tumor location,
      grading, classification, TNM stage and metastasis (P > 0.05). Kaplan-Meier
      analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in survival between
      MGMT-positive and MGMT-negative tumors of GEP-NEN patients (chi(2) = 0.887, P =
      0.346). In multivariate analyses carried out by Cox proportional hazards
      regression model, MGMT expression was also not an independent predictors of
      survival. These results demonstrated that MGMT protein was highly expressed in
      GEP-NEN. MGMT deficiency rate was similar in pancreatic NEN and in
      gastrointestinal NEN. MGMT expression was not correlated with prognosis of GEP
      NEN. 

PMID- 25120798
TI  - The absence of human papillomavirus in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in East
      China.
AB  - Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common types of
      tumors worldwide, particularly in China, and human papillomavirus (HPV) is
      thought to be a potential risk factor for this cancer. To determine whether this
      is true, we collected 177 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded ESCC samples from
      two hospitals. We screened for 23 different HPV genotypes using a human
      papillomavirus genotyping kit, which allowed us to amplify the L1 gene by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and test for 23 HPV subtypes by reverse dot blot
      (RDB) on a single membrane. We also used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect the
      P16(INK4a) protein, the expression of which is linked to HPV E7 activity and
      which is used to diagnose cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The genotyping
      results showed that only six samples were weakly positive for HPV: two for HPV16,
      two for HPV11 and two for HPV35, with no samples showing strong positive signals.
      The IHC results showed only five samples with diffuse positive staining, with the
      other samples being completely negative or having only focal positive signals,
      which were considered as negative. This study demonstrates that the HPV infection
      rate in ESCC samples is very low, suggesting that HPV is not the etiological
      cause of ESCC. 

PMID- 25120802
TI  - HER2-positive mucinous adenocarcinomas of the ovary have an expansile invasive
      pattern associated with a favorable prognosis.
AB  - Ovarian primary mucinous adenocarcinomas (MACs) are refractory to conventional
      therapy. Biomarkers for ovarian MAC could facilitate prognosis and targeted
      therapy, but are not currently available. The expression of human epidermal
      growth factor 2 (HER-2) has been linked to enhanced survival of MAC patients and
      may hold potential as a biomarker, but this potential has not been sufficiently
      investigated. In this study, we examined the clinicopathological features of 46
      cases of MAC and 36 cases of patients with mucinous borderline tumors (MBTs). The
      expression of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and HER2 were
      measured by immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).
      Next, we compared the clinicopathological characteristics according to the HER2
      expression profile. MBTs of the endocervical type tended to have simultaneous ER
      and PR expression (P = 0.0028) while MACs rarely showed ER or PR expression. HER2
      expression was observed in 14 out of the 46 MACs (37.84%) and in none of the MBTs
      (P = 0.0002). HER2-positive MACs occurred approximately 10 years earlier than
      HER2-negative MACs (35.21 +/- 4.768 years compared to 46.78 +/- 1.977 years; P =
      0.0105). All HER2-positive MACs demonstrated an expansile invasive pattern, while
      all MACs with infiltrative invasion pattern were HER2-negative (P = 0.0406).
      Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a tendency for improved overall
      survival in HER2-positive MACs compared to HER2-negative MACs (P = 0.0389). In
      conclusion, HER2 overexpression in ovarian MACs is associated with an expansile,
      but not an infiltrative, invasion pattern and a favorable prognosis. Therefore,
      we suggest that HER2 may be a practical marker for histopathological
      categorization and a prognostic marker in ovarian MACs. 

PMID- 25120801
TI  - High level of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 predicts poor
      prognosis in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) is a key mediator bridging
      autophagy, apoptosis and differentiation. However, its role and clinical
      significance in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is still
      scanty. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of
      LC3 by immunohistochemistry in a group of patients with ESCC treated with
      surgical resection. Tissue microarray that included 253 surgically resected ESCC
      specimens was successfully generated for immunohistochemical evaluation. The
      clinical/prognostic significance of LC3 expression was analyzed statistically.
      The association of LC3 expression with the ESCC survival rate was assessed by
      Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards regression. The results showed that the
      immunostaining of LC3 was distributed in cytoplasm and plasma-membrane.
      Significantly high LC3 expression was found in ESCC cells compared with that of
      normal esophageal epithelial cells. Patients with low expression of LC3
      demonstrated higher overall survival compared with those with high expression of
      LC3 (mean of 71.1 months versus 55.5 months, P = 0.022). A similar result was
      observed for disease-free survival (mean of 68.7 months versus 51.8 months, P =
      0.021). In subgroup analysis, LC3 expression could stratify pN0 patients with
      ESCC. Multivariate analysis showed that the level of LC3 expression was an
      independent prognostic factor in ESCC (RR = 1.407, P = 0.049). This paper shows
      high level of LC3 suggests poor prognosis for resectable ESCC patients. 

PMID- 25120803
TI  - Bromodomain 4 protein is a predictor of survival for urothelial carcinoma of
      bladder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bromodomain 4 (BRD4) protein is a double bromodomain-containing
      protein that binds preferentially to acetylated chromatins. BRD4 is essential for
      cellular growth and has been implicated in cell cycle control, DNA replication
      and carcinogenesis. However, its expression profile and prognostic value in
      urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) have not been investigated. METHODS:
      Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to explore BRD4
      expression in UCBs and normal bladder tissues. Moreover immunohistochemistry
      (ICH) was used to detect the expression of BRD4 in UCBs. Spearman's rank
      correlation, Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazards regression model
      were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Up-regulated expression of BRD4 mRNA and
      protein was observed in the majority of UCBs by qRT-PCR and Western blot when
      compared with their paired normal bladder tissues. Clinicopathological analysis
      was showed a significant correlation existed between the higher expression of
      BRD4 protein with the histological grade, lymph node metastasis and distant
      metastasis (P < 0.05); Survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log
      rank test demonstrated that elevated BRD4 expression in bladder cancer tissue
      predicted poorer overall survival (OS) compared with group in lower expression.
      Notably, multivariate analyses by Cox's proportional hazard model revealed that
      expression of BRD4 was an independent prognostic factor in UCB. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results suggest that the aberrant expression of BRD4 in human UCB is
      possibly involved in the tumorigenesis and development, and the BRD4 protein
      could act as a potential biomarker for prognosis assessment of bladder cancer.
      Further studies on the cellular functions of BRD4 need to address these issues.

PMID- 25120804
TI  - Bortezomib-based chemotherapy regimens can improve response in newly diagnosed
      multiple myeloma patients with bcl-2 and survivin overexpression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the Bcl-2 and survivin
      expression and the different regimens therapeutic efficacy newly diagnosed
      multiple myeloma (NDMM). METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the association of
      Bcl-2 and survivin expression with chemotherapeutic efficacy and prognosis in 59
      NDMM patients in a single center. RESULTS: The positive expression rate for
      survivin and Bcl-2 was 35% and 74%, respectively. Survivin and Bcl-2 protein
      expression were not associated with clinical stage, suggesting that they are not
      related to tumor burden in NDMM. Bortezomib-based regimens were more effective in
      reducing tumor burden and achieving therapeutic (complete and partial) response
      compared with non-bortezomib-based regimens irrespective of Bcl-2 or survivin
      expression (P < 0.05). In cases with both negative Bcl-2 and survivin expression
      (Bcl-2(-)survivin(-)), the response to bortezomib and non-bortezomib-based
      regimens was similar (p = 0.429). Bcl-2 and survivin expression were not
      correlated with overall survival (OS); however, Bcl-2-survivin- cases showed a
      trend towards a longer OS (P = 0.078). CONCLUSION: We recommend bortezomib
      containing regimens for NDMM with single or double-positive Bcl-2 and survivin
      expression.

PMID- 25120805
TI  - DeltaNp63, CK5/6, TTF-1 and napsin A, a reliable panel to subtype non-small cell
      lung cancer in biopsy specimens.
AB  - Histopathological subtyping of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is currently
      important in selecting specific therapeutic agents. It can be challenging in
      distinguishing poorly differentiated lung adenocarcinoma (AC) from squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC) on small biopsy samples. This study was aimed to evaluate the
      utility of a panel of immunohistochemical markers consisting of DeltaNp63 (p40),
      cytokeratins (CK) 5/6, thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and napsin A (novel
      aspartic proteinase of the pepsin family) in subtyping poorly differentiated
      NSCLC. Forty-eight cases of NSCLC that could not be further classified by
      examination of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)-stained slides on biopsy and had
      subsequent resection specimens were selected. Subtyping of the tumor was based on
      the resection specimen using the World Health Organization criteria. DeltaNp63
      was expressed in all 16 SCCs (100%), and was negative in all ACs and LCCs. CK5/6
      was positive in 13 of 16 SCCs (81%), and was negative in all ACs and LCCs. TTF-1
      was positive in 20 of 25 ACs (80%) and 3 of 7 LCCs (43%), but none of 16 SCCs.
      Napsin A was positive in 16 of 25 ACs (64%) and was negative in all SCCs and
      LCCs. Our study shows that a panel including DeltaNp63, CK5/6, TTF-1, and napsin
      A allows correct subclassification of 39 of 48 cases of NSCLC on biopsy and may
      contribute to refine lung cancer classification in biopsy specimens, remarkably
      reducing the NSCLC-NOS (not otherwise specified) diagnostic category. 

PMID- 25120806
TI  - Decreased expression of receptor tyrosine kinase of EphB1 protein in renal cell
      carcinomas.
AB  - Receptors tyrosine kinase of Eph superfamily plays an important role in human
      cancers. We previously found that EphB1 subtype is down-regulated in gastric
      cancer, colorectal cancer and ovary serous carcinoma. Fore the more, the
      decreased expression of EphB1 is related to invasion and metastasis in cancers.
      Although EphB1 has been revealed as an important receptor in cancers, our
      understanding of its roles in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is limited. In the
      present study, using specific anit-EphB1 polyclonal antibody and
      immunohistochemistry, we evaluated EphB1 protein expression levels in RCC
      specimens surgically resected from 82 patients (including 62 conventional clear
      cell RCC, 10 papillary, and 10 chromophobic RCC cases). We found EphB1 protein is
      positively expressed in the epithelium of renal tubules. Decreased expression of
      EphB1 was found in all RCC carcinomas compared with expression in the normal
      epithelium of renal tubules. EphB1 protein moderately expressed in chromophobic
      RCC, weakly expressed in clear-cell RCC and negatively expressed in papillary
      RCC. Our results indicate that EphB1 may be involved in carcinogenesis of RCC,
      the molecular mechanisms of down-regulation of EphB1 including genetic and
      epigenetic alterations and the dedicated roles of EphB1 in occurrence and
      progress of RCC need to be explicated in next step. 

PMID- 25120807
TI  - Association between mir-24 and mir-378 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded
      tissues of breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MiR-24/378 is thought to be onco-miRNAs for their ability of
      enhancing tumor growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential
      predictive value of miR-24/378 expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded
      tissues of breast cancer patients. METHODS: The expression of miR-24/378 was
      examined in 101 breast cancer patients and 40 controls using real-time
      quantitative PCR. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS16.0.
      RESULTS: We found that miR-24 and miR-378 were significantly up-regulated in
      breast cancer patients compared with controls (all P < 0.01). The expression
      levels of the two miRNAs were highly correlated with each other in breast cancer
      patients, with r = 0.778 between miR-24 and miR-378. Moreover, the two miRNAs
      exhibited great capability of discriminating between cancer patients and controls
      by ROC analysis. MiR-24 and miR-378 showed 0.79 and 0.807 AUC values
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Over-expression of miR-24 and miR-378 in FFPE tissue
      of breast cancer patients might conduct as an ideal source for biomarker
      discovery and validation in breast cancer patients.

PMID- 25120808
TI  - Synchronous primary triple carcinoma of thyroid and kidney accompanied by
      solitary fibrous tumor of the kidney: a unique case report.
AB  - Thyroid cancers coexisted with kidney cancer in a patient is an unusual event.
      Here, we described a case of 35-year-old woman with synchronous occurrence of
      primary papillary carcinoma and follicular carcinoma of the thyroid, accompanied
      by renal cell carcinoma and solitary fibrous tumor of the kidney, which has not
      been reported in literature to our best knowledge. Its clinical and pathological
      features, as well as the possible pathogenic factors were discussed. 

PMID- 25120809
TI  - S-1 monotherapy as second line chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer patients
      previously treated with cisplatin/infusional fluorouracil.
AB  - The treatment choice of advanced gastric carcinoma after failure from first-line
      therapy is quite limited. To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of S-1
      monotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer after failure of first line
      cisplatin and fluorouracil combination (CF). S-1 monotherapy as a second line
      treatment was given to the patients who had failed to CF combination in SC-101
      study. The efficacy and toxicity of S-1 monotherapy were evaluated exploratory.
      The results indicated that forty-one patients received S-1 as a second line
      therapy after disease progression. The overall response rate and disease control
      rate were 14.6% and 41.5%, respectively. The median progression free survival
      (PFS) was 5.1 months (ange: 2.9~6.2 month). The median overall survival time was
      6.4 months. The survival rates at 6 month and 1 year were 56% and 7.3%,
      respectively. Grade 3/4 adverse events were uncommonly occurred, including anemia
      (2.4%), neutropenia (2.4%), thrombocytopenia (4.9%) and rash (2.4%). There were
      no unexpected or life-threatening toxicities. Only one patient experienced dose
      reduction due to grade 3 rash. In conclusion, S-1 monotherapy provided a mild
      response rate and overall survival, and a favorable toxicity profile in the
      second line setting after the first line failure to cisplatin and fluorouracil
      combination.

PMID- 25120810
TI  - C-kit and PDGFRA gene mutations in triple negative breast cancer.
AB  - In this study, we evaluated C-kit immunohistochemical expression and C-kit and
      platelet derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA) gene mutations in triple
      negative breast cancer. 171 cases were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining
      for the expression of C-kit and 45 cases, including 10 C-kit negative cases and
      35 C-kit positive cases, were performed for C-kit gene mutations in exons 9, 11,
      13 and 17 and PDGFRA gene mutations in exons 12 and 18. C-kit expression was
      detected in 42.1% of triple negative breast cancers. Only 1 activating mutation
      was detected in exon 11 of C-kit gene in 1 case. No activating mutations were
      found in the other 44 cases. C-kit expression is a frequent finding in triple
      negative breast cancers; 1 activating mutation which was also found in
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors was detected; a few cases might benefit from
      imatinib. 

PMID- 25120811
TI  - Notch1 single nucleotide polymorphism rs3124591 is associated with the risk of
      development of invasive ductal breast carcinoma in a Chinese population.
AB  - Accumulated evidence has revealed the presence of Notch receptor polymorphisms in
      non-tumorous diseases; however, few studies have investigated the association of
      Notch polymorphisms with breast cancer risk. A total of 100 invasive ductal
      carcinoma (IDC) and 50 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients and 100 usual
      ductal hyperplasia (UDH) controls were genotyped for the following Notch receptor
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry: Notch1, rs3124591;
      Notch2, rs11249433; Notch3, rs3815188, and rs1043994; and Notch4, rs367398, and
      rs520692. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the effect of Notch
      polymorphisms on corresponding Notch protein expression in successfully genotyped
      patients. The frequency of rs3124591 TC genotype was significantly higher in IDC
      (24.7%, 20/81) and DCIS (30%, 12/40) patients than in UDH controls (8%, 8/97) (P
      = 0.002 and P = 0.011, respectively). However, the distribution of other SNP
      genotypes was not significantly different between IDC and DCIS patients and UDH
      controls. The frequency of TC genotype was significantly higher in poorly
      differentiated tumors than in well-differentiated and moderately differentiated
      tumors (P = 0.022). Importantly, a positive correlation between the rs3124591 TC
      genotype and high Notch1 protein expression was observed in DCIS patients (P =
      0.043) but not in IDC patients. This is the first study to suggest an increased
      risk of IDC and DCIS of the breast for the Notch1 rs3124591 variant. Furthermore,
      given the inconsistent associations between the rs3124591 variant and Notch1
      expression in IDC and DCIS, this variant may affect breast cancer risk through
      mechanisms in the latter stage other than alterations in Notch1 protein
      expression. 

PMID- 25120812
TI  - Over-expression of p53, p21 and Cdc2 in histologically negative surgical margins
      is correlated with local recurrence of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the expression of
      p53, p21 and Cdc2 in the early laryngeal cancer with negative pathological
      margins and its local recurrence. During 2004-2010, a total of 85 patients with
      early laryngeal cancer were selected in Tangshan Union Hospital, Hebei, China,
      and immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of p53, p21 and
      Cdc2 in the negative pathological margin tissues. All patients were followed up
      for two years to collect pathological data for evaluating the survival and tumor
      recurrence. Two years after surgery 14 of 85 patients with laryngeal cancer
      presented with recurrence (recurrent group), while 71 patients without recurrence
      (none recurrent group). The positive rate of p53, p21 and Cdc2 protein in
      laryngeal cancer tissues was 60.0% (51/85), 38.8% (33/85) and 70.6% (60/85),
      respectively, while that of the three proteins in the cancer adjacent tissues was
      36.5% (31/85), 21.2% (18/85) and 29.4% (25/85), respectively. The differentiation
      and TNM stage of tumor had no correlation with the three proteins. The positive
      rate of p53 in the surgical margin of the recurrent group and non recurrent group
      was 71.4% (10/14) and 29.6% (21/71) (P = 0.003), that of p21 was 50.0% (7/14) and
      15.5% (11/71), (P = 0.011) and Cdc2 was 57.1% (8/14) and 23.9% (17/71) (P =
      0.030), respectively. In conclusion, p53, p21 and Cdc2 may be involved in the
      occurrence, development and recurrence of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
      Overexpression of p53, p21 and Cdc2 in the surgical margin of early laryngeal
      cancer is closely related to local recurrence of tumor. 

PMID- 25120813
TI  - Down-regulation of long non-coding RNA GAS5 is associated with the prognosis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been investigated as a new
      class of regulators of cellular processes, such as cell growth, apoptosis, and
      carcinogenesis. lncRNA GAS5 has recently been identified to be involved in
      tumorigenesis of several cancers such as breast cancer, lung cancer and renal
      cancer. However, the regulation of GAS5 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not
      yet been reported before. METHODS: Expression of GAS5 in tumor and their normal
      matched tissues was determined by quantitative real-time PCR in n = 71 HCC
      patients, and its association with overall survival of patients was analyzed by
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: The expression level of GAS5 was reduced in HCC in
      comparison to normal matched tissues (P < 0.05). It is also proved that GAS5
      expression was to be associated with HCC tumor size, lymphnode metastasis and
      clinical stage (P < 0.05). In addition, the Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed
      that low GAS5 expression was associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. GAS5
      expression was an independent prognostic marker of overall HCC patient survival
      in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The study proved for the first time that
      GAS5 down regulated in a majority of HCC patients. Our results indicated that
      GAS5 expression was an independent prognostic factor for patients with liver
      cancer, which might be a potential valuable biomarker for HCC.

PMID- 25120814
TI  - A comparison of ARMS and mutation specific IHC for common activating EGFR
      mutations analysis in small biopsy and cytology specimens of advanced non small
      cell lung cancer.
AB  - We have compared mutation analysis by Amplification Refractory Mutation System
      (ARMS) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant-specific antibodies for
      their ability to detect two common activating EGFR mutations in a cohort of 115
      advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including cytology material, core
      biopsy, and bronchoscopic biopsies. Assessment of EGFR mutation status was
      performed by using antibodies and ARMS assay specific to the two major forms of
      mutant EGFR, exon 19 deletion E746-A750 (c.2235_2249del15 or c.2236_2250del15, p.
      Glu746_Ala750 del) and exon 21 L858R point mutation (c.2573T>G, p.Leu858Arg). In
      this study the optimal buffer for antigen retrieval was sodium citrate (pH 6.0).
      Q score was used to evaluate the specific mutant EGFR proteins expression.
      Validation using clinical material showed deletions in exon 19 were detected in
      19.1% and L858R mutation in 20% of all cases by ARMS assay. A cutoff value of
      score 1 was used as positive by IHC. No wild type cases were immuno-reactive. The
      antibodies performed well in cytology, core biopsies and bronchoscopic biopsies.
      There were only one false positive case using L858R IHC (sensitivity 100%,
      specificity 98.5%, positive predictive value 96%, negative predictive value
      100%). All 23 E746-A750 exon 19 deletions identified by mutation analysis were
      positive by IHC. The sensitivity of exon 19 IHC for E746-A750 was 100%,
      specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value
      100%. The result of the IHC stains was finely correlated with mutations status
      determined by ARMS assay. Although inferior to molecular genetic analysis of the
      EGFR gene, IHC is highly specific and sensitive for the targeted EGFR mutations.
      The antibodies are likely to be of clinical value in cases especially where
      limited tumor material is available, or in situations where molecular genetic
      analysis is not readily available. 

PMID- 25120815
TI  - Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level in diabetic retinopathy patients with type 2
      diabetes.
AB  - Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant. Decreased melatonin excretion has been
      reported to be associated with several oxidative stress-related diseases. The
      urinary metabolite of melatonin, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s), has proved to be a
      very reliable index of melatonin production. The present study aims to evaluate
      the level of urinary aMT6s in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic
      retinopathy. Urine samples were collected from 10 patients with diabetes and no
      diabetic retinopathy (NDR), 19 patients with nonproliferative diabetic
      retinopathy (NPDR), 38 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR),
      and 16 subjects without diabetes mellitus, who served as controls. The level of
      aMT6s in specimens was assayed by a commercial aMT6s ELISA kit, creatinine levels
      were also measured for each sample to get urinary aMT6s/creatinine ratio.
      Creatinine-adjusted urinary aMT6s values were compared among four groups. The
      urinary aMT6s (mean +/- SD) levels were 9.95 +/- 2.42, 9.90 +/- 2.28, 8.40 +/-
      1.84 and 5.58 +/- 1.33 ng/mg creatinine in the controls and in patients with NDR,
      NPDR, or PDR, respectively. The urinary aMT6s level of the PDR group was
      significantly lower than that of the control, NDR and DR groups. No significant
      difference was found among the control, NDR and DR groups. After adjustment for
      various factors (age, smoking, cancer, and coronary heart disease) that may
      influence the aMT6s level, the odds-ratio of urinary aMT6s comparing PDR patients
      to controls was 0.246 (95% confidence interval = 0.108-0.558, P = 0.001).
      Therefore, the urinary aMT6s level is significantly decreased in diabetic
      patients with PDR but not in diabetic patients without PDR, which indicates that
      decreased urinary aMT6s level may be associated with the pathogenesis of PDR. 

PMID- 25120816
TI  - Immunohistochemical analysis using a BRAF V600E mutation specific antibody is
      highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia.
AB  - Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is usually diagnosed by morphology and flow cytometry
      studies. However, it is challenging sometimes to distinguish HCL from its mimics.
      Recently, the BRAF V600E mutation has been described as a disease-defining
      molecular marker for HCL which is present in nearly all cases of HCL but
      virtually absent in mimics of HCL. In this study, we investigated the possibility
      of using immunohistochemical detection of the BRAF V600E mutant protein to
      differentiate HCL from its mimics. A total of twenty-eight FFPE tissue specimens
      were studied, including HCL (n=12), HCL variant (HCL-v, n=3), splenic marginal
      zone lymphoma (SMZL, n=6), and other marginal zone lymphomas (MZL, n=7).
      Immunohistochemical studies were performed using a mouse monoclonal antibody
      (clone VE1, Spring Bioscience, CA) specific for BRAF V600E mutation. Molecularly
      confirmed BRAF V600E mutation positive and negative cases were used as the
      positive and negative controls respectively. All 12 cases of HCL showed
      cytoplasmic BRAF V600E protein expression in leukemia cells by
      immunohistochemical study regardless of tumor burden, whereas all cases of HCL
      mimics including HCL-v, SMZL, and MZL were negative for BRAF V600E protein. Using
      this BRAF V600E mutation specific antibody, this immunohistochemical study has
      100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the diagnosis of HCL in our cohort. In
      conclusion, immunohistochemical detection of the BRAF V600E mutant protein is
      highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of HCL. Compared to PCR or
      sequencing-based methodologies, immunohistochemistry is a relatively rapid and
      inexpensive alternative for the differential diagnosis between HCL and its
      mimics. 

PMID- 25120817
TI  - Characteristics of demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease with concurrent
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - PURPOSE: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common type of inherited
      peripheral neuropathy and has a high degree of genetic heterogeneity. CMT with
      concurrent diabetes mellitus (DM) is rare. The purpose of this study is to
      explore the genetic, clinical and pathological characteristics of the patients
      with CMT and concurrent DM. METHODS: We investigated gene mutations (the
      peripheral myelin protein 22 gene, myelin protein zero gene, lipopolysaccharide
      induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha factor gene, early growth response gene and
      the neurofilament light chain gene loci) of a relatively large and typical
      Chinese family with CMT1 and concurrent DM2. From the literature, we also
      retrieved all reported families and single cases with CMT and concurrent DM. We
      comprehensively analyzed the characteristics of total 33 patients with CMT and
      concurrent DM, and further compared these characteristics with those of patients
      of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). RESULTS: Patients with CMT and
      concurrent DM had some relatively independent characteristics and pathogenic
      mechanisms. So we designated that kind of characteristic demyelinating CMT which
      accompanies DM as Yu-Xie syndrome (YXS), a new specific clinical subtype of CMT.
      CONCLUSION: CMT is an etiologic factor of DM, even though the intrinsic
      association between CMT and DM still remains further exploration.

PMID- 25120818
TI  - Lack of association between rs3807989 in cav1 and atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A novel gene Caveolin-1(CAV1) was identified to be susceptibility to
      PR interval and also associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) in two Genome wide
      associations studies (GWAS) studies in European ancestry. The purpose of this
      study was to determine the association of the SNPs in CAV1 gene of rs3807989 with
      AF in Chinese Han patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We attempted a replication in a
      cohort of 839 Chinese AF patients and 1215 healthy controls using melting
      temperature shift allele-specific genotyping analysis. One SNP in CAV1
      (rs3807989) was genotyped. The final study cohort consisted of 839 AF patients
      and 1215 healthy controls. No significant association was detected between
      rs3807989 and AF in a Chinese Han population (allelic P-adj = 0.828 with OR =
      1.02; genotypic P-adj = 0.815, 0.405, 0.760 with a dominant model, recessive
      model, and additive model). After logistic regression with multiple covariates,
      the association remained non-significant with adjusted P value 0.828. When the AF
      cases were further divided into lone AF (31.5%) and other types of AF (68.5%), no
      significant association was found between rs3807989 and lone AF (P-adj = 0.929
      with OR = 0.990) and other types of AF (P-adj = 0.597 with OR = 1.060).
      CONCLUSION: The SNP rs3807989 in CAV1 gene is not associated with AF or lone AF
      in our studies, which suggests that the SNP rs3807989 in CAV1 may not be a risk
      factor for AF in Chinese Han population.

PMID- 25120819
TI  - Associated liver enzymes with hyperlipidemic profile in type 2 diabetes patients.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia and is
      associated with dyslipidemia and disturbed liver function. Aim of the present
      work is to assess the liver enzymes and to find its association with
      hyperlipidemic profile in T2DM. Total of 157 subjects were studied and divided
      into two groups; diabetes (n=81) and non-diabetes (n=76). Various biochemical
      parameters like fasting glucose, post prandial glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol
      (TC), triglycerides (Tg), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine
      amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl
      transferase (GGT) were analyzed by ROCHE module Cobas 6000 (C501 & C601)
      analyzer, kits were procured by ROCHE diagnostics. Low density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL-C) was estimated by Freidwald's formula. Statistical analysis
      was performed by applying student t test and Pearson's correlation coefficient,
      at 0.0001 and 0.05 level of significance, respectively. All the glycemic control
      parameters, lipid profile parameters except HDL-C and liver enzymes were found
      increased in diabetes group and significantly differ from non-diabetes group
      (p>0.0001). ALT showed significant positive correlation with fasting glucose,
      post prandial glucose, HbA1c, TC, Tg, LDL-C and GGT at p>0.05. AST showed very
      weak relation with all parameters while GGT was positively associated with
      fasting glucose, post prandial glucose, HbA1c, TC, Tg, LDL-C and ALT at p>0.05.
      In conclusion, T2DM incline to elevate liver enzymes, especially ALT and GGT were
      of significance. Routine screening of ALT and GGT in T2DM patients may assists
      early detection of liver abnormalities and to arrest the progress of disease. 

PMID- 25120820
TI  - Clear cell changes in mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma: cytoplasmic
      pallor/clearing within tubules, vacuoles or hybrid conventional clear cell
      carcinoma of kidney?
AB  - Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) is a rare and recently
      recognized subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Apart from the classic
      morphology comprising conventional three components, there exist a large number
      of non-classic morphological variants of MTSCC, which make it necessity to
      differentiate from other RCC. Herein, we report two non-classic morphological
      variants of MTSCC. Case 1, a 85 years old man, showed numerous vacuoles among
      inherent components and cytoplasmic pallor/clearing within tubules mimicking
      conventional clear cell RCC with a 8.5 years follow-up, while Case 2 indicated a
      "mucin-poor" MTSCC associated with simultaneous conventional clear cell RCC at
      her age of 73 years. Until now Case 1 carries the longest disease-free survival
      reported in literature since MTSCC was defined and ranks the oldest since
      reported in literature, while Case 2 is the first report of "mucin-poor" MTSCC
      associated with simultaneous conventional clear cell RCC. Now, since no
      biomarkers or imagining tools but pathological examination can confirm the
      diagnosis of MTSCC, the management is always following the guideline of RCC in
      clinical practice. Generally, most reports consider it as a good prognosis
      disease, but sarcomatoid variant, even classic subtype can progress rapidly to
      life-threatening disease. 

PMID- 25120821
TI  - Pathogenesis of fulminant monkeypox with bacterial sepsis after experimental
      infection with West African monkeypox virus in a cynomolgus monkey.
AB  - The pathogenesis of severe human monkeypox, which causes systemic and fulminant
      infections, is not clear. This study presents a case repot of fulminant monkeypox
      with bacterial sepsis after experimental infection with monkeypox virus in a
      cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). In our previous study (Saijo et al.,
      2009, J Gen Virol), two cynomolgus monkeys became moribund after experimental
      infection with monkeypox virus Liberia strain, West African strain. One exhibited
      typical monkeypox-related papulovesicular lesions. The other monkey presented
      fulminant clinical symptoms with a characteristic flat red rash similar to that
      found in smallpox, which is associated with extremely high fatality rates. In
      this study, we found that the monkey with flat red rash had high levels of
      viremia and neutropenia, as well as high plasma levels of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines and chemokines compared with the other monkey. Monkeypox virus
      replicates in epithelial cells and macrophages in various organs. Sepsis due to
      Gram-positive cocci was confirmed histopathologically in the monkey with flat red
      rash. The lack of inflammatory response in the lesion suggested that the monkey
      with sepsis experienced strong immune suppression during the viral infection. The
      neutropenia and excessive inflammatory cytokine responses indicate that
      neutrophils play key roles in the pathogenesis of systemic and fulminant human
      monkeypox virus infections with sepsis. 

PMID- 25120822
TI  - Spontaneous regression of breast cancer with axillary lymph node metastasis: a
      case report and review of literature.
AB  - Spontaneous regression (SR) of cancer is a rare but well-documented biological
      phenomenon. However, the mechanism remains to be elucidated. We herein report a
      case of the SR of breast cancer at both the primary site and metastatic axillary
      lymph node with spontaneously-induced T cell-mediated immunological responses. A
      52-year-old female with a lump in the left axilla was diagnosed to have a small
      breast carcinoma with a distinct axillary lymph node metastasis. During the
      preoperative systemic examination, she was diagnosed to have severe type 2
      diabetes mellitus, was treated with insulin, and the hyperglycemia was normalized
      after one month. Surgery for left breast cancer was then performed. The
      postoperative histopathological examination revealed the SR of breast cancer at
      both the primary site and metastatic axillary lymph node. Immunohistochemical
      studies revealed that estrogen receptor positive, AE1/AE3-positive ductal
      carcinoma completely underwent necrosis associated with extensive infiltration of
      CD3-positive T cells in the tumor nodule in the lymph node. In addition, primary
      ductal carcinoma cells also underwent single cell necrosis with infiltration of T
      cells with lymph follicle-like organization of B cells in the mammary gland. The
      features were suggestive that the tumor eradication in the metastatic lymph node
      and regression of the primary ductal carcinoma could be due to host T cell
      response to the ductal carcinoma. As far as we know it is the first report that
      shows the spontaneous regression of breast cancer, probably due to the
      spontaneously-induced T cell response. 

PMID- 25120823
TI  - Primary platelet-derived growth factor-producing, spindle-shaped diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma of the skull: a case report and literature review.
AB  - A 39-year-old woman with a right frontal mass underwent a cranial bone tumor
      biopsy. Histopathologic examination of hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides
      showed spindle-shaped tumor cells in a storiform pattern, appearing somewhat like
      a sarcoma. However, the tumor cells were CD20-positive by immunohistochemical
      staining. Therefore, a diagnosis of spindle-shaped diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
      (Sp-DLBCL) was made. There have been at least 35 cases of Sp-DLBCL documented in
      the literature, and most were of the germinal center type, while the present case
      is the first report of a vimentin-positive primary Sp-DLBCL of the skull. The
      DLBCL in this case was immunohistochemically stained for six representative
      cytokines that might give rise to fibrosis, due to the evidence of fibroblastic
      proliferation. The DLBCL cells were positive for platelet-derived growth factor
      (PDGF), and some cells were also positive for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha.
      Based on these findings, it was inferred that the PDGF and TNFalpha produced by
      DLBCL cells induced fibroblastic proliferation. The resultant conspicuous
      fibrosis caused interfibrous impingement on the DLBCL cells, which deformed them
      into a spindle shape. The present case is the first reported case of a PDGF
      producing Sp-DLBCL. 

PMID- 25120824
TI  - A case of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm with ecchymotic lesions on
      the whole body.
AB  - Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) derived from plasmacytoid
      dendritic cell precursors is a very rare, and characterized by cutaneous and bone
      marrow involvement and leukemic spread. The neoplasm presents with an aggressive
      behavior, and the clinical findings include cytopenia, particularly
      thrombocytopenia. The tumor cells are negative for antigens of T- and B- cell
      lines. However, these cells express CD4, CD56 and CD123, which are markers of
      plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and negative for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). From
      this point of view, a 71-year-old man who was initially found to have a cutaneous
      mass on his face and thorax was reported here, and initially was diagnosed as
      "eczema". The skin rashes then became aggravated on a trial of low dose topical
      corticosteroid for 2 months. According to skin biopsy, the tumor cells reveal an
      immature blastic appearance and positive for CD4 and CD56, negative for CD3,
      CD20, indicating a diagnosis of BPDCN. Here, we report the dismal course of a
      patient with BPDCN without accepting further therapy, and only survived 3 months.

PMID- 25120825
TI  - Plasmablastic lymphoma following combination treatment with fludarabine and
      rituximab for nongastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: a case
      report and review of literature.
AB  - Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an uncommon malignancy which predominantly occurs
      in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients.
      Sporadic cases have been published describing PBL in immunocompetent patients as
      well as in immunodeficient patients following immunosuppressive therapy or
      transplantation. We hereby reported a case of PBL in a 69-year-old, HIV-negative
      male subjected to combination treatment with fludarabine and rituximab for
      nongastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The diagnosis of
      PBL was made with tumor cells of immunoblasts or plasmablasts morphology strongly
      positive for MUM-1, EMA and CD138, and partly positive for CD38, and negative for
      CD20, BCL-6, and CD56, and approximately 80% of which were positive for Ki-67.
      The case presented PBL after MALT, and a history of chemotherapy including
      fludarabine and rituximab led to the potential immunocompromised state. The
      patient died 5 months after the diagnosis of PBL. 

PMID- 25120826
TI  - Mullerianosis and endosalpingiosis of the urinary bladder: report of two cases
      with review of the literature.
AB  - Mullerianosis of the urinary bladder is an extremely rare benign condition,
      characterized by the presence of a mixture of at least two mullerian-derived
      components, and endosalpingiosis is also an extremely rare condition,
      characterized by the presence of tubal-type epithelium. In this report, we
      describe the 17(th) case of mullerianosis and 5(th) case of endosalpingiosis of
      the urinary bladder. A 39-year-old Japanese female presented with menstrual
      hematuria and was found to have a polypoid lesion in the posterior wall of the
      urinary bladder. Histopathological study demonstrated variably-sized dilated
      tubular glands in the lamina propria and muscularis propria. These dilated glands
      were covered by ciliated cuboidal cells, and some of them were covered by
      columnar cells with intracytoplasmic mucin. Moreover, a tiny focus of endometrial
      tissues was also present. Immunohistochemically, these glandular cells were
      positive for estrogen receptor. Accordingly, a diagnosis of mullerianosis was
      made. The second case was a 37-year-old Japanese female, who was found to have a
      polypoid lesion in the posterior wall of the bladder. Dilated tubular glands were
      covered by ciliated cells in the lamina propria and muscularis propria. Neither
      endocervical nor endometrial tissues were observed. Immunohistochemically, these
      ciliated cells were positive for estrogen receptor. Accordingly, a diagnosis of
      endosalpingiosis was made. Our analysis revealed that these two conditions mainly
      affect premenopausal females and occur exclusively in the posterior wall.
      Although the pathogenesis remains completely unresolved, a metaplastic theory is
      favored. The recognition of these two conditions is important because they can
      mimic invasive adenocarcinoma. 

PMID- 25120828
TI  - Low-grade endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary associated with undifferentiated
      carcinoma: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - The association of low-grade endometrioid carcinoma with undifferentiated
      carcinoma (UC) was first reported in endometrium carcinoma, termed with
      dedifferentiated carcinoma (DC). However, the coexistence of low-grade
      endometrioid carcinoma (LGEC) or serous carcinoma (LGSC) with UC has received
      minimal attention in ovary, and the behavior of this kind of neoplasm remains at
      further discussion. In this study, we reported a case of low-grade ovarian
      endometrioid carcinoma associated with UC and reviewed another four cases
      previously reported. We found a histological continuity between the LGEC and UC
      components in H&E section, which suggested a dedifferentiation from LGEC to UC
      components. In summary, this kind of pathological type has aggressive behavior
      and these patients have very poor prognosis regardless of the amount of
      undifferentiated carcinoma. 

PMID- 25120827
TI  - Ectopic cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenoma in the renal hilum:
      histopathological features and steroidogenic enzyme profile.
AB  - Ectopic cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenomas (CPA) are extremely rare, and
      only four cases have previously been reported so far but the tumors were not
      ultrastructurally studied. Presented in this paper is the fifth case with ectopic
      CPA which was extensively examined to gain deeper insights in terms of the
      histopathological features and steroidogenic enzyme profile of the tumor. A 53
      year-old woman complained of accidental discovery of left renal mass. She had a 5
      year history of hypertension, weight gain, moon face, thin skin and systemic
      edema. These symptoms completely relieved after the tumor removal. Two years
      later, the above symptoms recurred, and a recurrent tumor was revealed in left
      renal hilum. The tumor was removed completely with relief of her symptoms of
      Cushing's syndrome. Histologically and ultrastructurally, the tumor was composed
      of compact cells and clear cells, and the former was prominent, suggesting an
      active secretory function of the tumor. The adenoma tissue showed a strong
      immunostaining for Melan-A, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B2) and
      17alpha-hydroxylase1 (CYP17A1). Expression pattern for 11beta-hydroxylase 1
      (CYP11B1), 11beta-hydroxylase 2 (CYP11B2), CYP17 and HSD3B2 mRNA in ectopic CPA
      was similar to that in the adrenal CPA. In conclusion, in terms of
      histopathological characteristic and steroidogenic enzyme profile, ectopic CPA is
      similar to adrenal CPA, suggesting that they are of identical cell origin. 

PMID- 25120829
TI  - Sarcoidal granulomas in the mediastinal lymph nodes after treatment for marginal
      zone lymphoma of the esophagus: report of a case with review of the concept of
      the sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome.
AB  - Patients with sarcoidosis have a high risk of development of malignant lymphoma,
      and this association was coined the term "sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome".
      Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT
      lymphoma) is a distinct clinicopathological entity, and the stomach is the most
      common site. The occurrence of this type of lymphoma in the esophagus is
      extremely rare. In this report, we describe the first documented case of
      sarcoidal granulomas in the mediastinal lymph nodes after treatment for MALT
      lymphoma of the esophagus. A 60-year-old Japanese female was found to have a
      submucosal tumor in the esophagus. Histopathological study revealed proliferation
      of small- to medium-sized lymphoid cells with convoluted nuclei, and
      immunohistochemically, these lymphoid cells were diffusely positive for CD20, bcl
      2, and MUM1. R-CHOP therapy was performed, which led to tumor remission. Two
      years later, swelling of the mediastinal lymph nodes was detected.
      Histopathological study of the lymph nodes revealed presence of variably-sized
      epithelioid granulomas without caseating necrosis but no malignant lymphoma was
      noted. Sarcoidal granulomas can be observed in patients with malignant tumors
      including malignant lymphoma and carcinoma without history of systemic
      sarcoidosis. It is important to recognize that systemic sarcoidosis and sarcoidal
      reaction without evidence of systemic disease can occur after development of
      malignant lymphoma, therefore, sarcoidal reaction must be included in the
      differential diagnostic consideration of recurrent malignant lymphoma. 

PMID- 25120830
TI  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a child with steroid-resistant
      nephrotic syndrome: a case report and review of literature.
AB  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare and serious
      syndrome of central nervous system that can develop in both adults and children.
      It is characterized by acute onset of headache, confusion, seizures or focal
      neurological deficits along with radiological findings of white matter
      abnormalities in the parietal and occipital lobes. In the past ten years, this
      syndrome has been described mainly in adults, rare in children. Here, we report a
      case of PRES presenting in a 12-year-old girl with steroid-resistant nephrotic
      syndrome. Her neurological symptom was rapidly recovered after control of
      hypertension without discontinuation of cyclosporine A. 

PMID- 25120831
TI  - A case of (123)I-MIBG scintigram-negative functioning pheochromocytoma:
      immunohistochemical and molecular analysis with review of literature.
AB  - A 70-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital due to hyperhidrosis
      and rapid weight loss of 10 kg in a month. A lump measuring 26 mm in diameter was
      detected in the left adrenal gland by computed tomography. Biochemical tests
      showed high levels of serum and urinary norepinephrine and epinephrine. However,
      a (123)I-MIBG scintigram failed to detect any accumulation in the left adrenal
      tumor. A left adrenalectomy was performed post clinical diagnosis of (123)I-MIBG
      negative pheochromocytoma. Microscopically, the tumor exhibited pheochromocytoma
      compatible features. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed low expression of
      VMAT1 in the tumor compared to the normal, surrounding tissue. To test for a
      possible genetic alteration of the monoamine transporter genes, we performed
      whole-exome sequencing of the VMAT1, VMAT2, and NET genes in the tumor. No
      significant base sequence substitution or deletion/insertion was found in any
      transporter. This suggests that MIBG negativity is caused by a change that is
      independent of the base sequence abnormalities, such as an epigenetic change.
      Furthermore, a retrospective literature review of (123)I-MIBG negative
      scintigraphy cases indicates that a negative finding in the (123)I-MIBG
      scintigram is frequently associated with metastatic pheochromocytomas or SDHB
      mutations. However, a SDHB/D gene mutation has not been identified in the
      reported case. Although the patient needs careful monitoring following the
      surgery, to date she has been disease free for 12 months. This study could not
      find clear reasons for negative conversion, however, investigations of the
      negative conversion mechanism might reveal significant insights towards the
      improvement of patient survival. 

PMID- 25120832
TI  - Multiple genital tract tumors and mucinous adenocarcinoma of colon in a woman
      with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: a case report and review of literatures.
AB  - We report a very rare case of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) composed of multiple
      genital tract tumors and mucinous adenocarcinoma. A 46-year-old woman presented
      to our hospital with lower abdominal pain resulting from PJS involves sex cord
      tumor with annular tubules (SCTAT), ovarian mucinous tumor, ovarian serous tumor,
      mucinous adenocarcinoma of colon. The CEA concentration is high before surgery,
      and decreases after the surgery and subsequent chemoradiotherapy. This case
      demonstrates a classic clinical presentation of a patient with PJS. PJS patients
      have increased risk of malignancy and early detection and regular surveillance of
      the high-risk patients with PJS is crucial. Surgery may be required for
      obstructive gastrointestinal lesions as well as those exhibiting malignant
      degeneration. 

PMID- 25120833
TI  - Immunohistochemical results of HER2/neu protein expression assessed by rabbit
      monoclonal antibodies SP3 and 4B5 in colorectal carcinomas.
AB  - HER2/neu is an efficient target for cancer therapy. However, reports about its
      overexpression rate in colorectal carcinomas showed wide variability. This study
      aims to investigate HER2/neu expression in colorectal carcinomas using these two
      rabbit monoclonal HER2/neu antibodies, and to clarify the relationship between
      protein overexpression and gene amplification of HER2/neu and their
      clinicopathologic importance. Tissue microarray was performed from sections of
      106 cases colorectal carcinomas. Their clinical data, including gender, age,
      stage, recurrence, lymph node metastasis, and follow-ups were collected.
      Immunohistochemistry for rabbit monoclonal antibody SP3 and 4B5 were performed,
      Fluorescent in situ hybridization was applied to detect the amplification of
      HER2/neu gene. The HER2/neu overexpression of (2+ and 3+) in our results were
      seen in 7.5% (8/106) for 4B5 and 3.8% (4/106) for SP3 respectively, the HER2/neu
      amplification was in 2.8% (3/106). All cases of overexpression for SP3 were
      included by those for 4B5. Both antibodies stained 3 cases of HER2/neu 3+, and
      FISH confirmed HER2/neu amplification did occurred in these cases. In our study,
      4B5 was more sensitive to detect HER2/neu of colorectal carcinoma than SP3. 2.8%
      patients with colorectal patients might benefit from anti-HER2/neu therapy. 

PMID- 25120834
TI  - Malignant solitary fibrous tumor of breast: a rare case report.
AB  - Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is rare mesenchymal neoplasm that has been
      originally and most often documented in the pleura. Recently, the ubiquitous
      nature of the SFT has been recognized with reports of involvement of numerous
      sites all over the body such as: upper respiratory tract, somatic tissue,
      mediastinum, head, and neck. Less than 10 cases SFT of breast have been reported.
      Herein, we presented a 52-year-old Asian female with SFT of breast, this tumor
      showed predominant malignant features. To our knowledge, SFT of breast with such
      malignant evidence is extremely rare. 

PMID- 25120835
TI  - A case of lupus-like glomerulonephritis in an HIV patient with nephrotic range
      proteinuria, purpura, and elevated IgA level.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is growing medical concern
      worldwide. There are many types of glomerulonephritis which are associated with
      HIV infection. We report a case of a 53-year-old Korean man with an HIV
      infection, who was developed nephritic range proteinuria and purpura with
      elevated IgA level rasing a possibility of Henoch-Scholein Purpura (H-S purpura).
      However, renal biopsy showed "lupus-like feature" glomerulonephritis without
      clinical or serologic evidence of systemic lupus erythematosus. Although baseline
      renal function was maintained without further need for maintenance dialysis
      following anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and steroid, patient died from
      uncontrolled gastrointestinal bleeding. 

PMID- 25120836
TI  - Mixed granular cell astrocytoma and fibrosarcoma of the brain: a case report.
AB  - We describe a rare primary mixed granular cell astrocytoma and fibrosarcoma
      neoplasm, occurring in a 52-year-old female, with morphologic,
      immunohistochemical and molecular genetic features, whose tumor was entirely
      composed of granular cells and fibrosarcoma competent. This represents, to the
      best of our knowledge, the first report of the mixed granular cell astrocytoma
      and fibrosarcoma neoplasm. Moreover, two parts forming a complex arrangement that
      excluded it being assessed as a coincidental collision tumor. We discuss the
      relationship of two parts of this rare tumor by fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH). Sarcomatous components in this tumor had the same
      aberrations of chromosomes to the gliomatous components of neoplasms, consisting
      of 1p 19q loss and no evidence of PTEN allele loss and amplification of EGFR. It
      was suggested that the sarcomatous component may be derived from glioma cells i
      this case. 

PMID- 25120837
TI  - Plasmablastic lasmablastic lymphoma of the duodenal and jejunum.
AB  - Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare B-cell neoplasm with an aggressive
      clinical behavior that predominantly occurs in the oral cavity of human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. HIV-negative PBL has not been
      extensively reported. A 65-year-old female presented with anemia, who was HIV
      negative. Gastrointestinal fiberscope (GIF), and colon fiberscope (CF) were
      performed. However, we could not detect the bleeding sites. We detected the tumor
      by capsule endoscopy, and obtained the tumor cells from the duodenal and jejunal
      sites. The neoplastic cells were diffusely positive for CD56, epithelial membrane
      (EMA), CD4, lambda, and EBV-encoded RNA1 (EBER1) and partially positive for CD138
      and CD79a. This patient was diagnosed as PBL. The small intestine is a rare extra
      oral site of involvement in PBL patients, and only four cases in HIV-negative
      patients have been reported. 

PMID- 25120838
TI  - Primary follicular lymphoma of the spleen incidentally found in a patient with
      alcohol- and hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis.
AB  - Primary splenic lymphoma is rare as non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Splenic infiltration
      of lymphoma cells may cause splenomegaly in many cases. However, splenomegaly is
      caused not only by tumor involvement but also by non-tumorous disorders. One of
      the most prevalent non-neoplastic causes is portal hypertension mostly due to
      liver cirrhosis. On the other hand, liver cirrhosis may underlie various
      extrahepatic manifestations including development of B-cell non-Hodgkin
      lymphomas. Here, we report a case of primary follicular lymphoma of the spleen in
      a patient with liver cirrhosis related to hepatitis C and alcohol. The lymphoma
      was incidentally found in an enlarged spleen resected palliatively to alleviate
      symptomatic pancytopenia of the patient. The main characteristic of our case is
      an incidental finding of a rare situation brought by careful pathological
      examination. Our case illustrates the importance to recognize a possibility of co
      occurrence of chronic liver disease and extrahepatic lymphoma. 

PMID- 25120839
TI  - Sarcomatoid carcinoma involving the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus: a rare and
      highly progressive tumor.
AB  - Sarcomatoid carcinoma of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is an extremely rare
      malignant neoplasm. We report a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma arising in the left
      side nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in a 65-year-old man who was hospitalized
      for left-side nasal epistaxis, odor sensation. Histopathologic examination
      revealed the tumor was composed of pleomorphic spindle and round cells with
      frequent mitosis, and no carcinomatous component was recognized.
      Immunohistochemistry revealed coexpression of cytokeratin and vimentin by the
      tumor cells, whereas expressions of EMA, S-100, HMB-45, Melan-A, LCA, MyoD1,
      CD34, CK7, F8 and desmin were negative. The diagnosis was sarcomatoid carcinoma
      of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The neoplasm was partial resected by nasal
      endoscopic surgery following chemoradiation therapy immediately. But it was still
      progressing rapidly, and had a poor prognosis. 

PMID- 25120840
TI  - Diagnostic problems related to acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia:
      misdiagnosis in 2 cases of lung consolidation and occupying lesions.
AB  - Acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP) is a histological pattern
      characterized by intra-alveolus fibrinous deposition accompanied with a spectrum
      of clinical condition. It also presents in other types of lung lesions, thus
      renders risks to its diagnosis with small biopsies. Here we present 2 cases of
      lung consolidation and occupying lesions with typical histological presentation
      of AFOP. One case is tuberculosis presented as massive lung consolidation,
      initially treated as AFOP, and eventually progressed to bilateral military
      tuberculosis. The other case presented an occupying mass in the lung which was
      initially suspected to be an inflammatory mass with AFOP. Lobectomy revealed a
      poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma, with AFOP pattern present in the peripheral
      tissues of the neoplastic mass. In conclusion, we suggest that it is not
      preferable to diagnose idiopathic AFOP in lung consolidation and occupying
      lesions before excluding other types of lesions. The diagnostic significance of
      AFOP should be deliberated. 

PMID- 25120841
TI  - Blasts-more than meets the eye: evaluation of post-induction day 21 bone marrow
      in CBFB rearranged acute leukemia.
AB  - Induction chemotherapy is often the first therapeutic intervention for acute
      myeloid leukemia (AML). Evaluation of post induction bone marrow provides
      critical information for clinical management; in general increased blast countsor
      increased marrow cellularity is an ominous sign, suggestive of ineffective
      therapy, and may warrant additional rounds of chemotherapy. However, increased
      blasts alone are not necessarily predictive of recurrent/persistent disease. Here
      we report a very unusual observation in a case of AML with a core binding factor
      beta (CBFB) rearrangement. In this case the day 21 post-induction marrow biopsy
      showed a high blast count (approximately 20%), however,subsequent fluorescence in
      situ hybridization studies were negative for CBFB rearrangement. We compared this
      finding to post-induction marrows from a series of 6 AML cases with CBFB
      rearrangements, none of which showed an increased blast count. This case
      illustrates that increased blast counts, even those comprising 20% of cells, are
      not de facto evidence of induction failure, and that correlation with ancillary
      studies such as fluorescence in-situhybridization should be used to distinguish a
      persistent neoplastic clone, from a brisk marrow recovery. 

PMID- 25120842
TI  - Intraneural malignant perineurioma: a case report and review of literature.
AB  - The great majority of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) exhibit
      Schwann differentiation. Few MPNSTs with perineurial differentiation are also
      named malignant perineuriomas. Benign perineurioms were classified as
      intraneural, extraneural (soft tissue), sclerosing, and reticular variant.
      Histopathological features of intraneural perineurioma are individual nerve axons
      surrounded by whorls of spindle-shaped cells arranged in an onion bulb-like
      pattern. However, intraneural malignant perineurioma is uncommon, its
      characteristic histological features were not clearly described yet. Positive for
      epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), glut-1 and claudin-1, is characteristic of
      malignant perineurioma. Herein, we report an intraneural malignant perineurioma
      in median nerve of a 13-year-old girl. The clinicopathological features were
      summarized and the related literatures were reviewed. 

PMID- 25120843
TI  - Membranous basal cell adenoma arising in the eyelid.
AB  - Basal cell adenoma (BCA) is a specific entity that lacks the myxochondroid
      stromal component of pleomorphic adenoma. Membranous basal cell adenoma is a rare
      variant of BCA, which is characteristic by abundant eosinophilicextracellular
      hyaline material deposited either inside or at the periphery of the epithelial
      islands. Herin we describe the first case of membranous BCA arising in the upper
      eyelid in a 38-year-old woman. A well-demarcated nodule arising in the eyelid was
      composed of isomorphic basaloid cells organized with a prominent basal cell layer
      and distinct basement membrane-like material. Immunohistochemically, S100 protein
      and p63 highlighted the basal aspect of the peripheral epithelial cells, while
      CK7 expressed on the luminal cells. A diagnosis of membranous basal cell adenoma
      of the eyelid was made. At follow-up for 2 years and 3 months later, there was no
      evidence of recurrence. Further pathological characteristics of this disease are
      discussed. 

PMID- 25120844
TI  - Basal cell adenoma in the parotid: a bizarre myoepithelial-derived stroma rich
      variant.
AB  - Basal cell adenoma (BCA) is a specific entity that lacks the myxochondroid
      stromal component of a pleomorphic adenoma. There are six histopathological types
      of BCA: solid, tubular, trabecular, membranous, cribriform, and myoepithelial
      derived stroma rich. Myoepithelial-derived stroma rich variant is so rare,
      especially with cellular atypia. Herin we describe a rare case of BCA arising in
      the parotid on a 25-year-old man. A well-demarcated nodule arising in the parotid
      that was composed of basaloid cells, forming small duct-like or tubular
      structures containing basement membrane-like material, as well as highly cellular
      elongated cells with hyperchromatic, enlarged, pleomorphic, and bizarre nuclei.
      Immunohistochemically, S100 protein and p63 highlighted the basal aspect of the
      peripheral epithelial cells and peripheral spindle and bizarre cells, while CK7
      expressed on the luminal cells. We made a diagnosis of "basal cell adenoma,
      myoepithelial-derived stroma rich variant, with bizarre myoepithelial
      proliferation". The differential diagnosis includes cellular pleomorphic adenoma,
      basal cell adenocarcinoma, and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. After follow-up
      for 3 years, there was no evidence of recurrence. Further pathological
      characteristics of this disease are discussed. 

PMID- 25120845
TI  - Nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - ACC derived from nasopharyngeal epithelial cells is rare, usually benign. In this
      article, we reported a nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (NACC) in a 31
      year-old woman with a symptom of hoarseness, headache, epistaxis slightly,
      diplopia, facial numbness and dysphagia near 3 months. A tumor on the right side
      of the nasopharynx was confirmed by laryngoscope check and MRI of the skull base.
      Histopathological findings showed that tumor cells were arranged in cord-like or
      acinar-like by atypical hyperplastic epithelial cells forming a cribriform and
      tubular pattern, and immunohistochemical findings showed that tumor tissues were
      immunopositive for p63 (+), CK7 (+), CK19 (+), CK8 (+), CK18 (+), SMA (+), CK
      (+), p53 (++), S-100 (+) and Ki-67 (5%+), and negative for CD34 (-), CK5/6 (-),
      CEA (-) and CD117 (-). Patient was treated by surgical operation and
      radiotherapy, and was followed-up near 10 months, no local recurrence and distant
      metastasis. 

PMID- 25120846
TI  - Successful treatment of recurrent Kimura's disease with radiotherapy: a case
      report.
AB  - Kimura's disease is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the skin and
      subcutaneous tissue, predominantly in the head and neck region. It is benign but
      may be recurrent and difficult to eradicate. A case of recurrent Kimura disease
      in a 53-year-old man was reported. Radiation therapy was performed for recurrence
      after surgical excision twice. The prescribed radiation dose was 36 Gy. With a
      follow-up time of 68 months, the patient was free of the disease. 

PMID- 25120847
TI  - Meningitis and pneumococcal pyomyositis in a child with intramuscular
      hemangiomas: an autopsy case report.
AB  - Pyomyositis is the bacterial infection of skeletal muscle, usually accompanied by
      abscesses. The main etiologic agent is Staphylococcus aureus. There are rare
      cases attributed to Streptococcus pneumoniae. This paper presents an autopsy of a
      four year old child with multiple congenital intramuscular hemangiomas that
      developed pneumococcal pyomyositis associated with meningitis. The authors
      propose the hypothesis that patients with hemangiomas, mainly the intramuscular
      type, may also represent a risk group for pyomyositis. The possibility of
      respiratory/meningeal co-infection, might also be considered even if the clinical
      picture is restricted to the muscular system. 

PMID- 25120848
TI  - Incidental finding of a giant asymptomatic right atrial tumor.
AB  - Primary cardiac tumors are very rare, atrial myxoma being the most common benign
      tumor of the heart. They may present with a great variety of incidental
      asymptomatic masses to severe life-threatening cardiovascular complications
      necessitating emergency surgery. Here we report the diagnostic evaluation and
      successful surgical resection of such a giant cardiac tumor which was found on a
      routine medical check-up in a 62-year-old patient. Histology confirmed diagnosis
      of unusually huge myxoma. This article demonstrates it's necessary to include
      cardiac tumors in the differential diagnosis of subtle and non-specific
      cardiothoracic symptoms. 

PMID- 25120849
TI  - Expression of Gli1 and Wnt2B correlates with progression and clinical outcome of
      pancreatic cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and clinical
      significance of Gli1 and Wnt2B in pancreatic cancer. METHODS: We have constructed
      a formalin-fixed paraffin embedded pancreatic tissue microarrays 180 cylindrical
      tissue cores of human pancreatic cancer and its paracancerous nonmalignant
      pancreatic specimens (NMPs) from 90 patients. Levels of Gli1 and Wnt2B were
      measured by immunohistochemistry. We analyzed the correlations between the
      expression of these factors and clinicopathological parameters including
      prognosis. RESULTS: The expressions of both Gli1 and Wnt2B in human pancreatic
      cancer tissues were significantly higher than those of normal pancreatic tissues
      (P=0.000, P=0.004 respectively). The analysis showed that the high cytoplasmic
      expression levels of Gli1 in pancreatic cancer tissues had significant
      correlation with lymph node metastasis (P=0.036) and Wnt2B had significant
      correlation with perineural invasion (P=0.045). Gli1 and Wnt2B have no positive
      correlation. Survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier demonstrated that elevated Wnt2B
      expression in cancer tissue predicted worse overall survival (OS) compared with
      group in lower expression (P=0.024). No correlation was found between the
      expression of Gli1 and overall survival of pancreatic cancer patients (P>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these results indicate that the high-expression
      levels of Gli1 and Wnt2B might play a pivotal role during tumorigenesis of
      pancreatic cancer, and the high expression of Wnt2B might be associated with poor
      prognosis.

PMID- 25120850
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of MPO, CD163 and VEGF in inflammatory cells in
      acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report.
AB  - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious medical condition
      occurring in patients with polytrauma, pulmonary or non-pulmonary sepsis,
      pneumonia and many other circumstances. It causes inflammation of the lung
      parenchyma leading to impaired gas exchange with a systemic release of
      inflammatory mediators, causing consequential lung tissue injury, hypoxemia and
      frequently multiple organ failure. The aim of current study was to describe
      expression of inflammatory markers (myeloperoxidase, CD163 and vascular
      endothelial growth factor) by the cells in acute phase of ARDS. The lung samples
      of a 20-year-old man who had suffered a serious motorbike accident were obtained
      for histological examination. He died on the seventh day as a consequence of
      respiratory failure. Our results imply that expression of CD163 was restricted to
      activated alveolar macrophages and monocytes. Immunopositivityof MPO was observed
      in neutrophil granulocytes within lung alveoli and lung blood vessels.
      Myeloperoxidase positivity was observed in alveolar macrophages, too. Vascular
      endothelial growth factor was expressed in cytoplasm of neutrophil granulocytes,
      monocytes, small-sized alveolar macrophages and type II pneumocytes localized
      mostly inside lung alveoli. On the contrary, no positivity was observed in lung
      endothelial cells of blood vessels. 

PMID- 25120851
TI  - Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of microRNA-107 in human non
      small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs which can function as
      oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in human cancers. Researchers have found that
      the expression level of miR-107 was decreased in human non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) tissues and cell lines, however, its clinicopathological and prognostic
      significance in NSCLC has not been investigated. METHODS: Quantitative real-time
      PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of miR-107 in 137 pairs of fresh
      NSCLC and matched adjacent normal tissue specimens. The chi-square test and
      Fishers exact tests were used to examine the associations between miR-107
      expression and the clinicopathological characters. The overall survival (OS) and
      progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed by log-rank test, and survival
      curves were plotted according to Kaplan-Meier. RESULTS: The expression level of
      miR-107 was significantly lower in tumor tissues than that in corresponding
      noncancerous tissues (0.4676 +/- 0.2078 vs. 1.000 +/- 0.3953, P<0.001). Low
      expression of miR-107 was found to significantly correlate with TNM stage
      (p=0.001), regional lymph node involvement (p=0.04), and tumor differentiation
      (p=0.003). Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test indicated that low miR
      107 expression had a significant impact on OS (35.2% vs. 69.3%; P=0.008) and PFS
      (30.0% vs. 56.2%; P=0.029). In a multivariate Cox model, we found that miR-107
      expression was an independent poor prognostic factor for both 5-year OS (HR=2.57,
      95% CI: 1.88-10.28; P=0.007) and 5-year PFS (HR=3.08, 95% CI: 2.01-8.92;
      P=0.003). CONCLUSION: The expression of miR-107 was decreased in NSCLC. Low
      expression of miR-107 was significantly associated with tumor progression and
      decreased survival in patients with NSCLC, indicating that miR-107 may serve as a
      novel prognostic marker in NSCLC.

PMID- 25120853
TI  - [Factors associated with infection in rheumatoid arthritis].

PMID- 25120852
TI  - Inosine triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase (ITPA) polymorphic sequence variants in
      Chinese ALL children and possible association with mercaptopurine related
      toxicity.
AB  - Genetic polymorphisms are important factors in effects and toxicity of
      chemotherapeutics. This study aimed to investigate whether there was a
      correlation between genotype or haplotype of inosine triphosph
      pyrophosphohydrolase(ITPA) and toxicities during maintenance therapy with
      mercaptopurine (6-MP) in Chinese patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      (ALL). 95 ALL children who hospitalized between October 2004 and September
      2007,were retrospectively analyzed. 6-MP toxicity was documented according to
      Common Toxicity Criteria, Version 2.0. ITPA sequencing was undertaken.
      Correlation between genotype/haplotype and 6-MP toxicity was analyzed. The
      results indicated that 50 cases (52.6%) had grade III-IV of bone marrow
      inhibition. These children had long-term disease-free survival (DFS), without
      hepatic and other organs' dysfunction and secondary tumors. Three variations were
      observed in ITPA exon 2 (94 C -> A), exon 3 (138 G -> A), and exon 8 (561 G ->
      A), the 94A carriers (CA and AA) had a lower risk of developing 6-MP toxicity
      when compared with carriers of the CC genotype (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 0.12-0.98, P = 0.039). The risk of 6-MP intolerance was
      decreased in patients with 138 allele and 561 allele polymorphism, but with no
      significant difference. Patients carrying the haplotype 94A-138A-561A was
      tolerance compared to those with wild-type haplotype 94C-138G-561G (OR: 0.26, 95%
      CI 0.07-0.94 P = 0.043). In conclusion, the risk of 6-MP intolerance was
      decreased in patients with 138 allele and 561 allele polymorphism, but without
      significant difference. Patients carrying the haplotype 94A-138A-561A was
      tolerance compared to those with the wild-type haplotype 94C-138G-561G. 

PMID- 25120854
TI  - [Epidemiology and management of intrapartum infections in the maternity ward of
      Oueme-Plateau county hospital in Benin].

PMID- 25120855
TI  - Providing medical care in unfamiliar settings; experience of an Egyptian campaign
      in Uganda.
AB  - Medical service in many African countries is affected by the limited
      infrastructure and the lack of economic and human potentials. Uganda is one the
      countries that suffers from lack of physicians as well as shortage of many
      medical facilities with many endemic health problems such as Goiter. A surgical
      camp was done by an Egyptian team of 8 physicians; three general surgeons, one
      pediatric surgeon, two gynecologists and one anesthetist. Over two hundred cases
      were screened in the outpatient clinic. Eighty nine operations were done in four
      days. General surgery procedures were 45 operations (50%), Pediatric procedures
      were 23 operations (26%) and Gynecological operations were 21 operations (24%) In
      conclusion Humanitarian relief for poor population in the developing world
      countries needs vigilant international collaboration. Special attention should be
      given to goiter in African countries. Training doctors from sub-Saharan African
      nations should be on the top of the agenda of the international medical community
      in order to reach a definitive solution for their health problems. 

PMID- 25120856
TI  - Giant brain tuberculoma mimicking a malignant tumor in a child.

PMID- 25120857
TI  - Fracture of the bamboo spine (chronic ankylosing spondylitis) after cervical
      injury.

PMID- 25120858
TI  - [Eyelid S-shape deformation revealing a pleomorphic adenoma].

PMID- 25120859
TI  - Effect of body composition on bone mineral density in Moroccan patients with
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The link between bone mass and body composition is widely
      recognized, but only few works were selectively performed on subjects with
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect
      of body composition on bone mineral density (BMD) in Moroccan patients with
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis. METHODS: Thirty three children with juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis (JIA) were included in a cross-sectional study. The
      diagnosis of JIA was made according to the criteria of the International League
      of Association of Rheumatology (ILAR). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from
      the ratio of weight/height(2)(kg/m(2)). Pubertal status was determined according
      to the Tanner criteria. Bone status, body composition and bone mineral content
      (BMC) were analyzed by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). BMD was
      assessed at the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and at total body in (g/cm(2)). Total body
      fat tissue mass (FTM) and lean tissue mass (LTM) were also analyzed by DXA and
      expressed in kilograms. In children, low BMD was defined as a Z-score less than 
      2 and osteoporosis was defined as a Z-score less than -2 with a fracture history.
      RESULTS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 33 Moroccan patients with JIA
      aged between 4 and 16 years, Fat mass was not related to bone density; in
      contrast, BMD was positively associated to LTM in total body(r = =0.41, p= 0.04)
      but not in lumbar spine (r = 0.29, p= 0.17). There exist significant correlation
      between BMC and BMD in total body (r = 0.51, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study
      suggests that the LTM is a determining factor of the BMD during adolescence.
      Other studies with a broader sample would be useful to confirm this relation.

PMID- 25120860
TI  - Pattern of cardiovascular admissions at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching
      Hospital Nnewi, South East Nigeria.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the top killer diseases in
      the world sparing neither developed or developing countries. The study was
      carried out to determine the pattern of cardiovascular admissions at Nnamdi
      Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi South East Nigeria. METHODS: The study
      was a retrospective study covering the period January 2007 to December 2009. SPSS
      version 13 software was used to analyze data. RESULTS: 537 (15%) patients were
      admitted into the study out of 3546 patients {females 1756 and 1790} admitted
      into medical wards. 322 (60%) of study population were males and 215 (40%)
      females. 359(67.5%) were discharged, 170 (32%) died and 8 (0.5%) were discharged
      against medical advice. The majority of the deaths 105(61.8%), were in patients
      with CVA. Most of the deaths (111 or 65.3%) occurred within the first seven days
      of admission. The mean age of the population was 60.7 years +/-15.9 with a range
      of 18 to 110 years. The length of stay in hospital ranged between 1 and 140 days
      with a mean of 13.5 +/- 13.9 days and a median of 10 days. 33 of the subjects
      were single, 406 were married, 94 were widowed (11 males and 83 females) and 4
      were divorced. 46.7% (251) were admitted for CVA and 30.9% (166) for heart
      failure. Cardiomyopathy/valvular heart diseases (clinical diagnosis due to
      absence of echocardiography) constituted 3.9%, hypertension 20.5% and pre
      existing hypertension with uremia 1.9%. CONCLUSION: The study has shown that
      cardiovascular disease contributed significantly to medical admissions the
      elderly accounting for a significant proportion. There is thus the need for
      intensification of primary preventive strategies for cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 25120861
TI  - [Epidemiological profile of primary malignant tumors of the salivary glands:
      about 154 cases].

PMID- 25120862
TI  - [Esophageal involvement during pemphigus vulgaris].

PMID- 25120863
TI  - [Rectal stromal tumor: report of a case].

PMID- 25120864
TI  - Painless extensive ossification of the Achilles tendon: a diagnostic trap?

PMID- 25120865
TI  - [Occipital tumors: a medical or surgical emergency?].

PMID- 25120867
TI  - [Pre-renal mass of adrenal origin: what is your diagnosis?].

PMID- 25120866
TI  - First results of hormone receptors' status in Malagasy women with invasive breast
      cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy tumor amongst Malagasy
      women registered at the pathology unit of the "Institut Pasteur de Madagascar".
      In Madagascar, there is no laboratory practicing hormone receptors' status on
      these tumors. Until now no study about hormone receptors' status of Malagasy
      women with invasive breast cancer was performed. So it will be the first study
      talking about this topic. The aim of this study was to determine hormone
      receptors' status in Malagasy women with invasive breast cancer. METHODS: This
      retrospective and descriptive study was based on patients' medical files from
      2009 to 2011. It included all invasive breast cancer diagnosed in Malagasy women
      at the pathology laboratory located at the "Institut Pasteur de Madagascar", in
      Antananarivo. Along this period this laboratory has sent paraffin blocks of
      invasive breast carcinoma in two pathological laboratories in France. RESULTS: We
      collected 77 cases of invasive breast cancer along this period. The mean age was
      48.8 +/- 10.7, ranging from 26 years to 70 years. There were 46.8 % (n = 36)
      women with progesterone receptor positive (PR+), 53.2 % (n = 41) with
      progesterone receptor negative (PR-). For the estrogen receptor, 61.0 % (n = 47)
      were positive and 36.4 % (n = 28) were negative. ER+/PR+ represented 44.2 % (n =
      34); ER-/PR- 33.8 % (n = 26); ER +/ PR- 16.8 % (n = 13); ER-/PR+ and ER-/PR-
      represented respectively 2.6 % (n = 2). CONCLUSION: Patients in our study had
      more important rate of ER-, PR- and a less important rate of ER+/PR+, PR+. These
      results suggest that more study related to Hormone Receptor profile should be
      conducted in Malagasy women with breast cancer.

PMID- 25120869
TI  - [Heart with six cavities in a 11-year old child].

PMID- 25120868
TI  - Tobacco control research in Kenya: the existing body of knowledge.
AB  - This review examines the existing tobacco control research done in the country.
      It further identifies key gaps present in research and gives recommendations on
      priority research areas required to implement effective tobacco control
      programmes. Published literature, technical reports and reports by the Ministry
      of Health were reviewed. It included studies that measure tobacco use and its
      effects, monitor progress of tobacco control, or articles that are discussing
      tobacco control policy. The review was conducted in January 2013 and included 18
      papers. There are six studies that assessed the prevalence of current tobacco
      consumption which yielded prevalence's of between 3.8%-19%. Only one study tried
      to determine an association between Tobacco use and Health. Studies that
      monitored progress of legislation indicated that the country lacked coordinated
      efforts for tobacco control, enforcement was weak and monitoring of the existing
      tobacco legislation was poor. This review has demonstrated that Kenya has made
      efforts to generate knowledge on tobacco control through research. However there
      is lack of research that demonstrates the effects of tobacco consumption on
      health and studies that detail the impact of the various tobacco control
      interventions. 

PMID- 25120870
TI  - A tuberculosis case mimicking lymphoma.
AB  - Tuberculosis remains a worldwide health problem causing morbidity and mortality.
      Abdominal tuberculosis is a rare form of the disease. Abdominal form of
      tuberculosis can mimic other non-infectious diseases. In this report, we
      presented an abdominal tuberculosis presenting with an intra-abdominal mass
      lesion and multiple lymphadenopathies that mimics lymphoma. 

PMID- 25120871
TI  - Late onset epilepsy associated with marijuana abuse: a case report with MRI
      findings.
AB  - Marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance in the world. The relation
      between marijuana use and epileptic seizures is still controversial. We report a
      case of late onset epilepsy associated with marijuana abuse, with brain magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) findings. A 44-year-old patient was admitted for 03
      isolated episodes of secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. He had a
      history of 26 years regular marijuana smoking. On admission, we found a
      tachycardia, psychomotor slowing, asymmetric hyperreflexia, bilateral Babinski
      sign without weakness. Laboratory work-up showed a high level of urine of Delta-9
      tetrahydroxycannabinol. Electroencephalogram was normal. Brain MRI revealed
      abnormal signal intensities in the right frontal lobe and basal ganglia. Seizures
      cessation was obtained with anti-epileptic treatment. We suggest that marijuana
      abuse through vascular and toxic mechanisms could explain seizures in this case. 

PMID- 25120872
TI  - [Colobomatous cyst of the orbit].

PMID- 25120873
TI  - [Critical study of the treatment of 159 elderly in psychiatric consultation].

PMID- 25120874
TI  - Family and socioeconomic risk factors for undernutrition among children aged 6 to
      23 Months in Ibadan, Nigeria.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Child undernutrition is a major public health problem in Nigeria
      and other Sub-Saharan African countries. However, few analytical studies have
      quantified the role of risk factors. This study was conducted to determine the
      socio-economic and family related risk factors for undernutrition among children
      in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among children
      100 cases and 200 controls aged 6-23 months. A semi-structured interviewer-
      administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-economic
      status, infant feeding practices of the mothers, children's immunization status
      and recent episodes of common childhood illnesses. Bivariate and multivariate
      analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors. RESULTS: On bivariate
      analysis, the maternal factors associated with undernutrition were maternal level
      of education below secondary level, monthly income below $20 and polygamous
      marriage. Socio-economic factors significantly associated with malnutrition were
      residence in a high density area, family accommodation in a single room apartment
      and family weekly expenditure on food below $55. Children's characteristics
      associated with child malnutrition included incomplete immunization for age,
      recent episodes of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection. The significant
      risk factors on multivariate analysis were maternal monthly income <$20, monthly
      household food expenditure <$55, residence in a one room apartment, higher birth
      order and incomplete immunization of the child. CONCLUSION: The multiplicity of
      risk factors identified is indicative of the need for a multidisciplinary
      approach in developing preventive strategies child undernutrition.

PMID- 25120875
TI  - [Sirenomelia (Mermaid syndrome): description of the first Congolese cases and
      review of the literature].

PMID- 25120876
TI  - [Cholesteatoma of the middle ear - retrospective study about 145 cases].

PMID- 25120877
TI  - [Esophagitis dissecans: a rare cause of dysphagia].

PMID- 25120878
TI  - [Gouty tophi of the hand revealing a gout].

PMID- 25120879
TI  - [Tuberculous tenosynovitis of the extensors of the hand: a rare localization of
      tuberculosis].

PMID- 25120880
TI  - [Ophthalmic zoster of th eyelid: good outcome with valaciclovir].

PMID- 25120881
TI  - Forestier's disease presenting with dysphagia and disphonia.
AB  - Forestier's disease, also known as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
      (DISH), is a pathology of vertebral bodies characterised by exuberant osteophytis
      formation. Forestier's disease is usually managed conservatively. Surgical
      resection of the osteophytes is reported to be an effective treatment for severe
      cases and/ or cases with airway obstruction. We report a 55-year-old man
      presenting with 6 months' progressive dysphagia and dysphonia. He was managed
      successfully with an anterior cervical osteophytectomy without fusion. A
      literature review is included. 

PMID- 25120882
TI  - Unusual presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma invading the anterior abdominal
      wall muscles.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer all over the world. It
      demonstrates a tendency for vascular invasion, producing extensive intrahepatic
      metastases and portal vein or inferior vena cava extension. Tumor spread of
      abdominal diseases via hepatic ligaments has also been reported. The author
      reports a rare case of HCC invading the anterior abdominal wall muscles and
      protruding into the subcutaneous fat. 

PMID- 25120883
TI  - Intramuscular lipoma: infiltrating vs. well-circumscribed variant.

PMID- 25120884
TI  - [Contribution of imaging in the diagnosis of infectious sacroiliitis: about 19
      cases].

PMID- 25120885
TI  - [Bladder exstrophy: about a case diagnosed tardily].

PMID- 25120887
TI  - Effects of disadvantage in early life on cardiometabolic health status in
      adulthood.

PMID- 25120886
TI  - Effects of Nrf2 deficiency on bone microarchitecture in an experimental model of
      osteoporosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Redox imbalance contributes to bone fragility. We have evaluated the
      in vivo role of nuclear factor erythroid derived 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), an
      important regulator of cellular responses to oxidative stress, in bone metabolism
      using a model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. METHODS: Ovariectomy was performed
      in both wild-type and mice deficient in Nrf2 (Nrf2(-/-)). Bone microarchitecture
      was analyzed by MUCT. Serum markers of bone metabolism were also measured.
      Reactive oxygen species production was determined using dihydrorhodamine 123.
      RESULTS: Sham-operated or ovariectomized Nrf2(-/-) mice exhibit a loss in
      trabecular bone mineral density in femur, accompanied by a reduction in cortical
      area in vertebrae. Nrf2 deficiency tended to increase osteoblastic markers and
      significantly enhanced osteoclastic markers in sham-operated animals indicating
      an increased bone turnover with a main effect on bone resorption. We have also
      shown an increased production of oxidative stress in bone marrow-derived cells
      from sham-operated or ovariectomized Nrf2(-/-) mice and a higher responsiveness
      of bone marrow-derived cells to osteoclastogenic stimuli in vitro. CONCLUSION: We
      have demonstrated in vivo a key role of Nrf2 in the maintenance of bone
      microarchitecture.

PMID- 25120888
TI  - Binge drinking and its relation to metabolic syndrome in korean adult men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is reported that heavy drinking increases the risk of metabolic
      syndrome. But there have been few studies on the relationship between the
      intensity of drinking and metabolic syndrome when drinking the same amount of
      alcohol. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the frequency of
      binge drinking and metabolic syndrome in Korean adult men. METHODS: From the
      database of the 4th and 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey conducted in 2007-2010, data of 8,305 adult men (>=19 years of age) was
      included in this analysis. Cross-sectional relationship between the frequency of
      binge drinking and metabolic syndrome was investigated adjusting for pure alcohol
      consumed per day. RESULTS: Adjusting for various confounders including pure
      alcohol consumed per day, the adjusted odds ratio for metabolic syndrome in those
      in higher frequency (more than 1/wk) binge drinking group was 1.62 (95%
      confidence interval, 1.30 to 2.03; P for trend = <0.001) compared to those in the
      non-binge drinking group. Through analysis of the relationship between pure
      alcohol consumed per day and metabolic syndrome, it was found that pure alcohol
      consumed per day had a positive relation to metabolic syndrome in the higher
      frequency binge drinking group (P for trend = 0.041). The relationship was
      inverse in the non-binge drinking group (P for trend = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Our
      study found a positive relationship between frequency of binge drinking and
      metabolic syndrome in adult men. And the effect of drinking on metabolic syndrome
      may depend on the frequency of binge drinking. Further studies are required to
      confirm this association.

PMID- 25120889
TI  - Association between Appendicular Fat Mass and Metabolic Risk Factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Different regional fat depots have different effects on lipid and
      glucose metabolism. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship
      between body fat distribution as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
      (DEXA) and metabolic risk factors and to disclose whether there is any difference
      between groups with and without metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: A total of 292
      participants (98 men, 194 women) over 19 years old underwent whole-body DEXA to
      evaluate body composition with respect to the whole body, leg, arm, and android
      regions. Anthropometry and blood tests for metabolic risks were measured.
      RESULTS: One hundred and seven participants were diagnosed with MS. The MS group
      had significantly higher android fat (%) and had lower leg fat (%), arm fat (%),
      and appendicular (arms + legs) fat (%) than the non-MS group. Android fat (%) had
      a positive correlation with waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure
      (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), glucose, log insulin, hemoglobin A1c
      (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and had a
      negative correlation with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
      Appendicular fat (%) had a negative correlation with WC, SBP, DBP, glucose, log
      insulin, HbA1c, and TG, and had a positive correlation with HDL cholesterol. The
      association of appendicular fat with metabolic risk was consistently observed in
      non-MS, but the association was not observed except for SBP, glucose and log
      insulin in MS. CONCLUSION: In contrast with the adverse effects of android fat,
      appendicular fat distribution was associated with decreased risks of MS. The
      protective effect of appendicular fat against metabolic risk factors in non-MS
      was less characteristic in MS.

PMID- 25120891
TI  - Pro Re Nata Prescription and Perception Difference between Doctors and Nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pro re nata (PRN) prescription is a frequently used prescription
      method in hospitals. This study was conducted to investigate actual condition of
      PRN prescription and whether administration error occurred because of perception
      difference between doctors and nurses. METHODS: From May to July 2012, a survey
      was conducted among 746 doctors and nurses (88 doctors and 658 nurses) working at
      5 hospitals located in Seoul, Gyeong-gi, and Gangwon Province. Doctors generating
      PRN prescription responded to actual conditions of PRN prescription and both
      doctors and nurses reported whether administration error occurred due to
      perception difference. RESULTS: Average number of PRN prescription of surgical
      residents was 4.6 +/- 5.4, which was larger than that of medical residents (1.7
      +/- 1.0). Surgical residents more frequently recorded maximum number of daily
      intake (P = 0.034) and, although not statistically significant, more often wrote
      exact single dosage (P = 0.053) and maximum dosage per day (P = 0.333) than
      medical residents. Doctors expected nurses to notify them before the
      administration of medication; however, nurses were more likely to conduct PRN
      administration by their own decision without informing doctors. In addition, some
      doctors and nurses experienced administration errors because of it. CONCLUSION:
      Standard prescription methods need to be established since there is a perception
      difference in PRN prescription between doctors and nurses and this could be
      related to administration errors.

PMID- 25120890
TI  - Association between Nutrition Label Reading and Nutrient Intake in Korean Adults:
      Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, 2007-2009 (KNHANES IV).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nutrition labels provide various information on the nutrient contents
      of food. However, despite the recent increase in the interest in dietary intake
      and expansion of related policies, studies on the association between nutrition
      label reading and dietary intake are lacking in Korea. METHODS: This study
      analyzed the 2007-2009 KNHANES (Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey) data. To examine macronutrients and micronutrients intake according to
      nutrition label reading, analysis of covariance was used. Multiple logistic
      regression analysis was also used to examine the association between adherence to
      dietary reference intake and nutrition label reading. RESULTS: Nutrition label
      reading was significantly high among women, youth, and those with high education
      and high household income. Nutrition label reading was associated with higher
      intake of calcium and vitamin C in men and the lower intake of calorie,
      carbohydrates and higher energy ratio of protein in women. Additionally, male
      nutrition label readers were associated with adherence to dietary reference
      intake of fiber (odds ratio [OR], 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23 to
      3.26) and calcium (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.54). In women, there were no
      significant differences in the adherence to the dietary reference intake in fat,
      fiber, sodium, potassium, and calcium according to the nutrition label reading.
      CONCLUSION: In men, nutrition label reading was associated with healthier intake
      of several micronutrients, although this was not observed in women. Consideration
      for clearly reporting vulnerable micronutrients in nutrition labels is necessary.

PMID- 25120892
TI  - The Relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and Childhood Maternal Education
      Level, Job Status Findings from the Korean National Health and Nutrition
      Examination, 2007-2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood socioeconomic status (SES) is known to affect cardio
      metabolic disease risk. However, the relationship between childhood SES and
      metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains uncertain. Therefore, we investigated the
      relationship between childhood SES, as measured by maternal education and
      occupational status and adult-onset MetS in the Korean population. METHODS: We
      examined the association between childhood SES, as measured by maternal education
      level and occupational status during an individual's childhood, and MetS in
      Korean adults aged 20 to 79 years who participated in the 2007-2009 Korean
      National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey. The components of MetS,
      including waist circumference, fasting glucose, lipid profiles, and blood
      pressure, were measured. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for MetS were calculated
      using multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: Significant differences in
      the association between maternal education level, occupational status, and MetS
      were found between males and females. In females, the adjusted MetS OR for the
      highest maternal education quartile relative to the lowest quartile was 0.46
      (0.21-0.99). Similarly, in females, the adjusted OR for individuals whose mothers
      worked when they were children relative to those whose mothers did not work was
      1.23 (1.04-1.44). In males, no significant associations between maternal
      education, maternal occupational status, and MetS were found. CONCLUSION: We
      found independent, positive associations between maternal education and
      occupational status and MetS in Korean females. These findings suggest that
      public health education targeting MetS prevention should be considered,
      especially among children with less opportunity for maternal support.

PMID- 25120893
TI  - Gluten-free diet and quality of life in celiac disease.
AB  - Many recent studies overshadow the effects of gluten-free diet. Gluten-free diet
      positive effects were observed in celiac disease patients: increase in body mass
      index, higher energy intakes, reducing adiposity gain, moderates the risk of the
      associated complications. However, adhering to a gluten-free diet is difficult
      for many people. A new solution is needed for quality of life of celiac disease
      patients, not for celiac disease treatment. Health education on gluten-free diet
      at home and in society seems to be the solution. The aim of our study is to
      evaluate the recent research on gluten-free diet as a nutritional therapy for
      patients with celiac disease. To achieve this purpose we have analyzed the
      published studies from 2008 to the present on nutrition in celiac disease. 

PMID- 25120894
TI  - Prevalence of hepatitis D virus in hepatitis B virus infected patients referred
      to Taleghani hospital, Tehran, Iran.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HDV infection
      between HBV chronic patients referred to gastroenterology ward of Taleghani
      hospital Tehran, Iran and also investigating the risk factors in acquiring the
      HDV infection. BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis D virus (HDV)
      are major public health issues. Worldwide there are approximately 350 million
      individuals chronically infected with the HBV. A significant part of them,
      including 15 to 20 million coinfected with HDV. Hepatitis Delta virus is
      transferred mostly through blood and body fluids. PATIENTS AND METHODS: HBV and
      HDV infections were evaluated by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Liver
      functional tests were assessed through auto analyzer. Patients were interviewed
      and data along the test results were entered into SPSS program. We used chi
      square, independent t-test and logistic regression for statistical analysis.
      RESULTS: 278 (54.6%) patients of the study group were male and 231 (45.4%) were
      female and the mean age of patients was 40.03 +/- 14.93. From 509 patients,
      39(7.7%) had anti-HDV antibody. In a uni-variable analysis, age (p=0.001),
      periodontal procedures (p=0.015), endoscopy (p=0.024) and colonoscopy (p=0.012)
      were significantly related to HDV seropositivity. After adjustment by logistic
      regression, age remained the only significant factor in acquiring HDV infection.
      CONCLUSION: We highly recommend the health care workers to strictly follow the
      disinfection protocols of medical instruments. Since HDV seroprevalence changes
      over time, regular epidemiological studies are necessary to monitor the
      epidemiological trend of infection.

PMID- 25120895
TI  - Comparison of half-dose and full-dose triple therapy regimens for Helicobacter
      pylori eradication in patients with end-stage renal disease.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the half-dose and full-dose triple
      therapy regimens for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication in patients with end
      stage renal disease. BACKGROUND: H. Pylori is one the most important causes of
      dyspepsia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Sixty-six patients with ESRD were enrolled in the study with Hp infection and
      peptic disease with a need of Hp eradication. Patients were randomly assigned to
      full-dose (A=35 patients) or half-dose group (B=31 patients). Patients received
      clarithromycin 500 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg and omeprazole 20 mg twice daily in
      group A and clarithromycin 250 mg and amoxicillin 500 mg twice daily and
      omeprazole 20 mg once daily in group B for two weeks. Patients provided stool
      samples 4 weeks of completing study to assess the success of Hp eradication by Hp
      specific stool antigen. Finally, the rate of eradication and complications were
      compared between two groups. RESULTS: The successful Hp eradication was achieved
      in 26 patients (74%) in group A and in 22 patients (74%) in group B. The
      difference between 2 groups was not statistically significant (p=0.973) (per
      protocol analysis). CONCLUSION: Half-dose triple-therapy with clarithromycin,
      amoxicillin and omeprazole is as effective as full-dose triple-therapy to
      eradicate the Hp in patients with ESRD. According to lower toxicity level,
      complications and cost in half-dose regimen in this subset of patients, this
      protocol is advised.

PMID- 25120896
TI  - The efficacy of a synbiotic containing Bacillus Coagulans in treatment of
      irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - AIM: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a synbiotic containing Bacillus
      Coagulans in treatment of IBS. BACKGROUND: Some studies have shown the efficacy
      of probiotics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Adult IBS patients (n=85) were randomized to receive a synbiotic
      containing Bacillus Coagulans or placebo for 12 weeks. Frequency of IBS symptoms
      including abdominal pain (scored 1 to 7), and diarrhea and constipation (scored 1
      to 5) was evaluated before and after the intervention and then after nine months
      follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients in the synbiotic group and 33 patients
      in the placebo group completed the study (age = 39.8+/-12.7 years, 78.6% female).
      After treatment, more reduction in abdominal pain frequency was observed with
      synbiotic compared with placebo (score reduction 4.2+/-1.8 vs. 1.9+/-1.5,
      P<0.001). Diarrhea frequency was decreased in the synbiotic group, but not in the
      placebo group (score reduction 1.9+/-1.2 vs. 0.0+/-0.5, P<0.001). Decrease in
      constipation frequency was the same between the two groups (score reduction 0.9+/
      1.2 vs. 0.8+/-1.1, P=0.561). After nine months follow-up, abdominal pain
      frequency was decreased (P=0.016), constipation frequency was increased
      (P<0.001), and diarrhea frequency remained unchanged in the synbiotic group
      (P=1.000). In the placebo group, abdominal pain frequency was increased
      (P<0.001), constipation frequency remained unchanged (P=0.553), and diarrhea
      frequency was increased (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Bacillus Coagulans improves
      abdominal pain and diarrhea in IBS patients. Further studies on a larger sample
      of patients are warranted.

PMID- 25120898
TI  - Molecular identification of Giardia lamblia; is there any correlation between
      diarrhea and genotyping in Iranian population?
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular identification of
      Giardia lamblia in patients with diarrhea. BACKGROUND: Giardiasis caused by
      Giardia lamblia is a common intestinal disease. Although this parasitic infection
      found in mammals including human, pets and livestock, but few species within the
      genus Giardia can infects humans. G. lamblia have seven complex genotypes termed
      (A-H). Genotype A and B the main causes of human infections. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Sixty seven microscopically positive G. Lamblia samples were collected
      from clinical laboratories in Isfahan province between June 2013 and February
      2014. Extraction of genomic DNA was performed for 65 concentrated cysts and 2
      cultured trophozoites. Partial sequences of tpi including 148-bp and 81-bp were
      amplified for detection the genotypes A and B using RFLP- PCR protocol
      respectively. RESULTS: PCR results showed that out of 67 patients with giardiasis
      infection, genotype A (148 bp) was detected in 40 isolates (59.70%) compared to
      genotype B (81 bp) isolated was detected in 25 isolates (37.31%). Also two
      isolates (2.98%) had mix infection infected with genotype A and B. By comparing
      the frequency of genotype A (81.8%) and genotype B (13.6%), we found that
      genotype A is six times higher prevalence than genotype B in patients with
      diarrhea. CONCLUSION: We suggest that using sensitive techniques and larger
      sample for detection of G. lamblia genotypes and their subtypes would be
      necessary for investigation the immune system respond and correlation with
      diarrhea in the future studies in Iran.

PMID- 25120897
TI  - Discrimination of Entamoeba Spp. in children with dysentery.
AB  - AIM: The present study was performed in order to differentiate E. histolytica and
      E. dispar in children from Gorgan city, using a PCR method. BACKGROUND:
      Differential detection of two morphologically indistinguishable protozoan
      parasites Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar has a great clinical and
      epidemiological importance because of potential invasive pathogenic E.
      histolytica and non-invasive parasite E. dispar. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One
      hundred and five dysentery samples were collected from children hospitalized in
      Taleghani hospital in Gorgan city. The fecal specimens were examined by light
      microscopy (10X then 40X) to distinguish Entamoeba complex. A single round PCR
      amplifying partial small-subunit rRNA gene was performed on positive microscopy
      samples to differentiate E. histolytica/ E. dispar and E. moshkovskii from each
      other. RESULTS: Twenty-five specimens (23.8%) were positive for Enramoeba complex
      in direct microscopic examination. PCR using positive controls indicated E.
      histolytica and E. dispar in two (2/25, 8%) and three (3/25, 12%) samples,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a warrant to performing molecular diagnosis
      for stool examination at least in hospitalized children in order to prevent
      incorrect reports from laboratories and consequently mistreating by physicians.

PMID- 25120899
TI  - Cannabinoid hyperemesis should be recognised as an effect of chronic cannabis
      abuse.
AB  - Here we describe the second reported case of cannabinoid hyperemesis in UK. A 42
      years old patient presented on more than one occasion with vomiting, abdominal
      pain, fever and dehydration and treated as sepsis with antibiotics. Extensive
      investigations including upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, chest X-ray, abdominal
      ultrasound, abdominal CT scan, barium swallow and echocardiogram; all reported
      normal. Once the diagnosis of cannabinoid hyperemesis was established, he was
      advised to abstain from cannabis use resulting in complete resolution of his
      symptoms. 

PMID- 25120900
TI  - Right cervical lymphadenopathy: a rare presentation of metastatic hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common, malignant tumor of the liver.
      Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) commonly metastasizes to the lungs, abdominal
      lymph nodes, adrenal glands, or bones. Distant lymph node metastases are rare in
      hepatocellular carcinoma. A 49-year-old male patient presented with right sided
      neck mass. On examination there was right cervical lymphadenopathy and
      hepatomegaly. Excisional cervical lymph node biopsy showed metastatic carcinoma.
      However, further examination of the biopsy specimen for immuno-histochemistry
      markers, shows positivity for HepPar-1 & CD-10 suggestive of hepatocellular
      carcinoma. Considering the high incidence of HCC in Asia, a special attention
      should be given to such unusual site of presentation and metastasis of HCC;
      therefore, not to miss the diagnosis. 

PMID- 25120901
TI  - An unusual cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

PMID- 25120902
TI  - Recent advances in oesophageal diseases.
AB  - Dong Y, Qi B, Feng XY, Jiang CM. Meta-analysis of Barrett's esophagus in China.
      World J Gastroenterol 2013;19(46):8770-8779 The disease pattern of Barrett's
      esophagus (BE) in China is poorly characterised particularly in comparison with
      other developed countries. This meta-analysis of 3873 cases of BE collated from
      69 clinical studies conducted in 25 provinces between 2000 and 2011 investigated
      the epidemiology and characteristics of BE in China compared to Western
      countries. The total endoscopic detection rate of BE was 1.0% (95%CI: 0.1%-1.8%)
      with an average patient age of 49.07 +/- 5.09 years, lower than many Western
      countries.The authors postulate this may be attributed to environmental risk
      factor variation, distinct genetics and different medical practice including
      diagnostic criteria for BE and expertise in endoscopy. This study identified a
      1.781 male predominancefor BE in China, consistent with Western reports. Short
      segment BE accounted for 80.3% of cases with island type and cardiac type the
      most common endoscopic (44.8%) and histological (40.0%) manifestations
      respectively. Of the 1283 BE cases followed up for three to 36 months the
      incidence of esophageal cancer was 1.418 per 1000 person-years, lower than the
      incidence reported in Western countries. Lee HS, Jeon SW. Barrett esophagus in
      Asia: same disease with different pattern. ClinEndosc 2014;47(1):15-22 Barrett's
      esophagus (BE) is a common, pre-cancerous condition characterised by intestinal
      metaplasia of squamous esophageal epithelium usually attributed to chronic
      gastric acid exposure. This review article explores important differences in the
      disease pattern of BE between Asian and the Western countries. Overall the
      prevalence of BE is lower in Asia compared to the West with a greater proportion
      of short-segment type. The authors identify great variability in the endoscopic
      and pathologic diagnostic criteria for BE. Many of the studies in Asian countries
      did not use a standardised four-quadrant biopsy protocol which may have led to an
      underestimation of BE prevalence. The review highlights an increasing incidence
      of esophageal adenocarcinoma in the West but unclear disease trend in Asia with
      inter-country variability. Similarly in Asian and Western countries BE is
      associated with the presence of hiatus hernia, advancing age, male gender,
      alcohol consumption, smoking, abdominal obesity and longer duration of gastro
      esophageal reflux disease. The authors postulate that Helicobacter pylori
      infection, more prevalent in Asia than the West, may have a protective effect on
      BE. There is a need for larger, prospective studies to further clarify the
      disease pattern of BE in Asian countries. Clearly standardisation of the
      diagnostic process for BE is important to validate the differences in disease
      trends between Asian and Western countries. Kiadaliri AA. Gender and social
      disparities in esophagus cancer incidence in Iran, 2003-2009: a time trend
      province-level study.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014;15(2):623-7 Esophageal cancer
      (EC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality particuarly in Iran where the
      incidence rate exceeds the global average. An understanding of the factors
      influencing the province-specific incidence of EC in Iran is important to inform
      disease-prevention strategies and address health inequalities. This ecological
      study used cancer registry data to investigate the relationship between gender
      and social class and the incidence of EC in Iran at province-level between 2003
      and 2009. The age standardised incidence rates (ASIR) of EC were greatest in the
      Northern provinces of Iran, specifically Razavi Khorasan in males and Kordestan
      in females. Overall the EC incidence did not significantly differ according to
      gender. Interestingly, during the study period the ASIR increased by 4.6% per
      year in females (p=0.08) and 6.5% per year in males (p=0.02). This may reflect
      increasing rates of establised risk factors for EC including obsesity and gastro
      esophageal reflux disease alongside more vigilant recording of new cases. Social
      class was inversely associated with the ASIR of EC regardless of gender which may
      be attributed to class differences in risk factor distribution particularly
      smoking, diet and obesity. An appreciation for the limitations of an
      epidemiological study is important when interpreting results which should be
      further evaluated in future studies. Islami F et al.Determinants of
      gastroesophageal reflux disease, including hookah smoking and opium use- A cross
      sectional analysis of 50,000 individuals. PLoS One 2014;9(2):e89256
      Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent cause of
      gastrointestinal symptoms worldwide incurring great cost to the primary and
      secondary healthcare sectors. An improved understanding of the factors which
      influence GERD symptoms in low- to medium- income countries may inform public
      health initiatives. This study analysed prospective data from the Golestan cohort
      study, primarily established to investigate determinants of upper
      gastrointestinal cancers, toexplore the risk factors influencing GERD symptoms
      (regurgitation and/or heartburn) in 50,045 individuals aged 40-75 years in
      Golestan Province, Iran enrolled between 01/2004 and 06/2008.Of note, 39.12% of
      individuals denied ever experiencing GERD symptoms. A further 19.89% reported at
      least once weekly GERD symptoms with 11.83% experiencing daily symptoms. Severe
      symptoms, defined as disturbing daily work or sleep, were recorded by 11.33% of
      individuals. Separately the occurrence of daily GERD symptoms and severe symptoms
      were inversely associated with male gender (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.33-0.39 both),
      level of formal education (p=0.01 and p=0.001 respectively), wealth score
      (p<0.001 both) and regular nass chewing (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98 and OR 0.87,
      95% CI 0.76-0.99 respectively)and were positively associated with body mass index
      (p<0.001 both), intensity of physical activity (p=0.04 both), cigarette pack
      years (p<0.001 both), alcohol consumption (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.13-1.64 and OR 1.53,
      95% CI 1.28-1.83 respectively) and opium use (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.67-1.99 and OR
      1.70, 95% CI 1.55-1.87 respectively).In addition hookah smoking had a borderline
      significant correlation with mild and moderate severity GERD symptoms in
      individuals who had never smoked cigarettes (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.00-1.99 and OR
      1.25, 95% CI 0.99-1.57 respectively). Overall this large study contributes useful
      data to inform the prevention and management of GERD symptoms particularly
      regarding the use of hookah, opium and nass which was previously unclear. Barbera
      M et al. The human squamous oesophagus has widespread capacity for clonal
      expansion from cells at diverse stages of differentiation. Gut 2014;0:1-9.
      doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2013-306171 Current knowledge on human esophageal tissue
      homeostasis and injury repair is derived predominantly from murine models and
      hence may be inaccurate due to cellular and architectural differences. This study
      used 3D imaging in conjunction withstaining for cell lineage markers to
      investigate the cellular mechanisms involved in homeostasis of the normal human
      squamous esophagus in 10 participants undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal
      cancer. The self-renewal potential of cell subpopulations was also assessed using
      in vitro and in vivo assays. A decreasing gradient of cell proliferation was
      observed from the inter-papillary basal layer to the tip of the papilla where
      there was no evidence of mitosis. The expression ofbeta1-integrin, a putative
      stem cell marker, was consistent throughout the basal layer and therefore the
      entire basal layer can be considered undifferentiated. Quiescent beta1
      integrin/CD34-positive cells which failed to stain for CD45, S-100 or F4-80were
      identified at the tip of the papilla suggesting this is an extension of the basal
      layer. Contrary to previous data, this study found progenitor cells widely
      distributed in human esophageal tissue and included already differentiated
      epithelial cells. This insight into esophageal homeostasis may inform future
      studies exploring the pathological mechanisms underpinning homeostatic disruption
      in disease states such as Barrett's esophagus. Papers were prepared by: Drs
      Ishfaq Ahmad and Luke Materacki, Department of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital,
      Redditch, UK. 

PMID- 25110579
TI  - Ten things to get right for marine conservation planning in the Coral Triangle.
AB  - Systematic conservation planning increasingly underpins the conservation and
      management of marine and coastal ecosystems worldwide. Amongst other benefits,
      conservation planning provides transparency in decision-making, efficiency in the
      use of limited resources, the ability to minimise conflict between diverse
      objectives, and to guide strategic expansion of local actions to maximise their
      cumulative impact. The Coral Triangle has long been recognised as a global marine
      conservation priority, and has been the subject of huge investment in
      conservation during the last five years through the Coral Triangle Initiative on
      Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security. Yet conservation planning has had
      relatively little influence in this region. To explore why this is the case, we
      identify and discuss 10 challenges that must be resolved if conservation planning
      is to effectively inform management actions in the Coral Triangle. These are:
      making conservation planning accessible; integrating with other planning
      processes; building local capacity for conservation planning; institutionalising
      conservation planning within governments; integrating plans across governance
      levels; planning across governance boundaries; planning for multiple tools and
      objectives; understanding limitations of data; developing better measures of
      progress and effectiveness; and making a long term commitment. Most important is
      a conceptual shift from conservation planning undertaken as a project, to
      planning undertaken as a process, with dedicated financial and human resources
      committed to long-term engagement. 

PMID- 25120905
TI  - Analysis of beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in spirulina-containing
      supplements by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - Over the last decade the amino acid beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has come
      under intense scrutiny. International laboratory and epidemiological research
      continues to support the hypothesis that environmental exposure to BMAA (e.g.,
      through dietary practices, water supply) can promote the risk of various
      neurodegenerative diseases. A wide variety of cyanobacteria spp. have previously
      been reported to produce BMAA, with production levels dependent upon species,
      strain and environmental conditions. Since spirulina (Arthrospira spp.) is a
      member of the cyanobacteria phylum frequently consumed via dietary supplements,
      the presence of BMAA in such products may have public health implications. In the
      current work, we have analyzed ten spirulina-containing samples for the presence
      of BMAA; six pure spirulina samples from two separate raw materials suppliers,
      and four commercially-available multi-ingredient products containing 1.45 g of
      spirulina per 8.5 g serving. Because of controversy surrounding the measurement
      of BMAA, we have used two complementary liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods: one based on reversed phase LC (RPLC) with
      derivatization and the other based on hydrophilic interaction LC (HILIC).
      Potential matrix effects were corrected for by internal standardization using a
      stable isotope labeled BMAA standard. BMAA was not detected at low limits of
      detection (80 ng/g dry weight) in any of these product samples. Although these
      results are reassuring, BMAA analyses should be conducted on a wider sample
      selection and, perhaps, as part of ongoing spirulina production quality control
      testing and specifications. 

PMID- 25120903
TI  - Vascular disruption and blood-brain barrier dysfunction in intracerebral
      hemorrhage.
AB  - This article reviews current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the initial
      hemorrhage and secondary blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in primary
      spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in adults. Multiple etiologies are
      associated with ICH, for example, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, vascular
      malformations and coagulopathies (genetic or drug-induced). After the initial
      bleed, there can be continued bleeding over the first 24 hours, so-called
      hematoma expansion, which is associated with adverse outcomes. A number of
      clinical trials are focused on trying to limit such expansion. Significant
      progress has been made on the causes of BBB dysfunction after ICH at the
      molecular and cell signaling level. Blood components (e.g. thrombin, hemoglobin,
      iron) and the inflammatory response to those components play a large role in ICH
      induced BBB dysfunction. There are current clinical trials of minimally invasive
      hematoma removal and iron chelation which may limit such dysfunction.
      Understanding the mechanisms underlying the initial hemorrhage and secondary BBB
      dysfunction in ICH is vital for developing methods to prevent and treat this
      devastating form of stroke. 

PMID- 25120908
TI  - What can FGF23 do without Klotho?

PMID- 25120907
TI  - Quantitative phenotyping of bone fracture repair: a review.
AB  - Fracture repair is a complex process that involves the interaction of numerous
      molecular factors, cell lineages and tissue types. These biological processes
      allow for an impressive feat of engineering: an elastic soft callus is
      progressively replaced by a more rigid and mineralized callus. During this
      reparative phase, the healing bone is exposed to a risk of re-fracture. Bone
      volume and bone quality are the two major factors determining the strength of the
      callus. Although both factors are important, often only bone volume is analyzed
      and reported in preclinical studies. Recent developments in techniques for
      examining bone quality in the callus will enable the rapid and detailed analysis
      of its material properties and its microstructure. This review aims to give an
      overview of the methods available for quantitatively phenotyping the bone callus
      in preclinical studies such as Raman spectroscopy, nanoindentation, scanning
      acoustic microscopy, in vivo micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and high
      resolution micro-CT. Consolidated and emerging experimental methods are described
      with a focus on their applicability, and with examples of their utilization. 

PMID- 25120909
TI  - Instructions for producing a mouse model of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
AB  - Glucocorticoids are effective drugs used for the treatment of inflammatory
      diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or asthma. Furthermore, they regulate
      various physiological processes, including bone remodeling. However, long-term
      high- and even low-dose glucocorticoid use is associated with a compromised bone
      quality and an increased fracture risk. At the cellular level, glucocorticoids
      suppress bone formation and stimulate bone resorption, which leads to loss of
      bone mass. To investigate the underlying mechanisms and new therapeutic
      strategies, the in vivo model for glucocorticoid-induced bone loss is widely
      used. This protocol outlines the common procedure that is currently used for the
      induction of bone loss in mice using glucocorticoids. It further provides useful
      hints and highlights possible pitfalls to take into account before starting an
      experiment. 

PMID- 25120906
TI  - MicroRNAs as regulators of bone homeostasis and bone metastasis.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, endogenous RNAs that have essential roles in
      regulating gene expression through the disruption of target genes. The miRNA
      induced suppression can occur through Argonaute-mediated cleavage of target mRNAs
      or by translational inhibition. System-wide studies have underscored the integral
      role that miRNAs play in regulating the expression of essential genes within bone
      marrow stromal cells. The miRNA expression has been shown to enhance or inhibit
      cell differentiation and activity, and elucidating miRNA targets within bone
      marrow cells has revealed novel regulations during normal bone development.
      Importantly, multiple studies have shown that miRNA misexpression mediates the
      progression of bone-related pathologies, including osteopetrosis and
      osteoporosis, as well as the development and progression of osteosarcoma.
      Furthermore, recent studies have detailed the capacity for miRNAs to influence
      bone metastasis from a number of primary carcinomas. Taken together, these
      findings reveal the significant clinical potential for miRNAs to regulate bone
      homeostasis, as well as to mediate bone-related pathologies. 

PMID- 25120910
TI  - Enhanced osteoblastogenesis in three-dimensional collagen gels.
AB  - Growth and differentiation of osteoblasts are often studied in cell cultures. In
      vivo, however, osteoblasts are embedded within a complex three-dimensional (3D)
      microenvironment, which bears little relation to standard culture flasks. Our
      study characterizes osteoblast-like cells cultured in 3D collagen gels and
      compares them with cells in two-dimensional (2D) cultures. Primary rat
      osteoblasts and MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded within type I collagen gels, and
      differentiation was determined by mineral staining and gene expression analysis.
      Cells growing in 3D gels showed positive mineral staining and induction of
      osteoblast marker genes earlier than cells growing in 2D. A number of genes,
      including osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, alkaline phosphatase and dentin matrix
      protein 1, were already highly upregulated in 3D cultures 24 h after seeding. The
      early expression of osteoblast genes was dependent on the 3D structure and was
      not induced in cells growing on collagen-coated dishes in 2D. Comparison of
      thymidine incorporation between cells in 3D and 2D cultures treated with agents
      that induce proliferation-transforming growth factor beta, platelet-derived
      growth factor and lactoferrin-showed a much greater response in 3D gels. Cells in
      3D cultures were also much more sensitive to inhibition of proliferation by the
      protein kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate. The 3D collagen gels better represent
      the physiological bone environment and offer a number of technical advantages for
      the study of osteoblasts in vitro. These studies have additional practical
      implications as 3D collagen gels are considered as a scaffold material in
      regenerative medicine for the repair of bone defects. 

PMID- 25120913
TI  - Need of surveillance response systems to combat Ebola outbreaks and other
      emerging infectious diseases in African countries.
AB  - There is growing concern in Sub-Saharan Africa about the spread of the Ebola
      virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, and the public
      health burden that it ensues. Since 1976, there have been 885,343 suspected and
      laboratory confirmed cases of EVD and the disease has claimed 2,512 cases and 932
      fatality in West Africa. There are certain requirements that must be met when
      responding to EVD outbreaks and this process could incur certain challenges. For
      the purposes of this paper, five have been identified: (i) the deficiency in the
      development and implementation of surveillance response systems against Ebola and
      others infectious disease outbreaks in Africa; (ii) the lack of education and
      knowledge resulting in an EVD outbreak triggering panic, anxiety, psychosocial
      trauma, isolation and dignity impounding, stigmatisation, community ostracism and
      resistance to associated socio-ecological and public health consequences; (iii)
      limited financial resources, human technical capacity and weak community and
      national health system operational plans for prevention and control responses,
      practices and management; (iv) inadequate leadership and coordination; and (v)
      the lack of development of new strategies, tools and approaches, such as improved
      diagnostics and novel therapies including vaccines which can assist in
      preventing, controlling and containing Ebola outbreaks as well as the spread of
      the disease. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop and implement an active
      early warning alert and surveillance response system for outbreak response and
      control of emerging infectious diseases. Understanding the unending risks of
      transmission dynamics and resurgence is essential in implementing rapid effective
      response interventions tailored to specific local settings and contexts.
      THEREFORE, THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS ARE RECOMMENDED: (i) national and regional inter
      sectorial and trans-disciplinary surveillance response systems that include early
      warnings, as well as critical human resources development, must be quickly
      adopted by allied ministries and organisations in African countries in epidemic
      and pandemic responses; (ii) harnessing all stakeholders commitment and advocacy
      in sustained funding, collaboration, communication and networking including
      community participation to enhance a coordinated responses, as well as tracking
      and prompt case management to combat challenges; (iii) more research and
      development in new drug discovery and vaccines; and (iv) understanding the
      involvement of global health to promote the establishment of public health
      surveillance response systems with functions of early warning, as well as
      monitoring and evaluation in upholding research-action programmes and innovative
      interventions.

PMID- 25120911
TI  - The reversal phase of the bone-remodeling cycle: cellular prerequisites for
      coupling resorption and formation.
AB  - The reversal phase couples bone resorption to bone formation by generating an
      osteogenic environment at remodeling sites. The coupling mechanism remains poorly
      understood, despite the identification of a number of 'coupling' osteogenic
      molecules. A possible reason is the poor attention for the cells leading to
      osteogenesis during the reversal phase. This review aims at creating awareness of
      these cells and their activities in adult cancellous bone. It relates cell events
      (i) on the bone surface, (ii) in the mesenchymal envelope surrounding the bone
      marrow and appearing as a canopy above remodeling surfaces and (iii) in the bone
      marrow itself within a 50-MUm distance of this canopy. When bone remodeling is
      initiated, osteoprogenitors at these three different levels are activated, likely
      as a result of a rearrangement of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.
      Notably, canopies are brought under the osteogenic influence of capillaries and
      osteoclasts, whereas bone surface cells become exposed to the eroded matrix and
      other osteoclast products. In several diverse pathophysiological situations,
      including osteoporosis, a decreased availability of osteoprogenitors from these
      local reservoirs coincides with decreased osteoblast recruitment and impaired
      initiation of bone formation, that is, uncoupling. Overall, this review stresses
      that coupling does not only depend on molecules able to activate osteogenesis,
      but that it also demands the presence of osteoprogenitors and ordered cell
      rearrangements at the remodeling site. It points to protection of local
      osteoprogenitors as a critical strategy to prevent bone loss. 

PMID- 25120914
TI  - Changes in sex difference in swimming speed in finalists at FINA World
      Championships and the Olympic Games from 1992 to 2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated swimming speeds and sex differences of
      finalists competing at the Olympic Games (i.e. 624 female and 672 male athletes)
      and FINA World Championships (i.e. 990 women and 1008 men) between 1992 and 2013.
      METHODS: Linear, non-linear and multi-level regression models were used to
      investigate changes in swimming speeds and sex differences for champions and
      finalists. RESULTS: Regarding finalists in FINA World Championships and Olympic
      Games, swimming speed increased linearly in both women and men in all disciplines
      and race distances. Male world champions' swimming speed remained stable in 200 m
      butterfly, 400 m, 800 m and 1,500 m freestyle. Considering women, swimming speed
      remained unchanged in 50 m and 400 m freestyle. In the Olympic Games, swimming
      speed of male champions remained unchanged in 200 m breaststroke, 50 m, 400 m,
      800 m and 1,500 m freestyle. Female Olympic champions' swimming speed remained
      stable in 100 m and 200 m backstroke, 100 m butterfly, 200 m individual medley,
      50 m and 200 m freestyle. Evaluating sex differences between finalists in FINA
      World Championships, results showed a linear decrease in 100 m breaststroke and
      200 m butterfly and a non-linear increase in 100 m backstroke. In finals at the
      Olympic Games, the sex difference decreased linearly for 100 m backstroke, 400 m
      and 800 m freestyle. However, a linear increase for 200 m butterfly can be
      reported. Considering Olympic and world champions, the sex difference remained
      stable in all disciplines and race distances. CONCLUSION: Swimming speed of the
      finalists at the Olympic Games and FINA World Championships increased linearly.
      The top annual female swimmers increased swimming speed rather at longer race
      distances (i.e. 800 m and 1,500 m freestyle, 200 m butterfly, and 400 m
      individual medley), whereas the top annual male swimmers increased it rather at
      shorter race distances (i.e. 100 m and 200 m freestyle, 100 m butterfly, and 100
      m breaststroke). Sex difference in swimming was unchanged in Olympic and world
      champions. Finalists and champions at the Olympic Games and FINA World
      Championships reduced the sex difference with increasing race distance.

PMID- 25120915
TI  - Relationship between age and elite marathon race time in world single age records
      from 5 to 93 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were (i) to investigate the relationship
      between elite marathon race times and age in 1-year intervals by using the world
      single age records in marathon running from 5 to 93 years and (ii) to evaluate
      the sex difference in elite marathon running performance with advancing age.
      METHODS: World single age records in marathon running in 1-year intervals for
      women and men were analysed regarding changes across age for both men and women
      using linear and non-linear regression analyses for each age for women and men.
      RESULTS: The relationship between elite marathon race time and age was non-linear
      (i.e. polynomial regression 4(th) degree) for women and men. The curve was U
      shaped where performance improved from 5 to ~20 years. From 5 years to ~15 years,
      boys and girls performed very similar. Between ~20 and ~35 years, performance was
      quite linear, but started to decrease at the age of ~35 years in a curvilinear
      manner with increasing age in both women and men. The sex difference increased
      non-linearly (i.e. polynomial regression 7(th) degree) from 5 to ~20 years,
      remained unchanged at ~20 min from ~20 to ~50 years and increased thereafter. The
      sex difference was lowest (7.5%, 10.5 min) at the age of 49 years. CONCLUSION:
      Elite marathon race times improved from 5 to ~20 years, remained linear between
      ~20 and ~35 years, and started to increase at the age of ~35 years in a
      curvilinear manner with increasing age in both women and men. The sex difference
      in elite marathon race time increased non-linearly and was lowest at the age of
      ~49 years.

PMID- 25120916
TI  - Cervical isometric strength and range of motion of elite rugby union players: a
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Head and neck injury is relatively common in Rugby Union. Despite
      this, strength and range-of-motion characteristics of the cervical spine are
      poorly characterised. The aim of this study was to provide data on the strength
      and range-of-motion of the cervical spine of professional rugby players to guide
      clinical rehabilitation. METHODS: A cohort study was performed evaluating 27
      players from a single UK professional rugby club. Cervical isometric strength and
      range-of-motion were assessed in 3 planes of reference. Anthropometric data was
      collected and multivariate regression modelling performed with a view to
      predicting cervical isometric strength. RESULTS: Largest forces were generated in
      extension, with broadly equal isometric side flexion forces at around 90% of
      extension values. The forwards generated significantly more force than the
      backline in all parameters bar flexion. The forwards had substantially reduced
      cervical range-of-motion and larger body mass, with differences observed in
      height, weight, neck circumference and chest circumference (p < 0.002). Neck
      circumference was the sole predictor of isometric extension (adjusted R(2) =
      30.34). CONCLUSION: Rehabilitative training programs aim to restore individuals
      to pre-injury status. This work provides reference ranges for the strength and
      range of motion of the cervical spine of current elite level rugby players.

PMID- 25120917
TI  - Reforming Cardiovascular Care in the United States towards High-Quality Care at
      Lower Cost with Examples from Model Programs in the State of Michigan.
AB  - Despite its status as a world leader in treatment innovation and medical
      education, a quality chasm exists in American health care. Care fragmentation and
      poor coordination contribute to expensive care with highly variable quality in
      the United States. The rising costs of health care since 1990 have had a huge
      impact on individuals, families, businesses, the federal and state governments,
      and the national budget deficit. The passage of the Affordable Care Act
      represents a large shift in how health care is financed and delivered in the
      United States. The objective of this review is to describe some of the economic
      and social forces driving health care reform, provide an overview of the Patient
      Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), and review model cardiovascular quality
      improvement programs underway in the state of Michigan. As health care
      reorganization occurs at the federal level, local and regional efforts can serve
      as models to accelerate improvement toward achieving better population health and
      better care at lower cost. Model programs in Michigan have achieved this goal in
      cardiovascular care through the systematic application of evidence-based care,
      the utilization of regional quality improvement collaboratives, community-based
      childhood wellness promotion, and medical device-based competitive bidding
      strategies. These efforts are examples of the direction cardiovascular care
      delivery will need to move in this era of the Affordable Care Act. 

PMID- 25120918
TI  - A new paradigm is needed for medical education in the mid-twenty-first century
      and beyond: are we ready?
AB  - The twentieth century witnessed profound changes in medical education. All these
      changes, however, took place within the existing framework, suggested by Flexner
      a century ago. The present paper suggests that we are approaching a singularity
      point, where we shall have to change the paradigm and be prepared for an entirely
      new genre of medical education. This suggestion is based upon analysis of
      existing and envisaged trends: first, in technology, such as availability of
      information and sophisticated simulations; second, in medical practice, such as
      far-reaching interventions in life and death that create an array of new moral
      dilemmas, as well as a change in patient mix in hospitals and a growing need of
      team work; third, in the societal attitude toward higher education. The structure
      of the future medical school is delineated in a rough sketch, and so are the
      roles of the future medical teacher. It is concluded that we are presently not
      prepared for the approaching changes, neither from practical nor from attitudinal
      points of view, and that it is now high time for both awareness of and
      preparation for these changes. 

PMID- 25120920
TI  - Delivering bad news: an approach according to jewish scriptures.
AB  - Despite a preoccupation in the medical literature with developing an effective
      approach for breaking bad news, the sources are based on personal opinion alone
      and only in some instances on qualitative research. Recognizing the gravity of
      this topic coupled with respect for the wisdom of the written and oral Jewish
      scriptures, this work is an attempt to delve into the diverse ancient writings to
      draw conclusions regarding a recommended methodology to guide and inform this
      task. It is interesting to learn that most elements related to this topic have
      previously been raised in various forms in the scriptures. The issues range from
      where, when, and how the bearer of bad news should undertake this duty, to
      details such as the environment, the format, the speed, and depth of the details
      to be disclosed. The essence of this paper is to enrich the reader using both
      positive and negative examples found in the Jewish heritage. Adopting these
      principles will hopefully provide an effective method for performing this
      unpleasant obligation, with the goal of limiting harmful consequences as much as
      possible. 

PMID- 25120919
TI  - The perils of complementary alternative medicine.
AB  - More than 11,000 articles lauding alternative medicine appear in the PubMed
      database, but there are only a few articles describing the complications of such
      care. Two patients suffering from complications of alternative medicine were
      treated in our hospital: one patient developed necrotizing fasciitis after
      acupuncture, and the second developed an epidural hematoma after chiropractic
      manipulation. These complications serve as a clarion call to the Israeli Health
      Ministry, as well as to health ministries around the world, to include
      complementary medicine under its inspection and legislative authority. 

PMID- 25120921
TI  - Spermatocytic variant of classic seminoma: a report of five cases and a brief
      review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spermatocytic seminoma is a rare testicular malignancy, appearing in
      the adult population. It has a good prognosis and a low rate of metastatic
      potential. OBJECTIVES: We present five cases diagnosed and treated with
      radiotherapy at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Israel. METHODS: Between 1974
      and 1996, five patients with stage I spermatocytic seminoma were referred post
      orchiectomy to the Northern Israel Oncology Center. All five patients presented
      with the typical pathological features of the spermatocytic variant of classic
      seminoma, and all were staged clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: Mean age at
      diagnosis was 44 years (range 30-58 years). Main symptoms included a palpable
      testicular mass and/or testicular enlargement. Mean duration of symptoms was 9
      months (range 0.5-24 months). Three patients were irradiated to the para
      aortic/ipsilateral iliacal lymph nodes (mean total dose 2,500 cGy), one patient
      with 4,000 cGy. One patient was irradiated to the bilateral iliacal lymph nodes
      (2,600 cGy). With a median follow-up of 15 years, four patients are alive with no
      evidence of disease or severe late side effects. One patient developed severe
      lymphedema and symptomatic peripheral vascular disease, stage IIA prostate
      carcinoma (hormonal and brachytherapy treatment) and a non-secretory hypophyseal
      adenoma (surgically removed); he died at the age of 75 due to severe peripheral
      vascular and coronary heart disease with no evidence of his first or second
      primaries. CONCLUSIONS: Prognosis is excellent and does not differ from classic
      seminoma. As in the accumulated experience in early-stage, low-risk classic
      seminoma, we suggest surveillance as the preferred policy.

PMID- 25120922
TI  - Vulvar cancer in the north of Israel.
AB  - PURPOSE: This is a population study of patients who were treated for vulvar
      cancer in a tertiary center in northern Israel, aimed to report clinical
      findings, treatment, and outcome. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all
      medical records of consecutive patients who were treated for vulvar cancer in the
      years 1993-2012 was conducted. Data extracted from the medical records included
      demographics, histology, size of lesion, stage of disease at diagnosis, type of
      treatment, radiation dose, follow-up, recurrence, and survival. RESULTS: The
      study included 44 patients with a median age of 69.8 years (range, 42-93 years).
      Thirty-five (79.5%) of the patients were of Jewish descent, five were Arabic, and
      four were of other descent. The most common histology type was squamous cell
      carcinoma in 35 (79.5%) patients. Most patients were staged FIGO II-III at time
      of diagnosis. Surgery was the most common primary treatment modality (54.2%).
      Twenty-three (52.2%) patients had recurrent disease. Older age and more advanced
      stage at diagnosis were associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSION: Vulvar
      cancer is common among elderly women with co-morbidities who present in advanced
      disease stage; all these factors are significant for survival.

PMID- 25120923
TI  - Hitler's Jewish Physicians.
AB  - The mystery behind the behavior of infamous personalities leaves many open
      questions, particularly when related to the practice of medicine. This paper
      takes a brief look at two Jewish physicians who played memorable roles in the
      life of Adolf Hitler. 

PMID- 25120925
TI  - Interaction of ingested leucine with glycine on insulin and glucose
      concentrations.
AB  - The majority of individual amino acids increase insulin and attenuate the plasma
      glucose response when ingested with glucose. Objective. To determine whether
      ingestion of two amino acids simultaneously, with glucose, would result in an
      additive effect. Leucine (Leu) and glycine (Gly) were chosen because they were
      two of the most potent glucose-lowering amino acids when given individually.
      Materials and Methods. Nine subjects received test items on four separate days.
      The first was a water control, then 25 g glucose, or Leu + Gly (1 mmol/kg fat
      free mass each) +/-25 g glucose, in random order. Glucose, insulin, and glucagon
      were measured frequently for 2.5 hours. Net areas were calculated. Results. The
      glucose area response decreased by 66%. The insulin area response increased by
      24% after ingestion of Leu + Gly + glucose compared to ingestion of glucose
      alone. The decrease in glucose response was not additive; the increase in insulin
      response was far less than additive when compared to previously published
      individual amino acid results. The glucagon concentration remained unchanged.
      Conclusion. There is an interaction between Leu and Gly that results in a
      markedly attenuated glucose response. This occurred with a very modest increase
      in insulin response. Changes in glucagon response could not explain the results.
      The mechanism is unknown. 

PMID- 25120924
TI  - A Clinical and Confocal Microscopic Comparison of Transepithelial PRK and LASEK
      for Myopia.
AB  - Purpose. To compare the clinical and confocal microscopic results of
      transepithelial PRK versus LASEK for correction of myopia. Materials and Methods.
      Twelve patients with myopia received transepithelial PRK in one eye and LASEK in
      the other. In transepithelial PRK-treated eyes, the corneal epithelium was
      removed with 40 microns of excimer laser ablation and in LASEK-treated eyes with
      25-second application of 18% ethanol. Time to epithelial healing, ocular
      discomfort, uncorrected and best corrected visual acuities, manifest refraction,
      haze, greyscale value, and keratocyte apoptosis in confocal microscopy were
      recorded. Results. The mean time to epithelial healing was significantly longer
      after LASEK (4.00 +/- 0.43 versus 3.17 +/- 0.6 days). On day 1, ocular discomfort
      was significantly higher after transepithelial PRK. The grade of haze, keratocyte
      apoptosis, and greyscale value in confocal microscopy were significantly higher
      in transepithelial PRK-treated eyes at 1 month. All transepithelial PRK- and
      LASEK-treated eyes achieved 20/25 or better UCVA and were within +/-1.00 D of
      emmetropia at final visits. Conclusions. Both transepithelial PRK and LASEK offer
      effective correction of myopia at 1 year. However, LASEK appeared to induce less
      discomfort and less intense wound healing in the early postoperative period. 

PMID- 25120926
TI  - Sequential Statistical Optimization of Media Components for the Production of
      Glucoamylase by Thermophilic Fungus Humicola grisea MTCC 352.
AB  - Glucoamylase is an industrially important enzyme which converts soluble starch
      into glucose. The media components for the production of glucoamylase from
      thermophilic fungus Humicola grisea MTCC 352 have been optimized. Eight media
      components, namely, soluble starch, yeast extract, KH2PO4, K2HPO4, NaCl, CaCl2,
      MgSO4 .7H2O, and Vogel's trace elements solution, were first screened for their
      effect on the production of glucoamylase and only four components (soluble
      starch, yeast extract, K2HPO4, and MgSO4 .7H2O) were identified as statistically
      significant using Plackett-Burman design. It was fitted into a first-order model
      (R (2) = 0.9859). Steepest ascent method was performed to identify the location
      of optimum. Central composite design was employed to determine the optimum values
      (soluble starch: 28.41 g/L, yeast extract: 9.61 g/L, K2HPO4: 2.42 g/L, and MgSO4
      .7H2O: 1.91 g/L). The experimental activity of 12.27 U/mL obtained was close to
      the predicted activity of 12.15. High R (2) value (0.9397), low PRESS value
      (9.47), and AARD values (2.07%) indicate the accuracy of the proposed model. The
      glucoamylase production was found to increase from 4.57 U/mL to 12.27 U/mL, a
      2.68-fold enhancement, as compared to the unoptimized medium. 

PMID- 25120927
TI  - Applying Theory to Understand and Modify Nurse Intention to Adhere to
      Recommendations regarding the Use of Filter Needles: An Intervention Mapping
      Approach.
AB  - The manipulation of glass ampoules involves risk of particle contamination of
      parenteral medication, and the use of filter needles has often been recommended
      in order to reduce the number of particles in these solutions. This study aims to
      develop a theory-based intervention to increase nurse intention to use filter
      needles according to clinical guideline recommendations produced by a large
      university medical centre in Quebec (Canada). Using the Intervention Mapping
      framework, we first identified the psychosocial determinants of nurse intention
      to use filter needles according to these recommendations. Second, we developed
      and implemented an intervention targeting nurses from five care units in order to
      increase their intention to adhere to recommendations on the use of filter
      needles. We also assessed nurse satisfaction with the intervention. In total, 270
      nurses received the intervention and 169 completed the posttest questionnaire.
      The two determinants of intention, that is, attitude and perceived behavioral
      control, were significantly higher after the intervention, but only perceived
      behavioral control remained a predictor of intention. In general, nurses were
      highly satisfied with the intervention. This study provides support for the use
      of Intervention Mapping to develop, implement, and evaluate theory-based
      interventions in order to improve healthcare professional adherence to clinical
      recommendations. 

PMID- 25120929
TI  - Retracted: Peripheral cytokines as a chemical mediator for postconcussion like
      sickness behaviour in trauma and perioperative patients: literature review.

PMID- 25120928
TI  - Effects of inactivated Bordetella pertussis on phosphodiesterase in the lung of
      ovalbumin sensitized and challenged rats.
AB  - This paper indicated that inactivated Bordetella pertussis (iBp) can enhance the
      lung airway hyperreactivity of the rats sensitized and challenged with OVA. The
      mechanisms were involved in the upregulation of cAMP-PDE activity and PDE4A,
      PDE4D, and PDE3 gene expression in the lungs. But only PDE4 activity was
      different between the OVA and OVA+iBp groups, and PDE4D expression was
      significantly increased in iBp rats alone. So, our data suggested that
      cosensitization with OVA and iBp affects lung airway reactivity by modulating the
      lung cAMP-PDE activity and PDE4D gene expression. 

PMID- 25120930
TI  - Performing chest x-rays at inspiration in uncooperative children: the effect of
      exercises with a training program for radiology technicians.
AB  - Objective. It is difficult to acquire a chest X-ray of a crying infant at maximum
      inspiration. A computer program was developed for technician training. Method.
      Video clips of 3 babies were used and the moment of deepest inspiration was
      determined in the single-frame view. 12 technicians simulated chest radiographs
      at normal video speed by pushing a button. The computer program stopped the video
      and calculated the period of time to the optimal instant for a chest X-ray.
      Demonstration software can be tested at website online. Every technician
      simulated 10 chest X-rays for each of the 3 video clips. The technicians then
      spent 40 minutes practicing performing chest X-rays at optimal inspiration. The
      test was repeated after 5, 20, and 40 minutes of practice. Results. 6
      participants showed a significant improvement after exercises (collective 1).
      Deviation from the optimal instant for taking an X-ray at inspiration decreased
      from 0.39 to 0.22 s after 40 min of practice. 6 technicians showed no significant
      improvement (collective 2). Deviation decreased from a low starting value of 0.25
      s to 0.21 s. Conclusion. The tested computer program improves the ability of
      radiology technicians to take a chest X-ray at optimal inspiration in a crying
      child. 

PMID- 25120931
TI  - The Influence of DNA Extraction Procedure and Primer Set on the Bacterial
      Community Analysis by Pyrosequencing of Barcoded 16S rRNA Gene Amplicons.
AB  - In this study, the effect of different DNA extraction procedures and primer sets
      on pyrosequencing results regarding the composition of bacterial communities in
      the ileum of piglets was investigated. Ileal chyme from piglets fed a diet
      containing different amounts of zinc oxide was used to evaluate a pyrosequencing
      study with barcoded 16S rRNA PCR products. Two DNA extraction methods (bead
      beating versus silica gel columns) and two primer sets targeting variable regions
      of bacterial 16S rRNA genes (8f-534r versus 968f-1401r) were considered. The SEED
      viewer software of the MG-RAST server was used for automated sequence analysis. A
      total of 5.2 * 10(5) sequences were used for analysis after processing for read
      length (150 bp), minimum sequence occurrence (5), and exclusion of eukaryotic and
      unclassified/uncultured sequences. DNA extraction procedures and primer sets
      differed significantly in total sequence yield. The distribution of bacterial
      order and main bacterial genera was influenced significantly by both parameters.
      However, this study has shown that the results of pyrosequencing studies using
      barcoded PCR amplicons of bacterial 16S rRNA genes depend on DNA extraction and
      primer choice, as well as on the manner of downstream sequence analysis. 

PMID- 25120932
TI  - Concomitant Colonization of Helicobacter pylori in Dental Plaque and Gastric
      Biopsy.
AB  - Frequently reported H. pylori antimicrobial therapy failures suggest that there
      might be a different niche where the bacteria can stay safe. Current study aims
      to examine potential role of oral colonization of H. pylori to feed reinfection
      after primary therapy. However, patients who were admitted to the gastroscopy
      section were chosen and gastric biopsy and dental plaque specimens were
      collected. Molecular and biochemical tests were applied to confirm H. pylori
      identity in different colonization niches. Results showed that 88.8% of dyspeptic
      patients had epigastric pains with nocturnal awakening when they were hungry (P =
      0.023). All patients who received therapy already were again H. pylori positive
      while they are still carrying H. pylori in dental plaque (P = 0.001). Moreover,
      H. pylori infection was sought in 100% of gastric biopsy's dyspeptic patients who
      had ulcerated esophagitis and erosive duodenitis and who were H. pylori positive,
      and 75% of dyspeptic patients with duodenum deformity had this bacterium in
      gastric biopsies (P = 0.004). Present study showed that only successful
      eradication of gastric H. pylori cannot guarantee prevention of reinfection.
      Conclusively, a new strategy which indicates concomitant eradication in oral and
      gastric colonization can result in clearance of H. pylori infection. 

PMID- 25120933
TI  - Robotic radical prostatectomy in patients with previous prostate surgery and
      radiotherapy.
AB  - Herein, we will review the available literature about robot-assisted radical
      prostatectomy in patients who have undergone prostate surgery or radiotherapy.
      Current data about this topic consists of small case series with limited follow
      up. Despite being technically demanding, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
      (RARP) can be considered feasible in either setting. Prostate surgery or
      prostatic irradiation should not be considered as a contraindication for robot
      assisted radical prostatectomy. Nevertheless, patient counseling about the
      possible complications and the need for reintervention is of extreme importance
      in this patient population. Early oncologic and functional results of RARP
      performed in case of radiorecurrent prostate cancer look promising. Regarding
      postprostate surgery RARP, some series have reported comparable results, while
      some have demonstrated more inferior outcomes than those of naive cases. In order
      to assess the exact functional and oncologic outcome of RARP in patients with
      previous prostate surgery and radiotherapy, studies enrolling higher number of
      patients and providing longer follow-up data are needed. 

PMID- 25120935
TI  - Pneumoperitoneum with subcutaneous emphysema after percutaneous endoscopic
      gastrostomy.
AB  - Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe way for enteral nutrition in
      selected patients. Generally, complications of this procedure are very rare but
      due to patients general health condition, delayed diagnosis and treatment of
      complications can be life threatening. In this study, we present a PEG-related
      massive pneumoperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with neuro
      Behcet. 

PMID- 25120934
TI  - Tinnitus-related distress and the personality characteristic resilience.
AB  - It has been suggested that personality traits may be prognostic for the severity
      of suffering from tinnitus. Resilience as measured with the Wagnild and Young
      resilience scale represents a positive personality characteristic that promotes
      adaptation to adverse life conditions including chronic health conditions. Aim of
      the study was to explore the relation between resilience and tinnitus severity.
      In a cross-sectional study with a self-report questionnaire, information on
      tinnitus-related distress and subjective tinnitus loudness was recorded together
      with the personality characteristic resilience and emotional health, a measure
      generated from depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom severity scales. Data
      from 4705 individuals with tinnitus indicate that tinnitus-related distress and
      to a lesser extent the experienced loudness of the tinnitus show an inverse
      correlation with resilience. A mediation analysis revealed that the relationship
      between resilience and tinnitus-related distress is mediated by emotional health.
      This indirect effect indicates that high resilience is associated with better
      emotional health or less depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom severity, which
      in turn is associated with a less distressing tinnitus. Validity of resilience as
      a predictor for tinnitus-related distress is supported but needs to be explored
      further in longitudinal studies including acute tinnitus patients. 

PMID- 25120936
TI  - Cutaneous Metastases from Primary Hepatobiliary Tumors as the First Sign of Tumor
      Recurrence following Liver Transplantation.
AB  - Cutaneous metastasis from hepatobiliary tumors is a rare event, especially
      following liver transplantation. We report our experience with two cases of
      cutaneous metastases from both hepatocellular carcinoma and mixed
      hepatocellular/cholangiocarcinoma following liver transplantation, along with a
      review of the literature. 

PMID- 25120937
TI  - A rare cause of testicular metastasis: upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
AB  - Metastatic testicular cancers are rare. Primary tumor sources are prostate, lung,
      and gastrointestinal tract for metastatic testicular cancers. Metastasis of
      urothelial carcinoma (UC) to the testis is extremely rare. Two-thirds of upper
      tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is of invasive stage at diagnosis and
      metastatic sites are the pelvic lymph nodes, liver, lung, and bone. We report a
      rare case of metastatic UTUC to the testis which has not been reported before,
      except one case in the literature. Testicular metastasis of UC should be
      considered in patients with hematuria and testicular swelling. 

PMID- 25120938
TI  - Forearm compartment syndrome caused by reperfusion injury.
AB  - Compartment syndrome is commonly seen following lower extremity ischemia.
      However, upper extremities' compartment syndrome, especially after any vascular
      surgical procedures, is infrequent. Herein we report a case of an acute forearm
      compartment syndrome that was developed after delayed brachial artery
      embolectomy. 

PMID- 25120939
TI  - Do improvements in balance relate to improvements in long-distance walking
      function after stroke?
AB  - Stroke survivors identify a reduced capacity to walk farther distances as a
      factor limiting their engagement at home and in community. Previous observational
      studies have shown that measures of balance ability and balance self-efficacy are
      strong predictors of long-distance walking function after stroke. Consequently,
      recommendations to target balance during rehabilitation have been put forth. The
      purpose of this study was to determine if the changes in balance and long
      distance walking function observed following a 12-week poststroke walking
      rehabilitation program were related. For thirty-one subjects with hemiparesis
      after stroke, this investigation explored the cross-sectional (i.e., before
      training) and longitudinal (i.e., changes due to intervention) relationships
      between measures of standing balance, walking balance, and balance self-efficacy
      versus long-distance walking function as measured via the 6-minute walk test
      (6MWT). A regression model containing all three balance variables accounted for
      60.8% of the variance in 6MWT performance (adj R (2) = .584; F(3,27) = 13.931; P
      < .001); however, only dynamic balance (FGA) was an independent predictor (beta =
      .502) of 6MWT distance. Interestingly, changes in balance were unrelated to
      changes in the distance walked (each correlation coefficient <.17, P > .05). For
      persons after stroke similar to those studied, improving balance may not be
      sufficient to improve long-distance walking function. 

PMID- 25120940
TI  - Y-Stenting for Bifurcation Aneurysm Coil Embolization: What is the Risk?
AB  - The use of two stents in a "Y" configuration (Y-stenting) to assist with coil
      embolization of complex bifurcation aneurysms has been accepted as an alternative
      to clip reconstruction of a select subset of challenging aneurysms. We review the
      risks associated with Y-stenting, including its procedural complication rates,
      angiographic occlusion rates, rerupture, and retreatment rates. 

PMID- 25120941
TI  - Deep brain stimulation for tremor associated with underlying ataxia syndromes: a
      case series and discussion of issues.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been utilized to treat various
      symptoms in patients suffering from movement disorders such as Parkinson's
      disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. Though ataxia syndromes have not been
      formally or frequently addressed with DBS, there are patients with ataxia and
      associated medication refractory tremor or dystonia who may potentially benefit
      from therapy. METHODS: A retrospective database review was performed, searching
      for cases of ataxia where tremor and/or dystonia were addressed by utilizing DBS
      at the University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration
      between 2008 and 2011. Five patients were found who had DBS implantation to
      address either medication refractory tremor or dystonia. The patient's underlying
      diagnoses included spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), fragile X associated
      tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a case of idiopathic ataxia (ataxia not otherwise
      specified [NOS]), spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17), and a senataxin
      mutation (SETX). RESULTS: DBS improved medication refractory tremor in the SCA2
      and the ataxia NOS patients. The outcome for the FXTAS patient was poor. DBS
      improved dystonia in the SCA17 and SETX patients, although dystonia did not
      improve in the lower extremities of the SCA17 patient. All patients reported a
      transient gait dysfunction postoperatively, and there were no reports of
      improvement in ataxia-related symptoms. DISCUSSION: DBS may be an option to treat
      tremor, inclusive of dystonic tremor in patients with underlying ataxia; however,
      gait and other symptoms may possibly be worsened.

PMID- 25120942
TI  - Observational Study of IncobotulinumtoxinA for Cervical Dystonia or Blepharospasm
      (XCiDaBLE): Interim Results for the First 170 Subjects with Blepharospasm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: XCiDaBLE is a large, prospective, observational "naturalistic" study
      evaluating Xeomin(r) for Cervical Dystonia or BLEpharospasm in the United States.
      We report the interim results from the blepharospasm cohort of XCiDaBLE. METHODS:
      Subjects (?18 years old) with blepharospasm were followed for two treatment
      cycles of incobotulinumtoxinA and monitored for 4 weeks after injection via
      interactive voice/web response system (IVRS/IWRS). The investigator-reported
      scale includes the Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity subscale (CGI-S).
      Patient-reported outcome measures include the Patient Global Impression Scale
      Severity (PGI-S) and -Improvement (PGI-I) subscales, Jankovic Rating Scale (JRS),
      SF-12v2(r) health survey, and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment
      questionnaire. Subjects are seen by the investigator at baseline (including the
      first injection), during the second injection, and at a final study visit (12
      weeks after the second injection). RESULTS: One hundred seventy subjects were
      included in this interim analysis. The majority of subjects were female (77.1%)
      and white (91.8%), and had previously been treated with botulinum toxins (96.5%).
      The mean total dose (both eyes) was 71.5 U of incobotulinumtoxinA for the first
      injection. PGI-S, PGI-I, and JRS scores were significantly improved 4 weeks after
      treatment (all p<0.0001). No differences were noted in either quality of life
      (QoL) or work productivity in this short assessment period. No unexpected adverse
      events occurred. DISCUSSION: This is an interim study and assessment method based
      on an IVRS/IWRS. In this predominantly toxin-experienced cohort, significant
      benefits in specific and global measures of disease severity were seen in the
      immediate post-incobotulinumtoxinA injection period. It will be interesting to
      see if there are improvements in QoL with consistent individualized injections
      over a longer period.

PMID- 25120944
TI  - The GABA Hypothesis in Essential Tremor: Lights and Shadows.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) hypothesis in essential tremor
      (ET) implies a disturbance of the GABAergic system, especially involving the
      cerebellum. This review examines the evidence of the GABA hypothesis. METHODS:
      The review is based on published data about GABA dysfunction in ET, taking into
      account studies on cerebrospinal fluid, pathology, electrophysiology, genetics,
      neuroimaging, experimental animal models, and human drug therapies. RESULTS:
      Findings from several studies support the GABA hypothesis in ET. The hypothesis
      follows four steps: 1) cerebellar neurodegeneration with Purkinje cell loss; 2) a
      decrease in GABA system activity in deep cerebellar neurons; 3) disinhibition in
      output deep cerebellar neurons with pacemaker activity; and 4) an increase in
      rhythmic activity of the thalamus and thalamo-cortical circuit, contributing to
      the generation of tremor. Doubts have been cast on this hypothesis, however, by
      the fact that it is based on relatively few works, controversial post-mortem
      findings, and negative genetic studies on the GABA system. Furthermore, GABAergic
      drug efficacy is low and some GABAergic drugs do not have antitremoric efficacy.
      DISCUSSION: The GABA hypothesis continues to be the most robust
      pathophysiological hypothesis to explain ET. There is light in all GABA
      hypothesis steps, but a number of shadows cannot be overlooked. We need more
      studies to clarify the neurodegenerative nature of the disease, to confirm the
      decrease of GABA activity in the cerebellum, and to test more therapies that
      enhance the GABA transmission specifically in the cerebellum area.

PMID- 25120945
TI  - The Non-motor Features of Essential Tremor: A Primary Disease Feature or Just a
      Secondary Phenomenon?
AB  - Essential tremor (ET) is a pathologically heterogeneous neurodegenerative
      disorder with both motor and increasingly recognized non-motor features. It is
      debated whether the non-motor manifestations in ET result from widespread
      neurodegeneration or are merely secondary to impaired motor functions and
      decreased quality of life due to tremor. It is important to review these features
      to determine how to best treat the non-motor symptoms of patients and to
      understand the basic pathophysiology of the disease and develop appropriate
      pharmacotherapies. In this review, retrospective and prospective clinical studies
      were critically analyzed to identify possible correlations between the severities
      of non-motor features and tremor. We speculated that if such a correlation
      existed, the non-motor features were likely to be secondary to tremor. According
      to the current literature, the deficits in executive function, attention,
      concentration, and memory often observed in ET are likely to be a primary
      manifestation of the disease. It has also been documented that patients with ET
      often exhibit characteristic personality traits. However, it remains to be
      determined whether the other non-motor features often seen in ET, such as
      anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances are primary or secondary to motor
      manifestations of ET and subsequent poor quality of life. Finally, there is
      evidence that patients with ET can also have impaired color vision, disturbances
      of olfaction, and hearing impairments, though there are few studies in these
      areas. Further investigations of large cohorts of patients with ET are required
      to understand the prevalence, nature, and true significance of the non-motor
      features in ET. 

PMID- 25120943
TI  - Essential tremor: a neurodegenerative disease?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common neurological
      disorders among adults, and is the most common of the many tremor disorders. It
      has classically been viewed as a benign monosymptomatic condition, yet over the
      past decade, a growing body of evidence indicates that ET is a progressive
      condition that is clinically heterogeneous, as it may be associated with a
      spectrum of clinical features, with both motor and non-motor elements. In this
      review, I will describe the most significant emerging milestones in research
      which, when taken together, suggest that ET is a neurodegenerative condition.
      METHODS: A PubMed search conducted in June 2014 crossing the terms "essential
      tremor" (ET) and "neurodegenerative" yielded 122 entries, 20 of which included
      the term "neurodegenerative" in the article title. This was supplemented by
      articles in the author's files that pertained to this topic. RESULTS/DISCUSSION:
      There is an open and active dialogue in the medical community as to whether ET is
      a neurodegenerative disease, with considerable evidence in favor of this.
      Specifically, ET is a progressive disorder of aging associated with neuronal loss
      (reduction in Purkinje cells) as well as other post-mortem changes that occur in
      traditional neurodegenerative disorders. Along with this, advanced neuroimaging
      techniques are now demonstrating distinct structural changes, several of which
      are consistent with neuronal loss, in patients with ET. However, further
      longitudinal clinical and neuroimaging longitudinal studies to assess progression
      are required.

PMID- 25120946
TI  - Mirror movements identified in patients with moebius syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Moebius syndrome is a rare disorder with minimum clinical criteria of
      congenital facial weakness in association with impairment in abduction of one or
      both eyes. Mirror movements are not known to be associated with Moebius syndrome.
      CASE REPORT: We present three patients who meet minimum criteria for a diagnosis
      of Moebius syndrome and who also display mirror movements. DISCUSSION: This case
      series suggests that Moebius syndrome may be associated with mirror movements.
      Further investigation to delineate the genetic etiologies of Moebius syndrome is
      ongoing. Patients with Moebius syndrome and mirror movements may represent a
      specific subclass of this disorder.

PMID- 25120947
TI  - Assessment of the effect of Schistosoma haematobium co infection on malaria
      parasites and immune responses in rural populations in Gabon: study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria and helminth co infection are common in tropical and
      subtropical areas where they affect the life of millions of people. While both
      helminth and malaria parasites have immunomodulatory activities, little is known
      about the consequence of co-infections on malaria antigen specific immune
      responses. METHOD/DESIGN: This study will be conducted in two rural areas of the
      Moyen Ogooue province in Gabon, endemic for both Plasmodium falciparum and
      Schistosoma haematobium infections. Participants, 5 to 50 years old, will be
      enrolled and grouped according to their infection status. S. haematobium and
      malaria parasites will be detected, demographic and clinical data will be
      recorded and blood will be collected for hematological as well as for
      immunological assays. The level of antibody specific to Plasmodium falciparum
      blood stage and gametocyte antigens will be measured using ELISA. PBMC will be
      isolated for phenotyping of different T cell subsets ex vivo by flow cytometry
      and for culture and cytokine response assessment. DISCUSSION: We will provide a
      comprehensive picture of the interaction between schistosomes and malaria
      parasites which co-localize in peripheral blood. We will test the hypothesis that
      schistosome infection has an impact on specific humoral as well as on cellular
      immune responses to malaria antigens.

PMID- 25120948
TI  - Peroxidase activity in scutella of maize in association with anatomical changes
      during germination and grain storage.
AB  - The embryo of the maize grain (Zea mays L.) is separated from the starchy
      endosperm by a fibrous structure, which is called the fibrous layer (FL). Using
      histochemical staining, it was determined that the FL is composed of collapsed
      cellular layers that contain phenols, neutral lipids, and 1,3-beta-glucan. Due to
      its composition, the FL prevents free diffusion and separates the embryo from the
      endosperm during germination. Twenty-four hours after imbibition, the scutellum
      epidermis initiated a series of asynchronous spatial modifications, including
      cell growth, the perforation of cell walls, increased peroxidase activity in the
      apoplastic space, and elevated levels of superoxide, phenols, and other
      components that interact with the fibrous layer, enabling its transformation in
      addition to the free flow between compartments. During storage at high relative
      humidity levels, which leads to fast or slow deterioration depending on the
      temperature, the activity of phenol peroxidase in the scutellum was associated
      with a loss of vigor and reduced germination capacity when compared with low
      temperature and low relative humidity conditions. Such deterioration is
      associated with alterations in autofluorescent emissions from endogenous
      compounds in the scutellum, indicating changes in the microenvironment or in the
      differential proportions of epidermal and FL components. 

PMID- 25120950
TI  - Pectoral nerves (PECS) and intercostal nerve block for cardiac resynchronization
      therapy device implantation.
AB  - A 71-year-old man was scheduled to undergo cardiac resynchronization therapy
      device (CRTD) implantation. He was combined with severe chronic heart failure due
      to ischemic heart disease. NYHA class was 3 to 4 and electrocardiogram showed non
      sustained ventricular. Ejection fraction was about 20% revealed by transthoracic
      echocardiogram. He was also on several anticoagulation medications. We planned to
      implant the device under the greater pectoral muscle. As general anesthesia was
      considered risky, monitored anesthesia care utilizing peripheral nerve block and
      slight sedation was scheduled. Pectoral nerves (PECS) block and intercostal block
      was performed under ultrasonography with ropivacaine. For sedation during the
      procedure, continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine without a loading dose was
      performed. The procedure lasted about 3 hours, but the patient showed no pain or
      restlessness. Combination of PECS block and intercostal block may provide
      effective analgesia for CRTD implantation. 

PMID- 25120949
TI  - Analyzing the efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises of a national
      technology innovation research and development program.
AB  - This study analyzes the efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
      of a national technology innovation research and development (R&D) program. In
      particular, an empirical analysis is presented that aims to answer the following
      question: "Is there a difference in the efficiency between R&D collaboration
      types and between government R&D subsidy sizes?" Methodologically, the efficiency
      of a government-sponsored R&D project (i.e., GSP) is measured by Data Envelopment
      Analysis (DEA), and a nonparametric analysis of variance method, the Kruskal
      Wallis (KW) test is adopted to see if the efficiency differences between R&D
      collaboration types and between government R&D subsidy sizes are statistically
      significant. This study's major findings are as follows. First, contrary to our
      hypothesis, when we controlled the influence of government R&D subsidy size,
      there was no statistically significant difference in the efficiency between R&D
      collaboration types. However, the R&D collaboration type, "SME-University
      Laboratory" Joint-Venture was superior to the others, achieving the largest
      median and the smallest interquartile range of DEA efficiency scores. Second, the
      differences in the efficiency were statistically significant between government
      R&D subsidy sizes, and the phenomenon of diseconomies of scale was identified on
      the whole. As the government R&D subsidy size increases, the central measures of
      DEA efficiency scores were reduced, but the dispersion measures rather tended to
      get larger. 

PMID- 25120952
TI  - Corrigendum: glycobiology of neuroblastoma: impact on tumor behavior, prognosis,
      and therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 25120951
TI  - Yttrium-90 radioembolization of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.
AB  - Liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) result in substantial morbidity and
      mortality. The primary treatment is systemic chemotherapy, and in selected
      patients, surgical resection; however, for patients who are not surgical
      candidates and/or fail systemic chemotherapy, liver-directed therapies are
      increasingly being utilized. Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microsphere therapy, also known as
      selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) or radioembolization, has proven to
      be effective in terms of extending time to progression of disease and also
      providing survival benefit. This review focuses on the use of Y-90 microsphere
      therapy in the treatment of liver metastases from CRC, including a comprehensive
      review of published clinical trials and prospective studies conducted thus far.
      We review the methodology, outcomes, and side effects of Y-90 microsphere therapy
      for metastatic CRC. 

PMID- 25120954
TI  - X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein - a critical death resistance regulator
      and therapeutic target for personalized cancer therapy.
AB  - Defects in apoptosis regulation are one main cause of cancer development and may
      result from overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins such as inhibitor of
      apoptosis proteins (IAPs). IAPs are cell death regulators that, among other
      functions, bind caspases, and interfere with apoptotic signaling via death
      receptors or intrinsic cell death pathways. All IAPs share one to three common
      structures, the so called baculovirus-IAP-repeat (BIR)-domains that allow them to
      bind caspases and other proteins. X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP)
      is the most potent and best-defined anti-apoptotic IAP family member that
      directly neutralizes caspase-9 via its BIR3 domain and the effector caspases-3
      and -7 via its BIR2 domain. A natural inhibitor of XIAP is SMAC/Diablo, which is
      released from mitochondria in apoptotic cells and displaces bound caspases from
      the BIR2/BIR3 domains of XIAP thereby reactivating cell death execution. The
      central apoptosis-inhibitory function of XIAP and its overexpression in many
      different types of advanced cancers have led to significant efforts to identify
      therapeutics that neutralize its anti-apoptotic effect. Most of these drugs are
      chemical derivatives of the N-terminal part of SMAC/Diablo. These "SMAC-mimetics"
      either specifically induce apoptosis in cancer cells or act as drug-sensitizers.
      Several "SMAC-mimetics" are currently tested by the pharmaceutical industry in
      Phase I and Phase II trials. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in
      understanding the function of IAPs in normal and malignant cells and focus on
      approaches to specifically neutralize XIAP in cancer cells. 

PMID- 25120955
TI  - Side effects of yttrium-90 radioembolization.
AB  - Limited therapeutic options are available for hepatic malignancies. Image guided
      targeted therapies have established their role in management of primary and
      secondary hepatic malignancies. Radioembolization with yttrium-90 ((90)Y)
      microspheres is safe and efficacious for treatment of hepatic malignancies. The
      tumoricidal effect of radioembolization is predominantly due to radioactivity and
      not ischemia. This article will present a comprehensive review of the side
      effects that have been associated with radioembolization using (90)Y
      microspheres. Some of the described side effects are associated with all
      transarterial procedures. Side effects specific to radioembolization will also be
      discussed in detail. Methods to decrease the incidence of these potential side
      effects will also be discussed. 

PMID- 25120956
TI  - Advancements toward a systems level understanding of the human oral microbiome.
AB  - Oral microbes represent one of the most well studied microbial communities owing
      to the fact that they are a fundamental part of human development influencing
      health and disease, an easily accessible human microbiome, a highly structured
      and remarkably resilient biofilm as well as a model of bacteria-bacteria and
      bacteria-host interactions. In the last 80 years since oral plaque was first
      characterized for its functionally stable physiological properties such as the
      highly repeatable rapid pH decrease upon carbohydrate addition and subsequent
      recovery phase, the fundamental approaches to study the oral microbiome have
      cycled back and forth between community level investigations and characterizing
      individual model isolates. Since that time, many individual species have been
      well characterized and the development of the early plaque community, which
      involves many cell-cell binding interactions, has been carefully described. With
      high throughput sequencing enabling the enormous diversity of the oral cavity to
      be realized, a number of new challenges to progress were revealed. The large
      number of uncultivated oral species, the high interpersonal variability of
      taxonomic carriage and the possibility of multiple pathways to dysbiosis pose as
      major hurdles to obtain a systems level understanding from the community to the
      gene level. It is now possible however to start connecting the insights gained
      from single species with community wide approaches. This review will discuss some
      of the recent insights into the oral microbiome at a fundamental level, existing
      knowledge gaps, as well as challenges that have surfaced and the approaches to
      address them. 

PMID- 25120953
TI  - Genomic Analysis as the First Step toward Personalized Treatment in Renal Cell
      Carcinoma.
AB  - Drug resistance mechanisms in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) still remain elusive.
      Although most patients initially respond to targeted therapy, acquired resistance
      can still develop eventually. Most of the patients suffer from intrinsic
      (genetic) resistance as well, suggesting that there is substantial need to
      broaden our knowledge in the field of RCC genetics. As molecular abnormalities
      occur for various reasons, ranging from single nucleotide polymorphisms to large
      chromosomal defects, conducting whole-genome association studies using high
      throughput techniques seems inevitable. In principle, data obtained via genome
      wide research should be continued and performed on a large scale for the purposes
      of drug development and identification of biological pathways underlying
      cancerogenesis. Genetic alterations are mostly unique for each histological RCC
      subtype. According to recently published data, RCC is a highly heterogeneous
      tumor. In this paper, the authors discuss the following: (1) current state-of-the
      art knowledge on the potential biomarkers of RCC subtypes; (2) significant
      obstacles encountered in the translational research on RCC; and (3) recent
      molecular findings that may have a crucial impact on future therapeutic
      approaches. 

PMID- 25120959
TI  - Fungal-bacterial interactions and their relevance to oral health: linking the
      clinic and the bench.
AB  - High throughput sequencing has accelerated knowledge on the oral microbiome.
      While the bacterial component of oral communities has been extensively
      characterized, the role of the fungal microbiota in the oral cavity is largely
      unknown. Interactions among fungi and bacteria are likely to influence oral
      health as exemplified by the synergistic relationship between Candida albicans
      and oral streptococci. In this perspective, we discuss the current state of the
      field of fungal-bacterial interactions in the context of the oral cavity. We
      highlight the need to conduct longitudinal clinical studies to simultaneously
      characterize the bacterial and fungal components of the human oral microbiome in
      health and during disease progression. Such studies need to be coupled with
      investigations using disease-relevant models to mechanistically test the
      associations observed in humans and eventually identify fungal-bacterial
      interactions that could serve as preventive or therapeutic targets for oral
      diseases. 

PMID- 25120961
TI  - Morphological study of dendritic cells in human cervix by zinc iodide osmium
      method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogeneous population of antigen
      presenting cells that have been identified in several tissues including the
      female reproductive organs. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the
      morphological differences of dendritic cells in normal human exocervix using the
      Zinc Iodide Osmium (ZIO) procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal cervical
      tissues obtained from nine patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomies for
      various ailments were processed for histochemical study. Six microns thick serial
      sections were taken and viewed under a light microscope. The diameters of the
      cells were measured under a magnification of 40x using the Cellsens image
      analysing software and analysed using SPSS version 16. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In
      the normal human exocervix, a greater density of ZIO-positive DCs was noted in
      the epithelium and subepithelium and their distribution was not uniform. In some
      areas of epithelium, the ZIO-positive cells in the basal layer showed a typical
      dendritic morphology, while the cells in the intermediate and superficial layers
      were nondendritic polygonal cells. Intraepithelial capillaries were noted, which
      were surrounded by ZIO-positive nondendritic polygonal cells. There was
      significant difference in the mean diameters of typical DCs (8.61+/-1.86 MUm) and
      nondendritic polygonal cells (10.97+/-1.93 MUm). In the subepithelium the DCs had
      typical morphology and their distribution varied. ZIO positive DCs were noted in
      the epithelium and cervical glands of endocervix also. In conclusion, the human
      cervix has different subsets of ZIO positive DCs with varied distribution. Their
      functional role has yet to be defined.

PMID- 25120962
TI  - Evaluation of Fetal Central Nervous System Anomalies by Ultrasound and Its
      Anatomical Co-relation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system anomalies are often severe and are the most
      common indications for therapeutic abortions. Ultrasound examination helps to
      identify and evaluate them well before birth. OBJECTIVES: Present study was
      undertaken to evaluate the incidence of central nervous system anomalies in utero
      by ultrasound and to confirm them by autopsy or postnatal examination. METHOD:
      Ultrasound screening of 7485 pregnant women was performed. Pregnancy with
      ultrasound findings of central nervous system anomalies were followed up.
      Prenatal ultrasound findings were confirmed by autopsy in cases of therapeutic
      abortions and fetal losses. In case of live birth postnatal findings were noted.
      RESULTS: Ultrasound detected central nervous system malformations in 24 fetuses.
      Ultrasound findings were matching in 83% on autopsy. Autopsy and postnatal
      findings together were matching with ultrasound in 85.7%. Two cases had
      additional minor findings on autopsy. CONCLUSION: The incidence of central
      nervous system malformations on ultrasound was 0.31%. Autopsy and postnatal
      examination showed high degree of correlation with ultrasound findings.

PMID- 25120958
TI  - Pathogenesis of cerebral malaria--inflammation and cytoadherence.
AB  - Despite decades of research on cerebral malaria (CM) there is still a paucity of
      knowledge about what actual causes CM and why certain people develop it. Although
      sequestration of P. falciparum infected red blood cells has been linked to
      pathology, it is still not clear if this is directly or solely responsible for
      this clinical syndrome. Recent data have suggested that a combination of parasite
      variant types, mainly defined by the variant surface antigen, P. falciparum
      erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), its receptors, coagulation and host
      endothelial cell activation (or inflammation) are equally important. This makes
      CM a multi-factorial disease and a challenge to unravel its causes to decrease
      its detrimental impact. 

PMID- 25120957
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus Small Colony Variants (SCVs): a road map for the metabolic
      pathways involved in persistent infections.
AB  - Persistent and relapsing infections, despite apparently adequate antibiotic
      therapy, occur frequently with many pathogens, but it is an especially prominent
      problem with Staphylococcus aureus infections. For the purposes of this review,
      persistence will encompass both of the concepts of long term survival within the
      host, including colonization, and the concept of resisting antibiotic therapy
      even when susceptible in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Over the past two
      decades, the mechanisms whereby bacteria achieve persistence are slowly being
      unraveled. S. aureus small colony variants (SCVs) are linked to chronic,
      recurrent, and antibiotic-resistant infections, and the study of SCVs has
      contributed significantly to understanding of persistence. In our earlier work,
      defects in electron transport and thymidylate biosynthesis were linked to the
      development of the SCV phenotype (reviewed in 2006), thus this work will be
      discussed only briefly. Since 2006, it has been found that persistent organisms
      including SCVs are part of the normal life cycle of bacteria, and often they
      arise in response to harsh conditions, e.g., antibiotics, starvation, host
      cationic peptides. Many of the changes found in these early SCVs have provided a
      map for the discovery mechanisms (pathways) for the development of persistent
      organisms. For example, changes in RNA processing, stringent response, toxin
      antitoxin, ribosome protein L6 (RplF), and cold shock protein B (CspB) found in
      SCVs are also found in other persisters. In addition, many classic persister
      organisms also show slow growth, hence SCVs. Recent work on S. aureus USA300 has
      elucidated the impact of aerobic expression of arginine deiminase genes on its
      ability to chronically colonize the skin and survive in abscesses. S. aureus SCVs
      also express arginine deiminase genes aerobically as well. Thus, many pathways
      found activated in electron transport type of SCVs are also increased in
      persisters that have intact electron transport. Many of these changes in
      metabolism result in slow growth; hence, small colonies are formed. Another
      common theme is that slow growth is also associated with reduced expression of
      virulence factors and enhanced uptake/survival within host cells. These
      adaptations to survive within the host are rooted in responses that were required
      for organisms to survive in a harsh environment long before they were mammals on
      the earth. 

PMID- 25120964
TI  - Anomalous Branching Pattern of the Popliteal Artery (PA): A Case Report.
AB  - The Popliteal Artery (PA), which is the continuation of the Femoral artery,
      crosses the popliteal fossa at the distal border of popliteus; it divides into
      the Anterior and Posterior Tibial arteries. The Posterior Tibial Artery (PTA)
      divides into terminal branches proximal to popliteus, in which case the Anterior
      Tibial Artery (ATA) sometimes descends anterior to the muscle. Either the
      Anterior tibial or the PTA may be reduced or increased in size. The dorsalis
      pedis artery (DPA) is the continuation of the ATA, distal to the ankle. It passes
      to the proximal end of the first intermetatarsal space, to complete the plantar
      arch, and provides the first plantar metatarsal artery. In the present case the
      PA bifurcates into two terminal branches at a higher level than the normal. The
      ATA was hypo plastic and entered the anterior crural region in front of the
      popliteus muscle and finally terminated above the knee joint. Further the PTA was
      also hypo plastic giving off a hyperplastic PL which pierced the interosseous
      membrane and on entering the dorsum of the foot, it prolonged as the DPA. The
      rest of the PTA continued its course distally and divided into its usual
      branches, the medial and lateral planter arteries. Awareness of these variations
      in the vascular branching patterns of the lower limb, acts as a guide during
      femero distal bypass grafting procedures and surgical and percutaneous vascular
      reconstructions. 

PMID- 25120960
TI  - High-throughput screening of tick-borne pathogens in Europe.
AB  - Due to increased travel, climatic, and environmental changes, the incidence of
      tick-borne disease in both humans and animals is increasing throughout Europe.
      Therefore, extended surveillance tools are desirable. To accurately screen tick
      borne pathogens (TBPs), a large scale epidemiological study was conducted on 7050
      Ixodes ricinus nymphs collected from France, Denmark, and the Netherlands using a
      powerful new high-throughput approach. This advanced methodology permitted the
      simultaneous detection of 25 bacterial, and 12 parasitic species (including;
      Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Bartonella, Candidatus Neoehrlichia,
      Coxiella, Francisella, Babesia, and Theileria genus) across 94 samples. We
      successfully determined the prevalence of expected (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu
      lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia helvetica, Candidatus Neoehrlichia
      mikurensis, Babesia divergens, Babesia venatorum), unexpected (Borrelia
      miyamotoi), and rare (Bartonella henselae) pathogens in the three European
      countries. Moreover we detected Borrelia spielmanii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Babesia
      divergens, and Babesia venatorum for the first time in Danish ticks. This
      surveillance method represents a major improvement in epidemiological studies,
      able to facilitate comprehensive testing of TBPs, and which can also be
      customized to monitor emerging diseases. 

PMID- 25120963
TI  - Radiographical study showing asymmetry in the surface area of carpal bones in
      malnourished children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protein energy malnutrition, a major health and nutritional problem
      in India, leads to retardation in bone maturity and eventually physical growth.
      Many studies have been done on ossification centers of hand bones for estimation
      of skeletal maturation and to diagnose malnutrition but very few studies have
      been done so far to see effect of protein energy malnutrition on surface area of
      carpal bones. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The surface areas of carpal bones on
      radiographs on both sides were calculated, analysed and compared in protein
      energy malnutrition (PEM) cases and healthy controls upto five years of age to
      see the variability among study groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was
      conducted in Department of Paediatrics, Radiodiagnosis and Anatomy of S.N.
      Medical College, Agra, India consisting of 68 PEM cases and 68 controls of either
      sex upto five years of age. Radiography of wrist done and surface areas of carpal
      bones were calculated by using millimeter Graph Transparency paper by Hit method
      and data were evaluated for significance by using t-test. RESULT: The surface
      areas of capitate, hamate and triquetral bones of both hands were reduced in PEM
      children of all grades as compared to healthy controls. The surface areas of
      these carpal bones were much reduced in grade 2 and grade 3 PEM cases as compared
      to healthy controls and grade 1 PEM cases. Asymmetry in surface areas of capitate
      and hamate bones were ascertained in healthy controls and grade 1 PEM cases but
      due to delay in appearance of ossification centers and reduced surface areas of
      these bones, asymmetry could not be ascertained in grade 2 and grade 3
      malnutrition children. CONCLUSION: The surface areas of capitate, hamate and
      triquetral bones on both sides were reduced in grade 2 and grade 3 PEM cases as
      compared to controls. Asymmetry in surface area of carpal bones was ascertained
      in healthy controls and grade 1 PEM cases.

PMID- 25120966
TI  - Foot index in right footed adults.

PMID- 25120965
TI  - Anatomical variation: median nerve formation - a case vignette.
AB  - Variations in the arrangement and distribution of brachial plexus and its
      branches in the infraclavicular part are common and have been reported by several
      investigators since the 19th century. These variations are significant for the
      neurologists, surgeons, anesthetists and the anatomists. During routine
      anatomical dissection of the right axilla and infraclavicular region of a 45-year
      old male cadaver, the medial root of the median nerve was found to receive a
      supplementary branch from the medial aspect of the terminal portion of the
      lateral cord of brachial plexus and the branch was passing infront of the
      axillary artery from lateral to medial side. The median nerve was formed by
      joining of the lateral and medial roots from the lateral and medial cords of
      brachial plexus, infront of brachial artery, lower down, at the junction of upper
      one-third and lower two-third of the arm, instead in the axilla. This variation
      could be one of the cause of pressure symptom which occurs on the axillary artery
      and also the injury which occurs on the lateral cord or upstream to the lateral
      cord, which may sometimes lead to an unexpected presentation of weakness of
      forearm flexors and thenar muscles. 

PMID- 25120967
TI  - Study of cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress in different phases of
      menstrual cycle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is a well known fact that normally female sex hormone levels
      fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. The presence of receptors for these
      hormones on both heart and blood vessels may also hint at variations in
      physiological functions during menstrual cycle. So this study was an attempt to
      determine whether the follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle are
      characterized by variations in cardiovascular parameters in the resting state and
      also examine changes in cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress challenge
      during both the phases of menstrual cycle. METHODOLOGY: Thirty healthy females in
      the age group of 18-25 years with regular menstrual cycles fulfilling the
      inclusion criteria were examined for cardiovascular parameters (heart rate and
      blood pressures) at rest and their reactivity to mental stress during the
      follicular and luteal phase and were compared by using paired t-test. A p-value
      of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The women included
      in the study produced the well known reactivity to mental stress, in terms of
      blood pressure and heart rate increases, but the two phases of menstrual cycle
      were indistinguishable in so far as reactivity patterns were considered. The
      resting values of these cardiovascular parameters were also alike during the two
      phases. CONCLUSION: We were unable to unearth any differences in resting and
      reactivity values of cardiovascular parameters during the course of a normal
      menstrual cycle. This shows that stress reactivity variations during different
      phases of menstrual cycle may not be due to variations in hormonal levels per se,
      but due to collusion of hormonal variations and unknown genetic influences.

PMID- 25120968
TI  - Alteration of Interferon Gamma (IFN-gamma) in Human Plasma with Graded Physical
      Activity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Practice of regular exercise is beneficial for health. Physical
      exercises have been demonstrated to alter levels of the cytokine interferon Gamma
      in plasma. IFN-gamma is known to be an anti-inflammatory cytokine. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We assessed the effect of single bout of moderate exercise and a single
      bout of strenuous exercise and one month of regular moderate exercise on plasma
      IFN-gamma. The study consisted of 18 healthy volunteers (10 males and 8 females)
      with the mean age, 20.94 years, range, 18-25 years. The exercise regime adopted
      is the standardized 10m Shuttle Walk Test regime. IFN-gamma was estimated using
      the Sandwich ELISA technique. The reagent kit was obtained from Duoset ELISA
      Development System of R & D Systems Europe Ltd. The readings were taken at 450nm
      using Organon Teknika Reader 230S. STATISTICAL METHODS: Friedman test has been
      used for analysing IFN-gamma values. RESULTS: Mean and SD values of IFN-gamma (in
      picograms per ml) for baseline (no exercise) was: 54.56 +/- 28.54 (log
      transformation: 1.68+/-0.23), for acute moderate exercise: 28.94 +/- 38.46 (log
      transformation: 1.34 +/- 0.24), for acute strenuous exercise: 20.06 +/- 16.96
      (log transformation: 1.18 +/-0.33) and after one month of regular moderate
      exercise: 106.33 +/- 21.51 (log transformation: 2.02 +/- 0.09). The change in IFN
      gamma levels showed significant difference between; a) baseline and moderate
      exercise, b) baseline and strenuous exercise, c) moderate and strenuous exercise,
      d) strenuous exercise and end of one month of regular moderate exercise, e)
      baseline and end of one month of regular moderate exercise, f) moderate exercise
      and end of one month of regular moderate exercise. IFN-gamma showed overall
      significance between different grades of exercise (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Plasma
      IFN-gamma decreases with one bout of acute moderate exercise, it decreases
      further with one bout of acute strenuous exercise and increases at end of one
      month of regular moderate exercise, which is more than baseline value. This shows
      that regular moderate exercise has beneficial effects on health by way of
      increasing plasma IFN-gamma level.

PMID- 25120969
TI  - Effect of age and Blood Pressure on Surrogate Markers of Atherosclerosis in
      Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased arterial stiffness may be an important path- way linking
      diabetes mellitus to increased cardiovascular risk. AIM: The study was conducted
      to assess the surrogate markers of arterial stiffness in patients with Type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and compare with age-matched hypertensive and healthy
      controls. Also the effect of age and blood pressure on these markers was
      evaluated. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was carried out at a
      tertiary care hospital in West India. METHODS: After a detailed medical history
      and anthropometric evaluation, all the participants were subjected to
      measurements of Arterial Stiffness Index (ASI), Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), and
      Augmentation Index (AIx) using a non-invasive oscillometric method. The four
      study groups consisted of patients with T2DM (>5 years) along with hypertension,
      newly diagnosed patients with T2DM (<2years) without hypertension, hypertensive
      controls, and healthy controls. RESULTS: PWV, ASI, AIx were elevated in patients
      with T2DM compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). Patients with T2DM above 60
      years had higher carotid-femoral PWV, ASI and AIx than those below 60 years
      (p<0.05). ASI and AIx were significantly increased in patients with T2DM with
      hypertension having systolic BP > 140 mmHg compared to those with systolic BP <
      140 mmHg. A very strong correlation between PWV and AIx in patients with T2DM and
      hypertensive controls was observed. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that markers
      of arterial stiffness (PWV, ASI, AIx) were increased significantly in patients
      with T2DM compared to healthy controls. Age and systolic blood pressure had
      significant influence on these markers. Thus, oscillometric markers have
      potential utility in identifying subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with
      T2DM.

PMID- 25120970
TI  - Comparison of cognitive functions between male and female medical students: a
      pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are gender differences in cognitive abilities. The major enigma
      is whether males or females perform better in various cognitive tasks. The
      reports were found to be contradictory. Studies have shown that oestrogen and
      testosterone accentuate cognitive functions. But the effects of progesterone on
      cognitive functions are still contradictory. OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the
      cognitive functions between male and female students. METHODS: This study was
      conducted on healthy male (n=21) and female (n=21) volunteers who were aged
      between 19-37 years. Cognitive functions which were assessed in males (one time)
      and females (two times: during preovulatory and postovulatory phases of the
      menstrual cycle) were attentional: visual reaction time (VRT) and Go/No-Go VRT;
      perceptual: fast counting (FC), executive: Erisken Flanker Test (EFT) and Stroop
      Test (ST), and working memory. Data were compared by using Mann-Whitney U-test.
      RESULTS: Cognitive functions in female preovulatory phase were comparable to male
      cognitive functions. In addition, the female postovulatory phase cognitive
      functions were also similar to those of males in all the tasks, except those seen
      in VRT and ST. Male performed better than females in VRT (M: 331.66 ms, IQR:
      286.99-375.33 vs. M: 367.8 ms, IQR: 340.66-435.66; p=0.05). However, in ST,
      females showed higher accuracies in reading colour interferences than males (M:
      100%, IQR: 95.12-100 vs. M: 95.24%, IQR: 86.36-100; p=0.04). In addition, males
      showed trend of a poorer performance than females in Go/No-Go VRT, ST colour
      reading normal time and interference time and in working-memory time. CONCLUSION:
      Male cognitive functions were comparable to female preovulatory phase cognitive
      functions. However, females, during postovulatory phase of their cycle, may have
      advantages in executive tasks (Stroop test) and disadvantages in attentional
      tasks (VRT), as compared to males.

PMID- 25120971
TI  - Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP)- A Pilot Study Conducted on Young
      Healthy Adults from Central India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To Evaluate I, II, III, IV, V wave latencies and I-III, III-V, I-V
      inter-peak latencies and V/I wave amplitude ratio in Normal subjects in Central
      India. METHODS: We recorded BAEP from 50 healthy normal subjects from the
      community of same sex and geographical setup. The absolute, interpeak and wave
      V/I amplitude ratio were measurement and recording was done using RMS EMG EP MARK
      II machine manufactured by RMS recorders and Medicare system, Chandigarh. RESULT:
      Absolute, interpeak and wave V/I amplitude ratio were measured in normal subjects
      and compared with other previous studies. CONCLUSION: This study was conducted as
      exploratory pilot study only on male healthy controls. Since, the study conducted
      in different regions, there are some differences in the latencies and interpeak
      latencies and amplitude ratio but they are within range, so reference range of
      this study can be used for future studies in this Wardha region of Central India.

PMID- 25120972
TI  - Study of Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) I405v Genotype and Its
      Association with Lipid Fractions in Myocardial Infarction Patients: A Case
      Control Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We determine the significant relation of HDL cholesterol and total
      cholesterol/HDL cholesterol between CETP I405V genotypes and activity of CETP.
      CETP is an essential for transfer of cholesterol ester to the liver from
      peripheral tissues which facilitating its transfer to TG rich VLDL. Reduction
      activity of CETP I405V may associate with genotypes of CETP I405V. This study is
      undertaken to assess the presence and impact of CETP I405V genotype in our
      population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 100 acute myocardial infarction
      patients and 100 normal age & sex matched healthy individuals were included.
      Serum Lipid profile was estimated by using universal standard methods whereas
      CETP I405V genotype was studied by ARMS PCR. RESULT: There is presence of CETP
      405Val genotype both in patient as well as in control group. RESULTs show that
      HDL cholesterol (p<0.0001) and ratio of total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol are
      significantly (p<0.0043) associated with Val/Val genotype. In addition to that
      the CETP I405V genotype is associated with inhibition of CETP activity with
      higher HDL-C level and decreased total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio.
      CONCLUSION: Our results show that the CETP I405V genotypes are very much
      significantly determinant of HDL cholesterol in patients with CHD.

PMID- 25120973
TI  - Validation of Method Performance of pH, PCO2, PO2, Na(+), K(+) of Cobas b121 ABG
      Analyser.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The introduction of a new method or new analyser is a common
      occurrence in clinical biochemistry laboratory. Blood gas measurements and
      electrolytes are often performed in Point-of-Care (POC) settings. When a new POC
      analyser is obtained, the performance of the analyser should be evaluated by
      comparison to the measurements with the reference analyser in the laboratory.
      OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of method performance of pH, PCO2, PO2, Na(+), K(+) of
      cobas b121 ABG analyser. MATERIALS & METHODS: The evaluation of method
      performance of pH, PO2, PCO2, Na(+), K(+) of cobas b121 ABG analyser was done by
      comparing the results of 50 patient samples run on cobas b121 with the results
      obtained from Rapid lab values (reference analyser). Correlation coefficient was
      calculated from the results obtained from both the analysers. Precision was
      calculated by running biorad ABG control samples. RESULTS: The correlation
      coefficient values obtained for parameters were close to 1.0 indicating good
      correlation. The CV obtained for all the parameters were less than 5 indicating
      good precision. CONCLUSION: The new ABG analyser, Cobas b121 correlated well with
      the reference ABG analyser (Rapid Lab) and could be used to run on patient
      samples.

PMID- 25120974
TI  - Correlation of Plasma Lipid Profile with Salivary Oxidative Stress Markers in
      Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is known to be associated with greater production of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) like malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased
      antioxidants like total thiols and its estimation in plasma is used in monitoring
      the redox status. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between
      plasma lipid profile parameters like HDL and LDL with salivary MDA and thiols in
      diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty subjects between the age group 35
      70 years who were diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus based on fasting
      blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels who attended the dental OPD at
      Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal consented to participate in this
      study. Plasma glucose, HDL and LDL were estimated in Cobas autoanalyser by
      hexokinase method, homogenous enzymatic colorimetric assay and Friedwald's
      formula respectively. Assessment of glycated hemoglobin was by ion exchange
      chromatography, MDA by thiobarbituric acid as a substrate and thiols by Ellmann's
      manual method in plasma and saliva. RESULTS: The association of plasma LDL with
      salivary MDA was found to be positive and significant and that with salivary
      thiols was negative and significant. Also, the association of plasma HDL with
      salivary MDA was found to be negative and significant and that with salivary
      thiols was positive and significant. CONCLUSION: RESULTS indicate the potential
      of saliva as a tool to monitor prognosis of diabetes.

PMID- 25120975
TI  - Association of high sensitivity C-reactive protein with the components of
      metabolic syndrome in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) has been
      associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. Several studies
      have suggested hsCRP to be used as a marker for the primary prevention of
      cardiovascular diseases. So, we aimed to evaluate the association between hsCRP
      levels and the components of MetS in diabetic and non-diabetic population.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Type II diabetic patients (T2DM) (n= 121) and healthy
      controls (n= 121) were enrolled for the study. Anthropometric measurements were
      taken along with blood pressure from the arm. Ten ml of blood was collected after
      overnight fasting for the measurement of lipid profile, hsCRP, C-peptide and
      glucose levels. Insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) was estimated by HOMA2 calculator
      utilizing glucose and C-peptide values. All participants were classified into two
      groups on the basis of the presence or absence of MetS. Data were analysed
      through SPSS 14 software. RESULTS: hsCRP, C-peptide and HOMA2-IR were
      significantly higher in T2DM subjects when compared with controls. As the number
      of the components of MetS increased, there was a linear increase in hsCRP levels
      in whole study population (p trend <.001), diabetic subjects (p trend <.001), as
      well as in controls (p trend <.001). HOMA2-IR and hsCRP levels were found to be
      better than LDL cholesterol and waist circumference for predicting the presence
      of MetS. CONCLUSION: hsCRP was found to be better than LDL cholesterol and waist
      circumference for the prediction of MetS. Hence, hsCRP could be used as a
      defining marker of MetS in the near future.

PMID- 25120976
TI  - Emergence of Escherichia coli, Co-Producing NDM-1 and OXA-48 Carbapenemases, in
      Urinary Isolates, at a Tertiary Care Centre at Central India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To detect genes encoding carbapenem resistance in urinary isolates of
      Escherichia coli recovered from hospitalized patients in tertiary care centre in
      Pune, India. METHODS: From Jan 2012 to Dec 2012, a total of 300 consecutive non
      duplicate (one isolate per patient) clinical isolates of Escherichia coli were
      recovered from urine cultures of hospitalized patients including hospital
      acquired infection cases admitted to the medical and surgical intensive care
      units. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and sequencing was used to
      determine the presence of beta-lactamase encoding genes. Conjugation experiments
      were performed to determine the transferability of beta-lactamase. RESULTS: All
      the isolates were completely resistant to the second and third generation
      cephalosporins tested as well as carbapenems. All the isolates showed 100%
      susceptibility to tigecycline and colistin in vitro. Conjugation experiments
      demonstrated that blaNDM-1 was transferable via plasmid. All the isolates showed
      presence of blaNDM-1 and co-association of blaOXA-48 was 25/45(55%) of the
      isolates. Repetitive element based PCR (REP PCR), Enterobacterial Repetitive
      Intergenic Consensus (ERIC PCR) and Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)
      revealed a diversity of six clonal types among E.coli isolates. CONCLUSION: Co
      production of NDM-1with OXA-48 in urinary isolates of E. coli was detected for
      the first time in India. Transmission of plasmid carrying these resistant genes
      to other members of Enterobacteriaceae will increase incidence of multidrug
      resistance. Early detection of these genes will help in prevention and adequate
      infection control by limiting the spread of these organisms.

PMID- 25120977
TI  - Comparision of Three Laboratory Tests for Detection of AmpC beta Lactamases in
      Klebsiella Species and E. Coli.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: AmpC beta lactamases are one of the important causes of
      drug resistance in gram negative bacteria. Failure to detect these enzymes in the
      laboratory has contributed to therapeutic failures but there are till date no
      standard guideline available. This study was therefore undertaken to evaluate
      three phenotypic laboratory tests and the inhibitors used in two of the tests to
      detect AmpC beta lactamases produced by E. coli and Klebsiella species as they
      are most commonly isolated organisms. METHODS: E. coli and Klebsiella isolates
      from different clinical samples were tested for ESBLs production as per CLSI
      guidelines and excluded from the study. The non-ESBLs isolates were then screened
      for AmpC beta lactamases production, by cefoxitin and then confirmed by three
      different methods, i.e., Disc Potentiation Test (DPT) , Double Disc Synergy Test
      (DDST) and Modified Three Dimensional Test (M3DT) which in the absence of
      molecular methods, was taken as the gold standard. Boronic acid and cloxacillin
      were used as inhibitory agents in the Disc Potentiation and Double Disc synergy
      Tests. RESULTS: A total of 2,933 isolates were tested out of which 165 isolates
      were detected as non ESBLs producers,135 (81.82%) when screened for AmpC beta
      lactamases based on resistance to cefoxitin were labelled as positive. 30
      (18.18%) cefoxitin sensitive isolates were labelled as probably non AmpC
      producers . M3DT, in addition to detecting all the 135 (100%) cefoxitin resistant
      isolates, also detected 5 (16.67%) cefoxitin sensitive isolates as AmpC
      producers. Other phenotypic tests, DPT and DDST with different inhibitors like
      boronic acid and cloxacillin in different potencies were all found to be less
      sensitive. The best results among these two methods were obtained with DDST using
      cloxacillin 500MUg. CONCLUSION: In the absence of recommended guidelines for AmpC
      detection, the study reports, among the tests performed, M3DT as the best
      phenotypic method for AmpC confirmation, as it is not only the most sensitive but
      also specific test for AmpC as it rules out the resistance due to other
      mechanisms like the porin channel.

PMID- 25120978
TI  - Clinico-Immunological Profile of Children Infected with HIV Through Vertical
      Transmission, in Southern India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Karnataka, being "High Prevalent State" of southern India, the HIV
      infection among antenatal women has crossed 1%. There are very few reports
      available with CD4 count and stage wise clinical spectrum among children. The
      clinical spectrum among HIV infected infants and children vary in different areas
      of the world. Hence it is important to know the spectrum of opportunistic
      infections and their respective CD4 count among HIV infected children of our
      locality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The opportunistic infections among 31 paediatric
      seropositive patients were evaluated. These all patients were classified as per
      CDC guide lines into stage I, stage II, and stage III based on CD4 counts of >
      1000cells/MUl, 500-999 cells/MUl,<500cells/MUl respectively. The opportunistic
      infections were diagnosed by standard laboratory investigations. Clinical
      spectrum presented by each stage children was documented. RESULTS: Children in
      stage I were 5(16.1%),stage II 14(45.1%) and stage III 12(38.7%). Oral
      candidiasis (29%) was the commonest, followed by recurrent respiratory tract
      infection (25.8%), tubercular lymphadenitis (16.1%) and chronic diarrhoea
      (12.9%). CONCLUSION: The present study showed the children with higher CD4 count
      had few infections and children with lower CD4 count presented with multiple
      opportunistic infections. This study also showed vertical transmission as the
      sole mode of transmission.

PMID- 25120979
TI  - Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori: Evaluation of Two Enzyme
      Immunoassays, Testing Serum IgG and IgA Response in the Anand District of Central
      Gujarat,India.
AB  - CONTEXT: Validation of an accurate and less cumbersome noninvasive method to
      detect current Helicobacter pylori infection is a requisite for any laboratory.
      OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to corroborate the usefulness of two
      commercially available kits NovaTec ELISA-A and ELISA-G, in the detection of
      ongoing H.pylori infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty eight
      consecutive serum samples of symptomatic patients who attended the endoscopy unit
      of "Deep" surgical hospital, Anand, which were collected during the period from
      27th February 2008 to 31st august 2011, were studied. The sera were processed and
      tested for the detection of the H.pylori IgG and IgA antibody by using a solid
      phase; capture micro well ELISA, procured from Nova Tec immunodiagnostica GmbH
      Germany. RESULTS: IgG ELISA showed 100% sensitivity and Negative predictive value
      (NPV), while IgA ELISA was better in terms of specificity (61.4%) and accuracy
      (63%) as compared to IgG ELISA. We found 7% (16/228) of IgA positive cases with
      IgG negative response. IgG response was more common in reflux esophagitis
      patients (OR 1.451, 95%CI-0.850-2.477) and then in gastritis (OR 0.962, 95%CI
      0.570-1.621) and duodenitis(OR-0.806, 95%CI-0.112-5.827), while IgA positive
      response was more common in duodenitis patients (OR-1.383, 95%CI-0.191-9.995) and
      reflux esophagitis patients (OR 1.289, 95% CI-0.756-2.197) and least in duodenal
      ulcer patients (OR 0.670, 95%CI-0.222-2.029). CONCLUSION: IgG update is reliable
      and accurate test and can be expedient as a screening test and thus serve as an
      alternative to endoscopy. For the purpose of excluding infection with H.pylori,
      the performance of IgG is moderate (low specificity) but can be improved by
      conjunctional IgA testing which will offer some additional diagnostic value.

PMID- 25120980
TI  - Plasmid Profile Analysis and bla VIM Gene Detection of Metalo beta-lactamase
      (MBL) Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Clinical Samples.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a frequent colonizer of hospitalized
      patients. They are responsible for serious infections such as meningitis,
      urological infections, septicemia and pneumonia. Carbapenem resistance of
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa is currently increasingly reported which is often mediated
      by production of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL). Multidrug resistant Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa isolates may involve reduced cell wall permeability, production of
      chromosomal and plasmid mediated beta lactamases, aminoglycosides modifying
      enzymes and an active multidrug efflux mechanism. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed
      to detect the presence and the nature of plasmids among metallo-beta-lactamase
      producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Also to detect the presence of bla VIM
      gene from these isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical isolates of Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa showing the metalo-beta-lactamase enzyme (MBL) production were
      isolated. The MBL production was confirmed by three different methods. From the
      MBL producing isolates plasmid extraction was done by alkaline lysis method.
      Plasmid positive isolates were subjected for blaVIM gene detection by PCR method.
      RESULTS: Two thousand seventy six clinical samples yielded 316 (15.22%)
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, out of which 141 (44.62%) were multidrug
      resistant. Among them 25 (17.73%) were metallo-beta-lactamase enzyme producers.
      Plasmids were extracted from 18 out of 25 isolates tested. Five out of 18
      isolates were positive for the blaVIM gene detection by the PCR amplification.
      CONCLUSION: The MBL producers were susceptible to polymyxin /colistin with MIC
      ranging from 0.5 - 2MUg/ml. Molecular detection of specific genes bla VIM were
      positive among the carbapenem resistant isolates.

PMID- 25120981
TI  - Waging war against extended spectrum Beta lactamase and metallobetalactamase
      producing pathogens- novel adjuvant antimicrobial agent cse1034- an extended
      hope.
AB  - Preamble: In the visage of multidrug resistance among gram negative bacilli, we
      look forward to carbapenem group of drugs as empiric choice in seriously ill
      patients. However increasing resistance to carbapenems, the last resort, is of
      growing concern for all. It's high time to look beyond Carbapenems and emphasize
      on Carbapenem sparers. OBJECTIVE: This study is to find the susceptibility
      pattern of the novel adjuvant antimicrobial CSE 1034 a combination of
      Ceftriaxone+sulbactam+disodium edetate for the current ESBL and MBL isolates in a
      tertiary care centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 823 gram negative
      bacterial isolates were obtained from different clinical specimens during the
      period of March, 2013 to October, 2013. The overall prevalence of
      metallobetalactamase producing gram negative organisms was 11 percent (n=91). We
      included a total of 141 clinical isolates for this study. RESULTS: Among 141
      clinical isolates, 50 isolates (35%) were ESBL producers and 91 (65%) were MBL
      producers. Maximum numbers of ESBL producers were identified in Escherichia coli
      followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Proteus spp.
      Maximum numbers of MBL producers were identified in Klebsiella pneumoniae
      followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CSE 1034 (Ceftriaxone+sulbactam+disodium
      edetate) showed fairly good in-vitro susceptibility for these ESBL and MBL
      producing isolates. It exhibited 64 % to 100% susceptibility and 18% to 22%
      intermediate sensitivity to ESBL producing isolates and 42 % to 89 % susceptible
      and 10 % to 51 % intermediate response to MBL producing isolates. CONCLUSION:
      With increasing resistance to the commonly prescribed drugs used to treat
      infections caused by variety of gram negative organisms,
      Ceftriaxone+sulbactam+disodium edetate, a novel Antibiotic Adjuvant Entity (AAE)
      may be a promising option.

PMID- 25120983
TI  - Acanthamoeba detection in the anterior chamber after therapeutic penetrating
      keratoplasty.
AB  - Acanthamoeba infection has been recognized in almost all parts of the world. With
      most of the literature focusing on contact lens related Acanthamoeba keratitis,
      ophthalmologists may hesitate to diagnose this entity in patients without lenses.
      We report the case of a patient with Acanthamoeba infection of the anterior
      chamber, unrelated to contact lens wear, diagnosed by examination of aqueous tap
      following penetrating therapeutic keratoplasty. 

PMID- 25120982
TI  - Isolation of MRSA, ESBL and AmpC - beta -lactamases from Neonatal Sepsis at a
      Tertiary Care Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The emergence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus (MRSA) and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in neonatal intensive
      care unit patients is increasing. This study aims to find out the bacteriological
      profile in neonatal sepsis and study their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern
      including detection of MRSA and ESBLs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was
      conducted for a period of one and a half years from January 2010 to June 2011 in
      a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. A total of 182 blood samples were collected
      using sterile precautions. They were processed following standard laboratory
      protocol. Antibiogram was done using appropriate antibiotics by Kirby-Bauer disc
      diffusion method. Isolated Staphylococcus aureus were tested for methicillin
      resistance using Cefoxitin disc (30MUg), ESBL was detected using combined disc
      method, MIC reduction and Polymerase chain reaction, metallobetalactamases using
      EDTA and Amp-C beta lactamases using AmpC disc test. C-reactive protein (CRP) was
      estimated for all the cases. RESULTS: Out of the 182 cases, 110 (60.4%) were
      culture positive. Fifty five (63.9 %) of early onset sepsis cases had Gram
      negative bacteria (GNB) and 19 (79.1%) of late onset sepsis cases had Gram
      positive bacteria. Out of the total pathogens, 31 (28.1%) were Klebsiella
      pneumoniae and 30 (27%) were Staphylococcus aureus. 17 (56.6 %) of Staphylococcus
      aureus were found to be MRSA and they were 100% sensitive to Vancomycin. 33
      (67.3%) of Enterobacteriaceae were ESBL producers. ESBL isolates were 100%
      sensitive to Imipenem. Three (6.1%) of Enterobacteriaceae were AmpC producers and
      3 (27.2%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were MBL producers. CRP was positive in 99
      (54.3%) cases, out of which 94 (94.9%) were culture positive. CONCLUSION:
      Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were the commonest bacteria causing
      neonatal sepsis in this centre. Multidrug resistance among the isolates was
      common. Early diagnosis and institution of specific antibiotics after studying
      the sensitivity pattern will help in reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality
      and prevent emergence of drug resistant strains.

PMID- 25120986
TI  - Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency viruses
      amongst Injecting Drug Users in Mumbai,India.

PMID- 25120984
TI  - Multidrug resistant Shigella flexneri : a rare case of septicemia in an infant.
AB  - Shigellosis is still an important public health problem in developing and under
      developed countries. It may lead to rare but potentially fatal various extra
      intestinal complications like septicemia, involvement of CNS, urinary tract and
      liver especially in young malnourished children. The disease is difficult to
      prevent as only few bacteria are required for causing infection and there is
      increasing infection with multi drug resistant strains. A 6-month-old infant
      developed septicemia caused by multi drug resistant Shigella flexneri during an
      episode of gastrointestinal infection. The patient was managed in the emergency
      ward but unfortunately the infant expired. Considering septic shock, blood
      culture, stool culture and other relevant investigations were done. Stool as well
      as blood culture yielded Shigella flexneri. The isolates were multidrug
      resistant. Following is a rare case presentation of Shigella septicemia with
      severe shock, DIC and convulsions. The case report demonstrates how shigellosis
      can lead to a rare life threatening complication and hence should be considered
      as a possibility in septicemia associated with diarrhea and vomiting in infant
      and young children. 

PMID- 25120985
TI  - Non-pigmented strain of serratia marcescens: an unusual pathogen causing
      pulmonary infection in a patient with malignancy.
AB  - Serratia marcescens is a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae. It has emerged
      in recent years as an opportunistic pathogen of nosocomial infections. Some
      biotypes of Serratia marcescens produce the non-diffusible red pigment
      prodigiosin. Though both pigmented and non-pigmented biotypes may be pathogenic
      for humans, the non-pigmented biotypes are more virulent due to cytotoxin
      production and presence of plasmids mediating antibiotic resistance. However in
      India only one study done 31 years back has reported on infections caused by non
      pigmented strains of Serratia marcescens. We present a case of a patient with
      squamous cell carcinoma of the left retromolar trigone, soft palate and buccal
      mucosa, who developed pulmonary infection with non-pigmented strain of Serratia
      marcescens. According to the available literature, this is the second report on
      infection with non-pigmented strain of Serratia marcescens from India. It is
      imperative to accurately detect the non-pigmented biotypes due to their tendency
      to cause serious and difficult to treat infections. 

PMID- 25120987
TI  - Red Cell Distribution Width and Serum BNP Level Correlation in Diabetic Patients
      with Cardiac Failure: A Cross - Sectional Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a red cell measurement given
      by fully automated hematology analyzers. It is a measure of heterogeneity in the
      size of circulating erythrocytes. Studies have shown that it is a prognostic
      marker in non - anemic diabetic patients with symptomatic cardiovascular disease
      but its correlation with cardiac failure in diabetics has not been studied so
      far. Moreover, studies have also shown that a higher RDW may reflect an
      underlying inflammatory state. Since Diabetes is a pro inflammatory state there
      is a possibility that it might have an influence on the RDW values even when
      there is no cardiac failure, but research data on this aspect is lacking. B-type
      natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a proven marker for cardiac failure whose values are
      comparable with echo cardio graphic findings in assessing the left ventricular
      dysfunction. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to find out the correlation
      between RDW% and serum BNP levels in Diabetics with heart failure (cases) when
      compared to those without failure (controls). Further, we compared the RDW %
      values of the cases with controls. Settings and Design : The study was approved
      by institutional ethical and research committee. A cross-sectional study was
      conducted with patients attending the Diabetes clinic of a tertiary care hospital
      in Chennai, India, during the period of October to December 2013. Hundred known
      cases of type II Diabetes mellitus attending Diabetes centre of the Hospital,
      with clinical and Echo cardio graphic features of cardiac failure were included
      as cases. Hundred age and gender matched diabetics with negative history of
      cardiovascular disease and with normal Echo cardio graphic features were included
      as controls. Informed consent was obtained from all the cases and controls.
      Demographic data and clinical history were gathered from all the cases and
      controls by using a standardized self - administered questionnaire. Biochemical
      and hematological parameters which included Fasting and Postprandial blood sugar,
      Glycosylated hemoglobin, Complete Blood count including RDW and serum BNP were
      performed for all the cases and controls. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: RESULTS were
      tabulated and analysed using SPSS 20.0 version RESULTS: A statistically
      significant correlation (p<.001) was found between Red cell Distribution Width %
      and Serum B type Natriuretic Peptide values in the cases. Further, RDW% showed a
      statistically significant difference between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: RDW%
      can be used as a screening parameter to identify cardiac failure in Diabetic
      patients similar to non-diabetic cardiac failure. RDW% values are significantly
      higher in cases of Diabetes with failure in comparison to uncomplicated Diabetes.

PMID- 25120989
TI  - Incidental detection microfilaria in subcutaneous breast nodule of lactating
      female fnac: a rare case report.
AB  - Filariasis is a major public health problem which is faced in tropical countries
      like India. Its diagnosis is made by using peripheral blood smears. However,
      microfilaria has been detected incidentally during FNACs of various lesions,
      which were done in clinically unsuspected cases. We are reporting here, an
      uncommon case of filariasis, which caused a nodular, subcutaneous swelling in
      left breast of a 30 year old lactating female. A nodular subcutaneous swelling
      can be caused in breast of a lactating female by lactational associated mastitis,
      but filaria causing a nodular swelling in a lactating breast is a rare
      presentation. Aspiration of the swelling demonstrated enormous pathogen presence
      caused by Woucheria bancrofti and the patient responded well to six weeks of
      daily anti-filarial treatment with diethylcarbamazine citrate. 

PMID- 25120990
TI  - Myxoid leiomyosarcoma of ovary-a rare case report.
AB  - Primary pure myxoid leiomyosarcoma of the ovary is extremely rare, comprising of
      only 1% of the ovarian tumours. Patient presented with a mass in the right iliac
      fossa since three months. Radiological diagnosis of broad ligament fibroid was
      given. Right salphingo-oophorectomy with enucleation of ischial fossa and wedge
      biopsy of left ovary was carried out. Based on gross, microscopy and
      immunohistochemistry a diagnosis of primary myxoid leiomyosarcoma of ovary was
      made. We report a rare case of primary pure myxoid leiomyosarcoma of the ovary
      with metastasis to ischial fossa emphasising on reliable prognostic markers.
      Ovarian leiomyosarcomas are highly aggressive tumours with poor prognosis. 

PMID- 25120988
TI  - Rare case of chest wall schwannoma with destruction of rib, masquerading as a
      breast mass.
AB  - Schwannomas are slow growing, benign, nerve sheath tumours of Schwann cell
      origin. They predominantly involve head, neck and flexor surfaces of upper and
      lower extremities, while the chest wall is an uncommon location for schwannomas.
      Schwannomas may rarely cause erosion of adjacent bone. We are reporting a very
      rare case of a chest wall schwannoma with destruction of rib which occurred in a
      35-year-old female patient, which initially presented as a breast mass and was
      radiologically misinterpreted as a malignant soft tissue tumour. 

PMID- 25120991
TI  - Chondrolipoma of the lower lip: a case report.
AB  - A chondrolipoma is an extremely rare form of a benign mesenchymal tumour which
      contains mature fatty tissue and cartilage. We are presenting a case of
      chondrolipoma of the lower lip which was seen in a 6-year-old girl.
      Chondrolipomas are rare neoplasms; their terminologies and pathogeneses have been
      controversial in the past. Chondrolipomas are uncommonly seen in the oral cavity,
      in children and in females. Hence, we are reporting this present case because
      rarity of this lesion. 

PMID- 25120992
TI  - Clear cell atypical fibroxantoma: a rare variant of atypical fibroxanthoma and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a superficial variant of pleomorphic malignant
      fibrous histiocytoma. Clear cell atypical fibroxanthoma (CCAFXA) is a rare
      variant of atypical fibroxanthoma. A 74-year-old male patient presented with a
      rapidly growing nodule on the shoulder, which had appeared over a 5-months
      period. Lesion was excised by the plastic surgeon. Microscopic examination showed
      an ulcerated nodule composed of pleomorphic spindled and polygonal cells with
      clear or vacuolated cytoplasm. The neoplastic cells were stained positively with
      CD68 and CD10 and were stained negative with S-100, Melan A, muscle-specific
      actin, or pan-cytokeratin. Final diagnosis was clear cell atypical fibroxanthoma.
      CCAFXA should be differentiated from other clear-cell neoplasms of the skin. Best
      of our knowledge only 11 cases CCAFXA of have been reported in published studies
      till date. Herein, we reported 12th case in literature of CCAFXA and review of
      the literature. 

PMID- 25120993
TI  - Primary ovarian mucinous carcinoma with signet ring cells - report of a rare
      case.
AB  - Presence of signet ring cells in ovarian neoplasms are commonly encountered in
      Krukenberg tumours of ovary. Unusual presence in primary ovarian mucinous tumours
      may create a diagnostic difficulty. To the best of our knowledge only very few
      such cases have been reported in the literature indicating their rarity. We
      report a case of primary ovarian mucinous carcinoma with signet ring cells. The
      purpose of this presentation is to sensitize the pathologists to consider primary
      mucinous carcinoma as a differential diagnosis in tumours with signet ring cells.

PMID- 25120994
TI  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumour of small intestine presenting as a mesenteric
      mass.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon tumors; accounts for 0.1% to
      3% of all gastrointestinal neoplasm. Most common site of involvement is stomach
      (60-70 %), small intestine (20-30 %) and rarely at extra-gastrointestinal sites
      like omentum and mesentery called as extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumor
      (EGIST). Diagnosis is based on characteristic histological findings and
      expression of transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase protein (CD 117) derived
      from activated c-kit gene. Herein, we report a case of GIST of small intestine
      presented as mesenteric mass in a 35- year-old female and discuss review of
      literature. 

PMID- 25120995
TI  - Chordoma Cutis - A Diagnosis not to be Missed.
AB  - Chordomas are rare midline tumors of the bone usually arising from sacrum, skull
      bones and spine, close to neuraxis. However an extensive involvement of the soft
      tissues can simulate a soft tissue subcutaneous tumour of the gluteal region -a
      presentation called chordoma cutis. Our patient presented with a gluteal mass and
      a trucut biopsy was done suspecting a soft tissue tumour. The hematoxylin and
      eosin stained section of the biopsy closely simulated a lipomatous tumour.
      However, on closer inspection the clear cells were found to have very fine
      vacuolations.The usual myxoid background and characteristic physaliferous cells
      seen in chordomas were not seen. Still a differential of chordoma was entertained
      in view of the site and age of the patient. Immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin
      and S-100 was performed and both were unambiguously positive. On literature
      search, we came across a soft tissue tumour called parachordoma which mimics
      chordoma both morphologically and immunohistochemically and has also been
      reported in the gluteal region. An MRI was performed which showed the tumour to
      be arising from the sacrum and secondarily involving the gluteal soft tissues.
      This case highlights the importance of considering chordoma in the differential
      diagnosis of gluteal masses with clear cell morphology even in the absence of
      physaliferous cells and myxoid background before signing them out as lipomatous
      tumours. 

PMID- 25120996
TI  - A rare presentation of gallbladder carcinoma metastasis.
AB  - Gallbladder carcinoma is the 5th most common gastrointestinal cancer. Gallbladder
      cancer preferentially metastasizes to regional lymph nodes and liver parenchyma.
      Bone metastases from gallbladder carcinoma are rare presentation. We report a
      case of gallbladder carcinoma with solitary metastasis to femur bone with
      surrounding soft tissue involvement, mimicking as soft tissue tumour involving
      bone. 

PMID- 25120997
TI  - Comparative efficacy of two different dosages of intrathecal magnesium sulphate
      supplementation in subarachnoid block.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal anaesthesia is the primary anaesthetic technique for many
      types of surgeries. Adjuncts to the local anaesthetics (LA) used in spinal
      anaesthesia can exhibit undesirable side-effects like respiratory depression,
      urinary retention, pruritis, haemodynamic instability and nausea and vomiting,
      limiting their use. Magnesium when used in therapeutic doses avoids all of these
      side-effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized double blind study
      on 90 patients, 30 in each group, scheduled for orthopaedic lower limb surgery
      under subarachnoid block. Group I: received bupivacaine (0.5%), 12.5 mg + 0.5 ml
      of preservative free 0.9% normal saline, Group II received bupivacaine (0.5%),
      12.5 mg + 0.2 ml (50 mg) of preservative free 25 % magnesium sulphate + 0.3 ml of
      preservative free 0.9% normal saline Group III: received bupivacaine (0.5%) 12.5
      mg + 0.3 ml (75 mg) of 25 % magnesium sulphate + 0.2 ml of preservative free 0.9%
      normal saline for subarachnoid block. The onset and duration of sensory block,
      the highest dermatomal level of sensory block, motor block, time to complete
      motor block recovery and duration of spinal anaesthesia were recorded.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: ANOVA was applied to determine the significance of
      difference between different groups. If p-value was significant then Turkey's
      Post Hoc Multicomparison test was applied. Values of p<0.05 were considered to be
      statistically significant. RESULTS: The time of maximum sensory block, time of
      onset of motor block, duration of sensory block, duration of motor block and time
      of analgesia request were prolonged in patients given magnesium 50mg and 75mg
      along with local anaesthetic intrathecally. CONCLUSION: N-methyl-D-aspartate
      (NMDA) receptor antagonist, magnesium when administered intrathecally along with
      local anaesthetics prolongs the duration of spinal analgesia without adverse
      effects.

PMID- 25120999
TI  - Antidepressant effect of ketamine in sub anaesthetic doses in male albino mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression is the most common mental disorder in community settings,
      and is a major cause of disability across the world. Antidepressants such as SSRI
      (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) and TCA (Tricyclic antidepressants) are
      used. These drugs affect the adrenergic and serotonergic pathways. These drugs
      have an unfavorable side effect profile, take longer time to act and are not very
      effective in resistant cases. Alternate pathways involving the glutamate
      receptors have also been linked with depression, hence Ketamine an NMDA
      antagonist was evaluated for the antidepressant effect. AIM: To study the
      antidepressant effect of ketamine in subanaesthetic doses in male albino mice.
      STUDY DESIGN, MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a randomized controlled animal
      study done on 30 male albino BALB/c mice divided into five groups with Imipramine
      (10mg/kg) as the standard drug and Ketamine in varying doses (5, 7.5, 10 mg/kg)
      as the test drug. The animal model used was the forced swim test. The reduction
      in immobility time was taken as the index of the antidepressant effect.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were analysed with the one way ANOVA test using
      SPSS version 12. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The data analysis showed that Ketamine
      at a dose lower dose of Ketamine (5mg/kg) did not show a significant
      antidepressant effect in contrast to the higher doses (7.5 and 10mg/kg) which
      showed significant antidepressant effect ('p' > 0.05). The inference of this
      study is that Ketamine has significant antidepressant property at variable dose
      ranges and further studies can be done on these lines.

PMID- 25120998
TI  - Beneficial effects of nebivolol in comparison with atenolol on safety and
      tolerability in essential hypertension.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypertension, "The silent killer" is a multifactorial disorder
      which is asymptomatic and if left untreated leads to lethal complications.
      Nebivolol is a third generation beta blocker with additional vasodilating
      property due to nitric oxide release. AIM: The current study aims to assess
      efficacy and safety of Nebivolol and compare with Atenolol. METHODS: This was
      prospective, double blind, comparative controlled clinical study. Total 90
      patients were enrolled into study as per selection criteria. Patients were
      randomized to receive Atenolol and Nebivolol with 45 patients in each group for
      12 weeks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The mean reduction diastolic blood pressure in
      Nebivolol and Atenolol group was 10.77+/-2.60 and 10.05+/-2.83 respectively. The
      number of patients with adverse effect events was higher in the Atenolol than in
      the Nebivolol group (36.84% of Atenolol Vs 12.82% of Nebivolol). Thus it can be
      concluded that, for the same antihypertensive effect, Nebivolol was better
      tolerated than Atenolol.

PMID- 25121000
TI  - Comparative study of high dose mono-therapy of amlodipine or telmisartan, and
      their low dose combination in mild to moderate hypertension.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is one of the major public health challenges
      worldwide. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and Calcium channel blockers
      (CCBs) are among the first line antihypertensive drugs. However, optimal
      treatment strategies in mild to moderate hypertensives who failed to achieve
      blood pressure (BP) control with low-dose mono-therapy are not well established.
      This study was done to compare efficacy and safety of high dose mono-therapy of
      Amlodipine, Telmisartan and their low dose combination in mild to moderate
      hypertensives who failed to achieve BP control with low dose mono-therapy of
      either drug. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 96 patients, fulfilling inclusion
      and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed
      consent. Patients were randomized into three treatment groups i.e. Telmisartan 80
      mg, Amlodipine 10 mg and low dose combination of Telmisartan 40 mg +Amlodipine 5
      mg once daily for two months. The systolic BP, Diastolic BP, and ADRs were
      recorded at 0, 2, 4, 8 weeks. RESULTS: In the present study, significant
      reduction of mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mean diastolic blood pressure
      (DBP) was seen in all the three treatment groups. Low dose combination of
      Amlodipine 5 mg and Telmisartan 40 mg showed statistically significant reduction
      in SBP as compared to Telmisartan 80 mg mono-therapy and in DBP as compared to
      Amlodipine 10 mg mono-therapy. Maximum adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were
      reported in Amlodipine mono-therapy group, like ankle oedema, constipation,
      headache and fatigue. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In term of BP control, low-dose
      combination therapy appears a better therapeutic approach than high-dose mono
      therapy.

PMID- 25121001
TI  - Comparative Study of Lithotripsy and PCNL for 11-15 mm Lower Caliceal Calculi In
      Community Health Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is not a popular
      procedure in smaller sized calculi due to its invasive nature, complications and
      need for anesthesia. Small sized lower caliceal calculi are generally treated by
      ESWL but have significantly less clearance rate in spite of several sittings.
      Here we want to study the efficacy and safe of both procedures in 11 to 15 mm
      lower caliceal calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present comparative study of
      lithotripsy and PCNL in 11-15 mm lower caliceal calculi in our hospital. Total
      156 patients were studied 78 underwent lithotripsy and 78 underwent PCNL. We
      compared results in the form of clearance rate, the number of settings needed,
      hospital stay, need for anesthesia, blood transfusion rate, chest complication,
      the incidence of sepsis, the need for another procedure, need for stenting in
      either group. RESULTS: We found a 67.95% clearance rate in SWL group and 97.43%
      clearance rate in PCNL group. Hospital stay was minimum in SWL group and was 46
      hours in PCNL group. The procedure time was 42 minutes in PCNL and it was 114
      mins in SWL (considering all settings). The rest of the complications like chest
      complication, sepsis and bleeding were negligible due to the small size of
      calculi. CONCLUSION: In a small sized LPC calculi, PCNL is gaining increased
      popularity due to lower complication and high safety and complete clearance rate.
      It is wide accepted by society as the patient is totally stone free at the end of
      the procedure. SWL is less invasive but less effective and has given significant
      discomfort to patients.

PMID- 25121002
TI  - Evaluation of the Hepato and Nephron-Protective Effect of a Polyherbal Mixture
      using Wistar Albino Rats.
AB  - AIM: A polyherbal formulation prepared from a mixture of leaves of Gongronema
      latifolia, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina (GOV) was evaluated for
      hepato-nephro protective properties against acetaminophen-induced toxicity in
      Wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal Wistar albino rats were orally
      treated with different doses of GOV extract (2, 4 and 8 g/kg b. wt), distilled
      water and some standard hepatoprotective drugs such as Liv 52 and silymarin for
      14 days. However, a day prior to the 14th day, 3 g/kg body weight dose of
      Acetaminophen (APAP) was administered p.o. 1h before GOV and the standard drugs
      to induce hepatic and renal damage. The normal control was setup which received
      only distilled water. The serum levels of liver marker enzymes, biochemical
      analytes, antioxidant enzymes and hematological parameters were monitored.
      RESULTS: The results showed that pretreatment of experimental animals with a
      different doses of the polyherbal formulation dose dependently caused a
      significant (p<=0.05) increase in the levels of most of the measured
      hematological parameters but significantly (p<=0.05) reduced the levels of MCV
      and monocytes when compared to the APAP induced toxin control group. Rats
      pretreated with GOV exhibited significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum levels of
      ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Urea and a subsequent
      decrease in Albumin, Creatine and Total protein when compared to the normal rats.
      This trend in enzyme and biochemical analytes levels were significantly (p <
      0.05) reversed when compared to toxin control group. GOV significantly (p < 0.05)
      and dose dependently increased the serum, kidney and hepatic CAT, GPx, GSH, GST,
      SOD and total protein activity in APAP induced damage in rats compared to the
      toxin control groups. CONCLUSION: The data from this study suggest that the
      polyherbal formulation possess hepato and nephron-protective potential against
      acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in rats, thus providing scientific rationale
      for its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of liver diseases.

PMID- 25121003
TI  - Pharmacotherapy of Bipolar Affective Disorder: A Hospital based Study from Sub
      Himalayan Valley of Nepal.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In Bipolar disorder the mood of the patients fluctuates between
      depression and mania. The main objective of the study was to find out the
      commonest mood stabilizers used for the treatment of Bipolar affective disorders
      in Western Nepal in hospitalized patients in an actual clinical set up. METHODS:
      This was a cross-sectional study which was conducted between October 2009 and
      September 2010 at Psychiatric ward at Manipal teaching hospital, Pokhara, Nepal,
      a tertiary care hospital situated in Western Nepal. The diagnosis of the disease
      was based on ICD-10 (Tenth revision) Classification of mental and Behavioural
      disorders, Diagnostic Criteria for Research. We calculated odds ratio and their
      95% confidence intervals (95% CI). p< 0.05 was considered as statistically
      significant. RESULTS: 62.1% of the patients were less than 40 yrs, 56.3% were
      male, 72.4% were unemployed and 75.9% of the patients were having monthly income
      <10,000/month. As far as ethnicity is concerned 37.9% of the cases were Brahmin
      and by occupation 29.9% of the patients were students followed by housewife
      25.3%, labour 17.2%, retired 13.8% respectively. Drugs and Psychotherapy [OR 1.4,
      95% (CI 0.575, 3.4017)] was prescribed in age <40 years as compared to age>40
      yrs. Male patients [OR 7.22, 95% (CI 0.862, 60.499)] and [OR 2.353, 95% (CI
      0.857, 6.455)] received drugs by trade names and drugs not from the national drug
      list of Nepal as compared to females. Monthly income <10,000/month and [OR 2.8,
      95% (CI 0.742, 10.56)] tendency of receiving drugs by trade names. Among the mood
      elevators Sodium valproate was the commonest drug to be prescribed in
      51/87(58.6%) patients followed by Lithium in 30/87 (34.5%) cases and
      Carbamazepine in 6/87 (6.9%) cases. Sodium valproate was prescribed at 1,000
      mg/day, Lithium was prescribed at 900 mg/day in and Carbamazepine was prescribed
      at 800 mg/day. CONCLUSION: Among all the mood elevators Sodium valproate is the
      commonest drug prescribed for the treatment of bipolar affective disorder,
      recommended that there is a trend of using newer drugs like sodium valproate
      rather than the conventional mood stabilizers like Lithium for bipolar affective
      disorder in Western Development region of Nepal.

PMID- 25121004
TI  - Garenoxacin in Skin and Skin Structure Infections Sustained due to Road Traffic
      Accident.
AB  - Skin and soft tissue infections represent a continuum of symptoms that range from
      uncomplicated cellulitis to the potentially lethal entity necrotizing fasciitis
      that is often considered to be microbial invasions of the epidermis, dermis and
      subcutaneous tissues. Garenoxacin, a newer oral des-fluoroquinolone having potent
      antimicrobial activity against wide variety of common pathogens involved in skin
      and skin structure infections (SSTIs), including the resistant strains offer the
      advantage of broad spectrum of coverage including gram positive, gram negative
      and anaerobic organisms. This case study indicates the utility of garenoxacin in
      treating skin and soft tissue infections caused by road traffic accidents. 

PMID- 25121005
TI  - A Population based Study on Alcoholism among Adult Males in a Rural Area, Tamil
      Nadu, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: India's reputation as a country with a culture of abstinence
      especially in matters regarding alcohol is underserved. There has been a rapid
      proliferation of city bars and nightclubs in recent years and people are fast
      shedding its inhibitions about alcohol as a lifestyle choice. This scenario has
      led to fears of an undocumented rise in alcohol abuse among all sections of
      society. Policies by the government has been laid down to regulate sales and
      pricing of alcohol, but not well improvised. Our aim was to find out the
      prevalence of alcoholism among adult males in a rural population and also to
      analyze its association between various factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross
      sectional study in a rural population at Kuthampakkam village, in Poonamallee
      block of Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu, India. The study population included
      adult male population. Simple random sampling method was adopted. A structured
      questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the background
      characteristics, history of alcoholism and certain social factors. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS: Data entry and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social
      Sciences (SPSS) version 15 software. Descriptive statistics were calculated for
      background variables and the prevalence of the alcoholism. Chi-square test and p
      value were calculated to see the association between alcoholism and social
      factors. RESULTS: A total of 157 adult male were enrolled in the study. The mean
      age of the study participants was 37.20 years. The prevalence of alcoholism among
      the study participants was 35.7%. Among them only 4.5% who presented with
      symptoms of chronic alcoholism had taken treatment. Reasons for not taking
      treatment for alcoholism among study population were mainly due to their family
      problems (55.2%). CONCLUSION: Although alcohol consumption has existed for many
      centuries, the quantity, usage pattern, and resultant problems have undergone
      substantial changes over the past 20 years. These developments have raised
      concerns about the public health and social consequences. Awareness among the
      population and necessary rehabilitation and self-help programs will help in
      bringing down the prevalence of alcoholism.

PMID- 25121006
TI  - Stressing 'mental stress' in hypertension: a rural background study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations and demands.
      Mental stress or psychosocial stress is one of the major risk factor for
      hypertension which itself is the risk factor for various other cardiovascular
      diseases. OBJECTIVES: To find out the prevalence of hypertension among rural
      study population above 40 years of age and analyze the relationship between
      mental stress and Hypertension amongst them. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional
      descriptive study was undertaken in rural Maharashtra from January 2007 till
      December 2008. Systematic random sampling was done to cover 3600 sample size
      above 40 years of age. A protocol was devised containing requisite items of socio
      demographic data and data was collected from individual households with the help
      of ancillary staff. Mental stress score based on Presumptive stressful life event
      score (PSLES) was used. For statistical analysis, Chi-square test, F-test and Z
      test were used. RESULTS: Prevalence of hypertension was found to be 5.92%. Males
      had maximum cases of hypertension [169 (7.27%)] compared to females [44 (3.44%)]
      which was statistically significant (chi2 = 21.63, p < 0.001). The rise in number
      of cases with increasing age was observed. Significant number of cases [127
      (7.68%, p= 0.00006)] were found in study population belonging to 'More stress'
      group. Mean mental stress score of hypertensive study subjects was significantly
      higher (219) than normotensive study subjects (157). Males had significant higher
      stress score in both hypertensive and Normotensive group. CONCLUSION: Total 213
      cases of hypertension were detected (5.92%). As the stress increases, risk of
      hypertension increases. Statistically significant association was found between
      mental stress and hypertension for males. But in females, no such association was
      found. Mental stress definitely acts as risk factor for hypertension. Invention,
      propagation and practical application of various stress relieving measures &
      exercises should be done.

PMID- 25121007
TI  - Same dog bite and different outcome in two cases - case report.
AB  - There is still no cure for rabies and survival from clinical rabies is extremely
      rare. It is a preventable disease if the post exposure prophylaxis is initiated
      in time and administered as per WHO guidelines including administration of rabies
      immunoglobulin. The role of passive rabies immunization products is to provide
      the immediate availability of neutralizing antibodies at the site of the exposure
      before it is physiologically possible for the patient to begin producing his or
      her own antibodies after vaccination. In this case report, the same dog has
      bitten to a boy and to an adult. Local wound treatment and use of human rabies
      immunoglobulin as well as gluteal region as a site of bite were the probable
      reasons for survival of the boy. On the other hand no local wound treatment, no
      use of rabies immunoglobulin and finger as a site of bite are the probable
      reasons for death of an adult due to rabies. 

PMID- 25121008
TI  - Topical vs Combination Ciprofloxacin in the Management of Discharging Chronic
      Suppurative Otitis Media.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the microbial flora and determine the efficacy of topical
      ciprofloxacin ear drops in comparison with combination of topical and oral
      ciprofloxacin as first line management in patients diagnosed with chronic
      suppurative otitis media. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective randomized
      interventional clinical trial on 100 patients who presented with an acute episode
      of CSOM to our outpatient department. RESULTS: In our study, topical
      ciprofloxacin therapy was found to be an effective treatment for an acute on
      chronic otitis media as was the combination therapy though the overall recurrence
      rate was found to be more in the former group. CONCLUSION: In the absence of
      systemic infection or serious underlying disease, topical antibiotics alone
      constitute first line treatment for most patients with chronic suppurative otitis
      media, finding no evidence that systemic antibiotics alone or in combination with
      topical preparations improve treatment outcomes compared with topical antibiotics
      alone.

PMID- 25121009
TI  - Recurrent angiofibroma of ethmoid region - a rare variant.
AB  - The common variant of angiofibromas of head and neck region is juvenile
      nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA). However extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas
      (ENAF) occurs very rarely at any age in either sex, and they differ from
      classical JNA in incidence, clinical and radiological presentation. They form the
      differential diagnosis for any mass nose or nasal polyp. We present a case of
      recurrent angiofibroma of ethmoid region presented with recurrent lesion with
      bilateral proptosis and bossing of forehead. MRI showed involvement of bilateral
      nasal cavities, ethmoids and frontal sinuses with erosions of ethmoid roof and
      posterior table of frontal sinuses. Entire mass was excised by craniofacial
      resection which was histopathologically confirmed as Angiofibroma. 

PMID- 25121010
TI  - Atrophic rhinitis presenting with ethmoidal mucocele: a case report.
AB  - Atrophic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic debilitating nasal mucosal disease
      predominantly prevalent in tropical countries. In the present case a 70-year-old
      female presented with a swelling in the right medial canthal area for six months
      and had features of Atrophic rhinitis with large septal perforation leading to
      saddle nose deformity. Computed tomography pictures were suggestive of ethmoidal
      mucocele and was later decompressed endoscopically. The sequelae and
      complications of AR like nasal septal perforation, saddle nose deformity, chronic
      rhinosinusitis (CRS), local and systemic spread of infection, atrophic
      pharyngitis, laryngitis, dacryocystitis and nasal myiasis have been reported in
      literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of AR
      presenting with ethmoidal mucocele. A case of AR with CRS is to be treated with
      caution as it can lead to complications as it is often neglected. 

PMID- 25121011
TI  - Evaluation of outcome of corrective ulnar osteotomy with bone grafting and
      annular ligament reconstruction in neglected monteggia fracture dislocation in
      children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neglected Monteggia fracture dislocation in the paediatric age
      group constitutes significant disability in respect to pain, stiffness,
      deformity, neurological compromise and restriction of activities of daily living.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal prospective study was done on 21 children
      with old Monteggia fracture-dislocation which included 18 cases of Bado type I
      and 3 cases of Bado type III at the department of orthopaedics, IPGME&R,SSKM
      hospital, Kolkata, India between 2007 and 2012. All were treated by modified
      Hirayama corrective osteotomy of ulna with wedge bone grafting along with
      restoration of its length and reconstruction of annular ligament using Bell Tawse
      method and fixation of radial head with transcapitellar Kirschner wire. Average
      follow up period was 5.5 years. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: Results were evaluated on
      the basis of 100 point Mayo Elbow Performance Index, radiology and questionnaire.
      The mean postoperative increase in Mayo Elbow Performance Index score was 30 with
      average increase in the range of movement by 30o. In three cases, there was
      subluxation of radial head and in addition one had transient palsy of posterior
      interosseous nerve. Three cases showed distortion of the radial head which were
      insignificant functionally. Results of improvement in mean MEPI were analysed by
      chi-square test and was significant at 0 .01 level of significance. CONCLUSION:
      Study showed good results with modified Hirayama osteotomy with annular ligament
      reconstruction using Bell Tawse procedure which is a more biological option for
      restoration of elbow biomechanics.

PMID- 25121012
TI  - Vibration Therapy in Management of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
AB  - Both athletic and nonathletic population when subjected to any unaccustomed or
      unfamiliar exercise will experience pain 24-72 hours postexercise. This exercise
      especially eccentric in nature caused primarily by muscle damage is known as
      delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This damage is characterized by muscular
      pain, decreased muscle force production, reduce range of motion and discomfort
      experienced. DOMS is due to microscopic muscle fiber tears. The presence of DOMS
      increases risk of injury. A reduced range of motion may lead to the incapability
      to efficiently absorb the shock that affect physical activity. Alterations to
      mechanical motion may increase strain placed on soft tissue structures. Reduced
      force output may signal compensatory recruitment of muscles, thus leading to
      unaccustomed stress on musculature. Differences in strength ratios may also cause
      excessive strain on unaccustomed musculature. A range of interventions aimed at
      decreasing symptoms of DOMS have been proposed. Although voluminous research has
      been done in this regard, there is little consensus among the practitioners
      regarding the most effective way of treating DOMS. Mechanical oscillatory motion
      provided by vibration therapy. Vibration could represent an effective exercise
      intervention for enhancing neuromuscular performance in athletes. Vibration has
      shown effectiveness in flexibility and explosive power. Vibration can apply
      either local area or whole body vibration. Vibration therapy improves muscular
      strength, power development, kinesthetic awareness, decreased muscle sore,
      increased range of motion, and increased blood flow under the skin. VT was
      effective for reduction of DOMS and regaining full ROM. Application of whole body
      vibration therapy in postexercise demonstrates less pressure pain threshold,
      muscle soreness along with less reduction maximal isometric and isokinetic
      voluntary strength and lower creatine kinase levels in the blood. 

PMID- 25121013
TI  - A Study of Etiological Pattern in an Epidemic of Acute Febrile Illness during
      Monsoon in a Tertiary Health Care Institute of Uttarakhand, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many parts of India are endemic for the dengue, malaria, typhoid and
      scrub typhus infections. The relative contribution of these illnesses in an
      outbreak of acute febrile illness is not known in this region. OBJECTIVE: The
      present study was conducted to find out the etiological pattern in an epidemic of
      acute febrile illness in Uttarakhand during the monsoon period. The study also
      focuses on concurrent infections and tries to find out the mortality outcomes.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of four months was conducted on 1141
      patients who presented with fever, and were suspected to have dengue, malaria,
      typhoid or scrub typhus. Patients of 12-years of age or above were included in
      the study. Serological tests for dengue, malaria, typhoid and scrub typhus were
      performed. Slides for malaria parasite were examined. In case of enteric fever
      only culture positive cases were included in the study. RESULT: Among the 1141
      febrile patients dengue was detected in 812(71.2 %), malaria in 146(12.8%),
      typhoid in 92(8.1%) and scrub typhus in 69(6.0%) cases. Mixed infection was noted
      in 22(1.9%). CONCLUSION: Maximum (71.2 %) cases of fever were caused by dengue
      but significant number (32.3%) of patients suffered from malaria typhoid and
      scrub typhus. Many (1.9%) suffered from concurrent and multiple infections.

PMID- 25121014
TI  - Microbiological Profile and Drug Sensitivity Pattern among Community Acquired
      Pneumonia Patients in Tertiary Care Centre in Mangalore, Coastal Karnataka,
      India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is the most common respiratory
      tract infection in day to day practice. The knowledge of organism commonly
      causative of CAP helps in early empirical treatment initiation. AIM: To study the
      microbiological profile of patients with community acquired pneumonia and to
      study drug sensitivity pattern. METHODS: Hospital based cross sectional study
      among 100 patients with CAP was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Southern
      India. Sputum culture showed that out of 100 patients 39 had an identifiable
      etiology with 12 patients having evidence of mixed infection. RESULT: Micro
      organisms isolated in sputum culture were Streptococcus pneumoniae (31%) followed
      by, Pseudomonas pyogens (15%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13%). AFB smear was found
      to be positive in 6 patients. Organisms were found to be sensitive for
      piperacillin plus tazobactum (41%), aminoglycocides (amikacin-46%, gentamicin
      31%), third generation cephalosporins (Cefotaxim-36%, Ceftriaxone-18%) and
      macrolides (Erythromicin-31%, Azithromycin-18%). Sensitivity to chloramphenicol
      was observed in 31% sputum culture positive patients. Ciprofloxacin sensitivity
      was seen among 49%. CONCLUSION: Most of the organisms were found to be sensitive
      to monotherapy with extended spectrum beta lactamases, third generation
      cephalosporins, fluroquinolones, macrolides.

PMID- 25121015
TI  - Ischaemic Stroke Following Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA):
      A Rare Complication.
AB  - Stroke following coronary interventions is a devastating and most dreaded
      complication with significant morbidity and mortality. Various factors have been
      ascribed for this complication including the technical errors. We hereby describe
      such a patient who presented to us with the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome
      and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) but unfortunately
      developed left sided hemiparesis due to ischaemic stroke (right middle cerebral
      artery). She was managed as per the standard treatment protocols for acute
      coronary syndrome and later on for ischaemic stroke which she nicely responded to
      and was discharged in a haemodynamically stable condition. On follow-up after 15
      days, she was totally symptom-free. We will discuss all the possible preventive
      and treatment measures for this rare complication of (PCI). 

PMID- 25121016
TI  - Bi-opercular Syndrome: A Case Report and Minireview.
AB  - Opercular syndrome is a well known but neglected entity and is quite common, but
      it is difficult for non-neurologists to diagnose this entity because of lack of
      awareness. Inability to speak and swallow with dissociation of automatic
      voluntary movements in the affected muscles are the essential features of this
      syndrome. The aetiology in most of the reported cases is vascular (thrombosis or
      embolism) involving branches of middle cerebral artery supplying the opercular
      area. We are reporting a case of "bilateral opercular syndrome" caused by stroke
      in a young patient. He had sudden onset of bilateral facial and tongue palsy,
      inability to speak and swallow, but with preserved automatic functions. He was
      mute but verbal comprehension was normal. CT head revealed bilateral perisylvian
      infarcts. 

PMID- 25121017
TI  - Churg strauss syndrome - a case report.
AB  - A male aged 45-years presented with complaints of fever for 7days, cough,
      breathlessness for 4 days, tingling of hands, feet and weakness of both hands and
      feet for 4 days duration. He was a known asthmatic with history of recurrent
      sinusitis in the past. On examination he had bilateral polyphonic wheeze and
      evidence of distal asymmetric sensory neuropathy with motor weakness. And on
      investigation he had eosinophilia, pulmonary function test showed reversible
      airway obstruction,nerve conduction studies revealed mononeuritis multiplex,
      muscle biopsy suggestive of eosinophilia infiltration, nerve biopsy suggestive of
      vacuities, 2DECHO showed RWMA in inter ventricular septum, Coronary angiogram
      showed narrowing in distal LAD territory. In view of sinusitis, asthma,
      eosinophilia, tissue infiltration by eosinophils we made a diagnosis of Churg
      Strauss syndrome. 

PMID- 25121018
TI  - Multiple abdominal veins thrombosis secondary to protein s deficiency - a case
      report.
AB  - Abdominal venous thrombosis may present either as Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS)
      caused by hepatic vein or proximal inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction or as an
      extra hepatic portal obstruction (EHPVO) caused by Portal vein thrombosis or
      mesenteric vein thrombosis, but a mixed involvement is uncommon. Multiple
      abdominal venous obstructions presenting with thrombosis of hepatic vein, IVC,
      portal vein and renal vein are very rarely seen . We are reporting a rare case
      with thrombosis of IVC, hepatic vein, portal vein and renal vein, with protein S
      and protein C deficiencies, which was managed by giving anticoagulant therapy. 

PMID- 25121019
TI  - High blood pressure in dialysis patients: cause, pathophysiology, influence on
      morbidity, mortality and management.
AB  - Dialysis is initiated in a patient with End stage renal disease. The recent
      guidelines suggest the initiation of dialysis when symptoms and signs of kidney
      failure are present and not merely a decrease in GFR. The most common
      complication postdialysis is the occurrence of hypotension. However many dialysis
      patients are found to be hypertensive. In this article, we mention the cause and
      pathophysiology of hypertension in dialysis patients and its management. 

PMID- 25121020
TI  - Burden of antibiotic resistance in common infectious diseases: role of antibiotic
      combination therapy.
AB  - Globally, antimicrobial resistance is alarming concern especially in commonly
      reported disease entities like respiratory tract infection, enteric fever and
      infections associated with gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Rational use of
      antimicrobial drugs reported significant decrease in bacterial burden and may
      also reduce the risk of disease progression. However, at times in particular
      indication, certain patient and pathogen factor limits the selection and use of
      specific antibiotic therapy while in some case, due to presence of additional
      risk factor, aggressive therapy is required to achieve clinical reemission and
      prevent complications. Delay in start of suitable antibiotic therapy is another
      imperative factor for treatment failure and rise of drug resistance. With rapidly
      increasing antibiotic resistance and decline in new antibiotic drug development,
      the toughest challenge remains to maintain and preserve the efficacy of currently
      available antibiotics. Therefore, the best rational approach to fight these
      infections is to 'hit early and hit hard' and kills drug-susceptible bacteria
      before they become resistant. The preferred approach is to deploy two antibiotics
      that produce a stronger effect in combination than if either drug were used
      alone. Various society guidelines in particular indications also justify and
      recommend the use of combination of antimicrobial therapy. Combination therapies
      have distinct advantage over monotherapy in terms of broad coverage, synergistic
      effect and prevention of emergence of drug resistance. 

PMID- 25121021
TI  - Penile incarceration with encircling metallic objects: a study of successful
      removal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article aimed to study the various treatment options according to
      the grading scale for penile incarceration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective review, of all the case files of patients presented with penile
      incarceration with encircling metallic object was performed. The patients were
      analyzed for age, marital status, motive, object used, who applied it, trauma
      grade, duration of incarceration, removal technique, removal time, anesthesia
      used and recovery time. RESULT: A total of seven patients were identified. The
      average age was 46.71 years. Self-sexual gratification was the most common motive
      (five patients). Six patients presented within 24 hours. Grade II of injury was
      commonest type of injury seen in five patients.The technique of removal chosen
      was according to grade of penile injury, duration of incarceration and type of
      object used. Spinal anesthesia was used in most of the cases (five patients).
      CONCLUSION: Penile incarceration with encircling metallic objects is a rare
      presentation and requires urgent intervention according to trauma grade to
      prevent complications.

PMID- 25121022
TI  - To study the levels of C - reactive protein and total leucocyte count in patients
      operated of open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recovery from laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is rapid and most
      of the patients are discharged on the 1st post-operative day. There is an
      increased concentration of certain serum proteins, known as acute-phase reactive
      proteins (APRP) during the post-operative period depends on the degree of tissue
      damage and the inflammatory reaction. There is a direct positive correlation
      between the concentrations of APRP, especially C-reactive protein (CRP), and the
      severity of inflammation. This study was done to study the levels of C - reactive
      protein and Total Leucocyte Count in patients operated either by Open
      Cholecystectomy (OC) and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 50 patients after approval from
      the Institutional Ethics Committee. Twenty five patients underwent open
      cholecystectomy and the other 25 had laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The pre and
      post operative concentrations of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and total
      leukocyte count (TLC) were compared in both the groups. RESULTS: There were no
      differences in the preoperative serum CRP and TLC concentrations - in both the
      groups. Serum CRP rose significantly following OC compared to that of patients
      who underwent LC (10.52 +/- 1.96 mg% vs. 8.88 +/- 1.23 mg %). There were also
      significant differences in the post-operative TLC ( 9.49 +/- 1.05 m/mm3 for the
      OC group vs. 8.57 +/- 1.31 m/mm3 for the LC group), and the post-operative
      hospital stay (5.5 +/-1.5 days vs. 1.9 +/- 0.9 days). There was no correlation
      between serum CRP concentrations and the other post-operative parameters.
      CONCLUSION: The study provided the biochemical evidence supporting the clinical
      observation that LC is far less traumatic to the patient than OC.

PMID- 25121023
TI  - Clinical examination allied to ultrasonography in the assessment of new onset
      gynaecomastia: an observational study.
AB  - AIM: New onset gynaecomastia is a relatively common presentation to breast
      surgical services. The main aim of clinical and radiological evaluation is to
      exclude the presence of concurrent breast cancer. There exists much variability
      in the clinical assessment of male patients presenting with new onset
      gynaecomastia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the presented pilot study, all the male
      patients presenting with new onset gynaecomastia to our department over a period
      of two years were studied. RESULTS: Fifty three patients presented with new onset
      gynaecomastia during the study period. Clinical examination allied with
      ultrasonography confirmed benign breast disease in 50 patients with only three
      patient requiring breast biopsy to exclude malignancy. We detail the efficacy of
      utilising clinical examination in conjunction with ultrasonography to evaluate
      new onset gynaecomastia. CONCLUSIONS: We show that clinical examination used in
      conjunction with ultrasonography is both highly sensitive and specific for
      detecting male breast cancer in patients presenting with new onset gynaecomastia.

PMID- 25121024
TI  - Isolated duodenal adenoma presenting as gastrointestinal bleed - a case report.
AB  - Duodenal polyps are rare lesions in patients undergoing Esophago-gastro
      duodenoscopy (EGD), and the prevalence varies widely with range of 0.3-4.6% of
      cases. Duodenal adenomas most commonly occur in association with familial
      adenomatous polyposis. Isolated occurrence of such adenomas is very rare and
      presentation as upper gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage is even rarer. We herein
      report a case of elderly male patient presenting to emergency department with
      features of upper GI bleeding. Patient was resuscitated followed by EGD was done.
      On EGD bleeding duodenal polyp was found and endoscopic polypectomy was done to
      control the bleeding. Subsequent colonoscopy was done and was normal. The
      histopathological examination of the polypectomy specimen revealed tubular
      adenomatous polyp which is a premalignant condition. We also highlight the
      clinical presentation, histological types and treatment modalities available in
      the literature. However, there is lack of consensus regarding the outcome of
      various procedure described in the literature. 

PMID- 25121026
TI  - Extraocular sebaceous carcinoma on the chest wall - a case report.
AB  - Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare aggressive skin cancer derived from the epithelium
      of sebaceous glands. Sebaceous carcinomas are generally divided as ocular or
      extraocular locations. Very few cases of extra ocular sebaceous carcinomas have
      been reported till date. Among them only six cases were reported which were on
      the chest wall. We are hereby reporting the seventh case of sebaceous carcinoma
      on the chest wall. The disease exhibits diverse clinical presentations and
      histologic patterns, often resulting in a delay in an accurate diagnosis as it
      may mimic many other cutaneous malignancies like Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance
      Basal Cell Carcinoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma. High degree of suspicion is
      required and sebaceous carcinoma should be considered as one of the differential
      diagnosis for an ulceroproliferative growth on the skin. 

PMID- 25121025
TI  - Isolated splenic hydatidosis.
AB  - A 27-year-old female presented with pain in the left hypochondrium for the past
      six months. An abdominal examination revealed mild splenomegaly. An abdominal
      ultrasonography showed two cystic lesions at the superior pole of the spleen.
      Contrast enhanced CT scan abdomen confirmed the USG findings, demonstrating
      splenomegaly with nonenhancing cystic lesions having internal septations and
      suspicious daughter cysts within it, strongly suggestive of hydatid cysts. On
      serological testing, the patient was positive for IgG Antibodies against
      Eccinococcus. Following Pneumococcal vaccination, splenectomy was performed
      taking precautions to prevent accidental rupture or spillage of contents into the
      peritoneum. The postoperative period was uneventful with the patient making a
      swift recovery. Histopathological examination revealed extensive necrosis within
      the cysts. In the midst of the necrotic material, hooklets were seen. These
      features were consistent with a diagnosis of an infected Hydatid cyst. It is of
      utmost importance that a correct preop diagnosis is made since all precautions
      must be taken to prevent dissemination or seeding of the surgical field. Death
      has been reported due to anaphylactic shock resulting from spillage during
      excision or biopsy. The most important factor in diagnosing splenic hydatid cyst
      is the awareness of its possibility. 

PMID- 25121027
TI  - Spontaneous Caecal Perforation Associated with Ogilvie's Syndrome Following
      Vaginal Delivery - A Case Report.
AB  - Acute pseudo-obstruction of the large bowel, Ogilvie's syndrome, can occur in the
      postpartum period following caesarean section which can result in caecal
      dilatation and may progress to perforation. This is quiet rare following normal
      vaginal delivery. Only two previous reports have been found in the English
      literature. We report a case of Ogilvie's syndrome with caecal perforation
      following normal vaginal delivery. 

PMID- 25121028
TI  - Myofibroblastoma of female breast masquerading as schirrous malignancy - a rare
      case report with review of literature.
AB  - Myofibroblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumour of the breast commonly
      reported in males. It is a spindle cell neoplasm exhibiting myofibroblastic
      differentiation with characteristic immunohistochemical staining. Herein, we
      present a case of myofibroblastoma in a premenopausal female which was mimicking
      like malignancy clinically. Lump was growing rapidly in size measuring 8 cm x 6
      cm and stony hard in consistency. Mammogram showed a large homogeneous hyperdense
      lump suggestive of fibroadenoma, Hamartoma and fibromatosis. FNAC and trucut
      biopsy of mass could not be done due to stony hard consistency. Hence excision
      biopsy was done. Histopathological examination revealed the tumour as
      myofibroblastoma. Immunohistochemical staining for markers of myofibroblasts like
      CD-34 and Vimentin showed strong positivity. A negative expression for
      cytokeratin was noted. This case is presented for its rarity, unusual clinical
      presentation and stony hard consistency. 

PMID- 25121029
TI  - Omental torsion.
AB  - Torsion of greater omentum is one of the rare causes of acute abdominal pain. It
      can be primary or secondary. Primary Omental Torsion (POT) occurs because a
      mobile, thicken segment of omentum rotates around a proximal fixed point in the
      absence of any associated or secondary intra-abdominal pathology. Secondary
      omental torsion is associated with a number of pre-existing conditions most
      common among them is inguinal hernia, other causes include tumours, cysts,
      internal or external herniation, foci of intra-abdominal inflammation and
      postsurgical wound or scarring. Torsion of omentum causes twisting of omentum
      along its long axis resulting in impaired blood supply. This rare condition is
      more predominant in middle-aged males. It clinically mimics acute appendicitis.
      It should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis for acute abdomen.
      Laparoscopy can aid in diagnosis and management but explorative laparotomy is the
      definitive and therapeutic procedure of choice. However the condition is not life
      threatening as omentectomy reduces the inflammation and focus of adhesions within
      the abdomen. 

PMID- 25121030
TI  - HBV & HCV - awareness in acute abdomen emergency cases.
AB  - A study was conducted on 100 cases of Acute abdomen admitted in surgery
      department of Govt Medical college and Rajendra Hospital, Patiala, India. Study
      group included patients with different abdominal emergencies, e.g.
      gastrointestinal perforation, intestinal obstruction, acute appendicitis, acute
      cholecystitis, pancreatitis etc. Out of these, three cases were positive for
      HBsAg alone, one for anti Hepatitis C-Virus (HCV) alone and one was positive for
      both HBsAg and anti HCV. 

PMID- 25121032
TI  - Clinico-pathological profile of adnexal torsion cases: a retrospective analysis
      from a tertiary care teaching hospital.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Torsion of the adnexa is a rare condition which can be potentially
      lethal for the women. The clinical presentation can be varied and can be seen in
      any age group. Understanding the clinical and pathological profile of patients
      suffering from adenexal torsion can guide the clinicians in diagnosing and
      managing the condition. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and pathological
      profile of adnexal torsion cases in a tertiary care teaching hospital. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective analysis of hospital records. It
      included all cases of adnexal torsion that underwent laprotomy between January
      2007 to December 2012 in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The study was
      approved by the Institute's human Ethics Committee. RESULTS: A total of 18
      patients were included in the study. Majority (66.7%) of participants were in the
      reproductive age group. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom seen in 77.8%
      of patients. The other symptoms were abdominal distension, back ache and dysuria.
      Majority of the women belonged to Para 2 (44.4%) and Para 3 (27.8%). The
      proportion of women with one and two LSCS was 11.1% and 16.7% respectively.
      Tenderness (38.9%), mass (22.2%) were the common per abdomen findings.
      Perspeculum findings were normal in majority (88.9%) of the participants. About
      39.2% of the patients presented with a mass in either fornices or pouch of
      Douglas on pervaginal examination. The side of lesion was only on right in 9
      (50%) , only left in 7(38.9%) and both sides in 2 (11.1%) of cases. On
      histopathological examination, of the lesions there were mucinous cystadenoma
      (33.3%) serous cystadenoma (16.7%) and benign cystic teratoma (16.7%) as most
      common lesions. CONCLUSION: Adnexal torsion, though a rare clinical condition can
      present as an emergency most of the times. High index of suspicion is required
      for diagnosis, as the clinical presentation can be varied. But the diagnosis can
      be made certain only on the operating table, either by laparoscopy. Avoiding a
      delay in operating upon the patient will help prevent complications, and aid in
      conserving the ovary.

PMID- 25121033
TI  - Pregnancy with gilbert syndrome - a case report.
AB  - A primigravida presented to us at 32 weeks of gestation with vomiting, myalgia
      and jaundice. On examination she had icterus, she was dehydrated, uterus was
      corresponding to dates and the fetal heart rate was good. On evaluation, all the
      investigations were normal except mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia and
      hypoglycaemia. Based on the above findings we derived at a diagnosis of Gilbert
      syndrome. Dehydration due to vomiting aggravated her jaundice. On correcting her
      dehydration jaundice resolved, patient improved symptomatically and was
      discharged two days later. She was later admitted at term and underwent emergency
      caesarian section in view of fetal distress. Mother and baby were fine
      postoperatively and was discharged on the fifth postoperative day Gilbert
      syndrome is rare in obstetric practice. Virtually all patients have decreased
      activity of Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase (UDPGT). The case is
      reported due to its rarity. 

PMID- 25121031
TI  - Knowledge, Awareness and Prevention of Cervical Cancer among Women Attending a
      Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women
      worldwide, with highest mortality in India. The incidence and mortality of
      cervical cancer can be reduced by screening women for precancerous lesion and by
      administration of human papilloma virus vaccine to adolescent girls. Knowledge of
      the women about cervical cancer and awareness about its prevention are the key
      factors that determine their utilization of screening services. METHODS: A cross
      sectional survey of women attending Gynaecology Out-Patient Department (OPD) in a
      tertiary care hospital in Puducherry was conducted. Information about their
      knowledge of cervical cancer, awareness of its prevention and their socio
      demographic characters were collected. RESULTS: Mean age of the study population
      was 40.45 +/- 12 years. Less than half of the study population (178, 44.5%) knew
      about cervical cancer. Less than one-fourth of the population knew about
      screening services for prevention of cervical cancer, and majority (389, 97.2%)
      were not aware of vaccination as prevention for cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: Our
      study population shows poor knowledge about cervical cancer and is unaware of the
      concept of prevention. Hence extensive health education to the public is needed
      regarding cervical cancer and its prevention.

PMID- 25121034
TI  - Hypokalemic paraplegia in pregnancy.
AB  - Hypokalemic myopathy may range from numbness/weakness to complete paralysis. The
      aetiology may be congenital or acquired. It is characterized by acute muscular
      weakness with low levels of potassium (<3.5 meq/L). We present a case of 26-year
      old multigravida at 36 weeks of gestation with gestational hypertension on
      treatment, who came with acute onset of pain, numbness and weakness of both legs
      which worsened following betamethasone injection. She was diagnosed to have
      Hypokalemic paralysis with potassium levels of 2.1 meq/L. The medical profile
      remitted promptly on intravenous potassium replacement. Pregnancy was continued
      till 37 weeks with oral potassium supplements, antihypertensives and regular
      monitoring of serum potassium levels. The pregnancy was terminated after 37 weeks
      in view of gestational hypertension. Postpartum period was uneventful, patient
      was discharged after two weeks when potassium levels and BP returned to normal. 

PMID- 25121035
TI  - A Rare Case of Delayed Pulmonary Oedema due to Methemoglobinemia Following
      Laparoscopic Chromopertubation with Methyleneblue.
AB  - The patient is a young infertile lady with right tubal block on
      hysterosalpingogram was subjected for diagnostic
      hysterolaparoscopy.Hysterolaparoscopy findings were normal. Transcervical
      chromopertubation was performed using 20 -30 ml of diluted methylene blue through
      hysterosalpingogram cannula. Hesitant flow of dye was noted on left side after 2
      3 flushing attempts. Ampullary block noted on right side with no spillage of the
      dye. Patient made an uneventful anaesthetic recovery. Five hours later patient
      developed tachypnea,hypotension and bluish colored urine was drained. She was
      shifted to ICU and patient eventually recovered after hemodynamic support with
      oxygen, steroids and inotropes. Spectrophotometric analysis showed methemoglobin
      levels of 26.3%. This case is reported for its rare but potentially fatal
      complication of pulmonary oedema following methylene blue. In this case pulmonary
      oedema manifested late in the postoperative period compared to other reported
      cases in the literature where pulmonary oedema was seen during intraoperative
      period. 

PMID- 25121036
TI  - Modified pelvic floor repair in prolapsed uterus, with total prevention of vault
      prolapse.
AB  - In and around Ammapettai, a rural area with an economically backward community,
      515 cases were operated for prolapsed uteri, by doing modified pelvic floor
      repairs (Dr. Sunthanthradevi's method), without any incidence of vault prolapse,
      with patients being followed up for two years after their surgeries. 

PMID- 25121037
TI  - A rare case of accidental esophageal perforation in an extremely low birth weight
      neonate.
AB  - Spontaneous perforation of esophagus in neonates is a rare occurrence. However
      iatrogenic perforation of the esophagus is not that uncommon, and is most
      frequently seen in preterm and low birth weight infants. In premature infants, an
      esophageal perforation (EP) mainly occurs while inserting an orogastric tube. The
      commonly reported symptoms of EP are sudden onset respiratory distress, due to
      the pleural effusion and pneumothorax. In our case neonate presented with apnea
      requiring ventilation. We present a rare case of an Extremely Low Birth Weight
      (ELBW) neonate with an iatrogenic esophageal perforation who presented with
      recurrent apneas, outlining aspects of diagnosis and management. 

PMID- 25121038
TI  - A case of periodic hypokalemic paralysis in a patient with celiac disease.
AB  - A 4-year-old male child presented with recurrent episodes of diarrhoea for 6
      months, each episode associated with weakness of all four limbs and documented
      hypokalemia who on examination had some pallor, short stature, flaccid
      quadriparesis with absent DTR. The patient responded clinically and biochemically
      to potassium supplement. TTG and Intestinal biopsy confirmed celiac disease.
      Patient was put on gluten free diet and patient is doing well with no recurrence.
      We present a case of Recurrent hypokalemic paralysis with previously unsuspected
      celiac disease who was not in celiac crisis. 

PMID- 25121039
TI  - Papillary carcinoma in median aberrant thyroid (ectopic) - case report.
AB  - Median ectopic thyroid may be encountered anywhere from the foramen caecum to the
      diaphragm. Non lingual median aberrant thyroid (incomplete descent) usually found
      in the infrahyoid region and malignant transformation in this ectopic thyroid
      tissue is very rare. We report an extremely rare case of papillary carcinoma in
      non lingual median aberrant thyroid in a 25-year-old female. The differentiation
      between a carcinoma arising in the median ectopic thyroid tissue and a metastatic
      papillary carcinoma from an occult primary in the main thyroid gland is also
      discussed. 

PMID- 25121040
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of perianal fistulae with surgical
      correlation.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging in detection and characterization of perianal fistulae and correlating it
      with surgical findings. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with suspected
      perianal fistulae having one or more external openings were prospectively
      selected for MRI evaluation. Previously operated or patients with recurrent
      perianal disease were excluded from the study. MRI findings were recorded
      according to "St. James's University Hospital MR Imaging Classification of
      Perianal Fistulae" and correlated with surgical observations. Finally, comparison
      between T2-weighted fat saturated and postcontrast T1-weighted fat saturated
      sequences was done. RESULTS: Amongst the total of 50 patients, per-operative
      findings confirmed perianal fistulae in 45 patients. The sensitivity and
      specificity of MRI in correctly detecting and grading the primary tract was found
      to be 95.56% and 80% respectively; for abscess, it was 87.50% and 95.24%
      respectively. High sensitivity was also discerned in identification of secondary
      tract (93.75%), correct localization of internal opening (95.83%) and for
      correctly detecting the horse-shoeing (87.50%). Our assumption of null hypothesis
      was accepted on comparing results of T2-weighted fat saturated sequences and
      postcontrast T1-weighted fat saturated sequences. CONCLUSION: Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging (MRI) was highly accurate in assessment of surgically important
      parameters (primary tract and its grading, internal opening, secondary tract,
      abscess, horseshoeing) of perianal fistulae. Comparison of results of imaging
      findings on T2-weighted and postcontrast T1-weighted fat saturated sequences were
      statistically similar, so contrast study can be omitted, particularly while
      evaluating primary / previously unoperated perianal fistulae.

PMID- 25121042
TI  - Comparison of 128-Slice Dual Source CT Coronary Angiography with Invasive
      Coronary Angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading cause of the
      morbidity and mortality in India as well as worldwide and last decade has seen a
      steep rise in incidence of CAD in India. Direct visualization of the coronary
      arteries by invasive catheterization still represents the cornerstone of the
      evaluation of CAD. Cardiac imaging is a challenge of 21 (st) century and is being
      answered by 128 slice dual source CT as it has good temporal resolution, high
      scanning speed as well as low radiation dose. AIM: To assess the diagnostic
      accuracy of 128-slice dual source CT Cardiac Angiography in comparison with
      Conventional Catheter Cardiac Angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients
      attending the cardiology OPD with complaint of chest pain and suspected of having
      CAD were evaluated by CT coronary angiography and conventional invasive Catheter
      coronary angiography and the results were compared. All patients were checked for
      serum creatinine and ECG before the angiography. Computed Tomography (CT)
      coronary angiography was done using SIEMENS 128-slice Dual Source Flash
      Definition CT Scanner under either Retrospective or Prospective mode depending on
      the heart rate of the patient. Oral/IV beta-blocker were used whenever required.
      RESULTS: Coronary arteries were assessed as per 17- segment AHA model. A total of
      600/ 609 segments were evaluable in 40 suspected patients on CT coronary
      angiography, of which 21 were false positives and 8 were false negatives with
      specificity of 95.12% and sensitivity and positive predictive value of 95.26% &
      88.46% respectively. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive assessment of CAD is now possible
      with high accuracy on 128-slice dual source CT scanner.

PMID- 25121041
TI  - Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)-The High Resolution Computed
      Tomography (HRCT) Chest Imaging Scenario.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a progressive
      disease which can lead to recurrent exacerbations, bronchiectatic changes and end
      stage fibrosis. Early diagnosis and treatment prevents its progression and
      alleviate its clinical manifestations. High resolution CT of the chest has
      emerged as a promising investigation for its diagnosis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To
      review the high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest manifestations in
      ABPA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 110 patients with ABPA
      who had undergone HRCT of the chest in the routine diagnostic workup for ABPA.
      The scans were assessed for changes in bronchi, parenchyma and pleura and
      findings consistent with ABPA were evaluated. RESULTS: HRCT chest was normal in
      24 patients. 86 patients demonstrated central bronchiectasis with predilection
      for upper and middle lobes. Centrilobular nodules with or without linear
      opacities (tree in bud pattern), mucoceles and high-attenuation mucus were seen
      in 86%, 59% and 36% patients respectively. CONCLUSION: Central bonchiectasis
      combined with centrilobular nodules and mucus impaction (especially high
      attenuation mucus) strongly favour the diagnosis of ABPA.

PMID- 25121043
TI  - High Resolution Computed Tomography Lung Spectrum in Symptomatic Adult HIV
      Positive Patients in South-East Asian Nation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and
      mortality and one of the most frequent causes of hospital admission in HIV
      infected people worldwide. HRCT may be useful in the evaluation of patients with
      suspected pulmonary disease. The aim of given study was to determine the High
      Resolution Computed Tomography spectrum of lung parenchymal and interstitial
      imaging findings in HIV infected patients presented with chest symptoms.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in a tertiary health care centre,
      New Delhi, India. The study consisted of 45 patients. A thorough clinical history
      of all the HIV positive patients presenting with suspicion of pulmonary disease
      was taken. General physical and respiratory system examination of all patients
      was done. HRCT scans of the chest were done in all the cases taken in the study.
      RESULTS: Maximum number of patients was in age group 31-40 years (24 cases). Out
      of 45 patients included in our study, 32 (71%) were male and 13 (29%) were
      female. In our series of 45 patients, 62.2% of patients were diagnosed as having
      pulmonary tuberculosis, followed by bacterial infection in 20% cases and
      Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) in 8.9% patients, while 8.9% of the study
      did not reveal any significant abnormality. Maximum number (22/28) of patients
      with pulmonary tuberculosis were indentified to have nodular opacities. The most
      common HRCT finding in bacterial infection was lobar consolidation. The most
      common HRCT finding in patients with PCP was diffuse ground glass opacities in
      mosaic pattern of distribution. CONCLUSION: HRCT is a highly sensitive tool for
      detecting lung parenchymal and interstitial lesions and allows better
      characterization of the lesions. HRCT findings should always be correlated with
      clinical findings, CD4 counts and other available investigations before arriving
      at a diagnosis or differential diagnosis.

PMID- 25121044
TI  - Unilateral right pulmonary agenesis in adulthood.
AB  - Congenital malformations of the lung, which may vary in degrees of severity, are
      very rare diseases. Pulmonary artery agenesis is a rare anomaly that may occur
      during the early involution of the proximal portions of the sixth aortic arch,
      during embryological development of the heart. This agenesis may be accompained
      by a complete or partial absence of the lung and its bronchus on the same side,
      which is diagnosed as pulmonary agenesis. In the great majority of the cases, the
      diagnosis is usually made at or soon after birth and it can be associated with
      multiple anomalies. However, extremely rare asymptomatic cases may go unnoticed
      until adulthood. We are presenting a patient with unilateral right pulmonary
      agenesis, who survived through adulthood without any symptoms and other
      congenital anomalies. The multislice computed tomography findings and
      differential diagnoses have been discussed. 

PMID- 25121045
TI  - Role of CT Imaging with Volume Reconstruction in Hemi Facial Hypertrophy: A
      Pediatric Case Report.
AB  - Hemifacial hypertrophy is a rare congenital disorder more common in males.It
      involves the soft tissue, hard bones and teeth of the face.Its etiology is
      unknown and multiple theories have been postulated. We present a 6-year-old male
      with hemifacial hypertrophy and describes the importance of CT volume
      reconstruction in this condition. 

PMID- 25121046
TI  - Genetic polymorphism of interleukin-18 gene promoter region in rheumatoid
      arthritis patients from southern India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro inflammatory cytokine which plays a
      key role in the acute and chronic inflammatory phases of Rheumatoid Arthritis
      (RA). The Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-18 gene promoter region at
      positions -137 and -607, are postulated to be associated with RA. To test this,
      this study aimed to identify the association between these SNPs of the IL-18 gene
      promoter region of RA in south Indian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study
      was carried on 190 subjects among which 90 were RA patients and 100 were age and
      sex matched controls. Genomic DNA was extracted by Salting out method. IL 18 gene
      promotor region SNPs, IL 18 - 607 and IL 18 -137 were amplified by using sequence
      specific primers. The amplified products of different samples were separated by
      using a 1.5% agarose gel, stained with ethidium bromide and photographed. All
      statistical analyses were carried out by using SYSTAT 12 software. RESULTS: At
      position 607, the frequencies of C allele, CC genotype, A allele and AA genotype
      were found to be significantly higher in patients and controls respectively and
      there was no significant difference in CA genotype. At position 137, there was no
      significant difference between the two groups with regard to G and C allelles but
      there was a significant increase in GG genotype of patients and CC genotype of
      controls. There was no association between duration of morning stiffness,
      rheumatoid factor positivity or negativity, age of onset and gender with
      distribution of genotypes and alleles. CONCLUSION: C allele, CC genotype at
      position-607 and GG genotype at position-137 are risk factors and A allele, AA
      genotype at position-607 and CC genotype at position-137 have protective effect
      for RA.

PMID- 25121047
TI  - A Retrospective Clinical Study of the Etiology and Post-operative Visual Outcome
      of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.
AB  - AIM: To study the etiology of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and visual
      outcome after retinal detachment surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective
      study conducted at the tertiary eye care hospital over a period of one year.
      Thirty eyes of 30 patients were included after fulfilling the inclusion criteria.
      Complete ocular examination details of each patient such as visual acuity for
      distant vision (checked with Snellen's acuity chart),slit lamp examination,
      fundus examination (done with +90D lens) and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy.
      In addition the following were noted: extent of the detachment present, position
      and number of breaks, status of the macula, presence of PVR, mobility of retina
      and presence of any peripheral retinal degenerations, and fundus photographs of
      the patient (before and after surgery). RESULTS: Risk factors for retinal
      detachment included myopia in 7 eyes (23.3%), prior cataract surgery in 10 eyes
      (33.3%), peripheral retinal degeneration in 3 eyes (10%) and traction with new
      vessels in 1 eye (3.3%). Eighteen eyes (60%) presented with macula off while 12
      eyes (40%) presented with macula partly or completely attached. Visual acuity at
      presentation was <3/60 in 16 eyes. Following surgery, retina was attached in 28
      eyes (93.3%) and remained detached in 2 eyes (6.7%). Visual acuity after surgery
      was <3/60 in 12 eyes.Visual acuity improved in 13 eyes (43.3%), remained the same
      in 16 eyes (53.3%) and worsened in 1 eye (3.3%). CONCLUSION: Myopia and prior
      cataract surgery are important risk factors for Rhegmatogenous Retinal
      Detachment. Majority of patients in this setting presented late with
      Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment and this was responsible for relatively poor
      visual outcomes despite good anatomical results after surgery. Proper screening
      of eyes at risk and education of patients is important for preventing visual loss
      due to retinal detachment.

PMID- 25121048
TI  - Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene polymorphism in anxiety and depressive disorder in
      kashmiri population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The gene of tryptophan hydroxylase is widely recognized as a major
      candidate gene in many psychiatric disorders. However, no study has been done
      which investigates tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene polymorphism in anxiety and
      depressive disorders in Kashmiri population (India). OBJECTIVES: To study
      tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) C 11993 A gene polymorphism in anxiety and
      depressive disorders. METHOD: Sixty patients of depression disorder, 60 patients
      of anxiety disorder and 40 unrelated healthy volunteers (control) were studied in
      a case control design. Polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis after digestion with HAP II
      enzyme. Genotypes and allele frequencies were compared using Chi-square tests,
      Fischer's exact test, odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (C.I) and p-value of
      <0.05 was considered to be statistical significant. RESULTS: The mean age +/- SD
      of anxiety, depression and control group was 32.73+/-10.99, 32.20+/-10 and
      29.75+/-10.12 respectively and the difference was found to be statistically non
      significant (p=0.349).The mean HAM-A (Hamilton rating scale for anxiety) score
      and HAM-D (Hamilton rating scale for depression) score was high in both groups
      (anxiety and depression) and found to be statistically significant
      (p=0.001).Depression group had AA genotype (55.2%) than control (37.5%) and was
      found to be statistically non significant (p=0.890).Comparison of allelic
      frequency revealed no association of A allele in anxiety group (76.67%) compared
      with control (75.5%) and was found to be statistically non significant (p=
      0.866), OR 1.09 (0.56-2.11). CONCLUSION: TPH2C 11993 A gene was not found to be
      associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorder in Kashmiri
      population.

PMID- 25121049
TI  - Role of information communication technology in higher education: learners
      perspective in rural medical schools.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Higher education has undergone profound transformation due to recent
      technological advancements. Resultantly health profession students have a strong
      base to utilize information technology for their professional development.
      Studies over recent past reflect a striking change in pattern of technology usage
      amongst medical students expanding prospects exponentially by e-books, science
      apps, readymade power-point presentations, evidence based medicine, Wikipedia,
      etc. Aim & Objectives: The study was undertaken with an aim to explore the
      general perceptions of medical students and faculties about the role of
      Information Communication Technology in higher education and to gauge student's
      dependence on the same for seeking knowledge and information. STUDY DESIGN: Cross
      sectional, mixed research design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted
      in Department of Physiology, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed
      University). Study population included students (n=150) and teaching faculty
      (n=10) of I(st) phase of medical curriculum. The survey questionnaire (10 closed
      ended and 5 open ended items) and Focus group discussion (FGD) captured the
      perceptions and attitudes of students and faculties respectively regarding the
      role and relevance of technology in higher education. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS:
      Quantitative analysis of closed ended responses was done by percentage
      distribution and Qualitative analysis of open ended responses and FGD excerpts
      was done by coding and observing the trends and patterns respectively. Overall
      the observations were in favour of increasing usability and dependability on
      technology as ready reference tool of subject information. Learners valued text
      books and technology almost equally and regarded computer training as a desirable
      incorporation in medical curriculum. CONCLUSION: Role of technology in education
      should be anticipated and appropriate measures should be undertaken for its
      adequate and optimum utilization by proper training of students as well as
      facilitators.

PMID- 25121050
TI  - Dermatology Specific Quality of Life in Vitiligo Patients and Its Relation with
      Various Variables: A Hospital Based Cross-sectional Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is an acquired, idiopathic skin disease characterized by
      progressive loss of the inherited skin color. Vitiligo has a special significance
      to patients in our country because depigmentation is obvious on dark skin and due
      to the enormous stigma that the disease carries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One
      hundred vitiligo patients aged more than 18 years were included in our hospital
      based study depending on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the patients were
      asked to fill a validated Hindi version of DLQI questionnaire. DLQI scores and
      its interpretation were recorded separately. correlation of DLQI Scores with
      different variables like age, body surface area, duration of disease and
      socioeconomic status were studied using Pearson's correlations. Mean DLQI scores
      were also compared between different groups. RESULTS: Male and female patient
      were statistically similar in all variables, like their age, BSA of the
      involvement and DLQI score. DLQI interpretation showed that out of 100 patients
      of vitiligo, 16 felt no effect of vitiligo on their quality of life while 84
      patients reported small to very large effect on their quality of life. Out of
      this 84, 37 felt small effects, 21 felt moderate effect and rest 26 felt very
      large effect on their quality of life. There was no significant difference among
      the different groups mentioned except very large effect on quality of life seen
      significantly more in unmarried patients compared to married one. CONCLUSION:
      Vitiligo although a cosmetic disease without any symptoms, it carry a significant
      social stigma especially in Indian society. Data interpretation in this study
      indicates that vitiligo affects QOL in majority of vitiligo patients and such
      patients require more aggressive and empathic attitude from a dermatologist to
      cure/improve this so called chronic cosmetic disease.

PMID- 25121051
TI  - Pretibial Myxedema Associated with Euthyroid Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: A Case
      Report.
AB  - Pretibial myxedema (PM) is an infiltrative dermopathy which is seen in grave's
      disease. It is also associated with hypothyroidism, but is infrequently seen in
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Lesions are seen commonly over pretibial region as non
      pitting oedema or with a plaque morphology. Heat shock protein (HSP) has been
      reported to be expressed by fibroblasts present at affected site, which cause
      lesions of PM. Histopathology differentiates it from other dermatoses. Lesions
      usually resolve spontaneously, but therapies like potent topical steroids,
      intralesional steroids, gamma globulin, pentoxifylline, surgery and radiotherapy
      are indicated. Here, a case of PM with euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis has been
      reported, which was proven by histopathology. 

PMID- 25121052
TI  - Anything Rare is Possible: Letrozole Induced Eczematous Skin Eruption.
AB  - Letrozole is used as first line drug in postmenopausal women with early-stage or
      advanced hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Letrozole has favourable tolerability
      profile when administered once daily and significant adverse reactions occur
      rarely. The objective of this report is to describe a case of eczematous skin
      eruption that occurred during letrozole treatment. A 61-year-old female patient
      was admitted with lump in the left breast. FNAC, HPE were done and the patient
      was diagnosed to have invasive ductal breast carcinoma. After a month of
      completing CT and EBRT, the patient was given 2.5 mg OD tab. letrozole at night.
      She developed itchy skin lesions over the right thigh that later generalised, at
      6- weeks of treatment. The lesion has been defined as eczematous moderate to
      severe drug eruption. These lesions were attributed to letrozole therapy and
      recurred within 24h after rechallenge. Drug eruption is associated with many
      drugs but this is the first such report with letrozole. We suggest of being aware
      of such reactions during letrozole usage. 

PMID- 25121053
TI  - Prevalence of Rubber Dam Usage during Endodontic Procedure: A Questionnaire
      Survey.
AB  - AIM: To determine the prevalence and frequency of rubber dam usage for endodontic
      procedures among general practitioners, specialized practitioners, undergraduate
      final year students and Endodontists in the state of Odisha, India. METHODOLOGY:
      A pre-piloted questionnaire was distributed among 737 subjects. Dentists and
      final year students were surveyed in relation to their prevalence of rubber dam
      usage. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square/ Fisher Exact tests have been used
      to find the significance of study parameters on categorical scale between two or
      more groups. RESULTS: Overall response rate was 71%. While about 94% of the
      subjects knew the use of rubber dam, 30% have used it for root canal cases and
      23% use them for all cases of root canal treatment. Use of rubber dam was 15.4%
      in paediatric patients and 34.4% in adult patients. 68% of subjects received
      knowledge about rubber dam usage in undergraduate school. 75% felt that rubber
      dam should be compulsory before endodontic treatment & 90% were willing to gain
      knowledge through training and continuing dental education programs. CONCLUSION:
      Whilst rubber dam is used frequently for root canal treatment than operative
      treatment, in the present survey there is a low prevalence of its usage during
      endodontic therapy. This presents quality issues, as well as medico-legal and
      safety concerns for the professional and patients alike. Greater emphasis should
      be placed on the advantages of using rubber dam in clinical dentistry at dental
      school and through continuing dental education for practitioners to update their
      knowledge.

PMID- 25121054
TI  - Comparison of coronally advanced and semilunar coronally repositioned flap for
      the treatment of gingival recession.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gingival Recession (GR) occurs in population with low oral hygiene
      levels. Root coverage may be achieved by a number of surgical techniques,
      including pedicle gingival grafts, free grafts, connective tissue grafts, gtr may
      also be used. The objective of the present study is to compare the clinical
      outcomes of the Semilunar Coronally Repositioned Flap (SCRF) and Coronally
      Advanced Flap (CAF) procedure in the treatment of miller's class I gingival
      recession defects in maxillary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty systemically
      healthy patients, with isolated miller's class 1 gingival recessions, were
      selected and allocated randomly into two groups, Group I and Group II with 10
      patients in each. In Group I, the patients were treated with coronally advanced
      flap procedure with sling sutures, whereas in Group II, patients were treated
      with semilunar coronally repositioned flap without sutures. RESULTS: Descriptive
      statistical analysis has been carried out in the present study. RESULTS on
      continuous measurements are presented on Mean +/- SD. Significance is assessed at
      5 % level of significance. Student t-test (two tailed, dependent) has been used
      to find the significance of study parameters between baseline - 3 months and
      baseline - 6 months, 90% Confidence interval for mean has been computed.
      CONCLUSION: CAF provides consistently better results than SCRF With all other
      parameters, such as clinical attachment levels, percentage of root coverage and
      complete root coverage and esthetics were taken into account, caf was found to be
      superior. In contrary to this, there is significant increase in width of
      keratinized tissue in scrf group.

PMID- 25121055
TI  - Grading of Extraction and Its Relationship with Post-operative Pain and Trismus,
      along with Proposed Grading for Trismus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extraction of mandibular third molars are somewhat a matter of
      interest because of its malpositioning , curved roots, proximity to vital
      structures due to this the procedure is often associated with post operative
      complications like pain and trismus. The extraction of third molar was classified
      in four grads according to the difficulty of the procedure. AIMS: The purpose of
      this paper is to find any significant relationship between grading of extraction
      and post operative complications like pain and trismus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      total number of 180 patients need to go for extraction of third molar was
      included in the study. The variables taken into account were grading of
      extraction, pain six hour post operatively trismus one day after extraction, and
      trismus five day after extraction. The four grades of extractions as described by
      Parent in 1974 were statistically analyzed by computing pearson product moment
      correlation coefficient with post operative pain and trismus first and fifth day
      to find any co relation between them. RESULTS: The grading of extraction was
      found significantly correlated with post operative pain, trismus one day after
      and fifth day of surgery.

PMID- 25121056
TI  - The role and efficacy of herbal antimicrobial agents in orthodontic treatment.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the effect of herbal antimicrobial agents on Streptococcus mutans
      count in biofilm formations during orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      We calculated the growth inhibition of oral bacteria in the orthodontic
      appliances after herbal antibacterial agents were placed in culture media. The
      Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of these agents on Streptococcus mutans
      growth were determined. After cultivating colonies of Streptococci in biofilm
      medium with these herbal antimicrobial agents and orthodontic attachments, viable
      cell counting was performed from the bacteria which were attached on them.
      Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of morphology was observed on
      bacterial cells which were attached to orthodontic attachments. The effects of
      these agents were then evaluated and recommendations were forwarded. RESULTS:
      There was an increase in count of Streptococcus mutans with respect to the herbal
      antibacterial agents. CONCLUSION: Despite the antibacterial functions of these
      herbal agents, there was increase in the biofilm formation caused by
      Streptococcus mutans to orthodontic bands, which had occurred most likely through
      upregulation of glucosyl transferase expression. These extracts may thus play an
      important role in increased bacterial attachment to orthodontic wires. Thus, this
      study was corroborative of an amalgamation of Ayurvedic therapy and Orthodontic
      treatment.

PMID- 25121057
TI  - The effect of different chemical surface treatments of denture teeth on shear
      bond strength: a comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of better cross linked acrylic resin teeth has solved
      the problems related to wearing and discoloration of acrylic teeth. The same
      cross linking at ridge lap region acts as a double edge sword as it weakens the
      bond between denture base and tooth. AIM OF STUDY: The purpose of study was to
      evaluate the effect of surface treatment on the bond strength of resin teeth to
      denture base resin using monomethyl methacrylate monomer and dichloromethane with
      no surface treatment acting as control. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Denture base
      cylinder samples in wax (n=180) were made with maxillary central incisor attached
      at 450 (JIST 6506). These samples were randomly and equally divided into three
      groups of 60 each. These specimens were then flasked, dewaxed as per the standard
      protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Before acrylization, ridge lap area was treated
      as follows: Group A- no surface treatment act as control, Group B treated with
      monomethyl methacrylate monomer, Group C treated with dichloromethane. Digitally
      controlled acryliser was used for acrylization as per manufacturer's instructions
      and shear bond strength was tested on Universal Testing Machine (Servo Hydraulic,
      50kN High Strain, BISS Research). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Result was
      statistically analyzed with One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Post-hoc
      ANOVA Tukey's HSD test at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: The application of
      dichloromethane showed increased bond strength between cross linked acrylic resin
      teeth and heat cure denture base resin followed by monomethyl methacrylate
      monomer and control group. CONCLUSION: The application of dichloromethane on the
      ridge lap surface of the resin teeth before packing of the dough into the mold
      significantly increased the bond strength between cross linked acrylic resin
      teeth and heat cure denture base resin.

PMID- 25121058
TI  - Comparison of Salivary Beta Glucuronidase Activity in Chronic Periodontitis
      Patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to estimate the salivary beta
      glucuronidase (beta) activity in patients with chronic periodontitis with and
      without diabetes mellitus and to evaluate the relationship between Beta
      Glucuronidase activity and Periodontal clinical parameters. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The study consisted of 80 patients of both sexes with age ranging from
      20-60 years and they were divided into four groups. Clinical parameters such as
      Gingival index, Probing depth and Clinical attachment loss were measured.
      Salivary Beta Glucuronidase activity was measured using spectrophotometer with
      reagents like phenolphthalein glucuronic acid, phosphate and glycine buffer.
      RESULTS: The mean BG activity of Group IV (1.17 +/- 0.27) was significantly
      higher than mean BGA levels of Group I, II, III. The p-value was < 0.05. The mean
      BGA levels of Group III (0.78 +/- 0.17) was significantly higher than mean BGA
      levels of Group I, Group II at 5 % level. There was a significant positive linear
      relationship between salivary beta Glucuronidase level and Probing Depth,
      clinical attachment level in the experimental Groups. CONCLUSION: The salivary
      beta Glucuronidase level was higher in Diabetic patients with periodontitis than
      nondiabetic periodontitis patients.

PMID- 25121059
TI  - Chlorhexidine chip in the treatment of chronic periodontitis - a clinical study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate the use of biodegradable
      chlorhexidine chip when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in
      the treatment of moderate to severe periodontitis patients. The study also
      intended to compare the combined therapy (SRP and Chlorhexidine chip) with
      chlorhexidine chip alone in individuals with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Fifteen patients with three sites having a probing depth of 5-8mm were
      considered for the study. Sites were numbered 1, 2, 3 randomly. The clinical
      parameters assessed were the Plaque Index (PI), gingival index (GI), Bleeding on
      probing (BOP), Clinical attachment level (CAL) and Probing pocket depth (PPD).
      Following baseline evaluation, on two sites scaling and root planing (SRP) was
      performed, no treatment was carried out in the third site. Chlorhexidine chips
      were placed on one site with SRP and another without SRP. A periodontal pack was
      placed on the site to prevent dislodgement of the CHX chip. Clinical parameters
      were recorded at baseline, one month and three months. Duration of the study was
      for three months. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: T-test and Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
      has been carried out in the present study. RESULTS: All three groups presented
      with an improvement in the clinical parameters compared to baseline. There was no
      statistically significant difference between the SRP and SRP + CHIP group in all
      parameters. There was a significant difference when these two groups were
      compared to the chip alone group. The mean reductions in PPD were 2.8mm (SRP
      group), 2.6 (SRP+CHIP group), 0.8 (chip alone group) The mean gain in CAL were
      2.8mm (SRP group), 2.5 (SRP+CHIP group), 0.7 (chip alone group). Reduction in
      bleeding on probing were significant for the SRP and SRP +CHIP group but not for
      the chip alone group. CONCLUSION: The CHX chip did not provide any clinical
      benefit beyond that achieved with conventional scaling and rootplaning after a
      three month period.

PMID- 25121061
TI  - Ankyloglossia among children of regular and special schools in karnataka, India:
      a prevalence study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tongue-tie (more formally known as ankyloglossia) is a congenital
      anomaly characterized by an abnormally short lingual frenulum, which may restrict
      the mobility of the tongue tip impairing its ability to fulfil its functions.
      Ankyloglossia is uncommon, but not rare. Incidence figures reported in the
      literature vary widely, ranging from 0.02% to 4.8%. Incidences of upto 10.7% have
      been reported. Since the literature provides no uniformity of information with
      regard to the incidence of tongue tie. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      occurrence of tonguetie in general population and mentally challenged population,
      measure the grades of tongue-tie and also to determine the relations of gender
      with tongue-tie. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven hundred school children in the age
      group of 9-17 years were examined for the presence of tongue-tie, 350 from
      regular schools and 350 from special schools. The presence of tongue-tie was
      evaluated, measured and graded into grades 1 to 5 according to KOTLOW's method
      and data subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Significantly higher
      incidence of 16.4% population having tongue-tie was identified, of which 18.57%
      were from general schools and 13.71% from special schools but the differences
      were not statistically significant. Males showed greater incidence than females
      and grades I, II, III were more predominantly seen than grade IV, but the
      differences were not significant statistically. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic criteria
      and definitive classifying systems are needed to allow for further comparative
      studies.

PMID- 25121060
TI  - Effect of Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) and Implant Surface Topography on Implant
      Stability and Bone.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) and different
      implant surface topography on implant stability and bone levels around
      immediately loaded dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental implants were
      placed in subjects divided into two groups and four subgroups on basis of implant
      treatment with PRP and implant surface topography used. A total of 30 implants
      were placed, 15 in each group. For PRP group, implants were placed after surface
      treatment with PRP. Temporization was done within two weeks and final prosthesis
      was given after three months. Implant stability was measured with Periotest at
      baseline, one month and three months. Bone height was measured on mesial & distal
      side on standardized IOPA x-rays. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference
      was noticed in implant stability with PRP at baseline. The effect of PRP on bone
      height changes was not statistically significant. A synergistic effect of PRP and
      square thread-form was observed on improved implant stability and bone levels;
      however, no such effect is seen with PRP and reverse buttress thread-form.
      CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, enhancement on implant stability
      and bone healing was observed with PRP treated implant surfaces, and with use of
      implant with square thread-form.

PMID- 25121062
TI  - Decontamination methods used for dental burs - a comparative study.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Infection control and modes of sterilizations are the key
      factors to avoid cross transmission of infection in the field of dentistry.
      Transmission of disease or infection is noted with improper sterilization of
      reused instruments. Dental burs are the most important tool in any endodontic or
      conservative procedures of teeth involving tooth contouring, restorative filling
      procedures and endodontic procedures. Hence, the present study is undertaken to
      assess the efficacy of different methods of sterilization or decontamination
      which are routinely used in dental clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the
      present study 96 round diamond burs were selected and divided into 6 groups.
      These burs were used for the access cavity preparation to get contamination and
      subjected for bacteriological culture. After getting base line date burs were
      subjected to manual scrubbing, hot air oven, glass bead sterilizer, ultrasonic
      cleaner and autoclave to get post decontamination data. RESULTS: The study
      revealed that mean colony forming units/ml of Streptococcus mutans decreased
      maximum for autoclave with 80% reduction, for Lactobacilli 76% reduction and for
      Candida albicans maximum reduction seen for glass bead sterilizer with 74%.
      CONCLUSION: Findings of our study revealed that none of the methods used were
      found to be absolutely efficacious in the decontamination of dental burs.
      However, among the experimental groups used in the present study, autoclave was
      found to be the relatively best method.

PMID- 25121063
TI  - Polarizing and light microscopic analysis of mineralized components and stromal
      elements in fibrous ossifying lesions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fibro-osseous lesions, along with few reactive lesions of the jaws
      exhibit an overlapping histo-morphologic spectrum with respect to the nature of
      calcifications and stromal components. This causes difficulty in assessing the
      origin, pathogenesis and diagnosis of these lesions. AIM: The present study
      analyses the mineralized components, cellularity, stromal density and stromal
      composition (nature of collagen, presence of elastic and oxytalan fibres) in
      cases of ossifying fibroma (OF), fibrous dysplasia (FD) and peripheral ossifying
      fibroma (POF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included a histochemical
      evaluation of six cases each of FD, OF and POF. Five consecutive sections of each
      case were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius red (to assess
      maturation of fibres in polarizing light), van Gieson (for area fraction and
      collagen density) and aldehyde fuchsin (for elastic and oxytalan fibres)
      respectively. RESULTS: Significantly higher amounts of mature bone were seen in
      FD while cementicles having microlamellar pattern were predominant in OF and POF
      (p < 0.001). Area fraction, collagen density and immature stromal fibre content
      was higher in POF followed by FD and OF (p= 0.039). Oxytalan and elastic fibres
      were absent in FD. CONCLUSION: Higher cellularity of the stroma in OF was
      indicative of its neoplastic behaviour. Higher composition of oxytalan and
      elastic fibres in OF and POF supports their periodontal ligament origin. FD was
      distinct with more mature fibres in a lamellated bone and absence of oxytalan
      fibres.

PMID- 25121064
TI  - Combating nasal septum deviation in le fort 1 orthognathic surgery complications,
      with submental intubation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Orthognathic Le Fort 1 osteotomy, a surgical procedure performed to
      correct the aesthetics of mid face. Some of the complications of this surgery are
      hemorrhage, loss of sensation due to facial nerve damage, nasal septum deviation
      leading to crooked nose and snoring. Nasal septum deviation is the most common
      complication and one of the most noticeable complications that is developed
      during the Le Fort 1 osteotomy. AIM: To ascertain that Submental Intubation in
      Orthognathic Le Fort 1 Osteotomy combats Nasal septum Deviation. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Medical records and clinical data of 32 patients who underwent
      orthognathic Le Fort 1 Osteotomy under submental orotracheal intubation were
      analyzed to understand if nasal septum deviation and other complications of Le
      Fort 1 Osteotomy occurred in such cases based on 6 parameters. RESULTS: No
      complications of nasal septum deviation or other complications that's associated
      with orthognathic Le Fort 1 Osteotomy were found in the 32 cases that were
      analyzed. DISCUSSION: The surgeon needs to have a non-obtrusive nasal canal so as
      to determine the extent to which the nasal septum needs to be reduced so that it
      does not cause nasal septum deviation post the procedure. Submental oratracheal
      intubation provides the surgeon with an excellent view of the operating field,
      enough space for intra oral manipulation of the bone and septum for intra oral
      operation and control of dental occlusion. CONCLUSION: Submental intubation is a
      better method of intubation during Le Fort 1 osteotomy as it does not cause nasal
      septum deviation or other associated complications.

PMID- 25121065
TI  - Osteosarcoma of the jaws: case report on synchronous multicentric osteosarcomas.
AB  - Research has shown that osteosarcomas display high potential for metastasis to
      the lungs, pleurae and bones. Mandible, on the other hand, is an uncommon site
      for metastatic tumour cell colonization. Nevertheless, a metastatic tumour to
      mandible might be the first indication of an undiscovered malignancy at a distant
      site. This case report presents a case of a 61-year-old female patient. An
      osteosarcoma metastasized to her mandible shortly after the curettage of her jaw
      cyst. Both the metastatic osteosarcoma and the jaw cyst were confirmed by
      pathology. Initially, bilateral well-defined radiolucent lesions were shown in
      her panoramic X-ray image. Also, the diagnosis of a dentigerous cyst was made,
      based on histology. Two months later, a mixed radiolucent-radio opaque mass,
      which was confirmed as an osteosarcoma by pathology later, occupied the site of
      the previously enucleated dentigerous cyst, in her right mandible. Then, an
      identical osteosarcoma was found in the left pelvis on further doing overall
      radiological and pathological examinations. The pathologic hypotheses, treatment
      modality and follow-up of this case have also been presented. 

PMID- 25121066
TI  - Removable partial denture supported by implants with prefabricated telescopic
      abutments - a case report.
AB  - Implants have been designed to rehabilitate edentulous patients with fixed
      prosthesis or implant supported overdentures. Implant-supported single crowns and
      fixed partial dentures have become successful treatment alternatives to removable
      and fixed partial dentures. However, it is common to have clinical situations
      which make it impossible to use conventional as well as implant supported fixed
      partial dentures. The implant supported removable partial dentures can be a
      treatment modality that offers the multitude of benefits of implant-based therapy
      biologic, biomechanical, social, and psychological to such patients. The aim of
      this article is to present a case report describing the fabrication and
      advantages of removable partial denture supported by teeth and implants for a
      patient with long edentulous span. The patient was satisfied with his dentures in
      terms of function and aesthetics. Regular follow-up visits over a period of three
      years revealed that the periodontal condition of remaining natural dentition and
      peri-implant conditions were stable. There was no evidence of excessive residual
      ridge resorption or mobility of the teeth, nor were any visible changes in the
      bone levels of the natural teeth or implants noted on radiographs. 

PMID- 25121067
TI  - Diagnostic CBCT in Dentigerous Cyst with Ectopic Third Molar in the Maxillary
      Sinus-A Case Report.
AB  - Dentigerous cyst is the second most common odontogenic cyst after radicular cyst.
      This report describes a case of a dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted
      maxillary third molar. Patient presented with foul smelling discharge through
      nose and oral cavity. Cone beam computed tomography revealed maxillary third
      molar displaced to lateral wall of the nose and a unilocular radiolucency
      obliterating the entire maxillary sinus. A provisional diagnosis of infected
      dentigerous cyst was made. The cyst was enucleated along with removal of third
      molar. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of dentigerous cyst.
      The patient recovery was uneventful. 

PMID- 25121068
TI  - A simplified technique for fabrication of orbital prosthesis.
AB  - Eye is a vital organ not only for vision, but also an important component of
      facial expression, and over-all personality of a person. Loss of eye, apart from
      leading to impaired vision has a crippling effect on the psychology of the
      patient. Prosthodontic rehabilitation of such cases includes fabrication of
      prosthesis by acrylic resin, silicone and implants. However, not all patients are
      willing to use implants for maxillofacial rehabilitation. Therefore, a custom
      made orbital prosthesis serves as an affordable and satisfactory alternative. 

PMID- 25121069
TI  - Endodontic treatment of a maxillary first molar with seven root canals confirmed
      with cone beam computer tomography - case report.
AB  - The most common configuration of the maxillary first molar is the presence of
      three roots and four root canals, although the presence of several other
      configurations have already been reported. The objective of this work is to
      present a rare anatomic configuration with seven root canals diagnosed during an
      endodontic therapy. Endodontic treatment was performed using a dental operating
      microscope. Exploring the grooves surrounding the main canals with ultrasonic
      troughing was able expose unexpected root canals. Instrumentation with files of
      smaller sizes and tapers was performed to prevent root physical weakness. The
      anatomic configuration was confirmed with a Cone Beam Computer Tomography image
      analysis which was able to clearly show the presence of seven root canals. An
      electronic database search was conducted to identify all the published similar
      cases and the best techniques to approach them are discussed. 

PMID- 25121070
TI  - Expressly fabricated molar tube bases: enhanced adhesion.
AB  - Clinicians, Orthodontists and their patients' parents often expect the best
      results in the shortest time span possible. Orthodontic bonding of molar tubes
      has been an acceptable risk in a modern era of refined biomaterials and
      instrumentation. Although many orthodontists still prefer banding to bonding, it
      is the failure rate of the tubes on molars which accounts to an impedance in
      molar bonding. One of the reasons for molar attachment failures is attributed to
      improper adaptation of the buccal tube base with or without increased thickness
      of composite. Merits of banding the second molars especially when these are the
      terminal teeth for anchorage have been overemphasized in the literature. The
      present article presents a simple and relatively less time consuming technique of
      preparing molar tubes to be bonded on tooth surfaces which may be quite difficult
      to isolate especially for bonding, for example, mandibular second molars. The
      increased surface area of the composite scaffold helps not only in enhanced bond
      strength but also serves to reduce the incidence of plaque accumulation given the
      dexterity of invitro preparation. The removal of the occlusal part of the molar
      tube scaffold helps in prevention of open / raised bite tendencies. The present
      innovation, therefore, is not merely serendipity but a structured technique to
      overcome a common dilemma for the clinical orthodontist. The present dictum of
      banding being superior to molar tube bonding may prove to be futile with
      trendsetting molar attachments. It is also an established fact that bonding
      proves to be a lesser expensive modality when compared to banding procedures. 

PMID- 25121071
TI  - Cleidocranial dysplasia: a case report illustrating diagnostic clinical and
      radiological findings.
AB  - Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare congenital defect, primarily affecting
      bones, undergoing intramembranous ossification. CCD presents with skeletal
      defects of several bones, the most striking feature of which are partial or
      complete absence of clavicles, late fontanels closure, and presence of open skull
      sutures and multiple wormian bones. These patients may be first noticed by the
      dentist because of the aesthetic problems or delayed eruption of teeth
      experienced by the patient. Here, we report a typical case of CCD in a 15-year
      old female who had classical diagnostic feature of this syndrome. 

PMID- 25121073
TI  - Mural adenomatoid odontogenic tumour as anterior mandibular swelling: a
      diagnostic challenge.
AB  - Adenomatoid odontogenic tumour is an uncommon, benign, hamartomatous lesion that
      commonly affects the anterior maxilla and has two radiographic variants,
      follicular and extrafollicular where the former is more common than the latter.
      Here, we report a case of 15-year-old female with midline swelling of the
      mandible. Radiographically, impacted right permanent mandibular canine was
      associated with the radiolucent lesion. Dentigerous cyst was given as provisional
      diagnosis. However, histologically the lesion represented the features of cystic
      variant of Adenomatoid odontogenic tumour. 

PMID- 25121072
TI  - Management of Dilacerated and S-shaped Root Canals - An Endodontist's Challenge.
AB  - The unique morphology of dilacerated and S-shaped root canals often pose utmost
      challenges in their endodontic management. Common causes of failures in such
      cases are primarily related to procedural errors such as ledges, fractured
      instruments, canal blockages, zip and elbow creations. Knowledge of dental
      anatomy and its variations is essential for the success of endodontic treatment.
      A clinician is required to have an insight of the morphology of tooth related to
      its shape, form and structure before commencing treatment. Routine periapical
      radiographs aids in assessing these morphological variations in the root canal
      system. This article gives a review of the literature and reports an interesting
      case of dilacerated and S-shaped root canals of adjacent teeth in the same
      patient. 

PMID- 25121075
TI  - Plasma torch toothbrush a new insight in fear free dentisry.
AB  - Dental treatment is considered painful either because of fear or anxiety. Even
      though fear and anxiety could be managed; the needle pricks and the heat
      generated with drills are both painful and destructive to the tissues of the
      tooth. A new technology which can reduce the pain and destruction of the dental
      tissues will be of huge value. Plasma torch toothbrush fits into such criteria
      and when developed fully, will be able to apply for many of the dental procedures
      for increasing the efficiency. 

PMID- 25121074
TI  - Palliative dental care- a boon for debilitating.
AB  - World Health Organization defines "palliative care" as the active total care of
      patients whose disease is not responding to curative treatment. Palliative care
      actually deals with patients at the terminal end stage of the disease. We always
      face a question why a dentist should be in a palliative team? What is the exact
      role of dentist? Dental treatment may not always be strenuous and curative, but
      also can focus on improving quality of life of the patient. Hence forth the
      present paper enlightens the importance of dentist role in palliative team. 

PMID- 25121076
TI  - Drug therapy trials for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: current and
      future targets.

PMID- 25121078
TI  - Epidemiology of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome in singapore: risk
      factors and predictive respiratory indices for mortality.
AB  - AIM: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents the most severe form
      of acute lung injury. The aim of our study is to describe the epidemiology of
      pediatric ARDS in Singapore and compare the outcomes of ARDS using the following
      respiratory indices: PaO2/FiO2 ratio (P/F ratio), SpO2/FiO2 ratio (S/F ratio),
      oxygenation index (OI), and oxygen saturation index (OSI). METHODS: We examined
      medical records of patients admitted to the Children's Intensive Care Unit in KK
      Women's and Children's Hospital from 2009 to 2012. Those who fulfilled criteria
      for the American-European Consensus Conference definition for ARDS were
      identified. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic information were extracted
      and analyzed. RESULTS: We identified 70 patients with ARDS. Median age
      (interquartile range) was 6.2 (1.4, 10.4) years. The most common risk factor was
      pneumonia [50 (71%)]. Overall mortality was 44 (63%) patients. Thirty-two (56%)
      patients had an underlying chronic comorbidity; 18 (46%) were hematology-oncology
      conditions. Fifty-six (80%) patients had multiorgan dysfunction. Adjunct
      therapies used in our patients included inhaled nitric oxide [5 (7%)], prone
      position [22 (31%)], steroids [26 (37%)], and neuromuscular blockade [26 (37%)].
      A high OI and low PF ratio after 24 h of diagnosis of ARDS were associated with
      mortality. From day 3 onward, all four respiratory indices appropriately
      differentiated survivors from non-survivors. Severity based on the S/F ratio and
      OSI demonstrated association with decreased ventilator free days and ICU free
      days. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for mortality included having an underlying
      comorbidity, multiorgan dysfunction, a low PF ratio, and high OI at 24 h of ARDS.
      Abnormal SpO2-based measurements were reliable markers of poor outcomes in
      pediatric ARDS.

PMID- 25121080
TI  - Delay in breast cancer: implications for stage at diagnosis and survival.
AB  - Breast cancer continues to be a disease with tremendous public health
      significance. Primary prevention of breast cancer is still not available, so
      efforts to promote early detection continue to be the major focus in fighting
      breast cancer. Since early detection is associated with decreased mortality, one
      would think that it is important to minimize delays in detection and diagnosis.
      There are two major types of delay. Patient delay is delay in seeking medical
      attention after self-discovering a potential breast cancer symptom. System delay
      is delay within the health care system in getting appointments, scheduling
      diagnostic tests, receiving a definitive diagnosis, and initiating therapy.
      Earlier studies of the consequences of delay on prognosis tended to show that
      increased delay is associated with more advanced stage cancers at diagnosis, thus
      resulting in poorer chances for survival. More recent studies have had mixed
      results, with some studies showing increased survival with longer delays. One
      hypothesis is that diagnostic difficulties could perhaps account for this
      survival paradox. A rapidly growing lump may suggest cancer to both doctors and
      patients, while a slow growing lump or other symptoms could be less obvious to
      them. If this is the case, then the shorter delays would be seen with the more
      aggressive tumors for which the prognosis is worse leading to reduced survival.
      It seems logical that a tumor that is more advanced at diagnosis would lead to
      shorter survival but the several counter-intuitive studies in this review show
      that it is dangerous to make assumptions. 

PMID- 25121077
TI  - Pulmonary manifestations of primary immunodeficiency disorders in children.
AB  - Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are inherited disorders in which one or several
      components of immune system are decreased, missing, or of non-appropriate
      function. These diseases affect the development, function, or morphology of the
      immune system. The group of PID comprises more than 200 different disorders and
      syndromes and the number of newly recognized and revealed deficiencies is still
      increasing. Their clinical presentation and complications depend on the type of
      defects and there is a great variability in the relationship between genotypes
      and phenotypes. A variation of clinical presentation across various age
      categories is also presented and children could widely differ from adult patients
      with PID. Respiratory symptoms and complications present a significant cause of
      morbidity and also mortality among patients suffering from different forms of
      PIDs and they are observed both in children and adults. They can affect primarily
      either upper airways (e.g., sinusitis and otitis media) or lower respiratory
      tract [e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and interstitial lung
      diseases (ILDs)]. The complications from lower respiratory tract are usually
      considered to be more important and also more specific for PIDs and they
      determinate patients' prognosis. The spectrum of the causal pathogens usually
      demonstrates typical pattern characteristic for each PID category. The
      respiratory signs of PIDs can be divided into infectious (upper and lower
      respiratory tract infections and complications) and non-infectious (ILDs,
      bronchial abnormalities - especially bronchiectasis, malignancies, and benign
      lymphoproliferation). Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy can prevent or at
      least slow down the development and course of respiratory complications of PIDs. 

PMID- 25121079
TI  - Existing data analysis in pediatric critical care research.
AB  - Our objectives were to review and categorize the existing data sources that are
      important to pediatric critical care medicine (PCCM) investigators and the types
      of questions that have been or could be studied with each data source. We
      conducted a narrative review of the medical literature, categorized the data
      sources available to PCCM investigators, and created an online data source
      registry. We found that many data sources are available for research in PCCM. To
      date, PCCM investigators have most often relied on pediatric critical care
      registries and treatment- or disease-specific registries. The available data
      sources vary widely in the level of clinical detail and the types of questions
      they can reliably answer. Linkage of data sources can expand the types of
      questions that a data source can be used to study. Careful matching of the
      scientific question to the best available data source or linked data sources is
      necessary. In addition, rigorous application of the best available analysis
      techniques and reporting consistent with observational research standards will
      maximize the quality of research using existing data in PCCM. 

PMID- 25121082
TI  - Hurricane Sandy: How Did We Do? Assessing a Manhattan Hospital's Response.

PMID- 25121081
TI  - Evaluation of capacity-building program of district health managers in India: a
      contextualized theoretical framework.
AB  - Performance of local health services managers at district level is crucial to
      ensure that health services are of good quality and cater to the health needs of
      the population in the area. In many low- and middle-income countries, health
      services managers are poorly equipped with public health management capacities
      needed for planning and managing their local health system. In the south Indian
      Tumkur district, a consortium of five non-governmental organizations partnered
      with the state government to organize a capacity-building program for health
      managers. The program consisted of a mix of periodic contact classes, mentoring
      and assignments and was spread over 30 months. In this paper, we develop a
      theoretical framework in the form of a refined program theory to understand how
      such a capacity-building program could bring about organizational change. A well
      formulated program theory enables an understanding of how interventions could
      bring about improvements and an evaluation of the intervention. In the refined
      program theory of the intervention, we identified various factors at individual,
      institutional, and environmental levels that could interact with the hypothesized
      mechanisms of organizational change, such as staff's perceived self-efficacy and
      commitment to their organizations. Based on this program theory, we formulated
      context-mechanism-outcome configurations that can be used to evaluate the
      intervention and, more specifically, to understand what worked, for whom and
      under what conditions. We discuss the application of program theory development
      in conducting a realist evaluation. Realist evaluation embraces principles of
      systems thinking by providing a method for understanding how elements of the
      system interact with one another in producing a given outcome. 

PMID- 25121084
TI  - Where India stands in malaria elimination?

PMID- 25121083
TI  - Discharge beta-Blocker Use and Race after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The use of discharge beta-blockers after cardiac surgery is
      associated with a long-term mortality benefit. beta-Blockers have been suggested
      to be less effective in black cardiovascular patients compared with whites. To
      date, racial differences in the long-term survival of coronary artery bypass
      grafting (CABG) patients who receive beta-blockers at discharge have not been
      examined. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients
      undergoing CABG between 2002 and 2011. Long-term survival was compared in
      patients who were and who were not discharged with beta-blockers. Hazard ratios
      (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using a Cox regression
      model. P-for-interaction between race and discharge beta-blocker use was computed
      using a likelihood ratio test. RESULTS: A total of 853 (88%) black (n = 970) and
      3,038 (88%) white (n = 3,460) patients had a history of beta-blocker use at
      discharge (N = 4,430). Black patients who received beta-blockers survived longer
      than those not receiving beta-blockers and the survival advantage was comparable
      with white patients (black, adjusted HR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.23-0.46; white,
      adjusted HR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.39-0.58; p-for-interaction = 0.74). Among patients
      discharged on beta-blockers, we did not observe a long-term survival advantage
      for white compared with black patients (HR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.95-1.5). CONCLUSION:
      beta-Blocker use at discharge was associated with a survival advantage among
      black patients after CABG and a similar association was observed in white
      patients.

PMID- 25121085
TI  - Problems and their solutions in genetic counseling education in Japan.
AB  - With the expansion of novel chromosome testing, a career as a certified genetic
      counselor has been gathering a lot of attention. However, few people certified as
      a genetic counselor after completing postgraduate courses are able to find
      employment as a genetic counselor, and their salaries are quite low. It is also
      questionable whether or not such newly graduated genetic counselors, who have
      limited life experience and knowledge, can fully understand family issues and
      properly perform counseling sessions. To address these issues, a wide range of
      education and training may be necessary. In this study, we examined current
      problems in genetic counseling education in Japan, and proposed effective
      measures to address these problems. Toward creating a new society, we are
      currently establishing a national qualification system and cultivating qualified
      professionals capable of providing patients with accurate information on
      chromosome and genetic testing. In addition, these professionals could encourage
      younger generations to have an interest in genetic counseling. I also hope that
      these professionals will work not only in Japan but all over the world. 

PMID- 25121086
TI  - Novel TPP-riboswitch activators bypass metabolic enzyme dependency.
AB  - Riboswitches are conserved regions within mRNA molecules that bind specific
      metabolites and regulate gene expression. TPP-riboswitches, which respond to
      thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), are involved in the regulation of thiamine
      metabolism in numerous bacteria. As these regulatory RNAs are often modulating
      essential biosynthesis pathways they have become increasingly interesting as
      promising antibacterial targets. Here, we describe thiamine analogs containing a
      central 1,2,3-triazole group to induce repression of thiM-riboswitch dependent
      gene expression in different E. coli strains. Additionally, we show that compound
      activation is dependent on proteins involved in the metabolic pathways of
      thiamine uptake and synthesis. The most promising molecule, triazolethiamine
      (TT), shows concentration dependent reporter gene repression that is dependent on
      the presence of thiamine kinase ThiK, whereas the effect of pyrithiamine (PT), a
      known TPP-riboswitch modulator, is ThiK independent. We further show that this
      dependence can be bypassed by triazolethiamine-derivatives that bear phosphate
      mimicking moieties. As triazolethiamine reveals superior activity compared to
      pyrithiamine, it represents a very promising starting point for developing novel
      antibacterial compounds that target TPP-riboswitches. Riboswitch-targeting
      compounds engage diverse endogenous mechanisms to attain in vivo activity. These
      findings are of importance for the understanding of compounds that require
      metabolic activation to achieve effective riboswitch modulation and they enable
      the design of novel compound generations that are independent of endogenous
      activation mechanisms. 

PMID- 25121087
TI  - N-alkynyl derivatives of 5-fluorouracil: susceptibility to palladium-mediated
      dealkylation and toxigenicity in cancer cell culture.
AB  - Palladium-activated prodrug therapy is an experimental therapeutic approach that
      relies on the unique chemical properties and biocompatibility of heterogeneous
      palladium catalysis to enable the spatially-controlled in vivo conversion of a
      biochemically-stable prodrug into its active form. This strategy, which would
      allow inducing local activation of systemically administered drug precursors by
      mediation of an implantable activating device made of Pd(0), has been proposed by
      our group as a way to reach therapeutic levels of the active drug in the affected
      tissue/organ while reducing its systemic toxicity. In the seminal study of such
      an approach, we reported that propargylation of the N1 position of 5-fluorouracil
      suppressed the drug's cytotoxic properties, showed high stability in cell culture
      and facilitated the bioorthogonal restoration of the drug's pharmacological
      activity in the presence of extracellular Pd(0)-functionalized resins. To provide
      additional insight on the properties of this system, we have investigated
      different N1-alkynyl derivatives of 5-fluorouracil and shown that the presence of
      substituents near the triple bond influence negatively on its sensitivity to
      palladium catalysis under biocompatible conditions. Comparative studies of the N1
      vs. the N3-propargyl derivatives of 5-fluorouracil revealed that masking each or
      both positions equally led to inactive derivatives (>200-fold reduction of
      cytotoxicity relative to the unmodified drug), whereas the depropargylation
      process occurred faster at the N1 position than at the N3, thus resulting in
      greater toxigenic properties in cancer cell culture. 

PMID- 25121088
TI  - Associations of CTLA4 Gene Polymorphisms with Graves' Ophthalmopathy: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - Many studies have established that T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) is a
      susceptible gene for Graves' disease (GD). Also many studies showed the
      association between the CTLA4 exon-1 49A/G polymorphism and the risk of
      developing Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) in GD patients. But those results were
      inconsistent. In recent years many new studies were published which helped to
      shed light on the relationship of CTLA4 SNP49 with GO. So we performed the meta
      analysis to explore the association between the SNP49 and GO susceptibility in GD
      patients. Studies up to February 29, 2012, were searched by using PubMed. The
      odds ratio was used to evaluate the strength of the association. Altogether 12
      case-control studies involving 2,505 participants were included in the meta
      analysis. Results showed that the G allele was related to the increased risk of
      GO compared with the A allele under allelic genetic model (OR = 1.14, 95% CI:
      1.14-1.72, P = 0.001) in European subgroup. No publication bias was detected. Our
      results showed that the SNP49 polymorphism of CTLA4 gene was related to increased
      risk of GO. 

PMID- 25121089
TI  - Comparative Analysis of Glycogene Expression in Different Mouse Tissues Using RNA
      Seq Data.
AB  - Glycogenes regulate a wide array of biological processes in the development of
      organisms as well as different diseases such as cancer, primary open-angle
      glaucoma, and renal dysfunction. The objective of this study was to explore the
      role of differentially expressed glycogenes (DEGGs) in three major tissues such
      as brain, muscle, and liver using mouse RNA-seq data, and we identified 579, 501,
      and 442 DEGGs for brain versus liver (BvL579), brain versus muscle (BvM501), and
      liver versus muscle (LvM442) groups. DAVID functional analysis suggested
      inflammatory response, glycosaminoglycan metabolic process, and protein
      maturation as the enriched biological processes in BvL579, BvM501, and LvM442,
      respectively. These DEGGs were then used to construct three interaction networks
      by using GeneMANIA, from which we detected potential hub genes such as PEMT and
      HPXN (BvL579), IGF2 and NID2 (BvM501), and STAT6 and FLT1 (LvM442), having the
      highest degree. Additionally, our community analysis results suggest that the
      significance of immune system related processes in liver, glycosphingolipid
      metabolic processes in the development of brain, and the processes such as cell
      proliferation, adhesion, and growth are important for muscle development. Further
      studies are required to confirm the role of predicted hub genes as well as the
      significance of biological processes. 

PMID- 25121090
TI  - New acquisition protocol of 18F-choline PET/CT in prostate cancer patients:
      review of the literature about methodology and proposal of standardization.
AB  - PURPOSE: (1) To evaluate a new acquisition protocol of (18)F-choline (FCH) PET/CT
      for prostate cancer patients (PC), (2) to review acquisition (18)F-choline PET/CT
      methodology, and (3) to propose a standardized acquisition protocol on FCH PET/CT
      in PC patients. MATERIALS: 100 consecutive PC patients (mean age 70.5 years, mean
      PSA 21.35 ng/mL) were prospectively evaluated. New protocol consisted of an early
      scan of the pelvis immediately after the injection of the tracer (1 bed position
      of 4 min) followed by a whole body scan at one 1 hour. Early and 1 hour images
      were compared for interfering activity and pathologic findings. RESULTS: The
      overall detection rate of FCH PET/CT was 64%. The early static images of the
      pelvis showed absence of radioactive urine in ureters, bladder, or urethra which
      allowed a clean evaluation of the prostatic fossae. Uptake in the prostatic
      region was better visualized in the early phase in 26% (7/30) of cases. Other
      pelvic pathologic findings (bone and lymph nodes) were visualized in both early
      and late images. CONCLUSION: Early (18)F-choline images improve visualization of
      abnormal uptake in prostate fossae. All pathologic pelvic deposits (prostate,
      lymph nodes, and bone) were visualized in both early and late images.

PMID- 25121091
TI  - Effects of converting tacrolimus formulation from twice-daily to once-daily in
      liver transplantation recipients.
AB  - Typically, tacrolimus is administrated twice daily. Prolonged-release tacrolimus
      is the once-daily formulation and may be more convenient for patients. Experience
      with the administration of the once-daily formulation is still limited. This
      study enrolled 210 liver transplant recipients who had stable liver function and
      converted tacrolimus from a twice-daily to once-daily formulation on a 1 mg to 1
      mg basis. Among 210 patients, seven patients (3.3%) were withdrawn from the once
      daily formulation due to allergy and fatigue. For the other patients, the trough
      concentration after converting to the once-daily formulation was lower than that
      of the twice-daily formulation. Liver enzymes were mildly elevated in 3 months
      after formulation conversion and serum creatinine and uric acid were mildly
      decreased. Seven patients (3.4%) had clinical suspicion of acute rejection after
      the formulation conversion and three of them were caused by nonadherence. 155
      patients (76.4%) experienced a more convenient life with an increase of social
      activity. Forty-seven patients (23.2%) experienced the convenience of once-daily
      formulation during overseas trips. In conclusion, tacrolimus can be safely
      converted from the twice-daily to the once-daily formulation for most stable
      liver recipients. Acute rejection may occur in a minority of patients during
      formulation conversion and should be carefully monitored. 

PMID- 25121092
TI  - Expression of acetylcholine receptors by experimental rat renal allografts.
AB  - Chronic allograft injury (CAI) is a major cause for renal allograft dysfunction
      and characterized by vasculopathies, tubular atrophy, and fibrosis. We
      demonstrated that numerous leukocytes interact with vascular endothelial cells of
      allografts and produce acetylcholine, which contributes to vascular remodeling.
      The cholinergic system might be a promising target for the development of novel
      therapies. However, neither the cellular mechanisms nor the acetylcholine
      receptors involved in CAI are known. Kidney transplantation was performed in the
      Lewis to Lewis and in the Fischer-334 to Lewis rat strain combination, which is
      an established experimental model for CAI. Expression of nicotinic and muscarinic
      acetylcholine receptors mRNA was quantified in renal tissue by real-time RT-PCR
      on days 9 and 42 after surgery. We detected CHRNA2-7, CHRNA10, CHRNB2, CHRNB4,
      and CHRM1-3 mRNA in normal kidneys and in renal transplants. In contrast, CHRNA9,
      CHRM4, and CHRM5 mRNA remained below the threshold of detection. In renal
      allografts, CHRNA3 and CHRNB4 mRNA expression were dramatically reduced compared
      to isografts. In conclusion, we demonstrated that most acetylcholine receptor
      subtypes are expressed by normal and transplanted kidneys. Allograft rejection
      downmodulates CHRNA3 and CHRNB4 mRNA. The role of different acetylcholine
      receptor subtypes in the development of CAI remains to be established. 

PMID- 25121093
TI  - Gonadal transcriptome analysis of male and female olive flounder (Paralichthys
      olivaceus).
AB  - Olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is an important commercially cultured
      marine flatfish in China, Korea, and Japan, of which female grows faster than
      male. In order to explore the molecular mechanism of flounder sex determination
      and development, we used RNA-seq technology to investigate transcriptomes of
      flounder gonads. This produced 22,253,217 and 19,777,841 qualified reads from
      ovary and testes, which were jointly assembled into 97,233 contigs. Among them,
      23,223 contigs were mapped to known genes, of which 2,193 were predicted to be
      differentially expressed in ovary and 887 in testes. According to annotation
      information, several sex-related biological pathways including ovarian
      steroidogenesis and estrogen signaling pathways were firstly found in flounder.
      The dimorphic expression of overall sex-related genes provides further insights
      into sex determination and gonadal development. Our study also provides an
      archive for further studies of molecular mechanism of fish sex determination. 

PMID- 25121094
TI  - Promoting nerve regeneration in a neurotmesis rat model using poly(DL-lactide
      epsilon-caprolactone) membranes and mesenchymal stem cells from the Wharton's
      jelly: in vitro and in vivo analysis.
AB  - In peripheral nerves MSCs can modulate Wallerian degeneration and the overall
      regenerative response by acting through paracrine mechanisms directly on
      regenerating axons or upon the nerve-supporting Schwann cells. In the present
      study, the effect of human MSCs from Wharton's jelly (HMSCs), differentiated into
      neuroglial-like cells associated to poly (DL-lactide-epsilon-caprolactone)
      membrane, on nerve regeneration, was evaluated in the neurotmesis injury rat
      sciatic nerve model. Results in vitro showed successful differentiation of HMSCs
      into neuroglial-like cells, characterized by expression of specific neuroglial
      markers confirmed by immunocytochemistry and by RT-PCR and qPCR targeting
      specific genes expressed. In vivo testing evaluated during the healing period of
      20 weeks, showed no evident positive effect of HMSCs or neuroglial-like cell
      enrichment at the sciatic nerve repair site on most of the functional and nerve
      morphometric predictors of nerve regeneration although the nociception function
      was almost normal. EPT on the other hand, recovered significantly better after
      HMSCs enriched membrane employment, to values of residual functional impairment
      compared to other treated groups. When the neurotmesis injury can be surgically
      reconstructed with an end-to-end suture or by grafting, the addition of a PLC
      membrane associated with HMSCs seems to bring significant advantage, especially
      concerning the motor function recovery. 

PMID- 25121095
TI  - Novel approach to reactive oxygen species in nontransfusion-dependent
      thalassemia.
AB  - The term Nontransfusion dependent thalassaemia (NTDT) was suggested to describe
      patients who had clinical manifestations that are too severe to be termed minor
      yet too mild to be termed major. Those patients are not entirely dependent on
      transfusions for survival. If left untreated, three main factors are responsible
      for the clinical sequelae of NTDT: ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic hemolytic
      anemia, and iron overload. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in NTDT
      patients is caused by 2 major mechanisms. The first one is chronic hypoxia
      resulting from chronic anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis leading to
      mitochondrial damage and the second is iron overload also due to chronic anemia
      and tissue hypoxia leading to increase intestinal iron absorption in thalassemic
      patients. Oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species (generated by free globin
      chains and labile plasma iron) is believed to be one of the main contributors to
      cell injury, tissue damage, and hypercoagulability in patients with thalassemia.
      Independently increased ROS has been linked to a myriad of pathological outcomes
      such as leg ulcers, decreased wound healing, pulmonary hypertension, silent brain
      infarcts, and increased thrombosis to count a few. Interestingly many of those
      complications overlap with those found in NTDT patients. 

PMID- 25121096
TI  - TBT effects on the development of intersex (ovotestis) in female fresh water
      prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii.
AB  - The impact of tributyltin (TBT) on the female gonad and the endocrine system in
      Macrobrachium rosenbergii was studied. Prawns were exposed to environmentally
      realistic concentrations of 10, 100, and 1000 ng/L of TBT for 6 months. Dose
      dependent effects were noticed in TBT exposed prawns. At 1000 ng/L TBT caused
      ovotestis formation (formation of male germ cells in ovary). Presence immature
      oocytes, fusion of developing oocytes, increase in interstitial connective
      tissues, and its modification into tubular like structure and abundance of
      spermatogonia in the ovary of TBT treated prawns. The control prawn ovary showed
      normal architecture of cellular organelles such as mature oocytes with type 2
      yolk globules, lipid droplets, normal appearance of yolk envelop, and uniformly
      arranged microvilli. On the other hand, type 1 yolk globules, reduced size of
      microvilli, spermatogonial cells in ovary, spermatogonia with centrally located
      nucleus, and chromatin distribution throughout the nucleoplasm were present in
      the TBT treated group. Immunofluorescence staining indicated a reduction in
      vitellin content in ovary of TBT treated prawn. Moreover, TBT had inhibited the
      vitellogenesis by causing hormonal imbalance in M. rosenbergii. Thus, the present
      investigation demonstrates that TBT substantially affects sexual differentiation
      and gonadal development in M. rosenbergii. 

PMID- 25121097
TI  - Caspase-14 expression impairs retinal pigment epithelium barrier function:
      potential role in diabetic macular edema.
AB  - We recently showed that caspase-14 is a novel molecule in retina with potential
      role in accelerated vascular cell death during diabetic retinopathy (DR). Here,
      we evaluated whether caspase-14 is implicated in retinal pigment epithelial cells
      (RPE) dysfunction under hyperglycemia. The impact of high glucose (HG, 30 mM D
      glucose) on caspase-14 expression in human RPE (ARPE-19) cells was tested, which
      showed significant increase in caspase-14 expression compared with normal glucose
      (5 mM D-glucose + 25 mM L-glucose). We also evaluated the impact of modulating
      caspase-14 expression on RPE cells barrier function, phagocytosis, and activation
      of other caspases using ARPE-19 cells transfected with caspase-14 plasmid or
      caspase-14 siRNA. We used FITC-dextran flux assay and electric cell substrate
      impedance sensing (ECIS) to test the changes in RPE cell barrier function.
      Similar to HG, caspase-14 expression in ARPE-19 cells increased FITC-dextran
      leakage through the confluent monolayer and decreased the transcellular
      electrical resistance (TER). These effects of HG were prevented by caspase-14
      knockdown. Furthermore, caspase-14 knockdown prevented the HG-induced activation
      of caspase-1 and caspase-9, the only activated caspases by HG. Phagocytic
      activity was unaffected by caspase-14 expression. Our results suggest that
      caspase-14 contributes to RPE cell barrier disruption under hyperglycemic
      conditions and thus plays a role in the development of diabetic macular edema. 

PMID- 25121099
TI  - Validity and reliability of the Bahasa Melayu version of the Migraine Disability
      Assessment questionnaire.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study was designed to determine the validity and reliability of
      the Bahasa Melayu version (MIDAS-M) of the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS)
      questionnaire. METHODS: Patients having migraine for more than six months
      attending the Neurology Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang
      Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, were recruited. Standard forward and back translation
      procedures were used to translate and adapt the MIDAS questionnaire to produce
      the Bahasa Melayu version. The translated Malay version was tested for face and
      content validity. Validity and reliability testing were further conducted with
      100 migraine patients (1st administration) followed by a retesting session 21
      days later (2nd administration). RESULTS: A total of 100 patients between 15 and
      60 years of age were recruited. The majority of the patients were single (66%)
      and students (46%). Cronbach's alpha values were 0.84 (1st administration) and
      0.80 (2nd administration). The test-retest reliability for the total MIDAS score
      was 0.73, indicating that the MIDAS-M questionnaire is stable; for the five
      disability questions, the test-retest values ranged from 0.77 to 0.87.
      CONCLUSION: The MIDAS-M questionnaire is comparable with the original English
      version in terms of validity and reliability and may be used for the assessment
      of migraine in clinical settings.

PMID- 25121100
TI  - Prevalence and correlation between TMD based on RDC/TMD diagnoses, oral
      parafunctions and psychoemotional stress in Polish university students.
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders
      (TMD) and oral parafunctions, as well as their correlation with psychoemotional
      factors in Polish university students. The research was conducted in a group of
      456 students (N = 456). The examination form comprised of two parts: survey and
      clinical examination. The research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular
      disorders (RDC/TMD) was used in order to assess TMD. Symptoms of TMD were
      observed in 246 (54%) students after clinical examination. The largest group
      involved students with disc displacement (women: 132, 29%; men: 70, 15%). Women
      (164; 36%) suffered more frequently than men (82; 18%) from problems related to
      the stomatognathic system (P < 0.05), described themselves as easily excitable
      and emotionally burdened, and reported symptoms as tightness of the facial and
      neck muscles (P < 0.05). In 289 (64%) students intraoral symptoms concerning
      occlusal parafunctions were observed. In 404 (89%) examined students, nonocclusal
      parafunctions were recorded. A significant correlation between TMD and
      psychoemotional problems could be detected. TMD symptoms more often concern
      women. Emotional burden and excitability are factors predisposing muscular
      disorders. 

PMID- 25121098
TI  - Cell death and deubiquitinases: perspectives in cancer.
AB  - The process of cell death has important physiological implications. At the
      organism level it is mostly involved in maintenance of tissue homeostasis. At the
      cellular level, the strategies of cell death may be categorized as either suicide
      or sabotage. The mere fact that many of these processes are programmed and that
      these are often deregulated in pathological conditions is seed to thought. The
      various players that are involved in these pathways are highly regulated. One of
      the modes of regulation is via post-translational modifications such as
      ubiquitination and deubiquitination. In this review, we have first dealt with the
      different modes and pathways involved in cell death and then we have focused on
      the regulation of several proteins in these signaling cascades by the different
      deubiquitinating enzymes, in the perspective of cancer. The study of
      deubiquitinases is currently in a rather nascent stage with limited knowledge
      both in vitro and in vivo, but the emerging roles of the deubiquitinases in
      various processes and their specificity have implicated them as potential targets
      from the therapeutic point of view. This review throws light on another aspect of
      cancer therapeutics by targeting the deubiquitinating enzymes. 

PMID- 25121101
TI  - Hepatic chemerin and chemokine-like receptor 1 expression in patients with
      chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chemerin seems to be involved in pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis
      C (CHC). Hepatic expressions of chemerin and its receptor, chemokine receptor
      like 1 (CMKLR1), in CHC have not been studied so far. AIM: To evaluate chemerin
      and CMKLR1 hepatic expression together with serum chemerin concentration in CHC
      patients and to assess their relationship with metabolic and histopathological
      abnormalities. METHODS: The study included 63 nonobese CHC patients.
      Transcription of chemerin and CMKLR1 was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR,
      while serum chemerin was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS:
      Expression of chemerin and CMKLR1 was present in the liver of all CHC patients
      regardless of sex or age. This expression was not associated with
      necroinflammatory activity and steatosis grade, fibrosis stage, and metabolic
      abnormalities. There was a negative association between serum chemerin and
      chemerin hepatic expression (r = (-0.41), P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The study for
      the first time confirmed a marked expression of chemerin and CMKLR1 in the liver
      of CHC patients. The study was performed using the homogenates of human liver
      tissue, so it is not possible to define whether hepatocytes or other cell types
      which are abundantly represented in the liver constitute the main source of
      chemerin and CMKLR1 mRNA.

PMID- 25121102
TI  - Fungi treated with small chemicals exhibit increased antimicrobial activity
      against facultative bacterial and yeast pathogens.
AB  - For decades, fungi have been the main source for the discovery of novel
      antimicrobial drugs. Recent sequencing efforts revealed a still high number of so
      far unknown "cryptic" secondary metabolites. The production of these metabolites
      is presumably epigenetically silenced under standard laboratory conditions. In
      this study, we investigated the effect of six small mass chemicals, of which some
      are known to act as epigenetic modulators, on the production of antimicrobial
      compounds in 54 spore forming fungi. The antimicrobial effect of fungal samples
      was tested against clinically facultative pathogens and multiresistant clinical
      isolates. In total, 30 samples of treated fungi belonging to six different genera
      reduced significantly growth of different test organisms compared to the
      untreated fungal sample (growth log reduction 0.3-4.3). For instance, the pellet
      of Penicillium restrictum grown in the presence of butyrate revealed significant
      higher antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus (S.) aureus and
      multiresistant S. aureus strains and displayed no cytotoxicity against human
      cells, thus making it an ideal candidate for antimicrobial compound discovery.
      Our study shows that every presumable fungus, even well described fungi, has the
      potential to produce novel antimicrobial compounds and that our approach is
      capable of rapidly filling the pipeline for yet undiscovered antimicrobial
      substances. 

PMID- 25121103
TI  - Stem cell based gene therapy in prostate cancer.
AB  - Current prostate cancer treatment, especially hormone refractory cancer, may
      create profound iatrogenic outcomes because of the adverse effects of cytotoxic
      agents. Suicide gene therapy has been investigated for the substitute modality
      for current chemotherapy because it enables the treatment targeting the cancer
      cells. However the classic suicide gene therapy has several profound side
      effects, including immune-compromised due to viral vector. Recently, stem cells
      have been regarded as a new upgraded cellular vehicle or vector because of its
      homing effects. Suicide gene therapy using genetically engineered mesenchymal
      stem cells or neural stem cells has the advantage of being safe, because prodrug
      administration not only eliminates tumor cells but consequently kills the more
      resistant therapeutic stem cells as well. The attractiveness of prodrug cancer
      gene therapy by stem cells targeted to tumors lies in activating the prodrug
      directly within the tumor mass, thus avoiding systemic toxicity. Therapeutic
      achievements using stem cells in prostate cancer include the cytosine deaminase/5
      fluorocytosine prodrug system, herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir,
      carboxyl esterase/CPT11, and interferon-beta. The aim of this study is to review
      the stem cell therapy in prostate cancer including its proven mechanisms and also
      limitations. 

PMID- 25121104
TI  - Antidiabetic activity of Acacia tortilis (Forsk.) Hayne ssp. raddiana
      polysaccharide on streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats.
AB  - The present study was designed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of
      aqueous extract of Acacia tortilis polysaccharide (AEATP) from gum exudates and
      its role in comorbidities associated with diabetes in STZ-nicotinamide induced
      diabetic rats. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into control, diabetic
      control, glimepiride treated (10 mg/kg), and diabetic rats treated with 250, 500,
      and 1000 mg/kg dose of AEATP groups and fasting blood glucose, glycated
      hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, HDL, SGOT, and SGPT
      levels were measured. STZ significantly increased fasting blood glucose level,
      glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, SGOT, and SGPT
      levels, whereas HDL level was reduced as compared to control group. After 7 days
      of administration, 500 and 1000 mg/kg dose of AEATP showed significant reduction
      (P < 0.05) in fasting blood glucose level compared to diabetic control. AEATP has
      also reduced total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, SGOT, and SGPT levels
      and improved HDL level as compared to diabetic control group. Our study is the
      first to report the normalization of fasting blood glucose level, lipid profile,
      and liver enzyme in AEATP treated diabetic rats. Thus, it can be concluded that
      AEATP may have potentials for the treatment of T2DM and its comorbidities. 

PMID- 25121105
TI  - Local packing density is the main structural determinant of the rate of protein
      sequence evolution at site level.
AB  - Functional and biophysical constraints result in site-dependent patterns of
      protein sequence variability. It is commonly assumed that the key structural
      determinant of site-specific rates of evolution is the Relative Solvent
      Accessibility (RSA). However, a recent study found that amino acid substitution
      rates correlate better with two Local Packing Density (LPD) measures, the
      Weighted Contact Number (WCN) and the Contact Number (CN), than with RSA. This
      work aims at a more thorough assessment. To this end, in addition to substitution
      rates, we considered four other sequence variability scores, four measures of
      solvent accessibility (SA), and other CN measures. We compared all properties for
      each protein of a structurally and functionally diverse representative dataset of
      monomeric enzymes. We show that the best sequence variability measures take into
      account phylogenetic tree topology. More importantly, we show that both LPD
      measures (WCN and CN) correlate better than all of the SA measures, regardless of
      the sequence variability score used. Moreover, the independent contribution of
      the best LPD measure is approximately four times larger than that of the best SA
      measure. This study strongly supports the conclusion that a site's packing
      density rather than its solvent accessibility is the main structural determinant
      of its rate of evolution. 

PMID- 25121106
TI  - Rho/ROCK signal cascade mediates asymmetric dimethylarginine-induced vascular
      smooth muscle cells migration and phenotype change.
AB  - Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) induces vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)
      migration. VSMC phenotype change is a prerequisite of migration. RhoA and Rho
      kinase (ROCK) mediate migration of VSMCs. We hypothesize that ADMA induces VSMC
      migration via the activation of Rho/ROCK signal pathway and due to VSMCs
      phenotype change. ADMA activates Rho/ROCK signal pathway that interpreted by the
      elevation of RhoA activity and phosphorylation level of a ROCK substrate.
      Pretreatment with ROCK inhibitor, Y27632 completely reverses the induction of
      ADMA on ROCK and in turn inhibits ADMA-induced VSMCs migration. When the Rho/ROCK
      signal pathway has been blocked by pretreatment with Y27632, the induction of ERK
      signal pathway by ADMA is completely abrogated. Elimination of ADMA via
      overexpression of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH2) and L
      arginine both blocks the effects of ADMA on the activation of Rho/ROCK and extra
      cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in VSMCs. The expression of differentiated
      phenotype relative proteins was reduced and the actin cytoskeleton was
      disassembled by ADMA, which were blocked by Y27632, further interpreting that
      ADMA inducing VSMCs migration via Rho/ROCK signal pathway is due to its effect on
      the VSMCs phenotype change. Our present study may help to provide novel insights
      into the therapy and prevention of atherosclerosis. 

PMID- 25121108
TI  - Particle-size distribution models for the conversion of Chinese data to FAO/USDA
      system.
AB  - We investigated eleven particle-size distribution (PSD) models to determine the
      appropriate models for describing the PSDs of 16349 Chinese soil samples. These
      data are based on three soil texture classification schemes, including one ISSS
      (International Society of Soil Science) scheme with four data points and two
      Katschinski's schemes with five and six data points, respectively. The adjusted
      coefficient of determination r (2), Akaike's information criterion (AIC), and
      geometric mean error ratio (GMER) were used to evaluate the model performance.
      The soil data were converted to the USDA (United States Department of
      Agriculture) standard using PSD models and the fractal concept. The performance
      of PSD models was affected by soil texture and classification of fraction
      schemes. The performance of PSD models also varied with clay content of soils.
      The Anderson, Fredlund, modified logistic growth, Skaggs, and Weilbull models
      were the best. 

PMID- 25121109
TI  - A synchronous-asynchronous particle swarm optimisation algorithm.
AB  - In the original particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm, the particles'
      velocities and positions are updated after the whole swarm performance is
      evaluated. This algorithm is also known as synchronous PSO (S-PSO). The strength
      of this update method is in the exploitation of the information. Asynchronous
      update PSO (A-PSO) has been proposed as an alternative to S-PSO. A particle in A
      PSO updates its velocity and position as soon as its own performance has been
      evaluated. Hence, particles are updated using partial information, leading to
      stronger exploration. In this paper, we attempt to improve PSO by merging both
      update methods to utilise the strengths of both methods. The proposed synchronous
      asynchronous PSO (SA-PSO) algorithm divides the particles into smaller groups.
      The best member of a group and the swarm's best are chosen to lead the search.
      Members within a group are updated synchronously, while the groups themselves are
      asynchronously updated. Five well-known unimodal functions, four multimodal
      functions, and a real world optimisation problem are used to study the
      performance of SA-PSO, which is compared with the performances of S-PSO and A
      PSO. The results are statistically analysed and show that the proposed SA-PSO has
      performed consistently well. 

PMID- 25121107
TI  - Beneficial effects of adiponectin on periodontal ligament cells under normal and
      regenerative conditions.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes and obesity are increasing worldwide and linked to periodontitis,
      a chronic disease which is characterized by the irreversible destruction of the
      tooth-supporting tissues, that is, periodontium. The mechanisms underlying the
      association of diabetes mellitus and obesity with periodontal destruction and
      compromised periodontal healing are not well understood, but decreased plasma
      levels of adiponectin, as found in diabetic and obese individuals, might be a
      critical mechanistic link. The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the
      effects of adiponectin on periodontal ligament (PDL) cells under normal and
      regenerative conditions, and to study the regulation of adiponectin and its
      receptors in these cells. Adiponectin stimulated significantly the expression of
      growth factors and extracellular matrix, proliferation, and in vitro wound
      healing, reduced significantly the constitutive tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      expression, and caused a significant upregulation of its own expression. The
      beneficial actions of enamel matrix derivative on a number of PDL cell functions
      critical for periodontal regeneration were partially enhanced by adiponectin. The
      periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis inhibited the adiponectin expression
      and stimulated the expression of its receptors. In conclusion, reduced levels of
      adiponectin, as found in type 2 diabetes and obesity, may compromise periodontal
      health and healing. 

PMID- 25121110
TI  - Rhizomes help the forage grass Leymus chinensis to adapt to the salt and alkali
      stresses.
AB  - Leymus chinensis has extensive ecological adaptability and can grow well in
      saline-alkaline soils. The knowledge about tolerance mechanisms of L. chinensis
      could be base for utilization of saline-alkaline soils and grassland restoration
      and rebuilding. Two neutral salts (NaCl : Na2SO4 = 9 : 1) and two alkaline salts
      (NaHCO3 : Na2CO3 = 9 : 1) with concentration of 0, 100, and 200 mmol/L were used
      to treat potted 35-day-old seedlings with rhizome growth, respectively. After 10
      days, the biomass and number of daughter shoots all decreased, with more
      reduction in alkali than in salt stress. The rhizome biomass reduced more than
      other organs. The number of daughter shoots from rhizome was more than from
      tillers. Under both stresses, Na(+) contents increased more in rhizome than in
      other organs; the reduction of K(+) content was more in underground than aerial
      tissue. Anion ions or organic acids were absorbed to neutralize cations. Na(+)
      content in stem and leaf increased markedly in high alkalinity (200 mmol/L), with
      accumulation of soluble sugar and organic acids sharply. Rhizomes help L.
      chinensis to adapt to saline and low alkaline stresses by transferring Na(+).
      However, rhizomes lost the ability to prevent Na(+) transport to aerial organs
      under high alkalinity, which led to severe growth inhibition of L. chinensis.

PMID- 25121111
TI  - Integrated navigation fusion strategy of INS/UWB for indoor carrier attitude
      angle and position synchronous tracking.
AB  - In some GPS failure conditions, positioning for mobile target is difficult. This
      paper proposed a new method based on INS/UWB for attitude angle and position
      synchronous tracking of indoor carrier. Firstly, error model of INS/UWB
      integrated system is built, including error equation of INS and UWB. And combined
      filtering model of INS/UWB is researched. Simulation results show that the two
      subsystems are complementary. Secondly, integrated navigation data fusion
      strategy of INS/UWB based on Kalman filtering theory is proposed. Simulation
      results show that FAKF method is better than the conventional Kalman filtering.
      Finally, an indoor experiment platform is established to verify the integrated
      navigation theory of INS/UWB, which is geared to the needs of coal mine working
      environment. Static and dynamic positioning results show that the INS/UWB
      integrated navigation system is stable and real-time, positioning precision meets
      the requirements of working condition and is better than any independent
      subsystem. 

PMID- 25121112
TI  - The smallest spectral radius of graphs with a given clique number.
AB  - The first four smallest values of the spectral radius among all connected graphs
      with maximum clique size omega >= 2 are obtained. 

PMID- 25121113
TI  - Long-term and short-term effects of hemodialysis on liver function evaluated
      using the galactose single-point test.
AB  - AIM: The galactose single-point (GSP) test assesses functioning liver mass by
      measuring the galactose concentration in the blood 1 hour after its
      administration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of
      hemodialysis (HD) on short-term and long-term liver function by use of GSP test.
      METHODS: Seventy-four patients on maintenance HD (46 males and 28 females, 60.38
      +/- 11.86 years) with a mean time on HD of 60.77 +/- 48.31 months were studied.
      The GSP values were compared in two groups: (1) before and after single session
      HD, and (2) after one year of maintenance HD. RESULTS: Among the 74 HD patient,
      only the post-HD Cr levels and years on dialysis were significantly correlated
      with GSP values (r = 0.280, P < 0.05 and r = -0.240, P < 0.05, resp.). 14 of 74
      patients were selected for GSP evaluation before and after a single HD session,
      and the hepatic clearance of galactose was similar (pre-HD 410 +/- 254 g/mL, post
      HD 439 +/- 298 g/mL, P = 0.49). GSP values decreased from 420.20 +/- 175.26 g/mL
      to 383.40 +/- 153.97 g/mL after 1 year maintenance HD in other 15 patients (mean
      difference: 19.00 +/- 37.66 g/mL, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients on maintenance
      HD for several years may experience improvement of their liver function. However,
      a single HD session does not affect liver function significantly as assessed by
      the GSP test. Since the metabolism of galactose is dependent on liver blood flow
      and hepatic functional mass, further studies are needed.

PMID- 25121114
TI  - Towards dynamic remote data auditing in computational clouds.
AB  - Cloud computing is a significant shift of computational paradigm where computing
      as a utility and storing data remotely have a great potential. Enterprise and
      businesses are now more interested in outsourcing their data to the cloud to
      lessen the burden of local data storage and maintenance. However, the outsourced
      data and the computation outcomes are not continuously trustworthy due to the
      lack of control and physical possession of the data owners. To better streamline
      this issue, researchers have now focused on designing remote data auditing (RDA)
      techniques. The majority of these techniques, however, are only applicable for
      static archive data and are not subject to audit the dynamically updated
      outsourced data. We propose an effectual RDA technique based on algebraic
      signature properties for cloud storage system and also present a new data
      structure capable of efficiently supporting dynamic data operations like append,
      insert, modify, and delete. Moreover, this data structure empowers our method to
      be applicable for large-scale data with minimum computation cost. The comparative
      analysis with the state-of-the-art RDA schemes shows that the proposed scheme is
      secure and highly efficient in terms of the computation and communication
      overhead on the auditor and server. 

PMID- 25121115
TI  - Displacement-based back-analysis of the model parameters of the Nuozhadu high
      earth-rockfill dam.
AB  - The parameters of the constitutive model, the creep model, and the wetting model
      of materials of the Nuozhadu high earth-rockfill dam were back-analyzed together
      based on field monitoring displacement data by employing an intelligent back
      analysis method. In this method, an artificial neural network is used as a
      substitute for time-consuming finite element analysis, and an evolutionary
      algorithm is applied for both network training and parameter optimization. To
      avoid simultaneous back-analysis of many parameters, the model parameters of the
      three main dam materials are decoupled and back-analyzed separately in a
      particular order. Displacement back-analyses were performed at different stages
      of the construction period, with and without considering the creep and wetting
      deformations. Good agreement between the numerical results and the monitoring
      data was obtained for most observation points, which implies that the back
      analysis method and decoupling method are effective for solving complex problems
      with multiple models and parameters. The comparison of calculation results based
      on different sets of back-analyzed model parameters indicates the necessity of
      taking the effects of creep and wetting into consideration in the numerical
      analyses of high earth-rockfill dams. With the resulting model parameters, the
      stress and deformation distributions at completion are predicted and analyzed. 

PMID- 25121116
TI  - Narrow band region-based active contours model for noisy color image
      segmentation.
AB  - A narrow band active contour model for color image segmentation is proposed,
      which applies local statistics to improve the robustness against noise. The crux
      of our approach is to use intensity mean of local region to define the force
      function within a level set framework, within which a narrow band is implemented
      to further improve the computational efficiency. In addition, the image is
      segmented from channel-to-channel, which shows superior performance when the
      intensities of the object and background are similar. Furthermore, a multichannel
      segmentation combination method is used to integrate the information of multiple
      level sets. The proposed model has been applied to both synthetic and real images
      with expected results, and the comparison with the state-of-the-art approaches
      demonstrates the accuracy and superiority of our approach. 

PMID- 25121117
TI  - Haematological and biochemical parameters during the laying period in common
      pheasant hens housed in enhanced cages.
AB  - The development of selected haematological and biochemical parameters during the
      laying period was monitored in common pheasant hens housed in an enhanced cage
      system. The cages were enhanced by the addition of two perches and a shelter
      formed by strips of cloth hanging in the corner of the cage. The results showed
      significant changes in the haematological and biochemical parameters monitored
      during egg laying. At the time when laying capacity approached a maximum, a
      decrease was observed (P < 0.05) in haematocrit, erythrocytes, and haemoglobin
      values, whereas monocytes, eosinophils, the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio,
      phosphorus, and calcium exhibited an increase (P < 0.05). At the end of the
      laying period, an increase (P < 0.05) was recorded in the count of leukocytes,
      heterophils, lymphocytes and basophils, the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and
      the concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, cholesterol, phosphorus, and
      calcium, whereas lower values (P < 0.05) were recorded for haematocrit and plasma
      total protein in comparison with the values of the indicators at the beginning of
      the laying period. The results provide new information about dynamic changes in
      selected haematological and biochemical parameters in clinically healthy common
      pheasant hens during the laying period. 

PMID- 25121118
TI  - Intrastrain comparison of the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of an
      edible mushroom, Pleurotus giganteus, and its potent neuritogenic properties.
AB  - Two strains of Pleurotus giganteus (commercial and wild) were tested for their
      ability to induce neurite outgrowth in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) and mouse
      neuroblastoma-2a (N2a) cells. Treatment with the mushroom extracts resulted in
      neuronal differentiation and neuronal elongation, but not nerve growth factor
      (NGF) production. Linoleic acid (4.5-5.0%, w/w) which is a major fatty acid
      present in the ethanol extract promoted NGF biosynthesis when augmented with low
      concentration of NGF (5 ng/mL). The two strains of mushroom were found to be high
      in protein (154-192 g kg(-1)), total polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids
      as well as vitamins B1, B2, and B3. The total phenolics present in the mushroom
      extracts were positively correlated to the antioxidant activity (free radical
      scavenging, ferric reducing power, and lipid peroxidation inhibition). To
      conclude, P. giganteus could potentially be used in well-balanced diet and as a
      source of dietary antioxidant to promote neuronal health.

PMID- 25121119
TI  - Automated detection and evaluation of swallowing using a combined
      EMG/bioimpedance measurement system.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Developing an automated diagnostic and therapeutic instrument for
      treating swallowing disorders requires procedures able to reliably detect and
      evaluate a swallow. We tested a two-stage detection procedure based on a combined
      electromyography/bioimpedance (EMBI) measurement system. EMBI is able to detect
      swallows and distinguish them from similar movements in healthy test subjects.
      STUDY DESIGN: The study was planned and conducted as a case-control study (EA
      1/019/10, and EA1/160/09, EA1/161/09). METHOD: The study looked at differences in
      swallowing parameters in general and in the event of penetration during swallows
      in healthy subjects and in patients with an oropharyngeal swallowing disorder. A
      two-stage automated swallow detection procedure which used electromyography (EMG)
      and bioimpedance (BI) to reliably detect swallows was developed. RESULTS:
      Statistically significant differences between healthy subjects and patients with
      a swallowing disorder were found in swallowing parameters previously used to
      distinguish between swallowing and head movements. Our two-stage algorithm was
      able to reliably detect swallows (sensitivity = 96.1%, specificity = 97.1%) on
      the basis of these differences. DISCUSSION: Using a two-stage detection
      procedure, the EMBI measurement procedure is able to detect and evaluate swallows
      automatically and reliably. The two procedures (EMBI + swallow detection) could
      in future form the basis for automated diagnosis and treatment (stimulation) of
      swallowing disorders.

PMID- 25121121
TI  - Mechanical performance and parameter sensitivity analysis of 3D braided
      composites joints.
AB  - 3D braided composite joints are the important components in CFRP truss, which
      have significant influence on the reliability and lightweight of structures. To
      investigate the mechanical performance of 3D braided composite joints, a
      numerical method based on the microscopic mechanics is put forward, the modeling
      technologies, including the material constants selection, element type, grid
      size, and the boundary conditions, are discussed in detail. Secondly, a method
      for determination of ultimate bearing capacity is established, which can consider
      the strength failure. Finally, the effect of load parameters, geometric
      parameters, and process parameters on the ultimate bearing capacity of joints is
      analyzed by the global sensitivity analysis method. The results show that the
      main pipe diameter thickness ratio gamma, the main pipe diameter D, and the
      braided angle alpha are sensitive to the ultimate bearing capacity N. 

PMID- 25121120
TI  - Estimating body related soft biometric traits in video frames.
AB  - Soft biometrics can be used as a prescreening filter, either by using single
      trait or by combining several traits to aid the performance of recognition
      systems in an unobtrusive way. In many practical visual surveillance scenarios,
      facial information becomes difficult to be effectively constructed due to several
      varying challenges. However, from distance the visual appearance of an object can
      be efficiently inferred, thereby providing the possibility of estimating body
      related information. This paper presents an approach for estimating body related
      soft biometrics; specifically we propose a new approach based on body measurement
      and artificial neural network for predicting body weight of subjects and
      incorporate the existing technique on single view metrology for height estimation
      in videos with low frame rate. Our evaluation on 1120 frame sets of 80 subjects
      from a newly compiled dataset shows that the mentioned soft biometric information
      of human subjects can be adequately predicted from set of frames. 

PMID- 25121123
TI  - A lower bound on the sinc function and its application.
AB  - A lower bound on the sinc function is given. Application for the sequence
      {b(n)}(n=1)(infinity) which related to Carleman inequality is given as well.

PMID- 25121122
TI  - Observer design for a core circadian rhythm network.
AB  - The paper investigates the observer design for a core circadian rhythm network in
      Drosophila and Neurospora. Based on the constructed highly nonlinear differential
      equation model and the recently proposed graphical approach, we design a rather
      simple observer for the circadian rhythm oscillator, which can well track the
      state of the original system for various input signals. Numerical simulations
      show the effectiveness of the designed observer. Potential applications of the
      related investigations include the real-world control and experimental design of
      the related biological networks. 

PMID- 25121124
TI  - Electronically tunable quadrature oscillator using grounded components with
      current and voltage outputs.
AB  - The electronically tunable quadrature oscillator using a single multiple-output
      current controlled current differencing transconductance amplifier (MO-CCCDTA)
      and grounded passive components is presented. The proposed configuration uses a
      single MO-CCCDTA, two grounded capacitors and one grounded resistor. Two high
      output impedance quadrature current signals and two quadrature voltage signals
      with 90 degrees  phase difference. The oscillation condition and oscillation
      frequency of the proposed quadrature oscillator are independently controllable.
      The use of only grounded passive components makes the proposed circuit ideal for
      integrated circuit implementation. 

PMID- 25121125
TI  - Vehicle density based forwarding protocol for safety message broadcast in VANET.
AB  - In vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), the medium access control (MAC) protocol
      is of great importance to provide time-critical safety applications. Contemporary
      multihop broadcast protocols in VANETs usually choose the farthest node in
      broadcast range as the forwarder to reduce the number of forwarding hops.
      However, in this paper, we demonstrate that the farthest forwarder may experience
      large contention delay in case of high vehicle density. We propose an IEEE 802.11
      based multihop broadcast protocol VDF to address the issue of emergency message
      dissemination. To achieve the tradeoff between contention delay and forwarding
      hops, VDF adaptably chooses the forwarder according to the vehicle density.
      Simulation results show that, due to its ability to decrease the transmission
      collisions, the proposed protocol can provide significantly lower broadcast
      delay. 

PMID- 25121126
TI  - Applying dynamic priority scheduling scheme to static systems of pinwheel task
      model in power-aware scheduling.
AB  - Power-aware scheduling reduces CPU energy consumption in hard real-time systems
      through dynamic voltage scaling (DVS). In this paper, we deal with pinwheel task
      model which is known as static and predictable task model and could be applied to
      various embedded or ubiquitous systems. In pinwheel task model, each task's
      priority is static and its execution sequence could be predetermined. There have
      been many static approaches to power-aware scheduling in pinwheel task model.
      But, in this paper, we will show that the dynamic priority scheduling results in
      power-aware scheduling could be applied to pinwheel task model. This method is
      more effective than adopting the previous static priority scheduling methods in
      saving energy consumption and, for the system being still static, it is more
      tractable and applicable to small sized embedded or ubiquitous computing. Also,
      we introduce a novel power-aware scheduling algorithm which exploits all slacks
      under preemptive earliest-deadline first scheduling which is optimal in
      uniprocessor system. The dynamic priority method presented in this paper could be
      applied directly to static systems of pinwheel task model. The simulation results
      show that the proposed algorithm with the algorithmic complexity of O(n) reduces
      the energy consumption by 10-80% over the existing algorithms. 

PMID- 25121127
TI  - Locked mouths: Tooth loss in a women's prison in northeastern Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prisoners, in general, exhibit unsatisfactory oral conditions,
      especially with regard to the large number of missing teeth and with untreated
      caries. The aim of this study was to assess tooth loss, use of and need for
      prosthetic rehabilitation, and use of dental services among inmates. A cross
      sectional study involving 65 inmates was developed at the Regional Women's Prison
      of Campina Grande, Brazil. Data regarding sociodemographic and sentencing
      profile, use of dental services, dental morbidity, and self-perceived oral health
      impacts were investigated. Chi-square, Pearson, and Kruskal-Wallis (P < 0.05)
      statistical tests were used. The mean tooth loss was 11.3 teeth. Significant
      association between tooth loss and oral health satisfaction (P = 0.049), self
      perceived need for dental prosthesis (P < 0.001), uncomfortable teeth brushing (P
      = 0.005), difficult speaking (P = 0.002), and difficulty in performing routine
      tasks (P = 0.025) was observed. It was observed that 29.2% of inmates were using
      some type of prosthesis, all deemed unsuitable for use, and 78.5% of inmates
      needed prosthetic rehabilitation. The oral health condition of the population
      studied was found to be poor, and prisoners showed significant tooth loss and
      need for dentures, with the aggravation of having tooth extraction as the major
      reason for seeking dental care.

PMID- 25121128
TI  - Train repathing in emergencies based on fuzzy linear programming.
AB  - Train pathing is a typical problem which is to assign the train trips on the sets
      of rail segments, such as rail tracks and links. This paper focuses on the train
      pathing problem, determining the paths of the train trips in emergencies. We
      analyze the influencing factors of train pathing, such as transferring cost,
      running cost, and social adverse effect cost. With the overall consideration of
      the segment and station capability constraints, we build the fuzzy linear
      programming model to solve the train pathing problem. We design the fuzzy
      membership function to describe the fuzzy coefficients. Furthermore, the
      contraction-expansion factors are introduced to contract or expand the value
      ranges of the fuzzy coefficients, coping with the uncertainty of the value range
      of the fuzzy coefficients. We propose a method based on triangular fuzzy
      coefficient and transfer the train pathing (fuzzy linear programming model) to a
      determinate linear model to solve the fuzzy linear programming problem. An
      emergency is supposed based on the real data of the Beijing-Shanghai Railway. The
      model in this paper was solved and the computation results prove the availability
      of the model and efficiency of the algorithm. 

PMID- 25121129
TI  - A note on parametric surfaces in Minkowski 3-space.
AB  - With the help of the Frenet frame of a given pseudo null curve, a family of
      parametric surfaces is expressed as a linear combination of this frame. The
      necessary and sufficient conditions are examined for that curve to be an
      isoparametric and asymptotic on the parametric surface. It is shown that there is
      not any cylindrical and developable ruled surface as a parametric surface. Also,
      some interesting examples are illustrated about these surfaces. 

PMID- 25121130
TI  - Gender dysphoria: the role of sex reassignment surgery.

PMID- 25121132
TI  - Reconfigurable ring filter with controllable frequency response.
AB  - Reconfigurable ring filter based on single-side-access ring topology is
      presented. Using capacitive tuning elements, the electrical length of the ring
      can be manipulated to shift the nominal center frequency to a desired position. A
      synthesis is developed to determine the values of the capacitive elements. To
      show the advantage of the synthesis, it is applied to the reconfigurable filter
      design using RF lumped capacitors. The concept is further explored by introducing
      varactor-diodes to continuously tune the center frequency of the ring filter. For
      demonstration, two prototypes of reconfigurable ring filters are realized using
      microstrip technology, simulated, and measured to validate the proposed concept.
      The reconfigured filter using lumped elements is successfully reconfigured from 2
      GHz to 984.4 MHz and miniaturized by 71% compared to the filter directly designed
      at the same reconfigured frequency, while, for the filter using varactor-diodes,
      the frequency is chosen from 1.10 GHz to 1.38 GHz spreading over 280 MHz
      frequency range. Both designs are found to be compact with acceptable insertion
      loss and high selectivity. 

PMID- 25121131
TI  - Sequence variants of ADIPOQ and association with type 2 diabetes mellitus in
      Taiwan Chinese Han population.
AB  - Diabetes is a serious global health problem. Large-scale genome-wide association
      studies identified loci for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), including
      adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene and transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2), but few
      studies clarified the effect of genetic polymorphisms of ADIPOQ and TCF7L2 on
      risk of T2DM. We attempted to elucidate association between T2DM and polymorphic
      variations of both in Taiwan's Chinese Han population, with our retrospective
      case-control study genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADIPOQ
      and TCF7L2 genes both in 149 T2DM patients and in 139 healthy controls from
      Taiwan. Statistical analysis gauged association of these polymorphisms with risk
      of T2DM to show ADIPOQ rs1501299 polymorphism variations strongly correlated with
      T2DM risk (P = 0.042), with rs2241766 polymorphism being not associated with T2DM
      (P = 0.967). However, both polymorphisms rs7903146 and rs12255372 of TCF7L2 were
      rarely detected in Taiwanese people. This study avers that ADIPOQ rs1501299
      polymorphism contributes to risk of T2DM in the Taiwanese population. 

PMID- 25121134
TI  - Damage assessment of two-way bending RC slabs subjected to blast loadings.
AB  - Terrorist attacks on vulnerable structures and their individual structural
      members may cause considerable damage and loss of life. However, the research
      work on response and damage analysis of single structural components, for
      example, a slab to blast loadings, is limited in the literature and this is
      necessary for assessing its vulnerability. This study investigates the blast
      response and damage assessment of a two-way bending reinforced concrete (RC) slab
      subjected to blast loadings. Numerical modeling and analysis are carried out
      using the commercial finite element code LS-DYNA 971. A damage assessment
      criterion for the two-way bending RC slab is defined based on the original and
      residual uniformly distributed load-carrying capacity. Parametric studies are
      carried out to investigate the effects of explosive weight and explosive position
      on the damage mode of the two-way RC slab. Some design parameters, such as the
      boundary conditions and the negative reinforcement steel bar length, are also
      discussed. The illustrated results show that the proposed criterion can apply to
      all failure modes. The damage assessment results are more accurate than the ones
      due to the conventional deformation criterion. 

PMID- 25121133
TI  - On the open problem related to rank equalities for the sum of finitely many
      idempotent matrices and its applications.
AB  - Tian and Styan have shown many rank equalities for the sum of two and three
      idempotent matrices and pointed out that rank equalities for the sum P1 + ?+P k
      with P1,..., P k be idempotent (k > 3) are still open. In this paper, by using
      block Gaussian elimination, we obtained rank equalities for the sum of finitely
      many idempotent matrices and then solved the open problem mentioned above.
      Extensions to scalar-potent matrices and some related matrices are also included.

PMID- 25121135
TI  - Efficient and scalable graph similarity joins in MapReduce.
AB  - Along with the emergence of massive graph-modeled data, it is of great importance
      to investigate graph similarity joins due to their wide applications for multiple
      purposes, including data cleaning, and near duplicate detection. This paper
      considers graph similarity joins with edit distance constraints, which return
      pairs of graphs such that their edit distances are no larger than a given
      threshold. Leveraging the MapReduce programming model, we propose MGSJoin, a
      scalable algorithm following the filtering-verification framework for efficient
      graph similarity joins. It relies on counting overlapping graph signatures for
      filtering out nonpromising candidates. With the potential issue of too many key
      value pairs in the filtering phase, spectral Bloom filters are introduced to
      reduce the number of key-value pairs. Furthermore, we integrate the multiway join
      strategy to boost the verification, where a MapReduce-based method is proposed
      for GED calculation. The superior efficiency and scalability of the proposed
      algorithms are demonstrated by extensive experimental results. 

PMID- 25121136
TI  - Stochastic optimized relevance feedback particle swarm optimization for content
      based image retrieval.
AB  - One of the major challenges for the CBIR is to bridge the gap between low level
      features and high level semantics according to the need of the user. To overcome
      this gap, relevance feedback (RF) coupled with support vector machine (SVM) has
      been applied successfully. However, when the feedback sample is small, the
      performance of the SVM based RF is often poor. To improve the performance of RF,
      this paper has proposed a new technique, namely, PSO-SVM-RF, which combines SVM
      based RF with particle swarm optimization (PSO). The aims of this proposed
      technique are to enhance the performance of SVM based RF and also to minimize the
      user interaction with the system by minimizing the RF number. The PSO-SVM-RF was
      tested on the coral photo gallery containing 10908 images. The results obtained
      from the experiments showed that the proposed PSO-SVM-RF achieved 100% accuracy
      in 8 feedback iterations for top 10 retrievals and 80% accuracy in 6 iterations
      for 100 top retrievals. This implies that with PSO-SVM-RF technique high accuracy
      rate is achieved at a small number of iterations. 

PMID- 25121137
TI  - Generalized equilibrium problem with mixed relaxed monotonicity.
AB  - We extend the concept of relaxed alpha-monotonicity to mixed relaxed alpha-beta
      monotonicity. The concept of mixed relaxed alpha-beta-monotonicity is more
      general than many existing concepts of monotonicities. Finally, we apply this
      concept and well known KKM-theory to obtain the solution of generalized
      equilibrium problem. 

PMID- 25121138
TI  - Thermal cycling life prediction of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder joint using type-I
      censored data.
AB  - Because solder joint interconnections are the weaknesses of microelectronic
      packaging, their reliability has great influence on the reliability of the entire
      packaging structure. Based on an accelerated life test the reliability assessment
      and life prediction of lead-free solder joints using Weibull distribution are
      investigated. The type-I interval censored lifetime data were collected from a
      thermal cycling test, which was implemented on microelectronic packaging with
      lead-free ball grid array (BGA) and fine-pitch ball grid array (FBGA)
      interconnection structures. The number of cycles to failure of lead-free solder
      joints is predicted by using a modified Engelmaier fatigue life model and a type
      I censored data processing method. Then, the Pan model is employed to calculate
      the acceleration factor of this test. A comparison of life predictions between
      the proposed method and the ones calculated directly by Matlab and Minitab is
      conducted to demonstrate the practicability and effectiveness of the proposed
      method. At last, failure analysis and microstructure evolution of lead-free
      solders are carried out to provide useful guidance for the regular maintenance,
      replacement of substructure, and subsequent processing of electronic products. 

PMID- 25121139
TI  - Outlier detection method in linear regression based on sum of arithmetic
      progression.
AB  - We introduce a new nonparametric outlier detection method for linear series,
      which requires no missing or removed data imputation. For an arithmetic
      progression (a series without outliers) with n elements, the ratio (R) of the sum
      of the minimum and the maximum elements and the sum of all elements is always 2/n
      : (0,1]. R ? 2/n always implies the existence of outliers. Usually, R < 2/n
      implies that the minimum is an outlier, and R > 2/n implies that the maximum is
      an outlier. Based upon this, we derived a new method for identifying significant
      and nonsignificant outliers, separately. Two different techniques were used to
      manage missing data and removed outliers: (1) recalculate the terms after (or
      before) the removed or missing element while maintaining the initial angle in
      relation to a certain point or (2) transform data into a constant value, which is
      not affected by missing or removed elements. With a reference element, which was
      not an outlier, the method detected all outliers from data sets with 6 to 1000
      elements containing 50% outliers which deviated by a factor of +/-1.0e - 2 to +/
      1.0e + 2 from the correct value. 

PMID- 25121140
TI  - Uplifting behavior of shallow buried pipe in liquefiable soil by dynamic
      centrifuge test.
AB  - Underground pipelines are widely applied in the so-called lifeline engineerings.
      It shows according to seismic surveys that the damage from soil liquefaction to
      underground pipelines was the most serious, whose failures were mainly in the
      form of pipeline uplifting. In the present study, dynamic centrifuge model tests
      were conducted to study the uplifting behaviors of shallow-buried pipeline
      subjected to seismic vibration in liquefied sites. The uplifting mechanism was
      discussed through the responses of the pore water pressure and earth pressure
      around the pipeline. Additionally, the analysis of force, which the pipeline was
      subjected to before and during vibration, was introduced and proved to be
      reasonable by the comparison of the measured and the calculated results. The
      uplifting behavior of pipe is the combination effects of multiple forces, and is
      highly dependent on the excess pore pressure. 

PMID- 25121142
TI  - Plasmonic nanoparticle-film calipers for rapid and ultrasensitive dimensional and
      refractometric detection.
AB  - In this study, we develop an ultrasensitive nanoparticle (NP)-film caliper that
      functions with high resolution (angstrom scale) in response to both the
      dimensions and refractive index of the spacer sandwiched between the NPs and the
      film. The anisotropy of the plasmonic gap mode in the NP-film caliper can be
      characterized readily using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) without the need for
      further optical modeling. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first
      to report the use of SE to study the plasmonic gap modes in NP-film calipers and
      to demonstrate that SE is a robust and convenient method for analyzing NP-film
      calipers. The high sensitivity of this system originates from the plasmonic gap
      mode in the NP-film caliper, induced by electromagnetic coupling between the NPs
      and the film. The refractometric sensitivity of this NP-film caliper reaches up
      to 314 nm per RIU, which is superior to those of other NP-based sensors. The NP
      film caliper also provides high dimensional resolution, down to the angstrom
      scale. In this study, the shift in wavelength in response to the change in gap
      spacing is approximately 9 nm A(-1). Taking advantage of the ultrasensitivity of
      this NP-film caliper, we develop a platform for discriminating among thiol
      containing amino acids. 

PMID- 25121141
TI  - Working capital management, corporate performance, and strategic choices of the
      wholesale and retail industry in China.
AB  - We examine the influence of strategic choice on working capital configurations
      and observe how the relationship between working capital ratio and operational
      performance differs depending on strategy. By clustering the strategic factors of
      the wholesale and retail industry, we find three categories of strategies:
      terminal market strategy, middle market strategy, and hybrid strategy. Using the
      panel data of the listed companies of the wholesale and retail industry as our
      sample, we analyze the differences in the ways companies configure working
      capital, the speed with which working capital adjusts to its target, and the
      effects of working capital on performance for companies that make different
      strategic choices. The empirical results suggest that working capital is
      configured and adjusted to its target in different ways under different
      competitive strategic choices. This effect is finally transferred to influence
      the relationship between working capital configuration and operational
      performance. 

PMID- 25121143
TI  - Choosing to avoid poor-quality healthcare.

PMID- 25121144
TI  - Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol + cannabidiol. A reasonable option for some patients
      with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Conventional drugs have only a limited impact on spasticity associated with
      multiple sclerosis and are rarely satisfactory. A solution for oral transmucosal
      delivery (spray) containing a mixture of cannabis extracts (2.7 mg of delta-9
      tetrahydrocannabinol + 2.5 mg of cannabidiol per spray) has been granted
      marketing authorisation in France for patients who are inadequately relieved by
      standard treatments. Three double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in a total of
      about 300 patients tested this combination, in addition to ongoing treatment, for
      periods of 6 to 14 weeks. Individually, none of these trials showed any tangible
      anti-spastic efficacy, but two combined analyses showed "response rates" of about
      35% with the mixture versus about 25% with placebo. In a trial with 572 patients,
      the 241 patients who "responded" after 4 weeks of treatment were randomised to
      either continue using the cannabis extract or receive placebo. Twelve weeks
      later, 75% of patients using the extract were still "responders", versus 51% of
      patients switched to placebo. The principal adverse effects of the cannabis
      extracts consist of neuropsychiatric disorders that resolve on treatment
      withdrawal. The potential for abuse increases with the dose and is tangible from
      16 sprays per day. Pharmacokinetic interactions due to P-glycoprotein inhibition
      are likely. Treatment during pregnancy may lead to neonatal withdrawal symptoms.
      In practice, about 10% of patients in whom standard anti-spastic medications are
      unsatisfactory benefit from a specific effect of the cannabis extracts contained
      in this oral spray.

PMID- 25121145
TI  - INN common-stem nal.

PMID- 25121146
TI  - Insulin degludec. Uncertainty over cardiovascular harms.
AB  - Insulin isophane (NPH) is the standard long-acting human insulin for patients
      with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Long-acting human insulin analogues are also
      available: insulin glargine and insulin detemir. Uncertainties remain concerning
      their long-term adverse effects. Insulin degludec (Tresiba, Novo Nordisk) is
      another long-acting human insulin analogue, also approved in the EU for patients
      with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It was authorised at a concentration of 100
      units per ml, like other insulins, and also at a concentration of 200 units per
      ml. There are no comparative data on insulin degludec 200 units per ml in
      patients using high doses of insulin. Insulin degludec has mainly been evaluated
      in ten randomised, unblinded, "non-inferiority" trials lasting 26 to 52 weeks,
      nine versus insulin glargine and one versus insulin detemir. Insulin degludec was
      administered at a fixed time each evening, or in either the morning or evening on
      alternate days, at varying intervals of 8 to 40 hours between doses. Efficacy in
      terms of HbA1c control was similar to that of the other insulin analogues
      administered once a day. The frequency of severe hypoglycaemia was similar in the
      groups treated with insulin degludec and those treated with the other insulins
      (10% to 12% among patients with type 1 diabetes and less than 5% in patients with
      type 2 diabetes). Deaths and other serious adverse events were similarly frequent
      in the different groups. A meta-analysis of clinical trials, carried out by the
      US Food and Drug Administration, suggested an increase of about 60% in the
      incidence of cardiovascular complications, based on a composite endpoint
      combining myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death. Other adverse
      effects observed in these trials were already known to occur with human insulin
      and its analogues, including weight gain, hypersensitivity reactions, reactions
      at the injection site, etc. The trials were too short in duration to assess long
      term harms, particularly cancer. Clinical experience with insulin degludec in
      pregnant women is very limited. It is therefore best to avoid using this analogue
      during pregnancy. In France, the concentration of all other insulins injected
      with a syringe or prefilled pen is 100 units per ml. The new concentration of 200
      units per ml contained in insulin degludec prefilled pens creates a risk of
      confusion and overdose. In practice, there is already a relatively wide range of
      options available for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who require insulin
      therapy. As insulin degludec has no proven advantages, it is better to avoid
      using it, at least pending further data on the risk of cardiovascular events.
      Insulin isophane remains the first-choice long-acting insulin, while insulin
      glargine is most appropriate for some patients with type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 25121147
TI  - Nalmefene. Alcohol dependence: no advance.
AB  - Alcohol dependence is a chronic, severe and sometimes fatal disease.
      Psychological and social support is a crucial element of patient management.
      Acamprosate and naltrexone are the drugs of choice to help patients remain
      abstinent, but they are only moderately effective. Nalmefene, an opioid receptor
      antagonist related to naltrexone, has been authorised in the European Union to
      help alcohol-dependent patients reduce their alcohol consumption. Nalmefene has
      not been compared with naltrexone or acamprosate in clinical trials. Clinical
      evaluation is mainly based on two double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled
      trials in which nalmefene was taken "on demand" at a dose of one tablet per day.
      The trials lasted 6 months and included a total of 1322 patients. During an
      initial two-week period in which all patients received medical and psychosocial
      support, about one-third of patients in both trials reduced their alcohol
      consumption without medication. Depending on the subgroup and the trial, about
      one-third to one-half of patients discontinued medical treatment before the end
      of the study period. In both trials, patients taking nalmefene had two fewer
      "heavy drinking days" per month than patients in the placebo groups. However, at
      the end of the study, they continued to drink heavily at least one week per month
      on average. Daily alcohol consumption was 5 to 9 grams lower with nalmefene than
      with placebo. The most frequent adverse effects observed in clinical trials were
      insomnia, dizziness, headache and nausea, which were severe in more than 10% of
      patients. Other serious but less frequent adverse effects included confusion,
      hallucinations and dissociation, usually at the beginning of treatment. These
      adverse effects affected about 3% of patients treated with nalmefene, a
      proportion three times higher than in the placebo groups. The consequences of
      mixing nalmefene with large amounts of alcohol are not known. In practice, the
      effects of nalmefene in alcohol-dependent patients seeking to cut down or abstain
      are of questionable clinical relevance. Adverse effects are frequent and less
      well-determined than those of standard drugs. The impact of nalmefene on the
      complications of alcohol dependence is not known. The crucial first step in the
      management of alcohol-dependent patients is to establish a relationship built on
      trust and to provide psychological and social support. When medication is
      considered, it is better to choose acamprosate or naltrexone, drugs that are only
      moderately effective but better-assessed.

PMID- 25121148
TI  - Medication-induced violence others towards.
AB  - Violent behaviour towards others is occasionally caused by drug therapy, through
      sometimes complex and often poorly understood mechanisms. The consequences
      described in detailed case reports can be serious, including homicide. Many
      neuropsychotropic drugs can induce violent behaviour: smoking cessation drugs,
      selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, amphetamines,
      benzodiazepines and dopamine agonists. Some drugs not used as psychotropic agents
      have also been implicated, for example: corticosteroids; anti-infective drugs
      such as mefloquine, efavirenz, atazanavir, ribavirin and alfa interferons;
      testosterone; and the asthma drug montelukast. The frequency of these adverse
      effects cannot be reliably assessed using the data available. Only certain
      reports mention a previous behaviour disorder. In practice, it is helpful to
      inform patients if the drugs they are taking can provoke violent behaviour. It is
      advisable to ask these patients about any behavioural changes and to encourage
      them to inform members of their family or carers, to ensure that these changes
      are identified and their consequences averted. In addition, remind them that
      alcohol increases the risk.

PMID- 25121149
TI  - Problems encountered in the pharmacovigilance of violence and aggression.

PMID- 25121150
TI  - Alzheimer's disease in France: too many patients exposed to drug interactions
      involving cholinesterase inhibitors.
AB  - A study based on data from the French national health insurance system, for the
      period 2003-2011, has shown that patients with Alzheimer's disease receiving a
      cholinesterase inhibitor were exposed to another drug that reduces the heart rate
      in about 44% of cases, a neuroleptic in 33% of cases, and an antimuscarinic for
      urinary problems in 8% of cases. Drugs for Alzheimer's disease expose patients to
      dangerous drug-drug interactions.

PMID- 25121151
TI  - Capecitabine: toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

PMID- 25121152
TI  - Mefloquine: persistent vestibular disorders.

PMID- 25121153
TI  - Contraceptive implants: pregnancies and problems with removal.

PMID- 25121154
TI  - Antibiotic therapy for acute appendicitis in adults. Fewer immediate
      complications than with surgery, but more subsequent failures.
AB  - Appendectomy is the standard treatment for acute appendicitis. Since the 1990s,
      antibiotic therapy has sometimes been proposed as an alternative to immediate
      appendectomy. How effective are antibiotics in adults with uncomplicated acute
      appendicitis, and what is the risk of complications? To answer these questions,
      we conducted a review of the literature using the standard Prescrire methodology.
      A systematic review with meta-analysis included four randomised trials of
      antibiotics versus immediate appendectomy, in 900 patients hospitalised with
      uncomplicated appendicitis. The studies included only patients with few severe
      symptoms, thus undermining the strength of the results. Antibiotic therapy was
      usually administered intravenously first, then orally. The antibiotics used were
      amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, cefotaxime, or a fluoroquinolone. Metronidazole or
      tinidazole was often added. The total duration of antibiotic treatment was 8 to
      15 days. The overall incidence of complications of appendicitis (perforation,
      peritonitis and surgical wound infections) was 25% in the immediate appendectomy
      group versus 18% in the antibiotic group. The frequency of perforations and
      peritonitis did not differ between the groups. All symptoms of appendicitis
      disappeared, without relapse or rehospitalisation during the first month, in 78%
      of patients in the antibiotic group. After one year of follow-up, 63% of patients
      treated with antibiotics were asymptomatic and had no complications or
      recurrences. In another systematic review of five randomised trials, outcome at
      one year was optimal in 73% of patients treated with antibiotics alone versus 97%
      of patients who had immediate appendectomy. In practice, in early 2014,
      appendectomy remains the first-line treatment for uncomplicated acute
      appendicitis. In some still poorly characterised patients, the harm-benefit
      balance of antibiotic therapy is probably better than that of immediate
      appendectomy. When informed of the risks, some patients are likely to choose
      antibiotic therapy.

PMID- 25121155
TI  - Towards better patient care: drugs to avoid in 2014.
AB  - In order to help healthcare professionals and patients choose high-quality
      treatments and avoid harms, we have updated our list of drugs to avoid in early
      2014. Prescrire's assessments of the harm-benefit balance of new drugs and
      indications are based on a rigorous procedure that includes a systematic and
      reproducible literature search, identification of patient-relevant outcomes,
      prioritisation of the supporting evidence, based on the strength of evidence,
      comparison with standard treatments; and an analysis of both known and potential
      adverse effects. Our 2014 review concerns drugs analysed in these pages over a
      four-year period, from 2010 to 2013. We identified 68 drugs that are potentially
      more harmful than beneficial in all of their authorised indications. In most
      cases, other drugs with a better harm-benefit balance are available. In other
      cases, there is no satisfactory alternative treatment. However, even for serious
      diseases, this does not justify exposing patients to serious risks when a drug
      has no proven efficacy. Some drugs can be used within the context of clinical
      trials, as long as patients enrolled in such studies are informed that the harms
      and benefits are uncertain and that this is precisely why they are being asked to
      participate in clinical research. Tailored supportive care is the best option
      when there are no available treatments capable of improving the prognosis, beyond
      the placebo effect.

PMID- 25121156
TI  - The finances of Association Mieux Prescrire: 2013 Prescrire annual report.

PMID- 25121157
TI  - Anti-D prophylaxis: past, present and future.
AB  - The new British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) guidelines for the
      use of anti-D immunoglobulin in pregnancy provide a welcome clarification of the
      use of anti-D in ectopic pregnancy and after red cell salvage during caesarean
      section, of dosing with different preparations and distinguishing non-immune and
      immune anti-D. The routine use of anti-D prophylaxis (RAADP) to prevent Rhesus
      (Rh) D alloimmunisation during the third trimester is well established and
      requires careful and well-audited local implementation to achieve the maximum
      public health benefit. In the UK, such scrutiny may be provided by the reporting
      of failed anti-D prophylaxis at women who have produced an immune anti-D that is
      detectable for the first time in the current pregnancy through the voluntary
      Serious Hazards of Transfusion reporting scheme (SHOT). Application of fetal RHD
      genotyping would avoid giving anti-D to RhD negative women carrying an RhD
      negative fetus. RAADP is directed by fetal RHD genotyping in some countries in
      Northern Europe led by the Netherlands and Denmark. The economic case for RAADP
      directed by fetal RHD genotyping needs to be carefully evaluated and in England
      is under consideration by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
      (NICE). Possible future developments include the use of monoclonal anti-D
      preparations, now in advanced clinical trials, and also testing the hypothesis
      that directed RAADP from early in the second trimester may further reduce anti-D
      immunisation.

PMID- 25121158
TI  - BCSH guideline for the use of anti-D immunoglobulin for the  prevention of
      haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.

PMID- 25121159
TI  - Baseline extracellular potassium level as an indicator of the rate  of increase
      of the same on further storage in CPDA-1 whole  blood units: a potential approach
      to complement FIFO system  for prioritisation of blood bags for release from
      blood-banks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Potassium levels in stored blood bags increases as they age.
      Hyperkalemia in transfused blood has undesirable cardiac effects. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Within a 19-month period, baseline and weekly samples from 15 CPDA-1
      whole blood bags were collected till 28 days of storage and analysed for
      potassium, sodium, uric acid, albumin and whole blood haemoglobin. RESULTS: One
      unit increase in baseline (0 day) potassium in extracellular fluid of blood units
      was associated with the following increases in potassium levels on later days of
      storage: around two unit increase at 1 week (r2 = 0.50, P < 0.01) of storage;
      four units increase at 2 weeks (r2 = 0.64, P < 0.001) and 3 weeks (r2 = 0.51, P <
      0.01) of storage; six units at 4 weeks (r2 = 0.53, P < 0.01) of storage. Baseline
      whole blood haemoglobin showed a moderate association with baseline potassium (r2
      = 0.36, P < 0.05) and 2-week potassium (r2 = 0.35, P < 0.05) values. CONCLUSION:
      For CPDA-1 blood bags (i) low baseline potassium blood bags might be preferred
      for transfusion in cases demanding a low potassium load and (ii) coordinating the
      'first-in-first-out' (FIFO) policy with 'early release of blood-bags with high
      initial potassium' might be helpful in improving the release of suitable blood
      units from blood-banks.

PMID- 25121160
TI  - Transfusion of packed red blood cells reduces selenium levels  and increases
      lipid peroxidation in an in vivo ovine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress from surgery or critically illness has been shown to
      adversely contribute to morbidity and mortality. Recent studies record that
      oxidative stress is heightened following packed red blood cell (PRBC)
      transfusions and that products of oxidative stress accumulate as the PRBC ages.
      However, there are no studies that investigate if transfusion of aged PRBC
      actually increases the recipient's oxidative stress profile more than fresh PRBC.
      OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of fresh vs aged PRBC transfusions on the
      recipient's oxidative stress using an ovine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male
      sheep were transfused with either fresh (n = 6) or aged (n = 6) ovine PRBC, and
      serial blood samples taken. Plasma samples were analysed for lipid peroxidation
      using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. This served as
      an indicator of oxidative injury. Antioxidant function and trace element levels
      were also measured. RESULTS: Like human PRBC, the ovine PRBC had negligible
      selenium levels. Irrespective of age, PRBC transfusion was associated with
      reduced selenium levels and antioxidant function, which correlated with increased
      markers of lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSION: Transfusion of selenium poor PRBC can
      dilute selenium levels and compromise glutathione peroxidase antioxidant activity
      and thereby allow lipid peroxidation. As there was no evidence that aged PRBC
      induced more severe oxidative injury this suggests that selenium dilution is a
      key underlying mechanism. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of
      transfusion-related oxidative stress in massive transfusions.

PMID- 25121161
TI  - Job satisfaction, organisation commitment and retention in  the public workforce:
      a survey among pharmacists  in Malaysia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to assess job satisfaction and
      organisational commitment among pharmacists working in the public sector and its
      influence on their likelihood to stay within the public workforce. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional survey was conducted among all fully registered pharmacists
      (FRPs) in the northern states of Malaysia in 2009 (n = 467). The questionnaire
      consisted of three sections to capture the demographic characteristics of the
      respondents, assess job satisfaction and organisational commitment of the
      respondents and their likelihood of staying in public service. KEY FINDINGS: A
      total of 247 FRPs (response rate 52.9%) in the northern region of Malaysia
      participated in this survey. Majority of the respondents were women (n = 205,
      83.0%), of Chinese ethnicity (n = 155, 62.8%), graduates from public universities
      (n = 173, 70.0%), single (n = 172, 69.6%), with a median age of 27 years
      (interquartile range (IQR) 2.0) and had worked with the Ministry of Health for a
      median of 2.75 years (IQR 1.63). The mean job satisfaction and organisational
      commitment score were 58.09 (standard deviation (SD) 11.83) and 53.46 (SD 6.65)
      respectively out of a maximum possible score of 90. Majority of the respondents
      claimed that they were likely to stay in public service (n = 176, 71.3%). Their
      likelihood of staying in public service was affected by respondents' gender,
      ethnicity, job satisfaction and organisational commitment. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings from this study provide stakeholders with evidence on factors and issues
      affecting pharmacists' job satisfaction and commitment in the public workforce as
      well as the likely turnover rate with an early cohort of pharmacists affected by
      the compulsory service.

PMID- 25121163
TI  - [Impact of tumor morcellation during the surgical extraction of solid tumors].

PMID- 25121164
TI  - [CD74-NRG1: a new fusion gene in lung adenocarcinomas characterizing mucinous
      adenocarcinomas].

PMID- 25121165
TI  - What prescribing means to pharmacists: a qualitative  exploration of practising
      pharmacists in Alberta.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In 2007 Alberta, Canada, became the first North American jurisdiction
      to adopt prescribing legislation for pharmacists. In light of these legislative
      changes and expanded scope of pharmacy practice, we evaluated what 'prescribing'
      means to pharmacists in Alberta and the application of prescribing in pharmacy
      practice. METHODS: We invited pharmacists to participate in semi-structured
      telephone interviews using closed and open-ended questions. Pharmacists working
      in community, hospital or other settings were selected using a mix of random and
      purposive sampling. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed, and data were
      entered into nVIVO 9 software. Transcriptions were analysed by two investigators
      using an interpretive description approach to identify themes. KEY FINDINGS:
      Thirty-eight pharmacists were interviewed, of whom 13 had additional
      (independent) prescribing authorization. Prescribing had a wide breadth of
      meaning to the pharmacists in our study, which included writing a new
      prescription and extending an existing prescription, as well as advising on non
      prescription medications. Pharmacists described prescribing in terms of the
      physical act of writing the prescription and as part of the patient care process
      as well as the legislated definition of pharmacist prescribing. The sense of
      increased responsibility associated with prescribing was noted by many
      pharmacists. CONCLUSION: Prescribing had diverse meanings to pharmacists in our
      study, and appeared to be context-specific. Understanding the meaning prescribing
      holds for individual pharmacists is important to explore whether pharmacist's
      definition of this expanded scope has shaped pharmacists' enactment of
      prescribing practice.

PMID- 25121166
TI  - Langerhans cell histiocytosis with atypical histiocytic marrow infiltration.

PMID- 25121167
TI  - Doublet spherocytes.

PMID- 25121168
TI  - Objective and subjective socioeconomic status and health symptoms in patients
      following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recent research indicates that subjective socioeconomic status (SES) -
      the perception of one's own SES compared with other people - is an important
      predictor of cancer-related health outcomes. Subjective SES may function as a
      psychosocial mechanism by which objective SES affects health, well-being, and,
      more broadly, quality of life among cancer survivors. This study tested whether
      the association between objective SES and indicators of quality of life was
      mediated by subjective SES in a sample of cancer survivors who had undergone
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS: Hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation survivors (N=268) completed measures of objective and subjective
      SES, along with four measures related to quality of life (depressive symptoms,
      health-related quality of life, symptoms of generalized distress, and
      posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms). RESULTS: Higher objective SES was
      associated with greater quality of life across all four measures. Subjective SES
      mediated the relationship between objective SES and depressive symptoms (total
      indirect effect b=-0.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.15, -0.05]),
      generalized distress (total indirect effect b=-0.08, 95% CI [-0.13, -0.04]),
      health-related quality of life (total indirect effect b=0.10, 95% CI [0.06,
      0.17]), and posttraumatic stress disorder (total indirect effect b=-0.08, 95% CI
      [-0.14, -0.04]). CONCLUSIONS: Findings extend work on subjective SES to cancer
      and suggest that SES gradients in patient outcomes after cancer may reflect not
      only material resources but also psychosocial factors related to rank within
      social hierarchies. Further research may provide insights useful for reducing
      disparities in this population

PMID- 25121170
TI  - New European clinical trials regulation is published.

PMID- 25121169
TI  - Faecal carriage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in healthy humans: antimicrobial
      susceptibility and global genetic lineages.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyse the Pseudomonas aeruginosa faecal carriage
      rate in 98 healthy humans and to perform the phenotypic and genotypic
      characterization of recovered isolates. The genetic relatedness among the
      isolates was analysed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence
      typing that was compared with worldwide epidemic clones. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      was isolated from eight healthy individuals (8.2%), and two of them remained
      colonized after 5 months (in one case by the same clone). All 10 isolates
      (one/sample) were susceptible to 14 tested antipseudomonal agents and lacked
      integron structures. Six pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns and six
      sequence types (ST245, ST253, ST254, ST274, ST663 and the new one, ST1059) were
      identified among them. Four groups of OprD alterations were detected based on
      mutations and deletions related to PAO1 reference strain in our carbapenem
      susceptible strains. This is the first study focused on P. aeruginosa from faecal
      samples of healthy humans that provides additional insights into the
      antimicrobial resistance and genetic diversity of P. aeruginosa. Although the
      isolates were antimicrobial susceptible, most of the sequence types detected were
      genetically related to Spanish epidemic clones or globally spread sequence types,
      such as ST274 and ST253.

PMID- 25121171
TI  - 2014 ASCO Annual Meeting.

PMID- 25121172
TI  - 2014 SNMMI Annual Meeting.

PMID- 25121173
TI  - Targeting genetic drivers of lung cancer improves survival.

PMID- 25121174
TI  - Siltuximab in transplant-ineligible patients with myeloma.

PMID- 25121175
TI  - Patients with polycystic kidney disease at lower risk of cancer.

PMID- 25121176
TI  - Axitinib: VEGF inhibition in advanced thyroid cancer.

PMID- 25121177
TI  - Cancer patients missing out on treatment for heart problems.

PMID- 25121178
TI  - A new combination therapy for premenopausal breast cancer.

PMID- 25121179
TI  - Ibrutinib monotherapy in chronic lymphoid leukaemia.

PMID- 25121180
TI  - Enzalutamide in castration-resistant prostate cancer.

PMID- 25121181
TI  - Federal court judge blocks 340B orphan drug exclusion rule.

PMID- 25121182
TI  - E-cigarette market expands online.

PMID- 25121183
TI  - Study estimates economic returns from UK cancer research.

PMID- 25121184
TI  - Effect of partial pleurectomy on survival in mesothelioma.

PMID- 25121185
TI  - Exhibition: Cancer Baby: cancer meets Kawaii culture.

PMID- 25121187
TI  - Emory Guy Simmons 1920-2013.

PMID- 25121186
TI  - Consensus guidelines for the management of hepatitis C infection.
AB  - At prevalence of 2.7% in the early 1990's, it is estimated that approximately
      500,000 people in Saudi Arabia have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
      Over 80% of such individuals remain infected and most of them progress to chronic
      hepatitis C (CHC), cirrhosis, and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The
      incidence of newly acquired hepatitis C infection in Saudi Arabia has declined
      with the recent reported prevalence of approximately 1%. This decline is largely
      due to the early implementation of testing of blood donors for HCV. However, it
      is pertinent that measures are taken to identify patients already infected and
      offer treatment to those with good prognostic factors. Hepatitis C genotype 4,
      the most predominant genotype in Saudi Arabia (62%) has been resistant to
      conventional interferon (IFN) therapy and sustained response rate to combination
      therapy with IFN plus ribavirin (RBV) has been poor. The recently completed
      Ministry of Health (MOH) clinical trial reports improved sustained virological
      response (SVR) rate of 65.2% among week 12 early responders of HCV genotype 4
      chronic hepatitis patients using pegylated (PEG)-IFN alfa-2a (40 KD) plus RBV.
      This encouraging process calls for a change in patient management towards a more
      community-based approach. With the aim of assessing these changes and defining a
      management strategy for HCV infected patients in Saudi Arabia, a consensus
      conference was held and consensus guidelines issued. The final recommendation
      will be made available to all MOH, tertiary and non-government hospitals in the
      Kingdom to provide uniform care to all CHC patients. Based on the SVR of the
      above mentioned clinical trial, the committee recommends treatment for patients
      with histologically proven CHC, with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase
      (ALT) and positive HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA). Patients with normal serum ALT may
      not be treated if liver histology is normal or reveals only minimal changes.
      Patients with decompensated cirrhosis should not be treated. Hepatitis C virus
      genotype 4 patients should be treated with combination therapy of PEG IFN alfa-2a
      (180 MUg/week) plus RBV (1000 - 1200 mg daily according to body weight) for 48
      weeks. Patients with HCV non-genotype 4 may also be treated with combination
      therapy of PEG-IFN plus RBV, but genotypes 2 and 3 patients can be treated for 6
      months only. Stringent monitoring for virological biochemical responses is
      eminent and provides the opportunity to interrupt treatment at week 12 in non
      responders. A strong counseling program should be available for untreated
      patients, relapsers and non-responders. An exit program for liver transplantation
      should also be set up. It is likely that some of the consensus recommendations
      will have to be revised in the short-term, as the results of ongoing studies
      become available. Future research in advances in diagnosis, pathogenesis, natural
      history, management and prevention should be encouraged and newer therapies for
      CHC patients should be sought for non-responders.

PMID- 25121189
TI  - A 49 year-old woman with a pineal mass.

PMID- 25121188
TI  - Climate-change impacts on sandy-beach biota: crossing  a line in the sand.
AB  - Sandy ocean beaches are iconic assets that provide irreplaceable ecosystem
      services to society. Despite their great socioeconomic importance, beaches as
      ecosystems are severely under-represented in the literature on climate-change
      ecology. Here, we redress this imbalance by examining whether beach biota have
      been observed to respond to recent climate change in ways that are consistent
      with expectations under climate change. We base our assessments on evidence
      coming from case studies on beach invertebrates in South America and on sea
      turtles globally. Surprisingly, we find that observational evidence for climate
      change responses in beach biota is more convincing for invertebrates than for
      highly charismatic turtles. This asymmetry is paradoxical given the better
      theoretical understanding of the mechanisms by which turtles are likely to
      respond to changes in climate. Regardless of this disparity, knowledge of the
      unique attributes of beach systems can complement our detection of climate-change
      impacts on sandy-shore invertebrates to add rigor to studies of climate-change
      ecology for sandy beaches. To this end, we combine theory from beach ecology and
      climate-change ecology to put forward a suite of predictive hypotheses regarding
      climate impacts on beaches and to suggest ways that these can be tested.
      Addressing these hypotheses could significantly advance both beach and climate
      change ecology, thereby progressing understanding of how future climate change
      will impact coastal ecosystems more generally.

PMID- 25121190
TI  - 74 year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosis and recent onset ataxia.

PMID- 25121191
TI  - 72 year old female with leg weakness.

PMID- 25121192
TI  - A 54 year-old man with progressive vision and hearing loss.

PMID- 25121340
TI  - Resonance electron attachment to tetracyanoquinodimethane.
AB  - Resonance interaction of low energy (0-14 eV) electrons with gas-phase 7,7,8,8
      tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) was investigated using dissociative electron
      attachment (DEA) spectroscopy. Spectral features associated with formation of
      long-lived TCNQ molecular negative ions are detected at incident electron
      energies of 0.3, 1.3, and 3.0 eV. A variety of negative fragments is observed
      around 4 eV, and slow (microseconds) dissociative decay channels are detected at
      about 3 eV, in competition with simple re-emission of the captured electron. The
      average electron detachment time from the TCNQ(-) negative ions formed at 3 eV
      was evaluated to be 250 MUs. The experimental findings are interpreted with the
      support of density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the empty orbital
      energies, scaled with an empirical equation, and by comparison with earlier
      electron transmission spectroscopy (ETS) data. A possible mechanism for the
      unusual formation of long-lived molecular anions above zero energy (up to 3 eV)
      is briefly discussed. The present results on the interactions between electrons
      and isolated TCNQ molecules could give more insight into processes observed in
      TCNQ adsorbates under conditions of excess negative charge. In particular,
      electron-stimulated surface reactions are hypothesized, likely occurring when
      condensed TCNQ molecules are exposed to electron beam irradiation. 

PMID- 25121341
TI  - Optimization of liganded polyethylenimine polyethylene glycol vector for nucleic
      acid delivery.
AB  - The delivery of nucleic acids into cells is an attractive approach for cancer
      therapy. Polyethylenimine (PEI) is among the most efficient nonviral carriers.
      Recent studies have demonstrated that PEI can be conjugated to targeting ligands,
      such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transferrin (Schaffert et al., 2011;
      Abourbeh et al., 2012; Ogris et al., 1999). Herein we present a simplified
      protocol for producing homogeneous preparations of PEGylated linear PEI: LPEI
      PEG2k. We generated two well-characterized copolymers, with ratios of LPEI to PEG
      of 1:1 and 1:3. These copolymers were further conjugated through disulfide bonds
      to a Her-2 targeting moiety, Her-2 affibody. This reaction yielded two
      triconjugates that target Her-2 overexpressing tumors. Polyplexes were formed by
      complexing plasmid DNA with the triconjugates. We characterized the biophysical
      properties of the conjugates, and found that the triconjugate 1:3 polyplex had
      lower zeta potential, larger particle size, and more heterogeneous shape than the
      triconjugate 1:1 polyplex. Triconjugate 1:1 and triconjugate 1:3 polyplexes were
      highly selective toward cells that overexpress Her-2 receptors, but triconjugate
      1:1 polyplex was more efficient at gene delivery. Our studies show that the
      biophysical and biological properties of the conjugates can be profoundly
      affected by the ratio of LPEI:PEG2k:ligand. The procedure described here can be
      adapted to generate a variety of triconjugates, simply by changing the targeting
      moiety. 

PMID- 25121342
TI  - Maternal lipids in pre-eclampsia: innocent bystander or culprit?
AB  - Pre-eclampsia continues to be a challenge--to understand the underlying
      pathogenesis and to prevent or treat in the clinical setting. One area of
      potential therapies opening up is treatment of maternal lipids and clinical
      trials are underway using statins in early pre-eclampsia. At present, most
      potential therapies to treat lipids cannot be recommended for general use in
      pregnancy and if we were to target maternal lipids to reduce rates of pre
      eclampsia, very large numbers of women may need to be treated. Prior to reaching
      that point, we first need to understand whether maternal lipids are pathogenic in
      the processes underlying pre-eclampsia. The aim of this review is to examine the
      role of lipids in the pathogenesis and outcomes of pre-eclampsia, how abnormal
      lipid genes may be implicated and consider whether treatment of hyperlipidemia
      has a more general place in the prevention or treatment of pre-eclampsia.

PMID- 25121343
TI  - Synthetic methods for compounds having CF3-S units on carbon by
      trifluoromethylation, trifluoromethylthiolation, triflylation, and related
      reactions.

PMID- 25121344
TI  - Proteins immobilization on the surface of modified plant viral particles coated
      with hydrophobic polycations.
AB  - Two hydrophobic cations based on poly-N-ethyl-vinylpyridine were used to produce
      biologically active complexes. The complexes obtained from tobacco mosaic virus
      (TMV) spherical particles (SPs), hydrophobic polycation, and a model protein were
      stable and did not aggregate in solution, particularly at high ionic strengths.
      The nucleic acid-free SPs were generated by thermal remodeling of the TMV
      (helical rod-shaped plant virus). The model protein preserved its antigenic
      activity in the ternary complex (SP-polycation-protein). Immobilization of
      proteins on the surface of SPs coated with hydrophobic cation is a promising
      approach to designing biologically active complexes used in bionanotechnologies. 

PMID- 25121346
TI  - NMR, calorimetry, and computational studies of aqueous solutions of N-methyl-2
      pyrrolidone.
AB  - N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is a solvent with applications in different
      industrial fields. Although largely employed in aqueous mixtures, little is known
      on the structural and dynamic properties of this system. In order to improve the
      knowledge on NMP aqueous solutions, useful to the development of their
      applications, NMR spectroscopy, calorimetric titration, and puckering analysis of
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed in this work. Our calorimetric
      study evidenced the presence of strong interactions between NMP and water and
      revealed that, under comparable conditions, the solvation of NMP by water results
      in an interaction stronger than the solvation of water by NMP. Overall, the
      changes of (1)H and (13)C chemical shifts and 2D ROESY spectra upon dilution
      suggested a preferential location of water nearby the carbonyl group of NMP and
      the formation of hydrogen bonding between these two molecules. In parallel,
      observation of correlation times by (13)C NMR spectroscopy evidenced a different
      dynamic behavior moving from the NMP-rich region to the water-rich region,
      characterized by a maximum value at about 0.7 water mole fraction. MD simulations
      showed that the NMP conformation remains the same over the whole concentration
      range. Our results were discussed in terms of changes in the NMP assembling upon
      dilution. 

PMID- 25121345
TI  - Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes of Syphilis-associated Uveitis in Northern
      Spain.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics and to assess visual prognosis
      of patients with syphilis-associated uveitis in northern Spain. METHODS:
      Retrospective review of clinical records in eight general uveitis referral
      centers. RESULTS: Since the year 2000, 50 patients have been diagnosed: 31 men
      and 19 women; median age was 41 (19-76) years. A total of 34% were co-infected
      with HIV and 24% presented systemic manifestations of syphilis. Median initial
      visual acuity and vision at last visit in 93 affected eyes was 20/50 (20/20
      20/2000) and 20/22 (20/20-20/2000), respectively (p < .0001). The most frequent
      manifestation was papillitis (33.3%). Fifty percent of eyes with macular edema on
      admission presented worsening of visual acuity at last visit, whereas frequency
      of worsening in eyes without edema was 7.1% (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: In our
      series, patients with syphilitic uveitis were more usually middle-aged men and
      were frequently co-infected with HIV. Although most patients showed posterior
      segment involvement, visual prognosis was good.

PMID- 25121348
TI  - An oxysulfate Fe2O(SO4)2 electrode for sustainable Li-based batteries.
AB  - High-performing Fe-based electrodes for Li-based batteries are eagerly pursued
      because of the abundance and environmental benignity of iron, with especially
      great interest in polyanionic compounds because of their flexibility in tuning
      the Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) redox potential. We report herein the synthesis and structure
      of a new Fe-based oxysulfate phase, Fe2O(SO4)2, made at low temperature from
      abundant elements, which electrochemically reacts with nearly 1.6 Li atoms at an
      average voltage of 3.0 V versus Li(+)/Li, leading to a sustained reversible
      capacity of ~125 mAh/g. The Li insertion-deinsertion process, the first ever
      reported in any oxysulfate, entails complex phase transformations associated with
      the position of iron within the FeO6 octahedra. This finding opens a new path
      worth exploring in the quest for new positive electrode materials. 

PMID- 25121347
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of new Ru(II) polypyridyl
      photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy.
AB  - Two Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes, Ru(DIP)2(bdt) (1) and [Ru(dqpCO2Me)(ptpy)](2+)
      (2) (DIP = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolate,
      dqpCO2Me = 4-methylcarboxy-2,6-di(quinolin-8-yl)pyridine), ptpy = 4'-phenyl
      2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) have been investigated as photosensitizers (PSs) for
      photodynamic therapy (PDT). In our experimental settings, the phototoxicity and
      phototoxic index (PI) of 2 (IC50(light): 25.3 MUM, 420 nm, 6.95 J/cm(2); PI >4)
      and particularly of 1 (IC50(light): 0.62 MUM, 420 nm, 6.95 J/cm(2); PI: 80) are
      considerably superior compared to the two clinically approved PSs porfimer sodium
      and 5-aminolevulinic acid. Cellular uptake and distribution of these complexes
      was investigated by confocal microscopy (1) and by inductively coupled plasma
      mass spectrometry (1 and 2). Their phototoxicity was also determined against the
      Gram-(+) Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-(-) Escherichia coli for potential
      antimicrobial PDT (aPDT) applications. Both complexes showed significant aPDT
      activity (420 nm, 8 J/cm(2)) against Gram-(+) (S. aureus; >6 log10 CFU reduction)
      and, for 2, also against Gram-(-) E. coli (>4 log10 CFU reduction).

PMID- 25121349
TI  - Comparing apples to oranges: comparative case study of 2 produce carts in
      Chicago.

PMID- 25121350
TI  - Information-seeking among chronic disease prevention staff in state health
      departments: use of academic journals.
AB  - Use of scientific evidence aids in ensuring that public health interventions have
      the best possible health and economic return on investment. We describe use of
      academic journals by state health department chronic disease prevention staff to
      find public health evidence. We surveyed more than 900 state health department
      staff from all states and the District of Columbia. Participants identified top
      journals or barriers to journal use. We used descriptive statistics to examine
      individual and aggregate state health department responses. On average, 45.7% of
      staff per state health department use journals. Common barriers to use included
      lack of time, lack of access, and expense. Strategies for increasing journal use
      are provided. 

PMID- 25121351
TI  - Hypertension among US adults by disability status and type, National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2010.
AB  - The prevalence of hypertension among people with disabilities is not well
      understood. We combined data from the 2001-2010 National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey to obtain estimates of hypertension prevalence by disability
      status and type (cognitive, hearing, vision, or mobility limitation) and assess
      the association between disability and hypertension. Overall, 34% of adults with
      disabilities had hypertension compared with 27% of adults without disabilities;
      adults with mobility limitations were more likely to have hypertension than
      adults without disabilities (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.23; 95% confidence
      interval: 1.16-1.32). Our results suggest that adults living with disabilities
      are an important subpopulation to include in hypertension reporting and
      intervention efforts. 

PMID- 25121352
TI  - Factors related to coronary heart disease risk among men: validation of the
      Framingham Risk Score.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of death in
      the United States. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was developed to help
      clinicians in determining their patients' CHD risk. We hypothesize that the FRS
      will be significantly predictive of CHD events among men in the Aerobics Center
      Longitudinal Study (ACLS) population. METHODS: Our study consisted of 34,557 men
      who attended the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas, for a baseline clinical
      examination from 1972 through 2002. CHD events included self-reported myocardial
      infarction or revascularization or death due to CHD. During the 12-year follow-up
      587 CHD events occurred. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios generated from ACLS
      analysis were compared with the application of FRS to the Framingham Heart Study
      (FHS). RESULTS: The ACLS cohort produced similar hazard ratios to the FHS. The
      adjusted Cox proportional hazard model revealed that men with total cholesterol
      of 280 mg/dL or greater were 2.21 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.59-3.09) times
      more likely to have a CHD event than men with total cholesterol from 160 through
      199mg/dL; men with diabetes were 1.63 (95% CI, 1.35-1.98) times more likely to
      experience a CHD event than men without diabetes. CONCLUSION: The FRS
      significantly predicts CHD events in the ACLS cohort. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first report of a large, single-center cohort study to
      validate the FRS by using extensive laboratory and clinical measurements.

PMID- 25121353
TI  - A new tumour suppression mechanism by p27Kip1: EGFR down-regulation mediated by
      JNK/c-Jun pathway inhibition.
AB  - p27Kip1 is a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases that drive G1-to-S cell
      cycle transition. Reduced p27Kip1 expression is prevalent in a wide range of
      human tumours; however, the exact mechanism(s) of p27Kip1-mediated tumour
      suppression remains obscure. In the present study, we identified a close inverse
      relationship between p27Kip1 and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)
      expression: the parental T24 human bladder cancer cells had high p27Kip1
      expression but low EGFR expression and, in striking contrast, the metastatic
      derivative of T24 (T24T) had low p27Kip1 expression but high EGFR expression.
      This relationship was also found in various human cancer tissues, and was not
      only just correlative but also causal; depletion of p27Kip1 in MEF (mouse
      embryonic fibroblast) cells resulted in markedly elevated EGFR expression, a
      result reproducible with an Egfr promoter-luciferase reporter in both T24 and MEF
      cells, suggesting transcriptional repression of EGFR by p27Kip1. Indeed, p27Kip1
      was found to regulate EGFR expression via the JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase)/c-Jun
      transcription factor: p27Kip1 deficiency activated JNK/c-Jun, whereas inhibition
      of JNK/c-Jun by dominant-negative mutants dramatically repressed Egfr
      transcription. Furthermore, the proximal promoter of the Egfr gene was crucial
      for its transcription, where the recruiting activity of c-Jun was much greater in
      p27Kip1-/- cells than in p27Kip1+/+ cells. Introduction of GFP-p27Kip1 into T24T
      cells suppressed JNK/c-Jun activation, EGFR expression and anchorage-independent
      growth. The results of the present study demonstrate that p27Kip1 suppresses
      JNK/c-Jun activation and EGFR expression in MEFs and human bladder cancer cells,
      and the results obtained are consistent with those from human cancer specimens.
      The present study provides new insights into p27Kip1 suppression of cancer cell
      growth, migration and metastasis. 

PMID- 25121354
TI  - Initial staging of Hodgkin's disease: role of contrast-enhanced 18F FDG PET/CT.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of positron
      emission tomography/low-dose computed tomography (PET/ldCT) versus the same
      technique implemented by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (ceCT) in staging
      Hodgkin's disease (HD).Forty patients (18 men and 22 women, mean age 30 +/- 9.6)
      with biopsy-proven HD underwent a PET/ldCT study for initial staging including an
      unenhanced low-dose computed tomography for attenuation correction with positron
      emission tomography acquisition and a ceCT, performed at the end of the PET/ldCT
      scan, in the same exam session. A detailed datasheet was generated for illness
      locations for separate imaging modality comparison and then merged in order to
      compare the separate imaging method results (PET/ldCT and ceCT) versus merged
      results positron emission tomography/contrast-enhanced computed tomography
      (PET/ceCT). The nodal and extranodal lesions detected by each technique were then
      compared with follow-up data that served as the reference standard.No significant
      differences were found at staging between PET/ldCT and PET/ceCT in our series.
      One hundred and eighty four stations of nodal involvement have been found with no
      differences in both modalities. Extranodal involvement was identified in 26 sites
      by PET/ldCT and in 28 by PET/ceCT. We did not find significant differences
      concerning the stage (Ann Arbor).Our study shows a good concordance and
      conjunction between PET/ldCT and ceCT in both nodal and extranodal sites in the
      initial staging of HD, suggesting that PET/ldCT could suffice in most of these
      patients. 

PMID- 25121356
TI  - Increased risk of end-stage renal disease in patients with renal cell carcinoma:
      a 12-year nationwide follow-up study.
AB  - The effect of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) on the risk for end-stage renal disease
      (ESRD) has not been confirmed. The present population-based study used the claims
      data from the Taiwan National Health Institutes from 1998 to 2010 to compare the
      risk for ESRD in patients with and without RCC.The study cohort consisted of 2940
      patients who had newly diagnosed with RCC but no history of ESRD; the control
      cohort consisted of 23,520 matched patients without RCC. Cox proportional hazard
      regressions were performed to compute ESRD risk after adjusting for possible
      confounding factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were also used
      to compare patients and controls.A total of 119 patients in the RCC group
      (incidence rate: 119/2940; 4.05%) and 160 patients in the control group
      (incidence rate: 160/23,520; 0.68%) were diagnosed with ESRD during the follow-up
      period. After adjusting for potential confounders, the RCC group had an ESRD
      hazard ratio (HR) of 5.63 [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.37-7.24] relative to
      the control group. In addition, among patients with RCC, females (adjusted HR:
      6.95, 95% CI: 4.82-10.1) had a higher risk for ESRD than males (adjusted HR:
      4.79, 95% CI: 3.37-6.82). Finally, there were significant joint effects of
      chronic kidney disease and diabetes on increasing the risk of ESRD in patients
      with and without RCC (P < 0.01). The limitations of this study include the
      retrospective design and the inability to assess methods of treatment and measure
      the aggressiveness of RCC.Our data indicates that RCC is an independent risk
      factor for ESRD, especially in females.

PMID- 25121359
TI  - Selective response inversion to NO2 and acetic acid in ZnO and CdS nanocomposite
      gas sensor.
AB  - High sensitivity zinc oxide (ZnO) tetrapods (TPs) have been functionalized by
      nucleating cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanoparticles (NPs) directly on their surface
      with a spotted coverage thanks to an optimized synthesis in dimethylformamide
      (DMF). The obtained hybrid coupled material has been used to realize a gas
      sensing device with a highly porous nanostructured network, in which the proper
      alternation of ZnO-TPs and CdS-NPs gives rise to unconventional chemoresistive
      behaviours. Among the different tested gases and vapours, the sensor showed a
      unique fingerprint response-inversion between 300  degrees C and 400  degrees C
      only for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and acetic acid (CH3COOH).

PMID- 25121357
TI  - High delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) is correlated with peritumoral brain edema and
      predicts poor prognosis in primary glioblastoma.
AB  - Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), 1 of the 5 known Notch ligands, is involved in a
      variety of tumor initiation and progression, particularly in the process of tumor
      angiogenesis. However, the clinical and prognostic significance of DLL4 in
      glioblastoma have not been fully elucidated.Tumor tissues from 69 glioblastoma
      patients were analyzed using immunohistochemistry for DLL4 expression.
      Peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of
      these patients and the relationship with DLL4 expression were evaluated. The
      effect on prognosis was assessed by using the Kaplan-Meier survival and the Cox
      proportional hazard model.The results showed that elevated DLL4 expression was
      primarily distributed in the cytoplasm of tumor vascular endothelial cells and
      rarely detected in tumor cells. Univariate analysis indicated significant
      correlation of high DLL4 expression with shorter time to progression (TTP) (P <
      0.001) and overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001) in glioblastoma. Multivariate
      analysis confirmed high DLL4 expression as an unfavorable prognostic indicator
      for TTP (P < 0.001) and OS (P < 0.001), independent of age, gender, symptom
      duration, resection degree, and PTBE. Importantly, the study also found that DLL4
      expression was positively related with PTBE (Spearman's test: r = 0.845, P <
      0.001). A multiple linear regression model was constructed to confirm that the
      positive index of DLL4 was associated with an increase in maximum extent of PTBE
      (P < 0.001).It is thus concluded that DLL4 is correlated with PTBE and may be
      useful for predicting prognosis in glioblastoma. 

PMID- 25121358
TI  - Membranous nephropathy with crescents in a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis:
      a case report.
AB  - Membranous nephropathy is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. It
      usually occurs secondary to underlying disease processes such as autoimmune
      disorders, malignancy, infection, and drugs. The presentation of nephrotic
      syndrome with concomitant precipitous decline in renal function warrants
      investigation of a coexistent disorder.We report the case of a 30-year-old male
      who presented with symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism.A diagnosis of
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis was contemplated based on the presence of high serum
      levels of antithyroglobulin and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. Upon
      initiation of treatment with levothyroxine, patient symptomatology improved;
      however, the laboratory studies demonstrated continued elevated creatinine,
      hematuria, and proteinuria, which had not been addressed. Two months following
      treatment initiation, he had progressive deterioration in renal function and
      proteinuria. A renal biopsy revealed coexistent necrotizing and crescentic
      glomerulonephritis and membranous nephropathy.The final diagnosis was
      necrotizing, crescentic glomerulonephritis with superimposed membranous
      nephropathy likely secondary to Hashimoto's thyrodiitis.Induction treatment with
      oral cyclophosphamide and prednisone was started.At the end of 6 months of
      treatment, there was improvement in renal function and proteinuria and
      maintenance treatment with azathioprine and low-dose prednisone was initiated.
      This case highlights the importance of precise and detailed evaluation of
      patients with autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis particularly in
      the presence of active urine sediment. Proper evaluation and diagnosis of such
      patients has implications on the prognosis and response to treatment. 

PMID- 25121355
TI  - Characteristics of fecal and mucosa-associated microbiota in Chinese patients
      with inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and geographical and genetic backgrounds impact
      the composition of the intestinal microbiota. However, there is a lack of
      evidence regarding the overall changes and characteristics of fecal-associated
      microbiota (FAM) and mucosa-associated microbiota (MAM) in Chinese patients with
      IBD. We recruited 26 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 46 patients with
      ulcerative colitis (UC), and 21 healthy individuals; we collected matched fresh
      fecal and mucosal samples from the same subjects. The microbial communities were
      studied by 454-pyrosequencing. Community-wide changes in FAM and MAM were
      observed in patients with IBD. The proportion of several butyrate-producing
      bacteria, such as of the genera Roseburia, Coprococcus, and Ruminococcus were
      significantly reduced, whereas the pathogens Escherichia-Shigella and
      Enterococcus were prevalent in patients with IBD. FAM and MAM were similar
      between CD and UC. FAM differed from MAM in healthy individuals and patients with
      UC. In conclusion, the compositions of FAM and MAM were altered in patients with
      IBD. The reduction of butyrate-producing bacteria and the increase in
      opportunistic pathogens might be associated with the pathogenesis of IBD. 

PMID- 25121360
TI  - Anaphylactic cardiac collapse, sudden death and the Kounis syndrome.

PMID- 25121361
TI  - A pilot study on expression of toll like receptors (TLRs) in response to herpes
      simplex virus (HSV) infection in acute retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE)
      cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Toll like receptors (TLRs) have been proven to play an important
      role in mounting the innate immune response in an infected host. The expression
      of TLRs against herpes simplex virus (HSV) have not been studied in retinitis.
      Therefore, the current study was undertaken to determine the same using the
      retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: APRE cells
      cultured in vitro were challenged with HSV 1 and 2 standard strains and 20 other
      clinical isolates. The cells were observed for cytopathic changes. The cell
      culture harvest was subjected to RNA extraction using a Total RNA mini kit. The
      RNA was subjected to reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for
      the amplification of TLRs 3, 4 and 9 and GAPDH housekeeping gene. The amplified
      products were subjected to electrophoresis on a 2% agarose gel and viewed under a
      transilluminator. RESULTS: TLR 3 and 4 were expressed by ARPE treated with all
      the 22 isolates. TLR 9 expression was seen in 16 of the 22 isolates. Bacterial
      contamination was ruled out by subjecting the harvests to PCR amplification of
      16sRNA gene amplification of the eubacterial genome. CONCLUSIONS: The expression
      of TLR 4 has been reported for the first time in HSV infection. TLR 4 along with
      TLR 3 and 9 is responsible for the antiviral response in HSV infections.

PMID- 25121362
TI  - Outcome of surgically treated octogenarians with breast cancer.
AB  - CONTEXT: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in women worldwide and its
      incidence increases with increasing age. In an era of evidence-based practice,
      there is a paucity of evidence relating to the management of breast cancer in an
      oncogeriatric population. The authors define oncogeriatrics as cancer in patients
      aged 80 years or more. AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the survival benefit of
      surgically managed octogenarians with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      was a retrospective study of octogenarians diagnosed with breast cancer over a 5
      year period and who were treated surgically. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was
      used to determine the overall survival. The differences in survival were tested
      using the logrank (Mantel-Cox) test. A P-value of <0.05 was considered to be
      statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included (median
      age- 84 years, median follow up 3.3 years). A validated adult comorbidity
      evaluation-27 (ACE-27) index score system was used to characterize patient
      comorbidities. Fourteen percent of patients had severe comorbidities, 55%
      nonsevere, 11% no comorbidities, and 20% with unknown comorbidities. The estrogen
      receptor was positive in 67% of tumors. Eighty-four percent had mastectomy and
      15% had wide local excision. Sixty-eight percent had axillary lymph node
      dissection, 10% had sentinel lymph node biopsy, and 5% had no axillary surgery.
      The majority (72%) of the tumors were pathologically T1 or T2 tumor. The
      Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) mean score was 4.4. The Kaplan-Meier survival
      analysis showed a median survival of 5 years. Forty-eight percent died during the
      observation period, with 54.2% of this group dying of causes unrelated to breast
      cancer. CONCLUSION: The surgically treated octogenarians in our sample had an
      acceptable survival outcome.

PMID- 25121363
TI  - Outcomes of surgical site infections in orthopedic trauma surgeries in a tertiary
      care centre in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) still cause significant morbidity and
      mortality despite advances in trauma care. We have studied in this paper the rate
      of SSIs, their outcomes in patients undergoing interventions for trauma and SSI
      trends in developing countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 16-month study (May,
      2011- August, 2012) was carried out. Patients undergoing interventions for
      orthopedic trauma were followed and assessed for SSIs and their outcomes and
      antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of the micro-organisms isolated were noted and
      correlated. RESULTS: A total of 40 (4.4%) confirmed cases of SSIs were identified
      among 852 patients of orthopedic trauma. Based on the new CDC criteria, after
      ruling out cellulitis, only 24 (2.6%) were found to have SSIs. A total of 12.5%
      of the SSIs were detected during follow-up. Acinetobacter baumannii was the
      predominant organism as also Staphylococcus aureus. Outcomes observed included
      changes in antibiotic regime, revision surgery, readmission to hospital and
      deaths. CONCLUSION: SSI is prevalent in orthopaedic trauma patients and an active
      surveillance program will help in early management and prevention.

PMID- 25121364
TI  - Lower levels of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are associated with a
      worse Duke treadmill score in men but not in women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are inversely
      related to the atherosclerotic burden and are higher in women than in men. We
      aimed to investigate the sex-specific relationship between serum HDL-C levels and
      the Duke treadmill score (DTS) in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of
      111 patients (59 men, 42 women) with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who
      underwent exercise treadmill test (EST) were included. Fasting blood samples were
      obtained for the assessment of serum lipid levels. DTS was calculated for each
      patient based on EST findings including ST segment deviation and symptoms.
      RESULTS: Patients were categorized into a moderate to high risk group based on
      the DTS score (group-I: 38 patients) and a low risk group (group-II: 63
      patients). There was a significant positive correlation between serum HDL-C
      levels and DTS (r = 0.230; P=0.021). The mean HDL-C level was significantly
      higher in group-II relative to group-I (49.25 +/-11.21 vs. 44.43 +/- 11.18,
      respectively, P = 0.04). An HDL-C level less than the cut-off value of 41.39
      mg/dL predicted a moderate to severe risk DTS with 65% sensitivity and 69%
      specificity in men (area under curve = 0.732, P = 0.004), but not in women (area
      under curve = 0.505, P = 0.958). After adjustment for traditional CAD risk
      factors (age, sex, and smoking status), the relationship of DTS to HDL-C remained
      significant. (P = 0.030; adjusted OR = 0.948 [95% CI, 0.904-0.995]). CONCLUSION:
      Low HDL-C levels may be associated with a moderate to high risk Duke treadmill
      score in men, but not in women. Further research is required to clarify the sex
      specific relationship between HDL-C and DTS.

PMID- 25121365
TI  - Association of polymorphisms of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and ABCB1, and activity of P
      glycoprotein with response to anti-epileptic drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy, the most common neurological disorder, has
      treatment failure rate of 20 to 25%. Inter-individual variability in drug
      response can be attributed to genetic polymorphism in genes encoding different
      drug metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters (P-gp), and enzymes involved in
      sodium channel biosynthesis. The present study attempted to evaluate association
      of polymorphisms of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and ABCB1, and P-gp activity with treatment
      response in patients with epilepsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with epilepsy
      on phenytoin and/or phenobarbital and/or carbamazepine were categorized into
      responders and non-responders as per the International League Against Epilepsy.
      Plasma drug concentration was estimated by high-performance liquid
      chromatography. P-gp activity was measured by flow cytometry using rhodamine
      efflux. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) was used to study polymorphisms
      of ABCB1 (C3435T), CYP2C9 (416 C > T, and 1061 A > T), and CYP2C19 (681 G > A and
      636 G > A). RESULTS: Of total 117 patients enrolled in this study, genotype data
      was available for 115 patients. P-gp activity was higher in non-responders (n =
      68) compared to responders (n = 47) (P<0.001). No association of 416 C > T and
      1061 A > T in CYP2C9 or 681 G > A and 636 G > A in CYP2C19 was observed with
      response phenotype in genotypic analysis. Significant genotypic (odds ratio, OR =
      4.5; 95% CI, 1.04 to 20.99) and allelic association (OR = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.02 to
      2.95) was observed with ABCB1 C3435T and response phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: The
      response to antiepileptics seems to be modulated by C3435T in ABCB1 or P-gp
      activity. At present, role of other genetic factors in treatment responsiveness
      in epilepsy appears limited, warranting analysis in a larger cohort.

PMID- 25121367
TI  - Influence of alcohol on condom use pattern during non-spousal sexual encounter in
      male migrant workers in north India.
AB  - CONTEXT: Migrant workers constitute an important risk group for Human
      Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome transmission in India.
      Alcohol consumption before sexual intercourse has been postulated to influence
      condom use practices. This study aimed to assess this association with regard to
      non-spousal sexual encounters among male migrant workers in northern India.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional facility-based survey was conducted in
      2011. Male migrant workers aged >=18 years, who were born outside Haryana, who
      had moved to the current location after 15 years of age,had worked in the current
      factory for at least 1 year, who were willing to participate and were able to
      give written, informed consent were included in the study. A consecutive sampling
      was performed. Descriptive, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses
      were carried out. RESULTS: A total of 162 participants reported having
      experienced non-spousal sexual encounters in the last 1 year. The proportion of
      men who reported not having used a condom at their last non-spousal sexual
      encounter was 59.3%, and 78.4% of the men reported having consumed alcohol in the
      last 1 year. About 48.1% of men reported having consumed alcohol before their
      last non-spousal sexual encounter. Men who consumed alcohol were three times more
      likely to not use a condom at their last non-spousal sexual encounter (OR = 3.1,
      95% CI: 1.5-6.4). This association persisted even after adjusting for relevant
      confounders. CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption had a negative influence on condom
      use during non-spousal sexual encounter among male migrant workers. An integrated
      approach to promote condom use and reduce alcohol consumption among migrant men
      needs to be undertaken through targeted intervention strategies.

PMID- 25121366
TI  - A prospective study of prevalence and association of peripheral neuropathy in
      Indian patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) predisposes to foot ulceration
      and gangrene. It has been reported that DPN is lower in Indians relative to
      Caucasians. Studies among recent onset patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM) are very few. We studied the prevalence and risk factors of DPN in
      patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively
      studied 195 consecutive patients over age 30 with a duration of diabetes <=6
      months. All underwent a clinical and biochemical evaluation and were screened for
      DPN using Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) and Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) as
      well as the vibration perception threshold using a biothesiometer. We compared
      the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in 75 age- and sex-matched healthy
      controls. RESULTS: The cases had a mean age of 47.6 +/- 10.2 years (59% males)
      and duration of symptoms of 5.9 +/- 8.2 months prior to presentation. The overall
      prevalence of DPN was 29.2% [95% CI 22.8-35.7]. PN among matched control was
      10.7% (95% CI 3.5-17.8). The prevalence of DPN showed an increasing trend with
      age (trend chi-square 11.8, P = 0.001). Abnormal vibration perception threshold
      was present in 43.3% (95% CI 36.3-50.3) of cases and had a significant
      correlation with NDS (P = 0.000). Abnormal monofilament testing was present in
      6.1% of cases (95% CI 2.7- 9.5). A logistic regression analysis showed that DPN
      was independently associated with age (P = 0.002) and duration of diabetes prior
      to presentation (P = 0.02) but not with body mass index, plasma glucose, or
      HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed high prevalence of PN in recently diagnosed
      patients with T2DM, which was independently associated with age and duration of
      symptoms of diabetes prior to the diagnosis. Screening for DPN at diagnosis of
      diabetes is warranted, especially among older subjects.

PMID- 25121369
TI  - Brachial plexus injury in live related donor hepatectomy: a chart review.
AB  - Retrieval of the partial liver graft is a complicated and time-consuming
      procedure and reported to be associated with brachial plexus injury. We present a
      case series of brachial plexus injury in live related donor hepatectomy of 95
      donors analyzed retrospectively. Seven donors suffered from brachial plexus
      injuries of varying severity and duration. Out of these, one donor had residual
      paresis. The reasons could be application of retractors, which may have led to
      traction and compression above the nerve roots. 

PMID- 25121368
TI  - Prevalence of gastro-esophageal reflux disease in patients with difficult to
      control asthma and effect of proton pump inhibitor therapy on asthma symptoms,
      reflux symptoms, pulmonary function and requirement for asthma medications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hypothesis that GER can trigger or exacerbate asthma is supported
      by several clinical trials that have shown amelioration in asthma symptoms and/or
      an improvement in pulmonary function after antireflux therapy. AIMS: To
      investigate the prevalence of GER in patients with difficult to control asthma
      and to determine the effect of omeprazole on asthma symptoms, reflux symptoms,
      pulmonary function and on the requirement of asthma medications. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients with difficult to control asthma were recruited into the study.
      All patients underwent esophageal manometry and 24 hour esophageal pH monitoring.
      Pulmonary function tests were done before and after treatment. The severity of
      asthma and reflux was assessed by a 1 week pulmonary symptom score(PSS) and
      reflux symptom score(RSS) respectively before and after treatment. Those who had
      an abnormal pH study (pH <4 in the distal esophagus for >5% of the time)
      underwent anti-GER treatment with lifestyle changes, and a proton pump inhibitor
      (omeprazole 40 mg, bid) for 3 months. Asthma medications were added or deleted
      based on severity of asthma. RESULTS: Out of 250 asthmatic patients screened,
      forty patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty eight of 40 patients(70%)
      were diagnosed to have GERD. Of the patients 28 with GER, 8 patients(28.5%) had
      no reflux symptoms. On 24 hr pH metry, the percentage time pH <4.0 was 10.81 +/-
      4.72 and 1.11 +/- 1.21; Deemester score was 37.65 +/- 14.54 and 4.89 +/- 6.39 (p
      value is 0.0001) in GERD and non-GERD patients respectively.In GERD group, post
      treatment reflux symptom score(RSS) improved from 22.39 +/- 14.99 to 1.04 +/-
      1.07, pulmonary symptom score(PSS) improved from 27.14 +/- 7.49 to 13.82 +/- 4.21
      and night time asthma symptom score(NASS) improved from 6.71 +/- 1.80 to 3.04 +/-
      1.23 (p-value <0.0001). After treatment, FEV1 and PEFR increased from 1.38 +/-
      0.57 and 4.14 +/- 1.97 to 1.47 +/- 0.54 and 5.56 +/- 1.72, respectively (p-value
      0.00114). CONCLUSIONS: PPI therapy improves nocturnal asthma symptoms, daytime
      asthma symptoms, pulmonary function and decreases requirement of asthma
      medications in these patients.

PMID- 25121370
TI  - Giambattista Canano and his myology.
AB  - Giambattista Canano was a sixteenth century Italian anatomist and physician. He
      was educated at the University of Ferrara where, upon graduation, he was
      appointed professor of anatomy. While at the university, Canano carried out a
      pioneering study of skeletal muscles. This study was to be published in a multi
      volumed book entitled Musculorum Humani Corporis Picturata Dissectio. However,
      only the section on the muscles of the upper limb was published, as Canano
      stopped the printing of his book. It is hypothesized that he met Vesalius at the
      time and saw the proofs of his Fabrica which he assessed as far superior and,
      consequently, decided to abort his project. The preserved copies of the
      Dissectio, however, show that the standards of Canano's work surpassed most of
      the anatomical studies published up to that time. Canano subsequently left the
      academic position and made a notable career as a physician. His appointments
      included prestigious positions of physician to the Pope and protomedicus of the
      House of Este in Ferrara. 

PMID- 25121371
TI  - Pioglitazone: Hype and hope.

PMID- 25121372
TI  - Hoover's sign: Clinical relevance in Neurology.
AB  - Hoover's sign was described by Dr. Charles Franklin Hoover more than 100 years
      back to differentiate between the organic and functional weakness of pyramidal
      origin. This test is usually performed in the lower limbs and is valuable when on
      bedside one is not sure about the nature of hemiparesis. A subject with
      hemiparesis of organic cause while asked to flex the hip of normal leg against
      resistance will not exert pressure on the hand of examiner placed under the heel
      on the affected side while in hysterical weakness heightened pressure will be
      felt on the examiner's hand. The presumed genesis of this sign could be the
      crossed extensor reflex or the principle of synergistic contraction. It is a
      useful clinical test in differentiating functional and organic paresis with
      moderate sensitivity (63%) and high specificity (100%), but there are some
      limitations which should be kept in mind while evaluating a patient. 

PMID- 25121373
TI  - Bedaquiline: a novel antitubercular drug for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
AB  - Multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) are emerging
      global health threats. Bedaquiline is a new antituberculous drug belonging to the
      diarylquinoline class that efficiently inhibits the adenosine triphosphate
      synthase enzyme of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a bactericidal and long
      acting drug. It inhibits both dormant as well as replicating bacterial sub
      populations and thus shortens the duration of TB treatment. This drug has been
      approved by the Food and Drug Administration in December 2012 for the management
      of multidrug resistant-TB. The drug marks the introduction of a new addition to
      the TB armamentarium after four decades. 

PMID- 25121374
TI  - Telomeres and telomerase: understanding basic structure and potential new
      therapeutic strategies targeting it in the treatment of cancer.
AB  - The impact of cancer on humanity is huge and a great deal of research is going on
      worldwide to find novel therapeutic targets. Telomerase is one such exciting
      target. Increased telomerase activity provides cancer cells with unlimited
      proliferative potential and is one of the hallmarks of cancer. This article
      provides a basic understanding of telomere and telomerase in cancer and
      summarizes various potential therapeutic approaches used for strategic targeting
      of telomerase enzyme. Medline, Medscape, EMBASE, Cochrane database, Scopus and
      clinicaltrials.gov were searched using terms like "telomeres", "telomerase" and
      "targeted cancer therapy". Journal articles published from 2005 to 2013
      describing telomerase-based cancer therapy were screened. 

PMID- 25121375
TI  - Arthritis, a complex connective and synovial joint destructive autoimmune
      disease: animal models of arthritis with varied etiopathology and their
      significance.
AB  - Animal models play a vital role in simplifying the complexity of pathogenesis and
      understanding the indefinable processes and diverse mechanisms involved in the
      progression of disease, and in providing new knowledge that may facilitate the
      drug development program. Selection of the animal models has to be carefully
      done, so that there is morphologic similarity to human arthritic conditions that
      may predict as well as augment the effective screening of novel antiarthritic
      agents. The review describes exclusively animal models of rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). The development of RA has been vividly described
      using a wide variety of animal models with diverse insults (viz. collagen,
      Freund's adjuvant, proteoglycan, pristane, avridine, formaldehyde, etc.) that are
      able to simulate/trigger the cellular, biochemical, immunological, and histologic
      alterations, which perhaps mimic, to a great extent, the pathologic conditions of
      human RA. Similarly, numerous methods of inducing animal models with OA have also
      been described (such as spontaneous, surgical, chemical, and physical methods
      including genetically manipulated animals) which may give an insight into the
      events of alteration in connective tissues and their metabolism (synovial
      membrane/tissues along with cartilage) and bone erosion. The development of such
      arthritic animal models may throw light for better understanding of the
      etiopathogenic mechanisms of human arthritis and give new impetus for the drug
      development program on arthritis, a crippling disease. 

PMID- 25121376
TI  - Age appropriate screening for cancer: evidence-based practice in the United
      States of America.
AB  - Cancer screening is a well established and integral part of routine care in the
      Western world including United States. Men and women are recommended to get age
      specific screening for common cancers like breast, cervical, prostate, and colon.
      The goal of screening is primary and secondary prevention. Cancer prevention and
      early detection of cancers has been shown to improve survival rates and decrease
      mortality by prompt appropriate treatment. This article serves to outline the
      current guidelines in the United States for cancer screening and the evidence for
      them as well as discusses the possibility of a similar model of care in India as
      well as barriers to such a screening program for cancer. The evidence was mostly
      obtained from systematic reviews done by the United States Preventive Services
      Task Force guidelines and other peer institutions like American Cancer Society
      and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 

PMID- 25121377
TI  - Laron syndrome.

PMID- 25121378
TI  - Needle in a haystack: Intraoperative breakage of pediatric minimal access surgery
      instruments.
AB  - The search for tiny bits of broken pediatric minimal access surgery (MAS)
      instruments in an operative field is akin to the search for a needle in a
      haystack. With the extension of MAS to the pediatric age group, instruments are
      becoming smaller and equitably more prone to breakage. When breakages occur,
      retrieval, especially in the pediatric abdominal cavity, can be challenging.
      Inability to do so would affect patient safety and also lead to a web of medico
      legal and ethical issues. We present two cases of intraoperative breakage: An
      eyeless 3-0 polyamide suture needle and a 2-mm grasper blade both of which were
      successfully retrieved and fortuitously escaped becoming retained surgical items.

PMID- 25121379
TI  - Dengue infection presenting as acute hypokalemic quadriparesis.
AB  - Dengue infection is one of the most common viral hemorrhagic fevers seen in the
      tropical countries, including India. Its presentation varies from an acute self
      resolving febrile illness to life-threatening hemorrhagic shock and multiorgan
      dysfunction leading to death. Neurological presentations are uncommon and limited
      to case reports only. Most common neurological manifestations being encephalitis,
      acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, transverse myelitis, and
      acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.Hypokalemic quadriparesis as a presenting
      feature of dengue is extremely rare. Here, we report this case of a 33-year-old
      female, who presented with hypokalemic quadriparesis and was subsequently
      diagnosed as dengue infection. 

PMID- 25121380
TI  - Hyperparathyroidism complicating pregnancy: a diagnostic challenge?
AB  - Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a rare etiology of hypercalcemia-induced
      pancreatitis, contributing about 0.4% to 1.5% of cases in the general population
      and up to 13% of cases during pregnancy. PHPT that occurs during pregnancy is a
      challenging diagnosis as the physiological changes in calcium homeostasis mask
      the symptoms of hypercalcemia. PHPT during pregnancy often remains undiagnosed
      and untreated, and may result in serious clinical implications for the mother and
      fetus. Most clinicians consider surgery within the second trimester of pregnancy
      as the treatment of choice in this group of patients. This article refers to a
      case of a 24-year married woman in whom PHPT was diagnosed for the first time in
      postpartum period. She succumbed to complications on Day 20 postpartum.
      Pathological findings revealed metastatic calcification in lungs, pancreas and
      uterine vessels, chronic pancreatitis and renal cortical necrosis. 

PMID- 25121381
TI  - Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome: clinical report and novel mutation in ABHD5 gene.
AB  - Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome (CDS) is a multisystem, autosomal recessive genetic
      disorder characterized by congenital non-bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma with
      accumulation of lipid droplets in granulocytes and basal keratinocytes. An 18
      month-old female child presented with typical dermatological features of CDS. She
      was born as a collodion baby. Liver biopsy showed micronodular cirrhosis along
      with macrovesicular hepatic steatosis. Sequencing of all exons and exon-intron
      boundaries of the ABHD5 gene showed that the patient was homozygous for a novel
      mutation g.24947delG (c.773 + 1delG) in intron 5. This is the first Indian child
      with mutation proven CDS. 

PMID- 25121382
TI  - Subcutaneous panniculitis like T cell lymphoma associated with erythromelalgia.
AB  - Erythromelalgia is a rare disorder that simulates a small fiber neuropathy and
      patients often have painful erythematous extremities during episodes. It is of
      two types: A primary or inherited form that is sometimes associated with a Na
      channel mutation or a secondary disorder associated with an underlying systemic
      disorder. We present a 19-year-old boy who presented to us with erythromelalgia
      and a febrile illness with systemic rash. Detailed work-up revealed another
      unusual condition: Subcutaneous panniculitis like T cell lymphoma (SPTCL). This
      is the first report of an association of erythromelalgia with SPTCL. 

PMID- 25121383
TI  - Hyperkalemia induced pseudo-myocardial infarction in septic shock.
AB  - Hyperkalemia is an acute life-threatening disorder presenting to the emergency
      department. Patients with hyperkalemia may manifest characteristic
      electrocardiographic changes including tented T waves, widening of the QRS
      complex and loss of P waves, sine wave pattern and eventually asystole. There
      have been only few reports of hyperkalemia causing ST segment elevation on
      electrocardiogram simulating an acute myocardial infarction. This case describes
      pseudo-myocardial infarction due to hyperkalemia and septic shock. Rapid
      determination of serum potassium levels by bedside blood gas analyzers serves to
      be a useful guide. ST segment elevation related to hyperkalemia will resolve with
      successful reduction of the serum potassium levels by appropriate therapy. It is
      important for physicians to be aware of this condition as this will aid in
      initiating correct therapy and prevent the patient from unnecessary interventions
      and the associated risk of complications. 

PMID- 25121384
TI  - An unusual complication of stroke thrombolysis.

PMID- 25121385
TI  - Understanding correlation in the context of outliers.

PMID- 25121387
TI  - Esophageal perforation and death following glyphosate poisoning.

PMID- 25121386
TI  - Impact of midday meals- have all variables been considered?

PMID- 25121388
TI  - Paediatric malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with osteoid,
      rhabdomyosarcomatous, and liposarcomatous differentiation.

PMID- 25121389
TI  - Scalp hematoma: an atypical presentation of neurofibromatosis and a cause of
      hemorrhagic shock.

PMID- 25121390
TI  - Internal jugular vein medial to carotid artery.

PMID- 25121392
TI  - Pure yolk sac tumor of testis in an adult: a rare occurrence.

PMID- 25121391
TI  - Valgus deformity caused by dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica in the knee.

PMID- 25121393
TI  - Dr. Vidya Acharya.

PMID- 25121396
TI  - Impairments due to injury, United States-1971.
AB  - During 1971 there were an estimated 12.5 million impairments of various types
      caused by injury based on data reported in the Health Interview Survey of the
      civilian population not confined to institutions. An impairment is a chronic or
      permanent defect, disabling or not, representing for the most part decrease or
      loss of ability to perform certain functions, particularly those of the
      musculoskeletal system and special senses. The originating cause, or etiology, is
      obtained for each impairment reported in the interview. Based on data collected
      in 1971 there were an estimated 51.1 million impairments reported in household
      interviews in response to the list of impairments on the questionnnaire or in
      response to questions about conditions causing disability or medical attention,
      of which 24.6 percent were reported as having been caused by injury. The report,
      "Impairments Due to Injury by Class and Type of Accident, United States, July
      1959-June 1961," (Series 10, No. 6) presented data quite similar to that in the
      present report. Among the 12.5 million impairments due to injury the most
      frequently reported type was impairment of back or spine (except paralysis) with
      an estimated prevalence of 3.1 million cases The second most frequently reported
      type was impairment of lower extremity or hip (except paralysis or absence) with
      an estimate of 2.7 million. An estimated 29.3 percent of all impairments due to
      injury caused some degree of limitation of activity. About 25.4 percent of all
      impairments due to injury resulted from accidents in the home; 29.3 percent
      resulted from- injury occurring while at work; 17.8 percent resulted from moving
      motor vehicle accidents; and 20 percent resulted from some type of fall. 

PMID- 25121394
TI  - Efficacy of electronic portable assistive devices for people with acquired brain
      injury: a systematic review.
AB  - A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of electronic portable
      assistive devices (EPADs) for people with acquired brain injury. A systematic
      database search (OVID, CINAHL) found 541 citations published between 1989 and the
      end of 2012. A total of 23 reports met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, namely
      intervention studies (group, n-of-1) testing the efficacy of EPADs as
      compensatory devices for cognitive impairment for people with acquired brain
      injury aged 16-65 years. Study quality was rated by the PEDro (Physiotherapy
      Evidence Database) scale, (randomised controlled trials), the Downes and Black
      tool (other group intervention studies), and the Single Case Experimental Design
      tool (single participant studies). Levels of evidence were determined using five
      levels of classification based on the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence
      table. Results found no Level 1 studies (RCTs with PEDro score >= 6), four Level
      2 studies and 10 Level 3 studies. There was insufficient evidence to recommend
      any practice standards, but sufficient evidence to recommend the use of
      electronic reminder systems in supporting the everyday functioning of people with
      acquired brain injury as a practice guideline. Higher quality studies are
      required to support a broader range of compensatory roles that EPADs have the
      potential to play in neurorehabilitation and the long-term support of people with
      acquired brain injury. 

PMID- 25121395
TI  - Design, synthesis, and evaluation of multitarget-directed selenium-containing
      clioquinol derivatives for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - A series of selenium-containing clioquinol derivatives were designed,
      synthesized, and evaluated as multifunctional anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      agents. In vitro examination showed that several target compounds exhibited
      activities such as inhibition of metal-induced Abeta aggregation, antioxidative
      properties, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and the prevention of copper redox
      cycling. A parallel artificial membrane permeation assay indicated that selenium
      containing clioquinol derivatives possessed significant blood-brain barrier (BBB)
      permeability. Compound 8a, with a propynylselanyl group linked to the oxine,
      demonstrated higher hydrogen peroxide scavenging and intracellular antioxidant
      activity than clioquinol. Furthermore, 8a exhibited significant inhibition of
      Cu(II)-induced Abeta1-42 aggregation and was capable of disassembling the
      preformed Cu(II)-induced Abeta aggregates. Therefore, 8a is an excellent
      multifunctional promising compound for development of novel drugs for AD.

PMID- 25121398
TI  - A new entry to asymmetric platinum(IV) complexes via oxidative chlorination.
AB  - Pt(IV) complexes are usually prepared by oxidation of the corresponding Pt(II)
      counterparts, typically using hydrogen peroxide or chlorine. A different way to
      synthesize asymmetrical Pt(IV) compounds is the oxidative chlorination of Pt(II)
      counterparts with N-chlorosuccinimide. The reaction between cisplatin cis
      [PtCl2(NH3)2], carboplatin, cis-[PtCl2(dach)] and cis-[Pt(cbdc)(dach)] (cbdc =
      cyclobutane-1,1'-dicarboxylato; dach = cyclohexane-1R,2R-diamine) with N
      chlorosuccinimide in ethane-1,2-diol was optimized to produce the asymmetric
      Pt(IV) octahedral complexes [PtA2Cl(glyc)X2] (A2 = 2 NH3 or dach; glyc = 2
      hydroxyethanolato; X2 = 2 Cl or cbdc) in high yield and purity. The X-ray crystal
      structure of the [Pt(cbdc)Cl(dach)(glyc)] complex is also reported. Moreover, the
      oxidation method proved to be versatile enough to produce other mixed Pt(IV)
      derivatives varying the reaction medium. The two trichlorido complexes easily
      undergo a pH-dependent hydrolysis reaction, whereas the dicarboxylato compounds
      are stable enough to allow further coupling reactions for drug targeting and
      delivery via the glyc reactive pendant. Therefore, the coupling reaction between
      the [Pt(cbdc)Cl(dach)(glyc)] and a model carboxylic acid, a model amine, and
      selectively protected amino acids is reported. 

PMID- 25121397
TI  - ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway Attenuates Systemic and Cerebral Hemodynamic
      Response During Awakening of Neurosurgical Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extubation and emergence from anesthesia may lead to systemic and
      cerebral hemodynamic changes that endanger neurosurgical patients. We aimed to
      compare systemic and cerebral hemodynamic variables and cough incidence in
      neurosurgery patients emerging from general anesthesia with the standard
      procedure (endotracheal tube [ETT] extubation) or after replacement of the ETT
      with a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients
      undergoing supratentorial craniotomy under general anesthesia were included in a
      randomized open-label parallel trial. Patients were randomized (sealed envelopes
      labeled with software-generated randomized numbers) to awaken with the ETT in
      place or after its replacement with a ProSeal LMA. We recorded mean arterial
      pressure as the primary endpoint and heart rate, middle cerebral artery flow
      velocity, regional cerebral oxygen saturation, norepinephrine plasma
      concentrations, and coughing. RESULTS: No differences were found between groups
      at baseline. All hemodynamic variables increased significantly from baseline in
      both groups during emergence. The ETT group had significantly higher mean
      arterial pressure (11.9 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-21.8 mm Hg)
      (P=0.017), heart rate (7.2 beats/min; 95% CI, 0.7-13.7 beats/min) (P=0.03), and
      rate-pressure product (1045.4; 95% CI, 440.8-1650) (P=0.001). Antihypertensive
      medication was administered to more ETT-group patients than LMA-group patients (9
      [42.9%] vs. 3 [14.3%] patients, respectively; P=0.04). The percent increase in
      regional cerebral oxygen saturation was greater in the ETT group by 26.1% (95%
      CI, 9.1%-43.2%) (P=0.002), but no between-group differences were found in MCA
      flow velocity. Norepinephrine plasma concentrations rose in both groups between
      baseline and the end of emergence: LMA: from 87.5+/-7.1 to 125.6+/-17.3 pg/mL;
      and ETT: from 118.1+/-14.1 to 158.1+/-24.7 pg/mL (P=0.007). The differences
      between groups were not significant. The incidence of cough was higher in the ETT
      group (87.5%) than in the LMA group (9.5%) (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Replacing the
      ETT with the LMA before neurosurgical patients emerge from anesthesia results in
      a more favorable hemodynamic profile, less cerebral hyperemia, and a lower
      incidence of cough.

PMID- 25121399
TI  - Effects of mycoplasmal upper-respiratory-tract disease on movement and
      thermoregulatory behavior of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in Georgia,
      USA.
AB  - Abstract From 2011-12, we studied a gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
      population with a historically high prevalence of antibodies to Mycoplasma
      agassizii to assess long-term effects of upper-respiratory-tract disease (URTD)
      on tortoise behavior. We radiotracked 30 adult tortoises (16 males, 14 females)
      from a long-term study site with the use of mark-recapture methods to determine
      site fidelity and to compare home-range size to that of a study in 1997. An
      additional 10 tortoises (six males, four females) with severe clinical signs of
      URTD from elsewhere in the study area were radiotracked and compared to tortoises
      that were asymptomatic or had only mild clinical signs. We also monitored
      thermoregulatory behavior of tortoises with the use of data loggers affixed to
      the carapace. There was no significant difference in home-range size between the
      asymptomatic tortoises and those with mild symptoms. Home ranges of tortoises
      with severe URTD were significantly larger than asymptomatic or mildly affected
      tortoises. Tortoises with severe clinical signs moved long distances over short
      periods, contradicting a hypothesis that chronically infected tortoises are less
      likely to emigrate. Prevalence of M. agassizii antibodies was similar among the
      three groups (98% overall), but prevalence of antibodies to a second pathogen
      associated with URTD, Mycoplasma testudineum, was lower in the asymptomatic
      (n=14, 7%) and mild-symptoms (n=7, 14%) groups than the severe-symptoms group
      (n=8, 50%). Variation in the average carapacial temperatures of tortoises with
      severe URTD was significantly different from carapacial temperatures of mild and
      asymptomatic tortoises, suggesting differences in thermoregulatory behavior of
      severely ill tortoises. Our 15-yr recapture data suggest that, despite high
      prevalence of M. agassizii, population density has not decreased over time.
      However, emigration, especially of tortoises with severe clinical disease, may
      play an important role in dispersal and persistence of pathogens.

PMID- 25121400
TI  - Molecular methods to detect Mycoplasma spp. And Testudinid herpesvirus 2 in
      desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) and implications for disease management.
AB  - Abstract Mycoplasmas are an important cause of upper respiratory tract disease
      (URTD) in desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) and have been a main focus in
      attempts to mitigate disease-based population declines. Infection risk can vary
      with an animal's population of origin, making screening tests popular tools for
      determining infection status in individuals and populations. To provide
      additional methods for investigating URTD we developed quantitative PCR (qPCR)
      assays specific for agents causing clinical signs of URTD: Mycoplasma agassizii,
      Mycoplasma testudineum, and Testudinid herpesvirus 2 (TeHV2) and tested
      necropsied desert tortoises housed at the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center in
      Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, as well as wild desert tortoises (n=3), during 2010.
      Findings were compared with M. agassizii enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) data. Based on qPCR, the prevalence of M. agassizii was 75% (33/44) and
      the prevalence of TeHV2 was 48% (20/42) in the evaluated population. Both agents
      were also present in the wild tortoises. Mycoplasma testudineum was not detected.
      The M. agassizii ELISA and qPCR results did not always agree. More tortoises were
      positive for M. agassizii by nasal mucosa testing than by nasal flush. Our
      findings suggest that mycoplasmas are not the only agents of concern and that a
      single M. agassizii ELISA or nasal flush qPCR alone failed to identify all
      potentially infected animals in a population. Caution should be exercised in
      using these tests for disposition decisions.

PMID- 25121401
TI  - Baseline cutaneous bacteria of free-living New Zealand native frogs (Leiopelma
      archeyi and Leiopelma hochstetteri) and implications for their role in defense
      against the amphibian chytrid (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis).
AB  - Abstract Knowledge of baseline cutaneous bacterial microbiota may be useful in
      interpreting diagnostic cultures from captive sick frogs and as part of
      quarantine or pretranslocation disease screening. Bacteria may also be an
      important part of innate immunity against chytridiomycosis, a fungal skin disease
      caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). In February 2009, 92 distinct
      bacterial isolates from the ventral skin of 64 apparently healthy Leiopelma
      archeyi and Leiopelma hochstetteri native frogs from the Coromandel and
      Whareorino regions in New Zealand were identified using molecular techniques. The
      most-common isolates identified in L. archeyi were Pseudomonas spp. and the most
      common in L. hochstetteri were Flavobacterium spp. To investigate the possible
      role of bacteria in innate immunity, a New Zealand strain of Bd (Kaikorai Valley
      Lewingii-2008-SDS1) was isolated and used in an in vitro challenge assay to test
      for inhibition by bacteria. One bacterial isolate, a Flavobacterium sp.,
      inhibited growth of Bd. These results imply that diverse cutaneous bacteria are
      present and may play a role in the innate defense in Leiopelma against pathogens,
      including Bd, and are a starting point for further investigation. 

PMID- 25121402
TI  - Are passerine birds reservoirs for influenza A viruses?
AB  - Abstract Although peridomestic passerine species have been involved in influenza
      A virus (IAV) outbreaks in poultry, there is little evidence to indicate they
      serve as reservoirs for these viruses under natural conditions. Recent molecular
      based detections of IAV in terrestrial wild birds have challenged this paradigm,
      and it has been suggested that additional research is warranted to better define
      the role of these birds as IAV hosts. To address this need, we reviewed the
      published literature reporting results from IAV surveillance of passerines. We
      also conducted prospective virologic and serologic surveillance of North American
      passerines for IAVs. The literature review included 60 publications from 1975
      2013 that reported results from 829 species of passerines and other terrestrial
      birds. In our prospective study during 2010 and 2011, 3,868 serum samples and 900
      swab samples were collected and tested from 102 terrestrial wild bird species
      from Georgia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Minnesota, USA. Antibodies to the
      nucleoprotein of IAV were detected with a commercial blocking enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay in 4/3,868 serum samples (0.1%); all positive samples were
      from Minnesota. No virus was detected in 900 swab samples by virus isolation in
      embryonated chicken eggs or matrix real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Our
      results are consistent with historic literature; although passerines and
      terrestrial wild birds may have a limited role in the epidemiology of IAV when
      associated with infected domestic poultry or other aberrant hosts, there is no
      evidence supporting their involvement as natural reservoirs for IAV. 

PMID- 25121403
TI  - An alternative interpretation of plasma selenium data from endangered patagonian
      huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus).

PMID- 25121405
TI  - Aprocta cylindrica (Nematoda) infection in a European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
      in Britain.
AB  - A European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) found dead in England had marked
      blepharitis and periocular alopecia associated with Aprocta cylindrica (Nematoda:
      Aproctidae) and concurrent mixed fungal infections. Aprocta cylindrica should be
      considered a differential diagnosis in periocular abnormalities of robins and
      other insectivorous, migratory passerines in Western Europe.

PMID- 25121406
TI  - European mustelids occupying pristine wetlands in the Danube Delta are infected
      with Trichinella likely derived from domesticated swine.
AB  - Abstract We analyzed 32 specimens from nine species of Mustelidae for
      Trichinella; six infections from two Trichinella species were observed from three
      host species. This provides documentation of Trichinella in Mustela erminea and
      Martes foina in Romania and Trichinella spiralis in a mustelid host from Europe.
      Trichinella spiralis continues to be a public challenge characterized by a wide
      host range and geographical distribution ( Pozio 2007 ). During the past 20 yr,
      Romania has had the most reported human cases of trichinellosis in the world (
      Blaga et al. 2007 ). Transmission occurs among domesticated swine, rats, and wild
      mammals that feed by scavenging or predation ( Pozio 2000 ). Trichinella
      transmission to humans may occur by consumption of meat of livestock infected
      after exposure to wildlife ( Pozio et al. 2009 ).

PMID- 25121404
TI  - Novel combinations of nalbuphine and medetomidine for wildlife immobilization.
AB  - We formulated novel drug combinations of nalbuphine HCl and medetomidine HCl
      (NalMed), with or without azaperone tartrate, for use in immobilizing Rocky
      Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) and potentially for other wildlife species.
      Using the lowest tested nalbuphine dose (0.3 mg/kg) that produced sedation in
      elk, we initially evaluated a combination of nalbuphine, medetomidine, and
      azaperone (NalMed-A) for immobilizing adult elk. Based on initial success, we
      then conducted follow-up trials to assess alternative NalMed formulations
      successively modified to improve field usability, striving to shorten induction
      within a dose volume that accommodated practical remote delivery. All NalMed
      formulations immobilized adult elk; however, combinations with dose volumes that
      included about 80 mg nalbuphine tended to yield the shortest inductions (mean 6.8
      min with, and 7.7 min without, azaperone). Our findings demonstrate that
      nalbuphine and medetomidine can be combined to yield effective, low-volume (<= 2
      mL), lightly regulated, reversible drug combinations. Based on results to date,
      we recommend NalMed-A (40 mg/mL nalbuphine, 10 mg/mL medetomidine, and 10 mg/mL
      azaperone) dosed at 1.8-2.0 mL for immobilizing adult elk; for recovery we
      recommend 50 mg naltrexone and 600 mg tolazoline administered intramuscularly
      (IM) about 5 min in advance of 100 mg atipamezole (divided 25 mg intravenously
      and 75 mg IM). Further work is under way to explore efficacy in other large
      mammal species.

PMID- 25121407
TI  - Pathogen infection and exposure, and ectoparasites of the federally endangered
      Amargosa vole (Microtus californicus scirpensis), California, USA.
AB  - Abstract We surveyed pathogens and ectoparasites among federally endangered
      Amargosa voles (Microtus californicus scirpensis) and sympatric rodents in Tecopa
      Hot Springs, Inyo County, California, December 2011-November 2012. We aimed to
      assess disease and detect possible spillover from or connectivity with other
      hosts within and outside the Amargosa ecosystem. We assessed 71 individual voles
      and 38 individual sympatric rodents for current infection with seven vector-borne
      zoonotic pathogens and past exposure to five pathogens. Thirteen percent of
      Amargosa voles were PCR positive for Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoan that
      may alter host behavior or cause mortality. Additionally, we found antibodies
      against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (SL) spp. in 21% of voles, against
      Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 2.6%, Rickettsia spp. in 13%, relapsing fever
      Borrelia (3.9%), and T. gondii (7.9%). Sympatric rodents also had active
      infections with Borrelia SL spp. (15%). Of the ectoparasites collected, the tick
      Ixodes minor is of particular interest because the study area is well outside of
      the species' reported range and because I. minor ticks infest migratory birds as
      well as rodents, showing a potential mechanism for pathogens to be imported from
      outside the Amargosa ecosystem. 

PMID- 25121408
TI  - Serologic survey for cross-species pathogens in urban coyotes (Canis latrans),
      Colorado, USA.
AB  - Abstract As coyotes (Canis latrans) adapt to living in urban environments, the
      opportunity for cross-species transmission of pathogens may increase. We
      investigated the prevalence of antibodies to pathogens that are either zoonotic
      or affect multiple animal species in urban coyotes in the Denver metropolitan
      area, Colorado, USA, in 2012. We assayed for antibodies to canine parvovirus-2,
      canine distemper virus, rabies virus, Toxoplasma gondii, Yersinia pestis, and
      serotypes of Leptospira interrogans. Overall, 84% of the animals had antibodies
      to canine parvovirus-2, 44% for canine distemper virus, 20% for T. gondii (IgG),
      28% for Y. pestis, and 4% for L. interrogans serotype Grippotyphosa. No
      neutralizing antibodies were detected to rabies virus, T. gondii (IgM), or L.
      interrogans serotypes other than Grippotyphosa. With 88% of animals exposed to at
      least one pathogen, our results suggest that coyotes may serve as important
      reservoirs and sentinels for etiologic agents. 

PMID- 25121410
TI  - Detection and molecular characterization of a reovirus in black-capped chickadees
      (Poecile atricapillus) from Minnesota, USA.
AB  - In 2011, the Minnesota Rehabilitation Center submitted four dead Black-capped
      Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) for necropsy to the Minnesota Veterinary
      Diagnostic Laboratory. All four chickadees were underweight and dehydrated and
      their intestinal contents were watery and yellowish. No significant lesions were
      observed upon histopathologic examination. Viral particles of the family
      Reoviridae were detected after negative-contrast electron microscopic examination
      of intestinal contents. Analysis by reverse transcriptase PCR and sequencing
      confirmed the presence of a reovirus. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the
      chickadee reovirus had 97.1% to 98.3% and 89.4% to 97.8% nucleotide identity with
      turkey enteric reoviruses from apparently healthy and enteritis-affected turkey
      poults, respectively. The chickadee reovirus had only 56.5% and 58.5% nucleotide
      and 54.5% and 56.8% amino acid identity with psittacine reovirus and Tvarminne
      avian virus, respectively. These results indicate that the chickadee reovirus is
      closely related to turkey reoviruses.

PMID- 25121409
TI  - Relatively high prevalence of pox-like lesions in Henslow's sparrow (Ammodrammus
      henslowii) among nine species of migratory grassland passerines in Wisconsin,
      USA.
AB  - Globally, Avipoxvirus species affect over 230 species of wild birds and can
      significantly impair survival. During banding of nine grassland songbird species
      (n=346 individuals) in southwestern Wisconsin, USA, we noted species with a 2-6%
      prevalence of pox-like lesions (possible evidence of current infection) and 4-10%
      missing digits (potential evidence of past infection). These prevalences approach
      those recorded among island endemic birds (4-9% and 9-20% for the Galapagos and
      Hawaii, respectively) for which Avipoxvirus species have been implicated as
      contributing to dramatic population declines. Henslow's Sparrow Ammodramus
      henslowii (n=165 individuals) had the highest prevalence of lesions (6.1%) and
      missing digits (9.7%). Among a subset of 26 Henslow's Sparrows from which blood
      samples were obtained, none had detectable antibody reactive to fowlpox virus
      antigen. However, four samples (18%) had antibody to canarypox virus antigen with
      test sample and negative control ratios (P/N values) ranging from 2.4 to 6.5
      (median 4.3). Of four antibody-positive birds, two had lesions recorded (one was
      also missing a digit), one had digits missing, and one had no signs.
      Additionally, the birds with lesions or missing digits had higher P/N values than
      did the antibody-positive bird without missing digits or recorded lesions. This
      study represents an impetus for considering the impacts and dynamics of disease
      caused by Avipoxvirus among North American grassland bird species.

PMID- 25121411
TI  - Rabies in the insectivorous Pallas's mastiff bat (Molossus molossus) in
      northeastern Brazil.
AB  - We describe the pathologic and immunohistochemical findings in five cases of
      rabies in the insectivorous Pallas's mastiff bat (Molossus molossus) in the city
      of Patos, state of Paraiba, northeastern Brazil. All cases were found during the
      day, in different neighborhoods, prostrate and unable to fly. No significant
      lesions were observed at necropsy or on histologic examination. The brains of the
      five bats showed strong immunohistochemical labeling for rabies virus in the form
      of large corpuscles or multiple clusters of granules within the perikarya of
      neurons in different areas of the brain, mainly in the cerebral cortex and
      cerebellar Purkinje cells. Three bats tested by direct immunofluorescence and
      mouse inoculation were also positive for rabies. These data demonstrate that M.
      molossus may be infected with the rabies virus and develop rabies, even without
      histologic lesions in the central nervous system, and can be a source of
      infection for humans and domestic animals.

PMID- 25121412
TI  - Asymmetric synthesis of chiral heterocyclic amino acids via the alkylation of the
      Ni(II) complex of glycine and alkyl halides.
AB  - An investigation into the reactivity profile of alkyl halides has led to the
      development of a new method for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral heterocyclic
      amino acids. This protocol involves the asymmetric alkylation of the Ni(II)
      complex of glycine to form an intermediate, which then decomposes to form a
      series of valuable chiral amino acids in high yields and with excellent
      diastereoselectivity. The chiral amino acids underwent a smooth intramolecular
      cyclization process to afford the valuable chiral heterocyclic amino acids in
      high yields and enantioselectivities. This result paves the way for the
      development of a new synthetic method for chiral heterocyclic amino acids. 

PMID- 25121414
TI  - Breast reconstruction and medical necessity.

PMID- 25121413
TI  - Maximum standardized uptake value on 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography and glucose transporter-1 expression correlates
      with survival in invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreas.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the correlations among the
      maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose positron
      emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT); the expressions of glucose
      transporter 1 (GLUT-1), glucose transporter 3, and epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR); as well as prognosis in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma
      of the pancreas. METHODS: A total of 41 patients with surgically resected and
      histologically proven invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreas who underwent
      preoperative FDG-PET/CT were assessed. The SUVmax at the primary tumor site was
      measured by FDG-PET/CT, and immunohistochemical staining of tumor sections was
      performed for GLUT-1, glucose transporter 3, and EGFR. RESULTS: Higher FDG uptake
      (SUVmax, >3.40) and GLUT-1 expression were significantly associated with shorter
      overall survival (P < 0.05). The SUVmax was not found to be significantly
      correlated with clinicopathological characteristics such as TNM classification,
      lymph node metastasis, and tumor differentiation. The EGFR expression was
      significantly correlated with the SUVmax (P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Higher FDG
      uptake and GLUT-1 expression in invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreas seems
      to be an important prognostic factor. In addition, the EGFR expression was
      significantly correlated with the SUVmax.

PMID- 25121415
TI  - Dakin's solution: historical perspective and current practice.
AB  - Dakin's solution was first introduced by military physicians responding to the
      challenges of treating artillery injuries in World War I. Administration was
      personnel intensive, and at times unpredictable in the conditions of the
      frontlines, but nonetheless the practice saved countless lives and limbs. Dakin's
      solution remained the prevailing method for treating contaminated wounds until
      the introduction of antibiotics during World War II. With the emergence of
      antibiotic-resistant organisms in the 1980s, interest in antiseptic treatment of
      wounds resurfaced; especially in chronic wounds, antiseptics once again saw
      liberal use. However, as the understanding of wound healing advanced, focus
      shifted from "prevention of infection" to "creation of an optimal environment for
      the repair process." Concern that antiseptics could be toxic to the cells of the
      repair process has led many to discontinue their use. Although such all-or-none
      approaches might simplify the decision-making process, they fail to address the
      complexity of optimal wound management. As recent research suggests, there may be
      a renewed role for Dakin's solution. 

PMID- 25121416
TI  - Lessons learned from the first quadruple extremity transplantation in the world.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limb transplantation is emerging as a promising area of surgery and
      is an indispensable alternative for prosthetic rehabilitation of amputees, the
      severity of which is increasing because of combat-related injuries. Successful
      unilateral and bilateral limb transplantations have already been performed before
      this operation. METHODS: We performed the first ever quadruple limb
      transplantation in February 2012. The limbs procured from a 40-year-old man heart
      beating donor were transplanted to a 27-year-old male patient who was a quadruple
      amputee for the last 14 years because of an electrical injury. RESULTS: To
      shorten the ischemic period to a minimum, 3 separate microsurgery teams worked
      simultaneously. All extremities were reperfused within 8 hours of procurement,
      and the operation lasted for 12 hours. Metabolic load was managed by
      hemodialysis. One hour after the completion of the operation, cardiac arrest
      developed, resuscitation of which necessitated median sternotomy and temporary
      partial cardiopulmonary support. Despite the removal of the transplanted limbs
      and all efforts including continuous hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the patient died on the fourth day after
      transplantation in a clinical condition of severe systemic inflammation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The problems we faced were difficulty of vascular access for
      invasive monitoring and fluid replacement, and the severe systemic inflammation
      effects of which could not be dealt with, despite aggressive supportive
      treatment. We hope that our experience will enlighten the surgeons who are
      willing to extend the limits of limb transplantation and serve the success of
      future operations.

PMID- 25121417
TI  - Discussion of lessons learned from the first quadruple extremity transplantation
      in the world: the logic of massive allograft transplantation.

PMID- 25121418
TI  - Congenital nail abnormalities: a review of the literature.
AB  - Congenital nail abnormalities (CNAs) are rare conditions in which the nail tissue
      appears abnormal compared with the fingers and the toes. They usually present
      accompanying deformities and disorders. Our purpose was to review the current
      literature on the clinical aspects of CNA. We reviewed the literature to evaluate
      peer-reviewed articles on the topic. Detailed reports have characterized many
      types of CNA. In this article, we provide a review of the literature based on the
      current understanding of CNAs and the clinical varieties thereof. 

PMID- 25121419
TI  - The forehead flap for immediate reconstruction of the nose after bite injuries:
      indications, advantages, and disadvantages.

PMID- 25121420
TI  - Fat graft survival: physics matters: invited commentary to "The impact of
      liposuction cannula size on adipocyte viability".

PMID- 25121421
TI  - Applications of algorithmic differentiation to phase retrieval algorithms.
AB  - In this paper, we generalize the techniques of reverse-mode algorithmic
      differentiation to include elementary operations on multidimensional arrays of
      complex numbers. We explore the application of the algorithmic differentiation to
      phase retrieval error metrics and show that reverse-mode algorithmic
      differentiation provides a framework for straightforward calculation of gradients
      of complicated error metrics without resorting to finite differences or laborious
      symbolic differentiation. 

PMID- 25121422
TI  - Characteristic functions describing the power absorption response of periodic
      structures to partially coherent fields.
AB  - Periodic thin-film structures are widely used as absorptive structures for
      electromagnetic radiation. We show that the absorption behavior for partially
      coherent illumination can be fully characterized by a set of characteristic
      functions in wavenumber space. We discuss the prediction of these functions using
      electromagnetic solvers based on periodic boundary conditions, and their
      measurement experimentally using Energy Absorption Interferometry (EAI). The
      theory is developed here for the case of 2D absorbers with TE illumination and
      arbitrary material properties in the plane of the problem, except for the
      resistivity, which is assumed isotropic. Numerical examples are given for the
      case of absorbing strips printed on a semi-infinite substrate. We derive rules
      for the convergence of the representation as a function of the number of
      characteristic functions used, as well as conditions for sampling in EAI
      experiments. 

PMID- 25121423
TI  - Compressed sampling strategies for tomography.
AB  - We investigate new sampling strategies for projection tomography, enabling one to
      employ fewer measurements than expected from classical sampling theory without
      significant loss of information. Inspired by compressed sensing, our approach is
      based on the understanding that many real objects are compressible in some known
      representation, implying that the number of degrees of freedom defining an object
      is often much smaller than the number of pixels/voxels. We propose a new approach
      based on quasi-random detector subsampling, whereas previous approaches only
      addressed subsampling with respect to source location (view angle). The
      performance of different sampling strategies is considered using object
      independent figures of merit, and also based on reconstructions for specific
      objects, with synthetic and real data. The proposed approach can be implemented
      using a structured illumination of the interrogated object or the detector array
      by placing a coded aperture/mask at the source or detector side, respectively.
      Advantages of the proposed approach include (i) for structured illumination of
      the detector array, it leads to fewer detector pixels and allows one to integrate
      detectors for scattered radiation in the unused space; (ii) for structured
      illumination of the object, it leads to a reduced radiation dose for patients in
      medical scans; (iii) in the latter case, the blocking of rays reduces scattered
      radiation while keeping the same energy in the transmitted rays, resulting in a
      higher signal-to-noise ratio than that achieved by lowering exposure times or the
      energy of the source; (iv) compared to view-angle subsampling, it allows one to
      use fewer measurements for the same image quality, or leads to better image
      quality for the same number of measurements. The proposed approach can also be
      combined with view-angle subsampling.

PMID- 25121424
TI  - Generation of hollow beam with radially polarized vortex beam and complex
      amplitude filter.
AB  - The generation of hollow beams with a long focal depth from a radially polarized
      Bessel-Gaussian beam with a second-order vortex phase and an amplitude filter is
      theoretically investigated by Richards-Wolf's integral. The null intensity on the
      optical axis is achieved by introducing the second-order vortex. The long focal
      depth is a result of the amplitude filtering based on the cosine function and
      Euler transformation. Numerical results indicate that the focal depth of a hollow
      beam is improved from 0.96lambda to 2.28lambda with a slight increase of the
      transverse size for the simplest amplitude filter design. The intensity
      distribution twist phenomenon of the x- and y-polarized components around the
      optical axis due to the introducing of the vortex phase is also discussed. It is
      believed that the proposed scheme can be used to achieve particle acceleration
      and optical trapping. 

PMID- 25121425
TI  - High-precision rotation angle measurement method based on monocular vision.
AB  - To accurately measure the attitude angles (pitch, roll, and yaw) of a rigid
      object that rotates in a space, we propose a high-precision rotation angle
      measurement method based on monocular vision. This method combines camera self
      calibration, multiview geometry, and 3D measurement. This monocular vision
      measuring system consists of an area scan CCD, a prime lens, and a spots array
      target, which are fixed on the measured object. We can calculate the rotation
      angle according to the rebuilt rotating spots array target by using this
      monocular vision measuring system. The measurement precision of rotation angle
      can reach 1 arc sec in this paper's experiments. This method has high measurement
      precision and good stability. Therefore we can widely use this method in
      machinery manufacturing, engineering measurement, aerospace, and the military.

PMID- 25121426
TI  - Computational aspects of the through-focus characteristics of the human eye.
AB  - Calculating through-focus characteristics of the human eye from a single
      objective measurement of wavefront aberration can be accomplished through a range
      of methods that are inherently computationally cumbersome. A simple yet accurate
      and computationally efficient method is developed, which combines the philosophy
      of the extended Nijboer-Zernike approach with the radial-basis-function-based
      approximation of the complex pupil function. The main advantage of the proposed
      technique is that the increase of the computational cost for a vector-valued
      defocus parameter is practically negligible in comparison to the corresponding
      scalar-valued defocus parameter. 

PMID- 25121427
TI  - Diffraction by a frustrated system: the triangular Ising antiferromagnet.
AB  - Expressions are derived for diffraction by the triangular Ising antiferromagnet,
      a disordered lattice system consisting of two kinds of scatterer and exhibiting
      geometric frustration. Analysis of the expressions shows characteristics of the
      diffraction patterns, including the presence of Bragg and diffuse diffraction,
      superlattice reflections, and their behavior with temperature. These
      characteristics are illustrated by numerical simulations. The results have
      application to diffraction imaging of disordered systems. 

PMID- 25121428
TI  - Optimization for calibration of large-scale optical measurement positioning
      system by using spherical constraint.
AB  - The measurement accuracy of a large-scale optical measurement positioning system
      largely depends on the calibration procedure. A more reliable calibration
      approach for the system by using spherical constraints is presented in this
      paper, and both the adjustment model based on spherical constraint and the
      calculation method for the optimization are given. This approach can provide
      constraint in every direction of the system in the workspace and thereby estimate
      the orientation parameters more accurately than by using current methods. The
      experimental data show that by using the proposed method, which improves the
      accuracy of the depth direction, the average 3D coordinate error of the system
      compared with the laser tracker is about 0.18 mm in the whole workspace.

PMID- 25121429
TI  - Quantitative analysis of imperfect frequency multiplying in fractional Talbot
      planes and its effect on high-frequency-grating lithography.
AB  - Fractional Talbot images of amplitude line gratings, with small opening slits
      compared to the period, are characterized by an integer multiple of the gratings'
      spatial frequency. We investigate the formation of fractional Talbot images
      analytically within a scalar framework and give a comprehensible insight into the
      paraxial limits involved. Particular attention is paid to nonparaxial effects on
      the intensity distribution at fractional Talbot planes and their lateral
      periodicities. We present a comparison between the measured intensity
      distributions and a numerical implementation of our analytical method. Both ways
      reveal the paraxial limits of frequency multiplication on fractional Talbot
      images. The use of fractional Talbot images for lithography results in ghost
      diffraction orders. We roughly estimate the ghost orders quantitatively with a
      simple numerical model for monochromatic and polychromatic illumination. 

PMID- 25121430
TI  - Outlier modeling for spectral data reduction.
AB  - The spectra in spectral reflectance datasets tend to be quite correlated and
      therefore they can be represented more compactly using standard techniques such
      as principal components analysis (PCA) as part of a lossy compression strategy.
      However, the presence of outlier spectra can often increase the overall error of
      the reconstructed spectra. This paper introduces a new outlier modeling (OM)
      method that detects, clusters, and separately models outliers with their own set
      of basis vectors. Outliers are defined in terms of the robust Mahalanobis
      distance using the fast minimum covariance determinant algorithm as a robust
      estimator of the multivariate mean and covariance from which it is computed.
      After removing the outliers from the main dataset, the performance of PCA on the
      remaining data improves significantly; however, since outlier spectra are a part
      of the image, they cannot simply be ignored. The solution is to cluster the
      outliers into a small number of clusters and then model each cluster separately
      using its own cluster-specific PCA-derived bases. Tests show that OM leads to
      lower spectral reconstruction errors of reflectance spectra in terms of both
      normalized RMS and goodness of fit. 

PMID- 25121431
TI  - Combining local binary patterns and local color contrast for texture
      classification under varying illumination.
AB  - This paper presents a texture descriptor for color texture classification
      specially designed to be robust against changes in the illumination conditions.
      The descriptor combines a histogram of local binary patterns (LBPs) with a novel
      feature measuring the distribution of local color contrast. The proposed
      descriptor is invariant with respect to rotations and translations of the image
      plane and with respect to several transformations in the color space. We
      evaluated the proposed descriptor on the Outex test suite, by measuring the
      classification accuracy in the case in which training and test images have been
      acquired under different illuminants. The results obtained show that our
      descriptor outperforms the original LBP approach and its color variants, even
      when these are computed after color normalization. Moreover, it also outperforms
      several other color texture descriptors in the state of the art. 

PMID- 25121432
TI  - Structural design and characteristics of dual-mode fibers with equalized group
      velocity.
AB  - We investigate how the index profile of a few-mode fiber (FMF) can be designed so
      that group velocities of the two lowest-order modes can be equalized at a
      normalized frequency, which is below the cut-off frequency of the LP<sub>21</sub>
      mode. This can be achieved using a single-clad power-law profile with a
      sufficiently large profile exponent or a double-clad profile consisting of a
      graded-core surrounded by a sufficiently thick depressed inner cladding without
      index jump at their interface. The fabrication tolerances, effective index
      differences, intramodal dispersion differences, and effective mode areas of
      various single- and double-clad profiles are compared. The results show that, in
      comparison to single-clad fibers, double-clad fibers are capable of producing
      higher fabrication tolerances and reduced sensitivity of group delay difference
      to wavelength by three and two orders of magnitude, respectively. Our analyses
      provide insights into the design of FMFs, which will facilitate future
      development of high-capacity mode division long-haul transmission systems. 

PMID- 25121433
TI  - Dynamical deformed Airy beams with arbitrary angles between two wings.
AB  - We study both numerically and experimentally the acceleration and propagation
      dynamics of 2D Airy beams with arbitrary initial angles between their "two
      wings." Our results show that the acceleration of these generalized 2D Airy beams
      strongly depends on the initial angles and cannot be simply described by the
      vector superposition principle (except for the normal case of a 90 degrees 
      angle). However, as a result of the "Hyperbolic umbilic" catastrophe (a two-layer
      caustic), the main lobes of these 2D Airy beams still propagate along parabolic
      trajectories even though they become highly deformed. Under such conditions, the
      peak intensity (leading energy flow) of the 2D Airy beams cannot be confined
      along the main lobe, in contrast to the normal 90 degrees  case. Instead, it is
      found that there are two parabolic trajectories describing the beam propagation:
      one for the main lobe, and the other for the peak intensity. Both trajectories
      can be readily controlled by varying the initial wing angle. Due to their self
      healing property, these beams tend to evolve into the well-known 1D or 2D Airy
      patterns after a certain propagation distance. The theoretical analysis
      corroborates our experimental observations, and explains clearly why the
      acceleration of deformed Airy beams increases with the opening of the initial
      wing angle. 

PMID- 25121434
TI  - Analysis of Fibonacci gratings and their diffraction patterns.
AB  - Aperiodic and fractal optical elements are proving to be promising candidates in
      image-forming devices. In this paper, we analyze the diffraction patterns of
      Fibonacci gratings (FbGs), which are prototypical examples of aperiodicity. They
      exhibit novel characteristics such as redundancy and robustness that keep their
      imaging characteristics intact even when there is significant loss of
      information. FbGs also contain fractal signatures and are characterized by a
      fractal dimension. Our study suggests that aperiodic gratings may be better than
      their fractal counterparts in technologies based on such architectures. We also
      identify the demarcating features of aperiodic and fractal diffraction, which
      have been rather fuzzy in the literature so far. 

PMID- 25121435
TI  - Changing correlation into anticorrelation by superposing thermal and laser light.
AB  - Correlation can be changed into anticorrelation by superposing thermal and laser
      light with the same frequency and polarization. Two-photon interference theory is
      employed to interpret this phenomenon. An experimental scheme is designed to
      verify the theoretical predictions by employing pseudothermal light to simulate
      thermal light. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical
      results. 

PMID- 25121436
TI  - Temporal dark adaptation to spatially complex backgrounds: effect of an
      additional light source.
AB  - Visual adaptation (and especially dark adaptation) has been studied extensively
      in the past, however, mainly addressing adaptation to fully dark backgrounds. At
      this stage, it is unclear whether these results are not too simple to be applied
      to complex situations, such as predicting adaptation of a motorist driving at
      night. To fill this gap we set up a study investigating how spatially complex
      backgrounds influence temporal dark adaptation. Our results showed that dark
      adaptation to spatially complex backgrounds leads to much longer adaptation times
      than dark adaptation to spatially uniform backgrounds. We conclude therefore that
      the adaptation models based on past studies overestimate the visual system's
      sensitivity to detect luminance variations in spatially complex environments. Our
      results also showed large variations in adaptation times when varying the degree
      of spatial complexity of the background. Hence, we may conclude that it is
      important to take into account models that are based on spatially complex
      backgrounds when predicting dark adaptation for complex environments. 

PMID- 25121437
TI  - Rayleigh approximation for the scattering of small partially charged sand
      particles.
AB  - Based on the Rayleigh approximation, this paper presents the electromagnetic
      scattering properties of the small partially charged isotropic sphere and those
      of a similar anisotropic sphere and then discusses the effect of surface charges
      on particles' optical properties. The numerical simulation results show that the
      surface charges on a charged particle can enhance the scattering of the incident
      waves, and the effect on an anisotropic charged sphere is much greater than that
      on an isotropic charged particle. Therefore it is necessary to consider the
      medium property (isotropic or anisotropic) and electric effects of dust particles
      in the remote sensing of sandstorms. 

PMID- 25121439
TI  - Custom-modified three-dimensional periodic microstructures by pattern-integrated
      interference lithography.
AB  - By combining interference lithography and projection photolithography
      concurrently, pattern-integrated interference lithography (PIIL) enables the
      wafer-scale, rapid, and single-exposure fabrication of multidimensional periodic
      microstructures that integrate arbitrary functional elements. To date, two
      dimensional PIIL has been simulated and experimentally demonstrated. In this
      paper, we report new simulated results of PIIL exposures for various custom
      modified three-dimensional (3D) periodic structures. These results were generated
      using custom PIIL comprehensive vector modeling. Simulations include mask
      integrated and mask-shaped 3D periodic arrangements as well as microcavities on
      top of or fully embedded within 3D periodic structures. These results indicate
      PIIL is a viable method for making versatile 3D periodic microstructures. 

PMID- 25121438
TI  - Corresponding color datasets and a chromatic adaptation model based on the OSA
      UCS system.
AB  - Today chromatic adaptation transforms (CATs) are reconsidered, since their
      mathematical inconsistency has been shown in Color Res. Appl.38, 188 (2013) and
      by the CIE technical committee TC 8-11: CIECAM02 Mathematics. In 2004-2005 the
      author proposed an adaptation transform based on the uniform color scale system
      of the Optical Society of America (OSA-UCS) [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A21, 677 (2004);
      Color Res. Appl. 30, 31 (2005)] that transforms the cone-activation stimuli into
      adapted stimuli. The present work considers all the 37 available corresponding
      color (CC) datasets selected by CIE and (1) shows that the adapted stimuli
      obtained from CC data are defined up to an unknown transformation, and an
      unambiguous definition of the adapted stimuli requires additional hypotheses or
      suitable experimental data (as it is in the OSA-UCS system); (2) produces a CAT,
      represented by a linear transformation between CCs, associated with any CC
      dataset, whose high quality measured in DeltaE units discards the possibility of
      nonlinear transformations; (3) analyzes these color-conversion matrices in a
      heuristic way with a reference adaptation that is approximately that of the OSA
      UCS adapted colors for the D65 illuminant and particularly shows accordance with
      the Hunt effect and the Bezold-Brucke hue shift; (4) proposes the measurements of
      CC stimuli with a reference adaptation equal to that of the visual situation of
      the OSA-UCS system for defining adapted colors for any considered illumination
      adaptation and therefore for defining a general CAT formula.

PMID- 25121440
TI  - Rapid computation of the amplitude and phase of tightly focused optical fields
      distorted by scattering particles.
AB  - We develop an efficient method for accurately calculating the electric field of
      tightly focused laser beams in the presence of specific configurations of
      microscopic scatterers. This Huygens-Fresnel wave-based electric field
      superposition (HF-WEFS) method computes the amplitude and phase of the scattered
      electric field in excellent agreement with finite difference time-domain (FDTD)
      solutions of Maxwell's equations. Our HF-WEFS implementation is 2-4 orders of
      magnitude faster than the FDTD method and enables systematic investigations of
      the effects of scatterer size and configuration on the focal field. We
      demonstrate the power of the new HF-WEFS approach by mapping several metrics of
      focal field distortion as a function of scatterer position. This analysis shows
      that the maximum focal field distortion occurs for single scatterers placed below
      the focal plane with an offset from the optical axis. The HF-WEFS method
      represents an important first step toward the development of a computational
      model of laser-scanning microscopy of thick cellular/tissue specimens. 

PMID- 25121441
TI  - Unitary rotations in two-, three-, and D-dimensional Cartesian data arrays.
AB  - Using a previous technique to rotate two-dimensional images on an N*N square
      pixellated screen unitarily, we can rotate three-dimensional pixellated cubes of
      side N, and also generally D-dimensional Cartesian data arrays, also unitarily.
      Although the number of operations inevitably grows as N(2D) (because each rotated
      pixel depends on all others), and Gibbs-like oscillations are inevitable, the
      result is a strictly unitary and real transformation (thus orthogonal) that is
      invertible (thus no loss of information) and could be used as a standard.

PMID- 25121443
TI  - Pattern recognition based on the correlated intensity fluctuations of thermal
      light.
AB  - Here we present a pattern recognition scheme based on the intensity correlation
      of thermal light. We prove theoretically that under spatially incoherent
      illumination the matched filtering technique can be realized in the ghost imaging
      field. Using the matched filtering technique, it is possible to distinguish an
      object from a preestablished set of objects through their ghost images, which are
      extracted by means of intensity correlation measurement. According to the pattern
      recognition scheme, we present a numerical simulation in which we can easily
      identify the character inserted into the object arm from a set of two characters
      through the position of the autocorrelation peak. This pattern recognition scheme
      opens up the possibility of performing coherent optical processing under
      spatially incoherent illumination. 

PMID- 25121442
TI  - Signal-to-noise ratio limitations for intensity correlation imaging.
AB  - Intensity correlation imaging (ICI) is a concept which has been considered for
      the task of providing images of satellites in geosynchronous orbit using ground
      based equipment. This concept is based on the intensity interferometer principle
      first developed by Hanbury Brown and Twiss. It is the objective of this paper to
      establish that a sun-lit geosynchronous satellite is too faint a target object to
      allow intensity interferometry to be used in developing image information about
      it-at least not in a reasonable time and with a reasonable amount of equipment.
      An analytic treatment of the basic phenomena is presented. This is an analysis of
      one aspect of the statistics of the very high frequency random variations of a
      very narrow portion of the optical spectra of the incoherent (black-body like
      actually reflected sunlight) radiation from the satellite, an analysis showing
      that the covariance of this radiation as measured by a pair of ground-based
      telescopes is directly proportional to the square of the magnitude of one
      component of the Fourier transform of the image of the satellite-the component
      being the one for a spatial frequency whose value is determined by the separation
      of the two telescopes. This analysis establishes the magnitude of the covariance.
      A second portion of the analysis considers shot-noise effects. It is shown that
      even with much less than one photodetection event (pde) per signal integration
      time an unbiased estimate of the covariance of the optical field's random
      variations can be developed. Also, a result is developed for the standard
      deviation to be associated with the estimated value of the covariance. From these
      results an expression is developed for what may be called the signal-to-noise
      ratio to be associated with an estimate of the covariance. This signal-to-noise
      ratio, it turns out, does not depend on the measurement's integration time,
      Deltat (in seconds), or on the optical spectral bandwidth, Deltanu (in Hertz),
      utilized-so long as DeltatDeltanu?1, which condition it would be hard to violate.
      It is estimated that for a D=3.16 m diameter satellite, with a pair of D=1.0 m
      diameter telescopes (which value of D probably represents an upper limit on
      allowable aperture diameter since the telescope aperture must be much too small
      to even resolve the size of the satellite) at least N=2.55*10(16) separate pairs
      of (one integration time, pde count) measurement values must be collected to
      achieve just a 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Working with 10 pairs of telescopes
      (all with the same separation), and with 10 nearly adjacent and each very narrow
      spectral bands extracted from the light collected by each of the telescope-so
      that for each measurement integration time there would be 100 pairs of
      measurement values available-and with an integration time as short as Deltat=1
      ns, it would take T=2.55*10(5) s or about 71 h to collect the data for just a
      single spatial frequency component of the image of the satellite. It is on this
      basis that it is concluded that the ICI concept does not seem likely to be able
      to provide a timely responsive capability for the imaging of geosynchronous
      satellites.

PMID- 25121444
TI  - Scintillations of optical plane and spherical waves in underwater turbulence.
AB  - The scintillation indices of optical plane and spherical waves propagating in
      underwater turbulent media are evaluated by using the Rytov method, and the
      variations in the scintillation indices are investigated when the rate of
      dissipation of mean squared temperature, the temperature and salinity
      fluctuations, the propagation distance, the wavelength, the Kolmogorov microscale
      length, and the rate of dissipation of the turbulent kinetic energy are varied.
      Results show that as in the atmosphere, also in underwater media the plane wave
      is more affected by turbulence as compared to the spherical wave. The underwater
      turbulence effect becomes significant at 5-10 m for a plane wave and at 20-25 m
      for a spherical wave. The turbulence effect is relatively small in deep water and
      is large at the surface of the water. Salinity-induced turbulence strongly
      dominates the scintillations compared to temperature-induced turbulence.

PMID- 25121445
TI  - Angular and polarization response of multimode sensors with resistive-grid
      absorbers.
AB  - High-sensitivity receiver systems with near-ideal polarization sensitivity are
      highly desirable for development of millimeter and submillimeter radio astronomy.
      Multimoded bolometers provide a unique solution to achieve such sensitivity, for
      which hundreds of single-mode sensors would otherwise be required. The primary
      concern in employing such multimoded sensors for polarimetery is the control of
      the polarization systematics. In this work, we examine the angular- and
      polarization-dependent absorption pattern of a thin resistive grid or membrane,
      which models an absorber used for a multimoded bolometer. The result shows that a
      freestanding thin resistive absorber with a surface resistivity of eta/2, where
      eta is the impedance of free space, attains a beam pattern with equal E- and H
      plane responses, leading to zero cross-polarization. For a resistive-grid
      absorber, the condition is met when a pair of grids is positioned orthogonal to
      each other and both have a resistivity of eta/2. When a reflective backshort
      termination is employed to improve absorption efficiency, the cross-polar level
      can be suppressed below -30 dB if acceptance angle of the sensor is limited to
      ?60 degrees . The small cross-polar systematics have even-parity patterns and do
      not contaminate the measurements of odd-parity polarization patterns, for which
      many of the recent instruments for cosmic microwave background are designed.
      Underlying symmetry that suppresses these cross-polar systematics is discussed in
      detail. The estimates and formalism provided in this work offer key tools in the
      design consideration of the instruments using the multimoded polarimeters.

PMID- 25121446
TI  - On calculating metamer sets for spectrally tunable LED illuminators.
AB  - Solid state lighting is becoming a popular light source for color vision
      experiments. One of the advantages of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is the
      possibility to shape the target light spectrum according to the experimenter's
      needs. In this paper, we present a method for creating metameric lights with an
      LED-based spectrally tunable illuminator. The equipment we use consists of six
      Gamma Scientific RS-5B lamps, each containing nine different LEDs and a 1 m
      integrating sphere. We provide a method for describing the (almost) entire set of
      illuminant metamers. It will be shown that the main difficulty in describing this
      set arises as the result of the intensity dependent peak-wavelength shift, which
      is manifested by the majority of the LEDs used by the illuminators of this type.
      We define the normalized metamer set describing all illuminator spectra that
      colorimetrically match a given chromaticity. Finally, we describe a method for
      choosing the smoothest or least smooth metamer from the entire set.

PMID- 25121447
TI  - Bloch modes at the surface of a photonic crystal interacting with a waveguide.
AB  - We theoretically studied the influence of an infinite set of waveguides on the
      evanescent field of Bloch waves at the surface of a one-dimensional photonic
      crystal (PC) excited by a TE Gaussian beam undergoing total internal reflection.
      The set of waveguides is regarded as a periodic inhomogeneous medium with period
      a. Numerical results are presented for the case in which a is greater than
      lambda, which is the wavelength used to excite the surface mode. When the
      waveguide tip is very close to the surface of the PC, a fraction of the surface
      wave is reflected by the tip, producing an interference pattern that can be
      observed in the near field. In this case, the system simulates scanning tunneling
      optical microscopy in 2D geometry, and an image of the field distribution of the
      surface mode is obtained by quantifying the flux energy throughout the waveguide.

PMID- 25121448
TI  - Maxwell-Gaussian beams with cylindrical polarization.
AB  - It is common practice to work in the approximation that beam-like radiation
      fields are polarized transverse to the propagation axis. However, even in the
      paraxial approximation, this fails to correctly describe beam polarization and
      propagation characteristics. We present here the paraxial Maxwell's equations for
      beams having cylindrical polarization, which describe the full vector structure
      of these beams in the paraxial regime. The effect that these relations have on
      the polarization and propagation of cylindrically polarized Laguerre-Gauss and
      Bessel-Gauss beams is subsequently explored. 

PMID- 25121450
TI  - One-dimensional finite-elements method for the analysis of whispering gallery
      microresonators.
AB  - By taking advantage of axial symmetry of the planar whispering gallery
      microresonators, the three-dimensional (3D) problem of the resonator is reduced
      to a two-dimensional (2D) one; thus, only the cross section of the resonator
      needs to be analyzed. Then, the proposed formulation, which works based on a
      combination of the finite-elements method (FEM) and Fourier expansion of the
      fields, can be applied to the 2D problem. First, the axial field variation is
      expressed in terms of a Fourier series. Then, a FEM method is applied to the
      radial field variation. This formulation yields an eigenvalue problem with sparse
      matrices and can be solved using a well-known numerical technique. This method
      takes into account both the radiation loss and the dielectric loss; hence, it
      works efficiently either for high number or low number modes. Efficiency of the
      method was investigated by comparison of the results with those of commercial
      software. 

PMID- 25121449
TI  - Zernike expansion of derivatives and Laplacians of the Zernike circle
      polynomials.
AB  - The partial derivatives and Laplacians of the Zernike circle polynomials occur in
      various places in the literature on computational optics. In a number of cases,
      the expansion of these derivatives and Laplacians in the circle polynomials are
      required. For the first-order partial derivatives, analytic results are scattered
      in the literature. Results start as early as 1942 in Nijboer's thesis and
      continue until present day, with some emphasis on recursive computation schemes.
      A brief historic account of these results is given in the present paper. By
      choosing the unnormalized version of the circle polynomials, with exponential
      rather than trigonometric azimuthal dependence, and by a proper combination of
      the two partial derivatives, a concise form of the expressions emerges. This form
      is appropriate for the formulation and solution of a model wavefront sensing
      problem of reconstructing a wavefront on the level of its expansion coefficients
      from (measurements of the expansion coefficients of) the partial derivatives. It
      turns out that the least-squares estimation problem arising here decouples per
      azimuthal order m, and per m the generalized inverse solution assumes a concise
      analytic form so that singular value decompositions are avoided. The preferred
      version of the circle polynomials, with proper combination of the partial
      derivatives, also leads to a concise analytic result for the Zernike expansion of
      the Laplacian of the circle polynomials. From these expansions, the properties of
      the Laplacian as a mapping from the space of circle polynomials of maximal degree
      N, as required in the study of the Neumann problem associated with the transport
      of-intensity equation, can be read off within a single glance. Furthermore, the
      inverse of the Laplacian on this space is shown to have a concise analytic form. 

PMID- 25121451
TI  - Majorization and measures of classical polarization in three dimensions.
AB  - There has been much discussion in the literature about rival measures of
      classical polarization in three dimensions. We gather and compare the various
      proposed measures of polarization, creating a geometric representation of the
      polarization state space in the process. We use majorization, previously used in
      quantum information, as a criterion to establish a partial ordering on the
      polarization state space. Using this criterion and other considerations, the most
      useful polarization measure in three dimensions is found to be one dependent on
      the Bloch vector decomposition of the polarization matrix. 

PMID- 25121452
TI  - Partial polarization of optical beams and near fields probed with a
      nanoscatterer.
AB  - We consider theoretically the detection of the spectral polarization
      characteristics of random, partially polarized optical beams and near fields by
      probing them with a dipolar nanoparticle. We show that measuring the polarization
      state of the scattered far field with a conventional waveplate-polarizer setup,
      possibly in several directions, results in the full 3*3 polarization matrix at
      the probe site. This allows us to deduce the distributions of the degree of
      polarization of the field and the Stokes parameters of the polarized part of the
      field with a resolution limited by the probe size. Regarding random near fields
      we show that, in analogy with a known result on beam fields, a degree of
      polarization of three-component light fields put forward in recent literature can
      in some cases be interpreted as a ratio of the intensity in the polarized part of
      the light to that of the total field. We demonstrate the technique by considering
      the probing of a Gaussian-Schell model beam and a thermally excited near field.
      The method extends the current scanning-probe techniques to the detection of
      partial polarization of random light fields and can find applications in
      nanophotonics and polarization optics. 

PMID- 25121453
TI  - Silhouette estimation.
AB  - Silhouettes arise in a variety of imaging scenarios. Pristine silhouettes are
      often degraded via blurring, detector sampling, and detector noise. We present a
      maximum a posteriori estimator for the restoration of parameterized facial
      silhouettes. Extreme dealiasing and dramatic superresolution, well beyond the
      diffraction limit, are demonstrated through the use of strong prior knowledge. 

PMID- 25121454
TI  - Accuracy of sun localization in the second step of sky-polarimetric Viking
      navigation for north determination: a planetarium experiment.
AB  - It is a widely discussed hypothesis that Viking seafarers might have been able to
      locate the position of the occluded sun by means of dichroic or birefringent
      crystals, the mysterious sunstones, with which they could analyze skylight
      polarization. Although the atmospheric optical prerequisites and certain aspects
      of the efficiency of this sky-polarimetric Viking navigation have been
      investigated, the accuracy of the main steps of this method has not been
      quantitatively examined. To fill in this gap, we present here the results of a
      planetarium experiment in which we measured the azimuth and elevation errors of
      localization of the invisible sun. In the planetarium sun localization was
      performed in two selected celestial points on the basis of the alignments of two
      small sections of two celestial great circles passing through the sun. In the
      second step of sky-polarimetric Viking navigation the navigator needed to
      determine the intersection of two such celestial circles. We found that the
      position of the sun (solar elevation theta(S), solar azimuth phi(S)) was
      estimated with an average error of +0.6 degrees <=Deltatheta<=+8.8 degrees  and 
      3.9 degrees <=Deltaphi<=+2.0 degrees . We also calculated the compass direction
      error when the estimated sun position is used for orienting with a Viking sun
      compass. The northern direction (omega(North)) was determined with an error of 
      3.34 degrees <=Deltaomega(North)<=+6.29 degrees . The inaccuracy of the second
      step of this navigation method was high (Deltaomega(North)=-16.3 degrees ) when
      the solar elevation was 5 degrees <=theta(S)<=25 degrees , and the two selected
      celestial points were far from the sun (at angular distances 95 degrees
      <=gamma(1), gamma(2)<=115 degrees ) and each other (125 degrees <=delta<=145
      degrees ). Considering only this second step, the sky-polarimetric navigation
      could be more accurate in the mid-summer period (June and July), when in the
      daytime the sun is high above the horizon for long periods. In the spring (and
      autumn) equinoctial period, alternative methods (using a twilight board, for
      example) might be more appropriate. Since Viking navigators surely also committed
      further errors in the first and third steps, the orientation errors presented
      here underestimate the net error of the whole sky-polarimetric navigation.

PMID- 25121455
TI  - Nonparaxial propagation and focusing properties of azimuthal-variant vector
      fields diffracted by an annular aperture.
AB  - Based on the vectorial Rayleigh-Sommerfeld integrals, the analytical expressions
      for azimuthal-variant vector fields diffracted by an annular aperture are
      presented. This helps us to investigate the propagation behaviors and the
      focusing properties of apertured azimuthal-variant vector fields under
      nonparaxial and paraxial approximations. The diffraction by a circular aperture,
      a circular disk, or propagation in free space can be treated as special cases of
      this general result. Simulation results show that the transverse intensity,
      longitudinal intensity, and far-field divergence angle of nonparaxially apertured
      azimuthal-variant vector fields depend strongly on the azimuthal index, the outer
      truncation parameter and the inner truncation parameter of the annular aperture,
      as well as the ratio of the waist width to the wavelength. Moreover, the multiple
      ring-structured intensity pattern of the focused azimuthal-variant vector field,
      which originates from the diffraction effect caused by an annular aperture, is
      experimentally demonstrated. 

PMID- 25121456
TI  - Spatial-temporal-covariance-based modeling, analysis, and simulation of aero
      optics wavefront aberrations.
AB  - We introduce a framework for modeling, analysis, and simulation of aero-optics
      wavefront aberrations that is based on spatial-temporal covariance matrices
      extracted from wavefront sensor measurements. Within this framework, we present a
      quasi-homogeneous structure function to analyze nonhomogeneous, mildly
      anisotropic spatial random processes, and we use this structure function to show
      that phase aberrations arising in aero-optics are, for an important range of
      operating parameters, locally Kolmogorov. This strongly suggests that the d5/3
      power law for adaptive optics (AO) deformable mirror fitting error, where d
      denotes actuator separation, holds for certain important aero-optics scenarios.
      This framework also allows us to compute bounds on AO servo lag error and
      predictive control error. In addition, it provides us with the means to
      accurately simulate AO systems for the mitigation of aero-effects, and it may
      provide insight into underlying physical processes associated with turbulent
      flow. The techniques introduced here are demonstrated using data obtained from
      the Airborne Aero-Optics Laboratory.

PMID- 25121457
TI  - Object-color-signal prediction using wraparound Gaussian metamers.
AB  - Alexander Logvinenko introduced an object-color atlas based on idealized
      reflectances called rectangular metamers in 2009. For a given color signal, the
      atlas specifies a unique reflectance that is metameric to it under the given
      illuminant. The atlas is complete and illuminant invariant, but not possible to
      implement in practice. He later introduced a parametric representation of the
      object-color atlas based on smoother "wraparound Gaussian" functions. In this
      paper, these wraparound Gaussians are used in predicting illuminant-induced color
      signal changes. The method proposed in this paper is based on computationally
      "relighting" that reflectance to determine what its color signal would be under
      any other illuminant. Since that reflectance is in the metamer set the prediction
      is also physically realizable, which cannot be guaranteed for predictions
      obtained via von Kries scaling. Testing on Munsell spectra and a multispectral
      image shows that the proposed method outperforms the predictions of both those
      based on von Kries scaling and those based on the Bradford transform. 

PMID- 25121458
TI  - Modulation transfer function of a triangular pixel array detector.
AB  - The modulation transfer function (MTF) is the main parameter that is used to
      evaluate image quality in electro-optical systems. Detector sampling MTF in most
      electro-optical systems determines the cutoff frequency of the system. The MTF of
      the detector depends on its pixel shape. In this work, we calculated the MTF of a
      detector with an equilateral triangular pixel shape. Some new results were found
      in deriving the MTF for the equilateral triangular pixel shape. 

PMID- 25121459
TI  - Validity of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX). Ratings by patients with brain
      injury and their therapists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the validity of the DEX-Questionnaire (both
      completed by patients, DEX-Self and by therapists, DEX-TH), included in the
      Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS), at identifying
      differences in the severity of dysexecutive symptoms according to lesion
      location. It also examined the strength of associations of the DEX-Self and the
      DEX-TH reports with the sub-tests of the BADS as well as two other real-life
      executive tasks, the Everyday Description Task and the Twenty Question Test.
      METHODS: This study compared 30 patients with anterior lesions (AL) to 22
      patients with posterior lesions (PL). Twenty-nine healthy participants and their
      relatives were included as controls. RESULTS: Significant group differences were
      found only on the DEX-TH, but not on the DEX-Self, indicating poor insight in
      patients with AL. The DEX-TH were revealed accurate in detecting more severe
      dysexecutive symptoms in the AL group. Furthermore, only the DEX-TH reportings
      were significantly correlated with the above executive tests. Multiple regression
      analysis showed that the Modified Six Elements Test, a sub-test of the BADS,
      predicted DEX-TH as accurately as the total BADS. CONCLUSION: The DEX-TH
      reportings and the MSET can provide valuable information about the severity of
      daily executive dysfunctioning, with implications for cognitive rehabilitation.

PMID- 25121460
TI  - Mixtures of lecithin and bile salt can form highly viscous wormlike micellar
      solutions in water.
AB  - The self-assembly of biological surfactants in water is an important topic for
      study because of its relevance to physiological processes. Two common types of
      biosurfactants are lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) and bile salts, which are both
      present in bile and involved in digestion. Previous studies on lecithin-bile salt
      mixtures have reported the formation of short, rodlike micelles. Here, we show
      that lecithin-bile salt micelles can be further induced to grow into long,
      flexible wormlike structures. The formation of long worms and their resultant
      entanglement into transient networks is reflected in the rheology: the fluids
      become viscoelastic and exhibit Maxwellian behavior, and their zero-shear
      viscosity can be up to a 1000-fold higher than that of water. The presence of
      worms is further confirmed by data from small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering
      and from cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). We find that micellar
      growth peaks at a specific molar ratio (near equimolar) of bile salt:lecithin,
      which suggests a strong binding interaction between the two species. In addition,
      micellar growth also requires a sufficient concentration of background
      electrolyte such as NaCl or sodium citrate that serves to screen the
      electrostatic repulsion of the amphiphiles and to "salt out" the amphiphiles. We
      postulate a mechanism based on changes in the molecular geometry caused by bile
      salts and electrolytes to explain the micellar growth. 

PMID- 25121461
TI  - Isotopic fractionation by a fungal P450 nitric oxide reductase during the
      production of N2O.
AB  - Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas with a 100-year global warming
      potential approximately 300 times that of CO2. Because microbes account for over
      75% of the N2O released in the U.S., understanding the biochemical processes by
      which N2O is produced is critical to our efforts to mitigate climate change. In
      the current study, we used gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC
      IRMS) to measure the delta(15)N, delta(18)O, delta(15)N(alpha), and
      delta(15)N(beta) of N2O generated by purified fungal nitric oxide reductase
      (P450nor) from Histoplasma capsulatum. The isotope values were used to calculate
      site preference (SP) values (difference in delta(15)N between the central (alpha)
      and terminal (beta) N atoms in N2O), enrichment factors (epsilon), and kinetic
      isotope effects (KIEs). Both oxygen and N(alpha) displayed normal isotope effects
      during enzymatic NO reduction with epsilon values of -25.70/00 (KIE = 1.0264) and
      -12.60/00 (KIE = 1.0127), respectively. However, bulk nitrogen (average
      delta(15)N of N(alpha) and N(beta)) and N(beta) exhibited inverse isotope effects
      with epsilon values of 14.00/00 (KIE = 0.9862) and 36.10/00 (KIE = 0.9651),
      respectively. The observed inverse isotope effect in delta(15)N(beta) is
      consistent with reversible binding of the first NO in the P450nor reaction
      mechanism. In contrast to the constant SP observed during NO reduction in
      microbial cultures, the site preference measured for purified H. capsulatum
      P450nor was not constant, increasing from ~ 150/00 to ~ 290/00 during the course
      of the reaction. This indicates that SP for microbial cultures can vary depending
      on the growth conditions, which may complicate source tracing during microbial
      denitrification.

PMID- 25121462
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency and infertility: insights from in vitro fertilization
      cycles.
AB  - CONTEXT: Vitamin D deficiency has been proven to affect fertility in mammals, but
      data in human is less convincing. In particular, data on in vitro fertilization
      (IVF), an attractive model to draw information on this topic, are sparse and
      conflicting. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate IVF outcome in women
      with deficient 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] serum levels (<20 ng/mL). DESIGN
      AND SETTING: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the
      infertility unit of an academic setting. PATIENTS: The main inclusion criteria
      were as follows: (1) indication to IVF, (2) age 18-42 years, (3) BMI 18-25
      kg/m(2), (4) adequate ovarian reserve according to Bologna criteria. Eligible
      women provided a serum sample for 25(OH)D measurement at the time of cycle
      preparation. Subjects were subsequently excluded if the cycle was cancelled or if
      the attempt was excessively delayed. INTERVENTION: Quantitative detection of
      serum 25(OH)D. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Clinical pregnancy rate. RESULTS: The number
      of recruited women with serum 25(OH)D <20 ng/mL and >= 20 ng/mL was 154 and 181,
      respectively. The clinical pregnancy rates were 20% (30/154) and 31% (56/181),
      respectively (P = .02); the adjusted odds ratio for clinical pregnancy in women
      with vitamin D >= 20 ng/mL was 2.15 (95% CI: 1.23-3.77). Subgroup analyses showed
      that the group of women with the highest serum levels (>30 ng/mL) had the highest
      chances of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D is an emerging factor influencing
      female fertility and IVF outcome. Additional studies are pressingly needed to
      confirm a causal relationship and to investigate the potential therapeutic
      benefits of vitamin D supplementation.

PMID- 25121463
TI  - 131I-noriodocholesterol uptake by testicular adrenal rest tumors in a patient
      with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

PMID- 25121465
TI  - Copper clusters as novel fluorescent probes for the detection and photocatalytic
      elimination of lead ions.
AB  - A new homogeneous assay for a fast, selective and sensitive detection and
      elimination of lead ions has been developed using copper clusters as novel
      fluorescent probes in aqueous solutions. At the same time, their elimination is
      achieved using the efficient photocatalytic activity of such clusters. Both
      effects are explained in terms of an efficient electron transfer due to the LUMO
      energy of the cluster overlapping with the ion redox potential. The mechanism,
      which allows the explanation of previously reported results for different types
      of metal clusters, is further confirmed using smaller and larger Cu clusters
      displaying non-selective and non-quenching luminescence in the presence of
      different cations. 

PMID- 25121471
TI  - It's a small World.

PMID- 25121464
TI  - Urinary phthalate metabolites are associated with decreased serum testosterone in
      men, women, and children from NHANES 2011-2012.
AB  - CONTEXT: There is evidence of declining trends in T levels among men in recent
      decades, as well as trends in related conditions at multiple life stages and in
      both sexes. There is also animal and limited human evidence that exposure to
      phthalates, chemicals found in plastics and personal care products, is associated
      with reduced androgen levels and associated disorders. OBJECTIVE: To explore
      relationships between urinary concentrations of 13 phthalate metabolites and
      serum total T levels among men, women, and children when adjusting for important
      confounders and stratifying by sex and age (6-12, 12-20, 20-40, 40-60, and 60-80
      y). DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: US National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey, 2011-2012. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: US general
      population. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum total T measured by
      isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS:
      Multiple phthalates were associated with significantly reduced T in both sexes
      and in differing age groups. In females, the strongest and most consistent
      inverse relationships were found among women ages 40-60 years. In boys 6-12 years
      old, an interquartile range increase in metabolites of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate
      was associated with a 29% (95% confidence interval, 6, 47) reduction in T. In
      adult men, the only significant or suggestive inverse associations between
      phthalates (metabolites of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate) and T
      were observed among men ages 40-60 years. CONCLUSIONS: Because T plays an
      important role in all life stages for both sexes, future efforts should focus on
      better defining these relationships and their broader impacts.

PMID- 25121472
TI  - Fine structures of self-assembled beta-cyclodextrin/Pluronic in dilute and dense
      systems: a small angle X-ray scattering study.
AB  - The evolution of the fine structures of self-assembled polypseudorotaxane (PPR)
      in Pluronic (PL F108) solutions containing dilute to dense beta-cyclodextrin
      (beta-CD) was illustrated for the first time by small angle X-ray scattering
      (SAXS). Dense beta-CD (~19 w/v%) was found feasible to be dispersed in 24% citric
      acid solution. 5% of PL F108 formed cylindrical micelles of 1 nm in radius and 8
      nm in length in the presence of 24% citric acid through the dehydration of citric
      acid and citrate. PPR was formed through host-guest interaction between PL F108
      and beta-CD. In dilute beta-CD system (1%), the single chains of PPR with
      separated beta-CD stacks on PL F108 were formed. The numbers of beta-CD in each
      stack increased from 1 to 4 on increasing beta-CD concentration to 9%. In a dense
      beta-CD system, PPR condensed to correlated structures majorly composed of two
      unit blocks through the hydrogen bonds between PPRs. Two distinguishable
      correlated domains with correlation lengths of 50 nm (marked alpha-phase) and 46
      nm (marked beta-phase) along the chains, but without fine periodic structure
      within each individual domain, were identified in the 10% beta-CD solution.
      Periodic stacking of beta-CD in the domains developed in the 12% solution. As
      beta-CD concentration increased from 12 to 19%, the correlated heights of alpha
      and beta phases reduced from 41 and 32 nm to 30 and 10 nm, respectively. There
      were 48 beta-CDs that stabilized on each PL F108 chain in the 19% beta-CD system,
      which is in good agreement with stoichiometry. 

PMID- 25121473
TI  - Graft and patient survival outcomes of a third kidney transplant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The waiting time for deceased donor renal transplantation in the
      United States continues to grow. Retransplant candidates make up a small but
      growing percentage of the overall transplant waiting list and raise questions
      about the stewardship of scarce resources. The utility of renal transplantation
      among individuals with two prior renal transplants is not described in the
      literature, and we thus sought to determine the survival benefit associated with
      a third kidney transplant (3KT). METHODS: Multivariable Cox regression models
      were created to determine characteristics associated with 3KT outcomes and the
      survival benefit of 3KT among recipients wait listed and transplanted within the
      United States between 1995 and 2009. RESULTS: A total of 4,334 patients were
      waitlisted for a 3KT and 2,492 patients received a 3KT. In a multivariate
      analysis, 3KT demonstrated an overall patient survival benefit compared to the
      waitlist (hazards ratio, 0.379; 95% confidence interval, 0.302-0.475; P<0.001)
      for those awaiting their first, second, or third kidney transplants, although an
      inferior graft outcome compared to first kidney transplants. The time to survival
      benefit did not accrue until 8 months after transplantation. In addition, we
      found that the duration of second graft survival was predictive of third graft
      survival, such that second graft survival beyond 5 years is associated with
      superior 3KT graft survival. Second graft loss in 30 days or less was not
      associated with inferior 3KT graft survival. CONCLUSION: A 3KT achieves a
      survival benefit over remaining on the waitlist, although is associated with
      inferior graft outcomes compared to first kidney transplants. Graft survival of
      the second transplant beyond 5 years is associated with superior 3KT graft
      survival.

PMID- 25121475
TI  - Eculizumab and splenectomy as salvage therapy for severe antibody-mediated
      rejection after HLA-incompatible kidney transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Incompatible live donor kidney transplantation is associated with an
      increased rate of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and subsequent transplant
      glomerulopathy. For patients with severe, oliguric AMR, graft loss is inevitable
      without timely intervention. METHODS: We reviewed our experience rescuing kidney
      allografts with this severe AMR phenotype by using splenectomy alone (n=14),
      eculizumab alone (n=5), or splenectomy plus eculizumab (n=5), in addition to
      plasmapheresis. RESULTS: The study population was 267 consecutive patients with
      donor-specific antibody undergoing desensitization. In the first 3 weeks after
      transplantation (median=6 days), 24 patients developed sudden onset oliguria and
      rapidly rising serum creatinine with marked rebound of donor-specific antibody,
      and a biopsy that showed features of AMR. At a median follow-up of 533 days, 4 of
      14 splenectomy-alone patients experienced graft loss (median=320 days), compared
      to four of five eculizumab-alone patients with graft failure (median=95 days). No
      patients treated with splenectomy plus eculizumab experienced graft loss. There
      was more chronic glomerulopathy in the splenectomy-alone and eculizumab-alone
      groups at 1 year, whereas splenectomy plus eculizumab patients had almost no
      transplant glomerulopathy. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that for patients
      manifesting early severe AMR, splenectomy plus eculizumab may provide an
      effective intervention for rescuing and preserving allograft function.

PMID- 25121474
TI  - Indicators of treatment responsiveness to rituximab and plasmapheresis in
      antibody-mediated rejection after kidney transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of patients with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after
      kidney transplantation by rituximab and plasmapheresis is ambiguous. Because of
      its unknown efficiency and serious side effects, biomarkers, which are predictive
      for responsiveness to this treatment in AMR patients, are required. METHODS:
      Twenty renal transplant patients were included in this retrospective study.
      Selection was based on Renal Index Biopsies, classified according to Banff within
      3 months before treatment. Patients were categorized into responders (R) and
      nonresponders (NR) depending on whether they returned to dialysis within 6 months
      after initiation of rituximab treatment. Clinical, histopathologic (Banff
      classification) and serologic parameters were compared between both groups by t
      test, Mann-Whitney U test, or likelihood ratio chi-square test. RESULTS: In
      comparisons between the groups, the R group showed a 1.5-fold higher level of
      estimated glomerular filtration rate and a fourfold lower level of proteinuria.
      By contrast, there were no differences in the histologic scores for chronic
      transplant lesions between the groups. The t and i scores were higher in NRs,
      whereas Banff-C4d scores of peritubular capillaries were increased in the Rs.
      Transplant biopsies in the Rs exhibited more CD138+ cell infiltrates. Serologic
      determination of human leukocyte antigen antibodies showed higher positivity for
      human leukocyte antigen class II donor-specific antibodies in the R group. No
      significant differences in other clinical criteria were found. CONCLUSION:
      Increased proteinuria, decreased graft function, and a higher grade of tubulitis
      and inflammation in AMR are negative predictors for responsiveness to rituximab
      therapy. Rituximab therapy therefore should be initiated in an early phase of
      AMR.

PMID- 25121476
TI  - Outcomes after pregnancy in living lobar lung transplantation.
AB  - Pregnancy after lung transplantation has been described, but pregnancy after
      living donor lobar lung transplantation (LDLT) has not been reported. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate outcomes after pregnancy with LDLT and discuss current
      recommendations regarding pregnancy and lung transplantation. A total of four
      LDLT patients and five pregnancies were identified, all from our institution. No
      patient has developed worsening pulmonary function or acute or chronic rejection.
      The complications of pulmonary hypertension and rejection may be overestimated in
      this population, and recommendations for preventive sterilization at
      transplantation or abortion at the time of conception are likely unwarranted and
      unnecessary. 

PMID- 25121477
TI  - Contact tracing investigation after professional exposure to tuberculosis in a
      Swiss hospital using both tuberculin skin test and IGRA.
AB  - SETTING: A 950 bed teaching hospital in Switzerland. AIM: To describe the result
      of a contact investigation among health care workers (HCW) and patients after
      exposure to a physician with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in a hospital
      setting using standard tuberculin skin tests (TST) and Interferon-gamma release
      assay (IGRA). METHOD: HCW with a negative or unknown TST at hiring had a TST two
      weeks after the last contact with the index case (T0), repeated six weeks later
      if negative (T6). All exposed HCW had a T-SPOT.TB at T0 and T6. Exposed patients
      had a TST six weeks after the last contact, and a T-SPOT.TB if the TST was
      positive. RESULTS: Among 101 HCW, 17/73 (22%) had a positive TST at T0. TST was
      repeated in 50 at T6 and converted from negative to positive in eight (16%).
      Twelve HCW had a positive T-SPOT.TB at T0 and ten converted from negative to
      positive at T6. Seven HCW with a positive T-SPOT.TB reverted to negative at T6 or
      at later controls, most of them with test values close to the cut-off. Among 27
      exposed patients tested at six weeks, ten had a positive TST, five of them
      confirmed by a positive T-SPOT.TB. CONCLUSIONS: HCW tested twice after exposure
      to a case of smear-positive pulmonary TB demonstrated a possible conversion in
      10% with T-SPOT and 16% with TST. Some T-SPOT.TB reverted from positive to
      negative during the follow-up, mostly tests with a value close to the cut-off.
      Due to the variability of the test results, it seems advisable to repeat the test
      with values close to the cut-off before diagnosing the presence of a tuberculous
      infection.

PMID- 25121478
TI  - Review of recent developments in stimulated emission depletion microscopy:
      applications on cell imaging.
AB  - Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is one type of far-field optical
      technique demonstrated to provide subdiffraction resolution. STED microscopy
      utilizes a donut-shaped depletion beam to limit the probe volume to be much
      smaller than a diffraction-limited spot. Resolutions as small as a few tens of
      nanometers laterally are reported for cell analysis. The different versions of
      STED microscopes are described and contrasted in terms of their applicability for
      biological imaging. Finally, we suggest likely avenues for improving the
      performance and increasing the utility of STED microscopy.

PMID- 25121479
TI  - Performance assessment of time-domain optical brain imagers, part 1: basic
      instrumental performance protocol.
AB  - Performance assessment of instruments devised for clinical applications is of key
      importance for validation and quality assurance. Two new protocols were developed
      and applied to facilitate the design and optimization of instruments for time
      domain optical brain imaging within the European project nEUROPt. Here, we
      present the "Basic Instrumental Performance" protocol for direct measurement of
      relevant characteristics. Two tests are discussed in detail. First, the
      responsivity of the detection system is a measure of the overall efficiency to
      detect light emerging from tissue. For the related test, dedicated solid slab
      phantoms were developed and quantitatively spectrally characterized to provide
      sources of known radiance with nearly Lambertian angular characteristics. The
      responsivity of four time-domain optical brain imagers was found to be of the
      order of 0.1 m2 sr. The relevance of the responsivity measure is demonstrated by
      simulations of diffuse reflectance as a function of source-detector separation
      and optical properties. Second, the temporal instrument response function (IRF)
      is a critically important factor in determining the performance of time-domain
      systems. Measurements of the IRF for various instruments were combined with
      simulations to illustrate the impact of the width and shape of the IRF on
      contrast for a deep absorption change mimicking brain activation.

PMID- 25121481
TI  - Polarized Raman spectroscopic investigations on hemoglobin ordering in red blood
      cells.
AB  - We have investigated the dependence of the Raman spectrum of an optically trapped
      red blood cell (RBC) on the orientation of the cell, relative to the polarization
      direction of the Raman excitation beam. The Raman scattered light polarized
      parallel to the polarization direction of the excitation beam was observed to
      depend upon the orientation of the cell. In particular, the heme bands at ~754 cm
      1 and in the 1500 to 1700 cm-1 region were observed to become maximum when the
      cells' equatorial plane was parallel to the excitation beam polarization
      direction and minimum when the cells' plane was normal to the polarization
      direction. In contrast, no significant orientational dependence was seen in the
      Raman scattered light polarized orthogonal to the polarization direction of the
      excitation beam. Theoretical simulations carried out to investigate these
      observations suggest that inside the RBCs, the hemoglobin molecules must be
      present in an ordered arrangement, such that heme-porphyrin planes become
      preferentially orientated parallel to the RBCs' equatorial plane.

PMID- 25121480
TI  - Performance assessment of time-domain optical brain imagers, part 2: nEUROPt
      protocol.
AB  - The nEUROPt protocol is one of two new protocols developed within the European
      project nEUROPt to characterize the performances of time-domain systems for
      optical imaging of the brain. It was applied in joint measurement campaigns to
      compare the various instruments and to assess the impact of technical
      improvements. This protocol addresses the characteristic of optical brain imaging
      to detect, localize, and quantify absorption changes in the brain. It was
      implemented with two types of inhomogeneous liquid phantoms based on Intralipid
      and India ink with well-defined optical properties. First, small black inclusions
      were used to mimic localized changes of the absorption coefficient. The position
      of the inclusions was varied in depth and lateral direction to investigate
      contrast and spatial resolution. Second, two-layered liquid phantoms with
      variable absorption coefficients were employed to study the quantification of
      layer-wide changes and, in particular, to determine depth selectivity, i.e., the
      ratio of sensitivities for deep and superficial absorption changes. We introduce
      the tests of the nEUROPt protocol and present examples of results obtained with
      different instruments and methods of data analysis. This protocol could be a
      useful step toward performance tests for future standards in diffuse optical
      imaging.

PMID- 25121482
TI  - Distinct APC subtypes drive spatially segregated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell effector
      activity during skin infection with HSV-1.
AB  - Efficient infection control requires potent T-cell responses at sites of pathogen
      replication. However, the regulation of T-cell effector function in situ remains
      poorly understood. Here, we show key differences in the regulation of effector
      activity between CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells during skin infection with HSV-1. IFN
      gamma-producing CD4+ T cells disseminated widely throughout the skin and draining
      lymph nodes (LN), clearly exceeding the epithelial distribution of infectious
      virus. By contrast, IFN-gamma-producing CD8+ T cells were only found within the
      infected epidermal layer of the skin and associated hair follicles.
      Mechanistically, while various subsets of lymphoid- and skin-derived dendritic
      cells (DC) elicited IFN-gamma production by CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells responded
      exclusively to infected epidermal cells directly presenting viral antigen.
      Notably, uninfected cross-presenting DCs from both skin and LNs failed to trigger
      IFN-gamma production by CD8+ T-cells. Thus, we describe a previously
      unappreciated complexity in the regulation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell effector
      activity that is subset-specific, microanatomically distinct and involves largely
      non-overlapping types of antigen-presenting cells (APC). 

PMID- 25121483
TI  - Serotonin 5-HT3 receptor-mediated vomiting occurs via the activation of
      Ca2+/CaMKII-dependent ERK1/2 signaling in the least shrew (Cryptotis parva).
AB  - Stimulation of 5-HT3 receptors (5-HT3Rs) by 2-methylserotonin (2-Me-5-HT), a
      selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist, can induce vomiting. However, downstream
      signaling pathways for the induced emesis remain unknown. The 5-HT3R channel has
      high permeability to extracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) and upon stimulation allows
      increased Ca(2+) influx. We examined the contribution of Ca(2+)/calmodulin
      dependent protein kinase IIalpha (Ca(2+)/CaMKIIalpha), interaction of 5-HT3R with
      calmodulin, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling to 2
      Me-5-HT-induced emesis in the least shrew. Using fluo-4 AM dye, we found that 2
      Me-5-HT augments intracellular Ca(2+) levels in brainstem slices and that the
      selective 5-HT3R antagonist palonosetron, can abolish the induced Ca(2+)
      signaling. Pre-treatment of shrews with either: i) amlodipine, an antagonist of L
      type Ca(2+) channels present on the cell membrane; ii) dantrolene, an inhibitor
      of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) Ca2+-release channels located on the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER); iii) a combination of their less-effective doses; or iv)
      inhibitors of CaMKII (KN93) and ERK1/2 (PD98059); dose-dependently suppressed
      emesis caused by 2-Me-5-HT. Administration of 2-Me-5-HT also significantly: i)
      enhanced the interaction of 5-HT3R with calmodulin in the brainstem as revealed
      by immunoprecipitation, as well as their colocalization in the area postrema
      (brainstem) and small intestine by immunohistochemistry; and ii) activated
      CaMKIIalpha in brainstem and in isolated enterochromaffin cells of the small
      intestine as shown by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. These effects were
      suppressed by palonosetron. 2-Me-5-HT also activated ERK1/2 in brainstem, which
      was abrogated by palonosetron, KN93, PD98059, amlodipine, dantrolene, or a
      combination of amlodipine plus dantrolene. However, blockade of ER inositol-1, 4,
      5-triphosphate receptors by 2-APB, had no significant effect on the discussed
      behavioral and biochemical parameters. This study demonstrates that Ca(2+)
      mobilization via extracellular Ca(2+) influx through 5-HT3Rs/L-type Ca(2+)
      channels, and intracellular Ca(2+) release via RyRs on ER, initiate Ca(2+)
      dependent sequential activation of CaMKIIalpha and ERK1/2, which contribute to
      the 5-HT3R-mediated, 2-Me-5-HT-evoked emesis.

PMID- 25121485
TI  - Compromised dynamic cerebral autoregulation in patients with a right-to-left
      shunt: a potential mechanism of migraine and cryptogenic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The relationship between right-to-left shunts (RLS) and
      migraine and cryptogenic stroke is not well understood. In this study, we
      investigated whether RLS are associated with impairment of dynamic cerebral
      autoregulation (dCA), which may play a role in migraine and cryptogenic stroke.
      METHODS: Sixty-six migraineurs were enrolled in the study, including 36 non-RLS
      patients and 30 RLS patients. Non-invasive continuous cerebral blood flow
      velocity and arterial blood pressure were recorded simultaneously from each
      patient by using transcranial Doppler and servo-controlled plethysmograph,
      respectively. Transfer function analysis was applied to derive autoregulatory
      parameters of gain, phase difference (PD), and autoregulation index. RESULTS: The
      PD in migraineurs with RLS was 50.6 +/- 22.9 degrees, which was significantly
      lower than that observed in the non-RLS group (67.2 +/- 18.2 degrees, P<0.001).
      The PD in the large RLS group (45.4 +/- 22.6 degrees) was significantly lower
      than that of the small RLS group (64.9 +/- 17.1 degrees, P<0.01) and non-RLS
      group (P<0.001); however, the PD in the small RLS group was similar to that of
      the non-RLS group. The PD in the permanent group (48.8 +/- 19.9 degrees) was
      similar to that of the latent group (52.6 +/- 26.1 degrees), and both were
      significantly lower than that of the non-RLS group (P<0.05). The autoregulation
      index results were similar to the PD findings. CONCLUSIONS: dCA is impaired in
      migraineurs with large RLS, and this may represent a potential mechanism linking
      RLS, migraine, and cryptogenic stroke.

PMID- 25121484
TI  - The protective role of symmetric stem cell division on the accumulation of
      heritable damage.
AB  - Stem cell divisions are either asymmetric-in which one daughter cell remains a
      stem cell and one does not-or symmetric, in which both daughter cells adopt the
      same fate, either stem or non-stem. Recent studies show that in many tissues
      operating under homeostatic conditions stem cell division patterns are strongly
      biased toward the symmetric outcome, raising the question of whether symmetry
      confers some benefit. Here, we show that symmetry, via extinction of damaged stem
      cell clones, reduces the lifetime risk of accumulating phenotypically silent
      heritable damage (mutations or aberrant epigenetic changes) in individual stem
      cells. This effect is greatest in rapidly cycling tissues subject to accelerating
      rates of damage accumulation over time, a scenario that describes the progression
      of many cancers. A decrease in the rate of cellular damage accumulation may be an
      important factor favoring symmetric patterns of stem cell division. 

PMID- 25121486
TI  - Altered resting-state FMRI signals in acute stroke patients with ischemic
      penumbra.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identifying the ischemic penumbra in acute stroke subjects is
      important for the clinical decision making process. The aim of this study was to
      use resting-state functional magnetic resonance singal (fMRI) to investigate the
      change in the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) of these subjects in
      three different subsections of acute stroke regions: the infarct core tissue, the
      penumbra tissue, and the normal brain tissue. Another aim of this study was to
      test the feasilbility of consistently detecting the penumbra region of the brain
      through ALFF analysis. METHODS: Sixteen subjects with first-ever acute ischemic
      stroke were scanned within 27 hours of the onset of stroke using magnetic
      resonance imaging. The core of infarct regions and penumbra regions were
      determined by diffusion and perfusion-weighted imaging respectively. The ALFF
      were measured from resting-state blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI scans.
      The averaged relative ALFF value of each regions were correlated with the time
      after the onset of stroke. RESULTS: Relative ALFF values were significantly
      different in the infarct core tissue, penumbra tissue and normal brain tissue.
      The locations of lesions in the ALFF maps did not match perfectly with diffusion
      and perfusion-weighted imagings; however, these maps provide a contrast that can
      be used to differentiate between penumbra brain tissue and normal brain tissue.
      Significant correlations between time after stroke onset and the relative ALFF
      values were present in the penumbra tissue but not in the infarct core and normal
      brain tissue. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results from this study suggest that the
      ALFF reflects the underlying neurovascular activity and has a great potential to
      estimate the brain tissue viability after ischemia. Results also show that the
      ALFF may contribute to acute stroke imaging for thrombolytic or neuroprotective
      therapies.

PMID- 25121487
TI  - Agricultural science in the wild: a social network analysis of farmer knowledge
      exchange.
AB  - Responding to demands for transformed farming practices requires new forms of
      knowledge. Given their scale and complexity, agricultural problems can no longer
      be solved by linear transfers in which technology developed by specialists passes
      to farmers by way of extension intermediaries. Recent research on alternative
      approaches has focused on the innovation systems formed by interactions between
      heterogeneous actors. Rather than linear transfer, systems theory highlights
      network facilitation as a specialized function. This paper contributes to our
      understanding of such facilitation by investigating the networks in which farmers
      discuss science. We report findings based on the study of a pastoral farming
      experiment collaboratively undertaken by a group of 17 farmers and five
      scientists. Analysis of prior contact and alter sharing between the group's
      members indicates strongly tied and decentralized networks. Farmer knowledge
      exchanges about the experiment have been investigated using a mix of quantitative
      and qualitative methods. Network surveys identified who the farmers contacted for
      knowledge before the study began and who they had talked to about the experiment
      by 18 months later. Open-ended interviews collected farmer statements about their
      most valuable contacts and these statements have been thematically analysed. The
      network analysis shows that farmers talked about the experiment with 192 people,
      most of whom were fellow farmers. Farmers with densely tied and occupationally
      homogeneous contacts grew their networks more than did farmers with contacts that
      are loosely tied and diverse. Thematic analysis reveals three general principles:
      farmers value knowledge delivered by persons rather than roles, privilege farming
      experience, and develop knowledge with empiricist rather than rationalist
      techniques. Taken together, these findings suggest that farmers deliberate about
      science in intensive and durable networks that have significant implications for
      theorizing agricultural innovation. The paper thus concludes by considering the
      findings' significance for current efforts to rethink agricultural extension. 

PMID- 25121488
TI  - Efficacy and safety of rituximab in children with difficult-to-treat nephrotic
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rituximab has emerged as an important medication for patients with
      steroid-dependent or steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. PATIENTS: We report
      the efficacy and safety of therapy with intravenous rituximab, administered once
      weekly for 2-4 doses, in 193 patients (mean age 10.9, range 2.2-18.7 years) with
      difficult-to-treat steroid dependence (n = 101), calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)
      dependent steroid resistance (n = 34) and CNI-resistant nephrotic syndrome (n =
      58) managed at this center during 2006-13. OUTCOMES: Therapy in patients with
      steroid dependence and CNI-dependent steroid resistance led to significantly
      reduced relapse rates (respective mean difference 2.7 relapses/year and 2.2
      relapses/year, corresponding to a decrease in relapses by 81.8 and 71.0%; both P
      < 0.0001). This resulted in a significant reduction in steroid requirement (mean
      difference 104.5 and 113.6 mg/kg/year, respectively; both P < 0.0001) and a trend
      to improved standard deviation scores for height (P = 0.069) and body mass index
      (P = 0.029). Remission was longer in patients with steroid dependence compared
      with CNI-dependent steroid resistance (median 16 versus 10 months; P < 0.0001).
      Prior response to cyclophosphamide predicted a lower risk of relapse in the
      former (hazard ratio, HR 0.56; P = 0.045); patients with initial resistance and
      CNI-dependent steroid resistance had increased risk of relapse (HR 2.66; P =
      0.042). B-cell recovery, noted in 62.5% patients at 6 months, was not related to
      occurrence of relapse; redosing (n = 42 patients) was safe and effective.
      Response to therapy was unsatisfactory in patients with steroid- and CNI
      resistant nephrotic syndrome, with remission in 29.3%. Focal segmental
      glomerulosclerosis was associated with higher odds of non-response (odds ratio
      11.1; P = 0.028) and lack of response was associated with progressive chronic
      kidney disease (HR 9.97; P = 0.035). Therapy with rituximab was safe; adverse
      effects or infections were noted in 19 (9.8%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Therapy with
      rituximab is effective and safe in reducing relapse rates and need for
      immunosuppressive medications in patients with steroid-dependent and CNI
      dependent steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.

PMID- 25121489
TI  - Distribution of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthiasis in Zimbabwe:
      towards a national plan of action for control and elimination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis and STH are among the list of neglected tropical
      diseases considered for control by the WHO. Although both diseases are endemic in
      Zimbabwe, no nationwide control interventions have been implemented. For this
      reason in 2009 the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care included the two
      diseases in the 2009-2013 National Health Strategy highlighting the importance of
      understanding the distribution and burden of the diseases as a prerequisite for
      elimination interventions. It is against this background that a national survey
      was conducted. METHODOLOGY: A countrywide cross-sectional survey was carried out
      in 280 primary schools in 68 districts between September 2010 and August 2011.
      Schistosoma haematobium was diagnosed using the urine filtration technique.
      Schistosoma mansoni and STH (hookworms, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris
      lumbricoides) were diagnosed using both the Kato Katz and formol ether
      concentration techniques. MAIN FINDINGS: Schistosomiasis was more prevalent
      country-wide (22.7%) than STH (5.5%). The prevalence of S. haematobium was 18.0%
      while that of S. mansoni was 7.2%. Hookworms were the most common STH with a
      prevalence of 3.2% followed by A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura with prevalence
      of 2.5% and 0.1%, respectively. The prevalence of heavy infection intensity as
      defined by WHO for any schistosome species was 5.8% (range 0%-18.3% in
      districts). Only light to moderate infection intensities were observed for STH
      species. The distribution of schistosomiasis and STH varied significantly between
      provinces, districts and schools (p<0.001). Overall, the prevalence of co
      infection with schistosomiasis and STH was 1.5%. The actual co-endemicity of
      schistosomiasis and STH was observed in 43 (63.2%) of the 68 districts screened.
      CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This study provided comprehensive baseline data
      on the distribution of schistosomiasis and STH that formed the basis for
      initiating a national control and elimination programme for these two neglected
      tropical diseases in Zimbabwe.

PMID- 25121490
TI  - Phenotypic robustness and the assortativity signature of human transcription
      factor networks.
AB  - Many developmental, physiological, and behavioral processes depend on the precise
      expression of genes in space and time. Such spatiotemporal gene expression
      phenotypes arise from the binding of sequence-specific transcription factors
      (TFs) to DNA, and from the regulation of nearby genes that such binding causes.
      These nearby genes may themselves encode TFs, giving rise to a transcription
      factor network (TFN), wherein nodes represent TFs and directed edges denote
      regulatory interactions between TFs. Computational studies have linked several
      topological properties of TFNs - such as their degree distribution - with the
      robustness of a TFN's gene expression phenotype to genetic and environmental
      perturbation. Another important topological property is assortativity, which
      measures the tendency of nodes with similar numbers of edges to connect. In
      directed networks, assortativity comprises four distinct components that
      collectively form an assortativity signature. We know very little about how a
      TFN's assortativity signature affects the robustness of its gene expression
      phenotype to perturbation. While recent theoretical results suggest that
      increasing one specific component of a TFN's assortativity signature leads to
      increased phenotypic robustness, the biological context of this finding is
      currently limited because the assortativity signatures of real-world TFNs have
      not been characterized. It is therefore unclear whether these earlier theoretical
      findings are biologically relevant. Moreover, it is not known how the other three
      components of the assortativity signature contribute to the phenotypic robustness
      of TFNs. Here, we use publicly available DNaseI-seq data to measure the
      assortativity signatures of genome-wide TFNs in 41 distinct human cell and tissue
      types. We find that all TFNs share a common assortativity signature and that this
      signature confers phenotypic robustness to model TFNs. Lastly, we determine the
      extent to which each of the four components of the assortativity signature
      contributes to this robustness. 

PMID- 25121494
TI  - Total internal and external ophthalmoplegia as presenting symptoms of Miller
      Fisher syndrome.

PMID- 25121492
TI  - A simple model of optimal population coding for sensory systems.
AB  - A fundamental task of a sensory system is to infer information about the
      environment. It has long been suggested that an important goal of the first stage
      of this process is to encode the raw sensory signal efficiently by reducing its
      redundancy in the neural representation. Some redundancy, however, would be
      expected because it can provide robustness to noise inherent in the system.
      Encoding the raw sensory signal itself is also problematic, because it contains
      distortion and noise. The optimal solution would be constrained further by
      limited biological resources. Here, we analyze a simple theoretical model that
      incorporates these key aspects of sensory coding, and apply it to conditions in
      the retina. The model specifies the optimal way to incorporate redundancy in a
      population of noisy neurons, while also optimally compensating for sensory
      distortion and noise. Importantly, it allows an arbitrary input-to-output cell
      ratio between sensory units (photoreceptors) and encoding units (retinal ganglion
      cells), providing predictions of retinal codes at different eccentricities.
      Compared to earlier models based on redundancy reduction, the proposed model
      conveys more information about the original signal. Interestingly, redundancy
      reduction can be near-optimal when the number of encoding units is limited, such
      as in the peripheral retina. We show that there exist multiple, equally-optimal
      solutions whose receptive field structure and organization vary significantly.
      Among these, the one which maximizes the spatial locality of the computation, but
      not the sparsity of either synaptic weights or neural responses, is consistent
      with known basic properties of retinal receptive fields. The model further
      predicts that receptive field structure changes less with light adaptation at
      higher input-to-output cell ratios, such as in the periphery. 

PMID- 25121491
TI  - Is Plasmodium vivax malaria a severe malaria?: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax is one of the major species of malaria infecting
      humans. Although emphasis on P. falciparum is appropriate, the burden of vivax
      malaria should be given due attention. This study aimed to synthesize the
      evidence on severe malaria in P. vivax infection compared with that in P.
      falciparum infection. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We searched relevant studies in
      electronic databases. The main outcomes required for inclusion in the review were
      mortality, severe malaria (SM) and severe anaemia (SA). The methodological
      quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
      Overall, 26 studies were included. The main meta-analysis was restricted to the
      high quality studies. Eight studies (n = 27490) compared the incidence of SM
      between P. vivax infection and P. falciparum mono-infection; a comparable
      incidence was found in infants (OR: 0.45, 95% CI:0.04-5.68, I2:98%), under 5 year
      age group (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 0.83-5.1, I2:83%), the 5-15 year-age group (OR: 0.6,
      95% CI: 0.31-1.16, I2:81%) and adults (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.67-1.03, I2:25%). Six
      studies reported the incidences of SA in P. vivax infection and P. falciparum
      mono-infection; a comparable incidence of SA was found among infants (OR: 3.47,
      95%:0.64-18.94, I2: 92%), the 5-15 year-age group (OR:0.71, 95% CI: 0.06-8.57,
      I2:82%). This was significantly lower in adults (OR:0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.92,
      I2:0%). Five studies (n = 71079) compared the mortality rate between vivax
      malaria and falciparum malaria. A lower rate of mortality was found in infants
      with vivax malaria (OR:0.61, 95% CI:0.5-0.76, I2:0%), while this was comparable
      in the 5-15 year- age group (OR: 0.43, 95% CI:0.06-2.91, I2:84%) and the children
      of unspecified-age group (OR: 0.77, 95% CI:0.59-1.01, I2:0%). CONCLUSION:
      Overall, the present analysis identified that the incidence of SM in patients
      infected with P. vivax was considerable, indicating that P. vivax is a major
      cause of SM. Awareness of the clinical manifestations of vivax malaria should
      prompt early detection. Subsequent treatment and monitoring of complications can
      be life-saving.

PMID- 25121493
TI  - Hyperglycemia and blood pressure treatment goal: a cross sectional survey of
      18350 patients with type 2 diabetes in 77 tertiary hospitals in China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of hyperglycemia with blood pressure
      control goal in the patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) cared by tertiary
      hospitals in China. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross sectional survey of 29442
      patients was conducted in 77 tertiary hospitals in 4 major cities in China in
      2011 and 18350 of them without known hypertension were used in the analysis.
      Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis stratified on cities
      and hospitals was performed to obtain odds ratio of factors of interest for
      achievement of the blood pressure treatment goal, i.e., 140/80 mmHg as
      recommended by American Diabetes Association (ADA). Sensitivity analysis was
      performed after re-inclusion of 11902 patients with diagnosed hypertension.
      Findings from were further replicated in patients with T2D recruited using the
      same protocol from tertiary hospitals located in other central cities in China.
      RESULTS: The mean age was 58.2 (SD: 11.3) years and 53.3% were male, with a
      median of 4 years of disease duration. A total of 12129 patients (58.2%) did not
      achieve the ADA recommended goal for BP control. After adjusting for covariables,
      hyperglycemia was associated with failure to achieve the BP goal (OR of HbA1c at
      6.5%-6.9% vs. <6.0%: 1.22, 95%CI: 1.08 to 1.39; OR of 7.0%-7.0% vs. <6.0%: 1.37,
      1.21 to 1.54 and OR of >= 8.0% vs. <6.0%: 1.22, 95%CI: 1.08 to 1.38). The
      sensitivity analysis and the replication analysis showed similar results.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycemia defined as HbA1c >= 6.5% increased the risk of failure
      to achieve the BP goal in T2D patients.

PMID- 25121495
TI  - Phylobetadiversity among forest types in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest complex.
AB  - Phylobetadiversity is defined as the phylogenetic resemblance between communities
      or biomes. Analyzing phylobetadiversity patterns among different vegetation
      physiognomies within a single biome is crucial to understand the historical
      affinities between them. Based on the widely accepted idea that different forest
      physiognomies within the Southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest constitute different
      facies of a single biome, we hypothesize that more recent phylogenetic nodes
      should drive phylobetadiversity gradients between the different forest types
      within the Atlantic Forest, as the phylogenetic divergence among those forest
      types is biogeographically recent. We compiled information from 206 checklists
      describing the occurrence of shrub/tree species across three different forest
      physiognomies within the Southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Dense, Mixed and
      Seasonal forests). We analyzed intra-site phylogenetic structure (phylogenetic
      diversity, net relatedness index and nearest taxon index) and phylobetadiversity
      between plots located at different forest types, using five different methods
      differing in sensitivity to either basal or terminal nodes (phylogenetic fuzzy
      weighting, COMDIST, COMDISTNT, UniFrac and Rao's H). Mixed forests showed higher
      phylogenetic diversity and overdispersion than the other forest types.
      Furthermore, all forest types differed from each other in relation
      phylobetadiversity patterns, particularly when phylobetadiversity methods more
      sensitive to terminal nodes were employed. Mixed forests tended to show higher
      phylogenetic differentiation to Dense and Seasonal forests than these latter from
      each other. The higher phylogenetic diversity and phylobetadiversity levels found
      in Mixed forests when compared to the others likely result from the
      biogeographical origin of several taxa occurring in these forests. On one hand,
      Mixed forests shelter several temperate taxa, like the conifers Araucaria and
      Podocarpus. On the other hand, tropical groups, like Myrtaceae, are also very
      representative of this forest type. We point out to the need of more attention to
      Mixed forests as a conservation target within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest given
      their high phylogenetic uniqueness. 

PMID- 25121496
TI  - Corneal viscoelastic properties from finite-element analysis of in vivo air-puff
      deformation.
AB  - Biomechanical properties are an excellent health marker of biological tissues,
      however they are challenging to be measured in-vivo. Non-invasive approaches to
      assess tissue biomechanics have been suggested, but there is a clear need for
      more accurate techniques for diagnosis, surgical guidance and treatment
      evaluation. Recently air-puff systems have been developed to study the dynamic
      tissue response, nevertheless the experimental geometrical observations lack from
      an analysis that addresses specifically the inherent dynamic properties. In this
      study a viscoelastic finite element model was built that predicts the
      experimental corneal deformation response to an air-puff for different
      conditions. A sensitivity analysis reveals significant contributions to corneal
      deformation of intraocular pressure and corneal thickness, besides corneal
      biomechanical properties. The results show the capability of dynamic imaging to
      reveal inherent biomechanical properties in vivo. Estimates of corneal
      biomechanical parameters will contribute to the basic understanding of corneal
      structure, shape and integrity and increase the predictability of corneal
      surgery. 

PMID- 25121499
TI  - NICE supports allowing technology assessment bodies to provide advice to drug
      industry.

PMID- 25121498
TI  - Variation in the fitness effects of mutations with population density and size in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - The fitness effects of mutations are context specific and depend on both external
      (e.g., environment) and internal (e.g., cellular stress, genetic background)
      factors. The influence of population size and density on fitness effects are
      unknown, despite the central role population size plays in the supply and
      fixation of mutations. We addressed this issue by comparing the fitness of 92
      Keio strains (Escherichia coli K12 single gene knockouts) at comparatively high
      (1.2*10(7) CFUs/mL) and low (2.5*10(2) CFUs/mL) densities, which also differed in
      population size (high: 1.2*10(8); low: 1.25*10(3)). Twenty-eight gene deletions
      (30%) exhibited a fitness difference, ranging from 5 to 174% (median: 35%),
      between the high and low densities. Our analyses suggest this variation among
      gene deletions in fitness responses reflected in part both gene orientation and
      function, of the gene properties we examined (genomic position, length,
      orientation, and function). Although we could not determine the relative effects
      of population density and size, our results suggest fitness effects of mutations
      vary with these two factors, and this variation is gene-specific. Besides being a
      mechanism for density-dependent selection (r-K selection), the dependence of
      fitness effects on population density and size has implications for any
      population that varies in size over time, including populations undergoing
      evolutionary rescue, species invasions into novel habitats, and cancer
      progression and metastasis. Further, combined with recent advances in
      understanding the roles of other context-specific factors in the fitness effects
      of mutations, our results will help address theoretical and applied biological
      questions more realistically.

PMID- 25121497
TI  - Schistosome feeding and regurgitation.
AB  - Schistosomes are parasitic flatworms that infect >200 million people worldwide,
      causing the chronic, debilitating disease schistosomiasis. Unusual among
      parasitic helminths, the long-lived adult worms, continuously bathed in blood,
      take up nutrients directly across the body surface and also by ingestion of blood
      into the gut. Recent proteomic analyses of the body surface revealed the presence
      of hydrolytic enzymes, solute, and ion transporters, thus emphasising its
      metabolic credentials. Furthermore, definition of the molecular mechanisms for
      the uptake of selected metabolites (glucose, certain amino acids, and water)
      establishes it as a vital site of nutrient acquisition. Nevertheless, the amount
      of blood ingested into the gut per day is considerable: for males ~100 nl; for
      the more actively feeding females ~900 nl, >4 times body volume. Ingested
      erythrocytes are lysed as they pass through the specialized esophagus, while
      leucocytes become tethered and disabled there. Proteomics and transcriptomics
      have revealed, in addition to gut proteases, an amino acid transporter in gut
      tissue and other hydrolases, ion, and lipid transporters in the lumen,
      implicating the gut as the site for acquisition of essential lipids and inorganic
      ions. The surface is the principal entry route for glucose, whereas the gut
      dominates amino acid acquisition, especially in females. Heme, a potentially
      toxic hemoglobin degradation product, accumulates in the gut and, since
      schistosomes lack an anus, must be expelled by the poorly understood process of
      regurgitation. Here we place the new observations on the proteome of body surface
      and gut, and the entry of different nutrient classes into schistosomes, into the
      context of older studies on worm composition and metabolism. We suggest that the
      balance between surface and gut in nutrition is determined by the constraints of
      solute diffusion imposed by differences in male and female worm morphology. Our
      conclusions have major implications for worm survival under immunological or
      pharmacological pressure. 

PMID- 25121501
TI  - Hypertrophic chondrocytes in the rabbit growth plate can proliferate and
      differentiate into osteogenic cells when capillary invasion is interposed by a
      membrane filter.
AB  - The fate of hypertrophic chondrocytes during endochondral ossification remains
      controversial. It has long been thought that the calcified cartilage is invaded
      by blood vessels and that new bone is deposited on the surface of the eroded
      cartilage by newly arrived cells. The present study was designed to determine
      whether hypertrophic chondrocytes were destined to die or could survive to
      participate in new bone formation. In a rabbit experiment, a membrane filter with
      a pore size of 1 um was inserted in the middle of the hypertrophic zone of the
      distal growth plate of ulna. In 33 of 37 animals, vascular invasion was
      successfully interposed by the membrane filter. During 8 days, the cartilage
      growth plate was enlarged, making the thickness 3-fold greater than that of the
      nonoperated control side. Histological examination demonstrated that the
      hypertrophic zone was exclusively elongated. At the terminal end of the growth
      plate, hypertrophic chondrocytes extruded from their territorial matrix into the
      open cavity on the surface of the membrane filter. The progenies of hypertrophic
      chondrocytes (PHCs) were PCNA positive and caspase-3 negative. In situ
      hybridization studies demonstrated that PHCs did not express cartilage matrix
      proteins anymore but expressed bone matrix proteins. Immunohistochemical studies
      also demonstrated that the new matrix produced by PHCs contained type I collagen,
      osteonectin, and osteocalcin. Based on these results, we concluded that
      hypertrophic chondrocytes switched into bone-forming cells after vascular
      invasion was interposed in the normal growth plate. 

PMID- 25121500
TI  - The relationship between muscle fiber type-specific PGC-1alpha content and
      mitochondrial content varies between rodent models and humans.
AB  - PGC-1alpha regulates critical processes in muscle physiology, including
      mitochondrial biogenesis, lipid metabolism and angiogenesis. Furthermore, PGC
      1alpha was suggested as an important regulator of fiber type determination.
      However, whether a muscle fiber type-specific PGC-1alpha content exists, whether
      PGC-1alpha content relates to basal levels of mitochondrial content, and whether
      such relationships are preserved between humans and classically used rodent
      models are all questions that have been either poorly addressed or never
      investigated. To address these issues, we investigated the fiber type-specific
      content of PGC-1alpha and its relationship to basal mitochondrial content in
      mouse, rat and human muscles using in situ immunolabeling and histochemical
      methods on muscle serial cross-sections. Whereas type IIa fibers exhibited the
      highest PGC-1alpha in all three species, other fiber types displayed a hierarchy
      of type IIx>I>IIb in mouse, type I = IIx> IIb in rat, and type IIx>I in human. In
      terms of mitochondrial content, we observed a hierarchy of IIa>IIx>I>IIb in
      mouse, IIa >I>IIx> IIb in rat, and I>IIa> IIx in human skeletal muscle. We also
      found in rat skeletal muscle that type I fibers displayed the highest
      capillarization followed by type IIa >IIx>IIb. Finally, we found in human
      skeletal muscle that type I fibers display the highest lipid content, followed by
      type IIa>IIx. Altogether, our results reveal that (i) the fiber type-specific PGC
      1alpha and mitochondrial contents were only matched in mouse, (ii) the patterns
      of PGC-1alpha and mitochondrial contents observed in mice and rats do not
      correspond to that seen in humans in several respects, and (iii) the classical
      phenotypes thought to be regulated by PGC-1alpha do not vary exclusively as a
      function of PGC-1alpha content in rat and human muscles. 

PMID- 25121502
TI  - Transcriptional regulation of the tumor suppressor FHL2 by p53 in human kidney
      and liver cells.
AB  - Four and a Half LIM protein 2 (FHL2) is a LIM domain only protein that is able to
      form various protein complexes and regulate gene transcription. Recent findings
      showed that FHL2 is a potential tumor suppressor gene that was down-regulated in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, FHL2 can bind to and activate the TP53
      promoter in hepatic cells. In this study, the activity of the two promoters of
      FHL2, 1a and 1b, were determined in the human embryonic kidney cell line HEK293
      and the activation of these two promoters by p53 was investigated. Our results
      showed that the 1b promoter has a higher activity than the 1a promoter in HEK 293
      cells but the 1a promoter is more responsive to the activation by p53 when
      compared with the 1b promoter. The regulation of FHL2 by p53 was further
      confirmed in liver cells by the overexpression of p53 in Hep3B cells and the
      knockdown of p53 in HepG2 cells. Combining promoter activity results of truncated
      mutants and predictions by bioinformatics tools, a putative p53 binding site was
      found in the exon 1a of FHL2 from +213 to +232. The binding between the p53
      protein and the putative p53 binding site was then validated by the ChIP assay.
      Furthermore, the expression of FHL2 and TP53 were down-regulated in majority of
      HCC tumour samples (n = 41) and significantly correlated (P = 0.026). Finally, we
      found that the somatic mutation 747 (G->T), a hot spot mutation of the TP53 gene,
      is potentially associated with a higher expression of FHL2 in HCC tumour samples.
      Taken together, this is the first in-depth study about the transcriptional
      regulation of FHL2 by p53. 

PMID- 25121503
TI  - Low intensity, high frequency vibration training to improve musculoskeletal
      function in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
AB  - The objective of the study was to determine if low intensity, high frequency
      vibration training impacted the musculoskeletal system in a mouse model of
      Duchenne muscular dystrophy, relative to healthy mice. Three-week old wildtype (n
      = 26) and mdx mice (n = 22) were randomized to non-vibrated or vibrated (45 Hz
      and 0.6 g, 15 min/d, 5 d/wk) groups. In vivo and ex vivo contractile function of
      the anterior crural and extensor digitorum longus muscles, respectively, were
      assessed following 8 wks of vibration. Mdx mice were injected 5 and 1 days prior
      to sacrifice with Calcein and Xylenol, respectively. Muscles were prepared for
      histological and triglyceride analyses and subcutaneous and visceral fat pads
      were excised and weighed. Tibial bones were dissected and analyzed by micro
      computed tomography for trabecular morphometry at the metaphysis, and cortical
      geometry and density at the mid-diaphysis. Three-point bending tests were used to
      assess cortical bone mechanical properties and a subset of tibiae was processed
      for dynamic histomorphometry. Vibration training for 8 wks did not alter
      trabecular morphometry, dynamic histomorphometry, cortical geometry, or
      mechanical properties (P >= 0.34). Vibration did not alter any measure of muscle
      contractile function (P >= 0.12); however the preservation of muscle function and
      morphology in mdx mice indicates vibration is not deleterious to muscle lacking
      dystrophin. Vibrated mice had smaller subcutaneous fat pads (P = 0.03) and higher
      intramuscular triglyceride concentrations (P = 0.03). These data suggest that
      vibration training at 45 Hz and 0.6 g did not significantly impact the tibial
      bone and the surrounding musculature, but may influence fat distribution in mice.

PMID- 25121505
TI  - Pleiotropic effects of a methyl donor diet in a novel animal model.
AB  - Folate and other methyl-donor pathway components are widely supplemented due to
      their ability to prevent prenatal neural tube defects. Several lines of evidence
      suggest that these supplements act through epigenetic mechanisms (e.g. altering
      DNA methylation). Primary among these are the experiments on the mouse viable
      yellow allele of the agouti locus (A(vy)). In the Avy allele, an Intracisternal A
      particle retroelement has inserted into the genome adjacent to the agouti gene
      and is preferentially methylated. To further test these effects, we tested the
      same diet used in the Avy studies on wild-derived Peromyscus maniculatus, a
      native North American rodent. We collected tissues from neonatal offspring whose
      parents were fed the high-methyl donor diet as well as controls. In addition, we
      assayed coat-color of a natural variant (wide-band agouti = A(Nb)) that
      overexpresses agouti as a phenotypic biomarker. Our data indicate that these
      dietary components affected agouti protein production, despite the lack of a
      retroelement at this locus. Surprisingly, the methyl-donor diet was associated
      with defects (e.g. ovarian cysts, cataracts) and increased mortality. We also
      assessed the effects of the diet on behavior: We scored animals in open field and
      social interaction tests. We observed significant increases in female repetitive
      behaviors. Thus these data add to a growing number of studies that suggest that
      these ubiquitously added nutrients may be a human health concern.

PMID- 25121507
TI  - We are both doctors: a Palestinian doctor writes to an Israeli colleague.

PMID- 25121504
TI  - Phosphorylation of a central clock transcription factor is required for thermal
      but not photic entrainment.
AB  - Transcriptional/translational feedback loops drive daily cycles of expression in
      clock genes and clock-controlled genes, which ultimately underlie many of the
      overt circadian rhythms manifested by organisms. Moreover, phosphorylation of
      clock proteins plays crucial roles in the temporal regulation of clock protein
      activity, stability and subcellular localization. dCLOCK (dCLK), the master
      transcription factor driving cyclical gene expression and the rate-limiting
      component in the Drosophila circadian clock, undergoes daily changes in
      phosphorylation. However, the physiological role of dCLK phosphorylation is not
      clear. Using a Drosophila tissue culture system, we identified multiple
      phosphorylation sites on dCLK. Expression of a mutated version of dCLK where all
      the mapped phospho-sites were switched to alanine (dCLK-15A) rescues the
      arrythmicity of Clk(out) flies, yet with an approximately 1.5 hr shorter period.
      The dCLK-15A protein attains substantially higher levels in flies compared to the
      control situation, and also appears to have enhanced transcriptional activity,
      consistent with the observed higher peak values and amplitudes in the mRNA
      rhythms of several core clock genes. Surprisingly, the clock-controlled daily
      activity rhythm in dCLK-15A expressing flies does not synchronize properly to
      daily temperature cycles, although there is no defect in aligning to light/dark
      cycles. Our findings suggest a novel role for clock protein phosphorylation in
      governing the relative strengths of entraining modalities by adjusting the
      dynamics of circadian gene expression.

PMID- 25121506
TI  - Folliculin regulates cell-cell adhesion, AMPK, and mTORC1 in a cell-type-specific
      manner in lung-derived cells.
AB  - Germline loss-of-function BHD mutations cause cystic lung disease and hereditary
      pneumothorax, yet little is known about the impact of BHD mutations in the lung.
      Folliculin (FLCN), the product of the Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) gene, has been linked
      to altered cell-cell adhesion and to the AMPK and mTORC1 signaling pathways. We
      found that downregulation of FLCN in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells
      decreased the phosphorylation of ACC, a marker of AMPK activation, while
      downregulation of FLCN in small airway epithelial (SAEC) cells increased the
      activity of phospho-S6, a marker of mTORC1 activation, highlighting the cell type
      dependent functions of FLCN. Cell-cell adhesion forces were significantly
      increased in FLCN-deficient HBE cells, consistent with prior findings in FLCN
      deficient human kidney-derived cells. To determine how these altered cell-cell
      adhesion forces impact the lung, we exposed mice with heterozygous inactivation
      of Bhd (similarly to humans with germline inactivation of one BHD allele) to
      mechanical ventilation at high tidal volumes. Bhd(+/-) mice exhibited a trend (P
      = 0.08) toward increased elastance after 6 h of ventilation at 24 cc/kg. Our
      results indicate that FLCN regulates the AMPK and mTORC1 pathways and cell-cell
      adhesion in a cell type-dependent manner. FLCN deficiency may impact the
      physiologic response to inflation-induced mechanical stress, but further
      investigation is required. We hypothesize that FLCN-dependent effects on
      signaling and cellular adhesion contribute to the pathogenesis of cystic lung
      disease in BHD patients. 

PMID- 25121508
TI  - Changes in corneal deformation parameters after lenticule creation and extraction
      during small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedure.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of lenticule creation and subsequent corneal
      lenticule extraction on corneal deformation parameters during small incision
      lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      prospective study, 18 eyes of 10 patients (27.90 +/- 7.11 years, -5.64 +/- 2.45
      diopters) scheduled for SMILE procedure were enrolled. Changes in the corneal
      deformation parameters, including deformation amplitude (DA), applanation
      time(AT1 and AT2), applanation length(AL1 and AL2), corneal velocity(CV1 and
      CV2), peak distance(P.Dist.), radius and intraocular pressure values were
      measured preoperatively, immediately after lenticule creation and subsequent to
      corneal lenticule extraction in all eyes with the Corvis Scheimpflug Technology
      (Corvis ST, OCULUS, Wetzlar, Germany). Repeated measures analysis of variance
      (ANOVA) with bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons was performed to
      investigate changes following each step of the procedure. RESULTS: All surgical
      procedures were uneventful. A significant difference was detected among the three
      time points (pre-operation, post-lenticule creation and post lenticule
      extraction) for AT1 (P<0.001), AT2 (P = 0.001), DA(P<0.001), and IOP(P = 0.002).
      Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons indicated that there was no significant
      change in AT1, AT2, DA, or IOP after lenticule creation (post hoc P>0.05), but
      there was a significant change in these parameters following subsequent corneal
      lenticule extraction (post hoc P<0.01), when compared to values obtained pre
      operatively. The scheimpflug camera of the Corvis ST demonstrated the
      intralamellar small gas bubbles formed from the vaporisation of tissue after
      lenticule creation and a gray zone was observed between the cap and the residual
      stromal bed after lenticule extraction. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant
      change in corneal deformation parameters following SMILE procedure. The changes
      may be caused predominantly by stromal lenticule extraction, while lenticule
      creation with femtosecond laser may not have an obvious effect on corneal
      deformation properties.

PMID- 25121509
TI  - Intraosseous fixation compared to plantar plate fixation for first
      metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis: a cadaveric biomechanical analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metatarsocuneiform (MTC) fusion is a treatment option for management
      of hallux valgus. We compared the biomechanical characteristics of an internal
      fixation device with plantar plate fixation. METHODS: Seven matched pairs of feet
      from human cadavers were used to compare the intramedullary (IM) device plus
      compression screw to plantar plate combined with a compression screw. Specimen
      constructs were loaded in a cyclic 4-point bending test. We obtained
      initial/final stiffness, maximum load, and number of cycles to failure. Bone
      mineral density was measured with peripheral quantitative computed tomography.
      Performance was compared using time to event analysis with number of cycles as
      time variable, and a proportional hazard model including shared frailty model
      fitted with treatment and bone mineral density as covariates. RESULTS: On average
      the plates failed after 7517 cycles and a maximum load of 167 N, while the IM
      implants failed on average after 2946 cycles and a maximum load of 69 N. In all
      pairs the 1 treated with IM-implant failed earlier than the 1 treated with a
      plate (hazard ratio for IM-implant versus plate was 79.9 (95% confidence interval
      [6.1, 1052.2], P = .0009). The initial stiffness was 131 N/mm for the plantar
      plate and 43.3 N/mm for the IM implant. Initial stiffness (r = .955) and final
      stiffness (r = .952) were strongly related to the number of cycles to failure.
      Bone mineral density had no effect on the number of cycles to failure.
      CONCLUSION: Plantar plate fixation created a stronger and stiffer construct than
      IM fixation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A stiffer construct can reduce the risk of
      nonunion and shorten the period of non-weight-bearing.

PMID- 25121510
TI  - Early results with LifeStent implantation in RESILIENT and non-RESILIENT
      inclusion criteria patients.
AB  - The purpose of our study was to determine outcomes of patients receiving the
      LifeStent (Bard Peripheral Vascular, Tempe, AZ) for femoropopliteal peripheral
      arterial disease in real-world academic practice outside the limitations of an
      industry supported trial. All patients from 2009 to 2012 at our institution who
      received a LifeStent during endovascular interventions and had follow-up were
      included. Outcomes evaluated included patency and freedom from limb loss. A total
      of 166 limbs in 151 patients had the LifeStent implanted in de novo vessels (54%
      male; 68 +/- 12 years). Eighty-percent of limbs did not meet RESILIENT criteria
      due to Rutherford category >3 (51%), TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II
      classifications C/ D (51%), zero runoff vessels (6%), or stent location (17%).
      Primary patency rates were 81% at 6 months and 58% at 12 months with predictors
      for primary patency loss at 1 year including Rutherford category >3 (HR: 1.8 (95%
      CI: 1.0-3.1), p = 0.04), tobacco use (HR: 1.8 (95% CI: 1.0-3.3), p = 0.04), and
      no clopidogrel at discharge (HR: 3.2 (95% CI: 1.6-6.7), p < 0.01). A
      preintervention Rutherford category >3 predicted 24-month limb loss (HR, 16.0
      (95% CI: 2.0-122.0), p < 0.01). The LifeStent is a viable option regardless of
      the TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II classification; however, critical
      limb ischemia, current tobacco use, and absence of clopidogrel on discharge
      predict decreased patency on follow-up.

PMID- 25121512
TI  - Diabetes prescribing in England consumes nearly 10% of primary care budget.

PMID- 25121511
TI  - Developing an internationally-applicable service specification for continence
      care: systematic review, evidence synthesis and expert consensus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Global demographic trends suggest that the incidence of both urinary
      and faecal incontinence will rise in the coming years, bringing significant
      health and economic implications for both patients and payers. There is limited
      organisational evidence to guide payers and providers about service configuration
      which will deliver efficient guideline-compliant, high-quality patient care.
      OBJECTIVES: To create, using evidence from a systematic review, qualitative data
      and expert consensus an internationally applicable service specification for
      continence care. METHOD: Evidence was obtained from a systematic and grey
      literature review of published randomised controlled trials and quasi
      experimental studies reporting efficacy of continence service design at the level
      of the community dwelling patient with either bladder or bowel incontinence,
      governmental reports and policy frameworks supplemented by data from 47 semi
      structured interviews with clinicians, patients, patient-representatives and
      policy experts from four geographies broadly representative of different
      healthcare systems. RESULTS: A number of themes related to current and potential
      future organisation of continence care were identified from the data. A modular
      service specification with eight core components was created including case
      detection, initial assessment and treatment, case co-ordination, caregiver
      support, community-based support, specialist assessment and treatment, use of
      containment products, and use of technology. Within this framework important key
      recommendations are: ensure robust referral pathways, shift assessment for case
      coordination to nurses specializing in continence care, promote self-management
      and technology, use comprehensive assessment tools and service performance
      targets based on outcome and operational measures. CONCLUSIONS: This study has
      defined practice gaps in the provision of continence services and described eight
      core components of a service specification for incontinence that commissioners
      and payers of health and social care could consider using to provide high-quality
      continence care. A shift towards a community-delivered, nurse-led model appears
      to be associated with clinical and cost-effective care for people with bladder
      and bowel incontinence.

PMID- 25121514
TI  - The development of the pediatric NAFLD fibrosis score (PNFS) to predict the
      presence of advanced fibrosis in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Noninvasive hepatic fibrosis scores that predict the presence of
      advanced fibrosis have been developed and validated in adult patients with NAFLD.
      The aims of our study were to assess the utility of commonly used adult fibrosis
      scores in pediatric NAFLD and to develop a pediatric specific fibrosis score that
      can predict advanced fibrosis. METHODS: Consecutive children with biopsy-proven
      NAFLD were included. Fibrosis was determined by an experienced pathologist (F0
      4). Advanced fibrosis was defined as fibrosis stage >= 3. The following adult
      fibrosis scores were calculated for each child: AST/ALT ratio, AST/platelet ratio
      index (APRI), NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), and FIB-4 Index. Multivariable logistic
      regression analysis was performed to build a new pediatric model for predicting
      advanced fibrosis. RESULTS: Our cohort consisted of 242 children with a mean age
      of 12.4 +/- 3.1 years and 63% were female. 36 (15%) subjects had advanced
      fibrosis. APRI and FIB-4 were higher in patients with advanced fibrosis compared
      to those with fibrosis stage 0-2; however, AST/ALT ratio and NFS were not
      different between the two groups. We used our data to develop a new model to
      predict advanced fibrosis which included: ALT, alkaline phosphatase, platelet
      counts and GGT. The multivariable logistic regression model (z) was defined as
      follows: z = 1.1+(0.34*sqrt(ALT))+(0.002*alkaline phosphatase) -
      (1.1*log(platelets) - (0.02*GGT). This value was then converted into a
      probability distribution (p) with a value between 0 to 100 by the following
      formula: p = 100 * exp(z)/[1+exp(z)]. The AUCROC for this model was 0.74 (95% CI:
      0.66, 0.82). This was found to be significantly better than APRI, NAFLD Fibrosis
      Score and FIB-4 Index. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive hepatic fibrosis scores developed
      in adults had poor performance in diagnosing advanced fibrosis in children with
      NAFLD. We developed a new pediatric NAFLD fibrosis score with improved
      performance characteristics.

PMID- 25121515
TI  - Toxic peptides occur frequently in pergid and argid sawfly larvae.
AB  - Toxic peptides containing D-amino acids are reported from the larvae of sawfly
      species. The compounds are suspected to constitute environmental contaminants, as
      they have killed livestock grazing in areas with congregations of such larvae,
      and related larval extracts are deleterious to ants. Previously, two octapeptides
      (both called lophyrotomin) and three heptapeptides (pergidin, 4-valinepergidin
      and dephosphorylated pergidin) were identified from three species in the family
      Pergidae and one in Argidae. Here, the hypothesis of widespread occurrence of
      these peptides among sawflies was tested by LC-MS analyses of single larvae from
      eight pergid and 28 argid species, plus nine outgroup species. At least two of
      the five peptides were detected in most sawfly species, whereas none in any
      outgroup taxon. Wherever peptides were detected, they were present in each
      examined specimen of the respective species. Some species show high peptide
      concentrations, reaching up to 0.6% fresh weight of 4-valinepergidin (1.75
      mg/larva) in the pergid Pterygophorus nr turneri. All analyzed pergids in the
      subfamily Pterygophorinae contained pergidin and 4-valinepergidin, all argids in
      Arginae contained pergidin and one of the two lophyrotomins, whereas none of the
      peptides was detected in any Perginae pergid or Sterictiphorinae argid (except in
      Schizocerella pilicornis, which contained pergidin). Three of the four sawfly
      species that were previously known to contain toxins were reanalyzed here,
      resulting in several, often strong, quantitative and qualitative differences in
      the chemical profiles. The most probable ecological role of the peptides is
      defense against natural enemies; the poisoning of livestock is an epiphenomenon. 

PMID- 25121516
TI  - Distance-dependent association of affect with pacing strategy in cycling time
      trials.
AB  - The psychological construct of affect is proposed to significantly contribute to
      pacing decisions during exercise. Borg's RPE scale, another important regulator
      of work rate, is criticized as an inadequate measure of the multiple perceptual
      responses experienced. This study aimed to examine power output distribution and
      associated changes in affect, self-efficacy, perceptual cues, HR, and respiratory
      gases during both 16.1- and 40-km self-paced cycling time trials (TT). Secondly,
      the differentiation between physical perceptions of exertion and sense of effort
      in self-paced exercise was investigated. METHOD: Fifteen trained male cyclists
      completed 16.1- and 40-km TT using a CompuTrainer cycle ergometer. Time, power
      output distribution, affect, self-efficacy, physical RPE (P-RPE), task effort and
      awareness (TEA), HR, and respiratory gases were measured throughout each TT.
      Linear mixed models explored associations of these variables with power output
      distribution and the relationship between P-RPE and TEA. RESULTS: Similar pacing
      strategies were adopted in the 16.1- and 40-km TT (P = 0.31), and the main
      effects were found for affect (P = 0.001) and RER (P < 0.001). Interactions
      between affect (P = 0.037) and RER (P = 0.004), with condition, indicated closer
      associations with power output distribution in 16.1 km than that in 40 km TT. P
      RPE was not significantly different from TEA (P = 0.053). CONCLUSION: A
      significant association between affect and power output distribution suggests
      that affective responses are task dependent even in self-paced exercise, and a
      greater association is demonstrated in higher intensity, 16.1 km TT. Furthermore,
      physical perceptions of exertion are not clearly differentiated from the sense of
      effort in self-paced exercise.

PMID- 25121517
TI  - Comparison of step outputs for waist and wrist accelerometer attachment sites.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to compare step outputs obtained from
      waist and wrist accelerometer attachment sites under laboratory and free-living
      conditions. METHODS: Under the laboratory condition, participants concurrently
      wore ActiGraph accelerometers at their waist and nondominant wrist while
      walking/running at treadmill speeds between 14 and 188 m.min. Visually counted
      steps served as a criterion standard. Participants then wore both accelerometers
      for 7 d. All accelerometer step data were processed applying both the
      manufacturer's default and low-frequency extension filters. Paired sample t-tests
      were used to evaluate mean differences in criterion steps per minute and the four
      (attachment site * filter) estimates produced from the waist- and wrist-worn
      accelerometers in the laboratory study. Free-living differences in mean steps per
      day detected between the waist and wrist (considering both filters) were
      computed. RESULTS: Relative to visually counted steps, the waist attachment site
      generally outperformed the wrist attachment site at most speeds, regardless of
      the applied filtering process. Under free-living conditions, the waist-worn
      accelerometer detected 6743 +/- 2398 (default filter) and 13,029 +/- 3734 (low
      frequency extension) steps per day. The concurrently worn wrist accelerometer
      detected 9301 +/- 2887 (default filter) and 15,493 +/- 3958 (low-frequency
      extension) steps per day. CONCLUSION: The wrist attachment site detected
      consistently fewer visually counted steps than the waist attachment site at most
      treadmill speeds during laboratory testing. In contrast, the wrist attachment
      site produced a higher average step count (ranging from approximately 2500 to
      8700 more steps per day under free-living conditions, dependent on the filtering
      process applied) than the waist attachment site under free-living conditions. In
      conclusion, step outputs obtained from waist- and wrist-worn accelerometer
      attachment sites are generally not comparable under either laboratory or free
      living conditions.

PMID- 25121513
TI  - Comparing interferon-gamma release assays to tuberculin skin test in Thai
      children with tuberculosis exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on the performance of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs),
      QuantiFERON TB Gold In-tube (QFNGIT) and T-Spot.TB, in diagnosing tuberculosis
      (TB) are limited in Southeast Asia. This study aims to compare the performances
      of the two IGRAs and TST in Thai children with recent TB exposure. METHODS: This
      multicenter, prospective study enrolled children with recent exposure to active
      TB adults. Children were investigated for active TB. TST was performed and blood
      collected for T-Spot.TB and QFNGIT. RESULTS: 158 children were enrolled (87% TB
      exposed and 13% active TB, mean age 7.2 years). Only 3 children had HIV
      infection. 66.7% had TST>=10 mm, while 38.6% had TST>=15 mm. 32.5% had positive
      QFNGIT; 29.9% had positive T-Spot.TB. QFNGIT and T-Spot.TB positivity was higher
      among children with active TB compared with TB-exposed children. No indeterminate
      IGRA results were detected. No statistically significant differences between the
      performances of the IGRAs and TST at the two cut-offs with increasing TB exposure
      were detected. Concordance for positive IGRAs and TST ranged from 42-46% for
      TST>=10 mm and 62-67% for TST>=15 mm. On multivariable analyses, exposure to
      household primary/secondary caregiver with TB was associated with positive
      QFNGIT. Higher TB contact score and active TB were associated with positive T
      Spot.TB. CONCLUSIONS: Both QFNGIT and T-Spot.TB performed well in our Thai
      pediatric study population. No differences in the performances between tests with
      increasing TB exposure were found. Due to accessibility and low cost, using TST
      may more ideal than IGRAs in diagnosing latent and active TB in healthy children
      in Thailand and other similar settings.

PMID- 25121518
TI  - Myotonic dystrophy: diagnosis, management and new therapies.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myotonic dystrophies type 1 and type 2 are progressive
      multisystem genetic disorders with clinical and genetic features in common.
      Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is the most prevalent muscular dystrophy in adults and
      has a wide phenotypic spectrum. The average age of death in myotonic dystrophy
      type 1 is in the fifth decade. In comparison, myotonic dystrophy type 2 tends to
      cause a milder phenotype with later onset of symptoms and is less common than
      myotonic dystrophy type 1. Historically, patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1
      have not received the medical and social input they need to maximize their
      quality and quantity of life. This review describes the improved understanding in
      the molecular and clinical features of myotonic dystrophy type 1 as well as the
      screening of clinical complications and their management. We will also discuss
      new potential genetic treatments. RECENT FINDINGS: An active approach to
      screening and management of myotonic dystrophies type 1 and type 2 requires a
      multidisciplinary medical, rehabilitative and social team. This process will
      probably improve morbidity and mortality for patients. Genetic treatments have
      been successfully used in in-vitro and animal models to reverse the
      physiological, histopathological and transcriptomic features. SUMMARY: Molecular
      therapeutics for myotonic dystrophy will probably bridge the translational gap
      between bench and bedside in the near future. There will still be a requirement
      for clinical screening of patients with myotonic dystrophy with proactive and
      systematic management of complications.

PMID- 25121520
TI  - Acute conditions, incidence and associated disability, United States - july 1971
      june 1972.
AB  - During JuIy 1971-June 1972, an estimated 447,735,000 acute illnesses or injuries
      requiring either medical attention or reduced daily activity were experienced by
      the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States. The incidence
      of new cases of acute conditions per 100 persons per year was 220.2, which is
      somewhat larger than the annual incidence rate of 210.1 conditions per 100
      persons reported for the previous 12-month period. The increase in the incidence
      rate was accounted for primarily by a rise in acute respiratory illnesses from
      110.3 per 100 persons in July 1970-June 1971 to 120.7 in July 1971-June 1972. A
      notable increase in the incidence rate of influenza-like illnesses for 39.0 to
      47.5 was responsible for the most part for the increased incidence rate of acute
      respiratory illnesses. This report is one of an annual series of such reports on
      the incidence of acute illness or injury based on data collected in the Health
      Interview Survey. The last report, Series 10, No. 82, covered the period July
      1970-June 1971; acute illness or injury reports in Series 10 are Numbers 1, 10,
      15, 26, 38, 44, 54, 69, and 77. The incidence of acute conditions on a calendar
      year basis is presented in summary form in the Current Estimates reports Series
      10, Numbers 52, 60, 63, 72, 79, and 85 for 1967 through-1972. 

PMID- 25121519
TI  - cAMP regulates expression of the cyclic nucleotide transporter MRP4 (ABCC4)
      through the EPAC pathway.
AB  - Multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4/ABCC4) has been established as an
      independent regulator of cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels particularly in vascular smooth
      muscle cells and in hematopoietic cells. Here, we assessed whether cAMP in turn
      regulates MRP4. A significant upregulation of MRP4 mRNA and protein by long-term
      treatment with cAMP-enhancing agents was observed in HeLa cells, smooth muscle
      cells, and megakaryoblastic leukemia M07e cells. This upregulation was not
      affected by inhibition of protein kinase A, but could be reverted by inhibitors
      and siRNA of an alternative cAMP-signaling route involving exchange proteins
      activated by cyclic AMP (EPAC) and mitogen-activated protein kinases. A selective
      EPAC activator could equally induce MRP4. The transcriptional regulation was
      confirmed in a luciferase reporter gene assay using a vector containing a 1494-bp
      fragment of the promoter region of the MRP4/ABCC4 gene. Our results suggest that
      enhanced cAMP levels upregulate MRP4 expression, which can result in increased
      cAMP efflux. 

PMID- 25121522
TI  - Stable boron nitride diamondoids as nanoscale materials.
AB  - We predict the stability of diamondoids made up of boron and nitrogen instead of
      carbon atoms. The results are based on quantum-mechanical calculations within
      density functional theory (DFT) and show some very distinct features compared to
      the regular carbon-based diamondoids. These features are evaluated with respect
      to the energetics and electronic properties of the boron nitride diamondoids as
      compared to the respective properties of the carbon-based diamondoids. We find
      that BN-diamondoids are overall more stable than their respective C-diamondoid
      counterparts. The electronic band-gaps (E(g)) of the former are overall lower
      than those for the latter nanostructures but do not show a very distinct trend
      with their size. Contrary to the lower C-diamondoids, the BN-diamondoids are
      semiconducting and show a depletion of charge on the nitrogen site. Their
      differences in the distribution of the molecular orbitals, compared to their
      carbon-based counterparts, offer additional bonding and functionalization
      possibilities. These tiny BN-based nanostructures could potentially be used as
      nanobuilding blocks complementing or substituting the C-diamondoids, based on the
      desired properties. An experimental realization of boron nitride diamondoids
      remains to show their feasibility.

PMID- 25121523
TI  - Electromagnetic modelization of spherical focusing on a one-dimensional grating
      thanks to a conical B-spline modal method.
AB  - Focusing light onto nanostructures thanks to spherical lenses is a first step in
      enhancing the field and is widely used in applications. Nonetheless, the
      electromagnetic response of such nanostructures, which have subwavelength
      patterns, to a focused beam cannot be described by the simple ray tracing
      formalism. Here, we present a method for computing the response to a focused
      beam, based on the B-spline modal method adapted to nanostructures in conical
      mounting. The eigenmodes are computed in each layer for both polarizations and
      are then combined for the computation of scattering matrices. The simulation of a
      Gaussian focused beam is obtained thanks to a truncated decomposition into plane
      waves computed on a single period, which limits the computation burden. 

PMID- 25121521
TI  - Child pain catastrophizing mediates the relation between parent responses to pain
      and disability in youth with functional abdominal pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Functional abdominal pain (FAP) in youth is associated with
      substantial impairment in functioning, and prior research has shown that
      overprotective parent responses can heighten impairment. Little is known about
      how a range of parental behaviors (overprotection, minimizing, and/or
      encouragement) in response to their child's pain interact with child coping
      characteristics (eg, catastrophizing) to influence functioning in youth with FAP.
      In this study, it was hypothesized that the relation between parenting factors
      and child disability would be mediated by children's levels of maladaptive coping
      (ie, pain catastrophizing). METHODS: Seventy-five patients with FAP presenting to
      a pediatric pain clinic and their caregivers participated in the study. Youth
      completed measures of pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale), pain catastrophizing
      (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), and disability (Functional Disability Inventory).
      Caregivers completed measures of parent pain catastrophizing (Pain
      Catastrophizing Scale), and parent responses to child pain behaviors (Adult
      Responses to Child Symptoms: Protection, Minimizing, and Encouragement/Monitoring
      subscales). RESULTS: Increased functional disability was significantly related to
      higher child pain intensity, increased child and parent pain catastrophizing, and
      higher levels of encouragement/monitoring and protection. Parent minimization was
      not related to disability. Child pain catastrophizing fully mediated the relation
      between parent encouragement/monitoring and disability and partially mediated the
      relation between parent protectiveness and disability. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of
      parenting behaviors in response to FAP on child disability is determined, in
      part, by the child's coping style. Findings highlight a more nuanced
      understanding of the parent-child interaction in determining pain-related
      disability levels, which should be taken into consideration in assessing and
      treating youth with FAP.

PMID- 25121524
TI  - Projection operator method for biperiodic diffraction gratings with
      anisotropic/bianisotropic generalizations.
AB  - The "projection operator" method is a variation of the normal-vector method for
      simulating optical diffraction from biperiodic gratings. A projection operator
      defined by the normal vector is interpolated over the grating volume rather than
      interpolating the vector itself. This approach circumvents difficulties
      associated with sign reversals and discontinuities encountered with the normal
      vector method, and it facilitates implementation for general grating geometries.
      The method is readily extensible to anisotropic and bianisotropic materials.
      Several numerical examples of the new method are presented, including comparisons
      to previously published test cases. 

PMID- 25121525
TI  - Intrinsic optical torque of cylindrical vector beams on Rayleigh absorptive
      spherical particles.
AB  - The intrinsic optical torque of a focused cylindrical vector beam on a Rayleigh
      absorptive spherical particle is calculated via the corrected dipole
      approximation. Numerical results show that, for the radially polarized input
      field, the torque is distributed in the focal plane strictly along the azimuthal
      direction anywhere except at the focus. This shows a completely different
      property from what is observed in the focusing of a circularly polarized beam,
      where a strong axial torque component arises. For other cylindrically polarized
      input fields, the torque tends to align itself along the radial direction, as the
      polarization angle (the angle between the electric vector and the radial
      direction) changes from 0 degrees  to 90 degrees . When limited to considering
      the torque at the equilibrium position, we find that only for those input fields
      with polarization angles larger than 50 degrees , the particle experiences a
      nonzero torque at its equilibrium position. This is verified by showing
      quantitatively the effects of the polarization angle on the magnitude and
      orientation of the torque at the equilibrium position. 

PMID- 25121526
TI  - Realization of hybrid compressive imaging strategies.
AB  - The tendency of natural scenes to cluster around low frequencies is not only
      useful in image compression, it also can prove advantageous in novel infrared and
      hyperspectral image acquisition. In this paper, we exploit this signal model with
      two approaches to enhance the quality of compressive imaging as implemented in a
      single-pixel compressive camera and compare these results against purely random
      acquisition. We combine projection patterns that can efficiently extract the
      model-based information with subsequent random projections to form the hybrid
      pattern sets. With the first approach, we generate low-frequency patterns via a
      direct transform. As an alternative, we also used principal component analysis of
      an image library to identify the low-frequency components. We present the first
      (to the best of our knowledge) experimental validation of this hybrid signal
      model on real data. For both methods, we acquire comparable quality of
      reconstructions while acquiring only half the number of measurements needed by
      traditional random sequences. The optimal combination of hybrid patterns and the
      effects of noise on image reconstruction are also discussed. 

PMID- 25121527
TI  - Real-time and accurate rail wear measurement method and experimental analysis.
AB  - When a train is running on uneven or curved rails, it generates violent
      vibrations on the rails. As a result, the light plane of the single-line
      structured light vision sensor is not vertical, causing errors in rail wear
      measurements (referred to as vibration errors in this paper). To avoid vibration
      errors, a novel rail wear measurement method is introduced in this paper, which
      involves three main steps. First, a multi-line structured light vision sensor
      (which has at least two linear laser projectors) projects a stripe-shaped light
      onto the inside of the rail. Second, the central points of the light stripes in
      the image are extracted quickly, and the three-dimensional profile of the rail is
      obtained based on the mathematical model of the structured light vision sensor.
      Then, the obtained rail profile is transformed from the measurement coordinate
      frame (MCF) to the standard rail coordinate frame (RCF) by taking the three
      dimensional profile of the measured rail waist as the datum. Finally, rail wear
      constraint points are adopted to simplify the location of the rail wear points,
      and the profile composed of the rail wear points are compared with the standard
      rail profile in RCF to determine the rail wear. Both real data experiments and
      simulation experiments show that the vibration errors can be eliminated when the
      proposed method is used. 

PMID- 25121528
TI  - Diffraction by nanocrystals II.
AB  - Nanocrystals with more than one molecule in the unit cell will generally
      crystallize with incomplete unit cells on the crystal surface. Previous results
      show that the ensemble-averaged diffraction by such crystals consists of a usual
      Bragg component and two other Bragg-like components due to the incomplete unit
      cells. Using an intrinsic flexibility in the definition of the incomplete-unit
      cell part of a crystal, the problem is formulated such that the magnitude of the
      Bragg-like components is minimized, which leads to a simpler and more useful
      interpretation of the diffraction. Simulations show the nature of the relative
      magnitudes of the diffraction components in different regions of reciprocal space
      and the effect of crystal faceting. 

PMID- 25121529
TI  - High-order integral equation methods for problems of scattering by bumps and
      cavities on half-planes.
AB  - This paper presents high-order integral equation methods for the evaluation of
      electromagnetic wave scattering by dielectric bumps and dielectric cavities on
      perfectly conducting or dielectric half-planes. In detail, the algorithms
      introduced in this paper apply to eight classical scattering problems, namely,
      scattering by a dielectric bump on a perfectly conducting or a dielectric half
      plane, and scattering by a filled, overfilled, or void dielectric cavity on a
      perfectly conducting or a dielectric half-plane. In all cases field
      representations based on single-layer potentials for appropriately chosen Green
      functions are used. The numerical far fields and near fields exhibit excellent
      convergence as discretizations are refined-even at and around points where
      singular fields and infinite currents exist. 

PMID- 25121530
TI  - Holographic particle sizing and locating by using Hilbert-Huang transform.
AB  - By using the Hilbert-Huang transform, a novel method is proposed to perform the
      task of particle sizing and axial locating directly from in-line digital
      holograms rather than reconstructing the optical field. The intensity
      distribution of the particle hologram is decomposed into intrinsic mode functions
      (IMFs) by the empirical mode decomposition. From the Hilbert spectrum of these
      IMFs, the axial location of the particle can be calculated by fitting the
      spectrum to a straight line, and the particle size can be derived from the
      singularities of the spectrum. Our method does not need to predefine any basis
      function; thus the whole process is fast and efficient. The validity and accuracy
      of the method are demonstrated by the numerical simulations and experiments. It
      is expected that this method can be used in on-line particle sizing and 3D
      tracking. 

PMID- 25121531
TI  - Coherence filtering and revivals in x-ray waveguides: a communication-modes
      approach.
AB  - Waveguides for short-wavelength x-rays have been successfully employed for
      microbeam and nanobeam production and microscopy experiments. The coherence of
      hard x-ray sources is generally poor, and therefore the spatial coherence
      filtering characteristics of waveguides have been attractive for high-resolution
      microscopy experiments. To quantify the spatial coherence filtering properties of
      a waveguide, we here report a theoretical study of the propagation of a partially
      coherent beam in a waveguide in the paraxial approximation. By propagating the
      cross-spectral density function associated with the partially coherent field, we
      quantify in detail the evolution of the spatial coherence as the beam proceeds
      along the waveguide. The propagation is efficiently accomplished using the
      communication-modes formalism. The generality of the approach makes it suitable
      to study more complex phenomena such as the second-order Talbot self-imaging
      effect and coherence revivals in waveguides. Numerical results are shown for
      waveguides illuminated by partially coherent hard x-rays. 

PMID- 25121532
TI  - Accelerating propagation properties of misplaced Hermite-Gaussian beams.
AB  - A new family of finite-energy accelerating beams was constructed through
      misplacing the Hermite polynomial and Gaussian window function. The closed-form
      solution of k-space spectra and paraxial propagation of these beams are derived
      from the Fourier transform and the scalar angle spectra integral. These beams
      have similar propagation properties to finite Airy beams and parabolic beams, but
      the accelerating trajectory is hyperbola rather than parabola. The beam family
      can be experimentally generated by exponentially truncating the high-order
      Hermite-Gaussian beams in the spatial domain. 

PMID- 25121533
TI  - Optical phase under deep turbulence conditions.
AB  - The Markov approximation for waves in random media specifies that, under strong
      scintillation conditions, the optical field of unbounded waves has a normal
      probability distribution with zero mean. Using the coherence function provided by
      the Markov approximation, we calculate statistics of the phase of the optical
      field that accounts for the presence of multiple phase dislocations. We also
      develop and test a Monte Carlo model that generates the phase samples obeying
      these statistics. In contrast to numerous phase models described in the
      literature, this model generates discontinuous phase samples that contain optical
      vortices. 

PMID- 25121534
TI  - Scaling perceived saturation.
AB  - Two psychophysical experiments were conducted at North Carolina State University
      (NCSU) and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to obtain replicated perceived
      saturation data from color normal observers on the order of one unit of
      saturation. The same 37 Munsell sample sheets, including up to four references
      that had similar perceived saturation but different hue, were used in both
      experiments. Different assessment methods included presenting either four
      references simultaneously or only one reference at a time to observers and
      obtaining judged saturation magnitudes for the given Munsell samples. Four
      saturation models comprising Sab*, Suv*, CIECAM02, as well as Richter/Lubbe, were
      tested. CIECAM02 gave the best prediction of saturation for data obtained at NCSU
      while Sab* outperformed other models for the RIT data. For the combined dataset,
      Sab*, the Richter/Lubbe, and CIECAM02-based saturation models exhibited
      comparable performances. The Standardized Residual Sum of Squares index was used
      to measure the inter- and intra-observer variability and goodness of fit. Inter-
      and intra-observer variability of assessments was smaller than or comparable to
      those reported for the typical color difference evaluation experiments. 

PMID- 25121535
TI  - Light scattering by three-dimensional objects with semi-hard boundaries.
AB  - We introduce analytical models for scattering potentials of particles that have
      ellipsoid-, cylinder-, and parallelepiped-like shapes and adjustable edge
      sharpness with the help of the three-dimensional versions of the multi-Gaussian
      functions. The far fields produced upon scattering from such potentials are
      examined in detail and are shown to qualitatively and quantitatively depend on
      the scatterer's symmetry type as well as its orientation and edge sharpness. 

PMID- 25121536
TI  - Backscatter analysis based algorithms for increasing transmission through highly
      scattering random media using phase-only-modulated wavefronts.
AB  - Recent theoretical and experimental advances have shed light on the existence of
      so-called "perfectly transmitting" wavefronts with transmission coefficients
      close to 1 in strongly backscattering random media. These perfectly transmitting
      eigen-wavefronts can be synthesized by spatial amplitude and phase modulation.
      Here, we consider the problem of transmission enhancement using phase-only
      modulated wavefronts. Motivated by biomedical applications, in which it is not
      possible to measure the transmitted fields, we develop physically realizable
      iterative and non-iterative algorithms for increasing the transmission through
      such random media using backscatter analysis. We theoretically show that, despite
      the phase-only modulation constraint, the non-iterative algorithms will achieve
      at least about 25pi%~78.5% transmission with very high probability, assuming that
      there is at least one perfectly transmitting eigen-wavefront and that the
      singular vectors of the transmission matrix obey the maximum entropy principle
      such that they are isotropically random. We numerically analyze the limits of
      phase-only-modulated transmission in 2D with fully spectrally accurate simulators
      and provide rigorous numerical evidence confirming our theoretical prediction in
      random media, with periodic boundary conditions, that is composed of hundreds of
      thousands of non-absorbing scatterers. We show via numerical simulations that the
      iterative algorithms we have developed converge rapidly, yielding highly
      transmitting wavefronts while using relatively few measurements of the
      backscatter field. Specifically, the best performing iterative algorithm yields
      ~70% transmission using just 15-20 measurements in the regime, where the non
      iterative algorithms yield ~78.5% transmission, but require measuring the entire
      modal reflection matrix. Our theoretical analysis and rigorous numerical results
      validate our prediction that phase-only modulation with a given number of spatial
      modes will yield higher transmission than amplitude and phase modulation with
      half as many modes. 

PMID- 25121538
TI  - Electromagnetic energy within coated cylinders at oblique incidence and
      applications to graphene coatings.
AB  - We address electromagnetic (EM) wave scattering by an infinite coated cylinder at
      an arbitrary incidence angle. The time-averaged EM energy stored inside the core
      shell cylinder is analytically calculated for TM- and TE-polarized incident plane
      waves. An analytical expression relating the internal energy to the absorption
      cross section is derived. As an application, the EM energy inside dielectric
      cylinders coated with isotropic graphene layers epitaxially grown on silicon
      carbide (SiC) is studied. We find that off-resonance field enhancement occurs in
      graphene SiC microshells for TM-polarized terahertz waves, a phenomenon that can
      be explained in terms of Fano resonances. 

PMID- 25121537
TI  - Wavefront reconstruction in phase-shifting interferometry via sparse coding of
      amplitude and absolute phase.
AB  - Phase-shifting interferometry is a coherent optical method that combines high
      accuracy with high measurement speeds. This technique is therefore desirable in
      many applications such as the efficient industrial quality inspection process.
      However, despite its advantageous properties, the inference of the object
      amplitude and the phase, herein termed wavefront reconstruction, is not a trivial
      task owing to the Poissonian noise associated with the measurement process and to
      the 2pi phase periodicity of the observation mechanism. In this paper, we
      formulate the wavefront reconstruction as an inverse problem, where the amplitude
      and the absolute phase are assumed to admit sparse linear representations in
      suitable sparsifying transforms (dictionaries). Sparse modeling is a form of
      regularization of inverse problems which, in the case of the absolute phase, is
      not available to the conventional wavefront reconstruction techniques, as only
      interferometric phase modulo-2pi is considered therein. The developed sparse
      modeling of the absolute phase solves two different problems: accuracy of the
      interferometric (wrapped) phase reconstruction and simultaneous phase unwrapping.
      Based on this rationale, we introduce the sparse phase and amplitude
      reconstruction (SPAR) algorithm. SPAR takes into full consideration the
      Poissonian (photon counting) measurements and uses the data-adaptive block
      matching 3D (BM3D) frames as a sparse representation for the amplitude and for
      the absolute phase. SPAR effectiveness is documented by comparing its performance
      with that of competitors in a series of experiments. 

PMID- 25121539
TI  - Fast high-order perturbation of surfaces methods for simulation of multilayer
      plasmonic devices and metamaterials.
AB  - The scattering of time-harmonic linear waves by periodic media arises in a wide
      array of applications from materials science and nondestructive testing to remote
      sensing and oceanography. In this work we have in mind applications in optics,
      more specifically plasmonics, and the surface plasmon polaritons that are at the
      heart of remarkable phenomena such as extraordinary optical transmission, surface
      enhanced Raman scattering, and surface plasmon resonance biosensing. In this
      paper we develop robust, highly accurate, and extremely rapid numerical solvers
      for approximating solutions to grating scattering problems in the frequency
      regime where these are commonly used. For piecewise-constant dielectric
      constants, which are commonplace in these applications, surface formulations are
      clearly advantaged as they posit unknowns supported solely at the material
      interfaces. The algorithms we develop here are high-order perturbation of
      surfaces methods and generalize previous approaches to take advantage of the fact
      that these algorithms can be significantly accelerated when some or all of the
      interfaces are trivial (flat). More specifically, for configurations with one
      nontrivial interface (and one trivial interface) we describe an algorithm that
      has the same computational complexity as a two-layer solver. With numerical
      simulations and comparisons with experimental data, we demonstrate the speed,
      accuracy, and applicability of our new algorithms. 

PMID- 25121540
TI  - Numerical solution of nonparaxial scalar diffraction integrals for focused
      fields.
AB  - In this paper, we present sampling conditions for fast-Fourier-transform-based
      field propagations. The input field and the propagation kernel are analyzed in a
      combined manner to derive sampling criteria that guarantee accurate calculation
      results in the output plane. These sampling criteria are also applicable to the
      propagation of general fields. For focal field calculations, geometrical optics
      is used to obtain a priori knowledge about the input and output fields. This a
      priori knowledge is used to determine an optimum balance between computational
      load and calculation accuracy. In a numerical example, correct results are
      obtained even though both the input field and the propagation kernel are sampled
      below the Nyquist rate. Finally, we show how chirp z-transform-based zoom
      algorithms may be analyzed using the same techniques. 

PMID- 25121541
TI  - Large aperture adaptive doublet polymer lens for imaging applications.
AB  - We report a full design process-finite element modeling, fabrication, and
      characterization-of adaptive doublet polymer lenses. A first-order model was
      developed and used to design fluidic doublets, analogous to their glass
      counterparts. Two constant-volume fluidic chambers were enclosed by three
      flexible membranes, resulting in a variable focal length doublet with a clear
      aperture of 19.0 mm. Chromatic focal shift was then used to compare numerical
      modeling to experimentally measured results over a positive focal length range of
      55-200 mm (f/2.89 to f/10.5). 

PMID- 25121542
TI  - Compensation of modeling errors due to unknown domain boundary in diffuse optical
      tomography.
AB  - Diffuse optical tomography is a highly unstable problem with respect to modeling
      and measurement errors. During clinical measurements, the body shape is not
      always known, and an approximate model domain has to be employed. The use of an
      incorrect model domain can, however, lead to significant artifacts in the
      reconstructed images. Recently, the Bayesian approximation error theory has been
      proposed to handle model-based errors. In this work, the feasibility of the
      Bayesian approximation error approach to compensate for modeling errors due to
      unknown body shape is investigated. The approach is tested with simulations. The
      results show that the Bayesian approximation error method can be used to reduce
      artifacts in reconstructed images due to unknown domain shape. 

PMID- 25121543
TI  - Plasmonic corrugated cylinder-cone terahertz probe.
AB  - The spoof surface plasmon polariton (SPP) effect on the electromagnetic field
      distribution near the tip of a periodically corrugated metal cylinder-cone probe
      working at the terahertz regime was studied. We found that radially polarized
      terahertz radiation could be coupled effectively through a spoof SPP into a
      surface wave and propagated along the corrugated surface, resulting in more than
      20* electric field enhancement near the tip of probe. Multiple resonances caused
      by the antenna effect were discussed in detail by finite element computation and
      theoretical analysis of dispersion relation for spoof SPP modes. Moreover, the
      key figures of merit such as the resonance frequency of the SPP can be flexibly
      tuned by modifying the geometry of the probe structure, making it attractive for
      application in an apertureless background-free terahertz near-field microscope. 

PMID- 25121544
TI  - Isochromatic lines as extension of Helmholtz reciprocity principle for effect
      paints.
AB  - Flake-based parameters were recently introduced as a physical concept to predict
      a series of measurement geometries producing similar reflection data for effect
      paints. We derive expressions to calculate these so-called isochromatic lines,
      connecting the two Helmholtz-reciprocal in-plane geometries with a series of out
      of-plane geometries. Thus isochromatic lines can be regarded as an extension of
      the Helmholtz reciprocity principle, which is valid for effect paints. We
      experimentally studied seven effect paint samples with large angular color
      variation along the length of four isochromatic lines. A change in illumination
      angles by up to 75 degrees  while following isochromatic lines led to a standard
      deviation in color parameters of less than two units. When isochromatic lines
      were not followed, these colorimetric parameters varied by more than 10 units
      already by change in detection angle of 10 degrees . Therefore the concept of
      isochromatic lines works well for effect paints. 

PMID- 25121545
TI  - Introducing the concept of anisotropy at different scales for modeling optical
      turbulence.
AB  - In this paper, the concept of anisotropy at different atmospheric turbulence
      scales is introduced. A power spectrum and its associated structure function with
      inner and outer scale effects and anisotropy are also shown. The power spectrum
      includes an effective anisotropic parameter zeta(eff) to describe anisotropy,
      which is useful for modeling optical turbulence when a non-Kolmogorov power law
      and anisotropy along the direction of propagation are present.

PMID- 25121546
TI  - DLAB: a class of daylight-based uniform color space.
AB  - CIELAB is based on the CIE 1931 color matching functions. If we are given a new
      set of color matching functions, how do we define a CIELAB-like uniform color
      space for the new functions? This problem arises because the CIE recommended its
      physiological cone fundamentals in 2006 and is considering a new set of color
      matching functions based on them. In fact, the same problem exists for many
      practical applications in digital imaging. Typical solutions involve using
      illuminant-dependent color correction matrices to transform the device-dependent
      color space into the CIE XYZ color space. This conversion process suffers
      information loss unless the two sets of color matching functions are linear
      combinations of each other. In this paper, we propose a design process that
      allows us to develop a CIELAB-like color space using the native sensor
      fundamentals. The basic idea is to choose the daylight locus as the yellow-blue
      opponent color process. We call this class of color space DLAB. We describe the
      design procedures and compare the resulting Munsell color uniformity under CIELAB
      (L*, a*, b*) and DLAB (L(+) ,a(+), b(+)).

PMID- 25121547
TI  - Fast reconstruction of fluorescence molecular tomography via a permissible region
      extraction strategy.
AB  - In order to obtain precise reconstruction results in fluorescence molecular
      tomography (FMT), large-scale matrix equations would be solved in the inverse
      problem generally. Thus, much time and memory needs to be consumed. In this
      paper, a permissible region extraction strategy is proposed to solve this
      problem. First, a preliminary result is rapidly reconstructed using the weight
      matrix compressed by principal component analysis or uniform sampling. And then
      the reconstructed target area in this preliminary result is considered as the a
      priori permissible region to guide the final reconstruction. Phantom experiments
      with double fluorescent targets are performed to test the performance of the
      strategy. The results illustrate that the proposed strategy can significantly
      accelerate the image reconstruction in FMT almost without quality degradation. 

PMID- 25121548
TI  - Asymmetric information hiding and noise-free recovery based on rotating analyzer
      ellipsometry and quick-response code.
AB  - We report an asymmetric optical information hiding method based on a rotating
      analyzer ellipsometry technique. This asymmetric hiding architecture not only
      avoids the interception of keys during transmission or distribution but also
      makes the cyphertext more inconspicuous for attackers. A new kind of one-way
      optical trapdoor function is constructed based on the fact that the state of
      polarization (SOP) of elliptical polarized light cannot be recovered with only
      the knowledge of intensity captured after passing through a linear polarizer.
      Meanwhile, the SOP of a polarization ellipse could be calculated by rotating the
      polarizer to record two scenes of intensity after it. Introduction of a quick
      response code as a container leads to noise-free recovery for original
      information and enhances practicality of the proposed cryptosystem with versatile
      key sensitivity and fault tolerance capability. Numerical simulation results that
      support theoretical analysis are presented. Analysis on the relationship between
      hiding effect or quality of decryption and parameters of the algorithm also is
      provided. 

PMID- 25121551
TI  - Diagnostic and prognostic TERT promoter mutations in thyroid fine-needle
      aspiration biopsy.
AB  - Two promoter mutations, chr5:1 295 228C>T and chr5:1 295 250C>T, in the gene for
      telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) have been recently identified in thyroid
      cancers and shown to be important in thyroid tumor pathogenesis. The diagnostic
      and prognostic potentials of testing for these mutations on thyroid fine-needle
      aspiration biopsy (FNAB) have not been investigated. Herein, we examined the two
      TERT promoter mutations along with the BRAF V600E mutation by direct DNA
      sequencing on 308 FNAB specimens preoperatively obtained from thyroid nodules
      with postoperatively confirmed pathological diagnoses. We found TERT promoter
      mutations in 0.0% (0/179) of benign thyroid nodules and 7.0% (9/129) of thyroid
      nodules of differentiated thyroid cancer, representing a 100% diagnostic
      specificity and 7.0% sensitivity, with the latter rising to 38.0% (49/129) when
      combined with BRAF V600E testing. Several TERT-promoter-mutation-positive thyroid
      nodules were cytologically indeterminate on FNAB. Approximately 80% of the TERT
      promoter mutation-positive thyroid nodules were thyroid cancers with aggressive
      clinicopathological behaviors, such as extrathyroidal invasion, lymph node
      metastases, distant metastases, disease recurrence or patient death. Thus, a
      positive TERT promoter mutation test not only definitively diagnoses a thyroid
      nodule as cancerous but also preoperatively identifies a cancer with aggressive
      potential. This is the first study, to our knowledge, of TERT promoter mutations
      on thyroid FNAB, demonstrating the value of this novel molecular testing in the
      diagnosis of thyroid nodules and preoperative risk stratification of thyroid
      cancer. Thus, testing of TERT promoter mutations on FNAB will enhance and improve
      the current molecular-based approaches to the management of thyroid nodules and
      thyroid cancer.

PMID- 25121550
TI  - Metagenomic identification of novel enteric viruses in urban wild rats and genome
      characterization of a group A rotavirus.
AB  - Rats are known as reservoirs and vectors for several zoonotic pathogens. However,
      information on the viruses shed by urban wild rats that could pose a zoonotic
      risk to human health is scare. Here, intestinal contents from 20 wild Norway rats
      (Rattus norvegicus) collected in the city of Berlin, Germany, were subjected to
      metagenomic analysis of viral nucleic acids. The determined faecal viromes of
      rats consisted of a variety of known and unknown viruses, and were highly
      variable among the individuals. Members of the families Parvoviridae and
      Picobirnaviridae represented the most abundant species. Novel picornaviruses,
      bocaviruses, sapoviruses and stool-associated circular ssDNA viruses were
      identified, which showed only low sequence identity to known representatives of
      the corresponding taxa. In addition, noroviruses and rotaviruses were detected as
      potential zoonotic gastroenteritis viruses. However, partial-genome sequence
      analyses indicated that the norovirus was closely related to the recently
      identified rat norovirus and the rotavirus B was closely related to the rat
      rotavirus strain IDIR; both viruses clustered separately from respective human
      virus strains in phylogenetic trees. In contrast, the rotavirus A sequences
      showed high identity to human and animal strains. Analysis of the nearly complete
      genome of this virus revealed the known genotypes G3, P[3] and N2 for three of
      the genome segments, whereas the remaining eight genome segments represented the
      novel genotypes I20-R11-C11-M10-A22-T14-E18-H13. Our results indicated a high
      heterogeneity of enteric viruses present in urban wild rats; their ability to be
      transmitted to humans remains to be assessed in the future. 

PMID- 25121549
TI  - Novel porcine-like human G26P[19] rotavirus identified in hospitalized paediatric
      diarrhoea patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
AB  - During a hospital-based diarrhoeal disease study conducted in Ho Chi Minh City,
      Vietnam from 2009 to 2010, we identified four symptomatic children infected with
      G26P[19] rotavirus (RV)--an atypical variant that has not previously been
      reported in human gastroenteritis. To determine the genetic structure and
      investigate the origin of this G26P[19] strain, the whole genome of a
      representative example was characterized, revealing a novel genome constellation:
      G26-P[19]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1. The genome segments were most closely
      related to porcine (VP7, VP4, VP6 and NSP1) and Wa-like porcine RVs (VP1-3 and
      NSP2-5). We proposed that this G26P[19] strain was the product of zoonotic
      transmission coupled with one or more reassortment events occurring in human
      and/or animal reservoirs. The identification of such strains has potential
      implications for vaccine efficacy in south-east Asia, and outlines the utility of
      whole-genome sequencing for studying RV diversity and zoonotic potential during
      disease surveillance.

PMID- 25121553
TI  - Two human challenge studies confirm high infectivity of Norwalk virus.

PMID- 25121554
TI  - Yeast as a potential vehicle for neglected tropical disease drug discovery.
AB  - High-throughput screening (HTS) efforts for neglected tropical disease (NTD) drug
      discovery have recently received increased attention because several initiatives
      have begun to attempt to reduce the deficit in new and clinically acceptable
      therapies for this spectrum of infectious diseases. HTS primarily uses two basic
      approaches, cell-based and in vitro target-directed screening. Both of these
      approaches have problems; for example, cell-based screening does not reveal the
      target or targets that are hit, whereas in vitro methodologies lack a cellular
      context. Furthermore, both can be technically challenging, expensive, and
      difficult to miniaturize for ultra-HTS [(u)HTS]. The application of yeast-based
      systems may overcome some of these problems and offer a cost-effective platform
      for target-directed screening within a eukaryotic cell context. Here, we review
      the advantages and limitations of the technologies that may be used in yeast cell
      based, target-directed screening protocols, and we discuss how these are
      beginning to be used in NTD drug discovery. 

PMID- 25121552
TI  - Enalapril and ASS inhibit tumor growth in a transgenic mouse model of islet cell
      tumors.
AB  - Accumulating evidence suggests a role for angiotensin-converting enzymes
      involving the angiotensin II-receptor 1 (AT1-R) and the cyclooxygenase pathway in
      carcinogenesis. The effects of ASS and enalapril were assessed in vitro and in a
      transgenic mouse model of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs). The
      effects of enalapril and ASS on proliferation and expression of the AGTR1A and
      its target gene vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegfa) were assessed in the
      neuroendocrine cell line BON1. Rip1-Tag2 mice were treated daily with either 0.6
      mg/kg bodyweight of enalapril i.p., 20 mg/kg bodyweight of ASS i.p., or a vehicle
      in a prevention (weeks 5-12) and a survival group (week 5 till death). Tumor
      surface, weight of pancreatic glands, immunostaining for AT1-R and nuclear factor
      kappa beta (NFKB), and mice survival were analyzed. In addition, sections from
      human specimens of 20 insulinomas, ten gastrinomas, and 12 non-functional pNENs
      were evaluated for AT1-R and NFKB (NFKB1) expression and grouped according to the
      current WHO classification. Proliferation was significantly inhibited by
      enalapril and ASS in BON1 cells, with the combination being the most effective.
      Treatment with enalapril and ASS led to significant downregulation of known
      target genes Vegf and Rela at RNA level. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited
      by enalapril and ASS in the prevention group displayed by a reduction of tumor
      size (84%/67%) and number (30%/45%). Furthermore, daily treatment with enalapril
      and ASS prolonged the overall median survival compared with vehicle-treated Rip1
      Tag2 (107 days) mice by 9 and 17 days (P=0.016 and P=0.013). The AT1-R and the
      inflammatory transcription factor NFKB were abolished completely upon enalapril
      and ASS treatment. AT1-R and NFKB expressions were observed in 80% of human
      pNENs. Enalapril and ASS may provide an approach for chemoprevention and
      treatment of pNENs.

PMID- 25121555
TI  - Discovery of new uncompetitive inhibitors of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
AB  - The enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) catalyzes the first step of
      the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway, which provides cells with
      NADPH, an essential cofactor for many biosynthetic pathways and antioxidizing
      enzymes. In Trypanosoma cruzi, the G6PDH has being pursued as a relevant target
      for the development of new drugs against Chagas disease. At present, the best
      characterized inhibitors of T. cruzi G6PDH are steroidal halogenated compounds
      derivatives from the mammalian hormone precursor dehydroepiandrosterone, which
      indeed are also good inhibitors of the human homologue enzyme. The lack of target
      selectivity might result in hemolytic side effects due to partial inhibition of
      human G6PDH in red blood cells. Moreover, the treatment of Chagas patients with
      steroidal drugs might also cause undesired androgenic side effects. Aiming to
      identify of new chemical classes of T. cruzi G6PDH inhibitors, we performed a
      target-based high-throughput screen campaign against a commercial library of
      diverse compounds. Novel TcG6PDH inhibitors were identified among
      thienopyrimidine and quinazolinone derivatives. Preliminary structure activity
      relationships for the identified hits are presented, including structural
      features that contribute for selectivity toward the parasite enzyme. Our results
      indicate that quinazolinones are promising hits that should be considered for
      further optimization. 

PMID- 25121556
TI  - A CXCR1 haplotype hampers HIV-1 matrix protein p17 biological activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Monocyte inflammatory processes are fundamental events in AIDS
      pathogenesis. HIV-1 matrix protein p17, released from infected cells, was found
      to exert an interleukin (IL)-8 chemokine-like activity on human monocytes,
      promoting their trafficking and sustaining inflammatory processes, after binding
      to CXCR1. A haplotype of the CXCR1 gene (CXCR1_300_142) has been associated with
      slow HIV disease progression. Here, we determine how CXCR1 genetic variations
      impact on p17 biological activity. DESIGN/METHODS/RESULTS: Our results show that
      Jurkat cells overexpressing CXCR1 or the receptor carrying single polymorphism
      CXCR1_300 or CXCR1_142 are able to adhere and migrate in response to both IL-8
      and p17. On the contrary, Jurkat cells overexpressing CXCR1_300_142 and monocytes
      of individuals with such CXCR1 polymorphisms lose the capacity to adhere and
      migrate in response to p17, but not to their physiological ligand IL-8. Surface
      plasmon resonance (SPR) and multispectral imaging flow cytometry showed that p17
      bound with similar affinity to CXCR1 and CXCR1_300_142. Moreover, whereas p17 was
      able to activate CXCR1, it was incapable of functionally interacting with
      CXCR1_300_142 by phosphorylating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, which
      regulates chemokine-induced cellular responses. Finally, mutagenesis studies
      showed that, unlike IL-8, p17 does not use Glu-Leu-Arg-like motifs to activate
      CXCR1. CONCLUSIONS: Our results, showing the inability of p17 to activate
      CXCR1_300_142, a receptor found to be expressed on immune cells of patients with
      a low progression of HIV disease, point to a crucial role of p17 in AIDS
      pathogenesis. Our findings herein call for an exploration of the therapeutic
      potential of blocking the p17/CXCR1 axis in HIV infection.

PMID- 25121558
TI  - Erratum to: Effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial.

PMID- 25121557
TI  - Hydrogen preconditioning during ex vivo lung perfusion improves the quality of
      lung grafts in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the benefits of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) have been
      globally advocated, the potentially deleterious effects of applying EVLP, in
      particular activation of proinflammatory cascades and alteration of metabolic
      profiles, are rarely discussed. This study examined proinflammatory events and
      metabolic profiles in lung grafts on EVLP and tested whether preconditioning lung
      grafts with inhaled hydrogen, a potent, cytoprotective gaseous signaling
      molecule, would alter the lungs' response to EVLP. METHODS: Rat heart-lung blocks
      were mounted on an acellular normothermic EVLP system for 4 hr and ventilated
      with air or air supplemented with 2% hydrogen. Arterial and airway pressures were
      monitored continuously; perfusate was sampled hourly to examine oxygenation.
      After EVLP, the lung grafts were transplanted orthotopically into syngeneic rats,
      and lung function was examined. RESULTS: Placing lung grafts on EVLP resulted in
      significant upregulation of the messenger RNAs for several proinflammatory
      cytokines, higher glucose consumption, and increased lactate production. Hydrogen
      administration attenuated proinflammatory changes during EVLP through
      upregulation of the heme oxygenase-1. Hydrogen administration also promoted
      mitochondrial biogenesis and significantly decreased lactate production.
      Additionally, in the hydrogen-treated lungs, the expression of hypoxia-inducible
      factor-1 was significantly attenuated during EVLP. These effects were maintained
      throughout EVLP and led to better posttransplant lung graft function in the
      recipients of hydrogen-treated lungs. CONCLUSIONS: Lung grafts on EVLP exhibited
      prominent proinflammatory changes and compromised metabolic profiles.
      Preconditioning lung grafts using inhaled hydrogen attenuated these
      proinflammatory changes, promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in the lungs
      throughout the procedure, and resulted in better posttransplant graft function.

PMID- 25121559
TI  - Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome: Report of five cases and a review of literature.
AB  - Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome is a rare angioproliferative disorder characterised by
      acroangiodermatitis associated with an underlying arteriovenous shunt. This
      condition should be differentiated from acroangiodermatitis of Mali classically
      described in association with chronic venous insufficiency. Patients with Stewart
      Bluefarb syndrome typically present with lower leg pigmented macules, papules and
      plaques that can coalesce to form larger confluent patches of pigmentation.
      Recognition of Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome may be difficult or delayed as the
      cutaneous manifestations may resemble a variety of other dermatological
      conditions. Most commonly, acroangiodermatitis may be confused with Kaposi's
      sarcoma and the condition is often referred to as 'Pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma'.
      Acroangiodermatitis may also resemble or coexist with pigmentation of chronic
      venous insufficiency. As seen in this report, acroangiodermatitis may also be
      clinically confused with the 'cavernous' form of a capillary malformation. Here,
      we describe five patients with Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome. In one female and two
      male patients the diagnosis was delayed as the acroangiodermatitis closely
      resembled other conditions. All underlying arterio-venous communications were
      initially diagnosed on duplex ultrasound and confirmed with magnetic resonance
      angiography. Four patients were found to have a congenital arterio-venous
      malformation while one was diagnosed with a post-thrombotic arterio-venous
      fistula. Management included observation and intervention using a variety of
      techniques including percutaneous or trans-catheter embolisation, endovenous
      laser, radiofrequency ablation and foam ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. This
      case series highlights the challenges involved in the diagnosis and management of
      Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome. Given the local and systemic sequelae of high flow
      shunts, correct diagnosis and early detection of the underlying arterio-venous
      abnormality is crucial in the long-term management of these patients and in
      preventing the associated complications. 

PMID- 25121560
TI  - Regional differences in statistical geometry of endothelial dense granules in
      human extremity veins.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Leg and arm human veins are exposed to different gravitational
      stresses. We investigated if there is difference in the amount and geometry of
      secretory vesicles in their endothelium. METHODS: Superficial small vein segments
      were removed during vascular operations for electromicroscopic analysis.
      Vesicular area/total endothelial cross-sectional area was determined by computer
      based morphometry. Long and short axes of granule cross sections were measured by
      image analyzing software. RESULTS: Vesicular density in all samples was 2.26 +/-
      0.34%. There was no significant difference between the vesicular densities of
      upper extremity and leg. The shape of the vesicles was more frequently elongated
      in leg than in arm sections (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The density of the vesicles
      does not depend on vascular region or orthostatic load. Ellipticity of these
      granules is significantly different in areas exposed to different gravitational
      stresses. This might contribute to the differences of thrombotic and hemodynamic
      properties of leg and upper body veins.

PMID- 25121561
TI  - Urate oxidase for the prevention and treatment of tumour lysis syndrome in
      children with cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a serious complication of malignancies
      and can result in renal failure or death. Preliminary reports suggest that urate
      oxidase is effective in reducing serum uric acid, the build-up of which causes
      TLS. It is uncertain whether high-quality evidence exists to support its routine
      use in children with malignancies. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects and safety
      of urate oxidase for the prevention and treatment of TLS in children with
      malignancies. SEARCH METHODS: This is an update of the original review. We
      performed a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials (CENTRAL) (in The Cochrane Library issue 1, 2013), MEDLINE (1966 to
      February 2013), Embase (1980 to February 2013), and CINAHL (1982 to February
      2013). In addition, we searched the reference lists of all identified relevant
      papers. We also explored other internet sources (updated search on 26 February
      2013): the NHS' National Research Register, the US National Institutes of Health
      Ongoing Trials Register, the metaRegister of Controlled Trials, and ProQuest
      Dissertations & Theses Database. We also screened conference proceedings of the
      American Society of Clinical Oncology, the European Society for Medical Oncology,
      and the International Society of Paediatric Oncology meetings from 1993 to 2012.
      Finally, we contacted experts in the field and the manufacturer of rasburicase,
      Sanofi-aventis. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCT) and
      controlled clinical trials (CCT) of urate oxidase for the prevention or treatment
      of TLS in children under 18 years with any malignancy. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted trial data and assessed
      individual trial quality. We used risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data and mean
      difference (MD) for continuous data. MAIN RESULTS: We included seven trials,
      involving 471 participants in the treatment groups and 603 participants in the
      control groups. One RCT and five CCTs compared urate oxidase and allopurinol.
      Three trials tested Uricozyme, and three trials tested rasburicase for the
      prevention of TLS.The RCT showed no significant difference in mortality (both all
      cause mortality and mortality due to TLS), renal failure, and adverse effects
      between the treatment and the control groups. The frequency of normalisation of
      uric acid at four hours (Fisher's exact test P < 0.001) and area under curve of
      uric acid at four days (MD -201.00 mg/dLhr, 95% confidence interval (CI) -258.05
      mg/dLhr to -143.95 mg/dLhr; P < 0.00001) were significantly better in the
      treatment group. The trial did not evaluate the primary outcome (incidence of
      clinical TLS).Pooled results of three CCTs showed significantly lower mortality
      due to TLS in the treatment group (RR 0.05, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.89; P = 0.04); all
      cause mortality was not significantly different between the groups. Pooled
      results from five CCTs showed significantly lower incidence of renal failure in
      the treatment group (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.89; P = 0.03). Results of CCTs
      also showed significantly lower uric acid in the treatment group at two days
      (three CCTs), three days (two CCTs), four days (two CCTs), and seven days (one
      CCT) after therapy, but not one day (three CCTs), five days (one CCT), and 12
      days (one CCT) after therapy. Pooled results from three CCTs showed higher
      frequency of adverse effects in participants who received urate oxidase (RR 9.10,
      95% CI 1.29 to 64.00; P = 0.03). One CCT evaluated the primary outcome; no
      significant difference was identified.Another included RCT, with 30 participants,
      compared different doses of rasburicase (0.2 mg/kg versus 0.15 mg/kg), which
      demonstrated no significant difference in uric acid normalisation and uric acid
      level at four hours). Common adverse events of urate oxidase included
      hypersensitivity, haemolysis, and anaemia, but no significant difference between
      treatment groups was identified. No significant difference in mortality (all
      cause mortality and mortality due to TLS) and renal failure was identified. The
      primary outcome was not evaluated.All included trials were highly susceptible to
      biases. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Although urate oxidase might be effective in
      reducing serum uric acid, it is unclear whether it reduces clinical tumour lysis
      syndrome, renal failure, or mortality. Adverse effects might be more common for
      urate oxidase compared with allopurinol. Clinicians should weigh the potential
      benefits of reducing uric acid and uncertain benefits of preventing mortality or
      renal failure from TLS against the potential risk of adverse effects.

PMID- 25121562
TI  - Predictors of postpartum depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine sociodemographic factors, pregnancy-associated psychosocial
      stress and depression, health risk behaviors, prepregnancy medical and
      psychiatric illness, pregnancy-related illnesses, and birth outcomes as risk
      factors for post-partum depression (PPD). METHODS: A prospective cohort study
      screened women at 4 and 8 months of pregnancy and used hierarchical logistic
      regression analyses to examine predictors of PPD. The study sample include 1,423
      pregnant women at a university-based high risk obstetrics clinic. A score of >=10
      on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) indicated clinically significant
      depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Compared with women without significant postpartum
      depressive symptoms, women with PPD were significantly younger (p<0.0001), more
      likely to be unemployed (p=0.04), had more pregnancy associated depressive
      symptoms (p<0.0001) and psychosocial stress (p<0.0001), were more likely to be
      smokers (p<0.0001), were more likely to be taking antidepressants (ADs) during
      pregnancy (p=0.002), were less likely to drink any alcohol during pregnancy
      (p=0.02), and were more likely to have prepregnancy medical illnesses, including
      diabetes (p=0.02) and neurologic conditions (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Specific
      sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for PPD were identified that could
      help physicians target depression case finding for pregnant women.

PMID- 25121563
TI  - Azithromycin associated with a reduction in 90-day mortality among older
      pneumonia patients, although a true clinical benefit is uncertain.

PMID- 25121564
TI  - Peer review of human studies run amok: a break in the fiduciary relation between
      scientists and the public.
AB  - Peer review aims to ensure the quality and credibility of research reporting.
      Conducted by volunteer scientists who receive no guidance or direction, peer
      review widely varies from fast and facilitative, to unclear and obstructive. Poor
      quality is an issue because most science research is publicly funded, whereby
      scientists must make an effort to quickly disseminate their findings back to the
      public. An unfortunately not uncommon barrier in this process is ineffective peer
      review. Most scientists agree that when done well, editors and reviewers drive
      and maintain the high standards of science. At the same time, ineffective peer
      review can cause great delay with no introduced improvement in final product.
      These delays and requests interfere with the path of communication between
      scientist and public, at a great cost to editors, reviewers, authors and those
      who stand to benefit from application of the results of the studies. We offer a
      series of concrete recommendations to improve this process.

PMID- 25121565
TI  - Balancing competing risks: perinatal exposure to macrolides increases the risk of
      infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

PMID- 25121566
TI  - Computational models on quantitative prediction of bioactivity of HIV-1 integrase
      3' processing inhibitors.
AB  - In this study, four computational quantitative structure-activity relationship
      (QSAR) models were built to predict the bioactivity of 3' processing (3'P)
      inhibitors of HIV-1 integrase. Some 453 inhibitors whose bioactivity values were
      detected by the radiolabelling method were collected. The molecular structures
      were represented with MOE descriptors. In total, 21 descriptors were selected for
      modelling. All inhibitors were divided into a training set and a test set with
      two methods: (1) by a Kohonen's self-organizing map (SOM); (2) by a random
      selection. For every training set and test set, a multilinear regression (MLR)
      analysis and a support vector machine (SVM) were used to establish models,
      respectively. For the training/test set divided by SOM, the correlation
      coefficients (r) were over 0.84, and for the training/test set split randomly,
      the r values were over 0.86. Some molecular properties such as hydrogen bond
      donor capacity, atomic partial charge properties, molecular refractivity, the
      number of aromatic bonds and molecular surface area, volume and shape properties
      played important roles for inhibiting 3' processing step of HIV-1 integrase. 

PMID- 25121567
TI  - Effect of unawareness on rehabilitation outcome in a randomised controlled trial
      of multicomponent intervention for patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Unawareness of deficit has been shown to affect the outcome of targeted cognitive
      intervention programmes applied to patients with Alzheimer' disease (AD), but the
      effects on multimodal therapeutic approaches have not yet been explored. This
      research investigated the efficacy of the Multi-Intervention Programme (MIP)
      approach on improving cognitive, functional, affective, and behavioural symptoms
      in people with mild AD. In addition, we examined whether the presence of
      unawareness influences the MIP outcomes. Sixty-one mild stage AD patients were
      randomly assigned to either an experimental group which carried out an MIP
      individually (48 sessions, 16 weeks duration), combining diverse cognitive tasks,
      training in daily life and recreational activities, or a waiting list group which
      did not receive any treatment for the same time period. The efficacy of MIP (vs.
      waiting list) was tested using various standardised neuropsychological,
      functional, and behavioural outcome measures. Planned analyses were carried out
      to determine the effect of unawareness versus awareness on such outcomes. The
      results showed that patients overall benefited from the MIP in terms of both
      cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms. AD patients with awareness of deficits
      showed positive effects on all outcome measures in comparison with the waiting
      list group, while AD patients with unawareness showed improvements in non
      cognitive symptoms only. In conclusion, the presence of unawareness reduces the
      cognitive and functional effects of MIP in patients with mild AD. 

PMID- 25121568
TI  - A quantitative investigation of hemodynamic adaptation to pregnancy using uterine
      artery Doppler ultrasonography and finger photoplethysmography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Normal pregnancy is characterized by maternal hemodynamic adaptations
      of cardiovascular system and uterine artery. We aimed to investigate
      quantitatively the relationship between uterine artery Doppler (Ut AD)
      ultrasonography and finger photoplethysmography (PPG) in each of the three
      trimesters. METHODS: Eighty normal pregnancy subjects were recruited from the
      nulliparous women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancy presenting for a routine
      ultrasound scan and divided into three groups according to their trimester.
      Comparative analysis were conducted between Ut AD ultrasonography and finger PPG
      within and across trimesters, particularly with focus on the relationship between
      Uterine Artery Resistance Index (UtA RI) and photoplethysmographic reflection
      index (PPG RI) throughout pregnancy. Additional 10 preeclampsia patients in third
      trimester were enrolled for comparison. RESULTS: Both UtA RI and PPG RI were
      markedly decreased with gestation in normal pregnancy and generally consistent
      with each other in trend. The preeclampsia patients of third trimester were
      significantly higher in both indices, even more than normal pregnancy subjects of
      first trimester. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed clear
      relationship between UtA RI and PPG RI throughout pregnancy which could be
      exploited to enhance the potential ability in early recognition of
      pathophysiologic process in maternal adaptation and prediction of complicated
      pregnancy.

PMID- 25121569
TI  - Target temperature management for postcardiac arrest patients.

PMID- 25121571
TI  - Cortical thickness in ALS: towards a marker for upper motor neuron involvement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Examine whether cortical thinning is a disease-specific phenomenon
      across the spectrum of motor neuron diseases in relation to upper motor neuron
      (UMN) involvement. METHODS: 153 patients (112 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
      (ALS), 19 patients with a clinical UMN phenotype, 22 with a lower motor neuron
      (LMN) phenotype), 60 healthy controls and 43 patients with an ALS mimic disorder
      were included for a cross-sectional cortical thickness analysis. Thirty-nine
      patients with ALS underwent a follow-up scan. T1-weighted images of the brain
      were acquired using a 3 T scanner. The relation between cortical thickness and
      clinical measures, and the longitudinal changes were examined. RESULTS: Cortical
      thickness of the precentral gyrus (PCG) was significantly reduced in ALS
      (p=1.71*10(-13)) but not in mimic disorders (p=0.37) or patients with an LMN
      phenotype (p=0.37), as compared to the group of healthy controls. Compared to
      patients with ALS, patients with a UMN phenotype showed an even lower PCG
      cortical thickness (p=1.97*10(-3)). Bulbar scores and arm functional scores
      showed a significant association with cortical thickness of corresponding body
      regions of the motor homunculus. Longitudinal analysis revealed a decrease of
      cortical thickness in the left temporal lobe of patients with ALS
      (parahippocampal region p=0.007 and fusiform cortex p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PCG
      cortical thinning was found to be specific for motor neuron disease with clinical
      UMN involvement. Normal levels of cortical thickness in mimic disorders or LMN
      phenotypes suggest that cortical thinning reflects pathological changes related
      to UMN involvement. Progressive cortical thinning in the temporal lobe suggests
      recruitment of non-motor areas, over time.

PMID- 25121572
TI  - CSF lactate levels, tau proteins, cognitive decline: a dynamic relationship in
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate, in patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), the
      possible interplay linking alteration of neuronal energy metabolism, as measured
      via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate concentration, to severity of AD
      neurodegenerative processes and impairment of cognitive abilities. METHODS: In
      this study we measured and correlated CSF lactate concentrations, AD biomarker
      levels (tau-proteins and beta-amyloid) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
      score in a population of drug-naive patients with AD ranging from mild
      (MMSE>=21/30) to moderate-severe (MMSE<21/30) cognitive decline. They were
      compared to healthy controls and patients with vascular dementia (VaD). RESULTS:
      Patients with AD (n=145) showed a significant increase of CSF lactate
      concentration compared to controls (n=80) and patients with VaD (n=44), which was
      higher in mild (n=67) than in patients with moderate-severe AD (n=78). Moreover,
      we found, in either the whole AD population or both subgroups, a CSF profile in
      which higher CSF levels of t-tau and p-tau proteins corresponded to lower
      concentrations of lactate. CONCLUSIONS: We verified the occurrence of high CSF
      lactate levels in patients with AD, which may be ascribed to mitochondria
      impairment. Hypothesising that tau proteins may exert a detrimental effect on the
      entire cellular energy metabolism, the negative correlation found between lactate
      and tau-protein levels may allow speculation that tau toxicity, already
      demonstrated to have affected mitochondria, could also impair glycolytic
      metabolism with a less evident increase of lactate levels in more severe AD.
      Thus, we suggest a dynamic relationship between neuronal energy metabolism, tau
      proteins and cognitive decline in AD and propose the clinical potential of
      assessing CSF lactate levels in patients with AD to better define the neuronal
      brain metabolism damage.

PMID- 25121573
TI  - Survey of common practices among oculofacial surgeons in the Asia-Pacific region:
      Graves' orbitopathy.
AB  - AIM: A web-based anonymous survey was performed to evaluate practice preferences
      in the management of Graves' orbitopathy amongst oculofacial surgeons in the Asia
      Pacific region. METHODS: A questionnaire with contentious topics in Graves'
      orbitopathy was sent out via email to oculofacial surgeons in 14 countries within
      Asia-Pacific between May to December 2012. RESULTS: A response rate of 25.2% to
      34.6% was achieved (32-44 of 127 participants). 61.0% of respondents encountered
      Graves' orbitopathy commonly in their practice. The more common causes of vision
      loss in Graves' orbitopathy included dysthyroid optic neuropathy (67.5%) and
      exposure keratopathy (15.0%). The clinical activity score was the most popular
      grading system for assessing Graves' orbitopathy. The preferred non-surgical
      therapeutic approaches included intravenous pulsed methylprednisolone (79.5%),
      oral steroids (56.4%), orbital radiation (12.8%), steroid-sparing
      immunosuppressants (10.3%) and watchful observation (7.7%). Thyroid orbital
      decompression was uncommonly or rarely performed by respondents. Orbital surgical
      decompression was most commonly performed via the two-wall technique (73.5%) and
      most respondents performed fat decompression (69.4%). Post-operatively, the most
      common complications include under correction (45.5%) and diplopia (42.4%).
      CONCLUSION: We report the results of the first survey on the management of
      Graves' orbitopathy amongst oculofacial surgeons in Asia-Pacific. Our respondents
      practice preferences reflected the Graves' orbitopathy management consensus
      statement by the European group on Graves' orbitopathy in 2008.

PMID- 25121570
TI  - Clinical and neuroradiological differences of paediatric acute disseminating
      encephalomyelitis with and without antibodies to the myelin oligodendrocyte
      glycoprotein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies have been
      recently described in children with acute disseminating encephalomyelitis (ADEM),
      but the clinical and neuroradiological characterisation of this subgroup is
      lacking. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and neuroradiological features of
      paediatric ADEM with and without MOG antibodies. METHODS: Clinical course,
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-, MRI studies, outcome and MOG status of 33 paediatric
      ADEM prospectively studied were reviewed. RESULTS: MOG antibodies (median 1:2560;
      range 1:160-1:20 480) were detected in 19 children with ADEM. The majority of
      children showed a decline of serum MOG-IgG titres over time. Children with MOG
      antibodies did not differ in their age at presentation, sex ratio, the presence
      of oligoclonal bands, clinical symptoms or initial severity, apart from a higher
      CSF cell count (p=0.038), compared with children without MOG antibodies. In
      addition, further relapsing demyelinating episodes associated with MOG antibodies
      were observed only in children with MOG antibodies. All 19 children with MOG
      antibodies had a uniform MRI pattern, characterised by large, hazy and bilateral
      lesions and the absence of atypical MRI features (eg, mainly small lesions, well
      defined lesions), which was significantly different compared to that of children
      without MOG antibodies (p=0.003; and p=0.032, respectively). In addition,
      children with MOG antibodies had involvement of more anatomical areas (p=0.035)
      including the myelon characterised by a longitudinally extensive transverse
      myelitis (p=0.003), more often a complete resolution of lesions (p=0.036) and a
      better outcome (p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ADEM with MOG antibodies in
      our cohort had a uniform MRI characterised by large, bilateral and widespread
      lesions with an increased frequency of longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis
      and a favourable clinical outcome in contrast to children lacking MOG antibodies.

PMID- 25121574
TI  - Formation of bare UO2(2+) and NUO(+) by fragmentation of gas-phase uranyl
      acetonitrile complexes.
AB  - In a prior study [Van Stipdonk; et al. J. Phys. Chem. A 2006, 110, 959-970],
      electrospray ionization (ESI) was used to generate doubly charged complex ions
      composed of the uranyl ion and acetonitrile (acn) ligands. The complexes, general
      formula [UO2(acn)n](2+), n = 0-5, were isolated in an 3-D quadrupole ion-trap
      mass spectrometer to probe intrinsic reactions with H2O. Two general reaction
      pathways were observed: (a) the direct addition of one or more H2O ligands to the
      doubly charged complexes and (b) charge-exchange reactions. For the former, the
      intrinsic tendency to add H2O was dependent on the number and type of nitrile
      ligand. For the latter, charge exchange involved primarily the formation of
      uranyl hydroxide, [UO2OH](+), presumably via a collision with gas-phase H2O and
      the elimination of a protonated nitrile ligand. Examination of general ion
      fragmentation patterns by collision-induced dissociation, however, was hindered
      by the pronounced tendency to generate hydrated species. In an update to this
      story, we have revisited the fragmentation of uranyl-acetonitrile complexes in a
      linear ion-trap (LIT) mass spectrometer. Lower partial pressures of adventitious
      H2O in the LIT (compared to the 3-D ion trap used in our previous study)
      minimized adduct formation and allowed access to lower uranyl coordination
      numbers than previously possible. We have now been able to investigate the
      fragmentation behavior of these complex ions completely, with a focus on tendency
      to undergo ligand elimination versus charge reduction reactions. CID can be used
      to drive ligand elimination to completion to furnish the bare uranyl dication,
      UO2(2+). In addition, fragmentation of [UO2(acn)](2+) generated [UO2(NC)](+),
      which subsequently fragmented to furnish NUO(+). Formation of the nitrido by
      transfer of N from cyanide was confirmed using precursors labeled with (15)N. The
      observed formation of [UO2(NC)](+) and NUO(+) was modeled by density functional
      theory.

PMID- 25121578
TI  - Evidence of water-in-ionic liquid microemulsion formation by nonionic surfactant
      Brij-35.
AB  - Brij-35, a common and popular nonionic surfactant, is shown to form water-in
      ionic liquid (w/IL) microemulsions with IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium
      hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) as the bulk phase. The presence of
      w/[bmim][PF6] microemulsions is hinted by the significantly increased solubility
      of water in Brij-35 solution of [bmim][PF6]. The formation of w/[bmim][PF6]
      microemulsions by Brij-35 is confirmed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and
      small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements. Brij-35 forms reverse micelle
      type aggregates within [bmim][PF6] in the absence of added-water. These reverse
      micelles become w/[bmim][PF6] microemulsions as the water is added to the system.
      As the water loading (w0) is increased, the average diameter of the aggregates
      increases. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorbance data reveal the presence
      of both "bound" and "free" water within the system. The "bound" water is
      associated with the water pools of the w/[bmim][PF6] microemulsions. Excited
      state proton transfer (ESPT) involving probe pyranine shows deprotonation of
      pyranine within the water pools of the w/[bmim][PF6] microemulsions. 

PMID- 25121576
TI  - Photochemical tyrosine oxidation in the structurally well-defined alpha3Y
      protein: proton-coupled electron transfer and a long-lived tyrosine radical.
AB  - Tyrosine oxidation-reduction involves proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) and
      a reactive radical state. These properties are effectively controlled in enzymes
      that use tyrosine as a high-potential, one-electron redox cofactor. The alpha3Y
      model protein contains Y32, which can be reversibly oxidized and reduced in
      voltammetry measurements. Structural and kinetic properties of alpha3Y are
      presented. A solution NMR structural analysis reveals that Y32 is the most deeply
      buried residue in alpha3Y. Time-resolved spectroscopy using a soluble flash
      quench generated [Ru(2,2'-bipyridine)3](3+) oxidant provides high-quality Y32-O*
      absorption spectra. The rate constant of Y32 oxidation (kPCET) is pH dependent:
      1.4 * 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (pH 5.5), 1.8 * 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) (pH 8.5), 5.4 * 10(3)
      M(-1) s(-1) (pD 5.5), and 4.0 * 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (pD 8.5). k(H)/k(D) of Y32
      oxidation is 2.5 +/- 0.5 and 4.5 +/- 0.9 at pH(D) 5.5 and 8.5, respectively.
      These pH and isotope characteristics suggest a concerted or stepwise, proton
      first Y32 oxidation mechanism. The photochemical yield of Y32-O* is 28-58% versus
      the concentration of [Ru(2,2'-bipyridine)3](3+). Y32-O* decays slowly, t1/2 in
      the range of 2-10 s, at both pH 5.5 and 8.5, via radical-radical dimerization as
      shown by second-order kinetics and fluorescence data. The high stability of Y32
      O* is discussed relative to the structural properties of the Y32 site. Finally,
      the static alpha3Y NMR structure cannot explain (i) how the phenolic proton
      released upon oxidation is removed or (ii) how two Y32-O* come together to form
      dityrosine. These observations suggest that the dynamic properties of the protein
      ensemble may play an essential role in controlling the PCET and radical decay
      characteristics of alpha3Y. 

PMID- 25121579
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular oxidative coupling involving double C(sp(2))-H
      bonds for the synthesis of annulated biaryl sultams.
AB  - The palladium-catalyzed intramolecular oxidative coupling described herein
      involves a double C(sp(2))-H bond functionalization in sulfonanilides, providing
      a workable access to biaryl sultams annulated into a six-membered ring that are
      otherwise difficult to obtain by literature methods. The other synthetic
      applications of this protocol including the synthesis of biaryl sultams
      containing a seven-membered ring and analogous sultones are also presented. 

PMID- 25121577
TI  - Reduction-sensitive dual functional nanomicelles for improved delivery of
      paclitaxel.
AB  - We have developed a dual-functional nanocarrier composed of a hydrophilic
      polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a hydrophobic farnesylthiosalicylate (FTS, a
      nontoxic Ras antagonist), which is effective in delivery of hydrophobic
      anticancer drug, paclitaxel (PTX). To facilitate the retention of the therapeutic
      activity of the carrier, FTS was coupled to PEG via a reduction-sensitive
      disulfide linkage (PEG5k-S-S-FTS2). PEG5k-S-S-FTS2 conjugate formed uniform
      micelles with very small size (~30 nm) and the hydrophobic drug PTX could be
      readily incorporated into the micelles. Interestingly, inclusion of a disulfide
      linkage into the PEG5k-FTS2 micellar system resulted in a 4-fold decrease in the
      critical micelle concentration (CMC). In addition, the PTX loading capacity and
      colloidal stability of PTX-loaded micelles were improved. HPLC-MS showed that
      parent FTS could be more effectively released from PEG5k-S-S-FTS2 conjugate in
      tumor cells/tissues compared to PEG5k-FTS2 conjugate in vitro and in vivo. PEG5k
      S-S-FTS2 exhibited a higher level of cytotoxicity toward tumor cells than PEG5k
      FTS2 without a disulfide linkage. Furthermore, PTX-loaded PEG5k-S-S-FTS2 micelles
      were more effective in inhibiting the proliferation of cultured tumor cells
      compared to Taxol and PTX loaded in PEG5k-FTS2 micelles. More importantly, PTX
      loaded PEG5k-S-S-FTS2 micelles demonstrated superior antitumor activity compared
      to Taxol and PTX formulated in PEG5k-FTS2 micelles in an aggressive murine breast
      cancer model (4T1.2). 

PMID- 25121580
TI  - Loop-Closure and Gaussian Models of Collective Structural Characteristics of
      Capped PEO Oligomers in Water.
AB  - Parallel-tempering MD results for a CH3(CH2-O-CH2)mCH3 chain in water are
      exploited as a database for analysis of collective structural characteristics of
      the PEO globule with a goal of defining models permitting statistical
      thermodynamic analysis of dispersants of Corexit type. The chain structure
      factor, relevant to neutron scattering from a deuterated chain in null water, is
      considered specifically. The traditional continuum-Gaussian structure factor is
      inconsistent with the simple k -> infinity behavior, but we consider a discrete
      Gaussian model that does achieve that consistency. Shifting and scaling the
      discrete-Gaussian model helps to identify the low-k to high-k transition near k ~
      2pi/0.6 nm when an empirically matched number of Gaussian links is about one
      third of the total number of effective atom sites. This short distance-scale
      boundary of 0.6 nm is directly verified with the r space distributions, and this
      distance is thus identified with a natural size for coarsened monomers. The
      probability distribution of Rg(2) is compared with the classic predictions for
      both the Gaussian model and freely jointed chains. ?Rg(2)(j)?, the contribution
      of the jth chain segment to ?Rg(2)?, depends on the contour index about as
      expected for Gaussian chains despite significant quantitative discrepancies that
      express the swelling of these chains in water. Monomers central to the chain
      contour occupy the center of the chain globule. The density profiles of chain
      segments relative to their center of mass can show distinctive density
      structuring for smaller chains due to the close proximity of central elements to
      the globule center. However, that density structuring washes out for longer
      chains where many chain elements additively contribute to the density profiles.
      Gaussian chain models thus become more satisfactory for the density profiles for
      longer chains. 

PMID- 25121581
TI  - Order reduction of the chemical master equation via balanced realisation.
AB  - We consider a Markov process in continuous time with a finite number of discrete
      states. The time-dependent probabilities of being in any state of the Markov
      chain are governed by a set of ordinary differential equations, whose dimension
      might be large even for trivial systems. Here, we derive a reduced ODE set that
      accurately approximates the probabilities of subspaces of interest with a known
      error bound. Our methodology is based on model reduction by balanced truncation
      and can be considerably more computationally efficient than solving the chemical
      master equation directly. We show the applicability of our method by analysing
      stochastic chemical reactions. First, we obtain a reduced order model for the
      infinitesimal generator of a Markov chain that models a reversible, monomolecular
      reaction. Later, we obtain a reduced order model for a catalytic conversion of
      substrate to a product (a so-called Michaelis-Menten mechanism), and compare its
      dynamics with a rapid equilibrium approximation method. For this example, we
      highlight the savings on the computational load obtained by means of the reduced
      order model. Furthermore, we revisit the substrate catalytic conversion by
      obtaining a lower-order model that approximates the probability of having
      predefined ranges of product molecules. In such an example, we obtain an
      approximation of the output of a model with 5151 states by a reduced model with
      16 states. Finally, we obtain a reduced-order model of the Brusselator. 

PMID- 25121582
TI  - Neglected tropical diseases: a systematic evaluation of research capacity in
      Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nigeria carries the highest burden and diversity of neglected
      tropical diseases (NTDs) in sub-Saharan Africa and is preparing to scale up its
      efforts to control/eliminate these diseases. To achieve this it will require a
      range of internal technical support and expertise for mapping, monitoring and
      evaluating, operational research and documenting its success. In order to begin
      to evaluate this potential in Nigeria, this study collated and analysed
      information for lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and
      soil-transmitted helminths (STH), which are currently being targeted with
      preventive chemotherapy through mass drug administration (MDA).
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Information from 299 scientific articles
      published on the selected NTDs in 179 journals between January 2008 and September
      2013 was extracted and systematically compiled into a geo-referenced database for
      analysis and mapping. The highest number of articles was from the southern geo
      political zones of the country. The majority of articles focused on one specific
      disease, and schistosomiasis and STH were found to have the highest and most wide
      ranging research output. The main type of study was parasitological, and the
      least was biotechnological. Nigerian authors were mostly affiliated with
      universities, and there was a wide range of international co-authors from Africa
      and other regions, especially the USA and UK. The majority of articles were
      published in journals with no known impact factor. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The
      extensive database and series of maps on the research capacity within Nigeria
      produced in this study highlights the current potential that exists, and needs to
      be fully maximized for the control/elimination of NTDs in the country. This study
      provides an important model approach that can be applied to other low and middle
      income countries where NTDs are endemic, and NTD programmes require support from
      the expertise within their own country, as well as internationally, to help raise
      their profile and importance.

PMID- 25121583
TI  - Illustrating anticipatory life cycle assessment for emerging photovoltaic
      technologies.
AB  - Current research policy and strategy documents recommend applying life cycle
      assessment (LCA) early in research and development (R&D) to guide emerging
      technologies toward decreased environmental burden. However, existing LCA
      practices are ill-suited to support these recommendations. Barriers related to
      data availability, rapid technology change, and isolation of environmental from
      technical research inhibit application of LCA to developing technologies.
      Overcoming these challenges requires methodological advances that help identify
      environmental opportunities prior to large R&D investments. Such an anticipatory
      approach to LCA requires synthesis of social, environmental, and technical
      knowledge beyond the capabilities of current practices. This paper introduces a
      novel framework for anticipatory LCA that incorporates technology forecasting,
      risk research, social engagement, and comparative impact assessment, then applies
      this framework to photovoltaic (PV) technologies. These examples illustrate the
      potential for anticipatory LCA to prioritize research questions and help guide
      environmentally responsible innovation of emerging technologies. 

PMID- 25121585
TI  - Direct spectroscopic observation of closed-shell singlet, open-shell singlet, and
      triplet p-biphenylyloxenium ion.
AB  - The photophysics and photochemistry of p-biphenylyl hydroxylamine hydrochloride
      was studied using laser flash photolysis ranging from the femtosecond to the
      microsecond time scale. The singlet excited state of this photoprecursor is
      formed within 350 fs and partitions into three different transients that are
      assigned to the p-biphenyloxy radical, the open-shell singlet p-biphenylyloxenium
      ion, and the triplet p-biphenylyloxenium ion, having lifetimes of 40 MUs, 45 ps,
      and 1.6 ns, respectively, in CH3CN. The open-shell singlet p-biphenylyloxenium
      ion predominantly undergoes internal conversion to produce the closed-shell
      singlet p-biphenylyloxenium ion, which has a lifetime of 5-20 ns. The longer
      lived radical is unambiguously assigned by nanosecond time-resolved resonance
      Raman (ns-TR(3)) spectroscopy, and the assignment of the short-lived singlet and
      triplet oxenium ion transient absorptions are supported by matching time
      dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) predictions of the absorptions of
      these species, as well as by product studies that implicate the intermediacy of
      charged electrophilic intermediates. Product studies from photolysis give p
      biphenylol as the major product and a chloride adduct as the major product when
      NaCl is added as a trap. Thermolysis studies give p-biphenylol as a major
      product, as well as water, ammonium, and chloro adducts. These studies provide a
      rare direct look at a discrete oxenium ion intermediate and the first detection
      of open-shell singlet and triplet configurations of an oxenium ion, as well as
      providing an intriguing example of the importance of excited state dynamics in
      governing the electronic state population of reactive intermediates. 

PMID- 25121584
TI  - Inference of transposable element ancestry.
AB  - Most common methods for inferring transposable element (TE) evolutionary
      relationships are based on dividing TEs into subfamilies using shared diagnostic
      nucleotides. Although originally justified based on the "master gene" model of TE
      evolution, computational and experimental work indicates that many of the
      subfamilies generated by these methods contain multiple source elements. This
      implies that subfamily-based methods give an incomplete picture of TE
      relationships. Studies on selection, functional exaptation, and predictions of
      horizontal transfer may all be affected. Here, we develop a Bayesian method for
      inferring TE ancestry that gives the probability that each sequence was
      replicative, its frequency of replication, and the probability that each extant
      TE sequence came from each possible ancestral sequence. Applying our method to
      986 members of the newly-discovered LAVA family of TEs, we show that there were
      far more source elements in the history of LAVA expansion than subfamilies
      identified using the CoSeg subfamily-classification program. We also identify
      multiple replicative elements in the AluSc subfamily in humans. Our results
      strongly indicate that a reassessment of subfamily structures is necessary to
      obtain accurate estimates of mutation processes, phylogenetic relationships and
      historical times of activity. 

PMID- 25121586
TI  - A new avenue toward androgen receptor pan-antagonists: C2 sterically hindered
      substitution of hydroxy-propanamides.
AB  - The androgen receptor (AR) represents the primary target for prostate cancer (PC)
      treatment even when the disease progresses toward androgen-independent (AIPC) or
      castration-resistant (CRPC) forms. Because small chemical changes in the
      structure of nonsteroidal AR ligands determine the pharmacological responses of
      AR, we developed a novel stereoselective synthetic strategy that allows
      sterically hindered C2-substituted bicalutamide analogues to be obtained.
      Biological and theoretical evaluations demonstrate that C2-substitution with
      benzyl and phenyl moieties is a new, valuable option toward improving pan
      antagonist behavior. Among the synthesized compounds, (R)-16m, when compared to
      casodex, (R)-bicalutamide, and enzalutamide, displayed very promising in vitro
      activity toward five different prostate cancer cell lines, all representative of
      CPRC and AIPC typical mutations. Despite being less active than (R)-bicalutamide,
      (R)-16m also displayed marked in vivo antitumor activity on VCaP xenografts and
      thus it may serve as starting point for developing novel AR pan-antagonists. 

PMID- 25121588
TI  - Photocatalytic activity of ZnWO4: band structure, morphology and surface
      modification.
AB  - Photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants is an important application
      area in solar energy utilization. To improve material photocatalytic properties,
      understanding their photocatalytic mechanism is indispensable. Here, the
      photocatalytic performance of ZnWO4 nanocrystals was systematicly investigated by
      the photodegradation of tetraethylated rhodamine (RhB) under simulated sunlight
      irradiation, including the influence of morphology, AgO/ZnWO4 heterojunction and
      comparison with CoWO4 nanowires. The results show that the photocatalytic
      activity of ZnWO4 is higher than that of CoWO4, and the ZnWO4 nanorods exhibit
      better photocatalytic activity than that of ZnWO4 nanowires. In addition, the
      mechanism for the difference of the photocatalytic activity was also investigated
      by comparison of their photoluminescence and photocurrents. AgO nanoparticles
      were assembled uniformly on the surface of ZnWO4 nanowires to form a
      heterojunction that exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity under irradiation
      at the initial stage. We found that a good photocatalyst should not only have an
      active structure for electrons directly to transfer from the valence band to the
      conduction band without the help of phonons but also a special electronic
      configuration for the high mobility, to ensure more excited electrons and holes
      in a catalytic reaction. 

PMID- 25121587
TI  - Black and white women in Maryland receive different treatment for cervical
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite an overall decrease in incidence, the death rate from cervical
      cancer in the United States remains higher in black women than their white
      counterparts. We examined the Maryland Cancer Registry (MCR) to determine
      treatment factors that may explain differences in outcomes between races in the
      state of Maryland. METHODS: Incident cervical cancers in the MCR 1992-2008 were
      examined. Demographics, tumor characteristics and treatments were compared
      between races and over time. RESULTS: Our analysis included 2034 (1301 white, 733
      black) patients. Black women were more likely to have locally advanced or
      metastatic disease at diagnosis (p<0.01). They were more likely to receive any
      radiation or chemotherapy combined with radiation and less likely to receive
      surgery (p<0.01). When adjusted for stage and insurance status black women had
      1.50 (95% CI 1.20-1.87) times the odds of receiving radiation and 1.43 (95% CI
      1.11-1.82) times the odds of receiving chemotherapy. Black women with cervical
      cancer had 0.51 times the adjusted odds (95% CI 0.41-0.65) of receiving surgery
      compared to white women. Racial differences in treatment did not change
      significantly over time. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment for newly diagnosed
      cervical cancer in the state of Maryland was significantly less common amongst
      black women than white during our study period. Equivalent treatments are not
      being administered to white and black patients with cervical cancer in Maryland.
      Differences in care may contribute to racial disparities in outcomes for women
      with cervical cancer.

PMID- 25121589
TI  - Factors associated with appointment non-adherence among African-Americans with
      severe, poorly controlled hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Missed appointments are associated with an increased risk of
      hospitalization and mortality. Despite its widespread prevalence, little data
      exists regarding factors related to appointment non-adherence among hypertensive
      African-Americans. OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors associated with appointment
      non-adherence among African-Americans with severe, poorly controlled
      hypertension. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional survey of 185 African
      Americans admitted to an urban medical center in Maryland, with severe, poorly
      controlled hypertension from 1999-2004. Categorical and continuous variables were
      compared using chi-square and t-tests. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression
      was used to assess correlates of appointment non-adherence. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Appointment non-adherence was the primary outcome and was defined as
      patient-report of missing greater than 3 appointments out of 10 during their
      lifetime. RESULTS: Twenty percent of participants (n = 37) reported missing more
      than 30% of their appointments. Patient characteristics independently associated
      with a higher odds of appointment non-adherence included not finishing high
      school (Odds ratio [OR]  = 3.23 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.33-7.69),
      hypertension knowledge ([OR]  = 1.20 95% CI: 1.01-1.42), lack of insurance ([OR] 
      = 6.02 95% CI: 1.83-19.88), insurance with no medication coverage ([OR]  = 5.08
      95% CI: 1.05-24.63), cost of discharge medications ([OR]  = 1.20 95% CI: 1.01
      1.42), belief that anti-hypertensive medications do not work ([OR]  = 3.67 95%
      CI: 1.16-11.7), experience of side effects ([OR]  = 3.63 95% CI: 1.24-10.62),
      medication non-adherence ([OR]  = 11.31 95% CI: 3.87-33.10). Substance abuse was
      not associated with appointment non-adherence ([OR]  = 1.05 95% CI: 0.43-2.57).
      CONCLUSIONS: Appointment non-adherence among African-Americans with poorly
      controlled hypertension was associated with many markers of inadequate access to
      healthcare, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs.

PMID- 25121590
TI  - EBNA3C augments Pim-1 mediated phosphorylation and degradation of p21 to promote
      B-cell proliferation.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a ubiquitous human herpesvirus, can latently infect the
      human population. EBV is associated with several types of malignancies
      originating from lymphoid and epithelial cell types. EBV latent antigen 3C
      (EBNA3C) is essential for EBV-induced immortalization of B-cells. The Moloney
      murine leukemia provirus integration site (PIM-1), which encodes an oncogenic
      serine/threonine kinase, is linked to several cellular functions involving cell
      survival, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Notably, enhanced
      expression of Pim-1 kinase is associated with numerous hematological and non
      hematological malignancies. A higher expression level of Pim-1 kinase is
      associated with EBV infection, suggesting a crucial role for Pim-1 in EBV-induced
      tumorigenesis. We now demonstrate a molecular mechanism which reveals a direct
      role for EBNA3C in enhancing Pim-1 expression in EBV-infected primary B-cells. We
      also showed that EBNA3C is physically associated with Pim-1 through its amino
      terminal domain, and also forms a molecular complex in B-cells. EBNA3C can
      stabilize Pim-1 through abrogation of the proteasome/Ubiquitin pathway. Our
      results demonstrate that EBNA3C enhances Pim-1 mediated phosphorylation of p21 at
      the Thr145 residue. EBNA3C also facilitated the nuclear localization of Pim-1,
      and promoted EBV transformed cell proliferation by altering Pim-1 mediated
      regulation of the activity of the cell-cycle inhibitor p21/WAF1. Our study
      demonstrated that EBNA3C significantly induces Pim-1 mediated proteosomal
      degradation of p21. A significant reduction in cell proliferation of EBV
      transformed LCLs was observed upon stable knockdown of Pim-1. This study
      describes a critical role for the oncoprotein Pim-1 in EBV-mediated oncogenesis,
      as well as provides novel insights into oncogenic kinase-targeted therapeutic
      intervention of EBV-associated cancers. 

PMID- 25121591
TI  - DNA binding and condensation properties of the herpes simplex virus type 1
      triplex protein VP19C.
AB  - Herpesvirus capsids are regular icosahedrons with a diameter of a 125 nm and are
      made up of 162 capsomeres arranged on a T = 16 lattice. The capsomeres (VP5)
      interact with the triplex structure, which is a unique structural feature of
      herpesvirus capsid shells. The triplex is a heterotrimeric complex; one molecule
      of VP19C and two of VP23 form a three-pronged structure that acts to stabilize
      the capsid shell through interactions with adjacent capsomeres. VP19C interacts
      with VP23 and with the major capsid protein VP5 and is required for the nuclear
      localization of VP23. Mutation of VP19C results in the abrogation of capsid shell
      synthesis. Analysis of the sequence of VP19C showed the N-terminus of VP19C is
      very basic and glycine rich. It was hypothesized that this domain could
      potentially bind to DNA. In this study an electrophoretic mobility shift assay
      (EMSA) and a DNA condensation assay were performed to demonstrate that VP19C can
      bind DNA. Purified VP19C was able to bind to both a DNA fragment of HSV-1 origin
      as well as a bacterial plasmid sequence indicating that this activity is non
      specific. Ultra-structural imaging of the nucleo-protein complexes revealed that
      VP19C condensed the DNA and forms toroidal DNA structures. Both the DNA binding
      and condensing properties of VP19C were mapped to the N-terminal 72 amino acids
      of the protein. Mutational studies revealed that the positively charged arginine
      residues in this N-terminal domain are required for this binding. This DNA
      binding activity, which resides in a non-conserved region of the protein could be
      required for stabilization of HSV-1 DNA association in the capsid shell.

PMID- 25121592
TI  - Discovery of a eukaryotic pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent oxidoreductase
      belonging to a new auxiliary activity family in the database of carbohydrate
      active enzymes.
AB  - Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a redox cofactor utilized by a number of
      prokaryotic dehydrogenases. Not all prokaryotic organisms are capable of
      synthesizing PQQ, even though it plays important roles in the growth and
      development of many organisms, including humans. The existence of PQQ-dependent
      enzymes in eukaryotes has been suggested based on homology studies or the
      presence of PQQ-binding motifs, but there has been no evidence that such enzymes
      utilize PQQ as a redox cofactor. However, during our studies of hemoproteins, we
      fortuitously discovered a novel PQQ-dependent sugar oxidoreductase in a mushroom,
      the basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea. The enzyme protein has a signal peptide
      for extracellular secretion and a domain for adsorption on cellulose, in addition
      to the PQQ-dependent sugar dehydrogenase and cytochrome domains. Although this
      enzyme shows low amino acid sequence homology with known PQQ-dependent enzymes,
      it strongly binds PQQ and shows PQQ-dependent activity. BLAST search uncovered
      the existence of many genes encoding homologous proteins in bacteria, archaea,
      amoebozoa, and fungi, and phylogenetic analysis suggested that these
      quinoproteins may be members of a new family that is widely distributed not only
      in prokaryotes, but also in eukaryotes. 

PMID- 25121593
TI  - Oridonin attenuates Abeta1-42-induced neuroinflammation and inhibits NF-kappaB
      pathway.
AB  - Neuroinflammation induced by beta-amyloid (Abeta) plays a critical role in the
      pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and inhibiting Abeta-induced
      neuroinflammation serves as a potential strategy for the treatment of AD.
      Oridonin (Ori), a compound of Rabdosia rubescens, has been shown to exert anti
      inflammatory effects. In this study, we demonstrated that Ori inhibited glial
      activation and decreased the release of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus
      of Abeta1-42-induced AD mice. In addition, Ori inhibited the NF-kappaB pathway
      and Abeta1-42-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, Ori could attenuate memory deficits
      in Abeta1-42-induced AD mice. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that Ori
      inhibited the neuroinflammation and attenuated memory deficits induced by Abeta1
      42, suggesting that Ori might be a promising candidate for AD treatment. 

PMID- 25121594
TI  - Expression analysis of a stress-related phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C
      gene in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
AB  - Plant phosphoinositide-specific phospholipases C (PI-PLCs) function in several
      essential plant processes associated with either development or environmental
      stress. In this report, we examined the expression patterns of TaPLC1 under
      drought and high salinity stress at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional
      levels. TaPLC1 mRNA was expressed in all wheat organs examined. U73122 and
      edelfosine, the PLC inhibitor, impaired seedling growth and enhanced seedling
      sensitivity to drought and high salinity stress. Though TaPLC1 expression in
      wheat was lowest at the seedling stage, it was strongly induced under conditions
      of stress. When 6-day-old wheat seedlings were treated with 200 mM NaCl or 20%
      (w/v) PEG 6000 for 6 or 12 h, respectively, the TaPLC1 transcript level increased
      by 16-fold compared to the control. Western blotting showed that the TaPLC
      protein concentration was also maintained at a high level from 24 to 48 h during
      stress treatment. Together, our results indicate the possible biological
      functions of TaPLC1 in regulating seedling growth and the response to drought and
      salinity stress. 

PMID- 25121596
TI  - Vaccine strategies for the control and prevention of Japanese encephalitis in
      Mainland China, 1951-2011.
AB  - Japanese encephalitis (JE) is arguably one of the most serious viral encephalitis
      diseases worldwide. China has a long history of high prevalence of Japanese
      encephalitis, with thousands of cases reported annually and incidence rates often
      exceeding 15/100,000. In global terms, the scale of outbreaks and high incidence
      of these pandemics has almost been unique, placing a heavy burden on the Chinese
      health authorities. However, the introduction of vaccines, developed in China,
      combined with an intensive vaccination program initiated during the 1970s, as
      well as other public health interventions, has dramatically decreased the
      incidence from 20.92/100,000 in 1971, to 0.12/100,000 in 2011. Moreover, in less
      readily accessible areas of China, changes to agricultural practices designed to
      reduce chances of mosquito bites as well as mosquito population densities have
      also been proven effective in reducing local JE incidence. This unprecedented
      public health achievement has saved many lives and provided valuable experience
      that could be directly applicable to the control of vector-borne diseases around
      the world. Here, we review and discuss strategies for promotion and expansion of
      vaccination programs to reduce the incidence of JE even further, for the benefit
      of health authorities throughout Asia and, potentially, worldwide. 

PMID- 25121595
TI  - A neural network approach to fMRI binocular visual rivalry task analysis.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate whether artificial neural networks
      (ANN) are able to decode participants' conscious experience perception from brain
      activity alone, using complex and ecological stimuli. To reach the aim we
      conducted pattern recognition data analysis on fMRI data acquired during the
      execution of a binocular visual rivalry paradigm (BR). Twelve healthy
      participants were submitted to fMRI during the execution of a binocular non
      rivalry (BNR) and a BR paradigm in which two classes of stimuli (faces and
      houses) were presented. During the binocular rivalry paradigm, behavioral
      responses related to the switching between consciously perceived stimuli were
      also collected. First, we used the BNR paradigm as a functional localizer to
      identify the brain areas involved the processing of the stimuli. Second, we
      trained the ANN on the BNR fMRI data restricted to these regions of interest.
      Third, we applied the trained ANN to the BR data as a 'brain reading' tool to
      discriminate the pattern of neural activity between the two stimuli. Fourth, we
      verified the consistency of the ANN outputs with the collected behavioral
      indicators of which stimulus was consciously perceived by the participants. Our
      main results showed that the trained ANN was able to generalize across the two
      different tasks (i.e. BNR and BR) and to identify with high accuracy the
      cognitive state of the participants (i.e. which stimulus was consciously
      perceived) during the BR condition. The behavioral response, employed as control
      parameter, was compared with the network output and a statistically significant
      percentage of correspondences (p-value <0.05) were obtained for all subjects. In
      conclusion the present study provides a method based on multivariate pattern
      analysis to investigate the neural basis of visual consciousness during the BR
      phenomenon when behavioral indicators lack or are inconsistent, like in disorders
      of consciousness or sedated patients. 

PMID- 25121597
TI  - CDK4 amplification predicts recurrence of well-differentiated liposarcoma of the
      abdomen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The absence of CDK4 amplification in liposarcomas is associated with
      favorable prognosis. We aimed to identify the factors associated with tumor
      recurrence in patients with well-differentiated (WD) and dedifferentiated (DD)
      liposarcomas. METHODS: From 2000 to 2010, surgical resections for 101 WD and DD
      liposarcomas were performed. Cases in which complete surgical resections with
      curative intent were carried out were selected. MDM2 and CDK4 gene amplification
      were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR).
      RESULTS: There were 31 WD and 17 DD liposarcomas. Locoregional recurrence was
      observed in 11 WD and 3 DD liposarcomas. WD liposarcomas showed better patient
      survival compared to DD liposarcomas (P<0.05). Q-PCR analysis of the liposarcomas
      revealed the presence of CDK4 amplification in 44 cases (91.7%) and MDM2
      amplification in 46 cases (95.8%). WD liposarcomas with recurrence after surgical
      resection had significantly higher levels of CDK4 amplification compared to those
      without recurrence (P = 0.041). High level of CDK4 amplification (cases with CDK4
      amplification higher than the median 7.54) was associated with poor recurrence
      free survival compared to low CDK4 amplification in both univariate (P = 0.012)
      and multivariate analyses (P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Level of CDK4 amplification
      determined by Q-PCR was associated with the recurrence of WD liposarcomas after
      surgical resection.

PMID- 25121598
TI  - Logarithmic and power law input-output relations in sensory systems with fold
      change detection.
AB  - Two central biophysical laws describe sensory responses to input signals. One is
      a logarithmic relationship between input and output, and the other is a power law
      relationship. These laws are sometimes called the Weber-Fechner law and the
      Stevens power law, respectively. The two laws are found in a wide variety of
      human sensory systems including hearing, vision, taste, and weight perception;
      they also occur in the responses of cells to stimuli. However the mechanistic
      origin of these laws is not fully understood. To address this, we consider a
      class of biological circuits exhibiting a property called fold-change detection
      (FCD). In these circuits the response dynamics depend only on the relative change
      in input signal and not its absolute level, a property which applies to many
      physiological and cellular sensory systems. We show analytically that by changing
      a single parameter in the FCD circuits, both logarithmic and power-law
      relationships emerge; these laws are modified versions of the Weber-Fechner and
      Stevens laws. The parameter that determines which law is found is the steepness
      (effective Hill coefficient) of the effect of the internal variable on the
      output. This finding applies to major circuit architectures found in biological
      systems, including the incoherent feed-forward loop and nonlinear integral
      feedback loops. Therefore, if one measures the response to different fold changes
      in input signal and observes a logarithmic or power law, the present theory can
      be used to rule out certain FCD mechanisms, and to predict their cooperativity
      parameter. We demonstrate this approach using data from eukaryotic chemotaxis
      signaling. 

PMID- 25121600
TI  - Pectinmethylesterases (PME) and pectinmethylesterase inhibitors (PMEI) enriched
      during phloem fiber development in flax (Linum usitatissimum).
AB  - Flax phloem fibers achieve their length by intrusive-diffusive growth, which
      requires them to penetrate the extracellular matrix of adjacent cells. Fiber
      elongation therefore involves extensive remodelling of cell walls and middle
      lamellae, including modifying the degree and pattern of methylesterification of
      galacturonic acid (GalA) residues of pectin. Pectin methylesterases (PME) are
      important enzymes for fiber elongation as they mediate the demethylesterification
      of GalA in muro, in either a block-wise fashion or in a random fashion. Our
      objective was to identify PMEs and PMEIs that mediate phloem fiber elongation in
      flax. For this purpose, we measured transcript abundance of candidate genes at
      nine different stages of stem and fiber development and found sets of genes
      enriched during fiber elongation and maturation as well as during xylem
      development. We expressed one of the flax PMEIs in E. coli and demonstrated that
      it was able to inhibit most of the native PME activity in the upper portion of
      the flax stem. These results identify key genetic components of the intrusive
      growth process and define targets for fiber engineering and crop improvement. 

PMID- 25121599
TI  - An otx/nodal regulatory signature for posterior neural development in ascidians.
AB  - In chordates, neural induction is the first step of a complex developmental
      process through which ectodermal cells acquire a neural identity. In ascidians,
      FGF-mediated neural induction occurs at the 32-cell stage in two blastomere
      pairs, precursors respectively of anterior and posterior neural tissue. We
      combined molecular embryology and cis-regulatory analysis to unveil in the
      ascidian Ciona intestinalis the remarkably simple proximal genetic network that
      controls posterior neural fate acquisition downstream of FGF. We report that the
      combined action of two direct FGF targets, the TGFbeta factor Nodal, acting via
      Smad- and Fox-binding sites, and the transcription factor Otx suffices to trigger
      ascidian posterior neural tissue formation. Moreover, we found that this strategy
      is conserved in the distantly related ascidian Phallusia mammillata, in spite of
      extreme sequence divergence in the cis-regulatory sequences involved. Our results
      thus highlight that the modes of gene regulatory network evolution differ with
      the evolutionary scale considered. Within ascidians, developmental regulatory
      networks are remarkably robust to genome sequence divergence. Between ascidians
      and vertebrates, major fate determinants, such as Otx and Nodal, can be co-opted
      into different networks. Comparative developmental studies in ascidians with
      divergent genomes will thus uncover shared ascidian strategies, and contribute to
      a better understanding of the diversity of developmental strategies within
      chordates. 

PMID- 25121601
TI  - SNP identification by transcriptome sequencing and candidate gene-based
      association analysis for heat tolerance in the bay scallop Argopecten irradians.
AB  - The northern bay scallop Argopecten irradians irradians (Lamarck) and the
      southern bay scallop Argopecten irradians concentricus (Say) were introduced into
      China in the 1980s and 1990s, and are now major aquaculture molluscs in China.
      Here, we report the transcriptome sequencing of the two subspecies and the
      subsequent association analysis on candidate gene on the trait of heat tolerance.
      In total, RNA from six tissues of 67 and 42 individuals of northern and southern
      bay scallops, respectively, were used and 55.5 and 34.9 million raw reads were
      generated, respectively. There were 82,267 unigenes produced in total, of which
      32,595 were annotated. Altogether, 32,206 and 23,312 high-quality SNPs were
      identified for northern and southern bay scallops, respectively. For case-control
      analysis, two intercrossed populations were heat stress treated, and both heat
      susceptible and heat-resistant individuals were collected. According to
      annotation and SNP allele frequency analysis, 476 unigenes were selected, and 399
      pairs of primers were designed. Genotyping was conducted using the high
      resolution melting method, and Fisher's exact test was performed for allele
      frequency comparison between the heat-susceptible and heat-resistant groups. SNP
      all-53308-760 T/C showed a significant difference in allele frequency between the
      heat-susceptible and heat-resistant groups. Notably, considerable difference in
      allele frequency at this locus was also observed between the sequenced natural
      populations. These results suggest that SNP all-53308-760 T/C may be related to
      the heat tolerance of the bay scallop. Moreover, quantitative expression analysis
      revealed that the expression level of all-53308 was negatively correlated with
      heat tolerance of the bay scallop. 

PMID- 25121602
TI  - Conserving plants in gene banks and nature: investigating complementarity with
      Trifolium thompsonii Morton.
AB  - A standard conservation strategy for plant genetic resources integrates in situ
      (on-farm or wild) and ex situ (gene or field bank) approaches. Gene bank managers
      collect ex situ accessions that represent a comprehensive snap shot of the
      genetic diversity of in situ populations at a given time and place. Although
      simple in theory, achieving complementary in situ and ex situ holdings is
      challenging. Using Trifolium thompsonii as a model insect-pollinated herbaceous
      perennial species, we used AFLP markers to compare genetic diversity and
      structure of ex situ accessions collected at two time periods (1995, 2004) from
      four locations, with their corresponding in situ populations sampled in 2009. Our
      goal was to assess the complementarity of the two approaches. We examined how
      gene flow, selection and genetic drift contributed to population change. Across
      locations, we found no difference in diversity between ex situ and in situ
      samples. One population showed a decline in genetic diversity over the 15 years
      studied. Population genetic differentiation among the four locations was
      significant, but weak. Association tests suggested infrequent, long distance gene
      flow. Selection and drift occurred, but differences due to spatial effects were
      three times as strong as differences attributed to temporal effects, and
      suggested recollection efforts could occur at intervals greater than fifteen
      years. An effective collecting strategy for insect pollinated herbaceous
      perennial species was to sample >150 plants, equalize maternal contribution, and
      sample along random transects with sufficient space between plants to minimize
      intrafamilial sampling. Quantifying genetic change between ex situ and in situ
      accessions allows genetic resource managers to validate ex situ collecting and
      maintenance protocols, develop appropriate recollection intervals, and provide an
      early detection mechanism for identifying problematic conditions that can be
      addressed to prevent further decline in vulnerable in situ populations. 

PMID- 25121603
TI  - Top-down inputs enhance orientation selectivity in neurons of the primary visual
      cortex during perceptual learning.
AB  - Perceptual learning has been used to probe the mechanisms of cortical plasticity
      in the adult brain. Feedback projections are ubiquitous in the cortex, but little
      is known about their role in cortical plasticity. Here we explore the hypothesis
      that learning visual orientation discrimination involves learning-dependent
      plasticity of top-down feedback inputs from higher cortical areas, serving a
      different function from plasticity due to changes in recurrent connections within
      a cortical area. In a Hodgkin-Huxley-based spiking neural network model of visual
      cortex, we show that modulation of feedback inputs to V1 from higher cortical
      areas results in shunting inhibition in V1 neurons, which changes the response
      properties of V1 neurons. The orientation selectivity of V1 neurons is enhanced
      without changing orientation preference, preserving the topographic organizations
      in V1. These results provide new insights to the mechanisms of plasticity in the
      adult brain, reconciling apparently inconsistent experiments and providing a new
      hypothesis for a functional role of the feedback connections. 

PMID- 25121605
TI  - Temperature and food influence shell growth and mantle gene expression of shell
      matrix proteins in the pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera.
AB  - In this study, we analyzed the combined effect of microalgal concentration and
      temperature on the shell growth of the bivalve Pinctada margaritifera and the
      molecular mechanisms underlying this biomineralization process. Shell growth was
      measured after two months of rearing in experimental conditions, using calcein
      staining of the calcified structures. Molecular mechanisms were studied though
      the expression of 11 genes encoding proteins implicated in the biomineralization
      process, which was assessed in the mantle. We showed that shell growth is
      influenced by both microalgal concentration and temperature, and that these
      environmental factors also regulate the expression of most of the genes studied.
      Gene expression measurement of shell matrix protein thereby appears to be an
      appropriate indicator for the evaluation of the biomineralization activity in the
      pearl oyster P. margaritifera under varying environmental conditions. This study
      provides valuable information on the molecular mechanisms of mollusk shell growth
      and its environmental control. 

PMID- 25121604
TI  - Circadian regulation of myocardial sarcomeric Titin-cap (Tcap, telethonin):
      identification of cardiac clock-controlled genes using open access bioinformatics
      data.
AB  - Circadian rhythms are important for healthy cardiovascular physiology and are
      regulated at the molecular level by a circadian clock mechanism. We and others
      previously demonstrated that 9-13% of the cardiac transcriptome is rhythmic over
      24 h daily cycles; the heart is genetically a different organ day versus night.
      However, which rhythmic mRNAs are regulated by the circadian mechanism is not
      known. Here, we used open access bioinformatics databases to identify 94
      transcripts with expression profiles characteristic of CLOCK and BMAL1 targeted
      genes, using the CircaDB website and JTK_Cycle. Moreover, 22 were highly
      expressed in the heart as determined by the BioGPS website. Furthermore, 5 heart
      enriched genes had human/mouse conserved CLOCK:BMAL1 promoter binding sites (E
      boxes), as determined by UCSC table browser, circadian mammalian
      promoter/enhancer database PEDB, and the European Bioinformatics Institute
      alignment tool (EMBOSS). Lastly, we validated findings by demonstrating that
      Titin cap (Tcap, telethonin) was targeted by transcriptional activators CLOCK and
      BMAL1 by showing 1) Tcap mRNA and TCAP protein had a diurnal rhythm in murine
      heart; 2) cardiac Tcap mRNA was rhythmic in animals kept in constant darkness; 3)
      Tcap and control Per2 mRNA expression and cyclic amplitude were blunted in
      Clock(Delta19/Delta19) hearts; 4) BMAL1 bound to the Tcap promoter by ChIP assay;
      5) BMAL1 bound to Tcap promoter E-boxes by biotinylated oligonucleotide assay;
      and 6) CLOCK and BMAL1 induced tcap expression by luciferase reporter assay. Thus
      this study identifies circadian regulated genes in silico, with validation of
      Tcap, a critical regulator of cardiac Z-disc sarcomeric structure and function.

PMID- 25121606
TI  - Impact of hormone-associated resistance to activated protein C on the thrombotic
      potential of oral contraceptives: a prospective observational study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The increased thrombotic risk of oral contraceptives (OC) has been
      attributed to various alterations of the hemostatic system, including acquired
      resistance to activated protein C (APC). To evaluate to what extent OC-associated
      APC resistance induces a prothrombotic state we monitored plasma levels of
      thrombin and molecular markers specific for thrombin formation in women starting
      OC use. Elevated plasma levels of thrombin have been reported to characterize
      situations of high thrombotic risk such as trauma-induced hypercoagulability, but
      have not yet been studied during OC use. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples were
      collected prospectively from healthy women (n = 21) before and during three
      menstruation cycles after start of OC. APC resistance was evaluated using a
      thrombin generation-based assay. Plasma levels of thrombin and APC were directly
      measured using highly sensitive oligonucleotide-based enzyme capture assay (OECA)
      technology. Thrombin generation markers and other hemostasis parameters were
      measured additionally. RESULTS: All women developed APC resistance as indicated
      by an increased APC sensitivity ratio compared with baseline after start of OC (p
      = 0.0003). Simultaneously, plasma levels of thrombin, prothrombin fragment 1+2,
      and of thrombin-antithrombin complexes did not change, ruling out increased
      thrombin formation. APC plasma levels were also not influenced by OC use, giving
      further evidence that increased thrombin formation did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: In
      the majority of OC users no enhanced thrombin formation occurs despite the
      development of APC resistance. It cannot be ruled out, however, that thrombin
      formation might occur to a greater extent in the presence of additional risk
      factors. If this were the case, endogenous thrombin levels might be a potential
      biomarker candidate to identify women at high thrombotic risk during OC
      treatment. Large-scale studies are required to assess the value of plasma levels
      of thrombin as predictors of OC-associated thrombotic risk.

PMID- 25121607
TI  - The prevalence and magnitude of impaired cutaneous sensation across the hand in
      the chronic period post-stroke.
AB  - Sensation is commonly impaired immediately post-stroke but little is known about
      the long-term changes in cutaneous sensation that have the capacity to adversely
      impact independence and motor-function. We investigated cutaneous sensory
      thresholds across the hand in the chronic post-stroke period. Cutaneous sensation
      was assessed in 42 community-dwelling stroke patients and compared to 36 healthy
      subjects. Sensation was tested with calibrated monofilaments at 6 sites on the
      hand that covered the median, ulnar and radial innervation territories and
      included both glabrous (hairless) and hairy skin. The motor-function of stroke
      patients was assessed with the Wolf Motor Function Test and the upper-limb motor
      Fugl-Meyer Assessment. Impaired cutaneous sensation was defined as monofilament
      thresholds >3 SD above the mean of healthy subjects and good sensation was <= 3
      SD. Cutaneous sensation was impaired for 33% of patients and was 40-84% worse on
      the more-affected side compared to healthy subjects depending on the site
      (p<0.05). When the stroke patient data were pooled cutaneous sensation fell
      within the healthy range, although ~ 1/3 of patients were classified with
      impaired sensation. Classification by motor-function revealed low levels of
      impaired sensation. The magnitude of sensory loss was only apparent when the
      sensory-function of stroke patients was classified as good or impaired. Sensation
      was most impaired on the dorsum of the hand where age-related changes in
      monofilament thresholds are minimal in healthy subjects. Although patients with
      both high and low motor-function had poor cutaneous sensation, overall patients
      with low motor-function had poorer cutaneous sensation than those with higher
      motor-function, and relationships were found between motor impairments and
      sensation at the fingertip and palm. These results emphasize the importance of
      identifying the presence and magnitude of cutaneous sensory impairments in the
      chronic period after stroke.

PMID- 25121609
TI  - Largest genetic survey to date shows major success for giant panda breeding
      programs.

PMID- 25121608
TI  - Relationships between the ABC-exporter HetC and peptides that regulate the
      spatiotemporal pattern of heterocyst distribution in Anabaena.
AB  - In the model cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, cells called heterocysts that
      are specialized in the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen differentiate from
      vegetative cells of the filament in the absence of combined nitrogen. Heterocysts
      follow a specific distribution pattern along the filament, and a number of
      regulators have been identified that influence the heterocyst pattern. PatS and
      HetN, expressed in the differentiating cells, inhibit the differentiation of
      neighboring cells. At least PatS appears to be processed and transferred from
      cell to cell. HetC is similar to ABC exporters and is required for
      differentiation. We present an epistasis analysis of these regulatory genes and
      of genes, hetP and asr2819, successively downstream from hetC, and we have
      studied the localization of HetC and HetP by use of GFP fusions. Inactivation of
      patS, but not of hetN, allowed differentiation to proceed in a hetC background,
      whereas inactivation of hetC in patS or patS hetN backgrounds decreased the
      frequency of contiguous proheterocysts. A HetC-GFP protein is localized to the
      heterocysts and especially near their cell poles, and a putative HetC peptidase
      domain was required for heterocyst differentiation but not for HetC-GFP
      localization. hetP is also required for heterocyst differentiation. A HetP-GFP
      protein localized mostly near the heterocyst poles. ORF asr2819, which we denote
      patC, encodes an 84-residue peptide and is induced upon nitrogen step-down.
      Inactivation of patC led to a late spreading of the heterocyst pattern. Whereas
      HetC and HetP appear to have linked functions that allow heterocyst
      differentiation to progress, PatC may have a role in selecting sites of
      differentiation, suggesting that these closely positioned genes may be
      functionally related. 

PMID- 25121610
TI  - The HIV-1 envelope transmembrane domain binds TLR2 through a distinct
      dimerization motif and inhibits TLR2-mediated responses.
AB  - HIV-1 uses a number of means to manipulate the immune system, to avoid
      recognition and to highjack signaling pathways. HIV-1 infected cells show limited
      Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) responsiveness via as yet unknown mechanisms. Using
      biochemical and biophysical approaches, we demonstrate that the trans-membrane
      domain (TMD) of the HIV-1 envelope (ENV) directly interacts with TLR2 TMD within
      the membrane milieu. This interaction attenuates TNFalpha, IL-6 and MCP-1
      secretion in macrophages, induced by natural ligands of TLR2 both in in vitro and
      in vivo models. This was associated with decreased levels of ERK phosphorylation.
      Furthermore, mutagenesis demonstrated the importance of a conserved GxxxG motif
      in driving this interaction within the membrane milieu. The administration of the
      ENV TMD in vivo to lipotechoic acid (LTA)/Galactosamine-mediated septic mice
      resulted in a significant decrease in mortality and in tissue damage, due to the
      weakening of systemic macrophage activation. Our findings suggest that the TMD of
      ENV is involved in modulation of the innate immune response during HIV infection.
      Furthermore, due to the high functional homology of viral ENV proteins this
      function may be a general character of viral-induced immune modulation. 

PMID- 25121611
TI  - Exogenous lactate supply affects lactate kinetics of rainbow trout, not swimming
      performance.
AB  - Intense swimming causes circulatory lactate accumulation in rainbow trout because
      lactate disposal (Rd) is not stimulated as strongly as lactate appearance (Ra).
      This mismatch suggests that maximal Rd is limited by tissue capacity to
      metabolize lactate. This study uses exogenous lactate to investigate what
      constrains maximal Rd and minimal Ra. Our goals were to determine how exogenous
      lactate affects: 1) Ra and Rd of lactate under baseline conditions or during
      graded swimming, and 2) exercise performance (critical swimming speed, Ucrit) and
      energetics (cost of transport, COT). Results show that exogenous lactate allows
      swimming trout to boost maximal Rd lactate by 40% and reach impressive rates of
      56 MUmol.kg(-1).min(-1). This shows that the metabolic capacity of tissues for
      lactate disposal is not responsible for setting the highest Rd normally observed
      after intense swimming. Baseline endogenous Ra (resting in normoxic water) is not
      significantly reduced by exogenous lactate supply. Therefore, trout have an
      obligatory need to produce lactate, either as a fuel for oxidative tissues and/or
      from organs relying on glycolysis. Exogenous lactate does not affect Ucrit or
      COT, probably because it acts as a substitute for glucose and lipids rather than
      extra fuel. We conclude that the observed 40% increase in Rd lactate is made
      possible by accelerating lactate entry into oxidative tissues via monocarboxylate
      transporters (MCTs). This observation together with the weak expression of MCTs
      and the phenomenon of white muscle lactate retention show that lactate metabolism
      of rainbow trout is significantly constrained by transmembrane transport.

PMID- 25121612
TI  - Cold water immersion enhances recovery of submaximal muscle function after
      resistance exercise.
AB  - We investigated the effect of cold water immersion (CWI) on the recovery of
      muscle function and physiological responses after high-intensity resistance
      exercise. Using a randomized, cross-over design, 10 physically active men
      performed high-intensity resistance exercise followed by one of two recovery
      interventions: 1) 10 min of CWI at 10 degrees C or 2) 10 min of active recovery
      (low-intensity cycling). After the recovery interventions, maximal muscle
      function was assessed after 2 and 4 h by measuring jump height and isometric
      squat strength. Submaximal muscle function was assessed after 6 h by measuring
      the average load lifted during 6 sets of 10 squats at 80% of 1 repetition
      maximum. Intramuscular temperature (1 cm) was also recorded, and venous blood
      samples were analyzed for markers of metabolism, vasoconstriction, and muscle
      damage. CWI did not enhance recovery of maximal muscle function. However, during
      the final three sets of the submaximal muscle function test, participants lifted
      a greater load (P < 0.05, Cohen's effect size: 1.3, 38%) after CWI compared with
      active recovery. During CWI, muscle temperature decreased ~7 degrees C below
      postexercise values and remained below preexercise values for another 35 min.
      Venous blood O2 saturation decreased below preexercise values for 1.5 h after
      CWI. Serum endothelin-1 concentration did not change after CWI, whereas it
      decreased after active recovery. Plasma myoglobin concentration was lower,
      whereas plasma IL-6 concentration was higher after CWI compared with active
      recovery. These results suggest that CWI after resistance exercise allows
      athletes to complete more work during subsequent training sessions, which could
      enhance long-term training adaptations.

PMID- 25121613
TI  - Pushing the limits of blood pressure control under severe heat stress. Focus on
      "Active and passive heat stress similarly compromise tolerance to a simulated
      hemorrhagic challenge".

PMID- 25121614
TI  - Autophagy is essential to support skeletal muscle plasticity in response to
      endurance exercise.
AB  - Physical exercise is a stress that can substantially modulate cellular signaling
      mechanisms to promote morphological and metabolic adaptations. Skeletal muscle
      protein and organelle turnover is dependent on two major cellular pathways:
      Forkhead box class O proteins (FOXO) transcription factors that regulate two main
      proteolytic systems, the ubiquitin-proteasome, and the autophagy-lysosome
      systems, including mitochondrial autophagy, and the MTORC1 signaling associated
      with protein translation and autophagy inhibition. In recent years, it has been
      well documented that both acute and chronic endurance exercise can affect the
      autophagy pathway. Importantly, substantial efforts have been made to better
      understand discrepancies in the literature on its modulation during exercise. A
      single bout of endurance exercise increases autophagic flux when the duration is
      long enough, and this response is dependent on nutritional status, since
      autophagic flux markers and mRNA coding for actors involved in mitophagy are more
      abundant in the fasted state. In contrast, strength and resistance exercises
      preferentially raise ubiquitin-proteasome system activity and involve several
      protein synthesis factors, such as the recently characterized DAGK for
      mechanistic target of rapamycin activation. In this review, we discuss recent
      progress on the impact of acute and chronic exercise on cell component turnover
      systems, with particular focus on autophagy, which until now has been relatively
      overlooked in skeletal muscle. We especially highlight the most recent studies on
      the factors that can impact its modulation, including the mode of exercise and
      the nutritional status, and also discuss the current limitations in the
      literature to encourage further works on this topic.

PMID- 25121616
TI  - The association of serum vitamin D concentration with serious complications after
      noncardiac surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem. Epidemiological
      studies demonstrate that vitamin D is both cardioprotective and neuroprotective.
      Vitamin D also plays a substantial role in innate and acquired immunity. Our goal
      was to evaluate the association of serum vitamin D concentration on serious
      postoperative complications and death in noncardiac surgical patients. METHODS:
      We retrospectively analyzed the data of 3509 patients who had noncardiac surgery
      at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and had a serum vitamin D measurement. The
      relationship between serum vitamin D concentration and all-cause in-hospital
      mortality, in-hospital cardiovascular morbidity, and serious in-hospital
      infections was assessed as a common effect odds ratio (OR) by using a
      multivariate generalized estimating equation model with adjustment for
      demographic, medical history variables, and type and duration of surgery.
      RESULTS: Higher vitamin D concentrations were associated with decreased odds of
      in-hospital mortality/morbidity (P = 0.003). There was a linear reduction of the
      corresponding common effect odds ratio (OR 0.93, 95% confidence interval, 0.88
      0.97) for severe in-hospital outcomes for each 5 ng/mL increase in vitamin D
      concentration over the range from 4 to 44 ng/mL. In addition, we found that the
      odds versus patients with vitamin D <13 ng/mL (i.e., 1st quintile) were
      significantly lower in patients with vitamin D 13-20, 20-27, 27-36, and > 36
      ng/mL (i.e., 2nd-5th quintiles); the corresponding estimated ORs were 0.65 (99%
      confidence interval, 0.43-0.98), 0.53 (0.35-0.80), 0.44 (0.28-0.70), and 0.49
      (0.31-0.78), respectively. However, there was no statistically significant
      difference among individual quintiles >13 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D
      concentrations were associated with a composite of in-hospital death, serious
      infections, and serious cardiovascular events in patients recovering from
      noncardiac surgery. While causality cannot be determined from our retrospective
      analysis, the association suggests that a large randomized trial of preoperative
      vitamin D supplementation and postoperative outcomes is warranted.

PMID- 25121617
TI  - Cooling strategies targeting trauma.

PMID- 25121615
TI  - Cadherin cytoplasmic domains inhibit the cell surface localization of endogenous
      E-cadherin, blocking desmosome and tight junction formation and inducing cell
      dissociation.
AB  - The downregulation of E-cadherin function has fundamental consequences with
      respect to cancer progression, and occurs as part of the epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT). In this study, we show that the expression of the Discosoma sp.
      red fluorescent protein (DsRed)-tagged cadherin cytoplasmic domain in cells
      inhibited the cell surface localization of endogenous E-cadherin, leading to
      morphological changes, the inhibition of junctional assembly and cell
      dissociation. These changes were associated with increased cell migration, but
      were not accompanied by the down-regulation of epithelial markers and up
      regulation of mesenchymal markers. Thus, these changes cannot be classified as
      EMT. The cadherin cytoplasmic domain interacted with beta-catenin or plakoglobin,
      reducing the levels of beta-catenin or plakoglobin associated with E-cadherin,
      and raising the possibility that beta-catenin and plakoglobin sequestration by
      these constructs induced E-cadherin intracellular localization. Accordingly, a
      cytoplasmic domain construct bearing mutations that weakened the interactions
      with beta-catenin or plakoglobin did not impair junction formation and adhesion,
      indicating that the interaction with beta-catenin or plakoglobin was essential to
      the potential of the constructs. E-cadherin-alpha-catenin chimeras that did not
      require beta-catenin or plakoglobin for their cell surface transport restored
      cell-cell adhesion and junction formation. 

PMID- 25121618
TI  - Long-term benefits versus side-effects from bone-targeted therapies for cancer
      patients: minimizing risk while maximizing benefits.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bone-targeted therapies such as bisphosphonates and denosumab
      are established in the treatment of cancer patients to prevent or delay skeletal
      related events and improve quality of life. Along with these benefits of bone
      targeted therapies, there are also known risks and adverse effects. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Although historically bone-targeted therapy use has been limited to
      palliation in patients with bone metastases, recent evidence suggests that these
      agents may also have anti-cancer effects. This will likely lead to the greater
      use of these agents in patients with earlier-stage disease. Increased use will
      lead to more adverse effects. In particular, the risk of rare but severe
      toxicities will become important. SUMMARY: This article explores strategies to
      maximize the clinical benefit of such therapy while minimizing associated risks.

PMID- 25121621
TI  - Edentulous persons, United States-1971.
AB  - There were an estimated 22.6 million edentulous persons in the United States
      according to the Health Interview Survey conducted in 1971. The Ju1y 1957-June
      1958 survey estimate of the number of persons who were edentulous (had lost all
      their natural teeth) was 21.9 million. Since in most instances it takes many
      years of dental neglect for an individual to lose all his teeth, persons with no
      teeth are heavily concentrated in the older age groups. For example, in 1971,86.3
      percent (19.5 million) of the edentulous population were in the age group 45
      years of age and older, while in 1957-58 the comparable figure was 85.2 percent.
      Virtually every American will be affected during his or her lifetime by dental
      decay or periodontal disease. Reports previously published in the Vital and
      Health Statistics series contain national estimates of the prevalence, severity,
      and effects of dental disease among U.S. adults. Based on dental examinations
      conducted during 1960-62, it was estimated that approximately 20 million adults
      had lost all their natural teeth. Of the remaining adults with at least one
      natural tooth (approximately 90 million), about haIf had 18 or more decayed,
      missing, or filled teeth. In addition, about three out of four of those with
      natural teeth had periodontal disease, and about one out of four had an advanced
      form of periodontal disease with pocket formations. The result of neglected
      dental caries and advanced periodontal disease is the loss of teeth. Persons
      using artificial dentures are considerably less efficient at chewing than persons
      with healthy natural teeth. For the aged, artificial dentures mean a decrease in
      masticator function at a time when an efficient dental function is increasingly
      desirable due to changes in nutritional requirements. While the ultimate dental
      health goaI is the eradication of dental disease, an important immediate goal is
      the reduction of tooth Ioss. Tooth loss can usualIy be obviated by diagnosing and
      treating dental disease in its early stages and by utilizing the preventive
      measures now available. 

PMID- 25121620
TI  - Evaluation of an mHealth intervention aiming to improve health-related behavior
      and sleep and reduce fatigue among airline pilots.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an mHealth
      intervention (intervention using mobile technology) consisting of tailored advice
      regarding exposure to daylight, sleep, physical activity, and nutrition, and
      aiming to improve health-related behavior, thereby reducing sleep problems and
      fatigue and improving health perception of airline pilots. METHODS: A randomized
      controlled trial was conducted among 502 airline pilots. The intervention group
      was given access to both the MORE Energy mobile application (app) with tailored
      advice and a website with background information. The control group was directed
      to a website with standard information about fatigue. Health-related behavior,
      fatigue, sleep, and health perception outcomes were measured through online
      questionnaires at baseline and at three and six months after baseline. The
      effectiveness of the intervention was determined using linear and Poisson mixed
      model analyses. RESULTS: After six months, compared to the control group, the
      intervention group showed a significant improvement on fatigue (beta= -3.76,
      P<0.001), sleep quality (beta= -0.59, P=0.007), strenuous physical activity
      (beta=0.17, P=0.028), and snacking behavior (beta= -0.81, P<0.001). No
      significant effects were found for other outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: The MORE
      Energy mHealth intervention reduced self-reported fatigue compared to a minimal
      intervention. Some aspects of health-related behavior (physical activity and
      snacking behavior) and sleep (sleep quality) improved as well, but most did not.
      The results show offering tailored advice through an mHealth intervention is an
      effective means to support employees who have to cope with irregular flight
      schedules and circadian disruption. This kind of intervention might therefore
      also be beneficial for other working populations with irregular working hours.

PMID- 25121619
TI  - Optimization of photoactive protein Z for fast and efficient site-specific
      conjugation of native IgG.
AB  - Antibody conjugates have been used in a variety of applications from immunoassays
      to drug conjugates. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that in order to
      maximize an antibody's antigen binding ability and to produce homogeneous
      antibody-conjugates, the conjugated molecule should be attached onto IgG site
      specifically. We previously developed a facile method for the site-specific
      modification of full length, native IgGs by engineering a recombinant Protein Z
      that forms a covalent link to the Fc domain of IgG upon exposure to long
      wavelength UV light. To further improve the efficiency of Protein Z production
      and IgG conjugation, we constructed a panel of 13 different Protein Z variants
      with the UV-active amino acid benzoylphenylalanine (BPA) in different locations.
      By using this panel of Protein Z to cross-link a range of IgGs from different
      hosts, including human, mouse, and rat, we discovered two previously unknown
      Protein Z variants, L17BPA and K35BPA, that are capable of cross-linking many
      commonly used IgG isotypes with efficiencies ranging from 60% to 95% after only 1
      h of UV exposure. When compared to existing site-specific methods, which often
      require cloning or enzymatic reactions, the Protein Z-based method described
      here, utilizing the L17BPA, K35BPA, and the previously described Q32BPA variants,
      represents a vastly more accessible and efficient approach that is compatible
      with nearly all native IgGs, thus making site-specific conjugation more
      accessible to the general research community. 

PMID- 25121622
TI  - Activation of the D1 receptors inhibits the long-term potentiation in vivo
      induced by acute morphine administration through a D1-GluN2A interaction in the
      nucleus accumbens.
AB  - Dopamine D1-like receptors can modulate glutamate-mediated excitatory synaptic
      neurotransmission, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here,
      we report that acute in-vivo morphine administration induces the long-term
      potentiation (Mor-LTP) of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials at the
      prefrontal cortex-to-nucleus accumbens shell synapses, and this process requires
      the activation of GluN2A-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. This Mor-LTP
      is completely inhibited by the D1-like receptor agonist SKF81297, but not by the
      D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole. SKF81297-inhibited Mor-LTP is restored by
      pretreatment with the TAT-conjugated interfering peptide TAT-D1-t3, which is a
      synthetic blocker of the direct D1-GluN2A receptor interaction. These results
      indicate that the activation of D1 receptors modulates Mor-LTP by the direct D1
      GluN2A interaction at the prefrontal cortex-to-nucleus accumbens shell synapses
      and might play a role in addiction-related plastic alterations. 

PMID- 25121623
TI  - Electrophysiological response to omitted stimulus in sentence processing.
AB  - The current study provides evidence that the absence of a syntactically expected
      item leads to a sustained cognitive processing demand. Event-related potentials
      were measured at the omission of a syntactically expected object argument in a
      speech sequence. English monolingual adults listened to paired sentences. The
      first sentence in the pair established a context. The second sentence provided a
      response to the first sentence that was either grammatically correct by
      containing an overt object argument in the form of a pronoun, or was
      syntactically unacceptable by omitting the expected object pronoun. Event-related
      potentials measured at the omission of the object argument showed a prolonged
      positivity for 100-600 ms with a broad scalp distribution, and for 600-1000 ms
      with a focus in the anterior region. This observed omitted stimulus potential may
      contain characteristics of the P300 component, associated with the detection of
      the deviation of an expected stimulus, and the classical P600 related to
      syntactic reanalysis. Further, the late anterior P600 may indicate an increased
      memory demand in sentence comprehension. Thus, this linguistic omitted stimulus
      potential is a cognitive indicator of language processing that can be used to
      investigate the organization of linguistic knowledge. 

PMID- 25121625
TI  - Primary pure signet-ring cell carcinoma of the anus: a case report with
      immunohistochemical study.

PMID- 25121624
TI  - Acupuncture-induced changes in functional connectivity of the primary
      somatosensory cortex varied with pathological stages of Bell's palsy.
AB  - Bell's palsy is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paralysis. In China,
      Bell's palsy is frequently treated with acupuncture. However, its efficacy and
      underlying mechanism are still controversial. In this study, we used functional
      MRI to investigate the effect of acupuncture on the functional connectivity of
      the brain in Bell's palsy patients and healthy individuals. The patients were
      further grouped according to disease duration and facial motor performance. The
      results of resting-state functional MRI connectivity show that acupuncture
      induces significant connectivity changes in the primary somatosensory region of
      both early and late recovery groups, but no significant changes in either the
      healthy control group or the recovered group. In the recovery group, the changes
      also varied with regions and disease duration. Therefore, we propose that the
      effect of acupuncture stimulation may depend on the functional connectivity
      status of patients with Bell's palsy. 

PMID- 25121626
TI  - Signet-ring cell carcinoma of the nonampullary duodenum and proximal jejunum: a
      case report with an immunohistochemical study.

PMID- 25121627
TI  - Gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor lost in the peritoneum after endoscopic
      resection.

PMID- 25121628
TI  - Doxycycline-induced pill esophagitis.

PMID- 25121629
TI  - Large polypoid lymphoid follicles in the stomach causing anemia.

PMID- 25121631
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasound-guided thrombin injection in a large splenic artery
      aneurysm: first report in a patient with tropical chronic pancreatitis.

PMID- 25121632
TI  - The "death" of lethal injection as we know it? The role of chemical execution in
      the American criminal justice system.
AB  - Several independent elements have recently combined to thrust United States
      capital punishment into a chaos. Corrections officials and policy makers have
      attempted to "humanize" capital punishment by evolving into a chemical execution
      process, and soften the outward appearance. Foreign policies have interrupted
      chemical protocols by banning key ingredients. These disruptions are spawning new
      theories of legal challenges in capital punishment. This is a critical time for
      stakeholders and all members of a civilized society to pause and reflect on the
      role of capital punishment.

PMID- 25121630
TI  - Extensive small-bowel Crohn's disease detected by the newly introduced 360
      degrees  panoramic viewing capsule endoscopy system.

PMID- 25121633
TI  - An introduction to "keeping the 'health' in health communication": a column
      devoted to interdisciplinary vocabulary.
AB  - Health communication research and practice often involve interdisciplinary
      collaborations. These endeavors include vocabularies associated with the
      different disciplines and backgrounds of the collaborators. This feature will be
      devoted to providing glossaries to introduce these vocabularies.

PMID- 25121634
TI  - One-step synthesis of graphene-Au nanoparticle hybrid materials from metal salt
      loaded micelles.
AB  - In this study, we present a facile one-step method to synthesize graphene-Au
      nanoparticle (NP) hybrid materials by using HAuCl4-loaded poly(styrene)-block
      poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-P2VP) micelles as solid carbon sources. N-doped
      graphene with controllable thickness can be grown from PS-P2VP micelles covered
      by a Ni capping layer by an annealing process; simultaneously, the HAuCl4 in the
      micelles were reduced into Au NPs under a reductive atmosphere to form Au NPs on
      graphene. The decoration of Au NPs leads to an obviously enhanced electrical
      conductivity and a slightly increased work function of graphene due to the
      electron transfer effect. The graphene-Au NP hybrid materials also exhibit a
      localized surface plasmon resonance feature of Au NPs. This work provides a novel
      and accessible route for the one-step synthesis of graphene-Au NP hybrid
      materials with high quality, which might be useful for future applications in
      optoelectronic devices. 

PMID- 25121635
TI  - Rubus coreanus Miquel ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory impairments in ICR
      mice.
AB  - The present study investigated the effect of Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM) on
      scopolamine-induced memory impairments in ICR mice. Mice were orally
      administrated RCM for 4 weeks and scopolamine was intraperitoneally injected into
      mice to induce memory impairment. RCM improved the scopolamine-induced memory
      impairment in mice. The increase of acetylcholinesterase activity caused by
      scopolamine was significantly attenuated by RCM treatment. RCM increased the
      levels of acetylcholine in the brain and serum of mice. The expression of choline
      acetyltransferase, phospho-cyclic AMP response element-binding protein, and
      phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase was significantly increased within
      the brain of mice treated with RCM. The brain antioxidant enzyme activity
      decreased by scopolamine was increased by RCM. These results demonstrate that RCM
      exerts a memory-enhancing effect via the improvement of cholinergic function and
      the potentiated antioxidant activity in memory-impaired mice. The results suggest
      that RCM may be a useful agent for improving memory impairment.

PMID- 25121636
TI  - Congenital hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis presenting as thrombocytopenia in a
      newborn.
AB  - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a disease caused by dysregulation and
      hyperactivation of the immune system, and can be familial or acquired. HLH
      presenting in infancy can be rapidly fatal if not promptly recognized and
      treated. Congenital HLH can be caused by various genetic mutations or part of
      immunodeficiency syndromes. We present an infant with Griscelli syndrome and
      familial HLH with atypical genetic mutations, presenting as thrombocytopenia on
      the first day of life, cured with chemotherapy and unrelated cord blood
      transplant. 

PMID- 25121637
TI  - Adjuvant Gemcitabine and Gemcitabine-based Chemoradiotherapy Versus Gemcitabine
      Alone After Pancreatic Cancer Resection: The Indiana University Experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Adjuvant therapy after surgical resection is the current standard for
      pancreatic adenocarcinoma; however, the role of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remains
      unclear. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy outcomes with adjuvant
      gemcitabine and gemcitabine-based CRT (CT-CRT) versus gemcitabine chemotherapy
      (CT) alone after pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: Among 165 patients who
      underwent surgical resection for pancreatic cancer at Indiana University Medical
      Center between 2004 and 2008, we retrospectively identified 53 consecutive
      patients who received adjuvant therapy (CT-CRT=34 patients; CT=19 patients) and
      had adequate follow-up medical records. The median follow-up was 19.1 months.
      Median disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using Kaplan
      Meier method, and a Cox-regression model was used to compare survival outcomes
      after adjusting for age, status of resection margins, and lymph node involvement.
      RESULTS: The OS for the CT-CRT group was significantly higher compared with the
      CT group (median, 20.4 vs. 16.6 mo; hazard ratio, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.17-5.01). The
      median DFS for the CT-CRT group was 13.7 versus 11.1 months for the CT group
      (hazard ratio, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.37-6.06). On subgroup analyses, significantly
      superior OS and DFS were observed among patients younger than 65 years, T3/T4
      tumor stage, negative resection margins, and positive lymph node involvement.
      CONCLUSION: Gemcitabine plus gemcitabine-based CRT compared with gemcitabine
      alone leads to superior DFS and OS for patients with resected pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 25121638
TI  - Competitive immunochromatographic assay for the detection of thiodiglycol
      sulfoxide, a degradation product of sulfur mustard.
AB  - An immunochromatographic assay (ICA) based on the competitive antigen-coated
      format using colloidal gold as the label was developed for the detection of
      thiodiglycol sulfoxide (TDGO), an important metabolite and degradation compound
      of sulphur mustard (SM). The ICA test strip consisted of a membrane with a
      detection zone, a sample pad and an absorbent pad. The membrane was separately
      coated with hapten-OVA conjugate (test line) and anti-rabbit mouse IgG (control
      line). The visual detection limit for TDGO by ICA detection was found to be 10
      MUg mL(-1). For validation, the ICA results obtained for spiked water samples
      were in good agreement with those obtained by indirect competitive inhibition
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for TDGO. The assay time for detection
      was less than 10 min. The developed ICA has the potential to be a useful on-site
      screening tool for the retrospective detection of SM in environmental samples. 

PMID- 25121639
TI  - Significance and costs of complex biopsychosocial health care needs in elderly
      people: results of a population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To improve health care for the elderly, a consideration of
      biopsychosocial health care needs may be of particular importance-especially
      because of the prevalence of multiple conditions, mental disorders, and social
      challenges facing elderly people. The aim of the study was to investigate
      significance and costs of biopsychosocial health care needs in elderly people.
      METHODS: Data were derived from the 8-year follow-up of the ESTHER study-a German
      epidemiological study in the elderly population. A total of 3124 participants
      aged 57 to 84 years were visited at home by trained medical doctors.
      Biopsychosocial health care needs were assessed using the INTERMED for the
      Elderly (IM-E) interview. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured by
      the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and psychosomatic burden was measured by
      the Patient Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: The IM-E correlated with decreased
      mental (mental component score: r = -0.38, p < .0001) and physical HRQOL
      (physical component score: r = -0.45, p < .0001), increased depression severity
      (r = 0.53, p < .0001), and costs (R = 0.41, p < .0001). The proportion of the
      participants who had an IM-E score of at least 21 was 8.2%; according to previous
      studies, they were classified as complex patients (having complex biopsychosocial
      health care needs). Complex patients showed a highly reduced HRQOL compared with
      participants without complex health care needs (mental component score: 37.0
      [10.8] versus 48.7 [8.8]; physical component score: 33.0 [9.1] versus 41.6
      [9.5]). Mean health care costs per 3 months of complex patients were strongly
      increased (1651.1 &OV0556; [3192.2] versus 764.5 &OV0556; [1868.4]). CONCLUSIONS:
      Complex biopsychosocial health care needs are strongly associated with adverse
      health outcomes in elderly people. It should be evaluated if interdisciplinary
      treatment plans would improve the health outcomes for complex patients.

PMID- 25121640
TI  - Quantitative Trait Loci from Two Genotypes of Oat (Avena sativa) Conditioning
      Resistance to Puccinia coronata.
AB  - Developing oat cultivars with partial resistance to crown rust would be
      beneficial and cost-effective for disease management. Two recombinant inbred-line
      populations were generated by crossing the susceptible cultivar Provena with two
      partially resistant sources, CDC Boyer and breeding line 94197A1-9-2-2-2-5. A
      third mapping population was generated by crossing the partially resistant
      sources to validate the quantitative trait locus (QTL) results. The three
      populations were evaluated for crown rust severity in the field at Louisiana
      State University (LSU) in 2009 and 2010 and at the Cereal Disease Laboratory
      (CDL) in St. Paul, MN, in 2009, 2010, and 2011. An iSelect platform assay
      containing 5,744 oat single nucleotide polymorphisms was used to genotype the
      populations. From the 2009 CDL test, linkage analyses revealed two QTLs for
      partial resistance in the Provena/CDC Boyer population on chromosome 19A. One of
      the 19A QTLs was also detected in the 2009 LSU test. Another QTL was detected on
      chromosome 12D in the CDL 2009 test. In the Provena/94197A1-9-2-2-2-5 population,
      only one QTL was detected, on chromosome 13A, in the CDL 2011 test. The 13A QTL
      from the Provena/94197A1-9-2-2-2-5 population was validated in the CDC
      Boyer/94197A1-9-2-2-2-5 population in the CDL 2010 and 2011 tests. Comparative
      analysis of the significant marker sequences with the rice genome database
      revealed 15 candidate genes for disease resistance on chromosomes 4 and 6 of
      rice. These genes could be potential targets for cloning from the two resistant
      parents. 

PMID- 25121641
TI  - Regional and field-specific factors affect the composition of fusarium head
      blight pathogens in subtropical no-till wheat agroecosystem of Brazil.
AB  - A multiyear survey of >200 wheat fields in Parana (PR) and Rio Grande do Sul (RS)
      states was conducted to assess the extent and distribution of Fusarium
      graminearum species complex (FGSC) diversity in the southern Brazilian wheat
      agroecosystem. Five species and three trichothecene genotypes were found among
      671 FGSC isolates from Fusarium head blight (FHB)-infected wheat heads: F.
      graminearum (83%) of the 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON) genotype, F.
      meridionale (12.8%) and F. asiaticum (0.4%) of the nivalenol (NIV) genotype, and
      F. cortaderiae (2.5%) and F. austroamericanum (0.9%) with either the NIV or the 3
      ADON genotype. Regional differences in FGSC composition were observed, with F.
      meridionale and the NIV type being significantly (P<0.001) more prevalent in PR
      (>28%) than in RS (<=9%). Within RS, F. graminearum was overrepresented in fields
      below 600 m in elevation and in fields with higher levels of FHB incidence
      (P<0.05). Species composition was not significantly influenced by previous crop
      or the stage of grain development at sampling. Habitat-specific differences in
      FGSC composition were evaluated in three fields by characterizing a total of 189
      isolates collected from corn stubble, air above the wheat canopy, and symptomatic
      wheat kernels. Significant differences in FGSC composition were observed among
      these habitats (P<0.001). Most strikingly, F. meridionale and F. cortaderiae of
      the NIV genotype accounted for the vast majority (>96%) of isolates from corn
      stubble, whereas F. graminearum with the 15-ADON genotype was dominant (>84%)
      among isolates from diseased wheat kernels. Potential differences in pathogenic
      fitness on wheat were also suggested by a greenhouse competitiveness assay in
      which F. graminearum was recovered at much higher frequency (>90%) than F.
      meridionale from four wheat varieties inoculated with an equal mixture of F.
      graminearum and F. meridionale isolates. Taken together, the data presented here
      suggest that FGSC composition and, consequently, the trichothecene contamination
      in wheat grown in southern Brazil is influenced by host adaptation and pathogenic
      fitness. Evidence that F. meridionale and F. cortaderiae with the NIV genotype
      are regionally significant contributors to FHB may have significant implications
      for food safety and the economics of cereal production.

PMID- 25121642
TI  - Evidence for Systemic Infection by Puccinia horiana, Causal Agent of
      Chrysanthemum White Rust, in Chrysanthemum.
AB  - Puccinia horiana, causal agent of the disease commonly known as chrysanthemum
      white rust (CWR), is a quarantine-significant fungal pathogen of chrysanthemum in
      the United States and indigenous to Asia. The pathogen was believed to have been
      eradicated in the United States but recently reappeared on several occasions in
      northeastern United States. The objective of the study presented here was to
      determine whether P. horiana could systemically infect chrysanthemum plants, thus
      providing a means of survival through winters. Scanning and transmission electron
      microscopy revealed the development of P. horiana on the surface and within
      leaves, stems, or crowns of inoculated chrysanthemum plants artificially exposed
      to northeastern U.S. winter temperatures. P. horiana penetrated leaves directly
      through the cuticle and then colonized the mesophyll tissue both inter- and
      intracellularly. An electron-dense material formed at the interface between
      fungal and host mesophyll cells, suggesting that the pathogen adhered to the
      plant cells. P. horiana appeared to penetrate mesophyll cell walls by enzymatic
      digestion, as indicated by the absence of deformation lines in host cell walls at
      penetration sites. The fungus was common in vascular tissue within the infected
      crown, often nearly replacing the entire contents of tracheid cell walls. P.
      horiana frequently passed from one tracheid cell to an adjacent tracheid cell by
      penetration either through pit pairs or nonpitted areas of the cell walls.
      Individual, presumed, fungal cells in mature tracheid cells of the crown and
      stems arising from infected crowns suggested that the pathogen might have been
      moving at least partially by means of the transpiration stream. The demonstration
      that chrysanthemum plants can be systemically infected by P. horiana suggests
      that additional disease control measures are required to effectively control CWR.

PMID- 25121644
TI  - Ab initio chemical synthesis of designer metal phosphate frameworks at ambient
      conditions.
AB  - Stepwise hierarchical and rational synthesis of porous zinc phosphate frameworks
      by predictable and directed assembly of easily isolable tetrameric zinc phosphate
      [Zn(dipp)(solv)]4 (dippH2 = diisopropylphenyldihydrogen phosphate; solv = CH3OH
      or dimethyl sulfoxide) with D4R (double-4-ring) topology has been achieved. The
      preformed and highly robust D4R secondary building unit can be coordinatively
      interconnected through a varied choice of bipyridine-based ditopic spacers L1-L7
      to isolate eight functional zinc phosphate frameworks,
      [Zn4(dipp)4(L1)1.5(DMSO)].4H2O (2), [Zn4(dipp)4(L2)1.5(CH3OH)] (3),
      [Zn4(dipp)4(L1)2] (4), [Zn4(dipp)4(L3)2] (5), [Zn4(dipp)4(L4)2] (6),
      [Zn4(dipp)4(L5)2] (7), [Zn4(dipp)4(L6)2] (8), and [Zn4(dipp)4(L7)2] (9), in good
      yield. The preparative procedures are simple and do not require high pressure or
      temperature. Surface area measurements of these framework solids show that the
      guest accessibility of the frameworks can be tuned by suitable modification of
      bipyridine spacers. 

PMID- 25121643
TI  - Sodium dodecyl sulfate monomers induce XAO peptide polyproline II to alpha-helix
      transition.
AB  - XAO peptide (Ac-X2A7O2-NH2; X: diaminobutyric acid side chain, -CH2CH2NH3(+); O:
      ornithine side chain, -CH2CH2CH2NH3(+)) in aqueous solution shows a predominantly
      polyproline II (PPII) conformation without any detectable alpha-helix-like
      conformations. Here we demonstrate by using circular dichroism (CD), ultraviolet
      resonance Raman (UVRR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy that
      sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) monomers bind to XAO and induce formation of alpha
      helix-like conformations. The stoichiometry and the association constants of SDS
      and XAO were determined from the XAO-SDS diffusion coefficients measured by
      pulsed field gradient NMR. We developed a model for the formation of XAO-SDS
      aggregate alpha-helix-like conformations. Using UVRR spectroscopy, we calculated
      the Ramachandran psi angle distributions of aggregated XAO peptides. We resolved
      alpha-, pi- and 3(10)-helical conformations and a turn conformation. XAO
      nucleates SDS aggregation at SDS concentrations below the SDS critical micelle
      concentration. The XAO4-SDS16 aggregates have four SDS molecules bound to each
      XAO to neutralize the four side chain cationic charges. We propose that the SDS
      alkyl chains partition into a hydrophobic core to minimize the hydrophobic area
      exposed to water. Neutralization of the flanking XAO charges enables alpha-helix
      formation. Four XAO-SDS4 aggregates form a complex with an SDS alkyl chain
      dominated hydrophobic core and a more hydrophilic shell where one face of the
      alpha-helix peptide contacts the water environment.

PMID- 25121646
TI  - Determining asymptotically large population sizes in insect swarms.
AB  - Social animals commonly form aggregates that exhibit emergent collective
      behaviour, with group dynamics that are distinct from the behaviour of
      individuals. Simple models can qualitatively reproduce such behaviour, but only
      with large numbers of individuals. But how rapidly do the collective properties
      of animal aggregations in nature emerge with group size? Here, we study swarms of
      Chironomus riparius midges and measure how their statistical properties change as
      a function of the number of participating individuals. Once the swarms contain
      order 10 individuals, we find that all statistics saturate and the swarms enter
      an asymptotic regime. The influence of environmental cues on the swarm morphology
      decays on a similar scale. Our results provide a strong constraint on how rapidly
      swarm models must produce collective states. But our findings support the
      feasibility of using swarms as a design template for multi-agent systems, because
      self-organized states are possible even with few agents. 

PMID- 25121645
TI  - Physical activity, sedentary behavior and risk of hypertensive disorders of
      pregnancy in Hispanic women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prior studies of the association between physical activity and
      hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have been conflicting; the majority focused
      on leisure-time activity only, did not use physical activity questionnaires
      validated for pregnancy, and were conducted in primarily non-Hispanic white
      populations. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated this association among 1240
      Hispanic women in Proyecto Buena Salud. The Pregnancy Physical Activity
      Questionnaire, validated for use in pregnancy, was used to assess pre- and early
      pregnancy sports/exercise, household/caregiving, occupational and transportation
      activity. Diagnoses of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were based on medical
      record abstraction and confirmed by the study obstetrician. RESULTS: A total of
      49 women (4.0%) were diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy,
      including 32 women (2.6%) with pre-eclampsia. In age-adjusted analyses, high
      levels of early pregnancy household/caregiving activity were associated with
      reduced risk of total hypertensive disorders (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.1-0.9) and pre
      eclampsia (OR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.9) relative to low levels; however, these
      findings were no longer statistically significant in multivariable models. Pre
      pregnancy activity and pattern of activity from pre- to early-pregnancy were not
      significantly associated with risk. Finally, sedentary behavior was not
      significantly associated with hypertensive disorders. CONCLUSION: Findings from
      this prospective study of Hispanic women were consistent with those of prior
      prospective cohorts indicating that physical activity prior to and during early
      pregnancy does not significantly reduce risk of hypertensive disorders of
      pregnancy.

PMID- 25121647
TI  - Programming chemistry in DNA-addressable bioreactors.
AB  - We present a formal calculus, termed the chemtainer calculus, able to capture the
      complexity of compartmentalized reaction systems such as populations of possibly
      nested vesicular compartments. Compartments contain molecular cargo as well as
      surface markers in the form of DNA single strands. These markers serve as
      compartment addresses and allow for their targeted transport and fusion, thereby
      enabling reactions of previously separated chemicals. The overall system
      organization allows for the set-up of programmable chemistry in microfluidic or
      other automated environments. We introduce a simple sequential programming
      language whose instructions are motivated by state-of-the-art microfluidic
      technology. Our approach integrates electronic control, chemical computing and
      material production in a unified formal framework that is able to mimic the
      integrated computational and constructive capabilities of the subcellular matrix.
      We provide a non-deterministic semantics of our programming language that enables
      us to analytically derive the computational and constructive power of our
      machinery. This semantics is used to derive the sets of all constructable
      chemicals and supermolecular structures that emerge from different underlying
      instruction sets. Because our proofs are constructive, they can be used to
      automatically infer control programs for the construction of target structures
      from a limited set of resource molecules. Finally, we present an example of our
      framework from the area of oligosaccharide synthesis. 

PMID- 25121648
TI  - Interfacial and biological properties of the gradient coating on polyamide
      substrate for bone substitute.
AB  - Fabrication of bioactive and mechanical matched bone substitutes is crucial for
      clinical application in bone defects repair. In this study, nano
      hydroxyapatite/polyamide (nHA/PA) composite was coated on injection-moulded PA by
      a chemical corrosion and phase-inversion technique. The shear strength, gradient
      composition and pore structure of the bioactive coating were characterized.
      Osteoblast-like MG63 cells were cultured on pure PA and composite-coated PA
      samples. The cells' adhesion, spread and proliferation were determined using MTT
      assay and microscopy. The results confirm that the samples with the nHA/PA
      composite coating have better cytocompatibility and have no negative effects on
      cells. To investigate the in vivo biocompatibility, both pure PA and composite
      coated PA cylinders were implanted in the trochlea of rabbit femurs and studied
      histologically, and the bonding ability with bone were determined using push-out
      tests. The results show that composite-coated implants exhibit better
      biocompatibility and the shear strength of the composite-coated implants with
      host bone at 12 weeks can reach 3.49+/-0.42 MPa, which is significantly higher
      than that of pure PA implants. These results indicate that composite-coated PA
      implants have excellent biocompatibility and bonding abilities with host bone and
      they have the potential to be applied in repair of bone defects.

PMID- 25121652
TI  - Polarization-sensitive OFDI using polarization-multiplexed wavelength-swept
      laser.
AB  - We demonstrate a novel polarization-sensitive optical frequency domain imaging
      system employing passive polarization multiplexing. Simple modification of a
      fiber delay line in the wavelength-swept light source enables illumination with
      two perpendicular polarizations that are required for determination of the Stokes
      vector components of the light reflected from each depth of the tissue. This
      simple all-passive approach provides a robust and low-cost solution for PS
      imaging replacing relatively complex conventional schemes such as polarization
      modulation or frequency-encoded polarization multiplexing. 

PMID- 25121651
TI  - Real-time optoacoustic tomography of indocyanine green perfusion and oxygenation
      parameters in human finger vasculature.
AB  - We interrogated whether optoacoustic tomography could be employed to study blood
      functional parameters and biodistribution of injected fluorescent agents in
      humans. Using a multichannel scanner at a frame rate of 10 images per second, we
      obtained cross-sectional images of the human finger in real time, before and
      after the administration of indocyanine green. We demonstrated that multispectral
      optoacoustic tomography can sense fast flow kinetics and resolve spatiotemporal
      characteristics of a common fluorochrome in human vasculature at clinically
      relevant concentrations. We further register ICG images with oxygen saturation
      maps and anatomical views of the proximal interphalangeal joint of a healthy
      volunteer. 

PMID- 25121653
TI  - Broadband angular filtering with a volume Bragg grating and a surface grating
      pair.
AB  - We propose and perform broadband angular filtering with the combination of a
      volume Bragg grating and a surface grating pair. The condition for broadband
      operation is discussed. Near-field modulation, contrast ratio, and power spectral
      density are used to evaluate the filtering performances in the spatial and
      frequency domain. Experimental results show that the bandwidth of the output beam
      through the grating combination is remarkably increased, and the medium and high
      frequencies are effectively eliminated. 

PMID- 25121650
TI  - Masticatory biomechanics in the rabbit: a multi-body dynamics analysis.
AB  - Multi-body dynamics is a powerful engineering tool which is becoming increasingly
      popular for the simulation and analysis of skull biomechanics. This paper
      presents the first application of multi-body dynamics to analyse the biomechanics
      of the rabbit skull. A model has been constructed through the combination of
      manual dissection and three-dimensional imaging techniques (magnetic resonance
      imaging and micro-computed tomography). Individual muscles are represented with
      multiple layers, thus more accurately modelling muscle fibres with complex lines
      of action. Model validity was sought through comparing experimentally measured
      maximum incisor bite forces with those predicted by the model. Simulations of
      molar biting highlighted the ability of the masticatory system to alter
      recruitment of two muscle groups, in order to generate shearing or crushing
      movements. Molar shearing is capable of processing a food bolus in all three
      orthogonal directions, whereas molar crushing and incisor biting are
      predominately directed vertically. Simulations also show that the masticatory
      system is adapted to process foods through several cycles with low muscle
      activations, presumably in order to prevent rapidly fatiguing fast fibres during
      repeated chewing cycles. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of a validated
      multi-body dynamics model for investigating feeding biomechanics in the rabbit,
      and shows the potential for complementing and eventually reducing in vivo
      experiments. 

PMID- 25121649
TI  - An explicit immunogenetic model of gastrointestinal nematode infection in sheep.
AB  - Gastrointestinal nematodes are a global cause of disease and death in humans,
      wildlife and livestock. Livestock infection has historically been controlled with
      anthelmintic drugs, but the development of resistance means that alternative
      controls are needed. The most promising alternatives are vaccination, nutritional
      supplementation and selective breeding, all of which act by enhancing the immune
      response. Currently, control planning is hampered by reliance on the faecal egg
      count (FEC), which suffers from low accuracy and a nonlinear and indirect
      relationship with infection intensity and host immune responses. We address this
      gap by using extensive parasitological, immunological and genetic data on the
      sheep-Teladorsagia circumcincta interaction to create an immunologically explicit
      model of infection dynamics in a sheep flock that links host genetic variation
      with variation in the two key immune responses to predict the observed
      parasitological measures. Using our model, we show that the immune responses are
      highly heritable and by comparing selective breeding based on low FECs versus
      high plasma IgA responses, we show that the immune markers are a much improved
      measure of host resistance. In summary, we have created a model of host-parasite
      infections that explicitly captures the development of the adaptive immune
      response and show that by integrating genetic, immunological and parasitological
      understanding we can identify new immune-based markers for diagnosis and control.

PMID- 25121654
TI  - Direct comparison of optical lattice clocks with an intercontinental baseline of
      9000 km.
AB  - We have demonstrated a direct frequency comparison between two 87Sr lattice
      clocks operated in intercontinentally separated laboratories in real time. Two
      way satellite time and frequency transfer technique, based on the carrier-phase,
      was employed for a direct comparison, with a baseline of 9000 km between Japan
      and Germany. A frequency comparison was achieved for 83,640 s, resulting in a
      fractional difference of (1.1+/-1.6)*10-15, where the statistical part is the
      largest contributor to the uncertainty. This measurement directly confirms the
      agreement of the two optical frequency standards on an intercontinental scale.

PMID- 25121655
TI  - Polarization-resolved near-backscattering of airborne aggregates composed of
      different primary particles.
AB  - We measured the polarization-resolved angular elastic scattering intensity
      distribution of aggregates composed of primary particles with different shapes
      and packing densities in the near-backward directions (155 degrees -180 degrees
      ). Specifically, we compare aggregates composed of spherical polystyrene latex
      spheres, cylinder-like Bacillus subtilis particles, and Arizona road dust, as
      well as tryptophan particles. We observe clearly differentiable polarization
      aspect ratios and find that the negative polarization dip is more pronounced in
      more densely packed aggregates or particles. This work indicates that the
      polarization aspect ratio in the near-backward direction may be used as a
      fingerprint to discriminate between aggregates with the same size and overall
      shape by differences in their constituent particles. 

PMID- 25121656
TI  - Phase-predictable tuning of single-frequency optical synthesizers.
AB  - We investigate the tuning behavior of a novel type of single-frequency optical
      synthesizers by phase comparison of the output signals of two identical devices.
      We achieve phase-stable and cycle-slip free frequency tuning over 28.1 GHz with a
      maximum zero-to-peak phase deviation of 62 mrad. In contrast to previous
      implementations of single-frequency optical synthesizers, no comb line order
      switching is needed when tuned over more than one comb line spacing range of the
      employed frequency comb.

PMID- 25121657
TI  - Control of chromaticity by phosphor in glasses with low temperature sintered
      silicate glasses for LED applications.
AB  - Phosphor-in-glass (PiG) color converters for LED applications were fabricated
      with a mixture of phosphors, Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (yellow) and CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ (red). The
      low sintering temperature (550 degrees C) of SiO2-Na2O-RO (R=Ba, Zn) glass powder
      enabled the inclusion of CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ (red) phosphor which cannot be embedded
      with conventional glass powders for PiGs. By simply varying the mixing ratio of
      glass to phosphors as well as the ratio of yellow to red phosphors, the facile
      control of the CIE chromaticity coordinates and correlated color temperature of
      the LED following the Planckian locus has been achieved. Phosphors were well
      distributed within the glass matrix without noticeable reactions, preserving the
      enhanced thermal quenching property of the PiG compared to those with silicone
      resins, for LEDs.

PMID- 25121658
TI  - Plasmon mode characteristics of metallic nanowire in uniaxial anisotropic
      dielectric.
AB  - The plasmon mode characteristics of metallic nanowire embedded in a uniaxial
      anisotropic dielectric are investigated theoretically. The hybrid plasmon modes
      found in this structure are significantly different from the traditional plasmon
      modes of metallic nanowire in a homogeneous isotropic dielectric. In contrast to
      the transverse-magnetic-like wave for a traditional fundamental mode, the hybrid
      fundamental mode of metallic nanowire involves a nonzero longitudinal magnetic
      field component. The degenerate behaviors of adjacent order plasmon modes are
      demonstrated in the case of a strongly anisotropic dielectric. Moreover, the
      dependence of the degenerate characteristics on the radius of a metallic nanowire
      and the excited wavelength are clearly shown by dispersion relation. The results
      of the study provide a useful approach to modulate surface plasmon polaritons
      with anisotropic medium. 

PMID- 25121659
TI  - Possibility of direct estimation of terahertz pulse electric field.
AB  - In this Letter, we introduce a new method of estimation of the terahertz (THz)
      field amplitude. This method uses second-harmonic generation (SHG) in the
      presence of THz and DC fields in gaseous media. We take into account
      contributions from both nonionized molecules and free plasma electrons to the
      nonlinear process of SHG. We analyze the applicability of this method of
      detection to obtaining correct information on the waveform and amplitude of
      broadband THz pulses. 

PMID- 25121660
TI  - Polarization-dependent study of THz air-biased coherent detection.
AB  - We present an investigation of the polarization dependence of THz air-biased
      coherent detection (ABCD) on the polarization directions of fundamental waves.
      The intensity, ellipticity, and polarization angle of the THz-field-induced
      second-harmonic are affected by the air plasma birefringence and can be predicted
      by cross-phase modulation theory. Due to the plasma birefringence, the
      polarization state of THz waves cannot be determined by the polarization state of
      the second harmonic with the traditional polarization measurement method. It
      would be inaccurate to measure arbitrary THz-wave polarization in a single scan
      with THz ABCD when the birefringence effect is significant. 

PMID- 25121661
TI  - Giant Goos-Hanchen shift in scattering: the role of interfering localized plasmon
      modes.
AB  - The longitudinal and transverse beam shifts, namely, the Goos-Hanchen (GH) and
      the Spin-Hall (SH) shifts are usually observed at planar interfaces. It has
      recently been shown that the transverse SH shift may also arise due to scattering
      of plane waves. Here, we show that analogous in-plane (longitudinal) shifts also
      exist in the scattering of plane waves from micro/nano systems. We study both the
      GH and the SH shifts in plasmonic metal nanoparticles/nanostructures and
      dielectric micro-particles employing a unified framework that utilizes the
      transverse components of the Poynting vector of the scattered wave. The results
      demonstrate that the interference of neighboring resonance modes in plasmonic
      nanostructures (e.g., electric dipolar and quadrupolar modes in metal spheres)
      leads to great enhancement of the GH shift in scattering from such systems. We
      also unravel interesting correlations between these shifts with the polarimetry
      parameters, diattenuation and retardance. 

PMID- 25121662
TI  - Rigorous speckle simulation using surface integral equations and higher order
      boundary element method.
AB  - The scattering of electromagnetic waves from rough surfaces has been actively
      studied for more than a century now because of its involvement in vast
      application areas. In the past two decades, great advances have been made by
      incorporating multiple scattering effects into analytical approaches. However, no
      model can yet be applied to surfaces with arbitrary roughness. It is also very
      difficult to study the cross-polarization, shadowing, or multiple scattering
      effects. In order to study more fundamentally the interaction of polarized light
      with more general rough surfaces of general media, we have developed a rigorous
      numerical simulator to calculate the resulting speckle fields. The full Maxwell
      equations were solved using surface integral equations combined with a boundary
      element method. The rough surface was discretized by higher order quadrilateral
      edge elements. The effective tangential electric and magnetic fields in each
      element in terms of 10 edges were first solved. The scattered electric and
      magnetic fields everywhere in space were then calculated correspondingly. One of
      the great advantages of such a simulator is that both the near and far fields can
      be calculated directly. Preliminary results of different kinds of metallic
      structures are presented, by which the advantages of the method are demonstrated.

PMID- 25121663
TI  - Surface plasmons in nanowires with toroidal magnetic structure.
AB  - We consider the problem of the influence of a toroidal magnetization on a
      cylindrical surface plasmon polariton (SPP) propagating along a nanowire of a
      circular cross section. It follows from the dispersion equations that the SPP
      wavenumber linearly depends on the toroidal moment and the effect of magneto
      optical nonreciprocity appears. The numerical solution of the dispersion
      equations demonstrates that the corresponding splitting of the SPP dispersion
      curves for two opposite directions of the toroidal moment is increased by an
      order of magnitude with respect to the planar case. The largest values of this
      splitting are observed for systems with relatively low optical losses, as is
      demonstrated by calculations for SPPs in a gold cylinder surrounded by rare-earth
      bismuth iron garnet. 

PMID- 25121664
TI  - Sub-10-fs pulses tunable from 480 to 980 nm from a NOPA pumped by an Yb:KGW
      source.
AB  - We describe two noncollinear optical parametric amplifier (NOPA) systems pumped
      by either the second (515 nm) or the third (343 nm) harmonic from an Yb:KGW
      source. Pulse durations as short as 6.8 fs are readily obtained by compression
      with chirped mirrors. The availability of both the second and third harmonics for
      NOPA pumping allows for gap-free tuning from 520 to 980 nm. The use of an
      intermediate NOPA to generate seed light at 780 nm extends the tuning range of
      the third harmonic pumped NOPA toward 450 nm.

PMID- 25121665
TI  - Flexible operability and amplification of gray pulses.
AB  - We have investigated experimentally the flexible production and amplification of
      gray pulses for the first time to our knowledge. Switchable wavelengths, tunable
      pulse-widths, and adjustable contrasts have all been obtained in a fiber laser.
      Amplification of gray pulses was also experimentally investigated in detail. The
      contrast of the pulses could also be increased in an amplifier. The robust
      stability that results from the interactions between adjacent harmonic mode
      locking counterparts of gray pulses was found to last for up to ten hours. To the
      best of our knowledge, the gray pulses trains we have generated are the most
      stable achieved to date in an all-fiber laser system. This finding can be used as
      a guide for the establishment of robust gray pulses as laser sources. 

PMID- 25121666
TI  - Ultralong photonic nanojet formed by a two-layer dielectric microsphere.
AB  - A photonic nanojet is a highly focused optical beam with a subwavelength waist on
      the shadow side of the sphere. Successful far-field applications require long
      nanojets that extend afar. Using the exact Mie theory, we show that ultralong
      nanojets can be generated using a simple two-layer microsphere structure, using
      conventional optical materials that are readily available. In particular, we show
      that for a glass-based two-layer microsphere, the nanojet has an extension of 22
      wavelengths. We also show that long nanojets can be formed using semiconductors
      at infrared frequencies in free space. 

PMID- 25121667
TI  - Time-resolved coherent Raman spectroscopy by high-speed pump-probe delay
      scanning.
AB  - Using a spinning window pump-probe delay scanner, we demonstrate a means of
      acquiring time-resolved vibrational spectra at rates up to 700 Hz. The time
      dependent phase shift accumulated by the probe pulse in the presence of a
      coherently vibrating sample gives rise to a Raman-induced frequency shifting
      readily detectable in a balanced detector. This rapid delay scanning system
      represents a 23-fold increase in averaging speed and is >10* faster than state-of
      the-art voice coil delay lines. These advancements make pump-probe spectroscopy a
      more practical means of imaging complex media.

PMID- 25121668
TI  - Nanoscale TiO2-coated LPGs as radiation-tolerant humidity sensors for high-energy
      physics applications.
AB  - This Letter deals with a feasibility analysis for the development of radiation
      tolerant fiber-optic humidity sensors based on long-period grating (LPG)
      technology to be applied in high-energy physics (HEP) experiments currently
      running at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). In particular,
      here we propose a high-sensitivity LPG sensor coated with a finely tuned titanium
      dioxide (TiO2) thin layer (~100 nm thick) through the solgel deposition method.
      Relative humidity (RH) monitoring in the range 0%-75% and at four different
      temperatures (in the range -10 degrees C-25 degrees C) was carried out to assess
      sensor performance in real operative conditions required in typical experiments
      running at CERN. Experimental results demonstrate the very high RH sensitivities
      of the proposed device (up to 1.4 nm/% RH in correspondence to very low humidity
      levels), which turned out to be from one to three orders of magnitude higher than
      those exhibited by fiber Bragg grating sensors coated with micrometer-thin
      polyimide overlays. The radiation tolerance capability of the TiO2-coated LPG
      sensor is also investigated by comparing the sensing performance before and after
      its exposure to a 1 Mrad dose of gamma-ionizing radiation. Overall, the results
      collected demonstrate the strong potential of the proposed technology with regard
      to its future exploitation in HEP applications as a robust and valid alternative
      to the commercial (polymer-based) hygrometers currently used.

PMID- 25121669
TI  - Generation of 9 MeV gamma-rays by all-laser-driven Compton scattering with second
      harmonic laser light.
AB  - Gamma-ray photons with energy >9  MeV were produced when second-harmonic
      generated laser light (3 eV) inverse-Compton-scattered from a counterpropagating
      relativistic (~450  MeV) laser-wakefield-accelerated electron beam. Two laser
      pulses from the same laser system were used: one to accelerate electrons and one
      to scatter. Since the two pulses play very different roles in the gamma-ray
      generation process, and thus have different requirements, a novel laser system
      was developed. It separately and independently optimized the optical properties
      of the two pulses. This approach also mitigated the deleterious effects on beam
      focusing that generally accompany nonlinear optics at high peak-power levels.

PMID- 25121670
TI  - Dark state lasers.
AB  - We propose a new type of laser resonator based on imaginary energy-level
      splitting (imaginary coupling or quality factor Q-splitting) in a pair of coupled
      microcavities. A particularly advantageous arrangement involves two microring
      cavities with different free-spectral ranges in a configuration wherein they are
      coupled by far-field interference in a shared radiation channel. A novel Vernier
      like effect for laser resonators is designed in which only one longitudinal
      resonant mode has a lower loss than the small-signal gain and can achieve lasing
      while all other modes are suppressed. This configuration enables ultrawidely
      tunable single-frequency lasers based on either homogeneously or inhomogeneously
      broadened gain media. The concept is an alternative to the common external cavity
      configurations for achieving tunable single-mode operation in a laser. The
      proposed laser concept builds on a high-Q "dark state," which is established by
      radiative interference coupling and bears a direct analogy to parity-time
      symmetric Hamiltonians in optical systems. Variants of this concept should be
      extendable to parametric-gain-based oscillators, enabling widely tunable single
      frequency light sources. 

PMID- 25121671
TI  - Enhanced XUV pulse generation at 89 nm via nonlinear interaction of UV
      femtosecond filaments.
AB  - We demonstrated efficient generation of ultrafast extreme ultraviolet (XUV)
      pulses at 89 nm from an intense 267 nm UV femtosecond filamentation in argon gas.
      The XUV pulse generation efficiency was significantly enhanced through UV
      filament termination from the argon gas into the background vacuum that prevented
      backconversion of the generated third-harmonic XUV to the fundamental-wave UV
      pulses. This was further combined with noncollinear UV filament interaction that
      produced volume-plasma to pre-extract XUV pulses from the filament core,
      resulting in further XUV enhancement. The generated 89 nm XUV pulses reached what
      is so far, to our knowledge, the highest pulse energy of 190 nJ.

PMID- 25121672
TI  - Monolithically integrated selectable repetition-rate laser diode source of
      picosecond optical pulses.
AB  - We describe the characterization of a monolithically integrated photonic device
      for short pulse generation featuring a mode-locked laser diode, a Mach-Zehnder
      modulator (MZM), and a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). The integrated
      device is designed for fabrication by a generic foundry scheme with a view to
      ease of design, testing, and manufacture. Trains of 6.8 ps pulses are generated
      at repetition rates that are electronically switchable from 14 GHz to 109 MHz.
      The SOA boosts the peak power by 7.4 dB, and the pulses are compressible to 2.4
      ps by dispersion compensation using single-mode telecommunications fiber.

PMID- 25121673
TI  - Reweighted L1 regularization for restraining artifacts in FMT reconstruction
      images with limited measurements.
AB  - In fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT), many artifacts exist in the
      reconstructed images because of the inherently ill-posed nature of the FMT
      inverse problem, especially with limited measurements. A new method based on
      iterative reweighted L1 (IRL1) regularization is proposed for reducing artifacts
      with limited measurements. Phantom experiments demonstrate that the reconstructed
      images have fewer artifacts even with very limited measurements. This indicates
      that FMT based on IRL1 can obtain high-quality images and thus has the potential
      to observe dynamic changes in fluorescence-targeted molecules. 

PMID- 25121674
TI  - Investigating diamond Raman lasers at the 100 W level using quasi-continuous-wave
      pumping.
AB  - Quasi-cw pumping is used to investigate the high-power characteristics of cw beam
      conversion in diamond Raman lasers (DRLs). We show that thermal gradients
      establish in DRLs at approximately 50 MUs for a 100 MUm pump beam diameter, and
      thus that the steady state for cw operation can be reached within the 100-300 MUs
      pulse duration of conventional quasi-cw pump laser technology. Using this
      approach, a steady-state on-time output power of 108 W was obtained from an
      external-cavity DRL during 250 MUs pulses with 34% conversion efficiency. No
      thermal lens in the diamond was evident, showing excellent prospects for further
      power scaling.

PMID- 25121676
TI  - Multiwavelength phase unwrapping and aberration correction using depth filtered
      digital holography.
AB  - In this Letter, we present a new approach to processing data from a standard
      spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) system using depth filtered
      digital holography (DFDH). Intensity-based OCT processing has an axial resolution
      of the order of a few micrometers. When the phase information is used to obtain
      optical path length differences, subwavelength accuracy can be achieved, but this
      limits the resolvable step heights to half of the wavelength of the system. Thus
      there is a metrology gap between phase- and intensity-based methods. Our concept
      addresses this metrology gap by combining DFHD with multiwavelength phase
      unwrapping. Additionally, the measurements are corrected for aberrations. Here,
      we present proof of concept measurements of a structured semiconductor sample. 

PMID- 25121675
TI  - L(p) regularization for early gate fluorescence molecular tomography.
AB  - Time domain fluorescence molecular tomography (TD-FMT) provides a unique dataset
      for enhanced quantification and spatial resolution. The time-gate dataset can be
      divided into two temporal groups around the maximum counts gate, which are early
      gates and late gates. It is well established that early gates allow for improved
      spatial resolution and late gates are essential for fluorophore unmixing and
      concentration quantification. However, the inverse problem of FMT is ill-posed
      and typically underdetermined, which makes image reconstruction highly
      susceptible to data noise. More specifically, photon counts are inherently very
      low at early gates due to high absorption and scattering of tissue, resulting in
      a low signal-to-noise ratio and unstable reconstructions. In this work, an L(p)
      regularization-based reconstruction algorithm was developed and tested with our
      wide-field mesh-based Monte Carlo simulation strategy. We compared the early time
      gate reconstructions obtained with the different p (p?{1/16,1/8,1/4,1/3,1/2,1,2})
      from a synthetic murine model simulating the fluorophore uptake in the kidneys
      and preclinical data. The results from a 3D mouse atlas and a mouse experiment
      show that our L(1/4) regularization methods give the best performance for early
      time gates reconstructions.

PMID- 25121677
TI  - Excellent optical thermometry based on single-color fluorescence in spherical
      NaEuF4 phosphor.
AB  - Temperature-dependent luminescence of spherical NaEuF4 phosphors with different
      particle sizes was studied. The thermally coupled 5D0 and 5D1 level of Eu3+ was
      observed. The linear dependence of emission intensities of 5D0 level of NaEuF4
      phosphor on temperature confirmed the excellent temperature sensing performance.
      Sensitivity up to 0.43% is achieved via decreasing the particle size, which is
      higher than that of reported thermometry based on upconversion of lanthanide
      ions. Moreover, the original luminescent intensity of 90% was recovered after 10
      temperature-changed cycles, indicating good sensing stability. Therefore,
      spherical NaEuF4 phosphor might be a promising candidate for optical temperature
      sensors.

PMID- 25121678
TI  - Ultrahigh-capacity access network architecture for mobile data backhaul using
      integrated W-band wireless and free-space optical links with OAM multiplexing.
AB  - In this Letter, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel access network
      architecture using hybrid integrated W-band wireless and free-space optical (FSO)
      links with orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing. The transmission of a 20
      GBd quadrature phase-shift keying signal modulated over 10 OAM modes has been
      demonstrated over a 0.6 m FSO link and a 0.4 m W-band wireless link at 100 GHz.
      The experimental results show that the architecture can support future ultrahigh
      capacity, converged optical-wireless access networks that require extra bandwidth
      and system flexibility in mobile data networks.

PMID- 25121679
TI  - Surface and thickness profile measurement of a transparent film by three
      wavelength vertical scanning interferometry.
AB  - We have developed a novel areal film thickness and topography measurement method
      using three-wavelength interferometry. The method simultaneously estimates the
      profiles of the front and back surfaces and the thickness distribution of a
      transparent film by model-based separation of two overlapped signals in an
      interferogram. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated using computer
      simulations and actual experiments. 

PMID- 25121680
TI  - Edge extraction using a time-varying vortex beam in incoherent digital
      holography.
AB  - Edge extraction using a time-varying vortex beam (TV-VB) is demonstrated in
      optical scanning holography (OSH) operating in an incoherent mode. OSH is a two
      pupil heterodyne scanning optical system. We propose that one of the pupil
      functions used is a delta function and the other pupil function is a spiral phase
      plate (SPP). The interference of these pupils creates a TV-VB to scan over an
      object to record the edge-only information of an object holographically. We also
      find that a reconstructed edge with better contrast is achieved by translating
      the SPP away from the pupil plane. Experimental results are compared with
      computer simulations and found to be in good agreement. 

PMID- 25121681
TI  - Optomechanically induced transparency in the mechanical-mode splitting regime.
AB  - We employ a decoupled Heisenberg-Langevin equation for the observation and
      physical interpretation of mechanical-mode splitting (MMS) of the movable mirror
      in a generic optomechanical system. Then we identify some observable and
      significant features of MMS in a two-mode cavity. That is, the second control
      field coupled to another optical mode is input to the system to modify the
      mechanical mode, leading to the suppression of transmission, the appearance of
      the doublet in the spectrum of the anti-Stokes field, and the emergence of
      optomechanically induced transparency in corresponding new mechanical modes.
      Furthermore, we open two transparent windows in virtue of MMS and find the second
      splitting of the mechanical mode in this two-mode optomechanical system. 

PMID- 25121683
TI  - Two types of sinc Schell-model beams and their propagation characteristics.
AB  - Two types of partially coherent beams with sinc Schell-model-correlated function
      are introduced. The evolution behaviors of scalar beams generated by these two
      types of sources in free space are investigated with the help of the weighted
      superposition method and numerical examples. It is illustrated that the far field
      produced by these two novel sources carry tunable flat and dark hollow profiles,
      respectively. Our results suggest two new kinds of modal structure of the
      correlation source and of the optical field that such sources produce. 

PMID- 25121682
TI  - Si/ZnO nanocomb arrays decorated with Ag nanoparticles for highly efficient
      surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
AB  - High-density ZnO nanocombs were first grown on a nanoporous silicon pillar array,
      and pre-prepared 3D Si/ZnO/Ag nanocomb arrays were employed as substrates for
      surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The finite-difference time-domain
      simulation result shows that two kinds of inter-Ag-NP nanogaps in the geometry
      create a large number of SERS "hot spots," which contributes to the detection
      limits for rhodamine-6G as low as 10-12 M and the Raman enhancement factor as
      large as 109. The linear dependence between the Raman peak intensities and the
      concentrations of thiram provides a new calibration method for rapid and
      quantitative detection of trace organic molecules.

PMID- 25121684
TI  - Generalized description of spectral incoherent solitons.
AB  - Spectral incoherent solitons (SIS) refer to an incoherent solitonic structure
      that only can be identified in the frequency domain and which is sustained by
      noninstantaneous Raman-like nonlinearities. We provide a generalized formulation
      of SIS by considering the generalized nonlinear Schrodinger equation. We show
      that nonlinear dispersive effects (e.g., self-steepening) dramatically affect the
      structure of SIS, in particular by significantly decelerating their spectral
      velocity in frequency space. The wave turbulence description of the problem
      reveals an underlying self-organization process: the soliton trajectory in
      frequency space is selected in such a way that it allows the system to self
      organize into a stationary SIS state. 

PMID- 25121686
TI  - Modulational instability in dispersion oscillating fiber ring cavities.
AB  - We show that the use of a dispersion oscillating fiber in passive cavities
      significantly extends the modulational instability to novel high-frequency bands,
      which also destabilizes the branches of the steady response that are stable with
      homogeneous dispersion. By means of Floquet theory, we obtain the exact explicit
      expression for the sideband gain, and a simple analytical estimate for the
      frequencies of the maximum gain. Numerical simulations show that stable
      stationary trains of pulses can be excited in the cavity. 

PMID- 25121685
TI  - Abnormal high-Q modes of coupled stadium-shaped microcavities.
AB  - It is well known that the strongly deformed microcavity with fully chaotic ray
      dynamics cannot support high-Q modes due to its fast chaotic diffusion to the
      critical line of refractive emission. Here, we investigate how the Q factor is
      modified when two chaotic cavities are coupled, and show that some modes, whose Q
      factor is about 10 times higher than that of the corresponding single cavity, can
      exist. These abnormal high-Q modes are the result of an optimal combination of
      coupling and cavity geometry. As an example, in the coupled stadium-shaped
      microcavities, the mode pattern extends over both cavities such that it follows a
      whispering-gallery-type mode at both ends, whereas a big coupling spot forms at
      the closest contact of the two microcavities. The pattern of such a "rounded bow
      tie" mode allows the mode to have a high-Q factor. This mode pattern minimizes
      the leakage of light at both ends of the microcavities as the pattern at both
      ends is similar to the whispering gallery mode. 

PMID- 25121687
TI  - Germanium p-i-n avalanche photodetector fabricated by point defect healing
      process.
AB  - In this Letter, we report Ge p-i-n avalanche photodetectors (APD) with low dark
      current (sub 1 MUA below V(R)=5  V), low operating voltage (avalanche breakdown
      voltage=8-13  V), and high multiplication gain (440-680) by exploiting a point
      defect healing method (between 600 degrees C and 650 degrees C) and optimizing
      the doping concentration of the intrinsic region (p-type ~1017 cm-3). In
      addition, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical capacitance voltage analyses
      were performed to investigate the junction interfaces in more detail. This
      successful demonstration of Ge p-i-n APD with low dark current, low operating
      voltage, and high gain is promising for low-power and high-sensitivity Ge PD
      applications.

PMID- 25121688
TI  - Omnidirectional light absorption of disordered nano-hole structure inspired from
      Papilio ulysses.
AB  - Butterflies routinely produce nanostructured surfaces with useful properties.
      Here, we report a disordered nano-hole structure with ridges inspired by Papilio
      ulysses that produce omnidirectional light absorption compared with the common
      ordered structure. The result shows that the omnidirectional light absorption is
      affected by polarization, the incident angle, and the wavelength. Using the
      finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, the stable omnidirectional light
      absorption is achieved in the structure inspired from the Papilio ulysses over a
      wide incident angle range and with various wavelengths. This explains some of the
      mysteries of the structure of the Papilio ulysses butterfly. These conclusions
      can guide the design of omnidirectional absorption materials. 

PMID- 25121689
TI  - Distortion-free wide-angle 3D imaging and visualization using off-axially
      distributed image sensing.
AB  - We propose a new off-axially distributed image sensing (ODIS) using a wide-angle
      lens for reconstructing distortion-free wide-angle slice images computationally.
      In the proposed system, the wide-angle image sensor captures a wide-angle 3D
      scene, and thus the collected information of the 3D objects is severely
      distorted. To correct this distortion, we introduce a new correction process
      involving a wide-angle lens to the computational reconstruction in ODIS. This
      enables us to reconstruct distortion-free, wide-angle slice images for
      visualization of 3D objects. Experimental results are carried out to verify the
      proposed method. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the use of
      a wide-angle lens in a multiple-perspective 3D imaging system is described. 

PMID- 25121690
TI  - Stable localized modes in asymmetric waveguides with gain and loss.
AB  - It is shown that asymmetric waveguides with gain and loss can support a stable
      propagation of optical beams. This means that the propagation constants of modes
      of the corresponding complex optical potential are real. A class of such
      waveguides is found from a relation between two spectral problems. A particular
      example of an asymmetric waveguide, described by the hyperbolic functions, is
      analyzed. The existence and stability of linear modes and of continuous families
      of nonlinear modes are demonstrated. 

PMID- 25121691
TI  - Resolution improvement in laser diode-based pump-probe microscopy with an annular
      pupil filter.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate the use of annular beams to improve lateral
      resolution in laser-diode-based pump-probe microscopy. We found that the width of
      the point-spreading function in the case of the annular pump-probe beams is 162
      nm, which is 30% smaller than that of the circular beams (232 nm). Furthermore,
      side lobes were efficiently suppressed at the focal plane since the pump-probe
      signal is proportional to the product of the two beam intensities. This scheme is
      demonstrated for the photothermal signal of nonfluorescent gold nanoparticles and
      the stimulated emission signal of fluorescence beads.

PMID- 25121692
TI  - Stable planar mesoscopic photonic crystal cavities.
AB  - Mesoscopic self-collimation (MSC) in mesoscopic photonic crystals with high
      reflectivity is exploited to realize a novel high Q-factor cavity by means of
      mesoscopic PhC planar mirrors. These mirrors efficiently confine a mode inside a
      planar Fabry-Perot-like cavity, that results from a beam focusing effect that
      stabilizes the cavity even for small beam sizes, resembling the focusing behavior
      of curved mirrors. Moreover, they show an improved reflectivity with respect to
      their standard distributed Bragg reflector counterparts that allows higher
      compactness. A Q-factor higher than 104 has been achieved for an optimized 5
      period-long mirror cavity. The optimization of the Q-factor and the performances
      in terms of energy storage, field enhancement, and confinement are detailed.

PMID- 25121693
TI  - Optical injection unlocking for cavity ringdown spectroscopy.
AB  - Continuous wave cavity ringdown spectroscopy requires a rapid termination of the
      injection of light into the cavity to initiate the decay (i.e., ringdown) event.
      We demonstrate a technique that accomplishes this through pulsed optical
      injection of a second laser into the main laser, resulting in 20-100 MHz
      frequency shifts in the otherwise cavity-locked main laser sufficient to create
      ringdown events at 3.5 kHz. Data on the frequency shift as a function of both
      main laser current and relative wavelength are presented, as well as a
      demonstration that single exponential decays are maintained in the process.

PMID- 25121694
TI  - Nonlinear Raman-Nath diffraction of femtosecond laser pulses.
AB  - We study the nonlinear Raman-Nath diffraction (NRND) of femtosecond laser pulses
      in a 1D periodic nonlinear photonic structure. The calculated second-harmonic
      spectra represent frequency combs for different orders of transverse phase
      matching. These frequency combs are in close analogy with the well-known spectral
      Maker fringes observed in single crystals. The spectral intensity of the second
      harmonic experiences a redshift with a propagation angle, which is opposite the
      case of Cerenkov nonlinear diffraction. We analyze how NRND is affected by the
      group-velocity mismatch between fundamental and second-harmonic pulses and by the
      parameters of the structure. Our experimental results prove the theoretical
      predictions. 

PMID- 25121695
TI  - Design of an efficient single photon source from a metallic nanorod dimer: a
      quasi-normal mode finite-difference time-domain approach.
AB  - We describe how the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique can be used to
      compute the quasi-normal mode (QNM) for metallic nano-resonators, which is
      important for describing and understanding light-matter interactions in
      nanoplasmonics. We use the QNM to model the enhanced spontaneous emission rate
      for dipole emitters near a gold nanorod dimer structure using a newly developed
      QNM expansion technique. Enhanced single photon emission factors of around 1500
      and output beta-factors of around 60% are found near the localized plasmon
      resonance. 

PMID- 25121696
TI  - GHz bandwidth noise eater hybrid optical amplifier: design guidelines.
AB  - This Letter describes the design of an optical amplifier system optimized to
      reduce the relative intensity noise (RIN) of the input signal, and discloses its
      performance in terms of intensity noise reduction and bandwidth, without phase
      noise degradation. This polarization-maintaining amplifier is composed of an
      erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) cascaded with a semiconductor optical
      amplifier (SOA). The EDFA is sized to feed the SOA with a constant power
      corresponding to the optimal saturation level for noise reduction, through
      coherent population oscillations. When properly optimized, such an amplifier
      provides, simultaneously, 17 dB optical gain, 5.4 dB noise factor, and 20 dB
      reduction of the input-RIN across a 3 GHz bandwidth, without any electronics
      feedback loop.

PMID- 25121697
TI  - Incoherent-light temporal stretching of high-speed intensity waveforms.
AB  - We propose and demonstrate experimentally the first incoherent-light scheme for
      temporal imaging (magnification) of intensity waveforms. The scheme is based on a
      time-domain equivalent of a pinhole camera under incoherent illumination,
      involving two dispersive lines and temporal intensity modulation with a short
      gate. We report incoherent-light temporal stretching of radiofrequency waveforms
      by a magnification factor of 2.86, with a time-bandwidth product exceeding 160,
      i.e., a resolution of ~50 ps over a temporal aperture of ~8 ns, totally avoiding
      the use of chirp-controlled pulsed lasers. This work opens up new perspectives
      for realization of many critical high-speed signal-processing modules using
      practical incoherent light-wave schemes.

PMID- 25121698
TI  - Diode-pumped microchip Tm:KLu(WO4)2 laser with more than 3 W of output power.
AB  - A diode-pumped microchip laser containing a quasi-monolithic plano-plano cavity
      is realized on the basis of a Tm:KLu(WO4)2 crystal. The maximum CW output power
      is 3.2 W (at an absorbed pump power of 6.8 W) and the slope efficiency as high as
      50.4%. The laser is operating at 1946 nm in the TEM00 mode with a M2<1.05.
      Microchip operation with Tm:KLu(WO4)2 is, in principle, due to a special crystal
      cut along the N(g) optical indicatrix axis. This crystal cut possesses positive
      near-spherical thermal lens that provides the required mode stabilization in the
      plano-plano cavity. Sensitivity factors of the thermal lens, "generalized" thermo
      optic coefficients and constants describing the photoelastic effect are
      determined for the monolithic Tm:KLu(WO4)2 crystal.

PMID- 25121699
TI  - Method for refractive index measurement of nanoparticles.
AB  - A new method of measuring the refractive indices of nanoparticles has been
      proposed based on refractive index matching between nanoparticles and surrounding
      organic solvents. By finding the most transparent point of the transmittance
      spectrum, the refractive index of the nanoparticles is equal to that of the
      solvents at the corresponding wavelength. Utilizing a Rayleigh scattering model,
      the effects of refractive index mismatching (Deltan) on the transmittance are
      investigated under different conditions. Some criteria for getting highly
      transparent nanoparticle dispersion and accurate refractive index measurements
      are suggested, which can support practical applications for nanomaterials in
      optical and optoelectronic applications. 

PMID- 25121700
TI  - 1 Gbps directed optical decoder based on two cascaded microring resonators.
AB  - We report an electro-optic directed optical decoder based on two cascaded
      microring resonators (MRRs). PN junctions embedded around the MRRs are employed
      to modulate the MRRs through the carrier-injection scheme. The optical decoding
      function from a 2-bit electrical signal to a 4-bit optical signal at the speed of
      1 Gbps is performed successfully by the device.

PMID- 25121701
TI  - Flexible picosecond thulium-doped fiber laser using the active mode-locking
      technique.
AB  - An all-fiber actively mode-locked thulium-doped fiber laser (AML-TDFL) based on a
      10 GHz bandwidth electro-optic intensity modulator (EOM) providing flexible
      picosecond pulses at 1980 nm is presented. The EOM is driven by electrical pulses
      rather than traditional sine-wave signals. The repetition rate of output pulses
      was 21.4 MHz at fundamental mode-locking, which could be scaled up to 1.498 GHz
      through the 70th order harmonic mode-locking, and the shortest measured output
      pulse width was 38 ps. Furthermore, the output pulse width could be tuned by
      either adjusting the modulation frequency with small detuning or changing the
      width of these driving electrical pulses without frequency detuning. In our work,
      the stability of these mode-locked pulses obtained from the AML-TDFL was
      superior; for instance, the measured supermode suppression ratio of 1.498 GHz
      pulses train was up to 48 dB.

PMID- 25121702
TI  - Holographic patterning of graphene-oxide films by light-driven reduction.
AB  - We report on the patterning and reduction of graphene-oxide films by holographic
      lithography. Light reduction can be used to engineer low-cost graphene-based
      devices by performing a local conversion of insulating oxide into the conductive
      graphene. In this work, computer-generated holograms have been exploited to
      realize complex graphene patterns in a single shot, different from serial laser
      writing or mask-based photolithographic processes. The technique has been further
      improved by achieving speckle noise reduction: submicron and diffraction-limited
      features have been obtained. In addition we have also demonstrated that the gray
      scale lithography capability can be used to obtain different reduction levels in
      a single exposure. 

PMID- 25121703
TI  - Optical microscope for three-dimensional surface displacement and shape
      measurements at the microscale.
AB  - We report a novel optical microscope for full-field, noncontact measurements of
      three-dimensional (3D) surface deformation and topography at the microscale. The
      microscope system is based on a seamless integration of the diffraction-assisted
      image correlation (DAIC) method with fluorescent microscopy. We experimentally
      demonstrate the microscope's capability for 3D measurements with submicrometer
      spatial resolution and subpixel measurement accuracy. 

PMID- 25121704
TI  - A Raman waveplate for spinor Bose-Einstein condensates.
AB  - We demonstrate a waveplate for a pseudo-spin-1/2 Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC)
      using a two-photon Raman interaction. The angle of the waveplate is set by the
      relative phase of the optical fields, and the retardance is controlled by the
      pulse area. The waveplate allows us to image maps of the Stokes parameters of a
      BEC and thereby measure its relative ground-state phase. We demonstrate the
      waveplate by measuring the Stokes parameters of a coreless vortex. 

PMID- 25121705
TI  - Heterodyne-detected and ultrafast time-resolved second-harmonic generation for
      sensitive measurements of charge transfer.
AB  - In organic photovoltaics many key ultrafast processes occur at the interface
      between electron donor and acceptor molecules. Traditional ultrafast
      spectroscopies, such as pump-probe or time-resolved fluorescence, are not ideal
      for studying the interface because most of their signal is from the bulk
      material. Time-resolved second-harmonic generation (TRSHG) spectroscopy solves
      this problem by only generating signal from the interface. We demonstrate an
      optically heterodyned TRSHG to reduce the impact of stray light, enhance
      sensitivity, and detect the full complex signal field. 

PMID- 25121706
TI  - In situ detection of laser-induced slip initiation on the silicon wafer surface.
AB  - We propose a real-time in situ method to detect slip initiation on the surface of
      silicon wafers during high-power laser beam irradiation. In this method, light is
      collected from the surface of a silicon wafer subjected to laser irradiation.
      When the slip is initiated, it strongly scatters the laser beam, allowing
      detection of the time of the slip initiation based on the resulting sudden
      increase in the scattering signal. To demonstrate the performance of this method,
      a silicon wafer specimen was illuminated by a near-infrared continuous-wave fiber
      laser beam (of wavelength 1070 nm) at four different laser powers, and the
      scattered light was detected. The scattering signal increased suddenly at the
      time of slip initiation. To confirm the occurrence of slip, the surface
      morphologies of the silicon specimens after laser irradiation were analyzed using
      an optical microscope; surface slips were observed only in the specimens for
      which the sudden increase in scattering had been detected. Thus, the proposed
      method is shown to be very effective for the real-time in situ detection of
      surface slip initiation induced by high-power laser beam irradiation on silicon
      wafers.

PMID- 25121707
TI  - Experimental study on the dynamics of polarized strong optical injection in 1550
      nm VCSELs.
AB  - We have experimentally analyzed the dynamics of polarized strong optical
      injection in 1550 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The
      locking ranges of optical injection-locked (OIL) VCSELs are experimentally
      measured in different states of polarized strong optical injection. Based on our
      novel ellipse model, the influence of the polarization state of strong injection
      light is quantitatively studied for the first time.

PMID- 25121708
TI  - Radiologic Manifestations of Senile Lymph Nodes in the Popliteal Fossa.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the radiologic manifestations of senile lymph nodes in the
      popliteal fossa for radiologic and clinical application. METHODS: A total of six
      lower extremities from four unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Under a
      surgical microscope, 6% hydrogen peroxide was used to detect the lymphatic
      vessels commencing from the foot and leg. A 30-gauge needle was inserted into the
      vessels and injected with a radio-opaque lead oxide mixture. The specimens were
      radiographed and photographed to demonstrate the lymph nodes in the popliteal
      fossa. The final results were transferred to the computer for image analysis.
      RESULTS: An average of two lymph nodes (range 1 to 3) were found in the popliteal
      fossa of the lower extremity. They were divided into superficial and deep
      popliteal groups. The superficial group was located in the superficial layer of
      the popliteal fossa around the small saphenous vein (SSV). The deep group was
      close to the popliteal surface of the femur and always located next to the
      popliteal vein. All lymph nodes were transparent in appearance and contained
      coiled lymphatic tubules. The size and density of the tubules varied. CONCLUSION:
      The radiologic manifestations of senile lymph nodes in the popliteal fossa have
      been presented and discussed to upgrade our radiologic and anatomical knowledge.
      This will be of benefit for radiologic and clinical applications.

PMID- 25121709
TI  - Enhancing Gibbs sampling method for motif finding in DNA with initial graph
      representation of sequences.
AB  - Finding short patterns with residue variation in a set of sequences is still an
      open problem in genetics, since motif-finding techniques on DNA and protein
      sequences are inconclusive on real data sets and their performance varies on
      different species. Hence, finding new algorithms and evolving established methods
      are vital to further understanding of genome properties and the mechanisms of
      protein development. In this work, we present an approach to finding functional
      motifs in DNA sequences in connection to Gibbs sampling method. Starting points
      in the search space are partly determined via graphical representation of input
      sequences opposed to completely random initial points with the standard Gibbs
      sampling. Our algorithm is evaluated on synthetic as well as on real data sets by
      using several statistics, such as sensitivity, positive predictive value,
      specificity, performance, and correlation coefficient. Additionally, a comparison
      between our algorithm and the basic standard Gibbs sampling algorithm is made to
      show improvement in accuracy, repeatability, and performance.

PMID- 25121710
TI  - Health department use of social media to identify foodborne illness - Chicago,
      Illinois, 2013-2014.
AB  - An estimated 55 million to 105 million persons in the United States experience
      acute gastroenteritis caused by foodborne illness each year, resulting in costs
      of $2-$4 billion annually. Many persons do not seek treatment, resulting in
      underreporting of the actual number of cases and cost of the illnesses. To
      prevent foodborne illness, local health departments nationwide license and
      inspect restaurants and track and respond to foodborne illness complaints. New
      technology might allow health departments to engage with the public to improve
      foodborne illness surveillance. For example, the New York City Department of
      Health and Mental Hygiene examined restaurant reviews from an online review
      website to identify foodborne illness complaints. On March 23, 2013, the Chicago
      Department of Public Health (CDPH) and its civic partners launched FoodBorne
      Chicago, a website (https://www.foodbornechicago.org) aimed at improving food
      safety in Chicago by identifying and responding to complaints on Twitter about
      possible foodborne illnesses. In 10 months, project staff members responded to
      270 Twitter messages (tweets) and provided links to the FoodBorne Chicago
      complaint form. A total of 193 complaints of possible foodborne illness were
      submitted through FoodBorne Chicago, and 133 restaurants in the city were
      inspected. Inspection reports indicated 21 (15.8%) restaurants failed inspection,
      and 33 (24.8%) passed with conditions indicating critical or serious violations.
      Eight tweets and 19 complaint forms to FoodBorne Chicago described seeking
      medical treatment. Collaboration between public health professionals and the
      public via social media might improve foodborne illness surveillance and
      response. CDPH is working to disseminate FoodBorne Chicago via freely available
      open source software. 

PMID- 25121711
TI  - Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among adults -- 18 states, 2012.
AB  - Reducing consumption of calories from added sugars is a recommendation of the
      2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and an objective of Healthy People 2020.
      Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are major sources of added sugars in the diets of
      U.S. residents. Daily SSB consumption is associated with obesity and other
      chronic health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. U.S.
      adults consumed an estimated average of 151 kcal/day of SSB during 2009-2010,
      with regular (i.e., nondiet) soda and fruit drinks representing the leading
      sources of SSB energy intake. However, there is limited information on state
      specific prevalence of SSB consumption. To assess regular soda and fruit drink
      consumption among adults in 18 states, CDC analyzed data from the 2012 Behavioral
      Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Among the 18 states surveyed, 26.3% of
      adults consumed regular soda or fruit drinks or both >=1 times daily. By state,
      the prevalence ranged from 20.4% to 41.4%. Overall, consumption of regular soda
      or fruit drinks was most common among persons aged 18-34 years (24.5% for regular
      soda and 16.6% for fruit drinks), men (21.0% and 12.3%), non-Hispanic blacks
      (20.9% and 21.9%), and Hispanics (22.6% and 18.5%). Persons who want to reduce
      added sugars in their diets can decrease their consumption of foods high in added
      sugars such as candy, certain dairy and grain desserts, sweetened cereals,
      regular soda, fruit drinks, sweetened tea and coffee drinks, and other SSBs.
      States and health departments can collaborate with worksites and other community
      venues to increase access to water and other healthful beverages. 

PMID- 25121712
TI  - Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: recommendations of
      the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) -- United States, 2014-15
      influenza season.
AB  - This report updates the 2013 recommendations by the Advisory Committee on
      Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding use of seasonal influenza vaccines.
      Updated information for the 2014-15 influenza season includes 1) antigenic
      composition of U.S. seasonal influenza vaccines; 2) vaccine dose considerations
      for children aged 6 months through 8 years; and 3) a preference for the use, when
      immediately available, of live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) for healthy
      children aged 2 through 8 years, to be implemented as feasible for the 2014-15
      season but not later than the 2015-16 season. Information regarding issues
      related to influenza vaccination not addressed in this report is available in the
      2013 ACIP seasonal influenza recommendations. 

PMID- 25121713
TI  - Notes from the field: hospitalizations for respiratory disease among
      unaccompanied children from Central America - multiple States, June-July 2014.
AB  - During October 2013-June 2014, approximately 54,000 unaccompanied children,
      mostly from the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and
      Honduras, were identified attempting entry into the United States from Mexico,
      exceeding numbers reported in previous years. Once identified in the United
      States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an agency of the U.S. Department of
      Homeland Security, processes the unaccompanied children and transfers them to the
      Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), an office of the Administration for
      Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ORR cares
      for the children in shelters until they can be released to a sponsor, typically a
      parent or relative, who can care for the child while their immigration case is
      processed. In June 2014, in response to the increased number of unaccompanied
      children, U.S. Customs and Border Protection expanded operations to accommodate
      children at a processing center in Nogales, Arizona. ORR, together with the U.S.
      Department of Defense, opened additional large temporary shelters for the
      children at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; U.S. Army Garrison Ft. Sill,
      Oklahoma; and Naval Base Ventura County, California. 

PMID- 25121714
TI  - Notes from the field: malnutrition and elevated mortality among refugees from
      South Sudan - Ethiopia, June-July 2014.
AB  - As a result of armed civil conflict in South Sudan that started in mid-December
      of 2013, an estimated 1.1 million persons were internally displaced, and
      approximately 400,000 refugees fled South Sudan to neighboring countries
      (primarily to Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, and Kenya). Refugees from South Sudan
      arriving in Ethiopia are sheltered in three refugee camps located in Gambella
      region: Leitchuor, Kule, and Tierkidi. The camps were established during January
      May 2014 and have estimated refugee populations of 47,000, 51,000, and 50,000,
      respectively. Reports from health clinics and humanitarian agencies providing
      assistance to refugees suggested poor nutritional status of arriving refugees and
      elevated mortality rates. To assess the nutritional status of refugee children
      aged 6-59 months and mortality rates (crude [all ages] and aged <5 years), the
      Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (an Ethiopian government aid
      agency), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World Food Programme,
      and United Nations Children's Fund, in collaboration with CDC, conducted cross
      sectional population-representative surveys in Leitchuor, Kule, and Tierkidi
      camps during June-July 2014. Anthropometric measurements in children were taken
      using standard procedures, and nutritional status was classified based on 2006
      World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards. Hemoglobin was measured using
      HemoCue Hb 301. Anemia was diagnosed according to WHO thresholds. Retrospective
      mortality rates in Leitchuor and Kule were measured using a household census
      method. 

PMID- 25121715
TI  - Alginate gelation-induced cell death during laser-assisted cell printing.
AB  - Modified laser-induced forward transfer has emerged as a promising bioprinting
      technique. Depending on the operating conditions and cell properties, laser cell
      printing may cause cell injury and even death, which should be carefully
      elucidated for it to be a viable technology. This study has investigated the
      effects of alginate gelation, gelation time, alginate concentration, and laser
      fluence on the post-transfer cell viability of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Sodium
      alginate and calcium chloride are used as the gel precursor and gel reactant
      solution to form cell-laden alginate microspheres. It is found that the effects
      of gelation depend on the duration of gelation. Two-minute gelation is observed
      to increase the cell viability after 24 h incubation, mainly due to the
      protective cushion effect of the forming gel membrane during droplet landing.
      Despite the cushion effect from 10 min gelation, it is observed that the cell
      viability decreases after 24 h incubation because of the forming thick gel
      membrane that reduces nutrient and oxygen diffusion from the culture medium. In
      addition, the cell viability after 24 h incubation decreases as the laser fluence
      or alginate concentration increases. 

PMID- 25121716
TI  - Binding of a monoclonal antibody to the phospholamban cytoplasmic domain
      interferes with the channel activity of phospholamban reconstituted in a tethered
      bilayer lipid membrane.
AB  - Phospholamban (PLN), a membrane protein present in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of
      cardiac myocytes, is a crucial regulator of cardiac function. It is known that
      PLN appears as a monomer and as a pentamer. However, the role of the PLN pentamer
      and its ability to generate an ion channel are a matter of debate. To address
      this issue we employed an experimental approach that combines electrochemical
      impedance spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance measurements. In particular,
      we investigated the channel activity of wild-type PLN reconstituted in a tethered
      bilayer lipid membrane (tBLM) on a gold surface. Our results indicate that
      reconstituted PLN can generate ion-conducting channels in a tBLM. Experiments
      with a PLN monoclonal antibody support an oriented incorporation of PLN in the
      tBLM. We show that the binding of the antibody to the PLN cytoplasmic domain
      interferes with PLN channel activity. 

PMID- 25121717
TI  - A DFT study on the reaction mechanism of dimerization of methyl methacrylate
      catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbene.
AB  - Reaction mechanisms of the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed dimerization of
      methyl methacrylate were studied using density functional theory (DFT) at the M05
      2X/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. Four possible reaction channels (A, B, C, and D)
      have been investigated in this work. Particularly, we proposed a novel reaction
      pathway, where the proton transfers are assisted by a different molecule. The
      calculated results indicate that the channels B and D are more energetically
      favourable channels. The obtained results suggest that the E-isomer product is
      the main product, which is in agreement with the experimental results. Further
      calculations and analyses of global and local reactivity indices reveal the role
      of the NHC catalysts in the title reaction. The mechanistic insights gained are
      valuable for not only rational design of more efficient NHC catalysts but also
      for understanding the similar reaction mechanism. 

PMID- 25121718
TI  - Trimethyltin-mediated covalent gold-carbon bond formation.
AB  - We study the formation of covalent gold-carbon bonds in benzyltrimethylstannane
      (C10H16Sn) deposited on Au in ultra-high-vacuum conditions. Through X-ray
      photoemission spectroscopy and X-ray absorption measurements, we find that the
      molecule fragments at the Sn-benzyl bond when exposed to Au surfaces at
      temperatures as low as -110  degrees C. The resulting benzyl species is
      stabilized by the presence of Au(111) but only forms covalent Au-C bonds on more
      reactive Au surfaces like Au(110). We also present spectroscopic proof for the
      existence of an electronic "gateway" state localized on the Au-C bond that is
      responsible for its unique electronic properties. Finally, we use DFT-based
      nudged elastic band calculations to elucidate the crucial role played by the
      under-coordinated Au surface in the formation of Au-C bonds. 

PMID- 25121721
TI  - Rapid spectrophotometric method for determining surface free energy of microalgal
      cells.
AB  - Microalgae are one of the most promising renewable energy sources with
      environmental sustainability. The surface free energy of microalgal cells
      determines their biofouling and bioflocculation behavior and hence plays an
      important role in microalgae cultivation and harvesting. To date, the surface
      energetic properties of microalgal cells are still rarely studied. We developed a
      novel spectrophotometric method for directly determining the surface free energy
      of microalgal cells. The principles of this method are based on analyzing
      colloidal stability of microalgae suspensions. We have shown that this method can
      effectively differentiate the surface free energy of four microalgal strains,
      i.e., marine Chlorella sp., marine Nannochloris oculata, freshwater autotrophic
      Chlorella sp., and freshwater heterotrophic Chlorella sp. With advantages of high
      throughput and simplicity, this new spectrophotometric method has the potential
      to evolve into a standard method for measuring the surface free energy of cells
      and abiotic particles. 

PMID- 25121719
TI  - Leukocyte activity in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial
      infarction treated with anakinra.
AB  - Anakinra, the recombinant form of the human interleukin (IL)-1 receptor
      antagonist, blunts the acute systemic inflammatory response in patients with ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), by determining a fall in
      peripheral blood leukocyte and plasma C-reactive protein levels. The aim of the
      present study was to determine the effects of anakinra on the activity of
      leukocytes measured ex vivo. Blood was collected 72 h after admission in 17
      patients enrolled in the Virginia Commonwealth University-Anakirna Remodeling
      Trial (2) (VCU-ART2) and randomly treated with anakinra (N=7) or placebo (N=10).
      Whole blood was cultured at 37 degrees C for 24 h to measure spontaneous
      production of IL-6 or stimulated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      for toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 or heat-killed Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE) for
      TLR-2 activation. The cultures of anakinra-treated patients produced
      significantly less IL-6 spontaneously (71 pg/mL [27-114]) compared with placebo
      treated patients (290 pg/mL [211-617], p=0.005). LPS- or SE-induced IL-6
      production, on the other hand, was not statistically different between anakinra
      versus placebo-treated patients (344 pg/mL [94-560] versus 370 pg/mL [306-991],
      p=0.32 for LPS, and 484 pg/mL [77-612] versus 615 pg/mL [413-871], p=0.31 for SE,
      respectively). IL-1 blockade with anakinra in STEMI patients results in reduced
      spontaneous leukocyte activity ex vivo without impairing the responsiveness to
      bacterial stimuli.

PMID- 25121720
TI  - The identification of perillyl alcohol glycosides with improved antiproliferative
      activity.
AB  - A facile route to perillyl alcohol (POH) differential glycosylation and the
      corresponding synthesis of a set of 34 POH glycosides is reported. Subsequent in
      vitro studies revealed a sugar dependent antiproliferative activity and the
      inhibition of S6 ribosomal protein phosphorylation as a putative mechanism of
      representative POH glycosides. The most active glycoside from this cumulative
      study (4'-azido-d-glucoside, PG9) represents one of the most cytotoxic POH
      analogues reported to date. 

PMID- 25121722
TI  - Low-cost motility tracking system (LOCOMOTIS) for time-lapse microscopy
      applications and cell visualisation.
AB  - Direct visualisation of cells for the purpose of studying their motility has
      typically required expensive microscopy equipment. However, recent advances in
      digital sensors mean that it is now possible to image cells for a fraction of the
      price of a standard microscope. Along with low-cost imaging there has also been a
      large increase in the availability of high quality, open-source analysis
      programs. In this study we describe the development and performance of an
      expandable cell motility system employing inexpensive, commercially available
      digital USB microscopes to image various cell types using time-lapse and perform
      tracking assays in proof-of-concept experiments. With this system we were able to
      measure and record three separate assays simultaneously on one personal computer
      using identical microscopes, and obtained tracking results comparable in quality
      to those from other studies that used standard, more expensive, equipment. The
      microscopes used in our system were capable of a maximum magnification of 413.6*.
      Although resolution was lower than that of a standard inverted microscope we
      found this difference to be indistinguishable at the magnification chosen for
      cell tracking experiments (206.8*). In preliminary cell culture experiments using
      our system, velocities (mean um/min +/- SE) of 0.81 +/- 0.01 (Biomphalaria
      glabrata hemocytes on uncoated plates), 1.17 +/- 0.004 (MDA-MB-231 breast cancer
      cells), 1.24 +/- 0.006 (SC5 mouse Sertoli cells) and 2.21 +/- 0.01 (B. glabrata
      hemocytes on Poly-L-Lysine coated plates), were measured and are consistent with
      previous reports. We believe that this system, coupled with open-source analysis
      software, demonstrates that higher throughput time-lapse imaging of cells for the
      purpose of studying motility can be an affordable option for all researchers.

PMID- 25121724
TI  - Endobronchial ultrasound elastography in the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar
      lymph nodes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endobronchial ultrasound elastography is a new technique for
      describing the stiffness of tissue during endobronchial ultrasound-guided
      transbronchial needle aspiration. The aims of this study were to evaluate the
      utility of endobronchial ultrasound elastography for mediastinal and hilar lymph
      nodes, and to compare the elastographic patterns of lymph nodes with results from
      endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration. METHODS:
      Seventy-five lymph nodes were evaluated. A convex probe endobronchial ultrasound
      was used with a new endoscopic ultrasound processor to assess elastographic
      patterns that were classified based on color distribution as follows: Type 1,
      predominantly non-blue (green, yellow and red); Type 2, part blue, part non-blue
      (green, yellow and red); Type 3, predominantly blue. The elastographic patterns
      were compared with the final pathologic results from endobronchial ultrasound
      guided transbronchial needle aspiration. RESULTS: On pathological evaluation of
      the lymph nodes, 33 were benign and 42 were malignant. The lymph nodes that were
      classified as Type 1 on endobronchial ultrasound elastography were benign in
      24/24 (100%); for Type 2 lymph nodes, 6/14 (46.9%) were benign and 8/14 (57.1%)
      were malignant; Type 3 lymph nodes were benign in 2/37 (5.4%) and malignant in
      35/37 (94.6%). In classifying Type 1 as 'benign' and Type 3 as 'malignant,' the
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value
      and diagnostic accuracy rates were 100, 92.3, 94.6, 100 and 96.7%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Endobronchial ultrasound elastography of mediastinal and hilar lymph
      nodes is a noninvasive technique that can be performed reliably and may be
      helpful in the prediction of nodal metastasis during endobronchial ultrasound
      guided transbronchial needle aspiration.

PMID- 25121725
TI  - On resilience and acceptance in the transition to palliative care at the end of
      life.
AB  - Specialist palliative care is a prominent and expanding site of health service
      delivery, providing highly specialised care to people at the end of life. Its
      focus on the delivery of specialised life-enhancing care stands in contrast to
      biomedicine's general tendency towards life-prolonging intervention. This
      philosophical departure from curative or life-prolonging care means that
      transitioning patients can be problematic, with recent work suggesting a wide
      range of potential emotional, communication and relational difficulties for
      patients, families and health professionals. Yet, we know little about terminally
      ill patients' lived experiences of this complex transition. Here, through
      interviews with 40 inpatients in the last few weeks of life, we explore their
      embodied and relational experiences of the transition to inpatient care,
      including their accounts of an ethic of resilience in pre-palliative care and an
      ethic of acceptance as they move towards specialist palliative care. Exploring
      the relationship between resilience and acceptance reveals the opportunities, as
      well as the limitations, embedded in the normative constructs that inflect
      individual experience of this transition. This highlights a contradictory dynamic
      whereby participants' experiences were characterised by talk of initiating
      change, while also acquiescing to the terminal progression of their illness. 

PMID- 25121726
TI  - Dynamic alignment of transtibial prostheses through visualization of socket
      reaction moments.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dynamic alignment of transtibial prostheses is generally
      performed based on visual interpretation of gait without the benefit of any
      kinetic analysis in the clinic. The aim of this technical note was to present and
      discuss the possibilities of assisting dynamic alignment of transtibial
      prostheses through visualization of socket reaction moments. TECHNIQUE: Smart
      PyramidTM (currently EuropaTM) was used to measure the socket reaction moments
      under various alignment conditions from an amputee with transtibial prosthesis.
      The socket reaction moments were plotted to visualize the effect of alignment
      changes on them, and they were clinically interpreted. DISCUSSION: Socket
      reaction moments could complement information available to prosthetists to
      optimize prosthetic alignment. They could be used to reduce excessive loading on
      sensitive areas, to improve gait stability, or to communicate the outcome of
      dynamic alignment with the amputees. Further research is needed to identify the
      contribution of kinematics and kinetics for optimal alignment. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Dynamic alignment of transtibial prostheses is currently tuned
      subjectively based on prosthetists' experiences and skills. Socket reaction
      moments may potentially provide objective information for prosthetists to align
      transtibial prostheses in the clinic.

PMID- 25121727
TI  - Collaboration between medical and veterinary professions on the problem of dog
      bites.

PMID- 25121728
TI  - Hematology as a diagnostic tool in bovine medicine.
AB  - The objective of the current review is to provide the reader with an overview of
      the bovine hematological profile. Sample collection, bovine reference ranges, and
      cattle-specific characteristics of erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet
      parameters are reviewed. Furthermore, diseases associated with abnormalities in
      the complete blood cell count of cattle are discussed. 

PMID- 25121730
TI  - Systematic comparison of non-invasive measures for the assessment of atrial
      fibrillation complexity: a step forward towards standardization of atrial
      fibrillation electrogram analysis.
AB  - AIMS: To present a comparison of electrocardiogram-based non-invasive measures of
      atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate complexity computed on invasive animal
      recordings to discriminate between short-term and long-term AF. The final
      objective is the selection of an optimal sub-set of measures for AF complexity
      assessment. METHODS AND RESULTS: High-density epicardial direct contact mapping
      recordings (234 leads) were acquired from the right and the left atria of 17
      goats in which AF was induced for 3 weeks (short-term AF group, N = 10) and 6
      months (long-term AF group, N = 7). Several non-invasive measures of AF
      organization proposed in the literature in the last decade were investigated to
      assess their power in discriminating between the short-term and long-term group.
      The best performing measures were identified, which when combined attained a
      correct classification rate of 100%. Their ability to predict standard invasive
      AF complexity measures was also tested, showing an average R(2) of 0.73 +/- 0.04.
      CONCLUSION: An optimal set of measures of the AF substrate complexity was
      identified out of the set of non-invasive measures analysed in this study. These
      measures may contribute to improve patient-tailored diagnosis and therapy of
      sustained AF.

PMID- 25121729
TI  - PDGF-BB does not accelerate healing in diabetic mice with splinted skin wounds.
AB  - Topical application of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is considered
      to accelerate tissue repair of impaired chronic wounds. However, the vast
      literature is plagued with conflicting reports of its efficacy in animal models
      and this is often influenced by a wide array of experimental variables making it
      difficult to compare the results across the studies. To mitigate the confounding
      variables that influence the efficacy of topically applied PDGF-BB, we used a
      controlled full thickness splinted excisional wound model in db/db mice (type 2
      diabetic mouse model) for our investigations. A carefully-defined silicone
      splinted wound model, with reduced wound contraction, controlled splint and
      bandage maintenance, allowing for healing primarily by reepithelialization was
      employed. Two splinted 8 mm dorsal full thickness wounds were made in db/db mice.
      Wounds were topically treated once daily with either 3 ug PDGF-BB in 30 ul of 5%
      PEG-PBS vehicle or an equal volume of vehicle for 10 days. Body weights, wound
      contraction, wound closure, reepithelialization, collagen content, and wound bed
      inflammation were evaluated clinically and histopathologically. The bioactivity
      of PDGF-BB was confirmed by in vitro proliferation assay. PDGF-BB, although
      bioactive in vitro, failed to accelerate wound healing in vivo in the db/db mice
      using the splinted wound model. Considering that the predominant mechanism of
      wound healing in humans is by re-epithelialization, the most appropriate model
      for evaluating therapeutics is one that uses splints to prevent excessive wound
      contraction. Here, we report that PDGF-BB does not promote wound closure by re
      epithelialization in a murine splinted wound model. Our results highlight that
      the effects of cytoactive factors reported in vivo ought to be carefully
      interpreted with critical consideration of the wound model used.

PMID- 25121732
TI  - Six in 10 doctors in Scotland plan to vote against independence.

PMID- 25121734
TI  - One-dimensional titanium dioxide nanomaterials: nanotubes.

PMID- 25121731
TI  - Nitric oxide from IFNgamma-primed macrophages modulates the antimicrobial
      activity of beta-lactams against the intracellular pathogens Burkholderia
      pseudomallei and Nontyphoidal Salmonella.
AB  - Our investigations show that nonlethal concentrations of nitric oxide (NO)
      abrogate the antibiotic activity of beta-lactam antibiotics against Burkholderia
      pseudomallei, Escherichia coli and nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica serovar
      Typhimurium. NO protects B. pseudomallei already exposed to beta-lactams,
      suggesting that this diatomic radical tolerizes bacteria against the
      antimicrobial activity of this important class of antibiotics. The concentrations
      of NO that elicit antibiotic tolerance repress consumption of oxygen (O2), while
      stimulating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) synthesis. Transposon insertions in genes
      encoding cytochrome c oxidase-related functions and molybdenum assimilation
      confer B. pseudomallei a selective advantage against the antimicrobial activity
      of the beta-lactam antibiotic imipenem. Cumulatively, these data support a model
      by which NO induces antibiotic tolerance through the inhibition of the electron
      transport chain, rather than by potentiating antioxidant defenses as previously
      proposed. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of terminal oxidases and
      nitrate reductases tolerizes aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to beta-lactams. The
      degree of NO-induced beta-lactam antibiotic tolerance seems to be inversely
      proportional to the proton motive force (PMF), and thus the dissipation of
      DeltaH+ and DeltaPsi electrochemical gradients of the PMF prevents beta-lactam
      mediated killing. According to this model, NO generated by IFNgamma-primed
      macrophages protects intracellular Salmonella against imipenem. On the other
      hand, sublethal concentrations of imipenem potentiate the killing of B.
      pseudomallei by NO generated enzymatically from IFNgamma-primed macrophages. Our
      investigations indicate that NO modulates the antimicrobial activity of beta
      lactam antibiotics. 

PMID- 25121735
TI  - Subverting ER-stress towards apoptosis by nelfinavir and curcumin coexposure
      augments docetaxel efficacy in castration resistant prostate cancer cells.
AB  - Despite its side-effects, docetaxel (DTX) remains a first-line treatment against
      castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Therefore, strategies to increase
      its anti-tumor efficacy and decrease its side effects are critically needed.
      Targeting of the constitutive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in cancer cells
      is being investigated as a chemosensitization approach. We hypothesized that the
      simultaneous induction of ER-stress and suppression of PI3K/AKT survival pathway
      will be a more effective approach. In a CRPC cell line, C4-2B, we observed
      significant (p<0.005) enhancement of DTX-induced cytotoxicity following
      coexposure to thapsigargin and an AKT-inhibitor. However, since these two agents
      are not clinically approved, we investigated whether a combination of nelfinavir
      (NFR) and curcumin (CUR), known to target both these metabolic pathways, can
      similarly increase DTX cytotoxicity in CRPC cells. Within 24 hrs post-exposure to
      physiologic concentrations of NFR (5 uM) and CUR (5 uM) a significantly (p<0.005)
      enhanced cytotoxicity was evident with low concentration of DTX (10 nM). This 3
      drug combination rapidly increased apoptosis in aggressive C4-2B cells, but not
      in RWPE-1 cells or in primary prostate epithelial cells (PrEC). Comparative
      molecular studies revealed that this 3-drug combination caused a more pronounced
      suppression of phosphorylated-AKT and higher induction in phosphorylated
      eIF2alpha in C4-2B cells, as compared to RWPE-1 cells. Acute exposure (3-9 hrs)
      to this 3-drug combination intensified ER-stress induced pro-apoptotic markers,
      i.e. ATF4, CHOP, and TRIB3. At much lower concentrations, chronic (3 wks)
      exposures to these three agents drastically reduced colony forming units (CFU) by
      C4-2B cells. In vivo studies using mice containing C4-2B tumor xenografts showed
      significant (p<0.05) enhancement of DTX's (10 mg/kg) anti-tumor efficacy
      following coexposure to NFR (20 mg/kg) & CUR (100 mg/kg). Immunohistochemical
      (IHC) analyses of tumor sections indicated decreased Ki-67 staining and increased
      TUNEL intensity in mice exposed to the 3-drug combination. Therefore, subverting
      ER-stress towards apoptosis using adjuvant therapy with NFR and CUR can
      chemosensitize the CRPC cells to DTX therapy. 

PMID- 25121733
TI  - Gene expansion shapes genome architecture in the human pathogen Lichtheimia
      corymbifera: an evolutionary genomics analysis in the ancient terrestrial
      mucorales (Mucoromycotina).
AB  - Lichtheimia species are the second most important cause of mucormycosis in
      Europe. To provide broader insights into the molecular basis of the pathogenicity
      associated traits of the basal Mucorales, we report the full genome sequence of
      L. corymbifera and compared it to the genome of Rhizopus oryzae, the most common
      cause of mucormycosis worldwide. The genome assembly encompasses 33.6 MB and
      12,379 protein-coding genes. This study reveals four major differences of the L.
      corymbifera genome to R. oryzae: (i) the presence of an highly elevated number of
      gene duplications which are unlike R. oryzae not due to whole genome duplication
      (WGD), (ii) despite the relatively high incidence of introns, alternative
      splicing (AS) is not frequently observed for the generation of paralogs and in
      response to stress, (iii) the content of repetitive elements is strikingly low
      (<5%), (iv) L. corymbifera is typically haploid. Novel virulence factors were
      identified which may be involved in the regulation of the adaptation to iron
      limitation, e.g. LCor01340.1 encoding a putative siderophore transporter and
      LCor00410.1 involved in the siderophore metabolism. Genes encoding the
      transcription factors LCor08192.1 and LCor01236.1, which are similar to GATA type
      regulators and to calcineurin regulated CRZ1, respectively, indicating an
      involvement of the calcineurin pathway in the adaption to iron limitation. Genes
      encoding MADS-box transcription factors are elevated up to 11 copies compared to
      the 1-4 copies usually found in other fungi. More findings are: (i) lower content
      of tRNAs, but unique codons in L. corymbifera, (ii) Over 25% of the proteins are
      apparently specific for L. corymbifera. (iii) L. corymbifera contains only 2/3 of
      the proteases (known to be essential virulence factors) in comparison to R.
      oryzae. On the other hand, the number of secreted proteases, however, is roughly
      twice as high as in R. oryzae.

PMID- 25121737
TI  - A role for H2S in the microcirculation of newborns: the major metabolite of H2S
      (thiosulphate) is increased in preterm infants.
AB  - Excessive vasodilatation during the perinatal period is associated with
      cardiorespiratory instability in preterm neonates. Little evidence of the
      mechanisms controlling microvascular tone during circulatory transition exists.
      We hypothesised that hydrogen sulphide (H2S), an important regulator of
      microvascular reactivity and central cardiac function in adults and animal
      models, may contribute to the vasodilatation observed in preterm newborns. Term
      and preterm neonates (24-43 weeks gestational age) were studied. Peripheral
      microvascular blood flow was assessed by laser Doppler. Thiosulphate, a urinary
      metabolite of H2S, was determined by high performance liquid chromatography as a
      measure of 24 hr total body H2S turnover for the first 3 days of postnatal life.
      H2S turnover was greatest in very preterm infants and decreased with increasing
      gestational age (p = 0.0001). H2S turnover was stable across the first 72 hrs of
      life in older neonates. In very preterm neonates, H2S turnover increased
      significantly from day 1 to 3 (p =0.0001); and males had higher H2S turnover than
      females (p = 0.04). A significant relationship between microvascular blood flow
      and H2S turnover was observed on day 2 of postnatal life (p = 0.0004). H2S may
      play a role in maintaining microvascular tone in the perinatal period. Neonates
      at the greatest risk of microvascular dysfunction characterised by inappropriate
      peripheral vasodilatation--very preterm male neonates--are also the neonates with
      highest levels of total body H2S turnover suggesting that overproduction of this
      gasotransmitter may contribute to microvascular dysfunction in preterms.
      Potentially, H2S is a target to selectively control microvascular tone in the
      circulation of newborns.

PMID- 25121736
TI  - Diverse host-seeking behaviors of skin-penetrating nematodes.
AB  - Skin-penetrating parasitic nematodes infect approximately one billion people
      worldwide and are responsible for some of the most common neglected tropical
      diseases. The infective larvae of skin-penetrating nematodes are thought to
      search for hosts using sensory cues, yet their host-seeking behavior is poorly
      understood. We conducted an in-depth analysis of host seeking in the skin
      penetrating human parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, and compared its behavior
      to that of other parasitic nematodes. We found that Str. stercoralis is highly
      mobile relative to other parasitic nematodes and uses a cruising strategy for
      finding hosts. Str. stercoralis shows robust attraction to a diverse array of
      human skin and sweat odorants, most of which are known mosquito attractants.
      Olfactory preferences of Str. stercoralis vary across life stages, suggesting a
      mechanism by which host seeking is limited to infective larvae. A comparison of
      odor-driven behavior in Str. stercoralis and six other nematode species revealed
      that parasite olfactory preferences reflect host specificity rather than
      phylogeny, suggesting an important role for olfaction in host selection. Our
      results may enable the development of new strategies for combating harmful
      nematode infections. 

PMID- 25121738
TI  - Combinatorial G-CSF/AMD3100 treatment in cardiac repair after myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - AIMS: Several studies suggest that circulating bone marrow derived stem cells
      promote the regeneration of ischemic tissues. For hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation combinatorial granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G
      CSF)/Plerixafor (AMD3100) administration was shown to enhance mobilization of
      bone marrow derived stem cells compared to G-CSF monotherapy. Here we tested the
      hypothesis whether combinatorial G-CSF/AMD3100 therapy has beneficial effects in
      cardiac recovery in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. METHODS: We analyzed
      the effect of single G-CSF (250 ug/kg/day) and combinatorial G-CSF/AMD3100 (100
      ug/kg/day) treatment on cardiac morphology, vascularization, and hemodynamics 28
      days after permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). G-CSF
      treatment started directly after induction of myocardial infarction (MI) for 3
      consecutive days followed by a single AMD3100 application on day three after MI
      in the G-CSF/AMD3100 group. Cell mobilization was assessed by flow cytometry of
      blood samples drawn from tail vein on day 0, 7, and 14. RESULTS: Peripheral blood
      analysis 7 days after MI showed enhanced mobilization of white blood cells (WBC)
      and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) upon G-CSF and combinatorial G-CSF/AMD3100
      treatment. However, single or combinatorial treatment showed no improvement in
      survival, left ventricular function, and infarction size compared to the saline
      treated control group 28 days after MI. Furthermore, no differences in histology
      and vascularization of infarcted hearts could be observed. CONCLUSION: Although
      the implemented treatment regimen caused no adverse effects, our data show that
      combinatorial G-CSF/AMD therapy does not promote myocardial regeneration after
      permanent LAD occlusion.

PMID- 25121740
TI  - Microbial-derived butyrate: an oncometabolite or tumor-suppressive metabolite?
AB  - Dietary factors, microbial composition, and metabolism are intimately intertwined
      into a complex network whose activities influence important intestinal functions.
      In a recent issue of Cell, Belcheva et al. (2014) show that microbial-derived
      butyrate promotes proliferation of cancer-initiated intestinal epithelial cells,
      suggesting that it can act as an oncometabolite. 

PMID- 25121739
TI  - CXCL12 induces connective tissue growth factor expression in human lung
      fibroblasts through the Rac1/ERK, JNK, and AP-1 pathways.
AB  - CXCL12 (stromal cell-derived factor-1, SDF-1) is a potent chemokine for homing of
      CXCR4+ fibrocytes to injury sites of lung tissue, which contributes to pulmonary
      fibrosis. Overexpression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a
      critical role in pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the roles of
      Rac1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK),
      and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in CXCL12-induced CTGF expression in human lung
      fibroblasts. CXCL12 caused concentration- and time-dependent increases in CTGF
      expression and CTGF-luciferase activity. CXCL12-induced CTGF expression was
      inhibited by a CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100), small interfering RNA of CXCR4 (CXCR4
      siRNA), a dominant negative mutant of Rac1 (RacN17), a mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor (PD98059), a JNK inhibitor (SP600125), a p21
      activated kinase inhibitor (PAK18), c-Jun siRNA, and an AP-1 inhibitor
      (curcumin). Treatment of cells with CXCL12 caused activations of Rac1, Rho, ERK,
      and c-Jun. The CXCL12-induced increase in ERK phosphorylation was inhibited by
      RacN17. Treatment of cells with PD98059 and SP600125 both inhibited CXCL12
      induced c-Jun phosphorylation. CXCL12 caused the recruitment of c-Jun and c-Fos
      binding to the CTGF promoter. Furthermore, CXCL12 induced an increase in alpha
      smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) expression, a myofibroblastic phenotype, and
      actin stress fiber formation. CXCL12-induced actin stress fiber formation and
      alpha-SMA expression were respectively inhibited by AMD3100 and CTGF siRNA. Taken
      together, our results suggest that CXCL12, acting through CXCR4, activates the
      Rac/ERK and JNK signaling pathways, which in turn initiates c-Jun
      phosphorylation, and recruits c-Jun and c-Fos to the CTGF promoter and ultimately
      induces CTGF expression in human lung fibroblasts. Moreover, overexpression of
      CTGF mediates CXCL12-induced alpha-SMA expression. 

PMID- 25121741
TI  - What lies within: coinfections and immunity.
AB  - Helminth-induced immunomodulation is thought to influence the outcome of
      secondary infections. Osborne et al. (2014) and Reese et al. (2014) demonstrate
      that helminth infection impacts viral infections by tilting the immune system
      toward Th2/M2 immune regulatory responses that dampen Th1/M1 antiviral responses
      as well as promote reactivation of latent herpesviruses. 

PMID- 25121742
TI  - Malaria parasite epigenetics: when virulence and romance collide.
AB  - Blood-stage malaria parasites evade the immune system by switching the protein
      exposed at the surface of the infected erythrocyte. A small proportion of these
      parasites commits to sexual development to mediate mosquito transmission. Two
      studies in this issue (Brancucci et al., 2014; Coleman et al., 2014) shed light
      on shared epigenetic machinery underlying both of these events. 

PMID- 25121743
TI  - How a virus blocks a cellular emergency access lane to the nucleus, STAT!
AB  - Early in viral infection, the STAT1 transcription factor is rapidly transported
      into the nucleus using a nonconventional import mechanism to establish an
      antiviral state. In this issue, Xu et al. (2014) show how the Ebola virus VP24
      protein precisely blocks specialized STAT1 import while leaving other cellular
      import processes intact. 

PMID- 25121744
TI  - Getting rid of the bad apple: inflammasome-induced extrusion of Salmonella
      infected enterocytes.
AB  - Two reports in this issue of Cell Host & Microbe (Sellin et al., 2014; Knodler et
      al., 2014) establish the cell-intrinsic inflammasome-induced extrusion of
      infected enterocytes as a general defense mechanism against acute bacterial
      infections. 

PMID- 25121746
TI  - Heterochromatin protein 1 secures survival and transmission of malaria parasites.
AB  - Clonally variant expression of surface antigens allows the malaria parasite
      Plasmodium falciparum to evade immune recognition during blood stage infection
      and secure malaria transmission. We demonstrate that heterochromatin protein 1
      (HP1), an evolutionary conserved regulator of heritable gene silencing, controls
      expression of numerous P. falciparum virulence genes as well as differentiation
      into the sexual forms that transmit to mosquitoes. Conditional depletion of P.
      falciparum HP1 (PfHP1) prevents mitotic proliferation of blood stage parasites
      and disrupts mutually exclusive expression and antigenic variation of the major
      virulence factor PfEMP1. Additionally, PfHP1-dependent regulation of PfAP2-G, a
      transcription factor required for gametocyte conversion, controls the switch from
      asexual proliferation to sexual differentiation, providing insight into the
      epigenetic mechanisms underlying gametocyte commitment. These findings show that
      PfHP1 is centrally involved in clonally variant gene expression and sexual
      differentiation in P. falciparum and have major implications for developing
      antidisease and transmission-blocking interventions against malaria. 

PMID- 25121745
TI  - Collateral damage: microbiota-derived metabolites and immune function in the
      antibiotic era.
AB  - Our long-standing evolutionary association with gut-associated microbial
      communities has given rise to an intimate relationship, which affects many
      aspects of human health. Recent studies on the mechanisms that link these
      microbial communities to immune education, nutrition, and protection against
      pathogens point to microbiota-derived metabolites as key players during these
      microbe-host interactions. A disruption of gut-associated microbial communities
      by antibiotic treatment can result in a depletion of microbiota-derived
      metabolites, thereby enhancing pathogen susceptibility, impairing immune
      homeostasis, and contributing to the rise of certain chronic inflammatory
      diseases. Here, we highlight some of the recently elucidated mechanisms that
      showcase the impacts of microbiota-derived metabolites on human health. 

PMID- 25121747
TI  - A Plasmodium falciparum histone deacetylase regulates antigenic variation and
      gametocyte conversion.
AB  - The asexual forms of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum are adapted for
      chronic persistence in human red blood cells, continuously evading host immunity
      using epigenetically regulated antigenic variation of virulence-associated genes.
      Parasite survival on a population level also requires differentiation into sexual
      forms, an obligatory step for further human transmission. We reveal that the
      essential nuclear gene, P. falciparum histone deacetylase 2 (PfHda2), is a global
      silencer of virulence gene expression and controls the frequency of switching
      from the asexual cycle to sexual development. PfHda2 depletion leads to
      dysregulated expression of both virulence-associated var genes and PfAP2-g, a
      transcription factor controlling sexual conversion, and is accompanied by
      increases in gametocytogenesis. Mathematical modeling further indicates that
      PfHda2 has likely evolved to optimize the parasite's infectious period by
      achieving low frequencies of virulence gene expression switching and sexual
      conversion. This common regulation of cellular transcriptional programs
      mechanistically links parasite transmissibility and virulence. 

PMID- 25121748
TI  - Ebola virus VP24 targets a unique NLS binding site on karyopherin alpha 5 to
      selectively compete with nuclear import of phosphorylated STAT1.
AB  - During antiviral defense, interferon (IFN) signaling triggers nuclear transport
      of tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT1 (PY-STAT1), which occurs via a subset of
      karyopherin alpha (KPNA) nuclear transporters. Many viruses, including Ebola
      virus, actively antagonize STAT1 signaling to counteract the antiviral effects of
      IFN. Ebola virus VP24 protein (eVP24) binds KPNA to inhibit PY-STAT1 nuclear
      transport and render cells refractory to IFNs. We describe the structure of human
      KPNA5 C terminus in complex with eVP24. In the complex, eVP24 recognizes a unique
      nonclassical nuclear localization signal (NLS) binding site on KPNA5 that is
      necessary for efficient PY-STAT1 nuclear transport. eVP24 binds KPNA5 with very
      high affinity to effectively compete with and inhibit PY-STAT1 nuclear transport.
      In contrast, eVP24 binding does not affect the transport of classical NLS cargo.
      Thus, eVP24 counters cell-intrinsic innate immunity by selectively targeting PY
      STAT1 nuclear import while leaving the transport of other cargo that may be
      required for viral replication unaffected. 

PMID- 25121749
TI  - HCMV pUL135 remodels the actin cytoskeleton to impair immune recognition of
      infected cells.
AB  - Immune evasion genes help human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establish lifelong
      persistence. Without immune pressure, laboratory-adapted HCMV strains have
      undergone genetic alterations. Among these, the deletion of the UL/b' domain is
      associated with loss of virulence. In a screen of UL/b', we identified pUL135 as
      a protein responsible for the characteristic cytopathic effect of clinical HCMV
      strains that also protected from natural killer (NK) and T cell attack. pUL135
      interacted directly with abl interactor 1 (ABI1) and ABI2 to recruit the WAVE2
      regulatory complex to the plasma membrane, remodel the actin cytoskeleton and
      dramatically reduce the efficiency of immune synapse (IS) formation. An intimate
      association between F-actin filaments in target cells and the IS was dispelled by
      pUL135 expression. Thus, F-actin in target cells plays a critical role in
      synaptogenesis, and this can be exploited by pathogens to protect against
      cytotoxic immune effector cells. An independent interaction between pUL135 and
      talin disrupted cell contacts with the extracellular matrix. 

PMID- 25121750
TI  - HIV-1 envelope gp41 antibodies can originate from terminal ileum B cells that
      share cross-reactivity with commensal bacteria.
AB  - Monoclonal antibodies derived from blood plasma cells of acute HIV-1-infected
      individuals are predominantly targeted to the HIV Env gp41 and cross-reactive
      with commensal bacteria. To understand this phenomenon, we examined anti-HIV
      responses in ileum B cells using recombinant antibody technology and probed their
      relationship to commensal bacteria. The dominant ileum B cell response was to Env
      gp41. Remarkably, a majority (82%) of the ileum anti-gp41 antibodies cross
      reacted with commensal bacteria, and of those, 43% showed non-HIV-1 antigen
      polyreactivity. Pyrosequencing revealed shared HIV-1 antibody clonal lineages
      between ileum and blood. Mutated immunoglobulin G antibodies cross-reactive with
      both Env gp41 and microbiota could also be isolated from the ileum of HIV-1
      uninfected individuals. Thus, the gp41 commensal bacterial antigen cross-reactive
      antibodies originate in the intestine, and the gp41 Env response in HIV-1
      infection can be derived from a preinfection memory B cell pool triggered by
      commensal bacteria that cross-react with Env. 

PMID- 25121751
TI  - Epithelium-intrinsic NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome drives infected enterocyte expulsion
      to restrict Salmonella replication in the intestinal mucosa.
AB  - The gut mucosal epithelium separates the host from the microbiota, but
      enteropathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium (S.Tm) can invade and breach this
      barrier. Defenses against such acute insults remain incompletely understood.
      Using a murine model of Salmonella enterocolitis, we analyzed mechanisms limiting
      pathogen loads in the epithelium during early infection. Although the epithelium
      invading S.Tm replicate initially, this intraepithelial replicative niche is
      restricted by expulsion of infected enterocytes into the lumen. This mechanism is
      compromised if inflammasome components (NAIP1-6, NLRC4, caspase-1/-11) are
      deleted, or ablated specifically in the epithelium, resulting in ~100-fold higher
      intraepithelial loads and accelerated lymph node colonization. Interestingly, the
      cytokines downstream of inflammasome activation, interleukin (IL)-1alpha/beta and
      IL-18, appear dispensable for epithelial restriction of early infection. These
      data establish the role of an epithelium-intrinsic inflammasome, which drives
      expulsion of infected cells to restrict the pathogen's intraepithelial
      proliferation. This may represent a general defense mechanism against mucosal
      infections. 

PMID- 25121754
TI  - Assessment of the relationship between nondipping phenomenon and microvolt T-wave
      alternans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate microvolt T-wave
      alternans (MTWA) as a marker of myocardial electrical instability in normotensive
      and hypertensive individuals with either nondipper or dipper-type circadian
      rhythm of blood pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included a total
      of 181 patients: 118 hypertensive patients and 63 normotensive healthy volunteers
      [mean age 46 +/- 8; 34 men (54%)]. The patients with hypertension were divided
      into two groups on the basis of their results of 24-h ambulatory blood pressure
      monitoring: 61 patients with dipper hypertension [mean age 46 +/- 6; 32 men
      (52.5%)] and 57 patients with nondipper hypertension [mean age 48 +/- 10; 36 men
      (63.2%)]. The MTWAs of all patients were analyzed using the time-domain modified
      moving average method by means of a treadmill exercise stress test. RESULTS: MTWA
      positivity was statistically significantly different between all groups. Left
      ventricular mass index, E/E', interventricular septum, posterior wall, 24-h
      systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, and night-time systolic
      blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were correlated positively with MTWA.
      Left ventricular mass index and the presence of nondipper hypertension were
      determined to be independent predictors of MTWA positivity. CONCLUSION: The
      blunting of the nocturnal decrease in blood pressure was associated with MTWA
      positivity in hypertensive patients.

PMID- 25121753
TI  - Hepatitis C virus subverts liver-specific miR-122 to protect the viral genome
      from exoribonuclease Xrn2.
AB  - The abundant, liver-specific microRNA miR-122 forms extensive base-pairing
      interactions with the 5' noncoding region of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA
      genome, protecting the viral RNA from degradation. We discovered that the 5'-3'
      exoribonuclease Xrn2, which plays a crucial role in the transcription termination
      of RNA polymerase II, modulates HCV RNA abundance in the cytoplasm, but is
      counteracted by miR-122-mediated protection. Specifically, Xrn2 depletion results
      in increased accumulation of viral RNA, while Xrn2 overexpression diminishes
      viral RNA abundance. Depletion of Xrn2 did not alter translation or replication
      rates of HCV RNA, but affected viral RNA stability. Importantly, during
      sequestration of miR-122, Xrn2 depletion restored HCV RNA abundance, arguing that
      Xrn2 depletion eliminates the miR-122 requirement for viral RNA stability. Thus,
      Xrn2 has a cytoplasmic, antiviral function against HCV that is counteracted by
      HCV's subversion of miR-122 to form a protective oligomeric complex at the 5' end
      of the viral genome. 

PMID- 25121752
TI  - Noncanonical inflammasome activation of caspase-4/caspase-11 mediates epithelial
      defenses against enteric bacterial pathogens.
AB  - Inflammasome-mediated host defenses have been extensively studied in innate
      immune cells. Whether inflammasomes function for innate defense in intestinal
      epithelial cells, which represent the first line of defense against enteric
      pathogens, remains unknown. We observed enhanced Salmonella enterica serovar
      Typhimurium colonization in the intestinal epithelium of caspase-11-deficient
      mice, but not at systemic sites. In polarized epithelial monolayers, siRNA
      mediated depletion of caspase-4, a human ortholog of caspase-11, also led to
      increased bacterial colonization. Decreased rates of pyroptotic cell death, a
      host defense mechanism that extrudes S. Typhimurium-infected cells from the
      polarized epithelium, accounted for increased pathogen burdens. The caspase-4
      inflammasome also governs activation of the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin
      (IL)-18, in response to intracellular (S. Typhimurium) and extracellular
      (enteropathogenic Escherichia coli) enteric pathogens, via intracellular LPS
      sensing. Therefore, an epithelial cell-intrinsic noncanonical inflammasome plays
      a critical role in antimicrobial defense at the intestinal mucosal surface. 

PMID- 25121755
TI  - The effect of orthostatic stress type on cardiovascular control.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the cardiovascular responses of a novel
      orthostatic stress test, the passive seated orthostatic stress test (PSOST), with
      those during passive head-up tilt testing (HUTT). We hypothesized that
      cardiovascular responses during PSOST would be similar to those during HUTT (the
      'gold standard'). METHODS: We tested 15 healthy volunteers, who underwent both
      PSOST and HUTT during one session in a random order. We measured beat-to-beat
      blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral resistance, stroke volume, cardiac output,
      and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity during each test. RESULTS: Blood
      pressure responses were not significantly different between PSOST and HUTT,
      except for a significantly lower delayed nadir and 15-min recovery value in
      systolic arterial pressure during HUTT. HUTT elicited a significantly larger
      increase in heart rate during all test intervals in comparison with PSOST, as
      well as a larger decline in stroke volume during almost all test intervals.
      Responses for the other hemodynamic variables were not significantly different
      between the tests at any test interval. Repeated HUTT has large inherent
      variability, which was also evident from the variability in the mean differences
      on comparing PSOST and HUTT. There was a significant bias for larger heart rate
      increases (P<0.01) and a greater delayed systolic arterial pressure decline
      during HUTT. CONCLUSION: We have shown that PSOST and HUTT elicit similar blood
      pressure and cerebrovascular responses in the early stages of the upright phase.
      We believe that PSOST is a reasonable surrogate for HUTT in assessing orthostatic
      hypotension in population groups that are unable to stand for prolonged periods
      of time.

PMID- 25121756
TI  - Neck circumference and body mass index as independent predictors of hypertension
      misclassification in patients suspected of having obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE(S): Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) seems
      to be the most accurate way of diagnosing hypertension in patients with
      obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, this diagnostic tool is expensive and
      time-consuming and is therefore not used routinely. We aimed to find baseline
      predictors that enable the identification of patients who misclassify themselves
      as nonhypertensive to optimize the use of ABPM. METHODS: Clinically suspected OSA
      patients (n=369) were enrolled and underwent overnight polysomnography and 24-h
      ABPM, and completed a data collection form. Anthropometric measurements were
      assessed. Generalized additive models, the minimum P-value approach, and logistic
      regression models were used for data analysis. Results were considered
      significant when alpha is equal to 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two
      patients who were not on antihypertensive medication did not report hypertension,
      but according to ABPM data, 43.4% (n=53) of them had misclassified themselves as
      nonhypertensive. These patients had a significantly higher apnea-hypopnea index
      (P<0.001), ABPM variables (P<0.001), BMI (P=0.002), and neck circumference (NC)
      (P=0.002) than nonhypertensive patients (n=69). BMI and NC emerged as independent
      predictors of hypertension misclassification. The cut-off points that best
      discriminated the two groups of patients were 27 kg/m and 39 cm for BMI and NC,
      respectively. The resulting binary BMI and NC remained independent predictors of
      hypertension misclassification in the final model (odds ratio: 3.2, P=0.010; odds
      ratio: 2.4, P=0.038). CONCLUSION: Our findings emphasize the importance of ABPM
      for the diagnosis of hypertension in patients suspected of having OSA with a BMI
      and NC above 27 kg/m and 39 cm, respectively.

PMID- 25121757
TI  - Transcriptome sequencing from diverse human populations reveals differentiated
      regulatory architecture.
AB  - Large-scale sequencing efforts have documented extensive genetic variation within
      the human genome. However, our understanding of the origins, global distribution,
      and functional consequences of this variation is far from complete. While
      regulatory variation influencing gene expression has been studied within a
      handful of populations, the breadth of transcriptome differences across diverse
      human populations has not been systematically analyzed. To better understand the
      spectrum of gene expression variation, alternative splicing, and the population
      genetics of regulatory variation in humans, we have sequenced the genomes,
      exomes, and transcriptomes of EBV transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines derived
      from 45 individuals in the Human Genome Diversity Panel (HGDP). The populations
      sampled span the geographic breadth of human migration history and include
      Namibian San, Mbuti Pygmies of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Algerian
      Mozabites, Pathan of Pakistan, Cambodians of East Asia, Yakut of Siberia, and
      Mayans of Mexico. We discover that approximately 25.0% of the variation in gene
      expression found amongst individuals can be attributed to population differences.
      However, we find few genes that are systematically differentially expressed among
      populations. Of this population-specific variation, 75.5% is due to expression
      rather than splicing variability, and we find few genes with strong evidence for
      differential splicing across populations. Allelic expression analyses indicate
      that previously mapped common regulatory variants identified in eight populations
      from the International Haplotype Map Phase 3 project have similar effects in our
      seven sampled HGDP populations, suggesting that the cellular effects of common
      variants are shared across diverse populations. Together, these results provide a
      resource for studies analyzing functional differences across populations by
      estimating the degree of shared gene expression, alternative splicing, and
      regulatory genetics across populations from the broadest points of human
      migration history yet sampled. 

PMID- 25121758
TI  - Age and sex-specific relationships between phthalate exposures and obesity in
      Chinese children at puberty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the age and sex-specific associations of urine levels of
      six mono-phthalates with body size and fat distribution in Chinese children at
      puberty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred and ninety-three school-aged
      children (247 boys, 246 girls) were recruited. Obesity related anthropometric
      indices were measured and body fat proportion (BF%) was calculated. Spot urine
      samples were collected and phthalate monoesters were detected by an API 2000
      electrospray triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (ESI-MS/MS). Associations
      between phthalate exposure and overweight/obesity measures and their trends were
      examined by multiple linear regression and Logistic regression analyses,
      respectively. RESULTS: Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolites and monobutyl
      phthalate (MBP) were found to be the most detectable chemicals. In 8-10 years
      (yrs) group, concentrations of MEHP and MBP were significantly higher in girls
      than those in boys. However, concentrations of all phthalate monoesters, except
      for MEP and MEHP, in 11-13 yrs boys were significantly higher than those in
      girls. After adjusting for confounders including puberty onset, urinary
      concentrations of MBP and sum of low molecular-weight phthalate metabolites
      (?LMP) were positively associated with boys' obesity in a concentration-effect
      manner, while concentrations of MEHP, MEHHP and sum of DEHP metabolites (?MEHP)
      were negatively associated with girls' obesity. Associations between phthalate
      exposure levels and BMI z-score changes were age- and sex-specific in school-age
      children. CONCLUSION: There are age and sex-specific concentration-effect
      associations between phthalate exposure and fat distribution in Chinese children.
      Urinary phthalate levels in 11-13 yrs boys were about 30 percent higher than
      those in girls, and ?MEHP levels in younger boys (<10 yrs) were significantly
      higher than those in elder boys (>10 yrs). Associations were positive for MBP and
      ?LMP with both BMI z-score and fat distribution in boys >10 years of age, and
      negative for ?MEHP with fat distribution in girls <10 years of age.

PMID- 25121759
TI  - Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri: an old enemy
      presenting new challenges.
AB  - First discovered in 1899, Naegleria fowleri is a protist pathogen, known to
      infect the central nervous system and produce primary amoebic
      meningoencephalitis. The most distressing aspect is that the fatality rate has
      remained more than 95%, despite our advances in antimicrobial chemotherapy and
      supportive care. Although rare worldwide, most cases have been reported in the
      United States, Australia, and Europe (France). A large number of cases in
      developing countries go unnoticed. In particular, religious, recreational, and
      cultural practices such as ritual ablution and/or purifications, Ayurveda, and
      the use of neti pots for nasal irrigation can contribute to this devastating
      infection. With increasing water scarcity and public reliance on water storage,
      here we debate the need for increased awareness of primary amoebic
      meningoencephalitis and the associated risk factors, particularly in developing
      countries. 

PMID- 25121760
TI  - The rich get richer: brain injury elicits hyperconnectivity in core subnetworks.
AB  - There remains much unknown about how large-scale neural networks accommodate
      neurological disruption, such as moderate and severe traumatic brain injury
      (TBI). A primary goal in this study was to examine the alterations in network
      topology occurring during the first year of recovery following TBI. To do so we
      examined 21 individuals with moderate and severe TBI at 3 and 6 months after
      resolution of posttraumatic amnesia and 15 age- and education-matched healthy
      adults using functional MRI and graph theoretical analyses. There were two
      central hypotheses in this study: 1) physical disruption results in increased
      functional connectivity, or hyperconnectivity, and 2) hyperconnectivity occurs in
      regions typically observed to be the most highly connected cortical hubs, or the
      "rich club". The current findings generally support the hyperconnectivity
      hypothesis showing that during the first year of recovery after TBI, neural
      networks show increased connectivity, and this change is disproportionately
      represented in brain regions belonging to the brain's core subnetworks. The
      selective increases in connectivity observed here are consistent with the
      preferential attachment model underlying scale-free network development. This
      study is the largest of its kind and provides the unique opportunity to examine
      how neural systems adapt to significant neurological disruption during the first
      year after injury. 

PMID- 25121761
TI  - Isolation of cancer stem cells from three human glioblastoma cell lines:
      characterization of two selected clones.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSC) were isolated via a non-adherent neurosphere assay from
      three glioma cell lines: LI, U87, and U373. Using a clonal assay, two clones (D2
      and F11) were selected from spheres derived from LI cells and were characterized
      for the: expression of stem cell markers (CD133, Nestin, Musashi-1 and Sox2);
      proliferation; differentiation capability (determined by the expression of GalC,
      betaIII-Tubulin and GFAP); Ca(2+) signaling and tumorigenicity in nude mice. Both
      D2 and F11 clones expressed higher levels of all stem cell markers with respect
      to the parental cell line. Clones grew more slowly than LI cells with a two-fold
      increase in duplication time. Markers of differentiation (betaIII-Tubulin and
      GFAP) were expressed at high levels in both LI cells and in neurospheres. The
      expression of Nestin, Sox2, and betaIII-Tubulin was down-regulated in D2 and F11
      when cultured in serum-containing medium, whereas Musashi-1 was increased. In
      this condition, duplication time of D2 and F11 increased without reaching that of
      LI cells. D2, F11 and parental cells did not express voltage-dependent Ca(2+)
      channels but they exhibited increased intracellular Ca(2+) levels in response to
      ATP. These Ca(2+) signals were larger in LI cells and in spheres cultured in
      serum-containing medium, while they were smaller in serum-free medium. The ATP
      treatment did not affect cell proliferation. Both D2 and F11 induced the
      appearance of tumors when ortotopically injected in athymic nude mice at a
      density 50-fold lower than that of LI cells. All these data indicate that both
      clones have characteristics of CSC and share the same stemness properties. The
      findings regarding the expression of differentiation markers and Ca(2+)-channels
      show that both clones are unable to reach the terminal differentiation. Both D2
      and F11 might represent a good model to improve the knowledge on CSC in
      glioblastoma and to identify new therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 25121762
TI  - Unveiling time in dose-response models to infer host susceptibility to pathogens.
AB  - The biological effects of interventions to control infectious diseases typically
      depend on the intensity of pathogen challenge. As much as the levels of natural
      pathogen circulation vary over time and geographical location, the development of
      invariant efficacy measures is of major importance, even if only indirectly
      inferrable. Here a method is introduced to assess host susceptibility to
      pathogens, and applied to a detailed dataset generated by challenging groups of
      insect hosts (Drosophila melanogaster) with a range of pathogen (Drosophila C
      Virus) doses and recording survival over time. The experiment was replicated for
      flies carrying the Wolbachia symbiont, which is known to reduce host
      susceptibility to viral infections. The entire dataset is fitted by a novel
      quantitative framework that significantly extends classical methods for microbial
      risk assessment and provides accurate distributions of symbiont-induced
      protection. More generally, our data-driven modeling procedure provides novel
      insights for study design and analyses to assess interventions. 

PMID- 25121763
TI  - Genetic diversity and structure of Dalmatian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium
      Trevir./Sch./Bip., Asteraceae) within the Balkan refugium.
AB  - Dalmatian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium Trevir./Sch./Bip.) is an
      outcrossing, perennial insecticidal plant, restricted to the eastern Adriatic
      coast (Mediterranean). Amplified fragment-length polymorphisms (AFLP) were used
      to investigate the genetic diversity and structure within and among 20 natural
      plant populations. The highest level of gene diversity, the number of private
      alleles and the frequency down-weighted marker values (DW) were found in northern
      Adriatic populations and gradually decreased towards the southern boundary of the
      species range. Genetic impoverishment of these southern populations is most
      likely the result of human-related activities. An analysis of molecular variance
      (AMOVA) indicated that most of the genetic diversity was attributed to
      differences among individuals within populations (85.78%), which are expected due
      to the outcrossing nature of the species. A Bayesian analysis of the population
      structure identified two dominant genetic clusters. A spatial analysis of the
      genetic diversity indicated that 5.6% of the genetic differentiation resulted
      from isolation by distance (IBD), while 12.3% of the genetic differentiation
      among populations followed the pattern of isolation by environmental distance
      (IBED). Knowledge of the genetic diversity patterns of the natural populations
      and the mechanism behind these patterns is required for the exploitation and
      possible conservation management of this endemic and economically important
      species.

PMID- 25121766
TI  - A deterministic model predicts the properties of stochastic calcium oscillations
      in airway smooth muscle cells.
AB  - The inositol trisphosphate receptor ([Formula: see text]) is one of the most
      important cellular components responsible for oscillations in the cytoplasmic
      calcium concentration. Over the past decade, two major questions about the
      [Formula: see text] have arisen. Firstly, how best should the [Formula: see text]
      be modeled? In other words, what fundamental properties of the [Formula: see
      text] allow it to perform its function, and what are their quantitative
      properties? Secondly, although calcium oscillations are caused by the stochastic
      opening and closing of small numbers of [Formula: see text], is it possible for a
      deterministic model to be a reliable predictor of calcium behavior? Here, we
      answer these two questions, using airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) as a specific
      example. Firstly, we show that periodic calcium waves in ASMC, as well as the
      statistics of calcium puffs in other cell types, can be quantitatively reproduced
      by a two-state model of the [Formula: see text], and thus the behavior of the
      [Formula: see text] is essentially determined by its modal structure. The
      structure within each mode is irrelevant for function. Secondly, we show that,
      although calcium waves in ASMC are generated by a stochastic mechanism, [Formula:
      see text] stochasticity is not essential for a qualitative prediction of how
      oscillation frequency depends on model parameters, and thus deterministic
      [Formula: see text] models demonstrate the same level of predictive capability as
      do stochastic models. We conclude that, firstly, calcium dynamics can be
      accurately modeled using simplified [Formula: see text] models, and, secondly, to
      obtain qualitative predictions of how oscillation frequency depends on parameters
      it is sufficient to use a deterministic model. 

PMID- 25121765
TI  - Mobility and generation of mosaic non-autonomous transposons by Tn3-derived
      inverted-repeat miniature elements (TIMEs).
AB  - Functional transposable elements (TEs) of several Pseudomonas spp. strains
      isolated from black shale ore of Lubin mine and from post-flotation tailings of
      Zelazny Most in Poland, were identified using a positive selection trap plasmid
      strategy. This approach led to the capture and characterization of (i) 13
      insertion sequences from 5 IS families (IS3, IS5, ISL3, IS30 and IS1380), (ii)
      isoforms of two Tn3-family transposons--Tn5563a and Tn4662a (the latter contains
      a toxin-antitoxin system), as well as (iii) non-autonomous TEs of diverse
      structure, ranging in size from 262 to 3892 bp. The non-autonomous elements
      transposed into AT-rich DNA regions and generated 5- or 6-bp sequence
      duplications at the target site of transposition. Although these TEs lack a
      transposase gene, they contain homologous 38-bp-long terminal inverted repeat
      sequences (IRs), highly conserved in Tn5563a and many other Tn3-family
      transposons. The simplest elements of this type, designated TIMEs (Tn3 family
      derived Inverted-repeat Miniature Elements) (262 bp), were identified within two
      natural plasmids (pZM1P1 and pLM8P2) of Pseudomonas spp. It was demonstrated that
      TIMEs are able to mobilize segments of plasmid DNA for transposition, which
      results in the generation of more complex non-autonomous elements, resembling IS
      driven composite transposons in structure. Such transposon-like elements may
      contain different functional genetic modules in their core regions, including
      plasmid replication systems. Another non-autonomous element "captured" with a
      trap plasmid was a TIME derivative containing a predicted resolvase gene and a
      res site typical for many Tn3-family transposons. The identification of a
      portable site-specific recombination system is another intriguing example
      confirming the important role of non-autonomous TEs of the TIME family in
      shuffling genetic information in bacterial genomes. Transposition of such mosaic
      elements may have a significant impact on diversity and evolution, not only of
      transposons and plasmids, but also of other types of mobile genetic elements.

PMID- 25121768
TI  - Metabolome analysis of Drosophila melanogaster during embryogenesis.
AB  - The Drosophila melanogaster embryo has been widely utilized as a model for
      genetics and developmental biology due to its small size, short generation time,
      and large brood size. Information on embryonic metabolism during developmental
      progression is important for further understanding the mechanisms of Drosophila
      embryogenesis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the changes in
      embryos' metabolome that occur at different stages of the Drosophila embryonic
      development. Time course samples of Drosophila embryos were subjected to GC/MS
      based metabolome analysis for profiling of low molecular weight hydrophilic
      metabolites, including sugars, amino acids, and organic acids. The results showed
      that the metabolic profiles of Drosophila embryo varied during the course of
      development and there was a strong correlation between the metabolome and
      different embryonic stages. Using the metabolome information, we were able to
      establish a prediction model for developmental stages of embryos starting from
      their high-resolution quantitative metabolite composition. Among the important
      metabolites revealed from our model, we suggest that different amino acids appear
      to play distinct roles in different developmental stages and an appropriate
      balance in trehalose-glucose ratio is crucial to supply the carbohydrate source
      for the development of Drosophila embryo. 

PMID- 25121767
TI  - Bone morphogenetic protein 6 polymorphisms are associated with radiographic
      progression in ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECT: Nearly 25 genetic loci associated with susceptibility to
      ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have been identified by several large studies.
      However, there have been limited studies to identify the genes associated with
      radiographic severity of the disease. Thus we investigated which genes involved
      in bone formation pathways might be associated with radiographic severity in AS.
      METHODS: A total of 417 Korean AS patients were classified into two groups based
      on the radiographic severity as defined by the modified Stoke' Ankylosing
      Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) system. Severe AS was defined by the presence
      of syndesmophytes and/or fusion in the lumbar or cervical spine (n = 195). Mild
      AS was defined by the absence of any syndesmophyte or fusion (n = 170). A total
      of 251 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 52 genes related to bone
      formation were selected and genotyped. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence
      interval (95% CI) were analysed by multivariate logistic regression controlling
      for age at onset of symptoms, sex, disease duration, and smoking status as
      covariates. RESULTS: We identified new loci of bone morphogenetic protein 6
      (BMP6) associated with radiographic severity in patients with AS that passed
      false discovery rate threshold. Two SNPs in BMP6 were significantly associated
      with radiologic severity [rs270378 (OR 1.97, p = 6.74 * 10(-4)) and rs1235192 [OR
      1.92, p = 1.17 * 10(-3)]) adjusted by covariates. CONCLUSION: This is the first
      study to demonstrate that BMP6 is associated with radiographic severity in AS,
      supporting the role wingless-type like/BMP pathway on radiographic progression in
      AS.

PMID- 25121769
TI  - Adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy after prostatectomy: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: In men with adverse prognostic factors (APFs) after radical
      prostatectomy (RP), the most appropriate timing to administer radiotherapy
      remains a subject for debate. We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis to
      evaluate the therapeutic strategies: adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) and salvage
      radiotherapy (SRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We comprehensively searched PubMed,
      EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library and performed the meta-analysis
      of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective comparative studies
      assessing the prognostic factors of ART and SRT. RESULTS: Between May 1998 and
      July 2012, 2 matched control studies and 16 retrospective studies including a
      total of 2629 cases were identified (1404 cases for ART and 1185 cases for SRT).
      5-year biochemical failure free survival (BFFS) for ART was longer than that for
      SRT (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.37; 95% CI, 0.30-0.46; p<0.00001, I(2) = 0%). 3-year
      BFFS was significantly longer in the ART (HR: 0.38; 95% CI, 0.28-0.52; p<0.00001,
      I(2) = 0%). Overall survival (OS) was also better in the ART (RR: 0.53; 95% CI,
      0.41-0.68; p<0.00001, I(2) = 0%), as did disease free survival (DFS) (RR: 0.53;
      95% CI, 0.43-0.66; p<0.00001, I(2)  = 0%). Exploratory subgroup analysis and
      sensitivity analysis revealed the similar results with original analysis.
      CONCLUSION: ART therapy offers a safe and efficient alternative to SRT with
      longer 3-year and 5-year BFFS, better OS and DFS. Our recommendation is to
      suggest ART for patients with APFs and may reduce the need for SRT. Given the
      inherent limitations of the included studies, future well-designed RCTs are
      awaited to confirm and update this analysis.

PMID- 25121764
TI  - Helicobacter pylori from gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer show same
      phylogeographic origin in the Andean region in Colombia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A recent report has shown that the phylogenetic origin of
      Helicobacter pylori based on multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was significantly
      associated with the severity of gastritis in Colombia. However, the potential
      relationship between phylogenetic origin and clinical outcomes was not examined
      in that study. If the phylogenetic origin rather than virulence factors were
      truly associated with clinical outcomes, identifying a population at high risk
      for gastric cancer in Colombia would be relatively straightforward. In this
      study, we examined the phylogenetic origins of strains from gastric cancer and
      duodenal ulcer patients living in Bogota, Colombia. METHODS: We included 35
      gastric cancer patients and 31 duodenal ulcer patients, which are considered the
      variant outcomes. The genotypes of cagA and vacA were determined by polymerase
      chain reaction. The genealogy of these Colombian strains was analyzed by MLST.
      Bacterial population structure was analyzed using STRUCTURE software. RESULTS: H.
      pylori strains from gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer patients were scattered in
      the phylogenetic tree; thus, we did not detect any difference in phylogenetic
      distribution between gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer strains in the hpEurope
      group in Colombia. Sixty-six strains, with one exception, were classified as
      hpEurope irrespective of the cagA and vacA genotypes, and type of disease.
      STRUCTURE analysis revealed that Colombian hpEurope strains have a phylogenetic
      connection to Spanish strains. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that a
      phylogeographic origin determined by MLST was insufficient for distinguishing
      between gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer risk among hpEurope strains in the
      Andean region in Colombia. Our analysis also suggests that hpEurope strains in
      Colombia were primarily introduced by Spanish immigrants.

PMID- 25121771
TI  - Brain tumor classification using the diffusion tensor image segmentation (D-SEG)
      technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an increasing demand for noninvasive brain tumor biomarkers
      to guide surgery and subsequent oncotherapy. We present a novel whole-brain
      diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) segmentation (D-SEG) to delineate tumor volumes of
      interest (VOIs) for subsequent classification of tumor type. D-SEG uses isotropic
      (p) and anisotropic (q) components of the diffusion tensor to segment regions
      with similar diffusion characteristics. METHODS: DTI scans were acquired from 95
      patients with low- and high-grade glioma, metastases, and meningioma and from 29
      healthy subjects. D-SEG uses k-means clustering of the 2D (p,q) space to generate
      segments with different isotropic and anisotropic diffusion characteristics.
      RESULTS: Our results are visualized using a novel RGB color scheme incorporating
      p, q and T2-weighted information within each segment. The volumetric contribution
      of each segment to gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid spaces was
      used to generate healthy tissue D-SEG spectra. Tumor VOIs were extracted using a
      semiautomated flood-filling technique and D-SEG spectra were computed within the
      VOI. Classification of tumor type using D-SEG spectra was performed using support
      vector machines. D-SEG was computationally fast and stable and delineated regions
      of healthy tissue from tumor and edema. D-SEG spectra were consistent for each
      tumor type, with constituent diffusion characteristics potentially reflecting
      regional differences in tissue microstructure. Support vector machines classified
      tumor type with an overall accuracy of 94.7%, providing better classification
      than previously reported. CONCLUSIONS: D-SEG presents a user-friendly,
      semiautomated biomarker that may provide a valuable adjunct in noninvasive brain
      tumor diagnosis and treatment planning.

PMID- 25121772
TI  - Hell's BELs: bacterial E3 ligases that exploit the eukaryotic ubiquitin
      machinery.

PMID- 25121770
TI  - Clinical course and progression-free survival of adult intracranial and spinal
      ependymoma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ependymomas are rare CNS tumors. Previous studies describing the
      clinical course of ependymoma patients were restricted to small sample sizes,
      often with patients at a specific institution. METHODS: Clinically annotated
      ependymoma tissue samples from 19 institutions were centrally reviewed. Patients
      were all adults aged 18 years or older at the time of diagnosis. Potential
      prognostic clinical factors identified on univariate analysis were included in a
      multivariate Cox proportional hazards model with backwards selection to model
      progression-free survival. RESULTS: The 282 adult ependymoma patients were
      equally male and female with a mean age of 43 years (range, 18-80y) at diagnosis.
      The majority were grade II (78%) with the tumor grade for 20 cases being
      reclassified on central review (half to higher grade). Tumor locations were spine
      (46%), infratentorial (35%), and supratentorial (19%). Tumor recurrence occurred
      in 26% (n = 74) of patients with a median time to progression of 14 years. A
      multivariate Cox proportional hazards model identified supratentorial location (P
      < .01), grade III (anaplastic; P < .01), and subtotal resection, followed or not
      by radiation (P < .01), as significantly increasing risk of early progression.
      CONCLUSIONS: We report findings from an ongoing, multicenter collaboration from a
      collection of clinically annotated adult ependymoma tumor samples demonstrating
      distinct predictors of progression-free survival. This unique resource provides
      the opportunity to better define the clinical course of ependymoma for clinical
      and translational studies.

PMID- 25121773
TI  - Effects of aprepitant on the pharmacokinetics of controlled-release oral
      oxycodone in cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Oxycodone is a u-opioid receptor agonist widely used in the treatment of
      cancer pain. The predominant metabolic pathway of oxycodone is CYP3A4-mediated N
      demethylation to noroxycodone, while a minor proportion undergoes 3-O
      demethylation to oxymorphone by CYP2D6. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the effects of the mild CYP3A4 inhibitor aprepitant on the pharmacokinetics of
      orally administered controlled-release (CR) oxycodone. METHOD: This study design
      was an open-label, single-sequence with two phases in cancer patients with pain
      who continued to be administered orally with multiple doses of CR oxycodone every
      8 or 12 hours. Plasma concentration of oxycodone and its metabolites were
      measured up to 8 hours after administration as follows: on day 1, CR oxycodone
      was administered alone; on day 2, CR oxycodone was administered with aprepitant
      (125 mg, at the same time of oxycodone dosing in the morning). The steady-state
      trough concentrations (Css) were measured from day 1 to day 3. RESULTS:
      Aprepitant increased the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-8)
      of oxycodone by 25% (p<0.001) and of oxymorphone by 34% (p<0.001), as well as
      decreased the AUC0-8 of noroxycodone by 14% (p<0.001). Moreover, aprepitant
      increased Css of oxycodone by 57% (p = 0.001) and of oxymorphone by 36% (p<0.001)
      and decreased Css of noroxycodone by 24% (p = 0.02) at day 3 compared to day 1.
      CONCLUSIONS: The clinical use of aprepitant in patients receiving multiple doses
      of CR oxycodone for cancer pain significantly altered plasma concentration
      levels, but would not appear to need modification of the CR oxycodone dose. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: UMIN.ac.jp UMIN000003580.

PMID- 25121774
TI  - Impact of propofol anaesthesia on cytokine expression profiles in the developing
      rat brain: a randomised placebo-controlled experimental in-vivo study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent experimental data indicate that volatile anaesthetics can
      induce a neuroinflammatory response in the central nervous system. The questions
      of to what extent this occurs in the developing brain and whether nonvolatile
      anaesthetics are also involved remain unanswered. OBJECTIVES: The objective of
      this study is to investigate the impact of propofol anaesthesia on cytokine mRNA
      expression profiles in the neonatal brain at defined stages of the brain growth
      spurt. DESIGN: A randomised placebo-controlled experimental in-vivo study.
      SETTING: Translational research laboratories at the University of Geneva Medical
      School. METHODS: Wistar rats received 6-h propofol anaesthesia at postnatal day
      10 or 20. A quantitative real-time PCR was used to evaluate the impact of this
      treatment paradigm on mRNA expression profiles of selected members of the
      cytokine family in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. RESULTS: Propofol
      anaesthesia induced a transient 1.8-fold (interquartile range, IQR 1.7 to 2.2)
      increase (P = 0.004) in prefrontal but not hippocampal tumour necrosis factor
      mRNA concentrations in 10-day-old animals. No such effect was detected in 20-day
      old animals. No changes in mRNA concentrations of two other pro-inflammatory
      cytokines, interleukins IL-6 and IL-1beta, were detected following drug exposure
      at any developmental stages or in any studied brain regions. In contrast,
      propofol anaesthesia at postnatal day 10 induced a transient increase in the mRNA
      expression patterns of two chemokines: Ccl2 and Ccl3 [for Ccl2 mRNA: 4.4-fold
      (3.8 to 5.6) increase in the prefrontal cortex, P = 0.0002 and a 3.5-fold (2.8 to
      5.3) increase in the hippocampus, P = 0.0001; for Ccl3 mRNA: 2.9-fold (2.6 to
      4.31) increase in the prefrontal cortex, P = 0.0001, and a 2.7-fold (2.2 to 3.6)
      increase in the hippocampus, P = 0.0003]. Propofol did not affect Ccl2 and Ccl3
      mRNA concentrations in 20-day-old animals. In addition, it did not impact on two
      other members of the chemokine family, Cxcl1 and Cx3cl1, at any time points or in
      any brain regions investigated. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that propofol
      anaesthesia does not have a major impact on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression
      profiles in the developing central nervous system during the brain growth spurt.
      These results raise arguments against the involvement of neuroinflammatory
      pathways in propofol-related neurotoxicity observed following the administration
      of this drug in the early postnatal period.

PMID- 25121775
TI  - Mortality in patients with AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis in Myanmar.

PMID- 25121777
TI  - Effect of human immunodeficiency virus infection on plasma bactericidal activity
      against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.
AB  - Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have increased
      susceptibility to invasive disease caused by Salmonella enterica serovar
      Typhimurium. Studies from Africa have suggested that this susceptibility is
      related in part to the development of a high level of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      specific IgG that is able to inhibit the killing of S. Typhimurium by
      bactericidal antibodies in healthy individuals. To explore this issue further, we
      examined the bactericidal activity against S. Typhimurium using serum and plasma
      samples from healthy controls and various clinical subgroups of HIV-infected
      adults in the United States. We found that the bactericidal activity in the
      samples from HIV-positive elite controllers was comparable to that from healthy
      individuals, whereas it was significantly reduced in HIV-positive viremic
      controllers and untreated chronic progressors. As demonstrated previously for
      healthy controls, the bactericidal activity of the plasma from the elite
      controllers was inhibited by preincubation with S. Typhimurium LPS, suggesting
      that it was mediated by anti-LPS antibodies. S. Typhimurium LPS-specific IgG was
      significantly reduced in all subgroups of HIV-infected individuals.
      Interestingly, and in contrast to the healthy controls, plasma from all HIV
      positive subgroups inhibited in vitro killing of S. Typhimurium by plasma from a
      healthy individual. Our results, together with the findings from Africa, suggest
      that multiple mechanisms may be involved in the HIV-induced dysregulation of
      humoral immunity to S. Typhimurium. 

PMID- 25121778
TI  - Decorin binding proteins A and B in the serodiagnosis of Lyme disease in North
      America.
AB  - The laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease is based upon the detection of
      antibodies generated against Borrelia burgdorferi using a two-tier assay,
      typically consisting of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), followed by
      a Western blot. This system, put into place to address the nonspecificity
      associated with standalone first-tier assays, is insensitive for diagnosing early
      infection, when most people seek care. The use of bacterial lysates or whole
      protein antigens as first-tier assay targets contributes to nonspecificity due,
      in part, to the presence of cross-reactive epitopes that are also found in other
      bacteria. This precludes their use as sensitive standalone assays. The use of
      peptides containing linear epitopes that are highly specific for B. burgdorferi
      offers a method for reducing this cross-reactivity. In the present study, we
      mapped the linear epitopes of the prominently expressed Borrelia adhesins decorin
      binding protein A (DbpA) and DbpB. We identified several epitopes in each protein
      that were highly conserved among North American strains of B. burgdorferi, and we
      screened peptides containing specific epitopes using serum panels from early and
      late Lyme disease patients. The individual peptides primarily detected IgM but
      not IgG, while the proteins efficiently detected both IgM and IgG. While no
      individual peptide demonstrated better utility for antibody detection than its
      respective whole protein, an assay containing a combination of a DbpA and a DbpB
      peptide adequately detected both IgM and IgG, accurately identifying 87.5%
      (84/96) of the early Lyme disease patients and 80.0% (16/20) of the late Lyme
      disease patients. 

PMID- 25121776
TI  - Analysis of mutant SOD1 electrophoretic mobility by Blue Native gel
      electrophoresis; evidence for soluble multimeric assemblies.
AB  - Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause familial forms of amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (fALS). Disease causing mutations have diverse consequences on
      the activity and half-life of the protein, ranging from complete inactivity and
      short half-life to full activity and long-half-life. Uniformly, disease causing
      mutations induce the protein to misfold and aggregate and such aggregation
      tendencies are readily visualized by over-expression of the proteins in cultured
      cells. In the present study we have investigated the potential of using
      immunoblotting of proteins separated by Blue-Native gel electrophoresis (BNGE) as
      a means to identify soluble multimeric forms of mutant protein. We find that over
      expressed wild-type human SOD1 (hSOD1) is generally not prone to form soluble
      high molecular weight entities that can be separated by BNGE. For ALS mutant
      SOD1, we observe that for all mutants examined (A4V, G37R, G85R, G93A, and
      L126Z), immunoblots of BN-gels separating protein solubilized by digitonin
      demonstrated varied amounts of high molecular weight immunoreactive entities.
      These entities lacked reactivity to ubiquitin and were partially dissociated by
      reducing agents. With the exception of the G93A mutant, these entities were not
      reactive to the C4F6 conformational antibody. Collectively, these data
      demonstrate that BNGE can be used to assess the formation of soluble multimeric
      assemblies of mutant SOD1. 

PMID- 25121779
TI  - The Staurotypus turtles and aves share the same origin of sex chromosomes but
      evolved different types of heterogametic sex determination.
AB  - Reptiles have a wide diversity of sex-determining mechanisms and types of sex
      chromosomes. Turtles exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination and
      genotypic sex determination, with male heterogametic (XX/XY) and female
      heterogametic (ZZ/ZW) sex chromosomes. Identification of sex chromosomes in many
      turtle species and their comparative genomic analysis are of great significance
      to understand the evolutionary processes of sex determination and sex chromosome
      differentiation in Testudines. The Mexican giant musk turtle (Staurotypus
      triporcatus, Kinosternidae, Testudines) and the giant musk turtle (Staurotypus
      salvinii) have heteromorphic XY sex chromosomes with a low degree of
      morphological differentiation; however, their origin and linkage group are still
      unknown. Cross-species chromosome painting with chromosome-specific DNA from
      Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) revealed that the X and Y
      chromosomes of S. triporcatus have homology with P. sinensis chromosome 6, which
      corresponds to the chicken Z chromosome. We cloned cDNA fragments of S.
      triporcatus homologs of 16 chicken Z-linked genes and mapped them to S.
      triporcatus and S. salvinii chromosomes using fluorescence in situ hybridization.
      Sixteen genes were localized to the X and Y long arms in the same order in both
      species. The orders were also almost the same as those of the ostrich (Struthio
      camelus) Z chromosome, which retains the primitive state of the avian ancestral Z
      chromosome. These results strongly suggest that the X and Y chromosomes of
      Staurotypus turtles are at a very early stage of sex chromosome differentiation,
      and that these chromosomes and the avian ZW chromosomes share the same origin.
      Nonetheless, the turtles and birds acquired different systems of heterogametic
      sex determination during their evolution. 

PMID- 25121782
TI  - Abdominoplasty-derived dermal-fat graft augmentation gluteoplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plastic surgeons are exploring novel techniques for augmentation
      gluteoplasty as the demand for this procedure increases annually in the United
      States. OBJECTIVES: The authors retrospectively reviewed a series of lower
      abdominal dermal-fat graft augmentation gluteoplasties to validate the procedure.
      METHODS: Nine consecutive patients underwent abdominoplasty or torsoplasty in
      which 2 oval dermal-fat grafts were excised, de-epithelialized, and then
      implanted into subfascial gluteal pockets for augmentation. All operations were
      independently conducted by 1 of 2 surgeons at facilities in Maryland and New
      Jersey. RESULTS: The mean age of the 9 female patients was 46 years. The mean
      dermal-graft size was 188 cm(2), and the mean graft weight was 288 g. One graft
      became infected and required excision 39 days after the procedure. There were no
      other complications. All surviving grafts provided a substantial increase in
      posterior projection and long-lasting gluteal volume. CONCLUSIONS: Dermal-fat
      graft augmentation gluteoplasty provides a voluminous, natural-feeling, and
      durable aesthetic result. The procedure should be considered a viable option for
      patients undergoing abdominoplasty or torsoplasty, especially as more experience
      is gained. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 25121780
TI  - Structural characterization of the DC-SIGN-Lewis(X) complex.
AB  - Dendritic cell-specific intracellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin
      (DC-SIGN) is a C-type lectin highly expressed on the surface of antigen
      presenting dendritic cells. DC-SIGN mediates interactions among dendritic cells,
      pathogens, and a variety of epithelia, myeloid cells, and endothelia by binding
      to high mannose residues on pathogenic invaders or fucosylated residues on the
      membranes of other immune cells. Although these interactions are normally
      beneficial, they can also contribute to disease. The structural characterization
      of binding geometries is therefore of interest as a basis for the construction of
      mimetics that can mediate the effects of abnormal immune response. Here, we
      report the structural characteristics of the interaction of the DC-SIGN
      carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) with a common fucosylated entity, the
      Lewis(X) trisaccharide (Le(X)), using NMR methods. Titration of the monomeric DC
      SIGN CRD with Le(X) monitored by 2D NMR revealed significant perturbations of DC
      SIGN cross-peak positions in (1)H-(15)N heteronuclear single quantum coherence
      (HSQC) spectra and identified residues near the binding site. Additionally,
      saturation transfer difference (STD) and transferred nuclear Overhauser effect
      (trNOE) NMR experiments, using a tetrameric form of DC-SIGN, identified binding
      epitopes and bound conformations of the Le(X) ligand. The restraints derived from
      these multiple experiments were used to generate models for the binding of Le(X)
      to the DC-SIGN CRD. Ranking of the models based on the fit of model-based
      simulations of the trNOE data and STD buildup curves suggested conformations
      distinct from those seen in previous crystal structures. The new conformations
      offer insight into how differences between binding of Lewis(X) and mannose
      terminated saccharides may be propagated. 

PMID- 25121784
TI  - Effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in outpatient plastic surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics has not been
      established for patients who undergo plastic surgery as outpatients, and
      consensus guidelines for antibiotic administration in clean-contaminated plastic
      surgery are not available. OBJECTIVES: In a retrospective study of outpatients,
      the authors examined preoperative timing of prophylactic antibiotics, whether
      postoperative antibiotics were administered, and whether any correlations existed
      between these practices and surgical complications. METHODS: The medical records
      of 468 plastic surgery outpatients were reviewed. Collected data included
      preoperative antibiotic timing, postoperative antibiotic use, comorbidities, and
      complications. Rates of complications were calculated and compared with other
      data. RESULTS: All 468 patients received antibiotics preoperatively, but only 93
      (19.9%) received them >=1 hour before the initial incision. Antibiotics were
      administered 15 to 44 minutes before surgery in 217 patients (46.4%). There was
      no significant difference in complication rates between the 315 patients who
      received postoperative prophylactic antibiotics (16.2%) and the 153 who did not
      (20.9%). Comorbidities had no bearing on postoperative complications.
      CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis may be unnecessary for
      outpatient plastic surgery patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 25121786
TI  - Anatomy of the sternal origin of the pectoralis major: implications for
      subpectoral augmentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pectoralis major typically is manipulated for implant coverage
      and pocket design in subpectoral breast augmentation. An understanding of its
      anatomy can guide successful creation of the implant pocket. OBJECTIVES: The
      authors evaluated the anatomy of the sternal origin of the pectoralis major to
      inform surgical planning, help establish a technique for subpectoral augmentation
      mammaplasty, and identify the most common locations of perforators. METHODS: The
      sternal origins of 24 pectoralis major muscles were dissected and examined in 15
      female cadavers to determine the structure and width of the pectoralis major
      sternal origin and its relationship to the locations of internal mammary
      perforators. RESULTS: The average width of the sternal origin of the pectoralis
      major was 7.1 mm (range, 3 mm-1.8 cm). This width decreased slightly from the
      second rib to the second intercostal space and then increased progressively in
      the caudal direction toward the fifth rib. The sternal origin terminated an
      average of 5.4 mm (range, 1-16 mm) from the midline, with the greatest distance
      at the fifth rib and large variability throughout. A row of perforators from the
      internal mammary artery traversed the subpectoral space an average of 2.7 cm from
      the midline (range, 1-3.7 cm). CONCLUSIONS: The sternal origin of the pectoralis
      major was thin and highly variable, suggesting that its partial release for
      implant medialization during subpectoral augmentation is unsafe.

PMID- 25121785
TI  - Will 1-stage implant salvage after periprosthetic breast infection ever be
      routine? A 6-year successful experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concomitant with the recent increase in breast augmentations has been
      an increase in periprosthetic infections necessitating further surgery. The
      conventional treatment of periprosthetic infections has been a multistage
      procedure involving explantation, control of infection, and reimplantation.
      OBJECTIVES: The authors describe a 1-stage salvage procedure for the management
      of periprosthetic infections. This technique may become the standard for managing
      infection following cosmetic breast surgery. METHODS: The authors performed a
      retrospective review of all patients who had periprosthetic infection following
      cosmetic breast augmentation. The treatment included explantation, sequential
      cleaning of the wound, and immediate insertion of a new prosthesis and drain. All
      patients received intravenous antibiotics postoperatively. Of 3012 patients
      undergoing primary breast augmentation, periprosthetic infection developed in 17
      patients. These 17 patients underwent 1-stage implant salvage. Patients were
      monitored for <=6 years. RESULTS: All implants were retained; aesthetic results
      were satisfactory; and no significant adverse events were recorded after implant
      salvage. CONCLUSIONS: One-stage implant salvage for periprosthetic infection has
      similar outcomes to conventional multistage procedures and may be preferred by
      patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 25121787
TI  - The oncoplastic reduction approach to breast conservation therapy: benefits for
      margin control.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduction mammaplasty during lumpectomy allows more generous
      resection and minimizes potential for poor cosmesis as compared with breast
      conservation therapy alone. OBJECTIVES: The authors assessed the benefits of
      oncoplastic reduction for margin status in patients with breast cancer by
      conducting a retrospective review of cases of tumor resection alone vs tumor
      resection with oncoplastic reduction. METHODS: Patients with breast cancer who
      underwent lumpectomy performed by a single oncologic surgeon between 2009 and
      2013 were included. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on surgical
      procedure: tumor resection with oncoplastic reduction (group 1) vs tumor
      resection alone (group 2). Patient demographics including risk factors,
      diagnosis, cancer stage, and procedure type were recorded. Tumor size, specimen
      weight, width of narrowest margin, and receptor status were determined. Outcome
      variables included margin positivity (<=1 mm), need for re-excision, and
      conversion to completion mastectomy. RESULTS: A total of 222 breasts from 207
      patients were included in the study: 83 in group 1 and 139 in group 2. The
      patients in group 1 had a lower incidence of positive margins and wider free
      surgical margins, required re-excision less often, and went on to completion
      mastectomy less often. Patients in group 1 were younger and had cancer that was
      more advanced. When controlling for these variables on multivariate regression
      analysis, the oncoplastic technique was independently associated with fewer
      positive margins and fewer instances of re-excision. CONCLUSIONS: The oncoplastic
      reduction technique achieves wider free margins and less often necessitates re
      excision or subsequent mastectomy. The long-term oncologic effect of this
      approach deserves further study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 25121788
TI  - The pull-up spreader high (PUSH) technique for nasal tip support.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nasal tip depression is associated with nasal valve collapse. The
      pull-up spreader high (PUSH) technique was developed to enlarge the nasal dorsum
      and upwardly rotate and define the nasal tip by lifting the domes. OBJECTIVES:
      The authors reviewed a case series to assess the long-term effectiveness of the
      PUSH technique in improving nasal airflow and aesthetic outcomes. METHODS: This
      retrospective study included 50 consecutive cases of PUSH rhinoplasty. Objective
      (acoustic rhinomanometry) and subjective (patient questionnaire) evaluations of
      the stability of the aesthetic result and improvement of airflow were conducted
      before and 3 years after PUSH rhinoplasty. RESULTS: PUSH rhinoplasty resulted in
      long-term stability of the aesthetic effect. All patients had pleasing aesthetic
      results and a general improvement in the nasal airway. When the degree of nasal
      obstruction was scored from 1 (greatest obstruction) to 10 (least obstruction),
      22 patients rated their nasal function improved to a score of 10 and 28 patients
      to a score of 8. Rhinomanometry indicated that only 1 patient had worsened nasal
      airflow. CONCLUSIONS: The PUSH technique enables stable upward rotation and
      improved definition of the severely depressed nasal tip through an open approach.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 25121789
TI  - Task shifting for non-communicable disease management in low and middle income
      countries--a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One potential solution to limited healthcare access in low and middle
      income countries (LMIC) is task-shifting- the training of non-physician
      healthcare workers (NPHWs) to perform tasks traditionally undertaken by
      physicians. The aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of studies
      involving task-shifting for the management of non-communicable disease (NCD) in
      LMIC. METHODS: A search strategy with the following terms "task-shifting", "non
      physician healthcare workers", "community healthcare worker", "hypertension",
      "diabetes", "cardiovascular disease", "mental health", "depression", "chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease", "respiratory disease", "cancer" was conducted
      using Medline via Pubmed and the Cochrane library. Two reviewers independently
      reviewed the databases and extracted the data. FINDINGS: Our search generated
      7176 articles of which 22 were included in the review. Seven studies were
      randomised controlled trials and 15 were observational studies. Tasks performed
      by NPHWs included screening for NCDs and providing primary health care. The
      majority of studies showed improved health outcomes when compared with usual
      healthcare, including reductions in blood pressure, increased uptake of
      medications and lower depression scores. Factors such as training of NPHWs,
      provision of algorithms and protocols for screening, treatment and drug titration
      were the main enablers of the task-shifting intervention. The main barriers
      identified were restrictions on prescribing medications and availability of
      medicines. Only two studies described cost-effective analyses, both of which
      demonstrated that task-shifting was cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: Task-shifting
      from physicians to NPHWs, if accompanied by health system re-structuring is a
      potentially effective and affordable strategy for improving access to healthcare
      for NCDs. Since the majority of study designs reviewed were of inadequate
      quality, future research methods should include robust evaluations of such
      strategies.

PMID- 25121791
TI  - Flow-diverting stents for intracranial bifurcation aneurysm treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although initially considered safe when covering bifurcation sites,
      flow-diverting stents may provoke thrombosis of side branches that are covered
      during aneurysm treatment. OBJECTIVE: To understand the occurrence and clinical
      expression of side-branch remodeling in distal intracranial arterial sites after
      flow diverter deployment by means of correlation of imaging and clinical data.
      METHODS: We analyzed our prospectively collected data on a series of patients
      treated with flow diverters for intracranial aneurysms at bifurcation sites. From
      February 2011 to May 2013, 32 patients with 37 aneurysms (anterior communicating
      artery, 9 [24.3%]; anterior cerebral artery, 5 [13.5%]; middle cerebral artery,
      19 (51.4%); terminal internal carotid artery, 4 [10.8%]) were treated. We divided
      aneurysms into 2 groups based on the side branches covered by the stent during
      treatment. Group A consisted of cases with side branches that supplied brain
      territories also receiving a direct collateral supply. Group B consisted of cases
      in which side branches supplied territories without direct collateral supply. The
      2 groups were compared statistically. RESULTS: Total exclusion occurred in 97.3%
      of aneurysms at follow-up. Initial modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 0 to 1
      for 29 patients (90.6%) and 2 for 3 patients (9.4%). New permanent neurological
      deficit was reported in 3 patients (9.4%). At the 6-month follow-up, the mRS
      score was 0 to 1 for 31 patients (96.8%) and 3 for 1 patient (3.2%). Although
      78.5% of side branches in group A underwent narrowing or occlusion after 6
      months, no new stroke was found on magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSION:
      Symptomatic modifications of side branches after flow diverter treatment depend
      on the extent and type of collateral supply.

PMID- 25121792
TI  - A novel protocol of continuous navigation guidance for endoscopic third
      ventriculostomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although considered a standard neurosurgical procedure, endoscopic
      third ventriculostomy (ETV) is associated with a relatively high complication
      rate that is predominantly related to malpositioning of the trajectory.
      OBJECTIVE: To develop an advanced navigation protocol for ETV, assess its
      possible benefits over commonly used ETV trajectories, and apply this protocol
      during surgery. METHODS: After development of our advanced protocol, the imaging
      data of 59 patients who underwent ETV without navigation guidance was transferred
      to our navigation software. An individualized endoscope trajectory was created
      according to our protocol in all cases. This trajectory was compared with 2
      standard trajectories, especially with regard to the distance to relevant
      neuronal structures: a trajectory manually measured on preoperative radiological
      images, as performed in all 59 cases, and a trajectory resulting from a commonly
      used fixed coronal burr hole. Subsequently, we applied the protocol in 15 ETVs to
      assess the feasibility and procedural complications. RESULTS: Our individualized
      trajectory resulted in a significantly greater distance to the margins of the
      foramen of Monro, and the burr hole was located more posteriorly from the coronal
      suture in comparison with the standard trajectories. The advanced ETV technique
      was feasible in all 15 procedures, and no major complications occurred in any
      procedure. In 1 patient, a fornix contusion without clinical correlation was
      observed. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the proposed navigation protocol for
      ETV optimizes the distance of the endoscope to important neuronal structures.
      Continuous endoscope and puncture device guidance may further add to the safety
      of this procedure.

PMID- 25121793
TI  - Early postmarket experience after US Food and Drug Administration approval with
      the Trevo device for thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: TREVO 2 showed the Trevo stent retriever to be more successful for
      revascularization than Merci for acute stroke intervention in patients treated
      within 8 hours of symptom onset. These results led to US Food and Drug
      Administration approval of Trevo. OBJECTIVE: To report the first postmarket
      experience with Trevo since US Food and Drug Administration approval at a single
      high-volume comprehensive stroke center in the United States. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted in patients
      who underwent intervention for ischemic stroke with the Trevo device. Trevo was
      used alone or in conjunction with other intra-arterial devices. Two groups of
      patients were identified: those with symptom onset within (group 1) and those
      with symptom onset beyond (group 2) 8 hours. Recanalization, outcome, symptomatic
      intracranial hemorrhage, and in-hospital and 90-day mortality were assessed.
      RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were identified, 27 in group 1 and 25 in group 2.
      Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2 to 3 revascularization was achieved
      in 93% of group 1 and 84% of group 2 patients. In-hospital mortality and
      symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates were 3.8% and 12% for groups 1 and 2,
      respectively. Ninety-day mortality was 15% and 24% for groups 1 and 2,
      respectively. In groups 1 and 2, 48% and 42% of patients, respectively, had good
      outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2), and 50% in both groups of patients
      achieved Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 3 revascularization. Group 2
      had longer revascularization times and required adjuvant devices more frequently.
      CONCLUSION: Our postmarket experience shows that in highly selected patients
      Trevo is safe and effective, even beyond 8 hours, despite longer procedure times
      and the need for adjuvant devices.

PMID- 25121794
TI  - Journal club: the impact of body mass index on hospital stay and complications
      after spinal fusion.

PMID- 25121795
TI  - Response to journal club: the impact of body mass index on hospital stay and
      complications after spinal fusion.

PMID- 25121790
TI  - Role of hemoglobin and iron in hydrocephalus after neonatal intraventricular
      hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal germinal matrix hemorrhage/intraventricular hemorrhage is
      common and often results in hydrocephalus. The pathogenesis of posthemorrhagic
      hydrocephalus is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential role
      of hemoglobin and iron released after hemorrhage. METHODS: Artificial
      cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), hemoglobin, or iron was injected into the right
      lateral ventricle of postnatal day-7 Sprague Dawley rats. Ventricle size, heme
      oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, and the presence of iron were evaluated 24 and 72
      hours after injection. A subset of animals was treated with an iron chelator
      (deferoxamine) or vehicle for 24 hours after hemoglobin injection, and ventricle
      size and cell death were evaluated. RESULTS: Intraventricular injection of
      hemoglobin and iron resulted in ventricular enlargement at 24 hours compared with
      the injection of aCSF. Protoporphyrin IX, the iron-deficient immediate heme
      precursor, did not result in ventricular enlargement after injection into the
      ventricle. HO-1, the enzyme that releases iron from heme, was increased in the
      hippocampus and cortex of hemoglobin-injected animals at 24 hours compared with
      aCSF-injected controls. Treatment with an iron chelator, deferoxamine, decreased
      hemoglobin-induced ventricular enlargement and cell death. CONCLUSION:
      Intraventricular injection of hemoglobin and iron can induce hydrocephalus.
      Treatment with an iron chelator reduced hemoglobin-induced ventricular
      enlargement. This has implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of
      posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. ABBREVIATIONS: aCSF, artificial cerebrospinal
      fluidDAB, 3,3'-diaminobenzidine-4HClGMH-IVH, germinal matrix
      hemorrhage/intraventricular hemorrhageHO-1, heme oxygenase-1ICH, intracerebral
      hemorrhagePBS, phosphate-buffered salineSVZ, subventricular zoneTBST, tris
      buffered saline with Tween 20.

PMID- 25121796
TI  - Let's study how worker health affects the psychosocial work environment.

PMID- 25121799
TI  - Disability days, United States, 1971.
AB  - Data are presented in this report on the total number and annual rates per person
      for disability days experienced by the civilian, noninstitutionalized population
      for 1971. Disability days included are restricted-activity days, bed days, work
      loss days, and school-loss days. A day of restricted activity is defined as a day
      on which a person reduced his normal activities for the entire day because of
      illness or injury. Bed days, work-loss days, and school-loss days are included in
      the total number of restricted-activity days. Demographic characteristics used to
      described the persons with disability days are age, sex, place of residence,
      geographic region, famiIy income, usual activity, color, employment status, and
      for the currently employed population, industry and occupation. Previous reports
      of data from the Health Interview Survey on disability days are pubIished for
      July 1961-June 1962, July 1963-June 1964, July 1965-June 1966, and January
      December 1968 in Vital and Health Statistics, Series 10, Numbers 4, 24, 47, and
      67. Data on work-loss days for the currently employed during 1968 are discussed
      in Series 10, Number 71. Summary data from July 1965-June 1966 and January
      December 1968 are also shown in this report for comparative purposes. 

PMID- 25121798
TI  - Rethinking unmet need: Determinants of contraceptive use in Santiago, the
      Dominican Republic.
AB  - Inadequate access to contraceptives is often considered the primary source of
      unmet need among women who desire to prevent pregnancy. This study evaluates two
      potential determinants of contraceptive use among Dominican women: (1) perceived
      access to family planning and (2) perceived personal reproductive control, a
      measure based in psychological theories of locus of control. Sexually active
      women aged 18-45 who did not desire fertility were surveyed to assess influences
      on contraceptive use. In-depth interviews were conducted among a subset of
      participants to contextualise survey results. Fewer than half (49%) of the 80
      survey respondents had used contraception in the last 3 months. Higher personal
      reproductive control was significantly related to contraceptive use (aOR 1.18,
      95% CI 1.04-1.34), however, higher perceived access to contraceptives was not
      (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 0.97-1.23). Male partner influence was identified as a barrier
      to contraceptive use. In this population, high personal reproductive control is a
      better predictor of contraceptive use than perceived access. 

PMID- 25121800
TI  - [Christoph Scheiner and the physiological optics of the eye].

PMID- 25121801
TI  - [Treatment options for nystagmus].
AB  - The goal of treatment for nystagmus is to reduce or to abolish the typical
      symptoms associated with nystagmus. These are (i) reduction of visual acuity (and
      amblyopia in infantile nystagmus), (ii) abnormal head posture (with possible
      secondary changes of cervical spine) and (iii) oscillopsia (often connected with
      vertigo and disorders of gait and orientation). Treatment strategies include
      pharmacological treatment, surgical therapy and optical devices. Choice of
      treatment depends on the type of nystagmus and its characteristics. SURGICAL
      THERAPY: The following surgical procedures were successfully used as treatment of
      selected symptoms: (i) unilateral recess-resect surgery of the dominant eye in
      infantile esotropia with latent nystagmus for the relief of abnormal head
      posture, (ii) Kestenbaum operation of both eyes in infantile nystagmus syndrome
      with excentric null zone and abnormal head posture, (iii) recess-resect surgery
      to produce artificial exophoria in infantile nystagmus syndrome. PHARMACOLOGICAL
      TREATMENT: Depending on the pathophysiology of different types of nystagmus,
      several drugs were effective in clinical application (off-label use): (i)
      gabapentin (non-selective GABAergic and anti-glutamatergic effect): up to 2400
      mg/d in infantile nystagmus, acquired pendular nystagmus and oculopalatal tremor,
      (ii) nemantine (anti-glutamatergic effect): dosage up to 40 mg/d in infantile
      nystagmus, also in acquired pendular nystagmus and oculopalatal tremor, (iii)
      baclofen (GABA-B-receptor agonist): 3 * 5-10 mg/d in periodic alternating
      nystagmus and in upbeat nystagmus, (iv) 4-aminopyridine (non-selective blocker of
      voltage-gated potassium channels): 3 * 5 mg/d or 1-2 * 10 mg Fampridin in
      downbeat nystagmus and upbeat nystagmus, (v) acetazolamide (carbonic anhydrase
      inhibitor): in hereditary episodic ataxia type 2. OPTICAL DEVICES: (i) Contact
      lenses are used in infantile nystagmus in order to overcome negative effects of
      eye glasses in abnormal head posture, lateral gaze, and higher refractive errors,
      (ii) spectacle prisms are useful to induce an artificial exophoria (base-out
      prisms) or to shift an excentric null zone (base in direction of head posture) of
      infantile nystagmus with abnormal head posture, (iii) low vision aids may be
      necessary and should be prescribed according to magnification requirements.

PMID- 25121803
TI  - An approach toward constructing the trioxadispiroketal core in the DEF-ring of
      (+)-spirastrellolide A.
AB  - A concise and stereoselective synthesis of the trioxadispiroketal motif that
      embodies the DEF-ring of the marine macrolide (+)-spirastrellolide A is
      described. The synthetic approach features a sequence of cyclic acetal tethered
      ring-closing metathesis and Suarez oxidative cyclization, thereby constituting a
      viable strategy for constructing the Northern Half. 

PMID- 25121802
TI  - Characteristics of fishing operations, environment and life history contributing
      to small cetacean bycatch in the northeast Atlantic.
AB  - Fisheries bycatch is a key threat to cetacean species globally. Managing the
      impact requires an understanding of the conditions under which animals are caught
      and the sections of the population affected. We used observer data collected on
      an albacore tuna gillnet fishery in the northeast Atlantic, to assess operational
      and environmental factors contributing to bycatch of common and striped dolphins,
      using generalised linear models and model averaging. Life history demographics of
      the captured animals were also investigated. In both species, young males
      dominated the catch. The age ratio of common dolphins was significantly different
      from that estimated for the population in the region, based on life tables (G =
      17.1, d.f. = 2, p = 0.002). Skewed age and sex ratios may reflect varying
      vulnerability to capture, through differences in behaviour or segregation in
      populations. Adult females constituted the second largest portion of the bycatch
      for both species, with potential consequences for population sustainability.
      Depth was the most important parameter influencing bycatch of both species and
      reflected what is known about common and striped dolphin habitat use in the
      region as the probability of catching common dolphins decreased, and striped
      dolphins increased, with increasing depth. Striped dolphin capture was similarly
      influenced by the extent to which operations were conducted in daylight, with the
      probability of capture increasing with increased operations in the pre-sunset and
      post-sunrise period, potentially driven by increased ability of observers to
      record animals during daylight operations, or by diurnal movements increasing
      contact with the fishery. Effort, based on net length and soak time, had little
      influence on the probability of capturing either species. Our results illustrate
      the importance of assessing the demographic of the animals captured during
      observer programmes and, perhaps more importantly, suggest that effort
      restrictions alone may not be sufficient to eradicate bycatch in areas where
      driftnets and small cetaceans co-occur.

PMID- 25121805
TI  - Flowing gas in mass spectrometer: method for characterization and impact on ion
      processing.
AB  - Mass spectrometers are complex instrumentation systems where ions are transferred
      though different pressure regions and mass-analyzed under high vacuum. In this
      work, we have investigated the impact of the gas flows that exit almost
      universally in all pressure regions. We developed a method that incorporates the
      dynamic gas field with the electric field in the simulation of ion trajectories.
      The scope of the electro-hydrodynamic simulation (EHS) method was demonstrated
      for characterizing the ion optical systems at atmospheric pressure interfaces.
      With experimental validation, the trapping of the externally injected ions in a
      linear ion trap at low pressure was also studied. Further development of the EHS
      method and the knowledge acquired in this research are expected to be useful in
      the design of hybrid instruments and the study of ion energetics. 

PMID- 25121804
TI  - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12 week trial of acetaminophen
      extended release for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determine efficacy and safety of acetaminophen extended release (ER)
      1300 mg given three times daily compared to placebo for relieving signs and
      symptoms of hip or knee osteoarthritis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixty
      investigators at 58 private, ambulatory, primary care sites in the US enrolled
      542 outpatient adults >=40 years old with moderate to severe idiopathic
      osteoarthritis pain into a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind 12 week
      clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment given three times
      daily of acetaminophen 1300 mg (n = 267) or placebo (n = 275). RESULTS: The three
      primary endpoints measured through week 12 favored acetaminophen ER as follows:
      least squares (LS) mean change from baseline for WOMAC physical function subscale
      score was significantly greater for acetaminophen ER than for placebo (P =
      0.011); LS mean patient's global assessment of response to therapy was
      significantly greater for acetaminophen ER than for placebo (P = 0.010); and LS
      mean change from baseline for WOMAC pain subscale score was marginally greater
      for acetaminophen ER than for placebo (P = 0.054). LS mean change from baseline
      for secondary endpoints through week 12 also favored acetaminophen ER compared
      with placebo: significantly for WOMAC stiffness subscale score (P = 0.004),
      significantly for WOMAC total index score (P = 0.013), and marginally for
      Nottingham Health Profile energy subscale score (P = 0.057). The percentage of
      patients with any adverse event was similar for both treatment groups. Hepatic
      transaminases exceeded 3 * ULN in seven acetaminophen ER patients and one placebo
      patient. Elevations were attributed to health conditions in three of seven
      acetaminophen ER patients; elevations in the remaining four patients returned to
      or toward normal. CONCLUSIONS: Acetaminophen ER 1300 mg, a nonprescription drug,
      given three times daily, can provide effective relief of signs and symptoms of
      osteoarthritis of the hip or knee and was well tolerated. ClinicalTrials.gov
      registration number: NCT00240799.

PMID- 25121806
TI  - Iran plans to ban vasectomies and female sterilisation to boost population.

PMID- 25121807
TI  - Disease progression in Plasmodium knowlesi malaria is linked to variation in
      invasion gene family members.
AB  - Emerging pathogens undermine initiatives to control the global health impact of
      infectious diseases. Zoonotic malaria is no exception. Plasmodium knowlesi, a
      malaria parasite of Southeast Asian macaques, has entered the human population.
      P. knowlesi, like Plasmodium falciparum, can reach high parasitaemia in human
      infections, and the World Health Organization guidelines for severe malaria list
      hyperparasitaemia among the measures of severe malaria in both infections. Not
      all patients with P. knowlesi infections develop hyperparasitaemia, and it is
      important to determine why. Between isolate variability in erythrocyte invasion,
      efficiency seems key. Here we investigate the idea that particular alleles of two
      P. knowlesi erythrocyte invasion genes, P. knowlesi normocyte binding protein
      Pknbpxa and Pknbpxb, influence parasitaemia and human disease progression.
      Pknbpxa and Pknbpxb reference DNA sequences were generated from five
      geographically and temporally distinct P. knowlesi patient isolates. Polymorphic
      regions of each gene (approximately 800 bp) were identified by haplotyping 147
      patient isolates at each locus. Parasitaemia in the study cohort was associated
      with markers of disease severity including liver and renal dysfunction,
      haemoglobin, platelets and lactate, (r = >= 0.34, p =  <0.0001 for all). Seventy
      five and 51 Pknbpxa and Pknbpxb haplotypes were resolved in 138 (94%) and 134
      (92%) patient isolates respectively. The haplotypes formed twelve Pknbpxa and two
      Pknbpxb allelic groups. Patients infected with parasites with particular Pknbpxa
      and Pknbpxb alleles within the groups had significantly higher parasitaemia and
      other markers of disease severity. Our study strongly suggests that P. knowlesi
      invasion gene variants contribute to parasite virulence. We focused on two
      invasion genes, and we anticipate that additional virulent loci will be
      identified in pathogen genome-wide studies. The multiple sustained entries of
      this diverse pathogen into the human population must give cause for concern to
      malaria elimination strategists in the Southeast Asian region.

PMID- 25121808
TI  - Transnational, social, and neighborhood ties and smoking among Latino immigrants:
      does gender matter?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined whether transnational ties, social ties, and neighborhood
      ties were independently associated with current smoking status among Latino
      immigrants. We also tested interactions to determine whether these associations
      were moderated by gender. METHODS: We conducted a series of weighted logistic
      regression analyses (i.e., economic remittances, number of return visits, friend
      support, family support, and neighborhood cohesion) using the Latino immigrant
      subsample (n = 1629) of the National Latino and Asian American Study in 2002 and
      2003. RESULTS: The number of past-year return visits to the country-of-origin was
      positively associated with current smoker status. Gender moderated the
      association between economic remittances, friend support, and smoking. Remittance
      behavior had a protective association with smoking, and this association was
      particularly pronounced for Latino immigrant women. Friendship support lowered
      the odds of smoking among men, but not women. CONCLUSIONS: Our results underscore
      the growing importance of transnational networks for understanding Latino
      immigrant health and the gendered patterns of the associations between social
      ties, transnational ties, and health risk behaviors.

PMID- 25121809
TI  - Science as an early driver of policy: child labor reform in the early Progressive
      Era, 1870-1900.
AB  - Scientific evidence is an increasingly important driver of social and
      environmental policy concerning child health. This trend began earlier than
      generally recognized. The child labor reform movement of the Gilded Age and early
      Progressive Era reflected not only moral and economic forces but also the
      dramatic advances during the later decades of the 19th century in scientific
      knowledge concerning children's biological and psychological vulnerability to
      environmental and psychosocial stressors. The growing importance of scientific
      information in shaping policy concerning children's health between 1870 and 1900
      is illustrated by the events leading up to and following the New York State Child
      Labor Law of 1886. Child labor reform during this period was a critical step in
      the development of a science-based as well as a value-driven movement to protect
      children's environmental health and well-being that continues today. 

PMID- 25121811
TI  - Instituting a sugar-sweetened beverage ban: experience from a children's
      hospital.
AB  - Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is linked to increased weight and
      obesity in children and remains the major source of added sugar in the typical US
      diet across all age groups. In an effort to improve the nutritional offerings for
      patients and employees within our institution, Nationwide Children's Hospital in
      Columbus, Ohio, implemented an SSB ban in 2011 in all food establishments within
      the hospital. In this report, we describe how the ban was implemented. We found
      that an institutional SSB ban altered beverage sales without revenue loss at
      nonvending food locations. From a process perspective, we found that successful
      implementation requires excellent communication and bold leadership at several
      levels throughout the hospital environment. 

PMID- 25121810
TI  - A framework for evaluating the impact of obesity prevention strategies on
      socioeconomic inequalities in weight.
AB  - We developed a theoretical framework to organize obesity prevention interventions
      by their likely impact on the socioeconomic gradient of weight. The degree to
      which an intervention involves individual agency versus structural change
      influences socioeconomic inequalities in weight. Agentic interventions, such as
      standalone social marketing, increase socioeconomic inequalities. Structural
      interventions, such as food procurement policies and restrictions on unhealthy
      foods in schools, show equal or greater benefit for lower socioeconomic groups.
      Many obesity prevention interventions belong to the agento-structural types of
      interventions, and account for the environment in which health behaviors occur,
      but they require a level of individual agency for behavioral change, including
      workplace design to encourage exercise and fiscal regulation of unhealthy foods
      or beverages. Obesity prevention interventions differ in their effectiveness
      across socioeconomic groups. Limiting further increases in socioeconomic
      inequalities in obesity requires implementation of structural interventions.
      Further empirical evaluation, especially of agento-structural type interventions,
      remains crucial. 

PMID- 25121812
TI  - Sexual orientation, adult connectedness, substance use, and mental health
      outcomes among adolescents: findings from the 2009 New York City Youth Risk
      Behavior Survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined associations between identifying as lesbian, gay, or
      bisexual (LGB) and lacking a connection with an adult at school on adolescent
      substance use and mental health outcomes including suicidality. METHODS: We
      analyzed data from the 2009 New York City Youth Risk Behavior Survey (n=8910).
      Outcomes of interest included alcohol use, marijuana use, illicit drug use,
      depressive symptomatology, suicide ideation, and suicide attempt. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of each outcome was significantly higher among LGB adolescents than
      heterosexual adolescents and among those who lacked an adult connection at school
      than among those who did have such a connection. Even when LGB adolescents had an
      adult connection at school, their odds of most outcomes were significantly higher
      than for heterosexual adolescents. Those LGB adolescents who lacked a school
      adult connection had the poorest outcomes (about 45% reported suicide ideation;
      31% suicide attempt). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who are LGB, particularly those
      who lack a connection with school adults, are at high risk for substance use and
      poorer mental health outcomes. Interventions should focus on boosting social
      support and improving outcomes for this vulnerable group.

PMID- 25121813
TI  - Physical dating violence victimization among sexual minority youth.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined (1) whether sexual minority youths (SMYs) are at
      increased risk for physical dating violence victimization (PDVV) compared with
      non-SMYs, (2) whether bisexual youths have greater risk of PDVV than lesbian or
      gay youths, (3) whether youths who have had sexual contact with both sexes are
      more susceptible to PDVV than youths with same sex-only sexual contact, and (4)
      patterns of PDVV among SMYs across demographic groups. METHODS: Using 2 measures
      of sexual orientation, sexual identity and sexual behavior, and compiling data
      from 9 urban areas that administered the Youth Risk Behavior Surveys from 2001 to
      2011, we conducted logistic regression analyses to calculate odds of PDVV among
      SMYs across demographic sub-samples. RESULTS: SMYs have significantly increased
      odds of PDVV compared with non-SMYs. Bisexual youths do not have significantly
      higher odds of PDVV than gay or lesbian youths, but youths who had sexual contact
      with both-sexes possess significantly higher odds of PDVV than youths with same
      sex-only sexual contact. These patterns hold for most gender, grade, and
      racial/ethnic subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, SMYs have greater odds of PDVV
      versus non-SMYs. Among SMYs, youths who had sexual contact with both sexes have
      greater odds of PDVV than youths with same sex-only sexual contact. Prevention
      programs that consider sexual orientation, support tolerance, and teach coping
      and conflict resolution skills could reduce PDVV among SMYs.

PMID- 25121814
TI  - The Affordable Care Act and emergency care.
AB  - The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will have far-reaching effects on the way health
      care is designed and delivered. Several elements of the ACA will directly affect
      both demand for ED care and expectations for its role in providing coordinated
      care. Hospitals will need to employ strategies to reduce ED crowding as the ACA
      expands insurance coverage. Discussions between EDs and primary care physicians
      about their respective roles providing acute unscheduled care would promote the
      goals of the ACA. 

PMID- 25121815
TI  - A statewide collaboration to initiate mental health screening and assess services
      for detained youths in Indiana.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We describe a statewide effort to implement detention-based mental
      health screening and assess follow-up services offered to detained youths in
      Indiana. METHODS: A total of 25,265 detention stays (15,461 unique youths)
      occurred between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011, across 16 detention
      centers participating in the Indiana Juvenile Mental Health Screening Project. We
      collected screening results and reports of detention-based follow-up mental
      health services and referrals from justice system records. RESULTS: Approximately
      21% of youths screened positive for mental health issues requiring follow-up. A
      positive screen significantly predicted that youths would receive a follow-up
      mental health service or referral while detained or upon detention center
      discharge, compared with youths who did not screen positive (61% vs 39%).
      Logistic regression models indicated that a positive screen was associated with
      (1) contact with a mental health clinician within 24 hours of detention center
      intake and (2) a mental health referral upon discharge. White youths were more
      likely than minorities to receive both follow-up services. CONCLUSIONS: Future
      statewide efforts to improve the mental health of detained youths should
      incorporate standards for providing appropriate follow-up services in detention
      centers.

PMID- 25121816
TI  - The Montana Radon Study: social marketing via digital signage technology for
      reaching families in the waiting room.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: I tested a social marketing intervention delivered in health
      department waiting rooms via digital signage technology for increasing radon
      program participation among priority groups. METHODS: I conducted a tri-county,
      community-based study over a 3-year period (2010-2013) in a high-radon state by
      using a quasi-experimental design. We collected survey data for eligible
      participants at the time of radon test kit purchase. RESULTS: Radon program
      participation increased at the intervention site (t38 = 3.74; P = .001; 95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 4.8, 16.0) with an increase in renters (chi(2)1,228 =
      4.3; P = .039), Special Supplementary Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and
      Children families (chi(2)1,166 = 3.13; P = .077) and first-time testers
      (chi(2)1,228 = 10.93; P = .001). Approximately one third (30.3%; n = 30)
      attributed participation in the radon program to viewing the intervention
      message. The intervention crossover was also successful with increased monthly
      kit sales (t37 = 2.69; P = .01; 95% CI = 1.20, 8.47) and increased households
      participating (t23 = 4.76; P < .001; 95% CI = 3.10, 7.88). CONCLUSIONS: A social
      marketing message was an effective population-based intervention for increasing
      radon program participation. The results prompted policy changes for Montana
      radon programming and adoption of digital signage technology by 2 health
      departments.

PMID- 25121818
TI  - Using vignettes to tap into moral reasoning in public health policy: practical
      advice and design principles from a study on food advertising to children.
AB  - In this article, we describe a process for designing and applying vignettes in
      public health policy research and practice. We developed this methodology for a
      study on moral reasoning underpinning policy debate on food advertising to
      children. Using vignettes prompted policy actors who were relatively entrenched
      in particular ways of speaking professionally about a controversial and ethically
      challenging issue to converse in a more authentic and reflective way. Vignettes
      hold benefits and complexities. They can focus attention on moral conflicts, draw
      out different types of evidence to support moral reasoning, and enable
      simultaneous consideration of real and ideal worlds. We suggest a process and
      recommendations on design features for crafting vignettes for public health
      policy. 

PMID- 25121817
TI  - The relationship between gun ownership and stranger and nonstranger firearm
      homicide rates in the United States, 1981-2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined the relationship between gun ownership and stranger
      versus nonstranger homicide rates. METHODS: Using data from the Supplemental
      Homicide Reports of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reports
      for all 50 states for 1981 to 2010, we modeled stranger and nonstranger homicide
      rates as a function of state-level gun ownership, measured by a proxy,
      controlling for potential confounders. We used a negative binomial regression
      model with fixed effects for year, accounting for clustering of observations
      among states by using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: We found no
      robust, statistically significant correlation between gun ownership and stranger
      firearm homicide rates. However, we found a positive and significant association
      between gun ownership and nonstranger firearm homicide rates. The incidence rate
      ratio for nonstranger firearm homicide rate associated with gun ownership was
      1.014 (95% confidence interval=1.009, 1.019). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings challenge
      the argument that gun ownership deters violent crime, in particular, homicides.

PMID- 25121820
TI  - Reducing tobacco use and access through strengthened minimum price laws.
AB  - Higher prices reduce consumption and initiation of tobacco products. A minimum
      price law that establishes a high statutory minimum price and prohibits the
      industry's discounting tactics for tobacco products is a promising pricing
      strategy as an alternative to excise tax increases. Although some states have
      adopted minimum price laws on the basis of statutorily defined price "markups"
      over the invoice price, existing state laws have been largely ineffective at
      increasing the retail price. We analyzed 3 new variations of minimum price laws
      that hold great potential for raising tobacco prices and reducing consumption:
      (1) a flat rate minimum price law similar to a recent enactment in New York City,
      (2) an enhanced markup law, and (3) a law that incorporates both elements. 

PMID- 25121819
TI  - The implications of fundamental cause theory for priority setting.
AB  - Application of fundamental cause theory to Powers and Faden's model of social
      justice highlights the ethical superiority of upstream public health
      interventions. In this article, I assess the ramifications of fundamental cause
      theory specifically in context of public health priority setting. Ethically
      optimal public health policy simultaneously maximizes overall population health
      and compresses health inequalities. The fundamental cause theory is an important
      framework in helping to identify which categories of public health interventions
      are most likely to advance these twin goals. 

PMID- 25121821
TI  - Sexual identity, partner gender, and sexual health among adolescent girls in the
      United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined associations between adolescent girls' sexual identity
      and the gender of their sexual partners, on one hand, and their reports of sexual
      health behaviors and reproductive health outcomes, on the other. METHODS: We
      analyzed weighted data from pooled Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (2005 and 2007)
      representative of 13 US jurisdictions, focusing on sexually experienced girls in
      8th through 12th grade (weighted n=6879.56). We used logistic regression with
      hierarchical linear modeling to examine the strength of associations between
      reports about sexual orientation and sexual and reproductive health. RESULTS:
      Sexual minority girls consistently reported riskier behaviors than did other
      girls. Lesbian girls' reports of risky sexual behaviors (e.g., sex under the
      influence of drugs or alcohol) and negative reproductive health outcomes (e.g.,
      pregnancy) were similar to those of bisexual girls. Partner gender and sexual
      identity were similarly strong predictors of all of the sexual behaviors and
      reproductive health outcomes we examined. CONCLUSIONS: Many sexual minority
      girls, whether categorized according to sexual identity or partner gender, are
      vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health risks. Attention to these risks is
      needed to help sexual minority girls receive necessary services.

PMID- 25121823
TI  - Highly luminescent salts containing well-shielded lanthanide-centered complex
      anions and bulky imidazolium countercations.
AB  - Four salts containing imidazolium cations and europium(III)- or terbium(III)
      centered complex anions have been successfully synthesized from an ethanol/H2O
      solution. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that these
      compounds have a common formula of [R][Ln(DETCAP)4] [R = 1-ethyl-3
      methylimidazolium (C2mim), Ln = Eu (1) and Tb (2); R = 1-butyl-3
      methylimidazolium (C4mim), Ln = Eu (3) and Tb (4); DETCAP = diethyl-2,2,2
      trichloroacetylphosphoramidate], in which the lanthanide centers are chelated by
      four chelating pseudo-beta-diketonate ligands (DETCAP)(-), forming the respective
      complex anions. Their thermal behaviors and stabilities were also investigated to
      study the role of the length of the side chain in the cations. Fluorescence
      measurements at both room temperature and liquid-nitrogen temperature show that
      these materials show intense characteristic europium(III) or terbium(III)
      emissions and have long decay times. Their overall quantum yields were determined
      to be in the range of 30-49%. 

PMID- 25121822
TI  - Reduction in fatalities, ambulance calls, and hospital admissions for road trauma
      after implementation of new traffic laws.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the public health benefits of traffic laws targeting
      speeding and drunk drivers (British Columbia, Canada, September 2010). METHODS:
      We studied fatal crashes and ambulance dispatches and hospital admissions for
      road trauma, using interrupted time series with multiple nonequivalent comparison
      series. We determined estimates of effect using linear regression models
      incorporating an autoregressive integrated moving average error term. We used
      neighboring jurisdictions (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington State) as external
      controls. RESULTS: In the 2 years after implementation of the new laws,
      significant decreases occurred in fatal crashes (21.0%; 95% confidence interval
      [CI]=15.3, 26.4) and in hospital admissions (8.0%; 95% CI=0.6, 14.9) and
      ambulance calls (7.2%; 95% CI=1.1, 13.0) for road trauma. We found a very large
      reduction in alcohol-related fatal crashes (52.0%; 95% CI=34.5, 69.5), and the
      benefits of the new laws are likely primarily the result of a reduction in
      drinking and driving. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that laws calling for
      immediate sanctions for dangerous drivers can reduce road trauma and should be
      supported.

PMID- 25121824
TI  - Evolution at a different pace: distinctive phylogenetic patterns of cone snails
      from two ancient oceanic archipelagos.
AB  - Ancient oceanic archipelagos of similar geological age are expected to accrue
      comparable numbers of endemic lineages with identical life history strategies,
      especially if the islands exhibit analogous habitats. We tested this hypothesis
      using marine snails of the genus Conus from the Atlantic archipelagos of Cape
      Verde and Canary Islands. Together with Azores and Madeira, these archipelagos
      comprise the Macaronesia biogeographic region and differ remarkably in the
      diversity of this group. More than 50 endemic Conus species have been described
      from Cape Verde, whereas prior to this study, only two nonendemic species,
      including a putative species complex, were thought to occur in the Canary
      Islands. We combined molecular phylogenetic data and geometric morphometrics with
      bathymetric and paleoclimatic reconstructions to understand the contrasting
      diversification patterns found in these regions. Our results suggest that species
      diversity is even lower than previously thought in the Canary Islands, with the
      putative species complex corresponding to a single species, Conus guanche. One
      explanation for the enormous disparity in Conus diversity is that the amount of
      available habitat may differ, or may have differed in the past due to eustatic
      (global) sea level changes. Historical bathymetric data, however, indicated that
      sea level fluctuations since the Miocene have had a similar impact on the
      available habitat area in both Cape Verde and Canary archipelagos and therefore
      do not explain this disparity. We suggest that recurrent gene flow between the
      Canary Islands and West Africa, habitat losses due to intense volcanic activity
      in combination with unsuccessful colonization of new Conus species from more
      diverse regions, were all determinant in shaping diversity patterns within the
      Canarian archipelago. Worldwide Conus species diversity follows the well
      established pattern of latitudinal increase of species richness from the poles
      towards the tropics. However, the eastern Atlantic revealed a striking pattern
      with two main peaks of Conus species richness in the subtropical area and
      decreasing diversities toward the tropical western African coast. A Random
      Forests model using 12 oceanographic variables suggested that sea surface
      temperature is the main determinant of Conus diversity either at continental
      scales (eastern Atlantic coast) or in a broader context (worldwide). Other
      factors such as availability of suitable habitat and reduced salinity due to the
      influx of large rivers in the tropical area also play an important role in
      shaping Conus diversity patterns in the western coast of Africa. 

PMID- 25121826
TI  - Folate ligand anchored liquid crystal microdroplets emulsion for in vitro
      detection of KB cancer cells.
AB  - A KB cancer cell-selective, liquid crystal microdroplets emulsion is prepared
      using folic acid-conjugated block copolymers (PS-b-PAA-FA) and sodium dodecyl
      sulfate (SDS) as a mediator to induce configurational transitions in 4-cyano-4'
      pentylbiphenyl (5CB) liquid crystal microdroplets emulsion. The prepared liquid
      crystal microdroplets emulsion has shown a configurational transition from radial
      to bipolar on interacting with KB cancer cells, but no transition from radial to
      bipolar configuration is observed when liquid crystal microdroplets emulsion was
      allowed to interact with other normal cells such as fibroblast and osteoblast.
      The KB cancer cell selectivity of liquid crystal microdroplets emulsion has been
      considered due to the presence of KB cancer cell folate receptor-specific ligand
      (FA) at the surface of liquid crystal microdroplets, which allowed liquid crystal
      microdroplets to interact specifically with KB cancer cells. The ligand-receptor
      interactions have been considered responsible for triggering the configurational
      transitions from radial to bipolar in liquid crystal microdroplets emulsion.
      Thus, folate ligand anchored liquid crystal microdroplets emulsion has shown a
      potential to be used for in vitro detection of KB cancer cells in the early stage
      of tumor development. 

PMID- 25121825
TI  - Genetic contribution to postpartum haemorrhage in Swedish population: cohort
      study of 466,686 births.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the familial clustering of postpartum haemorrhage in
      the Swedish population, and to quantify the relative contributions of genetic and
      environmental effects. DESIGN: Register based cohort study. SETTING: Swedish
      population (multi-generation and medical birth registers). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
      Postpartum haemorrhage, defined as >1000 mL estimated blood loss. PARTICIPANTS:
      The first two live births to individuals in Sweden in 1997-2009 contributed to
      clusters representing intact couples (n = 366,350 births), mothers with separate
      partners (n = 53,292), fathers with separate partners (n = 47,054), sister pairs
      (n = 97,228), brother pairs (n = 91,168), and mixed sibling pairs (n = 177,944).
      METHODS: Familial clustering was quantified through cluster specific tetrachoric
      correlation coefficients, and the influence of potential sharing of known risk
      factors was evaluated with alternating logistic regression. Relative
      contributions of genetic and environmental effects to the variation in liability
      for postpartum haemorrhage were quantified with generalised linear mixed models.
      RESULTS: The overall prevalence of postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal
      deliveries in our sample was 4.6%. Among vaginal deliveries, 18% (95% confidence
      interval 9% to 26%) of the variation in postpartum haemorrhage liability was
      attributed to maternal genetic factors, 10% (1% to 19%) to unique maternal
      environment, and 11% (0% to 26%) to fetal genetic effects. Adjustment for known
      risk factors only partially explained estimates of familial clustering,
      suggesting that the observed shared genetic and environmental effects operate in
      part through pathways independent of known risk factors. There were similar
      patterns of familial clustering for both of the main subtypes examined (atony and
      retained placenta), though strongest for haemorrhage after retained placenta.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is a maternal genetic predisposition to postpartum
      haemorrhage, but more than half of the total variation in liability is
      attributable to factors that are not shared in families.

PMID- 25121828
TI  - A single practice's experience of NHS 111.

PMID- 25121829
TI  - Role of desorption kinetics in the rhamnolipid-enhanced biodegradation of
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
AB  - The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a rhamnolipid
      biosurfactant on biodegradation of (14)C-labeled phenanthrene and pyrene under
      desorption-limiting conditions. The rhamnolipid caused a significant
      solubilization and enhanced biodegradation of PAHs sorbed to soils. The
      enhancement was, however, negatively influenced by experimental conditions that
      caused an enrichment of slow desorption fractions. These conditions included
      aging, a higher organic matter content in soil, and previous extraction with
      Tenax to remove the labile-desorbing chemical. The decline in bioavailability
      caused by aging on sorbed (14)C-pyrene was partially reversed by rhamnolipids,
      which enhanced mineralization of the aged compound, although not so efficiently
      like with the unaged chemical. This loss in biosurfactant efficiency in promoting
      biodegradation can be explained by intra-aggregate diffusion of the pollutant
      during aging. We suggest that rhamnolipid can enhance biodegradation of soil
      sorbed PAHs by micellar solubilization, which increase the cell exposure to the
      chemicals in the aqueous phase, and partitioning into soil organic matter, thus
      enhancing the kinetics of slow desorption. Our study show that rhamnolipid can
      constitute a valid alternative to chemical surfactants in promoting the
      biodegradation of slow desorption PAHs, which constitutes a major bottleneck in
      bioremediation. 

PMID- 25121827
TI  - Systemic injection of CD34(+)-enriched human cord blood cells modulates
      poststroke neural and glial response in a sex-dependent manner in CD1 mice.
AB  - Stroke in the developing brain is an important cause of neurological morbidity.
      We determined the impact of human cord blood-derived CD34(+)-enriched mononuclear
      cells (CBSC) intraperitoneally injected 48 h after an ischemic stroke at
      postnatal day 12 by evaluating poststroke neurogenic niche proliferation, glial
      response, and recovery in CD1 mice. Percent brain atrophy was quantified from
      Nissl-stained sections. Density of BrdU, Iba-1, and GFAP staining were quantified
      in the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone (SVZ). Immunohistochemistry for
      human nuclear antibody, human mitochondrial antibody, and human CD34(+) cells was
      done on injured and uninjured brains from CBSC- and vehicle-treated mice.
      Developmental neurobehavioral milestones were evaluated pre- and post-treatment.
      No significant differences in stroke severity were noted between CBSC and vehicle
      treated injured animals. With a 1*10(5) CBSC dose, there was a significant
      increase in subgranular zone (SGZ) proliferation in the CBSC-versus vehicle
      treated stroke-injured male mice. SVZ glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)
      expression was increased contralaterally in injured females treated with CBSC but
      suppressed in injured males. Significant negative correlations between severity
      of the stroke-injury and spleen weights, and between spleen weights and SGZ
      proliferation, and a positive correlation between GFAP expression and severity of
      brain injury were noted in the vehicle-treated injured mice but not in the CBSC
      treated mice. GFAP expression and SVZ proliferation were positively correlated.
      In conclusion, neurogenic niche proliferation and glial brain responses to CBSC
      after neonatal stroke may involve interactions with the spleen and are sex
      dependent. 

PMID- 25121830
TI  - The complete mitochondrial DNA of white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) from Isla
      Guadalupe, Mexico.
AB  - The Isla Guadalupe white shark mitochondrial structure is similar to the one
      previously reported for a white shark individual from Taiwan with a total length
      of 16,745 and 16,742 bp respectively; the base composition of the genomes was as
      follow A (30.60%), T (28.67%), C (26.86%) and G (13.87%), contains 13 protein
      coding genes and 24 tRNA genes and the non-coding control region. The tRNA genes
      range from 70-72 bp. Gene order is the same as in other vertebrates and teleosts.

PMID- 25121831
TI  - The comparison of two complete mitochondrial genomes of Pseudobagrus ondon
      (Siluriformes, Bagridae).
AB  - The complete mitochondrial genome of Pseudobagrus ondon collected from the
      Qiantang River in Zhejiang Province was determined in this study with polymerase
      chain reaction. It contained 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs and
      a control region with the base composition 31.03% A, 27.92% C, 25.78% T and
      15.27% G. It shared the arrangement pattern that was identical with most
      vertebrates. Here we compared the complete mitochondrial genome with another
      Pseudobagrus ondon species has been sequenced before discovering some differences
      between the two entities belong to the same species. The complete genome of the
      one in this study was 16,531 bp in length but the other was 16,534 bp. The
      variable sites and the genetic distances between them were 105 bp and 0.7%,
      respectively. There was 79 variable sites occurred in the protein-coding genes
      except that gene ATP8 and ND3 were the same sequences in the two mitogenomes.
      Considering that relatively little work has been done on the fishes of
      Pseudobagrus, we hope this study could make some contribution for the
      phylogenetic relationships of this group of fishes. 

PMID- 25121832
TI  - DNA-barcoding of perch-like fishes (Actinopterygii: Perciformes) from far-eastern
      seas of Russia with taxonomic remarks for some groups.
AB  - The analysis of variation among 203 nucleotide sequences of Co-1 gene (DNA
      barcode) for 45 species, 31 genera and 7 families of the order Perciformes from
      the Far Eastern seas of Russia has been performed. As a result, 42 species
      (93.3%) can be unambiguously identified using molecular DNA-barcode at Co-1,
      whereas more variable markers are required for other species (6.7%): Stichaeus
      grigorjewi, S. nozawae, and Lumpenus sagitta. The latter includes as well 2
      morphologically distinct (by number of vertebrae) but genetically unresolved
      species, L. sagitta (Sea of Okhotsk) and L. fabricii (Bering Sea). In addition,
      within this genus morphologically poorly characterized but genetically well
      distinguished cryptic species has been detected. Amphi-Pacific distribution is in
      question relative to L. sagitta. Cryptic diversity was observed in the genus
      Ammodytes. 

PMID- 25121833
TI  - Evolutionary history and population genetic structure of the endemic tree frog
      Hyla tsinlingensis (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) inferred from mitochondrial gene
      analysis.
AB  - The influence of topography and Pleistocenic climatic fluctuations on the
      population genetic structure of amphibians in the Tsinling-Dabieshan Mountains of
      China is poorly investigated. Hyla tsinlingensis is a tree frog endemic to the
      Tsinling-Dabieshan Mountains, with a restricted and patchy distribution that is
      currently shrinking. We speculated on the evolutionary history of amphibians in
      this region by studying the population genetic structure of H. tsinlingensis.
      Using a total of 212 samples, 32 haplotypes and four haplogroups were found in
      the present study. Population genetic structure showed significant
      differentiation (F(ST)) between most populations of H. tsinlingensis in the
      Tsinling-Dabieshan Mountains. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) suggested
      that most of the observed genetic variation occurs between the two regions (the
      Tsinling and Dabieshan Mountains). Mantel tests indicated that the genetic
      divergence was induced through isolation by distance. Using Monmonier's maximum
      difference algorithm to predict the genetic barrier, two putative barriers in
      gene flow that separate lineages of H. tsinlingensis were identified. Mismatch
      distribution and neutrality tests found a sudden population expansion in all
      haplogroups except the Tsinling population and total population. This population
      expansion was identified between 0.5 Myr to 0.1 Myr (Quaternary) by Bayesian
      skyline plot (BSP). Divergence dating indicated the divergence time between the
      Tsinling population and Dabieshan population to be 3.26 MYA (Pliocene). In
      conclusion, the topography of the Tsinling and Dabieshan Mountains exerts a
      significant impact on the population genetic structure of H. tsinlingensis, and
      climatic oscillations during glacial periods in the Quaternary affected the
      distribution of H. tsinlingensis.

PMID- 25121834
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome of the Antarctic bullhead notothen, Notothenia
      coriiceps (Perciformes, Nototheniidae).
AB  - The complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome of Notothenia coriiceps was
      obtained by genome assembly. The complete sequence was determined to be 18,347
      base pairs in length and to contain 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2
      rRNA genes, and 2 control regions. Of the thirteen protein-coding genes, two
      genes (cox1 and atp6) had GTG start codons, and six genes (nad2, cox2, cox3,
      nad3, nad4, and cytb) had incomplete stop codons that require the post
      transcriptional addition of A bases. The base composition of the mitogenome was
      26.3% A, 27.6% T, 17.5% G, and 28.5% C. 

PMID- 25121835
TI  - The complete mitochondrial DNA of the bay snook, Petenia splendida, a native
      Mexican cichlid.
AB  - The mitogenome of the tenguayaca, Petenia splendida (GenBank accession number
      KJ914664) has a total length of 16,518 bp, and the arrangement consist of 15
      protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA)
      genes. Gene order was equal to the mitogenomes of other new world cichlids. 

PMID- 25121836
TI  - Optical temperature sensing based on the near-infrared emissions from Nd3+/Yb3+
      codoped CaWO4.
AB  - Under a 980 nm diode laser excitation, the near-infrared (NIR) emissions from
      Nd3+:4F7/2, 4F5/2, and 4F3/2 states in Nd3+/Yb3+ codoped CaWO4 powder were
      studied at temperatures ranging from 303 to 873 K. As the temperature increased,
      the NIR luminescence intensity was significantly enhanced and nearly 190-fold
      enhancement was achieved at 873 K compared with that at 303 K. By using the
      fluorescence intensity ratio technique, the thermometry behaviors through the NIR
      emissions were investigated. The results illustrate that the sensitivity and the
      accuracy achieved here are much higher than temperature sensors based on other
      rare earth ion doped materials.

PMID- 25121837
TI  - Numerical analysis of efficient light extraction with an elliptical solid
      immersion lens.
AB  - We introduce and analyze a design concept based on nonspherical solid immersion
      lens (SIL) geometry. We find via finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations
      that elliptical solid immersion lenses (eSILs) exhibit a notably improved
      emission directionality compared to the standard SIL design. Large light
      collection efficiencies are achieved even for small numerical apertures (NAs).
      For example, using a NA as low as 0.3, over 65% of the total light emitted by a
      dipole can be collected. 

PMID- 25121839
TI  - Designing metal hemispheres on silicon ultrathin film solar cells for plasmonic
      light trapping.
AB  - We systematically investigate the design of two-dimensional silver (Ag)
      hemisphere arrays on crystalline silicon (c-Si) ultrathin film solar cells for
      plasmonic light trapping. The absorption in ultrathin films is governed by the
      excitation of Fabry-Perot TEMm modes. We demonstrate that metal hemispheres can
      enhance absorption in the films by (1) coupling light to c-Si film waveguide
      modes and (2) exciting localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs). We show that
      hemisphere arrays allow light to couple to fundamental TEm and TMm waveguide
      modes in c-Si film as well as higher-order versions of these modes. The near
      field light concentration of LSPRs also may increase absorption in the c-Si film,
      though these resonances are associated with significant parasitic absorption in
      the metal. We illustrate how Ag plasmonic hemispheres may be utilized for light
      trapping with 22% enhancement in short-circuit current density compared with that
      of a bare 100 nm thick c-Si ultrathin film solar cell.

PMID- 25121838
TI  - Continuously tuning effective refractive index based on thermally controllable
      magnetic metamaterials.
AB  - By employing a thermally active magnetic material, we theoretically design a kind
      of electromagnetic metamaterial with intrinsic magnetic response, termed magnetic
      metamaterial (MM). The retrieved effective electric permittivity epsilon(eff) and
      magnetic permeability MU(eff) exhibit a nearly continuous transition from double
      negative to double zero, and then to double positive by controlling the
      temperature, indicating a flexible tunability of the effective refractive index.
      The beam splitting, collimation, focusing, and total reflection are achieved at
      different typical temperatures. Most importantly, with the MM implemented under a
      gradient temperature, a gradient negative-zero-positive index metamaterial
      (NZPIM) can possibly be realized, thus providing a new platform to study wave
      features in NZPIM.

PMID- 25121840
TI  - Low-threshold Brillouin laser at 2 MUm based on suspended-core chalcogenide
      fiber.
AB  - We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of a 2 MUm
      Brillouin laser based on a thulium-doped fiber pump and a chalcogenide fiber. A
      short 1.5 m piece of suspended-core chalcogenide As38Se62 fiber is employed as a
      gain medium, taking advantage of its small effective mode area and high Brillouin
      gain coefficient. A record-low lasing threshold of 52 mW is achieved, which is
      about 10 times lower than previously demonstrated in silica fiber cavities.

PMID- 25121841
TI  - Prospects for diode-pumped alkali-atom-based hollow-core photonic-crystal fiber
      lasers.
AB  - By employing large hollow-core Kagome fiber in a double-clad configuration, the
      performance of a potentially rubidium vapor-based fiber laser is explored. The
      absorbed power and laser efficiency versus pump power are calculated utilizing a
      simple laser model. Our results show that a Kagome-based high-power fiber laser
      is feasible provided that the value of the collisional fine-structure mixing rate
      will be elevated by increasing the ambient temperature or by increasing the
      helium pressure. 

PMID- 25121842
TI  - Post-filament self-trapping of ultrashort laser pulses.
AB  - Laser filamentation is understood to be self-channeling of intense ultrashort
      laser pulses achieved when the self-focusing because of the Kerr nonlinearity is
      balanced by ionization-induced defocusing. Here, we show that, right behind the
      ionized region of a laser filament, ultrashort laser pulses can couple into a
      much longer light channel, where a stable self-guiding spatial mode is sustained
      by the saturable self-focusing nonlinearity. In the limiting regime of negligibly
      low ionization, this post-filamentation beam dynamics converges to a large-scale
      beam self-trapping scenario known since the pioneering work on saturable self
      focusing nonlinearities. 

PMID- 25121843
TI  - Plasmonic waveguides cladded by hyperbolic metamaterials.
AB  - Strongly anisotropic media with hyperbolic dispersion can be used for claddings
      of plasmonic waveguides (PWs). In order to analyze the fundamental properties of
      such waveguides, we analytically study 1D waveguides arranged from a hyperbolic
      metamaterial (HMM) in a HMM-Insulator-HMM (HIH) structure. We show that HMM
      claddings give flexibility in designing the properties of HIH waveguides. Our
      comparative study on 1D PWs reveals that HIH-type waveguides can have a higher
      performance than MIM or IMI waveguides. 

PMID- 25121844
TI  - Improved configuration and reduction of phase noise in a narrow linewidth
      ultrawideband optical RF source.
AB  - In this Letter, we report on the improved configuration of a widely tunable
      optical RF generation system, particularly for the generation of low-frequency
      RF, as well as the reduction of phase noise in that same system. Using an
      amplitude modulator, a simplified system design was demonstrated with fewer
      components and improved phase noise performance, especially at RF frequencies
      below ~36 GHz. Excess phase noise due to acoustic vibrations of the optical
      fibers was also successfully eliminated by mechanical isolation. A minimum phase
      noise of -124 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset was demonstrated at 4 GHz.

PMID- 25121846
TI  - Nonlinear switching in a two-concentric-core chalcogenide glass optical fiber for
      passively mode-locking a fiber laser.
AB  - We propose an all-fiber mode-locking device, which operates based on nonlinear
      switching in a novel two-concentric-core fiber structure. The design is
      particularly attractive given the ease of fabrication and coupling to other
      components in a mode-locked fiber laser cavity. The nonlinear switching in this
      coupler is studied, and the relative power transmission is obtained. The analysis
      shows that this nonlinear switch is practical for mode-locking fiber lasers and
      is forgiving to fabrication errors. 

PMID- 25121845
TI  - 152 W average power Tm-doped fiber CPA system.
AB  - A high-power thulium (Tm)-doped fiber chirped-pulse amplification system emitting
      a record compressed average output power of 152 W and 4 MW peak power is
      demonstrated. This result is enabled by utilizing Tm-doped photonic crystal
      fibers with mode-field diameters of 35 MUm, which mitigate detrimental
      nonlinearities, exhibit slope efficiencies of more than 50%, and allow for
      reaching a pump-power-limited average output power of 241 W. The high-compression
      efficiency has been achieved by using multilayer dielectric gratings with
      diffraction efficiencies higher than 98%.

PMID- 25121847
TI  - Photo-aligned ferroelectric liquid crystals in microchannels.
AB  - In this Letter we disclose a method to realize a good alignment of ferroelectric
      liquid crystals (FLCs) in microchannels, based on photo-alignment. The sulfonic
      azo dye used in our research offers variable anchoring energy depending on the
      irradiation energy and thus provides good control on the FLC alignment in
      microchannels. The good FLC alignment has been observed only when anchoring
      energy normalized to the capillary diameter is less than the elastic energy of
      the FLC helix. The same approach can also be used for the different
      microstructures viz. photonic crystal fibers, microwaveguides, etc. which gives
      an opportunity for designing a photonic devices based on FLC. 

PMID- 25121848
TI  - Achromatic wide-view circular polarizers for a high-transmittance vertically
      aligned liquid crystal cell.
AB  - We propose an optical compensation scheme through which we can eliminate the off
      axis light leakage in a vertically-aligned liquid crystal cell with circular
      polarizers. In this scheme, four uniaxial films with complementary dispersion
      characteristics are used to compensate one another, resulting in achromatic
      effective phase retardation for off-axis angles. By using the proposed optical
      compensation, a contrast ratio higher than 2000:1 can be realized over the entire
      55 degrees  viewing cone in a multi-domain vertical-alignment liquid crystal cell
      with circular polarizers.

PMID- 25121849
TI  - Dual spectral-band interferometry for spatio-temporal characterization of high
      power femtosecond lasers.
AB  - We present and demonstrate a technique called RED-SEA TADPOLE for the spatio
      temporal characterization of high peak power femtosecond lasers. It retains the
      basic principle of an existing method, where a scanning monomode fiber is
      utilized in an interferometric scheme to measure the spectral amplitude and phase
      at all points across an ultrashort laser beam. We combine this approach with dual
      spectral-band interferometry, to correct for all phase errors occurring in this
      interferometer, thus allowing for the simultaneous measurement of the beam
      wavefront and pulse front in a collimated beam of large diameter. The generic
      phase correction procedure implemented here can also be extended to other fiber
      optic device applications sensitive to phase fluctuations. 

PMID- 25121850
TI  - Size-controlled Ge nanostructures for enhanced Er3+ light emission.
AB  - The potential of Ge nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in Al2O3 with tunable effective
      optical bandgap values in the range of 1.0-3.3 eV to induce enhanced Er3+ light
      emission is investigated. We demonstrate nonresonant indirect excitation of the
      Er3+ ions mediated by the Ge NPs at room temperature. Efficient Er3+ light
      emission enhancement is obtained for Ge NPs with large effective optical bandgaps
      in the range of 1.85 to 2.8 eV. The coupled Ge NP-Er emission shows a negligible
      thermal quenching from 10 K to room temperature that is related to Er3+ de
      excitation through thermally activated defect states.

PMID- 25121851
TI  - Optical feedback frequency stabilized cavity ring-down spectroscopy.
AB  - We introduce optical feedback frequency stabilized cavity ring-down spectroscopy
      (OFFS-CRDS), a near-shot-noise-limited technique that combines kilohertz
      resolution with an absorption detection sensitivity of 5*10(-13) cm(-1) Hz(-1/2).
      Its distributed feedback laser source is stabilized to a highly stable V-shaped
      reference cavity by optical feedback and fine-tuned by means of single-sideband
      modulation. The stability of this narrow laser is transferred to a ring-down (RD)
      cavity using a new fibered Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking scheme without a
      dedicated electro-optic phase modulator, yielding several hundred RD events per
      second. We demonstrate continuous coverage of more than 7 nm with a baseline
      noise of 5*10(-12) cm(-1) and a dynamic range spanning six decades. With its
      resonant intracavity light intensity on the order of 1 kW/cm2, the spectrometer
      was used for observing a Lamb dip in a transition of carbon dioxide involving
      four vibrational quanta. Saturating such a weak transition at 160 MUW input
      power, OFFS-CRDS paves the way to Doppler-free molecular overtone spectroscopy
      for precision measurements of hyperfine structures and pressure shifts.

PMID- 25121852
TI  - Optical forces and torques on realistic plasmonic nanostructures: a surface
      integral approach.
AB  - We develop a novel formalism to calculate the optical forces and torques on
      complex and realistic nanostructures by combining the surface integral equation
      (SIE) technique with Maxwell's stress tensor. The optical force is calculated
      directly on the scatterer surface from the currents obtained from the SIE, which
      does not require an additional surface to evaluate Maxwell's stress tensor; this
      is especially useful for intricate geometries such as plasmonic antennas. SIE
      enables direct evaluation of forces from the surface currents very efficiently
      and accurately for complex systems. As a proof of concept, we establish the
      accuracy of the model by comparing the results with the calculations from the Mie
      theory. The flexibility of the method is demonstrated by simulating a realistic
      plasmonic system with intricate geometry. 

PMID- 25121853
TI  - Ultracompact silicon-on-insulator polarization rotator for polarization
      diversified circuits.
AB  - We present an ultracompact (15.3 MUm long) and high-efficiency silicon-on
      insulator polarization rotator designed for polarization-diversified circuits.
      The rotator is comprised of a bilevel-tapered TM0-to-TE1 mode converter and a
      novel bent-tapered TE1-to-TE0 mode converter. The rotator has a simulated
      polarization conversion loss lower than 0.2 dB and a polarization-extinction
      ratio larger than 25 dB over a wavelength range of 80 nm around 1550 nm. The
      rotator has a SiO2 top-cladding and can be fabricated in a CMOS-compatible
      process.

PMID- 25121854
TI  - Local spectroscopy of silver nanowire in different environments excited with a
      halogen lamp.
AB  - We report a propagation spectrum detection system in which one end of a plasmonic
      silver nanowire is locally illuminated from a normal halogen lamp and the
      scattered light is recorded spectroscopically at the other end. The system is
      applied to investigate surface plasmon polariton-Fabry-Perot (SPP-FP) modes of
      silver nanowires with different lengths at air-glass and oil-glass interfaces.
      The generalized FP model is used to analyze the spectrum, which fits well with
      the experimental results. The influence of nanowire length and environment on the
      properties of the FP resonances is discussed. The propagation spectrum detection
      system will find applications for integrated optical circuits and plasmonic
      sensing. 

PMID- 25121855
TI  - GeSn/Ge multiquantum well photodetectors on Si substrates.
AB  - Vertical incidence GeSn/Ge multiquantum well (MQW) pin photodetectors on Si
      substrates were fabricated with a Sn concentration of 7%. The epitaxial structure
      was grown with a special low temperature molecular beam epitaxy process. The Ge
      barrier in the GeSn/Ge MQW was kept constant at 10 nm. The well width was varied
      between 6 and 12 nm. The GeSn/Ge MQW structures were grown pseudomorphically with
      the in-plane lattice constant of the Ge virtual substrate. The absorption edge
      shifts to longer wavelengths with thicker QWs in agreement with expectations from
      smaller quantization energies for the thicker QWs.

PMID- 25121856
TI  - Generation of multiple sheets of light using spatial-filtering technique.
AB  - We develop an optical system for generating multiple light sheets. This is
      enabled by employing a special class of spatial filters in a cylindrical lens
      geometry. The proposed binary filter placed at the back aperture of the
      cylindrical lens results in the generation of a periodic transverse pattern
      extending along the z axis (i.e., multiple light sheets). Experimental results
      confirm the generation of multiple light sheets of thickness 6.6 MUm with an
      intersheet spacing of 13.4 MUm. The proposed imaging technique may facilitate
      three-dimensional imaging in nano-optics, fluorescence microscopy, and
      nanobiology.

PMID- 25121857
TI  - Refocusing criterion via sparsity measurements in digital holography.
AB  - Several automatic approaches have been proposed in the past to compute the
      refocus distance in digital holography (DH). However most of them are based on a
      maximization or minimization of a suitable amplitude image contrast measure,
      regarded as a function of the reconstruction distance parameter. Here we show
      that, by using the sparsity measure coefficient regarded as a refocusing
      criterion in the holographic reconstruction, it is possible to recover the focus
      plane and, at the same time, establish the degree of sparsity of digital
      holograms, when samples of the diffraction Fresnel propagation integral are used
      as a sparse signal representation. We employ a sparsity measurement coefficient
      known as Gini's index thus showing for the first time, to the best of our
      knowledge, its application in DH, as an effective refocusing criterion.
      Demonstration is provided for different holographic configurations (i.e., lens
      and lensless apparatus) and for completely different objects (i.e., a thin pure
      phase microscopic object as an in vitro cell, and macroscopic puppets)
      preparation. 

PMID- 25121858
TI  - Transmission enhancement through square coaxial aperture arrays in metallic film:
      when leaky modes filter infrared light for multispectral imaging.
AB  - The diffractive behavior of arrays of square coaxial apertures in a gold layer is
      studied. These structures exhibit a resonant transmission enhancement that is
      used to design tunable bandpass filters for multispectral imaging in the 7-13 MUm
      wavelength range. A modal analysis is used for this design and the study of their
      spectral features. Thus we show that the resonance peak is due to the excitation
      of leaky modes of the open photonic structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
      spectrophotometry transmission measurements of samples deposited on Si substrate
      show good agreement with numerical results and demonstrate angular tolerance of
      up to 30 degrees of the fabricated filters.

PMID- 25121859
TI  - Quantitative optical inspection of contact lenses immersed in wet cell using
      swept source OCT.
AB  - We demonstrate swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of contact
      lenses (CLs) in a wet cell and comprehensive quantitative characterization of CLs
      from volumetric OCT datasets. The approach is based on a technique developed for
      lens autopositioning and autoleveling enabled by lateral capillary interactions
      between the wet cell wall and the lens floating on the liquid surface. The
      demonstrated OCT imaging has enhanced contrast due to the application of a
      scattering medium and it improves visualization of both CL interfaces and edges.
      We also present precise and accurate three-dimensional metrology of soft and
      rigid CLs based on the OCT data. The accuracy and precision of the extracted lens
      parameters are compared with the manufacturer's specifications. The presented
      methodology facilitates industrial inspection methods of the CLs. 

PMID- 25121861
TI  - 100 kHz, 100 ms, 400 J burst-mode laser with dual-wavelength diode-pumped
      amplifiers.
AB  - The burst duration of an all-diode-pumped burst-mode laser is extended to 100 ms
      and 100 kHz (10,000 pulses) by utilizing dual-wavelength diode pumping. Total
      energies of 225 J at 10 kHz and 400 J at 100 kHz are achieved during the 100 ms
      burst period at 1064 nm. This represents an order-of-magnitude increase in the
      number of pulses compared with prior work, while maintaining similar or higher
      pulse energies. Amplitude tailoring of each pulse is used to flatten the burst
      profile, reducing the standard deviation in pulse energy over the 100 ms burst
      from 3.7% to 2.1% with a burst-to-burst standard deviation of 0.8%.

PMID- 25121862
TI  - Chaotic behavior of cavity solitons induced by time delay feedback.
AB  - We investigate spatiotemporal dynamics of cavity solitons in a broad area
      vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser with saturable absorption subject to time
      delayed optical feedback. We show that the inclusion of feedback leads to a
      period doubling route to chaos of spatially localized light structures. 

PMID- 25121860
TI  - Handheld photoacoustic microscopy to detect melanoma depth in vivo.
AB  - We developed handheld photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) to detect melanoma and
      determine tumor depth in nude mice in vivo. Compared to our previous PAM system
      for melanoma imaging, a new light delivery mechanism is introduced to improve
      light penetration. We show that melanomas with 4.1 and 3.7 mm thicknesses can be
      successfully detected in phantom and in in vivo experiments, respectively. With
      its deep melanoma imaging ability and handheld design, this system can be tested
      for clinical melanoma diagnosis, prognosis, and surgical planning for patients at
      the bedside.

PMID- 25121863
TI  - Optically pumped distributed feedback dye lasing with slide-coated TiO2 inverse
      opal slab as Bragg reflector.
AB  - We demonstrate an optical amplification of organic dye within a TiO2 inverse-opal
      (IO) distributed feedback (DFB) reflector prepared by a slide-coating method.
      Highly reflective TiO2 IO film was fabricated by slide coating the binary aqueous
      dispersions of polystyrene microspheres and charge-stabilized TiO2 nanoparticles
      on a glass slide and subsequently removing the polymer-opal template. TiO2 IO
      film was infiltrated, in turn, with the solutions of DCM, a fluorescent dye in
      various solvents with different indices of refraction. Optical pumping by
      frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser resulted in amplified spontaneous emission in each
      dye solution. In accordance with the semi-empirical simulation by the FDTD
      method, DCM in ethanol showed the best emission/stopband matching for the TiO2 IO
      film used in this study. Therefore, photo excitation of a DCM/ethanol cavity
      showed a single-mode DFB lasing at 640 nm wavelength at moderate pump energy.

PMID- 25121864
TI  - Electron beam position monitor for a dielectric microaccelerator.
AB  - We report the fabrication and first demonstration of an electron beam position
      monitor for a dielectric microaccelerator. This device is fabricated on a fused
      silica substrate using standard optical lithography techniques and uses the
      radiated optical wavelength to measure the electron beam position with a
      resolution of 10 MUm, or 7% of the electron beam spot size. This device also
      measures the electron beam spot size in one dimension.

PMID- 25121865
TI  - Effect and elimination of alignment error in an optical fiber current sensor.
AB  - This Letter demonstrates the effect and elimination of alignment error in an
      optical fiber current sensor. An optical model is built to illustrate the effect
      of alignment error, which does not induce zero drift and has a large effect on
      output accuracy. The total alignment error and modulation angle of the
      polarization controller are defined as k and theta, respectively. Parameter t is
      equal to 2theta-2k. An elimination method of the error k is proposed, which
      corrects the angle theta to keep parameter t at 90 deg. This method avoids the
      measurement of all splice angles separately. Its feasibility is shown by
      simulation results. In addition, the measurement method and conditions of
      parameter t are presented. The final t is about 90.24 deg. Furthermore, the
      effectiveness of the proposed elimination method is proven by a performance test.

PMID- 25121866
TI  - Efficient Q-switched Ho:GdVO4 laser resonantly pumped at 1942 nm.
AB  - An efficient 2 MUm room-temperature Q-switched Ho:GdVO4 laser end-pumped by a
      1942 nm Tm-fiber laser is demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first
      report of Q-switched performance of Ho:GdVO4 crystal. A maximum CW output power
      of 6.85 W under the absorbed pump power of 24.1 W was obtained with a slope
      efficiency of 39.5% at a temperature of 17 degrees C. With the same absorbed pump
      power, a maximum output energy per pulse of about 0.9 mJ and minimum pulse width
      of 4.7 ns were obtained at the pulsed repetition frequency (PRF) of 5 kHz,
      corresponding to a peak power of approximately 187.2 kW.

PMID- 25121867
TI  - Photonic generation of triangular pulses based on nonlinear polarization rotation
      in a highly nonlinear fiber.
AB  - We propose a novel method to generate triangular pulses based on the nonlinear
      polarization rotation (NPR) effect in a highly nonlinear fiber. A continuous wave
      probe beam is polarization-rotated by an intensity-modulated control beam via the
      NPR effect. A polarization-division-multiplexing emulator is exploited to split
      the probe beam into two orthogonally polarized states with imbalanced time delay.
      After detection by a photodetector, a 90 degrees  microwave phase shifter is used
      to compensate the phases of the fundamental and the third-order harmonic
      components in order to generate triangular pulses. Triangular pulses at 5 and 6
      GHz with full duty cycles are experimentally generated. The root mean square
      errors between the generated and the simulated waveforms are 3.6e-4 and 1e-4 for
      triangular pulses at 5 and 6 GHz, respectively.

PMID- 25121868
TI  - Controllable continuous-wave Nd:YVO4 self-Raman lasers using intracavity adaptive
      optics.
AB  - A controllable self-Raman laser using an adaptive optics (AO)-based control loop
      featuring an intracavity deformable mirror is reported. This method has the
      potential to alleviate thermal lensing within the Raman and laser gain media, and
      enable solid-state Raman lasers to reach new power levels. A proof-of-concept
      experiment using a Nd:YVO4 self-Raman laser and resulting in 18% enhancement of
      the first Stokes output power is reported. Moreover, wavelength selection between
      two Raman laser outputs (lambda=1109 and 1176 nm) emanating from the 379 and 893
      cm(-1) Raman shifts of YVO4, respectively, was achieved using this AO technique.

PMID- 25121869
TI  - Compact 4.7 W, 18.3% wall-plug efficiency green laser based on an electrically
      pumped VECSEL using intracavity frequency doubling.
AB  - We have demonstrated a compact, 4.7 W green laser based on an electrically pumped
      vertical external-cavity surface emitting laser through intracavity frequency
      doubling. The overall wall-plug efficiency (electrical to green) was 18.3%. The
      power fluctuations were measured to be +/-1.4% over a 2 h time period.

PMID- 25121870
TI  - Fiber-optic ferrule-top nanomechanical resonator with multilayer graphene film.
AB  - Compact ferrule-top nanomechanical resonators with multilayer graphene (MLG)
      diaphragms as vibrating elements are demonstrated. The resonators comprise a
      suspended MLG film supported by a ceramic ferrule with a bore diameter of ~125
      MUm. The mechanical resonance of the graphene film is excited and detected by an
      all-fiber optical interrogation system. Based on a beam-shape graphene mechanical
      resonator, a force sensitivity of ~3.8 fN/Hz1/2 was theoretically predicted. The
      integration of nanomechanical graphene film with optical fiber simplifies the
      excitation and interrogation of the resonator and would allow the development of
      practical fiber-optic sensors for force, mass, and pressure measurements.

PMID- 25121871
TI  - Binocular open-view instrument to measure aberrations and pupillary dynamics.
AB  - We have designed and built a binocular Hartmann-Shack wave-front sensor using a
      single microlens array and camera for real-time aberration measurement of both
      eyes in an open-view configuration. Furthermore, the use of a long wavelength
      (1050 nm) laser diode makes the illumination source completely invisible, so that
      measurements can be unobtrusively performed while the subject stares at the
      visual world under realistic conditions. The setup provides a large dynamic range
      and simultaneous measurements of convergence, pupil size, accommodation, and
      aberrations. The open-view design not only offers the possibility of measuring
      the subject's ocular optics under natural conditions but also allows coupling the
      device with other existing vision testing instruments and setups, which increases
      its potential to become a powerful tool for different visual optics studies.

PMID- 25121872
TI  - Speckle phase noise in coherent laser ranging: fundamental precision limitations.
AB  - Frequency-modulated continuous-wave laser detection and ranging (FMCW LADAR)
      measures the range to a surface through coherent detection of the backscattered
      light from a frequency-swept laser source. The ultimate limit to the range
      precision of FMCW LADAR, or any coherent LADAR, to a diffusely scattering surface
      will be determined by the unavoidable speckle phase noise. Here, we demonstrate
      the two main manifestations of this limit. First, frequency-dependent speckle
      phase noise leads to a non-Gaussian range distribution having outliers that
      approach the system range resolution, regardless of the signal-to-noise ratio.
      These outliers are reduced only through improved range resolution (i.e., higher
      optical bandwidths). Second, if the range is measured during a continuous lateral
      scan across a surface, the spatial pattern of speckle phase is converted to
      frequency noise, which leads to additional excess range uncertainty. We explore
      these two effects and show that laboratory results agree with analytical
      expressions and numerical simulations. We also show that at 1 THz optical
      bandwidth, range precisions below 10 MUm are achievable regardless of these
      effects.

PMID- 25121873
TI  - Top-hat beam output with 100 MUJ temporally shaped narrow-bandwidth nanosecond
      pulses from a linearly polarized all-fiber system.
AB  - We report on an all-fiber system delivering more than 100 MUJ pulses with a top
      hat beam output in the few nanoseconds regime at 10 kHz. The linearly polarized
      flattened beam is obtained thanks to a 3-mm-long single-mode microstructured
      fiber spliced to the amplifier's output.

PMID- 25121874
TI  - Heterogeneously integrated III-V-on-silicon multibandgap superluminescent light
      emitting diode with 290 nm optical bandwidth.
AB  - A broadband superluminescent III-V-on-silicon light-emitting diode (LED) was
      realized. To achieve the large bandwidth, quantum well intermixing and multiple
      die bonding of InP on a silicon photonic waveguide circuit were combined for the
      first time, to the best of our knowledge. The device consists of four sections
      with different bandgaps, centered around 1300, 1380, 1460, and 1540 nm. The
      fabricated LEDs were connected on-chip in a serial way, where the light generated
      in the smaller bandgap sections travels through the larger bandgap sections. By
      balancing the pump current in the four LEDs, we achieved 292 nm of 3 dB bandwidth
      and an on-chip power of -8  dBm.

PMID- 25121876
TI  - Parametric laser pulse shortening.
AB  - We report simultaneous laser pulse shortening and wavelength conversion based on
      spectral-temporal correlation in high-gain optical parametric generation (OPG).
      By spectrally filtering the off-peak signal energy, we shortened a 560 ps pump
      pulse at 1064 nm to an 80 ps signal pulse at 1.5 MUm from a 45 mm long PPLN
      optical parametric generator with 60 MUJ pump energy from a passively Q-switched
      Nd:YAG laser. Using the same technique, we further demonstrated a 3.6 time
      shortened laser pulse at 1072 nm from noncollinearly phase matched OPG in a 44 mm
      long lithium niobate crystal with 3 mJ amplified pump energy from the same Nd:YAG
      laser.

PMID- 25121875
TI  - Femtosecond pulse shaping enables detection of optical Kerr-effect (OKE) dynamics
      for molecular imaging.
AB  - We apply femtosecond pulse shaping to generate optical pulse trains that directly
      access a material's nonlinear refractive index (n2) and can thus determine time
      resolved optical Kerr-effect (OKE) dynamics. Two types of static pulse trains are
      discussed: The first uses two identical fields delayed in time, plus a pump field
      at a different wavelength. Time-resolved OKE dynamics are retrieved by monitoring
      the phase of the interference pattern produced by the two identical fields in the
      Fourier-domain (FD) as a function of pump-probe-time-delay (where the probe is
      one of the two identical fields). The second pulse train uses three fields with
      equal time delays, but with the center field phase shifted by pi/2. In this pulse
      scheme, changes on a sample's nonlinear refractive index produce a new frequency
      in the FD signal, which in turn yields background-free intensity changes in the
      conjugate (time) domain and provides superior signal-to-noise ratios. The
      demonstrated sensitivity improvements enable, for the first time to our
      knowledge, molecular imaging based on OKE dynamics.

PMID- 25121877
TI  - 3D-printed miniature gas cell for photoacoustic spectroscopy of trace gases.
AB  - A new methodology for the development of miniature photoacoustic trace gas
      sensors using 3D printing is presented. A near-infrared distributed feedback
      (DFB) laser is used together with a polymer-based gas cell, off-the-shelf fiber
      optic collimators, and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone to
      measure acetylene at 1532.83 nm. The resonance behavior of the miniature gas cell
      is analyzed using a theoretical and experimental approach, with a measured
      resonance frequency of 15.25 kHz and a Q-factor of 15. A minimum normalized noise
      equivalent absorption of 4.5*10(-9)  W cm(-1) Hz(-1/2) is shown together with a
      3sigma detection limit of 750 parts per billion (ppb) for signal averaging times
      of 35 s. The fiber-coupled delivery and miniature cost-effective cell design
      allows for use in multipoint and remote detection applications.

PMID- 25121878
TI  - Opto-mechanical probe for combining atomic force microscopy and optical near
      field surface analysis.
AB  - We have developed a new easy-to-use probe that can be used to combine atomic
      force microscopy (AFM) and scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM). We show
      that, using this device, the evanescent field, obtained by total internal
      reflection conditions in a prism, can be visualized by approaching the surface
      with the scanning tip. Furthermore, we were able to obtain simultaneous AFM and
      SNOM images of a standard test grating in air and in liquid. The lateral
      resolution in AFM and SNOM mode was estimated to be 45 and 160 nm, respectively.
      This new probe overcomes a number of limitations that commercial probes have,
      while yielding the same resolution.

PMID- 25121879
TI  - Suppression and splitting of modulational instability sidebands in periodically
      tapered optical fibers because of fourth-order dispersion.
AB  - We study the modulational instability induced by periodic variations of group
      velocity dispersion in the proximity of the zero dispersion point. Multiple
      instability peaks originating from parametric resonance coexist with the
      conventional modulation instability because of fourth-order dispersion, which in
      turn is suppressed by the oscillations of dispersion. Moreover, isolated unstable
      regions appear in the space of parameters because of imperfect phase matching.
      This confirms the dramatic effect of periodic tapering in the control and shaping
      of MI sidebands in optical fibers. 

PMID- 25121880
TI  - Quantum correlation of fiber-based telecom-band photon pairs through standard
      loss and random media.
AB  - We study quantum correlation and interference of fiber-based telecom-band photon
      pairs with one photon of the pair experiencing multiple scattering in a random
      medium. We measure joint probability of two-photon detection for signal photon in
      a normal channel and idler photon in a channel, which is subjected to two
      independent conditions: standard loss (neutral density filter) and random media.
      We observe that both conditions degrade the correlation of signal and idler
      photons, and depolarization of the idler photon in random medium can enhance two
      photon interference at certain relative polarization angles. Our theoretical
      calculation on two-photon polarization correlation and interference as a function
      of mean free path is in agreement with our experiment data. We conclude that
      quantum correlation of a polarization-entangled photon pair is better preserved
      than a polarization-correlated photon pair as one photon of the pair scatters
      through a random medium. 

PMID- 25121881
TI  - Optimization of multicore fiber for high-temperature sensing.
AB  - We demonstrate a novel high-temperature sensor using multicore fiber (MCF)
      spliced between two single-mode fibers. Launching light into such fiber chains
      creates a supermode interference pattern in the MCF that translates into a
      periodic modulation in the transmission spectrum. The spectrum shifts with
      changes in temperature and can be easily monitored in real time. This device is
      simple to fabricate and has been experimentally shown to operate at temperatures
      up to 1000 degrees C in a very stable manner. Through simulation, we have
      optimized the multicore fiber design for sharp spectral features and high overall
      transmission in the optical communications window. Comparison between the
      experiment and the simulation has also allowed determination of the thermo-optic
      coefficient of the MCF as a function of temperature. 

PMID- 25121882
TI  - Measurement of group velocity dispersion in a solid-core photonic crystal fiber
      filled with a nematic liquid crystal.
AB  - Liquid crystal-filled photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) are promising candidates for
      electrically tunable integrated photonic devices. In this Letter, we present
      group velocity measurements on such fibers. A large mode area PCF, LMA8, was
      infiltrated with the liquid crystal mixture, E7. The measurements were performed
      with an interferometric setup. The fiber exhibits several spectral transmission
      windows in the visible wavelength regime that originate from the bandgap guiding
      mechanism. The dispersion of these windows is very unusual compared to typical
      fibers. Our measurements show that it can change from -2500 ps km(-1) nm(-1) to
      +2500 ps km(-1) nm(-1) within a spectral range of only 15 nm. This leads to
      multiple zero dispersion wavelengths in the visible wavelength range.

PMID- 25121883
TI  - Ultrafast laser inscription of mid-IR directional couplers for stellar
      interferometry.
AB  - We report the ultrafast laser fabrication and mid-IR characterization (3.39 MUm)
      of four-port evanescent field directional couplers. The couplers were fabricated
      in a commercial gallium lanthanum sulfide glass substrate using sub-picosecond
      laser pulses of 1030 nm light. Straight waveguides inscribed using optimal
      fabrication parameters were found to exhibit propagation losses of ~0.8 dB.cm(
      1). A series of couplers were inscribed with different interaction lengths, and
      we demonstrate power-splitting ratios of between 8% and 99% for mid-IR light with
      a wavelength of 3.39 MUm. These results clearly demonstrate that ultrafast laser
      inscription can be used to fabricate high-quality evanescent field couplers for
      future applications in astronomical interferometry.

PMID- 25121884
TI  - Lattice plasmon resonance in core-shell SiO2/Au nanocylinder arrays.
AB  - Core-shell SiO2/Au nanocylinder arrays (NCAs) are studied using finite-difference
      time-domain simulations. The increase of height induces new surface plasmon
      resonances along the nanocylinders, i.e., dipole and quadrupole modes. Orthogonal
      coupling between superstrate diffraction order and the height-induced dipole mode
      is observed, which could achieve a well-defined lattice plasmon mode even for
      smaller NCAs in asymmetric environments. Electromagnetic field distribution has
      been employed to determine the coupling origin. Radiative loss could also be
      effectively suppressed in these core-shell NCAs, indicating the possibility of
      future applications in fluorescence enhancement and nanolasers.

PMID- 25121885
TI  - Comparison of T-matrix calculation methods for scattering by cylinders in optical
      tweezers.
AB  - The T-matrix method, or the T-matrix formulation of scattering, is a framework
      for mathematically describing the scattering properties of an object as a linear
      relationship between expansion coefficients of the incident and scattering fields
      in a basis of vector spherical wave functions (VSWFs). A variety of methods can
      be used to calculate the T-matrix. We explore the applicability of the extended
      boundary condition method (EBCM) and point matching (PM) method to calculate the
      T-matrix for scattering by cylinders in optical tweezers and hence the optical
      force acting on them. We compare both methods with the discrete-dipole
      approximation (DDA) to measure their accuracy for different sizes and aspect
      ratios (ARs) for Rayleigh and wavelength-size cylinders. We determine range of
      sizes and ARs giving errors below 1% and 10%. These results can help researchers
      choose the most efficient method to calculate the T-matrix for nonspherical
      particles with acceptable accuracy. 

PMID- 25121886
TI  - Time-domain coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering in terms of the time-delayed
      Yuratich equation.
AB  - We show that the increasingly popular nonlinear optical technique of time-domain
      coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), which is often viewed from the
      dynamical perspective of the semiclassical time-dependent third-order
      polarization, can also be studied by means of the time-delayed version of the
      Yuratich equation, so popular in traditional frequency-domain CARS. The method
      proves successful in explaining experimental results that are otherwise treated
      by means of numerical methods only. 

PMID- 25121888
TI  - High-speed silicon modulator with band equalization.
AB  - Electro-optic modulation up to 70 Gbit/s has been demonstrated using a silicon
      Mach-Zehnder modulator with a bias voltage of -1.5 V. In a wide frequency range
      from DC, an increasing input impedance of the modulator was designed to equalize
      its electro-optic frequency response. Without a bias voltage, the 3 dB bandwidth
      was measured as 35 GHz and it is predicted to be as high as 55 GHz at -3 V bias.
      Frequency responses of the modulator operated with counter-propagating waves were
      tested to verify the proposed prediction model.

PMID- 25121887
TI  - Interferometric fiber-optic bending/nano-displacement sensor using plastic dual
      core fiber.
AB  - We demonstrate an interferometric fiber-optic bending/nano-displacement sensor
      based on a plastic dual-core fiber. The light coupled into the two fiber cores is
      first guided along the fiber, and then reflected by the mirror coated at the
      fiber end. Reflected light coming out of the fiber produces interference that
      shifts as the fiber bends. The interference shift is interrogated using a slit
      and a photodetector. The resolution of our sensor is ~3*10(-4) m(-1) for sensing
      the bending curvature, and ~70 nm for sensing the displacement.

PMID- 25121889
TI  - Mid-infrared digital holography and holographic interferometry with a tunable
      quantum cascade laser.
AB  - Mid-infrared digital holography based on CO2 lasers has proven to be a powerful
      coherent imaging technique due to reduced sensitivity to mechanical vibrations,
      increased field of view, high optical power, and possible vision through
      scattering media, e.g., smoke. Here we demonstrate a similar and more compact
      holographic system based on an external cavity quantum cascade laser emitting at
      8 MUm. Such a setup, which includes a highly sensitive microbolometric camera,
      allows the acquisition of speckle holograms of scattering objects, which can be
      processed in real time. In addition, by exploiting the broad laser tunability, we
      can acquire holograms at different wavelengths, from which we extract phase
      images not subjected to phase wrapping, at synthetic wavelengths ranging from
      hundreds of micrometers to several millimeters.

PMID- 25121890
TI  - Optical limiting properties of a nonlinear multilayer Fabry-Perot resonator
      containing niobium pentoxide as nonlinear medium.
AB  - The optical limiting effect was numerically simulated and experimentally observed
      for a 25-layer thin-film Fabry-Perot microresonator by 7 ns laser pulses at 532
      nm. The sample, made by vacuum evaporation and consisting of alternating Nb2O5
      and SiO2 layers, has an ultranarrow line of transparency at near 532 nm within a
      wide spectral band of reflection. By adjusting simulated results in accordance
      with experimental dependencies of transmittance, reflectance, and absorbance on
      incident light intensity, the coefficient of optical nonlinearity of Nb2O5 was
      estimated at (6+1i).10(-12)  cm2/W.

PMID- 25121891
TI  - Combining cw-seeding with highly nonlinear fibers in a broadly tunable
      femtosecond optical parametric amplifier at 42 MHz.
AB  - We report on a precisely tunable and highly stable femtosecond oscillator-pumped
      optical parametric amplifier at a 41.7 MHz repetition rate for spectroscopic
      applications. A novel concept based on cw-seeding of a first amplification stage
      with subsequent spectral broadening and shaping, followed by two further
      amplification stages, allows for precise sub-nanometer and gap-free tuning from
      1.35 to 1.75 MUm and 2.55 to 4.5 MUm. Excellent spectral stability is
      demonstrated with deviations of less than 0.008% rms central wavelength and 1.6%
      rms bandwidth over 1 h. Spectral shaping of the seed pulse allows precise
      adjustment of both the bandwidth and the pulse duration over a broad range at a
      given central wavelength. Transform-limited pulses nearly as short as 107 fs are
      achieved. More than half a Watt of average power in the near- and more than 200
      mW in the mid-infrared with power fluctuations less than 0.6% rms over 1 h
      provide an excellent basis for spectroscopic experiments. The pulse-to-pulse
      power fluctuations are as small as 1.8%. Further, we demonstrate for the first
      time, to the best of our knowledge, that by using hollow-core capillaries with
      highly nonlinear liquids as a host medium for self-phase modulation, the signal
      tuning range can be extended and covers the region from 1.4 MUm up to the point
      of degeneracy at 2.07 MUm. Hence, the idler covers 2.07 to 4.0 MUm.

PMID- 25121892
TI  - High-power flip-chip semiconductor disk laser in the 1.3 MUm wavelength band.
AB  - We present 6.1 W of output power from a flip-chip semiconductor disk laser (SDL)
      emitting in the 1.3 MUm wavelength region. This is the first demonstration of a
      flip-chip SDL in this wavelength range with output powers that are comparable to
      those obtained with intracavity diamond heat spreaders. The flip-chip
      configuration circumvents the optical distortions and losses that the intracavity
      diamond heat spreaders can introduce into the laser cavity. This is essential for
      several key applications of SDLs.

PMID- 25121894
TI  - Cost-efficient delay generator for fast terahertz imaging.
AB  - We present a fast and low-cost delay generator for terahertz (THz) waves that
      transfers a rotational motion of a transparent dielectric cube into an effective
      THz delay. The device is easily implemented in the THz beam path and allows for
      coherent sampling over 40 ps with a scan rate of hundreds of hertz. Furthermore,
      we show that our approach is particularly suitable for fast THz imaging.

PMID- 25121893
TI  - Implications of Raman scattering and phase noise on multiple four-wave mixing
      processes in an optical fiber.
AB  - Implications of spontaneous and stimulated Raman scattering (SSRS) and phase
      noise on the spatial evolution of multiple-order sidebands arising from four-wave
      mixing (FWM) along the length of an optical fiber are investigated. A modified
      split-step Fourier method is used to solve the governing coupled nonlinear
      Schrodinger equations. The phase noise overcomes the depletive nature of SSRS and
      stabilizes the FWM sidebands, in good agreement with experimental results. 

PMID- 25121895
TI  - Plasmonic routing in aperiodic graphene sheet arrays.
AB  - We discover deep-subwavelength, low-loss, and diffraction-free surface plasmon
      polariton (SPP) beam routing effects in aperiodic graphene sheet arrays (a-GSAs).
      The a-GSAs are constructed by varying either the interlayer spaces between
      graphene or the individual graphene chemical potentials. The SPP beams can be
      accelerated or decelerated in the a-GSAs, resulting in beam routing in different
      paths. The wave fronts of the beams are always parallel to the propagation
      direction, allowing the generation of transverse radiation pressure. All of these
      behaviors of SPPs are demonstrated by fully vectorial simulation and Hamilton
      optics analysis. 

PMID- 25121896
TI  - Miniature forward-viewing spectrally encoded endoscopic probe.
AB  - Spectrally encoded endoscopy is a promising technique for minimally invasive
      imaging, allowing high-quality imaging through small diameter probes that do not
      require rapid mechanical scanning. A novel optical configuration that employs
      broadband visible light and dual-channel imaging is used to demonstrate a
      miniature forward-viewing probe having a high number of resolvable points, low
      speckle contrast, negligible backreflections, and high signal-to-noise ratio. The
      system would be most suitable for imaging through narrow ducts and vessels for
      clinical diagnosis at hard-to-reach locations in the body. 

PMID- 25121897
TI  - Remote wind sensing with a CW diode laser lidar beyond the coherence regime.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate for the first time (to our knowledge) a coherent CW
      lidar system capable of wind speed measurement at a probing distance beyond the
      coherence regime of the light source. A side-by-side wind measurement was
      conducted on the field using two lidar systems with identical optical designs but
      different laser linewidths. While one system was operating within the coherence
      regime, the other was measuring at least 2.4 times the coherence range. The
      probing distance of both lidars is 85 m and the radial wind speed correlation was
      measured to be r2=0.965 between the two lidars at a sampling rate of 2 Hz. Based
      on our experimental results, we describe a practical guideline for designing a
      wind lidar operating beyond the coherence regime.

PMID- 25121898
TI  - Fingerprints of topological defects in a metasurface.
AB  - Singularity, representing a structurally stable topological defect (TD), plays a
      pivotal role in various physical systems. Here we theoretically present the
      fingerprints of TDs and uncover the resulting exotic optical properties in a
      tailored metasurface system. The presence of the TDs results in coherent perfect
      absorption, and dramatic optical property transition from slow to superluminal
      light behavior when the parameters cross the TD. Our investigation provides a new
      route to explore many phenomena of the TDs, extends the capabilities of
      metasurface, and offers benefits to develop potential nanophotonic applications
      based on the design of the metasurface. 

PMID- 25121899
TI  - Giant optical forces in planar dielectric photonic metamaterials.
AB  - We demonstrate that resonant optical forces generated within all-dielectric
      planar photonic metamaterials at near-infrared illumination wavelengths can be an
      order of magnitude larger than in corresponding plasmonic metamaterials, reaching
      levels many tens of times greater than the force resulting from radiation
      pressure. This is made possible by the dielectric structures' freedom from Joule
      losses and the consequent ability to sustain Fano-resonances with high quality
      factors that are unachievable in plasmonic nanostructures. Dielectric nano
      optomechanical metamaterials can thus provide a functional platform for a range
      of novel dynamically controlled and self-adaptive nonlinear, tunable/switchable
      photonic metamaterials. 

PMID- 25121900
TI  - Narsarsukite-structure fluorosilicate as a blue component for white LEDs:
      structural and optical properties.
AB  - A new blue-emitting phosphor, K2ScSi4O10F:Eu>2+ (KSSOF:Eu2+), was synthesized
      through a solid-state reaction. The structural and optical properties of
      KSSOF:Eu2+ phosphor, in addition to its thermal quenching and fabrication of
      white LEDs (WLEDs), were investigated for the first time. The phosphor showed
      broad blue emission, with a maximum at ~434 nm under near-ultraviolet excitation
      due to 5d->4f transition of the Eu2+ ion. The critical distance was calculated to
      be 12 A using the critical concentration of Eu2+ and Dexter's theory for energy
      transfer. WLEDs were fabricated by blending KSSOF:Eu2+, commercial
      Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+, and (Sr,Ca)AlSiN3:Eu2+ phosphors, showed a high color rendering
      index of 88 at a correlated color temperature of 4134 K under a forward bias
      current of 100 mA.

PMID- 25121901
TI  - Extended parametric gain range in photonic crystal fibers with strongly frequency
      dependent field distributions.
AB  - The parametric gain range of a degenerate four-wave mixing process is determined
      in the undepleted pump regime. The gain range is considered with and without
      taking the mode field distributions of the four-wave mixing components into
      account. It is found that the mode field distributions have to be included to
      evaluate the parametric gain correctly in dispersion-tailored speciality fibers
      and that mode profile engineering can provide a way to increase the parametric
      gain range. 

PMID- 25121902
TI  - Narrow bandwidth, picosecond, 1064  nm pumped optical parametric generator for
      the mid-IR based on HgGa2S4.
AB  - We report on optical parametric generation in a mercury thiogallate (HgGa2S4)
      crystal pumped by 16 ps, 1064 nm pulses at 250 kHz. A broad tuning range
      extending from 1.19 to 1.47 MUm (signal) and from 3.85 to 10 MUm (idler) is
      achieved. Narrow bandwidth, quasi-Fourier limited operation with high beam
      quality for the signal/idler pulses and >14% pump depletion is obtained by
      continuous wave seed injection at 1.29 MUm.

PMID- 25121903
TI  - Bilayer holey plasmonic vortex lenses for the far field transmission of pure
      orbital angular momentum light states.
AB  - We report the design of a holey plasmonic vortex lens (PVL) structure able to
      couple circularly polarized impinging light to a plasmonic vortex in the form of
      the fundamental TM mode of a metal-insulator-metal plasmonic waveguide. The field
      transmitted through the hole milled at the center of the second metal layer of
      the structure is characterized by a well-defined spiral harmonic, entirely
      determined by the spin of impinging light and by the chirality of the PVL
      structure. Scattering finite elements simulations are presented for single layer
      standard PVLs and for bilayer ones, comparing the spiral spectra of the
      transmitted field and the efficiencies of the architectures. 

PMID- 25121904
TI  - Noncontact photoacoustic imaging based on all-fiber heterodyne interferometer.
AB  - We report on a noncontact photoacoustic imaging system utilizing an all-fiber
      optic heterodyne interferometer as an acoustic wave detector. The acoustic wave
      generated by a short laser pulse via the photoacoustic effect and arriving at the
      sample surface could be detected with the fiber-optic heterodyne interferometer
      without physical contact or using an impedance matching medium. A phantom
      experiment was conducted to evaluate the proposed system, and the initial
      acoustic pressure distribution was calculated using a Fourier-based
      reconstruction algorithm. It is expected that the all-fiber-optic configuration
      of the proposed system can be applied as a minimally invasive diagnostic tool. 

PMID- 25121905
TI  - Phase conjugation of vector fields by degenerate four-wave mixing in a Fe-doped
      LiNbO3.
AB  - We propose a method to generate the phase-conjugate wave of the vector field by
      degenerate four-wave mixing in a c-cut Fe-doped LiNbO3 crystal. We demonstrate
      experimentally that the phase-conjugate wave of the vector field can be
      generated. In particular, the phase-conjugate vector field has also the peculiar
      function of compensating the polarization distortion, as the traditional phase
      conjugate scaler field can compensate the phase distortion.

PMID- 25121906
TI  - Design of spatio-temporally modulated static infrared imaging Fourier transform
      spectrometer.
AB  - A novel static medium wave infrared (MWIR) imaging Fourier transform spectrometer
      (IFTS) is conceptually proposed and experimentally demonstrated. In this system,
      the moving mirror in traditional temporally modulated IFTS is replaced by multi
      step micro-mirrors to realize the static design. Compared with the traditional
      spatially modulated IFTS, they have no slit system and are superior with larger
      luminous flux and higher energy efficiency. The use of the multi-step micro
      mirrors can also make the system compact and light. 

PMID- 25121907
TI  - Demonstration of tunable optical generation of higher-order modulation formats
      using nonlinearities and coherent frequency comb.
AB  - We demonstrate a tunable, optical generation scheme of higher-order modulation
      formats including pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) and quadrature amplitude
      modulation (QAM). Using this method, 100.4 Gbit/s 16-QAM and 120 Gbit/s 64-QAM
      were generated from 50.2 and 40 Gbit/s QPSK signals at EVMs of 7.8% and 6.4%, and
      60 Gbit/s 8-PAM were generated at an EVM of 8.1% using three 20-Gbit/s BPSK
      signals. We also demonstrated a successful transmission of 80 Gbit/s 16-QAM
      through 80 km SMF-28 after compensating with 20 km DCF. All signals were
      generated, transmitted, and detected with BER below the forward error correction
      threshold.

PMID- 25121908
TI  - Suppression of nonlinear phonon relaxation in Yb:YAG thin disk via zero phonon
      line pumping.
AB  - A quantitative comparison of conventional absorption line (940 nm) pumping and
      zero phonon line (ZPL) (969 nm) pumping of a Yb:YAG thin disk laser is reported.
      Characteristics of an output beam profile, surface temperature, and deformation
      of a thin disk under the different pump wavelengths are evaluated. We found that
      a nonlinear phonon relaxation (NPR) of the excited state in Yb:YAG, which induces
      nonlinear temperature rise and large aspheric deformation, did not appear in the
      case of a ZPL pumped Yb:YAG thin disk. This means that the advantage of ZPL
      pumping is not only the reduction of quantum defect but also the suppression of
      NPR. The latter effect is more important for high power lasers.

PMID- 25121909
TI  - Precise frequency measurement and characterization of a continuous scanning
      single-mode laser with an optical frequency comb.
AB  - We developed a high-precision frequency-measurement system for continuously
      scanning single-mode cw lasers. The high precision for wide frequency range is
      realized by employing an optical frequency comb. The developed system operates as
      a strong tool for analyzing the spectral profile and scan characteristics of
      lasers, which is suitable for high-resolution molecular spectroscopy. We
      demonstrated the ability of our system with Doppler-free spectroscopy of
      molecular iodine. 

PMID- 25121910
TI  - Using shadows to measure spatial coherence.
AB  - We present a very simple method for measuring the spatial coherence of quasi
      monochromatic fields through the comparison of two measurements of the radiant
      intensity with and without a small obscuration at the test plane. From these
      measurements one can measure simultaneously the field's coherence at all pairs of
      points whose centroid is the centroid of the obstacle. This method can be
      implemented without the need of any refractive or diffractive focusing elements. 

PMID- 25121911
TI  - Experimental observation of lateral emission in freestanding GaN-based membrane
      devices.
AB  - This Letter describes a double-sided process to fabricate freestanding membrane
      devices on a GaN-on-silicon platform. The photoluminescence measurement is taken
      to characterize the optical performance. A large portion of the excited light
      from InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells is trapped as waveguide modes and
      propagates in different directions. Experimental results show that the
      propagation direction of the waveguide mode can be converted into the direction
      normal to the surface at the edge of a freestanding membrane, and the emitted
      light is attenuated due to light propagation loss before it gets out from the
      edge. Subwavelength grating can also convert waveguide modes into air modes on a
      freestanding membrane. These results suggest that the emission efficiency can be
      greatly improved by employing more efficient light extraction methods and that
      GaN-based photonic waveguides are promising in the visible range. 

PMID- 25121912
TI  - One-way optical transmission in silicon grating-photonic crystal structures.
AB  - One-way optical transmission through a composite structure of grating-photonic
      crystal (PC) is presented. This unidirectional transportation property originates
      from the diffraction of grating to change the direction of light incident into
      the PC from pseudobandgaps to passbands of the PC. Numerical simulation shows
      that a light beam in a certain range of frequencies can transmit the composite
      structure when it is incident from the grating interface but is completely
      reflected by the structure when it is incident from the PC interface, which is
      further verified experimentally. The present structure may provide another more
      compact way for designing on-chip optical diode-like integrated devices. 

PMID- 25121913
TI  - All-optical modulation and switching by a metamaterial of plasmonic circuits.
AB  - We demonstrate experimentally the modulation and switching of one light beam by a
      second beam using metamaterials constructed from arrays of plasmonic circuits.
      Each circuit consists of three gold nanorods that mix together two coherent but
      orthogonally polarized light beams leading to modulation by an interference
      effect. By adjusting the phase and the amplitude of one of the beams, the
      amplitude and spectral composition of the second beam is altered. The plasmonic
      circuits display an asymmetry that enables an angle-dependent modulation, which
      we demonstrate with a diffraction grating where the energy directed into two
      diffraction orders is controlled by a second light beam. This effect appears like
      an optically controlled blaze that we use to switch a light beam between two
      different directions. 

PMID- 25121914
TI  - Single-mode air-clad liquid-core waveguides on a surface energy patterned
      substrate.
AB  - We demonstrate a new kind of single-mode micro-optical waveguide based on a
      liquid core on top of solid substrate and air cladding. The liquid is held in
      place by surface tension and patterned surface energy on the substrate. Due to
      the smooth nature of the liquid/air interface down to the molecular level, low
      scattering losses are expected. Losses were measured to be -6.0 and -7.8 dB/cm
      for, respectively, 12 and 9 MUm wide waveguides.

PMID- 25121915
TI  - Narrow-linewidth quantum cascade laser at 8.6 MUm.
AB  - We report on a narrow-linewidth distributed-feedback quantum cascade laser at 8.6
      MUm that is optical-feedback locked to a high-finesse V-shaped cavity. The
      spectral purity of the quantum cascade laser is fully characterized using a high
      sensitivity optical frequency discriminator, leading to a 1 ms linewidth of less
      than 4 kHz and a minimum laser frequency noise spectral density as low as 0.01
      Hz2/Hz for Fourier frequencies larger than 100 kHz. The cumulative standard
      deviation of the laser intensity is better than 0.1% over an integration
      bandwidth from 2 Hz to 100 MHz.

PMID- 25121917
TI  - Tunable electro-optic filter based on metal-ferroelectric nanocomposite for VLC.
AB  - The emerging technology of visible light communications (VLC) will provide a new
      modality of communication. This technology uses illumination lighting to carry
      information. We propose to add a smart capability to mitigate interferences from
      unwanted light sources. This is achieved by adaptively filtering interference
      light using a tunable filter to block interferences dynamically. In this Letter,
      we present an innovative concept for a tunable notch filter based on
      ferroelectric thin films embedded with noble metal nanoparticles. The adaptivity
      of the filter is achieved by controlling the external applied voltage. This
      voltage creates an electric field that changes the refractive index of the host
      film through the linear electro-optic effect. Moreover, the fundamental
      characteristics of the filter are determined by the layer's parameters, such as
      film thickness, nanoparticles concentration and geometry, and the material of
      both the host thin film and nanoparticles. We study the tunability of lead
      zirconate titanate (PZT) embedded with Ag nanoparticles that reaches
      approximately 50 nm, between 530 and 590 nm. Moreover, we showed that a PZT notch
      filter embedded with Ag nanoshells has its stop band shifted to shorter
      wavelengths. These tunable filters can be used as mode selectors inside a laser
      resonator, spatial light filters for imaging and communication both for VLC and
      infrared communication.

PMID- 25121916
TI  - Generation of attenuation-compensating Airy beams.
AB  - We present an attenuation-corrected "nondiffracting" Airy beam. The correction
      factor can be adjusted to deliver a beam that exhibits an adjustable exponential
      intensity increase or decrease over a finite distance. A digital micromirror
      device that shapes both amplitude and phase is used to experimentally verify the
      propagation of these beams through air and partially absorbing media. 

PMID- 25121918
TI  - Controlling high-power autofocusing waves with periodic lattices.
AB  - We show numerically that by using radial symmetric lattices, the focal spot
      characteristics and filament peak intensity of high-power autofocusing waves can
      be controlled. The lattice induced diffraction is able to isolate the main on
      axis peak and control the focus position. In addition, at higher power the
      lattice can control and stabilize the peak intensity of the filament over an
      extended distance. 

PMID- 25121919
TI  - Efficient excitation of photoluminescence in a two-dimensional waveguide
      consisting of a quantum dot-polymer sandwich-type structure.
AB  - In this Letter, we study a new kind of organic polymer waveguide numerically and
      experimentally by combining an ultrathin (10-50 nm) layer of compactly packed
      CdSe/ZnS core/shell colloidal quantum dots (QDs) sandwiched between two cladding
      poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) layers. When a pumping laser beam is coupled
      into the waveguide edge, light is mostly confined around the QD layer, improving
      the efficiency of excitation. Moreover, the absence of losses in the claddings
      allows the propagation of the pumping laser beam along the entire waveguide
      length; hence, a high-intensity photoluminescence (PL) is produced. Furthermore,
      a novel fabrication technology is developed to pattern the PMMA into ridge
      structures by UV lithography in order to provide additional light confinement.
      The sandwich-type waveguide is analyzed in comparison to a similar one formed by
      a PMMA film homogeneously doped by the same QDs. A 100-fold enhancement in the
      waveguided PL is found for the sandwich-type case due to the higher concentration
      of QDs inside the waveguide.

PMID- 25121920
TI  - Experimental observation of the effect of generic singularities in polychromatic
      dark hollow beams.
AB  - This Letter presents the essence of our recent experimental study on generic
      singularities carrying spatially partially coherent, polychromatic dark hollow
      beams (PDHBs). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental
      demonstration of generic singularities-induced wavefront tearing in focused
      polychromatic beams. 

PMID- 25121921
TI  - Polarization-diversified photonic comb filter with independently tunable free
      spectrum range.
AB  - A polarization-diversified photonic comb filter with tunable free spectrum range
      (FSR) is proposed using two variable differential group delay (DGD) elements in a
      loop configuration. Two different cosine transfer functions could be
      simultaneously realized on orthogonal polarization states. Experimental
      demonstrations also verify feasibilities in various reconfigurable transfer
      functions. 

PMID- 25121922
TI  - Cascaded uncoupled dual-ring modulator.
AB  - We demonstrate, by coherent driving two uncoupled rings in same direction, that
      the effective photon circulating time in the dual-ring modulator is reduced, with
      increased modulation quality. The inter-ring detuning-dependent photon dynamics,
      Q factor, extinction ratio, and optical modulation amplitude of two cascaded
      silicon ring resonators are studied and compared with that of a single-ring
      modulator. Experimentally measured eye diagrams, together with coupled mode
      theory simulations, demonstrate the enhancement of the dual-ring configuration at
      20 Gbps with a Q~20,000.

PMID- 25121924
TI  - Protein stable isotope fingerprinting: multidimensional protein chromatography
      coupled to stable isotope-ratio mass spectrometry.
AB  - Protein stable isotope fingerprinting (P-SIF) is a method to measure the carbon
      isotope ratios of whole proteins separated from complex mixtures, including
      cultures and environmental samples. The goal of P-SIF is to expose the links
      between taxonomic identity and metabolic function in microbial ecosystems. To
      accomplish this, two dimensions of chromatography are used in sequence to resolve
      a sample containing ca. 5-10 mg of mixed proteins into 960 fractions. Each
      fraction then is split in two aliquots: The first is digested with trypsin for
      peptide sequencing, while the second has its ratio of (13)C/(12)C (value of
      delta(13)C) measured in triplicate using an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer
      interfaced with a spooling wire microcombustion device. Data from cultured
      species show that bacteria have a narrow distribution of protein delta(13)C
      values within individual taxa (+/-0.7-1.20/00, 1sigma). This is moderately larger
      than the mean precision of the triplicate isotope measurements (+/-0.50/00,
      1sigma) and may reflect heterogeneous distribution of (13)C among the amino
      acids. When cells from different species are mixed together prior to protein
      extraction and separation, the results can predict accurately (to within +/
      1sigma) the delta(13)C values of the original taxa. The number of data points
      required for this endmember prediction is >=20/taxon, yielding a theoretical
      resolution of ca. 10 taxonomic units/sample. Such resolution should be useful to
      determine the overall trophic breadth of mixed microbial ecosystems. Although we
      utilize P-SIF to measure natural isotope ratios, it also could be combined with
      experiments that incorporate stable isotope labeling.

PMID- 25121925
TI  - Concentration dependence of ionic hydration numbers.
AB  - Isothermal compressibility data of 23 aqueous electrolyte solutions at 25 
      degrees C from the literature are used to calculate their hydration numbers,
      which diminish as the concentration increases. Their limit at very high
      concentration is near the "number of adsorption sites" of water molecules on the
      ions, obtained by the BET method. On the contrary, hydration numbers obtained
      from ultrasound speed measurements yielding isentropic compressibilities cannot
      be valid, being much too large at infinite dilution. 

PMID- 25121923
TI  - Wage, work environment, and staffing: effects on nurse outcomes.
AB  - Research has shown that hospitals with better nurse staffing and work
      environments have better nurse outcomes-less burnout, job dissatisfaction, and
      intention to leave the job. Many studies, however, have not accounted for wage
      effects, which may confound findings. By using a secondary analysis with cross
      sectional administrative data and a four-state survey of nurses, we investigated
      how wage, work environment, and staffing were associated with nurse outcomes.
      Logistic regression models, with and without wage, were used to estimate the
      effects of work environment and staffing on burnout, job dissatisfaction, and
      intent to leave. We discovered that wage was associated with job dissatisfaction
      and intent to leave but had little influence on burnout, while work environment
      and average patient-to-nurse ratio still have considerable effects on nurse
      outcomes. Wage is important for good nurse outcomes, but it does not diminish the
      significant influence of work environment and staffing on nurse outcomes. 

PMID- 25121927
TI  - Incidence of steroid-induced ocular hypertension after vitreoretinal surgery with
      difluprednate versus prednisolone acetate.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after vitreoretinal
      surgical procedures in eyes that received either difluprednate ophthalmic
      emulsion 0.05% (DP) or prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension 1% (PA).
      METHODS: A retrospective chart review compared a consecutive series of 100
      patients who received DP with 100 patients who received PA after vitreoretinal
      surgery. Data were collected for a 3-month period from the time of surgery.
      RESULTS: A significantly higher number of patients treated with DP (35%, n = 35)
      developed increased IOP (>21 mmHg with a change from baseline of >10 mmHg)
      compared with those receiving PA (22%, n = 22) (P = 0.042). The mean maximum IOP
      in the DP cohort (26.7 mmHg) was significantly higher than that in the PA cohort
      (22.8 mmHg) (P = 0.0027). Additionally, the rise in IOP from baseline was
      significantly higher in the DP-treated cohort (9.0 mmHg) than that in the PA
      treated cohort (6.0 mmHg) (P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Eyes treated with DP after
      vitreoretinal surgery were at increased risk for developing clinically
      significant increases in IOP compared with those receiving PA.

PMID- 25121928
TI  - Visual and anatomical outcomes of macular epiretinal membrane peeling after
      previous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report outcomes and prognostic factors after epiretinal membrane
      peeling in patients with previous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair.
      METHODS: A consecutive case series. Best-corrected visual acuity and optical
      coherence tomography characteristics were analyzed before and after epiretinal
      membrane surgery. RESULTS: Fifty-three eyes were analyzed. Best-corrected visual
      acuity improved by a mean of 10 letters at 1 month (N = 45; P = 0.001), 15 at 3
      months (N = 42; P < 0.001), 11 at 6 months (N = 35; P = 0.001), and 16 at 12
      months (N = 33; P < 0.001). The mean optical coherence tomography central foveal
      thickness decreased by 141 (N = 22; P < 0.001), 185 (N = 24; P < 0.001), 180 (N =
      17; P = 0.001), and 151 MUm (N = 9; P = 0.017) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months,
      respectively. Better preoperative best-corrected visual acuity correlated with
      better best-corrected visual acuity at all follow-up visits (P <= 0.001). Intact
      preoperative inner segment/outer segment junction and external limiting membrane
      line, but not the change in central foveal thickness or location of fluid,
      correlated with better postoperative best-corrected visual acuity through 6
      months. CONCLUSION: Epiretinal membrane peeling after previous rhegmatogenous
      retinal detachment repair resulted in significant improvements in visual acuity
      and optical coherence tomography thickness, even in eyes with previous macula
      involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Better preoperative visual acuity
      and intact outer retinal layers by optical coherence tomography were the main
      prognostic factors for visual outcomes.

PMID- 25121929
TI  - Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

PMID- 25121926
TI  - Cholesterol selectively regulates IL-5 induced mitogen activated protein kinase
      signaling in human eosinophils.
AB  - Eosinophils function contributes to human allergic and autoimmune diseases, many
      of which currently lack curative treatment. Development of more effective
      treatments for eosinophil-related diseases requires expanded understanding of
      eosinophil signaling and biology. Cell signaling requires integration of
      extracellular signals with intracellular responses, and is organized in part by
      cholesterol rich membrane microdomains (CRMMs), commonly referred to as lipid
      rafts. Formation of these organizational membrane domains is in turn dependent
      upon the amount of available cholesterol, which can fluctuate widely with a
      variety of disease states. We tested the hypothesis that manipulating membrane
      cholesterol content in primary human peripheral blood eosinophils (PBEos) would
      selectively alter signaling pathways that depend upon membrane-anchored signaling
      proteins localized within CRMMs (e.g., mitogen activated protein kinase [MAPK]
      pathway), while not affecting pathways that signal through soluble proteins, like
      the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription [JAK/STAT]
      pathway. Cholesterol levels were increased or decreased utilizing cholesterol
      chelating methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD), which can either extract membrane
      cholesterol or add exogenous membrane cholesterol depending on whether MbetaCD is
      preloaded with cholesterol. Human PBEos were pretreated with MbetaCD (cholesterol
      removal) or MbetaCD+Cholesterol (MbetaCD+Chol; cholesterol delivery); subsequent
      IL-5-stimulated signaling and physiological endpoints were assessed. MbetaCD
      reduced membrane cholesterol in PBEos, and attenuated an IL-5-stimulated p38 and
      extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation (p-p38, p-ERK1/2), and an IL-5
      dependent increase in interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) mRNA levels. In contrast,
      MbetaCD+Chol treatment elevated PBEos membrane cholesterol levels and basal p
      p38, but did not alter IL-5-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2, STAT5, or
      STAT3. Furthermore, MbetaCD+Chol pretreatment attenuated an IL-5-induced increase
      in cell survival at 48 hours, measured as total cellular metabolism. The
      reduction in cell survival following cholesterol addition despite unaltered STAT
      phosphorylation contradicts the current dogma in which JAK/STAT activation is
      sufficient to promote eosinophil survival, and suggests an additional,
      unidentified mechanism critically regulates IL-5-mediated human PBEos survival. 

PMID- 25121930
TI  - Impact of duration of macula-off retinal detachment on visual outcome: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis of literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: To systematically review the influence of the lag time between macula
      off retinal detachment and surgical intervention on postoperative visual acuity
      as main outcome measure. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis of articles
      published from 1995 to October 2013 of patients with macula-off retinal
      detachment and treated with scleral buckling or pars plana vitrectomy. Eligible
      data were pooled in a meta-analysis, analyzing the odds ratio between different
      durations of <= 3, <= 4, <= 7, and <= 10 days, comparing a final visual acuity of
      <= 0.4 logMAR with >0.4 logMAR, using a random-effects model. Last, the number
      needed to treat was calculated. RESULTS: Fourteen articles were eligible, of
      which 9 studies contained data that were suitable for meta-analysis. Patients who
      were operated with scleral buckling (n = 602) within 3 days since macular
      detachment had a statistically significant better chance of reaching a final
      visual acuity of 0.4 logMAR or better compared with a longer duration of macular
      detachment, with an odds ratio for <= 3 days versus 4 days to 7 days of 2.86 (95%
      confidence interval, 1.37-5.99) and an odds ratio for <= 3 days versus >3 days of
      3.09 (95% confidence interval, 1.56-6.12), and with a number needed to treat of
      4. For pars plana vitrectomy, the limited amount of data precluded a meta
      analysis with substantial results. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that
      scleral buckling for macular detachment must preferably be performed within 3
      days to optimize visual outcome.

PMID- 25121931
TI  - Preoperative carbohydrate treatment for enhancing recovery after elective
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preoperative carbohydrate treatments have been widely adopted as part
      of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) or fast-track surgery protocols.
      Although fast-track surgery protocols have been widely investigated and have been
      shown to be associated with improved postoperative outcomes, some individual
      constituents of these protocols, including preoperative carbohydrate treatment,
      have not been subject to such robust analysis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects
      of preoperative carbohydrate treatment, compared with placebo or preoperative
      fasting, on postoperative recovery and insulin resistance in adult patients
      undergoing elective surgery. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2014, Issue 3), MEDLINE (January 1946 to
      March 2014), EMBASE (January 1947 to March 2014), the Cumulative Index to Nursing
      and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (January 1980 to March 2014) and Web of
      Science (January 1900 to March 2014) databases. We did not apply language
      restrictions in the literature search. We searched reference lists of relevant
      articles and contacted known authors in the field to identify unpublished data.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized controlled trials of preoperative
      carbohydrate treatment compared with placebo or traditional preoperative fasting
      in adult study participants undergoing elective surgery. Treatment groups needed
      to receive at least 45 g of carbohydrates within four hours before surgery or
      anaesthesia start time. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were abstracted
      independently by at least two review authors, with discrepancies resolved by
      consensus. Data were abstracted and documented pro forma and were entered into
      RevMan 5.2 for analysis. Quality assessment was performed independently by two
      review authors according to the standard methodological procedures expected by
      The Cochrane Collaboration. When available data were insufficient for quality
      assessment or data analysis, trial authors were contacted to request needed
      information. We collected trial data on complication rates and aspiration
      pneumonitis. MAIN RESULTS: We included 27 trials involving 1976 participants
      Trials were conducted in Europe, China, Brazil, Canada and New Zealand and
      involved patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery (18), orthopaedic surgery
      (4), cardiac surgery (4) and thyroidectomy (1). Twelve studies were limited to
      participants with an American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade of I-II or I
      III.A total of 17 trials contained at least one domain judged to be at high risk
      of bias, and only two studies were judged to be at low risk of bias across all
      domains. Of greatest concern was the risk of bias associated with inadequate
      blinding, as most of the outcomes assessed by this review were subjective. Only
      six trials were judged to be at low risk of bias because of blinding.In 19 trials
      including 1351 participants, preoperative carbohydrate treatment was associated
      with shortened length of hospital stay compared with placebo or fasting (by 0.30
      days; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 0.04; very low-quality evidence). No
      significant effect on length of stay was noted when preoperative carbohydrate
      treatment was compared with placebo (14 trials including 867 participants; mean
      difference -0.13 days; 95% CI -0.38 to 0.12). Based on two trials including 86
      participants, preoperative carbohydrate treatment was also associated with
      shortened time to passage of flatus when compared with placebo or fasting (by
      0.39 days; 95% CI 0.70 to 0.07), as well as increased postoperative peripheral
      insulin sensitivity (three trials including 41 participants; mean increase in
      glucose infusion rate measured by hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp of 0.76
      mg/kg/min; 95% CI 0.24 to 1.29; high-quality evidence).As reported by 14 trials
      involving 913 participants, preoperative carbohydrate treatment was not
      associated with an increase or a decrease in the risk of postoperative
      complications compared with placebo or fasting (risk ratio of complications 0.98,
      95% CI 0.86 to 1.11; low-quality evidence). Aspiration pneumonitis was not
      reported in any patients, regardless of treatment group allocation. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative carbohydrate treatment was associated with a small
      reduction in length of hospital stay when compared with placebo or fasting in
      adult patients undergoing elective surgery. It was found that preoperative
      carbohydrate treatment did not increase or decrease postoperative complication
      rates when compared with placebo or fasting. Lack of adequate blinding in many
      studies may have contributed to observed treatment effects for these subjective
      outcomes, which are subject to possible biases.

PMID- 25121933
TI  - Registered nurses, nurse specialists and physicians have a neutral to moderately
      positive view on nurse prescribing, though physicians still have patient safety
      concerns.
AB  - Implications for practice and research: The process of assigning medical roles to
      nurses has to be gradual and stepwise. The influence of this process on the
      consequences for the nursing and medical professions, and for the quality of
      care, should be investigated further.

PMID- 25121934
TI  - Nurse home visits for infants and toddlers of low-income families improve
      behavioural, language and attention outcomes at age 6-9 years; paraprofessional
      visits improve visual attention and task switching.
AB  - Implications for practice and research: Infant home visiting can be efficacious
      in improving child developmental outcomes throughout early childhood. Home
      visiting by trained nurses produce positive outcomes, whereas outcomes for
      paraprofessionals are mixed. This study suggests that future research should be
      directed towards understanding how nurses have a more positive impact on mothers
      and their children than paraprofessionals.

PMID- 25121935
TI  - Health professionals' pain management decisions are influenced by their role
      (nurse or physician) and by patient gender, age and ethnicity.
AB  - Implications for practice and research: Healthcare providers from different
      fields may respond differently to patients with pain. On average, nurses rated
      pain intensity higher than physicians and were more likely to prescribe opioids.
      Patient demographic characteristics may influence nurses' and physicians'
      perceptions of pain intensity and decisions to treat pain with opioid analgesics.
      This study must be replicated with a more robust study design before findings can
      be translated into recommendations for intervention.

PMID- 25121936
TI  - High prevalence of neck, shoulder and back pain among nursing graduates warrants
      preventive strategies during the degree and into working life.
AB  - Implications for practice and research: Physical, organisational and social
      aspects of work significantly contribute to musculoskeletal pain in nurses, along
      with nonoccupational contextual and personal factors. Measures to prevent neck,
      shoulder and back pain in nurses should be implemented for nurses from the very
      beginning of their training programmes, while modifications to overtime work and
      physical loads should be seriously considered. Preventive measures targeting
      overtime work, physical workload and psychosocial factors need investigating
      further.

PMID- 25121937
TI  - Magnetic reflectometry of heterostructures.
AB  - Measuring the magnetic configuration at complex buried layers and interfaces is
      an important task, which requires especially a non-destructive probing technique.
      X-ray resonant magnetic reflectometry (XRMR) combines the non-destructive depth
      profiling potential of x-ray reflectometry with the excellent sensitivity for
      magnetic phenomena, utilizing the x-ray magnetic circular dichroism effect. It
      provides the magnetic spatial distribution with a precision down to the angstrom
      scale, combined with element and symmetry specificity, sub-monolayer sensitivity,
      and the possible separation of spin and orbital magnetic moments. This review
      provides an overview to the XRMR technique in a tutorial way. We focus on the
      introduction to the theory, measurement types, and data simulation. We provide
      related experimental examples and show selected applications. 

PMID- 25121932
TI  - Conditional inactivation of Upstream Binding Factor reveals its epigenetic
      functions and the existence of a somatic nucleolar precursor body.
AB  - Upstream Binding Factor (UBF) is a unique multi-HMGB-box protein first identified
      as a co-factor in RNA polymerase I (RPI/PolI) transcription. However, its poor
      DNA sequence selectivity and its ability to generate nucleosome-like
      nucleoprotein complexes suggest a more generalized role in chromatin structure.
      We previously showed that extensive depletion of UBF reduced the number of
      actively transcribed ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, but had little effect on rRNA
      synthesis rates or cell proliferation, leaving open the question of its
      requirement for RPI transcription. Using gene deletion in mouse, we now show that
      UBF is essential for embryo development beyond morula. Conditional deletion in
      cell cultures reveals that UBF is also essential for transcription of the rRNA
      genes and that it defines the active chromatin conformation of both gene and
      enhancer sequences. Loss of UBF prevents formation of the SL1/TIF1B pre
      initiation complex and recruitment of the RPI-Rrn3/TIF1A complex. It is also
      accompanied by recruitment of H3K9me3, canonical histone H1 and HP1alpha, but not
      by de novo DNA methylation. Further, genes retain penta-acetyl H4 and H2A.Z,
      suggesting that even in the absence of UBF the rRNA genes can maintain a
      potentially active state. In contrast to canonical histone H1, binding of H1.4 is
      dependent on UBF, strongly suggesting that it plays a positive role in gene
      activity. Unexpectedly, arrest of rRNA synthesis does not suppress transcription
      of the 5S, tRNA or snRNA genes, nor expression of the several hundred mRNA genes
      implicated in ribosome biogenesis. Thus, rRNA gene activity does not coordinate
      global gene expression for ribosome biogenesis. Loss of UBF also unexpectedly
      induced the formation in cells of a large sub-nuclear structure resembling the
      nucleolar precursor body (NPB) of oocytes and early embryos. These somatic NPBs
      contain rRNA synthesis and processing factors but do not associate with the rRNA
      gene loci (NORs). 

PMID- 25121938
TI  - Objective evaluation of elbow flexion strength and fatigability after nerve
      transfer in adult traumatic upper brachial plexus injuries.
AB  - Nerve transfers Oberlin-type are currently used in upper brachial plexus lesions
      to recover elbow flexion. Is the regained active motion sufficient to resume
      heavy manual activities? Five adult patients (mean age 37 years) operated of a
      nerve transfer to recover elbow flexion (transfer of a motor fascicle of the
      ulnar nerve to the motor branch of the biceps; in three patients, additional
      transfer from the median to the motor nerve of the brachialis) were clinically
      and isokinetically evaluated, after a mean follow-up of 47 months. The median
      Constant-Murley score was 22/100, the DASH 56/100 and the MEPI 60/100. For
      isokinetic tests the most significant finding was a severe deficit of elbow
      strength, of about 80%. No patient was able to maintain an isometric contraction
      during sufficient time to evaluate fatigability. This preliminary study suggests
      that major functional impairments persist despite early recovery of elbow
      flexion. These results should be confirmed in a study on a larger group of
      patients. 

PMID- 25121939
TI  - Coronal fracture of the scaphoid--a case report and literature review.
AB  - Coronal fracture of the scaphoid is a rare configuration of scaphoid fracture.
      Only three cases have been found to be reported in English literature. In our
      case, a 25-year-old man sustained right wrist injury after a fall with an
      outstretched hand, was suspected of suffering from a scaphoid fracture as shown
      on the pre-operative plain radiograph. Coronal fracture of the patient's scaphoid
      was found intra-operatively and was fixed with two headless compression screws in
      dorsal-to-volar direction. Post-operative outcome was clinically good as patient
      was symptom-free, and a computed tomography and radiograph showed complete
      healing of the fracture with no sign of avascular necrosis. 

PMID- 25121940
TI  - Wrist rhythm during wrist joint motion evaluated by dynamic radiography.
AB  - We hypothesized that wrist joint motion involves a "wrist rhythm" similar to the
      scapulohumeral rhythm. Therefore, we used a flat-panel detector to evaluate the
      ratio of radiolunate and capitolunate joint motions during wrist joint motion by
      dynamic radiography. The subjects were 20 healthy men. Dynamic imaging of the
      wrist joint was performed during active exercise for a total of ten seconds. In
      this study, we defined the radiocarpal (RL angle) and midcarpal joint angle (CL
      angle) as the wrist joint angle in the obtained images and measured the variation
      of these angles. The average curve was plotted and regression lines calculated
      from the average curve. The ratio was calculated from the slopes of the
      regression lines of the RL CL angles. These findings indicated that the ratio of
      the RL and CL angle motions was approximately 1:4 during palmar flexion and
      approximately 2:1 during dorsiflexion. 

PMID- 25121941
TI  - Bilateral bipartite carpal scaphoid: a case report and literature review.
AB  - Congenital bipartite carpal scaphoid has been reported as an extremely rare
      congenital anomaly. We report a case of a 47-year-old man who was found with
      bilateral bipartite carpal scaphoids with no history of injury. Radiographs
      demonstrated symmetric findings of the distinct bipartition of the scaphoid
      without obvious degenerative change in both wrists. The patient complained of no
      other symptoms. The diagnostic differentiation of scaphoid bipartition from the
      pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid could be important in avoiding unnecessary surgery
      and inappropriate assessment in compensation cases. 

PMID- 25121942
TI  - Modified Brunelli pull-out suture technique in zone II flexor tendon rupture: a
      fresh human cadaver study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of our study is to develop a suture technique that has
      sufficient strength of active mobilization. METHODS: Thirty two fingers of six
      fresh human cadavers were divided into two groups. Flexor digitorum profundus
      (FDP) tendons in the study group were repaired by modified Brunelli suture
      technique and modified Kessler suture technique, while those in the control group
      were repaired by Modified Kessler suture technique. Flexion and extension
      movements were performed with 10 N of load, increasing 1 N at a time to the
      tendons in both groups. Rupture and significant gap formation was evaluated up to
      20 N of load. In the study, to evaluate the resistance to active motion, 1000
      times flexion and extension motion cycle was performed with a load of 20 N. The
      succeeding repaired tendons was also tested with flexion and extension movements
      increasing the load 1 N at a time. RESULTS: In the study group, failure and
      significant gap formation on the repair zone were not observed after 20 N of load
      and 1000 times cyclic flexion and extension movements for resisting to active
      motion. The rupture and significant gap formation was observed on a average load
      of 98.43 +/- 0.47 N. In the Modified Kessler suture technique, on the eight
      tendons before reaching the 20 N of load for resisting to active motion, and the
      remaining eight tendons, during the 20 N loaded motion cycle essential for active
      motion, rupture and significant gap formation was observed. The failure and
      significant gap formation was observed on a average load of 18.37 +/- 1.89 N. It
      is measured that by accompanying Modified Brunelli suture to the Modified Kessler
      suture technique, the resistance was increased up to 5-6 times. DISCUSSION: By
      the Modified Brunelli suture technique, active motion can be started to the
      finger without a dorsal block sling immediately after the surgery. Clinical
      Relavans: By the modified technique, the rehabilitation difficulty and joint
      stiffness will be minimized.

PMID- 25121943
TI  - Locking finger due to a partial laceration of the flexor digitorum superficialis
      tendon: a case report.
AB  - A 39-year-old woman sustained a small wound on the palm of her right hand, which
      quickly healed naturally; however, a month later pain and limited range of motion
      were noted in her right finger. Surgery revealed the radial half of the flexor
      digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon was ruptured and formed a flap, which hooked
      at the entrance of the A1 pulley. The proximal stump was sutured to the remaining
      ulnar (normal) side of the FDS tendon. Locking occurs between the tendon flap and
      the tendon sheath; therefore, when there is no fibrous tendon sheath near the
      partially ruptured tendon, locking will not occur. 

PMID- 25121944
TI  - Volar perilunate trans-scaphoid dislocation: a case.
AB  - We report a rare case of volar perilunate trans-scaphoid dislocation that was
      treated with open reduction and internal fixation. 

PMID- 25121945
TI  - Associations between ulnar nerve strain and accompanying conditions in patients
      with cubital tunnel syndrome.
AB  - Pathophysiology of cubital tunnel syndrome (CubTS) is still controversial. Ulnar
      nerve strain at the elbow was measured intraoperatively in 13 patients with CubTS
      before simple decompression. The patients were divided into three groups
      according to their accompanying conditions: compression/adhesion, idiopathic, and
      relaxation groups. The mean ulnar nerve strain was 43.5 +/- 30.0%, 25.5 +/-
      14.8%, and 9.0 +/- 5.0% in the compression/adhesion, idiopathic, and relaxation
      groups respectively. The mean ulnar nerve strains in patients with McGowan's
      classification grades I, II, and III were 18.0 +/- 4.2%, 27.1 +/- 22.7%, and 33.7
      +/- 24.7%, respectively. The Jonckheere-Terpstra test showed that there were
      significant reductions in the ulnar nerve strain among the first three groups,
      but not in the three groups according to McGowan's classification. Our results
      suggest that the pathophysiology, not disease severity, of CubTS may be explained
      at least in part by the presence of ulnar nerve strain. 

PMID- 25121946
TI  - Treatment of hook of the hamate fractures in adults using low-intensity pulsed
      ultrasound.
AB  - Two delayed unions and one nonunion of hook of the hamate fractures in adults
      aged 31-, 40-, and 41-years-old were treated with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound
      (LIPUS). Ultrasound treatment was started at three, four, and six months after
      injury and ultrasound exposure at the hook of the hamate in the hypothenar
      eminence was carried out for four to five months. During the management period,
      there was no immobilisation with a cast or brace and limited strain with only
      routine daily activities allowed. In all cases, bony union was confirmed on
      carpal tunnel radiographs or computed tomography at the final follow-up time of
      eight and 36 months after injuries. 

PMID- 25121947
TI  - Strain-specific properties and T cells regulate the susceptibility to papilloma
      induction by Mus musculus papillomavirus 1.
AB  - The immunocytes that regulate papillomavirus infection and lesion development in
      humans and animals remain largely undefined. We found that immunocompetent mice
      with varying H-2 haplotypes displayed asymptomatic skin infection that produced
      L1 when challenged with 6*1010 MusPV1 virions, the recently identified domestic
      mouse papillomavirus (also designated "MmuPV1"), but were uniformly resistant to
      MusPV1-induced papillomatosis. Broad immunosuppression with cyclosporin A
      resulted in variable induction of papillomas after experimental infection with a
      similar dose, from robust in Cr:ORL SENCAR to none in C57BL/6 mice, with lesional
      outgrowth correlating with early viral gene expression and partly with reported
      strain-specific susceptibility to chemical carcinogens, but not with H-2
      haplotype. Challenge with 1*1012 virions in the absence of immunosuppression
      induced small transient papillomas in Cr:ORL SENCAR but not in C57BL/6 mice.
      Antibody-induced depletion of CD3+ T cells permitted efficient virus replication
      and papilloma formation in both strains, providing experimental proof for the
      crucial role of T cells in controlling papillomavirus infection and associated
      disease. In Cr:ORL SENCAR mice, immunodepletion of either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells
      was sufficient for efficient infection and papillomatosis, although deletion of
      one subset did not inhibit the recruitment of the other subset to the infected
      epithelium. Thus, the functional cooperation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is required
      to protect this strain. In contrast, C57BL/6 mice required depletion of both CD4+
      and CD8+ T cells for infection and papillomatosis, and separate CD4 knock-out and
      CD8 knock-out C57BL/6 were also resistant. Thus, in C57BL/6 mice, either CD4+ or
      CD8+ T cell-independent mechanisms exist that can protect this particular strain
      from MusPV1-associated disease. These findings may help to explain the diversity
      of pathological outcomes in immunocompetent humans after infection with a
      specific human papillomavirus genotype. 

PMID- 25121948
TI  - Predictive clinical indicators of biochemical progression in advanced prostate
      cancer patients receiving Leuplin depot as androgen deprivation therapy.
AB  - Therapeutic planning and counseling for advanced prostate cancer patients
      receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is complicated because the prognoses
      are highly variable. The purpose of this study is to identify predictive clinical
      indicators of biochemical progression (BCP). In this retrospective analysis, data
      from 107 newly diagnosed patients (from November 1995 to April 2008) with
      advanced prostate adenocarcinoma receiving Leuprorelin acetate depot were
      analyzed. Data was collected from the computerized registry of two collaborating
      medical centers in Taiwan. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to
      evaluate the relationship between potential predictive parameters and BCP.
      Univariate analysis revealed that predictors of BCP included (1) initial serum
      prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.00; 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 1.00-1.00); (2) log of initial PSA (HR, 1.35; 95% CI 1.17-1.56); (3) PSA
      density at diagnosis (HR, 1.00; 95% CI 1.00-1.01), and (4) pathological bone
      fracture (HR, 2.22; 95% CI 1.20-4.11). Age (HR, 0.94; 95% CI 0.91-0.98) and
      hemoglobin levels (HR, 0.86; 95% CI 0.76-0.97) were also associated with greater
      risk of BCP. After adjusting for age, pathologic fracture, and hemoglobin level,
      the initial PSA and PSA density were no longer significantly associated with BCP.
      However, age and hemoglobin levels continued to be associated with greater risk
      of BCP (P <= 0.007). Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with higher initial
      PSA concentration, pathological bone fracture, and low hemoglobin had a greater
      probability of BCP. Thus, low hemoglobin and age are predictive indicators of BCP
      and therefore early indicators of BCP despite ADT therapy.

PMID- 25121950
TI  - CE: Champions for central line care.
AB  - OVERVIEW: In 2012, acute care hospitals in the United States reported 30,100
      central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) to the National
      Healthcare Safety Network of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
      Known to substantially increase morbidity, length of stay, and cost of care,
      CLABSIs are associated with a mortality rate of 12% to 25% and an additional cost
      of $22,885 to $29,330 per incident. Following five months with a sustained CLABSI
      rate of zero per 1,000 catheter days, the acuity adaptable critical care unit at
      Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania, saw the CLABSI rate spike to
      3.97 per 1,000 catheter days in March 2011, prompting a quality improvement
      project and, ultimately, the implementation within the unit of a champion team
      program to guide central line care.

PMID- 25121949
TI  - CE: Original Research: Staff nurses' use of research to facilitate evidence-based
      practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine to what extent RNs in an acute care multihospital system
      used research findings in their practice; what types of knowledge they used in
      their practice; and what personal, professional, and organizational factors
      enhanced or hindered their research utilization. METHODS: A cross-sectional,
      descriptive, online survey design was used. The survey, which asked about use of
      research findings in practice and evidence-based practice (EBP) participation,
      was placed on the hospital system intranet. Of the 2,900 RNs invited to
      participate, 1,112 nurses completed usable surveys, for a response rate of 38%.
      This article reports findings for 794 of the staff nurses who responded to the
      survey. RESULTS: The forms of knowledge that staff nurses reported relying on
      most were their personal experience with patients, conferences, hospital policies
      and procedures, physician colleagues, and nursing peers. Although a variety of
      resources were available for nurses to use in locating research and implementing
      EBP, respondents reported many of the same barriers that have been reported in
      other studies over the last two decades: lack of time, lack of resources, and
      lack of knowledge. Although their attitudes about research utilization and EBP
      were positive overall, respondents expected unit-based educators and clinical
      nurse specialists to collect and synthesize the research for them. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings are similar to those of other recent studies regarding nurses'
      research utilization and EBP. A great deal of work remains to be done if we are
      to inform, educate, and assist staff nurses in using research and implementing
      EBP. It may be unrealistic to expect bedside nurses to add these activities to
      their duties unless they are compensated for the time and have the support of
      master's or doctorally prepared nurses to serve as EBP coaches and champions.

PMID- 25121952
TI  - Response to comment on 'Preoperative nomogram for the identification of lymph
      node metastasis in early cervical cancer'.

PMID- 25121951
TI  - Operational momentum in multiplication and division?
AB  - Biases are commonly seen in numerical cognition. The operational momentum (OM)
      effect shows that responses to addition and subtraction problems are biased in
      the whole-number direction of the operation. It is not known if this bias exists
      for other arithmetic operations. To determine whether OM exists in scalar
      operations, we measured response bias in adults performing symbolic (Arabic
      digits) and non-symbolic (dots) multiplication and division problems. After
      seeing two operands, with either a multiplication (*) or division (/) sign,
      participants chose among five response choices. Both non-random performance
      profiles and the significant contribution of both operands in a multiple
      regression analysis predicting the chosen values, suggest that adults were able
      to use numerical information to approximate the outcomes in both notations,
      though they were more accurate on symbolic problems. Performance on non-symbolic
      problems was influenced by the size of the correct choice relative to
      alternatives. Reminiscent of the bias in addition and subtraction, we found a
      significant response bias for non-symbolic problems. Non-symbolic multiplication
      problems were overestimated and division problems were underestimated. These
      results indicate that operational momentum is present in non-symbolic
      multiplication and division. Given the influence of the size of the correct
      choice relative to alternatives, an interaction between heuristic bias and
      approximate calculation is possible. 

PMID- 25121953
TI  - Overdiagnosis due to breast cancer screening: updated estimates of the Helsinki
      service study in Finland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overdiagnosis is the most important adverse event of breast cancer
      screening with the estimates ranging from 0% to 40-50% depending on invitational
      age and methods. We updated the estimates of overdiagnosis in Helsinki service
      screening study in Finland by comparing the observed and expected cumulative
      incidence of all breast carcinomas and invasive breast carcinomas. METHODS: Women
      aged 50-59 years have been invited to Helsinki service screening since 1986. The
      incidence of breast carcinoma in the first invited birth cohorts born in 1935
      1939 was compared with older, non-invited cohorts. The minimum follow-up time of
      the invitees after the last screening round was 14 years. Expected cumulative
      incidence rates were estimated with two alternative approaches. RESULTS: For both
      any breast carcinoma and invasive breast carcinoma, the estimates of
      overdiagnosis varied from 5% (95% CI=-1, 11%) to 7% (95% CI=1, 13%) depending on
      the approach. CONCLUSIONS: Our estimates of overdiagnosis are of the same
      magnitude than other plausible estimates in Europe. Both alternative approaches
      produced similar estimates for the expected cumulative incidence, which increased
      the confidence in the estimates of overdiagnosis.

PMID- 25121954
TI  - Comment on 'Pre-operative nomogram for the identification of lymph node
      metastasis in early cervical cancer'.

PMID- 25121958
TI  - Transition-state structure for the quintessential SN2 reaction of a carbohydrate:
      reaction of alpha-glucopyranosyl fluoride with azide ion in water.
AB  - We report that the SN2 reaction of alpha-d-glucopyranosyl fluoride with azide ion
      proceeds through a loose (exploded) transition-state (TS) structure. We reached
      this conclusion by modeling the TS using a suite of five experimental kinetic
      isotope effects (KIEs) as constraints for the calculations. We also report that
      the anomeric (13)C-KIE is not abnormally large (k12/k13 = 1.024 +/- 0.006), a
      finding which is at variance with the previous literature value (Zhang et al. J.
      Am. Chem. Soc. 1994, 116, 7557). 

PMID- 25121956
TI  - Serum protein profiling reveals baseline and pharmacodynamic biomarker signatures
      associated with clinical outcome in mCRC patients treated with chemotherapy +/-
      cediranib.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated soluble serum proteins as biomarkers to subset
      patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with chemotherapy+/
      cediranib, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling inhibitor
      (VEGFi). Exploring biomarkers at pre- and on-treatment may identify patient
      subgroups showing clinical benefit on cediranib combination. METHODS: Two hundred
      and seven serum proteins were analysed in 588 mCRC patients at pre- and on
      treatment with chemotherapy (FOLFOX/CAPOX)+/-cediranib 20 mg. Patients were
      enrolled in the phase III trial HORIZON II. We correlated baseline biomarker
      signatures and pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers with PFS and OS. RESULTS: We
      identified a baseline signature (BS) of 47 biomarkers that included VEGFA, VEGFD,
      VEGFR2, VEGFR3 and TIE-2, which defined two distinct subgroups of patients.
      Patients treated with chemotherapy plus cediranib who had 'high' BS had shorter
      PFS (HR=1.82, P=0.003) than patients with 'low' BS. This BS did not correlate
      with PFS of the patients treated with chemotherapy plus placebo. In addition, we
      identified a profile of 16 PD proteins on treatment associated with PFS (HR=0.58,
      P<0.001) and OS (HR=0.52, P<0.001) in patients treated with chemotherapy plus
      cediranib. This PD profile did not correlate with PFS and OS in patients treated
      with chemotherapy plus placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Serum proteins may represent
      relevant biomarkers to predict the outcome of patients treated with VEGFi-based
      therapies. We report a BS and PD biomarkers that may identify mCRC patients
      showing increased benefit of combining cediranib with chemotherapy. These
      exploratory findings need to be validated in future prospective studies.

PMID- 25121957
TI  - Rapid detection of shrimp white spot syndrome virus by real time, isothermal
      recombinase polymerase amplification assay.
AB  - White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) causes large economic losses to the shrimp
      aquaculture industry, and thus far there are no efficient therapeutic treatments
      available against this lethal virus. In this study, we present the development of
      a novel real time isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay for
      WSSV detection on a small ESEQuant Tube Scanner device. The RPA sensitivity,
      specificity and rapidity were evaluated by using a plasmid standard as well as
      viral and shrimp genomic DNAs. Compared with qPCR, the RPA assay revealed more
      satisfactory performance. It reached a detection limit up to 10 molecules in 95%
      of cases as determined by probit analysis of 8 independent experiments within
      6.41 +/- 0.17 min at 39  degrees C. Consequently, this rapid RPA method has great
      application potential for field use or point of care diagnostics.

PMID- 25121959
TI  - Physical activity behavior and role overload in mothers.
AB  - We examined physical activity stages of change, physical activity behavior, and
      role overload in different stages of motherhood in a predominantly Australian
      sample. Neither physical activity behavior, stages of physical activity change,
      nor role overload significantly differed across motherhood groups. Role overload
      was significantly higher for mothers in the contemplation, planning, and action
      stages of physical activity than in the maintenance stage of change. Role
      overload had a weak, although significant, negative correlation with leisure-time
      physical activity. We conclude that strategies focused upon reducing role
      overload or perceived role overload have only limited potential to meaningfully
      increase leisure-time physical activity in mothers. 

PMID- 25121955
TI  - Flavonoid and lignan intake in relation to bladder cancer risk in the European
      Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence of the protective role of dietary intake of
      flavonoids and lignans on cancer, but the association with bladder cancer has not
      been thoroughly investigated in epidemiological studies. We evaluated the
      association between dietary intakes of total and subclasses of flavonoids and
      lignans and risk of bladder cancer and its main morphological type, urothelial
      cell carcinoma (UCC), within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer
      and Nutrition (EPIC) study. METHODS: A cohort of 477 312 men and women mostly
      aged 35-70 years, were recruited in 10 European countries. At baseline, dietary
      flavonoid and lignan intakes were estimated using centre-specific validated
      questionnaires and a food composition database based on the Phenol-Explorer, the
      UK Food Standards Agency and the US Department of Agriculture databases. RESULTS:
      During an average of 11 years of follow-up, 1575 new cases of primary bladder
      cancer were identified, of which 1425 were UCC (classified into aggressive
      (n=430) and non-aggressive (n=413) UCC). No association was found between total
      flavonoid intake and bladder cancer risk. Among flavonoid subclasses, significant
      inverse associations with bladder cancer risk were found for intakes of flavonol
      (hazard ratio comparing fifth with first quintile (HRQ5-Q1) 0.74, 95% confidence
      interval (CI): 0.61-0.91; P-trend=0.009) and lignans (HRQ5-Q1 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62
      0.96; P-trend=0.046). Similar results were observed for overall UCC and
      aggressive UCC, but not for non-aggressive UCC. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests
      an inverse association between the dietary intakes of flavonols and lignans and
      risk of bladder cancer, particularly aggressive UCC.

PMID- 25121960
TI  - The population genetics of evolutionary rescue.
AB  - Evolutionary rescue occurs when a population that is threatened with extinction
      by an environmental change adapts to the change sufficiently rapidly to survive.
      Here we extend the mathematical theory of evolutionary rescue. In particular, we
      model evolutionary rescue to a sudden environmental change when adaptation
      involves evolution at a single locus. We consider adaptation using either new
      mutations or alleles from the standing genetic variation that begin rare. We
      obtain several results: i) the total probability of evolutionary rescue from
      either new mutation or standing variation; ii) the conditions under which rescue
      is more likely to involve a new mutation versus an allele from the standing
      genetic variation; iii) a mathematical description of the U-shaped curve of total
      population size through time, conditional on rescue; and iv) the time until the
      average population size begins to rebound as well as the minimal expected
      population size experienced by a rescued population. Our analysis requires taking
      into account a subtle population-genetic effect (familiar from the theory of
      genetic hitchhiking) that involves "oversampling" of those lucky alleles that
      ultimately sweep to high frequency. Our results are relevant to conservation
      biology, experimental microbial evolution, and medicine (e.g., the dynamics of
      antibiotic resistance). 

PMID- 25121963
TI  - Synthetic, structural, NMR and catalytic studies of phosphinic amide-phosphoryl
      chalcogenides (chalcogen = O, S, Se) as mixed-donor bidentate ligands in zinc
      chemistry.
AB  - ortho Substituted (diphenylphosphoryl)-, (diphenylphosphorothioyl)- and
      (diphenylphosphoroselenoyl)-phosphinic amides o-C6H4(P(X)Ph2)(P(O)N(i)Pr2) (X = O
      (20a), S (20b), Se (20c)) were synthesized by ortho directed lithiation of N,N
      diisopropyl-P,P-diphenylphosphinic amide (Ph2P(O)N(i)Pr2) followed by trapping
      with Ph2PCl and subsequent oxidation of the o-(diphenylphosphine)phosphinic amide
      (19) with H2O2, S8 and Se. The reaction of the new mixed-donor bidentate ligands
      with zinc dichloride afforded the corresponding complexes [ZnCl2(P(X)Ph2)o
      C6H4(P(O)N(i)Pr2)] (21a-c). The new compounds were structurally characterized in
      solution by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and in the solid-state by X
      ray diffraction analysis of the ligand (20b) and the three complexes (21a-c). The
      X-ray crystal structure of 20b suggests the existence of a P[double bond, length
      as m-dash]O->P(S)-C intramolecular nonbonded interaction. The natural bond
      orbital (NBO) analysis using DFT methods showed that the stabilization effect
      provided by a nO->sigma*P-C orbital interaction was negligible. The molecular
      structure of the complexes consisted of seven-membered chelates formed by O,X
      coordination of the ligands to the zinc cation. The metal is four-coordinated by
      binding to the two chlorine atoms showing a distorted tetrahedral geometry.
      Applications in catalysis revealed that hemilabile ligands 20a-c act as
      significant promoters of the addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes, with 20a
      showing the highest activity. Chelation of Et2Zn with 20a was evidenced by NMR
      spectroscopy. 

PMID- 25121961
TI  - Awakening and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in cardiac arrest survivors
      treated with therapeutic hypothermia*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To characterize the prevalence of withdrawal of life-sustaining
      treatment, as well as the time to awakening, short-term neurologic outcomes, and
      cause of death in comatose survivors of out-of-hospital resuscitated
      cardiopulmonary arrests treated with therapeutic hypothermia. DESIGN: Single
      center, prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients with out
      of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrests. SETTING: Academic tertiary care hospital and
      level one trauma center in Minneapolis, MN. PATIENTS: Adults with witnessed,
      nontraumatic, out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrests regardless of initial
      electrocardiographic rhythm with return of spontaneous circulation who were
      admitted to an ICU. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The study
      cohort included 154 comatose survivors of witnessed out-of-hospital
      cardiopulmonary arrests who were admitted to an ICU during the 54-month study
      period. One hundred eighteen patients (77%) were treated with therapeutic
      hypothermia. The mean age was 59 years, 104 (68%) were men, and 83 (54%) had an
      initial rhythm of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Only eight of all 78
      patients (10%) who died qualified as brain dead; and 81% of all patients (63 of
      78) who died did so after withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. Twenty of 56
      comatose survivors (32%) treated with hypothermia who awoke (as defined by
      Glasgow Motor Score of 6) and had good neurologic outcomes (defined as Cerebral
      Performance Category 1-2) did so after 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports
      delaying prognostication and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment to beyond 72
      hours in cases treated with therapeutic hypothermia. Larger multicenter
      prospective studies are needed to better define the most appropriate time frame
      for prognostication in comatose cardiac arrest survivors treated with therapeutic
      hypothermia. These data are also consistent with the notion that a majority of
      out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest survivors die after a decision to
      withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and that very few of these survivors
      progress to brain death.

PMID- 25121965
TI  - Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in people with idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis: a population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: People with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been shown to be
      at an increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease, but reasons for this are
      unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of common CV risk
      factors in people with IPF and the general population and establish the incidence
      of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke after the diagnosis of IPF,
      controlling for these risk factors. METHODS: We used data from a large, UK
      primary care database to identify incident cases of IPF and matched general
      population control subjects. We compared the prevalence of risk factors for CV
      disease and prescription of CV medications in people with IPF (before diagnosis)
      with control subjects from the general population and assessed the incidence of
      IHD and stroke in people with IPF (after diagnosis) compared with control
      subjects. RESULTS: We identified 3,211 cases of IPF and 12,307 control subjects.
      Patients with IPF were more likely to have a record of hypertension (OR, 1.31;
      95% CI, 1.19-1.44), and diabetes (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.34) compared with
      control subjects; they were also more likely to have been prescribed several CV
      drugs. The rate of first-time IHD events was more than twice as high in patients
      than control subjects (rate ratio, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.85-2.93; P < .001), but the
      incidence of stroke was only marginally higher (P = .09). Rate ratios for IHD and
      stroke were not altered substantially after adjusting for CV risk factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Several CV risk factors were more prevalent in people with IPF;
      however, this did not account for the increased rate of IHD in this group of
      patients.

PMID- 25121964
TI  - 3-alkoxy-pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyrazolines as selective androgen receptor modulators with
      ideal physicochemical properties for transdermal administration.
AB  - We describe the synthesis and characterization of 3-alkoxy-pyrrolo[1,2
      b]pyrazolines as novel selective androgen receptor (AR) modulators that possess
      excellent physicochemical properties for transdermal administration. Compound 26
      bound to human AR with an IC50 of 0.7 nM with great selectivity over other
      nuclear hormone receptors and potently activated AR in a C2C12 muscle cell
      reporter gene assay with an EC50 of 0.5 nM. It showed high aqueous solubility of
      1.3 g/L at pH 7.4, and an in silico model as well as a customized parallel
      artificial membrane permeability assay indicated good skin permeation. Indeed,
      when measuring skin permeation through excised human skin, an excellent flux of 2
      MUg/(cm(2).h) was determined without any permeation enhancers. In a 2 week
      Hershberger model using castrated rats, the compound showed dose-dependent
      effects fully restoring skeletal muscle weight at 0.3 mg/kg/day after
      subcutaneous administration with high selectivity over prostate stimulation. 

PMID- 25121962
TI  - Strongyloidiasis--an insight into its global prevalence and management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strongyloides stercoralis, an intestinal parasitic nematode, infects
      more than 100 million people worldwide. Strongyloides are unique in their ability
      to exist as a free-living and autoinfective cycle. Strongyloidiasis can occur
      without any symptoms or as a potentially fatal hyperinfection or disseminated
      infection. The most common risk factors for these complications are
      immunosuppression caused by corticosteroids and infection with human T
      lymphotropic virus or human immunodeficiency virus. Even though the diagnosis of
      strongyloidiasis is improved by advanced instrumentation techniques in isolated
      and complicated cases of hyperinfection or dissemination, efficient guidelines
      for screening the population in epidemiological surveys are lacking. METHODOLOGY
      AND RESULTS: In this review, we have discussed various conventional methods for
      the diagnosis and management of this disease, with an emphasis on recently
      developed molecular and serological methods that could be implemented to
      establish guidelines for precise diagnosis of infection in patients and screening
      in epidemiological surveys. A comprehensive analysis of various cases reported
      worldwide from different endemic and nonendemic foci of the disease for the last
      40 years was evaluated in an effort to delineate the global prevalence of this
      disease. We also updated the current knowledge of the various clinical spectrum
      of this parasitic disease, with an emphasis on newer molecular diagnostic
      methods, treatment, and management of cases in immunosuppressed patients.
      CONCLUSION: Strongyloidiasis is considered a neglected tropical disease and is
      probably an underdiagnosed parasitic disease due to its low parasitic load and
      uncertain clinical symptoms. Increased infectivity rates in many developed
      countries and nonendemic regions nearing those in the most prevalent endemic
      regions of this parasite and the increasing transmission potential to immigrants,
      travelers, and immunosuppressed populations are indications for initiating an
      integrated approach towards prompt diagnosis and control of this parasitic
      disease.

PMID- 25121966
TI  - Genome-wide association analysis of radiation resistance in Drosophila
      melanogaster.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ionizing radiation is genotoxic to cells. Healthy tissue toxicity in
      patients and radiation resistance in tumors present common clinical challenges in
      delivering effective radiation therapies. Radiation response is a complex,
      polygenic trait with unknown genetic determinants. The Drosophila Genetic
      Reference Panel (DGRP) provides a model to investigate the genetics of natural
      variation for sensitivity to radiation. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Radiation response
      was quantified in 154 inbred DGRP lines, among which 92 radiosensitive lines and
      62 radioresistant lines were classified as controls and cases, respectively. A
      case-control genome-wide association screen for radioresistance was performed.
      There are 32 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with radio
      resistance at a nominal p<10(-5); all had modest effect sizes and were common
      variants with the minor allele frequency >5%. All the genes implicated by those
      SNP hits were novel, many without a known role in radiation resistance and some
      with unknown function. Variants in known DNA damage and repair genes associated
      with radiation response were below the significance threshold of p<10(-5) and
      were not present among the significant hits. No SNP met the genome-wide
      significance threshold (p = 1.49 * 10(-7)), indicating a necessity for a larger
      sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Several genes not previously associated with variation
      in radiation resistance were identified. These genes, especially the ones with
      human homologs, form the basis for exploring new pathways involved in radiation
      resistance in novel functional studies. An improved DGRP model with a sample size
      of at least 265 lines and ideally up to 793 lines is recommended for future
      studies of complex traits.

PMID- 25121967
TI  - Kinetic memory based on the enzyme-limited competition.
AB  - Cellular memory, which allows cells to retain information from their environment,
      is important for a variety of cellular functions, such as adaptation to external
      stimuli, cell differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Although
      posttranslational modifications have received much attention as a source of
      cellular memory, the mechanisms directing such alterations have not been fully
      uncovered. It may be possible to embed memory in multiple stable states in
      dynamical systems governing modifications. However, several experiments on
      modifications of proteins suggest long-term relaxation depending on experienced
      external conditions, without explicit switches over multi-stable states. As an
      alternative to a multistability memory scheme, we propose "kinetic memory" for
      epigenetic cellular memory, in which memory is stored as a slow-relaxation
      process far from a stable fixed state. Information from previous environmental
      exposure is retained as the long-term maintenance of a cellular state, rather
      than switches over fixed states. To demonstrate this kinetic memory, we study
      several models in which multimeric proteins undergo catalytic modifications
      (e.g., phosphorylation and methylation), and find that a slow relaxation process
      of the modification state, logarithmic in time, appears when the concentration of
      a catalyst (enzyme) involved in the modification reactions is lower than that of
      the substrates. Sharp transitions from a normal fast-relaxation phase into this
      slow-relaxation phase are revealed, and explained by enzyme-limited competition
      among modification reactions. The slow-relaxation process is confirmed by
      simulations of several models of catalytic reactions of protein modifications,
      and it enables the memorization of external stimuli, as its time course depends
      crucially on the history of the stimuli. This kinetic memory provides novel
      insight into a broad class of cellular memory and functions. In particular,
      applications for long-term potentiation are discussed, including dynamic
      modifications of calcium-calmodulin kinase II and cAMP-response element-binding
      protein essential for synaptic plasticity. 

PMID- 25121968
TI  - WW domain folding complexity revealed by infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - Although the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of proteins offers a convenient
      probe of protein folding, interpretation of the fluorescence spectrum is often
      difficult because it is sensitive to both global and local changes. Infrared (IR)
      spectroscopy offers a complementary measure of structural changes involved in
      protein folding, because it probes changes in the secondary structure of the
      protein backbone. Here we demonstrate the advantages of using multiple probes,
      infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy, to study the folding of the FBP28 WW
      domain. Laser-induced temperature jumps coupled with fluorescence or infrared
      spectroscopy have been used to probe changes in the peptide backbone on the
      submillisecond time scale. The relaxation dynamics of the beta-sheets and beta
      turn were measured independently by probing the corresponding IR bands assigned
      in the amide I region. Using these wavelength-dependent measurements, we observe
      three kinetics phases, with the fastest process corresponding to the relaxation
      kinetics of the turns. In contrast, fluorescence measurements of the wild-type WW
      domain and tryptophan mutants exhibit single-exponential kinetics with a lifetime
      that corresponds to the slowest phase observed by infrared spectroscopy. Mutant
      sequences provide evidence of an intermediate dry molten globule state. The
      slowest step in the folding of this WW domain is the tight packing of the side
      chains in the transition from the dry molten globule intermediate to the native
      structure. This study demonstrates that using multiple complementary probes
      enhances the interpretation of protein folding dynamics. 

PMID- 25121969
TI  - iNitro-Tyr: prediction of nitrotyrosine sites in proteins with general pseudo
      amino acid composition.
AB  - Nitrotyrosine is one of the post-translational modifications (PTMs) in proteins
      that occurs when their tyrosine residue is nitrated. Compared with healthy
      people, a remarkably increased level of nitrotyrosine is detected in those
      suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, and coeliac disease. Given an
      uncharacterized protein sequence that contains many tyrosine residues, which one
      of them can be nitrated and which one cannot? This is a challenging problem, not
      only directly related to in-depth understanding the PTM's mechanism but also to
      the nitrotyrosine-based drug development. Particularly, with the avalanche of
      protein sequences generated in the postgenomic age, it is highly desired to
      develop a high throughput tool in this regard. Here, a new predictor called
      "iNitro-Tyr" was developed by incorporating the position-specific dipeptide
      propensity into the general pseudo amino acid composition for discriminating the
      nitrotyrosine sites from non-nitrotyrosine sites in proteins. It was demonstrated
      via the rigorous jackknife tests that the new predictor not only can yield higher
      success rate but also is much more stable and less noisy. A web-server for iNitro
      Tyr is accessible to the public at http://app.aporc.org/iNitro-Tyr/. For the
      convenience of most experimental scientists, we have further provided a protocol
      of step-by-step guide, by which users can easily get their desired results
      without the need to follow the complicated mathematics that were presented in
      this paper just for the integrity of its development process. It has not escaped
      our notice that the approach presented here can be also used to deal with the
      other PTM sites in proteins. 

PMID- 25121970
TI  - Efficiency of dendritic cell vaccination against B16 melanoma depends on the
      immunization route.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DC) presenting tumor antigens are crucial to induce potent T
      cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses. Therefore DC-based cancer vaccines
      have been established for therapy, however clinical outcomes are often poor and
      need improvement. Using a mouse model of B16 melanoma, we found that the route of
      preventive DC vaccination critically determined tumor control. While repeated DC
      vaccination did not show an impact of the route of DC application on the
      prevention of tumor growth, a single DC vaccination revealed that both the
      imprinting of skin homing receptors and an enhanced proliferation state of
      effector T cells was seen only upon intracutaneous but not intravenous or
      intraperitoneal immunization. Tumor growth was prevented only by intracutaneous
      DC vaccination. Our results indicate that under suboptimal conditions the route
      of DC vaccination crucially determines the efficiency of tumor defense. DC-based
      strategies for immunotherapy of cancer should take into account the immunization
      route in order to optimize tissue targeting of tumor antigen specific T cells. 

PMID- 25121972
TI  - Making mock-FNA smears from fresh surgical pathology specimens to improve smear
      preparation technique and to create cytohistological correlation series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is a well-established
      diagnostic method based on the microscopic interpretation of often scant
      cytological material; therefore, experience, good technique and smear quality are
      equally important in obtaining satisfactory results. AIMS OF STUDY: We studied
      the use of fresh surgical pathology specimens for making so-called mock-FNA
      smears with the potential of cytohistological correlation. Additionally, we
      studied how this process aids the improvement of preparation technique and smear
      quality. METHODS: Cytological aspirates from 32 fresh biopsy specimens from
      various sites: lung (20), lymph nodes (6), and breast (6) were obtained, all with
      a clinical diagnosis of tumor. Aspiration was performed from grossly palpable
      tumors. 25 G needle and Cameco-type syringe holder was used with minimal or no
      suction. RESULTS: Unfixed surgical specimens provided sufficient cytological
      material that resulted in good quality smears. After standard processing of
      specimens into microscopic sections from paraffin embedded tissues,
      cytohistological case-series were created. No significant alteration was reported
      in tissue architecture on hematoxylin-eosin stained sections after the aspiration
      procedure. A gradual, but steady improvement was observed in smear quality just
      after a few preparations. DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our study proved that
      surgical specimens may be used as a source of cytological material to create
      cytohistological correlation studies and also to improve FNA cytology skills. The
      use of very fine gauge needle (25 G, 0,6 mm diameter) during the sampling process
      does not alter tissue architecture therefore the final histopathological
      diagnosis is not compromised. We conclude that by using fresh surgical specimens
      useful cytohistological collections can be created both as a teaching resource
      and as improving experience.

PMID- 25121973
TI  - Pregnancy, maternal exposure to analgesic medicines, and leukemia in Brazilian
      children below 2 years of age.
AB  - Childhood leukemia etiology, and mainly the interactions of genetic and
      environmental risk factors, remains largely unexplored. This national hospital
      based case-control study was carried out in Brazil among children aged 0-23
      months who were recruited at cancer and general hospitals in 13 states. Maternal
      medicine intake during pregnancy, including analgesic intake, was assessed by
      face-to-face interviews with the mothers of 231 leukemia patients and 411
      controls. Unconditional logistic regression was used to ascertain crude and
      adjusted odds ratios (ORs), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the
      association between maternal analgesic use during pregnancy and early age
      leukemia. Acetaminophen use during the first trimester of pregnancy showed an
      OR=0.39 (95% CI 0.17-0.93) for acute lymphocytic leukemia and an OR=0.37 (95% CI
      0.16-0.88) for use in the second trimester. For acute myeloid leukemia, an
      OR=0.11 (95% CI 0.02-0.97) was found following acetaminophen use in the second
      trimester. For acute lymphocytic leukemia, the exclusive use of dipyrone during
      preconception showed an OR=1.63 (95% CI 1.06-2.53) and dipyrone intake during
      lactation showed an OR=2.00 (95% CI 1.18-3.39). These results suggest that
      acetaminophen use during pregnancy may protect against development of early age
      leukemia in the offspring, whereas dipyrone use may act as a risk factor for such
      an outcome. 

PMID- 25121971
TI  - Mechanical cell-matrix feedback explains pairwise and collective endothelial cell
      behavior in vitro.
AB  - In vitro cultures of endothelial cells are a widely used model system of the
      collective behavior of endothelial cells during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.
      When seeded in an extracellular matrix, endothelial cells can form blood vessel
      like structures, including vascular networks and sprouts. Endothelial
      morphogenesis depends on a large number of chemical and mechanical factors,
      including the compliancy of the extracellular matrix, the available growth
      factors, the adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix, cell-cell signaling,
      etc. Although various computational models have been proposed to explain the role
      of each of these biochemical and biomechanical effects, the understanding of the
      mechanisms underlying in vitro angiogenesis is still incomplete. Most
      explanations focus on predicting the whole vascular network or sprout from the
      underlying cell behavior, and do not check if the same model also correctly
      captures the intermediate scale: the pairwise cell-cell interactions or single
      cell responses to ECM mechanics. Here we show, using a hybrid cellular Potts and
      finite element computational model, that a single set of biologically plausible
      rules describing (a) the contractile forces that endothelial cells exert on the
      ECM, (b) the resulting strains in the extracellular matrix, and (c) the cellular
      response to the strains, suffices for reproducing the behavior of individual
      endothelial cells and the interactions of endothelial cell pairs in compliant
      matrices. With the same set of rules, the model also reproduces network formation
      from scattered cells, and sprouting from endothelial spheroids. Combining the
      present mechanical model with aspects of previously proposed mechanical and
      chemical models may lead to a more complete understanding of in vitro
      angiogenesis. 

PMID- 25121976
TI  - Prevalence and incidence of diabetes in Stockholm County 1990-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is on the rise in the western world, but data from
      Scandinavia are inconsistent with indications of stable or even reverse trends.
      To shed new light on this issue, we investigated diabetes trends in Stockholm
      County 1990-2010, taking into account trends in risk factors and mortality.
      METHODS: We used data from a large population-based quadrennial public health
      survey conducted between 1990 and 2010 in Stockholm County (~ 2.1 million
      inhabitants), supplemented with data from national registers. The age
      standardized prevalence and incidence rates of diabetes and related risk factors
      1990-2010 were estimated in adult inhabitants. We also modelled the influence of
      potential risk factors on the diabetes trends and estimated the life time risk of
      diabetes. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes was 4.6% (95% confidence interval
      (CI); 4.5-4.8%) in 2010 compared to 2.8% (95% CI; 2.3-3.5%) in 1990. Between 1990
      and 2002 the prevalence rose annually by 3.8% (95% CI; 2.1-5.5). Incidence rates
      showed a similar pattern and rose by 3.0% (95% CI; 0.3-5.7%) annually 1990-2002.
      The rising incidence was mainly attributable to increasing prevalence of
      overweight/obesity, which rose by 46% during the observation period. In 2010, the
      lifetime risk of adult onset diabetes was 28% (95% CI; 26-31%) in men and 19%
      (95% CI; 17-21%) in women. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes rates have been increasing in
      Stockholm over the last decades, both in terms of incidence and prevalence, and
      this development is most likely the result of increasing overweight and obesity
      in the population.

PMID- 25121974
TI  - Cardiovascular complications following chronic treatment with cocaine and
      testosterone in adolescent rats.
AB  - Concomitant use of anabolic androgenic steroids and cocaine has increased in the
      last years. However, the effects of chronic exposure to these substances during
      adolescence on cardiovascular function are unknown. Here, we investigated the
      effects of treatment for 10 consecutive days with testosterone and cocaine alone
      or in combination on basal cardiovascular parameters, baroreflex activity,
      hemodynamic responses to vasoactive agents, and cardiac morphology in adolescent
      rats. Administration of testosterone alone increased arterial pressure, reduced
      heart rate (HR), and exacerbated the tachycardiac baroreflex response. Cocaine
      treated animals showed resting bradycardia without changes in arterial pressure
      and baroreflex activity. Combined treatment with testosterone and cocaine did not
      affect baseline arterial pressure and HR, but reduced baroreflex-mediated
      tachycardia. None of the treatments affected arterial pressure response to either
      vasoconstrictor or vasodilator agents. Also, heart to body ratio and left and
      right ventricular wall thickness were not modified by drug treatments. However,
      histological analysis of left ventricular sections of animals subjected to
      treatment with testosterone and cocaine alone and combined showed a greater
      spacing between cardiac muscle fibers, dilated blood vessels, and fibrosis. These
      data show important cardiovascular changes following treatment with testosterone
      in adolescent rats. However, the results suggest that exposure to cocaine alone
      or combined with testosterone during adolescence minimally affect cardiovascular
      function. 

PMID- 25121977
TI  - Cost-utility analysis of a treatment advice to discontinue inappropriate long
      term antidepressant use in primary care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antidepressant prescriptions have increased exponentially, burdening
      health care costs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the costs and effects of an
      antidepressant cessation advice in case of inappropriate long-term use in primary
      care, i.e. long-term usage without a (current) indication. METHODS: A economic
      evaluation during 1-year follow-up was performed, from a societal perspective, as
      part of a cluster-randomised controlled clinical trial (PANDA). Costs were
      assessed using the Trimbos/iMTA questionnaire for costs associated with
      psychiatric illness. Health-related quality of life was measured using the
      EuroQol 5D. Outcome was costs per quality adjusted life year (QALY). Missing
      values were estimated using multiple imputation, bootstrap simulations were
      performed to address the uncertainty surrounding the incremental cost
      effectiveness ratios (ICERs). RESULTS: There was no difference in average QALYs
      between the intervention (0.70) and control group (0.72) [difference -0.02 (95%
      CI -0.05 to 0.10)]. The intervention group, however, was less expensive than the
      control group (total costs ?3636 versus ?5267, respectively). Most cost
      effectiveness pairs were located in the south-west quadrant of the cost
      effectiveness plane, implying the intervention was less effective but also less
      costly. The ICER of the pooled data was ?70,180, meaning that for one QALY lost,
      ?70,180 is saved. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that an antidepressant cessation
      advice given to patients (and their FPs) with inappropriate long-term
      antidepressant usage, albeit not effective, does seem to result in a reduction of
      societal costs. This reduction in costs is mostly due to reduction of
      productivity losses, possibly due to patient empowerment and loss of stigma.

PMID- 25121978
TI  - Attitudes about providing HIV care: voices from publicly funded clinics in
      California.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the enactment of health care reform becomes a reality in the USA,
      it has been widely predicted that HIV+ patients will increasingly be cared for by
      primary care physicians (PCPs), many of whom lack the experience to deliver full
      spectrum HIV care. OBJECTIVE: To describe PCPs' preparedness for an influx of
      HIV+ patients. METHODS: This qualitative study included interviews with 20 PCPs
      from community health centres in California. We inquired about clinicians'
      experiences with HIV, their strategies for dealing with unfamiliar aspects of
      medicine and their management of complicated patients. We also identified the
      clinicians' preferred types of information and consultation resources. RESULTS:
      PCPs are not yet comfortable as providers of comprehensive HIV care; however,
      they are dedicated to delivering excellent care to all of their patients,
      regardless of disease process. Although they prefer to refer HIV+ patients to
      centres of excellence, they are willing to adopt full responsibility when
      necessary and believe they can deliver high-quality HIV care if provided with
      adequate consultation and informational resources. CONCLUSIONS: The Affordable
      Care Act will insure an estimated 20000 more HIV+ patients in California. With a
      dwindling supply of HIV specialists, many of these patients will be principally
      cared for by PCPs. PCPs will go to great lengths to ensure that HIV+ patients
      receive superior care, but they need the support of HIV specialists to expand
      their skills. Priority should be given to ensuring that expert consultation is
      widely available to PCPs who find themselves caring for HIV+ patients.

PMID- 25121979
TI  - Population-based Stroke Atlas for outcome prediction: method and preliminary
      results for ischemic stroke from CT.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Knowledge of outcome prediction is important in stroke
      management. We propose a lesion size and location-driven method for stroke
      outcome prediction using a Population-based Stroke Atlas (PSA) linking
      neurological parameters with neuroimaging in population. The PSA aggregates data
      from previously treated patients and applies them to currently treated patients.
      The PSA parameter distribution in the infarct region of a treated patient enables
      prediction. We introduce a method for PSA calculation, quantify its performance,
      and use it to illustrate ischemic stroke outcome prediction of modified Rankin
      Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI). METHODS: The preliminary PSA was constructed
      from 128 ischemic stroke cases calculated for 8 variants (various data
      aggregation schemes) and 3 case selection variables (infarct volume, NIHSS at
      admission, and NIHSS at day 7), each in 4 ranges. Outcome prediction for 9
      parameters (mRS at 7th, and mRS and BI at 30th, 90th, 180th, 360th day) was
      studied using a leave-one-out approach, requiring 589,824 PSA maps to be
      analyzed. RESULTS: Outcomes predicted for different PSA variants are
      statistically equivalent, so the simplest and most efficient variant aiming at
      parameter averaging is employed. This variant allows the PSA to be pre-calculated
      before prediction. The PSA constrained by infarct volume and NIHSS reduces the
      average prediction error (absolute difference between the predicted and actual
      values) by a fraction of 0.796; the use of 3 patient-specific variables further
      lowers it by 0.538. The PSA-based prediction error for mild and severe outcomes
      (mRS  =  [2]-[5]) is (0.5-0.7). Prediction takes about 8 seconds. CONCLUSIONS:
      PSA-based prediction of individual and group mRS and BI scores over time is
      feasible, fast and simple, but its clinical usefulness requires further studies.
      The case selection operation improves PSA predictability. A multiplicity of PSAs
      can be computed independently for different datasets at various centers and
      easily merged, which enables building powerful PSAs over the community.

PMID- 25121980
TI  - Emptying effect of massage on parotid gland radioiodine content.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To prevent salivary dysfunction in thyroid cancer patients who have
      undergone radioiodine ablation, massaging the parotid gland (PG) is presumed to
      be helpful for the removal of radioiodine. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the effect of PG massage in the removal of radioiodine from the PG.
      METHODS: Forty-four patients (female, 38; 49.1 +/- 11.0 years) who underwent
      total thyroidectomy followed by I-131 ablation were included in this prospective
      study. Three serial salivary gland scans were performed 2 h after administration
      of I-123 in thyroid hormone withdrawal status. The patients were divided into two
      groups. There was a 1-min (or 2-min) interval between the first and second scans
      for control, followed by the performance of PG massage for 1 min (or 2 min)
      between the second and third scans. Changes in uptakes were calculated between
      the first and second scans (control) and between the second and third scans
      (massage). RESULTS: The mean change in uptake at the 1-min massage was 0.97 +/-
      11.27%, whereas that at the 1-min control was 11.54 +/- 5.59% (P<0.001). The mean
      change in uptake at the 2-min massage was also significantly lower than that at
      the 2-min control (11.11 +/- 6.97 vs. -0.85 +/- 9.78%, P<0.001). However, no
      statistical difference was observed between the mean changes in uptake after 1-
      and 2-min massages (P=0.573). CONCLUSION: PG massage reduced the radioiodine
      uptake in the PG, and the effect of PG massage for 1 min was comparable with that
      of PG massage for 2 min. PG massage can be applied to thyroid cancer patients who
      receive radioiodine therapy to reduce PG dysfunction.

PMID- 25121981
TI  - Who Seeks Cita Con El Doctor? Twelve Years of Spanish-Language Radio Program
      Targeting U.S. Latinos.
AB  - PURPOSE: Spanish-dominant Latinos make up 13% of the U.S. population, and this
      group is poorer and faces multiple threats to health compared with the general
      population. Additionally, Spanish speakers face challenges accessing health
      information that is often not available in Spanish. This study provides a
      descriptive epidemiology of a unique, low-cost health information source: the
      longest-running U.S.-based Spanish-language call-in radio health education
      program. METHOD: From the universe of all calls 1999 to 2011, stratified random
      sampling yielded 1,237 analyzed calls, which were manually coded for caller sex,
      age, proxy status, and health concern. Descriptive statistics were used to
      examine basic demographics of callers and call topics overall and by sex and
      proxy caller status. RESULTS: Among all calls, the top three call-generating
      health topics were specific symptoms/conditions, sexual/reproductive health, and
      gastrointestinal concerns. The top nine topics were consistent among women, men,
      and proxy callers; however, relative frequency of topics varied across groups.
      Nearly one quarter of calls were initiated on behalf of someone, generally a
      child, spouse or sibling, or parent. Sixty percent of callers were women; women
      made 70% of proxy calls. CONCLUSION: Understanding the differences in information
      seeking behaviors, information needs, and source preferences is important for
      determining where and how to disseminate health information and may help explain
      disparities in knowledge and health outcomes. The radio talk show format provides
      a uniquely personal, culturally sensitive channel for meeting health information
      needs of a vulnerable population while leveraging the cost-effectiveness and wide
      reach of a mass medium.

PMID- 25121982
TI  - Application of a socio-ecological model to mother-infant bed-sharing.
AB  - Mother-infant bed-sharing has been associated with an increased risk of sleep
      related infant deaths, and thus, health messaging has aimed to discourage this
      behavior. Despite this messaging, bed-sharing remains a common practice in the
      United States, especially among minority families. Moreover, rates of accidental
      suffocation and strangulation in bed (often related to bed-sharing) are on the
      rise, with Black infants at two to three times greater risk than Whites. Multiple
      studies have identified risk factors for bed-sharing, but a gap remains between
      findings and translation into interventions. The socio-ecological model (SEM) has
      been suggested as a way to study and design interventions addressing complex
      public health issues. This article reconceptualizes the literature on mother
      infant bed-sharing using the SEM. PubMed, POPLINE, ERIC, and Psych Info were
      searched for articles that (a) included bed-sharing as the outcome variable, (b)
      were published between 2000 and 2013, (c) were conducted in the United States,
      and (d) included quantitative comparison of more than one factor. The following
      data were extracted: sample characteristics, bed-sharing definition, methods,
      factors examined, key findings, and conclusions. Data were summarized into five
      SEM levels--infant, maternal, family and household, and community and society,
      nested within the historical context of race. Sixteen studies met inclusion
      criteria. Significant factors associated with bed-sharing were present within
      each SEM level of influence. Educational interventions may increase efficacy by
      attending to multiple levels of the SEM, especially when implementing such
      interventions within minority subpopulations. Using a harm reduction approach to
      reducing the risk around bed-sharing may be one way to account for the multiple
      influences on bed-sharing. The science and practice of minimizing mother-infant
      bed-sharing may be advanced through use of the SEM.

PMID- 25121985
TI  - Candida albicans pathogenicity and epithelial immunity.

PMID- 25121984
TI  - Lipoprotein-apheresis reduces circulating microparticles in individuals with
      familial hypercholesterolemia.
AB  - Lipoprotein-apheresis (apheresis) removes LDL-cholesterol in patients with severe
      dyslipidemia. However, reduction is transient, indicating that the long-term
      cardiovascular benefits of apheresis may not solely be due to LDL removal.
      Microparticles (MPs) are submicron vesicles released from the plasma membrane of
      cells. MPs, particularly platelet-derived MPs, are increasingly being linked to
      the pathogenesis of many diseases. We aimed to characterize the effect of
      apheresis on MP size, concentration, cellular origin, and fatty acid
      concentration in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Plasma and
      MP samples were collected from 12 individuals with FH undergoing routine
      apheresis. Tunable resistive pulse sensing (np200) and nanoparticle tracking
      analysis measured a fall in MP concentration (33 and 15%, respectively; P < 0.05)
      pre- to post-apheresis. Flow cytometry showed MPs were predominantly annexin V
      positive and of platelet (CD41) origin both pre- (88.9%) and post-apheresis
      (88.4%). Fatty acid composition of MPs differed from that of plasma, though
      apheresis affected a similar profile of fatty acids in both compartments, as
      measured by GC-flame ionization detection. MP concentration was also shown to
      positively correlate with thrombin generation potential. In conclusion, we show
      apheresis nonselectively removes annexin V-positive platelet-derived MPs in
      individuals with FH. These MPs are potent inducers of coagulation and are
      elevated in CVD; this reduction in pathological MPs could relate to the long-term
      benefits of apheresis. 

PMID- 25121986
TI  - Efficacy of an internet-based problem-solving training for teachers: results of a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to
      evaluate the efficacy of internet-based problem-solving training (iPST) for
      employees in the educational sector (teachers) with depressive symptoms. The
      results of training were compared to those of a waitlist control group (WLC).
      METHODS: One-hundred and fifty teachers with elevated depressive symptoms (Center
      for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, CES-D >=16) were assigned to either
      the iPST or WLC group. The iPST consisted of five lessons, including problem
      solving and rumination techniques. Symptoms were assessed before the intervention
      began and in follow-up assessments after seven weeks, three months, and six
      months. The primary outcome was depressive symptom severity (CES-D). Secondary
      outcomes included general and work-specific self-efficacy, perceived stress,
      pathological worries, burnout symptoms, general physical and mental health, and
      absenteeism. RESULTS: iPST participants displayed a significantly greater
      reduction in depressive symptoms after the intervention (d=0.59, 95% CI 0.26
      0.92), after three months (d=0.37, 95% CI 0.05-0.70) and after six months
      (d=0.38, 95% CI 0.05-0.70) compared to the control group. The iPST participants
      also displayed significantly higher improvements in secondary outcomes. However,
      workplace absenteeism was not significantly affected. CONCLUSION: iPST is
      effective in reducing symptoms of depression among teachers. Disseminated on a
      large scale, iPST could contribute to reducing the burden of stress-related
      mental health problems among teachers. Future studies should evaluate iPST
      approaches for use in other working populations.

PMID- 25121983
TI  - Epoxy alcohol synthase of the rice blast fungus represents a novel subfamily of
      dioxygenase-cytochrome P450 fusion enzymes.
AB  - The genome of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae codes for two proteins
      with N-terminal dioxygenase (DOX) and C-terminal cytochrome P450 (CYP) domains,
      respectively. One of them, MGG_13239, was confirmed as 7,8-linoleate diol
      synthase by prokaryotic expression. The other recombinant protein (MGG_10859)
      possessed prominent 10R-DOX and epoxy alcohol synthase (EAS) activities. This
      enzyme, 10R-DOX-EAS, transformed 18:2n-6 sequentially to 10(R)-hydroperoxy
      8(E),12(Z)-octadecadienoic acid (10R-HPODE) and to 12S(13R)-epoxy-10(R)-hydroxy
      8(E)-octadecenoic acid as the end product. Oxygenation at C-10 occurred by
      retention of the pro-R hydrogen of C-8 of 18:2n-6, suggesting antarafacial
      hydrogen abstraction and oxygenation. Experiments with (18)O2 and (16)O2 gas
      confirmed that the epoxy alcohol was formed from 10R-HPODE, likely by heterolytic
      cleavage of the dioxygen bond with formation of P450 compound I, and subsequent
      intramolecular epoxidation of the 12(Z) double bond. Site-directed mutagenesis
      demonstrated that the cysteinyl heme ligand of the P450 domain was required for
      the EAS activity. Replacement of Asn(965) with Val in the conserved AsnGlnXaaGln
      sequence revealed that Asn(965) supported formation of the epoxy alcohol. 10R-DOX
      EAS is the first member of a novel subfamily of DOX-CYP fusion proteins of
      devastating plant pathogens. 

PMID- 25121988
TI  - Personal Out-of-Pocket Health Expenses, United States, 1970.
AB  - Money spent on medical and dental care is an important concern of many families.
      To alleviate the burden, a large number of families carry health insurance to
      cover much of this expense. However, there remain some direct out-of- pocket
      health expenditures for many of us. During 1971 the Health Interview Survey
      conducted a study to measure the out-of-pocket health expenses of the civilian
      population not confined to institutions. A self-enumeration questionnaire was
      mailed to some 11,970 households comprising a representative sample of the
      Nation's households, the same sample as that used in the last quarter of 1970 for
      the Health Interview Survey (see the "Source of Data" for details). Information
      was requested on out-of-pocket expenditures in 1970 for hospital, doctor, dental,
      or optical services, prescribed medicine, and other medical expenses for each
      family member as well as the total amount of health insurance premiums (including
      Medicare premiums) paid directly by the family during 1970. No attempt has been
      made in the study to measure the total cost of medical and dental care, since it
      is difficult, if not impossible, for family members to report the amounts paid
      through insurance benefits, government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid,
      welfare, philanthropy, and other third-party payers. The total amount of national
      health expenditures, including out-of-pocket costs, is measured by the Social
      Security Administration and reported in the Social Security Bulletin in several
      annual series of reports. Another source of expenditure data is the Center for
      Health Administration Studies of the University of Chicago. 

PMID- 25121987
TI  - Induced pluripotent stem cells without c-Myc ameliorate retinal oxidative damage
      via paracrine effects and reduced oxidative stress in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of non-c-Myc induced
      pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) transplantation in a rat model of retinal oxidative
      damage. METHODS: Paraquat was intravitreously injected into Sprague-Dawley rats.
      After non-c-Myc iPSC transplantation, retinal function was evaluated by
      electroretinograms (ERGs). The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was
      determined by lucigenin- and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence. The expression
      of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, basic
      fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1alpha, and
      CXCR4 was measured by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. An in vitro study using SH
      SY5Y cells was performed to verify the protective effects of SDF-1alpha. RESULTS:
      Transplantation of non-c-Myc iPSCs effectively promoted the recovery of the b
      wave ratio in ERGs and significantly ameliorated retinal damage. Non-c-Myc iPSC
      transplantation decreased ROS production and increased the activities of
      superoxide dismutase and catalase, thereby reducing retinal oxidative damage and
      apoptotic cells. Moreover, non-c-Myc iPSC transplantation resulted in significant
      upregulation of SDF-1alpha, followed by bFGF, accompanied by a significant
      improvement in the ERG. In vitro studies confirmed that treatment with SDF-1alpha
      significantly reduced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in SH-SY5Y cells. Most
      transplanted cells remained in the subretinal space, with spare cells expressing
      neurofilament M markers at day 28. Six months after transplantation, no tumor
      formation was seen in animals with non-c-Myc iPSC grafts. CONCLUSIONS: We
      demonstrated the potential benefits of non-c-Myc iPSC transplantation for
      treating oxidative-damage-induced retinal diseases. SDF-1alpha and bFGF play
      important roles in facilitating the amelioration of retinal oxidative damage
      after non-c-Myc iPSC transplantation.

PMID- 25121990
TI  - Antibiotic resistance: a primer and call to action.
AB  - During the past century, discoveries of microorganisms as causes of infections
      and antibiotics as effective therapeutic agents have contributed to significant
      gains in public health in many parts of the world. Health agencies worldwide are
      galvanizing attention toward antibiotic resistance, which is a major threat to
      public health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013; World Health
      Organization, 2014). Some life scientists believe that we are approaching the
      post-antibiotic age (Davies & Davies, 2010). The growing threat of antimicrobial
      resistance is fueled by complex factors with biological, behavioral, and societal
      aspects. This primer provides an overview of antibiotic resistance and its
      growing burden on public health, the biological and behavioral mechanisms that
      increase antibiotic resistance, and examples of where health communication
      scholars can contribute to efforts to make our current antibiotic drugs last as
      long as possible. In addition, we identify compelling challenges for current
      communication theories and practices. 

PMID- 25121989
TI  - Mucin 5B promoter polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to interstitial
      lung diseases in Chinese males.
AB  - The variation of G>T in the MUC5B promoter (rs35705950) has been associated with
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and familial interstitial pneumonia (FIP) in
      Caucasians, but no information is available regarding this variant in the Chinese
      population. We recruited 405 patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD),
      including 165 IPF patients and 2043 healthy controls, for genotyping the MUC5B
      gene in the Chinese population. One hundred three patients with pneumonia and 360
      patients with autoimmune diseases (ADs) were recruited as disease controls. Our
      results indicated that the prevalence of the minor allele (T) of the polymorphism
      rs35705950 in healthy Chinese subjects was approximately 0.66%, which was lower
      than that described in the Caucasian population. The frequencies of the T allele
      were 3.33% and 2.22% in IPF and ILD patients, respectively, and these values were
      significantly higher than those of healthy controls (P = 0.001, OR = 4.332 for
      IPF, and P = 0.002, OR = 2.855 for ILD). A stratified analysis showed that this
      variant in MUC5B associated with the risk for ILD mainly in older male Chinese
      subjects. No difference was observed between patients with pneumonia, AD
      patients, and healthy controls.

PMID- 25121992
TI  - Methylphenidate intoxication: somnolence as an uncommon clinical symptom and
      proof of overdosing by increased serum levels of ritalinic acid.
AB  - There is considerable evidence for an increase of methylphenidate (MPH) abuse;
      thus, physicians might be confronted more frequently with MPH intoxications.
      Possible symptoms of intoxications with MPH are orofacial, stereotypic movements
      and tics as well as tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, arterial hypertension,
      hyperthermia, hallucinations and epileptic seizures. Here we report a patient who
      demonstrated somnolence as an uncommon clinical feature of MPH intoxication. The
      patient exhibited subnormal MPH serum levels (3 MUg/l), however markedly
      increased serum levels of ritalinic acid (821 MUg/l; inactive metabolite of MPH),
      that finally confirmed the initially suspected MPH intoxication. Due to the short
      half-life of orally administered MPH (t1/2~3 h) the sole measurement of MPH serum
      levels might be misleading concerning the proof of MPH overdosing in some cases.
      Parallel measurement of MPH and ritalinic acid is recommended in cases with
      suspected MPH intoxication and insufficient anamnestic data.

PMID- 25121991
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of collaborative care for depression in UK primary care:
      economic evaluation of a randomised controlled trial (CADET).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Collaborative care is an effective treatment for the management of
      depression but evidence on its cost-effectiveness in the UK is lacking. AIMS: To
      assess the cost-effectiveness of collaborative care in a UK primary care setting.
      METHODS: An economic evaluation alongside a multi-centre cluster randomised
      controlled trial comparing collaborative care with usual primary care for adults
      with depression (n = 581). Costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and
      incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were calculated over a 12-month
      follow-up, from the perspective of the UK National Health Service and Personal
      Social Services (i.e. Third Party Payer). Sensitivity analyses are reported, and
      uncertainty is presented using the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC)
      and the cost-effectiveness plane. RESULTS: The collaborative care intervention
      had a mean cost of L272.50 per participant. Health and social care service use,
      excluding collaborative care, indicated a similar profile of resource use between
      collaborative care and usual care participants. Collaborative care offered a mean
      incremental gain of 0.02 (95% CI: -0.02, 0.06) quality-adjusted life-years over
      12 months, at a mean incremental cost of L270.72 (95% CI: -202.98, 886.04), and
      resulted in an estimated mean cost per QALY of L14,248. Where costs associated
      with informal care are considered in sensitivity analyses collaborative care is
      expected to be less costly and more effective, thereby dominating treatment as
      usual. CONCLUSION: Collaborative care offers health gains at a relatively low
      cost, and is cost-effective compared with usual care against a decision-maker
      willingness to pay threshold of L20,000 per QALY gained. Results here support the
      commissioning of collaborative care in a UK primary care setting.

PMID- 25121994
TI  - Non-glutamatergic clozapine augmentation strategies: a review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Persistent negative symptoms and cognitive impairment are major clinical problems
      in the treatment of schizophrenia. There is no convincing evidence regarding the
      efficacy of augmentation of clozapine with a second antipsychotic, ethyl
      eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA), an antidepressant, a mood stabilizer or extract of
      Ginkgo biloba in clozapine-resistant schizophrenia. We present an overview of
      studies in which the potential clinical utility of the addition of non
      glutamatergic agents to clozapine is assessed. We performed a meta-analysis on
      the efficacy of both risperidone and aripiprazole compared to placebo. We
      compared the effects of the addition of a second antipsychotic or an
      antidepressant to clozapine on positive, negative, overall and affective symptoms
      of schizophrenia in double-blind placebo-controlled trials. 

PMID- 25121993
TI  - Pegylated interferon pharmacokinetics and self-reported depressive symptoms
      during antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pegylated interferon-2a (PegIFN-2a)+ribavirin treatment for chronic
      hepatitis C is often associated with depressive symptoms. Previous studies have
      failed to explore whether PegIFN-2a pharmacokinetic variability plays an
      etiologic role in PegIFN-2a-induced mood disorders. The objective of this
      investigation was to evaluate the association between trough PegIFN-2a
      concentration at treatment week 4 ("PegIFN-2a Cmin4") and an increase in
      depressive symptoms. METHODS: Using data from Virahep-C, the association between
      PegIFN-2a Cmin4 and the following depression outcomes were evaluated using the
      Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale (CES-D): (1) change in CES-D
      score from baseline to week 12; (2) greatest difference in CES-D score between
      baseline and weeks 4, 12, or 24; and (3) occurrence of severe depressive symptoms
      (CES-D greater than 23) at weeks 4, 12, or 24. One post-hoc analysis examined
      whether PegIFN-2a exposure during the first week of treatment was associated with
      change in CES-D score from baseline to week 4. RESULTS: No significant
      associations between PegIFN-2a Cmin4 and the depression outcomes were observed
      (p>0.05). Exploratory analyses suggest a possible relationship between PegIFN-2a
      exposure during the first week of therapy and CES-D score change from baseline to
      week 4 (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: PegIFN-2a concentration levels from baseline to
      week 4 do not predict the onset and severity of depressive symptoms during 24
      weeks of antiviral therapy; however PegIFN-2a levels during the first week of
      treatment may predict depressive symptoms in the first 4 weeks, earlier than
      anticipated and warrants further exploration.

PMID- 25121997
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed direct ortho-nitration of azoarenes using NO2 as nitro
      source.
AB  - A palladium-catalyzed direct ortho-nitration reaction of azoarenes was developed
      in which NO2 was used as both nitro source and oxidant for the first time. The
      nitration products were converted into o-aminoazoarenes or benzotriazole
      derivatives by a simple reduction. 

PMID- 25121998
TI  - When meaning is useless.
AB  - The aim of this study is to disentangle the relative contribution of semantic and
      phonological representation in immediate serial recall. Indeed, short-term memory
      (STM) performance could be enhanced by familiarity with the phonological form of
      the word only or together with semantic information. Participants learned two
      sets of words in an unknown language: for one set they acquired both phonology
      and semantics, while for the other only phonology. After that, they performed two
      immediate serial recall tasks involving either "phonology and semantics" or "only
      phonology" words and one with untrained words. The analyses showed that the
      trained lists did not differ from each other, while they did from the untrained
      one. These data confirm that familiarity with the phonological form is sufficient
      for immediate serial recall. Therefore, we argue that semantics is not required
      for verbal STM, but knowledge of the phonological form is what matters. 

PMID- 25121995
TI  - The influence of body mass index, age and sex on inflammatory disease risk in
      semi-captive Chimpanzees.
AB  - Obesity and ageing are emerging issues in the management of captive primates,
      including Chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes. Studies on humans show that obesity and
      old age can independently increase the risk of inflammatory-associated diseases
      indicated by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cells and proteins in the blood
      of older or obese compared to levels in younger or non-obese individuals. In
      humans, sex can influence the outcomes of these risks. Health management of these
      problems in chimpanzee populations requires an understanding of similarities and
      differences of factors influencing inflammatory disease risks in humans and in
      chimpanzees. We examined the relationship between age, sex and Body Mass Index
      (BMI) with hematological biomarkers of inflammatory disease risk established for
      humans which include the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and neutrophil,
      white blood cell (WBC), platelet microparticle and platelet counts. We found that
      higher values of NLR, neutrophil count and platelet microparticle count were
      associated with higher BMI values and older age indicating increased inflammation
      risk in these groups; a similar pattern to humans. There was a strong sex by age
      interaction on inflammation risk, with older males more at risk than older
      females. In contrast to human studies, total WBC count was not influenced by BMI,
      but like humans, WBC and platelet counts were lower in older individuals compared
      to younger individuals. Our findings are similar to those of humans and suggest
      that further insight on managing chimpanzees can be gained from extensive studies
      of ageing and obesity in humans. We suggest that managing BMI should be an
      integral part of health management in captive chimpanzee populations in order to
      partially reduce the risk of diseases associated with inflammation. These results
      also highlight parallels in inflammation risk between humans and chimpanzees and
      have implications for understanding the evolution of inflammation related
      diseases in apes. 

PMID- 25121996
TI  - Repair-related activation of hedgehog signaling in stromal cells promotes
      intrahepatic hypothyroidism.
AB  - Thyroid hormone (TH) is important for tissue repair because it regulates cellular
      differentiation. Intrahepatic TH activity is controlled by both serum TH levels
      and hepatic deiodinases. TH substrate (T4) is converted into active hormone (T3)
      by deiodinase 1 (D1) but into inactive hormone (rT3) by deiodinase 3 (D3).
      Although the relative expressions of D1 and D3 are known to change during liver
      injury, the cell types and signaling mechanisms involved are unclear. We
      evaluated the hypothesis that changes in hepatic deiodinases result from repair
      related activation of the Hedgehog pathway in stromal cells. We localized
      deiodinase expression, assessed changes during injury, and determined how
      targeted manipulation of Hedgehog signaling in stromal cells impacted hepatic
      deiodinase expression, TH content, and TH action in rodents. Humans with chronic
      liver disease were also studied. In healthy liver, hepatocytes strongly expressed
      D1 and stromal cells weakly expressed D3. During injury, hepatocyte expression of
      D1 decreased, whereas stromal expression of D3 increased, particularly in
      myofibroblasts. Conditionally disrupting Hedgehog signaling in myofibroblasts
      normalized deiodinase expression. Repair-related changes in deiodinases were
      accompanied by reduced hepatic TH content and TH-regulated gene expression. In
      patients, this was reflected by increased serum rT3. Moreover, the decreases in
      the free T3 to rT3 and free T4 to rT3 ratios distinguished advanced from mild
      fibrosis, even in individuals with similar serum levels of TSH and free T4. In
      conclusion, the Hedgehog-dependent changes in liver stromal cells drive repair
      related changes in hepatic deiodinase expression that promote intrahepatic
      hypothyroidism, thereby limiting exposure to T3, an important factor for cellular
      differentiation.

PMID- 25121999
TI  - 20 years of leptin: leptin at 20: an overview.
AB  - Historically, adipose tissue was considered to be a passive storage vessel
      discharging nutrients in times of famine and accumulating fat in times of
      surfeit. This view changed with the identification of leptin as an adipocyte
      hormone. Leptin functions as an afferent signal in a negative feedback loop that
      regulates food intake and metabolism to maintain homeostatic control of adipose
      tissue mass. Before this, the existence of a system maintaining homeostatic
      control of energy balance was unclear. The identification of leptin has thus
      uncovered a new endocrine system that also links changes in nutrition to adaptive
      responses in most if not all other physiologic systems. Further studies have
      revealed a set of clinical syndromes caused by leptin deficiency, including
      lipodystrophy and hypothalamic amenorrhea. This work has led to new therapeutic
      approaches for a number of human conditions and has also established a conceptual
      framework for studying the pathogenesis of obesity. 

PMID- 25122001
TI  - The role of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) in the preservation of renal function:
      DPP4 involvement in hemoglobin expression.
AB  - In a previous study, we demonstrated that dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4)-deficient
      rats were susceptible to reduced glomerular filtration rate as a result of
      streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Therefore, we proposed that DPP4 might be
      responsible for the preservation of renal function. In this study, to verify the
      role of DPP4 in the preservation of renal function, we performed a microarray
      analysis of the kidneys of WT and DPP4-deficient rats after STZ treatment, and
      gene expression analysis using rat kidneys, human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293)
      cells, and human renal cancer cells (CakI-1). The microarray analysis indicated
      that the expression levels of the transporter activity, heme-binding, and
      pheromone binding-related genes changed significantly. The results of gene
      expression analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in the
      expression levels of hemoglobin mRNA between the DPP4-deficient and WT rats;
      however, the expression levels of hemoglobin mRNA in the kidneys of DPP4
      deficient rats tended to decrease when compared with those of both the non-STZ
      treated and STZ-treated WT rats. The expression levels of hemoglobin in HEK293
      and Caki-1 cells were significantly decreased when DPP4 was knocked down by
      siRNA, were significantly increased by the addition of soluble human DPP4, and
      were also significantly increased by the addition of the DPP4 inhibitor,
      sitagliptin. The expression level of DPP4 was also significantly increased by the
      addition of sitagliptin in both cell types. Our findings indicate that DPP4
      regulates the expression of the hemoglobin genes, and might play a role in the
      preservation of renal function; however, the underlying mechanism of this
      preservation remains to be elucidated. 

PMID- 25122000
TI  - Gastrin induces ductal cell dedifferentiation and beta-cell neogenesis after 90%
      pancreatectomy.
AB  - Induction of beta-cell mass regeneration is a potentially curative treatment for
      diabetes. We have recently found that long-term gastrin treatment results in
      improved metabolic control and beta-cell mass expansion in 95% pancreatectomised
      (Px) rats. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of gastrin
      induced beta-cell mass expansion after Px. After 90%-Px, rats were treated with
      gastrin (Px+G) or vehicle (Px+V), pancreatic remnants were harvested on days 1,
      3, 5, 7, and 14 and used for gene expression, protein immunolocalisation and
      morphometric analyses. Gastrin- and vehicle-treated Px rats showed similar blood
      glucose levels throughout the study. Initially, after Px, focal areas of
      regeneration, showing mesenchymal cells surrounding ductal structures that
      expressed the cholecystokinin B receptor, were identified. These focal areas of
      regeneration were similar in size and cell composition in the Px+G and Px+V
      groups. However, in the Px+G group, the ductal structures showed lower levels of
      keratin 20 and beta-catenin (indicative of duct dedifferentiation) and higher
      levels of expression of neurogenin 3 and NKX6-1 (indicative of endocrine
      progenitor phenotype), as compared with Px+V rats. In Px+G rats, beta-cell mass
      and the number of scattered beta-cells were significantly increased compared with
      Px+V rats, whereas beta-cell replication and apoptosis were similar in the two
      groups. These results indicate that gastrin treatment-enhanced dedifferentiation
      and reprogramming of regenerative ductal cells in Px rats, increased beta-cell
      neogenesis and fostered beta-cell mass expansion. 

PMID- 25122002
TI  - UCP1 is present in porcine adipose tissue and is responsive to postnatal leptin.
AB  - Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) may be accompanied by inadequate
      thermoregulation, especially in piglets that are not considered to possess any
      brown adipose tissue (BAT) and are thus entirely dependent on shivering
      thermogenesis in order to maintain body temperature after birth. Leptin can
      stimulate heat production by promoting non-shivering thermogenesis in BAT, but
      whether this response occurs in piglets is unknown. Newborn female piglets that
      were characterised as showing IUGR (mean birth weight of approximately 0.98 kg)
      were therefore administered injections of either saline or leptin once a day for
      the first 5 days of neonatal life. The dose of leptin was 0.5 mg/kg, which is
      sufficient to increase plasma leptin by approximately tenfold and on the day of
      birth induced a rapid increase in body temperature to values similar to those of
      normal-sized 'control' piglets (mean birth weight of ~1.47 kg). Perirenal adipose
      tissue was then sampled from all offspring at 21 days of age and the presence of
      the BAT-specific uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) was determined by
      immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. UCP1 was clearly detectable in all
      samples analysed and its abundance was significantly reduced in the IUGR piglets
      that had received saline compared with controls, but was raised to the same
      amount as in controls in those IUGR females given leptin. There were no
      differences in gene expression between primary markers of brown and white adipose
      tissues between groups. In conclusion, piglets possess BAT that when stimulated
      exogenously by leptin can promote increased body temperature. 

PMID- 25122003
TI  - Urocortin 3 activates AMPK and AKT pathways and enhances glucose disposal in rat
      skeletal muscle.
AB  - Insulin resistance (IR) in skeletal muscle is an important component of both type
      2 diabetes and the syndrome of sarcopaenic obesity, for which there are no
      effective therapies. Urocortins (UCNs) are not only well established as
      neuropeptides but also have their roles in metabolism in peripheral tissues. We
      have shown recently that global overexpression of UCN3 resulted in muscular
      hypertrophy and resistance to the adverse metabolic effects of a high-fat diet.
      Herein, we aimed to establish whether short-term local UCN3 expression could
      enhance glucose disposal and insulin signalling in skeletal muscle. UCN3 was
      found to be expressed in right tibialis cranialis and extensor digitorum longus
      muscles of rats by in vivo electrotransfer and the effects studied vs the
      contralateral muscles after 1 week. No increase in muscle mass was detected, but
      test muscles showed 19% larger muscle fibre diameter (P=0.030), associated with
      increased IGF1 and IGF1 receptor mRNA and increased SER256 phosphorylation of
      forkhead transcription factor. Glucose clearance into the test muscles after an
      intraperitoneal glucose load was increased by 23% (P=0.018) per unit mass,
      associated with increased GLUT1 (34% increase; P=0.026) and GLUT4 (48% increase;
      P=0.0009) proteins, and significantly increased phosphorylation of insulin
      receptor substrate-1, AKT, AKT substrate of 160 kDa, glycogen synthase kinase
      3beta, AMP-activated protein kinase and its substrate acetyl coA carboxylase.
      Thus, UCN3 expression enhances glucose disposal and signalling in muscle by an
      autocrine/paracrine mechanism that is separate from its pro-hypertrophic effects,
      implying that such a manipulation may have promised for the treatment of IR
      syndromes including sarcopaenic obesity. 

PMID- 25122004
TI  - Hepatitis B virus subgenotype A1: evolutionary relationships between Brazilian,
      African and Asian isolates.
AB  - Brazil is a country of low hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemicity in which the
      genotype A of HBV (HBV/A) is the most prevalent. The complete nucleotide
      sequences of 26 HBV/A isolates, originating from eight Brazilian states, were
      determined. All were adw2. Twenty-three belonged to subgenotype A1 and three to
      A2. By phylogenetic analysis, it was shown that all the 23 HBV/A1 isolates
      clustered together with isolates from Bangladesh, India, Japan, Nepal, the
      Philippines and United Arab Emirates, but not with those of Congo, Kenya, Malawi,
      Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Four amino acid residues in
      the polymerase (His138 in the terminal protein domain, Pro18 and His90 in the
      spacer, and Ser109 in the reverse transcriptase), and one (Phe17) in the precore
      region, predominated in Latin American and Asian HBV/A1 isolates, but were rarely
      encountered in African isolates, with the exception of those from Somalia.
      Specific variations of two adjacent amino acids in the C-terminal domain of the
      HBx protein, namely Ala146 and Pro147, were found in all the Brazilian, but
      rarely in the other HBV/A1 isolates. By Bayesian analysis, the existence of an
      'Asian-American' clade within subgenotype A1 was supported by a posterior
      probability value of 0.996. The close relatedness of the Brazilian, Asian and
      Somalian isolates suggests that the HBV/A1 strains predominant in Brazil did not
      originate from the five million slaves who were imported from Central and Western
      Africa from 1551 to 1840, but rather from the 300-400,000 captives forcibly
      removed from southeast Africa at the middle of the 19th century. 

PMID- 25122006
TI  - The meaningful use of electronic health records and health care quality.
AB  - The federal government is investing approximately $30 billion in incentives for
      adoption and meaningful use (MU) of electronic health records (EHRs). Whether
      achieving MU improves quality of care is unclear. The researchers conducted a
      longitudinal study of 514 primary care physicians in New York State from 2010 to
      2011. Quality of care provided by those who achieved stage 1 MU was compared with
      the quality provided by those who used EHRs but did not achieve stage 1 MU.
      Generalized estimating equations were used to determine whether receipt of MU
      incentives was independently associated with performance on 9 MU quality
      measures. In 2011, 44% of physicians achieved MU and 56% did not. No difference
      in quality was found between those who achieved stage 1 MU and those who were
      using EHRs but had not achieved MU. Longer follow-up is needed to observe the
      full effects of this multistage national policy. 

PMID- 25122005
TI  - Role of vascular smooth muscle PPARgamma in regulating AT1 receptor signaling and
      angiotensin II-dependent hypertension.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) has been reported to
      play a protective role in the vasculature; however, the underlying mechanisms
      involved are not entirely known. We previously showed that vascular smooth muscle
      specific overexpression of a dominant negative human PPARgamma mutation in mice
      (S-P467L) leads to enhanced myogenic tone and increased angiotensin-II-dependent
      vasoconstriction. S-P467L mice also exhibit increased arterial blood pressure.
      Here we tested the hypotheses that a) mesenteric smooth muscle cells isolated
      from S-P467L mice exhibit enhanced angiotensin-II AT1 receptor signaling, and b)
      the increased arterial pressure of S-P467L mice is angiotensin-II AT1 receptor
      dependent. Phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal
      regulated kinase (ERK1/2) was robustly increased in mesenteric artery smooth
      muscle cell cultures from S-P467L in response to angiotensin-II. The increase in
      ERK1/2 activation by angiotensin-II was blocked by losartan, a blocker of AT1
      receptors. Angiotensin-II-induced ERK1/2 activation was also blocked by Tempol, a
      scavenger of reactive oxygen species, and correlated with increased Nox4 protein
      expression. To investigate whether endogenous renin-angiotensin system activity
      contributes to the elevated arterial pressure in S-P467L, non-transgenic and S
      P467L mice were treated with the AT1 receptor blocker, losartan (30 mg/kg per
      day), for 14-days and arterial pressure was assessed by radiotelemetry. At
      baseline S-P467L mice showed a significant increase of systolic arterial pressure
      (142.0 +/- 10.2 vs 129.1 +/- 3.0 mmHg, p<0.05). Treatment with losartan lowered
      systolic arterial pressure in S-P467L (132.2 +/- 6.9 mmHg) to a level similar to
      untreated non-transgenic mice. Losartan also lowered arterial pressure in non
      transgenic (113.0 +/- 3.9 mmHg) mice, such that there was no difference in the
      losartan-induced depressor response between groups (-13.53 +/- 1.39 in S-P467L vs
      -16.16 +/- 3.14 mmHg in non-transgenic). Our results suggest that interference
      with PPARgamma in smooth muscle: a) causes enhanced angiotensin-II AT1 receptor
      mediated ERK1/2 activation in resistance vessels, b) and may elevate arterial
      pressure through both angiotensin-II AT1 receptor-dependent and -independent
      mechanisms.

PMID- 25122008
TI  - A supersandwich electrochemiluminescence immunosensor based on mimic
      intramolecular interaction for sensitive detection of proteins.
AB  - An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay protocol was developed based on
      mimic-intramolecular interaction for sensitive detection of prostate specific
      antigen (PSA). It was constructed by integrating the ECL luminophore (tris(4,4'
      dicarboxylicacid-2,2'-bipyridyl)-ruthenium(ii)dichloride (Ru(dcbpy)3(2+))) and
      coreactant (histidine) into the supersandwich DNA structure. This strategy was
      more effective in amplifying the ECL signal by shortening the electronic
      transmission distance, improving the ECL luminous stability and enhancing the ECL
      luminous efficiency. The ECL matrices denoted as MWCNTs@PDA-AuNPs were fabricated
      through spontaneous oxidative polymerization of dopamine (DA) on multiwalled
      carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and reducing HAuCl4 to produce gold nanoparticles
      (AuNPs) by DA simultaneously. Then, the prepared matrices were applied to bind
      capture antibodies. Moreover, supersandwich Ab2 bioconjugate was designed using a
      PAMAM dendrimer to immobilize the detection antibody and supersandwich DNA
      structure. The PAMAM dendrimer, with a plurality of secondary and tertiary amine
      groups, not only facilitated high-density immobilization of the detection
      antibody and supersandwich DNA structure, but also greatly amplified the ECL
      signal of Ru(dcbpy)3(2+). The supersandwich DNA structure contained multiple
      Ru(dcbpy)3(2+) and histidine, further amplifying the ECL signal. The proposed
      supersandwich immunosensor showed high sensitivity with a detection limit of 4.2
      fg mL(-1) and a wide linear range of 0.01 pg mL(-1)-40.00 ng mL(-1). With the
      excellent stability, satisfying precision and reproducibility, the proposed
      immunosensor indicates promising practicability for clinical diagnosis. 

PMID- 25122009
TI  - Workers: the climate canaries.

PMID- 25122007
TI  - Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3) negatively regulates environmentally-induced
      autoimmunity.
AB  - Environmental factors including drugs, mineral oils and heavy metals such as
      lead, gold and mercury are triggers of autoimmune diseases in animal models or
      even in occupationally exposed humans. After exposure to subtoxic levels of
      mercury (Hg), genetically susceptible strains of mice develop an autoimmune
      disease characterized by the production of highly specific anti-nucleolar
      autoantibodies, hyperglobulinemia and nephritis. However, mice can be tolerized
      to the disease by a single low dose administration of Hg. Lymphocyte Activation
      Gene-3 (LAG-3) is a CD4-related, MHC-class II binding molecule expressed on
      activated T cells and NK cells which maintains lymphocyte homeostatic balance via
      various inhibitory mechanisms. In our model, administration of anti-LAG-3
      monoclonal antibody broke tolerance to Hg resulting in autoantibody production
      and an increase in serum IgE level. In addition, LAG-3-deficient B6.SJL mice not
      only had increased susceptibility to Hg-induced autoimmunity but were also
      unresponsive to tolerance induction. Conversely, adoptive transfer of wild-type
      CD4(+) T cells was able to partially rescue LAG-3-deficient mice from the
      autoimmune disease. Further, in LAG-3-deficient mice, mercury elicited higher
      amounts of IL-6, IL-4 and IFN-gamma, cytokines known to play a critical role in
      mercury-induced autoimmunity. Therefore, we conclude that LAG-3 exerts an
      important regulatory effect on autoimmunity elicited by a common environmental
      pollutant.

PMID- 25122010
TI  - Epigenome: biosensor of cumulative exposure to chemical and nonchemical stressors
      related to environmental justice.
AB  - Understanding differential disease susceptibility requires new tools to quantify
      the cumulative effects of environmental stress. Evidence suggests that social,
      physical, and chemical stressors can influence disease through the accumulation
      of epigenetic modifications. Geographically stable epigenetic alterations could
      identify plausible mechanisms for health disparities among the disadvantaged and
      poor. Relations between neighborhood-specific epigenetic markers and disease
      would identify the most appropriate targets for medical and environmental
      intervention. Complex interactions among genes, the environment, and disease
      require the examination of how epigenetic changes regulate susceptibility to
      environmental stressors. Progress in understanding disparities in disease
      susceptibility may depend on assessing the cumulative effect of environmental
      stressors on genetic substrates. We highlight key concepts regarding the
      interface between environmental stress, epigenetics, and chronic disease. 

PMID- 25122011
TI  - Why is life expectancy declining among low-educated women in the United States?

PMID- 25122012
TI  - Is science public health's BFF?

PMID- 25122013
TI  - Dentist supply and children's oral health in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the relationship between dentist supply and children's
      oral health and explored heterogeneity by children's age and urbanicity. METHODS:
      We obtained data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health (>27,000
      children aged 1-10 years; >23,000 children aged 11-17 years). We estimated the
      association between state-level dentist supply and multiple measures of
      children's oral health using regression analysis adjusting for several child,
      family, and population-level characteristics. RESULTS: Dentist supply was
      significantly related to better oral health outcomes among children aged 1 to 10
      years. The odds of decay and bleeding gums were lower by more than 50% (odds
      ratio [OR]=0.46; 95% CI=0.23, 0.95) and 80% (OR=0.18; 95% CI=0.05, 0.76),
      respectively, with an additional dentist per 1000 population. The odds of a worse
      maternal rating of child's dental health on a 5-category scale from poor to
      excellent were lower by about 50% in this age group with an additional dentist
      per 1000 population (OR=0.51; 95% CI=0.29, 0.91). We observed associations only
      for children in urban settings. CONCLUSIONS: Dentist supply is associated with
      improved oral health for younger children in urban settings.

PMID- 25122014
TI  - Insidious trends and social/environmental justice: public health's challenge for
      responding to hazard events.

PMID- 25122016
TI  - Fleming et al. respond.

PMID- 25122015
TI  - Use of research evidence in state policymaking for childhood obesity prevention
      in Minnesota.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We describe how scientific evidence about obesity has been used in
      Minnesota legislative materials to understand how research evidence might more
      effectively be translated into policymaking. METHODS: We selected 13 obesity
      related bills introduced from 2007 to 2011 in Minnesota. Using state archives, we
      collected all legislative committee meeting materials and floor testimony related
      to each bill. We used a coding instrument to systematically analyze the content
      of a sample of 109 materials for their use of research evidence and non-research
      based information. RESULTS: Research evidence was mentioned in 41% of all
      legislative materials. Evidence was often used to describe the prevalence or
      consequences of obesity or policy impacts but not to describe health disparities.
      In 45% of materials that cited evidence, no source of evidence was indicated. By
      contrast, 92% of materials presented non-research-based information, such as
      expert beliefs, constituent opinion, political principles, and anecdotes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite an abundance of available research evidence on obesity, less
      than half of legislative materials cited any such evidence in discussions around
      obesity-related bills under consideration in Minnesota.

PMID- 25122017
TI  - The alcohol policy environment and policy subgroups as predictors of binge
      drinking measures among US adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined the relationships of the state-level alcohol policy
      environment and policy subgroups with individual-level binge drinking measures.
      METHODS: We used generalized estimating equations regression models to relate the
      alcohol policy environment based on data from 29 policies in US states from 2004
      to 2009 to 3 binge drinking measures in adults from the 2005 to 2010 Behavioral
      Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys. RESULTS: A 10 percentage point higher
      alcohol policy environment score, which reflected increased policy effectiveness
      and implementation, was associated with an 8% lower adjusted odds of binge
      drinking and binge drinking 5 or more times, and a 10% lower adjusted odds of
      consuming 10 or more drinks. Policies that targeted the general population rather
      than the underage population, alcohol consumption rather than impaired driving,
      and raising the price or reducing the availability of alcohol had the strongest
      independent associations with reduced binge drinking. Alcohol taxes and outlet
      density accounted for approximately half of the effect magnitude observed for all
      policies. CONCLUSIONS: A small number of policies that raised alcohol prices and
      reduced its availability appeared to affect binge drinking.

PMID- 25122018
TI  - The tobacco industry, researchers, and ethical access to UK Biobank: using the
      public interest and public good.
AB  - We have asked whether the strategic purpose of the tobacco industry is something
      that a public resource, such as UK Biobank, should support. Tobacco industry
      health research has been known to work irreconcilably with the purposes of such
      institutions, which can be surmised as for the public good and defined to improve
      the provision, diagnosis, and treatment of illness and the promotion of health
      throughout society. We have isolated possible conflicts of interest that underlie
      vested research agendas of the tobacco industry and that may extend to tobacco
      industry-funded researchers. With respect to research, we find that the tobacco
      industry is entirely at odds with the purposes of public biobanking. 

PMID- 25122020
TI  - Moving upstream: why rehabilitative justice in military discharge proceedings
      serves a public health interest.
AB  - The cultural divide between US military and civilian institutions amplifies the
      consequences of military discharge status on public health and criminal justice
      systems in a manner that is invisible to a larger society. Prompt removal of
      problematic wounded warriors through retributive justice is more expedient than
      lengthy mental health treatment. Administrative and punitive discharges usually
      preclude Department of Veterans Affairs eligibility, posing a heavy public health
      burden. Moving upstream--through military rehabilitative justice addressing
      military offenders' mental health needs before discharge--will reduce the
      downstream consequences of civilian maladjustment and intergenerational
      transmission of mental illness. The public health community can play an
      illuminating role by gathering data about community effect and by advocating for
      policy change at Department of Veterans Affairs and community levels.

PMID- 25122019
TI  - Systematic review of the effect of pictorial warnings on cigarette packages in
      smoking behavior.
AB  - We used a structured approach to assess whether active smokers presented with
      pictorial warnings on cigarette packages (PWCP) had a higher probability of
      quitting, reducing, and attempting to quit smoking than did unexposed smokers. We
      identified 21 articles from among nearly 2500 published between 1993 and 2013,
      prioritizing coverage over relevance or quality because we expected to find only
      a few studies with behavioral outcomes. We found very large heterogeneity across
      studies, poor or very poor methodological quality, and generally null or
      conflicting findings for any explored outcome. The evidence for or against the
      use of PWCP is insufficient, suggesting that any effect of PWCP on behavior would
      be modest. Determining the single impact of PWCP on behavior requires studies
      with strong methodological designs and longer follow-up periods. 

PMID- 25122021
TI  - Patterns of visit attendance in the nurse-family partnership program.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined visit attendance patterns in the Memphis trial of the
      Nurse-Family Partnership and associations between these patterns and family
      characteristics, outcomes, and treatment-control differences in outcomes.
      METHODS: We employed repeated measures latent class analysis to identify
      attendance patterns among the 228 mothers assigned to receive home nurse visits
      during pregnancy and until the child was aged 2 years, associated background
      characteristics, outcomes, and treatment-control differences by visit class. Home
      visits were conducted from June 1990 to March 1994. We collected outcome data
      from May 1992 to April 1994 and July 2003 to December 2006. RESULTS: We
      identified 3 visit attendance patterns. High attenders (48%) had the most visits
      and good outcomes. Low attenders (33%) had the most education and the best
      outcomes. Increasing attenders (18%) had the fewest completed visits during
      pregnancy, the poorest intake characteristics, and the poorest outcomes.
      Treatment-control group differences varied by class, with high and low attenders
      having better outcomes on some measures than did their control group
      counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Three patterns were associated with distinct groups of
      mothers with different long-term outcomes. Further examination and use of
      patterns to classify mothers and prioritize resources may improve efficiency in
      the Nurse-Family Partnership.

PMID- 25122022
TI  - Integrating health into disaster risk reduction strategies: key considerations
      for success.
AB  - The human and financial costs of disasters are vast. In 2011, disasters were
      estimated to have cost $378 billion worldwide; disasters have affected 64% of the
      world's population since 1992. Consequently, disaster risk reduction strategies
      have become increasingly prominent on national and international policy agendas.
      However, the function of health in disaster risk reduction strategies often has
      been restricted to emergency response. To mitigate the effect of disasters on
      social and health development goals (such as risk reduction Millennium
      Development Goals) and increase resilience among at-risk populations, disaster
      strategies should assign the health sector a more all-encompassing, proactive
      role. We discuss proposed methods and concepts for mainstreaming health in
      disaster risk reduction and consider barriers faced by the health sector in this
      field. 

PMID- 25122023
TI  - On the value of the "Man Up Monday" campaign.

PMID- 25122025
TI  - Reproductive rights denied: the Hyde Amendment and access to abortion for Native
      American women using Indian health service facilities.
AB  - Restrictions on the use of federal funds to provide abortions have limited the
      access to abortion services for Native American women receiving care at Indian
      Health Service facilities. Current data suggest that the vast majority of Indian
      Health Service facilities are unequipped to provide abortions under any
      circumstances. Native American women experience disproportionately high rates of
      sexual assault and unintended pregnancy. Hyde Amendment restrictions
      systematically infringe on the reproductive rights of Native American women and
      present a pressing public health policy concern. 

PMID- 25122024
TI  - Implementation of tobacco cessation quitline practices in the United States and
      Canada.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined relationships between implementation of tobacco quitline
      practices, levels of evidence of practices, and quitline reach and spending.
      METHODS: In June and July 2009, a total of 176 quitline funders and providers in
      the United States and Canada completed a survey on quitline practices, in
      particular quitline-level implementation for the reported practices. From these
      data, we selected and categorized evidence-based and emerging quitline practices
      by the strength of the evidence for each practice to increase quitline efficacy
      and reach. RESULTS: The proportion of quitlines implementing each practice ranged
      from 3% (text messaging) to 92% (providing a multiple-call protocol).
      Implementation of practices showing higher levels of evidence for increasing
      either reach or efficacy showed moderate but significant positive correlations
      with both reach outcomes and spending levels. The strongest correlation was
      between reach outcomes and spending levels (r=0.80; P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: The
      strong relationship between quitline spending and reach reinforces the need to
      increase quitline funding to levels commensurate with national cessation goals.

PMID- 25122026
TI  - Evaluating the implementation process of a citywide smoke-free multiunit housing
      ordinance: insights from community stakeholders.
AB  - We evaluated the implementation process of Richmond, California's citywide smoke
      free multiunit housing ordinance. We conducted semistructured focus groups with
      multiunit housing tenants, owners, and managers. Residents understood the harms
      of secondhand smoke but lacked accurate information about the ordinance and
      questioned its enforceability. They shared concerns that the city lacked
      cessation resources for smokers wishing to quit because of the ordinance. To
      increase compliance with the ordinance, tenants, owners, and managers need
      accurate information. 

PMID- 25122027
TI  - Effects of statewide job losses on adolescent suicide-related behaviors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the impact of statewide job loss on adolescent
      suicide-related behaviors. METHODS: We used 1997 to 2009 data from the Youth Risk
      Behavior Survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to estimate the effects of
      statewide job loss on adolescents' suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and
      suicide plans. Probit regression models controlled for demographic
      characteristics, state of residence, and year; samples were divided according to
      gender and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Statewide job losses during the year
      preceding the survey increased girls' probability of suicidal ideation and
      suicide plans and non-Hispanic Black adolescents' probability of suicidal
      ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts. Job losses among 1% of a state's
      working-age population increased the probability of girls and Blacks reporting
      suicide-related behaviors by 2 to 3 percentage points. Job losses did not affect
      the suicide-related behaviors of boys, non-Hispanic Whites, or Hispanics. The
      results were robust to the inclusion of other state economic characteristics.
      CONCLUSIONS: As are adults, adolescents are affected by economic downturns. Our
      findings show that statewide job loss increases adolescent girls' and non
      Hispanic Blacks' suicide-related behaviors.

PMID- 25122029
TI  - Adverse outcomes among homeless adolescents and young adults who report a history
      of traumatic brain injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined the prevalence of self-reported traumatic brain injury
      (TBI) among homeless young people and explored whether sociodemographic
      characteristics, mental health diagnoses, substance use, exposure to violence, or
      difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs) were associated with TBI.
      METHODS: We analyzed data from the Wilder Homelessness Study, in which
      participants were recruited in 2006 and 2009 from streets, shelters, and
      locations in Minnesota that provide services to homeless individuals.
      Participants completed 30-minute interviews to collect information about history
      of TBI, homelessness, health status, exposure to violence (e.g., childhood abuse,
      assault), and other aspects of functioning. RESULTS: Of the 2732 participating
      adolescents and young adults, 43% reported a history of TBI. Participants with
      TBI became homeless at a younger age and were more likely to report mental health
      diagnoses, substance use, suicidality, victimization, and difficulties with ADLs.
      The majority of participants (51%) reported sustaining their first injury prior
      to becoming homeless or at the same age of their first homeless episode (10%).
      CONCLUSIONS: TBI occurs frequently among homeless young people and is a marker of
      adverse outcomes such as mental health difficulties, suicidal behavior, substance
      use, and victimization.

PMID- 25122028
TI  - Enhancing diversity in the public health research workforce: the research and
      mentorship program for future HIV vaccine scientists.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We developed and evaluated a novel National Institutes of Health
      sponsored Research and Mentorship Program for African American and Hispanic
      medical students embedded within the international, multisite HIV Vaccine Trials
      Network, and explored its impact on scientific knowledge, acquired skills, and
      future career plans. METHODS: Scholars conducted social, behavioral, clinical, or
      laboratory-based research projects with HIV Vaccine Trials Network investigators
      over 8 to 16 weeks (track 1) or 9 to 12 months (track 2). We conducted an in
      depth, mixed-methods evaluation of the first 2 cohorts (2011-2013) to identify
      program strengths, areas for improvement, and influence on professional
      development. RESULTS: A pre-post program assessment demonstrated increases in
      self-reported knowledge, professional skills, and interest in future HIV vaccine
      research. During in-depth interviews, scholars reported that a supportive,
      centrally administered program; available funding; and highly involved mentors
      and staff were keys to the program's early success. CONCLUSIONS: A
      multicomponent, mentored research experience that engages medical students from
      underrepresented communities and is organized within a clinical trials network
      may expand the pool of diverse public health scientists. Efforts to sustain
      scholar interest over time and track career trajectories are warranted.

PMID- 25122030
TI  - Analysis of the accuracy of weight loss information search engine results on the
      internet.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We systematically identified and evaluated the quality and
      comprehensiveness of online information related to weight loss that users were
      likely to access. METHODS: We evaluated the content quality, accessibility of the
      information, and author credentials for Web sites in 2012 that were identified
      from weight loss specific queries that we generated. We scored the content with
      respect to available evidence-based guidelines for weight loss. RESULTS: One
      hundred three Web sites met our eligibility criteria (21 commercial, 52
      news/media, 7 blogs, 14 medical, government, or university, and 9 unclassified
      sites). The mean content quality score was 3.75 (range=0-16; SD=2.48).
      Approximately 5% (4.85%) of the sites scored greater than 8 (of 12) on nutrition,
      physical activity, and behavior. Content quality score varied significantly by
      type of Web site; the medical, government, or university sites (mean=4.82,
      SD=2.27) and blogs (mean=6.33, SD=1.99) had the highest scores. Commercial
      (mean=2.37, SD=2.60) or news/media sites (mean=3.52, SD=2.31) had the lowest
      scores (analysis of variance P<.005). CONCLUSIONS: The weight loss information
      that people were likely to access online was often of substandard quality because
      most comprehensive and quality Web sites ranked too low in search results.

PMID- 25122032
TI  - On Agent Orange in Vietnam.

PMID- 25122031
TI  - Impact of an exercise intervention on physical activity during pregnancy: the
      behaviors affecting baby and you study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined the impact of a prenatal exercise intervention on
      physical activity in 260 women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus.
      METHODS: We randomized participants in the Behaviors Affecting Baby and You
      (BABY) Study, which took place from 2007 to 2012, to either a 12-week
      individually tailored, motivationally matched exercise intervention (n=132) or to
      a comparison health and wellness intervention (n=128). We assessed physical
      activity with the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. We used linear mixed
      models to evaluate the impact of the interventions on change in physical activity
      according to intensity and type, total walking, and sedentary behavior. RESULTS:
      Compared with the health and wellness arm, the exercise arm had significantly
      greater increases in sports or exercise activity (0.3 vs 5.3 metabolic equivalent
      of task [MET] hours/week; P<.001), and smaller declines in total activity (-42.7
      vs -2.1 MET hours/week; P=.02) and activities of moderate to vigorous intensity (
      30.6 vs -10.6 MET hours/week; P=.05), and was more likely to achieve recommended
      guidelines for physical activity (odds ratio=2.12; 95% confidence interval=1.45,
      3.10). CONCLUSIONS: These findings extend the previous literature by
      demonstrating the benefits of a clinically feasible exercise intervention in an
      ethnically and socio-economically diverse population. Given the increased risk of
      adverse maternal health outcomes in ethnic minority groups, these findings may
      have important implications for reducing health disparities.

PMID- 25122034
TI  - Research informs abortion care policy change in California.

PMID- 25122035
TI  - Reversibly tunable upconversion luminescence by host-guest chemistry.
AB  - Tuning upconversion (UPC) luminescence using external stimuli and fields, as well
      as chemical reactions, is expected to lead to novel and efficient optical
      sensors. Herein, highly tunable UPC luminescence was achieved through a host
      guest chemistry approach. Specifically, interlayer ion exchange reactions
      reversibly tuned the emission intensity and green-red color of Er/Yb-codoped
      A2La2Ti3O10 layered perovskite, where A corresponds to proton and alkali metal
      ions, enabling the visualization of host-guest interactions and reactions. 

PMID- 25122036
TI  - Repair-dependent cell radiation survival and transformation: an integrated
      theory.
AB  - The repair-dependent model of cell radiation survival is extended to include
      radiation-induced transformations. The probability of transformation is presumed
      to scale with the number of potentially lethal damages that are repaired in a
      surviving cell or the interactions of such damages. The theory predicts that at
      doses corresponding to high survival, the transformation frequency is the sum of
      simple polynomial functions of dose; linear, quadratic, etc, essentially as
      described in widely used linear-quadratic expressions. At high doses,
      corresponding to low survival, the ratio of transformed to surviving cells
      asymptotically approaches an upper limit. The low dose fundamental- and high dose
      plateau domains are separated by a downwardly concave transition region.
      Published transformation data for mammalian cells show the high-dose plateaus
      predicted by the repair-dependent model for both ultraviolet and ionizing
      radiation. For the neoplastic transformation experiments that were analyzed, the
      data can be fit with only the repair-dependent quadratic function. At low doses,
      the transformation frequency is strictly quadratic, but becomes sigmodial over a
      wider range of doses. Inclusion of data from the transition region in a
      traditional linear-quadratic analysis of neoplastic transformation frequency data
      can exaggerate the magnitude of, or create the appearance of, a linear component.
      Quantitative analysis of survival and transformation data shows good agreement
      for ultraviolet radiation; the shapes of the transformation components can be
      predicted from survival data. For ionizing radiations, both neutrons and x-rays,
      survival data overestimate the transforming ability for low to moderate doses.
      The presumed cause of this difference is that, unlike UV photons, a single x-ray
      or neutron may generate more than one lethal damage in a cell, so the
      distribution of such damages in the population is not accurately described by
      Poisson statistics. However, the complete sigmodial dose-response data for
      neoplastic transformations can be fit using the repair-dependent functions with
      all parameters determined only from transformation frequency data.

PMID- 25122033
TI  - An education in contrast: state-by-state assessment of school immunization
      records requirements.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We reviewed the complexities of school-related immunization policies,
      their relation to immunization information systems (IIS) and immunization
      registries, and the historical context to better understand this convoluted
      policy system. METHODS: We used legal databases (Lexis-Nexis and Westlaw) to
      identify school immunization records policies for 50 states, 5 cities, and the
      District of Columbia (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "grantees"). The
      original search took place from May to September 2010 (cross-referenced in July
      2013 with the list on http://www.immunize.org/laws ). We describe the
      requirements, agreement with IIS policies, and penalties for policy violations.
      RESULTS: We found a complex web of public health, medical, and education-directed
      policies, which complicates immunization data sharing. Most (79%) require records
      of immunizations for children to attend school or for a child-care institution
      licensure, but only a few (11%) require coordination between IIS and schools or
      child-care facilities. CONCLUSIONS: To realize the full benefit of IIS
      investment, including improved immunization and school health program
      efficiencies, IIS and school immunization records policies must be better
      coordinated. States with well-integrated policies may serve as models for
      effective harmonization.

PMID- 25122037
TI  - Molecular xenomonitoring using mosquitoes to map lymphatic filariasis after mass
      drug administration in American Samoa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mass drug administration (MDA) programs have dramatically reduced
      lymphatic filariasis (LF) incidence in many areas around the globe, including
      American Samoa. As infection rates decline and MDA programs end, efficient and
      sensitive methods for detecting infections are needed to monitor for
      recrudescence. Molecular methods, collectively termed 'molecular xenomonitoring,'
      can identify parasite DNA or RNA in human blood-feeding mosquitoes. We tested
      mosquitoes trapped throughout the inhabited islands of American Samoa to identify
      areas of possible continuing LF transmission after completion of MDA.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: Mosquitoes were collected using BG Sentinel traps
      from most of the villages on American Samoa's largest island, Tutuila, and all
      major villages on the smaller islands of Aunu'u, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta'u. Real
      time PCR was used to detect Wuchereria bancrofti DNA in pools of <= 20
      mosquitoes, and PoolScreen software was used to infer territory-wide prevalences
      of W. bancrofti DNA in the mosquitoes. Wuchereria bancrofti DNA was found in
      mosquitoes from 16 out of the 27 village areas sampled on Tutuila and Aunu'u
      islands but none of the five villages on the Manu'a islands of Ofu, Olosega, and
      Ta'u. The overall 95% confidence interval estimate for W. bancrofti DNA
      prevalence in the LF vector Ae. polynesiensis was 0.20-0.39%, and parasite DNA
      was also detected in pools of Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Aedes
      (Finlaya) spp. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest low but widespread
      prevalence of LF on Tutuila and Aunu'u where 98% of the population resides, but
      not Ofu, Olosega, and Ta'u islands. Molecular xenomonitoring can help identify
      areas of possible LF transmission, but its use in the LF elimination program in
      American Samoa is limited by the need for more efficient mosquito collection
      methods and a better understanding of the relationship between prevalence of W.
      bancrofti DNA in mosquitoes and infection and transmission rates in humans.

PMID- 25122038
TI  - Hippocampal volume and the rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine.
AB  - Accumulating evidence underscores the utility of ketamine in treating severely
      treatment-resistant depressed patients. We investigated the relationship between
      the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine and hippocampal volume, a biomarker
      of antidepressant treatment outcome. We gave 16 medication-free, major depressive
      disorder (MDD) patients a single, sub-anesthetic dose infusion of ketamine (0.5
      mg/kg, over 40 min). We assessed depression severity pre-treatment, and at 24 h
      post-treatment, with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Prior
      to treatment, patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to estimate
      their hippocampal volume: We obtained viable MRI data in 13 patients. Delta MADRS
      (post- minus pre-treatment) was significantly correlated with the pre-treatment
      volumes of the left hippocampus (r = 0.66; p = 0.01), but not the right
      hippocampus (r = 0.49; p = 0.09). The correlation between delta MADRS and the
      left hippocampus remained high (r > 0.6; p = 0.13), after controlling for several
      demographic and clinical variables, although the p value increased due to the
      reduced degree of freedom (df = 5). Ketamine exerts enhanced antidepressant
      effects in patients with a relatively smaller hippocampus, a patient population
      that has been repeatedly shown to be refractory to traditional antidepressants. 

PMID- 25122039
TI  - Analysis of sociability and preference for social novelty in the acute and
      subchronic phencyclidine rat.
AB  - Both acute and sub-chronic phencyclidine administration produce behavioural and
      pathophysiological changes that resemble some features of schizophrenia. The
      present study aimed to determine if acute and sub-chronic phencyclidine treatment
      in male rats produces deficits in sociability and social novelty preference,
      which may reflect aspects of the negative symptomatology observed in
      schizophrenia. Rats were treated with phencyclidine acutely (2 or 5 mg/kg) or
      subchronically (2 or 5 mg/kg bi-daily for one week followed by a one week wash
      out period) or vehicle. Social affiliative behaviour was assessed using the
      sociability and preference for social novelty paradigm where social interaction
      time was measured in (a) a chamber containing an unfamiliar conspecific vs an
      empty chamber (sociability), or (b) a chamber containing an unfamiliar
      conspecific vs a chamber containing a familiar conspecific (preference for social
      novelty). Results showed that acute administration of phencyclidine produced a
      reduction in measures of sociability but had no effect on preference for social
      novelty while sub-chronic administration of phencyclidine had no effect on
      sociability or social novelty. This study provides further evidence for the
      usefulness of phencyclidine models in modelling the symptomatology of
      schizophrenia. 

PMID- 25122040
TI  - Effects of tobacco smoke constituents, anabasine and anatabine, on memory and
      attention in female rats.
AB  - Nicotine has been well characterized to improve memory and attention. Nicotine is
      the primary, but not only neuroactive compound in tobacco. Other tobacco
      constituents such as anabasine and anatabine also have agonist actions on
      nicotinic receptors. The current study investigated the effects of anabasine and
      anatabine on memory and attention. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained
      on a win-shift spatial working and reference memory task in the 16-arm radial
      maze or a visual signal detection operant task to test attention. Acute dose
      effect functions of anabasine and anatabine over two orders of magnitude were
      evaluated for both tasks. In the radial-arm maze memory test, anabasine but not
      anatabine significantly reduced the memory impairment caused by the NMDA
      antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801). In the signal detection attentional task,
      anatabine but not anabasine significantly attenuated the attentional impairment
      caused by dizocilpine. These studies show that non-nicotine nicotinic agonists in
      tobacco, similar to nicotine, can significantly improve memory and attentional
      function. Both anabasine and anatabine produced cognitive improvement, but their
      effectiveness differed with regard to memory and attention. Follow-up studies
      with anabasine and anatabine are called for to determine their efficacy as
      therapeutics for memory and attentional dysfunction. 

PMID- 25122041
TI  - Central noradrenergic mechanisms and the acute stress response during painful
      stimulation.
AB  - Events that threaten tissue integrity including noxious stimulation activate
      central noradrenergic circuits, particularly locus coeruleus and its projections.
      Recent advances in theory hold that an adaptive, defensive shift in brain
      activity takes place in response to threat. In principle, this shift may
      accentuate the autonomic and central biomarkers of the perception of painful
      events and the experience of pain itself. We have examined the effects of an
      alpha-2 agonist on pupil dilation responses, skin conductance responses, near
      field somatosensory evoked potentials and pain reports in normal volunteers
      undergoing repeated trials of painful fingertip stimulation delivered at low,
      medium and high intensities. In a double-blinded study, 114 healthy male and
      female volunteers underwent repeated noxious stimulation under baseline, placebo
      and active drug conditions where the active drug was the alpha-2 agonist
      tizanidine 4 mg. In contrast to baseline and placebo conditions, tizanidine 4 mg
      significantly reduced the magnitudes of the mean pupil dilation response, the
      mean skin conductance response, the mean near field somatosensory evoked
      potential peak-to-peak amplitude and the mean pain intensity rating. Stimulus
      intensity significantly altered all three biomarkers and the pain report in a
      graded fashion. There were no sex differences. These findings support the
      hypotheses that painful events activate central noradrenergic circuits, and that
      these circuits play a role in the autonomic and central arousal associated with
      pain. 

PMID- 25122042
TI  - Potentiation of latent inhibition by haloperidol and clozapine is attenuated in
      Dopamine D2 receptor (Drd-2)-deficient mice: do antipsychotics influence learning
      to ignore irrelevant stimuli via both Drd-2 and non-Drd-2 mechanisms?
AB  - Whether the dopamine Drd-2 receptor is necessary for the behavioural action of
      antipsychotic drugs is an important question, as Drd-2 antagonism is responsible
      for their debilitating motor side effects. Using Drd-2 null mice (Drd2 -/-) it
      has previously been shown that Drd-2 is not necessary for antipsychotic drugs to
      reverse D-amphetamine disruption of latent inhibition (LI), a behavioural measure
      of learning to ignore irrelevant stimuli. Weiner's 'two-headed' model indicates
      that antipsychotics not only reverse LI disruption, 'disrupted LI', but also
      potentiate LI when low/absent in controls, 'persistent' LI. We investigated
      whether antipsychotic drugs haloperidol or clozapine potentiated LI in wild-type
      controls or Drd2 -/-. Both drugs potentiated LI in wild-type but not in Drd2 -/-
      mice, suggesting moderation of this effect of antipsychotics in the absence of
      Drd-2. Haloperidol potentiated LI similarly in both Drd1 -/- and wild-type mice,
      indicating no such moderation in Drd1 -/-. These data suggest that antipsychotic
      drugs can have either Drd-2 or non-Drd-2 effects on learning to ignore irrelevant
      stimuli, depending on how the abnormality is produced. Identification of the non
      Drd-2 mechanism may help to identify novel non-Drd2 based therapeutic strategies
      for psychosis. 

PMID- 25122045
TI  - Electrophysiological correlates of alcohol- and non-alcohol-related stimuli
      processing in binge drinkers: a follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The continuation of binge drinking is associated with the development
      of neurocognitive brain abnormalities similar to those observed in patients with
      alcohol dependence. Alcohol cue reactivity constitutes a risk marker for alcohol
      dependence. Through event-related potentials (ERPs), we aimed to examine its
      potential presence as well as its evolution over time in binge drinkers in a one
      year period. METHODS: ERPs were recorded during a visual oddball task in which
      controls (n=15) and binge drinkers (n=15) had to detect infrequent deviant
      stimuli (related or unrelated to alcohol) among frequent standard stimuli. The
      test was performed twice with a one-year interval in order to explore the long
      lasting influence of drinking habits. RESULTS: Contrary to the controls, binge
      drinkers showed significantly reduced amplitudes of the P1 component for both
      alcohol and non-alcohol-related cues and of the P3 component only for neutral
      cues in the second assessment compared with the first. CONCLUSION: The
      continuation of binge drinking over one year is associated with the development
      of brain functional abnormalities (indexed by the P1 component) as well as a
      higher reactivity to alcohol-related stimuli and/or a decreased reactivity to non
      alcohol-related stimuli (indexed by the P3 component).

PMID- 25122043
TI  - Vortioxetine disinhibits pyramidal cell function and enhances synaptic plasticity
      in the rat hippocampus.
AB  - Vortioxetine, a novel antidepressant with multimodal action, is a serotonin (5
      HT)3, 5-HT7 and 5-HT1D receptor antagonist, a 5-HT1B receptor partial agonist, a
      5-HT1A receptor agonist and a 5-HT transporter (SERT) inhibitor. Vortioxetine has
      been shown to improve cognitive performance in several preclinical rat models and
      in patients with major depressive disorder. Here we investigated the mechanistic
      basis for these effects by studying the effect of vortioxetine on synaptic
      transmission, long-term potentiation (LTP), a cellular correlate of learning and
      memory, and theta oscillations in the rat hippocampus and frontal cortex.
      Vortioxetine was found to prevent the 5-HT-induced increase in inhibitory post
      synaptic potentials recorded from CA1 pyramidal cells, most likely by 5-HT3
      receptor antagonism. Vortioxetine also enhanced LTP in the CA1 region of the
      hippocampus. Finally, vortioxetine increased fronto-cortical theta power during
      active wake in whole animal electroencephalographic recordings. In comparison,
      the selective SERT inhibitor escitalopram showed no effect on any of these
      measures. Taken together, our results indicate that vortioxetine can increase
      pyramidal cell output, which leads to enhanced synaptic plasticity in the
      hippocampus. Given the central role of the hippocampus in cognition, these
      findings may provide a cellular correlate to the observed preclinical and
      clinical cognition-enhancing effects of vortioxetine. 

PMID- 25122044
TI  - Effects of ecstasy on cooperative behaviour and perception of trustworthiness: a
      naturalistic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA;
      'ecstasy') can promote pro-social effects which may alter interpersonal
      perceptions. AIMS: To explore such effects, this study investigated whether acute
      recreational use of ecstasy was associated with changes in individual perception
      of trustworthiness of people's faces and co-operative behaviours. METHOD: An
      independent group, repeated measures design was used in which 17 ecstasy users
      were tested on the night of drug use (day 0) and again three days later (day 3);
      22 controls were tested on parallel days. On each day, participants rated the
      trustworthiness of 66 faces, carried out three co-operative behaviour tasks
      (public good; dictator; ultimatum game) and completed mood self-ratings. RESULTS:
      Acute ecstasy use was associated with increased face trustworthiness ratings and
      increased cooperative behaviour on the dictator and ultimatum games; on day 3
      there were no group differences on any task. Self-ratings showed the standard
      acute ecstasy effects (euphoria, energy, jaw clenching) with negative effects
      (less empathy, compassion, more distrust, hostility) emerging on day 3.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings of increased perceived trustworthiness and co-operative
      behaviours following use of ecstasy suggest that a single dose of the drug
      enhances aspects of empathy. This may in turn contribute to its popularity as a
      recreational drug and potentially to its enhancement of the therapeutic alliance
      in psychotherapy.

PMID- 25122046
TI  - CYP2C19 variation, not citalopram dose nor serum level, is associated with QTc
      prolongation.
AB  - Recently, a FDA Safety Communication warned of a dose-dependent risk for QTc
      prolongation with citalopram, which is metabolized by CYP2C19 of the cytochrome
      P450 system. We investigate associations between citalopram and escitalopram
      dose, serum concentration, CYP2C19 phenotype, and QTc. We undertook a
      retrospective chart review of citalopram or escitalopram patients with the
      inclusion criteria of consistent medication dose, CYP2C19 phenotype (extensive
      metabolizers [EM], intermediate metabolizers [IM], poor metabolizers [PM]), and
      QTc interval on ECG. We further identified 42 citalopram users with citalopram
      serum concentration measurements and ECG. Regression and one-way ANOVA were used
      to examine the relationship between citalopram dose, citalopram serum
      concentration, CYP2C19 phenotype, and QTc interval. Of 75 citalopram patients,
      the EM group had significantly shorter QTc intervals than a combined IM+PM group
      (427.1+/-23.6 ms vs. 440.1+/-26.6 ms, one-tailed t-test, p=0.029). In the 80
      escitalopram cohort, there was no significant difference in QTc between phenotype
      groups. There was no statistical correlation between citalopram (p=0.62) or
      escitalopram (p=0.30) dose and QTc. QTc was not associated with citalopram serum
      level (p=0.45). In contrast to the FDA warning, this study found no association
      between citalopram/escitalopram dose and QTc. However, PM of the drug tended to
      have longer QTc intervals. Our findings suggest cytochrome P450 genotyping in
      select patients may be helpful to guide medication optimization while limiting
      harmful effects. 

PMID- 25122047
TI  - A radical approach to balancing the tides of tubular flow.

PMID- 25122049
TI  - Angiotensin induces a pressor regulating role for collecting duct renin.

PMID- 25122048
TI  - Collecting duct-specific knockout of renin attenuates angiotensin II-induced
      hypertension.
AB  - The physiological and pathophysiological significance of collecting duct (CD)
      derived renin, particularly as it relates to blood pressure (BP) regulation, is
      unknown. To address this question, we generated CD-specific renin knockout (KO)
      mice and examined BP and renal salt and water excretion. Mice containing loxP
      flanked exon 1 of the renin gene were crossed with mice transgenic for aquaporin
      2-Cre recombinase to achieve CD-specific renin KO. Compared with controls, CD
      renin KO mice had 70% lower medullary renin mRNA and 90% lower renin mRNA in
      microdissected cortical CD. Urinary renin levels were significantly lower in KO
      mice (45% of control levels) while plasma renin concentration was significantly
      higher in KO mice (63% higher than controls) during normal-Na intake. While no
      observable differences were noted in BP between the two groups with varying Na
      intake, infusion of angiotensin II at 400 ng.kg(-1).min(-1) resulted in an
      attenuated hypertensive response in the KO mice (mean arterial pressure 111 +/- 4
      mmHg in KO vs. 128 +/- 3 mmHg in controls). Urinary renin excretion and
      epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) remained significantly lower in the KO mice
      following ANG II infusion compared with controls. Furthermore, membrane
      associated ENaC protein levels were significantly lower in KO mice following ANG
      II infusion. These findings suggest that CD renin modulates BP in ANG II-infused
      hypertension and these effects are associated with changes in ENaC expression. 

PMID- 25122051
TI  - WHO gives go ahead for experimental treatments to be used in Ebola outbreak.

PMID- 25122050
TI  - Oxidative stress-induced alterations in PPAR-gamma and associated mitochondrial
      destabilization contribute to kidney cell apoptosis.
AB  - The mechanism(s) underlying renoprotection by peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists in diabetic and nondiabetic kidney disease are not
      well understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contribute to
      kidney disease. PPAR-gamma upregulates proteins required for mitochondrial
      biogenesis. Our aim was to determine whether PPAR-gamma has a role in protecting
      the kidney proximal tubular epithelium (PTE) against mitochondrial
      destabilisation and oxidative stress. HK-2 PTE cells were subjected to oxidative
      stress (0.2-1.0 mM H2O2) for 2 and 18 h and compared with untreated cells for
      apoptosis, mitosis (morphology/biomarkers), cell viability (MTT), superoxide
      (dihydroethidium), mitochondrial function (MitoTracker red and JC-1), ATP
      (luminescence), and mitochondrial ultrastructure. PPAR-gamma, phospho-PPAR-gamma,
      PPAR-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1alpha, Parkin (Park2), p62, and light chain
      (LC)3beta were investigated using Western blots. PPAR-gamma was modulated using
      the agonists rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, and troglitazone. Mitochondrial
      destabilization increased with H2O2concentration, ATP decreased (2 and 18 h; P <
      0.05), Mitotracker red and JC-1 fluorescence indicated loss of mitochondrial
      membrane potential, and superoxide increased (18 h, P < 0.05). Electron
      microscopy indicated sparse mitochondria, with disrupted cristae. Mitophagy was
      evident at 2 h (Park2 and LC3beta increased; p62 decreased). Impaired mitophagy
      was indicated by p62 accumulation at 18 h (P < 0.05). PPAR-gamma expression
      decreased, phospho-PPAR-gamma increased, and PGC-1alpha decreased (2 h),
      indicating aberrant PPAR-gamma activation and reduced mitochondrial biogenesis.
      Cell viability decreased (2 and 18 h, P < 0.05). PPAR-gamma agonists promoted
      further apoptosis. In summary, oxidative stress promoted mitochondrial
      destabilisation in kidney PTE, in association with increased PPAR-gamma
      phosphorylation. PPAR-gamma agonists failed to protect PTE. Despite positive
      effects in other tissues, PPAR-gamma activation appears to be detrimental to
      kidney PTE health when oxidative stress induces damage.

PMID- 25122053
TI  - Whole exome sequencing implicates an INO80D mutation in a syndrome of aortic
      hypoplasia, premature atherosclerosis, and arterial stiffness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Massively parallel, high-throughput sequencing technology is helping
      to generate new insights into the genetic basis of human diseases. We used whole
      exome sequencing to identify the mutation underlying a syndrome affecting 2
      siblings with aortic hypoplasia, calcific atherosclerosis, systolic hypertension,
      and premature cataract. METHODS AND RESULTS: Exonic regions were captured and
      sequenced using a next-generation sequencing platform to generate 100 bases
      paired-end reads. A computational genomic data analysis pipeline was used to
      perform quality control, align reads to a reference genome, and identify genetic
      variants; findings were confirmed using a different exome analyses pipeline. The
      2 siblings were homozygous for a rare missense mutation (Ser818Cys) in INO80D, a
      subunit of the human INO80 chromatin remodeling complex. Homozygosity mapping and
      Sanger sequencing confirmed that the mutation is located in one of the runs of
      homozygosity on chromosome 2. INO80D encodes a key subunit of the human IN080
      complex, a multiprotein complex involved in DNA binding, chromatin modification,
      organization of chromosome structure, and ATP-dependent nucleosome sliding. By
      introducing a new disulphide-bond in the protein product and also disrupting the
      composition of low-complexity regions, the Ser818Cys mutation may affect INO80D
      function, protein-protein interactions, and chromatin remodeling. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our findings suggest a link between the Ser818Cys mutation in INO80D, a subunit
      of the human INO80 chromatin remodeling complex, and accelerated arterial aging.

PMID- 25122052
TI  - Low-expression variant of fatty acid-binding protein 4 favors reduced
      manifestations of atherosclerotic disease and increased plaque stability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4 or aP2 in mice) has been
      identified as a key regulator of core aspects of cardiometabolic disorders,
      including lipotoxic endoplasmic reticulum stress in macrophages. A functional
      promoter polymorphism (rs77878271) of human FABP4 gene has been described
      resulting in reduced FABP4 transcription. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated
      the effects of this low-expression variant of FABP4 on cardiovascular morbidity
      and carotid atherosclerosis on a population level (n=7491) and in patient cohorts
      representing endarterectomized patients with advanced carotid atherosclerosis
      (n=92) and myocardial infarction (n=3432). We found that the low-expression
      variant was associated with decreased total cholesterol levels (P=0.006) with the
      largest reduction in variant allele homozygotes. Obese variant allele carriers
      also showed reduced carotid intima-media thickness (P=0.010) and lower prevalence
      of carotid plaques (P=0.060). Consistently, the variant allele homozygotes showed
      8-fold lower odds for myocardial infarction (P=0.019; odds ratio, 0.12; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.003-0.801). Within the carotid plaques, the variant allele
      was associated with a 3.8-fold reduction in FABP4 transcription (P=0.049) and 2.7
      fold reduction in apoptosis (activated caspase 3; P=0.043). Furthermore, the
      variant allele was enriched to patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis
      (P=0.038). High FABP4 expression in the carotid plaques was associated with lipid
      accumulation, intraplaque hemorrhages, plaque ulcerations, and phosphoactivated
      endoplasmic reticulum stress markers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal FABP4
      rs77878271 as a novel variant affecting serum total cholesterol levels and
      cardiovascular risk. A therapeutic regimen reducing FABP4 expression within the
      atherosclerotic plaque may promote lesion stability through modulation of
      endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling, and attenuation of apoptosis, lipid
      burden, and inflammation.

PMID- 25122056
TI  - Nurses' use of an integrated electronic health record: results of a case site
      analysis.
AB  - Purpose: To explore how nurses use an integrated Electronic Health Record (EHR)
      in practice. Methods: A multi-site case study across two hospitals in Kaiser
      Permanente Northern California. Non-participant observation was used to explore
      nurses' use of the EHR, while semi-structured interviews with nurses and managers
      explored their perceptions of the EHR and how it affected their practice. Data
      were analyzed thematically using codes derived deductively from the literature
      and inductively from the data. Results: Key themes arising from the analysis
      suggest that the EHR changed various elements of the way nurses practiced.
      Introducing the EHR was thought to have improved communication, ease of access to
      information and the safety of medication administration processes. At an
      organizational level, there was variability in how the EHR was used to support
      care documentation and initiatives to improve the quality of care provided by
      nurses. Conclusion: The EHR was perceived to improve efficiency, safety and
      communication by the majority of nurses who were interviewed. However, it is
      likely that a number of other factors such as individual nurse's characteristics
      and organizational culture influence how an EHR can be used effectively to
      improve outcomes for patients.

PMID- 25122054
TI  - Volatilization of arsenic from polluted soil by Pseudomonas putida engineered for
      expression of the arsM Arsenic(III) S-adenosine methyltransferase gene.
AB  - Even though arsenic is one of the most widespread environmental carcinogens,
      methods of remediation are still limited. In this report we demonstrate that a
      strain of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 endowed with chromosomal expression of the
      arsM gene encoding the As(III) S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) methyltransfase from
      Rhodopseudomonas palustris to remove arsenic from contaminated soil. We
      genetically engineered the P. putida KT2440 with stable expression of an arsM-gfp
      fusion gene (GE P. putida), which was inserted into the bacterial chromosome. GE
      P. putida showed high arsenic methylation and volatilization activity. When
      exposed to 25 MUM arsenite or arsenate overnight, most inorganic arsenic was
      methylated to the less toxic methylated arsenicals methylarsenate (MAs(V)),
      dimethylarsenate (DMAs(V)) and trimethylarsine oxide (TMAs(V)O). Of total added
      arsenic, the species were about 62 +/- 2.2% DMAs(V), 25 +/- 1.4% MAs(V) and 10 +/
      1.2% TMAs(V)O. Volatilized arsenicals were trapped, and the predominant species
      were dimethylarsine (Me2AsH) (21 +/- 1.0%) and trimethylarsine (TMAs(III)) (10 +/
      1.2%). At later times, more DMAs(V) and volatile species were produced.
      Volatilization of Me2AsH and TMAs(III) from contaminated soil is thus possible
      with this genetically engineered bacterium and could be instrumental as an agent
      for reducing the inorganic arsenic content of soil and agricultural products. 

PMID- 25122055
TI  - Changes in the expression of cyp35a family genes in the soil nematode
      Caenorhabditis elegans under controlled exposure to chlorpyrifos using passive
      dosing.
AB  - In order to use sensitive molecular-level biomarkers for the evaluation of
      environmental risks, it is necessary to establish a quantitative dose-response
      relationship. Passive dosing is regarded as a promising new technique for
      maintaining a constant exposure condition of hydrophobic chemicals in the assay
      medium. The main goals of the present study were (1) to quantitatively compare
      gene expression results obtained using the passive dosing method and the
      conventional spiking method and (2) to investigate changes in gene expression
      with respect to the free concentration and exposure duration using passive
      dosing. Chlorpyrifos (CP), which is oxidized by the cytochrome P450
      monooxygenases, was selected as a model chemical, and the expression of
      cytochrome P450 subfamily protein 35A gene series (cyp-35a1-5) was analyzed by
      quantitative real-time PCR on soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Whereas the
      free concentration of CP rapidly decreased and the expression of cyp genes varied
      with the volume of exposure medium and the test duration when the spiking method
      was used, the free concentration in the assay medium was stable throughout the
      experiment when the passive dosing method was used. In addition, the level of
      gene expression increased with exposure time up to 8 h and with increasing CP
      concentration. The observed increased gene expression could be explained by
      increasing body residue concentration of CP with exposure time. In conclusion,
      quantitative dose-response relationships for gene expression biomarkers could be
      obtained for highly hydrophobic chemicals when the constant exposure condition is
      provided and the free concentration is used as the dose-metric. 

PMID- 25122058
TI  - Targeted MRSA screening can be as effective as universal screening.

PMID- 25122057
TI  - Effect of FGF-2 on collagen tissue regeneration by human vertebral bone marrow
      stem cells.
AB  - The effects of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) on collagen tissue regeneration
      by human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs) were investigated. hBMSCs were isolated
      from human vertebral body bone marrow during vertebral surgery and a population
      of hBMSCs with the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells was observed. The
      FGF-2 treatment (5 ng/mL) affected on the colony-forming efficiency,
      proliferation, and in vitro differentiation of hBMSCs. Insoluble/soluble collagen
      and hydroxyproline synthesis was significantly enhanced in hBMSCs expanded with
      FGF-2 and the treatment of FGF-2 caused a reduction in the mRNA expression of
      collagen type I, but an increase of collagen types II and III along with lysyl
      oxidase family genes. Collagen formation was also examined using an in vivo assay
      model by transplanting hBMSCs into immunocompromised mice (n=4) and the
      histologic and immunohistochemical results revealed that significantly more
      collagen with a well-organized structure was formed by FGF-2-treated hBMSCs at 8
      weeks posttransplantation (P<0.05). The DNA microarray assay demonstrated that
      genes related to extracellular matrix formation were significantly upregulated.
      To elucidate the underlying mechanism, chemical inhibitors against extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) were treated
      and following downstream expression was observed. Collectively, FGF-2 facilitated
      the collagen-producing potency of hBMSCs both in vitro and in vivo, rendering
      them more suitable for use in collagen regeneration in the clinical field. 

PMID- 25122060
TI  - Dramatic changes in 67 miRNAs during initiation of first wave of spermatogenesis
      in Mus musculus testis: global regulatory insights generated by miRNA-mRNA
      network analysis.
AB  - We mapped global changes in miRNA and mRNA profiles spanning the first wave of
      spermatogenesis using prepubertal (Postnatal Day 8 [P8]), pubertal (P16), and
      adolescent (P24) Mus musculus testes and identified the differential expression
      of 67 miRNAs and 8226 mRNAs. These two data sets were integrated into miRNA
      dependent regulatory networks based on miRWalk predictions. In a network
      representing the P8 to P16 transition, downregulation of four miRNAs and
      upregulation of 19 miRNAs were linked with 81 upregulated target mRNAs and 228
      downregulated target mRNAs, respectively. Furthermore, during the P16 to P24
      transition, two miRNAs were downregulated, and eight miRNAs were upregulated,
      which linked with 64 upregulated mRNAs and 389 downregulated mRNAs, respectively.
      Only three of the miRNAs present in the network (miR-34b-5p, miR-34c, and miR
      449a) showed a progressive increase from P8 through P16 to P24, while the
      remaining miRNAs in the network showed statistically significant changes in their
      levels either during the P8 to P16 transition or during the P16 to P24
      transition. Analysis of the chromosomal location of these differentially
      expressed miRNAs showed that 14 out of 25 miRNAs upregulated from P8 to P16, and
      18 out of 40 miRNAs upregulated from P8 to P24 were X-linked. This is suggestive
      of their escape from meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and postmeiotic sex
      chromatin. This integrated network of miRNA-level and mRNA-level changes in mouse
      testis during the first wave of spermatogenesis is expected to build a base for
      evaluating the role of miRNA-mediated gene expression regulation in maturing
      mammalian testis. 

PMID- 25122061
TI  - Trophoblast-specific reduction of VEGFA alters placental gene expression and
      maternal cardiovascular function in mice.
AB  - Given the angiogenic function of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA),
      the function of its expression by trophoblast in the avascular placental
      junctional zone is unknown. In mice, cells from the trophoblast-specific protein
      alpha (Tpbpa) lineage populate this zone and, in late gestation, some of these
      cells invade the decidual layer. To diminish Vegfa expression in Tpbpa cells, we
      crossed Vegfa(flox/flox) females with males carrying Tpbpa-Cre. For single
      deletion (sd) of Vegfa in Tpbpa cells in 100% of conceptuses (SD100 pregnancies,
      sd conceptuses) we crossed homozygous lines. For double deletion (dd) of both
      Vegfa alleles in 50% of the conceptuses (DD50 pregnancies, 50% dd conceptuses and
      50% no deletion [nd]), we crossed homozygous Vegfa(flox/flox) females with males
      heterozygous for Tpbpa-Cre and homozygous for Vegfa(flox/flox). Controls were
      Vegfa(flox/flox) females bred to wild-type males (V-CTRL pregnancies). In SD100
      pregnancies, maternal plasma immunoreactive VEGFA significantly increased and
      arterial blood pressure decreased, whereas fetal body weight and placental Flt1,
      sFlt1, and Prl3b1 mRNA were unchanged. In DD50, maternal immunoreactive VEGFA and
      arterial pressures were unaltered, but both dd and nd conceptuses exhibited
      significantly increased embryonic lethality, altered expression of Flt1, sFlt1,
      and Prl3b1 mRNA in the decidual layer, and decreased fetal body weight relative
      to V-CTRL. Maternal cardiac output significantly increased in proportion to dd
      conceptuses in the pregnancy. In DD50, results are consistent with altered
      maternal function beginning in early gestation and adversely impacting both
      conceptus genotypes. We conclude that maternal function is influenced by Vegfa
      expression in trophoblast cells at the maternal-fetal interface, likely via an
      endocrine mechanism. 

PMID- 25122062
TI  - MicroRNA-378a-5p targets cyclin G2 to inhibit fusion and differentiation in BeWo
      cells.
AB  - MicroRNAs are expressed abundantly in the placenta throughout pregnancy. We have
      previously reported that microRNA (miR)-378a-5p promoted trophoblast migration
      and invasion. To further understand the role of miR-378a-5p during placental
      development, we investigated whether it may regulate the differentiation of
      syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Using a choriocarcinoma cell line, BeWo, we found that
      miR-378a-5p was down-regulated during forskolin-induced STB differentiation.
      Transfection of a miR-378a-5p mimic into BeWo cells decreased the formation of
      multinucleated STB, increased E-cadherin, and decreased the expression level of
      STB marker genes. On the other hand, transfection of anti-miR-378a-5p resulted in
      an increase in formation of multinucleated STB and expression of STB marker
      genes, as well as the loss of E-cadherin. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that
      miR-378a-5p has four potential binding sites at the 3' untranslated region (UTR)
      of cyclin G2 (CCNG2). Using luciferase reporter assays, we showed that miR-378a
      5p decreased the luciferase activity of reporter constructs that contain CCNG2 3'
      UTR. In addition, miR-378a-5p decreased, whereas anti-miR-378a-5p increased,
      CCNG2 mRNA levels. Overexpression of CCNG2 increased the expression of syncytin-1
      and fusion index and reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-378a-5p. In contrast,
      silencing of CCNG2 using siRNA increased E-cadherin and decreased syncytin-1
      levels. These findings provide initial evidence that CCNG2 promotes STB
      differentiation and suggest that miR-378a-5p exerts an inhibitory role in STB
      differentiation, in part, by down-regulating CCNG2 expression, in the BeWo cell
      model. 

PMID- 25122063
TI  - Endocrine gland-derived endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) is a potential novel
      regulator of human parturition.
AB  - EG-VEGF is an angiogenic factor that we identified as a new placental growth
      factor during human pregnancy. EG-VEGF is also expressed in the mouse fetal
      membrane (FM) by the end of gestation, suggesting a local role for this protein
      in the mechanism of parturition. However, injection of EG-VEGF to gravid mice did
      not induce labor, suggesting a different role for EG-VEGF in parturition. Here,
      we searched for its role in the FM in relation to human parturition. Human
      pregnant sera and total FM, chorion, and amnion were collected during the second
      and third trimesters from preterm no labor, term no labor, and term labor
      patients. Primary human chorion trophoblast and FM explants cultures were also
      used. We demonstrate that circulating EG-VEGF increased toward term and
      significantly decreased at the time of labor. EG-VEGF production was higher in
      the FM compared to placentas matched for gestational age. Within the FM, the
      chorion was the main source of EG-VEGF. EG-VEGF receptors, PROKR1 and PROKR2,
      were differentially expressed within the FM with increased expression toward term
      and an abrupt decrease with the onset of labor. In chorion trophoblast and FM
      explants collected from nonlaboring patients, EG-VEGF decreased metalloproteinase
      2 and -9 activities and increased PGDH (prostaglandin-metabolizing enzyme)
      expression. Altogether these data demonstrate that EG-VEGF is a new cytokine that
      acts locally to ensure FM protection in late pregnancy. Its fine contribution to
      the initiation of human labor is exhibited by the abrupt decrease in its levels
      as well as a reduction in its receptors. 

PMID- 25122064
TI  - The role of placental nutrient sensing in maternal-fetal resource allocation.
AB  - The placenta mediates maternal-fetal exchange and has historically been regarded
      as a passive conduit for nutrients. However, emerging evidence suggests that the
      placenta actively responds to nutritional and metabolic signals from the mother
      and the fetus. We propose that the placenta integrates a multitude of maternal
      and fetal nutritional cues with information from intrinsic nutrient-sensing
      signaling pathways to match fetal demand with maternal supply by regulating
      maternal physiology, placental growth, and nutrient transport. This process,
      which we have called placental nutrient sensing, ensures optimal allocation of
      resources between the mother and the fetus to maximize the chances for
      propagation of parental genes without jeopardizing maternal health. We suggest
      that these mechanisms have evolved because of the evolutionary pressures of
      maternal undernutrition, which result in decreased placental growth and down
      regulation of nutrient transporters, thereby limiting fetal growth to ensure
      maternal survival. These regulatory loops may also function in response to
      maternal overnutrition, leading to increased placental growth and nutrient
      transport in cases of maternal obesity or gestational diabetes. Thus, placental
      nutrient sensing modulates maternal-fetal resource allocation to increase the
      likelihood of reproductive success. This model implies that the placenta plays a
      critical role in mediating fetal programming and determining lifelong health. 

PMID- 25122066
TI  - Synergistic simvastatin and metformin combination chemotherapy for osseous
      metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
AB  - Docetaxel chemotherapy remains a standard of care for metastatic castration
      resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Docetaxel modestly increases survival, yet
      results in frequent occurrence of side effects and resistant disease. An
      alternate chemotherapy with greater efficacy and minimal side effects is needed.
      Acquisition of metabolic aberrations promoting increased survival and metastasis
      in CRPC cells includes constitutive activation of Akt, loss of adenosine
      monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity due to Ser-485/491
      phosphorylation, and overexpression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A
      reductase (HMG-CoAR). We report that combination of simvastatin and metformin,
      within pharmacologic dose range (500 nmol/L to 4 MUmol/L simvastatin and 250
      MUmol/L to 2 mmol/L metformin), significantly and synergistically reduces C4
      2B3/B4 CRPC cell viability and metastatic properties, with minimal adverse
      effects on normal prostate epithelial cells. Combination of simvastatin and
      metformin decreased Akt Ser-473 and Thr-308 phosphorylation and AMPKalpha Ser
      485/491 phosphorylation; increased Thr-172 phosphorylation and AMPKalpha
      activity, as assessed by increased Ser-79 and Ser-872 phosphorylation of acetyl
      CoA carboxylase and HMG-CoAR, respectively; decreased HMG-CoAR activity; and
      reduced total cellular cholesterol and its synthesis in both cell lines. Studies
      of C4-2B4 orthotopic NCr-nu/nu mice further demonstrated that combination of
      simvastatin and metformin (3.5-7.0 MUg/g body weight simvastatin and 175-350
      MUg/g body weight metformin) daily by oral gavage over a 9-week period
      significantly inhibited primary ventral prostate tumor formation, cachexia, bone
      metastasis, and biochemical failure more effectively than 24 MUg/g body weight
      docetaxel intraperitoneally injected every 3 weeks, 7.0 MUg/g/day simvastatin, or
      350 MUg/g/day metformin treatment alone, with significantly less toxicity and
      mortality than docetaxel, establishing combination of simvastatin and metformin
      as a promising chemotherapeutic alternative for metastatic CRPC.

PMID- 25122067
TI  - The CDK4/6 inhibitor LY2835219 overcomes vemurafenib resistance resulting from
      MAPK reactivation and cyclin D1 upregulation.
AB  - B-RAF selective inhibitors, including vemurafenib, were recently developed as
      effective therapies for melanoma patients with B-RAF V600E mutation. However,
      most patients treated with vemurafenib eventually develop resistance largely due
      to reactivation of MAPK signaling. Inhibitors of MAPK signaling, including MEK1/2
      inhibitor trametinib, failed to show significant clinical benefit in patients
      with acquired resistance to vemurafenib. Here, we describe that cell lines with
      acquired resistance to vemurafenib show reactivation of MAPK signaling and
      upregulation of cyclin D1 and are sensitive to inhibition of LY2835219, a
      selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6. LY2835219 was
      demonstrated to inhibit growth of melanoma A375 tumor xenografts and delay tumor
      recurrence in combination with vemurafenib. Furthermore, we developed an in vivo
      vemurafenib-resistant model by continuous administration of vemurafenib in A375
      xenografts. Consistently, we found that MAPK is reactivated and cyclin D1 is
      elevated in vemurafenib-resistant tumors, as well as in the resistant cell lines
      derived from these tumors. Importantly, LY2835219 exhibited tumor growth
      regression in a vemurafenib-resistant model. Mechanistic analysis revealed that
      LY2835219 induced apoptotic cell death in a concentration-dependent manner in
      vemurafenib-resistant cells whereas it primarily mediated cell-cycle G1 arrest in
      the parental cells. Similarly, RNAi-mediated knockdown of cyclin D1 induced
      significantly higher rate of apoptosis in the resistant cells than in parental
      cells, suggesting that elevated cyclin D1 activity is important for the survival
      of vemurafenib-resistant cells. Altogether, we propose that targeting cyclin D1
      CDK4/6 signaling by LY2835219 is an effective strategy to overcome MAPK-mediated
      resistance to B-RAF inhibitors in B-RAF V600E melanoma.

PMID- 25122065
TI  - Genetic alterations affecting cholesterol metabolism and human fertility.
AB  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent genetic variations among
      individuals in a population. In medicine, these small variations in the DNA
      sequence may significantly impact an individual's response to certain drugs or
      influence the risk of developing certain diseases. In the field of reproductive
      medicine, a significant amount of research has been devoted to identifying
      polymorphisms which may impact steroidogenesis and fertility. This review
      discusses current understanding of the effects of genetic variations in
      cholesterol metabolic pathways on human fertility that bridge novel linkages
      between cholesterol metabolism and reproductive health. For example, the role of
      the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in cellular metabolism and human
      reproduction has been well studied, whereas there is now an emerging body of
      research on the role of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor scavenger
      receptor class B type I (SR-BI) in human lipid metabolism and female
      reproduction. Identifying and understanding how polymorphisms in the SCARB1 gene
      or other genes related to lipid metabolism impact human physiology is essential
      and will play a major role in the development of personalized medicine for
      improved diagnosis and treatment of infertility. 

PMID- 25122068
TI  - Integrated analysis of transcriptomes of cancer cell lines and patient samples
      reveals STK11/LKB1-driven regulation of cAMP phosphodiesterase-4D.
AB  - The recent proliferation of data on large collections of well-characterized
      cancer cell lines linked to therapeutic drug responses has made it possible to
      identify lineage- and mutation-specific transcriptional markers that can help
      optimize implementation of anticancer agents. Here, we leverage these resources
      to systematically investigate the presence of mutation-specific transcription
      markers in a wide variety of cancer lineages and genotypes. Sensitivity and
      specificity of potential transcriptional biomarkers were simultaneously analyzed
      in 19 cell lineages grouped into 228 categories based on the mutational genotypes
      of 12 cancer-related genes. Among a total of 1,455 category-specific expression
      patterns, the expression of cAMP phosphodiesterase-4D (PDE4D) with 11 isoforms,
      one of the PDE4(A-D) subfamilies, was predicted to be regulated by a mutant form
      of serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11)/liver kinase B1 (LKB1) present in lung
      cancer. STK11/LKB1 is the primary upstream kinase of adenine monophosphate
      activated protein kinase (AMPK). Subsequently, we found that the knockdown of
      PDE4D gene expression inhibited proliferation of STK11-mutated lung cancer lines.
      Furthermore, challenge with a panel of PDE4-specific inhibitors was shown to
      selectively reduce the growth of STK11-mutated lung cancer lines. Thus, we show
      that multidimensional analysis of a well-characterized large-scale panel of
      cancer cell lines provides unprecedented opportunities for the identification of
      unexpected oncogenic mechanisms and mutation-specific drug targets.

PMID- 25122070
TI  - Prostate cancer cell response to paclitaxel is affected by abnormally expressed
      securin PTTG1.
AB  - PTTG1 protein, the human securin, has a central role in sister chromatid
      separation during mitosis, and its altered expression has been reported in many
      tumor types. Paclitaxel is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, whose mechanism
      of action is related to its ability to arrest cells in mitosis and the subsequent
      induction of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. By using two prostate cancer cell
      lines with different responses to paclitaxel treatment, we have identified two
      situations in which PTTG1 influences cell fate differentially. In slippage-prone
      PC3 cells, both PTTG1 downregulation and overexpression induce an increase in
      mitotic cells that is associated with diminished apoptosis after paclitaxel
      treatment. In LNCaP cells, however, PTTG1 downregulation prevents mitotic entry
      and, subsequently, inhibits mitosis-associated, paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. In
      contrast, PTTG1 overexpression induces an increase in mitotic cells and apoptosis
      after paclitaxel treatment. We have also identified a role for Mcl-1 protein in
      preventing apoptosis during mitosis in PC3 cells, as simultaneous PTTG1 and Mcl-1
      silencing enhances mitosis-associated apoptosis after paclitaxel treatment. The
      finding that a more efficient mitotic arrest alone in PC3 cells is not enough to
      increase apoptosis was also confirmed with the observation that a selected
      paclitaxel-resistant PC3 cell line showed an apoptosis-resistant phenotype
      associated with increased mitosis upon paclitaxel treatment. These findings could
      contribute to identify putative responsive and nonresponsive cells and help us to
      approach incomplete responses to paclitaxel in the clinical setting.

PMID- 25122072
TI  - In vitro selection, characterization, and biosensing application of high-affinity
      cylindrospermopsin-targeting aptamers.
AB  - Contamination of freshwater with cyanotoxin cylindrospermopsin (CYN) represents a
      significant global concern for public health. The sensitive detection of CYN is
      necessary to effectively manage and control the treatment of water resources.
      Here we report a novel, highly sensitive label-free aptasensor for CYN analysis,
      using aptamers as specific receptors. We have selected the DNA aptamers from a
      diverse random library using the in vitro screening SELEX approach. The aptamers
      exhibited high affinity for CYN with Kd of nanomolar range. One aptamer exhibited
      conformational change upon CYN recognition (CD analysis) and was used to
      fabricate the label-free impedimetric aptasensor for CYN. A self-assembled
      monolayer from a disulfide-derivatized aptamer was formed on a gold electrode to
      fabricate the aptasensor. Upon CYN capturing to the aptasensor surface, a marked
      drop in the electron transfer resistance was obtained, which was used as the
      principle of detection of CYN. This resulted from the aptamer's conformational
      change induced by CYN recognition. The present aptasensor could detect CYN with
      the limit of detection as low as 100 pM and a wide linear range of 0.1 to 80 nM.
      When mounted on the gold surface, the aptamer exhibited a lower dissociation
      constant for CYN than that observed in the fluorescence assay, implying that the
      anchoring of the aptamer on the Au surface improved its affinity to CYN.
      Moreover, the aptasensor showed high specificity toward other coexistent
      cyanobacterial toxins of microcystin-LR and Anatoxin-a. Further biosensor designs
      will be generated using those aptamers for simple and sensitive CYN monitoring. 

PMID- 25122074
TI  - Fully solution-processed transparent conducting oxide-free counter electrodes for
      dye-sensitized solar cells: spray-coated single-wall carbon nanotube thin films
      loaded with chemically-reduced platinum nanoparticles.
AB  - We report fully solution-processed fabrication of transparent conducting oxide
      free counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by combining
      spray-coating of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and chemical reduction of
      chloroplatinic acid precursor to platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) with formic
      acid. The power conversion efficiency of a semitransparent DSSC with such SWCNT
      based CE loaded with Pt NPs is comparable to that of a control device with a
      conventional CE. Quantification of Pt loading shows that network morphology of
      entangled SWCNTs is efficient in forming and retaining chemically reduced Pt NPs.
      Moreover, electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results
      show that mainly Pt NPs, which are tens of nanometers in diameter and reside at
      the surface of SWCNT CEs, contribute to electrocatalytic activity for triiodide
      reduction, to which we attribute strong correlation between power conversion
      efficiency of DSSCs and time constant deduced from equivalent-circuit analysis of
      impedance spectra. 

PMID- 25122069
TI  - Drug repurposing identifies a synergistic combination therapy with imatinib
      mesylate for gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare and therefore often neglected
      disease. Introduction of the kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate radically
      improved the clinical response of patients with GIST; however, its effects are
      often short-lived, with GISTs demonstrating a median time-to-progression of
      approximately two years. Although many investigational drugs, approved first for
      other cancers, have been subsequently evaluated for the management of GIST, few
      have greatly affected the overall survival of patients with advanced disease. We
      employed a novel, focused, drug-repurposing effort for GIST, including imatinib
      mesylate-resistant GIST, evaluating a large library of FDA-approved drugs
      regardless of current indication. As a result of the drug-repurposing screen, we
      identified eight FDA-approved drugs, including fludarabine phosphate (F-AMP),
      that showed synergy with and/or overcame resistance to imatinib mesylate. F-AMP
      induces DNA damage, Annexin V, and caspase-3/7 activities as the cytotoxic
      effects on GIST cells, including imatinib mesylate-resistant GIST cells. F-AMP
      and imatinib mesylate combination treatment showed greater inhibition of GIST
      cell proliferation when compared with imatinib mesylate and F-AMP alone.
      Successful in vivo experiments confirmed the combination of imatinib mesylate
      with F-AMP enhanced the antitumor effects compared with imatinib mesylate alone.
      Our results identified F-AMP as a promising, repurposed drug therapy for the
      treatment of GISTs, with potential to be administered in combination with
      imatinib mesylate or for treatment of imatinib mesylate-refractory tumors.

PMID- 25122073
TI  - Anal heterosex among young people and implications for health promotion: a
      qualitative study in the UK.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore expectations, experiences and circumstances of anal sex
      among young people. DESIGN: Qualitative, longitudinal study using individual and
      group interviews. PARTICIPANTS: 130 men and women aged 16-18 from diverse social
      backgrounds. SETTING: 3 contrasting sites in England (London, a northern
      industrial city, rural southwest). RESULTS: Anal heterosex often appeared to be
      painful, risky and coercive, particularly for women. Interviewees frequently
      cited pornography as the 'explanation' for anal sex, yet their accounts revealed
      a complex context with availability of pornography being only one element. Other
      key elements included competition between men; the claim that 'people must like
      it if they do it' (made alongside the seemingly contradictory expectation that it
      will be painful for women); and, crucially, normalisation of coercion and
      'accidental' penetration. It seemed that men were expected to persuade or coerce
      reluctant partners. CONCLUSIONS: Young people's narratives normalised coercive,
      painful and unsafe anal heterosex. This study suggests an urgent need for harm
      reduction efforts targeting anal sex to help encourage discussion about mutuality
      and consent, reduce risky and painful techniques and challenge views that
      normalise coercion.

PMID- 25122071
TI  - Lipid catabolism via CPT1 as a therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
AB  - Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among Western men and
      accounts for the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Prostate cancer
      tends to grow slowly and recent studies suggest that it relies on lipid fuel more
      than on aerobic glycolysis. However, the biochemical mechanisms governing the
      relationships between lipid synthesis, lipid utilization, and cancer growth
      remain unknown. To address the role of lipid metabolism in prostate cancer, we
      have used etomoxir and orlistat, clinically safe drugs that block lipid oxidation
      and lipid synthesis/lipolysis, respectively. Etomoxir is an irreversible
      inhibitor of the carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1) enzyme that decreases beta
      oxidation in the mitochondria. Combinatorial treatments using etomoxir and
      orlistat resulted in synergistic decreased viability in LNCaP, VCaP, and patient
      derived benign and prostate cancer cells. These effects were associated with
      decreased androgen receptor expression, decreased mTOR signaling, and increased
      caspase-3 activation. Knockdown of CPT1A enzyme in LNCaP cells resulted in
      decreased palmitate oxidation but increased sensitivity to etomoxir, with
      inactivation of AKT kinase and activation of caspase-3. Systemic treatment with
      etomoxir in nude mice resulted in decreased xenograft growth over 21 days,
      underscoring the therapeutic potential of blocking lipid catabolism to decrease
      prostate cancer tumor growth.

PMID- 25122076
TI  - Limitation of activity due to chronic conditions United States, 1969 and 1970.
AB  - During 1969 and 1970 an estimated average of 23,237,000 persons, about 11.7
      percent of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States,
      were reported in health interviews to be limited to some extent as a result of
      chronic disease or impairment. Limitation of activity is a measure of long-term
      disability resulting from chronic conditions. It is defined as inability to carry
      on the major activity for one's age-sex group, such as working, keeping house, or
      going to school; restriction in the amount or kind of major activity; or
      restriction in relation to other activities, such as recreational, church, or
      civic interests. 

PMID- 25122075
TI  - Noise-assisted charge pump in elastically deformable molecular junctions.
AB  - We study a charge pump realized with an elastically deformable quantum dot whose
      center of mass follows a nonlinear stochastic dynamics. The interplay of noise,
      nonlinear effects, dissipation and interaction with an external time-dependent
      driving on the pumped charge is fully analyzed. The results show that the quantum
      pumping mechanism not only is not destroyed by the force fluctuations, but it
      becomes stronger when the forcing signal frequency is tuned close to the
      resonance of the vibrational mode. The robustness of the quantum pump with
      temperature is also investigated and an exponential decay of the pumped charge is
      found when the coupling to the vibrational mode is present. Implications of our
      results for nanoelectromechanical systems are also discussed. 

PMID- 25122077
TI  - Septic arthritis and acute rheumatic fever in children: the diagnostic value of
      serological inflammatory markers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Joint pain and raised inflammatory markers are features of both
      acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and septic arthritis, often posing a diagnostic
      challenge to clinicians. Important differences in the presenting serological
      inflammatory marker profile may assist patient diagnosis, however, as clinical
      experience suggests that ARF is associated with a higher erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR), whereas other serological markers may be similarly
      elevated in these 2 conditions. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to
      determine the diagnostic value of serological inflammatory markers and white cell
      count (WCC) in children presenting with acute joint pain secondary to ARF or
      septic arthritis. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Auckland regional
      rheumatic fever database and hospital computer records between 2005 and 2012.
      Records of all patients under the age of 16 years who were admitted with a new
      diagnosis of ARF or septic arthritis were analyzed. The diagnosis of ARF was
      defined on the basis of the New Zealand modification of the Jones Criteria, and
      the diagnosis of septic arthritis was defined on the basis of joint fluid
      cytology and culture. Baseline characteristics, serological inflammatory markers,
      and serum WCC were compared between the ARF and septic arthritis patient groups.
      RESULTS: Children with ARF displayed significantly higher ESR, higher serum C
      reactive protein, and lower serum WCC than children with septic arthritis on
      presentation to hospital. In children presenting with monoarthritis, an ESR>64.5,
      serum WCC<12.1*109/L, and age above 8.5 years were found to be significant
      independent predictors of ARF. Children with all 3 predictors had a 71% risk for
      ARF and a 29% risk for septic arthritis. A significant proportion (30%) of
      children with the final diagnosis of ARF initially presented with monoarthritis;
      14% of these children (5/34) had received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
      medication before hospital presentation, and 74% of these children (25/34) had
      abnormal echocardiograms on admission. CONCLUSIONS: ARF and septic arthritis are
      important diagnoses to consider in children presenting with acute joint pain in
      New Zealand. A significant proportion of patients with ARF initially present with
      acute monoarthritis. Serological inflammatory markers and WCC on presentation
      differ significantly between children with ARF and septic arthritis.

PMID- 25122079
TI  - Comment on Morin et al "Positive Communication Paradigm Decreases Early
      Recurrence in Clubfoot Treatment".

PMID- 25122078
TI  - Congenital tibial deficiency: a 37-year experience at 1 institution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate all cases of tibial
      deficiency seen at a single institution from 1975 to 2012, to classify these
      cases by the Jones classification if possible, to evaluate for associated
      anomalies, and to review the surgical treatments provided to these patients.
      METHODS: Ninety-five patients (125 extremities) treated at our institution
      between 1975 and 2012 with tibial deficiency had complete records allowing for
      classification and review of full treatment course. These patients' records and
      imaging were retrospectively reviewed for any associated anomalies, surgical
      treatment performed, and limb deformity characterized by the Jones classification
      where possible. RESULTS: Seventy-three of 125 limbs (58%) were classified as
      Jones type 1A, 6 (5%) as type 1B, 18 (14%) as type 2, and 12 (10%) as type 4. Two
      limbs initially classified radiographically as type 3 deformities subsequently
      developed a proximal tibia epiphyses and thus did not represent true type 3
      deformities. Fourteen limbs (11%) were characterized by global tibial deficiency
      but with proximal and distal epiphyses and could not be classified according to
      the Jones classification. Seventy-five of the 95 patients (79%) had associated
      anomalies. Other lower extremity anomalies were most frequent; however, upper
      extremity, spine, and visceral anomalies were also noted. CONCLUSIONS: True type
      3 deformity as described by Jones was not seen in our patient population; all
      patients developed a proximal epiphysis. Therefore, this group may be better
      served by limb salvage than amputation. Fourteen (11%) limbs, characterized by
      global tibia shortening relative to the fibula of variable degree, could not be
      classified according to the Jones classification. We propose adding this group as
      a new group within the Jones classification, which we call type 5. Finally, in
      this patient population, the Brown procedure for type 1 tibial deficiency
      universally failed, confirming results of prior studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This
      is a level IV study, a retrospective review of 95 patients with tibial deficiency
      from a single institution.

PMID- 25122080
TI  - Calf circumference discrepancies in patients with unilateral clubfoot: Ponseti
      versus surgical release.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Talipes equinovarus is the most common congenital lower limb
      abnormality. Decreased calf size has been found to have negative impacts on
      patients' subjective appraisals of long-term outcomes. This study compares calf
      circumference ratios in 2 groups of patients with unilateral clubfoot, those
      treated according to the Ponseti method and those treated with extensive surgery,
      to determine whether the current standard of care achieves better anatomic
      outcomes. METHODS: Patients >1 year after treatment for unilateral clubfoot were
      recruited during normal follow-up appointments and both calves were measured
      using a standardized protocol. A questionnaire concerning their treatment history
      was also completed. Data were analyzed by comparing calf circumference ratios
      between treatment modalities. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with unilateral
      clubfoot were recruited after satisfying inclusion criteria. Twenty-four (69%)
      were included in the Ponseti-managed group, and 11 (31%) were in the extensive
      surgery group. The affected legs were on average 3% to 10% smaller than the
      control legs across all groups. The surgery group's average calf ratio was
      significantly less at 90.8%+/-3.5% compared with 94.4%+/-3.3% in the Ponseti
      group. CONCLUSIONS: The calf circumference of limbs affected by clubfoot is
      significantly smaller in those treated with extensive surgery as compared with
      those treated with the Ponseti method alone, with or without percutaneous
      tenotomy. This supports the Ponseti method as the standard of care for achieving
      the most favorable anatomic outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

PMID- 25122081
TI  - What's new in Shock? September 2014.

PMID- 25122083
TI  - Impact of arterial oxygen tension on venous oxygen saturation.

PMID- 25122082
TI  - Remote ischemic preconditioning mitigates myocardial and neurological dysfunction
      via K(ATP) channel activation in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock.
AB  - Severe hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation is a state of global body ischemia and
      reperfusion that causes myocardial and cerebral dysfunction. We investigated
      whether remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) would reduce myocardial and
      cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injuries after hemorrhagic shock as the result
      of the K(ATP) channel activation. Twenty-one male rats were randomized into three
      groups: RIPC, RIPC with K(ATP) channel blocker, and control. Remote ischemic
      preconditioning was induced by four cycles of 5 min of limb ischemia followed by
      reperfusion for 5 min. Hemorrhagic shock was induced by removing 50% of the
      estimated total blood volume during an interval of 1 h. Thirty minutes after the
      completion of bleeding, the animals were reinfused with shed blood during the
      ensuing 30 min. The animals were monitored for 2 h and observed for an additional
      72 h. Myocardial function was measured by echocardiography, and sublingual
      microcirculation was measured by a sidestream dark-field imaging device at
      baseline, 1 h after bleeding, 30 min after the completion of bleeding, 30 min
      after reinfusion, and hourly intervals thereafter. The survival and neurological
      function were evaluated at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after reinfusion. At 2 h after
      reinfusion, ejection fraction and myocardial performance index were significantly
      better in the RIPC group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The sublingual
      microvascular flow index and perfused vessel density were significantly greater
      after reinfusion in the RIPC group than that in the control group (P < 0.01). The
      duration of survival was significantly longer, and neurological deficit score was
      significantly better in the RIPC group than the control animals (P < 0.01).
      Pretreatment with the K(ATP) channel blocker (glibenclamide) completely abolished
      the myocardial and cerebral protective effects of RIPC. We demonstrate, for the
      first time, that after severe hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation, RIPC mitigated
      myocardial and neurological dysfunction with improved survival by activation of
      the K(ATP) channel.

PMID- 25122084
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24667613.

PMID- 25122085
TI  - X-ray scattering from immunostimulatory tetrapod-shaped DNA in aqueous solution
      to explore its biological activity-conformation relationship.
AB  - We carried out synchrotron X-ray scattering experiments from four DNA
      supermolecules designed to form tetrapod shapes; these supermolecules had
      different sequences but identical numbers of total base pairs, and each contained
      an immunostimulatory CpG motif. We confirmed that the supermolecules did indeed
      form the expected tetrapod shape. The sample that had the largest radius of
      gyration (Rg) induced the most cytokine secretion from cultured immune cells.
      Structural analysis in combination with a rigid tetrapod model and an atomic
      scale DNA model revealed that the larger Rg can be ascribed to dissociation of
      the DNA double strands in the central connecting portion of the DNA tetrapod.
      This finding suggests that the biological activity is related to the ease with
      which single DNA strands can be formed. 

PMID- 25122087
TI  - Antioxidants and respiratory disease: the uric acid paradox.

PMID- 25122086
TI  - Epigenetic landscapes explain partially reprogrammed cells and identify key
      reprogramming genes.
AB  - A common metaphor for describing development is a rugged "epigenetic landscape"
      where cell fates are represented as attracting valleys resulting from a complex
      regulatory network. Here, we introduce a framework for explicitly constructing
      epigenetic landscapes that combines genomic data with techniques from spin-glass
      physics. Each cell fate is a dynamic attractor, yet cells can change fate in
      response to external signals. Our model suggests that partially reprogrammed
      cells are a natural consequence of high-dimensional landscapes, and predicts that
      partially reprogrammed cells should be hybrids that co-express genes from
      multiple cell fates. We verify this prediction by reanalyzing existing datasets.
      Our model reproduces known reprogramming protocols and identifies candidate
      transcription factors for reprogramming to novel cell fates, suggesting
      epigenetic landscapes are a powerful paradigm for understanding cellular
      identity. 

PMID- 25122088
TI  - Response to: Domiciliary long term non-invasive ventilation in COPD: should we
      select subgroups with a better likelihood to respond to NIV in subsequent
      randomised controlled trials?

PMID- 25122089
TI  - Spinosad and the tomato borer Tuta absoluta: a bioinsecticide, an invasive pest
      threat, and high insecticide resistance.
AB  - The introduction of an agricultural pest species into a new environment is a
      potential threat to agroecosystems of the invaded area. The phytosanitary concern
      is even greater if the introduced pest's phenotype expresses traits that will
      impair the management of that species. The invasive tomato borer, Tuta absoluta
      (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is one such species and the
      characterization of the insecticide resistance prevailing in the area of origin
      is important to guide management efforts in new areas of introduction. The
      spinosad is one the main insecticides currently used in Brazil for control of the
      tomato borer; Brazil is the likely source of the introduction of the tomato borer
      into Europe. For this reason, spinosad resistance in Brazilian populations of
      this species was characterized. Spinosad resistance has been reported in
      Brazilian field populations of this pest species, and one resistant population
      that was used in this study was subjected to an additional seven generations of
      selection for spinosad resistance reaching levels over 180,000-fold. Inheritance
      studies indicated that spinosad resistance is monogenic, incompletely recessive
      and autosomal with high heritability (h(2) = 0.71). Spinosad resistance was
      unstable without selection pressure with a negative rate of change in the
      resistance level ( = -0.51) indicating an associated adaptive cost. Esterases and
      cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases titration decreased with spinosad
      selection, indicating that these detoxification enzymes are not the underlying
      resistance mechanism. Furthermore, the cross-resistance spectrum was restricted
      to the insecticide spinetoram, another spinosyn, suggesting that altered target
      site may be the mechanism involved. Therefore, the suspension of spinosyn use
      against the tomato borer would be a useful component in spinosad resistance
      management for this species. Spinosad use against this species in introduced
      areas should be carefully monitored to prevent rapid selection of high levels of
      resistance and the potential for its spread to new areas.

PMID- 25122091
TI  - A life-course approach to human reproduction.

PMID- 25122092
TI  - Griefwork online: perinatal loss, lifecourse disruption and online support.
AB  - The Internet provides new opportunities for accessing and giving support
      following perinatal loss and in this article we report on a project concerned to
      explore the use of social networking and online networks following such an
      experience. Perinatal loss can be defined and perceived as biographical
      disruption yet this type of loss sometimes lacks social recognition. Our
      ethnographic study reveals that not only do mothers, and sometimes fathers and
      grandmothers, seek support on the Internet but they also engage in griefwork (the
      work the bereaved do with others).

PMID- 25122090
TI  - EVA-1 functions as an UNC-40 Co-receptor to enhance attraction to the MADD-4
      guidance cue in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - We recently discovered a secreted and diffusible midline cue called MADD-4 (an
      ADAMTSL) that guides migrations along the dorsoventral axis of the nematode
      Caenorhabditis elegans. We showed that the transmembrane receptor, UNC-40 (DCC),
      whose canonical ligand is the UNC-6 (netrin) guidance cue, is required for
      extension towards MADD-4. Here, we demonstrate that MADD-4 interacts with an EVA
      1/UNC-40 co-receptor complex to attract cell extensions. EVA-1 is a conserved
      transmembrane protein with predicted galactose-binding lectin domains. EVA-1
      functions in the same pathway as MADD-4, physically interacts with both MADD-4
      and UNC-40, and enhances UNC-40's sensitivity to the MADD-4 cue. This enhancement
      is especially important in the presence of UNC-6. In EVA-1's absence, UNC-6
      interferes with UNC-40's responsiveness to MADD-4; in UNC-6's absence, UNC-40's
      responsiveness to MADD-4 is less dependent on EVA-1. By enabling UNC-40 to
      respond to MADD-4 in the presence of UNC-6, EVA-1 may increase the precision by
      which UNC-40-directed processes can reach their MADD-4-expressing targets within
      a field of the UNC-6 guidance cue. 

PMID- 25122093
TI  - Sex differences in predicting chronicity of low-back pain after acute trauma
      using lumbar muscle area.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate sex differences in predicting
      chronicity of low-back pain after acute trauma using cross-sectional areas of
      paraspinal (multifidus and erector spinae) and psoas muscles. DESIGN: Between
      January 2006 and December 2010, a total of 54 patients were interviewed at least
      6 mos after the trauma event. The subjects were classified into chronic low-back
      pain group and improved low-back pain group according to the presence of low-back
      pain for more than 6 mos. The cross-sectional area of the multifidus, erector
      spinae, and psoas muscles was measured at the level of the lower margin of the L3
      and L5 vertebrae using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: The cross-sectional
      area of the multifidus and erector spinae muscles at L5 in the chronic low-back
      pain group was significantly smaller than that of the improved low-back pain
      group (P < 0.05) in the men. There were no significant differences in the other
      parameters between the groups in the men. There were no significant differences
      in any parameters in the women. CONCLUSIONS: In the men, the cross-sectional area
      of the multifidus and erector spinae muscles at the lower lumbar level can be
      considered to be prognostic factors for the chronic low-back pain after acute
      trauma. The authors thus suggest that strengthening of lumbar paraspinal muscles
      could be helpful for preventing chronicity of low-back pain.

PMID- 25122094
TI  - Men with early degrees of knee osteoarthritis present functional and
      morphological impairments of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Quadriceps muscle weakness is common in knee osteoarthritis (OA).
      Reasons for weakness may include atrophy, reduction in the muscle fibers number,
      and changes in the muscle activation. It is uncertain when these muscular changes
      begin to appear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether
      men with early stages of knee OA already had functional and quadriceps muscle
      morphologic alterations. DESIGN: Forty men were divided into two groups: control
      group (healthy subjects) and OA group (subjects with knee OA). A biopsy of the
      vastus lateralis muscle was performed for morphometric analysis. Isokinetic
      evaluation of knee extensor torque, concentric and eccentric (90 and 180
      degrees/sec), was performed simultaneously with vastus lateralis
      electromyographic activity evaluation. RESULTS: Significant differences were
      found in knee extensor torque (P < 0.05) and in normalized root mean square (P <
      0.01) during the eccentric contractions (both velocities), with higher values for
      the control group. No differences were found during concentric contractions. The
      OA group presented greater values of the minimum diameter of type 1 fibers and
      greater proportion and relative cross-sectional area of type 2b fibers (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Men with early stages of knee OA do not present alterations
      of concentric strength but had decreased eccentric strength and morphologic
      quadriceps muscle changes, indicating neuromuscular adaptations.

PMID- 25122095
TI  - Review of secondary health conditions in postpolio syndrome: prevalence and
      effects of aging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study sought to better understand the prevalence and the severity
      of secondary health conditions in individuals with postpolio syndrome (PPS) as
      well as the association between these conditions and aging. DESIGN: A scoping
      literature review was conducted searching electronic databases for studies
      published from 1986 to 2011. The scoping review provided information regarding
      the prevalence and associations of secondary health conditions in PPS with age or
      other duration-related variables. RESULTS: The findings indicate that (1)
      individuals with PPS experience a number of serious secondary health conditions;
      (2) the most common conditions or symptoms are fatigue, pain, respiratory and
      sleep complaints, and increased risk for falls; (3) reports of the associations
      between the frequency or the severity of conditions and age-related factors are
      variable, perhaps because of methodological inconsistencies between studies; and
      (4) there is a marked lack of longitudinal research examining the natural course
      of health conditions in people aging with PPS. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal research
      is needed to understand the course of health conditions and the impact of
      multiple secondary conditions in people aging with PPS. Efforts are also needed
      to develop and test the efficacy of interventions to prevent these secondary
      health conditions or reduce their negative impact.

PMID- 25122096
TI  - Effect of hip abduction exercise with manual pelvic fixation on recruitment of
      deep trunk muscles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether side-lying hip
      abduction exercise while applying manual pelvic fixation is more effective than
      hip abduction without manual pelvic fixation for promoting deep trunk muscle
      activity. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study comparing deep trunk muscle
      activation between hip abduction exercise without and with manual pelvic fixation
      in ten participants. Muscle activation was measured using fine-wire and surface
      electromyography. RESULTS: Hip abduction with manual pelvic fixation was found to
      result in significantly more recruitment of all studied deep trunk muscles except
      the ipsilateral obliquus externus compared with hip abduction without manual
      pelvic fixation (P < 0.05). The greatest increased activation was seen in the
      ipsilateral deep and superficial multifidus. The increase in deep multifidus
      percentage of maximal voluntary contraction was greater than that of the rectus
      abdominis, the obliquus externus, the transversuus abdominis/obliquus internus,
      the lumbar erector spinae, the superficial multifidus, and the gluteus medius (P
      < 0.05). The superficial multifidus percentage of maximal voluntary contraction
      was significantly increased over that of the rectus abdominis and the obliquus
      externus (P < 0.05). Moderate correlation between deep and superficial multifidus
      activation was found (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.537). CONCLUSIONS: Hip
      abduction training in the side-lying position while applying manual pelvic
      fixation seems to be more effective for recruiting deep trunk muscles for dynamic
      lumbar spinal stabilization.

PMID- 25122097
TI  - Strength training associated with task-oriented training to enhance upper-limb
      motor function in elderly patients with mild impairment after stroke: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the effects of loaded exercises
      associated with a task-oriented training (TOT) program in the recovery of upper
      limb function in individuals with chronic hemiparesis after stroke. DESIGN: This
      study used a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Patients were included
      into two TOT groups: one that performed the task-oriented therapy without load
      (TOT group, n = 10) and another one that performed task-oriented therapy with
      personalized resistance (TOT_ST group, n = 10) for 6 wks, for a total of 12
      sessions. Main measures included The Upper Extremity Performance Test, shoulder
      flexor and handgrip strength, shoulder active range of motion, motor impairment
      (Fugl-Meyer Scale), and muscle tone. RESULTS: The TOT_ST group demonstrated
      better scores relating to unilateral tasks and in the quality aspects of
      bilateral movements (The Upper Extremity Performance Test, P = 0.04) at the end
      of rehabilitation protocol. The highest muscle force gain was reached by the
      TOT_ST group for the shoulder flexors (P = 0.001). Similarly, the active range of
      motion (P = 0.01) and Fugl-Meyer scores (P = 0.001) were higher in the TOT_ST
      group compared with the TOT group. Both groups showed improvement after training.
      CONCLUSIONS: Strength training was able to intensify the upper-limb
      rehabilitation, as demonstrated by the superior scores achieved by the TOT_ST
      group in most of the evaluated parameters. Muscle strength training might be a
      pivotal element of the task-oriented rehabilitation program of chronic patients
      with mild impairment after stroke.

PMID- 25122098
TI  - Simultaneous bilateral biceps tendon rupture: a case report with practical
      sonographic diagnosis.
AB  - Simultaneous bilateral complete tear of the biceps tendons is a rare clinical
      entity with challenging treatment approaches. Current diagnostic imaging of
      rupture of the biceps tendon has reverted to magnetic resonance imaging; however,
      in the recent years, sonography has been widely used in musculoskeletal practice.
      The authors present a case of simultaneous bilateral biceps tendon rupture
      diagnosed on the basis of fundamental sonographic findings of the torn biceps
      tendons. 

PMID- 25122099
TI  - Effects of low-level laser therapy on skeletal muscle repair: a systematic
      review.
AB  - A review of the literature was performed to demonstrate the most current
      applicability of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of skeletal
      muscle injuries, addressing different lasers, irradiation parameters, and
      treatment results in animal models. Searches were performed in the
      PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and SPIE Digital Library databases for studies published
      from January 2006 to August 2013 on the use of LLLT for the repair of skeletal
      muscle in any animal model. All selected articles were critically appraised by
      two independent raters. Seventeen of the 36 original articles on LLLT and muscle
      injuries met the inclusion criteria and were critically evaluated. The main
      effects of LLLT were a reduction in the inflammatory process, the modulation of
      growth factors and myogenic regulatory factors, and increased angiogenesis. The
      studies analyzed demonstrate the positive effects of LLLT on the muscle repair
      process, which are dependent on irradiation and treatment parameters. The
      findings suggest that LLLT is an excellent therapeutic resource for the treatment
      of skeletal muscle injuries in the short-term. 

PMID- 25122100
TI  - Lower gastrointestinal bleeding associated with diclofenac topical patch in a
      patient with colonic mass and on antiplatelet therapy for atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Topical formulations of diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
      commonly prescribed to treat musculoskeletal complaints such as osteoarthritis,
      low back pain, and myofascial pain, are available in the form of a solution, gel,
      and patch. The topical application of diclofenac results in substantially lower
      systemic exposure to diclofenac compared with oral diclofenac, resulting in a
      more favorable side effect profile. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first
      case report of a lower gastrointestinal bleed associated with diclofenac topical
      patch use in a 77 yr-old-woman with a history of colonic mass and atrial
      fibrillation on antiplatelet therapy. 

PMID- 25122101
TI  - Rare communication between the musculocutaneous and median nerves in the forearm:
      its clinical significance.
AB  - Morphologic classifications of communication between musculocutaneous and median
      nerves are not based on the distribution and the function of the communicating
      branch. The authors report a rare case of such a communication with passage of
      the median nerve through the pronator teres muscle and discuss its clinical
      significance. The musculocutaneous nerve was divided into a lateral branch that
      continued to the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and a medial branch that
      joined the median nerve in the forearm. The authors separated the nerve bundles
      and noted that the communicating branch derived from the sixth to seventh
      cervical nerves and supplied nerve fibers to the pronator teres muscle and the
      proper palmar digital nerve of the thumb. In addition, the median nerve
      penetrated the humeral head of the pronator teres muscle. Isolated
      musculocutaneous neuropathy with such a communication may cause unexpected
      symptoms such as sensory deficit in the palm and muscular weakness of the forearm
      and the thumb. 

PMID- 25122102
TI  - Disease-in-a-dish: the contribution of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem
      cell technology to regenerative rehabilitation.
AB  - Advances in regenerative medicine technologies will lead to dramatic changes in
      how patients in rehabilitation medicine clinics are treated in the upcoming
      decades. The multidisciplinary field of regenerative medicine is developing new
      tools for disease modeling and drug discovery based on induced pluripotent stem
      cells. This approach capitalizes on the idea of personalized medicine by using
      the patient's own cells to discover new drugs, increasing the likelihood of a
      favorable outcome. The search for compounds that can correct disease defects in
      the culture dish is a conceptual departure from how drug screens were done in the
      past. This system proposes a closed loop from sample collection from the diseased
      patient, to in vitro disease model, to drug discovery and Food and Drug
      Administration approval, to delivering that drug back to the same patient. Here,
      recent progress in patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell derivation,
      directed differentiation toward diseased cell types, and how those cells can be
      used for high-throughput drug screens are reviewed. Given that restoration of
      normal function is a driving force in rehabilitation medicine, the authors
      believe that this drug discovery platform focusing on phenotypic rescue will
      become a key contributor to therapeutic compounds in regenerative rehabilitation.

PMID- 25122103
TI  - Core stability, knee muscle strength, and anterior translation are correlated
      with postural stability in anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of
      postural stability and lower extremity performance with core stability, knee
      laxity, and muscle strength in patients with anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction. DESIGN: Twenty-eight anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed
      subjects were included in the study. Anterior knee laxity tests, isokinetic knee
      muscle strength tests, and core stability tests were performed. Single-limb
      postural stability was assessed in both eyes-open and eyes-closed positions on a
      static surface and an eyes-open condition on a foam surface. A single-legged hop
      test was performed to assess lower extremity performance. To detect differences
      between the operated and healthy leg, a Mann-Whitney U test was performed, and a
      correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation coefficient.
      RESULTS: Knee muscle strength and laxity were different between the operated and
      healthy legs (P < 0.05). Postural stability scores correlated with core stability
      tests (P < 0.05) in both the operated and healthy legs. In the operated leg, knee
      laxity and muscle strength correlated with the mediolateral sway index on a foam
      surface (P < 0.05). Knee flexor and extensor muscle strength correlated with the
      single-legged hop for both legs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased core
      stability, decreased knee muscle strength, and increased knee laxity correlated
      with single-limb postural stability. Better hop performance was demonstrated with
      better knee flexor and extensor muscle strength and was independent from core
      stability.

PMID- 25122104
TI  - Iliac artery endofibrosis in a middle-aged female long-distance runner.
AB  - Exercise-induced iliac artery endofibrosis is a recently described abnormality of
      the external iliac artery that typically affects younger, healthy endurance
      athletes. Characteristic of the initially termed cyclist's iliac syndrome is
      lower limb pain during exercise with rapid recovery after exercise. This
      clinically complicated case describes an older female long-distance runner in
      whom an incorrect diagnosis of fibromuscular dysplasia was originally made when
      she presented with claudication and thrombosis of the right external iliac
      artery. A thrombectomy and bilateral balloon angioplasty were performed; however,
      her symptoms persisted. Four months later, she unexpectedly complained of dual
      calf claudication, a diagnosis of exercise-induced iliac artery endofibrosis was
      made, and a bilateral prosthetic graft bypass procedure was performed, which
      resulted in a good outcome. 

PMID- 25122105
TI  - Letter to the editor regarding "Peripheral nerve stimulation compared with usual
      care for pain relief of hemiplegic shoulder pain" Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2014;93:
      17-27.

PMID- 25122106
TI  - Stem cell therapy for intervertebral disk regeneration.
AB  - Intervertebral disk degeneration has been considered an irreversible process
      characterized by a decrease in cell viability, attenuation of proteoglycan and
      type II collagen synthesis, and dehydration of nucleus pulposus. Stem cell
      therapy specifically addresses the degenerative process and offers a potentially
      effective treatment modality. Current preclinical studies show that mesenchymal
      stem cells have the capacity to repair degenerative disks by differentiation
      toward chondrocyte-like cells, which produce proteoglycans and type II collagen.
      There has been evidence that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation into the
      intervertebral disk increases the intradiskal magnetic resonance imaging T2
      signal intensity, increases the disk height, and decreases the degenerative grade
      in animal models. Appropriate selection of cell carriers/matrix is important
      because it may prevent cell leakage into the spinal canal and provide an
      environment that facilitates cell proliferation and differentiation. Although
      human cell therapy trials for degenerative disk disease are on the horizon,
      potential issues might arise. The authors hereby review the current state of
      regenerative cell therapy in degenerative disk disease, with emphasis in cell
      source, techniques for cellular expansion, induction, transplantation, potential
      benefit, and risks of the use of this novel medical armamentarium in the
      treatment of degenerative disk disease. 

PMID- 25122108
TI  - Introduction to the series: Association of Academic Physiatrists research
      committee funding priority recommendations.

PMID- 25122107
TI  - An etiological paradigm shift for chronic hemiplegic shoulder pain.

PMID- 25122109
TI  - Elder abuse in Portugal: findings from the first national prevalence study.
AB  - In this study, we present findings of the Portuguese national prevalence study,
      "Aging and Violence," the purpose of which was to estimate the prevalence of
      abuse and neglect of older people in family settings over a 12-month period and
      examine the relationship between abuse and sociodemographic and health
      characteristics. Through a telephone survey of a representative probability
      sample (N = 1,123), we evaluated 12 abusive behaviors and demographic data.
      Overall, 12.3% of older adults experienced elder abuse in family settings. The
      prevalence rates of specific types were as follows: psychological, 6.3%;
      financial, 6.3%; physical, 2.3%; neglect, 0.4%; and sexual, 0.2%. Logistic
      regression was employed to determine the relationship between abuse and
      covariates. The study suggests that education level, age, and functional status
      are significantly associated with abuse. Accurate estimates of the prevalence of
      elder abuse and understanding of victim and perpetrator characteristics are
      fundamental to designing effective strategies for prevention and intervention. 

PMID- 25122110
TI  - Mercury poisoning as a cause of intracranial hypertension.
AB  - Mercury poisoning is a rare but fatal toxicologic emergency. Neurologic
      manifestations involving the central nervous system are seen usually with chronic
      mercury intoxication. The most commonly seen complaints are headache, tremor,
      impaired cognitive skills, weakness, muscle atrophy, and paresthesia. Here, we
      present a male patient who was chronically exposed to elemental mercury and had
      papilledema and intracranial hypertension without parenchymal lesion in the
      central nervous system. A 12-year-old male patient was referred to our emergency
      room because of severe fatigue, generalized muscle pain and weakness, which was
      present for a month. Physical examination revealed painful extremities, decreased
      motor strength and the lack of deep tendon reflexes in lower extremities. He had
      mixed type polyneuropathy in his electromyography. Whole blood and 24-hour
      urinary mercury concentrations were high. A chelation therapy with succimer
      (dimercaptosuccinic acid) was started on the fourth day of his admission. On the
      seventh day of his admission, he developed headache and nausea, and bilateral
      papilledema and intracranial hypertension were detected on physical examination.
      Acetazolamide was started and after 1 month of treatment, the fundi examination
      was normal. The patient stayed in the hospital for 35 days and was then
      discharged with acetazolamide, vitamin B6, gabapentin, and followed as an
      outpatient. His clinical findings were relieving day by day. Although headache is
      the most common symptom in mercury poisoning, the clinician should evaluate the
      fundus in terms of intracranial hypertension. 

PMID- 25122111
TI  - Rates and characteristics of radiographically detected intracerebral cavernous
      malformations after cranial radiation therapy in pediatric cancer patients.
AB  - Rates and characteristics of intracerebral cavernous malformations after cranial
      radiation therapy remain poorly understood. Herein we report on intracerebral
      cavernous malformations detected on follow-up imaging in pediatric cancer
      patients who received cranial radiation therapy at age <=18 years from 1980 to
      2009. Through chart reviews (n = 362) and phone interviews (n = 104) of a
      retrospective cohort, we identified 10 patients with intracerebral cavernous
      malformations. The median latency time for detection of intracerebral cavernous
      malformations after cranial radiation therapy was 12 years (range 1-24 years) at
      a median age of 21.4 years (interquartile range = 15-28). The cumulative
      incidence was 3% (95% confidence interval 1%-8%) at 10 years post cranial
      radiation therapy and 14% (95% confidence interval 7%-26%) at 15 years. Three
      patients underwent surgical resection. Two surgical specimens were pathologically
      similar to sporadically occurring intracerebral cavernous malformations; one was
      consistent with capillary telangiectasia. Intracerebral cavernous malformations
      are common after cranial radiation therapy and can show a spectrum of histologic
      features. 

PMID- 25122112
TI  - Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency in a Chinese Boy: A Novel ALDH5A1
      Mutation With Severe Phenotype.
AB  - Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive
      disorder affecting catabolism of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid
      (GABA), with a wide range of clinical phenotype. We report a Malaysian Chinese
      boy with a severe early onset phenotype due to a previously unreported mutation.
      Urine organic acid chromatogram revealed elevated 4-hydroxybutyric acid. Magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated cerebral atrophy with atypical
      putaminal involvement. Molecular genetic analysis showed a novel homozygous 3-bp
      deletion at the ALDH5A1 gene c.1501_1503del (p.Glu501del). Both parents were
      confirmed to be heterozygotes for the p.Glu501del mutation. The clinical course
      was complicated by the development of subdural hemorrhage probably as a result of
      rocking the child to sleep for erratic sleep-wake cycles. This case illustrates
      the need to recognize that trivial or unintentional shaking of such children,
      especially in the presence of cerebral atrophy, can lead to subdural hemorrhage. 

PMID- 25122114
TI  - Structure of CfaA suggests a new family of chaperones essential for assembly of
      class 5 fimbriae.
AB  - Adhesive pili on the surface of pathogenic bacteria comprise polymerized pilin
      subunits and are essential for initiation of infections. Pili assembled by the
      chaperone-usher pathway (CUP) require periplasmic chaperones that assist subunit
      folding, maintain their stability, and escort them to the site of bioassembly.
      Until now, CUP chaperones have been classified into two families, FGS and FGL,
      based on the short and long length of the subunit-interacting loops between its
      F1 and G1 beta-strands, respectively. CfaA is the chaperone for assembly of
      colonization factor antigen I (CFA/I) pili of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), a
      cause of diarrhea in travelers and young children. Here, the crystal structure of
      CfaA along with sequence analyses reveals some unique structural and functional
      features, leading us to propose a separate family for CfaA and closely related
      chaperones. Phenotypic changes resulting from mutations in regions unique to this
      chaperone family provide insight into their function, consistent with involvement
      of these regions in interactions with cognate subunits and usher proteins during
      pilus assembly. 

PMID- 25122115
TI  - Transcriptome of American oysters, Crassostrea virginica, in response to
      bacterial challenge: insights into potential mechanisms of disease resistance.
AB  - The American oyster Crassostrea virginica, an ecologically and economically
      important estuarine organism, can suffer high mortalities in areas in the
      Northeast United States due to Roseovarius Oyster Disease (ROD), caused by the
      gram-negative bacterial pathogen Roseovarius crassostreae. The goals of this
      research were to provide insights into: 1) the responses of American oysters to
      R. crassostreae, and 2) potential mechanisms of resistance or susceptibility to
      ROD. The responses of oysters to bacterial challenge were characterized by
      exposing oysters from ROD-resistant and susceptible families to R. crassostreae,
      followed by high-throughput sequencing of cDNA samples from various timepoints
      after disease challenge. Sequence data was assembled into a reference
      transcriptome and analyzed through differential gene expression and functional
      enrichment to uncover genes and processes potentially involved in responses to
      ROD in the American oyster. While susceptible oysters experienced constant levels
      of mortality when challenged with R. crassostreae, resistant oysters showed
      levels of mortality similar to non-challenged oysters. Oysters exposed to R.
      crassostreae showed differential expression of transcripts involved in immune
      recognition, signaling, protease inhibition, detoxification, and apoptosis.
      Transcripts involved in metabolism were enriched in susceptible oysters,
      suggesting that bacterial infection places a large metabolic demand on these
      oysters. Transcripts differentially expressed in resistant oysters in response to
      infection included the immune modulators IL-17 and arginase, as well as several
      genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling. The identification of
      potential genes and processes responsible for defense against R. crassostreae in
      the American oyster provides insights into potential mechanisms of disease
      resistance. 

PMID- 25122118
TI  - Clinical outcome and blood transfusion after infant cardiac surgery with a
      routine use of conventional ultrafiltration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Priming-related hemodilution is the culprit behind excessive body
      water accumulation, postoperative coagulopathy and enhanced blood transfusion in
      infant cardiac surgery patients. In this retrospective, observational study,
      clinical data were analyzed to assess the effect of conventional ultrafiltration
      on allogenic blood transfusion and patient clinical outcome. METHODS: All infants
      with a bodyweight up to 10 kg who underwent consequent cardiac surgery in 2011
      and 2012 were eligible for the audit. Seventy patients, operated in accordance
      with existing pediatric protocol, enrolled in the control group. The study group
      consisted of 55 patients who were operated employing conventional ultrafiltration
      during bypass and recently adjusted hematocrit targets. The following variables
      were primarily investigated: hematocrit and colloid osmotic pressure value, total
      volume of blood products transfused and duration of postoperative mechanical
      ventilation. Secondary outcome measures were: postoperative urine production,
      postoperative blood loss, length of stay at the intensive care unit and hospital
      stay. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in
      relation to demographics or hematological and cardiopulmonary bypass data. The
      ultrafiltration volume removed from circulation during bypass in the study group
      was 171 +/- 99 ml. No significant difference between the groups was found with
      regard to the total allogenic blood transfusion (study group 216 +/- 92 ml versus
      control group 191 +/-93 ml; p = 0.136). All recorded clinical end points,
      duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of chest tube in situ, stay in ICU
      and stay in hospital, were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Routine use
      of conventional ultrafiltration during the cardiac surgery for patients with a
      bodyweight less than 10 kg was a safe technique that allowed us to achieve higher
      hematocrit levels at the end of the operation without additional transfusions of
      allogenic blood. On the other hand, ultrafiltration did not improve the clinical
      end points.

PMID- 25122116
TI  - Distinct patterns of the lipid alterations between genotype 1 and 2 chronic
      hepatitis C patients after viral clearance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype-specific impacts on the host
      metabolic alterations remained inconclusive. METHODS: A prospective study
      including 229 (118 genotype 1 (G1) and 111 G2) consecutive chronic HCV patients
      who had completed a course of anti-HCV treatment and underwent pre- and 24 weeks
      post-treatment surveys of metabolic profiles was conducted. Patients were
      stratified according to the therapeutic response, viral genotype and baseline
      insulin resistance (IR: homeostasis model assessments of IR (HOMA-IR) >= 2.5).
      Paired t-tests were used to compare the pre- and post-treatment variables.
      RESULTS: Significant post-therapeutic increases in cholesterol, triglyceride,
      HDL, LDL, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B were observed in patients with
      sustained virological response (SVR) but not in those without. Among those with
      SVR, post-therapeutic increases in HDL (p<0.001) and apolipoprotein A1 (p =
      0.012) were only found in G2, whereas increased triglyceride/HDL (p = 0.01)
      ratios were only found in G1 patients. When stratified by baseline IR among those
      with SVR, a significant increase in post-treatment HDL (p = 0.019) and
      apolipoprotein A1 (p = 0.012) but a decrease in HOMA-IR (p = 0.04), C-peptide (p
      = 0.019) and hemoglobin A1c (p = 0.047) were found in patients with baseline IR;
      a significant increase in HOMA-IR (p = 0.002) was found in patients without
      baseline IR. The latter change was observed only in G1 (p = 0.01) but not G2
      patients. Although the pre-treatment metabolic profiles of G1 and G2 patients
      were indifferent, G1 had higher post-treatment triglyceride/HDL ratios (p =
      0.041) and triglyceride (p = 0.044) levels than G2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: G2
      benefit more than G1 patients from viral clearance in metabolic alterations,
      particularly in those without baseline IR.

PMID- 25122117
TI  - The role of transapical cannulation in the operative management of acute aortic
      dissection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the usefulness of transapical
      cannulation as the routine cannulation site in patients with acute aortic
      dissection and to compare it with other cannulation methods. METHODS: Between
      January 2010 and December 2013, emergency surgery was performed in 111
      consecutive patients with acute type A aortic dissection. Patients were divided
      into two groups: transapical cannulation group and other cannulation sites group
      (including femoral and axillary artery cannulation). Pre-, intra- and
      postoperative data were compared between these two groups of patients. RESULTS:
      Transapical cannulation was the most frequent cannulation site (78 patients,
      70.3%), the femoral artery was selected in 24 patients (21.6%) and the axillary
      artery in 9 patients (8.1%). The mortality rate in the transapical group was
      16.7% and 18.2% when other cannulation sites were chosen (p=0.85). No difference
      in postoperative stroke rate (6.4% vs 9.1%, p=0.62, transapical vs other
      cannulation sites group, respectively), myocardial infarction (6.4% vs 6.1%,
      p=0.94) and postoperative acute renal insufficiency incidence (9% vs 6.1%,
      p=0.61) was found. CONCLUSIONS: Routine transapical cannulation in patients with
      acute type A aortic dissection is a fast and safe way to establish
      cardiopulmonary bypass. There is no difference in major operative outcomes after
      transapical cannulation when compared to the other cannulation sites.

PMID- 25122119
TI  - Modeling development in retinal afferents: retinotopy, segregation, and
      ephrinA/EphA mutants.
AB  - During neural development, neurons extend axons to target areas of the brain.
      Through processes of growth, branching and retraction these axons establish
      stereotypic patterns of connectivity. In the visual system, these patterns
      include retinotopic organization and the segregation of individual axons onto
      different subsets of target neurons based on the eye of origin (ocular dominance)
      or receptive field type (ON or OFF). Characteristic disruptions to these patterns
      occur when neural activity or guidance molecule expression is perturbed. In this
      paper we present a model that explains how these developmental patterns might
      emerge as a result of the coordinated growth and retraction of individual axons
      and synapses responding to position-specific markers, trophic factors and
      spontaneous neural activity. This model derives from one presented earlier
      (Godfrey et al., 2009) but which is here extended to account for a wider range of
      phenomena than previously described. These include ocular dominance and ON-OFF
      segregation and the results of altered ephrinA and EphA guidance molecule
      expression. The model takes into account molecular guidance factors, realistic
      patterns of spontaneous retinal wave activity, trophic molecules, homeostatic
      mechanisms, axon branching and retraction rules and intra-axonal signaling
      mechanisms that contribute to the survival of nearby synapses on an axon. We show
      that, collectively, these mechanisms can account for a wider range of phenomena
      than previous models of retino-tectal development. 

PMID- 25122120
TI  - Genetic deletion of SEPT7 reveals a cell type-specific role of septins in
      microtubule destabilization for the completion of cytokinesis.
AB  - Cytokinesis terminates mitosis, resulting in separation of the two sister cells.
      Septins, a conserved family of GTP-binding cytoskeletal proteins, are an absolute
      requirement for cytokinesis in budding yeast. We demonstrate that septin
      dependence of mammalian cytokinesis differs greatly between cell types: genetic
      loss of the pivotal septin subunit SEPT7 in vivo reveals that septins are
      indispensable for cytokinesis in fibroblasts, but expendable in cells of the
      hematopoietic system. SEPT7-deficient mouse embryos fail to gastrulate, and
      septin-deficient fibroblasts exhibit pleiotropic defects in the major cytokinetic
      machinery, including hyperacetylation/stabilization of microtubules and stalled
      midbody abscission, leading to constitutive multinucleation. We identified the
      microtubule depolymerizing protein stathmin as a key molecule aiding in septin
      independent cytokinesis, demonstrated that stathmin supplementation is sufficient
      to override cytokinesis failure in SEPT7-null fibroblasts, and that knockdown of
      stathmin makes proliferation of a hematopoietic cell line sensitive to the septin
      inhibitor forchlorfenuron. Identification of septin-independent cytokinesis in
      the hematopoietic system could serve as a key to identify solid tumor-specific
      molecular targets for inhibition of cell proliferation. 

PMID- 25122122
TI  - Unraveling the interplay of backbone rigidity and electron rich side-chains on
      electron transfer in peptides: the realization of tunable molecular wires.
AB  - Electrochemical studies are reported on a series of peptides constrained into
      either a 310-helix (1-6) or beta-strand (7-9) conformation, with variable numbers
      of electron rich alkene containing side chains. Peptides (1 and 2) and (7 and 8)
      are further constrained into these geometries with a suitable side chain tether
      introduced by ring closing metathesis (RCM). Peptides 1, 4 and 5, each containing
      a single alkene side chain reveal a direct link between backbone rigidity and
      electron transfer, in isolation from any effects due to the electronic properties
      of the electron rich side-chains. Further studies on the linear peptides 3-6
      confirm the ability of the alkene to facilitate electron transfer through the
      peptide. A comparison of the electrochemical data for the unsaturated tethered
      peptides (1 and 7) and saturated tethered peptides (2 and 8) reveals an interplay
      between backbone rigidity and effects arising from the electron rich alkene side
      chains on electron transfer. Theoretical calculations on beta-strand models
      analogous to 7, 8 and 9 provide further insights into the relative roles of
      backbone rigidity and electron rich side-chains on intramolecular electron
      transfer. Furthermore, electron population analysis confirms the role of the
      alkene as a "stepping stone" for electron transfer. These findings provide a new
      approach for fine-tuning the electronic properties of peptides by controlling
      backbone rigidity, and through the inclusion of electron rich side-chains. This
      allows for manipulation of energy barriers and hence conductance in peptides, a
      crucial step in the design and fabrication of molecular-based electronic devices.

PMID- 25122121
TI  - Efficacy and safety of praziquantel, tribendimidine and mebendazole in patients
      with co-infection of Clonorchis sinensis and other helminths.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both tribendimidine and mebendazole are broad-spectrum drugs for anti
      intestinal nematodes. We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of tribendimidine
      and mebendazole in patients with co-infection of Clonorchis sinensis and other
      helminths. METHOD: We performed a randomized open-label trial in Qiyang, People's
      Republic of China. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of four
      groups: (i) a single dose of 400 mg tribendimidine, (ii) 200 mg tribendimidine
      twice daily, (iii) 75 mg/kg praziquantel divided in four doses within 2 days, and
      (iv) a single dose of 400 mg mebendazole. Cure rates and egg reduction rates were
      assessed, and adverse events were monitored after treatments. Uncured patients
      accepted the second treatment with the same drugs after the first treatment.
      RESULTS: 156 patients were eligible for the study. Results from the first
      treatment showed that the cure rates of single-dose tribendimidine and
      praziquantel against C. sinensis were 50% and 56.8%, respectively; the single
      dose tribendimidine achieved the cure rate of 77.8% in the treatment for
      hookworm, which was significantly higher than that of praziquantel; Low cure
      rates were obtained in the treatment of single-dose tribendimidine against
      Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura (28.6% and 23.1%). Results of the
      second treatment illustrated the cure rates of tribendimidine and praziquantel
      against C. sinensis were 78.1% and 75%, respectively. Most adverse events were
      mild and transient. Adverse events caused by tribendimidine were significantly
      less than praziquantel. CONCLUSION: Single-dose tribendimidine showed similar
      efficacy against C. sinensis as praziquantel with less adverse events, and
      achieved significantly higher cure rate in the treatment for hookworm than those
      of praziquantel and mebendazole. Low cure rates, which were still higher than
      other drugs, were obtained in the treatment of single-dose tribendimidine against
      Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Controlled
      Trials.com ISRCTN55086560.

PMID- 25122123
TI  - The frequency and determinants of liver stiffness measurement failure: a
      retrospective study of "real-life" 38,464 examinations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency and determinants of liver stiffness
      measurement (LSM) failure by means of FibroScan in "real-life" Chinese patients.
      METHODS: A total of 38,464 "real-life" Chinese patients in 302 military hospital
      of China through the whole year of 2013, including asymptomatic carrier, chronic
      hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis (LC), alcoholic liver disease,
      autoimmune liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other, were
      enrolled, their clinical and biological parameters were retrospectively
      investigated. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by FibroScan detection. S probe (for
      children with height less than 1.20 m) and M probe (for adults) were used. LSM
      failure defined as zero valid shots (unsuccessful LSM), or the ratio of the
      interquartile range to the median of 10 measurements (IQR/M) greater than 0.30
      plus median LSM greater or equal to 7.1 kPa (unreliable LSM). RESULTS: LSM
      failure occurred in 3.34% of all examinations (1286 patients out of 38,464),
      among them, there were 958 cases (2.49%) with unsuccessful LSM, and 328 patients
      (0.85%) with unreliable LSM. Statistical analyses showed that LSM failure was
      independently associated with body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m(2),
      female sex, age greater than 50 years, intercostal spaces (IS) less than 9 mm,
      decompensated liver cirrhosis and HCC patients. There were no significant
      differences among other diseases. By changing another skilled operator, success
      was achieved on 301 cases out of 1286, which reduced the failure rate to 2.56%,
      the decrease was significant (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The principal reasons of
      LSM failure are ascites, obesity and narrow of IS. The failure rates of HCC,
      decompensated LC, elder or female patients are higher. These results emphasize
      the need for adequate operator training, technological improvements and optimal
      criteria for specific patient subpopulations.

PMID- 25122125
TI  - Drug-pathway interaction prediction via multiple feature fusion.
AB  - Predicting new drug-pathway interactions from heterogeneous biological data is
      important not only for the understanding of various drug response and molecular
      interaction processes, but also for the development of novel drugs and the
      therapy of human diseases. In this paper, three different learning methods
      including the Bipartite Local Models method (BLM), Gaussian Interaction Profiles
      kernels (GIP) method and Graph-based Semi-supervised Learning method (GBSSL) were
      used to predict drug-pathway interactions. To realize the purpose, drugs were
      firstly represented by functional groups and chemical structure similarity, and
      pathways were represented by their related gene expressions and semantic
      similarity based features. Then, the parameter optimization procedures were
      further adopted to deal with heterogeneous data sources. As a result, the
      proposed methods achieved a high ROC curve score (AUC score) over 0.95, which
      validated the effectiveness of multiple information integration. Moreover,
      several new potential drug-pathway interactions were identified for further
      biological function research. 

PMID- 25122124
TI  - Snail promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells in part
      via activation of nuclear ERK2.
AB  - Snail transcription factor is up-regulated in several cancers and associated with
      increased tumor migration and invasion via induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT). MAPK (ERK1/2) signaling regulates cellular processes including
      cell motility, adhesion, and invasion. We investigated the regulation of ERK1/2
      by Snail in breast cancer cells. ERK1/2 activity (p-ERK) was higher in breast
      cancer patient tissue as compared to normal tissue. Snail and p-ERK were
      increased in several breast cancer cell lines as compared to normal mammary
      epithelial cells. Snail knockdown in MDA-MB-231 and T47-D breast cancer cells
      decreased or re-localized p-ERK from the nuclear compartment to the cytoplasm.
      Snail overexpression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells induced EMT, increased cell
      migration, decreased cell adhesion and also increased tumorigenicity. Snail
      induced nuclear translocation of p-ERK, and the activation of its subcellular
      downstream effector, Elk-1. Inhibiting MAPK activity with UO126 or knockdown of
      ERK2 isoform with siRNA in MCF-7 Snail cells reverted EMT induced by Snail as
      shown by decreased Snail and vimentin expression, decreased cell migration and
      increased cell adhesion. Overall, our data suggest that ERK2 isoform activation
      by Snail in aggressive breast cancer cells leads to EMT associated with increased
      cell migration and decreased cell adhesion. This regulation is enhanced by
      positive feedback regulation of Snail by ERK2. Therefore, therapeutic targeting
      of ERK2 isoform may be beneficial for breast cancer. 

PMID- 25122126
TI  - Disrupted TH17/Treg balance in patients with chronic low back pain.
AB  - Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability and costs in health
      care systems worldwide. Despite extensive research, the exact pathogenesis of
      CLBP, particularly the individual risk of chronification remains unclear. To
      investigate a possible role of the adaptive immune system in the pathophysiology
      of CLBP, we analyzed T cell related cytokine profiles, T cell related mRNA
      expression patterns and the distribution of T cell subsets in 37 patients
      suffering from nonspecific CLBP before and after multimodal therapy in comparison
      to 25 healthy controls. Serum patterns of marker cytokines were analyzed by
      Luminex technology, mRNA expression of cytokines and specific transcription
      factors was measured by real-time PCR, and distribution of TH1-, TH2-, TH17- and
      regulatory T cell (Tregs) subsets was determined by multicolor flow cytometry. We
      found that CLBP patients exhibit an increased number of anti-inflammatory Tregs,
      while pro-inflammatory TH17 cells are decreased, resulting in an altered
      TH17/Treg ratio. Accordingly, FoxP3 and TGF-beta-mRNA expression was elevated,
      while expression of IL-23 was reduced. Serum cytokine analyses proved to be
      unsuitable to monitor the adaptive immune response in CLBP patients. We further
      show that even after successful therapy with lasting reduction of pain, T cell
      subset patterns remained altered after a follow-up period of 6 months. These
      findings suggest an involvement of TH17/Treg cells in the pathogenesis of CLBP
      and emphasize the importance of these cells in the crosstalk of pain and immune
      response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial Register: Registration Trial
      DRKS00005954.

PMID- 25122128
TI  - Examination of the Relationship Between Hopelessness Levels and Coping Strategies
      Among the Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Family caregivers who provide care for cancer patients may have to
      cope with a variety of physical, social, and economic problems during the
      caregiving process. A sense of hopelessness seems to lead to increasingly
      negative evaluations of new situations and less effective coping strategies.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between
      hopelessness and the coping strategies of the family caregivers of oncology
      patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design study
      was carried out in the adult oncology unit and outpatient radiation oncology
      units of a university hospital in Turkey. The research sample was composed of 110
      family caregivers. A sociodemographic data form, the Coping Stress Strategies
      Scale, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale were used in face-to-face interviews.
      RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between hopelessness and coping
      strategies. There was a positive correlation between hopelessness and the
      helpless approaches, which constitute a part of the emotion-focused coping
      strategies (r = 0.254, P < .01). There was a negative correlation between
      hopelessness and problem-focused coping strategies (optimistic approach and
      seeking social support) (r = -0.484, P < .01; r = -0.190, P < .05). CONCLUSION:
      In our study, we found that when the hopes of family caregivers are raised, they
      may adopt a more optimistic approach, and seek more social support, and display
      more effective coping strategies. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study could be
      used to help develop nursing interventions and efficient coping strategies. It
      suggests how oncology nurses may support family caregivers to increase their
      level of hope.

PMID- 25122127
TI  - Genomic distribution of H3K9me2 and DNA methylation in a maize genome.
AB  - DNA methylation and dimethylation of lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9me2) are two
      chromatin modifications that can be associated with gene expression or
      recombination rate. The maize genome provides a complex landscape of interspersed
      genes and transposons. The genome-wide distribution of DNA methylation and
      H3K9me2 were investigated in seedling tissue for the maize inbred B73 and
      compared to patterns of these modifications observed in Arabidopsis thaliana.
      Most maize transposons are highly enriched for DNA methylation in CG and CHG
      contexts and for H3K9me2. In contrast to findings in Arabidopsis, maize CHH
      levels in transposons are generally low but some sub-families of transposons are
      enriched for CHH methylation and these families exhibit low levels of H3K9me2.
      The profile of modifications over genes reveals that DNA methylation and H3K9me2
      is quite low near the beginning and end of genes. Although elevated CG and CHG
      methylation are found within gene bodies, CHH and H3K9me2 remain low. Maize has
      much higher levels of CHG methylation within gene bodies than observed in
      Arabidopsis and this is partially attributable to the presence of transposons
      within introns for some maize genes. These transposons are associated with high
      levels of CHG methylation and H3K9me2 but do not appear to prevent
      transcriptional elongation. Although the general trend is for a strong depletion
      of H3K9me2 and CHG near the transcription start site there are some putative
      genes that have high levels of these chromatin modifications. This study provides
      a clear view of the relationship between DNA methylation and H3K9me2 in the maize
      genome and how the distribution of these modifications is shaped by the interplay
      of genes and transposons. 

PMID- 25122129
TI  - Community Nursing Care of Chinese-Australian Cancer Patients: A Qualitative
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Providing quality care and support to cancer patients from minority
      cultures can challenge community nurses when language barriers and cultural
      complexities intersect with the need for complex care. OBJECTIVES: This article
      reports on a qualitative study that explores interactions between community
      nurses and Chinese-Australian cancer patients. METHODS: The research method
      focused on particular nurse-patient encounters and involved preencounter and
      postencounter interviews with the nurse, postencounter interviews with the
      patient, and observation of the encounters. Participants included community
      nurses, Chinese cancer patients being cared for at home, and their carers if
      present. RESULTS: Four themes were conceptualized: (1) the impact of language
      barriers on nurse-patient interactions, (2) patient understandings of the scope
      and objectives of healthcare services, (3) cultural complexities and
      sensitivities, and (4) valued care and support. The study demonstrates that,
      although many nurses do provide comprehensive, culturally competent care,
      language barriers can lead to task-oriented rather than comprehensive approaches,
      and other cultural complexities do have an impact on patient experiences and on
      the quality of nurse-patient interactions. Nevertheless, most patient
      participants experienced a feeling of security as a result of regular contact
      with a community nursing service. CONCLUSION: Cancer patients with complex care
      needs but limited English proficiency require support to negotiate complicated
      community services networks. Culturally competent community nurses can provide
      this support. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The study highlights the need for
      continuing cultural competence education for community nurses and the importance
      of careful discharge planning to ensure continuity of care for this vulnerable
      patient group.

PMID- 25122131
TI  - Social Cultural Influences on Breast Cancer Views and Breast Health Practices
      Among Chinese Women in the United Kingdom.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Incidence rates for breast cancer have increased significantly among
      Chinese women, accompanied by low utilization of breast screening and delay in
      symptom presentation. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to explore (1) views
      on breast cancer and breast health among Chinese women in the United Kingdom and
      (2) the potential influence of social and cultural context on views and screening
      behavior. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were carried out with 22 Chinese women.
      Pertinent aspects of Grounded Theory methods, including simultaneous data
      collection and analysis, constant comparison, and memo writing, were used.
      RESULTS: Four themes emerged: cultural views on breast cancer, information
      sources and knowledge, breast screening practice, and views on healthcare
      services. The theme views on breast cancer had 3 subthemes: a fearful disease,
      taboo, and fatalism. Aspects of traditional Chinese culture had important
      influences on Chinese women's views on breast cancer. Self-care formed the most
      significant strategy to promote health and prevent illness. Although the study
      found high utilization of breast screening when offered, only 6 women reported
      breast awareness practices. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that traditional
      beliefs were not the sole determinant of breast health behavior. The way in which
      breast screening services are offered in the United Kingdom may reduce the
      significance of cultural views and shape individuals' health behavior.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Findings indicate that information on breast awareness
      should be delivered to this group of women in Chinese by health professionals
      through Chinese mass media.

PMID- 25122130
TI  - Effects of a Randomized Controlled Trial to Increase Repeat Mammography Screening
      in Iranian Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although mammography use has increased in developed countries,
      regular screening in developing countries including Iran remains low. Multiple
      frameworks, including the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned
      Behavior (TPB), have been used to understand screening practices among Iranians.
      The HBM includes intrapersonal constructs such as perceptions of breast cancer
      and mammography. The TPB includes interpersonal and environmental constructs,
      such as perceived control and subjective norms. OBJECTIVES: The current study had
      2 objectives: (1) to examine changes in the HBM and TPB constructs and repeat
      mammography screening in women receiving either intervention and women in the
      control group and (2) to compare changes in the HBM and TPB constructs and repeat
      mammography screening across the 2 interventions. METHODS: One hundred eight-four
      women from 3 randomly selected health centers in Sanandaj, Iran, participated.
      Eligibility criteria were being 50 years or older, having received a mammogram in
      the past 2 to 3 years, and no intention to obtain a mammogram within the next
      year. RESULTS: The TPB and HBM participants exhibited greater changes in the HBM
      and TPB constructs and were more likely to have a mammogram relative to control
      participants. The TPB and HBM participants exhibited comparable changes in
      constructs and repeat mammography. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest both
      interventions equally improved mammography screening. Additional studies are
      furthermore warranted to address nonadherent Iranian women's needs in line with
      these conceptual models. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Use of the HBM and TPB
      constructs in clinical practice may be helpful to promote continued screening
      among this population.

PMID- 25122133
TI  - Ways of coping with stress and perceived social support in gynecologic cancer
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress is commonly encountered among cancer patients and may be a
      challenge affecting immune system resistance. Social support may contribute
      positively to the health of cancer patients, playing a role in coping with
      stress. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether ways of coping
      are related to social support given to women with gynecologic cancer. METHODS:
      The study was performed as a cross-sectional design in a university hospital in
      Istanbul, Turkey, with 221 women with gynecologic cancer; the data were collected
      via 3 questionnaires, the first with sociodemographic and clinical features, the
      second with multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and the third
      with the scale of ways of coping with stress. RESULTS: Women with gynecologic
      cancer who were employed and declared their incomes as balanced and reported more
      years of education were more likely to perceive higher social support and to use
      the ineffective coping ways with stress at a lower rate (P < .05) than other
      participants. Based on correlational analysis, effective coping ways with stress
      increase as perceived social support from family, friends, significant other, and
      total increases (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Social support from family members is the
      mainstay of coping with stress by women with gynecologic cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PRACTICE: Nurses are indispensable in increasing social support required by women
      with gynecologic cancer. Well-trained clinical nurses via in-service programs
      should be experienced and aware of women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer in
      need of social support during hospital visits and provide necessary guidance.

PMID- 25122132
TI  - Gender and Role Differences in Couples' Communication During Cancer Survivorship.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with cancer and their partners often experience
      communication difficulties. However, questions still remain regarding the
      influence of gender and role in cancer survivor-partner communication within
      couples. OBJECTIVE: The current study intended to examine the communication
      patterns in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivor-partner couples
      during cancer survivorship and whether gender and role differences in couples
      communication exist. METHODS: The dominant-less dominant method of sequential
      mixed design was used. Ten couples who were recruited from the University
      Hospital registry in Cleveland, Ohio, participated in both mail surveys and
      individual interviews. Family and cancer-related communication was assessed in
      the quantitative phase. RESULTS: Both male survivors and partners demonstrated
      better family communication scores compared with their female counterparts,
      whereas there were no gender differences in the cancer-related communication
      scores. In the qualitative phase, 3 major themes were identified: (1) selective
      sharing of cancer-related issues, (2) initiation of cancer-related communication,
      and (3) emotional reaction in communication. The patterns associated with these
      themes differed between the male survivor-female partner and female survivor-male
      partner couples. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new knowledge about family and
      cancer-related communication. Our findings highlight the importance of
      understanding different perspectives in the quality of communication by gender
      and role. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Exploring couples' communication patterns by
      gender and role stimulates the research and the development of effective consumer
      centered communication interventions. The findings provide assessment tools to
      inform dyadic communication patterns for clinical and scientific purposes.

PMID- 25122134
TI  - Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Near the End of Life: A Longitudinal
      Qualitative Study of Their Illness Experiences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the United States, the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      is rising. For those diagnosed with terminal HCC, there is no curative treatment
      and duration of survival is typically 1 to 2 years. Research on illness and
      treatment experiences toward the end of life for patients with terminal HCC is
      limited. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the illness experiences
      of patients with terminal HCC as they approached the end of life. METHODS: This
      study used a prospective, longitudinal descriptive design. Interview data were
      collected from 14 patients once a month for up to 6 months, for a total of 45
      interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS:
      Three major themes (illness perceptions, decision to start treatment, and
      navigating treatment over time) and 10 subthemes were identified that were
      reflected across time in all patient experiences. Patients faced challenges with
      symptom experiences, treatment decisions, and unmet information needs affecting
      their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Gaining knowledge about the challenges facing
      patients with HCC is crucial for designing interventions that optimize their
      quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals may improve
      the quality of life of patients with terminal HCC by eliciting patients'
      perceptions of their illness and treatment decisions, symptom experiences, and
      information needs as the disease progresses and providing symptom management and
      offering information tailored to their needs. Care for patients with HCC who are
      approaching the end of life should be multidisciplinary and include timely
      referral to palliative care.

PMID- 25122138
TI  - Model study of the pressure build-up during subcutaneous injection.
AB  - In this study we estimate the subcutaneous tissue counter pressure during drug
      infusion from a series of injections of insulin in type 2 diabetic patients using
      a non-invasive method. We construct a model for the pressure evolution in
      subcutaneous tissue based on mass continuity and the flow laws of a porous
      medium. For equivalent injection forces we measure the change in the infusion
      rate between injections in air at atmospheric pressure and in tissue. From a best
      fit with our model, we then determine the flow permeability as well as the bulk
      modulus of the tissue, estimated to be of the order 10-11-10-10 m2 and 105 Pa,
      respectively. The permeability is in good agreement with reported values for
      adipose porcine tissue. We suggest our model as a general way to estimate the
      pressure build-up in tissue during subcutaneous injection. 

PMID- 25122137
TI  - Alteration of skin wound healing in keratinocyte-specific mediator complex
      subunit 1 null mice.
AB  - MED1 (Mediator complex subunit 1) is a co-activator of various transcription
      factors that function in multiple transcriptional pathways. We have already
      established keratinocyte-specific MED1 null mice (Med1(epi-/-)) that develop
      epidermal hyperplasia. Herein, to investigate the function(s) of MED1 in skin
      wound healing, full-thickness skin wounds were generated in Med1(epi-/-) and age
      matched wild-type mice and the healing process was analyzed. Macroscopic wound
      closure and the re-epithelialization rate were accelerated in 8-week-old Med1(epi
      /-) mice compared with age-matched wild-type mice. Increased lengths of migrating
      epithelial tongues and numbers of Ki67-positive cells at the wounded epidermis
      were observed in 8-week-old Med1(epi-/-) mice, whereas wound contraction and the
      area of alpha-SMA-positive myofibroblasts in the granulation tissue were
      unaffected. Migration was enhanced in Med1(epi-/-) keratinocytes compared with
      wild-type keratinocytes in vitro. Immunoblotting revealed that the expression of
      follistatin was significantly decreased in Med1(epi-/-) keratinocytes. Moreover,
      the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway was enhanced before and after
      treatment of Med1(epi-/-) keratinocytes with activin A in vitro. Cell-cycle
      analysis showed an increased ratio of S phase cells after activin A treatment of
      Med1(epi-/-) keratinocytes compared with wild-type keratinocytes. These findings
      indicate that the activin-follistatin system is involved in this acceleration of
      skin wound healing in 8-week-old Med1(epi-/-) mice. On the other hand, skin wound
      healing in 6-month-old Med1(epi-/-) mice was significantly delayed with decreased
      numbers of Ki67-positive cells at the wounded epidermis as well as BrdU-positive
      label retaining cells in hair follicles compared with age-matched wild-type mice.
      These results agree with our previous observation that hair follicle bulge stem
      cells are reduced in older Med1(epi-/-) mice, indicating a decreased contribution
      of hair follicle stem cells to epidermal regeneration after wounding in 6-month
      old Med1(epi-/-) mice. This study sheds light on the novel function of MED1 in
      keratinocytes and suggests a possible new therapeutic approach for skin wound
      healing and aging.

PMID- 25122139
TI  - Increased platelet reactivity is associated with circulating platelet-monocyte
      complexes and macrophages in human atherosclerotic plaques.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Platelet reactivity, platelet binding to monocytes and monocyte
      infiltration play a detrimental role in atherosclerotic plaque progression. We
      investigated whether platelet reactivity was associated with levels of
      circulating platelet-monocyte complexes (PMCs) and macrophages in human
      atherosclerotic carotid plaques. METHODS: Platelet reactivity was determined by
      measuring platelet P-selectin expression after platelet stimulation with
      increasing concentrations of adenosine diphosphate (ADP), in two independent
      cohorts: the Circulating Cells cohort (n = 244) and the Athero-Express cohort (n
      = 91). Levels of PMCs were assessed by flow cytometry in blood samples of
      patients who were scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention (Circulating
      Cells cohort). Monocyte infiltration was semi-quantitatively determined by
      histological examination of atherosclerotic carotid plaques collected during
      carotid endarterectomy (Athero-Express cohort). RESULTS: We found increased
      platelet reactivity in patients with high PMCs as compared to patients with low
      PMCs (median (interquartile range): 4153 (1585-11267) area under the curve (AUC)
      vs. 9633 (3580-21565) AUC, P<0.001). Also, we observed increased platelet
      reactivity in patients with high macrophage levels in atherosclerotic plaques as
      compared to patients with low macrophage levels in atherosclerotic plaques (mean
      +/- SD; 8969 +/- 3485 AUC vs. 7020 +/- 3442 AUC, P = 0.02). All associations
      remained significant after adjustment for age, sex and use of drugs against
      platelet activation. CONCLUSION: Platelet reactivity towards ADP is associated
      with levels of PMCs and macrophages in human atherosclerotic carotid plaques.

PMID- 25122140
TI  - Construction and validation of a regulatory network for pluripotency and self
      renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells.
AB  - A 30-node signed and directed network responsible for self-renewal and
      pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) was extracted from several
      ChIP-Seq and knockdown followed by expression prior studies. The underlying
      regulatory logic among network components was then learned using the initial
      network topology and single cell gene expression measurements from mESCs cultured
      in serum/LIF or serum-free 2i/LIF conditions. Comparing the learned network
      regulatory logic derived from cells cultured in serum/LIF vs. 2i/LIF revealed
      differential roles for Nanog, Oct4/Pou5f1, Sox2, Esrrb and Tcf3. Overall, gene
      expression in the serum/LIF condition was more variable than in the 2i/LIF but
      mostly consistent across the two conditions. Expression levels for most genes in
      single cells were bimodal across the entire population and this motivated a
      Boolean modeling approach. In silico predictions derived from removal of nodes
      from the Boolean dynamical model were validated with experimental single and
      combinatorial RNA interference (RNAi) knockdowns of selected network components.
      Quantitative post-RNAi expression level measurements of remaining network
      components showed good agreement with the in silico predictions. Computational
      removal of nodes from the Boolean network model was also used to predict lineage
      specification outcomes. In summary, data integration, modeling, and targeted
      experiments were used to improve our understanding of the regulatory topology
      that controls mESC fate decisions as well as to develop robust directed lineage
      specification protocols. 

PMID- 25122142
TI  - Making biomolecular simulations accessible in the post-Nobel Prize era.

PMID- 25122135
TI  - Small molecule adenosine 5'-monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK)
      modulators and human diseases.
AB  - Adenosine 5'-monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master sensor of
      cellular energy status that plays a key role in the regulation of whole-body
      energy homeostasis. AMPK is a serine/threonine kinase that is activated by
      upstream kinases LKB1, CaMKKbeta, and Tak1, among others. AMPK exists as
      alphabetagamma trimeric complexes that are allosterically regulated by AMP, ADP,
      and ATP. Dysregulation of AMPK has been implicated in a number of metabolic
      diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Recent studies have
      associated roles of AMPK with the development of cancer and neurological
      disorders, making it a potential therapeutic target to treat human diseases. This
      review focuses on the structure and function of AMPK, its role in human diseases,
      and its direct substrates and provides a brief synopsis of key AMPK modulators
      and their relevance in human diseases. 

PMID- 25122141
TI  - Inhibition of the TRAIL death receptor by CMV reveals its importance in NK cell
      mediated antiviral defense.
AB  - TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) death receptors (DR) regulate
      apoptosis and inflammation, but their role in antiviral defense is poorly
      understood. Cytomegaloviruses (CMV) encode many immune-modulatory genes that
      shape host immunity, and they utilize multiple strategies to target the TNF
      family cytokines. Here we show that the m166 open reading frame (orf) of mouse
      CMV (MCMV) is strictly required to inhibit expression of TRAIL-DR in infected
      cells. An MCMV mutant lacking m166 expression (m166stop) is severely compromised
      for replication in vivo, most notably in the liver, and depleting natural killer
      (NK) cells, or infecting TRAIL-DR-/- mice, restored MCMV-m166stop replication
      completely. These results highlight the critical importance for CMV to have
      evolved a strategy to inhibit TRAIL-DR signaling to thwart NK-mediated defenses. 

PMID- 25122143
TI  - Comprehensive CFTR gene analysis of the French cystic fibrosis screened newborn
      cohort: implications for diagnosis, genetic counseling, and mutation-specific
      therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) was implemented
      throughout France in 2002. It involves a four-tiered procedure: immunoreactive
      trypsin (IRT)/DNA/IRT/sweat test [corrected] was implemented throughout France in
      2002. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of molecular CFTR gene
      analysis from the French NBS cohort, to evaluate CF incidence, mutation detection
      rate, and allelic heterogeneity. METHODS: During the 8-year period, 5,947,148
      newborns were screened for cystic fibrosis. The data were collected by the
      Association Francaise pour le Depistage et la Prevention des Handicaps de
      l'Enfant. The mutations identified were classified into four groups based on
      their potential for causing disease, and a diagnostic algorithm was proposed.
      RESULTS: Combining the genetic and sweat test results, 1,160 neonates were
      diagnosed as having cystic fibrosis. The corresponding incidence, including both
      the meconium ileus (MI) and false-negative cases, was calculated at 1 in 4,726
      live births. The CF30 kit, completed with a comprehensive CFTR gene analysis,
      provides an excellent detection rate of 99.77% for the mutated alleles, enabling
      the identification of a complete genotype in 99.55% of affected neonates. With
      more than 200 different mutations characterized, we confirmed the French allelic
      heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: The very good sensitivity, specificity, and positive
      predictive value obtained suggest that the four-tiered IRT/DNA/IRT/sweat test
      procedure may provide an effective strategy for newborn screening for cystic
      fibrosis.

PMID- 25122146
TI  - Feasibility study to quantify the auditory and social environment of older adults
      using a digital language processor.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of using a digital language processor
      (DLP) to objectively quantify the auditory and social environment of older
      adults. DESIGN: Thirty-seven participants aged 64 to 91 years residing in a
      retirement community were asked to wear a DLP to record their auditory and
      language environment during 1 waking day. Recordings were analyzed with
      specialized software to derive quantitative estimates such as the number of
      spoken words heard and percentage of time spent around meaningful speech versus
      television/radio. RESULTS: Adequate DLP recordings that began before 10 AM and
      lasted for 10 hours or greater were collected from 24 participants. The mean
      duration of recording was 13 hours and 13 minutes, and individuals spent a mean
      of 26.7% (range, 4%-58%) of their waking day near a television or other
      electronic sounds. The projected mean word count over a maximum of 16 hours was
      33,141 with nearly a 14-fold range between the lowest and highest observed values
      (range, 5120-77,882). CONCLUSIONS: High-quality objective data on the auditory
      environment of older adults can be feasibly measured with the DLP. Findings from
      this study may guide future studies investigating auditory and language outcomes
      in older adults.

PMID- 25122147
TI  - Influence of laser-assisted cochleostomy on acoustically evoked compound action
      potentials in the guinea pig.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Making a cochleostomy with a laser can affect the inner ear function.
      BACKGROUND: Different types of lasers can be used to create a fenestration in the
      footplate of the stapes during stapedotomy. Because of variations in absorption
      spectra of the laser light in various tissues or fluids, each laser has its own
      characteristics and possible side effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The basal turns
      of the cochleae of 20 guinea pigs were fenestrated using 4 types of lasers
      (thulium, KTP, CO2, diode; all groups n = 4). A control group (n = 4) was
      included to correct for the effects of the surgery alone. At 3 different time
      points, acoustically evoked compound action potentials (CAPs) were recorded at 5
      frequencies and at different sound pressure levels. N1-P2 amplitudes were
      measured, and subsequently, thresholds were calculated. A repeated measures
      analysis of variance was used to investigate differences between groups. RESULTS:
      There was a decrease in CAP amplitudes and an increase in CAP thresholds after
      cochleostomy with each laser. The increase in thresholds was significantly larger
      for higher frequencies. The thulium laser evoked the largest threshold shifts,
      the KTP laser the smallest with the CO2, and diode lasers in intermediate
      positions. Overall, there was an increase in latencies after treatment.
      CONCLUSION: Laser treatment on or near the cochlea can cause damage to the
      sensitivity of the cochlea for sound. The thulium laser seems to be the worst
      choice in this respect.

PMID- 25122145
TI  - Early-onset autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia associated with retinal
      dystrophy: new human hotfoot phenotype caused by homozygous GRID2 deletion.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the genetic cause of early-onset
      autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia associated with retinal dystrophy in a
      consanguineous family. METHODS: An affected 6-month-old child underwent
      neurological and ophthalmological examinations. Genetic analyses included
      homozygosity mapping, copy number analysis, conventional polymerase chain
      reaction, Sanger sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and whole
      exome sequencing. Expression analysis of GRID2 was performed by quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A homozygous
      deletion of exon 2 of GRID2 (p.Gly30_Glu81del) was identified in the proband.
      GRID2 encodes an ionotropic glutamate receptor known to be selectively expressed
      in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Here, we demonstrated GRID2 expression in human
      adult retina and retinal pigment epithelium. In addition, Grid2 expression was
      demonstrated in different stages of murine retinal development. GRID2
      immunostaining was shown in murine and human retina. Whole-exome sequencing in
      the proband did not provide arguments for other disease-causing mutations,
      supporting the idea that the phenotype observed represents a single clinical
      entity. CONCLUSION: We identified GRID2 as an underlying disease gene of early
      onset autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia with retinal dystrophy, expanding the
      clinical spectrum of GRID2 deletion mutants. We demonstrated for the first time
      GRID2 expression and localization in human and murine retina, providing evidence
      for a novel functional role of GRID2 in the retina.

PMID- 25122144
TI  - Exceptional aggressiveness of cerebral cavernous malformation disease associated
      with PDCD10 mutations.
AB  - PURPOSE: The phenotypic manifestations of cerebral cavernous malformation disease
      caused by rare PDCD10 mutations have not been systematically examined, and a
      mechanistic link to Rho kinase-mediated hyperpermeability, a potential
      therapeutic target, has not been established. METHODS: We analyzed PDCD10 small
      interfering RNA-treated endothelial cells for stress fibers, Rho kinase activity,
      and permeability. Rho kinase activity was assessed in cerebral cavernous
      malformation lesions. Brain permeability and cerebral cavernous malformation
      lesion burden were quantified, and clinical manifestations were assessed in
      prospectively enrolled subjects with PDCD10 mutations. RESULTS: We determined
      that PDCD10 protein suppresses endothelial stress fibers, Rho kinase activity,
      and permeability in vitro. Pdcd10 heterozygous mice have greater lesion burden
      than other Ccm genotypes. We demonstrated robust Rho kinase activity in murine
      and human cerebral cavernous malformation vasculature and increased brain
      vascular permeability in humans with PDCD10 mutation. Clinical phenotype is
      exceptionally aggressive compared with the more common KRIT1 and CCM2 familial
      and sporadic cerebral cavernous malformation, with greater lesion burden and more
      frequent hemorrhages earlier in life. We first report other phenotypic features,
      including scoliosis, cognitive disability, and skin lesions, unrelated to lesion
      burden or bleeding. CONCLUSION: These findings define a unique cerebral cavernous
      malformation disease with exceptional aggressiveness, and they inform preclinical
      therapeutic testing, clinical counseling, and the design of trials.Genet Med 17
      3, 188-196.

PMID- 25122148
TI  - Management of incus necrosis in revision stapedectomy using hydroxyapatite bone
      cement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Review audiological outcomes after revision stapedectomy using
      hydroxyapatite cement. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary
      neurotological referral center. PATIENTS: Thirty-seven cases of previously
      treated otosclerosis where incus erosion was observed during revision
      stapedectomy. INTERVENTION(S): Hydroxyapatite cement was used to rebuild the
      eroded incus and stabilize the prosthesis during revision stapedectomy. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pre- and postoperative bone conduction (BC) and air
      conduction (AC) pure-tone averages (PTA) (0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz) including high tone
      BC (1, 2, 4 kHz), air-bone gap (ABG), and speech discrimination scores were
      measured. Short-term (3 wk) and longer-term (average 12 mo) hearing outcomes were
      measured. Data are reported according to the most recent guidelines of the AAO
      HNS Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium. RESULTS: Among 37 ears undergoing
      revision stapedectomy with hydroxyapatite cement, the AC PTA was 59.8 dB
      preoperatively and 34.6 dB postoperatively (p < 0.0001) at latest follow-up. The
      mean postoperative ABG was 8.8 dB (SD = 8.6, range -1.3-36.3 dB) while a mean
      improvement of 2.1 dB (SD = 6.5, range -8.33-15.0 dB) of the high tone BC PTA was
      observed. One revision case was noted during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION:
      Hydroxyapatite cement is useful to reconstruct and stabilize the prosthesis in
      revision stapedectomy when erosion of the long process is encountered. Short- and
      longer-term hearing results are favorable when compared to previously reported
      results of revision stapedectomy.

PMID- 25122149
TI  - Bilateral hearing loss heralding sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: a case
      report and literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report a case of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) with
      bilateral hearing loss at onset and literature review of the scarce cases of CJD
      with similar audiologic manifestations at presentation. CASE REPORT: A 67-yr-old
      man presented to the hospital for evaluation of rapid progression of behavioral
      decline, unsteady gait, and bilateral hearing loss. Three months before
      admission, he abruptly developed bilateral hypoacusis without associated tinnitus
      or vertigo. Shortly after, his family noted an ataxic gait and behavioral
      changes, for example, paranoid delusions. Initial workup, including a complete
      autoimmune panel and heavy metals, infectious, toxicology, and paraneoplastic
      panel (e.g., anti-Hu, anti-VGKC), was conducted. Electroencephalography revealed
      diffuse generalized slowing without periodic complexes. The presence of
      distortion product otoacoustic emissions bilaterally was consistent with normal
      cochlear function, suggesting a retrocochlear origin for symptoms of hearing
      loss. In the meantime, the patient developed startle myoclonus. The brain
      magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated asymmetric cortical ribbon along with T2
      FLAIR signal hyperintensities of bilateral basal ganglia. Later on, the protein
      14-3-3 in the cerebrospinal fluid came back positive, which supported the
      diagnosis of CJD. Only three cases of CJD with deafness at onset have been
      published: one sporadic, associated with symptoms suggestive of polyneuropathy;
      and the other two familial, with the E200K mutation. One presented with symptoms
      of polyneuropathy and the other with typical features. CONCLUSION: This case
      illustrates the phenotypic variability of presentation of CJD in a patient with
      hearing loss as the initial manifestation. In patients with subacute bilateral
      hypoacusis and signs of dementia, the differential diagnosis of CJD must be taken
      into consideration.

PMID- 25122150
TI  - Sex differences in response to tadalafil in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease with
      high rates of morbidity and mortality. Current therapies improve symptoms,
      functional capacity, and, in select cases, survival. Little is known about
      patient factors that may predict the likelihood of patient-important, clinically
      relevant responses to therapy such as the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and health
      related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: Data from the randomized clinical trial
      of tadalafil in PAH were used. Adjusted logistic regression models were created
      to examine the relationship between baseline characteristics and odds of
      achieving the minimal important difference (MID) in three parameters, defined as
      either a > 33-m increase in 6MWD, a > 5-unit increase in physical component
      summary score of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), or a > 5-unit
      increase in mental component summary score of the SF-36. RESULTS: The study
      included 405 subjects. Younger age, male sex, lower baseline 6MWD, and disease
      etiology were associated with greater odds of achieving the MID for the 6-min
      walk test. Active treatment, younger age, and male sex were associated with
      greater odds of achieving the MID for the physical component summary score. Male
      sex was associated with greater odds of achieving the MID for the mental
      component summary score. CONCLUSIONS: Age, sex, baseline functional capacity, and
      disease etiology are variably associated with the likelihood of achieving
      clinically relevant responses in patient-important outcomes to PAH-specific
      therapy such as 6MWD and HRQoL. The increased likelihood of response in men
      compared with women is a novel finding and may reflect pathophysiologic
      differences between sexes.

PMID- 25122152
TI  - The Arabidopsis 14-3-3 protein RARE COLD INDUCIBLE 1A links low-temperature
      response and ethylene biosynthesis to regulate freezing tolerance and cold
      acclimation.
AB  - In plants, the expression of 14-3-3 genes reacts to various adverse environmental
      conditions, including cold, high salt, and drought. Although these results
      suggest that 14-3-3 proteins have the potential to regulate plant responses to
      abiotic stresses, their role in such responses remains poorly understood.
      Previously, we showed that the RARE COLD INDUCIBLE 1A (RCI1A) gene encodes the 14
      3-3 psi isoform. Here, we present genetic and molecular evidence implicating
      RCI1A in the response to low temperature. Our results demonstrate that RCI1A
      functions as a negative regulator of constitutive freezing tolerance and cold
      acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana by controlling cold-induced gene expression.
      Interestingly, this control is partially performed through an ethylene (ET)
      dependent pathway involving physical interaction with different ACC SYNTHASE
      (ACS) isoforms and a decreased ACS stability. We show that, consequently, RCI1A
      restrains ET biosynthesis, contributing to establish adequate levels of this
      hormone in Arabidopsis under both standard and low-temperature conditions. We
      further show that these levels are required to promote proper cold-induced gene
      expression and freezing tolerance before and after cold acclimation. All these
      data indicate that RCI1A connects the low-temperature response with ET
      biosynthesis to modulate constitutive freezing tolerance and cold acclimation in
      Arabidopsis. 

PMID- 25122151
TI  - The ABC transporter ABCG1 is required for suberin formation in potato tuber
      periderm.
AB  - The lipid biopolymer suberin plays a major role as a barrier both at plant
      environment interfaces and in internal tissues, restricting water and nutrient
      transport. In potato (Solanum tuberosum), tuber integrity is dependent on
      suberized periderm. Using microarray analyses, we identified ABCG1, encoding an
      ABC transporter, as a gene responsive to the pathogen-associated molecular
      pattern Pep-13. Further analyses revealed that ABCG1 is expressed in roots and
      tuber periderm, as well as in wounded leaves. Transgenic ABCG1-RNAi potato plants
      with downregulated expression of ABCG1 display major alterations in both root and
      tuber morphology, whereas the aerial part of the ABCG1-RNAi plants appear normal.
      The tuber periderm and root exodermis show reduced suberin staining and
      disorganized cell layers. Metabolite analyses revealed reduction of esterified
      suberin components and hyperaccumulation of putative suberin precursors in the
      tuber periderm of RNA interference plants, suggesting that ABCG1 is required for
      the export of suberin components. 

PMID- 25122155
TI  - Water-soluble and cleavable quercetin-amino acid conjugates as safe modulators
      for P-glycoprotein-based multidrug resistance.
AB  - Quercetin-amino acid conjugates with alanine or glutamic acid moiety attached at
      7-O and/or 3-O position of quercetin were prepared, and their multidrug
      resistance (MDR)-modulatory effects were evaluated. A quercetin-glutamic acid
      conjugate, 7-O-Glu-Q (3a), was as potent as verapamil in reversing MDR and
      sensitized MDR MES-SA/Dx5 cells to various anticancer drugs with EC50 values of
      0.8-0.9 MUM. Analysis on Rh-123 accumulation confirmed that 3a inhibits drug
      efflux by Pgp, and Pgp ATPase assay showed that 3a interacts with the drug
      binding site of Pgp to stimulate its ATPase activity. Physicochemical analysis of
      3a revealed that solubility, stability, and cellular uptake of quercetin were
      significantly improved by the glutamic acid promoiety, which eventually
      dissociates from 3a to produce quercetin and quercetin metabolites in
      intracellular milieu. Taken together, potent MDR-modulating activity along with
      intracellular conversion into the natural flavonoid quercetin warrants
      development of the quercetin-amino acid conjugates as safe MDR modulators. 

PMID- 25122156
TI  - Clinical audit: still an important tool for improving healthcare.
AB  - The use of data to challenge and improve healthcare has a long and distinguished
      history but has often failed to bring about expected improvements. It has never
      become fully embedded in clinical practice, probably because data alone are
      insufficient to drive change. There is now a greater appreciation that changing
      and improving healthcare requires changing behaviours. Clinical audit remains one
      of the important tools that can be used to facilitate such change. 

PMID- 25122153
TI  - Comparative transcriptome atlases reveal altered gene expression modules between
      two Cleomaceae C3 and C4 plant species.
AB  - C(4) photosynthesis outperforms the ancestral C(3) state in a wide range of
      natural and agro-ecosystems by affording higher water-use and nitrogen-use
      efficiencies. It therefore represents a prime target for engineering novel, high
      yielding crops by introducing the trait into C(3) backgrounds. However, the
      genetic architecture of C(4) photosynthesis remains largely unknown. To define
      the divergence in gene expression modules between C(3) and C(4) photosynthesis
      during leaf ontogeny, we generated comprehensive transcriptome atlases of two
      Cleomaceae species, Gynandropsis gynandra (C(4)) and Tarenaya hassleriana (C(3)),
      by RNA sequencing. Overall, the gene expression profiles appear remarkably
      similar between the C(3) and C(4) species. We found that known C(4) genes were
      recruited to photosynthesis from different expression domains in C(3), including
      typical housekeeping gene expression patterns in various tissues as well as
      individual heterotrophic tissues. Furthermore, we identified a structure-related
      module recruited from the C(3) root. Comparison of gene expression patterns with
      anatomy during leaf ontogeny provided insight into genetic features of Kranz
      anatomy. Altered expression of developmental factors and cell cycle genes is
      associated with a higher degree of endoreduplication in enlarged C(4) bundle
      sheath cells. A delay in mesophyll differentiation apparent both in the leaf
      anatomy and the transcriptome allows for extended vein formation in the C(4)
      leaf.

PMID- 25122157
TI  - Practical pharmacokinetics: what do you really need to know?
AB  - Having some understanding of pharmacokinetics is important for all clinicians
      when prescribing medications. Key elements to effective and safe prescribing
      include making sure that we don't underdose a medication making it ineffective,
      but also do not overprescribe a treatment known to cause toxic effects. In
      paediatrics, there are significant physiological and developmental differences
      that add to the challenges of safe prescribing. This article aims to provide the
      clinician with some basic paediatric pharmacokinetic principles with clinical
      examples to aid their prescribing skills. 

PMID- 25122154
TI  - Identification of a sphingolipid alpha-glucuronosyltransferase that is essential
      for pollen function in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Glycosyl inositol phosphorylceramide (GIPC) sphingolipids are a major class of
      lipids in fungi, protozoans, and plants. GIPCs are abundant in the plasma
      membrane in plants, comprising around a quarter of the total lipids in these
      membranes. Plant GIPCs contain unique glycan decorations that include a conserved
      glucuronic acid (GlcA) residue and various additional sugars; however, no
      proteins responsible for glycosylating GIPCs have been identified to date. Here,
      we show that the Arabidopsis thaliana protein INOSITOL PHOSPHORYLCERAMIDE
      GLUCURONOSYLTRANSFERASE1 (IPUT1) transfers GlcA from UDP-GlcA to GIPCs. To
      demonstrate IPUT1 activity, we introduced the IPUT1 gene together with genes for
      a UDP-glucose dehydrogenase from Arabidopsis and a human UDP-GlcA transporter
      into a yeast mutant deficient in the endogenous inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC)
      mannosyltransferase. In this engineered yeast strain, IPUT1 transferred GlcA to
      IPC. Overexpression or silencing of IPUT1 in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in an
      increase or a decrease, respectively, in IPC glucuronosyltransferase activity in
      vitro. Plants in which IPUT1 was silenced accumulated IPC, the immediate
      precursor, as well as ceramides and glucosylceramides. Plants overexpressing
      IPUT1 showed an increased content of GIPCs. Mutations in IPUT1 are not
      transmitted through pollen, indicating that these sphingolipids are essential in
      plants. 

PMID- 25122158
TI  - Developing clinical guidelines: how much rigour is required?
AB  - Clinical guidelines that are rigorously developed play a fundamental role in
      improving healthcare and reducing unnecessary variations in practice. National
      guidelines are increasingly used by healthcare professionals, patients and
      commissioners; however, national bodies are unable to meet the demand for
      guidance on all topics. There are fewer resources available for guidance produced
      locally or by specialty groups, and it is necessary to achieve a balance between
      pragmatism and rigour while conforming to the widely accepted norms of what
      constitutes a good guideline. This paper introduces the key concepts around this
      topic with suggestions for those interested in developing their own guideline. An
      example of challenges encountered in generating high-quality clinical guidance is
      given in box 1. Box 1 Challenges in guideline development Professor Johnson runs
      a local developmental paediatrics service with eight other colleagues. All have
      different ways of managing children with PAVING syndrome. This was difficult for
      patients and staff and has led to disagreements on how certain patients should be
      managed. As a result, Professor Johnson developed a Guideline Development Group
      to look at the management of PAVING syndrome. The group identified 12 clinical
      questions (including diagnosis, exclusion of comorbidities, treatment
      modalities), searched the PubMed database and found some useful evidence that
      they used to formulate key recommendations. For one question about behavioural
      therapy, PubMed did not suggest any evidence so they informally arrived at a
      consensus among themselves and wrote up their guideline. On the back of this
      success, they applied for the guideline to be endorsed or supported by the Royal
      College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). To their frustration, it was
      turned down on methodological grounds. Professor Johnson wrote to the RCPCH
      saying that he was "pretty peeved that the PAVING syndrome guideline had been
      rejected" for the College endorsement given all the work that had gone into
      writing it and "would the College mind being a bit more explicit in their
      guidance," to anyone who might consider doing this in the future? 

PMID- 25122159
TI  - PPAR ligands improve impaired metabolic pathways in fetal hearts of diabetic
      rats.
AB  - In maternal diabetes, the fetal heart can be structurally and functionally
      affected. Maternal diets enriched in certain unsaturated fatty acids can activate
      the nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and
      regulate metabolic and anti-inflammatory pathways during development. Our aim was
      to investigate whether PPARalpha expression, lipid metabolism, lipoperoxidation,
      and nitric oxide (NO) production are altered in the fetal hearts of diabetic
      rats, and to analyze the putative effects of in vivo PPAR activation on these
      parameters. We found decreased PPARalpha expression in the hearts of male but not
      female fetuses of diabetic rats when compared with controls. Fetal treatments
      with the PPARalpha ligand leukotriene B4 upregulated the expression of PPARalpha
      and target genes involved in fatty acid oxidation in the fetal hearts. Increased
      concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids were found in the
      hearts of fetuses of diabetic rats. Maternal treatments with diets supplemented
      with 6% olive oil or 6% safflower oil, enriched in unsaturated fatty acids that
      can activate PPARs, led to few changes in lipid concentrations, but up-regulated
      PPARalpha expression in fetal hearts. NO production, which was increased in the
      hearts of male and female fetuses in the diabetic group, and lipoperoxidation,
      which was increased in the hearts of male fetuses in the diabetic group, was
      reduced by the maternal treatments supplemented with safflower oil. In
      conclusion, impaired PPARalpha expression, altered lipid metabolism, and
      increased oxidative and nitridergic pathways were evidenced in hearts of fetuses
      of diabetic rats and were regulated in a gender-dependent manner by treatments
      enriched with PPAR ligands. 

PMID- 25122160
TI  - Structure of chitosan determines its interactions with mucin.
AB  - Synthetic and natural mucoadhesive biomaterials in optimized galenical
      formulations are potentially useful for the transmucosal delivery of active
      ingredients to improve their localized and prolonged effects. Chitosans (CS) have
      potent mucoadhesive characteristics, but the exact mechanisms underpinning such
      interactions at the molecular level and the role of the specific structural
      properties of CS remain elusive. In the present study we used a combination of
      microviscosimetry, zeta potential analysis, isothermal titration calorimetry
      (ITC) and fluorescence quenching to confirm that the soluble fraction of porcine
      stomach mucin interacts with CS in water or 0.1 M NaCl (at c < c*; relative
      viscosity, eta(rel), ~ 2.0 at pH 4.5 and 37  degrees C) via a heterotypic
      stoichiometric process significantly influenced by the degree of CS acetylation
      (DA). We propose that CS-mucin interactions are driven predominantly by
      electrostatic binding, supported by other forces (e.g., hydrogen bonds and
      hydrophobic association) and that the DA influences the overall conformation of
      CS and thus the nature of the resulting complexes. Although the conditions used
      in this model system are simpler than the typical in vivo environment, the
      resulting knowledge will enable the rational design of CS-based nanostructured
      materials for specific transmucosal drug delivery (e.g., for Helicobacter pylori
      stomach therapy).

PMID- 25122161
TI  - Transformation of the multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic into a
      multidisciplinary diabetic foot day unit: results from a service evaluation.
AB  - The natural history of the diabetic foot is aggressive and complex. To counteract
      this, we describe the transformation of a Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Clinic
      into a Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Day Unit, which delivers an emergency open
      access system for patients, with a "one-stop," same day service in which
      investigations are performed, results reviewed and treatment implemented. It also
      provides joint clinics with vascular, orthopaedic, and plastic surgeons and
      specialized clinics for casting of complex neuropathic feet and for the
      administration of intravenous or intramuscular antibiotics on the same day. The
      aim was to document these increasingly wide-ranging facilities by undertaking a
      retrospective evaluation over a 6-week period, with analysis of notes,
      investigations, and an anonymous patient satisfaction survey. The clinic was
      visited by 597 patients who attended in 1076 appointments, of which 112 (10.4%)
      were emergency visits; these patients attended the clinic without a booked
      appointment but via an open access policy, 93 of whom were known to the clinic,
      but 19 were new self-referred patients to the service. Furthermore, 197 (18%)
      were seen in a Joint Vascular Diabetic Foot Clinic and 98 (9%) were seen in a
      Joint Orthopaedic Plastic Diabetic Foot Clinic, 570 (53%) were seen in an Active
      Ulcer Clinic and 97 (9%) in a Total Contact Casting Clinic. Forty-five percent of
      patients were prescribed antibiotics, including 188 (76%) as oral and 45(18%) as
      intravenous antibiotics and 15(6%) as intramuscular injections. Of the 1076
      appointments, 150 (14%) patients were in the foot clinic for more than 4 hours.
      Sixty (10%) patients were reviewed 4 or more times over the 6-week period. Only
      22 (2%) were admitted to hospital. Of the 125 survey responders, 98% were
      satisfied with this service, which has evolved from a Diabetic Foot Clinic into a
      Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Day Unit. 

PMID- 25122162
TI  - Diltiazem for the management of malignancy-associated perineal pain and tenesmus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perineal pain is a frequent complaint of patients with advanced
      cancer (colorectal, genitourinary, prostate), and often quite difficult to manage
      with significant impact on quality of life. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are
      potent inhibitors of intestinal smooth muscle contraction and have been shown to
      impact tone and motility of the gastrointestinal tract. As such, they have been
      used in various pain syndromes of the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as
      chronic anal fissure, to promote healing and improve pain. Here we describe two
      cases using oral diltiazem for malignancy-associated perineal pain and tenesmus.
      DISCUSSION: The first case describes an elderly male with advanced urothelial
      cancer post surgical resection and chemoradiation who suffered from rectal pain
      described as "sitting on a football" despite nerve blocks and oral opioids. He
      experienced dramatic improvement in pain scores and daily requirements of oral
      analgesics after starting oral diltiazem. The second case describes a middle-aged
      female with rectal cancer post surgical resection and chemoradiation who suffered
      from quality-of-life-limiting rectal pain and pressure despite oral opioids. She
      experienced dramatic improvement in the "pressure-type" pain after adding oral
      diltiazem. CONCLUSION: Based on our experience with these two cases, we propose
      oral diltiazem for use as an adjunct therapy for management of chronic malignancy
      associated perineal pain, specifically with characteristics of pressure-type pain
      and tenesmus.

PMID- 25122163
TI  - Face mask sampling for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in expelled
      aerosols.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although tuberculosis is transmitted by the airborne route, direct
      information on the natural output of bacilli into air by source cases is very
      limited. We sought to address this through sampling of expelled aerosols in face
      masks that were subsequently analyzed for mycobacterial contamination. METHODS:
      In series 1, 17 smear microscopy positive patients wore standard surgical face
      masks once or twice for periods between 10 minutes and 5 hours; mycobacterial
      contamination was detected using a bacteriophage assay. In series 2, 19 patients
      with suspected tuberculosis were studied in Leicester UK and 10 patients with at
      least one positive smear were studied in The Gambia. These subjects wore one
      FFP30 mask modified to contain a gelatin filter for one hour; this was
      subsequently analyzed by the Xpert MTB/RIF system. RESULTS: In series 1, the
      bacteriophage assay detected live mycobacteria in 11/17 patients with wearing
      times between 10 and 120 minutes. Variation was seen in mask positivity and the
      level of contamination detected in multiple samples from the same patient. Two
      patients had non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections. In series 2, 13/20
      patients with pulmonary tuberculosis produced positive masks and 0/9 patients
      with extrapulmonary or non-tuberculous diagnoses were mask positive. Overall, 65%
      of patients with confirmed pulmonary mycobacterial infection gave positive masks
      and this included 3/6 patients who received diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavages.
      CONCLUSION: Mask sampling provides a simple means of assessing mycobacterial
      output in non-sputum expectorant. The approach shows potential for application to
      the study of airborne transmission and to diagnosis.

PMID- 25122167
TI  - The floods in China: report by the medical director of the health organisation on
      the work undertaken to co-ordinate the campaign against epidemics.

PMID- 25122164
TI  - Qishenyiqi protects ligation-induced left ventricular remodeling by attenuating
      inflammation and fibrosis via STAT3 and NF-kappaB signaling pathway.
AB  - AIM: Qi-shen-yi-qi (QSYQ), a formula used for the routine treatment of heart
      failure (HF) in China, has been demonstrated to improve cardiac function through
      down-regulating the activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
      (RAAS). However, the mechanisms governing its therapeutic effects are largely
      unknown. The present study aims to demonstrate that QSYQ treatment can prevent
      left ventricular remodeling in heart failure by attenuating oxidative stress and
      inhabiting inflammation. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided
      into 6 groups: sham group, model group (LAD coronary artery ligation), QSYQ group
      with high dosage, middle dosage and low dosage (LAD ligation and treated with
      QSYQ), and captopril group (LAD ligation and treated with captopril as the
      positive drug). Indicators of fibrosis (Masson, MMPs, and collagens) and
      inflammation factors were detected 28 days after surgery. RESULTS: Results of
      hemodynamic alterations (dp/dt value) in the model group as well as other
      ventricular remodeling (VR) markers, such as MMP-2, MMP-9, collagen I and III
      elevated compared with sham group. VR was accompanied by activation of RAAS
      (angiotensin II and NADPHoxidase). Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF
      alpha, IL-6) in myocardial tissue were also up-regulated. Treatment of QSYQ
      improved cardiac remodeling through counter-acting the aforementioned events. The
      improvement of QSYQ was accompanied with a restoration of angiotensin II
      NADPHoxidase-ROS-MMPs pathways. In addition, "therapeutic" QSYQ administration
      can reduce both TNF-alpha-NF-B and IL-6-STAT3 pathways, respectively, which
      further proves the beneficial effects of QSYQ. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      demonstrated that QSYQ protected LAD ligation-induced left VR via attenuating
      AngII -NADPH oxidase pathway and inhabiting inflammation. These findings provide
      evidence as to the cardiac protective efficacy of QSYQ to HF and explain the
      beneficial effects of QSYQ in the clinical application for HF.

PMID- 25122165
TI  - ATO/ATRA/anthracycline-chemotherapy sequential consolidation achieves long-term
      efficacy in primary acute promyelocytic leukemia.
AB  - The combination of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (As2O3,
      ATO) has been effective in obtaining high clinical complete remission (CR) rates
      in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), but the long-term efficacy and safety
      among newly diagnosed APL patients are unclear. In this retrospective study,
      total 45 newly diagnosed APL patients received ATRA/chemotherapy combination
      regimen to induce remission. Among them, 43 patients (95.6%) achieved complete
      remission (CR) after induction therapy, followed by ATO/ATRA/anthracycline-based
      chemotherapy sequential consolidation treatment with a median follow-up of 55
      months. In these patients, the estimated overall survival (OS) and the relapse
      free survival (RFS) were 94.4% +/- 3.9% and 94.6 +/- 3.7%, respectively. The
      toxicity profile was mild and reversible. No secondary carcinoma was observed.
      These results demonstrated the high efficacy and minimal toxicity of
      ATO/ATRA/anthracycline-based chemotherapy sequential consolidation treatment for
      newly diagnosed APL in long-term follow-up, suggesting a potential frontline
      therapy for APL.

PMID- 25122170
TI  - Genetics and health communication: a primer.
AB  - The progress of genetic knowledge has been swift and steadfast. As we move
      forward in the genomic era, post Human Genome Project, and continue to explore
      how one's genes interact with one's environment, it becomes increasingly
      important for all audiences to have a firm grasp of the vocabulary used in this
      health context. This primer is intended to be used as a reference and to
      introduce and/or make more clear concepts related to genetics to increase
      understanding.

PMID- 25122166
TI  - In vitro and in vivo studies for assessing the immune response and protection
      inducing ability conferred by Fasciola hepatica-derived synthetic peptides
      containing B- and T-cell epitopes.
AB  - Fasciolosis is considered the most widespread trematode disease affecting grazing
      animals around the world; it is currently recognised by the World Health
      Organisation as an emergent human pathogen. Triclabendazole is still the most
      effective drug against this disease; however, resistant strains have appeared and
      developing an effective vaccine against this disease has increasingly become a
      priority. Several bioinformatics tools were here used for predicting B- and T
      cell epitopes according to the available data for Fasciola hepatica protein amino
      acid sequences. BALB/c mice were immunised with the synthetic peptides by using
      the ADAD vaccination system and several immune response parameters were measured
      (antibody titres, cytokine levels, T-cell populations) to evaluate their ability
      to elicit an immune response. Based on the immunogenicity results so obtained,
      seven peptides were selected to assess their protection-inducing ability against
      experimental infection with F. hepatica metacercariae. Twenty-four B- or T
      epitope-containing peptides were predicted and chemically synthesised.
      Immunisation of mice with peptides so-called B1, B2, B5, B6, T14, T15 and T16
      induced high levels of total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a (p<0.05) and a mixed
      Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg immune response, according to IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-17 and IL-10
      levels, accompanied by increased CD62L+ T-cell populations. A high level of
      protection was obtained in mice vaccinated with peptides B2, B5, B6 and T15
      formulated in the ADAD vaccination system with the AA0029 immunomodulator. The
      bioinformatics approach used in the present study led to the identification of
      seven peptides as vaccine candidates against the infection caused by Fasciola
      hepatica (a liver-fluke trematode). However, vaccine efficacy must be evaluated
      in other host species, including those having veterinary importance. 

PMID- 25122171
TI  - Post-processing in cardiovascular computed tomography: performance of a client
      server solution versus a stand-alone solution.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the performance of server-based (CSS) versus stand-alone post
      processing software (ES) for the evaluation of cardiovascular CT examinations
      (cvCT) and to determine the crucial steps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 40
      patients (20 patients for coronary artery evaluation and 20 patients prior to
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation [TAVI]) were evaluated by 5 radiologists
      with CSS and ES. Data acquisition was performed using a dual-source 128-row CT
      unit (SOMATOM Definition Flash, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) and a 64-row CT unit
      (Brilliance 64, Philips, Hamburg, Germany). The following workflow was evaluated:
      Data loading, aorta and coronary segmentation, curved multiplanar reconstruction
      (cMPR) and 3 D volume rendering technique (3D-VRT), measuring of coronary artery
      stenosis and planimetry of the aortic annulus. The time requirement and
      subjective quality for the workflow were evaluated. RESULTS: The coronary
      arteries as well as the TAVI data could be evaluated significantly faster with
      CSS (5.5  +/-  2.9  min and 8.2  +/-  4.0  min, respectively) than with ES (13.9 
      +/-  5.2  min and 15.2  +/-  10.9  min, respectively, p <=  0.01). Segmentation
      of the aorta (CSS: 1.9 +/-  2.0  min, ES: 3.7  +/-  3.3  min), generating cMPR of
      coronaries (CSS: 0.5  +/-  0.2  min, ES: 5.1  +/-  2.6  min), aorta and iliac
      vessels (CSS: 0.5  +/-  0.4  min and 0.4  +/-  0.4  min, respectively, ES: 1.6 
      +/-  0.7  min and 2.8  +/-  3  min, respectively) could be performed
      significantly faster with CSS than with ES with higher quality of cMPR, measuring
      of coronary stenosis and 3D-VRT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of cvCT can be
      accomplished significantly faster and better with CSS than with ES.  The
      segmentation remains the most time-consuming workflow step, so optimization of
      segmentation algorithms could improve performance even further.

PMID- 25122172
TI  - The role of volume perfusion CT in the diagnosis of pathologies of the pancreas.
AB  - The review discusses the potential role of volume perfusion CT (VPCT) in the
      diagnosis and follow-up of different pathologies of the pancreas. VPCT enables a
      differentiation of different pancreatic tumors like adenocarcinoma or
      neuroendocrine tumors based on functional parameters like blood flow, blood
      volume and permeability. Furthermore, the article discusses the potential
      indications for VPCT imaging of inflammatory diseases of the pancreas such as
      acute or chronic pancreatitis and autoimmune pancreatitis.

PMID- 25122173
TI  - Radiological evaluation of the therapeutic response of malignant diseases: status
      quo, innovative developments and requirements for radiology.
AB  - In consequence of the rapid development of newer targeted and personalized tumor
      therapies, radiology as an essential component of the treatment concept of
      numerous malignant diseases needs to improve in order to adequately capture and
      evaluate the effects, but also the side effects of these novel therapeutic
      agents. The early recognition of therapy response or failure is crucial for the
      optimal planning of the further treatment and can therefore have direct impact on
      the chances of recovery and the survival time of oncological patients. In
      previous years, the goal of medical imaging was to just qualitatively assess the
      increase or reduction in the size of tumors and their metastases, which was often
      achieved by a simple subjective estimation of the tumor findings by the
      diagnosing radiologist. Nowadays, radiology is faced with the challenge of
      evaluating changes during therapy quantitatively and of visualizing therapeutic
      effects that are more discrete (e. g. necrosis, altered tumor perfusion). The
      importance of an adequate assessment of therapy response is further underlined by
      the fact that in these days, a good portion of oncological patients are enrolled
      in clinical trials, in which the quantitative radiological evaluation of
      malignant disorders is an important surrogate parameter. On the basis of this
      development, the demands for radiology to provide more sophisticated assessments
      of therapy response and documentation of imaging findings have been constantly
      growing. The following article provides an overview of the established and still
      widely spread but in particular also the latest imaging modalities and evaluation
      criteria with regard to oncological diseases as well as of the increasing demands
      on radiology that result from these developments. Beyond that, future
      advancements in tumor imaging are taken into account and the new challenges these
      developments will bring are discussed. KEY POINTS: * In the era of personalized
      medicine, evaluation criteria that are individually adapted to the respective
      patient are required.* Radiology needs to substantially contribute to oncological
      treatment concepts and the evaluation of therapeutic response.

PMID- 25122175
TI  - [A rare complication of pulmonary tuberculosis - Rasmussen aneurysm - radiologic
      diagnosis and therapy].

PMID- 25122174
TI  - S3 guideline for chronic pancreatitis - diagnosis, classification and therapy for
      the radiologist.
AB  - Chronic pancreatitis shows an increasing prevalence and incidence mainly in the
      Western Hemisphere. Early diagnosis and therapy are frequently delayed because of
      non-specific symptoms as well as non-specific blood values. The German Society of
      Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) organized the preparation and publication
      of an interdisciplinary S3 level guideline with the support of the German
      Radiological Society (DRG) as 1 of 11 contributing societies. In this article we
      present and discuss the main topics of the guideline regarding the diagnosis,
      differential diagnosis and therapy of complications of this complex chronic
      disease with a focus on clinical and scientific radiologists. KEY POINTS: *
      Ultarsound represents the perfect first line imaging modality * For further
      diagnostic werk up MRI with MRCP are recommended for the differential diagnosis
      of pancreatic cancer * For clinical studies the modified (CT, MRI) Cambridge
      classification is recommended.

PMID- 25122176
TI  - [A rare complication: acute ischemic stomach necrosis within the scope of non
      occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI)].

PMID- 25122177
TI  - [Contrast medium going astray].

PMID- 25122178
TI  - [Chronic adhesive small intestine volvulus in adulthood, a rare disease picture].

PMID- 25122179
TI  - [Osteolytic behavior of a growing tumor of the calvarium: rare differential
      intraosseous meningioma diagnosis].

PMID- 25122180
TI  - A systematic review of scope and quality of health economic evaluation studies in
      Vietnam.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The application of health economic evaluation (HEE) evidence can
      play an important role in strategic planning and policy making. This study aimed
      to assess the scope and quality of existing research, with the goal of
      elucidating implications for improving the use of HEE evidence in Vietnam.
      METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was developed to search medical online
      databases (Medline, Google Scholar, and Vietnam Medical Databases) to select all
      types of HEE studies except cost-only analyses. Two researchers assessed the
      quality of selected studies using the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES)
      instrument. RESULTS: We selected 26 studies, including 6 published in Vietnam.
      The majority of these studies focused on infectious diseases (14 studies), with
      HIV being the most common topic (5 studies). Most papers were cost-effectiveness
      studies that measured health outcomes using DALY units. Using QHES, we found that
      the overall quality of HEE studies published internationally was much higher
      (mean score 88.7+13.3) than that of those published in Vietnam (mean score
      67.3+22.9). Lack of costing perspectives, reliable data sources and sensitivity
      analysis were the main shortcomings of the reviewed studies. CONCLUSION: This
      review indicates that HEE studies published in Vietnam are limited in scope and
      number, as well as by several important technical errors or omissions. It is
      necessary to formalize the process of health economic research in Vietnam and to
      institutionalize the links between researchers and policy-makers. Additionally,
      the quality of HEE should be enhanced through education about research
      techniques, and the implementation of standard HEE guidelines.

PMID- 25122181
TI  - Multivitamin and protein supplement use is associated with positive mood states
      and health behaviors in US Military and Coast Guard personnel.
AB  - Approximately 60% of Armed Forces personnel regularly consume dietary supplements
      (DSs). We investigated the association of mood and health behaviors with multiple
      classes of DSs in military and Coast Guard personnel (N = 5536). Participants
      completed a survey of DS use and the Quick Mood Scale to assess mood domains of
      wakeful-drowsiness, relaxed-anxious, cheerful-depressed, friendly-aggression,
      clearheaded-confused, and well coordinated-clumsy. Supplements were categorized
      as multivitamin/minerals (MVM), individual vitamin/minerals, protein/amino acid
      supplements (PS), combination products (C), herbals (H), purported steroid
      analogs, (S) and other (O). One-way analyses of covariance assessed associations
      of DSs and perceived health behavior with mood controlling for age. Logistic
      regression determined associations between DS use and health behavior. Users of
      MVM and PS reported feeling significantly (P < 0.05) more awake, relaxed,
      cheerful, clearheaded, and coordinated. Participants using PS and S reported
      feeling less friendly (more aggressive, P < 0.02). Users of MVM and PS were more
      likely to report their general health, eating habits, and fitness level as
      excellent/good (P < 0.05). Participants reporting health behaviors as
      excellent/good were more (P < 0.01) awake, relaxed, cheerful, friendly,
      clearheaded, and coordinated. As no known biological mechanisms can explain such
      diverse effects of MVM and PS use on multiple mood states, health, eating habits,
      and fitness, we hypothesize these associations are not causal, and DS intake does
      not alter these parameters per se. Preexisting differences in mood and other
      health-related behaviors and outcomes between users versus nonusers of DSs could
      be a confounding factor in studies of DSs. 

PMID- 25122182
TI  - MicroRNA-30e* suppresses dengue virus replication by promoting NF-kappaB
      dependent IFN production.
AB  - MicroRNAs have been shown to contribute to a repertoire of host-pathogen
      interactions during viral infection. Our previous study demonstrated that
      microRNA-30e* (miR-30e*) directly targeted the IkappaBalpha 3'-UTR and disrupted
      the NF-kappaB/IkappaBalpha negative feedback loop, leading to hyperactivation of
      NF-kappaB. This current study investigated the possible role of miR-30e* in the
      regulation of innate immunity associated with dengue virus (DENV) infection. We
      found that DENV infection could induce miR-30e* expression in DENV-permissive
      cells, and such an overexpression of miR-30e* upregulated IFN-beta and the
      downstream IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) such as OAS1, MxA and IFITM1, and
      suppressed DENV replication. Furthermore, suppression of IkappaBalpha mediates
      the enhancing effect of miR-30e* on IFN-beta-induced antiviral response.
      Collectively, our findings suggest a modulatory role of miR-30e* in DENV induced
      IFN-beta signaling via the NF-kappaB-dependent pathway. Further investigation is
      needed to evaluate whether miR-30e* has an anti-DENV effect in vivo. 

PMID- 25122184
TI  - Rape in war: how a US law prevents aid for safe abortions.

PMID- 25122183
TI  - Mannosylation of virus-like particles enhances internalization by antigen
      presenting cells.
AB  - Internalization of peptides by antigen presenting cells is crucial for the
      initiation of the adaptive immune response. Mannosylation has been demonstrated
      to enhance antigen uptake through mannose receptors, leading to improved immune
      responses. In this study we test the effect of surface mannosylation of protein
      based virus-like particles (VLP) derived from Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus
      (RHDV) on uptake by murine and human antigen presenting cells. A monomannoside
      and a novel dimannoside were synthesized and successfully conjugated to RHDV VLP
      capsid protein, providing approximately 270 mannose groups on the surface of each
      virus particle. VLP conjugated to the mannoside or dimannoside exhibited
      significantly enhanced binding and internalization by murine dendritic cells,
      macrophages and B cells as well as human dendritic cells and macrophages. This
      uptake was inhibited by the inclusion of mannan as a specific inhibitor of
      mannose specific uptake, demonstrating that mannosylation of VLP targets mannose
      receptor-based uptake. Consistent with mannose receptor-based uptake, partial
      retargeting of the intracellular processing of RHDV VLP was observed, confirming
      that mannosylation of VLP provides both enhanced uptake and modified processing
      of associated antigens. 

PMID- 25122187
TI  - All of the above: When multiple correct response options enhance the testing
      effect.
AB  - Previous research has shown that multiple choice tests often improve memory
      retention. However, the presence of incorrect lures often attenuates this memory
      benefit. The current research examined the effects of "all of the above" (AOTA)
      options. When such options are correct, no incorrect lures are present. In the
      first three experiments, a correct AOTA option on an initial test led to a larger
      memory benefit than no test and standard multiple choice test conditions. The
      benefits of a correct AOTA option occurred even without feedback on the initial
      test; for both 5-minute and 48-hour retention delays; and for both cued recall
      and multiple choice final test formats. In the final experiment, an AOTA question
      led to better memory retention than did a control condition that had identical
      timing and exposure to response options. However, the benefits relative to this
      control condition were similar regardless of the type of multiple choice test
      (AOTA or not). Results suggest that retrieval contributes to multiple choice
      testing effects. However, the extra testing effect from a correct AOTA option,
      rather than being due to more retrieval, might be due simply to more exposure to
      correct information. 

PMID- 25122185
TI  - A nationwide study of SLE in Japanese identified subgroups of patients with clear
      signs patterns and associations between signs and age or sex.
AB  - We performed a nationwide study to determine the distributions of the signs and
      clinical markers of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and identify any patterns
      in their distributions to allow patient subclassification. We obtained 256,999
      patient-year records describing the disease status of SLE patients from 2003 to
      2010. Of these, 14,779 involved patients diagnosed within the last year, and
      242,220 involved patients being followed up. Along with basic descriptive
      statistics, we analyzed the effects of sex, age and disease duration on the
      frequencies of signs in the first year and follow-up years. The patients and
      major signs were clustered using the Ward method. The female patients were
      younger at onset. Renal involvement and discoid eczema were more frequent in
      males, whereas arthritis, photosensitivity and cytopenia were less. Autoantibody
      production and malar rash were positively associated with young age, and
      serositis and arthritis were negatively associated. Photosensitivity was
      positively associated with a long disease duration, and autoantibody production,
      serositis and cytopenia were negatively associated. The SLE patients were
      clustered into subgroups, as were the major signs. We identified differences in
      SLE clinical features according to sex, age and disease duration. Subgroups of
      SLE patients and the major signs of SLE exist. 

PMID- 25122188
TI  - Ovarian stimulation using human chorionic gonadotrophin impairs blastocyst
      implantation and decidualization by altering ovarian hormone levels and
      downstream signaling in mice.
AB  - Ovarian stimulation induced by follicle-stimulating hormone and human chorionic
      gonadotrophin (hCG) is commonly used in assisted reproductive technology to
      increase embryo production. However, recent clinical and animal studies have
      shown that ovarian stimulation disrupts endometrial function and embryo
      development and adversely affects pregnancy outcomes. How ovarian stimulation
      impairs pregnancy establishment and the precise mechanisms by which this
      stimulation reduces the chances of conception remain unclear. In this study, we
      first demonstrated that ovarian stimulation using hCG alone impairs implantation,
      decidualization and fetal development of mice by generating abnormal ovarian
      hormone levels. We also showed that ovarian hormone levels were altered because
      of changes in the levels of the enzymes involved in their synthesis in the
      follicles and corpora lutea. Furthermore, we determined that anomalous ovarian
      hormone secretion induced by ovarian stimulation alters the spatiotemporal
      expression of progesterone receptors and their downstream genes, especially in
      the uterine epithelium. Epithelial estrogenic signaling and cell proliferation
      were promoted on the day of implantation in stimulated mice and these changes led
      to the failure of uterine transition from the prereceptive to the receptive
      state. Collectively, our findings indicate that ovarian stimulation using hCG
      induces an imbalance in steroid hormone secretion, which causes a failure of the
      development of uterine receptivity and subsequent implantation and
      decidualization by altering the expression of steroid receptors and their
      downstream signaling associated with embryo implantation. 

PMID- 25122186
TI  - Cardiac structure and function and prognosis in heart failure with preserved
      ejection fraction: findings from the echocardiographic study of the Treatment of
      Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT)
      Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in cardiac structure and function in heart failure with
      preserved ejection fraction may help identify patients at particularly high risk
      for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cardiac
      structure and function were assessed by echocardiography in a blinded core
      laboratory at baseline in 935 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection
      fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction >=45%) enrolled in the Treatment of
      Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT)
      trial and related to the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death, heart
      failure hospitalization, or aborted cardiac arrest, and its components. At a
      median follow-up of 2.9 years, 244 patients experienced the primary outcome. Left
      ventricular hypertrophy (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval,
      1.16-2.00), elevated left ventricular filling pressure (E/E'; adjusted hazard
      ratio 1.05 per 1 integer increase; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.07), and
      higher pulmonary artery pressure assessed by the tricuspid regurgitation velocity
      (hazard ratio, 1.23 per 0.5 m/s increase; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.49)
      were associated with the composite outcome and heart failure hospitalization
      alone after adjusting for clinical and laboratory variables. The risk of adverse
      outcome associated with left ventricular hypertrophy was additive to the risk
      associated with elevated E/E'. CONCLUSIONS: Among heart failure with preserved
      ejection fraction patients enrolled in TOPCAT, left ventricular hypertrophy,
      higher left ventricular filling pressure, and higher pulmonary artery pressure
      were predictive of heart failure hospitalization, cardiovascular death, or
      aborted cardiac arrest independent of clinical and laboratory predictors. These
      features, both alone and in combination, identify heart failure with preserved
      ejection fraction patients at particularly high risk for cardiovascular morbidity
      and mortality. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
      Unique identifier: NCT00094302.

PMID- 25122190
TI  - Dual-channel-mediated spin coupling for one-electron-oxidized cobalt(II)-saddled
      porphyrin.
AB  - Saddle-shaped Co(II)[OET(p-R)PP] (R = CF3, H, CH3) can be readily oxidized with
      Cl2, Br2, and I2 to the corresponding one-electron-oxidation product Co[OET(p
      R)PP]X (X = Cl, Br, I) with the clear character of a ring cation radical. With
      the series of (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of these related complexes, both the
      axial ligand and peripheral substituent of the ring macrocycle are proven to act
      as a dual channel to tune spin coupling between low-spin Co(II) and a porphyrin
      pi-cation radical. Density functional theory calculations have shown that the
      antiferromagnetic coupling between spins residing in d(z)(2) and a(2u) are
      expected to exist as the ground state. The paramagnetic properties are attributed
      to an a(1u)-type ferromagnetic excited triplet state.

PMID- 25122189
TI  - Treatment selections using risk-benefit profiles based on data from comparative
      randomized clinical trials with multiple endpoints.
AB  - In a typical randomized clinical study to compare a new treatment with a control,
      oftentimes each study subject may experience any of several distinct outcomes
      during the study period, which collectively define the "risk-benefit" profile. To
      assess the effect of treatment, it is desirable to utilize the entirety of such
      outcome information. The times to these events, however, may not be observed
      completely due to, for example, competing risks or administrative censoring. The
      standard analyses based on the time to the first event, or individual component
      analyses with respect to each event time, are not ideal. In this paper, we
      classify each patient's risk-benefit profile, by considering all event times
      during follow-up, into several clinically meaningful ordinal categories. We first
      show how to make inferences for the treatment difference in a two-sample setting
      where categorical data are incomplete due to censoring. We then present a
      systematic procedure to identify patients who would benefit from a specific
      treatment using baseline covariate information. To obtain a valid and efficient
      system for personalized medicine, we utilize a cross-validation method for model
      building and evaluation and then make inferences using the final selected
      prediction procedure with an independent data set. The proposal is illustrated
      with the data from a clinical trial to evaluate a beta-blocker for treating
      chronic heart failure patients. 

PMID- 25122192
TI  - Inner and outer portions of colonic circular muscle: ultrastructural and
      immunohistochemical changes in rat chronically treated with otilonium bromide.
AB  - Rat colonic circular muscle, main target of otilonium bromide (OB) spasmolytic
      activity, is subdivided in an inner and outer portion. Since the inner one is
      particularly rich in organelles involved in calcium availability (caveolae,
      smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria), the expression of specific markers
      (Caveolin-1, eNOS, calreticulin, calsequestrin) in comparison with the outer
      portion was investigated. The possible changes of these organelles and related
      markers, and of muscarinic receptors (Mr2) were then studied after OB chronic
      exposition. Rats were treated with 2-20 mg/kg/OB for 10 or 30 days. Proximal
      colon was processed by electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and western
      blot. In colon strips the stimulated contractility response to muscarinic agonist
      was investigated. The inner portion showed a higher expression of Caveolin-1 and
      Mr2, but not of eNOS, calreticulin and calsequestrin, compared to the outer
      portion. Chronic OB treatment caused similar ultrastructural and
      immunohistochemical changes in both portions. Organelles and some related markers
      were increased at 10 days; Mr2 expression and muscle contractility induced by
      methacholine was increased at 30 days. The present findings: 1) provide new
      information on the immunohistochemical properties of the inner portion of the
      circular layer that are in favour of a role it might play in colonic motility
      distinct from that of the outer portion; 2) demonstrate that chronically
      administered OB interferes with cell structures and molecules responsible for
      calcium handling and storage, and modifies cholinergic transmission. In
      conclusion, chronic OB administration in the colonic circular muscle layer
      directly interacts with the organelles and molecules calcium-related and with the
      Mr2. 

PMID- 25122194
TI  - Regulating new psychoactive drugs: innovation leading to compromise.

PMID- 25122195
TI  - Graphene in the aquatic environment: adsorption, dispersion, toxicity and
      transformation.
AB  - Graphene-family nanomaterials (GFNs) including pristine graphene, reduced
      graphene oxide (rGO) and graphene oxide (GO) offer great application potential,
      leading to the possibility of their release into aquatic environments. Upon
      exposure, graphene/rGO and GO exhibit different adsorption properties toward
      environmental adsorbates, thus the molecular interactions at the GFN-water
      interface are discussed. After solute adsorption, the dispersion/aggregation
      behaviors of GFNs can be altered by solution chemistry, as well as by the
      presence of colloidal particles and biocolloids. GO has different dispersion
      performance from pristine graphene and rGO, which is further demonstrated from
      surface properties. Upon exposure in aquatic environments, GFNs have adverse
      impacts on aquatic organisms (e.g., bacteria, algae, plants, invertebrates, and
      fish). The mechanisms of GFNs toxicity at the cellular level are reviewed and the
      remaining unclear points on toxic mechanisms such as membrane damage are
      presented. Moreover, we highlight the transformation routes of GO to rGO. The
      degradation of GFNs upon exposure to UV irradiation and/or biota is also
      reviewed. In view of the unanswered questions, future research should include
      comprehensive characterization of GFNs, new approaches for explaining GFNs
      aggregation, environmental behaviors of metastable GO, and the relationship
      between dispersion of GFNs and the related adsorption properties. 

PMID- 25122199
TI  - Prevalence of chronic skin and musculoskeletal conditions, United States-1969.
AB  - During 1969 the prevalence of chronic skin ,and musculoskeletal diseases among
      members of the civilian noninstitutionalized population was measured in the
      Health Interview Survey. Prevalence estimates and measures of impact of these
      conditions on the population covered by the Survey are presented in this report.
      This is the first report on the prevalence of chronic skin and musculoskeletal
      conditions based on data collected in health interviews to be published in the
      series, Vital and Health Statistics, and is one in a series of reports on
      specific condition groups (Series 10, Nos. 83,84, and 94). Methodological studies
      have shown that chronic conditions are generally underreported in interview
      surveys. Respondents in health interviews can report only those conditions of
      which they are aware and which they are willing to report to the interviewer.
      Reporting is better for those conditions which have made an impact on the
      affected individual and his family. Conditions that are severe, costly, or
      require treatment tend to be better reported than conditions having lesser
      impact. For instance, a condition which has caused hospitalization, limitation of
      activity, visits to the doctor, or days in bed is more likely to be reported in
      the interview than a condition which has little or no impact on the person. 

PMID- 25122196
TI  - Epithelial and stromal microRNA signatures of columnar cell hyperplasia linking
      Let-7c to precancerous and cancerous breast cancer cell proliferation.
AB  - Columnar cell hyperplasia (CCH) is the earliest histologically identifiable
      breast lesion linked to cancer progression and is characterized by increased
      proliferation, decreased apoptosis and elevated oestrogen receptor alpha
      (ERalpha) expression. The mechanisms underlying the initiation of these lesions
      have not been clarified but might involve early and fundamental changes in cancer
      progression. MiRNAs are key regulators of several biological processes, acting by
      influencing the post-transcriptional regulation of numerous targets, thus making
      miRNAs potential candidates in cancer initiation. Here we have defined novel
      epithelial as well as stromal miRNA signatures from columnar cell hyperplasia
      lesions compared to normal terminal duct lobular units by using microdissection
      and miRNA microarrays. Let-7c were among the identified downregulated epithelial
      miRNAs and its functions were delineated in unique CCH derived cells and breast
      cancer cell line MCF-7 suggesting anti-proliferative traits potentially due to
      effects on Myb and ERalpha. MiR-132 was upregulated in the stroma surrounding CCH
      compared to stoma surrounding normal terminal duct lobular units (TDLUs), and
      overexpression of miR-132 in immortalized fibroblasts and in fibroblasts co
      cultured with epithelial CCH cells caused substantial expression changes of genes
      involved in metabolism, DNA damage and cell motility. The miRNA signatures
      identified in CCH indicate early changes in the epithelial and stromal
      compartment of CCH and could represent early key alterations in breast cancer
      progression that potentially could be targeted in novel prevention or treatment
      schedules. 

PMID- 25122200
TI  - Adult stroke risk after growth hormone treatment in childhood: first do no harm.

PMID- 25122193
TI  - Global genetic variations predict brain response to faces.
AB  - Face expressions are a rich source of social signals. Here we estimated the
      proportion of phenotypic variance in the brain response to facial expressions
      explained by common genetic variance captured by ~ 500,000 single nucleotide
      polymorphisms. Using genomic-relationship-matrix restricted maximum likelihood
      (GREML), we related this global genetic variance to that in the brain response to
      facial expressions, as assessed with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
      in a community-based sample of adolescents (n = 1,620). Brain response to facial
      expressions was measured in 25 regions constituting a face network, as defined
      previously. In 9 out of these 25 regions, common genetic variance explained a
      significant proportion of phenotypic variance (40-50%) in their response to
      ambiguous facial expressions; this was not the case for angry facial expressions.
      Across the network, the strength of the genotype-phenotype relationship varied as
      a function of the inter-individual variability in the number of functional
      connections possessed by a given region (R(2) = 0.38, p<0.001). Furthermore, this
      variability showed an inverted U relationship with both the number of observed
      connections (R2 = 0.48, p<0.001) and the magnitude of brain response (R(2) =
      0.32, p<0.001). Thus, a significant proportion of the brain response to facial
      expressions is predicted by common genetic variance in a subset of regions
      constituting the face network. These regions show the highest inter-individual
      variability in the number of connections with other network nodes, suggesting
      that the genetic model captures variations across the adolescent brains in co
      opting these regions into the face network.

PMID- 25122197
TI  - Increased generation of HIV-1 gp120-reactive CD8+ T cells by a DNA vaccine
      construct encoding the chemokine CCL3.
AB  - DNA vaccines based on subunits from pathogens have several advantages over other
      vaccine strategies. DNA vaccines can easily be modified, they show good safety
      profiles, are stable and inexpensive to produce, and the immune response can be
      focused to the antigen of interest. However, the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines
      which is generally quite low needs to be improved. Electroporation and co
      delivery of genetically encoded immune adjuvants are two strategies aiming at
      increasing the efficacy of DNA vaccines. Here, we have examined whether targeting
      to antigen-presenting cells (APC) could increase the immune response to surface
      envelope glycoprotein (Env) gp120 from Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV
      1). To target APC, we utilized a homodimeric vaccine format denoted vaccibody,
      which enables covalent fusion of gp120 to molecules that can target APC. Two
      molecules were tested for their efficiency as targeting units: the antibody
      derived single chain Fragment variable (scFv) specific for the major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II I-E molecules, and the CC chemokine
      ligand 3 (CCL3). The vaccines were delivered as DNA into muscle of mice with or
      without electroporation. Targeting of gp120 to MHC class II molecules induced
      antibodies that neutralized HIV-1 and that persisted for more than a year after
      one single immunization with electroporation. Targeting by CCL3 significantly
      increased the number of HIV-1 gp120-reactive CD8+ T cells compared to non
      targeted vaccines and gp120 delivered alone in the absence of electroporation.
      The data suggest that chemokines are promising molecular adjuvants because small
      amounts can attract immune cells and promote immune responses without advanced
      equipment such as electroporation.

PMID- 25122201
TI  - Bulbar muscle MRI changes in patients with SMA with reduced mouth opening and
      dysphagia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We performed a study in patients with proximal spinal muscular atrophy
      (SMA) to determine the prevalence of reduced maximal mouth opening (MMO) and its
      association with dysphagia as a reflection of bulbar dysfunction and visualized
      the underlying mechanisms using MRI. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional
      study of MMO in 145 patients with SMA types 1-4 and 119 healthy controls and used
      MRI in 12 patients to visualize mandibular condylar shape and sliding and the
      anatomy of muscle groups relevant for mouth opening and closing. We analyzed
      associations of reduced MMO with SMA severity and complaints of dysphagia.
      RESULTS: Reduced MMO was defined as an interincisal distance <= 35 mm and was
      found in none of the healthy controls and in 100%, 79%, 50%, and 7% of patients
      with SMA types 1, 2, 3a, and 3b/4, respectively. MRI showed severe fatty
      degeneration of the lateral pterygoid muscles that mediate mouth opening by
      allowing mandibular condylar sliding but relatively mild involvement of the mouth
      closing muscles in patients with reduced MMO. Reduced MMO was associated with SMA
      type, age, muscle weakness, and dysphagia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced MMO is
      common in SMA types 1-3a and is mainly caused by fatty degeneration of specific
      mouth opening muscles. Reduced MMO is a sign of bulbar dysfunction in SMA.

PMID- 25122198
TI  - The androgen-regulated protease TMPRSS2 activates a proteolytic cascade involving
      components of the tumor microenvironment and promotes prostate cancer metastasis.
AB  - TMPRSS2 is an androgen-regulated cell-surface serine protease expressed
      predominantly in prostate epithelium. TMPRSS2 is expressed highly in localized
      high-grade prostate cancers and in the majority of human prostate cancer
      metastases. Through the generation of mouse models with a targeted deletion of
      Tmprss2, we demonstrate that the activity of this protease regulates cancer cell
      invasion and metastasis to distant organs. By screening combinatorial peptide
      libraries, we identified a spectrum of TMPRSS2 substrates that include pro
      hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). HGF activated by TMPRSS2 promoted c-MET receptor
      tyrosine kinase signaling, and initiated a proinvasive epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transition phenotype. Chemical library screens identified a potent bioavailable
      TMPRSS2 inhibitor that suppressed prostate cancer metastasis in vivo. Together,
      these findings provide a mechanistic link between androgen-regulated signaling
      programs and prostate cancer metastasis that operate via context-dependent
      interactions with extracellular constituents of the tumor microenvironment.
      SIGNIFICANCE: The vast majority of prostate cancer deaths are due to metastasis.
      Loss of TMPRSS2 activity dramatically attenuated the metastatic phenotype through
      mechanisms involving the HGF-c-MET axis. Therapeutic approaches directed toward
      inhibiting TMPRSS2 may reduce the incidence or progression of metastasis in
      patients with prostate cancer.

PMID- 25122202
TI  - Aspirin for secondary prevention after stroke of unknown etiology in resource
      limited settings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the potential impact of aspirin therapy for long-term
      secondary prevention after stroke of undetermined etiology in resource-limited
      settings without access to neuroimaging to distinguish ischemic stroke from
      intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS: We conducted a decision analysis using a
      Markov state transition model. Sensitivity analyses were performed across the
      worldwide reported range of the proportion of strokes due to ICH and the 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) of aspirin-associated relative risks in patients with
      ICH. RESULTS: For patients with stroke of undetermined etiology, long-term
      aspirin was the preferred treatment strategy across the worldwide reported range
      of the proportion of strokes due to ICH. At 34% of strokes due to ICH (the
      highest proportion reported in a large epidemiologic study), the benefit of
      aspirin remained beyond the upper bounds of the 95% CIs of aspirin-associated
      post-ICH relative risks most concerning to clinicians (ICH recurrence risk and
      mortality risk if ICH recurs on aspirin). Based on the estimated 11,590,204
      strokes in low- and middle-income countries in 2010, our model predicts that
      aspirin therapy for secondary stroke prevention in all patients with stroke in
      these countries could lead to an estimated yearly decrease of 84,492 recurrent
      strokes and 4,056 stroke-related mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: The concern that the
      risks of aspirin in patients with stroke of unknown etiology could outweigh the
      benefits is not supported by our model, which predicts that aspirin for secondary
      prevention in patients with stroke of undetermined etiology in resource-limited
      settings could lead to decreased stroke-related mortality and stroke recurrence.

PMID- 25122204
TI  - Population-based incidence and prevalence of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and prevalence of facioscapulohumeral
      muscular dystrophy (FSHD) in the Netherlands. METHODS: Using 3-source capture
      recapture methodology, we estimated the total yearly number of newly found
      symptomatic individuals with FSHD, including those not registered in any of the 3
      sources. To this end, symptomatic individuals with FSHD were available from 3
      large population-based registries in the Netherlands if diagnosed within a 10
      year period (January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2010). Multiplication of the
      incidence and disease duration delivered the prevalence estimate. RESULTS: On
      average, 52 people are newly diagnosed with FSHD every year. This results in an
      incidence rate of 0.3/100,000 person-years in the Netherlands. The prevalence
      rate was 12/100,000, equivalent to 2,000 affected individuals. CONCLUSIONS: We
      present population-based incidence and prevalence estimates regarding symptomatic
      individuals with FSHD, including an estimation of the number of symptomatic
      individuals not present in any of the 3 used registries. This study shows that
      the total number of symptomatic persons with FSHD in the population may well be
      underestimated and a considerable number of affected individuals remain
      undiagnosed. This suggests that FSHD is one of the most prevalent neuromuscular
      disorders.

PMID- 25122203
TI  - The pleiotropic movement disorders phenotype of adult ataxia-telangiectasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical spectrum of ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) in
      adults, with a focus on movement disorders. METHODS: A total of 14 consecutive
      adults with A-T were included at 2 tertiary adult movement disorders centers and
      compared to 53 typical patients with A-T. Clinical evaluation, neurophysiologic
      and video-oculographic recording, imaging, laboratory investigations, and ATM
      analysis were performed. RESULTS: In comparison with typical A-T cases, our
      patients demonstrated later mean age at onset (6.1 vs 2.5 years, p < 0.0001),
      later loss of walking ability (p = 0.003), and longer survival (p = 0.0039). The
      presenting feature was ataxia in 71% and dysarthria and dystonia in 14% each. All
      patients displayed movement disorders, among which dystonia and subcortical
      myoclonus were the most common (86%), followed by tremor (43%). Video
      oculographic recordings revealed mostly dysmetric saccades and 46% of patients
      had normal latencies (i.e., no oculomotor apraxia) and velocities. The alpha
      fetoprotein (AFP) level was normal in 7%, chromosomal instability was found in
      29% (vs 100% of typical patients, p = 0.0006), and immunoglobulin deficiency was
      found in 29% (vs 69%, p = 0.057). All patients exhibited 2 ATM mutations,
      including at least 1 missense mutation in 79% of them (vs 36%, p = 0.0067).
      CONCLUSION: There is great variability of phenotype and severity in A-T,
      including a wide spectrum of movement disorders. Karyotype and repeated AFP level
      assessments should be performed in adults with unexplained movement disorders as
      valuable clues towards the diagnosis. In case of a compatible phenotype, A-T
      should be considered even if age at onset is late and progression is slow.

PMID- 25122205
TI  - Increased risk of osteoporosis in patients with myasthenia gravis: a population
      based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of osteoporosis in patients with myasthenia
      gravis (MG) in a large cohort representing 99% of the population of Taiwan.
      METHODS: Data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were
      used to conduct retrospective cohort analyses. The study cohort consisted of
      2,073 patients with MG who were 3-fold frequency-matched by age and sex and
      assigned the same index year as a comparison cohort without MG. Cox proportional
      hazard regression analysis was conducted to estimate the risk of osteoporosis.
      RESULTS: The MG cohort had a 1.96-fold increased risk of developing osteoporosis
      compared with the comparison cohort (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.96, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 1.57-2.44). Patients with MG older than 30 years developed an
      increased risk of osteoporosis, with the highest risk in the age group from 30 to
      44 years, compared with the control cohort. Corticosteroid-naive patients with MG
      had a 1.52-fold increased risk of developing osteoporosis (HR = 1.52, 95% CI =
      1.11-2.08), and the corticosteroid-treated cohort had a 2.37-fold increased risk
      of developing osteoporosis (HR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.82-3.07). CONCLUSION: This
      population-based retrospective cohort study provides evidence that MG is
      associated with a high risk of osteoporosis regardless of corticosteroid use.

PMID- 25122206
TI  - Growth hormone treatment for childhood short stature and risk of stroke in early
      adulthood.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the incidence of stroke and stroke subtypes in a
      population-based cohort of patients in France treated with growth hormone (GH)
      for short stature in childhood. METHODS: Adult morbidity data were obtained in
      2008-2010 for 6,874 children with idiopathic isolated GH deficiency or short
      stature who started GH treatment between 1985 and 1996. Cerebrovascular events
      were validated using medical reports and imaging data and classified according to
      standard definitions of subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, and
      ischemic stroke. Case ascertainment completeness was estimated with capture
      recapture methods. The incidence of stroke and of stroke subtypes was calculated
      and compared with population values extracted from registries in Dijon and
      Oxford, between 2000 and 2012. RESULTS: Using both Dijon and Oxford population
      based registries as references, there was a significantly higher risk of stroke
      among patients treated with GH in childhood. The excess risk of stroke was mainly
      attributable to a very substantially and significantly higher risk of hemorrhagic
      stroke (standardized incidence ratio from 3.5 to 7.0 according to the registry
      rates considered, and accounting or not accounting for missed cases), and
      particularly subarachnoid hemorrhage (standardized incidence ratio from 5.7 to
      9.3). CONCLUSIONS: We report a strong relationship between hemorrhagic stroke and
      GH treatment in childhood for isolated growth hormone deficiency or childhood
      short stature. Patients treated with GH worldwide should be advised about this
      association and further studies should evaluate the potentially causal role of GH
      treatment in these findings.

PMID- 25122207
TI  - Functional pattern of brain FDG-PET in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated a large sample of patients with amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) at rest in order to assess the value of (18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d
      glucose ((18)F-FDG) PET as a biomarker to discriminate patients from controls.
      METHODS: A total of 195 patients with ALS and 40 controls underwent brain (18)F
      FDG-PET, most within 5 months of diagnosis. Spinal and bulbar subgroups of ALS
      were also investigated. Twenty-five bilateral cortical and subcortical volumes of
      interest and cerebellum were taken into account, and (18)F-FDG uptakes were
      individually normalized by whole-brain values. Group analyses investigated the
      ALS-related metabolic changes. Discriminant analysis investigating sensitivity
      and specificity was performed using the 51 volumes of interest as well as age and
      sex. Metabolic connectivity was explored by voxel-wise interregional correlation
      analysis. RESULTS: Hypometabolism was found in frontal, motor, and occipital
      cortex and hypermetabolism in midbrain, temporal pole, and hippocampus in
      patients with ALS compared to controls. A similar metabolic pattern was also
      found in the 2 subgroups. Discriminant analysis showed a sensitivity of 95% and a
      specificity of 83% in separating patients from controls. Connectivity analysis
      found a highly significant positive correlation between midbrain and white matter
      in corticospinal tracts in patients with ALS. CONCLUSIONS: (18)F-FDG distribution
      changes in ALS showed a clear pattern of hypometabolism in frontal and occipital
      cortex and hypermetabolism in midbrain. The latter might be interpreted as the
      neurobiological correlate of diffuse subcortical gliosis. Discriminant analysis
      resulted in high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating patients with ALS
      from controls. Once validated by diseased-control studies, the present
      methodology might represent a potentially useful biomarker for ALS diagnosis.
      CLASSIFICATON OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that (18)F-FDG
      PET accurately distinguishes patients with ALS from normal controls (sensitivity
      95.4%, specificity 82.5%).

PMID- 25122208
TI  - A transposable element insertion confers xenobiotic resistance in Drosophila.
AB  - The increase in availability of whole genome sequences makes it possible to
      search for evidence of adaptation at an unprecedented scale. Despite recent
      progress, our understanding of the adaptive process is still very limited due to
      the difficulties in linking adaptive mutations to their phenotypic effects. In
      this study, we integrated different levels of biological information to pinpoint
      the ecologically relevant fitness effects and the underlying molecular and
      biochemical mechanisms of a putatively adaptive TE insertion in Drosophila
      melanogaster: the pogo transposon FBti0019627. We showed that other than being
      incorporated into Kmn1 transcript, FBti0019627 insertion also affects the
      polyadenylation signal choice of CG11699 gene. Consequently, only the short 3'UTR
      transcript of CG11699 gene is produced and the expression level of this gene is
      higher in flies with the insertion. Our results indicated that increased CG11699
      expression leads to xenobiotic stress resistance through increased ALDH-III
      activity: flies with FBti0019627 insertion showed increased survival rate in
      response to benzaldehyde, a natural xenobiotic, and to carbofuran, a synthetic
      insecticide. Although differences in survival rate between flies with and without
      the insertion were not always significant, when they were, they were consistent
      with FBti0019627 mediating resistance to xenobiotics. Taken together, our results
      provide a plausible explanation for the increase in frequency of FBti0019627 in
      natural populations of D. melanogaster and add to the limited number of examples
      in which a natural genetic mutation has been linked to its ecologically relevant
      phenotype. Furthermore, the widespread distribution of TEs across the tree of
      life and conservation of stress response pathways across organisms make our
      results relevant not only for Drosophila, but for other organisms as well. 

PMID- 25122209
TI  - A scalable and accurate targeted gene assembly tool (SAT-Assembler) for next
      generation sequencing data.
AB  - Gene assembly, which recovers gene segments from short reads, is an important
      step in functional analysis of next-generation sequencing data. Lacking quality
      reference genomes, de novo assembly is commonly used for RNA-Seq data of non
      model organisms and metagenomic data. However, heterogeneous sequence coverage
      caused by heterogeneous expression or species abundance, similarity between
      isoforms or homologous genes, and large data size all pose challenges to de novo
      assembly. As a result, existing assembly tools tend to output fragmented contigs
      or chimeric contigs, or have high memory footprint. In this work, we introduce a
      targeted gene assembly program SAT-Assembler, which aims to recover gene families
      of particular interest to biologists. It addresses the above challenges by
      conducting family-specific homology search, homology-guided overlap graph
      construction, and careful graph traversal. It can be applied to both RNA-Seq and
      metagenomic data. Our experimental results on an Arabidopsis RNA-Seq data set and
      two metagenomic data sets show that SAT-Assembler has smaller memory usage,
      comparable or better gene coverage, and lower chimera rate for assembling a set
      of genes from one or multiple pathways compared with other assembly tools.
      Moreover, the family-specific design and rapid homology search allow SAT
      Assembler to be naturally compatible with parallel computing platforms. The
      source code of SAT-Assembler is available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/sat
      assembler/. The data sets and experimental settings can be found in supplementary
      material. 

PMID- 25122210
TI  - IL-31 associated with coronary artery lesion formation in Kawasaki disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kawasaki disease (KD) is known to be associated with T help (Th) 2
      reaction and subsequently allergic diseases. Interleukin-31 (IL-31) has also been
      reported to be involved in Th2 mediated diseases such as allergic diseases.
      However, the role of IL-31 in KD has not been previously reported. The aim of
      this study is to investigate whether IL-31 is associated with KD and its clinical
      outcome. MATERIAL: A total of 78 KD patients who met the criteria of KD were
      enrolled in this study as well as 20 age-matched controls. Plasma samples were
      conducted to measure IL-31 before intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment
      (KD1), within 3 days after IVIG treatment (KD2) and at least 3 weeks after IVIG
      treatment (KD3) by utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULT:
      Our findings showed that IL-31 expression was higher in KD patients after IVIG
      treatment significantly (KD2>KD1: 1265.0+/-199.3 vs. 840.2+/-152.5 pg/ml,
      p<0.0001). Further analysis revealed that IL-31 level was significantly higher in
      KD patients with coronary artery lesion (CAL) (656.6+/-139.5 vs. 1373.0+/-422.0
      pg/ml, p = 0.04) before IVIG treatment (KD1). There were no significant
      differences between the IVIG resistance and IVIG responsiveness groups.
      CONCLUSION: IL-31 was increased after IVIG treatment in patients with KD and was
      significantly associated with CAL formation. The results from this study may help
      to identify a novel risk factor for predicting KD and CAL formation.

PMID- 25122211
TI  - In-cell intrabody selection from a diverse human library identifies C12orf4
      protein as a new player in rodent mast cell degranulation.
AB  - The high specificity of antibodies for their antigen allows a fine discrimination
      of target conformations and post-translational modifications, making antibodies
      the first choice tool to interrogate the proteome. We describe here an approach
      based on a large-scale intracellular expression and selection of antibody
      fragments in eukaryotic cells, so-called intrabodies, and the subsequent
      identification of their natural target within living cell. Starting from a
      phenotypic trait, this integrated system allows the identification of new
      therapeutic targets together with their companion inhibitory intrabody. We
      applied this system in a model of allergy and inflammation. We first cloned a
      large and highly diverse intrabody library both in a plasmid and a retroviral
      eukaryotic expression vector. After transfection in the RBL-2H3 rat basophilic
      leukemia cell line, we performed seven rounds of selection to isolate cells
      displaying a defect in FcepsilonRI-induced degranulation. We used high throughput
      sequencing to identify intrabody sequences enriched during the course of
      selection. Only one intrabody was common to both plasmid and retroviral
      selections, and was used to capture and identify its target from cell extracts.
      Mass spectrometry analysis identified protein RGD1311164 (C12orf4), with no
      previously described function. Our data demonstrate that RGD1311164 is a
      cytoplasmic protein implicated in the early signaling events following
      FcepsilonRI-induced cell activation. This work illustrates the strength of the
      intrabody-based in-cell selection, which allowed the identification of a new
      player in mast cell activation together with its specific inhibitor intrabody. 

PMID- 25122214
TI  - Evidence for two types of lateral interactions in visual perception of temporal
      signals.
AB  - The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanisms of lateral interactions
      involved in flicker perception. Furthermore, the spatial properties of the
      monoptic and dichoptic components of these mechanisms were studied. We quantified
      the perceived flicker strength (PFS) in the center of a test stimulus, which was
      simultaneously modulated with a surround stimulus of variable size. The
      modulation depth of a separate stimulus, identical to the center test stimulus
      but without the surround, was determined using a two-alternative forced choice
      procedure. Using LCD goggles synchronized to the frame rate of a CRT screen, the
      center and surround of the test stimulus were presented either monoptically or
      dichoptically. In the monoptic condition, center-surround interactions have
      subcortical and cortical origins. In the dichoptic condition, center-surround
      interactions must have a cortical origin. The difference between the dichoptic
      and the monoptic data is an estimate of the contribution of the subcortical
      mechanisms. At each condition (surround stimulus size; monoptic or dichoptic
      presentation), the PFS was measured for phase differences between center and
      surround stimuli. The PFS changed systematically with phase difference. It also
      was observed that the PFS in the center stimulus changed merely be the presence
      of a surround stimulus independently of the center-surround phase difference. We
      propose that this is a phase-independent mechanism related to contrast adaptation
      owing to the presence of surround modulation. Our data suggest that both phase
      dependent and -independent mechanisms have cortical and subcortical origins.
      There were no systematic differences between the spatial properties of
      subcortical and cortical components involved in PFS modulation. 

PMID- 25122213
TI  - Scaling-up access to antiretroviral therapy for children: a cohort study
      evaluating care and treatment at mobile and hospital-affiliated HIV clinics in
      rural Zambia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Travel time and distance are barriers to care for HIV-infected
      children in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Decentralization of care is one strategy to
      scale-up access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), but few programs have been
      evaluated. We compared outcomes for children receiving care in mobile and
      hospital-affiliated HIV clinics in rural Zambia. METHODS: Outcomes were measured
      within an ongoing cohort study of HIV-infected children seeking care at Macha
      Hospital, Zambia from 2007 to 2012. Children in the outreach clinic group
      received care from the Macha HIV clinic and transferred to one of three outreach
      clinics. Children in the hospital-affiliated clinic group received care at Macha
      HIV clinic and reported Macha Hospital as the nearest healthcare facility.
      RESULTS: Seventy-seven children transferred to the outreach clinics and were
      included in the analysis. Travel time to the outreach clinics was significantly
      shorter and fewer caretakers used public transportation, resulting in lower
      transportation costs and fewer obstacles accessing the clinic. Some caretakers
      and health care providers reported inferior quality of service provision at the
      outreach clinics. Sixty-eight children received ART at the outreach clinics and
      were compared to 41 children in the hospital-affiliated clinic group. At ART
      initiation, median age, weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) and CD4(+) T-cell
      percentages were similar for children in the hospital-affiliated and outreach
      clinic groups. Children in both groups experienced similar increases in WAZ and
      CD4(+) T-cell percentages. CONCLUSIONS: HIV care and treatment can be effectively
      delivered to HIV-infected children at rural health centers through mobile ART
      teams, removing potential barriers to uptake and retention. Outreach teams should
      be supported to increase access to HIV care and treatment in rural areas.

PMID- 25122212
TI  - The PDZ-binding motif of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus envelope
      protein is a determinant of viral pathogenesis.
AB  - A recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) lacking
      the envelope (E) protein is attenuated in vivo. Here we report that E protein PDZ
      binding motif (PBM), a domain involved in protein-protein interactions, is a
      major determinant of virulence. Elimination of SARS-CoV E protein PBM by using
      reverse genetics caused a reduction in the deleterious exacerbation of the immune
      response triggered during infection with the parental virus and virus
      attenuation. Cellular protein syntenin was identified to bind the E protein PBM
      during SARS-CoV infection by using three complementary strategies, yeast two
      hybrid, reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy assays. Syntenin
      redistributed from the nucleus to the cell cytoplasm during infection with
      viruses containing the E protein PBM, activating p38 MAPK and leading to the
      overexpression of inflammatory cytokines. Silencing of syntenin using siRNAs led
      to a decrease in p38 MAPK activation in SARS-CoV infected cells, further
      reinforcing their functional relationship. Active p38 MAPK was reduced in lungs
      of mice infected with SARS-CoVs lacking E protein PBM as compared with the
      parental virus, leading to a decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines and
      to virus attenuation. Interestingly, administration of a p38 MAPK inhibitor led
      to an increase in mice survival after infection with SARS-CoV, confirming the
      relevance of this pathway in SARS-CoV virulence. Therefore, the E protein PBM is
      a virulence domain that activates immunopathology most likely by using syntenin
      as a mediator of p38 MAPK induced inflammation. 

PMID- 25122215
TI  - Encoding of configural regularity in the human visual system.
AB  - The visual system is very efficient in encoding stimulus properties by utilizing
      available regularities in the inputs. To explore the underlying encoding
      strategies during visual information processing, we presented participants with
      two-line configurations that varied in the amount of configural regularity (or
      degrees of freedom in the relative positioning of the two lines) in a fMRI
      experiment. Configural regularity ranged from a generic configuration to stimuli
      resembling an "L" (i.e., a right-angle L-junction), a "T" (i.e., a right-angle
      midpoint T-junction), or a "+",-the latter being the most regular stimulus. We
      found that the response strength in the shape-selective lateral occipital area
      was consistently lower for a higher degree of regularity in the stimuli. In the
      second experiment, using multivoxel pattern analysis, we further show that
      regularity is encoded in terms of the fMRI signal strength but not in the
      distributed pattern of responses. Finally, we found that the results of these
      experiments could not be accounted for by low-level stimulus properties and are
      distinct from norm-based encoding. Our results suggest that regularity plays an
      important role in stimulus encoding in the ventral visual processing stream. 

PMID- 25122216
TI  - Accuracy and speed of material categorization in real-world images.
AB  - It is easy to visually distinguish a ceramic knife from one made of steel, a
      leather jacket from one made of denim, and a plush toy from one made of plastic.
      Most studies of material appearance have focused on the estimation of specific
      material properties such as albedo or surface gloss, and as a consequence, almost
      nothing is known about how we recognize material categories like leather or
      plastic. We have studied judgments of high-level material categories with a
      diverse set of real-world photographs, and we have shown (Sharan, 2009) that
      observers can categorize materials reliably and quickly. Performance on our tasks
      cannot be explained by simple differences in color, surface shape, or texture.
      Nor can the results be explained by observers merely performing shape-based
      object recognition. Rather, we argue that fast and accurate material
      categorization is a distinct, basic ability of the visual system. 

PMID- 25122217
TI  - Exploring heterozygosity-survival correlations in a wild songbird population:
      contrasting effects between juvenile and adult stages.
AB  - The relationship between genetic diversity and fitness, a major issue in
      evolutionary and conservation biology, is expected to be stronger in traits
      affected by many loci and those directly influencing fitness. Here we explore the
      influence of heterozygosity measured at 15 neutral markers on individual
      survival, one of the most important parameters determining individual fitness. We
      followed individual survival up to recruitment and during subsequent adult life
      of 863 fledgling pied flycatchers born in two consecutive breeding seasons. Mark
      recapture analyses showed that individual heterozygosity did not influence
      juvenile or adult survival. In contrast, the genetic relatedness of parents was
      negatively associated with the offspring's survival during the adult life, but
      this effect was not apparent in the juvenile (from fledgling to recruitment)
      stage. Stochastic factors experienced during the first year of life in this long
      distance migratory species may have swamped a relationship between heterozygosity
      and survival up to recruitment. 

PMID- 25122218
TI  - Improving children's oral health: an interdisciplinary research framework.
AB  - Despite the concerted efforts of research and professional and advocacy
      stakeholders, recent evidence suggests that improvements in the oral health of
      young children in the United States has not followed the prevailing trend of oral
      health improvement in other age groups. In fact, oral health disparities in the
      youngest children may be widening, yet efforts to translate advances in science
      and technology into meaningful improvements in populations' health have had
      limited success. Nevertheless, the great strides in genomics, biological,
      behavioral, social, and health services research in the past decade have
      strengthened the evidence base available to support initiatives and translational
      efforts. Concerted actions to accelerate this translation and implementation
      process are warranted; at the same time, policies that can help tackle the
      upstream determinants of oral health disparities are imperative. This article
      summarizes the proceedings from the symposium on the interdisciplinary continuum
      of pediatric oral health that was held during the 43rd annual meeting of the
      American Association for Dental Research, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. This
      report showcases the latest contributions across the interdisciplinary continuum
      of pediatric oral health research and provides insights into future research
      priorities and necessary intersectoral synergies. Issues are discussed as related
      to the overwhelming dominance of social determinants on oral disease and the
      difficulty of translating science into action. 

PMID- 25122220
TI  - Quantifying the role of population subdivision in evolution on rugged fitness
      landscapes.
AB  - Natural selection drives populations towards higher fitness, but crossing fitness
      valleys or plateaus may facilitate progress up a rugged fitness landscape
      involving epistasis. We investigate quantitatively the effect of subdividing an
      asexual population on the time it takes to cross a fitness valley or plateau. We
      focus on a generic and minimal model that includes only population subdivision
      into equivalent demes connected by global migration, and does not require
      significant size changes of the demes, environmental heterogeneity or specific
      geographic structure. We determine the optimal speedup of valley or plateau
      crossing that can be gained by subdivision, if the process is driven by the deme
      that crosses fastest. We show that isolated demes have to be in the sequential
      fixation regime for subdivision to significantly accelerate crossing. Using
      Markov chain theory, we obtain analytical expressions for the conditions under
      which optimal speedup is achieved: valley or plateau crossing by the subdivided
      population is then as fast as that of its fastest deme. We verify our analytical
      predictions through stochastic simulations. We demonstrate that subdivision can
      substantially accelerate the crossing of fitness valleys and plateaus in a wide
      range of parameters extending beyond the optimal window. We study the effect of
      varying the degree of subdivision of a population, and investigate the trade-off
      between the magnitude of the optimal speedup and the width of the parameter range
      over which it occurs. Our results, obtained for fitness valleys and plateaus,
      also hold for weakly beneficial intermediate mutations. Finally, we extend our
      work to the case of a population connected by migration to one or several smaller
      islands. Our results demonstrate that subdivision with migration alone can
      significantly accelerate the crossing of fitness valleys and plateaus, and shed
      light onto the quantitative conditions necessary for this to occur. 

PMID- 25122221
TI  - Clonal expansion of the Pseudogymnoascus destructans genotype in North America is
      accompanied by significant variation in phenotypic expression.
AB  - Pseudogymnoascus destructans is the causative agent of an emerging infectious
      disease that threatens populations of several North American bat species. The
      fungal disease was first observed in 2006 and has since caused the death of
      nearly six million bats. The disease, commonly known as white-nose syndrome, is
      characterized by a cutaneous infection with P. destructans causing erosions and
      ulcers in the skin of nose, ears and/or wings of bats. Previous studies based on
      sequences from eight loci have found that isolates of P. destructans from bats in
      the US all belong to one multilocus genotype. Using the same multilocus sequence
      typing method, we found that isolates from eastern and central Canada also had
      the same genotype as those from the US, consistent with the clonal expansion of
      P. destructans into Canada. However, our PCR fingerprinting revealed that among
      the 112 North American isolates we analyzed, three, all from Canada, showed minor
      genetic variation. Furthermore, we found significant variations among isolates in
      mycelial growth rate; the production of mycelial exudates; and pigment production
      and diffusion into agar media. These phenotypic differences were influenced by
      culture medium and incubation temperature, indicating significant variation in
      environmental condition--dependent phenotypic expression among isolates of the
      clonal P. destructans genotype in North America.

PMID- 25122222
TI  - Long-term sonographic and serological follow-up of inactive echinococcal cysts of
      the liver: hints for a "watch-and-wait" approach.
AB  - Human cystic echinococcosis is a chronic, complex and neglected infection. Its
      clinical management has evolved over decades without adequate evaluation of
      efficacy. Recent expert opinion recommends that uncomplicated inactive cysts of
      the liver should be left untreated and solely monitored over time ("watch-and
      wait" approach). However, clinical data supporting this approach are still scant
      and published mostly as conference proceedings. In this study, we report our
      experience with long-term sonographic and serological follow-up of inactive cysts
      of the liver. From March 1994 to October 2013, 38 patients with 47 liver cysts,
      diagnosed as inactive without any previous treatment history, were followed with
      ultrasound and serology at 6-12 months intervals for a period of at least 24
      months (median follow-up 51.95 months) in our outpatient clinic. In 97.4% of
      patients, the cysts remained inactive over time and in only one case was
      reactivation of the cyst detected. No complications occurred during the time of
      monitoring. During follow-up, serology tests for CE were negative at diagnosis or
      became negative in 74.1% and were positive or became positive in 25.9% of cases.
      Patients with inactive cysts on ultrasound but positive serological tests were
      also investigated by CT scan (chest and abdomen) to rule out extra-hepatic cyst
      localization. This study confirms the importance of a stage-specific approach to
      the management of cystic echinococcosis and supports the use of a monitoring-only
      approach to inactive, uncomplicated cysts of the liver. It also confirms that
      serology plays only an ancillary role in the clinical management of these
      patients, compared to ultrasound and other imaging techniques. The implications
      of these findings for clinical management and natural history of cystic
      echinococcosis are discussed. 

PMID- 25122219
TI  - Histone deacetylase inhibitors impair the elimination of HIV-infected cells by
      cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.
AB  - Resting memory CD4+ T-cells harboring latent HIV proviruses represent a critical
      barrier to viral eradication. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis), such as
      suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA), romidepsin, and panobinostat have been shown to
      induce HIV expression in these resting cells. Recently, it has been demonstrated
      that the low levels of viral gene expression induced by a candidate HDACi may be
      insufficient to cause the death of infected cells by viral cytopathic effects,
      necessitating their elimination by immune effectors, such as cytotoxic T
      lymphocytes (CTL). Here, we study the impact of three HDACis in clinical
      development on T-cell effector functions. We report two modes of HDACi-induced
      functional impairment: i) the rapid suppression of cytokine production from
      viable T-cells induced by all three HDACis ii) the selective death of activated T
      cells occurring at later time-points following transient exposures to romidepsin
      or, to a lesser extent, panobinostat. As a net result of these factors, HDACis
      impaired CTL-mediated IFN-gamma production, as well as the elimination of HIV
      infected or peptide-pulsed target cells, both in liquid culture and in collagen
      matrices. Romidepsin exerted greater inhibition of antiviral function than SAHA
      or panobinostat over the dose ranges tested. These data suggest that treatment
      with HDACis to mobilize the latent reservoir could have unintended negative
      impacts on the effector functions of CTL. This could influence the effectiveness
      of HDACi-based eradication strategies, by impairing elimination of infected
      cells, and is a critical consideration for trials where therapeutic interruptions
      are being contemplated, given the importance of CTL in containing rebound
      viremia. 

PMID- 25122223
TI  - Temporally dynamic habitat suitability predicts genetic relatedness among
      caribou.
AB  - Landscape heterogeneity plays a central role in shaping ecological and
      evolutionary processes. While species utilization of the landscape is usually
      viewed as constant within a year, the spatial distribution of individuals is
      likely to vary in time in relation to particular seasonal needs. Understanding
      temporal variation in landscape use and genetic connectivity has direct
      conservation implications. Here, we modelled the daily use of the landscape by
      caribou in Quebec and Labrador, Canada and tested its ability to explain the
      genetic relatedness among individuals. We assessed habitat selection using
      locations of collared individuals in migratory herds and static occurrences from
      sedentary groups. Connectivity models based on habitat use outperformed a
      baseline isolation-by-distance model in explaining genetic relatedness,
      suggesting that variations in landscape features such as snow, vegetation
      productivity and land use modulate connectivity among populations. Connectivity
      surfaces derived from habitat use were the best predictors of genetic
      relatedness. The relationship between connectivity surface and genetic
      relatedness varied in time and peaked during the rutting period. Landscape
      permeability in the period of mate searching is especially important to allow
      gene flow among populations. Our study highlights the importance of considering
      temporal variations in habitat selection for optimizing connectivity across
      heterogeneous landscape and counter habitat fragmentation. 

PMID- 25122224
TI  - Hox gene duplications correlate with posterior heteronomy in scorpions.
AB  - The evolutionary success of the largest animal phylum, Arthropoda, has been
      attributed to tagmatization, the coordinated evolution of adjacent metameres to
      form morphologically and functionally distinct segmental regions called tagmata.
      Specification of regional identity is regulated by the Hox genes, of which 10 are
      inferred to be present in the ancestor of arthropods. With six different
      posterior segmental identities divided into two tagmata, the bauplan of scorpions
      is the most heteronomous within Chelicerata. Expression domains of the anterior
      eight Hox genes are conserved in previously surveyed chelicerates, but it is
      unknown how Hox genes regionalize the three tagmata of scorpions. Here, we show
      that the scorpion Centruroides sculpturatus has two paralogues of all Hox genes
      except Hox3, suggesting cluster and/or whole genome duplication in this arachnid
      order. Embryonic anterior expression domain boundaries of each of the last four
      pairs of Hox genes (two paralogues each of Antp, Ubx, abd-A and Abd-B) are unique
      and distinguish segmental groups, such as pectines, book lungs and the
      characteristic tail, while maintaining spatial collinearity. These distinct
      expression domains suggest neofunctionalization of Hox gene paralogues subsequent
      to duplication. Our data reconcile previous understanding of Hox gene function
      across arthropods with the extreme heteronomy of scorpions.

PMID- 25122225
TI  - Maternal exposure to predator scents: offspring phenotypic adjustment and
      dispersal.
AB  - Predation is a strong selective pressure generating morphological, physiological
      and behavioural responses in organisms. As predation risk is often higher during
      juvenile stages, antipredator defences expressed early in life are paramount to
      survival. Maternal effects are an efficient pathway to produce such defences. We
      investigated whether maternal exposure to predator cues during gestation affected
      juvenile morphology, behaviour and dispersal in common lizards (Zootoca
      vivipara). We exposed 21 gravid females to saurophagous snake cues for one month
      while 21 females remained unexposed (i.e. control). We measured body size,
      preferred temperature and activity level for each neonate, and released them into
      semi-natural enclosures connected to corridors in order to measure dispersal.
      Offspring from exposed mothers grew longer tails, selected lower temperatures and
      dispersed thrice more than offspring from unexposed mothers. Because both tail
      autotomy and altered thermoregulatory behaviour are common antipredator tactics
      in lizards, these results suggest that mothers adjusted offspring phenotype to
      risky natal environments (tail length) or increased risk avoidance (dispersal).
      Although maternal effects can be passive consequences of maternal stress, our
      results strongly militate for them to be an adaptive antipredator response that
      may increase offspring survival prospects. 

PMID- 25122226
TI  - Early life expenditure in sexual competition is associated with increased
      reproductive senescence in male red deer.
AB  - The evolutionary theories of senescence predict that investment in reproduction
      in early life should come at the cost of reduced somatic maintenance, and thus
      earlier or more rapid senescence. There is now growing support for such trade
      offs in wild vertebrates, but these exclusively come from females. Here, we test
      this prediction in male red deer (Cervus elaphus) using detailed longitudinal
      data collected over a 40-year field study. We show that males which had larger
      harems and thereby allocated more resources to reproduction during early
      adulthood experienced higher rates of senescence in both harem size and rut
      duration. Males that carried antlers with more points during early life did not
      show more pronounced declines in reproductive traits in later life. Overall, we
      demonstrate that sexual competition shapes male reproductive senescence in wild
      red deer populations and provide rare empirical support for the disposable soma
      theory of ageing in males of polygynous vertebrate species. 

PMID- 25122227
TI  - Cryptic cuckoo eggs hide from competing cuckoos.
AB  - Interspecific arms races between cuckoos and their hosts have produced remarkable
      examples of mimicry, with parasite eggs evolving to match host egg appearance and
      so evade removal by hosts. Certain bronze-cuckoo species, however, lay eggs that
      are cryptic rather than mimetic. These eggs are coated in a low luminance pigment
      that camouflages them within the dark interiors of hosts' nests. We investigated
      whether cuckoo egg crypsis is likely to have arisen from the same coevolutionary
      processes known to favour egg mimicry. We added high and low luminance-painted
      eggs to the nests of large-billed gerygones (Gerygone magnirostris), a host of
      the little bronze-cuckoo (Chalcites minutillus). Gerygones rarely rejected either
      egg type, and did not reject natural cuckoo eggs. Cuckoos, by contrast, regularly
      removed an egg from clutches before laying their own and were five times more
      likely to remove a high luminance model than its low luminance counterpart. Given
      that we found one-third of all parasitized nests were exploited by multiple
      cuckoos, our results suggest that competition between cuckoos has been the key
      selective agent for egg crypsis. In such intraspecific arms races, crypsis may be
      favoured over mimicry because it can reduce the risk of egg removal to levels
      below chance.

PMID- 25122229
TI  - Contrasting effects of large density changes on relative testes size in
      fluctuating populations of sympatric vole species.
AB  - Across species, there is usually a positive relationship between sperm
      competition level and male reproductive effort on ejaculates, typically measured
      using relative testes size (RTS). Within populations, demographic and ecological
      processes may drastically alter the level of sperm competition and thus,
      potentially affect the evolution of testes size. Here, we use longitudinal
      records (across 38 years) from wild sympatric Fennoscandian populations of five
      species of voles to investigate whether RTS responds to natural fluctuations in
      population density, i.e. variation in sperm competition risk. We show that for
      some species RTS increases with density. However, our results also show that this
      relationship can be reversed in populations with large-scale between-year
      differences in density. Multiple mechanisms are suggested to explain the negative
      RTS-density relationship, including testes size response to density-dependent
      species interactions, an evolutionary response to sperm competition levels that
      is lagged when density fluctuations are over a certain threshold, or differing
      investment in pre- and post-copulatory competition at different densities. The
      results emphasize that our understanding of sperm competition in fluctuating
      environments is still very limited. 

PMID- 25122228
TI  - Three-way interactions between mosquito population, viral strain and temperature
      underlying chikungunya virus transmission potential.
AB  - Interactions between pathogens and their insect vectors in nature are under the
      control of both genetic and non-genetic factors, yet most studies on mosquito
      vector competence for human pathogens are conducted in laboratory systems that do
      not consider genetic and/or environmental variability. Evaluating the risk of
      emergence of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) of public health importance
      such as chikungunya virus (CHIKV) requires a more realistic appraisal of genetic
      and environmental contributions to vector competence. In particular, sources of
      variation do not necessarily act independently and may combine in the form of
      interactions. Here, we measured CHIKV transmission potential by the mosquito
      Aedes albopictus in all combinations of six worldwide vector populations, two
      virus strains and two ambient temperatures (20 degrees C and 28 degrees C).
      Overall, CHIKV transmission potential by Ae. albopictus strongly depended on the
      three-way combination of mosquito population, virus strain and temperature. Such
      genotype-by-genotype-by-environment (G * G * E) interactions question the
      relevance of vector competence studies conducted with a simpler set of
      conditions. Our results highlight the need to account for the complex interplay
      between vectors, pathogens and environmental factors to accurately assess the
      potential of vector-borne diseases to emerge. 

PMID- 25122230
TI  - Genetic elimination of field-cage populations of Mediterranean fruit flies.
AB  - The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann) is a pest of
      over 300 fruits, vegetables and nuts. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a
      control measure used to reduce the reproductive potential of populations through
      the mass release of sterilized male insects that mate with wild females. However,
      SIT flies can display poor field performance, due to the effects of mass-rearing
      and of the irradiation process used for sterilization. The development of female
      lethal RIDL (release of insects carrying a dominant lethal) strains for medfly
      can overcome many of the problems of SIT associated with irradiation. Here, we
      present life-history characterizations for two medfly RIDL strains, OX3864A and
      OX3647Q. Our results show (i) full functionality of RIDL, (ii) equivalency of
      RIDL and wild-type strains for life-history characteristics, and (iii) a high
      level of sexual competitiveness against both wild-type and wild-derived males. We
      also present the first proof-of-principle experiment on the use of RIDL to
      eliminate medfly populations. Weekly releases of OX3864A males into stable
      populations of wild-type medfly caused a successive decline in numbers, leading
      to eradication. The results show that genetic control can provide an effective
      alternative to SIT for the control of pest insects.

PMID- 25122231
TI  - Prediction of phylogeographic endemism in an environmentally complex biome.
AB  - Phylogeographic endemism, the degree to which the history of recently evolved
      lineages is spatially restricted, reflects fundamental evolutionary processes
      such as cryptic divergence, adaptation and biological responses to environmental
      heterogeneity. Attempts to explain the extraordinary diversity of the tropics,
      which often includes deep phylogeographic structure, frequently invoke
      interactions of climate variability across space, time and topography. To
      evaluate historical versus contemporary drivers of phylogeographic endemism in a
      tropical system, we analyse the effects of current and past climatic variation on
      the genetic diversity of 25 vertebrates in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. We
      identify two divergent bioclimatic domains within the forest and high turnover
      around the Rio Doce. Independent modelling of these domains demonstrates that
      endemism patterns are subject to different climatic drivers. Past climate
      dynamics, specifically areas of relative stability, predict phylogeographic
      endemism in the north. Conversely, contemporary climatic heterogeneity better
      explains endemism in the south. These results accord with recent speleothem and
      fossil pollen studies, suggesting that climatic variability through the last 250
      kyr impacted the northern and the southern forests differently. Incorporating sub
      regional differences in climate dynamics will enhance our ability to understand
      those processes shaping high phylogeographic and species endemism, in the
      Neotropics and beyond. 

PMID- 25122232
TI  - Facial fluctuating asymmetry is not associated with childhood ill-health in a
      large British cohort study.
AB  - The idea that symmetry in facial traits is associated with attractiveness because
      it reliably indicates good physiological health, particularly to potential sexual
      partners, has generated an extensive literature on the evolution of human mate
      choice. However, large-scale tests of this hypothesis using direct or
      longitudinal assessments of physiological health are lacking. Here, we
      investigate relationships between facial fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and detailed
      individual health histories in a sample (n = 4732) derived from a large
      longitudinal study (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) in South
      West England. Facial FA was assessed using geometric morphometric analysis of
      facial landmark configurations derived from three-dimensional facial scans taken
      at 15 years of age. Facial FA was not associated with longitudinal measures of
      childhood health. However, there was a very small negative association between
      facial FA and IQ that remained significant after correcting for a positive
      allometric relationship between FA and face size. Overall, this study does not
      support the idea that facial symmetry acts as a reliable cue to physiological
      health. Consequently, if preferences for facial symmetry do represent an evolved
      adaptation, then they probably function not to provide marginal fitness benefits
      by choosing between relatively healthy individuals on the basis of small
      differences in FA, but rather evolved to motivate avoidance of markers of
      substantial developmental disturbance and significant pathology. 

PMID- 25122234
TI  - Consistent inference of a general model using the pseudolikelihood method.
AB  - Recently, a maximum pseudolikelihood (MPL) inference method has been successfully
      applied to statistical physics models with intractable likelihoods. We use
      information theory to derive a relation between the pseudolikelihood and
      likelihood functions. Furthermore, we show the consistency of the
      pseudolikelihood method for a general model. 

PMID- 25122233
TI  - Costs for switching partners reduce network dynamics but not cooperative
      behaviour.
AB  - Social networks represent the structuring of interactions between group members.
      Above all, many interactions are profoundly cooperative in humans and other
      animals. In accordance with this natural observation, theoretical work
      demonstrates that certain network structures favour the evolution of cooperation.
      Yet, recent experimental evidence suggests that static networks do not enhance
      cooperative behaviour in humans. By contrast, dynamic networks do foster
      cooperation. However, costs associated with dynamism such as time or resource
      investments in finding and establishing new partnerships have been neglected so
      far. Here, we show that human participants are much less likely to break links
      when costs arise for building new links. Especially, when costs were high, the
      network was nearly static. Surprisingly, cooperation levels in Prisoner's Dilemma
      games were not affected by reduced dynamism in social networks. We conclude that
      the mere potential to quit collaborations is sufficient in humans to reach high
      levels of cooperative behaviour. Effects of self-structuring processes or
      assortment on the network played a minor role: participants simply adjusted their
      cooperative behaviour in response to the threats of losing a partner or of being
      expelled. 

PMID- 25122235
TI  - Particle diagrams and embedded many-body random matrix theory.
AB  - We present a method which uses Feynman-like diagrams to calculate the statistical
      quantities of embedded many-body random matrix problems. The method provides a
      promising alternative to existing techniques and offers many important
      simplifications. We use it here to find the fourth, sixth, and eighth moments of
      the level density of an m-body system with k fermions or bosons interacting
      through a random Hermitian potential (k <= m) in the limit where the number of
      possible single-particle states is taken to infinity. All share the same
      transition, starting immediately after 2k = m, from moments arising from a
      semicircular level density to Gaussian moments. The results also reveal a
      striking feature; the domain of the 2nth moment is naturally divided into n
      subdomains specified by the points 2k = m,3 k = m,...,nk = m.

PMID- 25122236
TI  - Anomalous preasymptotic colloid transport by hydrodynamic dispersion in
      microfluidic capillary flow.
AB  - The anomalous preasymptotic transport of colloids in a microfluidic capillary
      flow due to hydrodynamic dispersion is measured by noninvasive nuclear magnetic
      resonance (NMR). The data indicate a reduced scaling of mean squared displacement
      with time from the <z(t)(2)>(c) ~ t(3) behavior for the interaction of a normal
      diffusion process with a simple shear flow. This nonequilibrium steady-state
      system is shown to be modeled by a continuous time random walk (CTRW) on a moving
      fluid. The full propagator of the motion is measured by NMR, providing
      verification of the assumption of Gaussian jump length distributions in the CTRW
      model. The connection of the data to microrheology measurements by NMR, in which
      every particle in a suspension contributes information, is established.

PMID- 25122239
TI  - Derivation of a neural field model from a network of theta neurons.
AB  - Neural field models are used to study macroscopic spatiotemporal patterns in the
      cortex. Their derivation from networks of model neurons normally involves a
      number of assumptions, which may not be correct. Here we present an exact
      derivation of a neural field model from an infinite network of theta neurons, the
      canonical form of a type I neuron. We demonstrate the existence of a "bump"
      solution in both a discrete network of neurons and in the corresponding neural
      field model. 

PMID- 25122237
TI  - Effective attenuation length of an electron in liquid water between 10 and 600
      eV.
AB  - The absolute values of the effective attenuation length of an electron in liquid
      water are determined using soft x-ray O1s photoemission spectroscopy of a liquid
      beam of water without employing any theoretical estimation or computationally
      obtained value. The effective attenuation length is greater than 1 nm in the
      entire electron kinetic energy region and exhibits very flat energy dependence in
      the 10-100 eV region. 

PMID- 25122238
TI  - Order parameter for structural heterogeneity in disordered solids.
AB  - We construct a structural order parameter from the energy equipartition of normal
      modes of vibration to quantify the structural heterogeneity in disordered solids.
      The order parameter exhibits strong spatial correlations with low-temperature
      dynamics and local structural entropy. To characterize the role of particles with
      the most defective local structures identified by the order parameter, we pin
      them and measure the system response. It turns out that particles with the
      largest value of the order parameter are responsible for the quasilocalized low
      frequency vibration, instability, softening, and nonaffinity of disordered
      solids. The order parameter thus crucially links the heterogeneous structure to
      low-temperature dynamics and mechanical properties of disordered solids. 

PMID- 25122240
TI  - Front propagation in cellular flows for fast reaction and small diffusivity.
AB  - We investigate the influence of fluid flows on the propagation of chemical fronts
      arising in Fisher-Kolmogorov-Petrovsky-Piskunov (FKPP) type models. We develop an
      asymptotic theory for the front speed in a cellular flow in the limit of small
      molecular diffusivity and fast reaction, i.e., large Peclet (Pe) and Damkohler
      (Da) numbers. The front speed is expressed in terms of a periodic path--an
      instanton--that minimizes a certain functional. This leads to an efficient
      procedure to calculate the front speed, and to closed-form expressions for
      (logPe)(-1) ? Da ? Pe and for Da ? Pe. Our theoretical predictions are compared
      with (i) numerical solutions of an eigenvalue problem and (ii) simulations of the
      advection-diffusion-reaction equation.

PMID- 25122241
TI  - Dynamics of strongly correlated and strongly inhomogeneous plasmas.
AB  - Kinetic and fluid equations are derived for the dynamics of classical
      inhomogeneous trapped plasmas in the strong coupling regime. The starting point
      is an extended Singwi-Tosi-Land-Sjolander (STLS) ansatz for the dynamic
      correlation function, which is allowed to depend on time and both particle
      coordinates separately. The time evolution of the correlation function is
      determined from the second equation of the Bogolyubov-Born-Green-Kirkwood-Yvon
      hierarchy. We study the equations in the linear limit and derive a nonlocal
      equation for the fluid displacement field. Comparisons to first-principles
      molecular dynamics simulations reveal an excellent quality of our approach
      thereby overcoming the limitations of the broadly used STLS scheme. 

PMID- 25122243
TI  - Generalized Klein-Gordon models: behavior around the ground state condensate.
AB  - In this work, we investigate the balance between the nonlinear and linear
      interaction energy of an interparticle anharmonic system in the vicinity of the
      ground state condensate. As a result, we find that the nonlinear interaction
      energy is very significant in the vicinity of each degree of freedom. We address
      some potential applications of the findings to miscellaneous areas of interests
      such as soliton theory, hydrodynamics, solid state physics, ferromagnetic and
      ferroelectric domain walls, condensed matter physics, and particle physics, among
      others. 

PMID- 25122244
TI  - Estimation of probability densities using scale-free field theories.
AB  - The question of how best to estimate a continuous probability density from finite
      data is an intriguing open problem at the interface of statistics and physics.
      Previous work has argued that this problem can be addressed in a natural way
      using methods from statistical field theory. Here I describe results that allow
      this field-theoretic approach to be rapidly and deterministically computed in low
      dimensions, making it practical for use in day-to-day data analysis. Importantly,
      this approach does not impose a privileged length scale for smoothness of the
      inferred probability density, but rather learns a natural length scale from the
      data due to the tradeoff between goodness of fit and an Occam factor. Open source
      software implementing this method in one and two dimensions is provided. 

PMID- 25122242
TI  - Reduced instability growth with high-adiabat high-foot implosions at the National
      Ignition Facility.
AB  - Hydrodynamic instabilities are a major obstacle in the quest to achieve ignition
      as they cause preexisting capsule defects to grow and ultimately quench the
      fusion burn in experiments at the National Ignition Facility. Unstable growth at
      the ablation front has been dramatically reduced in implosions with "high-foot"
      drives as measured using x-ray radiography of modulations at the most dangerous
      wavelengths (Legendre mode numbers of 30-90). These growth reductions have helped
      to improve the performance of layered DT implosions reported by O. A. Hurricane
      et al. [Nature (London) 506, 343 (2014)], when compared to previous "low-foot"
      experiments, demonstrating the value of stabilizing ablation-front growth and
      providing directions for future ignition designs. 

PMID- 25122245
TI  - Depinning of stiff directed lines in random media.
AB  - Driven elastic manifolds in random media exhibit a depinning transition to a
      state with nonvanishing velocity at a critical driving force. We study the
      depinning of stiff directed lines, which are governed by a bending rigidity
      rather than line tension. Their equation of motion is the (quenched) Herring
      Mullins equation, which also describes surface growth governed by surface
      diffusion. Stiff directed lines are particularly interesting as there is a
      localization transition in the static problem at a finite temperature and the
      commonly exploited time ordering of states by means of Middleton's theorems
      [Phys. Rev. Lett. 68, 670 (1992)] is not applicable. We employ analytical
      arguments and numerical simulations to determine the critical exponents and
      compare our findings with previous works and functional renormalization group
      results, which we extend to the different line elasticity. We see evidence for
      two distinct correlation length exponents. 

PMID- 25122246
TI  - Fisher exponent from pseudo-epsilon expansion.
AB  - The critical exponent eta for three-dimensional systems with an n-vector order
      parameter is evaluated in the framework of the pseudo-epsilon expansion approach.
      The pseudo-epsilon expansion (tau series) for eta found up to the tau(7) term for
      n = 0, 1, 2, 3 and within the tau(6) order for general n is shown to have a
      structure that is rather favorable for getting numerical estimates. The use of
      Pade approximants and direct summation of the tau series result in iteration
      procedures rapidly converging to the asymptotic values that are very close to the
      most reliable numerical estimates of eta known today. The origin of such an
      efficiency is discussed and shown to lie in the general properties of the pseudo
      epsilon expansion machinery interfering with some peculiarities of the
      renormalization group expansion of eta.

PMID- 25122247
TI  - Anomalous diffusion induced by enhancement of memory.
AB  - We introduced simple microscopic non-Markovian walk models which describe the
      underlying mechanism of anomalous diffusions. In the models, we considered the
      competitions between randomness and memory effects of previous history by
      introducing the probability parameters. The memory effects were considered in two
      aspects: one is the perfect memory of whole history and the other is the latest
      memory enhanced with time. In the perfect memory model superdiffusion was induced
      with the relation of the Hurst exponent H to the controlling parameter p as H = p
      for p>1/2, while in the latest memory enhancement models, anomalous diffusions
      involving both superdiffusion and subdiffusion were induced with the relations H
      = (1+alpha)/2 and H = (1-alpha)/2 for 0 <= alpha <= 1, where alpha is the
      parameter controlling the degree of the latest memory enhancement. Also we found
      that, although the latest memory was only considered, the memory improved with
      time results in the long-range correlations between steps and the correlations
      increase as time goes on. Thus we suggest the memory enhancement as a key origin
      describing anomalous diffusions.

PMID- 25122249
TI  - Topological phase transition in a discrete quasicrystal.
AB  - We investigate a two-dimensional tiling model. Even though the degrees of freedom
      in this model are discrete, it has a hidden continuous global symmetry in the
      infinite lattice limit, whose corresponding Goldstone modes are the
      quasicrystalline phasonic degrees of freedom. We show that due to this continuous
      symmetry and despite the apparent discrete nature of the model, a topological
      phase transition from a quasi-long-range ordered to a disordered phase occurs at
      a finite temperature, driven by vortex proliferation. We argue that some of the
      results are universal properties of two-dimensional systems whose ground state is
      a quasicrystalline state. 

PMID- 25122248
TI  - Nonsteady dynamic properties of a domain wall for the creep state under an
      alternating driving field.
AB  - With Monte Carlo simulations, the nonsteady dynamic properties of a domain wall
      have been systematically investigated for the thermally activated creep state
      under an alternating driving field. Taking the driven random-field Ising model in
      two dimensions as an example, two distinct growth stages of the domain interface
      are identified with both the correlation length and roughness function. One stage
      belongs to the universality class of the random depositions, and the other to
      that of the quenched Edwards-Wilkinson equation. In the latter case, due to the
      dynamic effect of overhangs, the domain interface may exhibit an intrinsic
      anomalous scaling behavior, different from that of the quenched Edwards-Wilkinson
      equation. 

PMID- 25122250
TI  - Thermodynamic properties and entropy scaling law for diffusivity in soft spheres.
AB  - The purely repulsive soft-sphere system, where the interaction potential is
      inversely proportional to the pair separation raised to the power n, is
      considered. The Laplace transform technique is used to derive its thermodynamic
      properties in terms of the potential energy and its density derivative obtained
      from molecular dynamics simulations. The derived expressions provide an analytic
      framework with which to explore soft-sphere thermodynamics across the whole
      softness-density fluid domain. The trends in the isochoric and isobaric heat
      capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, isothermal and adiabatic bulk moduli,
      Gruneisen parameter, isothermal pressure, and the Joule-Thomson coefficient as a
      function of fluid density and potential softness are described using these
      formulas supplemented by the simulation-derived equation of state. At low
      densities a minimum in the isobaric heat capacity with density is found, which is
      a new feature for a purely repulsive pair interaction. The hard-sphere and n = 3
      limits are obtained, and the low density limit specified analytically for any n
      is discussed. The softness dependence of calculated quantities indicates freezing
      criteria based on features of the radial distribution function or derived
      functions of it are not expected to be universal. A new and accurate formula
      linking the self-diffusion coefficient to the excess entropy for the entire fluid
      softness-density domain is proposed, which incorporates the kinetic theory
      solution for the low density limit and an entropy-dependent function in an
      exponential form. The thermodynamic properties (or their derivatives), structural
      quantities, and diffusion coefficient indicate that three regions specified by a
      convex, concave, and intermediate density dependence can be expected as a
      function of n, with a narrow transition region within the range 5 < n < 8.

PMID- 25122251
TI  - Nonequilibrium ensemble inequivalence and large deviations of the density in the
      ABC model.
AB  - We consider the one-dimensional driven ABC model under particle-conserving and
      particle-nonconserving processes. Two limiting cases are studied: (a) The rates
      of the nonconserving processes are vanishingly slow compared with the conserving
      processes in the thermodynamic limit and (b) the two rates are comparable. For
      case (a) we provide a detailed analysis of the phase diagram and the large
      deviations function of the overall density, G(r). The phase diagram of the
      nonconserving model, derived from G(r), is found to be different from the
      conserving one. This difference, which stems from the nonconvexity of G(r), is
      analogous to ensemble inequivalence found in equilibrium systems with long-range
      interactions. An outline of the analysis of case (a) was given in an earlier
      letter. For case (b) we show that, unlike the conserving model, the nonconserving
      model exhibits a moving density profile in the steady state with a velocity that
      remains finite in the thermodynamic limit. Moreover, in contrast with case (a),
      the critical lines of the conserving and nonconserving models do not coincide.
      These are new features which are present only when the rates of the conserving
      and nonconserving processes are comparable. In addition, we analyze G(r) in case
      (b) using macroscopic fluctuations theory. Much of the derivation presented in
      this paper is applicable to any driven-diffusive system coupled to an external
      particle bath via a slow dynamics. 

PMID- 25122253
TI  - Long-range correlations in a locally driven exclusion process.
AB  - We show that the presence of a driven bond in an otherwise diffusive lattice gas
      with simple exclusion interaction results in long-range density-density
      correlation in its stationary state. In dimensions d > 1 we show that in the
      thermodynamic limit this correlation decays as C(r,s)~(r(2)+s(2))(-d) at large
      distances r and s away from the drive with |r - s| ? 1. This is derived using an
      electrostatic analogy whereby C(r,s) is expressed as the potential due to a
      configuration of electrostatic charges distributed in 2d dimension. At bulk
      density rho=1/2 we show that the potential is that of a localized quadrupolar
      charge. At other densities the same is correct in leading order in the strength
      of the drive and it is argued numerically to be valid at higher orders.

PMID- 25122252
TI  - Generation of a tunable environment for electrical oscillator systems.
AB  - Many physical, chemical, and biological systems can be modeled by means of random
      frequency harmonic oscillator systems. Even though the noise-free evolution of
      harmonic oscillator systems can be easily implemented, the way to experimentally
      introduce, and control, noise effects due to a surrounding environment remains a
      subject of lively interest. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a setup that
      provides a unique tool to generate a fully tunable environment for classical
      electrical oscillator systems. We illustrate the operation of the setup by
      implementing the case of a damped random-frequency harmonic oscillator. The high
      degree of tunability and control of our scheme is demonstrated by gradually
      modifying the statistics of the oscillator's frequency fluctuations. This tunable
      system can readily be used to experimentally study interesting noise effects,
      such as noise-induced transitions in systems driven by multiplicative noise, and
      noise-induced transport, a phenomenon that takes place in quantum and classical
      coupled oscillator networks. 

PMID- 25122254
TI  - Equilibrium states of generic quantum systems subject to periodic driving.
AB  - When a closed quantum system is driven periodically with period T, it approaches
      a periodic state synchronized with the drive in which any local observable
      measured stroboscopically approaches a steady value. For integrable systems, the
      resulting behavior is captured by a periodic version of a generalized Gibbs
      ensemble. By contrast, here we show that for generic nonintegrable interacting
      systems, local observables become independent of the initial state entirely.
      Essentially, this happens because Floquet eigenstates of the driven system at
      quasienergy omega(alpha) consist of a mixture of the exponentially many
      eigenstates of the undriven Hamiltonian, which are thus drawn from the entire
      extensive undriven spectrum. This is a form of equilibration which depends only
      on the Hilbert space of the undriven system and not on any details of its
      Hamiltonian.

PMID- 25122255
TI  - Self-propelled particle in an external potential: existence of an effective
      temperature.
AB  - We study a stationary state of a single self-propelled, athermal particle in
      linear and quadratic external potentials. The self-propulsion is modeled as a
      fluctuating internal driving force evolving according to the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck
      process, independently of the state of the particle. Without an external
      potential, in the long time limit, the self-propelled particle moving in a
      viscous medium performs diffusive motion, which allows one to identify an
      effective temperature. We show that in the presence of a linear external
      potential the stationary state distribution has an exponential form with the
      sedimentation length determined by the effective temperature of the free self
      propelled particle. In the presence of a quadratic external potential the
      stationary state distribution has a Gaussian form. However, in general, this
      distribution is not determined by the effective temperature of the free self
      propelled particle. 

PMID- 25122256
TI  - Small-cluster renormalization group in Ising and Blume-Emery-Griffiths models
      with ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and quenched disordered magnetic
      interactions.
AB  - The Ising and Blume-Emery-Griffiths (BEG) models' critical behavior is analyzed
      in two dimensions and three dimensions by means of a renormalization group scheme
      on small clusters made of a few lattice cells. Different kinds of cells are
      proposed for both ordered and disordered model cases. In particular, cells
      preserving a possible antiferromagnetic ordering under renormalization allow for
      the determination of the Neel critical point and its scaling indices. These also
      provide more reliable estimates of the Curie fixed point than those obtained
      using cells preserving only the ferromagnetic ordering. In all studied
      dimensions, the present procedure does not yield a strong-disorder critical point
      corresponding to the transition to the spin-glass phase. This limitation is
      thoroughly analyzed and motivated. 

PMID- 25122257
TI  - Revisiting Feynman's ratchet with thermoelectric transport theory.
AB  - We show how the formalism used for thermoelectric transport may be adapted to
      Smoluchowski's seminal thought experiment, also known as Feynman's ratchet and
      pawl system. Our analysis rests on the notion of useful flux, which for a
      thermoelectric system is the electrical current and for Feynman's ratchet is the
      effective jump frequency. Our approach yields original insight into the
      derivation and analysis of the system's properties. In particular we define an
      entropy per tooth in analogy with the entropy per carrier or Seebeck coefficient,
      and we derive the analog to Kelvin's second relation for Feynman's ratchet. Owing
      to the formal similarity between the heat fluxes balance equations for a
      thermoelectric generator (TEG) and those for Feynman's ratchet, we introduce a
      distribution parameter gamma that quantifies the amount of heat that flows
      through the cold and hot sides of both heat engines. While it is well established
      that gamma = 1/2 for a TEG, it is equal to 1 for Feynman's ratchet. This implies
      that no heat may be rejected in the cold reservoir for the latter case. Further,
      the analysis of the efficiency at maximum power shows that the so-called Feynman
      efficiency corresponds to that of an exoreversible engine, with gamma = 1. Then,
      turning to the nonlinear regime, we generalize the approach based on the
      convection picture and introduce two different types of resistance to distinguish
      the dynamical behavior of the considered system from its ability to dissipate
      energy. We finally put forth the strong similarity between the original Feynman
      ratchet and a mesoscopic thermoelectric generator with a single conducting
      channel.

PMID- 25122258
TI  - Effect of coupling strength on a two-lane partially asymmetric coupled totally
      asymmetric simple exclusion process with Langmuir kinetics.
AB  - We analyze an open system comprised of two parallel totally asymmetric simple
      exclusion processes with particle attachment and detachment in the bulk under
      partially asymmetric coupling conditions. The phase diagrams are obtained using
      boundary layer analysis of continuum mean-field equations and characterized for
      different values of lane-changing rates. The structure of the phase diagram
      remains qualitatively the same as the one in fully asymmetric coupling conditions
      up to a certain critical order of lane-changing rates, after which significant
      changes are found in the phase diagram. The effect of system size on the steady
      state dynamics has also been examined. To validate theoretical findings,
      extensive Monte Carlo simulations are carried out. 

PMID- 25122259
TI  - Energy pumping in electrical circuits under avalanche noise.
AB  - We theoretically study energy pumping processes in an electrical circuit with
      avalanche diodes, where non-Gaussian athermal noise plays a crucial role. We show
      that a positive amount of energy (work) can be extracted by an external
      manipulation of the circuit in a cyclic way, even when the system is spatially
      symmetric. We discuss the properties of the energy pumping process for both
      quasistatic and finite-time cases, and analytically obtain formulas for the
      amounts of the work and the power. Our results demonstrate the significance of
      the non-Gaussianity in energetics of electrical circuits. 

PMID- 25122260
TI  - Role of the interpretation of stochastic calculus in systems with cross
      correlated Gaussian white noises.
AB  - We derive the Fokker-Planck equation for multivariable Langevin equations with
      cross-correlated Gaussian white noises for an arbitrary interpretation of the
      stochastic differential equation. We formulate the conditions when the solution
      of the Fokker-Planck equation does not depend on which stochastic calculus is
      adopted. Further, we derive an equivalent multivariable Ito stochastic
      differential equation for each possible interpretation of the multivariable
      Langevin equation. To demonstrate the usefulness and significance of these
      general results, we consider the motion of Brownian particles. We study in detail
      the stability conditions for harmonic oscillators with two white noises, one of
      which is additive, random forcing, and the other, which accounts for fluctuations
      of either the damping or the spring coefficient, is multiplicative. We analyze
      the role of cross correlation in terms of the different noise interpretations and
      confirm the theoretical predictions via numerical simulations. We stress the
      interest of our results for numerical simulations of stochastic differential
      equations with an arbitrary interpretation of the stochastic integrals. 

PMID- 25122261
TI  - Scaling of clusters near discontinuous percolation transitions in hyperbolic
      networks.
AB  - We investigate the onset of the discontinuous percolation transition in small
      world hyperbolic networks by studying the systems-size scaling of the typical
      largest cluster approaching the transition, p ? p(c). To this end, we determine
      the average size of the largest cluster <s(max)> ~ N(Psi(p)) in the thermodynamic
      limit using real-space renormalization of cluster-generating functions for bond
      and site percolation in several models of hyperbolic networks that provide exact
      results. We determine that all our models conform to the recently predicted
      behavior regarding the growth of the largest cluster, which found diverging,
      albeit subextensive, clusters spanning the system with finite probability well
      below p(c) and at most quadratic corrections to unity in Psi(p) for p ? p(c). Our
      study suggests a large universality in the cluster formation on small-world
      hyperbolic networks and the potential for an alternative mechanism in the cluster
      formation dynamics at the onset of discontinuous percolation transitions.

PMID- 25122262
TI  - Scaling hypothesis for the Euclidean bipartite matching problem.
AB  - We propose a simple yet very predictive form, based on a Poisson's equation, for
      the functional dependence of the cost from the density of points in the Euclidean
      bipartite matching problem. This leads, for quadratic costs, to the analytic
      prediction of the large N limit of the average cost in dimension d = 1,2 and of
      the subleading correction in higher dimension. A nontrivial scaling exponent,
      gamma(d) = d-2/d, which differs from the monopartite's one, is found for the
      subleading correction. We argue that the same scaling holds true for a generic
      cost exponent in dimension d > 2.

PMID- 25122263
TI  - Optimal efficiency of a noisy quantum heat engine.
AB  - In this article we use optimal control to maximize the efficiency of a quantum
      heat engine executing the Otto cycle in the presence of external noise. We
      optimize the engine performance for both amplitude and phase noise. In the case
      of phase damping we additionally show that the ideal performance of a noiseless
      engine can be retrieved in the adiabatic (long time) limit. The results obtained
      here are useful in the quest for absolute zero, the design of quantum
      refrigerators that can cool a physical system to the lowest possible temperature.
      They can also be applied to the optimal control of a collection of classical
      harmonic oscillators sharing the same time-dependent frequency and subjected to
      similar noise mechanisms. Finally, our methodology can be used for the
      optimization of other interesting thermodynamic processes. 

PMID- 25122264
TI  - Multiple phase transitions in extended hard-core lattice gas models in two
      dimensions.
AB  - We study the k-NN hard-core lattice gas model in which the first k next-nearest
      neighbor sites of a particle are excluded from occupation by other particles on a
      two-dimensional square lattice. This model is the lattice version of the hard
      disk system with increasing k corresponding to decreasing lattice spacing. While
      the hard-disk system is known to undergo a two-step freezing process with
      increasing density, the lattice model has been known to show only one transition.
      Here, based on Monte Carlo simulations and high-density expansions of the free
      energy and density, we argue that for k = 4,10,11,14,?, the lattice model
      undergoes multiple transitions with increasing density. Using Monte Carlo
      simulations, we confirm the same for k = 4,...,11. This, in turn, resolves an
      existing puzzle as to why the 4-NN model has a continuous transition against the
      expectation of a first-order transition.

PMID- 25122265
TI  - Quantum systems equilibrate rapidly for most observables.
AB  - Considering any Hamiltonian, any initial state, and measurements with a small
      number of possible outcomes compared to the dimension, we show that most
      measurements are already equilibrated. To investigate nontrivial equilibration,
      we therefore consider a restricted set of measurements. When the initial state is
      spread over many energy levels, and we consider the set of observables for which
      this state is an eigenstate, most observables are initially out of equilibrium
      yet equilibrate rapidly. Moreover, all two-outcome measurements, where one of the
      projectors is of low rank, equilibrate rapidly. 

PMID- 25122266
TI  - Mean-field universality class induced by weak hyperbolic curvatures.
AB  - Order-disorder phase transition of the ferromagnetic Ising model is investigated
      on a series of two-dimensional lattices that have negative Gaussian curvatures.
      Exceptional lattice sites of coordination number seven are distributed on the
      triangular lattice, where the typical distance between the nearest exceptional
      sites is proportional to an integer parameter n. Thus, the corresponding
      curvature is asymptotically proportional to -n(-2). Spontaneous magnetization and
      specific heat are calculated by means of the corner transfer matrix
      renormalization group method. For all the finite n cases, we observe the mean
      field-like phase transition. It is confirmed that the entanglement entropy at the
      transition temperature is linear in (c/6)ln n, where c = 1/2 is the central
      charge of the Ising model. The fact agrees with the presence of the typical
      length scale n being proportional to the curvature radius.

PMID- 25122267
TI  - Fluctuations of isolated and confined surface steps of monatomic height.
AB  - The temporal evolution of equilibrium fluctuations for surface steps of monatomic
      height is analyzed studying one-dimensional solid-on-solid models. Using Monte
      Carlo simulations, fluctuations due to periphery diffusion (PD) as well as due to
      evaporation and condensation are considered, both for isolated steps and for
      steps confined by the presence of straight steps. For isolated steps, the
      dependence of the characteristic power laws, their exponents, and prefactors on
      temperature, slope, and curvature is elucidated, with the main emphasis on PD,
      taking into account finite-size effects. The entropic repulsion due to a second
      straight step may lead, among other things, to an interesting transient power-law
      like growth of the fluctuations, for PD. Findings are compared to results of
      previous Monte Carlo simulations and predictions based, mostly, on scaling
      arguments and Langevin theory. 

PMID- 25122268
TI  - Numerical test of hydrodynamic fluctuation theory in the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam chain.
AB  - Recent work has developed a nonlinear hydrodynamic fluctuation theory for a chain
      of coupled anharmonic oscillators governing the conserved fields, namely,
      stretch, momentum, and energy. The linear theory yields two propagating sound
      modes and one diffusing heat mode, all three with diffusive broadening. In
      contrast, the nonlinear theory predicts that, at long times, the sound mode
      correlations satisfy Kardar-Parisi-Zhang scaling, while the heat mode
      correlations have Levy-walk scaling. In the present contribution we report on
      molecular dynamics simulations of Fermi-Pasta-Ulam chains to compute various
      spatiotemporal correlation functions and compare them with the predictions of the
      theory. We obtain very good agreement in many cases, but also some deviations. 

PMID- 25122269
TI  - Reinterpretation of velocity-dependent atomic friction: influence of the inherent
      instrumental noise in friction force microscopes.
AB  - We have applied both the master equation method and harmonic transition state
      theory to interpret the velocity-dependent friction behavior observed in atomic
      friction experiments. To understand the discrepancy between attempt frequencies
      measured in atomic force microscopy experiments and those estimated by
      theoretical models, both thermal noise and instrumental noise are introduced into
      the model. It is found that the experimentally observed low attempt frequency and
      the transition point at low velocity regimes can be interpreted in terms of the
      instrumental noise inherent in atomic force microscopy. In contrast to previous
      models, this model also predicts (1) the existence of a two-slope curve of
      velocity dependence and (2) the decrease of critical velocity with temperature,
      which provides clues for further experimental verification of the influence of
      instrumental noise in friction measurements. 

PMID- 25122270
TI  - Code-division multiple-access multiuser demodulator by using quantum
      fluctuations.
AB  - We examine the average-case performance of a code-division multiple-access (CDMA)
      multiuser demodulator in which quantum fluctuations are utilized to demodulate
      the original message within the context of Bayesian inference. The quantum
      fluctuations are built into the system as a transverse field in the infinite
      range Ising spin glass model. We evaluate the performance measurements by using
      statistical mechanics. We confirm that the CDMA multiuser modulator using quantum
      fluctuations achieve roughly the same performance as the conventional CDMA
      multiuser modulator through thermal fluctuations on average. We also find that
      the relationship between the quality of the original information retrieval and
      the amplitude of the transverse field is somehow a "universal feature" in typical
      probabilistic information processing, viz., in image restoration, error
      correcting codes, and CDMA multiuser demodulation. 

PMID- 25122271
TI  - Strong local passivity in finite quantum systems.
AB  - Passive states of quantum systems are states from which no system energy can be
      extracted by any cyclic (unitary) process. Gibbs states of all temperatures are
      passive. Strong local (SL) passive states are defined to allow any general
      quantum operation, but the operation is required to be local, being applied only
      to a specific subsystem. Any mixture of eigenstates in a system-dependent
      neighborhood of a nondegenerate entangled ground state is found to be SL passive.
      In particular, Gibbs states are SL passive with respect to a subsystem only at or
      below a critical system-dependent temperature. SL passivity is associated in many
      body systems with the presence of ground state entanglement in a way suggestive
      of collective quantum phenomena such as quantum phase transitions,
      superconductivity, and the quantum Hall effect. The presence of SL passivity is
      detailed for some simple spin systems where it is found that SL passivity is
      neither confined to systems of only a few particles nor limited to the near
      vicinity of the ground state. 

PMID- 25122272
TI  - Logarithmic finite-size effects on interfacial free energies: phenomenological
      theory and Monte Carlo studies.
AB  - The computation of interfacial free energies between coexisting phases (e.g.,
      saturated vapor and liquid) by computer simulation methods is still a challenging
      problem due to the difficulty of an atomistic identification of an interface and
      interfacial fluctuations on all length scales. The approach to estimate the
      interfacial tension from the free-energy excess of a system with interfaces
      relative to corresponding single-phase systems does not suffer from the first
      problem but still suffers from the latter. Considering d-dimensional systems with
      interfacial area L(d-1) and linear dimension L(z) in the direction perpendicular
      to the interface, it is argued that the interfacial fluctuations cause
      logarithmic finite-size effects of order ln(L)/L(d-1) and order ln(L(z))/L(d-1),
      in addition to regular corrections (with leading-order const/L(d-1)). A
      phenomenological theory predicts that the prefactors of the logarithmic terms are
      universal (but depend on the applied boundary conditions and the considered
      statistical ensemble). The physical origin of these corrections are the
      translational entropy of the interface as a whole, "domain breathing" (coupling
      of interfacial fluctuations to the bulk order parameter fluctuations of the
      coexisting domains), and capillary waves. Using a new variant of the ensemble
      switch method, interfacial tensions are found from Monte Carlo simulations of d =
      2 and d = 3 Ising models and a Lennard-Jones fluid. The simulation results are
      fully consistent with the theoretical predictions.

PMID- 25122273
TI  - Dynamic hysteretic features of Ising-type thin films.
AB  - In order to elucidate the nature of hysteresis characteristics in a magnetic
      Ising-type thin film with a certain thickness, such as types of frequency
      dispersion curves, decay of hysteresis loop area, corresponding coercive field
      and remanent magnetization values, etc., we investigate the hysteretic response
      of each layer within effective-field theory. Throughout the analysis, the best
      appropriate parameter values are chosen since they would allow us to observe the
      reversed magnetic hysteresis after a certain value of external field frequency.
      This eccentric phenomenon has prompted us to associate it to the domain
      nucleation and growth mechanism in the dynamic process. Exotic shapes of the
      response for different layer indices in two different regimes of modified surface
      exchange are particularly emphasized. 

PMID- 25122274
TI  - Two-point resistance of a resistor network embedded on a globe.
AB  - We consider the problem of two-point resistance in an (m-1) * n resistor network
      embedded on a globe, a geometry topologically equivalent to an m * n cobweb with
      its boundary collapsed into one single point. We deduce a concise formula for the
      resistance between any two nodes on the globe using a method of direct summation
      pioneered by one of us [Z.-Z. Tan, L. Zhou, and J. H. Yang, J. Phys. A: Math.
      Theor. 46, 195202 (2013)]. This method is contrasted with the Laplacian matrix
      approach formulated also by one of us [F. Y. Wu, J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37, 6653
      (2004)], which is difficult to apply to the geometry of a globe. Our analysis
      gives the result in the form of a single summation.

PMID- 25122275
TI  - Effects of cross-correlated noises on the transport of active Brownian particles.
AB  - The transport properties of active Brownian particles driven by cross-correlated
      noises are investigated. Using the Langevin and Fokker-Planck approaches, the
      theoretical analysis of the model is presented. It is found that correlated
      noises can produce a net velocity, which stems from the symmetric breaking of the
      system induced by the correlation between noises. The mean velocity is negative
      for positive correlation but positive for negative correlation. The mean velocity
      increases while the effective diffusion decreases as the absolute value of the
      correlation between the noises increases. Both the mean velocity and the
      effective diffusion show a nonmonotonic dependence on the multiplicative noise,
      but a monotonically decreasing dependence on the additive noise. 

PMID- 25122276
TI  - Large pseudocounts and L2-norm penalties are necessary for the mean-field
      inference of Ising and Potts models.
AB  - The mean-field (MF) approximation offers a simple, fast way to infer direct
      interactions between elements in a network of correlated variables, a common,
      computationally challenging problem with practical applications in fields ranging
      from physics and biology to the social sciences. However, MF methods achieve
      their best performance with strong regularization, well beyond Bayesian
      expectations, an empirical fact that is poorly understood. In this work, we study
      the influence of pseudocount and L(2)-norm regularization schemes on the quality
      of inferred Ising or Potts interaction networks from correlation data within the
      MF approximation. We argue, based on the analysis of small systems, that the
      optimal value of the regularization strength remains finite even if the sampling
      noise tends to zero, in order to correct for systematic biases introduced by the
      MF approximation. Our claim is corroborated by extensive numerical studies of
      diverse model systems and by the analytical study of the m-component spin model
      for large but finite m. Additionally, we find that pseudocount regularization is
      robust against sampling noise and often outperforms L(2)-norm regularization,
      particularly when the underlying network of interactions is strongly
      heterogeneous. Much better performances are generally obtained for the Ising
      model than for the Potts model, for which only couplings incoming onto medium
      frequency symbols are reliably inferred.

PMID- 25122277
TI  - Exclusion processes with avalanches.
AB  - In an exclusion process with avalanches, when a particle hops to a neighboring
      empty site which is adjacent to an island the particle on the other end of the
      island immediately hops, and if it joins another island this triggers another
      hop. There are no restrictions on the length of the islands and the duration of
      the avalanche. This process is well defined in the low-density region rho < 1/2.
      We describe the nature of steady states (on a ring) and determine all correlation
      functions. For the asymmetric version of the process, we compute the steady state
      current, and we describe shock and rarefaction waves which arise in the evolution
      of the step-function initial profile. For the symmetric version, we determine the
      diffusion coefficient and examine the evolution of a tagged particle.

PMID- 25122278
TI  - Nonergodicity, fluctuations, and criticality in heterogeneous diffusion
      processes.
AB  - We study the stochastic behavior of heterogeneous diffusion processes with the
      power-law dependence D(x) ~ |x|(alpha) of the generalized diffusion coefficient
      encompassing sub- and superdiffusive anomalous diffusion. Based on statistical
      measures such as the amplitude scatter of the time-averaged mean-squared
      displacement of individual realizations, the ergodicity breaking and non
      Gaussianity parameters, as well as the probability density function P(x,t), we
      analyze the weakly nonergodic character of the heterogeneous diffusion process
      and, particularly, the degree of irreproducibility of individual realizations. As
      we show, the fluctuations between individual realizations increase with growing
      modulus |alpha| of the scaling exponent. The fluctuations appear to diverge when
      the critical value alpha = 2 is approached, while for even larger alpha the
      fluctuations decrease, again. At criticality, the power-law behavior of the mean
      squared displacement changes to an exponentially fast growth, and the
      fluctuations of the time-averaged mean-squared displacement do not converge for
      increasing number of realizations. From a systematic comparison we observe some
      striking similarities of the heterogeneous diffusion process with the familiar
      subdiffusive continuous time random walk process with power-law waiting time
      distribution and diverging characteristic waiting time.

PMID- 25122279
TI  - Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of proton conductivity.
AB  - The kinetic Monte Carlo method is used to model the dynamic properties of proton
      diffusion in anhydrous proton conductors. The results have been discussed with
      reference to a two-step process called the Grotthuss mechanism. There is a
      widespread belief that this mechanism is responsible for fast proton mobility. We
      showed in detail that the relative frequency of reorientation and diffusion
      processes is crucial for the conductivity. Moreover, the current dependence on
      proton concentration has been analyzed. In order to test our microscopic model
      the proton transport in polymer electrolyte membranes based on benzimidazole
      C(7)H(6)N(2) molecules is studied.

PMID- 25122280
TI  - Emergence of limit-periodic order in tiling models.
AB  - A two-dimensional (2D) lattice model defined on a triangular lattice with nearest
      and next-nearest-neighbor interactions based on the Taylor-Socolar monotile is
      known to have a limit-periodic ground state. The system reaches that state during
      a slow quench through an infinite sequence of phase transitions. We study the
      model as a function of the strength of the next-nearest-neighbor interactions and
      introduce closely related 3D models with only nearest-neighbor interactions that
      exhibit limit-periodic phases. For models with no next-nearest-neighbor
      interactions of the Taylor-Socolar type, there is a large degenerate class of
      ground states, including crystalline patterns and limit-periodic ones, but a slow
      quench still yields the limit-periodic state. For the Taylor-Socolar lattic
      model, we present calculations of the diffraction pattern for a particular
      decoration of the tile that permits exact expressions for the amplitudes and
      identify domain walls that slow the relaxation times in the ordered phases. For
      one of the 3D models, we show that the phase transitions are first order, with
      equilibrium structures that can be more complex than in the 2D case, and we
      include a proof of aperiodicity for a geometrically simple tile with only nearest
      neighbor matching rules. 

PMID- 25122281
TI  - Nonequilibrium dynamics of four-point correlations of collective density
      fluctuations in a supercooled liquid.
AB  - In this paper we study the four-point correlation function chi(4) of collective
      density fluctuations in a nonequilibrium liquid. The equilibration is controlled
      by a modified stretched exponential behavior (exp[-(t(w)/tau)(beta)]) having the
      relaxation time tau dependent on the aging time t(w). Similar aging behavior has
      been seen experimentally in supercooled liquids. The basic equations of
      fluctuating nonlinear hydrodynamics are solved here numerically to obtain chi(4)
      for equilibrium and non equilibrium states. We also identify a dynamic length
      scale xi from the equilibrated function. xi(T) grows with fall of temperature T.
      From a broader perspective, we demonstrate here that the characteristic
      signatures of dynamical heterogeneities in a supercooled liquid, observed
      previously in computer simulations of the dynamics of a small number of
      particles, are also present in the coarse grained equations of generalized
      hydrodynamics.

PMID- 25122282
TI  - Critical Casimir interactions between spherical particles in the presence of bulk
      ordering fields.
AB  - The spatial suppression of order parameter fluctuations in a critical media
      produces critical Casimir forces acting on confining surfaces. This scenario is
      realized in a critical binary mixture near the demixing transition point that
      corresponds to the second-order phase transition of the Ising universality class.
      Due to these critical interactions similar colloids, immersed in a critical
      binary mixture near the consolute point, exhibit attraction. The numerical method
      for computation of the interaction potential between two spherical particles
      using Monte Carlo simulations for the Ising model is proposed. This method is
      based on the integration of the local magnetization over the applied local
      magnetic field. For the stronger interaction the concentration of the component
      of the mixture that does not wet colloidal particles should be larger than the
      critical concentration. The strongest amplitude of the interactions is observed
      below the critical point. 

PMID- 25122283
TI  - Rare regions and Griffiths singularities at a clean critical point: the five
      dimensional disordered contact process.
AB  - We investigate the nonequilibrium phase transition of the disordered contact
      process in five space dimensions by means of optimal fluctuation theory and Monte
      Carlo simulations. We find that the critical behavior is of mean-field type,
      i.e., identical to that of the clean five-dimensional contact process. It is
      accompanied by off-critical power-law Griffiths singularities whose dynamical
      exponent z' saturates at a finite value as the transition is approached. These
      findings resolve the apparent contradiction between the Harris criterion, which
      implies that weak disorder is renormalization-group irrelevant, and the rare
      region classification, which predicts unconventional behavior. We confirm and
      illustrate our theory by large-scale Monte Carlo simulations of systems with up
      to 70(5) sites. We also relate our results to a recently established general
      relation between the Harris criterion and Griffiths singularities [Phys. Rev.
      Lett. 112, 075702 (2014)], and we discuss implications for other phase
      transitions.

PMID- 25122284
TI  - One-dimensional disordered Ising models by replica and cavity methods.
AB  - Using a formalism based on the spectral decomposition of the replicated transfer
      matrix for disordered Ising models, we obtain several results that apply both to
      isolated one-dimensional systems and to locally treelike graph and factor graph
      (p-spin) ensembles. We present exact analytical expressions, which can be
      efficiently approximated numerically for many types of correlation functions and
      for the average free energies of open and closed finite chains. All the results
      achieved, with the exception of those involving closed chains, are then
      rigorously derived without replicas, using a probabilistic approach with the same
      flavor of cavity method. 

PMID- 25122285
TI  - Structure and thermodynamic properties of relativistic electron gases.
AB  - Relativistic effect is important in many quantum systems but theoretically
      complicated from both fundamental and practical perspectives. Herein we introduce
      an efficient computational procedure to predict the structure and energetic
      properties of relativistic quantum systems by mapping the Pauli principle into an
      effective pairwise-additive potential such that the properties of relativistic
      nonquantum systems can be readily predicted from conventional liquid-state
      methods. We applied our theoretical procedure to relativistic uniform electron
      gases and compared the pair correlation functions with those for systems of
      nonrelativistic electrons. A simple analytical expression has been developed to
      correlate the exchange-correlation free energy of relativistic uniform electron
      systems. 

PMID- 25122286
TI  - 1/ f noise from the laws of thermodynamics for finite-size fluctuations.
AB  - Computer simulations of the Ising model exhibit white noise if thermal
      fluctuations are governed by Boltzmann's factor alone; whereas we find that the
      same model exhibits 1/f noise if Boltzmann's factor is extended to include local
      alignment entropy to all orders. We show that this nonlinear correction maintains
      maximum entropy during equilibrium fluctuations. Indeed, as with the usual way to
      resolve Gibbs' paradox that avoids entropy reduction during reversible processes,
      the correction yields the statistics of indistinguishable particles. The
      correction also ensures conservation of energy if an instantaneous contribution
      from local entropy is included. Thus, a common mechanism for 1/f noise comes from
      assuming that finite-size fluctuations strictly obey the laws of thermodynamics,
      even in small parts of a large system. Empirical evidence for the model comes
      from its ability to match the measured temperature dependence of the spectral
      density exponents in several metals and to show non-Gaussian fluctuations
      characteristic of nanoscale systems. 

PMID- 25122287
TI  - Condensation of fluctuations in and out of equilibrium.
AB  - Condensation of fluctuations is an interesting phenomenon conceptually distinct
      from condensation on average. One striking feature is that, contrary to what
      happens on average, condensation of fluctuations may occur even in the absence of
      interaction. The explanation emerges from the duality between large deviation
      events in the given system and typical events in a new and appropriately biased
      system. This phenomenon is investigated in the context of the Gaussian model,
      chosen as a paradigmatical noninteracting system, before and after an
      instantaneous temperature quench. It is shown that the bias induces a mean-field
      like effective interaction responsible for the condensation on average. Phase
      diagrams, covering both the equilibrium and the off-equilibrium regimes, are
      derived for observables representative of generic behaviors. 

PMID- 25122288
TI  - Effect of disorder on condensation in the lattice gas model on a random graph.
AB  - The lattice gas model of condensation in a heterogeneous pore system, represented
      by a random graph of cells, is studied using an exact analytical solution. A
      binary mixture of pore cells with different coordination numbers is shown to
      exhibit two phase transitions as a function of chemical potential in a certain
      temperature range. Heterogeneity in interaction strengths is demonstrated to
      reduce the critical temperature and, for large-enough degreeS of disorder,
      divides the cells into ones which are either on average occupied or unoccupied.
      Despite treating the pore space loops in a simplified manner, the random-graph
      model provides a good description of condensation in porous structures containing
      loops. This is illustrated by considering capillary condensation in a structural
      model of mesoporous silica SBA-15. 

PMID- 25122289
TI  - Work and efficiency of quantum Otto cycles in power-law trapping potentials.
AB  - We study the performance of a quantum Otto cycle operating in trapping potentials
      of different shapes. We show that, while both the mean work output and the
      efficiency of two Otto cycles in different trapping potentials can be made equal,
      the work probability distribution will still be strongly affected by the
      difference in structure of the energy levels. To exemplify our results, we study
      the family of potentials of the form V(t)(x) ~ x(2q). This family of potentials
      possesses a simple scaling property that allows for analytical insights into the
      efficiency and work output of the cycle. We perform a comparison of quantum Otto
      cycles in various physically relevant scenarios and find that in certain
      instances, the efficiency of the cycle is greater when using potentials with
      larger values of q, while in other cases, the efficiency is greater with harmonic
      traps.

PMID- 25122290
TI  - Finite-size corrections to disordered Ising models on random regular graphs.
AB  - We derive the analytical expression for the first finite-size correction to the
      average free energy of disordered Ising models on random regular graphs. The
      formula can be physically interpreted as a weighted sum over all non-self
      intersecting loops in the graph, the weight being the free-energy shift due to
      the addition of the loop to an infinite tree. 

PMID- 25122291
TI  - Equilibrium time-correlation functions for one-dimensional hard-point systems.
AB  - As recently proposed, the long-time behavior of equilibrium time-correlation
      functions for one-dimensional systems are expected to be captured by a nonlinear
      extension of fluctuating hydrodynamics. We outline the predictions from the
      theory aimed at the comparison with molecular dynamics. We report on numerical
      simulations of a fluid with a hard-shoulder potential and of a hard-point gas
      with alternating masses. These models have in common that the collision time is
      zero and their dynamics amounts to iterating collision by collision. The theory
      is well confirmed, with the twist that the nonuniversal coefficients are still
      changing at longest accessible times. 

PMID- 25122292
TI  - Heat transfer in the spin-boson model: a comparative study in the incoherent
      tunneling regime.
AB  - We study the transfer of heat in the nonequilibrium spin-boson model with an
      Ohmic dissipation. In the nonadiabatic limit we derive a formula for the thermal
      conductance based on a rate equation formalism at the level of the noninteracting
      blip approximation, valid for temperatures T>T(K), with T(K) as the Kondo
      temperature. We evaluate this expression analytically assuming either weak or
      strong couplings, and demonstrate that our results agree with exact relations.
      Far-from-equilibrium situations are further examined, showing a close
      correspondence to the linear response limit.

PMID- 25122293
TI  - Order-disorder transition in swirled granular disks.
AB  - We study the order-disorder transition of horizontally swirled dry and wet
      granular disks by means of computer simulations. Our systematic investigation of
      the local order formation as a function of amplitude and period of the external
      driving force shows that a large cluster of hexagonally ordered particles forms
      for both dry and wet granular particles at intermediate driving energies.
      Disordered states are found at small and large driving energies. Wet granular
      particles reach a higher degree of local hexagonal order with respect to the dry
      case. For both cases we report a qualitative phase diagram showing the amount of
      local order at different state points. Furthermore, we find that the transition
      from hexagonal order to a disordered state is characterized by the appearance of
      particles with square local order. 

PMID- 25122294
TI  - Effect of size polydispersity versus particle shape in dense granular media.
AB  - We present a detailed analysis of the morphology of granular systems composed of
      frictionless pentagonal particles by varying systematically both the size span
      and particle shape irregularity, which represent two polydispersity parameters of
      the system. The microstructure is characterized in terms of various statistical
      descriptors such as global and local packing fractions, radial distribution
      functions, coordination number, and fraction of floating particles. We find that
      the packing fraction increases with the two parameters of polydispersity, but the
      effect of shape polydispersity for all the investigated structural properties is
      significant only at low size polydispersity where the positional and/or
      orientational ordering of the particles prevail. We focus in more detail on the
      class of side/side contacts, which is the interesting feature of our system as
      compared to a packing of disks. We show that the proportion of such contacts has
      weak dependence on the polydispersity parameters. The side- side contacts do not
      percolate but they define clusters of increasing size as a function of size
      polydispersity and decreasing size as a function of shape polydispersity. The
      clusters have anisotropic shapes but with a decreasing aspect ratio as
      polydispersity increases. This feature is argued to be a consequence of strong
      force chains (forces above the mean), which are mainly captured by side-side
      contacts. Finally, the force transmission is intrinsically multiscale, with a
      mean force increasing linearly with particle size. 

PMID- 25122295
TI  - Granular flow through an aperture: influence of the packing fraction.
AB  - For the last 50 years, the flow of a granular material through an aperture has
      been intensely studied in gravity-driven vertical systems (e.g., silos and
      hoppers). Nevertheless, in many industrial applications, grains are horizontally
      transported at constant velocity, lying on conveyor belts or floating on the
      surface of flowing liquids. Unlike fluid flows, that are controlled by the
      pressure, granular flow is not sensitive to the local pressure but rather to the
      local velocity of the grains at the outlet. We can also expect the flow rate to
      depend on the local density of the grains. Indeed, vertical systems are packed in
      dense configurations by gravity, but, in contrast, in horizontal systems the
      density can take a large range of values, potentially very small, which may
      significantly alter the flow rate. In the present article, we study, for
      different initial packing fractions, the discharge through an orifice of
      monodisperse grains driven at constant velocity by a horizontal conveyor belt. We
      report how, during the discharge, the packing fraction is modified by the
      presence of the outlet, and we analyze how changes in the packing fraction induce
      variations in the flow rate. We observe that variations of packing fraction do
      not affect the velocity of the grains at the outlet, and, therefore, we establish
      that flow-rate variations are directly related to changes in the packing
      fraction. 

PMID- 25122296
TI  - Memory effect in uniformly heated granular gases.
AB  - We evidence a Kovacs-like memory effect in a uniformly driven granular gas. A
      system of inelastic hard particles, in the low density limit, can reach a
      nonequilibrium steady state when properly forced. By following a certain protocol
      for the drive time dependence, we prepare the gas in a state where the granular
      temperature coincides with its long time value. The temperature subsequently does
      not remain constant but exhibits a nonmonotonic evolution with either a maximum
      or a minimum, depending on the dissipation and on the protocol. We present a
      theoretical analysis of this memory effect at Boltzmann-Fokker-Planck equation
      level and show that when dissipation exceeds a threshold, the response can be
      called anomalous. We find excellent agreement between the analytical predictions
      and direct Monte Carlo simulations. 

PMID- 25122297
TI  - Electric double-layer potentials and surface regulation properties measured by
      colloidal-probe atomic force microscopy.
AB  - We show how the colloidal-probe technique, which is based on force measurements
      made with the atomic force microscope, can be used to accurately determine the
      charging parameters of water-solid interfaces. Besides yielding accurate values
      of the double-layer or diffuse-layer potential, the method also allows reliable
      determination of the charge regulation properties of the surfaces. The latter can
      be quantified with a regulation parameter, which is essential to properly
      describe forces between interfaces, especially in asymmetric situations when one
      of the interfaces is charged and the other one is close to neutral. The technique
      relies on a highly charged probe particle, for which the charging properties are
      accurately determined by interpreting the double-layer contribution of the
      measured force profiles in the symmetric sphere-sphere geometry with Poisson
      Boltzmann (PB) theory. Once the probe particle is calibrated, this particle is
      used to measure the force profile between an unknown substrate in the asymmetric
      sphere-sphere or sphere-plane geometry. From this profile, the diffuse-layer
      potential and regulation parameter of the substrate can be again determined with
      PB theory. The technique is highly versatile, as it can be used for a wide
      variety of substrates, including colloidal particles and planar substrates. The
      technique is also applicable in salt solutions containing multivalent ions. The
      current drawbacks of the technique are that it can only be applied up to
      moderately high salt levels, typically to 10 mM, and only for relatively large
      particles, typically down to about 1 MUm in diameter. How the technique could be
      extended to higher salt levels and smaller particle size is also briefly
      discussed. 

PMID- 25122298
TI  - Directional locking in deterministic lateral-displacement microfluidic separation
      systems.
AB  - We analyze the trajectory of suspended spherical particles moving through a
      square array of obstacles, in the deterministic limit and at zero Reynolds
      number. We show that in the dilute approximation of widely separated obstacles,
      the average motion of the particles is equivalent to the trajectory followed by a
      point particle moving through an array of obstacles with an effective radius. The
      effective radius accounts for the hydrodynamic as well as short-range repulsive
      nonhydrodynamic interactions between the suspended particles and the obstacles,
      and is equal to the critical offset at which particle trajectories become
      irreversible. Using this equivalent system we demonstrate the presence of
      directional locking in the trajectory of the particles and derive an inequality
      that accurately describes the "devil's staircase" type of structure observed in
      the migration angle as a function of the forcing direction. We use these results
      to determine the optimum resolution in the fractionation of binary mixtures using
      deterministic lateral-displacement microfluidic separation systems as well as to
      comment on the collision frequencies when the arrays of posts are utilized as
      immunocapture devices. 

PMID- 25122299
TI  - Diffusing-wave spectroscopy in an inhomogeneous object: local viscoelastic
      spectra from ultrasound-assisted measurement of correlation decay arising from
      the ultrasound focal volume.
AB  - We demonstrate diffusing-wave spectroscopy (DWS) in a localized region of a
      viscoelastically inhomogeneous object by measurement of the intensity
      autocorrelation [g(2)(tau)] that captures only the decay introduced by the
      temperature-induced Brownian motion in the region. The region is roughly
      specified by the focal volume of an ultrasound transducer which introduces region
      specific mechanical vibration owing to insonification. Essential characteristics
      of the localized non-Markovian dynamics are contained in the decay of the
      modulation depth [M(tau)], introduced by the ultrasound forcing in the focal
      volume selected, on g(2)(tau). The modulation depth M(tau(i)) at any delay time
      tau(i) can be measured by short-time Fourier transform of g(2)(tau) and
      measurement of the magnitude of the spectrum at the ultrasound drive frequency.
      By following the established theoretical framework of DWS, we are able to connect
      the decay in M(tau) to the mean-squared displacement (MSD) of scattering centers
      and the MSD to G*(omega), the complex viscoelastic spectrum. A two-region
      composite polyvinyl alcohol phantom with different viscoelastic properties is
      selected for demonstrating local DWS-based recovery of G*(omega) corresponding to
      these regions from the measured region specific M(tau(i))vstau(i). The ultrasound
      assisted measurement of MSD is verified by simulating, using a generalized
      Langevin equation (GLE), the dynamics of the particles in the region selected as
      well as by the usual DWS experiment without the ultrasound. It is shown that
      whereas the MSD obtained by solving the GLE without the ultrasound forcing agreed
      with its experimental counterpart covering small and large values of tau, the
      match was good only in the initial transients in regard to experimental
      measurements with ultrasound.

PMID- 25122300
TI  - Water electrolyte transport through corrugated carbon nanopores.
AB  - We investigate the effect of wall roughness on water electrolyte transport
      characteristics at different temperatures through carbon nanotubes by using
      nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Our results reveal that shearing
      stress and the nominal viscosity increase with ion concentration in corrugated
      carbon nanotubes (CNTs), in contrast to cases in smooth CNTs. Also, the
      temperature increase leads to the reduction of shearing stress and the nominal
      viscosity at moderate degrees of wall roughness. At high degrees of wall
      roughness, the temperature increase will enhance radial movements and increases
      resistance against fluid motion. As the fluid velocity increases, the particles
      do not have enough time to fully adjust their positions to minimize system
      energy, which causes shearing stress and the nominal viscosity to increase. By
      increasing roughness amplitude or decreasing roughness wavelength, the shearing
      stress will increase. Synergistic effects of such parameters (wall roughness,
      velocity, ion concentration, and temperature) inside corrugated CNTs are studied
      and compared with each other. The molecular mechanisms are considered by
      investigating the radial density profile and the radial velocity profile of
      confined water inside modified CNT. 

PMID- 25122301
TI  - Phase behavior of a fluid with a double Gaussian potential displaying waterlike
      features.
AB  - Pair potentials that are bounded at the origin provide an accurate description of
      the effective interaction for many systems of dissolved soft macromolecules
      (e.g., flexible dendrimers). Using numerical free-energy calculations, we
      reconstruct the equilibrium phase diagram of a system of particles interacting
      through a potential that brings together a Gaussian repulsion with a much weaker
      Gaussian attraction, close to the thermodynamic stability threshold. Compared to
      the purely repulsive model, only the reentrant branch of the melting line
      survives, since for lower densities solidification is overridden by liquid-vapor
      separation. As a result, the phase diagram of the system recalls that of water up
      to moderate (i.e., a few tens of MPa) pressures. Upon superimposing a suitable
      hard core on the double-Gaussian potential, a further transition to a more
      compact solid phase is induced at high pressure, which might be regarded as the
      analog of the ice I-to-ice III transition in water. 

PMID- 25122302
TI  - Influence of primary-particle density in the morphology of agglomerates.
AB  - Agglomeration processes occur in many different realms of science, such as
      colloid and aerosol formation or formation of bacterial colonies. We study the
      influence of primary-particle density in agglomerate structures using diffusion
      controlled Monte Carlo simulations with realistic space scales through different
      regimes (diffusion-limited aggregation and diffusion-limited colloid
      aggregation). The equivalence of Monte Carlo time steps to real time scales is
      given by Hirsch's hydrodynamical theory of Brownian motion. Agglomerate behavior
      at different time stages of the simulations suggests that three indices (the
      fractal exponent, the coordination number, and the eccentricity index)
      characterize agglomerate geometry. Using these indices, we have found that the
      initial density of primary particles greatly influences the final structure of
      the agglomerate, as observed in recent experimental works. 

PMID- 25122303
TI  - Self-propelled particle transport in regular arrays of rigid asymmetric
      obstacles.
AB  - We report numerical results which show the achievement of net transport of self
      propelled particles (SPPs) in the presence of a two-dimensional regular array of
      convex, either symmetric or asymmetric, rigid obstacles. The repulsive
      interparticle (soft disks) and particle-obstacle interactions present no
      alignment rule. We find that SPPs present a vortex-type motion around convex
      symmetric obstacles even in the absence of hydrodynamic effects. Such a motion is
      not observed for a single SPP, but is a consequence of the collective motion of
      SPPs around the obstacles. A steady particle current is spontaneously established
      in an array of nonsymmetric convex obstacles (which presents no cavity in which
      particles may be trapped), and in the absence of an external field. Our results
      are mainly a consequence of the tendency of the self-propelled particles to
      attach to solid surfaces. 

PMID- 25122304
TI  - Model for a mixture of macroions, counterions, and co-ions in a waterlike fluid.
AB  - We propose an integral equation theory for a mixture of macroions, counterions,
      and co-ions in a waterlike fluid in which all the components are accounted for
      explicitly. The macroions can carry positive and negative surface charges
      simultaneously, mimicking in this way the situation occurring in protein
      solutions. To solve this complex model numerically, we utilize the associative
      mean spherical approximation, developed earlier for low-molecular-mass charge
      symmetric electrolyte solutions. To illustrate the potential of this approach, we
      present numerical results for various experimental conditions. Among the
      measurable properties we choose to calculate the osmotic coefficient, a quantity
      that reflects the stability of the solution. We show that the osmotic coefficient
      depends not only on the magnitude of the net charge on the macroion but also on
      its sign, as well as on the nature of the low-molecular-mass electrolyte present.
      These specific ion effects are the consequence of differences in hydration
      between the ions in solution and charged groups on the macroion. 

PMID- 25122305
TI  - Characteristics of angular cross correlations studied by light scattering from
      two-dimensional microsphere films.
AB  - Recently the analysis of scattering patterns by angular cross-correlation
      analysis (CCA) was introduced to reveal the orientational order in disordered
      samples with special focus to future applications on x-ray free-electron laser
      facilities. We apply this CCA approach to ultra-small-angle light-scattering data
      obtained from two-dimensional monolayers of microspheres. The films were studied
      in addition by optical microscopy. This combined approach allows to calculate the
      cross-correlations of the scattering patterns, characterized by the orientational
      correlation function Psi(l)(q), as well as to obtain the real-space structure of
      the monolayers. We show that CCA is sensitive to the orientational order of
      monolayers formed by the microspheres which are not directly visible from the
      scattering patterns. By mixing microspheres of different radii the sizes of
      ordered monolayer domains is reduced. For these samples it is shown that
      Psi(l)(q) quantitatively describes the degree of hexagonal order of the two
      dimensional films. The experimental CCA results are compared with calculations
      based on the microscopy images. Both techniques show qualitatively similar
      features. Differences can be attributed to the wave-front distortion of the laser
      beam in the experiment. This effect is discussed by investigating the effect of
      different wave fronts on the cross-correlation analysis results. The so
      determined characteristics of the cross-correlation analysis will be also
      relevant for future x-ray-based studies.

PMID- 25122306
TI  - How nonmagnetic particles intensify rotational diffusion in magnetorheological
      fluids.
AB  - In this work we propose a mechanism to explain the enhancement of the magnetic
      field-induced yield stress when nonmagnetic particles are added to magnetic
      particulate suspensions, i.e., two-component suspensions. Our main hypothesis is
      that the nonmagnetic particles collide with the field-induced magnetic aggregates
      under shear flow. Consequently, supplementary fluctuations of the orientations of
      the magnetic aggregates occur, resulting in an effective rotary diffusion
      process, which increases the dynamic yield stress of the suspension. Furthermore,
      the collision rate and the rotary diffusivity of the aggregates should increase
      with the concentration of nonmagnetic particles. Rheological measurements in
      plate-plate and cylindrical Couette geometries confirm the increase of the yield
      stress with the volume fraction of nonmagnetic particles. In addition, such an
      effect appears to be more important in Couette geometry, for which orientation
      fluctuations of the magnetic aggregates play a more significant role. Finally, a
      theoretical model based on this rotary diffusion mechanism is developed,
      providing a quantitative explanation of the experimentally observed trends. 

PMID- 25122307
TI  - Surface shear-transformation zones in amorphous solids.
AB  - We perform a systematic study of the characteristics of shear transformation
      zones (STZs) that nucleate at free surfaces of two-dimensional amorphous solids
      subject to tensile loading using two different atomistic simulation methods, the
      standard athermal, quasistatic (AQ) approach and our recently developed self
      learning metabasin escape (SLME) method, to account for the finite temperature
      and strain-rate effects. In the AQ, or strain-driven limit, the nonaffine
      displacement fields of surface STZs decay exponentially away from their centers
      at similar decay rates as their bulk counterparts, though the direction of
      maximum nonaffine displacement is tilted away from the tensile axis due to
      surface effects. Using the SLME method at room temperature and at the high strain
      rates that are seen in classical molecular dynamics simulations, the
      characteristics for both bulk and surface STZs are found to be identical to those
      seen in the AQ simulations. However, using the SLME method at room temperature
      and experimentally relevant strain rates, we find a transition in the surface STZ
      characteristics where a loss in the characteristic angular tensile-compression
      symmetry is observed. Finally, the thermally activated surface STZs exhibit a
      slower decay rate in the nonaffine displacement field than do strain-driven
      surface STZs, which is characterized by a larger drop in potential energy
      resulting from STZ nucleation that is enabled by the relative compliance of the
      surface as compared to the bulk. 

PMID- 25122308
TI  - Interplay of model ingredients affecting aggregate shape plasticity in diffusion
      limited aggregation.
AB  - We analyze the combined effect of three ingredients of an aggregation model-
      surface tension, particle flow and particle source--representing typical
      characteristics of many aggregation growth processes in nature. Through extensive
      numerical experiments and for different underlying lattice structures we
      demonstrate that the location of incoming particles and their preferential
      direction of flow can significantly affect the resulting general shape of the
      aggregate, while the surface tension controls the surface roughness. Combining
      all three ingredients increases the aggregate shape plasticity, yielding a wider
      spectrum of shapes as compared to earlier works that analyzed these ingredients
      separately. Our results indicate that the considered combination of effects is
      fundamental for modeling the polymorphic growth of a wide variety of structures
      in confined geometries and/or in the presence of external fields, such as rocks,
      crystals, corals, and biominerals.

PMID- 25122309
TI  - Phase-field modeling of grain-boundary premelting using obstacle potentials.
AB  - We investigate the multiorder parameter phase field model of Steinbach and
      Pezzolla [Physica D 134, 385 (1999)] concerning its ability to describe grain
      boundary premelting. For a single order parameter situation solid-melt interfaces
      are always attractive, which allows us to have (unstable) equilibrium solid-melt
      solid coexistence above the bulk melting point. The temperature-dependent melt
      layer thickness and the disjoining potential, which describe the interface
      interaction, are affected by the choice of the thermal coupling function and the
      measure to define the amount of the liquid phase. Due to the strictly finite
      interface thickness the interaction range also is finite. For a multiorder
      parameter model we find either purely attractive or purely repulsive finite
      ranged interactions. The premelting transition is then directly linked to the
      ratio of the grain boundary and solid-melt interfacial energy. 

PMID- 25122310
TI  - Thermally activated depinning motion of contact lines in pseudopartial wetting.
AB  - We investigate pressure-driven motion of liquid-liquid menisci in circular tubes,
      for systems in pseudopartial wetting conditions. The originality of this type of
      wetting lies in the coexistence of a macroscopic contact angle with a wetting
      liquid film covering the solid surface. Focusing on small capillary numbers, we
      report observations of an apparent contact angle hysteresis at first sight
      similar to the standard partial wetting case. However, this apparent hysteresis
      exhibits original features. We observe very long transient regimes before steady
      state, up to several hundreds of seconds. Furthermore, in steady state, the
      velocities are nonzero, meaning that the contact line is not strongly pinned to
      the surface defects, but are very small. The velocity of the contact line tends
      to vanish near the equilibrium contact angle. These observations are consistent
      with the thermally activated depinning theory that has been proposed to describe
      partial wetting systems on disordered substrates and suggest that a single
      physical mechanism controls both the hysteresis (or the pinning) and the motion
      of the contact line. The proposed analysis leads to the conclusion that the
      depinning activated energy is lower with pseudopartial wetting systems than with
      partial wetting ones, allowing the direct observation of the thermally activated
      motion of the contact line. 

PMID- 25122311
TI  - Self-similarity and scaling of thermal shock fractures.
AB  - The problem of crack pattern formation due to thermal shock loading at the
      surface of half space is solved numerically using the two-dimensional boundary
      element method. The results of numerical simulations with 100-200 random
      simultaneously growing and interacting cracks are used to obtain scaling
      relations for crack length and spacing. The numerical results predict that such a
      process of pattern formation with quasistatic crack growth is not stable and at
      some point the excess energy leads to unstable propagation of one of the longest
      cracks. This single-crack scenario should be understood in a local sense. There
      could be other unstable cracks far away that together can form a new pattern. The
      onset of instability has also been determined from numerical results. 

PMID- 25122312
TI  - Boundary lubrication with a liquid crystal monolayer.
AB  - We study boundary lubrication characteristics of a liquid crystal (LC) monolayer
      sheared between two crystalline surfaces by nonequilibrium molecular dynamics
      simulations, using a simplified rigid bead-necklace model of the LC molecules. We
      consider LC monolayers confined by surfaces with three different atomic
      structures, subject to different shearing velocities, thus approximating a wide
      variety of materials and driving conditions. The time dependence of the friction
      force is studied and correlated with that of the orientational order exhibited by
      the LC molecules, arising from the competition between the effect of the
      structure of the confining surfaces and that of the imposed sliding direction. We
      show that the observed stick-slip events for low shear rates involve order
      disorder transitions, and that the LC monolayer no longer has enough time to
      reorder at high shear rates, resulting in a smooth sliding regime. An irregular
      stick-slip phase between the regular stick-slip and smooth sliding is observed
      for intermediate shear rates regardless of the surface structure. 

PMID- 25122313
TI  - High-speed atomic force microscope imaging: adaptive multiloop mode.
AB  - In this paper, an imaging mode (called the adaptive multiloop mode) of atomic
      force microscope (AFM) is proposed to substantially increase the speed of tapping
      mode (TM) imaging while preserving the advantages of TM imaging over contact mode
      (CM) imaging. Due to its superior image quality and less sample disturbances over
      CM imaging, particularly for soft materials such as polymers, TM imaging is
      currently the most widely used imaging technique. The speed of TM imaging,
      however, is substantially (over an order of magnitude) lower than that of CM
      imaging, becoming the major bottleneck of this technique. Increasing the speed of
      TM imaging is challenging as a stable probe tapping on the sample surface must be
      maintained to preserve the image quality, whereas the probe tapping is rather
      sensitive to the sample topography variation. As a result, the increase of
      imaging speed can quickly lead to loss of the probe-sample contact and/or
      annihilation of the probe tapping, resulting in image distortion and/or sample
      deformation. The proposed adaptive multiloop mode (AMLM) imaging overcomes these
      limitations of TM imaging through the following three efforts integrated
      together: First, it is proposed to account for the variation of the TM deflection
      when quantifying the sample topography; second, an inner-outer feedback control
      loop to regulate the TM deflection is added on top of the tapping-feedback
      control loop to improve the sample topography tracking; and, third, an online
      iterative feedforward controller is augmented to the whole control system to
      further enhance the topography tracking, where the next-line sample topography is
      predicted and utilized to reduce the tracking error. The added feedback
      regulation of the TM deflection ensures the probe-sample interaction force
      remains near the minimum for maintaining a stable probe-sample interaction. The
      proposed AMLM imaging is tested and demonstrated by imaging a poly(tert-butyl
      acrylate) sample in experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that the
      image quality achieved by using the proposed AMLM imaging at a scan rate of 25 Hz
      and over a large-size imaging (50 MUm * 25 MUm) is at the same level of that
      obtained using TM imaging at 1 Hz, while the probe-sample interaction force is
      noticeably reduced from that achieved using TM imaging at 2.5 Hz.

PMID- 25122314
TI  - Contact angle hysteresis and pinning at periodic defects in statics.
AB  - This article deals with the theoretical prediction of the wetting hysteresis on
      nonideal solid surfaces in terms of the surface heterogeneity parameters. The
      spatially periodical chemical heterogeneity is considered. We propose precise
      definitions for both the advancing and the receding contact angles for the
      Wilhelmy plate geometry. It is well known that in such a system, a multitude of
      metastable states of the liquid meniscus occurs for each different relative
      position of the defect pattern on the plate with respect to the liquid level. As
      usual, the static advancing and receding angles are assumed to be a consequence
      of the preceding contact line motion in the respective direction. It is shown how
      to select the appropriate states among all metastable states. Their selection is
      discussed. The proposed definitions are applicable to both the static and the
      dynamic contact angles on heterogeneous surfaces. The static advancing and
      receding angles are calculated for two examples of periodic heterogeneity
      patterns with sharp borders: the horizontal alternating stripes of a different
      wettability (studied analytically) and the doubly periodic pattern of circular
      defects on a homogeneous base (studied numerically). The wetting hysteresis is
      determined as a function of the defect density and the spatial period. A
      comparison with the existing results is carried out. 

PMID- 25122315
TI  - Sharp interfaces in two-dimensional free boundary problems: interface calculation
      via matched conformal maps.
AB  - We use conformal maps to study a free boundary problem for a two-fluid
      electromechanical system, where the interface between the fluids is determined by
      the combined effects of electrostatic forces, gravity, and surface tension. The
      free boundary in our system develops sharp corners or singularities in certain
      parameter regimes, and this is an impediment to using existing "single-scale"
      numerical conformal mapping methods. The difficulty is due to the phenomenon of
      crowding, i.e., the tendency of nodes in the preimage plane to concentrate near
      the sharp regions of the boundary, leaving the smooth regions of the boundary
      poorly resolved. A natural idea is to exploit the scale separation between the
      sharp regions and smooth regions to solve for each region separately and then
      stitch the solutions together. However, this is not straightforward as conformal
      maps are rigid "global" objects, and it is not obvious how one would patch two
      conformal maps together to obtain a new conformal map. We develop a "multiscale"
      (i.e., adaptive) conformal mapping method that allows us to carry out this
      program of stitching conformal maps on different scales together. We successfully
      apply our method to the electromechanical model problem. 

PMID- 25122316
TI  - Damage accumulation in quasibrittle fracture.
AB  - The strength of quasibrittle materials depends on the ensemble of defects inside
      the sample and on the way damage accumulates before failure. Using large-scale
      numerical simulations of the random fuse model, we investigate the evolution of
      the microcrack distribution as the applied load approaches the fracture point. We
      find that the distribution broadens mostly due to a tendency of cracks to
      coalesce in a way that increases with system size. We study how the observed
      behavior depends on the disorder present in the sample and relate the results
      with fracture size effects. 

PMID- 25122317
TI  - Dewetting of evaporating thin films over nanometer-scale topographies.
AB  - A lubrication model is used to study dewetting of an evaporating thin film layer
      over a solid substrate with a nanometer-scale topography. The effects of the
      geometry of the topography, the contact angle, the film thickness, and the
      slippage on the dewetting have been studied. Our results reveal that the
      evaporation enhances the dewetting process and reduces the depinning time over
      the topography. Also it is shown that the depinning time is inversely
      proportional to the slippage and increasing the contact angle may considerably
      reduce the depinning time, while the film thickness increases the depinning time.

PMID- 25122318
TI  - Equilibrium configurations of nematic liquid crystals on a torus.
AB  - The topology and the geometry of a surface play a fundamental role in determining
      the equilibrium configurations of thin films of liquid crystals. We propose here
      a theoretical analysis of a recently introduced surface Frank energy, in the case
      of two-dimensional nematic liquid crystals coating a toroidal particle. Our aim
      is to show how a different modeling of the effect of extrinsic curvature acts as
      a selection principle among equilibria of the classical energy and how new
      configurations emerge. In particular, our analysis predicts the existence of
      stable equilibria with complex windings. 

PMID- 25122319
TI  - Dynamics of colloidal particles in electrohydrodynamic convection of nematic
      liquid crystal.
AB  - We have studied the dynamics of micrometer-sized colloidal particles in
      electrohydrodynamic convection of nematic liquid crystal. Above the onset voltage
      of electroconvection, the parallel array of convection rolls appears to be
      perpendicular to the nematic field at first. The particles are forced to rotate
      by convection flow and are trapped within a single roll in this voltage regime. A
      slow glide motion along the roll axis is also observed. The frequency of
      rotational motion and the glide velocity increase with the applied voltage. Under
      a much larger voltage where the roll axis temporally fluctuates, the particles
      occasionally hop to the neighbor rolls. In this voltage regime, the motion of the
      particles becomes two-dimensional. The motion perpendicular to the roll axis
      exhibits diffusion behavior at a long time period. The effective diffusion
      constant is 10(3)-10(4) times larger than the molecular one. The observed
      behavior is compared with the result obtained by a simple stochastic model for
      the transport of the particles in convection. The enhancement of diffusion can be
      quantitatively described well by the rotation frequency in a roll, the width of
      the roll, and the hopping probability to the neighbor rolls.

PMID- 25122320
TI  - Electric-field variations within a nematic-liquid-crystal layer.
AB  - A thin layer of nematic liquid crystal (NLC) across which an electric field is
      applied is a setup of great industrial importance in liquid crystal display
      devices. There is thus a large literature modeling this situation and related
      scenarios. A commonly used assumption is that an electric field generated by
      electrodes at the two bounding surfaces of the layer will produce a field that is
      uniform: that is, the presence of NLC does not affect the electric field. In this
      paper, we use calculus of variations to derive the equations coupling the
      electric potential to the orientation of the NLC's director field, and use a
      simple one-dimensional model to investigate the limitations of the uniform field
      assumption in the case of a steady applied field. The extension of the model to
      the unsteady case is also briefly discussed. 

PMID- 25122321
TI  - Gold nanoparticle liquid crystal composites as a tunable nonlinear medium.
AB  - We investigate the nonlinearity of a liquid crystal cell doped with gold
      nanoparticles by considering their selective absorption. Such nonlinearities are
      promising for optical processing applications and optical limiters. Systems
      displaying thermal nonlinearities are particularly attractive as the maximum
      nonlinearity may occur in the absence of an applied field and additionally this
      nonlinearity can be controlled by the reorientation of the liquid crystal. We
      show that there exists a theoretical optimum concentration of absorbers, which
      maximizes the nonlinearity. Further we show that the nonlinearity of the system
      can be tuned by the reorientation of the liquid crystal host, with the
      nonlinearity decreasing from 9 * 10(-5) cm(2)W(-1) to zero by the application of
      a magnetic field of the order of 0.01 Tesla. This allows a fine control of the
      diffraction efficiency and, in principle, many other nonlinear effects.

PMID- 25122322
TI  - Two-dimensional skyrmions and other solitonic structures in confinement
      frustrated chiral nematics.
AB  - We explore spatially localized solitonic configurations of a director field,
      generated using optical realignment and laser-induced heating, in frustrated
      chiral nematic liquid crystals confined between substrates with perpendicular
      surface anchoring. We demonstrate that, in addition to recently studied torons
      and Hopf-fibration solitonic structures (hopfions), one can generate a host of
      other axially symmetric stable and metastable director field configurations where
      local twist is matched to the surface boundary conditions through introduction of
      point defects and loops of singular and nonsingular disclinations. The
      experimentally demonstrated structures include the so-called "baby-skyrmions" in
      the form of double twist cylinders oriented perpendicular to the confining
      substrates where their double twist field configuration is matched to the
      perpendicular boundary conditions by loops of twist disclinations. We also
      generate complex textures with arbitrarily large skyrmion numbers. A simple back
      of-the-envelope theoretical analysis based on free energy considerations and the
      nonpolar nature of chiral nematics provides insights into the long-term stability
      and diversity of these inter-related solitonic field configurations, including
      different types of torons, cholestric-finger loops, two-dimensional skyrmions,
      and more complex structures comprised of torons, hopfions, and various
      disclination loops that are experimentally observed in a confinement-frustrated
      chiral nematic system. 

PMID- 25122323
TI  - Rheology of twist-grain-boundary-A liquid crystals.
AB  - We report studies on the rheological properties of a liquid crystalline analog of
      Abrikosov phase in type-II superconductors known as twist-grain-boundary-A
      (TGB(A)) phase. The TGB(A) phase shows a large apparent yield stress compared to
      the cholesteric (N*) phase. The storage modulus (G') of the TGB(A) phase is
      significantly larger than the loss modulus (G''). The dynamic relaxation
      measurements indicate a solid-like behavior of N*, TGB(A), and smectic-C* phases.
      The complex shear modulus of the TGB(A) phase exhibits a power-law behavior
      G*(omega) ~ omega(alpha) with alpha ? 0.5. The relative amplitude of G' and G''
      at various temperatures indicate that the enhanced elasticity of TGB(A) phase is
      due to the structural defects.

PMID- 25122324
TI  - Symmetry breaking of nematic umbilical defects through an amplitude equation.
AB  - The existence, stability properties, and bifurcation diagram of the nematic
      umbilical defects is studied. Close to the Freedericksz transition of nematic
      liquid crystals with negative anisotropic dielectric constant and homeotropic
      anchoring, an anisotropic Ginzburg-Landau equation for the amplitude of the tilt
      of the director away from the vertical axis is derived by taking the three
      dimensional (3D) to 2D limit of the Frank-Oseen model. The anisotropic Ginzburg
      Landau equation allows us to reveal the mechanism of symmetry breaking of nematic
      umbilical defects. The positive defect is fully characterized as a function of
      the anisotropy, while the negative defect is characterized perturbatively.
      Numerical simulations show quite good agreement with the analytical results. 

PMID- 25122325
TI  - Comparative studies on field-induced stretching behavior of single-walled and
      multiwalled carbon nanotube clusters.
AB  - We demonstrate distinct entanglement of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and
      multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) clusters in nematic liquid crystal medium
      using scanning electron microscopy technique and the entanglement influence on
      electric field-induced stretching phenomena of the said clusters in the same
      medium under optical microscopy investigation. The observed stretching threshold
      field for MWCNT clusters is found to be higher than the SWCNT counterpart caused
      by the interplay between attractive field-induced dipolar interaction of
      intercarbon nanotube (CNT) bundles and the distinct degree of entanglement of
      neighboring CNT bundles. Subsequently observed different tensile elasticity
      modulus results for different CNT kinds also confirm different CNT bundle
      entanglement and attractive dipolar interaction between adjacent CNT bundles in
      CNT clusters are responsible for distinct stretching threshold field behavior. 

PMID- 25122326
TI  - Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of the tensile behavior of a
      thermosetting polymer.
AB  - Using a previously developed coarse-grained model, we conducted large-scale (~ 85
      * 85 * 85 nm(3)) molecular dynamics simulations of uniaxial-strain deformation to
      study the tensile behavior of an epoxy molding compound, epoxy phenol novolacs
      (EPN) bisphenol A (BPA). Under the uniaxial-strain deformation, the material is
      found to exhibit cavity nucleation and growth, followed by stretching of the
      ligaments separated by the cavities, until the ultimate failure through ligament
      scissions. The nucleation sites of cavities are rather random and the subsequent
      cavity growth accounts for much (87%) of the volumetric change during the
      uniaxial-strain deformation. Ultimate failure of the materials occurs when the
      cavity volume fraction reaches ~ 60%. During the entire deformation process,
      polymer strands in the network are continuously extended to their linear states
      and broken in the postyielding strain hardening stage. When most of the strands
      are stretched to their taut configurations, rapid scission of a large number of
      strands occurs within a small strain increment, which eventually leads to
      fracture. Finally, through extensive numerical simulations of various loading
      conditions in addition to uniaxial strain, we find that yielding of the EPN-BPA
      can be described by the pressure-modified von Mises yield criterion.

PMID- 25122327
TI  - Healing of polymer interfaces: Interfacial dynamics, entanglements, and strength.
AB  - Self-healing of polymer films often takes place as the molecules diffuse across a
      damaged region, above their melting temperature. Using molecular dynamics
      simulations we probe the healing of polymer films and compare the results with
      those obtained for thermal welding of homopolymer slabs. These two processes
      differ from each other in their interfacial structure since damage leads to
      increased polydispersity and more short chains. A polymer sample was cut into two
      separate films that were then held together in the melt state. The recovery of
      the damaged film was followed as time elapsed and polymer molecules diffused
      across the interface. The mass uptake and formation of entanglements, as obtained
      from primitive path analysis, are extracted and correlated with the interfacial
      strength obtained from shear simulations. We find that the diffusion across the
      interface is significantly faster in the damaged film compared to welding because
      of the presence of short chains. Though interfacial entanglements increase more
      rapidly for the damaged films, a large fraction of these entanglements are near
      chain ends. As a result, the interfacial strength of the healing film increases
      more slowly than for welding. For both healing and welding, the interfacial
      strength saturates as the bulk entanglement density is recovered across the
      interface. However, the saturation strength of the damaged film is below the bulk
      strength for the polymer sample. At saturation, cut chains remain near the
      healing interface. They are less entangled and as a result they mechanically
      weaken the interface. Chain stiffness increases the density of entanglements,
      which increases the strength of the interface. Our results show that a few
      entanglements across the interface are sufficient to resist interfacial chain
      pullout and enhance the mechanical strength. 

PMID- 25122328
TI  - Electrets in soft materials: nonlinearity, size effects, and giant
      electromechanical coupling.
AB  - Development of soft electromechanical materials is critical for several
      tantalizing applications such as soft robots and stretchable electronics, among
      others. Soft nonpiezoelectric materials can be coaxed to behave like
      piezoelectrics by merely embedding charges and dipoles in their interior and
      assuring some elastic heterogeneity. Such so-called electret materials have been
      experimentally shown to exhibit very large electromechanical coupling. In this
      work, we derive rigorous nonlinear expressions that relate effective
      electromechanical coupling to the creation of electret materials. In contrast to
      the existing models, we are able to both qualitatively and quantitatively capture
      the known experimental results on the nonlinear response of electret materials.
      Furthermore, we show that the presence of another form of electromechanical
      coupling, flexoelectricity, leads to size effects that dramatically alter the
      electromechanical response at submicron feature sizes. One of our key conclusions
      is that nonlinear deformation (prevalent in soft materials) significantly
      enhances the flexoelectric response and hence the aforementioned size effects. 

PMID- 25122329
TI  - Active matter transport and jamming on disordered landscapes.
AB  - We numerically examine the transport of active run-and-tumble particles with
      steric particle-particle interactions driven with a drift force over random
      disordered landscapes composed of fixed obstacles. For increasing run lengths,
      the net particle transport initially increases before reaching a maximum and
      decreasing at larger run lengths. The transport reduction is associated with the
      formation of cluster or living crystal states that become locally jammed or
      clogged by the obstacles. We also find that the system dynamically jams at lower
      particle densities when the run length is increased. Our results indicate that
      there is an optimal activity level for transport of run-and-tumble type active
      matter through quenched disorder and could be important for understanding
      biological transport in complex environments or for applications of active matter
      particles in random media. 

PMID- 25122330
TI  - Linear noise approximation for oscillations in a stochastic inhibitory network
      with delay.
AB  - Understanding neural variability is currently one of the biggest challenges in
      neuroscience. Using theory and computational modeling, we study the behavior of a
      globally coupled inhibitory neural network, in which each neuron follows a purely
      stochastic two-state spiking process. We investigate the role of both this
      intrinsic randomness and the conduction delay on the emergence of fast (e.g.,
      gamma) oscillations. Toward that end, we expand the recently proposed linear
      noise approximation (LNA) technique to this non-Markovian "delay" case. The
      analysis first leads to a nonlinear delay-differential equation (DDE) with
      multiplicative noise for the mean activity. The LNA then yields two coupled DDEs,
      one of which is driven by additive Gaussian white noise. These equations on their
      own provide an excellent approximation to the full network dynamics, which are
      much longer to integrate. They further allow us to compute a theoretical
      expression for the power spectrum of the population activity. Our analytical
      result is in good agreement with the power spectrum obtained via numerical
      simulations of the full network dynamics, for the large range of parameters where
      both the intrinsic stochasticity and the conduction delay are necessary for the
      occurrence of oscillations. The intrinsic noise arises from the probabilistic
      description of each neuron, yet it is expressed at the system activity level, and
      it can only be controlled by the system size. In fact, its effect on the
      fluctuations in system activity disappears in the infinite network size limit,
      but the characteristics of the oscillatory activity depend on all model
      parameters including the system size. Using the Hilbert transform, we further
      show that the intrinsic noise causes sporadic strong fluctuations in the phase of
      the gamma rhythm. 

PMID- 25122331
TI  - Reconstruction of network structures from repeating spike patterns in simulated
      bursting dynamics.
AB  - Repeating patterns of spike sequences from a neuronal network have been proposed
      to be useful in the reconstruction of the network topology. Reverberations in a
      physiologically realistic model with various physical connection topologies (from
      random to scale free) have been simulated to study the effectiveness of the
      pattern-matching method in the reconstruction of network topology from network
      dynamics. Simulation results show that functional networks reconstructed from
      repeating spike patterns can be quite different from the original physical
      networks; even global properties, such as the degree distribution, cannot always
      be recovered. However, the pattern-matching method can be effective in
      identifying hubs in the network. Since the form of reverberations is quite
      different for networks with and without hubs, the form of reverberations together
      with the reconstruction by repeating spike patterns might provide a reliable
      method to detect hubs in neuronal cultures. 

PMID- 25122332
TI  - Swimming efficiency of spherical squirmers: beyond the Lighthill theory.
AB  - Nonreciprocal shape deformations can drive inertialess cellular swimming, as
      first explored by Taylor and Lighthill in the 1950s, for the small-amplitude
      squirming of a planar and a spherical surface, respectively. Lighthill's
      squirmer, in particular, has been extensively studied for large wave numbers in
      the context of ciliated microbes. The maximal power efficiency for small
      amplitude planar squirming motility is well characterized and degenerate, with
      nonunique optimal swimming strokes. We explicitly show that this degeneracy is
      retained at high wave numbers for the small-amplitude spherical squirmer such as
      a ciliated microbe but is broken for low wave numbers. Hence further complexity
      emerges in parameter regimes outside that of ciliate swimming even at small
      amplitudes. Large-amplitude squirming also characterizes more recent observations
      of large-amplitude/low-wave-number membrane deformations driving the motility of
      Euglena, neutrophils, and Dictyostelium discoideum. Thus boundary element
      numerical methods are used to explore swimming with increased deformation
      amplitudes, especially in the context of power efficiency and swimming
      performance. As radial squirming amplitudes are increased, small-amplitude
      linearized theories can be unreliable even for nominally low deformation
      amplitudes. Furthermore, even for a simple single-mode metachronal wave, a highly
      motile and efficient large-deformation/small-wave-number swimming modality
      arises, which can surpass theoretical limitations of purely tangential squirming
      given a constrained surface deformation velocity. 

PMID- 25122333
TI  - Numerical simulation of the pairwise interaction of deformable cells during
      migration in a microchannel.
AB  - Leukocytes and other circulating cells deform and move relatively to the channel
      flow in the lateral and translational directions. Their migratory property is
      important in immune response, hemostasis, cancer progression, delivery of
      nutrients, and microfluidic technologies such as cell separation and enrichment,
      and flow cytometry. Using our three-dimensional computational algorithm for
      multiphase viscoelastic flow, we have investigated the effect of pairwise
      interaction on the lateral and translational migration of circulating cells in a
      microchannel. The numerical simulation data show that when two cells with the
      same size and small separation distance interact, repulsive interaction take
      place until they reach the same lateral equilibrium position. During this
      process, they undergo swapping or passing, depending on the initial separation
      distance between each other. The threshold value of this distance increases with
      cell deformation, indicating that the cells experiencing larger deformation are
      more likely to swap. When a series of closely spaced cells with the same size are
      considered, they generally undergo damped oscillation in both lateral and
      translational directions until they reach equilibrium positions where they become
      evenly distributed in the flow direction (self-assembly phenomenon). A series of
      cells with a large lateral separation distance could collide repeatedly with each
      other, eventually crossing the centerline and entering the other side of the
      channel. For a series of cells with different deformability, more deformable
      cells, upon impact with less deformable cells, move to an equilibrium position
      closer to the centerline. The results of our study show that the bulk deformation
      of circulating cells plays a key role in their migration in a microchannel. 

PMID- 25122334
TI  - Control of cardiac alternans by mechanical and electrical feedback.
AB  - A persistent alternation in the cardiac action potential duration has been linked
      to the onset of ventricular arrhythmia, which may lead to sudden cardiac death. A
      coupling between these cardiac alternans and the intracellular calcium dynamics
      has also been identified in previous studies. In this paper, the system of PDEs
      describing the small amplitude of alternans and the alternation of peak
      intracellular Ca(2+) are stabilized by optimal boundary and spatially distributed
      actuation. A simulation study demonstrating the successful annihilation of both
      alternans on a one-dimensional cable of cardiac cells by utilizing the full-state
      feedback controller is presented. Complimentary to these studies, a three
      variable Nash-Panfilov model is used to investigate alternans annihilation via
      mechanical (or stretch) perturbations. The coupled model includes the active
      stress which defines the mechanical properties of the tissue and is utilized in
      the feedback algorithm as an independent input from the pacing based controller
      realization in alternans annihilation. Simulation studies of both control methods
      demonstrate that the proposed methods can successfully annihilate alternans in
      cables that are significantly longer than 1 cm, thus overcoming the limitations
      of earlier control efforts.

PMID- 25122336
TI  - Inferring the origin of an epidemic with a dynamic message-passing algorithm.
AB  - We study the problem of estimating the origin of an epidemic outbreak: given a
      contact network and a snapshot of epidemic spread at a certain time, determine
      the infection source. This problem is important in different contexts of computer
      or social networks. Assuming that the epidemic spread follows the usual
      susceptible-infected-recovered model, we introduce an inference algorithm based
      on dynamic message-passing equations and we show that it leads to significant
      improvement of performance compared to existing approaches. Importantly, this
      algorithm remains efficient in the case where the snapshot sees only a part of
      the network. 

PMID- 25122335
TI  - Determination of effective brain connectivity from functional connectivity with
      application to resting state connectivities.
AB  - Neural field theory insights are used to derive effective brain connectivity
      matrices from the functional connectivity matrix defined by activity covariances.
      The symmetric case is exactly solved for a resting state system driven by white
      noise, in which strengths of connections, often termed effective connectivities,
      are inferred from functional data; these include strengths of connections that
      are underestimated or not detected by anatomical imaging. Proximity to
      criticality is calculated and found to be consistent with estimates obtainable
      from other methods. Links between anatomical, effective, and functional
      connectivity and resting state activity are quantified, with applicability to
      other complex networks. Proof-of-principle results are illustrated using
      published experimental data on anatomical connectivity and resting state
      functional connectivity. In particular, it is shown that functional connection
      matrices can be used to uncover the existence and strength of connections that
      are missed from anatomical connection matrices, including interhemispheric
      connections that are difficult to track with techniques such as diffusion
      spectrum imaging. 

PMID- 25122337
TI  - Voter model on the two-clique graph.
AB  - I examine the mean consensus time (i.e., exit time) of the voter model in the so
      called two-clique graph. The two-clique graph is composed of two cliques
      interconnected by some links and considered as a toy model of networks with
      community structure or multilayer networks. I analytically show that, as the
      number of interclique links per node is varied, the mean consensus time
      experiences a crossover between a fast consensus regime [i.e., O(N)] and a slow
      consensus regime [i.e., O(N(2))], where N is the number of nodes. The fast regime
      is consistent with the result for homogeneous well-mixed graphs such as the
      complete graph. The slow regime appears only when the entire network has O(1)
      interclique links. The present results suggest that the effect of community
      structure on the consensus time of the voter model is fairly limited.

PMID- 25122338
TI  - Simultaneous first- and second-order percolation transitions in interdependent
      networks.
AB  - In a system of interdependent networks, an initial failure of nodes invokes a
      cascade of iterative failures that may lead to a total collapse of the whole
      system in the form of an abrupt first-order transition. When the fraction of
      initial failed nodes 1-p reaches criticality p = p(c), the abrupt collapse occurs
      by spontaneous cascading failures. At this stage, the giant component decreases
      slowly in a plateau form and the number of iterations in the cascade tau
      diverges. The origin of this plateau and its increasing with the size of the
      system have been unclear. Here we find that, simultaneously with the abrupt first
      order transition, a spontaneous second-order percolation occurs during the
      cascade of iterative failures. This sheds light on the origin of the plateau and
      how its length scales with the size of the system. Understanding the critical
      nature of the dynamical process of cascading failures may be useful for designing
      strategies for preventing and mitigating catastrophic collapses.

PMID- 25122339
TI  - Geometrical invariability of transformation between a time series and a complex
      network.
AB  - We present a dynamically equivalent transformation between time series and
      complex networks based on coarse geometry theory. In terms of quasi-isometric
      maps, we characterize how the underlying geometrical characters of complex
      systems are preserved during transformations. Fractal dimensions are shown to be
      the same for time series (or complex network) and its transformed counterpart.
      Results from the Rossler system, fractional Brownian motion, synthetic networks,
      and real networks support our findings. This work gives theoretical evidences for
      an equivalent transformation between time series and networks. 

PMID- 25122341
TI  - Detecting network communities beyond assortativity-related attributes.
AB  - In network science, assortativity refers to the tendency of links to exist
      between nodes with similar attributes. In social networks, for example, links
      tend to exist between individuals of similar age, nationality, location, race,
      income, educational level, religious belief, and language. Thus, various
      attributes jointly affect the network topology. An interesting problem is to
      detect community structure beyond some specific assortativity-related attributes
      rho, i.e., to take out the effect of rho on network topology and reveal the
      hidden community structures which are due to other attributes. An approach to
      this problem is to redefine the null model of the modularity measure, so as to
      simulate the effect of rho on network topology. However, a challenge is that we
      do not know to what extent the network topology is affected by rho and by other
      attributes. In this paper, we propose a distance modularity, which allows us to
      freely choose any suitable function to simulate the effect of rho. Such freedom
      can help us probe the effect of rho and detect the hidden communities which are
      due to other attributes. We test the effectiveness of distance modularity on
      synthetic benchmarks and two real-world networks. 

PMID- 25122340
TI  - Efficiently inferring community structure in bipartite networks.
AB  - Bipartite networks are a common type of network data in which there are two types
      of vertices, and only vertices of different types can be connected. While
      bipartite networks exhibit community structure like their unipartite
      counterparts, existing approaches to bipartite community detection have
      drawbacks, including implicit parameter choices, loss of information through one
      mode projections, and lack of interpretability. Here we solve the community
      detection problem for bipartite networks by formulating a bipartite stochastic
      block model, which explicitly includes vertex type information and may be
      trivially extended to k-partite networks. This bipartite stochastic block model
      yields a projection-free and statistically principled method for community
      detection that makes clear assumptions and parameter choices and yields
      interpretable results. We demonstrate this model's ability to efficiently and
      accurately find community structure in synthetic bipartite networks with known
      structure and in real-world bipartite networks with unknown structure, and we
      characterize its performance in practical contexts. 

PMID- 25122342
TI  - Suppressing epidemics on networks by exploiting observer nodes.
AB  - To control infection spreading on networks, we investigate the effect of observer
      nodes that recognize infection in a neighboring node and make the rest of the
      neighbor nodes immune. We numerically show that random placement of observer
      nodes works better on networks with clustering than on locally treelike networks,
      implying that our model is promising for realistic social networks. The
      efficiency of several heuristic schemes for observer placement is also examined
      for synthetic and empirical networks. In parallel with numerical simulations of
      epidemic dynamics, we also show that the effect of observer placement can be
      assessed by the size of the largest connected component of networks remaining
      after removing observer nodes and links between their neighboring nodes. 

PMID- 25122343
TI  - Competing spreading processes on multiplex networks: awareness and epidemics.
AB  - Epidemiclike spreading processes on top of multilayered interconnected complex
      networks reveal a rich phase diagram of intertwined competition effects. A recent
      study by the authors [C. Granell et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 128701 (2013).]
      presented an analysis of the interrelation between two processes accounting for
      the spreading of an epidemic, and the spreading of information awareness to
      prevent infection, on top of multiplex networks. The results in the case in which
      awareness implies total immunization to the disease revealed the existence of a
      metacritical point at which the critical onset of the epidemics starts, depending
      on completion of the awareness process. Here we present a full analysis of these
      critical properties in the more general scenario where the awareness spreading
      does not imply total immunization, and where infection does not imply immediate
      awareness of it. We find the critical relation between the two competing
      processes for a wide spectrum of parameters representing the interaction between
      them. We also analyze the consequences of a massive broadcast of awareness (mass
      media) on the final outcome of the epidemic incidence. Importantly enough, the
      mass media make the metacritical point disappear. The results reveal that the
      main finding, i.e., existence of a metacritical point, is rooted in the
      competition principle and holds for a large set of scenarios. 

PMID- 25122344
TI  - Robustness of a network formed of spatially embedded networks.
AB  - We present analytic and numeric results for percolation in a network formed of
      interdependent spatially embedded networks. We show results for a treelike and a
      random regular network of networks each with (i) unconstrained dependency links
      and (ii) dependency links restricted to a maximum Euclidean length r. Analytic
      results are given for each network of networks with spatially unconstrained
      dependency links and compared to simulations. For the case of two fully
      interdependent spatially embedded networks it was found [Li et al., Phys. Rev.
      Lett. 108, 228702 (2012)] that the system undergoes a first-order phase
      transition only for r>r(c) ~ 8. We find here that for treelike networks of
      networks (composed of n networks) r(c) significantly decreases as n increases and
      rapidly (n >= 11) reaches its limiting value of 1. For cases where the
      dependencies form loops, such as in random regular networks, we show analytically
      and confirm through simulations that there is a certain fraction of dependent
      nodes, q(max), above which the entire network structure collapses even if a
      single node is removed. The value of q(max) decreases quickly with m, the degree
      of the random regular network of networks. Our results show the extreme
      sensitivity of coupled spatial networks and emphasize the susceptibility of these
      networks to sudden collapse. The theory proposed here requires only numerical
      knowledge about the percolation behavior of a single network and therefore can be
      used to find the robustness of any network of networks where the profile of
      percolation of a singe network is known numerically.

PMID- 25122345
TI  - Epidemic outbreaks in two-scale community networks.
AB  - We consider a model for the diffusion of epidemics in a population that is
      partitioned into local communities. In particular, assuming a mean-field
      approximation, we analyze a continuous-time susceptible-infected-susceptible
      (SIS) model that has appeared recently in the literature. The probability by
      which an individual infects individuals in its own community is different from
      the probability of infecting individuals in other communities. The aim of the
      model, compared to the standard, nonclustered one, is to provide a compact
      description for the presence of communities of local infection where the epidemic
      process is faster compared to the rate at which it spreads across communities.
      Ultimately, it provides a tool to express the probability of epidemic outbreaks
      in the form of a metastable infection probability. In the proposed model, the
      spatial structure of the network is encoded by the adjacency matrix of clusters,
      i.e., the connections between local communities, and by the vector of the sizes
      of local communities. Thus, the existence of a nontrivial metastable occupancy
      probability is determined by an epidemic threshold which depends on the clusters'
      size and on the intercommunity network structure. 

PMID- 25122346
TI  - General optimization technique for high-quality community detection in complex
      networks.
AB  - Recent years have witnessed the development of a large body of algorithms for
      community detection in complex networks. Most of them are based upon the
      optimization of objective functions, among which modularity is the most common,
      though a number of alternatives have been suggested in the scientific literature.
      We present here an effective general search strategy for the optimization of
      various objective functions for community detection purposes. When applied to
      modularity, on both real-world and synthetic networks, our search strategy
      substantially outperforms the best existing algorithms in terms of final scores
      of the objective function. In terms of execution time for modularity optimization
      this approach also outperforms most of the alternatives present in literature
      with the exception of fastest but usually less efficient greedy algorithms. The
      networks of up to 30000 nodes can be analyzed in time spans ranging from minutes
      to a few hours on average workstations, making our approach readily applicable to
      tasks not limited by strict time constraints but requiring the quality of
      partitioning to be as high as possible. Some examples are presented in order to
      demonstrate how this quality could be affected by even relatively small changes
      in the modularity score stressing the importance of optimization accuracy. 

PMID- 25122348
TI  - Effect of environment fluctuations on pattern formation of single species.
AB  - System-environment interactions are intrinsically nonlinear and dependent on the
      interplay between many degrees of freedom. The complexity may be even more
      pronounced when one aims to describe biologically motivated systems. In that
      case, it is useful to resort to simplified models relying on effective stochastic
      equations. A natural consideration is to assume that there is a noisy
      contribution from the environment, such that the parameters that characterize it
      are not constant but instead fluctuate around their characteristic values. From
      this perspective, we propose a stochastic generalization of the nonlocal Fisher
      KPP equation where, as a first step, environmental fluctuations are Gaussian
      white noises, both in space and time. We apply analytical and numerical
      techniques to study how noise affects stability and pattern formation in this
      context. Particularly, we investigate noise-induced coherence by means of the
      complementary information provided by the dispersion relation and the structure
      function. 

PMID- 25122347
TI  - Interplay of network dynamics and heterogeneity of ties on spreading dynamics.
AB  - The structure of a network dramatically affects the spreading phenomena unfolding
      upon it. The contact distribution of the nodes has long been recognized as the
      key ingredient in influencing the outbreak events. However, limited knowledge is
      currently available on the role of the weight of the edges on the persistence of
      a pathogen. At the same time, recent works showed a strong influence of temporal
      network dynamics on disease spreading. In this work we provide an analytical
      understanding, corroborated by numerical simulations, about the conditions for
      infected stable state in weighted networks. In particular, we reveal the role of
      heterogeneity of edge weights and of the dynamic assignment of weights on the
      ties in the network in driving the spread of the epidemic. In this context we
      show that when weights are dynamically assigned to ties in the network, a
      heterogeneous distribution is able to hamper the diffusion of the disease,
      contrary to what happens when weights are fixed in time. 

PMID- 25122349
TI  - Parallel discrete-event simulation schemes with heterogeneous processing
      elements.
AB  - To understand the effects of nonidentical processing elements (PEs) on parallel
      discrete-event simulation (PDES) schemes, two stochastic growth models, the
      restricted solid-on-solid (RSOS) model and the Family model, are investigated by
      simulations. The RSOS model is the model for the PDES scheme governed by the
      Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation (KPZ scheme). The Family model is the model for the
      scheme governed by the Edwards-Wilkinson equation (EW scheme). Two kinds of
      distributions for nonidentical PEs are considered. In the first kind computing
      capacities of PEs are not much different, whereas in the second kind the
      capacities are extremely widespread. The KPZ scheme on the complex networks shows
      the synchronizability and scalability regardless of the kinds of PEs. The EW
      scheme never shows the synchronizability for the random configuration of PEs of
      the first kind. However, by regularizing the arrangement of PEs of the first
      kind, the EW scheme is made to show the synchronizability. In contrast, EW scheme
      never shows the synchronizability for any configuration of PEs of the second
      kind. 

PMID- 25122350
TI  - Percolation on fitness-dependent networks with heterogeneous resilience.
AB  - The ability to understand the impact of adversarial processes on networks is
      crucial to various disciplines. The objects of study in this article are fitness
      driven networks. Fitness-dependent networks are fully described by a probability
      distribution of fitness and an attachment kernel. Every node in the network is
      endowed with a fitness value and the attachment kernel translates the fitness of
      two nodes into the probability that these two nodes share an edge. This concept
      is also known as mutual attractiveness. In the present article, fitness does not
      only serve as a measure of attractiveness, but also as a measure of a node's
      robustness against failure. The probability that a node fails increases with the
      number of failures in its direct neighborhood and decreases with higher fitness.
      Both static and dynamic network models are considered. Analytical results for the
      percolation threshold and the occupied fraction are derived. One of the results
      is that the distinction between the dynamic and the static model has a profound
      impact on the way failures spread over the network. Additionally, we find that
      the introduction of mutual attractiveness stabilizes the network compared to a
      pure random attachment. 

PMID- 25122351
TI  - Networks maximizing the consensus time of voter models.
AB  - We explore the networks that yield the largest mean consensus time of voter
      models under different update rules. By analytical and numerical means, we show
      that the so-called lollipop graph, barbell graph, and double-star graph maximize
      the mean consensus time under the update rules called the link dynamics, voter
      model, and invasion process, respectively. For each update rule, the largest mean
      consensus time scales as O(N^{3}), where N is the number of nodes in the network.

PMID- 25122352
TI  - Hidden scaling patterns and universality in written communication.
AB  - The temporal statistics exhibited by written correspondence appear to be media
      dependent, with features which have so far proven difficult to characterize. We
      explain the origin of these difficulties by disentangling the role of spontaneous
      activity from decision-based prioritizing processes in human dynamics, clocking
      all waiting times through each agent's "proper time" measured by activity. This
      unveils the same fundamental patterns in written communication across all media
      (letters, email, sms), with response times displaying truncated power-law
      behavior and average exponents near -3/2. When standard time is used, the
      response time probabilities are theoretically predicted to exhibit a bimodal
      character, which is empirically borne out by our newly collected years-long data
      on email. These perspectives on the temporal dynamics of human correspondence
      should aid in the analysis of interaction phenomena in general, including
      resource management, optimal pricing and routing, information sharing, and
      emergency handling. 

PMID- 25122353
TI  - Transmission of linear regression patterns between time series: from relationship
      in time series to complex networks.
AB  - The linear regression parameters between two time series can be different under
      different lengths of observation period. If we study the whole period by the
      sliding window of a short period, the change of the linear regression parameters
      is a process of dynamic transmission over time. We tackle fundamental research
      that presents a simple and efficient computational scheme: a linear regression
      patterns transmission algorithm, which transforms linear regression patterns into
      directed and weighted networks. The linear regression patterns (nodes) are
      defined by the combination of intervals of the linear regression parameters and
      the results of the significance testing under different sizes of the sliding
      window. The transmissions between adjacent patterns are defined as edges, and the
      weights of the edges are the frequency of the transmissions. The major patterns,
      the distance, and the medium in the process of the transmission can be captured.
      The statistical results of weighted out-degree and betweenness centrality are
      mapped on timelines, which shows the features of the distribution of the results.
      Many measurements in different areas that involve two related time series
      variables could take advantage of this algorithm to characterize the dynamic
      relationships between the time series from a new perspective. 

PMID- 25122354
TI  - Modular networks with delayed coupling: synchronization and frequency control.
AB  - We study the collective dynamics of modular networks consisting of map-based
      neurons which generate irregular spike sequences. Three types of intramodule
      topology are considered: a random Erdos-Renyi network, a small-world Watts
      Strogatz network, and a scale-free Barabasi-Albert network. The interaction
      between the neurons of different modules is organized by relatively sparse
      connections with time delay. For all the types of the network topology
      considered, we found that with increasing delay two regimes of module
      synchronization alternate with each other: inphase and antiphase. At the same
      time, the average rate of collective oscillations decreases within each of the
      time-delay intervals corresponding to a particular synchronization regime. A dual
      role of the time delay is thus established: controlling a synchronization mode
      and degree and controlling an average network frequency. Furthermore, we
      investigate the influence on the modular synchronization by other parameters: the
      strength of intermodule coupling and the individual firing rate. 

PMID- 25122355
TI  - Solutions of the higher-order Manakov-type continuous and discrete equations.
AB  - We derive exact and approximate localized solutions for the Manakov-type
      continuous and discrete equations. We establish the correspondence between the
      solutions of the coupled Ablowitz-Ladik equations and the solutions of the
      coupled higher-order Manakov equations. 

PMID- 25122356
TI  - Dynamics in the Sakaguchi-Kuramoto model with two subpopulations [corrected].
AB  - The dynamics in a variant of globally coupled Sakaguchi-Kuramoto [corrected].
      phase oscillators is studied. The model consists of two subpopulations, each with
      a different phase lag and interaction strength. Using Ott-Antonson ansatz, we
      analyze the dynamics in the model and present the numerical results. There exist
      stationary synchronous states which are generalized pi states and two types of
      traveling wave states. We find that the traveling wave states are the dominant
      dynamics in comparison with the stationary states. Particularly, we find that the
      stationary and traveling wave states can be smoothly connected through the
      properly chosen parameter paths.

PMID- 25122357
TI  - Size-dependent diffusion promotes the emergence of spatiotemporal patterns.
AB  - Spatiotemporal patterns, indicating the spatiotemporal variability of individual
      abundance, are a pronounced scenario in ecological interactions. Most of the
      existing models for spatiotemporal patterns treat species as homogeneous groups
      of individuals with average characteristics by ignoring intraspecific
      physiological variations at the individual level. Here we explore the impacts of
      size variation within species resulting from individual ontogeny, on the
      emergence of spatiotemporal patterns in a fully size-structured population model.
      We found that size dependency of animal's diffusivity greatly promotes the
      formation of spatiotemporal patterns, by creating regular spatiotemporal patterns
      out of temporal chaos. We also found that size-dependent diffusion can substitute
      large-amplitude base harmonics with spatiotemporal patterns with lower amplitude
      oscillations but with enriched harmonics. Finally, we found that the single
      generation cycle is more likely to drive spatiotemporal patterns compared to
      predator-prey cycles, meaning that the mechanism of Hopf bifurcation might be
      more common than hitherto appreciated since the former cycle is more widespread
      than the latter in case of interacting populations. Due to the ubiquity of
      individual ontogeny in natural ecosystems we conclude that diffusion variability
      within populations is a significant driving force for the emergence of
      spatiotemporal patterns. Our results offer a perspective on self-organized
      phenomena, and pave a way to understand such phenomena in systems organized as
      complex ecological networks. 

PMID- 25122358
TI  - Front propagation in a chaotic flow field.
AB  - We investigate numerically the dynamics of a propagating front in the presence of
      a spatiotemporally chaotic flow field. The flow field is the three-dimensional
      time-dependent state of spiral defect chaos generated by Rayleigh-Benard
      convection in a spatially extended domain. Using large-scale parallel numerical
      simulations, we simultaneously solve the Boussinesq equations and a reaction
      advection-diffusion equation with a Fischer-Kolmogorov-Petrovskii-Piskunov
      reaction for the transport of the scalar species in a large-aspect-ratio
      cylindrical domain for experimentally accessible conditions. We explore the front
      dynamics and geometry in the low-Damkohler-number regime, where the effect of the
      flow field is significant. Our results show that the chaotic flow field enhances
      the front propagation when compared with a purely cellular flow field. We
      quantify this enhancement by computing the spreading rate of the reaction
      products for a range of parameters. We use our results to quantify the complexity
      of the three-dimensional front geometry for a range of chaotic flow conditions. 

PMID- 25122359
TI  - Dynamics of impurities in a three-dimensional volume-preserving map.
AB  - We study the dynamics of inertial particles in three-dimensional incompressible
      maps, as representations of volume-preserving flows. The impurity dynamics has
      been modeled, in the Lagrangian framework, by a six-dimensional dissipative
      bailout embedding map. The fluid-parcel dynamics of the base map is embedded in
      the particle dynamics governed by the map. The base map considered for the
      present study is the Arnold-Beltrami-Childress (ABC) map. We consider the
      behavior of the system both in the aerosol regime, where the density of the
      particle is larger than that of the base flow, as well as the bubble regime,
      where the particle density is less than that of the base flow. The phase spaces
      in both the regimes show rich and complex dynamics with three types of dynamical
      behaviors--chaotic structures, regular orbits, and hyperchaotic regions. In the
      one-action case, the aerosol regime is found to have periodic attractors for
      certain values of the dissipation and inertia parameters. For the aerosol regime
      of the two-action ABC map, an attractor merging and widening crisis is identified
      using the bifurcation diagram and the spectrum of Lyapunov exponents. After the
      crisis an attractor with two parts is seen, and trajectories hop between these
      parts with period 2. The bubble regime of the embedded map shows strong
      hyperchaotic regions as well as crisis induced intermittency with characteristic
      times between bursts that scale as a power law behavior as a function of the
      dissipation parameter. Furthermore, we observe a riddled basin of attraction and
      unstable dimension variability in the phase space in the bubble regime. The
      bubble regime in the one-action case shows similar behavior. This study of a
      simple model of impurity dynamics may shed light upon the transport properties of
      passive scalars in three-dimensional flows. We also compare our results with
      those seen earlier in two-dimensional flows.

PMID- 25122360
TI  - Shallow-water soliton dynamics beyond the Korteweg-de Vries equation.
AB  - An alternative way for the derivation of the new Korteweg-de Vries (KdV)-type
      equation is presented. The equation contains terms depending on the bottom
      topography (there are six new terms in all, three of which are caused by the
      unevenness of the bottom). It is obtained in the second-order perturbative
      approach in the weakly nonlinear, dispersive, and long wavelength limit. Only
      treating all these terms in the second-order perturbation theory made the
      derivation of this KdV-type equation possible. The motion of a wave, which starts
      as a KdV soliton, is studied according to the new equation in several cases by
      numerical simulations. The quantitative changes of a soliton's velocity and
      amplitude appear to be directly related to bottom variations. Changes of the
      soliton's velocity appear to be almost linearly anticorrelated with changes of
      water depth, whereas correlation of variation of soliton's amplitude with changes
      of water depth looks less linear. When the bottom is flat, the new terms narrow
      down the family of exact solutions, but at least one single soliton survives.
      This is also checked by numerics. 

PMID- 25122361
TI  - Symbolic dynamics-based error analysis on chaos synchronization via noisy
      channels.
AB  - In this study, symbolic dynamics is used to research the error of chaos
      synchronization via noisy channels. The theory of symbolic dynamics reduces chaos
      to a shift map that acts on a discrete set of symbols, each of which contains
      information about the system state. Using this transformation, a coder-decoder
      scheme is proposed. A model for the relationship among word length, region number
      of a partition, and synchronization error is provided. According to the model,
      the fundamental trade-off between word length and region number can be optimized
      to minimize the synchronization error. Numerical simulations provide support for
      our results. 

PMID- 25122362
TI  - Control for a synchronization-desynchronization switch.
AB  - How to freely enhance or suppress synchronization of networked dynamical systems
      is of great importance in many disciplines. A unified precise control method for
      a synchronization-desynchronization switch, called the pull-push control method,
      is suggested. Namely, synchronization can be achieved when the original systems
      are desynchronous by pulling (or protecting) one node or a certain subset of
      nodes, whereas desynchronization can be accomplished when the systems are already
      synchronous by pushing (or kicking) one node or a certain subset of nodes. With
      this method, the controlled nodes should be chosen by the generalized eigenvector
      centrality of the critical synchronization mode of the Laplacian matrix. Compared
      with existing control methods for synchronization, it displays high efficiency,
      flexibility, and precision as well. 

PMID- 25122363
TI  - Electrokinetic instability near charge-selective hydrophobic surfaces.
AB  - The influence of the texture of a hydrophobic surface on the electro-osmotic slip
      of the second kind and the electrokinetic instability near charge selective
      surfaces (permselective membranes, electrodes, or systems of microchannels and
      nanochannels) is investigated theoretically using a simple model based on the
      Rubinstein-Zaltzman approach. A simple formula is derived to evaluate the
      decrease in the instability threshold due to hydrophobicity. The study is
      complemented by numerical investigations both of linear and nonlinear
      instabilities near a hydrophobic membrane surface. Theory predicts a significant
      enhancement of the ion flux to the surface and shows a good qualitative agreement
      with the available experimental data. 

PMID- 25122364
TI  - Chaotic motion of light particles in an unsteady three-dimensional vortex:
      experiments and simulation.
AB  - We study the chaotic motion of a small rigid sphere, lighter than the fluid in a
      three-dimensional vortex of finite height. Based on the results of Eulerian and
      Lagrangian measurements, a sequence of models is set up. The time-independent
      model is a generalization of the Burgers vortex. In this case, there are two
      types of attractors for the particle: a fixed point on the vortex axis and a
      limit cycle around the vortex axis. Time dependence might combine these regular
      attractors into a single chaotic attractor, however its robustness is much weaker
      than what the experiments suggest. To construct an aperiodically time-dependent
      advection dynamics in a simple way, Gaussian noise is added to the particle
      velocity in the numerical simulation. With an appropriate choice of the noise
      properties, mimicking the effect of local turbulence, a reasonable agreement with
      the experimentally observed particle statistics is found. 

PMID- 25122365
TI  - Interfacial dynamics of two immiscible fluids in spatially periodic porous media:
      the role of substrate wettability.
AB  - We delineate the contact line dynamics of two immiscible fluids in a medium
      having spatially periodic porous structures. The flow is driven by an external
      applied pressure gradient. We bring out the combined consequences of the solid
      fraction distribution and the substrate wettability on the resulting dynamics of
      the contact line, by employing phase-field formalism. We capture the sequence of
      spatiotemporal events leading to formation of liquid bridges by trapping a small
      amount of displaced phase fluid between two consecutive porous blocks, as
      dictated by the combinations of substrate wettability and solid fraction. We also
      demonstrate the existence of a regime of complete interfacial recovery, depending
      on the parametric space of the governing parameters under concern. Our results
      essentially demonstrate the intricate mechanisms by virtue of which the
      wettabilities of the substrates alter the dynamical evolutions of interfaces and
      the subsequent shapes and sizes of the adsorbed dispersed phases, bearing far
      ranging consequences in several practical applications ranging from oil recovery
      to groundwater flow. 

PMID- 25122366
TI  - Magnetic energy dissipation and mean magnetic field generation in planar
      convection-driven dynamos.
AB  - A numerical study of dynamos in rotating convecting plane layers is presented
      which focuses on magnetic energies and dissipation rates and the generation of
      mean fields (where the mean is taken over horizontal planes). The scaling of the
      magnetic energy with the flux Rayleigh number is different from the scaling
      proposed in spherical shells, whereas the same dependence of the magnetic
      dissipation length on the magnetic Reynolds number is found for the two
      geometries. Dynamos both with and without mean field exist in rapidly rotating
      convecting plane layers. 

PMID- 25122367
TI  - Nonaxisymmetric high-aspect-ratio ellipsoids under shear: lowest-order correction
      for finite aspect ratios.
AB  - We extend the classic study of the motion of small ellipsoidal particles under
      shear, focusing on simplifications obtained by considerations of the extreme
      aspect ratios typical of rheoscopic particles (e.g., Kalliroscope). Specifically,
      we study conditions under which the long-time behavior of scalene (i.e., triaxial
      or nonaxisymmetric) ellipsoids are well approximated by a model that is low order
      in the appropriate aspect ratios. After enumerating and describing the generic
      long-time motions of such particles in the lowest-order model, we investigate
      corrections induced by the physically appropriate lowest-order correction to the
      base model, with special attention to a periodic wobbling motion special to
      scalene ellipsoids. 

PMID- 25122368
TI  - Finite time blow-up and breaking of solitary wind waves.
AB  - The evolution of surface water waves in finite depth under wind forcing is
      reduced to an antidissipative Korteweg-de Vries-Burgers equation. We exhibit its
      solitary wave solution. Antidissipation accelerates and increases the amplitude
      of the solitary wave and leads to blow-up and breaking. Blow-up occurs in finite
      time for infinitely large asymptotic space so it is a nonlinear, dispersive, and
      antidissipative equivalent of the linear instability which occurs for infinite
      time. Due to antidissipation two given arbitrary and adjacent planes of constant
      phases of the solitary wave acquire different velocities and accelerations
      inducing breaking. Soliton breaking occurs in finite space in a time prior to the
      blow-up. We show that the theoretical growth in amplitude and the time of
      breaking are both testable in an existing experimental facility. 

PMID- 25122369
TI  - dc Step response of induced-charge electro-osmosis between parallel electrodes at
      large voltages.
AB  - Induced-charge electro-osmosis (ICEO) is important since it can be used for
      realizing high performance microfluidic devices. Here, we analyze the simplest
      problem of ion relaxation around a circular polarizable cylinder between parallel
      blocking electrodes in a closed cell by using a multiphysics coupled simulation
      technique. This technique is based on a combination of the finite-element method
      and finite-volume method for the Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) equations having a
      flow term and the Stokes equation having an electric stress term. Through this
      analysis, we successfully demonstrate that on application of dc voltages,
      quadorapolar ICEO vortex flows grow during the charging time of the cylinder for
      both unbounded and bounded problems and decay during the charging time of the
      parallel electrodes only for the bounded problem using blocking electrodes.
      Further, by proposing a simple model that considers the two-dimensional (2D) PNP
      equations analytically, we successfully explain the step response time of the
      ICEO flow for the both unbounded and bounded problems. Furthermore, at low
      applied voltages, we find analytical formulations on steady diffused-ion problems
      and steady ICEO-flow problems and examine that our numerical results agree well
      with the analytical results. Moreover, by considering an ion-conserving condition
      with 2D Poisson-Boltzmann equations, we explain significant decrease of the
      maximum slip velocity at large applied voltages fairly well. We believe that our
      analysis will contribute greatly to the realistic designs of prospective high
      performance microfluidic devices. 

PMID- 25122370
TI  - Cyclones and attractive streaming generated by acoustical vortices.
AB  - Acoustical and optical vortices have attracted great interest due to their
      ability to capture and manipulate particles with the use of radiation pressure.
      Here we show that acoustical vortices can also induce axial vortical flow
      reminiscent of cyclones, whose topology can be controlled by adjusting the
      properties of the acoustical beam. In confined geometry, the phase singularity
      enables generating "attractive streaming" with the flow directed toward the
      transducer. This opens perspectives for contactless vortical flow control. 

PMID- 25122371
TI  - Nonequilibrium shock-heated nitrogen flows using a rovibrational state-to-state
      method.
AB  - A rovibrational collisional model is developed to study the internal energy
      excitation and dissociation processes behind a strong shock wave in a nitrogen
      flow. The reaction rate coefficients are obtained from the ab initio database of
      the NASA Ames Research Center. The master equation is coupled with a one
      dimensional flow solver to study the nonequilibrium phenomena encountered in the
      gas during a hyperbolic reentry into Earth's atmosphere. The analysis of the
      populations of the rovibrational levels demonstrates how rotational and
      vibrational relaxation proceed at the same rate. This contrasts with the common
      misconception that translational and rotational relaxation occur concurrently. A
      significant part of the relaxation process occurs in non-quasi-steady-state
      conditions. Exchange processes are found to have a significant impact on the
      relaxation of the gas, while predissociation has a negligible effect. The results
      obtained by means of the full rovibrational collisional model are used to assess
      the validity of reduced order models (vibrational collisional and
      multitemperature) which are based on the same kinetic database. It is found that
      thermalization and dissociation are drastically overestimated by the reduced
      order models. The reasons of the failure differ in the two cases. In the
      vibrational collisional model the overestimation of the dissociation is a
      consequence of the assumption of equilibrium between the rotational energy and
      the translational energy. The multitemperature model fails to predict the correct
      thermochemical relaxation due to the failure of the quasi-steady-state
      assumption, used to derive the phenomenological rate coefficient for
      dissociation. 

PMID- 25122372
TI  - Hydrodynamic interaction of microswimmers near a wall.
AB  - The hydrodynamics of an archetypal low-Reynolds number swimmer, called
      "squirmer," near a wall has been numerically studied. For a single squirmer,
      depending on the swimming mechanism, three different modes are distinguished: (a)
      the squirmer escaping from the wall, (b) the squirmer swimming along the wall at
      a constant distance and orientation angle, and (c) the squirmer swimming near the
      wall in a periodic trajectory. The role of inertial effects on the near-wall
      motion of the squirmer is quantified. The dynamics of multiple squirmers swimming
      between two walls is found to be very different from a single squirmer. Near-wall
      accumulation of squirmers are observed. At a relatively small concentration c =
      0.1, around 60-80% of the squirmers are accumulated near the walls and attraction
      of pushers and pullers toward the wall is stronger than neutral squirmers. Near
      wall squirmers orient normal to the wall, while in the bulk region, the squirmers
      are mostly oriented parallel to the wall. At a high concentration c = 0.4, the
      percentage of the near-wall squirmers is around 40%. The orientation angle of
      squirmers in the bulk region is more uniformly distributed at high
      concentrations. In the near-wall region, pullers repel each other, while pushers
      are attracted to each other and form clusters.

PMID- 25122373
TI  - Spanwise gradients in flow speed help stabilize leading-edge vortices on
      revolving wings.
AB  - While a leading-edge vortex on an infinite translating wing is shed after a short
      distance of travel, its counterpart on a finite span revolving insect wing or
      maple seed membrane exhibits robust attachment. The latter explains the
      aerodynamic lift generated by such biological species. Here we analyze the
      mechanisms responsible for leading-edge vortex attachment. We compute the Navier
      Stokes solution of the flow past a finite span wing (i) embedded in a uniform
      oncoming flow, (ii) embedded in a spanwise varying oncoming flow, and (iii)
      revolving about its root. We show that over flapping amplitudes typical of insect
      flight (phi = 120 degrees ), the spanwise gradient of the local wing speed may
      suffice in maintaining leading-edge vortex attachment. We correlate this result
      with the development of spanwise flow, driven by the spanwise gradient of
      pressure, and we evaluate the sensitivity of such a mechanism to the Reynolds
      number. It is noted, however, that leading-edge vortex attachment through the
      spanwise gradient of the local wing speed does not promote large lift, which
      ultimately arises from centrifugal and Coriolis effects.

PMID- 25122374
TI  - Simple model of a planar undulating magnetic microswimmer.
AB  - One of the most efficient actuation methods of robotic microswimmers for
      biomedical applications is by applying time-varying external magnetic fields. In
      order to improve the design of the swimmer and optimize its performance, one
      needs to develop simple theoretical models that enable explicit analysis of the
      swimmer's dynamics. This paper studies the dynamics of a simple microswimmer
      model with two magnetized links connected by an elastic joint, which undergoes
      planar undulations induced by an oscillating magnetic field. The nonlinear
      dynamics of the microswimmer is formulated by assuming Stokes flow and using
      resistive force theory to calculate the viscous drag forces. Key effects that
      enable the swimmer to overcome the scallop theorem and generate net propulsion
      are identified, including violation of front-back symmetry. Assuming small
      oscillation amplitude, approximate solution is derived by using perturbation
      expansion, and leading-order expressions for the swimmer's displacement per cycle
      X and average speed V are obtained. Optimal actuation frequencies that maximize X
      or V are found for given swimmer's parameters. An ultimate optimal choice of
      swimmer's parameters and actuation frequency is found, for which the average
      swimming speed V attains a global maximum. Finally, the theoretical predictions
      of optimal performance values are validated by comparison to reported
      experimental results of magnetic microswimmers. 

PMID- 25122375
TI  - Interfacial pattern formation in confined power-law fluids.
AB  - The interfacial pattern formation problem in an injection-driven radial Hele-Shaw
      flow is studied for the situation in which a Newtonian fluid of negligible
      viscosity displaces a viscous non-Newtonian power-law fluid. By utilizing a Darcy
      law-like formulation, we tackle the fluid-fluid interface evolution problem
      perturbatively, and we derive second-order mode-coupling equations that describe
      the time evolution of the perturbation amplitudes. This allows us to investigate
      analytically how the non-Newtonian nature of the dislocated fluid determines the
      morphology of the emerging interfacial patterns. If the pushed fluid is shear
      thinning, our results indicate the development of side-branching structures. On
      the other hand, if the displaced fluid is shear-thickening, one detects the
      formation of petal-like shapes, markedly characterized by strong tip-splitting
      events. Finally, a time-dependent injection protocol is presented that is able to
      restrain finger proliferation via side-branching and tip-splitting. This permits
      the emergence of symmetric n-fold interfacial shapes for which the number of
      fingers remains fixed as time progresses. This procedure generalizes existing
      controlling strategies for purely Newtonian flow circumstances to the case of a
      non-Newtonian, displaced power-law fluid. 

PMID- 25122376
TI  - Dynamics of the vapor layer below a Leidenfrost drop.
AB  - In the Leidenfrost effect a small drop of fluid is levitated, above a
      sufficiently hot surface, on a persistent vapor layer generated by evaporation
      from the drop. The vapor layer thermally insulates the drop from the surface
      leading to extraordinarily long drop lifetimes. The top-view shape of the
      levitated drops can exhibit persistent starlike vibrations. I extend recent work
      [Burton et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 074301 (2012)] to study the bottom surface
      of the drop using interference imaging. In this work I use a high-speed camera
      and automated image analysis to image, locate, and classify the interference
      fringes. From the interference fringes I reconstruct the shape and height profile
      of the rim where the drop is closest to the surface. I measure the drop-size
      dependence of the planar vibrational mode frequencies, which agree well with
      previous work. I observe a distinct breathing mode in the average radius of the
      drop, the frequency of which scales differently with drop size than the other
      modes. This breathing mode can be tightly coupled to a vertical motion of the
      drop. I further observe a qualitative difference in the structure and dynamics of
      the vertical profile of the rim between large and small drops. 

PMID- 25122377
TI  - Dynamics of an axisymmetric liquid bridge close to the minimum-volume stability
      limit.
AB  - We analyze both theoretically and experimentally the dynamical behavior of an
      isothermal axisymmetric liquid bridge close to the minimum-volume stability
      limit. First, the nature of this stability limit is investigated experimentally
      by determining the liquid bridge response to a mass force pulse for volumes just
      above that limit. In our experiments, the liquid bridge breakup takes place only
      when the critical volume is surpassed and is never triggered by the mass force
      pulse. Second, the growth of the small-amplitude perturbation mode initiating the
      liquid bridge breakage is measured experimentally and calculated from the
      linearized Navier-Stokes equations. The results of the linear stability analysis
      allow one to explain why liquid bridges with volumes just above the stability
      limit are so robust. Finally, the nonlinear process leading to the liquid bridge
      breakup is described from both experimental data and the solution of the full
      Navier-Stokes equations. Special attention is paid to the free-surface pinchoff.
      The results show that the flow becomes universal (independent of both the initial
      and boundary conditions) sufficiently close to that singularity and suggest that
      the transition from the inviscid to the viscous regime is about to take place in
      the final stage of both the experiments and numerical simulations. 

PMID- 25122378
TI  - Lattice model for spontaneous imbibition in porous media: the role of effective
      tension and universality class.
AB  - Recently, anomalous scaling properties of front broadening during spontaneous
      imbibition of water in Vycor glass, a nanoporous medium, were reported: the mean
      height and the width of the propagating front increase with time t both
      proportional to t(1/2). Here, we propose a simple lattice imbibition model and
      elucidate quantitatively how the correlation range of the hydrostatic pressure
      and the disorder strength of the pore radii affect the scaling properties of the
      imbibition front. We introduce an effective tension of liquid across neighboring
      pores, which depends on the aspect ratio of each pore, and show that it leads to
      a dynamical crossover: both the mean height and the roughness grow faster in the
      presence of tension in the intermediate-time regime but eventually saturate in
      the long-time regime. The universality class of the long-time behavior is
      discussed by examining the associated scaling exponents and their relation to
      directed percolation.

PMID- 25122379
TI  - Effect of velocity boundary conditions on the heat transfer and flow topology in
      two-dimensional Rayleigh-Benard convection.
AB  - The effect of various velocity boundary condition is studied in two-dimensional
      Rayleigh-Benard convection. Combinations of no-slip, stress-free, and periodic
      boundary conditions are used on both the sidewalls and the horizontal plates. For
      the studied Rayleigh numbers Ra between 10(8) and 10(11) the heat transport is
      lower for Gamma=0.33 than for Gamma=1 in case of no-slip sidewalls. This is,
      surprisingly, the opposite for stress-free sidewalls, where the heat transport
      increases for a lower aspect ratio. In wider cells the aspect-ratio dependence is
      observed to disappear for Ra >= 10(10). Two distinct flow types with very
      different dynamics can be seen, mostly dependent on the plate velocity boundary
      condition, namely roll-like flow and zonal flow, which have a substantial effect
      on the dynamics and heat transport in the system. The predominantly horizontal
      zonal flow suppresses heat flux and is observed for stress-free and asymmetric
      plates. Low aspect-ratio periodic sidewall simulations with a no-slip boundary
      condition on the plates also exhibit zonal flow. In all the other cases, the flow
      is roll like. In two-dimensional Rayleigh-Benard convection, the velocity
      boundary conditions thus have large implications on both roll-like and zonal flow
      that have to be taken into consideration before the boundary conditions are
      imposed.

PMID- 25122380
TI  - Statistics of the inverse-cascade regime in two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic
      turbulence.
AB  - We present a detailed direct numerical simulation of statistically steady,
      homogeneous, isotropic, two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. Our study
      concentrates on the inverse cascade of the magnetic vector potential. We examine
      the dependence of the statistical properties of such turbulence on dissipation
      and friction coefficients. We extend earlier work significantly by calculating
      fluid and magnetic spectra, probability distribution functions (PDFs) of the
      velocity, magnetic, vorticity, current, stream-function, and magnetic-vector
      potential fields, and their increments. We quantify the deviations of these PDFs
      from Gaussian ones by computing their flatnesses and hyperflatnesses. We also
      present PDFs of the Okubo-Weiss parameter, which distinguishes between vortical
      and extensional flow regions, and its magnetic analog. We show that the
      hyperflatnesses of PDFs of the increments of the stream function and the magnetic
      vector potential exhibit significant scale dependence and we examine the
      implication of this for the multiscaling of structure functions. We compare our
      results with those of earlier studies. 

PMID- 25122381
TI  - Casimir effect in active matter systems.
AB  - We numerically examine run-and-tumble active matter particles in Casimir
      geometries composed of two finite parallel walls. We find that there is an
      attractive force between the two walls of a magnitude that increases with
      increasing run length. The attraction exhibits an unusual exponential dependence
      on the wall separation, and it arises due to a depletion of swimmers in the
      region between the walls by a combination of the motion of the particles along
      the walls and a geometric shadowing effect. This attraction is robust as long as
      the wall length is comparable to or smaller than the swimmer run length, and is
      only slightly reduced by the inclusion of steric interactions between swimmers.
      We also examine other geometries and find regimes in which there is a crossover
      from attraction to repulsion between the walls as a function of wall separation
      and wall length. 

PMID- 25122382
TI  - Motion transitions of falling plates via quasisteady aerodynamics.
AB  - In this paper, we study the dynamics of freely falling plates based on the
      Kirchhoff equation and the quasisteady aerodynamic model. Motion transitions
      among fluttering, tumbling along a cusp-like trajectory, irregular, and tumbling
      along a straight trajectory are obtained by solving the dynamical equations.
      Phase diagrams spanning between the nondimensional moment of inertia and
      aerodynamic coefficients or aspect ratio are built to identify regimes for these
      falling styles. We also investigate the stability of fixed points and bifurcation
      scenarios. It is found that the transitions are all heteroclinic bifurcations and
      the influence of the fixed-point stability is local. 

PMID- 25122383
TI  - Diffuse-interface modeling of liquid-vapor coexistence in equilibrium drops using
      smoothed particle hydrodynamics.
AB  - We study numerically liquid-vapor phase separation in two-dimensional,
      nonisothermal, van der Waals (vdW) liquid drops using the method of smoothed
      particle hydrodynamics (SPH). In contrast to previous SPH simulations of drop
      formation, our approach is fully adaptive and follows the diffuse-interface model
      for a single-component fluid, where a reversible, capillary (Korteweg) force is
      added to the equations of motion to model the rapid but smooth transition of
      physical quantities through the interface separating the bulk phases. Surface
      tension arises naturally from the cohesive part of the vdW equation of state and
      the capillary forces. The drop models all start from a square-shaped liquid and
      spinodal decomposition is investigated for a range of initial densities and
      temperatures. The simulations predict the formation of stable, subcritical liquid
      drops with a vapor atmosphere, with the densities and temperatures of coexisting
      liquid and vapor in the vdW phase diagram closely matching the binodal curve. We
      find that the values of surface tension, as determined from the Young-Laplace
      equation, are in good agreement with the results of independent numerical
      simulations and experimental data. The models also predict the increase of the
      vapor pressure with temperature and the fitting to the numerical data reproduces
      very well the Clausius-Clapeyron relation, thus allowing for the calculation of
      the vaporization pressure for this vdW fluid. 

PMID- 25122384
TI  - Statistical symmetries of the Lundgren-Monin-Novikov hierarchy.
AB  - It was shown by Oberlack and Rosteck [Discr. Cont. Dyn. Sys. S, 3, 451 2010] that
      the infinite set of multipoint correlation (MPC) equations of turbulence admits a
      considerable extended set of Lie point symmetries compared to the Galilean group,
      which is implied by the original set of equations of fluid mechanics.
      Specifically, a new scaling group and an infinite set of translational groups of
      all multipoint correlation tensors have been discovered. These new statistical
      groups have important consequences for our understanding of turbulent scaling
      laws as they are essential ingredients of, e.g., the logarithmic law of the wall
      and other scaling laws, which in turn are exact solutions of the MPC equations.
      In this paper we first show that the infinite set of translational groups of all
      multipoint correlation tensors corresponds to an infinite dimensional set of
      translations under which the Lundgren-Monin-Novikov (LMN) hierarchy of equations
      for the probability density functions (PDF) are left invariant. Second, we derive
      a symmetry for the LMN hierarchy which is analogous to the scaling group of the
      MPC equations. Most importantly, we show that this symmetry is a measure of the
      intermittency of the velocity signal and the transformed functions represent PDFs
      of an intermittent (i.e., turbulent or nonturbulent) flow. Interesting enough,
      the positivity of the PDF puts a constraint on the group parameters of both shape
      and intermittency symmetry, leading to two conclusions. First, the latter
      symmetries may no longer be Lie group as under certain conditions group
      properties are violated, but still they are symmetries of the LMN equations.
      Second, as the latter two symmetries in its MPC versions are ingredients of many
      scaling laws such as the log law, the above constraints implicitly put weak
      conditions on the scaling parameter such as von Karman constant kappa as they are
      functions of the group parameters. Finally, let us note that these kind of
      statistical symmetries are of much more general type, i.e., not limited to MPC or
      PDF equations emerging from Navier-Stokes, but instead they are admitted by other
      nonlinear partial differential equations like, for example, the Burgers equation
      when in conservative form and if the nonlinearity is quadratic. 

PMID- 25122385
TI  - Humidity distribution affected by freely exposed water surfaces: simulations and
      experimental verification.
AB  - Accurate models for the water vapor flux at a water-air interface are required in
      various scientific, reliability and civil engineering aspects. Here, a study of
      humidity distribution in a container with air and freely exposed water is
      presented. A model predicting a spatial distribution and time evolution of
      relative humidity based on statistical rate theory and computational fluid
      dynamics is developed. In our approach we use short-term steady-state steps to
      simulate the slowly evolving evaporation in the system. Experiments demonstrate
      considerably good agreement with the computer modeling and allow one to
      distinguish the most important parameters for the model. 

PMID- 25122386
TI  - Casimir effect in swimmer suspensions.
AB  - We show that the Casimir effect can emerge in microswimmer suspensions. In
      principle, two effects conspire against the development of Casimir effects in
      swimmer suspensions. First, at low Reynolds number, the force on any closed
      volume vanishes, but here the relevant effect is the drag by the flow produced by
      the swimmers, which can be finite. Second, the fluid velocity and the pressure
      are linear on the swimmer force dipoles, and averaging over the swimmer
      orientations would lead to a vanishing effect. However, being that the suspension
      is a discrete system, the noise terms of the coarse-grained equations depend on
      the density, which itself fluctuates, resulting in effective nonlinear dynamics.
      Applying the tools developed for other nonequilibrium systems to general coarse
      grained equations for swimmer suspensions, the Casimir drag is computed on
      immersed objects, and it is found to depend on the correlation function between
      the rescaled density and dipolar density fields. By introducing a model
      correlation function with medium-range order, explicit expressions are obtained
      for the Casimir drag on a body. When the correlation length is much larger than
      the microscopic cutoff, the average drag is independent of the correlation
      length, with a range that depends only on the size of the immersed bodies. 

PMID- 25122387
TI  - Geometrical interpretation of long-time tails of first-passage time distributions
      in porous media with stagnant parts.
AB  - Using a combined experimental-numerical approach, we study the first-passage time
      distributions (FPTD) of small particles in two-dimensional porous materials. The
      distributions in low-porosity structures show persistent long-time tails, which
      are independent of the Peclet number and therefore cannot be explained by the
      advection-diffusion equation. Instead, our results suggest that these tails are
      caused by stagnant, i.e., quiescent areas where particles are trapped for some
      time. Comparison of measured FPTD with an analytical expression for the residence
      time of particles, which diffuse in confined regions and are able to escape
      through a small pore, yields good agreement with our data. 

PMID- 25122388
TI  - Saturation of shape instabilities in single-bubble sonoluminescence.
AB  - Excitation of shape instabilities represents one route to bubble death in single
      bubble sonoluminescence. This feature is satisfactorily explained by an expansion
      to first order in the amplitude of a shape distortion in the form of a spherical
      harmonic. By taking the expansion to second order, it is found that regions of
      parameter space exist where the exponential growth into bubble disruption is
      checked and a saturated stable state of shape distortion is possible.
      Experimental evidence provided by Mie scattering is presented, and a possible
      connection to simultaneous spatially anisotropic light emission is discussed. 

PMID- 25122389
TI  - Chaotic mixing in effective compressible flows.
AB  - We study numerically joint mixing of salt and colloids by chaotic advection and
      how salt inhomogeneities accelerate or delay colloid mixing by inducing a
      velocity drift V(dp) between colloids and fluid particles as proposed in recent
      experiments [J. Deseigne et al., Soft Matter 10, 4795 (2014)]. We demonstrate
      that because the drift velocity is no longer divergence free, small variations to
      the total velocity field drastically affect the evolution of colloid variance
      sigma(2) = <C(2)>-<C>(2). A consequence is that mixing strongly depends on the
      mutual coherence between colloid and salt concentration fields, the short time
      evolution of scalar variance being governed by a new variance production term P =
      -<C(2)? . V(dp)>/2 when scalar gradients are not developed yet so that
      dissipation is weak. Depending on initial conditions, mixing is then delayed or
      enhanced, and it is possible to find examples for which the two regimes (fast
      mixing followed by slow mixing) are observed consecutively when the variance
      source term reverses its sign. This is indeed the case for localized patches
      modeled as Gaussian concentration profiles.

PMID- 25122390
TI  - Extension of the dielectric breakdown model for simulation of viscous fingering
      at finite viscosity ratios.
AB  - Immiscible displacement of viscous oil by water in a petroleum reservoir is often
      hydrodynamically unstable. Due to similarities between the physics of dielectric
      breakdown and immiscible flow in porous media, we extend the existing dielectric
      breakdown model to simulate viscous fingering patterns for a wide range of
      viscosity ratios (MU(r)). At low values of power-law index eta, the system
      behaves like a stable Eden growth model and as the value of eta is increased to
      unity, diffusion limited aggregation-like fractals appear. This model is compared
      with our two-dimensional (2D) experiments to develop a correlation between the
      viscosity ratio and the power index, i.e., eta = 10(-5)MU(r)(0.8775). The 2D and
      three-dimensional (3D) simulation data appear scalable. The fingering pattern in
      3D simulations at finite viscosity ratios appear qualitatively similar to the few
      experimental results published in the literature.

PMID- 25122391
TI  - Taylor column instability in the problem of a vibrational hydrodynamic top.
AB  - The object of experimental study is a fluid flow generated by differential
      rotation of a free light spherical body in a rotating cylindrical cavity. The
      body stays near the axis under the action of centrifugal force. The body rotation
      is generated by a force field oscillating in the cavity reference system
      (vibrational hydrodynamic top). It was found that the Taylor-Proudman column that
      forms undergoes instability, which manifests itself in the formation of a two
      dimensional azimuthal wave at the column boundary, in a Stewartson layer. The
      experimental results are summarized on a plane of dimensionless parameters, i.e.,
      the dimensionless velocity of the cavity rotation and Rossby number. The bounds
      of the Stewartson layer stability were found and the supercritical structures and
      transition sequences were studied. Systematic research into that problem in its
      classical formulation--when a sphere is fixed on the axis and its differential
      rotation is imposed--was done for comparison. It was demonstrated that in
      conditions of vibratory differential rotation of a free sphere the stability
      threshold of the Stewartson layer was reduced by more than one order of
      magnitude, in comparison with the classical case. A qualitative change was also
      found in the wave phase velocity which for a free sphere exceeds the lagging
      differential rotation velocity of the body. It was concluded that the uncovered
      specifics are related to the difference in the mechanism of the Taylor-Proudman
      column formation and of the flow generation in it. For a vibrational hydrodynamic
      top, streams in the column will not be defined by Ekman pumping but by steady
      streaming, which is also responsible for the free-sphere differential rotation.

PMID- 25122392
TI  - Dynamics of a self-diffusiophoretic particle in shear flow.
AB  - Colloidal particles can achieve autonomous motion by a number of physicochemical
      mechanisms. For instance, if a spherical particle acts as a catalyst with an
      asymmetric surface reactivity, a molecular solute concentration gradient will
      develop in the surrounding fluid that can propel the particle via self
      diffusiophoresis. Theoretical analyses of self-diffusiophoresis have mostly been
      considered in quiescent fluid, where the solute concentration is usually assumed
      to evolve solely via diffusion. In practical applications, however, self
      propelled colloidal particles can be expected to reside in flowing fluids. Here,
      we examine the role of ambient flow on self-diffusiophoresis by quantifying the
      dynamics of a model Janus particle in a simple shear flow. The imposed flow can
      distort the self-generated solute concentration gradient. The extent of this
      distortion is quantified by a Peclet number, Pe, associated with the shear flow.
      Utilizing matched asymptotic analysis, we determine the concentration gradient
      surrounding a Janus particle in shear flow at a small, but finite, Peclet number
      and the resulting particle motion. For example, when the symmetry axis of the
      particle is aligned with the imposed flow, the Janus particle experiences an
      O(Pe) cross-streamline drift and an O(Pe(3/2)) reduction in translational
      velocity along the flow direction. We then analyze the in-plane trajectory of the
      Janus particle in shear. We find that the particle performs elliptical orbits
      around its initial position in the flow, which decrease in size with increasing
      Pe.

PMID- 25122393
TI  - Three-dimensional coherent structures of electrokinetic instability.
AB  - A direct numerical simulation of the three-dimensional elektrokinetic instability
      near a charge-selective surface (electric membrane, electrode, or system of micro
      or nanochannels) has been carried out and analyzed. A special finite-difference
      method has been used for the space discretization along with a semi-implicit 31/3
      step Runge-Kutta scheme for the integration in time. The calculations employ
      parallel computing. Three characteristic patterns, which correspond to the
      overlimiting currents, are observed: (a) two-dimensional electroconvective rolls,
      (b) three-dimensional regular hexagonal structures, and (c) three-dimensional
      structures of spatiotemporal chaos, which are a combination of unsteady hexagons,
      quadrangles, and triangles. The transition from (b) to (c) is accompanied by the
      generation of interacting two-dimensional solitary pulses. 

PMID- 25122394
TI  - Pore-scale simulation of fluid flow and solute dispersion in three-dimensional
      porous media.
AB  - In the present work fluid flow and solute transport through porous media are
      described by solving the governing equations at the pore scale with finite-volume
      discretization. Instead of solving the simplified Stokes equation (very often
      employed in this context) the full Navier-Stokes equation is used here. The
      realistic three-dimensional porous medium is created in this work by packing
      together, with standard ballistic physics, irregular and polydisperse objects.
      Emphasis is placed on numerical issues related to mesh generation and spatial
      discretization, which play an important role in determining the final accuracy of
      the finite-volume scheme and are often overlooked. The simulations performed are
      then analyzed in terms of velocity distributions and dispersion rates in a wider
      range of operating conditions, when compared with other works carried out by
      solving the Stokes equation. Results show that dispersion within the analyzed
      porous medium is adequately described by classical power laws obtained by
      analytic homogenization. Eventually the validity of Fickian diffusion to treat
      dispersion in porous media is also assessed. 

PMID- 25122395
TI  - Asymptotic separation in multispecies collisional plasma shocks.
AB  - When a piston drives a shock in a multicomponent plasma, residual separation of
      the ion species persists close to the piston-plasma boundary, long after the
      shock has propagated away from the boundary and has reached a (nearly) steady
      state solution. This effect is observed in hybrid particle-in-cell simulations
      with two kinetic ion species and fluid electrons. It is a consequence of the
      different dynamics experienced by ions of different mass and charge-to-mass ratio
      and must be taken into account to properly model the physics of species
      separation in collisional plasma shocks. 

PMID- 25122396
TI  - Experimental measurement of velocity correlations for two microparticles in a
      plasma with ion flow.
AB  - Velocity correlations are measured in a dusty plasma with only two
      microparticles. These correlations allow a characterization of the oscillatory
      modes and an identification of the effects of ion wakes. Ion wake effects are
      isolated by comparing two experiments with the microparticles aligned parallel vs
      perpendicular to the ion flow. From records of microparticle velocities, the one-
      and two-particle distribution functions f(1) and f(2) are obtained, and the two
      particle correlation function g(2) = f(2)-f(1)f(1) is calculated. Comparing the
      two experiments, we find that motion is much more correlated when the
      microparticles are aligned with the ion flow and the character of the oscillatory
      modes depends on the ion flow direction due to the ion wake.

PMID- 25122397
TI  - Quantum-relativistic hydrodynamic model for a spin-polarized electron gas
      interacting with light.
AB  - We develop a semirelativistic quantum fluid theory based on the expansion of the
      Dirac Hamiltonian to second order in 1/c. By making use of the Madelung
      representation of the wave function, we derive a set of hydrodynamic equations
      that comprises a continuity equation, an Euler equation for the mean velocity,
      and an evolution equation for the electron spin density. This hydrodynamic model
      is then applied to study the dynamics of a dense and weakly relativistic electron
      plasma. In particular, we investigate the impact of the quantum-relativistic spin
      effects on the Faraday rotation in a one-dimensional plasma slab irradiated by an
      x-ray laser source. 

PMID- 25122399
TI  - Superdiffusion of two-dimensional Yukawa liquids due to a perpendicular magnetic
      field.
AB  - Stochastic transport of a two-dimensional (2D) dusty plasma liquid with a
      perpendicular magnetic field is studied. Superdiffusion is found to occur
      especially at higher magnetic fields with beta of order unity. Here, beta =
      omega(c)/omega(pd) is the ratio of the cyclotron and plasma frequencies for dust
      particles. The mean-square displacement MSD = 4D(alpha)t(alpha) is found to have
      an exponent alpha > 1, indicating superdiffusion, with alpha increasing
      monotonically to 1.1 as beta increases to unity. The 2D Langevin molecular
      dynamics simulation used here also reveals that another indicator of random
      particle motion, the velocity autocorrelation function, has a dominant peak
      frequency omega(peak) that empirically obeys omega(peak)(2) = omega(c)(2) +
      omega(pd)(2)/4.

PMID- 25122401
TI  - Interaction force in a vertical dust chain inside a glass box.
AB  - Small number dust particle clusters can be used as probes for plasma diagnostics.
      The number of dust particles as well as cluster size and shape can be easily
      controlled employing a glass box placed within a Gaseous Electronics Conference
      (GEC) rf reference chamber to provide confinement of the dust. The plasma
      parameters inside this box and within the larger plasma chamber have not yet been
      adequately defined. Adjusting the rf power alters the plasma conditions causing
      structural changes of the cluster. This effect can be used to probe the
      relationship between the rf power and other plasma parameters. This experiment
      employs the sloshing and breathing modes of small cluster oscillations to examine
      the relationship between system rf power and the particle charge and plasma
      screening length inside the glass box. The experimental results provided indicate
      that both the screening length and dust charge decrease as rf power inside the
      box increases. The decrease in dust charge as power increases may indicate that
      ion trapping plays a significant role in the sheath. 

PMID- 25122400
TI  - Observation of self-excited acoustic vortices in defect-mediated dust acoustic
      wave turbulence.
AB  - Using the self-excited dust acoustic wave as a platform, we demonstrate
      experimental observation of self-excited fluctuating acoustic vortex pairs with
      +/- 1 topological charges through spontaneous waveform undulation in defect
      mediated turbulence for three-dimensional traveling nonlinear longitudinal waves.
      The acoustic vortex pair has helical waveforms with opposite chirality around the
      low-density hole filament pair in xyt space (the xy plane is the plane normal to
      the wave propagation direction). It is generated through ruptures of sequential
      crest surfaces and reconnections with their trailing ruptured crest surfaces. The
      initial rupture is originated from the amplitude reduction induced by the
      formation of the kinked wave crest strip with strong stretching through the
      undulation instability. Increasing rupture causes the separation of the acoustic
      vortex pair after generation. A similar reverse process is followed for the
      acoustic vortex annihilating with the opposite-charged acoustic vortex from the
      same or another pair generation.

PMID- 25122402
TI  - Role of viscous friction in the reverse rotation of a disk.
AB  - The mechanical response of a circularly driven disk in a dissipative medium is
      considered. We focus on the role played by viscous friction in the spinning
      motion of the disk, especially on the effect called reverse rotation, where the
      intrinsic and orbital rotations are antiparallel. Contrary to what happens in the
      frictionless case, where steady reverse rotations are possible, we find that this
      dynamical behavior may exist only as a transient when dissipation is considered.
      Whether or not reverse rotations in fact occur depends on the initial conditions
      and on two parameters, one related to dragging, inertia, and driving, the other
      associated with the geometric configuration of the system. The critical value of
      this geometric parameter (separating the regions where reverse rotation is
      possible from those where it is forbidden) as a function of viscosity is well
      adjusted by a q-exponential function. 

PMID- 25122398
TI  - Equilibration dynamics and conductivity of warm dense hydrogen.
AB  - We investigate subpicosecond dynamics of warm dense hydrogen at the XUV free
      electron laser facility (FLASH) at DESY (Hamburg). Ultrafast impulsive electron
      heating is initiated by a <= 300-fs short x-ray burst of 92-eV photon energy. A
      second pulse probes the sample via x-ray scattering at jitter-free variable time
      delay. We show that the initial molecular structure dissociates within (0.9 +/-
      0.2) ps, allowing us to infer the energy transfer rate between electrons and
      ions. We evaluate Saha and Thomas-Fermi ionization models in radiation
      hydrodynamics simulations, predicting plasma parameters that are subsequently
      used to calculate the static structure factor. A conductivity model for partially
      ionized plasma is validated by two-temperature density-functional theory coupled
      to molecular dynamic simulations and agrees with the experimental data. Our
      results provide important insights and the needed experimental data on transport
      properties of dense plasmas.

PMID- 25122403
TI  - Self-similar propagation and asymptotic optical waves in nonlinear waveguides.
AB  - The properties of self-similar optical waves propagating in a tapered cubic
      quintic nonlinear waveguide are investigated. Using a lens-type transformation we
      obtain the exact analytical self-similar solutions which describe the propagation
      of bright-shaped solitons, dark-shaped solitons, kink-shaped solitons, and
      antikink-shaped solitons. The stability of the solutions is examined by numerical
      simulations such that stable bright solitons are found. Beyond the exact
      analytical solutions, asymptotic optical waves are also found by employing a
      direct ansatz. These waves possess linear chirps and can propagate self
      similarly. The possibility of controlling the shape of output asymptotic optical
      waves is demonstrated. The analytical results are confirmed by numerical
      simulations. Finally, we investigate the generation and propagation properties of
      self-similar optical waves in a quintic nonlinear medium. 

PMID- 25122404
TI  - Improved transfer matrix methods for calculating quantum transmission
      coefficient.
AB  - Methods for calculating the transmission coefficient are proposed, all of which
      arise from improved nonreflecting WKB boundary conditions at the edge of the
      computational domain in one-dimensional geometries. In the first, the Schrodinger
      equation is solved numerically, while the second is a transfer matrix (TM)
      algorithm where the potential is approximated by steps, but with the first and
      last matrix modified to reflect the new boundary condition. Both methods give
      excellent results with first-order WKB boundary conditions. The third uses the
      transfer matrix method with third-order WKB boundary conditions. For the
      parabolic potential, the average error for the modified third-order TM method
      reduces by factor of 4100 over the unmodified TM method. 

PMID- 25122405
TI  - Theory of ion transport with fast acid-base equilibrations in bioelectrochemical
      systems.
AB  - Bioelectrochemical systems recover valuable components and energy in the form of
      hydrogen or electricity from aqueous organic streams. We derive a one-dimensional
      steady-state model for ion transport in a bioelectrochemical system, with the
      ions subject to diffusional and electrical forces. Since most of the ionic
      species can undergo acid-base reactions, ion transport is combined in our model
      with infinitely fast ion acid-base equilibrations. The model describes the
      current-induced ammonia evaporation and recovery at the cathode side of a
      bioelectrochemical system that runs on an organic stream containing ammonium
      ions. We identify that the rate of ammonia evaporation depends not only on the
      current but also on the flow rate of gas in the cathode chamber, the diffusion of
      ammonia from the cathode back into the anode chamber, through the ion exchange
      membrane placed in between, and the membrane charge density. 

PMID- 25122406
TI  - Boundary condition at a two-phase interface in the lattice Boltzmann method for
      the convection-diffusion equation.
AB  - A boundary scheme in the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for the convection
      diffusion equation, which correctly realizes the internal boundary condition at
      the interface between two phases with different transport properties, is
      presented. The difficulty in satisfying the continuity of flux at the interface
      in a transient analysis, which is inherent in the conventional LBM, is overcome
      by modifying the collision operator and the streaming process of the LBM. An
      asymptotic analysis of the scheme is carried out in order to clarify the role
      played by the adjustable parameters involved in the scheme. As a result, the
      internal boundary condition is shown to be satisfied with second-order accuracy
      with respect to the lattice interval, if we assign appropriate values to the
      adjustable parameters. In addition, two specific problems are numerically
      analyzed, and comparison with the analytical solutions of the problems
      numerically validates the proposed scheme. 

PMID- 25122407
TI  - Multiscale dynamics of semiflexible polymers from a universal coarse-graining
      procedure.
AB  - Simulating the dynamics of a semiflexible polymer across time and length scales
      that bridge the rigid and flexible regimes requires a physically sound method for
      generating coarse-grained representations of the polymer. Here, we study the
      dynamic behavior of the discrete stretchable, shearable wormlike chain model,
      which can be used to coarse-grain a continuous semi-elastic chain at an arbitrary
      discretization. We show that the dynamics of this universal model match those of
      the wormlike chain at length scales above the discretization length. The
      evolution of the stress correlation, as probed through Brownian dynamics
      simulations, is found to reproduce the predicted behavior in both the rigid and
      flexible regimes, spanning over six orders of magnitude in time scales. The
      coarse-graining approach employed here thus enables dynamic simulation of
      semiflexible polymers at lengths and times that were previously inaccessible with
      conventional methods. 

PMID- 25122408
TI  - Nonequilibrium scheme for computing the flux of the convection-diffusion equation
      in the framework of the lattice Boltzmann method.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a local nonequilibrium scheme for computing the flux of
      the convection-diffusion equation with a source term in the framework of the
      multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Both the Chapman
      Enskog analysis and the numerical results show that, at the diffusive scaling,
      the present nonequilibrium scheme has a second-order convergence rate in space. A
      comparison between the nonequilibrium scheme and the conventional second-order
      central-difference scheme indicates that, although both schemes have a second
      order convergence rate in space, the present nonequilibrium scheme is more
      accurate than the central-difference scheme. In addition, the flux computation
      rendered by the present scheme also preserves the parallel computation feature of
      the LBM, making the scheme more efficient than conventional finite-difference
      schemes in the study of large-scale problems. Finally, a comparison between the
      single-relaxation-time model and the MRT model is also conducted, and the results
      show that the MRT model is more accurate than the single-relaxation-time model,
      both in solving the convection-diffusion equation and in computing the flux. 

PMID- 25122409
TI  - Real-space finite-difference calculation method of generalized Bloch wave
      functions and complex band structures with reduced computational cost.
AB  - Generalized Bloch wave functions of bulk structures, which are composed of not
      only propagating waves but also decaying and growing evanescent waves, are known
      to be essential for defining the open boundary conditions in the calculations of
      the electronic surface states and scattering wave functions of surface and
      junction structures. Electronic complex band structures being derived from the
      generalized Bloch wave functions are also essential for studying bound states of
      the surface and junction structures, which do not appear in conventional band
      structures. We present a novel calculation method to obtain the generalized Bloch
      wave functions of periodic bulk structures by solving a generalized eigenvalue
      problem, whose dimension is drastically reduced in comparison with the
      conventional generalized eigenvalue problem derived by Fujimoto and Hirose [Phys.
      Rev. B 67, 195315 (2003)]. The generalized eigenvalue problem derived in this
      work is even mathematically equivalent to the conventional one, and, thus, we
      reduce computational cost for solving the eigenvalue problem considerably without
      any approximation and losing the strictness of the formulations. To exhibit the
      performance of the present method, we demonstrate practical calculations of
      electronic complex band structures and electron transport properties of Al and Cu
      nanoscale systems. Moreover, employing atom-structured electrodes and jellium
      approximated ones for both of the Al and Si monatomic chains, we investigate how
      much the electron transport properties are unphysically affected by the jellium
      parts. 

PMID- 25122410
TI  - Self-energy-modified Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations: WKB approximation and
      finite-difference approaches.
AB  - We propose a modified Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) model to investigate charge
      transport in electrolytes of inhomogeneous dielectric environment. The model
      includes the ionic polarization due to the dielectric inhomogeneity and the ion
      ion correlation. This is achieved by the self energy of test ions through solving
      a generalized Debye-Huckel (DH) equation. We develop numerical methods for the
      system composed of the PNP and DH equations. Particularly, toward the numerical
      challenge of solving the high-dimensional DH equation, we developed an analytical
      WKB approximation and a numerical approach based on the selective inversion of
      sparse matrices. The model and numerical methods are validated by simulating the
      charge diffusion in electrolytes between two electrodes, for which effects of
      dielectrics and correlation are investigated by comparing the results with the
      prediction by the classical PNP theory. We find that, at the length scale of the
      interface separation comparable to the Bjerrum length, the results of the
      modified equations are significantly different from the classical PNP predictions
      mostly due to the dielectric effect. It is also shown that when the ion self
      energy is in weak or mediate strength, the WKB approximation presents a high
      accuracy, compared to precise finite-difference results. 

PMID- 25122411
TI  - Path-integral Monte Carlo method for Renyi entanglement entropies.
AB  - We introduce a quantum Monte Carlo algorithm to measure the Renyi entanglement
      entropies in systems of interacting bosons in the continuum. This approach is
      based on a path-integral ground state method that can be applied to interacting
      itinerant bosons in any spatial dimension with direct relevance to experimental
      systems of quantum fluids. We demonstrate how it may be used to compute spatial
      mode entanglement, particle partitioned entanglement, and the entanglement of
      particles, providing insights into quantum correlations generated by
      fluctuations, indistinguishability, and interactions. We present proof-of
      principle calculations and benchmark against an exactly soluble model of
      interacting bosons in one spatial dimension. As this algorithm retains the
      fundamental polynomial scaling of quantum Monte Carlo when applied to sign
      problem-free models, future applications should allow for the study of
      entanglement entropy in large-scale many-body systems of interacting bosons. 

PMID- 25122412
TI  - Generalized modification in the lattice Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook model for
      incompressible Navier-Stokes equations and convection-diffusion equations.
AB  - In this paper, two modified lattice Boltzmann Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (LBGK) models
      for incompressible Navier-Stokes equations and convection-diffusion equations are
      proposed via the addition of correction terms in the evolution equations.
      Utilizing this modification, the value of the dimensionless relaxation time in
      the LBGK model can be kept in a proper range, and thus the stability of the LBGK
      model can be improved. Although some gradient operators are included in the
      correction terms, they can be computed efficiently using local computational
      schemes such that the present LBGK models still retain the intrinsic parallelism
      characteristic of the lattice Boltzmann method. Numerical studies of the steady
      Poiseuille flow and unsteady Womersley flow show that the modified LBGK model has
      a second-order convergence rate in space, and the compressibility effect in the
      common LBGK model can be eliminated. In addition, to test the stability of the
      present models, we also performed some simulations of the natural convection in a
      square cavity, and we found that the results agree well with those reported in
      the previous work, even at a very high Rayleigh number (Ra = 10(12)).

PMID- 25122413
TI  - Acoustic equations of state for simple lattice Boltzmann velocity sets.
AB  - The lattice Boltzmann (LB) method typically uses an isothermal equation of state.
      This is not sufficient to simulate a number of acoustic phenomena where the
      equation of state cannot be approximated as linear and constant. However, it is
      possible to implement variable equations of state by altering the LB equilibrium
      distribution. For simple velocity sets with velocity components xi(ialpha)?(
      1,0,1) for all i, these equilibria necessarily cause error terms in the momentum
      equation. These error terms are shown to be either correctable or negligible at
      the cost of further weakening the compressibility. For the D1Q3 velocity set,
      such an equilibrium distribution is found and shown to be unique. Its sound
      propagation properties are found for both forced and free waves, with some
      generality beyond D1Q3. Finally, this equilibrium distribution is applied to a
      nonlinear acoustics simulation where both mechanisms of nonlinearity are
      simulated with good results. This represents an improvement on previous such
      simulations and proves that the compressibility of the method is still
      sufficiently strong even for nonlinear acoustics.

PMID- 25122414
TI  - Electronically- and crystal-structure-driven magnetic structures and physical
      properties of RScSb (R = rare earth) compounds: a neutron diffraction,
      magnetization and heat capacity study.
AB  - The synthesis of the new equiatomic RScSb (R = La-Nd, Sm, Gd-Tm, Lu, Y) compounds
      has been recently reported. These rare earth compounds crystallize in two
      different crystal structures, adopting the CeScSi-type (I4/mmm) for the lighter R
      (La-Nd, Sm) and the CeFeSi-type (P4/nmm) structure for the heavier R (R = Gd-Tm,
      Lu, Y). Here we report the results of neutron diffraction, magnetization and heat
      capacity measurements on some of these compounds (R = Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd and Tb).
      Band structure calculations have also been performed on CeScSb and GdScGe (CeScSi
      type), and on GdScSb and TbScSb (CeFeSi-type) to compare and understand the
      exchange interactions in CeScSi and CeFeSi structure types. The neutron
      diffraction investigation shows that all five compounds order magnetically, with
      the highest transition temperature of 66 K in TbScSb and the lowest of about 9 K
      in CeScSb. The magnetic ground state is simple ferromagnetic (tau = [0 0 0]) in
      CeScSb, as well in NdScSb for 32 > T > 22 K. Below 22 K a second magnetic
      transition, with propagation vector tau = [1/4 1/4 0], appears in NdScSb. PrScSb
      has a magnetic structure within, determined by mostly ferromagnetic interactions
      and antiferromagnetic alignment of the Pr-sites connected through the I-centering
      (tau = [1 0 0]). A cycloidal spiral structure with a temperature dependent
      propagation vector tau = [delta delta 1/2] is found in TbScSb. The results of
      magnetization and heat capacity lend support to the main conclusions derived from
      neutron diffraction. As inferred from a sharp peak in magnetization, GdScSb
      orders antiferromagnetically at 56 K. First principles calculations show lateral
      shift of spin split bands towards lower energy from the Fermi level as the CeScSi
      type structure changes to the CeFeSi-type structure. This rigid shift may force
      the system to transform from exchange split ferromagnetic state to the
      antiferromagnetic state in RScSb compounds (as seen for example in GdScSb and
      TbScSb) and is proposed to explain the change-over from a ferromagnetic structure
      as found in the CeScSi-type compounds CeScSb and NdScSb to the antiferromagnetic
      state as found in TbScSb and GdScSb.

PMID- 25122417
TI  - A note from the Editor-in-Chief on enhancements to the journal.

PMID- 25122415
TI  - Construction and characterization of a repetitive DNA library in Parodontidae
      (Atinopterygii:Characiformes): a genomic and evolutionary approach to the
      degeneration of the w sex cromosome.
AB  - Repetitive DNA sequences, including tandem and dispersed repeats, comprise a
      large portion of eukaryotic genomes and are important for gene regulation, sex
      chromosome differentiation, and karyotype evolution. In Parodontidae, only the
      repetitive DNAs WAp and pPh2004 and rDNAs were previously studied using
      fluorescence in situ hybridization. This study aimed to build a library of
      repetitive DNA in Parodontidae. We isolated 40 clones using Cot-1; 17 of these
      clones exhibited similarity to repetitive DNA sequences, including satellites,
      minisatellites, microsatellites, and class I and class II transposable elements
      (TEs), from Danio rerio and other organisms. The physical mapping of the clones
      to chromosomes revealed the presence of a satellite DNA, a Helitron element, and
      degenerate short interspersed element (SINE), long interspersed element (LINE),
      and tc1-mariner elements on the sex chromosomes. Some clones exhibited dispersed
      signals; other sequences were not detected. The 5S rDNA was detected on an
      autosomal pair. These elements likely function in the molecular degeneration of
      the W chromosome in Parodontidae. Thus, the location of these elements on the
      chromosomes is important for understanding the function of these repetitive DNAs
      and for integrative studies with genome sequencing. The presented data
      demonstrate that an intensive invasion of TEs occurred during W sex chromosome
      differentiation in the Parodontidae.

PMID- 25122418
TI  - Practice makes perfect protocols: the Canadian anaplastic lymphoma kinase study.

PMID- 25122419
TI  - RET mutations in neuroendocrine tumors: including small-cell lung cancer.

PMID- 25122420
TI  - An evidence-based determination of issues affecting quality of life and patient
      reported outcomes in lung cancer: results of a survey of 660 patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Identifying issues of importance for patients with lung cancer is
      critical in individualizing care and developing effective quality of life
      instruments based on evidence. This study was conducted to provide enhanced
      content validity for measures assessing quality of life and patient-reported
      outcomes (PROs). METHODS: We conducted an anonymous, cross-sectional, electronic
      web-based survey of 660 lung cancer patients. The survey asked patients to rank
      20 quality of life issues on a 5-point scale ranging from "not important at all"
      to "very important". Analysis was obtained using key factors such as stage of
      disease, performance status, and gender. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 297
      males and 363 females (median age 62 years). The top five rated issues were:
      quality of life, maintaining independence, ability to perform normal activities,
      ability to sleep, and not being fatigued. The issues of importance were all
      ranked, using the two highest categories ("very important" and "important") by at
      least 90% of patients. Although symptoms are important to patients, they were not
      the most highly ranked issues of concern; instead, global issues illustrating the
      effect of the symptoms on the patient, such as quality of life, maintaining
      independence, and performing normal activities were ranked highest. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the largest analysis of evidence-based data determining content validity
      for quality of life and PROs as indicated by patients. These results provide
      greater confidence that the content of lung cancer quality of life measures is
      appropriate. In addition, the survey clearly demonstrates that PRO measures that
      only evaluate symptoms are not fully responding to patient-expressed needs.

PMID- 25122421
TI  - Association of patient-provider communication domains with lung cancer treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient-physician communication is critical for helping patients
      understand and complete the complex steps needed to diagnose stage and treat lung
      cancer. We assessed which domains of patient-physician communication about lung
      cancer and its treatment are associated with receipt of disease-directed, stage
      appropriate treatment. METHODS: Patients with recently diagnosed lung cancer were
      recruited from four medical centers in New York City from 2008 to 2011.
      Participants were surveyed about discussions with physicians regarding treatment,
      symptoms, and needs. Multiple regression analysis and structural equation
      modeling were used to assess which communication factors were associated with
      disease treatment. RESULTS: Of the 352 participants, 191 (54%) received disease
      directed, stage-appropriate treatment. Unadjusted associations between
      communication items and treatment found that participants who felt that their
      physicians explained the risks and disadvantages of lung cancer treatment (p <
      0.01), discussed their chances of cure (p = 0.02), discussed goals of treatment
      (p < 0.01), or who were warm and friendly (p = 0.04) were more likely to undergo
      treatment. Three communication domains were identified: treatment information,
      physician support, and patient symptoms/needs. After adjusting for known
      determinants of lung cancer treatment, increased treatment information was
      associated with higher probability of cancer-directed treatment (p = 0.003).
      Other communication domains (physician support or patient symptoms/needs) were
      not independent predictors of treatment (p > 0.05 for both comparisons).
      CONCLUSION: These data suggest that treatment information is particularly
      important for increasing the probability of cancer-directed therapy among lung
      cancer patients. Clinicians should ensure that they clearly discuss treatment
      goals and options with patients while maintaining empathy, supporting patient
      needs, and addressing symptoms.

PMID- 25122422
TI  - Canadian anaplastic lymphoma kinase study: a model for multicenter
      standardization and optimization of ALK testing in lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is currently the standard
      for diagnosing anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged (ALK+) lung cancers
      for ALK inhibitor therapies. ALK immunohistochemistry (IHC) may serve as a
      screening and alternative diagnostic method. The Canadian ALK (CALK) study was
      initiated to implement a multicenter optimization and standardization of
      laboratory developed ALK IHC and FISH tests across 14 hospitals. METHODS: Twenty
      eight lung adenocarcinomas with known ALK status were used as blinded study
      samples. Thirteen laboratories performed IHC using locally developed staining
      protocols for 5A4, ALK1, or D5F3 antibodies; results were assessed by H-score.
      Twelve centers conducted FISH using protocols based on Vysis' ALK break-apart
      FISH kit. Initial IHC results were used to optimize local IHC protocols, followed
      by a repeat IHC study to assess the results of standardization. Three
      laboratories conducted a prospective parallel IHC and FISH analysis on 411
      consecutive clinical samples using post-validation optimized assays. RESULTS:
      Among study samples, FISH demonstrated 22 consensus ALK+ and six ALK wild type
      tumors. Preoptimization IHC scores from 12 centers with 5A4 and the percent
      abnormal cells by FISH from 12 centers showed intraclass correlation coefficients
      of 0.83 and 0.68, respectively. IHC optimization improved the intraclass
      correlation coefficients to 0.94. Factors affecting FISH scoring and outliers
      were identified. Post-optimization concurrent IHC/FISH testing in 373 informative
      cases revealed 100% sensitivity and specificity for IHC versus FISH. CONCLUSIONS:
      Multicenter standardization study may accelerate the implementation of ALK
      testing protocols across a country/region. Our data support the use of an
      appropriately validated IHC assay to screen for ALK+ lung cancers.

PMID- 25122423
TI  - Inherited variation in the ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCB1 and survival
      after chemotherapy for stage III-IV lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ATP-binding cassette transporter gene ABCB1 and the glutathione S
      transferase gene GSTP1 code for a multidrug resistance protein and for a
      detoxifying phase II metabolic enzyme, respectively, with substrate specificities
      that include chemotherapy drugs often used to treat lung cancer. METHODS: We
      genotyped 11 ABCB1 and eight GSTP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 698
      white lung cancer patients (all current or former cigarette smokers) and used log
      rank test statistics and proportional hazards regression to evaluate associations
      between SNP genotype and survival. RESULTS: Using data from all 698 cases, one
      SNP in ABCB1 (rs2235013) was statistically significantly associated with overall
      survival (p = 0.038, log-rank test). Chemotherapy and stage jointly (p = 0.025)
      significantly modified the association between rs2235013 and survival, with
      statistically significant (p = 0.013, log-rank test) association observed in the
      subgroup of stage III to IV lung cancer patients who received chemotherapy as
      part of their first course of treatment (n = 160; 93.1% nonsmall cell). Patients
      who inherited the minor T allele at ABCB1 rs2235013 experienced better overall
      survival and recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, per minor T allele, [95%
      confidence interval]: 0.66 [0.49-0.90] and 0.55 [0.31-0.95], respectively;
      adjusted for year of diagnosis, sex, age at diagnosis, cigarette pack years, and
      stage). In addition, in the advanced stage chemotherapy-treated subgroup, four
      ABCB1 SNPs (rs6949448, rs2235046, rs1128503, and rs10276036) in mutual high
      linkage disequilibrium with rs2235013 and an independent ABCB1 SNP (rs1045642)
      showed statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with survival.
      CONCLUSIONS: Inherited variation in ABCB1 may affect survival specifically in
      advanced stage lung cancer patients who receive chemotherapy.

PMID- 25122424
TI  - A prospective study of tumor suppressor gene methylation as a prognostic
      biomarker in surgically resected stage I to IIIA non-small-cell lung cancers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: While retrospective analyses support an association between early
      tumor recurrence and tumor suppressor gene promoter methylation in early-stage
      non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), few studies have investigated this question
      prospectively. METHODS: Primary tumor tissue from patients with resected
      pathologic stage I to IIIA NSCLCs was collected at the time of surgery and
      analyzed for promoter methylation via methylation-specific reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction (MethyLight). The primary objective was to determine an
      association between promoter methylation of 10 individual tumor suppressor genes
      (CDKN2A, CDH13, RASSF1, APC, MGMT, GSTP1, DAPK1, WIF1, SOCS3, and ADAMTS8) and
      recurrence-free survival (RFS), with the secondary objectives of determining
      association with overall survival (OS), and relation to clinical or pathologic
      features. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients had sufficient tumor tissue for
      successful promoter methylation analysis. Majority of patients were
      former/current smokers (88%) with lung adenocarcinoma (78%) and pathologic stage
      I disease (62%). Median follow-up was 4 years. When controlled for pathologic
      stage, promoter methylation of the individual genes CDKN2A, CDH13, RASSF1, APC,
      MGMT, GSTP1, DAPK1, WIF1, and ADAMTS8 was not associated with RFS. Promoter
      methylation of the same genes was not associated with OS except for DAPK1 which
      was associated with improved OS (p = 0.03). The total number of genes with
      methylated promoters did not correlate with RFS (p = 0.89) or OS (p = 0.55).
      CONCLUSION: Contrary to data established by previous retrospective series, tumor
      suppressor gene promoter methylation (CDKN2A, CDH13, RASSF1, APC, MGMT, GSTP1,
      DAPK1, WIF1, and ADAMTS8) was not prognostic for early tumor recurrence in this
      prospective study of resected NSCLCs.

PMID- 25122425
TI  - The prognostic significance of focal adhesion kinase expression in stage I non
      small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays a significant role in cancer cell
      survival signaling and is overexpressed in various malignancies, including lung
      cancer. Previous studies suggest that FAK overexpression is an independent factor
      predicting poor prognosis in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this
      study is to confirm these findings specifically in stage I NSCLC. METHODS: A
      retrospective tissue microarray (TMA) analysis of FAK protein expression by
      immunohistochemistry was performed in 157 surgically resected stage I NSCLC
      specimen and in the corresponding matched normal lung tissue. The FAK 4.47
      monoclonal antibody was used for FAK immunostaining. The scoring system of
      triplicate tumor cores included intensity of staining plus extent of staining for
      a composite score that ranged from 0 to 6. The association between FAK score and
      survival was evaluated. RESULTS: There were 103 stage IA and 54 stage IB
      patients, with mean follow-up of 5.5 years. Normal lung alveoli and interstitial
      tissue had mean FAK score of 0 (median score 0, range 0 to 2). Tumor samples had
      mean FAK score 3.1 (median score 3.5, range 0-6), with 57% of the samples having
      FAK score >= 3. Continuous FAK score was not associated with demographic data,
      tumor histology, or grade, nor survival in this cohort of stage I NSCLC patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: FAK is expressed in more than 50% of stage I NSCLC lung cancer but
      not in normal lung alveoli and interstitial tissue. FAK expression is not
      associated with survival outcome in this North American cohort.

PMID- 25122426
TI  - DNMT3B overexpression by deregulation of FOXO3a-mediated transcription repression
      and MDM2 overexpression in lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) contributes to de novo DNA
      methylation and its overexpression promotes tumorigenesis. However, whether
      DNMT3B is upregulated by transcriptional deregulation remains unclear. METHODS:
      We studied the transcriptional repression of DNMT3B by forkhead O transcription
      factor 3a (FOXO3a) in lung cancer cell, animal, and clinical models. RESULTS: The
      results of luciferase reporter assay showed that FOXO3a negatively regulated
      DNMT3B promoter activity by preferentially interacting with the binding element
      FOXO3a-E (+166 to +173) of DNMT3B promoter. Ectopically overexpressed FOXO3a or
      combined treatment with doxorubicin to induce FOXO3a nuclear accumulation further
      bound at the distal site, FOXO3a-P (-249 to -242) by chromatin
      immunoprecipitation assay. Knockdown of FOXO3a resulted in an open chromatin
      structure and high DNMT3B mRNA and protein expression. Abundant FOXO3a repressed
      DNMT3B promoter by establishing a repressed chromatin structure. Note that FOXO3a
      is a degradation substrate of MDM2 E3-ligase. Cotreatment with doxorubicin and
      MDM2 inhibitor, Nutlin-3, further enforced abundant nuclear accumulation of
      FOXO3a resulting in decrease expression of DNMT3B leading to synergistic
      inhibition of tumor growth and decrease of methylation status on tumor suppressor
      genes in xenograft specimens. Clinically, lung cancer patients with DNMT3B high,
      FOXO3a low, and MDM2 high expression profile correlated with poor prognosis
      examined by immunohistochemistry and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS:
      We reveal a new mechanism that FOXO3a transcriptionally represses DNMT3B
      expression and this regulation can be attenuated by MDM2 overexpression in human
      lung cancer model. Cotreatment with doxorubicin and Nutlin-3 is a novel
      therapeutic strategy through epigenetic modulation.

PMID- 25122427
TI  - RET mutation and expression in small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in defining the somatic mutations
      associated with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Unfortunately, a serious blockade
      to genomic analyses of this disease is a limited access to tumors because surgery
      is rarely performed. We used our clinical/pathologic database of SCLC patients to
      determine the availability of biopsy specimens that could be used for genomic
      studies and to identify tumors for initial oncogene analysis. METHODS: DNA was
      extracted from six tumors, three primary and three metastatic, and analyzed by
      SEQUENOM platform technology. RESULTS: Primary-resected tumor tissue represents
      less than 3% of all diagnostic specimens in this disease, highlighting the
      limited access to tissue sufficient for comprehensive genomic analyses. We
      identified an activating M918T RET somatic mutation in a metastatic SCLC tumor
      specimen. Bioinformatic search identified RET mutations in other SCLC studies.
      Stable overexpression of both mutant M918T and wild-type RET in two SCLC cell
      lines, H1048 and SW1271, activated ERK signaling, MYC expression, and increased
      cell proliferation, particularly by mutant RET. Stable cells became sensitized to
      the RET tyrosine kinase inhibitors, vandetanib and ponatinib. Further analysis of
      RET mRNA expression in SCLC revealed wide variability in both cells and tumors,
      and SCLC cells demonstrated significantly higher RET expression compared with
      adenocarcinoma lung cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a subpopulation of
      SCLC patients may derive benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting RET.
      Coupled with the presence of RET fusion proteins in non-small-cell lung cancer,
      our data indicate an emerging role for RET in SCLC.

PMID- 25122428
TI  - Therapeutic priority of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in small cell lung cancers as
      revealed by a comprehensive genomic analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The information regarding therapeutically relevant genomic
      alterations in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is not well developed. We analyzed
      the SCLC genome using an integrative approach to stratify the targetable
      alterations. METHODS: We performed whole exon sequencing (n = 51) and copy number
      analysis (n =47) on surgically resected tumors and matched normal tissue samples
      from treatment-naive Japanese SCLC patients. RESULTS: The demographics of the 51
      patients included in this study were as follows: median age, 67 years (range, 42
      86 years); female, 9 (18%); history of smoking, 50 (98%); and pathological stage
      I/II/III/IV, 28/13/9/1, respectively. The average number of nonsynonymous
      mutations was 209 (range, 41-639; standard deviation, 130). We repeatedly
      confirmed the high prevalence of inactivating mutations in TP53 and RB1, and the
      amplification of MYC family members. In addition, genetic alterations in the
      PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were detected in 36% of the tumors: PIK3CA, 6%; PTEN, 4%;
      AKT2, 9%; AKT3, 4%; RICTOR, 9%; and mTOR, 4%. Furthermore, the individual changes
      in this pathway were mutually exclusive. Importantly, the SCLC cells harboring
      active PIK3CA mutations were potentially targetable with currently available PI3K
      inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is distinguishable in SCLC
      genomic alterations. Therefore, a sequencing-based comprehensive analysis could
      stratify SCLC patients by potential therapeutic targets.

PMID- 25122429
TI  - Safety and effectiveness of bevacizumab-containing treatment for non-small-cell
      lung cancer: final results of the ARIES observational cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody against
      vascular endothelial growth factor, was approved by the US Food and Drug
      Administration for the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel. ARIES (Avastin Regimens:
      Investigation of Effectiveness and Safety), a prospective observational cohort
      study, evaluated outcomes in a large, community-based population of patients with
      first-line NSCLC. METHODS: From 2006 to 2009, ARIES enrolled patients with
      locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who were eligible for bevacizumab, excluding
      those with predominantly squamous histology. Patients were required to provide
      informed consent and to have initiated bevacizumab with chemotherapy within 4
      months before enrollment. There were no protocol-defined treatments or
      assessments. The dosing of bevacizumab and chemotherapy, and the choice of
      chemotherapy regimen, was at the discretion of the treating physician. RESULTS:
      ARIES enrolled 1967 patients with first-line NSCLC. At study closure, median
      follow-up was 12.5 months (range, 0.2-65.5). Median age was 65 years (range, 31
      93), and 252 patients (12.8%) identified as never smokers. Median progression
      free survival was 6.6 months (95% confidence interval, 6.3-6.9), and median
      overall survival was 13.0 months (95% confidence interval, 12.2-13.8) with first
      line bevacizumab plus chemotherapy. Incidences of bevacizumab-associated adverse
      events (19.7% overall) were consistent with those in randomized controlled trials
      of bevacizumab in NSCLC. CONCLUSION: Results from ARIES demonstrate similar
      outcomes to randomized controlled trials of bevacizumab when added to standard
      chemotherapy in a real-world patient population with advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 25122430
TI  - Gefitinib treatment in EGFR mutated caucasian NSCLC: circulating-free tumor DNA
      as a surrogate for determination of EGFR status.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the phase IV, open-label, single-arm study NCT01203917, first
      line gefitinib 250 mg/d was effective and well tolerated in Caucasian patients
      with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive non-small-cell
      lung cancer (previously published). Here, we report EGFR mutation analyses of
      plasma-derived, circulating-free tumor DNA. METHODS: Mandatory tumor and
      duplicate plasma (1 and 2) baseline samples were collected (all screened
      patients; n = 1060). Preplanned, exploratory analyses included EGFR mutation (and
      subtype) status of tumor versus plasma and between plasma samples. Post hoc,
      exploratory analyses included efficacy by tumor and plasma EGFR mutation (and
      subtype) status. RESULTS: Available baseline tumor samples were 1033 of 1060 (118
      positive of 859 mutation status known; mutation frequency, 13.7%). Available
      plasma 1 samples were 803 of 1060 (82 positive of 784 mutation status known;
      mutation frequency, 10.5%). Mutation status concordance between 652 matched tumor
      and plasma 1 samples was 94.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92.3-96.0)
      (comparable for mutation subtypes); test sensitivity was 65.7% (95% CI, 55.8
      74.7); and test specificity was 99.8% (95% CI, 99.0-100.0). Twelve patients of
      unknown tumor mutation status were subsequently identified as plasma mutation
      positive. Available plasma 2 samples were 803 of 1060 (65 positive of 224
      mutation status-evaluable and -known). Mutation status concordance between 224
      matched duplicate plasma 1 and 2 samples was 96.9% (95% CI, 93.7-98.7). Objective
      response rates are as follows: mutation-positive tumor, 70% (95% CI, 60.5-77.7);
      mutation-positive tumor and plasma 1, 76.9% (95% CI, 65.4-85.5); and mutation
      positive tumor and mutation-negative plasma 1, 59.5% (95% CI, 43.5-73.7). Median
      progression-free survival (months) was 9.7 (95% CI, 8.5-11.0; 61 events) for
      mutation-positive tumor and 10.2 (95% CI, 8.5-12.5; 36 events) for mutation
      positive tumor and plasma 1. CONCLUSION: The high concordance, specificity, and
      sensitivity demonstrate that EGFR mutation status can be accurately assessed
      using circulating-free tumor DNA. Although encouraging and suggesting that plasma
      is a suitable substitute for mutation analysis, tumor tissue should remain the
      preferred sample type when available.

PMID- 25122431
TI  - Reproducibility of histopathological diagnosis in poorly differentiated NSCLC: an
      international multiobserver study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The 2004 World Health Organization classification of lung cancer
      contained three major forms of non-small-cell lung cancer: squamous cell
      carcinoma (SqCC), adenocarcinoma (AdC), and large cell carcinoma. The goal of
      this study was first, to assess the reproducibility of a set of histopathological
      features for SqCC in relation to other poorly differentiated non-small-cell lung
      cancers and second, to assess the value of immunohistochemistry in improving the
      diagnosis. METHODS: Resection specimens (n = 37) with SqCC, large cell carcinoma,
      basaloid carcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma, lymphoepithelial-like carcinoma, and
      solid AdC, were contributed by the participating pathologists. Hematoxylin and
      eosin (H&E) stained slides were digitized. The diagnoses were evaluated in two
      ways. First, the histological criteria were evaluated and the (differential)
      diagnosis on H&E alone was scored. Second, the added value of additional stains
      to make an integrated diagnosis was examined. RESULTS: The histologic criteria
      defining SqCC were consistently used, but in poorly differentiated cases they
      were infrequently present, rendering the diagnosis more difficult. Kappa scores
      on H&E alone were for SqCC 0.46, large cell carcinoma 0.25, basaloid carcinoma
      0.27, sarcomatoid carcinoma 0.52, lymphoepithelial-like carcinoma 0.56, and solid
      AdC 0.21. The kappa score improved with the use of additional stains for SqCC
      (combined with basaloid carcinoma) to 0.57, for solid AdC to 0.63. CONCLUSION:
      The histologic criteria that may be used in the differential diagnosis of poorly
      differentiated lung cancer were more precisely refined. Furthermore, additional
      stains improved the reproducibility of histological diagnosis of SqCC and AdC,
      uncovering information that was not present in routine H&E stained slides.

PMID- 25122432
TI  - The prognostic impact of KRAS, its codon and amino acid specific mutations, on
      survival in resected stage I lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite complete surgical resection, patients with stage I non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are at risk for disease recurrence. The impact of common
      oncogenic driver mutations on prognosis in stage I NSCLC is limited. The pure
      prognostic value of KRAS mutational status was explored in resected stage I lung
      adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Mutation status was tested in patients who had complete
      resection of stage I lung adenocarcinoma without any adjuvant therapy, using a
      multiplex polymerase chain reaction)-based assay. Disease-free survival (DFS) and
      overall survival (OS) were compared between patients with KRAS-mutant (KRAS-MUT),
      KRAS-MUT subtypes, and KRAS wild-type (KRAS-WT) tumors. RESULTS: A total of 312
      patients were included in this analysis; 127 harbored KRAS mutations and 185 had
      KRAS-WT tumors. When compared with KRAS-WT, KRAS-MUT was associated with
      significantly shorter OS (hazard ratio 4.36, 95% confidence interval 2.09-9.07; p
      < 0.0001) and DFS (hazard ratio 3.62, 95% confidence interval 2.11-6.22; p <
      0.0001). When stratifying KRAS-WT patients based on EGFR status, KRAS-MUT
      patients had worse OS (p = 0.0001) and DFS (p < 0.0001) than patients with EGFR
      MUT and EGFR-WT/KRAS-WT (WT/WT). Patients with codon 12 mutations had superior
      DFS (p = 0.0314), but there were no differences in OS compared with mutations
      found in codons 13 and 61 (p = 0.1772). We observed better DFS associated with
      G12C/G12V mutations compared with other amino acid specific KRAS mutations (p =
      0.0271) with a trend towards improved OS (p = 0.0636). Multivariate analysis
      identified KRAS mutation as independent predictor of worse OS (p = 0.001) and DFS
      (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: KRAS is an independent prognostic marker in resected
      stage I lung adenocarcinoma. Differential outcomes are associated with codon and
      amino acid specific KRAS mutations.

PMID- 25122433
TI  - Toxicities of organs at risk in the mediastinal and hilar regions following
      stereotactic body radiotherapy for centrally located lung tumors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We investigated tolerable doses to organs at risk (OARs) in the
      mediastinum and pulmonary hilum following stereotactic body radiotherapy for
      centrally located lung tumors. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2012, 381 patients with
      lung tumors were treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy of 40 to 60 Gy in
      five fractions. From among these patients, we extracted those who received
      greater than 25 Gy irradiation to OARs and analyzed dosimetric factors in
      relation to grade 3 to 5 toxicities. RESULTS: In total, 398 OARs in 133 patients
      were analyzed, with a median follow-up of 33 (range, 3-87) months. The numbers
      receiving greater than 25 Gy irradiation to the aorta, vena cava, pulmonary
      artery, pulmonary vein, bronchus, trachea, heart, and esophagus were 72, 33, 73,
      60, 55, 13, 69, and 23, respectively. The corresponding median Dmax 0.5 ml were
      43.8, 32.0, 32.2, 29.1, 28.4, 28.7, 41.1, and 21.7 Gy. Of these patients, two
      developed grade 5 and one grade 3 hemoptysis, and two had grade 3 obstructive
      pneumonia. Two patients with grade 5 hemoptysis received high doses at the
      pulmonary artery and bronchus (59.2 and 54.4 Gy, and 61.3 and 59.6 Gy,
      respectively). No other grade 3 to 5 toxicities occurred. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic
      indications and dose-intensity should be carefully determined for patients with
      central tumors, especially when doses to the pulmonary artery and bronchus in the
      pulmonary hilum exceed 50 Gy. Tolerable doses for other OARs might, however, be
      higher than in this study, though longer follow-up is necessary to assess this
      possibility.

PMID- 25122434
TI  - Can computed tomography characteristics predict outcomes in patients undergoing
      radial endobronchial ultrasound-guided biopsy of peripheral lung lesions?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy is a
      standard minimally invasive technique for sampling peripheral lung lesions.
      Radial endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) offers an alternative approach but it has
      yet to be defined which patients are most suited to this procedure. The primary
      aim of this study was to investigate whether CT characteristics could predict the
      success of radial EBUS-guided sampling. METHODS: The University Hospital South
      Manchester provides a radial EBUS service, under conscious sedation without
      fluoroscopy, double-hinged curettes, or guide sheaths, to a large cancer Network
      in the United Kingdom. This retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained
      database included all patients undergoing radial EBUS from January 2011 to June
      2013. Lesion size, structure, location, and presence of a bronchus sign on
      thoracic CT were analyzed against predefined outcomes using multivariate
      analysis. RESULTS: One-hundred and seventeen patients underwent radial EBUS in
      the study period (mean age 69.5, mean lesion size 36.6 mm). The presence of a
      bronchus sign on CT was the only independent predictor of all predefined
      outcomes: (1) lesion identification with radial EBUS, (2) positioning of probe
      within the center of the lesion, and (3) accurate pathological diagnosis; odds
      ratio (OR) 31.1 (7.8-123.9, p < 0.0001), OR 44.8 (5.6-354.9, p < 0.0001) and OR
      46.6 (11.1-195.3, p < 0.0001) respectively. The sensitivity and diagnostic
      accuracy for those patients with a bronchus sign on CT was 87.3% and 86.7%
      compared with 12.5% and 11.1% for those lacking the bronchus sign. DISCUSSION:
      The patients most likely to benefit from radial EBUS, without the use of
      adjuncts, are those with a bronchus sign on CT.

PMID- 25122435
TI  - Re-evaluating the optimal radiation dose for definitive chemoradiotherapy for
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal radiation dose for treating esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma (ESCC) has long been debated. We evaluated if doses greater than 50.4
      Gy delivered with modern techniques are beneficial in terms of tumor control,
      survival, and toxicity. METHODS: We included 193 consecutive patients with ESCC
      treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy from 1998 to 2012. Patients
      were treated to a dose of <=50.4 Gy (low-dose, n = 137) or greater than 50.4 Gy
      (high-dose, n = 56). Tumor response, local-regional control, survival, and
      treatment toxicity were compared between groups. RESULTS: High-dose group had a
      significantly lower local failure rate (17.9% versus 34.3%, p = 0.024) and a
      marginal better 5-year local-regional failure-free survival (68.7% versus 55.9%,
      p = 0.052) than the low-dose group. No significant differences were found between
      high- and low-dose groups in tumor complete response rate (p = 0.975), regional
      failure rate (p = 0.336), distant metastasis rate (p = 0.390), or 5-year overall
      survival (p = 0.617). No difference in the incidence of toxic effects was
      observed between the two groups except for grade 3 skin reaction (12.5% [high]
      versus 2.2% [low], p < 0.001) and grade greater than or equal to 3 esophageal
      stricture (32.1% [high] versus 18.2% [low], p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Local tumor
      control might be improved by higher dose of greater than 50.4 Gy, when delivered
      with modern techniques and concurrent chemotherapy, at the consequence of
      increased toxicity without impact on overall survival.

PMID- 25122436
TI  - Clinical characteristics, tumor, node, metastasis status, and mutation rate in
      domain of epidermal growth factor receptor gene in serbian patients with lung
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mutation rate in domain of EGFR gene varies between populations of
      lung cancer patients. Primary aim of this study was to analyze clinical and
      pathological characteristics, and tumor, node, metastasis status and stage of
      diseases, in relation to mutation status. METHODS: After histological
      confirmation of lung adenocarcinoma tissue obtained during bronchoscopy was
      consecutively sent for EGFR testing. Genomic DNA extraction was performed with
      the QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue kit. Clinical data for multivariate analysis were
      extracted from hospital based-lung cancer registry. RESULTS: Among 360 tested
      patients, there was 67.8% males and 32.2% females, aged 61 +/- 9.8 years.
      Majority of patients were smokers (57.0%) with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
      1 performance status (92.2%). Mutation in EGFR gene was detected in 42 (11.7%)
      patients. Deletion in exon 19 was detected in 24 (6.7%) patients, mutation in
      exon 21 in 17 (4.7%), and mutation in exon 18 in one patient (0.3%). Patients
      were mostly diagnosed in stage IV adenocarcinoma (74.4%). Statistically
      significant differences were determined in relation to smoking (p < 0.001), T
      descriptor (size; p = 0.019) and gender (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Mutation rate
      in domain of EGFR gene in investigated lung cancer population is in range with
      reported data in Caucasian race. Smoking, T descriptor and gender were found to
      be related to the EGFR status.

PMID- 25122438
TI  - Popcorn in the lung.

PMID- 25122437
TI  - Biomarker analyses from a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase IIIb trial
      comparing bevacizumab with or without erlotinib as maintenance therapy for the
      treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (ATLAS).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: ATLAS compared bevacizumab plus erlotinib (B+E) with bevacizumab
      plus placebo (B+P) as maintenance therapy after first-line bevacizumab plus
      chemotherapy (B+C) for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Prespecified
      biomarkers were prospectively evaluated. METHODS: Tumor samples were analyzed
      for: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression (immunohistochemistry
      [IHC]); EGFR gene copy number (fluorescence in-situ hybridization [FISH]); EGFR
      mutations (exon 19 deletions/L858R mutations); and KRAS mutations (exons 2/3).
      Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated.
      RESULTS: Of 743 patients randomized to receive maintenance treatment (after four
      cycles of B+C without progression), 190 (B+E) and 177 (B+P) were evaluable for
      biomarker status. Median PFS (from randomization) was 4.4 months (B+E) versus 3.7
      months (B+P; hazard ratio [HR], 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-0.99),
      which was numerically similar to the intent-to-treat PFS. PFS benefit of B+E was
      observed across most biomarker subgroups. EGFR IHC, EGFR FISH, and EGFR/KRAS
      mutation status were not predictive of outcome. B+E-treated patients with EGFR
      mutation-positive NSCLC had longer PFS compared with B+P-treated patients (HR,
      0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.86; p = 0.0139). Patients with KRAS wild-type disease had
      significant PFS improvements with B+E, compared with B+P (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.485
      0.914; p = 0.0105). No OS benefit of B+E was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with
      KRAS wild-type or EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC derived PFS benefits from B+E.
      However, EGFR IHC, EGFR FISH, and EGFR or KRAS mutation status were not strongly
      predictive of survival. A larger sample size would be needed to confirm the
      initial trends observed in this study.

PMID- 25122439
TI  - Effective treatment with icotinib in primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung
      with liver metastasis.

PMID- 25122440
TI  - Cisplatin or Carboplatin for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer?

PMID- 25122441
TI  - EGFR mutations in Asian patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 25122442
TI  - EGFR mutation detection by polymerase chain reaction-direct sequencing and allele
      specific real-time PCR.

PMID- 25122443
TI  - Prevalence of selected chronic digestive conditions, United States - july
      december 1968.
AB  - This report on chronic digestive conditions is the first of a new series of
      reports on the prevalence of selected chronic conditions" based on data collected
      as a part of the Health Interview Survey. Estimates of the prevalence of chronic
      diseases or impairments have been made from information reported in the Health
      Interview Survey since its inception in July of 1957. Since that time efforts
      have been made to improve the quality of the data on the prevalence of chronic
      conditions. Chronic conditions reported in interviews may be described as those
      of which the respondent is aware and which he is willing to report to an
      interviewer. The diagnostic accuracy of reported conditions is dependent on the
      information the attending physician has passed on to the family or, in the
      absence of medical attention, on the previous medical experience or education of
      the family. Prior to 1968 in the Health Interview Survey an attempt was made to
      obtain data on all chronic conditions that respondents had had during the. 12
      month period before the date of the interview; checklists of about 40 to 50
      chronic conditions and impairments were used. Beginning in 1968 the procedure was
      changed, and data were obtained only for chronic conditions within one system of
      conditions each year (although data on all conditions causing long term
      limitations of activity, disability days, and physician visits were still
      obtained). In 1968 respondents were read a list of 25 conditions, the majority of
      which were digestive conditions (see question 16a, appendix III). A more detailed
      discussion of basic changes made in 1968 can be found in Vital and Health
      Statistics, Series 2, Number 48. 

PMID- 25122444
TI  - A bispecific fusion protein and a bifunctional enediyne-energized fusion protein
      consisting of TRAIL, EGFR peptide ligand, and apoprotein of lidamycin against
      EGFR and DR4/5 show potent antitumor activity.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) mainly induces
      apoptosis through the extrinsic death receptor-induced pathway by ligation with
      death receptor 4 (DR4) and death receptor 5 (DR5). On the basis of the antitumor
      activity to cancer cells and no cytotoxity to normal cells of TRAIL and the
      target of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand peptide, the study
      constructed a new bispecific fusion protein and a new bifunctional enediyne
      energized fusion protein and investigated their antitumor efficacy. Bispecific
      fusion protein Ec-LDP-TRAIL showed potent binding activity to cancer cell lines
      with a high expression of EGFR or DR4/DR5 such as A431 and H460 cells, whereas
      poor binding activity to NIH/3T3 cells with low expressing EGFR and DR4/DR5. Ec
      LDP-TRAIL also showed more potent cytotoxicity to A431 and H460 cells than Ec
      LDP, which could result from the TRAIL-inducing apoptosis. Results of an in-vivo
      efficacy study showed that Ec-LDP-TRAIL at a dose of 10 mg/kg decreased the
      growth of epidermoid carcinoma A431 xenografts by 80.19% (P < 0.01) on day 26.
      Immunohistochemical detection of nuclear antigen factor Ki-67 suggested that Ec
      LDP-TRAIL effectively induced cell necrosis and inhibited cell proliferation of
      tumor. From IC50 values, bispecific and bifunctional energized fusion protein Ec
      LDP-TRAIL-AE was more potent and selective in its cytotoxicity against different
      carcinoma cell lines than corresponding lidamycin in vitro and induction of the
      cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase was observed in A431 cells treated with Ec
      LDP-TRAIL-AE and lidamycin, respectively. Ec-LDP-TRAIL-AE also significantly
      inhibited the growth of A431 xenografts in a nude mouse model. These properties
      suggested that Ec-LDP-TRAIL and Ec-LDP-TRAIL-AE may be promising candidates for
      targeted cancer therapy.

PMID- 25122445
TI  - Surgical site infections after deep brain stimulation surgery: frequency,
      characteristics and management in a 10-year period.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) implant infection is a feared
      complication, as it is difficult to manage and leads to increased patient
      morbidity. We wanted to assess the frequency and possible risk factors of DBS
      related infections at our centre. In the purpose of evaluating treatment options,
      we also analyzed treatment, and the clinical and microbiological characteristics
      of the infections. METHODS: Electronic medical records of all patients undergoing
      DBS surgery at our centre, from 2001 through 2010, were retrospectively reviewed.
      RESULTS: Of the 588 procedures performed 33 (5.6%) led to an infection. Some
      patients underwent several procedures, thus 32 out of totally 368 patients
      (8.7%), and 19 out of 285 patients (6.7%) who received primary lead implantation,
      developed an infection. Most infections (52%) developed within the first month
      and 79% within three months. In the majority of the infections (79%) hardware
      removal was performed. Staphylococcus aureus infections were the most frequent
      (36%), and more likely to have earlier onset, pus formation, a more aggressive
      development and lead to hardware removal. No risk factors were identified.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that infections with more severe symptoms and
      growth of staphylococcus aureus should be treated with local hardware removal and
      antibiotic therapy. In other infections, an initial trial of antibiotic treatment
      could be considered. New knowledge about the microbiology of DBS related
      infections may lead to more effective antimicrobial treatment.

PMID- 25122447
TI  - Experimental parameterisation of principal physics in buoyancy variations of
      marine teleost eggs.
AB  - It is generally accepted that the high buoyancy of pelagic marine eggs is due to
      substantial influx of water across the cell membrane just before ovulation. Here
      we further develop the theoretical basis by applying laboratory observations of
      the various components of the fertilized egg in first-principle equations for egg
      specific gravity (rho(egg)) followed by statistical validation. We selected
      Atlantic cod as a model animal due to the affluent amount of literature on this
      species, but also undertook additional dedicated experimental works. We found
      that specific gravity of yolk plus embryo is central in influencing rho(egg) and
      thereby the buoyancy. However, our established framework documents the effect on
      rho(egg) of the initial deposition of the heavy chorion material in the gonad
      prior to spawning. Thereafter, we describe the temporal changes in rho(egg)
      during incubation: Generally, the eggs showed a slight rise in rho(egg) from
      fertilization to mid-gastrulation followed by a gradual decrease until full
      development of main embryonic organs just before hatching. Ontogenetic changes in
      rho(egg) were significantly associated with volume and mass changes of yolk plus
      embryo. The initial rho(egg) at fertilization appeared significantly influenced
      by the chorion volume fraction which is determined by the combination of the
      final chorion volume of the oocyte and of the degree of swelling (hydrolyzation)
      prior to spawning. The outlined principles and algorithms are universal in nature
      and should therefore be applicable to fish eggs in general.

PMID- 25122448
TI  - The impact of past direct-personal traumatic events on 12-month outcome in first
      episode psychotic mania: trauma and early psychotic mania.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Past traumatic events have been associated with poorer clinical
      outcomes in people with bipolar disorder. However, the impact of these events in
      the early stages of the illness remains unclear. The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether prior traumatic events were related to poorer outcomes 12
      months following a first episode of psychotic mania. METHODS: Traumatic events
      were retrospectively evaluated from patient files in a sample of 65 participants
      who had experienced first episode psychotic mania. Participants were aged between
      15 and 28 years and were treated at a specialised early psychosis service.
      Clinical outcomes were measured by a variety of symptomatic and functioning
      scales at the 12-month time-point. RESULTS: Direct-personal traumatic experiences
      prior to the onset of psychotic mania were reported by 48% of the sample.
      Participants with past direct-personal trauma had significantly higher symptoms
      of mania (p=0.02), depression (p=0.03) and psychopathology (p=0.01) 12 months
      following their first episode compared to participants without past direct
      personal trauma, with medium to large effects observed. After adjusting for
      baseline scores, differences in global functioning (as measured by the Global
      Assessment of Functioning scale) were non-significant (p=0.05); however,
      participants with past direct-personal trauma had significantly poorer social and
      occupational functioning (p=0.04) at the 12-month assessment with medium effect.
      CONCLUSIONS: Past direct-personal trauma may predict poorer symptomatic and
      functional outcomes after first episode psychotic mania. Limitations include that
      the findings represent individuals treated at a specialist early intervention
      centre for youth and the retrospective assessment of traumatic events may have
      been underestimated.

PMID- 25122450
TI  - Theory of Mind and attachment styles in people with psychotic disorders, their
      siblings, and controls.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Impaired Theory of Mind (ToM) and insecure (adult) attachment styles
      have been found in persons with schizophrenia as well as in their healthy
      siblings. ToM refers to the ability to infer mental states of self and others
      including beliefs and emotions. Insecure attachment is proposed to underlie
      impaired ToM, and comprises avoidant (discomfort with close relationships, high
      value of autonomy) and anxious (separation anxiety, dependency on others)
      attachment. Insight into the association between attachment style and ToM is
      clinically relevant, as it enhances our understanding and clinical approach to
      social dysfunction in schizophrenia. Therefore, we studied the association
      between insecure attachment styles and ToM in patients with schizophrenia, their
      siblings, and healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 111 patients with a diagnosis
      in the schizophrenia spectrum, 106 non-affected siblings and 63 controls
      completed the Psychosis Attachment Measure, the Conflicting Beliefs and Emotions,
      a subsection of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and the Childhood Trauma
      Questionnaire-Short Form. Severity of symptoms was assessed with the Community
      Assessment of Psychic Experiences and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.
      RESULTS: After controlling for sex, intelligence, history of trauma and symptom
      severity, avoidant attachment was significantly associated with cognitive as well
      as with affective ToM, showing U-shaped associations, indicating better ToM
      performance for patients with lower or higher levels of avoidant attachment
      compared to medium levels. Anxious attachment in patients was associated with
      more problems in cognitive ToM. CONCLUSION: The results from this study support
      the idea that an anxious attachment style is associated with worse ToM
      performance in patients. Results also suggested a potential protective role of
      higher levels of avoidant attachment on ToM. These findings bear clinical
      relevance, as activation of (insecure) attachment mechanisms may affect
      interpersonal relations, as well as therapeutic working alliance. Further
      clarification is needed, especially on associations between ToM and avoidant
      attachment.

PMID- 25122449
TI  - DSM-IV and DSM-5 social anxiety disorder in the Australian community.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Current and accurate estimates of prevalence, correlates, comorbid
      concerns and treatment-seeking behaviours associated with disorders are essential
      for informing policy, clinical practice and research. The most recent snapshot of
      social anxiety disorder in Australia was published more than a decade ago, with
      significant changes to the accessibility of mental health treatment services and
      diagnostic measures occurring during this period. This paper aims to (i) update
      the understanding of social anxiety disorder, its associations and patterns of
      treatment-seeking behaviours in the Australian population, and (ii) explore the
      impact of revised diagnostic criteria detailed in the Fifth Edition of the
      Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) on prevalence
      estimates. METHODS: The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHWB)
      was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2007, collecting
      information from a nationally representative random sample of 8841 Australians
      aged 16-85 years. The presence of social anxiety disorder diagnostic criteria and
      related disorders were assessed over 12 months and lifetime periods using the
      World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview. RESULTS:
      Profiles of social anxiety disorder were consistent with previous estimates, with
      higher prevalence in females and younger age groups. Of the 8.4% of Australians
      meeting criteria for social anxiety disorder at some point in their lifetime (12
      month prevalence 4.2%), a majority also experienced comorbid mental health
      concerns (70%). The revised performance-only specifier included in the DSM-5 was
      applicable to only 0.3% of lifetime cases. Just over 20% of people reporting
      social anxiety disorder as their primary concern sought treatment, most commonly
      through general practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: Social anxiety disorder continues to
      be prevalent in the Australian population and highly related to other disorders,
      yet few people experiencing social anxiety disorder seek treatment.

PMID- 25122451
TI  - Twelve-month prevalence and predictors of self-reported suicidal ideation and
      suicide attempt among Korean adolescents in a web-based nationwide survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The suicide rate in South Korea was the highest among the Organisation
      for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in 2011. Although the
      suicide rate in adolescents is lower than that of adults and is reported to be
      decreasing in young males in some countries, it has consistently increased in
      recent years in South Korea. We aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern, and
      predictors of suicidal ideation and attempt in the past 12 months. METHODS: A
      total sample of 72,623 adolescents aged 12-18 years who responded to a web-based
      anonymous self-reported survey between September and October 2010 was used for
      the analysis. RESULTS: The suicidal ideation and suicide attempt rates were 19.1%
      and 4.9%, respectively. Being female, having a poor perceived socioeconomic
      status and a poor perceived academic performance, subjective feelings of
      depression, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, perceived general medical health, and
      experiences of any involvement with sexual intercourse were the contributing
      factors that predicted elevated risks for suicidal ideation and suicide attempt.
      In contrast to previous reports in other countries, the suicide attempt rate in
      Korean female adolescents peaked at age 13 years, and there were no differences
      in suicidal ideation in females by age. There were no differences in both
      suicidal ideation and attempt rates in males by age. CONCLUSION: A
      multidisciplinary approach that takes into consideration the characteristics of
      Korean adolescents with suicidal ideation or suicide attempt is warranted for
      developing prevention and treatment programs.

PMID- 25122452
TI  - Unsupervised eye pupil localization through differential geometry and local self
      similarity matching.
AB  - The automatic detection and tracking of human eyes and, in particular, the
      precise localization of their centers (pupils), is a widely debated topic in the
      international scientific community. In fact, the extracted information can be
      effectively used in a large number of applications ranging from advanced
      interfaces to biometrics and including also the estimation of the gaze direction,
      the control of human attention and the early screening of neurological
      pathologies. Independently of the application domain, the detection and tracking
      of the eye centers are, currently, performed mainly using invasive devices.
      Cheaper and more versatile systems have been only recently introduced: they make
      use of image processing techniques working on periocular patches which can be
      specifically acquired or preliminarily cropped from facial images. In the latter
      cases the involved algorithms must work even in cases of non-ideal acquiring
      conditions (e.g in presence of noise, low spatial resolution, non-uniform
      lighting conditions, etc.) and without user's awareness (thus with possible
      variations of the eye in scale, rotation and/or translation). Getting satisfying
      results in pupils' localization in such a challenging operating conditions is
      still an open scientific topic in Computer Vision. Actually, the most performing
      solutions in the literature are, unfortunately, based on supervised machine
      learning algorithms which require initial sessions to set the working parameters
      and to train the embedded learning models of the eye: this way, experienced
      operators have to work on the system each time it is moved from an operational
      context to another. It follows that the use of unsupervised approaches is more
      and more desirable but, unfortunately, their performances are not still
      satisfactory and more investigations are required. To this end, this paper
      proposes a new unsupervised approach to automatically detect the center of the
      eye: its algorithmic core is a representation of the eye's shape that is obtained
      through a differential analysis of image intensities and the subsequent
      combination with the local variability of the appearance represented by self
      similarity coefficients. The experimental evidence of the effectiveness of the
      method was demonstrated on challenging databases containing facial images.
      Moreover, its capabilities to accurately detect the centers of the eyes were also
      favourably compared with those of the leading state-of-the-art methods. 

PMID- 25122453
TI  - Sorghum phytochrome B inhibits flowering in long days by activating expression of
      SbPRR37 and SbGHD7, repressors of SbEHD1, SbCN8 and SbCN12.
AB  - Light signaling by phytochrome B in long days inhibits flowering in sorghum by
      increasing expression of the long day floral repressors PSEUDORESPONSE REGULATOR
      PROTEIN (SbPRR37, Ma1) and GRAIN NUMBER, PLANT HEIGHT AND HEADING DATE 7 (SbGHD7,
      Ma6). SbPRR37 and SbGHD7 RNA abundance peaks in the morning and in the evening of
      long days through coordinate regulation by light and output from the circadian
      clock. 58 M, a phytochrome B deficient (phyB-1, ma3R) genotype, flowered ~60 days
      earlier than 100 M (PHYB, Ma3) in long days and ~11 days earlier in short days.
      Populations derived from 58 M (Ma1, ma3R, Ma5, ma6) and R.07007 (Ma1, Ma3, ma5,
      Ma6) varied in flowering time due to QTL aligned to PHYB/phyB-1 (Ma3), Ma5, and
      GHD7/ghd7-1 (Ma6). PHYC was proposed as a candidate gene for Ma5 based on
      alignment and allelic variation. PHYB and Ma5 (PHYC) were epistatic to Ma1 and
      Ma6 and progeny recessive for either gene flowered early in long days. Light
      signaling mediated by PhyB was required for high expression of the floral
      repressors SbPRR37 and SbGHD7 during the evening of long days. In 100 M (PHYB)
      the floral activators SbEHD1, SbCN8 and SbCN12 were repressed in long days and de
      repressed in short days. In 58 M (phyB-1) these genes were highly expressed in
      long and short days. Furthermore, SbCN15, the ortholog of rice Hd3a (FT), is
      expressed at low levels in 100 M but at high levels in 58 M (phyB-1) regardless
      of day length, indicating that PhyB regulation of SbCN15 expression may modify
      flowering time in a photoperiod-insensitive manner. 

PMID- 25122454
TI  - Diverse expression of selected SMN complex proteins in humans with sporadic
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in a transgenic rat model of familial form of
      the disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is circumstantial evidence linking sporadic
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases to a malfunction or deficit of a
      multimeric SMN complex that scrutinizes cellular RNAs; the core of this complex
      is survival motor neuron (SMN, or gemin 1) protein. We intended to verify this
      hypothesis by comparing the expression of both SMN and several other functionally
      associated gemins in the anterior horn motoneurons of patients who died of
      sporadic ALS (sALS), of transgenic rats with overexpression of the mutated human
      superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1(G93A)) that represent a model of familial ALS
      (fALS), and of the respective controls. METHODS: Using archival material of
      paraffin blocks with samples of human and rat spinal cords, immunohistochemical
      reactions with antibodies against SMN and gemins 2, 3, and 4 were performed and
      assessed by light microscopy. RESULTS: The expression of SMN and all other
      studied gemins was observed in motoneurons of sALS patients, fALS rats, and in
      all controls, although the intensity varied. The immunolabeling was most intense
      in sALS patients with relatively fast disease course, and decreased with
      increasing disease duration in both the human sALS and rat fALS material.
      Irrespective of the disease stage, sALS material showed no or very low gemin 2
      immunoreactivity, while clear gemin 2 immunoreactivity was observed in all fALS
      rats and control material. CONCLUSION: The deficient expression of gemin 2 in
      spinal cord motoneurons in human sALS may lead to a dysfunction and loss of
      neuroprotective action of the SMN complex.

PMID- 25122455
TI  - Dynamic mechanisms of neocortical focal seizure onset.
AB  - Recent experimental and clinical studies have provided diverse insight into the
      mechanisms of human focal seizure initiation and propagation. Often these
      findings exist at different scales of observation, and are not reconciled into a
      common understanding. Here we develop a new, multiscale mathematical model of
      cortical electric activity with realistic mesoscopic connectivity. Relating the
      model dynamics to experimental and clinical findings leads us to propose three
      classes of dynamical mechanisms for the onset of focal seizures in a unified
      framework. These three classes are: (i) globally induced focal seizures; (ii)
      globally supported focal seizures; (iii) locally induced focal seizures. Using
      model simulations we illustrate these onset mechanisms and show how the three
      classes can be distinguished. Specifically, we find that although all focal
      seizures typically appear to arise from localised tissue, the mechanisms of onset
      could be due to either localised processes or processes on a larger spatial
      scale. We conclude that although focal seizures might have different patient
      specific aetiologies and electrographic signatures, our model suggests that
      dynamically they can still be classified in a clinically useful way.
      Additionally, this novel classification according to the dynamical mechanisms is
      able to resolve some of the previously conflicting experimental and clinical
      findings. 

PMID- 25122456
TI  - White blood cell-based detection of asymptomatic scrapie infection by ex vivo
      assays.
AB  - Prion transmission can occur by blood transfusion in human variant Creutzfeldt
      Jakob disease and in experimental animal models, including sheep. Screening of
      blood and its derivatives for the presence of prions became therefore a major
      public health issue. As infectious titer in blood is reportedly low, highly
      sensitive and robust methods are required to detect prions in blood and blood
      derived products. The objectives of this study were to compare different methods-
      in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo assays--to detect prion infectivity in cells
      prepared from blood samples obtained from scrapie infected sheep at different
      time points of the disease. Protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) and
      bioassays in transgenic mice expressing the ovine prion protein were the most
      efficient methods to identify infected animals at any time of the disease
      (asymptomatic to terminally-ill stages). However scrapie cell and cerebellar
      organotypic slice culture assays designed to replicate ovine prions in culture
      also allowed detection of prion infectivity in blood cells from asymptomatic
      sheep. These findings confirm that white blood cells are appropriate targets for
      preclinical detection and introduce ex vivo tools to detect blood infectivity
      during the asymptomatic stage of the disease.

PMID- 25122457
TI  - Global decline in suitable habitat for Angiostrongylus ( = Parastrongylus)
      cantonensis: the role of climate change.
AB  - Climate change is implicated in the alteration of the ranges of species
      worldwide. Such shifts in species distributions may introduce
      parasites/pathogens, hosts, and vectors associated with disease to new areas. The
      parasite Angiostrongylus ( = Parastrongylus) cantonensis is an invasive species
      that causes eosinophilic meningitis in humans and neurological abnormalities in
      domestic/wild animals. Although native to southeastern Asia, A. cantonensis has
      now been reported from more than 30 countries worldwide. Given the health risks,
      it is important to describe areas with potentially favorable climate for the
      establishment of A. cantonensis, as well as areas where this pathogen might
      become established in the future. We used the program Maxent to develop an
      ecological niche model for A. cantonensis based on 86 localities obtained from
      published literature. We then modeled areas of potential A. cantonensis
      distribution as well as areas projected to have suitable climatic conditions
      under four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) scenarios by the 2050s and
      the 2070s. The best model contained three bioclimatic variables: mean diurnal
      temperature range, minimum temperature of coldest month and precipitation of
      warmest quarter. Potentially suitable habitat for A. cantonensis was located
      worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. Under all climate change RCP
      scenarios, the center of the projected distribution shifted away from the equator
      at a rate of 68-152 km per decade. However, the extent of areas with highly
      suitable habitat (>50%) declined by 10.66-15.66% by the 2050s and 13.11-16.11% by
      the 2070s. These results conflict with previous studies, which have generally
      found that the prevalence of tropical pathogens will increase during the 21st
      century. Moreover, it is likely that A. cantonensis will continue to expand its
      current range in the near future due to introductions and host expansion, whereas
      climate change will reduce the total geographic area of most suitable climatic
      conditions during the coming decades.

PMID- 25122458
TI  - De novo transcriptome assembly and comparative analysis of differentially
      expressed genes in Prunus dulcis Mill. in response to freezing stress.
AB  - Almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.), one of the most important nut crops, requires
      chilling during winter to develop fruiting buds. However, early spring chilling
      and late spring frost may damage the reproductive tissues leading to reduction in
      the rate of productivity. Despite the importance of transcriptional changes and
      regulation, little is known about the almond's transcriptome under the cold
      stress conditions. In the current research, we used RNA-seq technique to study
      the response of the reproductive tissues of almond (anther and ovary) to frost
      stress. RNA sequencing resulted in more than 20 million reads from anther and
      ovary tissues of almond, individually. About 40,000 contigs were assembled and
      annotated de novo in each tissue. Profile of gene expression in ovary showed
      significant alterations in 5,112 genes, whereas in anther 6,926 genes were
      affected by freezing stress. Around two thousands of these genes were common
      altered genes in both ovary and anther libraries. Gene ontology indicated the
      involvement of differentially expressed (DE) genes, responding to freezing
      stress, in metabolic and cellular processes. qRT-PCR analysis verified the
      expression pattern of eight genes randomly selected from the DE genes. In
      conclusion, the almond gene index assembled in this study and the reported DE
      genes can provide great insights on responses of almond and other Prunus species
      to abiotic stresses. The obtained results from current research would add to the
      limited available information on almond and Rosaceae. Besides, the findings would
      be very useful for comparative studies as the number of DE genes reported here is
      much higher than that of any previous reports in this plant.

PMID- 25122460
TI  - Effects of aging on osteogenic response and heterotopic ossification following
      burn injury in mice.
AB  - Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common and debilitating complication of burns,
      traumatic brain injuries, and musculoskeletal trauma and surgery. Although the
      exact mechanism of ectopic bone formation is unknown, mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSCs) capable of osteogenic differentiation are known to play an essential role.
      Interestingly, the prevalence of HO in the elderly population is low despite the
      high overall occurrence of musculoskeletal injury and orthopedic procedures. We
      hypothesized that a lower osteogenicity of MSCs would be associated with blunted
      HO formation in old compared with young mice. In vitro osteogenic differentiation
      of adipose-derived MSCs from old (18-20 months) and young (6-8 weeks) C57/BL6
      mice was assessed, with or without preceding burn injury. In vivo studies were
      then performed using an Achilles tenotomy with concurrent burn injury HO model.
      HO formation was quantified using MUCT scans, Raman spectroscopy, and histology.
      MSCs from young mice had more in vitro bone formation, upregulation of bone
      formation pathways, and higher activation of Smad and nuclear factor kappa B (NF
      kappaB) signaling following burn injury. This effect was absent or blunted in
      cells from old mice. In young mice, burn injury significantly increased HO
      formation, NF-kappaB activation, and osteoclast activity at the tenotomy site.
      This blunted, reactive osteogenic response in old mice follows trends seen
      clinically and may be related to differences in the ability to mount acute
      inflammatory responses. This unique characterization of HO and MSC osteogenic
      differentiation following inflammatory insult establishes differences between age
      populations and suggests potential pathways that could be targeted in the future
      with therapeutics. 

PMID- 25122461
TI  - Prion propagation can occur in a prokaryote and requires the ClpB chaperone.
AB  - Prions are self-propagating protein aggregates that are characteristically
      transmissible. In mammals, the PrP protein can form a prion that causes the fatal
      transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Prions have also been uncovered in
      fungi, where they act as heritable, protein-based genetic elements. We previously
      showed that the yeast prion protein Sup35 can access the prion conformation in
      Escherichia coli. Here, we demonstrate that E. coli can propagate the Sup35 prion
      under conditions that do not permit its de novo formation. Furthermore, we show
      that propagation requires the disaggregase activity of the ClpB chaperone. Prion
      propagation in yeast requires Hsp104 (a ClpB ortholog), and prior studies have
      come to conflicting conclusions about ClpB's ability to participate in this
      process. Our demonstration of ClpB-dependent prion propagation in E. coli
      suggests that the cytoplasmic milieu in general and a molecular machine in
      particular are poised to support protein-based heredity in the bacterial domain
      of life.

PMID- 25122463
TI  - RLIMS-P: an online text-mining tool for literature-based extraction of protein
      phosphorylation information.
AB  - Protein phosphorylation is central to the regulation of most aspects of cell
      function. Given its importance, it has been the subject of active research as
      well as the focus of curation in several biological databases. We have developed
      Rule-based Literature Mining System for protein Phosphorylation (RLIMS-P), an
      online text-mining tool to help curators identify biomedical research articles
      relevant to protein phosphorylation. The tool presents information on protein
      kinases, substrates and phosphorylation sites automatically extracted from the
      biomedical literature. The utility of the RLIMS-P Web site has been evaluated by
      curators from Phospho.ELM, PhosphoGRID/BioGrid and Protein Ontology as part of
      the BioCreative IV user interactive task (IAT). The system achieved F-scores of
      0.76, 0.88 and 0.92 for the extraction of kinase, substrate and phosphorylation
      sites, respectively, and a precision of 0.88 in the retrieval of relevant
      phosphorylation literature. The system also received highly favorable feedback
      from the curators in a user survey. Based on the curators' suggestions, the Web
      site has been enhanced to improve its usability. In the RLIMS-P Web site,
      phosphorylation information can be retrieved by PubMed IDs or keywords, with an
      option for selecting targeted species. The result page displays a sortable table
      with phosphorylation information. The text evidence page displays the abstract
      with color-coded entity mentions and includes links to UniProtKB entries via
      normalization, i.e., the linking of entity mentions to database identifiers,
      facilitated by the GenNorm tool and by the links to the bibliography in UniProt.
      Log in and editing capabilities are offered to any user interested in
      contributing to the validation of RLIMS-P results. Retrieved phosphorylation
      information can also be downloaded in CSV format and the text evidence in the
      BioC format. RLIMS-P is freely available. DATABASE URL:
      http://www.proteininformationresource.org/rlimsp/

PMID- 25122465
TI  - Development of the Cell Population in the Brain White Matter of Young Children.
AB  - While brain gray matter is primarily associated with sensorimotor processing and
      cognition, white matter modulates the distribution of action potentials,
      coordinates communication between different brain regions, and acts as a relay
      for input/output signals. Previous studies have described morphological changes
      in gray and white matter during childhood and adolescence, which are consistent
      with cellular genesis and maturation, but corresponding events in infants are
      poorly documented. In the present study, we estimated the total number of cells
      (neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia) in the cerebral white
      matter of 9 infants aged 0-33 months, using design-based stereological methods to
      obtain quantitative data about brain development. There were linear increases
      with age in the numbers of oligodendrocytes (7-28 billion) and astrocytes (1.5
      6.7 billion) during the first 3 years of life, thus attaining two-thirds of the
      corresponding numbers in adults. The numbers of neurons (0.7 billion) and
      microglia (0.2 billion) in the white matter did not increase during the first 3
      years of life, but showed large biological variation. 

PMID- 25122462
TI  - Epsin deficiency impairs endocytosis by stalling the actin-dependent invagination
      of endocytic clathrin-coated pits.
AB  - Epsin is an evolutionarily conserved endocytic clathrin adaptor whose most
      critical function(s) in clathrin coat dynamics remain(s) elusive. To elucidate
      such function(s), we generated embryonic fibroblasts from conditional epsin
      triple KO mice. Triple KO cells displayed a dramatic cell division defect.
      Additionally, a robust impairment in clathrin-mediated endocytosis was observed,
      with an accumulation of early and U-shaped pits. This defect correlated with a
      perturbation of the coupling between the clathrin coat and the actin
      cytoskeleton, which we confirmed in a cell-free assay of endocytosis. Our results
      indicate that a key evolutionary conserved function of epsin, in addition to
      other roles that include, as we show here, a low affinity interaction with
      SNAREs, is to help generate the force that leads to invagination and then fission
      of clathrin-coated pits.

PMID- 25122464
TI  - Lower intensified target LDL-c level of statin therapy results in a higher risk
      of incident diabetes: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A recent meta-analysis has reported that intensive-dose statin drug
      increases the risk of incident diabetes. However, doubling of the statin dose
      generates only a further 6% decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL
      c) on average. This study aimed to determine whether statin therapy with lower
      intensive-target LDL-c level contributes to higher risk of new-onset diabetes.
      METHODS: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      were searched for randomized controlled endpoint trials of statins conducted from
      1966 to 2012. We included trials with more than 1000 participants who were
      followed up for at least 2 years. The included trials were stratified by the
      target LDL-c level. I2 statistic was used to measure heterogeneity between
      trials. We further calculated risk estimates with random-effect meta-analysis.
      Meta-regression was used to identify the potential risk factors of statin-induced
      diabetes. RESULTS: Fourteen trials with a total of 95 102 non-diabetic
      participants were included. The risks elevated by 33% [odds ratio (OR)  = 1.33;
      95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-1.56; I(2) = 7.7%] and 16% (OR = 1.16; 95% CI
      1.06-1.28; I(2)= 0.0%) when the intensified target LDL-c levels were <= 1.8
      mmol/L and 1.8-2.59 mmol/L, respectively. The risk of incident diabetes did not
      increase when the target LDL-c level was >= 2.59 mmol/L. Apart from age, female,
      and baseline level of total cholesterol, meta-regression analysis showed that the
      target and baseline levels of LDL-c and relative LDL-c reduction were predictors
      of statin-induced diabetes. CONCLUSION: A lower intensified target LDL-c level of
      statin therapy resulted in a higher risk of incident diabetes.

PMID- 25122466
TI  - The Fault Lies on the Other Side: Altered Brain Functional Connectivity in
      Psychiatric Disorders is Mainly Caused by Counterpart Regions in the Opposite
      Hemisphere.
AB  - Many psychiatric disorders are associated with abnormal resting-state functional
      connectivity between pairs of brain regions, although it remains unclear whether
      the fault resides within the pair of regions themselves or other regions
      connected to them. Identifying the source of dysfunction is crucial for
      understanding the etiology of different disorders. Using pathway- and network
      based techniques to analyze resting-state functional magnetic imaging data from a
      large population of patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (239
      patients, 251 controls), major depression (39 patients, 37 controls), and
      schizophrenia (69 patients, 62 controls), we show for the first time that only
      network-based cross-correlation identifies significant functional connectivity
      changes in all 3 disorders which survive correction. This demonstrates that the
      primary source of dysfunction resides not in the regional pairs themselves but in
      their external connections. Combining pathway and network-based functional
      connectivity analysis, we established that, in all 3 disorders, the counterparts
      of pairs of regions in the opposite hemisphere contribute 60-76% to altered
      functional connectivity, compared with only 17-21% from the regions themselves.
      Thus, a transdiagnostic feature is of abnormal functional connectivity between
      brain regions produced via their contralateral counterparts. Our results
      demonstrate an important role for contralateral counterpart regions in
      contributing to altered regional connectivity in psychiatric disorders. 

PMID- 25122467
TI  - Common myna roosts are not recruitment centres.
AB  - We studied communal roosting in the Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) in the
      light of the recruitment centre hypothesis and predation at the roost. The number
      and sizes of flocks departing from and arriving at focal roosts were recorded
      over a two year period. We also recorded the sizes and behaviour of foraging
      flocks. We found that flock sizes of birds departing from roosts at sunrise were
      larger than those at the feeding site, suggesting that there was no recruitment
      from the roosts. Flocks entering the roosts during sunset were larger on average
      than those leaving the following sunrise, suggesting no consolidation of flocks
      in the morning. Flocks entering the roosts at sunset were also larger on average
      than those that had left that sunrise, although there was no recruitment at the
      feeding site. There was no effect of group size on the proportion of time spent
      feeding. Contrary to expectation, single birds showed lower apparent vigilance
      than birds that foraged in pairs or groups, possibly due to scrounging tactics
      being used in the presence of feeding companions. Thus, the recruitment centre
      hypothesis did not hold in our study population of mynas. Predation at dawn and
      dusk were also not important to communal roosting: predators near the roosts did
      not result in larger flocks, and resulted in larger durations of
      arrival/departure contrary to expectation. Since flock sizes were smallest at the
      feeding site and larger in the evening than in the morning, but did not coincide
      with predator activity, information transfer unrelated to food (such as breeding
      opportunities) may possibly give rise to the evening aggregations. 

PMID- 25122468
TI  - Education on hygiene and sanitation is the need of the hour in India.

PMID- 25122469
TI  - Effects of a post-deworming health hygiene education intervention on absenteeism
      in school-age children of the Peruvian Amazon.
AB  - Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a leading cause of disability and
      disease burden in school-age children of worm-endemic regions. Their effect on
      school absenteeism, however, remains unclear. The World Health Organization
      currently recommends delivering mass deworming and health hygiene education
      through school-based programs, in an effort to control STH-related morbidity. In
      this cluster-RCT, the impact of a health hygiene education intervention on
      absenteeism was measured. From April to June 2010, all Grade 5 students at 18
      schools in a worm-endemic region of the Peruvian Amazon were dewormed.
      Immediately following deworming, nine schools were randomly assigned to the
      intervention arm of the trial using a matched-pair design. The Grade 5 students
      attending intervention schools (N = 517) received four months of health hygiene
      education aimed at increasing knowledge of STH prevention. Grade 5 students from
      the other nine schools (N = 571) served as controls. Absenteeism was measured
      daily through teachers' attendance logs. After four months of follow-up, overall
      absenteeism rates at intervention and control schools were not statistically
      significantly different. However, post-trial non-randomized analyses have shown
      that students with moderate-to-heavy Ascaris infections and light hookworm
      infections four months after deworming had, respectively, missed 2.4% (95% CI:
      0.1%, 4.7%) and 4.6% (95% CI: 1.9%, 7.4%) more schooldays during the follow-up
      period than their uninfected counterparts. These results provide empirical
      evidence of a direct effect of STH infections on absenteeism in school-age
      children.

PMID- 25122470
TI  - Identification of suitable reference genes for gene expression studies of
      shoulder instability.
AB  - Shoulder instability is a common shoulder injury, and patients present with
      plastic deformation of the glenohumeral capsule. Gene expression analysis may be
      a useful tool for increasing the general understanding of capsule deformation,
      and reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) has
      become an effective method for such studies. Although RT-qPCR is highly sensitive
      and specific, it requires the use of suitable reference genes for data
      normalization to guarantee meaningful and reproducible results. In the present
      study, we evaluated the suitability of a set of reference genes using samples
      from the glenohumeral capsules of individuals with and without shoulder
      instability. We analyzed the expression of six commonly used reference genes
      (ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, HPRT1, TBP and TFRC) in the antero-inferior, antero-superior
      and posterior portions of the glenohumeral capsules of cases and controls. The
      stability of the candidate reference gene expression was determined using four
      software packages: NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper and DataAssist. Overall, HPRT1
      was the best single reference gene, and HPRT1 and B2M composed the best pair of
      reference genes from different analysis groups, including simultaneous analysis
      of all tissue samples. GenEx software was used to identify the optimal number of
      reference genes to be used for normalization and demonstrated that the
      accumulated standard deviation resulting from the use of 2 reference genes was
      similar to that resulting from the use of 3 or more reference genes. To identify
      the optimal combination of reference genes, we evaluated the expression of
      COL1A1. Although the use of different reference gene combinations yielded
      variable normalized quantities, the relative quantities within sample groups were
      similar and confirmed that no obvious differences were observed when using 2, 3
      or 4 reference genes. Consequently, the use of 2 stable reference genes for
      normalization, especially HPRT1 and B2M, is a reliable method for evaluating gene
      expression by RT-qPCR. 

PMID- 25122471
TI  - EVM005: an ectromelia-encoded protein with dual roles in NF-kappaB inhibition and
      virulence.
AB  - Poxviruses contain large dsDNA genomes encoding numerous open reading frames that
      manipulate cellular signalling pathways and interfere with the host immune
      response. The NF-kappaB signalling cascade is an important mediator of innate
      immunity and inflammation, and is tightly regulated by ubiquitination at several
      key points. A critical step in NF-kappaB activation is the ubiquitination and
      degradation of the inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaBalpha), by the cellular SCFbeta
      TRCP ubiquitin ligase complex. We show here that upon stimulation with TNFalpha
      or IL-1beta, Orthopoxvirus-infected cells displayed an accumulation of
      phosphorylated IkappaBalpha, indicating that NF-kappaB activation was inhibited
      during poxvirus infection. Ectromelia virus is the causative agent of lethal
      mousepox, a natural disease that is fatal in mice. Previously, we identified a
      family of four ectromelia virus genes (EVM002, EVM005, EVM154 and EVM165) that
      contain N-terminal ankyrin repeats and C-terminal F-box domains that interact
      with the cellular SCF ubiquitin ligase complex. Since degradation of IkappaBalpha
      is catalyzed by the SCFbeta-TRCP ubiquitin ligase, we investigated the role of
      the ectromelia virus ankyrin/F-box protein, EVM005, in the regulation of NF
      kappaB. Expression of Flag-EVM005 inhibited both TNFalpha- and IL-1beta
      stimulated IkappaBalpha degradation and p65 nuclear translocation. Inhibition of
      the NF-kappaB pathway by EVM005 was dependent on the F-box domain, and
      interaction with the SCF complex. Additionally, ectromelia virus devoid of EVM005
      was shown to inhibit NF-kappaB activation, despite lacking the EVM005 open
      reading frame. Finally, ectromelia virus devoid of EVM005 was attenuated in both
      A/NCR and C57BL/6 mouse models, indicating that EVM005 is required for virulence
      and immune regulation in vivo. 

PMID- 25122473
TI  - The impact of herbicide-resistant rice technology on phenotypic diversity and
      population structure of United States weedy rice.
AB  - The use of herbicide-resistant (HR) Clearfield rice (Oryza sativa) to control
      weedy rice has increased in the past 12 years to constitute about 60% of rice
      acreage in Arkansas, where most U.S. rice is grown. To assess the impact of HR
      cultivated rice on the herbicide resistance and population structure of weedy
      rice, weedy samples were collected from commercial fields with a history of
      Clearfield rice. Panicles from each weedy type were harvested and tested for
      resistance to imazethapyr. The majority of plants sampled had at least 20%
      resistant offspring. These resistant weeds were 97 to 199 cm tall and initiated
      flowering from 78 to 128 d, generally later than recorded for accessions
      collected prior to the widespread use of Clearfield rice (i.e. historical
      accessions). Whereas the majority (70%) of historical accessions had straw
      colored hulls, only 30% of contemporary HR weedy rice had straw-colored hulls.
      Analysis of genotyping-by-sequencing data showed that HR weeds were not
      genetically structured according to hull color, whereas historical weedy rice was
      separated into straw-hull and black-hull populations. A significant portion of
      the local rice crop genome was introgressed into HR weedy rice, which was rare in
      historical weedy accessions. Admixture analyses showed that HR weeds tend to
      possess crop haplotypes in the portion of chromosome 2 containing the
      ACETOLACTATE SYNTHASE gene, which confers herbicide resistance to Clearfield
      rice. Thus, U.S. HR weedy rice is a distinct population relative to historical
      weedy rice and shows modifications in morphology and phenology that are relevant
      to weed management. 

PMID- 25122474
TI  - Multiple sclerosis: progression rate and severity in a multicenter cohort from
      Algeria.

PMID- 25122472
TI  - Label-free protein quantification for plant Golgi protein localization and
      abundance.
AB  - The proteomic composition of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Golgi
      apparatus is currently reasonably well documented; however, little is known about
      the relative abundances between different proteins within this compartment.
      Accurate quantitative information of Golgi resident proteins is of great
      importance: it facilitates a better understanding of the biochemical processes
      that take place within this organelle, especially those of different
      polysaccharide synthesis pathways. Golgi resident proteins are challenging to
      quantify because the abundance of this organelle is relatively low within the
      cell. In this study, an organelle fractionation approach targeting the Golgi
      apparatus was combined with a label-free quantitative mass spectrometry (data
      independent acquisition method using ion mobility separation known as LC-IMS
      MS(E) [or HDMS(E)]) to simultaneously localize proteins to the Golgi apparatus
      and assess their relative quantity. In total, 102 Golgi-localized proteins were
      quantified. These data show that organelle fractionation in conjunction with
      label-free quantitative mass spectrometry is a powerful and relatively simple
      tool to access protein organelle localization and their relative abundances. The
      findings presented open a unique view on the organization of the plant Golgi
      apparatus, leading toward unique hypotheses centered on the biochemical processes
      of this organelle. 

PMID- 25122475
TI  - The central role of mitochondria in axonal degeneration in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) is related to inflammation and
      demyelination. In acute MS lesions and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
      focal immune attacks damage axons by injuring axonal mitochondria. In progressive
      MS, however, axonal damage occurs in chronically demyelinated regions, myelinated
      regions and also at the active edge of slowly expanding chronic lesions. How
      axonal energy failure occurs in progressive MS is incompletely understood. Recent
      studies show that oligodendrocytes supply lactate to myelinated axons as a
      metabolic substrate for mitochondria to generate ATP, a process which will be
      altered upon demyelination. In addition, a number of studies have identified
      mitochondrial abnormalities within neuronal cell bodies in progressive MS,
      leading to a deficiency of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes or enzymes.
      Here, we summarise the mitochondrial abnormalities evident within neurons and
      discuss how these grey matter mitochondrial abnormalities may increase the
      vulnerability of axons to degeneration in progressive MS. Although neuronal
      mitochondrial abnormalities will culminate in axonal degeneration, understanding
      the different contributions of mitochondria to the degeneration of myelinated and
      demyelinated axons is an important step towards identifying potential therapeutic
      targets for progressive MS. 

PMID- 25122476
TI  - Non-random escape pathways from a broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody
      map to a highly conserved region on the hepatitis C virus E2 glycoprotein
      encompassing amino acids 412-423.
AB  - A challenge for hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine development is to define epitopes
      that are able to elicit protective antibodies against this highly diverse virus.
      The E2 glycoprotein region located at residues 412-423 is conserved and
      antibodies to 412-423 have broadly neutralizing activities. However, an adaptive
      mutation, N417S, is associated with a glycan shift in a variant that cannot be
      neutralized by a murine but by human monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) against 412
      423. To determine whether HCV escapes from these antibodies, we analyzed variants
      that emerged when cell culture infectious HCV virions (HCVcc) were passaged under
      increasing concentrations of a specific HMAb, HC33.1. Multiple nonrandom escape
      pathways were identified. Two pathways occurred in the context of an N-glycan
      shift mutation at N417T. At low antibody concentrations, substitutions of two
      residues outside of the epitope, N434D and K610R, led to variants having improved
      in vitro viral fitness and reduced sensitivity to HC33.1 binding and
      neutralization. At moderate concentrations, a S419N mutation occurred within 412
      423 in escape variants that have greatly reduced sensitivity to HC33.1 but
      compromised viral fitness. Importantly, the variants generated from these
      pathways differed in their stability. N434D and K610R-associated variants were
      stable and became dominant as the virions were passaged. The S419N mutation
      reverted back to N419S when immune pressure was reduced by removing HC33.1. At
      high antibody concentrations, a mutation at L413I was observed in variants that
      were resistant to HC33.1 neutralization. Collectively, the combination of
      multiple escape pathways enabled the virus to persist under a wide range of
      antibody concentrations. Moreover, these findings pose a different challenge to
      vaccine development beyond the identification of highly conserved epitopes. It
      will be necessary for a vaccine to induce high potency antibodies that prevent
      the formation of escape variants, which can co-exist with lower potency or levels
      of neutralizing activities. 

PMID- 25122477
TI  - Surface physicochemistry and ionic strength affects eDNA's role in bacterial
      adhesion to abiotic surfaces.
AB  - Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is an important structural component of biofilms formed
      by many bacteria, but few reports have focused on its role in initial cell
      adhesion. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of eDNA in bacterial
      adhesion to abiotic surfaces, and determine to which extent eDNA-mediated
      adhesion depends on the physicochemical properties of the surface and surrounding
      liquid. We investigated eDNA alteration of cell surface hydrophobicity and zeta
      potential, and subsequently quantified the effect of eDNA on the adhesion of
      Staphylococcus xylosus to glass surfaces functionalised with different
      chemistries resulting in variable hydrophobicity and charge. Cell adhesion
      experiments were carried out at three different ionic strengths. Removal of eDNA
      from S. xylosus cells by DNase treatment did not alter the zeta potential, but
      rendered the cells more hydrophilic. DNase treatment impaired adhesion of cells
      to glass surfaces, but the adhesive properties of S. xylosus were regained within
      30 minutes if DNase was not continuously present, implying a continuous release
      of eDNA in the culture. Removal of eDNA lowered the adhesion of S. xylosus to all
      surfaces chemistries tested, but not at all ionic strengths. No effect was seen
      on glass surfaces and carboxyl-functionalised surfaces at high ionic strength,
      and a reverse effect occurred on amine-functionalised surfaces at low ionic
      strength. However, eDNA promoted adhesion of cells to hydrophobic surfaces
      irrespective of the ionic strength. The adhesive properties of eDNA in mediating
      initial adhesion of S. xylosus is thus highly versatile, but also dependent on
      the physicochemical properties of the surface and ionic strength of the
      surrounding medium. 

PMID- 25122480
TI  - Attorneys general from 29 US states urge tougher e-cigarette regulations.

PMID- 25122479
TI  - Optimal behavioral hierarchy.
AB  - Human behavior has long been recognized to display hierarchical structure:
      actions fit together into subtasks, which cohere into extended goal-directed
      activities. Arranging actions hierarchically has well established benefits,
      allowing behaviors to be represented efficiently by the brain, and allowing
      solutions to new tasks to be discovered easily. However, these payoffs depend on
      the particular way in which actions are organized into a hierarchy, the specific
      way in which tasks are carved up into subtasks. We provide a mathematical account
      for what makes some hierarchies better than others, an account that allows an
      optimal hierarchy to be identified for any set of tasks. We then present results
      from four behavioral experiments, suggesting that human learners spontaneously
      discover optimal action hierarchies. 

PMID- 25122478
TI  - Epidermal growth factor stimulates nuclear factor-kappaB activation and heme
      oxygenase-1 expression via c-Src, NADPH oxidase, PI3K, and Akt in human colon
      cancer cells.
AB  - Previous report showed that epidermal growth factor (EGF) promotes tumor
      progression. Several studies demonstrated that growth factors can induce heme
      oxygenase (HO)-1 expression, protect against cellular injury and cancer cell
      proliferation. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the c-Src, NADPH
      oxidase, reactive oxygen species (ROS), PI3K/Akt, and NF-kappaB signaling
      pathways in EGF-induced HO-1 expression in human HT-29 colon cancer cells.
      Treatment of HT-29 cells with EGF caused HO-1 to be expressed in concentration-
      and time-dependent manners. Treatment of HT-29 cells with AG1478 (an EGF receptor
      (EGFR) inhibitor), small interfering RNA of EGFR (EGFR siRNA), a dominant
      negative mutant of c-Src (c-Src DN), DPI (an NADPH oxidase inhibitor),
      glutathione (an ROS inhibitor), LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor), and an Akt DN
      inhibited EGF-induced HO-1 expression. Stimulation of cells with EGF caused an
      increase in c-Src phosphorylation at Tyr406 in a time-dependent manner. Treatment
      of HT-29 cells with EGF induced an increase in p47(phox) translocation from the
      cytosol to membranes. The EGF-induced ROS production was inhibited by DPI.
      Stimulation of cells with EGF resulted in an increase in Akt phosphorylation at
      Ser473, which was inhibited by c-Src DN, DPI, and LY 294002. Moreover, treatment
      of HT-29 cells with a dominant negative mutant of IkappaB (IkappaBalphaM)
      inhibited EGF-induced HO-1 expression. Stimulation of cells with EGF induced p65
      translocation from the cytosol to nuclei. Treatment of HT-29 cells with EGF
      induced an increase in kappaB-luciferase activity, which was inhibited by a c-Src
      DN, LY 294002, and an Akt DN. Furthermore, EGF-induced colon cancer cell
      proliferation was inhibited by Sn(IV)protoporphyrin-IX (snPP, an HO-1 inhibitor).
      Taken together, these results suggest that the c-Src, NADPH oxidase, PI3K, and
      Akt signaling pathways play important roles in EGF-induced NF-kappaB activation
      and HO-1 expression in HT-29 cells. Moreover, overexpression of HO-1 mediates EGF
      induced colon cancer cell proliferation.

PMID- 25122481
TI  - Interactions of Rice tungro bacilliform pararetrovirus and its protein P4 with
      plant RNA-silencing machinery.
AB  - Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-directed gene silencing plays a major role in
      antiviral defense. Virus-derived siRNAs inhibit viral replication in infected
      cells and potentially move to neighboring cells, immunizing them from incoming
      virus. Viruses have evolved various ways to evade and suppress siRNA production
      or action. Here, we show that 21-, 22-, and 24-nucleotide (nt) viral siRNAs
      together constitute up to 19% of total small RNA population of Oryza sativa
      plants infected with Rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) and cover both strands
      of the RTBV DNA genome. However, viral siRNA hotspots are restricted to a short
      noncoding region between transcription and reverse-transcription start sites.
      This region generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) precursors of siRNAs and, in
      pregenomic RNA, forms a stable secondary structure likely inaccessible to siRNA
      directed cleavage. In transient assays, RTBV protein P4 suppressed cell-to-cell
      spread of silencing but enhanced cell-autonomous silencing, which correlated with
      reduced 21-nt siRNA levels and increased 22-nt siRNA levels. Our findings imply
      that RTBV generates decoy dsRNA that restricts siRNA production to the structured
      noncoding region and thereby protects other regions of the viral genome from
      repressive action of siRNAs, while the viral protein P4 interferes with cell-to
      cell spread of antiviral silencing.

PMID- 25122482
TI  - The novel monocot-specific 9-lipoxygenase ZmLOX12 is required to mount an
      effective jasmonate-mediated defense against Fusarium verticillioides in maize.
AB  - Fusarium verticillioides is a major limiting factor for maize production due to
      ear and stalk rot and the contamination of seed with the carcinogenic mycotoxin
      fumonisin. While lipoxygenase (LOX)-derived oxylipins have been implicated in
      defense against diverse pathogens, their function in maize resistance against F.
      verticillioides is poorly understood. Here, we functionally characterized a novel
      maize 9-LOX gene, ZmLOX12. This gene is distantly related to known dicot LOX
      genes, with closest homologs found exclusively in other monocot species. ZmLOX12
      is predominantly expressed in mesocotyls in which it is strongly induced in
      response to F. verticillioides infection. The Mutator transposon-insertional
      lox12-1 mutant is more susceptible to F. verticillioides colonization of
      mesocotyls, stalks, and kernels. The infected mutant kernels accumulate a
      significantly greater amount of the mycotoxin fumonisin. Reduced resistance to
      the pathogen is accompanied by diminished levels of the jasmonic acid (JA)
      precursor 12-oxo phytodienoic acid, JA-isoleucine, and expression of jasmonate
      biosynthetic genes. Supporting the strong defense role of jasmonates, the JA
      deficient opr7 opr8 double mutant displayed complete lack of immunity to F.
      verticillioides. Unexpectedly, the more susceptible lox12 mutant accumulated
      higher levels of kauralexins, suggesting that F. verticillioides is tolerant to
      this group of antimicrobial phytoalexins. This study demonstrates that this
      unique monocot-specific 9-LOX plays a key role in defense against F.
      verticillioides in diverse maize tissues and provides genetic evidence that JA is
      the major defense hormone against this pathogen.

PMID- 25122483
TI  - Nucleoporin 75 is involved in the ethylene-mediated production of phytoalexin for
      the resistance of Nicotiana benthamiana to Phytophthora infestans.
AB  - Mature Nicotiana benthamiana shows stable resistance to the oomycete pathogen
      Phytophthora infestans. Induction of phytoalexin (capsidiol) production is
      essential for the resistance, which is upregulated via a mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (MAPK) cascade (NbMEK2-WIPK/SIPK) followed by ethylene signaling.
      In this study, NbNup75 (encodes a nuclear pore protein Nucleoporin75) was
      identified as an essential gene for resistance of N. benthamiana to P. infestans.
      In NbNup75-silenced plants, initial events of elicitor-induced responses such as
      phosphorylation of MAPK and expression of defense-related genes were not
      affected, whereas induction of later defense responses such as capsidiol
      production and cell death induction was suppressed or delayed. Ethylene
      production induced by either INF1 or NbMEK2 was reduced in NbNup75-silenced
      plants, whereas the expression of NbEAS (a gene for capsidiol biosynthesis)
      induced by ethylene was not affected, indicating that Nup75 is required for the
      induction of ethylene production but not for ethylene signaling. Given that
      nuclear accumulation of polyA RNA was increased in NbNup75-silenced plants,
      efficient export of mRNA from nuclei via nuclear pores would be important for the
      timely upregulation of defense responses. Collectively, Nup75 is involved in the
      induction of a later stage of defense responses, including the ethylene-mediated
      production of phytoalexin for the resistance of N. benthamiana to P. infestans.

PMID- 25122484
TI  - Endoscopic balloon dilatation as an effective treatment for lower and upper
      benign gastrointestinal system anastomotic stenosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is currently accepted as an
      effective, safe, and first-line treatment of postoperative benign
      gastrointestinal anastomosis stenosis (BGAS); however, a limited number of
      publications on the subject exist in the literature. The aim of the study was to
      retrospectively evaluate the efficiency of endoscopic dilatation in patients with
      postoperative intestinal anastomotic stenoses at a single surgical center.
      METHODS: Patients with postoperative BGAS treated by EBD at our institution from
      February 2008 to 2012 were included. The dilatations were all performed using
      through-the-scope balloons. The balloon was introduced into the stricture using a
      guidewire under radiologic guidance. Each dilatation session consisted of 2 to 3
      two-minute multistep inflations of the balloon until adequate dilatation was
      achieved. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients included in the study, 44 patients (91.7%)
      fully recovered and 4 (8.3%) did not respond to treatment. The mean follow-up
      period was 24 months (range, 3 to 57 mo). Four patients who did not respond to
      the procedure were treated surgically. Two patients (4.1%) with intestinal
      perforation during EBD were treated conservatively with a stent. CONCLUSIONS: EBD
      has a low rate of complications and a high success rate, is well tolerated, and
      avoids further surgical procedures for BGAS. Therefore, EBD should be the first
      choice of treatment for postoperative anastomotic stenoses.

PMID- 25122485
TI  - Totally laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for
      choledochal cyst in adults: a single-institute experience of 5 years.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study aimed to describe the authors' experience and the
      intermediate-term outcome for totally laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and
      Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy at a single center in a 5-year period. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of totally laparoscopic choledochal
      cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy on 31 adult patients from January
      2009 to November 2013. RESULTS: Thirty-one cases successfully underwent totally
      laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision laparoscopy and Roux-en-Y
      hepatoenterostomy. The operation time varied from 200 to 360 minutes. The
      intraoperative blood loss was 50 to 210 mL. The patients passed flatus in 3.0 +/-
      1.3 days. The mean time interval to resume oral intake from the time of surgery
      was 3.8 +/- 1.4 days. The duration of postoperative intravenous fluids was 4 to
      11 days. Postoperative ambulation varied from 2 to 4 days. The duration of
      hospital stay was 4 to 13 days. Follow-up observations lasted 3 to 59 months and
      complications were noted in 4 patients. Of these patients, 1 patient suffered
      postoperative respiratory tract infection, 1 patient had an episode of adhesive
      small bowel obstruction, biliary leakage occurred in 1 patient, and 1 patient
      developed an anastomotic stoma stricture and cholangitis. There were no
      perioperative deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Totally laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en
      Y hepaticojejunostomy is a safe, efficacious, and minimally invasive procedure
      for the most instances of adult choledochal cyst. The key of success is skilled
      laparoscopic skills, good team cooperation, and stapler anastomosis.

PMID- 25122488
TI  - Extended phase-correlated rescanning irradiation to improve dose homogeneity in
      carbon-ion beam liver treatment.
AB  - We previously reported that an adequate number of simple layered phase-correlated
      rescanning (PCR) irradiations improve dose conformation to a moving target.
      However, if PCR is not completed within a single gating window due to the
      particular irradiation specifications selected in advance and/or layer size, the
      iso-energy layer is completed using next gating window, and the effect of
      rescanning is effectively nullified. To solve this problem, we developed extended
      PCR irradiation. Extended PCR is conceptually based on simple PCR. It differs in
      that the dose rate is adjusted to irradiate the number of rescans within multiple
      gating windows when simple PCR is not finished within a single gating window.
      This process is repeated until the total prescribed dose is given. Here, 4DCT
      imaging was performed under free-breathing conditions in 10 patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma. 4D dose distributions for a single field approach were
      performed with simple PCR and extended PCR using 4DCT. A total dose of 11.25
      Gy(RBE) was administered to the field-specific target volume. The number of
      rescans was changed from 1 to 10. Respiratory gating of a 30% duty cycle around
      exhalation was applied. Dose assessment metrics (CTV-D95, CTV-Dmin, CTV-Dmax)
      with PCR improved with an increasing number of rescans, and largely plateaued at
      five or more rescans. Minimum D95 and Dmin values, and maximum Dmax and HI values
      fluctuated at odd and even numbers of rescans. Extended PCR improved all dose
      assessment metrics whereas PCR did not. Values with extended PCR were mostly
      constant with three or more rescans, or in other words independent of the number
      of rescans. Extended PCR improved dose conformation to a moving target with
      greater efficacy than simple PCR when more than two gating windows were
      necessary. Extended PCR can be applied to irradiation machines having a low
      maximum dose rate.

PMID- 25122487
TI  - Global gene expression profiling in three tumor cell lines subjected to
      experimental cycling and chronic hypoxia.
AB  - Hypoxia is one of the most important features of the tumor microenvironment,
      exerting an adverse effect on tumor aggressiveness and patient prognosis. Two
      types of hypoxia may occur within the tumor mass, chronic (prolonged) and cycling
      (transient, intermittent) hypoxia. Cycling hypoxia has been shown to induce
      aggressive tumor cell phenotype and radioresistance more significantly than
      chronic hypoxia, though little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying
      this phenomenon. The aim of this study was to delineate the molecular response to
      both types of hypoxia induced experimentally in tumor cells, with a focus on
      cycling hypoxia. We analyzed in vitro gene expression profile in three human
      cancer cell lines (melanoma, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer) exposed to
      experimental chronic or transient hypoxia conditions. As expected, the cell-type
      specific variability in response to hypoxia was significant. However, the
      expression of 240 probe sets was altered in all 3 cell lines. We found that gene
      expression profiles induced by both types of hypoxia were qualitatively similar
      and strongly depend on the cell type. Cycling hypoxia altered the expression of
      fewer genes than chronic hypoxia (6,132 vs. 8,635 probe sets, FDR adjusted
      p<0.05), and with lower fold changes. However, the expression of some of these
      genes was significantly more affected by cycling hypoxia than by prolonged
      hypoxia, such as IL8, PLAU, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathway-related
      genes (AREG, HBEGF, and EPHA2). These transcripts were, in most cases, validated
      by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our
      results indicate that experimental cycling hypoxia exerts similar, although less
      intense effects, on the examined cancer cell lines than its chronic counterpart.
      Nonetheless, we identified genes and molecular pathways that seem to be
      preferentially regulated by cyclic hypoxia. 

PMID- 25122489
TI  - A commentary on the disparate perspectives of clinical microbiologists and
      surgeons: ad hoc antimicrobial use.
AB  - Prosthetic joints and other orthopedic implants have improved quality of life for
      patients world-wide and the use of such devices is increasing. However, while
      infection rates subsequent to associated surgery are relatively low (<3%), the
      consequences of incidence are considerable, encompassing morbidity (including
      amputation) and mortality in addition to significant social and economic costs.
      Emphasis, therefore, has been placed on mitigating microbial risk, with clinical
      microbiologists and surgeons utilizing rapidly evolving molecular laboratory
      techniques in detection and diagnosis of infection, which still occurs despite
      sophisticated patient management. Multidisciplinary approaches are regularly
      adopted to achieve this. In this commentary, we describe an unusual case of
      Actinomyces infection in total hip arthroplasty and, in that context, describe
      the perspectives of the clinical microbiology and surgical teams and how they
      contrasted. More specifically, this case demonstrates an ad hoc approach to
      structured eradication of biofilms and intracellular bacteria related to
      biomaterials, as reflected in early usage of linezolid. This is a complex topic
      and, as described in this case, such accelerated treatment can be effective. This
      commentary focuses on the merits of such inadvisable use of potent antimicrobials
      amid the risk of diminishing valuable antimicrobial efficacy, albeit resulting in
      desirable patient outcomes. 

PMID- 25122490
TI  - Human NR5A1/SF-1 mutations show decreased activity on BDNF (brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor), an important regulator of energy balance: testing impact of
      novel SF-1 mutations beyond steroidogenesis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Human NR5A1/SF-1 mutations cause 46,XY disorder of sex development (DSD)
      with broad phenotypic variability, and rarely cause adrenal insufficiency
      although SF-1 is an important transcription factor for many genes involved in
      steroidogenesis. In addition, the Sf-1 knockout mouse develops obesity with age.
      Obesity might be mediated through Sf-1 regulating activity of brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an important regulator of energy balance in the
      ventromedial hypothalamus. OBJECTIVE: To characterize novel SF-1 gene variants in
      4 families, clinical, genetic and functional studies were performed with respect
      to steroidogenesis and energy balance. PATIENTS: 5 patients with 46,XY DSD were
      found to harbor NR5A1/SF-1 mutations including 2 novel variations. One patient
      harboring a novel mutation also suffered from adrenal insufficiency. METHODS: SF
      1 mutations were studied in cell systems (HEK293, JEG3) for impact on
      transcription of genes involved in steroidogenesis (CYP11A1, CYP17A1, HSD3B2) and
      in energy balance (BDNF). BDNF regulation by SF-1 was studied by promoter assays
      (JEG3). RESULTS: Two novel NR5A1/SF-1 mutations (Glu7Stop, His408Profs*159) were
      confirmed. Glu7Stop is the 4th reported SF-1 mutation causing DSD and adrenal
      insufficiency. In vitro studies revealed that transcription of the BDNF gene is
      regulated by SF-1, and that mutant SF-1 decreased BDNF promoter activation
      (similar to steroid enzyme promoters). However, clinical data from 16 subjects
      carrying SF-1 mutations showed normal birth weight and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Glu7Stop
      and His408Profs*159 are novel SF-1 mutations identified in patients with 46,XY
      DSD and adrenal insufficiency (Glu7Stop). In vitro, SF-1 mutations affect not
      only steroidogenesis but also transcription of BDNF which is involved in energy
      balance. However, in contrast to mice, consequences on weight were not found in
      humans with SF-1 mutations.

PMID- 25122492
TI  - A review of the Fukushima nuclear reactor accident: radiation effects on the
      thyroid and strategies for prevention.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This is a summary of the nuclear accident at the Tokyo
      Electric Power Company Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Stations (FDNPS) on 11
      March 2011 to be used as a review of the radiation effects to the thyroid and
      strategies of prevention. RECENT FINDINGS: The amount of radioiodine released to
      the environment following the Fukushima accident was 120 Peta Becquerel, which is
      approximately one-tenth of that in the Chernobyl accident. Residents near the
      FDNPS were evacuated within a few days and foodstuffs were controlled within 1 or
      2 weeks. Therefore, thyroid radiation doses were less than 100 mSv (intervention
      levels for stable iodine administration) in the majority of children, including
      less than 1 year olds, living in the evacuation areas. Because the incidence of
      childhood thyroid cancer increased in those residing near the site following the
      Chernobyl accident, thyroid screening of all children (0-18 years old) in the
      Fukushima Prefecture was started. To date, screening of more than 280 000
      children has resulted in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer in 90 children
      (approximate incidence, 313 per million). Thus, although the dose of radiation
      was much lower, the incidence of thyroid cancer appears to be much higher than
      that following the Chernobyl accident. SUMMARY: A comparison of the thyroidal
      consequences following the Fukushima and Chernobyl nuclear reactor accidents is
      discussed. We also summarize the recent increased incidence in thyroid cancer in
      the Fukushima area following the accident in relation to increased thyroid
      ultrasound screening and the use of advanced ultrasound techniques. VIDEO
      ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COE/A8.

PMID- 25122491
TI  - Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Overt hypothyroidism has major effects on neuropsychiatric
      function, but patients with mild hypothyroidism may attribute unrelated
      neuropsychiatric symptoms to their thyroid condition. This review will summarize
      data on neuropsychiatric effects of hypothyroidism, and provide guidelines
      regarding the relationship between hypothyroidism and neuropsychiatric issues,
      and treatment indications. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinical investigations and
      functional imaging studies confirm that overt hypothyroidism is associated with
      affective and cognitive decrements, largely reversible with treatment. In
      contrast, subclinical hypothyroidism is not associated with major
      neuropsychiatric deficits, although studies utilizing sensitive measures show
      small deficits in memory and executive function. Neuropsychiatric complaints are
      more common when patients are aware of their thyroid disease, regardless of their
      thyroid function at the time of testing. SUMMARY: Neuropsychiatric dysfunction is
      common in overt hypothyroidism and will improve (perhaps not completely resolve)
      with therapy. Deficits related to thyroid dysfunction are usually mild in
      subclinical hypothyroidism, and realistic expectations need to be set regarding
      symptom reversibility with treatment. Patients with mild hypothyroidism and
      significant distress related to neuropsychiatric symptoms, most likely, have
      independent diagnoses that should be evaluated separately.

PMID- 25122495
TI  - MODMatcher: multi-omics data matcher for integrative genomic analysis.
AB  - Errors in sample annotation or labeling often occur in large-scale genetic or
      genomic studies and are difficult to avoid completely during data generation and
      management. For integrative genomic studies, it is critical to identify and
      correct these errors. Different types of genetic and genomic data are inter
      connected by cis-regulations. On that basis, we developed a computational
      approach, Multi-Omics Data Matcher (MODMatcher), to identify and correct sample
      labeling errors in multiple types of molecular data, which can be used in further
      integrative analysis. Our results indicate that inspection of sample annotation
      and labeling error is an indispensable data quality assurance step. Applied to a
      large lung genomic study, MODMatcher increased statistically significant genetic
      associations and genomic correlations by more than two-fold. In a simulation
      study, MODMatcher provided more robust results by using three types of omics data
      than two types of omics data. We further demonstrate that MODMatcher can be
      broadly applied to large genomic data sets containing multiple types of omics
      data, such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets. 

PMID- 25122493
TI  - How sensitive (second-generation) thyroglobulin measurement is changing paradigms
      for monitoring patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, in the absence or
      presence of thyroglobulin autoantibodies.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss new insights regarding how sensitive (second
      generation) thyroglobulin immunometric assays (TgIMAs), (functional sensitivities
      <=0.10 MUg/L) necessitate different approaches for postoperative thyroglobulin
      monitoring of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), depending on the
      presence of thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TgAbs). RECENT FINDINGS: Reliable low
      range serum thyroglobulin measurement has both enhanced clinical utility and
      economic advantages, provided TgAb is absent (~75% DTC patients). Basal
      [nonthyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulated] TgIMA measurement obviates the
      need for recombinant human TSH stimulation because basal TgIMA below 0.20 MUg/L
      has comparable negative predictive value (>95%) to recombinant human TSH
      stimulated thyroglobulin values below the cutoff of 2 MUg/L. Now that radioiodine
      remnant ablation is no longer considered necessary to treat low-risk DTC, the
      trend and doubling time of low basal thyroglobulin values arising from
      postsurgical thyroid remnants have recognized prognostic significance. The major
      limitation of TgIMA testing is interference by TgAb (~25% DTC patients), causing
      TgIMA underestimation that can mask disease. When TgAb is present, the trend in
      TgAb concentrations (measured by the same method) can serve as the primary
      (surrogate) tumor-marker and be augmented by thyroglobulin measured by a TgAb
      resistant class of method (radioimmunoassay or liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry). SUMMARY: The growing use of TgIMA measurement is changing
      paradigms for postoperative DTC monitoring. When TgAb is absent, it is optimal to
      monitor the basal TgIMA trend and doubling time (using the same method) in
      preference to recombinant human TSH-stimulated thyroglobulin testing. When TgAb
      is present, interference renders TgIMA testing unreliable and the trend in serum
      TgAb concentrations per se (same method) can serve as a (surrogate) tumor-marker.

PMID- 25122496
TI  - Tyrosine 129 of the murine gammaherpesvirus M2 protein is critical for M2
      function in vivo.
AB  - A common strategy shared by all known gammaherpesviruses is their ability to
      establish a latent infection in lymphocytes--predominantly in B cells. In
      immunocompromised patients, such as transplant recipients or AIDS patients,
      gammaherpesvirus infections can lead to the development of lymphoproliferative
      disease and lymphoid malignancies. The human gamma-herpesviruses, EBV and KSHV,
      encode proteins that are capable of modulating the host immune signaling
      machinery, thereby subverting host immune responses. Murine gamma-herpesvirus 68
      (MHV68) infection of laboratory strains of mice has proven to be useful small
      animal model that shares important pathogenic strategies with the human gamma
      herpesviruses. The MHV68 M2 protein is known to manipulate B cell signaling and,
      dependent on route and dose of virus inoculation, plays a role in both the
      establishment of latency and virus reactivation. M2 contains two tyrosines that
      are targets for phosphorylation, and have been shown to interact with the B cell
      signaling machinery. Here we describe in vitro and in vivo studies of M2 mutants
      which reveals that while both tyrosines Y120 and Y129 are required for M2
      induction of IL-10 expression from primary murine B cells in vitro, only Y129 is
      critical for reactivation from latency and plasma cell differentiation in vivo.

PMID- 25122497
TI  - Controlling asthma by training of Capnometry-Assisted Hypoventilation (CATCH) vs
      slow breathing: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperventilation has been associated with adverse effects on lung
      function, symptoms, and well-being in asthma. We examined whether raising end
      tidal CO2 levels (ie, Pco2) compared with slow breathing is associated with
      improvements in asthma control, including peak flow variability. METHODS: One
      hundred twenty patients with asthma were randomly assigned to capnometry-assisted
      respiratory training (CART) for raising Pco2 or slow breathing and awareness
      training (SLOW) for slowing respiratory rate. Patients received five weekly
      sessions and completed bid homework exercises over 4 weeks. Blinded assessments
      at baseline, posttreatment, 1- and 6-month follow-up of asthma control, Pco2, and
      diurnal peak flow variability were primary outcome measures. Additionally, we
      measured pulmonary function (spirometry, forced oscillation, exhaled nitric
      oxide, and methacholine challenge), symptoms, quality of life, and bronchodilator
      use. Because the control group received active treatment, we expected
      improvements in asthma control in both groups but more pronounced benefits from
      CART. RESULTS: Improvements were seen in 17 of 21 clinical indexes (81.0%) in
      both interventions, including the primary outcome variables asthma control (d =
      0.81), peak flow variability (d = 0.54), quality of life, bronchodilator use,
      lung function, and airway hyperreactivity. Most improvements were sustained
      across the 6-month follow-up. Compared with slow breathing, CART showed greater
      increases in Pco2 (d = 1.45 vs 0.64 for CART vs SLOW, respectively) and greater
      reductions in respiratory impedance during treatment, less distress during
      methacholine challenge, and greater reduction in asthma symptoms at follow-up (P
      < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Brief interventions aimed at raising Pco2 or slowing
      respiratory rate provide significant, sustained, and clinically meaningful
      improvements in asthma control. Raising Pco2 was associated with greater benefits
      in aspects of lung function and long-term symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRY:
      ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT00975273; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

PMID- 25122498
TI  - Bursts and heavy tails in temporal and sequential dynamics of foraging decisions.
AB  - A fundamental understanding of behavior requires predicting when and what an
      individual will choose. However, the actual temporal and sequential dynamics of
      successive choices made among multiple alternatives remain unclear. In the
      current study, we tested the hypothesis that there is a general bursting property
      in both the timing and sequential patterns of foraging decisions. We conducted a
      foraging experiment in which rats chose among four different foods over a
      continuous two-week time period. Regarding when choices were made, we found
      bursts of rapidly occurring actions, separated by time-varying inactive periods,
      partially based on a circadian rhythm. Regarding what was chosen, we found
      sequential dynamics in affective choices characterized by two key features: (a) a
      highly biased choice distribution; and (b) preferential attachment, in which the
      animals were more likely to choose what they had previously chosen. To capture
      the temporal dynamics, we propose a dual-state model consisting of active and
      inactive states. We also introduce a satiation-attainment process for bursty
      activity, and a non-homogeneous Poisson process for longer inactivity between
      bursts. For the sequential dynamics, we propose a dual-control model consisting
      of goal-directed and habit systems, based on outcome valuation and choice
      history, respectively. This study provides insights into how the bursty nature of
      behavior emerges from the interaction of different underlying systems, leading to
      heavy tails in the distribution of behavior over time and choices. 

PMID- 25122500
TI  - Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in aging.
AB  - Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a principal inhibitor of fibrinolysis,
      is induced in thrombotic, fibrotic, and cardiovascular diseases, which in turn
      primarily afflict the older population. This induction of PAI-1 may play an
      important role in the pathology of these diseases as PAI-1 can regulate the
      dissolution of fibrin and also inhibit the degradation of the extracellular
      matrix by reducing plasmin generation. PAI-1 expression is elevated in aged
      individuals and is significantly upregulated in a variety of pathologies
      associated with the process of aging, including myocardial and cerebral
      infarction, vascular (athero) sclerosis, cardiac and lung fibrosis, metabolic
      syndromes (e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance), cancer,
      and inflammatory/stress responses. Thus, PAI-1 may play a critical role in the
      development of aging-associated pathological changes. In addition, PAI-1 is
      recognized as a marker of senescence and a key member of a group of proteins
      collectively known as the senescence-messaging secretome. In this review, we
      highlight the role of PAI-1 in the pathophysiology of aging and aging-associated
      disorders. 

PMID- 25122499
TI  - Thermostability of in vitro evolved Bacillus subtilis lipase A: a network and
      dynamics perspective.
AB  - Proteins in thermophilic organisms remain stable and function optimally at high
      temperatures. Owing to their important applicability in many industrial
      processes, such thermostable proteins have been studied extensively, and several
      structural factors attributed to their enhanced stability. How these factors
      render the emergent property of thermostability to proteins, even in situations
      where no significant changes occur in their three-dimensional structures in
      comparison to their mesophilic counter-parts, has remained an intriguing
      question. In this study we treat Lipase A from Bacillus subtilis and its six
      thermostable mutants in a unified manner and address the problem with a combined
      complex network-based analysis and molecular dynamic studies to find commonality
      in their properties. The Protein Contact Networks (PCN) of the wild-type and six
      mutant Lipase A structures developed at a mesoscopic scale were analyzed at
      global network and local node (residue) level using network parameters and
      community structure analysis. The comparative PCN analysis of all proteins
      pointed towards important role of specific residues in the enhanced
      thermostability. Network analysis results were corroborated with finer-scale
      molecular dynamics simulations at both room and high temperatures. Our results
      show that this combined approach at two scales can uncover small but important
      changes in the local conformations that add up to stabilize the protein structure
      in thermostable mutants, even when overall conformation differences among them
      are negligible. Our analysis not only supports the experimentally determined
      stabilizing factors, but also unveils the important role of contacts, distributed
      throughout the protein, that lead to thermostability. We propose that this
      combined mesoscopic-network and fine-grained molecular dynamics approach is a
      convenient and useful scheme not only to study allosteric changes leading to
      protein stability in the face of negligible over-all conformational changes due
      to mutations, but also in other molecular networks where change in function does
      not accompany significant change in the network structure. 

PMID- 25122502
TI  - Quick and label-free detection for Coumaphos by using surface plasmon resonance
      biochip.
AB  - Coumaphos is a common organophosphorus pesticide used in agricultural products.
      It is harmful to human health and has a strictly stipulated maximum residue limit
      (MRL) on fruits and vegetables. Currently existing methods for detection are
      complex in execution, require expensive tools and are time consuming and labor
      intensive. The surface plasmon resonance method has been widely used in
      biomedicine and many other fields. This study discusses a detection method based
      on surface plasmon resonance in organophosphorus pesticide residues. As an
      alternative solution, this study proposes a method to detect Coumaphos. The
      method, which is based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and immune reaction,
      belongs to the suppression method. A group of samples of Coumaphos was detected
      by this method. The concentrations of Coumaphos in the samples were 0 ug/L, 50
      ug/L, 100 ug/L, 300 ug/L, 500 ug/L, 1000 ug/L, 3000 ug/L and 5000 ug/L,
      respectively. Through detecting a group of samples, the process of kinetic
      reactions was analyzed and the corresponding standard curve was obtained. The
      sensibility is less than 25 ug/L, conforming to the standard of the MRL of
      Coumaphos stipulated by China. This method is label-free, using an unpurified
      single antibody only and can continuously test at least 80 groups of samples
      continuously. It has high sensitivity and specificity. The required equipments
      are simple, environmental friendly and easy to control. So this method is
      promised for a large number of samples quick detection on spot and for
      application prospects. 

PMID- 25122501
TI  - Dissemination of Orientia tsutsugamushi and inflammatory responses in a murine
      model of scrub typhus.
AB  - Central aspects in the pathogenesis of scrub typhus, an infection caused by
      Orientia (O.) tsutsugamushi, have remained obscure. Its organ and cellular
      tropism are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to analyze the
      kinetics of bacterial dissemination and associated inflammatory responses in
      infected tissues in an experimental scrub typhus mouse model, following infection
      with the human pathogenic strain Karp. We provide a thorough analysis of O.
      tsutsugamushi infection in inbred Balb/c mice using footpad inoculation, which is
      close to the natural way of infection. By a novel, highly sensitive qPCR
      targeting the multi copy traD genes, we quantitatively monitored the spread of O.
      tsutsugamushi Karp from the skin inoculation site via the regional lymph node to
      the internal target organs. The highest bacterial loads were measured in the
      lung. Using confocal imaging, we also detected O. tsutsugamushi at the single
      cell level in the lung and found a predominant macrophage rather than endothelial
      localization. Immunohistochemical analysis of infiltrates in lung and brain
      revealed differently composed lesions with specific localizations: iNOS
      expressing macrophages were frequent in infiltrative parenchymal noduli, but
      uncommon in perivascular lesions within these organs. Quantitative analysis of
      the macrophage response by immunohistochemistry in liver, heart, lung and brain
      demonstrated an early onset of macrophage activation in the liver. Serum levels
      of interferon (IFN)-gamma were increased during the acute infection, and we
      showed that IFN-gamma contributed to iNOS-dependent bacterial growth control. Our
      data show that upon inoculation to the skin, O. tsutsugamushi spreads
      systemically to a large number of organs and gives rise to organ-specific
      inflammation patterns. The findings suggest an essential role for the lung in the
      pathogenesis of scrub typhus. The model will allow detailed studies on host
      pathogen interaction and provide further insight into the pathogenesis of O.
      tsutsugamushi infection. 

PMID- 25122503
TI  - Nicotine intake from electronic cigarettes on initial use and after 4 weeks of
      regular use.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Electronic cigarettes (EC) have the potential to generate a
      substantial public health benefit if there is a switch from smoking to EC use on
      a population scale. The nicotine delivery from EC is likely to play a major role
      in their attractiveness to smokers. We assessed nicotine delivery from a first
      generation EC and the effect of experience with its use on nicotine intake.
      METHODS: Six smokers provided pharmacokinetic (PK) data after their first use of
      EC and again following 4 weeks of use. RESULTS: The peak nicotine levels were
      achieved within 5 min of starting the EC use, which suggests that EC may provide
      nicotine via pulmonary absorption. There were large individual differences in
      nicotine intake. Compared with the PK profile when using EC for the first time, 4
      weeks of practice generated a 24% increase in the peak plasma concentrations
      (from 4.6 to 5.7 ng/ml; nonsignificant) and a 79% increase in overall nicotine
      intake (AUC(0 -> inf) increased from 115 to 206 ng*min/ml; p < .05). CONCLUSIONS:
      First-generation EC provide faster nicotine absorption than nicotine replacement
      products, but to compete successfully with conventional cigarettes, EC may need
      to provide higher doses of nicotine. Nicotine intake from EC can increase with
      practice, but further studies are needed to confirm this effect.

PMID- 25122504
TI  - A maladaptive role for EP4 receptors in mouse mesangial cells.
AB  - Roles of the prostaglandin E2 E-prostanoid 4 receptor (EP4) on extracellular
      matrix (ECM) accumulation induced by TGF-beta1 in mouse glomerular mesangial
      cells (GMCs) remain unknown. Previously, we have identified that TGF-beta1
      stimulates the expression of FN and Col I in mouse GMCs. Here we asked whether
      stimulation of EP4 receptors would exacerbate renal fibrosis associated with
      enhanced glomerular ECM accumulation. We generated EP4(Flox/Flox) and EP4(+/-)
      mice, cultured primary WT, EP4(Flox/Flox) and EP4(+/-) GMCs, AD-EP4 transfected
      WT GMCs (EP4 overexpression) and AD-Cre transfected EP4(Flox/Flox) GMCs (EP4
      deleted). We found that TGF-beta1-induced cAMP and PGE2 synthesis decreased in
      EP4 deleted GMCs and increased in EP4 overexpressed GMCs. Elevated EP4 expression
      in GMCs augmented the coupling of TGF-beta1 to FN, Col I expression and COX2/PGE2
      signaling, while TGF-beta1 induced FN, Col I expression and COX2/PGE2 signaling
      were down-regulated in EP4 deficiency GMCs. 8 weeks after 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx),
      WT and EP4(+/-) mice exhibited markedly increased accumulation of ECM compared
      with sham-operated controls. Albuminuria, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine (BUN
      and Cr) concentrations were significantly increased in WT mice as compared to
      those of EP4(+/-) mice. Urine osmotic pressure was dramatically decreased after
      5/6 Nx surgery in WT mice as compared to EP4(+/-) mice. The pathological changes
      in kidney of EP4(+/-) mice was markedly alleviated compared with WT mice.
      Immunohistochemical analysis showed significant reductions of Col I and FN in the
      kidney of EP4(+/-) mice compared with WT mice. Collectively, this investigation
      established EP4 as a potent mediator of the pro-TGF-beta1 activities elicited by
      COX2/PGE2 in mice GMCs. Our findings suggested that prostaglandin E2, acting via
      EP4 receptors contributed to accumulation of ECM in GMCs and promoted renal
      fibrosis.

PMID- 25122506
TI  - Minimally invasive intervention for infected necrosis in acute pancreatitis.
AB  - Infected necrosis is the main indication for invasive intervention in acute
      necrotizing pancreatitis. The 2013 IAP/APA guidelines state that percutaneous
      catheter drainage should be the first step in the treatment of infected necrosis.
      In 50-65% of patients, additional necrosectomy is required after catheter
      drainage, which was traditionally done by open necrosectomy. Driven by the
      perceived lower complication rate, there is an increasing trend toward minimally
      invasive percutaneous and endoscopic transluminal necrosectomy. The authors
      present an overview of current minimally invasive treatment options for
      necrotizing pancreatitis and review recent developments in clinical studies. 

PMID- 25122505
TI  - Antiplatelet effect of catechol is related to inhibition of cyclooxygenase,
      reactive oxygen species, ERK/p38 signaling and thromboxane A2 production.
AB  - Catechol (benzenediol) is present in plant-derived products, such as vegetables,
      fruits, coffee, tea, wine, areca nut and cigarette smoke. Because platelet
      dysfunction is a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke,
      atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, the purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory effect of catechol and its
      mechanisms. The effects of catechol on cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, arachidonic
      acid (AA)-induced aggregation, thromboxane B2 (TXB2) production, lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/p38 phosphorylation were determined
      in rabbit platelets. In addition, its effect on IL-1beta-induced prostaglandin E2
      (PGE2) production by fibroblasts was determined. The ex vivo effect of catechol
      on platelet aggregation was also measured. Catechol (5-25 uM) suppressed AA
      induced platelet aggregation and inhibited TXB2 production at concentrations of
      0.5-5 uM; however, it showed little cytotoxicity and did not alter U46619-induced
      platelet aggregation. Catechol (10-50 uM) suppressed COX-1 activity by 29-44% and
      COX-2 activity by 29-50%. It also inhibited IL-1beta-induced PGE2 production, but
      not COX-2 expression of fibroblasts. Moreover, catechol (1-10 uM) attenuated AA
      induced ROS production in platelets and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced
      ROS production in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Exposure of platelets to
      catechol decreased AA-induced ERK and p38 phosphorylation. Finally, intravenous
      administration of catechol (2.5-5 umole/mouse) attenuated ex vivo AA-induced
      platelet aggregation. These results suggest that catechol exhibited anti-platelet
      and anti-inflammatory effects, which were mediated by inhibition of COX, ROS and
      TXA2 production as well as ERK/p38 phosphorylation. The anti-platelet effect of
      catechol was confirmed by ex vivo analysis. Exposure to catechol may affect
      platelet function and thus cardiovascular health. 

PMID- 25122507
TI  - Domain organization, catalysis and regulation of eukaryotic cystathionine beta
      synthases.
AB  - Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) is a key regulator of sulfur amino acid
      metabolism diverting homocysteine, a toxic intermediate of the methionine cycle,
      via the transsulfuration pathway to the biosynthesis of cysteine. Although the
      pathway itself is well conserved among eukaryotes, properties of eukaryotic CBS
      enzymes vary greatly. Here we present a side-by-side biochemical and biophysical
      comparison of human (hCBS), fruit fly (dCBS) and yeast (yCBS) enzymes.
      Preparation and characterization of the full-length and truncated enzymes,
      lacking the regulatory domains, suggested that eukaryotic CBS exists in one of at
      least two significantly different conformations impacting the enzyme's catalytic
      activity, oligomeric status and regulation. Truncation of hCBS and yCBS, but not
      dCBS, resulted in enzyme activation and formation of dimers compared to native
      tetramers. The dCBS and yCBS are not regulated by the allosteric activator of
      hCBS, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet); however, they have significantly higher
      specific activities in the canonical as well as alternative reactions compared to
      hCBS. Unlike yCBS, the heme-containing dCBS and hCBS showed increased thermal
      stability and retention of the enzyme's catalytic activity. The mass-spectrometry
      analysis and isothermal titration calorimetry showed clear presence and binding
      of AdoMet to yCBS and hCBS, but not dCBS. However, the role of AdoMet binding to
      yCBS remains unclear, unlike its role in hCBS. This study provides valuable
      information for understanding the complexity of the domain organization,
      catalytic specificity and regulation among eukaryotic CBS enzymes. 

PMID- 25122510
TI  - The palliative performance scale applied in high-care residential hospice: a
      retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) is a tool that is widely used
      to predict end of life. In Ontario, Canada, the PPS is used to mark the terminal
      phase of life and eligibility for terminal care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      retrospective study was to confirm that a PPS level of 40% can be used as a
      marker for the terminal phase of life. METHOD: PPS levels from 78 patients were
      calculated based on the intake reports made at admission to an inpatient hospice.
      RESULTS: Although 77 patients passed away within a period of 3 months, PPS levels
      at admission varied from 10% to 70%. Fifty-six percent of all patients had a PPS
      level of 40% or less. Regarding survival, three significant PPS profiles,
      consisting of two or more PPS levels could be distinguished.

PMID- 25122508
TI  - Saccadic eye movements in depressed elderly patients.
AB  - The primary aim of this study was to characterize oculomotor performances in
      elderly depressed patients. The second aim was to investigate whether cognitive
      inhibition measured by the antisaccade task was associated with a psychomotor
      retardation or rather with a more specific cognitive-motor inhibition deficit.
      Twenty patients with a major depressive disorder and forty-seven healthy subjects
      performed two eye movement tasks. Saccadic reaction time and error rates were
      analyzed in the prosaccade task to obtain basic parameters of eye movements.
      Saccade latency, error rates and correction rates were evaluated in the
      antisaccade task to investigate inhibition capacities. Performances were impaired
      in patients, who exhibited a higher reaction time and error rates compared to
      controls. The higher time cost of inhibition suggested that the reaction time was
      not related to global psychomotor retardation alone. The higher time cost of
      inhibition could be explained by a specific alteration of inhibition processes
      evaluated by the antisaccade task. These changes were associated with the
      severity of depression. These findings provide a new perspective on cognitive
      inhibition in elderly depressed patients and could have important clinical
      implications for our understanding of critical behaviors involving deficits in
      inhibitory processes in the elderly. 

PMID- 25122511
TI  - Poisson indicator and Fano factor for probing dynamic disorder in single-molecule
      enzyme inhibition kinetics.
AB  - We consider a generic stochastic model to describe the kinetics of single
      molecule enzyme inhibition reactions in which the turnover events correspond to
      conversion of substrate into a product by a single enzyme molecule in the
      presence of an inhibitor. We observe that slow fluctuations between the active
      and inhibited state of the enzyme or the enzyme substrate complex can induce
      dynamic disorder, which is manifested in the measurement of the Poisson indicator
      and the Fano factor as functions of substrate concentrations for different
      inhibition reactions. For a single enzyme molecule inhibited by the product, we
      derive a single-molecule Michaelis-Menten equation for the reaction rate, which
      shows a dependence on the substrate concentration similar to the ensemble
      enzymatic catalysis rate as obtained from bulk experimental results. The
      measurement of Fano factor is shown to be able to discriminate reactions
      following different inhibition mechanisms and also extract kinetic rates. 

PMID- 25122509
TI  - Effects of baseline problematic alcohol and drug use on internet-based cognitive
      behavioral therapy outcomes for depression, panic disorder and social anxiety
      disorder.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients' problematic substance use prevalence and effects were explored
      in relation to internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) outcomes for
      depression, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. METHODS: At baseline and
      treatment conclusion, 1601 ICBT patients were assessed with self-rated measures
      for alcohol and drug use (AUDIT/DUDIT), depressive symptoms (MADRS-S), panic
      disorder symptoms (PDSS-SR) and social anxiety symptoms (LSAS-SR). RESULTS:
      Problematic substance use (AUDIT >= 8 for men, >= 6 for women; DUDIT >= 1)
      occurred among 32.4% of the patients; 24.1% only alcohol, 4.6% only drugs, and
      3.7% combined alcohol and drug use. Hazardous alcohol use and probable alcohol
      dependence negatively affected panic disorder outcomes, and hazardous drug use
      led to worse social anxiety outcomes. Depression outcomes were not affected by
      substance use. Treatment adherence was negatively affected by problematic drug
      use among men and 25-34 year olds; combined substance use negatively affected
      adherence for women and 35-64 year olds. CONCLUSION: Problematic substance use
      does not preclude ICBT treatment but can worsen outcomes, particularly
      problematic alcohol use for panic disorder patients and hazardous drug use for
      social anxiety patients. ICBT clinicians should exercise particular caution when
      treating men and younger patients with problematic drug use, and women or older
      patients with combined substance use.

PMID- 25122512
TI  - Ultrasound current source density imaging of the cardiac activation wave using a
      clinical cardiac catheter.
AB  - Ultrasound current source density imaging (UCSDI), based on the acoustoelectric
      (AE) effect, is a noninvasive method for mapping electrical current in 4-D (space
      + time). This technique potentially overcomes limitations with conventional
      electrical mapping procedures typically used during treatment of sustained
      arrhythmias. However, the weak AE signal associated with the electrocardiogram is
      a major challenge for advancing this technology. In this study, we examined the
      effects of the electrode configuration and ultrasound frequency on the magnitude
      of the AE signal and quality of UCSDI using a rabbit Langendorff heart
      preparation. The AE signal was much stronger at 0.5 MHz (2.99 MUV/MPa) than 1.0
      MHz (0.42 MUV/MPa). Also, a clinical lasso catheter placed on the epicardium
      exhibited excellent sensitivity without penetrating the tissue. We also present,
      for the first time, 3-D cardiac activation maps of the live rabbit heart using
      only one pair of recording electrodes. Activation maps were used to calculate the
      cardiac conduction velocity for atrial (1.31 m/s) and apical (0.67 m/s) pacing.
      This study demonstrated that UCSDI is potentially capable of real-time 3-D
      cardiac activation wave mapping, which would greatly facilitate ablation
      procedures for treatment of arrhythmias. 

PMID- 25122514
TI  - We are both doctors: an Israeli doctor writes to a Palestinian colleague.

PMID- 25122513
TI  - Cationic charged helical glycopolypeptide using ring opening polymerization of 6
      deoxy-6-azido-glyco-N-carboxyanhydride.
AB  - Glycopolypeptides with a defined secondary structure are of significance in
      understanding biological phenomena. Synthetic glycopolypeptides, or polypeptides
      featuring pendant carbohydrate moieties, have been of particular interest in the
      field of tissue engineering and drug delivery. In this work, we have synthesized
      charged water-soluble glycopolypeptides that adopt a helical conformation in
      water. This was carried out by the synthesis of a glyco-N-carboxyanhydride (glyco
      NCA) containing an azide group at the sixth position of the carbohydrate ring.
      Subsequently, the NCA was polymerized to obtain azide-containing
      glycopolypeptides having good control over molecular weight and polydispersity
      index (PDI) in high yields. We were also able to control the incorporation of the
      azide group by synthesizing random co-glycopolypeptide containing 6-deoxy-6-azido
      and regular 6-OAc functionalized glucose. This azide functionality allows for the
      easy attachment of a bioactive group, which could potentially enhance the
      biological activity of the glycopolypeptide. We were able to obtain water-soluble
      charged glycopolypeptides by both reducing the azide groups into amines and using
      CuAAC with propargylamine. These charged glycopolypeptides were shown to have a
      helical conformation in water. Preliminary studies showed that these charged
      glycopolypeptides showed good biocompatibility and were efficiently taken up by
      HepG2 cells. 

PMID- 25122515
TI  - Steered quantum dynamics for energy minimization.
AB  - We introduce a quantum optimal control algorithm for energy minimization that
      combines the diffeomorphic modulation under observable response preserving
      homotopy (D-MORPH) gradient and the Broyden Fletcher Goldfarb Shanno (BFGS)
      iterative scheme for nonlinear optimization. An extended set of controls defining
      the time-dependent mass, dipole moment, and external perturbational field are
      optimized to find an effective Hamiltonian that steers the dynamics of the system
      into the global minimum without getting trapped into local minima. The algorithm
      is illustrated as applied to energy minimization on rugged surfaces and golf
      potentials comparable to those previously explored for testing quantum annealing
      methodologies. 

PMID- 25122517
TI  - Characteristics of persons with corrective lenses, United States -1971.
AB  - This report from the Health Interview Survey presents data on the use of
      corrective lenses for persons 3 years of age and over. Estimates are derived from
      a survey during 1971 of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the
      United States. Corrective lenses include eyeglasses and contact lenses. The term
      "corrective Ienses" is limited to visual aids worn to correct or improve vision
      and therefore excludes sunglasses worn only to filter light, safety glasses worn
      only for protection of the eyes, hand magnifying glasses, and other such devices.
      However, if the safety glasses are worn also for correction or improvement of
      vision, they are considered corrective lenses, as are prescription glasses. This
      report analyzes use of corrective Ienses by various demographic characteristics.
      An earlier report from the Health Interview Survey presented data on corrective
      lenses based on the July 1965-June 1966 survey. It contained information on age
      at which persons first obtained corrective lenses, type of prescription, usage,
      and the source of the optical examination if the individual was examined during
      the 2-year period prior to interview ("Characteristics of Persons with Corrective
      Lenses: United States, July 1965-June 1966," Vital and Health Statistics, Series
      10, Number 53). A later section of the present report compares demographic
      differences in the proportion of the population with corrective lenses for the
      two time periods. 

PMID- 25122516
TI  - Infrageneric phylogeny and temporal divergence of Sorghum (Andropogoneae,
      Poaceae) based on low-copy nuclear and plastid sequences.
AB  - The infrageneric phylogeny and temporal divergence of Sorghum were explored in
      the present study. Sequence data of two low-copy nuclear (LCN) genes,
      phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase 4 (Pepc4) and granule-bound starch synthase I
      (GBSSI), from 79 accessions of Sorghum plus Cleistachne sorghoides together with
      those from outgroups were used for maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference
      (BI) analyses. Bayesian dating based on three plastid DNA markers (ndhA intron,
      rpl32-trnL, and rps16 intron) was used to estimate the ages of major
      diversification events in Sorghum. The monophyly of Sorghum plus Cleistachne
      sorghoides (with the latter nested within Sorghum) was strongly supported by the
      Pepc4 data using BI analysis, and the monophyly of Sorghum was strongly supported
      by GBSSI data using both ML and BI analyses. Sorghum was divided into three
      clades in the Pepc4, GBSSI, and plastid phylograms: the subg. Sorghum lineage;
      the subg. Parasorghum and Stiposorghum lineage; and the subg. Chaetosorghum and
      Heterosorghum lineage. Two LCN homoeologous loci of Cleistachne sorghoides were
      first discovered in the same accession. Sorghum arundinaceum, S. bicolor, S. x
      drummondii, S. propinquum, and S. virgatum were closely related to S. x almum in
      the Pepc4, GBSSI, and plastid phylograms, suggesting that they may be potential
      genome donors to S. almum. Multiple LCN and plastid allelic variants have been
      identified in S. halepense of subg. Sorghum. The crown ages of Sorghum plus
      Cleistachne sorghoides and subg. Sorghum are estimated to be 12.7 million years
      ago (Mya) and 8.6 Mya, respectively. Molecular results support the recognition of
      three distinct subgenera in Sorghum: subg. Chaetosorghum with two sections, each
      with a single species, subg. Parasorghum with 17 species, and subg. Sorghum with
      nine species and we also provide a new nomenclatural combination, Sorghum
      sorghoides. 

PMID- 25122518
TI  - Synthesis of neplanocin A and its 3'-epimer via an intramolecular Baylis-Hillman
      reaction.
AB  - The key cyclopentenyl intermediate 11b was synthesized in 4 steps from d-ribose
      in 41% overall yield via an efficient intramolecular Baylis-Hillman reaction.
      This novel key intermediate can be modified easily and transformed to neplanocin
      A (1a) and its 3'-epimer (1b). 

PMID- 25122519
TI  - Breast-cancer patients' participation behavior and coping during presurgical
      consultations: a pilot study.
AB  - In the context of breast-cancer care, there is extremely little research on the
      association between observed (i.e., taped and coded) communication behaviors and
      patients' health outcomes, especially those other than satisfaction. In the
      context of presurgical consultations between female breast cancer patients and a
      surgeon, the aim of this exploratory study was to test the association between
      communication-based participation behaviors and pre-post consultation changes in
      aspects of patients' mental adjustment to cancer (i.e., coping). Participants
      included 51 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and a surgical oncologist
      from a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center in the
      northeastern United States. Outcomes were changes in patients' fighting spirit,
      helplessness/hopelessness, anxious preoccupation, cognitive avoidance, and
      fatalism (measured immediately before and after consultations via survey), and
      the main predictors were three communication-based participation behaviors coded
      from videotapes of consultations: patient question asking, patient assertion of
      treatment preferences, and surgeon solicitation of patient
      question/concern/opinion. Patients who more frequently asserted their treatment
      preferences experienced increases in their fighting spirit (p = .01) and
      decreases in their anxious preoccupation (p = .02). When companions (e.g.,
      sister, spouse) asked more questions, patients experienced decreases in their
      anxious preoccupation (p = .05). These findings suggest that, in the present
      context, there may be specific, trainable communication behaviors, such as
      patients asserting their treatment preferences and companions asking questions,
      that may improve patients' psychosocial health outcomes.

PMID- 25122520
TI  - A mitochondria-targetable fluorescent probe for dual-channel NO imaging assisted
      by intracellular cysteine and glutathione.
AB  - A mitochondria-specific fluorescent probe for NO (1) was synthesized by the
      direct conjugation of a pyronin dye with one of the amino groups of o
      phenylenediamino (OPD). The probe could selectively detect NO over
      dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), ascorbic acid (AA), and methylglyoxal (MGO) as well
      as the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) with the significant off-on
      response due to the production of a red-emission triazole 2. In the presence of
      cysteine/glutathione (Cys/GSH), 2 could be further transformed into a green
      emission aminopyronin 4 and a red-emission thiopyronin 5, respectively. Assisted
      by intracellular Cys and GSH, the probe demonstrated its potential to monitor
      mitochondrial NO in a dual-channel mode. 

PMID- 25122521
TI  - "The Castle of Remembrance": New insights from a cognitive training programme for
      autobiographical memory in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Autobiographical memory deficits are prominent from the early stages of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) and result in a loss of personal identity. Nevertheless,
      standardised methods of autobiographical memory stimulation for the
      neuropsychological rehabilitation of patients with AD remain underdeveloped. Our
      aim was to evaluate the impact of a new cognitive training programme for
      autobiographical memory (REMau) on both the episodic and semantic components of
      autobiographical memory performance across lifetime periods, as well as on mood.
      Pre/post evaluations were conducted on two groups of patients with early to
      moderate AD, assigned to one of two different training activities: either the
      REMau or a cognitive training programme focused on collective semantic memory.
      Statistical comparisons showed significant improvement of episodic and semantic
      autobiographical memory performance in the REMau group, which was more pronounced
      for the semantic component, as well as improved mood. By contrast, deleterious
      pre/post differences were observed in the other group. Most interestingly, this
      study showed that the REMau programme boosted autobiographical memory from the
      reminiscence bump period, which is considered crucial for the construction and
      maintenance of personal identity. We discuss the theoretical and practical
      implications of these results for the reduction of autobiographical memory
      deficits in AD. 

PMID- 25122522
TI  - Preparation of microcrystals in lipidic cubic phase for serial femtosecond
      crystallography.
AB  - We have recently established a procedure for serial femtosecond crystallography
      (SFX) in lipidic cubic phase (LCP) for protein structure determination at X-ray
      free-electron lasers (XFELs). LCP-SFX uses the gel-like LCP as a matrix for
      growth and delivery of membrane protein microcrystals for crystallographic data
      collection. LCP is a liquid-crystalline mesophase composed of lipids and water.
      It provides a membrane-mimicking environment that stabilizes membrane proteins
      and supports their crystallization. Here we describe detailed procedures for the
      preparation and characterization of microcrystals for LCP-SFX applications. The
      advantages of LCP-SFX over traditional crystallographic methods include the
      capability of collecting room-temperature high-resolution data with minimal
      effects of radiation damage from sub-10-MUm crystals of membrane and soluble
      proteins that are difficult to crystallize, while eliminating the need for
      crystal harvesting and cryo-cooling. Compared with SFX methods for microcrystals
      in solution using liquid injectors, LCP-SFX reduces protein consumption by 2-3
      orders of magnitude for data collection at currently available XFELs. The whole
      procedure typically takes 3-5 d, including the time required for the crystals to
      grow. 

PMID- 25122523
TI  - Addition of exogenous alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils to primary neuronal
      cultures to seed recruitment of endogenous alpha-synuclein to Lewy body and Lewy
      neurite-like aggregates.
AB  - This protocol describes a primary neuronal model of formation of alpha-synuclein
      (alpha-syn) aggregates that recapitulate features of the Lewy bodies and Lewy
      neurites found in Parkinson's disease brains and other synucleinopathies. This
      model allows investigation of aggregate formation, their impact on neuron
      function, and development of therapeutics. Addition of preformed fibrils (PFFs)
      synthesized from recombinant alpha-syn to neurons seeds the recruitment of
      endogenous alpha-syn into aggregates characterized by detergent insolubility and
      hyperphosphorylation. Aggregate formation follows a lag phase of 2-3 d, followed
      by formation in axons by days 4-7, spread to somatodendritic compartments by days
      7-10 and neuron death ~14 d after PFF addition. Here we provide methods and
      highlight the crucial steps for PFF formation, PFF addition to cultured
      hippocampal neurons and confirmation of aggregate formation. Neurons derived from
      various brain regions from nontransgenic and genetically engineered mice and rats
      can be used, allowing interrogation of the effect of specific genes on aggregate
      formation.

PMID- 25122524
TI  - Similarity-based modeling in large-scale prediction of drug-drug interactions.
AB  - Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are a major cause of adverse drug effects and a
      public health concern, as they increase hospital care expenses and reduce
      patients' quality of life. DDI detection is, therefore, an important objective in
      patient safety, one whose pursuit affects drug development and pharmacovigilance.
      In this article, we describe a protocol applicable on a large scale to predict
      novel DDIs based on similarity of drug interaction candidates to drugs involved
      in established DDIs. The method integrates a reference standard database of known
      DDIs with drug similarity information extracted from different sources, such as
      2D and 3D molecular structure, interaction profile, target and side-effect
      similarities. The method is interpretable in that it generates drug interaction
      candidates that are traceable to pharmacological or clinical effects. We describe
      a protocol with applications in patient safety and preclinical toxicity
      screening. The time frame to implement this protocol is 5-7 h, with additional
      time potentially necessary, depending on the complexity of the reference standard
      DDI database and the similarity measures implemented. 

PMID- 25122526
TI  - Metal-free sp(3) C-H functionalization: a novel approach for the syntheses of
      selenide ethers and thioesters from methyl arenes.
AB  - A DTBP-promoted metal-free and solvent-free formation of C-Se and C-S bonds
      through sp(3) C-H functionalization of methyl arenes with diselenides and
      disulfides is described. 

PMID- 25122527
TI  - It's all in the communication.

PMID- 25122525
TI  - Tracheal tissue engineering in rats.
AB  - Tissue-engineered tracheal transplants have been successfully performed
      clinically. However, before becoming a routine clinical procedure, further
      preclinical studies are necessary to determine the underlying mechanisms of in
      situ tissue regeneration. Here we describe a protocol using a tissue engineering
      strategy and orthotopic transplantation of either natural decellularized donor
      tracheae or artificial electrospun nanofiber scaffolds into a rat model. The
      protocol includes details regarding how to assess the scaffolds' biomechanical
      properties and cell viability before implantation. It is a reliable and
      reproducible model that can be used to investigate the crucial aspects and
      pathways of in situ tracheal tissue restoration and regeneration. The model can
      be established in <6 months, and it may also provide a means to investigate cell
      surface interactions, cell differentiation and stem cell fate. 

PMID- 25122528
TI  - Current estimates, from the health interview survey, United States-1972.
AB  - National estimates of the basic health variables collected in the 1972 Health
      Interview Survey of the civilian noninstitutionalized population are presented in
      this report. While the detailed tables in this report contain data by age and sex
      categories, later reports will present more detailed analysis of similar data by
      additional selected demographic variables. The text tables present data for 1970
      and 1971 as well as for 1972; however, the discussion is limited largely to
      changes occurring between 1971 and 1972, since the previous report (Current
      Estimates, Series 10, No. 79) compares the 1970 and 1971 data. 

PMID- 25122529
TI  - Use of Systematic Methods to Improve Disease Identification in Administrative
      Data: The Case of Severe Sepsis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Selection of International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-based
      coded information for complex conditions such as severe sepsis is a subjective
      process and the results are sensitive to the codes selected. We use an innovative
      data exploration method to guide ICD-based case selection for severe sepsis.
      METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we applied Latent Class Analysis
      (LCA) to determine if medical coders follow any uniform and sensible coding for
      observations with severe sepsis. We examined whether ICD-9 codes specific to
      sepsis (038.xx for septicemia, a subset of 995.9 codes representing Systemic
      Inflammatory Response syndrome, and 785.52 for septic shock) could all be members
      of the same latent class. RESULTS: Hospitalizations coded with sepsis-specific
      codes could be assigned to a latent class of their own. This class constituted
      22.8% of all potential sepsis observations. The probability of an observation
      with any sepsis-specific codes being assigned to the residual class was near 0.
      The chance of an observation in the residual class having a sepsis-specific code
      as the principal diagnosis was close to 0. Validity of sepsis class assignment is
      supported by empirical results, which indicated that in-hospital deaths in the
      sepsis-specific class were around 4 times as likely as that in the residual
      class. CONCLUSIONS: The conventional methods of defining severe sepsis cases in
      observational data substantially misclassify sepsis cases. We suggest a
      methodology that helps reliable selection of ICD codes for conditions that
      require complex coding.

PMID- 25122530
TI  - Persistent medication affordability problems among disabled Medicare
      beneficiaries after Part D, 2006-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disabled Americans who qualify for Medicare coverage typically have
      multiple chronic conditions, are highly dependent on effective drug therapy, and
      have limited financial resources, putting them at risk for cost-related
      medication nonadherence (CRN). Since 2006, the Part D benefit has helped Medicare
      beneficiaries afford medications. OBJECTIVE: To investigate recent national
      trends in medication affordability among this vulnerable population, stratified
      by morbidity burden. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: We estimated annual rates of medication
      affordability among nonelderly disabled participants in a nationally
      representative survey (2006-2011, n=14,091 person-years) using multivariate
      logistic regression analyses. MEASURE: Survey-reported CRN and spending less on
      other basic needs to afford medicines. RESULTS: In the 6 years following Part D
      implementation, the proportion of disabled Medicare beneficiaries reporting CRN
      ranged from 31.6% to 35.6%, while the reported prevalence of spending less on
      other basic needs to afford medicines ranged from 17.7% to 21.8%. Across study
      years, those with multiple chronic conditions had consistently worse
      affordability problems. In 2011, the prevalence of CRN was 37.3% among disabled
      beneficiaries with >= 3 morbidities as compared with 28.1% among those with fewer
      morbidities; for spending less on basic needs, the prevalence was 25.4% versus
      15.7%, respectively. There were no statistically detectable changes in either
      measure when comparing 2011 with 2007. CONCLUSIONS: Disabled Medicare
      beneficiaries continue to struggle to afford prescription medications. There is
      an urgent need for focused policy attention on this vulnerable population, which
      has inadequate financial access to drug treatments, despite having drug coverage
      under Medicare Part D.

PMID- 25122531
TI  - The ecological fallacy of the role of age in chronic disease and hospital demand.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between age and all-cause hospital
      utilization in the years preceding and following a diagnosis in hospital of heart
      failure, type 2 diabetes, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
      RESEARCH DESIGN: A cohort study of all patients in Western Australia who have had
      a principal diagnosis of heart failure, type 2 diabetes, or COPD, upon admission
      to hospital. All-cause hospital utilization 6 years preceding and 4 years
      following cardinal events, that is, a disease-specific diagnosis upon hospital
      admission, where such an event has not occurred in the previous 2 years, are
      examined in specific age groups. RESULTS: Six years preceding a cardinal event,
      all-cause emergency department (ED) presentations are similar in all age groups,
      from under 55 to over 85 years of age, except in COPD where ED presentation rates
      are higher in younger groups. All-cause hospital inpatient days are transiently
      higher in the years preceding and following a cardinal event in older age groups,
      yet return to similar levels across all age cohorts after 4 years. ED
      presentations are significantly higher in the 4 years following cardinal events
      in younger compared with older groups. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal analysis of
      utilization around cardinal events overcomes the confounding effect of
      differences in chronic disease rates between age groups, avoiding a source of
      ecologic bias that erroneously attributes increasing utilization in individuals
      with chronic disease to age. Programs designed to reduce hospital demand in
      patients with chronic disease should possibly focus on younger, rather than
      older, individuals.

PMID- 25122532
TI  - Comb-push ultrasound shear elastography (CUSE) for evaluation of thyroid nodules:
      preliminary in vivo results.
AB  - In clinical practice, an overwhelming majority of biopsied thyroid nodules are
      benign. Therefore, there is a need for a complementary and noninvasive imaging
      tool to provide clinically relevant diagnostic information about thyroid nodules
      to reduce the rate of unnecessary biopsies. The goal of this study was to
      evaluate the feasibility of utilizing comb-push ultrasound shear elastography
      (CUSE) to measure the mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness) of thyroid nodules
      and use this information to help classify nodules as benign or malignant. CUSE is
      a fast and robust 2-D shear elastography technique in which multiple laterally
      distributed acoustic radiation force beams are utilized simultaneously to produce
      shear waves. Unlike other shear elasticity imaging modalities, CUSE does not
      suffer from limited field of view (FOV) due to shear wave attenuation and can
      provide a large FOV at high frame rates. To evaluate the utility of CUSE in
      thyroid imaging, a preliminary study was performed on a group of five healthy
      volunteers and 10 patients with ultrasound-detected thyroid nodules prior to fine
      needle aspiration biopsy. The measured shear wave speeds in normal thyroid tissue
      and thyroid nodules were converted to Young's modulus (E), indicating a measure
      of tissue stiffness. Our results indicate an increase in E for thyroid nodules
      compared to normal thyroid tissue. This increase was significantly higher in
      malignant nodules compared to benign. The Young's modulus in normal thyroid
      tissue, benign and malignant nodules were found to be 23.2 +/-8.29 kPa, 91.2+/
      34.8 kPa, and 173.0+/-17.1 kPa, respectively. Results of this study suggest the
      utility of CUSE in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

PMID- 25122533
TI  - Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of stable colchicine binding site
      tubulin inhibitors as potential anticancer agents.
AB  - To block the metabolically labile sites of novel tubulin inhibitors targeting the
      colchicine binding site based on SMART, ABI, and PAT templates, we have designed,
      synthesized, and biologically tested three focused sets of new derivatives with
      modifications at the carbonyl linker, the para-position in the C ring of SMART
      template, and modification of A ring of the PAT template. Structure-activity
      relationships of these compounds led to the identification of new benzimidazole
      and imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-fused ring templates, represented by compounds 4 and
      7, respectively, which showed enhanced antitumor activity and substantially
      improved the metabolic stability in liver microsomes compared to SMART. MOM group
      replaced TMP C ring and generated a potent analogue 15, which showed comparable
      potency to the parent SMART compound. Further modification of PAT template
      yielded another potent analogue 33 with 5-indolyl substituent at A ring. 

PMID- 25122534
TI  - Monolithic gyroidal mesoporous mixed titanium-niobium nitrides.
AB  - Mesoporous transition metal nitrides are interesting materials for energy
      conversion and storage applications due to their conductivity and durability. We
      present ordered mixed titanium-niobium (8:2, 1:1) nitrides with gyroidal network
      structures synthesized from triblock terpolymer structure-directed mixed oxides.
      The materials retain both macroscopic integrity and mesoscale ordering despite
      heat treatment up to 600  degrees C, without a rigid carbon framework as a
      support. Furthermore, the gyroidal lattice parameters were varied by changing
      polymer molar mass. This synthesis strategy may prove useful in generating a
      variety of monolithic ordered mesoporous mixed oxides and nitrides for electrode
      and catalyst materials. 

PMID- 25122535
TI  - Bias voltage induced resistance switching effect in single-molecule magnets'
      tunneling junction.
AB  - An electric-pulse-induced reversible resistance change effect in a molecular
      magnetic tunneling junction, consisting of a single-molecule magnet (SMM)
      sandwiched in one nonmagnetic and one ferromagnetic electrode, is theoretically
      investigated. By applying a time-varying bias voltage, the SMM's spin orientation
      can be manipulated with large bias voltage pulses. Moreover, the different
      magnetic configuration at high-resistance/low-resistance states can be 'read out'
      by utilizing relative low bias voltage. This device scheme can be implemented
      with current technologies (Khajetoorians et al 2013 Science 339 55) and has
      potential application in molecular spintronics and high-density nonvolatile
      memory devices. 

PMID- 25122537
TI  - Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after xenon versus
      propofol anesthesia for major noncardiac surgery: a double-blinded randomized
      controlled pilot study: retraction.

PMID- 25122536
TI  - Evaluation of the Macular Choroidal Thickness Using Spectral Optical Coherence
      Tomography in Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the choroidal thickness (CT) in pseudoexfoliative (PEX)
      glaucoma and age-matched healthy subjects using spectral optical coherence
      tomography (SD-OCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 32 eyes of
      32 PEX glaucoma patients and 30 eyes of 30 age-matched healthy subjects were
      enrolled. The CT is measured perpendicularly (from the outer edge of the
      hyperreflective retinal pigment epithelium to the inner sclera) at the fovea, and
      1.5 mm temporal, 3.0 mm temporal, 1.5 mm nasal, and 3.0 mm nasal to the fovea
      using SD-OCT (RTVue-100). RESULTS: The groups were similar regarding the mean age
      and axial length values (both, P>0.05). The CT measurements were 182.12 +/- 39.88
      and 201.56 +/- 32.00 MUm at 1.5 mm nasal to the fovea (P=0.039), and 126.47 +/-
      32.12 and 146.60 +/- 31.37 MUm at 3.0 mm nasal to the fovea (P=0.015) in the PEX
      glaucoma and control groups, respectively. There were no significant differences
      in the subfoveal and temporal CT measurements among the 2 groups (all, P>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that PEX glaucoma causes
      significant thinning in the nasal choroid. Thus, measuring the CT with SD-OCT may
      be the way of better clarification of the relationship between PEX and
      glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

PMID- 25122538
TI  - Fungal natural products in research and development.
AB  - To date approximately 100 000 fungal species are known although far more than one
      million are expected. The variety of species and the diversity of their habitats,
      some of them less exploited, allow the conclusion that fungi continue to be a
      rich source of new metabolites. Besides the conventional fungal isolates, an
      increasing interest in endophytic and in marine-derived fungi has been noticed.
      In addition new screening strategies based on innovative chemical, biological,
      and genetic approaches have led to novel fungal metabolites in recent years. The
      present review focuses on new fungal natural products published from 2009 to 2013
      highlighting the originality of the structures and their biological potential.
      Furthermore synthetic products based on fungal metabolites as well as new
      developments in the uses or the biological activity of known compounds or new
      derivatives are discussed.

PMID- 25122540
TI  - Nanoparticle size detection limits by single particle ICP-MS for 40 elements.
AB  - The quantification and characterization of natural, engineered, and incidental
      nano- to micro-size particles are beneficial to assessing a nanomaterial's
      performance in manufacturing, their fate and transport in the environment, and
      their potential risk to human health. Single particle inductively coupled plasma
      mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) can sensitively quantify the amount and size
      distribution of metallic nanoparticles suspended in aqueous matrices. To
      accurately obtain the nanoparticle size distribution, it is critical to have
      knowledge of the size detection limit (denoted as Dmin) using spICP-MS for a wide
      range of elements (other than a few available assessed ones) that have been or
      will be synthesized into engineered nanoparticles. Herein is described a method
      to estimate the size detection limit using spICP-MS and then apply it to
      nanoparticles composed of 40 different elements. The calculated Dmin values
      correspond well for a few of the elements with their detectable sizes that are
      available in the literature. Assuming each nanoparticle sample is composed of one
      element, Dmin values vary substantially among the 40 elements: Ta, U, Ir, Rh, Th,
      Ce, and Hf showed the lowest Dmin values, <=10 nm; Bi, W, In, Pb, Pt, Ag, Au, Tl,
      Pd, Y, Ru, Cd, and Sb had Dmin in the range of 11-20 nm; Dmin values of Co, Sr,
      Sn, Zr, Ba, Te, Mo, Ni, V, Cu, Cr, Mg, Zn, Fe, Al, Li, and Ti were located at 21
      80 nm; and Se, Ca, and Si showed high Dmin values, greater than 200 nm. A range
      of parameters that influence the Dmin, such as instrument sensitivity,
      nanoparticle density, and background noise, is demonstrated. It is observed that,
      when the background noise is low, the instrument sensitivity and nanoparticle
      density dominate the Dmin significantly. Approaches for reducing the Dmin, e.g.,
      collision cell technology (CCT) and analyte isotope selection, are also
      discussed. To validate the Dmin estimation approach, size distributions for three
      engineered nanoparticle samples were obtained using spICP-MS. The use of this
      methodology confirms that the observed minimum detectable sizes are consistent
      with the calculated Dmin values. Overall, this work identifies the elements and
      nanoparticles to which current spICP-MS approaches can be applied, in order to
      enable quantification of very small nanoparticles at low concentrations in
      aqueous media. 

PMID- 25122541
TI  - High open circuit voltage in regioregular narrow band gap polymer solar cells.
AB  - The regioregular narrow band gap (E(g) ~1.5 eV) conjugated polymer PIPCP was
      designed and synthesized. PIPCP contains a backbone comprised of CPDT-PT-IDT-PT
      repeat units (CPDT = cyclopentadithiophene, PT = pyridyl[2,1,3]thiadiazole, IDT =
      indacenodithiophene) and strictly organized PT orientations, such that the
      pyridyl N-atoms point toward the CPDT fragment. Comparison of PIPCP with the
      regiorandom counterpart PIPC-RA illustrates that the higher level of molecular
      order translates to higher power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) when incorporated
      into bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells. Examination of thin films via
      absorption spectroscopy and grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray diffraction
      (GIWAXS) experiments provides evidence of higher order within thin films obtained
      by spin coating. Most significantly, we find that PIPCP:PC61BM blends yield
      devices with an open circuit voltage (V(oc)) of 0.86 V, while maintaining a PCE
      of ~6%. Comparison against a wide range of analogous narrow band gap conjugated
      polymers reveals that this V(oc) value is particularly high for a BHJ system with
      band gaps in the 1.4-1.5 eV range thereby indicating a very low E(g) - eV(oc)
      loss.

PMID- 25122542
TI  - Systematic variation of gel-phase texture in phospholipid membranes.
AB  - The tilted gel phase of lipid bilayers can display in-plane orientational texture
      due to long-range alignment of the molecular director. We explore systematic
      variations of texture defects in a series of binary phospholipid membranes. Using
      polarized two-photon fluorescence microscopy, the texture pattern of single
      domains is revealed. The appearance of a central vortex-type defect in each
      domain correlates with a particular range of hydrophobic mismatch values h > 1 nm
      at the domain border while domains with h < 1 nm correlate with uniformly aligned
      texture. The central vortex defect is characterized by a defect angle, indicating
      its bend or splay nature. Using image analysis, we measure the defect angle and
      find that it has primarily bend character for small mismatch values (h ~ 1 nm)
      and primarily splay nature for larger values of h. For domains containing a
      vortex, the domain shape is decoupled from the texture while for uniformly
      textured domains there is a preferred texture orientation of ?45 degrees  along
      the domain border. The results establish a foundation for understanding texture
      phenomena in compositionally complex membranes. 

PMID- 25122539
TI  - Patterns of admixture and population structure in native populations of Northwest
      North America.
AB  - The initial contact of European populations with indigenous populations of the
      Americas produced diverse admixture processes across North, Central, and South
      America. Recent studies have examined the genetic structure of indigenous
      populations of Latin America and the Caribbean and their admixed descendants,
      reporting on the genomic impact of the history of admixture with colonizing
      populations of European and African ancestry. However, relatively little genomic
      research has been conducted on admixture in indigenous North American
      populations. In this study, we analyze genomic data at 475,109 single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms sampled in indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest in British
      Columbia and Southeast Alaska, populations with a well-documented history of
      contact with European and Asian traders, fishermen, and contract laborers. We
      find that the indigenous populations of the Pacific Northwest have higher gene
      diversity than Latin American indigenous populations. Among the Pacific Northwest
      populations, interior groups provide more evidence for East Asian admixture,
      whereas coastal groups have higher levels of European admixture. In contrast with
      many Latin American indigenous populations, the variance of admixture is high in
      each of the Pacific Northwest indigenous populations, as expected for recent and
      ongoing admixture processes. The results reveal some similarities but notable
      differences between admixture patterns in the Pacific Northwest and those in
      Latin America, contributing to a more detailed understanding of the genomic
      consequences of European colonization events throughout the Americas. 

PMID- 25122543
TI  - Marked anti-tumor effects of CD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells from melanoma-bearing mice.
AB  - CD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells have been shown to play pivotal roles in anti-viral
      immunity, chronic myeloid leukemia and renal cell carcinoma. Recently,
      CD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells from naive mice (nCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells) have shown
      superior anti-tumor properties in melanoma-bearing mice. Considering that antigen
      specific memory T cells have shown to possess more potent immunity than non
      specific memory T cells, we hypothesized that CD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells from tumor
      bearing individuals (mCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells) might have superior anti-tumor
      effect than nCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells. Therefore, we investigated phenotypes,
      functions and the in vivo distribution of mCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells in tumor
      bearing mice. We found that, while keeping the features of central memory T
      cells, the frequency of mCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cell in the spleen of tumor-bearing
      mice was significantly higher than that the one of nCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cell in
      naive mice. Moreover, we demonstrated that mCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells had higher
      proliferation rate and IFN-gamma production than nCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells, in
      vitro. We performed adoptive transfer of mCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells into melanoma
      bearing mice and tracked them in spleen, lymph nodes and in melanoma tissues. Our
      results show that mCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells had stronger in vivo anti-tumoral
      activity than nCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells. This study highlights the therapeutic
      potential of mCD8(+)CD62L(+) T cells in the immunotherapy of melanoma and
      possibly other tumors. 

PMID- 25122545
TI  - Italy between drinking culture and control policies for alcoholic beverages.
AB  - This paper focuses on whether the on-going dramatic decrease in alcohol
      consumption in Italy, especially of wine, during 1961-2008, was associated with
      which parallel sociodemographic and economic changes and with alcohol control
      policies. The study, using both time series (TS) and artificial neural network
      (ANN)-based analyses documents that its selected sociodemographic and economic
      factors, and particularly urbanization, had a definite connection with wine
      consumption decrease, spirits decrease, and the increase in beer consumption over
      time. On the other hand, control policies showed no effect on the decline in
      alcohol consumption, since no alcohol control policy existed in Italy between
      1960 and 1987. A few policies introduced since 1988 (BAC and sale restrictions
      during mass events) may have contributed to reducing or to maintaining the on
      going reduction. Study limitations are noted and future needed research is
      suggested. 

PMID- 25122546
TI  - Asymmetrical distribution of choline phospholipids revealed by click chemistry
      and freeze-fracture electron microscopy.
AB  - Choline-containing phospholipids (Cho-PLs) are major components of all cellular
      membranes. We developed an electron microscopic technique to investigate the
      poorly understood problem of how Cho-PLs are distributed between membrane
      leaflets. Our method relies on generating freeze-fracture replicas of cells
      metabolically labeled with the choline analog, propargylcholine, followed by
      "click" reaction to conjugate biotin to propargylcholine head groups, and
      immunodetection of biotin with colloidal gold. Using this method in budding
      yeast, we found that, surprisingly, the Golgi and plasma membrane display a
      cytoplasmic leaflet-dominant asymmetry in Cho-PL distribution; in contrast, Cho
      PLs are evenly distributed between the exoplasmic and cytoplasmic leaflets of
      other organelle membranes. In mammalian culture cells, the plasma membrane shows
      symmetrical Cho-PL distribution between leaflets, suggesting a fundamental
      difference between yeast and mammals. Our method should be expandable to other
      classes of lipids and will be useful for deciphering the mechanism responsible
      for generating lipid asymmetry in biological membranes. 

PMID- 25122547
TI  - Evaluation of chirp reversal power modulation sequence for contrast agent
      imaging.
AB  - Over the last decade, significant research effort has been focused on the use of
      chirp for contrast agent imaging because chirps are known to significantly
      increase imaging contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). New imaging schemes, such as
      chirp reversal (CR), have been developed to improve contrast detection by
      increasing non-linear microbubble responses. In this study we evaluated the
      contrast enhancement efficiency of various chirped imaging sequences in
      combination with well-established imaging schemes such as power modulation (PM)
      and pulse inversion (PI). The imaging schemes tested were implemented on a fully
      programmable open scanner and evaluated by ultrasonically scanning (excitation
      frequency of 2.5 MHz; amplitude of 350 kPa) a tissue-mimicking flow phantom
      comprising a 4 mm diameter tube through which aqueous dispersions (dilution
      fraction of 1/2000) of the commercial ultrasound contrast agent, SonoVue((r))
      were continuously circulated. The recovery of non-linear microbubble responses
      after chirp compression requires the development and the optimization of a
      specific filter. A compression filter was therefore designed and used to compress
      and extract several non-linear components from the received microbubble
      responses. The results showed that using chirps increased the image CNR by
      approximately 10 dB, as compared to conventional Gaussian apodized sine burst
      excitation but degraded the axial resolution by a factor of 1.4, at -3 dB. We
      demonstrated that the highest CNR and contrast-to-noise ratio (CTR) were
      achievable when CR was combined with PM as compared to other imaging schemes such
      as PI. 

PMID- 25122544
TI  - Cyclotorsional and non-cyclotorsional components of eye rotation observed from
      sitting to supine position.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evaluate average cyclotorsional and non-cyclotorsional components (NCY)
      of eye rotation from sitting to supine, and associate average cyclotorsion to
      different variables. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent bilateral
      sequential laser refractive surgery were retrospectively evaluated. Recorded
      variables included the patient's age, refraction, automated keratometry, pupil
      displacement and eye rotation from sitting to supine position. Measured iris
      rotation (total rotation, TR) was decomposed into two components: NCY, defined as
      the common rotation component of each eye of the same patient, and cyclotorsional
      component (CY), defined as the assumed independent eye rotation for each eye in
      relation to the face, so that TR=NCY+CY. Cyclotorsion ratio (CR) was calculated
      as CR=|CY|/|TR|, and used to correlate CY with TR for each eye. RESULTS: Data
      from 310 eyes of 155 patients were evaluated. TR was +1.43 degrees  +/-3.41
      degrees  (-8.30 degrees  to +9.20 degrees ). Average CYs and NCYs per patient
      were +1.43 degrees +/-2.04 degrees  (-3.15+/- to +7.40 degrees ) and -0.28
      degrees +/-2.72 degrees  (-6.85 degrees  to +7.15 degrees ), respectively. TR
      demonstrated that 40.6% and 8.4% of patients presented bilateral excyclotorsion
      and incyclotorsion, respectively. When excluding NCYs, average CYs demonstrated
      that 74.2% of patients presented excyclotorsion and 23.9% presented
      incyclotorsion. CR demonstrated that TR represented from 75% to 125% of average
      CY in 19.68% of the eyes. TR overestimated and underestimated average CYs above
      these limits in 52.26% and 28.06% of the eyes, respectively. There was no
      statistical association between average CYs and the different variables.
      DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that most of the rotations previously
      attributed to torsional components were probably due to NCYs, such as postural
      misalignments. Apparently, the amplitude of cyclotorsional movements is smaller
      than observed in previous reports, and could not be associated with any studied
      variable.

PMID- 25122548
TI  - Computed tomography-guided C2 pedicle screw placement for treatment of unstable
      hangman fractures.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Case series and description of technique. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of inserting pedicle
      screws in unstable Hangman fracture cases by using intraoperative CT (O-arm)
      based navigation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Hangman fracture, also known as
      traumatic spondylolisthesis of the C2, is defined as a fracture involving the
      lamina, articular facets, pedicles, or pars of the axis vertebra. Opinions vary
      regarding the optimal treatment of unstable Hangman fractures. Some authors have
      recommended the use of rigid orthosis, whereas others have recommended surgical
      stabilization. The peculiar anatomy of the upper cervical spine is highly
      variable, and the presence of surrounding neurovascular structures makes pedicle
      screw fixation even more technically challenging. The advent of intraoperative 3
      dimensional navigation systems permits safe and accurate instrumentation of the
      cervical spine. METHODS: Ten patients with unstable Hangman fracture, with age
      ranging from 17 years to 81 years, were operated under O-arm-based navigation,
      and screw position was confirmed with intraoperative computed tomographic scan.
      RESULTS: A total of 52 screws were inserted under O-arm guidance: 20 in C2
      pedicle, 20 in C3 lateral mass, and rest in C4 lateral mass. Screw misplacement
      was seen in only 1 C2 pedicle screw (1 of 20, 5%). No new-onset neurological
      deficit developed in any of the patients. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 21
      months. Bony fusion was achieved in all. Full rotation was preserved at C1-C2
      joint. All the patients (50%) with neurological deficits before surgery improved
      after surgery. CONCLUSION: This series demonstrates that C2 pedicle screws can be
      put with precision under O-arm-guided navigation, and intraoperative computed
      tomographic scan can confirm position of screws. Patients can be operated and
      mobilized early with negligible risk of screw misplacement, with preservation of
      motion at the C1-C2 joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 25122551
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors of respiratory symptoms among home-based garment
      workers in Bangkok, Thailand.
AB  - This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with
      respiratory symptoms. A cross-sectional study with random sampling method was
      employed and 300 home-based garment workers (HBGWs) were recruited. Risk factors,
      including personal factors; knowledge, health preventive behaviors, and skill of
      self-health surveillance, working condition, and respiratory symptoms were
      assessed. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires. Prevalence of
      respiratory symptom was 22.3%. Majority of participants were female (78%). Mean
      age and working experience were 37.38 years (SD = 10.70) and 13.58 years (SD =
      8.71), respectively. Allergic respiratory symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 16.5; 95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 8.61-31.7) and garment dust exposure (OR = 12.3; 95%
      CI = 6.49-23.3) were significantly associated with respiratory symptoms (P <
      .001). Logistic regression analysis indicated history of allergic predicted the
      respiratory symptoms (OR = 12.96; 95% CI = 4.24-39.55). HBGWs who had serious
      allergic symptoms and high exposure to dust were at risk of respiratory symptoms.
      Therefore, preventive program for garment dust exposure among HBGWs is needed. 

PMID- 25122552
TI  - Assessment of internalized stigma among patients with mental disorders in
      Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India.
AB  - This study aims to compare the prevalence of high internalized stigma of mental
      illness among patients attending community-based and psychiatric hospital-based
      care in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India and to examine the factors
      associated with high internalized stigma. A cross-sectional survey was conducted
      among 290 patients, mean age 45 years, 38.2% and 61.8% female. A Malayalam
      version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness inventory was used for
      assessing internalized stigma. A multistage random sampling method was adopted.
      The prevalence of high internalized stigma was higher among patients from
      community-based care (44.7%) as compared with those from psychiatric hospital
      based care (34.1%). Apart from treatment in community-based care, age <= 45
      years, unemployment, absence of long-term friendships, no hope of cure with
      medication, presence of other illnesses, and substance use were significantly
      associated with high internalized stigma. More than one third of the subjects had
      high internalized stigma.

PMID- 25122550
TI  - Cooperativity to increase Turing pattern space for synthetic biology.
AB  - It is hard to bridge the gap between mathematical formulations and biological
      implementations of Turing patterns, yet this is necessary for both understanding
      and engineering these networks with synthetic biology approaches. Here, we model
      a reaction-diffusion system with two morphogens in a monostable regime, inspired
      by components that we recently described in a synthetic biology study in
      mammalian cells.1 The model employs a single promoter to express both the
      activator and inhibitor genes and produces Turing patterns over large regions of
      parameter space, using biologically interpretable Hill function reactions. We
      applied a stability analysis and identified rules for choosing biologically
      tunable parameter relationships to increase the likelihood of successful
      patterning. We show how to control Turing pattern sizes and time evolution by
      manipulating the values for production and degradation relationships. More
      importantly, our analysis predicts that steep dose-response functions arising
      from cooperativity are mandatory for Turing patterns. Greater steepness increases
      parameter space and even reduces the requirement for differential diffusion
      between activator and inhibitor. These results demonstrate some of the
      limitations of linear scenarios for reaction-diffusion systems and will help to
      guide projects to engineer synthetic Turing patterns. 

PMID- 25122554
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase 9-mediated shedding of syndecan 4 in response to tumor
      necrosis factor alpha: a contributor to endothelial cell glycocalyx dysfunction.
AB  - The endothelial surface glycocalyx is a hydrated mesh in which proteoglycans are
      prominent. It is damaged in diseases associated with elevated levels of tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). We investigated the mechanism of TNF-alpha
      induced disruption of the glomerular endothelial glycocalyx. We used
      conditionally immortalized human glomerular endothelial cells (GEnCs),
      quantitative PCR arrays, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation,
      immunofluorescence, and dot blots to examine the effects of TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha
      induced syndecan 4 (SDC4) mRNA up-regulation by 2.5-fold, whereas cell surface
      SDC4 and heparan sulfate (HS) were reduced by 36 and 30%, respectively, and SDC4
      and sulfated glycosaminoglycan in the culture medium were increased by 52 and
      65%, respectively, indicating TNF-alpha-induced shedding. Small interfering
      (siRNA) knockdown of SDC4 (by 52%) caused a corresponding loss of cell surface HS
      of similar magnitude (38%), and immunoprecipitation demonstrated that SDC4 and HS
      are shed as intact proteoglycan ectodomains. All of the effects of TNF-alpha on
      SDC4 and HS were abrogated by the metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor batimastat.
      Also abrogated was the associated 37% increase in albumin passage across GEnC
      monolayers. Specific MMP9 knockdown by siRNA similarly blocked TNF-alpha effects.
      SDC4 is the predominant HS proteoglycan in the GEnC glycocalyx. TNF-alpha-induced
      MMP9-mediated shedding of SDC4 is likely to contribute to the endothelial
      glycocalyx disruption observed in diabetes and inflammatory states.

PMID- 25122553
TI  - Activation of EPAC1/2 is essential for osteoclast formation by modulating
      NFkappaB nuclear translocation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangements.
AB  - Bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast differentiation/function via inhibition of
      Rap1A isoprenylation. As Rap1 is the effector of exchange protein directly
      activated by cAMP (EPAC) proteins, we determined the role of EPAC in osteoclast
      differentiation. We examined osteoclast differentiation as the number of primary
      murine/human bone-marrow precursors that differentiated into multinucleated TRAP
      positive cells in the presence of EPAC-selective stimulus (8-pCTP-2'-O-Me-cAMP,
      100 MUM; 8-pCTP-2'-O-Me-cAMP-AM, 1 MUM) or inhibitor brefeldin A (BFA), ESI-05,
      and ESI-09 (10 MUM each). Rap1 activity was assessed, and signaling events, as
      well as differentiation in EPAC1/2-knockdown RAW264.7 cells, were studied. Direct
      EPAC1/2 stimulation significantly increased osteoclast differentiation, whereas
      EPAC1/2 inhibition diminished differentiation (113 +/- 6%, P < 0.05, and 42 +/-
      10%, P < 0.001, of basal, respectively). Rap1 activation was maximal 15 min after
      RANKL stimulation (147 +/- 9% of basal, P < 0.001), whereas silencing of EPAC1/2
      diminished activated Rap1 (43 +/- 13 and 20 +/- 15% of control, P < 0.001) and
      NFkB nuclear translocation. TRAP-staining revealed no osteoclast differentiation
      in EPAC1/2-KO cells. Cathepsin K, NFATc1, and osteopontin mRNA expression
      decreased in EPAC1/2-KO cells when compared to control. RhoA, cdc42, Rac1, and
      FAK were activated in an EPAC1/2-dependent manner, and there was diminished
      cytoskeletal assembly in EPAC1/2-KO cells. In summary, EPAC1 and EPAC2 are
      critical signaling intermediates in osteoclast differentiation that permit RANKL
      stimulated NFkB nuclear translocation and actin rearrangements. Targeting this
      signaling intermediate may diminish bone destruction in inflammatory arthritis.

PMID- 25122555
TI  - Low tendon stiffness and abnormal ultrastructure distinguish classic Ehlers
      Danlos syndrome from benign joint hypermobility syndrome in patients.
AB  - There is a clinical overlap between classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (cEDS) and
      benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS), with hypermobility as the main
      symptom. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of type V collagen
      mutations and tendon pathology in these 2 syndromes. In patients (cEDS, n=7;
      BJHS, n=8) and controls (Ctrl, n=8), we measured patellar tendon ultrastructure
      (transmission electron microscopy), dimensions (magnetic resonance imaging), and
      biomechanical properties (force and ultrasonographic measurements during a ramped
      isometric knee extension). Mutation analyses (COL5A1 and COL5A2) were performed
      in the patients. COL5A1 mutations were found in 3 of 4 of the patients with cEDS.
      Patellar tendon dimensions were similar between the groups, but large, irregular
      collagen fibrils were in 4 of 5 patients with cEDS. In the cEDS group, tendon
      stiffness and Young's modulus were reduced to ~50% of that in BJHS and Ctrl
      groups (P<0.05). The nonhypermobile, healthy controls were matched with the
      patients in age, sex, body weight, and physical activity, to compare outcomes.
      COL5A1 mutations led to structural tendon pathology and low tendon stiffness in
      cEDS, explaining the patients' hypermobility, whereas no tendon pathology was
      found that explained the hypermobility in BJHS.

PMID- 25122557
TI  - Disuse deterioration of human skeletal muscle challenged by resistive exercise
      superimposed with vibration: evidence from structural and proteomic analysis.
AB  - In the present bed rest (BR) study, 23 volunteers were randomized into 3
      subgroups: 60 d BR control (Ctr); BR with resistive exercise (RE; lower-limb
      load); and resistive vibration exercise (RVE; RE with superimposed vibration).
      The aim was to analyze by confocal and electron microscopy the effects of
      vibration on myofibril and filament integrity in soleus (Sol) and vastus
      lateralis (VL) muscle; differential proteomics of contractile, cytoskeletal, and
      costameric proteins (TN-C, ROCK1, and FAK); and expression of PGC1alpha and
      atrophy-related master genes MuRF1 and MuRF2. RVE (but not RE) preserved myofiber
      size and phenotype in Sol and VL by overexpressing MYBPC1 (42%, P <= 0.01), WDR1
      (39%, P <= 0.01), sarcosin (84%, P <= 0.01), and CKM (20%, P <= 0.01) and
      prevented myofibrillar ultrastructural damage as detectable by MuRF1 expression.
      In Sol, cytoskeletal and contractile proteins were normalized by RVE, and TN-C
      increased (59%, P <= 0.01); the latter also with RE (108%, P <= 0.01). In VL, the
      outcomes of both RVE (acting on sarcosin and desmin) and RE (by way of troponinT
      slow and MYL2) were similar. RVE appears to be a highly efficient countermeasure
      protocol against muscle atrophy and ultrastructural and molecular dysregulation
      induced by chronic disuse.

PMID- 25122556
TI  - Long-acting antituberculous therapeutic nanoparticles target macrophage
      endosomes.
AB  - Eradication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection requires daily
      administration of combinations of rifampin (RIF), isoniazid
      [isonicotinylhydrazine (INH)], pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, among other drug
      therapies. To facilitate and optimize MTB therapeutic selections, a mononuclear
      phagocyte (MP; monocyte, macrophage, and dendritic cell)-targeted drug delivery
      strategy was developed. Long-acting nanoformulations of RIF and an INH
      derivative, pentenyl-INH (INHP), were prepared, and their physicochemical
      properties were evaluated. This included the evaluation of MP particle uptake and
      retention, cell viability, and antimicrobial efficacy. Drug levels reached 6
      MUg/10(6) cells in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) for nanoparticle
      treatments compared with 0.1 MUg/10(6) cells for native drugs. High RIF and INHP
      levels were retained in MDM for >15 d following nanoparticle loading. Rapid loss
      of native drugs was observed in cells and culture fluids within 24 h.
      Antimicrobial activities were determined against Mycobacterium smegmatis (M.
      smegmatis). Coadministration of nanoformulated RIF and INHP provided a 6-fold
      increase in therapeutic efficacy compared with equivalent concentrations of
      native drugs. Notably, nanoformulated RIF and INHP were found to be localized in
      recycling and late MDM endosomal compartments. These were the same compartments
      that contained the pathogen. Our results demonstrate the potential of
      antimicrobial nanomedicines to simplify MTB drug regimens.

PMID- 25122559
TI  - Fixing the troubled mental health system.

PMID- 25122560
TI  - The community care chest is running out of cards.

PMID- 25122561
TI  - Introducing the foundation Chair of the new Division of Ecoimmunology and Disease
      Ecology.

PMID- 25122558
TI  - Protective role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in nonalcoholic
      steatohepatitis.
AB  - MIF is an inflammatory cytokine but is hepatoprotective in models of hepatotoxin
      induced liver fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis can also develop from metabolic liver
      disease, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH). We investigated the
      role of MIF in high-fat or methionine- and choline-deficient diet mouse models of
      NASH. Mif(-/-) mice showed elevated liver triglyceride levels (WT, 53+/-14 mg/g
      liver; Mif(-/-), 103+/-7 mg/g liver; P<0.05) and a 2-3-fold increased expression
      of lipogenic genes. Increased fatty degeneration in the livers of Mif(-/-) mice
      was associated with increased hepatic inflammatory cells (1.6-fold increase in
      F4/80(+) macrophages) and proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., 2.3-fold increase in
      Tnf-alpha and 2-fold increase in Il-6 expression). However, inflammatory cells
      and cytokines were decreased by 50-90% in white adipose tissue (WAT) of Mif(-/-)
      mice. Subset analysis showed that macrophage phenotypes in livers of Mif(-/-)
      mice were skewed toward M2 (e.g., 1.7-fold and 2.5-fold increase in Arg1 and Il
      13, respectively, and 2.5-fold decrease in iNos), whereas macrophages were
      generally reduced in WAT of these mice (70% reduction in mRNA expression of
      F4/80(+) macrophages). The protective MIF effect was scrutinized in isolated
      hepatocytes. MIF reversed inflammation-induced triglyceride accumulation in Hepa1
      6 cells and primary hepatocytes and also attenuated oleic acid-elicited
      triglyceride increase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Protection from fatty hepatocyte
      degeneration was paralleled by a 2- to 3-fold reduction by MIF of hepatocyte
      proinflammatory cytokine production. Blockade of MIF receptor cluster of
      differentiation 74 (CD74) but not of CXCR2 or CXCR4 fully reverted the protective
      effect of MIF, comparable to AMPK inhibition. In summary, we demonstrate that MIF
      mediates hepatoprotection through the CD74/AMPK pathway in hepatocytes in
      metabolic models of liver injury.

PMID- 25122562
TI  - Small primary care physician practices have low rates of preventable hospital
      admissions.
AB  - Nearly two-thirds of US office-based physicians work in practices of fewer than
      seven physicians. It is often assumed that larger practices provide better care,
      although there is little evidence for or against this assumption. What is the
      relationship between practice size--and other practice characteristics, such as
      ownership or use of medical home processes--and the quality of care? We conducted
      a national survey of 1,045 primary care-based practices with nineteen or fewer
      physicians to determine practice characteristics. We used Medicare data to
      calculate practices' rate of potentially preventable hospital admissions
      (ambulatory care-sensitive admissions). Compared to practices with 10-19
      physicians, practices with 1-2 physicians had 33 percent fewer preventable
      admissions, and practices with 3-9 physicians had 27 percent fewer. Physician
      owned practices had fewer preventable admissions than hospital-owned practices.
      In an era when health care reform appears to be driving physicians into larger
      organizations, it is important to measure the comparative performance of
      practices of all sizes, to learn more about how small practices provide patient
      care, and to learn more about the types of organizational structures--such as
      independent practice associations--that may make it possible for small practices
      to share resources that are useful for improving the quality of care.

PMID- 25122563
TI  - Different phase behavior and packing of ceramides with long (C16) and very long
      (C24) acyls in model membranes: infrared spectroscopy using deuterated lipids.
AB  - Ceramides (Cer) are the central molecules in sphingolipid metabolism that
      participate in cellular signaling and also prevent excessive water loss by the
      skin. Previous studies showed that sphingosine-based Cer with a long 16C chain
      (CerNS16) and very long 24C-chain ceramides (CerNS24) differ in their biological
      actions. Increased levels of long CerNS16 at the expense of the very long CerNS24
      have been found in atopic dermatitis patients, and this change correlated with
      the skin barrier properties. To probe the membrane behavior of the long CerNS16
      and the very long chain CerNS24, we studied their interactions with fatty acids
      and cholesterol in model stratum corneum membranes using infrared spectroscopy.
      Using Cer with deuterated acyls and/or deuterated fatty acids, we showed
      differences in lipid mixing, packing, and thermotropic phase behavior between
      long and very long Cer. These differences were observed in the presence of
      lignoceric acid or a heterogeneous fatty acid mixture (C16-C24), in the presence
      or absence of cholesterol sulfate, and at 5-95% humidity. In these membranes,
      very long CerNS24 prefers an extended (splayed-chain) conformation in which the
      fatty acid is associated with the very long Cer chain. In contrast, the shorter
      CerNS16 and fatty acids are mostly phase separated. 

PMID- 25122564
TI  - Pharmacokinetic modeling of the subcutaneous absorption of therapeutic proteins.
AB  - Subcutaneous injection is an important route of administration for therapeutic
      proteins that provides several advantages over other modes of parenteral
      delivery. Despite extensive clinical use, the exact mechanism underlying
      subcutaneous absorption of proteins is not completely understood, and the
      accuracy of prediction of absorption of biotherapeutics in humans remains
      unsatisfactory. This review summarizes a variety of models that have been
      developed for describing the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic proteins
      administered by subcutaneous injection, including single- and dual-pathway
      absorption models. Modeling of the lymphatic uptake and redistribution,
      absorption of monoclonal antibodies and insulin, and population analysis of
      protein absorption are discussed. The review also addresses interspecies modeling
      and prediction of absorption in humans, highlights important factors affecting
      the absorption processes, and suggests approaches for future development of
      mechanism-based absorption models. 

PMID- 25122566
TI  - Joint removal of random and fixed-pattern noise through spatiotemporal video
      filtering.
AB  - We propose a framework for the denoising of videos jointly corrupted by spatially
      correlated (i.e., nonwhite) random noise and spatially correlated fixed-pattern
      noise. Our approach is based on motion-compensated 3D spatiotemporal volumes,
      i.e., a sequence of 2D square patches extracted along the motion trajectories of
      the noisy video. First, the spatial and temporal correlations within each volume
      are leveraged to sparsify the data in 3D spatiotemporal transform domain, and
      then the coefficients of the 3D volume spectrum are shrunk using an adaptive 3D
      threshold array. Such array depends on the particular motion trajectory of the
      volume, the individual power spectral densities of the random and fixed-pattern
      noise, and also the noise variances which are adaptively estimated in transform
      domain. Experimental results on both synthetically corrupted data and real
      infrared videos demonstrate a superior suppression of the random and fixed
      pattern noise from both an objective and a subjective point of view. 

PMID- 25122565
TI  - In vitro assay of six UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoforms in human liver
      microsomes, using cocktails of probe substrates and liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry.
AB  - UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)-mediated drug-drug interactions are commonly
      evaluated during drug development. We present a validated method for the
      simultaneous evaluation of drug-mediated inhibition of six major UGT isoforms,
      developed in human liver microsomes through the use of pooled specific UGT probe
      substrates (cocktail assay) and rapid liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. The six probe substrates used in this assay
      were estradiol (UGT1A1), chenodeoxycholic acid (UGT1A3), trifluoperazine
      (UGT1A4), 4-hydroxyindole (UGT1A6), propofol (UGT1A9), and naloxone (UGT2B7). In
      a cocktail incubation, UGT1A1, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7 activities were substantially
      inhibited by other substrates. This interference could be eliminated by dividing
      substrates into two incubations: one containing estradiol, trifluoperazine, and 4
      hydroxyindole, and the other containing chenodeoxycholic acid, propofol, and
      naloxone. Incubation mixtures were pooled for the simultaneous analysis of
      glucuronyl conjugates in a single LC-MS/MS run. The optimized cocktail method was
      further validated against single-probe substrate assays using compounds known to
      inhibit UGTs. The degree of inhibition of UGT isoform activities by such known
      inhibitors in this cocktail assay was not substantially different from that in
      single-probe assays. This six-isoform cocktail assay may be very useful in
      assessing the UGT-based drug-interaction potential of candidates in a drug
      discovery setting. 

PMID- 25122567
TI  - Incremental N-mode SVD for large-scale multilinear generative models.
AB  - Tensor decomposition is frequently used in image processing and machine learning
      for its ability to express higher order characteristics of data. Among tensor
      decomposition methods, N-mode singular value decomposition (SVD) is widely used
      owing to its simplicity. However, the data dimension often becomes too large to
      perform N-mode SVD directly due to memory limitation. An incremental method to N
      mode SVD can be used to resolve this issue, but existing approaches only provide
      a result, which is just enough to solve discriminative problems, not the full
      factorization result. In this paper, we present a complete derivation of the
      incremental N-mode SVD, which can be applied to generative models, accompanied by
      a technique that can reduce the computational cost by reordering calculations.
      The proposed incremental N-mode SVD can also be used effectively to update the
      current result of N-mode SVD when new training data is received. The proposed
      method provides a very good approximation of N -mode SVD for the experimental
      data, and requires much less computation in updating a multilinear model.

PMID- 25122568
TI  - A novel video dataset for change detection benchmarking.
AB  - Change detection is one of the most commonly encountered low-level tasks in
      computer vision and video processing. A plethora of algorithms have been
      developed to date, yet no widely accepted, realistic, large-scale video data set
      exists for benchmarking different methods. Presented here is a unique change
      detection video data set consisting of nearly 90 000 frames in 31 video sequences
      representing six categories selected to cover a wide range of challenges in two
      modalities (color and thermal infrared). A distinguishing characteristic of this
      benchmark video data set is that each frame is meticulously annotated by hand for
      ground-truth foreground, background, and shadow area boundaries-an effort that
      goes much beyond a simple binary label denoting the presence of change. This
      enables objective and precise quantitative comparison and ranking of video-based
      change detection algorithms. This paper discusses various aspects of the new data
      set, quantitative performance metrics used, and comparative results for over two
      dozen change detection algorithms. It draws important conclusions on solved and
      remaining issues in change detection, and describes future challenges for the
      scientific community. The data set, evaluation tools, and algorithm rankings are
      available to the public on a website and will be updated with feedback from
      academia and industry in the future.

PMID- 25122569
TI  - DEB: definite error bounded tangent estimator for digital curves.
AB  - We propose a simple and fast method for tangent estimation of digital curves.
      This geometric-based method uses a small local region for tangent estimation and
      has a definite upper bound error for continuous as well as digital conics, i.e.,
      circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas. Explicit expressions of the upper
      bounds for continuous and digitized curves are derived, which can also be applied
      to nonconic curves. Our approach is benchmarked against 72 contemporary tangent
      estimation methods and demonstrates good performance for conic, nonconic, and
      noisy curves. In addition, we demonstrate a good multigrid and isotropic
      performance and low computational complexity of O(1) and better performance than
      most methods in terms of maximum and average errors in tangent computation for a
      large variety of digital curves. 

PMID- 25122570
TI  - Interacting geometric priors for robust multimodel fitting.
AB  - Recent works on multimodel fitting are often formulated as an energy minimization
      task, where the energy function includes fitting error and regularization terms,
      such as low-level spatial smoothness and model complexity. In this paper, we
      introduce a novel energy with high-level geometric priors that consider
      interactions between geometric models, such that certain preferred model
      configurations may be induced.We argue that in many applications, such prior
      geometric properties are available and should be fruitfully exploited. For
      example, in surface fitting to point clouds, the building walls are usually
      either orthogonal or parallel to each other. Our proposed energy function is
      useful in dealing with unknown distributions of data errors and outliers, which
      are often the factors leading to biased estimation. Furthermore, the energy can
      be efficiently minimized using the expansion move method. We evaluate the
      performance on several vision applications using real data sets. Experimental
      results show that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods without
      significant increase in computation.

PMID- 25122571
TI  - Sharing visual secrets in single image random dot stereograms.
AB  - Visual cryptography schemes (VCSs) generate random and meaningless shares to
      share and protect secret images. Conventional VCSs suffer from a transmission
      risk problem because the noise-like shares will raise the suspicion of attackers
      and the attackers might intercept the transmission. Previous research has
      involved in hiding shared content in halftone shares to reduce these risks, but
      this method exacerbates the pixel expansion problem and visual quality
      degradation problem for recovered images. In this paper, a binocular VCS (BVCS),
      called the (2,n)-BVCS, and an encryption algorithm are proposed to hide the
      shared pixels in the single image random dot stereograms (SIRDSs). Because the
      SIRDSs have the same 2D appearance as the conventional shares of a VCS, this
      paper tries to use SIRDSs as cover images of the shares of VCSs to reduce the
      transmission risk of the shares. The encryption algorithm alters the random dots
      in the SIRDSs according to the construction rule of the (2,n)-BVCS to produce
      nonpixel-expansion shares of the BVCS. Altering the dots in a SIRDS will degrade
      the visual quality of the reconstructed 3D objects. Hence, we propose an
      optimization model that is based on the visual quality requirement of SIRDSs to
      develop construction rules for a (2,n)-BVCS that maximize the contrast of the
      recovered image in the BVCS.

PMID- 25122572
TI  - VSI: a visual saliency-induced index for perceptual image quality assessment.
AB  - Perceptual image quality assessment (IQA) aims to use computational models to
      measure the image quality in consistent with subjective evaluations. Visual
      saliency (VS) has been widely studied by psychologists, neurobiologists, and
      computer scientists during the last decade to investigate, which areas of an
      image will attract the most attention of the human visual system. Intuitively, VS
      is closely related to IQA in that suprathreshold distortions can largely affect
      VS maps of images. With this consideration, we propose a simple but very
      effective full reference IQA method using VS. In our proposed IQA model, the role
      of VS is twofold. First, VS is used as a feature when computing the local quality
      map of the distorted image. Second, when pooling the quality score, VS is
      employed as a weighting function to reflect the importance of a local region. The
      proposed IQA index is called visual saliency-based index (VSI). Several prominent
      computational VS models have been investigated in the context of IQA and the best
      one is chosen for VSI. Extensive experiments performed on four large-scale
      benchmark databases demonstrate that the proposed IQA index VSI works better in
      terms of the prediction accuracy than all state-of-the-art IQA indices we can
      find while maintaining a moderate computational complexity. The MATLAB source
      code of VSI and the evaluation results are publicly available online at
      http://sse.tongji.edu.cn/linzhang/IQA/VSI/VSI.htm.

PMID- 25122573
TI  - Patchwise joint sparse tracking with occlusion detection.
AB  - This paper presents a robust tracking approach to handle challenges such as
      occlusion and appearance change. Here, the target is partitioned into a number of
      patches. Then, the appearance of each patch is modeled using a dictionary
      composed of corresponding target patches in previous frames. In each frame, the
      target is found among a set of candidates generated by a particle filter, via a
      likelihood measure that is shown to be proportional to the sum of patch
      reconstruction errors of each candidate. Since the target's appearance often
      changes slowly in a video sequence, it is assumed that the target in the current
      frame and the best candidates of a small number of previous frames, belong to a
      common subspace. This is imposed using joint sparse representation to enforce the
      target and previous best candidates to have a common sparsity pattern. Moreover,
      an occlusion detection scheme is proposed that uses patch-reconstruction errors
      and a prior probability of occlusion, extracted from an adaptive Markov chain, to
      calculate the probability of occlusion per patch. In each frame, occluded patches
      are excluded when updating the dictionary. Extensive experimental results on
      several challenging sequences shows that the proposed method outperforms state-of
      the-art trackers. 

PMID- 25122574
TI  - A universal variational framework for sparsity-based image inpainting.
AB  - In this paper, we extend an existing universal variational framework for image
      inpainting with new numerical algorithms. Given certain regularization operator
      Phi and denoting u the latent image, the basic model is to minimize the l(p),
      (p=0,1) norm of Phiu preserving the pixel values outside the inpainting region.
      Utilizing the operator splitting technique, the original problem can be
      approximated by a new problem with extra variable. With the alternating
      minimization method, the new problem can be decomposed as two subproblems with
      exact solutions. There are many choices for Phi in our approach such as gradient
      operator, wavelet transform, framelet transform, or other tight frames. Moreover,
      with slight modification, we can decouple our framework into two relatively
      independent parts: 1) denoising and 2) linear combination. Therefore, we can take
      any denoising method, including BM3D filter in the denoising step. The numerical
      experiments on various image inpainting tasks, such as scratch and text removal,
      randomly missing pixel filling, and block completion, clearly demonstrate the
      super performance of the proposed methods. Furthermore, the theoretical
      convergence of the proposed algorithms is proved.

PMID- 25122575
TI  - Design, synthesis, and characterization of 1,3,5-tri(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2
      yl)benzene-based fluorescent supramolecular columnar liquid crystals with a broad
      mesomorphic range.
AB  - A new kind of supramolecular columnar liquid crystal T-A with a broad mesomorphic
      range (up to 164.9  degrees C), good thermal stability, and strong fluorescence
      is designed and formed by the H-bonding between 1,3,5-tri(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2
      yl)benzene (T) and serial gallic acid derivatives (A). Two components are easily
      available because of simple routes, common reactions, high yields, commercial
      starting materials, and inexpensive catalysts. The introduction of the 1,2,3
      triazole structure into component A makes the textures different and is slightly
      disadvantageous for the T-A complexes. 

PMID- 25122576
TI  - The changing relationship between bacterial STIs and HIV prevalence in South
      Africa - an ecological study.
AB  - Prevalence estimates of various bacterial sexually transmitted infections in
      South Africa have declined considerably since the mid-1990s. Syphilis among
      pregnant women, for example, declined from 10.8% in 1998 to 2.8% in 2001. We used
      Pearson's correlation coefficients to estimate the association between the
      prevalence of syphilis/male urethral discharge/male genital ulcers and the peak
      HIV prevalence at a district and provincial level in the early and late phases of
      the HIV epidemic in South Africa. Prevalence estimates of syphilis, male urethral
      discharge and male genital ulcers during the period preceding the peak HIV
      prevalence were all positively correlated with the peak HIV prevalence at a
      provincial level (Pearson's correlation coefficient [r] = 0.83, p = 0.006; r =
      0.66, p = 0.052; r = 0.79, 0.011, respectively). These relationships all switched
      to a negative association later in the HIV epidemic at a provincial level (r = 
      0.53, p = 0.14; r = -0.73, p = 0.130; r = -0.54, p = 0.027, respectively). AIDS
      mortality may have played an important role in the decline of bacterial sexually
      transmitted infections such as syphilis in this region. Consequently, the
      relatively recent scale-up of antiretroviral therapy may result in a resurgence
      of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections as observed in high-income
      countries.

PMID- 25122577
TI  - A case of relapsed visceral Kaposi's sarcoma with bilateral chylothoraces
      successfully treated with paclitaxel.
AB  - Chylothorax is a rare complication of visceral Kaposi's sarcoma. We report a case
      with bilateral chylothoraces secondary to relapsed visceral Kaposi's sarcoma who
      was successfully treated with paclitaxel chemotherapy. 

PMID- 25122578
TI  - Antiretroviral treatment failure predicts mortality in rural Tanzania.
AB  - Virological monitoring of HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART)
      is rarely available in resource-limited settings and many patients experience
      unrecognized virological failure. We studied the long-term consequences of
      virological failure in rural Tanzania. Previously, virological efficacy was
      measured in a cohort treated with ART. In the present study, patients with
      virological failure (VF; HIV-RNA >400 copies/ml) were followed up and compared to
      those with virological response (VR; HIV-RNA <400 copies/ml) with regard to
      mortality, CD4 change and subsequent virological outcome. Fifty-six patients with
      VF had a median CD4 count of 358 cells/ul (interquartile range [IQR] 223-635) and
      a median HIV-RNA of 13,573 copies/ml (IQR 2326-129,736). Median CD4 count for
      those with VR was 499 cells/ul (IQR 290-636). During a median follow-up time of
      39 months (IQR 18-42), 8 of 56 patients (14.3%) with VF died, compared to 1 of 63
      patients (1.6%) with VR (p = 0.009). All registered deaths were HIV-related. Of
      55 patients with subsequent HIV-RNA measurements, only 12 of 30 (40%) patients
      with VF achieved virological suppression, compared to 20 of 25 (80%) patients
      with VR (p = 0.003). Virological failure predicted death and subsequent
      virological failure in patients on ART in a resource-limited setting. 

PMID- 25122579
TI  - Measuring patient satisfaction: three years' data and experience of using a
      validated patient questionnaire.
AB  - A validated patient satisfaction questionnaire for use in sexual health clinics
      was run throughout the southwest region (the UK) three times over three years (13
      clinics in January 2012 and 12/13 clinics in January 2013 and the same 12 clinics
      again in January 2014). The questionnaire covered aspects of pre-appointment,
      performance of health care professionals, facilities, privacy, respectful
      communication, information on leaving and overall experience. Data from 1750
      questionnaires are presented with means and 95% confidence intervals. Patients
      under the age of 25 were less likely to rate care as excellent and/or very good
      (P = 0.001) compared with those above the age of 25. There was no difference in
      satisfaction levels according to gender or sexual orientation. Time in clinic was
      strongly associated with satisfaction levels - those in clinic for over 90 min
      expressed less satisfaction (P = 0.0005). We hope that other clinics may find it
      useful to use the validated questionnaire to look at their own performance and
      compare it against the southwest data. The main value is to identify areas where
      changes to service delivery could translate into improved practice and improved
      satisfaction, particularly where performance is identified as less than the 95%
      confidence intervals.

PMID- 25122580
TI  - Does dropping day 5 PEP follow-up affect outcomes? An audit of HIV post-exposure
      prophylaxis at a central London sexual health clinic.
AB  - UK post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) guidelines were updated by the British
      Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) in 2011. In 2013, we changed policy
      to omit day 5 PEP follow-up at 56 Dean Street as it was felt clinically
      unnecessary. This audit compares our performance against BASHH standards for PEP
      attenders during June 2012 and June 2013. We identified 162 PEP prescriptions;
      PEP assessment and appropriate sexually transmitted infection testing was done
      well. PEP completion rates and post-PEP HIV testing were lower than BASHH
      standards. Following omission of day 5 review, documentation that results have
      been checked was poor; however, attendance at follow-up was not adversely
      affected. 

PMID- 25122582
TI  - Covalent linking of quantum dots to polymer for inorganic-inorganic luminescence
      films via layer-by-layer assembly with clay.
AB  - Herein, positively charged QDs were initially prepared by covalently linking to
      poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). The resulting PAH-modified QDs in
      conjunction with MMT nanosheets were utilized to fabricate QDs/MMT UTFs via LBL
      assembly. Strong photoluminescence, temperature responsiveness, long-term
      stability and high uniformity make these films potential candidates for a wide
      range of applications. 

PMID- 25122583
TI  - Health Characteristics by Geographic Region, large Metropolitan Areas, and Other
      Places of Residence, United States - 1969-70.
AB  - The estimates for selected health characteristics presented in this report are
      based on Health Interview Survey data collected during 1969-70. The health
      characteristics discussed include activity limitation due to chronic disease,
      disability days, incidence of acute conditions and persons injured,
      hospitalization, and physician and dental visits. The information is shown by the
      four geographic regions, metropolitan areas, and farm and nonfarm places of
      residence outside the metropolitan areas. Another breakdown of the data shows
      estimates by residence inside or outside the metropolitan area. An earlier report
      (Vital and Health Statistics Series 10, No. 36) contained similar information for
      the period July 1963-June 1965. 

PMID- 25122581
TI  - Social inequalities in early childhood health and development: a European-wide
      systematic review.
AB  - The evidence examining the relationship between specific social factors and early
      childhood health and developmental outcomes has never been systematically
      collated or synthesized. This review aims to identify the key social factors
      operating at the household, neighborhood, and country levels that drive
      inequalities in child health and development. Medline and CHICOS (a European
      child-cohort inventory) were systematically searched to identify all European
      studies published within the past 10 y. 13,270 Medline articles and 77 European
      child cohorts were searched, identifying 201 studies from 32 European countries.
      Neighborhood deprivation, lower parental income/wealth, educational attainment,
      and occupational social class, higher parental job strain, parental unemployment,
      lack of housing tenure, and household material deprivation were identified as the
      key social factors associated with a wide range of adverse child health and
      developmental outcomes. Similar association trends were observed across most
      European countries, with only minor country-level differences. Multiple adverse
      social factors operating at both the household and neighborhood levels are
      independently associated with a range of adverse health and developmental
      outcomes throughout early childhood. The social gradient in health and
      developmental outcomes observed throughout the remaining life course may be
      partly explained by gradients initiated in early childhood. 

PMID- 25122585
TI  - Re: "Estimated rate of reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection in the
      United States, overall and by population subgroup".

PMID- 25122584
TI  - Validity of an ecometric neighborhood physical disorder measure constructed by
      virtual street audit.
AB  - Neighborhood physical disorder is thought to affect mental and physical health,
      but it has been difficult to measure objectively and reliably across large
      geographical areas or multiple locales. Virtual street audits are a novel method
      for assessing neighborhood characteristics. We evaluated the ecometric properties
      of a neighborhood physical disorder measure constructed from virtual street audit
      data. Eleven trained auditors assessed 9 previously validated items developed to
      capture physical disorder (e.g., litter, graffiti, and abandoned buildings) on
      1,826 block faces using Google Street View imagery (Google, Inc., Mountain View,
      California) dating from 2007-2011 in 4 US cities (San Jose, California; Detroit,
      Michigan; New York, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). We constructed a 2
      parameter item response theory scale to estimate latent levels of disorder on
      each block face and defined a function using kriging to estimate physical
      disorder levels, with confidence estimates, for any point in each city. The
      internal consistency reliability of the resulting scale was 0.93. The final
      measure of disorder was positively correlated with US Census data on unemployment
      and housing vacancy and negatively correlated with data on owner-occupied
      housing. These results suggest that neighborhood physical disorder can be
      measured reliably and validly using virtual audits, facilitating research on
      possible associations between physical disorder and health.

PMID- 25122586
TI  - High-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation alleviates spasticity
      after spinal contusion by inhibiting activated microglia in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be used as a
      physical therapy for spasticity, but the effects of TENS on spasticity and its
      underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to
      test the effects of TENS on spasticity and the role of activated microglia as
      underlying mechanisms of TENS treatment for spasticity in rats with a 50-mm
      contusive spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: A spinal contusion was made at the
      T12 spinal segment in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats using the NYU impactor.
      Behavioral tests for motor function were conducted before and after SCI and
      before and after TENS application. To assess spasticity, the modified Ashworth
      scale (MAS) was used before and after SCI, high-frequency (HF)/low-frequency (LF)
      TENS application at 3 different intensities (motor threshold [MT], 50% and 90%
      MT) or minocycline administration. Immunohistochemistry for microglia was
      performed at the lumbar spinal segments. RESULTS: Motor recovery reached a
      plateau approximately 28 days after SCI. Spasticity was well developed and was
      sustained above the MAS grade of 3, beginning at 28 days after SCI. HF-TENS at
      90% MT significantly alleviated spasticity. Motor function did not show any
      significant changes with LF- or HF-TENS treatment. HF-TENS significantly reduced
      the proportion of activated microglia observed after SCI. Minocycline, the
      microglia inhibitor, also significantly alleviated spasticity with the reduction
      of activated microglia expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that HF
      TENS at 90% MT alleviates spasticity in rats with SCI by inhibiting activated
      microglia.

PMID- 25122588
TI  - An investigation of heat transfer between a microcantilever and a substrate for
      improved thermal topography imaging.
AB  - This paper reports the numerical and experimental investigation of heat transfer
      from a heated microcantilever to a substrate and uses the resulting insights to
      improve thermal topography imaging. The cantilever sensitivity, defined as change
      in thermal signal due to changes in the topography height, is relatively constant
      for feature heights in the range 100-350 nm. Since the cantilever-substrate heat
      transfer is governed by thermal conduction through the air, the cantilever
      sensitivity is nearly constant across substrates of varying thermal conductivity.
      Surface features with lateral size larger than 2.5 MUm can induce artifacts in
      the cantilever signal resulting in measurement errors as large as 28%. These
      artifacts arise from thermal conduction from the cantilever in the lateral
      direction, parallel to the surface. We show how these artifacts can be removed by
      accounting for this lateral conduction and removing it from the thermal signal.
      This technique reduces the measurement error by as much as 26%, can be applied to
      arbitrary substrate topographies, and can be scaled to arrays of heated
      cantilevers. These results could lead to improvements in nanometer-scale thermal
      measurements including scanning thermal microscopy and tip-based nanofabrication.

PMID- 25122587
TI  - Varied overground walking training versus body-weight-supported treadmill
      training in adults within 1 year of stroke: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although task-related walking training has been recommended after
      stroke, the theoretical basis, content, and impact of interventions vary across
      the literature. There is a need for a comparison of different approaches to task
      related walking training after stroke. OBJECTIVE: To compare the impact of a
      motor-learning-science-based overground walking training program with body-weight
      supported treadmill training (BWSTT) in ambulatory, community-dwelling adults
      within 1 year of stroke onset. METHODS: In this rater-blinded, 1:1 parallel,
      randomized controlled trial, participants were stratified by baseline gait speed.
      Participants assigned to the Motor Learning Walking Program (MLWP) practiced
      various overground walking tasks under the supervision of 1 physiotherapist.
      Cognitive effort was encouraged through random practice and limited provision of
      feedback and guidance. The BWSTT program emphasized repetition of the normal gait
      cycle while supported on a treadmill and assisted by 1 to 3 therapy staff. The
      primary outcome was comfortable gait speed at postintervention assessment (T2).
      RESULTS: In total, 71 individuals (mean age = 67.3; standard deviation = 11.6
      years) with stroke (mean onset = 20.9 [14.1] weeks) were randomized (MLWP, n =
      35; BWSTT, n = 36). There was no significant between-group difference in gait
      speed at T2 (0.002 m/s; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.11, 0.12; P > .05). The
      MLWP group improved by 0.14 m/s (95% CI = 0.09, 0.19), and the BWSTT group
      improved by 0.14 m/s (95% CI = 0.08, 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of
      community-dwelling adults within 1 year of stroke, a 15-session program of varied
      overground walking-focused training was not superior to a BWSTT program of equal
      frequency, duration, and in-session step activity.

PMID- 25122589
TI  - In situ assembly of well-dispersed Ni nanoparticles on silica nanotubes and
      excellent catalytic activity in 4-nitrophenol reduction.
AB  - The easy aggregation nature of ferromagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by
      conventional routes usually leads to a large particle size and low loading, which
      greatly limits their applications to the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP).
      Herein, we developed a novel in situ thermal decomposition and reduction strategy
      to prepare Ni nanoparticles/silica nanotubes (Ni/SNTs), which can markedly
      prevent the aggregation and growth of Ni NPs, resulting in an ultra-small
      particle size (about 6 nm), good dispersion and especially high loading of Ni
      NPs. It was found that Ni/SNTs, which have a high specific surface area (416 m(2)
      g(-1)), exhibit ultra-high catalytic activity in the 4-NP reduction (complete
      reduction of 4-NP within only 60 s at room temperature), which is superior to
      most noble metal (Au, Pt, and Pd) supported catalysts. Ni/SNTs still showed high
      activity even after re-use for several cycles, suggesting good stability. In
      particular, the magnetic property of Ni/SNTs makes it easy to recycle for reuse. 

PMID- 25122590
TI  - Preorganized bis-thioureas as powerful anion carriers: chloride transport by
      single molecules in large unilamellar vesicles.
AB  - Transmembrane anion carriers (anionophores) have potential in biological research
      and medicine, provided high activities can be obtained. There is particular
      interest in treating cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic illness caused by deficient
      anion transport. Previous work has found that anionophore designs featuring axial
      ureas on steroid and trans-decalin scaffolds can be especially effective. Here we
      show that replacement of ureas by thioureas yields substantial further
      enhancements. Six new bis-thioureas have been prepared and tested for Cl(-)/NO3(
      ) exchange in 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine/cholesterol large
      unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). The bis-thioureas are typically >10 times more
      effective than the corresponding ureas and are sufficiently active that transport
      by molecules acting singly in LUVs is readily detected. The highest activity is
      shown by decalin 9, which features N-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)thioureido
      and octyl ester substituents. A single molecule of transporter 9 in a 200 nm
      vesicle promotes Cl(-)/NO3(-) exchange with a half-life of 45 s and an absolute
      rate of 850 chloride anions per second. Weight-for-weight, this carrier is only
      slightly less effective than CFTR, the natural anion channel associated with CF. 

PMID- 25122592
TI  - Biomimetic and bioinspired materials for applications in biophotonics.

PMID- 25122591
TI  - MR compatibility aspects of a silicon photomultiplier-based PET/RF insert with
      integrated digitisation.
AB  - The combination of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging (MRI) into a single device is being considered a promising tool for
      molecular imaging as it combines the high sensitivity of PET with the functional
      and anatomical images of MRI. For highest performance, a scalable, MR compatible
      detector architecture with a small form factor is needed, targeting at excellent
      PET signal-to-noise ratios and time-of-flight information. Therefore it is
      desirable to use silicon photo multipliers and to digitize their signals directly
      in the detector modules inside the MRI bore. A preclinical PET/RF insert for
      clinical MRI scanner was built to demonstrate a new architecture and to study the
      interactions between the two modalities.The disturbance of the MRI's static
      magnetic field stays below 2 ppm peak-to-peak within a diameter of 56 mm (90 mm
      using standard automatic volume shimming). MRI SNR is decreased by 14%, RF
      artefacts (dotted lines) are only visible in sequences with very low SNR.
      Ghosting artefacts are visible to the eye in about 26% of the EPI images, severe
      ghosting only in 7.6%. Eddy-current related heating effects during long EPI
      sequences are noticeable but with low influence of 2% on the coincidences count
      rate. The time resolution of 2.5 ns, the energy resolution of 29.7% and the
      volumetric spatial resolution of 1.8 mm(3) in the PET isocentre stay unaffected
      during MRI operation. Phantom studies show no signs of other artefacts or
      distortion in both modalities. A living rat was simultaneously imaged after the
      injection with (18)F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) proving the in vivo capabilities of
      the system.

PMID- 25122593
TI  - Design and control of a dual unidirectional brake hybrid actuation system for
      haptic devices.
AB  - Hybrid actuators combining brakes and motors have emerged as an efficient
      solution to achieve high performance in haptic devices. In this paper, an
      actuation approach using two unidirectional brakes and a DC motor is proposed.
      The brakes are coupled to overrunning clutches and can apply a torque in only one
      rotational direction. The associated control laws, that are independent of the
      virtual environment model, calculate the control gains in real time in order
      limit the energy and the stiffness delivered by the motor to ensure stability.
      The reference torque is respected using the combination of the motor and the
      brake. Finally, an user experiment has been performed to evaluate the influence
      of passive and active torque differences in the perception of elasticity. The
      proposed actuator has a torque range of 0.03 Nm to 5.5 Nm with a 17.75 kNm (-2)
      torque density. 

PMID- 25122594
TI  - Velocity estimation algorithms for audio-haptic simulations involving stick-slip.
AB  - With real-time models of friction that take velocity as input, accuracy depends
      in great part on adequately estimating velocity from position measurements. This
      process can be sensitive to noise, especially at high sampling rates. In audio
      haptic acoustic simulations, often characterized by friction-induced, relaxation
      type stick-slip oscillations, this gives a gritty, dry haptic feel and a raspy,
      unnatural sound. Numerous techniques have been proposed, but each depend on
      tuning parameters so that they may offer a good trade-off between delay and noise
      rejection. In an effort to compare fairly, each of thirteen methods considered in
      the present study was automatically optimized and evaluated; finally a subset of
      these were compared subjectively. Results suggest that no one method is ideal for
      all gain levels, though the best general performance was found by using a sliding
      mode differentiator as input to a Kalman integrator. An additional conclusion is
      that estimators do not approach the quality available in physical velocity
      transduction, and therefore such sensors should be considered in haptic device
      design. 

PMID- 25122595
TI  - Pilot study of a new rehabilitation tool: improved unilateral short-term
      adaptation of the human angular vestibulo-ocular reflex.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Unilateral vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) short-term adaptation
      training causes some increase toward the nonadapting side (~30% of increase on
      adapting side). We conducted a pilot study to determine if the increase could be
      reduced by providing a visual stimulus during rotations to the nonadapting side.
      BACKGROUND: Unilateral vestibular short-term adaptation is a technique that could
      increase the ipsilesional VOR response of vestibular patients with unilateral
      hypofunction. However, this technique results in the VOR response increasing for
      rotations toward the nonadapting (normal) side, which is undesirable because the
      VOR will be overcompensatory (causing nonstable vision) during head rotations
      toward the normal side. METHODS: We built a portable helmet device that sensed
      horizontal angular head velocity to generate a visual target that required a
      preset VOR gain (eye velocity/head velocity) for optimal image stabilization that
      could be set differently for leftward and rightward head rotations. We tested 10
      subjects (six controls and four patients with vestibular hypofunction). We
      measured the active and passive VOR gain during high-peak-acceleration,
      unilateral, transient head rotations (head impulses) before and after unilateral
      VOR adaptation training. RESULTS: In control subjects, for rotations toward the
      adapting side (target gain = 1.5), the VOR gain increased because of training by
      26.1% +/- 23.4% during active head impulses and by 14.6% +/- 13.0% during passive
      head impulses. In contrast, for rotations toward the nonadapting side, there were
      no statistically significant increases. CONCLUSION: A visual stimulus driving the
      VOR gain to unity toward the nonadapting side aids unilateral adaptation more so
      than no visual stimulus.

PMID- 25122596
TI  - Dizziness is more prevalent than autophony among patients who have undergone
      repair of superior canal dehiscence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Studies have reported high early success rates in rectifying dizziness
      and autophony after primary repair of superior canal dehiscence (SCD). We sought
      to identify the prevalence of dizziness and autophony at later time points in
      patients who had undergone SCD repair. We also assessed any problems with hearing
      in this population, along with prevalence of headaches and decreases in overall
      quality of life. STUDY QUALITY DESIGN: Identification of patients via
      retrospective chart review, followed by administration of multiple validated
      surveys. SETTING: Tertiary, hospital-based neurotology practice. PATIENTS: All 62
      patients who had undergone primary SCD repair at Massachusetts Eye and Ear
      Infirmary with follow-up time of at least 3 months were contacted, with 38
      responses from 22 women and 16 men. The average follow-up was 34 months (range, 3
      155 mo). INTERVENTIONS: Patient surveys. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dizziness
      Handicap Inventory and Autophony Index. SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Hearing
      Handicap Survey, MIDAS headache survey, and Short Form-36 Quality of Life Survey.
      RESULTS: Twenty patients reported low DHI scores, whereas 18 patients reported
      elevated DHI scores corresponding to moderate-to-severe dizziness. Autophony was
      less prevalent, as 3 patients experienced autophony in the operated ear, whereas
      3 patients experienced "unmasking" of autophony in the contralateral ear. HHI
      scores were not significantly different between the low DHI and high DHI group.
      There were significantly more female subjects in the high DHI group, which was
      also characterized by significantly more severe MIDAS grades and significantly
      worse SF-36 scores. CONCLUSION: Dizziness is more prevalent than autophony among
      patients who have undergone SCD repair, although the majority of these patients
      are satisfied with their decision to undergo surgery. Female sex and migraine
      headaches are associated with dizziness in this patient population. Further work
      is necessary to determine causal relationships among these associations.

PMID- 25122597
TI  - Intratympanic steroid injection for Bell's palsy: preliminary randomized
      controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate adjuvant effect and safety of intratympanic steroid for
      the treatment of Bell's palsy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, investigator blinded,
      randomized study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients who
      received treatment for Bell's palsy from December 2007 to March 2011 were
      randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n = 17) was treated with
      systemic steroid plus antiviral agent, and intratympanic steroid injection group
      (IT group, n = 14) received intratympanic steroid injection combined with
      medications. Facial functions were evaluated on a regular basis up to 6 months.
      INTERVENTION: Intratympanic steroid injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Facial
      nerve functions of initial presentation and follow-up were evaluated with House
      Brackmann (H-B) system. Primary outcome was complete recovery rate of 6 months.
      Secondary outcomes included improvement of H-B grade within 3 weeks, time of
      first improvement in facial function, and cumulative recovery rate. In addition,
      subgroup analysis of H-B grade over than IV was performed. RESULTS: Complete
      recovery rate was not different between groups. Time of first improvement was
      shorter in IT group (p = 0.043). And IT group had a better cumulative recovery
      rate (p = 0.041) and showed the significant improvement in H-B grade within 3
      weeks compared with control group (p = 0.045). In severe facial palsy, complete
      recovery rate of IT group and control group were 80% and 50% (p = 0.16), and IT
      groups showed the significant facial improvement within 3 weeks (p = 0.025). And
      there were no major adverse effects of intratympanic injection. CONCLUSION:
      Intratympanic steroid injection might be a safe and useful adjuvant treatment
      modality for Bell's palsy.

PMID- 25122598
TI  - Long-term results of 185 consecutive osseointegrated hearing device
      implantations: a comparison among children, adults, and elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence and type of perioperative and
      postoperative complications in patients implanted with an osseointegrated hearing
      device (OHD) (also known as BAHA/BAHS) and compare results in children, adults,
      and elderly and for different surgical techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      case file review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients implanted
      with an OHD between 2004 and 2012, with more than 6 months of follow-up.
      INTERVENTION: OHD implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Implant loss, adverse skin
      reactions (Holgers' score, >=2), skin overgrowth, and discomfort resulting in
      abutment and/or implant removal. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-five implantations
      in 176 patients were reviewed. Overall, 3.8% of the implants were lost
      spontaneously after a mean of 2.5 years. Implant loss in children was 18% versus
      2.5% in adults and 3.8% in elderly. Adverse skin reactions occurred in 14% of
      observations overall; in 10% in children compared with 16% in adults and 9% in
      elderly. Partial or total skin overgrowth was seen in 4% and 6% of the
      observations in children and adults, respectively, whereas none of the elderly
      experienced this problem. The abutment was removed because of discomfort and/or
      no benefit in 10% overall, in 13% of adults, and in 6% of the elderly; none of
      the children opted for removal. Linear incision technique showed fewest
      complications. CONCLUSION: OHD implantation is a procedure with few major
      complications. Adverse skin reaction is the most common complication. Children
      lose the implant more frequently than adults. Elderly patients have less adverse
      skin reactions/skin overgrowth. Discomfort leading to abutment removal is a
      concern especially among adults.

PMID- 25122599
TI  - Calvarium thinning in patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the thickness of the calvarium in patients with
      spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study.
      SETTING: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. PATIENTS: Those with a
      confirmed spontaneous CSF leak compared to non-obese (body mass index, BMI < 30)
      and obese (BMI >= 30) cochlear implant (CI) control groups. All patients had to
      have temporal bone CT scans that fit specified criteria. INTERVENTION: Bilateral
      volumetric analysis of the squamous temporal bone and the zygoma in all patients.
      Assessment of patient age, sex, BMI, and medical comorbidities. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE: Assessment of the average thickness of the squamous temporal bone and
      zygoma compared to control groups. RESULTS: The average BMI of patients with
      spontaneous CSF leaks was significantly higher than non-obese CI controls (43.73
      +/- 9.19 vs. 24.60 +/- 3.10; P < 0.0001). The calvarium in patients with
      spontaneous CSF leaks was 23% thinner than both non-obese CI controls (3.29 +/-
      0.68 vs. 4.25 +/- 0.58; P < 0.0001) and obese CI controls (3.29 +/- 0.68 vs. 4.27
      +/- 0.68; P < 0.0001). In addition, the skull thickness of obese CI patients
      (body mass index, BMI = 37.34 +/- 6.1) was not significantly different from non
      obese CI controls (4.27 +/- 0.68 vs. 4.25 +/- 0.58; P = 0.92). The extracranial
      zygoma was not significantly different among the three groups (ANOVA = 0.9). In
      our study groups, 5.8% of both CI control groups had the diagnosis of obstructive
      sleep apnea (OSA), whereas 46.2% of the spontaneous CSF leak patients presented
      with the diagnosis of OSA. CONCLUSION: Patients with spontaneous CSF leak are
      more likely to be obese, have the diagnosis of OSA, and show thinning of their
      entire calvarium that is independent of BMI. These data suggest an additional
      obesity-associated intracranial process contributes to skull thinning.

PMID- 25122601
TI  - Influence of cochlear implant insertion depth on performance: a prospective
      randomized trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to assess the influence of
      electrode insertion length on cochlear implant (CI) performance. STUDY DESIGN:
      Prospective randomized allocation of CI patients to receive either a standard
      (26.4 mm)- or medium (20.9 mm)-length electrode array. The processing strategy
      and electrode insertion number were held constant. The postoperative testing
      audiologist was blinded to the map details and array. SETTING: Tertiary referral
      center. PATIENTS: Thirteen adult CI candidates randomized to receive the standard
      (n = 7) or medium-length (n = 6) electrode array. INTERVENTION(S): Unilateral CI
      using standard- or medium-length array from the same implant system. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES(S): Speech perception was assessed with HINT sentences in quiet and
      steady-state noise (SNR, +10) and CNC words in quiet at defined intervals.
      Quality of life was assessed using the Hearing Device Satisfaction Survey and the
      Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). Music perception was assessed
      using the Musical Sounds In Cochlear implants (MuSIC) test. Postoperative
      electrode insertion angle was assessed using reconstructed computed tomographic
      images. RESULTS: Interim analysis necessitated discontinuation of subject
      enrollment by the institutional review board. There was a trend (p = 0.07) for
      improved speech perception performance among standard array patients. This
      difference was significant when the standard array group was increased
      retrospectively. Quality of life and music perception differences were not
      apparent between groups. CONCLUSION: Longer electrode insertions (and greater
      insertion angles) appear to offer better speech perception performance in the
      early postactivation period when using the same implant system.

PMID- 25122600
TI  - Intracochlear inflammatory response to cochlear implant electrodes in humans.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: This study evaluates the types and degrees of tissue response
      adjacent to the electrode of multichannel cochlear implants. BACKGROUND: Cochlear
      implant electrodes have been classified as biocompatible prostheses.
      Nevertheless, in some reports, electrode extrusion, chronic inflammation, and
      even soft failure of the implant system have been attributed to a tissue response
      to the electrode. METHODS: All celloidin-embedded temporal bones with
      multichannel cochlear implants from the temporal bone collection of the
      Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary were included in the study. A total of 28
      temporal bones from 21 subjects were identified and processed for histology. The
      severity of cellular response including eosinophil and lymphocytic infiltration,
      giant cell reaction, new bone formation, and fibrosis were scored on a scale from
      0 to 3 at three 1-mm segments along the electrode: first 1 mm at the
      cochleostomy, last 1 mm from the tip of the electrode, and midway between these
      proximal and distal segments. The values were compared using the Wilcoxon test.
      RESULTS: A granulomatous reaction to the electrode was observed in 27 (96.4%)
      temporal bones. Eosinophil infiltration was observed in 7 (25%) temporal bones,
      suggesting an allergic reaction. The Inflammatory response to the electrode was
      significantly greater at the basal turn of cochlea close to the cochleostomy (p <
      0.05) than distal to it. CONCLUSION: An inflammatory response is common after
      cochlear implantation, and it is more robust at the cochleostomy than distal to
      it, suggesting the role of trauma of insertion as a contributing factor.

PMID- 25122602
TI  - Radiologic classification of superior canal dehiscence: implications for surgical
      repair.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Surgical access to repair a superior canal dehiscence (SCD) is
      influenced by the location of the bony defect and its relationship to surrounding
      tegmen topography as seen on computed tomography. There are currently no agreed
      upon methods of characterizing these radiologic findings. We propose a formal
      radiologic classification system of SCD based on dehiscence location and adjacent
      tegmen topography. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review SETTING: Tertiary,
      neurotology referral center PATIENTS: We identified 298 patients with superior
      canal dehiscence on CT from February 2001 to October 2013. Of these, 251 had
      symptomatic superior canal dehiscence syndrome and were included in the study.
      INTERVENTION: Patients underwent high-resolution temporal bone CT scans with
      creation of axial, coronal, Poschl, and Stenver reformatted images to examine the
      superior semicircular canal. Two residents-in-training and a head and neck
      radiologist independently read the scans. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CT scans were
      assessed for (1) superior canal dehiscence or "near" dehiscence, (2) defect
      location relative to the skull base, (3) surrounding tegmen defects, (4)
      geniculate ganglion dehiscence, (5) superior petrosal sinus-associated dehiscence
      (SPS), (6) low-lying tegmen, and (7) the distance between the outer table of the
      temporal bone and the arcuate eminence.

PMID- 25122603
TI  - A Neurodynamic Optimization Method for Recovery of Compressive Sensed Signals
      With Globally Converged Solution Approximating to l0 Minimization.
AB  - Finding the optimal solution to the constrained l0 -norm minimization problems in
      the recovery of compressive sensed signals is an NP-hard problem and it usually
      requires intractable combinatorial searching operations for getting the global
      optimal solution, unless using other objective functions (e.g., the l1 norm or lp
      norm) for approximate solutions or using greedy search methods for locally
      optimal solutions (e.g., the orthogonal matching pursuit type algorithms). In
      this paper, a neurodynamic optimization method is proposed to solve the l0 -norm
      minimization problems for obtaining the global optimum using a recurrent neural
      network (RNN) model. For the RNN model, a group of modified Gaussian functions
      are constructed and their sum is taken as the objective function for
      approximating the l0 norm and for optimization. The constructed objective
      function sets up a convexity condition under which the neurodynamic system is
      guaranteed to obtain the globally convergent optimal solution. An adaptive
      adjustment scheme is developed for improving the performance of the optimization
      algorithm further. Extensive experiments are conducted to test the proposed
      approach in this paper and the output results validate the effectiveness of the
      new method. 

PMID- 25122604
TI  - Identifying Similar Cases in Document Networks Using Cross-Reference Structures.
AB  - Our objective was to explore the creation of document networks based on different
      thresholds of shared information and different clustering algorithms on those
      networks to identify document clusters describing similar clinical cases. We
      created networks from vaccine adverse event report sets using seven approaches
      for linking reports. We then applied three clustering algorithms [visualization
      of similarities (VOS), Louvain, k-means] to these networks and evaluated their
      ability to identify known clusters. The report sets included one simulated set
      and three sets from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System; each was split
      into training and testing subsets. Training subsets were used to estimate
      parameter values for the clustering algorithms and testing subsets to evaluate
      clusters. We created the networks by linking reports based on shared information
      in the form either of individual Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities
      Preferred Terms (PTs) or of dyads, triplets, quadruplets, quintuplets, and
      sextuplets of PTs; we created another network by weighting the single PT network
      connections by Lin's information theoretic approach to similarity. We then
      repeated this entire process using networks based on text mining output rather
      than structured data. We evaluated report clustering using recall, precision, and
      f-measure. The VOS algorithm outperformed Louvain and k-means in general. The
      best weighting scheme appeared to be related to the complexity of the known
      cluster. For example, singleton weighting performed best for an intussusception
      cluster driven by a single PT. We observed marginal differences between the code-
      and textual-based clustering. In conclusion, our approach supported
      identification of similar nodes in a document network. 

PMID- 25122605
TI  - Accurate segmentation of partially overlapping cervical cells based on dynamic
      sparse contour searching and GVF snake model.
AB  - Overlapping cells segmentation is one of the challenging topics in medical image
      processing. In this paper, we propose to approximately represent the cell contour
      as a set of sparse contour points, which can be further partitioned into two
      parts: the strong contour points and the weak contour points. We consider the
      cell contour extraction as a contour points locating problem and propose an
      effective and robust framework for segmentation of partially overlapping cells in
      cervical smear images. First, the cell nucleus and the background are extracted
      by a morphological filtering-based K-means clustering algorithm. Second, a
      gradient decomposition-based edge enhancement method is developed for enhancing
      the true edges belonging to the center cell. Then, a dynamic sparse contour
      searching algorithm is proposed to gradually locate the weak contour points in
      the cell overlapping regions based on the strong contour points. This algorithm
      involves the least squares estimation and a dynamic searching principle, and is
      thus effective to cope with the cell overlapping problem. Using the located
      contour points, the Gradient Vector Flow Snake model is finally employed to
      extract the accurate cell contour. Experiments have been performed on two
      cervical smear image datasets containing both single cells and partially
      overlapping cells. The high accuracy of the cell contour extraction result
      validates the effectiveness of the proposed method. 

PMID- 25122606
TI  - EEG compression of scalp recordings based on dipole fitting.
AB  - A novel technique for electroencephalogram (EEG) compression is proposed in this
      paper. This technique models the intrinsic dependence inherent between the
      different EEG channels. It is based on methods borrowed from dipole fitting that
      is usually used in order to find a solution to the classic problems in EEG
      analysis: inverse and forward problems. To compress the EEG signals, the forward
      model based on approximated source dipoles is first used to provide an
      approximation of the recorded signals. Then, (based on a smoothness factor)
      appropriate coding techniques are suggested to compress the residuals of the
      fitting process. Results show that this technique works well for different
      recordings and for different patients, and is even able to provide near-lossless
      compression for certain types of recordings. 

PMID- 25122607
TI  - Geometric asymmetry driven Janus micromotors.
AB  - The production and application of nano-/micromotors is of great importance. In
      order for the motors to work, asymmetry in their chemical composition or physical
      geometry must be present if no external asymmetric field is applied. In this
      paper, we present a "coconut" micromotor made of platinum through the partial or
      complete etching of the silica templates. It was shown that although both the
      inner and outer surfaces are made of the same material (Pt), motion of the
      structure can be observed as the convex surface is capable of generating oxygen
      bubbles. This finding shows that not only the chemical asymmetry of the
      micromotor, but also its geometric asymmetry can lead to fast propulsion of the
      motor. Moreover, a considerably higher velocity can be seen for partially etched
      coconut structures than the velocities of Janus or fully etched, shell-like
      motors. These findings will have great importance on the design of future
      micromotors. 

PMID- 25122611
TI  - Sensorimotor adaptation: multiple forms of plasticity in motor circuits.
AB  - One of the most striking properties of the adult central nervous system is its
      ability to undergo changes in function and/or structure. In mammals, learning is
      a major inducer of adaptive plasticity. Sensorimotor adaptation is a type of
      procedural--motor--learning that allows maintaining accurate movements in the
      presence of environmental or internal perturbations by adjusting motor output. In
      this work, we will review experimental evidence gathered from rodents and human
      and nonhuman primates pointing to possible sites of adaptation-related plasticity
      at different levels of organization of the nervous system.

PMID- 25122609
TI  - Inhibition of sphingosine kinase 2 downregulates the expression of c-Myc and Mcl
      1 and induces apoptosis in multiple myeloma.
AB  - Sphingolipid metabolism is being increasingly recognized as a key pathway in
      regulating cancer cell survival and proliferation. However, very little is known
      about its role in multiple myeloma (MM). We investigated the potential of
      targeting sphingosine kinase 2 (SK2) for the treatment of MM. We found that SK2
      was overexpressed in MM cell lines and in primary human bone marrow (BM) CD1381
      myeloma cells. Inhibition of SK2 by SK2- specific short hairpin RNA or ABC294640
      (a SK2 specific inhibitor) effectively inhibited myeloma cell proliferation and
      induced caspase 3-mediated apoptosis. ABC294640 inhibited primary human CD1381
      myeloma cells with the same efficacy as with MM cell lines. ABC294640 effectively
      induced apoptosis of myeloma cells, even in the presence of BM stromal cells.
      Furthermore, we found that ABC294640 downregulated the expression of pS6 and
      directed c-Myc and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) for proteasome degradation. In
      addition, ABC294640 increased Noxa gene transcription and protein expression.
      ABC294640, per se, did not affect the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2),
      but acted synergistically with ABT-737 (a Bcl-2 inhibitor) in inducing myeloma
      cell death. ABC294640 suppressed myeloma tumor growth in vivo in mouse myeloma
      xenograft models. Our data demonstrated that SK2 provides a novel therapeutic
      target for the treatment of MM.This trial was registered at
      www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01410981.

PMID- 25122610
TI  - Functional characterization of the human dendritic cell immunodeficiency
      associated with the IRF8(K108E) mutation.
AB  - We have previously reported on a unique patient in whom homozygosity for a
      mutation at IRF8 (IRF8(K108E)) causes a severe immunodeficiency. Laboratory
      evaluation revealed a highly unusual myeloid compartment, remarkable for the
      complete absence of CD141 and CD161 monocytes, absence of CD11c1 conventional
      dendritic cells (DCs) and CD11c1/CD1231 plasmacytoid DCs, and striking
      granulocytic hyperplasia. The patient initially presented with severe
      disseminated mycobacterial and mucocutaneous fungal infections and was ultimately
      cured by cord blood transplant. Sequencing RNA from the IRF8(K108E) patient's
      primary blood cells prior to transplant shows not only depletion of IRF8-bound
      and IRF8-regulated transcriptional targets, in keeping with the distorted
      composition of the myeloid compartment, but also a paucity of transcripts
      associated with activated CD41 and CD81 T lymphocytes. This suggests that T cells
      reared in the absence of a functional antigen-presenting compartment in
      IRF8(K108E) are anergic. Biochemical characterization of the IRF8(K108E) mutant
      in vitro shows that loss of the positively charged side chain at K108 causes loss
      of nuclear localization and loss of transcriptional activity, which is
      concomitant with decreased protein stability, increased ubiquitination, increased
      small ubiquitin-like modification, and enhanced proteasomal degradation. These
      findings provide functional insight into the molecular basis of immunodeficiency
      associated with loss of IRF8.

PMID- 25122614
TI  - Sulfitobacter geojensis sp. nov., Sulfitobacter noctilucae sp. nov., and
      Sulfitobacter noctilucicola sp. nov., isolated from coastal seawater.
AB  - Four Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterial strains, MM-124, MM-126,
      NB-68 and NB-77, were isolated from the coastal seawater or a region with a bloom
      of sea sparkle around Geoje island in Korea. The sequence similarity values of
      the 16S rRNA gene between the isolates and Sulfitobacter mediterraneus DSM
      12244(T) ranged from 97.7 to 98.2%, and phylogenetic relationships suggested that
      they belong to a phylogenetic branch that includes the genera Sulfitobacter and
      Roseobacter. The isoprenoid quinone of all three novel strains was ubiquinone-10
      and the major fatty acid was cis-vaccenic acid, as in other species of the genus
      Sulfitobacter. However, there were several differences in the morphological,
      physiological and biochemical characteristics among the four strains and the
      reference species of the genus Sulfitobacter. Moreover, the average nucleotide
      identity values between the three sequenced isolates and the reference strains
      were below 76.33, indicating that genomic variation exists between the isolates
      and reference strains. Chemotaxonomic characteristics together with phylogenetic
      affiliations and genomic distances illustrate that strains MM-124, NB-68 and NB
      77 represent novel species of the genus Sulfitobacter, for which the names
      Sulfitobacter geojensis sp. nov. (type strain MM-124(T) =KCTC 32124(T) =JCM
      18835(T)), Sulfitobacter noctilucae sp. nov. (type strain NB-68(T) =KCTC 32122(T)
      =JCM 18833(T)) and Sulfitobacter noctilucicola sp. nov. (type strain NB-77(T)
      =KCTC 32123(T) =JCM 18834(T)) are proposed.

PMID- 25122612
TI  - Unbiased analysis of potential targets of breast cancer susceptibility loci by
      Capture Hi-C.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies have identified more than 70 common variants that
      are associated with breast cancer risk. Most of these variants map to non-protein
      coding regions and several map to gene deserts, regions of several hundred
      kilobases lacking protein-coding genes. We hypothesized that gene deserts harbor
      long-range regulatory elements that can physically interact with target genes to
      influence their expression. To test this, we developed Capture Hi-C (CHi-C),
      which, by incorporating a sequence capture step into a Hi-C protocol, allows high
      resolution analysis of targeted regions of the genome. We used CHi-C to
      investigate long-range interactions at three breast cancer gene deserts mapping
      to 2q35, 8q24.21, and 9q31.2. We identified interaction peaks between putative
      regulatory elements ("bait fragments") within the captured regions and "targets"
      that included both protein-coding genes and long noncoding (lnc) RNAs over
      distances of 6.6 kb to 2.6 Mb. Target protein-coding genes were IGFBP5, KLF4,
      NSMCE2, and MYC; and target lncRNAs included DIRC3, PVT1, and CCDC26. For one
      gene desert, we were able to define two SNPs (rs12613955 and rs4442975) that were
      highly correlated with the published risk variant and that mapped within the bait
      end of an interaction peak. In vivo ChIP-qPCR data show that one of these,
      rs4442975, affects the binding of FOXA1 and implicate this SNP as a putative
      functional variant. 

PMID- 25122613
TI  - High-resolution mapping of transcriptional dynamics across tissue development
      reveals a stable mRNA-tRNA interface.
AB  - The genetic code is an abstraction of how mRNA codons and tRNA anticodons
      molecularly interact during protein synthesis; the stability and regulation of
      this interaction remains largely unexplored. Here, we characterized the
      expression of mRNA and tRNA genes quantitatively at multiple time points in two
      developing mouse tissues. We discovered that mRNA codon pools are highly stable
      over development and simply reflect the genomic background; in contrast, precise
      regulation of tRNA gene families is required to create the corresponding tRNA
      transcriptomes. The dynamic regulation of tRNA genes during development is
      controlled in order to generate an anticodon pool that closely corresponds to
      messenger RNAs. Thus, across development, the pools of mRNA codons and tRNA
      anticodons are invariant and highly correlated, revealing a stable molecular
      interaction interlocking transcription and translation. 

PMID- 25122615
TI  - Zhongshania aliphaticivorans sp. nov., an aliphatic hydrocarbon-degrading
      bacterium isolated from marine sediment, and transfer of Spongiibacter borealis
      Jang et al. 2011 to the genus Zhongshania as Zhongshania borealis comb. nov.
AB  - A Gram-staining-negative, facultatively aerobic bacterium, designated SM-2(T),
      was isolated from a sea-tidal flat of Yellow Sea, South Korea. Cells were
      catalase- and oxidase-positive motile rods with a single polar flagellum. Growth
      of strain SM-2(T) was observed at 10-37  degrees C (optimum, 25-30  degrees C),
      at pH 5.5-8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5) and in the presence of 0-11% (w/v) NaCl
      (optimum, 2%). Strain SM-2(T) contained ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) as the sole isoprenoid
      quinone and C(17:1)omega8c, summed feature 3 (comprising C(16:1)omega7c and/or
      iso-C(15:0) 2-OH), C(17:0) and C(18:1)omega7c as the major fatty acids.
      Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an
      unidentified lipid were identified as the major cellular polar lipids. The G+C
      content of the genomic DNA was 52.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA
      gene sequences showed that strain SM-2(T) formed a tight phyletic lineage with
      Zhongshania antarctica ZS5-23(T), Zhongshania guokunii ZS6-22(T) and
      Spongiibacter borealis CL-AS9(T), but that S. borealis CL-AS9(T) was distinct
      from other species of the genus Spongiibacter. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence
      similarities, strain SM-2(T) was most closely related to S. borealis CL-AS9(T),
      Z. antarctica ZS5-23(T) and Z. guokunii ZS6-22(T), with similarities of 99.5%,
      98.9% and 98.7%, respectively, but the DNA-DNA hybridization values among these
      species were clearly lower than 70%. On the basis of chemotaxonomic data and
      molecular properties, we propose strain SM-2(T) represents a novel species of the
      genus Zhongshania with the name Zhongshania aliphaticivorans sp. nov. (type
      strain SM-2(T) =KACC 18120(T) =JCM 30138(T)). We also propose the transfer of
      Spongiibacter borealis Jang et al. 2011 to the genus Zhongshania as Zhongshania
      borealis comb. nov. (type strain CL-AS9(T) =KCCM 90094(T) =JCM 17304(T)).

PMID- 25122617
TI  - Determining the reach of a home-based physical activity program for older adults
      within the context of a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Determining the reach of physical activity (PA) programs is challenging due to
      inconsistent reporting across studies. The purpose of this study was to document
      multiple indicators of program reach for a 6-month, Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)
      delivered home-based PA program. Radio, newspaper and direct mailing
      advertisements were tracked to determine costs as well as the number and
      representativeness of older adults exposed and responding to recruitment. It was
      estimated that all older adults in the recruitment area (n = 105 515) may have
      been exposed to at least one of the recruitment strategies--563 responded and 383
      were screened as eligible. Of those that enrolled (n = 307), the DVD reached
      between 81% and 97% of the participants over each month within the 6 month
      period. Newspaper advertisements were most effective (n = 222) at a cost of $78
      per participant enrolled. CONCLUSION: Using multiple indicators of reach supports
      the accurate calculation and generalizability of recruiting older adults into PA
      programs.

PMID- 25122618
TI  - Male smoker and non-smoker responses to television advertisements on the harms of
      secondhand smoke in China, India and Russia.
AB  - Mass media campaigns can play an important role in strengthening support for
      smoke-free policies and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). Identifying
      anti-SHS advertisements that are effective in diverse cultural contexts may allow
      for resource sharing in low- and middle-income countries. A convenience sample of
      481 male cigarette smokers and non-smokers in three high tobacco burden and
      culturally dissimilar countries (India, China and Russia) viewed and rated five
      anti-SHS ads. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted for
      'Message Acceptance', 'Negative Emotion', 'Perceived Effectiveness' and
      'Behavioral Intentions'. Smokers and non-smokers in all countries consistently
      rated the strong graphic, health harm ads as the most effective, and the
      'informational' ad as the least effective overall: the graphic ad 'Baby Alive'
      was at least 1.8 times more likely than the informational ad 'Smoke-free works'
      to receive positive ratings on all four outcomes (all P < 0.001). Graphic, health
      harm messages about SHS exposure have the greatest universal appeal and are the
      most effective in motivating changes in behavioral intentions. Similarity in
      reactions between smokers and non-smokers, and across countries, suggests that
      resource sharing and the use of a single graphic ad targeted at smokers and non
      smokers would be cost-efficient strategies. 

PMID- 25122616
TI  - Feasibility and reliability of pocket-size ultrasound examinations of the pleural
      cavities and vena cava inferior performed by nurses in an outpatient heart
      failure clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine assessment of volume state by ultrasound may improve follow
      up of heart failure patients. AIMS: We aimed to study the feasibility and
      reliability of focused pocket-size ultrasound examinations of the pleural
      cavities and the inferior vena cava performed by nurses to assess volume state at
      an outpatient heart failure clinic. METHODS: Ultrasound examinations were
      performed in 62 included heart failure patients by specialized nurses with a
      pocket-size imaging device (PSID). Patients were then re-examined by a
      cardiologist with a high-end scanner for reference within 1 h. Specialized nurses
      were able to obtain and interpret images from both pleural cavities and the
      inferior vena cava and estimate the volume status in all patients. RESULTS: Time
      consumption for focused ultrasound examination was median 5 min. In total 26
      patients had any kind of pleural effusion (in 39 pleural cavities) by reference.
      The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were high,
      all >= 92%. The correlations with reference were high for all measurements, all r
      >= 0.79. Coefficients of variation for end-expiratory dimension of inferior vena
      cava and quantification of pleural effusion were 10.8% and 12.7%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Specialized nurses were, after a dedicated training protocol, able
      to obtain reliable recordings of both pleural cavities and the inferior vena cava
      by PSID and interpret the images in a reliable way. Implementing focused
      ultrasound examinations to assess volume status by nurses in an outpatient heart
      failure clinic may improve diagnostics, and thus improve therapy.

PMID- 25122619
TI  - Understanding something that is remotely sensible, scaling active chlorophyll
      fluorescence from leaves to canopies at ranges of ~50 metres.

PMID- 25122620
TI  - Seasonal changes in carbon and nitrogen compound concentrations in a Quercus
      petraea chronosequence.
AB  - Forest productivity declines with tree age. This decline may be due to changes in
      metabolic functions, resource availability and/or changes in resource allocation
      (between growth, reproduction and storage) with tree age. Carbon and nitrogen
      remobilization/storage processes are key to tree growth and survival. However,
      studies of the effects of tree age on these processes are scarce and have not yet
      considered seasonal carbon and nitrogen variations in situ. This study was
      carried out in a chronosequence of sessile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.) for 1
      year to survey the effects of tree age on the seasonal changes of carbon and
      nitrogen compounds in several tree compartments, focusing on key phenological
      stages. Our results highlight a general pattern of carbon and nitrogen function
      at all tree ages, with carbon reserve remobilization at budburst for growth,
      followed by carbon reserve formation during the leafy season and carbon reserve
      use during winter for maintenance. The variation in concentrations of nitrogen
      compounds shows less amplitude than that of carbon compounds. Storage as proteins
      occurs later, and mainly depends on leaf nitrogen remobilization and root uptake
      in autumn. We highlight several differences between tree age groups, in
      particular the loss of carbon storage function of fine and medium-sized roots
      with tree ageing. Moreover, the pattern of carbon compound accumulation in
      branches supports the hypothesis of a preferential allocation of carbon towards
      growth until the end of wood formation in juvenile trees, at the expense of the
      replenishment of carbon stores, while mature trees start allocating carbon to
      storage right after budburst. Our results demonstrate that at key phenological
      stages, physiological and developmental functions differ with tree age, and
      together with environmental conditions, influence the carbon and nitrogen
      concentration variations in sessile oaks. 

PMID- 25122621
TI  - CecropinXJ, a silkworm antimicrobial peptide, induces cytoskeleton disruption in
      esophageal carcinoma cells.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides exist in the non-specific immune system of organism and
      participate in the innate host defense of each species. CecropinXJ, a cationic
      antimicrobial peptide, possesses potent anticancer activity and acts
      preferentially on cancer cells instead of normal cells, but the mechanism of
      cancer cell death induced by cecropinXJ remains largely unknown. This study was
      performed to investigate the cytoskeleton-disrupting effects of cecropinXJ on
      human esophageal carcinoma cell line Eca109 using scanning electron microscopy
      observation, fluorescence imaging, cell migration and invasion assays, western
      blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT
      PCR) analysis. The electronic microscope and fluorescence imaging observation
      suggested that cecropinXJ could result in morphological changes and induce damage
      to microtubules and actin of Eca109 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The cell
      migration and invasion assays demonstrated that cecropinXJ could inhibit
      migration and invasion of tumor cells. Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis showed
      that there was obvious correlation between microtubule depolymerization and actin
      polymerization induced by cecropinXJ. Moreover, cecropinXJ might also cause
      decreased expression of alpha-actin, beta-actin, gamma-actin, alpha-tubulin, and
      beta-tubulin genes in concentration- and time-dependent manners. In summary, this
      study indicates that cecropinXJ triggers cytotoxicity in Eca109 cells through
      inducing the cytoskeleton destruction and regulating the expression of
      cytoskeleton proteins. This cecropinXJ-mediated cytoskeleton-destruction effect
      is instrumental in our understanding of the detailed action of antimicrobial
      peptides in human cancer cells and cecropinXJ might be a potential therapeutic
      agent for the treatment of cancer in the future. 

PMID- 25122622
TI  - Beam-induced motion correction for sub-megadalton cryo-EM particles.
AB  - In electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM), the electron beam that is used for imaging
      also causes the sample to move. This motion blurs the images and limits the
      resolution attainable by single-particle analysis. In a previous Research article
      (Bai et al., 2013) we showed that correcting for this motion by processing movies
      from fast direct-electron detectors allowed structure determination to near
      atomic resolution from 35,000 ribosome particles. In this Research advance
      article, we show that an improved movie processing algorithm is applicable to a
      much wider range of specimens. The new algorithm estimates straight movement
      tracks by considering multiple particles that are close to each other in the
      field of view, and models the fall-off of high-resolution information content by
      radiation damage in a dose-dependent manner. Application of the new algorithm to
      four data sets illustrates its potential for significantly improving cryo-EM
      structures, even for particles that are smaller than 200 kDa.

PMID- 25122623
TI  - Cryo-EM enters a new era.
AB  - Advances in detector hardware and image-processing software have led to a
      revolution in the use of electron cryo-microscopy to determine complex molecular
      structures at high resolution. 

PMID- 25122625
TI  - Advancing research.
AB  - eLife has introduced a new type of article-the Research Advance-that allows the
      authors of an eLife paper to publish results that build on their original
      research paper. 

PMID- 25122626
TI  - Strategies to Promote Cultural Competence in Distance Education.
AB  - Cultural competence is a mainstay in health care and nursing education. With the
      expansion in the number of distance-based nursing programs across the country,
      innovative teaching methods for distance learning faculty are required to instill
      cultural competence in students. Faculty must be deliberate when planning
      distance-based learning activities that incorporate cultural experiences. This
      article describes several such strategies including the creative use of blogging,
      recorded lectures, the online synchronous classroom, social media, and cultural
      immersion projects. These methods capitalize on existing information technologies
      and offer distance-based students the opportunity to connect with one another, as
      well as develop the awareness, sensitivity, and respect that is required when
      providing culturally competent care. These teaching methods are modifiable to
      meet the teaching and learning needs of the faculty and the students, thereby
      allowing educators to support the integration of cultural competence into patient
      care for distance students. 

PMID- 25122624
TI  - Complexin inhibits spontaneous release and synchronizes Ca2+-triggered synaptic
      vesicle fusion by distinct mechanisms.
AB  - Previously we showed that fast Ca(2+)-triggered vesicle fusion with reconstituted
      neuronal SNAREs and synaptotagmin-1 begins from an initial hemifusion-free
      membrane point contact, rather than a hemifusion diaphragm, using a single
      vesicle-vesicle lipid/content mixing assay (Diao et al., 2012). When complexin-1
      was included, a more pronounced Ca(2+)-triggered fusion burst was observed,
      effectively synchronizing the process. Here we show that complexin-1 also reduces
      spontaneous fusion in the same assay. Moreover, distinct effects of several
      complexin-1 truncation mutants on spontaneous and Ca(2+)-triggered fusion closely
      mimic those observed in neuronal cultures. The very N-terminal domain is
      essential for synchronization of Ca(2+)-triggered fusion, but not for suppression
      of spontaneous fusion, whereas the opposite is true for the C-terminal domain. By
      systematically varying the complexin-1 concentration, we observed differences in
      titration behavior for spontaneous and Ca(2+)-triggered fusion. Taken together,
      complexin-1 utilizes distinct mechanisms for synchronization of Ca(2+)-triggered
      fusion and inhibition of spontaneous fusion.

PMID- 25122627
TI  - Managing the ethical challenges of next-generation sequencing in genomic
      medicine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is transforming the conduct of
      genetic research and diagnostic investigation. This creates new challenges as it
      generates additional information, including unsought and unwanted information.
      Nevertheless, this information must be deliberately managed-interpreted,
      disclosed and then either stored or destroyed. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: Handling the
      process of consent to exome or genome sequencing should include discussion about
      the possible detection of variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) or incidental
      findings (IFs) that the patient may prefer not to hear about. A plan should be
      drawn up that specifies whether and how the patient would be recontacted in the
      future with new interpretations. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: There is an active debate
      about which IFs or VUSs should be disclosed to the patient when an exome or
      genome sequence has been performed, or whether all findings of any possible
      relevance should always be disclosed. How this is managed has important
      implications for the initial explanation of the test to the patient and the
      process of consent. The assumption is often made that all sequence information
      should be stored, but this may not be sustainable or useful. GROWING POINTS:
      Efforts are being made to build a consensus on what 'incidental' information
      should be disclosed. These policy questions are being addressed in many centres
      and practices are evolving rapidly. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Those
      interested in genetics, public health, bioethics and medical ethics may wish to
      debate these issues and influence future practice in both genetic research and
      genetic diagnostic services.

PMID- 25122628
TI  - Bed rest promotes reductions in walking speed, functional parameters, and aerobic
      fitness in older, healthy adults.
AB  - CONTEXT: The exact relationship between the bed rest-induced loss of skeletal
      muscle and reductions in muscle strength and physical performance in the older
      individuals is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effect of 10 days of bed
      rest on changes in regional body composition, muscle strength, and functional
      status, and the relationship between these variables in older individuals.
      DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTION: Regional body composition was measured
      using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. We also determined changes in leg
      strength and several indices of functional status, including walking speed.
      RESULTS: Body weight, body mass index, and total and lower extremity lean mass
      decreased with bed rest. There were also significant reductions in knee extension
      one repetition maximum, isometric knee extension, knee extension 60 degrees 
      concentric, stair ascent time, stair ascent power, stair descent time, VO2 max,
      floor transfer test, 5-minute walk time, and chair stand. The overall change in
      total and lower extremity lean mass was also directly related to bed rest-induced
      reductions in one repetition maximum knee extension. CONCLUSIONS: Bed rest
      promoted overall declines in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function
      in older individuals. The changes in lean tissue were closely correlated with the
      bed rest-induced decline of muscle strength.

PMID- 25122629
TI  - Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis in chronic lateral
      epicondylitis: short-term and long-term results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is a
      novel minimally invasive approach which consists of the application of a galvanic
      current through an acupuncture needle. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and
      ultrasonographic effectiveness of a multimodal programme (PNE, eccentric exercise
      (EccEx) and stretching) in the short term for patients with chronic lateral
      epicondylitis, and to determine whether the clinical outcomes achieved decline
      over time. METHODS: A one-way repeated measures study was performed in a clinical
      setting in 36 patients presenting with lateral epicondylitis. The patients
      received one session of US-guided PNE per week over 4-6 weeks, associated with a
      home programme of EccEx and stretching. The main outcome measures were severity
      of pain, disability (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)
      questionnaire), structural tendon changes (US), hypervascularity and patients'
      perceptions of overall outcome. Measurements at 6, 26 and 52 weeks follow-up
      included recurrence rates (increase in severity of pain or disability compared
      with discharge), perception of overall outcome and success rates. RESULTS: All
      outcome measures registered significant improvements between pre-intervention and
      discharge. Most patients (n=30, 83.3%) rated the overall outcome as 'successful'
      at 6 weeks. The ultrasonographic findings showed that the hypoechoic regions and
      hypervascularity of the extensor carpi radialis brevis changed significantly. At
      26 and 52 weeks, all participants (n=32) perceived a 'successful' outcome.
      Recurrence rates were null after discharge and at follow-up at 6, 26 and 52
      weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms and degenerative structural changes of chronic
      lateral epicondylitis are reduced after US-guided PNE associated with EccEx and
      stretching, with encouragingly low recurrences in the mid to long term. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02085928.

PMID- 25122630
TI  - The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of diarrhea associated with
      enteropathogenic, enteroaggregative and diffuse-adherent Escherichia coli in
      Egyptian children.
AB  - A total of 220 enteroadherent Escherichia coli were identified from 729 Egyptian
      children with diarrhea using the HEp-2 adherence assay. Enteropathogenic E.coli
      (EPEC = 38) was common among children <6 months old and provoked vomiting, while
      diffuse-adhering E.coli (DAEC = 109) induced diarrheal episodes of short
      duration, and enteroaggregative E.coli (EAEC = 73) induced mild non-persistent
      diarrhea. These results suggest that EPEC is associated with infantile diarrhea
      in Egyptian children. 

PMID- 25122632
TI  - Two-year carcinogenicity study in rats with a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitor.
AB  - Administration of lersivirine, a nonnucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor,
      daily by oral gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats for up to 2 yr was associated with
      decreased survival, decreased body weights, and an increase in neoplasms and
      related proliferative lesions in the liver, thyroid, kidney, and urinary bladder.
      Thyroid follicular adenoma and carcinoma, the associated thyroid follicular
      hypertrophy/hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenoma/adenocarcinoma, altered cell
      foci, and hepatocellular hypertrophy were consistent with lersivirine-related
      induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes. Renal tubular adenoma and renal tubular
      hyperplasia were attributed to the lersivirine-related exacerbation of chronic
      progressive nephropathy (CPN), while urinary bladder hyperplasia and transitional
      cell carcinoma in the renal pelvis and urinary bladder were attributed to urinary
      calculi. Renal tubular neoplasms associated with increased incidence and severity
      of CPN, neoplasms of transitional epithelium attributed to crystalluria, and
      thyroid follicular and hepatocellular neoplasms related to hepatic enzyme
      induction have low relevance for human risk assessment.

PMID- 25122631
TI  - Tel1ATM dictates the replication timing of short yeast telomeres.
AB  - Telomerase action is temporally linked to DNA replication. Although yeast
      telomeres are normally late replicating, telomere shortening leads to early
      firing of subtelomeric DNA replication origins. We show that double-strand breaks
      flanked by short telomeric arrays cause origin firing early in S phase at late
      replicating loci and that this effect on origin firing time is dependent on the
      Tel1(ATM) checkpoint kinase. The effect of Tel1(ATM) on telomere replication
      timing extends to endogenous telomeres and is stronger than that elicited by Rif1
      loss. These results establish that Tel1(ATM) specifies not only the extent but
      also the timing of telomerase recruitment. 

PMID- 25122633
TI  - Stability study of carboplatin infusion solutions in 0.9% sodium chloride in
      polyvinyl chloride bags.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Carboplatin is a platinum-containing compound with
      efficacy against various malignancies. The physico-chemical stability of
      carboplatin in dextrose 5% water (D5W) has been thoroughly studied; however,
      there is a paucity of stability data in clinically relevant 0.9% sodium chloride
      infusion solutions. The manufacturer's limited stability data in sodium chloride
      solutions hampers the flexibility of carboplatin usage in oncology patients.
      Hence, the purpose of this study is to determine the physical and chemical
      stability of carboplatin-sodium chloride intravenous solutions under different
      storage conditions. METHODS: The physico-chemical stability of 0.5 mg/mL, 2.0
      mg/mL, and 4.0 mg/mL carboplatin-sodium chloride solutions prepared in polyvinyl
      chloride bags was determined following storage at room temperature under ambient
      fluorescent light and under refrigeration in the dark. Concentrations of
      carboplatin were measured at predetermined time points up to seven days using a
      stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: All
      tested solutions were found physically stable for at least seven days. The
      greatest chemical stability was observed under refrigerated storage conditions.
      At 4C, all tested solutions were found chemically stable for at least seven days,
      with nominal losses of <=6%. Following storage at room temperature exposed to
      normal fluorescent light, the chemical stability of 0.5 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, and 4.0
      mg/mL solutions was three days, five days, and seven days, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: The extended physico-chemical stability of carboplatin prepared in
      sodium chloride reported herein permits advance preparation of these admixtures,
      facilitating pharmacy utility and operations. Since no antibacterial preservative
      is contained within these carboplatin solutions, we recommend storage, when
      prepared under specified aseptic conditions, no greater than 24 h at room
      temperature or three days under refrigeration.

PMID- 25122634
TI  - Compliance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network anti-emesis guidelines in a
      Community Hospital Cancer Center.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nausea and vomiting are common adverse events exhibited by patients
      receiving chemotherapy. Prophylactic use of anti-emetic agents has been shown to
      reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Compliance with the National
      Comprehensive Cancer Network anti-emesis guidelines (Version 1.2013) by
      practitioners in a community out-patient hospital (Blount Memorial Hospital) has
      been reviewed and the results are presented herein. DESIGN: Retrospective study
      of patients receiving their first cycle of chemotherapy. PATIENTS: A total of 487
      patients were reviewed from January 2005 to July 2012. In total, 70 patients were
      categorized in the high-risk category, 292 patients were categorized in the
      moderate-risk category, 60 patients were categorized in the low-risk category,
      and 65 patients were categorized in the minimal-risk category as per the National
      Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Included patients were being
      administered the first cycle of their first treatment at Blount Memorial
      Hospital. DATA: Data were collected retrospectively from patient chemotherapy
      dispensing folders. RESULTS: In all, 63% of the patients received appropriate
      anti-emetic prophylaxis medications as per the National Comprehensive Cancer
      Network guidelines. Post-comparison between outcomes based on the risk category
      showed that patients in the moderate-risk category were most likely (91%) and
      patients in the low-risk category were least likely (6.67%) to receive
      appropriate anti-emetic prophylaxis as per the National Comprehensive Cancer
      Network guidelines. CONCLUSION: Overall compliance with guidelines is acceptable.
      Patients in the moderate risk category are most likely to receive appropriate
      anti-emetic prophylaxis.

PMID- 25122635
TI  - Tranexamic acid for surgical bleeding.

PMID- 25122636
TI  - Deficient human beta-defensin 1 underlies male infertility associated with poor
      sperm motility and genital tract infection.
AB  - Genital tract infection and reduced sperm motility are considered two pivotal
      etiological factors for male infertility associated with leukocytospermia and
      asthenozoospermia, respectively. We demonstrate that the amount of human beta
      defensin 1 (DEFB1) in sperm from infertile men exhibiting either leukocytospermia
      or asthenozoospermia, both of which are associated with reduced motility and
      reduced bactericidal activity in sperm, is much lower compared to that in normal
      fertile sperm. Interference with DEFB1 function also decreases both motility and
      bactericidal activity in normal sperm, whereas treatment with recombinant DEFB1
      markedly restores DEFB1 expression, bactericidal activity, sperm quality, and egg
      penetrating ability in sperm from both asthenozoospermia and leukocytospermia
      patients. DEFB1 interacts with chemokine receptor type 6 (CCR6) in sperm and
      triggers Ca(2+) mobilization, which is important for sperm motility. Interference
      with CCR6 function also reduces motility and bactericidal activity of normal
      sperm. The present finding explains a common defect in male infertility
      associated with both asthenozoospermia and leukocytospermia, indicating a dual
      role of DEFB1 in defending male fertility. These results also suggest that the
      expression of DEFB1 and CCR6 may have diagnostic potential and that treatment of
      defective sperm with recombinant DEFB1 protein may be a feasible therapeutic
      approach for male infertility associated with poor sperm motility and genital
      tract infection. 

PMID- 25122638
TI  - A single localized dose of enzyme-responsive hydrogel improves long-term survival
      of a vascularized composite allograft.
AB  - Currently, systemic immunosuppression is used in vascularized composite
      allotransplantation (VCA). This treatment has considerable side effects and
      reduces the quality of life of VCA recipients. We loaded the immunosuppressive
      drug tacrolimus into a self-assembled hydrogel, which releases the drug in
      response to proteolytic enzymes that are overexpressed during inflammation. A one
      time local injection of the tacrolimus-laden hydrogel significantly prolonged
      graft survival in a Brown Norway-to-Lewis rat hindlimb transplantation model,
      leading to a median graft survival of >100 days compared to 33.5 days in
      tacrolimus only-treated recipients. Control groups with no treatment or hydrogel
      only showed a graft survival of 11 days. Histopathological evaluation, including
      anti-graft antibodies and complement C3, revealed significantly reduced immune
      responses in the tacrolimus-hydrogel group compared with tacrolimus only. In
      conclusion, a single-dose local injection of an enzyme-responsive tacrolimus
      hydrogel is capable of preventing VCA rejection for >100 days in a rat model and
      may offer a new approach for immunosuppression in VCA. 

PMID- 25122637
TI  - Lymph node fibroblastic reticular cell transplants show robust therapeutic
      efficacy in high-mortality murine sepsis.
AB  - Sepsis is an aggressive inflammatory syndrome and a global health burden
      estimated to kill 7.3 million people annually. Single-target molecular therapies
      have not addressed the multiple disease pathways triggered by septic injury. Cell
      therapies might offer a broader set of mechanisms of action that benefit complex,
      multifocal disease processes. We describe a population of immune-specialized
      myofibroblasts derived from lymph node tissue, termed fibroblastic reticular
      cells (FRCs). Because FRCs have an immunoregulatory function in lymph nodes, we
      hypothesized that ex vivo-expanded FRCs would control inflammation when
      administered therapeutically. Indeed, a single injection of ex vivo-expanded
      allogeneic FRCs reduced mortality in mouse models of sepsis when administered at
      early or late time points after septic onset. Mice treated with FRCs exhibited
      lower local and systemic concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and reduced
      bacteremia. When administered 4 hours after induction of lipopolysaccharide
      endotoxemia, or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) sepsis in mice, FRCs reduced
      deaths by at least 70%. When administered late in disease (16 hours after CLP),
      FRCs still conveyed a robust survival advantage (44% survival compared to 0% for
      controls). FRC therapy was dependent on the metabolic activity of nitric oxide
      synthase 2 (NOS2) as the primary molecular mechanism of drug action in the mice.
      Together, these data describe a new anti-inflammatory cell type and provide
      preclinical evidence for therapeutic efficacy in severe sepsis that warrants
      further translational study. 

PMID- 25122641
TI  - Translational pain research: Lessons from genetics and genomics.
AB  - Pharmacological, surgical, psychological, and alternative medicine approaches for
      the treatment of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, provide only partial
      relief for most patients, with the efficacy of existing medications often blunted
      by dose-limiting side effects arising from drug actions on cells outside the pain
      signaling axis. The development of more effective treatments for pain-
      particularly chronic pain states such as neuropathic pain--has been hampered by
      lack of predictive animal models and biomarkers, variation in pain
      characteristics between patients or on a day-to-day basis for single patients,
      patient stratification on the basis of symptoms rather than mechanism, and a high
      rate of placebo responses. We discuss genetic and genomic approaches to
      translational pain research. We review examples of the identification and
      validation of human pain targets through rodent genome-wide association studies
      (GWAS) and global mRNA expression studies, functional screening in flies and
      mice, human GWAS and whole-exome sequencing studies, and the targeted candidate
      gene approach. These and other emerging genetic and genomic strategies are likely
      to facilitate the development of new, more effective pain therapeutics.

PMID- 25122639
TI  - Intratumoral injection of Clostridium novyi-NT spores induces antitumor
      responses.
AB  - Species of Clostridium bacteria are notable for their ability to lyse tumor cells
      growing in hypoxic environments. We show that an attenuated strain of Clostridium
      novyi (C. novyi-NT) induces a microscopically precise, tumor-localized response
      in a rat orthotopic brain tumor model after intratumoral injection. It is well
      known, however, that experimental models often do not reliably predict the
      responses of human patients to therapeutic agents. We therefore used naturally
      occurring canine tumors as a translational bridge to human trials. Canine tumors
      are more like those of humans because they occur in animals with heterogeneous
      genetic backgrounds, are of host origin, and are due to spontaneous rather than
      engineered mutations. We found that intratumoral injection of C. novyi-NT spores
      was well tolerated in companion dogs bearing spontaneous solid tumors, with the
      most common toxicities being the expected symptoms associated with bacterial
      infections. Objective responses were observed in 6 of 16 dogs (37.5%), with three
      complete and three partial responses. On the basis of these encouraging results,
      we treated a human patient who had an advanced leiomyosarcoma with an
      intratumoral injection of C. novyi-NT spores. This treatment reduced the tumor
      within and surrounding the bone. Together, these results show that C. novyi-NT
      can precisely eradicate neoplastic tissues and suggest that further clinical
      trials of this agent in selected patients are warranted. 

PMID- 25122642
TI  - Does a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone reduce Symptoms in Emergency
      department patients with low Back pain and RAdiculopathy (SEBRA)? A double-blind
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone in
      addition to routine treatment on visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at 24 h
      in emergency department (ED) patients with low back pain with radiculopathy
      (LBPR). METHODS: Double-blind randomised controlled trial of 58 adult ED patients
      with LBPR, conducted in one tertiary and one urban ED. The intervention was 8 mg
      of intravenous dexamethasone (or placebo) in addition to current routine care.
      The primary outcome was the change in VAS pain scores between presentation and 24
      h. Secondary outcomes included VAS pain scores at 6 weeks, ED length of stay
      (EDLOS), straight leg raise (SLR) angles and Oswestry functional scores. RESULTS:
      Patients treated with dexamethasone had a 1.86 point (95% CI 0.31 to 3.42,
      p=0.019) greater reduction in VAS pain scores at 24 h than placebo
      (dexamethasone: -2.63 (95% CI -3.63 to -1.63) versus placebo: -0.77 (95% CI -2.04
      to 0.51)). At 6 weeks, both groups had similar significant and sustained decrease
      in VAS scores compared with baseline. Patients receiving dexamethasone had a
      significantly shorter EDLOS (median: 3.5 h vs 18.8 h, p=0.049) and improved SLR
      angle at discharge (14.7 degrees , p=0.040). There was no difference in
      functional scores. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with LBPR, a single dose of
      intravenous dexamethasone in addition to routine management improved VAS pain
      scores at 24 h, but this effect was not statistically significant at 6 weeks.
      Dexamethasone may reduce EDLOS and can be considered as a safe adjunct to
      standard treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12611001020976.

PMID- 25122643
TI  - Analysis of mandibular structure using 3D facial computed tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study measured and analyzed the position and dimension of genial
      tubercle (GT) and mental foramen (MF) STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review
      study. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two
      hundred ten subjects were included who received 3-dimensional (3D) facial
      computed tomography (CT), and the GT and MF were evaluated. Subjects were divided
      into 4 groups by gender and skeletal type. Seven variables were measured: (1)
      height of GT (GTH), (2) width of GT (GTW), (3) distance from apices of lower
      incisors to superior border of GT (LI-SGT), (4) distance from inferior border of
      GT to inferior border of mandible (IGT-IBM), (5) thickness of anterior mandible
      (MT), (6) distance from symphysis of mandible to MF (S-MF), and (7) distance from
      superior border of GT to inferior border of mandible (SGT-IBM). RESULTS: All the
      parameters showed marked differences in individuals. Class I males showed longer
      GTH, MT, and SGT-IBM than class I females (P < .05). IGT-IBM and S-MF were longer
      in class II males than in class I females (P < .05). LI-SGT and IGT-IBM also
      showed personal variation. CONCLUSION: Anatomical features of mandibular
      structures showed individual variations. GTH, IGT-IBM, MT, S-MF, and SGT-IBM also
      showed differences between the groups.

PMID- 25122644
TI  - High-salt intake induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in rats in response to local
      angiotensin II type 1 receptor activation.
AB  - Many studies have shown that risk factors that are independent of blood pressure
      (BP) can contribute to the development of cardiac hypertrophy (CH). Among these
      factors, high-salt (HS) intake was prominent. Although some studies have
      attempted to elucidate the role of salt in the development of this disease, the
      mechanisms by which salt acts are not yet fully understood. Thus, the aim of this
      study was to better understand the mechanisms of CH and interstitial fibrosis
      (IF) caused by HS intake. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups according
      to diet [normal salt (NS; 1.27% NaCl) or HS (8% NaCl)] and treatment [losartan
      (LOS) (HS+LOS group), hydralazine (HZ) (HS+HZ group), or N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
      (HS+NAC group)], which was given in the drinking water. Tail-cuff BP, transverse
      diameter of the cardiomyocyte, IF, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) gene and
      protein expression, serum aldosterone, cardiac angiotensin II, cardiac
      thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and binding of conformation-specific
      anti-AT1 and anti-angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2) antibodies in the 2
      ventricles were measured. Based on the left ventricle transverse diameter data,
      the primary finding was the occurrence of significant BP-independent CH in the
      HS+HZ group (96% of the HS group) and a partial or total prevention of such
      hypertrophy via treatment with NAC or LOS (81% and 67% of the HS group,
      respectively). The significant total or partial prevention of IF using all 3
      treatments (HS+HZ, 27%; HS+LOS, 27%; and HS+NAC, 58% of the HS group,
      respectively), and an increase in the AT1 gene and protein expression and
      activity in groups that developed CH, confirmed that CH occurred via the AT1 in
      this experimental model. Thus, this study unveiled some relevant previously
      unknown mechanisms of CH induced by chronic HS intake in Wistar rats. The link of
      oxidative stress with CH in our experimental model is very interesting and
      stimulates further evaluation for its full comprehension. 

PMID- 25122640
TI  - Lost but making progress--Where will new analgesic drugs come from?
AB  - There is a critical need for effective new pharmacotherapies for pain. The
      paucity of new drugs successfully reaching the clinic calls for a reassessment of
      current analgesic drug discovery approaches. Many points early in the discovery
      process present significant hurdles, making it critical to exploit advances in
      pain neurobiology to increase the probability of success. In this review, we
      highlight approaches that are being pursued vigorously by the pain community for
      drug discovery, including innovative preclinical pain models, insights from
      genetics, mechanistic phenotyping of pain patients, development of biomarkers,
      and emerging insights into chronic pain as a disorder of both the periphery and
      the brain. Collaborative efforts between pharmaceutical, academic, and public
      entities to advance research in these areas promise to de-risk potential targets,
      stimulate investment, and speed evaluation and development of better pain
      therapies. 

PMID- 25122646
TI  - Glycine stimulates protein synthesis and inhibits oxidative stress in pig small
      intestinal epithelial cells.
AB  - Glycine has recently been classified as a nutritionally essential amino acid for
      maximal growth in young pigs. Currently, little is known about the metabolism or
      function of glycine in the neonatal intestine. This work was conducted to test
      the hypothesis that glycine has a protective effect against oxidative stress in
      intestinal epithelial cells. Jejunal enterocytes isolated from newborn pigs were
      cultured in the presence of 0.0-2 mmol/L glycine for measurements of glycine
      metabolism, cell proliferation, protein turnover, apoptosis, and antioxidative
      response. Compared with 0.0-0.5 mmol/L glycine, 1.0 mmol/L glycine enhanced (P <
      0.05) cell growth (by 8-24% on day 2 and by 34-224% on day 4, respectively) and
      protein synthesis (by 36-419%) while reducing (P < 0.05) protein degradation (by
      7-28%). This effect of glycine was associated with activation of the mammalian
      target of rapamycin signaling pathway in enterocytes. By using a model of
      oxidative stress induced by 30 MUmol/L 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), which was
      assessed by flow cytometry analysis, 1.0 mmol/L glycine inhibited (P < 0.05)
      activation of caspase 3 by 25% and attenuated (P < 0.05) 4-HNE-induced apoptosis
      by 38% in intestinal porcine epithelial cell line 1 cells through promotion of
      reduced glutathione synthesis and expression of glycine transporter 1 while
      reducing the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases, c-Jun amino
      terminal kinases, and p38 protein in the mitogen-activated protein kinase
      signaling pathway. These novel findings provide a biochemical mechanism for the
      use of dietary glycine to improve intestinal health in neonates under conditions
      of oxidative stress and glycine deficiency. 

PMID- 25122645
TI  - MicroRNAs are absorbed in biologically meaningful amounts from nutritionally
      relevant doses of cow milk and affect gene expression in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells, HEK-293 kidney cell cultures, and mouse livers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate genes in animals and plants and can be
      synthesized endogenously. In milk, miRNAs are encapsulated in exosomes, thereby
      conferring protection against degradation and facilitating uptake by endocytosis.
      The majority of bovine miRNAs have nucleotide sequences complementary to human
      gene transcripts, suggesting that miRNAs in milk might regulate human genes.
      OBJECTIVES: We tested the hypotheses that humans absorb biologically meaningful
      amounts of miRNAs from nutritionally relevant doses of milk, milk-borne miRNAs
      regulate human gene expression, and mammals cannot compensate for dietary miRNA
      depletion by endogenous miRNA synthesis. METHODS: Healthy adults (3 men, 2 women;
      aged 26-49 y) consumed 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 L of milk in a randomized crossover
      design. Gene expression studies and milk miRNA depletion studies were conducted
      in human cell cultures and mice, respectively. For comparison, feeding studies
      with plant miRNAs from broccoli were conducted in humans. RESULTS: Postprandial
      concentration time curves suggest that meaningful amounts of miRNA (miR)-29b and
      miR-200c were absorbed; plasma concentrations of miR-1 did not change (negative
      control). The expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), a known
      target of miR-29b, increased by 31% in blood mononuclear cells after milk
      consumption compared with baseline. When milk exosomes were added to cell culture
      media, mimicking postprandial concentrations of miR-29b and miR-200c, reporter
      gene activities significantly decreased by 44% and 17%, respectively, compared
      with vehicle controls in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. When C57BL/6J mice
      were fed a milk miRNA-depleted diet for 4 wk, plasma miR-29b concentrations were
      significantly decreased by 61% compared with miRNA-sufficient controls, i.e.,
      endogenous synthesis did not compensate for dietary depletion. Broccoli sprout
      feeding studies were conducted as a control and elicited no detectable increase
      in Brassica-specific miRNAs. CONCLUSION: We conclude that miRNAs in milk are
      bioactive food compounds that regulate human genes.

PMID- 25122648
TI  - Low doses of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid from fish oil dose
      dependently decrease serum triglyceride concentrations in the presence of plant
      sterols in hypercholesterolemic men and women.
AB  - Plant sterols (PSs) lower LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations, whereas the n-3
      (omega-3) fish fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid
      (DHA) lower triglyceride (TG) concentrations. Incorporating both PSs and EPA+DHA
      from fish oil (FO) in a single food format was expected to beneficially affect 2
      blood lipid risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the dose
      response relation between low doses (<2 g/d) of EPA+DHA from FO, incorporated in
      a low-fat PS-enriched spread, and TG concentrations. In addition, effects on LDL
      C were investigated. The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled parallel study. After a 4-wk run-in period, subjects were
      randomly assigned to consume either a control (C) spread (no PSs, no FO) or 1 of
      4 intervention spreads containing a fixed amount of PSs (2.5 g/d) and varying
      amounts of FO (0.0, 0.9, 1.3, and 1.8 g/d of EPA+DHA) for 4 wk. Before and after
      the intervention, fasting blood samples were drawn for measuring serum lipids and
      EPA and DHA in erythrocyte membranes. In total, 85 hypercholesterolemic men and
      247 women with a mean age of 57.9 y (range: 25-74 y) were included. Eighteen
      subjects dropped out during the study. At baseline, mean TG and LDL-C
      concentrations were 1.09 and 4.00 mmol/L, respectively. After the intervention, a
      significant dose-response relation for the TG-lowering effect of EPA+DHA [betaln
      (TG) = -0.07 mmol/L per gram of EPA+DHA; P < 0.01] was found. Compared with the C
      group, TG concentrations were 9.3-16.2% lower in the different FO groups (P <
      0.05 for all groups). LDL-C concentrations were 11.5-14.7% lower in the different
      PS groups than in the C group (P < 0.01 for all groups). EPA and DHA in
      erythrocyte membranes were dose-dependently higher after FO intake than after the
      C spread, indicating good compliance. Consumption of a low-fat spread enriched
      with PSs and different low doses of n-3 fatty acids from FO decreased TG
      concentrations in a dose-dependent manner and decreased LDL-C concentrations.
      This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01313988. 

PMID- 25122649
TI  - Computer modeling of obesity links theoretical energetic measures with
      experimental measures of fuel use for lean and obese men.
AB  - The goal of this research was to use a computational model of human metabolism to
      predict energy metabolism for lean and obese men. The model is composed of 6
      state variables representing amino acids, muscle protein, visceral protein,
      glucose, triglycerides, and fatty acids (FAs). Differential equations represent
      carbohydrate, amino acid, and FA uptake and output by tissues based on ATP
      creation and use for both lean and obese men. Model parameterization is based on
      data from previous studies. Results from sensitivity analyses indicate that model
      predictions of resting energy expenditure (REE) and respiratory quotient (RQ) are
      dependent on FA and glucose oxidation rates with the highest sensitivity
      coefficients (0.6, 0.8 and 0.43, 0.15, respectively, for lean and obese models).
      Metabolizable energy (ME) is influenced by ingested energy intake with a
      sensitivity coefficient of 0.98, and a phosphate-to-oxygen ratio by FA oxidation
      rate and amino acid oxidation rate (0.32, 0.24 and 0.55, 0.65 for lean and obese
      models, respectively). Simulations of previously published studies showed that
      the model is able to predict ME ranging from 6.6 to 9.3 with 0% differences
      between published and model values, and RQ ranging from 0.79 to 0.86 with 1%
      differences between published and model values. REEs >7 MJ/d are predicted with
      6% differences between published and model values. Glucose oxidation increases by
      ~0.59 mol/d, RQ increases by 0.03, REE increases by 2 MJ/d, and heat production
      increases by 1.8 MJ/d in the obese model compared with lean model simulations.
      Increased FA oxidation results in higher changes in RQ and lower relative changes
      in REE. These results suggest that because fat mass is directly related to REE
      and rate of FA oxidation, body fat content could be used as a predictor of RQ. 

PMID- 25122647
TI  - Pregnancy and lactation alter biomarkers of biotin metabolism in women consuming
      a controlled diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biotin functions as a cofactor for several carboxylase enzymes with
      key roles in metabolism. At present, the dietary requirement for biotin is
      unknown and intake recommendations are provided as Adequate Intakes (AIs). The
      biotin AI for adults and pregnant women is 30 MUg/d, whereas 35 MUg/d is
      recommended for lactating women. However, pregnant and lactating women may
      require more biotin to meet the demands of these reproductive states. OBJECTIVE:
      The current study sought to quantify the impact of reproductive state on biotin
      status response to a known dietary intake of biotin. METHODS: To achieve this
      aim, we measured a panel of biotin biomarkers among pregnant (gestational week 27
      at study entry; n = 26), lactating (postnatal week 5 at study entry; n = 28), and
      control (n = 21) women who participated in a 10- to 12-wk feeding study providing
      57 MUg of dietary biotin/d as part of a mixed diet. RESULTS: Over the course of
      the study, pregnant women excreted 69% more (vs. control; P < 0.001) 3
      hydroxyisovaleric acid (3-HIA), a metabolite that accumulates during the
      catabolism of leucine when the activity of biotin-dependent methylcrotonyl
      coenzyme A carboxylase is impaired. Interestingly, urinary excretion of 3
      hydroxyisovaleryl-carnitine (3-HIA-carnitine), a downstream metabolite of 3-HIA,
      was 27% lower (P = 0.05) among pregnant (vs. control) women, a finding that may
      arise from carnitine inadequacy during gestation. No differences (P > 0.05) were
      detected in plasma biotin, urinary biotin, or urinary bisnorbiotin between
      pregnant and control women. Lactating women excreted 76% more (vs. control; P =
      0.001) of the biotin catabolite bisnorbiotin, indicating that lactation
      accelerates biotin turnover and loss. Notably, with respect to control women,
      lactating women excreted 23% less (P = 0.04) urinary 3-HIA and 26% less (P =
      0.05) urinary 3-HIA-carnitine, suggesting that lactation reduces leucine
      catabolism and that these metabolites may not be useful indicators of biotin
      status during lactation. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these data demonstrate significant
      alterations in markers of biotin metabolism during pregnancy and lactation and
      suggest that biotin intakes exceeding current recommendations are needed to meet
      the demands of these reproductive states. This trial was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01127022.

PMID- 25122651
TI  - Fatty Acid Binding Protein 3 Is Involved in n-3 and n-6 PUFA transport in mouse
      trophoblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low placental fatty acid (FA) transport during the embryonic period
      has been suggested to result in fetal developmental disorders and various adult
      metabolic diseases, but the molecular mechanism by which FAs are transported
      through the placental unit remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to examine the distribution and functional relevance of FA binding
      protein (FABP), a cellular chaperone of FAs, in the mouse placenta. METHODS: We
      clarified the localization of FABPs and sought to examine their function in
      placental FA transport through the phenotypic analysis of Fabp3-knockout mice.
      RESULTS: Four FABPs (FABP3, FABP4, FABP5, and FABP7) were expressed with spatial
      heterogeneity in the placenta, and FABP3 was dominantly localized to the
      trophoblast cells. In placentas from the Fabp3-knockout mice (both sexes), the
      transport coefficients for linoleic acid (LA) were significantly reduced compared
      with those from wild-type mice by 25% and 44% at embryonic day (E) 15.5 and
      E18.5, respectively, whereas those for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) were reduced by
      19% and 17%, respectively. The accumulation of LA (18% and 27% at E15.5 and
      E18.5) and ALA (16% at E15.5) was also significantly less in the Fabp3-knockout
      fetuses than in wild-type fetuses. In contrast, transport and accumulation of
      palmitic acid (PA) were unaffected and glucose uptake significantly increased by
      23% in the gene-ablated mice compared with wild-type mice at E18.5. Incorporation
      of LA (51% and 52% at 1 and 60 min, respectively) and ALA (23% at 60 min), but
      not PA, was significantly less in FABP3-knockdown BeWo cells than in controls,
      whereas glucose uptake was significantly upregulated by 51%, 50%, 31%, and 33% at
      1, 20, 40, and 60 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively FABP3 regulates n
      3 (omega-3) and n-6 (omega-6) polyunsaturated FA transport in trophoblasts and
      plays a pivotal role in fetal development.

PMID- 25122650
TI  - Gestational iron deficiency is associated with pica behaviors in adolescents.
AB  - A relation between pica (the craving and purposive consumption of nonfood items)
      during pregnancy and anemia is observed frequently. However, few studies related
      pica behaviors to biomarkers of iron status, and little is known about pica
      prevalence in U.S. pregnant adolescents. To address this, we undertook a
      longitudinal study examining iron status and pica behaviors among a group of 158
      pregnant adolescents (aged <=18 y). Approximately two-thirds of the participants
      were African American and 25% were Hispanic. Maternal iron status indicators
      [hemoglobin, soluble transferrin receptor, serum ferritin (SF), total body iron
      (TBI), and serum hepcidin] were assessed during pregnancy (18.5-37.3 wk) and at
      delivery. Pica behavior was assessed up to 3 times across gestation. Among the
      158 adolescents, 46% reported engaging in pica behavior. Substances ingested
      included ice (37%), starches (8%), powders (4%), and soap (3%). During pregnancy,
      mean SF [geometric mean: 13.6 MUg/L (95% CI: 11.0, 17.0 MUg/L)], TBI (mean +/-
      SD: 2.5 +/- 4.2 mg/kg), and hepcidin [geometric mean: 19.1 MUg/L (95% CI: 16.3,
      22.2 MUg/L)] concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the pica group
      (n = 72) than values observed among the non-pica group [SF, geometric mean: 21.1
      MUg/L (95% CI: 18.0, 25.0 MUg/L); TBI, mean +/- SD: 4.3 +/- 3.5 mg/kg; hepcidin,
      geometric mean: 27.1 MUg/L (95%: 23.1, 32.1 MUg/L); n = 86]. Although additional
      studies must address the etiology of these relations, this practice should be
      screened for, given its association with low iron status and because many of the
      substances ingested may be harmful. This trial was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01019902. 

PMID- 25122652
TI  - The development of halophyte-based agriculture: past and present.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Freshwater comprises about a mere 2.5% of total global water, of
      which approximately two-thirds is locked into glaciers at the polar ice caps and
      on mountains. In conjunction with this, in many instances irrigation with
      freshwater causes an increase in soil salinity due to overirrigation of
      agricultural land, inefficient water use and poor drainage of unsuitable soils.
      The problem of salinity was recognized a long time ago and, due to the importance
      of irrigated agriculture, numerous efforts have been devoted towards improving
      crop species for better utilization of saline soils and water. Irrigating plants
      with saline water is a challenge for practitioners and researchers throughout the
      world. SCOPE: Recruiting wild halophytes with economic potential was suggested
      several decades ago as a way to reduce the damage caused by salinization of soil
      and water. A range of cultivation systems for the utilization of halophytes have
      been developed, for the production of biofuel, purification of saline effluent in
      constructed wetlands, landscaping, cultivation of gourmet vegetables, and more.
      This review critically analyses past and present halophyte-based production
      systems in the context of genetics, physiology, agrotechnical issues and product
      value. There are still difficulties that need to be overcome, such as direct
      germination in saline conditions or genotype selection. However, more and more
      research is being directed not only towards determining salt tolerance of
      halophytes, but also to the improvement of agricultural traits for long-term
      progress.

PMID- 25122653
TI  - Resin duct size and density as ecophysiological traits in fire scars of
      Pseudotsuga menziesii and Larix occidentalis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Resin ducts (RDs) are features present in most conifer
      species as defence structures against pests and pathogens; however, little is
      known about RD expression in trees following fire injury. This study investigates
      changes in RD size and density in fire scars of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga
      menziesii) and western larch (Larix occidentalis) as a means to evaluate the
      ecophysiological significance of traumatic resinosis for tree defence and
      survival. METHODS: Transverse and tangential microsections were prepared for
      light microscopy and image analysis in order to analyse axial and radial RDs,
      respectively. Epithelial cells of RDs and fusiform rays associated with radial
      RDs were also examined. RDs were compared between normal xylem and wound xylem at
      four different section heights along the fire-injured stem. KEY RESULTS:
      Following fire injury, P. menziesii axial RDs narrowed by 38-43 % in the first
      year after injury, and the magnitude of this change increased with stem height.
      Larix occidentalis axial RDs widened by 46-50 % in the second year after injury.
      Radial RDs were of equivalent size in P. menziesii, but widened by 162-214 % in
      L. occidentalis. Fusiform rays were larger following fire injury, by 4-14 % in P.
      menziesii and by 23-38 % in L. occidentalis. Furthermore, axial RD density
      increased in both species due to the formation of tangential rows of traumatic
      RDs, especially in the first and second years after injury. However, radial RD
      density did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight
      traumatic resinosis as a species-specific response. Pseudotsuga menziesii produce
      RDs of equivalent or reduced size, whereas L. occidentalis produce wider RDs in
      both the axial and radial duct system, thereby increasing resin biosynthesis and
      accumulation within the whole tree. Larix occidentalis thus appears to allocate
      more energy to defence than P. menziesii.

PMID- 25122654
TI  - Labellar anatomy and secretion in Bulbophyllum Thouars (Orchidaceae:
      Bulbophyllinae) sect. Racemosae Benth. & Hook. f.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Floral secretions are common in Bulbophyllum Thouars, and
      the labella of a number of Asian species are said to produce secretions rich in
      lipids that act as food rewards for insect pollinators. Although some of these
      reports are based on simple histochemical tests, a much greater number are
      anecdotal and, hitherto, neither the ultrastructure of the labellum nor the
      secretory process has been investigated in detail. Furthermore, sophisticated
      histochemical approaches have generally not been applied. Here, both the labellar
      structure and the secretory process are investigated for four species of Asian
      Bulbophyllum sect. Racemosae Benth. & Hook. f., namely Bulbophyllum careyanum
      (Hook.) Spreng., B. morphologorum Kraenzl., B. orientale Seidenf. and B.
      wangkaense Seidenf., and compared with those of unequivocal lipid-secreting
      orchids. METHODS: Labellar, secretory tissue was investigated using light
      microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and
      histochemistry. KEY RESULTS: The adaxial median longitudinal groove of the
      labellum contained secretory tissue comprising palisade-like epidermal cells,
      similar to those of certain lipid-secreting Oncidiinae Benth. However, these
      cells and their secretions gave positive results mainly for protein and mucilage,
      and their organelle complement was consistent with that of cells involved in
      protein and mucilage synthesis. Sub-cuticular accumulation of secretion resulted
      in cuticular distension and blistering. The sub-epidermal layer of isodiametric
      parenchyma contained starch and, like the epidermal cells, ultrastructure
      consistent with mucilage synthesis. Lipids were mainly confined to the cuticle,
      and hardly any intracellular lipid droplets were observed. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      proposed that mucilage is produced by dictyosomes present in the palisade-like
      epidermal cells. Mucilage precursors may also be produced by these same
      organelles in sub-epidermal cells and are thought to pass along the symplast via
      plasmodesmata into the adjoining palisade-like secretory cells, which contain
      abundant arrays of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Here, they become chemically
      modified and form a protein-rich, mucilaginous secretion that, following vesicle
      mediated transport across the cytoplasm, traverses the cell wall and accumulates
      in blisters formed from the distended cuticle. Rupture of these blisters releases
      the secretion onto the labellar surface. However, in certain species, there is
      some evidence that the secretion may traverse the cuticle via cuticular pores,
      and micro-channels may permit the passage of fragrance. Hydrolysis of sub
      epidermal starch probably generates the carbohydrate and, together with
      mitochondria, much of the energy required for the secretory process. This
      anatomical organization resembles that found in certain lipid-secreting,
      Neotropical species of Bulbophyllum and Oncidiinae, but since the chemical
      composition of their secretions is different, and these taxa occur on a separate
      continent and have different insect pollinators, parallelism of floral anatomy is
      likely.

PMID- 25122655
TI  - Responses to shading of naturalized and non-naturalized exotic woody species.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent studies have suggested that responses to shading
      gradients may play an important role in establishment success of exotic plants,
      but hitherto few studies have tested this. Therefore, a common-garden experiment
      was conducted using multiple Asian woody plant species that were introduced to
      Europe >100 years ago in order to test whether naturalized and non-naturalized
      species differ in their responses to shading. Specifically, a test was carried
      out to determine whether naturalized exotic woody species maintained better
      growth under shaded conditions, and whether they expressed greater (morphological
      and physiological) adaptive plasticity in response to shading, relative to non
      naturalized species. METHODS: Nineteen naturalized and 19 non-naturalized exotic
      woody species were grown under five light levels ranging from 100 to 7 % of
      ambient light. For all plants, growth performance (i.e. biomass), morphological
      and CO2 assimilation characteristics were measured. For the CO2 assimilation
      characteristics, CO2 assimilation rate was measured at 1200 MUmol m(-2) s(-1)
      (i.e. saturated light intensity, A1200), 50 MUmol m(-2) s(-1) (i.e. low light
      intensity, A50) and 0 MUmol m(-2) s(-1) (A0, i.e. dark respiration). KEY RESULTS:
      Overall, the naturalized and non-naturalized species did not differ greatly in
      biomass production and measured morphological and CO2 assimilation
      characteristics across the light gradient. However, it was found that naturalized
      species grew taller and reduced total leaf area more than non-naturalized species
      in response to shading. It was also found that naturalized species were more
      capable of maintaining a high CO2 assimilation rate at low light intensity (A50)
      when grown under shading. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that there is no
      clear evidence that the naturalized species possess a superior response to
      shading over non-naturalized species, at least not at the early stage of their
      growth. However, the higher CO2 assimilation capacity of the naturalized species
      under low-light conditions might facilitate early growth and survival, and
      thereby ultimately favour their initial population establishment over the non
      naturalized species.

PMID- 25122657
TI  - Modelling biomechanics of bark patterning in grasstrees.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bark patterns are a visually important characteristic of
      trees, typically attributed to fractures occurring during secondary growth of the
      trunk and branches. An understanding of bark pattern formation has been hampered
      by insufficient information regarding the biomechanical properties of bark and
      the corresponding difficulties in faithfully modelling bark fractures using
      continuum mechanics. This study focuses on the genus Xanthorrhoea (grasstrees),
      which have an unusual bark-like structure composed of distinct leaf bases
      connected by sticky resin. Due to its discrete character, this structure is well
      suited for computational studies. METHODS: A dynamic computational model of
      grasstree development was created. The model captures both the phyllotactic
      pattern of leaf bases during primary growth and the changes in the trunk's width
      during secondary growth. A biomechanical representation based on a system of
      masses connected by springs is used for the surface of the trunk, permitting the
      emergence of fractures during secondary growth to be simulated. The resulting
      fracture patterns were analysed statistically and compared with images of real
      trees. KEY RESULTS: The model reproduces key features of grasstree bark patterns,
      including their variability, spanning elongated and reticulate forms. The
      patterns produced by the model have the same statistical character as those seen
      in real trees. CONCLUSIONS: The model was able to support the general hypothesis
      that the patterns observed in the grasstree bark-like layer may be explained in
      terms of mechanical fractures driven by secondary growth. Although the generality
      of the results is limited by the unusual structure of grasstree bark, it supports
      the hypothesis that bark pattern formation is primarily a biomechanical
      phenomenon.

PMID- 25122656
TI  - Contribution of above- and below-ground plant traits to the structure and
      function of grassland soil microbial communities.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Abiotic properties of soil are known to be major drivers of
      the microbial community within it. Our understanding of how soil microbial
      properties are related to the functional structure and diversity of plant
      communities, however, is limited and largely restricted to above-ground plant
      traits, with the role of below-ground traits being poorly understood. This study
      investigated the relative contributions of soil abiotic properties and plant
      traits, both above-ground and below-ground, to variations in microbial processes
      involved in grassland nitrogen turnover. METHODS: In mountain grasslands
      distributed across three European sites, a correlative approach was used to
      examine the role of a large range of plant functional traits and soil abiotic
      factors on microbial variables, including gene abundance of nitrifiers and
      denitrifiers and their potential activities. KEY RESULTS: Direct effects of soil
      abiotic parameters were found to have the most significant influence on the
      microbial groups investigated. Indirect pathways via plant functional traits
      contributed substantially to explaining the relative abundance of fungi and
      bacteria and gene abundances of the investigated microbial communities, while
      they explained little of the variance in microbial activities. Gene abundances of
      nitrifiers and denitrifiers were most strongly related to below-ground plant
      traits, suggesting that they were the most relevant traits for explaining
      variation in community structure and abundances of soil microbes involved in
      nitrification and denitrification. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that
      consideration of plant traits, and especially below-ground traits, increases our
      ability to describe variation in the abundances and the functional
      characteristics of microbial communities in grassland soils.

PMID- 25122658
TI  - Mitochondrial defects and neuromuscular degeneration caused by altered expression
      of Drosophila Gdap1: implications for the Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy.
AB  - One of the genes involved in Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, an inherited
      peripheral neuropathy, is GDAP1. In this work, we show that there is a true
      ortholog of this gene in Drosophila, which we have named Gdap1. By up- and down
      regulation of Gdap1 in a tissue-specific manner, we show that altering its levels
      of expression produces changes in mitochondrial size, morphology and
      distribution, and neuronal and muscular degeneration. Interestingly, muscular
      degeneration is tissue-autonomous and not dependent on innervation. Metabolic
      analyses of our experimental genotypes suggest that alterations in oxidative
      stress are not a primary cause of the neuromuscular degeneration but a long-term
      consequence of the underlying mitochondrial dysfunction. Our results contribute
      to a better understanding of the role of mitochondria in CMT disease and pave the
      way to generate clinically relevant disease models to study the relationship
      between mitochondrial dynamics and peripheral neurodegeneration. 

PMID- 25122659
TI  - Absence of ALOX5 gene prevents stress-induced memory deficits, synaptic
      dysfunction and tauopathy in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Although the initial events of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still not known, it
      is clear that the disease in its sporadic form results from the combination of
      genetic and environmental risk factors. Among the latter, behavioral stress has
      been increasingly recognized as an important factor in the propagation of AD.
      However, the mechanisms underlying this modulation remain to be fully
      investigated. Since stress up-regulates the ALOX5 gene product, 5-lipoxygenase
      (5LO), herein we investigated its role in modulating stress-dependent development
      of the AD phenotype. To reach this goal, triple transgenic (3xTg) mice and 3xTg
      genetically deficient for 5LO were investigated after undergoing a
      restraint/isolation paradigm. In the present paper, we found that 28 days of
      restraint/isolation stress worsened tau phosphorylation and solubility, increased
      glycogen synthase kinase 3beta activity, compromised long-term potentiation and
      impaired fear-conditioned memory recall in 3xTg animals, but not in 3xTg animals
      lacking 5LO (3xTg/5LO-/-). These results highlight the novel functional role that
      the ALOX5 gene plays in the development of the biochemical, electrophysiological
      and behavioral sequelae of stress in the AD context. They provide critical
      support that this gene and its expressed protein are viable therapeutic targets
      to prevent the onset or delay the progression of AD in individuals exposed to
      this risk factor. 

PMID- 25122660
TI  - Synergic prodegradative activity of Bicalutamide and trehalose on the mutant
      androgen receptor responsible for spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.
AB  - Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an X-linked motoneuron disease due
      to a CAG triplet-repeat expansion in the androgen receptor (AR) gene, which is
      translated into an elongated polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in AR protein (ARpolyQ).
      ARpolyQ toxicity is activated by the AR ligand testosterone (or
      dihydrotestosterone), and the polyQ triggers ARpolyQ misfolding and aggregation
      in spinal cord motoneurons and muscle cells. In motoneurons, testosterone
      triggers nuclear toxicity by inducing AR nuclear translocation. Thus, (i)
      prevention of ARpolyQ nuclear localization, combined with (ii) an increased
      ARpolyQ cytoplasmic clearance, should reduce its detrimental activity. Using the
      antiandrogen Bicalutamide (Casodex((r))), which slows down AR activation and
      nuclear translocation, and the disaccharide trehalose, an autophagy activator, we
      found that, in motoneurons, the two compounds together reduced ARpolyQ insoluble
      forms with higher efficiency than that obtained with single treatments. The
      ARpolyQ clearance was mediated by trehalose-induced autophagy combined with the
      longer cytoplasmic retention of ARpolyQ bound to Bicalutamide. This allows an
      increased recognition of misfolded species by the autophagic system prior to
      their migration into the nucleus. Interestingly, the combinatory use of trehalose
      and Bicalutamide was also efficient in the removal of insoluble species of AR
      with a very long polyQ (Q112) tract, which typically aggregates into the cell
      nuclei. Collectively, these data suggest that the combinatory use of Bicalutamide
      and trehalose is a novel approach to facilitate ARpolyQ clearance that has to be
      tested in other cell types target of SBMA (i.e. muscle cells) and in vivo in
      animal models of SBMA. 

PMID- 25122661
TI  - TDP-43 loss of cellular function through aggregation requires additional
      structural determinants beyond its C-terminal Q/N prion-like domain.
AB  - TDP-43 aggregates are the neurohistological landmark of diseases like amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Their role in the pathogenesis of
      these conditions is not yet clear mainly due to the lack of proper models of
      aggregation that may allow the study of the mechanism of formation, their
      interactions with other cellular components and their effect on the cell
      metabolism. In this work, we have used tandem repeats of the prion like Q/N-rich
      region of TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) fused to additional TDP-43 protein
      sequences to trigger aggregate formation in neuronal and non-neuronal cell lines.
      At the functional level, these aggregates are able to sequester endogenous TDP-43
      depleting its nuclear levels and inducing loss of function at the pre-mRNA
      splicing level. No apparent direct cellular toxicity of the aggregates seems to
      be present beyond the lack of functional TDP-43. To our knowledge, this is the
      only system that achieves full functional TDP 43 depletion with effects similar
      to RNAi depletion or gene deletion. As a result, this model will prove useful to
      investigate the loss-of-function effects mediated by TDP-43 aggregation within
      cells without affecting the expression of the endogenous gene. We have identified
      the N-terminus sequence of TDP-43 as the domain that enhances its interaction
      with the aggregates and its insolubilization. These data show for the first time
      that cellular TDP-43 aggregation can lead to total loss of function and to
      defective splicing of TDP-43-dependent splicing events in endogenous genes. 

PMID- 25122664
TI  - Practice patterns and trends in the use of medical therapy in patients undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention in Ontario.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical guidelines emphasize medical therapy as the initial approach
      to the management of patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). However,
      the extent to which medical therapy is applied before and after percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) in contemporary clinical practice is uncertain. We
      evaluated medication use for patients with stable CAD undergoing PCI, and
      assessed whether the COURAGE study altered medication use in the Canadian
      healthcare system. METHODS AND RESULTS: A population-based cohort of 23 680 older
      patients >65 years old) with stable CAD undergoing PCI in Ontario between 2003
      and 2010 was assembled. Optimal medical therapy (OMT) was defined as prescription
      for a beta-blocker, statin, and either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or
      angiotensin II receptor blocker in the 90 days before PCI, and the same
      medications plus thienopyridine 90 days following PCI. Prior to PCI, 8023 (33.9%)
      patients were receiving OMT, 11 891 (50.2%) were on suboptimal therapy, and 3766
      (15.9%) were not prescribed any medications of interest. There was significant
      improvement in medical therapy following PCI (OMT: 11 149 [47.1%], suboptimal
      therapy: 11 591 [48.9%], and none: 940 [4.0%], P<0.001). Utilization rate of OMT
      reduced significantly after the publication of COURAGE (34.9% before versus 32.8%
      after, P<0.001). Similarly, the rate of OMT following PCI was lower in the period
      after publication of COURAGE (47.3% before versus 46.9% after, P<0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: OMT was prescribed in about 1 in 3 patients prior to PCI and less
      than half after PCI. In contrast to the anticipated impact of COURAGE, we found
      lower rates of medication use in PCI patients after its publication.

PMID- 25122662
TI  - Genomic analysis of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Pediatric tumors are relatively infrequent, but are often associated with
      significant lethality and lifelong morbidity. A major goal of pediatric cancer
      research has been to identify key drivers of tumorigenesis to eventually develop
      targeted therapies to enhance cure rate and minimize acute and long-term toxic
      effects. Here, we used genomic approaches to identify biomarkers and candidate
      drivers for fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC), a very rare subtype
      of pediatric liver cancer for which limited therapeutic options exist. In-depth
      genomic analyses of one tumor followed by immunohistochemistry validation on
      seven other tumors showed expression of neuroendocrine markers in FL-HCC. DNA and
      RNA sequencing data further showed that common cancer pathways are not visibly
      altered in FL-HCC but identified two novel structural variants, both resulting in
      fusion transcripts. The first, a 400 kb deletion, results in a DNAJB1-PRKCA
      fusion transcript, which leads to increased cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)
      activity in the index tumor case and other FL-HCC cases compared with normal
      liver. This PKA fusion protein is oncogenic in HCC cells. The second gene fusion
      event, a translocation between the CLPTM1L and GLIS3 genes, generates a
      transcript whose product also promotes cancer phenotypes in HCC cell lines. These
      experiments further highlight the tumorigenic role of gene fusions in the
      etiology of pediatric solid tumors and identify both candidate biomarkers and
      possible therapeutic targets for this lethal pediatric disease. 

PMID- 25122663
TI  - Plasma phospholipid fatty acid biomarkers of dietary fat quality and endogenous
      metabolism predict coronary heart disease risk: a nested case-control study
      within the Women's Health Initiative observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the relationship between dietary fat quality and coronary
      heart disease (CHD) risk has been evaluated, typically using diet questionnaires,
      results are inconsistent and data in postmenopausal women are limited. Plasma
      phospholipid fatty acid (PL-FA) profiles, reflecting dietary intake and
      endogenous FA metabolism, may better predict diet-CHD risk. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Using a nested case-control design, we assessed the association between plasma PL
      FA profiles and CHD risk in 2448 postmenopausal women (1224 cases with confirmed
      CHD and 1224 controls matched for age, enrollment date, race/ethnicity, and
      absence of CHD at baseline and after 4.5 years of follow-up) participating in the
      Women's Health Initiative observational study. PL-FA profile was measured using
      gas chromatography. Product/precursor ratios were used to estimate stearoyl-CoA
      desaturase (16:1n-7/16:0, 18:1n-9/18:0), Delta6-desaturase (20:3n-6/18:2n-6), and
      Delta5-desaturase (20:4n-6/20:3n-6) activities, indicators of endogenous FA
      metabolism. Multivariate conditional logistic regression was used to obtain odds
      ratios (95% CIs) for CHD risk. While no associations were observed for the
      predominant PL fatty acid (16:0, 18:0, 18:1n-9, and 18:2n-6), plasma PL-saturated
      fatty acid (1.20 [1.08 to 1.32]) and endogenously synthesized PL omega6 fatty
      acids (20:3n-6; 3.22 [1.95 to 5.32]), 22:5n-6; 1.63 [1.20 to 2.23]) and Delta6
      desaturase (1.25 [1.11 to 1.41]) were positively associated with CHD risk. PL
      omega3 fatty acids (20:5n-3; 0.73 [0.58 to 0.93], 22:5n-3; 0.56 [0.33 to 0.94],
      22:6n-3; 0.56 [0.39 to 0.80]), 18:1n-7 (0.54 [0.29 to 0.99]), and Delta5
      desaturase (0.78 [0.70 to 0.88]) were inversely associated with CHD risk. Results
      support current guidelines regarding regular fish consumption. Additional
      findings include associations between endogenously synthesized fatty acids and
      CHD risk, which were partly explained by changes in Delta6-desaturase and Delta5
      desaturase indexes, suggesting that in vivo metabolism may also play an important
      role in predicting CHD risk in this cohort of postmenopausal women. CLINICAL
      TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://ClinicalTrials.gov, Unique identifier:
      NCT01864122.

PMID- 25122665
TI  - Choosing wisely for syncope: low-value carotid ultrasound use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The United States spends more than $750 billion annually on tests and
      procedures that do not benefit patients. Although there is no physiological
      indication for carotid ultrasound in "simple" syncope in the absence of focal
      neurological signs or symptoms suggestive of stroke, there is concern that this
      practice remains common for routine syncope workups. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used
      a 5% random-sample Medicare claims database to evaluate large-scale national
      trends in utilization of low-value carotid ultrasound imaging for simple syncope.
      We found that 16.5% of all Medicare beneficiaries with simple syncope underwent
      carotid imaging and 6.5% of all carotid ultrasounds ordered in 2009 were for this
      low-value indication. These findings were complemented by a manual chart review
      of 313 patients at a large academic medical center who underwent carotid
      ultrasound for simple syncope over a 5-year period. For the 48 (15.4%) of 313
      patients with stenosis >=50%, carotid ultrasound did not yield a causal
      diagnosis. Only 2% of the 313 patients imaged experienced a change in medications
      after a positive study, and <1% of patients underwent a carotid revascularization
      procedure. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that carotid ultrasound for patients
      with uncomplicated syncope are still commonly ordered and may be an easy target
      for institutions striving to curtail low-value care.

PMID- 25122666
TI  - Association of lower extremity performance with cardiovascular and all-cause
      mortality in patients with peripheral artery disease: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with impaired mobility
      and a high rate of mortality. The aim of this systematic review was to
      investigate whether reduced lower extremity performance was associated with an
      increased incidence of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in people with PAD.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of
      Science, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. Studies assessing the
      association between measures of lower extremity performance and cardiovascular or
      all-cause mortality in PAD patients were included. A meta-analysis was conducted
      combining data from commonly assessed performance tests. The 10 identified
      studies assessed lower extremity performance by strength tests, treadmill walking
      performance, 6-minute walk, walking velocity, and walking impairment
      questionnaire (WIQ). A meta-analysis revealed that shorter maximum walking
      distance was associated with increased 5-year cardiovascular (unadjusted RR=2.54,
      95% CI 1.86 to 3.47, P<10(-5), n=1577, fixed effects) and all-cause mortality
      (unadjusted RR=2.23 95% CI 1.85 to 2.69, P<10(-5), n=1710, fixed effects). Slower
      4-metre walking velocity, a lower WIQ stair-climbing score, and poor hip
      extension, knee flexion, and plantar flexion strength were also associated with
      increased mortality. No significant associations were found for hip flexion
      strength, WIQ distance score, or WIQ speed score with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: A
      number of lower extremity performance measures are prognostic markers for
      mortality in PAD and may be useful clinical tools for identifying patients at
      higher risk of death. Further studies are needed to determine whether
      interventions that improve measures of lower extremity performance reduce
      mortality.

PMID- 25122667
TI  - Polymorphism identification and improved genome annotation of Brassica rapa
      through Deep RNA sequencing.
AB  - The mapping and functional analysis of quantitative traits in Brassica rapa can
      be greatly improved with the availability of physically positioned, gene-based
      genetic markers and accurate genome annotation. In this study, deep transcriptome
      RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of Brassica rapa was undertaken with two objectives: SNP
      detection and improved transcriptome annotation. We performed SNP detection on
      two varieties that are parents of a mapping population to aid in development of a
      marker system for this population and subsequent development of high-resolution
      genetic map. An improved Brassica rapa transcriptome was constructed to detect
      novel transcripts and to improve the current genome annotation. This is useful
      for accurate mRNA abundance and detection of expression QTL (eQTLs) in mapping
      populations. Deep RNA-Seq of two Brassica rapa genotypes-R500 (var. trilocularis,
      Yellow Sarson) and IMB211 (a rapid cycling variety)-using eight different tissues
      (root, internode, leaf, petiole, apical meristem, floral meristem, silique, and
      seedling) grown across three different environments (growth chamber, greenhouse
      and field) and under two different treatments (simulated sun and simulated shade)
      generated 2.3 billion high-quality Illumina reads. A total of 330,995 SNPs were
      identified in transcribed regions between the two genotypes with an average
      frequency of one SNP in every 200 bases. The deep RNA-Seq reassembled Brassica
      rapa transcriptome identified 44,239 protein-coding genes. Compared with current
      gene models of B. rapa, we detected 3537 novel transcripts, 23,754 gene models
      had structural modifications, and 3655 annotated proteins changed. Gaps in the
      current genome assembly of B. rapa are highlighted by our identification of 780
      unmapped transcripts. All the SNPs, annotations, and predicted transcripts can be
      viewed at http://phytonetworks.ucdavis.edu/. 

PMID- 25122669
TI  - Evidence of hermaphroditism and sex ratio distortion in the fungal feeding
      nematode Bursaphelenchus okinawaensis.
AB  - Nematodes have many different reproductive strategies along with their divergent
      life histories; the ability of hermaphrodite to self- and cross-fertilize is
      useful for genetic manipulation. Here, we demonstrate the hermaphroditism of the
      fungal feeding nematode Bursaphelenchus okinawaensis, which was formerly
      described as a parthenogenetic nematode, and we show its other unique sexual
      characteristics. To determine that it is hermaphroditic, we performed the
      following experiments: observation of the pronuclear and chromosome behavior
      during oogenesis and early embryogenesis; observation of spermatogenesis during
      the fourth larval stage; investigation of sperm utilization; and investigation of
      phenotypic segregation after cross-mating using a chemically induced visible
      mutant. We then investigated the mating preferences and spermatid size difference
      between males and hermaphrodites. B. okinawaensis males successfully mated only
      with sperm-depleted old hermaphrodites, and the spermatid sizes of males were
      almost the same as those of hermaphrodites. Moreover, the sex ratio of cross
      fertilized progeny was highly skewed toward hermaphrodites. B. okinawaensis is
      phylogenetically distant from established model nematodes such as C. elegans and
      is more closely related to some economically relevant parasitic nematodes. This
      newly discovered hermaphroditic nematode has great potential for evolutionary and
      parasitological research. 

PMID- 25122668
TI  - Genome-wide linkage disequilibrium in nine-spined stickleback populations.
AB  - Variation in the extent and magnitude of genome-wide linkage disequilibrium (LD)
      among populations residing in different habitats has seldom been studied in wild
      vertebrates. We used a total of 109 microsatellite markers to quantify the level
      and patterns of genome-wide LD in 13 Fennoscandian nine-spined stickleback
      (Pungitius pungitius) populations from four (viz. marine, lake, pond, and river)
      different habitat types. In general, high magnitude (D' > 0.5) of LD was found
      both in freshwater and marine populations, and the magnitude of LD was
      significantly greater in inland freshwater than in marine populations.
      Interestingly, three coastal freshwater populations located in close geographic
      proximity to the marine populations exhibited similar LD patterns and genetic
      diversity as their marine neighbors. The greater levels of LD in inland
      freshwater compared with marine and costal freshwater populations can be
      explained in terms of their contrasting demographic histories: founder events,
      long-term isolation, small effective sizes, and population bottlenecks are
      factors likely to have contributed to the high levels of LD in the inland
      freshwater populations. In general, these findings shed new light on the patterns
      and extent of variation in genome-wide LD, as well as the ecological and
      evolutionary factors driving them. 

PMID- 25122670
TI  - Distinct and predictive histone lysine acetylation patterns at promoters,
      enhancers, and gene bodies.
AB  - In eukaryotic cells, histone lysines are frequently acetylated. However, unlike
      modifications such as methylations, histone acetylation modifications are often
      considered redundant. As such, the functional roles of distinct histone
      acetylations are largely unexplored. We previously developed an algorithm RFECS
      to discover the most informative modifications associated with the classification
      or prediction of mammalian enhancers. Here, we used this tool to identify the
      modifications most predictive of promoters, enhancers, and gene bodies.
      Unexpectedly, we found that histone acetylation alone performs well in
      distinguishing these unique genomic regions. Further, we found the association of
      characteristic acetylation patterns with genic regions and association of
      chromatin state with splicing. Taken together, our work underscores the diverse
      functional roles of histone acetylation in gene regulation and provides several
      testable hypotheses to dissect these roles. 

PMID- 25122672
TI  - The health effects of employment.

PMID- 25122671
TI  - Masitinib in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) after failure of
      imatinib: a randomized controlled open-label trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Masitinib is a highly selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor with
      activity against the main oncogenic drivers of gastrointestinal stromal tumor
      (GIST). Masitinib was evaluated in patients with advanced GIST after imatinib
      failure or intolerance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, multicenter,
      randomized, open-label trial. Patients with inoperable, advanced imatinib
      resistant GIST were randomized (1 : 1) to receive masitinib (12 mg/kg/day) or
      sunitinib (50 mg/day 4-weeks-on/2-weeks-off) until progression, intolerance, or
      refusal. Primary efficacy analysis was noncomparative, testing whether masitinib
      attained a median progression-free survival (PFS) (blind centrally reviewed
      RECIST) threshold of >3 months according to the lower bound of the 90% unilateral
      confidence interval (CI). Secondary analyses on overall survival (OS) and PFS
      were comparative with results presented according to a two-sided 95% CI. RESULTS:
      Forty-four patients were randomized to receive masitinib (n = 23) or sunitinib (n
      = 21). Median follow-up was 14 months. Patients receiving masitinib experienced
      less toxicity than those receiving sunitinib, with significantly lower occurrence
      of severe adverse events (52% versus 91%, respectively, P = 0.008). Median PFS
      (central RECIST) for the noncomparative primary analysis in the masitinib
      treatment arm was 3.71 months (90% CI 3.65). Secondary analyses showed that
      median OS was significantly longer for patients receiving masitinib followed by
      post-progression addition of sunitinib when compared against patients treated
      directly with sunitinib in second-line [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.27, 95% CI 0.09
      0.85, P = 0.016]. This improvement was sustainable as evidenced by 26-month
      follow-up OS data (HR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.16-0.96, P = 0.033); an additional 12.4
      months survival advantage being reported for the masitinib treatment arm. Risk of
      progression while under treatment with masitinib was in the same range as for
      sunitinib (HR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.6-2.2, P = 0.833). CONCLUSIONS: Primary efficacy
      analysis ensured the masitinib treatment arm could satisfy a prespecified PFS
      threshold. Secondary efficacy analysis showed that masitinib followed by the
      standard of care generated a statistically significant survival benefit over
      standard of care. Encouraging median OS and safety data from this well-controlled
      and appropriately designed randomized trial indicate a positive benefit-risk
      ratio. Further development of masitinib in imatinib-resistant/intolerant patients
      with advanced GIST is warranted.

PMID- 25122674
TI  - Clovis at the end of the world.

PMID- 25122675
TI  - Plasmonic nanoparticle scattering for color holograms.
AB  - This work presents an original approach to create holograms based on the optical
      scattering of plasmonic nanoparticles. By analogy to the diffraction produced by
      the scattering of atoms in X-ray crystallography, we show that plasmonic
      nanoparticles can produce a wave-front reconstruction when they are sampled on a
      diffractive plane. By applying this method, all of the scattering characteristics
      of the nanoparticles are transferred to the reconstructed field. Hence, we
      demonstrate that a narrow-band reconstruction can be achieved for direct white
      light illumination on an array of plasmonic nanoparticles. Furthermore,
      multicolor capabilities are shown with minimal cross-talk by multiplexing
      different plasmonic nanoparticles at subwavelength distances. The holograms were
      fabricated from a single subwavelength thin film of silver and demonstrate that
      the total amount of binary information stored in the plane can exceed the limits
      of diffraction and that this wavelength modulation can be detected optically in
      the far field. 

PMID- 25122676
TI  - Pharmacological chaperones in the age of proteomic pathology.

PMID- 25122673
TI  - Calcineurin determines toxic versus beneficial responses to alpha-synuclein.
AB  - Calcineurin (CN) is a highly conserved Ca(2+)-calmodulin (CaM)-dependent
      phosphatase that senses Ca(2+) concentrations and transduces that information
      into cellular responses. Ca(2+) homeostasis is disrupted by alpha-synuclein
      (alpha-syn), a small lipid binding protein whose misfolding and accumulation is a
      pathological hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. We report that alpha
      syn, from yeast to neurons, leads to sustained highly elevated levels of
      cytoplasmic Ca(2+), thereby activating a CaM-CN cascade that engages substrates
      that result in toxicity. Surprisingly, complete inhibition of CN also results in
      toxicity. Limiting the availability of CaM shifts CN's spectrum of substrates
      toward protective pathways. Modulating CN or CN's substrates with highly
      selective genetic and pharmacological tools (FK506) does the same. FK506 crosses
      the blood brain barrier, is well tolerated in humans, and is active in neurons
      and glia. Thus, a tunable response to CN, which has been conserved for a billion
      years, can be targeted to rebalance the phosphatase's activities from toxic
      toward beneficial substrates. These findings have immediate therapeutic
      implications for synucleinopathies. 

PMID- 25122678
TI  - Reconsidering the phylogenetic utility of miRNA in animals.

PMID- 25122677
TI  - Genetic-epigenetic dysregulation of thymic TSH receptor gene expression triggers
      thyroid autoimmunity.
AB  - Graves disease (GD) is an autoimmune condition caused by interacting genetic and
      environmental factors. Genetic studies have mapped several single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) that are strongly associated with GD, but the mechanisms by
      which they trigger disease are unknown. We hypothesized that epigenetic
      modifications induced by microenvironmental influences of cytokines can reveal
      the functionality of GD-associated SNPs. We analyzed genome-wide histone H3
      lysine 4 methylation and gene expression in thyroid cells induced by IFNalpha, a
      key cytokine secreted during viral infections, and overlapped them with known GD
      associated SNPs. We mapped an open chromatin region overlapping two adjacent GD
      associated SNPs (rs12101255 and rs12101261) in intron 1 of the thyroid
      stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) gene. We then demonstrated that this region
      functions as a regulatory element through binding of the transcriptional
      repressor promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) at the rs12101261
      site. Repression by PLZF depended on the rs12101261 disease susceptibility allele
      and was increased by IFNalpha. Intrathymic TSHR expression was decreased in
      individuals homozygous for the rs12101261 disease-associated genotype compared
      with carriers of the disease-protective allele. Our studies discovered a genetic
      epigenetic interaction involving a noncoding SNP in the TSHR gene that regulates
      thymic TSHR gene expression and facilitates escape of TSHR-reactive T cells from
      central tolerance, triggering GD. 

PMID- 25122680
TI  - Intraoperative cell-cycle analysis to guide brain tumor removal.

PMID- 25122679
TI  - Arginine starvation-associated atypical cellular death involves mitochondrial
      dysfunction, nuclear DNA leakage, and chromatin autophagy.
AB  - Autophagy is the principal catabolic prosurvival pathway during nutritional
      starvation. However, excessive autophagy could be cytotoxic, contributing to cell
      death, but its mechanism remains elusive. Arginine starvation has emerged as a
      potential therapy for several types of cancers, owing to their tumor-selective
      deficiency of the arginine metabolism. We demonstrated here that arginine
      depletion by arginine deiminase induces a cytotoxic autophagy in
      argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1)-deficient prostate cancer cells. Advanced
      microscopic analyses of arginine-deprived dying cells revealed a novel phenotype
      with giant autophagosome formation, nucleus membrane rupture, and histone
      associated DNA leakage encaptured by autophagosomes, which we shall refer to as
      chromatin autophagy, or chromatophagy. In addition, nuclear inner membrane (lamin
      A/C) underwent localized rearrangement and outer membrane (NUP98) partially fused
      with autophagosome membrane. Further analysis showed that prolonged arginine
      depletion impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation function and
      depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential. Thus, reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      production significantly increased in both cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions,
      presumably leading to DNA damage accumulation. Addition of ROS scavenger N-acetyl
      cysteine or knockdown of ATG5 or BECLIN1 attenuated the chromatophagy phenotype.
      Our data uncover an atypical autophagy-related death pathway and suggest that
      mitochondrial damage is central to linking arginine starvation and chromatophagy
      in two distinct cellular compartments. 

PMID- 25122681
TI  - A sequence-specific transcription activator motif and powerful synthetic variants
      that bind Mediator using a fuzzy protein interface.
AB  - Although many transcription activators contact the same set of coactivator
      complexes, the mechanism and specificity of these interactions have been unclear.
      For example, do intrinsically disordered transcription activation domains (ADs)
      use sequence-specific motifs, or do ADs of seemingly different sequence have
      common properties that encode activation function? We find that the central
      activation domain (cAD) of the yeast activator Gcn4 functions through a short,
      conserved sequence-specific motif. Optimizing the residues surrounding this short
      motif by inserting additional hydrophobic residues creates very powerful ADs that
      bind the Mediator subunit Gal11/Med15 with high affinity via a "fuzzy" protein
      interface. In contrast to Gcn4, the activity of these synthetic ADs is not
      strongly dependent on any one residue of the AD, and this redundancy is similar
      to that of some natural ADs in which few if any sequence-specific residues have
      been identified. The additional hydrophobic residues in the synthetic ADs likely
      allow multiple faces of the AD helix to interact with the Gal11 activator-binding
      domain, effectively forming a fuzzier interface than that of the wild-type cAD. 

PMID- 25122683
TI  - No evidence for sample contamination or diet offset for pre-Columbian chicken
      dates from El Arenal.

PMID- 25122682
TI  - Hampered long-term depression and thin spine loss in the nucleus accumbens of
      ethanol-dependent rats.
AB  - Alcoholism involves long-term cognitive deficits, including memory impairment,
      resulting in substantial cost to society. Neuronal refinement and stabilization
      are hypothesized to confer resilience to poor decision making and addictive-like
      behaviors, such as excessive ethanol drinking and dependence. Accordingly,
      structural abnormalities are likely to contribute to synaptic dysfunctions that
      occur from suddenly ceasing the use of alcohol after chronic ingestion. Here we
      show that ethanol-dependent rats display a loss of dendritic spines in medium
      spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens (Nacc) shell, accompanied by a reduction
      of tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining and postsynaptic density 95-positive
      elements. Further analysis indicates that "long thin" but not "mushroom" spines
      are selectively affected. In addition, patch-clamp experiments from Nacc slices
      reveal that long-term depression (LTD) formation is hampered, with parallel
      changes in field potential recordings and reductions in NMDA-mediated synaptic
      currents. These changes are restricted to the withdrawal phase of ethanol
      dependence, suggesting their relevance in the genesis of signs and/or symptoms
      affecting ethanol withdrawal and thus the whole addictive cycle. Overall, these
      results highlight the key role of dynamic alterations in dendritic spines and
      their presynaptic afferents in the evolution of alcohol dependence. Furthermore,
      they suggest that the selective loss of long thin spines together with a reduced
      NMDA receptor function may affect learning. Disruption of this LTD could
      contribute to the rigid emotional and motivational state observed in alcohol
      dependence. 

PMID- 25122685
TI  - Statistical flaws undermine pre-Columbian chicken debate.

PMID- 25122684
TI  - No evidence against Polynesian dispersal of chickens to pre-Columbian South
      America.

PMID- 25122686
TI  - A Site-Specific Integrated Col2.3GFP Reporter Identifies Osteoblasts Within
      Mineralized Tissue Formed In Vivo by Human Embryonic Stem Cells.
AB  - The use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells
      (iPSCs) for study and treatment of bone diseases or traumatic bone injuries
      requires efficient protocols to differentiate hESCs/iPSCs into cells with
      osteogenic potential and the ability to isolate differentiated osteoblasts for
      analysis. We have used zinc finger nuclease technology to deliver a construct
      containing the Col2.3 promoter driving GFPemerald to the AAVS1 site (referred to
      as a "safe harbor" site), in human embryonic stem cells (H9Zn2.3GFP), with the
      goal of marking the cells that have become differentiated osteoblasts. In
      teratomas formed using these cells, we identified green fluorescent protein (GFP)
      positive cells specifically associated with in vivo bone formation. We also
      differentiated the cells into a mesenchymal stem cell population with osteogenic
      potential and implanted them into a mouse calvarial defect model. We observed GFP
      positive cells associated with alizarin complexone-labeled newly formed bone
      surfaces. The cells were alkaline phosphatase-positive, and immunohistochemistry
      with human specific bone sialoprotein (BSP) antibody indicates that the GFP
      positive cells are also associated with the human BSP-containing matrix,
      demonstrating that the Col2.3GFP construct marks cells in the osteoblast lineage.
      Single-cell cloning generated a 100% Col2.3GFP-positive cell population, as
      demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a GFP probe. The
      karyotype was normal, and pluripotency was demonstrated by Tra1-60
      immunostaining, pluripotent low density reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction array and embryoid body formation. These cells will be useful to develop
      optimal osteogenic differentiation protocols and to isolate osteoblasts from
      normal and diseased iPSCs for analysis. 

PMID- 25122687
TI  - Are all cancer stem cells created equal?
AB  - Numerous solid malignancies have been reported to contain cancer stem cells
      (CSCs). Distinct functional characteristics have been attributed to CSCs, and
      thus it is widely believed that these unique cells may have genetic and
      phenotypic homogeneity. Recent exciting but limited evidence, however,
      contradicts this tenet and supports the intriguing concept of genetic and
      phenotypic diversity in the CSC population. We propose that CSC heterogeneity at
      the inter- and intrapatient levels may be due to the cell of origin, to
      environmental cues, and/or to human papillomavirus infection. Additional insight
      into CSC heterogeneity is needed to identify actionable targets for optimal
      eradication of the diverse CSC subpopulations within a tumor.

PMID- 25122688
TI  - Longitudinal Analysis of DNA Methylation in CD34+ Hematopoietic Progenitors in
      Myelodysplastic Syndrome.
AB  - Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a disorder of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)
      that is often treated with DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) inhibitors (5
      azacytidine [AZA], 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine), suggesting a role for DNA methylation
      in disease progression. How DNMT inhibition retards disease progression and how
      DNA methylation contributes to MDS remain unclear. We analyzed global DNA
      methylation in purified CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors from MDS patients
      undergoing multiple rounds of AZA treatment. Differential methylation between MDS
      phenotypes was observed primarily at developmental regulators not expressed
      within the hematopoietic compartment and was distinct from that observed between
      healthy hematopoietic cell types. After AZA treatment, we observed only limited
      DNA demethylation at sites that varied between patients. This suggests that a
      subset of the stem cell population is resistant to AZA and provides a basis for
      disease relapse. Using gene expression data from patient samples and an in vitro
      AZA treatment study, we identified differentially methylated genes that can be
      activated following treatment and that remain silent in the CD34+ stem cell
      compartment of high-risk MDS patients. Haploinsufficiency in mice of one of these
      genes (NR4A2) has been shown to lead to excessive HSC proliferation, and our data
      suggest that suppression of NR4A2 by DNA methylation may be involved in MDS
      progression. 

PMID- 25122692
TI  - Type of homogenization and fat loss during continuous infusion of human milk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Substantial fat loss may occur during continuous feeding of human
      milk (HM). A decrease of fat loss has been described following homogenization.
      Well-established methods of homogenization of HM for routine use in the neonatal
      intensive care unit (NICU) would be desirable. OBJECTIVE: We compared the loss of
      fat based on the use of 3 different methods for homogenizing thawed HM during
      continuous feeding. METHODS: Sixteen frozen donor HM samples were thawed,
      homogenized with ultrasound and separated into 3 aliquots ("baseline agitation,"
      "hourly agitation," and "ultrasound"), and then frozen for 48 hours. Aliquots
      were thawed again and a baseline agitation was applied. Subsequently, aliquots
      baseline agitation and hourly agitation were drawn into a syringe, while
      ultrasound was applied to aliquot ultrasound before it was drawn into a syringe.
      The syringes were loaded into a pump (2 mL/h; 4 hours). At hourly intervals the
      hourly agitation infusion was stopped, the syringe was disconnected and gently
      shaken. During infusion, samples from the 3 groups were collected hourly for
      analysis of fat and caloric content. RESULTS: The 3 groups of homogenization
      showed similar fat content at the beginning of the infusion. For fat, mean (SD)
      hourly changes of -0.03 (0.01), -0.09 (0.01), and -0.09 (0.01) g/dL were observed
      for the hourly agitation, baseline agitation, and ultrasound groups,
      respectively. The decrease was smaller for the hourly agitation group (P < .001).
      CONCLUSION: When thawed HM is continuously infused, a smaller fat loss is
      observed when syringes are agitated hourly versus when ultrasound or a baseline
      homogenization is used.

PMID- 25122691
TI  - Concise review: dedifferentiation meets cancer development: proof of concept for
      epigenetic cancer.
AB  - The technology for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has made
      significant contributions to various scientific fields, and the field of cancer
      biology is no exception. Although cancer is generally believed to develop through
      accumulation of multiple genetic mutations, there is increasing evidence that
      cancer cells also acquire epigenetic abnormalities during development,
      maintenance, and progression. Because the epigenetic status of somatic cells
      changes dynamically through reprogramming, iPSC technology can be utilized to
      actively and globally alter the epigenetic status of differentiated cells. Using
      this technology, a recent study has revealed that some types of cancer can
      develop mainly through disruption of the epigenetic status triggered by
      dedifferentiation. In this paper, we outline the reprograming process and the
      epigenetic mechanism associated with the maintenance or conversion of cell
      identity. We then describe several observations suggesting that dedifferentiation
      can play an important role in cancer development. Finally, we introduce the
      system responsible for in vivo reprogramming to demonstrate the involvement of
      dedifferentiation-driven epigenetic disruption in cancer development, and propose
      that particular types of cancer can develop predominantly through epigenetic
      alterations. 

PMID- 25122690
TI  - Cost-effective master cell bank validation of multiple clinical-grade human
      pluripotent stem cell lines from a single donor.
AB  - Standardization guidelines for human pluripotent stem cells are still very
      broadly defined, despite ongoing clinical trials in the U.S., U.K., and Japan.
      The requirements for validation of human embryonic (hESCs) and induced
      pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in general follow the regulations for other
      clinically compliant biologics already in place but without addressing key
      differences between cell types or final products. In order to realize the full
      potential of stem cell therapy, validation criteria, methodology, and, most
      importantly, strategy, should address the shortfalls and efficiency of current
      approaches; without this, hESC- and, especially, iPSC-based therapy will not be
      able to compete with other technologies in a cost-efficient way. We addressed the
      protocols for testing cell lines for human viral pathogens and propose a novel
      strategy that would significantly reduce costs. It is highly unlikely that the
      multiple cell lines derived in parallel from a tissue sample taken from one donor
      would have different profiles of endogenous viral pathogens; we therefore argue
      that samples from the Master Cell Banks of sibling lines could be safely pooled
      for validation. We illustrate this approach with tiered validation of two sibling
      clinical-grade hESC lines, KCL033 and KCL034 (stage 1, sterility; stage 2,
      specific human pathogens; and stage 3, nonspecific human pathogens). The results
      of all tests were negative. This cost-effective strategy could also be applied
      for validation of Master Cell Banks of multiple clinical-grade iPSC lines derived
      from a single donor. 

PMID- 25122689
TI  - Different culture conditions modulate the immunological properties of adipose
      stem cells.
AB  - The potential of human adipose stem cells (ASCs) for regenerative medicine has
      received recognition owing to their ease of isolation and their multilineage
      differentiation capacity. Additionally, low immunogenicity and immunosuppressive
      properties make them a relevant cell source when considering immunomodulation
      therapies and allogeneic stem cell treatments. In the current study,
      immunogenicity and immunosuppression of ASCs were determined through mixed
      lymphocyte reactions. The immunogenic response was analyzed after cell isolation
      and expansion in fetal bovine serum (FBS), human serum (HS)-supplemented medium,
      and xeno-free and serum-free (XF/SF) conditions. Additionally, the
      immunophenotype and the secretion of CXC chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), CXCL9,
      CXCL10, C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL5, interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL
      10, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, transforming growth
      factor-beta1, indoleamine 2,3-deoxygenase, Galectin-1, and Galectin-3 were
      analyzed. The results showed that ASCs were weakly immunogenic when expanded in
      any of the three conditions. The significantly strongest suppression was observed
      with cells expanded in FBS conditions, whereas higher ASC numbers were required
      to display suppression in HS or XF/SF conditions. In addition, statistically
      significant differences in protein secretion were observed between direct versus
      indirect cocultures and between different culture conditions. The characteristic
      immunophenotype of ASCs was maintained in all conditions. However, in XF/SF
      conditions, a significantly lower expression of CD54 (intercellular adhesion
      molecule 1) and a higher expression of CD45 (lymphocyte common antigen) was
      observed at a low passage number. Although culture conditions have an effect on
      the immunogenicity, immunosuppression, and protein secretion profile of ASCs, our
      findings demonstrated that ASCs have low immunogenicity and promising
      immunosuppressive potential whether cultured in FBS, HS, or XF/SF conditions. 

PMID- 25122693
TI  - Pathological response and safety of two neoadjuvant strategies with bevacizumab
      in MRI-defined locally advanced T3 resectable rectal cancer: a randomized,
      noncomparative phase II study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In T3 rectal cancer (RC), preoperative chemoradiotherapy [5
      fluorouracil (5-FU-RT)] reduces local recurrences, but does not affect overall
      survival. New therapeutic options are still necessary to improve clinical
      outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized, noncomparative, open-label,
      multicenter, two arms, phase II study was conducted in MRI-defined locally
      advanced T3 resectable RC. In arm A, patients received 12-week bevacizumab plus 5
      FU, leucovorin and oxaliplatin (Folfox-4) followed with bevacizumab-5-FU-RT
      before total mesorectal excision (TME). In arm B, patients received only
      bevacizumab-5-FU-RT before TME. Primary end point was pathological complete
      response (pCR) rate. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were randomized in arm A and 45
      patients in arm B. In arm A, the rate of pCR was 23.8% [95% confidence interval
      (CI) 12.1% to 39.5%] statistically superior to the defined standard rate of 10%,
      P = 0.015. In arm B, the rate of pCR of 11.4% (95% CI 3.8% to 24.6%) was not
      different from 10%, P = 0.906. No death occurred during the study period, from
      the start until 8 weeks following surgery. Postoperative fistulas were reported
      for 16 patients (7 in arm A and 9 in arm B). CONCLUSION: Even if the addition of
      bevacizumab induced manageable toxicities including an increased risk of
      postoperative fistula and no treatment-related death, arm B did not achieve the
      expected pCR rate in the population of patients included. Induction bevacizumab
      Folfox-4 followed by bevacizumab-5-FU-RT is promising. It is however necessary to
      continue investigations in the management of locally advanced RC.
      ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 00865189.

PMID- 25122694
TI  - Second-line chemotherapy in advanced biliary cancer: the present now will later
      be past.

PMID- 25122695
TI  - Newly diagnosed and relapsed follicular lymphoma: ESMO Clinical Practice
      Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

PMID- 25122698
TI  - SILARS: an effective stable isotope labeling with ammonium nitrate-15N in rice
      seedlings for quantitative proteomic analysis.

PMID- 25122699
TI  - A novel single-nucleotide mutation in a CLAVATA3 gene homolog controls a
      multilocular silique trait in Brassica rapa L.

PMID- 25122696
TI  - Combinatorial complexity in a transcriptionally centered signaling hub in
      Arabidopsis.
AB  - A subfamily of four Phytochrome (phy)-Interacting bHLH transcription Factors
      (PIFs) collectively promote skotomorphogenic development in dark-grown seedlings.
      This activity is reversed upon exposure to light, by photoactivated phy molecules
      that induce degradation of the PIFs, thereby triggering the transcriptional
      changes that drive a transition to photomorphogenesis. The PIFs function both
      redundantly and partially differentially at the morphogenic level in this
      process. To identify the direct targets of PIF transcriptional regulation genome
      wide, we analyzed the DNA-binding sites for all four PIFs by ChIP-seq analysis,
      and defined the genes transcriptionally regulated by each PIF, using RNA-seq
      analysis of pif mutants. Despite the absence of detectable differences in DNA
      binding-motif recognition between the PIFs, the data show a spectrum of
      regulatory patterns, ranging from single PIF dominance to equal contributions by
      all four. Similarly, a broad array of promoter architectures was found, ranging
      from single PIF-binding sites, containing single sequence motifs, through
      multiple PIF-binding sites, each containing one or more motifs, with each site
      occupied preferentially by one to multiple PIFs. Quantitative analysis of the
      promoter occupancy and expression level induced by each PIF revealed an
      intriguing pattern. Although there is no robust correlation broadly across the
      target-gene population, examination of individual genes that are shared targets
      of multiple PIFs shows a gradation in correlation from strongly positive, through
      uncorrelated, to negative. This finding suggests a dual-layered mechanism of
      transcriptional regulation, comprising both a continuum of binding-site occupancy
      by each PIF and a superimposed layer of local regulation that acts differentially
      on each PIF, to modulate its intrinsic transcriptional activation capacity at
      each site, in a quantitative pattern that varies between the individual PIFs from
      gene to gene. These findings provide a framework for probing the mechanisms by
      which transcription factors with overlapping direct-target genes integrate and
      selectively transduce signals to their target networks. 

PMID- 25122697
TI  - MADS-box transcription factor AGL21 regulates lateral root development and
      responds to multiple external and physiological signals.
AB  - Plant root system morphology is dramatically influenced by various environmental
      cues. The adaptation of root system architecture to environmental constraints,
      which mostly depends on the formation and growth of lateral roots, is an
      important agronomic trait. Lateral root development is regulated by the external
      signals coordinating closely with intrinsic signaling pathways. MADS-box
      transcription factors are known key regulators of the transition to flowering and
      flower development. However, their functions in root development are still poorly
      understood. Here we report that AGL21, an AGL17-clade MADS-box gene, plays a
      crucial role in lateral root development. AGL21 was highly expressed in root,
      particularly in the root central cylinder and lateral root primordia. AGL21
      overexpression plants produced more and longer lateral roots while agl21 mutants
      showed impaired lateral root development, especially under nitrogen-deficient
      conditions. AGL21 was induced by many plant hormones and environmental stresses,
      suggesting a function of this gene in root system plasticity in response to
      various signals. Furthermore, AGL21 was found positively regulating auxin
      accumulation in lateral root primordia and lateral roots by enhancing local auxin
      biosynthesis, thus stimulating lateral root initiation and growth. We propose
      that AGL21 may be involved in various environmental and physiological signals
      mediated lateral root development and growth. 

PMID- 25122700
TI  - Oculomotor task switching: alternating from a nonstandard to a standard response
      yields the unidirectional prosaccade switch-cost.
AB  - The completion of an antisaccade (i.e., a nonstandard task) lengthens the
      reaction time (RT) of a subsequent prosaccade: a behavioral phenomenon termed the
      unidirectional prosaccade switch-cost. One explanation for the unidirectional
      prosaccade switch-cost is suppressing a stimulus-driven prosaccade during the
      preceding antisaccade trial engenders a residual inhibition of the oculomotor
      networks that support prosaccade planning (i.e., the oculomotor inhibition
      hypothesis). Alternatively, the unidirectional prosaccade switch-cost may reflect
      the persistent activation of the antisaccade's nonstandard task rules (i.e., task
      set), which delays the planning of the next prosaccade (i.e., task-set inertia
      hypothesis). To determine which hypothesis provides the most parsimonious account
      for the unidirectional prosaccade switch-cost, participants alternated between
      pro- and antisaccades wherein task instructions (i.e., pro- and antisaccade) were
      provided before (i.e., classic cuing) or concurrent (i.e., delayed cuing) with
      response cuing. Importantly, pro- and antisaccades elicited via the delayed cuing
      condition required the suppression of a stimulus-driven prosaccade at response
      cuing (i.e., response suppression) to discern the appropriate to-be-performed
      task. Results showed that classic and delayed antisaccades, but not delayed
      prosaccades, lengthened the RT of subsequent prosaccades. That delayed
      prosaccades, which require response suppression for their successful execution,
      did not lengthen the RT of subsequent prosaccades indicates that the oculomotor
      inhibition hypothesis does not account for the unidirectional prosaccade switch
      cost. Instead, the current findings are in line with the assertion that the task
      set associated with a nonstandard antisaccade persists inertially and delays the
      planning of a subsequent prosaccade (i.e., task-set inertia hypothesis). 

PMID- 25122701
TI  - Role of spinal bombesin-responsive neurons in nonhistaminergic itch.
AB  - Intrathecal administration of the neurotoxin bombesin-saporin reduces or
      abolishes pruritogen-evoked scratching behavior. We investigated whether spinal
      neurons that respond to intradermal (ID) injection of pruritogens also respond to
      spinal superfusion of bombesin and vice versa. Single-unit recordings were made
      from superficial lumbar spinal dorsal horn neurons in anesthetized mice. We
      identified neurons with three search strategies: 1) ID injection of the
      nonhistaminergic itch mediator chloroquine, 2) spinal superfusion of bombesin,
      and 3) noxious pinch. All units were tested with an array of itch mediators
      (chloroquine, histamine, SLIGRL, BAM8-22), algogens [capsaicin, allyl
      isothiocyanate (AITC)], and physical stimuli (brush, pinch, noxious heat,
      cooling) applied to the hindlimb receptive field. The vast majority of
      chloroquine-responsive units also responded to bombesin. Of 26 chloroquine
      sensitive units tested, most responded to SLIGRL, half responded to histamine
      and/or BAM8-22, and most responded to capsaicin and/or AITC as well as noxious
      thermal and mechanical stimuli. Of 29 bombesin-responsive units, a large majority
      also responded to other itch mediators as well as AITC, capsaicin, and noxious
      thermal and mechanical stimuli. Responses to successive applications of bombesin
      exhibited tachyphylaxis. In contrast, of 36 units responsive to noxious pinch,
      the majority (67%) did not respond to ID chloroquine or spinal bombesin. It is
      suggested that chloroquine- and bombesin-sensitive spinal neurons signal itch
      from the skin. 

PMID- 25122703
TI  - Radial-tangential anisotropy of crowding in the early visual areas.
AB  - Crowding, the inability to recognize an individual object in clutter (Bouma H.
      Nature 226: 177-178, 1970), is considered a major impediment to object
      recognition in peripheral vision. Despite its significance, the cortical loci of
      crowding are not well understood. In particular, the role of the primary visual
      cortex (V1) remains unclear. Here we utilize a diagnostic feature of crowding to
      identify the earliest cortical locus of crowding. Controlling for other factors,
      radially arranged flankers induce more crowding than tangentially arranged ones
      (Toet A, Levi DM. Vision Res 32: 1349-1357, 1992). We used functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure the change in mean blood oxygenation level
      dependent (BOLD) response due to the addition of a middle letter between a pair
      of radially or tangentially arranged flankers. Consistent with the previous
      finding that crowding is associated with a reduced BOLD response [Millin R, Arman
      AC, Chung ST, Tjan BS. Cereb Cortex (July 5, 2013). doi:10.1093/cercor/bht159],
      we found that the BOLD signal evoked by the middle letter depended on the
      arrangement of the flankers: less BOLD response was associated with adding the
      middle letter between radially arranged flankers compared with adding it between
      tangentially arranged flankers. This anisotropy in BOLD response was present as
      early as V1 and remained significant in downstream areas. The effect was observed
      while subjects' attention was diverted away from the testing stimuli. Contrast
      detection threshold for the middle letter was unaffected by flanker arrangement,
      ruling out surround suppression of contrast response as a major factor in the
      observed BOLD anisotropy. Our findings support the view that V1 contributes to
      crowding. 

PMID- 25122702
TI  - Adaptation of high-gamma responses in human auditory association cortex.
AB  - This study investigates adaptation of high-frequency cortical responses [>60 Hz;
      high-gamma (HG)] to simple and complex sounds in human nonprimary auditory
      cortex. We used intracranial electrocorticographic recordings to measure event
      related changes in HG power as a function of stimulus probability. Tone and
      speech stimuli were presented in a series of traditional oddball and control
      paradigms. We hypothesized that HG power attenuates with stimulus repetition over
      multiple concurrent time scales in auditory association cortex. Time-frequency
      analyses were performed to identify auditory-responsive sites. Single-trial
      analyses and quantitative modeling were then used to measure trial-to-trial
      changes in HG power for high (frequent), low (infrequent), and equal (control)
      stimulus probabilities. Results show strong reduction of HG responses to
      frequently repeated tones and speech, with no differences in responses to
      infrequent and equal-probability stimuli. Adaptation of the HG frequent response,
      and not stimulus-acoustic differences or deviance-detection enhancement effects,
      accounted for the differential responses observed for frequent and infrequent
      sounds. Adaptation of HG responses showed a rapid onset (less than two trials)
      with slower adaptation between consecutive, repeated trials (2-10 s) and across
      trials in a stimulus block (~7 min). The auditory-evoked N100 response also
      showed repetition-related adaptation, consistent with previous human scalp and
      animal single-unit recordings. These findings indicate that HG responses are
      highly sensitive to the regularities of simple and complex auditory events and
      show adaptation on multiple concurrent time scales in human auditory association
      cortex. 

PMID- 25122705
TI  - Analysis of the long-term actions of gabapentin and pregabalin in dorsal root
      ganglia and substantia gelatinosa.
AB  - The alpha2delta-ligands pregabalin (PGB) and gabapentin (GBP) are used to treat
      neuropathic pain. We used whole cell recording to study their long-term effects
      on substantia gelatinosa and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Spinal cord
      slices were prepared from embryonic day 13 rat embryos and maintained in
      organotypic culture for >5 wk (neuronal age equivalent to young adult rats).
      Exposure of similarly aged DRG neurons (dissociated and cultured from postnatal
      day 19 rats) to GBP or PGB for 5-6 days attenuated high-voltage-activated calcium
      channel currents (HVA ICa). Strong effects were seen in medium-sized and in small
      isolectin B4-negative (IB4-) DRG neurons, whereas large neurons and small neurons
      that bound isolectin B4 (IB4+) were hardly affected. GBP (100 MUM) or PGB (10
      MUM) were less effective than 20 MUM Mn(2+) in suppression of HVA ICa in small
      DRG neurons. By contrast, 5-6 days of exposure to these alpha2delta-ligands was
      more effective than 20 MUM Mn(2+) in reducing spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic
      currents at synapses in substantia gelatinosa. Spinal actions of gabapentinoids
      cannot therefore be ascribed to decreased expression of HVA Ca(2+) channels in
      primary afferent nerve terminals. In substantia gelatinosa, 5-6 days of exposure
      to PGB was more effective in inhibiting excitatory synaptic drive to putative
      excitatory neurons than to putative inhibitory neurons. Although spontaneous
      inhibitory postsynaptic currents were also attenuated, the overall long-term
      effect of alpha2delta-ligands was to decrease network excitability as monitored
      by confocal Ca(2+) imaging. We suggest that selective actions of alpha2delta
      ligands on populations of DRG neurons may predict their selective attenuation of
      excitatory transmission onto excitatory vs. inhibitory neurons in substantia
      gelatinosa. 

PMID- 25122704
TI  - Increased intrinsic excitability of muscle vasoconstrictor preganglionic neurons
      may contribute to the elevated sympathetic activity in hypertensive rats.
AB  - Hypertension is associated with pathologically increased sympathetic drive to the
      vasculature. This has been attributed to increased excitatory drive to
      sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPN) from brainstem cardiovascular control
      centers. However, there is also evidence supporting increased intrinsic
      excitability of SPN. To test this hypothesis, we made whole cell recordings of
      muscle vasoconstrictor-like (MVClike) SPN in the working-heart brainstem
      preparation of spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto
      (WKY) rats. The MVClike SPN have a higher spontaneous firing frequency in the SH
      rat (3.85 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.44 +/- 0.4 Hz in WKY; P = 0.011) with greater respiratory
      modulation of their activity. The action potentials of SH SPN had smaller,
      shorter afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) and showed diminished transient
      rectification indicating suppression of an A-type potassium conductance (IA). We
      developed mathematical models of the SPN to establish if changes in their
      intrinsic properties in SH rats could account for their altered firing. Reduction
      of the maximal conductance density of IA by 15-30% changed the excitability and
      output of the model from the WKY to a SH profile, with increased firing
      frequency, amplified respiratory modulation, and smaller AHPs. This change in
      output is predominantly a consequence of altered synaptic integration. Consistent
      with these in silico predictions, we found that intrathecal 4-aminopyridine (4
      AP) increased sympathetic nerve activity, elevated perfusion pressure, and
      augmented Traube-Hering waves. Our findings indicate that IA acts as a powerful
      filter on incoming synaptic drive to SPN and that its diminution in the SH rat is
      potentially sufficient to account for the increased sympathetic output underlying
      hypertension. 

PMID- 25122706
TI  - Decoding stimulus duration from neural responses in the auditory midbrain.
AB  - Neurons with responses selective for the duration of an auditory stimulus are
      called duration-tuned neurons (DTNs). Temporal specificity in their spiking
      suggests that one function of DTNs is to encode stimulus duration; however, the
      efficacy of duration encoding by DTNs has yet to be investigated. Herein, we
      characterize the information content of individual cells and a population of DTNs
      from the mammalian inferior colliculus (IC) by measuring the stimulus-specific
      information (SSI) and estimated Fisher information (FI) of spike count responses.
      We found that SSI was typically greatest for those stimulus durations that evoked
      maximum spike counts, defined as best duration (BD) stimuli, and that FI was
      maximal for stimulus durations off BD where sensitivity to a change in duration
      was greatest. Using population data, we demonstrate that a maximum likelihood
      estimator (MLE) can accurately decode stimulus duration from evoked spike counts.
      We also simulated a two-alternative forced choice task by having MLE models
      decide whether two durations were the same or different. With this task we
      measured the just-noticeable difference threshold for stimulus duration and
      calculated the corresponding Weber fractions across the stimulus domain.
      Altogether, these results demonstrate that the spiking responses of DTNs from the
      mammalian IC contain sufficient information for the CNS to encode, decode, and
      discriminate behaviorally relevant auditory signal durations. 

PMID- 25122708
TI  - Nerve growth factor alters the sensitivity of rat masseter muscle
      mechanoreceptors to NMDA receptor activation.
AB  - Intramuscular injection of nerve growth factor (NGF) into rat masseter muscle
      induces a local mechanical sensitization that is greater in female than in male
      rats. The duration of NGF-induced sensitization in male and female rats was
      associated with an increase in peripheral N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor
      expression by masseter muscle afferent fibers that began 3 days postinjection.
      Here, we investigated the functional consequences of increased NMDA expression on
      the response properties of masseter muscle mechanoreceptors. In vivo
      extracellular single-unit electrophysiological recordings of trigeminal ganglion
      neurons innervating the masseter muscle were performed in anesthetized rats 3
      days after NGF injection (25 MUg/ml, 10 MUl) into the masseter muscle. Mechanical
      activation threshold was assessed before and after intramuscular injection of
      NMDA. NMDA injection induced mechanical sensitization in both sexes that was
      increased significantly following NGF injection in the male rats but not in the
      female rats. However, in female but not male rats, further examination found that
      preadministration of NGF induced a greater sensitization in slow Adelta-fibers (2
      7 m/s) than fast Adelta-fibers (7-12 m/s). This suggests that preadministration
      of NGF had a different effect on slowly conducting mechanoreceptors in the female
      rats compared with the male rats. Although previous studies have found an
      association between estrogenic tone and NMDA activity, no correlation was
      observed between NMDA-evoked mechanical sensitization and plasma estrogen level.
      This study suggests NGF alters NMDA-induced mechanical sensitization in the
      peripheral endings of masseter mechanoreceptors in a sexually dimorphic manner. 

PMID- 25122709
TI  - Visual selectivity for heading in the macaque ventral intraparietal area.
AB  - The patterns of optic flow seen during self-motion can be used to determine the
      direction of one's own heading. Tracking eye movements which typically occur
      during everyday life alter this task since they add further retinal image motion
      and (predictably) distort the retinal flow pattern. Humans employ both visual and
      nonvisual (extraretinal) information to solve a heading task in such case.
      Likewise, it has been shown that neurons in the monkey medial superior temporal
      area (area MST) use both signals during the processing of self-motion
      information. In this article we report that neurons in the macaque ventral
      intraparietal area (area VIP) use visual information derived from the distorted
      flow patterns to encode heading during (simulated) eye movements. We recorded
      responses of VIP neurons to simple radial flow fields and to distorted flow
      fields that simulated self-motion plus eye movements. In 59% of the cases, cell
      responses compensated for the distortion and kept the same heading selectivity
      irrespective of different simulated eye movements. In addition, response
      modulations during real compared with simulated eye movements were smaller, being
      consistent with reafferent signaling involved in the processing of the visual
      consequences of eye movements in area VIP. We conclude that the motion
      selectivities found in area VIP, like those in area MST, provide a way to
      successfully analyze and use flow fields during self-motion and simultaneous
      tracking movements. 

PMID- 25122707
TI  - Dopamine transporter gene susceptibility to methylation is associated with
      impulsivity in nonhuman primates.
AB  - Impulsivity, the predisposition to act without regard for negative consequences,
      is a characteristic of several psychiatric disorders and is thought to result in
      part from genetic variation in the untranslated region of the dopamine
      transporter (DAT) gene. As the exact link between genetic mutations and
      impulsivity has not been established, we used oculomotor behavior to characterize
      rhesus monkeys as impulsive or calm and genetic/epigenetic analysis and positron
      emission tomography (PET) to correlate phenotype to DAT genotype, DAT gene
      methylation, and DAT availability. We found three single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) in the 3'-UTR of the DAT gene, one of which provided a potential site for
      methylation in the impulsive group. Bisulfite analysis showed that the DNA of the
      impulsive but not the calm subjects was methylated at one SNP. Because
      genetic/epigenetic modifications could lead to differences in protein expression,
      we measured DAT availability using [(18)F]2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4
      chlorophenyl)-8-(2-fluoroethyl)-nortropane ([(18)F]FECNT) PET and found higher
      DAT availability in the internal globus pallidus, an output nucleus of the basal
      ganglia, of the impulsive group. Higher DAT availability lowers dopamine levels,
      potentially altering neuronal circuits involved in the initiation of action, thus
      contributing to the impulsive phenotype. The association between increased
      methylation in the DAT gene and greater DAT availability suggests that mutations
      to the regulatory portion of the DAT gene lead to a susceptibility to epigenetic
      modification resulting in a discrete behavioral phenotype. 

PMID- 25122710
TI  - Low-intensity electric fields induce two distinct response components in
      neocortical neuronal populations.
AB  - Low-intensity alternating electric fields applied to the scalp are capable of
      modulating cortical activity and brain functions, but the underlying mechanisms
      remain largely unknown. Here, we report two distinct components of voltage
      sensitive dye signals induced by low-intensity, alternating electric fields in
      rodent cortical slices: a "passive component," which corresponds to membrane
      potential changes directly induced by the electric field; and an "active
      component," which is a widespread depolarization that is dependent on excitatory
      synaptic transmission. The passive component is stationary, with amplitude and
      phase accurately reflecting the cortical cytoarchitecture. In contrast, the
      active component is initiated from a local "hot spot" of activity and spreads to
      a large population as a propagating wave with rich local dynamics. The
      propagation of the active component may play a role in modulating large-scale
      cortical activity by spreading a low level of excitation from a small initiation
      point to a vast neuronal population. 

PMID- 25122711
TI  - Effects of millimeter wave irradiation and equivalent thermal heating on the
      activity of individual neurons in the leech ganglion.
AB  - Many of today's radiofrequency-emitting devices in telecommunication,
      telemedicine, transportation safety, and security/military applications use the
      millimeter wave (MMW) band (30-300 GHz). To evaluate the biological safety and
      possible applications of this radiofrequency band for neuroscience and neurology,
      we have investigated the physiological effects of low-intensity 60-GHz
      electromagnetic irradiation on individual neurons in the leech midbody ganglia.
      We applied incident power densities of 1, 2, and 4 mW/cm(2) to the whole ganglion
      for a period of 1 min while recording the action potential with a standard sharp
      electrode electrophysiology setup. For comparison, the recognized U.S. safe
      exposure limit is 1 mW/cm(2) for 6 min. During the exposure to MMWs and gradual
      bath heating at a rate of 0.04 degrees C/s (2.4 degrees C/min), the ganglionic
      neurons exhibited similar dose-dependent hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane
      and decrease in the action potential amplitude. However, narrowing of the action
      potential half-width during MMW irradiation at 4 mW/cm(2) was 5 times more
      pronounced compared with that during equivalent bath heating of 0.6 degrees C.
      Even more dramatic difference in the effects of MMW irradiation and bath heating
      was noted in the firing rate, which was suppressed at all applied MMW power
      densities and increased in a dose-dependent manner during gradual bath heating.
      The mechanism of enhanced narrowing of action potentials and suppressed firing by
      MMW irradiation, compared with that by gradual bath heating, is hypothesized to
      involve specific coupling of MMW energy with the neuronal plasma membrane. 

PMID- 25122712
TI  - The irregular firing properties of thalamic head direction cells mediate turn
      specific modulation of the directional tuning curve.
AB  - Head direction cells encode an animal's heading in the horizontal plane. However,
      it is not clear why the directionality of a cell's mean firing rate differs for
      clockwise, compared with counterclockwise, head turns (this difference is known
      as the "separation angle") in anterior thalamus. Here we investigated in freely
      behaving rats whether intrinsic neuronal firing properties are linked to this
      phenomenon. We found a positive correlation between the separation angle and the
      spiking variability of thalamic head direction cells. To test whether this link
      is driven by hyperpolarization-inducing currents, we investigated the effect of
      thalamic reticular inhibition during high-voltage spindles on directional
      spiking. While the selective directional firing of thalamic neurons was
      preserved, we found no evidence for entrainment of thalamic head direction cells
      by high-voltage spindle oscillations. We then examined the role of depolarization
      inducing currents in the formation of separation angle. Using a single
      compartment Hodgkin-Huxley model, we show that modeled neurons fire with higher
      frequencies during the ascending phase of sinusoidal current injection (mimicking
      the head direction tuning curve) when simulated with higher high-threshold
      calcium channel conductance. These findings demonstrate that the turn-specific
      encoding of directional signal strongly depends on the ability of thalamic
      neurons to fire irregularly in response to sinusoidal excitatory activation.
      Another crucial factor for inducing phase lead to sinusoidal current injection
      was the presence of spike-frequency adaptation current in the modeled neurons.
      Our data support a model in which intrinsic biophysical properties of thalamic
      neurons mediate the physiological encoding of directional information. 

PMID- 25122715
TI  - Locomotor training alters the behavior of flexor reflexes during walking in human
      spinal cord injury.
AB  - In humans, a chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs the excitability of
      pathways mediating early flexor reflexes and increases the excitability of late,
      long-lasting flexor reflexes. We hypothesized that in individuals with SCI,
      locomotor training will alter the behavior of these spinally mediated reflexes.
      Nine individuals who had either chronic clinically motor complete or incomplete
      SCI received an average of 44 locomotor training sessions. Flexor reflexes,
      elicited via sural nerve stimulation of the right or left leg, were recorded from
      the ipsilateral tibialis anterior (TA) muscle before and after body weight
      support (BWS)-assisted treadmill training. The modulation pattern of the
      ipsilateral TA responses following innocuous stimulation of the right foot was
      also recorded in 10 healthy subjects while they stepped at 25% BWS to investigate
      whether body unloading during walking affects the behavior of these responses.
      Healthy subjects did not receive treadmill training. We observed a phase
      dependent modulation of early TA flexor reflexes in healthy subjects with reduced
      body weight during walking. The early TA flexor reflexes were increased at heel
      contact, progressively decreased during the stance phase, and then increased
      throughout the swing phase. In individuals with SCI, locomotor training induced
      the reappearance of early TA flexor reflexes and changed the amplitude of late TA
      flexor reflexes during walking. Both early and late TA flexor reflexes were
      modulated in a phase-dependent pattern after training. These new findings support
      the adaptive capability of the injured nervous system to return to a prelesion
      excitability and integration state. 

PMID- 25122714
TI  - Minimum conditions for the induction of cortical spreading depression in brain
      slices.
AB  - Cortical spreading depression (CSD) occurs during various forms of brain injury
      such as stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and brain trauma, but it is also thought
      to be the mechanism of the migraine aura. It is therefore expected to occur over
      a range of conditions including the awake behaving state. Yet it is unclear how
      such a massive depolarization could occur under relatively benign conditions.
      Using a microfluidic device with focal stimulation capability in a mouse brain
      slice model, we varied extracellular potassium concentration as well as the area
      exposed to increased extracellular potassium to determine the minimum conditions
      necessary to elicit CSD. Importantly, we focused on potassium levels that are
      physiologically plausible (<=145 mM; the intracellular potassium concentration).
      We found a strong correlation between the threshold concentration and the slice
      area exposed to increased extracellular potassium: minimum area of exposure was
      needed with the highest potassium concentration, while larger areas were needed
      at lower concentrations. We also found that moderate elevations of extracellular
      potassium were able to elicit CSD in relatively small estimated tissue volumes
      that might be activated under noninjury conditions. Our results thus show that
      CSD may be inducible under the conditions that expected in migraine aura as well
      as those related to brain trauma. 

PMID- 25122716
TI  - Opposed optimal strategies of weighting somatosensory inputs for planning
      reaching movements toward visual and proprioceptive targets.
AB  - Behavioral studies have suggested that the brain uses a visual estimate of the
      hand to plan reaching movements toward visual targets and somatosensory inputs in
      the case of somatosensory targets. However, neural correlates for distinct coding
      of the hand according to the sensory modality of the target have not yet been
      identified. Here we tested the twofold hypothesis that the somatosensory input
      from the reaching hand is facilitated and inhibited, respectively, when planning
      movements toward somatosensory (unseen fingers) or visual targets. The weight of
      the somatosensory inputs was assessed by measuring the amplitude of the
      somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) resulting from vibration of the reaching
      finger during movement planning. The target sensory modality had no significant
      effect on SEP amplitude. However, Spearman's analyses showed significant
      correlations between the SEPs and reaching errors. When planning movements toward
      proprioceptive targets without visual feedback of the reaching hand, participants
      showing the greater SEPs were those who produced the smaller directional errors.
      Inversely, participants showing the smaller SEPs when planning movements toward
      visual targets with visual feedback of the reaching hand were those who produced
      the smaller directional errors. No significant correlation was found between the
      SEPs and radial or amplitude errors. Our results indicate that the sensory
      strategy for planning movements is highly flexible among individuals and also for
      a given sensory context. Most importantly, they provide neural bases for the
      suggestion that optimization of movement planning requires the target and the
      reaching hand to both be represented in the same sensory modality. 

PMID- 25122713
TI  - Modulation of motoneuron firing by recurrent inhibition in the adult rat in vivo.
AB  - Recent reports show that synaptic inhibition can modulate postsynaptic spike
      timing without having strong effects on firing rate. Thus synaptic inhibition can
      achieve multiplicity in neural circuit operation through variable modulation of
      postsynaptic firing rate vs. timing. We tested this possibility for recurrent
      inhibition (RI) of spinal motoneurons. In in vivo electrophysiological studies of
      adult Wistar rats anesthetized by isoflurane, we examined repetitive firing of
      individual lumbosacral motoneurons recorded in current clamp and modulated by
      synchronous antidromic electrical stimulation of multiple motor axons and their
      centrally projecting collateral branches. Antidromic stimulation produced
      recurrent inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (RIPSPs) having properties similar
      to those detailed in the cat. Although synchronous RI produced marked short-term
      modulation of motoneuron spike timing and instantaneous firing rate, there was
      little or no suppression of average firing rate. The bias in firing modulation of
      timing over average rate was observed even for high-frequency RI stimulation (100
      Hz), perhaps because of the brevity of RIPSPs, which were more than twofold
      shorter during motoneuron firing compared with rest. These findings demonstrate
      that RI in the mammalian spinal cord has the capacity to support and not impede
      heightened motor pool activity, possibly during rapid, forceful movements. 

PMID- 25122718
TI  - Learning-related neuronal activity in the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus
      during associative cerebellar learning.
AB  - During delay eyeblink conditioning, rats learn to produce an eyelid-closure
      conditioned response (CR) to a conditioned stimulus (CS), such as a light, which
      precedes and coterminates with an unconditioned stimulus (US). Previous studies
      have suggested that the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNv) might play an
      important role in visual eyeblink conditioning by supplying visual sensory input
      to the pontine nuclei (PN) and also receiving feedback from the cerebellum. No
      prior study has investigated LGNv neuronal activity during eyeblink conditioning.
      The present study used multiple tetrodes to monitor single-unit activity in the
      rat LGNv during pre-exposure (CS only), unpaired CS/US, and paired CS-US training
      conditions. This behavioral-training sequence was used to investigate
      nonassociative- and associative-driven neuronal activity in the LGNv during
      training. LGNv neuronal activity habituated during unpaired training and then
      recovered from habituation during subsequent paired training, which may indicate
      that the LGNv plays a role in attention to the CS. The amplitude of LGNv neuronal
      activity correlated with CR production during paired but not unpaired CS/US
      training. Cerebellar feedback to the LGNv may play a role in modulating LGNv
      activity and attention to the CS during paired training. Based on the present
      findings, we hypothesize that the role of LGNv in visual eyeblink conditioning
      goes beyond simply routing visual CS information to the PN and involves
      modulation of attention. 

PMID- 25122720
TI  - High-quality 3-dimensional imaging for patients with anomalous pulmonary veins.
AB  - The branching pattern of pulmonary veins exhibits many variations. Here we
      describe 2 patients with lung malignancies who were found to have pulmonary vein
      anomalies. We performed video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomies based on
      preoperative simulations by 3-dimensional computed tomography. Using 3
      dimensional computed tomography, a surgeon can easily construct digital images of
      the patient's pulmonary vessels within a few minutes. Simulation using 3
      dimensional computed tomography imaging is useful for further understanding of
      the surgical anatomy. 

PMID- 25122719
TI  - Gender Differences in Health Literacy Among Korean Adults: Do Women Have a Higher
      Level of Health Literacy Than Men?
AB  - The role of gender in determining the level of health literacy in Korean adults
      is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the level of health literacy in
      Korean adults and identify factors associated with health literacy by gender.
      This study employed a cross-sectional survey design with a convenient sample of
      585 community-dwelling Korean adults age19 years and older. Health literacy was
      measured by using eight items selected from Chew et al.'s 16-question self
      reported health literacy measure. In accordance with Andersen's health behavior
      model, predisposing, enabling, and need factors were included in the multiple
      regression model. Women indicated a higher level of health literacy than men in
      understanding medical forms, directions on medication bottles, and written
      information offered by health care providers. Additionally, for Korean women, a
      higher level of health literacy was associated with attaining a higher education
      level and having a consistent place to receive care. Unmarried men and men who
      had higher self-rated health reported a higher level of health literacy compared
      with their counterparts. Lower level of depression and higher monthly income were
      significantly linked to a higher level of health literacy in both men and women.
      This study has established the importance of gender differences in health
      literacy and suggests gender-specific intervention may be warranted to reduce the
      existing gap in health literacy in both Korean men and women. Future research
      should replicate this study to confirm whether or not our finding is an
      international phenomenon. 

PMID- 25122721
TI  - Genetic polymorphisms in preoperative myocardial infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study compared plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in patients
      with myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation before undergoing to
      coronary artery bypass grafting, and in patients who had previously undergone
      coronary artery bypass grafting. METHOD: Seventy patients with myocardial
      infarction with ST-segment elevation, scheduled to undergo coronary artery bypass
      grafting, were included in the study group, and 70 patients who had previously
      undergone coronary artery bypass grafting were included in the control group.
      Genetic polymorphisms were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction
      methods. RESULTS: Our data showed that there were no significant differences in
      plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T
      and A1298C polymorphisms or allele frequencies between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION:
      Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T
      and A1298C polymorphisms were not associated risk factors in patients who had
      myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation and planned to have coronary
      artery bypass grafting.

PMID- 25122717
TI  - Elevated serotonergic signaling amplifies synaptic noise and facilitates the
      emergence of epileptiform network oscillations.
AB  - Serotonin fibers densely innervate the cortical sheath to regulate neuronal
      excitability, but its role in shaping network dynamics remains undetermined. We
      show that serotonin provides an excitatory tone to cortical neurons in the form
      of spontaneous synaptic noise through 5-HT3 receptors, which is persistent and
      can be augmented using fluoxetine, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor.
      Augmented serotonin signaling also increases cortical network activity by
      enhancing synaptic excitation through activation of 5-HT2 receptors. This in turn
      facilitates the emergence of epileptiform network oscillations (10-16 Hz) known
      as fast runs. A computational model of cortical dynamics demonstrates that these
      two combined mechanisms, increased background synaptic noise and enhanced
      synaptic excitation, are sufficient to replicate the emergence fast runs and
      their statistics. Consistent with these findings, we show that blocking 5-HT2
      receptors in vivo significantly raises the threshold for convulsant-induced
      seizures. 

PMID- 25122722
TI  - A case of right superior vena cava draining into the left atrial roof.
AB  - We report the multidisciplinary consideration in a case of right superior vena
      cava draining into the left atrial roof. A 12-year-old boy was diagnosed with a
      sinus venosus-type atrial septal defect associated with anomalous right upper
      pulmonary venous return. However, intraoperative inspection showed the right
      superior vena cava draining into the left atrial roof, associated with anomalous
      right upper pulmonary venous return. An anatomical radical operation was
      performed using a modified conventional technique. 

PMID- 25122723
TI  - Single coronary artery anomaly without previous myocardial infarction does not
      cause ischemic mitral insufficiency.

PMID- 25122724
TI  - Opioid therapy for knee osteoarthritis and postoperative persistent pain after
      knee arthroplasty.

PMID- 25122725
TI  - Mortality in patients with giant cell arteritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether GCA is associated with
      increased mortality. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort
      study including all individuals who between 1993 and 2011 were registered in the
      Danish National Hospital Register and the Danish Pathology Register with a biopsy
      proven diagnosis of GCA (n = 1787). Through the Danish Civil Registration System
      we identified a comparison cohort of 33 953 persons from the background
      population, individually matched on age and sex. Data on causes of death were
      obtained from the Danish Registry of Causes of Death. We used Poisson regression
      to determine mortality rate ratios as estimates of relative risk of death and
      specific causes of death. RESULTS: Compared with the general population, the
      relative risk (RR) of death in patients diagnosed with GCA was 1.17 (95% CI 1.01,
      1.36) and 1.22 (95% CI 1.05, 1.41) 0-2 years and >10 years after diagnosis,
      respectively, whereas we observed no increased mortality during the follow-up
      period of 2-10 years [RR 0.96 (95% CI 0.88, 1.05)]. The increased mortality
      during the first 2 years of follow-up was mainly due to diseases of the
      circulatory system, including aortic aneurisms. CONCLUSION: GCA is associated
      with slightly increased early and late mortality.

PMID- 25122726
TI  - The global anti-phospholipid syndrome score in primary APS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of the
      global APS score (GAPSS) in a cohort of primary APS patients. METHODS: This study
      included 62 consecutive patients with primary APS. Data on clinical
      manifestations, conventional cardiovascular risk factors and aPL profile were
      collected. The GAPSS was calculated for each patient by adding together the
      points corresponding to the risk factors, based on a linear transformation
      derived from the beta regression coefficient as follows: 3 for hyperlipidaemia, 1
      for arterial hypertension, 5 for aCL IgG/IgM, 4 for anti-beta2 glycoprotein I
      IgG/IgM, 3 for aPS-PT IgG/IgM and 4 for LA. RESULTS: Higher GAPSS values were
      seen in patients who experienced thrombosis alone when compared with those with
      pregnancy loss alone [11.5 (S.D. 4.6) and 8.7 (S.D. 3.2), P = 0.04]. Patients
      with both thrombosis and pregnancy loss showed higher GAPSS than those with
      pregnancy loss alone [12.5 (S.D. 4.6) vs 8.7 (S.D. 3.2), P = 0.02]. Higher GAPSS
      values were also shown after subgrouping for the site of thrombosis when compared
      with pregnancy loss alone [12.2 (S.D. 5.2) for arterial thrombosis, 12.0 (S.D.
      4.0) for venous vs 8.7 (S.D. 3.2), P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively]. Patients
      with thrombotic recurrences showed higher GAPSS values when compared with those
      without recurrence [13.7 (S.D. 3.1) vs 9.4 (S.D. 3.9), P = 0.02]. This was also
      seen when comparing recurrences vs no recurrences independently of the site of
      the thrombotic event [13.9 (S.D. 3.6) vs 11.0 (S.D. 4.3), P = 0.01 for arterial
      and 13.6 (S.D. 2.18) vs 8.91 (S.D. 3.6), P < 0.01 for venous thrombosis]. GAPSS
      values >=11 were strongly associated with a higher risk of recurrence [odds ratio
      (OR) 18.27 (95% CI 3.74, 114.5) for a cut-off of 11, OR 20.64 (95% CI 3.92,
      185.92) for a cut-off of 12 and 21.64 (95% CI 3.89, 189.56) for a cut-off of 15].
      GAPSS values >=11 seemed to have the best risk accuracy in terms of sensitivity
      and specificity. CONCLUSION: The GAPSS is demonstrated to be a valid tool for a
      substantial improvement in risk stratification for thrombosis in primary APS.

PMID- 25122728
TI  - Tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma in children: report of three
      cases with long-term follow-up from a single institution.
AB  - Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), tall cell (TC) variant, is exceptional in
      children. In adults it represents about 20% of PTCs, featuring a high-risk
      neoplasm, with a 4-fold risk of relapse and a 20-fold relapse-related risk of
      death. Out of 42 cases of pediatric PTCs, we found 3 cases of PTC-TC (7%) with
      clinical data at onset and follow-up up to June 2014. They were 3 females aged
      13, 15, and 15 years. Local extrathyroid extension was present in 2 cases.
      Neither nodal nor distant metastases were found. Two patients underwent
      hemithyroidectomy and 1 patient a total thyroidectomy, followed in all cases by
      life-long suppressive hormonal therapy. On follow-up, the patients were alive and
      well after 29, 24, and 29 years, respectively. The rarity of PTC-TC in children
      was confirmed. The behavior was indolent after a median follow-up of about 29
      years, following treatment with hemithyroidectomy in 2 cases and controlled by
      suppressive hormonal therapy. The results of this series, albeit small, suggest
      that TC morphology in PTC does not carry the same negative prognostic
      significance in children as it does in adults. A conservative approach should
      therefore be considered for these 'pediatric type' cases of this tumor type. 

PMID- 25122730
TI  - Modigliani-like art in surgical pathology.

PMID- 25122727
TI  - Predictive impact on medium-term mortality of hematological parameters in Acute
      Coronary Syndromes: added value on top of GRACE risk score.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) prognostic value in patients with
      Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) has been well validated whereas that of Platelet
      Distribution Width (PDW) is less well known. OBJECTIVES: Investigate the
      incremental prognostic value, on top of GRACE risk score, of a new variable
      resulting from the combination of RDW and PDW. METHODS: Consecutive patients with
      ACS. Complete blood count, with RDW and PDW, was obtained. Primary endpoint was
      one-year all-cause mortality and Cox regression models were used to measure the
      influence of RDW and PDW on patients' survival time. A new combination
      categorical variable (RDW/PDW) was created with both discretized RDW and PDW and
      logistic regression models were used. Predictive value and discriminative ability
      of the model with GRACE risk score alone and of the model with inclusion of
      RDW/PDW was assessed. RESULTS: We included 787 patients. Hospital and one-year
      mortality rates were 5.1% and 7.8%, respectively. Both continuous RDW and PDW
      were independent predictors of death. The best cut-off for RDW was 13.9%, and
      14.5% for PDW. Inclusion of RDW/PDW in a model with GRACE risk score improved the
      AUC from 0.81 (95% CI 0.75-0.86) to 0.84 (95% CI 0.79-0.90) (p=0.024) with an
      improvement in total NRI (56%) and IDI (0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Simple markers such
      as RDW and PDW can be useful in risk stratification of death after ACS. Combining
      both markers with GRACE risk score improved the predictive value for all-cause
      mortality and reduced the estimated risk of those who did not die.

PMID- 25122729
TI  - Art and human expression in histology.

PMID- 25122731
TI  - Measuring progress in global health.

PMID- 25122732
TI  - Cognitive Testing to Identify Children With ADHD Who Do and Do Not Respond to
      Methylphenidate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the utility of cognitive measures for predicting response
      of children and adolescents to methylphenidate (MPH). METHOD: Participants from
      the International Study to Predict Optimized Treatment-in ADHD (iSPOT-A)
      completed a cognitive test battery prior to receiving 6 weeks of MPH. The
      responder criterion was a 25% reduction in ADHD-Rating Scale-IV scores. Receiver
      Operator Characteristics (ROC) classified non-responders from responders with
      maximal sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Overall, 62% of participants
      responded to MPH. Response rates for ROC-identified groups ranged from 18% to
      85%. Non-responders showed compromised cognition related to switching of
      attention, sustained attention, planning, and impulsivity. One group of
      responders were 10 years of age or older and had impaired switching of attention
      and impulsivity; a second group had enhanced switching of attention, normal or
      higher Continuous Performance Task (CPT) scores, and above average scores on
      digit span. CONCLUSION: Cognitive tests may provide a simple, low-cost tool for
      treatment planning for children and adolescents with ADHD.

PMID- 25122733
TI  - Researchers push back against overhauling clinical trials.

PMID- 25122734
TI  - Water pipe smoking: not risk free.

PMID- 25122737
TI  - Hormone therapy can wait in PSA-only relapse.

PMID- 25122735
TI  - Identifying cancer mutations as therapeutic targets.

PMID- 25122739
TI  - The enemy of my enemy is my friend: intraguild predation between invaders and
      natives facilitates coexistence with shared invasive prey.
AB  - Understanding and predicting the outcomes of biological invasions is challenging
      where multiple invader and native species interact. We hypothesize that
      antagonistic interactions between invaders and natives could divert their impact
      on subsequent invasive species, thus facilitating coexistence. From field data,
      we found that, when existing together in freshwater sites, the native amphipod
      Gammarus duebeni celticus and a previous invader G. pulex appear to facilitate
      the establishment of a second invader, their shared prey Crangonyx
      pseudogracilis. Indeed, the latter species was rarely found at sites where each
      Gammarus species was present on its own. Experiments indicated that this may be
      the result of G. d. celticus and G. pulex engaging in more intraguild predation
      (IGP) than cannibalism; when the 'enemy' of either Gammarus species was present,
      that is, the other Gammarus species, C. pseudogracilis significantly more often
      escaped predation. Thus, the presence of mutual enemies and the stronger inter-
      than intraspecific interactions they engage in can facilitate other invaders.
      With some invasive species such as C. pseudogracilis having no known detrimental
      effects on native species, and indeed having some positive ecological effects, we
      also conclude that some invasions could promote biodiversity and ecosystem
      functioning. 

PMID- 25122740
TI  - Preterm birth is associated with an increased fundamental frequency of
      spontaneous crying in human infants at term-equivalent age.
AB  - Human infant crying has been researched as a non-invasive tool for assessing
      neurophysiological states at an early developmental stage. Little is known about
      the acoustic features of spontaneous cries in preterm infants, although their
      pain-induced cries are at a higher fundamental frequency (F0) before term
      equivalent age. In this study, we investigated the effects of gestational age,
      body size at recording and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) on the F0 of
      spontaneous cries in healthy preterm and full-term infants at term-equivalent
      age. We found that shorter gestational age was significantly associated with
      higher F0, although neither smaller body size at recording nor IUGR was related
      to increased F0 in preterm infants. These findings suggest that the increased F0
      of spontaneous cries is not caused by their smaller body size, but instead might
      be caused by more complicated neurophysiological states owing to their different
      intrauterine and extrauterine experiences. 

PMID- 25122741
TI  - Size matters: plasticity in metabolic scaling shows body-size may modulate
      responses to climate change.
AB  - Variability in metabolic scaling in animals, the relationship between metabolic
      rate ( R: ) and body mass ( M: ), has been a source of debate and controversy for
      decades. R: is proportional to MB: , the precise value of B: much debated, but
      historically considered equal in all organisms. Recent metabolic theory, however,
      predicts B: to vary among species with ecology and metabolic level, and may also
      vary within species under different abiotic conditions. Under climate change,
      most species will experience increased temperatures, and marine organisms will
      experience the additional stressor of decreased seawater pH ('ocean
      acidification'). Responses to these environmental changes are modulated by myriad
      species-specific factors. Body-size is a fundamental biological parameter, but
      its modulating role is relatively unexplored. Here, we show that changes to
      metabolic scaling reveal asymmetric responses to stressors across body-size
      ranges; B: is systematically decreased under increasing temperature in three
      grazing molluscs, indicating smaller individuals were more responsive to warming.
      Larger individuals were, however, more responsive to reduced seawater pH in low
      temperatures. These alterations to the allometry of metabolism highlight abiotic
      control of metabolic scaling, and indicate that responses to climate warming and
      ocean acidification may be modulated by body-size. 

PMID- 25122742
TI  - Efficient nearest neighbors via robust sparse hashing.
AB  - This paper presents a new nearest neighbor (NN) retrieval framework: robust
      sparse hashing (RSH). Our approach is inspired by the success of dictionary
      learning for sparse coding. Our key idea is to sparse code the data using a
      learned dictionary, and then to generate hash codes out of these sparse codes for
      accurate and fast NN retrieval. But, direct application of sparse coding to NN
      retrieval poses a technical difficulty: when data are noisy or uncertain (which
      is the case with most real-world data sets), for a query point, an exact match of
      the hash code generated from the sparse code seldom happens, thereby breaking the
      NN retrieval. Borrowing ideas from robust optimization theory, we circumvent this
      difficulty via our novel robust dictionary learning and sparse coding framework
      called RSH, by learning dictionaries on the robustified counterparts of the
      perturbed data points. The algorithm is applied to NN retrieval on both simulated
      and real-world data. Our results demonstrate that RSH holds significant promise
      for efficient NN retrieval against the state of the art. 

PMID- 25122743
TI  - Monte Carlo non-local means: random sampling for large-scale image filtering.
AB  - We propose a randomized version of the nonlocal means (NLM) algorithm for large
      scale image filtering. The new algorithm, called Monte Carlo nonlocal means
      (MCNLM), speeds up the classical NLM by computing a small subset of image patch
      distances, which are randomly selected according to a designed sampling pattern.
      We make two contributions. First, we analyze the performance of the MCNLM
      algorithm and show that, for large images or large external image databases, the
      random outcomes of MCNLM are tightly concentrated around the deterministic full
      NLM result. In particular, our error probability bounds show that, at any given
      sampling ratio, the probability for MCNLM to have a large deviation from the
      original NLM solution decays exponentially as the size of the image or database
      grows. Second, we derive explicit formulas for optimal sampling patterns that
      minimize the error probability bound by exploiting partial knowledge of the
      pairwise similarity weights. Numerical experiments show that MCNLM is competitive
      with other state-of-the-art fast NLM algorithms for single-image denoising. When
      applied to denoising images using an external database containing ten billion
      patches, MCNLM returns a randomized solution that is within 0.2 dB of the full
      NLM solution while reducing the runtime by three orders of magnitude. 

PMID- 25122744
TI  - Mycobacterium RbpA cooperates with the stress-response sigmaB subunit of RNA
      polymerase in promoter DNA unwinding.
AB  - RbpA, a transcriptional activator that is essential for Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis replication and survival during antibiotic treatment, binds to RNA
      polymerase (RNAP) in the absence of promoter DNA. It has been hypothesized that
      RbpA stimulates housekeeping gene expression by promoting assembly of the
      sigma(A) subunit with core RNAP. Here, using a purified in vitro transcription
      system of M. tuberculosis, we show that RbpA functions in a promoter-dependent
      manner as a companion of RNAP essential for promoter DNA unwinding and formation
      of the catalytically active open promoter complex (RPo). Screening for RbpA
      activity using a full panel of the M. tuberculosis sigma subunits demonstrated
      that RbpA targets sigma(A) and stress-response sigma(B), but not the alternative
      sigma subunits from the groups 3 and 4. In contrast to sigma(A), the sigma(B)
      subunit activity displayed stringent dependency upon RbpA. These results suggest
      that RbpA-dependent control of RPo formation provides a mechanism for tuning gene
      expression during the switch between different physiological states, and in the
      stress response. 

PMID- 25122745
TI  - Analysis of an artificial zinc finger epigenetic modulator: widespread binding
      but limited regulation.
AB  - Artificial transcription factors (ATFs) and genomic nucleases based on a DNA
      binding platform consisting of multiple zinc finger domains are currently being
      developed for clinical applications. However, no genome-wide investigations into
      their binding specificity have been performed. We have created six-finger ATFs to
      target two different 18 nt regions of the human SOX2 promoter; each ATF is
      constructed such that it contains or lacks a super KRAB domain (SKD) that
      interacts with a complex containing repressive histone methyltransferases. ChIP
      seq analysis of the effector-free ATFs in MCF7 breast cancer cells identified
      thousands of binding sites, mostly in promoter regions; the addition of an SKD
      domain increased the number of binding sites ~ 5-fold, with a majority of the new
      sites located outside of promoters. De novo motif analyses suggest that the lack
      of binding specificity is due to subsets of the finger domains being used for
      genomic interactions. Although the ATFs display widespread binding, few genes
      showed expression differences; genes repressed by the ATF-SKD have stronger
      binding sites and are more enriched for a 12 nt motif. Interestingly, epigenetic
      analyses indicate that the transcriptional repression caused by the ATF-SKD is
      not due to changes in active histone modifications.

PMID- 25122747
TI  - Systematic exploration of a class of hydrophobic unnatural base pairs yields
      multiple new candidates for the expansion of the genetic alphabet.
AB  - We have developed a family of unnatural base pairs (UBPs), which rely on
      hydrophobic and packing interactions for pairing and which are well replicated
      and transcribed. While the pair formed between d5SICS and dNaM (d5SICS-dNaM) has
      received the most attention, and has been used to expand the genetic alphabet of
      a living organism, recent efforts have identified dTPT3-dNaM, which is replicated
      with even higher fidelity. These efforts also resulted in more UBPs than could be
      independently analyzed, and thus we now report a PCR-based screen to identify the
      most promising. While we found that dTPT3-dNaM is generally the most promising
      UBP, we identified several others that are replicated nearly as well and
      significantly better than d5SICS-dNaM, and are thus viable candidates for the
      expansion of the genetic alphabet of a living organism. Moreover, the results
      suggest that continued optimization should be possible, and that the putatively
      essential hydrogen-bond acceptor at the position ortho to the glycosidic linkage
      may not be required. These results clearly demonstrate the generality of
      hydrophobic forces for the control of base pairing within DNA, provide a wealth
      of new structure-activity relationship data and importantly identify multiple new
      candidates for in vivo evaluation and further optimization. 

PMID- 25122746
TI  - Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering from a single lentiviral vector.
AB  - Engineered DNA-binding proteins that manipulate the human genome and
      transcriptome have enabled rapid advances in biomedical research. In particular,
      the RNA-guided CRISPR/Cas9 system has recently been engineered to create site
      specific double-strand breaks for genome editing or to direct targeted
      transcriptional regulation. A unique capability of the CRISPR/Cas9 system is
      multiplex genome engineering by delivering a single Cas9 enzyme and two or more
      single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeted to distinct genomic sites. This approach can
      be used to simultaneously create multiple DNA breaks or to target multiple
      transcriptional activators to a single promoter for synergistic enhancement of
      gene induction. To address the need for uniform and sustained delivery of
      multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering tools, we developed a single
      lentiviral system to express a Cas9 variant, a reporter gene and up to four
      sgRNAs from independent RNA polymerase III promoters that are incorporated into
      the vector by a convenient Golden Gate cloning method. Each sgRNA is efficiently
      expressed and can mediate multiplex gene editing and sustained transcriptional
      activation in immortalized and primary human cells. This delivery system will be
      significant to enabling the potential of CRISPR/Cas9-based multiplex genome
      engineering in diverse cell types. 

PMID- 25122748
TI  - Probing the elastic limit of DNA bending.
AB  - Sharp bending of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) plays an essential role in genome
      structure and function. However, the elastic limit of dsDNA bending remains
      controversial. Here, we measured the opening rates of small dsDNA loops with
      contour lengths ranging between 40 and 200 bp using single-molecule Fluorescence
      Resonance Energy Transfer. The relationship of loop lifetime to loop size
      revealed a critical transition in bending stress. Above the critical loop size,
      the loop lifetime changed with loop size in a manner consistent with elastic
      bending stress, but below it, became less sensitive to loop size, indicative of
      softened dsDNA. The critical loop size increased from ~ 60 bp to ~ 100 bp with
      the addition of 5 mM magnesium. We show that our result is in quantitative
      agreement with the kinkable worm-like chain model, and furthermore, can reproduce
      previously reported looping probabilities of dsDNA over the range between 50 and
      200 bp. Our findings shed new light on the energetics of sharply bent dsDNA.

PMID- 25122749
TI  - Molecular insights into replication initiation by Qbeta replicase using ribosomal
      protein S1.
AB  - Ribosomal protein S1, consisting of six contiguous OB-folds, is the largest
      ribosomal protein and is essential for translation initiation in Escherichia
      coli. S1 is also one of the three essential host-derived subunits of Qbeta
      replicase, together with EF-Tu and EF-Ts, for Qbeta RNA replication in E. coli.
      We analyzed the crystal structure of Qbeta replicase, consisting of the virus
      encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (beta-subunit), EF-Tu, EF-Ts and the N
      terminal half of S1, which is capable of initiating Qbeta RNA replication.
      Structural and biochemical studies revealed that the two N-terminal OB-folds of
      S1 anchor S1 onto the beta-subunit, and the third OB-fold is mobile and protrudes
      beyond the surface of the beta-subunit. The third OB-fold mainly interacts with a
      specific RNA fragment derived from the internal region of Qbeta RNA, and its RNA
      binding ability is required for replication initiation of Qbeta RNA. Thus, the
      third mobile OB-fold of S1, which is spatially anchored near the surface of the
      beta-subunit, primarily recruits the Qbeta RNA toward the beta-subunit, leading
      to the specific and efficient replication initiation of Qbeta RNA, and S1
      functions as a replication initiation factor, beyond its established function in
      protein synthesis. 

PMID- 25122751
TI  - Binding of the transcription factor Atf1 to promoters serves as a barrier to
      phase nucleosome arrays and avoid cryptic transcription.
AB  - Schizosaccharomyces pombe displays a large transcriptional response common to
      several stress conditions, regulated primarily by the transcription factor Atf1.
      Atf1-dependent promoters contain especially broad nucleosome depleted regions
      (NDRs) prior to stress imposition. We show here that basal binding of Atf1 to
      these promoters competes with histones to create wider NDRs at stress genes.
      Moreover, deletion of atf1 results in nucleosome disorganization specifically at
      stress coding regions and derepresses antisense transcription. Our data indicate
      that the transcription factor binding to promoters acts as an effective barrier
      to fix the +1 nucleosome and phase downstream nucleosome arrays to prevent
      cryptic transcription. 

PMID- 25122750
TI  - Negative regulation of the interferon response by an interferon-induced long non
      coding RNA.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in diverse cellular processes;
      however, their involvement in many critical aspects of the immune response
      including the interferon (IFN) response remains poorly understood. To address
      this gap, we compared the global gene expression pattern of primary human
      hepatocytes before and at three time points after treatment with IFN-alpha. Among
      ~ 200 IFN-induced lncRNAs, one transcript showed ~ 100-fold induction. This RNA,
      which we named lncRNA-CMPK2, was a spliced, polyadenylated nuclear transcript
      that was induced by IFN in diverse cell types from human and mouse. Similar to
      protein-coding IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), its induction was dependent on JAK
      STAT signaling. Intriguingly, knockdown of lncRNA-CMPK2 resulted in a marked
      reduction in HCV replication in IFN-stimulated hepatocytes, suggesting that it
      could affect the antiviral role of IFN. We could show that lncRNA-CMPK2 knockdown
      resulted in upregulation of several protein-coding antiviral ISGs. The observed
      upregulation was caused by an increase in both basal and IFN-stimulated
      transcription, consistent with loss of transcriptional inhibition in knockdown
      cells. These results indicate that the IFN response involves a lncRNA-mediated
      negative regulatory mechanism. lncRNA-CMPK2 was strongly upregulated in a subset
      of HCV-infected human livers, suggesting a role in modulation of the IFN response
      in vivo.

PMID- 25122752
TI  - The 9-1-1 checkpoint clamp stimulates DNA resection by Dna2-Sgs1 and Exo1.
AB  - Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) at DNA ends is an important regulator of the DNA
      damage response. Resection, the generation of ssDNA, affects DNA damage
      checkpoint activation, DNA repair pathway choice, ssDNA-associated mutation and
      replication fork stability. In eukaryotes, extensive DNA resection requires the
      nuclease Exo1 and nuclease/helicase pair: Dna2 and Sgs1(BLM). How Exo1 and Dna2
      Sgs1(BLM) coordinate during resection remains poorly understood. The DNA damage
      checkpoint clamp (the 9-1-1 complex) has been reported to play an important role
      in stimulating resection but the exact mechanism remains unclear. Here we show
      that the human 9-1-1 complex enhances the cleavage of DNA by both DNA2 and EXO1
      in vitro, showing that the resection-stimulatory role of the 9-1-1 complex is
      direct. We also show that in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the 9-1-1 complex promotes
      both Dna2-Sgs1 and Exo1-dependent resection in response to uncapped telomeres.
      Our results suggest that the 9-1-1 complex facilitates resection by recruiting
      both Dna2-Sgs1 and Exo1 to sites of resection. This activity of the 9-1-1 complex
      in supporting resection is strongly inhibited by the checkpoint adaptor
      Rad9(53BP1). Our results provide important mechanistic insights into how DNA
      resection is regulated by checkpoint proteins and have implications for genome
      stability in eukaryotes. 

PMID- 25122753
TI  - An intensity ratio of interlocking loops determines circadian period length.
AB  - Circadian clocks allow organisms to orchestrate the daily rhythms in physiology
      and behaviors, and disruption of circadian rhythmicity can profoundly affect
      fitness. The mammalian circadian oscillator consists of a negative primary
      feedback loop and is associated with some 'auxiliary' loops. This raises the
      questions of how these interlocking loops coordinate to regulate the period and
      maintain its robustness. Here, we focused on the REV-ERBalpha/Cry1 auxiliary
      loop, consisting of Rev-Erbalpha/ROR-binding elements (RORE) mediated Cry1
      transcription, coordinates with the negative primary feedback loop to modulate
      the mammalian circadian period. The silicon simulation revealed an unexpected
      rule: the intensity ratio of the primary loop to the auxiliary loop is inversely
      related to the period length, even when post-translational feedback is fixed.
      Then we measured the mRNA levels from two loops in 10-mutant mice and observed
      the similar monotonic relationship. Additionally, our simulation and the
      experimental results in human osteosarcoma cells suggest that a coupling effect
      between the numerator and denominator of this intensity ratio ensures the
      robustness of circadian period and, therefore, provides an efficient means of
      correcting circadian disorders. This ratio rule highlights the contribution of
      the transcriptional architecture to the period dynamics and might be helpful in
      the construction of synthetic oscillators. 

PMID- 25122754
TI  - DNA2 cooperates with the WRN and BLM RecQ helicases to mediate long-range DNA end
      resection in human cells.
AB  - The 5'-3' resection of DNA ends is a prerequisite for the repair of DNA double
      strand breaks by homologous recombination, microhomology-mediated end joining,
      and single strand annealing. Recent studies in yeast have shown that, following
      initial DNA end processing by the Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 complex and Sae2, the
      extension of resection tracts is mediated either by exonuclease 1 or by combined
      activities of the RecQ family DNA helicase Sgs1 and the helicase/endonuclease
      Dna2. Although human DNA2 has been shown to cooperate with the BLM helicase to
      catalyze the resection of DNA ends, it remains a matter of debate whether another
      human RecQ helicase, WRN, can substitute for BLM in DNA2-catalyzed resection.
      Here we present evidence that WRN and BLM act epistatically with DNA2 to promote
      the long-range resection of double strand break ends in human cells. Our
      biochemical experiments show that WRN and DNA2 interact physically and coordinate
      their enzymatic activities to mediate 5'-3' DNA end resection in a reaction
      dependent on RPA. In addition, we present in vitro and in vivo data suggesting
      that BLM promotes DNA end resection as part of the BLM-TOPOIIIalpha-RMI1-RMI2
      complex. Our study provides new mechanistic insights into the process of DNA end
      resection in mammalian cells. 

PMID- 25122755
TI  - Kinesin-2 KIF3AB exhibits novel ATPase characteristics.
AB  - KIF3AB is an N-terminal processive kinesin-2 family member best known for its
      role in intraflagellar transport. There has been significant interest in KIF3AB
      in defining the key principles that underlie the processivity of KIF3AB in
      comparison with homodimeric processive kinesins. To define the ATPase mechanism
      and coordination of KIF3A and KIF3B stepping, a presteady-state kinetic analysis
      was pursued. For these studies, a truncated murine KIF3AB was generated. The
      results presented show that microtubule association was fast at 5.7 MUm(-1) s(
      1), followed by rate-limiting ADP release at 12.8 s(-1). ATP binding at 7.5 MUm(
      1) s(-1) was followed by an ATP-promoted isomerization at 84 s(-1) to form the
      intermediate poised for ATP hydrolysis, which then occurred at 33 s(-1). ATP
      hydrolysis was required for dissociation of the microtubule.KIF3AB complex, which
      was observed at 22 s(-1). The dissociation step showed an apparent affinity for
      ATP that was very weak (K1/2,ATP at 133 MUm). Moreover, the linear fit of the
      initial ATP concentration dependence of the dissociation kinetics revealed an
      apparent second-order rate constant at 0.09 MUm(-1) s(-1), which is inconsistent
      with fast ATP binding at 7.5 MUm(-1) s(-1) and a Kd ,ATP at 6.1 MUm. These
      results suggest that ATP binding per se cannot account for the apparent weak
      K1/2,ATP at 133 MUm. The steady-state ATPase Km ,ATP, as well as the dissociation
      kinetics, reveal an unusual property of KIF3AB that is not yet well understood
      and also suggests that the mechanochemistry of KIF3AB is tuned somewhat
      differently from homodimeric processive kinesins. 

PMID- 25122756
TI  - A novel eliminase from a marine bacterium that degrades hyaluronan and
      chondroitin sulfate.
AB  - Lyases cleave glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in an eliminative mechanism and are
      important tools for the structural analysis and oligosaccharide preparation of
      GAGs. Various GAG lyases have been identified from terrestrial but not marine
      organisms even though marine animals are rich in GAGs with unique structures and
      functions. Herein we isolated a novel GAG lyase for the first time from the
      marine bacterium Vibrio sp. FC509 and then recombinantly expressed and
      characterized it. It showed strong lyase activity toward hyaluronan (HA) and
      chondroitin sulfate (CS) and was designated as HA and CS lyase (HCLase). It
      exhibited the highest activities to both substrates at pH 8.0 and 0.5 m NaCl at
      30  degrees C. Its activity toward HA was less sensitive to pH than its CS lyase
      activity. As with most other marine enzymes, HCLase is a halophilic enzyme and
      very stable at temperatures from 0 to 40  degrees C for up to 24 h, but its
      activity is independent of divalent metal ions. The specific activity of HCLase
      against HA and CS reached a markedly high level of hundreds of thousands units/mg
      of protein under optimum conditions. The HCLase-resistant tetrasaccharide
      Delta(4,5)HexUAalpha1-3GalNAc(6-O-sulfate)beta1-4GlcUA(2-O-sulfate)beta1
      3GalNAc(6-O-sulfate) was isolated from CS-D, the structure of which indicated
      that HCLase could not cleave the galactosaminidic linkage bound to 2-O-sulfated d
      glucuronic acid (GlcUA) in CS chains. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that
      HCLase may work via a catalytic mechanism in which Tyr-His acts as the Bronsted
      base and acid. Thus, the identification of HCLase provides a useful tool for HA-
      and CS-related research and applications. 

PMID- 25122757
TI  - The atomic resolution structure of human AlkB homolog 7 (ALKBH7), a key protein
      for programmed necrosis and fat metabolism.
AB  - ALKBH7 is the mitochondrial AlkB family member that is required for alkylation-
      and oxidation-induced programmed necrosis. In contrast to the protective role of
      other AlkB family members after suffering alkylation-induced DNA damage, ALKBH7
      triggers the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and promotes cell
      death. Moreover, genetic ablation of mouse Alkbh7 dramatically increases body
      weight and fat mass. Here, we present crystal structures of human ALKBH7 in
      complex with Mn(II) and alpha-ketoglutarate at 1.35 A or N-oxalylglycine at 2.0 A
      resolution. ALKBH7 possesses the conserved double-stranded beta-helix fold that
      coordinates a catalytically active iron by a conserved HX(D/E) ... Xn ... H
      motif. Self-hydroxylation of Leu-110 was observed, indicating that ALKBH7 has the
      potential to catalyze hydroxylation of its substrate. Unlike other AlkB family
      members whose substrates are DNA or RNA, ALKBH7 is devoid of the "nucleotide
      recognition lid" which is essential for binding nucleobases, and thus exhibits a
      solvent-exposed active site; two loops between beta-strands beta6 and beta7 and
      between beta9 and beta10 create a special outer wall of the minor beta-sheet of
      the double-stranded beta-helix and form a negatively charged groove. These
      distinct features suggest that ALKBH7 may act on protein substrate rather than
      nucleic acids. Taken together, our findings provide a structural basis for
      understanding the distinct function of ALKBH7 in the AlkB family and offer a
      foundation for drug design in treating cell death-related diseases and metabolic
      diseases. 

PMID- 25122758
TI  - Electrostatic interactions in the binding pathway of a transient protein complex
      studied by NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry.
AB  - Much of our knowledge of protein binding pathways is derived from extremely
      stable complexes that interact very tightly, with lifetimes of hours to days.
      Much less is known about weaker interactions and transient complexes because
      these are challenging to characterize experimentally. Nevertheless, these types
      of interactions are ubiquitous in living systems. The combination of NMR
      relaxation dispersion Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) experiments and isothermal
      titration calorimetry allows the quantification of rapid binding kinetics for
      complexes with submillisecond lifetimes that are difficult to study using
      conventional techniques. We have used this approach to investigate the binding
      pathway of the Src homology 3 (SH3) domain from the Fyn tyrosine kinase, which
      forms complexes with peptide targets whose lifetimes are on the order of about a
      millisecond. Long range electrostatic interactions have been shown to play a
      critical role in the binding pathways of tightly binding complexes. The role of
      electrostatics in the binding pathways of transient complexes is less well
      understood. Similarly to previously studied tight complexes, we find that SH3
      domain association rates are enhanced by long range electrostatics, whereas short
      range interactions are formed late in the docking process. However, the extent of
      electrostatic association rate enhancement is several orders of magnitudes less,
      whereas the electrostatic-free basal association rate is significantly greater.
      Thus, the SH3 domain is far less reliant on electrostatic enhancement to achieve
      rapid association kinetics than are previously studied systems. This suggests
      that there may be overall differences in the role played by electrostatics in the
      binding pathways of extremely stable versus transient complexes. 

PMID- 25122759
TI  - Stable single alpha-helices are constant force springs in proteins.
AB  - Single alpha-helix (SAH) domains are rich in charged residues (Arg, Lys, and Glu)
      and stable in solution over a wide range of pH and salt concentrations. They are
      found in many different proteins where they bridge two functional domains. To
      test the idea that their high stability might enable these proteins to resist
      unfolding along their length, the properties and unfolding behavior of the
      predicted SAH domain from myosin-10 were characterized. The expressed and
      purified SAH domain was highly helical, melted non-cooperatively, and was
      monomeric as shown by circular dichroism and mass spectrometry as expected for a
      SAH domain. Single molecule force spectroscopy experiments showed that the SAH
      domain unfolded at very low forces (<30 pN) without a characteristic unfolding
      peak. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the SAH domain unfolds
      progressively as the length is increased and refolds progressively as the length
      is reduced. This enables the SAH domain to act as a constant force spring in the
      mechanically dynamic environment of the cell. 

PMID- 25122760
TI  - Activating transcription factor 3-mediated chemo-intervention with cancer
      chemokines in a noncanonical pathway under endoplasmic reticulum stress.
AB  - The cell-protective features of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response
      are chronically activated in vigorously growing malignant tumor cells, which
      provide cellular growth advantages over the adverse microenvironment including
      chemotherapy. As an intervention with ER stress responses in the intestinal
      cancer cells, preventive exposure to flavone apigenin potentiated superinduction
      of a regulatory transcription factor, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3),
      which is also known to be an integral player coordinating ER stress response
      related gene expression. ATF3 superinduction was due to increased turnover of
      ATF3 transcript via stabilization with HuR protein in the cancer cells under ER
      stress. Moreover, enhanced ATF3 caused inhibitory action against ER stress
      induced cancer chemokines that are potent mediators determining the survival and
      metastatic potential of epithelial cancer cells. Although enhanced ATF3 was a
      negative regulator of the well known proinflammatory transcription factor NF
      kappaB, blocking of NF-kappaB signaling did not affect ER stress-induced
      chemokine expression. Instead, immediately expressed transcription factor early
      growth response protein 1 (EGR-1) was positively involved in cancer chemokine
      induction by ER stressors. ER stress-induced EGR-1 and subsequent chemokine
      production were repressed by ATF3. Mechanistically, ATF3 directly interacted with
      and recruited HDAC1 protein, which led to epigenetic suppression of EGR-1
      expression and subsequent chemokine production. Conclusively, superinduced ATF3
      attenuated ER stress-induced cancer chemokine expression by epigenetically
      interfering with induction of EGR-1, a transcriptional modulator crucial to
      cancer chemokine production. Thus, these results suggest a potent therapeutic
      intervention of ER stress response-related cancer-favoring events by ATF3. 

PMID- 25122761
TI  - Group X secretory phospholipase A2 regulates insulin secretion through a
      cyclooxygenase-2-dependent mechanism.
AB  - Group X secretory phospholipase A2 (GX sPLA2) potently hydrolyzes membrane
      phospholipids to release arachidonic acid (AA). While AA is an activator of
      glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), its metabolite prostaglandin E2
      (PGE2) is a known inhibitor. In this study, we determined that GX sPLA2 is
      expressed in insulin-producing cells of mouse pancreatic islets and investigated
      its role in beta cell function. GSIS was measured in vivo in wild-type (WT) and
      GX sPLA2-deficient (GX KO) mice and ex vivo using pancreatic islets isolated from
      WT and GX KO mice. GSIS was also assessed in vitro using mouse MIN6 pancreatic
      beta cells with or without GX sPLA2 overexpression or exogenous addition. GSIS
      was significantly higher in islets isolated from GX KO mice compared with islets
      from WT mice. Conversely, GSIS was lower in MIN6 cells overexpressing GX sPLA2
      (MIN6-GX) compared with control (MIN6-C) cells. PGE2 production was significantly
      higher in MIN6-GX cells compared with MIN6-C cells and this was associated with
      significantly reduced cellular cAMP. The effect of GX sPLA2 on GSIS was abolished
      when cells were treated with NS398 (a COX-2 inhibitor) or L-798,106 (a PGE2-EP3
      receptor antagonist). Consistent with enhanced beta cell function, GX KO mice
      showed significantly increased plasma insulin levels following glucose challenge
      and were protected from age-related reductions in GSIS and glucose tolerance
      compared with WT mice. We conclude that GX sPLA2 plays a previously unrecognized
      role in negatively regulating pancreatic insulin secretion by augmenting COX-2
      dependent PGE2 production. 

PMID- 25122762
TI  - Peroxiredoxin 4 improves insulin biosynthesis and glucose-induced insulin
      secretion in insulin-secreting INS-1E cells.
AB  - Oxidative folding of (pro)insulin is crucial for its assembly and biological
      function. This process takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is
      accomplished by protein disulfide isomerase and ER oxidoreductin 1beta,
      generating stoichiometric amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as byproduct.
      During insulin resistance in the prediabetic state, increased insulin
      biosynthesis can overwhelm the ER antioxidative and folding capacity, causing an
      imbalance in the ER redox homeostasis and oxidative stress. Peroxiredoxin 4
      (Prdx4), an ER-specific antioxidative peroxidase can utilize luminal H2O2 as
      driving force for reoxidizing protein disulfide isomerase family members, thus
      efficiently contributing to disulfide bond formation. Here, we examined the
      functional significance of Prdx4 on beta-cell function with emphasis on insulin
      content and secretion during stimulation with nutrient secretagogues.
      Overexpression of Prdx4 in glucose-responsive insulin-secreting INS-1E cells
      significantly metabolized luminal H2O2 and improved the glucose-induced insulin
      secretion, which was accompanied by the enhanced proinsulin mRNA transcription
      and insulin content. This beta-cell beneficial effect was also observed upon
      stimulation with the nutrient insulin secretagogue combination of leucine plus
      glutamine, indicating that the effect is not restricted to glucose. However,
      knockdown of Prdx4 had no impact on H2O2 metabolism or beta-cell function due to
      the fact that Prdx4 expression is negligibly low in pancreatic beta-cells.
      Moreover, we provide evidence that the constitutively low expression of Prdx4 is
      highly susceptible to hyperoxidation in the presence of high glucose. Overall,
      these data suggest an important role of Prdx4 in maintaining insulin levels and
      improving the ER folding capacity also under conditions of a high insulin
      requirement. 

PMID- 25122763
TI  - Heat shock protein 83 (Hsp83) facilitates methoprene-tolerant (Met) nuclear
      import to modulate juvenile hormone signaling.
AB  - Juvenile hormone (JH) receptors, methoprene-tolerant (Met) and Germ-cell
      expressed (Gce), transduce JH signals to induce Kr-h1 expression in Drosophila.
      Dual luciferase assay identified a 120-bp JH response region (JHRR) in the Kr
      h1alpha promoter. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that Met and Gce
      transduce JH signals to induce Kr-h1 expression through the JHRR. DNA affinity
      purification identified chaperone protein Hsp83 as one of the proteins bound to
      the JHRR in the presence of JH. Interestingly, Hsp83 physically interacts with
      PAS-B and basic helix-loop-helix domains of Met, and JH induces Met-Hsp83
      interaction. As determined by immunohistochemistry, Met is mainly distributed in
      the cytoplasm of fat body cells of the larval when the JH titer is low and JH
      induces Met nuclear import. Hsp83 was accumulated in the cytoplasm area adjunct
      to the nucleus in the presence of JH and Met/Gce. Loss-of-function of Hsp83
      attenuated JH binding and JH-induced nuclear import of Met, resulting in a
      decrease in the JHRR-driven reporter activity leading to reduction of Kr-h1
      expression. These data show that Hsp83 facilitates the JH-induced nuclear import
      of Met that induces Kr-h1 expression through the JHRR. 

PMID- 25122764
TI  - A pituitary homeobox 2 (Pitx2):microRNA-200a-3p:beta-catenin pathway converts
      mesenchymal cells to amelogenin-expressing dental epithelial cells.
AB  - Pitx2, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, and microRNAs (miRs) play a critical role in
      the regulation of dental stem cells during embryonic development. In this report,
      we have identified a Pitx2:beta-catenin regulatory pathway involved in epithelial
      cell differentiation and conversion of mesenchymal cells to amelogenin expressing
      epithelial cells via miR-200a. Pitx2 and beta-catenin are expressed in the labial
      incisor cervical loop or epithelial stem cell niche, with decreased expression in
      the differentiating ameloblast cells of the mouse lower incisor. Bioinformatics
      analyses reveal that miR-200a-3p expression is activated in the pre-ameloblast
      cells to enhance epithelial cell differentiation. We demonstrate that Pitx2
      activates miR-200a-3p expression and miR-200a-3p reciprocally represses Pitx2 and
      beta-catenin expression. Pitx2 and beta-catenin interact to synergistically
      activate gene expression during odontogenesis and miR-200a-3p attenuates their
      expression and directs differentiation. To understand how this mechanism controls
      cell differentiation and cell fate, oral epithelial and odontoblast mesenchymal
      cells were reprogrammed by a two-step induction method using Pitx2 and miR-200a
      3p. Conversion to amelogenin expressing dental epithelial cells involved an up
      regulation of the stem cell marker Sox2 and proliferation genes and decreased
      expression of mesenchymal markers. E-cadherin expression was increased as well as
      ameloblast specific factors. The combination of Pitx2, a regulator of dental stem
      cells and miR-200a converts mesenchymal cells to a fully differentiated dental
      epithelial cell type. This pathway and reprogramming can be used to reprogram
      mesenchymal or oral epithelial cells to dental epithelial (ameloblast) cells,
      which can be used in tissue repair and regeneration studies. 

PMID- 25122765
TI  - Determinants of versican-V1 proteoglycan processing by the metalloproteinase
      ADAMTS5.
AB  - Proteolysis of the Glu(441)-Ala(442) bond in the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) beta
      domain of the versican-V1 variant by a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase
      domain with thrombospondin type 1 motif (ADAMTS) proteases is required for proper
      embryo morphogenesis. However, the processing mechanism and the possibility of
      additional ADAMTS-cleaved processing sites are unknown. We demonstrate here that
      if Glu(441) is mutated, ADAMTS5 cleaves inefficiently at a proximate upstream
      site but normally does not cleave elsewhere within the GAGbeta domain.
      Chondroitin sulfate (CS) modification of versican is a prerequisite for cleavage
      at the Glu(441)-Ala(442) site, as demonstrated by reduced processing of CS
      deficient or chondroitinase ABC-treated versican-V1. Site-directed mutagenesis
      identified the N-terminal CS attachment sites Ser(507) and Ser(525) as essential
      for processing of the Glu(441)-Ala(442) bond by ADAMTS5. A construct including
      only these two GAG chains, but not downstream GAG attachment sites, was cleaved
      efficiently. Therefore, CS chain attachment to Ser(507) and Ser(525) is necessary
      and sufficient for versican proteolysis by ADAMTS5. Mutagenesis of Glu(441) and
      an antibody to a peptide spanning Thr(432)-Gly(445) (i.e. containing the scissile
      bond) reduced versican-V1 processing. ADAMTS5 lacking the C-terminal ancillary
      domain did not cleave versican, and an ADAMTS5 ancillary domain construct bound
      versican-V1 via the CS chains. We conclude that docking of ADAMTS5 with two N
      terminal GAG chains of versican-V1 via its ancillary domain is required for
      versican processing at Glu(441)-Ala(442). V1 proteolysis by ADAMTS1 demonstrated
      a similar requirement for the N-terminal GAG chains and Glu(441). Therefore,
      versican cleavage can be inhibited substantially by mutation of Glu(441),
      Ser(507), and Ser(525) or by an antibody to the region of the scissile bond. 

PMID- 25122766
TI  - Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) regulates cell migration in a myosin regulatory
      light chain phosphorylation-independent mechanism.
AB  - Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) has long been implicated in the myosin
      phosphorylation and force generation required for cell migration. Here, we
      surprisingly found that the deletion of MLCK resulted in fast cell migration,
      enhanced protrusion formation, and no alteration of myosin light chain
      phosphorylation. The mutant cells showed reduced membrane tether force and fewer
      membrane F-actin filaments. This phenotype was rescued by either kinase-dead MLCK
      or five-DFRXXL motif, a MLCK fragment with potent F-actin-binding activity. Pull
      down and co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that the absence of MLCK led to
      attenuated formation of transmembrane complexes, including myosin II, integrins
      and fibronectin. We suggest that MLCK is not required for myosin phosphorylation
      in a migrating cell. A critical role of MLCK in cell migration involves
      regulating the cell membrane tension and protrusion necessary for migration,
      thereby stabilizing the membrane skeleton through F-actin-binding activity. This
      finding sheds light on a novel regulatory mechanism of protrusion during cell
      migration. 

PMID- 25122767
TI  - Hyaluronan breakdown contributes to immune defense against group A Streptococcus.
AB  - Group A Streptococcus (GAS) commonly infects human skin and occasionally causes
      severe and life-threatening invasive diseases. The hyaluronan (HA) capsule of GAS
      has been proposed to protect GAS from host defense by mimicking endogenous HA, a
      large and abundant glycosaminoglycan in the skin. However, HA is degraded during
      tissue injury, and the functions of short-chain HA that is generated during
      infection have not been studied. To examine the impact of the molecular mass of
      HA on GAS infection, we established infection models in vitro and in vivo in
      which the size of HA was defined by enzymatic digestion or custom synthesis. We
      discovered that conversion of high molecular mass HA to low molecular mass HA
      facilitated GAS phagocytosis by macrophages and limited the severity of infection
      in mice. In contrast, native high molecular mass HA significantly impaired
      internalization by macrophages and increased GAS survival in murine blood. Thus,
      our data demonstrate that GAS virulence can be influenced by the size of HA
      derived from both the bacterium and host and suggest that high molecular mass HA
      facilitates GAS deep tissue infections, whereas the generation of short-chain HA
      can be protective. 

PMID- 25122768
TI  - Thiosulfate transfer mediated by DsrE/TusA homologs from acidothermophilic sulfur
      oxidizing archaeon Metallosphaera cuprina.
AB  - Conserved clusters of genes encoding DsrE and TusA homologs occur in many
      archaeal and bacterial sulfur oxidizers. TusA has a well documented function as a
      sulfurtransferase in tRNA modification and molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis in
      Escherichia coli, and DsrE is an active site subunit of the DsrEFH complex that
      is essential for sulfur trafficking in the phototrophic sulfur-oxidizing
      Allochromatium vinosum. In the acidothermophilic sulfur (S(0))- and tetrathionate
      (S4O6(2-))-oxidizing Metallosphaera cuprina Ar-4, a dsrE3A-dsrE2B-tusA
      arrangement is situated immediately between genes encoding dihydrolipoamide
      dehydrogenase and a heterodisulfide reductase-like complex. In this study, the
      biochemical features and sulfur transferring abilities of the DsrE2B, DsrE3A, and
      TusA proteins were investigated. DsrE3A and TusA proved to react with
      tetrathionate but not with NaSH, glutathione persulfide, polysulfide,
      thiosulfate, or sulfite. The products were identified as protein-Cys-S
      thiosulfonates. DsrE3A was also able to cleave the thiosulfate group from TusA
      Cys(18)-S-thiosulfonate. DsrE2B did not react with any of the sulfur compounds
      tested. DsrE3A and TusA interacted physically with each other and formed a
      heterocomplex. The cysteine residue (Cys(18)) of TusA is crucial for this
      interaction. The single cysteine mutants DsrE3A-C(93)S and DsrE3A-C(101)S
      retained the ability to transfer the thiosulfonate group to TusA. TusA-C(18)S
      neither reacted with tetrathionate nor was it loaded with thiosulfate with DsrE3A
      Cys-S-thiosulfonate as the donor. The transfer of thiosulfate, mediated by a DsrE
      like protein and TusA, is unprecedented not only in M. cuprina but also in other
      sulfur-oxidizing prokaryotes. The results of this study provide new knowledge on
      oxidative microbial sulfur metabolism.

PMID- 25122769
TI  - Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-regulated interactions between Osterix
      and Runx2 are critical for the transcriptional osteogenic program.
AB  - The transcription factors Runx2 and Osx (Osterix) are required for osteoblast
      differentiation and bone formation. Runx2 expression occurs at early stages of
      osteochondroprogenitor determination, followed by Osx induction during osteoblast
      maturation. We demonstrate that coexpression of Osx and Runx2 leads to
      cooperative induction of expression of the osteogenic genes Col1a1, Fmod, and
      Ibsp. Functional interaction of Osx and Runx2 in the regulation of these
      promoters is mediated by enhancer regions with adjacent Sp1 and Runx2 DNA-binding
      sites. These enhancers allow formation of a cooperative transcriptional complex,
      mediated by the binding of Osx and Runx2 to their specific DNA promoter sequences
      and by the protein-protein interactions between them. We also identified the
      domains involved in the interaction between Osx and Runx2. These regions contain
      the amino acids in Osx and Runx2 known to be phosphorylated by p38 and ERK MAPKs.
      Inhibition of p38 and ERK kinase activities or mutation of their known
      phosphorylation sites in Osx or Runx2 strongly disrupts their physical
      interaction and cooperative transcriptional effects. Altogether, our results
      provide a molecular description of a mechanism for Osx and Runx2 transcriptional
      cooperation that is subject to further regulation by MAPK-activating signals
      during osteogenesis. 

PMID- 25122771
TI  - A distinct switch in interactions of the histone H4 tail domain upon salt
      dependent folding of nucleosome arrays.
AB  - The core histone tail domains mediate inter-nucleosomal interactions that direct
      folding and condensation of nucleosome arrays into higher-order chromatin
      structures. The histone H4 tail domain facilitates inter-array interactions by
      contacting both the H2A/H2B acidic patch and DNA of neighboring nucleosomes.
      Likewise, H4 tail-H2A contacts stabilize array folding. However, whether the H4
      tail domains stabilize array folding via inter-nucleosomal interactions with the
      DNA of neighboring nucleosomes remains unclear. We utilized defined
      oligonucleosome arrays containing a single specialized nucleosome with a photo
      inducible cross-linker in the N terminus of the H4 tail to characterize these
      interactions. We observed that the H4 tail participates exclusively in intra
      array interactions with DNA in unfolded arrays. These interactions are diminished
      during array folding, yet no inter-nucleosome, intra-array H4 tail-DNA contacts
      are observed in condensed chromatin. However, we document contacts between the N
      terminus of the H4 tail and H2A. Installation of acetylation mimics known to
      disrupt H4-H2A surface interactions did not increase observance of H4-DNA inter
      nucleosomal interactions. These results suggest the multiple functions of the H4
      tail require targeted distinct interactions within condensed chromatin.

PMID- 25122770
TI  - Interaction with the Src homology (SH3-SH2) region of the Src-family kinase Hck
      structures the HIV-1 Nef dimer for kinase activation and effector recruitment.
AB  - HIV-1 Nef supports high titer viral replication in vivo and is essential for AIDS
      progression. Nef function depends on interactions with multiple host cell
      effectors, including Hck and other Src-family kinases. Here we describe the x-ray
      crystal structure of Nef in complex with the Hck SH3-SH2 regulatory region to a
      resolution of 1.86 A. The complex crystallized as a dimer of complexes, with the
      conserved Nef PXXPXR motif engaging the Hck SH3 domain. A new intercomplex
      contact was found between SH3 Glu-93, and Nef Arg-105. Mutagenesis of Hck SH3 Glu
      93 interfered with Nef.Hck complex formation and kinase activation in cells. The
      Hck SH2 domains impinge on the N-terminal region of Nef to stabilize a dimer
      conformation that exposes Asp-123, a residue critical for Nef function. Our
      results suggest that in addition to serving as a kinase effector for Nef, Hck
      binding may reorganize the Nef dimer for functional interaction with other
      signaling partners. 

PMID- 25122772
TI  - Inhibition of neuronal cell mitochondrial complex I with rotenone increases lipid
      beta-oxidation, supporting acetyl-coenzyme A levels.
AB  - Rotenone is a naturally occurring mitochondrial complex I inhibitor with a known
      association with parkinsonian phenotypes in both human populations and rodent
      models. Despite these findings, a clear mechanistic link between rotenone
      exposure and neuronal damage remains to be determined. Here, we report
      alterations to lipid metabolism in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells exposed to
      rotenone. The absolute levels of acetyl-CoA were found to be maintained despite a
      significant decrease in glucose-derived acetyl-CoA. Furthermore, palmitoyl-CoA
      levels were maintained, whereas the levels of many of the medium-chain acyl-CoA
      species were significantly reduced. Additionally, using isotopologue analysis, we
      found that beta-oxidation of fatty acids with varying chain lengths helped
      maintain acetyl-CoA levels. Rotenone also induced increased glutamine utilization
      for lipogenesis, in part through reductive carboxylation, as has been found
      previously in other cell types. Finally, palmitoylcarnitine levels were increased
      in response to rotenone, indicating an increase in fatty acid import. Taken
      together, these findings show that alterations to lipid and glutamine metabolism
      play an important compensatory role in response to complex I inhibition by
      rotenone. 

PMID- 25122773
TI  - Inhibition of the functional interplay between endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
      oxidoreduclin-1alpha (Ero1alpha) and protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI) by the
      endocrine disruptor bisphenol A.
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that may have adverse effects on
      human health. We recently isolated protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI) as a BPA
      binding protein from rat brain homogenates and found that BPA markedly inhibited
      PDI activity. To elucidate mechanisms of this inhibition, detailed structural,
      biophysical, and functional analyses of PDI were performed in the presence of
      BPA. BPA binding to PDI induced significant rearrangement of the N-terminal
      thioredoxin domain of PDI, resulting in more compact overall structure. This
      conformational change led to closure of the substrate-binding pocket in b'
      domain, preventing PDI from binding to unfolded proteins. The b' domain also
      plays an essential role in the interplay between PDI and ER oxidoreduclin 1alpha
      (Ero1alpha), a flavoenzyme responsible for reoxidation of PDI. We show that BPA
      inhibited Ero1alpha-catalyzed PDI oxidation presumably by inhibiting the
      interaction between the b' domain of PDI and Ero1alpha; the phenol groups of BPA
      probably compete with a highly conserved tryptophan residue, located in the
      protruding beta-hairpin of Ero1alpha, for binding to PDI. Consistently, BPA
      slowed down the reoxidation of PDI and caused the reduction of PDI in HeLa cells,
      indicating that BPA has a great impact on the redox homeostasis of PDI within
      cells. However, BPA had no effect on the interaction between PDI and
      peroxiredoxin-4 (Prx4), another PDI family oxidase, suggesting that the
      interaction between Prx4 and PDI is different from that of Ero1alpha and PDI.
      These results indicate that BPA, a widely distributed and potentially harmful
      chemical, inhibits Ero1-PDI-mediated disulfide bond formation. 

PMID- 25122775
TI  - HIV vaccine trial exploits a dual and central role for innate immunity.
AB  - Limited understanding of correlates of protection from HIV transmission hinders
      development of an efficacious vaccine. D. J. M. Lewis and colleagues (J. Virol.
      88:11648-11657, 2014, doi:10.1128/JVI.01621-14) now report that vaginal
      immunization with an HIVgp140 vaccine linked to the 70-kDa heat shock protein
      downregulated the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coreceptor CCR5 (chemokine
      [C-C motif] receptor 5) and increased expression of the HIV resistance factor
      APOBEC3G (apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing, enzyme-catalytic, polypeptide-like 3G),
      in women. These effects correlated with HIV suppression ex vivo. Thus, vaccine
      induced innate responses not only facilitate adaptive immunity-they may prove to
      be critical for preventing HIV transmission. 

PMID- 25122774
TI  - 3,6,2',4',5'-Pentahydroxyflavone, an orally bioavailable multiple protein kinase
      inhibitor, overcomes gefitinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most lethal cancer, causing more than
      150,000 deaths in the United States in 2013. The receptor tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors such as gefitinib are not perfect clinical therapeutic agents for
      NSCLC treatment due to primary or acquired tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance.
      Herein, 3,6,2',4',5'-pentahydroxyflavone (36245-PHF) was identified as a multiple
      kinase inhibitor for NSCLC treatment based on the computational screening of a
      natural products database. 36245-PHF was shown to inhibit PI3K and Aurora A and B
      kinases and overcome gefitinib-resistant NSCLC growth. Our data clearly showed
      that 36245-PHF markedly inhibited anchorage-independent growth of gefitinib
      resistant NSCLC cell lines and exerted a substantial chemotherapeutic effect
      following oral administration in a gefitinib-resistant NSCLC xenograft model. The
      evidence from three different subsequent methodological approaches, in vitro, ex
      vivo, and in vivo, all confirmed that 36245-PHF as a multiple protein kinase
      inhibitor. Overall, we identified 36245-PHF as a multiple protein kinase
      inhibitor and as a novel therapeutic agent to overcome gefitinib-resistant NSCLC
      growth, which could provide a new option for clinical NSCLC oral treatment. 

PMID- 25122777
TI  - Type I interferon protects mice from fatal neurotropic infection with Langat
      virus by systemic and local antiviral responses.
AB  - Vector-borne flaviviruses, such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West
      Nile virus, and dengue virus, cause millions of infections in humans. TBEV causes
      a broad range of pathological symptoms, ranging from meningitis to severe
      encephalitis or even hemorrhagic fever, with high mortality. Despite the
      availability of an effective vaccine, the incidence of TBEV infections is
      increasing. Not much is known about the role of the innate immune system in the
      control of TBEV infections. Here, we show that the type I interferon (IFN) system
      is essential for protection against TBEV and Langat virus (LGTV) in mice. In the
      absence of a functional IFN system, mice rapidly develop neurological symptoms
      and succumb to LGTV and TBEV infections. Type I IFN system deficiency results in
      severe neuroinflammation in LGTV-infected mice, characterized by breakdown of the
      blood-brain barrier and infiltration of macrophages into the central nervous
      system (CNS). Using mice with tissue-specific IFN receptor deletions, we show
      that coordinated activation of the type I IFN system in peripheral tissues as
      well as in the CNS is indispensable for viral control and protection against
      virus induced inflammation and fatal encephalitis. IMPORTANCE: The type I
      interferon (IFN) system is important to control viral infections; however, the
      interactions between tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and the type I IFN
      system are poorly characterized. TBEV causes severe infections in humans that are
      characterized by fever and debilitating encephalitis, which can progress to
      chronic illness or death. No treatment options are available. An improved
      understanding of antiviral innate immune responses is pivotal for the development
      of effective therapeutics. We show that type I IFN, an effector molecule of the
      innate immune system, is responsible for the extended survival of TBEV and Langat
      virus (LGTV), an attenuated member of the TBE serogroup. IFN production and
      signaling appeared to be essential in two different phases during infection. The
      first phase is in the periphery, by reducing systemic LGTV replication and
      spreading into the central nervous system (CNS). In the second phase, the local
      IFN response in the CNS prevents virus-induced inflammation and the development
      of encephalitis.

PMID- 25122776
TI  - Increased replicative fitness can lead to decreased drug sensitivity of hepatitis
      C virus.
AB  - Passage of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human hepatoma cells resulted in
      populations that displayed partial resistance to alpha interferon (IFN-alpha),
      telaprevir, daclatasvir, cyclosporine, and ribavirin, despite no prior exposure
      to these drugs. Mutant spectrum analyses and kinetics of virus production in the
      absence and presence of drugs indicate that resistance is not due to the presence
      of drug resistance mutations in the mutant spectrum of the initial or passaged
      populations but to increased replicative fitness acquired during passage. Fitness
      increases did not alter host factors that lead to shutoff of general host cell
      protein synthesis and preferential translation of HCV RNA. The results imply that
      viral replicative fitness is a mechanism of multidrug resistance in HCV.
      Importance: Viral drug resistance is usually attributed to the presence of amino
      acid substitutions in the protein targeted by the drug. In the present study with
      HCV, we show that high viral replicative fitness can confer a general drug
      resistance phenotype to the virus. The results exclude the possibility that
      genomes with drug resistance mutations are responsible for the observed
      phenotype. The fact that replicative fitness can be a determinant of multidrug
      resistance may explain why the virus is less sensitive to drug treatments in
      prolonged chronic HCV infections that favor increases in replicative fitness.

PMID- 25122778
TI  - Computational prediction of vaccine strains for human influenza A (H3N2) viruses.
AB  - Human influenza A viruses are rapidly evolving pathogens that cause substantial
      morbidity and mortality in seasonal epidemics around the globe. To ensure
      continued protection, the strains used for the production of the seasonal
      influenza vaccine have to be regularly updated, which involves data collection
      and analysis by numerous experts worldwide. Computer-guided analysis is becoming
      increasingly important in this problem due to the vast amounts of generated data.
      We here describe a computational method for selecting a suitable strain for
      production of the human influenza A virus vaccine. It interprets available
      antigenic and genomic sequence data based on measures of antigenic novelty and
      rate of propagation of the viral strains throughout the population. For viral
      isolates sampled between 2002 and 2007, we used this method to predict the
      antigenic evolution of the H3N2 viruses in retrospective testing scenarios. When
      seasons were scored as true or false predictions, our method returned six true
      positives, three false negatives, eight true negatives, and one false positive,
      or 78% accuracy overall. In comparison to the recommendations by the WHO, we
      identified the correct antigenic variant once at the same time and twice one
      season ahead. Even though it cannot be ruled out that practical reasons such as
      lack of a sufficiently well-growing candidate strain may in some cases have
      prevented recommendation of the best-matching strain by the WHO, our
      computational decision procedure allows quantitative interpretation of the
      growing amounts of data and may help to match the vaccine better to predominating
      strains in seasonal influenza epidemics. Importance: Human influenza A viruses
      continuously change antigenically to circumvent the immune protection evoked by
      vaccination or previously circulating viral strains. To maintain vaccine
      protection and thereby reduce the mortality and morbidity caused by infections,
      regular updates of the vaccine strains are required. We have developed a data
      driven framework for vaccine strain prediction which facilitates the
      computational analysis of genetic and antigenic data and does not rely on
      explicit evolutionary models. Our computational decision procedure generated good
      matches of the vaccine strain to the circulating predominant strain for most
      seasons and could be used to support the expert-guided prediction made by the
      WHO; it thus may allow an increase in vaccine efficacy.

PMID- 25122780
TI  - Core-binding factor subunit beta is not required for non-primate lentiviral Vif
      mediated APOBEC3 degradation.
AB  - Viral infectivity factor (Vif) is required for lentivirus fitness and
      pathogenicity, except in equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). Vif enhances
      viral infectivity by a Cullin5-Elongin B/C E3 complex to inactivate the host
      restriction factor APOBEC3. Core-binding factor subunit beta (CBF-beta) is a cell
      factor that was recently shown to be important for the primate lentiviral Vif
      function. Non-primate lentiviral Vif also degrades APOBEC3 through the proteasome
      pathway. However, it is unclear whether CBF-beta is required for the non-primate
      lentiviral Vif function. In this study, we demonstrated that the Vifs of non
      primate lentiviruses, including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), bovine
      immunodeficiency virus (BIV), caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV), and
      maedi-visna virus (MVV), do not interact with CBF-beta. In addition, CBF-beta did
      not promote the stability of FIV, BIV, CAEV, and MVV Vifs. Furthermore, CBF-beta
      silencing or overexpression did not affect non-primate lentiviral Vif-mediated
      APOBEC3 degradation. Our results suggest that non-primate lentiviral Vif induces
      APOBEC3 degradation through a different mechanism than primate lentiviral Vif.
      Importance: The APOBEC3 protein family members are host restriction factors that
      block retrovirus replication. Vif, an accessory protein of lentivirus, degrades
      APOBEC3 to rescue viral infectivity by forming Cullin5-Elongin B/C-based E3
      complex. CBF-beta was proved to be a novel regulator of primate lentiviral Vif
      function. In this study, we found that CBF-beta knockdown or overexpression did
      not affect FIV Vif's function, which induced polyubiquitination and degradation
      of APOBEC3 by recruiting the E3 complex in a manner similar to that of HIV-1 Vif.
      We also showed that other non-primate lentiviral Vifs did not require CBF-beta to
      degrade APOBEC3. CBF-beta did not interact with non-primate lentiviral Vifs or
      promote their stability. These results suggest that a different mechanism exists
      for the Vif-APOBEC interaction and that non-primates are not suitable animal
      models for exploring pharmacological interventions that disrupt Vif-CBF-beta
      interaction.

PMID- 25122779
TI  - Modulation of hepatitis C virus genome replication by glycosphingolipids and four
      phosphate adaptor protein 2.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) assembles its replication complex on cytosolic membrane
      vesicles often clustered in a membranous web (MW). During infection, HCV NS5A
      protein activates PI4KIIIalpha enzyme, causing massive production and
      redistribution of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) lipid to the
      replication complex. However, the role of PI4P in the HCV life cycle is not well
      understood. We postulated that PI4P recruits host effectors to modulate HCV
      genome replication or virus particle production. To test this hypothesis, we
      generated cell lines for doxycycline-inducible expression of short hairpin RNAs
      (shRNAs) targeting the PI4P effector, four-phosphate adaptor protein 2 (FAPP2).
      FAPP2 depletion attenuated HCV infectivity and impeded HCV RNA synthesis. Indeed,
      FAPP2 has two functional lipid-binding domains specific for PI4P and
      glycosphingolipids. While expression of the PI4P-binding mutant protein was
      expected to inhibit HCV replication, a marked drop in replication efficiency was
      observed unexpectedly with the glycosphingolipid-binding mutant protein. These
      data suggest that both domains are crucial for the role of FAPP2 in HCV genome
      replication. We also found that HCV significantly increases the level of some
      glycosphingolipids, whereas adding these lipids to FAPP2-depleted cells partially
      rescued replication, further arguing for the importance of glycosphingolipids in
      HCV RNA synthesis. Interestingly, FAPP2 is redistributed to the replication
      complex (RC) characterized by HCV NS5A, NS4B, or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)
      foci. Additionally, FAPP2 depletion disrupts the RC and alters the colocalization
      of HCV replicase proteins. Altogether, our study implies that HCV coopts FAPP2
      for virus genome replication via PI4P binding and glycosphingolipid transport to
      the HCV RC. IMPORTANCE: Like most viruses with a positive-sense RNA genome, HCV
      replicates its RNA on remodeled host membranes composed of lipids hijacked from
      various internal membrane compartments. During infection, HCV induces massive
      production and retargeting of the PI4P lipid to its replication complex. However,
      the role of PI4P in HCV replication is not well understood. In this study, we
      have shown that FAPP2, a PI4P effector and glycosphingolipid-binding protein, is
      recruited to the HCV replication complex and is required for HCV genome
      replication and replication complex formation. More importantly, this study
      demonstrates, for the first time, the crucial role of glycosphingolipids in the
      HCV life cycle and suggests a link between PI4P and glycosphingolipids in HCV
      genome replication.

PMID- 25122781
TI  - Emergence of broadly neutralizing antibodies and viral coevolution in two
      subjects during the early stages of infection with human immunodeficiency virus
      type 1.
AB  - Delineating the key early events that lead to the development of broadly
      neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibodies during natural infection may help guide the
      development of immunogens and vaccine regimens to prevent HIV-1 infection. In
      this study, we monitored two HIV-1-positive subjects, VC20013 and VC10014, over
      the course of infection from before they developed broadly neutralizing antibody
      (bNAb) activity until several years after neutralizing breadth was detected in
      plasma. Both subjects developed bNAb activity after approximately 1 year
      postinfection, which ultimately mapped to the membrane-proximal external region
      (MPER) in VC20013 and an epitope that overlaps the CD4 receptor binding site in
      VC10014. In subject VC20013, we were able to identify anti-MPER activity in the
      earliest plasma sample that exhibited no bNAb activity, indicating that this
      epitope specificity was acquired very early on, but that it was initially not
      able to mediate neutralization. Escape mutations within the bNAb epitopes did not
      arise in the circulating envelopes until bNAb activity was detectable in plasma,
      indicating that this early response was not sufficient to drive viral escape. As
      bNAb activity began to emerge in both subjects, we observed a simultaneous
      increase in autologous antienvelope antibody binding affinity, indicating that
      antibody maturation was occurring as breadth was developing. Our findings
      illustrate one potential mechanism by which bNAbs develop during natural
      infection in which an epitope target is acquired very early on during the course
      of infection but require time and maturation to develop into broadly neutralizing
      activity. IMPORTANCE: One major goal of HIV-1 vaccine research is the development
      of a vaccine that can elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). Although no
      such vaccine exists, bNAbs develop in approximately 20% of HIV-1-infected
      subjects, providing a prototype of the bNAbs that must be reelicited by vaccine.
      Thus, there is significant interest in understanding the mechanisms by which
      bNAbs develop during the course of infection. We studied the timing, epitope
      specificity, and evolution of the bNAb responses in two HIV-1-positive patients
      who developed bNAb activity within the first several years after infection. In
      one subject, antibodies to a broadly neutralizing epitope developed very early
      but were nonneutralizing. After several months, neutralizing activity developed,
      and the virus mutated to escape their activity. Our study highlights one
      mechanism for the development of bNAbs where early epitope acquisition followed
      by sufficient time for antibody maturation drives the epitope-specific antibody
      response toward broadly neutralizing activity.

PMID- 25122782
TI  - Probing the functions of the paramyxovirus glycoproteins F and HN with a panel of
      synthetic antibodies.
AB  - Paramyxoviruses are enveloped negative-strand RNA viruses that are significant
      human and animal pathogens. Most paramyxoviruses infect host cells via the
      concerted action of a tetrameric attachment protein (variously called HN, H, or
      G) that binds either sialic acid or protein receptors on target cells and a
      trimeric fusion protein (F) that merges the viral envelope with the plasma
      membrane at neutral pH. F initially folds to a metastable prefusion conformation
      that becomes activated via a cleavage event during cellular trafficking. Upon
      receptor binding, the attachment protein, which consists of a globular head
      anchored to the membrane via a helical tetrameric stalk, triggers a major
      conformation change in F which results in fusion of virus and host cell
      membranes. We recently proposed a model for F activation in which the attachment
      protein head domains move following receptor binding to expose HN stalk residues
      critical for triggering F. To test the model in the context of wild-type viral
      glycoproteins, we used a restricted-diversity combinatorial Fab library and phage
      display to rapidly generate synthetic antibodies (sAbs) against multiple domains
      of the paramyxovirus parainfluenza 5 (PIV5) pre- and postfusion F and HN. As
      predicted by the model, sAbs that bind to the critical F-triggering region of the
      HN stalk do not disrupt receptor binding or neuraminidase (NA) activity but are
      potent inhibitors of fusion. An inhibitory prefusion F-specific sAb recognized a
      quaternary antigenic site and may inhibit fusion by preventing F refolding or by
      blocking the F-HN interaction. Importance: The paramyxovirus family of negative
      strand RNA viruses cause significant disease in humans and animals. The viruses
      bind to cells via their receptor binding protein and then enter cells by fusion
      of their envelope with the host cell plasma membrane, a process mediated by a
      metastable viral fusion (F) protein. To understand the steps in viral membrane
      fusion, a library of synthetic antibodies to F protein and the receptor binding
      protein was generated in bacteriophage. These antibodies bound to different
      regions of the F protein and the receptor binding protein, and the location of
      antibody binding affected different processes in viral entry into cells.

PMID- 25122783
TI  - Visualization of retroviral envelope spikes in complex with the V3 loop antibody
      447-52D on intact viruses by cryo-electron tomography.
AB  - The gp120 portion of the envelope spike on human immunodeficiency virus type 1
      (HIV-1) plays a critical role in viral entry into host cells and is a key target
      for the humoral immune response, and yet many structural details remain elusive.
      We have used cryoelectron tomography to visualize the binding of the broadly
      neutralizing monoclonal antibody (MAb) 447-52D to intact envelope spikes on
      virions of HIV-1 MN strain. Antibody 447-52D has previously been shown to bind to
      the tip of the V3 loop. Our results show antibody arms radiating from the sides
      of the gp120 protomers at a range of angles and place the antibody-bound V3 loop
      in an orientation that differs from that predicted by most current models but
      consistent with the idea that antibody binding dislodges the V3 loop from its
      location in the Env spike, making it flexible and disordered. These data reveal
      information on the position of the V3 loop and its relative flexibility and
      suggest that 447-52D neutralizes HIV-1 MN by capturing the V3 loop, blocking its
      interaction with the coreceptor and altering the structure of the envelope spike.
      IMPORTANCE: Antibody neutralization is one of the primary ways that the body
      fights infection with HIV. Because HIV is a highly mutable virus, the body must
      constantly produce new antibodies to counter new strains of HIV that the body
      itself is producing. Consequently, antibodies capable of neutralizing multiple
      HIV strains are comparatively few. An improved understanding of the mechanism of
      antibody neutralization might advance the development of immunogens. Most
      neutralizing antibodies target the Env glycoprotein spikes found on the virus
      surface. The broadly neutralizing antibody 447-52D targets the highly conserved
      beta-turn of variable loop 3 (V3) of gp120. The importance of V3 lies in its
      contribution to the coreceptor binding site on the target cell. We show here that
      447-52D binding to V3 converts the Env conformation from closed to open and makes
      the V3 loop highly flexible, implying disruption of coreceptor binding and
      attachment to the target cell.

PMID- 25122784
TI  - Equine viperin restricts equine infectious anemia virus replication by inhibiting
      the production and/or release of viral Gag, Env, and receptor via distortion of
      the endoplasmic reticulum.
AB  - Viperin is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated multifunctional protein that
      regulates virus replication and possesses broad antiviral activity. In many
      cases, viperin interferes with the trafficking and budding of viral structural
      proteins by distorting the membrane transportation system. The lentivirus equine
      infectious anemia virus (EIAV) has been studied extensively. In this study, we
      examined the restrictive effect of equine viperin (eViperin) on EIAV replication
      and investigated the possible molecular basis of this restriction to obtain
      insights into the effect of this cellular factor on retroviruses. We demonstrated
      that EIAV infection of primary equine monocyte-derived macrophages (eMDMs)
      upregulated the expression of eViperin. The overexpression of eViperin
      significantly inhibited the replication of EIAV in eMDMs, and knockdown of
      eViperin transcription enhanced the replication of EIAV in eMDMs by approximately
      45.8%. Further experiments indicated that eViperin restricts EIAV at multiple
      steps of viral replication. The overexpression of eViperin inhibited EIAV Gag
      release. Both the alpha-helix domain and radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)
      domain were required for this activity. However, the essential motifs in SAM were
      different from those reported for the inhibition of HIV-1 Gag by human viperin.
      Furthermore, eViperin disrupted the synthesis of both EIAV Env and receptor,
      which consequently inhibited viral production and entry, respectively, and this
      disruption was dependent on the eViperin alpha-helix domain. Using
      immunofluorescence assays and electron microscopy, we demonstrated that the alpha
      helix domain is responsible for the distortion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
      Finally, EIAV did not exhibit counteracting eViperin at the protein level.
      IMPORTANCE: In previous studies, viperin was indicated as restricting virus
      replications primarily by the inhibition of virus budding. Here, we show that
      viperin may have multiple antiviral mechanisms, including the reduction of EIAV
      Gag budding and Env expression, and these activities are dependent on different
      viperin domains. We especially demonstrate that the overexpression of viperin
      inhibits EIAV entry by decreasing the level of virus receptor. Therefore, viperin
      restriction of viruses is determined largely by the dependence of virus on the
      cellular membrane transportation system.

PMID- 25122785
TI  - Cross-clade ultrasensitive PCR-based assays to measure HIV persistence in large
      cohort studies.
AB  - A small pool of infected cells persists in HIV-infected individuals receiving
      antiretroviral therapy (ART). Here, we developed ultrasensitive assays to
      precisely measure the frequency of cells harboring total HIV DNA, integrated HIV
      DNA, and two long terminal repeat (2-LTR) circles. These assays are performed on
      cell lysates, which circumvents the labor-intensive step of DNA extraction, and
      rely on the coquantification of each HIV molecular form together with CD3 gene
      sequences to precisely measure cell input. Using primary isolates from HIV
      subtypes A, B, C, D, and CRF01_A/E, we demonstrate that these assays can
      efficiently quantify low target copy numbers from diverse HIV subtypes. We
      further used these assays to measure total HIV DNA, integrated HIV DNA, and 2-LTR
      circles in CD4(+) T cells from HIV-infected subjects infected with subtype B. All
      samples obtained from ART-naive subjects were positive for the three HIV
      molecular forms (n = 15). Total HIV DNA, integrated HIV DNA, and 2-LTR circles
      were detected in, respectively, 100%, 94%, and 77% of the samples from
      individuals in which HIV was suppressed by ART. Higher levels of total HIV DNA
      and 2-LTR circles were detected in untreated subjects than individuals on ART (P
      = 0.0003 and P = 0.0004, respectively), while the frequency of CD4(+) T cells
      harboring integrated HIV DNA did not differ between the two groups. These results
      demonstrate that these novel assays have the ability to quantify very low levels
      of HIV DNA of multiple HIV subtypes without the need for nucleic acid extraction,
      making them well suited for the monitoring of viral persistence in large
      populations of HIV-infected individuals. IMPORTANCE: Since the discovery of viral
      reservoirs in HIV-infected subjects receiving suppressive ART, measuring the
      degree of viral persistence has been one of the greatest challenges in the field
      of HIV research. Here, we report the development and validation of ultrasensitive
      assays to measure HIV persistence in HIV-infected individuals from multiple
      geographical regions. These assays are relatively inexpensive, do not require DNA
      extraction, and can be completed in a single day. Therefore, they are perfectly
      adapted to monitor HIV persistence in large cohorts of HIV-infected individuals
      and, given their sensitivity, can be used to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic
      strategies aimed at interfering with HIV persistence after prolonged ART.

PMID- 25122787
TI  - The N terminus of the influenza B virus nucleoprotein is essential for virus
      viability, nuclear localization, and optimal transcription and replication of the
      viral genome.
AB  - The nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza viruses is a multifunctional protein with
      essential roles throughout viral replication. Despite influenza A and B viruses
      belonging to separate genera of the Orthomyxoviridae family, their NP proteins
      share a relatively high level of sequence conservation. However, NP of influenza
      B viruses (BNP) contains an evolutionarily conserved N-terminal 50-amino-acid
      extension that is absent from NP of influenza A viruses. There is conflicting
      evidence as to the functions of the BNP N-terminal extension; however, this has
      never been assessed in the context of viral infection. We have used reverse
      genetics to assess the significance of this region on the functions of BNP and
      virus viability. The truncation of more than three amino acids prevented virus
      recovery, suggesting that the N-terminal extension is essential for virus
      viability. Mutational analysis indicated that multiple regions of the protein are
      involved in the nuclear localization of BNP, with the entire N-terminal extension
      required for this to function efficiently. Viruses containing mutations in the
      first 10 residues of BNP demonstrated few differences in nuclear localization;
      however, the viruses exhibited significant reductions in viral mRNA transcription
      and genome replication, resulting in significantly attenuated phenotypes.
      Mutations introduced to ablate a previously reported nuclear localization signal
      also resulted in a significant decrease in mRNA production during early stages of
      viral replication. Overall, our results demonstrate that the N-terminal extension
      of BNP is essential to virus viability not only for directing nuclear
      localization of BNP but also for regulating viral mRNA transcription and genome
      replication. IMPORTANCE: The multifunctional NP of influenza viruses has roles
      throughout the viral replication cycle; therefore, it is essential for virus
      viability. Despite high levels of homology between the NP of influenza A and B
      viruses, the NP of influenza B virus contains an evolutionarily conserved 50
      amino-acid N-terminal extension that is absent from the NP of influenza A
      viruses. In this study, we show that this N-terminal extension is essential for
      virus viability, and we confirm and expand upon recent findings that this region
      of BNP is required for nuclear localization of the protein. Furthermore, we
      demonstrate for the first time that the N terminus of BNP is involved in
      regulating viral mRNA transcription and replication of the viral genome. As the
      NP of influenza A virus lacks this N-terminal extension, these viruses may have
      evolved separate mechanisms to regulate these processes.

PMID- 25122786
TI  - The temperature-sensitive and attenuation phenotypes conferred by mutations in
      the influenza virus PB2, PB1, and NP genes are influenced by the species of
      origin of the PB2 gene in reassortant viruses derived from influenza
      A/California/07/2009 and A/WSN/33 viruses.
AB  - Live attenuated influenza vaccines in the United States are derived from a human
      virus that is temperature sensitive (ts), characterized by restricted (>= 100
      fold) replication at 39  degrees C. The ts genetic signature (ts sig) has been
      mapped to 5 loci in 3 genes: PB1 (391 E, 581 G, and 661 T), PB2 (265 S), and NP
      (34 G). However, when transferred into avian and swine influenza viruses, only
      partial ts and attenuation phenotypes occur. To investigate the reason for this,
      we introduced the ts sig into the human origin virus A/WSN/33 (WSN), the avian
      origin virus A/Vietnam/1203/04 (VN04), and the swine origin triple-reassortant
      2009 pandemic H1N1 virus A/California/07/2009 (CA07), which contains gene
      segments from human, avian, and swine viruses. The VN04(ts sig) and CA07(ts sig)
      viruses replicated efficiently in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells at 39 
      degrees C, but the replication of WSN(ts sig) was restricted >= 100-fold compared
      to that at 33  degrees C. Reassortant CA07(ts sig) viruses were generated with
      individual polymerase gene segments from WSN, and vice versa. Only ts sig viruses
      with a PB2 gene segment derived from WSN were restricted in replication >= 100
      fold at 39  degrees C. In ferrets, the CA07(ts sig) virus replicated in the upper
      and lower respiratory tract, but the replication of a reassortant CA07(ts sig)
      virus with a WSN PB2 gene was severely restricted in the lungs. Taken together,
      these data suggest that the origin of the PB2 gene segment influences the ts
      phenotype in vitro and attenuation in vivo. This could have implications for the
      design of novel live vaccines against animal origin influenza viruses.
      IMPORTANCE: Live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs) on temperature-sensitive
      (ts) backbones derived from animal origin influenza viruses are being sought for
      use in the poultry and swine industries and to protect people against animal
      origin influenza. However, inserting the ts genetic signature from a licensed
      LAIV backbone fails to fully attenuate these viruses. Our data indicate this is
      associated with the presence of a PB2 gene segment derived from an avian
      influenza virus. We show that a reassortant 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus with the ts
      signature from a licensed LAIV donor virus is ts in vitro and attenuated in vivo
      when the PB2 gene is derived from a human origin virus but not from an avian
      virus. Our study provides information that could benefit the rational design of
      alternative LAIV backbones against animal origin influenza viruses.

PMID- 25122788
TI  - Epitope mapping of the hemagglutinin molecule of A/(H1N1)pdm09 influenza virus by
      using monoclonal antibody escape mutants.
AB  - We determined the antigenic structure of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus
      hemagglutinin (HA) using 599 escape mutants that were selected using 16 anti-HA
      monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against A/Narita/1/2009. The sequencing of mutant HA
      genes revealed 43 amino acid substitutions at 24 positions in three antigenic
      sites, Sa, Sb, and Ca2, which were previously mapped onto A/Puerto Rico/8/34
      (A/PR/8/34) HA (A. J. Caton, G. G. Brownlee, J. W. Yewdell, and W. Gerhard, Cell
      31:417-427, 1982), and an undesignated site, i.e., amino acid residues 141, 142,
      143, 171, 172, 174, 177, and 180 in the Sa site, residues 170, 173, 202, 206,
      210, 211, and 212 in the Sb site, residues 151, 154, 156, 157, 158, 159, 200, and
      238 in the Ca2 site, and residue 147 in the undesignated site (numbering begins
      at the first methionine). Sixteen MAbs were classified into four groups based on
      their cross-reactivity with the panel of escape mutants in the hemagglutination
      inhibition test. Among them, six MAbs targeting the Sa and Sb sites recognized
      both residues at positions 172 and 173. MAb n2 lost reactivity when mutations
      were introduced at positions 147, 159 (site Ca2), 170 (site Sb), and 172 (site
      Sa). We designated the site consisting of these residues as site Pa. From 2009 to
      2013, no antigenic drift was detected for the A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. However, if a
      novel variant carrying a mutation at a position involved in the epitopes of
      several MAbs, such as 172, appeared, such a virus would have the advantage of
      becoming a drift strain. IMPORTANCE: The first influenza pandemic of the 21st
      century occurred in 2009 with the emergence of a novel virus originating with
      swine influenza, A(H1N1)pdm09. Although HA of A(H1N1)pdm09 has a common origin
      (1918 H1N1) with seasonal H1N1, the antigenic divergence of HA between the
      seasonal H1N1 and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses gave rise to the influenza pandemic in
      2009. To take precautions against the antigenic drift of the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus
      in the near future, it is important to identify its precise antigenic structure.
      To obtain various mutants that are not neutralized by MAbs, it is important to
      neutralize several plaque-cloned parent viruses rather than only a single parent
      virus. We characterized 599 escape mutants that were obtained by neutralizing
      four parent viruses of A(H1N1)pdm09 in the presence of 16 MAbs. Consequently, we
      were able to determine the details of the antigenic structure of HA, including a
      novel epitope.

PMID- 25122789
TI  - The matrix gene segment destabilizes the acid and thermal stability of the
      hemagglutinin of pandemic live attenuated influenza virus vaccines.
AB  - The threat of future influenza pandemics and their potential for rapid spread,
      morbidity, and mortality has led to the development of pandemic vaccines. We
      generated seven reassortant pandemic live attenuated influenza vaccines (pLAIVs)
      with the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes derived from animal
      influenza viruses on the backbone of the six internal protein gene segments of
      the temperature sensitive, cold-adapted (ca) A/Ann Arbor/60 (H2N2) virus (AA/60
      ca) of the licensed seasonal LAIV. The pLAIV viruses were moderately to highly
      restricted in replication in seronegative adults; we sought to determine the
      biological basis for this restriction. Avian influenza viruses generally
      replicate at higher temperatures than human influenza viruses and, although they
      shared the same backbone, the pLAIV viruses had a lower shutoff temperature than
      seasonal LAIV viruses, suggesting that the HA and NA influence the degree of
      temperature sensitivity. The pH of HA activation of highly pathogenic avian
      influenza viruses was greater than human and low-pathogenicity avian influenza
      viruses, as reported by others. However, pLAIV viruses had a consistently higher
      pH of HA activation and reduced HA thermostability compared to the corresponding
      wild-type parental viruses. From studies with single-gene reassortant viruses
      bearing one gene segment from the AA/60 ca virus in recombinant H5N1 or pH1N1
      viruses, we found that the lower HA thermal stability and increased pH of HA
      activation were associated with the AA/60 M gene. Together, the impaired HA acid
      and thermal stability and temperature sensitivity likely contributed to the
      restricted replication of the pLAIV viruses we observed in seronegative adults.
      IMPORTANCE: There is increasing evidence that the HA stability of influenza
      viruses depends on the virus strain and host species and that HA stability can
      influence replication, virulence, and transmission of influenza A viruses in
      different species. We investigated the HA stability of pandemic live attenuated
      influenza vaccine (pLAIV) viruses and observed that the pLAIV viruses
      consistently had a less stable HA than the corresponding wild-type influenza
      viruses. The reduced HA stability and temperature sensitivity of the pLAIV
      viruses may account for their restricted replication in clinical trials.

PMID- 25122791
TI  - Stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase 1 is associated with hepatitis C virus replication
      complex and regulates viral replication.
AB  - The hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle is tightly regulated by lipid metabolism
      of host cells. In order to identify host factors involved in HCV propagation, we
      have recently screened a small interfering RNA (siRNA) library targeting host
      genes that control lipid metabolism and lipid droplet formation using cell
      culture-grown HCV (HCVcc)-infected cells. We selected and characterized the gene
      encoding stearoyl coenzyme A (CoA) desaturase 1 (SCD1). siRNA-mediated knockdown
      or pharmacological inhibition of SCD1 abrogated HCV replication in both
      subgenomic replicon and Jc1-infected cells, while exogenous supplementation of
      either oleate or palmitoleate, products of SCD1 activity, resurrected HCV
      replication in SCD1 knockdown cells. SCD1 was coimmunoprecipitated with HCV
      nonstructural proteins and colocalized with both double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and
      HCV nonstructural proteins, indicating that SCD1 is associated with HCV
      replication complex. Moreover, SCD1 was fractionated and enriched with HCV
      nonstructural proteins at detergent-resistant membrane. Electron microscopy data
      showed that SCD1 is required for NS4B-mediated intracellular membrane
      rearrangement. These data further support the idea that SCD1 is associated with
      HCV replication complex and that its products may contribute to the proper
      formation and maintenance of membranous web structures in HCV replication
      complex. Collectively, these data suggest that manipulation of SCD1 activity may
      represent a novel host-targeted antiviral strategy for the treatment of HCV
      infection. IMPORTANCE: Stearoyl coenzyme A (CoA) desaturase 1 (SCD1), a liver
      specific enzyme, regulates hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication through its enzyme
      activity. HCV nonstructural proteins are associated with SCD1 at detergent
      resistant membranes, and SCD1 is enriched on the lipid raft by HCV infection.
      Therein, SCD1 supports NS4B-mediated membrane rearrangement to provide a suitable
      microenvironment for HCV replication. We demonstrated that either genetic or
      chemical knockdown of SCD1 abrogated HCV replication in both replicon cells and
      HCV-infected cells. These findings provide novel mechanistic insights into the
      roles of SCD1 in HCV replication.

PMID- 25122790
TI  - Methyltransferase-defective avian metapneumovirus vaccines provide complete
      protection against challenge with the homologous Colorado strain and the
      heterologous Minnesota strain.
AB  - Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), also known as avian pneumovirus or turkey
      rhinotracheitis virus, is the causative agent of turkey rhinotracheitis and is
      associated with swollen head syndrome in chickens. Since its discovery in the
      1970s, aMPV has been recognized as an economically important pathogen in the
      poultry industry worldwide. The conserved region VI (CR VI) of the large (L)
      polymerase proteins of paramyxoviruses catalyzes methyltransferase (MTase)
      activities that typically methylate viral mRNAs at guanine N-7 (G-N-7) and ribose
      2'-O positions. In this study, we generated a panel of recombinant aMPV (raMPV)
      Colorado strains carrying mutations in the S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) binding
      site in the CR VI of L protein. These recombinant viruses were specifically
      defective in ribose 2'-O, but not G-N-7 methylation and were genetically stable
      and highly attenuated in cell culture and viral replication in the upper and
      lower respiratory tracts of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) young turkeys.
      Importantly, turkeys vaccinated with these MTase-defective raMPVs triggered a
      high level of neutralizing antibody and were completely protected from challenge
      with homologous aMPV Colorado strain and heterologous aMPV Minnesota strain.
      Collectively, our results indicate (i) that aMPV lacking 2'-O methylation is
      highly attenuated in vitro and in vivo and (ii) that inhibition of mRNA cap MTase
      can serve as a novel target to rationally design live attenuated vaccines for
      aMPV and perhaps other paramyxoviruses. IMPORTANCE: Paramyxoviruses include many
      economically and agriculturally important viruses such as avian metapneumovirus
      (aMPV), and Newcastle disease virus (NDV), human pathogens such as human
      respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, human parainfluenza virus
      type 3, and measles virus, and highly lethal emerging pathogens such as Nipah
      virus and Hendra virus. For many of them, there is no effective vaccine or
      antiviral drug. These viruses share common strategies for viral gene expression
      and replication. During transcription, paramyxoviruses produce capped,
      methylated, and polyadenylated mRNAs. Using aMPV as a model, we found that viral
      ribose 2'-O methyltransferase (MTase) is a novel approach to rationally attenuate
      the virus for vaccine purpose. Recombinant aMPV (raMPV) lacking 2'-O MTase were
      not only highly attenuated in turkeys but also provided complete protection
      against the challenge of homologous and heterologous aMPV strains. This novel
      approach can be applicable to other animal and human paramyxoviruses for
      rationally designing live attenuated vaccines.

PMID- 25122792
TI  - Kinetic and phenotypic analysis of CD8+ T cell responses after priming with
      alphavirus replicons and homologous or heterologous booster immunizations.
AB  - Alphavirus replicons are potent inducers of CD8(+) T cell responses and thus
      constitute an attractive vaccine vector platform for developing novel vaccines.
      However, the kinetics and memory phenotype of CD8(+) T cell responses induced by
      alphavirus replicons are not well characterized. Furthermore, little is known how
      priming with alphavirus replicons affects booster immune responses induced by
      other vaccine modalities. We demonstrate here that a single immunization with an
      alphavirus replicon, administered as viral particles or naked DNA, induced an
      antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell response that had a sharp peak, followed by a
      rapid contraction. Administering a homologous boost before contraction had
      occurred did not further increase the response. In contrast, boosting after
      contraction when CD8(+) T cells had obtained a memory phenotype (based on
      CD127/CD62L expression), resulted in maintenance of CD8(+) T cells with a high
      recall capacity (based on CD27/CD43 expression). Increasing the dose of replicon
      particles promoted T effector memory (Tem) and inhibited T central memory
      development. Moreover, infection with a replicating alphavirus induced a similar
      distribution of CD8(+) T cells as the replicon vector. Lastly, the distribution
      of T cell subpopulations induced by a DNA-launched alphavirus replicon could be
      altered by heterologous boosts. For instance, boosting with a poxvirus vector
      (MVA) favored expansion of the Tem compartment. In summary, we have characterized
      the antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell response induced by alphavirus replicon
      vectors and demonstrated how it can be altered by homologous and heterologous
      boost immunizations. IMPORTANCE: Alphavirus replicons are promising vaccine
      candidates against a number of diseases and are by themselves developed as
      vaccines against, for example, Chikungunya virus infection. Replicons are also
      considered to be used for priming, followed by booster immunization using
      different vaccine modalities. In order to rationally design prime-boost
      immunization schedules with these vectors, characterization of the magnitude and
      phenotype of CD8(+) T cell responses induced by alphavirus replicons is needed.
      Here, we demonstrate how factors such as timing and dose affect the phenotypes of
      memory T cell populations induced by immunization with alphavirus replicons.
      These findings are important for designing future clinical trials with
      alphaviruses, since they can be used to tailor vaccination regimens in order to
      induce a CD8(+) T cell response that is optimal for control and/or clearance of a
      specific pathogen.

PMID- 25122794
TI  - The VP4 peptide of hepatitis A virus ruptures membranes through formation of
      discrete pores.
AB  - Membrane-active peptides, components of capsid structural proteins, assist
      viruses in overcoming the host membrane barrier in the initial stages of
      infection. Several such peptides have been identified, and their roles in
      membrane fusion or disruption have been characterized through biophysical
      studies. In several members of the Picornaviridae family, the role of the VP4
      structural peptide in cellular-membrane penetration is well established. However,
      there is not much information on the membrane-penetrating capsid components of
      hepatitis A virus (HAV), an unusual member of this family. The VP4 peptide of HAV
      differs from its analogues in other picornaviruses in being significantly shorter
      in length and in lacking a signal for myristoylation, thought to be a critical
      requisite for VP4-mediated membrane penetration. Here we report, for the first
      time, that the atypical VP4 in HAV contains significant membrane-penetrating
      activity. Using a combination of biophysical assays and molecular dynamics
      simulation studies, we show that VP4 integrates into membrane vesicles through
      its N-terminal region to finally form discrete pores of 5- to 9-nm diameter,
      which induces leakage in the vesicles without altering their overall size or
      shape. We further demonstrate that the membrane activity of VP4 is specific
      toward vesicles mimicking the lipid content of late endosomes at acidic pH. Taken
      together, our data indicate that VP4 might be essential for the penetration of
      host endosomal membranes and release of the viral genome during HAV entry.
      IMPORTANCE: Hepatitis A virus causes acute hepatitis in humans through the fecal
      oral route and is particularly prevalent in underdeveloped regions with poor
      hygienic conditions. Although a vaccine for HAV exists, its high cost makes it
      unsuitable for universal application in developing countries. Studies on host
      virus interaction for HAV have been hampered due to a lack of starting material,
      since the virus is extremely slow growing in culture. Among the unknown aspects
      of the HAV life cycle is its manner of host membrane penetration, which is one of
      the most important initial steps in viral infection. Here, we present data to
      suggest that a small peptide, VP4, a component of the HAV structural polyprotein,
      might be essential in helping the viral genome cross cell membranes during entry.
      It is hoped that this work might help in elucidating the manner of initial host
      cell interaction by HAV.

PMID- 25122793
TI  - Apolipoprotein E likely contributes to a maturation step of infectious hepatitis
      C virus particles and interacts with viral envelope glycoproteins.
AB  - The assembly of infectious hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles is tightly linked to
      components of the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) pathway. We and others have
      shown that apolipoprotein E (ApoE) plays a major role in production of infectious
      HCV particles. However, the mechanism by which ApoE contributes to virion
      assembly/release and how it gets associated with the HCV particle is poorly
      understood. We found that knockdown of ApoE reduces titers of infectious intra-
      and extracellular HCV but not of the related dengue virus. ApoE depletion also
      reduced amounts of extracellular HCV core protein without affecting intracellular
      core amounts. Moreover, we found that ApoE depletion affected neither formation
      of nucleocapsids nor their envelopment, suggesting that ApoE acts at a late step
      of assembly, such as particle maturation and infectivity. Importantly, we
      demonstrate that ApoE interacts with the HCV envelope glycoproteins, most notably
      E2. This interaction did not require any other viral proteins and depended on the
      transmembrane domain of E2 that also was required for recruitment of HCV envelope
      glycoproteins to detergent-resistant membrane fractions. These results suggest
      that ApoE plays an important role in HCV particle maturation, presumably by
      direct interaction with viral envelope glycoproteins. IMPORTANCE: The HCV
      replication cycle is tightly linked to host cell lipid pathways and components.
      This is best illustrated by the dependency of HCV assembly on lipid droplets and
      the VLDL component ApoE. Although the role of ApoE for production of infectious
      HCV particles is well established, it is still poorly understood how ApoE
      contributes to virion formation and how it gets associated with HCV particles.
      Here, we provide experimental evidence that ApoE likely is required for an
      intracellular maturation step of HCV particles. Moreover, we demonstrate that
      ApoE associates with the viral envelope glycoproteins. This interaction appears
      to be dispensable for envelopment of virus particles but likely contributes to
      the quality control of secreted infectious virions. These results shed new light
      on the exploitation of host cell lipid pathways by HCV and the link of viral
      particle assembly to the VLDL component ApoE.

PMID- 25122795
TI  - Inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation through disturbance of the
      calcineurin/NFAT pathway by human herpesvirus 6B U54 tegument protein.
AB  - Nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) proteins are key regulators involved in
      multiple physiological mechanisms, such as immune response and cell growth. The
      capacity of selective calcineurin/NFAT inhibitors to decrease NFAT-dependent
      cancer cell progression, particularly in breast cancer, has already been
      demonstrated. In this study, we report a role for the human herpesvirus 6B (HHV
      6B) U54 tegument protein in inhibiting MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation by
      inhibiting NFAT activation. 

PMID- 25122796
TI  - High frequencies of polyfunctional CD8+ NK cells in chronic HIV-1 infection are
      associated with slower disease progression.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells are effector and regulatory innate immune cells and
      play a critical role in the first line of defense against various viral
      infections. Although previous reports have indicated the vital contributions of
      NK cells to HIV-1 immune control, nongenetic NK cell parameters directly
      associated with slower disease progression have not been defined yet. In a
      longitudinal, retrospective study of 117 untreated HIV-infected subjects, we show
      that higher frequencies as well as the absolute numbers of CD8(+) CD3(-)
      lymphocytes are linked to delayed HIV-1 disease progression. We show that the
      majority of these cells are well-described blood NK cells. In a subsequent cross
      sectional study, we demonstrate a significant loss of CD8(+) NK cells in
      untreated HIV-infected individuals, which correlated with HIV loads and inversely
      correlated with CD4(+) T cell counts. CD8(+) NK cells had modestly higher
      frequencies of CD57-expressing cells than CD8(-) cells, but CD8(+) and CD8(-) NK
      cells showed no differences in the expression of a number of activating and
      inhibiting NK cell receptors. However, CD8(+) NK cells exhibited a more
      functional profile, as detected by cytokine production and degranulation.
      IMPORTANCE: We demonstrate that the frequency of highly functional CD8(+) NK
      cells is inversely associated with HIV-related disease markers and linked with
      delayed disease progression. These results thus indicate that CD8(+) NK cells
      represent a novel NK cell-derived, innate immune correlate with an improved
      clinical outcome in HIV infection.

PMID- 25122797
TI  - Inhibition of interleukin-2 gene expression by human herpesvirus 6B U54 tegument
      protein.
AB  - Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) is a ubiquitous pathogen causing lifelong
      infections in approximately 95% of humans worldwide. To persist within its host,
      HHV-6B has developed several immune evasion mechanisms, such as latency, during
      which minimal proteins are expressed, and the ability to disturb innate and
      adaptive immune responses. The primary cellular targets of HHV-6B are CD4(+) T
      cells. Previous studies by Flamand et al. (L. Flamand, J. Gosselin, I.
      Stefanescu, D. Ablashi, and J. Menezes, Blood 85:1263-1271, 1995) reported on the
      capacity of HHV-6A as well as UV-irradiated HHV-6A to inhibit interleukin-2 (IL
      2) synthesis in CD4(+) lymphocytes, suggesting that viral structural components
      could be responsible for this effect. In the present study, we identified the HHV
      6B U54 tegument protein (U54) as being capable of inhibiting IL-2 expression. U54
      binds the calcineurin (CaN) phosphatase enzyme, causing improper
      dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NFAT (nuclear factor of activated
      T cells) proteins, resulting in suboptimal IL-2 gene transcription. The U54 GISIT
      motif (amino acids 293 to 297), analogous to the NFAT PXIXIT motif, contributed
      to the inhibition of NFAT activation. IMPORTANCE Human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A)
      and HHV-6B are associated with an increasing number of pathologies. These viruses
      have developed strategies to avoid the immune response allowing them to persist
      in the host. Several studies have illustrated mechanisms by which HHV-6A and HHV
      6B are able to disrupt host defenses (reviewed in L. Dagna, J. C. Pritchett, and
      P. Lusso, Future Virol. 8:273-287, 2013, doi:10.2217/fvl.13.7). Previous work
      informed us that HHV-6A is able to suppress synthesis of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a
      key immune growth factor essential for adequate T lymphocyte proliferation and
      expansion. We obtained evidence that HHV-6B also inhibits IL-2 gene expression
      and identified the mechanisms by which it does so. Our work led us to the
      identification of U54, a virion-associated tegument protein, as being responsible
      for suppression of IL-2. Consequently, we have identified HHV-6B U54 protein as
      playing a role in immune evasion. These results further contribute to our
      understanding of HHV-6 interactions with its human host and the efforts deployed
      to ensure its long-term persistence. 

PMID- 25122798
TI  - Polyomavirus small T antigen interacts with yes-associated protein to regulate
      cell survival and differentiation.
AB  - Murine polyomavirus small t antigen (PyST) regulates cell cycle, cell survival,
      apoptosis, and differentiation and cooperates with middle T antigen (MT) to
      transform primary cells in vitro and in vivo. Like all polyomavirus T antigens,
      PyST functions largely via its interactions with host cell proteins. Here, we
      show that PyST binds both Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and YAP2, integral
      parts of the Hippo signaling pathway, which is a subject of increasing interest
      in human cancer. The transcription factor TEAD, which is a known target of YAP,
      is also found in PyST complexes. PyST enhanced YAP association with protein
      phosphatase 2A (PP2A), leading to decreased YAP phosphorylation. PyST increased
      YAP levels by decreasing its degradation. This effect was mediated by a reduction
      in YAP association with beta-transducin repeat protein (betaTRCP), which is known
      to regulate YAP turnover in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. Genetic analysis
      has identified PyST mutants defective in YAP binding. These mutants demonstrated
      that YAP binding is important for PyST to block myoblast differentiation and to
      synergize with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) to
      promote cell death in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes placed under differentiation
      conditions. In addition to YAP binding, both of these phenotypes require PyST
      binding to PP2A. Importance: The Hippo/YAP pathway is a highly conserved cascade
      important for tissue development and homeostasis. Defects in this pathway are
      increasingly being associated with cancer. Polyomavirus small t antigen is a
      viral oncogene that cooperates with middle T antigen in transformation. On its
      own, small t antigen controls cell survival and differentiation. By binding YAP,
      small t antigen brings it together with protein phosphatase 2A. This work shows
      how this association of small t antigen with YAP is important for its effects on
      cell phenotype. It also suggests that PyST can be used to characterize cellular
      processes that are regulated by YAP.

PMID- 25122799
TI  - The composition of West Nile virus lipid envelope unveils a role of sphingolipid
      metabolism in flavivirus biogenesis.
AB  - West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging zoonotic mosquito-borne flavivirus
      responsible for outbreaks of febrile illness and meningoencephalitis. The
      replication of WNV takes place on virus-modified membranes from the endoplasmic
      reticulum of the host cell, and virions acquire their envelope by budding into
      this organelle. Consistent with this view, the cellular biology of this pathogen
      is intimately linked to modifications of the intracellular membranes, and the
      requirement for specific lipids, such as cholesterol and fatty acids, has been
      documented. In this study, we evaluated the impact of WNV infection on two
      important components of cellular membranes, glycerophospholipids and
      sphingolipids, by mass spectrometry of infected cells. A significant increase in
      the content of several glycerophospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, plasmalogens,
      and lysophospholipids) and sphingolipids (ceramide, dihydroceramide, and
      sphingomyelin) was noticed in WNV-infected cells, suggesting that these lipids
      have functional roles during WNV infection. Furthermore, the analysis of the
      lipid envelope of WNV virions and recombinant virus-like particles revealed that
      their envelopes had a unique composition. The envelopes were enriched in
      sphingolipids (sphingomyelin) and showed reduced levels of phosphatidylcholine,
      similar to sphingolipid-enriched lipid microdomains. Inhibition of neutral
      sphingomyelinase (which catalyzes the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin into ceramide)
      by either pharmacological approaches or small interfering RNA-mediated silencing
      reduced the release of flavivirus virions as well as virus-like particles,
      suggesting a role of sphingomyelin-to-ceramide conversion in flavivirus budding
      and confirming the importance of sphingolipids in the biogenesis of WNV.
      Importance: West Nile virus (WNV) is a neurotropic flavivirus spread by
      mosquitoes that can infect multiple vertebrate hosts, including humans. There is
      no specific vaccine or therapy against this pathogen licensed for human use.
      Since the multiplication of this virus is associated with rearrangements of host
      cell membranes, we analyzed the effect of WNV infection on different cellular
      lipids that constitute important membrane components. The levels of multiple
      lipid species were increased in infected cells, pointing to the induction of
      major alterations of cellular lipid metabolism by WNV infection. Interestingly,
      certain sphingolipids, which were increased in infected cells, were also enriched
      in the lipid envelope of the virus, thus suggesting a potential role during virus
      assembly. We further verified the role of sphingolipids in the production of WNV
      by means of functional analyses. This study provides new insight into the
      formation of flavivirus infectious particles and the involvement of sphingolipids
      in the WNV life cycle.

PMID- 25122800
TI  - Regulation of autophagic activation by Rta of Epstein-Barr virus via the
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway.
AB  - Autophagy is an intracellular degradation pathway that provides a host defense
      mechanism against intracellular pathogens. However, many viruses exploit this
      mechanism to promote their replication. This study shows that lytic induction of
      Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) increases the membrane-bound form of LC3 (LC3-II) and
      LC3-containing punctate structures in EBV-positive cells. Transfecting 293T cells
      with a plasmid that expresses Rta also induces autophagy, revealing that Rta is
      responsible for autophagic activation. The activation involves Atg5, a key
      component of autophagy, but not the mTOR pathway. The expression of Rta also
      activates the transcription of the genes that participate in the formation of
      autophagosomes, including LC3A, LC3B, and ATG9B genes, as well as those that are
      involved in the regulation of autophagy, including the genes TNF, IRGM, and
      TRAIL. Additionally, treatment with U0126 inhibits the Rta-induced autophagy and
      the expression of autophagy genes, indicating that the autophagic activation is
      caused by the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling
      by Rta. Finally, the inhibition of autophagic activity by an autophagy inhibitor,
      3-methyladenine, or Atg5 small interfering RNA, reduces the expression of EBV
      lytic proteins and the production of viral particles, revealing that autophagy is
      critical to EBV lytic progression. This investigation reveals how an EBV-encoded
      transcription factor promotes autophagy to affect viral lytic development. 

PMID- 25122801
TI  - Combined alphavirus replicon particle vaccine induces durable and cross
      protective immune responses against equine encephalitis viruses.
AB  - Alphavirus replicons were evaluated as potential vaccine candidates for
      Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), western equine encephalitis virus
      (WEEV), or eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) when given individually or in
      combination (V/W/E) to mice or cynomolgus macaques. Individual replicon vaccines
      or the combination V/W/E replicon vaccine elicited strong neutralizing antibodies
      in mice to their respective alphavirus. Protection from either subcutaneous or
      aerosol challenge with VEEV, WEEV, or EEEV was demonstrated out to 12 months
      after vaccination in mice. Individual replicon vaccines or the combination V/W/E
      replicon vaccine elicited strong neutralizing antibodies in macaques and
      demonstrated good protection against aerosol challenge with an epizootic VEEV-IAB
      virus, Trinidad donkey. Similarly, the EEEV replicon and V/W/E combination
      vaccine elicited neutralizing antibodies against EEEV and protected against
      aerosol exposure to a North American variety of EEEV. Both the WEEV replicon and
      combination V/W/E vaccination, however, elicited poor neutralizing antibodies to
      WEEV in macaques, and the protection conferred was not as strong. These results
      demonstrate that a combination V/W/E vaccine is possible for protection against
      aerosol challenge and that cross-interference between the vaccines is minimal.
      Importance: Three related viruses belonging to the genus Alphavirus cause severe
      encephalitis in humans: Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), western
      equine encephalitis virus (WEEV), and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV).
      Normally transmitted by mosquitoes, these viruses can cause disease when inhaled,
      so there is concern that these viruses could be used as biological weapons. Prior
      reports have suggested that vaccines for these three viruses might interfere with
      one another. We have developed a combined vaccine for Venezuelan equine
      encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, and eastern equine encephalitis
      expressing the surface proteins of all three viruses. In this report we
      demonstrate in both mice and macaques that this combined vaccine is safe,
      generates a strong immune response, and protects against aerosol challenge with
      the viruses that cause Venezuelan equine encephalitis, western equine
      encephalitis, and eastern equine encephalitis.

PMID- 25122804
TI  - My second-favourite medical journal.

PMID- 25122802
TI  - DESC1 and MSPL activate influenza A viruses and emerging coronaviruses for host
      cell entry.
AB  - The type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) TMPRSS2 cleaves and activates
      the influenza virus and coronavirus surface proteins. Expression of TMPRSS2 is
      essential for the spread and pathogenesis of H1N1 influenza viruses in mice. In
      contrast, H3N2 viruses are less dependent on TMPRSS2 for viral amplification,
      suggesting that these viruses might employ other TTSPs for their activation.
      Here, we analyzed TTSPs, reported to be expressed in the respiratory system, for
      the ability to activate influenza viruses and coronaviruses. We found that MSPL
      and, to a lesser degree, DESC1 are expressed in human lung tissue and cleave and
      activate the spike proteins of the Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe
      acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses for cell-cell and virus-cell fusion. In
      addition, we show that these proteases support the spread of all influenza virus
      subtypes previously pandemic in humans. In sum, we identified two host cell
      proteases that could promote the amplification of influenza viruses and emerging
      coronaviruses in humans and might constitute targets for antiviral intervention.
      Importance: Activation of influenza viruses by host cell proteases is essential
      for viral infectivity and the enzymes responsible are potential targets for
      antiviral intervention. The present study demonstrates that two cellular serine
      proteases, DESC1 and MSPL, activate influenza viruses and emerging coronaviruses
      in cell culture and, because of their expression in human lung tissue, might
      promote viral spread in the infected host. Antiviral strategies aiming to prevent
      viral activation might thus need to encompass inhibitors targeting MSPL and
      DESC1.

PMID- 25122806
TI  - Industry involvement in continuing medical education: time to say no.

PMID- 25122807
TI  - Realigning training with need: A case for mandatory family medicine resident
      experience in community-based care of the frail elderly.

PMID- 25122810
TI  - Logic of care.

PMID- 25122803
TI  - Counteracting effects of cellular Notch and Epstein-Barr virus EBNA2:
      implications for stromal effects on virus-host interactions.
AB  - A number of diverse environmental cues have been linked to B lymphocyte
      differentiation and activation. One such cue, Notch-2, may be particularly
      relevant to the biology of infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which
      colonizes the B cell compartment. Activated Notch and EBV nuclear antigen 2
      (EBNA2) both function as transcriptional activators by virtue of their
      interactions with the transcription factor RBP-Jkappa. Although EBNA2 and
      activated Notch appear to have partially overlapping functions, we now report
      that activated Notch counteracts a crucial EBNA2 function both in newly infected
      primary B cells and in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). EBNA2 is directly
      responsible for the initiation of transcription of the majority of EBV proteins
      associated with type III latency, leading to the outgrowth of LCLs. One of the
      key proteins driving this outgrowth is latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), which is
      regulated by an EBNA2-responsive element within its ED-L1 promoter. Activation of
      Notch-2 via Delta-like ligand 1 inhibits EBNA2-mediated initiation of LMP1
      transcription. Furthermore, ligated Notch-2 also efficiently turns off LMP1
      expression from the ED-L1 promoter in LCLs already expressing LMP1. Modulation of
      EBV gene expression by Notch was not confined to EBNA2-dependent events.
      Activated Notch-2 also inhibited EBV entry into the lytic cycle in a B cell non
      Hodgkin's lymphoma line by upregulating the cellular transcription factor Zeb2,
      which represses the transcription of BZLF1. These results support the concept
      that in vivo, cumulative signals from the microenvironment downregulate EBV gene
      expression in B cells to the latency 0 gene expression profile observed in B
      cells entering the peripheral blood. Importance: Experimental infection of
      resting B cells by Epstein-Barr virus leads to the growth transformation program
      of virus gene expression and the outgrowth of lymphoblastoid cell lines. Previous
      studies at the single-cell level revealed complex cellular and viral signaling
      networks regulating transcription of the viral genome. This study demonstrates
      that viral gene expression can also be radically altered by molecules expressed
      on stromal cells in the microenvironment of lymphoid tissue, specifically, Delta
      like ligand 1 on stromal cells ligating Notch-2 on infected B cells. Activation
      of Notch interferes with the transactivation function of EBNA2, downregulates the
      expression of LMP1 and LMP2a, and inhibits the activation of lytic virus
      replication in a B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma line by preventing expression of
      BZLF1. The significance of these observations is that they indicate new
      mechanisms whereby the microenvironment in normal lymphoid tissue may facilitate
      the repression of viral gene expression, enabling establishment of true latency
      in memory B cells.

PMID- 25122811
TI  - Clinical review or hypothesis?

PMID- 25122812
TI  - Response.

PMID- 25122814
TI  - Guideline for referral of patients with suspected lung cancer by family
      physicians and other primary care providers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this guideline is to assist FPs and other primary care
      providers with recognizing features that should raise their suspicions about the
      presence of lung cancer in their patients. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE:
      Committee members were selected from among the regional primary care leads from
      the Cancer Care Ontario Provincial Primary Care and Cancer Network and from among
      the members of the Cancer Care Ontario Lung Cancer Disease Site Group. METHODS:
      This guideline was developed through systematic review of the evidence base,
      synthesis of the evidence, and formal external review involving Canadian
      stakeholders to validate the relevance of recommendations. REPORT: Evidence-based
      guidelines were developed to improve the management of patients presenting with
      clinical features of lung cancer within the Canadian context. CONCLUSION: Earlier
      identification and referral of patients with lung cancer might ultimately help
      improve lung cancer morbidity and mortality. These guidelines might also be of
      value for informing the development of lung cancer diagnostic programs and for
      helping policy makers to ensure appropriate resources are in place.

PMID- 25122815
TI  - Guideline for referral of patients with suspected colorectal cancer by family
      physicians and other primary care providers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this guideline is to assist FPs and other primary care
      providers with recognizing features that should raise their suspicions about the
      presence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in their patients. COMPOSITION OF THE
      COMMITTEE: Committee members were selected from among the regional primary care
      leads from the Cancer Care Ontario Provincial Primary Care and Cancer Network,
      the members of the Ontario Colorectal Cancer Screening Advisory Committee, and
      the members of the Cancer Care Ontario Gastrointestinal Cancer Disease Site
      Group. METHODS: This guideline was developed through systematic review of the
      evidence base, synthesis of the evidence, and formal external review involving
      Canadian stakeholders to validate the relevance of recommendations. REPORT:
      Evidence-based guidelines were developed to improve the management of patients
      presenting with clinical features of CRC within the Canadian context. CONCLUSION:
      The judicious balancing of suspicion of CRC and level of risk of CRC should
      encourage timely referral by FPs and primary care providers. This guideline might
      also inform indications for referral to CRC diagnostic assessment programs.

PMID- 25122818
TI  - Practical strategies for prevention and treatment of heat-induced illness.

PMID- 25122816
TI  - Consuming non-alcoholic beer and other beverages during pregnancy and
      breastfeeding.
AB  - QUESTION: An increasing number of my patients are asking about the safety of
      consuming non-alcoholic beer and other alcohol-free versions of alcoholic
      beverages during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as they believe that these drinks
      might be a "safer" alternative to regular alcoholic beverages. What are
      Motherisk's recommendations regarding these products? ANSWER: Such drinks might
      contain higher ethanol levels than what is indicated on their labels. As there is
      no known safe level of alcohol intake in pregnancy, abstinence from non-alcoholic
      beverages would eliminate any risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Although
      it is likely that moderate intake of non-alcoholic beverages would pose no harm
      to breastfed infants, briefly delaying breastfeeding after consumption of such
      drinks would ensure that the infant is not exposed to alcohol.

PMID- 25122817
TI  - Accidental digital epinephrine injection: to treat or not to treat?

PMID- 25122820
TI  - A horse-and-buggy kind of doctor.

PMID- 25122821
TI  - Dr Agnes Kluz MD CCFP.

PMID- 25122822
TI  - Balancing life and work.

PMID- 25122819
TI  - Colorectal cancer risk information presented by a nonphysician assistant does not
      increase screening rates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of presenting individualized colorectal
      cancer (CRC) risk information for increasing CRC screening rates in primary care
      patients at above-average risk of CRC. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.
      SETTING: Georgia Regents University in Augusta-an academic family medicine clinic
      in the southeastern United States. PARTICIPANTS: Outpatients (50 to 70 years of
      age) scheduled for routine visits in the family medicine clinic who were
      determined to be at above-average risk of CRC. INTERVENTIONS: Individualized CRC
      risk information calculated from the Your Disease Risk tool compared with a
      standard CRC screening handout. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intention to complete CRC
      screening. Secondary measures included the proportions of subjects completing
      fecal occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. RESULTS: A
      total of 1147 consecutive records were reviewed to determine eligibility.
      Overall, 210 (37.7%) of 557 eligible participants were randomized to receive
      either individualized CRC risk information (prepared by a research assistant) or
      a standard CRC screening handout. The intervention group had a mean (SD) age of
      55.7 (4.8) years and the control group had a mean (SD) age of 55.6 (4.6) years.
      Two-thirds of the participants in each group were female. The intervention group
      and the control group were matched by race (P = .40). There was no significant
      difference between groups for intention to complete CRC screening (P = .58).
      Overall, 26.7% of the intervention participants and 27.7% of the control
      participants completed 1 or more CRC screening tests (P = .66). CONCLUSION:
      Presentation of individualized CRC risk information by a nonphysician assistant
      as a decision aid did not result in higher CRC screening rates in primary care
      patients compared with presentation of general CRC screening information. Future
      research is needed to determine if physician presentation of CRC risk information
      would result in increased screening rates compared with research assistant
      presentation.

PMID- 25122825
TI  - Meet Dr Pamela Eisener-Parsche: Our new Associate Executive Director and Director
      of Academic Family Medicine.

PMID- 25122828
TI  - Statins and cognitive impairment.

PMID- 25122830
TI  - Systematic review of guidelines for the management of suspected lung cancer in
      primary care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature and provide an update and
      integration of existing peer-reviewed guidelines with recent systematic reviews
      and with primary studies related to the early recognition and management of lung
      cancer in primary care. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for
      relevant articles. The quality of the evidence to support existing guideline
      recommendations, and the consistency of recommendations with updated evidence,
      were assessed. Applicability in a Canadian primary care setting was also
      evaluated. STUDY SELECTION: All studies that explored signs or symptoms of or
      risk factors for lung cancer in the primary care setting were included. All
      diagnostic studies in which symptomatic primary care patients underwent 1 or more
      investigations were also searched. SYNTHESIS: Recommendations were consistent
      among guidelines despite a paucity of supporting evidence. Updated evidence
      provided further support for the recommendations. Recommendations for identifying
      signs and symptoms of lung cancer presenting in primary care and for initial
      management can be adopted and applied within a Canadian primary care setting.
      CONCLUSION: This updated review of recommendations might help promote evidence
      based practice and, ultimately, more timely management and improved prognosis for
      lung cancer patients. It might also assist in the development of lung cancer
      diagnostic assessment programs.

PMID- 25122831
TI  - Systematic review of clinical features of suspected colorectal cancer in primary
      care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the diagnostic accuracy of clinical features
      associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) presenting in primary care. DATA SOURCES:
      MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for studies in primary care that provided
      information on clinical features predictive of CRC. Positive predictive values
      were used to guide the determination of clinical features associated with
      increased risk of CRC. STUDY SELECTION: Systematic reviews or primary studies
      that provided possible clinical features predictive of CRC were included.
      SYNTHESIS: Clinical features of patients presenting in primary care that are
      associated with increased risk of CRC, listed in descending order of association,
      included palpable rectal or abdominal mass; rectal bleeding combined with weight
      loss; iron deficiency anemia; rectal bleeding mixed with stool; rectal bleeding
      in the absence of perianal symptoms; rectal bleeding combined with change in
      bowel habits; dark rectal bleeding; rectal bleeding and diarrhea; and change in
      bowel habits. Being male and increasing age were also, in general, associated
      with increased risk of CRC. CONCLUSION: Recognition of clinical features
      associated with increased risk of CRC by FPs might help with earlier
      identification and referral among patients presenting in primary care. This
      review might help inform providers and CRC diagnostic assessment programs about
      indications for assessment and further investigation.

PMID- 25122832
TI  - Collaboration between family physicians and nurse clinicians: opinions of
      graduates in family medicine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether graduating family physicians are exposed to
      collaboration between family physicians and nurse clinicians during their
      training, as well as their opinions about shared care between doctors and nurse
      clinicians in the delivery of patient care. DESIGN: Anonymous online survey.
      SETTING: Two French-Canadian university family medicine residency programs.
      PARTICIPANTS: The 2010 and 2011 graduating family physicians (N = 343) from the
      University of Montreal and Laval University in Quebec. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The
      extent to which nurse clinicians in graduating family physicians' training milieu
      were involved in preventive and curative patient care activities, and graduates'
      opinions about nurse clinicians sharing care with physicians. RESULTS: Of 343
      graduates, 186 (54.2%) participated in the survey. Although as residents in
      family medicine their exposure to shared care with nurse clinicians was somewhat
      limited, respondents indicated that they were generally quite open to the idea of
      sharing care with nurse clinicians. More than 70% of respondents agreed or
      strongly agreed that nurse clinicians could adjust, according to protocols of
      clinical guidelines, the treatment of patients with diabetes, hypertension, and
      asthma, as well as regulate medication for pain control in terminally ill
      patients. By contrast, respondents were less favourable to nurse clinicians
      adjusting the treatment of patients with depression. More than 80% of respondents
      agreed or strongly agreed that nurse clinicians could initiate treatment via a
      medical directive for routine hormonal contraception, acne, uncomplicated
      cystitis, and sexually transmitted infections. Respondents' opinions on nurse
      clinicians initiating treatment for pharyngitis and otitis were more divided.
      CONCLUSION: Graduating family physicians are quite open to collaborating with
      nurse clinicians. Although they have observed some collaboration between
      physicians and nurses, there are areas of shared clinical activities in which
      they would benefit from further exposure and training.

PMID- 25122833
TI  - Simultaneous quantification of furanocoumarins from Aegle marmelos fruit pulp
      extract.
AB  - Aegle marmelos Correa (Rutaceae) is a prominent species in the Sub-Himalayan
      region, also found in central and south India, and has been widely used as remedy
      for diarrhea and dysentery. Unripe fruits show antiviral activity and prove to be
      a potent hypoglycemic agent. In this study, a high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous quantification of major
      furocoumarin components marmelosin, psoralen and bergapten in the extract from
      fruit pulp of A. marmelos has been developed. Components were found in the range
      of 5-6.5, >0.4-0.75 and >0.25 mg/g of dried fruit weight, respectively. The
      method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, limit of
      detection and limit of quantification. Linearity was determined over the range of
      5-40 ug/mL (r > 0.965). Intra- and interday precision showed a relative standard
      deviation of <2.5%. The accuracy of the method was determined by a spike recovery
      study, and the average recoveries were 99.46, 101.04 and 100.8% for marmelosin,
      psoralen and bergapten, respectively. The proposed HPLC method was found to be
      simple, precise and specific and can be used simultaneously for the routine
      quality control of raw materials of A. marmelos fruit extracts and their
      products, and also other products containing these markers. 

PMID- 25122834
TI  - Simultaneously optimizing spatial spectral features based on mutual information
      for EEG classification.
AB  - High performance of the brain-computer interface (BCI) needs efficient algorithms
      to extract discriminative features from raw electroencephalography (EEG) signals.
      In this paper, we present a novel scheme to extract spatial spectral features for
      the motor imagery-based BCI. The learning task is formulated by maximizing the
      mutual information between spatial spectral features (MMISS) and class labels, by
      which a unique objective function directly related to Bayes classification error
      is optimized. The spatial spectral features are assumed to follow a parametric
      Gaussian distribution, which has been validated by the normal distribution
      Mardia's test, and under this assumption the estimation of mutual information is
      derived. We propose a gradient based alternative and iterative learning algorithm
      to optimize the cost function and derive the spatial and spectral filters
      simultaneously. The experimental results on dataset IVa of BCI competition III
      and dataset IIa of BCI competition IV show that the proposed MMISS is able to
      efficiently extract discriminative features from motor imagery-based EEG signals
      to enhance the classification accuracy compared to other existing algorithms. 

PMID- 25122835
TI  - Hierarchical String Cuts: A Translation, Rotation, Scale and Mirror Invariant
      Descriptor for Fast Shape Retrieval.
AB  - This paper presents a novel approach for both fast and accurately retrieving
      similar shapes. A hierarchical string cuts (HSC) method is proposed to partition
      a shape into multiple level curve segments of different lengths from a point
      moving around the contour to describe the shape gradually and completely from the
      global information to the finest details. At each hierarchical level, the curve
      segments are cut by strings to extract features that characterize the geometric
      and distribution properties in that particular level of details. The translation,
      rotation, scale and mirror invariant HSC descriptor enables a fast metric based
      matching to achieve the desired high accuracy. Encouraging experimental results
      on four databases demonstrated that the proposed method can consistently achieve
      higher (or similar) retrieval accuracies than the state-of-the-art benchmarks
      with a more than 120 times faster speed. This may suggest a new way of developing
      shape retrieval techniques in which a high accuracy can be achieved by a fast
      metric matching algorithm without using the time-consuming correspondence
      optimisation strategy.

PMID- 25122837
TI  - The lightweight Delft Cylinder Hand: first multi-articulating hand that meets the
      basic user requirements.
AB  - Rejection rates of upper limb prostheses are high (23%-45%). Amputees indicate
      that the highest design priority should be reduction of the mass of the
      prosthetic device. Despite all efforts, the mass of the new prosthetic hands is
      35%-73% higher than that of older hands. Furthermore, current hands are thicker
      than a human hand, they operate slower and do not provide proprioceptive force
      and position feedback. This study presents the Delft Cylinder Hand, a body
      powered prosthetic hand which mass is 55%-68% lower than that of the lightest
      current prosthetic hands, operates faster, has an anthropomorphic shape, and
      provides proprioceptive force and position feedback. The hand has articulating
      fingers, actuated by miniature hydraulic cylinders. The articulating fingers
      adapt to the shape of the grasped object. Its functional scores are similar to
      that of current prosthetic devices. The hand has a higher mechanical performance
      than current body-powered hands. It requires 49%-162% less energy from the user
      and it can deliver a higher maximum pinch force (30-60 N). 

PMID- 25122836
TI  - Hierarchy of neural organization in the embryonic spinal cord: Granger-causality
      graph analysis of in vivo calcium imaging data.
AB  - The recent development of genetically encoded calcium indicators enables
      monitoring in vivo the activity of neuronal populations. Most analysis of these
      calcium transients relies on linear regression analysis based on the sensory
      stimulus applied or the behavior observed. To estimate the basic properties of
      the functional neural circuitry, we propose a network approach to calcium imaging
      recorded at single cell resolution. Differently from previous analysis based on
      cross-correlation, we used Granger-causality estimates to infer information
      propagation between the activities of different neurons. The resulting functional
      network was then modeled as a directed graph and characterized in terms of
      connectivity and node centralities. We applied our approach to calcium transients
      recorded at low frequency (4 Hz) in ventral neurons of the zebrafish spinal cord
      at the embryonic stage when spontaneous coiling of the tail occurs. Our analysis
      on population calcium imaging data revealed a strong ipsilateral connectivity and
      a characteristic hierarchical organization of the network hubs that supported
      established propagation of activity from rostral to caudal spinal cord. Our
      method could be used for detecting functional defects in neuronal circuitry
      during development and pathological conditions. 

PMID- 25122838
TI  - Theoretical modeling and experimental validation of surface stress in thrombin
      aptasensor.
AB  - Adsorption of target molecules on the immobilized microcantilever surface
      produced beam displacement due to the differential surface stress generated
      between the immobilized and non-immobilized surface. Surface stress is caused by
      the intermolecular forces between the molecules. Van der Waals, electrostatic
      forces, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic effect and steric hindrance are some of the
      intermolecular forces involved. A theoretical framework describing the adsorption
      induced microcantilever displacement is derived in this paper. Experimental
      displacement of thrombin aptamer-thrombin interactions was carried out. The
      relation between the electrostatic interactions involved between adsorbates
      (thrombin) as well as adsorbates and substrates (thrombin aptamer) and the
      microcantilever beam displacement utilizing the proposed mathematical model was
      quantified and compared to the experimental value. This exercise is important to
      aid the designers in microcantilever sensing performance optimization. 

PMID- 25122839
TI  - Measurement of intravenously administered gamma-Fe2O3 particle amount in mice
      tissues using vibrating sample magnetometer.
AB  - Dispersions of platelet gamma-Fe2O3 particles 30-50nm in size were intravenously
      administered to mice and the amount of particles accumulated in each tissue was
      obtained by magnetization measurement using a vibrating sample magnetometer.
      Background noise was greatly reduced by measuring dried tissues under a magnetic
      field of 500 Oe so that the effect of diamagnetism was slight. Remarkable
      particle accumulation was observed in the liver and spleen. Considerable particle
      accumulation was observed in the lung when a large quantity of gamma-Fe2 O3
      particles was administered. There was no significant particle accumulation in the
      kidney and heart. 

PMID- 25122840
TI  - Prediction of essential proteins based on overlapping essential modules.
AB  - Many computational methods have been proposed to identify essential proteins by
      using the topological features of interactome networks. However, the precision of
      essential protein discovery still needs to be improved. Researches show that
      majority of hubs (essential proteins) in the yeast interactome network are
      essential due to their involvement in essential complex biological modules and
      hubs can be classified into two categories: date hubs and party hubs. In this
      study, combining with gene expression profiles, we propose a new method to
      predict essential proteins based on overlapping essential modules, named POEM. In
      POEM, the original protein interactome network is partitioned into many
      overlapping essential modules. The frequencies and weighted degrees of proteins
      in these modules are employed to decide which categories does a protein belong
      to? The comparative results show that POEM outperforms the classical centrality
      measures: Degree Centrality (DC), Information Centrality (IC), Eigenvector
      Centrality (EC), Subgraph Centrality (SC), Betweenness Centrality (BC), Closeness
      Centrality (CC), Edge Clustering Coefficient Centrality (NC), and two newly
      proposed essential proteins prediction methods: PeC and CoEWC. Experimental
      results indicate that the precision of predicting essential proteins can be
      improved by considering the modularity of proteins and integrating gene
      expression profiles with network topological features. 

PMID- 25122841
TI  - Biological analysis of Jeffrey nanofluid in a curved channel with heat
      dissipation.
AB  - This study examines the peristaltic flow of Jeffrey nanofluid in a curved
      channel. The governing equations of Jeffrey nanofluid model for curved channel
      are derived including the effects of curvature. The highly nonlinear partial
      differential equations are simplified by using the long wave length and low
      Reynolds number assumptions. The reduced nonlinear partial differential equations
      are solved analytically with the help of homotopy perturbation method. The
      expression for pressure rise is computed through numerical integration. The
      physical features of pertinent parameters have been discussed by plotting the
      graphs of pressure rise, velocity, temperature, nanoparticle volume fraction and
      stream functions. It is observed that the curve-ness of the channel decreases the
      pressure rise in the peristaltic pumping region. Moreover, curve-ness of the
      channel effects the fluid flow by decreasing the fluid velocity near inner wall
      and increasing the velocity near the outer wall of the channel. 

PMID- 25122842
TI  - Blind image quality assessment via deep learning.
AB  - This paper investigates how to blindly evaluate the visual quality of an image by
      learning rules from linguistic descriptions. Extensive psychological evidence
      shows that humans prefer to conduct evaluations qualitatively rather than
      numerically. The qualitative evaluations are then converted into the numerical
      scores to fairly benchmark objective image quality assessment (IQA) metrics.
      Recently, lots of learning-based IQA models are proposed by analyzing the mapping
      from the images to numerical ratings. However, the learnt mapping can hardly be
      accurate enough because some information has been lost in such an irreversible
      conversion from the linguistic descriptions to numerical scores. In this paper,
      we propose a blind IQA model, which learns qualitative evaluations directly and
      outputs numerical scores for general utilization and fair comparison. Images are
      represented by natural scene statistics features. A discriminative deep model is
      trained to classify the features into five grades, corresponding to five explicit
      mental concepts, i.e., excellent, good, fair, poor, and bad. A newly designed
      quality pooling is then applied to convert the qualitative labels into scores.
      The classification framework is not only much more natural than the regression
      based models, but also robust to the small sample size problem. Thorough
      experiments are conducted on popular databases to verify the model's
      effectiveness, efficiency, and robustness. 

PMID- 25122843
TI  - The Connection Between Bayesian Estimation of a Gaussian Random Field and RKHS.
AB  - Reconstruction of a function from noisy data is key in machine learning and is
      often formulated as a regularized optimization problem over an infinite
      dimensional reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS). The solution suitably
      balances adherence to the observed data and the corresponding RKHS norm. When the
      data fit is measured using a quadratic loss, this estimator has a known
      statistical interpretation. Given the noisy measurements, the RKHS estimate
      represents the posterior mean (minimum variance estimate) of a Gaussian random
      field with covariance proportional to the kernel associated with the RKHS. In
      this brief, we provide a statistical interpretation when more general losses are
      used, such as absolute value, Vapnik or Huber. Specifically, for any finite set
      of sampling locations (that includes where the data were collected), the maximum
      a posteriori estimate for the signal samples is given by the RKHS estimate
      evaluated at the sampling locations. This connection establishes a firm
      statistical foundation for several stochastic approaches used to estimate unknown
      regularization parameters. To illustrate this, we develop a numerical scheme that
      implements a Bayesian estimator with an absolute value loss. This estimator is
      used to learn a function from measurements contaminated by outliers. 

PMID- 25122844
TI  - Adaptive Output-Feedback Neural Control of Switched Uncertain Nonlinear Systems
      With Average Dwell Time.
AB  - This paper investigates the problem of adaptive neural tracking control via
      output-feedback for a class of switched uncertain nonlinear systems without the
      measurements of the system states. The unknown control signals are approximated
      directly by neural networks. A novel adaptive neural control technique for the
      problem studied is set up by exploiting the average dwell time method and
      backstepping. A switched filter and different update laws are designed to reduce
      the conservativeness caused by adoption of a common observer and a common update
      law for all subsystems. The proposed controllers of subsystems guarantee that all
      closed-loop signals remain bounded under a class of switching signals with
      average dwell time, while the output tracking error converges to a small
      neighborhood of the origin. As an application of the proposed design method,
      adaptive output feedback neural tracking controllers for a mass-spring-damper
      system are constructed. 

PMID- 25122845
TI  - Discrete-Time Zhang Neural Network for Online Time-Varying Nonlinear Optimization
      With Application to Manipulator Motion Generation.
AB  - In this brief, a discrete-time Zhang neural network (DTZNN) model is first
      proposed, developed, and investigated for online time-varying nonlinear
      optimization (OTVNO). Then, Newton iteration is shown to be derived from the
      proposed DTZNN model. In addition, to eliminate the explicit matrix-inversion
      operation, the quasi-Newton Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) method is
      introduced, which can effectively approximate the inverse of Hessian matrix. A
      DTZNN-BFGS model is thus proposed and investigated for OTVNO, which is the
      combination of the DTZNN model and the quasi-Newton BFGS method. In addition,
      theoretical analyses show that, with step-size h=1 and/or with zero initial
      error, the maximal residual error of the DTZNN model has an O(tau(2)) pattern,
      whereas the maximal residual error of the Newton iteration has an O(tau) pattern,
      with tau denoting the sampling gap. Besides, when h ? 1 and h ? (0,2) , the
      maximal steady-state residual error of the DTZNN model has an O(tau(2)) pattern.
      Finally, an illustrative numerical experiment and an application example to
      manipulator motion generation are provided and analyzed to substantiate the
      efficacy of the proposed DTZNN and DTZNN-BFGS models for OTVNO. 

PMID- 25122846
TI  - Temporal and spatial monitoring and prediction of epidemic outbreaks.
AB  - This paper introduces a nonlinear dynamic model to study spatial and temporal
      dynamics of epidemics of susceptible-infected-removed type. It involves modeling
      the respective collections of epidemic states and syndromic observations as
      random finite sets. Each epidemic state consists of the number of infected
      individuals in an isolated population system and the corresponding partially
      known parameters of the epidemic model. The infectious disease could spread
      between population systems with known probabilities based on prior knowledge of
      ecological and biological features of the environment. The problem is then
      formulated in the context of Bayesian framework and estimated via a probability
      hypothesis density filter. Each population system under surveillance is assumed
      to be homogenous and fixed, with daily reports on the number of infected people
      available for monitoring and prediction. When model parameters are partially
      known, results of numerical studies indicate that the proposed approach can help
      early prediction of the epidemic in terms of peak and duration. 

PMID- 25122847
TI  - Global asymptotic stabilization using adaptive fuzzy PD control.
AB  - It is well-known that standard adaptive fuzzy control (AFC) can only guarantee
      uniformly ultimately bounded stability due to inherent fuzzy approximation errors
      (FAEs). This paper proves that standard AFC with proportional-derivative (PD)
      control can guarantee global asymptotic stabilization even in the presence of
      FAEs for a class of uncertain affine nonlinear systems. Variable-gain PD control
      is designed to globally stabilize the plant. An optimal FAE is shown to be
      bounded by the norm of the plant state vector multiplied by a globally invertible
      and nondecreasing function, which provides a pivotal property for stability
      analysis. Without discontinuous control compensation, the closed-loop system
      achieves global and partially asymptotic stability in the sense that all plant
      states converge to zero. Compared with previous adaptive approximation-based
      global/asymptotic stabilization approaches, the major advantage of our approach
      is that global stability and asymptotic stabilization are achieved concurrently
      by a much simpler control law. Illustrative examples have further verified the
      theoretical results. 

PMID- 25122848
TI  - On fuzzy sampled-data control of chaotic systems via a time-dependent Lyapunov
      functional approach.
AB  - In this paper, a novel approach to fuzzy sampled-data control of chaotic systems
      is presented by using a time-dependent Lyapunov functional. The advantage of the
      new method is that the Lyapunov functional is continuous at sampling times but
      not necessarily positive definite inside the sampling intervals. Compared with
      the existing works, the constructed Lyapunov functional makes full use of the
      information on the piecewise constant input and the actual sampling pattern. In
      terms of a new parameterized linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, a less
      conservative stabilization condition is derived to guarantee the exponential
      stability for the closed-loop fuzzy sampled-data system. By solving a set of
      LMIs, the fuzzy sampled-data controller can be easily obtained. Finally, the
      chaotic Lorenz system and Rossler's system are employed to illustrate the
      feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. 

PMID- 25122849
TI  - Feature selection in supervised saliency prediction.
AB  - There is an increasing interest in learning mappings from features to saliency
      maps based on human fixation data on natural images. These models have achieved
      better results than most bottom-up (unsupervised) saliency models. However, they
      usually use a large set of features trying to account for all possible saliency
      related factors, which increases time cost and leaves the truly effective
      features unknown. Through supervised feature selection, we show that the features
      used in existing models are highly redundant. On each of three benchmark datasets
      considered in this paper, a small number of features are found to be good enough
      for predicting human eye fixations in free viewing experiments. The resulting
      model achieves comparable results to that with all features and outperforms the
      state-of-the-art models on these datasets. In addition, both the features
      selected and the model trained on any dataset exhibit good performance on the
      other two datasets, indicating robustness of the selected features and models
      across different datasets. Finally, after training on a dataset for two different
      tasks, eye fixation prediction and salient object detection, the selected
      features show robustness across the two tasks. Taken together, these findings
      suggest that a small set of features could account for visual saliency. 

PMID- 25122850
TI  - Model learning and knowledge sharing for a multiagent system with Dyna-Q
      learning.
AB  - In a multiagent system, if agents' experiences could be accessible and assessed
      between peers for environmental modeling, they can alleviate the burden of
      exploration for unvisited states or unseen situations so as to accelerate the
      learning process. Since how to build up an effective and accurate model within a
      limited time is an important issue, especially for complex environments, this
      paper introduces a model-based reinforcement learning method based on a tree
      structure to achieve efficient modeling and less memory consumption. The proposed
      algorithm tailored a Dyna-Q architecture to multiagent systems by means of a tree
      structure for modeling. The tree-model built from real experiences is used to
      generate virtual experiences such that the elapsed time in learning could be
      reduced. As well, this model is suitable for knowledge sharing. This paper is
      inspired by the concept of knowledge sharing methods in multiagent systems where
      an agent could construct a global model from scattered local models held by
      individual agents. Consequently, it can increase modeling accuracy so as to
      provide valid simulated experiences for indirect learning at the early stage of
      learning. To simplify the sharing process, the proposed method applies resampling
      techniques to grafting partial branches of trees containing required and useful
      experiences disseminated from experienced peers, instead of merging the whole
      trees. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed sharing method can
      achieve the objectives of sample efficiency and learning acceleration in
      multiagent cooperation applications. 

PMID- 25122851
TI  - A video, text, and speech-driven realistic 3-d virtual head for human-machine
      interface.
AB  - A multiple inputs-driven realistic facial animation system based on 3-D virtual
      head for human-machine interface is proposed. The system can be driven
      independently by video, text, and speech, thus can interact with humans through
      diverse interfaces. The combination of parameterized model and muscular model is
      used to obtain a tradeoff between computational efficiency and high realism of 3
      D facial animation. The online appearance model is used to track 3-D facial
      motion from video in the framework of particle filtering, and multiple
      measurements, i.e., pixel color value of input image and Gabor wavelet
      coefficient of illumination ratio image, are infused to reduce the influence of
      lighting and person dependence for the construction of online appearance model.
      The tri-phone model is used to reduce the computational consumption of visual co
      articulation in speech synchronized viseme synthesis without sacrificing any
      performance. The objective and subjective experiments show that the system is
      suitable for human-machine interaction. 

PMID- 25122852
TI  - Multilayer obstacle-avoiding x-architecture steiner minimal tree construction
      based on particle swarm optimization.
AB  - As the basic model for very large scale integration routing, the Steiner minimal
      tree (SMT) can be used in various practical problems, such as wire length
      optimization, congestion, and time delay estimation. In this paper, an effective
      algorithm based on particle swarm optimization is presented to construct a
      multilayer obstacle-avoiding X-architecture SMT (ML-OAXSMT). First, a
      pretreatment strategy is presented to reduce the total number of judgments for
      the routing conditions around obstacles and vias. Second, an edge transformation
      strategy is employed to make the particles have the ability to bypass the
      obstacles while the union-find partition is used to prevent invalid solutions.
      Third, according to the feature of ML-OAXSMT problem, we design an edge-vertex
      encoding strategy, which has the advantage of simple and effective. Moreover, a
      penalty mechanism is proposed to help the particle bypass the obstacles, and
      reduce the generation of via at the same time. Experimental results show that our
      algorithm from a global perspective of multilayer structure can achieve the best
      solution quality among the existing algorithms. Finally, to our best knowledge,
      we redefine the edge cost and then construct the obstacle-avoiding preferred
      direction X-architecture Steiner tree, which is the first work to address this
      problem and can offer the theory supports for chip design based on non-Manhattan
      architecture. 

PMID- 25122853
TI  - Poor performance of the determine HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab combo fourth-generation rapid
      test for detection of acute infections in a National Household Survey in
      Swaziland.
AB  - Fourth-generation HIV rapid tests (RTs) claim to detect both p24 antigen (Ag) and
      HIV antibodies (Ab) for early identification of acute infections, important for
      targeting prevention and reducing HIV transmission. In a nationally
      representative household survey in Swaziland, 18,172 adults, age 18 to 49 years,
      received home-based HIV rapid testing in 2010 and 2011. Of the 18,172
      individuals, 5,822 (32.0%) were Ab positive (Ab(+)) by the Determine HIV-1/2
      Ab/Ab combo test, and 5,789 (99.4%) of those were confirmed to be reactive in the
      Uni-Gold test. Determine combo identified 12 individuals as having acute
      infections (Ag(+)/Ab negative [Ab(-)]); however, none had detectable HIV-1 RNA
      and 8 of 12 remained HIV negative at their 6-week follow-up visit (4 were lost to
      follow-up). All RT-nonreactive samples were pooled and tested by nucleic acid
      amplification testing (NAAT) to identify acute infections. NAAT identified 13
      (0.1%) of the 12,338 HIV antibody-negative specimens as HIV RNA positive, with
      RNA levels ranging from 300 to >10,000,000 copies/ml. However, none of them were
      Ag(+) by Determine combo. Follow-up testing of 12 of the 13 NAAT-positive
      individuals at 6 months demonstrated 12 seroconversions (1 individual was lost to
      follow-up). Therefore, the Determine combo test had a sensitivity of 0% (95%
      confidence interval, 0 to 28) and positive predictive value of 0% for the
      detection of acute infections. The ability of the 4th-generation Determine combo
      to detect antigen was very poor in Swaziland. Thus, the Determine combo test does
      not add any value to the current testing algorithm; rather, it adds additional
      costs and complexity to HIV diagnosis. The detection of acute HIV infections may
      need to rely on other testing strategies. 

PMID- 25122855
TI  - Comparison of flocked and aptima swabs and two specimen transport media in the
      aptima combo 2 assay.
AB  - Self-collected vaginal Aptima swabs and flocked swabs in Aptima specimen
      transport medium and ESwabs in ESwab medium detected all 37 Chlamydia trachomatis
      infected patients from 287 women tested by the Aptima Combo assay. Prevalence
      rates of C. trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and dual infection were 12.8%,
      3.1%, and 2.4%, respectively. 

PMID- 25122856
TI  - Mupirocin-induced mutations in ileS in various genetic backgrounds of methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Topical mupirocin is widely used for the decolonization of methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers. We evaluated the capacity of various MRSA
      clonotypes to develop mutations in the ileS gene associated with low-level
      mupirocin resistance. Twenty-four mupirocin-sensitive MRSA isolates from a
      variety of genotypes (determined by a multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat
      assay) were selected. Mupirocin MICs were determined by Etest. The isolates were
      then incubated in subinhibitory concentrations of mupirocin for 7 to 14 days.
      Repeat MIC determinations and sequencing of the ileS gene were then performed.
      Doubling times of isolates exposed to mupirocin and of unexposed isolates were
      compared. We found that exposure to mupirocin led to rapid induction of low-level
      resistance (MICs of 8 to 24 MUg/ml) in 11 of 24 (46%) MRSA isolates. This
      phenomenon was observed in strains with diverse genetic backgrounds. Various
      mutations were detected in 18 of 24 (75%) MRSA isolates. Acquisition of mutations
      appeared to be a stepwise process during prolonged incubation with the drug.
      Among the five isolates exhibiting low-level resistance and the highest MICs,
      four tested sensitive after incubation in the absence of mupirocin but there was
      no reversion to the susceptible wild-type primary sequence. Resistance was not
      associated with significant fitness cost, suggesting that MRSA strains with low
      level mupirocin resistance may have a selective advantage in facilities where
      mupirocin is commonly used. Our findings emphasize the importance of the
      judicious use of this topical agent and the need to closely monitor for the
      emergence of resistance. 

PMID- 25122854
TI  - PCR in diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: a meta-analysis of diagnostic
      performance.
AB  - Invasive aspergillosis is a difficult-to-diagnose infection with a high mortality
      rate that affects high-risk groups such as patients with neutropenia and
      hematologic malignancies. We performed a bivariate meta-analysis of diagnostic
      data for an Aspergillus sp. PCR assay with blood specimens from high-risk
      hematology patients. We included all studies involving human subjects that
      assessed the performance of any PCR assay for invasive aspergillosis in whole
      blood or serum and that used the European Organization for the treatment of
      Cancer/Mycoses Study Group criteria as a reference standard. Three investigators
      independently searched the literature for eligible studies and extracted the
      data. Out of a total of 37 studies, 25 met strict quality criteria and were
      included in our evidence synthesis. Twenty-five studies with 2,595 patients were
      analyzed. The pooled diagnostic performance of whole-blood and serum PCR assays
      was moderate, with a sensitivity and specificity of 84% (95% confidence interval
      [CI], 75 to 91%) and 76% (95% CI, 65 to 84%), respectively, suggesting that a
      positive or negative result is unable, on its own, to confirm or exclude a
      suspected infection. The performance of a PCR assay of serum was not
      significantly different from that of whole blood. Notably, at least two positive
      PCR test results were found to have a specificity of 95% and a sensitivity of 64%
      for invasive infection, achieving a high positive likelihood ratio of 12.8.
      Importantly, the European Aspergillus PCR Initiative (EAPCRI) recommendations
      improved the performance of the PCR even further when at least two positive
      specimens were used to define PCR positivity. In conclusion, two positive PCR
      results should be considered highly indicative of an active Aspergillus sp.
      infection. Use of the EAPCRI recommendations by clinical laboratories can further
      enhance PCR performance. 

PMID- 25122857
TI  - Evaluation of the nanosphere Verigene BC-GN assay for direct identification of
      gram-negative bacilli and antibiotic resistance markers from positive blood
      cultures and potential impact for more-rapid antibiotic interventions.
AB  - The Verigene BC-GN assay correctly identified all 51 Gram-negative bacilli (GNB)
      from positive blood cultures and all 14 carbapenemase enzymes tested. The assay
      gave organism identification (ID) results an average of 24 h faster compared to
      conventional identifications. Medical management could have been modified for
      31.8% of patients an average 33 h sooner. In conclusion, the BC-GN assay is a
      very accurate, rapid assay which would allow for more-immediate medical
      management decisions in patients with bacteremia from GNB. 

PMID- 25122858
TI  - Two cases of bacteriemia caused by nontoxigenic, non-O1, non-O139 Vibrio cholerae
      isolates in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
AB  - The toxigenic bacterium Vibrio cholerae belonging to the O1 and O139 serogroups
      is commonly associated with epidemic diarrhea in tropical settings; other
      diseases caused by this environmental pathogen are seldom identified. Here we
      report two unassociated cases of nonfatal, nontoxigenic V. cholerae non-O1, non
      O139 bacteremia in patients with comorbidities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, that
      occurred within a 4-week period. 

PMID- 25122860
TI  - Generation of calves persistently infected with HoBi-like pestivirus and
      comparison of methods for detection of these persistent infections.
AB  - The identification and elimination of persistently infected (PI) cattle are the
      most effective measures for controlling bovine pestiviruses, including bovine
      viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and the emerging HoBi-like viruses. Here, colostrum
      deprived calves persistently infected with HoBi-like pestivirus (HoBi-like PI
      calves) were generated and sampled (serum, buffy coat, and ear notches) on the
      day of birth (DOB) and weekly for 5 consecutive weeks. The samples were subjected
      to diagnostic tests for BVDV--two reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assays, two
      commercial real-time RT quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), two antigen capture enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assays (ACE), and immunohistochemistry (IHC)--and to HoBi
      like virus-specific RT-PCR and RT-qPCR assays. The rate of false negatives varied
      among the calves. The HoBi-like virus-specific RT-PCR detected HoBi-like virus in
      83%, 75%, and 87% of the serum, buffy coat, and ear notch samples, respectively,
      while the HoBi-like RT-qPCR detected the virus in 83%, 96%, and 62%,
      respectively. In comparison, the BVDV RT-PCR test had a higher rate of false
      negatives in all tissue types, especially for the ear notch samples (missing
      detection in at least 68% of the samples). The commercial BVDV RT-qPCRs and IHC
      detected 100% of the ear notch samples as positive. While ACE based on the BVDV
      glycoprotein E(rns) detected infection in at least 87% of ear notches, no
      infections were detected using NS3-based ACE. The BVDV RT-qPCR, ACE, and IHC
      yielded higher levels of detection than the HoBi-like virus-specific assays,
      although the lack of differentiation between BVDV and HoBi-like viruses would
      make these tests of limited use for the control and/or surveillance of persistent
      HoBi-like virus infection. An improvement in HoBi-like virus tests is required
      before a reliable HoBi-like PI surveillance program can be designed.

PMID- 25122859
TI  - Laboratory detection of Clostridium difficile in piglets in Australia.
AB  - Clostridium difficile is a well-known enteric pathogen of humans and the
      causative agent of high-morbidity enteritis in piglets aged 1 to 7 days. C.
      difficile prevalence in Australian piglets is as high as 70%. The current
      diagnostic assays have been validated only for human infections, and there are no
      published studies assessing their performance in Australian piglets. We evaluated
      the suitability of five assays for detecting C. difficile in 157 specimens of
      piglet feces. The assays included a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LMIA)
      PCR for tcdA (illumigene C. difficile; Meridian), a real-time PCR for tcdB
      (GeneOhm Cdiff; Becton Dickinson), two-component enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for C.
      difficile glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) (EIA-GDH) and TcdA/TcdB (EIA-TcdA/TcdB)
      (C. diff Quik Chek; Alere), and direct culture (DC) (C. difficile chromID agar;
      bioMerieux). The assays for detection of the organism were compared against
      enrichment culture (EC), and assays for detection of toxins/toxin genes were
      compared against EC followed by PCR for toxin genes (toxigenic EC [TEC]). The
      recovery of C. difficile by EC was 39.5% (n = 62/157), and TEC revealed that
      58.1% (n = 36/62) of isolates were positive for at least one toxin gene
      (tcdA/tcdB). Compared with those for EC/TEC, the sensitivities, specificities,
      positive predictive values, and negative predictive values were, respectively, as
      follows: DC, 91.9, 100.0, 100.0, and 95.0%; EIA-GDH, 41.9, 92.6, 78.8, and 71.0%;
      EIA-TcdA/TcdB, 5.6, 99.2, 66.7, and 77.9%; real-time PCR, 42.9, 96.7, 78.9, and
      85.4% and LMIA-PCR, 25.0, 95.9, 64.3, and 81.1%. The performance of the molecular
      methods was poor, suggesting that the current commercially available assays for
      diagnosis of C. difficile in humans are not suitable for use in piglets. C.
      difficile recovery by the DC provides a cost-effective alternative. 

PMID- 25122861
TI  - Comparative evaluation of three commercial systems for detection of high-risk
      human papillomavirus in cervical and vaginal ThinPrep PreservCyt samples and
      correlation with biopsy results.
AB  - Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the etiologic agent of more than 99% of all
      cervical cancers worldwide, with 14 genotypes being considered oncogenic or "high
      risk" because of their association with severe dysplasia and cervical carcinoma.
      Among these 14 high-risk types, HPV-16 and -18 account for approximately 70% of
      cervical cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate three FDA-approved HPV
      nucleic acid-based tests for the ability to predict high-grade cervical
      intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN2 or worse) in corresponding tissue biopsy
      specimens. Residual specimens (total n = 793, cervical n = 743, vaginal n = 50)
      collected in ThinPrep PreservCyt medium with a cytologic result of >= atypical
      squamous cells of undetermined significance were tested by the Hybrid Capture 2
      (HC2) assay (Qiagen, Gaithersburg, MD), the cobas HPV test (Roche Diagnostics,
      Indianapolis, IN), and the APTIMA HPV assay (Hologic, San Diego, CA). Genotyping
      for HPV-16 and HPV-18 was simultaneously performed by the cobas HPV test. Results
      were compared to cervical or vaginal biopsy findings, when they were available (n
      = 350). Among the 350 patients with corresponding biopsy results, 81 (23.1%)
      showed >= CIN2 by histopathology. The >= CIN2 detection sensitivity was 91.4% by
      the cobas and APTIMA assays and 97.5% by HC2 assay. The specificities of the
      cobas, APTIMA, and HC2 assays were 31.2, 42.0, and 27.1%, respectively. When
      considering only positive HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 genotype results, the cobas test
      showed a sensitivity and a specificity of 51.9 and 86.6%, respectively. While the
      HC2, cobas, and APTIMA assays showed similar sensitivities for the detection of
      >= CIN2 lesions, the specificities of the three tests varied, with the greatest
      specificity (86.6%) observed when the HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 genotypes were
      detected.

PMID- 25122863
TI  - Evaluation of disk potentiation test using kirby-bauer disks containing high
      dosage fosfomycin and glucose-6-phosphate to detect production of glutathione S
      transferase responsible for fosfomycin resistance.

PMID- 25122862
TI  - Collection and characterization of samples for establishment of a serum
      repository for lyme disease diagnostic test development and evaluation.
AB  - Serological assays and a two-tiered test algorithm are recommended for laboratory
      confirmation of Lyme disease. In the United States, the sensitivity of two-tiered
      testing using commercially available serology-based assays is dependent on the
      stage of infection and ranges from 30% in the early localized disease stage to
      near 100% in late-stage disease. Other variables, including subjectivity in
      reading Western blots, compliance with two-tiered recommendations, use of
      different first- and second-tier test combinations, and use of different test
      samples, all contribute to variation in two-tiered test performance. The
      availability and use of sample sets from well-characterized Lyme disease patients
      and controls are needed to better assess the performance of existing tests and
      for development of improved assays. To address this need, the Centers for Disease
      Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health prospectively
      collected sera from patients at all stages of Lyme disease, as well as healthy
      donors and patients with look-alike diseases. Patients and healthy controls were
      recruited using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Samples from all
      included patients were retrospectively characterized by two-tiered testing. The
      results from two-tiered testing corroborated the need for novel and improved
      diagnostics, particularly for laboratory diagnosis of earlier stages of
      infection. Furthermore, the two-tiered results provide a baseline with samples
      from well-characterized patients that can be used in comparing the sensitivity
      and specificity of novel diagnostics. Panels of sera and accompanying clinical
      and laboratory testing results are now available to Lyme disease serological test
      users and researchers developing novel tests. 

PMID- 25122864
TI  - Predictive value of testing nasopharyngeal samples for respiratory viruses in the
      setting of lower respiratory tract disease.
AB  - To determine the predictive value of nasopharyngeal (NP) sample testing for
      respiratory viruses (RVs) in suspected lower respiratory tract disease, 72 paired
      NP and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid specimen sets, mostly from transplant
      recipients or patients with hematologic malignancies, were analyzed. Overall,
      31.3% of the specimens tested positive for an RV. In 19 sets (26.4%), the NP and
      BAL fluid specimens were both positive for an RV; in 3 sets (4.2%), the NP
      specimens were positive but the BAL fluid specimens were negative; and in 3 other
      sets, the NP specimens were negative but the BAL fluid specimens were positive.
      The positive and negative predictive values of the NP specimens were 86.4% and
      94%, respectively. 

PMID- 25122865
TI  - Mutational analysis of Pneumocystis jirovecii dihydropteroate synthase and
      dihydrofolate reductase genes in HIV-infected patients in China.
AB  - We investigated Pneumocystis jirovecii dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) and
      dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) genes for mutations in 25 Chinese HIV-infected
      patients with P. jirovecii pneumonia. We identified DHPS mutations in 3 (12%)
      patients and DHFR mutations in 1 (4%) patient. The prevalence of DHPS and DHFR
      mutations in China remains low, as it does in other developing countries. 

PMID- 25122866
TI  - Clinical characteristics of patients who test positive for Clostridium difficile
      by repeat PCR.
AB  - The high sensitivity of PCR assays for diagnosing Clostridium difficile infection
      (CDI) has greatly reduced the need for repeat testing after a negative result.
      Nevertheless, a small subset of patients do test positive within 7 days of a
      negative test. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics
      of these patients to determine when repeat testing may be appropriate. The
      results of all Xpert C. difficile PCR (Cepheid, Sunnyvale CA) tests performed in
      the clinical microbiology laboratory at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia
      University Medical Center (NYPH/CUMC) from 1 May 2011 through 6 September 2013,
      were reviewed. A retrospective case-control study was performed, comparing
      patients who tested positive within 7 days of a negative test result to a random
      selection of 50 controls who tested negative within 7 days of a negative test
      result. During the study period, a total of 14,875 tests were performed, of which
      1,066 were repeat tests (7.2%). Eleven of these repeat tests results were
      positive (1.0%). The only risk factor independently associated with repeat
      testing positive was history of a prior CDI (odds ratio [OR], 19.6 [95%
      confidence interval {CI}, 4.0 to 19.5], P < 0.001). We found that patients who
      test positive for C. difficile by PCR within 7 days of a negative test are more
      likely to have a history of CDI than are patients who test negative with repeat
      PCR. This finding may be due to the high rate of disease relapse or the increased
      likelihood of empirical therapy leading to false-negative results in these
      patients. 

PMID- 25122867
TI  - Systematic review of health outcomes in relation to salt intake highlights the
      widening divide between guidelines and the evidence.

PMID- 25122868
TI  - Sodium and cardiovascular disease: what the data show.

PMID- 25122869
TI  - Graudal et al. article on sodium intake should include ethnic disclaimer.

PMID- 25122870
TI  - Response to "Article on sodium intake should include ethnic disclaimer".

PMID- 25122875
TI  - The central importance of the cytoskeleton for increased cell stiffness in
      cardiovascular disease. Focus on "Diabetes increases stiffness of live
      cardiomyocytes measured by atomic force microscopy nanoindentation".

PMID- 25122874
TI  - Biomechanical strain vehicles for fibroblast-directed skeletal myoblast
      differentiation and myotube functionality in a novel coculture.
AB  - Skeletal muscle functionality is governed by multiple stimuli, including
      cytokines and biomechanical strain. Fibroblasts embedded within muscle connective
      tissue respond to biomechanical strain by secreting cytokines that induce
      myoblast differentiation and, we hypothesize, regulate myotube function. A
      coculture was established to allow cross talk between fibroblasts in Bioflex
      wells and myoblasts on nondeformable coverslips situated above Bioflex wells.
      Cyclic short-duration strain (CSDS) modeling repetitive stress/injury, acyclic
      long-duration strain (ALDS) modeling manipulative therapy, and combined strain
      paradigms (CSDS + ALDS) were applied to fibroblasts. Nonstrained myoblasts in
      uniculture and coculture served as controls. After fibroblasts had induced
      myoblast differentiation, myotube contraction was assessed by perfusion of ACh
      (10(-11)-10(-3) M). CSDS-treated fibroblasts increased myotube contractile
      sensitivity vs. uniculture (P < 0.05). As contraction is dependent on ACh
      binding, expression and clustering of nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) were
      measured. CSDS-treated fibroblasts increased nAChR expression (P < 0.05), which
      correlated with myotube contraction. ALDS-treated fibroblasts did not
      significantly affect contraction or nAChR expression. Agrin-treated myotubes were
      then used to design a computer algorithm to identify alpha-bungarotoxin-stained
      nAChR clusters. ALDS-treated fibroblasts increased nAChR clustering (P < 0.05),
      while CSDS-treated fibroblasts disrupted cluster formation. CSDS-treated
      fibroblasts produced nAChRs preferentially located in nonclustered regions (P <
      0.05). Strain-activated fibroblasts mediate myotube differentiation with multiple
      functional phenotypes. Similar to muscle injury, CSDS-treated fibroblasts
      disrupted nAChR clusters and hypersensitized myotube contraction, while ALDS
      treated fibroblasts aggregated nAChRs in large clusters, which may have important
      clinical implications. Cellular strategies aimed at improving muscle
      functionality, such as through biomechanical strain vehicles that activate
      fibroblasts to stabilize postsynaptic nAChRs on nearby skeletal muscle, may serve
      as novel targets in neuromuscular disorders. 

PMID- 25122877
TI  - Making the cut: analytical and empirical bioethics.

PMID- 25122878
TI  - Surgical castration, coercive offers and coercive effects: it is still not about
      consent.

PMID- 25122880
TI  - Understanding the basis of antibiotic resistance: a platform for drug discovery.
AB  - There are numerous genes in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium that can
      confer resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including those that encode
      topoisomerase proteins, the primary targets of this class of drugs. However,
      resistance is often multifactorial in clinical isolates and it is not uncommon to
      also detect mutations in genes that affect the expression of proteins involved in
      permeability and multi-drug efflux. The latter mechanism, mediated by tripartite
      efflux systems, such as that formed by the AcrAB-TolC system, confers inherent
      resistance to many antibiotics, detergents and biocides. Genetic inactivation of
      efflux genes gives multi-drug hyper-susceptibility, and in the absence of an
      intact AcrAB-TolC system some chromosomal and transmissible antibiotic resistance
      genes no longer confer clinically relevant levels of resistance. Furthermore, a
      functional multi-drug resistance efflux pump, such as AcrAB-TolC, is required for
      virulence and the ability to form a biofilm. In part, this is due to altered
      expression of virulence and biofilm genes being sensitive to efflux status.
      Efflux pump expression can be increased, usually due to mutations in regulatory
      genes, and this confers resistance to clinically useful drugs such as
      fluoroquinolones and beta-lactams. Here, I discuss some of the work my team has
      carried out characterizing the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella
      enterica serovar Typhimurium from the late 1980s to 2014. A video of this Prize
      Lecture, presented at the Society for General Microbiology Annual Conference
      2014, can be viewed via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCRumMV99Yw.

PMID- 25122881
TI  - Toward a better understanding of the injured hippocampus: multimodal imaging in
      functionally relevant substructures.

PMID- 25122876
TI  - ABCG2pos lung mesenchymal stem cells are a novel pericyte subpopulation that
      contributes to fibrotic remodeling.
AB  - Genesis of myofibroblasts is obligatory for the development of pathology in many
      adult lung diseases. Adult lung tissue contains a population of perivascular
      ABCG2(pos) mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) that are precursors of myofibroblasts and
      distinct from NG2 pericytes. We hypothesized that these MSC participate in
      deleterious remodeling associated with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and associated
      hypertension (PH). To test this hypothesis, resident lung MSC were quantified in
      lung samples from control subjects and PF patients. ABCG2(pos) cell numbers were
      decreased in human PF and interstitial lung disease compared with control
      samples. Genetic labeling of lung MSC in mice enabled determination of terminal
      lineage and localization of ABCG2 cells following intratracheal administration of
      bleomycin to elicit fibrotic lung injury. Fourteen days following bleomycin
      injury enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-labeled lung MSC-derived cells
      were increased in number and localized to interstitial areas of fibrotic and
      microvessel remodeling. Finally, gene expression analysis was evaluated to define
      the response of MSC to bleomycin injury in vivo using ABCG2(pos) MSC isolated
      during the inflammatory phase postinjury and in vitro bleomycin or transforming
      growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)-treated cells. MSC responded to bleomycin
      treatment in vivo with a profibrotic gene program that was not recapitulated in
      vitro with bleomycin treatment. However, TGF-beta1 treatment induced the
      appearance of a profibrotic myofibroblast phenotype in vitro. Additionally, when
      exposed to the profibrotic stimulus, TGF-beta1, ABCG2, and NG2 pericytes
      demonstrated distinct responses. Our data highlight ABCG2(pos) lung MSC as a
      novel cell population that contributes to detrimental myofibroblast-mediated
      remodeling during PF. 

PMID- 25122882
TI  - Evolutionarily conserved mechanisms in calcium handling may underlie intrinsic
      sensitivity to dopaminergic neuron death.

PMID- 25122885
TI  - Electrophysiological correlates of voice learning and recognition.
AB  - Listeners can recognize familiar human voices from variable utterances,
      suggesting the acquisition of speech-invariant voice representations during
      familiarization. However, the neurocognitive mechanisms mediating learning and
      recognition of voices from natural speech are currently unknown. Using
      electrophysiology, we investigated how representations are formed during
      intentional learning of initially unfamiliar voices that were later recognized
      among novel voices. To probe the acquisition of speech-invariant voice
      representations, we compared a "same sentence" condition, in which speakers
      repeated the study utterances at test, and a "different sentence" condition.
      Although recognition performance was higher for same compared with different
      sentences, substantial voice learning also occurred for different sentences, with
      recognition performance increasing across consecutive study-test-cycles. During
      study, event-related potentials elicited by voices subsequently remembered
      elicited a larger sustained parietal positivity (~250-1400 ms) compared with
      subsequently forgotten voices. This difference due to memory was unaffected by
      test sentence condition and may thus reflect the acquisition of speech-invariant
      voice representations. At test, voices correctly classified as "old" elicited a
      larger late positive component (300-700 ms) at Pz than voices correctly
      classified as "new." This event-related potential OLD/NEW effect was limited to
      the same sentence condition and may thus reflect speech-dependent retrieval of
      voices from episodic memory. Importantly, a speech-independent effect for learned
      compared with novel voices was found in beta band oscillations (16-17 Hz) between
      290 and 370 ms at central and right temporal sites. Our results are a first step
      toward elucidating the electrophysiological correlates of voice learning and
      recognition. 

PMID- 25122883
TI  - Damage to the Salience Network and interactions with the Default Mode Network.
AB  - Interactions between the Salience Network (SN) and the Default Mode Network (DMN)
      are thought to be important for cognitive control. However, evidence for a causal
      relationship between the networks is limited. Previously, we have reported that
      traumatic damage to white matter tracts within the SN predicts abnormal DMN
      function. Here we investigate the effect of this damage on network interactions
      that accompany changing motor control. We initially used fMRI of the Stop Signal
      Task to study response inhibition in humans. In healthy subjects, functional
      connectivity (FC) between the right anterior insula (rAI), a key node of the SN,
      and the DMN transiently increased during stopping. This change in FC was not seen
      in a group of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with impaired cognitive
      control. Furthermore, the amount of SN tract damage negatively correlated with FC
      between the networks. We confirmed these findings in a second group of TBI
      patients. Here, switching rather than inhibiting a motor response: (1) was
      accompanied by a similar increase in network FC in healthy controls; (2) was not
      seen in TBI patients; and (3) tract damage after TBI again correlated with FC
      breakdown. This shows that coupling between the rAI and DMN increases with
      cognitive control and that damage within the SN impairs this dynamic network
      interaction. This work provides compelling evidence for a model of cognitive
      control where the SN is involved in the attentional capture of salient external
      stimuli and signals the DMN to reduce its activity when attention is externally
      focused. 

PMID- 25122886
TI  - An amplitude modulation/demodulation scheme for whisker-based texture perception.
AB  - Whisking rodents can discriminate finely textured objects using their vibrissae.
      The biomechanical and neural processes underlying such sensory tasks remain
      elusive. Here we combine the use of model micropatterned substrates and high
      resolution videography of rats' whiskers during tactile exploration to study how
      texture information is mechanically encoded in the whisker motion. A
      biomechanical modeling of the whisker is developed, which yields quantitative
      predictions of the spectral and temporal characteristics of the observed whisker
      kinetics, for any given topography. These texture-induced whisker vibrations are
      then replayed via a multiwhisker stimulator while recording neuronal responses in
      the barrel field of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1bf). These results
      provide a comprehensive description of the transduction process at play during
      fine texture sensing in rats. They suggest that the sensory system operates
      through a vibratory amplitude modulation/demodulation scheme. Fine textural
      properties are encoded in the time-varying envelope of the whisker-resonant
      vibrations. This quantity is then recovered by neural demodulation, as it
      effectively drives the spiking-rate signal of a large fraction of S1 cortical
      neurons. This encoding/decoding scheme is shown to be robust against variations
      in exploratory conditions, such as the scanning speed or pad-to-substrate
      distance, thus allowing for reliable tactile discrimination in realistic
      conditions. 

PMID- 25122884
TI  - Synaptic GluN2A and GluN2B containing NMDA receptors within the superficial
      dorsal horn activated following primary afferent stimulation.
AB  - NMDA receptors are important elements in pain signaling in the spinal cord dorsal
      horn. They are heterotetramers, typically composed of two GluN1 and two of four
      GluN2 subunits: GluN2A-2D. Mice lacking some of the GluN2 subunits show deficits
      in pain transmission yet functional synaptic localization of these receptor
      subtypes in the dorsal horn has not been fully resolved. In this study, we have
      investigated the composition of synaptic NMDA receptors expressed in monosynaptic
      and polysynaptic pathways from peripheral sensory fibers to lamina I neurons in
      rats. We focused on substance P receptor-expressing (NK1R+) projection neurons,
      critical for expression of hyperalgesia and allodynia. EAB-318 and (R)-CPP,
      GluN2A/B antagonists, blocked both monosynaptic and polysynaptic NMDA EPSCs
      initiated by primary afferent activation by ~90%. Physiological measurements
      exploiting the voltage dependence of monosynaptic EPSCs similarly indicated
      dominant expression of GluN2A/B types of synaptic NMDA receptors. In addition, at
      synapses between C fibers and NK1R+ neurons, NMDA receptor activation initiated a
      secondary, depolarizing current. Ifenprodil, a GluN2B antagonist, caused modest
      suppression of monosynaptic NMDA EPSC amplitudes, but had a widely variable,
      sometimes powerful, effect on polysynaptic responses following primary afferent
      stimulation when inhibitory inputs were blocked to mimic neuropathic pain. We
      conclude that GluN2B subunits are moderately expressed at primary afferent
      synapses on lamina I NK1R+ neurons, but play more important roles for
      polysynaptic NMDA EPSCs driven by primary afferents following disinhibition,
      supporting the view that the analgesic effect of the GluN2B antagonist on
      neuropathic pain is at least in part, within the spinal cord. 

PMID- 25122887
TI  - Deep brain stimulation abolishes slowing of reactions to unlikely stimuli.
AB  - The cortico-basal-ganglia circuit plays a critical role in decision making on the
      basis of probabilistic information. Computational models have suggested how this
      circuit could compute the probabilities of actions being appropriate according to
      Bayes' theorem. These models predict that the subthalamic nucleus (STN) provides
      feedback that normalizes the neural representation of probabilities, such that if
      the probability of one action increases, the probabilities of all other available
      actions decrease. Here we report the results of an experiment testing a
      prediction of this theory that disrupting information processing in the STN with
      deep brain stimulation should abolish the normalization of the neural
      representation of probabilities. In our experiment, we asked patients with
      Parkinson's disease to saccade to a target that could appear in one of two
      locations, and the probability of the target appearing in each location was
      periodically changed. When the stimulator was switched off, the target
      probability affected the reaction times (RT) of patients in a similar way to
      healthy participants. Specifically, the RTs were shorter for more probable
      targets and, importantly, they were longer for the unlikely targets. When the
      stimulator was switched on, the patients were still faster for more probable
      targets, but critically they did not increase RTs as the target was becoming less
      likely. This pattern of results is consistent with the prediction of the model
      that the patients on DBS no longer normalized their neural representation of
      prior probabilities. We discuss alternative explanations for the data in the
      context of other published results. 

PMID- 25122888
TI  - Exocytotic machineries of vestibular type I and cochlear ribbon synapses display
      similar intrinsic otoferlin-dependent Ca2+ sensitivity but a different coupling
      to Ca2+ channels.
AB  - The hair cell ribbon synapses of the mammalian auditory and vestibular systems
      differ greatly in their anatomical organization and firing properties. Notably,
      vestibular Type I hair cells (VHC-I) are surrounded by a single calyx-type
      afferent terminal that receives input from several ribbons, whereas cochlear
      inner hair cells (IHCs) are contacted by several individual afferent boutons,
      each facing a single ribbon. The specificity of the presynaptic molecular
      mechanisms regulating transmitter release at these different sensory ribbon
      synapses is not well understood. Here, we found that exocytosis during voltage
      activation of Ca(2+) channels displayed higher Ca(2+) sensitivity, 10 mV more
      negative half-maximum activation, and a smaller dynamic range in VHC-I than in
      IHCs. VHC-I had a larger number of Ca(2+) channels per ribbon (158 vs 110 in
      IHCs), but their Ca(2+) current density was twofold smaller because of a smaller
      open probability and unitary conductance. Using confocal and stimulated emission
      depletion immunofluorescence microscopy, we showed that VHC-I had fewer synaptic
      ribbons (7 vs 17 in IHCs) to which Cav1.3 channels are more tightly organized
      than in IHCs. Gradual intracellular Ca(2+) uncaging experiments revealed that
      exocytosis had a similar intrinsic Ca(2+) sensitivity in both VHC-I and IHCs (KD
      of 3.3 +/- 0.6 MUM and 4.0 +/- 0.7 MUM, respectively). In otoferlin-deficient
      mice, exocytosis was largely reduced in VHC-I and IHCs. We conclude that VHC-I
      and IHCs use a similar micromolar-sensitive otoferlin Ca(2+) sensor and that
      their sensory encoding specificity is essentially determined by a different
      functional organization of Ca(2+) channels at their synaptic ribbons.

PMID- 25122889
TI  - Sensory-evoked and spontaneous gamma and spindle bursts in neonatal rat motor
      cortex.
AB  - Self-generated neuronal activity originating from subcortical regions drives
      early spontaneous motor activity, which is a hallmark of the developing
      sensorimotor system. However, the neural activity patterns and role of primary
      motor cortex (M1) in these early movements are still unknown. Combining voltage
      sensitive dye imaging (VSDI) with simultaneous extracellular multielectrode
      recordings in postnatal day 3 (P3)-P5 rat primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and
      M1 in vivo, we observed that tactile forepaw stimulation induced spindle bursts
      in S1 and gamma and spindle bursts in M1. Approximately 40% of the spontaneous
      gamma and spindle bursts in M1 were driven by early motor activity, whereas 23.7%
      of the M1 bursts triggered forepaw movements. Approximately 35% of the M1 bursts
      were uncorrelated to movements and these bursts had significantly fewer spikes
      and shorter burst duration. Focal electrical stimulation of layer V neurons in M1
      mimicking physiologically relevant 40 Hz gamma or 10 Hz spindle burst activity
      reliably elicited forepaw movements. We conclude that M1 is already involved in
      somatosensory information processing during early development. M1 is mainly
      activated by tactile stimuli triggered by preceding spontaneous movements, which
      reach M1 via S1. Only a fraction of M1 activity transients trigger motor
      responses directly. We suggest that both spontaneously occurring and sensory
      evoked gamma and spindle bursts in M1 contribute to the maturation of
      corticospinal and sensorimotor networks required for the refinement of
      sensorimotor coordination. 

PMID- 25122890
TI  - High-NaCl perception in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Salt is a fundamental nutrient that is required for many physiological processes,
      including electrolyte homeostasis and neuronal activity. In mammals and
      Drosophila, the detection of NaCl induces two different behaviors: low-salt
      concentrations provide an attractive stimulus, whereas high-salt concentrations
      are avoided. We identified the gene called serrano (sano) as being expressed in
      the sensory organs of Drosophila larvae. A transgenic reporter line showed that
      sano was coexpressed with Gr66a in a subset of gustatory neurons in the terminal
      organ of third-instar larvae. The disruption of sano gene expression in gustatory
      neurons led to the specific loss of high-salt concentration avoidance in larvae,
      whereas the detection of other attractive or aversive substances was unaffected.
      Moreover, using a cellular marker sensitive to calcium levels, Sano function was
      shown to be required for neuronal activity in response to high-salt
      concentrations. In these neurons, the loss of the DEG/ENaC channel PPK19 function
      also eliminated the cellular response to high-salt concentrations. Our study
      revealed that PPK19 and Sano are required in the neurons of the larval gustatory
      organs for the detection of high-salt concentrations. 

PMID- 25122891
TI  - NMDA spike/plateau potentials in dendrites of thalamocortical neurons.
AB  - Dendritic NMDA spike/plateau potentials, first discovered in cortical pyramidal
      neurons, provide supralinear integration of synaptic inputs on thin and distal
      dendrites, thereby increasing the impact of these inputs on the soma. The more
      specific functional role of these potentials has been difficult to clarify,
      partly due to the complex circuitry of cortical neurons. Thalamocortical (TC)
      neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus participate in simpler circuits.
      They receive their primary afferent input from retina and send their output to
      visual cortex. Cortex, in turn, regulates this output through massive feedback to
      distal dendrites of the TC neurons. The TC neurons can operate in two modes
      related to behavioral states: burst mode prevailing during sleep, when T-type
      calcium bursts largely disrupt the transfer of signals from retina to cortex, and
      tonic mode, which provides reliable transfer of retinal signals to cortex during
      wakefulness. We studied dendritic potentials in TC neurons with combined two
      photon calcium imaging and whole-cell recording of responses to local dendritic
      glutamate iontophoresis in acute brain slices from mice. We found that NMDA
      spike/plateaus can be elicited locally at distal dendrites of TC neurons. We
      suggest that these dendritic potentials have important functions in the cortical
      regulation of thalamocortical transmission. NMDA spike/plateaus can induce shifts
      in the functional mode from burst to tonic by blockade of T-type calcium
      conductances. Moreover, in tonic mode, they can facilitate the transfer of
      retinal signals to cortex by depolarization of TC neurons. 

PMID- 25122892
TI  - Human and monkey striatal interneurons are derived from the medial ganglionic
      eminence but not from the adult subventricular zone.
AB  - In adult rodent and monkey brains, newly born neurons in the subventricular zone
      (SVZ) in the wall of the lateral ventricle migrate into the olfactory bulb (OB)
      via the rostral migratory stream (RMS). A recent study reported that interneurons
      are constantly generating in the adult human striatum from the SVZ. In contrast,
      by taking advantage of the continuous expression of Sp8 from the neuroblast stage
      through differentiation into mature interneurons, we found that the adult human
      SVZ does not generate new interneurons for the striatum. In the adult human SVZ
      and RMS, very few neuroblasts were observed, and most of them expressed the
      transcription factor Sp8. Neuroblasts in the adult rhesus monkey SVZ-RMS-OB
      pathway also expressed Sp8. In addition, we observed that Sp8 was expressed by
      most adult human and monkey OB interneurons. However, very few Sp8+ cells were in
      the adult human striatum. This suggests that neuroblasts in the adult human SVZ
      and RMS are likely destined for the OB, but not for the striatum. BrdU-labeling
      results also revealed few if any newly born neurons in the adult rhesus monkey
      striatum. Finally, on the basis of transcription factor expression, we provide
      strong evidence that the vast majority of interneurons in the human and monkey
      striatum are generated from the medial ganglionic eminence during embryonic
      developmental stages, as they are in rodents. We conclude that, although a small
      number of neuroblasts exist in the adult human SVZ, they do not migrate into the
      striatum and become mature striatal interneurons. 

PMID- 25122894
TI  - Size and synchronization of auditory cortex promotes musical, literacy, and
      attentional skills in children.
AB  - Playing a musical instrument is associated with numerous neural processes that
      continuously modify the human brain and may facilitate characteristic auditory
      skills. In a longitudinal study, we investigated the auditory and neural
      plasticity of musical learning in 111 young children (aged 7-9 y) as a function
      of the intensity of instrumental practice and musical aptitude. Because of the
      frequent co-occurrence of central auditory processing disorders and attentional
      deficits, we also tested 21 children with attention deficit (hyperactivity)
      disorder [AD(H)D]. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetoencephalography revealed
      enlarged Heschl's gyri and enhanced right-left hemispheric synchronization of the
      primary evoked response (P1) to harmonic complex sounds in children who spent
      more time practicing a musical instrument. The anatomical characteristics were
      positively correlated with frequency discrimination, reading, and spelling
      skills. Conversely, AD(H)D children showed reduced volumes of Heschl's gyri and
      enhanced volumes of the plana temporalia that were associated with a distinct
      bilateral P1 asynchrony. This may indicate a risk for central auditory processing
      disorders that are often associated with attentional and literacy problems. The
      longitudinal comparisons revealed a very high stability of auditory cortex
      morphology and gray matter volumes, suggesting that the combined anatomical and
      functional parameters are neural markers of musicality and attention deficits.
      Educational and clinical implications are considered. 

PMID- 25122893
TI  - Ribosome profiling reveals a cell-type-specific translational landscape in brain
      tumors.
AB  - Glioma growth is driven by signaling that ultimately regulates protein synthesis.
      Gliomas are also complex at the cellular level and involve multiple cell types,
      including transformed and reactive cells in the brain tumor microenvironment. The
      distinct functions of the various cell types likely lead to different
      requirements and regulatory paradigms for protein synthesis. Proneural gliomas
      can arise from transformation of glial progenitors that are driven to proliferate
      via mitogenic signaling that affects translation. To investigate translational
      regulation in this system, we developed a RiboTag glioma mouse model that enables
      cell-type-specific, genome-wide ribosome profiling of tumor tissue. Infecting
      glial progenitors with Cre-recombinant retrovirus simultaneously activates
      expression of tagged ribosomes and delivers a tumor-initiating mutation.
      Remarkably, we find that although genes specific to transformed cells are highly
      translated, their translation efficiencies are low compared with normal brain.
      Ribosome positioning reveals sequence-dependent regulation of ribosomal activity
      in 5'-leaders upstream of annotated start codons, leading to differential
      translation in glioma compared with normal brain. Additionally, although
      transformed cells express a proneural signature, untransformed tumor-associated
      cells, including reactive astrocytes and microglia, express a mesenchymal
      signature. Finally, we observe the same phenomena in human disease by combining
      ribosome profiling of human proneural tumor and non-neoplastic brain tissue with
      computational deconvolution to assess cell-type-specific translational
      regulation. 

PMID- 25122895
TI  - VGluT1+ neuronal glutamatergic signaling regulates postnatal developmental
      maturation of cortical protoplasmic astroglia.
AB  - Functional maturation of astroglia is characterized by the development of a
      unique, ramified morphology and the induction of important functional proteins,
      such as glutamate transporter GLT1. Although pathways regulating the early fate
      specification of astroglia have been characterized, mechanisms regulating
      postnatal maturation of astroglia remain essentially unknown. Here we used a new
      in vivo approach to illustrate and quantitatively analyze developmental
      arborization of astroglial processes. Our analysis found a particularly high
      increase in the number of VGluT1(+) neuronal glutamatergic synapses that are
      ensheathed by processes from individual developing astroglia from postnatal day
      (P) 14 to P26, when astroglia undergo dramatic postnatal maturation. Subsequent
      silencing of VGluT1(+) synaptic activity in VGluT1 KO mice significantly reduces
      astroglial domain growth and the induction of GLT1 in the cortex, but has no
      effect on astroglia in the hypothalamus, where non-VGluT1(+) synaptic signaling
      predominates. In particular, electron microscopy analysis showed that the loss of
      VGluT1(+) synaptic signaling significantly decreases perisynaptic enshealthing of
      astroglial processes on synapses. To further determine whether synaptically
      released glutamate mediates VGluT1(+) synaptic signaling, we pharmacologically
      inhibited and genetically ablated metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs,
      especially mGluR5) in developing cortical astroglia and found that developmental
      arborization of astroglial processes and expression of functional proteins, such
      as GLT1, is significantly decreased. In summary, our genetic analysis provides
      new in vivo evidence that VGluT1(+) glutamatergic signaling, mediated by the
      astroglial mGluR5 receptor, regulates the functional maturation of cortical
      astroglia during development. These results elucidate a new mechanism for
      regulating the developmental formation of functional neuron-glia synaptic units. 

PMID- 25122896
TI  - A single-system model predicts recognition memory and repetition priming in
      amnesia.
AB  - We challenge the claim that there are distinct neural systems for explicit and
      implicit memory by demonstrating that a formal single-system model predicts the
      pattern of recognition memory (explicit) and repetition priming (implicit) in
      amnesia. In the current investigation, human participants with amnesia
      categorized pictures of objects at study and then, at test, identified fragmented
      versions of studied (old) and nonstudied (new) objects (providing a measure of
      priming), and made a recognition memory judgment (old vs new) for each object.
      Numerous results in the amnesic patients were predicted in advance by the single
      system model, as follows: (1) deficits in recognition memory and priming were
      evident relative to a control group; (2) items judged as old were identified at
      greater levels of fragmentation than items judged new, regardless of whether the
      items were actually old or new; and (3) the magnitude of the priming effect (the
      identification advantage for old vs new items) overall was greater than that of
      items judged new. Model evidence measures also favored the single-system model
      over two formal multiple-systems models. The findings support the single-system
      model, which explains the pattern of recognition and priming in amnesia primarily
      as a reduction in the strength of a single dimension of memory strength, rather
      than a selective explicit memory system deficit. 

PMID- 25122897
TI  - Neurovascular coupling and decoupling in the cortex during voluntary locomotion.
AB  - Hemodynamic signals are widely used to infer neural activity in the brain. We
      tested the hypothesis that hemodynamic signals faithfully report neural activity
      during voluntary behaviors by measuring cerebral blood volume (CBV) and neural
      activity in the somatosensory cortex and frontal cortex of head-fixed mice during
      locomotion. Locomotion induced a large and robust increase in firing rate and
      gamma-band (40-100 Hz) power in the local field potential in the limb
      representations in somatosensory cortex, and was accompanied by increases in CBV,
      demonstrating that hemodynamic signals are coupled with neural activity in this
      region. However, in the frontal cortex, CBV did not change during locomotion, but
      firing rate and gamma-band power both increased, indicating a decoupling of
      neural activity from the hemodynamic signal. These results show that hemodynamic
      signals are not faithful indicators of the mean neural activity in the frontal
      cortex during locomotion; thus, the results from fMRI and other hemodynamic
      imaging methodologies for studying neural processes must be interpreted with
      caution. 

PMID- 25122898
TI  - Chemogenetic silencing of neurons in retrosplenial cortex disrupts sensory
      preconditioning.
AB  - An essential aspect of episodic memory is the formation of associations between
      neutral sensory cues in the environment. In light of recent evidence that this
      critical aspect of learning does not require the hippocampus, we tested the
      involvement of the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) in this process using a
      chemogenetic approach that allowed us to temporarily silence neurons along the
      entire rostrocaudal extent of the RSC. A viral vector containing the gene for a
      synthetic inhibitory G-protein-coupled receptor (hM4Di) was infused into RSC.
      When the receptor was later activated by systemic injection of clozapine-N-oxide,
      neural activity in RSC was transiently silenced (confirmed using a patch-clamp
      procedure). Rats expressing hM4Di and control rats were trained in a sensory
      preconditioning procedure in which a tone and light were paired on some trials
      and a white noise stimulus was presented alone on the other trials during the
      Preconditioning phase. Thus, rats were given the opportunity to form an
      association between a tone and a light in the absence of reinforcement. Later,
      the light was paired with food. During the test phase when the auditory cues were
      presented alone, controls exhibited more conditioned responding during
      presentation of the tone compared with the white noise reflecting the prior
      formation of a tone-light association. Silencing RSC neurons during the
      Preconditioning phase prevented the formation of an association between the tone
      and light and eliminated the sensory preconditioning effect. These findings
      indicate that RSC may contribute to episodic memory formation by linking
      essential sensory stimuli during learning. 

PMID- 25122900
TI  - Differential contribution of hippocampal subfields to components of associative
      taste learning.
AB  - The ability to associate the consumption of a taste with its positive or negative
      consequences is fundamental to survival and influences the behavior of species
      ranging from invertebrate to human. As a result, for both research and clinical
      reasons, there has been a great effort to understand the neuronal circuits, as
      well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms, underlying taste learning. From a
      neuroanatomical perspective, the contributions of the cortex and amygdala are
      well documented; however, the literature is riddled with conflicting results
      regarding the role of the hippocampus in different facets of taste learning.
      Here, we use conditional genetics in mice to block NMDA receptor-dependent
      plasticity individually in each of the three major hippocampal subfields, CA1,
      CA3, and the dentate gyrus, via deletion of the NR1 subunit. Across the CA1, CA3,
      and dentate gyrus NR1 knock-out lines, we uncover a pattern of differential
      deficits that establish the dispensability of hippocampal plasticity in
      incidental taste learning, the requirement of CA1 plasticity for associative
      taste learning, and a specific requirement for plasticity in the dentate gyrus
      when there is a long temporal gap between the taste and its outcome. Together,
      these data establish that the hippocampus is involved in associative taste
      learning and suggest an episodic component to this type of memory. 

PMID- 25122899
TI  - Spinal cord injury causes brain inflammation associated with cognitive and
      affective changes: role of cell cycle pathways.
AB  - Experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) causes chronic neuropathic pain associated
      with inflammatory changes in thalamic pain regulatory sites. Our recent studies
      examining chronic pain mechanisms after rodent SCI showed chronic inflammatory
      changes not only in thalamus, but also in other regions including hippocampus and
      cerebral cortex. Because changes appeared similar to those in our rodent TBI
      models that are associated with neurodegeneration and neurobehavioral
      dysfunction, we examined effects of mouse SCI on cognition, depressive-like
      behavior, and brain inflammation. SCI caused spatial and retention memory
      impairment and depressive-like behavior, as evidenced by poor performance in the
      Morris water maze, Y-maze, novel objective recognition, step-down passive
      avoidance, tail suspension, and sucrose preference tests. SCI caused chronic
      microglial activation in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, where microglia
      with hypertrophic morphologies and M1 phenotype predominated. Stereological
      analyses showed significant neuronal loss in the hippocampus at 12 weeks but not
      8 d after injury. Increased cell-cycle-related gene (cyclins A1, A2, D1, E2F1,
      and PCNA) and protein (cyclin D1 and CDK4) expression were found chronically in
      hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Systemic administration of the selective cyclin
      dependent kinase inhibitor CR8 after SCI significantly reduced cell cycle gene
      and protein expression, microglial activation and neurodegeneration in the brain,
      cognitive decline, and depression. These studies indicate that SCI can initiate a
      chronic brain neurodegenerative response, likely related to delayed, sustained
      induction of M1-type microglia and related cell cycle activation, which result in
      cognitive deficits and physiological depression. 

PMID- 25122902
TI  - Interplay between synchronization of multivesicular release and recruitment of
      additional release sites support short-term facilitation at hippocampal mossy
      fiber to CA3 pyramidal cells synapses.
AB  - Synaptic short-term plasticity is a key regulator of neuronal communication and
      is controlled via various mechanisms. A well established property of mossy fiber
      to CA3 pyramidal cell synapses is the extensive short-term facilitation during
      high-frequency bursts. We investigated the mechanisms governing facilitation
      using a combination of whole-cell electrophysiological recordings, electrical
      minimal stimulation, and random-access two-photon microscopy in acute mouse
      hippocampal slices. Two distinct presynaptic mechanisms were involved in short
      term facilitation, with their relative contribution dependent on extracellular
      calcium concentration. The synchronization of multivesicular release was observed
      during trains of facilitating EPSCs recorded in 1.2 mM external Ca(2+)
      ([Ca(2+)]e). Indeed, covariance analysis revealed a gradual augmentation in
      quantal size during trains of EPSCs, and application of the low-affinity
      glutamate receptor antagonist gamma-D-glutamylglycine showed an increase in cleft
      glutamate concentration during paired-pulse stimulation. Whereas synchronization
      of multivesicular release contributed to the facilitation in 1.2 mM [Ca(2+)]e,
      variance-mean analysis showed that recruitment of more release sites (N) was
      likely to account for the larger facilitation observed in 2.5 mM [Ca(2+)]e.
      Furthermore, this increase in N could be promoted by calcium microdomains of
      heterogeneous amplitudes observed in single mossy fiber boutons. Our findings
      suggest that the combination of multivesicular release and the recruitment of
      additional release sites act together to increase glutamate release during burst
      activity. This is supported by the compartmentalized spatial profile of calcium
      elevations in boutons and helps to expand the dynamic range of mossy fibers
      information transfer.

PMID- 25122901
TI  - The essential role of primate orbitofrontal cortex in conflict-induced executive
      control adjustment.
AB  - Conflict in information processing evokes trial-by-trial behavioral modulations.
      Influential models suggest that adaptive tuning of executive control, mediated by
      mid-dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (mdlPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex
      (ACC), underlies these modulations. However, mdlPFC and ACC are parts of
      distributed brain networks including orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), posterior
      cingulate cortex (PCC), and superior-dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (sdlPFC).
      Contributions of these latter areas in adaptive tuning of executive control are
      unknown. We trained monkeys to perform a matching task in which they had to
      resolve the conflict between two behavior-guiding rules. Here, we report that
      bilateral lesions in OFC, but not in PCC or sdlPFC, impaired selection between
      these competing rules. In addition, the behavioral adaptation that is normally
      induced by experiencing conflict disappeared in OFC-lesioned, but remained normal
      in PCC-lesioned or sdlPFC-lesioned monkeys. Exploring underlying neuronal
      processes, we found that the activity of neurons in OFC represented the conflict
      between behavioral options independent from the other aspects of the task.
      Responses of OFC neurons to rewards also conveyed information of the conflict
      level that the monkey had experienced along the course to obtain the reward. Our
      findings indicate dissociable functions for five closely interconnected cortical
      areas suggesting that OFC and mdlPFC, but not PCC or sdlPFC or ACC, play
      indispensable roles in conflict-dependent executive control of on-going behavior.
      Both mdlPFC and OFC support detection of conflict and its integration with the
      task goal, but in contrast to mdlPFC, OFC does not retain the necessary
      information for conflict-induced modulation of future decisions. 

PMID- 25122904
TI  - Dynamic target match signals in perirhinal cortex can be explained by
      instantaneous computations that act on dynamic input from inferotemporal cortex.
AB  - Finding sought objects requires the brain to combine visual and target signals to
      determine when a target is in view. To investigate how the brain implements these
      computations, we recorded neural responses in inferotemporal cortex (IT) and
      perirhinal cortex (PRH) as macaque monkeys performed a delayed-match-to-sample
      target search task. Our data suggest that visual and target signals were combined
      within or before IT in the ventral visual pathway and then passed onto PRH, where
      they were reformatted into a more explicit target match signal over ~10-15 ms.
      Accounting for these dynamics in PRH did not require proposing dynamic
      computations within PRH itself but, rather, could be attributed to instantaneous
      PRH computations performed upon an input representation from IT that changed with
      time. We found that the dynamics of the IT representation arose from two commonly
      observed features: individual IT neurons whose response preferences were not
      simply rescaled with time and variable response latencies across the population.
      Our results demonstrate that these types of time-varying responses have important
      consequences for downstream computation and suggest that dynamic representations
      can arise within a feedforward framework as a consequence of instantaneous
      computations performed upon time-varying inputs. 

PMID- 25122906
TI  - Post-error slowing as a consequence of disturbed low-frequency oscillatory phase
      entrainment.
AB  - A common finding across many reaction time tasks is that people slow down on
      trials following errors, a phenomenon known as post-error slowing. In the present
      study, we tested a novel hypothesis about the neural mechanism underlying post
      error slowing. Recent research has shown that when task-relevant stimuli occur in
      a rhythmic stream, neuronal oscillations entrain to the task structure, thereby
      enhancing reaction speed. We hypothesized that under such circumstances post
      error slowing results from an error-induced disturbance of this endogenous brain
      rhythm. To test this hypothesis, we measured oscillatory EEG dynamics while human
      subjects performed a demanding discrimination task under time pressure. We found
      that low-frequency neuronal oscillations entrained to the stimulus presentation
      rhythm, and that the low-frequency phase at stimulus onset predicted the speed of
      responding. Importantly, we found that this entrainment was disrupted following
      errors, and that the degree of phase disturbance was closely related to the
      degree of post-error slowing on the subsequent trial. These results describe a
      new mechanism underlying behavioral changes following errors. 

PMID- 25122907
TI  - Recycling endosomes undergo rapid closure of a fusion pore on exocytosis in
      neuronal dendrites.
AB  - Exocytosis of recycling endosomes (REs) represents the last step of receptor and
      membrane recycling, a fundamental process involved in many aspects of cell
      physiology. In neurons, it is involved in the control of cell polarity and
      synaptic plasticity and is locally and tightly regulated. However, its molecular
      mechanisms are still poorly understood. We have imaged single exocytosis events
      of REs in rat hippocampal neurons in culture transfected with three types of
      receptors tagged with the pH-sensitive GFP mutant superecliptic phluorin. We
      found that exocytosis events are grouped into two categories: (1) short burst
      events in which receptors diffuse into the plasma membrane in a few seconds; and
      (2) long display events in which receptors remain visible and clustered after
      exocytosis for many seconds. Display events are much rarer in non-neuronal cells,
      such as fibroblasts and astrocytes. Using two-color imaging and fast
      extracellular solution changes, we show that display events correspond to the
      rapid opening and closing of a fusion pore (or "kiss-and-run") with a median
      opening time of 2.6 s, which restricts the diffusion of multiple receptor types
      and bound cargo. Moreover, the RE marker Rab11 remains enriched after display
      exocytosis events and controls the mode of RE exocytosis. Finally, a given RE can
      undergo multiple rounds of display exocytosis. The last step of recycling can
      thus be controlled in neurons for the selective delivery of receptors at the cell
      surface. 

PMID- 25122903
TI  - A heroin addiction severity-associated intronic single nucleotide polymorphism
      modulates alternative pre-mRNA splicing of the MU opioid receptor gene OPRM1 via
      hnRNPH interactions.
AB  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the OPRM1 gene have been associated
      with vulnerability to opioid dependence. The current study identifies an
      association of an intronic SNP (rs9479757) with the severity of heroin addiction
      among Han-Chinese male heroin addicts. Individual SNP analysis and haplotype
      based analysis with additional SNPs in the OPRM1 locus showed that mild heroin
      addiction was associated with the AG genotype, whereas severe heroin addiction
      was associated with the GG genotype. In vitro studies such as electrophoretic
      mobility shift assay, minigene, siRNA, and antisense morpholino oligonucleotide
      studies have identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H (hnRNPH) as the
      major binding partner for the G-containing SNP site. The G-to-A transition
      weakens hnRNPH binding and facilitates exon 2 skipping, leading to altered
      expressions of OPRM1 splice-variant mRNAs and hMOR-1 proteins. Similar changes in
      splicing and hMOR-1 proteins were observed in human postmortem prefrontal cortex
      with the AG genotype of this SNP when compared with the GG genotype.
      Interestingly, the altered splicing led to an increase in hMOR-1 protein levels
      despite decreased hMOR-1 mRNA levels, which is likely contributed by a concurrent
      increase in single transmembrane domain variants that have a chaperone-like
      function on MOR-1 protein stability. Our studies delineate the role of this SNP
      as a modifier of OPRM1 alternative splicing via hnRNPH interactions, and suggest
      a functional link between an SNP-containing splicing modifier and the severity of
      heroin addiction. 

PMID- 25122905
TI  - Characterization of transcriptomes of cochlear inner and outer hair cells.
AB  - Inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs) are the two types of sensory
      receptor cells that are critical for hearing in the mammalian cochlea. IHCs and
      OHCs have different morphology and function. The genetic mechanisms that define
      their morphological and functional specializations are essentially unknown. The
      transcriptome reflects the genes that are being actively expressed in a cell and
      holds the key to understanding the molecular mechanisms of the biological
      properties of the cell. Using DNA microarray, we examined the transcriptome of
      2000 individually collected IHCs and OHCs from adult mouse cochleae. We show that
      16,647 and 17,711 transcripts are expressed in IHCs and OHCs, respectively. Of
      those genes, ~73% are known genes, 22% are uncharacterized sequences, and 5.0%
      are noncoding RNAs in both populations. A total of 16,117 transcripts are
      expressed in both populations. Uniquely and differentially expressed genes
      account for <15% of all genes in either cell type. The top 10 differentially
      expressed genes include Slc17a8, Dnajc5b, Slc1a3, Atp2a3, Osbpl6, Slc7a14, Bcl2,
      Bin1, Prkd1, and Map4k4 in IHCs and Slc26a5, C1ql1, Strc, Dnm3, Plbd1, Lbh,
      Olfm1, Plce1, Tectb, and Ankrd22 in OHCs. We analyzed commonly and differentially
      expressed genes with the focus on genes related to hair cell specializations in
      the apical, basolateral, and synaptic membranes. Eighty-three percent of the
      known deafness-related genes are expressed in hair cells. We also analyzed genes
      involved in cell-cycle regulation. Our dataset holds an extraordinary trove of
      information about the molecular mechanisms underlying hair cell morphology,
      function, pathology, and cell-cycle control. 

PMID- 25122909
TI  - Volitional walking via upper limb muscle-controlled stimulation of the lumbar
      locomotor center in man.
AB  - Gait disturbance in individuals with spinal cord lesion is attributed to the
      interruption of descending pathways to the spinal locomotor center, whereas
      neural circuits below and above the lesion maintain their functional capability.
      An artificial neural connection (ANC), which bridges supraspinal centers and
      locomotor networks in the lumbar spinal cord beyond the lesion site, may restore
      the functional impairment. To achieve an ANC that sends descending voluntary
      commands to the lumbar locomotor center and bypasses the thoracic spinal cord,
      upper limb muscle activity was converted to magnetic stimuli delivered
      noninvasively over the lumbar vertebra. Healthy participants were able to
      initiate and terminate walking-like behavior and to control the step cycle
      through an ANC controlled by volitional upper limb muscle activity. The walking
      like behavior stopped just after the ANC was disconnected from the participants
      even when the participant continued to swing arms. Furthermore, additional
      simultaneous peripheral electrical stimulation to the foot via the ANC enhanced
      this walking-like behavior. Kinematics of the induced behaviors were identical to
      those observed in voluntary walking. These results demonstrate that the ANC
      induces volitionally controlled, walking-like behavior of the legs. This paradigm
      may be able to compensate for the dysfunction of descending pathways by sending
      commands to the preserved locomotor center at the lumbar spinal cord and may
      enable individuals with paraplegia to regain volitionally controlled walking. 

PMID- 25122910
TI  - Perceptual gloss parameters are encoded by population responses in the monkey
      inferior temporal cortex.
AB  - There are neurons localized in the lower bank of the superior temporal sulcus
      (STS) in the inferior temporal (IT) cortex of the monkey that selectively respond
      to specific ranges of gloss characterized by combinations of three physical
      reflectance parameters: specular reflectance (rhos), diffuse reflectance (rhod),
      and spread of specular reflection (alpha; Nishio et al., 2012). In the present
      study, we examined how the activities of these gloss-selective IT neurons are
      related to perceived gloss. In an earlier psychophysical study, Ferwerda et al.
      (2001) identified a perceptually uniform gloss space defined by two axes where
      the c-axis corresponds to a nonlinear combination of rhos and rhod and the d-axis
      corresponds to 1 - alpha. In the present study, we tested the responses of gloss
      selective neurons to stimuli in the perceptual gloss space defined by the c- and
      d-axes. We found that gloss-selective neurons systematically changed their
      responses in the perceptual gloss space, and the distribution of the tuning
      directions of the population of gloss-selective neurons is biased toward
      directions in which perceived gloss increases. We also found that a set of
      perceptual gloss parameters as well as surface albedo can be well explained by
      the population activities of gloss-selective neurons, and that these parameters
      are likely encoded by the gloss-selective neurons in this area of the STS to
      represent various glosses. These results thus provide evidence that the IT cortex
      represents perceptual gloss space. 

PMID- 25122908
TI  - Multisensory training improves auditory spatial processing following bilateral
      cochlear implantation.
AB  - Cochlear implants (CIs) partially restore hearing to the deaf by directly
      stimulating the inner ear. In individuals fitted with CIs, lack of auditory
      experience due to loss of hearing before language acquisition can adversely
      impact outcomes. For example, adults with early-onset hearing loss generally do
      not integrate inputs from both ears effectively when fitted with bilateral CIs
      (BiCIs). Here, we used an animal model to investigate the effects of long-term
      deafness on auditory localization with BiCIs and approaches for promoting the use
      of binaural spatial cues. Ferrets were deafened either at the age of hearing
      onset or as adults. All animals were implanted in adulthood, either unilaterally
      or bilaterally, and were subsequently assessed for their ability to localize
      sound in the horizontal plane. The unilaterally implanted animals were unable to
      perform this task, regardless of the duration of deafness. Among animals with
      BiCIs, early-onset hearing loss was associated with poor auditory localization
      performance, compared with late-onset hearing loss. However, performance in the
      early-deafened group with BiCIs improved significantly after multisensory
      training with interleaved auditory and visual stimuli. We demonstrate a possible
      neural substrate for this by showing a training-induced improvement in the
      responsiveness of auditory cortical neurons and in their sensitivity to
      interaural level differences, the principal localization cue available to BiCI
      users. Importantly, our behavioral and physiological evidence demonstrates a
      facilitative role for vision in restoring auditory spatial processing following
      potential cross-modal reorganization. These findings support investigation of a
      similar training paradigm in human CI users. 

PMID- 25122911
TI  - Microsaccadic responses indicate fast categorization of sounds: a novel approach
      to study auditory cognition.
AB  - The mental chronometry of the human brain's processing of sounds to be
      categorized as targets has intensively been studied in cognitive neuroscience.
      According to current theories, a series of successive stages consisting of the
      registration, identification, and categorization of the sound has to be completed
      before participants are able to report the sound as a target by button press
      after ~300-500 ms. Here we use miniature eye movements as a tool to study the
      categorization of a sound as a target or nontarget, indicating that an initial
      categorization is present already after 80-100 ms. During visual fixation, the
      rate of microsaccades, the fastest components of miniature eye movements, is
      transiently modulated after auditory stimulation. In two experiments, we measured
      microsaccade rates in human participants in an auditory three-tone oddball
      paradigm (including rare nontarget sounds) and observed a difference in the
      microsaccade rates between targets and nontargets as early as 142 ms after sound
      onset. This finding was replicated in a third experiment with directed saccades
      measured in a paradigm in which tones had to be matched to score-like visual
      symbols. Considering the delays introduced by (motor) signal transmission and
      data analysis constraints, the brain must have differentiated target from
      nontarget sounds as fast as 80-100 ms after sound onset in both paradigms. We
      suggest that predictive information processing for expected input makes higher
      cognitive attributes, such as a sound's identity and category, available already
      during early sensory processing. The measurement of eye movements is thus a
      promising approach to investigate hearing. 

PMID- 25122912
TI  - Amyloid precursor protein dimerization and synaptogenic function depend on copper
      binding to the growth factor-like domain.
AB  - Accumulating evidence suggests that the copper-binding amyloid precursor protein
      (APP) has an essential synaptic function. APP synaptogenic function depends on
      trans-directed dimerization of the extracellular E1 domain encompassing a growth
      factor-like domain (GFLD) and a copper-binding domain (CuBD). Here we report the
      1.75 A crystal structure of the GFLD in complex with a copper ion bound with high
      affinity to an extended hairpin loop at the dimerization interface. In
      coimmunoprecipitation assays copper binding promotes APP interaction, whereas
      mutations in the copper-binding sites of either the GFLD or CuBD result in a
      drastic reduction in APP cis-orientated dimerization. We show that copper is
      essential and sufficient to induce trans-directed dimerization of purified APP.
      Furthermore, a mixed culture assay of primary neurons with HEK293 cells
      expressing different APP mutants revealed that APP potently promotes
      synaptogenesis depending on copper binding to the GFLD. Together, these findings
      demonstrate that copper binding to the GFLD of APP is required for APP cis-/trans
      directed dimerization and APP synaptogenic function. Thus, neuronal activity or
      disease-associated changes in copper homeostasis likely go along with altered APP
      synaptic function. 

PMID- 25122913
TI  - Escaping compound eye ancestry: the evolution of single-chamber eyes in
      holometabolous larvae.
AB  - Stemmata, the eyes of holometabolous insect larvae, have gained little attention,
      even though they exhibit remarkably different optical solutions, ranging from
      compound eyes with upright images, to sophisticated single-chamber eyes with
      inverted images. Such optical differences raise the question of how major
      transitions may have occurred. Stemmata evolved from compound eye ancestry, and
      optical differences are apparent even in some of the simplest systems that share
      strong cellular homology with adult ommatidia. The transition to sophisticated
      single-chamber eyes occurred many times independently, and in at least two
      different ways: through the fusion of many ommatidia [as in the sawfly
      (Hymenoptera)], and through the expansion of single ommatidia [as in tiger
      beetles (Coleoptera), antlions (Neuroptera) and dobsonflies (Megaloptera)].
      Although ommatidia-like units frequently have multiple photoreceptor layers
      (tiers), sophisticated image-forming stemmata tend to only have one photoreceptor
      tier, presumably a consequence of the lens only being able to efficiently focus
      light on to one photoreceptor layer. An interesting exception is found in some
      diving beetles [Dytiscidae (Coleoptera)], in which two retinas receive sharp
      images from a bifocal lens. Taken together, stemmata represent a great model
      system to study an impressive set of optical solutions that evolved from a
      relatively simple ancestral organization. 

PMID- 25122914
TI  - The role of titin in eccentric muscle contraction.
AB  - Muscle contraction and force regulation in skeletal muscle have been thought to
      occur exclusively through the relative sliding of and the interaction between the
      contractile filaments actin and myosin. While this two-filament sarcomere model
      has worked well in explaining the properties of isometrically and concentrically
      contracting muscle, it has failed miserably in explaining experimental
      observations in eccentric contractions. Here, I suggest, and provide evidence,
      that a third filament, titin, is involved in force regulation of sarcomeres by
      adjusting its stiffness in an activation-dependent (calcium) and active force
      dependent manner. Upon muscle activation, titin binds calcium at specific sites,
      thereby increasing its stiffness, and cross-bridge attachment to actin is thought
      to free up binding sites for titin on actin, thereby reducing titin's free-spring
      length, thus increasing its stiffness and force upon stretch of active muscle.
      This role of titin as a third force regulating myofilament in sarcomeres,
      although not fully proven, would account for many of the unexplained properties
      of eccentric muscle contraction, while simultaneously not affecting the
      properties predicted by the two-filament cross-bridge model in isometric and
      concentric muscle function. Here, I identify the problems of the two-filament
      sarcomere model and demonstrate the advantages of the three-filament model by
      providing evidence of titin's contribution to active force in eccentric muscle
      function. 

PMID- 25122916
TI  - Feeding rates and under-ice foraging strategies of the smallest lunge filter
      feeder, the Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis).
AB  - Body size and feeding mode are two fundamental characteristics that determine
      foraging performance and ecological niche. As the smallest obligate lunge filter
      feeders, minke whales represent an ideal system for studying the physical and
      energetic limits of filter feeding in endotherms. We used multi-sensor suction
      cup tags to quantify the feeding performance of Antarctic minke whales. Foraging
      dives around and beneath sea ice contained up to 24 lunges per dive, the highest
      feeding rates for any lunge-feeding whale. Their small size allows minke whales
      access to krill in sea-ice environments not easily accessible to larger baleen
      whales. Furthermore, their ability to filter feed provides an advantage over
      other smaller sympatric krill predators such as penguins and seals that feed on
      individual prey. The unique combination of body size, feeding mechanism and sea
      ice habitat of Antarctic minke whales defines a previously undocumented energetic
      niche that is unique among aquatic vertebrates. 

PMID- 25122915
TI  - Temporal binding of neural responses for focused attention in biosonar.
AB  - Big brown bats emit biosonar sounds and perceive their surroundings from the
      delays of echoes received by the ears. Broadcasts are frequency modulated (FM)
      and contain two prominent harmonics sweeping from 50 to 25 kHz (FM1) and from 100
      to 50 kHz (FM2). Individual frequencies in each broadcast and each echo evoke
      single-spike auditory responses. Echo delay is encoded by the time elapsed
      between volleys of responses to broadcasts and volleys of responses to echoes. If
      echoes have the same spectrum as broadcasts, the volley of neural responses to
      FM1 and FM2 is internally synchronized for each sound, which leads to sharply
      focused delay images. Because of amplitude-latency trading, disruption of
      response synchrony within the volleys occurs if the echoes are lowpass filtered,
      leading to blurred, defocused delay images. This effect is consistent with the
      temporal binding hypothesis for perceptual image formation. Bats perform
      inexplicably well in cluttered surroundings where echoes from off-side objects
      ought to cause masking. Off-side echoes are lowpass filtered because of the shape
      of the broadcast beam, and they evoke desynchronized auditory responses. The
      resulting defocused images of clutter do not mask perception of focused images
      for targets. Neural response synchronization may select a target to be the focus
      of attention, while desynchronization may impose inattention on the surroundings
      by defocusing perception of clutter. The formation of focused biosonar images
      from synchronized neural responses, and the defocusing that occurs with
      disruption of synchrony, quantitatively demonstrates how temporal binding may
      control attention and bring a perceptual object into existence. 

PMID- 25122917
TI  - Pre-start timing information is used to set final linear speed in a C-start
      manoeuvre.
AB  - In their unique hunting behaviour, archerfish use a complex motor decision to
      secure their prey: based solely on how dislodged prey initially falls, they
      select an adapted C-start manoeuvre that turns the fish right towards the point
      on the water surface where their prey will later land. Furthermore, they take off
      at a speed that is set so as to arrive in time. We show here that the C-start
      manoeuvre and not subsequent tail beating is necessary and sufficient for setting
      this adaptive level of speed. Furthermore, the C-start pattern is adjusted to
      independently determine both the turning angle and the take-off speed. The
      selection of both aspects requires no a priori information and is done based on
      information sampled from the onset of target motion until the C-start is
      launched. Fin strokes can occur right after the C-start manoeuvre but are not
      required to fine-tune take-off speed, but rather to maintain it. By probing the
      way in which the fish set their take-off speed in a wide range of conditions in
      which distance from the later catching point and time until impact varied widely
      and unpredictably, we found that the C-start manoeuvre is programmed based on pre
      C-start estimates of distance and time until impact. Our study hence provides the
      first evidence for a C-start that is fine-tuned to produce an adaptive speed
      level. 

PMID- 25122918
TI  - Adaptive changes in echolocation sounds by Pipistrellus abramus in response to
      artificial jamming sounds.
AB  - The echolocation behavior of Pipistrellus abramus during exposure to artificial
      jamming sounds during flight was investigated. Echolocation pulses emitted by the
      bats were recorded using a telemetry microphone mounted on the bats' backs, and
      their adaptation based on acoustic characteristics of emitted pulses was assessed
      in terms of jamming-avoidance responses (JARs). In experiment 1, frequency
      modulated jamming sounds (3 ms duration) mimicking echolocation pulses of P.
      abramus were prepared. All bats showed significant increases in the terminal
      frequency of the frequency-modulated pulse by an average of 2.1-4.5 kHz when the
      terminal frequency of the jamming sounds was lower than the bats' own pulses.
      This frequency shift was not observed using jamming frequencies that overlapped
      with or were higher than the bats' own pulses. These findings suggest that JARs
      in P. abramus are sensitive to the terminal frequency of jamming pulses and that
      the bats' response pattern was dependent on the slight difference in stimulus
      frequency. In experiment 2, when bats were repeatedly exposed to a band-limited
      noise of 70 ms duration, the bats in flight more frequently emitted pulses during
      silent periods between jamming sounds, suggesting that the bats could actively
      change the timing of pulse emissions, even during flight, to avoid temporal
      overlap with jamming sounds. Our findings demonstrate that bats could adjust
      their vocalized frequency and emission timing during flight in response to
      acoustic jamming stimuli. 

PMID- 25122919
TI  - Forward shift of feeding buzz components of dolphins and belugas during
      associative learning reveals a likely connection to reward expectation, pleasure
      and brain dopamine activation.
AB  - For many years, we heard sounds associated with reward from dolphins and belugas.
      We named these pulsed sounds victory squeals (VS), as they remind us of a child's
      squeal of delight. Here we put these sounds in context with natural and learned
      behavior. Like bats, echolocating cetaceans produce feeding buzzes as they
      approach and catch prey. Unlike bats, cetaceans continue their feeding buzzes
      after prey capture and the after portion is what we call the VS. Prior to
      training (or conditioning), the VS comes after the fish reward; with repeated
      trials it moves to before the reward. During training, we use a whistle or other
      sound to signal a correct response by the animal. This sound signal, named a
      secondary reinforcer (SR), leads to the primary reinforcer, fish. Trainers
      usually name their whistle or other SR a bridge, as it bridges the time gap
      between the correct response and reward delivery. During learning, the SR becomes
      associated with reward and the VS comes after the SR rather than after the fish.
      By following the SR, the VS confirms that the animal expects a reward. Results of
      early brain stimulation work suggest to us that SR stimulates brain dopamine
      release, which leads to the VS. Although there are no direct studies of dopamine
      release in cetaceans, we found that the timing of our VS is consistent with a
      response after dopamine release. We compared trained vocal responses to auditory
      stimuli with VS responses to SR sounds. Auditory stimuli that did not signal
      reward resulted in faster responses by a mean of 151 ms for dolphins and 250 ms
      for belugas. In laboratory animals, there is a 100 to 200 ms delay for dopamine
      release. VS delay in our animals is similar and consistent with vocalization
      after dopamine release. Our novel observation suggests that the dopamine reward
      system is active in cetacean brains. 

PMID- 25122921
TI  - Genetic evidence for monogamy in the dwarf seahorse, Hippocampus zosterae.
AB  - Syngnathid fishes (pipefishes, seahorses, and seadragons) exhibit a wide array of
      mating systems ranging from monogamy with long-term pair bonds to more
      promiscuous mating systems, such as polyandry and polygynandry. Some seahorses,
      including the dwarf seahorse Hippocampus zosterae, have been found to be socially
      monogamous. Although several seahorse species have also been shown to be
      genetically monogamous, parentage analysis has not yet been applied to the dwarf
      seahorse. We developed 8 novel microsatellites for the dwarf seahorse to conduct
      genetic parentage analysis to confirm that this species is indeed monogamous.
      Using 4 selected loci and a total of 16 pregnant male seahorses, with 8 collected
      in Florida and 8 sampled in Texas, we genotyped all of the offspring within each
      male's brood to determine the maternal contributions to each brood. We found a
      maximum of 4 alleles per locus segregating within each pregnant male's brood, a
      pattern consistent with each brood having exactly 1 mother and 1 father. These
      results support previous laboratory-based behavioral studies and indicate that
      the dwarf seahorse, H. zosterae, is genetically monogamous.

PMID- 25122923
TI  - Secretion and immunogenicity of the meningioma-associated antigen TXNDC16.
AB  - In a previous study, we identified thioredoxin domain containing 16 (TXNDC16) as
      a meningioma-associated Ag by protein macroarray screening. Serological screening
      detected autoantibodies against TXNDC16 exclusively in meningioma patients' sera
      and not in sera of healthy controls. TXNDC16 was previously found to be an
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-luminal glycoprotein. In this study, we show an
      additional ER-associated localization of TXNDC16 in the cytosol by in vitro
      synthesis, molecular mass shift assay, and flow cytometry. We were able to show
      TXNDC16 secretion in different human cell lines due to masked and therefore
      nonfunctional ER retrieval motif. A previously indicated exosomal TXNDC16
      secretion could not be confirmed in HEK293 cells. The secreted serum protein
      TXNDC16 is bound in circulating immune complexes, which were found both in
      meningioma and healthy blood donor sera. Employing a customized array with 163
      overlapping TXNDC16 peptides and measuring autoantibody reactivity, we achieved
      discrimination of meningioma sera from healthy controls with an accuracy of 87.2%
      using a set of only five immunogenic TXNDC16 epitopes. 

PMID- 25122924
TI  - Antibody-mediated immune suppression of erythrocyte alloimmunization can occur
      independently from red cell clearance or epitope masking in a murine model.
AB  - Anti-D can prevent immunization to the RhD Ag on RBCs, a phenomenon commonly
      termed Ab-mediated immune suppression (AMIS). The most accepted theory to explain
      this effect has been the rapid clearance of RBCs. In mouse models using SRBC,
      these xenogeneic cells are always rapidly cleared even without Ab, and
      involvement of epitope masking of the SRBC Ags by the AMIS-inducing Ab (anti
      SRBC) has been suggested. To address these hypotheses, we immunized mice with
      murine transgenic RBCs expressing the HOD Ag (hen egg lysozyme [HEL], in sequence
      with ovalbumin, and the human Duffy transmembrane protein) in the presence of
      polyclonal Abs or mAbs to the HOD molecule. The isotype, specificity, and ability
      to induce AMIS of these Abs were compared with accelerated clearance as well as
      steric hindrance of the HOD Ag. Mice made IgM and IgG reactive with the HEL
      portion of the molecule only. All six of the mAbs could inhibit the response. The
      HEL-specific Abs (4B7, IgG1; GD7, IgG2b; 2F4, IgG1) did not accelerate clearance
      of the HOD-RBCs and displayed partial epitope masking. The Duffy-specific Abs
      (MIMA 29, IgG2a; CBC-512, IgG1; K6, IgG1) all caused rapid clearance of HOD RBCs
      without steric hindrance. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of
      AMIS to erythrocytes in an all-murine model and shows that AMIS can occur in the
      absence of RBC clearance or epitope masking. The AMIS effect was also independent
      of IgG isotype and epitope specificity of the AMIS-inducing Ab. 

PMID- 25122922
TI  - The natural product phyllanthusmin C enhances IFN-gamma production by human NK
      cells through upregulation of TLR-mediated NF-kappaB signaling.
AB  - Natural products are a major source for cancer drug development. NK cells are a
      critical component of innate immunity with the capacity to destroy cancer cells,
      cancer-initiating cells, and clear viral infections. However, few reports
      describe a natural product that stimulates NK cell IFN-gamma production and
      unravel a mechanism of action. In this study, through screening, we found that a
      natural product, phyllanthusmin C (PL-C), alone enhanced IFN-gamma production by
      human NK cells. PL-C also synergized with IL-12, even at the low cytokine
      concentration of 0.1 ng/ml, and stimulated IFN-gamma production in both human
      CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) NK cell subsets. Mechanistically, TLR1 and/or TLR6
      mediated PL-C's activation of the NF-kappaB p65 subunit that in turn bound to the
      proximal promoter of IFNG and subsequently resulted in increased IFN-gamma
      production in NK cells. However, IL-12 and IL-15Rs and their related STAT
      signaling pathways were not responsible for the enhanced IFN-gamma secretion by
      PL-C. PL-C induced little or no T cell IFN-gamma production or NK cell
      cytotoxicity. Collectively, we identify a natural product with the capacity to
      selectively enhance human NK cell IFN-gamma production. Given the role of IFN
      gamma in immune surveillance, additional studies to understand the role of this
      natural product in prevention of cancer or infection in select populations are
      warranted. 

PMID- 25122930
TI  - Early events in annelid regeneration: a cellular perspective.
AB  - The ability to regenerate extensive portions of the body is widespread among the
      phylum Annelida and this group includes some of the most highly regenerative
      animals known. Knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of regeneration in
      this group is thus important for understanding how regenerative processes have
      evolved both within the group and across animal phyla. Here, the cellular basis
      of annelid regeneration is reviewed, with a focus on the earliest steps of
      regeneration, namely wound-healing and formation of the blastema. Information
      from a wide range of annelids is compiled in order to identify common and
      variable elements. There is a large body of valuable older literature on the
      cellular basis of regeneration in annelids and an effort is made to review this
      literature in addition to more recent studies. Annelids typically seal the wound
      through muscular contraction and undergo some autolysis of tissue at the site of
      the wound. Bodily injury elicits extensive cell migration toward the wound,
      involving several different types of cells. Some migrating cells form a tissue
      clot and phagocytize damaged tissues, whereas others are inferred to contribute
      to regenerated tissue, specifically mesodermal tissue. In one annelid subgroup,
      the clitellates, a group of mesodermal cells, sometimes referred to as neoblasts,
      is inferred to migrate over considerable distances, with cells moving to the
      wound from several segments away. Epidermis and gut epithelia severed upon
      amputation typically heal by fusing with like tissue, although not always. After
      amputation, cellular contacts with the extracellular matrix are disrupted and
      major changes in cell morphology and adhesion occur within tissues near the
      wound. Interactions of tissues at the wound appear key for initiating a blastema,
      with a particularly important role suggested for the ventral nerve cord, although
      species are variable in this regard; longer-distance effects mediated by the
      brain are also reported. The anterior-posterior polarity of the blastema can be
      mis-assigned, leading most commonly to double-headed worms, and the dorsal
      ventral polarity of the blastema appears to be induced by the ventral nerve cord.
      The blastema is thought to arise from contributions of all three tissue layers,
      with each layer replacing itself in a tissue-specific manner. Blastemal cells
      originate mostly locally, although some long-distance migration of source-cells
      is suggested in clitellates. A number of important questions remain about the
      cellular basis of regeneration in annelids and addressing many of these would be
      greatly aided by developing approaches to identify and isolate specific cell
      types and techniques to image and trace cells in vivo. 

PMID- 25122925
TI  - The surprising dynamics of scaffolding proteins.
AB  - The function of scaffolding proteins is to bring together two or more proteins in
      a relatively stable configuration, hence their name. Numerous scaffolding
      proteins are found in nature, many having multiple protein-protein interaction
      modules. Over the past decade, examples of scaffolding complexes long thought to
      be stable have instead been found to be surprisingly dynamic. These studies are
      scattered among different biological systems, and so the concept that scaffolding
      complexes might not always represent stable entities and that their dynamics can
      be regulated has not garnered general attention. We became aware of this issue in
      our studies of a scaffolding protein in microvilli, which forced us to reevaluate
      its contribution to their structure. The purpose of this Perspective is to draw
      attention to this phenomenon and discuss why complexes might show regulated
      dynamics. We also wish to encourage more studies on the dynamics of "stable"
      complexes and to provide a word of caution about how functionally important
      dynamic associations may be missed in biochemical and proteomic studies. 

PMID- 25122933
TI  - Don't lose sleep over seasonal affective disorder.

PMID- 25122931
TI  - Urinary tract infections: what both men and women should know.

PMID- 25122928
TI  - Early pregnancy prediction of preeclampsia in nulliparous women, combining
      clinical risk and biomarkers: the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE)
      international cohort study.
AB  - More than half of all cases of preeclampsia occur in healthy first-time pregnant
      women. Our aim was to develop a method to predict those at risk by combining
      clinical factors and measurements of biomarkers in women recruited to the
      Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study of low-risk nulliparous women.
      Forty-seven biomarkers identified on the basis of (1) association with
      preeclampsia, (2) a biological role in placentation, or (3) a role in cellular
      mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia were measured in plasma
      sampled at 14 to 16 weeks' gestation from 5623 women. The cohort was randomly
      divided into training (n=3747) and validation (n=1876) cohorts. Preeclampsia
      developed in 278 (4.9%) women, of whom 28 (0.5%) developed early-onset
      preeclampsia. The final model for the prediction of preeclampsia included
      placental growth factor, mean arterial pressure, and body mass index at 14 to 16
      weeks' gestation, the consumption of >=3 pieces of fruit per day, and mean
      uterine artery resistance index. The area under the receiver operator curve (95%
      confidence interval) for this model in training and validation cohorts was 0.73
      (0.70-0.77) and 0.68 (0.63-0.74), respectively. A predictive model of early-onset
      preeclampsia included angiogenin/placental growth factor as a ratio, mean
      arterial pressure, any pregnancy loss <10 weeks, and mean uterine artery
      resistance index (area under the receiver operator curve [95% confidence
      interval] in training and validation cohorts, 0.89 [0.78-1.0] and 0.78 [0.58
      0.99], respectively). Neither model included pregnancy-associated plasma protein
      A, previously reported to predict preeclampsia in populations of mixed parity and
      risk. In nulliparous women, combining multiple biomarkers and clinical data
      provided modest prediction of preeclampsia. 

PMID- 25122932
TI  - Breaking bones: one fracture can lead to another.

PMID- 25122934
TI  - I recently developed proctitis after completing radiation treatment for prostate
      cancer.  What should I do?

PMID- 25122935
TI  - What is an ESR and when is my doctor likely to order it?

PMID- 25122936
TI  - Your medicine cabinet's best cold fighter.

PMID- 25122937
TI  - A reason to cry over burnt toast.

PMID- 25122939
TI  - Master new skills to retain memory.

PMID- 25122938
TI  - A breakthrough in mantle cell lymphoma.

PMID- 25122940
TI  - Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance--Veterans' Group Life Insurance regulation
      update--ABO, VGLI application, SGLI 2-year disability extension. Final rule.
AB  - This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) insurance
      regulations concerning Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to reflect the
      statutory provisions of the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010, which became law on
      October 13, 2010, and resulted in the need for amendments to change the SGLI
      Disability Extension period from 1 year to 2 years in duration; provide SGLI
      Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) retroactive coverage effective from October
      7, 2001, for all qualifying injuries regardless of the geographic location and
      military operation in which the injuries were incurred; and remove the SGLI and
      Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Accelerated Benefits Option (ABO) discount
      rate. This rule also clarifies that ''initial premium'' refers to ''initial
      Veterans' Group Life Insurance premium,'' updates the current address of the
      Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI), managed by Prudential
      Insurance Company of America, to reflect where the ABO application is mailed for
      processing, and corrects the OSGLI phone number. Finally, this rule removes the
      ABO application form from the regulation, and it corrects and clarifies language
      concerning the VGLI application period that was inadvertently incorrectly
      modified in a prior amendment of the regulations.

PMID- 25122941
TI  - Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Programs: announcement of the
      extended temporary moratoria on enrollment of ambulance suppliers and home health
      agencies in designated geographic locations. Extension of temporary moratoria.
AB  - This document announces the extension of temporary moratoria on the enrollment of
      new ambulance suppliers and home health agencies (HHAs) in specific locations
      within designated metropolitan areas in Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Texas,
      Pennsylvania, and New Jersey to prevent and combat fraud, waste, and abuse.

PMID- 25122942
TI  - Schedule for rating disabilities--mental disorders and definition of psychosis
      for certain VA purposes. Interim final rule.
AB  - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending the portion of its Schedule
      for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) dealing with mental disorders and its
      adjudication regulations that define the term ''psychosis.'' The VASRD refers to
      the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM
      IV), and VA's adjudication regulations refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR). DSM-IV and
      DSM-IV-TR were recently updated by issuance of the Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This rulemaking will remove
      outdated DSM references by deleting references to DSM-IV and DSM-IV-TR and
      replacing them with references to DSM-5. Additionally, this rulemaking will
      update the nomenclature used to refer to certain mental disorders to conform to
      DSM-5.

PMID- 25122944
TI  - Administrative simplification: change to the compliance date for the
      International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10-CM and ICD-10
      PCS) medical data code sets. Final rule.
AB  - This final rule implements section 212 of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act
      of 2014 by changing the compliance date for the International Classification of
      Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) for diagnosis coding,
      including the Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and the
      International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System
      (ICD-10-PCS) for inpatient hospital procedure coding, including the Official ICD
      10-PCS Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, from October 1, 2014 to October 1,
      2015. It also requires the continued use of the International Classification of
      Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification, Volumes 1 and 2 (diagnoses), and 3
      (procedures) (ICD-9-CM), including the Official ICD-9-CM Guidelines for Coding
      and Reporting, through September 30, 2015.

PMID- 25122943
TI  - Specifications for medical examinations of coal miners. Interim final rule.
AB  - With this action, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in
      accordance with a final rule recently published by the Department of Labor's Mine
      Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), is amending its regulations to establish
      standards for the approval of facilities that conduct spirometry examinations and
      to require that all coal mine operators submit a plan for the provision of
      spirometry and X-ray examinations to all surface and underground coal miners.

PMID- 25122945
TI  - Final priority; Technical Assistance on State Data Collection--IDEA Data
      Management Center. Final priority.
AB  - The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative
      Services (OSERS) announces a priority under the Technical Assistance on State
      Data Collection program. The Assistant Secretary may use this priority for
      competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2014 and later years. We take this action to
      fund a cooperative agreement to establish and operate an IDEA Data Management
      Center (Center) that will provide technical assistance (TA) to improve the
      capacity of States to meet the data collection requirements of the Individuals
      with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

PMID- 25122946
TI  - Medicare program; prospective payment system and consolidated billing for skilled
      nursing facilities for FY 2015. Final rule.
AB  - This final rule updates the payment rates used under the prospective payment
      system (PPS) for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for fiscal year (FY) 2015. In
      addition, it adopts the most recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
      statistical area delineations to identify a facility's urban or rural status for
      the purpose of determining which set of rate tables will apply to the facility,
      and to determine the SNF PPS wage index including a 1-year transition with a
      blended wage index for all providers for FY 2015. This final rule also contains a
      revision to policies related to the Change of Therapy (COT) Other Medicare
      Required Assessment (OMRA). This final rule includes a discussion of a provision
      related to the Affordable Care Act involving Civil Money Penalties. Finally, this
      final rule discusses the SNF therapy payment research currently underway within
      CMS, observed trends related to therapy utilization among SNF providers, and the
      agency's commitment to accelerating health information exchange in SNFs.

PMID- 25122947
TI  - Medicare program; inpatient rehabilitation facility prospective payment system
      for federal fiscal year 2015.
AB  - This final rule updates the prospective payment rates for inpatient
      rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) for federal fiscal year (FY) 2015 as required by
      the statute. This final rule finalizes a policy to collect data on the amount and
      mode (that is, Individual, Concurrent, Group, and Co-Treatment) of therapy
      provided in the IRF setting according to therapy discipline, revises the list of
      diagnosis and impairment group codes that presumptively meet the "60 percent
      rule'' compliance criteria, provides a way for IRFs to indicate on the Inpatient
      Rehabilitation Facility-Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) form whether the
      prior treatment and severity requirements have been met for arthritis cases to
      presumptively meet the "60 percent rule'' compliance criteria, and revises and
      updates quality measures and reporting requirements under the IRF quality
      reporting program (QRP). This rule also delays the effective date for the
      revisions to the list of diagnosis codes that are used to determine presumptive
      compliance under the "60 percent rule'' that were finalized in FY 2014 IRF PPS
      final rule and adopts the revisions to the list of diagnosis codes that are used
      to determine presumptive compliance under the "60 percent rule'' that are
      finalized in this rule. This final rule also addresses the implementation of the
      International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification
      (ICD-10-CM), for the IRF prospective payment system (PPS), which will be
      effective when ICD-10-CM becomes the required medical data code set for use on
      Medicare claims and IRF-PAI submissions.

PMID- 25122948
TI  - Medicare program; inpatient psychiatric facilities prospective payment system-
      update for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2014 (FY 2015). Final rule.
AB  - This final rule will update the prospective payment rates for Medicare inpatient
      hospital services provided by inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs). These
      changes will be applicable to IPF discharges occurring during the fiscal year
      (FY) beginning October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015. This final rule will
      also address implementation of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes; finalize a new
      methodology for updating the cost of living adjustment (COLA), and finalize new
      quality measures and reporting requirements under the IPF quality reporting
      program.

PMID- 25122949
TI  - Concentrations of mobile source air pollutants in urban microenvironments.
AB  - Human exposures to criteria and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in urban areas
      vary greatly due to temporal-spatial variations in emissions, changing
      meteorology, varying proximity to sources, as well as due to building, vehicle,
      and other environmental characteristics that influence the amounts of ambient
      pollutants that penetrate or infiltrate into these microenvironments.
      Consequently, the exposure estimates derived from central-site ambient
      measurements are uncertain and tend to underestimate actual exposures. The
      Exposure Classification Project (ECP) was conducted to measure pollutant
      concentrations for common urban microenvironments (MEs) for use in evaluating the
      results of regulatory human exposure models. Nearly 500 sets of measurements were
      made in three Los Angeles County communities during fall 2008, winter 2009, and
      summer 2009. MEs included in-vehicle, near-road, outdoor and indoor locations
      accessible to the general public. Contemporaneous 1- to 15-min average personal
      breathing zone concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2),
      volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen oxides (NO(x)),
      particulate matter (< 2.5 microm diameter; PM2.5) mass, ultrafine particle (UFP;
      < 100 nm diameter) number black carbon (BC), speciated HAPs (e.g, benzene,
      toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes [BTEX], 1,3-butadiene), and ozone (O3) were
      measured continuously. In-vehicle and inside/outside measurements were made in
      various passenger vehicle types and in public buildings to estimate penetration
      or infiltration factors. A large fraction of the observed pollutant
      concentrations for on-road MEs, especially near diesel trucks, was unrelated to
      ambient measurements at nearby monitors. Comparisons of ME concentrations
      estimated using the median ME/ambient ratio versus regression slopes and
      intercepts indicate that the regression approach may be more accurate for on-road
      MEs. Ranges in the ME/ambient ratios among ME categories were generally greater
      than differences among the three communities for the same ME category, suggesting
      that the ME proximity factors may be more broadly applicable to urban MEs.
      Implications: Estimates of population exposure to air pollutants extrapolated
      from ambient measurements at ambient fixed site monitors or exposure surrogates
      are prone to uncertainty. This study measured concentrations of mobile source air
      toxics (MSAT) and related criteria pollutants within in-vehicle, outdoor near
      road, and indoor urban MEs to provide multipollutant ME measurements that can be
      used to calibrate regulatory exposure models.

PMID- 25122950
TI  - Investigation of time-resolved atmospheric conditions and indoor/outdoor
      particulate matter concentrations in homes with gas and biomass cook stoves in
      Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.
AB  - This paper reports findings from a case study designed to investigate indoor and
      outdoor air quality in homes near the United States-Mexico border During the
      field study, size-resolved continuous particulate matter (PM) concentrations were
      measured in six homes, while outdoor PM was simultaneously monitored at the same
      location in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, during March 14-30, 2009. The purpose of the
      experiment was to compare PM in homes using different fuels for cooking, gas
      versus biomass, and to obtain a spatial distribution of outdoor PM in a region
      where local sources vary significantly (e.g., highway, border crossing, unpaved
      roads, industry). Continuous PM data were collected every 6 seconds using a valve
      switching system to sample indoor and outdoor air at each home location. This
      paper presents the indoor PM data from each home, including the relationship
      between indoor and outdoor PM. The meteorological conditions associated with
      elevated ambient PM events in the region are also discussed. Results indicate
      that indoor air pollution has a strong dependence on cooking fuel, with gas
      stoves having hourly averaged median PM3 concentrations in the range of 134 to
      157 microg m(-3) and biomass stoves 163 to 504 microg m(-1). Outdoor PM also
      indicates a large spatial heterogeneity due to the presence of microscale sources
      and meteorological influences (median PM3: 130 to 770 microg m(-3)). The former
      is evident in the median and range of daytime PM values (median PM3: 250 microg
      m(-3), maximum: 9411 microg m(-3)), while the meteorological influences appear to
      be dominant during nighttime periods (median PM3: 251 microg m(-3), maximum:
      10,846 microg m(-3)). The atmospheric stability is quantified for three nighttime
      temperature inversion episodes, which were associated with an order of magnitude
      increase in PM10 at the regulatory monitor in Nogales, AZ (maximum increase: 12
      to 474 microg m(-3)). Implications: Regulatory air quality standards are based on
      outdoor ambient air measurements. However, a large fraction of time is typically
      spent indoors where a variety of activities including cooking, heating, tobacco
      smoking, and cleaning can lead to elevated PM concentrations. This study
      investigates the influence of meteorology, outdoor PM, and indoor activities on
      indoor air pollution (IAP) levels in the United States-Mexico border region.
      Results indicate that cooking fuel type and meteorology greatly influence the IAP
      in homes, with biomass fuel use causing the largest increase in PM concentration.

PMID- 25122951
TI  - Role of sodium ions in the vitrification process: glass matrix modification, slag
      structure depolymerization, and influence of metal immobilization.
AB  - This study investigates the role of Na ions, a common flux, in the vitrification
      process. Artificial glass systems composed of Al2O3, CaO, and SiO2 with various
      Na concentrations were melted at 1450 degrees C. The specimens were cooled by air
      cooling and water quenching and the metal mobility was evaluated using a
      sequential extraction procedure. The X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning
      electron microscopy observations showed that Na ions governed the air-cooled
      slag's structure. Na ions initially depolymerized CaSiO3-linked chains into
      CaSiO3 chains, and further cut them into shorter and nonuniform ones, making the
      slag structure amorphous. With even more Na ions, CaSiO3 chains were divided into
      single SiO4 tetrahedrons and formed Na-related crystals (Na2Ca3Si2O8 and
      NaAlSiO4). The phase distributions of Al, Cr, Cu Mn, and Ni showed that Na has a
      positive effect on the immobilization of heavy metals at suitable concentrations,
      but a negative effect when in excess amounts. Implications: Vitrification has
      been widely used to treat hazardous materials. The Na-bearing additives were
      often used as a flux to improve the melting process. This study described the
      role of Na played in the vitrification process. The Na ions acted as glass
      modifier and depolymerize the chain structure of slag. With adequate addition
      amount of Na ions, the immobilization of heavy metals was improved. The results
      provided much information about the crystalline phase variation, metal mobility,
      and surface characteristics while Na serves as a flux.

PMID- 25122952
TI  - Particle size distribution and its relationship to black carbon in two urban and
      one rural site in Santiago de Chile.
AB  - The size distribution of particles has been studied in three sites in the
      Metropolitan area of Santiago de Chile in the winter of 2009 and a comparison
      with black carbon was performed. Two sites are located near busy streets in
      Santiago and the other site is located in a rural area about 40 km west of
      Santiago with little influence from vehicles, but large influence from wood
      burning. The campaign lasted 1 or 2 weeks in each site. We have divided the
      particle size measurements into four groups (10-39 nm, 40-62 nm, 63-174 nm, and
      175-700 nm) in order to compare with the carbon monitor. In the sites near the
      street, black carbon has a high correlation (R = 0.85) with larger particles (175
      700 nm). The correlation decreased when black carbon was compared with smaller
      particles, having very small correlation with the smallest sizes (10-39 nm). In
      the rural site, black carbon also has a high correlation (R = 0.86) with larger
      particles (175-700 nm), but the correlation between black carbon and the finest
      particles (10-39 nm) decreases to near 0. These measurements are an indication
      that wood burning does not generate particles smaller than -50 nm. In the urban
      sites, particle size distribution is peaked toward smaller particles (10-39 nm)
      only during rush hours, but at other times, particles size distribution is peaked
      toward larger sizes. When solar radiation was high, evidence of secondary
      particle formation was seen in the rural site, but not in the urban sites. The
      correlation between the number of secondary particles and solar radiation was R2
      = 0.46, indicating that it there may be other variables that play a role in
      ultrafine particle formation. Implications: A study of the size distribution of
      particles and black carbon concentration in two street sites and one rural site
      shows that in the last site the number of particles ultrafine particles (d < 40
      nm) is 10 times lower but the number of larger particles is about 2 times lower.
      Thus, the rural site has less of the particles that are more dangerous to health.
      The number ofultrafine particles is mostly associated with traffic, while the
      number of larger particles is associated with wood burning and other sources.
      Wood burning does not generate particles smaller than -50 nm.

PMID- 25122953
TI  - Recovering valuable metals from recycled photovoltaic modules.
AB  - Recovering valuable metals such as Si, Ag, Cu, and Al has become a pressing issue
      as end-of-life photovoltaic modules need to be recycled in the near future to
      meet legislative requirements in most countries. Of major interest is the
      recovery and recycling of high-purity silicon (> 99.9%) for the production of
      wafers and semiconductors. The value of Si in crystalline-type photovoltaic
      modules is estimated to be -$95/kW at the 2012 metal price. At the current
      installed capacity of 30 GW/yr, the metal value in the PV modules represents
      valuable resources that should be recovered in the future. The recycling of end
      of-life photovoltaic modules would supply > 88,000 and 207,000 tpa Si by 2040 and
      2050, respectively. This represents more than 50% of the required Si for module
      fabrication. Experimental testwork on crystalline Si modules could recover a >
      99.98%-grade Si product by HNO3/NaOH leaching to remove Al, Ag, and Ti and other
      metal ions from the doped Si. A further pyrometallurgical smelting at 1520
      degrees C using CaO-CaF2-SiO2 slag mixture to scavenge the residual metals after
      acid leaching could finally produce > 99.998%-grade Si. A process based on
      HNO3/NaOH leaching and subsequent smelting is proposed for recycling Si from
      rejected or recycled photovoltaic modules. Implications: The photovoltaic
      industry is considering options of recycling PV modules to recover metals such as
      Si, Ag, Cu, Al, and others used in the manufacturing of the PV cells. This is to
      retain its "green" image and to comply with current legislations in several
      countries. An evaluation of potential resources made available from PV wastes and
      the technologies used for processing these materials is therefore of significant
      importance to the industry. Of interest are the costs of processing and the
      potential revenues gained from recycling, which should determine the viability of
      economic recycling of PV modules in the future.

PMID- 25122954
TI  - Trends in on-road vehicle emissions and ambient air quality in Atlanta, Georgia,
      USA, from the late 1990s through 2009.
AB  - On-road vehicle emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO(x)), and
      volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during 1995-2009 in the Atlanta Metropolitan
      Statistical Area were estimated using the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator
      (MOVES) model and data from the National Emissions Inventories and the State of
      Georgia. Statistically significant downward trends (computed using the
      nonparametric Theil-Sen method) in annual on-road CO, NO(x), and VOC emissions of
      6.1%, 3.3%, and 6.0% per year, respectively, are noted during the 1995-2009
      period despite an increase in total vehicle distance traveled. The CO and NO(x)
      emission trends are correlated with statistically significant downward trends in
      ambient air concentrations of CO and NO(x) in Atlanta ranging from 8.0% to 11.8%
      per year and from 5.8% to 8.7% per year, respectively, during similar time
      periods. Weather-adjusted summertime ozone concentrations in Atlanta exhibited a
      statistically significant declining trend of 2.3% per year during 2001-2009.
      Although this trend coexists with the declining trends in on-road NO(x), VOC, and
      CO emissions, identifying the cause of the downward trend in ozone is complicated
      by reductions in multiple precursors from different source sectors. Implications:
      Large reductions in on-road vehicle emissions of CO and NO(x) in Atlanta from the
      late 1990s to 2009, despite an increase in total vehicle distance traveled,
      contributed to a significant improvement in air quality through decreases in
      ambient air concentrations of CO and NO(x) during this time period. Emissions
      reductions in motor vehicles and other source sectors resulted in these
      improvements and the observed declining trend in ozone concentrations over the
      past decade. Although these historical trends cannot be extrapolated to the
      future because pollutant concentration contributions due to on-road vehicle
      emissions will likely become an increasingly smaller fraction of the atmospheric
      total, they provide an indication of the benefits of past control measures.

PMID- 25122955
TI  - Annual and weekly patterns of ozone and particulate matter in Jeddah, Saudi
      Arabia.
AB  - Air pollution has been an increasing concern within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
      and other Middle Eastern countries. In this work the authors present an analysis
      of daily ozone (O3), nitrogen oxide (NO(x)), and particulate matter (< 10 miccrom
      aerodynamic diameter; PM10) concentrations for two years (2010 and 2011) at sites
      in and around the coastal city of Jeddah, as well as a remote background site for
      comparison. Monthly and weekly variations, along with their implications and
      consequences, were also examined. O3 within Jeddah was remarkably low, and
      exhibited the so-called weekend effect--elevated O3 levels on the weekends,
      despite reduced emissions of O3 precursors on those days. Weekend O3 increases
      averaged between 12% and 14% in the city, suggesting that NO(x)/volatile organic
      compound (VOC) ratios within cities such as Jeddah may be exceptionally high.
      Sites upwind or far removed from Jeddah did not display this weekend effect.
      Based on these results, emission control strategies in and around Jeddah must
      carefully address NO(x)/VOC ratios so as to reduce O3 at downwind locations
      without increasing it within urban locations themselves. PM10 concentrations
      within Jeddah were elevated compared with North American cites of similar
      climatology though comparable to other large cities within the Middle East.
      Implications: Daily concentrations of O3, PM10, and NO(x) in and around the city
      of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, are analyzed and compared with those of other reference
      cities. Extremely low O3 levels, along with a significant urban weekend effect
      (higher weekend O3, despite reduced NO(x) concentrations), is apparent, along
      with high levels of PM10 within the city. Urban O3 in Jeddah was found to be
      lower than that of other comparable cities, but the strong weekend effect
      suggests that care must be taken to reduce downwind O3 levels without increasing
      them within the city itself. Further research into the emissions and chemistry
      contributing to the reduced O3 levels within the city is warranted.

PMID- 25122956
TI  - Carbon dioxide adsorption on amine-impregnated mesoporous materials prepared from
      spent quartz sand.
AB  - Mesoporous MCM-41 was synthesized using cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as
      a cationic surfactant and spent quartz sand as the silica source. Modification of
      the mesoporous structure to create an absorbent was then completed using 3
      aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. Amine-Quartz-MCM (The A-Q-MCM) adsorbents were then
      characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption, elemental analysis (EA), X-ray
      fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as the carbon dioxide (CO2)
      adsorption/desorption performance. In this study, spent quartz sand was utilized
      to synthesize Quartz-MCM (Q-MCM) and the amine functionalized material, A-Q-MCM,
      which exhibited a higher uptake of CO2 at room temperature compared with the
      nongrafted material. The results showed that Q-MCM is similar to MCM-41
      synthesized using commercial methods. The surface area, pore volume, and pore
      diameter were found to be as high as 1028 m2/g, 0.907 cm3/g, and 3.04 nm,
      respectively. Under the condition of CO2 concentration of 5000 ppm, retention
      time of 50 cc/min, and the dosage of 1 g/cm3, the mean adsorption capacity of CO2
      onto A-Q-MCM was about 89 mg/g, and the nitrogen content of A-Q-MCM was 2.74%.
      The adsorption equilibrium was modeled well using a Freundlich isotherm.
      Implications: In this study, spent quartz sand was utilized to synthesize Q-MCM.
      The amine functionalized material exhibited a higher uptake of CO2 at room
      temperature compared with the nongrafted material. The results showed that Q-MCM
      is similar to MCM-41 synthesized using commercial methods. The adsorption
      equilibrium was modeled well using a Freundlich isotherm.

PMID- 25122957
TI  - Emission, speciation, and evaluation of impacts of non-methane volatile organic
      compounds from open dump site.
AB  - Surface emission from Dhapa, the only garbage disposal ground in Kolkata, is a
      matter of concern to the local environment and also fuels the issues of
      occupational and environmental health. Surface emission of the Dhapa landfill
      site was studied using a flux chamber measurement for nonmethane volatile organic
      compounds (NMVOCs). Eighteen noncarbonyl volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 14
      carbonyl VOCs, including suspected and known carcinogens, were found in
      appreciable concentrations. The concentrations of the target species in the flux
      chamber were found to be significantly higher for most of the species in summer
      than winter. Surface emission rate of landfill gas was estimated by using two
      different approaches to assess the applicability for an open landfill site. It
      was found that the emissions predicted using the model Land GEM version 3.02 is
      one to two orders less than the emission rate calculated from flux chamber
      measurement for the target species. Tropospheric ozone formation has a serious
      impact for NMVOC emission. The total ozone-forming potential (OFP) of the Dhapa
      dumping ground considering all target NMVOCs was estimated to be 4.9E+04 and
      1.2E+05 g/day in winter and summer, respectively. Also, it was found that
      carbonyl VOCs play a more important role than noncarbonyl VOCs for tropospheric
      ozone formation. Cumulative cancer risk estimated for all the carcinogenic
      species was found to be 2792 for 1 million population, while the total noncancer
      hazard index (HI) was estimated to be 246 for the occupational exposure to
      different compounds from surface emission to the dump-site workers at Dhapa.
      Implications: This paper describes the real-time surface emission of NMVOCs from
      an open municipal solid waste (MSW) dump site studied using a flux chamber. Our
      study findings indicate that while planning for new landfill site in tropical
      meteorology, real-time emission data must be considered, rather than relying on
      modeled data. The formation of tropospheric ozone from emitted NMVOC has also
      been studied. Our result shows how an open landfill site acts as a source and
      adds to the tropospheric ozone for the airshed of a metropolitan city.

PMID- 25122958
TI  - A comprehensive study on landfill site selection for Kolkata City, India.
AB  - Kolkata is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India and the capital
      city of the state of West Bengal. With an area of 187.33 km2 and a population of
      about 10 million (including a floating population of about 6 million), the city
      generates about 3500 Metric Ton (MT) of solid waste per day. Currently, Kolkata
      Municipal Corporation (KMC) disposes its waste at Dhapa (21.47 ha), where the
      disposal rate exceeds 3000 MT/day, and at Garden Reach (3.52 ha), where the
      disposal rate is 100 MT/day. Considering the exhaustion of Dhapa land space, city
      planners are urgently searching for an alternate disposal ground. National
      Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), under the sponsorship of
      Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), has brought out literature developing the
      site selection criteria for municipal solid waste disposal ground to suit Indian
      conditions. The developed criteria encompass environmental conditions,
      accessibility, geological and hydrogeological conditions, and ecological and
      societal effects. This paper attempts to locate the most suitable site for
      disposal of KMC area solid waste using the multicriterion decision analysis as
      stipulated in CPCB 2003 guidelines and the overlay analysis of geographic
      information system (GIS). Implications: The paper is based on landfill site
      selection for dumping of solid waste generated within Kolkata Municipal
      Corporation (KMC) area. The methodology uses GIS/remote sensing, Site Sensitivity
      Index (an offshoot of pairwise comparison technique developed in CPCB 2003
      guidelines, Government of India), and the Delphi technique. Dhapa landfill site,
      where solid waste of KMC area is currently being disposed, is exhausted; the
      authors of this article thus found it relevant to carry out a research on the
      selection of an alternative landfill site. The study undertaken was
      comprehensive, yet presented in a lucid way so that policymakers will find easy
      to comprehend.

PMID- 25122959
TI  - A personal reflection on our future leaders.

PMID- 25122960
TI  - Generation to generation. Jesus, formation and transitions in leadership.

PMID- 25122961
TI  - CHI's formation initiatives. Programs help embed core values.

PMID- 25122962
TI  - Storytelling moves learning from head to heart to feet.

PMID- 25122963
TI  - The sounds of Project ECHO.

PMID- 25122964
TI  - Measuring ministry formation. Moving promise into practice.

PMID- 25122965
TI  - Tomorrow's Leaders, Class of 2014.

PMID- 25122966
TI  - Catching up with two leaders from the Class of 2011.

PMID- 25122967
TI  - Interview with Richard Gilfillan, MD. How leadership will empower ministry's move
      to population health.

PMID- 25122968
TI  - Preliminary results. CHA survey gauges formation effectiveness.

PMID- 25122969
TI  - Celebrating 100 years.

PMID- 25122970
TI  - The growth of systems. Unprecedented challenges.

PMID- 25122971
TI  - What we have here is a failure to communicate. The ethical dimension of health
      literacy.

PMID- 25122972
TI  - Add ethical decision-making to the planning process.

PMID- 25122973
TI  - Norms for canonical elections.

PMID- 25122974
TI  - Setting donation standards for surplus.

PMID- 25122975
TI  - Comparative plaque removal efficacy of two new powered toothbrushes and a manual
      toothbrush.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the plaque-reducing
      effectiveness of two new powered toothbrushes and compare them to a manual
      toothbrush control. METHODS: This examiner-blind, randomized study used a
      crossover design. Sixty-five qualifying male and female subjects were randomly
      assigned one of the two test powered brushes (Spinbrush Truly Radiant Deep Clean
      [TRDC] or Spinbrush Truly Radiant Extra Whitening [TREW], Church & Dwight Co.,
      Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA) or an ADA standard manual toothbrush (MT; American
      Dental Association, Chicago, IL, USA) according to one of three computer
      generated sequences. Following instruction in the use of their assigned
      toothbrush, subjects brushed at home with a standard fluoride toothpaste twice
      daily for two minutes during a one-week familiarization period. At the end of
      this period, the subjects returned to the study site after refraining from oral
      hygiene for 12-16 hours, and from eating, drinking, and smoking for four hours.
      Plaque was scored using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index.
      Subjects brushed under supervision with their assigned toothbrush for two
      minutes, and plaque was rescored. They were then given one of the alternate
      toothbrushes according to their assigned sequence, and the familiarization
      routine and evaluation processes were repeated until each of the subjects used
      each of the three brushes. RESULTS: Within-group analyses showed that all three
      toothbrushes produced statistically significant reductions from the pre-brushing
      baseline in whole mouth and regional plaque scores (p < 0.001), with respective
      whole mouth reductions of 17.9%, 42.3%, and 38.1% for MT, TRDC, and TREW. Between
      group analyses showed that TRDC and TREW were each significantly more effective
      (p < 0.001) than MT, as each showed at least twice as much of a reduction in
      whole mouth scores. Both of the powered brushes also produced statistically
      significantly greater reductions than the manual brush at each of the twelve
      subsets of sites examined, with the greatest differences at interpoximal sites
      and sites presenting access difficulty, such as those in the lingual posterior
      region. Additionally, TRDC produced a statistically significant 11.5% greater
      reduction than TREW (p = 0.001) in whole mouth plaque scores, and statistically
      significantly greater reductions in two of the subsets evaluated. CONCLUSION:
      Both of the powered brushes tested proved to be safe and significantly more
      effective than the standard manual control brush in reducing plaque. While the
      finding that the TRDC was significantly more effective than the TREW in reducing
      whole mouth plaque and plaque in two subsets demonstrates that small differences
      in toothbrush design may impact performance, longer-term studies would be needed
      to assess the extent to which this translates to meaningful clinical outcomes.

PMID- 25122976
TI  - A six-week clinical evaluation of the plaque and gingivitis efficacy of an
      oscillating-rotating power toothbrush with a novel brush head utilizing angled
      CrissCross bristles versus a sonic toothbrush.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of an oscillating-rotating power toothbrush
      with a novel brush head incorporating angled CrissCross bristles (Oral-B Triumph
      with SmartGuide with Oral-B CrossAction brush head) versus a sonic toothbrush
      (Sonicare DiamondClean) for plaque and gingivitis reduction over a six-week
      period. METHODS: This was a single-center, randomized, examiner-blind, two
      treatment, parallel group study involving 65 subjects per group. Subjects
      presenting with mild-to-moderate gingivitis at Baseline were randomly assigned to
      either the oscillating-rotating brush or the sonic brush. They were instructed to
      use their assigned toothbrush and a standard fluoride dentifrice for two minutes
      twice daily at home for six weeks. Gingivitis and plaque were assessed at
      Baseline and Week 6 using the Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Gingival Bleeding
      Index (GBI), and Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI). Data were analyzed
      using an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), with baseline as the covariate.
      Subjects also completed a consumer perception questionnaire to evaluate their
      brushing experience. RESULTS: One-hundred and thirty subjects were enrolled in
      the study and randomized to treatment. Sixty-four subjects per group completed
      the trial. Both brushes produced statistically significant reductions in
      gingivitis and plaque measures at Week 6 relative to Baseline (p < 0.001 for
      all). The oscillating-rotating brush with the novel brush head demonstrated
      statistically significantly greater reductions in all gingivitis and plaque
      measures compared to the sonic toothbrush. The benefits for the oscillating
      rotating brush over the sonic brush were 32.6% for gingivitis, 35.4% for gingival
      bleeding, 32% for number of bleeding sites, 22% for whole mouth plaque, 24.2% for
      gingival margin plaque, and 33.3% for approximal plaque (p < or = 0.001 for all
      measures except gingival margin plaque, where p = 0.018). Analysis of the
      consumer perception questionnaire results showed subjects using the oscillating
      rotating brush rated it higher for overall use experience and key attributes
      related to cleaning, gentleness, and brush head shape/size versus subjects in the
      sonic brush group. There were no adverse events reported or observed for either
      brush. CONCLUSION: This six-week randomized, examiner-blind, comparative clinical
      study showed the oscillating-rotating toothbrush, with a novel brush head
      incorporating angled CrissCross bristles, was significantly better than an
      advanced sonic power toothbrush at reducing gingival inflammation and bleeding,
      as well as reducing whole mouth plaque, plaque along the gumline, and in the
      approximal regions.

PMID- 25122977
TI  - A clinical study to assess the effect of a stabilized stannous fluoride
      dentifrice on hypersensitivity relative to a marketed sodium fluoride/triclosan
      control.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a marketed stabilized stannous fluoride
      (SnF2) dentifrice in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity as compared to a marketed
      sodium fluoride (NaF)/triclosan dentifrice over an eight-week period. METHODS:
      Adults with confirmed dentinal hypersensitivity were enrolled in this randomized
      and controlled, parallel group, double blind, eight-week, single-center clinical
      trial. Random assignment to one of two dentifrice test groups via age, gender,
      and thermal sensitivity of enrolled test teeth was performed at baseline, with
      subjects assigned to twice-daily unsupervised brushing with either the marketed
      SnF2 dentifrice (Oral-B Pro-Expert, 0.454% SnF2 plus 0.077% NaF) or the marketed
      0.32% NaF with 0.3% triclosan/copolymer dentifrice control (Colgate Total
      Advanced). Tactile sensitivity (Yeaple Probe) and thermal sensitivity
      (airblast/Schiff Air Index) evaluations of the selected test teeth were performed
      at baseline pre-treatment, and again at Weeks 2 and 8 of product use to compare
      the dentifrices' relative hypersensitivity protection effectiveness. RESULTS:
      Ninety-seven (97) of the 100 enrolled subjects completed the trial and were fully
      evaluable. At both Week 2 and Week 8, for both the thermal and tactile evaluation
      measurements, subjects brushing with the marketed SnF2 dentifrice experienced
      statistically significantly (p < 0.0001) superior average dentinal
      hypersensitivity improvement versus subjects assigned to the NaF/triclosan
      control dentifrice. Between groups, superior relative mean reduction in thermal
      Schiff Air Index favored SnF2 by 24% at Week 2 and 68% at Week 8, while greater
      relative mean tactile Yeaple Probe benefits were observed for SnF2 relative to
      the control by 114% after Week 2 and 184% at Week 8. The dentifrices were well
      tolerated. CONCLUSION: Twice-daily brushing with a marketed SnF2 dentifrice
      provided superior dentinal hypersensitivity improvement versus a commercially
      available NaF/triclosan dentifrice, with significantly (p < 0.0001) greater
      relief after two weeks, and even larger relative benefits at eight weeks.

PMID- 25122978
TI  - Brush head composition, wear profile, and cleaning efficacy: an assessment of
      three electric brush heads using in vitro methods.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to evaluate a current store brand
      (SB) brush head for composition/physical characteristics, Wear Index (WI), and
      cleaning efficacy versus the previous SB brush head refill design (SB control)
      and the Oral-B Precision Clean brush head (positive control, PC). METHODS: This
      research consisted of three parts: 1) Analytical analysis using Fourier Transform
      Infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry to evaluate the chemical composition of the current
      SB brush head bristles relative to the SB control. In addition, physical
      parameters such as bristle count and diameter were determined. 2) Wear Index (WI)
      investigation to determine the Wear Index scores of in vitro-aged brush heads at
      four weeks (one month) and 13 weeks (three months) by a trained investigator. To
      "age" the brush heads, a robot system was used as a new alternative in vitro
      method to simulate aging by consumer use. 3) Robot testing to determine the
      cleaning performance of in vitro-aged brush heads, comparing one month-aged
      current SB brush heads with the SB control (one and three months-aged) and the PC
      brush heads (three months-aged) in a standardized fashion. RESULTS: 1) FT-IR
      analysis revealed that the chemical composition of the current and control SB
      refill brush heads is identical. In terms of physical parameters, the current SB
      brush head has 12% more bristles and a slightly oval brush head compared to the
      round brush head of the SB control. 2) Wear Index analysis showed there was no
      difference in the one month-aged current SB brush head versus the one month-aged
      SB control (1.67 vs. 1.50, p = 0.65) or versus the three months-aged PC brush
      head (1.67 vs. 1.50, p = 0.65). The one month-aged current SB brush head
      demonstrated statistically significantly less wear than the three months-aged SB
      control (1.67 vs. 2.67, p = 0.01). 3) Analysis of cleaning efficacy shows that
      the one month-aged current SB brush head had improved cleaning performance over
      the one month-aged SB control brush head (p < 0.05), despite no statistically
      significant difference in wear. Both the one month-aged current and control SB
      brush heads showed statistically significantly lower cleaning performance
      compared to the three months-aged PC brush heads (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: While
      the current SB brush head showed improved cleaning over the SB control, it
      demonstrated significantly lower durability and cleaning in comparison to the PC
      brush head. Dental professionals should be aware of these differences, both in
      durability and in cleaning performance, when recommending brush heads to their
      patients.

PMID- 25122979
TI  - A randomized 12-week clinical comparison of an oscillating-rotating toothbrush to
      a new sonic brush in the reduction of gingivitis and plaque.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a marketed oscillating-rotating (O-R)
      power toothbrush (Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide and FlossAction brush head,
      D34/EB25) to a new sonic toothbrush (Sonicare FlexCare Platinum) in the reduction
      of gingivitis and plaque over a 12-week test period. METHODS: This was a single
      center, randomized, open label, examiner-blind, two-treatment, parallel group
      study. Subjects who met the entrance criteria were enrolled in the study and
      randomly assigned to either the O-R or sonic treatment group. Subjects brushed
      with their assigned toothbrush and a marketed fluoride dentifrice for two minutes
      twice daily at home for 12 weeks. Gingivitis and plaque were evaluated at
      Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12. Gingivitis was assessed using the Modified
      Gingival Index (MGI) and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), and plaque was assessed
      using the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI). Data were analyzed using an
      Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with Baseline as the covariate. RESULTS: In
      total, 130 subjects (65 per group) were randomized to treatment and 127 subjects
      completed the study. Both brushes produced statistically significant (p < 0.001)
      reductions in gingivitis and plaque measures relative to Baseline. At Week 12,
      the O-R brush demonstrated significantly greater reductions than the sonic brush
      in whole mouth gingivitis measures (p = 0.007). Additionally, the O-R brush
      presented significantly fewer bleeding sites (p < 0.007) and significantly
      greater reductions in whole mouth plaque measures (p < or = 0.035) at Weeks 6 and
      12 versus the sonic brush. The benefit for the O-R brush versus the sonic brush
      at Week 12 was 11.7% for gingivitis, 19.8% for number of bleeding sites, and
      12.2% for whole mouth plaque. There were no adverse events reported or observed
      for either brush. CONCLUSION: The oscillating-rotating toothbrush demonstrated
      statistically significantly greater reductions in whole mouth plaque at Weeks 6
      and 12, as well as significantly greater gingivitis reductions over the long-term
      (12 weeks), compared to the new sonic toothbrush.

PMID- 25122980
TI  - A clinical study of the efficacy of a new chewing gum containing calcium
      hydroxyapatite in reducing dentin hypersensitivity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A controlled, clinical, double blind study was conducted to assess the
      efficacy of a sugar-free chewing gum containing calcium hydroxyapatite on dentin
      hypersensitivity, versus a placebo chewing gum with no active ingredients, after
      one and two weeks. METHODS: One hundred and seven subjects joined the trial and
      were allocated into the test or the control (placebo) group by a random table.
      The test chewing gum contained calcium hydroxyapatite and dicalcium phosphate
      dihydrate; the control chewing gum was identical, but without those ingredients.
      Participants were required to chew two pieces of their assigned chewing gum three
      times a day. Dentin hypersensitivity was evaluated following three clinical test
      indexes (tactile, air blast, cold water) and one subjective index. RESULTS: One
      hundred subjects completed the study with 50 allocated to each group. The
      clinical test index reductions after one and two weeks in the test group were,
      respectively, 36% and 54% for tactile, 35% and 66% for air blast, and 24% and 49%
      for cold water. The clinical test index reductions after one and two weeks in the
      control group were, respectively, 16% and 30% for tactile, 11% and 25% for air
      blast, and 14% and 31% for cold water. These reductions at one and two weeks were
      significant for the test group (p < 0.01). For the control group they were
      significant (p < 0.01) only at two weeks. The comparisons between the groups at
      two weeks showed a significant statistical difference between the test and the
      control gum for tactile (p < 0.01), for air blast (p < 0.001), for cold water (p
      < 0.05), and for the subjective index (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this trial, the
      group using the chewing gum containing calcium hydroxyapatite had a statistically
      significant reduction in all clinical test indexes for dentin hypersensitivity
      after one and two weeks, and a statistically significant reduction compared to
      the control gum group.

PMID- 25122981
TI  - Psychotherapy supervision developments and innovations for the new millennium:
      contributions from the cutting edge.
AB  - What are some of the most recent, cutting-edge developments and innovations in
      psychotherapy supervision? And what is their particular significance for
      supervision now and into its future? In this special supervision issue of the
      American Journal of Psychotherapy, those questions are considered, and some
      compelling answers are provided. In what follows, I introduce this special
      journal issue: (a) define supervision and indicate its purposes; (b) summarize
      the contents of each innovative paper; and (c) accentuate the significance of
      each presented development/innovation. The papers contained in this issue boldly
      speak to supervision's future and provide exciting--and highly profitable-
      directions to pursue in forever making psychotherapy supervision a far more
      anchored, accountable, and educational experience.

PMID- 25122982
TI  - Best Practices in Clinical Supervision: another step in delineating effective
      supervision practice.
AB  - Across the helping professions, we have arrived at a point where it is possible
      to create statements of best practices in supervision that are based on available
      empirical research; credentialing, ethical, and legal guidelines; and consensus
      opinion. Best practices are different from, but certainly complementary to,
      statements of supervision competencies. In this paper, I highlight the
      differences between competencies and best practices, and then describe the
      development and content of one comprehensive statement, the Best Practices in
      Clinical Supervision created for the field of counseling and counselor education.
      I then illustrate the applicability of the Best Practices across disciplines and
      countries through a comparison and contrast with several other existing
      documents. I conclude with a brief look at the development of supervisor
      expertise, which requires not only declarative knowledge (competencies) and
      procedural knowledge (statements of best practices), but also reflective
      knowledge. The latter is composed of insights built over years of supervision
      education, experience, and self-reflection regarding necessary adaptions and
      improvisations that inform an individualized approach to supervision practice.

PMID- 25122983
TI  - Using learning objectives for psychotherapy supervision.
AB  - Although learning objectives, often in the form of competencies, are now standard
      for training mental health professionals, they are not generally used to guide
      psychotherapy supervision. Nevertheless, when learning objectives are not used to
      guide supervision, supervisors and supervisees often remain uncertain about the
      goals of supervision, how those goals should be attained, and how they should be
      assessed. In this paper we review the literature on learning objectives for
      psychotherapy training and supervision, outline reasons for using learning
      objectives in psychotherapy supervision, and suggest ways to use learning
      objectives in training.

PMID- 25122984
TI  - Evaluation of psychology practitioner competence in clinical supervision.
AB  - There is a growing consensus favouring the development, advancement, and
      implementation of a competency-based approach for psychology training and
      supervision. There is wide recognition that skills, attitude-values, and
      relationship competencies are as critical to a psychologist's competence as are
      knowledge capabilities, and that these key competencies are best measured during
      placements, leaving the clinical supervisor in an unparalleled position of
      advantage to provide formative and summative evaluations on the supervisee's
      progression towards competence. Paradoxically, a compelling body of literature
      from across disciplines indicates that supervisor ratings of broad domains of
      competence are systematically compromised by biases, including leniency error and
      halo effect. The current paper highlights key issues affecting summative
      competency evaluations by supervisors: what competencies should be evaluated, who
      should conduct the evaluation, how (tools) and when evaluations should be
      conducted, and process variables that affect evaluation. The article concludes by
      providing research recommendations to underpin and promote future progress and by
      offering practice recommendations to facilitate a more credible and meaningful
      evaluation of competence and competencies.

PMID- 25122985
TI  - The use of supervision notes as a targeted training strategy.
AB  - Despite a call for more training of clinical supervisors, little has emerged in
      the professional literature to offer pedagogical strategies for training. This
      article describes the use of supervision documentation to guide the development
      of supervisors-in-training (SITs). Specifically, supervision notes are used to
      assist and monitor SITs understanding and application of supervisor models.

PMID- 25122986
TI  - Beyond the "acid test": a conceptual review and reformulation of outcome
      evaluation in clinical supervision.
AB  - Theoretical models abound within clinical supervision, but these rarely have been
      applied to supervision evaluation. Instead, it appears that reviewers and
      researchers have simply transferred to supervision the conceptual frameworks used
      within medicine, especially the idea that clinical outcomes are the "acid test"
      of supervisory effectiveness or quality. Following a careful examination of the
      key literature, in this paper I argue that this has led to an over-emphasis on
      clinical outcomes, with the net effect of reducing scientific confidence,
      understanding, and the effectiveness of supervision. To begin to rectify this
      bias, an augmented fidelity framework is used to reformulate evaluation, drawing
      on some of the key concepts guiding evaluation within related fields (i.e.
      service evaluation; staff development; psychotherapy; applied research). The
      resulting evaluation model is specific to clinical supervision and can help to
      increase our understanding, enhance our practice, re-prioritise research, and
      inspire confidence in supervision.

PMID- 25122987
TI  - Videoconference for psychotherapy training and supervision: two case examples.
AB  - Psychotherapy supervision and training are now widely available online. However,
      many supervisors still may be unclear on how online supervision actually works,
      or what it actually looks like in practice. In this article, three case examples
      of online videoconference-based supervision programs will be described. Partial
      transcripts from two online supervision sessions are provided. The benefits and
      limitations of online supervision are discussed, including discussion of
      supervision process, ethics, privacy, and security.

PMID- 25122988
TI  - Clinical supervision in the 21st century: revisiting pressing needs and
      impressing possibilities.
AB  - What are some of the most pressing needs currently confronting clinical
      supervision? In this paper, I give attention to that question. Drawing on two
      1990 reviews for comparative purposes, I examine where supervision is now
      relative to four areas: (a) supervision training and practice; (b) measurement;
      (c) difference and diversity; and (d) research. Lines of advance, pressing needs,
      and potential remedies are considered across each area. Effort is made to
      accentuate the "robustly international" nature of clinical supervision and its
      increasing globalization.

PMID- 25122989
TI  - [The medicolegal relevance of benign and malignant coronary artery anomalies].
AB  - Isolated coronary anomalies are rare abnormalities that can be divided into
      benign and malignant forms. Malignant coronary artery abnormalities generally
      present already during infancy or early childhood by causing symptoms or sudden
      death. Benign abnormalities often remain asymptomatic because they are
      hemodynamically irrelevant. Among the 12,985 autopsies performed at the Institute
      of Legal Medicine at the University of Frankfurt (Germany) between 1995 and 2013,
      there were eight cases (0.062%) with isolated coronary artery abnormalities. Five
      of these cases (0.039%) could be included in our retrospective study. These
      involved one deceased female and four deceased male subjects, aged between 2 and
      57 years. In three of these cases (aged 6, 9, and 11 years old), the coronary
      anomaly was classified as malignant and was recorded as the cause of death.
      Benign isolated coronary anomalies are often incidental findings during
      autopsies. However, in one of the cases in our study, coronary sclerosis in
      precisely the anomalous vessel was found to be the origin of a fatal myocardial
      infarction. Malignant isolated coronary artery anomalies attain medicolegal
      significance when they remain undetected despite advanced early detection
      protocols and cause sudden death in childhood.

PMID- 25122990
TI  - [Cause and manner of death in the autopsy material of the Institute of Forensic
      Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, from 2002-2006].
AB  - A retrospective analysis of the autopsy material of the Institute of Forensic
      Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, in the years 2002 to 2006 showed that
      the Giessen material is similar to that of comparable studies but contains a
      relatively large share of lethal intoxications and cases with a concrete
      suspicion of poisoning in which the cause of death was not definitely clarified
      by further investigations. On the basis of our own results it is demonstrated
      that additional chemical, toxicological and histological examinations are helpful
      to determine initially unclear causes of death. In view of the already very low
      autopsy rates in Germany it is strange that more detailed diagnostic measures are
      often omitted.

PMID- 25122991
TI  - [Hans Gross as an archaeologist--the significance of archaeology for
      'encyclopedic' criminology].
AB  - In some cases, forensics and criminology have to cooperate with disciplines that
      usually are counted among the humanities, e.g. with archaeology. This article
      examines the significance of this cooperation for the criminological epistemology
      at the turn of the 19th century. These methodological considerations are
      illustrated by an example: When Hans Gross, who became the founder of the
      Austrian School of Criminology later, saw an unusually shaped hill near Feldbach,
      a town in southern Styria, he assumed this hill to be a burial mound and informed
      the responsible archaeological authorities immediately. Further investigations
      showed, however, that this hill was a natural formation. This is an early example
      for interdisciplinary cooperation, which proves that both in archaeology and in
      criminology a thorough inspection of the site is decisive for further scientific
      analysis of the topic of research.

PMID- 25122992
TI  - [Intentional poisoning of two wives by their husband?].
AB  - The authors report on the death of two women who were married to the same man one
      after the other. Exhumation and toxicological investigation of the first wife,
      who had died 7 years before, did not produce any conclusive evidence of homicide.
      With regard to the circumstances of death of the second wife the husband made
      different statements. According to the result of the chemical and toxicological
      investigations death was caused by acute intoxication with the beta-blocker
      metoprolol. The man was found guilty of killing on request (which is a criminal
      offence in Germany) by administering the beta-blocker metoprolol through a
      transnasal gastric tube.

PMID- 25122993
TI  - [Hand injuries by pyrotechnic articles--case report and reconstructive
      experimental investigations].
AB  - Injuries caused by explosions of fireworks often involve people's hands. The case
      of a young man who suffered severe hand injuries as well as damage to both
      eardrums and one eye is described. Reconstructive experimental investigations of
      the explosive effect of six different pyrotechnic articles were carried out using
      human hands from body donors. With the most powerful firecrackers that used to be
      legally available in Germany ("Super-Boller A", "Kanonenschlag") and a self-made
      one with 36 g gunpowder only blackening of the skin occurred. Three pyrotechnic
      articles not allowed in Germany ("La Bomba", "Color salute" and "Vogelschreck")
      caused serious injury to the hand's soft tissue and bones.

PMID- 25122994
TI  - [Cranial CT as basis for reconstruction of events and identification of a
      weapon].
AB  - Radiological findings, especially CT scans, are of great importance in the
      reconstruction of events and may also be helpful to identify the weapon used.
      This is illustrated by a briefly survived craniocerebral trauma whose origin was
      controversially discussed. A 51-year-old man had suffered a severe craniocerebral
      trauma in a robbery. The CT scans revealed fractures of the left parietal region,
      among them a spider's web fracture, on the cause of which opinions differed (fall
      or blow). It was also unclear which of the three confiscated objects (empty wine
      bottle, bending iron, wooden hammer) was used for the assault. Evaluation of the
      CT findings showed that at least two blows had obviously been inflicted to the
      cranial skull. Apart from several injuries of the scalp due to blows, the typical
      combination of findings in the occipital region and contre-coup lesions suggested
      that the head had also hit the ground due to a fall. The soft tissue injuries may
      have been caused by all the three confiscated objects. The bony injuries were
      most probably caused by the bending iron, whereas the wooden hammer and the wine
      bottle could be ruled out as the causative weapon or were at least highly
      improbable.

PMID- 25122995
TI  - Effect of chainring ovality on joint power during cycling at different workloads
      and cadences.
AB  - Non-circular chainrings theoretically enhance cycling performance by increasing
      effective chainring diameter and varying crank velocity, but research has failed
      to consistently reproduce the benefits in cycling trials. The aim of this study
      was (1) to investigate the effect of different chainring shapes on sagittal knee
      joint moment and sagittal lower limb joint powers and (2) to investigate whether
      alterations are affected by cadence and workload. Fourteen elite cyclists cycled
      in six conditions (70, 90 and 110 rpm, each at 180 and 300 W), for 2 min each,
      using three chainrings of different ovalities (1.0-1.215). Kinematic data and
      pedal forces were collected. For most conditions, only the chainring with the
      highest ovality (1.215) was characterised by smaller sagittal knee joint moments,
      smaller relative sagittal knee joint power contribution and larger relative
      sagittal hip joint power contribution, which suggests a change from maximising
      efficiency to maximising power production. Effect sizes increased with higher
      cadences, but not with higher workload. This study has application for athletes,
      clinicians and sports equipment industry as a non-circular chainring can change
      joint-specific power generation and decrease knee joint moment, but certain
      ovality seems to be necessary to provoke this effect.

PMID- 25122996
TI  - Grip pressure distributions and associated variability in golf: a two-club
      comparison.
AB  - Teaching and playing professionals offer multiple theories concerning the manner
      in which forces should be applied to the handle of the club during the golf
      swing. This study extends recent research concerning grip pressures and forces in
      golf, with the purpose of exploring the similarities and differences between
      force profiles for a 7-iron and driver swung by proficient golfers. A secondary
      purpose was to further analyze the way that golfers use grip forces to manipulate
      the club. Grip forces were measured on eight low handicap golfers (USGA indexes 0
      to 7) swinging their own 7-irons and drivers. In total, lead-hand and trail-hand
      grip forces were isolated as well as anatomically specific forces within the
      hands. Force profile variability across multiple swings for each golfer and
      between golfers characterized consistencies and important differences.
      Correlations between 7-iron and driver force profiles characterized force
      'signatures.' The data highlight large fluctuations in grip forces during the
      swing. Marked differences between participants were observed, involving force
      magnitudes and phasing. Dominant forces arose primarily from the lead hand,
      specifically the last three fingers. Force profiles were highly repeatable across
      swings for a golfer (standard deviations < 7% of total force) and force profile
      correlations between 7-iron and driver for a golfer were remarkably high (r2 =
      0.86). Notably, within swing force variability was greatest during club
      acceleration, but dramatically decreased at impact.

PMID- 25122997
TI  - Musculoskeletal loading during the round-off in female gymnastics: the effect of
      hand position.
AB  - Chronic elbow injuries from tumbling in female gymnastics present a serious
      problem for performers. This research examined how the biomechanical
      characteristics of impact loading and elbow kinematics and kinetics change as a
      function of technique selection. Seven international-level female gymnasts
      performed 10 trials of the round-off from a hurdle step to flic-flac with
      'parallel' and 'T-shape' hand positions. Synchronized kinematic (3D-automated
      motion analysis system; 247 Hz) and kinetic (two force plates; 1,235 Hz) data
      were collected for each trial. Wilcoxon non-parametric test and effect-size
      statistics determined differences between the hand positions examined in this
      study. Significant differences (p < 0.05) and large effect sizes (ES > 0.8) were
      observed for peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF), anterior-posterior GRF,
      resultant GRF, loading rates of these forces and elbow joint angles, and internal
      moments of force in sagittal, transverse, and frontal planes. In conclusion, the
      T-shape hand position reduces vertical, anterior-posterior, and resultant contact
      forces and has a decreased loading rate indicating a safer technique for the
      round-off. Significant differences observed in joint elbow moments highlighted
      that the T-shape position may prevent overloading of the joint complex and
      consequently reduce the potential for elbow injury.

PMID- 25122998
TI  - An analysis of two styles of arm action in the vertical countermovement jump.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two arm swing techniques,
      the simultaneous arm swing and the early arm swing, on vertical countermovement
      jump performance and on the contribution of the arms to vertical movement at the
      centre of mass (CM) during the propulsion phase. Participants were 28 athletes
      practicing sports in which the vertical jump constitutes a basic ability. Ground
      reaction forces were recorded by a force platform and the sagittal plane motion
      was recorded by a video camera. Although at take-off the vertical velocity (2.7
      +/- 0.2m/s for simultaneous technique vs. 2.8 +/- 0.2m/s for early technique; p =
      0.040) and position (1.18 +/- 0.06m for simultaneous vs. 1.17 +/- 0.05m for
      early; p = 0.033) of the CM were significantly different, no difference was
      observed in jump height (1.56 +/- 0.01m in both techniques). The arm action
      differed during the initial and final propulsion phases in both styles but the
      accumulated vertical contribution was similar. The practical implication in
      sports is that the use of the arm-swing technique to reach the maximum jump
      height should be determined by tactical demands instead of the technical
      execution of the arms.

PMID- 25122999
TI  - Comparison of support leg kinetics between side-step and cross-step cutting
      techniques.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the support leg joint
      moment and moment power between side-step (SS) and cross-step (CS) cutting
      techniques with a prescribed 90 degrees cutting angle. Ground reaction forces
      (1,000Hz) and three-dimensional kinematics (250Hz) of SS and CS cutting
      techniques were collected from 20 male college athletes. Normalised peak knee
      extension moment was larger in the SS technique than in the CS technique (0.40 +/
      0.10 in SS; 0.26 +/- 0.08 in CS). In the SS technique, the knee extensors (-0.10
      +/- 0.06 in SS; -0.02 +/- 0.04 in CS) and ankle plantarflexors (-0.12 +/- 0.05 in
      SS; -0.07 +/- 0.03 in CS) did significantly more negative work (normalised). The
      direction change angle (40.5 +/- 8.7 degrees in SS; 33.0 +/- 6.8 degrees in CS)
      and the decrease in horizontal velocity of the centre of mass (-0.63 +/- 0.23 m/s
      in SS; -0.31 +/- 0.23 m/s in CS) were significantly larger in the SS technique.
      These results suggest that the SS technique is an effective means of changing
      running direction at the expense of velocity of the centre of mass and that the
      CS technique is better for minimising the reduction in horizontal velocity of the
      centre of mass.

PMID- 25123000
TI  - Is starting with the feet out of the water faster in backstroke swimming?
AB  - This study aimed to determine if starting with the feet above the water (FAW) in
      male backstroke swimming resulted in faster start times (15-m time) than when the
      feet were underwater (FUW). It was hypothesised that setting higher on the wall
      would generate increased horizontal force and velocity, resulting in quicker
      starts. Twelve high-level male backstrokers performed three trials of the FAW and
      FUW techniques. A biomechanical swimming testing system comprising one force
      plate (1,000 Hz), four lateral-view (100Hz), and five overhead (50Hz) video
      cameras captured the swimmers' performance. Data for each participant's fastest
      trial for each technique were collated, grouped, and statistically analysed.
      Analysis included Wilcoxon, Spearman Rho correlation, and regression analysis.
      Wilcoxon results revealed a significantly faster start time for the FAW technique
      (p < 0.01). Peak horizontal force was significantly smaller for FAW (p = 0.02),
      while take-off horizontal velocity was significantly greater (p = 0.01).
      Regression analysis indicated take-off horizontal velocity to be a good predictor
      of start time for both techniques, and the horizontal displacement of the centre
      of mass for the FAW start.

PMID- 25123001
TI  - Scapulothoracic kinematics during tennis forehand drive.
AB  - Scapular dyskinesis is recognized as an abnormality in the kinetic chain; yet,
      there has been little research quantifying scapular motion during sport tasks.
      Tennis forehand drives of eight highly skilled tennis players were studied to
      assess the scapulothoracic kinematics and evaluate repeatability using video
      based motion analysis. Scapulothoracic downward/upward rotation,
      posterior/anterior tilt, and internal/external rotation were computed using an
      acromial marker cluster. On average, the upward rotation, anterior tilt, and
      internal rotation varied from 1 degrees to 26 degrees, from 7 degrees to 32
      degrees, and from 42 degrees to 100 degrees, respectively, during the tennis
      forehand drive. During the backswing and forward swing phases of the forehand
      stroke, small changes were observed for the three scapular angle values, while
      all angles increased rapidly during the follow-through phase. This suggests that
      the tennis forehand drive may contribute to scapula dyskinesis, mainly due to the
      great amplitude in scapulothoracic anterior tilt and internal rotation observed
      during the follow-through phase. Knowledge of normal scapula motion during sport
      tasks performed at high velocity could improve the understanding of various sport
      specific adaptations and pathologies.

PMID- 25123002
TI  - Unsteady flow phenomena in human undulatory swimming: a numerical approach.
AB  - The undulatory underwater sequence is one of the most important phases in
      competitive swimming. An understanding of the recurrent vortex dynamics around
      the human body and their generation could therefore be used to improve swimming
      techniques. In order to produce a dynamic model, we applied human joint
      kinematics to three-dimensional (3D) body scans of a female swimmer. The flow
      around this dynamic model was then calculated using computational fluid dynamics
      with the aid of moving 3D meshes. Evaluation of the numerical results delivered
      by the various motion cycles identified characteristic vortex structures for each
      of the cycles, which exhibited increasing intensity and drag influence. At
      maximum thrust, drag forces appear to be 12 times higher than those of a passive
      gliding swimmer. As far as we know, this is the first disclosure of vortex rings
      merging into vortex tubes in the wake after vortex recapturing. All unsteady
      structures were visualized using a modified Q-criterion also incorporated into
      our methods. At the very least, our approach is likely to be suited to further
      studies examining swimmers engaging in undulatory swimming during training or
      competition.

PMID- 25123003
TI  - Comparisons of the latching on between newborns with tongue-tie and normal
      newborns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is recommended as the exclusive feeding for the first
      six months of the newborns life. Difficulty in latching and breastfeeding
      resulting from tongue-tie are believed to be a problem. OBJECTIVE: To compare the
      latching on between newborns with tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and normal newborns.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: The subjects were 833 normal, postpartum women who delivered
      without complications at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sririndhorn Medical Center in
      Nakhon Nayok Province between January and June 2013. Their newborns oral
      cavities' were checked for tongue-tie screening and diagnoses using Kotlow's
      criteria. Latch scores were used for latch-on assessment at the second day
      postpartum. Demographic data and latch scores were collected and analyzed by the
      t-test, Chi-square test, Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and One-way of
      ANOVA test. RESULTS: The data shows that the incidence of tongue-tie was 13.4%
      (6.2% with mild tongue-tie, 5.5% with moderate tongue-tie, and 1.7% with severe
      tongue-tie). The mean of latch scores in the tongue-tied groups were
      significantly lower than that in the normal group, especially in the moderate and
      severe tongue-tie subgroups. The odds ratios for latch scores were < or = 8
      compared between the moderate and severe tongue-tied subgroups and the score in
      the normal and mild tongue-tied subgroups was 1.4. CONCLUSION: The latch scores
      in tongue-tied newborns were significantly lower than those in normal newborns.

PMID- 25123004
TI  - Management and clinical outcomes of endometrial hyperplasia during a 13-year
      period in Songklanagarind Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endometrial hyperplasia has long been considered a precursor of
      endometrial cancer but there is no consensus regarding its management. OBJECTIVE:
      To identify management practices and evaluate outcomes of treatments for women
      diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia (EH). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The medical
      records of endometrial hyperplasia at Songklanagarind Hospital between January
      2000 and December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety
      seven patients were diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia during the study
      period. Four patients who did not come for treatment and could not be contacted
      were excluded Therefore, 293 patients were included in the study. Simple
      hyperplasia (SH) was the most common diagnosis accounting for 79.2% of all cases,
      followed by complex hyperplasia (CH) 13.0%, complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH)
      5.8%, and simple atypical hyperplasia (SAH) 2.0%. Seventy-eight percent (18/23)
      of the patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia were treated by
      hysterectomy compared with 9.6% (26/270) of patients without atypia. Of the
      patients diagnosed with atypical EH, 30.4% (7/23) were associated with
      endometrial carcinoma. Overall, 6% (12/201) of the women who had initial non
      hysterectomy management and had additional tissue taken to assess response, had
      persistent disease, and 1% (2/201) had progressive disease. Eleven patients
      (5.9%), who had an initial complete regression during the non-hysterectomy
      management, experienced a recurrence to EH and 2.1% (4/187) were found to have
      recurrence to endometrial cancer CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with
      atypical hyperplasia were managed by initial hysterectomy. The high risk of
      concomitant endometrial cancer supports this choice of treatment. In the non
      atypical EH, the initial non-hysterectomy management was common but EH recurrence
      and progression to endometrial cancer after the initial regression occurs often.
      Therefore, long-term follow-up should be advised.

PMID- 25123005
TI  - Nomogram of placental thickness, placental volume and placental vascular indices
      in healthy pregnant women between 12 and 20 weeks of gestation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To generate the nomogram of placental thickness, volume, and vascular
      indices in healthy pregnant women between 12 to 20 weeks of gestation. MATERIAL
      AND METHOD: An experimental cross sectional study of pregnant women, which were
      categorized into nine groups according to their gestational age ranging from 12
      to 20 weeks of gestation, was done. Placental parameters that included placental
      thickness, volume, and vascular indices were measured using a Voluson E8
      ultrasound machine. The measurements were correlated with gestational age.
      RESULTS: Two hundred ninety four subject were included in this study. The study
      indicated that the placental thickness and volume significantly increased with
      gestational age (r = 0.481, p < 0.001 and r = 0.837, p < 0.001). The correlation
      between the placental volume and gestational age can be formulated according to
      this equation: Placental volume (cm3) = e7.584-42.45(1/GA); R2 = 0.76.
      Nonetheless, there is a very low correlation between the vascularization index
      (VI), vascularization flow index (VFI), and the gestational age (r = 0.162, p =
      0.005 and r = 0.158, p = 0.007). The flow index (FI) was shown to have no
      correlation with gestational age (r(p) = -0.067, p = 0.254). CONCLUSION: From the
      present study, the placental thickness and placental volume significantly
      increased with gestational age. The VI and VFI showed poor correlation with
      gestational age while the FI had no correlation with the gestational age.

PMID- 25123006
TI  - Radiation, chemotherapy or combined modality therapy in adjuvant treatment for
      stage III endometrial carcinoma in lower southern Thailand: disease recurrence
      and overall survival.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To survey disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of
      patients with stage III endometrial carcinoma treated with post-operative
      radiation and/or chemotherapy MATERIAL AND METHOD: The medical records of
      patients with surgical stage III endometrial carcinoma, and receiving adjuvant
      treatment between January 2003 and December 2012 were reviewed DFS and OS were
      analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model.
      RESULTS: Of the 54 eligible patients, 61% underwent radiation, 19% chemotherapy,
      and 20% chemotherapy with radiation. The median DFS was 36.7 months. The 3-year
      DFS and OS was 51.9% (95% CI 36.3-74.1%) and 70.6% (95% CI 57.4-86.8%),
      respectively. There was no significant difference in DFS and OS among treatment
      groups. Cox regression analysis showed grade 2-3 tumors and menopause were
      associated with poor DFS and OS. CONCLUSION: The DFS and OS in stage III
      endometrial carcinoma receiving postoperative adjuvant therapy were quite good
      and were not different among radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and combined
      treatment groups. The multi-center randomized prospective study was needed to
      determine the standard modality.

PMID- 25123007
TI  - Burden of adult pneumonia in Thailand: a nationwide hospital admission data 2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantify the admission mortality, pathogens,factors related to
      mortality, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs in adult hospitalized
      pneumonia in Thailand MATERIAL AND METHOD: The data on hospitalized pneumonia for
      the 2010 fiscal year extracted from the three main health insurance coverage
      schemes in Thailand (the Social Security System (SSS), the Medical Welfare System
      (MWS), and the Civil Servant Medical Benefit System (CSMBS)) were analyzed
      RESULTS: Adult hospitalized pneumonia admissions numbered 136,696, with mortality
      rate 9.63%. The mortality increased with increasing age, 15.49% for age > 80
      years. Influenza virus was the major etiology for 19 to 25 years old (49.30%)
      with low mortality (1-2%). S. pneumoniae and typical pathogens were found in
      every age group. The mortality rate for S. pneumoniae increased with age, viz.
      0%, 1.96%, 5.56%, 7.02%, 6.98%, and 24.24% for 19 to 25, 26 to 40, 41 to 60, 61
      to 70, 71 to 80, and 81+ years old. The mortality rate from C. pneumonia was
      about 10% and high among the younger age group. Gram-negative bacilli and
      Staphylococcus caused high mortality (about 20 to 35%), especially in the older
      age group. The major risk factors for increasing mortality were: elderly (OR
      3.46, 95% CI 3.27-3.77), alcoholic liver disease (OR 3.26, 95% CI 2.85-3.72),
      cirrhosis (OR 3.45, 95% CI 2.93-4.08), heart disease (OR 2.47, 95% CI 2.38-2.56),
      ischemic heart disease (OR 2.21, 95% CI 2.07-2.36), renal failure (OR 5.26, 95%
      CI 5.07-5.49), and cerebrovascular disease (OR 3.62, 95% CI 3.43-3.82). The
      median length of hospital stay was four days (IQR, 3-7 days) and the median cost
      of treatment per admission was US$ 256.63 (IQR, US$ 147.81-531.21). Complications
      such as acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS),
      septicemia, shock, and acute renal failure made hospital stays two to three days
      longer and costs three to seven times higher than no complications. CONCLUSION:
      The mortality from pneumonia among the elderly was high, especially for those
      over 80 and with multiple medical co-morbidities.

PMID- 25123008
TI  - The association between bioimpedance analysis and quality of life in pre-dialysis
      stage 5 chronic kidney disease, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protein-energy wasting is a significant problem in End stage renal
      disease (ESRD) patients. Furthermore, it compromises the patient's Quality of
      life (QOL). Multifrequency Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) is a validated method
      to assess body composition in dialysis patients. There has been no data on the
      relationship between body composition and QOL in ESRD patients who were treated
      with different modalities. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between body
      composition as assessed by BIS and QOL in ESRD patients who received different
      treatment modalities. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study is a cross
      sectional, descriptive analytic study of the association between QOL and BIS in
      ESRD patients in Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand. QOL was assessed by
      WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, body composition was measured by BIS technique. The
      difference between groups was tested by one-way ANOVA test, relationship between
      groups was tested with Pearson correlation test. RESULTS: Eighteen predialysis
      CKD5, 26 peritoneal dialysis (PD), and 34 hemodialysis (HD) patients were
      included in the present study. All PD patients had weekly Kt/V > or = 1.7 per
      week and all HD patients had weekly Kt/V > or = 3.6 per week. There were no
      statistically difference in baseline characteristics including Charlson
      comorbidity index, dietary intake, BMI, and blood pressure between groups. Mean
      QOL scores in each group were in the middle range and not significantly
      difference. PD patients had more over hydration when compare to HD patients
      (16.18 +/- 11.24 vs. 2.36 +/- 11.07 %OH/ECW p < 0.0001). There were inversed
      correlation between overhydration and physical health in HD patients (r = -0.372,
      p = 0.033) but not in PD and CKD5 patients. CKD5 patients had more lean tissue
      index (LTI) than PD and HD patients (LTI = 14.34 +/- 3.13, 12.26 +/- 3.65, 11.48
      +/- 3.48 kg/m2 respectively, p = 0.023). There were correlation between LTI and
      overall QOL in CKD5 (r = 0.690, p = 0.002) and PD patients (r = 0.498, p =
      0.010). In HD patients, LTI was associated with better physical health (r =
      0.464, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: QOL in predialysis-CKD5, PD and HD patients were
      not statistically different. HD patients had better volume control than PD
      patients. Higher LTI were associated with better QOL in ESRD patients.

PMID- 25123009
TI  - The associations of SEA-alpha thalassemia 1, XmnI-Ggamma polymorphism and beta
      globin gene mutations with the clinical severity of beta-thalassemia syndrome in
      northern Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: At least three genetic factors including beta-thalassemia mutations,
      alpha-thalassemia, and XmnI-Ggamma polymorphism were shown to modify clinical
      symptoms in beta-thalassemia disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine associations of
      beta-thalassemia mutations, SEA-alpha thalassemia 1, and XmnI-Ggamma
      polymorphism, and clinical severity of beta-thalassemia in northern Thailand.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty-two beta-thalassemia major and 28 beta-thalassemia
      intermedia attending the Thalassemia Clinic at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai
      Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand were recruited The beta-globin gene mutations and
      SEA-alpha thalassemia 1 were determined by MS-PCR and Gap-PCR, respectively. The
      XmnI-Ggamma polymorphism was identified by RFLP analysis. Odds ratio was
      calculated to evaluate the associations of these three genetic factors and
      clinical symptoms. RESULTS: Eight beta-globin gene mutations (both beta0 and
      beta+) were found Twenty-nine point one percent of the patients had at least one
      XmnI-Ggamma site (XmnI-Ggamma: +) and 4.1% of the patients were heterozygote for
      the SEA-alpha thalassemia 1. The beta-globin gene mutations showed maximal impact
      and the XmnI-Ggamma polymorphism had minimal influence on clinical severity in
      this cohort. The SEA-alpha thalassemia 1 had the least effect on the clinical
      severity due to its low prevalence in these patients. CONCLUSION: Although these
      three genetic factors play roles in modifying clinical symptoms of beta
      thalassemia, the beta-thalassemia mutations should be considered first, followed
      respectively by the XmnI-Ggamma polymorphism and the SEA-alpha thalassemia 1, in
      management and prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia in northern Thailand.

PMID- 25123010
TI  - Validation of the Thai version of the questionnaire for identifying subjects with
      potential rheumatic diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To translate and evaluate the diagnostic property and the feasibility
      of the Thai version of the questionnaire for identifying subjects with potential
      rheumatic diseases. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The original screening questionnaires by
      Liang MH et al were translated and modified from the English version to the Thai
      version. The Thai version of the questionnaire was administered to 450 subjects.
      RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-five patients who fulfilled standard diagnostic
      criteria of each rheumatic disease and 225 healthy subjects were consecutively
      recruited. A positive response to one or more questions of the questionnaire gave
      a sensitivity (95% confidence interval or CI), specificity (95% CI), positive,
      and negative likelihood ratios of 94% (90-97), 73% (67-79), 3.48, and 0.08,
      respectively. The accuracy of test was 93%. Median time-to-complete questionnaire
      was three minutes (range 0.5-15). Most ofthem (950%) completed questionnaires by
      themselves. However 12% of the questionnaires had missing items. False positive
      was prevalent in women, young age, high-educated individuals, and government
      officers. CONCLUSION: The Thai version of the screening questionnaire is valid
      and easy to use for identifying subjects with potential rheumatic diseases. It is
      suitable to use as a screening tool in primary care setting or epidemiologic
      research.

PMID- 25123011
TI  - Patency of vascular accesses for Thai hemodialysis patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Vascular access for hemodialysis is the mode of renal replacement
      therapy for chronic renal failure patients. The present study reports patency
      rates of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and graft (AVG). MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      Between July 2008 and June 2011, 336 vascular accesses were performed in 293
      patients in Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. The
      patient was follow until June 2012. A retrospective review was conduct to analyze
      patency rate. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety three patients underwent 286 AVFs and
      50 AVGs. Patency rate was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Primary patency
      rate of AVF at one, two, and three-year was 78.69%, 70.43%, and 60.72%,
      respectively Assisted primary patency of AVF at one, two, and three-year was
      88.24%, 75.63%, and 40.34%, respectively. Secondary patency rate of AVF at one
      and two-year was 71.46% and 71.46%, respectively. Primary patency rate of AVG at
      one, two, and three-year was 63.94%, 43.93%, and 36.60%, respectively. Assisted
      primary patency of AVG at one-year was 100%. Secondary patency rate of AVG at one
      year was 46.30%. Graft infection was the major complication ofAVG (12%).
      CONCLUSION: The authors' results of vascular access surgery were comparable to
      results from a review of literature.

PMID- 25123012
TI  - Comparative study of femoral sizing between intraoperative measurement and CT
      based PSI in total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Appropriate femoral sizing in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an
      important factor for flexion. An oversized femoral component will decrease
      flexion gap and postoperative flexion. By using custom cutting blocks technique
      with computed tomography (CT) imaging to design cutting blocks will help
      determine sizing of each patient. The differences of femoral sizing between
      intraoperative measurement and custom cutting blocks technique are still
      questionable. OBJECTIVE: To compare femoral component sizing between custom
      cutting blocks technique and conventional technique. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      Retrospective cross-sectional study was collected from 2,321 patients underwent
      primary TKA with the same prosthesis design in Bangkok between January 2012 and
      December 2012. The population was separated into three groups, group A, 2,053
      patients operated by orthopedic surgeons in Bangkok by conventional instrument
      femoral sizing, group B, 218 patients operated by senior experienced arthroplasty
      surgeon (Chotanaphuti T) at Phramongkutklao Hospital using the same measurement
      technique as group A, and group C, 50 patients operated by Chotanaphuti T using
      custom cutting blocks technique for femoral sizing. The femoral component sizes
      were assigned from small to large size as number 1 to 6. Chi-square test and
      Fisher's exact test was used to determine the significant differences between
      amount of patients of each group. RESULTS: In group A, femoral components were
      selected in size 1 (n = 157; 8%), 2 (n = 576; 28%), 3 (n = 737; 36%), 4 (n = 431;
      21%), 5 (n = 144; 7%), and 6 (n = 8; 0.4%) respectively. In group B, femoral
      components were selected in size 1 (n = 31; 14%), 2 (n = 55; 25%), 3 (n = 64;
      29%), 4 (n = 31; 140%), 5 (n = 37; 180%), and 6 (n = 0; 0%) respectively. In
      group C, femoral components were selected in size 1 (n = 7; 14%), 2 (n = 19;
      38%), 3 (n = 11; 220%), 4 (n = 12; 24%), 5 (n = 1; 20%), and 6 (n = 0; 0%)
      respectively. The most chosen size of group A and B were No. 3, but for group C
      was No. 2, which was smaller than the first two group by one size. There were
      statistical difference in group A versus group B (p < 0.0001), and group B versus
      group C (p = 0. 009), but not difference in group A versus group C (p = 0. 096).
      CONCLUSION: Custom cutting blocks technique chooses a femoral component closer to
      knee anatomy of the patients and smaller than intraoperative technique. There are
      several possible causes, which include variable of level or sagittal angle error
      of distal femoral bone cut.

PMID- 25123013
TI  - The sensory restoration in radial nerve injury using the first branch of dorsal
      ulnar cutaneous nerve--a cadaveric study for the feasibility of procedure and
      case demonstration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the new sensory restoration technique in radial nerve
      injury using the first branch of dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve as the donor
      sensory nerve. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Forty formalin-preserved cadavers (18 males
      and 22 females) were used as the subjects of the present study. The localization
      of the origin of first branch of dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve was performed. The
      measurement was done to determine the origin of this nerve in relation to the tip
      of ulnar styloid. The simulated transfer was done. The length of the superficial
      radial nerve that had to be cut was determined. The measurement was done by two
      observers to determine the reliability of measurement. RESULTS: The mean
      horizontal distance (X) to the origin of first branch of dorsal ulnar cutaneous
      nerve measured from the tip of ulnar styloid on the right and left side were 5.22
      mm and 6.51 mm respectively. The mean vertical distance (Y) to the origin of
      first branch of dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve measured from the tip of ulnar
      styloid on the right and left side were -7.72 mm and -4.37 mm respectively. The
      mean length of superficial radial nerve that had to be cut to allow tension free
      anastomosis, measured from the tip of radial styloid on the right and left side
      were 68.21 mm and 65.92 mm respectively. The estimated average size of the
      transferred branch of ulnar cutaneous nerve was about 70% of the size of
      superficial radial nerve. CONCLUSION: The sensory restoration in radial nerve
      injury using sensory nerve transfer from the first branch of dorsal ulnar
      cutaneous nerve was technically feasible regarding to the comparable size between
      two nerves and anatomic consistency of the first branch of dorsal ulnar cutaneous
      nerve.

PMID- 25123014
TI  - CT perfusion in predicting treatment response of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Direct nasopharyngoscope with biopsy is the gold standard for
      assessing tumor response of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). It is invasive with
      risk of hemorrhage or infection. OBJECTIVE: Explore the usefulness of pre
      treatment CTperfusion (CTP) and clarify the parameters in predicting the
      treatment response. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twelve patients with histologically
      proven NPC who underwent pretreatment contrast enhanced CT (CECT) and CTP with
      parameters (blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV) and permeability), followed by
      CECT at three months after complete concurrent chemo-radiotherapy or radiotherapy
      were included in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Pre- and post-treatment
      primary tumor volumes based on free hand drawn region encompassing the entire
      primary tumor were measured and compared The response to therapy was also
      assessed by RECIST guideline version 1.1, based on sum of the diameters of
      longest diameter for primary tumor and minimal transverse diameter for nodal
      lesions for all target lesions on the pre- and post-treatment imaging, and
      classified into "Non-response" group and "Complete response" group. Statistical
      analysis was performed using Pearson 's correlation coefficients and Mann-Whitney
      U test. RESULTS: Ten and two patients (83.3%, 16.7%) belonged to "Complete
      response" and "Non-response "groups respectively. Elevated permeability, BF and
      BV had a following trend of positive correlation with degree of primary tumor
      volume reduction without statistical significance. The values ofpermeability, BFE
      and BV had a trend to be higher in "Complete response" group compared with "Non
      response" group (p = 0.053, 0.390 and 0.519 respectively). The permeability had
      the highest predictive value with an area under the ROC curve of 0.95 and cutoff
      value of 45 ml/100 g/min (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 90%). CONCLUSION: Pre
      treatment CTP can be useful non-invasive tool in predicting treatment response of
      NPC. Permeability is the excellent parameter used to differentiate between
      complete and non-response groups.

PMID- 25123015
TI  - Efficiency comparison of three methods for extracting genomic DNA of the
      pathogenic oomycete Pythium insidiosum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The fungus-like organism Pythium insidiosum is the causative agent of
      a life-threatening tropical infectious disease, pythiosis, which has high rates
      of morbidity and mortality. A lack of reliable diagnostic tools and effective
      treatments for pythiosis presents a major challenge to healthcare professionals.
      Unfortunately, surgical removal of infected organs remains the default treatment
      for pythiosis. P. insidiosum is an understudied organism. In-depth study of the
      pathogen at the molecular level could lead to better means of infection control
      High quality genomic DNA (gDNA) is needed for molecular biology-based research
      and application development, such as: PCR-assisted diagnosis, population studies,
      phylogenetic analysis, and molecular genetics assays. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      quality and quantity of the P. insidiosum gDNA extracted by three separate
      protocols intended for fungal gDNA preparation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Seven P.
      insidiosum isolates were subjected to gDNA extraction by using conventional
      extraction, rapid-extraction, and salt-extraction protocols. RESULTS: The
      conventional protocol offered the best gDNA in terms of quality and quantity, and
      could be scaled up. The rapid-extraction protocol had a short turnaround time,
      but the quality and quantity of the gDNA obtained were limited. The salt
      extraction protocol was simple, rapid, and efficient, making it appealing for
      high throughput preparation of small-scale gDNA samples. CONCLUSION: Compared to
      rapid-extraction protocol, both conventional-extraction and salt-extraction
      protocols provided a better quality and quantity of gDNA, suitable for molecular
      studies of P. insidiosum. In contrast to the other two methods, the salt
      extraction protocol does not require the use of hazardous and expensive materials
      such as phenol, chloroform, or liquid nitrogen.

PMID- 25123016
TI  - Effectiveness of olanzapine for the treatment of breakthrough chemotherapy
      induced nausea and vomiting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of olanzapine for breakthrough emesis
      in addition to standard antiemetic regimen in cancer patients receiving highly
      emetogenic chemotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A phase II prospective open label
      clinical trial was conducted in tertiary care based hospital. Forty-six cancer
      patients diagnosed with solid tumors were enrolled to receive at least one cycle
      of highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) every two to four weeks. Each patient was
      provided standard antiemetic consisting of the generic form of ondansetron plus
      corticosteroids and metoclopramide according to clinical practice guideline.
      Olanzapine was administered as 5 mg orally every 12 hours for two doses in
      patients experiencing breakthrough emesis for at least one episode despite
      standard prevention. The efficacy and tolerability were evaluated every six hours
      for 24 hours (utilizing Index of Nausea, Vomiting and Retching: INVR tool).
      RESULTS: Of 46 evaluable patients receiving HEC and additional olanzapine between
      September 2009 and July 2010, the complete response of breakthrough emesis,
      retching, and nausea control among patients were 60.9%, 71.7%, and 50.0%,
      respectively. Adverse events reported were mild and tolerable including
      dizziness, fatigue, and dyspepsia. CONCLUSION: Olanzapine is considered to be
      safe and effective treatment of breakthrough vomiting in cancer patients
      undergoing highly emetogenic chemotherapy in the present study.

PMID- 25123017
TI  - Co-existence of porokeratosis variants concurrent with Bowen's disease: two rare
      cases report.
AB  - Coexisting variants of porokeratosis rarely occurs. Disseminated superficial
      porokeratosis (DSP) is characterized by multiple uniform small annular papules
      distributed all over body. DSP commonly coexist with linear porokeratosis (LP),
      but it is uncommon for DSP to coexist with porokeratosis of Mibelli (PM). PM
      presents with central atrophic erythematous plaques and thread-like elevated
      border. It occurs mainly on extremities. Although malignant transformation can be
      found in the porokeratosis, there is still no report case of coexisting variants
      of porokeratosis concurrent with Bowen's disease. The clinical and
      histopathologic finding of rare coexisting variants of porokeratosis (PM and DSP)
      concurrent with squamous dysplasia is described.

PMID- 25123019
TI  - Itching for answers: how histamine relaxes lymphatic vessels.
AB  - In the current issue of Microcirculation, studies by Kurtz et al. and
      Nizamutdinova et al. together provide new evidence supporting a role for
      histamine as an endothelial-derived molecule that inhibits lymphatic muscle
      contraction. In particular, Nizamutdinova et al. show that the effects of flow
      induced shear stress on lymphatic endothelium are mediated by both nitric oxide
      and histamine, since only blockade of both prevents contraction strength and
      frequency from being altered by flow. Separately, Kurtz et al. used confocal
      microscopy to determine a preferential expression of histamine receptors on the
      lymphatic endothelium and demonstrated that histamine applied to spontaneously
      contracting collecting lymphatics inhibits contractions. Previous studies
      disagreed on whether histamine stimulates or inhibits lymphatic contractions, but
      also used differing concentrations, species, and preparations. Together these new
      reports shed light on how histamine acts within the lymphatic vasculature, but
      also raise important questions about the cell type on which histamine exerts its
      effects and the signaling pathways involved. This editorial briefly discusses the
      contribution of each study and its relevance to lymphatic biology.

PMID- 25123020
TI  - Call for papers: development of action mirroring: submissions due 1 February
      2015.

PMID- 25123021
TI  - Is increased choroidal thickness associated with primary angle closure?

PMID- 25123018
TI  - Chronic loss of noradrenergic tone produces beta-arrestin2-mediated cocaine
      hypersensitivity and alters cellular D2 responses in the nucleus accumbens.
AB  - Cocaine blocks plasma membrane monoamine transporters and increases extracellular
      levels of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT). The addictive
      properties of cocaine are mediated primarily by DA, while NE and 5-HT play
      modulatory roles. Chronic inhibition of dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), which
      converts DA to NE, increases the aversive effects of cocaine and reduces cocaine
      use in humans, and produces behavioral hypersensitivity to cocaine and D2 agonism
      in rodents, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. We found a decrease in beta
      arrestin2 (betaArr2) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) following chronic genetic or
      pharmacological DBH inhibition, and overexpression of betaArr2 in the NAc
      normalized cocaine-induced locomotion in DBH knockout (Dbh -/-) mice. The D2/3
      agonist quinpirole decreased excitability in NAc medium spiny neurons (MSNs) from
      control, but not Dbh -/- animals, where instead there was a trend for an
      excitatory effect. The Galphai inhibitor NF023 abolished the quinpirole-induced
      decrease in excitability in control MSNs, but had no effect in Dbh -/- MSNs,
      whereas the Galphas inhibitor NF449 restored the ability of quinpirole to
      decrease excitability in Dbh -/- MSNs, but had no effect in control MSNs. These
      results suggest that chronic loss of noradrenergic tone alters behavioral
      responses to cocaine via decreases in betaArr2 and cellular responses to D2/D3
      activation, potentially via changes in D2-like receptor G-protein coupling in NAc
      MSNs. 

PMID- 25123023
TI  - Fumarates, a new treatment option for therapy-resistant hidradenitis suppurativa:
      a prospective open-label pilot study.

PMID- 25123022
TI  - Targets for parathyroid hormone in secondary hyperparathyroidism: is a "one-size
      fits-all" approach appropriate? A prospective incident cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recommendations for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) consider
      that a "one-size-fits-all" target enables efficacy of care. In routine clinical
      practice, SHPT continues to pose diagnosis and treatment challenges. One
      hypothesis that could explain these difficulties is that dialysis population with
      SHPT is not homogeneous. METHODS: EPHEYL is a prospective, multicenter,
      pharmacoepidemiological study including chronic dialysis patients (>= 3 months)
      with newly SHPT diagnosis, i.e. parathyroid hormone (PTH) >= 500 ng/L for the
      first time, or initiation of cinacalcet, or parathyroidectomy. Multiple
      correspondence analysis and ascendant hierarchical clustering on clinico
      biological (symptoms, PTH, plasma phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase) and
      treatment of SHPT (cinacalcet, vitamin D, calcium, or calcium-free calcic
      phosphate binder) were performed to identify distinct phenotypes. RESULTS: 305
      patients (261 with incident PTH >= 500 ng/L; 44 with cinacalcet initiation) were
      included. Their mean age was 67 +/- 15 years, and 60% were men, 92% on
      hemodialysis and 8% on peritoneal dialysis. Four subgroups of SHPT patients were
      identified: 1/ "intermediate" phenotype with hyperphosphatemia without
      hypocalcemia (n = 113); 2/ younger patients with severe comorbidities,
      hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia, despite SHPT multiple medical treatments,
      suggesting poor adherence (n = 73); 3/ elderly patients with few cardiovascular
      comorbidities, controlled phospho-calcium balance, higher PTH, and few treatments
      (n = 75); 4/ patients who initiated cinacalcet (n = 43). The quality criterion of
      the model had a cut-off of 14 (>2), suggesting a relevant classification.
      CONCLUSION: In real life, dialysis patients with newly diagnosed SHPT constitute
      a very heterogeneous population. A "one-size-fits-all" target approach is
      probably not appropriate. Therapeutic management needs to be adjusted to the 4
      different phenotypes.

PMID- 25123024
TI  - Continuous and simultaneous estimation of finger kinematics using inputs from an
      EMG-to-muscle activation model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surface electromyography (EMG) signals are often used in many robot
      and rehabilitation applications because these reflect motor intentions of users
      very well. However, very few studies have focused on the accurate and
      proportional control of the human hand using EMG signals. Many have focused on
      discrete gesture classification and some have encountered inherent problems such
      as electro-mechanical delays (EMD). Here, we present a new method for estimating
      simultaneous and multiple finger kinematics from multi-channel surface EMG
      signals. METHOD: In this study, surface EMG signals from the forearm and finger
      kinematic data were extracted from ten able-bodied subjects while they were
      tasked to do individual and simultaneous multiple finger flexion and extension
      movements in free space. Instead of using traditional time-domain features of
      EMG, an EMG-to-Muscle Activation model that parameterizes EMD was used and shown
      to give better estimation performance. A fast feed forward artificial neural
      network (ANN) and a nonparametric Gaussian Process (GP) regressor were both used
      and evaluated to estimate complex finger kinematics, with the latter rarely used
      in the other related literature. RESULTS: The estimation accuracies, in terms of
      mean correlation coefficient, were 0.85 +/- 0.07, 0.78 +/- 0.06 and 0.73 +/- 0.04
      for the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and the distal
      interphalangeal (DIP) finger joint DOFs, respectively. The mean root-mean-square
      error in each individual DOF ranged from 5 to 15%. We show that estimation
      improved using the proposed muscle activation inputs compared to other features,
      and that using GP regression gave better estimation results when using fewer
      training samples. CONCLUSION: The proposed method provides a viable means of
      capturing the general trend of finger movements and shows a good way of
      estimating finger joint kinematics using a muscle activation model that
      parameterizes EMD. The results from this study demonstrates a potential control
      strategy based on EMG that can be applied for simultaneous and continuous control
      of multiple DOF(s) devices such as robotic hand/finger prostheses or
      exoskeletons.

PMID- 25123026
TI  - Could monitoring methylation markers aid the management of schizophrenia?

PMID- 25123025
TI  - Biomarker and more: can translocator protein 18 kDa predict recovery from brain
      injury and myocarditis?

PMID- 25123029
TI  - Biomarkers and aging.
AB  - Biomarkers and Ageing 25 February 2014, London, UK This conference was organized
      by Euroscicon and was part of the 2014 Ageing Summit. The central theme was
      biomarkers and aging including current research on biomarkers at the genomics and
      proteomics level. The informal atmosphere of the conference promoted interaction
      and networking opportunities between key leaders from industry, academic and
      clinics. Presentations as well as the discussion panel session brought
      opportunities to widely discuss the relevance of biomarkers as signatures for
      human aging or age-related diseases. The meeting highlighted the importance of
      genomics and regulatory elements in aging, their probable role in successful
      aging and their potential interest for future antiaging approaches. The meeting
      was chaired by David Melzer and Lorna Harries (University of Exeter, UK). 

PMID- 25123030
TI  - Development of NuQ nucleosome blood tests for the detection of colon cancer.
AB  - Dr Jake Micallef speaks to Hannah L Wilson, Commissioning Editor: Dr Micallef has
      20 years of experience in research and development and in the management of early
      stage biotechnical companies, including the manufacture of biotechnology products
      and the establishment of manufacturing operations. Dr Micallef gained this
      experience while working for WHO over a 10-year period from 1985. While working
      for WHO, Dr Micallef developed new diagnostic products in the areas of
      reproductive health and cancer. In 1990 he commenced development of a new
      diagnostic technology platform for WHO that was launched in 1992 and supported 13
      tests. Dr Micallef also initiated and implemented in-house manufacture
      (previously outsourced to Abbott Diagnostics Inc., Dartford, UK) and worldwide
      distribution of these products for WHO. In 1990, he started a 'not-for-profit'
      WHO company, Immunometrics Ltd (London, UK), which marketed and distributed those
      diagnostic products worldwide. In 1999 Dr Micallef studied for an MBA and went on
      to co-found Gene Expression Technologies Ltd (London, UK) in 2001 where he
      successfully lead the development of the chemistry of the GeneICE technology and
      implemented the manufacture of GeneICE molecules. He also played a major role in
      business development and procured a GeneICE contract with Bayer Pharmaceuticals
      (Leverkusen, Germany). From 2004 to 2007, he taught 'science and enterprise' to
      science research workers from four universities at CASS Business School (London,
      UK) before joining Cronos Therapeutics (London, UK) in 2004. In 2006 Cronos was
      listed in the UK on AIM, becoming ValiRx. Dr Micallef continued to work as
      Technical Officer for ValiRx, where he in-licensed the Hypergenomics and
      Nucleosomics technologies and co-founded ValiBio SA (Namur, Belgium), which is
      now Belgian Volition SA, a subsidiary of Singapore Volition. Dr Micallef was
      educated at King's College London (UK; BSc, Biology and Chemistry, 1977; PhD
      Physical Chemistry, 1981), St Thomas' Hospital Medical School, London (UK; MSc
      Chemical Pathology, 1985) and Imperial College Management School (UK; MBA, 2000).

PMID- 25123031
TI  - Dynamic sequencing of circulating tumor DNA: novel noninvasive cancer biomarker.

PMID- 25123032
TI  - Pilot study of A-FABP levels as a predictive factor of SPECT results in
      asymptomatic relatives of patients with cardiovascular disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A-FABP is a promising link between metabolic syndrome and
      atherosclerosis. It is not well known whether level of A-FABP predicts results of
      SPECT. PATIENTS & METHODS: In 82 subjects (53 males) with a median age of 54
      years, who were first-degree relatives of patients with cardiovascular disease,
      the following tests and examinations were performed: A-FABP, calcium score (CS)
      and SPECT. RESULTS: Subjects with positive and negative SPECT results differed
      significantly in the noncategorized CS (p = 0.001), uric acid (p = 0.025) and the
      total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein ratio (p = 0.043), but not in other
      parameters (including A-FABP). To predict SPECT results, the best model proved to
      be a logistic regression model with gender and noncategorized CS as predictors,
      with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89 (the
      sensitivity and specificity based on a CS cutoff of 11.1 were 77.78 and 75.34%,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: The serum level of A-FABP is not a predictor of a
      positive SPECT result.

PMID- 25123034
TI  - Circulating microparticles reflect treatment effects and clinical status in
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate whether circulating microparticles (MPs) derived from three cell
      subtypes (platelets, total leukocytes or monocytes) obtained from multiple
      sclerosis (MS) patients were modulated depending on the clinical status and to
      investigate the effect of treatments on MP levels. PATIENTS & METHODS: The MP
      counts were assessed with flow cytometry. RESULTS: The platelet-derived MP level
      was higher in untreated MS patients than controls. Relapsing-remitting patients
      showed the highest levels in the three subtypes of MP while secondary progressive
      patients presented similar levels to those of healthy controls. Treatments had
      significant effects increasing the three subtypes of MP counts. CONCLUSION: We
      suggest that MPs play a role in MS pathogenesis, reflecting disease status with
      an increment of their shedding during inflammatory periods and turning to
      baseline during chronic progressive degeneration.

PMID- 25123033
TI  - Sialylation of Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen is a noninvasive blood-based
      biomarker for GNE myopathy.
AB  - AIM: The exact pathomechanism of GNE myopathy remains elusive, but likely
      involves aberrant sialylation. We explored sialylation status of blood-based
      glycans as potential disease markers. METHODS: We employed immunoblotting, lectin
      histochemistry and mass spectrometry. RESULTS: GNE myopathy muscle showed
      hyposialylation of predominantly O-linked glycans. The O-linked glycome of
      patients' plasma compared with controls showed increased amounts of desialylated
      Thomsen-Friedenreich (T)-antigen, and/or decreased amounts of its sialylated
      form, ST-antigen. Importantly, all patients had increased T/ST ratios compared
      with controls. These ratios were normalized in a patient treated with intravenous
      immunoglobulins as a source of sialic acid. DISCUSSION:  GNE myopathy clinical
      trial data will reveal whether T/ST ratios correlate to muscle function. 
      CONCLUSION: Plasma T/ST ratios are a robust blood-based biomarker for GNE
      myopathy, and may also help explain the pathology and course of the disease.

PMID- 25123035
TI  - Serum HER2 extracellular domain as a potential alternative for tissue HER2 status
      in metastatic gastric cancer patients.
AB  - AIM: We investigated whether serum concentrations of the HER2 extracellular
      domain (ECD) can be used as an alternative to test tissue HER2 status in
      metastatic gastric cancer. MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 133 cases of
      metastatic gastric cancer were included in present study. Serum HER2 ECD was
      measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis was used to determine optimal serum HER2 ECD
      concentrations for differentiation between positive and negative HER2 status.
      RESULTS: The median level of serum HER2 ECD was 9.6 ng/ml in metastatic gastric
      cancer patients. There was a significant relationship between serum and tissue
      levels of HER2 protein (p < 0.001). Area under the curve for serum HER2 ECD was
      0.771 (95% CI: 0.682-0.860). CONCLUSION: Levels of serum HER2 ECD are highly
      correlated with tissue HER2 status in metastatic gastric cancer. Serum HER2 ECD
      assay can be considered as a potential alternative for tissue HER2 status.

PMID- 25123036
TI  - KLK11 mRNA expression predicts poor disease-free and overall survival in
      colorectal adenocarcinoma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dysregulated expression of several KLK family members has been
      observed in colorectal adenocarcinoma. In the present study, the prognostic value
      of KLK11 mRNA expression as a molecular tissue biomarker in colorectal
      adenocarcinoma was examined. MATERIALS & METHODS: Using quantitative real-time
      PCR, KLK11 mRNA expression was studied in 120 cancerous and 41 paired
      noncancerous colorectal specimens obtained from 120 patients with primary
      colorectal adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: A significant upregulation of KLK11
      transcripts in colorectal tumors was observed. KLK11 mRNA expression was
      associated with the depth of tumor invasion and the histological grade.
      Furthermore, KLK11 mRNA expression predicted poor disease-free and overall
      survival, independently of patient gender, age, tumor size, location,
      histological subtype, grade, venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, TNM stage,
      radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. CONCLUSION: KLK11 mRNA expression could
      be considered as a new molecular prognostic biomarker in colorectal
      adenocarcinoma, with additional prognostic value in patients with highly invasive
      tumors and/or positive lymph nodes.

PMID- 25123037
TI  - IGFBP1 in epithelial circulating tumor cells as a potential response marker to
      selective internal radiation therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Local ablative techniques such as selective internal radiation
      therapy (SIRT) have become the mainstay of treating hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) in the bridging-to-transplant and palliative setting. We recently
      demonstrated that epithelial circulating tumor cells (CTCs) correlate to an
      unfavorable outcome. We wanted to scrutinize whether molecular markers detected
      in this specific CTC subgroup may also have clinical implications. MATERIALS &
      METHODS: Mononuclear cells and CTCs were isolated from peripheral blood samples
      using density gradient centrifugation followed by depletion of hematopoietic and
      enrichment of epithelial (EpCAM(+)) cells employing immunomagnetic beads. The
      mRNA expression of candidate markers was correlated with response to SIRT in 25
      patients using quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR. RESULTS: IGFBP1
      mRNA expression levels were significantly correlated with time to progression in
      a Kaplan-Meier log rank test (p = 0.04; 0 vs 4 months) and receiver operating
      characteristic analysis demonstrated a potential use to predict patients with
      shortened time to progression (area under the curve: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.44-0.98; p =
      0.03). CONCLUSION: The EpCAM fraction of CTCs may be useful to detect novel
      molecular markers to individualize treatment decision in patients with HCC.

PMID- 25123038
TI  - Novel single-chain antibody GD3A10 defines a chondroitin sulfate biomarker for
      ovarian cancer.
AB  - AIMS: Ovarian cancer has the highest case-to-fatality-index of all gynecological
      cancers. In this study, tumor-related alterations in the extracellular matrix,
      especially regarding chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans, are proposed as a
      novel biomarker in ovarian cancer. MATERIALS & METHODS: Phage display technology
      was applied to select antibody GD3A10, which was obtained by biopanning using
      embryonic glycosaminoglycans as a source for carcinogenic antigens. GD3A10
      antigen specificity was studied in situ using glycosaminoglycan degrading
      enzymes. A patient cohort (n = 159) was immunohistochemically stained. Scoring
      was correlated with clinical prognostic parameters and survival. Normal rat
      organs were used to study normal antigen distribution. RESULTS: GD3A10 is a
      specific anti-chondroitin sulfate antibody and the epitope was absent or very
      restricted in normal rat organs, normal ovaries and benign ovarian tumors. Strong
      stromal expression was observed in malignant ovarian tumors, and correlated with
      poor prognostic factors such as subtype, tumor grade and recurrence. CONCLUSION:
      tumor-associated glycosaminoglycans are an interesting source of biomarkers in
      ovarian cancer, as shown here using chondroitin sulfate antibody GD3A10.

PMID- 25123039
TI  - Biomarkers of cartilage and surrounding joint tissue.
AB  - The identification and clinical demonstration of efficacy and safety of osteo-
      and chondro-protective drugs are met with certain difficulties. During the last
      few decades, the pharmaceutical industry has, in the field of rheumatology,
      experienced disappointments associated with the development of disease
      modification. Today, the vast amount of patients suffering from serious, chronic
      joint diseases can only be offered treatments aimed at improving symptoms, such
      as pain and acute inflammation, and are not aimed at protecting the joint tissue.
      This huge, unmet medical need has been the driver behind the development of
      improved analytical techniques allowing better and more efficient clinical trial
      design, implementation and analysis. With this review, we aim to provide a brief
      and general overview of biochemical markers of joint tissue, with special focus
      on neoepitopes. Furthermore, we highlight recent studies applying biochemical
      markers in joint degenerative diseases. These disorders, including
      osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathies, are the most
      predominant disorders in Europe and the USA, and have enormous socioeconomical
      impact. 

PMID- 25123040
TI  - miRNA panels as biomarkers for bladder cancer.
AB  - AIM: Specific miRNA profiles have been identified for several samples from
      patients with bladder cancer. The results are not always congruent and partly
      contradictory. A comparison of published data was performed to select potential
      markers. MATERIALS & METHODS: A literature search in PubMed identified 79
      articles published prior to June 2013. Reports regarding the detection of miRNAs
      in urine and blood have rarely been published; to date, nine respectively three
      articles are available. RESULTS: The comparison of published data proved the
      utility of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic indicators of bladder cancer. In
      urine samples from bladder cancer patients, seven miRNAs were concordantly
      expressed with tumor tissues. CONCLUSION: Standardization is strictly required in
      pre-analytics and methods of miRNA measurements.

PMID- 25123041
TI  - Implementation of PSA-based active surveillance in prostate cancer.
AB  - Prostate cancer screening had led to the diagnosis of a large proportion of
      localized and low-risk disease. Many of these cancer cases are believed to be
      indolent and would not be clinically perceived in the absence of screening. In
      addition to that, the wide use of active treatment has exposed these patients to
      treatment-related quality-of-life impact. In this setting active surveillance as
      a way of deferring active treatment and reserving such treatment to cases of
      disease progression only has gained interest. PSA has been widely used to
      identify patients eligible for active surveillance and also for disease
      monitoring. The goal of this review was to describe the place of PSA in the
      monitoring of patients under active surveillance based on the existing studies
      and to discuss the importance of PSA in light of other existing or emerging tools
      to monitor prostate cancer in active surveillance. 

PMID- 25123042
TI  - Detection of colorectal cancer by DNA methylation biomarker SEPT9: past, present
      and future.
AB  - Colorectal cancer has become the third most common cancer in the world. Early
      diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce colorectal cancer mortality. The
      current routinely used fecal-based screening methods do not provide satisfactory
      sensitivity. Although colonoscopy provides macroscopic diagnosis, the compliance
      is low due to its inconvenience and complications. Hence, the development of new
      screening methods is needed urgently. Peripheral blood SEPT9 gene methylation
      assay has become a potential option with promising future for early detection and
      screening of colorectal cancer. It is shown to be convenient, reliable with good
      compliance by several clinical trials. This article will review the theoretical
      foundation and development of the assay, focusing on its clinical trials,
      comparing it with other screening methods and discussing its future applications.

PMID- 25123045
TI  - Scratch wound closure of myoblasts and myotubes is reduced by inflammatory
      mediators.
AB  - Complex interactions exist between muscle repair processes and acute inflammatory
      responses that are initiated by exercise-induced muscle damage. The purpose of
      this study was to examine whether inflammatory mediators secreted by activated
      macrophages affect the migration of myogenic cells to the injury site. Migration
      was measured using a scratch wound closure assay in C2 C12 -derived myogenic
      cells incubated in activated macrophage-conditioned medium. Both myoblast and
      myotube migrations were significantly reduced in activated macrophage-conditioned
      medium compared with control medium. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the
      inhibitory effect on myoblast and myotube migrations was mediated, at least in
      part, by the two major cytokines secreted by activated macrophages, tumour
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6. These findings suggest that
      the migration rate of myogenic cells may be reduced by inflammatory mediators. It
      may provide useful insights for future researches on the role of macrophages in
      the process of muscle repair and regeneration. 

PMID- 25123046
TI  - Multicomponent reactions involving phosphines, arynes and aldehydes.
AB  - Although nucleophilic phosphine-catalysis is a powerful tool for the construction
      of various carbocycles and heterocycles, the reactions in which phosphines are
      incorporated into the final product are rare, and the reports on phosphine
      addition to highly electrophilic arynes are scarce. Herein, we report the
      phosphine triggered multicomponent reaction of arynes and aldehydes, which takes
      place via the formal [3+2] cycloaddition of an initially generated 1,3
      phosphonium zwitterion from phosphines and arynes with aldehydes. The reaction
      resulted in the formation of a diverse range of stable pentacovalent phosphoranes
      in good yields based on the benzooxaphosphole system. 

PMID- 25123044
TI  - Effect of Part D coverage restrictions for antidepressants, antipsychotics, and
      cholinesterase inhibitors on related nursing home resident outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In 2006, Medicare Part D transitioned prescription drug coverage for
      dual-eligible nursing home residents from Medicaid to Medicare and randomly
      assigned them to Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs). Because PDPs may differ
      in coverage, plans may be more or less generous for drugs that an individual is
      taking. Taking advantage of the fact that randomization mitigates potential
      selection bias common in observational studies, this study sought to assess the
      effect of PDP coverage on resident outcomes for three medication classes-
      antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cholinesterase inhibitors. DESIGN:
      Retrospective cohort study to examine the effect of coverage restrictions-
      including noncoverage and coverage with restrictions--on depression,
      hallucinations and delusions, aggressive behaviors, cognitive performance, and
      activities of daily living for dual-eligible nursing home residents randomized to
      PDPs in 2006 to 2008. The analyses further adjusted for baseline health status to
      address any residual imbalances in the comparison groups. SETTING: Linked data
      from Medicare claims, Minimum Data Set assessments, pharmacy claims, and PDP
      formulary information. PARTICIPANTS: Dual-eligible nursing home residents aged 65
      and older living in facilities that contracted with a single pharmacy provider.
      RESULTS: PDP coverage restrictions in three medication classes of interest were
      not significantly associated with the resident outcomes examined. Although
      cholinesterase inhibitor users facing coverage restrictions had a 0.04-point
      lower depression rating score than residents facing no restrictions, this
      difference was not statistically significant after adjusting for multiple
      comparisons. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that exogenous changes in coverage
      for three commonly used medication classes had no detectable effect on nursing
      home resident outcomes in 2006 to 2008. There are several possible explanations
      for this lack of association, including the role of policy protections for dual
      eligible nursing home residents and the possibility that suitable clinical
      alternatives were identified or that previously used medications offered little
      clinical benefit.

PMID- 25123047
TI  - Poor adherence to the World Health Organization guidelines of treatment of severe
      pneumonia in children at Khartoum, Sudan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is as a major cause for childhood
      morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study was conducted to investigate the
      adherence and response of the WHO guidelines for treatment of severe pneumonia.
      METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the period of June 2009 to July
      2010 at Khartoum Hospital, Sudan. Children admitted and treated for severe
      pneumonia were enrolled. RESULTS: Only 39 (18.8%) out of 208 enrolled children
      received prescriptions that were adherent to the WHO guidelines of treatment of
      severe pneumonia. In logistic regression none of the investigated variable (age,
      gender, and clinical presentations) was associated with the adherence to the WHO
      guidelines. There was no significant difference in the response between adherent
      and non-adherent prescriptions. There was no association between the demographic,
      clinical data, treatment-adherence to the guidelines and the patients' response.
      CONCLUSION: There is a poor (18.8%) adherence to the WHO guidelines of the
      treatment of severe pneumonia in the region regardless to the age, gender and
      clinical presentation.

PMID- 25123048
TI  - Quality assessment of 3D-CTVR, MPR and section plane techniques in ossicular
      chain reconstruction in middle ear cholesteatoma.
AB  - AIM: To assess the quality of three-dimensional volume rendered computer
      tomography (3D-CTVR), multi-planar reformation (MPR) and CT section plane in the
      fine diagnosis of ossicular chain in middle ear cholesteatoma. METHODS: Sixty
      patients with middle ear cholesteatoma were selected in this retrospective study.
      All cases underwent pre-operative CT scan. The respective radiologic reports of
      the ossicles status via three protocols were then compared to surgical findings.
      RESULTS: Quality assessment of these three protocols in the fine diagnosis of
      fine ossicles buried inside the soft tissue showed that both CTVR and MPR are
      more superior to conventional section plane, especially CTVR. CONCLUSION: The
      uses of CTVR and MPR, in conjunction with conventional section plane, are better
      able to show where the true and fine ossicular chain in the cholesteatoma mass
      is. In the final analysis, we believe that the use of CTVR and MPR techniques can
      have profound contributive value in future clinical work.

PMID- 25123050
TI  - Bovine tuberculosis slaughter surveillance in the United States 2001-2010:
      assessment of its traceback investigation function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The success of tracing cattle to the herd of origin after the
      detection and confirmation of bovine tuberculosis (TB) lesions in cattle at
      slaughter is a critical component of the national bovine TB eradication program
      in the United States (U.S.). The aims of this study were to 1) quantify the
      number of bovine TB cases identified at slaughter that were successfully traced
      to their herd of origin in the U.S. during 2001-2010, 2) quantify the number of
      successful traceback investigations that found additional TB infected animals in
      the herd of origin or epidemiologically linked herds, and 3) describe the forms
      of animal identification present on domestic bovine TB cases and their
      association with traceback success. RESULTS: We analyzed 2001-2010 data in which
      371 granulomatous lesions were confirmed as bovine TB. From these 114 bovine TB
      cases, 78 adults (i.e. sexually intact bovines greater than two years of age),
      and 36 fed (i.e. less than or equal to two years of age) were classified as
      domestic cattle (U.S. originated). Of these adults and fed cases, 83% and 13%
      were successfully traced, respectively. Of these traceback investigations, 70% of
      adult cases and 50% of fed cases identified additional bovine TB infected animals
      in the herd of origin or an epidemiologically linked herd. We found that the
      presence of various forms of animal identification on domestic bovine TB cases at
      slaughter may facilitate successful traceback investigations; however, they do
      not guarantee it. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide valuable information with
      regard to epidemiological traceback investigations and serve as a baseline to aid
      U.S. officials when assessing the impact of newly implemented strategies as part
      of the national bovine TB eradication in the U.S.

PMID- 25123051
TI  - Comparison of three noninvasive methods for hemoglobin screening of blood donors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To prevent phlebotomy of anemic individuals and to ensure hemoglobin
      (Hb) content of the blood units, Hb screening of blood donors before donation is
      essential. Hb values are mostly evaluated by measurement of capillary blood
      obtained from fingerstick. Rapid noninvasive methods have recently become
      available and may be preferred by donors and staff. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate for the first time all different noninvasive methods for Hb screening.
      STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood donors were screened for Hb levels in three
      different trials using three different noninvasive methods (Haemospect [MBR
      Optical Systems GmbH & Co. KG], NBM 200 [LMB Technology GmbH], Pronto-7 [Masimo
      Europe Ltd]) in comparison to the established fingerstick method (CompoLab Hb
      [Fresenius Kabi GmbH]) and to levels obtained from venous samples on a cell
      counter (Sysmex [Sysmex Europe GmbH]) as reference. The usability of the
      noninvasive methods was assessed with an especially developed survey. RESULTS:
      Technical failures occurred by using the Pronto-7 due to nail polish, skin color,
      or ambient light. The NBM 200 also showed a high sensitivity to ambient light and
      noticeably lower Hb levels for women than obtained from the Sysmex. The
      statistical analysis showed the following bias and standard deviation of
      differences of all methods in comparison to the venous results: Haemospect, -0.22
      +/- 1.24; NBM, 200 -0.12 +/- 1.14; Pronto-7, -0.50 +/- 0.99; and CompoLab Hb, 
      0.53 +/- 0.81. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive Hb tests represent an attractive
      alternative by eliminating pain and reducing risks of blood contamination. The
      main problem for generating reliable results seems to be preanalytical
      variability in sampling. Despite the sensitivity to environmental stress, all
      methods are suitable for Hb measurement.

PMID- 25123052
TI  - Low physiological levels of prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha improve human sperm
      functions.
AB  - Prostaglandins (PGs) have been reported to be present in the seminal fluid and
      cervical mucus, affecting different stages of sperm maturation from
      spermatogenesis to the acrosome reaction. This study assessed the effects of low
      physiological PGE2 and PGF2alpha concentrations on human sperm motility and on
      the ability of the spermatozoa to bind to the zona pellucida (ZP). Human
      spermatozoa were isolated from seminal samples with normal concentration and
      motility parameters and incubated with 1MUM PGE2, 1MUM PGF2alpha or control
      solution to determine sperm motility and the ability to bind to human ZP. The
      effects of both PGs on intracellular calcium levels were determined. Incubation
      for 2 or 18h with PGE2 or PGF2alpha resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increase
      in the percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motility. In contrast with
      PGF2alpha, PGE2 alone induced an increase in sperm intracellular calcium levels;
      however, the percentage of sperm bound to the human ZP was doubled for both PGs.
      These results indicate that incubation of human spermatozoa with low
      physiological levels of PGE2 or PGF2alpha increases sperm functions and could
      improve conditions for assisted reproduction protocols. 

PMID- 25123053
TI  - Pre-existing anti-HLA antibodies negatively impact survival of pediatric aplastic
      anemia patients undergoing HSCT.
AB  - Graft failure and survival are the major problems for patients with aplastic
      anemia undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Previous
      studies showed that anti-HLA antibodies negatively impact engraftment in HSCT.
      This retrospective study of 51 pediatric patients with acquired aplastic anemia
      who underwent allogeneic HSCT at a single institution between 2006 and 2012
      investigated the influence of anti-HLA antibodies on the outcome of HSCT. Serum
      samples collected before HSCT were tested for the presence of anti-HLA
      antibodies. Pre-existing anti-HLA antibodies were detected in 54.9% (28/51) of
      patients, among whom 39.2% (20/51) had anti-HLA class I antibodies. Anti-HLA
      antibodies were associated with worse five-yr survival (78.6% vs. 100%, p =
      0.021) and higher treatment-related mortality (21.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.028) compared
      with antibody-negative patients. Anti-HLA class I antibody-positive patients had
      poorer five-yr survival (75.0%) than anti-HLA class I&II antibody-positive and
      antibody-negative patients (87.5% and 100.0%, respectively, p = 0.039). Presence
      of anti-HLA class I antibodies (p = 0.024) and older age (10 yr or more; p =
      0.027) significantly increased the risk of post-HSCT mortality. Pre-existing anti
      HLA antibodies negatively affect the outcome of HSCT in pediatric patients with
      aplastic anemia. Routine testing for anti-HLA antibodies concurrent with
      efficient treatment should be conducted prior to HSCT. 

PMID- 25123054
TI  - Tobacco use and smoking cessation among third-year dental students in southern
      Brazil.
AB  - The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to assess tobacco use and
      smoking cessation among third-year dental students in southern Brazil. The Global
      Health Professions Student Survey questionnaire was used in eight dental schools
      in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Of the 663 eligible students, 576 (87%)
      participated. The prevalence of current smoking was 19.1% [95% confidence
      interval (CI): 12.9-25.3%], and 61.6% (95% CI: 54.9-68.3%) of students reported
      having smoked at least once in their lifetime. The prevalence of dental students
      who had smoked >= 100 cigarettes in their lifetime was 17.1% (95% CI: 12.5
      21.7%). Being frequently exposed to other smokers at home or in other places
      (second-hand smoke) increased the likelihood of current smoking by two- to
      threefold. Approximately 6.1% (95% CI: 3.5-8.7%) of the students reported that
      they currently wanted to stop smoking and 7.5% (95% CI: 5.3-9.6%) had tried to
      stop smoking in the last year. Friends and family were the most frequent sources
      of help or counselling, and only a limited proportion of students received help
      from health professionals. Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoking is
      widespread among dental students in southern Brazil. Smoking-cessation
      initiatives targeting health care students are urgently needed.

PMID- 25123049
TI  - Daily torpor and hibernation in birds and mammals.
AB  - Many birds and mammals drastically reduce their energy expenditure during times
      of cold exposure, food shortage, or drought, by temporarily abandoning euthermia,
      i.e. the maintenance of high body temperatures. Traditionally, two different
      types of heterothermy, i.e. hypometabolic states associated with low body
      temperature (torpor), have been distinguished: daily torpor, which lasts less
      than 24 h and is accompanied by continued foraging, versus hibernation, with
      torpor bouts lasting consecutive days to several weeks in animals that usually do
      not forage but rely on energy stores, either food caches or body energy reserves.
      This classification of torpor types has been challenged, suggesting that these
      phenotypes may merely represent extremes in a continuum of traits. Here, we
      investigate whether variables of torpor in 214 species (43 birds and 171 mammals)
      form a continuum or a bimodal distribution. We use Gaussian-mixture cluster
      analysis as well as phylogenetically informed regressions to quantitatively
      assess the distinction between hibernation and daily torpor and to evaluate the
      impact of body mass and geographical distribution of species on torpor traits.
      Cluster analysis clearly confirmed the classical distinction between daily torpor
      and hibernation. Overall, heterothermic endotherms tend to be small; hibernators
      are significantly heavier than daily heterotherms and also are distributed at
      higher average latitudes (~35 degrees ) than daily heterotherms (~25 degrees ).
      Variables of torpor for an average 30 g heterotherm differed significantly
      between daily heterotherms and hibernators. Average maximum torpor bout duration
      was >30-fold longer, and mean torpor bout duration >25-fold longer in
      hibernators. Mean minimum body temperature differed by ~13 degrees C, and the
      mean minimum torpor metabolic rate was ~35% of the basal metabolic rate (BMR) in
      daily heterotherms but only 6% of BMR in hibernators. Consequently, our analysis
      strongly supports the view that hibernators and daily heterotherms are
      functionally distinct groups that probably have been subject to disruptive
      selection. Arguably, the primary physiological difference between daily torpor
      and hibernation, which leads to a variety of derived further distinct
      characteristics, is the temporal control of entry into and arousal from torpor,
      which is governed by the circadian clock in daily heterotherms, but apparently
      not in hibernators. 

PMID- 25123055
TI  - Comparison of three methods for detection of gametocytes in Melanesian children
      treated for uncomplicated malaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gametocytes are the transmission stages of Plasmodium parasites, the
      causative agents of malaria. As their density in the human host is typically low,
      they are often undetected by conventional light microscopy. Furthermore,
      application of RNA-based molecular detection methods for gametocyte detection
      remains challenging in remote field settings. In the present study, a detailed
      comparison of three methods, namely light microscopy, magnetic fractionation and
      reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for detection of Plasmodium
      falciparum and Plasmodium vivax gametocytes was conducted. METHODS: Peripheral
      blood samples from 70 children aged 0.5 to five years with uncomplicated malaria
      who were treated with either artemether-lumefantrine or artemisinin-naphthoquine
      were collected from two health facilities on the north coast of Papua New Guinea.
      The samples were taken prior to treatment (day 0) and at pre-specified intervals
      during follow-up. Gametocytes were measured in each sample by three methods: i)
      light microscopy (LM), ii) quantitative magnetic fractionation (MF) and, iii)
      reverse transcriptase PCR (RTPCR). Data were analysed using censored linear
      regression and Bland and Altman techniques. RESULTS: MF and RTPCR were similarly
      sensitive and specific, and both were superior to LM. Overall, there were
      approximately 20% gametocyte-positive samples by LM, whereas gametocyte
      positivity by MF and RTPCR were both more than two-fold this level. In the subset
      of samples collected prior to treatment, 29% of children were positive by LM, and
      85% were gametocyte positive by MF and RTPCR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The
      present study represents the first direct comparison of standard LM, MF and RTPCR
      for gametocyte detection in field isolates. It provides strong evidence that MF
      is superior to LM and can be used to detect gametocytaemic patients under field
      conditions with similar sensitivity and specificity as RTPCR.

PMID- 25123056
TI  - Pulmonary microvascular lesions regress in reperfused chronic thromboembolic
      pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary microvascular disease (PMD) develops in both occluded and
      non-occluded territories in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary
      hypertension (CTEPH) and may cause persistent pulmonary hypertension after
      pulmonary endarterectomy. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are
      potential PMD severity biomarkers, but it remains unknown whether they are
      related to occluded or non-occluded territories. We assessed PMD and ET-1/IL-6
      gene expression profiles in occluded and non-occluded territories with and
      without chronic lung reperfusion in an animal CTEPH model. METHODS: Chronic PH
      was induced in 10 piglets by left pulmonary artery (PA) ligation followed by
      weekly embolization of right lower lobe arteries with enbucrilate tissue adhesive
      for 5 weeks. At Week 6, 5 of 10 animals underwent left PA reperfusion. At Week
      12, animals with and without reperfusion were compared with sham animals (n = 5).
      Hemodynamics, lung morphometry and ET-1/IL-6 gene expression profiles were
      assessed in the left lung (LL, occluded territories) and right upper lobe (RUL,
      non-occluded territories). RESULTS: At Week 12, mean PA pressure remained
      elevated without reperfusion (29.0 +/- 2.8 vs 27.0 +/- 1.1 mm Hg, p = 0.502), but
      decreased after reperfusion (30.0 +/- 1.5 vs 20.5 +/- 1.7 mm Hg, p = 0.013).
      Distal media thickness in the LL and RUL PAs and systemic vasculature to the LL
      were significantly lower in the reperfused and sham groups compared with the non
      reperfused group. PMD progression was related to ET-1 and IL-6 gene expression in
      the RUL and to the ET-A/ET-B gene expression ratio in the LL. CONCLUSIONS: PMD
      regressed in occluded and non-occluded territories after lung reperfusion.
      Changes in ET-1 and IL-6 gene expression were associated with PMD in non-occluded
      territories.

PMID- 25123057
TI  - Four types of Bifidobacteria trigger autophagy response in intestinal epithelial
      cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of gut microbiota on autophagy
      activation in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and to evaluate the IEC autophagy
      response to different types of Bifidobacteria. METHODS: IEC-18 cells were treated
      with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
      (EPEC) O127:B8 and culture medium supernatants of four types of Bifidobacteria.
      Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured using an epithelial
      voltohmmeter. Autophagy was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM),
      the ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I and the persistence of both green fluorescent
      protein (GFP) and mCherry signals using a tandem mCherry-GFP-LC3 construct. The
      expression of Atg12-Atg5-Atg16 complex was measured by quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: EPEC-LPS significantly diminished the TEER of
      IEC compared with untreated controls by 45-55%. This reduction was not observed
      after treated with Bifidobacteria at all time points. Bifidobacteria could
      initiate the activation of autophagy in IEC, based on both the ratio of LC3-II to
      LC3-I and TEM. There was no difference in the influence of the four types of
      Bifidobacteria on the autophagy response. Compared with Bifidobacteria, IEC
      reacted to EPEC-LPS much more intensively by autophagy accumulation. More
      mCherry(+) LC3 autophagic puncta and increased expressions of autophagy genes
      Atg5, Atg12 and Atg16 could be detected after being treated with Bifidobacteria
      and EPEC-LPS. CONCLUSIONS: Bifidobacteria initiate autophagy activation in IEC.
      The Atg12-Atg5-Atg16 multimeric complex might participate in the activation of
      Bifidobacteria-induced cell autophagy.

PMID- 25123058
TI  - Electroneutralized amphiphilic triblock copolymer with a peptide dendron for
      efficient muscular gene delivery.
AB  - Hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic triblock copolymers, such as Pluronic L64,
      P85, and P105, have attracted more attention due to their enhancement in muscular
      gene delivery. In the present study, a new kind of electroneutralized triblock
      copolymer, LPL, dendron G2(L-lysine-Boc)-PEG2k-dendron G2(L-lysine-Boc), was
      designed and investigated. This hydrophobic-hydrophilic-hydrophobic copolymer is
      composed of a structure reverse to that of L64, one of the most effective
      materials for intramuscular gene delivery so far. Our results showed that LPL
      exhibited good in vivo biocompatibility after intramuscular and intravenous
      administration. LPL mediated higher reporter gene expression than L64 in assays
      of beta-galactosidase (LacZ), luciferase, and fluorescent protein E2-Crimson.
      Furthermore, LPL-mediated mouse growth hormone expression significantly
      accelerated mouse growth within the first 10 days. Altogether, LPL-mediated gene
      expression in skeletal muscle exhibits the potential of successful gene therapy.
      The current study also presented an innovative way to design and construct new
      electroneutralized triblock copolymers for safe and effective intramuscular gene
      delivery.

PMID- 25123059
TI  - Relationship between patient-perceived vocal handicap and clinician-rated level
      of vocal dysfunction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The relationship between patient-reported vocal handicap
      and clinician-rated measures of vocal dysfunction is not understood. This study
      aimed to determine if a correlation exists between the Voice Handicap Index-10
      (VHI-10) and the Voice Functional Communication Measure rating in the National
      Outcomes Measurement System (NOMS). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series.
      METHODS: Four hundred and nine voice evaluations over 12 months at a tertiary
      voice center were reviewed. The VHI-10 and NOMS scores, diagnoses, and potential
      comorbid factors were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: For the study population
      as a whole, there was a moderate negative correlation between the NOMS rating and
      the VHI-10 (Pearson r = -0.57). However, for a given NOMS level, there could be
      considerable spread in the VHI-10. In addition, as the NOMS decreased stepwise
      below level 4, there was a corresponding increase in the VHI-10. However, a
      similar trend in VHI-10 was not observed for NOMS above level 4, indicating the
      NOMS versus VHI-10 correlation was not linear. Among diagnostic groups, the
      strongest correlation was found for subjects with functional dysphonia. The NOMS
      versus VHI-10 correlation was not affected by gender or the coexistence of a
      psychiatric diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: A simple relationship between VHI-10 and NOMS
      rating does not exist. Patients with mild vocal dysfunction have a less direct
      relationship between their NOMS ratings and the VHI-10. These findings provide
      insight into the interpretation of patient-perceived and clinician-rated measures
      of vocal function and may allow for better management of expectations and patient
      counseling in the treatment of voice disorders.

PMID- 25123060
TI  - A new, microalgal DHA- and EPA-containing oil lowers triacylglycerols in adults
      with mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridemia.
AB  - In this double-blind, parallel trial, 93 healthy adults with hypertriglyceridemia
      (triacylglycerols [TAG] 150-499 mg/dL) were randomized to receive either a
      nutritional oil derived from marine algae (DHA-O; 2.4 g/day docosahexaenoic acid
      [DHA] and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] in a 2.7:1 ratio), fish oil (FO; 2.0 g/day
      DHA and EPA in a 0.7:1 ratio), or a corn oil/soy oil control as 4-1g softgel
      capsules/day with meals for 14 weeks; and were instructed to maintain their
      habitual diet. Percent changes from baseline for DHA-O, FO, and control,
      respectively, were TAG (-18.9, -22.9, 3.5; p<0.001 DHA-O and FO vs. control), low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (4.6, 6.8, -0.6; p<0.05 DHA-O and FO vs.
      control), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (4.3, 6.9, 0.6; p<0.05 FO vs.
      control). This study demonstrated that ingestion of microalgal DHA-O providing
      2.4 g/day DHA+EPA lowered TAG levels to a degree that was not different from that
      of a standard fish oil product, and that was significantly more than for a corn
      oil/soy oil control.

PMID- 25123061
TI  - Heterogeneity in cord blood DHA concentration: towards an explanation.
AB  - This paper aimed to identify the dietary and non-dietary determinants of
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in umbilical cord blood at delivery. DHA was
      measured in cord blood plasma phospholipids of 1571 participants from the DOMInO
      (DHA to Optimize Mother Infant Outcome) randomized controlled trial.
      Socioeconomic, lifestyle and clinical data relating to the mother and current
      pregnancy were obtained from all women and their relationships with cord blood
      DHA assessed. DHA concentrations in the cord plasma phospholipids at delivery
      covered a 3-4 fold range in both control and DHA groups. The total number of DHA
      rich intervention supplement capsules consumed over the course of pregnancy and
      gestational age at delivery individually explained 21% and 16% respectively of
      the variation in DHA abundance in the cord blood plasma phospholipids at
      delivery, but no other clinical or life-style factors explored in this study
      could account for >2% of the variation. Indeed, more than 65% of the variation
      remained unaccounted for even when all factors were included in the analysis.
      These data suggest that factors other than maternal DHA intake have an important
      role in determining cord blood DHA concentrations at delivery, and may at least
      partially explain the variation in the response of infants to maternal DHA
      supplementation reported in published trials. 

PMID- 25123062
TI  - Gene expression of fatty acid transport and binding proteins in the blood-brain
      barrier and the cerebral cortex of the rat: differences across development and
      with different DHA brain status.
AB  - Specific mechanisms for maintaining docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentration in
      brain cells but also transporting DHA from the blood across the blood-brain
      barrier (BBB) are not agreed upon. Our main objective was therefore to evaluate
      the level of gene expression of fatty acid transport and fatty acid binding
      proteins in the cerebral cortex and at the BBB level during the perinatal period
      of active brain DHA accretion, at weaning, and until the adult age. We measured
      by real time RT-PCR the mRNA expression of different isoforms of fatty acid
      transport proteins (FATPs), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSLs), fatty acid
      binding proteins (FABPs) and the fatty acid transporter (FAT)/CD36 in cerebral
      cortex and isolated microvessels at embryonic day 18 (E18) and postnatal days 14,
      21 and 60 (P14, P21 and P60, respectively) in rats receiving different n-3 PUFA
      dietary supplies (control, totally deficient or DHA-supplemented). In control
      rats, all the genes were expressed at the BBB level (P14 to P60), the mRNA levels
      of FABP5 and ACSL3 having the highest values. Age-dependent differences included
      a systematic decrease in the mRNA expressions between P14-P21 and P60 (2 to 3
      fold), with FABP7 mRNA abundance being the most affected (10-fold). In the
      cerebral cortex, mRNA levels varied differently since FATP4, ACSL3 and ACSL6 and
      the three FABPs genes were highly expressed. There were no significant
      differences in the expression of the 10 genes studied in n-3 deficient or DHA
      supplemented rats despite significant differences in their brain DHA content,
      suggesting that brain DHA uptake from the blood does not necessarily require
      specific transporters within cerebral endothelial cells and could, under these
      experimental conditions, be a simple passive diffusion process. 

PMID- 25123064
TI  - Fluorescence in-situ hybridization identifies Mastermind-like 2 (MAML2)
      rearrangement in odontogenic cysts with mucous prosoplasia: a pilot study.
AB  - AIMS: The pathogenesis of intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma (IMEC) remains
      unknown. Coexistence with odontogenic cysts (ODC) has been reported in 32-48% of
      IMEC. Furthermore, prosoplastic mucous cells are often seen in the epithelial
      lining of ODCs. MECT1-MAML2 fusion transcripts have been identified in >66% of
      salivary gland MEC cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence
      of MAML2 rearrangement in ODCs featuring mucous prosoplasia. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Ten cases of ODC with a mucous cell component and three cases of IMEC were
      evaluated using fluorescence in-situ hybridization. All cases occurred in the
      mandible. The ODCs exhibited a M:F ratio of 4:1 (mean age 49.2 years), while all
      IMECs occurred in women (mean age 68.3 years). All three IMECs demonstrated MAML2
      rearrangement, in 26-61% of tumour cells. Successful hybridization was observed
      in nine of 10 cases of ODC. In two of these nine, there was MAML2 rearrangement
      in 12% and 24% of the lining epithelial cells, while three of the nine showed
      rearrangement in 7-8% of cells; the remaining four cases were negative.
      CONCLUSIONS: We identified MAML2 rearrangements in five of nine ODCs lined by
      mucus-secreting cells. This suggests that at least a subset of ODCs with mucous
      prosoplasia are characterized by molecular events considered diagnostic for
      intraosseous and extraosseous MEC.

PMID- 25123065
TI  - [Comorbidity in 207 cannabis users in a specific outpatient setting].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health care seeking for a problematic use of cannabis is in progress
      in France. OBJECTIVES: The aim is to assess the addictive and psychiatric
      comorbidity in cannabis users seen in the specific setting at the Lariboisiere
      hospital. METHOD: Two hundred and seven cannabis users were included from January
      2004 to December 2009. Twelve-month and lifetime diagnosis of abuse and
      dependence (cannabis, alcohol, cocaine/crack) (DSM-IV), current and lifetime mood
      disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and psychotic disorders were
      assessed (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview). Logistic regression
      analyses identified adjusted odds ratios associated with the gender and the
      health care seeking (P=0.01). RESULTS: One hundred and forty-seven men (71%) and
      60 women (29%), 29.3+/-8.6 years (15.2-51.6 years). Most of the outpatients ask
      for health care themselves (59.7%), whereas 19.4% are asked to seek health care
      by relatives (19.4%) or because of an academic, health or justice injunction
      (20.4%). In total, 49.3% of the outpatients are single, 35.7% are cohabitating,
      9.3% are married and 6.3% are separated/divorced. About 20.4% of the outpatients
      are students, 35.7% have a professional activity, 19% are jobless, 2.4% are
      impaired, 0.5% are retired, at home and 12.1% do not have an official income.
      Twelve-month and lifetime prevalence of abuse/dependence are: cannabis
      (10.1/82.1% and 8.7/88.4%), alcohol (9.7/8.7% and 19.3/18.8%), cocaine/crack
      (2.4/3.4% and 4.8/11.6%). The mean duration of cannabis dependence for the
      current dependent users is 8.4+/-5.8 years. The mean number of "joints" during
      the last 6 months is 6+/-4.3, the mean amount of cannabis per week is 12.5+/
      11.3g. About 51.3% of the dependent users report externalized and/or internalized
      disorders at school during childhood and adolescence. In total, 19.4% of the
      dependent users have a suicide attempt history and 18.9% have a psychiatric
      hospitalisation history, more frequently women (P<0.01 and P=0.02). About 73.8%
      have a psychologist or psychiatrist care history. In total, 38.1% of users have
      at least one current mood disorder, females more frequently than males (P<0.001).
      Current and lifetime prevalence of mood disorders are: major depressive disorder
      (MDD) (29.1% and 57.1%); current dysthymia (20.3%); hypomania (1.9 and 6.7%);
      mania (2.9 and 12.8%). Females have more frequently than males current and
      lifetime MDD (P<0.001). About 53.2% of users have at least one current anxiety
      disorder, females more frequently than males (P<0.001). Current and lifetime
      prevalence of anxiety disorders are: panic disorder (10 and 16.4%); agoraphobia
      (13.9 and 17.4%); social phobia (26.9 and 32.8%); obsessive-compulsive disorder
      (9.5 and 12.9%); post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (6.5 and 16.4%); current
      generalized anxiety disorder (26.8%). Females have more frequently current and
      lifetime: agoraphobia (P=0.01 and P<0.001); PTSD (P<0.001); current social phobia
      (P=0.049). Current and lifetime eating disorders prevalence are: anorexia (0 and
      1.5%); bulimia (4 and 8%); females more frequently have bulimia (P=0.02 and
      P<0.001). In total, 4.8% have a psychotic disorder. Adjusted odds ratios of
      associated variables to gender (women/men) are lifetime MDD OR=4.71 [2.1-10.61]
      (P<0.001) and later age of onset of cannabis abuse OR=1.1 [1.04-1.17] (P=0.002).
      Adjusted odds ratios associated with personal health care seeking compared to a
      non personal motivated health care seeking are the numbers of criteria of 12
      month cannabis dependence OR=1.26 [1.06-1.51] (P=0.009) and age OR=1.07 [1.03
      1.12] (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Our survey confirms the high mood and anxiety
      disorders comorbidity in cannabis dependent users seen in a specific setting and
      underlines the need to evaluate those disorders.

PMID- 25123063
TI  - MxB binds to the HIV-1 core and prevents the uncoating process of HIV-1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The IFN-alpha-inducible restriction factor MxB blocks HIV-1 infection
      after reverse transcription but prior to integration. Genetic evidence suggested
      that capsid is the viral determinant for restriction by MxB. This work explores
      the ability of MxB to bind to the HIV-1 core, and the role of capsid-binding in
      restriction. RESULTS: We showed that MxB binds to the HIV-1 core and that this
      interaction leads to inhibition of the uncoating process of HIV-1. These results
      identify MxB as an endogenously expressed protein with the ability to inhibit HIV
      1 uncoating. In addition, we found that a benzimidazole-based compound known to
      have a binding pocket on the surface of the HIV-1 capsid prevents the binding of
      MxB to capsid. The use of this small-molecule identified the MxB binding region
      on the surface of the HIV-1 core. Domain mapping experiments revealed the
      following requirements for restriction: 1) MxB binding to the HIV-1 capsid, which
      requires the 20 N-terminal amino acids, and 2) oligomerization of MxB, which is
      mediated by the C-terminal domain provides the avidity for the interaction of MxB
      with the HIV-1 core. CONCLUSIONS: Overall our work establishes that MxB binds to
      the HIV-1 core and inhibits the uncoating process of HIV-1. Moreover, we
      demonstrated that HIV-1 restriction by MxB requires capsid binding and
      oligomerization.

PMID- 25123066
TI  - A multiplanar complex resection of a low-grade chondrosarcoma of the distal femur
      guided by K-wires previously inserted under CT-guide: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In muscular skeletal oncology aiming to achieve wide surgical margin
      is one of the main factors influencing patient prognosis. In cases where lesions
      are either meta or epiphyseal, surgery most often compromises joint integrity and
      stability because muscles, tendons and ligaments are involved in wide resection.
      When lesions are well circumscribed they can be completely resected by performing
      multi-planar osteotomies guided by computer-assisted navigation. We describe a
      case of low-grade chondrosarcoma of the distal femur where a simple but effective
      technique was useful to perform complex multiplanar osteotomies. No similar
      techniques are reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57 year-old
      Caucasian female was referred to our department for the presence of a distal
      femur chondrosarcoma. A resection with the presenting technique was scheduled.
      The first step consists of inserting several K-wires under CT-scan control to
      delimitate the tumor; the second step consists of tumor removal: in operative
      theatre, following surgical access, k-wires are used as guide positioning;
      scalpels are externally placed to k-wires to perform a safe osteotomy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Computed assisted resections can be considered the most advantageous
      method to reach the best surgical outcome; unfortunately navigation systems are
      only available in specialized centres. The present technique allows for a
      multiplanar complex resection when navigation systems are not available. This
      technique can be applied in low-grade tumours where a minimal wide margin can be
      considered sufficient.

PMID- 25123067
TI  - Echinococcus as a model system: biology and epidemiology.
AB  - The introduction of Echinococcus to Australia over 200 years ago and its
      establishment in sheep rearing areas of the country inflicted a serious medical
      and economic burden on the country. This resulted in an investment in both basic
      and applied research aimed at learning more about the biology and life cycle of
      Echinococcus. This research served to illustrate the uniqueness of the parasite
      in terms of developmental biology and ecology, and the value of Echinococcus as a
      model system in a broad range of research, from fundamental biology to
      theoretical control systems. These studies formed the foundation for an
      international, diverse and ongoing research effort on the hydatid organisms
      encompassing stem cell biology, gene regulation, strain variation, wildlife
      diseases and models of transmission dynamics. We describe the development, nature
      and diversity of this research, and how it was initiated in Australia but
      subsequently has stimulated much international and collaborative research on
      Echinococcus.

PMID- 25123068
TI  - Genetic diversity of the Chinese liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis from Russia and
      Vietnam.
AB  - Clonorchiasis is a parasitic disease of high public health importance in many
      countries in southeastern Asia and is caused by the Chinese liver fluke
      Clonorchis sinensis. However, the genetic structure and demographic history of
      its populations has not been sufficiently studied throughout the geographic range
      of the species and available data are based mainly on partial gene sequencing. In
      this study, we explored the genetic diversity of the complete 1560 bp cytochrome
      c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene sequence for geographically isolated C. sinensis
      populations in Russia and Vietnam, to our knowledge for the first time. The
      results demonstrated low nucleotide and high haplotype differentiation within and
      between the two compared regions and a clear geographical vector for the
      distribution of genetic diversity patterns among the studied populations. These
      results suggest a deep local adaptation of the parasite to its environment
      including intermediate hosts and the existence of gene flow across the species'
      range. Additionally, we have predicted an amino acid substitution in the
      functional site of the COX1 protein among the Vietnamese populations, which were
      reported to be difficult to treat with praziquantel. The haplotype networks
      consisted of several region-specific phylogenetic lineages, the formation of
      which could have occurred during the most extensive penultimate glaciations in
      the Pleistocene Epoch. The patterns of genetic diversity and demographics are
      consistent with population growth of the liver fluke in the late Pleistocene
      following the Last Glacial Maximum, indicating the lack of a population
      bottleneck during the recent past in the species' history. The data obtained have
      important implications for understanding the phylogeography of C. sinensis, its
      host-parasite interactions, the ability of this parasite to evolve drug
      resistance, and the epidemiology of clonorchiasis under global climate change.

PMID- 25123069
TI  - Four-decade-old mummified umbilical tissue making retrospective molecular
      diagnosis of ornithine carbamoyltransferase deficiency.

PMID- 25123070
TI  - Factors influencing household uptake of improved solid fuel stoves in low- and
      middle-income countries: a qualitative systematic review.
AB  - Household burning of solid fuels in traditional stoves is detrimental to health,
      the environment and development. A range of improved solid fuel stoves (IS) are
      available but little is known about successful approaches to dissemination. This
      qualitative systematic review aimed to identify factors that influence household
      uptake of IS in low- and middle-income countries. Extensive searches were carried
      out and studies were screened and extracted using established systematic review
      methods. Fourteen qualitative studies from Asia, Africa and Latin-America met the
      inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis was used to synthesise data and findings
      are presented under seven framework domains. Findings relate to user and
      stakeholder perceptions and highlight the importance of cost, good stove design,
      fuel and time savings, health benefits, being able to cook traditional dishes and
      cleanliness in relation to uptake. Creating demand, appropriate approaches to
      business, and community involvement, are also discussed. Achieving and sustaining
      uptake is complex and requires consideration of a broad range of factors, which
      operate at household, community, regional and national levels. Initiatives aimed
      at IS scale up should include quantitative evaluations of effectiveness,
      supplemented with qualitative studies to assess factors affecting uptake, with an
      equity focus. 

PMID- 25123071
TI  - Vasculogenic mimicry: a new prognostic sign of human osteosarcoma.
AB  - Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a formation of nonendothelial microvascular channels,
      has been generally recognized as a new pattern of neovascularization in
      aggressive malignancies. However, whether VM is present and clinically
      significant in osteosarcoma remains unknown. We identified VM by CD34/periodic
      acid-Schiff double staining of osteosarcoma specimens before chemotherapy and
      investigated its prognostic implications. Tumors were also immunohistochemically
      stained for focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and migration inducing gene 7 (Mig-7) to
      determine whether these markers are associated with the occurrence of VM. VM was
      found in 15 of 66 osteoblastic-type osteosarcoma samples (22.7%), and the
      incidence of VM did not differ with respect to patient sex, age, tumor size,
      tumor site, surgical type, or histologic response to preoperative chemotherapy.
      However, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis determined that the presence of VM and
      the tumor necrosis rate after preoperative chemotherapy are associated with both
      the overall survival (P = .011 and P = .040, respectively) and metastasis-free
      survival (P = .002 and P = .045, respectively). Furthermore, Cox proportional
      hazards analysis showed that the presence of VM and the histologic response to
      preoperative chemotherapy were independent indicators for both poor overall
      survival (P = .007 and P = .024, respectively) and poor metastasis-free survival
      (P = .002 and P = .027, respectively). The expression level of FAK and Mig-7 were
      higher in the VM group than the non-VM group (P = .017 and P = .021,
      respectively). These results demonstrate the presence of VM in osteoblastic
      osteosarcoma and suggest that VM is an unfavorable prognostic factor with FAK and
      Mig-7 expressions as a potential mechanism of VM formation in osteosarcoma. 

PMID- 25123072
TI  - Leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis can be reliably diagnosed by
      immunohistochemical staining.

PMID- 25123073
TI  - Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma presenting as intraabdominal sarcomatosis
      with a novel EWSR1-CREB3L1 gene fusion.
AB  - We report a case of intraabdominal sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) with
      a t (11;22)(p11.2;q12.2) Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1-cAMP-responsive
      element-binding protein 3-like 1 translocation. A 43-year old man presented with
      massive ascites and shortness of breath. Imaging studies revealed a large
      mesenteric-based mass with extensive omental/peritoneal disease. After resection
      and cytoreductive surgery, the tumor recurred with metastasis to the lungs; the
      patient is still alive with disease. Histologically, there was a uniform
      population of epithelioid cells arranged in cords and nests, embedded in a dense
      collagenous matrix; no areas of low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma were identified.
      All immunohistochemical markers were nonreactive. Fluorescence in situ
      hybridization studies showed rearrangement of Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1.
      Genomic profiling by clinical grade next-generation sequencing revealed a fusion
      gene between intron 11 of Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (22q12.2) and intron
      5 of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein 3-like 1 (11p11.2). This is the
      first report of "pure" or true SEF presenting as intraabdominal sarcomatosis with
      confirmation of the recently described unique Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1
      cAMP-responsive element-binding protein 3-like 1 gene fusion in SEF without areas
      of low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma. 

PMID- 25123074
TI  - Choledochal cysts: a clinicopathologic study of 36 cases with emphasis on the
      morphologic and the immunohistochemical features of premalignant and malignant
      alterations.
AB  - Choledochal cysts (CDCs) are believed to represent a risk factor for the
      development of neoplasia. However, the frequency and morphology of neoplastic
      changes have not been systematically studied, especially in North America. Our
      aims were to study the frequency and morphology of preneoplastic/neoplastic
      changes of CDCs. Thirty-six cysts were subjected to clinicopathological analyses.
      Metaplasia was found in 14 of 35, of which 9 had biliary intraepithelial
      neoplasia (BilIN). Of the 14 with metaplasia, 13 showed pyloric gland; 5,
      intestinal; and 2, squamous. BilINs included 6 BilIN-1, 2 BilIN-2, and 2 BilIN-3.
      Carcinoma was identified in 5 cases of which 3 were associated with metaplasia
      and BilIN. Only 1 of 18 cases without metaplasia had BilIN, and none had
      carcinoma (P = .0008). There was a trend toward more BilIN and carcinoma with
      intestinal rather than with pyloric gland metaplasia. All cases with metaplasia
      or/and BilIN were negative for MUC1. All cases with intestinal metaplasia were
      positive for CK20, CDX2, and MUC2, whereas cases with pyloric gland were positive
      for MUC6. MUC1, CEA, and B72.3 were positive only in carcinoma. There was a trend
      toward increasing p53 and Ki-67 from metaplasia to BilIN to carcinoma. Four of 5
      patients with carcinoma died, and one was alive with disease. All others were
      free of disease except for one who developed new cysts. CDCs are associated with
      a high rate of BilIN (28.5%) and carcinoma (14.3%). CDCs show a sequence of tumor
      progression from metaplasia to BilIN and carcinoma. 

PMID- 25123075
TI  - Leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis cannot be reliably diagnosed by
      immunohistochemical staining--reply.

PMID- 25123077
TI  - Mimickers of neoplasm on abdominal and pelvic CT.
AB  - PURPOSE: The radiologist can encounter benign significant imaging findings on
      computed tomography that can be incorrectly interpreted as neoplasm. The authors
      review several benign findings and demonstrate several methods to differentiate
      these findings from more sinister pathology. CONCLUSION: It is imperative for the
      radiologist to be cognizant of and how to correctly identify mimickers of
      pathology so that unnecessary interventions and surgeries are avoided.

PMID- 25123076
TI  - Colchicine for acute gout.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2006. Gout
      is one of the most common rheumatic diseases worldwide. Despite the use of
      colchicine as one of the first-line therapies for the treatment of acute gout,
      evidence for its benefits and harms is relatively limited. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate the benefits and harms of colchicine for the treatment of acute gout.
      SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following electronic databases from inception to
      April 2014: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and
      EMBASE. We did not impose any date or language restrictions in the search. We
      also handsearched conference proceedings of the American College of Rheumatology
      and the European League against Rheumatism (2010 until 2013) and reference lists
      of identified studies. We searched the clinical trials register
      clinicaltrials.gov and the WHO trials register. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered
      published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials
      (CCTs) evaluating colchicine therapy compared with another therapy (active or
      placebo) in acute gout. The primary benefit outcome of interest was pain, defined
      as a proportion with 50% or greater decrease in pain, and the primary harm
      outcome was study participants withdrawal due to adverse events. DATA COLLECTION
      AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently screened search results for relevant
      studies, extracted data into a standardised form and assessed the risk of bias of
      included studies. We pooled data if deemed to be sufficiently clinically
      homogeneous. We assessed the quality of the body of evidence for each outcome
      using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: Two RCTs (124 participants) were included
      in this updated review, including one new RCT. We considered one trial to be at
      low risk of bias, while we considered the newly included trial to be at unclear
      risk of bias. Both trials included a placebo and a high-dose colchicine arm,
      although the colchicine regimens varied. In one trial 0.5 mg colchicine was given
      every two hours until there was either complete relief of symptoms or toxicity
      and the total doses were not specified. In the other trial a total of 4.8 mg
      colchicine was given over six hours. The newly identified trial also included a
      low-dose colchicine arm (total 1.8 mg over one hour).Based upon pooled data from
      two trials (124 participants), there is low-quality evidence that a greater
      proportion of people receiving high-dose colchicine experience a 50% or greater
      decrease in pain from baseline up to 32 to 36 hours compared with placebo (35/74
      in the high-dose colchicine group versus 12/50 in the placebo group (risk ratio
      (RR) 2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28 to 3.65), with a number needed to
      treat to benefit (NNTB) of 4 (95% CI 3 to 12). However, the total number of
      adverse events (diarrhoea, vomiting or nausea) is greater in those who receive
      high-dose colchicine versus placebo (62/74 in the high-dose colchicine group
      versus 11/50 in the placebo group (RR 3.81, 95% CI 2.28 to 6.38), with a number
      needed to treat to harm (NNTH) of 2 (95% CI 2 to 5). Only one trial included
      reduction of inflammation as part of a composite measure comprising pain,
      tenderness, swelling and erythema, each graded on a four-point scale (none 0 to
      severe 3) to derive a maximum score for any one joint of 12. They reported the
      proportion of people who achieved a 50% reduction in this composite score. Based
      upon one trial (43 participants), there was low-quality evidence that more people
      in the high-dose colchicine group had a 50% or greater decrease in composite
      score from baseline up to 32 to 36 hours than people in the placebo group (11/22
      in the high-dose colchicine group versus 1/21 in the placebo group (RR 10.50, 95%
      CI 1.48 to 74.38) and 45% absolute difference).Based upon data from one trial
      (103 participants), there was low-quality evidence that low-dose colchicine is
      more efficacious than placebo with respect to the proportion of people who
      achieve a 50% or greater decrease in pain from baseline to 32 to 36 hours (low
      dose colchicine 31/74 versus placebo 5/29 (RR 2.43, 95% CI 1.05 to 5.64)), with a
      NNTB of 5 (95% CI 2 to 20). There are no additional harms in terms of adverse
      events (diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting) with low-dose colchicine compared to
      placebo (19/74 and 6/29 respectively (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.55 to 2.79)).Based upon
      data from one trial (126 participants), there is low-quality evidence that there
      are no additional benefits in terms of the proportion of people achieving 50% or
      greater decrease in pain from baseline up to 32 to 36 hours with high-dose
      colchicine compared to low-dose (19/52 and 31/74 respectively (RR 0.87, 95% CI
      0.56 to 1.36). However, there were statistically significantly more adverse
      events in those who received high-dose colchicine (40/52 versus 19/74 in the low
      dose group (RR 3.00, 95% CI 1.98 to 4.54)), with a NNTH of 2 (95% CI 2 to 3).No
      trials reported function of the target joint, patient-reported global assessment
      of treatment success, health-related quality of life or withdrawals due to
      adverse events. We identified no studies comparing colchicine to non-steroidal
      anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other active treatments such as
      glucocorticoids (by any route). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Based upon only two
      published trials, there is low-quality evidence that low-dose colchicine is
      likely to be an effective treatment for acute gout. We downgraded the evidence
      because of a possible risk of selection and reporting biases and imprecision.
      Both high and low-dose colchicine improve pain when compared to placebo. While
      there is some uncertainty around the effect estimates, compared with placebo,
      high-dose but not low-dose colchicine appears to result in a statistically
      significantly greater number of adverse events. Therefore low-dose colchicine may
      be the preferred treatment option. There are no trials about the effect of
      colchicine in populations with comorbidities or in comparison with other commonly
      used treatments, such as NSAIDs and glucocorticoids.

PMID- 25123078
TI  - High-grade undifferentiated sarcomas of the uterus: diagnosis, outcomes, and new
      treatment approaches.
AB  - High-grade undifferentiated sarcomas (HGUS) are rare malignancies accounting for
      6 % of all uterine sarcomas and have a very poor outcome. Histological
      classification of HGUS is currently debated as a subgroup with uniform nucleoli,
      and frequently YWHAE-FAM22 transcript has been described, constituting a
      potential target for new therapies. In localized HGUS, surgery involving total
      hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy is recommended. Adjuvant radiotherapy has
      recently been suggested in a retrospective study to decrease local recurrence and
      improve survival versus observation in localized HGUS. In metastatic or recurrent
      disease, chemotherapy with doxorubicin with or without ifosfamide constitutes the
      standard of care. Gemcitabine plus docetaxel also seems to be an interesting
      alternative. Targeted therapies such as pazopanib are now available for soft
      tissue sarcomas and so could be proposed for uterine sarcoma patients after first
      or second-line chemotherapy in the metastatic phase. Further investigations are
      needed to determine their indications and targets. A European Organisation for
      Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) randomized trial testing maintenance
      therapy with cabozantinib after first-line chemotherapy in HGUS is ongoing.

PMID- 25123080
TI  - The role of individual and collective moral disengagement in peer aggression and
      bystanding: a multilevel analysis.
AB  - This study investigates the relationships between individual and collective moral
      disengagement and aggression-related behaviors (peer aggression, defending, and
      passive bystanding) among 918 adolescents (55.8% boys; M age = 14.1 years, SD =
      1.1). Hierarchical linear modeling showed that, at the individual level,
      aggressive behavior was significantly explained by both individual moral
      disengagement and student perceived collective moral disengagement, which was
      also positively associated with defending. Student perceived collective moral
      disengagement moderated the link between individual moral disengagement and peer
      aggression. At the class level, classroom collective moral disengagement
      explained between-class variability in all the three aggression-related
      behaviors. These results extend previous research by demonstrating the role of
      collective moral disengagement at the individual and the class levels and have
      potential implications for interventions.

PMID- 25123079
TI  - Cancer-promoting effects of microbial dysbiosis.
AB  - Humans depend on our commensal bacteria for nutritive, immune-modulating, and
      metabolic contributions to maintenance of health. However, this commensal
      community exists in careful balance that, if disrupted, enters dysbiosis; this
      has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of colon, gastric, esophageal,
      pancreatic, laryngeal, breast, and gallbladder carcinomas. This development is
      closely tied to host inflammation, which causes and is aggravated by microbial
      dysbiosis and increases vulnerability to pathogens. Advances in sequencing
      technology have increased our ability to catalog microbial species associated
      with various cancer types across the body. However, defining microbial biomarkers
      as cancer predictors presents multiple challenges, and existing studies
      identifying cancer-associated bacteria have reported inconsistent outcomes.
      Combining metabolites and microbiome analyses can help elucidate interactions
      between gut microbiota, metabolism, and the host. Ultimately, understanding how
      gut dysbiosis impacts host response and inflammation will be critical to creating
      an accurate picture of the role of the microbiome in cancer. 

PMID- 25123081
TI  - Stress sensitivity interacts with depression history to predict depressive
      symptoms among youth: prospective changes following first depression onset.
AB  - Predictors of depressive symptoms may differ before and after the first onset of
      major depression due to stress sensitization. Dependent stressors, or those to
      which characteristics of individuals contribute, have been shown to predict
      depressive symptoms in youth. The current study sought to clarify how stressors'
      roles may differ before and after the first depressive episode. Adolescents (N =
      382, aged 11 to 15 at baseline) were assessed at baseline and every 3 months over
      the course of 2 years with measures of stressors and depressive symptoms. Semi
      structured interviews were conducted every 6 months to assess for clinically
      significant depressive episodes. Hierarchical linear modeling showed a
      significant interaction between history of depression and idiographic
      fluctuations in dependent stressors to predict prospective elevations of
      symptoms, such that dependent stressors were more predictive of depressive
      symptoms after onset of disorder. Independent stressors predicted symptoms, but
      the strength of the association did not vary by depression history. These results
      suggest a synthesis of dependent stress and stress sensitization processes that
      might maintain inter-episode depressive symptoms among youth with a history of
      clinical depression.

PMID- 25123082
TI  - Low-dose decitabine induces MAGE-A expression and inhibits invasion via
      suppression of NF-kappaB2 and MMP2 in Eca109 cells.
AB  - Decitabine, a demethylating drug, is the first-line treatment for myelodysplastic
      syndromes and gains better overall survival, which is based on epigenetic
      mechanism. Activated by promoter demethylation, melanoma-associated antigens-A
      (MAGE-A), cancer-testis antigens are attractive targets for immunotherapy. Our
      purpose was to investigate whether decitabine could show anti-tumor effects for
      esophageal cancer and explore its mechanism. In addition, we aimed to examine its
      modulation for most MAGE-A members. The results showed the baseline expression
      were MAGE-A2, -3,-9, and -10 in Eca109 cells and decitabine (0.5 MUM) could
      induce MAGE-A8 and -A4 whereas reduce MAGE-A9 and -A10. Moreover, decitabine (0.5
      MUM) inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasive ability by 15%, 34% and
      47.2%, respectively and decreased expressions of NF-kappaB2 and MMP2. Our results
      demonstrated that low-dose decitabine induced the expression of MAGE-A8 and -A4,
      and inhibited cell invasion through decreasing expression of MMP2 and NF-kappaB2,
      which provides possibilities for combing decitabine with immunotherapy targeting
      MAGE-A to treat advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. 

PMID- 25123083
TI  - Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles impair endothelial integrity and
      inhibit nitric oxide production.
AB  - Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are widely used both
      clinically and experimentally for diverse in vivo applications, such as contrast
      enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia and drug delivery.
      Biomedical applications require particles to have defined physical and chemical
      properties, and to be stable in biological media. Despite a suggested low
      cytotoxic action, adverse reactions of SPION in concentrations relevant for
      biomedical use have not yet been studied in sufficient detail. In the present
      work we employed Endorem(r), dextran-stabilized SPION approved as an intravenous
      contrast agent, and compared its action to a set of other nanoparticles with
      potential for magnetic resonance imaging applications. SPION in concentrations
      relevant for in vivo applications were rapidly taken up by endothelial cells and
      exhibited no direct cytotoxicity. Electric cell impedance sensing measurements
      demonstrated that SPION, but not BaSO4/Gd nanoparticles, impaired endothelial
      integrity, as was confirmed by increased intercellular gap formation in
      endothelial monolayers. These structural changes induced the subcellular
      translocation and inhibition of the cytoprotective and anti-atherosclerotic
      enzyme endothelial NO-synthase and reduced NO production. Lipopolysaccharide
      induced inflammatory NO production of macrophages was not affected by SPION. In
      conclusion, our data suggest that SPION might substantially alter endothelial
      integrity and function at therapeutically relevant doses, which are not
      cytotoxic. 

PMID- 25123084
TI  - The influence of social anxiety on the body checking behaviors of female college
      students.
AB  - Social anxiety and eating pathology frequently co-occur. However, there is
      limited research examining the relationship between anxiety and body checking,
      aside from one study in which social physique anxiety partially mediated the
      relationship between body checking cognitions and body checking behavior (Haase,
      Mountford, & Waller, 2007). In an independent sample of 567 college women, we
      tested the fit of Haase and colleagues' foundational model but did not find
      evidence of mediation. Thus we tested the fit of an expanded path model that
      included eating pathology and clinical impairment. In the best-fitting path model
      (CFI=.991; RMSEA=.083) eating pathology and social physique anxiety positively
      predicted body checking, and body checking positively predicted clinical
      impairment. Therefore, women who endorse social physique anxiety may be more
      likely to engage in body checking behaviors and experience impaired psychosocial
      functioning. 

PMID- 25123086
TI  - Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutation is an early somatic genetic
      alteration in the transformation of premalignant nodules in hepatocellular
      carcinoma on cirrhosis.
AB  - Genetic determinants of the early steps of carcinogenesis on cirrhosis are still
      poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the occurrence of telomerase reverse
      transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations in the transformation of cirrhotic
      nodules into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We analyzed a series of 268 liver
      samples, including 96 nodules developed in 58 patients with cirrhosis and 114
      additional cirrhosis. All samples were screened for TERT promoter mutations, and
      in 31 nodules, for 10 genes recurrently mutated in HCC. Immunohistochemistry
      (IHC) analyses were performed for glypican 3, glutamine synthase, and heat shock
      protein 70. Six liver pathologists reviewed all the samples. Among The 96
      nodules, 88 were firmly diagnosed as low-grade dysplastic nodules (LGDNs; 32
      cases), high-grade dysplastic nodules (HGDNs; 16 cases), early HCC (eHCC; 23
      cases), or small and progressed HCC in 17 cases. The agreement between the
      initial diagnosis from pathological report and the final expert consensus report
      was moderate for the diagnosis of benign versus malignant nodules (weighted kappa
      = 0.530). TERT promoter mutations were highly related to the step-wise
      hepatocarcinogenesis because mutations were identified in 6% of LGDNs, 19% of
      HGDNs, 61% of eHCCs, and 42% of small and progressed HCC. TERT promoter mutation
      is the most frequent molecular alteration in eHCC given that the IHC criteria for
      diagnosis of malignancy were found in only 39% of the cases. TERT promoter
      mutation was also the earliest genetic alteration because mutations in 10 other
      genes were only identified in 28% of the small and progressed HCC. CONCLUSION:
      Frequency of TERT promoter mutations rapidly increases during the different steps
      of the transformation of premalignant lesions into HCC on cirrhosis.
      Consequently, somatic TERT promoter mutation is a new biomarker predictive of
      transformation of premalignant lesions into HCC.

PMID- 25123087
TI  - High-throughput continuous flow femtosecond laser-assisted cell optoporation and
      transfection.
AB  - We present a femtosecond-laser based nanoprocessing system for transient optical
      cell membrane poration to allow the introduction of foreign molecules into the
      interior of a cell with very high throughput. In the setup, cells flow through a
      micro-flow tube for spatial confinement and are simultaneously targeted by fs
      laser radiation. Beam-shaping generates a focal geometry along a line which is
      scanned across the micro-flow cell to increase the number of reachable cells.
      Successful cell membrane poration was observed indirectly by cell transfection
      even with cell-light interaction times in the millisecond range. The system was
      characterized by experiments with Chinese hamster ovary cells regarding cell
      viability, the uptake of extrinsic molecules and cell transfection efficiency.
      The continuous flow of cells enables a tremendous increase of cell throughput
      compared to previous nonflow approaches by treating millions of cells, although
      with only limited efficiency. The setup opens the possibility to realize a
      completely automated high-throughput laser-assisted cell-poration system which
      could be integrated in lab-on-a-chip devices.

PMID- 25123085
TI  - Genetic diversity of porcine group A rotavirus strains in the UK.
AB  - Rotavirus is endemic in pig farms where it causes a loss in production. This
      study is the first to characterise porcine rotavirus circulating in UK pigs.
      Samples from diarrheic pigs with rotavirus enteritis obtained between 2010 and
      2012 were genotyped in order to determine the diversity of group A rotavirus
      (GARV) in UK pigs. A wide range of rotavirus genotypes were identified in UK
      pigs: six G types (VP7); G2, G3, G4, G5, G9 and G11 and six P types (VP4); P[6],
      P[7], P[8], P[13], P[23], and P[32]. With the exception of a single P[8] isolate,
      there was less than 95% nucleotide identity between sequences from this study and
      any available rotavirus sequences. The G9 and P[6] genotypes are capable of
      infecting both humans and pigs, but showed no species cross-over within the UK as
      they were shown to be genetically distinct, which suggested zoonotic transmission
      is rare within the UK. We identified the P[8] genotype in one isolate, this
      genotype is almost exclusively found in humans. The P[8] was linked to a human
      Irish rotavirus isolate in the same year. The discovery of human genotype P[8]
      rotavirus in a UK pig confirms this common human genotype can infect pigs and
      also highlights the necessity of surveillance of porcine rotavirus genotypes to
      safeguard human as well as porcine health. 

PMID- 25123088
TI  - Genotoxic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic effects of tamoxifen in mouse liver.
AB  - Tamoxifen is a non-steroidal anti-estrogenic drug widely used for the treatment
      and prevention of breast cancer in women; however, there is evidence that
      tamoxifen is hepatocarcinogenic in rats, but not in mice. Additionally, it has
      been reported that tamoxifen may cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
      in humans and experimental animals. The goals of the present study were to (i)
      investigate the mechanisms of the resistance of mice to tamoxifen-induced
      hepatocarcinogenesis, and (ii) clarify effects of tamoxifen on NAFLD-associated
      liver injury. Feeding female WSB/EiJ mice a 420 p.p.m. tamoxifen-containing diet
      for 12 weeks resulted in an accumulation of tamoxifen-DNA adducts, (E)-alpha
      (deoxyguanosin-N(2)-yl)-tamoxifen (dG-TAM) and (E)-alpha-(deoxyguanosin-N(2)-yl)
      N-desmethyltamoxifen (dG-DesMeTAM), in the livers. The levels of hepatic dG-TAM
      and dG-DesMeTAM DNA adducts in tamoxifen-treated mice were 578 and 340
      adducts/108 nucleotides, respectively, while the extent of global DNA and
      repetitive elements methylation and histone modifications did not differ from the
      values in control mice. Additionally, there was no biochemical or
      histopathological evidence of NAFLD-associated liver injury in mice treated with
      tamoxifen. A transcriptomic analysis of differentially expressed genes
      demonstrated that tamoxifen caused predominantly down-regulation of hepatic lipid
      metabolism genes accompanied by a distinct over-expression of the lipocalin 13
      (Lcn13) and peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma (Ppargamma), which may prevent
      the development of NAFLD. The results of the present study demonstrate that the
      resistance of mice to tamoxifen-induced liver carcinogenesis may be associated
      with its ability to induce genotoxic alterations only without affecting the
      cellular epigenome and an inability of tamoxifen to induce the development of
      NAFLD.

PMID- 25123091
TI  - Azavinylidenephosphoranes: a class of cyclic push-pull carbenes.
AB  - The synthesis of a novel family of cyclic push-pull carbenes, namely,
      azavinylidene phosphoranes, is described. The methodology is based on a formal
      [3+2] cycloaddition between terminal alkynes and phosphine-imines followed by an
      oxidation/deprotonation step. Carbenes 6, obtained by simple deprotonation,
      exhibit typical transient carbene reactivity like the intramolecular C?H
      insertion reaction and a pronounced ambiphilic character exemplified by [2+1]
      cycloaddition with electron-poor methyl acrylate. Owing to the cyclic structure,
      carbenes 6 also exhibit an excellent coordination ability toward transition
      metals. Rh(I) complex 10 was obtained in excellent yield and was fully
      characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The
      corresponding Rh(I) -carbonyl complex was also prepared; this indicates that
      carbenes 6 belong to the strongest sigma-donating ligands to date. DFT
      calculations confirmed the high sigma-donation ability of 6 and their
      classification as push-pull carbenes with a relatively small singlet-triplet
      energy gap of 23.2-24.3 kcal mol(-1) . 

PMID- 25123090
TI  - [The posterocentral approach to the posterior tibial plateau].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An anatomically preformed approach to the posterior tibial plateau is
      described. In avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the
      aim is to restore stability of the knee joint with functional treatment, while in
      posterior shearing tibial plateau fractures the aim is to restore anatomical
      dorsal alignment of the tibia. INDICATIONS: Avulsion fracture the PCL, posterior
      shearing tibial plateau fracture. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Knee infection, compartment
      syndrome, joint instability, and osteoarthritis in avulsion fractures of the PCL.
      OPERATION TECHNIQUE: Supine position, L-shaped skin incision, dissection of the
      fascia, protection of the sural nerve, separation of the gastrocnemial heads,
      identification of the neurovascular bundle, retraction of the gastrocnemial
      heads. Fixation of the bony avulsion using screws. In tibial plateau fractures,
      dissection of the soleus and popliteus muscle, fracture reduction, and plate
      fixation. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Due to the approach no specific treatment
      necessary. PCL: functional treatment, with knee brace full weight bearing
      possible, without 20 kg weight bearing using crutches for 4-6 weeks, tibia: CT
      for postoperative result and planning of the ventral osteosynthesis after about 5
      days, then weight bearing 20 kg and functional treatment for 8-12 weeks. RESULTS:
      A total of 33 patients were operated using a posterocentral approach, 22 had a
      posterior shearing tibial plateau fracture, and 11 an avulsion fracture of the
      PCL. Temporary hypesthesia around the scar, at the lateral foot, and lateral
      lower leg were observed in 3 patients, each having one (area supplied by the
      sural nerve). In 3 cases screw tips at the anterior proximal tibia were palpable.
      The posterocentral approach reveals a low complication rate due to the anatomical
      approach.

PMID- 25123089
TI  - Dye-loaded ferritin nanocages for multimodal imaging and photothermal therapy.
AB  - Multimodal imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT), for the therapy of cancer,
      based on a ferritin (FRT) nanocage loaded with the near-infrared dye IR820
      (designated DFRT) is demonstrated. The dual roles of DFRT (in imaging and PTT)
      are successfully balanced by using two different excitation wavelengths: 550 nm
      for high quantum-yield fluorescence imaging on the one hand and 808 nm for
      photoacoustic imaging and PTT with high photothermal conversion efficiency on the
      other. 

PMID- 25123092
TI  - A specialized post anaesthetic care unit improves fast-track management in
      cardiac surgery: a prospective randomized trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fast-track treatment in cardiac surgery has become the global
      standard of care. We compared the efficacy and safety of a specialised post
      anaesthetic care unit (PACU) to a conventional intensive care unit (ICU) in
      achieving defined fast-track end-points in adult patients after elective cardiac
      surgery. METHODS: In a prospective, single blinded, randomized study, 200 adult
      patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass graft
      (CABG), valve surgery or combined CABG and valve surgery), were selected to
      receive their postoperative treatment either in the ICU (n = 100), or in the PACU
      (n = 100). Patients who, at the time of surgery, were in cardiogenic shock,
      required renal dialysis, or had an additive EuroSCORE of more than 10 were
      excluded from the study. The primary end points were: time to extubation (ET),
      and length of stay in the PACU or ICU (PACU/ICU LOS respectively). Secondary end
      points analysed were the incidences of: surgical re-exploration, development of
      haemothorax, new onset cardiac arrhythmia, low cardiac output syndrome, need for
      cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, stroke, acute renal failure, and death. RESULTS:
      Median time to extubation was 90 [50; 140] min in the PACU vs. 478 [305; 643] min
      in the ICU group (P < 0.001). Median length of stay in PACU was 3.3 [2.7; 4.0]
      hours vs. 17.9 [10.3; 24.9] hours in the ICU (P < 0.001). Of the adverse events
      examined, only the incidence of new onset cardiac arrhythmia (25 in PACU vs. 41
      in ICU, P = 0.02) was statistically different between groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Treatment in a specialised PACU rather than an ICU, after elective cardiac
      surgery leads to earlier extubation and quicker discharge to a step down unit,
      without compromising patient safety. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN71768341.
      Registered 11 March 2014.

PMID- 25123095
TI  - Asymmetric Michael addition/intramolecular cyclization catalyzed by bifunctional
      tertiary amine-squaramides: construction of chiral 2-amino-4H-chromene-3
      carbonitrile derivatives.
AB  - The efficient asymmetric Michael addition/intramolecular cyclization of
      malononitrile with dienones catalyzed by a chiral bifunctional tertiary amine
      squaramide catalyst for the synthesis of chiral 2-amino-4H-chromene-3
      carbonitrile derivatives was developed. The corresponding products were obtained
      in good to excellent yields (up to 99%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up
      to 98% ee) for most of the bisarylidenecyclopentanones.

PMID- 25123096
TI  - Transport phenomena in nanoporous materials.
AB  - Diffusion, that is, the irregular movement of atoms and molecules, is a universal
      phenomenon of mass transfer occurring in all states of matter. It is of equal
      importance for fundamental research and technological applications. The present
      review deals with the challenges of the reliable observation of these phenomena
      in nanoporous materials. Starting with a survey of the different variants of
      diffusion measurement, it highlights the potentials of "microscopic" techniques,
      notably the pulsed field gradient (PFG) technique of NMR and the techniques of
      microimaging by interference microscopy (IFM) and IR microscopy (IRM).
      Considering ensembles of guest molecules, these techniques are able to directly
      record mass transfer phenomena over distances of typically micrometers. Their
      concerted application has given rise to the clarification of long-standing
      discrepancies, notably between microscopic equilibrium and macroscopic non
      equilibrium measurements, and to a wealth of new information about molecular
      transport under confinement, hitherto often inaccessible and sometimes even
      unimaginable. 

PMID- 25123093
TI  - Shedding of Salmonella in single age caged commercial layer flock at an early
      stage of lay.
AB  - The shedding of Salmonella in a single age commercial egg layer flock was
      investigated at the onset of lay (18weeks) followed by two longitudinal samplings
      at 24 and 30weeks. At the age of 18weeks, when the first sampling was performed,
      the prevalence of Salmonella in faeces was 82.14% whereas all egg belt and dust
      samples were Salmonella positive by culture method. In later samplings, at the
      age of 24 and 30weeks, the prevalence of Salmonella in faeces was significantly
      reduced (p<0.001) to 38.88% and 12.95% respectively, however all egg belt and
      dust samples remained positive by culture method. The prevalence of Salmonella in
      faeces collected from the low tier cages was significantly higher (p=0.009) as
      compared with samples from the high tier cages. In all types of samples processed
      by culture method, S. Mbandaka was the most frequently (54.40%) isolated serovar
      followed by S. Worthington (37.60%), S. Anatum (0.8%), and S. Infantis (0.8%).
      All samples were also tested by real-time PCR method. The observed agreement
      between culture method and real-time PCR in detecting Salmonella-positive dust
      and egg belt samples was 100%. There was almost perfect agreement (observed
      agreement=99.21%) for the detection of Salmonella-positive eggshells. Observed
      agreement between culture method and real-time PCR for detecting Salmonella
      positive shoe cover and faecal samples was, however, moderate (80%) and low
      (54.27%) respectively. Real-time PCR results showed that there was a significant
      increase in the load of Salmonella on egg belt, dust and shoe cover samples at
      the 24 and 30weeks of lay as compared to the 18weeks of lay. Real-time PCR
      provided a more rapid and reliable method of detection of Salmonella on all dry
      sample types whereas the traditional culture method proved much more reliable
      when trying to detect Salmonella in wet faecal samples. 

PMID- 25123094
TI  - Modeling of topology-dependent neural network plasticity induced by activity
      dependent electrical stimulation.
AB  - Activity-dependent electrical stimulation can induce cerebrocortical
      reorganization in vivo by activating brain areas using stimulation derived from
      the statistics of neural or muscular activity. Due to the nature of synaptic
      plasticity, network topology is likely to influence the effectiveness of this
      type of neuromodulation, yet its effect under different network topologies is
      unclear. To address this issue, we simulated small-scale three-neuron networks to
      explore topology-dependent network plasticity. The induced neuroplastic changes
      were evaluated by network coherence and unit-pair mutual information measures. We
      demonstrated that involvement of monosynaptic feedforward and reciprocal
      connections is more likely to lead to persistent decreased network coherence and
      increased network mutual information independent of the global network topology.
      On the contrary, disynaptic feedforward connections exhibit heterogeneous
      coherence and unit-pair mutual information sensitivity that depends strongly upon
      the network context.

PMID- 25123097
TI  - Allelic-specific expression in relation to Bombyx mori resistance to Bt toxin.
AB  - Understanding the mechanism of Bt resistance is one of the key elements of the
      effective application of Bt in pest control. The lepidopteran model insect, the
      silkworm, demonstrates qualities that make it an ideal species to use in
      achieving this understanding. We screened 45 strains of silkworm (Bombyx mori)
      using a Cry1Ab toxin variant. The sensitivity levels of the strains varied over a
      wide range. A resistant strain (P50) and a phylogenetically related susceptible
      strain (Dazao) were selected to profile the expressions of 12 Bt resistance
      related genes. The SNPs in these genes were detected based on EST analysis and
      were validated by allelic-specific PCR. A comparison of allelic-specific
      expression between P50 and Dazao showed that the transcript levels of
      heterozygous genes containing two alleles rather than an imbalanced allelic
      expression contribute more to the resistance of P50 against Bt. The responses of
      the allelic-specific expression to Bt in hybrid larvae were then investigated.
      The results showed that the gene expression pattern of an ATP-binding cassette
      transporter C2 (ABCC2) and an aminopeptidase N (APN3), changed in an allelic
      specific manner, with the increase of the resistant allele expression correlated
      with larval survival. The results suggest that a trans-regulatory mechanism in
      ABCC2 and APN3 allelic-specific expression is involved in the insect's response
      to the Bt toxin. The potential role of allelic-specific gene regulation in insect
      resistance to Bt toxins is discussed.

PMID- 25123099
TI  - Lanthanide doped nanoparticles as remote sensors for magnetic fields.
AB  - We report the effect of magnetic fields (MFs) on emission Eu-doped NaYF4
      nanoparticles. A notable shift in the position of emission bands and the
      suppressed emission intensity are observed with the MF. These magnetic-optical
      interactions are explained in terms of the Zeeman effect, enhanced cross
      relaxation rate and change of site symmetry. 

PMID- 25123098
TI  - [Symptom control and place of death in palliative cancer patients in primary
      care. Results of the controlled PAMINO evaluation study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The care of patients at the end of life focuses on preservation of
      the quality of life, symptom control and fulfillment of the preferred place of
      death. Only few care and outcome-related data for primary palliative care in
      Germany are available; therefore, the objective was to examine the quality of
      life, symptom control and place of death of patients with palliative treatment by
      general practitioners (GP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is part of the PAMINO
      project, a non-randomized, controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of
      continuing medical education for GPs (>= 40 h) in palliative care
      (ISRCTN78021852). Cancer patients with an estimated life expectancy of less than
      6 months were recruited by GPs with (PG) or without (CG) continuing education and
      documented the diagnosis, medication based on the hospice and palliative care
      collation ( Hospiz- und Palliativ-Erfassung, HOPE) core documentation and the
      preferred place of death. Patients rated their symptom burden and health-related
      quality of life using the quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-C15-PAL). Baseline
      (t0) data at enrollment and the last individual (t1) assessment were used for the
      analysis. RESULTS: Data of 68 patients (PG: n = 43, CG: n = 25, mean age 69.2 +/-
      12 years, average time since cancer diagnosis 14 months) were available at t0 and
      t1 (mean period 4.0 +/- 2.1 months). Physical function decreased while emotional
      functioning remained stable. Patient-perceived pain did not increase; however,
      GPs intensified the pain therapy. The PGs prescribed non-opioid analgesics more
      frequently than CGs. During the observation period 59 patients died of which 40
      out of 48 (83 %) as preferred at home. CONCLUSIONS: Stable emotional functioning,
      good symptom control in cancer patients at the end of life and the high rate of
      dying at home as preferred suggest that GPs with specific training can ensure
      high-quality general palliative care.

PMID- 25123100
TI  - Median and quantile tests under complex survey design using SAS and R.
AB  - Techniques for conducting hypothesis testing on the median and other quantiles of
      two or more subgroups under complex survey design are limited. In this paper, we
      introduce programs in both SAS and R to perform such a test. A detailed
      illustration of the computations, macro variable definitions, input and output
      for the SAS and R programs are also included in the text. Urinary iodine data
      from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) are used as
      examples for comparing medians between females and males as well as comparing the
      75th percentiles among three salt consumption groups. 

PMID- 25123101
TI  - Event-driven, pattern-based methodology for cost-effective development of
      standardized personal health devices.
AB  - Experiences applying standards in personal health devices (PHDs) show an inherent
      trade-off between interoperability and costs (in terms of processing load and
      development time). Therefore, reducing hardware and software costs as well as
      time-to-market is crucial for standards adoption. The ISO/IEEE11073 PHD family of
      standards (also referred to as X73PHD) provides interoperable communication
      between PHDs and aggregators. Nevertheless, the responsibility of achieving
      inexpensive implementations of X73PHD in limited resource microcontrollers falls
      directly on the developer. Hence, the authors previously presented a methodology
      based on patterns to implement X73-compliant PHDs into devices with low-voltage
      low-power constraints. That version was based on multitasking, which required
      additional features and resources. This paper therefore presents an event-driven
      evolution of the patterns-based methodology for cost-effective development of
      standardized PHDs. The results of comparing between the two versions showed that
      the mean values of decrease in memory consumption and cycles of latency are
      11.59% and 45.95%, respectively. In addition, several enhancements in terms of
      cost-effectiveness and development time can be derived from the new version of
      the methodology. Therefore, the new approach could help in producing cost
      effective X73-compliant PHDs, which in turn could foster the adoption of
      standards. 

PMID- 25123102
TI  - Bayesian bivariate generalized Lindley model for survival data with a cure
      fraction.
AB  - The cure fraction models have been widely used to analyze survival data in which
      a proportion of the individuals is not susceptible to the event of interest. In
      this article, we introduce a bivariate model for survival data with a cure
      fraction based on the three-parameter generalized Lindley distribution. The joint
      distribution of the survival times is obtained by using copula functions. We
      consider three types of copula function models, the Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern
      (FGM), Clayton and Gumbel-Barnett copulas. The model is implemented under a
      Bayesian framework, where the parameter estimation is based on Markov Chain Monte
      Carlo (MCMC) techniques. To illustrate the utility of the model, we consider an
      application to a real data set related to an invasive cervical cancer study. 

PMID- 25123103
TI  - Geometric and electronic properties of edge-decorated graphene nanoribbons.
AB  - Edge-decorated graphene nanoribbons are investigated with the density functional
      theory; they reveal three stable geometric structures. The first type is a
      tubular structure formed by the covalent bonds of decorating boron or nitrogen
      atoms. The second one consists of curved nanoribbons created by the dipole-dipole
      interactions between two edges when decorated with Be, Mg, or Al atoms. The final
      structure is a flat nanoribbon produced due to the repulsive force between two
      edges; most decorated structures belong to this type. Various decorating atoms,
      different curvature angles, and the zigzag edge structure are reflected in the
      electronic properties, magnetic properties, and bonding configurations. Most of
      the resulting structures are conductors with relatively high free carrier
      densities, whereas a few are semiconductors due to the zigzag-edge-induced anti
      ferromagnetism. 

PMID- 25123104
TI  - Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio for early diagnosis of celiac disease.

PMID- 25123106
TI  - Tetralogy of Fallot with coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistula.

PMID- 25123108
TI  - Cricothyroid onabotulinum toxin A injection to avert tracheostomy in bilateral
      vocal fold paralysis.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: More than half of children with bilateral vocal fold paralysis
      require a tracheostomy for airway management. We report an innovative, minimally
      invasive approach consisting of onabotulinum toxin A injection into the
      cricothyroid muscles. OBSERVATIONS: Onabotulinum toxin A was injected under
      direct vision into the cricothyroid muscles of 6 pediatric patients with
      bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis. None of the patients had fold fixation
      on laryngoscopy performed at the time of the injection. All patients had a
      documented increase in airway patency as visualized on flexible laryngoscopy
      within days after injection. This procedure successfully averted a tracheostomy
      in 5 patients and permitted decannulation of the sixth patient. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Onabotulinum toxin A injection into the cricothyroid muscles leads to
      an increase in the glottic space, providing an adequate airway. Onabotulinum
      toxin A injection in the cricothyroid muscles could be offered as a safe,
      effective, noninvasive first-line option for patients with bilateral vocal fold
      paralysis.

PMID- 25123105
TI  - Mice selected for extremes in stress reactivity reveal key endophenotypes of
      major depression: a translational approach.
AB  - Clear evidence has linked dysregulated hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical
      (HPA) axis function to the aetiology and pathophysiology of major depression
      (MD), as observed in the majority of patients. Increased stress reactivity and
      hyperactivity of the HPA axis seem characteristic for psychotic/melancholic
      depression, while the atypical subtype of depression has been connected with the
      opposing phenotypes. However, the underlying molecular-genetic mechanisms are
      poorly understood. In the present study, mouse lines selectively bred for
      extremes in stress reactivity (SR), i.e. presenting high (HR) or low (LR)
      corticosterone secretion in response to stressors, were used to characterise the
      molecular alterations on all levels of the HPA axis. Results were contrasted with
      clinical phenotypes of MD patients from the Munich Antidepressant Response
      Signature project, stratified according to their cortisol response in the Dex/CRH
      test. Distinct differences between HR and LR mice were found in the expression of
      HPA axis-related genes in the adrenals, pituitary and selected brain areas.
      Moreover, HR animals presented an enhanced adrenal sensitivity, increased stress
      induced neuronal activation in the PVN and an overshooting Dex/CRH test response,
      whereas LR animals showed a blunted response in these paradigms. Interestingly,
      analogous neuroendocrine, morphometric, psychopathological and behavioural
      differences were observed between the respective high and low HPA axis responder
      groups of MD patients. Our findings suggests that (i) the SR mouse model can
      serve as a valuable tool to elucidate HPA axis-related mechanisms underlying
      affective disorders and (ii) a stratification of MD patients according to their
      HPA axis-related neuroendocrine function should be considered for clinical
      research and treatment. 

PMID- 25123107
TI  - Risk and information evaluation of prioritized genes for complex traits:
      application to bipolar disorder.
AB  - Many susceptibility genes for complex traits were identified without conclusive
      findings. There is a strong need to integrate rapidly accumulated genomic data
      from multi-dimensional platforms, and to conduct risk evaluation for potential
      therapeutic and diagnostic usages. We set up an algorithm to computationally
      search for optimal weight-vector for various data sources, while minimized
      potential noises. Through gene-prioritization framework, combined scores for the
      resulting prioritized gene-set were calculated using a genome-wide association
      (GWA) dataset, following with evaluation using weighted genetic risk score and
      risk-attributed information using an independent GWA dataset. The significance of
      association of GWA data was corrected for gene length. Enriched functional
      pathways were identified for the prioritized gene-set using the Gene Ontology
      analysis. We illustrated our framework with bipolar disorder. 233 prioritized
      genes were identified from 10,830 candidates that curated from six platforms. The
      prioritized genes were significantly enriched (P(adjusted) < 1 * 10(-5)) in 18
      biological functions and molecular mechanisms including membrane, synaptic
      transmission, transmission of nerve impulse, integral to membrane, and plasma
      membrane. Our risk evaluation demonstrated higher weighted genetic risk score in
      bipolar patients than controls (P-values ranged from 0.002 to 3.8 * 10(-6)).
      Substantial risk-information (71%) was extracted from prioritized genes for
      bipolar illness than other candidate-gene sets. Our evidence-based prioritized
      gene-set provides opportunity to explore the complex network and to conduct
      follow-up basic and clinical studies for complex traits.

PMID- 25123109
TI  - Reversible Pisa syndrome associated to subdural haematoma: case-report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pisa Syndrome or Pleurothotonus is a relatively rare truncal
      dystonia, characterized by tonic flexion of the trunk and head to one side with
      slight rotation of the body. Since frequently associated to specific drugs such
      as antipsychotics and cholinesterase inhibitors or to Parkinson Disease, a
      pathophysiological role of cholinergic-dopaminergic imbalance has been suggested.
      We report here the first case of Pisa Syndrome due to an extracerebral pathology
      as subdural haematoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A hypertensive patient was admitted to
      Our Department for subacute onset of tonic flexion and slight rotation of the
      trunk associated to progressive motor deficit in left upper limb after a mild
      head trauma without loss of consciousness occurred around three month before. No
      previous or current pharmacological interventions with antidepressant,
      neuroleptic or anticholinergic drugs were anamnestically retrieved. Familiar and
      personal history was negative for neurological disorders other than acute
      cerebrovascular diseases. Acutely performed cerebral MRI with DWI showed a
      voluminous right subdural haematoma with mild shift of median line. After
      surgical evacuation, both motor deficit and truncal dystonia were dramatically
      resolved. At one-year follow up, the patient did not develop any extrapyramidal
      and cognitive signs or symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: According to many Authors, the
      occurrence of truncal dystonia during several pharmacologic treatments and
      neurodegenerative disorders (such as Alzheimer disease and parkinsonian
      syndromes) supported the hypothesis that a complex dysregulation of multiple
      neurotransmitter systems are involved. We suggest a possible role of basal
      ganglia compression in pathogenesis of truncal dystonia by means of thalamo
      cortical trait functional disruption and loss of proprioceptive integration. A
      further contribution of the subcortical structure displacement that alters motor
      cortex connectivity to basal ganglia may be postulated.

PMID- 25123111
TI  - "Neuroendocrine adenoma of the middle ear with the history of otitis media and
      carcinoma of the cheek: a case report".
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine adenomas of the middle ear are rare benign tumors
      deriving from middle ear mucosal cell with both neuroendocrine and epithelial
      properties. Approximately one hundred cases have been reported in the literature.
      Here we report a patient with neuroendocrine adenoma of the middle ear with the
      history of otitis media; the patient earlier had received radiotherapy for the
      treatment of basal cell carcinoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49- year- old Saudi man
      presented with a progressive hearing loss and fullness in the left ear with the
      history of otitis media for which he had undergone myringotomy and ventilating
      tubes insertion. Earlier at the age of 45 years this patient was given
      radiotherapy for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma in his cheek. The otoscopy
      showed a protruded external ear mass obscuring the tympanic membrane. Microscopy
      and histological examination suggested an endocrine adenoma of the middle ear.
      The computerized tomography scan of the temporal bone showed an extensive soft
      tissue mass without any osteolysis. Histological and immunohistochemical
      examination following surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis of neuroendocrine
      adenoma of the middle ear. CONCLUSION: A rare case of neuroendocrine adenoma of
      the middle ear with earlier history of otitis media and carcinoma of the cheek is
      presented here. Surgical excision of mass resulted in uneventful recovery.
      Although the etiologic factors leading to the disease is far from clear, the role
      of radiotherapy given for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma may not be ruled
      out.

PMID- 25123110
TI  - Functional outcome in people at high risk for psychosis predicted by thalamic
      glutamate levels and prefronto-striatal activation.
AB  - Little is known about the neurobiological factors that determine functional
      outcome in people at high risk for psychosis. We use multimodal neuroimaging to
      investigate whether cortical responses during a cognitive task and thalamic
      glutamate levels were associated with subsequent functional outcome. Sixty
      subjects participated: 27 healthy controls (CTRL) and 33 at ultrahigh risk (UHR)
      for psychosis. At baseline, cortical responses during a verbal fluency task were
      measured using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and proton Magnetic
      Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was used to measure thalamic glutamate levels.
      The UHR subjects were then followed clinically for a mean duration of 18 months,
      and subdivided into "good" and "poor" functional outcome subgroups according to
      their Global Assessment of Function score at follow-up. UHR subjects with a poor
      functional outcome showed greater cortical and subcortical activation than UHR
      subjects with a good functional outcome. They also had lower levels of thalamic
      glutamate and showed a negative relationship between thalamic glutamate levels
      and prefrontal-striatal activation that was not present in the good functional
      outcome or control groups. In people at high risk for psychosis, their subsequent
      level of functioning may depend on the extent to which neurophysiological and
      neurochemical function is perturbed when they first present to clinical services.

PMID- 25123112
TI  - An eight-year epidemiologic study based on baculovirus-expressed type-specific
      spike proteins for the differentiation of type I and II feline coronavirus
      infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease caused by
      feline coronavirus (FCoV). FCoVs are divided into two serotypes with markedly
      different infection rates among cat populations around the world. A baculovirus
      expressed type-specific domain of the spike proteins of FCoV was used to survey
      the infection of the two viruses over the past eight years in Taiwan. RESULTS: An
      immunofluorescence assay based on cells infected with the recombinant viruses
      that was capable of distinguishing between the two types of viral infection was
      established. A total of 833 cases from a teaching hospital was surveyed for
      prevalence of different FCoV infections. Infection of the type I FCoV was
      dominant, with a seropositive rate of 70.4%, whereas 3.5% of cats were infected
      with the type II FCoV. In most cases, results derived from serotyping and
      genotyping were highly agreeable. However, 16.7% (4/24) FIP cats and 9.8% (6/61)
      clinically healthy cats were found to possess antibodies against both viruses.
      Moreover, most of the cats (84.6%, 22/26) infected with a genotypic untypable
      virus bearing a type I FCoV antibody. CONCLUSION: A relatively simple serotyping
      method to distinguish between two types of FCoV infection was developed. Based on
      this method, two types of FCoV infection in Taiwan was first carried out. Type I
      FCoV was found to be predominant compared with type II virus. Results derived
      from serotyping and genotyping support our current understanding of evolution of
      disease-related FCoV and transmission of FIP.

PMID- 25123113
TI  - Characterization of newly gained introns in Daphnia populations.
AB  - As one of the few known species in an active phase of intron proliferation, the
      microcrustacean Daphnia pulex is an especially attractive system for
      interrogating the gain and loss of introns in natural populations. In this study,
      we used a comparative population-genomic approach to identify and characterize 90
      recently gained introns in this species. Molecular clock analyses indicate that
      these introns arose between 3.9 * 10(5) and 1.45 * 10(4) years ago, with a spike
      in intron proliferation approximately 5.2 * 10(4) to 1.22 * 10(5) years ago.
      Parallel gains at homologous positions contribute to 47.8% (43/90) of discovered
      new introns. A disproportionally large number of new introns were found in
      historically isolated populations in Oregon. Nonetheless, derived, intron-bearing
      alleles were also identified in a wide range of geographic locations, suggesting
      intron gain and, to a lesser degree, intron loss are important sources of genetic
      variation in natural populations of Daphnia. A majority (55/90 or 61.1%) of the
      identified neointrons have associated internal direct repeats with lengths and
      compositions that are unlikely to occur by chance, suggesting repeated bouts of
      staggered double-strand breaks (DSBs) during their evolution. Accordingly,
      internal, staggered DSBs may contribute to a passive trend toward increased
      length and sequence diversity in nascent introns. 

PMID- 25123115
TI  - "We are supposed to take care of it": a qualitative examination of care and
      repair behaviour of long-lasting, insecticide-treated nets in Nasarawa State,
      Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The longevity of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) under field
      conditions has important implications for malaria vector control. The behaviour
      of bed net users, including net care and repair, may protect or damage bed nets
      and impact the physical integrity of nets. However, this behaviour, and the
      motivating and inhibiting factors, is not well understood. METHODS: Qualitative
      research methods were used to examine behaviour, attitudes and norms around
      damage, care and repair of LLINs. Eighteen in-depth interviews (IDI) and six
      focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with LLIN users in two local
      government areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A brief background questionnaire
      with the 73 participants prior to IDIs or FGDs collected additional data on
      demographics, net use, and care and repair behaviour. RESULTS: Respondents cited
      that the major causes of damage to bed nets are primarily children, followed by
      rodents, everyday handling that is not gentle, and characteristics of sleeping
      spaces. Caring for nets was perceived as both preventing damage by careful
      handling and keeping the net clean, which may lead to over-washing of LLINs.
      Repairing a damaged net was considered something that net users should do and the
      responsibility of adults in the household. Despite this, reported frequency of
      net repair was low (18%). Motivations for taking care of and repairing nets
      centred around caring for one's family, avoiding mosquito bites, saving money,
      and maintaining the positive opinion of others by keeping a clean and intact net.
      Barriers to net care and repair related to time availability and low perceived
      value of bed nets or of one's health. CONCLUSION: This study provides novel and
      valuable insights on the perceptions and attitudes of LLIN users in Nasarawa,
      Nigeria on the durability of bed nets, how to care for and repair nets, and for
      what reasons. Communication around net care should stress proper daily storage of
      nets, regular net inspections, prompt repairs, and clarify misconceptions about
      proper washing frequency and technique. These messages should include compelling
      motivators, such as local social norms of household hygiene.

PMID- 25123114
TI  - The transcriptome of Nacobbus aberrans reveals insights into the evolution of
      sedentary endoparasitism in plant-parasitic nematodes.
AB  - Within the phylum Nematoda, plant-parasitism is hypothesized to have arisen
      independently on at least four occasions. The most economically damaging plant
      parasitic nematode species, and consequently the most widely studied, are those
      that feed as they migrate destructively through host roots causing necrotic
      lesions (migratory endoparasites) and those that modify host root tissue to
      create a nutrient sink from which they feed (sedentary endoparasites). The false
      root-knot nematode Nacobbus aberrans is the only known species to have both
      migratory endoparasitic and sedentary endoparasitic stages within its life cycle.
      Moreover, its sedentary stage appears to have characteristics of both the root
      knot and the cyst nematodes. We present the first large-scale genetic resource of
      any false-root knot nematode species. We use RNAseq to describe relative
      abundance changes in all expressed genes across the life cycle to provide
      interesting insights into the biology of this nematode as it transitions between
      modes of parasitism. A multigene phylogenetic analysis of N. aberrans with
      respect to plant-parasitic nematodes of all groups confirms its proximity to both
      cyst and root-knot nematodes. We present a transcriptome-wide analysis of both
      lateral gene transfer events and the effector complement. Comparing parasitism
      genes of typical root-knot and cyst nematodes to those of N. aberrans has
      revealed interesting similarities. Importantly, genes that were believed to be
      either cyst nematode, or root-knot nematode, "specific" have both been identified
      in N. aberrans. Our results provide insights into the characteristics of a common
      ancestor and the evolution of sedentary endoparasitism of plants by nematodes. 

PMID- 25123117
TI  - Predictors of long-term effect from education and exercise in patients with knee
      and hip pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Education and exercise are poorly implemented in osteoarthritis
      care. The purpose of the present study was to identify predictors of
      effectiveness at one year from education and exercise in patients with knee or
      hip pain in clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Good Life with Arthritis in
      Denmark is an implementation initiative consisting of education and 12 sessions
      of neuromuscular exercise delivered by trained physiotherapists. Pain (visual
      analogue scale 0-100) and quality of life (EQ-5D) were assessed at baseline and
      after three and 12 months. Changes in outcome from baseline to one year were
      dependent variables in regression analyses, while changes from baseline to 3
      months and absolute results at three months in physical performance (30-second
      chair stand test) and self-efficacy were predictor variables. RESULTS: A total of
      79/82 patients completed the one-year follow-up. Improvements in pain and EQ-5D
      at three months were maintained at one year (p < 0.006). Change in self-efficacy
      from baseline to three months (Beta = -0.369) and 30-second chair stand test
      (Beta = -0.251) and self-efficacy at three months (Beta = -0.492) were predictors
      of one-year improvement in pain (p < 0.05). Furthermore, self-efficacy at three
      months (Beta = 0.304) was a predictor of one-year improvement in EQ-5D (p =
      0.01). CONCLUSION: The identified predictors highlight the importance of
      combining education and exercise. This study indicates that good long-term
      treatment results are achievable in clinical practice.

PMID- 25123116
TI  - Could hyaluronic acid (HA) reduce Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) local side
      effects? Results of a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is considered the most effective
      treatment to reduce recurrence and progression of non-muscle invasive bladder
      cancer (NMIBC) but can induce local side effects leading to treatment
      discontinuation or interruption. Aim of this exploratory study is to investigate
      if the sequential administration of Hyaluronic acid (HA) may reduce local side
      effects of BCG. METHODS: 30 consecutive subjects undergoing BCG intravesical
      administration for high risk NMIBC were randomized to receive BCG only (Group A)
      or BCG and HA (Group B). A 1 to 10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for bladder pain,
      International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and number of micturitions per day
      were evaluated in the two groups before and after six weekly BCG instillations.
      Patients were also evaluated at 3 and 6 months by means of cystostopy and urine
      cytology. RESULTS: One out of 30 (3,3%) patients in group A dropped out from the
      protocol, for local side effects. Mean VAS for pain was significantly lower in
      group B after BCG treatment (4.2 vs. 5.8, p = 0.04). Post vs. pre treatment
      differences in VAS for pain, IPSS and number of daily micturitions were all
      significantly lower in group B. Three patients in group A and 4 in group B
      presented with recurrent pathology at 6 month follow up. CONCLUSIONS: These
      preliminary data suggest a possible role of HA in reducing BCG local side effects
      and could be used to design larger randomized controlled trials, assessing safety
      and efficacy of sequential BCG and HA administration. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      NCT02207608 (ClinicalTrials.gov) 01/08/2014. Policlinico Tor Vergata Ethics
      Committee, resolution n 69-2011.

PMID- 25123118
TI  - Admission medical records made at night time have the same quality as day and
      evening time records.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A thorough and accurate admission medical record is an important
      tool in ensuring patient safety during the hospital stay. Surgeons' performance
      might be affected during night shifts due to sleep deprivation. The aim of the
      study was to assess the quality of admission medical records during day, evening
      and night time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1,000 admission medical records
      were collected from 2009 to 2013 based equally on four diagnoses: mechanical
      bowel obstruction, appendicitis, gallstone disease and gastrointestinal bleeding.
      The records were reviewed for errors by a pre-defined checklist based on Danish
      standards for admission medical records. The time of dictation for the medical
      record was registered. RESULTS: A total of 1,183 errors were found in 778
      admission medical records made during day- and evening time, and 322 errors in
      222 admission medical records from night time shifts. No significant overall
      difference in error was found in the admission medical records when day and
      evening values were compared to night values. Subgroup analyses made for all four
      diagnoses showed no difference in day and evening values compared with night time
      values. CONCLUSION: Night time deterioration was not seen in the quality of the
      medical records.

PMID- 25123119
TI  - Treatment of insufficient lactation is often not evidence-based.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Breast milk has many advantages over formula for infants in
      developed and developing countries alike. Despite intentions of breastfeeding,
      some women develop insufficient lactation. Treatment options traditionally
      include breastfeeding education and pharmacotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An
      electronic questionnaire regarding treatment of insufficient lactation was sent
      to all obstetric departments (n = 21) and neonatal wards (n = 17) in Denmark.
      Three main questions were included which focused on: breastfeeding education for
      women, use of pharmacotherapy and availability of local guidelines. RESULTS: In
      all, 30 out of a total of 38 departments participated; and among those, 93%
      offered some form of breastfeeding education. 50% used either metoclopramide or
      syntocinon to promote lactation. None used domperidone. 73% had a local clinical
      guideline. 77% offered sessions with a lactation consultant. CONCLUSION: Despite
      lack of evidence, half of the Danish obstetric departments and neonatal wards use
      metoclopramide and syntocinon for insufficient lactation. Domperidone might
      provide an alternative, but no departments reported its use. Management of
      insufficient lactation should always be initiated by counselling and education.
      Only when these treatment options are exhausted should pharmacotherapy with a
      suitable medication be considered.

PMID- 25123120
TI  - Improvement in health-related quality of life following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study explored whether health-related quality of life (HRQOL)
      changes following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery were associated with
      identifiable socio-demographic or clinical characteristics, and it examined the
      impact on health outcomes of changes in the Danish criteria for bariatric
      surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants (n = 55) completed the Short Form
      Health Survey v2 (SF-36) before and 22 +/- 4.2 months after surgery. Information
      on socio-demographics, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidity and satisfaction with
      surgery were collected through patient questionnaires and hospital records.
      RESULTS: There was overall improvement on all SF-36 subscales and in the mean
      physical score (PCS) and mean mental score (MCS) (p = 0.001). A total of five
      patients had lower PCS and 13 patients had lower MCS after surgery, but we
      identified no particular characteristics associated with this poorer outcome. Co
      morbidity and preoperative PCS/MCS showed a strong correlation with change in
      PCS/MCS score. CONCLUSION: Gastric bypass had a positive overall effect on HRQOL,
      but further investigation of individual variations is needed. We found no
      significant differences in HRQOL outcome between those patients who would be
      accepted for bariatric surgery under the current Danish criteria for bariatric
      surgery and those patients who only fulfilled the criteria for bariatric surgery
      before 2011. FUNDING: not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov:
      NCT02032199.

PMID- 25123121
TI  - Treatment of hypophosphataemic rickets in children remains a challenge.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypophosphataemic rickets (HR) is a rare hereditary disease
      characterised by hypophosphataemia, defects in bone mineralisation and rickets.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched the hospital files at H.C. Andersen Children's
      Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Denmark, for children with the
      International Classification of Diseases 10 codes E83.3B (vitamin D resistant
      rickets) and E83.3A1 (familiar hypophosphataemia) from 1 February 2012 to 1 May
      2012. Data were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: Fifteen HR children were
      identified. X-linked hypophosphataemia with mutations in the phosphate-regulating
      endopeptidase homologue, X-linked were present in 80%; three had autosomal
      recessive HR with dentin matrix protein mutations. The children were treated with
      phosphate and alphacalcidol for an average of 7.7 years +/- 5.1 standard
      deviations (SD). At the latest follow-up, the mean age was 10.1 (+5.4) years, and
      the mean height had declined 0.8 SD from the first contact. A total of 40% had an
      actual height below -2.0 SD, and 40% underwent surgery for leg deformities. Among
      the medically treated patients, five had genu varus with a mean medial femoral
      condyle distance of 6.6 cm (+ 2.79), and two patients had genu valgus with a mean
      medial malleolus distance of 12.3 cm (+ 1.77). Episodes of secondary
      hyperparathyroidism were seen in 87%, and one patient developed transient
      nephrocalcinosis. CONCLUSION: The current medical treatment for HR is
      insufficient. The rarity of the disease and the treatment difficulties of HR call
      for centralised management. International multi-centre trials including novel
      treatment options are warranted.

PMID- 25123122
TI  - Poor interpretation of chest X-rays by junior doctors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Studies targeting medical students and junior doctors have shown
      that their radiological skills are insufficient. Despite the widespread use of
      chest X-ray; however, a study of Danish junior doctors' skills has not previously
      been performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 22 participants per-used a
      standardised series of ten chest X-rays. The test used a multiple-choice form for
      each image, and the clinical data and the tentative diagnosis of each image were
      also made available to the participants. For each image, the participant chose a
      single primary diagnosis; and for each diagnosis, the participant's confidence in
      the diagnosis was assessed on a five-point Likert scale. The diagnoses were
      divided into four groups: normal findings, chronic diseases, acute diseases and
      hyperacute diseases or conditions. RESULTS: A total of 22 doctors receiving basic
      clinical education (BCE) completed the study. Overall, participants correctly
      established 51% of the diagnoses. The participants' overall confidence in the
      primary diagnoses was 57.5% on the Likert scale, corresponding to 57.5%
      confidence in the proposed diagnoses. The sensitivity was calculated to 0.49 (95%
      confidence interval (CI): 0.41-0.57) and the specificity to 0.55 (95% CI: 0.41
      0.68). CONCLUSION: Based on the results from this study, we conclude that BCE
      doctors do not meet the minimum requirements for radiological diagnostic skills
      for the use of chest X-ray that were established for this study.

PMID- 25123123
TI  - Increased mortality in the elderly after emergency abdominal surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between
      preoperative delay and mortality in surgical patients undergoing primary
      emergency laparotomy (PEL) in an unselected, well-described patient cohort in a
      university hospital setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective
      analysis of patient charts and perioperative documentation in an unselected
      consecutive cohort of 131 patients. Covariates for survival outcomes were
      evaluated in a multivariate analysis. No external funding and no competing
      interests were declared. The study was approved by The Danish Data Protection
      Agency; and in pursuance of national Danish research guidelines concerning
      retrospective studies, approval from ethics committee was not relevant. RESULTS:
      PEL was performed in 131 patients in the observation period. The median age of
      the patients was 68 years. The median time from admission to start of operation
      for all patients was 9.5 hours. No association between a time to operation
      exceeding six hours and post-operative mortality was found (adjusted odds ratio
      (95% confidence interval) = 0.67 (0.25-1.78)). Patients over 75 years of age had
      a very high mortality (47.8%). Most patients died within 30 days post
      operatively. CONCLUSION: Acute admission and emergency laparotomy is associated
      with a very high mortality, especially in elderly patients. However, delay in the
      surgical treatment exceeding six hours is not associated with a higher mortality.
      There may be a considerable potential for improving care and management in these
      patients through a more systematic approach.

PMID- 25123124
TI  - Single-port laparoscopic rectal surgery - a systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) for colonic disease has
      been widely described, whereas data for SPLS rectal resection are sparse. This
      review aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and complication profile of SPLS
      for rectal diseases. METHODS: A systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase
      was performed in September 2013 according to the PRISMA guidelines. Original
      reports on the use of SPLS in high and low anterior resection, Hartmann's
      operation and abdominoperineal resection were included. Outcome measures were
      intra-operative details and complications, short-term oncological outcome and
      early complication profile. RESULTS: No randomised studies or controlled clinical
      studies were identified. All studies were case series or case reports. Only five
      studies included more than ten patients operated with SPLS, comprising a total of
      120 patients. These studies formed the basis for the final analyses of outcome.
      Operative times ranged from 79 to 280 min. Conversion rates to conventional
      laparoscopic surgery and to open surgery were 12% and 2.5%, respectively. The
      number of harvested lymph nodes in malignant cases was 13-18. The post-operative
      complication rate was 25.5%. Length of hospital stay was 1-16 days. No 30-day
      mortality was reported. CONCLUSION: Short-term results suggest that SPLS for
      rectal disease is feasible and safe with an acceptable complication rate when
      performed by experienced surgeons in selected patients. Oncological safety and
      the possible benefits remain to be proven. Future rectal SPLS procedures should
      be performed in a protocolled set-up.

PMID- 25123125
TI  - Metabolism and insulin signaling in common metabolic disorders and inherited
      insulin resistance.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes, obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common
      metabolic disorders which are observed with increasing prevalences, and which are
      caused by a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors,
      including increased calorie intake and physical inactivity. These metabolic
      disorders are all characterized by reduced plasma adiponectin and insulin
      resistance in peripheral tissues. Quantitatively skeletal muscle is the major
      site of insulin resistance. Both low plasma adiponectin and insulin resistance
      contribute to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In
      several studies, we have investigated insulin action on glucose and lipid
      metabolism, and at the molecular level, insulin signaling to glucose transport
      and glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscle from healthy individuals and in
      obesity, PCOS and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, we have described a novel syndrome
      characterized by postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and insulin
      resistance. This syndrome is caused by a mutation in the tyrosine kinase domain
      of the insulin receptor gene (INSR). We have studied individuals with this
      mutation as a model of inherited insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes, obesity and
      PCOS are characterized by pronounced defects in the insulin-stimulated glucose
      uptake, in particular glycogen synthesis and to a lesser extent glucose
      oxidation, and the ability of insulin to suppress lipid oxidation. In inherited
      insulin resistance, however, only insulin action on glucose uptake and glycogen
      synthesis is impaired. This suggests that the defects in glucose and lipid
      oxidation in the common metabolic disorders are secondary to other factors. In
      young women with PCOS, the degree of insulin resistance was similar to that seen
      in middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes. This supports the hypothesis of an
      unique pathogenesis of insulin resistance in PCOS. Insulin in physiological
      concentrations stimulates glucose uptake in human skeletal muscle in vivo by
      activation of the insulin signaling cascade to glucose transport through the
      enzymes IRS1, PI3K, Akt2, AS160/TBC1D4 and RAC1, and to glycogen synthesis
      through Akt2, inhibition of GSK3 and activation of glycogen synthase (GS) via
      dephosphorylation of serine residues in both the NH2-terminal (site 2+2a) and the
      COOH-terminal end (site 3a+3b). In type 2 diabetes, obesity and PCOS, there is,
      although with some variation from study to study, defects in insulin signaling
      through IRS1, PI3K, Akt2 and AS160/TBC1D4, which can explain reduced insulin
      action on glucose transport. In type 2 diabetes an altered intracellular
      distribution of SNAP23 and impaired activation of RAC1 also seem to play a role
      for reduced insulin action on glucose transport. In all common metabolic
      disorders, we observed an impaired insulin activation of GS, which seems to be
      caused by attenuated dephosphorylation of GS at site 2+2a, whereas as the
      inhibition of GSK3 and the dephosphorylation of GS at its target sites, site
      3a+3a, appeared to be completely normal. In individuals with inherited insulin
      resistance, we observed largely the same defects in insulin action on IRS1, PI3K,
      Akt2 and GS, as well as a normal inhibition of GSK3 and dephosphorylation of GS
      at site 3a+3b. In these individuals, however, a markedly reduced insulin
      clearance seems to partially rescue insulin signaling to glucose transport and
      GS. Adiponectin is thought to improve insulin sensitivity primarily by increasing
      lipid oxidation through activation of the enzyme AMPK, and possibly via cross
      talking of adiponectin with insulin signaling, and hence glucose transport and
      glycogen synthesis. We demonstrated a strong correlation between plasma
      adiponectin and insulin action on glucose disposal and glycogen synthesis in
      obesity, type 2 diabetes and PCOS. In individuals with inherited insulin
      resistance, plasma adiponectin was normal, but the correlation of adiponectin
      with insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis was at least
      equally strong. Moreover, we found a correlation between plasma adiponectin and
      insulin activation of GS. This result is supported by a number of recent studies
      of animal models and muscle cell lines, which have shown that adiponectin
      augments insulin action on enzymes in the insulin signaling cascade. In contrast,
      we observed no differences in the abundance or activity of AMPK in obesity, type
      2 diabetes, PCOS or inherited insulin resistance. This indicates that reduced
      insulin sensitivity in these conditions is not mediated via abnormal AMPK
      activity. The results from these studies demonstrate that the well-established
      abnormalities in insulin action on glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis are
      reflected by defects in insulin signaling to these cellular processes in type 2
      diabetes, obesity, and PCOS, and as expected also in inherited insulin resistance
      caused by a mutation in INSR. In common metabolic disorders, low plasma
      adiponectin may contribute to insulin resistance and defects in insulin
      signaling, whereas in inherited insulin resistance a normal plasma adiponectin
      and reduced insulin clearance could contribute to maintain a sufficient
      activation of the insulin signaling cascade. The insight gained from these
      studies have improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying
      insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of humans, and can form the basis for
      further studies, which can lead to the development of treatment that more
      directly targets insulin resistance, and hence reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
      and cardiovascular disease. 

PMID- 25123126
TI  - Prognostic interactions between cardiovascular risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) still remains the leading cause of death
      worldwide, especially in Europe where the prevalence of hypertension is 60%
      higher compared with the United States and Canada and the clustering of
      hypertension and the metabolic disorders central adiposity, dyslipidemia and
      dysglycemia, known as the metabolic syndrome (MetS), affects 25% of the
      population. Despite the great initiatives of many primary prevention strategies,
      risk factor control is still poor. In an attempt to optimize risk factor control,
      two issues among others have been of great debate in the past decade: (1) the
      superiority of systolic blood pressure (SBP) as a risk factor in the elderly; and
      (2) the clinical relevance of MetS. However, in order to further elucidate these
      issues, we need to get a deeper understanding of how the cardiovascular risk
      factors interact with one another. Thus, prognostic interactions were used in the
      present PhD thesis to test the following hypotheses: Primary hypotheses: (1) The
      superiority of SBP over diastolic blood pressure (DBP) as a risk factor occurs at
      an earlier age if an individual presents with other cardiovascular risk factors.
      (2) The prevalence and prognostic significance of MetS differ according to age
      and gender. The first hypothesis is explored in paper 1 (for the endpoint fatal
      and nonfatal (total) stroke) and paper II (for mortality from coronary heart
      disease (CHD), stroke, and all-causes), while the second hypothesis is explored
      in paper III (for total CHD, total stroke, and CVD mortality). METHODS: Using 34
      42 cohorts from the MORGAM Project with baseline between 1982-1997, approximately
      68 000-86 000 apparently healthy men and women aged 19-78 years, without CVD
      (papers I-III) and not receiving antihypertensive treatment (papers I-II) were
      included. During 12-13 years of follow-up, the incident events of total stroke
      were up to 1957, of total CHD were 4368, and of all-cause mortality were 7903. In
      papers I-II, event risk was analyzed by multivariate-adjusted Cox regressions
      including SBP and DBP simultaneously, as well as other cardiovascular risk
      factors and any significant interactions between variables. In paper III, MetS
      prevalence and prognostic significance was considered according to modified
      definitions of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the revised
      National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III),
      and the influence of possible interactions between age and gender on MetS
      prevalence and prognostic significance was explored using logistic as well as
      multivariate-adjusted Cox regressions. MetS was analyzed separately for men and
      women in various age-groups. RESULTS: Taking into account the significant
      interactions between cardiovascular risk factors, the results were as follows:
      Papers I-II: Age-related shifts were shown for the independent relative
      importance of SBP and DBP as risk factors for stroke (both total and fatal) and
      all-cause mortality, but not for CHD mortality where SBP remained significant in
      all ages. The prognostic shift to the superiority of SBP was significantly
      established in the 6th decade, and only for stroke mortality was this shift
      influenced by other cardiovascular risk factors, such that it occurred at an
      earlier age in men from high-risk countries and with a higher cholesterol level.
      However, from mid-age and onwards, a potential harmful effect of low DBP for the
      risk of total stroke and all-cause mortality was present. Paper III: The
      prevalence and prognostic significance of MetS showed great variations among
      countries and were influenced by both age and gender. With older age, the
      prevalence of MetS increased 5-fold in women from ages 19-39 years to 60-78 years
      and 2-fold in men. The CVD risk associated with MetS was (1) higher in women than
      in men especially when using the NCEP-ATP III criteria, and (2) independently of
      age in men whereas in women total CHD risk decreased significantly and the total
      stroke risk tended to increase (although not significant) with older age.
      CONCLUSION: The present thesis elucidates through prognostic interactions the
      complex interplay between cardiovascular risk factors. Our results indicate the
      independent prognostic superiority of SBP in elderly Europeans, and only for
      stroke mortality risk this prognostic superiority of SBP was influenced by other
      cardiovascular risk factors such that it was established at an earlier age. The
      prevalence and prognostic significance of MetS differed according to both age and
      gender. In women, MetS was associated with higher relative event risks and the
      MetS associated relative CHD risk decreased with advancing age.

PMID- 25123127
TI  - Offspring body size and metabolic profile - effects of lifestyle intervention in
      obese pregnant women.
AB  - Worldwide, the prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions. In Denmark
      one third of all pregnant women are overweight and 12 % are obese. Perhaps even
      more concerning, a dramatic rise in the prevalence of childhood overweight and
      obesity has also been evident over recent decades. The obesity epidemic is not
      simply a consequence of poor diet or sedentary lifestyles. Obesity is a
      multifactorial condition in which environmental, biological and genetic factors
      all play essential roles. The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DoHaD)
      hypothesis has highlighted the link between prenatal, perinatal and early
      postnatal exposure to certain environmental factors and subsequent development of
      obesity and non-communicable diseases. Maternal obesity and excessive gestational
      weight gain, resulting in over-nutrition of the fetus, are major contributors to
      obesity and metabolic disturbances in the offspring. Pregnancy offers the
      opportunity to modify the intrauterine environment, and maternal lifestyle
      changes during gestation may confer health benefits to the child. The overall aim
      with this PhD thesis was to study the effects of maternal obesity on offspring
      body size and metabolic outcomes, with special emphasis on the effects of
      lifestyle intervention during pregnancy. The thesis is based on a literature
      review, description of own studies and three original papers/manuscripts (I, II
      and III). In paper I, we used data from the Danish Medical Birth Registry. The
      aim of this paper was to examine the impact of maternal pregestational Body Mass
      Index (BMI) and smoking on neonatal abdominal circumference (AC) and weight at
      birth and to define reference curves for birth AC and weight in offspring of
      healthy, non-smoking, normal weight women. Data on 366,886 singletons were
      extracted and analyzed using multivariate linear regressions. We found that birth
      AC and weight increased with increasing pregestational BMI and decreased with
      smoking. Reference curves were created for offspring of healthy, non-smoking
      mothers with normal pregestational BMI. Paper II and III are based on an
      offspring follow-up of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 360 obese
      pregnant women. The intervention during pregnancy consisted of two major
      components: dietary advice and physical activity. The intervention resulted in a
      small, but significant difference in gestational weight gain compared to the
      control group. A number of 301 completed the trial and were eligible for the
      follow-up. We managed to include 157 mother and child dyads in the follow-up,
      which was conducted in Odense University Hospital and Aarhus University Hospital,
      Skejby between February 2010 and November 2012. At that time the children were in
      the ages 2.5-3 years. In addition to the children from the RCT, a group of 97
      children born to lean mothers were included as an external reference group. The
      follow-up consisted of a clinical examination with anthropometric measures, DEXA
      scans and fasting blood samples for evaluation of metabolic outcomes. In paper II
      the effect of the maternal intervention on offspring body composition and
      anthropometric outcomes was studied. The primary outcome was BMI Z-score and
      secondary outcomes were: body composition values by DEXA (fat mass, lean mass and
      fat percentage), BMI, percentage of overweight or obese children and skin fold
      thicknesses. We found no significant differences in offspring outcomes between
      randomized groups of the preceding RCT. Neither was any differences detected
      between offspring of the RCT or the external reference group born to lean
      mothers. Paper III focused on the metabolic outcomes in the offspring. We
      additionally studied the predictive values of birth weight (BW) and birth
      abdominal circumference (BAC) on metabolic risk factors. We found that both BAC
      and BW were significantly associated with several risk factors in early
      childhood. All metabolic measurements in RCT offspring were similar, and no
      differences were detected between the RCT offspring and the external reference
      group of offspring of lean mothers. Lifestyle intervention in obese pregnant
      women has the potential to modify the intrauterine environment and confer long
      term benefits to the child. In this follow-up study, lifestyle intervention in
      pregnancy did not result in changes in offspring body composition or metabolic
      risk factors at 2.8 years. This might be due to a limited difference in
      gestational weight gain between follow-up attendees. When comparing offspring of
      obese women with offspring of normal weight mothers all outcomes were similar. We
      speculate that obese mothers entering a lifestyle intervention RCT regardless of
      the intervention have a high motivation to focus on healthy lifestyle during
      pregnancy, which makes it difficult to determine the effects of the randomized
      lifestyle intervention compared to an unselected control group of obese women.
      Our studies (paper I and III) on birth abdominal circumference show that
      abdominal size at birth is a good predictor of later adverse metabolic profile.
      Abdominal circumference at birth may reflect visceral adiposity and this
      measurement together with birth weight are strongly associated to later adverse
      metabolic outcome. Future studies should be performed in other populations to
      confirm this. 

PMID- 25123128
TI  - Trophectoderm morphology predicts outcomes of pregnancy in vitrified-warmed
      single-blastocyst transfer cycle in a Chinese population.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this study, we estimated the effect of blastocoele expansion, ICM and
      TE quality after warming and culture on the rates of clinical pregnancy, live
      birth and miscarriage in vitrified-warmed single-blastocyst transfer cycle in a
      Chinese population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 263 cycles of vitrified
      warmed single-blastocyst transfers was performed. RESULTS: The blastocysts with
      higher TE grade significantly increased the rates of clinical pregnancy (OR =
      0.59, 95 % CI, 0.35-0.99, P = 0.045, grade (A + B) vs grade C) and live birth (OR
      = 0.55, 95 % CI, 0.32-0.94, P = 0.029, grade (A + B) vs grade C). And the
      association between TE grade and the rate of live birth didn't change after the
      number of repeated cycles was adjusted (OR = 0.55, 95 % CI, 0.32-0.95, P = 0.033,
      grade (A + B) vs grade C). The number of repeated cycles was a confounding factor
      significantly different between the live birth and no live birth groups. By
      contrast, neither blastocoele expansion nor inner cell mass was statistically
      related to the rates of clinical pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data firstly provided the evidence that TE grading, but not ICM
      grading, was significantly associated with the clinical pregnancy rate and live
      birth rate in vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles in a Chinese
      population. TE morphology may help predict outcomes of pregnancy in single
      blastocyst transfer.

PMID- 25123129
TI  - The biomechanics of biodegradable versus titanium interference screw fixation for
      anterior cruciate ligament augmentation and reconstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: The ligament augmentation and reconstruction system (LARS) is one of the
      options available for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. To date,
      however, there are no published data regarding the biomechanical properties of
      LARS fixation for ACL reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the biomechanical properties of various LARS interference-screw fixations.
      METHODS: A total of 100 LARS ligaments were fixed in porcine femurs with five
      different interference screws (four biodegradable screws and one titanium
      interference screw) introduced from inside-out or extra-articularly outside-in.
      Each group consisted of ten specimens. The constructs were cyclically stretched
      and subsequently loaded until failure. We evaluated the maximum load before
      failure, elongation during cyclic loading, stiffness, and failure mode. RESULTS:
      Elongation during cyclical loading for all devices tested was significantly
      larger between the first and 20th cycles than between the 20th and 500th cycles
      (p < 0.05). Maximum failure load was not significantly lower for the
      biodegradable screws than for the titanium screws (p > 0.05). All specimens
      failed because of ligament pull-out from the bony tunnel. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings suggest that biomechanical secure fixation of the LARS for ACL
      reconstruction can be achieved using either biodegradable or titanium
      interference screws. The stability of fixation is independent of the approach,
      type of investigation, and type of fixation (extra-articular outside-in or intra
      articular inside-out).

PMID- 25123130
TI  - Self-management and bipolar disorder--a clinician's guide to the literature 2011
      2014.
AB  - This review provides clinicians and individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) with
      an overview of evidence-based skills shown to be effective in BD and amenable to
      self-management including psychoeducation; monitoring moods, medications, and
      social function; sleep hygiene; setting goals and relapse plans; and healthy
      lifestyles (physical activity, healthy eating, weight loss and management,
      medical comorbidities). Currently available self-management resources for BD are
      summarized by mode of delivery (workbooks, mobile technologies, internet, and
      peer-led interventions). Regardless of the self-management intervention/topic,
      the research suggests that personally tailored interventions of longer duration
      and greater frequency may be necessary to achieve the maximal benefit among
      individuals with BD. Means to support these self-management interventions as self
      sustaining identities are critically needed. Hopefully, the recent investment in
      patient-centered research and care will result in best practices for the self
      management of BD by mode of delivery. Since self-management of BD should
      complement rather than replace medical care, clinicians need to partner with
      their patients to incorporate and support advances in self-management for
      individuals with BD. 

PMID- 25123131
TI  - A combination of eicosapentaenoic acid-free fatty acid, epigallocatechin-3
      gallate and proanthocyanidins has a strong effect on mTOR signaling in colorectal
      cancer cells.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major causes of cancer death worldwide. The
      development of novel anti-CRC agents able to overcome drug resistance and/or off
      target toxicity is of pivotal importance. The mammalian target of rapamycin
      (mTOR) plays a critical role in CRC, regulating protein translation and
      controlling cell growth, proliferation, metabolism and survival. The aim of this
      study was to explore the effect of a combination of three natural compounds,
      eicosapentaenoic acid-free fatty acid (EPA-FFA), epigallocatechin-3-gallate
      (EGCG) and proanthocyanidins (grape seed [GS] extract) at low cytotoxic
      concentrations on CRC cells and test their activity on mTOR and translational
      regulation. The CRC cell lines HCT116 and SW480 were treated for 24h with
      combinations of EPA-FFA (0-150 uM), EGCG (0-175 uM) and GS extract (0-15 uM) to
      evaluate the effect on cell viability. The low cytotoxic combination of EPA-FFA
      150 uM, EGCG 175 uM and GS extract 15 uM completely inhibited the mTOR signaling
      in HCT116 and SW480 cells, reaching an effect stronger than or comparable to that
      of the mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin in HCT116 or SW480 cells, respectively. Moreover,
      the treatment led to changes of protein translation of ribosomal proteins, c-Myc
      and cyclin D1. In addition, we found a reduction of clonal capability in both
      cell lines, with block of cell cycle in G0G1 and induction of apoptosis. Our data
      suggest that the low cytotoxic combination of EPA-FFA, EGCG and GS extract,
      tested for the first time here, inhibits mTOR signaling and thus could be
      considered for CRC treatment. 

PMID- 25123133
TI  - Defective RAGE activity in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cells results in high PAX7
      levels that sustain migration and invasiveness.
AB  - Rhabdomyosarcoma is a muscle-derived malignant tumor mainly affecting children.
      The most frequent variant, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is characterized by
      overexpression of the transcription factor, PAX7 which prevents ERMS cells from
      exiting the cell cycle and terminally differentiating. However, a role for PAX7
      in the invasive properties of ERMS cells has not been investigated in detail thus
      far. Here we show that ectopic expression of receptor for advanced glycation end
      products (RAGE) in human ERMS cells results in the activation of a RAGE/myogenin
      axis which downregulates PAX7 by transcriptional and post-translational
      mechanisms, as in normal myoblasts, and reduces metastasis formation. High PAX7
      sustains migration and invasiveness in ERMS cells by upregulating EPHA3 and EFNA1
      and downregulating NCAM1 thus decreasing the neural cell adhesion molecule
      (NCAM)/polysialylated-NCAM ratio. Microarray gene expression analysis shows that
      compared with the RAGE(-ve) TE671/WT cells and similarly to primary human
      myoblasts, TE671/RAGE cells show upregulation of genes involved in muscle
      differentiation and cell adhesion, and downregulation of cell migration related
      and major histocompatibility complex class I genes. Our data reveal a link
      between PAX7 and metastasis occurrence in ERMSs, and support a role for the
      RAGE/myogenin axis in metastasis suppression. Thus, low RAGE expression in ERMS
      primary tumors may be predictive of metastatic behavior. 

PMID- 25123132
TI  - Overexpression of miR-146a in basal-like breast cancer cells confers enhanced
      tumorigenic potential in association with altered p53 status.
AB  - The tumor suppressor p53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancers,
      mutated in 25-30% of breast cancers. However, mutation rates differ according to
      breast cancer subtype, being more prevalent in aggressive estrogen receptor
      negative tumors and basal-like and HER2-amplified subtypes. This heterogeneity
      suggests that p53 may function differently across breast cancer subtypes. We used
      RNAi-mediated p53 knockdown (KD) and antagomir-mediated KD of microRNAs to study
      how gene expression and cellular response to p53 loss differ in luminal versus
      basal-like breast cancer. As expected, p53 loss caused downregulation of
      established p53 targets (e.g. p21 and miR-34 family) and increased proliferation
      in both luminal and basal-like cell lines. However, some p53-dependent changes
      were subtype specific, including expression of miR-134, miR-146a and miR-181b. To
      study the cellular response to miR-146a upregulation in p53-impaired basal-like
      lines, antagomir KD of miR-146a was performed. KD of miR-146a caused decreased
      proliferation and increased apoptosis, effectively ablating the effects of p53
      loss. Furthermore, we found that miR-146a upregulation decreased NF-kappaB
      expression and downregulated the NF-kappaB-dependent extrinsic apoptotic pathway
      (including tumor necrosis factor, FADD and TRADD) and antagomir-mediated miR-146a
      KD restored expression of these components, suggesting a plausible mechanism for
      miR-146a-dependent cellular responses. These findings are relevant to human basal
      like tumor progression in vivo, since miR-146a is highly expressed in p53 mutant
      basal-like breast cancers. These findings suggest that targeting miR-146a
      expression may have value for altering the aggressiveness of p53 mutant basal
      like tumors. 

PMID- 25123134
TI  - The effects of synthetic oligopeptide derived from enamel matrix derivative on
      cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem
      cells.
AB  - Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is widely used in periodontal tissue regeneration
      therapy. However, because the bioactivity of EMD varies from batch to batch, and
      the use of a synthetic peptide could avoid use from an animal source, a
      completely synthetic peptide (SP) containing the active component of EMD would be
      useful. In this study an oligopeptide synthesized derived from EMD was evaluated
      for whether it contributes to periodontal tissue regeneration. We investigated
      the effects of the SP on cell proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of
      human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are involved in tissue regeneration.
      MSCs were treated with SP (0 to 1000 ng/mL), to determine the optimal
      concentration. We examined the effects of SP on cell proliferation and
      osteoblastic differentiation indicators such as alkaline phosphatase activity,
      the production of procollagen type 1 C-peptide and osteocalcin, and on
      mineralization. Additionally, we investigated the role of extracellular signal
      related kinases (ERK) in cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation
      induced by SP. Our results suggest that SP promotes these processes in human
      MSCs, and that ERK inhibitors suppress these effects. In conclusion, SP promotes
      cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of human MSCs, probably
      through the ERK pathway. 

PMID- 25123135
TI  - Mammalian cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism of polychlorinated dibenzo-p
      dioxins and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls.
AB  - Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls
      (PCBs) contribute to dioxin toxicity in humans and wildlife after bioaccumulation
      through the food chain from the environment. The authors examined human and rat
      cytochrome P450 (CYP)-dependent metabolism of PCDDs and PCBs. A number of human
      CYP isoforms belonging to the CYP1 and CYP2 families showed remarkable activities
      toward low-chlorinated PCDDs. In particular, human CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1
      showed high activities toward monoCDDs, diCDDs, and triCDDs but no detectable
      activity toward 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetraCDD). Large
      amino acids located at putative substrate-recognition sites and the F-G loop in
      rat CYP1A1 contributed to the successful metabolism of 2,3,7,8-tetraCDD. Rat, but
      not human, CYP1A1 metabolized 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (CB126) to two
      hydroxylated metabolites. These metabolites are probably less toxic than is
      CB126, due to their higher solubility. Homology models of human and rat CYP1A1s
      and CB126 docking studies indicated that two amino acid differences in the CB126
      binding cavity were important for CB126 metabolism. In this review, the
      importance of CYPs in the metabolism of dioxins and PCBs in mammals and the
      species-based differences between humans and rats are described. In addition, the
      authors reveal the molecular mechanism behind the binding modes of dioxins and
      PCBs in the heme pocket of CYPs. 

PMID- 25123136
TI  - Association between phosphatase related gene variants and coronary artery
      disease: case-control study and meta-analysis.
AB  - Recent studies showed that the serum alkaline phosphatase is an independent
      predictor of the coronary artery disease (CAD). In this work, we aimed to
      summarize the association between three phosphatase related single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (rs12526453, rs11066301 and rs3828329) and the risk of CAD in Han
      Chinese. Our results showed that the rs3828329 of the ACP1 gene was closely
      related to the risk of CAD in Han Chinese (OR = 1.45, p = 0.0006). This
      significant association of rs3828329 with CAD was only found in the females
      (Additive model: OR = 1.80, p = 0.001; dominant model: OR = 1.69, p = 0.03;
      recessive model: OR = 1.96, p = 0.0008). Moreover, rs3828329 was likely to exert
      its effect in females aged 65 years and older (OR = 2.27, p = 0.001). Further
      meta-analyses showed that the rs12526453 of PHACTR11 gene (OR = 1.14, p < 0.0001,
      random-effect method) and the rs11066301 of PTPN11 gene (OR = 1.15, p < 0.0001,
      fixed-effects method) were associated with CAD risk in multiple populations. Our
      results showed that the polymorphisms rs12526453 and rs11066301 are significantly
      associated with the CAD risk in multiple populations. The rs3828329 of ACP1 gene
      is also a risk factor of CAD in Han Chinese females aged 65 years and older. 

PMID- 25123137
TI  - Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and ACE inhibitory
      peptides of salmon (Salmo salar) protein hydrolysates obtained by human and
      porcine gastrointestinal enzymes.
AB  - The objectives of the present study were two-fold: first, to detect whether
      salmon protein fractions possess angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory
      properties and whether salmon proteins can release ACE inhibitory peptides during
      a sequential in vitro hydrolysis (with commercial porcine enzymes) and ex vivo
      digestion (with human gastrointestinal enzymes). Secondly, to evaluate the ACE
      inhibitory activity of generated hydrolysates. A two-step ex vivo and in vitro
      model digestion was performed to simulate the human digestion process. Salmon
      proteins were degraded more efficiently by porcine enzymes than by human
      gastrointestinal juices and sarcoplasmic proteins were digested/hydrolyzed more
      easily than myofibrillar proteins. The ex vivo digested myofibrillar and
      sarcoplasmic duodenal samples showed IC50 values (concentration required to
      decrease the ACE activity by 50%) of 1.06 and 2.16 mg/mL, respectively. The in
      vitro hydrolyzed myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic samples showed IC50 values of 0.91
      and 1.04 mg/mL, respectively. Based on the results of in silico studies, it was
      possible to identify 9 peptides of the ex vivo hydrolysates and 7 peptides of the
      in vitro hydrolysates of salmon proteins of 11 selected peptides. In both types
      of salmon hydrolysates, ACE-inhibitory peptides IW, IY, TVY and VW were
      identified. In the in vitro salmon protein hydrolysates an ACE-inhibitory
      peptides VPW and VY were also detected, while ACE-inhibitory peptides ALPHA, IVY
      and IWHHT were identified in the hydrolysates generated with ex vivo digestion.
      In our studies, we documented ACE inhibitory in vitro effects of salmon protein
      hydrolysates obtained by human and as well as porcine gastrointestinal enzymes. 

PMID- 25123139
TI  - [Official experimental testing of biomedical products. Regulatory frame and
      importance of for quality, safety and efficacy].
AB  - The official experimental testing of biomedicinal products provides a very
      significant contribution to ensuring quality, safety and efficacy of these
      indispensable medicines. Already in the prelicensing phase or to elucidate
      clusters of increased adverse effects, official medicinal control laboratories
      are committed to perform experimental testing. The official batch release can be
      seen as external quality control of the manufacturer's release testing. For
      proficient performance in these tasks, scientific research is required, in
      particular on the development and refinement of test methods, and considering the
      continuous development of innovative biomedicinal products. This article is aimed
      at introducing the present thematic issue and in particular the regulatory basis
      of experimental product testing, and illustrates by means of several examples its
      great importance for the sake of the patients. 

PMID- 25123138
TI  - Melatonin suppresses hypoxia-induced migration of HUVECs via inhibition of
      ERK/Rac1 activation.
AB  - Melatonin, a naturally-occurring hormone, possesses antioxidant properties and
      ameliorates vascular endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we evaluate the
      impact of melatonin on the migratory capability of human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVECs) to hypoxia and further investigate whether ERK/Rac1
      signaling is involved in this process. Here, we found that melatonin inhibited
      hypoxia-stimulated hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) expression and
      cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, melatonin inhibited
      Rac1 activation and suppressed the co-localized Rac1 and F-actin on the membrane
      of HUVECs under hypoxic condition. In addition, the blockade of Rac1 activation
      with ectopic expression of an inactive mutant form of Rac1-T17N suppressed HIF
      1alpha expression and cell migration in response to hypoxia, as well, but
      constitutive activation of Rac1 mutant Rac1-V12 restored HIF-1alpha expression,
      preventing the inhibition of melatonin on cell migration. Furthermore, the anti
      Rac1 effect of melatonin in HUVECs appeared to be associated with its inhibition
      of ERK phosphorylation, but not that of the PI3k/Akt signaling pathway. Taken
      together, our work indicates that melatonin exerts an anti-migratory effect on
      hypoxic HUVECs by blocking ERK/Rac1 activation and subsequent HIF-1alpha
      upregulation. 

PMID- 25123140
TI  - [Viral safety of biological medicinal products].
AB  - Viral safety of blood donations, plasma products, viral vaccines and gene therapy
      medicinal products, biotechnical-derived products and tissue and cell therapy
      products is a particular challenge. These products are manufactured using a
      variety of human or animal-derived starting materials and reagents; therefore,
      extensive testing of donors and of cell banks established for production is
      required. Furthermore, the viral safety of reagents, such as bovine sera, porcine
      trypsin and human transferrin or albumin needs to be considered. Whenever
      possible, manufacturing steps for inactivation or removal of viruses should be
      introduced; however, sometimes it is not possible to introduce such steps for
      tissues or cell-based medicinal products as the activity and viability of cells
      will be compromised. It might be possible to implement steps for inactivation or
      removal of potential contaminating enveloped viruses only for production of small
      and stable non-enveloped viral gene vectors. 

PMID- 25123141
TI  - Comparing mortality among adult, general intensive care units in England with
      varying intensivist cover patterns: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Research has demonstrated that intensivist-led care of the
      critically ill is associated with reduced intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital
      mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a relation exists
      between intensivist cover pattern (for example, number of days of continuous
      cover) and patient outcomes among adult general ICUs in England. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective cohort study by using data from a pooled case mix and
      outcome database of adult general critical care units participating in the
      Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC) Case Mix Programme.
      Consecutive admissions to participating units for the years 2010 to 2011 were
      linked to a survey of intensivist cover practices. Our primary outcome of
      interest was mortality at ultimate discharge from acute-care hospital. RESULTS:
      The analysis included 80,122 patients admitted to 130 ICUs in 128 hospitals.
      Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relation
      between intensivist cover patterns (days of continuous cover, grade of physician
      staffing at nighttime, and frequency of daily handovers) and acute hospital
      mortality, adjusting for patient case mix. No relation was seen between days of
      continuous cover by a single intensivist or grade of physician staffing at
      nighttime and acute hospital mortality. Acute hospital mortality and ICU length
      of stay were not associated with intensivist characteristics, intensivist full
      time equivalents per bed, or years of clinical experience. Intensivist
      participation in handover was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio,
      1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.55); however, only nine units reported
      no intensivist participation. CONCLUSIONS: We found no relation between days of
      continuous cover by a single intensivist or grade of physician staffing at
      nighttime and patient outcomes in adult, general ICUs in England. Intensivist
      participation in handover was associated with increased mortality; further
      research to confirm or refute this finding is required.

PMID- 25123144
TI  - The 2014 AHA/ACC valve disease guideline: new stages of disease, new treatment
      options, and a call for earlier intervention.

PMID- 25123142
TI  - Effectiveness and safety of ciclesonide in the treatment of patients with
      persistent allergic or non-allergic asthma in medical practice (Data from a non
      interventional study conducted in Austria).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effectiveness and safety profile of ciclesonide in the treatment of
      persistent allergic or non-allergic asthma was evaluated in real-life setting in
      Austria. METHODS: Prospective, single-arm, 3-month observational, non
      interventional, open-label cohort study in patients with persistent asthma (with
      or without allergic component) of any severity grade was conducted. Patients were
      either treatment naive or switched to treatment with ciclesonide and had an
      indication for treatment with inhaled corticosteroids. RESULTS: In all, 307
      patients (50.8% female; mean age, 45.7 years) were prescribed ciclesonide. After
      3 months of observation, the percentage of patients with daily symptoms had
      declined from 33.2 to 3.9%, night-time symptoms from 21.8 to 5.2%, physical
      activity limitations from 73.9 to 24.4%, and rescue medication usage from 70.0 to
      45.9%. The mean total Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score was 2.32 +/- 1.14
      at the first and 1.08 +/- 0.88 at the final visit. The number of patients with
      well-controlled asthma (ACQ score < 1) increased considerably from 11.0% at
      baseline to 52.2% at study end. Clinically important mean improvements were
      observed in the total self-assessed Asthma Quality of Life score and all four
      domain scores. The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) increased by 0.3 L
      from 2.60 +/- 0.87 L to 2.89 +/- 0.86 L, and the mean FEV1% predicted increased
      from 75.1 +/- 15.4% to 83.7 +/- 14.9%. Incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs)
      was low (4 ADRs in 3 of 307 patients, or 1.0%). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed
      the effectiveness and safety of ciclesonide under routine conditions in Austria.
      Improvements in symptom control, lung function, and quality of life were
      observed. Ciclesonide was well tolerated.

PMID- 25123143
TI  - Auditory hallucinations associated with nitrofurantoin use: case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this case report, we present an 83-year-old Caucasian immune
      competent woman with Alzheimer's disease and organic personality disorder who
      developed auditory hallucinations when treated with two nitrofurantoin (NF)
      tablets (100 mg) every 12 h because of acute cystitis due to extended-spectrum
      beta-lactamase-positive Escherichia coli. An 83-year-old Caucasian woman with
      Alzheimer's disease developed auditory hallucinations 2 days after intake of two
      NF tablets (100 mg) daily. After thorough discussion, it was decided not to
      rechallenge with NF because of the serious adverse effect. After NF
      discontinuation suggested by clinical pharmacist and switching to imipenem 500 mg
      and cilastatin 500 mg three times daily for 7 days, symptoms significantly
      improved the next day. No other drugs known to interact with NF were
      administered. DISCUSSION: NF-induced adverse effects have been reported
      frequently, but NF-induced auditory hallucinations with early onset in an immune
      competent geriatric patient, without previous reported hallucinations or
      seizures, have not been reported in the literature. Scoring according to the
      Naranjo adverse drug reaction scale revealed a probable relationship between
      auditory hallucinations and NF use in our patient (6 points). The exact mechanism
      for the central nervous system (CNS) toxicity of NF in this patient is not known,
      but we believe that the CNS penetration of NF may result in the accumulation of
      toxic drug levels in CNS. CONCLUSION: This case report can be used to remind
      clinicians and clinical pharmacists of keeping in mind the potential of NF
      associated with auditory hallucinations, which can be easily confused with more
      serious conditions.

PMID- 25123147
TI  - Bronze, silver and gold: functionalized group 11 organotin sulfide clusters.
AB  - The synthesis, properties and reactivity of group 11 organotin sulfide clusters
      [(R(1)Sn)4(SnCl)2(MPPh3)2S8] (M = Cu, Ag), [(R(3)Sn)10Ag10S20], and
      [(R(1,3)Sn)2(AuPPh3)2S4] with covalently bound, carbonyl or hydrazine-terminated
      ligands R(1) = CMe2CH2C(Me)O or R(3) = CMe2CH2C(Me)NNH2 are reported. 

PMID- 25123148
TI  - Ultrasensitive detection of cancer cells and glycan expression profiling based on
      a multivalent recognition and alkaline phosphatase-responsive electrogenerated
      chemiluminescence biosensor.
AB  - A multivalent recognition and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-responsive
      electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor for cancer cell detection and
      in situ evaluation of cell surface glycan expression was developed on a
      poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer-conjugated, chemically reduced graphene oxide
      (rGO) electrode interface. In this strategy, the multivalency and high affinity
      of the cell-targeted aptamers on rGO provided a highly efficient cell recognition
      platform on the electrode. The ALP and concanavalin A (Con A) coated gold
      nanoparticles (Au NPs) nanoprobes allowed the ALP enzyme-catalyzed production of
      phenols that inhibited the ECL reaction of Ru(bpy)3(2+) on the rGO electrode
      interface, affording fast and highly sensitive ECL cytosensing and cell surface
      glycan evaluation. Combining the multivalent aptamer interface and ALP
      nanoprobes, the ECL cytosensor showed a detection limit of 38 CCRF-CEM cells per
      mL in human serum samples, broad dynamic range and excellent selectivity. In
      addition, the proposed biosensor provided a valuable insight into dynamic
      profiling of the expression of different glycans on cell surfaces, based on the
      carbohydrates recognized by lectins applied to the nanoprobes. This biosensor
      exhibits great promise in clinical diagnosis and drug screening. 

PMID- 25123149
TI  - Novel tunneling system for implantation of percutaneous nerve field stimulator
      electrodes: a technical note.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The field of neuromodulation continues to grow, especially in the
      area of pain management. Percutaneous nerve field stimulation continues to gain
      significant popularity for chronic, focal, and intractable neuropathic pain.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tuohy needles have been traditionally used as the
      instrument of choice for subcutaneous implantation of peripheral field
      stimulators. The ON-Q(r) Tunneling System (Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen,
      Germany) provides an adaptable option for subcutaneous implantation of
      electrodes, with a variety of lengths and gauges available. This system uses a
      disposable blunt needle and a peel-away sheath and is firm but malleable. Gentle
      curves can be applied to the stylet prior to implantation. The blunt, malleable
      nature of the needle and the soft Silastic sheath allow for applications in areas
      with greater curvature, such as the face, and ensure a subcutaneous placement.
      CONCLUSIONS: The great adaptability of this system allows for implantation of
      electrodes subcutaneously with efficacy and ease. Here we present a technical
      note on the use of this system for subcutaneous implantation of peripheral nerve
      field stimulators.

PMID- 25123150
TI  - Elevated APOBEC3B correlates with poor outcomes for estrogen-receptor-positive
      breast cancers.
AB  - Recent observations connected DNA cytosine deaminase APOBEC3B to the genetic
      evolution of breast cancer. We addressed whether APOBEC3B is associated with
      breast cancer clinical outcomes. APOBEC3B messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were
      related in 1,491 primary breast cancers to disease-free (DFS), metastasis-free
      (MFS), and overall survival (OS). For independent validation, APOBEC3B mRNA
      expression was associated with patient outcome data in five additional cohorts
      (over 3,500 breast cancer cases). In univariate Cox regression analysis,
      increasing APOBEC3B expression as a continuous variable was associated with worse
      DFS, MFS, and OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.20, 1.21, and 1.24, respectively; all P <
      .001). Also, in untreated ER-positive (ER+), but not in ER-, lymph-node-negative
      patients, high APOBEC3B levels were associated with a poor DFS (continuous
      variable: HR = 1.29, P = .001; dichotomized at the median level, HR = 1.66, P =
      .0002). This implies that APOBEC3B is a marker of pure prognosis in ER + disease.
      These findings were confirmed in the analyses of five independent patient sets.
      In these analyses, APOBEC3B expression dichotomized at the median level was
      associated with adverse outcomes (METABRIC discovery and validation, 788 and 706
      ER + cases, disease-specific survival (DSS), HR = 1.77 and HR = 1.77,
      respectively, both P < .001; Affymetrix dataset, 754 ER + cases, DFS, HR = 1.57,
      P = 2.46E-04; NKI295, 181 ER + cases, DFS, HR = 1.72, P = .054; and BIG 1-98,
      1,219 ER + cases, breast-cancer-free interval (BCFI), HR = 1.42, P = 0.0079).
      APOBEC3B is a marker of pure prognosis and poor outcomes for ER + breast cancer,
      which strongly suggests that genetic aberrations induced by APOBEC3B contribute
      to breast cancer progression.

PMID- 25123152
TI  - Association between dental caries activity, quality of life and obesity in
      Brazilian adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The impact of oral conditions on quality of life in
      overweight/obesity needs to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the association between dental caries activity, quality of life and obesity in
      Brazilian adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at public
      schools in Brazil, on a sample of 202 adolescents, 12 years of age. For
      anthropometric evaluation, the body mass index (BMI)-for-age was used. In oral
      examinations, the Decayed, Missing, Filled teeth (DMFT), significant caries (SiC)
      and dental caries activity (DCA) indices were used (kappa > 0.94). The Child-Oral
      Impacts on Daily Performance (Child-OIDP) index was applied. The sample was
      divided into two groups: O (overweight/obese; n = 101) and N (normal weight; n =
      101). For data analysis, chi-square, odds ratio (OR), Wilcoxon and Pearson
      correlation tests were used (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The DMFT scores were 1.67 and
      2.12 and the SiC scores were 3.85 and 4.26 for groups O and N, respectively. BMI
      for-age was significantly related to DCA (OR = 0.579; P < 0.000) and to SiC (OR =
      0.649; P = 0.024). There were differences between the groups in eating, cleaning
      mouth, emotional status, smiling, studying and the overall Child-OIDP (P < 0.05).
      Positive associations between the impacts on eating, cleaning mouth and smiling
      were found (P < 0.05). DMFT values showed significant correlation with the
      emotional status performance in group O and the DCA was positively correlated
      with performance at school in group O (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Obesity, dental
      caries and quality of life were not correlated. Adolescents with normal weight
      presented a low perception of the impact of oral conditions on quality of life;
      however, it seemed to affect psychological aspects in their daily performances.
      Providing adolescents with nutritional assistance may prevent obesity and dental
      caries, and improve their quality of life.

PMID- 25123153
TI  - The compassion deficit and what to do about it: a response to Paley.

PMID- 25123151
TI  - RhoC upregulation is correlated with reduced E-cadherin in human breast cancer
      specimens after chemotherapy and in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.
AB  - Therapy-resistant cancer cells are a major problem in cancer research. Recent
      studies suggest that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key
      mechanism in therapy resistance. Yet, the expressions of EMT markers, EMT core
      regulators, and a stem cell marker of BMI1 during chemotherapy have been poorly
      analyzed in clinical breast cancer specimens. In the present study, we
      investigated the roles of RhoC under chemotherapy to follow up on earlier
      findings demonstrating the involvement of RhoC in prostate cancer resistance to
      endocrine therapy. Immunohistochemically, E-cadherin expression was significantly
      lower in human breast cancer specimens analyzed after chemotherapy than specimens
      biopsied before chemotherapy. Significant upregulation of fibronectin, a
      mesenchymal EMT marker, was found in post-chemotherapy analysis. A study of the
      EMT core regulators of SNAIL1, SNAIL2, TWIST1, and a well-known stem cell marker
      of BMI1 revealed no post-chemotherapy upregulation of these molecules. In
      contrast, RhoC expression was significantly upregulated in post-chemotherapy
      breast cancer specimens. MCF-7 cells stably transfected with the constitutive
      active (CA) RhoC plasmid manifested a reduced level of E-cadherin at the
      peripheries and disorganization of actin fibers, with no accompanying
      upregulation of SNAIL1, SNAIL2, TWIST1, or BMI1 in Western blots. Exposure of
      etoposide on MCF-7 cells showed RhoC upregulation together with reduced
      membranous expression of E-cadherin and disorganization of actin fibers. In MTT
      assay, however, the CA-RhoC-expressing MCF-7 cells failed to show chemotherapy
      resistance under etoposide treatment. Taken in sum, RhoC may contribute to an EMT
      like process in human breast cancer during chemotherapy. 

PMID- 25123155
TI  - Ambulatory measurement of the ECG T-wave amplitude.
AB  - Ambulatory recording of the preejection period (PEP) can be used to measure
      changes in cardiac sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity under naturalistic
      conditions. Here, we test the ECG T-wave amplitude (TWA) as an alternative
      measure, using 24-h ambulatory monitoring of PEP and TWA in a sample of 564
      healthy adults. The TWA showed a decrease in response to mental stress and a
      monotonic decrease from nighttime sleep to daytime sitting and more physically
      active behaviors. Within-participant changes in TWA were correlated with changes
      in the PEP across the standardized stressors (r = .42) and the unstandardized
      naturalistic conditions (mean r = .35). Partialling out changes in heart rate and
      vagal effects attenuated these correlations, but they remained significant.
      Ambulatory TWA cannot replace PEP, but simultaneous recording of TWA and PEP
      provides a more comprehensive picture of changes in cardiac SNS activity in real
      life settings.

PMID- 25123154
TI  - Contrasting effects of geriatric versus general medical multimorbidity on quality
      of ambulatory care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether greater burden of geriatric conditions would
      have contrasting effects on quality of care (QOC) than nongeriatric, general
      medical conditions. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observation over 1 year of ambulatory
      care. SETTING: The Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders-2 study. PARTICIPANTS:
      Older adults prospectively screened for falls, incontinence, and dementia (N =
      644). MEASUREMENTS: Participant-level QOC in absolute percentage points
      calculated using 65 ambulatory care care-process quality indicators (QIs) for 13
      general medical and geriatric conditions (#QIs provided/#QIs eligible). Secondary
      outcomes were geriatric QOC (a subset of 38 geriatric care QIs) and medical QOC
      (the 27 remaining nongeriatric QIs). Exposure variables were number of six
      medical conditions (medical comorbidity) and six geriatric conditions (geriatric
      comorbidity), controlling for age, sex, number of primary care visits, and site.
      RESULTS: Medical and geriatric comorbidity were unrelated to each other
      (correlation coefficient = 0.04, P = .27) yet had opposite effects on QOC. Each
      additional medical condition was associated with a 3.2-percentage point (95%
      confidence interval (CI) = 2.3-4.2 percentage point) increment in QOC, and each
      additional geriatric condition was associated with 4.9-percentage point (95% CI =
      3.5-6.5 percentage point) decrement in QOC. Participants with greater geriatric
      comorbidity received poorer medical and geriatric QOC. CONCLUSION: Greater burden
      of geriatric conditions, or geriatric multimorbidity, is associated with poorer
      QOC. Geriatric multimorbidity should be targeted for better care using a
      comprehensive approach.

PMID- 25123157
TI  - Early angiography and clot retrieval in treatment of acute superior mesenteric
      artery embolus.

PMID- 25123156
TI  - Impaired fear recognition and attentional set-shifting is associated with brain
      structural changes in alcoholic patients.
AB  - Alcoholic patients with multiple detoxifications/relapses show cognitive and
      emotional deficits. We performed structural magnetic resonance imaging and
      examined performance on a cognitive flexibility task (intra-extradimensional set
      shift and reversal; IED). We also presented subjects with fearful, disgust and
      anger facial emotional expressions. Participants were abstaining, multiply
      detoxified (MDTx; n = 12) or singly detoxified patients (SDTx; n = 17) and social
      drinker controls (n = 31). Alcoholic patients were less able than controls to
      change their behavior in accordance with the changing of the rules in the IED and
      they were less accurate in recognizing fearful expressions in particular. They
      also showed lower gray matter volume compared with controls in frontal brain
      areas, including inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and insula that mediate emotional
      processing, inferior parietal lobule and medial frontal cortex that mediate
      attentional and motor planning processes, respectively. Impairments in
      performance and some of the regional decreases in gray matter were greater in
      MDTx. Gray matter volume in IFC in patients was negatively correlated with the
      number of detoxifications, whereas inferior parietal lobule was negatively
      correlated with the control over drinking score (impaired control over drinking
      questionnaire). Performance in IED was also negatively correlated with gray
      matter volume in IFC/BA47, whereas recognition of fearful faces was positively
      correlated with the IFC gray matter. Repeated episodes of detoxification from
      alcohol, related to severity of dependency, are coupled with altered brain
      structure in areas of emotional regulation, attention and motor planning. Such
      changes may confer increased inability to switch behavior according to
      environmental demands and social incompetence, contributing to relapse.

PMID- 25123158
TI  - Does amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram background pattern correlate with
      cerebral injury in neonates with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy?
AB  - AIMS: To determine the correlation between amplitude-integrated
      electroencephalogram (aEEG) background pattern and cerebral magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) in infants with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to
      examine whether the correlation changes with therapeutic hypothermia. METHODS: We
      included 38 term-born infants with HIE of whom 17 were cooled. All were
      continuously monitored with aEEG. Background pattern was scored at the beginning
      and the end of the recording. Cerebral MRI was obtained on median day 5 (2-11
      days). Abnormalities were classified using a predefined scoring system for basal
      ganglia, watershed and overall injury, and then grouped into mild-moderate and
      severe. RESULTS: Abnormal aEEG background pattern correlated with more severe
      cerebral injury on MRI in the non-cooled infants (P < 0.01). In addition, cooled
      infants had less severe cerebral injury than non-cooled infants, in particular on
      T2-weighted images (watershed P = 0.04 and total injury score = 0.07).
      CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal aEEG background pattern is predictive of abnormal MRI, but
      therapeutic hypothermia seems to reduce this association. Thus, when cooling is
      applied in a clinical setting, the predictive value of aEEG may be limited.

PMID- 25123159
TI  - Immunohistochemical panel for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease using
      antibodies to MAP2, calretinin, GLUT1 and S100.
AB  - AIMS: The diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease is currently based on the
      identification of aganglionosis and the presence of an increase in
      acetylcholinesterase-positive hypertrophic nerve fibres in the large bowel
      submucosa. However, acetylcholinesterase staining is laborious and requires a
      skilled technician. The aim of this study was to identify a method for diagnosing
      Hirschsprung's disease reliably using an immunohistochemical panel of recently
      proposed markers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-nine specimens from 37 patients were
      evaluated. MAP2 and calretinin antibodies were shown to stain ganglia reliably in
      the submucosal and myenteric plexuses of normal tissue. By contrast, reduced
      staining of ganglia was observed in patients with Hirschsprung's disease.
      Staining for GLUT1 and S100 was used to evaluate the number and thickness of
      nerve fibres. Gain of GLUT1 and S100 expression was in contrast to the loss of
      calretinin and MAP2. Hypertrophic submucosal nerve fibres in Hirschsprung's
      disease develop a perineurium with a ring-like GLUT1 staining pattern similar in
      size and intensity to that observed in deeper subserosal tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The
      diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease using immunohistochemical panels could be as
      accurate as with conventional frozen section techniques. In particular, the use
      of a combination of markers for ganglia and hypertrophic nerve fibres
      highlighting a prominent perineurium in Hirschsprung's disease could be an
      alternative method.

PMID- 25123160
TI  - The use of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation for moderate to advanced glaucoma.
AB  - Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) is a glaucoma surgery designed to reduce
      the intraocular pressure (IOP) by partially ablating the ciliary processes to
      decrease aqueous humour production and secretion. The aim of this paper is to
      review the literature regarding the background, indications and results of the
      surgery. Although there are case reports of visually devastating complications,
      including persistent hypotony and phthisis, the use of ECP is often reported in
      eyes with advanced diseases. When compared with both trabeculectomy and aqueous
      shunt implantation, the visual outcomes were better with ECP while the IOP
      outcomes were very similar. The evidence supports ECP as a very effective
      surgical option in recalcitrant glaucoma while some evidence supports its safety
      for use as a primary procedure. 

PMID- 25123161
TI  - The stars within the melanocytic garden: unusual variants of Spitz naevi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spitz naevi may present a wide spectrum of morphologies.
      Histopathologically, many variants, including desmoplastic, angiomatoid,
      verrucous/polypoid, plexiform, pagetoid, halo, myxoid, granulomatous and tubular
      Spitz naevi have been described. Clinical and dermoscopic features of these
      unusual variants of Spitz naevi have been reported only rarely. OBJECTIVES: The
      aim of this study is to describe clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological
      features of uncommon morphological variants of Spitz naevi in order to raise
      awareness among clinicians about their peculiar patterns of presentation.
      METHODS: We searched our image database retrospectively from 2004 to 2014 for
      images of excised tumours using Spitz/Reed naevus as a keyword. RESULTS: A total
      of 307 excised skin lesions with a histopathological diagnosis of Spitz/Reed
      naevus were found. Among those we identified 13 uncommon variants of Spitz naevi
      including six cases of desmoplastic Spitz naevus, five cases of angiomatoid Spitz
      naevus and two cases of verrucous Spitz naevus. These lesions did not fulfil the
      already described dermoscopic criteria of Spitz naevi, with the exception of
      angiomatoid Spitz naevi, exhibiting a pinkish background and dotted vessels in
      dermoscopy. Desmoplastic Spitz naevi may be difficult to differentiate from
      dermatofibroma clinically, and from melanoma under dermoscopic examination.
      Verrucous Spitz naevi, despite their relatively unusual clinical features, show
      reassuring morphological clues histologically, which allows the differential
      diagnosis from an atypical spitzoid tumour. CONCLUSIONS: In all cases an atypical
      melanocytic lesion could not be excluded under dermoscopy, thus warranting
      excision and histopathological examination.

PMID- 25123162
TI  - Association between gestational age at birth, antenatal corticosteroids, and
      outcomes at 5 years: multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids for preterm
      birth study at 5 years of age (MACS-5).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth
      Study (MACS) showed no benefit in the reduction of major neonatal
      mortality/morbidity or neurodevelopment at 2 and 5 years of age. Using the data
      from the randomized controlled trial and its follow-up, the aim of this study was
      to evaluate the association between gestational ages at birth in children exposed
      to single versus multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) therapy in
      utero and outcomes at 5 years of age. METHOD: A total of 1719 children, with the
      breakdown into groupings of <30, 30-36, and >= 37 weeks gestation at birth,
      contributed to the primary outcome: death or survival with a disability in one of
      the following domains: neuromotor, neurosensory, and neurobehavioral/emotional
      disability and were included in this analysis. RESULTS: Gestational age at birth
      was strongly associated with the primary outcome, p < 0.001. Overall, the
      interaction between ACS groups and gestational age at birth was not significant,
      p = 0.064. Specifically, in the 2 preterm categories, there was no difference in
      the primary outcome between single vs. multiple ACS therapy. However, for infants
      born >=37 weeks gestation, there was a statistically significant increase in the
      risk of the primary outcome in multiple ACS therapy, 48/213 (22.5%) compared to
      38/249 (15.3%) in the single ACS therapy; OR = 1.69 [95% CI: 1.04, 2.77]; p =
      0.037. CONCLUSION: Preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation) remained the primary
      factor contributing to an adverse outcome regardless of the number of courses of
      ACS therapy. Children born >= 37 weeks and exposed to multiple ACS therapy may
      have an increased risk of neurodevelopmental/neurosensory impairment by 5 years
      of age. To optimize outcomes for infants/children, efforts in reducing the
      incidence of preterm birth should remain the primary focus in perinatal research.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered at (identifier NCT00187382).

PMID- 25123163
TI  - Itch-associated peptides: RNA-Seq and bioinformatic analysis of natriuretic
      precursor peptide B and gastrin releasing peptide in dorsal root and trigeminal
      ganglia, and the spinal cord.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three neuropeptides, gastrin releasing peptide (GRP), natriuritic
      precursor peptide B (NPPB), and neuromedin B (NMB) have been proposed to play
      roles in itch sensation. However, the tissues in which these peptides are
      expressed and their positions in the itch circuit has recently become the subject
      of debate. Here we used next-gen RNA-Seq to examine the expression of transcripts
      coding for GRP, NPPB, NMB, and other peptides in DRG, trigeminal ganglion, and
      the spinal cord as well as expression levels for their cognate receptors in these
      tissues. RESULTS: RNA-Seq demonstrates that GRP is not transcribed in mouse, rat,
      or human sensory ganglia. NPPB, which activates natriuretic peptide receptor 1
      (NPR1), is well expressed in mouse DRG and less so in rat and human, whereas
      NPPA, which also acts on the NPR1 receptor, is expressed in all three species.
      Analysis of transcripts expressed in the spinal cord of mouse, rat, and human
      reveals no expression of Nppb, but unambiguously detects expression of Grp and
      the GRP-receptor (Grpr). The transcripts coding for NMB and tachykinin peptides
      are among the most highly expressed in DRG. Bioinformatics comparisons using the
      sequence of the peptides used to produce GRP-antibodies with proteome databases
      revealed that the C-terminal primary sequence of NMB and Substance P can
      potentially account for results from previous studies which showed GRP
      immunostaining in the DRG. CONCLUSIONS: RNA-Seq corroborates a primary itch
      afferent role for NPPB in mouse and potentially NPPB and NPPA in rats and humans,
      but does not support GRP as a primary itch neurotransmitter in mouse, rat, or
      humans. As such, our results are at odds with the initial proposal of Sun and
      Chen (2007) that GRP is expressed in DRG. By contrast, our data strongly support
      an itch pathway where the itch-inducing actions of GRP are exerted through its
      release from spinal cord neurons.

PMID- 25123164
TI  - Prognostic relevance of aberrant SOCS-1 gene promoter methylation in
      myelodysplastic syndromes patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The inactivation of suppressor of cytokine signaling SOCS-1, a
      negative regulator of cytokine pathways, by hypermethylation was shown in
      hematological malignancies including Myelsplastic Syndromes. So far, its
      prognostic relevance in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients has not been
      understood. METHODS: Methylation status of SOCS-1 gene was analyzed in series of
      100 patients using methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) and correlated with disease
      severity, progression, and survival by comparing prognostic factors such as
      hematological, clinical, and cytogenetics. RESULTS: Of the total of 100 MDS
      patients analyzed, methylation of SOCS1 gene was found in 53% patients. Also, the
      frequency of patients with poor and intermediate cytogenetics was observed
      significantly high in methylated group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the patients with
      methylated SOCS-1 gene had significantly more frequent disease progression as
      compared to the patients with unmethylated SOCS-1 gene (P < 0.006). Both
      progression-free survival and median overall survival were significantly shorter
      in patients with methylated SOCS-1 gene when compared to the patients with
      unmethylated SOCS-1 gene (P = 0.006 & P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: This
      study for the first time showed that the mathylation of SOCS-1 gene plays an
      important role in the disease progression and is associated with poor survival
      especially among the high-risk patients. This may be due to high association
      between SOCS1 methylation and higher risk subtypes of MDS (such as RAEB) in this
      study.

PMID- 25123165
TI  - Assessment of patients' wound-related pain experiences in University College
      Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
AB  - This study was necessitated by the international recognition of wound-related
      pain (WRP) as a must-address issue and patient-centred concerns. The aim of this
      study was to assess patients' WRP experiences at rest and in relation to dressing
      change. This descriptive study utilised a WRP questionnaire which incorporated a
      visual analogue scale of 0-10 for data collection. A total of 109 patients
      participated in this study; 95.4% of the participants experienced wound pain at
      rest and during performance of activities of daily living, which were moderate
      (47.1%) and severe (30.8%) in intensity. Also, 91.7% of the participants
      experienced wound dressing change-related pain, mostly as moderate (47.0%) and
      severe (28.0%) pain. The major factors that worsened WRP experiences were
      touch/handling, change in position/movement, wound cleansing, removal of
      dressings and usage of honey as a dressing agent, while the use of analgesic and
      brief rest between dressing change were considered the major strategies that can
      relieve WRP. WRP experiences have been reported by patients at rest, during
      performance of activities of daily living and at wound dressing change. A need to
      incorporate WRP assessment has been observed, which is vital in improving wound
      care outcome. 

PMID- 25123167
TI  - FASTQSim: platform-independent data characterization and in silico read
      generation for NGS datasets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-throughput next generation sequencing technologies have enabled
      rapid characterization of clinical and environmental samples. Consequently, the
      largest bottleneck to actionable data has become sample processing and
      bioinformatics analysis, creating a need for accurate and rapid algorithms to
      process genetic data. Perfectly characterized in silico datasets are a useful
      tool for evaluating the performance of such algorithms. Background contaminating
      organisms are observed in sequenced mixtures of organisms. In silico samples
      provide exact truth. To create the best value for evaluating algorithms, in
      silico data should mimic actual sequencer data as closely as possible. RESULTS:
      FASTQSim is a tool that provides the dual functionality of NGS dataset
      characterization and metagenomic data generation. FASTQSim is sequencing platform
      independent, and computes distributions of read length, quality scores, indel
      rates, single point mutation rates, indel size, and similar statistics for any
      sequencing platform. To create training or testing datasets, FASTQSim has the
      ability to convert target sequences into in silico reads with specific error
      profiles obtained in the characterization step. CONCLUSIONS: FASTQSim enables
      users to assess the quality of NGS datasets. The tool provides information about
      read length, read quality, repetitive and non-repetitive indel profiles, and
      single base pair substitutions. FASTQSim allows the user to simulate individual
      read datasets that can be used as standardized test scenarios for planning
      sequencing projects or for benchmarking metagenomic software. In this regard, in
      silico datasets generated with the FASTQsim tool hold several advantages over
      natural datasets: they are sequencing platform independent, extremely well
      characterized, and less expensive to generate. Such datasets are valuable in a
      number of applications, including the training of assemblers for multiple
      platforms, benchmarking bioinformatics algorithm performance, and creating
      challenge datasets for detecting genetic engineering toolmarks, etc.

PMID- 25123166
TI  - Applicable apparent diffusion coefficient of an orthotopic mouse model of gastric
      cancer by improved clinical MRI diffusion weighted imaging.
AB  - In vivo imaging studies in animal models are hindered by variables that
      contribute to poor image quality and measurement reliability. As such we sought
      to improve the diffusion coefficient (ADC) of an orthotopic mouse model of
      gastric cancer in diffusion-weighted images (DWI) using alginate moulding and
      Ultrasonic coupling medium. BGC-823 human gastric cancer cells were
      subcutaneously injected into the abdomen of nude mice and 1 mm(3) primary tumour
      was orthotopically transplanted. Alginate and coupling medium were applied to the
      mice and MRI (T2 and DWI) was performed for 6 weeks. Regions of interest (ROI)
      were drawn and liver and tumour ADC were evaluated. Using alginate moulding, the
      mean quality total score of DW imaging was 8.53; however, in control animals this
      value was 5.20 (p < 0.001). The coefficient of variation of ADC of liver in
      experimental and control groups were 0.071 and 0.270 (p < 0.001), respectively,
      suggesting this method may be helpful for DWI studies of important human diseases
      such as gastric cancer.

PMID- 25123168
TI  - Arytenoid adduction with nerve-muscle pedicle transfer vs arytenoid adduction
      with and without type I thyroplasty in paralytic dysphonia.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Optimal glottal closure as well as symmetrical vocal fold masses and
      tensions are essential prerequisites for normal voice production. Successful
      phonosurgery depends on restoring these prerequisites to achieve long-term
      improvement. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the laryngeal framework
      surgical treatments (arytenoid adduction with and without thyroplasty type I [AA
      +/- Th-I]) compared with arytenoid adduction combined with nerve-muscle pedicle
      flap transfer (AA + NMP) in unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Patterns of voice
      outcome were compared over a 2-year period. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
      Retrospective review of clinical records of 22 patients who presented to an
      institutional practice with severe paralytic dysphonia between March 1999 and
      December 2008, who received 2 different treatments. Postoperative follow-up was
      conducted over 2 years. INTERVENTIONS: Eleven patients were treated with AA +/-
      Th-I and 11 patients were treated with AA + NMP. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:
      Vocal function was evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months
      postoperatively. Vocal parameters evaluated were jitter, shimmer, harmonics to
      noise ratio (HNR), maximum phonation time (MPT), and overall grade and
      breathiness grade of the Grade-Roughness-Breathiness-Asthenia-Strain (GRBAS)
      voice scale. The outcomes of voice measurements were compared within each group
      across time and among the 2 groups at each time point. RESULTS: All voice
      parameters showed initial postoperative improvement in both groups after 3
      months. Moreover, the AA + NMP group showed significant steady improvement over
      the 2-year follow-up, which did not occur in the AA +/- Th-I group. In the AA +
      NMP group, MPT increased from a mean (SD) of 5.4 (2.1) s at preoperative
      assessment to 21.5 (7.0) s at 24 months; jitter decreased from 8.6% (5.3%) to
      1.2% (0.7%); shimmer decreased from 13.1% (6.0%) to 4.0% (1.6%); HNR increased
      from 3.8 (3.3) to 9.0 (0.8); overall grade of GRBAS decreased from 2.4 (0.9) to
      0.2 (0.4); and breathiness grade of GRBAS decreased from 2.0 (1.0) to 0.1 (0.3).
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Unlike the conventional laryngeal framework surgical
      treatments, AA + NMP provided long-term voice improvement with nearly normal
      voice quality. Thus, it can be considered an effective surgical treatment for
      paralytic dysphonia due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis associated with large
      glottal gap.

PMID- 25123169
TI  - Toward modular biological models: defining analog modules based on referent
      physiological mechanisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, most biomedical models exist in isolation. It is often
      difficult to reuse or integrate models or their components, in part because they
      are not modular. Modular components allow the modeler to think more deeply about
      the role of the model and to more completely address a modeling project's
      requirements. In particular, modularity facilitates component reuse and model
      integration for models with different use cases, including the ability to
      exchange modules during or between simulations. The heterogeneous nature of
      biology and vast range of wet-lab experimental platforms call for modular models
      designed to satisfy a variety of use cases. We argue that software analogs of
      biological mechanisms are reasonable candidates for modularization. Biomimetic
      software mechanisms comprised of physiomimetic mechanism modules offer benefits
      that are unique or especially important to multi-scale, biomedical modeling and
      simulation. RESULTS: We present a general, scientific method of modularizing
      mechanisms into reusable software components that we call physiomimetic mechanism
      modules (PMMs). PMMs utilize parametric containers that partition and expose
      state information into physiologically meaningful groupings. To demonstrate, we
      modularize four pharmacodynamic response mechanisms adapted from an in silico
      liver (ISL). We verified the modularization process by showing that drug
      clearance results from in silico experiments are identical before and after
      modularization. The modularized ISL achieves validation targets drawn from
      propranolol outflow profile data. In addition, an in silico hepatocyte culture
      (ISHC) is created. The ISHC uses the same PMMs and required no refactoring. The
      ISHC achieves validation targets drawn from propranolol intrinsic clearance data
      exhibiting considerable between-lab variability. The data used as validation
      targets for PMMs originate from both in vitro to in vivo experiments exhibiting
      large fold differences in time scale. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates the
      feasibility of PMMs and their usefulness across multiple model use cases. The
      pharmacodynamic response module developed here is robust to changes in model
      context and flexible in its ability to achieve validation targets in the face of
      considerable experimental uncertainty. Adopting the modularization methods
      presented here is expected to facilitate model reuse and integration, thereby
      accelerating the pace of biomedical research.

PMID- 25123170
TI  - Impact of dairy consumption on essential hypertension: a clinical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have presented evidence suggesting that dairy
      consumption has beneficial effects on blood pressure (BP) in healthy subjects;
      however, only a few studies have examined this possibility in patients with
      established essential hypertension using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
      The objective of this study was to investigate how consuming dairy products
      impacts mean daytime systolic and diastolic BP in men and women with mild to
      moderate essential hypertension. METHODS: Eighty-nine men and women with systolic
      BP >= 135 mm Hg and <= 160 mm Hg and diastolic BP <= 110 mm Hg were enrolled in
      this single-blind, randomized, cross-over, controlled study. Participants had to
      incorporate three daily servings of dairy products or control products equivalent
      in macronutrients and sodium during four-week treatment phases. Twenty-four hour
      ambulatory BP and endothelial function were assessed at screening and at the end
      of each dietary phase. RESULTS: The consumption of three daily servings of dairy
      products led to a significant reduction in mean daytime ambulatory systolic BP (
      2 mm Hg; P = 0.05) in men compared with readings after the control phase. In
      women, dairy consumption had no effect on ambulatory systolic BP. Moreover,
      endothelial function was significantly improved by dairy consumption in the whole
      cohort. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the consumption of three daily
      servings of dairy products have beneficial effects on daytime systolic ambulatory
      BP compared to a heart-healthy, dairy-free, diet in men with mild to moderate
      essential hypertension. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01776216.

PMID- 25123171
TI  - Oxidative stress and reduced responsiveness of challenged circulating leukocytes
      following pulmonary instillation of metal-rich particulate matter in rats.
AB  - Welding fume is an exposure that consists of a mixture of metal-rich particulate
      matter with gases (ozone, carbon monoxide) and/or vapors (VOCs). Data suggests
      that welders are immune compromised. Given the inability of pulmonary leukocytes
      to properly respond to a secondary infection in animal models, the question arose
      whether the dysfunction persisted systemically. Our aim was to evaluate the
      circulating leukocyte population in terms of cellular activation, presence of
      oxidative stress, and functionality after a secondary challenge, following
      welding fume exposure. Rats were intratracheally instilled (ITI) with PBS or 2 mg
      of welding fume collected from a stainless steel weld. Rats were sacrificed 4 and
      24 h post-exposure and whole blood was collected. Whole blood was used for
      cellular differential counts, RNA isolation with subsequent microarray and
      Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and secondary stimulation with LPS utilizing
      TruCulture technology. In addition, mononuclear cells were isolated 24 h post
      exposure to measure oxidative stress by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.
      Welding fume exposure had rapid effects on the circulating leukocyte population
      as identified by relative mRNA expression changes. Instillation of welding fume
      reduced inflammatory protein production of circulating leukocytes when challenged
      with the secondary stimulus LPS. The effects were not related to transcription,
      but were observed in conjunction with oxidative stress. These findings support
      previous studies of an inadequate pulmonary immune response following a metal
      rich exposure and extend those findings showing leukocyte dysfunction occurs
      systemically.

PMID- 25123172
TI  - Protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial
      investigating sacral neuromodulation for neurogenic lower urinary tract
      dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sacral neuromodulation has become a well-established and widely
      accepted treatment for refractory non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction,
      but its value in patients with a neurological cause is unclear. Although there is
      evidence indicating that sacral neuromodulation may be effective and safe for
      treating neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, the number of investigated
      patients is low and there is a lack of randomized controlled trials. METHODS AND
      DESIGN: This study is a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind
      multicenter trial including 4 sacral neuromodulation referral centers in
      Switzerland. Patients with refractory neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction
      are enrolled. After minimally invasive bilateral tined lead placement into the
      sacral foramina S3 and/or S4, patients undergo prolonged sacral neuromodulation
      testing for 3-6 weeks. In case of successful (defined as improvement of at least
      50% in key bladder diary variables (i.e. number of voids and/or number of
      leakages, post void residual) compared to baseline values) prolonged sacral
      neuromodulation testing, the neuromodulator is implanted in the upper buttock.
      After a 2 months post-implantation phase when the neuromodulator is turned ON to
      optimize the effectiveness of neuromodulation using sub-sensory threshold
      stimulation, the patients are randomized in a 1:1 allocation in sacral
      neuromodulation ON or OFF. At the end of the 2 months double-blind sacral
      neuromodulation phase, the patients have a neuro-urological re-evaluation,
      unblinding takes place, and the neuromodulator is turned ON in all patients. The
      primary outcome measure is success of sacral neuromodulation, secondary outcome
      measures are adverse events, urodynamic parameters, questionnaires, and costs of
      sacral neuromodulation. DISCUSSION: It is of utmost importance to know whether
      the minimally invasive and completely reversible sacral neuromodulation would be
      a valuable treatment option for patients with refractory neurogenic lower urinary
      tract dysfunction. If this type of treatment is effective in the neurological
      population, it would revolutionize the management of neurogenic lower urinary
      tract dysfunction. TRIAL REGISTRATION:  TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Identifier: NCT02165774.

PMID- 25123173
TI  - Cannabinoid-mediated short-term plasticity in hippocampus.
AB  - Endocannabinoids (eCBs) modulate both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission
      in hippocampus via activation of pre-synaptic cannabinoid receptors. Here, we
      present a model for cannabinoid mediated short-term depression of excitation
      (DSE) based on our recently developed model for the equivalent phenomenon of
      suppressing inhibition (DSI). Furthermore, we derive a simplified formulation of
      the calcium-mediated endocannabinoid synthesis that underlies short-term
      modulation of neurotransmission in hippocampus. The simplified model describes
      cannabinoid-mediated short-term modulation of both hippocampal inhibition and
      excitation and is ideally suited for large network studies. Moreover, the
      implementation of the simplified DSI/DSE model provides predictions on how both
      phenomena are modulated by the magnitude of the pre-synaptic cell's activity. In
      addition we demonstrate the role of DSE in shaping the post-synaptic cell's
      firing behaviour qualitatively and quantitatively in dependence on eCB
      availability and the pre-synaptic cell's activity. Finally, we explore under
      which conditions the combination of DSI and DSE can temporarily shift the fine
      balance between excitation and inhibition. This highlights a mechanism by which
      eCBs might act in a neuro-protective manner during high neural activity. 

PMID- 25123174
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with unilateral bloody nipple discharge;
      useful when conventional diagnostics are negative?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unilateral bloody nipple discharge (UBND) is mostly caused by benign
      conditions such as papilloma or ductal ectasia. However, in 7-33 % of all nipple
      discharge, it is caused by breast cancer. Conventional diagnostic imaging like
      mammography (MMG) and ultrasonography (US) is performed to exclude malignancy.
      Preliminary investigations of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assume that
      it has additional value. With an increasing availability of MRI, it is of
      clinical importance to evaluate this. We evaluated the additional diagnostic
      value of MRI in patients with UBND in the absence of a palpable mass, with normal
      conventional imaging. METHODS: All women with UBND in the period November 2007
      July 2012 were included. In addition to the standard work-up (patient's history,
      physical examination, MMG, and US), MRI was performed. Data from these
      examinations and treatment were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of
      111 women (mean age 52 years; range 23-80) were included. In nine (8 %) patients,
      malignancy was suspected on MRI while conventional imaging was normal. In eight
      (89 %) of these patients, histology was obtained, two by core biopsy and six by
      terminal duct excision. Benign conditions were found in six patients (86 %) and a
      (pre-) malignant lesion in two patients. In both cases, it concerned a ductal
      carcinoma in situ, which was treated with breast-conserving therapy. Moreover, in
      two cases of (pre)malignancy, the MRI was interpreted as negative. CONCLUSION: In
      patients with UBND who show no signs of a malignancy on conventional diagnostic
      examinations, the added value of a breast MRI is limited, since a malignancy can
      be demonstrated in <2 %.

PMID- 25123175
TI  - Early postoperative small bowel obstruction is an independent risk factor for
      subsequent adhesive small bowel obstruction in patients undergoing open
      colectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This prospective study was performed to investigate whether
      postoperative ileus (POI) or early postoperative small bowel obstruction (EPSBO)
      affects the development of adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) in patients
      undergoing colectomy. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 1,002 patients who
      underwent open colectomy by a single surgeon. POI was defined as the absence of
      bowel function for more than 5 days or as a delay in oral intake beyond 7 days
      postoperatively. EPSBO was defined as the clinical and radiologic identification
      of SBO after resuming oral intake between postoperative days 7 and 30. Adhesive
      SBO was defined as SBO developing after 30 days because of intraperitoneal
      adhesion. The associations between POI, EPSBO, patient- and surgery-related
      variables, and the development of adhesive SBO were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of
      85 (8.5 %) patients developed POI, and 42 patients (4.2 %) developed EPSBO, with
      seven patients experiencing both POI and EPSBO. During the follow-up period
      (median 51 months), 70 patients (7.0 %) developed adhesive SBO, six (8.6 %) of
      whom needed laparotomy. The occurrence of adhesive SBO was significantly higher
      in patients with EPSBO than in those without EPSBO (26.5 vs. 7.5 % at 5 years, P
      < 0.001), but not in patients with POI (13.4 vs. 7.8 % at 5 years, P = 0.158).
      Multivariable analysis showed colostomy (hazard ratio [HR] 2.530, P = 0.006) and
      EPSBO (HR 4.063, P < 0.001) as independent risk factors for adhesive SBO.
      CONCLUSIONS: The development of adhesive SBO after colectomy is more frequent in
      patients with EPSBO and colostomy; however, POI does not increase the risk of
      adhesive SBO.

PMID- 25123176
TI  - Clinical significance of anatomical variant of the left hepatic artery for
      perihilar cholangiocarcinoma applied to right-sided hepatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Full understanding of the hilar anatomy is crucial for successful
      surgical resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC). METHODS: The three
      dimensional positional relationship between the left hepatic artery (LHA) and the
      umbilical portion of the left portal vein (UP) was evaluated using multidetector
      row computed tomography (CT) in 58 consecutive patients who underwent right-sided
      hepatectomy for Bismuth-Corlette IIIa or IV tumors. The positional relationship
      of the LHA related to UP was classified into the following three types: L-UP
      type, LHA runs into the left lateral section (LLS) from the left caudal side of
      the UP; R-UP type, LHA runs into the LLS from the right cranial side of the UP;
      and combined type, one branch of the LHA runs into the LLS from the right cranial
      side of the UP, and the other from the left caudal side of the UP. RESULTS: L-UP
      type LHA was observed in 53 cases (91.4 %), R-UP type in three cases (5.2 %), and
      combined type in two cases (3.4 %). No cancer involvement of the LHA was seen in
      any cases with L-UP type. In one case with R-UP type (one of three; 33.3 %) and
      one case with combined type (one of two, 50 %), cancer invasion to the LHA was
      observed at the right side of the UP, requiring combined resection of the
      involved LHA. CONCLUSIONS: R-UP-type LHA running just along the left hepatic duct
      may be easily involved by right-side predominant PHC when extending to the left
      hepatic duct. Hepatobiliary surgeons should recognize this anatomical variant and
      carefully evaluate the running courses of LHA to successfully perform R0
      resection in right-sided hepatectomy for PHC.

PMID- 25123177
TI  - The pathologic correlation between liver and portal vein invasion in perihilar
      cholangiocarcinoma: evaluating the oncologic rationale for the American Joint
      Committee on Cancer definitions of T2 and T3 tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) has recommended that
      cancers with liver involvement be graded T2b and those with portal vein
      involvement be graded T3, although the value of staging as prognostic factors
      remains unclear. We evaluated the current definition of the T2/3 tumors for
      perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: A total of 202 patients with perihilar
      cholangiocarcinoma who underwent hepatectomy without vascular resection were
      enrolled. Clinicopathologic data about invasion of the liver and the unilateral
      portal vein were evaluated. RESULTS: The liver and the unilateral portal vein
      were involved in 100 (49.5 %) and 38 (18.8 %) patients, respectively. The
      survival rates were not significantly different between patients with and without
      liver invasion (48.6 vs. 52.2 %, respectively, at 5 years, P = 0.157) and between
      patients with or without unilateral portal vein invasion (43.2 vs. 52.1 %,
      respectively, at 5 years, P = 0.363). The survival rate of patients with tumors
      staged pT2b was not significantly different from the rate of patients with pT2a
      (63.4 vs. 55.6 % at 5 years, P = 0.912), and the pT2b tumor patient survival rate
      was better than the rate of patients with pT3 (34.9 % at 5 years, P = 0.011).
      Using multivariate analysis, nodal metastasis (P = 0.003), positive surgical
      margin (P = 0.010), and Bismuth type IV tumor (P = 0.039) were identified as
      independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: The liver and the unilateral portal
      vein are frequently involved in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. The determinants of
      the current AJCC T2/3 tumor classifications are rational; however, subdivision of
      T2 tumors may be of less clinical value.

PMID- 25123179
TI  - The effect of Doppler ultrasound on early vascular interventions and clinical
      outcomes after liver transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During the immediate postoperative period after liver transplantation
      (LT), postoperative bleeding and vascular complications (stenosis, thrombosis)
      are the two most common complications that require therapeutic decisions. Doppler
      ultrasound (DUS) is the established method for screening vascular patency after
      LT during the immediate postoperative period. The objective of our study was to
      evaluate the impact of DUS performed on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 on early
      vascular interventions. METHODS: We studied 200 patients who had undergone living
      donor or deceased donor liver transplantation between January 2011 and March
      2012. Postoperative liver DUS findings of up to POD 14, including patency of
      hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein, were retrieved. Patients with
      normal DUS findings on POD 1 and POD 2 were classified as the normal early DUS
      group. Patients with abnormal DUS findings at POD1 or POD2 were classified as the
      abnormal early DUS group. Frequency of vascular interventions was compared
      between the two groups. Risk factors that predict vascular interventions also
      were assessed. RESULTS: On POD 1 and 2, 81.5 % (163/200) had normal DUS findings
      and management was not altered by subsequent DUS findings. Two patients in the
      normal group were found to have hepatic artery dissection and hepatic vein
      thrombosis on routine CT on POD 7 and received vascular intervention. DUS results
      in the two patients were normal until POD 6, but DUS performed after the CT on
      POD 7 were consistent with the CT findings. Of the 37 recipients who showed
      abnormal DUS findings on POD 1 or 2, the DUS findings were normalized or
      unchanged thereafter in 33 patients and no vascular interventions were performed.
      Two patients underwent hepatic artery thrombectomy on POD 2, one patient required
      a portal vein thrombectomy on POD 1, and one patient died on POD 3 due to
      bleeding. The overall incidence of vascular complication requiring vascular
      interventions was 2.5 %. Logistic regression identified abnormal DUS findings on
      POD 1 or 2 as an independent risk factor of vascular complications requiring
      intervention. CONCLUSIONS: In LT recipients who demonstrate normal DUS findings
      in the first 2 postoperative days, additional DUS screening may have value only
      when clinically indicated.

PMID- 25123180
TI  - Enhanced recovery programs in liver surgery.

PMID- 25123181
TI  - Preventing inguinodynia after hernia surgery: does the type of mesh matter?

PMID- 25123182
TI  - Moderate intra-abdominal free fluid on computed tomogram in patients with blunt
      trauma abdomen: time to shun non-operative approach.

PMID- 25123184
TI  - Epigalloccatechin-3-gallate inhibits ocular neovascularization and vascular
      permeability in human retinal pigment epithelial and human retinal microvascular
      endothelial cells via suppression of MMP-9 and VEGF activation.
AB  - Epigalloccatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the main polyphenol component of green tea
      (leaves of Camellia sinensis). EGCG is known for its antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Here, we identify EGCG
      as a new inhibitor of ocular angiogenesis and its vascular permeability. Matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play a
      key role in the processes of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and
      microvascular permeability during angiogenesis. We investigated the inhibitory
      effects of EGCG on ocular neovascularization and vascular permeability using the
      retina oriented cells and animal models induced by VEGF and alkaline burn. EGCG
      treatment significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP-9 in
      the presence of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and tumor necrosis
      factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (HRPECs). EGCG
      also effectively protected ARPE-19 cells from cell death and attenuated mRNA
      expressions of key angiogenic factors (MMP-9, VEGF, VEGF Receptor-2) by
      inhibiting generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). EGCG significantly
      inhibited proliferation, vascular permeability, and tube formation in VEGF
      induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs). Furthermore, EGCG
      significantly reduced vascular leakage and permeability by blood-retinal barrier
      breakdown in VEGF-induced animal models. In addition, EGCG effectively limited
      upregulation of MMP-9 and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule
      (PECAM/CD31) on corneal neovascularization (CNV) induced by alkaline burn. Our
      data suggest that MMP-9 and VEGF are key therapeutic targets of EGCG for
      treatment and prevention of ocular angiogenic diseases such as age-related
      macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and corneal neovascularization. 

PMID- 25123186
TI  - The effect of some fluoroquinolone family members on biospeciation of copper(II),
      nickel(II) and zinc(II) ions in human plasma.
AB  - The speciation of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions in the presence of the
      fluoroquinolones (FQs) moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin,
      in human blood plasma was studied under physiological conditions by computer
      simulation. The speciation was calculated using an updated model of human blood
      plasma including over 6,000 species with the aid of the program Hyss2009. The
      identity and stability of metal-FQ complexes were determined by potentiometric
      (310 K, 0.15 mol/L NaCl), spectrophotometric, spectrofluorimetric, ESI-MS and 1H
      NMR measurements. In the case of Cu2+ ion the concentration of main low molecular
      weight (LMW) plasma complex (Cu(Cis)His) is very slightly influenced by all
      examined FQs. FQs show much higher influence on main plasma Ni2+ and Zn2+
      complexes: (Ni(His)2 and Zn(Cys)Cit, respectively. Levofloxacin exhibits the
      highest influence on the fraction of the main nickel complex, Ni(His)2, even at a
      concentration level of 3*10-5 mol/L. The same effect is seen on the main zinc
      complex, Zn(Cys)Cit. Calculated plasma mobilizing indexes indicate that
      ciprofloxacin possesses the highest mobilizing power from plasma proteins, toward
      copper ion, while levofloxacin is the most influential on nickel and zinc ions.
      The results obtained indicate that the drugs studied are safe in relation to
      mobilization of essential metal ions under physiological conditions. The observed
      effects were explained in terms of competitive equilibrium reactions between the
      FQs and the main LMW complexes of the metal ions.

PMID- 25123187
TI  - Tryptophan as a probe to study the anticancer mechanism of action and specificity
      of alpha-helical anticancer peptides.
AB  - In the present study, a single tryptophan, as a fluorescence probe, was shifted
      from the N-terminus to the middle and to the C-terminus of a 26-residue alpha
      helical anticancer peptide sequence to study the mechanism of action and
      specificity. The hydrophobicity of peptides, as well as peptide helicity and self
      associating ability, were slightly influenced by the position change of
      tryptophan in the peptide sequence, while the hemolytic activity and anticancer
      activity of the peptide analogs remained the same. The tryptophan fluorescence
      experiment demonstrated that peptide analogs were more selective against LUVs
      mimicking cancer cell membranes than LUVs mimicking normal cell membranes. During
      the interaction with target membranes, the N-terminus of an anticancer peptide
      may be inserted vertically or tilted into the hydrophobic components of the
      phospholipid bilayer first. The thermodynamic parameters of the peptides PNW and
      PCW, when interacting with zwitterionic DMPC or negatively charged DMPS, were
      determined by ITC. DSC experiments showed that peptide analogs significantly
      altered the phase transition profiles of DMPC, but did not dramatically modify
      the phase transition of DMPS. It is demonstrated that hydrophobic interactions
      are the main driving force for peptides interacting with normal cell membranes,
      whilst, electrostatic interactions dominate the interactions between peptides and
      cancer cell membranes. Utilizing tryptophan as a fluorescence probe molecule
      appears to be a practicable approach to determine the interaction of peptides
      with phospholipid bilayers. 

PMID- 25123185
TI  - Effect on the aroma profile of Graciano and Tempranillo red wines of the
      application of two antifungal treatments onto vines.
AB  - The effect of two antifungals (boscalid+kresoxim-methyl and metrafenone) applied
      onto vines under Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) on the volatile composition
      of Tempranillo and Graciano red wines was studied. Changes in aroma profile in
      the wines were assessed from the combined odour activity values (OAVs) for the
      volatile compounds in each of seven different odorant series (viz., ripe fruits,
      fresh fruits, lactic, floral, vinous, spicy and herbaceous). Graciano wines
      obtained from grapes treated with the antifungals exhibited markedly increased
      concentrations of varietal volatile compounds (monoterpenes and C13
      norisoprenoids) and aldehydes, and decreased concentrations of acetates and
      aromatic alcohols. By contrast, the concentrations of volatile compounds in
      Tempranillo wines showed different changes depending on the fungicide applied.
      Also, the aroma profiles of wines obtained from treated grapes were modified,
      particularly the ripe fruit nuances in Graciano wines. The OAV of this odorant
      series underwent an increase by more than 60% with respect to the control wine as
      a result of the increase of beta-damascenone concentration (which imparts wine a
      dry plum note). The aroma profile of Tempranillo red wines containing metrafenone
      residues exhibited marked changes relative to those from untreated grapes.

PMID- 25123188
TI  - The toxicity mechanisms of action of Abeta25-35 in isolated rat cardiac myocytes.
AB  - beta-Amyloid (Abeta) is deposited in neurons and vascular cells of the brain and
      is characterized as a pathologic feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently
      studies have reported that there is an association between cardiovascular risk
      factors and AD, however the mechanism of this association is still uncertain. In
      this study we observed Abeta had an effect on cardiovascular cells. We represent
      as a major discovery that Abeta25-35 had toxicity on isolated rat cardiac
      myocytes by impacting the cytoskeleton assembly and causing ER stress, ultimately
      contributing to the apoptosis of the myocytes. Importantly, the activation of ER
      stress and subsequent cellular dysfunction and apoptosis by Abeta25-35 was
      regulated by the MAPK pathway, which could be prevented by inhibition of p38 via
      pharmacological inhibitors. It was noteworthy that Abeta25-35 played a critical
      role in cardiac myocytes, suggesting that Alzheimer's disease (AD) had a relation
      with the heart and understanding of these associations in future will help search
      for effective treatment strategies. 

PMID- 25123183
TI  - Imaging live cells at the nanometer-scale with single-molecule microscopy:
      obstacles and achievements in experiment optimization for microbiology.
AB  - Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy enables biological investigations inside
      living cells to achieve millisecond- and nanometer-scale resolution. Although
      single-molecule-based methods are becoming increasingly accessible to non
      experts, optimizing new single-molecule experiments can be challenging, in
      particular when super-resolution imaging and tracking are applied to live cells.
      In this review, we summarize common obstacles to live-cell single-molecule
      microscopy and describe the methods we have developed and applied to overcome
      these challenges in live bacteria. We examine the choice of fluorophore and
      labeling scheme, approaches to achieving single-molecule levels of fluorescence,
      considerations for maintaining cell viability, and strategies for detecting
      single-molecule signals in the presence of noise and sample drift. We also
      discuss methods for analyzing single-molecule trajectories and the challenges
      presented by the finite size of a bacterial cell and the curvature of the
      bacterial membrane. 

PMID- 25123189
TI  - Intracellular diagnostics: hunting for the mode of action of redox-modulating
      selenium compounds in selected model systems.
AB  - Redox-modulating compounds derived from natural sources, such as redox active
      secondary metabolites, are currently of considerable interest in the field of
      chemoprevention, drug and phytoprotectant development. Unfortunately, the exact
      and occasionally even selective activity of such products, and the underlying
      (bio-)chemical causes thereof, are often only poorly understood. A combination of
      the nematode- and yeast-based assays provides a powerful platform to investigate
      a possible biological activity of a new compound and also to explore the "redox
      link" which may exist between its activity on the one side and its chemistry on
      the other. Here, we will demonstrate the usefulness of this platform for
      screening several selenium and tellurium compounds for their activity and action.
      We will also show how the nematode-based assay can be used to obtain information
      on compound uptake and distribution inside a multicellular organism, whilst the
      yeast-based system can be employed to explore possible intracellular mechanisms
      via chemogenetic screening and intracellular diagnostics. Whilst none of these
      simple and easy-to-use assays can ultimately substitute for in-depth studies in
      human cells and animals, these methods nonetheless provide a first glimpse on the
      possible biological activities of new compounds and offer direction for more
      complicated future investigations. They may also uncover some rather unpleasant
      biochemical actions of certain compounds, such as the ability of the trace
      element supplement selenite to induce DNA strand breaks. 

PMID- 25123190
TI  - [Quality of life after operation for early Barrett's cancer: a prospective
      comparison of Ivor Lewis resection versus modified Merendino resection].

PMID- 25123193
TI  - I want to fly home: a terminal cancer patient's right to go home.

PMID- 25123192
TI  - Changes in medication profile among patients with advanced cancer admitted to an
      acute palliative care unit.
AB  - PURPOSE: The decision-making process for medication use in the last weeks of life
      is complex because of patient frailty and poor prognosis. Limited literature is
      available on medication use in the palliative care setting, particularly in acute
      palliative care units (APCUs). We examined the changes in medication profile
      among hospitalized patients with advanced cancer before their palliative care
      inpatient consultation team referral, after palliative care consultation, at the
      time of APCU admission, and at APCU discharge or death. METHODS: We included
      consecutive patients with advanced cancer who were first seen by our inpatient
      palliative care consultation team and subsequently admitted to the APCU. We
      retrieved data on all scheduled medications at the prespecified time points.
      RESULTS: Among the 100 patients, the median duration of hospitalization was 10.5
      days (interquartile range 8-15 days), and the median APCU stay was 5 days
      (interquartile range 3-7 days). The average number of medications before
      palliative care inpatient consultation team referral, after palliative care
      consultation, at APCU admission and at APCU discharge/death was 9.2 (standard
      deviation [SD] 4.5), 9.9 (SD 4.2), 10.3 (SD 3.8), and 10.1 (SD 3.8), respectively
      (P = 0.03). An increasing proportion of patients received medications for symptom
      control over their course of hospitalization, including systemic corticosteroids,
      laxatives, neuroleptics, and antiulcer agents (P < 0.05). In contrast, the
      frequency of several classes of medications such as antihypertensives,
      antilipemics, and anticonvulsants decreased over time (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Palliative care involvement was associated with an increase in symptom control
      medications and decrease in medications for comorbid conditions over time.

PMID- 25123191
TI  - Deep sequencing reveals clonal evolution patterns and mutation events associated
      with relapse in B-cell lymphomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Molecular mechanisms associated with frequent relapse of diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are poorly defined. It is especially unclear how
      primary tumor clonal heterogeneity contributes to relapse. Here, we explore
      unique features of B-cell lymphomas - VDJ recombination and somatic hypermutation
      - to address this question. RESULTS: We performed high-throughput sequencing of
      rearranged VDJ junctions in 14 pairs of matched diagnosis-relapse tumors, among
      which 7 pairs were further characterized by exome sequencing. We identify two
      distinctive modes of clonal evolution of DLBCL relapse: an early-divergent mode
      in which clonally related diagnosis and relapse tumors diverged early and
      developed in parallel; and a late-divergent mode in which relapse tumors
      developed directly from diagnosis tumors with minor divergence. By examining
      mutation patterns in the context of phylogenetic information provided by VDJ
      junctions, we identified mutations in epigenetic modifiers such as KMT2D as
      potential early driving events in lymphomagenesis and immune escape alterations
      as relapse-associated events. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our study for the first
      time provides important evidence that DLBCL relapse may result from multiple,
      distinct tumor evolutionary mechanisms, providing rationale for therapies for
      each mechanism. Moreover, this study highlights the urgent need to understand the
      driving roles of epigenetic modifier mutations in lymphomagenesis, and immune
      surveillance factor genetic lesions in relapse.

PMID- 25123194
TI  - Unanticipated frequency and consequences of regimen-related diarrhea in patients
      being treated with radiation or chemoradiation regimens for cancers of the head
      and neck or lung.
AB  - PURPOSE: To better understand the indirect effects of standard courses of
      radiation therapy (RT) on distant tissue toxicity, we evaluated the frequency,
      course, and health and economic burden of regimen-related diarrhea in a large,
      multinational group of patients who were being treated for cancers of the head
      and neck (HNC) or lung (NSCLC). METHODS: In this exploratory, prospective study,
      284 patients being treated for HNC and 60 being treated for NSCLC were stratified
      into four cohorts to evaluate the effect of radiation alone and radiation plus
      concomitant chemotherapy (CRT) on radiation-induced diarrhea (RID). RID was
      assessed daily throughout RT using a patient-reported five-point categorical
      scale. Health and resource use outcomes were evaluated at least weekly during
      radiation. RESULTS: Moderate to severe RID was reported in all groups and was
      worse among patient being treated with concomitant chemoradiation (CRT). Whereas
      29 % of patients treated with radiation only developed RID, the incidence was 42
      % among CRT-treated patients. Tumor site did not impact the rate of RID, but did
      impact the rate of development and was more acute in patients being treated for
      NSCLC than for HNC. Patients with significant RID had worse health and resource
      use outcomes than did patients without RID regardless of the form of treatment. G
      tube placement, weight loss, unplanned office visits, and in-patient days were
      adversely affected by RID. Not surprisingly, patients treated with CRT had poorer
      health and resource outcomes than RT only patients, even in the absence of RID.
      CONCLUSION: In addition to local tissue toxicities, our results suggest that
      focal radiation may also be associated with significant distant tissue-centric
      injury here represented by RID. While these changes were seen with radiation
      alone, the addition of chemotherapy increased the incidence and burden of
      illness. RID adversely impacted resource use. This unanticipated finding supports
      the hypothesis that focal radiation therapy results in pathobiological changes
      that extend beyond the radiation field and which can produce distant changes.

PMID- 25123195
TI  - Ligand-size dependent water proton relaxivities in ultrasmall gadolinium oxide
      nanoparticles and in vivo T1 MR images in a 1.5 T MR field.
AB  - The dependence of longitudinal (r1) and transverse (r2) water proton relaxivities
      of ultrasmall gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles on the surface coating
      ligand-size was investigated. Both r1 and r2 values decreased with increasing
      ligand-size. We attributed this to the ligand-size effect. In addition the
      effectiveness of d-glucuronic acid-coated ultrasmall Gd2O3 nanoparticles as T1
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents was confirmed by measuring the
      in vitro cytotoxicity and using in vivo T1 MR images in a mouse in a 1.5 T MR
      field. 

PMID- 25123196
TI  - Caffeine consumption around an exercise bout: effects on energy expenditure,
      energy intake, and exercise enjoyment.
AB  - Combining an exercise and nutritional intervention is arguably the optimal method
      of creating energy imbalance for weight loss. This study sought to determine
      whether combining exercise and caffeine supplementation was more effective for
      promoting acute energy deficits and manipulations to substrate metabolism than
      exercise alone. Fourteen recreationally active participants (mean +/- SD body
      mass index: 22.7 +/- 2.6 kg/m2) completed a resting control trial (CON), a
      placebo exercise trial (EX), and a caffeine exercise trial (EX+CAF, 2 * 3 mg/kg
      of caffeine 90 min before and 30 min after exercise) in a randomized, double
      blinded design. Trials were 4 h in duration with 1 h of rest, 1 h of cycling at
      ~65% power at maximum O2 consumption or rest, and a 2-h recovery. Gas exchange,
      appetite perceptions, and blood samples were obtained periodically. Two hours
      after exercise, participants were offered an ad libitum test meal where energy
      and macronutrient intake were recorded. EX+CAF resulted in significantly greater
      energy expenditure and fat oxidation compared with EX (+250 kJ; +10.4 g) and CON
      (+3,126 kJ; +29.7 g) (P < 0.05). A trend for reduced energy and fat intake
      compared with CON (-718 kJ; -8 g) (P = 0.055) was observed. Consequently, EX+CAF
      created a greater energy deficit (P < 0.05). Caffeine also led to exercise being
      perceived as less difficult and more enjoyable (P < 0.05). Combining caffeine
      with exercise creates a greater acute energy deficit, and the implications of
      this protocol for weight loss or maintenance over longer periods of time in
      overweight/obese populations should be further investigated.

PMID- 25123197
TI  - Hemodynamic responses during graded and constant-load plantar flexion exercise in
      middle-aged men and women with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - We tested the hypotheses that type 2 diabetes (T2D) impairs the 1) leg
      hemodynamic responses to an incremental intermittent plantar-flexion exercise and
      2) dynamic responses of leg vascular conductance (LVC) during low-intensity (30%
      maximal voluntary contraction, MVC) and high-intensity (70% MVC) constant-load
      plantar-flexion exercise in the supine posture. Forty-four middle-aged
      individuals with T2D (14 women), and 35 healthy nondiabetic (ND) individuals (18
      women) were tested. Leg blood flow (LBF) was measured between each contraction
      using venous occlusion plethysmography. During the incremental test peak force
      (Fpeak) relative to MVC was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in men and women
      with T2D compared with their respective nondiabetic counterparts. Peak LBF and
      the slope of LBF relative to percentage Fpeak were also reduced (P < 0.05) in
      women with T2D compared with healthy women (peak blood flow, 460.6 +/- 126.8 vs.
      628.3 +/- 347.7 ml/min; slope, 3.78 +/- 1.74 vs. 5.85 +/- 3.14 ml.min(-1).%Fpeak
      (-1)) and in men with T2D compared with nondiabetic men (peak blood flow, 621.7
      +/- 241.3 vs. 721.2 +/- 359.7 ml/min; slope, 5.75 +/- 2.66 vs. 6.33 +/- 3.63
      ml.min(-1).%Fpeak (-1)). During constant-load contractions at 30% MVC T2D did not
      affect the dynamic responses of LVC (LBF/MAP). However, at 70% MVC [completed by
      a subgroup of participants (20 with T2D, 6 women; 13 ND, 6 women)] the time
      constant of the second growth phase of LVC was longer and the amplitude of the
      first growth phase was lower (P < 0.05 for both) in men and women with T2D. The
      results suggest that the T2D-induced impairments in performance of the leg
      muscles are related to reductions in blood flow in both men and women. 

PMID- 25123198
TI  - Acute effects of taurine on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ accumulation and
      contractility in human type I and type II skeletal muscle fibers.
AB  - Taurine occurs in high concentrations in muscle and is implicated in numerous
      physiological processes, yet its effects on many aspects of contractility remain
      unclear. Using mechanically skinned segments of human vastus lateralis muscle
      fibers, we characterized the effects of taurine on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)
      Ca2+ accumulation and contractile apparatus properties in type I and type II
      fibers. Prolonged myoplasmic exposure (>10 min) to taurine substantially
      increased the rate of accumulation of Ca2+ by the SR in both fiber types, with no
      change in the maximum amount accumulated; no such effect was found with
      carnosine. SR Ca2+ accumulation was similar with 10 or 20 mM taurine, but was
      significantly slower at 5 mM taurine. Cytoplasmic taurine (20 mM) had no
      detectable effects on the responsiveness of the Ca2+ release channels in either
      fiber type. Taurine caused a small increase in Ca2+ sensitivity of the
      contractile apparatus in type I fibers, but type II fibers were unaffected;
      maximum Ca(2+)-activated force was unchanged in both cases. The effects of
      taurine on SR Ca2+ accumulation (1) only became apparent after prolonged
      cytoplasmic exposure, and (2) persisted for some minutes after complete removal
      of taurine from the cytoplasm, consistent with the hypothesis that the effects
      were due to an action of taurine from inside the SR. In summary, taurine
      potentiates the rate of SR Ca2+ uptake in both type I and type II human fibers,
      possibly via an action from within the SR lumen, with the degree of potentiation
      being significantly reduced at low physiological taurine levels.

PMID- 25123199
TI  - Quantitative and temporal differential recovery of articular and muscular
      limitations of knee joint contractures; results in a rat model.
AB  - Joint contractures alter the mechanical properties of articular and muscular
      structures. Reversibility of a contracture depends on the restoration of the
      elasticity of both structures. We determined the differential contribution of
      articular and muscular structures to knee flexion contractures during spontaneous
      recovery. Rats (250, divided into 24 groups) had one knee joint surgically fixed
      in flexion for six different durations, from 1 to 32 wk, creating joint
      contractures of various severities. After the fixation was removed, the animals
      were left to spontaneously recover for 1 to 48 wk. After the recovery periods,
      animals were killed and the knee extension was measured before and after division
      of the transarticular posterior muscles using a motorized arthrometer. No
      articular limitation had developed in contracture of recent onset (<=2 wk of
      fixation, P > 0.05); muscular limitations were responsible for the majority of
      the contracture (34 +/- 8 degrees  and 38 +/- 6 degrees , respectively; both P <
      0.05). Recovery for 1 and 8 wk reversed the muscular limitation of contractures
      of recent onset (1 and 2 wk of fixation, respectively). Long-lasting contractures
      (>=4 wk of fixation) presented articular limitations, irreversible in all 12
      durations of recovery compared with controls (all 12 P < 0.05). Knee flexion
      contractures of recent onset were primarily due to muscular structures, and they
      were reversible during spontaneous recovery. Long-lasting contractures were
      primarily due to articular structures and were irreversible. Comprehensive
      temporal and quantitative data on the differential reversibility of mechanically
      significant alterations in articular and muscular structures represent novel
      evidence on which to base clinical practice. 

PMID- 25123200
TI  - Cardiovascular and thermoregulatory biomarkers of heat stroke severity in a
      conscious rat model.
AB  - Multiorgan failure is a catastrophic consequence of heat stroke (HS) and
      considered the underlying etiology of mortality. Identifying novel biomarkers
      capable of predicting the extent of HS-induced organ damage will enhance point-of
      care triage and treatment. Conscious male F344 rats (n = 32) were
      radiotelemetered for continuous core temperature (Tc), heart rate, and arterial
      pressure measurement. Twenty-two animals were exposed to ambient temperature of
      37 degrees C to a maximum Tc of 41.9 +/- 0.1 degrees C. Rats were euthanized at
      24 h of recovery for analysis of plasma biomarkers [cardiac troponin I (cTnI),
      blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, glucose] and
      histology. Tc profiles observed during recovery stratified HS severity into Mild,
      Moderate, and Severe. Eleven (50%) animals exhibited an acute compensatory
      hemodynamic response to heat exposure and a monophasic Tc profile consisting of
      sustained hyperthermia (~1 degrees C). Five (23%) rats displayed hemodynamic
      challenge and a biphasic Tc profile with rapid return to baseline followed by
      rebound hyperthermia. All biomarkers were significantly altered from control
      values (P < 0.05). Four (18%) animals exhibited significant hemodynamic
      compromise during heat and a triphasic profile characterized by rapid cooling to
      baseline Tc, rebound hyperthermia, and subsequent hypothermia (~35 degrees C)
      through 24 h. cTnI showed a 40-fold increase over CON (P < 0.001) and correlated
      with BUN (r = 0.912) consistent with cardiorenal failure. Hypoglycemia correlated
      with ALT (r = 0.824) suggestive of liver dysfunction. Histology demonstrated
      myocardial infarction, renal tubular necrosis, and acute liver necrosis. Two (9%)
      animals succumbed during HS recovery. This study identified novel biomarkers that
      predict HS severity and organ damage during acute recovery that could provide
      clinical significance for identifying key biomarkers of HS pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25123202
TI  - Copper metal-organic framework nanocrystal for plane effect nonenzymatic electro
      catalytic activity of glucose.
AB  - This work describes the first demonstration of nanocrystal plane dependent
      nonenzymatic electro-catalytic glucose activity of [Cu3(btc)2] nanocrystals with
      different shapes (nanocube, truncated cube, cuboctahedron, and octahedron). From
      electrochemical results, the obtained [Cu3(btc)2] nanocube modified electrode
      shows the best nonenzymatic electro-catalytic glucose activity. Interestingly,
      decreasing the {100} crystal planes from cubes to octahedra, changes the
      nonenzymatic electro-catalytic activity from highly sensitive to general. 

PMID- 25123201
TI  - Protective effect of sex on chronic stress- and depressive behavior-induced
      vascular dysfunction in BALB/cJ mice.
AB  - The presence of chronic, unresolvable stresses leads to negative health outcomes,
      including development of clinical depression/depressive disorders, with outcome
      severity being correlated with depressive symptom severity. One of the major
      outcomes associated with chronic stress and depression is the development of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) and an elevated CVD risk profile. However, in
      epidemiological research, sex disparities are evident, with premenopausal women
      suffering from depressive symptoms more acutely than men, but also demonstrating
      a relative protection from the onset of CVD. Given this, we investigated the
      differential effect of sex on conduit artery and resistance arteriolar function
      in male and female mice following 8 wk of an unpredictable chronic mild stress
      (UCMS) protocol. In males, plasma cortisol and depressive symptom severity (e.g.,
      coat status, anhedonia, delayed grooming) were elevated by UCMS. Endothelium
      dependent dilation to methacholine/acetylcholine was impaired in conduit arteries
      and skeletal muscle arterioles, suggesting a severe loss of nitric oxide
      bioavailability and increased production of thromboxane A2 vs. prostaglandin I2
      associated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increased level of
      systemic inflammation. Endothelium-independent dilation was intact. In females,
      depressive symptoms and plasma cortisol increases were more severe than in males,
      although alterations to vascular reactivity were blunted, including the effects
      of elevated ROS and inflammation on dilator responses. These results suggest that
      compared with males, female rats are more susceptible to chronic stress in terms
      of the severity of depressive behaviors, but that the subsequent development of
      vasculopathy is blunted owing to an improved ability to tolerate elevated ROS and
      systemic inflammatory stress. 

PMID- 25123203
TI  - Acute kidney injury after snakebite accident treated in a Brazilian tertiary care
      centre.
AB  - AIM: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the main causes of morbidity and
      mortality in cases of envenomation by venomous snakes. The present study was
      carried out to investigate the clinical and laboratory manifestations in
      accidents with venomous snakes and the risk factors associated with AKI in these
      accidents. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out with patients victims
      of snakebite admitted to a reference centre. AKI was defined according to the
      RIFLE and AKIN criteria. RESULTS: A total of 276 patients were included, of which
      230 (83.7%) were males. AKI was observed in 42 cases (15.2%). The mean genus
      involved in the accidents was Bothrops (82.2%). Mean age of patients with AKI was
      higher than in patients without AKI (43 +/- 20 vs. 34 +/- 21 years, P = 0.015).
      The time elapsed between the accident and medical care was higher in the AKI
      group (25 +/- 28 vs. 14 +/- 16h, P = 0.034), as well as the time elapsed between
      the accident and the administration of antivenom (30.7 +/- 27 vs. 15 +/- 16 h, P
      = 0.01). Haemodialysis was required in 30% of cases and complete renal function
      recovery was observed in 54.8% of cases at hospital discharge. There were four
      deaths, none of which had AKI. Factors associated with AKI were haemorrhagic
      abnormalities (P = 0.036, OR = 6.718, 95% CI: 1.067-25.661) and longer length of
      hospital stay (P = 0.004, OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.165-2.088). CONCLUSION: Acute
      kidney injury is an important complication of snakebite accidents, showing low
      mortality, but high morbidity, which can lead to partial renal function recovery.

PMID- 25123204
TI  - Protocol for the induction of subarachnoid hemorrhage in mice by perforation of
      the Circle of Willis with an endovascular filament.
AB  - Genetically engineered mice are a valuable tool to investigate the molecular and
      cellular mechanisms leading to brain damage following subarachnoid hemorrhage
      (SAH). Therefore, several murine SAH models were developed during the last 15
      years. Among those models, the perforation of the Circle of Willis by an
      endovascular filament or "filament model" turned out to become the most popular
      one, since it is believed to reproduce some of the most prominent
      pathophysiological features observed after human SAH. Despite the importance of
      the endovascular filament model for SAH research, relatively few studies were
      published using this technique during the past years and a number of laboratories
      reported problems establishing the technique. This triggered discussions about
      the standardization, reproducibility, and the reliability of the model. In order
      to improve this situation, the current paper aims to provide a comprehensive
      hands-on protocol of the murine endovascular filament model. The protocol proved
      to result in induction of SAH in mice with high intrapersonal and interpersonal
      reproducibility and is based on our experience with this technique for more than
      10 years. By sharing our experience with this valuable model, we aim to initiate
      a constantly ongoing discussion process on the improvement of standards and
      techniques in the field of experimental SAH research. 

PMID- 25123206
TI  - Commentary: predictors of severe outcomes associated with Clostridium difficile
      infection in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

PMID- 25123205
TI  - Effects of childhood abuse on adult obesity: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - Controversy exists surrounding the role of childhood abuse in obesity
      development. This is a meta-analysis of observational studies on the role of
      childhood abuse in adult obesity. Systematic searches of PubMed, PsycInfo,
      Medline and CINAHL resulted in 23 cohort studies (4 prospective, 19
      retrospective) with n=112,708 participants, containing four abuse types
      (physical, emotional, sexual, general). Four studies reported dose-response
      effects. A random effects model was used to quantify effect sizes, meta
      regression/subgroup analysis for identifying potential moderating variables and
      Egger's test for publication bias. Adults who reported childhood abuse were
      significantly more likely to be obese (odds ratio [OR]: 1.34, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 1.24-1.45, P<0.001). All four types of abuse were significantly
      associated with adult obesity: physical (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.13-1.46), emotional
      (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.08-1.71), sexual (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.13-1.53) and general
      abuse (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25-1.69). Severe abuse (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.27-1.77)
      was significantly more associated with adult obesity (P=0.043) compared with
      light/moderate abuse (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.91-1.41). We found no significant
      effects of study design (prospective vs. retrospective, P=0.07), age (P=0.96) or
      gender (P=0.92). Publication bias was evident (Egger's test P=0.007), but effect
      sizes remained statistically significant in sensitivity analyses. Childhood abuse
      was clearly associated with being obese as an adult, including a positive dose
      response association. This suggests that adverse life experiences during
      childhood plays a major role in obesity development, potentially by inducing
      mental and emotional perturbations, maladaptive coping responses, stress,
      inflammation and metabolic disturbances.

PMID- 25123207
TI  - Production and supply of high-quality food protein for human consumption:
      sustainability, challenges, and innovations.
AB  - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that 843
      million people worldwide are hungry and a greater number suffer from nutrient
      deficiencies. Approximately one billion people have inadequate protein intake.
      The challenge of preventing hunger and malnutrition will become even greater as
      the global population grows from the current 7.2 billion people to 9.6 billion by
      2050. With increases in income, population, and demand for more nutrient-dense
      foods, global meat production is projected to increase by 206 million tons per
      year during the next 35 years. These changes in population and dietary practices
      have led to a tremendous rise in the demand for food protein, especially animal
      source protein. Consuming the required amounts of protein is fundamental to human
      growth and health. Protein needs can be met through intakes of animal and plant
      source foods. Increased consumption of food proteins is associated with increased
      greenhouse gas emissions and overutilization of water. Consequently, concerns
      exist regarding impacts of agricultural production, processing and distribution
      of food protein on the environment, ecosystem, and sustainability. To address
      these challenging issues, the New York Academy of Sciences organized the
      conference "Frontiers in Agricultural Sustainability: Studying the Protein Supply
      Chain to Improve Dietary Quality" to explore sustainable innovations in food
      science and programming aimed at producing the required quality and quantity of
      protein through improved supply chains worldwide. This report provides an
      extensive discussion of these issues and summaries of the presentations from the
      conference. 

PMID- 25123208
TI  - Clinical and economic outcomes of nutrition interventions across the continuum of
      care.
AB  - Optimal nutrition across the continuum of care plays a key role in the short- and
      long-term clinical and economic outcomes of patients. Worldwide, an estimated one
      quarter to one-half of patients admitted to hospitals each year are malnourished.
      Malnutrition can increase healthcare costs by delaying patient recovery and
      rehabilitation and increasing the risk of medical complications. Nutrition
      interventions have the potential to provide cost-effective preventive care and
      treatment measures. However, limited data exist on the economics and impact
      evaluations of these interventions. In this report, nutrition and health system
      researchers, clinicians, economists, and policymakers discuss emerging global
      research on nutrition health economics, the role of nutrition interventions
      across the continuum of care, and how nutrition can affect healthcare costs in
      the context of hospital malnutrition. 

PMID- 25123209
TI  - Antibody-drug conjugates: an emerging modality for the treatment of cancer.
AB  - Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) offer promise as a therapeutic modality that can
      potentially reduce the toxicities and poor therapeutic indices caused by the lack
      of specificity of conventional anticancer therapies. ADCs combine the potency of
      cytotoxic agents with the target selectivity of antibodies by chemically linking
      a cytotoxic payload to an antibody, potentially creating a synthetic molecule
      that will deliver targeted antitumor therapy that is both safe and efficacious.
      The ADC repertoire contains a range of payload molecules, antibodies, and
      linkers. Two ADC molecules, Kadcyla(r) and Adcetris(r), have been approved by the
      FDA, and many more are currently in clinical development. 

PMID- 25123211
TI  - Architecture and morphology of the human ventromedial prefrontal cortex.
AB  - A previous report identified the location of comparable architectonic areas in
      the ventral frontal cortex of the human and macaque brains [S. Mackey & M.
      Petrides (2010) Eur. J. Neurosci., 32, 1940-1950]. The present article provides
      greater detail with regard to the definition of architectonic areas within the
      ventromedial part of the human ventral frontal cortex and describes their
      location: (i) in Montreal Neurological Institute proportional stereotactic space;
      and (ii) in relation to sulcal landmarks. Structural magnetic resonance scans of
      four brains were obtained before the preparation of the histological specimens,
      so that the architectonic parcellation could be reconstructed in its original
      three-dimensional volume. The areal density of individual cortical layers was
      sampled quantitatively in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex of eight brains (16
      hemispheres). The agranular cortex along the ventral edge of the corpus callosum
      and posterior margin of the ventromedial surface is replaced by a graded series
      of increasingly granular and more complexly laminated areas that succeed one
      another in a posterior-to-anterior direction. In parallel, the width of the
      supragranular layers (i.e. layers II and III) increases as compared with the
      infragranular layers (i.e. layers V and VI) from posterior to anterior. A measure
      of how rapidly cortical features change at areal boundaries also showed that the
      rate of change in the granule and pyramidal cell densities of layers IV and V,
      respectively, was greater at the borders between posterior areas than between
      anterior areas. This article will facilitate the anatomical identification and
      comparison of experimental data involving the human vmPFC. 

PMID- 25123210
TI  - Long-term systemic inflammation and cognitive impairment in a population-based
      cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evidence suggests inflammation is associated with cognitive
      impairment, but previous epidemiological studies have reported conflicting
      results. DESIGN: Prospective population-based cohort. SETTING: Epidemiology of
      Hearing Loss Study participants. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals without cognitive
      impairment in 1998-2000 (N = 2,422; 1,947 with necessary data). MEASUREMENTS:
      Cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination score <24 or diagnosis of
      dementia) was ascertained in 1998-2000, 2003-2005, and 2009-2010. Serum C
      reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured in 1988-1990, 1998
      2000, and 2009-2010; tumor necrosis factor-alpha was measured from 1998-2000.
      RESULTS: Participants with high CRP in 1988-1990 and 1998-2000 had lower risk of
      cognitive impairment than those with low CRP at both time points (hazard ratio
      (HR) = 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.26-0.80). Risk did not differ
      according to 10-year IL-6 profile or baseline inflammation category in the whole
      cohort. In sensitivity analyses restricted to statin nonusers, those with high IL
      6 at both times had greater risk of cognitive impairment than those with low IL-6
      at both times (HR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.09-10.30). In secondary analyses, each
      doubling of IL-6 change over 20 years was associated with greater odds of
      cognitive impairment in 2009-2010 in the whole cohort (odds ratio (OR) = 1.40,
      95% CI = 1.04-1.89), whereas a doubling of CRP change over 20 years was
      associated with cognitive impairment only in statin nonusers (OR = 1.32, 95% CI =
      1.06-1.65). CONCLUSION: With data collected over 20 years, this study
      demonstrated greater likelihood of cognitive impairment in individuals with
      repeated high or increasing IL-6. The inconsistent CRP findings may reflect
      effects of statin medications, survival effects, or adverse effects associated
      with chronically low CRP. Further studies of long-term inflammation and cognitive
      impairment are needed.

PMID- 25123214
TI  - Contrasting electrogenerated chemiluminescence for a dissolved and surface
      attached carbazole thiophene cyanoacrylate dye.
AB  - The electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of a carbazole thiophene
      cyanoacrylate dye ((2-cyano-3-[5"'-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-3',3",3"',4-tetra-n
      hexyl-[2,2',5',2",5",2"']-quarter-thiophenyl-5yl]acrylate) = MK-2) has been
      investigated in solution, where the maximum ECL wavelength occurs at 640 nm, and
      in a thin film on an ITO surface, where the ECL is substantially red-shifted to
      730 nm. The ECL intensity for the solution annihilation reaction is relatively
      weak, whereas a much higher ECL intensity is measured with oxalate as a co
      reactant. This result is attributed to the two Nernstian reversible oxidation
      waves of the thiophene moiety of MK-2, whereas the reduction is stabilized by the
      unblocked carbazole and cyanoacrylate groups.

PMID- 25123212
TI  - Baby steps: investigating the development of perceptual-motor couplings in
      infancy.
AB  - There are cells in our motor cortex that fire both when we perform and when we
      observe similar actions. It has been suggested that these perceptual-motor
      couplings in the brain develop through associative learning during correlated
      sensorimotor experience. Although studies with adult participants have provided
      support for this hypothesis, there is no direct evidence that associative
      learning also underlies the initial formation of perceptual-motor couplings in
      the developing brain. With the present study we addressed this question by
      manipulating infants' opportunities to associate the visual and motor
      representation of a novel action, and by investigating how this influenced their
      sensorimotor cortex activation when they observed this action performed by
      others. Pre-walking 7-9-month-old infants performed stepping movements on an
      infant treadmill while they either observed their own real-time leg movements
      (Contingent group) or the previously recorded leg movements of another infant
      (Non-contingent control group). Infants in a second control group did not perform
      any steps and only received visual experience with the stepping actions. Before
      and after the training period we measured infants' sensorimotor alpha
      suppression, as an index of sensorimotor cortex activation, while they watched
      videos of other infants' stepping actions. While we did not find greater
      sensorimotor alpha suppression following training in the Contingent group as a
      whole, we nevertheless found that the strength of the visuomotor contingency
      experienced during training predicted the amount of sensorimotor alpha
      suppression at post-test in this group. We did not find any effects of motor
      experience alone. These results suggest that the development of perceptual-motor
      couplings in the infant brain is likely to be supported by associative learning
      during correlated visuomotor experience. 

PMID- 25123215
TI  - Compression force on the upper jaw during neonatal intubation: mannequin study.
AB  - AIM: Neonatal intubation is a technically challenging procedure, and pressure
      related injuries to surrounding structures have been reported. The primary
      objective of this study was to determine the pressure exerted on the upper jaw
      during tracheal intubation using a neonatal mannequin. METHOD: Multidisciplinary
      care providers working at a neonatal intensive care unit were requested to
      intubate a neonatal mannequin using the standard laryngoscope and 3.0-mm
      (internal diameter) endotracheal tube. Compression force exerted was measured by
      using pressure-sensitive film taped on the upper jaw before every intubation
      attempt. Pressure, area under pressure and time taken to intubate were compared
      between the different types of health-care professionals. RESULTS: Thirty care
      providers intubated the mannequin three times each. Pressure impressions were
      observed on the developer film after every intubation attempt (n = 90). The mean
      pressure exerted during intubation across all health-care providers was 568 kPa
      (SD 78). The mean area placed under pressure was 142 mm(2) (SD 45), and the mean
      time taken for intubation was 14.7 s (SD 4.3). There was no difference in
      pressure exerted on the upper jaw between frequent and less frequent intubators.
      It was found that pressure greater than 400 kPa was inadvertently applied on the
      upper jaw during neonatal intubation, far exceeding the 250 kPa shown to cause
      tissue injury in animal models. CONCLUSION: The upper jaw is exposed to a
      significant compression force during intubation. Although such exposure is brief,
      it has the potential to cause tissue injury. Contact of the laryngoscope blade
      with the upper jaw occurred in all intubation attempts with the currently used
      design of laryngoscope.

PMID- 25123213
TI  - Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of autoimmune hepatitis in the
      Netherlands.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Epidemiological data on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are
      scarce. In this study, we determined the clinical and epidemiological
      characteristics of AIH patients in the Netherlands (16.7 million inhabitants).
      METHODS: Clinical characteristics were collected from 1313 AIH patients (78%
      females) from 31 centers, including all eight academic centers in the
      Netherlands. Additional data on ethnicity, family history and symptoms were
      obtained by the use of a questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of AIH was 18.3
      (95% confidential interval [CI]: 17.3-19.4) per 100,000 with an annual incidence
      of 1.1 (95% CI: 0.5-2) in adults. An incidence peak was found in middle-aged
      women. At diagnosis, 56% of patients had fibrosis and 12% cirrhosis in liver
      biopsy. Overall, 1% of patients developed HCC and 3% of patients underwent liver
      transplantation. Overlap with primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing
      cholangitis was found in 9% and 6%, respectively. The clinical course did not
      differ between Caucasian and non-Caucasian patients. Other autoimmune diseases
      were found in 26% of patients. Half of the patients reported persistent AIH
      related symptoms despite treatment with a median treatment period of 8 years
      (range 1-44 years). Familial occurrence was reported in three cases. CONCLUSION:
      This is the largest epidemiological study of AIH in a geographically defined
      region and demonstrates that the prevalence of AIH in the Netherlands is
      uncommon. Although familial occurrence of AIH is extremely rare, our twin data
      may point towards a genetic predisposition. The high percentage of patients with
      cirrhosis or fibrosis at diagnosis urges the need of more awareness for AIH.

PMID- 25123216
TI  - Letter by Kirchoff-Torres and Labovitz regarding article, "Lifelong rupture risk
      of intracranial aneurysms depends on risk factors: a prospective Finnish cohort
      study".

PMID- 25123218
TI  - Response to letter regarding article, "Lifelong rupture risk of intracranial
      aneurysms depends on risk factors: a prospective Finnish cohort study".

PMID- 25123217
TI  - Twelve-single nucleotide polymorphism genetic risk score identifies individuals
      at increased risk for future atrial fibrillation and stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent and there is a
      clinical need for biomarkers to identify individuals at higher risk for AF. Fixed
      throughout a life course and assayable early in life, genetic biomarkers may meet
      this need. Here, we investigate whether multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms
      together as an AF genetic risk score (AF-GRS) can improve prediction of one's
      risk for AF. METHODS: In 27 471 participants of the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study,
      a prospective, community-based cohort, we used Cox models that adjusted for
      established AF risk factors to assess the association of AF-GRS with incident AF
      and ischemic stroke. Median follow-up was 14.4 years for incident AF and 14.5
      years for ischemic stroke. The AF-GRS comprised 12 single nucleotide
      polymorphisms that had been previously shown to be associated with AF at genome
      wide significance. RESULTS: During follow-up, 2160 participants experienced a
      first AF event and 1495 had a first ischemic stroke event. Participants in the
      top AF-GRS quintile were at increased risk for incident AF (hazard ratio, 2.00;
      95% confidence interval, 1.73-2.31; P=2.7*10(-21)) and ischemic stroke (hazard
      ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.46; P=0.02) when compared with the
      bottom quintile. Addition of the AF-GRS to established AF risk factors modestly
      improved both discrimination and reclassification (P<0.0001 for both).
      CONCLUSIONS: An AF-GRS can identify 20% of individuals who are at ~2-fold
      increased risk for incident AF and at 23% increased risk for ischemic stroke.
      Targeting diagnostic or therapeutic interventions to this subset may prove
      clinically useful.

PMID- 25123219
TI  - Circuit class therapy and 7-day-week therapy increase physiotherapy time, but not
      patient activity: early results from the CIRCIT trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The optimum model of physiotherapy service delivery for
      maximizing active task practice during rehabilitation after stroke is unknown.
      The purpose of the study was to examine the relative effectiveness of 2
      alternative models of physiotherapy service delivery against a usual care control
      with regard to increasing patient activity. METHODS: Substudy within a large 3
      armed randomized controlled trial, which compared 3 different models of
      physiotherapy service delivery, was provided for 4 weeks during subacute,
      inpatient rehabilitation (n=283). The duration of all physiotherapy sessions was
      recorded. In addition, 32 participants were observed at 10-minute intervals for 1
      weekday and 1 weekend day between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. At each observation, we
      recorded physical activity, location, and people present. RESULTS: Participants
      receiving 7-day-week and circuit class therapy received an additional 3 hours and
      22 hours of physiotherapy time, respectively, when compared with usual care.
      Participants were standing or walking for a median of 8.2% of observations. On
      weekdays, circuit class therapy participants spent more time in therapy-related
      activity (10.2% of observations) when compared with usual care participants (6.1%
      of observations). On weekends, 7-day therapy participants spent more time in
      therapy-related activity (4.2% of observations) when compared with both usual
      care and circuit class therapy participants (0% of observations for both groups).
      Activity levels outside of therapy sessions did not differ between groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: A greater dosage of physiotherapy time did not translate into
      meaningful increases in physical activity across the day. CLINICAL TRIAL
      REGISTRATION URL: http://www.anzctr.org.au/. Unique identifier:
      ACTRN12610000096055.

PMID- 25123220
TI  - Combined effects of socioeconomic position, smoking, and hypertension on risk of
      ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Combined effects of socioeconomic position and well
      established risk factors on stroke incidence have not been formally investigated.
      METHODS: In a pooled cohort study of 68 643 men and women aged 30 to 70 years in
      Denmark, we examined the combined effect and interaction between socioeconomic
      position (ie, education), smoking, and hypertension on ischemic and hemorrhagic
      stroke incidence by the use of the additive hazards model. RESULTS: During 14
      years of follow-up, 3613 ischemic strokes and 776 hemorrhagic strokes were
      observed. Current smoking and hypertension were more prevalent among those with
      low education. Low versus high education was associated with greater ischemic,
      but not hemorrhagic, stroke incidence. The combined effect of low education and
      current smoking was more than expected by the sum of their separate effects on
      ischemic stroke incidence, particularly among men: 134 (95% confidence interval,
      49-219) extra cases per 100 000 person-years because of interaction, adjusted for
      age, cohort study, and birth cohort. There was no clear evidence of interaction
      between low education and hypertension. The combined effect of current smoking
      and hypertension was more than expected by the sum of their separate effects on
      ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke incidence. This effect was most pronounced for
      ischemic stroke among women: 178 (95% confidence interval, 103-253) extra cases
      per 100 000 person-years because of interaction, adjusted for age, cohort study,
      and birth cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing smoking in those with low socioeconomic
      position and in those with hypertension could potentially reduce social
      inequality stroke incidence.

PMID- 25123221
TI  - Better health, less spending: delivery innovation for ischemic cerebrovascular
      disease.

PMID- 25123223
TI  - Statin therapy for venous ulcers.

PMID- 25123222
TI  - Low levels of low-density lipoprotein-C associated with proprotein convertase
      subtilisin kexin 9 inhibition do not increase the risk of hemorrhagic
      transformation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Low levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)
      are suspected to be associated with a risk of hemorrhagic transformation after
      ischemic stroke. We assessed the risk of hemorrhagic transformation after
      cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in mice with low levels of LDL-C resulting from
      proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) deficiency. METHODS: PCSK9-/-
      and PCSK9+/+ mice were fed with a high-fat/high-cholesterol (21%/0.15%) diet for
      1 month. Plasma lipids were measured using colorimetric assays. PCSK9-/- and
      PCSK9+/+ mice (n=15 per group) were subjected to a 4-hour intraluminal occlusion
      of the middle cerebral artery followed by 20 hours of reperfusion. Spontaneous
      hemorrhagic transformation was assessed by quantification of hemoglobin in
      ischemic tissue. In vitro, a cell model of blood-brain barrier was used to test
      endothelial barrier integrity in response to decreasing concentrations of LDL-C
      from 1 to 0.25g/L in ischemia/reperfusion conditions. RESULTS: PCSK9-/- mice had
      lower LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels
      than PCSK9+/+ mice before and after 1 month on the high-fat/high-cholesterol
      diet. Hemoglobin concentration in ischemic cerebral tissue was not different
      between PCSK9-/- and PCSK9+/+ mice (31.5 [18.9-60.1] and 32.8 [14.7-69.9] ng/mg
      protein, respectively; P=0.81). Infarct volume was also similar in both groups
      (P=0.66). Incubation of human cerebral endothelial cells with decreasing
      concentrations of LDL-C under ischemia/reperfusion conditions did not alter blood
      brain barrier permeability. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of LDL-C did not increase the
      risk of hemorrhagic transformation after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in mice.
      Our observations suggest that PCSK9 inhibition, leading to LDL-C lowering, should
      not increase hemorrhagic complications after acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 25123224
TI  - Pneumocyte injury and ubiquitin-positive pneumocytes in interstitial lung
      diseases.
AB  - Pneumocyte injury is a characteristic of pulmonary interstitial pneumonias (IPs).
      Histological markers of pneumocyte injury and inflammation include pneumocyte
      necrosis, erosion, hyaline membrane and fibrin exudation with subsequent
      intraluminal granulation tissue formation. We found that intracytoplasmic
      inclusions in pneumocytes are ubiquitin-positive (Ub(+) ) and that the number of
      Ub(+) pneumocytes shows positive correlation with the extent of diffuse alveolar
      damage (DAD). To determine the role of Ub(+) pneumocytes and inclusions in IPs,
      we studied their relationship with pathological and clinical features of DAD,
      usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and organizing pneumonia (OP), including
      airspace enlargement with fibrosis (AEF). We analysed Ub(+) pneumocytes,
      inclusions, erosions and intraluminal granulation tissue in relation to
      pneumocyte injury. The numbers of immunohistochemically identified Ub(+)
      inclusions in each IP were higher than the number of inclusions detected by light
      microscopy. The inclusions detected by Ub(+) immunostaining were identical to the
      inclusions observed by light microscopy. UIP and DAD had many Ub(+) inclusions,
      while OP and AEF had fewer Ub(+) inclusions. These results suggest that the
      extent of Ub(+) inclusions reflects the severity of pneumocyte injury among IPs.
      Thus, Ub(+) inclusions are a histological marker of pneumocyte injury that may be
      helpful in determining the severity and prognosis of IPs.

PMID- 25123226
TI  - Assessment of ocular pain following ranibizumab intravitreal injection.

PMID- 25123225
TI  - Synthetic biology approaches to improve biocatalyst identification in metagenomic
      library screening.
AB  - There is a growing demand for enzymes with improved catalytic performance or
      tolerance to process-specific parameters, and biotechnology plays a crucial role
      in the development of biocatalysts for use in industry, agriculture, medicine and
      energy generation. Metagenomics takes advantage of the wealth of genetic and
      biochemical diversity present in the genomes of microorganisms found in
      environmental samples, and provides a set of new technologies directed towards
      screening for new catalytic activities from environmental samples with potential
      biotechnology applications. However, biased and low level of expression of
      heterologous proteins in Escherichia coli together with the use of non-optimal
      cloning vectors for the construction of metagenomic libraries generally results
      in an extremely low success rate for enzyme identification. The bottleneck
      arising from inefficient screening of enzymatic activities has been addressed
      from several perspectives; however, the limitations related to biased expression
      in heterologous hosts cannot be overcome by using a single approach, but rather
      requires the synergetic implementation of multiple methodologies. Here, we review
      some of the principal constraints regarding the discovery of new enzymes in
      metagenomic libraries and discuss how these might be resolved by using synthetic
      biology methods. 

PMID- 25123227
TI  - Genetic alterations of chromosome 8 genes in oral cancer.
AB  - The clinical relevance of DNA copy number alterations in chromosome 8 were
      investigated in oral cancers. The copy numbers of 30 selected genes in 33 OSCC
      patients were detected using the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification
      (MLPA) technique. Amplifications of the EIF3E gene were found in 27.3% of the
      patients, MYC in 18.2%, RECQL4 in 15.2% and MYBL1 in 12.1% of patients. The most
      frequent gene losses found were the GATA4 gene (24.2%), FGFR1 gene (24.2%), MSRA
      (21.2) and CSGALNACT1 (12.1%). The co-amplification of EIF3E and RECQL4 was found
      in 9% of patients and showed significant association with alcohol drinkers. There
      was a significant association between the amplification of EIF3E gene with non
      betel quid chewers and the negative lymph node status. EIF3E amplifications did
      not show prognostic significance on survival. Our results suggest that EIF3E may
      have a role in the carcinogenesis of OSCC in non-betel quid chewers. 

PMID- 25123229
TI  - Avoiding perceived past resource use of potential competitors affects niche
      dynamics in a bird community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social information use is usually considered to lead to ecological
      convergence among involved con- or heterospecific individuals. However, recent
      results demonstrate that observers can also actively avoid behaving as those
      individuals being observed, leading to ecological divergence. This phenomenon has
      been little explored so far, yet it can have significant impact on resource use,
      realized niches and species co-existence. In particular, the time-scale and the
      ecological context over which such shifts can occur are unknown. We examined with
      a long-term (four years) field experiment whether experimentally manipulated,
      species-specific, nest-site feature preferences (symbols on nest boxes) are
      transmitted across breeding seasons and affect future nest-site preferences in a
      guild of three cavity-nesting birds. RESULTS: Of the examined species, resident
      great tits (Parus major) preferred the symbol that had been associated with
      unoccupied nest boxes in the previous year, i.e., their preference shifted
      towards niche space previously unused by putative competitors and conspecifics.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that animals can remember the earlier resource use
      of conspecifics and other guild members and adjust own decisions accordingly one
      year after. Our experiment cannot reveal the ultimate mechanism(s) behind the
      observed behaviour but avoiding costs of intra- or interspecific competition or
      ectoparasite load in old nests are plausible reasons. Our findings imply that
      interspecific social information use can affect resource sharing and realized
      niches in ecological time-scale through active avoidance of observed decisions
      and behavior of potentially competing species.

PMID- 25123228
TI  - Cyclic phosphatidic acid relieves osteoarthritis symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA) is a naturally occurring phospholipid
      mediator with a unique cyclic phosphate ring at the sn-2 and sn-3 positions of
      its glycerol backbone. Natural cPA and its chemically stabilized cPA derivative,
      2-carba-cPA (2ccPA), inhibit chronic and acute inflammation, and 2ccPA attenuates
      neuropathic pain. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease frequently
      associated with symptoms such as inflammation and joint pain. Because 2ccPA has
      obvious antinociceptive activity, we hypothesized that 2ccPA might relieve the
      pain caused by OA. We aimed to characterize the effects of 2ccPA on the
      pathogenesis of OA induced by total meniscectomy in the rabbit knee joint.
      RESULTS: Intra-articular injection of 2ccPA (twice a week for 42 days)
      significantly reduced pain and articular swelling. Histopathology showed that
      2ccPA suppressed cartilage degeneration in OA. We also examined the effects of
      2ccPA on the inflammatory and catabolic responses of human OA synoviocytes and
      chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells in vitro. 2ccPA stimulated synthesis of hyaluronic
      acid and suppressed production of the metalloproteinases MMP-1, -3, and -13.
      However, it had no effect on the production of interleukin (IL)-6, an
      inflammatory cytokine. The suppressive effect of 2ccPA on MMP-1 and -3 production
      in synoviocytes and on MMP-13 production in SW1353 cells was not mediated by the
      lysophosphatidic acid receptor, LPA1 receptor (LPA1R). CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggest that 2ccPA significantly reduces the pain response to OA by inducing
      hyaluronic acid production and suppressing MMP-1, -3, and -13 production in
      synoviocytes and chondrocytes.

PMID- 25123230
TI  - The (cost) effectiveness of an online intervention for pregnant women with
      affective symptoms: protocol of a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women in pregnancy and postpartum have an increased vulnerability to
      develop an affective disorder. Affective disorders in pregnancy are associated
      with an increased risk of prematurity, dysmaturity (foetal weight below the 10th
      percentile as determined by ultrasound) and the development of postpartum
      depressive disorder. Untreated affective disorders and their complications may
      also result in considerable costs. Recent meta-analyses showed that interventions
      during pregnancy are less effective than postpartum interventions probably
      because of high attrition due to the barriers pregnant women experience with
      attending sessions outside their homes. An internet-based self-help intervention
      may overcome these barriers as it can be followed at home, and also in one's own
      time. Such internet interventions showed to be effective for decreasing affective
      symptoms in general.This randomised clinical trial examines whether an internet
      based self-help intervention is effective in the reduction of affective symptoms
      in pregnancy and postpartum and results in an improvement of the perinatal
      outcome. We will also determine the cost-effectiveness of the intervention.
      METHODS/DESIGN: We will investigate the effectiveness of a 6 week internet-based
      self-help problem solving treatment (PST) for affective symptoms in pregnancy. We
      aim to include 286 women with mild to severe affective symptoms who will be
      randomly assigned to the internet-based intervention or a waiting list control
      group. Primary outcome measures are affective symptoms and the perinatal outcome.
      Secondary outcome measures are quality of life, and economic costs. All
      assessments are based on self-report and will take place at baseline (T0), 10
      weeks later (after completion of the intervention (T1), 4 weeks before the
      expected day of birth (T2), and 6 weeks after delivery (T3). The control group
      will be measured at the same moments in time. Analysis will be based on the
      intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION: If shown (cost) effective, internet
      based PST will offer new possibilities to treat pregnant women for affective
      symptoms, to improve their perinatal outcome and to prevent the development of
      postpartum depressive disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Nederlands Trial Register:
      NTR4321.

PMID- 25123232
TI  - What is the association of heme aggregates with the peritrophic matrix of adult
      female mosquitoes?
AB  - The aim of this Letter is to call attention to the presence of iron-containing or
      heme aggregates seen within or near the peritrophic matrix (PM) in published
      Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti midgut micrographs. The micrographs shown
      here suggest that the PM of An. gambiae adult female is not a homogenous layer
      and instead may have a peritrophin layer surrounded by heme aggregates that are
      possibly associated to other molecules involved in their formation. In depth
      studies addressing PM structure in different mosquito species are needed, as
      these will be important to continue clarifying the roles of the PM. 

PMID- 25123233
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation vs
      arterial embolization for intractable epistaxis.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Intractable epistaxis is a common otolaryngology emergency.
      Transnasal endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation (TESPAL) and endovascular
      arterial embolization both provide excellent success rates, and therefore the
      decision to choose one over the other can be challenging. OBJECTIVE: To aid in
      decision making by evaluating the cost-effectiveness of TESPAL vs endovascular
      arterial embolization for intractable epistaxis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Economic evaluation using a decision tree model with a 14-day time
      horizon for emergency department consultations for patients with intractable
      epistaxis defined as persistent bleeding despite bilateral anterior nasal
      packing. The economic perspective was the health care third-party payer.
      Effectiveness and probability data were obtained from the published medical
      literature. Costs were obtained from the published literature, the Centers for
      Medicare & Medicaid Services database, and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization
      Project database. Multiple sensitivity analyses were performed, including a
      probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Comparative treatment groups were (1) TESPAL
      and (2) embolization. INTERVENTIONS: TESPAL and endovascular arterial
      embolization. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the incremental
      cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for successful control of epistaxis. RESULTS: The
      reference case demonstrated that the embolization strategy was more effective but
      more costly compared with the TESPAL strategy: $22,324.70 per 0.70 effectiveness
      compared with $12,484.14 per 0.68 of effectiveness, respectively. The
      embolization vs TESPAL ICER was $492,028, which is higher than any willingness to
      pay (WTP), suggesting that TESPAL is the cost-effective decision. The sensitivity
      analysis demonstrated a 77.6% and 73.7% certainty that the TESPAL strategy is
      cost-effective at WTP thresholds of $10,000 and $50,000, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Results from this economic evaluation suggest that
      when both TESPAL and arterial embolization are viable options (based on patient
      and institutional factors), TESPAL is the more cost-effective treatment strategy
      for patients with intractable epistaxis.

PMID- 25123231
TI  - Modeling the dependence of respiration and photosynthesis upon light, acetate,
      carbon dioxide, nitrate and ammonium in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using design of
      experiments and multiple regression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In photosynthetic organisms, the influence of light, carbon and
      inorganic nitrogen sources on the cellular bioenergetics has extensively been
      studied independently, but little information is available on the cumulative
      effects of these factors. Here, sequential statistical analyses based on design
      of experiments (DOE) coupled to standard least squares multiple regression have
      been undertaken to model the dependence of respiratory and photosynthetic
      responses (assessed by oxymetric and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements) upon
      the concomitant modulation of light intensity as well as acetate, CO2, nitrate
      and ammonium concentrations in the culture medium of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
      The main goals of these analyses were to explain response variability (i.e.
      bioenergetic plasticity) and to characterize quantitatively the influence of the
      major explanatory factor(s). RESULTS: For each response, 2 successive rounds of
      multiple regression coupled to one-way ANOVA F-tests have been undertaken to
      select the major explanatory factor(s) (1st-round) and mathematically simulate
      their influence (2nd-round). These analyses reveal that a maximal number of 3
      environmental factors over 5 is sufficient to explain most of the response
      variability, and interestingly highlight quadratic effects and second-order
      interactions in some cases. In parallel, the predictive ability of the 2nd-round
      models has also been investigated by k-fold cross-validation and experimental
      validation tests on new random combinations of factors. These validation
      procedures tend to indicate that the 2nd-round models can also be used to predict
      the responses with an inherent deviation quantified by the analytical error of
      the models. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the results of the 2 rounds of modeling
      provide an overview of the bioenergetic adaptations of C. reinhardtii to changing
      environmental conditions and point out promising tracks for future in-depth
      investigations of the molecular mechanisms underlying the present observations.

PMID- 25123234
TI  - A pilot prospective study to evaluate whether the bladder morphology in
      cystography and/or urodynamic may help predict the response to botulinum toxin a
      injection in neurogenic bladder refractory to anticholinergics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have observed different clinical responses to botulinum toxin A
      (BTX-A) in patients who had similar urodynamic parameters before the procedure.
      Furthermore, some bladders evaluated by cystography and cystoscopy during the
      procedure had different characteristics that could influence the outcome of the
      treatment. The aim of this study was to assess whether cystography and urodynamic
      parameters could help predict which patients with neurogenic detrusor
      overactivity (NDO) refractory to anticholinergics respond better to treatment
      with injection of BTX-A. METHODS: In total, 34 patients with spinal cord injury
      were prospectively evaluated. All patients emptied their bladder by clean
      intermittent catheterization (CIC) and had incontinence and NDO, despite using 40
      mg or more of intravesical oxybutynin and undergoing detrusor injection of BTX-A
      (300 IU). Pretreatment evaluation included urodynamic, and cystography. Follow-up
      consisted of urodynamic and ambulatory visits four months after treatment. The
      cystography parameters used were bladder shape, capacity and presence of
      diverticula. Urodynamic parameters used for assessment were maximum cystometric
      capacity (MCC), maximum detrusor pressure (MDP), compliance and reflex volume
      (RV). RESULTS: After injection of BTX-A, 70% of the patients had success, with 4
      months or more of continence. Before the treatment, there were significant
      differences in most urodynamic parameters between those who responded
      successfully compared to those who did not. Patients who responded successfully
      had greater MCC (p = 0.019), higher RV (p = 0.041), and greater compliance (p =
      0.043). There was no significant difference in the MDP (0.691). The cystography
      parameters were not significantly different between these groups bladder shape (p
      = 0.271), capacity (p > 0.720) and presence of diverticula (p > 0.999).
      Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 20.0) and included
      Student's t-test for two paired samples and Fisher's exact test, with a
      significance threshold of 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the
      cystography parameters evaluated cannot be used to help predict the response to
      injection of BTX-A in the treatment of refractory NDO. However, the urodynamic
      parameters were significantly different in patients who responded to the
      treatment, with the exception of the MDP.

PMID- 25123236
TI  - Similar differentiation patterns between PBP expression levels and pheromone
      component ratios in two populations of Sesamia nonagrioides.
AB  - Pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) are thought to contribute to the specificity of
      the pheromone detection system through an initial selective binding with
      pheromone molecules. Here, we report different expression levels of PBP
      transcripts in the antennae of two populations of the stemborer Sesamia
      nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), one collected in Europe and one in sub
      Saharan Africa. The three PBP transcripts previously identified in this species
      were found to be expressed in both male and female antennae. Whereas PBP3 did not
      show any differential expression, PBP1 and PBP2 appeared to be expressed
      differently according to the population origin and sex. Simultaneously, we
      measured and compared the ratio of the three components of the S. nonagrioides
      pheromone blend (Z11-16:Ac; Z11-16:OH; Z11-16:Ald) in females of the two
      populations. The ratio of Z11-16:OH and Z11-16:Ald varied significantly according
      to the population origin of this species. Cluster analyses revealed similar
      differentiation patterns between PBP1 and PBP2 expression levels and the ratios
      of Z11-16:OH and Z11-16:Ald. Different female sexual signals may thus correspond
      to different male reception systems, which are adjusted by the PBP expression
      levels, thereby ensuring optimal communication within populations.

PMID- 25123235
TI  - Topically applied ZnO nanoparticles suppress allergen induced skin inflammation
      but induce vigorous IgE production in the atopic dermatitis mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metal oxide nanoparticles such as ZnO are used in sunscreens as they
      improve their optical properties against the UV-light that causes dermal damage
      and skin cancer. However, the hazardous properties of the particles used as UV
      filters in the sunscreens and applied to the skin have remained uncharacterized.
      METHODS: Here we investigated whether different sized ZnO particles would be able
      to penetrate injured skin and injured allergic skin in the mouse atopic
      dermatitis model after repeated topical application of ZnO particles. Nano-sized
      ZnO (nZnO) and bulk-sized ZnO (bZnO) were applied to mechanically damaged mouse
      skin with or without allergen/superantigen sensitization. Allergen/superantigen
      sensitization evokes local inflammation and allergy in the skin and is used as a
      disease model of atopic dermatitis (AD). RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that
      only nZnO is able to reach into the deep layers of the allergic skin whereas bZnO
      stays in the upper layers of both damaged and allergic skin. In addition, both
      types of particles diminish the local skin inflammation induced in the mouse
      model of AD; however, nZnO has a higher potential to suppress the local effects.
      In addition, especially nZnO induces systemic production of IgE antibodies,
      evidence of allergy promoting adjuvant properties for topically applied nZnO.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results provide new hazard characterization data about the
      metal oxide nanoparticles commonly used in cosmetic products and provide new
      insights into the dermal exposure and hazard assessment of these materials in
      injured skin.

PMID- 25123237
TI  - Prevalence and drug resistance of mycobacteria in Turkish cystic fibrosis
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolation of mycobacteria in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is
      increasingly being reported. Because of having long term antimicrobial treatment,
      CF patients are at risk of pulmonary infection with especially resistant
      nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) strains. The aim of the present study is to
      determine the prevalence of mycobacterium spp. and antimicrobial susceptibility
      in Turkish CF patients. METHODS: During a 5.5 year study period, 376 sputa from
      130 CF patients were analyzed. Antimycobacterial susceptibility testing was
      performed by the Bactec 460 TB System and the E test method. RESULTS: Totaly 28
      (7.44%) Mycobacterium spp. were isolated from eight (6.15%) CF patients. Five
      isolates (17.9%) were identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), 14
      (50%) as Mycobacterium abscessus and nine (32.1%) as Mycobacterium lentiflavum.
      All MTBC isolates were found to be susceptible to streptomycin, isoniazid,
      rifampicin, and ethambutol. Resistance to some antibiotics was detected in some
      NTM strains. These are the first data about the prevalence of mycobacteria in CF
      patients from Turkey. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric CF patients, specific
      mycobacterial analysis of sputum specimens and susceptibility testing should be
      performed for allowing early detection, identification and the possibility of
      eradication of these bacteria.

PMID- 25123238
TI  - Intravenous iron sucrose: an alternative for oral iron in pregnancy with iron
      deficiency anemia.

PMID- 25123239
TI  - The John Charnley Award: Highly crosslinked polyethylene in total hip
      arthroplasty decreases long-term wear: a double-blind randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) is now commonplace
      for total hip arthroplasty. Hip simulator studies and short-term in vivo
      measurements suggest that the wear rate of some types of HXLPE is significantly
      less than conventional ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). However,
      there are few long-term data to support its use. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The aim of
      this study was to measure the long-term steady-state wear of HXLPE compared with
      UHMWPE liners in a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial using
      radiostereometric analysis. METHODS: Fifty-four patients were randomized to
      receive hip arthroplasties with either UHMWPE liners or HXLPE liners. Complete
      followup was available on 39 of these patients (72%). All patients received the
      same cemented stem and an uncemented acetabular component. Three-dimensional
      penetration of the head into the socket was determined at 10 years using a
      radiostereometric analysis system, which has an in vivo accuracy of <0.1 mm.
      Oxford Hip Scores were compared between the groups. RESULTS: At 10 years there
      was significantly less wear of HXLPE (0.003 mm/year; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], +/-0.010; SD 0.023; range, -0.057 to 0.074) compared with UHMWPE (0.030
      mm/year; 95% CI, +/-0.012; p<0.001; SD 0.0.27; range, -0.001 to 0.164). The
      volumetric penetration from 1 to 10 years for the UHMWPE group was 98 mm3 (95%
      CI, +/-46 mm3; SD 102 mm3; range, -4 to 430 mm3) compared with 14 mm3 (95% CI, +/
      40 mm3; SD 91 mm3; range, -189 to 242 mm3) for the HXLPE group (p=0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that HXLPE has little detectable steady
      state in vivo wear. This may result in fewer reoperations from loosening;
      however, careful clinical followup into the second decade still needs to be
      performed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for
      Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 25123240
TI  - Does HIV infection increase the risk of perioperative complications after THA? A
      nationwide database study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown successful midterm outcomes after total hip
      arthroplasty (THA) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However,
      little data exist on the epidemiology, risk of perioperative complications, and
      length of stay in patients with HIV receiving THA. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The
      purposes of this study were to assess (1) the demographic trends of patients with
      HIV who underwent primary THA; (2) the differences in the risk of major and minor
      perioperative complications among patients with and without HIV; and (3) the
      differences in mean length of hospital stay among patients with and without HIV.
      METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to compare patients with and
      without HIV who were admitted for THA between 1998 and 2010 in the United States.
      We extracted data on each admission's age, sex, race, insurance, and
      comorbidities. The study population consisted of 2,656,696 patients without HIV
      and 9275 patients with HIV. RESULTS: Patients with HIV were more likely to be
      younger, be male, not pay with Medicare, and be of a nonwhite race. After
      controlling for confounding variables, patients with HIV were more likely to have
      major complications (2.9% [266 of 9275] versus 2.7% [71,952 of 2,656,696]; odds
      ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.00; p=0.014) and minor
      complications (5.2% [483 of 9275] versus 4.8% [127,940 of 2,656,696]; OR, 1.61;
      95% CI, 1.29-2.02; p<0.001) compared with patients who did not have HIV. Patients
      undergoing THA who had HIV also had an increased length of hospital stay compared
      with patients without HIV (4.31 versus 3.83 days, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Given
      these findings, we believe orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the potential
      for longer and more complicated hospital stays after THA among patients with HIV.
      However, the modest increase in risk of adverse outcomes does not cause us to
      recommend against THA for patients with HIV who otherwise meet reasonable
      surgical indications. Future studies should explore the relationships between
      markers of HIV severity and risk of adverse outcomes after THA during the
      hospital stay and followup. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study. See
      Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 25123241
TI  - Continued good results with modular trabecular metal augments for acetabular
      defects in hip arthroplasty at 7 to 11 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of large acetabular defects remains a substantial
      challenge in hip arthroplasty. There remains a paucity of data on the long-term
      results of acetabular trabecular metal augments. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose
      of this study was to assess the survivorship, clinical outcomes, restoration of
      center of rotation of the hip, and radiological signs of component fixation of
      trabecular metal augments in the context of reconstruction of acetabular defects.
      METHODS: Between 2002 and 2005, we performed 56 revision (n=53) and primary (n=3)
      THAs using trabecular metal augments in combination with a trabecular metal
      acetabular component. Of the 56 patients, 16 (29%) died during followup. Of the
      40 surviving patients, 37 (93%) had complete radiological followup, 23 (58%) had
      complete outcome questionnaire followup, and 17 (42%) provided partial
      questionnaire responses in the clinic or over the telephone. Median followup was
      110 months (range, 88-128 months). During that period, we used these implants
      when preoperative templating indicated that an augment would be required to
      achieve acetabular implant stability with restoration of the hip center of
      rotation. We also chose during surgery to use an augment when we could not
      achieve a stable acetabular trial component without one. The combination of
      trabecular metal augments and trabecular metal shells was used in 18% (53 of 292)
      of our acetabular revisions during that time. Survivorship, functional outcome
      (WOMAC and Oxford hip score), health status (SF-12), and osseointegration
      according to the criteria of Moore and presence of radiolucencies were
      determined. RESULTS: Survivorship of the augments at 10 years was 92% (95%
      confidence interval, 81%-97%). Four patients underwent cup revision, one for
      infection and three for loosening. The mean WOMAC global score was 79 (SD 17),
      the mean Oxford hip score 76 (SD 18), the mean physical component SF-12 score was
      39 (SD 11), and the mean mental component SF-12 score was 52 (SD 9). The center
      of rotation was corrected from more than 35 mm above the inter-teardrop line in
      48 of 56 patients preoperatively to only five of 46 postoperatively. One patient
      had radiographic findings suggestive of loosening, but this patient was
      asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the acetabular trabecular metal
      augments continue to be encouraging in the medium to long term with low rates of
      revision or loosening in this complex group of patients. We continue to recommend
      the use of these augments in the reconstruction of complex acetabular defects.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors
      for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 25123242
TI  - CORR Insights(r): minorities are less likely to receive autologous blood
      transfusion for major elective orthopaedic surgery.

PMID- 25123243
TI  - Do corresponding authors take responsibility for their work? A covert survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Publication of a manuscript does not end an author's
      responsibilities. Reasons to contact an author after publication include
      clarification, access to raw data, and collaboration. However, legitimate
      questions have been raised regarding whether these responsibilities generally are
      being met by corresponding authors of biomedical publications.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: This study aims to establish (1) what proportion of
      corresponding authors accept the responsibility of correspondence; (2) identify
      characteristics of responders; and (3) assess email address decay with time. We
      hypothesize that the response rate is unrelated to journal impact factor.
      METHODS: We contacted 450 corresponding authors throughout various fields of
      biomedical research regarding the availability of additional data from their
      study, under the pretense of needing these data for a related review article.
      Authors were randomly selected from 45 journals whose impact factors ranged from
      52 to 0; the source articles were published between May 2003 and May 2013. The
      proportion of corresponding authors who replied, along with author
      characteristics were recorded, as was the proportion of emails that were returned
      for inactive addresses; 446 authors were available for final analysis. RESULTS:
      Fifty-three percent (190/357) of the authors with working email addresses
      responded to our request. Clinical researchers were more likely to reply than
      basic/translational scientists (51% [114/225] versus 34% [76/221]; p<0.001).
      Impact factor and other author characteristics did not differ. Logistic
      regression analysis showed that the odds of replying decreased by 15% per year
      (odds ratio [OR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.79-0.91; p<0.001), and showed a positive
      relationship between clinical research and response (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-2.9;
      p=0.001). In 2013 all email addresses (45/45) were reachable, but within 10
      years, 49% (21/43) had become invalid. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that
      contacting corresponding authors is problematic throughout the field of
      biomedical research. Defining the responsibilities of corresponding authors by
      journals more explicitly-particularly after publication of their manuscript-may
      increase the response rate on data requests. Possible other ways to improve
      communication after research publication are: (1) listing more than one email
      address per corresponding author, eg, an institutional and personal address; (2)
      specifying all authors' email addresses; (3) when an author leaves an
      institution, send an automated reply offering alternative ways to get in touch;
      and (4) linking published manuscripts to research platforms.

PMID- 25123244
TI  - Cochrane in CORR(r): surgery for rotator cuff disease (review).

PMID- 25123245
TI  - Thigh pain in an 18-year-old man.

PMID- 25123246
TI  - Editorial comment: 2013Musculoskeletal Infection Society meeting.

PMID- 25123247
TI  - CORR Insights(r): does advanced cryotherapy reduce pain and narcotic consumption
      after knee arthroplasty?

PMID- 25123249
TI  - A significant inhibitory effect on advanced glycation end product formation by
      catechin as the major metabolite of lotus seedpod oligomeric procyanidins.
AB  - Several lines of evidence suggested that B-type procyanidin oligomers from lotus
      seedpod (LSOPC) may effectively modulate the formation of advanced glycation end
      products (AGEs). In vivo, LSOPC is metabolized by intestinal flora to become
      various kinds of phenolic compounds that possess potent antioxidant activities.
      However, few reports of the absorption and metabolism of LSOPC have been
      revealed. In the present study, rats were orally administered with LSOPC at a
      dose of 300 mg/kg body weight. The metabolites of LSOPC in urine were elucidated
      by HPLC-MS/MS analysis 24 h post-administration. Eight major metabolites were
      significantly increased by the administration of 300 mg/kg of LSOPC (p < 0.01).
      The anti-glycative activity of LSOPC and its metabolites were investigated. The
      results showed that LSOPC and catechin had greater anti-glycative activities than
      other metabolites, which were positively correlated to their carbonyl scavenging
      activities and antioxidant capacities. 

PMID- 25123248
TI  - Vitamin E supplementation in chemical colorectal carcinogenesis: a two-edged
      knife.
AB  - This work investigated the effects of Vitamin E (VE) on aberrant crypt foci (ACF)
      incidence, oxidative stress parameters (serum and hepatic VE concentration, and
      homocysteine, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels), and
      expression of both cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and proliferating cellular nuclear
      antigen (PCNA) in experimental colorectal carcinogenesis. Male Wistar rats
      received subcutaneous injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) twice a week, for
      two weeks (40 mg/kg), except for the Control group. Animals were separated into
      groups that received different amounts of VE in the diet: 0 IU (0*), 75 IU
      (recommended daily intake, RDI), 225 IU (3* RDI), or 1500 IU (20* RDI), during
      (dDMH) or after (aDMH) administration of carcinogen. The 0*dDMH and 3*dDMH groups
      showed decreased serum VE levels. Hepatic VE concentration was higher in 3*aDMH
      as compared with the other groups. All the groups, except the Control and the
      0*aDMH groups, had reduced GSH levels. The 0*dDMH, 0*aDMH, and 20*aDMH groups
      exhibited increased MDA levels. The aDMH groups had higher ACF incidence and PCNA
      expression. The 0*aDMH group presented higher ACF rate, followed by 20*aDMH.
      Moreover, the 3*aDMH group displayed reduced ACF incidence and COX2 expression.
      Multivariate analysis revealed that GSH modulated homocysteine levels and COX2.
      These results suggested that 1500 IU of VE is hazardous, whereas 225 IU of VE has
      beneficial effects on chemical colorectal carcinogenesis. 

PMID- 25123251
TI  - Etiopathogenesis of acquired cholesteatoma: prominent theories and recent
      advances in biomolecular research.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review recent biomolecular advances in etiopathogenesis of acquired
      cholesteatoma. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE via OVID (to March 2014) and PubMed (to
      March 2014). REVIEW METHODS: All articles referring to etiopathogenesis of
      acquired cholesteatoma were identified in the above databases, from which 89
      articles were included in this review. RESULTS: The mechanisms underlying the
      etiopathogenesis of acquired cholesteatoma remain a subject of competing
      hypotheses. Four theories dominate the debate, including theories of
      invagination, immigration, squamous metaplasia, and basal cell hyperplasia.
      However, no single theory has been able to explain the clinical characteristics
      of all cholesteatoma types: uncoordinated hyperproliferation, invasion,
      migration, altered differentiation, aggressiveness, and recidivism. Modern
      technologies have prompted a number of researchers to seek explanations at the
      molecular level. First, cholesteatomas could be considered an example of
      uncontrolled cell growth, capable of altering the balance toward cellular
      hyperproliferation and enhancing the capacity for invasion and osteolysis.
      Second, the dysregulation of cell growth control involves internal genomic or
      epigenetic alterations and external stimuli, which induce excessive host immune
      response to inflammatory and infectious processes. This comprises several complex
      and dynamic pathophysiologic changes that involve extracellular and intracellular
      signal transduction cascades. CONCLUSIONS: This article summarizes the existing
      theories and provides conceptual insights into the etiopathogenesis of acquired
      cholesteatoma, with the aim of stimulating continued efforts to develop a
      nonsurgical means of treating the disorder.

PMID- 25123252
TI  - In vitro performance and principles of anti-siphoning devices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anti-siphon devices (ASDs) of various working principles were
      developed to overcome overdrainage-related complications associated with
      ventriculoperitoneal shunting. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to provide comparative data on
      the pressure and flow characteristics of six different types of ASDs (gravity
      assisted, membrane-controlled, and flow-regulated) in order to achieve a better
      understanding of these devices and their potential clinical application. METHODS:
      We analyzed three gravity-dependent ASDs (ShuntAssistant [SA], Miethke; Gravity
      Compensating Accessory [GCA], Integra; SiphonX [SX], Sophysa), two membrane
      controlled ASDs (Anti-Siphon Device [IASD], Integra; Delta Chamber [DC],
      Medtronic), and one flow-regulated ASD (SiphonGuard [SG], Codman). Defined
      pressure conditions within a simulated shunt system were generated (differential
      pressure 10-80 cmH2O), and the specific flow and pressure characteristics were
      measured. In addition, the gravity-dependent ASDs were measured in defined
      spatial positions (0-90 degrees ). RESULTS: The flow characteristics of the three
      gravity-assisted ASDs were largely dependent upon differential pressure and on
      their spatial position. All three devices were able to reduce the siphoning
      effect, but each to a different extent (flow at inflow pressure: 10 cmH2O,
      siphoning -20 cmH2O at 0 degrees /90 degrees : SA, 7.1 +/- 1.2*/2.3 +/-  0.5*
      ml/min; GCA, 10.5 +/- 0.8/3.4 +/- 0.4* ml/min; SX, 9.5 +/- 1.2*/4.7 +/- 1.9*
      ml/min, compared to control, 11.1 +/- 0.4 ml/min [*p < 0.05]). The flow
      characteristics of the remaining ASDs were primarily dependent upon the inflow
      pressure effect (flow at 10 cmH2O, siphoning 0 cmH2O/ siphoning -20cmH2O: DC, 2.6
      +/- 0.1/ 4 +/- 0.3* ml/min; IASD, 2.5 +/- 0.2/ 0.8 +/- 0.4* ml/min; SG, 0.8 +/-
      0.2*/ 0.2 +/- 0.1* ml/min [*p < 0.05 vs. control, respectively]). CONCLUSION: The
      tested ASDs were able to control the siphoning effect within a simulated shunt
      system to differing degrees. Future comparative trials are needed to determine
      the type of device that is superior for clinical application.

PMID- 25123250
TI  - Lipoic acid plays a role in scleroderma: insights  obtained from scleroderma
      dermal fibroblasts.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease
      characterized by fibrosis of the skin and organs. Increase in oxidative stress
      and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) activation promote collagen I
      (Col I) production, leading to fibrosis in SSc. Lipoic acid (LA) and its active
      metabolite dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) are naturally occurring thiols that act as
      cofactors and antioxidants, and are produced by lipoic acid synthetase (LIAS).
      The goal of this study was to examine whether LA and LIAS was deficient in SSc
      patients and determine the effect of DHLA on the phenotype of SSc dermal
      fibroblasts. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a commonly used thiol antioxidant, was
      included as a comparison. METHODS: Dermal fibroblasts were isolated from healthy
      subjects and patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc. Matrix metalloproteinase
      (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI
      1) and LIAS were measured by ELISA. The expression of Col I was measured by
      immunofluorescence, hydroxyproline assay, and quantitative PCR. PDGFR
      phosphorylation and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) was measured by Western
      blotting. Student's t-tests were performed for statistical analysis and p-values
      of less than 0.05 with two-tailed analysis were considered statistically
      significant. RESULTS: The expression of LA and LIAS in SSc dermal fibroblasts was
      lower than normal fibroblasts, however LIAS was significantly higher in SSc
      plasma and appeared to be released from monocytes. DHLA lowered cellular
      oxidative stress, and decreased PDGFR phosphorylation, Col I, PAI-1, and alpha
      SMA expression in SSc dermal fibroblasts. It also restored the activities of
      phosphatases that inactivated the PDGFR. SSc fibroblasts produced lower levels of
      MMP-1 and 3, and DHLA increased them. In contrast, TIMP-1 levels were higher in
      SSc but DHLA had minimal effect. Both DHLA and NAC increased MMP-1 activity when
      SSc cells were stimulated with PDGF. In general, DHLA showed better efficacy than
      NAC in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: DHLA not only acts as an antioxidant but also an
      antifibrotic since it has the ability to reverse the profibrotic phenotype of SSc
      dermal fibroblasts. Our study suggests that thiol antioxidants, including NAC and
      LA/DHLA, could be beneficial for patients with SSc.

PMID- 25123253
TI  - Clinical COPD Questionnaire in patients with chronic respiratory disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Clinical Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
      (COPD) Questionnaire (CCQ) is an easy to complete, health-related quality of life
      questionnaire which has been well-validated in COPD. The responsiveness of the
      CCQ in chronic respiratory disease patients other than COPD has not been
      previously described. The study aims were to determine if the CCQ in chronic
      respiratory disease correlates with other health related quality of life
      questionnaires, to assess the responsiveness of the CCQ to pulmonary
      rehabilitation and to determine the minimum important difference. METHODS: The
      CCQ, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) and
      St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were measured in 138 chronic
      respiratory disease patients completing pulmonary rehabilitation. Change in CCQ
      with pulmonary rehabilitation was correlated with change in the other
      questionnaires. The minimum important difference of the CCQ was calculated using
      distribution and anchor-based approaches. RESULTS: The CCQ, CAT, CRQ and SGRQ
      improved significantly with rehabilitation with effect sizes of -0.43, -0.26,
      0.62, -0.37. Change in CCQ correlated significantly with CAT, CRQ and SGRQ (r =
      0.53, -0.64, 0.30, all P < 0.0001). The minimum important difference was -0.42 at
      the population level and -0.4 at the individual level. CONCLUSIONS: The CCQ is
      responsive to pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic respiratory disease patients,
      with an MID estimated at -0.4 at the individual level.

PMID- 25123254
TI  - Poor neonatal acid-base status in term fetuses with low cerebroplacental ratio.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether small- and appropriate-for-gestational-age (SGA
      and AGA) term fetuses with a low cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) have worse neonatal
      acid-base status than those with normal CPR. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      study of 2927 term fetuses divided into groups according to birth-weight centile
      and CPR multiple of the median. The acid-base status at birth as determined by
      arterial and venous umbilical cord blood pH was compared between weight-centile
      groups with and without low CPR. RESULTS: CPR was better correlated with
      umbilical cord blood pH (arterial pH, r(2)  = 0.008, P < 0.0001 and venous pH,
      r(2)  = 0.01, P < 0.0001) than was birth weight (arterial pH, r(2)  = 0.001, P
      =0.180 and venous pH, r(2)  = 0.005, P < 0.001). AGA fetuses with low CPR were
      more academic than were those with normal CPR (P = 0.0359 and 0.0006,
      respectively, for arterial and venous pH). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this
      study demonstrate that low CPR in AGA fetuses is an equally important marker of
      low neonatal pH secondary to placental underperfusion as is being SGA. Although
      the relative importance of low CPR and birth weight in identifying pregnancies at
      risk of placental hypoxemia and adverse fetal and neonatal outcome remains to be
      determined, this finding may be of particular value in the prediction and
      prevention of stillbirth and long-term neurodevelopmental disability.

PMID- 25123256
TI  - Similar hypotensive effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise with 1
      set versus 3 sets in women with metabolic syndrome.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to compare the response of systolic blood
      pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)
      following combined training with 1 set or with 3 sets of resistance exercise
      (RE). Sixteen women with metabolic syndrome (MetS) were randomly assigned to
      perform two combined exercise protocols and a control session (CON): 1-set, 30
      min of aerobic exercise (AE) at 65-70% of reserve heart rate and 1 set of 8-12
      repetitions at 80% of 10-RM in six resistance exercises; 3-sets, same protocol
      but with 3 sets; and CON, 30 min of seated rest. The SBP, MBP and DBP were
      measured before and every 15 min during 90 min following the experimental
      sessions. The SBP displayed a decrease (P <= 0.05) during the 90 min following
      the RE session with 1-set and 3-set, while MBP was decreased (P <= 0.05) up to 75
      min after 1-set and up to 30 min after the 3-set exercise session compared with
      pre-intervention values. There was a decrease in DBP only for the greatest
      individual decrease following 1-set (-6.1 mmHg) and 3-set (-4.9 mmHg) combined
      exercise sessions, without differences between them. The rate-pressure product
      and heart rate remained significantly higher (P <= 0.05) 75 min and 90 min after
      the combined exercise session with 1- and 3-sets compared with the CON,
      respectively. In conclusion, a low-volume RE combined with AE resulted in similar
      decrease of SBP when compared with RE with 3-sets in women with MetS, which could
      be beneficial in situations of limited time.

PMID- 25123255
TI  - CHARGE-like presentation, craniosynostosis and mild Mowat-Wilson Syndrome
      diagnosed by recognition of the distinctive facial gestalt in a cohort of 28 new
      cases.
AB  - Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is characterized by moderate to severe intellectual
      disability and distinctive facial features in association with variable
      structural congenital anomalies/clinical features including congenital heart
      disease, Hirschsprung disease, hypospadias, agenesis of the corpus callosum,
      short stature, epilepsy, and microcephaly. Less common clinical features include
      ocular anomalies, craniosynostosis, mild intellectual disability, and choanal
      atresia. These cases may be more difficult to diagnose. In this report, we add 28
      MWS patients with molecular confirmation of ZEB2 mutation, including seven with
      an uncommon presenting feature. Among the "unusual" patients, two patients had
      clinical features of charge syndrome including choanal atresia, coloboma, cardiac
      defects, genitourinary anomaly (1/2), and severe intellectual disability; two
      patients had craniosynostosis; and three patients had mild intellectual
      disability. Sixteen patients have previously-unreported mutations in ZEB2.
      Genotype-phenotype correlations were suggested in those with mild intellectual
      disability (two had a novel missense mutation in ZEB2, one with novel splice site
      mutation). This report increases the number of reported patients with MWS with
      unusual features, and is the first report of MWS in children previously thought
      to have CHARGE syndrome. These patients highlight the importance of facial
      gestalt in the accurate identification of MWS when less common features are
      present.

PMID- 25123257
TI  - Periodontal therapy for the management of cardiovascular disease in patients with
      chronic periodontitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an association between chronic periodontitis and
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it is not known whether periodontal
      therapy could prevent or manage CVD in patients with chronic periodontitis.
      OBJECTIVES: The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the
      effects of periodontal therapy in preventing the occurrence of, and management or
      recurrence of, CVD in patients with chronic periodontitis. SEARCH METHODS: The
      electronic databases that were searched were the Cochrane Oral Health Group's
      Trials Register (to 7 April 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 3), MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to
      7 April 2014), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 7 April 2014), CINAHL via EBSCO (1937 to
      7 April 2014), OpenGrey (to 7 April 2014), the Chinese BioMedical Literature
      Database (1978 to April 2014), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (1994
      to April 2014) and the VIP database (1989 to April 2014). We searched the US
      National Institutes of Health Trials Register, the World Health Organization
      (WHO) Clinical Trials Registry Platform and Sciencepaper Online for ongoing
      trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when
      searching the electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled
      trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs were considered eligible. Studies were selected if
      they included patients with a diagnosis of chronic periodontitis and previous CVD
      (secondary prevention studies) or no CVD (primary prevention studies); patients
      in the intervention group received active periodontal therapy compared to
      maintenance therapy, no periodontal treatment or another kind of periodontal
      treatment in the control group. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors
      carried out the study identification, data extraction and risk of bias assessment
      independently and in duplicate. Any discrepancies between the two authors were
      resolved by discussion or with a third review author. A formal pilot-tested data
      extraction form was adopted for the data extraction, and the Cochrane
      Collaboration's tool for risk of bias assessment was used for the critical
      appraisal of the literature. MAIN RESULTS: No studies were identified that
      assessed primary prevention of CVD in people with periodontitis. One study
      involving 303 participants with >= 50% blockage of one coronary artery or a
      coronary event within three years, but not the three months prior, was included.
      The study was at high risk of bias due to deviation from the protocol treatment
      allocation and lack of follow-up data. The trial compared scaling and root
      planing (SRP) with community care for a follow-up period of six to 25 months. No
      data on deaths (all-cause or CVD-related) were reported. There was insufficient
      evidence to determine the effect of SRP and community care in reducing the risk
      of CVD recurrence in patients with chronic periodontitis (risk ratio (RR) 0.72;
      95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23 to 2.22; very low quality evidence). The
      effects of SRP compared with community care on high-sensitivity C-reactive
      protein (hs-CRP) (mean difference (MD) 0.62; -1.45 to 2.69), the number of
      patients with high hs-CRP (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.32 to 1.85) and adverse events (RR
      9.06; 95% CI 0.49 to 166.82) were also not statistically significant. The study
      did not assess modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, other blood test results,
      heart function parameters or revascularisation procedures. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      We found very low quality evidence that was insufficient to support or refute
      whether periodontal therapy can prevent the recurrence of CVD in the long term in
      patients with chronic periodontitis. No evidence on primary prevention was found.

PMID- 25123258
TI  - Precession electron diffraction-assisted crystal phase mapping of metastable c
      GaN films grown on (001) GaAs.
AB  - The control growth of the cubic meta-stable nitride phase is a challenge because
      of the crystalline nature of the nitrides to grow in the hexagonal phase, and
      accurately identifying the phases and crystal orientations in local areas of the
      nitride semiconductor films is important for device applications. In this study,
      we obtained phase and orientation maps of a metastable cubic GaN thin film using
      precession electron diffraction (PED) under scanning mode with a point-to-point 1
      nm probe size beam. The phase maps revealed a cubic GaN thin film with hexagonal
      GaN inclusions of columnar shape. The orientation maps showed that the inclusions
      have nucleation sites at the cubic GaN {111} facets. Different growth
      orientations of the inclusions were observed due to the possibility of the
      hexagonal {0001} plane to grow on any different {111} cubic facet. However, the
      generation of the hexagonal GaN inclusions is not always due to a 60 degrees 
      rotation of a {111} plane. These findings show the advantage of using PED along
      with phase and orientation mapping, and the analysis can be extended to
      differently composed semiconductor thin films.

PMID- 25123259
TI  - Fatty acid desaturase 1 gene polymorphisms control human hepatic lipid
      composition.
AB  - Fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes and their variants have been associated with
      multiple metabolic phenotypes, including liver enzymes and hepatic fat
      accumulation, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to delineate
      the role of FADSs in modulating lipid composition in human liver. We performed a
      targeted lipidomic analysis of a variety of phospholipids, sphingolipids, and
      ceramides among 154 human liver tissue samples. The associations between
      previously genome-wide association studies (GWASs)-identified six FADS single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and these lipid levels as well as total hepatic
      fat content (HFC) were tested. The potential function of these SNPs in regulating
      transcription of three FADS genes (FADS1, FADS2, and FADS3) in the locus was also
      investigated. We found that though these SNPs were in high linkage disequilibrium
      (r(2) > 0.8), the rare alleles of these SNPs were consistently and significantly
      associated with the accumulation of multiple long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), with
      C47H85O13P (C36:4), a phosphatidylinositol (PI), and C43H80O8PN (C38:3), a
      phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), reached the Bonferroni corrected significance (P <
      3 * 10(-4)). Meanwhile, these SNPs were significantly associated with increased
      ratios between the more saturated and relatively less saturated forms of LCFAs,
      especially between PEs, PIs, and phosphatidylcholines (PCs; P <= 3.5 * 10(-6)).
      These alleles were also associated with increased total HFC (P < 0.05). Further
      analyses revealed that these alleles were associated with decreased hepatic
      expression of FADS1 (P = 0.0018 for rs174556), but not FADS2 or FADS3 (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed critical insight into the mechanism underlying
      FADS1 and its polymorphisms in modulating hepatic lipid deposition by altering
      gene transcription and controlling lipid composition in human livers.

PMID- 25123260
TI  - Long-term phenological trends, species accumulation rates, aphid traits and
      climate: five decades of change in migrating aphids.
AB  - Aphids represent a significant challenge to food production. The Rothamsted
      Insect Survey (RIS) runs a network of 12.2-m suction-traps throughout the year to
      collect migrating aphids. In 2014, the RIS celebrated its 50th anniversary. This
      paper marks that achievement with an extensive spatiotemporal analysis and the
      provision of the first British annotated checklist of aphids since 1964. Our main
      aim was to elucidate mechanisms that advance aphid phenology under climate change
      and explain these using life-history traits. We then highlight emerging pests
      using accumulation patterns. Linear and nonlinear mixed-effect models estimated
      the average rate of change per annum and effects of climate on annual counts,
      first and last flights and length of flight season since 1965. Two climate
      drivers were used: the accumulated day degrees above 16  degrees C (ADD16)
      indicated the potential for migration during the aphid season; the North Atlantic
      Oscillation (NAO) signalled the severity of the winter before migration took
      place. All 55 species studied had earlier first flight trends at rate of beta = 
      0.611 +/- SE 0.015 days year(-1). Of these species, 49% had earlier last flights,
      but the average species effect appeared relatively stationary (beta = -0.010 +/-
      SE 0.022 days year(-1)). Most species (85%) showed increasing duration of their
      flight season (beta = 0.336 +/- SE 0.026 days year(-1)), even though only 54%
      increased their log annual count (beta = 0.002 +/- SE <0.001 year(-1)). The ADD16
      and NAO were shown to drive patterns in aphid phenology in a spatiotemporal
      context. Early in the year when the first aphids were migrating, the effect of
      the winter NAO was highly significant. Further into the year, ADD16 was a strong
      predictor. Latitude had a near linear effect on first flights, whereas longitude
      produced a generally less-clear effect on all responses. Aphids that are
      anholocyclic (permanently parthenogenetic) or are monoecious (non-host
      alternating) were advancing their phenology faster than those that were not.
      Climate drives phenology and traits help explain how this takes place
      biologically. Phenology and trait ecology are critical to understanding the
      threat posed by emerging pests such as Myzus persicae nicotianae and Aphis fabae
      cirsiiacanthoidis, as revealed by the species accumulation analysis. 

PMID- 25123261
TI  - The application of micro-vacuo-certo-contacting ophthalmophanto in X-ray
      radiosurgery for tumors in an eyeball.
AB  - The large errors of routine localization for eyeball tumors restricted X-ray
      radiosurgery application, just for the eyeball to turn around. To localize the
      accuracy site, the micro-vacuo-certo-contacting ophthalmophanto (MVCCOP) method
      was used. Also, the outcome of patients with tumors in the eyeball was evaluated.
      In this study, computed tomography (CT) localization accuracy was measured by
      repeating CT scan using MVCCOP to fix the eyeball in radiosurgery. This study
      evaluated the outcome of the tumors and the survival of the patients by follow
      up. The results indicated that the accuracy of CT localization of Brown-Roberts
      Wells (BRW) head ring was 0.65 mm and maximum error was 1.09 mm. The accuracy of
      target localization of tumors in the eyeball using MVCCOP was 0.87 mm averagely,
      and the maximum error was 1.19 mm. The errors of fixation of the eyeball were
      0.84 mm averagely and 1.17 mm maximally. The total accuracy was 1.34 mm, and 95%
      confidence accuracy was 2.09 mm. The clinical application of this method in 14
      tumor patients showed satisfactory results, and all of the tumors showed the
      clear rims. The site of ten retinoblastomas was decreased significantly. The
      local control interval of tumors were 6 ~ 24 months, median of 10.5 months. The
      survival of ten patients was 7 ~ 30 months, median of 16.5 months. Also, the
      tumors were kept stable or shrank in the other four patients with angioma and
      melanoma. In conclusion, the MVCCOP is suitable and dependable for X-ray
      radiosurgery for eyeball tumors. The tumor control and survival of patients are
      satisfactory, and this method can effectively postpone or avoid extirpation of
      eyeball.

PMID- 25123262
TI  - Lipase member H is a novel secreted protein associated with a poor prognosis for
      breast cancer patients.
AB  - The objective of this study is to identify the expression status and clinical
      implications of lipase member H (LIPH) in breast cancer in order to develop
      strategies for breast cancer management. LIPH expression status was detected in
      346 breast cancer specimens by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between
      LIPH expression, clinico-pathological parameters, and prognosis of breast cancer
      was determined. LIPH expression was higher in breast cancer specimens than in
      paracarcinoma tissues (P=0.01). In total, 64.74% (224/346) of breast cancer
      samples had high expression of the LIPH protein. LIPH was related to tumor size,
      histological grade, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis (P=0.073,
      0.001, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, individuals with high LIPH
      expression had a significantly higher rate of distant metastasis and poorer
      disease-specific survival than those with no or low LIPH expression (P=0.01). A
      Cox regression test indicated that the LIPH protein was an independent prognostic
      factor (P=0.001). LIPH was differentially expressed in breast cancer individuals
      and is an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer as well as a potential
      target for its management.

PMID- 25123263
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase-7 mRNA and protein expression in gastric carcinoma: a
      meta-analysis.
AB  - Messenger RNA (mRNA) acts as template for protein synthesis. The matrix
      metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) protein and its mRNA expression have been suggested
      to be involved in the development of various diseases and cancers. We aimed to
      study associations between the MMP-7 protein and mRNA expression in gastric
      carcinoma (GC) patients. We searched in the Science Citation Index, the Cochrane
      Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Current Contents Index, and several Chinese
      databases. Studies were pooled and odds ratios and their corresponding 95 %
      confidence intervals were calculated. Subgroup analyses and publication bias
      detection were also conducted. Statistical analysis was performed via Version
      12.0 STATA software. An updated meta-analysis based on 16 independent cohort
      studies was performed to investigate this association. The study suggests that
      significant differences in MMP-7 protein levels were observed in tumor-node
      metastasis (TNM) I-II vs. III-IV (odds radio (OR) =3.19, 95 % confidence interval
      (95%CI) =1.59 ~ 6.41, P=0.001), in T1-2 vs. T3-4 invasive grade (OR=1.82,
      95%CI=1.07 ~ 3.12, P=0.028), and in distant metastasis-positive vs. metastasis
      negative samples (OR=3.14, 95%CI=1.05 ~ 9.35, P=0.040). Increased MMP-7 mRNA
      levels were found to be significantly correlated with invasive grade (T3-4 vs. T1
      2: OR=5.61, 95%CI=2.64 ~ 11.95, P<0.001) and in the lymph node (LN) metastasis
      (positive vs. negative: OR=7.08, 95%CI=4.20 ~ 11.93, P<0.001) group. Country
      subgroup analysis yielded significantly different estimates in the protein
      expression of MMP-7 of all experimental groups. MMP-7 mRNA levels were increased
      in LN metastasis-positive GC in contrast to metastasis-negative in China and
      Korea (all P<0.05); this was not shown in Japan (P>0.05). Higher protein and mRNA
      levels of MMP-7 were statistically associated with aggressive LN metastasis,
      advanced TNM stage, and invasion in GC patients; MMP-7 can thus potentially serve
      as a useful biomarker in determining GC progression and prognosis.

PMID- 25123264
TI  - High expression of UCH37 is significantly associated with poor prognosis in human
      epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 37 (UCH37) is a member of deubiquitinating
      enzymes. It can suppress protein degradation through disassembling polyubiquitin
      from the distal subunit of the chain. The aim of this study was to assess the
      value of UCH37 in predicting tumor recurrence after curative resection in
      epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. In this study, the expression level of
      UCH37 in 5 paired EOC and normal tissue was tested by Western blot. And the
      association of UCH37 expression and prognostic value was analyzed in 100 tumor
      specimens from EOC patients, who underwent curative resection between 2003 and
      2011. We found that UCH37 was up-regulated in most of the tumor tissue and high
      expression of UCH37 was an independent significant predictor associated with the
      poor outcome and recurrence of EOC (p=0.0037 and p=0.0042 in overall and disease
      free survival, respectively), especially in the advanced stage of EOC (p=0.0106
      and p=0.0115 in overall and disease-free survival, respectively), and may become
      a novel predictor for prognosis of EOC patients after curative resection. Our
      data suggest for the first time that UCH37 overexpression is associated with
      advanced tumor progression and poor clinical outcome of EOC patients and may help
      physicians make informed decisions regarding adjuvant treatment following
      curative resection.

PMID- 25123265
TI  - Plasma interleukin-11 (IL-11) levels have diagnostic and prognostic roles in
      patients with pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Interleukin-11 (IL-11) affects inflammation, motility, and invasion in cancer.
      Here, we investigated the clinical significance of plasma IL-11 (IL-11p) levels
      in patients with pancreatic cancer. We enrolled 44 patients with pathologically
      confirmed diagnoses of pancreatic cancer into this study (median age at
      diagnosis, 68 years; range, 42-86 years), along with 30 age- and sex-matched
      healthy controls and 3 patients with pancreatitis complicated with pancreatic
      cysts and 15 patients with early pancreatitis. Median baseline IL-11p levels of
      patients with pancreatic cancer were significantly higher than that of the
      healthy controls (P < 0.001), as were those of the 15 patients with early
      pancreatitis. IL-11p levels presented high diagnostic accuracy for pancreatic
      cancer (area under the curve (AUC), 0.901; sensitivity, 97.7%; specificity,
      70.0%). Age, sex, lesion site, disease stage, serum dehydrogenase, alkaline
      phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and white blood cells, platelets, and
      hemoglobin levels did not correlate with IL-11p concentrations (P>0.05), but
      patients with distant metastases had lower median IL-11p values than did patients
      without distant metastases (P=0.043). Patients with IL-11p higher than the median
      level (43.2 pg/mL) had better prognoses than those with lower values (P=0.004),
      particularly as IL-11p concentration increased to >= 50 pg/mL (P=0.001). IL-11p
      concentration correlated with overall survival (>= median IL-11p, 10 months;
      <median IL-11p, 4.0 months; P=0.004). In conclusion, IL-11p has diagnostic,
      predictive, and prognostic applications for patients with pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 25123266
TI  - Diagnostic value of S100P for pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a fatal disease with a high mortality and poor
      prognosis. PC is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in America, and 80 % of
      PCs are diagnosed at an unresectable stage. Effective early detection assays are
      crucial since a successful operation at early stage is the best strategy for this
      disease. S100 calcium-binding protein P (S100P) has been reported as a predictive
      diagnostic index for PC and involves in the development of PC. However, the
      diagnostic accuracy of S100P in detecting PC has never been systematically
      assessed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance
      of S100P for PC. All relevant original articles about S100P in the diagnosis of
      PC published up to December 2013 were retrieved. The methodological quality of
      each study was assessed by QUADAS. The overall diagnostic sensitivity,
      specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), with 95 % confidence interval (CI), and
      area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were pooled to
      evaluate the diagnostic value of S100P for PC using the Meta-DiSc1.4 statistical
      software. Eight studies met our criteria in the present meta-analysis. The pooled
      sensitivity, specificity, and DOR calculated by the bivariate random effects
      model were 0.87 (95 % CI 0.83-0.90), 0.88 (95 % CI 0.82-0.93), and 38.32 (95 % CI
      11.22-130.87), respectively. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC)
      curve was located near the desirable left corner and the AUC was 0.9272. The
      current evidence suggests that S100P plays an important role in the diagnosis of
      PC with a high sensitivity and specificity. S100P may be regarded as a promising
      diagnostic marker to PC screening.

PMID- 25123267
TI  - Appraisal of diagnostic ability of UCA1 as a biomarker of carcinoma of the
      urinary bladder.
AB  - Initial diagnosis of carcinoma of the urinary bladder remains to be a challenge.
      Urine cytology, as an adjunct to cystoscopy, is less sensitive for low-grade
      tumors. Urothelial cancer associated 1 (UCA1) is a novel non-coding RNA gene,
      which plays a pivotal role in bladder cancer progression. Our aim is to
      investigate the significance of urinary UCA1 for the non-invasive diagnosis of
      transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder. We examined UCA1
      expression in a bladder cancer cell line (T24) and in urine of 28 healthy
      individuals, 46 patients of non-malignant disorders, and 117 cases (69 primary
      and 48 recurrent cases) of histologically proven TCC prior to transurethral
      resection by using real-time PCR and compared it with voided urinary cytology.
      UCA1 expression was found in T24 cell line and also found to be significantly
      higher in the cancer group as compared to the controls (p<0.001). UCA1 messenger
      RNA (mRNA) expression showed a significant (p<0.05) association with stage and
      grade (p<0.05). UCA1 showed a sensitivity of 79.49% and a specificity of 79.73%
      (p<0.001), whereas urine cytology had a sensitivity of 66.67% and a specificity
      of 95.95% for TCC cases. Higher expression of UCA1 was associated with high grade
      (G2-G3, sensitivity=84.09%) (p<0.001). UCA1 mRNA expression did not significantly
      correlate with the patient's age, sex, and smoking habit (p>0.05). UCA1 can be
      used as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for TCC bladder as an adjunct to
      cytology in the early diagnosis of primary urinary bladder cancer.

PMID- 25123268
TI  - miR-203a regulates proliferation, migration, and apoptosis by targeting glycogen
      synthase kinase-3beta in human renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - MicroRNAs play a crucial role in cancer progression and metastasis. miR-203a has
      been identified as a tumor suppressor in various cancers. However, its functions
      in renal cell carcinoma have not been illustrated. In this study, we detected the
      miR-203a expression in renal cell carcinoma and evaluated its association with
      clinical features. Overexpression of miR-203a was found in renal cell carcinoma
      tissues and renal cell carcinoma cells. High miR-203a expression is correlated
      with tumor stage and short overall survival time. Bioinformatics and luciferase
      assay confirmed that glycogen synthase kinase-3beta was a target gene of miR
      203a. Silencing of miR-203a could inhibit cell proliferation and migration,
      arrest them in G1 phase, and promote apoptosis in vitro. miR-203a promotes the
      progression of renal cell carcinoma and predicts a poor prognosis. 

PMID- 25123269
TI  - Genetic variants in the KDR gene is associated with the prognosis of
      transarterial chemoembolization treated hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) is the principal receptor that promotes the
      proangiogenic action of vascular endothelial growth factor and is involved in the
      tumorigenesis and progression of many malignancies, including hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of KDR have been reported
      to be with the risk and prognosis of several malignancies. Our aim was to
      determine whether SNPs in KDR gene are associated with clinical outcomes in HCC
      patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. A total of 192
      HCC patients were tested for KDR SNPs, and the SNP results were correlated with
      progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The association of the
      SNPs with the overall survival (OS) of patients was assessed by Kaplan-Meier
      method, and then Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the variables
      resulted significant at univariate analysis. No significant differences were
      found in correlation between KDR SNPs and patients' PFS. Our data showed that
      genotype AA+TA of rs1870377 and genotype CC+TC of rs2071559 were significantly
      associated with overall survival of HCC patients (P<0.001 and P<0.001,
      respectively) and remained as significant predictors for OS adjusting for high
      level of serum AFP (>400 MUg/L), existence of portal vein tumor thrombus, and
      high BCLC stage (HR=0.61; 95% CI, 0.36-0.88; P=0.003 and HR=0.54; 95% CI, 0.40
      0.94; P=0.002, respectively). Our results suggest that SNPs rs1870377 and
      rs2071559 in the KDR gene may serve as independent prognosis biomarkers for
      unresectable HCC patient, which warranted further validating investigation.

PMID- 25123271
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis of perineural dexamethasone for peripheral
      nerve blocks.
AB  - We systematically reviewed the safety and efficacy of perineural dexamethasone as
      an adjunct for peripheral nerve blockade in 29 controlled trials of 1695
      participants. We grouped trials by the duration of local anaesthetic action
      (short- or medium- vs long-term). Dexamethasone increased the mean (95% CI)
      duration of analgesia by 233 (172-295) min when injected with short- or medium
      term action local anaesthetics and by 488 (419-557) min when injected with long
      term action local anaesthetics, p < 0.00001 for both. However, these results
      should be interpreted with caution due to the extreme heterogeneity of results,
      with I2 exceeding 90% for both analyses. Meta-regression did not show an
      interaction between dose of perineural dexamethasone (4-10 mg) and duration of
      analgesia (r2 = 0.02, p = 0.54). There were no differences between 4 and 8 mg
      dexamethasone on subgroup analysis.

PMID- 25123272
TI  - Size dependence of the upconverted luminescence of NaYF4:Er,Yb microspheres for
      use in ratiometric thermometry.
AB  - The size-dependent temperature sensitivity is observed on the upconversion
      luminescence of NaYF4:Er,Yb microspheres with sizes between 0.7 and 2 MUm that
      are prepared by a poly(acrylic acid)-assisted hydrothermal process. It is found
      that the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of their green upconversion emissions
      (with peaks at 521 and 539 nm) is strongly size-dependent at temperatures between
      223 and 403 K. As the size of the spheres increases from 0.7 to 1.6 MUm, the
      maximum sensitivity decreases from 36.8 * 10(-4) to 24.7 * 10(-4) K(-1). This
      effect is mainly attributed to the larger specific surface area of the smaller
      spheres where a relatively large number of Er(III) ions are located at the
      surface. This results in an increase in the efficiency of the (4)S3/2 -> (2)H11/2
      population process of the Er(III) ions due to stronger electron-phonon
      interactions with increasing T. Heating of the spheres by NIR light is also
      supposed to cause enhanced electron-phonon interactions in such particles.

PMID- 25123270
TI  - Caveolin-1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma microenvironment: an overview.
AB  - Caveolin-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of oncogenic cell
      transformation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Increased expression of caveolin-1
      in an array of tumors has confirmed its value in prognosis. It has been
      established that oxidative stress is the main cause for loss of stromal caveolin
      1 via autophagy in the tumor microenvironment. In this overview, we attempt to
      abridge the relationship between caveolin-1 and oral squamous cell carcinoma,
      taking all the established theories into consideration. 

PMID- 25123273
TI  - Transcriptional and epigenetic networks orchestrating immune cell development and
      function.

PMID- 25123274
TI  - The role of chromatin dynamics in immune cell development.
AB  - In immune cells, as in all mammalian cells, nuclear DNA is wrapped around
      histones to form nucleosomes. The positioning and modifications of nucleosomes
      throughout the genome defines the chromatin state of the cell and has a large
      impact on gene regulation. Chromatin state is dynamic throughout immune cell
      development and activation. High-throughput open chromatin assays, such as DNase
      seq, can be used to find regulatory element across the genome and, when combined
      with histone modifications, can specify their function. During hematopoiesis,
      distal regulatory elements, known as enhancers, are established by pioneer
      factors that alter chromatin state. Some of these enhancers are lost, some are
      gained, and some are maintained as a memory of the cell's developmental origin.
      The enhancer landscape is unique to the cell lineage-with different enhancers
      regulating the same promoter-and determines the mechanism of cell type-specific
      activation after exposure to stimuli. Histone modification and promoter
      architecture govern the diverse responses to stimulation. Furthermore, chromatin
      dynamics may explain the high plasticity of certain tissue-resident immune cell
      types. Future epigenomic research will depend on the development of more
      efficient experiments and better methods to associate enhancers with genes. The
      ultimate goal of mapping genome-wide chromatin state throughout the hematopoietic
      tree will help illuminate the mechanisms behind immune cell development and
      function. 

PMID- 25123276
TI  - Deciphering the epigenetic code of T lymphocytes.
AB  - The multiple lineages and differentiation states that constitute the T-cell
      compartment all derive from a common thymic precursor. These distinct
      transcriptional states are maintained both in time and after multiple rounds of
      cell division by the concerted actions of a small set of lineage-defining
      transcription factors that act in conjunction with a suite of chromatin-modifying
      enzymes to activate, repress, and fine-tune gene expression. These chromatin
      modifications collectively provide an epigenetic code that allows the stable and
      heritable maintenance of the T-cell phenotype. Recently, it has become apparent
      that the epigenetic code represents a therapeutic target for a variety of immune
      cell disorders, including lymphoma and acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
      Here, we review the recent advances in epigenetic regulation of gene expression,
      particularly as it relates to the T-cell differentiation and function. 

PMID- 25123280
TI  - Orchestration of plasma cell differentiation by Bach2 and its gene regulatory
      network.
AB  - Bach2 is a basic region-leucine zipper (bZip) transcription factor that forms
      heterodimers with small Maf oncoproteins and binds to target genes, thus
      repressing their expression. Bach2 is required for class switch recombination
      (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM) of immunoglobulin genes in activated B
      cells. Bach2 represses the expression of Prdm1 encoding Blimp-1 repressor and
      thereby inhibits terminal differentiation of B cells to plasma cells. This causes
      a delay in the induction of Prdm1, thereby securing a time window for the
      expression of Aicda encoding activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) required
      for both CSR and SHM. Based on the characteristics of a gene regulatory network
      (GRN) involving Bach2 and Prdm1 and its dynamics, a 'delay-driven diversity'
      model was introduced to explain the responses of activated B cells. Bach2 is also
      required for the proper differentiation and function of peripheral T cells. In
      the absence of Bach2, CD4(+) T cells show increased differentiation to effector
      cells producing higher levels of Th2-related cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-10,
      and a reduction in the generation of regulatory T cells. Bach2 represses many
      genes in T cells, including Prdm1, suggesting that the Bach2-Prdm1 pathway is
      also important in maintaining the homeostasis of T cells. Furthermore, Bach2 is
      essential for the function of alveolar macrophages. Therefore, Bach2 orchestrates
      both acquired and innate immunity at multiple points. Its connection with disease
      is also reviewed in this report. 

PMID- 25123279
TI  - The regulatory network of B-cell differentiation: a focused view of early B-cell
      factor 1 function.
AB  - During the last decades, many studies have investigated the transcriptional and
      epigenetic regulation of lineage decision in the hematopoietic system. These
      efforts led to a model in which extrinsic signals and intrinsic cues establish a
      permissive chromatin context upon which a regulatory network of transcription
      factors and epigenetic modifiers act to guide the differentiation of
      hematopoietic lineages. These networks include lineage-specific factors that
      further modify the epigenetic landscape and promote the generation of specific
      cell types. The process of B lymphopoiesis requires a set of transcription
      factors, including Ikaros, PU.1, E2A, and FoxO1 to 'prime' cis-regulatory regions
      for subsequent activation by the B-lineage-specific transcription factors EBF1
      and Pax-5. The expression of EBF1 is initiated by the combined action of E2A and
      FoxO1, and it is further enhanced and maintained by several positive feedback
      loops that include Pax-5 and IL-7 signaling. EBF1 acts in concert with Ikaros,
      PU.1, Runx1, E2A, FoxO1, and Pax-5 to establish the B cell-specific transcription
      profile. EBF1 and Pax-5 also collaborate to repress alternative cell fates and
      lock cells into the B-lineage fate. In addition to the functions of EBF1 in
      establishing and maintaining B-cell identity, EBF1 is required to coordinate
      differentiation with cell proliferation and survival. 

PMID- 25123277
TI  - Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of T-helper lineage specification.
AB  - Combined with TCR stimuli, extracellular cytokine signals initiate the
      differentiation of naive CD4(+) T cells into specialized effector T-helper (Th)
      and regulatory T (Treg) cell subsets. The lineage specification and commitment
      process occurs through the combinatorial action of multiple transcription factors
      (TFs) and epigenetic mechanisms that drive lineage-specific gene expression
      programs. In this article, we review recent studies on the transcriptional and
      epigenetic regulation of distinct Th cell lineages. Moreover, we review current
      study linking immune disease-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms with
      distal regulatory elements and their potential role in the disease etiology. 

PMID- 25123275
TI  - Transcriptional and epigenetic networks of helper T and innate lymphoid cells.
AB  - The discovery of the specification of CD4(+) helper T cells to discrete effector
      'lineages' represented a watershed event in conceptualizing mechanisms of host
      defense and immunoregulation. However, our appreciation for the actual complexity
      of helper T-cell subsets continues unabated. Just as the Sami language of
      Scandinavia has 1000 different words for reindeer, immunologists recognize the
      range of fates available for a CD4(+) T cell is numerous and may be
      underestimated. Added to the crowded scene for helper T-cell subsets is the
      continuously growing family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), endowed with common
      effector responses and the previously defined 'master regulators' for CD4(+)
      helper T-cell subsets are also shared by ILC subsets. Within the context of this
      extraordinary complexity are concomitant advances in the understanding of
      transcriptomes and epigenomes. So what do terms like 'lineage commitment' and
      helper T-cell 'specification' mean in the early 21st century? How do we put all
      of this together in a coherent conceptual framework? It would be arrogant to
      assume that we have a sophisticated enough understanding to seriously answer
      these questions. Instead, we review the current status of the flexibility of
      helper T-cell responses in relation to their genetic regulatory networks and
      epigenetic landscapes. Recent data have provided major surprises as to what
      master regulators can or cannot do, how they interact with other transcription
      factors and impact global genome-wide changes, and how all these factors come
      together to influence helper cell function. 

PMID- 25123284
TI  - Staying innate: transcription factor maintenance of innate lymphoid cell
      identity.
AB  - Innate and adaptive lymphocytes are characterized by phenotypic and functional
      characteristics that result from genomic rearrangements (in the case of antigen
      specific B and T cells) coupled with selective gene expression patterns that are
      generated in a context-dependent fashion. Cell-intrinsic expression of
      transcription factors (TFs) play a critical role in the regulation of gene
      expression that establish the distinct lymphoid subsets but also have been
      proposed to play an ongoing role in the maintenance of lineage-associated
      transcriptional signatures that comprise lymphocyte identity. This is the case
      for CD19(+) B cells that require Pax5 expression throughout their lifespan, as
      well as for diverse T-helper subsets that have specialized immune functions.
      Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) comprise diverse effectors cells that differentiate
      under TF control and have critical roles in the early stages of immune responses.
      In this review, ILC development is reviewed and the requirement for persistent TF
      expression in the maintenance of transcriptional signatures that define ILC
      identity is explored. 

PMID- 25123283
TI  - The interface between transcriptional and epigenetic control of effector and
      memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
AB  - Immunity to many intracellular pathogens requires the proliferation,
      differentiation, and function of CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). While the
      majority of effector CTLs die upon clearance of the pathogen, a small proportion
      of them survive to become long-lived memory CTLs. Memory CTLs can provide
      protective immunity against re-exposure to the same pathogen and are the
      principle motivation behind T-cell- based vaccine design. While a large body of
      cellular immunologic research has proven invaluable to define effector and memory
      CTLs by their different phenotypes and functions, an emerging focus in the field
      has been to understand how environmental cues regulate CTL differentiation on a
      genomic level. Genome-wide studies to profile transcriptional and epigenetic
      changes during infection have revealed that dynamic changes in DNA methylation
      patterns and histone modifications accompany transcriptional signatures that
      define and regulate CTL differentiation states. In this review, we emphasize the
      importance of epigenetic regulation of CD8(+) T-cell differentiation and the
      likely role that transcription factors play in this process. 

PMID- 25123278
TI  - Innate immune regulation by STAT-mediated transcriptional mechanisms.
AB  - The term innate immunity typically refers to a quick but non-specific host
      defense response against invading pathogens. The innate immune system comprises
      particular immune cell populations, epithelial barriers, and numerous secretory
      mediators including cytokines, chemokines, and defense peptides. Innate immune
      cells are also now recognized to play important contributing roles in cancer and
      pathological inflammatory conditions. Innate immunity relies on rapid signal
      transduction elicited upon pathogen recognition via pattern recognition receptors
      (PRRs) and cell:cell communication conducted by soluble mediators, including
      cytokines. A majority of cytokines involved in innate immune signaling use a
      molecular cascade encompassing receptor-associated Jak protein tyrosine kinases
      and STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) transcriptional
      regulators. Here, we focus on roles for STAT proteins in three major innate
      immune subsets: neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs). While
      knowledge in this area is only now emerging, understanding the molecular
      regulation of these cell types is necessary for developing new approaches to
      treat human disorders such as inflammatory conditions, autoimmunity, and cancer. 

PMID- 25123281
TI  - Mi-2/NuRD chromatin remodeling complexes regulate B and T-lymphocyte development
      and function.
AB  - Mi-2/nucleosomal remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complexes are important
      epigenetic regulators of chromatin structure and gene expression. Mi-2/NuRD
      complexes are an assemblage of proteins that combine key epigenetic regulators
      necessary for (i) histone deacetylation and demethylation, (ii) binding to
      methylated DNA, (iii) mobilization of nucleosomes, and (iv) recruitment of
      additional regulatory proteins. Depending on their context in chromatin, Mi
      2/NuRD complexes either activate or repress gene transcription. In this regard,
      they are important regulators of hematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis. Mi-2/NuRD
      complexes maintain pools of hematopoietic stem cells. Specifically, components of
      these complexes control multiple stages of B-cell development by regulating B
      cell specific transcription. With one set of components, they inhibit terminal
      differentiation of germinal center B cells into plasma B cells. They also mediate
      gene repression together with Blimp-1 during plasma cell differentiation. In
      cooperation with Ikaros, Mi-2/NuRD complexes also play important roles in T-cell
      development, including CD4 versus CD8 fate decisions and peripheral T-cell
      responses. Dysregulation of NuRD during lymphopoiesis promotes leukemogenesis.
      Here, we review general properties of Mi-2/NuRD complexes and focus on their
      functions in gene regulation and development of lymphocytes. 

PMID- 25123282
TI  - Complex interactions of transcription factors in mediating cytokine biology in T
      cells.
AB  - T-helper (Th) cells play critical roles within the mammalian immune system, and
      the differentiation of naive CD4(+) T cells into distinct T-helper subsets is
      critical for normal immunoregulation and host defense. These carefully regulated
      differentiation processes are controlled by networks of cytokines, transcription
      factors, and epigenetic modifications, resulting in the generation of multiple
      CD4(+) T-cell subsets, including Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Treg, and Tfh cells. In
      this review, we discuss the roles of transcription factors in determining the
      specific type of differentiation and in particular the role of interleukin-2 (IL
      2) in promoting or inhibiting Th differentiation. In addition to discussing
      master regulators and subset-specific transcription factors for distinct T-helper
      cell populations, we focus on signal transducer and activator of transcription
      (STAT) proteins and on the cooperative action of interferon regulatory factor 4
      (IRF4) with activator protein 1 (AP-1) family proteins and STAT3 in the assembly
      of complexes that broadly influence T-cell differentiation. 

PMID- 25123286
TI  - Carboxylated pillar[5]arene-coated gold nanoparticles with chemical stability and
      enzyme-like activity.
AB  - A facile synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) covered with a multidentate
      macrocycle, carboxylated pillar[5]arene (CP), via a one-pot hydrothermal process
      is reported. The resulting AuNPs are highly stable against salts and pH
      variations, while their traditional counterparts are not stable at the same
      conditions. For the stabilization, multiple carboxylate groups of CP might
      contribute to electrostatic or steric stabilization. In addition, we found that
      CP-coated AuNPs exhibit greater peroxidase-like activity than citrate-stabilized
      AuNPs in the presence of silver cations. The system presented herein would
      provide a new scheme to fabricate unique sensory systems in combination with
      enzymes, which can bind to the pocket of CP. 

PMID- 25123287
TI  - Polysaccharide-based oleogels prepared with an emulsion-templated approach.
AB  - The preparation and characterization of oleogels structured by using a
      combination of a surface-active and a non-surface-active polysaccharide through
      an emulsion-templated approach is reported. Specifically, the oleogels were
      prepared by first formulating a concentrated oil-in-water emulsion, stabilized
      with a combination of cellulose derivatives and xanthan gum, followed by the
      selective evaporation of the continuous water phase to drive the network
      formation, resulting in an oleogel with a unique microstructure and interesting
      rheological properties, including a high gel strength, G'>4000 Pa, shear
      sensitivity, good thixotropic recovery, and good thermostability. 

PMID- 25123290
TI  - A search for the most accurate formula for sonographic weight estimation by fetal
      sex - a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fetal sex on the
      accuracy of multiple formulas for sonographic estimation fetal weight (SEFW).
      METHODS: The cohort included all singleton live births recorded at a single
      medical center from January 2004 to September 2011. The accuracy of SEFW was
      compared between male and female fetuses using 6575 SEFW performed within 3 days
      prior to delivery. Fetal weight was estimated using 27 models. RESULTS: The
      accuracy of different formulas in predicting birth weight of male and female
      fetuses was found to be significantly different in almost every accuracy index
      that was compared (P < 0.05). The model by Sabbagha et al. was found to be the
      most accurate in assessing female fetuses. The most accurate model for male
      fetuses was a sex-specific formula by Melamed et al. We also found that a
      combination of the most accurate formula for each sex to one combined sex
      specific model increased SEFW accuracy significantly. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of
      SEFW is significantly related to fetal sex. The combination of the formulas by
      Melamed et al. and Sabbagha et al. for male and female fetuses accordingly
      allowed more accurate SEFW in our research population.

PMID- 25123289
TI  - Metformin Restores Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated K+ Channel- and
      Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated K+ Channel-Mediated Vasodilatation Impaired
      by Advanced Glycation End Products in Rat Mesenteric Artery. [Corrected].
AB  - The present study was designed to investigate the effect of metformin on the
      impairment of intermediate-conductance and small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated
      potassium channels (IKCa and SKCa)-mediated relaxation in diabetes and the
      underlying mechanism. The endothelial vasodilatation function of mesenteric
      arteries was assessed with the use of wire myography. Expression levels of IKCa
      and SKCa and phosphorylated Thr(172) of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were
      measured using Western blot technology. The channel activity was observed using a
      whole-cell patch voltage clamp. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using
      dihydroethidium and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Metformin restored the
      impairment of IKCa- and SKCa-mediated vasodilatation in mesenteric arteries from
      streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats and that from normal rats incubated
      with advanced glycation end products (AGEs) for 3 hours. In cultured human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), 1 MUM metformin reversed AGE-induced
      increase of ROS and attenuated AGE- and H2O2- induced downregulation of IKCa and
      SKCa after long-term incubation (>24 hours). Short-term treatment (3 hours) with
      1 MUM metformin reversed the decrease of IKCa and SKCa currents induced by AGE
      incubation for 3 hours without changing the channel expression or the AMPK
      activation in HUVECs. These results are the first to demonstrate that metformin
      restored IKCa- and SKCa-mediated vasodilatation impaired by AGEs in rat
      mesenteric artery, in which the upregulation of channel activity and protein
      expression is likely involved. 

PMID- 25123291
TI  - On the photo-induced charge-carrier generation within monolayers of self
      assembled organic donor-acceptor dyads.
AB  - By means of STM and nc-AFM the self-assembly of a new donor-acceptor (DA) dyad
      molecule on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite is identified and compared to
      molecular simulations. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements clearly
      show the photovoltaic activity of this model system under illumination. The
      optoelectronic properties and the local morphology of the DA dyad assembly are
      simultaneously probed by KPFM down to the level of one molecular monolayers. 

PMID- 25123292
TI  - A facile synthesis of multi metal-doped rectangular ZnO nanocrystals using a
      nanocrystalline metal-organic framework template.
AB  - A multi metal (M: Fe, Co, and Ni)-doped rectangular ZnO nanocrystal (r-ZnO:M) was
      synthesised using nanocrystalline metal-organic framework-5 (n-MOF-5). After
      calcination in air, M-inserted n-MOF-5 led to r-ZnO:M of the wurtzite crystal
      structure with a small amount (<1%) of spinel ZnM2O4 phase. The inserted metal
      atoms of r-ZnO:M, replacing the Zn atoms of the wurtzite ZnO structure, were well
      dispersed throughout the nanocrystal. Density functional theory calculations not
      only confirm the structural stability of wurtzite r-ZnO:M and negligible
      contribution of spinel ZnM2O4 but also elucidate the experimentally observed
      increase of visible light absorbance and appearance of ferromagnetism upon metal
      atom doping. 

PMID- 25123288
TI  - ABCD2 alters peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha signaling in vitro,
      but does not impair responses to fenofibrate therapy in a mouse model of diet
      induced obesity.
AB  - Fenofibrate is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha ligand
      that has been widely used as a lipid-lowering agent in the treatment of
      hypertriglyceridemia. ABCD2 (D2) is a peroxisomal long-chain acyl-CoA transporter
      that is highly induced by fenofibrate in the livers of mice. To determine whether
      D2 is a modifier of fibrate responses, wild-type and D2-deficient mice were
      treated with fenofibrate for 14 days. The absence of D2 altered expression of
      gene clusters associated with lipid metabolism, including PPARalpha signaling.
      Using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which express high levels of D2, we confirmed that
      knockdown of D2 modified genomic responses to fibrate treatment. We next
      evaluated the impact of D2 on effects of fibrates in a mouse model of diet
      induced obesity. Fenofibrate treatment opposed the development of obesity,
      hypertriglyceridemia, and insulin resistance. However, these effects were
      unaffected by D2 genotype. We concluded that D2 can modulate genomic responses to
      fibrates, but that these effects are not sufficiently robust to alter the effects
      of fibrates on diet-induced obesity phenotypes. 

PMID- 25123285
TI  - ID'ing innate and innate-like lymphoid cells.
AB  - The immune system can be divided into innate and adaptive components that differ
      in their rate and mode of cellular activation, with innate immune cells being the
      first responders to invading pathogens. Recent advances in the identification and
      characterization of innate lymphoid cells have revealed reiterative developmental
      programs that result in cells with effector fates that parallel those of adaptive
      lymphoid cells and are tailored to effectively eliminate a broad spectrum of
      pathogenic challenges. However, activation of these cells can also be associated
      with pathologies such as autoimmune disease. One major distinction between innate
      and adaptive immune system cells is the constitutive expression of ID proteins in
      the former and inducible expression in the latter. ID proteins function as
      antagonists of the E protein transcription factors that play critical roles in
      lymphoid specification as well as B- and T-lymphocyte development. In this
      review, we examine the transcriptional mechanisms controlling the development of
      innate lymphocytes, including natural killer cells and the recently identified
      innate lymphoid cells (ILC1, ILC2, and ILC3), and innate-like lymphocytes,
      including natural killer T cells, with an emphasis on the known requirements for
      the ID proteins. 

PMID- 25123293
TI  - Water-stable zirconium-based metal-organic framework material with high-surface
      area and gas-storage capacities.
AB  - We designed, synthesized, and characterized a new Zr-based metal-organic
      framework material, NU-1100, with a pore volume of 1.53 ccg(-1) and Brunauer
      Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 4020 m(2) g(-1) ; to our knowledge, currently
      the highest published for Zr-based MOFs. CH4 /CO2 /H2 adsorption isotherms were
      obtained over a broad range of pressures and temperatures and are in excellent
      agreement with the computational predictions. The total hydrogen adsorption at 65
      bar and 77 K is 0.092 g g(-1) , which corresponds to 43 g L(-1) . The volumetric
      and gravimetric methane-storage capacities at 65 bar and 298 K are approximately
      180 vSTP /v and 0.27 g g(-1) , respectively. 

PMID- 25123294
TI  - Lasting personality pathology following exposure to catastrophic trauma in
      adults: systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: By definition, personality disorders (PDs) are evident in late
      childhood and adolescence, but evidence for personality pathology occurring after
      adolescence is unclear. AIM: We aimed to review extant literature on personality
      change following exposure to catastrophic trauma in adults in order to identify
      the prevalence and clinical features of any long-term personality pathology.
      METHOD: Relevant studies were identified by searching three bibliographic
      databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO) from inception to November 2011 using
      terms related to personality and trauma. RESULTS: No prospective studies that
      investigated long-term personality change following exposure to trauma in adults
      were found. Two retrospective studies reported the prevalence of enduring
      personality change of 2.6% and 6% (weighted prevalence 4.6%, 95% confidence
      interval 3.4-6.3%), and one study reported 20% increase in adult-onset antisocial
      behaviour following exposure to trauma. Findings from cross-sectional studies
      that examined the prevalence of PDs in people exposed to catastrophic trauma
      reported that Cluster C and Cluster A were the most common with avoidant,
      paranoid and obsessive-compulsive PDs among those most frequently reported.
      CONCLUSION: A minority of adults who are exposed to severe trauma appear to go on
      to develop significant personality pathology. The observed personality
      disturbance is multifarious and more extensive than the prototype described in
      ICD-10.

PMID- 25123296
TI  - Maximum likelihood estimation of FRET efficiency and its implications for
      distortions in pixelwise calculation of FRET in microscopy.
AB  - Ratiometric determination of the efficiency of fluorescence or Forster resonance
      energy transfer (FRET) is one of the most widespread methods for the
      characterization of protein clustering and conformation. Low photon numbers,
      often present in pixel-by-pixel determination of FRET efficiency in digital
      microscopy, result in large uncertainties in the derived FRET parameter. Here, we
      propose a method based on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of FRET efficiency
      using photon counting detectors to overcome this limitation. Intensities measured
      in the donor, FRET, and acceptor channels were all assumed to follow Poisson
      statistics as a result of detector shot noise. The joint probability of photon
      numbers detected in the donor, FRET, and acceptor channels was derived using an
      equation describing the relationship between the three measured intensities. The
      FRET efficiency generating the measured photon numbers with the largest
      likelihood was determined iteratively providing a single FRET value for all
      pixels in the calculation. Since as few as 100 pixels are sufficient to provide a
      maximum likelihood estimate for FRET, biological variability in FRET values can
      be revealed by performing the analysis for regions of interests in an image.
      Since the algorithm provides the probability of a combination of donor, FRET, and
      acceptor intensities observed in each individual pixel given a certain FRET
      efficiency, outlier pixels with low probabilities could be excluded from the
      analysis. Simulations carried out with low photon numbers in the presence and
      absence of outlier pixels revealed that the proposed approach can reliably and
      reproducibly estimate FRET efficiency. In addition, systematic evaluation of the
      simulation results showed that the distribution of pixel-by-pixel FRET
      efficiencies is skewed, and the mean of these FRET values is a biased and
      unreliable estimate of the FRET efficiency. In the absence of outlier pixels,
      FRET calculated from summed donor, FRET, and acceptor intensities proved to be as
      reliable as MLE. We conclude that MLE of FRET outperforms calculations using
      summed and pixel-by-pixel intensities in biologically relevant situations
      involving low photon numbers and outlier pixels. (c) 2014 International Society
      for Advancement of Cytometry. 

PMID- 25123295
TI  - A multicentre randomized trial of the treatment of patients with pemphigus
      vulgaris with infliximab and prednisone compared with prednisone alone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a blistering disease and tumour necrosis
      factor-alpha has a role in its pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety
      of infliximab (IFX) with prednisone compared with prednisone alone in the
      treatment of PV. In addition, treatment response was assessed and mechanistic
      studies were performed. METHODS: Subjects with PV who had ongoing disease
      activity while being maintained on prednisone were randomized to receive either
      IFX or placebo in addition to prednisone. Response status and immunoglobulin (Ig)
      G anti-desmoglein (Dsg)1 and Dsg3 antibodies were assessed at 18 and 26 weeks.
      RESULTS: Ten subjects were randomized to each group. There were no safety signals
      during the course of the study. At week 18, one subject in each group had
      responded. At week 26, three IFX-treated subjects vs. none in the placebo group
      had responded (P = 0.21). At weeks 18 and 26, the median IgG anti-Dsg1 and anti
      Dsg3 levels were lower in the IFX-treated patients [IgG anti-Dsg-1 (week 18, P =
      0.035; week 26, P = 0.022); IgG anti-Dsg3 (week 18, P = 0.035; week, 26 P =
      0.05)]. CONCLUSIONS: This study is limited by the relatively small sample size.
      There was no significant difference between study arms in the proportion of
      subjects with treatment-related adverse events > grade 3. IFX therapy was not
      shown to be effective for the treatment of patients with PV in this randomized,
      placebo-controlled trial, although IFX treatment may be associated with a
      decrease in anti-Dsg1 and Dsg3 antibodies.

PMID- 25123298
TI  - Patient-reported outcomes of dental implant therapy in a large randomly selected
      sample.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to traditional clinical parameters, the need to include
      patient-reported assessments into dental implant research has been emphasized.
      AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes following
      implant-supported restorative therapy in a randomly selected patient sample.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four thousand seven hundred and sixteen patients were
      randomly selected from the data register of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency.
      A questionnaire containing 10 questions related to implant-supported restorative
      therapy was mailed to each of the individuals about 6 years after therapy.
      Associations between questionnaire data, and (i) patient-related, (ii) clinician
      related and (iii) therapy-related variables were identified by multivariate
      analyses. RESULTS: Three thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven patients (81%)
      responded to the questionnaire. It was demonstrated that the overall satisfaction
      among patients was high. Older patients presented with an overall more positive
      perception of the results of the therapy than younger patients and males were
      more frequently satisfied in terms of esthetics than females. While clinical
      setting did not influence results, patients treated by specialist dentists as
      opposed to general practitioners reported a higher frequency of esthetic
      satisfaction and improved chewing ability. In addition, patients who had received
      extensive implant-supported reconstructions, in contrast to those with small
      reconstructive units, reported more frequently on improved chewing ability and
      self-confidence but also to a larger extent on implant-related complications.
      CONCLUSION: It is suggested that patient-perceived outcomes of implant-supported
      restorative therapy are related to (i) age and gender of the patient, (ii) the
      extent of restorative therapy and (iii) the clinician performing the treatment.

PMID- 25123303
TI  - Building up a chemical proteomics network in Europe and beyond.

PMID- 25123297
TI  - Tumor genome analysis includes germline genome: are we ready for surprises?
AB  - We sought to describe the spectrum of potential and confirmed germline genomic
      events incidentally identified during routine medium-throughput somatic tumor DNA
      sequencing, and to provide a framework for pre- and post-test consent and
      counseling for patients and families. Targeted tumor-only next-generation
      sequencing (NGS) had been used to evaluate for possible druggable genomic events
      obtained from consecutive new patients with metastatic gastroesophageal,
      hepatobiliary or colorectal cancer seen at the University of Chicago. A panel of
      medical oncologists, cancer geneticists and genetic counselors retrospectively
      grouped these patients (N = 111) based on probability of possessing a potentially
      inherited mutation in a cancer susceptibility gene, both prior to and after
      incorporating tumor-only NGS results. High-risk patients (determined from NGS
      results) were contacted and counseled in person by a genetic counselor (N = 21).
      When possible and indicated, germline genetic testing was offered. Of 8 evaluable
      high-risk patients, 7 underwent germline testing. Three (37.5%) had confirmed
      actionable germline mutations (all in the BRCA2 gene). NGS offers promise, but
      poses significant challenges for oncologists who are ill prepared to handle
      incidental findings that have clinical implications for at risk family members.
      In this relatively small cohort of patients undergoing tumor genomic testing for
      gastrointestinal malignancies, we incidentally identified 3 BRCA2 mutations
      carriers. This report underscores the need for oncologists to develop a framework
      for pre- and post-test communication of risks to patients undergoing routine
      tumor-only sequencing. 

PMID- 25123302
TI  - Carlos F. Barbas III (1964-2014): Visionary at the interface of chemistry and
      biology.

PMID- 25123304
TI  - Report from the Third Annual Symposium of the RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research
      Center for Systems Chemical Biology.
AB  - The third Annual Symposium of the RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Center for
      Systems Chemical Biology was held at Ringberg castle, May 21-24, 2014. At this
      meeting 45 scientists from Japan and Germany presented the latest results from
      their research spanning a broad range of topics in chemical biology and
      glycobiology. 

PMID- 25123305
TI  - The pathology of bowel cancer screening.
AB  - Colorectal cancer screening is widely promulgated in many parts of the world and
      population screening is occurring in many countries, especially in western
      Europe. Although, intuitively, it might be thought that the pathology resulting
      from screening should be straightforward, being mainly that of polyp diagnosis
      and the biopsy diagnosis and staging of established adenocarcinoma, in fact
      experience has shown that there are several areas of considerable difficulty and
      controversy. In the UK somewhat different programmes, all based on faecal occult
      blood (FOB) screening, have been developed and each has generated similar
      pathological conundra. These include the biopsy diagnosis of adenocarcinoma,
      colorectal serrated pathology, the diagnosis and management of polyp cancers and
      last, but certainly not least, the phenomenon of the large sigmoid colonic
      adenomatous polyp with epithelial misplacement/pseudo-invasion. Polyp cancers
      provide especially difficult management conundra and discussion of that
      management within a multidisciplinary team-based management meeting is regarded
      as essential in the UK. Large adenomatous polyps of the sigmoid colon with
      epithelial misplacement are selected into FOB-based screening programmes and have
      provided extraordinary diagnostic challenges. Finally, the quality assurance
      procedures introduced for screening can ensure a considerable overall improvement
      in the quality of lower gastrointestinal tract pathological reporting. 

PMID- 25123306
TI  - Effects of cortical microstimulation on confidence in a perceptual decision.
AB  - Decisions are often associated with a degree of certainty, or confidence--an
      estimate of the probability that the chosen option will be correct. Recent
      neurophysiological results suggest that the central processing of evidence
      leading to a perceptual decision also establishes a level of confidence. Here we
      provide a causal test of this hypothesis by electrically stimulating areas of the
      visual cortex involved in motion perception. Monkeys discriminated the direction
      of motion in a noisy display and were sometimes allowed to opt out of the
      direction choice if their confidence was low. Microstimulation did not reduce
      overall confidence in the decision but instead altered confidence in a manner
      that mimicked a change in visual motion, plus a small increase in sensory noise.
      The results suggest that the same sensory neural signals support choice, reaction
      time, and confidence in a decision and that artificial manipulation of these
      signals preserves the quantitative relationship between accumulated evidence and
      confidence.

PMID- 25123308
TI  - Separate microcircuit modules of distinct v2a interneurons and motoneurons
      control the speed of locomotion.
AB  - Spinal circuits generate locomotion with variable speed as circumstances demand.
      These circuits have been assumed to convey equal and uniform excitation to all
      motoneurons whose input resistance dictates their activation sequence. However,
      the precise connectivity pattern between excitatory premotor circuits and the
      different motoneuron types has remained unclear. Here, we generate a connectivity
      map in adult zebrafish between the V2a excitatory interneurons and slow,
      intermediate, and fast motoneurons. We show that the locomotor network does not
      consist of a uniform circuit as previously assumed. Instead, it can be
      deconstructed into three separate microcircuit modules with distinct V2a
      interneuron subclasses driving slow, intermediate, or fast motoneurons. This
      modular design enables the increase of locomotor speed by sequentially adding
      microcircuit layers from slow to intermediate and fast. Thus, this principle of
      organization of vertebrate spinal circuits represents an intrinsic mechanism to
      increase the locomotor speed by incrementally engaging different motor units. 

PMID- 25123307
TI  - The crystal structure of netrin-1 in complex with DCC reveals the bifunctionality
      of netrin-1 as a guidance cue.
AB  - Netrin-1 is a guidance cue that can trigger either attraction or repulsion
      effects on migrating axons of neurons, depending on the repertoire of receptors
      available on the growth cone. How a single chemotropic molecule can act in such
      contradictory ways has long been a puzzle at the molecular level. Here we present
      the crystal structure of netrin-1 in complex with the Deleted in Colorectal
      Cancer (DCC) receptor. We show that one netrin-1 molecule can simultaneously bind
      to two DCC molecules through a DCC-specific site and through a unique generic
      receptor binding site, where sulfate ions staple together positively charged
      patches on both DCC and netrin-1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that UNC5A can
      replace DCC on the generic receptor binding site to switch the response from
      attraction to repulsion. We propose that the modularity of binding allows for the
      association of other netrin receptors at the generic binding site, eliciting
      alternative turning responses. 

PMID- 25123309
TI  - Amygdala-dependent fear memory consolidation via miR-34a and Notch signaling.
AB  - Using an array-based approach after auditory fear conditioning and microRNA
      (miRNA) sponge-mediated inhibition, we identified a role for miR-34a within the
      basolateral amygdala (BLA) in fear memory consolidation. Luciferase assays and
      bioinformatics suggested the Notch pathway as a target of miR-34a. mRNA and
      protein levels of Notch receptors and ligands are downregulated in a time- and
      learning-specific manner after fear conditioning in the amygdala. Systemic and
      stereotaxic manipulations of the Notch pathway indicated that Notch signaling in
      the BLA suppresses fear memory consolidation. Impairment of fear memory
      consolidation after inhibition of miR-34a within the BLA is rescued by inhibiting
      Notch signaling. Together, these data suggest that within the BLA, a transient
      decrease in Notch signaling, via miR-34a regulation, is important for the
      consolidation of fear memory. This work expands the idea that developmental
      molecules have roles in adult behavior and that existing interventions targeting
      them hold promise for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. VIDEO ABSTRACT: 

PMID- 25123310
TI  - Long-distance axonal growth from human induced pluripotent stem cells after
      spinal cord injury.
AB  - Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a healthy 86-year-old male were
      differentiated into neural stem cells and grafted into adult immunodeficient rats
      after spinal cord injury. Three months after C5 lateral hemisections, iPSCs
      survived and differentiated into neurons and glia and extended tens of thousands
      of axons from the lesion site over virtually the entire length of the rat CNS.
      These iPSC-derived axons extended through adult white matter of the injured
      spinal cord, frequently penetrating gray matter and forming synapses with rat
      neurons. In turn, host supraspinal motor axons penetrated human iPSC grafts and
      formed synapses. These findings indicate that intrinsic neuronal mechanisms
      readily overcome the inhibitory milieu of the adult injured spinal cord to extend
      many axons over very long distances; these capabilities persist even in neurons
      reprogrammed from very aged human cells. VIDEO ABSTRACT: 

PMID- 25123311
TI  - Network structure within the cerebellar input layer enables lossless sparse
      encoding.
AB  - The synaptic connectivity within neuronal networks is thought to determine the
      information processing they perform, yet network structure-function relationships
      remain poorly understood. By combining quantitative anatomy of the cerebellar
      input layer and information theoretic analysis of network models, we investigated
      how synaptic connectivity affects information transmission and processing.
      Simplified binary models revealed that the synaptic connectivity within
      feedforward networks determines the trade-off between information transmission
      and sparse encoding. Networks with few synaptic connections per neuron and
      network-activity-dependent threshold were optimal for lossless sparse encoding
      over the widest range of input activities. Biologically detailed spiking network
      models with experimentally constrained synaptic conductances and inhibition
      confirmed our analytical predictions. Our results establish that the synaptic
      connectivity within the cerebellar input layer enables efficient lossless sparse
      encoding. Moreover, they provide a functional explanation for why granule cells
      have approximately four dendrites, a feature that has been evolutionarily
      conserved since the appearance of fish. 

PMID- 25123313
TI  - Unique interweaved microtubule scaffold mediates osmosensory transduction via
      physical interaction with TRPV1.
AB  - The electrical activity of mammalian osmosensory neurons (ONs) is increased by
      plasma hypertonicity to command thirst, antidiuretic hormone release, and
      increased sympathetic tone during dehydration. Osmosensory transduction is a
      mechanical process whereby decreases in cell volume cause the activation of
      transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channels to induce
      depolarization and increase spiking activity in ONs. However, it is not known how
      cell shrinking is mechanically coupled to channel activation. Using
      superresolution imaging, we found that ONs are endowed with a uniquely
      interweaved scaffold of microtubules throughout their somata. Microtubules
      physically interact with the C terminus of TRPV1 at the cell surface and provide
      a pushing force that drives channels activation during shrinking. Moreover, we
      found that changes in the density of these interactions can bidirectionally
      modulate osmosensory gain. Microtubules are thus an essential component of the
      vital neuronal mechanotransduction apparatus that allows the brain to monitor and
      correct body hydration. 

PMID- 25123312
TI  - Dnmt3a regulates global gene expression in olfactory sensory neurons and enables
      odorant-induced transcription.
AB  - During differentiation, neurons exhibit a reorganization of DNA modification
      patterns across their genomes. The de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a is
      implicated in this process, but the effects of its absence have not been fully
      characterized in a purified neuronal population. To better understand how DNA
      modifications contribute to neuronal function, we performed a comprehensive
      analysis of the epigenetic and transcriptional landscapes of Dnmt3a-deficient
      mature olfactory sensory neurons (mOSNs), the primary sensory neurons of the
      olfactory epithelium. Dnmt3a is required for both 5-methylcytosine and 5
      hydroxymethylcytosine patterning within accessible genomic regions, including
      hundreds of neurodevelopmental genes and neural enhancers. Loss of Dnmt3a results
      in the global disruption of gene expression via activation of silent genes and
      reduction of mOSN-expressed transcripts. Importantly, the DNA modification state
      and inducibility of odorant-activated genes are markedly impaired in Dnmt3a
      knockouts, suggesting a crucial role for this enzyme in establishing an
      epigenetic landscape compatible with neuronal plasticity. 

PMID- 25123315
TI  - [Pulmonary hypertension in internal medicine].

PMID- 25123316
TI  - [Intervention research in public health. Methodological and legal aspects of
      collective interventions].

PMID- 25123314
TI  - The Drosophila IR20a clade of ionotropic receptors are candidate taste and
      pheromone receptors.
AB  - Insects use taste to evaluate food, hosts, and mates. Drosophila has many
      "orphan" taste neurons that express no known taste receptors. The Ionotropic
      Receptor (IR) superfamily is best known for its role in olfaction, but virtually
      nothing is known about a clade of ~35 members, the IR20a clade. Here, a
      comprehensive analysis of this clade reveals expression in all taste organs of
      the fly. Some members are expressed in orphan taste neurons, whereas others are
      coexpressed with bitter- or sugar-sensing Gustatory receptor (Gr) genes. Analysis
      of the closely related IR52c and IR52d genes reveals signatures of adaptive
      evolution, roles in male mating behavior, and sexually dimorphic expression in
      neurons of the male foreleg, which contacts females during courtship. These
      neurons are activated by conspecific females and contact a neural circuit for
      sexual behavior. Together, these results greatly expand the repertoire of
      candidate taste and pheromone receptors in the fly. 

PMID- 25123317
TI  - [Pulmonary hypertension in chronic respiratory diseases].
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension is frequent in advanced chronic respiratory diseases, with
      an estimated prevalence at the time of pulmonary transplantation of 30-50 % in
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 30-50 % in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
      50 % in combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema, 75 % in sarcoidosis, and more
      than 75 % of cases in pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Histologic
      features include varying degrees of pulmonary arterial remodeling (prominent),
      vascular rarefaction (emphysema), fibrosis or specific involvement of the
      pulmonary arteries (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis,
      lymphangioleiomyomatosis, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis), in situ
      thrombosis, and frequently associated involvement of the pulmonary veins
      (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis). Pulmonary hypertension is usually
      detected using echocardiography with Doppler, however right heart catheterisation
      is required to confirm precapillary pulmonary hypertension defined by pulmonary
      artery pressure >= 25 mm Hg, with pulmonary artery wedge pressure <= 15 mm Hg.
      When present, it is associated with decreased exercise capacity and worse
      mortality. Pulmonary hypertension in chronic respiratory disease is almost
      invariably multifactorial; hypoxia is one of its main determinants, however
      supplemental oxygen therapy rarely reverses pulmonary hypertension. Management of
      pulmonary hypertension in chronic respiratory disease is mostly based on the
      optimal treatment of the underlying disease. Available data do not support the
      use of drug therapies specific for pulmonary hypertension in the setting of
      chronic respiratory diseases, however very few clinical studies have been
      conducted so far specifically in this context.

PMID- 25123318
TI  - Increasing occurrence of choledochal malformations in children: a single-center
      37-year experience from Finland.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Few reports on choledochal malformations (CMs) in European populations
      exist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of pediatric CM patients
      managed in our nationwide referral center for pediatric hepatobiliary surgery
      between 1976 and 2013 (n = 38; 71% females) were reviewed. RESULTS: Over follow
      up time, the relative proportion of fusiform CMs increased significantly (p =
      0.007) and the estimated total incidence rose from 1:128,000 to 1:38,000 (p =
      0.017). Cystic CMs (42%) presented at younger age than fusiform CMs (47%) (0.8
      vs. 4.6 years, p = 0.001). Two-thirds had abdominal pain and half were
      cholestatic at presentation. Pancreatitis had occurred in 16%. In addition to
      ultrasound, 71% underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and 39%
      underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Median CM dilatation
      was 15 (10-28) mm and a 12 (9-13) mm long common pancreaticobiliary channel was
      confirmed in 61%, increasingly during recent years. Intrahepatic biliary tree was
      dilated in 19%, whereas main ducts were dilated in 50%. Apart from two operated
      in the 1970s and one with choledochocele, patients underwent resection of
      extrahepatic bile ducts with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy at age of 4.2 (0.8
      9.2) years. Postoperative bile leakage and hemorrhage required reoperations in
      two. At last follow-up 4.8 (1.3-13.2) years postoperatively, none had dilated
      intrahepatic biliary ducts or elevated plasma bilirubin (5 [3-7] umol/l). Single
      cholangitis episodes had occurred in two, whereas others were asymptomatic.
      CONCLUSION: CM incidence has increased significantly in Finland, being currently
      over threefold higher than previous estimates in the Western world would suggest.
      Removal of the extrahepatic biliary tree with hepaticojejunostomy for type I and
      IV CMs yielded excellent results.

PMID- 25123320
TI  - Narrowing the cystoscopy gap.

PMID- 25123319
TI  - Kinetic and stoichiometric characterization of organoautotrophic growth of
      Ralstonia eutropha on formic acid in fed-batch and continuous cultures.
AB  - Formic acid, acting as both carbon and energy source, is a safe alternative to a
      carbon dioxide, hydrogen and dioxygen mix for studying the conversion of carbon
      through the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle into value-added chemical compounds
      by non-photosynthetic microorganisms. In this work, organoautotrophic growth of
      Ralstonia eutropha on formic acid was studied using an approach combining
      stoichiometric modeling and controlled cultures in bioreactors. A strain deleted
      of its polyhydroxyalkanoate production pathway was used in order to carry out a
      physiological characterization. The maximal growth yield was determined at 0.16
      Cmole Cmole(-1) in a formate-limited continuous culture. The measured yield
      corresponded to 76% to 85% of the theoretical yield (later confirmed in pH
      controlled fed-batch cultures). The stoichiometric study highlighted the
      imbalance between carbon and energy provided by formic acid and explained the low
      growth yields measured. Fed-batch cultures were also used to determine the
      maximum specific growth rate (MUmax  = 0.18 h(-1) ) and to study the impact of
      increasing formic acid concentrations on growth yields. High formic acid
      sensitivity was found in R eutropha since a linear decrease in the biomass yield
      with increasing residual formic acid concentrations was observed between 0 and
      1.5 g l(-1) . 

PMID- 25123321
TI  - Harnessing big data for health care and research: are urologists ready?
AB  - We are at a crossroads in terms of the data we collect and how they are analyzed.
      In health care, big data analytics may uncover associations, patterns, and trends
      with the potential to advance patient care and lower costs. To adapt to this
      approach, urologists will have to ask the right questions. 

PMID- 25123322
TI  - Robotics: Will they give a new kick to single-site surgery?

PMID- 25123323
TI  - The development of prognostic and predictive biomarkers in renal cell cancer are
      not one and the same thing.

PMID- 25123324
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 25123326
TI  - Increasing the sensitivity of endocervical curettings by performing ThinPrep(r)
      Pap on transport container fluid: is diagnostic material going down the drain?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The sensitivity of endocervical curettage (ECC) can be suboptimal
      because of limited epithelial tissue. The false-negative rate for ECC in patients
      with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia involving the endocervical canal has been
      reported to be 45%. ECC samples are transported to pathology in formalin- or
      saline-filled containers; this fluid is discarded after the specimen has been
      submitted. We evaluated the utility of performing liquid-based cytological
      preparations from ECC transport container fluid as a way to increase the
      sensitivity of ECC specimens. METHODS: Consecutive ECC specimens received at one
      of the two participating institutions were selected prospectively. A surgical
      pathology mesh bag was placed over a ThinPrep((r)) CytoLyt((r)) solution
      container, and the specimen was filtered through the bag, collecting the
      transport fluid in the container. The CytoLyt((r)) was processed to obtain a
      container fluid ThinPrep((r)) (CF-TP) liquid-based Papanicolaou (Pap) slide. The
      CF-TP slides were reviewed and the findings were compared with those from the ECC
      and follow-up specimens. RESULTS: The cohort included 53 patients. Discrepancies
      between CF-TP and ECC were seen in 14 of the 53 patients (26%); a more
      significant lesion was identified in CF-TP relative to ECC in 13 of these cases.
      CF-TP diagnosis was confirmed in eight of 11 cases with histological follow-up. A
      positive CF-TP result was confirmed by histology in six of nine cases with
      negative ECC. CONCLUSIONS: Combining the pathological evaluation of ECC specimens
      with liquid-based cytology performed on the transport container fluid can
      increase the diagnostic sensitivity of the ECC procedure for the detection of
      cervical lesions.

PMID- 25123327
TI  - Investigations on a wheat bran biorefinery involving organosolv fractionation and
      enzymatic treatment.
AB  - The present study elucidates the organosolv treatment of wheat bran, the major by
      product of the milling industry. The influence of temperature (160-200 degrees C)
      and ethanol concentration (30-60% (w/w)) at a given process time of 30min was
      investigated. Enzymatic treatments of the organosolv extracts including solid
      residues led to an overall glucose yield of 75%. The conversion of hemicelluloses
      into xylose and arabinose was approximately 60% and 45%, respectively. Proteins
      could be almost completely dissolved, however, practically no free amino acids
      were obtained. Surprisingly, only around 30% of lignin and 65% of minerals were
      dissolved. Severe treatment conditions induced the disintegration of fat into
      glycerol and fatty acids as well as the formation of sugar degradation products.
      During the lignin precipitation step, proteins partially coprecipitated. 

PMID- 25123329
TI  - Normovolemic hemodilution using hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (Voluven) in a
      Jehovah's Witness child requiring cardiopulmonary bypass for ventricular septal
      defect repair.
AB  - Surgical repair of congenital heart disease during cardiopulmonary bypass is
      common, and performing these complicated procedures in the absence of blood
      transfusions is especially challenging. A case of a Jehovah's Witness child who
      underwent surgical repair of a ventricular septal defect utilizing a new
      tetrastarch for autologous normovolemic hemodilution is reported. A successful
      operative repair was achieved without the need for non-autologous blood
      transfusion. 

PMID- 25123328
TI  - Speeded manual responses to unseen visual stimuli in hemianopic patients: what
      kind of blindsight?
AB  - Blindsight, i.e., unconscious visually guided behaviour triggered by stimuli
      presented to a cortically blind hemifield, has been typically found either by
      using direct (forced choice) or indirect (interhemispheric) methods. However, one
      would expect to find blindsight also in fast responses to suddenly appearing
      visual stimuli, a reminiscence of evolutionary ancient adaptive behaviour. In
      this study we provide preliminary evidence of this form of blindsight by using a
      conservative method for assessing blindsight based on a comparison between the
      cumulative probability functions (CPFs) of simple reaction times to blind and
      intact field stimuli. Furthermore, in two patients with blindsight we provided
      evidence that their above-chance unconscious responses were likely to be
      triggered by the intact hemisphere.

PMID- 25123330
TI  - Outbreak of variant hand-foot-and-mouth disease caused by coxsackievirus A6 in
      Auckland, New Zealand.
AB  - Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a common, usually mild childhood illness caused by
      enteroviruses. Over the last five years, coxsackievirus A6 has been identified as
      a causative agent in outbreaks in Europe, South-East Asia and America. It has an
      atypical presentation compared with other enteroviruses, with more widespread
      rash, larger blisters and subsequent skin peeling and/or nail shedding. We give
      the first description of an outbreak of coxsackievirus A6 in New Zealand and how
      health-care communication networks enabled detection of and dissemination of
      information about this emergent strain. 

PMID- 25123331
TI  - Frequency of thrombotic risk factors in Chinese familial Budd-Chiari Syndrome.

PMID- 25123332
TI  - Serum soluble CD40 Ligand levels are associated with severity and mortality of
      brain trauma injury patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum soluble CD40 Ligand (sCD40L) levels, which exhibit
      prothrombotic and proinflammatory properties, have not been studied in patients
      with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thus, the objective of this study was to
      determine whether serum sCD40L levels are associated with severity and mortality
      in patients with severe TBI. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational and
      multicenter study carried out in six Spanish Intensive Care Units. Patients with
      severe TBI defined as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) lower than 9 were included, while
      those with Injury Severity Score (ISS) in non-cranial aspects higher than 9 were
      excluded. Serum levels of sCD40L were measured on the day of TBI. Endpoint was
      established in 30-day mortality. RESULTS: We found higher serum sCD40L levels
      (P<0.001) in non-surviving TBI patients (N=27) than in survivor ones (N=73).
      Logistic regression analysis showed that serum sCD40L levels were associated with
      30-day mortality (OR=1.58; 95% CI=1.12-2.21; P=0.008) controlling for APACHE-II
      score and computer tomography findings. The area under the curve (AUC) for serum
      sCD40L levels as predictor of 30-day mortality was 0.79 (95% CI=0.70-0.86;
      P<0.001). Survival analysis showed that patients with serum sCD40L levels higher
      than 2.11 ng/mL presented increased 30-day mortality than patients with lower
      levels (Hazard ratio=9.0; 95% CI=4.25-19.27; P<0.001). We found an association
      between serum sCD40L levels and APACHE-II (rho=0.33; P=0.001), and GCS score
      (rho=-0.21; P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study
      reporting data on serum sCD40L levels in patients with severe TBI. The most
      relevant and newer findings of our study are that serum sCD40L levels in non
      surviving patients with severe TBI are higher than in surviving ones, and that
      there are an association between serum sCD40L levels and TBI severity and
      mortality.

PMID- 25123334
TI  - High exposure to erlotinib and severe drug-induced interstitial lung disease in
      patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.

PMID- 25123333
TI  - Interval lung cancers not detected on screening chest X-rays: How are they
      different?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
      provides us an opportunity to describe interval lung cancers not detected by
      screening chest X-ray (CXR) compared to screen-detected cancers. METHODS:
      Participants were screened for lung cancer with CXR at baseline and annually for
      two (never smokers) or three (ever smokers) more years. Screen-detected cancers
      were those with a positive CXR and diagnosed within 12 months. Putative interval
      cancers were those with a negative CXR screen but with a diagnosis of lung cancer
      within 12 months. Potential interval cancers were re-reviewed to determine
      whether lung cancer was missed and probably present during the initial
      interpretation or whether the lesion was a "true interval" cancer. RESULTS:
      77,445 participants were randomized to the intervention arm with 70,633 screened.
      Of 5227 positive screens from any screening round, 299 resulted in screen
      detected lung cancers; 151 had potential interval cancers with 127 CXR available
      for re-review. Cancer was probably present in 45/127 (35.4%) at time of
      screening; 82 (64.6%) were "true interval" cancers. Compared to screen-detected
      cancers, true interval cancers were more common among males, persons with <12
      years education and those with a history of smoking. True interval lung cancers
      were more often small cell, 28.1% vs. 7.4%, and less often adenocarcinoma, 25.6%
      vs. 56.2% (p<0.001), more advanced stage IV (30.5% vs. 16.6%, p<0.02), and less
      likely to be in the right upper lobe, 17.1% vs. 36.1% (p<0.02). CONCLUSION: True
      interval lung cancers differ from CXR-screen-detected cancers with regard to
      demographic variables, stage, cell type and location. ClinicalTrials.gov number:
      NCT00002540.

PMID- 25123335
TI  - [Pushing the boundaries: How stereotactic irradiation offers new hope for
      treatment].

PMID- 25123337
TI  - Metabolic syndrome and peripheral arterial disease.

PMID- 25123336
TI  - Analysis in conditional cannabinoid 1 receptor-knockout mice reveals neuronal
      subpopulation-specific effects on epileptogenesis in the kindling paradigm.
AB  - The endocannabinoid system serves as a retrograde negative feedback mechanism. It
      is thought to control neuronal activity in an epileptic neuronal network. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the endocannabinoid and
      endovanilloid systems on both epileptogenesis and ictogenesis. Therefore, we
      modulated the endocannabinoid and endovanilloid systems genetically and
      pharmacologically, and analyzed the subsequent impact on seizure progression in
      the kindling model of temporal lobe epilepsy in mice. In addition, the impact of
      seizures on associated cellular alterations was evaluated. Our principal results
      revealed that the endocannabinoid system affects seizure and afterdischarge
      duration dependent on the neuronal subpopulation being modulated. Genetic
      deletion of CB1-receptors (CB1Rs) from principal neurons of the forebrain and
      pharmacological antagonism with rimonabant (5 mg/kg) caused longer seizure
      duration. Deletion of CB1R from GABAergic forebrain neurons resulted in the
      opposite effect. Along with these findings, the CB1R density was elevated in
      animals with repetitively induced seizures. However, neither genetic nor
      pharmacological interventions had any impact on the development of generalized
      seizures. Other than CB1, genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade with
      SB366791 (1 mg/kg) of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1)
      had no effect on the duration of behavioral or electrographic seizure activity in
      the kindling model. In conclusion, we demonstrate that endocannabinoid, but not
      endovanilloid, signaling affects termination of seizure activity, without
      influencing seizure severity over time. These effects are dependent on the
      neuronal subpopulation. Thus, the data argue that the endocannabinoid system
      plays an active role in seizure termination but does not regulate
      epileptogenesis.

PMID- 25123338
TI  - NK-derived IFN-gamma/IL-4 triggers the sexually disparate polarization of
      macrophages in CVB3-induced myocarditis.
AB  - Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a common etiology of myocarditis with an increased
      morbidity and mortality in males. We previously reported that differential
      polarization of macrophages contributed to sexually dimorphic susceptibility of
      mice to CVB3-induced myocarditis. However, the underlying kinetics, impetus as
      well as the molecular mechanism remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that
      myocardial macrophages started to polarize at as early as day 5 post CVB3
      infection in both genders of BALB/c mice, with M1 phenotype detected in males and
      M2a phenotype in females, and this trend was further amplified at day 7 when
      myocarditis reached peak. In addition, we identified that prevailed IFN-gamma in
      males and dominant IL-4 in females were critical myocardial cytokines for the
      disparate macrophage polarization, which respectively activated JAK1-STAT1 and
      JAK3-STAT6 pathways. Strikingly, we found that the main source of IFN-gamma and
      IL-4 cytokines in both genders were myocardial infiltrating NK cells, which
      differentially secreted cytokines in various microenvironments manifested
      synergistically by sex hormones and CVB3 infection. Consistently, depletion of NK
      cells significantly impeded the myocardial macrophage polarization in both
      genders of CVB3-infected mice. Collectively, these data indicated that myocardial
      NK-derived IFN-gamma/IL-4 was critical for the differential polarization of
      macrophages in CVB3-induced myocarditis via activating JAK1-STAT1 and JAK3-STAT6
      pathways respectively. Our study may help understand the mechanism of sexually
      differential polarization of macrophages and provide clues for the gender bias in
      CVB3-induced myocarditis. 

PMID- 25123339
TI  - The link between pediatric heart failure and mitochondrial lipids.

PMID- 25123340
TI  - Psychometric evaluation of the Marijuana Reduction Strategies Self-Efficacy Scale
      with young recreational marijuana users.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the cue-reactivity and several psychometric
      properties of a questionnaire designed to assess marijuana users' self-efficacy
      to employ 21 specific cognitive-behavioral strategies to reduce their marijuana
      use. METHOD: Using a web-based recruitment and data-collection procedure, 513
      regular marijuana users completed dependent measures following marijuana-related
      or control cue exposure. RESULTS: Although exposure to marijuana-related stimuli
      significantly increased reported craving, mean reduction-strategy self-efficacy
      scores did not differ as a function of cue exposure. Reliability analyses
      supported retaining all 21 items as a single scale. Reduction-strategy self
      efficacy was positively associated with marijuana-refusal self-efficacy and with
      recent past use of reduction strategies, was negatively associated with quantity
      and frequency of marijuana use and marijuana-related problems, and was positively
      but weakly associated with general self-efficacy. The most frequently reported
      strategies that were employed reflected restricting marijuana use to once per
      day, not keeping a large stash available, turning down unwanted hits, and not
      obtaining more marijuana right away if one's supply runs out. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings further support the reliability and validity of the questionnaire when
      administered to a diverse sample of regular marijuana users.

PMID- 25123341
TI  - ADHD as a risk factor for early onset and heightened adult problem severity of
      illicit substance use: an accelerated gateway model.
AB  - The primary aims of the present study were to assess ADHD history as a risk
      factor for earlier initiation and current use of licit and illicit substances
      among a sample of drug using adults. It was hypothesized that ADHD history would
      accelerate the Gateway Theory of drug use. Participants included 941 drug-using
      African American and Caucasian individuals in Baltimore, Maryland. The sample
      consisted of 124 (13.2%) participants who reported a history of ADHD and 817
      (86.8%) who reported no history of ADHD. The accelerated gateway hypothesis was
      supported, as a history of self-reported ADHD was significantly associated with
      younger ages of initiation for alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and cocaine use.
      Participants with a history of ADHD were also more likely to engage in recent HIV
      risk behavior, such as injection drug use and needle sharing. This study provides
      compelling data in support of an accelerated gateway model for substance use
      related to ADHD history and increased problem severity in adulthood. Targeted
      substance use prevention and intervention may be beneficial for those with ADHD.

PMID- 25123342
TI  - It depends on when you ask: motives for using marijuana assessed before versus
      after a marijuana use event.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Marijuana use motives are typically evaluated retrospectively using
      measures that summarize or generalize across episodes of use, which may
      compromise validity. Using Ecological Momentary Assessment data, we examined the
      main reason for a specific marijuana use event measured both prospectively and
      retrospectively. We then determined reason types, event characteristics, and user
      characteristics that predicted change in reason. METHODS: Thirty-six medical
      outpatients age 15 to 24 years who used marijuana two times a week or more used a
      handheld computer to select their main reason for use from the five categories of
      the Marijuana Motives Measure (Simons, Correia, & Carey, 1998) just before and
      after each time they used marijuana over two weeks (n=263 events with
      before/after reason). The reasons were examined individually and according to
      dimensions identified in motivational models of substance use (positive/negative,
      internal/external). RESULTS: The reason assessed before use changed to a
      different reason after use for 20% of events: 10% of events for pleasure; 21%, to
      cope; 35%, to be more social; 55%, to expand my mind; and 100%, to conform. In
      the multivariable model, external and expansion reasons each predicted change in
      reason for use (p<0.0001 and p=0.001, respectively). Youth were also more likely
      to change their reason if older (p=0.04), if male (p=0.02), and with weekend use
      (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Retrospective assessments of event-specific motives for
      marijuana use may be unreliable and therefore invalid for a substantial minority
      of events, particularly if use is for external or expansion reasons.

PMID- 25123343
TI  - Cannabis use and suicidal ideations in high-school students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association of cannabis use and suicidal ideations in adolescents
      has been inconsistent. This discrepancy may reflect differences in controlled
      confounders. In particular, no study has controlled for personality disorder
      traits linked to both cannabis use and suicidality such as borderline and
      psychopathic personality traits. METHOD: Participants were 972 high-school
      students who completed questionnaires assessing cannabis use, suicidal ideations,
      depressive symptoms, social anxiety symptoms, and borderline and psychopathic
      personality traits. RESULTS: Cannabis use was not a significant independent
      predictor of suicidal ideations after adjustment for confounding personality
      traits in the total sample and in the subsample of cannabis users.

PMID- 25123344
TI  - Differences in quit attempts between non-Hispanic Black and White daily smokers:
      the role of smoking motives.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of smoking across racial/ethnic groups has declined
      over the years, yet racial health disparities for smoking persist. Studies
      indicate that non-Hispanic Black smokers attempt to quit smoking more often
      compared to non-Hispanic White smokers but are less successful at doing so.
      Research suggests that motives to quit smoking differ by race, however, less is
      known about the role of motives to smoke in explaining racial differences in
      attempts to quit smoking. METHODS: This study examined whether smoking motives
      accounted for the differential rates in quit attempts between non-Hispanic Black
      (n=155) and non-Hispanic White (n=159) smokers. Data were culled from a larger
      study of heavy-drinking smokers. The Wisconsin Index of Smoking Dependence
      Motives (WISDM) assessed motives to smoke. RESULTS: As expected, Black and White
      smokers reported similar smoking patterns, yet Black smokers reported higher
      rates of failed attempts to quit smoking than White smokers. Findings indicated
      that Black, compared to White, smokers endorsed lower scores in the negative
      reinforcement, positive reinforcement, and taste WISDM subscales and scores in
      these subscales mediated the relationship between race and quit attempts.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, Blacks, compared to Whites, endorsed lower motives to
      smoke, which are generally associated with successful quit attempts, yet they
      experienced more failed attempts to quit smoking. This study demonstrates racial
      health disparities at the level of smoking motives and suggests that Black
      smokers remain vulnerable to failed quit attempts despite reporting lower motives
      to smoke.

PMID- 25123345
TI  - Violent offending severity among injecting drug users: examining risk factors and
      issues around classification.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is a paucity of research as to how injecting drug users (IDU)
      might be differentiated in the severity of their violent offending. This paper
      reported on the risks associated with severity, as well as issues around severity
      classification and the impact on observed relationships with known major risk
      factors. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey administered to 300 IDU, who had
      injected drugs weekly or more in the past 12months. A structured questionnaire
      addresses potential substance use and early-life risk factors for violent
      offending. RESULTS: Four severity groups were identified: non-violent (24%), low
      (34%), moderate (22%) and high (20%) level offenders. Higher severity groups had
      more prevalent and more severe histories of childhood maltreatment, child
      psychopathology and dysfunctional trait personalities, as well as more severe
      substance use problems than low-level and non-violent IDU. Regression analyses
      found that only two of 15 risk factors remained uniformly associated with violent
      offending across the four classification schemes tested: (1) having committed
      violence under the influence and (2) having more impulsive trait personalities.
      CONCLUSIONS: Disaggregating IDU into distinct subgroups showed that the extent
      and severity of predispositional and substance use risk exposure corresponded to
      the severity of violent offending. There is a need to establish a systematic
      method for classifying severity given that there were clinically meaningful
      differences between groups which require further exploration and replication, and
      because there was extensive variation in the risks associated with severity
      across schemes.

PMID- 25123346
TI  - Typology of driving-under-the-influence (DUI) offenders revisited: Inclusion of
      DUI-specific attitudes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Much work remains to improve rehabilitative interventions for driving
      under-the-influence (DUI) offenders. There is heterogeneity of patterns of
      alcohol use, personality, and driving behaviour within DUI offenders, but little
      is known about how their appraisal of DUI differs. This study investigated within
      offender variability in DUI-specific attitudinal variables. METHOD: Convicted
      male DUI offenders (N=219) living in greater Tokyo were interviewed. Cluster
      analysis was undertaken using age, psychological distress, personality trait,
      alcohol use, and attitudes towards DUI. Discriminant function analysis explored
      the relative explanatory power of the grouping variables. RESULT: Many offenders
      reported current excessive alcohol consumption. About 26-36% of the participants
      were potentially alcohol-dependent based on screening instruments/biomarkers.
      Cluster analysis identified five subgroups. The biggest subgroup considered their
      DUI a singular mistake and reported strong self-efficacy for avoiding further DUI
      (clusters 1 and 2). A small subgroup manifested alcohol dependence, psychological
      distress, higher impulsivity, and lower self-efficacy for avoiding DUI (cluster
      3). Another subgroup exhibited a tendency to rationalise DUI, higher likelihood
      of future DUI, and lower self-efficacy for avoiding DUI (cluster 4). Most
      participants in another small subgroup abstained from alcohol use temporarily
      after their convictions (cluster 5). CONCLUSION: The majority of DUI offenders
      regarded their DUI conviction as an exceptional mishap, while they continued
      consuming hazardous amounts of alcohol. DUI-specific attitudinal variables,
      including DUI rationalisation and self-efficacy for avoiding future DUI
      incidents, constituted a distinct aspect of the problem, suggesting the need to
      address this issue in addition to the underlying alcohol use problem.

PMID- 25123347
TI  - Comparing college smokers' and dual users' expectancies towards cigarette
      smoking.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As no agreed upon definition exists for dual use (i.e., individuals
      who concurrently use more than one form of tobacco), this population remains
      largely unstudied in the substance use literature, despite increases in smokeless
      tobacco use among young adults. Individuals 18-25years of age report the highest
      rates of smokeless tobacco use, dual use, and cigarette use. The current study
      compared the smoking outcome expectancies of college student dual users to those
      who reported only smoking cigarettes. METHODS: The Short Form of the Smoking
      Consequences Questionnaire was used to examine potential differences in positive
      or negative expectations regarding cigarette use. RESULTS: Data from this study
      suggest that smokers believe that smoking will lead to greater positive
      consequences ("cigarettes taste good"), negative reinforcement ("cigarettes help
      me deal with anger"), and weight/appetite reduction ("smoking controls my
      appetite") when compared to dual users. Conversely, dual users believed that
      smoking would lead to greater negative consequences (e.g., "smoking is taking
      years off of my life"). DISCUSSION: These results may help to explain why some
      smokers choose not to use smokeless tobacco products for harm reduction or
      smoking cessation purposes, as well as why increases are being observed in
      smokeless tobacco rates among young adults.

PMID- 25123348
TI  - Neurobiological correlates of physical self-concept and self-identification with
      avatars in addicted players of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games
      (MMORPGs).
AB  - AIMS: MMORPG addiction has been associated with self-concept impairments and
      increased identification with the own avatar. Yet, the underlying neurobiological
      mechanisms of self-identification with avatars, especially reflected in the left
      angular gyrus (AG), have only been assessed in regular gamers. Therefore, the
      study aims to examine neurobiological processes in addicted MMORPG players while
      evaluating their own and their personal avatar's body image (physical self
      concept). METHODS: Sixteen addicted and seventeen non-addicted gamers underwent
      functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) while viewing images of themselves,
      their own avatar and unfamiliar persons. The Body Image Questionnaire (FKB-20)
      and Visual Analog Scales (VAS) assessing the degree of attractiveness, sympathy
      and gender identity of the self, of the avatar as well as of the unfamiliar
      persons were applied. RESULTS: Addicts showed a significantly extended negative
      body image and lower gender identity levels as well as decreased bilateral brain
      activations in the AG and the middle occipital gyrus during self-perception. They
      further exhibited higher activations in the left AG during avatar-perception.
      Regression analyses in the overall group and in addicted gamers indicated a
      significant positive correlation between gender identity and brain activation in
      the left AG during self-perception. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm addicted
      MMORPG players to have physical self-concept deficits which may be related to
      hypoactivations in the AG. The findings further indicate addicted gamers to have
      a tendency to identify themselves easier with their own avatar than with their
      real self. Lower gender identity levels might be associated with physical self
      concept deficits in MMORPG addiction.

PMID- 25123349
TI  - Alcohol use, impulsivity, and the non-medical use of prescription stimulants
      among college students.
AB  - The non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) is a growing public health
      concern. College students have been identified as a particularly at risk
      population for engagement in NMUPD. Across all prescription drug classes,
      stimulants show the highest ratio of illicit to medical use and are thus
      important to examine within this population. Emerging research has suggested a
      relationship between the non-medical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS) and
      alcohol use within the college student population. Finally, the construct of
      impulsivity may serve as an additional indicator for students who engage in NMUPS
      as well as those who engage in NMUPS/alcohol co-ingestion. The purpose of this
      paper is to expand on previous prevalence data collected for the past year NMUPS
      and NMUPS/alcohol co-ingestion. Additionally, this paper examines whether those
      who engage in NMUPS or NMUPS/alcohol co-ingestion differ significantly from their
      non-using counterparts on measures of alcohol use, alcohol related negative
      consequences, binge drinking, and impulsivity. Finally, binary logistic
      regression models indicated that increased alcohol use, alcohol related negative
      consequences, and impulsivity all significantly increase the odds of an
      individual engaging in NMUPS or NMUPS/alcohol co-ingestion.

PMID- 25123350
TI  - From hundreds to thousands: Widening the normal human Urinome (1).
AB  - It is currently unknown how many proteins can be detected in urine. Improving the
      analytical approach would increase their number and potentially strengthen their
      predictive potential in diseases. We developed a combination of analytical
      procedures for maximizing sensitivity and reproducibility of normal human urinary
      proteome analysis based on ultracentrifugation, vesicles separation,
      combinatorial peptide ligand libraries (CPLL) and solvent removal of pigments.
      Proteins were identified by an Orbitrap Velos Mass Spectrometry. Overall, 3429
      proteins were characterized: most components (1615) were contained in vesicles
      while the remaining 1794 were equally distributed among CPLL and butanol
      insoluble fractions. Several proteins were detected exclusively in one of the
      phases of the procedure, suggesting that each step is crucial in the
      fractionation strategy. Many (1724) proteins are described here whose presence in
      urine has never been reported and represents a potential source of information
      considering that urine is the unique site of excretion of products of interaction
      of metabolic processes. Improving the characterization of normal urinary proteome
      would also represent the basis for the analysis of urine biomarkers in human
      diseases. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Sub-fractionating normal urine by successive
      steps (vesicle separation, CPLL and solvent treatments) allowed the
      identification of 3429 proteins, a relevant part (1724) being detected for the
      first time in urine. Several proteins of new description have been implicated in
      physiology pathways and in pathologies thus representing a potential source of
      new information on both metabolic processes and diseases.

PMID- 25123351
TI  - Extended bottom-up proteomics with secreted aspartic protease Sap9.
AB  - We investigate the benefits and experimental feasibility of approaches enabling
      the shift from short (1.7 kDa on average) peptides in bottom-up proteomics to
      about twice longer (~3.2 kDa on average) peptides in the so-called extended
      bottom-up proteomics. Candida albicans secreted aspartic protease Sap9 has been
      selected for evaluation as an extended bottom-up proteomic-grade enzyme due to
      its suggested dibasic cleavage specificity and ease of production. We report the
      extensive characterization of Sap9 specificity and selectivity revealing that
      protein cleavage by Sap9 most often occurs in the vicinity of proximal basic
      amino acids, and in select cases also at basic and hydrophobic residues. Sap9 is
      found to cleave a large variety of proteins in a relatively short, ~1 h, period
      of time and it is efficient in a broad pH range, including slightly acidic, e.
      g., pH5.5, conditions. Importantly, the resulting peptide mixtures contain
      representative peptides primarily in the target 3-7 kDa range. The utility and
      advantages of this enzyme in routine analysis of protein mixtures are
      demonstrated and the limitations are discussed. Overall, Sap9 has a potential to
      become an enzyme of choice in an extended bottom-up proteomics, which is
      technically ready to complement the traditional bottom-up proteomics for improved
      targeted protein structural analysis and expanded proteome coverage. BIOLOGICAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: Advances in biological applications of mass spectrometry-based
      bottom-up proteomics are oftentimes limited by the extreme complexity of
      biological samples, e.g., proteomes or protein complexes. One of the reasons for
      it is in the complexity of the mixtures of enzymatically (most often using
      trypsin) produced short (<3 kDa) peptides, which may exceed the analytical
      capabilities of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Information on
      localization of protein modifications may also be affected by the small size of
      typically produced peptides. On the other hand, advances in high-resolution mass
      spectrometry and liquid chromatography have created an intriguing opportunity of
      improving proteome analysis by gradually increasing the size of enzymatically
      derived peptides in MS-based bottom-up proteomics. Bioinformatics has already
      confirmed the envisioned advantages of such approach. The remaining bottle-neck
      is an enzyme that could produce longer peptides. Here, we report on the
      characterization of a possible candidate enzyme, Sap9, which may be considered
      for producing longer, e.g., 3-7 kDa, peptides and lead to a development of
      extended bottom-up proteomics.

PMID- 25123352
TI  - Caries-preventive effectiveness of fluoride varnish as adjunct to oral health
      promotion and supervised tooth brushing in preschool children: a double-blind
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of biannual fluoride varnish applications in
      preschool children as an adjunct to school-based oral health promotion and
      supervised tooth brushing with 1000ppm fluoride toothpaste. METHODS: 424
      preschool children, 2-5 year of age, from 10 different pre schools in Athens were
      invited to this double-blind randomized controlled trial and 328 children
      completed the 2-year programme. All children received oral health education with
      hygiene instructions twice yearly and attended supervised tooth brushing once
      daily. The test group was treated with fluoride varnish (0.9% diflurosilane)
      biannually while the control group had placebo applications. The primary
      endpoints were caries prevalence and increment; secondary outcomes were gingival
      health, mutans streptococci growth and salivary buffer capacity. RESULTS: The
      groups were balanced at baseline and no significant differences in caries
      prevalence or increment were displayed between the groups after 1 and 2 years,
      respectively. There was a reduced number of new pre-cavitated enamel lesions
      during the second year of the study (p=0.05) but the decrease was not
      statistically significant. The secondary endpoints were unaffected by the varnish
      treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Under the present conditions, biannual fluoride varnish
      applications in preschool children did not show significant caries-preventive
      benefits when provided as an adjunct to school-based supervised tooth brushing
      with 1000ppm fluoride toothpaste. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In community based,
      caries prevention programmes, for high caries risk preschool children, a fluoride
      varnish may add little to caries prevention, when 1000ppm fluoride toothpaste is
      used daily.

PMID- 25123353
TI  - ASC, a bioactive steroidal saponin from Ophitopogin japonicas, inhibits
      angiogenesis through interruption of Src tyrosine kinase-dependent matrix
      metalloproteinase pathway.
AB  - As angiogenesis is an important target for antitumour drugs, the agents that
      inhibit angiogenesis may help reduce the use of chemotherapy by blocking tumour
      blood supply. In this study, we investigated a potent angiogenesis inhibitor,
      ASC, a steroidal saponin compound, which has been purified from Ophitopogin
      japonicus (L.f) Ker.-Gawl. Our observations showed that ASC significantly
      suppressed human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) growth both in vitro
      and in vivo. This may be resulted from the G2/M cell cycle arrest effects of ASC.
      Moreover, ASC inhibited HUVECs invasion and tube formation processes, which were
      associated with endothelial cells remodelling. A mechanism study indicated that
      ASC down-regulated the expression of Src tyrosine kinase, further leading to the
      blockage of Akt-dependent matrix metalloproteinases (mainly for MMP-9) signalling
      pathway, which was functionally associated with angiogenic blood vessels.
      Finally, ASC significantly inhibited angiogenesis and MMPs/VEGF expression in the
      subcutaneously injected matrigel in C57/BL mice. These findings suggest that ASC
      might be a potential drug candidate in anti-angiogenesis and anticancer
      therapies. 

PMID- 25123354
TI  - The influence of eating disorders on mothers' sensitivity and adaptation during
      feeding: a longitudinal observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parents with past and current eating disorders (ED) have been shown
      to report troubles nourishing their infants. This could increase the risk of
      infant feeding problems linked to maternal anxiety and depression. It is not
      clear how mothers' eating difficulties before pregnancy and at the time of birth
      can affect infant's feeding. We aimed to specify the impact of eating disorders
      on mothers' adaptation and sensitivity to their offspring during feeding, by
      comparing a population of mothers with eating disorders and controls. METHODS:
      Twenty-eight women agreed to participate in interviews and filmed mother-baby
      interactions. Pregnant women consulting at an obstetric unit for care follow-up
      were screened and tested for symptoms of eating disorders with the EDE-Q
      Questionnaire (Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire) and the EDE Interview
      (Eating Disorders Examination Interview). Infant functional troubles and mothers'
      sensitivity were investigated through the Symptom Check List. Reciprocal
      adaptation during feeding with their new-borns was filmed and analysed with the
      Chatoor Infant Feeding Scale. Before pregnancy, two women suffered from anorexia,
      three suffered from bulimia, three had binge eating symptoms and two were
      diagnosed with EDNOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified). RESULTS: Mothers
      suffering from ED tended to show more difficult interactive patterns in terms of
      dyadic reciprocity when feeding their babies compared with mothers with no
      symptoms of eating disorders. In the interviews, other than the behavioural data
      gathered, ED mothers expressed feeling more dissatisfaction and uneasiness during
      feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy seems to be an useful period for interviewing
      women on eating disorders, allowing for the design and implementation of
      prevention programmes based on mothers' narratives and infant/mother observations
      and treatment.

PMID- 25123355
TI  - Intracolonial genetic variation affects reproductive skew and colony productivity
      during colony foundation in a parthenogenetic termite.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In insect societies, intracolonial genetic variation is predicted to
      affect both colony efficiency and reproductive skew. However, because the effects
      of genetic variation on these two colony characteristics have been tested
      independently, it remains unclear whether they are affected by genetic variation
      independently or in a related manner. Here we test the effect of genetic
      variation on colony efficiency and reproductive skew in a rhinotermitid termite,
      Reticulitermes speratus, a species in which female-female pairs can facultatively
      found colonies. We established colonies using two types of female-female pairs:
      colonies founded by sisters (i.e., sister-pair colonies) and those founded by
      females from different colonies (i.e., unrelated-pair colonies). Colony growth
      and reproductive skew were then compared between the two types of incipient
      colonies. RESULTS: At 15 months after colony foundation, unrelated-pair colonies
      were larger than sister-pair colonies, although the caste ratio between workers
      and nymphs, which were alternatively differentiated from young larvae, did not
      differ significantly. Microsatellite DNA analyses of both founders and their
      parthenogenetically produced offspring indicated that, in both sister-pair and
      unrelated-pair colonies, there was no significant skew in the production of eggs,
      larvae, workers and soldiers. Nymph production, however, was significantly more
      skewed in the sister-pair colonies than in unrelated-pair colonies. Because
      nymphs can develop into winged adults (alates) or nymphoid reproductives, they
      have a higher chance of direct reproduction than workers in this species.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the idea that higher genetic variation among
      colony members could provide an increase in colony productivity, as shown in
      hymenopteran social insects. Moreover, this study suggests that low genetic
      variation (high relatedness) between founding females increases reproductive skew
      via one female preferentially channeling her relatives along the reproductive
      track. This study thus demonstrated that, in social insects, intracolonial
      genetic variation can simultaneously affect both colony efficiency and
      reproductive skew.

PMID- 25123356
TI  - Self-adhesive epidermal carbon nanotube electronics for tether-free long-term
      continuous recording of biosignals.
AB  - The long-term, continuous, inconspicuous, and noiseless monitoring of
      bioelectrical signals is critical to the early diagnosis of disease and
      monitoring health and wellbeing. However, it is a major challenge to record the
      bioelectrical signals of patients going about their daily lives because of the
      difficulties of integrating skin-like conducting materials, the measuring system,
      and medical technologies in a single platform. In this study, we developed a thin
      epidermis-like electronics that is capable of repeated self-adhesion onto skin,
      integration with commercial electronic components through soldering, and
      conformal contact without serious motion artifacts. Using well-mixed carbon
      nanotubes and adhesive polydimethylsiloxane, we fabricated an epidermal carbon
      nanotube electronics which maintains excellent conformal contact even within
      wrinkles in skin, and can be used to record electrocardiogram signals robustly.
      The electrode is biocompatible and can even be operated in water, which means
      patients can live normal lives despite wearing a complicated recording system. 

PMID- 25123358
TI  - Unilateral ear and temporomandibular joint discomfort.

PMID- 25123357
TI  - Re-irradiation of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme using 11C-methionine
      PET/CT/MRI image fusion for hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy by
      intensity modulated radiation therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This research paper presents a valid treatment strategy for recurrent
      glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) using hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy by
      intensity modulated radiation therapy (HS-IMRT) planned with 11C-methionine
      positron emission tomography (MET-PET)/computed tomography (CT)/magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) fusion. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with recurrent GBM
      received HS-IMRT planned by MET-PET/CT/MRI. The region of increased amino acid
      tracer uptake on MET-PET was defined as the gross tumor volume (GTV). The
      planning target volume encompassed the GTV by a 3-mm margin. Treatment was
      performed with a total dose of 25- to 35-Gy, given as 5- to 7-Gy daily for 5
      days. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 12 months, median overall survival time
      (OS) was 11 months from the start of HS-IMRT, with a 6-month and 1-year survival
      rate of 71.4% and 38.1%, respectively. Karnofsky performance status was a
      significant prognostic factor of OS as tested by univariate and multivariate
      analysis. Re-operation rate was 4.8% for radiation necrosis. No other acute or
      late toxicity Grade 3 or higher was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first
      prospective study of biologic imaging optimized HS-IMRT in recurrent GBM. HS-IMRT
      with PET data seems to be well tolerated and resulted in a median survival time
      of 11 months after HS-IMRT.

PMID- 25123359
TI  - Reduction in C-terminal amidated species of recombinant monoclonal antibodies by
      genetic modification of CHO cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During development of recombinant monoclonal antibodies in Chinese
      hamster ovary (CHO) cells, C-terminal amidated species are observed. C-terminal
      amidation is catalysed by peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), an
      enzyme known to be expressed in CHO cells. The significant variations between
      clones during clone selection, and the relatively high content of amidated
      species (up to 15%) in comparison to reference material (4%), led us to develop a
      cell line with reduced production of C-terminal amidated monoclonal antibodies
      using genetic manipulation. RESULTS: Initial target validation was performed
      using the RNA interference approach against PAM, which resulted in a CHO cell
      line with C-terminal amidation decreased to 3%. Due to the transient effects of
      small-interfering RNAs, and possible stability problems using short-hairpin RNAs,
      we knocked-down the PAM gene using zinc finger nucleases. Plasmid DNA and mRNA
      for zinc finger nucleases were used to generate a PAM knock-out, which resulted
      in two CHO cell lines with C-terminal amidation decreased to 6%, in CHO Der2 and
      CHO Der3 cells. CONCLUSION: Two genetically modified cell lines were generated
      using a zinc finger nuclease approach to decrease C-terminal amidation on
      recombinant monoclonal antibodies. These two cell lines now represent a pool from
      which the candidate clone with the highest comparability to the reference
      molecule can be selected, for production of high-quality and safe therapeutics.

PMID- 25123360
TI  - Understanding the experience of myotonic dystrophy. Mixed method study.
AB  - Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a progressive multi-systemic disorder characterized by
      myotonia and muscle weakness where currently no effective treatment or cure to
      prevent or delay the disorder exists. This study used mixed methods to examine
      the experience of living with DM, in patients and their close relatives. Thirteen
      patients and eight next of kin responded completing Quality of Life and
      Psychological distress questionnaires in this cross-sectional study, and
      participating in a semi-structured interview. The findings indicate a higher
      level of anxiety and hopelessness in next of kin compared to patients, while
      patients were more depressed. Next of kin reported higher physical, but lower
      emotional quality of life than patients. Qualitative interviews confirmed the
      questionnaire findings. The findings from this study may be helpful in genetic
      counseling. Genetic counselors and geneticists should not only be aware of the
      burden of being a next of kin, but include discussions about opportunities to
      minimize the burden in families affected with DM. The findings may be of
      relevance in counseling for other types of neuromuscular disorders.

PMID- 25123362
TI  - Enhanced bioconversion of ethylene glycol to glycolic acid by a newly isolated
      Burkholderia sp. EG13.
AB  - Burkholderia sp. EG13 with high ethylene glycol-oxidizing activity was isolated
      from soil, which could be used for the synthesis of glycolic acid from the
      oxidation of ethylene glycol. Using the resting cells of Burkholderia sp. EG13 as
      biocatalysts, the optimum reaction temperature and pH were 30  degrees C and 6.0,
      respectively. After 24 h of biotransformation, the yield of glycolic acid from
      200 mM ethylene glycol was 98.8 %. Furthermore, an integrated bioprocess for the
      production of glycolic acid which involved in situ product removal (ISPR) was
      investigated. Using fed-batch method with ISPR, a total of 793 mM glycolic acid
      has been accumulated in the reaction mixture after the 4th feed. 

PMID- 25123361
TI  - Tracing the emergence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a
      Taiwanese hospital by evaluating the presence of integron gene intI1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Changhua County, Taiwan, the number of clinical Acinetobacter
      baumannii isolates has risen since 2002, and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter
      baumannii (MDRAB) has spread rapidly throughout Taiwan. In this study, to reveal
      the mechanism involved with the rapid dissemination of MDRAB emergence, the
      utility of the class 1 integron, intI1 integrase gene, as an MDRAB-associated
      biomarker was examined. A cross-sectional, clinical epidemiological study was
      performed at Changhua Christian Hospital between January 1st, 2001 and December
      31st, 2004. Besides the existence of intI1 gene was examined, the pulse-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE) was also performed to determine the epidemiological
      characteristics of the isolates. FINDINGS: The overall hospital infection rate
      was 5-6%, while the infection rate of the intensive care unit (ICU) fluctuated.
      No positive correlation was observed between MDRAB isolates and the presence of
      intI1 (r = 0.168, P = 0.254). Additionally, no positive correlation was observed
      between the infection rate in the ICU and the presence of intI1 (r = -0.107, P =
      0.468) or between the hospital infection rate and the presence of intI1 (r = 
      0.189, P = 0.199). However, two predominant clones among the MDRAB isolates were
      identified by PFGE. CONCLUSIONS: Although the presence of the intI1 gene does not
      seem suitable for tracing MDRAB emergence in Changhua County, two predominant
      clones were identified by PFGE, and subsequent studies to identify whether these
      clones were responsible for original nosocomial infection are needed.

PMID- 25123363
TI  - High overexpression and purification of optimized bacterio-opsin from
      Halobacterium Salinarum R1 in E. coli.
AB  - The purple membrane of Halobacterium Salinarum carries out a protein,
      bacteriorhodopsin (bR), which is a model for structure-function studies of
      membrane proteins. The heterologous expression of integral membrane proteins
      (IMPS) is difficult. In this study, we reported the heterologous overexpression
      of bacterio-opsin (bO) in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Bacterio-opsin expression
      is facilitated by using mistic, a membrane protein from Bacillus subtilis in E.
      coli BL21 (DE3) membranes. The optimized bO gene was cloned in fusion to the C
      terminus of mistic in pET 30a (+) and contains an oct-histidine in C-terminal to
      facilitate purification. Different medium, temperature, and induction time were
      used to optimize protein overexpression. The highest expression was obtained from
      the Terrific Broth (TB) medium at 18  degrees C with an IPTG concentration of 0.1
      mM. The final purified bR was 192 +/- 1 mg/L which has an important value for the
      production of membrane proteins in E. coli. 

PMID- 25123364
TI  - Improved pretreatment process using an electron beam for optimization of glucose
      yield with high selectivity.
AB  - In this study, electron beam irradiation (EBI) assisted by a dilute acid
      pretreatment process was investigated to improve the glucose yield and show high
      selectivity in the enzymatic hydrolysis of rice straw. In the first step, EBI of
      rice straw was performed at various doses ranging from 50 to 500 kGy. The
      electron beam-irradiated rice straw was then autoclaved with 3 % dilute acid at
      120  degrees C for 1 h. The pretreated rice straw was finally subjected to
      enzymatic hydrolysis at 50  degrees C for 24, 48, and 72 h by 70 filter paper
      units (FPU)/mL cellulase and 40 cellobiose units (CbU)/mL glucosidase. Glucose
      was obtained with a very high selectivity of 92.7 % and a total sugar yield of 80
      % from pretreated rice straw after 72 h of enzymatic hydrolysis. 

PMID- 25123365
TI  - Temperature Dependence of the Complexation Mechanism of Celecoxib and Hydroxyl
      beta-cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solution.
AB  - Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) is commonly used as a complexation
      reagent to solubilize compounds with poor aqueous solubility to improve in vivo
      dosing. However, the degree of solubility enhancement was often limited by the
      formation of only a 1:1 complex and a low complexation constant (K). Such a
      limitation can be significantly improved by the formation of 1:2 complexes in
      some cases. Despite the understanding of the solubility advantage of the
      formation of the 1:2 complexes, there is no systematic understanding that could
      drive for the formation of 1:2 complexes. Thus, in most cases, the formation of
      1:2 complexes was limited by observation bases. In this study, we pioneer the
      usages of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to understand the phenomena of a
      model drug of celecoxib (CCB) and HP-beta-CD. It has been reported that celecoxib
      (CCB) forms 1:1 complexes with cyclodextrin in solution; however, some data
      suggest the existence of a 1:2 complex. The simulation results suggest that a
      transition state of CCB and HP-beta-CD may exit at a higher temperature of CCB
      and HP-beta-CD; a model drug, such as celecoxib (CCB), that is known to form 1:1
      complexes can achieve a higher degree of complexation (1:2) and obtain much
      improved solubility when the same amount of cyclodextrin was used and
      demonstrated in vitro. The simulation results of CCB and HP-beta-CD could be a
      model system that may provide important insights into the inclusion mechanism. 

PMID- 25123367
TI  - [Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis].
AB  - Hereditary amyloidosis is an autosomal dominant fatal multisystem disease caused
      by extracellular deposition of misfolded proteins and, therefore represents a
      hereditary protein folding or deposition disease that leads to progressive organ
      damage and eventually death. In most instances mutations within the transthyretin
      gene are the underlying cause. The main manifestation is a rapidly progressing
      axonal sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy (familial amyloid
      polyneuropathy, FAP). Cardiac involvement is frequent in FAP and additional
      manifestations include the gastrointestinal tract and the eyes. A second
      manifestation type is cardiomyopathy with little or no polyneuropathy (familial
      amyloid cardiomyopathy, FAC). For therapy, orthotopic liver transplantation has
      been established for 25 years. Recently, the oral agent tafamidis, a
      transthyretin stabilizer, was licensed for treatment of stage 1 polyneuropathy.
      Additional treatment options are currently being studied. 

PMID- 25123368
TI  - [Spirituality in schizophrenic diseases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate different dimensions of
      religiosity and spirituality among schizophrenic inpatients (F 2x) compared to
      addiction patients (F 10.2, F 19.2) and to healthy controls. In addition the
      dimensions of religious and spiritual well-being were examined and related to
      different parameters of mental illness. METHOD: The group of schizophrenic
      patients (n = 39) was compared to a group of addiction patients (n = 33) and a
      healthy control group (n = 38) by means of the multidimensional inventory for
      religious/spiritual well-being (MI-RSWB). Additionally, dimensions of RSWB were
      related to the Beck depression inventory (BDI) and the brief symptom inventory
      (BSI) in the group of schizophrenic patients. RESULTS: The group of schizophrenic
      patients did not differ from the addiction patients or from the healthy controls
      in the RSWB dimensions, except for the hope transcendent sub-dimension.
      Furthermore, dimensions of RSWB turned out to be negatively correlated with the
      severity of psychiatric symptoms (BDI and BSI). CONCLUSION: As assumed a positive
      relationship between RSWB and subjective well-being can be confirmed also for the
      group of schizophrenic patients. Existentially oriented dimensions such as hope
      and forgiveness might be specifically relevant for the group of schizophrenics.

PMID- 25123366
TI  - [Neurobiology of schizophrenia: new findings from the structure to the
      molecules].
AB  - During recent years improved methods in neuroimaging, molecular biology and
      genetics contributed to new insights into the neurobiology of schizophrenia. This
      review summarizes and discusses current findings and their impact on the
      pathophysiology of the disease. New magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based
      methods allow investigation of small subregions of the hippocampus and structural
      and functional connectivity analyses using multimodal imaging approaches. Volume
      deficits are correlated with MRI spectroscopy based data of the glutamatergic and
      GABAergic systems and confirm the glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia. Due to
      detailed clinical investigations, the association between brain imaging, symptom
      dimensions and cognitive deficits are becoming more evident. Genome-wide
      microarray assessments facilitate more detailed analyses of groups of
      differentially expressed genes and will advance with the application of next
      generation sequencing (NGS) and the development of inducible pluripotent stem
      cells. To date a multitude of new risk genes have been detected due to genome
      wide association studies, each with a small effect. Future challenges encompass
      the identification of their neurobiological function and impact on neuroplastic
      processes, brain structure and function. Based on such information, the
      development of innovative risk-based therapy strategies is to be expected.

PMID- 25123369
TI  - Model selection in historical biogeography reveals that founder-event speciation
      is a crucial process in Island Clades.
AB  - Founder-event speciation, where a rare jump dispersal event founds a new
      genetically isolated lineage, has long been considered crucial by many historical
      biogeographers, but its importance is disputed within the vicariance school.
      Probabilistic modeling of geographic range evolution creates the potential to
      test different biogeographical models against data using standard statistical
      model choice procedures, as long as multiple models are available. I re-implement
      the Dispersal-Extinction-Cladogenesis (DEC) model of LAGRANGE in the R package
      BioGeoBEARS, and modify it to create a new model, DEC + J, which adds founder
      event speciation, the importance of which is governed by a new free parameter,
      [Formula: see text]. The identifiability of DEC and DEC + J is tested on data
      sets simulated under a wide range of macroevolutionary models where geography
      evolves jointly with lineage birth/death events. The results confirm that DEC and
      DEC + J are identifiable even though these models ignore the fact that molecular
      phylogenies are missing many cladogenesis and extinction events. The simulations
      also indicate that DEC will have substantially increased errors in ancestral
      range estimation and parameter inference when the true model includes + J. DEC
      and DEC + J are compared on 13 empirical data sets drawn from studies of island
      clades. Likelihood-ratio tests indicate that all clades reject DEC, and AICc
      model weights show large to overwhelming support for DEC + J, for the first time
      verifying the importance of founder-event speciation in island clades via
      statistical model choice. Under DEC + J, ancestral nodes are usually estimated to
      have ranges occupying only one island, rather than the widespread ancestors often
      favored by DEC. These results indicate that the assumptions of historical
      biogeography models can have large impacts on inference and require testing and
      comparison with statistical methods. 

PMID- 25123371
TI  - Distal bypasses in patients with diabetes and infrapopliteal disease: technical
      considerations to achieve success.
AB  - The combination of diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is challenging
      in many ways. The characteristic and complex distal distribution of PAD often
      encountered in patients with diabetes means that bypass surgery in this context
      is technically challenging. In addition, many of these patients have a burden of
      serious comorbidities that must be optimized and managed concurrently. While the
      authors acknowledge that "achieving success" in distal bypass relies on much more
      than technical expertise, there are some technical aspects that should be
      considered when planning surgery on these patients. This article outlines some
      important issues in the treatment pathway of a patient with diabetes and PAD
      requiring distal bypass surgery--from selection and optimization of the patient
      (in the context of a multidisciplinary team) and preoperative workup, to the
      operative strategy planning, technical tips, and nonoperative adjuncts. These
      considerations, as well as sound knowledge of the underlying disease process,
      confounding medical factors and awareness of the difficulty in predicting
      treatment outcomes, should help maximize the chances of success.

PMID- 25123372
TI  - Do you want to organize a multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic? We can help.
AB  - The diabetic foot (DF) is a complex pathology involving the lower limb of 8 to 10
      million people around the world, and its prevalence is rising, creating a
      dramatic need for effective therapeutic answers. The multidisciplinary DF clinic
      has been proposed as a model to fight this complication from the International
      Working Group on Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) inside a more articulated 3-level
      organization strategy. The organization and technical aspects of this strategy,
      together with the characteristics of each of the 3 levels have been analyzed and
      described in the article, together with the aims and limitations of each of the
      levels to cope with a 3-dimensional pathology involving systemic, local, and
      logistic aspects. The implementation of this model in Europe produced positive
      results measured so far in at least 2 nationwide experiences, in Germany and in
      Italy, and it should be taken in account whenever health policies apply to the DF
      issue. 

PMID- 25123370
TI  - The cereal starch endosperm development and its relationship with other endosperm
      tissues and embryo.
AB  - The cereal starch endosperm is the central part of endosperm, and it is rich in
      starch and protein which are the important resources for human food. The starch
      and protein are separately accumulated in starch granules and protein bodies.
      Content and configuration of starch granules and protein bodies affect the
      quality of the starch endosperm. The development of starch endosperm is mediated
      by genes, enzymes, and hormones, and it also has a close relationship with other
      endosperm tissues and embryo. This paper reviews the latest investigations on the
      starch endosperm and will provide some useful information for the future
      researches on the development of cereal endosperm. 

PMID- 25123373
TI  - Confronting a dramatic situation: the charcot foot complicated by osteomyelitis.
AB  - Charcot osteoarthropathy is a serious complication of diabetic neuropathy. Its
      prevalence in the diabetic population varies in the literature in relation to
      certain variables, such as the method of assessment, clinical or instrumental;
      the population studied; and the scope of the selection. This article is intended
      as a review of the recent literature concerning Charcot osteoarthropathy in its
      evolution and complications characterized by the development of ulceration and
      subsequent bone infection. Diagnosis and treatment strategies--either medical or
      surgical--are discussed both for Charcot arthropathy and osteomyelitis.

PMID- 25123374
TI  - Atraumatic intubation: experience using a 5.0 endotracheal tube without a stylet
      for laryngeal surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Vocal fold injury is a well-know complication of
      intubation, with rates reported as high as 69%. Laryngology textbooks recommend
      the use of a small endotracheal tube (ETT) to help avoid these complications and
      optimize visualization. Case reports have suggested that the rigid stylet can
      lead to laryngeal injury. Given the additional risks, intubation without the
      stylet is our preferred practice. There is limited documentation in the
      literature regarding this viewpoint. Our study investigated the feasibility of
      and potential barriers to intubation using 5.0 ETT without a stylet. STUDY
      DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients undergoing
      laryngeal surgery were recruited for intubation with a 5.0 ETT without a stylet.
      Demographic data, specialty and training level of the intubator, and factors that
      would predict a difficult intubation were recorded. Descriptive statistical
      analysis was performed. RESULTS: Findings of the participants (n = 67) included
      average American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status
      classification (2.2), average Mallampati score (1.7), average Cormack-Lehane
      grade (1.5), and average body mass index (28.0). Five patients (7.4%) required
      intubation using a stylet, and one of these five participants was intubated
      initially with a stylet. Of these five participants, 80% required use of a
      GlideScope (P < .001), and they had significantly higher ASA classification (P =
      .047) and number of intubation attempts (P = .042). One patient sustained an
      oropharyngeal injury during intubation with a stylet. No participants had
      laryngeal injury. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients can be intubated successfully using
      a 5.0 ETT without a stylet. There were no cases of laryngeal trauma with this
      technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

PMID- 25123375
TI  - A commercially available preparation of Staphylococcus aureus bio-products
      potently inhibits tumour growth in a murine model of mesothelioma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer with a rising
      global incidence. Intrapleural delivery of a commercially available compound made
      up of proteins produced by Staphylococcus aureus has been used clinically to
      induce pleurodesis. We investigate if this bacterial compound has anti-tumoural
      activities against pleural malignancies, in addition to its pleurodesing effect.
      METHODS: The effects of the treatment on mesothelioma cells were evaluated in
      vitro and further tested in two validated murine models. RESULTS: This S. aureus
      bio-product mixture effectively kills mesothelioma cells and induces the release
      of interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 and vascular
      endothelial growth factor from primary human mesothelial cells but not malignant
      pleural mesothelioma cells in vitro. Intratumoural delivery of the treatment in
      BALB/c mice induced tumour necrosis and local activation of T cells. Tumour
      growth was significantly inhibited in the treatment group during and after the
      treatment period (size of tumour 58.8 +/- 10.3 mm(2) vs 118.3 +/- 6.7 mm(2) from
      saline controls at day 23, n = 9-12 per group), P < 0.001. Tumour growth resumed
      on cessation of treatment, confirming the inhibition was treatment related.
      Treatment benefits were further validated in an orthotopic peritoneal model of
      mesothelioma and the compound significantly reduced the mesothelioma load (P <
      0.05 vs saline controls). Mice in the treatment group had a significant increase
      in the percentage of activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in tumour-draining lymph
      nodes. No histological side-effects were observed with the treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-principle study demonstrates promising antitumoural
      activity of a commercially available compound of S. aureus bio-products against
      mesothelioma.

PMID- 25123376
TI  - Porous polymers based on aryleneethynylene building blocks.
AB  - Porous conjugated polymers are synthesized by metal-catalyzed coupling reactions.
      The progress for porous polymers when planar or tetrahedral building blocks are
      connected by alkyne units into novel materials is highlighted. The most prominent
      reaction for the buildup of the microporous alkyne-bridged polymers is the
      Sonogashira reaction, connecting alkynes to aromatic iodides or bromides. The
      availability of the building blocks and the potency of the Sonogashira reaction
      allow preparing a large variety of intrinsically porous polymeric materials, in
      which rigid struts connect multipronged centers. The microporous polymers are
      used as catalysts and as storage materials for gases and sensors.
      Postfunctionalization schemes, understanding of structure-property relationships,
      and the quest for high porosity are pertinent. 

PMID- 25123377
TI  - Neurophysiological correlates of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
      sessions: preliminary evidence for traumatic memories integration.
AB  - We have investigated the potential role of eye movement desensitization and
      reprocessing (EMDR) in enhancing the integration of traumatic memories by
      measuring EEG coherence, power spectra and autonomic variables before (pre-EMDR)
      and after (post-EMDR) EMDR sessions during the recall of patient's traumatic
      memory. Thirteen EMDR sessions of six patients with post-traumatic stress
      disorder were recorded. EEG analyses were conducted by means of the standardized
      Low Resolution Electric Tomography (sLORETA) software. Power spectra, EEG
      coherence and heart rate variability (HRV) were compared between pre- and post
      EMDR sessions. After EMDR, we observed a significant increase of alpha power in
      the left inferior temporal gyrus (T = 3.879; P = 0.041) and an increased EEG
      coherence in beta band between C3 and T5 electrodes (T = 6.358; P < 0.001).
      Furthermore, a significant increase of HRV in the post-EMDR sessions was also
      observed (pre-EMDR: 6.38 +/- 6.83; post-EMDR: 2.46 +/- 2.95; U-Test = 45, P =
      0.043). Finally, the values of lagged coherence were negatively associated with
      subjective units of disturbance (r(24) = -0.44, P < 0.05) and positively
      associated with parasympathetic activity (r(24) = 0.40, P < 0.05). Our results
      suggest that EMDR leads to an integration of dissociated aspects of traumatic
      memories and, consequently, a decrease of hyperarousal symptoms [Correction made
      here after initial publication].

PMID- 25123378
TI  - Long term follow-up of four patients with Keutel syndrome.
AB  - Keutel syndrome (KS) [OMIM 245150] is an autosomal recessive hereditary syndrome
      characterized by multiple peripheral pulmonary stenoses (PPS),
      brachytelephalangia, inner ear deafness, and abnormal cartilage ossification or
      calcification. Mutations in the matrix Gla protein (MGP) gene have been reported
      in different unrelated families with KS previously. MGP is an extracellular
      matrix protein and calcification inhibitor; mutations in its encoding gene result
      in cartilage ossification or calcification, the main presenting feature of KS.
      This report describes the findings of four sisters with KS born to consanguineous
      parents were followed for 26 years in an irregular fashion. During follow-up of
      the patients over the years the complications appear to be mostly involving the
      respiratory system. Permanent skin rashes, papillary microcarcinoma of the
      thyroid, asthma, massive bullous pulmonary emphysema, severe systemic arterial
      hypertension, and short term memory loss were observed during long term follow
      up. The fertility status of the patients were also observed and infertility was
      observed in one of three married patients.

PMID- 25123379
TI  - Incidence of and risk factors for incisional hernia after abdominal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few larger studies have estimated the incidence of incisional hernia
      (IH) after abdominal surgery. METHODS: Patients who had abdominal surgery between
      November 2009 and February 2011 were included in the study. The incidence rate
      and risk factors for IH were monitored for at least 180  days. RESULTS: A total
      of 4305 consecutive patients were registered. Of these, 378 were excluded because
      of failure to complete follow-up and 3927 patients were analysed. IH was
      diagnosed in 318 patients. The estimated incidence rates for IH were 5.2 per cent
      at 12  months and 10.3 per cent at 24 months. In multivariable analysis, wound
      classification III and IV (hazard ratio (HR) 2.26, 95 per cent confidence
      interval 1.52 to 3.35), body mass index of 25 kg/m(2) or higher (HR 1.76, 1.35 to
      2.30), midline incision (HR 1.74, 1.28 to 2.38), incisional surgical-site
      infection (I-SSI) (HR 1.68, 1.24 to 2.28), preoperative chemotherapy (HR 1.61,
      1.08 to 2.37), blood transfusion (HR 1.46, 1.04 to 2.05), increasing age by 10
      year interval (HR 1.30, 1.16 to 1.45), female sex (HR 1.26, 1.01 to 1.59) and
      thickness of subcutaneous tissue for every 1-cm increase (HR 1.18, 1.03 to 1.35)
      were identified as independent risk factors. Compared with superficial I-SSI,
      deep I-SSI was more strongly associated with the development of IH. CONCLUSION:
      Although there are several risk factors for IH, reducing I-SSI is an important
      step in the prevention of IH. REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000004723 (University
      Hospital Medical Information Network, http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm).

PMID- 25123380
TI  - Mothering, fathering, and the regulation of negative and positive emotions in
      high-functioning preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit difficulties in
      regulating emotions and authors have called to study the specific processes
      underpinning emotion regulation (ER) in ASD. Yet, little observational research
      examined the strategies preschoolers with ASD use to regulate negative and
      positive emotions in the presence of their mothers and fathers. METHODS: Forty
      preschoolers with ASD and 40 matched typically developing children and their
      mothers and fathers participated. Families were visited twice for identical
      battery of paradigms with mother or father. Parent-child interactions were coded
      for parent and child behaviors and children engaged in ER paradigms eliciting
      negative (fear) and positive (joy) emotions with each parent. ER paradigms were
      microcoded for negative and positive emotionality, ER strategies, and parent
      regulation facilitation. RESULTS: During free play, mothers' and fathers'
      sensitivity and warm discipline were comparable across groups; however, children
      with ASD displayed lower positive engagement and higher withdrawal. During ER
      paradigms, children with ASD expressed less positive emotionality overall and
      more negative emotionality during fear with father. Children with ASD used more
      simple self-regulatory strategies, particularly during fear, but expressed
      comparable levels of assistance seeking behavior toward mother and father in
      negative and positive contexts. Parents of children with ASD used less complex
      regulation facilitation strategies, including cognitive reappraisal and emotional
      reframing, and employed simple tactics, such as physical comforting to manage
      fear and social gaze to maintain joy. CONCLUSION: Findings describe general and
      parent- and emotion-specific processes of child ER and parent regulation
      facilitation in preschoolers with ASD. Results underscore the ability of such
      children to seek parental assistance during moments of high arousal and the
      parents' sensitive adaptation to their children's needs. Reduced positive
      emotionality, rather than increased negative reactivity and self-regulatory
      efforts, emerges as the consistent element associated with ER processes in this
      group.

PMID- 25123381
TI  - Clinical evidence and bioinformatics characterization of potential hepatitis C
      virus resistance pathways for sofosbuvir.
AB  - Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi, SOF) is a nucleotide analog prodrug that targets the
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B) polymerase and inhibits
      viral replication. High sustained virological response rates are achieved when
      SOF is used in combination with ribavirin with or without pegylated interferon in
      subjects with chronic HCV infection. Potential mechanisms of HCV resistance to
      SOF and other nucleos(t)ide analog NS5B polymerase inhibitors are not well
      understood. SOF was the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved
      antiviral drug for which genotypic resistance analyses were based almost entirely
      on next-generation sequencing (NGS), an emerging technology that lacks a standard
      data analysis pipeline. The FDA Division of Antiviral Products developed an NGS
      analysis pipeline and performed independent analyses of NGS data from five SOF
      clinical trials. Additionally, structural bioinformatics approaches were used to
      characterize potential resistance-associated substitutions. Using protocols we
      developed, independent analyses of the NGS data reproduced results that were
      comparable to those reported by Gilead Sciences, Inc. Low-frequency, treatment
      emergent substitutions occurring at conserved NS5B amino acid positions in
      subjects who experienced virological failure were also noted and further
      evaluated. The NS5B substitutions, L159F (sometimes in combination with L320F or
      C316N) and V321A, emerged in 2.2%-4.4% of subjects who failed SOF treatment
      across clinical trials. Moreover, baseline polymorphisms at position 316 were
      potentially associated with reduced response rates in HCV genotype 1b subjects.
      Analyses of these variants modeled in NS5B crystal structures indicated that all
      four substitutions could feasibly affect SOF anti-HCV activity. CONCLUSION: SOF
      has a high barrier to resistance; however, low-frequency NS5B substitutions
      associated with treatment failure were identified that may contribute to
      resistance of this important drug for chronic HCV infection.

PMID- 25123382
TI  - A comparison of airway dimensions, measured by acoustic reflectometry and
      ultrasound before and after general anaesthesia.
AB  - Changes in airway dimensions can occur during general anaesthesia and surgery for
      a variety of reasons. This study explored factors associated with postoperative
      changes in airway dimensions. Patient airway volume was measured by acoustic
      reflectometory and neck muscle diameter by ultrasound echography in the pre- and
      post-anaesthetic periods in a total of 281 patients. Neck circumference was also
      assessed during these periods. A significant decrease in median (IQR [range])
      total airway volume (from 63.8 (51.8-75.7 [14.7-103]) ml to 45.9 (33.5-57.2 [6.4
      96.3]) ml, p < 0.0001), and a significant increase in muscle diameter (from 4.3
      (3.3-5.6 [2.2-9.0]) mm to 5.8 (4.7-7.3 [2.8-1.3]) mm, p < 0.0001) and neck
      circumference (from 34.0 (32.5-37.0 [29.5-49.0]) cm to 35.0 (33.5-38.0 [30.5
      50.5]) cm, p < 0.0001) were observed. It may be possible that changes in airway
      volume and neck circumference were influenced by surgical duration or peri
      operative fluid management (rho) = -0.31 (95% CI -0.24 to -0.01), p = 0.0301, 
      0.17 (-0.23 to -0.06), p = 0.0038, 0.23 (0.12-0.34), p < 0.0001, and 0.16 (0.05
      0.27), p = 0.0062, respectively). The intra-oral space can significantly decrease
      and neck thickness increase after general anaesthesia, and might increase the
      risk of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation if airway management is required
      after extubation following general anaesthesia.

PMID- 25123384
TI  - Editorial: Ultra violet (UV) exposure and IBD--should more be done to demonstrate
      an association before trying to find its mechanism?

PMID- 25123383
TI  - Editorial: Early corticosteroids in ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 25123385
TI  - Editorial: Early corticosteroids in ulcerative colitis--authors' reply.

PMID- 25123386
TI  - Editorial: UV exposure and IBD--should more be done to demonstrate an association
      before trying to find its mechanism? Authors' reply.

PMID- 25123387
TI  - Editorial: Escalation to weekly dosing in adalimumab-treated patients with active
      ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 25123388
TI  - Editorial: Unsedated transnasal endoscopy.

PMID- 25123389
TI  - Editorial: Metabolomic analysis of breath volatile organic compounds--a new scent
      for inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 25123390
TI  - Editorial: Gut microbiota and chemotherapy- or radiation-induced gastrointestinal
      mucositis.

PMID- 25123391
TI  - Letter: Bismuth quadruple therapy with Pylera for H. pylori infection.

PMID- 25123392
TI  - Letter: Bismuth quadruple therapy with Pylera for Helicobacter pylori infection-
      authors' reply.

PMID- 25123393
TI  - Letter: Herbal hepatotoxicity--an update on traditional Chinese medicine
      preparations.

PMID- 25123394
TI  - Letter: Herbal hepatotoxicity--an update on traditional Chinese medicine
      preparations; authors' reply.

PMID- 25123396
TI  - Binding of fullerenes to amyloid beta fibrils: size matters.
AB  - Binding affinity of fullerenes C20, C36, C60, C70 and C84 for amyloid beta
      fibrils is studied by docking and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations with
      the Amber force field and water model TIP3P. Using the molecular mechanic-Poisson
      Boltzmann surface area method one can demonstrate that the binding free energy
      linearly decreases with the number of carbon atoms of fullerene, i.e. the larger
      is the fullerene size, the higher is the binding affinity. Overall, fullerenes
      bind to Abeta9-40 fibrils stronger than to Abeta17-42. The number of water
      molecules trapped in the interior of 12Abeta9-40 fibrils was found to be lower
      than inside pentamer 5Abeta17-42. C60 destroys Abeta17-42 fibril structure to a
      greater extent compared to other fullerenes. Our study revealed that the van der
      Waals interaction dominates over the electrostatic interaction and non-polar
      residues of amyloid beta peptides play the significant role in interaction with
      fullerenes providing novel insight into the development of drug candidates
      against Alzheimer's disease. 

PMID- 25123395
TI  - Validation of DNA promoter hypermethylation biomarkers in breast cancer--a short
      report.
AB  - PURPOSE: DNA promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes is known to
      occur early in cancer development, including breast cancer. To improve early
      breast cancer detection, we aimed to investigate whether the identification of
      DNA promoter hypermethylation might be of added value. METHODS: The methylation
      status of a panel of 19 candidate genes (AKR1B1, ALX1, ARHGEF7, FZD10, GHSR,
      GPX7, GREM1, GSTP1, HOXD1, KL, LHX2, MAL, MGMT, NDRG2, RASGRF2, SFRP1, SFRP2,
      TM6SF1 and TMEFF2) was determined in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded normal
      breast and breast cancer tissue samples using gel-based methylation-specific PCR
      (MSP). RESULTS: The promoters of the AKR1B1, ALX1, GHSR, GREM1, RASGRF2, SFRP2,
      TM6SF1 and TMEFF2 genes were found to be significantly differentially methylated
      in normal versus malignant breast tissues. Based on sensitivity, specificity and
      logistic regression analyses the best performing genes for detecting breast
      cancer were identified. Through multivariate analyses, we found that AKR1B1 and
      TM6SF1 could detect breast cancer with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.986 in
      a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our
      data, we conclude that AKR1B1 and TM6SF1 may serve as candidate methylation
      biomarkers for early breast cancer detection. Further studies are underway to
      evaluate the methylation status of these genes in body fluids, including nipple
      aspirates and blood.

PMID- 25123398
TI  - Activator-free palladium-catalyzed silylation of aryl chlorides with
      silylsilatranes.
AB  - The palladium-catalyzed silylation of aryl chlorides with silylsilatranes
      proceeds under activator-free conditions; hence, wide functional group
      compatibility is displayed and boryl and siloxy groups are able to survive.
      Experimental and computational studies revealed that smooth transmetalation from
      the silylsilatrane to the arylpalladium chloride is facilitated by strong
      interaction between the Lewis acidic silicon and the chloride. 

PMID- 25123397
TI  - Profilin as a severe food allergen in allergic patients overexposed to grass
      pollen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Profilins are ubiquitous proteins that act as panallergens in
      sensitized patients, considered to be mild or incomplete food allergens. The aim
      of the study was to evaluate the role of profilins as severe food allergens in
      allergic patients overexposed to grass who were referred for severe food
      reactions and were sensitized to profilins. METHODS: After a careful in vitro
      screening, 26 patients were included, classified into two groups, mild (17) and
      severe reactors (9), based on clinical history and subsequently provoked orally
      with purified profilin in a double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge setup.
      RESULTS: A significant number of patients presented severe positive food
      challenge test reactions at low doses of the allergen profilin. Patients prone to
      suffer from severe reactions had lower IgG4/IgE ratio to major grass allergens
      than those who did not. CONCLUSION: Profilins are complete food allergens in food
      allergic patient populations that are exposed to high levels of grass pollen.
      This type of patient constitutes an optimal model to understand the link between
      respiratory and food allergies. The nature of the observed reactions and the low
      level of allergen eliciting the reactions suggest that intake through the oral
      mucosa might constitute a relevant route of exposure to food allergens.

PMID- 25123399
TI  - Triphenylamine groups improve blocking behavior of phenoxazine dyes in cobalt
      electrolyte-based dye-sensitized solar cells.
AB  - Novel phenoxazine dyes are successfully introduced as sensitizers into dye
      sensitized solar cells (DSCs) with cobalt-based electrolyte. In sensitizers with
      triphenylamine (TPA) groups recombination from electrons in the TiO2 conduction
      band to the cobalt(III) species is suppressed. The effect of the steric
      properties of the phenoxazine sensitizers on the overall device performance and
      on recombination and regeneration processes is compared. Optimized DSCs
      sensitized with IB2 having two TPA groups in combination with tris(2,2'
      bipyridyl) cobalt(II/III) yield efficiencies of 6.3%, similar to that of IB3,
      which is equipped with mutiple alkoxy groups. TH310 with only one TPA group gives
      lower efficiency and open circuit voltage, while IB1 without TPA groups performs
      even worse. These results demonstrate that both TPA groups on the IB2 are needed
      for an efficient blocking effect. These results reveal a possible new role for
      TPA units in DSC sensitizer design.

PMID- 25123400
TI  - Stage-specific metabolization of triacylglycerols during seed germination of
      Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: A detailed study was carried out on Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis
      L.) to investigate the mobilization of storage lipids during seed germination.
      RESULTS: Thin layer chromatography analysis of the total lipids showed a rapid
      decline in the triacylglycerol (TAG) and diacylglycerol (DAG) contents after the
      early stages (3-10 days after imbibition (DAI)) followed by a steady breakdown
      during the later stages (20 and 30 DAI) of germination. Trace amounts of
      monoacylglycerols (MAG) were identified during the final stage (30 DAI). Further,
      gas chromatography analysis showed an increase in the major unsaturated fatty
      acid (linoleic and linolenic) content from 3 to 10 DAI followed by a slow
      decline. In addition, the major saturated fatty acid (palmitic and oleic) content
      showed a decrease during the early stages (3-10 DAI) and an increase during the
      later stages (20 and 30 DAI). CONCLUSION: The present study provides the first
      report on the metabolization of TAG along with fatty acid changes during the seed
      germination of Sacha Inchi.

PMID- 25123401
TI  - Blue SHG enhancement by silver nanocubes photochemically prepared on a RbTiOPO4
      ferroelectric crystal.
AB  - Silver nanocubes with low size dispersion have been selectively photo-deposited
      on the positive surface of a periodically poled RbTiOPO4 ferroelectric crystal.
      The obtained nanocubes show preferential orientations with respect to the
      substrate suggesting epitaxial growth. The plasmonic resonances supported by the
      nanocubes are exploited to enhance blue SHG at the domain walls. 

PMID- 25123402
TI  - Improving paediatric diabetes care with the use of an integrated paediatric
      electronic diabetes information management system and routine uploading of blood
      glucose meters and insulin pumps in outpatient clinics.

PMID- 25123403
TI  - Why is kernicterus still a major cause of death and disability in low-income and
      middle-income countries?
AB  - Neonatal jaundice is predominantly a benign condition that affects 60%-80% of
      newborns worldwide but progresses to potentially harmful severe
      hyperbilirubinaemia in some. Despite the proven therapeutic benefits of
      phototherapy for preventing extreme hyperbilirubinaemia, acute bilirubin
      encephalopathy or kernicterus, several low-income and middle-income countries
      (LMIC) continue to report high rates of avoidable exchange transfusions, as well
      as bilirubin-induced mortality and neurodevelopmental disorders. Considering the
      critical role of appropriate timing in treatment effectiveness, this review set
      out to examine the contributory factors to the burden of severe
      hyperbilirubinaemia and kernicterus based on the 'three delays model' described
      by Thaddeus and Maine in the 91 most economically disadvantaged LMICs with Gross
      National Income per capita <=US$6000 and median human development index of 0.525
      (IQR: 0.436-0.632). Strategies for addressing these delays are proposed including
      the need for clinical and public health leadership to curtail the risk and burden
      of kernicterus in LMICs. 

PMID- 25123404
TI  - Propranolol for infantile haemangiomas: single centre experience of 250 cases and
      proposed therapeutic protocol.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of systemic propranolol for the
      treatment of complicated infantile haemangiomas. DESIGN: Retrospective review of
      case notes of paediatric patients treated with propranolol for complicated
      infantile haemangiomas. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: All
      paediatric patients with complicated infantile haemangiomas who commenced
      treatment with propranolol from July 2008 to December 2011 and have completed
      treatment for at least 3 months. RESULTS: 250 patients were treated with
      propranolol; 34.4% were premature and 5.6% postmature. Indications for
      propranolol included: vision compromise (42.0%), bleeding and/or ulceration
      (30.4%) airway obstruction (8.8%), feeding difficulty (8.4%), risk of permanent
      disfigurement (4.4%) and other (6%) (nasal obstruction, auditory canal
      obstruction, large haemangioma, compression of neck structure and spinal cord).
      Median age at beginning of treatment was 4.5 months. Median age at end of
      treatment was 16.7 months. Median length of therapy was 11.8 months. Adverse
      effects (such as wheezing, worsening of ulceration, sleep disturbance, diarrhoea)
      occurred in 38 patients (15.2%), leading to modifications in management in 26
      patients (10.4%). 240 patients (96%) had good to excellent response to treatment.
      20 patients (8%) experienced regrowth of the haemangioma on cessation of
      propranolol and six patients (2.4%) required propranolol to be restarted.
      CONCLUSIONS: In appropriately selected patients, propranolol is a safe and
      effective treatment for infantile haemangiomas.

PMID- 25123406
TI  - Preparation of dithienylphospholes by 1,1-carboboration.
AB  - In this study the scope of the 1,1-carboboration reaction was extended to the
      preparation of mixed heterole-based conjugated pi-systems. Two
      arylbis(alkynyl)phosphane starting materials 2 were synthesized bearing two
      thiophene isomers at the alkyne units and the bulky tipp-substituent (tipp=2,4,6
      triisopropylphenyl) at the phosphorous atom. The bis(thienylethynyl)phosphanes 2
      were converted into the corresponding 2,5-thienyl-substituted 3-borylphospholes 4
      in a double 1,1-carboboration reaction sequence employing the strongly
      electrophilic B(C6 F5 )3 reagent under mild reaction conditions. Subsequent
      Suzuki-Miyaura type cross-coupling yielded the corresponding 3-phenylphospholes 7
      in a one-pot procedure from phosphanes 2 in high yields. Phospholes 7 were
      converted into the respective phosphole oxides 8. A photophysical
      characterization of derivatives 7 and 8 was carried out. The results presented
      here demonstrate the suitability of the 1,1-carboboration reaction for the
      preparation of phosphole-/thiophene-based, light-emitting systems. 

PMID- 25123405
TI  - Successful outcome of renal transplantation in a child with HIV-associated
      nephropathy.
AB  - Classical HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) was first described before the
      advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy in late stages of HIV disease with
      high viral load and low CD4 cell count. Renal transplantation has been successful
      in a large series of carefully selected HIV-infected adults, with patient and
      renal allograft survival approaching those of non-HIV-infected patients. We
      report the successful outcome of living related renal transplantation in a
      vertically transmitted HIV-infected 8-year-old girl with end-stage kidney disease
      on haemodialysis due to HIVAN. The pretransplant preparations and post-transplant
      care, with particular emphasis on immunosuppression and avoidance of
      opportunistic infections, are discussed. 

PMID- 25123407
TI  - Fullerene growth from encapsulated graphene flakes.
AB  - The direct in situ observation of fullerene formation encapsulated within a
      graphene ridge has been made possible using an aberration corrected transmission
      electron microscope (AC-TEM). An atom-by-atom mechanism was proposed based on in
      situ AC-TEM observations. First principle calculations found a continuous energy
      decrease upon the addition of carbon atoms to the edge of the graphene flakes,
      which mimics the fullerene growth steps and supports the atom-by-atom mechanism.
      The ridged graphene structure worked as a container for pinning small graphene
      flakes and capturing carbon atoms, which increased the growth probability of the
      fullerene structure within the small encapsulated space. 

PMID- 25123408
TI  - Genomic medicine: a question of value: despite the promise of personalized
      medicine, genomic testing has yet to prove its cost-effectiveness.

PMID- 25123409
TI  - Complications related to harvest of the proximal end of the fibula: a systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The fibula is a common source of bone graft used in skeletal
      reconstruction. Although in most cases only the diaphysis of the fibula is used,
      there are clinical scenarios in which the proximal end of the fibula and fibular
      head are harvested for use in articular reconstruction. The purpose of this
      systematic review is to determine the incidence of knee instability and peroneal
      nerve motor dysfunction associated with removal of the proximal end of the fibula
      and fibular head. METHODS: A systematic search was performed using the PubMed,
      Ovid MEDLINE, and cochrane databases. Studies accepted for review included those
      that clearly reported donor site morbidity (instability or peroneal nerve motor
      dysfunction) after proximal fibula resection. All studies in which the proximal
      fibula was resected for bone graft or for marginal resection of tumor were
      included. RESULTS: Fifteen studies reporting a total of 337 patients were
      included. The rate of symptomatic knee instability after proximal fibula
      resection was 3.9%. The incidence of instability that was detectible on physical
      examination or stress radiographs was higher. Although transient motor
      dysfunction was not uncommon, the incidence of persistent peroneal nerve motor
      dysfunction was 2.6%. CONCLUSION: Although asymptomatic laxity is common, the
      incidence of symptomatic knee instability after resection of the proximal fibula
      is relatively low. The incidence of persistent peroneal nerve motor dysfunction
      is also low when the nerve is intentionally protected during surgery.

PMID- 25123410
TI  - A national study on adherence to a basal cell carcinoma guideline; development of
      a tool to assess guideline adherence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guideline implementation may be at variance with
      actual daily practice, as guideline adherence is a complex process depending on
      many actors and factors. Feedback regarding adherence is essential to monitor the
      effect that a guideline has in clinical practice and whether or not the quality
      of care is raised by implementation. OBJECTIVES: Developing a tool for obtaining
      and giving nationwide feedback regarding adherence. METHODS: From February 2010
      to June 2013, a 32-item questionnaire was used as an audit tool during committee
      visits to assess adherence across 37 dermatological centres in The Netherlands.
      The questions were derived from the recommendations by the Dutch Dermatological
      and Venereological Society (NVDV) in the Dutch Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
      guideline. Five selected medical records per dermatologist were audited and the
      results were discussed with the audited centre. Data were pooled to calculate the
      compliance with each recommendation across all participating centres. RESULTS:
      Adherence to recommended actions varied considerably (20.2-100%) across the
      domains of prevention, diagnostics, treatments and aftercare. Using and reporting
      surgical margins, giving patient advice, restricting the use of cryosurgery for
      certain BCCs and reporting on prognostic factors all failed to reach a threshold
      of 80%. Nonadherence to recommended actions proved to be related to whether or
      not a dermatologist was directly involved. CONCLUSIONS: The findings emphasize
      the importance of direct feedback to practitioners regarding adherence.
      Furthermore, together with existing frameworks, the method described could be
      used by developers in a guideline update to identify and anticipate barriers to
      successful implementation.

PMID- 25123411
TI  - Simultaneous flow cytometric analysis of IFN-gamma and CD4 mRNA and protein
      expression kinetics in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells during
      activation.
AB  - The application of fluorescently-labeled antibodies for flow cytometric
      identification and characterization of specific cell types within heterogeneous
      populations by their protein expression profile is well established. While
      detection of proteins is informative, concomitant transcript analysis in the same
      cells would provide a more complete and comprehensive view of intracellular
      signaling events. We recently reported on the efficient detection of RNA in
      suspension cells for flow cytometric analysis. The improved RNA flow cytometry
      procedure described here allows for the specific labeling of multiple RNA
      species, and is compatible with antibody-based targeting of extracellular and
      intracellular antigens for multiplexing purposes. To show proof of concept, human
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13
      acetate and ionomycin for a maximum of 5 h, during which their CD4 and interferon
      gamma (IFN-gamma) transcript and protein levels were monitored. Substantial and
      increasing numbers of IFN-gamma mRNA+ cells were detected within 30 min after
      initiation of induction, while IFN-gamma protein+ cells could only be discerned
      at 1 h and beyond. Surprisingly, resting lymphocytes contained less CD4 mRNA but
      more of the protein per cell compared with monocytes, revealing a difference in
      the relationship of transcript and protein levels in these two cell types. We
      additionally applied monensin, which is commonly used to block cytokine
      secretion, and found that IFN-gamma mRNA can still be analyzed consistently using
      the improved RNA flow cytometry staining method. Notably, a subset of IFN-gamma
      mRNA(-)/protein+ cells that were not observed in the absence of monensin became
      apparent at the 5-h mark. This subset probably represents cells that have
      accumulated IFN-gamma protein, but no longer transcribe mRNA. Collectively, the
      results described here exemplify how the improved RNA flow cytometry labeling
      procedure can be applied to simultaneously assess mRNA and protein dynamics to
      gain insight into the regulation of gene transcription and translation in
      individual cells.

PMID- 25123412
TI  - Screening for prostate cancer in the US? Reduce the harms and keep the benefit.
AB  - While the benefit of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) based screening is
      uncertain, a significant proportion of screen-detected cases is overdiagnosed. In
      order to make screening worthwhile, it is necessary to find policies that
      minimize overdiagnosis, without significantly increasing prostate cancer
      mortality (PCM). Using a microsimulation model (MISCAN) we project the outcomes
      of 83 screening policies in the US population, with different start and stop
      ages, screening frequencies, strategies where the PSA value changes the screening
      frequency, and strategies in which the PSA threshold (PSAt) increases with age.
      In the basecase strategy, yearly screening 50-74 with a PSAt of 3, the lifetime
      risk of PCM and overdiagnosis equals, respectively, 2.4 and 3.8%. The policies
      that reduce overdiagnosis the most (for maximum PCM increases relative to
      basecase of 1%, 3%, and 5%, respectively) are with a PSAt of 3, (1) yearly
      screening 50-74 where, if PSA <1 at age 65 or older, frequency becomes 4 years,
      with 3.6% (5.9% reduction), (2) 2-year screening 50-72, with 2.9% (24.3%
      reduction), and (3) yearly screening 50-70 (PSAt of 4 after age 66), with 2.2%
      (43.4% reduction). Stopping screening at age 70 is a reasonable way to reduce the
      harms and keep the benefit. Decreasing the stopping age has a larger effect on
      overdiagnosis reduction than reducing the screen frequency. Screening policies
      where the frequency of screening depends on PSA result or in which the PSAt
      changes with age did not substantially improve the balance of harms and benefits
      relative to simple yearly screening. 

PMID- 25123413
TI  - Effect of physicochemical factors on glycerol production by simultaneous cultures
      of wine micro-organisms using the response surface method.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effect of temperature, pH and SO2 on growth and glycerol
      production improvement by Saccharomyces cerevisiae mc2, Kloeckera apiculata mF
      and Oenococcus oeni X2L using the response surface method (RSM). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Multifactorial design of cultures with physicochemical factors
      variations was performed. The micro-organisms grew in all cultures conditions.
      Overall, after 6 days yeasts prevailed, especially S. cerevisiae (10(9) CFU ml(
      1)), while O. oeni reached 10(7) CFU ml(-1). At initial fixed pH 5.5, metabolic
      behaviour of cultures showed a temperature-dependent response. Total malate
      consumption occurred at 26 degrees C, 50 mg l(-1) SO2. Glucose and pentoses
      utilization was highly modified when varying SO2. Ethanol showed negative
      interaction with temperature-SO2 relationship. At low SO2, glycerol and acetate
      production increased when temperature enhanced. Predictive results of RSM
      indicate that 26 degrees C, 60.24 mg l(-1) SO2 and pH 5.5 were the optimal
      conditions for glycerol and organic acids synthesis compatible with wine quality.
      CONCLUSIONS: We propose a predictive condition to improve the performance of
      mixed cultures for must fermentations. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: To
      optimize the culture conditions to design mixed starters containing autochthonous
      yeasts and O. oeni strains for winemaking and to obtain products with high
      glycerol content, low acidity and maintenance of regional characteristics.

PMID- 25123414
TI  - Sub-crestal positioning of implants results in higher bony crest resorption: an
      experimental study in dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare peri-implant soft- and hard-tissue integration at implants
      installed juxta- or sub-crestally. Furthermore, differences in the hard and soft
      peri-implant tissue dimensions at sites prepared with drills or sonic instruments
      were to be evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three months after tooth extraction
      in six dogs, recipient sites were prepared in both sides of the mandible using
      conventional drills or a sonic device (Sonosurgery((r))). Two implants with a 1.7
      mm high-polished neck were installed, one with the rough/smooth surface interface
      placed at the level of the buccal bony crest (control) and the second placed 1.3
      mm deeper (test). After 8 weeks of non-submerged healing, biopsies were harvested
      and ground sections prepared for histological evaluation. RESULTS: The buccal
      distances between the abutment/fixture junction (AF) and the most coronal level
      of osseointegration (B) were 1.6 +/- 0.6 and 2.4 +/- 0.4 mm; between AF and the
      top of the bony crest (C), they were 1.4 +/- 0.4 and 2.2 +/- 0.2 mm at the test
      and control sites, respectively. The top of the peri-implant mucosa (PM) was
      located more coronally at the test (1.2 +/- 0.6 mm) compared to the control sites
      (0.6 +/- 0.5 mm). However, when the original position of the bony crest was taken
      into account, a higher bone loss and a more apical position of the peri-implant
      mucosa resulted at the test sites. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of implants into a
      sub-crestal location resulted in a higher vertical buccal bone resorption and a
      more apical position of the peri-implant mucosa in relation to the level of the
      bony crest at implant installation. Moreover, peri-implant hard-tissue dimensions
      were similar at sites prepared with either drills or Sonosurgery((r)).

PMID- 25123415
TI  - Mosaic activity patterns and their relation to perceptual similarity: open
      discussions on the molecular basis and circuitry of odor recognition.
AB  - Enormous advances have been made in the recent years in regard to the mechanisms
      and neural circuits by which odors are sensed and perceived. Part of this
      understanding has been gained from parallel studies in insects and rodents that
      show striking similarity in the mechanisms they use to sense, encode, and
      perceive odors. In this review, we provide a short introduction to the
      functioning of olfactory systems from transduction of odorant stimuli into
      electrical signals in sensory neurons to the anatomical and functional
      organization of the networks involved in neural representation of odors in the
      central nervous system. We make emphasis on the functional and anatomical
      architecture of the first synaptic relay of the olfactory circuit, the olfactory
      bulb in vertebrates and the antennal lobe in insects. We discuss how the
      exquisite and conserved architecture of this structure is established and how
      different odors are encoded in mosaic activity patterns. Finally, we discuss the
      validity of methods used to compare activation patterns in relation to perceptual
      similarity.

PMID- 25123417
TI  - Epidemiological research on the incidence and prevalence of arterial hypertension
      in the Portuguese population: a scoping review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The Portuguese population is reported to have among
      the highest levels of mean blood pressure. The aim of the present study is to
      conduct a structured literature review describing the scope (quantity, focus and
      nature) of published epidemiological research on the prevalence and incidence of
      hypertension in the Portuguese population. METHODS: The scoping review was
      conducted during June 2013, using two information sources, B-on and PubMed, to
      search for published studies on the prevalence and incidence of hypertension with
      data collected between 2005-2013 and 1995-2013, respectively. RESULTS: We
      identified 527 publications: 14 on the prevalence and two on the incidence of
      hypertension. The results show more studies on populations in the North region of
      Portugal; an apparent lack of published studies specifically targeting the
      Alentejo and Algarve populations; long delays between data collection and
      publication of results (up to nine years); considerable variability in
      measurement methods; and infrequent data stratification by gender and age.
      CONCLUSIONS: Differences in blood pressure measurement methods, not specified in
      most studies, the infrequency of stratification of results by gender and age, and
      the geographic asymmetry in coverage of the Portuguese population, hinder
      monitoring of the incidence and prevalence of hypertension in Portugal.

PMID- 25123416
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of translocator 18 kDa protein (TSPO) positron emission
      tomography (PET) radioligands with low binding sensitivity to human single
      nucleotide polymorphism rs6971.
AB  - The imaging of translocator 18 kDa protein (TSPO) in living human brain with
      radioligands by positron emission tomography (PET) has become an important means
      for the study of neuroinflammatory conditions occurring in several
      neuropsychiatric disorders. The widely used prototypical PET radioligand
      [(11)C](R)-PK 11195 ([(11)C](R)-1; [N-methyl-(11)C](R)-N-sec-butyl-1-(2
      chlorophenyl)-N-methylisoquinoline-3-carboxamide) gives a low PET signal and is
      difficult to quantify, whereas later generation radioligands have binding
      sensitivity to a human single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6971, which imposes
      limitations on their utility for comparative quantitative PET studies of normal
      and diseased subjects. Recently, azaisosteres of 1 have been developed with
      improved drug-like properties, including enhanced TSPO affinity accompanied by
      moderated lipophilicity. Here we selected three of these new ligands (7-9) for
      labeling with carbon-11 and for evaluation in monkey as candidate PET
      radioligands for imaging brain TSPO. Each radioligand was readily prepared by
      (11)C-methylation of an N-desmethyl precursor and was found to give a high
      proportion of TSPO-specific binding in monkey brain. One of these radioligands,
      [(11)C]7, the direct 4-azaisostere of 1, presents many radioligand properties
      that are superior to those reported for [(11)C]1, including higher affinity,
      lower lipophilicity, and stable quantifiable PET signal. Importantly, 7 was also
      found to show very low sensitivity to the human SNP rs6971 in vitro. Therefore,
      [(11)C]7 now warrants evaluation in human subjects with PET to assess its utility
      for imaging TSPO in human brain, irrespective of subject genotype.

PMID- 25123418
TI  - Staff's person-centredness in dementia care in relation to job characteristics
      and job-related well-being: a cross-sectional survey in nursing homes.
AB  - AIM: To explore the role of nursing staff's person-centredness caring for people
      with dementia in relation to their work environment and job-related well-being.
      BACKGROUND: Given the development towards person-centred care and labour force
      issues, research has recently focused on the effect of person-centredness on
      nursing staff's well-being. Findings from occupational stress research suggest
      that employees' personal characteristics, such as person-centredness, can
      moderate the impact particular job characteristics have on their job-related well
      being. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A national survey was conducted
      among healthcare staff (n = 1147) in 136 living arrangements for people with
      dementia in the Netherlands (2008-2009). Hierarchical regression analyses were
      used. RESULTS: Person-centredness moderates the relationship between coworker
      support and three outcomes of job-related well-being and between supervisor
      support and two of these outcomes. For highly person-centred nursing staff,
      coworker support was found to have a weaker impact and supervisor support to have
      a stronger impact on their job-related well-being. In addition, direct effects
      showed that person-centredness was weakly associated with more job satisfaction,
      more emotional exhaustion and more strongly with more personal accomplishment.
      CONCLUSION: Nursing staff's person-centredness does play a modest role in
      relation to job characteristics and job-related well-being. Findings indicate
      that person-centredness is not only beneficial to residents with dementia as
      found earlier, but also for nursing staff themselves; specifically, in case
      nursing staff members feel supported by their supervisor. Since a more person
      centred workforce feels more competent, further implementation of person-centred
      care might have a positive impact on the attractiveness of the profession.

PMID- 25123419
TI  - Pilomatricoma of the male breast: sonographic mammographic MRI features with
      pathologic correlation.
AB  - We report a case of 43-year-old man who presented with an enlarging, painless,
      palpable mass in the left breast for one year associated with surface blue
      discoloration of the skin. Mammogram showed a well-defined 2.3-cm mass with
      microcalcifications. Ultrasound revealed a well-defined, subcutaneous hypoechoic
      mass adherent to the skin with multiple bright foci. Ultrasound-guided needle
      biopsy produced a dark-colored sample corresponding to pilomatricoma on final
      pathology. Bilateral breast magnetic resonance imaging showed heterogeneously
      hyperintense in T1- and T2-weighted images with heterogeneous enhancement toward
      the delayed phase. Surgical resection was carried out with wide margins. 

PMID- 25123420
TI  - Retro-ureteral internal hernia after transperitoneal ureter reimplantation: an
      unusual cause of small bowel obstruction.
AB  - Report of a case of surgically confirmed closed-loop small bowel obstruction due
      to internal hernia following transperitoneal ureter reimplantation. Multidetector
      computed tomography (CT) demonstrated the presence and the cause of this unusual
      postsurgical internal hernia. The CT findings are presented herein. 

PMID- 25123421
TI  - Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis complicated by hip subluxation: a case
      report.

PMID- 25123422
TI  - Cytological follow-up after hysterectomy: is vaginal vault cytology sampling a
      clinical governance problem? The University Hospital of North Staffordshire
      approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Vaginal vault cytology sampling following hysterectomy is recommended
      for specific indications in national guidelines. However, clinical governance
      issues surround compliance with guidance. Our first study objective was to
      quantify how many patients undergoing hysterectomy at the University Hospital of
      North Staffordshire (UHNS) had vault cytology advice in their histology report
      and, if indicated, whether it was arranged. The second was to devise a vault
      cytology protocol based on local experience and national guidance. METHODS: The
      local cancer registry was searched. Clinical, clerical and histological data for
      all patients undergoing hysterectomy were collected. RESULTS: In total, 271
      patients were identified from both the gynae-oncology and benign gynaecology
      teams. Of these, 24% (65/271) were gynae-oncology patients with a mean age of 69
      years. The benign gynaecology team had 76% (206/271) of patients with a mean age
      of 55 years. Subsequently, 94% (256/271) had cytology follow-up advice in their
      histopathology report. Ultimately, from both cohorts, 39% (18/46) had follow-up
      cytology performed when indicated. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of cases
      complied with national guidance. However, a disappointingly high number did not
      have vault cytology sampling when this was indicated. This is probably a result
      of the complex guidance that is misunderstood in both primary and secondary care.
      Vault follow-up of patients after hysterectomy rests with the team performing the
      surgery. Vault cytology, if indicated, should be performed in secondary care and
      follow-up should be planned. The protocol set out in this article should be
      followed to avoid unnecessary clinical governance failings.

PMID- 25123423
TI  - Sulphate fertilization ameliorates long-term aluminum toxicity symptoms in
      perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne).
AB  - Effects of the oxanion sulphate on plant aluminum (Al(3+)) detoxification
      mechanisms are not well understood. Therefore, holistic physiological and
      biochemical modifications induced by progressively increased doses of sulphate
      fertilization in the presence of long-term Al(3+) stress were investigated in the
      aluminum sensitive perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cvJumbo). Plant growth
      inhibition induced by Al(3+) was decreased in response to increasing doses of
      sulphate supply. Aluminum concentrations measured in roots of perennial ryegrass
      by atomic absorption spectrometry declined significantly with increasing sulphate
      concentrations. In parallel, we determined a rise of sulphur in shoots and roots
      of perennial ryegrass. Inclusion of up to 360 MUM of sulphate enhanced cysteine
      and glutathione biosynthesis in Al(3+) (1.07 MUM) treated plants. This increase
      of thiol-containing compounds favored all modifications in the glutathione redox
      balance, declining lipid peroxidation, decreasing the activity of superoxide
      dismutase, and modifying the expression of proteins involved in the diminution of
      Al(3+) toxicity in roots. In particular, proteome analysis by 1D-SDS-PAGE and LC
      MS/MS allowed to identify up (e.g. vacuolar proton ATPase, proteosome beta
      subunit, etc) and down (Glyoxilase I, Ascorbate peroxidase, etc.) regulated
      proteins induced by Al(3+) toxicity symptoms in roots. Although, sulphate supply
      up to 480 MUM caused a reduction in Al(3+) toxicity symptoms, it was not as
      efficient as compared to 360 MUM sulphate fertilization. These results suggest
      that sulphate fertilization ameliorates Al(3+) toxicity responses in an
      intracellular specific manner within Lolium perenne. 

PMID- 25123424
TI  - Delphi consensus on the current clinical and therapeutic knowledge on Anderson
      Fabry disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Management of Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is contentious,
      particularly regarding enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). We report results of a
      Delphi consensus panel on AFD management. METHODS: A survey to gauge consensus
      among AFD experts was distributed online and responses were analysed. Statements
      on: 1) diagnosis; 2) when starting ERT; 3) management of ERT infusion and adverse
      reactions; and 4) follow-up/monitoring response to therapy and progression of
      disease were included. Responses without consensus were discussed with an
      enlarged panel and modified to reach consensus. RESULTS: 15 experts responded to
      the survey. After plenary discussion among the enlarged panel, consensus was
      reached on most statements. Key points were the use of a target organ biopsy to
      show Gb3 deposits in symptomatic women with negative molecular analysis, the need
      for ERT in symptomatic women and in all patients with persistent signs and
      symptoms +/- organ damage. It was agreed to assess vital signs before ERT
      administration and use a 0.2 MUL filter on infusion to reduce the risk of adverse
      reactions, that serum should be drawn prior to the first infusion for anti
      agalsidase antibody analysis to have a baseline value if a subsequent adverse
      reaction appears, and that pre-medication is required in those with prior
      infusion reactions. Holter ECG monitoring, cardiac and brain MRI, renal
      parameters, and abdominal ultrasound were considered important for the assessment
      of disease progression and response at ERT. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus supplies
      guidance to healthcare providers on best practice in the management of patients
      with AFD and indicates a need for more guidance.

PMID- 25123425
TI  - Prevalence of malnutrition, obesity and nutritional risk of Australian paediatric
      inpatients: a national one-day snapshot.
AB  - AIM: Low prevalence rates of malnutrition at 2.5% to 4% have previously been
      reported in two tertiary paediatric Australian hospitals. The current study is
      the first to measure the prevalence of malnutrition, obesity and nutritional risk
      of paediatric inpatients in multiple hospitals throughout Australia. METHODS:
      Malnutrition, obesity and nutritional risk prevalence were investigated in 832
      and 570 paediatric inpatients, respectively, in eight tertiary paediatric
      hospitals and eight regional hospitals across Australia on a single day.
      Malnutrition and obesity prevalence was determined using z-scores and body mass
      index (BMI) percentiles. High nutritional risk was determined as a Paediatric
      Yorkhill Malnutrition Score of 2 or more. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of
      malnourished, wasted, stunted, overweight and obese paediatric patients were 15%,
      13.8%, 11.9%, 8.8% and 9.9%, respectively. Patients who identified as Aboriginal
      and Torres Strait Islander were more likely to have lower height-for-age z-scores
      (P < 0.01); however, BMI and weight-for-age z-scores were not significantly
      different. Children who were younger, from regional hospitals or with a primary
      diagnosis of cardiac disease or cystic fibrosis had significantly lower
      anthropometric z-scores (P = 0.05). Forty-four per cent of patients were
      identified as at high nutritional risk and requiring further nutritional
      assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of malnutrition and nutritional risk of
      Australian paediatric inpatients on a given day was much higher when compared
      with the healthy population. In contrast, the proportion of overweight and obese
      patients was less.

PMID- 25123426
TI  - Cytotoxic effects of escin on human castration-resistant prostate cancer cells
      through the induction of apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of escin on human
      castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells, PC-3 and DU-145. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The inhibition of cell proliferation and its mechanism were assessed
      through a cytotoxicity assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot. The in vivo
      efficacy of escin in CRPC cells was assessed using a xenograft tumor model
      subcutaneously established in BALB/c nude mice. RESULTS: The treatment with escin
      significantly reduced cell viability of CRPC cells in a dose- and time-dependent
      manner. Escin induced apoptosis in a time-dependent manner, which was accompanied
      by increases in pro-apoptotic (BCL-2 associated X protein, cleaved-caspase3, and
      cleaved-poly [adenosine diphosphate-ribose] polymerase) proteins and decreases in
      antiapoptotic (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, cellular inhibitor of
      apoptosis protein-1, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-2B-cell
      leukemia/lymphoma-2, and B-cell lymphoma-extra large) proteins. Escin induced
      G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest and thus led to a significant decrease in the
      expression of cyclinB1 and its activating partner cyclin-dependent kinase 1, with
      the concomitant induction of p21. In addition, escin significantly inhibited the
      growth of CRPC cells in xenograft models. CONCLUSION: The results show that escin
      induced cytotoxic effects on CRPC cells through the induction of apoptosis and
      G2/M cell cycle arrest, indicating it may be a novel therapeutic agent for CRPC.

PMID- 25123427
TI  - The antitumor effect of suicide gene therapy using Bifidobacterium infantis
      mediated herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir in a nude mice model
      of renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To confirm the effectivity of Bifidobacterium infantis-mediated herpes
      simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir suicide gene system on the treatment
      of renal cell carcinoma in nude mice and further explore the mechanisms.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A B infantis thymidine kinase (B infantis-TK) suicide gene
      system was constructed in our previous study. Tumor-bearing nude mice were
      randomized into 4 groups and injected with normal saline, B infantis, B
      infantis/pGEX-1lambdaT, and B infantis-TK, respectively, via tail vein, followed
      by intraperitoneal injection of ganciclovir. The treatment effects were evaluated
      by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxynucleotide
      triphosphate nick end labeling assay, quantitative reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. Side effects were also recorded.
      RESULTS: Compared with the other 3 treatments, the treatment with B infantis-TK
      resulted in a significant effective antitumor activity and stronger apoptotic
      response. Western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of Rel A and
      Bcl-xL were significantly lower, whereas those of caspase 3 and Bax were
      significantly higher in tumor tissues resected from group B infantis-TK, which
      were consistent with the quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
      reaction results. CONCLUSION: The B infantis-TK/ganciclovir therapy system
      exhibits an effective antitumor activity by promoting tumor cell apoptosis
      through both the intrinsic and the extrinsic apoptotic pathways.

PMID- 25123428
TI  - Gossypiboma mimicking a retroperitoneal tumor.
AB  - "Gossypiboma" denotes a mass of cotton that is retained in the body after
      surgery. An image is presented of a retroperitoneal mass in a lady who had a
      right nephrectomy 8 years earlier for a nonfunctioning kidney. Clinical
      examination and plain abdominal radiography were not contributory. Contrast
      enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed a well-defined, heterogeneous,
      spherical, soft-tissue mass, 13 * 9 * 9 cm in size, in the retroperitoneum, with
      a dense enhanced wall, abutting the right psoas and posterior abdominal wall.
      Exploration revealed an abdominal sponge surrounded by foreign body granuloma
      adherent to surrounding structures. Gossypiboma can mimic a tumor and is a
      diagnostic challenge.

PMID- 25123429
TI  - Comparison of radiation dose from conventional and triple-bolus computed
      tomography urography protocols in the diagnosis and management of patients with
      renal cortical neoplasms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively compare the radiation dose of triple-bolus computed
      tomography (TBCT) and conventional CT (CCT) urography protocols, analyze the
      effects of body mass index (BMI) on radiation dose in each group, and assess
      image quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the images of
      patients who underwent CCT or TBCT imaging in the management of renal cortical
      neoplasms. We used standard volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length
      product (DLP) to estimate radiation exposure. In addition, 2 urologists rated the
      quality of 20 CT images from each group using a survey with a 5-point Likert
      scale. The survey consisted of 10 questions relating to the ability of the scan
      to identify relevant renal anatomy. RESULTS: The study included 120 patients.
      CTDIvol and DLP were 28.7% and 40.4% lower in the TBCT protocol, respectively
      (both P < .001). Increased BMI was associated with a higher DLP for the CCT group
      compared with the TBCT group (P < .001). The effect of BMI on CTDIvol did not
      differ between the CCT and TBCT groups. There was no difference in the
      urologists' assessments of CT image quality. CONCLUSION: In patients with renal
      cortical neoplasms, TBCT provides comparable image quality to CCT, with lower
      ionizing radiation exposure without compromising image quality. Obese patients
      may benefit more from TBCT scans.

PMID- 25123431
TI  - Differential synaptic distribution of the scaffold proteins Cask and Caskin1 in
      the bovine retina.
AB  - Scaffold proteins organize pre- and postsynaptic compartments and align pre- and
      postsynaptic events. Cask is a multi-domain scaffold protein essential for brain
      synaptic functions. Caskin1 is a recently discovered, brain-specific Cask
      interacting multi-domain protein of unknown function. In the present study, we
      determined the localization of these scaffold proteins in the bovine retina. The
      retina contains tonically active ribbon synapses and conventional synapses. We
      found Cask highly enriched in virtually all retinal synapses. Cask was localized
      in close vicinity to the active zone protein RIM1/2 in ribbon and conventional
      synapses. Caskin1 is also enriched in retinal synapses but is present only in a
      subset of Cask-positive synapses. These findings suggest that Cask plays an
      important role in all retinal synapses. In contrast, Caskin1 appears to execute
      more specialized functions in distinct sets of retinal synapses, possibly for
      neuronal pathway formation and stabilization of distinct synaptic contacts.

PMID- 25123432
TI  - Landmark-free statistical analysis of the shape of plant leaves.
AB  - The shapes of plant leaves are important features to biologists, as they can help
      in distinguishing plant species, measuring their health, analyzing their growth
      patterns, and understanding relations between various species. Most of the
      methods that have been developed in the past focus on comparing the shape of
      individual leaves using either descriptors or finite sets of landmarks. However,
      descriptor-based representations are not invertible and thus it is often hard to
      map descriptor variability into shape variability. On the other hand, landmark
      based techniques require automatic detection and registration of the landmarks,
      which is very challenging in the case of plant leaves that exhibit high
      variability within and across species. In this paper, we propose a statistical
      model based on the Squared Root Velocity Function (SRVF) representation and the
      Riemannian elastic metric of Srivastava et al. (2011) to model the observed
      continuous variability in the shape of plant leaves. We treat plant species as
      random variables on a non-linear shape manifold and thus statistical summaries,
      such as means and covariances, can be computed. One can then study the principal
      modes of variations and characterize the observed shapes using probability
      density models, such as Gaussians or Mixture of Gaussians. We demonstrate the
      usage of such statistical model for (1) efficient classification of individual
      leaves, (2) the exploration of the space of plant leaf shapes, which is important
      in the study of population-specific variations, and (3) comparing entire plant
      species, which is fundamental to the study of evolutionary relationships in
      plants. Our approach does not require descriptors or landmarks but automatically
      solves for the optimal registration that aligns a pair of shapes. We evaluate the
      performance of the proposed framework on publicly available benchmarks such as
      the Flavia, the Swedish, and the ImageCLEF2011 plant leaf datasets. 

PMID- 25123430
TI  - The hepatitis B virus e antigen suppresses the respiratory burst and mobility of
      human monocytes and neutrophils.
AB  - The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) e antigen (HBeAg) is a secretory, non-structural
      protein, and associated with persistent infection of HBV. Previous studies
      indicate that HBeAg is able to regulate T cell-mediated responses, however, the
      interaction between HBeAg and the innate immune system is poorly understood. In
      this study, we demonstrated that recombinant HBeAg (rHBe) bound to human
      peripheral blood monocytes, neutrophils, and B lymphocytes but not to T
      lymphocytes. We focused on investigating the effects of HBeAg on monocytes and
      neutrophils and found that rHBe decreased the respiratory burst in both types of
      cells. Furthermore, we observed that cell migration in monocytes and neutrophils
      was suppressed by rHBe in a transwell assay. The attenuation of rHBe was not
      caused by a general cytotoxic effect because rHBe treatment stimulated low levels
      of cytokine and chemokine production by monocytes and it promoted neutrophil
      survival. Since the recruitment of monocytes and neutrophils to the infected site
      is crucial for the initiation of inflammation, HBeAg may modulate innate immune
      responses by diminishing the respiratory burst and migration of monocytes and
      neutrophils, which might interfere with the subsequent innate and adaptive immune
      responses against HBV, leading to the establishment of chronic infection. 

PMID- 25123433
TI  - PECM: prediction of extracellular matrix proteins using the concept of Chou's
      pseudo amino acid composition.
AB  - The extracellular matrix proteins (ECMs) are widely found in the tissues of
      multicellular organisms. They consist of various secreted proteins, mainly
      polysaccharides and glycoproteins. The ECMs involve the exchange of materials and
      information between resident cells and the external environment. Accurate
      identification of ECMs is a significant step in understanding the evolution of
      cancer as well as promises wide range of potential applications in therapeutic
      targets or diagnostic markers. In this paper, an accurate computational method
      named PECM is proposed for identifying ECMs. Here, we explore various sequence
      derived discriminative features including evolutionary information, predicted
      secondary structure, and physicochemical properties. Rather than simply combining
      the features which may bring information redundancy and unwanted noises, we use
      Fisher-Markov selector and incremental feature selection approach to search the
      optimal feature subsets. Then, we train our model by the technique of support
      vector machine (SVM). PECM achieves good prediction performance with the ACC
      scores about 86% and 90% on testing and independent datasets, which are
      competitive with the state-of-the-art ECMs prediction tools. A web-server named
      PECM which implements the proposed approach is freely available at
      http://59.73.198.144:8088/PECM/. 

PMID- 25123434
TI  - Failure analysis of porcupine quills under axial compression reveals their
      mechanical response during buckling.
AB  - Porcupine quills are natural structures formed by a thin walled conical shell and
      an inner foam core. Axial compression tests, differential scanning calorimetry
      (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FT-IR) were all used to compare the characteristics and mechanical
      properties of porcupine quills with and without core. The failure mechanisms that
      occur during buckling were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and it
      was found that delamination buckling is mostly responsible for the decrease in
      the measured buckling stress of the quills with regard to predicted theoretical
      values. Our analysis also confirmed that the foam core works as an energy
      dissipater improving the mechanical response of an empty cylindrical shell,
      retarding the onset of buckling as well as producing a step wise decrease in
      force after buckling, instead of an instantaneous decrease in force typical for
      specimens without core. Cell collapse and cell densification in the inner foam
      core were identified as the key mechanisms that allow for energy absorption
      during buckling. 

PMID- 25123435
TI  - Fracture mechanics analyses of ceramic/veneer interface under mixed-mode loading.
AB  - Few studies have focused on the interface fracture performance of zirconia/veneer
      bilayered structure, which plays an important role in dental all-ceramic
      restorations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture mechanics
      performance of zirconia/veneer interface in a wide range of mode-mixities (at
      phase angles ranging from 0 degrees  to 90 degrees ), and to examine the effect
      of mechanical properties of the materials and the interface on the fracture
      initiation and crack path of an interfacial crack. A modified sandwich test
      configuration with an oblique interfacial crack was proposed and calibrated to
      choose the appropriate geometry dimensions by means of finite element analysis.
      The specimens with different interface inclination angles were tested to failure
      under three-point bending configuration. Interface fracture parameters were
      obtained with finite element analyses. Based on the interfacial fracture
      mechanics, three fracture criteria for crack kinking were used to predict crack
      initiation and propagation. In addition, the effects of residual stresses due to
      coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between zirconia and veneer on the
      crack behavior were evaluated. The crack initiation and propagation were well
      predicted by the three fracture criteria. For specimens at phase angle of 0, the
      cracks propagated in the interface; whereas for all the other specimens the
      cracks kinked into the veneer. Compressive residual stresses in the veneer can
      improve the toughness of the interface structure. The results suggest that, in
      zirconia/veneer bilayered structure the veneer is weaker than the interface,
      which can be used to explain the clinical phenomenon that veneer chipping rate is
      larger than interface delamination rate. Consequently, a veneer material with
      larger fracture toughness is needed to decrease the failure rate of all-ceramic
      restorations. And the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch of the substrates
      can be larger to produce larger compressive stresses in the veneer. 

PMID- 25123436
TI  - Assessing microbiological water quality in drinking water distribution systems
      with disinfectant residual using flow cytometry.
AB  - Flow cytometry (FCM) as a diagnostic tool for enumeration and characterization of
      microorganisms is rapidly gaining popularity and is increasingly applied in the
      water industry. In this study we applied the method to obtain a better
      understanding of total and intact cell concentrations in three different drinking
      water distribution systems (one using chlorine and two using chloramines as
      secondary disinfectants). Chloramine tended to result in lower proportions of
      intact cells than chlorine over a wider residual range, in agreement with
      existing knowledge that chloramine suppresses regrowth more efficiently. For
      chlorinated systems, free chlorine concentrations above 0.5 mg L(-1) were found
      to be associated with relatively low proportions of intact cells, whereas lower
      disinfectant levels could result in substantially higher percentages of intact
      cells. The threshold for chlorinated systems is in good agreement with guidelines
      from the World Health Organization. The fact that the vast majority of samples
      failing the regulatory coliform standard also showed elevated proportions of
      intact cells suggests that this parameter might be useful for evaluating risk of
      failure. Another interesting parameter for judging the microbiological status of
      water, the biological regrowth potential, greatly varied among different finished
      waters providing potential help for investment decisions. For its measurement, a
      simple method was introduced that can easily be performed by water utilities with
      FCM capability.

PMID- 25123437
TI  - Modelling the metabolic shift of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms.
AB  - Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) is one of the most important
      methods of phosphorus removal in municipal wastewater treatment plants, having
      been described by different modelling approaches. In this process, the PAOs
      (polyphosphate accumulating organisms) and GAOs (glycogen accumulating organisms)
      compete for volatile fatty acids uptake under anaerobic conditions. Recent
      studies have revealed that the metabolic pathways used by PAOs in order to obtain
      the energy and the reducing power needed for polyhydroxyalkanoates synthesis
      could change depending on the amount of polyphosphate stored in the cells. The
      model presented in this paper extends beyond previously developed metabolic
      models by including the ability of PAO to change their metabolic pathways
      according to the content of poly-P available. The processes of the PAO metabolic
      model were adapted to new formulations enabling the change from P-driven VFA
      uptake to glycogen-driven VFA uptake using the same process equations. The
      stoichiometric parameters were changed from a typical PAO coefficient to a
      typical GAO coefficient depending on the internal poly-P with Monod-type
      expressions. The model was calibrated and validated with seven experiments under
      different internal poly-P concentrations, showing the ability to correctly
      represent the PAO metabolic shift at low poly-P concentrations. The sensitivity
      and error analysis showed that the model is robust and has the ability to
      describe satisfactorily the change from one metabolic pathway to the other one,
      thereby encompassing a wider range of process conditions found in EBPR plants. 

PMID- 25123438
TI  - MiR-7b directly targets DC-STAMP causing suppression of NFATc1 and c-Fos
      signaling during osteoclast fusion and differentiation.
AB  - DC-STAMP is a key regulating molecule of osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast
      precursor (OCP) fusion. Emerging lines of evidence showed that microRNAs play
      crucial roles in bone metabolism and osteoclast differentiation, but no microRNA
      has yet been reported to be directly related to OCPs fusion. Through a
      microarray, we found that the expression of miR-7b in RAW264.7 cells was
      significantly decreased after induction with M-CSF and RANKL. The overexpression
      of miR-7b in RAW264.7 cells attenuated the number of TRAP-positive cells number
      and the formation of multinucleated cells, whereas the inhibition of miR-7b
      enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Through a dual luciferase reporter assay, we
      confirmed that miR-7b directly targets DC-STAMP. Other fusogenic molecules, such
      as CD47, ATP6v0d2, and OC-STAMP, were detected to be down-regulated in accordance
      with the inhibition of DC-STAMP. Because DC-STAMP also participates in osteoclast
      differentiation through the ITAM-ITIM network, multiple osteoclast-specific genes
      in the ITAM-ITIM network were detected to identify how DC-STAMP is involved in
      this process. The results showed that molecules associated with the ITAM-ITIM
      network, such as NFATc1 and OSCAR, which are crucial in osteoclastogenesis, were
      consistently altered due to DC-STAMP inhibition. These findings suggest that miR
      7b inhibits osteoclastogenesis and cell-cell fusion by directly targeting DC
      STAMP. In addition, the inhibition of DC-STAMP and its downstream signals changed
      the expression of other fusogenic genes and key regulating genes, such as Nfatc1,
      c-fos, Akt, Irf8, Mapk1, and Traf6. In conclusion, our findings indicate that miR
      7b may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of osteoclast-related
      bone disorders. 

PMID- 25123439
TI  - Docosahexaenoic acid intake ameliorates ketamine-induced impairment of spatial
      cognition and learning ability in ICR mice.
AB  - Several studies have reported the ketamine-induced cognitive impairment.
      Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation improves cognitive function in human
      infants and protects against learning impairment in patients with Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). In this study, we investigated the effect of DHA on ketamine
      induced impairment of spatial cognition and learning ability in Institute of
      Cancer Research (ICR) mice. Morris water maze (MWM) was used to assess spatial
      learning and memory. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and
      prefrontal cortex were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC). The results showed that intraperitoneal injection of ketamine (30mg/kg,
      twice per day) for 4 weeks led to the decline of spatial cognitive ability in
      mice, and 420mg/(kgd) DHA supplementation for 6 weeks improved ketamine-induced
      spatial cognitive impairment to a certain extent. The up-regulation of GABA
      levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was related to the improvement in
      spatial learning. Our results suggested that DHA supplementation would be a
      promising intervention to improve ketamine-induced spatial memory and cognitive
      dysfunction, and this effect of DHA might be correlated with the up-regulation of
      GABA levels. 

PMID- 25123440
TI  - Sleep deprivation impairs spontaneous object-place but not novel-object
      recognition in rats.
AB  - Effects of sleep deprivation (SD) on one-trial recognition memory were
      investigated in rats using either a spontaneous novel-object or object-place
      recognition test. Rats were allowed to explore a field in which two identical
      objects were presented. After a delay period, they were placed again in the same
      field in which either: (1) one of the two objects was replaced by another object
      (novel-object recognition); or (2) one of the sample objects was moved to a
      different place (object-place recognition), and their exploration behavior to
      these objects was analyzed. Four hours SD immediately after the sample phase
      (early SD group) disrupted object-place recognition but not novel-object
      recognition, while SD 4-8h after the sample phase (delayed SD group) did not
      affect either paradigm. The results suggest that sleep selectively promotes the
      consolidation of hippocampal dependent memory, and that this effect is limited to
      within 4h after learning. 

PMID- 25123441
TI  - The glossopharyngeal nerve controls epithelial expression of Sprr2a and Krt13
      around taste buds in the circumvallate papilla.
AB  - Tastants reach the tip of taste bud cells through taste pores which are openings
      in the epithelium. We found Sprr2a is selectively expressed in the upper layer of
      the epithelium surrounding taste buds in the circumvallate papilla (CV) where the
      epithelium is organized into taste pores. Sprr2a is a member of a small proline
      rich protein family, which is suggested to be involved in the
      restitution/migration phase of epithelial wound healing. The expression of Sprr2a
      was restricted to the upper layer and largely segregated with Ptch1 expression
      that is restricted to the basal side of the epithelium around the taste buds.
      Denervation resulted in the gradual loss of Sprr2a-expressing cells over 10 days
      similarly to that of taste bud cells which is in contrast to the rapid loss of
      Ptch1 expression. We also found that denervation caused an increase of Keratin
      (Krt)13 expression around taste buds that corresponded with the disappearance of
      Sprr2a and Ptch1 expression. Taste buds were surrounded by Krt13-negative cells
      in the CV in control mice. However, at 6 days post-denervation, taste buds were
      tightly surrounded by Krt13-positive cells. During taste bud development, taste
      bud cells emerged together with Krt13-negtive cells, and Sprr2a expression was
      increased along with the progress of taste bud development. These results
      demonstrate that regional gene expression surrounding taste buds is associated
      with taste bud formation and controlled by the innervating taste nerve. 

PMID- 25123442
TI  - Motor and cognitive impairment in a mouse model of ischemic carotid artery
      disease.
AB  - We have recently established a novel mouse model of bilateral common carotid
      artery gradual occlusion. This model serves as a mimic of severe carotid artery
      disease with multiple cerebral infarctions induced by cerebrovascular
      insufficiency. In this study, we examined whether locomotor and cognitive
      impairment was induced in these mice using a test battery for neurological and
      cognitive functions. Adult C57BL/6J male mice were subjected to either ameroid
      constrictor (AC) placement to gradually narrow the bilateral common carotid
      arteries or to sham surgery. At 28 days post-surgery, locomotor activity was
      assessed by rotarod and wire hang tests, and cognitive function was assessed
      using the Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. Rotarod and wire hang tests showed
      a significantly shorter latency to fall in mice subjected to the placement of ACs
      compared with sham surgery mice. AC-implanted mice showed significant impairments
      in working memory on the Y-maze test and in spatial learning and reference memory
      on the Morris water maze test. Therefore, the current mouse model with AC
      placement on the bilateral common carotid arteries showed locomotor disability,
      learning deficits, and memory impairment, which well-replicated the outcomes of
      patients with ischemic carotid artery disease. This model will be useful for
      investigating the mechanisms underlying the neurological and cognitive deficits
      following cerebrovascular insufficiency and for exploring pharmacological
      interventions for stroke patients with severe carotid artery disease. 

PMID- 25123443
TI  - KB-R7943, an inhibitor of the reverse Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, does not modify
      secondary pathology in the thalamus following focal cerebral stroke in rats.
AB  - Remote areas connected to cortical infarcts, such as the thalamus, are affected
      by stroke due to delayed retrograde degeneration of afferent connections. This is
      temporally associated with the accumulation of beta-amyloid (Abeta) and calcium.
      Here we tested a hypothesis that prevention of excessive Ca(2+) influx into the
      axoplasm via the reverse Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) would provide axonal
      protection and eventually lessen the Abeta and calcium load in the thalamus. We
      found that chronic treatment with a specific inhibitor of the reverse NCX, KB
      R7943 (30mg/kg once daily, 27 days) after middle cerebral artery occlusion did
      not prevent atypical secondary pathology in the thalamus or improve functional
      outcome. The present data do not support a role for reverse NCX activity in the
      complex pathology within the thalamus after cerebral ischemia. 

PMID- 25123444
TI  - Evaluation of several micro RNA (miRNA) levels in children and adolescents with
      attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent
      childhood disorders, although disorders etiology and pathogenesis remains
      unknown, several theories about ADHD development have been proposed and many
      researchers believe that it is caused by both genetic and environmental factors.
      In this study we evaluated miR18a-5p, miR22-3p, miR24-3p, miR106b-5p, miR107,
      miR125b-5p and miR155a-5p levels in child and adolescent ADHD patients. The
      research sample consisted a group of 52 ADHD patients, and 52 healthy volunteer
      controls. There was no significant difference in age and sex between the two
      groups (p>0.05). miRNA 18a-5p, 22-3p, 24-3p, 106b-5p and 107 levels were
      statistically significantly decreased in ADHD patients(p<0.05). miRNA 155a-5p
      levels were increased in patients group (p<0.05). The positive predictive value
      (PPV) and negative predictive value of miR107 was estimated for the cutoff point
      of 0.4480. PPV was 70% and NPV was 86.5% for the taken cut off point. There could
      be a close relationship between levels of circulating miRNAs and ADHD. If we
      could understand how the signaling pathways arranged by miRNAs, impact on CNS
      development, function and pathology this can improve our knowledge about ADHD
      etiology and treatment. 

PMID- 25123445
TI  - The free-exploratory paradigm as a model of trait anxiety in female rats: test
      retest reliability.
AB  - The free-exploratory paradigm has been proposed as a model of trait anxiety and
      as such has been proven stable over time, which is a sine qua non condition for
      any model proposing to evaluate a personality trait. However this stability has
      only been shown for male rats. Considering that anxiety disorders are most
      prevalent in women, it's crucial that females are tested in animal models. With
      this in mind, the stability over time of female rats in the free-exploratory
      paradigm was evaluated using a test-retest procedure. The behaviour of drug
      naive, adult, female, Wistar rats was measured in the free-exploratory apparatus
      on two occasions two months apart. The following parameters were evaluated:
      percentage of distance travelled in the novel compartment; number of attempts to
      enter the novel compartment; percentage of time spent in the novel compartment;
      and percentage of time rearing in the novel compartment. Subsequently, the
      intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the kappa index (kappa) were
      calculated for each of these parameters. The "percentage of time spent in the
      novel compartment" (ICC=0.727; kappa=0.457), the "percentage of distance
      travelled in the novel compartment" (ICC=0.680; kappa=0.370), and the "percentage
      of time rearing in the novel compartment" (ICC=0.648; kappa=0.309) were found to
      be stable over time. Analysis of these parameters indicated fair to substantial
      reliability over time in two-month inter-trial interval. Therefore, our results
      support the idea of the free-exploratory paradigm as an animal model of trait
      anxiety for female rats. 

PMID- 25123446
TI  - The re-organization of functional brain networks in pharmaco-resistant epileptic
      patients who respond to VNS.
AB  - Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is a therapeutic add-on treatment for patients with
      pharmaco-resistant epilepsy. The mechanism of action is still largely unknown.
      Previous studies have shown that brain network topology during the inter-ictal
      period in epileptic patients deviates from normal configuration. In the present
      paper, we investigate the relationship between clinical improvement induced by
      VNS and alterations in brain network topology. We hypothesize that, as a
      consequence of the VNS add-on treatment, functional brain network architecture
      shifts back toward a more efficient configuration in patients responding to VNS.
      Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings from ten patients affected by pharmaco
      resistant epilepsy were analyzed in the classical EEG frequency bands. The phase
      lag index (PLI) was used to estimate functional connectivity between EEG channels
      and the minimum spanning tree (MST) was computed in order to characterize VNS
      induced alterations in network topology in a bias-free way. Our results revealed
      a clear network re-organization, in terms of MST modification, toward a more
      integrated architecture in patients responding to the VNS. In particular, the
      results show a significant interaction effect between benefit from VNS
      (responders/non-responders) and condition (pre/post VNS implantation) in the
      theta band. This finding suggests that the positive effect induced by VNS add-on
      treatment in epileptic patients is related to a clear network re-organization and
      that this network modification can reveal the long debated mechanism of action of
      VNS. Therefore, MST analysis could be useful in evaluating and monitoring the
      efficacy of VNS add-on treatment potentially in both epilepsy and psychiatric
      diseases. 

PMID- 25123447
TI  - Different effects of cabergoline and bromocriptine on metabolic and
      cardiovascular risk factors in patients with elevated prolactin levels.
AB  - Hyperprolactinaemia is suggested to be associated with metabolic and hormonal
      complications. No previous study has compared the effect of different dopamine
      agonists on plasma lipids, carbohydrate metabolism markers and cardiovascular
      risk factors in patients with elevated prolactin levels. The study included eight
      bromocriptine-resistant women with prolactinoma (group 1) and twelve matched
      women with hyperprolactinaemia unrelated to prolactinoma (group 2). Group 1 was
      then treated with cabergoline, while group 2 with bromocriptine. Plasma lipids,
      glucose homeostasis markers and plasma levels of prolactin, insulin-like growth
      factor-1 (IGF-1) and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed before and after 6
      months of therapy. Both treatments normalized plasma prolactin levels.
      Cabergoline reduced triglycerides, 2-hr post-challenge plasma glucose, the
      homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and circulating
      levels of IGF-1, free fatty acids (FFA), uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive
      protein (hsCRP), homocysteine and fibrinogen, as well as increased HDL
      cholesterol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. With the exception of a reduction in HOMA
      IR, bromocriptine treatment produced no significant effect on the investigated
      biomarkers. Cabergoline was superior to bromocriptine in affecting 2-hr post
      challenge plasma glucose levels, HOMA-IR, as well as circulating levels of IGF-1,
      FFA, uric acid, hsCRP, homocysteine, fibrinogen and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Our
      results may suggest that cabergoline is superior to bromocriptine when it comes
      to affecting atherogenic dyslipidaemia, insulin sensitivity and circulating
      levels of cardiovascular risk factors in hyperprolactinaemic patients. These
      findings seem to support previous observations that cabergoline may be a better
      treatment for patients with elevated prolactin levels than bromocriptine.

PMID- 25123448
TI  - Prevalence of childbirth fear in an Australian sample of pregnant women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childbirth fear is reported to affect around 20% of women. However
      reporting on levels of symptom severity vary. Unlike Scandinavian countries,
      there has been limited focus on childbirth fear in Australia. The aim of this
      paper is to determine the prevalence of low, moderate, high and severe levels of
      childbirth fear in a large representative sample of pregnant women drawn from a
      large randomised controlled trial and identify demographic and obstetric
      characteristics associated with childbirth fear. METHOD: Using a descriptive
      cross-sectional design, 1,410 women in their second trimester were recruited from
      one of three public hospitals in south-east Queensland. Participants were
      screened for childbirth fear using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience
      Questionnaire Version A (WDEQ-A). Associations of demographic and obstetric
      factors and levels of childbirth fear between nulliparous and multiparous women
      were investigated. RESULTS: Prevalence of childbirth fear was 24% overall, with
      31.5% of nulliparous women reporting high levels of fear (score >= 66 on the WDEQ
      A) compared to 18% of multiparous women. Childbirth fear was associated with paid
      employment, parity, and mode of last birth, with higher levels of fear in first
      time mothers (p < 0.001) and in women who had previously had an operative birth
      (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of childbirth fear in Australian women was
      comparable to international rates. Significant factors associated with childbirth
      fear were being in paid employment, and obstetric characteristics such as parity
      and birth mode in the previous pregnancy. First time mothers had higher levels of
      fear than women who had birthed before. A previous operative birth was fear
      provoking. Experiencing a previous normal birth was protective of childbirth
      fear.

PMID- 25123449
TI  - Bright-white beetle scales optimise multiple scattering of light.
AB  - Whiteness arises from diffuse and broadband reflection of light typically
      achieved through optical scattering in randomly structured media. In contrast to
      structural colour due to coherent scattering, white appearance generally requires
      a relatively thick system comprising randomly positioned high refractive-index
      scattering centres. Here, we show that the exceptionally bright white appearance
      of Cyphochilus and Lepidiota stigma beetles arises from a remarkably optimised
      anisotropy of intra-scale chitin networks, which act as a dense scattering media.
      Using time-resolved measurements, we show that light propagating in the scales of
      the beetles undergoes pronounced multiple scattering that is associated with the
      lowest transport mean free path reported to date for low-refractive-index
      systems. Our light transport investigation unveil high level of optimisation that
      achieves high-brightness white in a thin low-mass-per-unit-area anisotropic
      disordered nanostructure. 

PMID- 25123452
TI  - Could the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion affect otolaryngology-head and
      neck surgery?

PMID- 25123450
TI  - Comparison of primary target volumes delineated on four-dimensional CT and 18 F
      FDG PET/CT of non-small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the optimal threshold of 18 F-fluorodexyglucose (18 F
      FDG) positron emission tomography CT (PET/CT) images that generates the best
      volumetric match to internal gross target volume (IGTV) based on four-dimensional
      CT (4DCT) images. METHODS: Twenty patients with non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) underwent enhanced three-dimensional CT (3DCT) scan followed by enhanced
      4DCT scan of the thorax under normal free breathing with the administration of
      intravenous contrast agents. A total of 100 ml of ioversol was injected
      intravenously, 2 ml/s for 3DCT and 1 ml/s for 4DCT. Then 18 F-FDG PET/CT scan was
      performed based on the same positioning parameters (the same immobilization
      devices and identical position verified by laser localizer as well as skin
      marks). Gross target volumes (GTVs) of the primary tumor were contoured on the
      ten phases images of 4DCT to generate IGTV10. GTVPET were determined with eight
      different threshold using an auto-contouring function. The differences in the
      position, volume, concordance index (CI) and degree of inclusion (DI) of the
      targets between GTVPET and IGTV10 were compared. RESULTS: The images from
      seventeen patients were suitable for further analysis. Significant differences
      between the centric coordinate positions of GTVPET (excluding GTVPET15%) and
      IGTV10 were observed only in z axes (P < 0.05). GTVPET15%, GTVPET25% and
      GTVPET2.0 were not statistically different from IGTV10 (P < 0.05). GTVPET15%
      approximated closely to IGTV10 with median percentage volume changes of 4.86%.
      The best CI was between IGTV10 and GTVPET15% (0.57). The best DI of IGTV10 in
      GTVPET was IGTV10 in GTVPET15% (0.80). CONCLUSION: None of the PET-based contours
      had both close spatial and volumetric approximation to the 4DCT IGTV10. At
      present 3D-PET/CT should not be used for IGTV generation.

PMID- 25123451
TI  - Adjuvant-dependent regulation of interleukin-17 expressing gammadelta T cells and
      inhibition of Th2 responses in allergic airways disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Th2 immune responses are linked primarily to mild and moderate
      asthma, while Th17 cells, Interleukin-17A (IL-17) and neutrophilia have been
      implicated in more severe forms of disease. How Th2-dependent allergic reactions
      are influenced by Th17 and IL-17-gammadelta T cells is poorly understood. In
      murine models, under some conditions, IL-17 promotes Th2-biased airway
      inflammatory responses. However, IL-17-gammadelta T cells have been implicated in
      the inhibition and resolution of allergic airway inflammation and
      hyperresponsiveness (AHR). METHODS: We compared airway responses in Balb/c mice
      sensitized to OVA with (and without) a Th2-skewing aluminum-based adjuvant and
      the IL-17 skewing, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). AHR was measured invasively
      by flexiVent, while serum OVA-IgE was quantified by an enzyme immunoassay. Airway
      inflammatory and cytokine profiles, and cellular sources of IL-17 were assessed
      from bronchoalveolar lavage and/or lungs. The role of gammadelta T cells in these
      responses was addressed in OVA/CFA sensitized mice using a gammadelta T cell
      antibody. RESULTS: Following OVA challenge, all mice exhibited mixed
      eosinophilic/neutrophilic airway inflammatory profiles and elevated serum OVA
      IgE. Whereas OVA/alum sensitized mice had moderate inflammation and AHR, OVA/CFA
      sensitized mice had significantly greater inflammation but lacked AHR. This
      correlated with a shift in IL-17 production from CD4+ to gammadelta T cells.
      Additionally, OVA/CFA sensitized mice, given a gammadelta TCR stimulatory
      antibody, showed increased frequencies of IL-17-gammadelta T cells and diminished
      airway reactivity and eosinophilia. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the conditions of antigen
      sensitization influence the profile of cells that produce IL-17, the balance of
      which may then modulate the airway inflammatory responses, including AHR. The
      possibility for IL-17-gammadelta T cells to reduce AHR and robust eosinophilic
      inflammation provides evidence that therapeutic approaches focused on stimulating
      and increasing airway IL-17-gammadelta T cells may be an effective alternative in
      treating steroid resistant, severe asthma.

PMID- 25123453
TI  - High expression of microRNA-130b correlates with poor prognosis of patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether microRNA-130b(miR-130b) can serve as a prognostic biomarker
      of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been investigated. In the present
      study, we investigated the feasibility of miR-130b as a novel prognostic
      biomarker for HCC. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 97 patients diagnosed
      with HCC who underwent routine curative surgery between May 2007 and July 2012.
      miR-130b expression in HCC tissues and paired normal adjacent liver tissues was
      measured by reverse transcription and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Survival curves
      were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method and differences in survival rates were
      analyzed using the log-rank test. RESULTS: miR-130b expression level was
      significantly higher in HCC tissues compared with normal adjacent liver tissues
      (P<0.0001). The 5-year overall survival (OS) of high miR-130b expression group
      was significantly shorter than that of low miR-130b expression group (43.6% vs.
      71.5%; P=0.022). Moreover, the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) of high miR
      130b expression group was also significantly shorter than that of low miR-130b
      expression group (25.9% vs. 63.9%; P=0.012). In a multivariate Cox model, we
      found that miR-130b expression was an independent prognostic factor for both 5
      year OS (hazards ratio [HR] =2.523, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.024-7.901,
      P=0.011) and 5-year DFS (HR=4.003, CI=1.578-7.899, P=0.005) in HCC. CONCLUSION:
      The results indicated that high expression of microRNA-130b was correlated with
      significant characteristics of patients with HCC, and it might be useful as a
      novel prognostic biomarker for HCC. VIRTUAL SLIDES: The virtual slide(s) for this
      article can be found here:
      http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/13000_2014_160.

PMID- 25123454
TI  - Evidence for functional convergence in genes upregulated by herbivores ingesting
      plant secondary compounds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nearly 40 years ago, Freeland and Janzen predicted that liver
      biotransformation enzymes dictated diet selection by herbivores. Despite decades
      of research on model species and humans, little is known about the
      biotransformation mechanisms used by mammalian herbivores to metabolize plant
      secondary compounds (PSCs). We investigated the independent evolution of PSC
      biotransformation mechanisms by capitalizing on a dramatic diet change event-the
      dietary inclusion of creosote bush (Larrea tridentata)-that occurred in the
      recent evolutionary history of two species of woodrats (Neotoma lepida and N.
      bryanti). RESULTS: By comparing gene expression profiles of two populations of
      woodrats with evolutionary experience to creosote and one population naive to
      creosote, we identified genes either induced by a diet containing creosote PSCs
      or constitutively higher in populations with evolutionary experience of creosote.
      Although only one detoxification gene (an aldo-keto reductase) was induced by
      both experienced populations, these populations converged upon functionally
      equivalent strategies to biotransform the PSCs of creosote bush by constitutively
      expressing aldehyde and alcohol dehydrogenases, Cytochromes P450s,
      methyltransferases, glutathione S-transferases and sulfotransferases. The
      response of the naive woodrat population to creosote bush was indicative of
      extreme physiological stress. CONCLUSIONS: The hepatic detoxification system of
      mammals is notoriously complex, with hundreds of known biotransformation enzymes.
      The comparison herein of woodrat taxa that differ in evolutionary and ecological
      experience with toxins in creosote bush reveals convergence in the overall
      strategies used by independent species after a historical shift in diet. In
      addition, remarkably few genes seemed to be important in this dietary shift. The
      research lays the requisite groundwork for future studies of specific
      biotransformation pathways used by woodrats to metabolize the toxins in creosote
      and the evolution of diet switching in woodrats. On a larger level, this work
      advances our understanding of the mechanisms used by mammalian herbivores to
      process toxic diets and illustrates the importance of the selective relationship
      of PSCs in shaping herbivore diversity.

PMID- 25123455
TI  - A secure and efficient chaotic map-based authenticated key agreement scheme for
      telecare medicine information systems.
AB  - Advancement in network technology provides new ways to utilize telecare medicine
      information systems (TMIS) for patient care. Although TMIS usually faces various
      attacks as the services are provided over the public network. Recently, Jiang et
      al. proposed a chaotic map-based remote user authentication scheme for TMIS.
      Their scheme has the merits of low cost and session key agreement using Chaos
      theory. It enhances the security of the system by resisting various attacks. In
      this paper, we analyze the security of Jiang et al.'s scheme and demonstrate that
      their scheme is vulnerable to denial of service attack. Moreover, we demonstrate
      flaws in password change phase of their scheme. Further, our aim is to propose a
      new chaos map-based anonymous user authentication scheme for TMIS to overcome the
      weaknesses of Jiang et al.'s scheme, while also retaining the original merits of
      their scheme. We also show that our scheme is secure against various known
      attacks including the attacks found in Jiang et al.'s scheme. The proposed scheme
      is comparable in terms of the communication and computational overheads with
      Jiang et al.'s scheme and other related existing schemes. Moreover, we
      demonstrate the validity of the proposed scheme through the BAN (Burrows, Abadi,
      and Needham) logic. 

PMID- 25123456
TI  - QoS-aware health monitoring system using cloud-based WBANs.
AB  - Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) are amongst the best options for remote
      health monitoring. However, as standalone systems WBANs have many limitations due
      to the large amount of processed data, mobility of monitored users, and the
      network coverage area. Integrating WBANs with cloud computing provides effective
      solutions to these problems and promotes the performance of WBANs based systems.
      Accordingly, in this paper we propose a cloud-based real-time remote health
      monitoring system for tracking the health status of non-hospitalized patients
      while practicing their daily activities. Compared with existing cloud-based WBAN
      frameworks, we divide the cloud into local one, that includes the monitored users
      and local medical staff, and a global one that includes the outer world. The
      performance of the proposed framework is optimized by reducing congestion,
      interference, and data delivery delay while supporting users' mobility. Several
      novel techniques and algorithms are proposed to accomplish our objective. First,
      the concept of data classification and aggregation is utilized to avoid clogging
      the network with unnecessary data traffic. Second, a dynamic channel assignment
      policy is developed to distribute the WBANs associated with the users on the
      available frequency channels to manage interference. Third, a delay-aware routing
      metric is proposed to be used by the local cloud in its multi-hop communication
      to speed up the reporting process of the health-related data. Fourth, the delay
      aware metric is further utilized by the association protocols used by the WBANs
      to connect with the local cloud. Finally, the system with all the proposed
      techniques and algorithms is evaluated using extensive ns-2 simulations. The
      simulation results show superior performance of the proposed architecture in
      optimizing the end-to-end delay, handling the increased interference levels,
      maximizing the network capacity, and tracking user's mobility. 

PMID- 25123457
TI  - Using data envelopment analysis to analyse the efficiency of primary care units.
AB  - In this paper we analyse the efficiency of primary care centres (PCCs) adopting
      Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices, using a new database on
      primary care centres in the Basque Region in Spain. Using a four-stage Data
      Envelopment Analysis methodology, we are able to explicitly take into account the
      role of ICT in affecting the efficiency of primary care centres. We understand
      that this is the first time that ICT enters into the determination of efficiency
      of the health sector. The role of exogenous factors is explicitly considered in
      this analysis and shows that including these variables is not neutral to the
      efficiency evaluation, but leads to an efficiency indicator that only encompasses
      the effect of managerial skills. The paper provides some useful policy
      implications regarding the role of ICT in improving the efficiency of primary
      care units. 

PMID- 25123459
TI  - [Skin adnexal tumors with follicular differentiation].
AB  - Skin adnexal tumors with predominantly follicular differentiation represent a
      clinicopathological heterogeneous group of neoplasms and are classified according
      to the cytologically achieved differentiation of the follicular compartment.
      Given the complex structure of non-neoplastic hair follicles it is not surprising
      to find varying differentiations in neoplasms and there are overlapping
      clinicopathological features between the established entities. The use of
      immunohistochemical staining has only a limited value in the diagnosis of
      follicular neoplasms. 

PMID- 25123460
TI  - Methodological aspects of in vitro assessment of bio-accessible risk element pool
      in urban particulate matter.
AB  - In vitro tests simulating the elements release from inhaled urban particulate
      matter (PM) with artificial lung fluids (Gamble's and Hatch's solutions) and
      simulated gastric and pancreatic solutions were applied for an estimation of
      hazardous element (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) bio-accessibility in this
      material. An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)
      and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were employed for
      the element determination in extracted solutions. The effect of the extraction
      agent used, extraction time, sample-to-extractant ratio, sample particle size
      and/or individual element properties was evaluated. Different patterns of
      individual elements were observed, comparing Hatch's solution vs. simulated
      gastric and pancreatic solutions. For Hatch's solution, a decreasing sample-to
      extractant ratio in a PM size fraction of <0.063 mm resulted in increasing
      leached contents of all investigated elements. As already proved for other
      operationally defined extraction procedures, the extractable element portions are
      affected not only by their mobility in the particulate matter itself but also by
      the sample preparation procedure. Results of simulated in vitro tests can be
      applied for the reasonable estimation of bio-accessible element portions in the
      particulate matter as an alternative method, which, consequently, initiates
      further examinations including potential in vivo assessments. 

PMID- 25123458
TI  - PPM1D silencing by RNA interference inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PPM1D (protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent, 1D) has been
      reported to be involved in multiple human tumors. This study was designed to
      investigate the functional role of PPM1D in lung cancer cells. METHODS:
      Expression levels of PPM1D were analyzed in A549 and H1299 cells by real-time PCR
      and Western blotting. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to
      knock down PPM1D expression in both cell lines. The effects of PPM1D on lung
      cancer cell growth were investigated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide), colony formation and flow cytometry assays.
      RESULTS: Knockdown of PPM1D in lung cancer cells resulted in decreased cell
      proliferation and impaired colony formation ability. Moreover, flow cytometry
      analysis showed that knockdown of PPM1D arrested cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase.
      Furthermore, PPM1D silencing downregulated the expression of cyclin B1 in H1299
      cells. Therefore, it is reasonable to speculate that the mechanisms by which
      PPM1D knockdown alleviates cell growth may be partly via the induction of cell
      cycle arrest due to the suppression of cyclin B1. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that PPM1D silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) may be a potential
      therapeutic approach for the treatment of lung cancer.

PMID- 25123461
TI  - Oxidative stress and Ca(2+) signals involved on cadmium-induced apoptosis in rat
      hepatocyte.
AB  - Cadmium (Cd) is an important industrial and environmental pollutant. In animals,
      the liver is the major target organ of Cd toxicity. In this study, rat
      hepatocytes were treated with 2.5~10 MUM Cd for various durations. Studies on
      nuclear morphology, chromatin condensation, and apoptotic cells demonstrate that
      Cd concentrations ranging within 2.5~10 MUM induced apoptosis. The early-stage
      marker of apoptosis, i.e., decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, was
      observed as early as 1.5 h at 5 MUM Cd. Significant (P < 0.01) reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) production at 5 MUM Cd and 0.75 h occurred prior to the decrease of
      the mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting the involvement of ROS in
      mitochondrial membrane damage. Glutathione (GSH) level significantly decreased
      after cell treatment with 5 and 10 MUM Cd after 12 h (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the
      intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)] i ) of Cd-exposed cells
      significantly increased (P < 0.01) at 1.5 h, and pretreatment with the calcium
      chelator Bapta-AM partially blocked Cd-induced apoptosis. This finding indicated
      that the elevation of [Ca(2+)] i may play an important role in apoptosis.
      Overall, these results showed that oxidative stress and Ca(2+) signaling were
      critical mediators of the Cd-induced apoptosis of rat hepatocytes. 

PMID- 25123462
TI  - Possible correlation of selenoprotein W with inflammation factors in chicken
      skeletal muscles.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible correlation of
      selenoprotein W (SelW) with inflammatory injury induced by dietary selenium (Se)
      deficiency in chicken. One-day-old male chickens were fed either a commercial
      diet or a Se-deficient diet for 55 days. Then, the expression levels of SelW
      messenger RNA (mRNA) and inflammation-related genes (NF-kappaB, TNF-alpha, iNOS,
      COX-2, and PTGES) in chicken skeletal muscles (wing muscle, pectoral muscle, and
      thigh muscle) were determined at 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 days old, respectively.
      In addition, the correlation between SelW mRNA expression and inflammation
      related genes were assessed. The results showed that dietary Se deficiency
      reduced the mRNA expression of SelW in chicken wing, pectorals, and thigh
      muscles. In contrast, Se deficiency increased the mRNA expression levels of
      inflammation-related genes in chicken skeletal muscle tissues at different time
      points. The Pearson's correlation coefficients showed that the mRNA expression
      levels of inflammation-related genes were significantly negative related to SelW
      (p < 0.05). These data showed that Se deficiency induced the inflammatory
      response in chicken skeletal muscle. As one important selenoprotein gene in
      skeletal muscles, SelW may play a role in the regulation of inflammation reaction
      in Se-deficiency myopathy. 

PMID- 25123463
TI  - Zinc-binding sites on selected flavonoids.
AB  - Flavonoids have attracted increased attention due to their broad bioactivities
      related to health and diseases. Modulating metal homeostasis may play an
      important role in their bioactivities. Recent studies have suggested that dietary
      flavonoids may affect zinc homeostasis, uptake, and transport. In this work, the
      zinc-binding sites on a few selected flavonoids have been investigated by (1)H
      NMR spectroscopy under physiological relevant pH and the species formed were
      verified by mass spectrometry. Zinc binding induces distinct changes in the
      proton resonances on the flavonoid rings, providing useful information to locate
      the Zn-binding sites. No Zn-binding was observed with flavone which lacks a
      chelation site. Zinc was found to bind to the 3-hydroxyl-4-keto, catechol, and 5
      hydroxyl-4-keto chelation sites of flavonol, 3',4'-dihydroxylflavone and chrysin,
      respectively. Kaempferol and myricetin chelate zinc at the 3-hydroxyl-4-keto site
      while rutin binds zinc preferentially at the 5-hydroxyl-4-keto site. However,
      morin appears to bind zinc at the 1-ether-2-hydroxyl site. 

PMID- 25123464
TI  - Security analysis and improvements of authentication and access control in the
      Internet of Things.
AB  - Internet of Things is a ubiquitous concept where physical objects are connected
      over the internet and are provided with unique identifiers to enable their self
      identification to other devices and the ability to continuously generate data and
      transmit it over a network. Hence, the security of the network, data and sensor
      devices is a paramount concern in the IoT network as it grows very fast in terms
      of exchanged data and interconnected sensor nodes. This paper analyses the
      authentication and access control method using in the Internet of Things
      presented by Jing et al. (Authentication and Access Control in the Internet of
      Things. In Proceedings of the 2012 32nd International Conference on Distributed
      Computing Systems Workshops, Macau, China, 18-21 June 2012, pp. 588-592).
      According to our analysis, Jing et al.'s protocol is costly in the message
      exchange and the security assessment is not strong enough for such a protocol.
      Therefore, we propose improvements to the protocol to fill the discovered
      weakness gaps. The protocol enhancements facilitate many services to the users
      such as user anonymity, mutual authentication, and secure session key
      establishment. Finally, the performance and security analysis show that the
      improved protocol possesses many advantages against popular attacks, and achieves
      better efficiency at low communication cost.

PMID- 25123466
TI  - Design and implementation of a RF powering circuit for RFID tags or other
      batteryless embedded devices.
AB  - A RF powering circuit used in radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and
      other batteryless embedded devices is presented in this paper. The RF powering
      circuit harvests energy from electromagnetic waves and converts the RF energy to
      a stable voltage source. Analysis of a NMOS gate-cross connected bridge rectifier
      is conducted to demonstrate relationship between device sizes and power
      conversion efficiency (PCE) of the rectifier. A rectifier with 38.54% PCE under
      normal working conditions is designed. Moreover, a stable voltage regulator with
      a temperature and voltage optimizing strategy including adoption of a combination
      resistor is developed, which is able to accommodate a large input range of 4 V to
      12 V and be immune to temperature variations. Latch-up prevention and noise
      isolation methods in layout design are also presented. Designed with the HJTC
      0.25 MUm process, this regulator achieves 0.04 mV/ degrees C temperature
      rejection ratio (TRR) and 2.5 mV/V voltage rejection ratio (VRR). The RF powering
      circuit is also fabricated in the HJTC 0.25 MUm process. The area of the RF
      powering circuit is 0.23 * 0.24 mm2. The RF powering circuit is successfully
      integrated with ISO/IEC 15693-compatible and ISO/IEC 14443-compatible RFID tag
      chips.

PMID- 25123465
TI  - Acoustic devices for particle and cell manipulation and sensing.
AB  - An emerging demand for the precise manipulation of cells and particles for
      applications in cell biology and analytical chemistry has driven rapid
      development of ultrasonic manipulation technology. Compared to the other
      manipulation technologies, such as magnetic tweezing, dielectrophoresis and
      optical tweezing, ultrasonic manipulation has shown potential in a variety of
      applications, with its advantages of versatile, inexpensive and easy integration
      into microfluidic systems, maintenance of cell viability, and generation of
      sufficient forces to handle particles, cells and their agglomerates. This article
      briefly reviews current practice and reports our development of various
      ultrasonic standing wave manipulation devices, including simple devices
      integrated with high frequency (>20 MHz) ultrasonic transducers for the
      investigation of biological cells and complex ultrasonic transducer array systems
      to explore the feasibility of electronically controlled 2-D and 3-D manipulation.
      Piezoelectric and passive materials, fabrication techniques, characterization
      methods and possible applications are discussed. The behavior and performance of
      the devices have been investigated and predicted with computer simulations, and
      verified experimentally. Issues met during development are highlighted and
      discussed. To assist long term practical adoption, approaches to low-cost, wafer
      level batch-production and commercialization potential are also addressed. 

PMID- 25123467
TI  - Implantable impedance plethysmography.
AB  - We demonstrate by theory, as well as by ex vivo and in vivo measurements that
      impedance plethysmography, applied extravascularly directly on large arteries, is
      a viable method for monitoring various cardiovascular parameters, such as blood
      pressure, with high accuracy. The sensor is designed as an implant to monitor
      cardiac events and arteriosclerotic progression over the long term. 

PMID- 25123468
TI  - Liquid seal for temperature sensing with fiber-optic refractometers.
AB  - Liquid sealing is an effective method to convert a fiber-optic refractometer into
      a simple and highly sensitive temperature sensor. A refractometer based on the
      thin-core fiber modal interferometer is sealed in a capillary tube filled with
      Cargille oil. Due to the thermo-optic effect of the sealing liquid, the high
      refractive-index sensitivity refractometer is subsequently sensitive to the
      ambient temperature. It is found that the liquid-sealed sensor produces a highest
      sensitivity of -2.30 nm/ degrees C, which is over 250 times higher than its
      intrinsic sensitivity before sealing and significantly higher than that of a
      grating-based fiber sensors. The sensing mechanisms, including the incidental
      temperature-induced strain effect, are analyzed in detail both theoretically and
      experimentally. The liquid sealing technique is easy and low cost, and makes the
      sensor robust and insensitive to the surrounding refractive index. It can be
      applied to other fiber-optic refractometers for temperature sensing. 

PMID- 25123469
TI  - Time- and computation-efficient calibration of MEMS 3D accelerometers and
      gyroscopes.
AB  - We propose calibration methods for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) 3D
      accelerometers and gyroscopes that are efficient in terms of time and
      computational complexity. The calibration process for both sensors is simple,
      does not require additional expensive equipment, and can be performed in the
      field before or between motion measurements. The methods rely on a small number
      of defined calibration measurements that are used to obtain the values of 12
      calibration parameters. This process enables the static compensation of sensor
      inaccuracies. The values detected by the 3D sensor are interpreted using a
      generalized 3D sensor model. The model assumes that the values detected by the
      sensor are equal to the projections of the measured value on the sensor
      sensitivity axes. Although this finding is trivial for 3D accelerometers, its
      validity for 3D gyroscopes is not immediately apparent; thus, this paper
      elaborates on this latter topic. For an example sensor device, calibration
      parameters were established using calibration measurements of approximately 1.5
      min in duration for the 3D accelerometer and 2.5 min in duration for the 3D
      gyroscope. Correction of each detected 3D value using the established calibration
      parameters in further measurements requires only nine addition and nine
      multiplication operations. 

PMID- 25123470
TI  - [Craniocerebral trauma: magnetic resonance imaging of diffuse axonal injury].
AB  - CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Acceleration-deceleration rotational brain trauma is a
      common cause of disability or death in young adults and often leads to a focal
      destruction of axons. The resulting pathology, axonal shear injury is referred to
      as diffuse axonal injury (DAI). The DAI-associated lesions occur bilaterally, are
      widely dispersed and have been observed in the surface and deep white matter.
      They are found near to and far from the impact site. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL
      METHODS: When DAI is clinically suspected, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is
      the method of choice for further clarification, especially in patients where
      cranial computed tomography (CT) is inconspicuous. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: To
      investigate the presence of DAI after traumatic brain injury (TBI), a multimodal
      MRI approach is applied including the common structural and also functional
      imaging sequences. PERFORMANCE: For structural MRI, fluid-attenuated inversion
      recovery (FLAIR) weighted and susceptibility contrast imaging (SWI) are the
      sequences mainly used. The SWI technique is extremely sensitive to blood
      breakdown products, which appear as small signal voids at three locations, at the
      gray-white interface, in the corpus callosum and in the brain stem. Functional
      MRI comprises a group of constantly developing techniques that have great
      potential in optimal evaluation of the white matter in patients after
      craniocerebral trauma. These imaging techniques allow the visualization of
      changes associated with shear injuries, such as functional impairment of axons
      and decreased blood flow and abnormal metabolic activity of the brain parts
      affected. ACHIEVEMENTS: The multimodal MRI approach in patients with DAI results
      in a more detailed and differentiated representation of the underlying
      pathophysiological changes of the injured nerve tracts and helps to improve the
      diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of MRI. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: When DAI is
      suspected multimodal MRI should be performed as soon as possible after
      craniocerebral injury.

PMID- 25123471
TI  - Internet-based stress management for women with preterm labour--a case-based
      experience report.
AB  - Pregnant women with preterm labour (PTL) in pregnancy often experience increased
      distress and anxieties regarding both the pregnancy and the child's health. The
      pathogenesis of PTL is, among other causes, related to the stress-associated
      activation of the maternal-foetal stress system. In spite of these
      psychobiological associations, only a few research studies have investigated the
      potential of psychological stress-reducing interventions. The following paper
      will present an online anxiety and stress management self-help program for
      pregnant women with PTL. Structure and content of the program will be illustrated
      by a case-based experience report. L.B., 32 years (G3, P1), was recruited at
      gestational week 27 while hospitalized for PTL for 3 weeks. She worked
      independently through the program for 6 weeks and had regular written contact
      with a therapist. Processing the program had a positive impact on L.B.'s anxiety
      and stress levels, as well as on her experienced depressive symptoms and bonding
      to the foetus. As PTL and the risk of PTB are associated with distress,
      psychological stress-reducing interventions might be beneficial. This study
      examines the applicability of an online intervention for pregnant women with PTL.
      The case report illustrates how adequate low-threshold psychological support
      could be provided to these women. 

PMID- 25123472
TI  - Use of osteoporosis medications among Turkish patients.

PMID- 25123473
TI  - Correcting for the bias caused by exposure measurement error in epidemiological
      studies.
AB  - An important goal of many epidemiological studies is to estimate the magnitude of
      association between an exposure and an outcome. Exposure measurement error causes
      bias in such estimates of association and can be substantial. In this article, we
      describe the problem of exposure measurement error and its effects. We show how a
      simple hand calculation, in conjunction with validation study data and a
      calibration equation, can be used to correct estimates for the bias caused by
      exposure measurement error. Correcting estimates of association for measurement
      error helps researchers appropriately assess effect size. 

PMID- 25123476
TI  - Tom D. Humphreys II: a pioneer of molecular embryology.

PMID- 25123474
TI  - SUMO-1 plays crucial roles for spindle organization, chromosome congression, and
      chromosome segregation during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation.
AB  - Small ubiquitin-related modifier-1 (SUMO-1)-dependent modifications of many
      target proteins are involved in a range of intracellular processes. Previous
      studies reported the localization of SUMO-1 during oocyte meiosis, and that
      overexpression of Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 2 (SENP2), a de-SUMOylation
      protease, altered SUMO-modified proteins, and caused defects in metaphase-II
      spindle organization. In this study, we detailed the consequences of SUMO-1
      mediated SUMOylation by either inhibition of SUMO-1 or UBC9 with a specific
      antibody or their depletion by specific siRNA microinjection. Inhibition or
      depletion of SUMO-1 or UBC9 in germinal vesicle (GV)-stage oocytes decreased the
      rates of germinal vesicle breakdown and first polar body (PB1) extrusion; caused
      defective spindle organization and misaligned chromosomes; and led to aneuploidy
      in matured oocytes. Stage-specific antibody injections suggested that SUMO-1
      functions before anaphase I during PB1 extrusion. Further experiments indicated
      that the localization of gamma-tubulin was disordered after SUMO-1 inhibition,
      and that SUMO-1 depletion disrupted kinetochore-microtubule attachment at
      metaphase I. Moreover, SUMO-1 inhibition resulted in less-condensed chromosomes,
      altered localization of REC8 and securin, and reduced BUBR1 accumulation at the
      centromere. On the other hand, overexpression of SUMO-1 in GV-stage oocytes had
      no significant effect on oocyte maturation. In conclusion, our results implied
      that SUMO-1 plays crucial roles during oocyte meiotic maturation, specifically
      involving spindle assembly and chromosome behavior, by regulating kinetochore
      microtubule attachment and the localization of gamma-tubulin, BUBR1, REC8, and
      securin.

PMID- 25123478
TI  - Noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure delivered using a pediatric
      helmet in dogs recovering from general anesthesia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of noninvasive continuous
      positive airway pressure (CPAP) administered with a pediatric helmet in healthy
      dogs recovering from general anesthesia. DESIGN: Randomized, cross-over, clinical
      study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Fifteen healthy female,
      client-owned dogs recovering from general anesthesia following elective
      ovariohysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS: All dogs received the same standardized
      anesthetic protocol (acepromazine, morphine, propofol, and isoflurane in oxygen).
      After extubation, a pediatric helmet was placed on all dogs and connected to a
      venturi valve supplied with medical air. In all patients, the gas flow was set to
      50 L/minute and the FiO2 to 0.21. Dogs received the following sequence of
      treatments, each lasting 20 minutes: 0 CPAP (pre-CPAP), CPAP of 5 cm H2 O (CPAP),
      and again 0 CPAP (post-CPAP). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During the entire
      study, the following data were collected: pressure and FiO2 inside the helmet,
      mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, sedation score (0 = awake,
      10 = deep sedation), and tolerance to the helmet (0 = excellent, 4 = poor). At
      the end of each phase, an arterial blood sample was sampled. As compared with the
      pre-CPAP and the post-CPAP periods, during the CPAP period, the PaCO2 , alveolar
      arterial oxygen gradient (P[A-a]O2 ), and respiratory rate significantly
      decreased. The PaO2 was higher at CPAP (105.6 +/- 4.0 mm Hg) compared with pre
      CPAP (80.6 +/- 6.9 mm Hg) and post-CPAP (86.7 +/- 5.8 mm Hg). Tolerance and
      sedation scores during the CPAP period were not different from those in the pre
      CPAP and post-CPAP periods. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive CPAP applied through a
      helmet is a feasible and effective supportive technique in dogs recovering from
      general anesthesia.

PMID- 25123479
TI  - Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is a safe and
      effective single-stage treatment for choledocholithiasis in the elective setting.
      The outcomes after LCBDE in the emergency setting are unknown. The aim of this
      study was to compare the outcomes following elective and emergency LCBDE for
      choledocholithiasis. METHODS: Details of all patients who underwent LCBDE for
      choledocholithiasis between August 2003 and August 2013 were analysed
      retrospectively. The primary outcome measure was common bile duct (CBD) stone
      clearance rate. Secondary outcome measures were conversion rate, morbidity,
      mortality and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Some 215 consecutive patients (57
      male; median age 65 (range 14-92) years) underwent LCBDE. Some 121 procedures
      were performed electively and 94 as an emergency. Forty-five patients (48 per
      cent) presented with obstructive jaundice or cholangitis in the emergency LCBDE
      group compared with 15 (12.4 per cent) in the elective group (P < 0.001). The CBD
      stone clearance rate was similarly high in both groups (96 versus 96.7 per cent
      respectively; P = 0.557). There were no significant differences in conversion
      rate (6 versus 4.1 per cent), morbidity (5 versus 6.6 per cent), mortality (2
      versus 0 per cent) or median length of stay (3 days) between groups. Two patients
      died, both following emergency LCBDE. CONCLUSION: LCBDE can be performed safely
      and effectively in both elective and emergency settings.

PMID- 25123480
TI  - A terminal 3p26.3 deletion is not associated with dysmorphic features and
      intellectual disability in a four-generation family.
AB  - Terminal deletions of the distal part of the short arm of chromosome 3 cause a
      wide range of phenotypes from normal to dysmorphic including microcephaly,
      developmental delay and intellectual disability. We studied the clinical
      consequences of a terminal deletion of the short arm of chromosome 3 in four
      generations of a family. The index patient is a14-month-old boy with
      microcephaly, corpus callosum dysgenesis, and minor dysmorphic features. Single
      Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) array analysis detected a duplication on the long
      arm of chromosome 6. His apparently healthy mother carries the same 6q
      duplication, but as an unexpected finding a terminal deletion of 2.9 Mb of the
      short arm of chromosome 3 was observed. Further co-segregation analysis in the
      family for the chromosome 3 deletion showed that with the exception of the sister
      of the index who has autism, speech delay, and learning problems, family members
      in four generations of this family are carrier of this 3p deletion and apparently
      healthy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a study of this terminal
      3p deletion in four generations. In this report, we review the literature on
      terminal 3p deletions and discuss the importance of molecular testing and
      reporting of copy number variants to achieve accurate genetic counseling in
      prenatal and postnatal screening.

PMID- 25123482
TI  - Ultrafast optical control of orbital and spin dynamics in a solid-state defect.
AB  - Atom-scale defects in semiconductors are promising building blocks for quantum
      devices, but our understanding of their material-dependent electronic structure,
      optical interactions, and dissipation mechanisms is lacking. Using picosecond
      resonant pulses of light, we study the coherent orbital and spin dynamics of a
      single nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond over time scales spanning six orders of
      magnitude. We develop a time-domain quantum tomography technique to precisely map
      the defect's excited-state Hamiltonian and exploit the excited-state dynamics to
      control its ground-state spin with optical pulses alone. These techniques
      generalize to other optically addressable nanoscale spin systems and serve as
      powerful tools to characterize and control spin qubits for future applications in
      quantum technology. 

PMID- 25123481
TI  - Structural biology. Crystal structure of a CRISPR RNA-guided surveillance complex
      bound to a ssDNA target.
AB  - In prokaryotes, RNA derived from type I and type III CRISPR loci direct large
      ribonucleoprotein complexes to destroy invading bacteriophage and plasmids. In
      Escherichia coli, this 405-kilodalton complex is called Cascade. We report the
      crystal structure of Cascade bound to a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) target at a
      resolution of 3.03 angstroms. The structure reveals that the CRISPR RNA and
      target strands do not form a double helix but instead adopt an underwound ribbon
      like structure. This noncanonical structure is facilitated by rotation of every
      sixth nucleotide out of the RNA-DNA hybrid and is stabilized by the highly
      interlocked organization of protein subunits. These studies provide insight into
      both the assembly and the activity of this complex and suggest a mechanism to
      enforce fidelity of target binding. 

PMID- 25123483
TI  - Prevention of muscular dystrophy in mice by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of
      germline DNA.
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited X-linked disease caused by
      mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin, a protein required for muscle fiber
      integrity. DMD is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and a shortened
      life span, and there is no effective treatment. We used clustered regularly
      interspaced short palindromic repeat/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated genome editing
      to correct the dystrophin gene (Dmd) mutation in the germ line of mdx mice, a
      model for DMD, and then monitored muscle structure and function. Genome editing
      produced genetically mosaic animals containing 2 to 100% correction of the Dmd
      gene. The degree of muscle phenotypic rescue in mosaic mice exceeded the
      efficiency of gene correction, likely reflecting an advantage of the corrected
      cells and their contribution to regenerating muscle. With the anticipated
      technological advances that will facilitate genome editing of postnatal somatic
      cells, this strategy may one day allow correction of disease-causing mutations in
      the muscle tissue of patients with DMD. 

PMID- 25123485
TI  - Glaciers. Attribution of global glacier mass loss to anthropogenic and natural
      causes.
AB  - The ongoing global glacier retreat is affecting human societies by causing sea
      level rise, changing seasonal water availability, and increasing geohazards.
      Melting glaciers are an icon of anthropogenic climate change. However, glacier
      response times are typically decades or longer, which implies that the present
      day glacier retreat is a mixed response to past and current natural climate
      variability and current anthropogenic forcing. Here we show that only 25 +/- 35%
      of the global glacier mass loss during the period from 1851 to 2010 is
      attributable to anthropogenic causes. Nevertheless, the anthropogenic signal is
      detectable with high confidence in glacier mass balance observations during 1991
      to 2010, and the anthropogenic fraction of global glacier mass loss during that
      period has increased to 69 +/- 24%. 

PMID- 25123484
TI  - A memory of errors in sensorimotor learning.
AB  - The current view of motor learning suggests that when we revisit a task, the
      brain recalls the motor commands it previously learned. In this view, motor
      memory is a memory of motor commands, acquired through trial-and-error and
      reinforcement. Here we show that the brain controls how much it is willing to
      learn from the current error through a principled mechanism that depends on the
      history of past errors. This suggests that the brain stores a previously unknown
      form of memory, a memory of errors. A mathematical formulation of this idea
      provides insights into a host of puzzling experimental data, including savings
      and meta-learning, demonstrating that when we are better at a motor task, it is
      partly because the brain recognizes the errors it experienced before. 

PMID- 25123486
TI  - Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for the blackstripe
      topminnow Fundulus notatus and their variability in two closely related species.
AB  - A total of 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the blackstripe
      topminnow Fundulus notatus. In a sample of 29 individuals, these loci were found
      to possess two to 19 alleles with expected heterozygosity values ranging from
      0.212 to 0.919 and all but one of the loci conformed to Hardy-Weinberg
      equilibrium expectations. Many of these loci were polymorphic in the closely
      related species Fundulus olivaceus and Fundulus euryzonus providing a set of
      markers that should prove useful in future ecological and evolutionary studies of
      members of this species complex.

PMID- 25123487
TI  - Occupational injuries in Ohio wood product manufacturing: a descriptive analysis
      with emphasis on saw-related injuries and associated causes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stationary sawing machinery is often a basic tool in the wood product
      manufacturing industry and was the source for over 2,500 injury/illness events
      that resulted in days away from work in 2010. METHODS: We examined 9 years of
      workers' compensation claims for the state of Ohio in wood product manufacturing
      with specific attention to saw-related claims. For the study period, 8,547 claims
      were evaluated; from this group, 716 saw-related cases were examined. RESULTS:
      The sawmills and wood preservation sub-sector experienced a 71% reduction in
      average incidence rate and an 87% reduction in average lost-time incidence rate
      from 2001 to 2009. The top three injury category descriptions for lost-time
      incidents within saw-related claims were fracture (35.8%), open wounds (29.6%),
      and amputation (14.8%). CONCLUSIONS: For saw-related injuries, preventing blade
      contact remains important but securing the work piece to prevent kickback is also
      important.

PMID- 25123488
TI  - Generalised hyperpigmentation caused by ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone
      syndrome with recurrent thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma.
AB  - Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome is a rare cause of
      generalised hyperpigmentation. The clinical features are due to the excessive
      ectopic secretion of adenocorticotropin by diverse neuroendocrine or non
      endocrine tumours. Here, we describe a rare case of ectopic ACTH syndrome
      developing from recurring thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma, which first presented
      as generalised hyperpigmentation. 

PMID- 25123489
TI  - Minimal benefit of earlier-than-recommended repeat colonoscopy among US Medicare
      enrollees following a negative colonoscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A large proportion of US Medicare beneficiaries undergo earlier-than
      recommended follow-up colonoscopies after negative screening colonoscopy. Such
      practice entails substantial cost and added risk. AIMS: To compare the risk of
      colorectal cancer (CRC) associated with varying follow-up colonoscopy intervals
      following a negative colonoscopy, and to determine whether the potential benefit
      of a shorter colonoscopy follow-up interval would differ by gender. METHODS: We
      conducted a weighted cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End
      Results-Medicare linked database (1991-2006) among 932,370 Medicare enrollees who
      are representative of the entire US elderly population. We compared the
      cumulative incidence of CRC among patients who underwent follow-up colonoscopies
      at different intervals following a negative colonoscopy. The primary outcome was
      incident CRC. RESULTS: The eligible study cohort (n = 480,864) included 106,924
      patients who underwent >=1 colonoscopy. Men were more likely to require
      polypectomy during their initial colonoscopy than women. Compared to the
      recommended 9-10 year follow-up colonoscopy interval, an interval of 5-6 years
      was associated with the largest CRC cumulative risk reduction [i.e. 0.17% (95%
      CI: 0.009-0.32%)]. The magnitude of risk reduction associated with shorter
      colonoscopy follow-up intervals was not significantly different between men and
      women. CONCLUSIONS: Among elderly individuals who undergo a negative colonoscopy,
      the magnitude of reduction in the cumulative CRC risk afforded by earlier-than
      recommended follow-up colonoscopy is quite small, and probably cannot justify the
      risk and cost of increased colonoscopy frequency. In addition, there are
      insufficient differences between men and women to warrant gender-specific
      recommendations.

PMID- 25123490
TI  - Up-down asymmetry in vertical induced motion and optokinetic nystagmus.
AB  - We investigated the effects of pursuit effort against the optokinetic nystagmus
      (OKN) on induced motion (IM) by measuring vertical IM and eye movements.
      Participants viewed an inducing stimulus (a random dot pattern) moving either
      upward or downward at the velocity of 10 or 40  degrees /s. A horizontally moving
      target (a single dot) was then presented within the inducing stimulus.
      Participants were asked to pursue the target and report the perceived slant of
      the target motion path by using a joystick. The results showed that IM magnitude
      was larger with an upward stimulation than with a downward stimulation. IM
      magnitude was also larger at 40  degrees /s than at 10  degrees /s. The results
      of eye movements prior to the target presentation showed that OKN was elicited
      more effectively with an upward stimulation than with a downward stimulation and
      at 40  degrees /s than at 10  degrees /s. OKN was markedly reduced when the
      target was presented within the inducing stimulus. These results support the
      oculomotor theory that IM magnitude reflects pursuit effort against OKN in
      response to an inducing stimulus. 

PMID- 25123491
TI  - Stability and binding interaction of bilirubin on a gold nano-surface: steady
      state fluorescence and FT-IR investigation.
AB  - A gold nanoparticle exhibits strong absorption and emission due to its unique
      physical geometry and surface plasmon resonance phenomena. A further modification
      with organic molecules makes it more appropriate for biological applications. The
      current manuscript illustrated the optical behavior and stability of bilirubin
      (BR) coated gold (AuBR) nanoparticles, using BR itself as a reducing agent. In
      addition, FT-IR and steady state fluorescence measurements were performed to
      illustrate the binding interaction of BR with the Au(III) ion and the
      nanoparticles. BR showed a strong affinity towards Au(III) and the measured
      binding constant was ~4.3 * 10(5) M(-1). It caused reduction of the Au(III) ion
      and rendered the formation of cubic face centered AuBR nanoparticles, which were
      ~20 nm in diameter. The particles were stabilized as BR was bound to the gold
      nanoparticle surface, which was confirmed by FT-IR measurement. An intense
      carboxyl C=O stretching vibration at 1695 cm(-1) was observed for the BR powder
      but was absent for the AuBR nanoparticles. However, two weak bands at ~1563 and
      1391 cm(-1), presumably due to the asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations
      of the carboxylate form (COO(-)), were found for the AuBR nanoparticles. A
      stretching vibration of lactam C[double bond, length as m-dash]O appeared at 1645
      cm(-1) for BR and the band was shifted to 1647 cm(-1) for the AuBR nanoparticles.
      The stretching modes of pyrrole N-H and lactam N-H were detected at 3406 cm(-1)
      and 3267 cm(-1), respectively, for BR. However, the pyrrole N-H band shifted to
      3446 cm(-1) and became broader for the AuBR nanoparticles. The observed blue
      shift in the lactam C[double bond, length as m-dash]O and N-H vibrations of the
      AuBR nanoparticles indicated a weakening/absence of internal hydrogen bonds
      between the carboxyl groups and the four N-H bonds in the BR moiety. The binding
      of BR to the surface provides great stability to the nanoparticles, which
      remained monodispersed in the large pH range (pH 4 to 12) for more than a month.
      However, under acidic pH conditions the particles associated to form bigger
      particles and the plasmon resonance band shifted as they grew; the plasmon
      resonance band shifted from 525 nm (at pH 7.0) to 555 nm (at pH 3.0). The
      particles also remained stable in the presence of a higher concentration of salt
      (KCl and NaCl) in the dispersing media.

PMID- 25123492
TI  - Effects of small airway dysfunction on the clinical expression of asthma: a focus
      on asthma symptoms and bronchial hyper-responsiveness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The small airways are an important site of inflammation in asthma.
      However, the relation between small airway dysfunction and clinical expression of
      asthma has hardly been studied. AIM: To investigate the association of small and
      large airway dysfunction with asthma symptoms and bronchial hyper-responsiveness
      (BHR). METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with asthma were characterized with
      spirometry, body plethysmography, impulse oscillometry, alveolar and bronchial
      exhaled nitric oxide, and a methacholine provocation. Symptoms of nocturnal
      asthma, exercise-related symptoms, BHR symptoms, and respiratory symptoms were
      assessed with the Asthma Control Questionnaire and Bronchial Hyper-responsiveness
      Questionnaire. Perception of dyspnea was rated with the Borg score during the
      provocation test. RESULTS: Small and large airway dysfunction did not associate
      with higher scores for nocturnal, exercise-related, or BHR symptoms. Only higher
      scores on wheezing were significantly associated with higher values of difference
      between R5 and R20 (R5-R20) (r = 0.367, P < 0.01) and AX (r = 0.354, P < 0.01).
      Lower FEF25-75% (P = 0.024) and higher R5-R20 (P = 0.003) values were
      independently associated with more severe BHR to methacholine, but not FEV1 or
      R20 values. The increase in dyspnea during the methacholine provocation was
      strongly and independently correlated with the decrease in FEV1 and reactance of
      the respiratory system at 5 Hertz. CONCLUSION: Small and large airway dysfunction
      poorly associate with asthma symptoms in our patients. However, deteriorations in
      small airway dysfunction are strongly related to an increase in dyspnea during
      bronchial provocation with methacholine. Small airway dysfunction contributes
      also independently to the clinical expression of asthma, as reflected by the
      severity of BHR.

PMID- 25123493
TI  - Total syntheses of lycoposerramine-V and 5-epi-lycoposerramine-V.
AB  - Enantioselective total syntheses of lycopodium alkaloids lycoposerramine-V and 5
      epi-lycoposerramine-V have been accomplished. Features of the newly established
      total synthesis include: 1) introduction of the first chiral center with a
      scalable desymmetrization reaction of an meso-anhydride; 2) chemoselective
      functionalization of a bis-Weinreb-amide with Grignard addition; and 3)
      construction of the multifunctionalized cyclohexanone with a stereoselective
      intramolecular Michael addition. 

PMID- 25123496
TI  - Binary-metal perovskites toward high-performance planar-heterojunction hybrid
      solar cells.
AB  - A simple, low temperature solution process for Pb/Sn binary-metal perovskite
      planar-heterojunction solar cells is demonstrated. Sn inclusion substantially
      influences the band-gap, crystallization kinetics, and thin-film formation
      leading to a broadened light absorption and enhanced film coverage on
      ITO/PEDOT:PSS. As a result, the optimized device shows a PCE exceeding 10%, which
      is the best result for binary-metal perovskite solar cells so far. 

PMID- 25123497
TI  - Assembly of Na3V2(PO4)3 nanoparticles confined in a one-dimensional carbon sheath
      for enhanced sodium-ion cathode properties.
AB  - Structural and morphological control is an effective approach for improvement of
      electrochemical properties in rechargeable batteries. One-dimensionally assembled
      structure composed of NASICON-type Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 nanoparticles were fabricated
      through an electrospinning method to meet the requirements for the development of
      efficient electrode materials in Na-ion batteries. High-temperature treatment of
      electrospun precursor fibers under an argon flow provides a nonwoven fabric of
      nanowires comprising crystallographically oriented nanoparticles of NASICON-type
      Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 within a carbon sheath. The mesostructure comprising NASICON-type
      Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 and carbon give a short sodium-ion transport pass and an efficient
      electron conduction pass. Electrochemical properties of NASICON-type Na3 V2 (PO4
      )3 are improved on the basis of one-dimensional nanostructures designed in the
      present study. 

PMID- 25123494
TI  - The effect of hazelnut roasted skin from different cultivars on the quality
      attributes, polyphenol content and texture of fresh egg pasta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hazelnut skin is the perisperm of the hazelnut kernel. It is
      separated from the kernel during the roasting process and is normally discarded.
      Recent studies have reported that hazelnut skin is a rich source of dietary fibre
      as well as of natural antioxidants owing to the presence of phenolic compounds.
      The aim of this study was to assess the use of hazelnut skins obtained from
      different cultivars for enhancing the nutritional value of fresh egg pasta.
      RESULTS: Skins obtained from roasted hazelnuts of four different varieties were
      used at three concentrations as a flour replacement in fresh egg pasta. Hazelnut
      skin concentration significantly influenced all evaluated physicochemical
      parameters as well as consumers' appreciation for the pasta, but significant
      differences were also observed between the four varieties. Although pasta
      produced with 10 and 15% hazelnut skin displayed the highest content of
      polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in vitro, pasta containing 5%
      Tombul hazelnut skin showed maximum consumer preference. CONCLUSION: The results
      obtained in the present study highlighted that it is possible to use hazelnut
      skin in fresh pasta production to obtain a fortified food with high fibre content
      and antioxidant activity. The characteristics of the resulting pasta were
      strictly correlated with the hazelnut variety used for skin production and, of
      course, with the percentage of skin that was added.

PMID- 25123495
TI  - Real-time assessment of possible electromagnetic-field-induced changes in protein
      conformation and thermal stability.
AB  - Previous studies on possible interactions of radiofrequency electromagnetic
      fields (RF EMFs) with proteins have suggested that RF EMFs might affect protein
      structure and folding kinetics. In this study, the isolated thermosensor protein
      GrpE of the Hsp70 chaperone system of Escherichia coli was exposed to EMFs of
      various frequencies and field strengths under strictly controlled conditions.
      Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to monitor possible structural changes.
      Simultaneously, temperature was recorded at each point of observation. The coiled
      coil part of GrpE has been reported to undergo a well-defined and fully
      reversible folding/unfolding transition, thus facilitating the differentiation
      between thermal and non-thermal effects of RF EMFs. Any direct effect of EMF on
      the conformation and/or stability would result in a shift of the conformational
      equilibrium of the protein at a given temperature. Possible immediate (t <= 0.1
      s) and delayed (t >= 30 s) effects of RF EMFs were investigated with sinusoidal
      signals of 0.1, 1.0, and 1.9 GHz at various field strengths up to 5.0 kV/m and
      with GSM signals at 0.3 kV/m in the protein solution. Taking the overall
      uncertainty of the experimental system into account, possible RF EMF-induced
      shifts in the conformational equilibrium of less than 1% of its total range might
      have been detected. The results obtained with the different experimental
      protocols indicate, however, that the conformational equilibrium of GrpE is
      insensitive to electromagnetic fields in the tested range of frequency and field
      strength.

PMID- 25123498
TI  - Absorbing phase transitions and dynamic freezing in running active matter
      systems.
AB  - We examine a two-dimensional system of sterically repulsive interacting disks
      where each particle runs in a random direction. This system is equivalent to a
      run-and-tumble dynamics system in the limit where the run time is infinite. At
      low densities, we find a strongly fluctuating state composed of transient
      clusters. Above a critical density that is well below the density at which non
      active particles would crystallize, the system can organize into a drifting
      quiescent or frozen state where the fluctuations are lost and large crystallites
      form surrounded by a small density of individual particles. Although all the
      particles are still moving, their paths form closed orbits. The average transient
      time to organize into the quiescent state diverges as a power law upon
      approaching the critical density from above. We compare our results to the random
      organization observed for periodically sheared systems that can undergo an
      absorbing transition from a fluctuating state to a dynamical non-fluctuating
      state. In the random organization studies, the system organizes to a state in
      which the particles no longer interact; in contrast, we find that the randomly
      running active matter organizes to a strongly interacting dynamically jammed
      state. We show that the transition to the frozen state is robust against a
      certain range of stochastic fluctuations. We also examine the effects of adding a
      small number of pinned particles to the system and find that the transition to
      the frozen state shifts to significantly lower densities and arises via the
      nucleation of faceted crystals centered at the obstacles. 

PMID- 25123503
TI  - Electronic property modification of single-walled carbon nanotubes by
      encapsulation of sulfur-terminated graphene nanoribbons.
AB  - The use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as cylindrical reactor vessels has become a
      viable means for synthesizing graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). While previous studies
      demonstrated that the size and edge structure of the as-produced GNRs are
      strongly dependent on the diameter of the tubes and the nature of the precursor,
      the atomic interactions between GNRs and surrounding CNTs and their effect on the
      electronic properties of the overall system are not well understood. Here, it is
      shown that the functional terminations of the GNR edges can have a strong
      influence on the electronic structure of the system. Analysis of SWCNTs before
      and after the insertion of sulfur-terminated GNRs suggests a metallization of the
      majority of semiconducting SWCNTs. This is indicated by changes in the radial
      breathing modes and the D and G band Raman features, as well as UV-vis-NIR
      absorption spectra. The variation in resonance conditions of the nanotubes
      following GNR insertion make direct (n,m) assignment by Raman spectroscopy
      difficult. Thus, density functional theory calculations of representative
      GNR/SWCNT systems are performed. The results confirm significant changes in the
      band structure, including the development of a metallic state in the
      semiconducting SWCNTs due to sulfur/tube interactions. The GNR-induced
      metallization of semiconducting SWCNTs may offer a means of controlling the
      electronic properties of bulk CNT samples and eliminate the need for a physical
      separation of semiconducting and metallic tubes. 

PMID- 25123499
TI  - Implications of a suspicious afirma test result in thyroid fine-needle aspiration
      cytology: an institutional experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is the most frequently used
      method for thyroid nodule evaluation. However, up to 30% of cases are considered
      indeterminate. Surgery is typically recommended for these cases, but up to two
      thirds of indeterminate cases are found to be benign. The Afirma test is used for
      the preoperative classification of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology.
      This study reviews the authors' institutional experience with Afirma. METHODS: A
      cohort of 132 cases of thyroid FNA with Afirma testing was selected from the
      study files and relevant information was recorded and analyzed. At the study
      institution, Afirma is mainly performed on atypia of undetermined significance
      (AUS)/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS) cases when diagnosed
      as such on repeat FNA. RESULTS: The cohort included 98 female (74%) and 34 male
      (26%) patients. Cytology diagnosis was AUS/FLUS in 68 cases (51.5%), follicular
      neoplasm (FN) in 39 cases (29.5%), and FN with oncocytic features (FNOF) in 25
      cases (19.0%). Of the FNOF cases with suspicious Afirma findings, 2 (15%) were
      malignant and 11 (85%) were benign. Of the FN cases with suspicious Afirma
      findings, 9 (53%) were malignant and 8 (47%) were benign. Of the AUS/FLUS cases
      with suspicious Afirma findings, 10 (63%) were malignant and 6 (37%) were benign.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Afirma classifier is a useful tool to aid in the distinction of
      cytologically indeterminate nodules. Performing Afirma in cases diagnosed as
      AUS/FLUS on repeat FNA would increase the positive predictive value, thereby
      minimizing the number of benign cases referred to surgery. Results of the Afirma
      test could be limited in cases diagnosed as FNOF.

PMID- 25123504
TI  - The role of hepatic artery lymph node in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: prognostic
      factor or a selection criterion for surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery lymph node (HALN) metastasis in pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma reportedly confers a survival disadvantage. This has led some
      authors to propose it as an indicator against pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).
      METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent PD during 2002-2012 were identified
      from the University of Louisville prospective hepatopancreaticobiliary database.
      Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were estimated using Kaplan
      Meier analysis. The log-rank test and multivariate Cox proportional hazards
      regression were used in further analyses. RESULTS: A total of 420 patients
      underwent PD during the period of study, of whom 197 had lymph node (LN)
      metastasis. Among these, 41 (20.8%) patients had disease-positive HALNs. The HALN
      was the only site of LN metastasis in only three of the 247 patients (1.2%).
      Median follow-up was 18.5 months (interquartile range: 4.1-28.2 months). Median
      OS and DFS were 22.7 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 19.0-26.3] and 12.6
      months (95% CI 10.2-15.2). There was no significant difference in median OS
      between HALN-positive patients (18.4 months, 95% CI 12.3-24.0) and HALN-negative
      patients (19.7 months, 95% CI 16.7-22.6) (P = 0.659). On multivariate analysis,
      the hazard ratio (HR) of death was highest among patients with an LN ratio of
      >0.2 (HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.29; P = 0.012) followed by those with poorly
      differentiated histology (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.11; P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: In
      pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients with LN disease, survival after PD is
      comparable regardless of HALN status. Therefore, HALN-positive disease should not
      preclude the performance of PD.

PMID- 25123505
TI  - Expression of TNF-alpha and CD44 is implicated in poor prognosis, cancer cell
      invasion, metastasis and resistance to the sunitinib treatment in clear cell
      renal cell carcinomas.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) and expression of CD44, a cancer stem cell marker, in several
      cancers. This study was performed to clarify the significance of TNF-alpha and
      CD44 in clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs). Expression of TNF-alpha and
      CD44 was examined by immunohistochemistry in 120 ccRCCs. Involvement of TNF-alpha
      in EMT and induction of CD44 was analyzed by monitoring expression of EMT-related
      genes and CD44, and invasion in cultured ccRCC cell lines. TNF-alpha and CD44
      were immunolocalized mainly to carcinoma cells of high-grade ccRCCs with positive
      correlations with primary tumor stage. A positive correlation was also obtained
      between TNF-alpha and CD44 expression, and co-upregulation of TNF-alpha and CD44
      was associated with primary tumor stage, distant metastasis, and poor prognosis.
      TNF-alpha enhanced migration and invasion of ccRCC cells together with down
      regulation of E-cadherin expression and up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase
      9 and CD44 expression. TNF-alpha also up-regulated the expression of TNF-alpha
      itself in ccRCC cells. Among the 25 ccRCC patients treated with sunitinib for
      metastatic disease, high CD44 expression was associated with poor treatment
      outcome. Importantly, residual carcinoma cells in the sunitinib-treated
      metastatic ccRCCs were strongly positive for CD44, and the CD44 expression was
      significantly higher in the tumors from the sunitinib-treated patients than in
      those from untreated ones. Our data show that TNF-alpha plays an important role
      in progression of ccRCCs by inducing EMT and CD44 expression, and suggest that
      CD44 induced by TNF-alpha may be involved in the resistance to the sunitinib
      treatment. 

PMID- 25123506
TI  - Safety assessment of jumps in ski racing.
AB  - The influence of important parameters on the flight trajectory for jumps in
      downhill World Cup races was investigated. To quantify the impact injury risk at
      landing, the parameter equivalent landing height (ELH) was introduced, which
      considered a variable slope inclination during the landing movement. Altogether,
      145 runs at four different jumps in World Cup races and trainings were recorded
      and analyzed. A simulation model was developed to predict the flight phase of the
      skier. Drag and lift areas were selected by parameter identification to fit the
      simulation trajectory to the two-dimensional data from the video analysis. The
      maximum values of the ELH which can be absorbed with muscle force was taken from
      the study of Minetti et al. for elite female and male ski racers. A sensitivity
      analysis based on the four jumps showed that ELH is mainly influenced by takeoff
      angle, takeoff speed, and the steepness of the landing surface. With the help of
      the developed simulation software, it should be possible to predict the ELH for
      jumps in advance. In case of an excessive ELH, improvements can be made by
      changing the takeoff inclination or the approach speed.

PMID- 25123507
TI  - Adaptation in tunably rugged fitness landscapes: the rough Mount Fuji model.
AB  - Much of the current theory of adaptation is based on Gillespie's mutational
      landscape model (MLM), which assumes that the fitness values of genotypes linked
      by single mutational steps are independent random variables. On the other hand, a
      growing body of empirical evidence shows that real fitness landscapes, while
      possessing a considerable amount of ruggedness, are smoother than predicted by
      the MLM. In the present article we propose and analyze a simple fitness landscape
      model with tunable ruggedness based on the rough Mount Fuji (RMF) model
      originally introduced by Aita et al. in the context of protein evolution. We
      provide a comprehensive collection of results pertaining to the topographical
      structure of RMF landscapes, including explicit formulas for the expected number
      of local fitness maxima, the location of the global peak, and the fitness
      correlation function. The statistics of single and multiple adaptive steps on the
      RMF landscape are explored mainly through simulations, and the results are
      compared to the known behavior in the MLM model. Finally, we show that the RMF
      model can explain the large number of second-step mutations observed on a highly
      fit first-step background in a recent evolution experiment with a microvirid
      bacteriophage. 

PMID- 25123509
TI  - Hydrogen sulfide is essential for Schwann cell responses to peripheral nerve
      injury.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) functions as a physiological gas transmitter in both
      normal and pathophysiological cellular events. H2 S is produced from substances
      by three enzymes: cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), cystathionine gamma-lyase
      (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST). In human tissues, these
      enzymes are involved in tissue-specific biochemical pathways for H2 S production.
      For example, CBS and cysteine aminotransferase/MST are present in the brain, but
      CSE is not. Thus, we examined the expression of H2 S production-related enzymes
      in peripheral nerves. Here, we found that CSE and MST/cysteine aminotransferase,
      but not CBS, were present in normal peripheral nerves. In addition, injured
      sciatic nerves in vivo up-regulated CSE in Schwann cells during Wallerian
      degeneration (WD); however, CSE was not up-regulated in peripheral axons. Using
      an ex vivo sciatic nerve explant culture, we found that the inhibition of H2 S
      production broadly prevented the process of nerve degeneration, including myelin
      fragmentation, axonal degradation, Schwann cell dedifferentiation, and Schwann
      cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Thus, these results indicate that H2 S
      signaling is essential for Schwann cell responses to peripheral nerve injury.
      Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) functions as a physiological gas transmitter in both
      normal and pathophysiological cellular events. H2 S is produced from
      cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), and 3
      mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase (MST). Here, we found that CSE and MST/CAT
      were present in normal peripheral nerves. Injured static nerves in vivo up
      regulated CSE in Schwann cells during Wallerian degeneration, but CSE was not up
      regulated in peripheral axons. 

PMID- 25123508
TI  - The switch from fermentation to respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is
      regulated by the Ert1 transcriptional activator/repressor.
AB  - In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, fermentation is the major pathway for
      energy production, even under aerobic conditions. However, when glucose becomes
      scarce, ethanol produced during fermentation is used as a carbon source,
      requiring a shift to respiration. This adaptation results in massive
      reprogramming of gene expression. Increased expression of genes for
      gluconeogenesis and the glyoxylate cycle is observed upon a shift to ethanol and,
      conversely, expression of some fermentation genes is reduced. The zinc cluster
      proteins Cat8, Sip4, and Rds2, as well as Adr1, have been shown to mediate this
      reprogramming of gene expression. In this study, we have characterized the gene
      YBR239C encoding a putative zinc cluster protein and it was named ERT1 (ethanol
      regulated transcription factor 1). ChIP-chip analysis showed that Ert1 binds to a
      limited number of targets in the presence of glucose. The strongest enrichment
      was observed at the promoter of PCK1 encoding an important gluconeogenic enzyme.
      With ethanol as the carbon source, enrichment was observed with many additional
      genes involved in gluconeogenesis and mitochondrial function. Use of lacZ
      reporters and quantitative RT-PCR analyses demonstrated that Ert1 regulates
      expression of its target genes in a manner that is highly redundant with other
      regulators of gluconeogenesis. Interestingly, in the presence of ethanol, Ert1 is
      a repressor of PDC1 encoding an important enzyme for fermentation. We also show
      that Ert1 binds directly to the PCK1 and PDC1 promoters. In summary, Ert1 is a
      novel factor involved in the regulation of gluconeogenesis as well as a key
      fermentation gene. 

PMID- 25123511
TI  - Arthroscopy versus arthrocentesis in the management of internal derangement of
      the temporomandibular joint: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess whether arthroscopy or arthrocentesis is most
      effective and feasible in the management of internal derangement of the
      temporomandibular joint (TMJ), specifically in relation to joint movement and
      pain. A comprehensive electronic search without date or language restrictions was
      performed in January 2014. Inclusion criteria were the following: study in
      humans; randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled
      clinical trials (CCTs), and retrospective studies; comparison of arthrocentesis
      and arthroscopy in the treatment of internal derangement. Six publications were
      included in the review, two RCTs, two CCTs, and two retrospective studies. Two
      studies showed a low risk of bias and four studies showed a moderate risk of
      bias. There were statistically significant differences between arthrocentesis and
      arthroscopy with regard to maximal inter-incisal opening and pain reduction, but
      no difference between the two groups for postoperative complications. The results
      of this meta-analysis on the management of internal derangement of the TMJ
      revealed arthroscopy to have superior efficacy to arthrocentesis in increasing
      joint movement and decreasing pain. Both arthroscopy and arthrocentesis have
      comparable postoperative complication rates. However, the current meta-analysis
      is incomplete due to the paucity of good quality studies in the high-impact, peer
      reviewed literature; therefore, further better-designed studies are required to
      address this important question before final conclusions can be drawn as to the
      true comparative outcomes of TMJ arthrocentesis versus TMJ arthroscopy. 

PMID- 25123510
TI  - Enhancing radiotherapy by lipid nanocapsule-mediated delivery of amphiphilic gold
      nanoparticles to intracellular membranes.
AB  - Amphiphilic gold nanoparticles (amph-NPs), composed of gold cores surrounded by
      an amphiphilic mixed organic ligand shell, are capable of embedding within and
      traversing lipid membranes. Here we describe a strategy using crosslink
      stabilized lipid nanocapsules (NCs) as carriers to transport such membrane
      penetrating particles into tumor cells and promote their transfer to
      intracellular membranes for enhanced radiotherapy of cancer. We synthesized and
      characterized interbilayer-crosslinked multilamellar lipid vesicles (ICMVs)
      carrying amph-NPs embedded in the capsule walls, forming Au-NCs. Confocal and
      electron microscopies revealed that the intracellular distribution of amph-NPs
      within melanoma and breast tumor cells following uptake of free particles vs Au
      NCs was quite distinct and that amph-NPs initially delivered into endosomes by Au
      NCs transferred over a period of hours to intracellular membranes through tumor
      cells, with greater intracellular spread in melanoma cells than breast carcinoma
      cells. Clonogenic assays revealed that Au-NCs enhanced radiotherapeutic killing
      of melanoma cells. Thus, multilamellar lipid capsules may serve as an effective
      carrier to deliver amphiphilic gold nanoparticles to tumors, where the membrane
      penetrating properties of these materials can significantly enhance the efficacy
      of frontline radiotherapy treatments. 

PMID- 25123512
TI  - Transcriptionist saturation: knowing too much about sensitive health and social
      data.
AB  - AIM: The paper describes and interprets the experiences of transcriptionists
      employed to translate recorded auditory research, medical, court data into text
      and specifically when the research is sensitive and the audio source material may
      be traumatic to hear. BACKGROUND: This study highlights the ongoing need for
      transcriptionists to be recognized in the ethics process as a potentially
      vulnerable group who need greater support and debriefing when transcribing
      sensitive health and social data. DESIGN: Qualitative research. METHODS:
      Telephone interviews were conducted with 12 transcriptionists in Australia and
      New Zealand during 2012, who had transcribed sensitive material and reported
      issues with transcribing certain topics. Accuracy and confidentiality were
      paramount in this work. FINDINGS: Seven participants reported negative emotional
      and physical effects from transcribing sensitive material On the other hand six
      participants found the work enjoyable. CONCLUSION: The majority of the
      transcriptionists did not receive any debriefing after transcribing sensitive
      material. The participants developed their own strategies to deal with the
      effects of transcribing sensitive materials such as online support groups,
      relaxation activities and unofficial debriefing with friends and family.

PMID- 25123513
TI  - Viewing rate and reproducibility of papillary muscle areas in foetal
      atrioventricular valves using spatio-temporal image correlation in the rendering
      mode in congenital heart disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the viewing rate and reproducibility of areas of the
      papillary muscles (PMs) of foetal atrioventricular valves using spatio-temporal
      image correlation (STIC) in the rendering mode in congenital heart disease (CHD).
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 40 4D-STIC volume datasets from different
      foetal CHD cases at a gestational age of 18w6d-35w6d. The following papillary
      muscles (PMs) were assessed: antero-lateral (MPAL) and postero-medial (MPPM) to
      the mitral valve and antero-superior (MPAS), inferior (MPI) and septal (MPS) to
      the tricuspid valve. To assess the valve viewing rate, percentages (%) were used.
      The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was used to assess inter-observer
      reliability. RESULTS: Two independent observers concluded that a complete
      examination of the PMs was impossible in 11 cases, yielding a viewing rate of
      72.5%. The complete examination of the PMs of the tricuspid and mitral valves was
      possible by both examiners in 33/40 (82.5%) and 32/40 (80.0%) cases,
      respectively. We observed moderate to good inter-observer reliability with CCCs
      of 0.95, 0.92, 0.97, 0.96 and 0.97 for MPS, MPI, MPAS, MPAL and MPPM,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The viewing rate of PM areas in different CHDs using
      STIC in the rendering mode was moderate. The inter-observer reproducibility was
      moderate to good for all PM areas.

PMID- 25123514
TI  - Can measurement of cervical length, fetal head position and posterior cervical
      angle be an alternative method to Bishop score in the prediction of successful
      labor induction?
AB  - Abstract Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate sonographic cervical
      length, posterior cervical angle and fetal head position in predicting successful
      induction of labor at term can be an alternative method to Bishop score. Methods:
      This prospective observational study recruited 223 women with singleton
      gestations scheduled for induction of labor at 37-42 weeks. Parity, body mass
      index, Bishop score, fetal head position, cervical angle measurement and cervical
      length was investigated to predict successful labor induction. Multiple
      regression analysis was performed to determine the parameters in the prediction
      of successful vaginal delivery within 24 hours. Results: Forty-five patients were
      excluded because of cesarean section performed for other reasons than arrest of
      dilation or fetal head descent (43 fetal distress, 2 cord prolapsus). Remaining
      178 patients were divided into two groups according to duration of delivery time.
      139 patients delivered within 24 hours were classified as group I, 39 patients
      delivered after 24 hours were classified as group II. Percentage of multiparity
      was statistically significantly higher in group I than in group II [59 (42.4%), 9
      (23.0%) respectively, p = 0.009]. Cervical length was statistically significantly
      shorter in group I than in group II [23.1 +/- 7.42 mm, 31.3 +/- 6.83 mm
      respectively, p < 0.001]. Bishop score was statistically significantly higher in
      group I than in group II [3 (1-4), 1 (1-4) respectively, p < 0.001]. Posterior
      cervical angle was statistically significantly higher in group I than in group II
      [100.1 +/- 17.2, 92.7 +/- 21.4 respectively, p = 0.007]. According to the fetal
      head position, there was no statistically significant difference in labor
      duration between the groups (p = 0.787). In the multivariate regression analysis
      of variables, multiparity, cervical length and Bishop score were statistically
      significantly predictive in successful labor induction. Conclusion: Multiparity
      status, cervical length, posterior cervical angle and Bishop score can predict
      successful labor induction, but fetal head position is not predictive in
      successful labor induction.

PMID- 25123516
TI  - The effect of a 25-hour fast during the Day of Atonement on preterm delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of the Day of Atonement fast (a 25-hour Jewish
      fast), on preterm delivery. METHODS: A comprehensive analysis of all deliveries
      during the Day of Atonement and during the corresponding day a week earlier,
      between the years 1988 and 2011, was performed. Preterm delivery was defined as
      delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Data on fasting status was
      deduced from the ethnicity (as only Jewish parturients fast during the Day of
      Atonement). Multivariable logistic regression model was used to control for
      confounders. RESULTS: During the Day of Atonement in the studied period, 744
      deliveries took place, out of which 52.1% (n = 388) were of Jewish patients (i.e.
      fasting group), and 47.9% (n = 357) were of non-Jewish patients. Out these, 6.3%
      (n = 47) were preterm deliveries. Jewish parturients were at significantly higher
      risk for preterm delivery during the Day of Atonement (adjusted OR = 2.0; 95% CI,
      1.03-3.83; p = 0.041). In the corresponding day, a week before the Day of
      Atonement, Jewish ethnicity was not found to be a risk factor for preterm
      delivery (OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.50-1.69; p = 0.789). The model controlled for:
      previous preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction and placental
      abruption. CONCLUSIONS: A 25-hour fast is an independent risk factor for preterm
      delivery.

PMID- 25123517
TI  - A comparison between electrical uterine monitor, tocodynamometer and intra
      uterine pressure catheter for uterine activity in labor.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the performance of a non-invasive EMG electrical
      uterine monitor (EUM) versus tocodynamometry (TOCO) by comparing both to internal
      uterine pressure catheter (IUPC). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational trial.
      Uterine activity was recorded continuously and simultaneously, in women during
      active term labor, with TOCO, EUM and IUPC. Uterine activity tracings were
      analyzed by three blinded physicians. RESULTS: Overall, 385 tracings from 43
      women were analyzed. A similar rate of interpretable tracings between physicians
      was demonstrated for EUM (87%; 95% CI 80.9-92.7%) and IUPC (94.8%; 95% CI 83.4
      96.3%), with a significantly lower rate for TOCO (67.5%; 95% CI 59.4-76.8%, p <
      0.001). There is a significant difference in the contraction frequency for EUM
      versus IUPC (0.77 +/- 2.3) compared to TOCO versus IUPC (-3.34 +/- 4.97). There
      is a high variability between the timing of TOCO contractions as compared to IUPC
      (4.74 +/- 10.03 seconds), while a gap of 8.46 +/- 4.24 seconds was detected for
      EUM. The sensitivity, positive predictive value and false positive rate for
      individual contraction identification by TOCO and EUM are 54.0%, 84.4%, 15.6% and
      94.2%, 87.6%, 12.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: EUM is efficient as IUPC for
      uterine activity assessment and both techniques are superior in comparison to
      external tocodynamometry. Our results support the use of non-invasive EMG
      technology to monitor uterine activity.

PMID- 25123518
TI  - Brain stem/brain stem occipital bone ratio and the four-line view in nuchal
      translucency images of fetuses with open spina bifida.
AB  - Abstract Objective: Brain stem depth/brain stem occipital bone distance (BS/BSOB
      ratio) and the four-line view, in images obtained for nuchal translucency (NT)
      screening in fetuses with open spina bifida (OSB). Methods: Single center,
      retrospective study based on the assessment of NT screening images of fetuses
      with OSB. A ratio between the BS depth and the BSOB distance was calculated
      (BS/BSOB ratio) and the four-line view observed, and the sensitivity for a
      BS/BSOB ratio superior/equal to 1, and for the lack of detection of the four-line
      view were calculated. Results: There were 17 cases of prenatal diagnosis OSB. In
      six cases, the suspicion on OSB was raised during NT screening, in six cases, the
      diagnosis was made before 20 weeks and in five cases during anomaly scan. The
      BS/BSOB ratio was superior/equal to 1 in all 17 cases, and three lines, were
      visualized in 15/17 images of the OSB cases, being the sensitivity 100% (95% CI,
      81 to 100%) and 88% (95% CI, 65 to 96%). Conclusion: Assessment of BS/BSOB ratio
      and four-line view in NT images is feasible detecting affected by OSB with high
      sensitivity. The presence of associated anomalies or of an enlarged NT enhances
      the early detection.

PMID- 25123520
TI  - Perinatal outcomes from the use of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy: a case
      control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perinatal results from epileptic women using
      antiepileptic drugs during prenatal care. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      longitudinal study assessing the perinatal results of women exposed to
      antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy, and we compared these results with those of
      pregnant women who were not exposed. The development of pregnancy, gestational
      age at delivery, Apgar scores, biometric data, morbidity, stillbirths and
      neonatal mortality were analyzed. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test
      were used for the categorical variables, while Student's t-test was used for
      independent numerical variables. RESULTS: Over a 10-year period, 12 790 singleton
      gestations were analyzed, among which 104 (0.8%) consisted of epileptic pregnant
      women. From this total, 82 evolved to childbirth and their neonatal data were
      compared with those of 316 newborns from non-epileptic women. The most-used
      antiepileptic drug was phenobarbital in 70% of the cases. There was greater
      neonatal mortality (p = 0.006), occurrence of neonatal hemorrhagic disorders (p =
      0.005), and occurrence of minor congenital anomalies (p = 0.03) among the
      children of women exposed to antiepileptic drugs. CONCLUSION: The antenatal
      exposure to antiepileptic drugs is associated mainly with occurrences of
      hemorrhagic complications during the neonatal period; furthermore, great
      prevalence of newborns presenting minor congenital anomalies and elevated risk of
      neonatal mortality.

PMID- 25123519
TI  - Antenatal brain injury in third trimester neonates with severe congenital
      anomalies: an autopsy study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: With advances in therapy, more neonates with severe congenital
      anomalies are surviving, albeit some with neurologic disorders, possibly related
      to antenatal low brain blood flow. This autopsy series reports antenatal brain
      injury in neonates expiring due to severe anomalies, and provides correlation
      with umbilical cord blood gas and acid-base analysis. METHODS: We identified
      autopsies of third trimester neonates expiring shortly following delivery due to
      severe anomalies or malformations. Brain injury classified as "older" included
      periventricular leukomalacia, gliosis and karyorrhectic neurons, and "recent"
      included red neurons and reactive glial changes. RESULTS: We identified 22 cases
      (nine term, 13 preterm). 16 (73%) had brain injury, including 11 with older
      injury. Cord arterial blood was analyzed in 17, and six had pH <7 or base deficit
      >12 mmol/L. Four out of 5 (80%) neonates with neuronal necrosis compared to two
      out of 12 (17%) without had a pH <7 or base deficit >12 mmol/L (p = 0.03). Five
      out of nine (56%) neonates with white matter injury compared to one out of 8
      (13%) without had pH <7 or base deficit >12 mmol/L (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS:
      Antenatal brain injury is frequent in neonates with severe congenital anomalies.
      Severely abnormal cord blood analysis results correlate significantly with
      neuronal necrosis and show a trend toward white matter injury; however, the
      absence of these abnormal results does not preclude the presence of brain injury.

PMID- 25123521
TI  - Inhibition of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in the hypothalamus, pons and cerebellum of the
      offspring rat due to experimentally-induced maternal hypothyroidism.
AB  - Neurodevelopment is known to be particularly susceptible to thyroid hormone
      insufficiency and can result in extensive structural and functional deficits
      within the central nervous system (CNS), subsequently leading to the
      establishment of cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptomatology. The
      current study evaluated the effects of gestational and/or lactational maternal
      exposure to propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism (as a suggestive
      multilevel experimental approach to the study of hypothyroidism-induced changes
      that has been developed and characterized by the authors) on crucial brain enzyme
      activities of 21-day-old Wistar rat offspring in a CNS region-specific manner.
      The activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and Mg(2+)
      ATPase in the offspring hypothalamus, cerebellum and pons were assessed. The
      study demonstrated that maternal exposure to PTU (0.05% w/v in the drinking
      water) during the critical periods of neurodevelopment can result in an
      inhibition of hypothalamic, pontine and cerebellar Na(+),K(+)-ATPase; a major
      marker of neuronal excitability and metabolic energy production as well as an
      important regulator of important systems of neurotransmission. On the other hand,
      no significant changes in the activities of the herein offspring CNS regions'
      AChE and Mg(2+)-ATPase were recorded. The observed Na(+),K(+)-ATPase inhibition:
      (i) is region-specific (and non-detectable in whole brain homogenetes), (ii)
      could constitute a central event in the pathophysiology of clinically-relevant
      hypothyroidism-associated developmental neurotoxicity, (iii) occurs under all
      examined experimental schemes, and (iv) certainly deserves further clarification
      at a molecular and histopathological level. As these findings are analyzed and
      compared to the available literature, they also underline the need for the
      adoption and further study of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity as a consistent
      neurochemical marker within the context of a systematic comparative study of
      existing (and novel) simulation approaches to congenital and early age
      hypothyroidism. 

PMID- 25123522
TI  - Use of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting subclinical synovitis in
      rheumatoid arthritis and correlation of imaging findings with interleukin-18
      levels.
AB  - AIM: We studied the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting
      subclinical inflammation in patients with asymptomatic RA and tested the
      hypothesis of interleukin (IL)-18 as a marker of disease activity. METHODS:
      Thirteen RA patients with Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS28) < 2.6 were
      evaluated. The patients underwent clinical evaluation, laboratory tests and MRI
      assessment. Imaging of bilateral hands and wrists was performed using validated
      acquisition and scoring techniques. Serum IL-18 levels were concurrently
      measured. RESULTS: MRI assessments showed that 92.3% and 76.9% of patients had
      synovitis and bone marrow edema, respectively, despite being in clinical
      remission. Eight out of 12 patients (66.7%) had erosions on MRI which were not
      visualised on plain radiographs. Of all the 182 joints studied for synovitis on
      MRI, only one had clinical evidence of joint swelling. Comparison of the total
      sum scores of synovitis between the right and left hand and wrist joints of
      individual patients showed a significant difference between the two sides.
      Measurements of IL-18 indicated that a large proportion (54%) of the patients had
      undetectable or very low levels of the cytokine. CONCLUSION: MRI is more
      sensitive in detecting erosions compared with X-rays, and is superior in its
      ability to detect subclinical inflammation in RA patients. Despite being in
      clinical remission, a large majority of patients had imaging-detected synovitis
      and bone marrow edema. Our study highlights the usefulness of MRI for the
      accurate evaluation of disease activity. In the utility of MRI, it may be
      important to assess bilateral hands and wrists, instead of limiting to the
      dominant side.

PMID- 25123523
TI  - Degradation and mineralization of organic UV absorber compound 2
      phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA) using UV-254nm/H2O2.
AB  - Various studies have revealed the non-biodegradable and endocrine disrupting
      properties of sulfonated organic UV absorbers, directing people's attention
      toward their risks on ecological and human health and hence their removal from
      water. In this study, UV-254nm/H2O2 advanced oxidation process (AOP) was
      investigated for degrading a model UV absorber compound 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5
      sulfonic acid (PBSA) and a structurally similar compound 1H-benzimidazole-2
      sulfonic acid (BSA), with a specific focus on their mineralization. At 4.0mM
      [H2O2]0, a complete removal of 40.0MUM parent PBSA and 25% decrease in TOC were
      achieved with 190min of UV irradiation; SO4(2-) was formed and reached its
      maximum level while the release of nitrogen as NH4(+) was much lower (around 50%)
      at 190min. Sulfate removal was strongly enhanced by increasing [H2O2]0 in the
      range of 0-4.0mM, with slight inhibition in 4.0-12.0mM. Faster and earlier
      ammonia formation was observed at higher [H2O2]0. The presence of Br(-) slowed
      down the degradation and mineralization of both compounds while a negligible
      effect on the degradation was observed in the presence of Cl(-). Our study
      provides important technical and fundamental results on the HO based degradation
      and mineralization of SO3H and N-containing UV absorber compounds. 

PMID- 25123524
TI  - Differentiation of histoplasma and cryptococcus in cytology smears: a diagnostic
      dilemma in severely necrotic cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The correct identification of fungal organisms is important for the
      appropriate clinical management of patients. It becomes difficult in necrotic
      smears when the tissue response is not clearly discernible. It is difficult to
      distinguish between histoplasma and cryptococcus in severely necrotic cases,
      where both appear as variably sized clear refractile haloes. METHODS: Four cases
      of adrenal necrotic histoplasma infection were studied and the morphology was
      compared with that of non-necrotic histoplasmosis and cases of cryptococcal
      infection. Eleven cases were analysed in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)
      smears. Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain was performed to exclude tuberculosis in
      necrotic smears. A clinical and serology correlation was performed where
      available. RESULTS: Necrotic cases of histoplasma infection revealed negative
      refractile clear haloes similar to those of cryptococcus. Histoplasma showed
      methylene blue-stained organisms in ZN stains, whereas the cryptococcus cases
      were negative. Similar methylene blue-stained organisms were seen in non-necrotic
      histoplasma infection. CONCLUSION: As a result of morphological overlap between
      cryptococcus and histoplasma, the distinction between the two fungi can be
      difficult in many cases. ZN staining appears to have a role in the
      differentiation of these fungi in severely necrotic cases. This observation needs
      to be validated on a larger number of cases with complete correlation with
      clinical, serology and treatment records.

PMID- 25123525
TI  - Child marriage and its associations with controlling behaviors and spousal
      violence against adolescent and young women in Pakistan.
AB  - PURPOSE: Child marriage (before 18 years) is widely prevalent in Pakistan, and
      disproportionately affects young girls in rural, low-income, and poorly educated
      households. Our study aims to determine the associations between child marriage
      and controlling behaviors (CB) and spousal violence by husbands against
      adolescent and young women in Pakistan beyond those attributed to social
      vulnerabilities. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Pakistan Demographic and
      Health Survey, 2012-2013, of currently married women aged 15-24 years who had
      participated in the domestic violence module (n = 589, 22.5% [589/2,615] of the
      subsample aged 15-24 years) to identify differences in CB and spousal violence
      experiences between early (<18 years) and adult (>=18 years) ages at marriage.
      Associations between child marriage and CB and spousal violence by husband were
      assessed by calculating adjusted odds ratios (AOR) using logistic regression
      models after controlling for demographics, social equity indicators (education,
      wealth index, and rural residence), spousal age gap, and husband's education.
      RESULTS: Overall, 47.8% of currently married women aged 15-24 years in Pakistan
      were married before the age of 18 years. About one third of women aged 15-24
      years in Pakistan reported experiencing CB (31.8%) and spousal violence (31.1%)
      by their husbands. Compared with adult marriage, child marriage was significantly
      associated with CB (AOR = 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.042-2.157), any
      form of spousal violence (physical or emotional) (AOR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.392
      2.969), emotional violence (AOR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.254-2.767), and physical
      violence (AOR = 2.44; 95% CI, 1.582-3.760), including severe physical violence
      (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI, 1.122-5.872). CONCLUSIONS: Effective interventions are
      needed to prevent child marriages and raise awareness about their negative
      consequences, with special reference to spousal violence.

PMID- 25123515
TI  - Sterile intra-amniotic inflammation in asymptomatic patients with a sonographic
      short cervix: prevalence and clinical significance.
AB  - Abstract Objective: To determine the frequency and clinical significance of
      sterile and microbial-associated intra-amniotic inflammation in asymptomatic
      patients with a sonographic short cervix. Methods: Amniotic fluid (AF) samples
      obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis from 231 asymptomatic women with a
      sonographic short cervix [cervical length (CL) <=25 mm] were analyzed using
      cultivation techniques (for aerobic and anaerobic as well as genital mycoplasmas)
      and broad-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with electrospray
      ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS). The frequency and magnitude of intra
      amniotic inflammation [defined as an AF interleukin (IL)-6 concentration >=2.6
      ng/mL], acute histologic placental inflammation, spontaneous preterm delivery
      (sPTD), and the amniocentesis-to-delivery interval were examined according to the
      results of AF cultures, PCR/ESI-MS and AF IL-6 concentrations. Results: Ten
      percent (24/231) of patients with a sonographic short cervix had sterile intra
      amniotic inflammation (an elevated AF IL-6 concentration without evidence of
      microorganisms using cultivation and molecular methods). Sterile intra-amniotic
      inflammation was significantly more frequent than microbial-associated intra
      amniotic inflammation [10.4% (24/231) versus 2.2% (5/231); p < 0.001]. Patients
      with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation had a significantly higher rate of sPTD
      <34 weeks of gestation [70.8% (17/24) versus 31.6% (55/174); p < 0.001] and a
      significantly shorter amniocentesis-to-delivery interval than patients without
      intra-amniotic inflammation [median 35, (IQR: 10-70) versus median 71, (IQR: 47
      98) days, (p < 0.0001)]. Conclusion: Sterile intra-amniotic inflammation is more
      common than microbial-associated intra-amniotic inflammation in asymptomatic
      women with a sonographic short cervix, and is associated with increased risk of
      sPTD (<34 weeks). Further investigation is required to determine the causes of
      sterile intra-amniotic inflammation and the mechanisms whereby this condition is
      associated with a short cervix and sPTD.

PMID- 25123526
TI  - Volume assured versus pressure preset non-invasive ventilation for compensated
      ventilatory failure in COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The addition of domiciliary non-invasive ventilation (NIV) to
      standard therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with
      compensated ventilatory failure (CVF) is reported to have beneficial effects.
      Compliance with NIV is an important factor. Volume assured NIV (va-NIV) may
      improve compliance and ventilation during sleep by automatically titrating
      ventilatory pressures. METHODS: A prospective single centre, randomised, parallel
      group trial comparing va-NIV and pressure preset NIV (pp-NIV) in COPD patients
      with CVF naive to domiciliary NIV was performed (ISCRTN91892415). The primary
      outcomes were arterial blood gases, mean overnight oximetry (mSpO2) and
      compliance after three months. Secondary outcomes included pulmonary function,
      exercise capacity and health-related quality of life assessment. RESULTS: Forty
      patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio. The va-NIV median target minute
      ventilation was 8.4 L/min and pp-NIV median inspiratory pressure was 28 cmH2O.
      There were no significant differences between groups in primary or secondary
      outcomes after three months. Mean (SD) PaO2 8.7 (1.7) versus 7.9 (1.7) kPa (p =
      0.19), PaCO2 6.7 (0.5) versus 7.3 (1.1) kPa (p = 0.1), mSpO2 89.7 (4.2) versus
      89.8 (3.9) % (p = 0.95), compliance 5.0 (3.1) versus 4.7 (3.2) hours (p = 0.8) in
      va-NIV versus pp-NIV respectively. Patients allocated va-NIV spent fewer days in
      hospital initiating therapy 3.3 (1.6) versus 5.2 (2.8) (p = 0.02). Both groups
      showed significant improvements in PaCO2 and mSpO2 after three months treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Domiciliary va-NIV and pp-NIV have similar effects on physiological
      outcomes in COPD patients with CVF and both are well tolerated.

PMID- 25123527
TI  - Stable rates of neonatal sepsis in a tertiary neonatal unit.
AB  - AIMS: To describe the rate of early- and late-onset sepsis in neonates admitted
      to the neonatal intensive care unit at the Royal Women's Hospital and to compare
      the rate of late-onset sepsis (LOS) with a published (2008) cohort from the same
      unit. The secondary aim was to examine clinicians' compliance with antibiotic
      guidelines. METHODS: Infants born <32 weeks' gestation or <1500 g admitted
      between 1 July 2011 and 31 December 2011 were included. Strict definitions of
      sepsis and compliance with antibiotic guidelines were applied. RESULTS: One
      hundred and seventy-two infants met the inclusion criteria, with 152 having blood
      culture evaluations for early-onset sepsis (EOS) and 58 having 109 evaluations
      for LOS. Definite EOS occurred in 1.3% with Escherichia coli isolated. The rate
      of definite LOS in 2011 of 22% was not significantly different than the 27% in
      2008, with coagulase-negative staphylococcus the main isolate. Antibiotic
      continuation beyond 72 h in infants with negative blood cultures was the main
      reason for non-compliance with antibiotic guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of
      EOS is comparable with published reports and the rate of LOS has remained stable
      over a 3-year period. Discontinuation of antibiotics with negative septic markers
      and blood cultures at 48-72 h is encouraged.

PMID- 25123528
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of new BSH-conjugated chlorin derivatives as
      agents for both photodynamic therapy and boron neutron capture therapy of cancer.
AB  - New disodium mercaptoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate (BSH)-conjugated chlorin
      derivatives 11, 12, 16 and 20 as agents for both photodynamic therapy (PDT) and
      boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) of cancer were synthesized. The in vivo
      biodistribution and clearance of 11, 12, 16 and 20 were investigated in tumor
      bearing mice. Compounds 12 and 16 showed good tumor-selective accumulation among
      the four derivatives. The time to maximum accumulation of compound 16 in tumor
      tissue was one-fourth of that of compound 12, and clearance from normal tissues
      of compound 16 was similar to that of compound 12. The in vivo therapeutic
      efficacy of PDT using 16, which has twice as many boron atoms as 12, was
      evaluated by measuring tumor growth rates in tumor-bearing mice with 660 nm light
      emitting diode irradiation at 6h after injection of 16. Tumor growth was
      significantly inhibited by PDT using 16. These results suggested that 16 is a
      good candidate for both PDT and BNCT of cancer.

PMID- 25123529
TI  - Neuroblastoma in a Patient With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I: Is It Just a
      Coincidence?
AB  - Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by
      progressive degeneration of anterior horn cells of the spinal cord resulting in
      hypotonia, skeletal muscle atrophy, and weakness. Herein, we report a 4-month-old
      male infant who presented to our hospital with an abdominal mass that was
      diagnosed as neuroblastoma and spinal muscular atrophy type I. We would like to
      discuss the course and differential diagnosis with an algorithm leading to the
      diagnosis in this peculiar patient. To our knowledge, coexistence of spinal
      muscular atrophy type I and neuroblastoma is defined for the first time in the
      literature. 

PMID- 25123530
TI  - Large Artery Stroke in a Child With Hypoparathyroidism.
AB  - The association of hypoparathyroidism and ischemic stroke is rare in childhood.
      We report an interesting case of an 11-year-old girl diagnosed to have
      hypoparathyroidism and presented with an acute-onset right hemiparesis.
      Investigations revealed large artery ischemic stroke and uncontrolled
      hypoparathyroidism. Pediatricians and pediatric neurologists should be aware of
      this association in view of its potential preventive nature. 

PMID- 25123531
TI  - The Epidemiology of Traumatic Brain Injury in Children and Youths: A Review of
      Research Since 1990.
AB  - This report reviews recent research on the epidemiology of traumatic brain
      injuries among children and youth aged 0 to 20 years. Studies representing
      populations in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand yield these
      median estimates of the annual incidence of childhood brain injuries: 691 per 100
      000 population treated in emergency departments, 74 per 100 000 treated in
      hospital, and 9 per 100 000 resulting in death. Males have a higher risk of
      injury than females: 1.4 times higher among those aged less than 10 years and 2.2
      times among those older than 10 years. The leading cause of injury among children
      aged less than 5 years is falls, whereas the leading cause of injury among youths
      aged 15 years and older is motor vehicle crashes. The prevalence of disability
      among all persons who have sustained traumatic brain injury in childhood is
      unknown, but among those who were hospitalized could approximate 20%. 

PMID- 25123532
TI  - Microtubule-associated protein/microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4)
      plays a role in cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics.
AB  - MARK4 is a serine-threonine kinase that phosphorylates MAP proteins, increasing
      microtubule dynamics. MARK4 differs from the other members of the MARK family for
      encoding two isoforms (MARK4L and MARK4S), differentially expressed in the
      nervous system, and for the peculiar localisation at the centrosome and the
      midbody. By cytofluorimetric analysis we showed that MARK4 is expressed
      throughout the cell cycle and preferentially activated during mitosis. Depletion
      of MARK4S affected the morphology and proliferation of fibroblasts and glioma
      cells, as the percentages of cells in S and G2/M phases were reduced and the
      percentage of cells in G1 was increased. In MARK4S silenced cells, centrosomes
      were duplicated and positioned apically to the nucleus, indicating that the
      centrosome cycle was altered and the cells arrested in G1 phase. Overexpression
      of MARK4L or MARK4S reduced the density of the microtubule network, confirming
      microtubules as the main target of MARK4, and revealed a novel co-localisation of
      MARK4 and vimentin. Taken together, our data confirm that MARK4 is a key
      component in the regulation of microtubule dynamics and highlight its major role
      in cell cycle progression, particularly at the G1/S transition. The co
      localisation of vimentin and MARK4L suggests that MARK4 has a wide-ranging
      influence on cytoskeleton. 

PMID- 25123534
TI  - Post mortem concentrations of endogenous gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and in
      vitro formation in stored blood and urine samples.
AB  - Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a central nervous system depressant, primarily
      used as a recreational drug of abuse with numerous names. It has also been
      involved in various instances of drug-facilitated sexual assault due to its
      potential incapacitating effects. The first aim of this paper is to measure the
      post-mortem concentration of endogenous GHB in whole blood and urine samples of
      30 GHB free-users, who have been divided according to the post-mortem interval
      (PMI) in three groups (first group: 24-36h; second group: 37-72h; third group: 73
      192h), trying to evaluate the role of PMI in affecting post mortem levels.
      Second, the Authors have evaluated the new formation of GHB in vitro in blood and
      urine samples of the three groups, which have been stored at -20 degrees C, 4
      degrees C and 20 degrees C over a period of one month. The concentrations were
      measured by GC-MS after liquid-liquid extraction according to the method
      validated and published by Elliot (For. Sci. Int., 2003). For urine samples, GHB
      concentrations were creatinine-normalized. In the first group the GHB mean
      concentration measured after autopsy was: 2.14mg/L (range 0.54-3.21mg/L) in blood
      and 3.90mg/g (range 0.60-4.81mg/g) in urine; in the second group it was: 5.13mg/L
      (range 1.11-9.60mg/L) in blood and 3.93mg/g (range 0.91-7.25mg/g) in urine; in
      the third group it was: 11.8mg/L (range 3.95-24.12mg/L) in blood and 9.83mg/g
      (range 3.67-21.90mg/g) in urine. The results obtained in blood and urine samples
      showed a statistically significant difference among groups (p<0.001) in the first
      analysis performed immediately after autopsy. Throughout the period of
      investigation up to 4 weeks, the comparison of storage temperatures within each
      group showed in blood and urine samples a mean difference at 20 degrees C
      compared to -20 degrees C not statistically significant at the 10% level. These
      findings allow us to affirm that the PMI strongly affects the post mortem
      production of GHB in blood and urine samples. Regarding the new formation of GHB
      in vitro both in blood and urine samples of the three groups, which have been
      stored at -20 degrees C, 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C over a period of one month,
      although there was no significant increases of GHB levels throughout the period
      of investigation, the lowest increases were found both in blood and urine at -20
      degrees C, therefore we recommend the latter as optimal storage temperature. 

PMID- 25123533
TI  - A quantitative multiplexed mass spectrometry assay for studying the kinetic of
      residue-specific histone acetylation.
AB  - Histone acetylation is involved in gene regulation and, most importantly,
      aberrant regulation of histone acetylation is correlated with major human
      diseases. Although many lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) have been characterized
      as being capable of acetylating multiple lysine residues on histones, how
      different factors such as enzyme complexes or external stimuli (e.g. KAT
      activators or inhibitors) alter KAT specificity remains elusive. In order to
      comprehensively understand how the homeostasis of histone acetylation is
      maintained, a method that can quantitate acetylation levels of individual lysines
      on histones is needed. Here we demonstrate that our mass spectrometry (MS)-based
      method accomplishes this goal. In addition, the high throughput, high
      sensitivity, and high dynamic range of this method allows for effectively and
      accurately studying steady-state kinetics. Based on the kinetic parameters from
      in vitro enzymatic assays, we can determine the specificity and selectivity of a
      KAT and use this information to understand what factors influence histone
      acetylation. These approaches can be used to study the enzymatic mechanisms of
      histone acetylation as well as be adapted to other histone modifications.
      Understanding the post-translational modification of individual residues within
      the histones will provide a better picture of chromatin regulation in the cell. 

PMID- 25123535
TI  - Arsenic trioxide prevents rat pulmonary fibrosis via miR-98 overexpression.
AB  - AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis mechanisms of bleomycin
      (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in Sprague-Dawley rats and explore the anti
      fibrotic role of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) in preventing PF. MAIN METHODS:
      Intratracheal instillation of BLM was performed to establish PF rat models. The
      treatment group was treated with As2O3 (0.4 mg/kg/day). Morphological changes
      were observed by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining. Related proteins were
      determined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot.
      MicroRNA detection was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction. KEY FINDINGS: As a novel miRNA in PF, miR-98 decreased in the fibrotic
      lung tissues. Based on microRNA analysis software, we found that Stat3-3'-UTR is
      targeted by miR-98. Then, we found that Stat3 was activated with PF development
      and the expression of Stat3 and p-Stat3 was significantly increased in BLM
      induced PF at day 28 compared with saline-treated rats. Our results showed that
      both Stat3 and p-Stat3 were significantly decreased in miR-98-treated A549 cells
      compared with that in mu-98-treated cultures or untreated controls. The fibrotic
      marker alpha-SMA was upregulated, whereas E-cadherin was inhibited in fibrotic
      lung tissues. The ratio of apoptotic factors Bax/Bcl-2 increased with the
      development of fibrosis. Furthermore, As2O3 treatment prevented lung interstitial
      thickening and inhibited the collagen type I and hydroxyproline, thereby
      preventing the development of PF. As2O3 also significantly down-regulated alpha
      SMA but increased E-cadherin and miR-98 levels. SIGNIFICANCE: The study revealed
      that arsenic trioxide prevented rat PF by up-regulation of miR-98 and inhibition
      of its downstream Stat3 signals.

PMID- 25123536
TI  - Insulin acutely triggers transcription of Slc2a4 gene: participation of the AT
      rich, E-box and NFKB-binding sites.
AB  - AIMS: The insulin-sensitive glucose transporter protein GLUT4 (solute carrier
      family 2 member 4 (Slc2a4) gene) plays a key role in glycemic homeostasis.
      Decreased GLUT4 expression is a current feature in insulin resistant conditions
      such as diabetes, and the restoration of GLUT4 content improves glycemic control.
      This study investigated the effect of insulin upon Slc2a4/GLUT4 expression,
      focusing on the AT-rich element, E-box and nuclear factor NF-kappa-B (NFKB) site.
      MAIN METHODS: Rat soleus muscles were incubated during 180 min with insulin,
      added or not with wortmannin (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase
      catalytic subunit gamma isoform (PI3K)-inhibitor), ML9 (serine/threonine protein
      kinase (AKT) inhibitor) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF, GLUT4 repressor), and
      processed for analysis of GLUT4 protein (Western blotting); Slc2a4, myocyte
      enhancer factor 2a/d (Mef2a/d), hypoxia inducible factor 1a (Hif1a), myogenic
      differentiation 1 (Myod1) and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene
      enhancer in B-cells 1 (Nfkb1) messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) (polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR)); and AT-rich- (myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2 (MEF2)
      binding site), E-box- (hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A)- and myoblast
      determination protein 1 (MYOD1)-binding site), and NFKB-binding activity
      (electrophoretic mobility assay). KEY FINDINGS: Insulin increased Slc2a4 mRNA
      expression (140%) and nuclear proteins binding to AT-rich and E-box elements
      (~90%), all effects were prevented by wortmannin and ML9. Insulin also increased
      Mef2a/d and Myod1 mRNA expression, suggesting the participation of these
      transcriptional factors in the Slc2a4 enhancing effect. Conversely, insulin
      decreased Nfkb1 mRNA expression and protein binding to the NFKB-site (~50%).
      Furthermore, TNF-induced inhibition of GLUT4 expression (~40%) was prevented by
      insulin in an NFKB-binding repressing mechanism. GLUT4 protein paralleled the
      Slc2a4 mRNA regulations. SIGNIFICANCE: Insulin enhances the Slc2a4/GLUT4
      expression in the skeletal muscle by activating AT-rich and E-box elements, in a
      PI3K/AKT-dependent mechanism, and repressing NFKB-site activity as well. These
      results unravel how post-prandial increase of insulin may guarantee GLUT4
      expression, and how the insulin signaling impairment can participate in insulin
      resistance-induced repression of GLUT4.

PMID- 25123538
TI  - Efficient heteronuclear decoupling in MAS solid-state NMR using non-rotor
      synchronized rCW irradiation.
AB  - We present new non-rotor-synchronized variants of the recently introduced
      refocused continuous wave (rCW) heteronuclear decoupling method significantly
      improving the performance relative to the original rotor-synchronized variants.
      Under non-rotor-synchronized conditions the rCW decoupling sequences provide more
      efficient decoupling, are easier to setup, and prove more robust towards
      experimental parameters such as radio frequency (rf) field amplitude and spinning
      frequency. This is demonstrated through numerical simulations substantiated with
      experimental results under different sample spinning and rf field amplitude
      conditions for powder samples of U-(13)C-glycine and U-(13)C-L-histidine.HCl.H2O.

PMID- 25123537
TI  - Leptin-mediated inflammatory signaling crucially links visceral fat inflammation
      to obesity-associated beta-cell dysfunction.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to examine the causal relationship between adipokines
      released from visceral fat and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction in the state of
      obesity inflammation. MAIN METHODS: Adipose tissue and adipocyte conditioned
      medium were obtained from epididymal fat of B6 mice on regular or high fat diet
      for 16 weeks. The latter were classified into two groups: overweight (OW, 40+/
      2g) and obese (OB, 50+/-2g). Isolated mouse islets and NIT-1 cells were used to
      evaluate beta-cell function. KEY FINDINGS: Fasting glucose, leptin, and
      interleukin-6 levels were increased in OW mice and were further elevated in OB
      mice. Adipocyte size and number of adipose macrophage infiltrations showed a
      similar trend. The augmentation of homeostasis model assessment of insulin
      resistance, islet hyperplasia and macrophage infiltration was noted only in OB
      mice. The stimulation index was lower, but reactive oxygen species production was
      higher in islets isolated from OB mice than from controls. In epididymal fat
      conditioned medium, the increases in leptin, IL-6 and TNF-alpha production in OW
      mice were further elevated in OB mice except TNF-alpha. Adipose tissue
      conditioned medium suppressed the stimulation index of islets isolated from B6
      mice but not from db/db mice. The suppressive effect was also reversed by co
      treatment with N-acetylcysteine or NS-398 (a selective cyclooxygenase-2
      inhibitor). SIGNIFICANCE: A markedly elevated leptin production from inflamed
      visceral fat could deteriorate beta-cell function via leptin receptor-mediated
      oxidative stress and cyclooxygenase-2 activation in the development of obesity.

PMID- 25123539
TI  - Determining pore length scales and pore surface relaxivity of rock cores by
      internal magnetic fields modulation at 2MHz NMR.
AB  - Pore length scales and pore surface relaxivities of rock cores with different
      lithologies were studied on a 2MHz Rock Core Analyzer. To determine the pore
      length scales of the rock cores, the high eigenmodes of spin bearing molecules
      satisfying the diffusion equation were detected with optimized encoding periods
      in the presence of internal magnetic fields Bin. The results were confirmed using
      a 64MHz NMR system, which supports the feasibility of high eigenmode detection at
      fields as low as 2MHz. Furthermore, this methodology was combined with
      relaxometry measurements to a two-dimensional experiment, which provides
      correlation between pore length and relaxation time. This techniques also yields
      information on the surface relaxivity of the rock cores. The estimated surface
      relaxivities were then compared to the results using an independent NMR method. 

PMID- 25123540
TI  - Achieving 1% NMR polarization in water in less than 1min using SABRE.
AB  - The development of biocompatible hyperpolarized media is a crucial step towards
      application of hyperpolarization in vivo. This article describes the achievement
      of 1% hyperpolarization of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazine protons in water using the
      parahydrogen induced polarization technique based on signal amplification by
      reversible exchange (SABRE). Polarization was achieved in less than 1 min.

PMID- 25123541
TI  - A 3D experiment that provides isotropic homonuclear correlations of half-integer
      quadrupolar nuclei.
AB  - Two 3D experiments, capable of producing enhanced resolution two-spin double
      quantum (DQ) homonuclear correlations for half-integer quadrupolar nuclei, are
      described. The first uses a split-t1 MQMAS sequence followed by a sandwiched
      oR(3) symmetry-based dipolar recoupling sequence to directly excite DQ
      coherences. In this case an isotropic single-quantum (SQ) coherence starts the
      homonuclear DQ excitation. In the second experiment a single strong pulse is used
      to create triple quantum (TQ) coherence followed by a further single pulse
      conversion to zero-order before a non-sandwiched oR(3) DQ sequence. The first
      experiment is demonstrated using (87)Rb in RbNO3, with three Rb sites in a ~5ppm
      range, and the second to (11)B in caesium triborate, CsB3O5, with two three
      coordinated sites separated by ~2ppm and one four-coordinated boron site. In both
      cases, all sites are clearly resolved and their connections observed. The second
      experiment has higher sensitivity and a good signal to noise is obtained in a
      reasonable time despite the long T1 relaxation time of (11)B in this material. 

PMID- 25123542
TI  - The interaction of a cobalt porphyrin with cancer-associated nitrosamines.
AB  - A cobalt porphyrin (CY-B) was presented, and its interaction with tobacco
      specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) was investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy and high
      resolution mass spectrometry. The results revealed that the stoichiometry of the
      host-guest interaction was 1:2 and that the binding constant between CY-B and
      TSNAs was within the range of 0.78*10(8)-7.83*10(8)M(-2). The coordination
      strength between CY-B and TSNAs decreased in the sequence of NNN>NAB>NAT>NNK
      based on the binding constant. The interaction mechanism of CY-B with TSNAs
      involved a coordination interaction, and the pi-pi interaction between the
      porphyrin macrocycle and the aromatic frame of the TSNAs pyridines may also have
      been a driving force. The measured thermodynamic properties demonstrated that the
      reaction of CY-B with TSNAs was spontaneous and that the driving force for the
      interaction was a change in enthalpy. The reaction was exothermic, and an
      increasing temperature inhibited the interaction. The IR spectrum of the complex
      revealed that the NNO group of TSNAs and the metal cobalt of CY-B formed the six
      coordinate complex. 

PMID- 25123544
TI  - Identifying the contents of a type 1 diabetes outpatient care program based on
      the self-adjustment of insulin using the Delphi method.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study is to identify the items necessary for an
      outpatient care program based on the self-adjustment of insulin for type 1
      diabetes patients. METHODS: Two surveys based on the Delphi method were
      conducted. The survey participants were 41 certified diabetes nurses in Japan. An
      outpatient care program based on the self-adjustment of insulin was developed
      based on pertinent published work and expert opinions. RESULTS: There were a
      total of 87 survey items in the questionnaire, which was developed based on the
      care program mentioned earlier, covering matters such as the establishment of
      prerequisites and a cooperative relationship, the basics of blood glucose pattern
      management, learning and practice sessions for the self-adjustment of insulin,
      the implementation of the self-adjustment of insulin, and feedback. The
      participants' approval on items in the questionnaires was defined at 70%.
      Participants agreed on all of the items in the first survey. Four new parameters
      were added to make a total of 91 items for the second survey and participants
      agreed on the inclusion of 84 of them. CONCLUSION: Items necessary for a type 1
      diabetes outpatient care program based on self-adjustment of insulin were
      subsequently selected. It is believed that this care program received a fairly
      strong approval from certified diabetes nurses; however, it will be necessary to
      have the program further evaluated in conjunction with intervention studies in
      the future.

PMID- 25123543
TI  - Adverse event reporting in nonpharmacologic, noninterventional pain clinical
      trials: ACTTION systematic review.
AB  - Assessment of treatment safety is 1 of the primary goals of clinical trials.
      Organizations and working groups have created reporting guidelines for adverse
      events (AEs). Previous research examining AE reporting for pharmacologic clinical
      trials of analgesics in major pain journals found many reporting inadequacies,
      suggesting that analgesic trials are not adhering to existing AE reporting
      guidelines. The present systematic review documented AE reporting in 3 main pain
      journals for nonpharmacologic, noninterventional (NP/NI) trials examining pain
      treatments. To broaden our pool of nonpharmacologic trials, we also included
      trials examining acupuncture, leech therapy, and noninvasive stimulation
      techniques (eg, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). We documented AE
      reporting at 2 levels of specificity using coding manuals based on the
      Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) harms reporting standards
      and Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations,
      Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks (ACTTION) AE reporting checklist. We
      identified a number of inadequacies in AE reporting across the 3 journals. For
      example, using the ACTTION coding manual, we found that less than one-half of the
      trials reported specific AE assessment methods; approximately one-third of the
      trials reported withdrawals due to AEs for each study arm; and about one-fourth
      of the trials reported all specific AEs. We also examined differences in AE
      reporting across several trial characteristics, finding that AE reporting was
      generally more detailed in trials with patients versus those using healthy
      volunteers undergoing experimentally evoked pain. These results suggest that
      investigators conducting and reporting NP/NI clinical trials are not adequately
      describing the assessment and occurrence of AEs. 

PMID- 25123545
TI  - A pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung producing multiple cytokines and forming a
      rapidly progressive mass-like opacity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer cells have been reported to produce cytokines, resulting
      in systemic reactions. There have been few reports showing that these cytokines
      induced the formation of an inflammatory mass around lung cancers. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We encountered a patient with a pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung.
      This tumor produced interleukin (IL)-8, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and
      IL-6, which in turn recruited inflammatory cells, such as CD8 positive
      lymphocytes, around the tumor, resulting in a rapidly growing tumor shadow.
      CONCLUSION: 18 F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography, in addition
      to a conventional radiological approach such as computed tomography, may detect
      immunological responses around a tumor.

PMID- 25123546
TI  - Demographic history and gene flow during silkworm domestication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gene flow plays an important role in domestication history of
      domesticated species. However, little is known about the demographic history of
      domesticated silkworm involving gene flow with its wild relative. RESULTS: In
      this study, four model-based evolutionary scenarios to describe the demographic
      history of B. mori were hypothesized. Using Approximate Bayesian Computation
      method and DNA sequence data from 29 nuclear loci, we found that the gene flow at
      bottleneck model is the most likely scenario for silkworm domestication. The
      starting time of silkworm domestication was estimated to be approximate 7,500
      years ago; the time of domestication termination was 3,984 years ago. Using
      coalescent simulation analysis, we also found that bi-directional gene flow
      occurred during silkworm domestication. CONCLUSIONS: Estimates of silkworm
      domestication time are nearly consistent with the archeological evidence and our
      previous results. Importantly, we found that the bi-directional gene flow might
      occur during silkworm domestication. Our findings add a dimension to highlight
      the important role of gene flow in domestication of crops and animals.

PMID- 25123547
TI  - Camello, a novel family of Histone Acetyltransferases that acetylate histone H4
      and is essential for zebrafish development.
AB  - In this study, we have investigated genome-wide occurrence of Histone
      Acetyltransferases (HATs) in genomes of Mus musculus and Danio rerio on the basis
      of presence of HAT domain. Our study identified a group of proteins that lacks
      characteristic features of known HAT families, relatively smaller in size and has
      no other associated domains. Most of the proteins in this unclassified group are
      Camello proteins, which are not yet known and classified as functional HATs. Our
      in vitro and in vivo analysis revealed that Camello family proteins are active
      HATs and exhibit specificity towards histone H4. Interestingly, Camello proteins
      are among the first identified HATs showing perinuclear localization. Moreover,
      Camello proteins are evolutionarily conserved in all chordates and are observed
      for the first time in cnidarians in phylogeny. Furthermore, knockdown of Camello
      protein (CMLO3) in zebrafish embryos exhibited defects in axis elongation and
      head formation. Thus, our study identified a novel family of active HATs that is
      specific for histone H4 acetylation, exhibits perinuclear localization and is
      essential for zebrafish development. 

PMID- 25123548
TI  - Relating working memory to compression parameters in clinically fit hearing AIDS.
AB  - PURPOSE: Several laboratory studies have demonstrated that working memory may
      influence response to compression speed in controlled (i.e., laboratory)
      comparisons of compression. In this study, the authors explored whether the same
      relationship would occur under less controlled conditions, as might occur in a
      typical audiology clinic. METHOD: Participants included 27 older adults who
      sought hearing care in a private practice audiology clinic. Working memory was
      measured for each participant using a reading span test. The authors examined the
      relationship between working memory and aided speech recognition in noise, using
      clinically fit hearing aids with a range of compression speeds. RESULTS: Working
      memory, amount of hearing loss, and age each contributed to speech recognition,
      but the contribution depended on the speed of the compression processor. For fast
      acting compression, the best performance was obtained by patients with high
      working memory. For slow-acting compression, speech recognition was affected by
      age and amount of hearing loss but was not affected by working memory.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite the expectation of greater variability from differences in
      compression implementation, number of compression channels, or attendant signal
      processing, the relationship between working memory and compression speed showed
      a similar pattern as results from more controlled, laboratory-based studies.

PMID- 25123550
TI  - GRAIDs: a framework for closing the gap in the availability of health promotion
      programs and interventions for people with disabilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence-based health promotion programs developed and tested in the
      general population typically exclude people with disabilities. To address this
      gap, a set of methods and criteria were created to adapt evidence-based health
      promotion programs for people with disabilities. In this first study, we describe
      a framework for adapting evidence-based obesity prevention strategies for people
      with disabilities. We illustrate how the framework has been used to adapt the
      U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) obesity prevention
      strategies for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. METHODS:
      The development of inclusion guidelines, recommendations and adaptations for
      obesity prevention (referred to as GRAIDs--Guidelines, Recommendations,
      Adaptations Including Disability) consists of five components: (i) a scoping
      review of the published and grey literature; (ii) an expert workgroup composed of
      nationally recognized leaders in disability and health promotion who review,
      discuss and modify the scoping review materials and develop the content into
      draft GRAIDs; (iii) focus groups with individuals with disabilities and their
      family members (conducted separately) who provide input on the potential
      applicability of the proposed GRAIDs in real world settings; (iv) a national
      consensus meeting with 21 expert panel members who review and vote on a final set
      of GRAIDs; and (v) an independent peer review of GRAIDs by national leaders from
      key disability organizations and professional groups through an online web
      portal. RESULTS: This is an ongoing project, and to date, the process has been
      used to develop 11 GRAIDs to coincide with 11 of the 24 CDC obesity prevention
      strategies. CONCLUSION: A set of methods and criteria have been developed to
      allow researchers, practitioners and government agencies to promote inclusive
      health promotion guidelines, strategies and practices for people with
      disabilities. Evidence-based programs developed for people without disabilities
      can now be adapted for people with disabilities using the GRAIDs framework.

PMID- 25123549
TI  - Younger age, higher body mass index and lower adiponectin concentration predict
      higher serum thromboxane B2 level in aspirin-treated patients with type 2
      diabetes: an observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence from the literature suggests diminished acetylsalicylic acid
      (ASA) treatment efficacy in type 2 diabetes (DM2). High on-aspirin platelet
      reactivity (HAPR) in DM2 has been linked to poor glycemic and lipid control.
      However, there are no consistent data on the association between HAPR and insulin
      resistance or adipose tissue metabolic activity. The aim of this study was to
      assess the relationship between laboratory response to ASA and metabolic control,
      insulin resistance and adipokines in DM2. METHODS: A total of 186 DM2 patients
      treated with oral antidiabetic drugs and receiving 75 mg ASA daily were included
      in the analysis. Response to ASA was assessed by measuring serum thromboxane B2
      (TXB2) concentration and expressed as quartiles of TXB2 level. The achievement of
      treatment targets in terms of glycemic and lipid control, insulin resistance
      parameters (including Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance, HOMA-IR,
      index), and serum concentrations of high-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin,
      leptin and resistin, were evaluated in all patients. Univariate and multivariate
      logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the predictive factors
      of serum TXB2 concentration above the upper quartile and above the median.
      RESULTS: Significant trends in age, body mass index (BMI), HOMA-IR, HMW
      adiponectin concentration, C-reactive protein concentration and the frequency of
      achieving target triglyceride levels were observed across increasing quartiles of
      TXB2. In a multivariate analysis, only younger age and higher BMI were
      independent predictors of TXB2 concentration above the upper quartile, while
      younger age and lower HMW adiponectin concentration were predictors of TXB2
      concentration above the median. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in DM2,
      the most important predictor of HAPR is younger age. Younger DM2 patients may
      therefore require total daily ASA doses higher than 75 mg, preferably as a twice
      daily regimen, to achieve full therapeutic effect. Higher BMI and lower HMW
      adiponectin concentration were also associated with less potent ASA effect. This
      is the first study to demonstrate an association of lower adiponectin
      concentration with higher serum TXB2 level in patients treated with ASA.

PMID- 25123551
TI  - Sweet taste sensitivity in pre-diabetics, diabetics and normoglycemic controls: a
      comparative cross sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing prevalence of pre-diabetes is an emerging public health
      problem. Decrease in sweet taste sensitivity which can lead to an increase in
      sugar intake might be a factor driving them to overt diabetes. The aim of the
      present study was to assess the sweet taste sensitivity in pre-diabetics in
      comparison with diabetics and with normoglycemic controls. METHODS: Forty pre
      diabetics, 40 diabetics and 34 normoglycemic controls were studied. The three
      groups were matched for age, sex and BMI. The division into groups was based on
      their glycated hemoglobin levels. The detection and recognition thresholds were
      determined by the multiple forced-choice method using sucrose solutions prepared
      in 1/4 log dilutions. The intensities of perceived sensations for a series of
      suprathreshold concentrations of sucrose solutions prepared in 1/2 log dilution
      were determined by rating on a visual analogue scale. Statistical analyses were
      performed by SPSS version 21. RESULTS: The mean (SD) detection thresholds of
      diabetic, pre-diabetic and normoglycemic groups were 0.025 (0.01), 0.018 (0.01)
      and 0.015 (0.01) respectively with a significant increase in diabetic group
      compared to normoglycemic group (p = 0.03). The mean recognition thresholds were
      not different among the three groups. When the intensity ratings for
      suprathreshold concentrations of sucrose were compared between the three groups,
      for all suprathreshold concentrations tested, significant differences were
      observed across the four concentrations (p < 0.001) and between groups in
      suprathreshold ratings (p < 0.05). Further analysis showed that the diabetic
      group had significantly lower suprathreshold ratings than the normoglycemic group
      (p < 0.001). Although all mean suprathreshold intensity ratings of the pre
      diabetic group were between the normoglycemic and diabetic groups, the
      differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to
      demonstrate the sweet taste sensitivity in pre-diabetics. The findings of the
      present study do not support the hypothesis of decreased sweet taste sensitivity
      of pre-diabetics. However, the results confirm the previous findings of blunted
      taste response in diabetics. The observation of pre-diabetics having intermediate
      values for all taste thresholds and suprathreshold ratings warrants a future
      investigation with a larger pre-diabetic sample recruited with more specific
      screening criteria to test this hypothesis further.

PMID- 25123552
TI  - Population model of longitudinal FEV1 data in asthmatics: meta-analysis and
      predictability of placebo response.
AB  - Asthma is an obstructive lung disease where the mechanism of disease progression
      is not fully understood hence motivating the use of empirical models to describe
      the evolution of the patient's health state. With reference to placebo response,
      measured in terms of FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s), a range of empirical
      models taken from the literature were compared at a single trial level. In
      particular, eleven GSK trials lasting 12 weeks in mild-to-moderate asthma were
      used for the modelling of longitudinal placebo responses. Then, the chosen
      exponential model was used to carry out an individual participant data meta
      analysis on eleven trials. A covariate analysis was also performed to find
      relevant covariates in asthma to be accounted for in the meta-analysis model.
      Age, gender, and height were found statistically significant (e.g. the taller the
      patients the higher the FEV1, the older the patients the lower the FEV1, and
      females have lower FEV1). By truncating each trial at week 4, the predictive
      properties of the meta-analysis model were also investigated, showing its ability
      to predict long-term FEV1 response from truncated trials. Summarizing, the study
      suggests that: (i) the exponential model effectively describes the placebo
      response; (ii) the meta-analysis approach may prove helpful to simulate new
      trials as well as to reduce trial duration in view of its predictive properties;
      (iii) the inclusion of available covariates within the meta-analysis model
      provides a reduction of the inter-individual variability.

PMID- 25123553
TI  - Goal setting and knowledge generation through health policy and systems research
      in low- and middle-income countries.
AB  - The importance of health policy and systems research (HPSR) and its role in
      aiding health system reforms has been increasingly recognized in recent years
      within the World Health Organization (WHO). An assessment of the 71 WHO Country
      Cooperation Strategies (CCS) that are publicly available and were published in
      English in 2012 was completed to determine the extent to which HPSR goals are
      incorporated at the global level. A review was then conducted using a Medline
      database search to determine the number of articles published by countries with
      HPSR goals. Sixty-six out of the 71 (93%) available CCS describe HPSR as an
      objective or strategy for achieving health system priorities. However, only 52
      out of the 66 countries (79%) have any publications involving HPSR during their
      most recent CCS cycle. This suggests that although health systems strengthening
      through HPSR is increasingly emphasized by the WHO and country health ministries,
      actual HPSR progress may still be lacking. There is a need and an opportunity for
      the WHO and other global health agencies to focus on providing the necessary
      tools and building HPSR capacity in low- and middle-income countries. 

PMID- 25123554
TI  - Positive and negative affective states and disease activity in ankylosing
      spondylitis.
AB  - The aim of the study was to explore the influence of psychological affective
      states such as cheerfulness and bad mood on self-reported disease activity in
      patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) while controlling for demographic and
      clinical variables. Patients attending a biological therapy unit were selected
      for a cross-sectional study if they met the criteria for AS and were already
      receiving treatment. Their psychological affective state was assessed with the
      state version of the State-Trait Cheerfulness Inventory. Clinical variables
      included were patient-reported disease activity using the Bath Ankylosing
      Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and acute-phase reactants. We
      performed univariate and multivariate analyses to verify the robustness of the
      relationship between psychological affective states and disease activity. We also
      explored whether disease activity, measured either by self-report or by acute
      phase reactants, was influenced by patient's overall affective state. In the
      recruited 31 patients with AS, overall affective state contributed significantly
      to the variance in BASDAI scores, adding 21.8% to the overall R-square of the
      predictive power of clinical and demographic variables (combined R-square = 17%).
      A higher positive affective state was associated with lower values of C-reactive
      protein (p < 0.05). Results of a bootstrapping procedure showed that the
      relationship between C-reactive protein levels and BASDAI scores was mediated by
      overall affective state. In patients with AS, affective state can induce
      variability in self-reported disease activity. Patients' overall affective state
      can explain the relationship between acute-phase reactants and self-reported
      scores. These findings suggest interesting possibilities for the monitoring of
      disease activity in AS.

PMID- 25123555
TI  - Toxicity of nanomaterials; an undermined issue.
AB  - Nanomaterials are employed in extensive variety of commercial products such as
      electronic components, cosmetics, food, sports equipment, biomedical
      applications, and medicine. With the increasing utilization of engineered
      nanomaterials, the potential exposure of human to nanoparticles is rapidly
      increasing. Nowadays when new nanomaterials with new applications are introduced,
      mostly good and positive effects are mentioned whereas possible hazards arising
      from nanosize of the compounds are undermined. Toxicology studies of
      nanomaterials demonstrate some adverse effects in some human organs such as
      central nerve system, immune system, and lung. There is lack of complete
      information about human toxicity and environmental waste of nanomaterials. We
      aimed to highlight current toxicological concerns of potentially useful
      nanomaterials which are now used in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. 

PMID- 25123557
TI  - Bioreactor study employing bacteria with enhanced activity toward cyanobacterial
      toxins microcystins.
AB  - An important aim of white (grey) biotechnology is bioremediation, where microbes
      are employed to remove unwanted chemicals. Microcystins (MCs) and other
      cyanobacterial toxins are not industrial or agricultural pollutants; however,
      their occurrence as a consequence of human activity and water reservoir
      eutrophication is regarded as anthropogenic. Microbial degradation of
      microcystins is suggested as an alternative to chemical and physical methods of
      their elimination. This paper describes a possible technique of the practical
      application of the biodegradation process. The idea relies on the utilization of
      bacteria with a significantly enhanced MC-degradation ability (in comparison with
      wild strains). The cells of an Escherichia coli laboratory strain expressing
      microcystinase (MlrA) responsible for the detoxification of MCs were immobilized
      in alginate beads. The degradation potency of the tested bioreactors was
      monitored by HPLC detection of linear microcystin LR (MC-LR) as the MlrA
      degradation product. An open system based on a column filled with alginate
      entrapped cells was shown to operate more efficiently than a closed system
      (alginate beads shaken in a glass container). The maximal degradation rate
      calculated per one liter of carrier was 219.9 ug h-1 of degraded MC-LR. A
      comparison of the efficiency of the described system with other biological and
      chemo-physical proposals suggests that this new idea presents several advantages
      and is worth investigating in future studies. 

PMID- 25123556
TI  - Synthesis and analgesic effects of MU-TRTX-Hhn1b on models of inflammatory and
      neuropathic pain.
AB  - MU-TRTX-Hhn1b (HNTX-IV) is a 35-amino acid peptide isolated from the venom of the
      spider, Ornithoctonus hainana. It inhibits voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7,
      which has been considered as a therapeutic target for pain. The goal of the
      present study is to elucidate the analgesic effects of synthetic MU-TRTX-Hhn1b on
      animal models of pain. The peptide was first synthesized and then successfully
      refolded/oxidized. The synthetic peptide had the same inhibitory effect on human
      Nav1.7 current transiently expressed in HEK 293 cells as the native toxin.
      Furthermore, the analgesic potentials of the synthetic peptide were examined on
      models of inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain. MU-TRTX-Hhn1b produced an
      efficient reversal of acute nociceptive pain in the abdominal constriction model,
      and significantly reduced the pain scores over the 40-min period in the formalin
      model. The efficiency of MU-TRTX-Hhn1b on both models was equivalent to that of
      morphine. In the spinal nerve model, the reversal effect of MU-TRTX-Hhn1b on
      allodynia was longer and higher than mexiletine. These results demonstrated that
      MU-TRTX-Hhn1b efficiently alleviated acute inflammatory pain and chronic
      neuropathic pain in animals and provided an attractive template for further
      clinical analgesic drug design. 

PMID- 25123559
TI  - Protective antigen-specific memory B cells persist years after anthrax
      vaccination and correlate with humoral immunity.
AB  - Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA) generates short-lived protective antigen (PA)
      specific IgG that correlates with in vitro toxin neutralization and protection
      from Bacillus anthracis challenge. Animal studies suggest that when PA-specific
      IgG has waned, survival after spore challenge correlates with an activation of PA
      specific memory B cells. Here, we characterize the quantity and the longevity of
      AVA-induced memory B cell responses in humans. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs) from individuals vaccinated >=3 times with AVA (n = 50) were collected
      early (3-6 months, n = 27) or late after their last vaccination (2-5 years, n =
      23), pan-stimulated, and assayed by ELISPOT for total and PA-specific memory B
      cells differentiated into antibody secreting cells (ASCs). PA-specific ASC
      percentages ranged from 0.02% to 6.25% (median: 1.57%) and did not differ between
      early and late post-vaccination individuals. PA-specific ASC percentages
      correlated with plasma PA-specific IgG (r = 0.42, p = 0.03) and toxin
      neutralization (r = 0.52, p = 0.003) early post vaccination. PA-specific ASC
      percentages correlated with supernatant anti-PA both early (r = 0.60, p = 0.001)
      and late post vaccination (r = 0.71, p < 0.0001). These data suggest PA-specific
      memory B cell responses are long-lived and can be estimated after recent
      vaccination by the magnitude and neutralization capacity of the humoral response.

PMID- 25123560
TI  - [Visual diagnosis while performing transurethral resection of bladder tumors:
      power or myth?].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The gold standard for diagnosis and immediate therapy of bladder
      cancer is a transurethral resection (TURB) followed by histopathologic
      evaluation. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of visual
      diagnosis by the operating urologist concerning dignity (malignant/benign) and
      staging compared to histopathologic evaluation. This is especially crucial since
      early mitomycin C instillation is based on the urologist's first impression.
      STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This prospective study included 311 cases of TURB from
      five German institutions. Surgeons were asked to estimate dignity of the
      neoplasm, tumor stage, and grade according to a standardized questionnaire.
      RESULTS: The subjective estimation/visual diagnosis of the operating urologist
      achieved a sensitivity with respect to identifying malignant tumors as such of
      97%, while specificity was only 41%. Accordingly, the positive (PPV) and negative
      predictive values (NPV) were 76% and 88%, respectively. In general, muscle
      invasive cancer was predicted more often than confirmed by pathology (PPV 52%).
      However, whenever muscle invasive cancer was excluded by the urologist, this was
      confirmed by the pathologist in most the cases (NPV 95%). The educational degree
      did not influence the reliability and predictive value of visual diagnosis.
      CONCLUSION: This study shows that urologists cannot reliably distinguish benign
      from malignant lesions of bladder mucosa-regardless of their educational degree.
      A reliable diagnosis of a pathologist is definitely needed to plan final
      therapeutic steps.

PMID- 25123558
TI  - Molecular approaches to improve the insecticidal activity of Bacillus
      thuringiensis Cry toxins.
AB  - Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a gram-positive spore-forming soil bacterium that
      is distributed worldwide. Originally recognized as a pathogen of the silkworm,
      several strains were found on epizootic events in insect pests. In the 1960s, Bt
      began to be successfully used to control insect pests in agriculture,
      particularly because of its specificity, which reflects directly on their lack of
      cytotoxicity to human health, non-target organisms and the environment. Since the
      introduction of transgenic plants expressing Bt genes in the mid-1980s, numerous
      methodologies have been used to search for and improve toxins derived from native
      Bt strains. These improvements directly influence the increase in productivity
      and the decreased use of chemical insecticides on Bt-crops. Recently, DNA
      shuffling and in silico evaluations are emerging as promising tools for the
      development and exploration of mutant Bt toxins with enhanced activity against
      target insect pests. In this report, we describe natural and in vitro evolution
      of Cry toxins, as well as their relevance in the mechanism of action for insect
      control. Moreover, the use of DNA shuffling to improve two Bt toxins will be
      discussed together with in silico analyses of the generated mutations to evaluate
      their potential effect on protein structure and cytotoxicity. 

PMID- 25123561
TI  - [Influence of ureter stenting before ureterorenoscopic treatment of ureteral
      calculi].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to a worldwide rise of incidence, urolithiasis presents an
      increasing strain on the health system. Ureterorenoscopy (URS) is a standard
      treatment to extract stones in case of ureteral calculi. To increase the success
      rate of URS and to minimize complications, preoperative ureteral stenting
      (prestenting) has previously been described as suitable. However, published data
      are still conflicting. This article describes our single-center experience on the
      influence of prestenting on the outcome of ureterorenoscopic stone therapy.
      METHODS: A total of 442 patients who had undergone ureterorenoscopic stone
      extraction at the Wolfsburg Clinic between 2010 and 2011 were retrospectively
      evaluated regarding peri- and postoperative results. The Fisher's exact, the
      chi(2), and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the group of patients
      with and without prestenting. RESULTS: Even though patients with prestenting
      suffered from stones with larger diameter that were more frequently located in
      the proximal ureter, the rates for postoperative stenting, perioperative
      complications, and retreatment were much lower then in the group of patients
      without prestenting (p<0.001). Furthermore, patients who had received prestenting
      had a significantly shorter hospital stay (median, 3 vs. 2 days, p<0.001) and
      higher rates of stone clearance (83.0 vs. 69.7%, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: According
      to our retrospective monocentric analysis, prestenting may significantly reduce
      the risk of complications as well as intra-/post-URS restenting and can increase
      the rate of complete stone clearance.

PMID- 25123562
TI  - Additive effect of elcatonin to risedronate for chronic back pain and quality of
      life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Calcitonin has been reported to reduce acute and chronic back pain in
      osteoporotic patients. The additive effect of calcitonin with a bisphosphonate on
      chronic back pain remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      effect of combining elcatonin (eel calcitonin) with risedronate for patients with
      chronic back pain. Forty-five postmenopausal women diagnosed as having
      osteoporosis with chronic back pain persisting for more than 3 months, after
      excluding women with fresh vertebral fractures within the last 6 months, were
      randomly allocated to a risedronate group (risedronate alone, n = 22) and a
      combined group (risedronate and elcatonin, n = 23). The study period was 6
      months. Pain was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Roland
      Morris questionnaire (RDQ). Back extensor strength, bone mineral density, and
      quality of life on the SF-36 and the Japanese osteoporosis quality of life score
      were also evaluated. Significant improvements were found in the combined group
      for VAS at final follow-up compared with baseline and 3 months, mental health
      status on the SF-36, and JOQOL domains for back pain and general health. The
      JOQOL domain for back pain improved significantly, but no change was found in the
      VAS or other domains in the risedronate group. Bone mineral density increased
      significantly in the two groups, but no significant difference was found between
      the groups. Back extensor strength did not change in both groups. In conclusion,
      the use of elcatonin in addition to risedronate for more than 3 months reduced
      chronic back pain. The additional therapy of risedronate with elcatonin may be a
      useful and practical choice for the treatment of osteoporosis with chronic back
      pain persisting more than 3 months.

PMID- 25123563
TI  - Characteristics of patients with yellow nail syndrome and pleural effusion.
AB  - Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) can be associated with a pleural effusion (PE) but the
      characteristics of these patients are not well defined. We performed a systematic
      review across four electronic databases for studies reporting clinical findings,
      PE characteristics, and most effective treatment of YNS. Case descriptions and
      retrospective studies were included, unrestricted by year of publication. We
      reviewed 112 studies (150 patients), spanning a period of nearly 50 years. The
      male/female ratio was 1.2/1. The median age was 60 years (range: 0-88). Seventy
      eight percent were between 41-80 years old. All cases had lymphoedema and 85.6%
      had yellow nails. PEs were bilateral in 68.3%. The appearance of the fluid was
      serous in 75.3%, milky in 22.3% and purulent in 3.5%. The PE was an exudate in
      94.7% with lymphocytic predominance in 96% with a low count of nucleated cells.
      In 61 of 66 (92.4%) of patients, pleural fluid protein values were >3 g/dL, and
      typically higher than pleural fluid LDH. Pleurodesis and
      decortication/pleurectomy were effective in 81.8% and 88.9% of cases,
      respectively, in the treatment of symptomatic PEs. The development of YNS and PE
      occurs between the fifth to eighth decade of life and is associated with
      lymphoedema. The PE is usually bilateral and behaves as a lymphocyte-predominant
      exudate. The most effective treatments appear to be pleurodesis and
      decortication/pleurectomy. 

PMID- 25123565
TI  - Evidence for a novel, local acute-phase response in the bovine oviduct:
      progesterone and lipopolysaccharide up-regulate alpha 1-acid-glycoprotein
      expression in epithelial cells in vitro.
AB  - Little is known about the local production and function of alpha 1-acid
      glycoprotein (AGP), an acute-phase protein, in the female reproductive tract.
      This study aimed to investigate the regulation and immune function of AGP in
      cultured bovine oviduct epithelial cells. Analysis by Western blotting and
      immunohistochemistry revealed that bovine oviduct tissue expresses AGP protein in
      epithelial cells and the smooth muscle layer. Stimulation of bovine oviduct
      epithelial cells in culture with either progesterone (1 ng/ml) or
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 ng/ml) induced both mRNA expression and secretion of
      AGP. Estradiol (1 ng/ml), progesterone (1 ng/ml), and luteinizing hormone (10
      ng/ml), which are observed during the peri-ovulatory period in oviduct tissues
      (steroids) or in circulation (luteinizing hormone), suppressed LPS-induced
      expression and secretion of AGP, which in turn induced the expression of Toll
      like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1B), but suppressed TLR-2 and
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFA) expression. AGP also inhibited LPS-induced TLR
      2 and TNFA expression, but had no effect on LPS-induced TLR-4 and IL-1B
      expression. These findings suggest that oviductal epithelial cells can
      participate in antimicrobial processes through the secretion of AGP, which is
      partly regulated by ovarian steroids. Moreover, oviductal AGP may regulate the
      response of epithelial cells, thereby reducing the expression of the acute pro
      inflammatory cytokine TNFA, which could contribute to the local homeostasis
      during the acute response to endotoxin release in the oviduct's anti-infection
      process.

PMID- 25123564
TI  - Bedside ultrasound curriculum for medical students: report of a blended learning
      curriculum implementation and validation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical students on clinical rotations rarely receive formal bedside
      ultrasound (BUS) training. We designed, implemented, and evaluated a standardized
      BUS curriculum for medical students on their Emergency Medicine (EM) rotation.
      Teaching was aimed toward influencing four cognitive and psychomotor learning
      domains: BUS instrumentation knowledge, image interpretation, image acquisition,
      and procedural guidance. METHODS: Participants viewed three instructional Web
      based tutorials on BUS instrumentation, the Focused Assessment for Sonography in
      Trauma (FAST) examination and ultrasound-guided central venous catheter (CVC)
      placement. Subsequently, participants attended a 3-hour hands-on training session
      to discuss the same content area and practice with faculty coaches. A Web-based,
      multiple-choice questionnaire was administered before and after the session.
      During the final week of the rotation, students returned for skills assessments
      on FAST image acquisition and CVC placement. RESULTS: Forty-five medical students
      on an EM rotation were enrolled. Sonographic knowledge overall mean score
      improved significantly from 66.6% (SD +/-11.2) to 85.7% (SD +/-10.0),
      corresponding to a mean difference of 19.1% (95% CI 15.5-22.7; p < 0.001). There
      were high pass rates for FAST (89.0%, 40/45) and CVC (96.0%, 43/45) skills
      assessments. There was no significant difference between medical student posttest
      and EM resident test scores 85.7% (SD +/-10.0) and 88.1% (SD +/- 7.6) (p = 0.40),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A formal BUS curriculum for medical students on EM
      rotation positively influenced performance in several key learning domains. As
      BUS competency is required for residency in EM and other specialties, medical
      schools could consider routinely incorporating BUS teaching into their clinical
      rotation curricula.

PMID- 25123566
TI  - Progression of plasma D-dimer concentration and coagulopathies during
      hospitalization in horses with colic.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the progression of plasma D-dimer concentrations and
      coagulation status in horses with different types of colic. DESIGN: Prospective
      clinical observational study performed between March 2004 and September 2008.
      SETTING: Veterinary university teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Horses admitted and
      treated for colic and hospitalized for >48 hours were considered. Animals were
      classified by diagnosis into medical obstructive conditions (MO), surgical
      obstructive conditions (SO), inflammatory conditions, and ischemic lesions (IS).
      INTERVENTIONS: Three blood samples were obtained from each horse (admission, at
      24-48 h [or after surgery] and upon discharge). For each sample, plasma D-dimer
      concentration, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time,
      antithrombin activity, and the presence of subclinical disseminated intravascular
      coagulation were determined. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: When median plasma D
      dimer concentration values at admission and after 24-48 hours were compared, they
      were different but stable in horses with MO (1.29-1.95 nmol/L) and inflammatory
      conditions (5.70-6.69 nmol/L). However, 10-fold and 5-fold increases were
      observed, respectively, in SO (2.08 to 16.38 nmol/L) and IS (3.08 to 15.91
      nmol/L) in the postoperative period. By 24-48 hours, the percentage of horses
      with coagulopathy increased in most groups (MO, 43 to 58%; SO, 50 to 96%, IS, 53
      to 90%). By the time of discharge, 87% of horses with SO problems and 89% of
      horses with IS still had some form of coagulopathy documented. CONCLUSIONS:
      Throughout hospitalization, horses with MO problems had less severe coagulopathy
      and lower plasmatic D-dimer concentrations compared to other groups of horses. On
      admission, most horses with inflammatory conditions presented with coagulopathy.
      At 24-48 hours of hospitalization and following surgery, the hemostatic profile
      can differ markedly when compared to admission values.

PMID- 25123567
TI  - Chronic cutaneous chest wall fistula and gallstone empyema due to retained
      gallstones.
AB  - We report a case of a 72-year-old man who presented with a persistent pleural
      effusion and painful abscess in the right lower chest wall 6 months following a
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient subsequently developed a chronic
      cutaneous chest wall fistula requiring a large resection and complex closure. The
      complication was likely secondary to intraoperative spillage of gallstones. While
      previous reports describe gallstone spillage in the abdominal cavity as benign,
      this case illustrates that stones left in the abdominal cavity can potentially
      lead to significant morbidity. Therefore, stones should be diligently removed
      from the abdominal cavity when spillage occurs. In addition, it is important that
      operative notes reflect the occurrence of stone spillage so stones may be
      suspected when a patient presents with an abdominal or thoracic infection
      following a cholecystectomy. 

PMID- 25123568
TI  - A rapidly growing lid lump.
AB  - A 97-year-old woman presented with a 5-month history of a rapidly growing,
      painless, left upper eyelid lesion. Examination revealed a large vascularised,
      ulcerated nodule on the left upper lid, causing significant ptosis. Wide local
      excision of the lesion was performed and the wound was left to heal by secondary
      intention. Histology and immunohistochemistry of the lesion confirmed a diagnosis
      of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare primary malignancy of the eyelid which has
      significant morbidity and mortality. Although uncommon, this diagnosis should
      always be considered in any patient with a rapidly growing lid lump. In view of
      the patient's age, known dementia and family wishes, the patient was managed
      conservatively, with no further investigations performed. She was due to be
      followed up in clinic on a regular basis, but has since died from other causes. 

PMID- 25123569
TI  - Septic sacroiliitis revealing an infectious endocarditis.
AB  - We report the case of a 43-year-old man admitted for right hip ache and fever.
      Physical examination revealed a fever, an ache at the manipulation of the
      sacroiliac joint and a limitation of abduction and external rotation of the right
      hip. There was no murmur in cardiac auscultation. No anomaly was found at the
      conventional radiographs of the sacroiliac joint, while the pelvic MRI confirmed
      a right sacroiliitis. A sacroiliac puncture with a study of synovial fluid
      demonstrated the presence of Streptococcus viridans. The blood culture revealed
      the same germ. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography confirmed
      infectious endocarditis with vegetation in the mitral valve. He received
      penicillin G and gentamicin relayed by pristinamycin because of an allergy to
      penicillin G with a total duration of treatment of 40 days. His symptoms and the
      laboratory and radiological tests abnormalities resolved totally with no
      recurrence. 

PMID- 25123570
TI  - West-African trypanosomiasis in a returned traveller from Ghana: an unusual cause
      of progressive neurological decline.
AB  - West-African trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is a rare
      imported infection presenting with somnolence, lymphadenopathy and wide-ranging
      neurological symptoms. A 67-year-old Caucasian man presented with a 10-month
      history of cognitive deterioration, ataxic gait, somnolence and urinary
      incontinence. His symptoms had progressed more rapidly over the course of a month
      prior to admission. Serological testing confirmed a diagnosis of West-African
      trypanosomiasis. The patient was successfully treated with eflornithine and made
      a good recovery. West-African trypanosomiasis should be considered in the
      differential diagnosis of unexplained cognitive decline in those with a relevant
      travel history. If left untreated, the condition is universally fatal. 

PMID- 25123571
TI  - Isolated III cranial nerve palsies may point to primary histiocytic sarcoma.
AB  - Primary histiocytic sarcoma (HS) of the central nervous system (CNS) is a rare
      haematopoietic neoplasm. The inconsistent terminology and diagnostic criteria
      currently used for CNS HS have complicated the appreciation of the clinical
      aspects of the disease. The main differential diagnoses are non-Hodgkin's
      lymphoma, reactive histiocytic proliferation, dendritic cell neoplasm,
      undifferentiated carcinoma, inflammatory pseudotumour, Rosai-Dorfman disease and
      abscess. The true diagnosis of CNS HS requires an extensive immunophenotypic
      workup using specific histiocytic markers, such as CD163, with the exclusion of
      markers of other cell lineages. This clinicopathological case report describes an
      improved approach towards the differential diagnosis of CNS HS. 

PMID- 25123572
TI  - Oral manifestation of plantar-palmar fibromatosis.

PMID- 25123573
TI  - Perivascular epithelioid cell tumour of the bladder.
AB  - A 39-year-old woman presented with a long history of pelvic pain and urinary
      urgency. Prior workup by her primary care doctor had been negative. The patient's
      gynaecologist ultimately referred her to a urologist following an ultrasound that
      revealed a possible bladder mass. MRI of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a 4
      cm soft tissue lesion arising from the bladder. Cystoscopy showed an atypical
      mass on the anterior bladder wall, and pathological examination of the TURBT
      (transurethral resection of the bladder tumour) specimen revealed a perivascular
      epithelioid cell tumour (PEComa) with involvement of the detrusor muscle. The
      patient underwent a robotically assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy. Final
      pathology confirmed a PEComa with negative margins. The patient had an
      uncomplicated postoperative course and is doing well following surgery. A
      surveillance cystoscopy at 6 months showed no evidence of recurrence. This case
      underscores the variability of clinical presentation of PEComas while proposing
      an appropriate method of surgical management. 

PMID- 25123574
TI  - NK/T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with secondary haemophagocytic
      lymphohistiocytosis treated with matched unrelated donor allogeneic stem cell
      transplant.

PMID- 25123576
TI  - Colorectal cancer screening in the American Indian/Alaska Native population:
      progress and at least one new challenge.

PMID- 25123575
TI  - Activity of T-DM1 in HER-2 positive central nervous system breast cancer
      metastases.
AB  - A 55-year-old woman with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER
      2) positive breast cancer (BC) to the lungs and bones was diagnosed with central
      nervous system (CNS) metastases in November 2011. The MRI showed a right parietal
      lobe mass with adjacent leptomeningeal disease and several small bilateral
      cerebellar metastases. She was treated with whole brain irradiation (WBI),
      followed by capecitabine and lapatinib (December 2011-March 2013) and trastuzumab
      and lapatinib (May 2013-August 2013). Then, the brain MRI showed progression. In
      the absence of significant neurological symptoms, we postponed WBI and closely
      monitored for the development of neurological symptoms. Systemic treatment with
      trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), an antibody-drug conjugate composed of the
      cytotoxic agent DM1 conjugated to trastuzumab, was initiated in September 2013 to
      control systemic disease. Unexpectedly, after two cycles of treatment the brain
      MRI showed a decrease in size of CNS metastases. This case report suggests
      possible activity of T-DM1 in HER-2 positive BC with CNS metastases. 

PMID- 25123578
TI  - Differentiation and morphogenesis of the ovary and expression of gonadal
      development-related genes in the protogynous hermaphroditic ricefield eel
      Monopterus albus.
AB  - The ovarian differentiation, morphogenesis and expression of some putative
      gonadal development-related genes were analysed in the ricefield eel Monopterus
      albus, a protogynous hermaphroditic teleost with a single elongate ovary. At c. 1
      day post-hatching (dph), the gonadal ridge was colonized with primordial germ
      cells (PGCs) at the periphery and transformed into the gonadal primordium, which
      appeared to contain two germinal epithelia. At c. 7 dph, four ovarian cavities
      appeared in the gonadal tissue with two in each germinal epithelial compartment,
      and the indifferent gonad might have begun to differentiate into the ovary. The
      oocytes at the leptotene stage in meiosis I appeared at c. 14 dph, and oocytes at
      the diplotene stage at c. 30 dph. As development proceeded, the connective tissue
      separating the two germinal epithelia disappeared, and two of the four ovarian
      cavities collapsed into one. At 60 dph, the gonad had already taken the shape as
      observed in the adults. One outer and two inner ovarian cavities could be easily
      recognized, with slightly basophilic primary growth oocytes usually residing
      close to the outer ovarian cavity. The expression of cyp19a1a and erb in the
      early gonad was detected at 6 dph. The abundant expression of foxl2 coincided
      with the up-regulation of cyp19a1a at 8 dph onwards. The expression of dmrt1
      isoforms was not detectable until 8 dph for dmrt1a and dmrt1b and until 33 dph
      for dmrt1d. The earlier appearance of cyp19a1a compared to dmrt1 transcripts in
      the indifferent gonad may contribute to the initial differentiation of the gonad
      towards the ovary in M. albus. 

PMID- 25123577
TI  - Neural tube defects and atypical deletion on 22q11.2.
AB  - The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a common microdeletion disorder.
      Most of the patients show the common 3 Mb deletion but proximal 1.5 Mb deletion
      and unusual deletions located outside the common deleted region, have been
      detected particularly with the advance of comparative cytogenomic microarray
      technologies. The individuals reported in the literature with unusual deletions
      involving the 22q11 region, showed milder facial phenotypes, decreased incidence
      of cardiac anomalies, and intellectual disability. We describe two sibs with an
      atypical 0.8 Mb microdeletion of chromosome 22q11 who both showed
      myelomeningocele and mild facial dysmorphisms. The association between neural
      tube defect and the clinical diagnosis of Di George anomaly/velocardiofacial
      syndrome is well documented in the literature, but not all cases had molecular
      studies to determine breakpoint regions. This report helps to narrow a potential
      critical region for neural tube defects associated with 22q11 deletions.

PMID- 25123579
TI  - Risks of a lifetime in construction. Part II: Chronic occupational diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We developed working-life estimates of risk for dust-related
      occupational lung disease, COPD, and hearing loss based on the experience of the
      Building Trades National Medical Screening Program in order to (1) demonstrate
      the value of estimates of lifetime risk, and (2) make lifetime risk estimates for
      common conditions among construction workers. METHODS: Estimates of lifetime risk
      were performed based on 12,742 radiographic evaluations, 12,679 spirometry tests,
      and 11,793 audiograms. RESULTS: Over a 45-year working life, 16% of construction
      workers developed COPD, 11% developed parenchymal radiological abnormality, and
      73.8% developed hearing loss. The risk for occupationally related disease over a
      lifetime in a construction trade was 2-6 times greater than the risk in non
      construction workers. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with estimates from annualized
      cross-sectional data, lifetime risk estimates are highly useful for risk
      expression, and should help to inform stakeholders in the construction industry
      as well as policy-makers about magnitudes of risk.

PMID- 25123581
TI  - Pseudoporphyria following self-medication with chlorophyll.
AB  - Two cases of pseudoporphyria are described in which the clinical features of
      porphyria cutanea tarda occurred in the absence of abnormalities in porphyrin
      metabolism. Both patients presented with skin fragility and bullae on the dorsal
      aspect of the hands. The patients consumed a commercial liquid chlorophyll drink
      in which we detected fluorescent compounds with characteristics typical of
      previously described chlorophyll derived photosensitisers. 

PMID- 25123582
TI  - Interaction of a novel antimicrobial peptide isolated from the venom of solitary
      bee Colletes daviesanus with phospholipid vesicles and Escherichia coli cells.
AB  - The peptide named codesane (COD), consisting of 18 amino acid residues and
      isolated from the venom of wild bee Colletes daviesanus (Hymenoptera :
      Colletidae), falls into the category of cationic alpha-helical amphipathic
      antimicrobial peptides. In our investigations, synthetic COD exhibited
      antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and
      Candida albicans but also noticeable hemolytic activity. COD and its analogs
      (collectively referred to as CODs) were studied for the mechanism of their
      action. The interaction of CODs with liposomes led to significant leakage of
      calcein entrapped in bacterial membrane-mimicking large unilamellar vesicles made
      preferentially from anionic phospholipids while no calcein leakage was observed
      from zwitterionic liposomes mimicking membranes of erythrocytes. The preference
      of CODs for anionic phospholipids was also established by the blue shift in the
      tryptophan emission spectra maxima when the interactions of tryptophan-containing
      COD analogs with liposomes were examined. Those results were in agreement with
      the antimicrobial and hemolytic activities of CODs. Moreover, we found that the
      studied peptides permeated both the outer and inner cytoplasmic membranes of
      Escherichia coli. This was determined by measuring changes in the fluorescence of
      probe N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine and detecting cytoplasmic beta-galactosidase
      released during the interaction of peptides with E. coli cells. Transmission
      electron microscopy revealed that treatment of E. coli with one of the COD
      analogs caused leakage of bacterial content mainly from the septal areas of the
      cells.

PMID- 25123583
TI  - Quantitative and qualitative morphologic, cytochemical, and ultrastructural
      characteristics of blood cells in captive Asian water monitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) is the most common monitor
      lizard in Thailand. Reported data regarding hematology and morphology of blood
      cells for this species are scarce. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to
      assess routine hematologic variables and characterize the morphology,
      cytochemical staining, and ultrastructural features of blood cells in the Asian
      water monitor. METHODS: Blood samples from 55 monitors (22 males and 33 females)
      were obtained for a CBC. Cytochemical staining (Sudan black B [SBB], peroxidase
      [PO], alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], and beta-glucuronidase [BG]), and
      scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed using standard
      methods. RESULTS: Determined mean (range) hematologic results of all monitors
      included PCV 0.32 L/L (0.20-0.44 L/L), HGB 106 g/L (62-157 g/L), WBC 15.9 * 10(9)
      /L (4.0-34.0 * 10(9) /L), heterophil 6.3 * 10(9) /L (1.5-17.1 * 10(9) /L,
      azurophil 2.6 * 10(9) /L (0.7-9.5 * 10(9) /L), basophil 0.1 (0.1-0.5 * 10(9) /L),
      lymphocyte 6.8 * 10(9) /L (0.5-13.1 * 10(9) /L), and monocyte 0.2 * 10(9) /L
      (0.04-1 * 10(9) /L) counts. Heterophils and basophils stained strongly positive
      with SBB, ANAE, and BG. Heterophils contained 2 types of granules, round SBB
      positive and PO-negative granules, and electron-dense, large rod-shaped granules.
      Gamonts of Hepatozoon sp. were found in <1% RBC of 43 monitors. There was no
      significant difference between hematologic variables in Hepatozoon-positive and 
      negative monitors. CONCLUSION: Heterophils in Asian water monitors may also
      function as eosinophils based on cytochemical and ultrastructural features. The
      quantitative results may be used as base for further studies in healthy and
      diseased Asian water monitors.

PMID- 25123584
TI  - Revaluation of geometric cues reduces landmark discrimination via within-compound
      associations.
AB  - Rats were trained in a triangular water maze in which a compound of geometric and
      landmark cues indicated the position of a submerged platform. Rats that then
      underwent revaluation of the geometric cues in the absence of the landmarks
      subsequently failed to discriminate between the landmarks. In contrast, those
      animals that received geometry training consistent with their previous experience
      of the geometry-landmark compound continued to discriminate the landmark cues.
      The experiment showed that within-compound associations had formed between the
      geometry and landmarks, and that representations of absent geometric cues could
      be evoked via presentation of the landmark cues alone. We argue that these evoked
      representations of the absent geometry cues can counteract any overshadowing of
      the landmark by geometry cues, and may sometimes result in potentiation. The
      results of this study do not support theories of cue-competition failure based on
      independent cue processing, but remain readily explicable by appeal to an account
      based on within-compound associations. 

PMID- 25123585
TI  - Thermal conductivity improvement of surface-enhanced polyetherimide (PEI)
      composites using polyimide-coated h-BN particles.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the thermal conductivities and mechanical
      properties of polyetherimide (PEI) composites using polyimide (PI)-coated h-BN
      (PI-BN) particles. We found that PI-coated h-BN effectively increased adhesion
      with the PEI matrix, imparting enhanced mechanical and thermal stability and
      thermal conductivity with increasing BN content. The thermal conductivity of the
      PEI composite containing 60 wt% PI-BN was 3.3 W m(-1) K(-1), while the thermal
      conductivity of the PEI/BN composite without modification was 2.6 W m(-1) K(-1).
      The PEI/PI-BN composites show higher impact strengths than the PEI/BN composites
      because of less BN particle agglomeration and good wettability between PEI and h
      BN. The results indicate that the PI-coated BN incorporated into the PEI matrix
      effectively enhances the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the
      PEI composites. 

PMID- 25123587
TI  - Techniques to measure sorption and migration between small molecules and
      packaging. A critical review.
AB  - The mass transfer parameters diffusion and sorption in food and packaging or
      between them are the key parameters for assessing a food product's shelf-life in
      reference to consumer safety. This has become of paramount importance owing to
      the legislations set by the regulated markets. The technical capabilities that
      can be exploited for analyzing product-package interactions have been growing
      rapidly. Different techniques categorized according to the state of the diffusant
      (gas or liquid) in contact with the packaging material are emphasized in this
      review. Depending on the diffusant and on the analytical question under review,
      the different ways to study sorption and/or migration are presented and compared.
      Some examples have been suggested to reach the best possible choice, consisting
      of a single technique or a combination of different approaches.

PMID- 25123588
TI  - Mechanochromic luminescence of fluorenyl-substituted ethylenes.
AB  - It has been reported several times that some organic luminogens with aggregation
      induced emission (AIE) characteristics exhibit the abnormal phenomenon of
      crystallization-induced blueshift fluorescence, which makes them suitable for
      utilization as luminescence color-switching materials. Because of the attractive
      application potential and the numerous underlying structure-property
      relationships in such materials, we investigated a series of fluorenyl-containing
      tetrasubstituted ethylenes for their novel optical properties and structural
      features. The dyes show morphology-dependent luminescence. Their emission color
      can be switched between green and blue by means of mechanical grinding and
      solvent fuming. The transformation between crystalline and amorphous accounts for
      the luminescence changing. Through single-crystal and X-ray diffraction (XRD)
      analysis, the twisted molecular geometries and loose packing motifs in the
      crystalline samples are believed to be the intrinsic origin of the external
      stimuli-induced structural transformation. 

PMID- 25123586
TI  - High-resolution crystal structure and IgE recognition of the major grass pollen
      allergen Phl p 3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Group 2 and 3 grass pollen allergens are major allergens with high
      allergenic activity and exhibit structural similarity with the C-terminal portion
      of major group 1 allergens. In this study, we aimed to determine the crystal
      structure of timothy grass pollen allergen, Phl p 3, and to study its IgE
      recognition and cross-reactivity with group 2 and group 1 allergens. METHODS: The
      three-dimensional structure of Phl p 3 was solved by X-ray crystallography and
      compared with the structures of group 1 and 2 grass pollen allergens. Cross
      reactivity was studied using a human monoclonal antibody which inhibits allergic
      patients' IgE binding and by IgE inhibition experiments with patients' sera.
      Conformational Phl p 3 IgE epitopes were predicted with the algorithm SPADE, and
      Phl p 3 variants containing single point mutations in the predicted IgE binding
      sites were produced to analyze allergic patients' IgE binding. RESULTS: Phl p 3
      is a globular beta-sandwich protein showing structural similarity to Phl p 2 and
      the Phl p 1-C-terminal domain. Phl p 3 showed IgE cross-reactivity with group 2
      allergens but not with group 1 allergens. SPADE identified two conformational IgE
      epitope-containing areas, of which one overlaps with the epitope defined by the
      monoclonal antibody. The mutation of arginine 68 to alanine completely abolished
      binding of the blocking antibody. This mutation and a mutation of D13 in the
      predicted second IgE epitope area also reduced allergic patients' IgE binding.
      CONCLUSION: Group 3 and group 2 grass pollen allergens are cross-reactive
      allergens containing conformational IgE epitopes. They lack relevant IgE cross
      reactivity with group 1 allergens and therefore need to be included in diagnostic
      tests and allergen-specific treatments in addition to group 1 allergens.

PMID- 25123589
TI  - An exploration of compassion focused therapy following acquired brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with acquired brain injuries (ABI) frequently experience
      psychological difficulties such as anxiety and depression, which may be
      underpinned and maintained by high self-criticism and shame alongside an
      inability to self-soothe. Compassionate focused therapy (CFT) was developed to
      address shame and self-criticism and foster the ability to self-soothe.
      OBJECTIVES: This is a naturalistic evaluation with the aim of assessing the
      feasibility, safety, and potential value of CFT for ABI patients with emotional
      difficulties receiving neuropsychological rehabilitation. METHODS: This study
      employed a mixed methods design combining self-report measures and qualitative
      interviews. Twelve patients received a combination of CFT group and individual
      intervention. Self-report measures of self-criticism, self-reassurance, and
      symptoms of anxiety and depression were collected pre and post programme and
      analysed using Wilcoxon signed rank test (N=12; five female, seven males). Follow
      up data were analysed in the same manner (N=9). Interviews were conducted with
      six patients and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
      RESULTS: CFT was associated with significant reductions in measures of self
      criticism, anxiety, and depression and an increase in the ability to reassure the
      self. No adverse effects were reported. Three superordinate themes emerged from
      the interviews: psychological difficulties; developing trust and finding
      safeness; and a new approach. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that CFT is well
      accepted in ABI survivors within the context of neuropsychological
      rehabilitation. Furthermore, the results indicate that further research into CFT
      for psychological problems after ABI is needed and that there may be key aspects,
      which are specific to CFT intervention, which could reduce psychological
      difficulties after ABI. PRACTITIONER POINTS: CFT appears to be a feasible
      intervention for psychological problems after ABI. CFT was associated with a
      reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression and associated self-criticism, as
      well as enhanced self-reassurance for ABI survivors. These ABI survivors reported
      that CFT provided them with tools to manage continued psychological difficulties.

PMID- 25123590
TI  - Purification and biochemical characterization of an extracellular endoglucanase
      from the necrotrophic oomycete, Pythium myriotylum Dreschler.
AB  - An extracellular endoglucanase (EG) that catalyzes the hydrolysis of carboxy
      methyl cellulose (CMC) as substrate was purified to homogeneity from the soft-rot
      causing oomycete P. myriotylum with maximum EG production observed in presence of
      1% (w/v) sucrose. The enzyme designated PmEG was observed to be monomeric with a
      molecular weight of 78 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide
      gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Optimal activity of PmEG was determined at pH 5.0
      and 25  degrees C with stability observed at pH extending over acidic to alkaline
      ranges viz., 3.0-10.0 and thermal stability upto 75  degrees C for 1 h. Optimal
      PmEG activity was obtained by addition of metal ions viz., Ca(2+) , Fe(3+) ,
      Zn(2+) , Cu(2+) , Al(3+) , and also in presence of DTT and beta-mercaptoethanol
      while it was inhibited by Cr(2+) . Various organic solvents, surfactants, and the
      oxidant, H2 O2 had little/no effect on PmEG activity reflecting its robustness
      and potential commercial significance. Kinetic constants of PmEG, Km and Vmax
      were determined as 1.1 mM and 407 umol min(-1)  mg(-1) protein, respectively.
      Glucose was observed to cause mixed non-competitive inhibition of PmEG. 

PMID- 25123591
TI  - Unexpected drastic decrease in the excited-state electronic communication between
      porphyrin chromophores covalently linked by a palladium(II) bridge.
AB  - A dyad built up of a zinc(II) porphyrin and the corresponding free base, [Zn-Fb],
      fused to N-heterocyclic carbene (NHCs) ligands, respectively acting as singlet
      energy donor and acceptor, and a bridging trans-PdI2 unit, along with the
      corresponding [Zn-Zn] and [Fb-Fb] dimers were prepared and investigated by
      absorption and emission spectroscopy and density functional computations. Despite
      favorable structural and spectroscopic parameters, unexpectedly slow singlet
      energy transfer rates are measured in comparison with the predicted values by the
      Forster theory and those observed for other structurally related dyads. This
      observation is rationalized by the lack of large molecular orbital (MO) overlaps
      between the frontier MOs of the donor and acceptor, thus preventing a double
      electron exchange through the trans-PdI2 bridge, and by an electronic shielding
      induced by the presence of this same linker preventing the two chromophores to
      fully interact via their transition dipoles. 

PMID- 25123592
TI  - Boosting the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells using self
      organized polymeric hole extraction layers with high work function.
AB  - A self-organized hole extraction layer (SOHEL) with high work function (WF) is
      designed for energy level alignment with the ionization potential level of CH3
      NH3 PbI3 . The SOHEL increases the built-in potential, photocurrent, and power
      conversion efficiency (PCE) of CH3 NH3 PbI3 perovskite solar cells. Thus,
      interface engineering of the positive electrode of solution-processed planar
      heterojunction solar cells using a high-WF SOHEL is a very effective way to
      achieve high device efficiency (PCE = 11.7% on glass). 

PMID- 25123593
TI  - Lessons from early clinical experience with the Afirma gene expression
      classifier.

PMID- 25123594
TI  - Estimation of regional cerebral blood flow using N-isopropyl-p-123I
      iodoamphetamine acquisition data from the lungs and brain. An improved non
      invasive technique.
AB  - AIM: Previously, we devised a method for estimating123I labeled N-isopropyl-p
      iodoamphetamine (123I IMP) arterial blood activity at 10 minutes after
      intravenous injection of 123I IMP (Ca10) without any blood sampling using 123I
      IMP autoradiography (ARG) acquisition data, and verified its usefulness for
      quantification of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). In this study, we
      attempted to develop an improved noninvasive method for estimating rCBF.
      PATIENTS, METHODS: 123I IMP studies with 23 patients and 15O-H2O positron
      emission tomography (PET) ARG studies with 20 patients were evaluated. Multiple
      regression analysis was used to estimate an integral of the arterial blood counts
      during the time after injection of 123I (?Ca) using parameters from the time
      series of the lung counts and brain counts as the explanatory variables and the
      fraction [brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) average count
      / the mean of rCBFs (mean CBF) measured by 15O-H2O PET ARG method] as the
      objective variable. RESULTS: The regression equation was as follows: Estimated
      ?Ca = (7.09*10-3 . Cb12) - (1.57*10-4 . CbpreSPECT) + (9.48*10-5 . CbpostSPECT) +
      (1.35*10-4 . L15) - (6.95*10-4 . L33) + (7.61*10-4 . L81) - (0.417), where Cb12:
      brain count at 12 minutes, Cbpre-SPECT: brain count before SPECT, Cbpost-SPECT:
      brain count after SPECT, L15, L33, and L81: lung count at 15, 33, and 81 seconds,
      respectively. The mean CBF values (ml/min/100g) calculated using the estimated
      ?Ca values more closely correlated with those measured by 15O-H2O PET ARG method
      (r = 0.833, p < 0.01) than those obtained by our previous method (r = 0.590, p <
      0.01). CONCLUSION: The rCBFs obtained by this method approximated more accurately
      to the values measured by 15O-H2O PET ARG method than those obtained by our
      previous method.

PMID- 25123595
TI  - Monitoring, analysis, and correction of magnetic field fluctuations in echo
      planar imaging time series.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the utility of concurrent magnetic field monitoring for
      observing and correcting for variations in k-space trajectories and global
      background fields that occur in single-shot echo planar imaging (EPI) time series
      as typically used in functional MRI (fMRI). METHODS: Field monitoring was
      performed using an array of NMR field probes operated concurrently with series of
      single-shot EPI acquisitions from a static phantom. The observed fluctuations in
      field evolution were analyzed in terms of their temporal and spatial behavior at
      the field level as well as at the level of reconstructed image series. The
      potential to correct for such fluctuations was assessed by accounting for them
      upon image reconstruction. An indication of the number and relative magnitude of
      underlying effects was obtained via principal component analysis. RESULTS:
      Trajectory and global field variations were found to induce substantial image
      fluctuations. Global field fluctuations induced standard deviations in image
      intensity up to 31%. Fluctuations in the trajectory induced ghosting artifacts
      with standard deviations up to 2%. Concurrent magnetic field monitoring reduced
      the fluctuations in the EPI time series to a maximum of 1.2%. CONCLUSION:
      Concurrent magnetic field monitoring holds the potential to improve the net
      sensitivity of fMRI by reducing signal fluctuations unrelated to brain activity.

PMID- 25123596
TI  - Capillary-assisted fabrication of biconcave polymeric microlenses from
      microfluidic ternary emulsion droplets.
AB  - In this study, a simple capillary-based approach for producing biconcave
      polymeric microlenses with uniform size and shape from ternary emulsion droplets
      is presented. Monodisperse ternary emulsion droplets (0.6-4.0 nL) are produced
      which contain a photocurable segment of an acrylate monomer and two non-curable
      segments of silicone oil (SO) by using a microfluidic sheath-flowing droplet
      generator on a glass chip. The curvature radius of the interfaces separating the
      droplet segments, as well as the droplet size, and production rate can be
      flexibly varied by changing the flow conditions of the organic and aqueous
      phases. Subsequently, off-chip suspension photopolymerization yields non
      spherical polymeric microparticles with two spherical concave surfaces templated
      by two SO segments at random positions. By ultraviolet light irradiation of
      ternary droplets with two SO segments trapped by the interior wall of a
      cylindrical microcapillary (internal diameter: 130 MUm), biconcave microlenses
      can be produced with two spherical concave surfaces with a common lens axis. The
      produced lenses are suitable for use as optical diverging lenses. 

PMID- 25123597
TI  - Survival and tolerability of liver radioembolization: a comparison of elderly and
      younger patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the outcomes among elderly (>=70 years) and younger patients
      (<70 years) with liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who received
      radioembolization (RE) as salvage therapy. METHODS: A retrospective review of 107
      consecutive patients with unresectable mCRC treated with RE after failing first-
      and second-line chemotherapy. RESULTS: From 2002 to 2012, 44 elderly and 63
      younger (<70 years) patients received RE. Patients had similar previous extensive
      chemotherapy and liver-directed interventions. Using modified Response Evaluation
      Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) criteria, either a stable or a partial
      radiographical response was seen in 65.8% of the younger compared with 76.5% of
      the elderly patients. RE was equally well tolerated in both groups and common
      procedure-related adverse events were predominantly grade 1-2 and of short
      duration. No significant difference was found with regard to overall median
      survival between younger [8.4 months; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.2-10.6] or
      elderly patients (8.2 months; 95% CI = 5.9-10.5, P = 0.667). The presence of
      extrahepatic disease at the time of RE was associated with a significantly worse
      median survival in both groups. CONCLUSION: Radioembolization appears to be as
      well tolerated and effective for the elderly as it is for younger patients with
      mCRC. Age alone should not be a discriminating factor for the use of
      radioembolization in the management of mCRC patients.

PMID- 25123598
TI  - RIST: a potent new combination therapy for glioblastoma.
AB  - Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive, common brain tumor with poor prognosis.
      Therefore, this study examines a new therapeutic approach targeting oncogenic and
      survival pathways combined with common chemotherapeutics. The RIST (rapamycin,
      irinotecan, sunitinib, temozolomide) and the variant aRIST (alternative to
      rapamycin, GDC-0941) therapy delineate growth inhibiting effects in established
      glioblastoma cell lines and primary cultured patient material. These combinations
      significantly decreased cell numbers and viability compared to inhibitors and
      chemotherapeutics alone with aRIST being superior to RIST. Notably, RIST/aRIST
      appeared to be apoptogenic evoked by reduction of anti-apoptotic protein levels
      of XIAP and BCL-2, with concomitant up-regulation of pro-apoptotic protein levels
      of p53 and BAX. The treatment success of RIST therapy was confirmed in an
      orthotopic mouse model. This combination treatment revealed significantly
      prolonged survival time and drastically reduced the tumor burden by acting anti
      proliferative and pro-apoptotic. Surprisingly, in vivo, aRIST only marginally
      extended survival time with tumor volumes comparable to controls. We found that
      aRIST down-regulates the microvessel density suggesting an insufficient
      distribution of chemotherapy. Further, alterations in different molecular modes
      of action in vivo than in vitro suggest, that in vivo RIST therapy may mimic the
      superior aRIST protocol's pro-apoptotic inhibition of pAKT in vitro. Of note, all
      substances were administered in therapeutically relevant low doses with no
      adverse side effects observed. We also provide evidence of the potential benefits
      of the RIST therapy in a clinical setting. Our data indicates RIST therapy as a
      novel treatment strategy for glioblastoma achieving significant anti-tumorigenic
      activity avoiding high-dose chemotherapy. 

PMID- 25123599
TI  - A team fares well with a fair coach: Predictors of social loafing in interactive
      female sport teams.
AB  - The present research aimed to develop and test a theoretical model that links
      players' perceived justice of the coach to a more optimal motivational climate,
      which in turn increases players' team identification and cohesion, and results in
      lower levels of social loafing in female sport teams. Belgian elite female
      basketball, volleyball, and football players (study 1; N = 259; M(age)  = 22.6)
      and Norwegian world-class female handball players (study 2; N = 110; M(age)  =
      22.8) completed questionnaires assessing players' perceived justice (distributive
      and procedural), motivational climate, team identification, team cohesion (task
      and social), and social loafing (perceived and self-reported). In both studies,
      confirmatory and exploratory path analyses indicated that perceived justice was
      positively related to a mastery climate (P < 0.05) and negatively to a
      performance climate (P < 0.05). In turn, a mastery climate was linked to
      increased levels of team identification (P < 0.05) and task cohesion (P < 0.05).
      Consequently, players' perceived and self-reported social loafing decreased (P <
      0.05). The findings of both independent studies demonstrated the impact of
      coaches' fairness, and consequently, the motivational climate created by the
      coach on the optimal functioning of female sport teams.

PMID- 25123600
TI  - Weight changes in obese adults 6-months after discontinuation of double-blind
      zonisamide or placebo treatment.
AB  - We evaluated weight changes in obese patients at 6-months after they ended
      participation in a 12-month randomised controlled trial in which they received
      daily placebo, zonisamide 200 mg or zonisamide 400 mg, in addition to lifestyle
      counselling. Of the originally randomised 225 patients, 218 completed month-12
      when study interventions were discontinued. For the 154 patients who returned for
      6-month follow-up off-treatment, weight changes between month-12 and month-18 for
      placebo (n = 53), zonisamide 200 mg (n = 49) and zonisamide 400 mg groups (n =
      52) were 0.5 kg [95% confidence interval (CI), -0.8 to 1.8; 0.7%], 1.5 kg (0.2
      2.8; 1.6%; p = 0.26 vs. placebo) and 2.4 kg (1.1-3.7; 2.6%; p = 0.04 vs.
      placebo), respectively. Our results suggest that although zonisamide 400 mg daily
      for 12-months resulted in greater weight loss than with placebo, weight regain
      after discontinuation of interventions was greater in the zonisamide 400 mg group
      than placebo group. 

PMID- 25123601
TI  - Different roles for p16(INK) (4a) -Rb pathway and INK4a/ARF methylation between
      adenocarcinomas of gastric cardia and distal stomach.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The incidence of distal gastric adenocarcinoma has
      significantly decreased, but gastric cardia adenocarcinoma has been on the rise.
      Cardia adenocarcinoma might be a specific entity distinct from the carcinoma of
      the rest stomach. The aim was to explore putative differences in p16(INK) (4a) 
      retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway and INK4a/ARF methylation between gastric cardia and
      distal adenocarcinomas. METHODS: Ninety-six cardia adenocarcinomas and 79 distal
      samples were analyzed for comparing p16(INK) (4a) -Rb expressions, INK4a/ARF
      deletion, and methylation using immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction,
      and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The expression of
      p16(INK) (4a) in cardia adenocarcinoma (43.2%) was significantly lower than in
      distal cases (75.0%, P < 0.05). As well, cardia adenocarcinoma showed lower
      expression of p14(ARF) compared with distal cases (34.1% vs 57.5%, P < 0.05). The
      incidence of p16(INK) (4a) deletion was 20.5% and 15.0%, while p14(ARF) deletion
      was 18.2% and 10.0% in cardia and distal adenocarcinomas, respectively, showing
      no significant differences between two entities. However, the incidences of
      p14(ARF) and p16(INK) (4a) methylation in cardia adenocarcinoma were
      significantly higher than in distal samples (p14(ARF) : 61.5% vs 43.6%; p16(INK)
      (4a) : 73.1% vs 51.3%, P < 0.05). INK4a/ARF methylations were more prevalent in
      poorly differentiated cardia carcinoma compared with poorly differentiated distal
      cases. CONCLUSIONS: There were differences in p16(INK) (4a) -Rb immunotypes and
      INK4a/ARF methylation between two entities, indicating that cardia adenocarcinoma
      may be different in cell proliferation, differentiation, and gene biomarkers
      compared with distal gastric adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 25123602
TI  - Automated lipid membrane formation using a polydimethylsiloxane film for ion
      channel measurements.
AB  - A black lipid membrane (BLM) is a powerful platform for studying the
      electrophysiology of cell membranes as well as transmembrane proteins. However,
      BLMs have disadvantages in terms of stability, accessibility, and
      transportability, which preclude their industrial applications. To resolve these
      issues, frozen membrane precursor (MP) was devised to improve the
      transportability and storability of BLMs. As described previously, MP is a
      storable and transportable platform that can be delivered to the point-of-use,
      where BLMs are automatically formed upon thawing at room temperature. However, MP
      has an inconsistent thinning-out time, ranging from 30 min to 24 h, as well as a
      low success rate of BLM formation (~27%), which make it undesirable for practical
      use. In our study, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was introduced as a replacement
      for conventionally used Teflon film to control thinning-out time. As such, we
      used a PDMS thin-film, a porous-structured hydrophobic polymer, and squalene, a
      high viscosity solvent, to facilitate membrane formation, whereas the absorption
      rates of solvents were controlled to achieve consistent BLM formation time. We
      successfully reduced thinning-out time down to <1 h as well as enhanced the
      success rate of BLM formation to greater than 80%. Moreover, we demonstrated the
      feasibility of our platform for use in drug screening using gramicidin A and
      guanidine.

PMID- 25123603
TI  - Predictive value of apoptotic microparticles to mononuclear progenitor cells
      ratio in advanced chronic heart failure patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acutely decompensated chronic heart failure (ADHF) is considered a
      life-threatening event. Despite contemporary treatment strategies of ADHF,
      frequent recurrent hospitalizations due to other cardiovascular reasons after
      discharge of patients from hospital occur. The objective of the study was to
      examine the prognostic value of circulating endothelial-derived apoptotic
      microparticles (EMPs) to mononuclear progenitor cells (MPCs) ratio for post
      discharge patients with clinical stabilization after ischemic ADHF. METHODS: We
      consecutively enrolled 136 patients (62 male) with coronary artery disease (CAD)
      admitted with a primary diagnosis of ADHF. All patients gave written informed
      consent for participation in the study. At baseline, all enrolled patients were
      hemodynamically stable and they had New York Heart Association (NYHA) III/IV
      classes of ischemic chronic heart failure (CHF). Observation period started at
      discharge from the hospital and was up to 3 years. Flow cytometry analysis for
      quantifying the number of EMPs and angiogenic MPCs was used. RESULTS: Calculated
      EMP to MPC ratios in survivor and dead patient cohort were 8.4 (95% CI=7.6-9.2)
      and 78.9 (95% CI=53.0-116.6), respectively (p=0.001). MPCs, EMPs, NYHA class, N
      terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and increased NT-proBNP>30%
      within 24-84h of admission period remained statistically significant for all
      cause mortality, CHF-related death, and CHF-related rehospitalization, whereas
      left ventricular ejection fraction and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein for
      all variables did not. We found that the addition of EPMs to MPCs ratio to the
      ABC model (NT-pro-BNP, increased NT-pro-BNP>30%) improved the relative integrated
      discrimination indices by 19.6% for all-cause mortality, by 21.7% for CHF-related
      death, and by 19.5% for CHF-related rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: We
      demonstrated that EMP to MPC ratio is considered an important indicator of an
      imbalance between angiogenic and apoptotic responses with possible relation to
      cardiovascular outcomes in post-discharge patients with clinical stabilization
      after ischemic ADHF.

PMID- 25123604
TI  - Gender differences in the clinical features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused
      by cardiac myosin-binding protein C gene mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although gender may be one of the important factors modifying
      phenotypic expression in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), there has been little
      information on it. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated gender differences in the
      clinical features of HCM caused by cardiac myosin-binding protein C gene (MYBPC3)
      mutations. Sixty-one subjects (28 families) carrying MYBPC3 mutations were
      studied. Of the 61 subjects with MYBPC3 mutations, 50 patients including 23
      female patients were phenotype-positive by echocardiography. Disease penetrance
      in subjects aged <=40 years old was 92% in males and 67% in females. Females
      showed delayed onset of left ventricular hypertrophy compared with males in
      subjects who were genotype-positive. Female patients were more symptomatic at
      diagnosis than were males (mean New York Heart Association class: 1.7+/-0.8
      versus 1.2+/-0.4, p=0.012). From a longitudinal point of view by age, no
      significant gender difference in cardiovascular deaths or cardiovascular events
      was found. During the follow-up period after diagnosis of HCM (13+/-8 years),
      female patients who were phenotype-positive had significantly more frequent heart
      failure events than did phenotypically affected male patients (p=0.028).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although females with MYBPC3 mutations showed later onset of the
      disease, female patients were more symptomatic at diagnosis and had more frequent
      heart failure events once they had developed hypertrophy.

PMID- 25123605
TI  - The Equivalence of Remote Electronic and Paper Patient Reported Outcome (PRO)
      Collection.
AB  - Individual patient level Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) are increasingly
      important in clinical practice. Web-based collection enables clinicians to
      remotely collect scores at regular intervals, away from the clinic setting. In
      this randomized crossover study, 47 patients, having undergone hip surgery, were
      allocated to two groups. Group 1 completed the web-based scores followed by the
      paper equivalents one week later; Group 2 completed the scores the other way
      around. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for the Oxford Hip Score was
      0.99, 0.98 to 0.99 (ICC, 95% CI) and the ICCs for the other scores were between
      0.95 and 0.97. We conclude that remote ePRO collection using this web-based
      system reveals excellent equivalence to paper PRO collection of the Oxford Hip,
      McCarthy, UCLA and howRu scores. 

PMID- 25123606
TI  - Knee joint biomechanics and neuromuscular control during gait before and after
      total knee arthroplasty are sex-specific.
AB  - The future of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery will involve planning that
      incorporates more patient-specific characteristics. Despite known biological,
      morphological, and functional differences between men and women, there has been
      little investigation into knee joint biomechanical and neuromuscular differences
      between men and women with osteoarthritis, and none that have examined sex
      specific biomechanical and neuromuscular responses to TKA surgery. The objective
      of this study was to examine sex-associated differences in knee kinematics,
      kinetics and neuromuscular patterns during gait before and after TKA. Fifty-two
      patients with end-stage knee OA (28 women, 24 men) underwent gait and
      neuromuscular analysis within the week prior to and one year after surgery. A
      number of sex-specific differences were identified which suggest a different
      manifestation of end-stage knee OA between the sexes.

PMID- 25123607
TI  - Reply to letter to the editor on "Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty
      in octogenarians: can it be safe and effective?".

PMID- 25123608
TI  - Nurses' choice of clinical field in early career.
AB  - AIM: To investigate how undergraduate nursing students' perceived professional
      qualifications and job values relate to their choice of clinical field after
      graduation, particularly about employment in care of older people and psychiatric
      fields. BACKGROUND: In the light of greater demand for highly qualified nurses,
      it is important to understand how professional qualifications and job values
      relate to career choices. DESIGN: A quantitative longitudinal study of 290
      undergraduate nursing students based on a questionnaire survey and register data.
      METHODS: Data were analysed by multinomial logistic regression analyses. The
      questionnaire was distributed to all undergraduate nursing students during the
      final semester of study at two university colleges in Norway (N = 411) to collect
      the students' perceived professional qualifications and job values (2001).
      Register data on clinical fields after graduation (2002-2006) were merged into
      the survey data in 2008 (Statistics Norway). RESULTS: The tendency among
      undergraduate nursing students to choose care of older people rather than general
      hospital care after graduation increases as their score on altruism decreases,
      but is not correlated with their score on theoretical knowledge. The tendency to
      choose psychiatric fields rather than general hospital care increases with an
      increasing score on perceived practical skills and decreases with an increasing
      score on perceived theoretical knowledge. CONCLUSION: The choice of clinical
      field after graduation correlates with undergraduate nursing students' perceived
      professional qualifications and job values.

PMID- 25123609
TI  - The decalog of long non-coding RNA involvement in cancer diagnosis and
      monitoring.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts without protein-coding capacity;
      initially regarded as "transcriptional noise", lately they have emerged as
      essential factors in both cell biology and mechanisms of disease. In this
      article, we present basic knowledge of lncRNA molecular mechanisms, associated
      physiological processes and cancer association, as well as their diagnostic and
      therapeutic value in the form of a decalog: (1) Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are
      transcripts without protein-coding capacity divided by size (short and long
      ncRNAs), function (housekeeping RNA and regulatory RNA) and direction of
      transcription (sense/antisense, bidirectional, intronic and intergenic),
      containing a broad range of molecules with diverse properties and functions, such
      as messenger RNA, transfer RNA, microRNA and long non-coding RNAs. (2) Long non
      coding RNAs are implicated in many molecular mechanisms, such as transcriptional
      regulation, post-transcriptional regulation and processing of other short ncRNAs.
      (3) Long non-coding RNAs play an important role in many physiological processes
      such as X-chromosome inactivation, cell differentiation, immune response and
      apoptosis. (4) Long non-coding RNAs have been linked to hallmarks of cancer: (a)
      sustaining proliferative signaling; (b) evading growth suppressors; (c) enabling
      replicative immortality; (d) activating invasion and metastasis; (e) inducing
      angiogenesis; (f) resisting cell death; and (g) reprogramming energy metabolism.
      (5) Regarding their impact on cancer cells, lncRNAs are divided into two groups:
      oncogenic and tumor-suppressor lncRNAs. (6) Studies of lncRNA involvement in
      cancer usually analyze deregulated expression patterns at the RNA level as well
      as the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number variations at
      the DNA level. (7) Long non-coding RNAs have potential as novel biomarkers due to
      tissue-specific expression patterns, efficient detection in body fluids and high
      stability. (8) LncRNAs serve as novel biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic and
      monitoring purposes. (9) Tissue specificity of lncRNAs enables the development of
      selective therapeutic options. (10) Long non-coding RNAs are emerging as
      commercial biomarkers and therapeutic agents.

PMID- 25123610
TI  - Serum soluble toll-like receptor 2: a novel biomarker for systemic lupus
      erythematosus disease activity and lupus-related cardiovascular dysfunction.
AB  - AIM: To assess the serum levels of soluble toll-like receptor (sTLR2) as an
      endogenous negative regulator of TLR2 signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus
      (SLE) patients, to investigate the correlation between sTLR2 and SLE disease
      activity index (SELDAI), SLE-related cardiovascular risk factors and ventricular
      dysfunction and to evaluate the effect of different therapeutic regimens on serum
      sTLR2 levels. METHODS: Ninety-six SLE patients, along with 30 healthy controls,
      were enrolled in the study. Echocardiography measurements were performed. Serum
      levels of (sTLR2) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
      Serum lipid profiles, uric acid and creatinine were also detected. RESULTS: Mean
      serum levels of sTLR2 in SLE patients was 3.98 +/- 4.4 ng/mL, which was
      significantly decreased as compared with that of the control group (11.3 +/- 4.9
      ng/mL; P < 0.0001). sTLR2 was negatively correlated with SELDAI, low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. sTLR2 levels were
      increased in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine, statins and corticosteroids.
      CONCLUSION: Serum sTLR2 can attenuate disease activity and negatively impact left
      ventricular diastolic dysfunction and hypercholersterelemia in SLE patients.
      Statins, corticosteroids and chloroquine increase sTLR2 levels.

PMID- 25123611
TI  - Multisystemic toxoplasmosis associated with a type II-like Toxoplasma gondii
      strain in a New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) from New South Wales,
      Australia.
AB  - We report the first confirmed case of toxoplasmosis in an Australian pinniped.
      Presence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in the brain of a free-ranging
      subadult New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) with nonsuppurative
      meningoencephalitis, hypophysitis, posterior uveitis, retrobulbar cellulitis, and
      myocarditis associated with protozoan cysts and tachyzoites. The emaciated seal
      stranded moribund on a beach in northern Sydney in New South Wales.
      Histopathology coupled with specific immunohistochemistry and PCR assays
      confirmed the presence of T. gondii. The T. gondii sample (NZfs8825) identified
      in this study has an identical genotype as the type II (ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype
      #1) based on the direct sequencing and virtual RFLP of multilocus DNA markers
      including SAG1, 5'- and 3'-SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358,
      PK1, and Apico. Direct sequencing of T. gondii B1 DNA marker from the T. gondii
      sample (NZfs8825) identified a type II-like strain, based on presence of non
      archetypal B1 gene polymorphisms previously reported as unique to Australia. This
      study suggests that T. gondii oocysts originating from mainland Australia, which
      has a large population of feral cats, may act as a disease threat to native
      marine fauna. Therefore, emerging toxoplasmosis in the Arctic has a relevant
      parallel in the Southern Ocean within Australian waters with yet unknown
      relevance to Antarctica. 

PMID- 25123612
TI  - Susceptibility of chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) to Trichinella
      patagoniensis.
AB  - Trichinella spp. is a genus of parasites that is widespread all over the world.
      In Argentina, T. spiralis was for years the only species involved in human and
      animal outbreaks. During the last decade, T. patagoniensis, a new Trichinella
      species, was discovered in Argentina. Up to now, this species has only been found
      in cougars (Puma concolor). Experimental infections in pigs, cats, mice and rats
      with this new genotype showed that cats and mice were the most susceptible hosts.
      The aim of the present work was to evaluate the susceptibility of chickens to
      infection with T. patagoniensis. In order to study the intestinal and muscular
      phase, and the histopathological changes, 27 Leghorn chickens were inoculated per
      os with 1000 muscle larvae of T. patagoniensis and were euthanized on days 4, 5,
      6, 7, 11, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Adult worms of T. patagoniensis were recovered from
      the small intestine of chickens up to day 14p.i. Gross examination of small
      intestine showed a moderate congestive appearance. Microscopically, an
      inflammatory response with lymphocytes and eosinophils in lamina propria, slight
      hyperemia, oedema and some haemorrhagic areas were detected. Lesions observed in
      chickens were similar to those described in different animal species during the
      intestinal phase. No muscular larvae were recovered from the muscle samples.
      These results suggest that T. patagoniensis is not capable to complete its entire
      life cycle in chickens.

PMID- 25123613
TI  - Daily peer review of abnormal cervical smears in the assessment of individual
      practice as an additional method of internal quality control.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An important internal quality control system used in the Cancer
      Prevention and Research Institute cytopathology laboratory in Florence is the
      peer review procedure, based on the review of all abnormal cytological smears
      which routinely emerge. Peer review is an important training opportunity for all
      cytologists, especially for those with less experience. This article shows the
      results of the peer review procedure. METHODS: Of the 63 754 Papanicolaou (Pap)
      smears screened in 2011, 1086 were considered to be abnormal [at least atypical
      squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US+)] on primary screening
      (selected by a single cytologist) and were subjected to the peer review
      procedure. The overall performance of the laboratory's cytologists was evaluated
      using a multiple rater analysis and the comparison of each cytologist with the
      final diagnosis. Further, the agreement was assessed by means of Cohen's kappa
      and weighted kappa statistics. RESULTS: In general, a moderate/substantial level
      of agreement between the ten cytologists and the final diagnoses was evident.
      Kappa values for each reader compared with the final diagnosis ranged from 0.54
      to 0.69. The overall kappa value was 0.62 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.58
      0.66] and overall weighted kappa value was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.74-0.79). The category
      specific agreement showed the lowest values for atypical squamous cells, cannot
      exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H). CONCLUSION: In
      summary, peer review represents an important internal quality control in the
      evaluation and improvement of inter-observer agreement and of the functioning of
      the laboratory as a whole. Multi-head microscope sessions may improve
      particularly the reproducibility of borderline diagnoses and, above all, can be
      an important training contribution for cytologists.

PMID- 25123615
TI  - How would you recognise a good review?

PMID- 25123614
TI  - Calcified amorphous tumors (CATs) of the heart.
AB  - Intracavitary cardiac masses include neoplastic and nonneoplastic masses, which
      may share overlapping clinical symptomatology, physical examination findings, and
      or imaging characteristics. Definitive diagnosis of a cardiac mass is usually
      made on surgical excision and histological examination. In this article, we focus
      on one of the rare nonneoplastic cardiac mass, namely, calcified amorphous
      tumors. We present a series of three patients, an 80-year-old female who
      presented to the hospital for evaluation of a near syncope event, a 69-year-old
      female who presented for evaluation of palpitations, and a 60-year-old female who
      presented for evaluation of shortness of breath, who were found to have calcified
      amorphous tumors. We have also provided a relevant review of the literature on
      this topic. 

PMID- 25123617
TI  - Falls in rural and remote community dwelling older adults: a review of the
      literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Falls in older adults represent a significant challenge in Australia;
      however, the focus is often on urban-dwelling older adults. The aim of this
      review was to explore the literature on falls epidemiology and falls prevention
      interventions (FPI). DESIGN: A literature review was conducted searching Medline,
      Scopus, Social Sciences Citation Index, Google Scholar, Google and the Australian
      Institute of Health and Welfare publication catalogue. SETTING: Rural and remote
      Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Rural and remote community dwelling Australians aged 50
      years and older. INTERVENTION: Literature review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Falls
      epidemiology and effective falls prevention interventions. RESULTS: Twenty
      references were identified: 14 related to falls epidemiology and 7 to FPI. No
      significant differences were found between rural, remote and major cities
      residents in relation to falls hospitalisation, falls mortality or fall-related
      injuries sustained. There are a wide assortment of health professionals and non
      health professionals who are involved in providing FPI in rural and remote
      Australia. However, there was limited information on the effectiveness of these
      interventions in influencing falls outcomes. CONCLUSION: Few studies explored
      falls and their prevention in rural and remote Australia. The limited literature
      on the topic suggests that a change in focus to one that utilises existing
      services and resources will be required to create sustainable outcomes. Four
      areas are proposed for concentrated effort to reduce the impact of fall-related
      injury in rural and remote Australia: integration and collaboration among health
      professionals, promotion of physical activity across the lifespan, community
      involvement and ownership of interventions, and evaluation and publication of
      findings.

PMID- 25123618
TI  - Timely access to specialist medical oncology services closer to home for rural
      patients: experience from the Townsville Teleoncology Model.
AB  - PROBLEM: Prior to 2009, the teleoncology model of the Townsville Cancer Centre
      (TCC) did not achieve its aims of equal waiting times for rural and urban
      patients and the provision of reliable, local acute cancer care. From 2007-2009,
      60 new patients from Mt Isa travelled to TCC for their first consultation and
      their first dose of chemotherapy. Six of these patients required inter-hospital
      transfers and eight required urgent flights to attend outpatient clinics. Only
      50% these rural patients (n = 30) were reviewed within one week of their
      referral, compared with 90% of Townsville patients. DESIGN: A descriptive study.
      SETTING: TCC provides teleoncology services to 21 rural towns; the largest is Mt
      Isa, Qld. KEY MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT: Specialist review of 90% of urgent cases
      within 24 hours, and 90% of non-urgent cases within one week of referral via
      videoconferencing. A 50% reduction in inpatient inter-hospital transfers from Mt
      Isa to Townsville. STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE: Employment of a half-time medical
      officer and a half-time cancer care coordinator, and implementation of new
      policies. EFFECTS OF CHANGE: Between 2009 and 2011, TCC provided cancer care to
      70 new patients from Mt Isa. Of these new patients, 93% (65/70) were seen within
      one week of referral. All 17 patients requiring urgent reviews were seen within
      24 hours of referral and managed locally thus eliminating the need for inpatient
      inter-hospital transfers. LESSONS LEARNT: Provision of timely acute cancer care
      closer to home requires an increase in the rural case complexity and human
      resources.

PMID- 25123619
TI  - Rural palliative care transitions from home to hospital: carers' experiences.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To document carer perceptions of patients' transitions from community
      to hospital-based palliative care in a rural setting. DESIGN: A qualitative study
      using an interview method at two time points. SETTING: Rural palliative care
      providers: Kyneton District Health Service and the Macedon Ranges Palliative Care
      Service, Victoria. PARTICIPANTS: Six adult caregivers of six palliative care
      patients who had cancer were interviewed, three of whom were male and three
      female. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Semistructured interviews were conducted exploring
      the caregivers' decisions to transition to hospital-based care and their
      perceptions of the transition to hospital and the hospital-based care these
      patients received. RESULTS: Thematic analysis revealed that carers made the
      decision for the patient in their care to transfer from home to hospital care.
      Carers experienced the transition to hospital care positively, particularly in
      relation to the communication of the patient's care needs. While communication
      issues arose while in hospital, they were not related to the transitional aspects
      of the palliative care service. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this small,
      exploratory study suggest that these carers benefited from the new model of rural
      palliative care service provision. A large-scale, mixed-method study would enable
      more generalisable findings to be established.

PMID- 25123620
TI  - Predictors of rural practice location for James Cook University MBBS graduates at
      postgraduate year 5.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe factors predicting James Cook University (JCU) medical
      graduates having a rural practice location at postgraduate year (PGY) 5.
      PARTICIPANTS: JCU MBBS graduates who had completed their PGY 5 in Australia (n =
      260). DESIGN: Multiple logistic regression analysis involving graduates'
      application data (age, gender, location of hometown, School Leaving Score,
      interview score, ethnicity), undergraduate data (scholarship awarded, honours
      program), and postgraduation data (internship location, specialty training
      undertaken). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Predictors of practice in a 'rural' town
      (Australian Standard Geographic Classification Remoteness Area (ASGC-RA)) 3-5 at
      PGY 5. RESULTS: Practice in a 'rural' town in PGY 5 was predicted by 'internship
      in an ASGC-RA 3-5 location' (prevalence odds ratios (POR) = 3.9, P < 0.001),
      'undertaken postgraduate training as a general practitioner or rural generalist'
      (POR = 3.4, P < 0.001), 'hometown at application located in ASGC-RA 3-5 area'
      (POR = 2.9, P = 0.023), 'Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander ancestry' (POR =
      5.6, P = 0.031), and NOT undertaken postgraduate training in surgery (POR = 5.4,
      P = 0.055). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that likelihood of early
      career rural medical practice in Australia is enhanced by education strategies,
      such as providing rurally located internship places, supporting rural general
      practice, and selecting applicants with rural origins, Aboriginal or Torres
      Strait Islander ancestry, and/or a genuine interest in rural, remote, Indigenous,
      and tropical medicine. This early evidence supports the proposition that
      investing in rural medical education will produce an appropriately trained
      medical workforce to meet the needs of rural Australia. Findings also suggest
      rural workforce may be further enhanced with additional specialty training
      opportunities in rural tertiary hospitals, in particular, surgery.

PMID- 25123621
TI  - Undergraduate physiotherapy students' expectations and perceptions of
      rural/regional clinical placements.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore undergraduate physiotherapy students' expectations and
      preconceptions of undertaking a rural/regional clinical placement and determine
      if these preconceptions differ between regional and metropolitan-based students.
      DESIGN: Data was collected via focus groups and analysed via thematic analysis of
      emerging themes. SETTING: All focus groups were undertaken in tutorial rooms at
      the participating universities between classes at a time convenient to
      participants. PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduate physiotherapy students yet to complete
      a major clinical placement were invited to participate. Second year physiotherapy
      students from regional and metropolitan universities were recruited to form focus
      groups, allowing comparison between the two groups. Four metropolitan students
      and nine regional students made up the sample size. RESULTS: Three major themes
      were identified via thematic analysis of transcripts; socio-cultural factors,
      education and professional factors. The significance of socio-cultural factors
      was far beyond what was expected to be found. Regional students did not generally
      have a more accurate perspective of rural/regional placement and voiced more
      concerns about missing out on educational opportunities. CONCLUSIONS:
      Rural/regional clinical educators need to be mindful of creating quality
      experiences with caseloads appropriate for the specific placement's requirements.
      The impact of external socio-cultural factors must be acknowledged. Supervision
      strategies must be put in place to ensure students on rural/regional clinical
      placements are well supported to achieve a successful outcome for student and
      educator.

PMID- 25123622
TI  - What is the impact of longitudinal rural medical student clerkships on clinical
      supervisors and hospitals?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Studies have investigated the impact of medical students undertaking
      longitudinal clerkships in General Practices; however, little is known about the
      impact of students' longitudinal clerkships on clinical supervisors in the
      hospital environment. This research aimed to explore the educational impacts and
      benefits gained from supervisory responsibilities in a rural hospital context.
      DESIGN: We assessed the impact of longitudinal clerkships using individual and
      group-structured interviews. The responses were thematically analysed by the
      researchers. SETTING: Two rural hospitals in Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS:
      Fifteen senior medical and nursing staff at two rural hospitals who supervised
      year four medical students in a longitudinal clinical program. RESULTS: Thematic
      analysis identified three major themes: changes to the supervisor, change in the
      hospital learning culture and student usefulness. Doctors and nurses who
      undertook student supervisory responsibilities reported a sense of personal
      change, including increased reflective practice, improved value of professional
      identity and increased enthusiasm for interprofessional learning. Supervisors
      updated their clinical skills and became proactive in seeking out learning
      opportunities for students. Hospitals became more vibrant learning environments
      and interprofessional education enhanced teamwork. Patient care increased,
      knowledge gaps filled and hospital governance, policy and procedures challenged.
      CONCLUSION: The benefits of longitudinal clerkship in the rural hospital setting
      provided symbiotic relationships between hospitals, students, patients and
      educations provider. The interprofessional approach towards clinical supervision
      enhanced supervisor learning and generated an understanding among professional
      groups of each other's clinical skills, roles and values, and raised an awareness
      of the importance of working collaboratively for better patient outcomes and
      addressing future workforce shortages.

PMID- 25123623
TI  - Bibliometric analysis on Australian rural health publications from 2006 to 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review Australian rural health (ARH) publications in PubMed from
      2006 to 2012 and address ARH issues raised by the 2013 Health and Medical
      Research report. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Internet
      based bibliometric analysis using PubMed. MEDLINE-indexed ARH publications from
      2006 to 2012 were retrieved using PubMed queries. ARH publications were defined
      as Australian publications that explore issues relevant to the health of the
      regional, rural or remote Australian population. Two authors independently
      reviewed a random sample of 5% of publications for validity. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Analysis determined country of origin (Australia); publications
      relevant to the National Health Priority Areas, the 2013 National Rural Health
      Alliance priority areas and Rural Clinical Schools/University Departments of
      Rural Health; and journal frequencies and publication types. RESULTS: ARH
      publications increased from 286 in 2006 to 393 in 2012 and made up 1.4% of all
      Australian PubMed publications. Combined, the health priority areas were
      addressed in 52% of ARH publications. Rural Clinical Schools/University
      Departments of Rural Health articles made up 7% of ARH publications. An increase
      in cohort studies, systematic reviews and reviews indicated improved quality of
      articles. ARH articles were most commonly published in the Australian Journal of
      Rural Health (15.9%), Rural and Remote Health (13.4%) and the Medical Journal of
      Australia (6.3%). Striking a balance between broadening the queries (increasing
      sensitivity) and limiting the false positives by restricting the breadth of the
      queries (increasing specificity) was the main limitation. CONCLUSIONS: This
      reproducible analysis, repeated at given timelines, can track the progress of ARH
      publications and provide directions regarding future rural health research.

PMID- 25123624
TI  - Rural patients' experiences of the open disclosure of adverse events.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse rural patients' and their families' experiences of open
      disclosure and offer recommendations to improve disclosure in rural areas.
      DESIGN: Retrospective qualitative study based on a subset of 13 semistructured,
      in-depth interviews with rural patients from a larger dataset. The larger data
      set form a nationwide, multisite, retrospective-qualitative study that included
      100 semistructured, in-depth interviews with 119 patients and family members who
      were involved in high-severity health care incidents and incident disclosure. The
      larger study is known as the '100 Patient Stories' study. Interviews were
      transcribed verbatim and analysed by one analyst (D.P.) for recurrent experiences
      and concerns. SETTING: Acute care. PARTICIPANTS: A sub-set of 13 of the 100
      participants from the '100 Patient Stories' study who identified as experiencing
      an adverse incident in a rural or regional area. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients'
      and family members' perceptions and experiences of health care incident
      disclosure, as expressed in interviews. RESULTS: Rural patients and clinicians
      experience additional challenges to metropolitan patients and clinicians in their
      experiences of health care incidents. These additional barriers include: a lack
      of resources at small hospitals; delays in diagnosis and transfer; distance
      between services; and a lack of communication between providers. These challenges
      impact not only upon how patients and their families experience incidents, but
      also how open disclosure is implemented. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of 13 of the
      100 Patient Stories interviews provides guidance to rural health services on how
      to conduct open disclosure.

PMID- 25123625
TI  - Creating positive rural experiences for occupational therapy students.

PMID- 25123626
TI  - DOT (directly observed therapy) in diabetes: current thought, future reality.

PMID- 25123627
TI  - Do clinical pathways enhance access to evidence-based acute myocardial infarction
      treatment in rural emergency departments?

PMID- 25123628
TI  - Alpha-lipoic acid improves high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis by modulating
      the transcription factors SREBP-1, FoxO1 and Nrf2 via the SIRT1/LKB1/AMPK
      pathway.
AB  - Understanding the mechanism by which alpha-lipoic acid supplementation has a
      protective effect upon nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in vivo and in vitro may
      lead to targets for preventing hepatic steatosis. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a
      normal diet, high-fat diet or high-fat diet supplemented with alpha-lipoic acid
      for 24 weeks. HepG2 cells were incubated with normal medium, palmitate or alpha
      lipoic acid. The lipid-lowering effects were measured. The protein expression and
      distribution were analyzed by Western blot, immunoprecipitation and
      immunofluorescence, respectively. We found that alpha-lipoic acid enhanced
      sirtuin 1 deacetylase activity through liver kinase B1 and stimulated AMP
      activated protein kinase. By activating the sirtuin 1/liver kinase B1/AMP
      activated protein kinase pathway, the translocation of sterol regulatory element
      binding protein-1 into the nucleus and forkhead box O1 into the cytoplasm was
      prevented. Alpha-lipoic acid increased adipose triacylglycerol lipase expression
      and decreased fatty acid synthase abundance. In in vivo and in vitro studies,
      alpha-lipoic acid also increased nuclear NF-E2-related factor 2 levels and
      downstream target amounts via the sirtuin 1 pathway. Alpha-lipoic acid eventually
      reduced intrahepatic and serum triglyceride content. The protective effects of
      alpha-lipoic acid on hepatic steatosis appear to be associated with the
      transcription factors sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, forkhead box
      O1 and NF-E2-related factor 2.

PMID- 25123629
TI  - From body shadows to bodily attention: automatic orienting of tactile attention
      driven by cast shadows.
AB  - Body shadows orient attention to the body-part casting the shadow. We have
      investigated the automaticity of this phenomenon, by addressing its time-course
      and its resistance to contextual manipulations. When targets were tactile stimuli
      at the hands (Exp.1) or visual stimuli near the body-shadow (Exp.2), cueing
      effects emerged regardless of the delay between shadow and target onset (100,
      600, 1200, 2400ms). This suggests a fast and sustained attention orienting to
      body-shadows, that involves both the space occupied by shadows (extra-personal
      space) and the space the shadow refers to (own body). When target type became
      unpredictable (tactile or visual), shadow-cueing effects remained robust only for
      tactile targets, as visual stimuli showed no overall reliable effects, regardless
      of whether they occurred near the shadow (Exp.3) or near the body (Exp.4). We
      conclude that mandatory attention shifts triggered by body-shadows are limited to
      tactile targets and, instead, are less automatic for visual stimuli.

PMID- 25123630
TI  - Anhedonia in prolonged schizophrenia spectrum patients with relatively lower vs.
      higher levels of depression disorders: associations with deficits in social
      cognition and metacognition.
AB  - This study has sought to explore whether there are at least two subtypes of
      anhedonia in schizophrenia: one closely linked with depression and another that
      occurs in the absence of depression which is related to a general paucity of
      internal experience. Participants were 163 adults with schizophrenia who
      completed assessments of depression, anhedonia, executive functioning, positive
      and negative symptoms, social cognition and metacognition. A cluster analysis
      based on participants' depression and anhedonia symptom scores produced three
      groups: High Depression/High Anhedonia (n=52), Low Depression/Low Anhedonia
      (n=52), and Low Depression/High Anhedonia (n=59). An ANCOVA and post hoc
      comparisons controlling for positive and negative symptoms found that the Low
      Depression/High Anhedonia group had poorer metacognition and social cognition
      than other groups. These findings point to the possibility of a subtype of
      anhedonia in schizophrenia, one occurring in the relative lesser levels of
      depression, and tied to deficits in the ability to think about oneself and
      others.

PMID- 25123631
TI  - Multi-component reactive transport in heterogeneous media and its decoupling
      solution.
AB  - The multi-component reactive transport model is widely used in contaminant
      transport, water-rock interaction, and other earth science fields. Since its
      complexity lies in its solution, a decoupling approach is used to simplify the
      model to enhance computational efficiency. A decoupling approach is presented for
      heterogeneous media, and used to solve the model in this situation. The whole
      domain is divided into several sub-domains due to the different reactions which
      may occur and the corresponding component matrix was obtained. The boundary
      between sub-domains could be divided into two parts, inflow and outflow, which
      are defined as the Neumann condition and the Dirichlet one, and the concentration
      of the latter could be calculated by the component in the adjacent sub-domain.
      Then the models in each sub-domain can be connected and solved. Taking a
      heterogeneous porous media as an example in which permanganate is partially
      dissolved during the process, firstly the result obtained by this method without
      considering porosity variation is compared to that from PHAST: good agreement is
      achieved, then while considering the change of porosity caused by the dissolution
      of the permanganate, the flow field, species concentration and porosity of the
      whole domain and typical sections and points during the reaction are analysed. It
      is concluded that: the decoupling approach to heterogeneous media is appropriate,
      and the results from the model could reflect the variation of physical fields due
      to groundwater in heterogeneous media. 

PMID- 25123632
TI  - Global gene expression profiling of porcine endometria on Days 12 and 16 of the
      estrous cycle and pregnancy.
AB  - The objective of the study was to investigate transcriptomic profile of pig
      endometrium on Days 12 and 16 of pregnancy in comparison with the respective days
      of the estrous cycle. Labeled complementary DNA was hybridized to Porcine Long
      Oligo microarray containing 13,297 oligonucleotide probes, which represented
      complementary DNA and expressed sequence tags. Statistical analysis revealed 110
      differentially expressed genes (DEGs) on Day 12 of pregnancy and 179 DEGs on Day
      16 of pregnancy. In silico analysis of gene function and functionality networks
      revealed links between genes implicated in cell death and survival, protein
      synthesis, lipid metabolism, cellular movement, tissue development, and cell-to
      cell signaling. On Day 12 of pregnancy, estrogen, transforming growth factor
      (TGF) beta1, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2, and on Day 16 of pregnancy,
      epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin, interleukin 11 (IL-11), and FGF family
      members were indicated as possible upstream regulators of several DEGs. Obtained
      results showed changes in global endometrial gene expression at the time of
      maternal recognition of pregnancy and embryo implantation. Additionally, these
      data revealed signaling molecules, which together with E2, may evoke molecular
      changes in the uterus, leading to successful pregnancy establishment.

PMID- 25123633
TI  - New method for assessing hand disinfection shows that pre-operative
      alcohol/chlorhexidine rub is as effective as a traditional surgical scrub.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that rubbing hands with an
      alcohol/chlorhexidine solution provides equivalent microbial decontamination to a
      conventional surgical scrub using aqueous chlorhexidine. However, the authors
      believe that these studies have methodological flaws that limit their
      applicability to the operating theatre environment. As such, a method was
      developed to compare products in an everyday operating theatre environment using
      working operating theatre personnel. AIM: To determine whether or not an
      alcohol/chlorhexidine rub is as efficacious as a traditional surgical scrub using
      a novel method. METHODS: Bacterial counts at baseline were collected from 20
      anaesthetists using the glove juice method. Subsequently, with sequential
      exchange of sterile gloves, one hand underwent a 3-min scrub using 4% aqueous
      chlorhexidine, and the other hand underwent a 60-s rub with a 70% isopropyl
      alcohol/0.5% chlorhexidine solution. The residual bacterial count was collected
      for each hand after 30 min using the glove juice method. These counts were
      converted to log10 values to compare the baseline counts of right and left hands,
      and efficacy between the treatment groups. FINDINGS: Mean [+/- standard deviation
      (SD)] bacterial counts at baseline were (log10) 4.42 +/- 0.81 for left hands and
      4.64 +/- 0.60 for right hands (P > 0.05). The mean (+/- SD) reduction from
      baseline was (log10) 1.45 +/- 0.50 for 4% chlorhexidine and 2.01 +/- 0.98 for
      alcohol/chlorhexidine (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: An alcohol/chlorhexidine hand rub
      was found to be as efficacious as a traditional scrub after 30 min; this study
      differs from previous work as it was undertaken in a population of practising
      anaesthetists in their working environment. The McKenzie method allows baseline
      and study evaluations to be performed contemporaneously on the same individual.
      Each subject was his/her own control. This method offers a more clinically
      relevant way to compare disinfectant solutions than standard methods.

PMID- 25123634
TI  - Risk factors for mediastinitis following cardiac surgery: the importance of
      managing obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mediastinitis is a devastating complication of cardiac surgery.
      Previous studies have often observed small populations, been retrospective in
      design, and used a variety of definitions for mediastinitis. AIM: To identify
      risk factors for mediastinitis, and strategies to minimize its incidence.
      METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 4883 adult patients who underwent cardiac
      surgery between October 2003 and February 2009, comparing pre- and peri-operative
      risk factors, microbial aetiology, requirement for re-admission, length of stay
      and mortality between patients with and without mediastinitis. FINDINGS: Ninety
      (1.8%) patients were diagnosed with mediastinitis. Microbial aetiology was
      defined for 75 patients. Staphlyocococcus aureus was the most common isolate (30
      episodes; 15 due to meticillin-resistant S. aureus). Univariate analysis revealed
      the following pre-operative factors associated with mediastinitis: age; body mass
      index; diabetes; modified logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk
      Evaluation score; urgent admission; and longer pre-operative stay (P < 0.05).
      Associated peri-operative factors were: combined coronary artery bypass grafting
      plus aortic valve replacement; longer aortic cross-clamp time; and longer
      cardiopulmonary bypass time (P < 0.005). Multi-variate analysis revealed that
      higher body mass index, combined coronary artery bypass grafting plus aortic
      valve replacement, and older age were associated with mediastinitis (P < 0.05).
      Mediastinitis was associated with re-admission to hospital, longer inpatient stay
      and reduced long-term survival (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mediastinitis is
      associated with worse short-term outcomes (re-admission, length of stay) and
      reduced long-term survival. Obesity is the only modifiable pre-operative risk
      factor for mediastinitis. It may be possible to reduce risk through pre-operative
      weight loss programmes before elective surgery.

PMID- 25123635
TI  - Randomized experimental study to investigate the peritoneal adhesion formation of
      conventional monopolar contact coagulation versus noncontact argon plasma
      coagulation in a rat model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate peritoneal adhesion formation of monopolar contact
      coagulation (MCC) versus noncontact argon plasma coagulation (APC) in a rat
      model. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, single-blinded animal study. SETTING:
      University laboratory. ANIMAL(S): Sixteen female Wistar rats. INTERVENTION(S):
      Bilateral lesions were created on the abdominal wall with MCC and APC in a
      standard fashion. After 10 days, the rats were euthanized to evaluate the
      peritoneal trauma sites. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Adhesion incidence, quantity,
      and quality were scored 10 days postoperatively and studied histopathologically.
      RESULT(S): Average energy intake was 99.5 +/- 7.39 J for APC and 95.7 +/- 9.62 J
      for monopolar contact coagulation. Incidence of adhesion formation was 50.0% for
      noncontact APC and 85.4% for MCC. MCC induced significantly more vascular
      adhesions. Histological evaluation revealed no significant differences regarding
      average depth of lesions induced by APC and MCC. Both groups showed almost
      identical morphology of necrosis and granulation tissue formation. CONCLUSION(S):
      This study compares for the first time adhesion formation of MCC versus
      noncontact APC in a rat model. With a similar energy intake, contact coagulation
      induced a significantly higher rate of adhesion formation. APC-induced adhesions
      were significantly less vascularized compared with MCC adhesions. Besides the
      thermal effects of both coagulation methods, the direct mechanical contact of the
      MCC electrode with the highly sensitive peritoneum is thus determined to be a
      pivotal additional stimulus for adhesion formation.

PMID- 25123636
TI  - Is subfertility or fertility treatment associated with long-term growth in the
      offspring? A cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study whether fertility treatment or subfertility is associated
      with long-term growth in the offspring. DESIGN: A prospective follow-up study
      including 1,773 singletons participating in the Lifestyle During Pregnancy Study
      at the age of 5. SETTING: Research centers. PATIENT(S): A total of 3,478 mother
      child pairs were sampled from the Danish National Birth Cohort, and 1,773
      completed the outcome measurements. A total of 69 children were born after
      fertility treatment, whereas 132 were born to subfertile parents conceiving
      spontaneously but after a time to pregnancy of more than 12 months. The remaining
      1,572 children were born to parents conceiving spontaneously within 12 months. At
      the age of 5, the children participated in a follow-up including anthropometric
      measurements. Information on important covariates with respect to family
      background, maternal prenatal exposures, perinatal outcomes, and postnatal
      parental lifestyle characteristics were obtained from the Danish National Birth
      Cohort, the 5-year follow-up, and Danish health registers. INTERVENTION(S): None.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Adjusted mean differences in body weight, height, body
      mass index (BMI), and head circumference at age 5. RESULT(S): Compared with
      spontaneously conceived children born to fertile parents, no systematic
      differences were observed for body weight, height, BMI, or head circumference at
      age 5 in children conceived after fertility treatment or to subfertile parents
      conceiving spontaneously. CONCLUSION(S): There were no differences in child
      anthropometrics at 5 years between children conceived after fertility treatment
      or by subfertile parents compared with that of children born to fertile parents.
      However, children born after fertility treatment may show catch-up growth during
      childhood.

PMID- 25123637
TI  - Outcomes of primary surgical evacuation during the first trimester in different
      types of implantation in women with cesarean scar pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of primary surgical evacuation
      therapy for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) of the first trimester, and to evaluate
      its possible prognostic factors. DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive cohort study.
      SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. SUBJECT(S): A cohort of patients with
      CSP and clear ultrasound images who underwent primary surgical evacuation from
      January 2000 to December 2012. INTERVENTION(S): Patients fulfilling the
      ultrasound criteria of CSP were further classified into superficial and deep
      groups according to their implantation locations and extents. The final decision
      on the method of treatment, including methotrexate chemotherapy, surgical
      evacuation, and others, was made by the patients after consultation with the
      physician. Pretreatment patient characteristics were compared in the patients
      with superficial and deep implantation, as were the results after primary
      surgical evacuation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Rates of successful treatment by
      primary surgical evacuation of CSP and the need for salvage intervention in the
      patients with deep and superficial implantation. RESULT(S): Forty-eight CSP
      patients who had sufficient data and imaging for analysis were enrolled. Of these
      48 cases, 26 in the superficial group and 14 in the deep group were willing to
      undergo primary surgical evacuation. Blood loss and need for salvage intervention
      were significantly lower in the patients with superficial implantation. Surgical
      evacuation was successful in 23 of 26 patients (88.5%) with superficial
      implantation and in 8 of 14 patients (57.1%) with deep implantation. Patients who
      failed primary surgical evacuation showed complete recovery, with uterus
      preservation, after salvage interventions, including laparoscopic surgery,
      angioembolization, and laparotomy. CONCLUSION(S): Preoperative determination of
      CSP implantation depth and extent is important in selecting candidates for
      surgical treatment. Primary single-step surgical evacuation was successful in
      most patients with superficial implantation, but patients should be informed of
      the possibility of salvage interventions before undergoing surgical evacuation.

PMID- 25123638
TI  - Preferences and needs regarding future contact with donation offspring among
      identity-release gamete donors: results from the Swedish Study on Gamete
      Donation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the attitudes and preferences regarding future contact
      with donation offspring among identity-release donors of oocytes or sperm.
      DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: University-based fertility clinics in
      Sweden. PATIENT(S): A total of 210 women and men were questioned 5-8 years after
      their donation of oocytes or sperm. INTERVENTION(S): Questionnaires given to
      donors prior to their donation and 5-8 years after donation. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Donors' attitudes and preferences regarding future contact with their
      donation offspring. RESULT(S): A majority of identity-release oocyte (65%) and
      sperm (70%) donors were positive toward being contacted by an offspring of mature
      age. More than half wanted to be notified by the clinic when an offspring
      requested information about them, but about a third were negative toward
      receiving this information. One in four reported a need for counseling regarding
      future contact with an offspring. CONCLUSION(S): Several years after donation, a
      majority of identity-release oocyte and sperm donors show positive attitudes
      toward future contact with their offspring. Donors appear to have different
      preferences for information and support regarding such contact. Fertility clinics
      and health-care services should provide counseling regarding contact with an
      offspring to the donors who express a need for this.

PMID- 25123639
TI  - Increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and operative delivery after
      conception induced by in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection in
      women aged 40 years and older.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clarify the association between preconception fertility status and
      obstetric outcomes in women aged 40 years and older. DESIGN: Retrospective study
      by reviewing medical records. SETTING: Tertiary perinatal center in a university
      hospital. PATIENT(S): 330 women aged 40 years and older who delivered a singleton
      from 2006 to 2010, and 450 women aged 30 to 34 years who delivered at the same
      facility as controls. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Incidence
      of pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth,
      low birth weight, and mode of delivery assessed based on the mode of conception;
      spontaneous conception (SC) and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection conception (IVF-ICSI). RESULT(S): The incidence of pregnancy-induced
      hypertension was statistically significantly higher in IVF-ICSI group than the SC
      group. This gap was commonly observed in both the women aged 40 years and older
      and those in the 30 to 34 age group. No statistically significant difference was
      observed in the frequency of gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, or low
      birth weight. As a characteristic of nulliparous women of advanced age, the rate
      of operative delivery, which includes emergency cesarean section and instrumental
      delivery, was statistically significantly higher in IVF-ICSI group than in the SC
      group. Detailed investigation into the medical indications for operative delivery
      revealed that the difference was attributable to the elevated incidence of labor
      protraction and arrest. CONCLUSION(S): Preconception fertility status can be a
      predicting factor of the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension and labor
      outcome, especially for women aged 40 years and older.

PMID- 25123640
TI  - Refined phenotyping, large cohorts, and collaborative research are vital for
      realizing the potential of genomics to transform care for male infertility.

PMID- 25123641
TI  - Resolvins RvD1 and 17(R)-RvD1 alleviate signs of inflammation in a rat model of
      endometriosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of two resolvins of D series, RvD1 and 17(R)
      RvD1, on inflammatory signs associated with endometriosis (ENDO). DESIGN: In vivo
      research study. SETTING: Research laboratory. ANIMAL(S): Female Sprague-Dawley
      rats. INTERVENTION(S): Intravenous or intraperitoneal injections of RvD1 (300
      ng/kg) or 17(R)-RvD1 (300 and 900 ng/kg) in rats with surgically induced ENDO.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Vascular permeability of ectopic endometrial growths was
      assessed by Evans Blue extravasation; vaginal hyperalgesia was assessed with
      telemetered visceromotor response. RESULT(S): Both resolvins, but not vehicle,
      significantly decreased vascular permeability in ectopic endometrial tissue.
      17(R)-RvD1 also significantly alleviated severity of vaginal hyperalgesia.
      CONCLUSION(S): Our results suggest that RvD1 and 17(R)-RvD1 can be considered for
      further investigation of their therapeutic potential for treating ENDO.

PMID- 25123643
TI  - High-level expression in Escherichia coli, purification and kinetic
      characterization of Plasmodium falciparum M1-aminopeptidase.
AB  - Plasmodium falciparum neutral metallo-aminopeptidase (PfAM1), a member of the M1
      family of metallo proteases, is a promising target for malaria, a devastating
      human parasitic disease. We report the high-level expression of PfAM1 in
      Escherichia coli BL21. An optimized gene, with a codon adaptation index and an
      average G/C content higher than the native gene, was synthesized and cloned in
      the pTrcHis2B vector. Optimal expression was achieved by induction with 1mM IPTG
      at 37 degrees C for 18h. This allowed obtaining 100mg of recombinant PfAM1
      (rPfAM1) per L of culture medium; 19% of the E. coli soluble protein mass was
      from rPFAM1. rPfAM1, fused to an amino-terminal 6*His tag, was purified in a
      single step by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. The protein showed
      only limited signs of proteolytic degradation, and this step increased purity 27
      fold. The kinetic characteristics of rPfAM1, such as a neutral optimal pH, a
      preference for substrates with basic or hydrophobic amino acids at the P1
      position, an inhibition profile typical of metallo-aminopeptidases, and
      inhibition from Zn(2+) excess, were similar to those of the native PfAM1. We have
      thus optimized an expression system that should be useful for identifying new
      PfAM1 inhibitors.

PMID- 25123644
TI  - Seizure recurrence following pyridoxine withdrawal in a patient with pyridoxine
      dependent epilepsy.
AB  - Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) is an autosomal recessive disorder
      characterized by early onset and recurrent seizures that can be controlled by a
      high dose of pyridoxine. PDE is caused by mutations in ALDH7A1, which encodes
      antiquitin. Antiquitin converts alpha-aminoadipic semialdehyde to alpha
      aminoadipic acid. Seizure recurrence after pyridoxine withdrawal is a criterion
      for diagnosis, but PDE can be diagnosed conclusively by genetic testing for
      mutations in the ALDH7A1 gene. In this case study, we report the long-term follow
      up of a patient suspected with PDE. She experienced prolonged generalized tonic
      seizures and was hospitalized in an intensive care unit following pyridoxine
      withdrawal. Later, we identified a compound heterozygous mutation, c.1216G>A,
      p.Gly406Arg, and a novel splice donor site mutation, IVS9+5G>A. Confirmation of
      these mutations would have prevented an unsafe withdrawal test. This case
      suggests the importance of the genetic determination of PDE to avoid the
      diagnostic withdrawal of pyridoxine. 

PMID- 25123642
TI  - Efficient production and purification of recombinant human interleukin-12 (IL-12)
      overexpressed in mammalian cells without affinity tag.
AB  - Interleukin-12 is a heterodimeric, pro-inflammatory cytokine that is a key driver
      of cell-mediated immunity. Clinical interest in IL-12 is significant due to its
      potent anti-tumor activity and efficacy in controlling certain infectious
      diseases such as Leishmaniasis and Listeria infection. For clinical applications,
      the ease of production and purification of IL-12 and the associated cost
      continues to be a consideration. In this context, we report a simple and
      effective heparin-affinity based purification of recombinant human IL-12 (hIL-12)
      from the serum-free supernatants of stable IL-12-transduced HEK293 cells.
      Fractionation of culture supernatants on heparin Sepharose columns revealed that
      hIL-12 elutes as a single peak in 500 mM NaCl. Coomassie staining and Western
      blot analysis showed that hIL-12 eluted in 500 mM NaCl is homogeneous. Purity of
      hIL-12 was ascertained by RP-HPLC and ESI-MS analysis, and found to be ~98%.
      Western blot analysis, using monoclonal antibodies, demonstrated that the crucial
      inter-subunit disulfide bond linking the p35 and p40 subunits is intact in the
      purified hIL-12. Results of far UV circular dichroism, steady-state tryptophan
      fluorescence, and differential scanning calorimetry experiments suggest that
      purified hIL-12 is in its stable native conformation. Enzyme linked immunosorbent
      assays (ELISAs) and bioactivity studies demonstrate that hIL-12 is obtained in
      high yields (0.31+/-0.05 mg/mL of the culture medium) and is also fully
      bioactive. Isothermal titration calorimetry data show that IL-12 exhibits a
      moderate binding affinity (Kd(app)=69+/-1 MUM) to heparin. The purification
      method described in this study is expected to provide greater impetus for
      research on the role of heparin in the regulation of the function of IL-12. In
      addition, the results of this study provide an avenue to obtain high amounts of
      IL-12 required for structural studies which are aimed at the development of novel
      IL-12-based therapeutics.

PMID- 25123645
TI  - Chronic cannabinoid receptor stimulation selectively prevents motor impairments
      in a mouse model of Huntington's disease.
AB  - Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease
      characterized by a progressive decline in motor abilities, as well as in
      cognitive and social behaviors. Most of these behavioral deficits are
      recapitulated in the R6/1 transgenic mouse, which can therefore be used as an
      experimental model to identify the neurobiological substrates of HD pathology and
      to design novel therapeutic approaches. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a
      relevant candidate to participate in the etiopathology of HD as it is a key
      modulator of brain function, especially in areas primarily affected by HD
      dysfunction such as the striatum. Thus, some studies have demonstrated an
      association between HD progression and alterations in the expression of several
      ECS elements, thereby suggesting that improving ECS function may constitute a
      useful strategy to eliminate or at least delay the appearance of HD symptoms.
      Here this hypothesis was specifically tested by evaluating whether the
      administration of a well-characterized cannabinoid receptor agonist (WIN 55,212),
      either acutely or chronically, improves the HD-like symptoms in R6/1 mice. While
      acute treatment did not change the behavioral phenotype of transgenic animals,
      chronic administration was able to prevent the appearance of motor deficits, to
      increase the number of striatal huntingtin inclusions and to prevent the loss of
      striatal medium-sized spiny neurons, without affecting the social or cognitive
      alterations. These findings suggest that prolonged administration of cannabinoid
      receptor agonists could be an appropriate strategy for selectively improving
      motor symptoms and stimulating neuroprotective processes in HD patients. 

PMID- 25123646
TI  - Inducing Muscle Heat Shock Protein 70 Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Muscular
      Performance in Aged Mice.
AB  - Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones with roles in longevity and
      muscular preservation. We aimed to show elevating HSP70 improves indices of
      health span. Aged C57/BL6 mice acclimated to a western diet were randomized into:
      geranylgeranylacetone (GGA)-treated (100 mg/kg/d), biweekly heat therapy (HT), or
      control. The GGA and HT are well-known pharmacological and environmental inducers
      of HSP70, respectively. Assessments before and after 8 weeks of treatment
      included glycemic endpoints, body composition, and muscular endurance, power, and
      perfusion. An HT mice had more than threefold, and GGA mice had a twofold greater
      HSP70 compared with control. Despite comparable body compositions, both treatment
      groups had significantly better insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling
      capacity. Compared with baseline, HT mice ran 23% longer than at study start,
      which was significantly more than GGA or control. Hanging ability (muscular
      endurance) also tended to be best preserved in HT mice. Muscle power, contractile
      force, capillary perfusion, and innervation were not different. Heat treatment
      has a clear benefit on muscular endurance, whereas HT and GGA both improved
      insulin sensitivity. Different effects may relate to muscle HSP70 levels. An HSP
      induction could be a promising approach for improving health span in the aged
      mice.

PMID- 25123648
TI  - Delayed duodenal obstruction after intramural hematoma in a patient with
      paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a clonal stem cell
      disorder of hematopoietic cells. Gastrointestinal complications of PNH are rare
      and mostly related with intravascular thrombosis or intramural hematoma.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a case of a man with PNH complicated by
      intramural duodenal hematoma initially treated with supportive care. Three months
      after his first admission; he was admitted to the emergency department with
      abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. He had undergone to surgery because of
      duodenal obstruction was treated with duodenojejunal by-pass surgery. DISCUSSION:
      Patients were healed from gastrointestinal complications could suffer from
      gastrointestinal strictures, which cause wide spread symptoms ranging from
      chronic abdominal pain and anorexia to intestinal obstruction. CONCLUSION: We
      report a rare intestinal obstruction case caused by stricture at the level of
      ligamentum Treitz with PNH. The possibility simply has to be borne in mind that
      strictures can be occurring at hematoma, ischemia or inflammation site of
      gastrointestinal tract.

PMID- 25123649
TI  - Malignant triton tumour of the sinonasal tract: Case report and literature
      review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective is to report a rare tumour of the sinonasal tract and
      conduct a literature review. Malignant triton tumour is a subtype of malignant
      schwannoma with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. It is a very rare tumour, with
      only 15 reported cases involving the sinonasal region. PRESENTATION OF CASE:
      Forty-seven years old female presented with a right-sided epistaxis, progressive
      right sided nasal obstruction and anosmia and a visible mass in the right nasal
      cavity. Imaging studies showed a mass extending from the piriform aperture to the
      nasopharynx in contact with the dura and the orbital content. The mass was
      biopsied and the result was consistent with malignant triton tumour. The patient
      refused the surgery at first so chemotherapy with MAID protocol was started.
      After the fourth course of chemotherapy the treatment was stopped due to patient
      intolerance and a thrombosis of the jugular vein. Patient then underwent surgery
      with frontal craniotomy and dural excision, endoscopic control was done at the
      end to insure a complete removal. The patient received Radiotherapy in the
      postoperative period (56 Greys). At 5 years of follow up the patient is doing
      fine with no signs of recurrence and normal ophthalmological findings.
      DISCUSSION: Sixteen cases, including our case, have been reported to date in the
      literature. The mean age at presentation is 61 years. None of cases were
      associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. Eight patients were reported to be
      alive 5 years post-treatment, and 2 patients were reported to have died of the
      disease. The prognosis for triton tumours in the sinonasal tract is better than
      that for triton tumours in other locations. CONCLUSION: Malignant triton tumour
      is a rare malignancy of the sinonasal tract. Otolaryngologists should be aware of
      this disease. The optimal treatment should include radical resection of the
      tumour.

PMID- 25123647
TI  - Circulating Proteomic Signatures of Chronological Age.
AB  - To elucidate the proteomic features of aging in plasma, the subproteome targeted
      by the SOMAscan assay was profiled in blood samples from 202 females from the
      TwinsUK cohort. Findings were replicated in 677 independent individuals from the
      AddNeuroMed, Alzheimer's Research UK, and Dementia Case Registry cohorts. Results
      were further validated using RNAseq data from whole blood in TwinsUK and the most
      significant proteins were tested for association with aging-related phenotypes
      after adjustment for age. Eleven proteins were associated with chronological age
      and were replicated at protein level in an independent population. These were
      further investigated at gene expression level in 384 females from the TwinsUK
      cohort. The two most strongly associated proteins were chordin-like protein 1
      (meta-analysis beta [SE] = 0.013 [0.001], p = 3.66 * 10(-46)) and pleiotrophin
      (0.012 [0.005], p = 3.88 * 10(-41)). Chordin-like protein 1 was also
      significantly correlated with birthweight (0.06 [0.02], p = 0.005) and with the
      individual Framingham 10-years cardiovascular risk scores in TwinsUK (0.71
      [0.18], p = 9.9 * 10(-5)). Pleiotrophin is a secreted growth factor with a
      plethora of functions in multiple tissues and known to be a marker for
      cardiovascular risk and osteoporosis. Our study highlights the importance of
      proteomics to identify some molecular mechanisms involved in human health and
      aging. 

PMID- 25123650
TI  - An electronic environment and contact direction sensitive scoring function for
      predicting affinities of protein-ligand complexes in Contour((r)).
AB  - Contour((r)) is a computational structure-based drug design technology that grows
      drug-like molecules by assembling context sensitive fragments in well-defined
      binding pockets. The grown molecules are scored by a novel empirical scoring
      function developed using high-resolution crystal structures of diverse classes of
      protein-ligand complexes and associated experimental binding affinities. An
      atomic model bearing features of the valence bond and VSEPR theories embodying
      their molecular electronic environment has been developed for non-covalent
      intermolecular interactions. On the basis of atomic hybridization and
      polarization states, each atom is modeled by features representing electron lone
      pairs, p-orbitals, and polar and non-polar hydrogens. A simple formal charge
      model was used to differentiate between polar and non-polar atoms. The
      interaction energy and the desolvation contribution of the protein-ligand
      association energy is computed as a linear sum of pair-wise interactions and
      desolvation terms. The pair-wise interaction energy captures short-range positive
      electrostatic interactions via hydrogen bonds, electrostatic repulsion of like
      charges, and non-bond contacts. The desolvation energy is estimated by
      calculating the energy required to desolvate interaction surfaces of the protein
      and the ligand in the complex. The scoring function predicts binding energies of
      a diverse set of protein-ligand complexes used for training with a correlation
      coefficient of 0.61. It also performs equally well in predicting association
      energies of a diverse validation set of protein-ligand complexes with a
      correlation coefficient of 0.57, which is equivalent to or better than 12 other
      scoring functions tested against this set including X-Score, GOLD, and DrugScore.

PMID- 25123651
TI  - Computational and statistical study on the molecular interaction between antigen
      and antibody.
AB  - Monoclonal antibodies are one of the most successful bio-molecules utilized in
      the clinical scene of today. It is important to clarify general characteristics
      of the interaction between antigen and antibody and to draw a guide for enhancing
      their binding affinity in rational design of antibody drugs. In this study, we
      carried out molecular dynamics simulations for 20 kinds of antigen-antibody
      complexes. From the statistical analysis of the calculation results, the
      following findings were deduced. At complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of
      the antibodies, the rates for the presence of serine (Ser) and tyrosine (Tyr) are
      high. The amino residues involved in direct hydrogen bonds between antigens and
      antibodies were examined by counting the numbers of the hydrogen bonds from the
      respective residues. The contribution of Tyr to the direct hydrogen bonding was
      the highest and that of Ser was the fourth. Furthermore, the short-distance
      hydrogen bonds, which is assumed to be so-called "low-barrier hydrogen bond",
      were observed at CDRs in three complexes. Interestingly, Ser is involved in the
      short-distance hydrogen bonding in two cases out of the three. This result
      suggests that these two unchanged polar amino acid residues play an important
      role for recognition of antigen. In almost all of the complexes (18/20), the
      contribution of the electrostatic energy (DeltaEele) to the binding free energy
      was calculated to be larger than that of the van der Waals energy (DeltaEvdw).
      This dominance of the electrostatic energy is in contrast to the case that low
      molecular-weight compounds are bound to their targets. The findings of this study
      will be helpful to design an antibody with a high specificity and a high affinity
      to the antigen. 

PMID- 25123652
TI  - Distortion from planarity in arenes produced by internal rotation of one single
      hydroxyl hydrogen: the case of alternariol.
AB  - Alternariol (AOH) and alternariol methyl ether (AME) are compounds toxic to farm
      animals and humans produced by ubiquitous fungi of the Alternaria genus.
      Information on chemical and physical properties of these compounds is rather
      scarce although their X-ray structures are known. AOH and AME are composed of
      three aromatic rings with three hydroxyl groups. However, the crystal structure
      of AOH is nonplanar whereas that of AME which differs only in one methyl group
      substituting one hydroxyl hydrogen is planar. By means of quantum calculations we
      find that the internal rotation of that single hydrogen affects the structure of
      AOH producing deviations from planarity near 5 degrees . We also show that
      although quantum calculations predict energy differences about 5kcal/mol between
      planar and perpendicular conformations of that hydrogen, its rotation has no
      noticeable effects on electron density properties that could indicate
      modifications of aromaticity features. Based upon these results, we suggest an
      explanation to the nonplanarity of the AOH crystal solely in terms of the spatial
      arrangement of molecules in the crystal interconnected through a network of
      hydrogen bonds involving rotatable hydroxyl hydrogens that produce distortions
      from planarity. 

PMID- 25123653
TI  - Evaluation of novel reactive MgO activated slag binder for the immobilisation of
      lead and zinc.
AB  - Although Portland cement is the most widely used binder in the
      stabilisation/solidification (S/S) processes, slag-based binders have gained
      significant attention recently due to their economic and environmental merits. In
      the present study, a novel binder, reactive MgO activated slag, is compared with
      hydrated lime activated slag in the immobilisation of lead and zinc. A series of
      lead or zinc-doped pastes and mortars were prepared with metal to binder ratio
      from 0.25% to 1%. The hydration products and microstructure were studied by X-ray
      diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The
      major hydration products were calcium silicate hydrate and hydrotalcite-like
      phases. The unconfined compressive strength was measured up to 160 d. Findings
      show that lead had a slight influence on the strength of MgO-slag paste while
      zinc reduced the strength significantly as its concentration increased. Leachate
      results using the TCLP tests revealed that the immobilisation degree was
      dependent on the pH and reactive MgO activated slag showed an increased pH
      buffering capacity, and thus improved the immobilisation efficiency compared to
      lime activated slag. It was proposed that zinc was mainly immobilised within the
      structure of the hydrotalcite-like phases or in the form of calcium zincate,
      while lead was primarily precipitated as the hydroxide. It is concluded,
      therefore, that reactive MgO activated slag can serve as clinker-free alternative
      binder in the S/S process.

PMID- 25123654
TI  - Adherence to diet and fluid restriction of individuals on hemodialysis treatment
      and affecting factors in Turkey.
AB  - AIM: This study was conducted to determine adherence to diet and fluid
      restriction in hemodialysis-treated individuals and the affecting factors in
      Turkey. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted between 15 October 2010 and
      15 January 2011 in subjects who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study
      from three dialysis centers in a city located in the Central Anatolia Region of
      Turkey. One hundred and twenty-one individuals treated with hemodialysis made up
      the study sample. The data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 41
      questions and the Dialysis Diet and Fluid Non-adherence Questionnaire. The data
      were evaluated with percentage, median, Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test,
      Student's t-test in independent samples and Spearman's rank correlation
      coefficient. RESULTS: The authors found that 98.3% of the individuals experienced
      non-adherence to diet and 95.0% with fluid restriction. The authors found a weak
      and negative relationship between calcium levels and non-adherence to fluid
      restriction, a weak relationship between phosphorus levels and diet non-adherence
      frequency and degree and the fluid non-adherence frequency scores, and a moderate
      positive relationship between phosphorus levels and fluid restriction non
      adherence degree scores (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on these results, regular
      training and information regarding diet and fluid restriction must be provided to
      individuals aged 21-35 years with no one in the family to help with their care,
      those who consumed salted food, or had interdialytic weight gain of 4.5 kg or
      more.

PMID- 25123655
TI  - Role of somatic cancer mutations in human protein lysine methyltransferases.
AB  - Methylation of lysine residues is an important post-translational modification of
      histone and non-histone proteins, which is introduced by protein lysine
      methyltransferases (PKMTs). An increasing number of reports demonstrate that
      aberrant lysine methylation plays a central role in carcinogenesis that is often
      correlated with abnormal expression of PKMTs. Recent whole genome and whole
      transcriptome sequencing projects have also discovered several somatic mutations
      in PKMTs that frequently appear in various tumors. These include chromosomal
      translocations that lead to aberrant expression or mistargeting of PKMTs and
      nonsense or frameshift mutations, which cause the loss of the protein function.
      Another type of mutations are missense mutations which may lead to the loss of
      enzyme activity, but may also alter the properties of PKMTs either by changing
      the product or substrate specificity or by increasing the enzymatic activity
      finally leading to a gain-of-function phenotype. In this review, we provide an
      overview of the roles of EZH2, SETD2, NSD family, SMYD family, MLL family and
      DOT1L PKMTs in cancer focusing on the effects of somatic cancer mutations in
      these enzymes. Investigation of the effect of somatic cancer mutations in PKMTs
      is pivotal to understand the general role of this important class of enzymes in
      carcinogenesis and to improve and develop more individualized cancer therapies. 

PMID- 25123656
TI  - A validated score estimating ambulatory status following radiotherapy of elderly
      patients for metastatic spinal cord compression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was performed to develop a validated score predicting
      ambulatory status after radiotherapy (RT) alone for metastatic spinal cord
      compression (MSCC) in elderly patients. METHODS: 1,129 elderly patients (>=65
      years) were assigned to the test (N = 565) or validation group (N = 564). In the
      test group, nine pre-treatment factors (age, gender, tumor type, number of
      involved vertebrae, pre-RT ambulatory status, other bone metastases, visceral
      metastases, interval cancer diagnosis to RT, time developing motor deficits) and
      fractionation regimen were investigated. Factors significantly associated with
      post-RT ambulatory status on multivariate analysis were included in the score.
      The score for each factor was determined by dividing the post-RT ambulatory rate
      at 1 month (%) by 10. The total score represented the sum of these scores.
      RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis of the test group, age, primary tumor type,
      pre-RT ambulatory status, visceral metastases, and time developing motor deficits
      were significantly associated with post-RT ambulatory status. Total scores were
      19 to 41 points. In the test group, post-RT ambulatory rates were 5% for 19-25
      points, 35% for 26-30 points, 80% for 31-34 points, and 98% for 35-41 points (p <
      0.001). 6-month survival rates were 11%, 21%, 59% and 76%, respectively. In the
      validation group, post-RT ambulatory rates were 4%, 33%, 77% and 98%,
      respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients achieving 19-25 points had very
      poor functional outcomes and survival, and may receive single-fraction RT for
      pain relief. Selected patients with 26-34 points may benefit from additional
      surgery. Patients achieving >=35 points achieved favorable results after RT
      alone.

PMID- 25123658
TI  - Randomness in highly reflective silver nanoparticles and their localized optical
      fields.
AB  - Reflection of near-infrared light is important for preventing heat transfer in
      energy saving applications. A large-area, mass-producible reflector that contains
      randomly distributed disk-shaped silver nanoparticles and that exhibits high
      reflection at near-infrared wavelengths was demonstrated. Although resonant
      coupling between incident light and the nanostructure of the reflector plays some
      role, what is more important is the geometrical randomness of the nanoparticles,
      which serves as the origin of a particle-dependent localization and hierarchical
      distribution of optical near-fields in the vicinity of the nanostructure. Here we
      show and clarified the unique optical near-field processes associated with the
      randomness seen in experimentally fabricated silver nanostructures by adapting a
      rigorous theory of optical near-fields based on an angular spectrum and detailed
      electromagnetic calculations. 

PMID- 25123657
TI  - The role of ClpP, RpoS and CsrA in growth and filament formation of Salmonella
      enterica serovar Typhimurium at low temperature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Salmonellae are food-borne pathogens of great health and economic
      importance. To pose a threat to humans, Salmonellae normally have to cope with a
      series of stressful conditions in the food chain, including low temperature. In
      the current study, we evaluated the importance of the Clp proteolytic complex and
      the carbon starvation protein, CsrA, for the ability of Salmonella Typhimurium to
      grow at low temperature. RESULTS: A clpP mutant was severely affected in growth
      and formed pin point colonies at 10 degrees C. Contrary to this, rpoS and
      clpP/rpoS mutants were only slightly affected. The clpP mutant formed cold
      resistant suppressor mutants at a frequency of 2.5 * 10(-3) and these were found
      not to express RpoS. Together these results indicated that the impaired growth of
      the clpP mutant was caused by high level of RpoS. Evaluation by microscopy of the
      clpP mutant revealed that it formed filamentous cells when grown at 10 degrees C,
      and this phenotype too, disappered when rpoS was mutated in parallel indicating a
      RpoS-dependency. A csrA (sup) mutant was also growth attenuated a low
      temperature. An rpoS/csrA (sup) double mutant was also growth attenuated,
      indicating that the phenotype of the csrA mutant was independent from RpoS.
      CONCLUSIONS: The cold sensitivity of clpP mutant was associated with increased
      levels of RpoS and probably caused by toxic levels of RpoS. Although a csrA
      mutant also accumulated high level of RpoS, growth impairment caused by lack of
      csrA was not related to RpoS levels in a similar way.

PMID- 25123659
TI  - A comprehensive survey of non-canonical splice sites in the human transcriptome.
AB  - We uncovered the diversity of non-canonical splice sites at the human
      transcriptome using deep transcriptome profiling. We mapped a total of 3.7
      billion human RNA-seq reads and developed a set of stringent filters to avoid
      false non-canonical splice site detections. We identified 184 splice sites with
      non-canonical dinucleotides and U2/U12-like consensus sequences. We selected 10
      of the herein identified U2/U12-like non-canonical splice site events and
      successfully validated 9 of them via reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
      reaction and Sanger sequencing. Analyses of the 184 U2/U12-like non-canonical
      splice sites indicate that 51% of them are not annotated in GENCODE. In addition,
      28% of them are conserved in mouse and 76% are involved in alternative splicing
      events, some of them with tissue-specific alternative splicing patterns.
      Interestingly, our analysis identified some U2/U12-like non-canonical splice
      sites that are converted into canonical splice sites by RNA A-to-I editing.
      Moreover, the U2/U12-like non-canonical splice sites have a differential
      distribution of splicing regulatory sequences, which may contribute to their
      recognition and regulation. Our analysis provides a high-confidence group of
      U2/U12-like non-canonical splice sites, which exhibit distinctive features among
      the total human splice sites. 

PMID- 25123660
TI  - DEAD-box RNA helicase domains exhibit a continuum between complete functional
      independence and high thermodynamic coupling in nucleotide and RNA duplex
      recognition.
AB  - DEAD-box helicases catalyze the non-processive unwinding of double-stranded RNA
      (dsRNA) at the expense of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. Nucleotide and
      RNA binding and unwinding are mediated by the RecA domains of the helicase core,
      but their cooperation in these processes remains poorly understood. We therefore
      investigated dsRNA and nucleotide binding by the helicase cores and the isolated
      N- and C-terminal RecA domains (RecA_N, RecA_C) of the DEAD-box proteins Hera and
      YxiN by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence methods. Both helicases bind
      nucleotides predominantly via RecA_N, in agreement with previous studies on
      Mss116, and with a universal, modular function of RecA_N in nucleotide
      recognition. In contrast, dsRNA recognition is different: Hera interacts with
      dsRNA in the absence of nucleotide, involving both RecA domains, whereas for YxiN
      neither RecA_N nor RecA_C binds dsRNA, and the complete core only interacts with
      dsRNA after nucleotide has been bound. DEAD-box proteins thus cover a continuum
      from complete functional independence of their domains, exemplified by Mss116, to
      various degrees of inter-domain cooperation in dsRNA binding. The different
      degrees of domain communication and of thermodynamic linkage between dsRNA and
      nucleotide binding have important implications on the mechanism of dsRNA
      unwinding, and may help direct RNA helicases to their respective cellular
      processes. 

PMID- 25123661
TI  - A high security double lock and key mechanism in HUH relaxases controls oriT
      processing for plasmid conjugation.
AB  - Relaxases act as DNA selection sieves in conjugative plasmid transfer. Most
      plasmid relaxases belong to the HUH endonuclease family. TrwC, the relaxase of
      plasmid R388, is the prototype of the HUH relaxase family, which also includes
      TraI of plasmid F. In this article we demonstrate that TrwC processes its target
      nic-site by means of a highly secure double lock and key mechanism. It is
      controlled both by TrwC-DNA intermolecular interactions and by intramolecular DNA
      interactions between several nic nucleotides. The sequence specificity map of the
      interaction between TrwC and DNA was determined by systematic mutagenesis using
      degenerate oligonucleotide libraries. The specificity map reveals the minimal nic
      sequence requirements for R388-based conjugation. Some nic-site sequence variants
      were still able to form the U-turn shape at the nic-site necessary for TrwC
      processing, as observed by X-ray crystallography. Moreover, purified TrwC
      relaxase effectively cleaved ssDNA as well as dsDNA substrates containing these
      mutant sequences. Since TrwC is able to catalyze DNA integration in a nic-site
      containing DNA molecule, characterization of nic-site functionally active
      sequence variants should improve the search quality of potential target sequences
      for relaxase-mediated integration in any target genome. 

PMID- 25123662
TI  - Effects of supercoiling on enhancer-promoter contacts.
AB  - Using Brownian dynamics simulations, we investigate here one of possible roles of
      supercoiling within topological domains constituting interphase chromosomes of
      higher eukaryotes. We analysed how supercoiling affects the interaction between
      enhancers and promoters that are located in the same or in neighbouring
      topological domains. We show here that enhancer-promoter affinity and
      supercoiling act synergistically in increasing the fraction of time during which
      enhancer and promoter stay in contact. This stabilizing effect of supercoiling
      only acts on enhancers and promoters located in the same topological domain. We
      propose that the primary role of recently observed supercoiling of topological
      domains in interphase chromosomes of higher eukaryotes is to assure that
      enhancers contact almost exclusively their cognate promoters located in the same
      topological domain and avoid contacts with very similar promoters but located in
      neighbouring topological domains. 

PMID- 25123663
TI  - Why double-stranded RNA resists condensation.
AB  - The addition of small amounts of multivalent cations to solutions containing
      double-stranded DNA leads to inter-DNA attraction and eventual condensation.
      Surprisingly, the condensation is suppressed in double-stranded RNA, which
      carries the same negative charge as DNA, but assumes a different double helical
      form. Here, we combine experiment and atomistic simulations to propose a
      mechanism that explains the variations in condensation of short (25 base-pairs)
      nucleic acid (NA) duplexes, from B-like form of homopolymeric DNA, to mixed
      sequence DNA, to DNA:RNA hybrid, to A-like RNA. Circular dichroism measurements
      suggest that duplex helical geometry is not the fundamental property that
      ultimately determines the observed differences in condensation. Instead, these
      differences are governed by the spatial variation of cobalt hexammine (CoHex)
      binding to NA. There are two major NA-CoHex binding modes--internal and external-
      distinguished by the proximity of bound CoHex to the helical axis. We find a
      significant difference, up to 5-fold, in the fraction of ions bound to the
      external surfaces of the different NA constructs studied. NA condensation
      propensity is determined by the fraction of CoHex ions in the external binding
      mode.

PMID- 25123664
TI  - Structural basis of lariat RNA recognition by the intron debranching enzyme Dbr1.
AB  - The enzymatic processing of cellular RNA molecules requires selective recognition
      of unique chemical and topological features. The unusual 2',5'-phosphodiester
      linkages in RNA lariats produced by the spliceosome must be hydrolyzed by the
      intron debranching enzyme (Dbr1) before they can be metabolized or processed into
      essential cellular factors, such as snoRNA and miRNA. Dbr1 is also involved in
      the propagation of retrotransposons and retroviruses, although the precise role
      played by the enzyme in these processes is poorly understood. Here, we report the
      first structures of Dbr1 alone and in complex with several synthetic RNA
      compounds that mimic the branchpoint in lariat RNA. The structures, together with
      functional data on Dbr1 variants, reveal the molecular basis for 2',5'
      phosphodiester recognition and explain why the enzyme lacks activity toward 3',5'
      phosphodiester linkages. The findings illuminate structure/function relationships
      in a unique enzyme that is central to eukaryotic RNA metabolism and set the stage
      for the rational design of inhibitors that may represent novel therapeutic agents
      to treat retroviral infections and neurodegenerative disease. 

PMID- 25123665
TI  - 7SL RNA represses p53 translation by competing with HuR.
AB  - Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins are potent post-transcriptional
      regulators of gene expression. The ncRNA 7SL is upregulated in cancer cells, but
      its impact upon the phenotype of cancer cells is unknown. Here, we present
      evidence that 7SL forms a partial hybrid with the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of
      TP53 mRNA, which encodes the tumor suppressor p53. The interaction of 7SL with
      TP53 mRNA reduced p53 translation, as determined by analyzing p53 expression
      levels, nascent p53 translation and TP53 mRNA association with polysomes.
      Silencing 7SL led to increased binding of HuR to TP53 mRNA, an interaction that
      led to the promotion of p53 translation and increased p53 abundance. We propose
      that the competition between 7SL and HuR for binding to TP53 3'UTR contributes to
      determining the magnitude of p53 translation, in turn affecting p53 levels and
      the growth-suppressive function of p53. Our findings suggest that targeting 7SL
      may be effective in the treatment of cancers with reduced p53 levels. 

PMID- 25123670
TI  - The shell game: how institutional review boards shuffle words.
AB  - Concepts like coercion, vulnerability, and dignitary harm have acquired
      specialized meanings in the research ethics literature. Institutional Review
      Boards (IRBs), also called Research Ethics Committees (RECs), sometimes use these
      concepts in two different ways without acknowledging or even realizing what they
      are doing. IRBs mislabel any language that encourages subject participation in
      trials as "coercive," then demand its removal as if it were actually coercive in
      the sense of a threat of force. An example of language that is treated as
      coercive is the use of the word "hope" in an educational brochure about clinical
      trials. The concepts of vulnerability and dignitary harm are similarly misused.
      The regulations instruct IRBs to protect vulnerable groups; but IRBs sometimes
      use a group's vulnerability to one threat to protect it against an unrelated and
      harmless threat, as when homeless people, who are vulnerable to street crime and
      disease, are protected from the risk of an interview. Finally, the term
      "dignitary harm" is so vague that IRBs can use it to restrict research that is
      entirely free of risk, while ignoring the possibility that research might provide
      the dignitary benefit of contributing to society's health and welfare. Dignitary
      harm--usually nonphysical "harm" of which the subject is entirely unaware--can be
      deemed more important than obtaining information that subjects want or actual
      risk of physical injury. These vague or shifting definitions permit the IRB to
      play a shell game without either the board or the investigator realizing what is
      happening.

PMID- 25123671
TI  - Anatomy of a transformation: a systematic effort to reduce mechanical restraints
      at a state psychiatric hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The authors describe efforts to reduce use of mechanical restraints at
      a state psychiatric hospital. METHODS: Data were collected for individuals
      admitted to the acute adult unit (AAU) (N=2,910) and the community transition
      unit (CTU) (N=334) over three years. Two strategies aimed to reduce mechanical
      restraint use. First, staff were trained in deescalation techniques, and a
      response team was formed for crisis situations. Second, a policy change required
      prior approval for use of mechanical restraint. RESULTS: Mechanical restraint was
      significantly reduced on both units after the first strategy. After the second,
      additional reduction was noted on AAU (98% total reduction) but not on CTU, where
      the practice had already been eliminated. No increase in assaults or injuries was
      noted. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in mechanical restraint use is possible through
      deescalation skills training, use of a response team, and policy changes. Strong
      leadership, staff buy-in, provision of feedback, and quality monitoring were also
      instrumental.

PMID- 25123669
TI  - Bicarbonate transport inhibitor SITS modulates pH homeostasis triggering
      apoptosis of Dalton's lymphoma: implication of novel molecular mechanisms.
AB  - Bicarbonate transporter (BCT) plays a crucial role in maintaining pH homeostasis
      of tumor cells by import of HCO3(-). This helps the tumor cells in manifesting
      extracellular tumor acidosis, accompanied by a relative intracellular
      alkalinization, which in turn promotes tumor progression. Therefore, blocking BCT
      mediated HCO3(-) transport is envisaged as a promising anticancer therapeutic
      approach. Thus, using a murine model of a T cell lymphoma, designated as Dalton's
      lymphoma (DL), in the present in vitro investigation the antitumor consequences
      of blocking BCT function by its inhibitor 4-acetamido-4-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2
      disulfonate (SITS) were explored. Treatment of DL cells with SITS resulted in an
      increase in the extracellular pH, associated with a decline in DL cell survival
      and augmented induction of apoptosis. BCT inhibition also elevated the expression
      of cytochrome c, caspase-9, caspase-3, Bax, reactive oxygen species, and nitric
      oxide along with inhibition of HSP-70 and Bcl2, which regulate tumor cell
      survival and apoptosis. SITS-treated DL cells displayed upregulated production of
      IFN-gamma and IL-6 along with a decline of IL-10. Treatment of DL cells with SITS
      also inhibited the expression of fatty acid synthase, which is crucial for
      membrane biogenesis in neoplastic cells. The expression of lactate transporter
      MCT-1 and multidrug resistance regulating protein MRP-1 got inhibited along with
      hampered uptake of glucose and lactate production in SITS-treated DL cells. Thus,
      the declined tumor cell survival following inhibition of BCT could be the
      consequence of interplay of several inter-connected regulatory molecular events.
      The outcome of this study indicates the potential of BCT inhibition as a novel
      therapeutic approach for treatment of hematological malignancies.

PMID- 25123673
TI  - Similar radiopathological features, but different postoperative recurrence rates,
      between Stage I lung cancers arising in emphysematous lungs and those arising in
      nonemphysematous lungs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to clarify the differences between
      lung cancer arising in emphysematous lungs and that arising in nonemphysematous
      lungs with regard to radiopathological features and the postoperative recurrence
      rate. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospective database of 212 patients
      who underwent major lung resection for clinically diagnosed Stage I primary lung
      cancer. Emphysematous lungs were identified on the basis of quantitative computed
      tomography (CT). The biological features of the primary tumour were diagnosed
      according to the presence or absence of a ground-glass component on high
      resolution CT and the maximum standardized uptake value in [(18)F]
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, in addition to conventional
      characteristic factors. RESULTS: The risk factors for postoperative recurrence
      were underlying emphysema, a high maximum standardized uptake value, the absence
      of a ground-glass component, the pathological grade and lymph node metastasis,
      whereas the risk factors for lymph node metastasis were a high maximum
      standardized uptake value, the absence of a ground-glass component and the
      pathological grade. Surprisingly, these risk factors were entirely matched
      between patients with and without emphysematous lungs, regardless of the fact
      that patients with emphysematous lungs had a higher recurrence rate. CONCLUSIONS:
      Similar clinicopathological features, but different postoperative recurrence
      rates, were found between Stage I lung cancers arising in emphysematous lungs and
      those arising in nonemphysematous lungs. It may be valuable to search for
      underlying molecular mechanisms that promote metastasis from primary tumours
      arising in emphysema, such as paracrine effects between the tumour and pulmonary
      emphysema.

PMID- 25123672
TI  - Unilateral pulmonary oedema after minimally invasive cardiac surgery via right
      anterolateral minithoracotomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence of unilateral pulmonary oedema after
      minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) requiring unilateral lung collapse has
      been unknown until now. METHODS: We analysed the data of 484 consecutive patients
      undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery with unilateral lung collapse
      between January 2008 and December 2013. The clinical regimen was changed in 2010
      to a single dose of dexamethasone (approximately 1 mg/kg body weight)
      administered after anaesthesia induction. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients
      developed a radiographically evident unilateral pulmonary oedema within 24 h
      after surgery. Dexamethasone significantly reduced the incidence of this event
      [4.0 vs 12.9%; unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14
      0.58, P < 0.001]. One patient with and six patients without dexamethasone were
      clinically symptomatic (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified four
      variables significantly associated with the development of a unilateral lung
      oedema: dexamethasone (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.13-0.58, P = 0.001), diabetes mellitus
      (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.04-9.63, P = 0.04), the level of mean pulmonary arterial
      pressure (OR 1.05 per mmHg, 95% CI 1.004-1.09, P = 0.03) and transfusion of fresh
      frozen plasma (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.02-5.25, P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      revealed a 7.9% incidence of radiographically evident unilateral pulmonary oedema
      after MICS with intraoperative collapse of a lung. Of the total number of
      patients, 1.5% simultaneously developed clinical symptoms. The influence of
      corticosteroids, as well as the contribution of possible risk factors, needs
      further evaluation.

PMID- 25123674
TI  - Comparison of the early haemodynamics of stented pericardial and porcine aortic
      valves.
AB  - Data comparing the haemodynamic performance of stented pericardial and porcine
      aortic valves are conflicting. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta
      analysis comparing the early haemodynamic parameters of stented pericardial and
      porcine valves in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement. Medline,
      EMBASE and Web of Science were queried for English language original publications
      from 2000 to 2013. Studies comparing porcine (PoV) and pericardial (PeV) with
      regard to their haemodynamic parameters were included in this review. Continuous
      data were pooled using the mean difference (MD) or the standardized mean
      difference (SMD). A random-effect inverse weighted analysis was conducted; a P
      value<0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results are presented with
      95% confidence intervals. Thirteen studies (1265 PeV patients and 871 PoV
      patients) were included in this analysis. The pooled transvalvular mean gradient
      was lower for PeV [MD -4.6 (-6.45 to -2.77) mmHg; P<0.01]. Limiting this analysis
      to small valves (19 and 21 mm; eight studies; 714 patients) revealed that the PeV
      gradients were significantly lower [MD -4.5 (-5.7 to -3.2); P=0.001]. The
      corresponding effective orifice area of PeV was significantly larger than PoV
      [SMD 0.42 (0.15-0.69); P<0.01]. A sensitivity analysis comprising only randomized
      controlled trials did not significantly alter results. When compared with porcine
      valves, stented pericardial aortic valves have lower mean transvalvular gradients
      early after implant. Even pericardial valves in smaller sizes (19 and 21 mm) have
      a better haemodynamic profile when compared with their counterparts.

PMID- 25123675
TI  - Muscle metabolism during tibial lengthening with regular and high distraction
      rates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Muscle regeneration is promoted when the Ilizarov method is used
      for limb lengthening and deformity correction, but the regenerative ability of
      muscles decreases when achieving large amounts of elongation. Much research has
      been dedicated to studying the capabilities of muscles under lengthening, but no
      reports are available that investigate the muscle metabolism. We supposed that
      energy turnover would be activated in skeletal muscles under lengthening as a
      response to distraction, and the activity of the energy turnover would grow in
      proportion to the increase in the distraction rate or amount. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We compared the metabolism of canine anterior tibial muscles (ATMs) by
      regular and 3-mm high-frequency bone distraction in 30 dogs to obtain 14.5 +/-
      0.8% lengthening from the initial tibial length. Group 1 (n = 12) had manual
      lengthening with a rate of 1 mm per day. Three millimeters per day was produced
      with 120 increments in automated mode in group 2 (n = 12). An intact group (n =
      6) served as controls. ATMs were harvested at the end of distraction, after 30
      days of fixation, and 30 days after frame removal. We assessed the activity of
      lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, glucoso-6-phosphate dehydrogenase,
      and catalase and calculated the concentration of malone dialdehyde, sarcoplasmic
      and contractile proteins in the ATM extract. RESULTS: Energy turnover reactions
      were activated in the ATM as a response to distraction forces, but the activity
      of the energy turnover did not grow proportionally to the increased distraction
      rate. Levels of sarcoplasmic and contractile proteins in the ATM decreased
      insignificantly in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency 3-mm daily
      lengthening results in compensatory energy turnover changes in the muscle,
      sufficient for prevention of catabolic processes.

PMID- 25123676
TI  - Population-based study of the relationship between medial meniscus radial
      displacement, determined by use of ultrasound screening, and knee pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this population-based study was to clarify the incidence
      of knee pain by use of ultrasound (US). METHODS: Medical check-ups were conducted
      for residents of a mountain village in Japan. The subjects were 149 males and 252
      females (802 knees) with a mean age of 63.5 +/- 12.5 years. US was used to
      evaluate the medial joint space of both knees, with and without weight-bearing.
      For each patient, medial radial displacement of the medial meniscus (MRD) and
      number of osteophytes were evaluated. A questionnaire was used to determine
      whether the subjects were currently experiencing knee pain while walking,
      climbing stairs, or resting that had lasted more than one month. A visual analog
      scale was used to assess knee pain. The subjects were divided into two groups,
      those with knee pain (P group) and those without knee pain (non-P group), on the
      basis of whether a visual analog scale (VAS) was less than or more than 20 mm
      during walking, climbing stairs, or resting. Logistic regression analysis was
      used to identify the factors associated with knee pain. RESULTS: Significantly
      different weight-bearing MRD (WMRD), osteophytes, and pain while walking,
      climbing stairs, or resting (p < 0.01) were found between the two groups.
      Logistic regression analysis showed that WMRD was significantly associated with
      knee pain during walking or while climbing stairs. CONCLUSION: We found that WMRD
      was significantly associated with knee pain while walking or climbing stairs,
      which are weight-bearing activities. On the basis of the findings of this study,
      we believe US is a useful tool for evaluating the factors associated with knee
      pain in a population-based study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID- 25123677
TI  - [Exophthalmus with enlarged epibulbar vessels].

PMID- 25123678
TI  - Prebiotic potential of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) in Wistar
      rats: effects of levels of supplementation on hindgut fermentation, intestinal
      morphology, blood metabolites and immune response.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have been conducted using purified prebiotics such as
      inulin or fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as nutraceuticals, but there is very
      little information available on the prebiotic potential of raw products rich in
      inulin and FOS, such as Jerusalem artichoke (JA; Helianthus tuberosus L.). The
      present experiment aimed to evaluate the prebiotic effects of JA tubers in rats.
      RESULTS: Seventy-two Wistar weanling rats divided into four groups were fed for
      12 weeks on a basal diet fortified with pulverized JA tubers at 0 (control), 20,
      40 and 60 g kg(-1) levels. Enhanced cell-mediated immunity in terms of skin
      indurations (P = 0.082) and CD4+ T-lymphocyte population (P = 0.002) was observed
      in the JA-supplemented groups compared with the control group. Blood haemoglobin
      (P = 0.017), glucose (P = 0.001), urea (P = 0.004) and calcium (P = 0.048) varied
      favourably upon inclusion of JA. An increasing trend (P = 0.059) in the length of
      large intestine was apparent in the JA-fed groups. The tissue mass of caecum (P =
      0.069) and colon (P = 0.003) was increased in the JA-supplemented groups,
      accompanied by higher (P = 0.007) caecal crypt depth. The pH and ammonia
      concentrations of intestinal digesta decreased and those of lactate and total
      volatile fatty acids increased in the JA-fed groups. CONCLUSION: The results
      suggest that JA had beneficial effects on immunity, blood metabolites, intestinal
      morphometry and hindgut fermentation of rats.

PMID- 25123679
TI  - Liquid biopsy in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a novel approach.
AB  - The role of molecular analysis in the management of gastrointestinal stromal
      tumors (GIST) remains indisputable. To date, tumor tissue extracted from
      specimens obtained by surgical or biopsy procedures has been the only source of
      the tumor DNA required for the molecular and genomic assessment of cancer.
      However, tumor tissue sampling has several clinical limitations: for example, the
      invasiveness of these procedures precludes repeated sampling. Thus, it is
      possible to obtain only a static molecular picture of the disease, a picture that
      lacks the inter- and intra-metastatic molecular heterogeneity that characterizes
      most GIST. In contrast, circulating tumor DNA obtained from a patient's
      bloodstream, known as liquid biopsy, can theoretically overcome the limitations
      of tissue biopsies and provide the same molecular and genomic information. GIST
      are recognized as a paradigm of molecular biology among solid tumors. Although
      few but promising data on liquid biopsy in GIST have been accumulated to date,
      these tumors may provide the optimal field for application of this challenging
      approach. 

PMID- 25123681
TI  - Epidemiological characteristics and immune status of children with Respiratory
      Syncytial Virus.
AB  - Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections are the dominant cause of pneumonia
      in children. In order to determine the epidemiological characteristics and immune
      status of children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a prospective study was
      performed among patients with RSV infection. Comparisons between RSV pneumonia
      group and normal control group, RSV pneumonia group had lower IL-2 (median
      levels, pg/ml: 3.8 vs. 5.1, P < 0.01), and higher IL-4 (median levels, pg/ml: 3.2
      vs. 2.4, P < 0.01), IL-10 (median levels, pg/ml: 12.2 vs. 2.3, P < 0.01), and IFN
      gamma (median levels, pg/ml: 13.4 vs. 4.6, P < 0.01). The level of IgE among
      pneumonia patients caused by RSV increased sharply (median levels, mg/L: 48.1 vs.
      8.8, P < 0.01). Another amazing finding is that after birth, the degree of IgE of
      the children infected by RSV increases gradually with age. This effect is at its
      peak in 0.6 years old. The IgE and eosinophil levels were higher when patients
      suffered from RSV pneumonia with wheeze (IgE median levels, IU/ml: with wheeze:
      72.74 vs. without wheeze: 11.5, P < 0.05; eosinophil median levels, *10(9) /l:
      with wheeze: 0.21 vs. without wheeze: 0.05, P < 0.05). The main morbidity crowd
      is the children under the age of 1 year old. The downregulation of IL2 and the
      upregulation of IL-4, IL-10, IFN-gamma, and IgE happen after RSV infection.

PMID- 25123680
TI  - The prevalence of general and abdominal obesity according to sasang constitution
      in Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is an important risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic
      diseases and could affect mortality rates. Body mass index (BMI) and waist
      circumference (WC) have been used to classify obesity, and waist-to-hip ratio
      (WHR) has recently emerged as a discriminator of cardiovascular disease. Sasang
      constitution (SC) is a kind of well-known traditional Korean medicine: Tae-eumin
      (TE), Soeumin (SE), Taeyangin (TY) and Soyangin (SY) carrying a different level
      of susceptibility to chronic diseases. We aimed to examine the prevalence in
      general and abdominal obesity (AO) using BMI, WC and WHR according to SC in the
      Korean population. METHODS: A total of 3,348 subjects were recruited from 24
      Korean medicine clinics. Obesity was divided into three categories: general
      obesity by BMI, abdominal obesity by waist circumference (WC AO) and abdominal
      obesity by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR AO). A Chi-square test was performed to
      compare prevalence, and logistic regression was conducted to generate odds ratios
      (ORs) according to SC (p < .05). RESULTS: The prevalence of general obesity was
      significantly higher in males than in females. The highest prevalence of general
      obesity, WC AO and WHR AO were all observed in the TE type, and the SY and SE
      types were followed in order, for both males and females respectively.The TE type
      was highly associated with increased risk of general obesity (OR = 20.2, 95% CI:
      12.4-32.9 in males and OR = 14.3, 95% CI: 10.1-20.2 in females), of WC AO (OR =
      10.7, 95% CI: 7.2-15.9 in males and OR = 7.5, 95% CI: 5.8-9.6 in females), and of
      WHR AO (OR = 4.6, 95% CI: 3.3-6.4 in males and OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.9-4.9 in
      females) compared with the SE type. In addition, after controlling for age,
      social status and eating habits, the ORs were similar to the crude model
      according to gender and SC. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the prevalence of
      obesity varies according to SC in the Korean population. In particular, the TE
      type was highly associated with increased ORs for general obesity, WC AO and WHR
      AO in both genders.

PMID- 25123682
TI  - Influence of body mass index on skin grafting in pediatric burns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is heterogeneous literature on the association of obese and
      underweight body habitus on burn outcomes in adult and pediatric literature. We
      examine the effect of standardized pediatric body mass index (BMI) categories
      skin graft utilisation. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on
      children who underwent burn treatment from January 1995 to November 2011. BMI was
      categorized by standard definitions: underweight (<5%), normal (5-85%),
      overweight (85-95%), obese (>95%). RESULTS: There were 1164 patients: 77
      underweight, 604 normal, 215 overweight, and 268 obese patients. No differences
      existed between group demographics. Grafts were performed in 39% of underweight,
      27% of normal, 22% of overweight, and 27% of obese patients. Underweight children
      had nearly a 2 fold increase in their risk of full thickness burns and were 1.8
      times more likely to undergo skin grafting than normal BMI children. Overweight
      children had a significant decrease in the incidence skin grafting by 23% then
      compared to normal weight children. There were no differences in percent TBSA
      burned or percent TBSA grafted using ANOVA. CONCLUSIONS: Underweight pediatric
      burn victims have an increased risk for skin grafting while mildly overweight
      children are slightly protected from skin grafting.

PMID- 25123683
TI  - Antigenic properties of N protein of hantavirus.
AB  - Hantavirus causes two important rodent-borne viral zoonoses, hemorrhagic fever
      with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Eurasia and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in
      North and South America. Twenty-four species that represent sero- and genotypes
      have been registered within the genus Hantavirus by the International Committee
      on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Among the viral proteins, nucleocapsid (N) protein
      possesses an immunodominant antigen. The antigenicitiy of N protein is conserved
      compared with that of envelope glycoproteins. Therefore, N protein has been used
      for serological diagnoses and seroepidemiological studies. An understanding of
      the antigenic properties of N protein is important for the interpretation of
      results from serological tests using N antigen. N protein consists of about 430
      amino acids and possesses various epitopes. The N-terminal quarter of N protein
      bears linear and immunodominant epitopes. However, a serotype-specific and
      multimerization-dependent antigenic site was found in the C-terminal half of N
      protein. In this paper, the structure, function, and antigenicity of N protein
      are reviewed. 

PMID- 25123685
TI  - Training endosonographers in cytopathology: improving the results of EUS-guided
      FNA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although on-site cytopathology services have a significant impact on
      efficiency and accuracy of EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA), the availability of this
      service is variable. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an intensive 2-day
      training program to educate endosonographers in EUS-related cytopathology.
      DESIGN: Pilot study. SETTING: Tertiary care medical center. SUBJECTS: Six
      endosonographers (5 male, median age, 35 years) with minimal previous
      cytopathology exposure comprised the study cohort. METHODS: Pre- and posttraining
      testing was administered. Training commenced with a cytopathology tutorial
      focusing on 4 performance measures: specimen adequacy, sample interpretation,
      specimen processing, and preliminary diagnosis. Eight live EUS-FNA cases were
      then performed, and study participants independently completed 4 questions based
      on performance measures for each case. The ability to independently smear and
      stain slides and operate a microscope was additionally assessed after a hands-on
      tutorial. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Comparison of pretraining and posttraining
      scores, improvement in performance measures for live cases, and ability to
      independently handle specimens and operate a microscope. RESULTS: Compared with
      pretraining, mean posttraining test scores improved by 63% from 48 to 78 out of
      100. Mean live case performance score was 95%. Performances improved from 89% on
      day 1 to 100% on day 2. After training, all endosonographers could independently
      smear/stain slides and operate a microscope. LIMITATIONS: Long-term impact is
      unclear. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive 2-day program was effective in training
      endosonographers in the basics of EUS-related cytopathology. Incorporating basic
      cytopathology in EUS fellowship curriculum will likely improve diagnostic
      performance of tissue acquisition procedures.

PMID- 25123686
TI  - Neuroaxonal dystrophy in Merino-Border Leicester * Polled Dorset lambs.
AB  - CASE REPORT: The clinicopathological features of neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) in 2
      lambs are described. Of 40 Merino-Border Leicester * Polled Dorset lambs on a
      property in north-eastern Victoria, 4 presented with marked ataxia and
      listlessness, and 2 affected animals (2 days and 2 weeks of age, respectively) of
      both sexes were necropsied. Numerous axonal swellings (spheroids) were found in
      the central nervous system, particularly in brainstem nuclei and spinal cord grey
      matter, and there was severe spinal cord demyelination. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first report of NAD in such crossbred lambs; the affected animals were much
      younger than in previously described cases of ovine NAD and myelin loss was of
      much greater magnitude than previously reported.

PMID- 25123687
TI  - Isolation, identification and characterization of potential impurities in
      cabazitaxel and their formation.

PMID- 25123684
TI  - European bats as carriers of viruses with zoonotic potential.
AB  - Bats are being increasingly recognized as reservoir hosts of highly pathogenic
      and zoonotic emerging viruses (Marburg virus, Nipah virus, Hendra virus, Rabies
      virus, and coronaviruses). While numerous studies have focused on the mentioned
      highly human-pathogenic bat viruses in tropical regions, little is known on
      similar human-pathogenic viruses that may be present in European bats. Although
      novel viruses are being detected, their zoonotic potential remains unclear unless
      further studies are conducted. At present, it is assumed that the risk posed by
      bats to the general public is rather low. In this review, selected viruses
      detected and isolated in Europe are discussed from our point of view in regard to
      their human-pathogenic potential. All European bat species and their roosts are
      legally protected and some European species are even endangered. Nevertheless,
      the increasing public fear of bats and their viruses is an obstacle to their
      protection. Educating the public regarding bat lyssaviruses might result in
      reduced threats to both the public and the bats. 

PMID- 25123689
TI  - Mobility Limitation and Changes in Personal Goals Among Older Women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Several theoretical viewpoints suggest that older adults need to
      modify their personal goals in the face of functional decline. The aim of this
      study was to investigate longitudinally the association of mobility limitation
      with changes in personal goals among older women. METHOD: Eight-year follow-up of
      205 women aged 66-78 years at baseline. RESULTS: Health-related goals were the
      most common at both measurements. Goals related to independent living almost
      doubled and goals related to exercise and to cultural activities substantially
      decreased during the follow-up. Higher age decreased the likelihood for engaging
      in new goals related to cultural activities and disengaging from goals related to
      independent living. Women who had developed mobility limitation during the follow
      up were less likely to engage in new goals related to exercise and more likely to
      disengage from goals related to cultural activities and to health and
      functioning. DISCUSSION: The results of this study support theories suggesting
      that age-related losses such as mobility limitation may result in older adults
      modifying or disengaging from personal goals.

PMID- 25123688
TI  - Age, Rumination, and Emotional Recovery From a Psychosocial Stressor.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Exposure to psychosocial stressors often elicits increases in
      negative affect and blood pressure (BP). Rumination, or thinking about a stressor
      after it passes, is associated with delayed recovery. Given that older age is
      associated with greater BP reactivity to psychosocial stressors, rumination may
      be more detrimental to the recovery of older adults than younger adults. The
      current study examined this question. We hypothesized that prolonged distress
      resulting from rumination has greater effects on the recovery of older than
      younger adults. METHOD: Fifty-two older (M = 69 years) and 61 younger (M = 21
      years) adults were exposed to a lab stressor. Afterwards, participants were
      randomly assigned to a rumination condition (n = 58) or a no-instruction control
      condition (n = 55). RESULTS: Older participants in the rumination condition had
      delayed BP recovery relative to those in the control condition and all younger
      adults. Rumination did not influence affective recovery among any of the groups.
      DISCUSSION: Rumination delays BP recovery among older adults, suggesting age
      specific risks associated with different types of emotion regulation strategies.

PMID- 25123690
TI  - Relationship quality and shared activity in marital and cohabiting dyads in the
      National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, Wave 2.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This paper introduces scales on shared activity and relationship
      quality for married and partnered older adults using multiple indicators from the
      second wave of National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. METHOD: We
      assessed the reliability of the scales using Cronbach's alpha and the item-total
      correlation. We conducted exploratory factor analysis to explore the structure of
      the items and compared the distribution of each scale means by age group and
      gender. RESULTS: We found that the relational quality scale has a 2-factor
      structure, including a positive and negative dimension. The shared activity scale
      has a 1-factor structure. We found that partnered men show both higher positive
      and higher negative relationship quality than do partnered women, suggesting that
      more older men than women experience ambivalent feelings toward their spouse or
      partner and more women than men have relationships of indifferent quality, with
      relatively low costs and relatively low benefits. DISCUSSION: The separate
      conceptualization of shared activity and relationship quality provides one way to
      examine the dynamic nature of marital quality in later life such as the extent to
      which shared activities among couples promote or detract from relationships'
      quality. Analyses for individuals and for dyads are discussed.

PMID- 25123691
TI  - Australian Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry: vital lessons from a national
      prospective collaborative project.
AB  - There is little Australian epidemiologic data on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
      (IPF), a relatively uncommon but devastating disease. The vast geographic
      distances in Australia have been a major impediment for collaborative research
      into IPF. A collaborative national effort, the Australian IPF Registry, has been
      formed, launched and is recruiting successfully (n = 359, January 2014). Our
      experience provides unique insights for others wishing to set up IPF registries
      and in time for a global IPF registry.

PMID- 25123692
TI  - A comprehensive description of postpartum pain after cesarean delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe women's experiences with the perception of, evaluation of,
      and response to postpartum pain after cesarean delivery through the sensory,
      affective, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions of pain. The secondary aim of
      this research was to differentiate pain described with nociceptive and
      neuropathic pain descriptors. DESIGN: Longitudinal, concurrent mixed methods
      design. SETTING: Large, university-based, midwestern medical center.
      PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 30 low-risk women scheduled for cesarean
      deliveries. METHODS: The PAINReportIt, a computerized version of the McGill Pain
      Questionnaire, was administered in person to participants at two visits: between
      24 and 48 hours postcesarean delivery and at 6 weeks postpartum. Descriptive
      statistics, t tests, and chi(2) tests were calculated from these data and pain
      descriptor selections were compared with established nociceptive and neuropathic
      pain descriptor lists. RESULTS: Pain was reported in all dimensions at both
      visits. The abdomen was most frequently selected for pain location; mean
      intensity was 2.75/10 at the first visit, 1.1/10 at the 6-week visit. Pain in the
      sensory and cognitive dimensions decreased significantly between visits.
      Affective dimension pain decreased, but the difference was not significant.
      Participants reported activities that increased and decreased pain in the
      behavioral dimension. Pain descriptors indicative of nociceptive (e.g., tender,
      sore) and neuropathic (e.g. aching) pain were selected at both visits.
      CONCLUSION: Postpartum pain after cesarean delivery is multidimensional and has
      been described with words indicative of nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Nurses
      should complete a thorough and comprehensive pain assessment throughout the
      postpartum for patients experiencing cesarean deliveries.

PMID- 25123693
TI  - Evaluation of a rapid bedside scoring system for microcirculation videos acquired
      from dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To appraise a novel scoring system (Bedside Evaluation of
      Microcirculation [BEM]) to provide qualitative and semiquantitative assessment of
      canine microcirculatory videos generated by sidestream dark field imaging.
      DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University teaching hospital.
      ANIMALS: No animals were used in this study. Twenty microcirculatory videos (>20
      s in length) acquired from the mucosa adjacent to the upper canine tooth of dogs
      were selected from a database of sidestream dark field microcirculatory videos
      with available current standard analysis (CSA). INTERVENTION: Three observers
      were trained to evaluate 5 video quality parameters (stability, content,
      illumination, focus, and pressure) and four perfusion parameters (total vessel
      density [TVD], capillary vessel density [CVD], perfused vessel density [PVD] and
      microvascular flow index [MFI]). Quality parameters were scored (excellent [0],
      sufficient [1], and insufficient [2]) similar to CSA recommendations. Each
      perfusion parameter was subjectively scored (1 lowest - 5 highest) using sample
      clips from the training video for comparison. Videos passed quality analysis if
      no parameter was scored insufficient. Repeatability and reproducibility were
      evaluated by assessing all films in a random order three times daily for 3 days.
      Strength of correlation of BEM with CSA for both qualitative and semiquantitative
      parameters was assessed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The qualitative
      evaluation pass/fail assessment matched CSA 86% of the time with individual
      observer agreements of 84-88%. Agreement with CSA did not change significantly
      over the study period (84%, 88%, and 84% on days 1, 2, and 3, respectively). No
      significant correlations were demonstrated between any BEM perfusion parameter
      and the corresponding CSA values. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid bedside assessment of
      microcirculatory video quality can be achieved. However, semiquantitative
      analysis by BEM demonstrated a lack of correlation with CSA for any of the
      perfusion parameters assessed.

PMID- 25123694
TI  - Growing medicine: small-scale cannabis cultivation for medical purposes in six
      different countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The production and consumption of cannabis for the treatment of
      medical conditions is of increasing importance internationally; however, research
      on different aspects of the phenomenon is still scarce. In this article, we
      report findings from a cross-cultural study of small-scale cannabis cultivation
      for medical purposes. This kind of comparative study has not been done
      previously. METHODS: The data were gathered with a help of web surveys conducted
      by the Global Cannabis Cultivation Research Consortium (GCCRC) in Australia,
      Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany and the UK (N=5313). In the analysis we
      compare reports of medical motives, for what conditions cannabis is used, whether
      users have diagnoses for these conditions and whether the use of cannabis been
      recommended as a treatment of those conditions by a medical doctor. Descriptive
      statistics are used to show the main commonalities and noteworthy disparities
      across different countries. RESULTS: Findings from countries were quite similar,
      even though several national differences in details were found. Growing cannabis
      for medical purposes was widespread. The majority of medical growers reported
      cultivating cannabis for serious conditions. Most of them did have a formal
      diagnosis. One fifth had got a recommendation from their doctor, but in most
      cases cannabis use was self-medication which was not discussed with their
      doctors. CONCLUSION: There is a wider demand for licit access for medical
      cannabis than currently available in these countries. Ideologically, medical
      growers can be seen distancing themselves from both the legal and illicit drug
      markets. From a harm reduction perspective, it is worrying that, in the context
      of present health and control policies in these countries, many medical growers
      are using cannabis to treat serious medical conditions without proper medical
      advice and doctor's guidance.

PMID- 25123695
TI  - United States colorectal cancer screening practices among American Indians/Alaska
      Natives, blacks, and non-Hispanic whites in the new millennium (2001 to 2010).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to describe, examine, and compare
      prevalence estimates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening practices and to
      determine whether disparities exist for American Indians/Alaska Natives (AIANs)
      and blacks compared with whites. METHODS: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance
      System (2001-2010) data from respondents aged >= 50 years (n = 356,073) were
      used. The primary outcome was self-reported CRC screening according to US
      Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for endoscopy (colonoscopy or
      sigmoidoscopy), fecal occult blood test (FOBT), or mixed screening (endoscopy or
      FOBT). RESULTS: From 2001 to 2010, endoscopy screening increased in the AIAN
      population by 44.8% (P < .001) compared with black respondents (51.7%) and white
      respondents (26.5%). AIANs were less likely to report endoscopy screening (45%)
      compared with both blacks (56%) and whites (55%). For mixed CRC screenings, AIAN
      rates increased by 34.5%, compared with 29.7% for blacks and 15% for whites. In
      2010, AIANs (51%) had the lowest prevalence of mixed CRC screening compared with
      blacks (61%) and whites (60%; P < .001). Factors that enabled health care
      attenuated the lowered likelihood of CRC screenings, but disparities remained for
      AIAN CRC screening. In contrast, once enabling factors were controlled, the odds
      ratios of CRC screening among blacks were higher compared with whites.
      CONCLUSIONS: Between 2001 and 2010, AIANs had the lowest CRC screening rates in
      the United States compared with blacks and whites, presenting a CRC disparity, as
      rigorously defined. The current findings indicate that, although considerable
      progress has been made to increase CRC screening for blacks and whites, progress
      for AIANs continues to lag behind in the first decade of 21st century.

PMID- 25123696
TI  - Cangrelor: a novel intravenous antiplatelet agent with a questionable future.
AB  - Current percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guidelines recommend the use of
      a P2Y12 inhibitor with aspirin and an injectable anticoagulant. However,
      available oral P2Y12 inhibitor therapy is limited by significant drug
      interactions, unclear oral absorption in selected clinical conditions, and
      delayed onset and offset of activity that may be cumbersome for patients
      requiring coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Cangrelor, a novel
      intravenous P2Y12 inhibitor, offers potential advantages compared with currently
      available oral agents, particularly in regard to rapid onset and offset of
      platelet inhibition. The Cangrelor versus Standard Therapy to Achieve Optimal
      Management of Platelet Inhibition (CHAMPION) trials compared cangrelor versus an
      oral loading dose of clopidogrel, given before or after PCI, in patients with
      both stable and acute coronary syndromes. The results were conflicting, but some
      evidence demonstrated a lower rate of stent thrombosis compared with clopidogrel
      and lower rates of a composite cardiovascular end point, with comparable bleeding
      rates. The BRIDGE study assessed cangrelor as a replacement for oral P2Y12
      inhibitors in patients awaiting CABG surgery and demonstrated that cangrelor
      maintained platelet inhibition during the preoperative period and enabled a rapid
      return to baseline platelet function upon cessation of the infusion. A new drug
      application was submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use
      during PCI to prevent thrombotic events and as bridging therapy for patients
      awaiting surgery who require therapy with P2Y12 inhibitors. In February 2014, the
      FDA's Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee recommended against
      approval due to concerns over an appropriate risk-benefit ratio for use during
      PCI and a lack of evidence supporting the bridging indication. On April 30, 2014,
      the FDA issued a Complete Response letter for the PCI and bridging indications,
      denying approval and requesting further data. The future of this once promising
      novel intravenous antiplatelet agent is now in question. 

PMID- 25123699
TI  - Selective formation and unusual reactivity of tetraarsabicyclo[1.1.0]butane
      complexes.
AB  - The selective formation of the dinuclear butterfly complexes
      [{Cp'''Fe(CO)2}2(MU,eta(1:1)-E4)] (E = P (1 a), As (1 b)) and
      [{Cp*Cr(CO)3}2(MU,eta(1:1)-E4)] (E = P (2 a), As (2 b)) as new representatives of
      this rare class of compounds was found by reaction of E4 with the corresponding
      dimeric carbonyl complexes. Complexes 1 b and 2 b are the first As4 butterfly
      compounds with a bridging coordination mode. Moreover, first studies regarding
      the reactivity of 1 b and 2 b are presented, revealing the formation of the
      unprecedented As8 cuneane complexes
      [{Cp'''Fe(CO)2}2{Cp'''Fe(CO)}2(MU4,eta(1:1:2:2)-As8)] (3 b) and
      [{Cp*Cr(CO)3}4(MU4,eta(1:1:1:1)-As8)] (4). The compounds are fully characterized
      by NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as by X-ray structure analysis. In addition,
      DFT calculations give insight into the transformation pathway from the E4
      butterfly to the corresponding cuneane structural motif.

PMID- 25123701
TI  - Differential stigmatizing attitudes of healthcare professionals towards
      psychiatry and patients with mental health problems: something to worry about? A
      pilot study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study compares stigmatizing attitudes of different healthcare
      professionals towards psychiatry and patients with mental health problems.
      METHODS: The Mental Illness Clinicians Attitude (MICA) questionnaire is used to
      assess stigmatizing attitudes in three groups: general practitioners (GPs, n =
      55), mental healthcare professionals (MHCs, n = 67) and forensic psychiatric
      professionals (FPs, n = 53). RESULTS: A modest positive attitude towards
      psychiatry was found in the three groups (n = 176). Significant differences were
      found on the total MICA-score (p < 0.001). GPs scored significantly higher than
      the FPs and the latter scored significantly higher than the MHCs on all factors
      of the MICA. Most stigmatizing attitudes were found on professionals' views of
      health/social care field and mental illness and disclosure. Personal and work
      experience did not influence stigmatizing attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: Although all
      three groups have a relatively positive attitude using the MICA, there is room
      for improvement. Bias toward socially acceptable answers cannot be ruled out.
      Patients' view on stigmatizing attitudes of professionals may be a next step in
      stigma research in professionals.

PMID- 25123703
TI  - Clinical approach to endogenous lipoid pneumonia.

PMID- 25123702
TI  - Diagnostic laparoscopy should be performed before definitive resection for
      pancreatic cancer: a financial argument.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopy is recommended to detect radiographically occult
      metastases in patients with pancreatic cancer before curative resection. This
      study was conducted to test the hypothesis that diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) is
      cost-effective in patients undergoing curative resection with or without
      neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). METHODS: Decision tree modelling compared routine DL
      with exploratory laparotomy (ExLap) at the time of curative resection in
      resectable cancer treated with surgery first, (SF) and borderline resectable
      cancer treated with NAT. Costs (US$) from the payer's perspective, quality
      adjusted life months (QALMs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs)
      were calculated. Base case estimates and multi-way sensitivity analyses were
      performed. Willingness to pay (WtP) was US$4166/QALM (or US$50,000/quality
      adjusted life year). RESULTS: Base case costs were US$34,921 for ExLap and
      US$33,442 for DL in SF patients, and US$39,633 for ExLap and US$39,713 for DL in
      NAT patients. Routine DL is the dominant (preferred) strategy in both treatment
      types: it allows for cost reductions of US$10,695/QALM in SF and US$4158/QALM in
      NAT patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present analysis supports the cost-effectiveness
      of routine DL before curative resection in pancreatic cancer patients treated
      with either SF or NAT.

PMID- 25123704
TI  - An iron oxide nanocarrier for dsRNA to target lymph nodes and strongly activate
      cells of the immune system.
AB  - The success of nanoparticle-based therapies will depend in part on accurate
      delivery to target receptors and organs. There is, therefore, considerable
      potential in nanoparticles which achieve delivery of the right drug(s) using the
      right route of administration to the right location at the right time, monitoring
      the process by non-invasive molecular imaging. A challenge is harnessing
      immunotherapy via activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) for the development of
      vaccines against major infectious diseases and cancer. In immunotherapy, delivery
      of the vaccine components to lymph nodes (LNs) is essential for effective
      stimulation of the immune response. Although some promising advances have been
      made, delivering therapeutics to LNs remains challenging. It is here shown that
      iron-oxide nanoparticles can be engineered to combine in a single and small (<50
      nm) nanocarrier complementary multimodal imaging features with the
      immunostimulatory activity of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)).
      Whilst the fluorescence properties of the nanocarrier show effective delivery to
      endosomes and TLR3 in antigen presenting cells, MRI/SPECT imaging reveals
      effective delivery to LNs. Importantly, in vitro and in vivo studies show that,
      using this nanocarrier, the immunostimulatory activity of poly (I:C) is greatly
      enhanced. These nanocarriers have considerable potential for cancer diagnosis and
      the development of new targeted and programmable immunotherapies. 

PMID- 25123705
TI  - A 4-fold-symmetry hexagonal ruthenium for magnetic heterostructures exhibiting
      enhanced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and tunnel magnetoresistance.
AB  - A 4-fold-symmetry hexagonal Ru emerging in epitaxial MgO/Ru/Co2 FeAl/MgO
      heterostructures is reported, in which an approximately Ru(022-3) growth
      attributes to the lattice matching between MgO, Ru, and Co2 FeAl. Perpendicular
      magnetic anisotropy of the Co2 FeAl/MgO interface is substantially enhanced. The
      magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) incorporating this structure give rise to the
      largest tunnel magnetoresistance for perpendicular MTJs using low damping Heusler
      alloys. 

PMID- 25123707
TI  - Severe craniosynostosis with Noonan syndrome phenotype associated with SHOC2
      mutation: clinical evidence of crosslink between FGFR and RAS signaling pathways.
AB  - Dysregulation in the RAS signaling cascade results in a family of malformation
      syndromes called RASopathies. Meanwhile, alterations in FGFR signaling cascade
      are responsible for various syndromic forms of craniosynostosis. In general, the
      phenotypic spectra of RASopathies and craniosynostosis syndromes do not overlap.
      Recently, however, mutations in ERF, a downstream molecule of the RAS signaling
      cascade, have been identified as a cause of complex craniosynostosis, suggesting
      that the RAS and FGFR signaling pathways can interact in the pathogenesis of
      malformation syndromes. Here, we document a boy with short stature, developmental
      delay, and severe craniosynostosis involving right coronal, bilateral lambdoid,
      and sagittal sutures with a de novo mutation in exon1 of SHOC2 (c.4A>G
      p.Ser2Gly). This observation further supports the existence of a crosslink
      between the RAS signaling cascade and craniosynostosis. In retrospect, the
      propositus had physical features suggestive of a dysregulated RAS signaling
      cascade, such as fetal pleural effusion, fetal hydrops, and atrial tachycardia.
      In addition to an abnormal cranial shape, which has been reported for this
      specific mutation, craniosynostosis might be a novel associated phenotype. In
      conclusion, the phenotypic combination of severe craniosynostosis and RASopathy
      features observed in the propositus suggests an interaction between the RAS and
      FGFR signaling cascades. Patients with craniosynostosis in combination with any
      RASopathy feature may require mutation screening for molecules in the FGFR-RAS
      signaling cascade.

PMID- 25123708
TI  - Preoperative C-reactive protein and operative blood loss predict poor prognosis
      in patients with gastric cancer after laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to clarify the factors associated with
      postoperative complications and prognoses following laparoscopy-assisted
      gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: A total of 214 patients who underwent
      laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer were enrolled in this
      retrospective study. Factors that were potentially associated with postoperative
      complications and prognosis were assessed using the following clinical and
      perioperative parameters: the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical
      Stress scoring system, the Prognostic Nutritional Index, and the Clavien-Dindo
      classification. RESULTS: Postoperative complications developed in 18.7% of
      patients. Blood loss >= 1% of body weight was significantly correlated with
      anastomotic leakage (P = 0.0108). Severe complications, based on the Clavien
      Dindo classification, were more frequent in patients with proximal or total
      gastrectomies (P = 0.0324). A preoperative C-reactive protein level > 0.5 mg/dL,
      blood loss > 1% of body weight, age >= 70 years at the time of operation, and an
      Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress score >= 0.2 were
      significantly correlated with poor prognosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that
      two of these factors, preoperative C-reactive protein level >= 0.5 mg/dL and
      operative blood loss >= 1% of body weight, were independent prognostic factors (P
      = 0.0376 and P = 0.0112, respectively). The Prognostic Nutritional Index had no
      significant correlation with prognosis or the occurrence of postoperative
      complications. CONCLUSION: Operative blood loss >= 1% of body weight and type of
      resection were associated with an increased frequency of postoperative
      complications, while preoperative C-reactive protein levels and operative blood
      loss may be prognostic predictors for gastric cancer patients following
      laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy.

PMID- 25123706
TI  - Role of autonomic reflex arcs in cardiovascular responses to air pollution
      exposure.
AB  - The body responds to environmental stressors by triggering autonomic reflexes in
      the pulmonary receptors, baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors to maintain
      homeostasis. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to various gases and
      airborne particles can alter the functional outcome of these reflexes,
      particularly with respect to the cardiovascular system. Modulation of autonomic
      neural input to the heart and vasculature following direct activation of sensory
      nerves in the respiratory system, elicitation of oxidative stress and
      inflammation, or through other mechanisms is one of the primary ways that
      exposure to air pollution affects normal cardiovascular function. Any homeostatic
      process that utilizes the autonomic nervous system to regulate organ function
      might be affected. Thus, air pollution and other inhaled environmental irritants
      have the potential to alter both local airway function and baro- and chemoreflex
      responses, which modulate autonomic control of blood pressure and detect
      concentrations of key gases in the body. While each of these reflex pathways
      causes distinct responses, the systems are heavily integrated and communicate
      through overlapping regions of the brainstem to cause global effects. This short
      review summarizes the function of major pulmonary sensory receptors,
      baroreceptors, and carotid body chemoreceptors and discusses the impacts of air
      pollution exposure on these systems. 

PMID- 25123710
TI  - Female genital mutilation/cutting: will it continue?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a prevalent, deeply
      rooted traditional practice in Egypt. AIMS: Specification of the motives behind
      the continuation of FGM/C in Egyptian community and evaluation of the sexual
      function in women with FGM/C. METHODS: This cross-sectional study, involved 2,106
      sexually active female participants with FGM/C. Full history-taking and general
      examination to evaluate the type of FGM/C were conducted. Sexual function was
      assessed by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Enumerate and specify the motivational factors and its percent
      among the participants. The correlation between FGM/C and FSFI domain scores was
      done with Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Tradition, cleanliness, and virginity
      were the most common motives empowering the continuation of FGM/C (100%),
      followed by men's wish, esthetic factors, marriage, and religion factors (45.2
      100%). Type I FGM/C was the most common, followed by type II. There was only
      negative correlation between the type II FGM/C and sexual satisfaction. No
      statistically significant difference between type I and non-FGM/C was found.
      CONCLUSIONS: FGM/C remains high. A variety of socio-cultural myths, religious
      misbelievers, and hygienic and esthetic concerns were behind the FGM/C. Overall,
      a large proportion of the participants supported the continuation of FGM/C in
      spite of adverse effect and sexual dysfunction associated with FGM/C.

PMID- 25123711
TI  - Forecast-based interventions can reduce the health and economic burden of
      wildfires.
AB  - We simulated public health forecast-based interventions during a wildfire smoke
      episode in rural North Carolina to show the potential for use of modeled smoke
      forecasts toward reducing the health burden and showed a significant economic
      benefit of reducing exposures. Daily and county wide intervention advisories were
      designed to occur when fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from smoke, forecasted 24
      or 48 h in advance, was expected to exceed a predetermined threshold. Three
      different thresholds were considered in simulations, each with three different
      levels of adherence to the advisories. Interventions were simulated in the adult
      population susceptible to health exacerbations related to the chronic conditions
      of asthma and congestive heart failure. Associations between Emergency Department
      (ED) visits for these conditions and daily PM2.5 concentrations under each
      intervention were evaluated. Triggering interventions at lower PM2.5 thresholds
      (<= 20 MUg/m(3)) with good compliance yielded the greatest risk reduction. At the
      highest threshold levels (50 MUg/m(3)) interventions were ineffective in reducing
      health risks at any level of compliance. The economic benefit of effective
      interventions exceeded $1 M in excess ED visits for asthma and heart failure, $2
      M in loss of productivity, $100 K in respiratory conditions in children, and $42
      million due to excess mortality.

PMID- 25123712
TI  - Molecular modeling in dioxane methanol interaction.
AB  - Molecular interaction between dioxane and methanol involves certain polar and
      nonpolar bonding to form a one to one complex. Interatomic distances between
      hydrogen and oxygen within 3 A have been considered as hydrogen bonding.
      Optimizations of the structures of dioxane-methanol complexes were carried out
      considering any spatial orientation of a methanol molecule around a
      chair/boat/twisted-boat conformation of dioxane. From 45 different orientations
      of dioxane and water, 23 different structures with different local minima were
      obtained and the structural characteristics like interatomic distances, bond
      angles, dihedral angles, dipole moment of each complex were discussed. The most
      stable structure, i.e., with minimum heat of formation is found to have a chair
      form dioxane, one O-H...O, and two C-H...O hydrogen bonds. In general, the O
      H...O hydrogen bonds have an average distance of 1.8 A while C-H...O bonds have
      2.6 A. The binding energy of the dioxane-methanol complex is found to be a linear
      function of number of O-H...O and C-H...O bonds, and hydrogen bond length. 

PMID- 25123714
TI  - The Other Side(s) of Health Informatics.

PMID- 25123713
TI  - Accesses to electronic structures and the excited states of blue luminescent
      copper(I) complexes containing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands: a DFT/TDDFT
      exploitation.
AB  - The ground electronic states and photophysical properties of three designed Cu(I)
      complexes [Cu(ImNHC)(POP)](+) (1), [Cu(methyl-ImNHC)(POP)](+) (2), and
      [Cu(BenzImNHC)(POP)](+) (3); where [ImNHC = 3-methyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol
      2-ylidene; methyl-ImNHC = 3-methyl-1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-ylidene;
      BenzImNHC = 3-methyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-ylidene], have been
      investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density
      functional theory (TDDFT). The results reveal that the presence of the methylene
      spacer in the NHC ligands has a more direct effect on the distribution of
      frontier molecular orbitals while the elongation of pi conjugation provided by
      the fused imidazole in the NHC ligands has a negligible effect. The UV-vis
      absorption spectra of all the complexes are well produced by TD-DFT calculations
      based on the charge transfer amount calculations and the corresponding band
      assignments are discussed. Importantly, the triplet energy calculations
      demonstrated that complex 2 would be a highly efficient blue emitter with the
      deep-blue of 440 nm. 

PMID- 25123715
TI  - Francois Gremy, a humanist and information sciences pioneer.

PMID- 25123716
TI  - Big data in medicine is driving big changes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To summarise current research that takes advantage of "Big Data" in
      health and biomedical informatics applications. METHODS: Survey of trends in this
      work, and exploration of literature describing how large-scale structured and
      unstructured data sources are being used to support applications from clinical
      decision making and health policy, to drug design and pharmacovigilance, and
      further to systems biology and genetics. RESULTS: The survey highlights ongoing
      development of powerful new methods for turning that large-scale, and often
      complex, data into information that provides new insights into human health, in a
      range of different areas. Consideration of this body of work identifies several
      important paradigm shifts that are facilitated by Big Data resources and methods:
      in clinical and translational research, from hypothesis-driven research to data
      driven research, and in medicine, from evidence-based practice to practice-based
      evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing scale and availability of large quantities
      of health data require strategies for data management, data linkage, and data
      integration beyond the limits of many existing information systems, and
      substantial effort is underway to meet those needs. As our ability to make sense
      of that data improves, the value of the data will continue to increase. Health
      systems, genetics and genomics, population and public health; all areas of
      biomedicine stand to benefit from Big Data and the associated technologies.

PMID- 25123717
TI  - Big Data in Science and Healthcare: A Review of Recent Literature and
      Perspectives. Contribution of the IMIA Social Media Working Group.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: As technology continues to evolve and rise in various industries,
      such as healthcare, science, education, and gaming, a sophisticated concept known
      as Big Data is surfacing. The concept of analytics aims to understand data. We
      set out to portray and discuss perspectives of the evolving use of Big Data in
      science and healthcare and, to examine some of the opportunities and challenges.
      METHODS: A literature review was conducted to highlight the implications
      associated with the use of Big Data in scientific research and healthcare
      innovations, both on a large and small scale. RESULTS: Scientists and health-care
      providers may learn from one another when it comes to understanding the value of
      Big Data and analytics. Small data, derived by patients and consumers, also
      requires analytics to become actionable. Connectivism provides a framework for
      the use of Big Data and analytics in the areas of science and healthcare. This
      theory assists individuals to recognize and synthesize how human connections are
      driving the increase in data. Despite the volume and velocity of Big Data, it is
      truly about technology connecting humans and assisting them to construct
      knowledge in new ways. Concluding Thoughts: The concept of Big Data and
      associated analytics are to be taken seriously when approaching the use of vast
      volumes of both structured and unstructured data in science and health-care.
      Future exploration of issues surrounding data privacy, confidentiality, and
      education are needed. A greater focus on data from social media, the quantified
      self-movement, and the application of analytics to "small data" would also be
      useful.

PMID- 25123719
TI  - Challenges and potential solutions for big data implementations in developing
      countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The volume of data, the velocity with which they are generated, and
      their variety and lack of structure hinder their use. This creates the need to
      change the way information is captured, stored, processed, and analyzed, leading
      to the paradigm shift called Big Data. OBJECTIVES: To describe the challenges and
      possible solutions for developing countries when implementing Big Data projects
      in the health sector. METHODS: A non-systematic review of the literature was
      performed in PubMed and Google Scholar. The following keywords were used: "big
      data", "developing countries", "data mining", "health information systems", and
      "computing methodologies". A thematic review of selected articles was performed.
      RESULTS: There are challenges when implementing any Big Data program including
      exponential growth of data, special infrastructure needs, need for a trained
      workforce, need to agree on interoperability standards, privacy and security
      issues, and the need to include people, processes, and policies to ensure their
      adoption. Developing countries have particular characteristics that hinder
      further development of these projects. CONCLUSIONS: The advent of Big Data
      promises great opportunities for the healthcare field. In this article, we
      attempt to describe the challenges developing countries would face and enumerate
      the options to be used to achieve successful implementations of Big Data
      programs.

PMID- 25123718
TI  - Big Data Usage Patterns in the Health Care Domain: A Use Case Driven Approach
      Applied to the Assessment of Vaccination Benefits and Risks. Contribution of the
      IMIA Primary Healthcare Working Group.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Generally benefits and risks of vaccines can be determined from
      studies carried out as part of regulatory compliance, followed by surveillance of
      routine data; however there are some rarer and more long term events that require
      new methods. Big data generated by increasingly affordable personalised
      computing, and from pervasive computing devices is rapidly growing and low cost,
      high volume, cloud computing makes the processing of these data inexpensive.
      OBJECTIVE: To describe how big data and related analytical methods might be
      applied to assess the benefits and risks of vaccines. METHOD: We reviewed the
      literature on the use of big data to improve health, applied to generic vaccine
      use cases, that illustrate benefits and risks of vaccination. We defined a use
      case as the interaction between a user and an information system to achieve a
      goal. We used flu vaccination and pre-school childhood immunisation as exemplars.
      RESULTS: We reviewed three big data use cases relevant to assessing vaccine
      benefits and risks: (i) Big data processing using crowdsourcing, distributed big
      data processing, and predictive analytics, (ii) Data integration from
      heterogeneous big data sources, e.g. the increasing range of devices in the
      "internet of things", and (iii) Real-time monitoring for the direct monitoring of
      epidemics as well as vaccine effects via social media and other data sources.
      CONCLUSIONS: Big data raises new ethical dilemmas, though its analysis methods
      can bring complementary real-time capabilities for monitoring epidemics and
      assessing vaccine benefit-risk balance.

PMID- 25123720
TI  - Technical challenges for big data in biomedicine and health: data sources,
      infrastructure, and analytics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review technical and methodological challenges for big data
      research in biomedicine and health. METHODS: We discuss sources of big datasets,
      survey infrastructures for big data storage and big data processing, and describe
      the main challenges that arise when analyzing big data. RESULTS: The life and
      biomedical sciences are massively contributing to the big data revolution through
      secondary use of data that were collected during routine care and through new
      data sources such as social media. Efficient processing of big datasets is
      typically achieved by distributing computation over a cluster of computers. Data
      analysts should be aware of pitfalls related to big data such as bias in routine
      care data and the risk of false-positive findings in high-dimensional datasets.
      CONCLUSIONS: The major challenge for the near future is to transform analytical
      methods that are used in the biomedical and health domain, to fit the distributed
      storage and processing model that is required to handle big data, while ensuring
      confidentiality of the data being analyzed.

PMID- 25123721
TI  - Big data - smart health strategies. Findings from the yearbook 2014 special
      theme.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To select best papers published in 2013 in the field of big data and
      smart health strategies, and summarize outstanding research efforts. METHODS: A
      systematic search was performed using two major bibliographic databases for
      relevant journal papers. The references obtained were reviewed in a two-stage
      process, starting with a blinded review performed by the two section editors, and
      followed by a peer review process operated by external reviewers recognized as
      experts in the field. RESULTS: The complete review process selected four best
      papers, illustrating various aspects of the special theme, among them: (a) using
      large volumes of unstructured data and, specifically, clinical notes from
      Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for pharmacovigilance; (b) knowledge discovery
      via querying large volumes of complex (both structured and unstructured)
      biological data using big data technologies and relevant tools; (c) methodologies
      for applying cloud computing and big data technologies in the field of genomics,
      and (d) system architectures enabling high-performance access to and processing
      of large datasets extracted from EHRs. CONCLUSIONS: The potential of big data in
      biomedicine has been pinpointed in various viewpoint papers and editorials. The
      review of current scientific literature illustrated a variety of interesting
      methods and applications in the field, but still the promises exceed the current
      outcomes. As we are getting closer towards a solid foundation with respect to
      common understanding of relevant concepts and technical aspects, and the use of
      standardized technologies and tools, we can anticipate to reach the potential
      that big data offer for personalized medicine and smart health strategies in the
      near future.

PMID- 25123722
TI  - Reuse of clinical data.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of the benefits of clinical data collected as
      a by-product of the care process, the potential problems with large aggregations
      of these data, the policy frameworks that have been formulated, and the major
      challenges in the coming years. METHODS: This report summarizes some of the major
      observations from AMIA and IMIA conferences held on this admittedly broad topic
      from 2006 through 2013. This report also includes many unsupported opinions of
      the author. RESULTS: The benefits of aggregating larger and larger sets of
      routinely collected clinical data are well documented and of great societal
      benefit. These large data sets will probably never answer all possible clinical
      questions for methodological reasons. Non-traditional sources of health data that
      are patient-sources will pose new data science challenges. CONCLUSIONS: If we
      ever hope to have tools that can rapidly provide evidence for daily practice of
      medicine we need a science of health data perhaps modeled after the science of
      astronomy.

PMID- 25123723
TI  - Trends on integrating framework of applications or data. Findings from the
      section on health and clinical management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize current excellent research and trends in the field of
      Health and Clinical management. METHODS: Synopsis of the articles selected for
      the IMIA Yearbook 21014 RESULTS: A comprehensive review of papers published in
      2013 was performed by querying PubMed. 1079 were reviewed as papers without
      authors, without abstract or smaller than 4 pages were excluded from the
      selection. The editors reviewed all papers and 15 papers selected and provided to
      to international reviewers. Four papers from international peer-reviewed journals
      were finally selected for the Health and Clinical Management section. CONCLUSION:
      Many telemedicine applications are tested nowadays in medical situation, but the
      challenges emphasized by the best papers selection focus on the ability of
      proposing integrative frameworks for applications or data in order to handle
      efficiency of health and clinical management.

PMID- 25123725
TI  - Human Factors in the Large: Experiences from Denmark, Finland and Canada in
      Moving Towards Regional and National Evaluations of Health Information System
      Usability. Contribution of the IMIA Human Factors Working Group.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this paper is to explore approaches to understanding
      the usability of health information systems at regional and national levels.
      METHODS: Several different methods are discussed in case studies from Denmark,
      Finland and Canada. They range from small scale qualitative studies involving
      usability testing of systems to larger scale national level questionnaire studies
      aimed at assessing the use and usability of health information systems by entire
      groups of health professionals. RESULTS: It was found that regional and national
      usability studies can complement smaller scale usability studies, and that they
      are needed in order to understand larger trends regarding system usability.
      Despite adoption of EHRs, many health professionals rate the usability of the
      systems as low. A range of usability issues have been noted when data is
      collected on a large scale through use of widely distributed questionnaires and
      websites designed to monitor user perceptions of usability. CONCLUSION: As health
      information systems are deployed on a widespread basis, studies that examine
      systems used regionally or nationally are required. In addition, collection of
      large scale data on the usability of specific IT products is needed in order to
      complement smaller scale studies of specific systems.

PMID- 25123724
TI  - Human factors and health information technology: current challenges and future
      directions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent federal mandates and incentives have spurred the rapid growth,
      development and adoption of health information technology (HIT). While providing
      significant benefits for better data integration, organization, and availability,
      recent reports have raised questions regarding their potential to cause
      medication errors, decreased clinician performance, and lowered efficiency. The
      goal of this survey article is to (a) examine the theoretical and foundational
      models of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) that are being advocated for
      achieving patient safety and quality, and their use in the evaluation of
      healthcare systems; (b) and the potential for macroergonomic HFE approaches
      within the context of current research in biomedical informatics. METHODS: We
      reviewed literature (2007-2013) on the use of HFE approaches in healthcare
      settings, from databases such as Pubmed, CINAHL, and Cochran. RESULTS: Based on
      the review, we discuss the systems-oriented models, their use in the evaluation
      of HIT, and examples of their use in the evaluation of EHR systems, clinical
      workflow processes, and medication errors. We also discuss the opportunities for
      better integrating HFE methods within biomedical informatics research and its
      potential advantages. CONCLUSIONS: The use of HFE methods is still in its infancy
      - better integration of HFE within the design lifecycle, and quality improvement
      efforts can further the ability of informatics researchers to address the key
      concerns regarding the complexity in clinical settings and develop HIT solutions
      that are designed within the social fabric of the considered setting.

PMID- 25123726
TI  - Big Data in Healthcare - Defining the Digital Persona through User Contexts from
      the Micro to the Macro. Contribution of the IMIA Organizational and Social Issues
      WG.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: While big data offers enormous potential for improving healthcare
      delivery, many of the existing claims concerning big data in healthcare are based
      on anecdotal reports and theoretical vision papers, rather than scientific
      evidence based on empirical research. Historically, the implementation of health
      information technology has resulted in unintended consequences at the individual,
      organizational and social levels, but these unintended consequences of collecting
      data have remained unaddressed in the literature on big data. The objective of
      this paper is to provide insights into big data from the perspective of people,
      social and organizational considerations. METHOD: We draw upon the concept of
      persona to define the digital persona as the intersection of data, tasks and
      context for different user groups. We then describe how the digital persona can
      serve as a framework to understanding sociotechnical considerations of big data
      implementation. We then discuss the digital persona in the context of micro, meso
      and macro user groups across the 3 Vs of big data. RESULTS: We provide insights
      into the potential benefits and challenges of applying big data approaches to
      healthcare as well as how to position these approaches to achieve health system
      objectives such as patient safety or patient-engaged care delivery. We also
      provide a framework for defining the digital persona at a micro, meso and macro
      level to help understand the user contexts of big data solutions. CONCLUSION:
      While big data provides great potential for improving healthcare delivery, it is
      essential that we consider the individual, social and organizational contexts of
      data use when implementing big data solutions.

PMID- 25123727
TI  - Reasons (not) to Spend a Few Billions More on EHRs: How Human Factors Research
      Can Help.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To select best medical informatics research works published in 2013
      on electronic health record (EHR) adoption, design, and impact, from the
      perspective of human factors and organizational issues (HFOI). METHODS: We
      selected 2,764 papers by querying PubMed (Mesh and TIAB) as well as using a
      manual search. Papers were evaluated based on pre-defined exclusion and inclusion
      criteria from their title, keywords, and abstract to select 15 candidate best
      papers, finally reviewed by 4 external reviewers using a standard evaluation
      grid. RESULTS: Five papers were selected as best papers to illustrate how human
      factors approaches can improve EHR adoption and design. Among other
      contributions, these works: (i) make use of the observational and analysis
      methodologies of social and cognitive sciences to understand clinicians'
      attitudes towards EHRs, EHR use patterns, and impact on care processes,
      workflows, information exchange, and coordination of care; (ii) take into account
      macro- (environmental) and meso- (organizational) level factors to analyze EHR
      adoption or lack thereof; (iii) highlight the need for qualitative studies to
      analyze the unexpected side effects of EHRs on cognitive and work processes as
      well as the persistent use of paper. CONCLUSION: Selected papers tend to
      demonstrate that HFOI approaches and methodologies are essential to bridge the
      gap between EHR systems and end users, and to reduce regularly reported adoption
      failures and unexpected consequences.

PMID- 25123729
TI  - Future Direction of IMIA Standardization. Report from the IMIA Standardization
      Working Group.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Standardization in the field of health informatics has increased its
      importance and global alliance for establishing interoperability and
      compatibility internationally. Standardization has been organized by standard
      development organizations (SDOs) such as ISO (International Organization for
      Standardization), CEN (European Committee for Standardization), IHE (Integrating
      the Healthcare Enterprise), and HL7 (Health Level 7), etc. This paper reports the
      status of these SDOs' activities. METHODS: In this workshop, we reviewed the past
      activities and the current situation of standardization in health care
      informatics with the standard development organizations such as ISO, CEN, IHE,
      and HL7. Then we discussed the future direction of standardization in health
      informatics toward "future medicine" based on standardized technologies. RESULTS:
      We could share the status of each SDO through exchange of opinions in the
      workshop. Some WHO members joined our discussion to support this constructive
      activity. CONCLUSION: At this meeting, the workshop speakers have been appointed
      as new members of the IMIA working groups of Standards in Health Care Informatics
      (WG16). We could reach to the conclusion that we collaborate for the
      international standardization in health informatics toward "future medicine".

PMID- 25123731
TI  - Big data and smart health strategies: findings from the health information
      systems perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To summarize excellent current research in the field of Health
      Information Systems. METHOD: Creation of a synopsis of the articles selected for
      the 2014 edition of the IMIA Yearbook. RESULTS: Four papers from international
      peer reviewed journals were selected and are summarized. CONCLUSIONS: Selected
      articles illustrate current research regarding the impact and the evaluation of
      health information technology and the latest developments in health information
      exchange.

PMID- 25123728
TI  - "Big data" and the electronic health record.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Implementation of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems continues to
      expand. The massive number of patient encounters results in high amounts of
      stored data. Transforming clinical data into knowledge to improve patient care
      has been the goal of biomedical informatics professionals for many decades, and
      this work is now increasingly recognized outside our field. In reviewing the
      literature for the past three years, we focus on "big data" in the context of EHR
      systems and we report on some examples of how secondary use of data has been put
      into practice. METHODS: We searched PubMed database for articles from January 1,
      2011 to November 1, 2013. We initiated the search with keywords related to "big
      data" and EHR. We identified relevant articles and additional keywords from the
      retrieved articles were added. Based on the new keywords, more articles were
      retrieved and we manually narrowed down the set utilizing predefined inclusion
      and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Our final review includes articles categorized
      into the themes of data mining (pharmacovigilance, phenotyping, natural language
      processing), data application and integration (clinical decision support,
      personal monitoring, social media), and privacy and security. CONCLUSION: The
      increasing adoption of EHR systems worldwide makes it possible to capture large
      amounts of clinical data. There is an increasing number of articles addressing
      the theme of "big data", and the concepts associated with these articles vary.
      The next step is to transform healthcare big data into actionable knowledge.

PMID- 25123733
TI  - What Does Big Data Mean for Wearable Sensor Systems? Contribution of the IMIA
      Wearable Sensors in Healthcare WG.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to discuss how recent developments in the
      field of big data may potentially impact the future use of wearable sensor
      systems in healthcare. METHODS: The article draws on the scientific literature to
      support the opinions presented by the IMIA Wearable Sensors in Healthcare Working
      Group. RESULTS: The following is discussed: the potential for wearable sensors to
      generate big data; how complementary technologies, such as a smartphone, will
      augment the concept of a wearable sensor and alter the nature of the monitoring
      data created; how standards would enable sharing of data and advance scientific
      progress. Importantly, attention is drawn to statistical inference problems for
      which big datasets provide little assistance, or may hinder the identification of
      a useful solution. Finally, a discussion is presented on risks to privacy and
      possible negative consequences arising from intensive wearable sensor monitoring.
      CONCLUSIONS: Wearable sensors systems have the potential to generate datasets
      which are currently beyond our capabilities to easily organize and interpret. In
      order to successfully utilize wearable sensor data to infer wellbeing, and enable
      proactive health management, standards and ontologies must be developed which
      allow for data to be shared between research groups and between commercial
      systems, promoting the integration of these data into health information systems.
      However, policy and regulation will be required to ensure that the detailed
      nature of wearable sensor data is not misused to invade privacies or prejudice
      against individuals.

PMID- 25123732
TI  - Are electronic cardiac devices still evolving?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The goal of this paper is to review some important issues occurring
      during the past year in Implantable devices. METHODS: First cardiac implantable
      device was proposed to maintain an adequate heart rate, either because the
      heart's natural pacemaker is not fast enough, or there is a block in the heart's
      electrical conduction system. During the last forty years, pacemakers have
      evolved considerably and become programmable and allow to configure specific
      patient optimum pacing modes. Various technological aspects (electrodes,
      connectors, algorithms diagnosis, therapies, ...) have been progressed and
      cardiac implants address several clinical applications: management of
      arrhythmias, cardioversion / defibrillation and cardiac resynchronization
      therapy. RESULTS: Observed progress was the miniaturization of device, increased
      longevity, coupled with efficient pacing functions, multisite pacing modes,
      leadless pacing and also a better recognition of supraventricular or ventricular
      tachycardia's in order to deliver appropriate therapy. Subcutaneous implant, new
      modes of stimulation (leadless implant or ultrasound lead), quadripolar lead and
      new sensor or new algorithm for the hemodynamic management are introduced and
      briefly described. Each times, the main result occurring during the two past
      years are underlined and repositioned from the history, remaining limitations are
      also addressed. CONCLUSION: Some important technological improvements were
      described. Nevertheless, news trends for the future are also considered in a
      specific session such as the remote follow-up of the patient or the treatment of
      heart failure by neuromodulation.

PMID- 25123730
TI  - A Review and Framework for Categorizing Current Research and Development in
      Health Related Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The application of GIS in health science has increased over the last
      decade and new innovative application areas have emerged. This study reviews the
      literature and builds a framework to provide a conceptual overview of the domain,
      and to promote strategic planning for further research of GIS in health. METHOD:
      The framework is based on literature from the library databases Scopus and Web of
      Science. The articles were identified based on keywords and initially selected
      for further study based on titles and abstracts. A grounded theory-inspired
      method was applied to categorize the selected articles in main focus areas.
      Subsequent frequency analysis was performed on the identified articles in areas
      of infectious and non-infectious diseases and continent of origin. RESULTS: A
      total of 865 articles were included. Four conceptual domains within GIS in health
      sciences comprise the framework: spatial analysis of disease, spatial analysis of
      health service planning, public health, health technologies and tools. Frequency
      analysis by disease status and location show that malaria and schistosomiasis are
      the most commonly analyzed infectious diseases where cancer and asthma are the
      most frequently analyzed non-infectious diseases. Across categories, articles
      from North America predominate, and in the category of spatial analysis of
      diseases an equal number of studies concern Asia. CONCLUSION: Spatial analysis of
      diseases and health service planning are well-established research areas. The
      development of future technologies and new application areas for GIS and data
      gathering technologies such as GPS, smartphones, remote sensing etc. will be
      nudging the research in GIS and health.

PMID- 25123734
TI  - Big data, smart homes and ambient assisted living.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To discuss how current research in the area of smart homes and
      ambient assisted living will be influenced by the use of big data. METHODS: A
      scoping review of literature published in scientific journals and conference
      proceedings was performed, focusing on smart homes, ambient assisted living and
      big data over the years 2011-2014. RESULTS: The health and social care market has
      lagged behind other markets when it comes to the introduction of innovative IT
      solutions and the market faces a number of challenges as the use of big data will
      increase. First, there is a need for a sustainable and trustful information chain
      where the needed information can be transferred from all producers to all
      consumers in a structured way. Second, there is a need for big data strategies
      and policies to manage the new situation where information is handled and
      transferred independently of the place of the expertise. Finally, there is a
      possibility to develop new and innovative business models for a market that
      supports cloud computing, social media, crowdsourcing etc. CONCLUSIONS: The
      interdisciplinary area of big data, smart homes and ambient assisted living is no
      longer only of interest for IT developers, it is also of interest for decision
      makers as customers make more informed choices among today's services. In the
      future it will be of importance to make information usable for managers and
      improve decision making, tailor smart home services based on big data, develop
      new business models, increase competition and identify policies to ensure
      privacy, security and liability.

PMID- 25123735
TI  - Sensor, signal, and imaging informatics: big data and smart health technologies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This synopsis presents a selection for the IMIA (International
      Medical Informatics Association) Yearbook 2014 of excellent research in the broad
      field of Sensor, Signal, and Imaging Informatics published in the year 2013, with
      a focus on Big Data and Smart Health Technologies Methods: We performed a
      systematic initial selection and a double blind peer review process to find the
      best papers in this domain published in 2013, from the PubMed and Web of Science
      databases. A set of MeSH keywords provided by experts was used. RESULTS: Big Data
      are collections of large and complex datasets which have the potential to capture
      the whole variability of a study population. More and more innovative sensors are
      emerging, allowing to enrich these big databases. However they become more and
      more challenging to process (i.e. capture, store, search, share, transfer,
      exploit) because traditional tools are not adapted anymore. CONCLUSIONS: This
      review shows that it is necessary not only to develop new tools specifically
      designed for Big Data, but also to evaluate their performance on such large
      datasets.

PMID- 25123736
TI  - IBM's Health Analytics and Clinical Decision Support.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This survey explores the role of big data and health analytics
      developed by IBM in supporting the transformation of healthcare by augmenting
      evidence-based decision-making. METHODS: Some problems in healthcare and
      strategies for change are described. It is argued that change requires better
      decisions, which, in turn, require better use of the many kinds of healthcare
      information. Analytic resources that address each of the information challenges
      are described. Examples of the role of each of the resources are given. RESULTS:
      There are powerful analytic tools that utilize the various kinds of big data in
      healthcare to help clinicians make more personalized, evidenced-based decisions.
      Such resources can extract relevant information and provide insights that
      clinicians can use to make evidence-supported decisions. There are early
      suggestions that these resources have clinical value. As with all analytic tools,
      they are limited by the amount and quality of data. CONCLUSION: Big data is an
      inevitable part of the future of healthcare. There is a compelling need to manage
      and use big data to make better decisions to support the transformation of
      healthcare to the personalized, evidence-supported model of the future. Cognitive
      computing resources are necessary to manage the challenges in employing big data
      in healthcare. Such tools have been and are being developed. The analytic
      resources, themselves, do not drive, but support healthcare transformation.

PMID- 25123737
TI  - A 2014 medical informatics perspective on clinical decision support systems: do
      we hit the ceiling of effectiveness?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize recent research and propose a selection of best papers
      published in 2013 in the field of computer-based decision support in health care.
      METHOD: Two literature reviews were performed by the two section editors from
      bibliographic databases with a focus on clinical decision support systems (CDSSs)
      and computer provider order entry in order to select a list of candidate best
      papers to be peer-reviewed by external reviewers. RESULTS: The full review
      process highlighted three papers, illustrating current trends in the domain of
      clinical decision support. The first trend is the development of theoretical
      approaches for CDSSs, and is exemplified by a paper proposing the integration of
      family histories and pedigrees in a CDSS. The second trend is illustrated by well
      designed CDSSs, showing good theoretical performances and acceptance, while
      failing to show a clinical impact. An example is given with a paper reporting on
      scorecards aiming to reduce adverse drug events. The third trend is represented
      by research works that try to understand the limits of CDSS use, for instance by
      analyzing interactions between general practitioners, patients, and a CDSS.
      CONCLUSIONS: CDSSs can achieve good theoretical results in terms of sensibility
      and specificity, as well as a good acceptance, but evaluations often fail to
      demonstrate a clinical impact. Future research is needed to better understand the
      causes of this observation and imagine new effective solutions for CDSS
      implementation.

PMID- 25123738
TI  - Managing free text for secondary use of health data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the best papers in the field of Knowledge Representation
      and Management (KRM). METHODS: A comprehensive review of medical informatics
      literature was performed to select some of the most interesting papers of KRM and
      natural language processing (NLP) published in 2013. RESULTS: Four articles were
      selected, one focuses on Electronic Health Record (EHR) interoperability for
      clinical pathway personalization based on structured data. The other three focus
      on NLP (corpus creation, de-identification, and co-reference resolution) and
      highlight the increase in NLP tools performances. CONCLUSION: NLP tools are close
      to being seriously concurrent to humans in some annotation tasks. Their use could
      increase drastically the amount of data usable for meaningful use of EHR.

PMID- 25123739
TI  - Transforming health care delivery through consumer engagement, health data
      transparency, and patient-generated health information.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Address current topics in consumer health informatics. METHODS:
      Literature review. RESULTS: Current health care delivery systems need to be more
      effective in the management of chronic conditions as the population turns older
      and experiences escalating chronic illness that threatens to consume more health
      care resources than countries can afford. Most health care systems are positioned
      poorly to accommodate this. Meanwhile, the availability of ever more powerful and
      cheaper information and communication technology, both for professionals and
      consumers, has raised the capacity to gather and process information, communicate
      more effectively, and monitor the quality of care processes. CONCLUSION: Adapting
      health care systems to serve current and future needs requires new streams of
      data to enable better self-management, improve shared decision making, and
      provide more virtual care. Changes in reimbursement for health care services,
      increased adoption of relevant technologies, patient engagement, and calls for
      data transparency raise the importance of patient-generated health information,
      remote monitoring, non-visit based care, and other innovative care approaches
      that foster more frequent contact with patients and better management of chronic
      conditions.

PMID- 25123740
TI  - Big Data: Are Biomedical and Health Informatics Training Programs Ready?
      Contribution of the IMIA Working Group for Health and Medical Informatics
      Education.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The growing volume and diversity of health and biomedical data
      indicate that the era of Big Data has arrived for healthcare. This has many
      implications for informatics, not only in terms of implementing and evaluating
      information systems, but also for the work and training of informatics
      researchers and professionals. This article addresses the question: What do
      biomedical and health informaticians working in analytics and Big Data need to
      know? METHODS: We hypothesize a set of skills that we hope will be discussed
      among academic and other informaticians. RESULTS: The set of skills includes:
      Programming - especially with data-oriented tools, such as SQL and statistical
      programming languages; Statistics - working knowledge to apply tools and
      techniques; Domain knowledge - depending on one's area of work, bioscience or
      health care; and Communication - being able to understand needs of people and
      organizations, and articulate results back to them. CONCLUSION: Biomedical and
      health informatics educational programs must introduce concepts of analytics, Big
      Data, and the underlying skills to use and apply them into their curricula. The
      development of new coursework should focus on those who will become experts, with
      training aiming to provide skills in "deep analytical talent" as well as those
      who need knowledge to support such individuals.

PMID- 25123741
TI  - Engaging Patients through Mobile Phones: Demonstrator Services, Success Factors,
      and Future Opportunities in Low and Middle-income Countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evolving technology and infrastructure can benefit patients even in
      the poorest countries through mobile health (mHealth). Yet, what makes mobile
      phone-based services succeed in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) and what
      opportunities does the future hold that still need to be studied. We showcase
      demonstrator services that leverage mobile phones in the hands of patients to
      promote health and facilitate health care. METHODS: We surveyed the recent
      biomedical literature for demonstrator services that illustrate well-considered
      examples of mobile phone interventions for consumer health. We draw upon those
      examples to discuss enabling factors, scalability, reach, and potential of
      mHealth as well as obstacles in LMIC. RESULTS: Among the 227 articles returned by
      a PubMed search, we identified 55 articles that describe services targeting
      health consumers equipped with mobile phones. From those articles, we showcase 19
      as demonstrator services across clinical care, prevention, infectious diseases,
      and population health. Services range from education, reminders, reporting, and
      peer support, to epidemiologic reporting, and care management with phone
      communication and messages. Key achievements include timely adherence to
      treatment and appointments, clinical effectiveness of treatment reminders,
      increased vaccination coverage and uptake of screening, and capacity for
      efficient disease surveillance. We discuss methodologies of delivery and
      evaluation of mobile-phone-based mHealth in LMIC, including service design,
      social context, and environmental factors to success. CONCLUSION: Demonstrated
      promises using mobile phones in the poorest countries encourage a future in which
      IMIA takes a lead role in leveraging mHealth for citizen empowerment through
      Consumer Health Informatics.

PMID- 25123742
TI  - Social media and patient health outcomes. Findings from the yearbook 2014 section
      on consumer health informatics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide a review of the current excellent research published in
      the field of Consumer Health Informatics. METHOD: We searched MEDLINE(r) and WEB
      OF SCIENCE(r) databases for papers published in 2013 in relation with Consumer
      Health Informatics. The authors identified 16 candidate best papers, which were
      then reviewed by four reviewers. RESULTS: Five out of the 16 candidate papers
      were selected as best papers. One paper presents the key features of a system to
      automate the collection of web-based social media content for subsequent semantic
      annotation. This paper emphasizes the importance of mining social media to
      collect novel data from which new findings in drug abuse research were uncovered.
      The second paper presents a practical method to predict how a community structure
      would impact the spreading of information within the community. The third paper
      presents a method for improving the quality of online health communities. The
      fourth presents a new social network to allow the monitoring of the evolution of
      individuals' health status and diagnostic deficiencies, difficulties or barriers
      in rehabilitation. The last paper reports on teenage patients' perception on
      privacy and social media. CONCLUSION: Selected papers not only show the value of
      using social media in the medical field but how to use these media to detect
      emergent diseases or risks, inform patients, promote disease prevention, and
      follow patients' opinion on healthcare resources.

PMID- 25123744
TI  - EHR Big Data Deep Phenotyping. Contribution of the IMIA Genomic Medicine Working
      Group.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Given the quickening speed of discovery of variant disease drivers
      from combined patient genotype and phenotype data, the objective is to provide
      methodology using big data technology to support the definition of deep
      phenotypes in medical records. METHODS: As the vast stores of genomic information
      increase with next generation sequencing, the importance of deep phenotyping
      increases. The growth of genomic data and adoption of Electronic Health Records
      (EHR) in medicine provides a unique opportunity to integrate phenotype and
      genotype data into medical records. The method by which collections of clinical
      findings and other health related data are leveraged to form meaningful
      phenotypes is an active area of research. Longitudinal data stored in EHRs
      provide a wealth of information that can be used to construct phenotypes of
      patients. We focus on a practical problem around data integration for deep
      phenotype identification within EHR data. The use of big data approaches are
      described that enable scalable markup of EHR events that can be used for semantic
      and temporal similarity analysis to support the identification of phenotype and
      genotype relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Stead and colleagues' 2005 concept of using
      light standards to increase the productivity of software systems by riding on the
      wave of hardware/processing power is described as a harbinger for designing
      future healthcare systems. The big data solution, using flexible markup, provides
      a route to improved utilization of processing power for organizing patient
      records in genotype and phenotype research.

PMID- 25123745
TI  - Managing large-scale genomic datasets and translation into clinical practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize excellent current research in the field of Bioinformatics
      and Translational Informatics with application in the health domain. METHOD: We
      provide a synopsis of the articles selected for the IMIA Yearbook 2014, from
      which we attempt to derive a synthetic overview of current and future activities
      in the field. A first step of selection was performed by querying MEDLINE with a
      list of MeSH descriptors completed by a list of terms adapted to the section.
      Each section editor evaluated independently the set of 1,851 articles and 15
      articles were retained for peer-review. RESULTS: The selection and evaluation
      process of this Yearbook's section on Bioinformatics and Translational
      Informatics yielded three excellent articles regarding data management and genome
      medicine. In the first article, the authors present VEST (Variant Effect Scoring
      Tool) which is a supervised machine learning tool for prioritizing variants found
      in exome sequencing projects that are more likely involved in human Mendelian
      diseases. In the second article, the authors show how to infer surnames of male
      individuals by crossing anonymous publicly available genomic data from the Y
      chromosome and public genealogy data banks. The third article presents a
      statistical framework called iCluster+ that can perform pattern discovery in
      integrated cancer genomic data. This framework was able to determine different
      tumor subtypes in colon cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The current research activities
      still attest the continuous convergence of Bioinformatics and Medical
      Informatics, with a focus this year on large-scale biological, genomic, and
      Electronic Health Records data. Indeed, there is a need for powerful tools for
      managing and interpreting complex data, but also a need for user-friendly tools
      developed for the clinicians in their daily practice. All the recent research and
      development efforts are contributing to the challenge of impacting clinically the
      results and even going towards a personalized medicine in the near future.

PMID- 25123747
TI  - Information technology for clinical, translational and comparative effectiveness
      research. Findings from the section clinical research informatics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To select and summarize key contributions to current research in the
      field of Clinical Research Informatics (CRI). METHOD: A bibliographic search
      using a combination of MeSH and free terms search over PubMed was performed
      followed by a blinded review. RESULTS: The review process resulted in the
      selection of four papers illustrating various aspects of current research efforts
      in the area of CRI. The first paper tackles the challenge of extracting accurate
      phenotypes from Electronic Healthcare Records (EHRs). Privacy protection within
      shared de-identified, patient-level research databases is the focus of the second
      selected paper. Two other papers exemplify the growing role of formal
      representation of clinical data - in metadata repositories - and knowledge - in
      ontologies - for supporting the process of reusing data for clinical research.
      CONCLUSIONS: The selected articles demonstrate how concrete platforms are
      currently achieving interoperability across clinical research and care domains
      and have reached the evaluation phase. When EHRs linked to genetic data have the
      potential to shift the research focus from research driven patient recruitment to
      phenotyping in large population, a key issue is to lower patient re
      identification risks for biomedical research databases. Current research
      illustrates the potential of knowledge engineering to support, in the coming
      years, the scientific lifecycle of clinical research.

PMID- 25123748
TI  - Cardiovascular disease: the leap towards translational and clinical proteomics.

PMID- 25123749
TI  - Prof. Michael (Mike) J. Dunn--paying forward.

PMID- 25123746
TI  - Clinical research informatics and electronic health record data.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The goal of this survey is to discuss the impact of the growing
      availability of electronic health record (EHR) data on the evolving field of
      Clinical Research Informatics (CRI), which is the union of biomedical research
      and informatics. RESULTS: Major challenges for the use of EHR-derived data for
      research include the lack of standard methods for ensuring that data quality,
      completeness, and provenance are sufficient to assess the appropriateness of its
      use for research. Areas that need continued emphasis include methods for
      integrating data from heterogeneous sources, guidelines (including explicit
      phenotype definitions) for using these data in both pragmatic clinical trials and
      observational investigations, strong data governance to better understand and
      control quality of enterprise data, and promotion of national standards for
      representing and using clinical data. CONCLUSIONS: The use of EHR data has become
      a priority in CRI. Awareness of underlying clinical data collection processes
      will be essential in order to leverage these data for clinical research and
      patient care, and will require multi-disciplinary teams representing clinical
      research, informatics, and healthcare operations. Considerations for the use of
      EHR data provide a starting point for practical applications and a CRI research
      agenda, which will be facilitated by CRI's key role in the infrastructure of a
      learning healthcare system.

PMID- 25123743
TI  - Surveying Recent Themes in Translational Bioinformatics: Big Data in EHRs, Omics
      for Drugs, and Personal Genomics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide a survey of recent progress in the use of large-scale
      biologic data to impact clinical care, and the impact the reuse of electronic
      health record data has made in genomic discovery. METHOD: Survey of key themes in
      translational bioinformatics, primarily from 2012 and 2013. RESULT: This survey
      focuses on four major themes: the growing use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
      as a source for genomic discovery, adoption of genomics and pharmacogenomics in
      clinical practice, the possible use of genomic technologies for drug repurposing,
      and the use of personal genomics to guide care. CONCLUSION: Reuse of abundant
      clinical data for research is speeding discovery, and implementation of genomic
      data into clinical medicine is impacting care with new classes of data rarely
      used previously in medicine.

PMID- 25123754
TI  - Reply to magnetic resonance imaging-based diagnosis of progressive multifocal
      leukoencephalopathy in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after therapy with
      cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab.

PMID- 25123753
TI  - The neuroprotective potential of sinapic acid in the 6-hydroxydopamine-induced
      hemi-parkinsonian rat.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder due to
      selective loss of dopaminergic neurons of mesencephalic substantia nigra pars
      compacta (SNC) with debilitating motor symptoms. Current treatments for PD afford
      symptomatic relief with no prevention of disease progression. Due to the
      antioxidant and neuroprotective potential of sinapic acid, this study was
      conducted to evaluate whether this agent could be of benefit in an experimental
      model of early PD in rat. Unilateral intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)
      lesioned rats were pretreated p.o. with sinapic acid at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg.
      One week after surgery, apomorphine caused significant contralateral rotations, a
      significant reduction in the number of Nissl-stained and tyrosine hydroxylase
      (TH)-positive neurons and a significant increase of iron reactivity on the left
      side of SNC. Meanwhile, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels in midbrain
      homogenate significantly increased and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD)
      significantly reduced in the 6-OHDA-lesioned group. In addition, sinapic acid at
      a dose of 20 mg/kg significantly improved turning behavior, prevented loss of SNC
      dopaminergic neurons, lowered iron reactivity, and attenuated level of MDA and
      nitrite. These results indicate the neuroprotective potential of sinapic acid
      against 6-OHDA neurotoxicity that is partially due to the attenuation of
      oxidative stress and possibly lowering nigral iron level.

PMID- 25123758
TI  - Implant therapy: 40 years of experience.
AB  - Implant placement has become a well-established and highly successful therapy in
      the rehabilitation of partially and fully edentulous patients. The 'original'
      treatment protocol, which aimed to demonstrate implant 'biocompatibility' and the
      achievement of osseointegration, has evolved over the past 40 years into a
      broader treatment approach in which the esthetic and patient-related objectives
      have become the main focus. This volume of Periodontology 2000 summarizes, via
      narrative reviews, the advantages and disadvantages of this evolution in
      implantology and offers recommendations on where and when to apply the new
      therapeutic protocols, without jeopardizing the outcome for the patient. It also
      discusses current treatments of the most common implant-associated complications.
      Many of the implant innovations and new therapeutic protocols are supported by
      evidence-based knowledge and have provided clear benefits for both the patient
      and the clinician. 

PMID- 25123756
TI  - Comment on 'Genetic evidence and new morphometric data as essential tools to
      identify the Patagonian seahorse Hippocampus patagonicus (Pisces, Syngnathidae)
      by Gonzalez et al. (2014)'.

PMID- 25123757
TI  - Genotypic alteration and competitive nodulation of Mesorhizobium muleiense
      against exotic chickpea rhizobia in alkaline soils.
AB  - Mesorhizobium muleiense, Mesorhizobium mediterraneum and Mesorhizobium ciceri are
      chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) rhizobia that share a high similarity of the
      symbiotic genes nodC and nifH, but they have different geographic distributions.
      M. muleiense has been isolated and found only in alkaline soils of Xinjiang,
      China, whereas the other two strains have been found in the Mediterranean and
      India. To investigate the species stability of M. muleiense during natural
      evolution and its capability of competitive nodulation against the other two
      exotic species, re-sampling of nodules in the field and competition experiments
      between the three species were conducted. The results showed that the predominant
      microsymbiont associated with chickpea grown in Xinjiang was still M. muleiense,
      but the predominant genotypes of M. muleiense had changed significantly during
      the four years since a previous survey. The data also showed that M.
      mediterraneum and M. ciceri were more competitive than the residential strain of
      M. muleiense CCBAU 83963(T) in sterilized vermiculite or soils from Xinjiang.
      However, in non-sterilized soils, M. muleiense was the predominant nodule
      occupier. These results indicated that natural or adapting evolution of M.
      muleiense was occurring in fields subjected to changing environmental factors. In
      addition, the biogeography and symbiotic associations of rhizobia with their host
      legumes were also influenced by biological factors in the soil, such as
      indigenous rhizobia and other organisms. 

PMID- 25123755
TI  - The degree of retinopathy is equally predictive for renal and macrovascular
      outcomes in the ACCORD Trial.
AB  - AIMS: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is associated with a higher risk of renal and
      cardiovascular events. We sought to compare the risk for renal versus
      cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, stratified by retinopathy severity. METHODS: ACCORD
      was a randomized trial of people with type 2 diabetes, at high-risk for CV
      disease. A subgroup (n=3,369 from 71 clinics) had stereoscopic fundus photographs
      graded centrally. Participants were stratified at baseline to moderate/severe DR
      or no/mild DR and were monitored for renal and CV outcomes at follow-up visits
      over 4 years. The composite renal outcome was composed of serum creatinine
      doubling, macroalbuminuria, or end-stage renal disease. The composite CV outcome
      was the ACCORD trial primary outcome. Competing risk techniques were used to
      estimate the relative risk (RR) of renal versus CV composite outcomes within each
      DR stratum. RESULTS: The hazards ratio for doubling of serum creatinine and
      incident CV event in the moderate/severe DR versus no/mild DR strata were: 2.31
      (95% CI: 1.25-4.26) and 1.98 (95% CI: 1.49-2.62), respectively. The RR of the two
      composite outcomes was highly similar in the no/mild DR stratum (adjusted RR at 4
      years for CV versus renal events=0.96, 95% CI: 0.72-1.28) and the moderate/severe
      DR stratum (adjusted RR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.64-1.31). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, in people
      with type 2 diabetes at high risk for cardiovascular disease, incident CV versus
      renal events was similar, irrespective of the severity of the DR. Further
      evaluation of the specificity of DR for microvascular versus macrovascular events
      in other populations is warranted.

PMID- 25123759
TI  - Horizontal bone augmentation by means of guided bone regeneration.
AB  - The development of bone augmentation procedures has allowed placement of dental
      implants into jaw bone areas lacking an amount of bone sufficient for standard
      implant placement. Thus, the indications for implants have broadened to include
      jaw regions with bone defects and those with a bone anatomy that is unfavorable
      for implant anchorage. Of the different techniques, the best documented and the
      most widely used method to augment bone in localized alveolar defects is guided
      bone regeneration. A large body of evidence has demonstrated the successful use
      of guided bone regeneration to regenerate missing bone at implant sites with
      insufficient bone volume and the long-term success of implants placed
      simultaneously with, or after, guided bone regeneration. However, the influence
      of guided bone regeneration on implant survival and success rates, and the long
      term stability of the augmented bone, remain unknown. Many of the materials and
      techniques currently available for bone regeneration of alveolar ridge defects
      were developed many years ago. Recently, various new materials and techniques
      have been introduced. Many of them have, however, not been sufficiently
      documented in clinical studies. The aim of this review was to present the
      scientific basis of guided bone regeneration and the accepted clinical
      procedures. A classification of bone defects has been presented, aiming at
      simplifying the decision-making process regarding the choice of strategy for bone
      augmentation. Finally, an outlook into actual research and the possible future
      options related to bone augmentation has been provided. 

PMID- 25123760
TI  - Zygomatic implants: indications, techniques and outcomes, and the zygomatic
      success code.
AB  - The zygoma implant has been an effective option in the management of the atrophic
      edentulous maxilla as well as for maxillectomy defects. Branemark introduced the
      zygoma implant not only as a solution to obtain posterior maxillary anchorage but
      also to expedite the rehabilitation process. The zygoma implant is a therapeutic
      option that deserves consideration in the treatment-planting process. This paper
      reviews the indications for zygoma implants and the surgical and prosthetic
      techniques (including new developments) and also reports on the clinical outcome
      of the zygomatic anatomy-guided approach. An overview of conventional grafting
      procedures is also included. Finally, a Zygoma Success Code, describing specific
      criteria to score the success of rehabilitation anchored on zygomatic implants,
      is proposed. 

PMID- 25123762
TI  - Short implant in limited bone volume.
AB  - Rehabilitation of severely resorbed jaws with dental implants remains a surgical
      and prosthetic challenge for clinicians. The purpose of this review was to
      evaluate the available data on short-length implants and discuss their
      indications and limitations in daily clinical practice. A structured review of
      MEDLINE and a manual search were conducted. Thirty-two case series devoted to
      short-length implants, 14 reviews and 3 randomized controlled trials were
      identified. Of this group of papers, we can conclude that short-length implants
      can be successfully used to support single and multiple fixed reconstructions in
      posterior atrophied jaws, even in those with increased crown-to-implant ratios.
      The use of short-length implants allows treatment of patients who are unable to
      undergo complex surgical techniques for medical, anatomic or financial reasons.
      Moreover, the use of short-length implants in daily clinical practice reduces the
      need for complex surgeries, thus reducing morbidity, cost and treatment time. The
      use of short implants promotes the new concept of stress-minimizing surgery,
      allowing the surgeon to focus more on the correct three-dimensional positioning
      of the implant. 

PMID- 25123763
TI  - Critical buccal bone dimensions along implants.
AB  - The buccal bone plate is a component of the alveolar process tightly related to
      the tooth it supports. A plethora of physiological and pathological events can
      induce its remodeling. Understanding this remodeling process and its extent is of
      major importance for the practitioner as it can affect the functional and
      esthetic outcome of implant surgery at the involved sites. Bone remodeling and
      resorption of the buccal bone plate are inevitable after tooth loss or
      extraction. To limit resorption, several ridge-preservation techniques of varying
      efficacy have been described. Bone resorption is equally found to occur upon
      implant placement and is thought to be a result of the surgical trauma inflicted
      as well as an adaptation process of the tissues to the new foreign body. Because
      of the implications of bone resorption on the soft-tissue levels and the general
      esthetic outcome, it is of primary importance for the practitioner to be able to
      evaluate the hard tissues and the inherent resorption risks in an effort to
      optimize the treatment strategies. Based on limited short-term data, the present
      general opinion advises the need for a 2-mm-thick buccal bone plate in order to
      avoid vertical bone resorption. 

PMID- 25123761
TI  - Sinus floor elevation utilizing the transalveolar approach.
AB  - A transalveolar approach for sinus floor elevation with subsequent placement of
      dental implants was first suggested by Tatum in 1986. In 1994, Summers described
      a different transalveolar approach using a set of tapered osteotomes with
      increasing diameters. The transalveolar approach of sinus floor elevation, also
      referred to as 'osteotome sinus floor elevation', the 'Summers technique' or the
      'Crestal approach', may be considered as being more conservative and less
      invasive than the conventional lateral window approach. This is reflected by the
      fact that more than nine out of 10 patients who experienced the surgical
      procedure would be willing to undergo it again. The main indication for
      transalveolar sinus floor elevation is reduced residual bone height, which does
      not allow standard implant placement. Contraindications for transalveolar sinus
      floor elevation may be intra-oral, local or medical. The surgical approach
      utilized over the last two decades is the technique described by Summers, with or
      without minor modifications. The surgical care after implant placement using the
      osteotome technique is similar to the surgical care after standard implant
      placement. The patients are usually advised to take antibiotic prophylaxis and to
      utilize antiseptic rinses. The main complications reported after performing a
      transalveolar sinus floor elevation were perforation of the Schneiderian membrane
      in 3.8% of patients and postoperative infections in 0.8% of patients. Other
      complications reported were postoperative hemorrhage, nasal bleeding, blocked
      nose, hematomas and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Whether it is necessary
      to use grafting material to maintain space for new bone formation after elevating
      the sinus membrane utilizing the osteotome technique is still controversial.
      Positive outcomes have been reported with and without using grafting material. A
      prospective study, evaluating both approaches, concluded that significantly more
      bone gain was seen when grafting material was used (4.1 mm mean bone gain
      compared with 1.7 mm when no grafting material was utilized). In a systematic
      review, including 19 studies reporting on 4388 implants inserted using the
      transalveolar sinus floor elevation technique, the 3-year implant survival rate
      was 92.8% (95% confidence interval: 87.4-96.0%). Furthermore, a subject-based
      analysis of the same material revealed an annual failure rate of 3.7%. Hence, one
      in 10 subjects experienced implant loss over 3 years. Several of the included
      studies demonstrated that transalveolar sinus floor elevation was most
      predictable when the residual alveolar bone height was >= 5 mm and the sinus
      floor anatomy was relatively flat. 

PMID- 25123764
TI  - Critical soft-tissue dimensions with dental implants and treatment concepts.
AB  - Dental implants have proven to be a successful treatment option in fully and
      partially edentulous patients, rendering long-term functional and esthetic
      outcomes. Various factors are crucial for predictable long-term peri-implant
      tissue stability, including the biologic width; the papilla height and the
      mucosal soft-tissue level; the amounts of soft-tissue volume and keratinized
      tissue; and the biotype of the mucosa. The biotype of the mucosa is congenitally
      set, whereas many other parameters can, to some extent, be influenced by the
      treatment itself. Clinically, the choice of the dental implant and the position
      in a vertical and horizontal direction can substantially influence the
      establishment of the biologic width and subsequently the location of the buccal
      mucosa and the papilla height. Current treatment concepts predominantly focus on
      providing optimized peri-implant soft-tissue conditions before the start of the
      prosthetic phase and insertion of the final reconstruction. These include refined
      surgical techniques and the use of materials from autogenous and xenogenic
      origins to augment soft-tissue volume and keratinized tissue around dental
      implants, thereby mimicking the appearance of natural teeth. 

PMID- 25123765
TI  - Implant-assisted complete prostheses.
AB  - The current review was undertaken to obtain a better understanding of the
      knowledge base of implant-assisted complete dental prostheses (fixed and
      removable) in the treatment of the completely edentulous maxilla or mandible.
      Indications, advantages and disadvantages, complications and maintenance issues,
      as well as the cost-effectiveness of both treatments, are discussed to help
      clinicians in their therapeutic decision-making. In summary, when indicated and
      depending on the patients' needs, both removable and fixed implant-assisted
      prostheses are highly safe, reliable and satisfactory treatment modalities for
      the rehabilitation of edentulous jaws. Careful and precise treatment planning is
      highly recommended to assist the clinician in preventing potential prosthetic
      failures. The review also reveals that there is still a need for data, generated
      using robust research methods, on some patient-based and clinical outcomes. 

PMID- 25123766
TI  - Immediate implants at fresh extraction sockets: from myth to reality.
AB  - In recent years, immediate implant placement has become a common clinical
      therapeutic protocol representing an alternative to the classical delayed
      surgical protocol of implant placement. This protocol, however, has not been
      fully validated, either in terms of fully understanding the influence of implant
      placement on the socket-healing process or on the clinical outcomes. This
      narrative review evaluates the different experimental studies in humans and
      animals assessing the bone-healing dynamics of the socket after tooth extraction
      and the dimensional changes occurring at the socket bone walls. These
      experimental studies describe, in detail, the hard- and soft-tissue healing of
      implants placed into fresh extraction sockets, demonstrating that marked
      morphological changes of the alveolar ridge will occur, independently of the
      implant installation, thus demonstrating that postextraction bone loss is an
      inevitable biological process. This evidence has also been corroborated in
      clinical studies in humans, demonstrating the risk of significant peri-implant
      tissue loss, mainly in the areas of high esthetic demand. There is a lack of long
      term evidence on the impact of this protocol on the preservation of the peri
      implant tissues. In conclusion, despite the obvious advantages of this surgical
      protocol, it also has limitations and is more technically demanding than placing
      an implant into a healed crest. When selecting this protocol, clinicians should
      always consider: (a) the gingival biotype of the patient; (b) the thickness and
      integrity of the socket bony walls; (c) the implant selection as well as the
      adequate vertical and horizontal position of the implant; and (d) the ideal
      patient (a nonsmoker with good plaque control). 

PMID- 25123767
TI  - Immediate loading in partially and completely edentulous jaws: a review of the
      literature with clinical guidelines.
AB  - The introduction of immediate loading was a paradigm shift in implant dentistry
      as it was previously believed that an unloaded period was essential for bone
      healing in order to promote osseointegration. However, this belief could not be
      confirmed by clinical studies or by human histology. Hitherto, numerous reports
      have been published on immediate loading in various indications. An important
      factor for success is primary implant stability. The latter can be improved by
      adapting drilling protocols to enhance lateral compression of the bone and by
      using tapered implant designs with apical thread fixation. To some extent, the
      use of implants with a microrough surface and rigid splinting may compensate for
      suboptimal stability. It is important to avoid fracture of the provisional
      restoration at all times as this may result in local overloading and implant
      failure. Also, unevenly distributed occlusal contacts may contribute to failure
      and therefore occlusion ought to be evaluated at every occasion, especially
      during the early phase of healing. Taking these aspects into account, immediate
      loading in the fully edentulous mandible by means of an overdenture has been
      shown to be predictable in terms of implant survival (94.4-100%). However, the
      procedure may result in additional costs as a result of the need for repeated
      relining. In addition, the scientific basis for this treatment concept in the
      maxilla is very scarce. Immediate loading in the fully edentulous jaw by means of
      a fixed prosthesis is a well-documented treatment concept. In the mandible, three
      implants have been shown to be insufficient, given the failure rate of up to 10%.
      With at least four implants a failure rate of 0-3.3% may be expected. In the
      maxilla, four to six implants could be too limited, given the failure rate up to
      7.2%. Increasing the number of implants may reduce implant failure to 3.3%.
      Provisional fixed prostheses are particularly prone to fracture in the maxilla
      and hence reinforcement is warranted. Immediately loaded single implants have
      lower survival rates, of 85.7-100%, with no clear impact of occlusal contact. In
      fact, a meta-analysis demonstrated a five times higher risk of failure for
      immediately loaded single implants when compared with delayed loading. No study
      showed superior soft-tissue preservation or esthetics following immediate loading
      of single implants compared with other loading protocols. However, this finding
      may not imply that a provisional implant crown becomes redundant when soft-tissue
      conditioning is deemed necessary. Taking into account earlier factors for
      success, immediate loading in the partially edentulous jaw by means of a fixed
      prosthesis seems predictable in terms of implant survival (95.5-100%). However,
      there are no studies with data on soft-tissue parameters, esthetic aspects or
      patient-centered outcomes, and the available studies mainly relate to the load
      carrying part of the dentition. Clinical studies focusing on these aspects of
      treatment outcome are clearly needed. High patient satisfaction is the most
      important advantage of immediate loading, especially during the early healing
      phase. In this context, one should also realize that studies have revealed
      comparable patient satisfaction in patients following delayed loading once their
      prosthesis is in place. In the decision-making process, this aspect should be
      properly discussed with the patient along with other advantages and disadvantages
      of immediate loading. 

PMID- 25123768
TI  - Neurovascular disturbances after implant surgery.
AB  - With a steadily increasing impact of oral implant placement in daily practice,
      the number of reported surgical complications has also been growing. Recent
      studies reveal significant variation in the occurrence and morphology of
      neurovascular canal structures in the jaw bone. All those structures contain a
      neurovascular bundle, the diameter of which may be large enough to cause
      clinically significant damage. Therefore, it has become obvious that presurgical
      radiographic planning of jaw-bone surgery should pay attention to the
      neurovascular structures and their likely variations, in addition to examining
      many other factors, such as jaw-bone morphology and volume, bone trabecular
      structure and the absence of bone or tooth pathology. A critical review is
      accomplished to explore the potential risks for neurovascular complications after
      implant placement, with evidence derived from histologic, anatomic, clinical and
      radiologic studies. In this respect, cross-sectional imaging can often be
      advocated, as it is obvious that the inherent three-dimensional nature of jaw
      bone anatomy may clearly benefit from a detailed spatial image analysis. Although
      this could initially be realized by conventional computed tomography, in current
      practice, dentomaxillofacial cone beam computed tomography might be used, as it
      offers high-quality images at low radiation dose levels and costs. 

PMID- 25123769
TI  - Dental cone beam computed tomography: justification for use in planning oral
      implant placement.
AB  - Intra-oral and panoramic radiographs are most frequently used in oral health
      care. Yet, the inherent nature of jaws and teeth renders three-dimensional
      diagnosis essential, especially in relation to oral surgery. Nowadays, this can
      be accomplished by dental cone beam computed tomography, which provides high
      quality images at low radiation doses and low costs. Nonetheless, the effective
      dose ranges of cone beam computed tomography machines may easily vary from 10 to
      1000 MUSv, this being equivalent to two to 200 panoramic radiographs, even for
      similar presurgical indications. Moreover, the diagnostic image quality varies
      massively among available machines and parameter settings. Apart from the
      radiodiagnostic possibilities, dental cone beam computed tomography may offer a
      vast therapeutic potential, including opportunities for surgical guidance and
      further prosthetic rehabilitation via computer-aided design/computer-aided
      manufacturing solutions. These additional options may definitely explain part of
      the success of cone beam computed tomography for oral implant placement. In
      conclusion, dental cone beam computed tomography imaging could be justified for
      oral implant-related diagnosis, planning and transfer to surgical and further
      prosthetic treatment, but guidelines for justification and cone beam computed
      tomography optimization remain mandatory. 

PMID- 25123770
TI  - Different techniques of static/dynamic guided implant surgery: modalities and
      indications.
AB  - For computer-guided surgery a static surgical guide is used that transfers the
      virtual implant position from computerized tomographic data to the surgical site.
      These guides are produced by computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture
      technology, such as stereolithography, or manually in a dental laboratory (using
      mechanical positioning devices or drilling machines). With computer-navigated
      surgery the position of the instruments in the surgical area is constantly
      displayed on a screen with a three-dimensional image of the patient. In this way,
      the system allows real-time transfer of the preoperative planning and visual
      feedback on the screen. A workflow of the different systems is presented in this
      review. 

PMID- 25123771
TI  - Guided surgery: accuracy and efficacy.
AB  - Different computer-assisted implant-placement procedures are currently available.
      These differ in software, template manufacture, guiding device, stabilization and
      fixation. The literature seems to indicate that one has to accept a certain
      inaccuracy of +/-2.0 mm, which seems large initially but is clearly smaller than
      for nonguided surgery. A reduction of accuracy to below 0.5 mm seems extremely
      difficult. A common shortcoming identified in the studies included in this review
      is inconsistency in how clinical data and outcome variables are reported. Another
      limitation is the small number of comparative clinical studies. In order to find
      the best guiding system or the most important parameters for optimal accuracy,
      more randomized clinical trials are necessary. Information on cost-effectiveness
      and patient-centered evaluations (i.e. questionnaires and interviews) must also
      be included. 

PMID- 25123772
TI  - Etiology and treatment of periapical lesions around dental implants.
AB  - The widespread use of oral implants in recent years has resulted in various types
      of complications. One of those complications is the periapical implant lesion.
      Different factors have been proposed to play a role in the development and
      emergence of a periapical implant lesion. To date, there is no consensus on the
      etiology and therefore periapical lesions around dental implants are considered
      to have a multifactorial etiology. The diagnosis of an implant periapical lesion
      should be based on both clinical and radiological findings. Additionally, in
      order to apply the best treatment strategy the evolution of the lesion should be
      taken into account. The treatment of this kind of lesion, however, is still
      empiric. Data, primarily from case reports, seem to indicate that the removal of
      all granulation tissue is a first step to arrest the progression of the bone
      destruction. The removal of the apical part of the implant seems a valuable
      treatment strategy. 

PMID- 25123773
TI  - Management of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.
AB  - Peri-implant diseases are defined as inflammatory lesions of the surrounding peri
      implant tissues and include peri-implant mucositis (an inflammatory lesion
      limited to the surrounding mucosa of an implant) and peri-implantitis (an
      inflammatory lesion of the mucosa that affects the supporting bone with resulting
      loss of osseointegration). This review aims to describe the different approaches
      to manage both entities and to provide a critical evaluation of the evidence
      available on their efficacy. Therapy of peri-implant mucositis and nonsurgical
      therapy of peri-implantitis usually involve mechanical debridement of the implant
      surface using curettes, ultrasonic devices, air-abrasive devices or lasers, with
      or without the adjunctive use of local antibiotics or antiseptics. The efficacy
      of these therapies has been demonstrated for mucositis: controlled clinical
      trials show an improvement in clinical parameters, especially in bleeding on
      probing. For peri-implantitis, the results are limited, especially in terms of
      probing pocket-depth reduction. Surgical therapy of peri-implantitis is indicated
      when nonsurgical therapy fails to control the inflammatory changes. Selection of
      the surgical technique should be based on the characteristics of the peri-implant
      lesion. In the presence of deep circumferential and intrabony defects, surgical
      interventions should aim to provide thorough debridement, implant-surface
      decontamination and defect reconstruction. In the presence of defects without
      clear bony walls or with a predominant suprabony component, the aim of the
      surgical intervention should be the thorough debridement and the repositioning of
      the marginal mucosa to enable the patient to perform effective oral-hygiene
      practices, although this aim may compromise the esthetic result of the implant
      supported restoration. 

PMID- 25123774
TI  - Optimizing multiple-choice tests as tools for learning.
AB  - Answering multiple-choice questions with competitive alternatives can enhance
      performance on a later test, not only on questions about the information
      previously tested, but also on questions about related information not previously
      tested-in particular, on questions about information pertaining to the previously
      incorrect alternatives. In the present research, we assessed a possible
      explanation for this pattern: When multiple-choice questions contain competitive
      incorrect alternatives, test-takers are led to retrieve previously studied
      information pertaining to all of the alternatives in order to discriminate among
      them and select an answer, with such processing strengthening later access to
      information associated with both the correct and incorrect alternatives.
      Supporting this hypothesis, we found enhanced performance on a later cued-recall
      test for previously nontested questions when their answers had previously
      appeared as competitive incorrect alternatives in the initial multiple-choice
      test, but not when they had previously appeared as noncompetitive alternatives.
      Importantly, however, competitive alternatives were not more likely than
      noncompetitive alternatives to be intruded as incorrect responses, indicating
      that a general increased accessibility for previously presented incorrect
      alternatives could not be the explanation for these results. The present
      findings, replicated across two experiments (one in which corrective feedback was
      provided during the initial multiple-choice testing, and one in which it was
      not), thus strongly suggest that competitive multiple-choice questions can
      trigger beneficial retrieval processes for both tested and related information,
      and the results have implications for the effective use of multiple-choice tests
      as tools for learning. 

PMID- 25123775
TI  - Israel-Gaza conflict.

PMID- 25123776
TI  - Israel-Gaza conflict.

PMID- 25123777
TI  - Letter in support of Richard Horton.

PMID- 25123778
TI  - Risk factors and early origins of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is mainly a smoking-related disorder and
      affects millions of people worldwide, with a large effect on individual patients
      and society as a whole. Although the disease becomes clinically apparent around
      the age of 40-50 years, its origins can begin very early in life. Different risk
      factors in very early life--ie, in utero and during early childhood--drive the
      development of clinically apparent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in later
      life. In discussions of which risk factors drive chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, it is important to realise that the disease is very heterogeneous and at
      present is largely diagnosed by lung function only. In this Review, we will
      discuss the evidence for risk factors for the various phenotypes of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease during different stages of life.

PMID- 25123779
TI  - Concordance and discordance in patient and provider perceptions of dizziness.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether there
      are significant differences in patient/healthcare provider perceptions of
      patient's dizziness severity, dizziness disability/handicap, anxiety, and signs
      of autonomic system activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective
      investigation of 30 patient-provider dyads drawn as a sample of convenience from
      an otology clinic in a large, tertiary care, medical center. Patients completed
      both the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and the Vestibular Symptom Scale
      (VSS) prior to vestibular function testing. Providers were instructed to complete
      the same measures following the patient's clinic visit from what they estimated
      was the patient's point of view. The two measures were analyzed for concordance
      and discordance. RESULTS: Patient/provider differences in DHI and VSS vertigo
      subscale scores were not significantly different. However, difference scores on
      the VSS anxiety/autonomic subscale indicated that providers significantly under
      estimated patient anxiety and symptoms of autonomic system activation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that providers may be missing information
      pertinent to the role anxiety and autonomic system activation may play in patient
      visits for complaints of dizziness. We suggest that this problem can be mitigated
      by administrating to patients prior to their clinic visit a standardized measure
      that quantifies patient self-report dizziness, vertigo, anxiety and autonomic
      system arousal. Patterns of response by patients on these measures can enable
      providers to diagnose correctly dizziness disorders that are rooted in clinically
      significant anxiety either related to, or unrelated to, a history of vestibular
      system impairment.

PMID- 25123780
TI  - Pediatric mandibular reconstruction following resection of oral squamous cell
      carcinoma: a case report.
AB  - PURPOSE: Squamous cell carcinoma is a common entity among adult head and neck
      cancer patients, with many requiring reconstruction post resection. Conversely,
      this entity is rare among children with major reconstruction even more unique.
      This case and the concomitant review of literature highlight the intricacies of
      pediatric facial reconstruction. METHODS: The case described is of a 6-year-old
      African-American boy with poor dentition and a painful, 1.5 cm epiphytic lesion
      on the alveolar ridge of the left mandible. Incisional biopsy and computerized
      tomography were employed to obtain diagnosis and extent of disease. Surgical
      resection and reconstruction followed. RESULTS: Incisional biopsy confirmed the
      diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. Maxillofacial computerized tomography
      confirmed the extent of the mandibular lesion. After interdisciplinary discussion
      and weighing options with the family, a segmental mandibulectomy, neck
      dissection, and right fibula free flap reconstruction with titanium 2.0 mm metal
      plate fixation was performed. Re-examination post-operatively showed complete
      coverage of the defect and the ability to restore excised dentition. CONCLUSION:
      Squamous cell carcinoma within the pediatric population occurs less often than
      sarcomas, but may necessitate major reconstruction. Without rigid reconstruction,
      contracture may result. The current consensus favors microvascular bone
      reconstruction. However, a lack of consensus exists regarding the timing of
      dental rehabilitation.

PMID- 25123781
TI  - The AGREE Enterprise: a decade of advancing clinical practice guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The original AGREE (Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and
      Evaluation) Instrument was published in 2003, and its revision, the AGREE II, in
      2009. Together, they filled an important gap in the guideline and quality of care
      fields. Ten years later, the AGREE Enterprise reflects on a trajectory of
      projects and international collaboration that have contributed to advancing the
      science and quality of practice guidelines and the uptake of AGREE/AGREE II.
      FINDINGS: The AGREE Enterprise has undertaken activities to improve the tool and
      to develop resources to support its use. Since 2003, the uptake and adoption of
      AGREE by the international community has been swift and broad. A total of 33
      language translations of the original AGREE Instrument and the current AGREE II
      are available and were initiated by the international community. A recent scan of
      the published literature identified over 600 articles that referenced the AGREE
      tools. The AGREE tools have been widely received and applied, with several
      organizations having incorporated the AGREE as part of their formal practice
      guideline programs. Since its redevelopment in 2010, the AGREE Enterprise website
      (www.agreetrust.org) continues to experience steady increases in visitors per
      month and currently has over 10,000 registered users. CONCLUSIONS: The AGREE
      Enterprise has contributed to the advancements of guidelines through research
      activities and international participation by scientific and user communities. As
      we enter a new decade, we look forward to ongoing collaborations and contributing
      to further advancements to improve quality of care and health care systems.

PMID- 25123783
TI  - An ab initio study of the thermoelectric enhancement potential in nano-grained
      TiNiSn.
AB  - Novel approaches for the development of highly efficient thermoelectric materials
      capable of a direct conversion of heat into electricity, are being constantly
      investigated. TiNiSn based half-Heusler alloys exhibit a high thermoelectric
      potential for practical, renewable power generation applications. The main
      challenge of further enhancement of the thermoelectric efficiency of these alloys
      lies in the reduction of the associated high lattice thermal conductivity values
      without adversely affecting the electronic transport properties. The current
      manuscript theoretically investigates two possible routes for overcoming this
      limitation in TiNiSn alloys. On the one hand, the influence of nano-grained
      structure of TiNiSn on the electronic structure of the material is theoretically
      demonstrated. On the other hand, the potential for thermal conductivity reduction
      upon increasing the Ni fraction in the intermetallic TiNiSn compound via the
      formation of metallic TiNi2Sn nanoparticles is also shown. Using the applied
      approach, a useful route for optimizing both the electronic and thermal
      properties of half-Heusler TiNiSn, for practical thermoelectric applications, is
      demonstrated. 

PMID- 25123782
TI  - Differentiation of bland from neoplastic thrombus of the portal vein in patients
      with hepatocellular carcinoma: application of susceptibility-weighted MR imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neoplastic and bland portal vein thrombi (PVT) are both common in
      patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The correct discrimination of them
      is essential for therapeutic strategies planning and survival predicting. The
      current study aims to investigate the value of susceptibility-weighted imaging
      (SWI) in differentiating bland from neoplastic PVT in HCC patients. METHODS: 20
      HCC patients with bland PVT and 22 HCC patients with neoplastic PVT were imaged
      with non-contrast SWI at 3.0 Tesla MRI. The signal intensity (SI) of the PVT and
      HCC lesions in the same patients was compared on SW images. The phase values of
      the PVT were compared between neoplastic and bland thrombi cohorts. Receiver
      operator characteristics (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic
      ability of the phase values for neoplastic and bland thrombi discrimination.
      RESULTS: 20 of 22 neoplastic PVT were judged similar SI and 2 were judged lower
      SI than their HCC. For 20 bland PVT, 19 were judged lower SI and 1 was judged
      similar SI as their HCC (P<0.001). The average phase values (0.361 +/- 0.224) of
      the bland PVT were significantly higher than those of the neoplastic PVT (-0.328
      +/- 0.127, P<0.001). The AUC for phase values in differentiating bland from
      neoplastic PVT was 0.989. The best cut-off value was -0.195, which gave a
      sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 95.5%. CONCLUSIONS: SW imaging appears to
      be a promising new method for distinguishing neoplastic from bland PVT. The high
      sensitivity and specificity suggest its high value in clinical practice.

PMID- 25123784
TI  - Weight loss after participation in a national VA weight management program among
      veterans with or without PTSD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This evaluation compared the effectiveness of MOVE!, a U.S. Veterans
      Health Administration (VHA) weight management program, among veterans with
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other mental conditions, or no mental
      health diagnoses. METHODS: VHA administrative data from 2008 to 2012 were used to
      estimate adjusted six- and 12-month weight change and >=5% weight loss among
      20,819 veterans with "intense and sustained" MOVE! participation (14% of 148,963
      MOVE! participants, regardless of mental health status). RESULTS: Compared with
      veterans with no mental health diagnoses, veterans with PTSD lost significantly
      less weight at six and 12 months (p<.05) and were less likely to lose >=5% body
      weight at six months (OR=.89, p<.05). At six months, those with other mental
      conditions lost significantly less weight than those with no mental health
      diagnoses (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: MOVE! may need adaptation to increase overall
      engagement and enhance weight loss for veterans with mental conditions,
      especially PTSD.

PMID- 25123785
TI  - Morphological and thermodynamic comparison of the lesions created by 4 open
      irrigated catheters in 2 experimental models.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: New generation open-irrigated catheters aim to improve irrigation
      efficiency. This may change lesion patterns, challenging operators. Indeed,
      safety issues have recently arisen. We aimed to experimentally assess 4 open
      irrigated catheters, comparing lesion size, safety, and heat transfer. METHODS:
      The thigh lesion model was employed in 6 anesthetized pigs to assess the
      morphology of perpendicular and tangential lesions (n = 140) created by the newer
      catheters ThermoCool(r) SF, CoolFlexTM, and BlazerTM Open-Irrigated, and the
      standard ThermoCool(r), at a constant power of 30 W (60 seconds). To evaluate the
      propensity for deep-tissue overheating, a set of 120 applications were performed
      at 50 W (180 seconds) comparing pop rates. Thermal assessment of the lesion
      generation process (20 W, 60 seconds, n = 32) was performed with an infrared
      camera on bovine ventricular tissue. RESULTS: At 30 W, the newer catheters showed
      lower temperature readings compared with the ThermoCool(r). No major efficacy or
      safety differences were found at tangential applications; however, at
      perpendicular applications: (1) the SF at 17 mL/min better preserved the
      superficial layers and focused its maximum thermal effect deeper, but at
      recommended flow rates (8 mL/min) it generated the largest superficial lesions;
      (2) CoolFlexTM created smaller lesions than SF and readily induced steam pops at
      50 W without temperature control; and (3) no major differences were found
      comparing BlazerTM Open-Irrigated and ThermoCool(r). CONCLUSIONS: The lower
      temperature readings in the newer catheters make them more prone to deliver the
      maximum programmed power. Under experimental conditions, the SF catheter focuses
      its maximum effect deeper and the CoolFlexTM can be more prone to induce steam
      pops at high power settings.

PMID- 25123786
TI  - Stricter indications are recommended for fenestration surgery in intracranial
      arachnoid cysts of children.
AB  - PURPOSE: The indication of surgical treatment for intracranial arachnoid cysts
      (ACs) is a controversial issue. In this study, we reviewed surgical outcomes of
      intracranial ACs that were treated with endoscopic fenestration or microscopic
      fenestration, which are currently standard practices for surgical treatment of
      AC. In addition, we also evaluated the validity of current surgical indications.
      METHODS: We analyzed pediatric patients under 18 years of age who underwent
      surgical management for intracranial AC between January 2000 and December 2011.
      Patients with a follow-up period of less than 1 year were excluded. A total of 75
      patients were enrolled in this study. These patients were assessed by subjective
      symptoms and by a clinician's objective evaluation. The radiological assessment
      of AC after surgery was also evaluated. RESULTS: The median age of patients at
      the initial operation was 5 years. The median follow-up period was 38 months. The
      goal of surgery was achieved in 28% (21/75) of patients. The radiological
      alteration of AC after initial fenestration surgery was diverse. The results of
      the clinical and radiological assessments did not always coincide. A total of 35
      complications occurred in 28 patients. Subdural fluid collection was the most
      common unexpected radiological complication. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that
      the fenestration procedure for AC produced unsatisfactory clinical improvements
      compared to the relatively high complication rate. Therefore, surgical treatment
      for AC should be strictly limited to patients who have symptoms directly related
      to AC.

PMID- 25123788
TI  - Effects of dispersant used for oil spill remediation on nitrogen cycling in
      Louisiana coastal salt marsh soil.
AB  - On April 20, 2010, the BP Deepwater Horizon (DWH) offshore oil platform
      experienced an explosion which triggered the largest marine oil spill in US
      history. Approximately 7.9 million liters of dispersant, Corexit EC9500A, was
      used during the spill between May 15th and July 12th. Marsh soil samples were
      collected from an unimpacted marsh site proximal to coastal areas that suffered
      light to heavy oiling for a laboratory evaluation to determine the effect of
      Corexit on the wetland soil microbial biomass as well as N-mineralization and
      denitrification rates. Microbial biomass nitrogen (N) values were below detection
      for the 1:10, 1:100 and 1:1000 Corexit:wet soil treatments. The potentially
      mineralizable N (PMN) rate correlated with microbial biomass with significantly
      lower rates for the 1:10 and 1:100 Corexit:wet soil additions. Potential
      denitrification rates for Corexit:wet soil ratios after immediate dispersant
      exposure were below detection for the 1:10 treatment, while the 1:100 was 7.6+/
      2.7% of the control and the 1:1000 was 33+/-4.3% of the control. The 1:10000
      treatment was not significantly different from the control. Denitrification rates
      measured after 2 weeks exposure to the surfactant found the 1:10 treatment still
      below detection limit and the 1:100 ratio was 12+/-2.6% of the control. Results
      from this lab study suggest that chemical dispersants have the potential to
      negatively affect the wetland soil microbial biomass and resultant microbial
      activity. Consequences of exposure led to reductions in several important
      microbial-regulated ecosystem services including water quality improvement
      (denitrification) and ecosystem primary productivity (N-mineralization). Future
      studies should investigate the longer-term impacts of dispersant exposure on the
      microbial consortia to determine if microbial activity recovers over time.

PMID- 25123787
TI  - Alternative polyadenylation regulates CELF1/CUGBP1 target transcripts following T
      cell activation.
AB  - Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for
      regulating gene expression. Transcript 3' end shortening through changes in
      polyadenylation site usage occurs following T cell activation, but the
      consequences of APA on gene expression are poorly understood. We previously
      showed that GU-rich elements (GREs) found in the 3' untranslated regions of
      select transcripts mediate rapid mRNA decay by recruiting the protein
      CELF1/CUGBP1. Using a global RNA sequencing approach, we found that a network of
      CELF1 target transcripts involved in cell division underwent preferential 3' end
      shortening via APA following T cell activation, resulting in decreased inclusion
      of CELF1 binding sites and increased transcript expression. We present a model
      whereby CELF1 regulates APA site selection following T cell activation through
      reversible binding to nearby GRE sequences. These findings provide insight into
      the role of APA in controlling cellular proliferation during biological processes
      such as development, oncogenesis and T cell activation. 

PMID- 25123789
TI  - Mangiferin treatment inhibits hepatic expression of acyl-coenzyme
      A:diacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 in fructose-fed spontaneously hypertensive
      rats: a link to amelioration of fatty liver.
AB  - Mangiferin, a xanthone glucoside, and its associated traditional herbs have been
      demonstrated to improve abnormalities of lipid metabolism. However, its
      underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. This study investigated the anti
      steatotic effect of mangiferin in fructose-fed spontaneously hypertensive rat
      (SHR)s that have a mutation in sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)
      1. The results showed that co-administration of mangiferin (15 mg/kg, once daily,
      by oral gavage) over 7 weeks dramatically diminished fructose-induced increases
      in hepatic triglyceride content and Oil Red O-stained area in SHRs. However,
      blood pressure, fructose and chow intakes, white adipose tissue weight and
      metabolic parameters (plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, triglyceride,
      total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids) were unaffected by mangiferin
      treatment. Mechanistically, mangiferin treatment suppressed acyl-coenzyme
      A:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT)-2 expression at the mRNA and protein
      levels in the liver. In contrast, mangiferin treatment was without effect on
      hepatic mRNA and/or protein expression of SREBP-1/1c, carbohydrate response
      element binding protein, liver pyruvate kinase, fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA
      carboxylase-1, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, DGAT-1, monoacyglycerol acyltransferase
      2, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor-alpha, carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 and acyl-CoA oxidase.
      Collectively, our results suggest that mangiferin treatment ameliorates fatty
      liver in fructose-fed SHRs by inhibiting hepatic DGAT-2 that catalyzes the final
      step in triglyceride biosynthesis. The anti-steatotic effect of mangiferin may
      occur independently of the hepatic signals associated with de novo fatty acid
      synthesis and oxidation.

PMID- 25123790
TI  - Tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone induces hepatic oxidative damage and inflammatory
      response, but not apoptosis in mouse: the prevention of curcumin.
AB  - This study investigated the protective effects of curcumin on tetrachloro-p
      benzoquinone (TCBQ)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. TCBQ-treatment causes
      significant liver injury (the elevation of serum AST and ALT activities,
      histopathological changes in liver section including centrilobular necrosis and
      inflammatory cells), oxidative stress (the elevation of TBAR level and the
      inhibition of SOD and catalase activities) and inflammation (up-regulation of
      iNOS, COX-2, IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB). However, these changes
      were alleviated upon pretreatment with curcumin. Interestingly, TCBQ has no
      effect on caspase family genes or B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2 associated X
      (Bax) protein expressions, which implied that TCBQ-induced hepatotoxicity is
      independent of apoptosis. Moreover, curcumin was shown to induce phase II
      detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes HO-1 and NQO1 through the activation of nuclear
      factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2). In summary, the protective mechanisms
      of curcumin against TCBQ-induced hepatoxicity may be related to the attenuation
      of oxidative stress, along with the inhibition of inflammatory response via the
      activation of Nrf2 signaling. 

PMID- 25123791
TI  - Designed modulation of sex steroid signaling inhibits telomerase activity and
      proliferation of human prostate cancer cells.
AB  - The predominant estrogen-receptor (ER)-beta signaling in normal prostate is
      countered by increased ER-alpha signaling in prostate cancer (CaP), which in
      association with androgen-receptor (AR) signaling results in pathogenesis of the
      disease. However CaP treatments mostly target AR signaling which is initially
      effective but eventually leads to androgen resistance, hence simultaneous
      targeting of ERs has been proposed. A novel series of molecules were designed
      with multiple sex-steroid receptor modulating capabilities by coalescing the
      pharmacophores of known anti-CaP molecules that act via modulation of
      ER(alpha/beta) and/or AR, viz. 3,3'diindolylmethane (DIM), mifepristone,
      toremifene, tamoxifen and raloxifene. N,N-diethyl-4-((2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H
      indol-3-yl)methyl) aniline (DIMA) was identified as the most promising structure
      of this new series. DIMA increased annexin-V labelling, cell-cycle arrest and
      caspase-3 activity, and decreased expression of AR and prostate specific antigen
      in LNCaP cells, in vitro. Concurrently, DIMA increased ER-beta, p21 and p27
      protein levels in LNCaP cells and exhibited ~5 times more selective binding for
      ER-beta than ER-alpha, in comparison to raloxifene. DIMA exhibited a dose
      dependent ER-beta agonism and ER-alpha antagonism in classical gene reporter
      assay and decreased hTERT (catalytic subunit of telomerase) transcript levels in
      LNCaP at 3.0 MUM (P<0.05). DIMA also dose-dependently decreased telomerase enzyme
      activity in prostate cancer cells. It is thus concluded that DIMA acts as a multi
      steroid receptor modulator and effectively inhibits proliferation of prostate
      cancer cells through ER-beta mediated telomerase inhibition, by countering
      actions of ER-alpha and AR. Its unique molecular design can serve as a lead
      structure for generation of potent agents against endocrine malignancies like the
      CaP.

PMID- 25123792
TI  - Acute kidney injury in critical care: experience of a conservative strategy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is a major supportive treatment of acute
      kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care unit (ICU), but the timing of its
      initiation remains open to debate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      analyzed ICU patients who had AKI associated with at least one usual RRT
      criteria: serum creatinine concentration greater than 300 MUmol/L, serum urea
      concentration greater than 25 mmol/L, serum potassium concentration greater than
      6.5 mmol/L, severe metabolic acidosis (arterial blood pH<7.2), oliguria (urine
      output<135 mL/8 hours or <400 mL/24 hours), overload pulmonary edema. To estimate
      the risk of death associated with RRT adjusted for risk factors, we performed a
      marginal structural Cox model with inverse-probability-of-treatment-weighted
      estimator. RESULTS: Among 4173 patients admitted to the ICU, 203 patients
      fulfilled potential RRT criteria. Ninety-one patients (44.8%) received RRT and
      112 (55.2%) did not. Non-RRT and RRT patients differed in terms of severity of
      illness: Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (55+/-17 vs 60+/-19, respectively;
      P<.05) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (8 [5-10] vs 9 [7-11],
      respectively; P=.01). Crude analysis indicated a lower ICU mortality for non-RRT
      compared with RRT patients (18% vs 45%; P<.001). In the marginal structural Cox
      model, RRT was associated with increased mortality (P<.01). CONCLUSION: A
      conservative approach of AKI was not associated with increased mortality.

PMID- 25123793
TI  - Neurocritical care complications of pregnancy and puerperum.
AB  - Neurocritical care complications of pregnancy and puerperum such as
      preeclampsia/eclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets
      syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, seizures, ischemic and hemorrhagic
      stroke, postpartum angiopathy, cerebral sinus thrombosis, amniotic fluid emboli,
      choriocarcinoma, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy are rare but can be
      devastating. These conditions can present a challenge to physicians because
      pregnancy is a unique physiologic state, most therapeutic options available in
      the intensive care unit were not studied in pregnant patients, and in many
      situations, physicians need to deliver care to both the mother and the fetus,
      simultaneously. Timely recognition and management of critical neurologic
      complications of pregnancy/puerperum can be life saving for both the mother and
      fetus. 

PMID- 25123794
TI  - Intensivist perceptions of family-centered rounds and its impact on physician
      comfort, staff involvement, teaching, and efficiency.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our goal was to examine intensivists' perception of comfort, staff
      satisfaction, teaching, and efficiency with family-centered rounds (FCR).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surveys were sent to intensivists at Emory University.
      Responses of physicians that participate in FCR were compared with those who do
      not. Survey questions were developed using a 5-point Likert scale with 1
      representing a negative response and 5 being positive. RESULTS: Of 46 surveys
      sent, there were 31 responses (response rate, 67%). Seventeen responses were from
      adult intensivists and 14 from pediatric. Sixteen respondees (52%) participate in
      FCR, whereas 15 respondents (48%) do not. There is a significant difference in
      physician comfort with the practice with an average score of 4.4+1.0 for those
      who participate and 2.7+1.7 for those who do not (P=.002). There is also a
      significant difference in the perception of the impact of FCR on staff. Those who
      participate feel that it has a significantly greater positive impact on staff's
      involvement during rounds with an average score of 3.6+1.2 vs an average score of
      2.3+1.2 for those who do not practice FCR (P=.003). Those who participate in FCR
      have significantly more positive perception on its impact on patient outcomes
      with an average score of 3.8+1.1 compared with an average score of 2.9+1.3 for
      those who do not participate in FCR (P=.05). There are no significant differences
      in perceptions on teaching and efficiency among participants and nonparticipants
      in FCR. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in FCR is associated with an increase in
      perceived physician comfort, positive impact on staff involvement, and positive
      impact on patient outcome. Concerns over teaching and efficiency remain.

PMID- 25123798
TI  - The relationship between revascularization extent and the long-term prognosis of
      patients with stable angina pectoris and three-vessel disease treated by
      percutaneous coronary intervention in the era of drug-eluting stents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of revascularization extent (RE) on the long-term
      prognosis of patients with stable angina pectoris and 3-vessel disease who
      underwent percutaneous coronary intervention were unknown. HYPOTHESIS: The study
      was aimed at evaluating whether there was an effect of RE on patients presenting
      with stable angina pectoris and 3-vessel disease. METHODS: RE, which was
      calculated by baseline SYNTAX (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
      With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) score minus residue SYNTAX score divided by
      baseline SYNTAX score, was initially used in our study. Five hundred fifty-eight
      patients presenting with stable angina pectoris and 3-vessel disease were
      assigned to and compared among tertiles according to RE and clinical outcomes.
      The primary end point was the major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), a
      composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and any repeat
      revascularization. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 56.9 months
      (interquartile range, 52.1-63.6). The incidence of MACE increased significantly
      as RE increased (13.3%, 31.4%, and 44.1%, log-rank P < 0.001). The same tendency
      was observed in occurrences of target-vessel failure (TVF) (a composite of
      cardiac death, MI, or target-vessel revascularization) (8.8%, 20.3%, and 28.4%,
      log-rank P < 0.001), repeat revascularization (11.8%, 26.2%, and 35.6%, log-rank
      P < 0.001), and MI (1.1%, 2.9%, and 12.6%, log-rank P < 0.001). Multivariate
      analysis confirmed the tendencies mentioned above. CONCLUSIONS: For patients
      presenting with stable angina pectoris and 3-vessel disease, the increasing
      extent of revascularization resulted in a less favorable prognosis.

PMID- 25123799
TI  - [Laparoscopic liver surgery].
AB  - Liver resection remains the method of choice for curative treatment for liver
      tumors. Development in diagnostic and surgical techniques has improved operative
      results as well as long-term outcomes. In the last decade minimally invasive
      laparoscopic (LAP) surgery has been increasingly adopted by liver units. The
      trend in LAP liver resection has been moving from limited resections towards
      major hepatectomy. This process, however, is relatively slow, which can be due to
      technical difficulties of the procedure and fear of haemorrhage. Despite having a
      hard time at the start, major resections become more common. Up to now
      approximately 6000 LAP liver resections were performed worldwide, number of major
      hepatectomies is estimated between 700-800. LAP liver resections are feasible
      with significant benefits for patients consisting of less blood loss, less
      narcotic requirements, and shorter hospital stay with comparable postoperative
      morbidity and mortality to open liver resections. It is an accepted management of
      both benign and malignant liver lesions. There is no difference between LAP and
      open surgery in late survival after resection for colorectal liver metastases.
      Overall survival of LAP resected hepatocellular carcinoma cases seems to be
      superior compared with open surgery. 

PMID- 25123797
TI  - Differential infection outcome of Chlamydia trachomatis in human blood monocytes
      and monocyte-derived dendritic cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis is an intracellular bacteria which consist of
      three biovariants; trachoma (serovars A-C), urogenital (serovars D-K) and
      lymphogranuloma venereum (L1-L3), causing a wide spectrum of disease in humans.
      Monocytes are considered to disseminate this pathogen throughout the body while
      dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in mediating immune response against
      bacterial infection. To determine the fate of C. trachomatis within human
      peripheral blood monocytes and monocyte-derived DCs, these two sets of immune
      cells were infected with serovars Ba, D and L2, representative of the three
      biovariants of C. trachomatis. RESULTS: Our study revealed that the different
      serovars primarily infect monocytes and DCs in a comparable fashion, however
      undergo differential infection outcome, serovar L2 being the only candidate to
      inflict active infection. Moreover, the C. trachomatis serovars Ba and D become
      persistent in monocytes while the serovars predominantly suffer degradation
      within DCs. Effects of persistence gene Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) was
      not clearly evident in the differential infection outcome. The heightened levels
      of inflammatory cytokines secreted by the chlamydial infection in DCs compared to
      monocytes seemed to be instrumental for this consequence. The immune genes
      induced in monocytes and DCs against chlamydial infection involves a different
      set of Toll-like receptors, indicating that distinct intracellular signalling
      pathways are adopted for immune response. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate
      that the host pathogen interaction in chlamydia infection is not only serovar
      specific but manifests cell specific features, inducing separate immune response
      cascade in monocytes and DCs.

PMID- 25123800
TI  - [Is daily chest X-ray necessary after lung resection? Evidence-based decision
      making].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The 'gold standard' practice following insertion of a chest tube
      after lobectomy is daily chest radiography (CXR), but this is not always
      followed. We compared the outcomes associated with the use of these two methods
      in our practice. METHODS: Data from 148 patients who underwent uncomplicated
      lobectomies with insertion of one chest drain were analysed. In the routine CXR
      group (R-CXR) (50 patients), an immediate postoperative CXR, daily routine
      radiography during the drainage period, and one after surgical drain removal were
      performed. In the symptomatic CXR group (S-CXR) (98 patients), a CXR was
      performed only for symptomatic patients (fever, hypoxia, subcutaneous emphysema,
      air leak) and/or a single radiograph was taken after surgical drain removal. The
      following postoperative data were compared: fever, CXR abnormalities
      (pneumothorax, fluid, atelectasis, subcutaneous emphysema, haematoma), number of
      radiographs, drainage time, and new drain insertion. RESULTS: The mean chest tube
      duration was 3.7 and 3.8 days in the R-CXR and S-CXR groups, respectively.
      Abnormal CXRs after surgical drain removal were reported in 50% (25/50) and 46.9%
      (46/96) (p = 0.724) of patients in the R-CXR and S-CXR groups, respectively, but
      new drain insertion was only necessary in 3/25 (12%) and 7/46 (15.2%) of these
      cases. The mean number of CXRs for each patient was 5.0 and 2.3 (p = 0.0001) in
      the R-CXR and S-CXR groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: If CXRs are limited to
      symptomatic patients then the number of radiographs can be reduced by around 50%.
      There were no more postoperative complications or abnormal final CXR findings if
      the CXR was only ordered for symptomatic patients instead of as 'daily routine'
      during the postoperative period. Only 12-15% of the CXR abnormalities required
      surgical intervention.

PMID- 25123801
TI  - [Outcomes following rectal and recto-sigmoid cancer resections: comparison of the
      laparoscopic and open techniques].
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgical technique and experience are considered as significant
      determinants of the successful treatment of recto-sigmoid malignancies. METHODS:
      Two hundred patients operated on between 2005 and 2009 were prospectively
      followed with an average of 39.8 months. Patients with rectosigmoid or rectal
      cancer were included, either with primary resection or resection after
      neoadjuvant therapy. The primary aim was to assess the average survival in the
      two groups; secondary outcomes were stage specific survival and the incidence of
      loco-regional recurrence and distant metastases. Intra- and postoperative
      complications, operating time, onco-pathological specimen quality and length of
      stay were also analysed. RESULTS: During the follow-up comparable rates for 3
      year survival and recurrence rates were found without statistical difference.
      Hospital stay in the laparoscopic group was significantly shorter and the mid
      term survival rates were also better in the more advanced stages. Incisional
      hernia rate was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of laparoscopic rectal and recto-sigmoid resections were not inferior,
      and - in some aspects - they were even better compared to open procedures. Adding
      the properties of the minimally invasive technique (shorter recovery, reduced
      surgical stress reaction) this should be the preferred method of operative
      approach.

PMID- 25123802
TI  - [Massive localized lymphoedema (MLL) in the mons pubis].
AB  - Massive localized lymphoedema (MLL) is a relatively frequent complication in
      obesity. MLL is present as a giant swelling and associated with characteristic
      skin changes. Due to the pathologic and morphologic similarity to sarcoma, MLL is
      also called "pseudosarcoma". MLL can degenerate into angiosarcoma without
      surgery. We present a case of MLL of the mons pubis in a 54-year-old man with a
      BMI of 48.6. 

PMID- 25123803
TI  - [Treatment of pregnancy-associated breast cancer].
AB  - CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old primipara, in the thirty-second week of her pregnancy
      observed a nodule in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast during self
      examination. Complex breast examination revealed calcification with 4 cm of
      diameter. Ductal malignant cells (C5) were identified by fine-needle aspiration
      biopsy, while core biopsy verified invasive ductal carcinoma, grade III (B5b). No
      manifestations of metastases were presented. After pregnancy termination wide
      excision with additional axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed.
      Because of its positivity block dissection of axillary lymph nodes was carried
      out. The surgical therapy was followed by adjuvant chemo-, radio- and hormonal
      therapy. Later an angiomyxoma appeared in the right inguinal region, which was
      excised in toto. DISCUSSION: The incidence of pregnancy related malignant
      diseases is increasing, of which breast cancer predominates. Breast cancer, which
      is diagnosed during pregnancy or within the first year of delivery is called
      pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Because of the physiological changes in
      pregnancy the recognition of the disease is difficult. Therapy is complex, as
      besides the treatment of the mother, the safety of the fetus should be
      emphasized. The treatment strategies are different in the three trimesters. The
      surgical treatment can be performed during the whole pregnancy. The use of
      radiotherapy is controversial, because of teratogenic effects, while chemotherapy
      is permitted in the second and third trimesters. Nearly three years after the
      operation, our patient does not have any symptoms, her son is healthy.

PMID- 25123807
TI  - Introduction: celebrating the international year of crystallography:
      introduction.

PMID- 25123806
TI  - Induced sputum eicosanoids during aspirin bronchial challenge of asthmatic
      patients with aspirin hypersensitivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered metabolism of eicosanoids is a characteristic finding in
      aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Bronchial challenge with lysyl
      aspirin can be used as a confirmatory diagnostic test for this clinical
      condition. Induced sputum allows to measure mediators of asthmatic inflammation
      in bronchial secretions. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of inhaled
      lysyl-aspirin on sputum supernatant concentration of eicosanoids during the
      bronchial challenge test. Subjects with asthma hypersensitive to nonsteroidal
      anti-inflammatory drugs were compared with aspirin-tolerant asthmatic controls.
      METHODS: Induced sputum was collected before and following bronchial challenge
      with lysyl-aspirin. Sputum differential cell count and sputum supernatant
      concentrations of selected lipoxygenases products: 5-,12-,15
      hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, cysteinyl leukotrienes, leukotriene B4 , 11-dehydro
      thromboxane B2 , and prostaglandins E2 , D2 , and F2alpha and their metabolites,
      were measured using validated methods of chromatography-mass spectrometry.
      RESULTS: Aspirin precipitated bronchoconstriction in all AERD subjects, but in
      none of the aspirin-tolerant asthmatics. Phenotypes of asthma based on the sputum
      cytology did not differ between the groups. Baseline sputum eosinophilia
      correlated with a higher leukotriene D4 (LTD4 ) and leukotriene E4 (LTE4 )
      concentrations. LTC4 , PGE2 , and 11-dehydro-TXB2 did not differ between the
      groups, but levels of LTD4 , LTE4 , and PGD2 were significantly higher in AERD
      group. Following the challenge, LTD4 and LTE4 increased, while PGE2 and LTB4
      decreased in AERD subjects only. CONCLUSIONS: During the bronchial challenge,
      decrease in PGE2 and its metabolite is accompanied by a surge in
      bronchoconstrictory cysteinyl leukotrienes produced at the expense of LTB4 in
      AERD subjects. Bronchial PGE2 inhibition in AERD seems specific and sensitive to
      a low dose of aspirin.

PMID- 25123808
TI  - Characterisation of a collection of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from
      patients suffering from acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: in vitro
      susceptibility to antibiotics and biofilm formation in relation to antibiotic
      efflux and serotypes/serogroups.
AB  - The correlation between Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes, biofilm production,
      antibiotic susceptibility and drug efflux in isolates from patients suffering
      from acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) remains largely unexplored.
      Using 101 isolates collected from AECB patients for whom partial (n=51) or full
      (n=50) medical details were available, we determined serotypes (ST)/serogroups
      (SG) (Quellung reaction), antibiotic susceptibility patterns [MIC (microdilution)
      using EUCAST and CLSI criteria] and ability to produce biofilm in vitro (10-day
      model; crystal violet staining). The majority of patients were 55-75 years old
      and <5% were vaccinated against S. pneumoniae. Moreover, 54% showed high severity
      scores (GOLD 3-4), and comorbidities were frequent including hypertension (60%),
      cancer (24%) and diabetes (20%). Alcohol and/or tobacco dependence was >30%.
      Isolates of SG6-11-15-23, known for large biofilm production and causing chronic
      infections, were the most prevalent (>15% each), but other isolates also produced
      biofilm (SG9-18-22-27 and ST8-20 being most productive), except SG7, SG29 and ST5
      (<2% of isolates each). Resistance (EUCAST breakpoints) was 8-13% for amoxicillin
      and cefuroxime, 35-39% for macrolides, 2-8% for fluoroquinolones and 2% for
      telithromycin. ST19A isolates showed resistance to all antibiotics, ST14 to all
      except moxifloxacin, and SG9 and SG19 to all except telithromycin, moxifloxacin
      and ceftriaxone (SG19 only). Solithromycin and telithromycin MICs were similar.
      No correlation was observed between biofilm production and MIC or efflux
      (macrolides, fluoroquinolones). S. pneumoniae serotyping may improve AECB
      treatment by avoiding antibiotics with predictable low activity, but it is not
      predictive of biofilm production. 

PMID- 25123809
TI  - Emergence of Klebsiella pneumoniae co-producing NDM-1, OXA-48, CTX-M-15, CMY-16,
      QnrA and ArmA in Switzerland.
AB  - Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates usually carry a
      single carbapenemase (e.g. KPC, NDM, OXA-48-like). Here we describe an XDR K.
      pneumoniae of sequence type 101 that was detected in the screening rectal swab of
      a patient transferred from the intensive care unit of a hospital located in
      Belgrade (Serbia) to Bern University Hospital (Switzerland). The isolate was
      resistant to all antibiotics with the exception of colistin [minimum inhibitory
      concentration] (MIC <= 0.125 MUg/mL), tigecycline (MIC = 0.5 MUg/mL) and
      fosfomycin (MIC = 2 MUg/mL). The isolate co-possessed class B (NDM-1) and class D
      (OXA-48) carbapenemases, class A extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (CTX-M-15),
      class C cephalosporinase (CMY-16), ArmA 16S rRNA methyltransferase, substitutions
      in GyrA and ParC, loss of OmpK35 porin, as well as other genes conferring
      resistance to quinolones (qnrA), tetracyclines [tet(A)], sulfonamides (sul1,
      sul2), trimethoprim (dfrA12, dfrA14), rifampicin (arr-1), chloramphenicol (cmlA1,
      floR) and streptomycin (aadA1). The patient was placed under contact isolation
      precautions preventing the spread of this nearly untreatable pathogen.

PMID- 25123810
TI  - Reversal of meticillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus by the anthelmintic
      avermectin.

PMID- 25123811
TI  - Antifungal prophylaxis in lung transplantation.
AB  - Lung transplant (LTx) patients have an increased risk of developing invasive
      fungal infections (IFIs), particularly invasive aspergillosis. Rapid
      identification of the causative fungal pathogen, to allow for early
      administration of appropriate initial antifungal therapy, in LTx patients has
      been challenging due to the limited sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic
      tools. Hence, there is increasing emphasis on antifungal prophylaxis in the LTx
      setting, given the high mortality rates and substantial cost of treating IFIs.
      Evidence for the optimal antifungal prophylactic approach in this setting,
      however, remains scant and inconsistent. This review will briefly discuss the
      epidemiology, risk factors, timing and clinical manifestations of fungal
      infections in LTx patients and will focus primarily on the available evidence
      related to the efficacy, safety and practicality of current prophylactic
      strategies in LTx recipients as well as challenges and gaps for future research. 

PMID- 25123812
TI  - The relationships among dyspnoea, health-related quality of life and
      psychological factors in sarcoidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dyspnoea is a common symptom in sarcoidosis and is not
      predictably related to pulmonary function or radiology. A subjective symptom of
      dyspnoea is likely to be influenced by patient perception and experience. The aim
      of this study was to determine the prevalence and nature of dyspnoea in
      sarcoidosis and describe the relationship of dyspnoea to psychological factors
      and health-related quality of life (HRQL). METHODS: Fifty-six subjects (31 men,
      mean age 51 years) with sarcoidosis completed an HRQL measure, St George's
      Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
      and Nijmegen questionnaire. The presence of symptoms of dyspnoea was noted and
      qualitative descriptors for dyspnoea were chosen at peak exercise. Resting
      pulmonary function was performed. RESULTS: Sixty-four per cent of the subjects
      reported dyspnoea. Those with symptoms were older, had a longer duration of
      disease and with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) and FEV1 /forced
      vital capacity (FVC) (all P < 0.05). Symptoms of dyspnoea were associated with
      worse HRQL (P < 0.005) and higher scores on the Nijmegen questionnaire (P <
      0.05). Anxiety was not associated with dyspnoea and only a trend to greater
      depression was observed (P = 0.066). In multivariate analysis, SGRQ and Nijmegen
      scores predicted dyspnoea independent of demographic factors and resting
      pulmonary function. CONCLUSION: Dyspnoea is common in sarcoidosis and is
      associated with worse HRQL irrespective of baseline pulmonary function.
      Hyperventilation appears to be a factor contributing to dyspnoea and the Nijmegen
      questionnaire may be helpful in assessing dyspnoea and hyperventilation in
      sarcoidosis patients.

PMID- 25123813
TI  - Micropapillary urothelial carcinoma in a renal transplant recipient: a case
      report on urine cytomorphology emphasizing differentiation from high-grade
      urothelial carcinoma.

PMID- 25123815
TI  - An holistic approach to beach erosion vulnerability assessment.
AB  - Erosion is a major threat for coasts worldwide, beaches in particular, which
      constitute one of the most valuable coastal landforms. Vulnerability assessments
      related to beach erosion may contribute to planning measures to counteract
      erosion by identifying, quantifying and ranking vulnerability. Herein, we present
      a new index, the Beach Vulnerability Index (BVI), which combines simplicity in
      calculations, easily obtainable data and low processing capacity. This approach
      provides results not only for different beaches, but also for different sectors
      of the same beach and enables the identification of the relative significance of
      the processes involved. It functions through the numerical approximation of
      indicators that correspond to the mechanisms related to the processes that
      control beach evolution, such as sediment availability, wave climate, beach
      morhodynamics and sea level change. The BVI is also intended to be used as a
      managerial tool for beach sustainability, including resilience to climate change
      impact on beach erosion. 

PMID- 25123814
TI  - High incidence of spontaneous cataracts in aging laboratory rabbits of an inbred
      strain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of spontaneous cataracts in a breeding
      colony of the inbred EIII/JC strain of New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus
      cuniculi) and the congenic strain of EIII/JC-HLA-A2.1transgenic rabbits.
      PROCEDURE: A retrospective study was conducted by collecting and analyzing data
      from clinical records for individual rabbits filed between January 2011 and
      October 2013. RESULTS: Thirteen cases (eight females and five males) of cataract
      were identified in a group of 51 EIII/JC inbred rabbits with a morbidity of
      25.5%. The median age of the rabbits identified with unilateral or bilateral
      cataracts was 43 months in contrast to the median age of 23 months of the entire
      group of 51 rabbits. Additionally, seven cases (five females and two males) of
      cataracts were identified in a group of 21 EIII/JC-HLA-A2.1 transgenic rabbits.
      The EIII/JC-HLA-A2.1 transgenic rabbits showed similar morbidity (33.3%) and
      median age (41 months) for the development of cataracts as the EIII/JC rabbits.
      In both groups, none of the rabbits younger than 37 months developed cataracts
      while 13 (93%) of 14 EIII/JC rabbits aged 37-49 months and seven (63.6%) of 11
      EIII/JC-HLA-A2.1 transgenic rabbits aged 37-43 months developed cataracts. In
      contrast, none of 78 outbred rabbits with a median age of 26 months (10-67
      months) developed cataracts. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that the
      occurrence and high incidence of spontaneous cataracts in this inbred strain
      (EIII/JC) of rabbits were strictly age related and consistently transmitted
      through inbreeding.

PMID- 25123816
TI  - Lipase-mediated lipid removal from propolis extract and its antiradical and
      antimicrobial activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Propolis contains many antioxidants such as polyphenols and
      flavonoids. However, propolis-derived lipid components interrupt an efficient
      isolation of antioxidants from propolis extract. We examined the effectiveness of
      various lipase treatments for the removal of lipids from propolis extract and
      evaluated the biological features of the extract. RESULTS: Lipase OF and Novozyme
      435 treatments did not reduce fatty acid level in propolis extract. However,
      Lipozyme TL IM-treated propolis extract showed a significant decrease in fatty
      acid level, suggesting the removal of lipids. Lipozyme RM IM also significantly
      decreased the fatty acid level of the extract, but was accompanied by the
      reduction of polyphenols and flavonoids, which are antioxidants. In Lipozyme TL
      IM treatment, an increase in active flavonoids, such as Artepillin C and
      kaempferide, was observed, with a slight increase of ferric reducing/antioxidant
      power (FRAP) radical-scavenging activity. In addition, antimicrobial activity
      towards skin health-related bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and
      Propionibacterium acnes was enhanced by Lipozyme TL IM treatment. CONCLUSION:
      Lipozyme TL IM treatment effectively removes lipids from propolis extract and
      enhances antibacterial activity. Therefore, we suggest that Lipozyme TL IM is a
      useful lipase for lipid removal of propolis extract.

PMID- 25123817
TI  - Continuation and effectiveness of tadalafil once daily during a 6-month
      observational study in erectile dysfunction: the EDATE study.
AB  - AIMS: This was the first observational study evaluating treatment continuation,
      effectiveness and tolerability of tadalafil 5 mg once daily (TAD-OaD) in patients
      who chose and paid for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in routine clinical
      practice. METHODS: Men >= 18 years with ED, treated previously with
      phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5)-inhibitor on-demand (PRN) or treatment-naive,
      were enrolled at 59 sites. For patients prescribed TAD-OaD at baseline (T1),
      change in erectile function (IIEF-EF and GAQ) was documented after 1-3 (T2) and 4
      6 (T3) months. The primary outcome was the probability to switch/discontinue from
      TAD-OaD, estimated by Kaplan-Meier (KM) product-limit method. Changes in IIEF-EF
      were evaluated using a mixed model for repeated measures adjusting for patient
      baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Of 975 men enrolled (median age 56.8 years,
      33.7% with previous PDE5-inhibitor use), 778 were prescribed TAD-OaD, 135 TAD-PRN
      and 62 sildenafil or vardenafil PRN. During the 6-month longitudinal observation,
      107 patients (13.8% of 778) switched or discontinued TAD-OaD-treatment. KM-rates
      (95%CI) for continuing TAD-OaD at 2, 4 and 6 months were 94.0% (92.3, 95.7),
      88.3% (85.9, 90.6) and 86.3% (83.7, 88.9), respectively. The 25th percentile of
      time to switch/discontinuation of TAD-OaD was estimated as 31.1 weeks (lower
      95%CI 30.3 weeks). At T3, IIEF-EF scores had increased by 7.1 (LSmean; 95%CI 5.8,
      8.5) points; 91.3% of patients reported improved erections. The most frequently
      reported AE was headache (10 patients; 1.3%); no new/unexpected safety signals
      were observed. CONCLUSION: Under routine conditions, and when patients were
      involved in treatment decision-making, more than 86% of men starting/switching to
      tadalafil once daily (OaD) at baseline continued tadalafil OaD treatment for >= 6
      months.

PMID- 25123818
TI  - TRAIL expression levels in human hepatocellular carcinoma have implications for
      tumor growth, recurrence and survival.
AB  - The proapoptotic molecule TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has
      earned attention because of its ability to induce apoptosis in liver cancer cells
      without damaging normal liver cells. It may play an important role in preventing
      the development and outgrowth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TRAIL expression
      was investigated in a large series of human HCCs. We analyzed liver tissue from
      108 patients undergoing partial liver resection (PLR) or liver transplantation
      (LT) because of either HCC or other indications. TRAIL expression was correlated
      with the cause of liver disease, demographic and clinical variables and
      pathologic properties. Our analysis found that in 66% of HCCs TRAIL expression
      was significantly lower than in the surrounding non-cancerous liver tissue
      (p<=0.012). Separation by cause of disease showed that HCC TRAIL mRNA expression
      was lower in almost all groups than in non-cancerous tissue but most
      significantly lower in NASH-associated liver tumors. Interestingly, low HCC TRAIL
      expression was found to correlate with tumor size (p<=0.007) and stage, as well
      as with tumor recurrence after resection and poor survival rates. The results of
      this study suggest that low TRAIL mRNA levels may be both a dominant feature in
      HCC development and growth and a predictor of tumor recurrence and poorer
      survival rates.

PMID- 25123820
TI  - Comparison of in vivo and in vitro properties of capsulated and noncapsulated
      variants of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides strain Afade: a potential new
      insight into the biology of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia.
AB  - Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) strain Afade had previously been shown
      to undergo spontaneous phase variations between an opaque capsulated variant and
      a translucent (TR) variant devoid of a capsule but able to secrete cell-free
      exopolysaccharides. This phase variation is associated with an ON/OFF genetic
      switch in a glucose permease gene. In this study, in vivo and in vitro assays
      were conducted to compare the virulence of the two variants and their abilities
      to resist host defence. Capsulated variants were shown, in a mouse model, to
      induce longer bacteraemia that was correlated with better serum resistance in
      vitro. In contrast, TR variants displayed better ability to adhere to an inert
      support, linked to the absence of a capsule, changes in cell surface
      hydrophobicity and increased resistance to antimicrobial peptide and hydrogen
      peroxide. The switch from one variant population to another, which was observed
      both in vivo and in vitro under stress conditions, is further discussed as a
      means for Mmm to modulate its interactions with animal hosts during different
      stages of the disease. 

PMID- 25123821
TI  - N8 (-) polynitrogen stabilized on multi-wall carbon nanotubes for oxygen
      reduction reactions at ambient conditions.
AB  - Polynitrogen (PN) species (Nn , n from 3 to 8) as highly energetic materials have
      attracted many theoretical calculations and predictions. N3 , N4 , N5 or their
      ions were experimentally detected under high-pressure and high-temperature
      conditions. Herein, a N8 (-) PN stabilized on the positively charged sidewalls of
      multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) has been synthesized using cyclic
      voltammetry (CV) under ambient conditions. ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopic data
      assigned on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations support the
      successful synthesis of a C2h symmetry chain structure of the N8 anion stabilized
      as MWNT(+) N8 (-) . Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) data show that
      MWNT(+) N8 (-) is thermally stable up to 400  degrees C. Oxygen-reduction
      reaction (ORR) experiments carried out using MWNT(+) N8 (-) as the cathodic
      catalyst shows that it is very active for ORR with an even higher current density
      than that of a commercial Pt/carbon catalyst. 

PMID- 25123822
TI  - A randomized comparative trial of two decision tools for pregnant women with
      prior cesareans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluate tools to help pregnant women with prior cesareans make
      informed decisions about having trials of labor. DESIGN: Randomized comparative
      trial. SETTING: A research assistant with a laptop met the women in quiet
      locations at clinics and at health fairs. PARTICIPANTS: Pregnant women (N = 131)
      who had one prior cesarean and were eligible for vaginal birth after cesarean
      (VBAC) participated one time between 2005 and 2007. METHODS: Women were
      randomized to receive either an evidence-based, interactive decision aid or two
      evidence-based educational brochures about cesarean delivery and VBAC. Effect on
      the decision-making process was assessed before and after the interventions.
      RESULTS: Compared to baseline, women in both groups felt more informed (F = 23.8,
      p < .001), were more clear about their birth priorities (F = 9.7, p = .002), felt
      more supported (F = 9.8, p = .002, and overall reported less conflict (F = 18.1,
      p < 0.001) after receiving either intervention. Women in their third trimesters
      reported greater clarity around birth priorities after using the interactive
      decision aid than women given brochures (F = 9.8, p = .003). CONCLUSION: Although
      both decision tools significantly reduced conflict around the birth decision
      compared to baseline, more work is needed to understand which format, the
      interactive decision aid or paper brochures, are more effective early and late in
      pregnancy.

PMID- 25123819
TI  - Can we unlock the potential of IGF-1R inhibition in cancer therapy?
AB  - IGF-1R inhibitors arrived in the clinic accompanied by optimism based on
      preclinical activity of IGF-1R targeting, and recognition that low IGF
      bioactivity protects from cancer. This was tempered by concerns about toxicity to
      normal tissue IGF-1R and cross-reactivity with insulin receptor (InsR). In fact,
      toxicity is not a show-stopper; the key issue is efficacy. While IGF-1R
      inhibition induces responses as monotherapy in sarcomas and with chemotherapy or
      targeted agents in common cancers, negative Phase 2/3 trials in unselected
      patients prompted the cessation of several Pharma programs. Here, we review
      completed and on-going trials of IGF-1R antibodies, kinase inhibitors and ligand
      antibodies. We assess candidate biomarkers for patient selection, highlighting
      the potential predictive value of circulating IGFs/IGFBPs, the need for
      standardized assays for IGF-1R, and preclinical evidence that variant InsRs
      mediate resistance to IGF-1R antibodies. We review hypothesis-led and unbiased
      approaches to evaluate IGF-1R inhibitors with other agents, and stress the need
      to consider sequencing with chemotherapy. The last few years were a tough time
      for IGF-1R therapeutics, but also brought progress in understanding IGF biology.
      Even failed studies include patients who derived benefit; they should be
      investigated to identify features distinguishing the tumors and host environment
      of responders from non-responders. We emphasize the importance of incorporating
      biospecimen collection into trial design, and wording patient consents to allow
      post hoc analysis of trial material as new data become available. Such
      information represents the key to unlocking the potential of this approach, to
      inform the next generation of trials of IGF signalling inhibitors. 

PMID- 25123823
TI  - Costs of care for persons with opioid dependence in commercial integrated health
      systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When used in general medical practices, buprenorphine is an effective
      treatment for opioid dependence, yet little is known about how use of
      buprenorphine affects the utilization and cost of health care in commercial
      health systems. METHODS: The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to
      examine how buprenorphine affects patterns of medical care, addiction medicine
      services, and costs from the health system perspective. Individuals with two or
      more opioid-dependence diagnoses per year, in two large health systems (System A:
      n = 1836; System B: n = 4204) over the time span 2007-2008 were included.
      Propensity scores were used to help adjust for group differences. RESULTS:
      Patients receiving buprenorphine plus addiction counseling had significantly
      lower total health care costs than patients with little or no addiction treatment
      (mean health care costs with buprenorphine treatment = $13,578; vs. mean health
      care costs with no addiction treatment = $31,055; p < .0001), while those
      receiving buprenorphine plus addiction counseling and those with addiction
      counseling only did not differ significantly in total health care costs (mean
      costs with counseling only: $17,017; p = .5897). In comparison to patients
      receiving buprenorphine plus counseling, those with little or no addiction
      treatment had significantly greater use of primary care (p < .001), other medical
      visits (p = .001), and emergency services (p = .020). Patients with counseling
      only (compared to patients with buprenorphine plus counseling) used less
      inpatient detoxification (p < .001), and had significantly more PC visits (p =
      .001), other medical visits (p = .005), and mental health visits (p = .002).
      CONCLUSIONS: Buprenorphine is a viable alternative to other treatment approaches
      for opioid dependence in commercial integrated health systems, with total costs
      of health care similar to abstinence-based counseling. Patients with
      buprenorphine plus counseling had reduced use of general medical services
      compared to the alternatives.

PMID- 25123825
TI  - Haemolytic anaemia associated with Theileria sp. in an orphaned platypus.
AB  - CASE REPORT: The clinical and laboratory findings in an orphaned juvenile female
      platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) that presented with a severe anaemia and tick
      infestation are reported. The animal developed a terminal septicaemia and died.
      Antemortem clinical pathology, postmortem histopathology and 18S rDNA sequencing
      supported a diagnosis of extravascular haemolytic anaemia secondary to Theileria
      ornithorhynchi infection. CONCLUSION: Although T. ornithorhynchi infection is
      common in the platypus, this is the first case in which it has been shown to
      cause a haemolytic anaemia in this species and molecular characterisation of the
      organism has been described. A review of the previous literature concerning T.
      ornithorhynchi and possible treatment options for future cases are discussed.

PMID- 25123824
TI  - TLR4-dependent activation of dendritic cells by an HMGB1-derived peptide
      adjuvant.
AB  - High mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) acts as an endogenous danger molecule
      that is released from necrotic cells and activated macrophages. We have
      previously shown that peptide Hp91, whose sequence corresponds to an area within
      the B-Box domain of HMGB1, activates dendritic cells (DCs) and acts as an
      adjuvant in vivo. Here we investigated the underlying mechanisms of Hp91-mediated
      DC activation. Hp91-induced secretion of IL-6 was dependent on clathrin- and
      dynamin-driven endocytosis of Hp91 and mediated through a MyD88- and TLR4
      dependent pathway involving p38 MAPK and NFkappaB. Endosomal TLR4 has been shown
      to activate the MyD88-independent interferon pathway. Hp91-induced activation of
      pIRF3 and IL-6 secretion was reduced in IFNalphabetaR knockout DCs, suggesting an
      amplification loop via the IFNalphabetaR. These findings elucidate the mechanisms
      by which Hp91 acts as immunostimulatory peptide and may serve as a guide for the
      future development of synthetic Th1-type peptide adjuvants for vaccines. 

PMID- 25123826
TI  - Performance of central venous catheterization by medical students: a
      retrospective study of students' logbooks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical students often learn the skills necessary to perform a
      central venous catheterization in the operating room after simulator training. We
      examined the performance of central venous catheterization by medical students
      from the logbooks during their rotation in department of anesthesiology. METHODS:
      From the logbooks of medical students rotating in our department between January
      2011 and June 2012, we obtained the kind and the number of central venous
      catheterization students had done, the results of the procedures whether they
      were success or failed, the reasons of the failures, complications, and the
      student self-reported confidence and satisfaction of their performance. RESULTS:
      There were 93 medical students performed 875 central venous catheterizations with
      landmark guidance on patients in the operating theater, and the mean number of
      catheterizations performed per student was 9.4 +/- 2.0, with a success rate of
      67.3%. Adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, surgical category, ASA score and
      insertion site, the odds of successful catherization improved with cumulative
      practice (odds ratio 1.10 per additional central venous catheterization
      performed; 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.15). The major challenge students
      encountered during the procedure was the difficulty of finding the central veins,
      which led to 185 catheterizations failed. The complication rate of central venous
      catheterization by the students was 7.8%, while the most common complication was
      puncture of artery. The satisfaction and confidence of students regarding their
      performance increased with each additional procedure and decreased significantly
      if failure or complications had occurred. CONCLUSION: A student logbook is a
      useful tool for recording the actual procedural performance of students. From the
      logbooks, we could see the students' performance, challenges, satisfaction and
      confidence of central venous catheterization were improved through cumulative
      clinical practice of the procedure.

PMID- 25123829
TI  - Isolated hepatic tuberculosis mimicking liver tumors in a dialysis patient.
AB  - Cases of isolated hepatic tuberculosis (TB) are rare. The diagnosis is often
      delayed or missed because of nonspecific symptoms and laboratory findings.
      Besides, the disease is extremely rare even in a country where TB is an alarming
      public health problem. This report demonstrates the difficulty in correctly
      diagnosing local hepatic TB. We report the case of a 62-year-old male patient
      with end-stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis, who developed 2 months of
      abdominal distension and general anorexia, with hyperechoic hepatic lesions on
      ultrasound. Computed tomography suspected multiple liver tumors. The liver biopsy
      finally led to the diagnosis of TB of the liver without other involvements. We
      conclude that isolated hepatic TB is one of the rare forms of extrapulmonary TB
      in dialysis patients. A greater awareness of this rare clinical entity may
      prevent needless surgical interventions. 

PMID- 25123827
TI  - Surface tailoring of nanoparticles via mixed-charge monolayers and their
      biomedical applications.
AB  - The recent convergence of nanomaterials and medicine has provided an expanding
      horizon for people to achieve encouraging advances in many biomedical
      applications such as cancer diagnosis and therapy. However, to realize desirable
      functions in the rather complex biological systems, a suitable surface coating is
      greatly in need for nanoparticles (NPs), regardless of the species. In this
      review, a recently developed surface modification strategy is highlighted--mixed
      charge monolayers--with an emphasis on the nanointerfaces of inorganic NPs. Two
      typical mixed-charge gold NPs (AuNPs) prepared from surface modifications with
      different combinations of oppositely charged alkanethiols are shown as detailed
      examples to discuss how the mixed-charge monolayer can help NPs meet the criteria
      for in vitro and in vivo biomedical applications, including those critical issues
      like colloidal stability, nonfouling properties, and smart responses (pH
      sensitivity) for tumor targeting.

PMID- 25123828
TI  - [Scaphoid surgery].
AB  - Fracture of the scaphoid is the second most common fracture of the wrist. It
      requires a precise diagnosis and an individual therapy tailored to the patient.
      Computed tomography has assumed the central role in diagnostics and is obligatory
      to perform both verification and planning of treatment. Stable fractures can be
      treated conservatively while unstable fractures should be surgically stabilized.
      For this procedure different countersink compression screws are available. The
      fracture of the proximal pole must be considered separately because it is
      associated a very high rate of nonunion. No and incorrect treatment of fresh
      scaphoid fractures are the most common reasons for developing scaphoid nonunion.
      Depending on the location and perfusion, different surgical procedures including
      transplantation of avascular or vascularized bone grafts can be performed for
      treatment of scaphoid nonunion. 

PMID- 25123830
TI  - Analytic power and sample size calculation for the genotypic
      transmission/disequilibrium test in case-parent trio studies.
AB  - Case-parent trio studies considering genotype data from children affected by a
      disease and their parents are frequently used to detect single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with disease. The most popular statistical tests
      for this study design are transmission/disequilibrium tests (TDTs). Several types
      of these tests have been developed, for example, procedures based on alleles or
      genotypes. Therefore, it is of great interest to examine which of these tests
      have the highest statistical power to detect SNPs associated with disease.
      Comparisons of the allelic and the genotypic TDT for individual SNPs have so far
      been conducted based on simulation studies, since the test statistic of the
      genotypic TDT was determined numerically. Recently, however, it has been shown
      that this test statistic can be presented in closed form. In this article, we
      employ this analytic solution to derive equations for calculating the statistical
      power and the required sample size for different types of the genotypic TDT. The
      power of this test is then compared with the one of the corresponding score test
      assuming the same mode of inheritance as well as the allelic TDT based on a
      multiplicative mode of inheritance, which is equivalent to the score test
      assuming an additive mode of inheritance. This is, thus, the first time the power
      of these tests are compared based on equations, yielding instant results and
      omitting the need for time-consuming simulation studies. This comparison reveals
      that these tests have almost the same power, with the score test being slightly
      more powerful. 

PMID- 25123831
TI  - Neuroendocrine mechanisms for immune system regulation during stress in fish.
AB  - In the last years, the aquaculture crops have experienced an explosive and
      intensive growth, because of the high demand for protein. This growth has
      increased fish susceptibility to diseases and subsequent death. The constant
      biotic and abiotic changes experienced by fish species in culture are challenges
      that induce physiological, endocrine and immunological responses. These changes
      mitigate stress effects at the cellular level to maintain homeostasis. The
      effects of stress on the immune system have been studied for many years. While
      acute stress can have beneficial effects, chronic stress inhibits the immune
      response in mammals and teleost fish. In response to stress, a signaling cascade
      is triggered by the activation of neural circuits in the central nervous system
      because the hypothalamus is the central modulator of stress. This leads to the
      production of catecholamines, corticosteroid-releasing hormone,
      adrenocorticotropic hormone and glucocorticoids, which are the essential
      neuroendocrine mediators for this activation. Because stress situations are
      energetically demanding, the neuroendocrine signals are involved in metabolic
      support and will suppress the "less important" immune function. Understanding the
      cellular mechanisms of the neuroendocrine regulation of immunity in fish will
      allow the development of new pharmaceutical strategies and therapeutics for the
      prevention and treatment of diseases triggered by stress at all stages of fish
      cultures for commercial production. 

PMID- 25123832
TI  - Gender-specific metabolic responses in hepatopancreas of mussel Mytilus
      galloprovincialis challenged by Vibrio harveyi.
AB  - Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is a marine aquaculture shellfish and frequently
      studied in shellfish immunology. In this work, the gender-specific metabolic
      responses induced by Vibrio harveyi in hepatopancreas from M. galloprovincialis
      were characterized using NMR-based metabolomics. In details, V. harveyi challenge
      increased the levels of amino acids including (valine, leucine, isoleucine,
      threonine, alanine, arginine and tyrosine) and ATP, and decreased the level of
      glucose in male mussel hepatopancreas. In V. harveyi-challenged female mussel
      hepatopancreas, both threonine and AMP were significantly elevated, and choline,
      phoshphocholine, sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, taurine, betaine and ATP were
      depleted. Obviously, only threonine was similarly altered to that in V. harveyi
      challenged male mussel hepatopancreas. These findings confirmed the gender
      specific metabolic responses in mussels challenged by V. harveyi. Overall, V.
      harveyi induced an enhanced energy demand through activated glycolysis and immune
      response indicated by increased BCAAs in male mussel hepatopancreas. In female
      mussel hepatopancreas, V. harveyi basically caused disturbances in both osmotic
      regulation and energy metabolism through the metabolic pathways of conversions of
      phosphocholine and ADP to choline and ATP, and sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and
      H2O into choline and sn-glycerol 3-phosphate. The altered mRNA expression levels
      of related genes (Cu/Zn-SOD, HSP90, lysozyme and defensin) suggested that V.
      harveyi induced obvious oxidative and immune stresses in both male and female
      mussel hepatopancreas. This work demonstrated that V. harveyi could induce gender
      specific metabolic responses in mussel M. galloprovincialis hepatopancreas using
      NMR-based metabolomics.

PMID- 25123835
TI  - The National Institutes of Health Physician-Scientist Workforce Working Group
      report: a roadmap for preserving the physician-scientist.

PMID- 25123833
TI  - Cloning and expression analysis of three novel CC chemokine genes from Japanese
      flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).
AB  - Chemokines are small cytokines secreted by various cell types. They not only
      function in cell activation, differentiation and trafficking, but they also have
      influences on many biological processes. In this study, three novel CC chemokine
      genes Paol-SCYA105, 106 and 107 in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)
      were cloned and characterized. Paol-SCYA105 was mainly detected in gill, kidney
      and spleen, Paol-SCYA106 was detected in all tissues examined and Paol-SCYA107
      was mainly detected in the spleen and kidney. Paol-SCYA105 and Paol-SCYA106 gene
      expressions peaked in kidney at day 3 after viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus
      infection and decreased at day 6, but Paol-SCYA106 still remained at a high level
      at day 6. Paol-SCYA107 gene expression was significantly up-regulated in kidney
      at day 6 after viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus infection. In response to
      infection by Gram-negative Edwardsiella tarda and Gram-positive Streptococcus
      iniae in kidney, only Paol-SCYA106 gene expression significantly increased.
      Together, these results indicate that these three novel CC chemokines are
      involved in the immune response against pathogen infections.

PMID- 25123838
TI  - The correlation of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and MRI perfusion quantitative
      analysis in rabbit VX2 liver cancer.
AB  - Our objective is to explore the value of liver cancer contrast-enhanced
      ultrasound (CEUS) and MRI perfusion quantitative analysis in liver cancer and the
      correlation between these two analysis methods. Rabbit VX2 liver cancer model was
      established in this study. CEUS was applied. Sono Vue was applied in rabbits by
      ear vein to dynamically observe and record the blood perfusion and changes in the
      process of VX2 liver cancer and surrounding tissue. MRI perfusion quantitative
      analysis was used to analyze the mean enhancement time and change law of maximal
      slope increasing, which were further compared with the pathological examination
      results. Quantitative indicators of liver cancer CEUS and MRI perfusion
      quantitative analysis were compared, and the correlation between them was
      analyzed by correlation analysis. Rabbit VX2 liver cancer model was successfully
      established. CEUS showed that time-intensity curve of rabbit VX2 liver cancer
      showed "fast in, fast out" model while MRI perfusion quantitative analysis showed
      that quantitative parameter MTE of tumor tissue increased and MSI decreased: the
      difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The diagnostic results of
      CEUS and MRI perfusion quantitative analysis were not significantly different (P
      > 0.05). However, the quantitative parameter of them were significantly
      positively correlated (P < 0.05). CEUS and MRI perfusion quantitative analysis
      can both dynamically monitor the liver cancer lesion and surrounding liver
      parenchyma, and the quantitative parameters of them are correlated. The combined
      application of both is of importance in early diagnosis of liver cancer.

PMID- 25123837
TI  - Y-chromosome analysis in a Northwest Iberian population: unraveling the impact of
      Northern African lineages.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide new clues about the genetic origin, composition and
      structure of the population of the Spanish province of Zamora, with an emphasis
      on the genetic impact of the period of Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula.
      METHODS: Polymorphisms in the paternally inherited Y-chromosome, Single
      Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Short Tandem Repeats, were analyzed in 235 unrelated
      males born in six different regions in the Zamora province. RESULTS: A relatively
      homogenous Y-chromosome haplogroup composition was observed in the Zamora
      province. Haplogroups R1b1-P25 and I-M170, widespread in European populations,
      accounted for 64.9% of the total sample. Moreover, all of the observed African
      lineages, accounting for 10.2% of the total variability, belonged to haplogroups
      having Northwest African origin (E1b1b1b-M81, E1b1b1a-beta-M78, and J1-M267).
      CONCLUSIONS: No differences between regions or sub-structure due to geographical
      boundaries were detected. The specific Northwest African male lineages observed
      contrast with the mitochondrial DNA data, where the majority of African lineages
      were found to be sub-Saharan. This work made it possible to study the impact of
      recent historical events in the male gene pool in the province of Zamora in
      Spain.

PMID- 25123839
TI  - Effects of tirofiban on platelet activation and endothelial function in patients
      with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary
      intervention.
AB  - This pilot study examined, for the first time, the effect of intracoronary
      administration of tirofiban, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, on platelet
      activation and endothelial dysfunction in patients with ST-segment-elevated
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI). A total of 119 STEMI patients were randomized into either tirofiban group
      (n = 72, intracoronary injection of 10 MUg/kg tirofiban prior to PCI, followed by
      intravenous infusion at 0.15 MUg/kg min) or a control group (n = 47), which did
      not receive tirofiban. Periprocedural administration of tirofiban was associated
      with significantly reduced levels of platelet activation (lower levels of CD62P
      and PAC-1) and endothelial dysfunction (reduced levels of endothelial
      microparticles, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1) 48 h after PCI. At 10 days after PCI,
      patients in the tirofiban group had a higher incidence of complete STR (78.7 vs.
      65.0%) and higher left ventricular ejection fractions (47.8 vs. 44.2) compared to
      those in the control group. The clinical outcomes between two groups did not
      differ significantly two weeks after treatment. The results demonstrated that
      periprocedural administration of tirofiban is associated with significantly
      attenuated platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction in STEMI patients
      undergoing PCI. This may have contributed to the improved myocardial reperfusion
      and preservation of left ventricular systolic function in these patients.

PMID- 25123841
TI  - Unraveling cell populations in tumors by single-cell mass cytometry.
AB  - The development of new biotechnologies for the analysis of individual cells in
      heterogeneous populations is an important direction of life science research.
      This review provides a critical overview of relevant and recent advances in the
      field of single-cell mass cytometry, focusing on the latest applications in the
      study of cell heterogeneity. New approaches for multiparameter single-cell
      imaging, alongside advanced computational tools for deep mining of high
      dimensional mass cytometric data, are facilitating the visualization of specific
      cell types and their interactions in complex cellular assemblies, such as tumors,
      potentially revealing new insights into cancer biology. 

PMID- 25123840
TI  - Analysis of volatile organic compounds liberated and metabolised by human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro.
AB  - Gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection combined with head-space
      needle trap extraction as the pre-concentration technique was applied to identify
      and quantify volatile organic compounds released or metabolised by human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells. Amongst the consumed species there were eight
      aldehydes (2-methyl 2-propenal, 2-methyl propanal, 2-methyl butanal, 3-methyl
      butanal, n-hexanal, benzaldehyde, n-octanal and n-nonanal) and n-butyl acetate.
      Further eight compounds (ethyl acetate, ethyl propanoate, ethyl butyrate, 3
      heptanone, 2-octanone, 2-nonanone, 2-methyl-5-(methylthio)-furan and toluene)
      were found to be emitted by the cells under study. Possible metabolic pathways
      leading to the uptake and release of these compounds by HUVEC are proposed and
      discussed. The uptake of aldehydes by endothelial cells questions the reliability
      of species from this chemical class as breath or blood markers of disease
      processes in human organism. The analysis of volatiles released or emitted by
      cell lines is shown to have a potential for the identification and assessment of
      enzymes activities and expression. 

PMID- 25123842
TI  - Adaptive finite-time stabilization for a class of uncertain high order
      nonholonomic systems.
AB  - In this paper, the adaptive finite-time stabilization problem is investigated for
      a class of high order nonholonomic systems in power chained form with strong
      nonlinear drifts and nonlinear parameterization. By skillfully using finite-time
      stability theorem, parameter separation technique and adding a power integrator
      method, an adaptive state feedback controller is obtained. To overcome the
      obstacle that x-subsystem is uncontrollable when the control input u0=0, a novel
      switching control strategy is given. Based on this, the designed controller
      renders that the states of closed-loop system are regulated to zero in a finite
      time. Two illustrative examples are also provided to demonstrate the
      effectiveness of the proposed controller. 

PMID- 25123844
TI  - Neurodevelopmental delays and macrocephaly in 17p13.1 microduplication syndrome.
AB  - Microduplication of chromosome 17p13.1 is a rarely reported chromosome
      abnormality associated with neurodevelopmental delays. We describe two unrelated
      patients with overlapping microduplications of chromosome 17p13.1. The first
      patient is a 2-year-old male who presented with neurodevelopmental delays and
      macrocephaly. He was found to have a de novo 788 kb copy gain of 17p13.2p13.1 and
      a de novo 134 kb copy gain of 17p13.1. These duplications include multiple
      candidate genes, including EFNB3, NLGN2, DLG4, GABARAP, and DULLARD, which may be
      responsible for neurodevelopmental delays in affected individuals. The second
      patient is a 29-year-old female with mild intellectual disability and relative
      macrocephaly. She was found to have a 62.5 kb copy gain of chromosome 17p13.1
      that includes the DLG4, GABARAP, and DULLARD genes. The DLG4, GABARAP, and
      DULLARD genes included in the microduplications of both our patients appear to be
      candidate genes for neurodevelopmental delays and macrocephaly in individuals
      with 17p13.1 microduplication syndrome.

PMID- 25123843
TI  - Hypoalbuminaemia is associated with mortality in patients undergoing
      cytoreductive nephrectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether poor nutrition is associated with mortality in
      patients undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for metastatic renal cell
      carcinoma (mRCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multi-institutional review of
      prospective databases identified 246 patients meeting inclusion criteria who
      underwent CN for mRCC from 1993 to 2012. Nutritional markers evaluated were: body
      mass index <18.5 kg/m(2) , serum albumin <3.5 g/dL, or preoperative weight loss
      of >=5% of body weight. Primary outcomes were overall (OS) and disease-specific
      survival (DSS). Secondary outcome was 'early mortality' defined as death at <=6
      months of surgery. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product
      limit method and multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to test
      associations between nutritional markers and survival outcomes. RESULTS: In all,
      119 patients (median follow-up 17 months) were categorised as having any abnormal
      nutrition parameter (48%). Hypoalbuminaemia was the only independent predictor of
      OS and DSS (OS: median 8 vs 23 months, P < 0.001; DSS: 11 vs 33 months, P <
      0.001). On multivariate analysis, hypoalbuminaemia remained a significant
      predictor of death for both overall [hazard ratio (HR) 2, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 1.4-2.8; P < 0.001) and disease-specific mortality (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.3;
      P < 0.001). Hypoalbuminaemia was also associated with early mortality (overall: P
      < 0.001 and disease specific: P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Patients with mRCC and
      hypoalbuminaemia undergoing CN have decreased OS and CSS, and increased risk of
      all-cause and disease-specific early mortality. As such, serum albumin may help
      risk stratify patients selected as candidates for CN. Furthermore, future work
      should evaluate whether nutritional depletion is a modifiable risk factor.

PMID- 25123845
TI  - Penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose suppresses EGF-induced eIF3i expression through
      inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in prostate cancer cells.
AB  - Approximately 70% of prostate cancer patients will develop bone metastasis in
      axial and other regions of the skeleton. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) generated
      from bone tissue contributes to prostate cancer metastasis. In a previous study,
      penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG) suppressed androgen-independent prostate
      cancer bone metastasis by transcriptionally repressing EGF-induced MMP-9
      expression. This study utilized proteomics to analyze the effects of PGG in EGF
      induced prostate cancer bone metastasis. This study showed that PGG suppressed
      EGF-induced eIF3i expression in PC-3 cells. By transfection of eIF3i shRNA, it
      was observed that reduced eIF3i expression suppressed the invasion of PC-3 cells
      in vitro. PGG reduced EGF-induced eIF3i expression through inhibition of the
      PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Therefore, PGG may be able to be used as a potential new
      therapeutic drug for prostate cancer bone metastasis.

PMID- 25123847
TI  - Volatility of serum creatinine relative to tacrolimus levels predicts kidney
      transplant rejection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that greater volatility of creatinine (SCr) relative
      to tacrolimus levels [Tac] (VCT) is associated with an increased risk of
      rejection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed of all
      single-kidney-only transplants in our Renal Transplant Program from March 2004 to
      March 2010 (n=117) whose immunosuppressive regimen included tacrolimus (n=81). We
      collected all available SCr and [Tac] over the first 2 years post-transplant and
      calculated the VCT for each patient. SCr and [Tac] values were excluded from the
      first month and from the rise that occurred immediately preceding a rejection
      episode. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that VCT was associated with
      increased odds of biopsy-proven rejection. A logistic regression model including
      donor type and HLA matches revealed that VCT (OR=1.16 [1.07, 1.26], p=0.0004) was
      strongly associated with rejection. ROC curve analysis yielded an AUC=0.823
      (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Increased volatility of SCr relative to [Tac] is
      associated with an increased risk of rejection. Whereas increased variation in
      [Tac] levels has been shown to indicate reduced adherence, increased VCT may
      signal 'immunologic unrest' in the graft. Further studies are warranted to
      determine if intervention at the time when volatility increases can lower the
      risk of an acute rejection episode.

PMID- 25123849
TI  - Polypyrrole-derived nitrogen and oxygen co-doped mesoporous carbons as efficient
      metal-free electrocatalyst for hydrazine oxidation.
AB  - We demonstrate that polypyrrole-derived nitrogen and oxygen co-doped mesoporous
      carbons can serve as efficient, metal-free electrocatalysts for hydrazine
      oxidation reaction, with low overpotential and high current density. The
      materials' structures and the nature and type of their included dopants, which
      can be controlled by varying the synthetic conditions, can affect the
      electrocatalytic properties of the materials. 

PMID- 25123848
TI  - [60]Fullerene derivative modulates adenosine and metabotropic glutamate receptors
      gene expression: a possible protective effect against hypoxia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter, is involved in
      learning and memory processes but at higher concentration results excitotoxic
      causing degeneration and neuronal death. Adenosine is a nucleoside that exhibit
      neuroprotective effects by modulating of glutamate release. Hypoxic and related
      oxidative conditions, in which adenosine and metabotropic glutamate receptors are
      involved, have been demonstrated to contribute to neurodegenerative processes
      occurring in certain human pathologies. RESULTS: Human neuroblastoma cells (SH
      SY5Y) were used to evaluate the long time (24, 48 and 72 hours) effects of a
      [60]fullerene hydrosoluble derivative (t3ss) as potential inhibitor of hypoxic
      insult. Low oxygen concentration (5% O2) caused cell death, which was avoided by
      t3ss exposure in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, gene expression
      analysis by real time PCR of adenosine A1, A2A and A2B and metabotropic glutamate
      1 and 5 receptors revealed that t3ss significantly increased A1 and mGlu1
      expression in hypoxic conditions. Moreover, t3ss prevented the hypoxia-induced
      increase in A2A mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: As t3ss causes overexpression of
      adenosine A1 and metabotropic glutamate receptors which have been shown to be
      neuroprotective, our results point to a radical scavenger protective effect of
      t3ss through the enhancement of these neuroprotective receptors expression.
      Therefore, the utility of these nanoparticles as therapeutic target to avoid
      degeneration and cell death of neurodegenerative diseases is suggested.

PMID- 25123850
TI  - Up-regulated expression of Dicer reveals poor prognosis in laryngeal squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: Increased expression of Dicer may be a prognostic biomarker for
      patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). OBJECTIVES: Recent
      studies have shown that many microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the
      development and progression of human cancers. Dicer, one of the most important
      enzymes of the miRNA machinery, performs the final step of biogenesis of miRNAs.
      This study aimed to investigate the impact of Dicer expression on patient
      survival in human LSCC. METHODS: We detected the expression of Dicer in larynx
      tissue specimens from 76 LSCC samples and 26 polyps by immunohistochemistry. The
      clinicopathological and prognostic significance of Dicer expression was
      investigated in LSCC. RESULTS: Our data showed that the expression of Dicer was
      significantly higher in the LSCC than in the polyp tissue specimens. Moreover,
      the expression level of Dicer was significantly associated with the pTNM stage
      and tumor lymph node metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses revealed a strong
      association between tumor Dicer expression and the survival of the patients with
      LSCC.

PMID- 25123851
TI  - Comparability of single measurements of serum testosterone to the 24-hour C(avg)
      in patients using testosterone 2% solution.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy is determined by the
      proportion of men with 24-hour average serum testosterone concentration (Cavg )
      in the normal range. In clinical practice, monitoring and dose adjustments are
      based on single testosterone measurements; however, how single measurements
      reflect Cavg is unclear. AIM: This post-hoc analysis evaluated whether single
      serum testosterone measurements and Cavg from the same day are both in the normal
      range in men receiving testosterone replacement therapy. METHODS: In an open
      label, multicenter, titration trial, androgen-deficient men (N = 155) were
      started on 60-mg daily morning dose of testosterone 2% solution (Axiron(r), Eli
      Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA) applied to axillae (30 mg/axilla).
      Serum testosterone Cavg was determined on Days 15, 60, and 120. If necessary,
      dose was adjusted to maintain Cavg in the normal range (300-1,050 ng/dL). This
      analysis included subjects (n = 105) whose Cavg was within the normal range on
      Days 15, 60, and 120. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of men with normal serum
      testosterone levels at 2, 4, or 8 hours post-dose on Days 15, 60, and 120.
      RESULTS: Greater than 93% of subjects had testosterone serum levels within the
      normal range 2, 4, or 8 hours post-dose on at least 1 day. In subjects with blood
      samples available from Days 15 and 60 or Days 15 and 120, 71.1% to 79.8% had
      normal levels at 2, 4, or 8 hours post-dose on both days, and in subjects with
      blood samples available from Days 15, 60, and 120, 63.9% to 68.8% had normal
      levels at 2, 4, or 8 hours post-application on all 3 days. CONCLUSION: Less than
      70% of single testosterone measurements made on 3 separate days were concordant
      with same-day Cavg for all 3 days. These findings, which are specific for
      testosterone 2% solution, indicate that single measurements do not always reflect
      the 24-hour Cavg , and may possibly lead to inappropriate dose adjustments.

PMID- 25123852
TI  - The pros and cons of funnel plots as an aid to risk communication and patient
      decision making.
AB  - Funnel plots, which simultaneously display a sample statistic and the
      corresponding sample size for multiple cases, have a range of applications. In
      medicine, they are used to display treatment outcome rates and caseload volume by
      institution, which can inform strategic decisions about health care delivery. We
      investigated lay people's understanding of such plots and explored their
      suitability as an aid to individual treatment decisions. In two studies, 172
      participants answered objective questions about funnel plots representing the
      surgical outcomes (survival or mortality rates) of institutions varying in
      caseload, and indicated their preferred institutions. Accuracy for extracting
      objective information was high, unless question phrasing was inconsistent with
      the plot's survival/mortality framing, or participants had low numeracy levels.
      Participants integrated caseload-volume and outcome-rate data when forming
      preferences, but were influenced by reference lines on the plot to make
      inappropriate discriminations between institutions with similar outcome rates.
      With careful choice of accompanying language, funnel plots can be readily
      understood and are therefore a useful tool for communicating risk. However, they
      are less effective as a decision aid for individual patient's treatment
      decisions, and we recommend refinements to the standard presentation of the plots
      if they are to be used for that purpose.

PMID- 25123853
TI  - 'The thieving magpie'? No evidence for attraction to shiny objects.
AB  - It is widely accepted in European culture that magpies (Pica pica) are
      unconditionally attracted to shiny objects and routinely steal small trinkets
      such as jewellery, almost as a compulsion. Despite the long history of this
      folklore, published accounts of magpies collecting shiny objects are rare and
      empirical evidence for the behaviour is lacking. The latter is surprising
      considering that an attraction to bright objects is well documented in some bird
      species. The present study aims to clarify whether magpies show greater
      attraction to shiny objects than non-shiny objects when presented at the same
      time. We did not find evidence of an unconditional attraction to shiny objects in
      either captive or free-living birds. Instead, all objects elicited responses
      indicating neophobia in free-living birds. We suggest that humans notice when
      magpies occasionally pick up shiny objects because they believe the birds find
      them attractive, while it goes unnoticed when magpies interact with less eye
      catching items. The folklore may therefore result from observation bias and
      cultural inflation of orally transmitted episodic events. 

PMID- 25123854
TI  - [Neglected infectious diseases in the tropics].

PMID- 25123846
TI  - A systematic review of causes of sudden and severe headache (Thunderclap
      Headache): should lists be evidence based?
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are many potential causes of sudden and severe headache
      (thunderclap headache), the most important of which is aneurysmal subarachnoid
      haemorrhage. Published academic reviews report a wide range of causes. We sought
      to create a definitive list of causes, other than aneurysmal subarachnoid
      haemorrhage, using a systematic review. METHODS: Systematic Review of EMBASE and
      MEDLINE databases using pre-defined search criteria up to September 2009. We
      extracted data from any original research paper or case report describing a case
      of someone presenting with a sudden and severe headache, and summarized the
      published causes. RESULTS: Our search identified over 21,000 titles, of which
      1224 articles were scrutinized in full. 213 articles described 2345 people with
      sudden and severe headache, and we identified 6 English language academic review
      articles. A total of 119 causes were identified, of which 46 (38%) were not
      mentioned in published academic review articles. Using capture-recapture
      analysis, we estimate that our search was 98% complete. There is only one
      population-based estimate of the incidence of sudden and severe headache at 43
      cases per 100,000. In cohort studies, the most common causes identified were
      primary headaches or headaches of uncertain cause. Vasoconstriction syndromes are
      commonly mentioned in case reports or case series. The most common cause not
      mentioned in academic reviews was pneumocephalus. 70 non-English language
      articles were identified but these did not contain additional causes.
      CONCLUSIONS: There are over 100 different published causes of sudden and severe
      headache, other than aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. We have now made a
      definitive list of causes for future reference which we intend to maintain. There
      is a need for an up to date population based description of cause of sudden and
      severe headache as the modern epidemiology of thunderclap headache may require
      updating in the light of research on cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes.

PMID- 25123855
TI  - [Leptospirosis seroprevalence and associated features in rice farmers of tropical
      region of Peru].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in rice farmers of
      the Alto Mayo Valley in the Peruvian region of San Martin and to identify factors
      associated with infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was
      conducted between October and November of 2010 on a sample of 254 farmers from
      eleven irrigation committees in the Alto Mayo Valley. A blood sample was
      collected as well as sociodemographic, household and labor characteristics in the
      form of a questionnaire. The presence of antibodies against leptospira was
      determined using the microscopic agglutination test and the IgM ELISA. RESULTS:
      The seroprevalence by agglutination was 64.6% (95% CI: 58.6-70.6). The IgM ELISA
      test was reactive in 15,0% (95% CI: 10.5-19.5). The most frequent serovar were
      Icterohaemorrhagiae, Autumnalis, Australis, Panama and Grippotyphosa.
      Independently associated factors were handling rodents (adjusted OR (aOR): 7.9;
      95% CI: 1.6-37.9), working barefoot (aOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.2-6.8) and male sex
      (aOR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.3-15.3). CONCLUSIONS: The Alto Mayo Valley is a hyperendemic
      for leptospirosis. The most important factors were associated with working
      barefoot and handling rodents in crop fields. Consequently, it is recommended to
      implement interventions that affect these two factors in order to reduce the risk
      of infection in rice farmers.

PMID- 25123856
TI  - [Prevalence of hepatitis B infection in children under 5 years old on indigenous
      communities of the Peruvian Amazonia after immunization interventions].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HVB) infection and
      seroprotection in indigenous children living in three draining basins of the
      Peruvian Amazon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in
      three draining basins (Pastaza, Morona and Lower Urubamba rivers), home to six
      indigenous populations: shapra, candoshi, machiguenga, yine, ashaninka and nanti.
      Children under 5 years were included. A survey and review of the vaccination card
      was applied, and a serum sample was processed with ELISA for HBsAg, total anti
      HBc and anti-HBs was obtained, defining "seroprotected children" if they were
      reactive to anti-HBs and non-reactive to anti-HBc. RESULTS: A total of 742
      children under 5 years old residents in six indigenous communities were included
      in the study. 380 (51.2%) were male and 169 (22.9%) one year old or younger.
      Regarding recorded HVB vaccination on the card, only 434 (58.5%) had received
      three doses; 208 (38.8%) received the first dose within 24 hours. No cases were
      detected with HBsAg. 88.8% of children had seroconverted, varying between 67-100%
      across the populations. CONCLUSIONS: No cases of chronic HBV infection were
      detected. The vaccination coverage by card revision is low, contrasting with high
      seroconversion rates.

PMID- 25123857
TI  - [Gestational syphilis and associated factors in public hospitals of Peru during
      2000-2010].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the epidemiological profile of gestational syphilis and
      associated factors in a Peruvian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is
      a secondary analysis of data obtained from public hospitals in Peru for the 2000
      2010 period. 652,636 pregnant women were included from 37 cities and 45 health
      centers in Peru. RESULTS: The prevalence of gestational syphilis was 0.7%, while
      80.7% reported screening for gestational syphilis. The highest prevalence of
      maternal syphilis is found in the lowland rainforest followed by the highland
      rainforest. In the three regions of Peru decreased prevalence of gestational
      syphilis has been seen throughout the years. The prevalence for 2010 are 0.2% on
      the coast, in the highlands 0.23% and 0.47% in the jungle. The lack of education
      and prenatal care, high parity, cohabiting or single, and living in the jungle,
      are associated with having a positive syphilis test. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      suggests that prevalence of gestational syphilis has declined over the decade
      2000-2010.

PMID- 25123858
TI  - [Comparing two protocols of DNA extraction of Trypanosoma cruzi cultured in
      axenic medium].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare two extraction protocols of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA for use
      in DNA amplification of kinetoplast minicircles (kDNA) through the technique of
      Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epimastigotes of T. cruzi
      were cultured in axenic conditions and masses from 1.5 to 100 x 106 parasites
      were obtained. DNA extraction was performed using two protocols: extraction with
      organic solvents (phenol/chloroform), and with resin (Chelex100), from different
      parasitic sediments. Concentration and purity of DNA was determined by
      spectrophotometry, and integrity was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis.
      Analysis of variance and comparisons of means were performed through Tukey's
      test, using the Statistix 8.0 software. RESULTS: Ten DNA extractions were done of
      each one of the different amounts of parasitic sediments. In the DNA extraction
      with Chelex100 resin, a higher performance was obtained but a lower purity and
      integrity compared to the extraction with organic solvents. However, it allowed a
      product amplification of 330 bp of T. cruzi kDNA. CONCLUSIONS: Although the
      technique of Chelex100 provided less purity and integrity of DNA, it allowed a
      successful amplification of kDNA by PCR, avoiding the use of laborious techniques
      and toxic organic solvents.

PMID- 25123859
TI  - [Neonatal mortality, analysis of surveillance registers, and neonatal medical
      histories of 2011 in Huanuco and Ucayali, Peru].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the rate of neonatal mortality and to describe neonatal
      deaths in 2011 in hospitals of the Ministry of Health at Huanuco and Ucayali
      (Peru). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study from September to November
      2012 in Huanuco and Ucayali. Records of neonatal deaths in 2011 were reviewed
      from provincial municipalities, regional health directorates and four referral
      hospitals. To calculate mortality rates, we used the most reliable information
      sources by region. Reviewing 185 medical records in hospitals allowed us to
      describe the root causes of neonatal deaths. RESULTS: In 2011, 10,886 live births
      and 158 neonatal deaths were reported in Huanuco, with a rate of 14.5 deaths per
      1000 live births. In Ucayali, 11,441 live births and 138 neonatal deaths were
      reported, with a rate of 12.1 deaths per 1000 live births. Most hospital neonatal
      deaths occurred in the first 7 days of life (87%), in preterm infants (73.9%) and
      with low birth weight (67%). The most common underlying causes of neonatal deaths
      were infection (31.4%), congenital malformation (22.2%) and prematurity (18.9%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal mortality rate in the studied regions was higher than the
      national average. The results suggest the need for effective and comprehensive
      interventions during pregnancy, childbirth and the early postnatal period; this
      last period is the most vulnerable in the neonate.

PMID- 25123860
TI  - [Prevalence and demographic factors associated with ferritin deficiency in
      Colombian children, 2010].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with
      ferritin deficiency in a representative sample of children in Colombia. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Cross sectional secondary data analysis of the National Survey on
      the Nutritional Situation (ENSIN) conducted in 2010 in Colombia in 3542 children
      between 12 and 59 months. Plasma ferritin levels were determined by
      chemiluminescence and values <12 ug/L were considered as deficit ferritin.
      Sociodemographic factors (sex, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and
      geographical region) were collected using a structured questionnaire. All
      analyses were performed taking into account the complex nature of the sample.
      RESULTS: It was found that the average value of ferritin was 32.1 g/L, (CI 95%:
      30.7-35.6).10.6% (CI 95%: 9.3-12.0) of the children had ferritin levels less than
      12.0 ug/L. The multivariate logistic regression shows that children aged 12 to 23
      (OR 5.1, CI 95%: 3.3-8.0) and 24 to 35 months (OR 2.4, CI 95%: 1.5-3.7),
      belonging to the indigenous ethnic group (OR 1.8, CI 95%: 1.1-2.8), living in the
      Atlantic region (OR 2.0, CI 95%: 1.1 -3.6), or Pacific area (OR 2.0, CI 95%: 1.1
      3.6) were associated with a higher probability of ferritin deficiencies.
      CONCLUSIONS: A significant prevalence of anemia caused by ferritin deficiency was
      found as well as various sociodemographic factors that contributed to the
      likelihood of increasing this problem. Comprehensive interventions are
      recommended in which nutritional and educational components are involved.

PMID- 25123861
TI  - [Evaluating maternal child care practices in extreme poverty areas in Peru,
      2012].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate maternal and child care practices in areas with extreme
      poverty in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted between
      August and September 2012; with probabilistic, three-stage stratification by
      "department" (geographic region) sampling. 540 households were selected that had
      at least one child younger than 36 months (475 households) and/or a pregnant
      women (80 households), in rural areas of Cajamarca, Amazonas, Huanuco, Ayacucho,
      Huancavelica, Apurimac, Cusco, Puno and Ucayali. RESULTS: Regarding the last
      pregnancy, 69.0% of the mothers reported having had their first prenatal care in
      the first trimester; 65.3% reported having completed more than six check-ups
      throughout the pregnancy; 81.1% reported having given birth in a health facility,
      and only 31.0% chose a method of family planning within 42 days postpartum. With
      regard to the last child under 3 years old, 64.1% had early mother-infant
      contact, and 62.8% initiated breastfeeding within one hour of birth. In addition,
      89.6% of children under 6 months old exclusively received breastfeeding and 89.1%
      of children aged 6-8 months old already had received complementary feeding.
      Fever, diarrhea, vomiting and breathing difficulty were the most mentioned
      warning signs for seeking care for children. CONCLUSIONS: Through this study, a
      baseline has been established on which a strategy can be designed and implemented
      to improve best practices for maternal and child care as part of the "Programa de
      Apoyo" within the Health Sector Reform.

PMID- 25123862
TI  - [Study of correlation between diagnostic hypertriglyceridemic waist and metabolic
      syndrome in adults in Trujillo, Peru].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the correlation between hypertriglyceridemic waist
      (HTGW) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in adults of Trujillo according to diagnostic
      criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, prospective and cross-sectional
      study with a sample of 500 adults in Trujillo, selected by probability sampling
      and stratified by sex and age. Information on anthropometric measurements, blood
      pressure and biochemical tests was collected; Criteria proposed by the ATP III
      and Joint Interim Statement (JIS) for MS, as well as Gomez and JIS for HTGW were
      applied. EPIDAT software was used to calculate Z test, Student t test and the
      Kappa (k) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. RESULTS: Information regarding
      239 men and 261 women were collected. The frequency of HTGW according to Gomez
      criteria was 30% in the total sample, 29.7% in men and 30.3% women. According to
      JIS criteria the frequency was 34% in the total sample, 38.1% in men and 30.3%
      women. Metabolic Syndrome with JIS criteria had good agreement with HTGW
      according to Gomez criteria with k = 0.63 and according to JIS criteria with k =
      0.66. CONCLUSIONS: Good agreement was evidenced between the HTGW according to
      Gomez and JIS criteria and MS according to JIS.

PMID- 25123863
TI  - [Effect of extracts of Geranium ayavacense W. (Pasuchaca) on glycemia on rats
      with experimental diabetes mellitus].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine if the lyophilized aqueous extract of Geranium
      ayavacense (Pasuchaca) has any effect on glycemia in rats with experimental
      diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental diabetes was induced with
      alloxan. Rats included in the study met the following criteria: glycemia greater
      than 200 mg/dL post administration of alloxan, and with a weight greater than 200
      g. Rats with experimental diabetes were divided into six groups of eight rats
      each. Group I received 3 mL of distilled water (control); group II received
      Geranium ayavacense 12.7 mg/kg; group III received Geranium ayavacense 100 mg/kg;
      group IV received Geranium ayavacense 200 mg/kg; group V received Geranium
      ayavacense 300 mg/kg; group VI received Geranium ayavacense 500 mg/kg. Basal
      glycemia was determined. Glycemia evaluations were performed at the 1st, 3rd,
      6th, 12th and 24th hour after administrating the different interventions.
      RESULTS: Geranium ayavacense groups of 300 and 500 mg/kg decreased glycemia
      significantly (p <0.01) in every hour assessed after administration of the
      extract, when compared with the control group. Geranium ayavacense group of 300
      mg/kg decreased their blood glucose 8.14; 10.68; 14.87; 19.36 and 23.7% in the
      1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th hour respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Under experimental
      conditions, the aqueous extract of Geranium ayavacense has hypoglycemic effects
      in rats.

PMID- 25123864
TI  - [Epidemiological profile of traffic-related disability in Peru, 2012].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological profile of people living with
      disabilities due to traffic accidents (TA) in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Secondary analysis of the National Survey Specialized on Disability (ENEDIS) of
      2012 and an ecological analysis of TA records of the Ministry of Transportation
      and Communications was done. RESULTS: Disability by traffic accidents (DAT) was
      reported by 49,036 persons; 81.3% of whom live in urban areas. The most frequent
      disability was limited locomotion and skill (77.4%), followed by visual
      impairment (22.9%). Dependence for activities was reported in 44.7% of persons
      with disabilities. The regions with the highest prevalence of TA have a higher
      prevalence of disability by traffic accidents (Spearman coefficient: 0.426,
      p=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Most of disability due to TA is found in urban areas,
      correspond to males and consist of persons in economically productive age. The
      most common form of disability is in locomotion. Most of individuals do not
      receive any form of rehabilitation, which accentuates health inequity related to
      traffic accidents.

PMID- 25123865
TI  - [Bartonella henselae in children with regional adenitis treated in a Peruvian
      national hospital, 2012].
AB  - In order to determine the frequency of seropositive cases of Bartonella henselae
      in children with regional adenitis treated in a national hospital in Peru, a
      cross-sectional study was conducted in 106 children with regional adenitis
      greater than 1 cm in diameter. The sample was selected from patients aged 5-11
      years seen at the National Institute of Child Health for acute onset of regional
      adentitis, with more than five days of symptoms. B. henselae seropositivity was
      defined by indirect immunofluorescence test. We found that 86 children (81.1%)
      were positive for B.henselae. The median age of the patients was 7 years. In the
      bivariate analysis, the following associated factors were found: aged 5 years,
      history of fever, lymphadenopathy greater than 4 cm and reported contact with
      cat. In conclusion, children with regional adenitis treated in this national
      referral hospital showed a high frequency of positive serology for B. henselae. 

PMID- 25123866
TI  - [Specificity of the intradermal Montenegro test in patients infected by
      Trypanosoma cruzi from different regions of Peru].
AB  - In order to assess the specificity of the leishmanin skin test in Chagas disease
      patients without clinical history of leishmaniasis, present or former. A sample
      of 102 persons infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (14 acute cases with
      parasitological diagnosis and 88 chronic cases) through the demonstration of IgG
      antibodies by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) were evaluated with
      leishmanin soluble antigen which contained Leishmania (Viannia) peruviana
      concentration of 25-30 ug/mL. Only five people showed cutaneous hypersensitivity
      reaction to the application of the antigen between hours 48 and 72. The
      Leishmanin skin test evaluated was negative in 97 people infected with T. cruzi,
      thus specificity of 95.1% was achieved. In conclusion, the intradermal Montenegro
      test is a simple and effective diagnostic tool that also could be used to
      discriminate infections by Leishmania or T. cruzi, in Peruvian geographic areas
      where both parasites are present. 

PMID- 25123867
TI  - [Mutant alleles associated to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethanime
      resistance in Plasmodium falciparum of the Ecuador-Peru and Ecuador-Colombia
      borders].
AB  - The frequency of mutations in pfCRT and DHFR/DHPS genes of Plasmodium falciparum
      associated with resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was
      evaluated in 83 strains from the districts of Esmeralda and Machala, located on
      the borders of Ecuador-Peru and Ecuador-Colombia in 2002. Polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR), conventional and its variants, was used. Mutations in the pfCRT
      gene were found in more than 90% of the samples from Esmeralda and Machala. For
      the DHFR gene, 90% of the strains were mutant samples from Esmeralda, 3 were
      double mutations and 1 was a triple mutation. In Machala, 25% were simple mutant
      forms and 75% mixed mutant forms (wild forms/mutant). In conclusion, resistance
      to chloroquine has been fixed in strains carrying K76T pfCRT mutation, whereas
      genetic imprinting for resistance to pyrimethamine is evolving, particularly in
      the district of Esmeralda. 

PMID- 25123868
TI  - [Purification of antigenic fraction 27-28 kDa from the metabolic antigen from
      metabolic secreted-excreted from Fasciola hepatica].
AB  - Antigenic fractions of 27-28 kDa from Fasciola hepatica were purified by size
      exclusion chromatography for use in the diagnosis of human fasciolosis. Excretion
      and secretion antigens were obtained from living adult flukes collected from
      sheep and cattle liver, and cultured in minimum essential medium. The reactivity
      of the purified antigen and efficacy were assessed by immunoblot test using four
      sera with human fascioliasis; four sera with other parasites, and two negative
      sera. We conclude that the purified antigenic fractions do not cross-react with
      other parasites by immunoblot. Therefore, purified proteins are considered as
      potential candidates to be used for the diagnosis of human fascioliasis. 

PMID- 25123869
TI  - [Publication of research projects for certification as medical specialists at a
      Peruvian university, 2007-2010].
AB  - In order to determine the frequency of publication in a scientific journal of the
      research projects done for medical specialty certification, a search was
      conducted in Google Scholar, Pubmed, biomedical databases and Peruvian medical
      society journals. These publications were research projects carried out by
      medical residents graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Universidad
      Peruana Cayetano Heredia, to obtain the certification of medical specialist. Of
      351 medical residents graduated between the years 2007-2010, 199 (65.5%)
      completed their research project and 47 (23.6%) published it in a scientific
      journal. The "medicine" (non-surgical) specialty area had the highest frequency
      of publications. All publications were in Spanish journals, the majority in
      indexed journals in regional databases. We conclude that 23.6% of the research
      projects for certification as medical specialists are published, most often in
      low visibility journals. 

PMID- 25123870
TI  - [Assessment of dot blot tests and latex agglutination for cysticercosis
      diagnostic in Peru].
AB  - In order to evaluate dot blot tests and latex agglutination for the detection of
      human cysticercosis with liquid antigen of Taenia solium cysticerci, 125 human
      sera were used, of which 60 were from people with cysticercosis confirmed by
      Western Blot, 45 with other parasitic diseases and 20 apparently healthy. The
      optimal concentration of antigen to impregnate dot blot strips was 0.01 ug/uL,
      and to impregnate the latex particles was 0.092 ug/uL. For the dot blot test, a
      sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 87.7% was found. For latex agglutination,
      a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 89.2% was found. Both tests may be
      useful and feasible to implement alternatives of serological diagnosis in
      laboratories in endemic areas of Peru. 

PMID- 25123871
TI  - [Hematophagous bats as reservoirs of rabies].
AB  - Rabies continues to be a challenge for public health authorities and a constraint
      to the livestock industry in Latin America. Wild and domestic canines and vampire
      bats are the main transmitter species and reservoirs of the disease. Currently,
      variations observed in the epidemiological profile of rabies, where the species
      of hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus constitutes the main transmitting species.
      Over the years, knowledge has accumulated about the ecology, biology and behavior
      of this species and the natural history of rabies, which should lead to
      continuous development of methods of population control of d. Rotundus as well as
      prevention and diagnostic tools for rabies. Ecological relationships of this
      species with other hematophagous and non-hematophagous bats is unknown, and there
      is much room for improvement in reporting systems and surveillance, as well as
      creating greater awareness among the farming community. Understanding the impact
      of human-induced environmental changes on the rabies virus in bats should be
      cause for further investigation. This will require a combination of field studies
      with mathematical models and new diagnostic tools. This review aims to present
      the most relevant issues on the role of hematophagous bats as reservoirs and
      transmitters of the rabies virus. 

PMID- 25123872
TI  - [Historical review of the distribution of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) darlingi
      (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Peruvian Amazon].
AB  - Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) darlingi has been reported since 1931 in border areas
      of the department of Loreto, mainly along the borders with Brazil and Colombia.
      In 1994, during an outbreak of malaria, An. darlingi was found in neighboring
      towns to Iquitos. At present, its distribution has expanded considerably in
      Loreto. This paper reviews literature available for all possible information on
      the distribution of mosquitoes, particularly anopheline in the Amazon region of
      the country, with special emphasis on An darlingi. Entomological collections were
      also conducted in the departments of Madre de Dios and Ucayali in order to know
      and verify the distribution of An. darlingi. At present, the distribution of the
      species is confined to localities in southeastern Peru with Bolivia border towns,
      in a town near the Abujao River in the department of Ucayali, and widely in the
      northeastern region of the Amazon basin of Loreto in Peru. 

PMID- 25123873
TI  - [The road to elimination: an overview of neglected infectious diseases in Latin
      America and the Caribbean].
AB  - Neglected infectious diseases (NID) affect mainly isolated populations living in
      isolation and in poor socioeconomic conditions. These diseases, by their chronic
      and silent nature, often affect communities with a weak political voice. This
      translates into very little attention or political priority; which is reflected
      in minimal and insufficient preventive measures, monitoring and control. However,
      there is evidence this situation is changing favorably in some countries of the
      Americas. In recent years, several resolutions (official agreement of the member
      countries of the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization
      PAHO / WHO), regional and global agreements on public health; with a greater
      commitment from the pharmaceutical industry, and other donors and international
      partners in combination with the development and use of integrated action plans
      have allowed countries to intensify public interventions to control these
      diseases and thus achieve target elimination of NID. Onchocerciasis, lymphatic
      filariasis, Chagas disease, leprosy and trachoma blindness, among others, have
      been eliminated in several countries and endemic areas, regardless of the level
      of development of the country or geographical area where they are located. The
      political decision reflected in adequate financial resources in the next decade
      will be crucial to achieving the goals of elimination of NID (regional and
      national). 

PMID- 25123874
TI  - [Neglected infectious diseases: an ongoing challenge for public health and equity
      in Peru].
AB  - Neglected Infectious Diseases (NID) affect more than one billion people
      worldwide, and are associated with poverty, geographic isolation of populations,
      social stigma, lack of precise data on estimates on both the global and local
      burden of disease (underreporting of the diseases), inadequate financial and
      political resources to effective control measures, lack of lobbying on behalf of
      the most vulnerable population, as well as scarce drug and diagnostic methods
      development. In this article we describe the relationship between NID, poverty
      and inequality, we propose a new concept of disease in the tropics, expanding the
      list of diseases that share characteristics with NID in the Peruvian context,
      discuss the limited availability of drugs and diagnostic tests to properly deal
      with these diseases, as well as highlight the contributions by the Peruvian
      National Institute of Health, and as final thoughts, we state that the solution
      for the prevention and control of NID must include an integrated approach,
      including the social determinants of health in the context of the fight against
      poverty and inequality. 

PMID- 25123875
TI  - [Critical appraisal about control programs and elimination of leprosy in Peru,
      and its consequences for Peru and America].
AB  - A critical analysis of health control measures that historically took place in
      Peru to the present which has led Peru to officially consider leprosy as an
      "eliminated" public health problem. We will also discuss the validity of the
      status given the neglect of health surveillance, disbanded specialized control
      entities, health medical staff forgetting to account for leprosy in early stages,
      the presence of undiagnosed smear-positive leprosy in Lima and the undeniable
      hidden prevalence, suggest that there is a danger to the country and the region
      that a re-emergence of leprosy will occur, if relevant and appropriate sanitary
      measures are not taken.

PMID- 25123876
TI  - [Urbanization of Chagas disease in Peru: experiences in prevention and control].
AB  - In Peru, Chagas disease has an epidemiological significance in three macro
      regions, one of them is the southern macro-region formed by the departments of
      Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna. In 1965 a successful control was performed by house
      spraying insecticides, however, the persistence of the vector made it necessary
      for a second control plan that was implemented in 2000 and followed the
      guidelines of CONAL Plan, based on the elimination of Triatoma infestans and
      screening in blood banks.This plan was successful in Tacna and Moquegua,
      therefore these departments were considered free of vectorial transmission by the
      Pan American Health Organization. A ssimilar situation has not been achieved in
      the department of Arequipa because of the presence, among other factors, of rural
      migration to the city, in this way the urbanization of Chagas disease is a new
      epidemiological scenario of which we need to know more. 

PMID- 25123877
TI  - [Experiences in the prevention and control of Carrion's disease in Peru].
AB  - Carrion's disease, the iconic disease in Peruvian medicine has been found in the
      mountains of Ecuador, Colombia and the Andean valleys of Peru. In the 1990s, the
      phenomenon of El Nino was associated with significantly increased risk of disease
      in Ancash, Cajamarca and Cusco. In Cusco in 1998 there was an acute phase
      epidemic in various Andean provinces and the jungle area. Between 2001 and 2005
      the disease has spread or reactivated in different regions such as Ancash,
      Cajamarca, Amazonas, Piura, Cusco, La Libertad, Puno, and Ayacucho. In 2004 a
      major outbreak of the disease in all of Peru was presented, reporting more than
      11 164 cases, and therefore diverse strategies based vector susceptibility
      studies was applied, lowering significantly the number of cases.

PMID- 25123878
TI  - [Sporotrichosis and paracoccidioidomycosis in Peru: experiences in prevention and
      control].
AB  - The epidemiological picture of sporotrichosis and paracoccidioidomycosis in Peru
      and Latin America is sporadic, fragmented, and geographically limited, mainly due
      to lack of mandatory reporting and limited diagnostic coverage. However, research
      contributions related to understanding the interaction of these fungi, the
      response of the host and the environment, the use of spatial analysis that
      relates the distribution of these mycoses, population density and climate,
      contributes to the design of prevention and control strategies of these mycosis
      and suggest epidemiological risk maps management, based on the habitat of the
      fungus. This information will be used by doctors, tourists and people living in
      rural areas where mycoses are endemic. The aim of the paper is to present a
      review of the topic through research findings that contribute to the prevention
      and control of these mycosis. 

PMID- 25123880
TI  - [Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Peru: report of eleven cases].
AB  - Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a fatal neurological disease caused by
      pathological isoform of the human prion protein. Clinical features of six cases
      of the sporadic form of CJD with definitive diagnosis by histopathology, and five
      cases with probable diagnosis were reported in patients treated at the Peruvian
      National Institute of Neurological Sciences. The average age of onset in definite
      cases was 55.8 years and in probable cases was 59.6, mostly males. The average
      disease duration was 8.8 months. A typical EEG was found in 50% of definite cases
      and in 80% of probable. The 14-3-3 protein in cerebrospinal fluid was positive in
      a probable case, and typical MRI findings were observed in two probable cases.
      All cases studied had a typical clinical course of the disease, and it is
      considered as the first report of CJD in Peru. 

PMID- 25123881
TI  - [Disseminated cysticercosis: report of a case in Peru].
AB  - Cysticercosis is a neglected and endemic disease in Peru that commonly affects
      the central nervous system (CNS), causing neurocysticercosis (NCC). However, only
      a few reports of disseminated cysticercosis (DCC) exist in the world. In this
      article we present a case report of a male, 82 year old patient from the
      department of Junin (Peru). He presented a sudden loss of consciousness
      associated with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. CT scan and brain MRI showed
      multiple cystic lesions with scolex presence inside and compatible with massive
      NCC. Thoracic, abdominal and pelvic MRI showed multi-organ dissemination of
      cysticerci. Although there is little therapeutic experience in cases of DCC, the
      patient received deworming treatment with albendazole and corticoids, in this way
      a favorable clinical outcome was achieved without complications during
      hospitalization. 

PMID- 25123879
TI  - [Unifying criteria for late neonatal sepsis: proposal for an algorithm of
      diagnostic surveillance].
AB  - Infections are a major cause of death in neonates. Diagnosis of neonatal sepsis
      is a major challenge because newborns have very nonspecific clinical signs and
      auxiliary tests have low sensitivity. In order to improve the correct diagnosis
      of this condition, we propose an algorithm of diagnostic surveillance for late
      neonatal sepsis in Peru and countries of the region. The algorithm classifies the
      episodes as confirmed, probable or possible sepsis, and especially seeks to
      identify those episodes that do not correspond to sepsis, preventing other
      diseases to be qualified as "sepsis". Better diagnostics will enable more
      realistic rates of neonatal sepsis, improve the use of antibiotics and avoid
      their negative effects on newborns, as well as provide a more accurate view of
      their impact on public health.

PMID- 25123882
TI  - [Acute arterial occlusion associated disseminated hydatidosis].
AB  - Hydatidosis or echinococcosis are terms used to denote the zoonotic infestation
      caused by adult and larval stages (metacestode) of the cestode from the genus
      Echinococcus (family tenidae). The term hydatidosis should be applied to the
      infestation caused by the metacestode while echinococcosis for the larval and
      adult stages. In Peru there is a high prevalence of this infection, liver and
      lung being the most affected organs. There are factors from the host and from the
      infectious agent that contribute to this infection, with the immune component of
      the host as an important infection and dissemination point. A case of acute
      arterial occlusion associated with disseminated hydatidosis in a 54 years old
      patient, born and from Huancavelica, with sudden onset of an acute arterial
      obstruction is reported. The patient did not improve after surgery and died
      within 48 hours of presentation. 

PMID- 25123883
TI  - [Carrion's disease complicated with severe acute leptospirosis: a case report].
AB  - The case of an adult, 56 year old male is reported, from Sihuas (Ancash) who
      presented at Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo with fever, jaundice and anemia. In
      three days of hospitalization, he developed severe anemia (Hb: 11.8 to 6.7 g /
      dL) and generalized myalgias associated with a sudden worsening jaundice
      correlated with elevated bilirubin (TB 3.2 to 19.6 mg / dL direct dominance) and
      general deterioration. Microbiological smear and culture were positive for
      Bartonella bacilliformis. Subsequent serology (microagglutination) was positive
      for Lesptospira serovar Pomona. The patient was given specific antibiotic therapy
      (ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin), transfused two units of packed red blood cells,
      improved clinically and was discharged. 

PMID- 25123884
TI  - [Human bartonellosis: before and after Daniel Alcides Carrion].
AB  - This is a review of bibliographic aspects associated to the knowledge about human
      bartonelosis before and after the death of Daniel Alcides Carrion. Emphasis is
      placed on stimulus in the development of medical research in Peru by the self
      inoculation and subsequent death of Carrion especially in relation to human
      bartonellosis, conducted by Peruvian researchers and others around the world. The
      review includes the basic area of knowledge about the bacteria that causes the
      illness, the host response to infection as well as the biphasic behavior of the
      disease. The revised bibliography includes contributions to the knowledge of the
      disease in the last 100 years, now known with the eponym "Carrion's disease".

PMID- 25123885
TI  - [Life cycle of Strongyloides fuelleborni: images and videos].

PMID- 25123886
TI  - [Financing for rare or orphan diseases: a thing to do].

PMID- 25123887
TI  - [Monge's disease: a forgotten eponym?].

PMID- 25123888
TI  - [Epidemiological surveillance, molecular biology and dengue 5].

PMID- 25123889
TI  - [Scientific production of members of the National Academy of Sciences].

PMID- 25123890
TI  - [Tuberculosis and diabetes comorbidity in a hospital of Colombia].

PMID- 25123891
TI  - [Environmental health in Peru].

PMID- 25123892
TI  - [Analysis of complex survey in population data].

PMID- 25123893
TI  - [Stroke in Peru: a forgotten and unattended prevalent disease].

PMID- 25123894
TI  - Direct hydrogenation of biomass-derived butyric acid to n-butanol over a
      ruthenium-tin bimetallic catalyst.
AB  - Catalytic hydrogenation of organic carboxylic acids and their esters, for
      example, cellulosic ethanol from fermentation of acetic acid and hydrogenation of
      ethyl acetate is a promising possibility for future biorefinery concepts. A
      hybrid conversion process based on selective hydrogenation of butyric acid
      combined with fermentation of glucose has been developed for producing
      biobutanol. ZnO-supported Ru-Sn bimetallic catalysts exhibits unprecedentedly
      superior performance in the vapor-phase hydrogenation of biomass-derived butyric
      acid to n-butanol (>98% yield) for 3500 h without deactivation.

PMID- 25123896
TI  - Have the New GP Contract and NICE guidelines improved the clinical care of people
      with epilepsy?
AB  - PURPOSE: This retrospective audit was to assess the effect of the New General
      Practitioner (GP) Contract and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
      (NICE) guidelines on the care and management of people with epilepsy (PWE) during
      the period of observation from April 2004 to April 2009. METHOD: The case notes
      of 540 people on anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs) aged 16 years were reviewed in 13
      general practices serving Ellesmere Port and Neston. RESULTS: Forty-nine percent
      of people with poorly controlled epilepsy were not under shared care. Diagnostic
      doubt existed in 25 (5%) people. There was no evidence that the original
      diagnosis had been actively reviewed by the GP in any case. There were 98 (18%)
      women of childbearing age, in 21 of whom there was no evidence of pre-conceptual
      counselling ever having taken place, and 61 (62%) were not receiving folic acid
      routinely. Thirty-nine (7%) people were demonstrably non-compliant, whilst 74
      (14%) people had prescription anomalies consisting mainly of inappropriate multi
      dose regimens. CONCLUSION: Despite marked improvements in review rates after the
      introduction of the New GP Contract five years previously, there are still
      significant unmet needs in this patient group. Clinical Commissioning Groups
      (CCGs) should consider funding an intermediate tier of care incorporating GPs
      with a special interest in epilepsy (GPwSIes) and Epilepsy Nurse Specialists
      (ENS) for PWE to improve and maintain existing and future primary care, as
      epilepsy is phased out of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).

PMID- 25123895
TI  - Cloning and expression of A. oryzae beta-glucosidase in Pichia pastoris.
AB  - A beta-glucosidase gene (bgl) from Aspergillus oryzae GIF-10 was cloned,
      sequenced and expressed. Its full-length DNA sequence was 2,903 bp and included
      three introns. The full-length cDNA sequence contained an open reading frame of
      2,586 nucleotides, encoding 862 amino acids with a potential secretion signal.
      The A. oryzae GIF-10 bgl was functionally expressed in Pichia pastoris. After 7
      day induction, protein yield reached 321 mg/mL. Using salicin as the substrate,
      the specific activity of the purified enzyme reached 215 U/mg. The purified
      recombinant beta-glucosidase was a 110-kDa glycoprotein with optimum catalytic
      activity at pH 5.0 and 50  degrees C. The enzyme was stable between 20 and 60 
      degrees C, and retained 65% of its activity after being held at 60  degrees C for
      30 min. The recombinant beta-glucosidase was relatively stable in a broad range
      of pHs, from 4.0 to 6.5. It showed broad specific activity, hydrolyzing a range
      of (1-4)-beta-diglycosides and (1-4)-alpha-diglycosides, and Mn(2+) stimulated
      its activity significantly.

PMID- 25123897
TI  - Can the syndrome of transient epileptic amnesia be the first feature of
      Alzheimer's disease?

PMID- 25123898
TI  - MindTheGap: integrated detection and assembly of short and long insertions.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Insertions play an important role in genome evolution. However, such
      variants are difficult to detect from short-read sequencing data, especially when
      they exceed the paired-end insert size. Many approaches have been proposed to
      call short insertion variants based on paired-end mapping. However, there remains
      a lack of practical methods to detect and assemble long variants. RESULTS: We
      propose here an original method, called MindTheGap, for the integrated detection
      and assembly of insertion variants from re-sequencing data. Importantly, it is
      designed to call insertions of any size, whether they are novel or duplicated,
      homozygous or heterozygous in the donor genome. MindTheGap uses an efficient k
      mer-based method to detect insertion sites in a reference genome, and
      subsequently assemble them from the donor reads. MindTheGap showed high recall
      and precision on simulated datasets of various genome complexities. When applied
      to real Caenorhabditis elegans and human NA12878 datasets, MindTheGap detected
      and correctly assembled insertions >1 kb, using at most 14 GB of memory.

PMID- 25123899
TI  - NetComm: a network analysis tool based on communicability.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Set-based network similarity metrics are increasingly used to
      productively analyze genome-wide data. Conventional approaches, such as mean
      shortest path and clique-based metrics, have been useful but are not well suited
      to all applications. Computational scientists in other disciplines have developed
      communicability as a complementary metric. Network communicability considers all
      paths of all lengths between two network members. Given the success of previous
      network analyses of protein-protein interactions, we applied the concepts of
      network communicability to this problem. Here we show that our communicability
      implementation has advantages over traditional approaches. Overall, analyses
      suggest network communicability has considerable utility in analysis of large
      scale biological networks. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: We provide our method
      as an R package for use in both human protein-protein interaction network
      analyses and analyses of arbitrary networks along with a tutorial at
      http://www.shawlab.org/NetComm/.

PMID- 25123900
TI  - READemption-a tool for the computational analysis of deep-sequencing-based
      transcriptome data.
AB  - RNA-Seq has become a potent and widely used method to qualitatively and
      quantitatively study transcriptomes. To draw biological conclusions based on RNA
      Seq data, several steps, some of which are computationally intensive, have to be
      taken. Our READemption pipeline takes care of these individual tasks and
      integrates them into an easy-to-use tool with a command line interface. To
      leverage the full power of modern computers, most subcommands of READemption
      offer parallel data processing. While READemption was mainly developed for the
      analysis of bacterial primary transcriptomes, we have successfully applied it to
      analyze RNA-Seq reads from other sample types, including whole transcriptomes and
      RNA immunoprecipitated with proteins, not only from bacteria but also from
      eukaryotes and archaea. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: READemption is
      implemented in Python and is published under the ISC open source license. The
      tool and documentation is hosted at http://pythonhosted.org/READemption
      (DOI:10.6084/m9.figshare.977849).

PMID- 25123901
TI  - gCUP: rapid GPU-based HIV-1 co-receptor usage prediction for next-generation
      sequencing.
AB  - SUMMARY: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has a large potential in HIV
      diagnostics, and genotypic prediction models have been developed and successfully
      tested in the recent years. However, albeit being highly accurate, these
      computational models lack computational efficiency to reach their full potential.
      In this study, we demonstrate the use of graphics processing units (GPUs) in
      combination with a computational prediction model for HIV tropism. Our new model
      named gCUP, parallelized and optimized for GPU, is highly accurate and can
      classify >175 000 sequences per second on an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460. The
      computational efficiency of our new model is the next step to enable NGS
      technologies to reach clinical significance in HIV diagnostics. Moreover, our
      approach is not limited to HIV tropism prediction, but can also be easily adapted
      to other settings, e.g. drug resistance prediction. AVAILABILITY AND
      IMPLEMENTATION: The source code can be downloaded at http://www.heiderlab.de
      CONTACT: d.heider@wz-straubing.de.

PMID- 25123902
TI  - Cross-validation under separate sampling: strong bias and how to correct it.
AB  - MOTIVATION: It is commonly assumed in pattern recognition that cross-validation
      error estimation is 'almost unbiased' as long as the number of folds is not too
      small. While this is true for random sampling, it is not true with separate
      sampling, where the populations are independently sampled, which is a common
      situation in bioinformatics. RESULTS: We demonstrate, via analytical and
      numerical methods, that classical cross-validation can have strong bias under
      separate sampling, depending on the difference between the sampling ratios and
      the true population probabilities. We propose a new separate-sampling cross
      validation error estimator, and prove that it satisfies an 'almost unbiased'
      theorem similar to that of random-sampling cross-validation. We present two case
      studies with previously published data, which show that the results can change
      drastically if the correct form of cross-validation is used. AVAILABILITY AND
      IMPLEMENTATION: The source code in C++, along with the Supplementary Materials,
      is available at: http://gsp.tamu.edu/Publications/supplementary/zollanvari13/.

PMID- 25123903
TI  - HapMuC: somatic mutation calling using heterozygous germ line variants near
      candidate mutations.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Identifying somatic changes from tumor and matched normal sequences
      has become a standard approach in cancer research. More specifically, this
      requires accurate detection of somatic point mutations with low allele
      frequencies in impure and heterogeneous cancer samples. Although haplotype
      phasing information derived by using heterozygous germ line variants near
      candidate mutations would improve accuracy, no somatic mutation caller that uses
      such information is currently available. RESULTS: We propose a Bayesian
      hierarchical method, termed HapMuC, in which power is increased by using
      available information on heterozygous germ line variants located near candidate
      mutations. We first constructed two generative models (the mutation model and the
      error model). In the generative models, we prepared candidate haplotypes,
      considering a heterozygous germ line variant if available, and the observed reads
      were realigned to the haplotypes. We then inferred the haplotype frequencies and
      computed the marginal likelihoods using a variational Bayesian algorithm.
      Finally, we derived a Bayes factor for evaluating the possibility of the
      existence of somatic mutations. We also demonstrated that our algorithm has
      superior specificity and sensitivity compared with existing methods, as
      determined based on a simulation, the TCGA Mutation Calling Benchmark 4 datasets
      and data from the COLO-829 cell line. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The HapMuC
      source code is available from http://github.com/usuyama/hapmuc.

PMID- 25123904
TI  - Cordova: web-based management of genetic variation data.
AB  - Cordova is an out-of-the-box solution for building and maintaining an online
      database of genetic variations integrated with pathogenicity prediction results
      from popular algorithms. Our primary motivation for developing this system is to
      aid researchers and clinician-scientists in determining the clinical significance
      of genetic variations. To achieve this goal, Cordova provides an interface to
      review and manually or computationally curate genetic variation data as well as
      share it for clinical diagnostics and the advancement of research. AVAILABILITY
      AND IMPLEMENTATION: Cordova is open source under the MIT license and is freely
      available for download at https://github.com/clcg/cordova.

PMID- 25123905
TI  - SCDFinder, a web-based tool for the identification of putative novel ATM and ATR
      targets.
AB  - MOTIVATION: The S/TQ cluster domain (SCD) constitutes a new type of protein
      domain that is not defined by sequence similarity but by the presence of multiple
      S/TQ motifs within a variable stretch of amino acids. SCDs are recognized targets
      for DNA damage response (DDR) kinases like ATM and ATR. Characterizing DDR
      targets is of significant interest. The aim of this work was to develop a web
      based tool to allow for easy identification and visualization of SCDs within
      specific proteins or in whole proteome sets, a feature not supported by current
      domain and motif search tools. RESULTS: We have developed an algorithm that (i)
      generates a list of all proteins in an organism containing at least one user
      defined SCD within their sequence, or (ii) identifies and renders a visual
      representation of all user-defined SCDs present in a single sequence or batch of
      sequences. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The application was developed using
      Pearl and Python, and is available at the following URL:
      http://ustbioinfo.webfactional.com/scd/.

PMID- 25123906
TI  - Response to: Reflections on competency-based education and training for surgical
      residents.

PMID- 25123908
TI  - The power of approximate degrees of freedom tests in heteroscedastic factorial
      designs.
AB  - Several viable approaches have been proposed for conducting factorial analysis
      when the homogeneous variances assumption is violated. Although robust type I
      error control and excellent power performance are desirable properties of a test
      procedure for making statistical inferences, the corresponding power calculations
      must also be considered to extend its applicability in planning research studies.
      This article presents the power functions of two approximate degrees of freedom
      tests within the context of two-way factorial designs. Both theoretical
      examination and empirical investigation are performed to demonstrate the
      underlying features of the two approaches. Simulation results showed that the
      suggested procedures provide remarkably good approximations over a wide range of
      model configurations. In view of the overall accuracy, the power functions are
      recommended for enhancing the usefulness of the associated test procedures. To
      facilitate the adoption of the suggested methodology in factorial research
      designs, computer code is presented for implementing the described power
      calculations. 

PMID- 25123907
TI  - Letter to the editor response.

PMID- 25123909
TI  - POLYMAT-C: a comprehensive SPSS program for computing the polychoric correlation
      matrix.
AB  - We provide a free noncommercial SPSS program that implements procedures for (a)
      obtaining the polychoric correlation matrix between a set of ordered categorical
      measures, so that it can be used as input for the SPSS factor analysis (FA)
      program; (b) testing the null hypothesis of zero population correlation for each
      element of the matrix by using appropriate simulation procedures; (c) obtaining
      valid and accurate confidence intervals via bootstrap resampling for those
      correlations found to be significant; and (d) performing, if necessary, a
      smoothing procedure that makes the matrix amenable to any FA estimation
      procedure. For the main purpose (a), the program uses a robust unified procedure
      that allows four different types of estimates to be obtained at the user's
      choice. Overall, we hope the program will be a very useful tool for the applied
      researcher, not only because it provides an appropriate input matrix for FA, but
      also because it allows the researcher to carefully check the appropriateness of
      the matrix for this purpose. The SPSS syntax, a short manual, and data files
      related to this article are available as Supplemental materials that are
      available for download with this article. 

PMID- 25123910
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging-based diagnosis of progressive multifocal
      leukoencephalopathy in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after therapy with
      cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab.

PMID- 25123911
TI  - Reply to Luzzatto et al. (2014): "Comment on 'Genetic evidence and new
      morphometric data as essential tools to identify the Patagonian seahorse
      Hippocampus patagonicus (Pisces, Syngnathidae), Gonzalez et al. (2014)'".

PMID- 25123912
TI  - Surface free energy of the human skin and its critical surface tension of wetting
      in the skin/surfactant aqueous solution/air system.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of these studies was to determine the surface
      free energy of the human skin and its critical surface tension of wetting in the
      skin--surfactant aqueous solution--air system in relation to different types of
      surfactants. METHODS: The surface free energy of the skin and its components was
      calculated using the equilibrium advancing contact angle values of water,
      formamide, and diiodomethane on the forearm skin surface. Next, taking into
      account the measured values of the contact angle of aqueous solutions of SDDS,
      CTAB, TX-100 and TX-114 on the skin surface and data of their surface tension,
      the critical surface tension of the skin wetting was determined. RESULTS: We can
      classify the skin surface as low-energetic one. The critical surface tension of
      the skin wetting depends on the type of surfactant. CONCLUSION: It is possible to
      determine the critical surface tension of the human skin wetting on the basis of
      the values of the contact angle of aqueous solutions of surfactants and their
      surface tension. In this respect, nonionic surfactants seem to be the most
      appropriate.

PMID- 25123920
TI  - The chloridomolybdenum(III) cluster in [BMIm]4[AgMo10Cl35] with infinite chains
      of Ag(+)-linked [Mo10Cl35](5-) wheels.
AB  - [BMIm]4[AgMo10Cl35] is prepared by reaction of MoCl5 and elemental silver in the
      ionic liquid [BMIm][AlCl4] ([BMIm(+)]: 1-butyl-4-methylimidazolium).
      Surprisingly, elemental silver is oxidized under these conditions. The title
      compound contains a new wheel-shaped [Mo10Cl35](5-) chlorido molybdenum(iii)
      species with five pairs of Mo-Mo bonds. The Mo-Mo distances are found to be 263
      pm on average. The [Mo10Cl35](5-) wheels exhibit a maximum opening of 558 pm in
      diameter. They are interlinked via Ag(+) to form infinite [AgMo10Cl35](4-)
      chains. The title compound is characterized by single crystal structure analysis,
      EDX, FT-IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The wheel-type structure and Ag(+) linkage to
      infinite chains are a new aspect of halogenido metalates and low-valence
      molybdenum compounds. 

PMID- 25123919
TI  - A simple technique for reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament with bone
      fascia tunnel fixation at the medial margin of the patella: a 6-year-minimum
      follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has become an
      accepted technique to treat patellofemoral instability, and numerous surgical
      techniques have been described to reconstruct the MPFL. We describe a MPFL
      reconstruction procedure where bone-fascia tunnel fixation occurs at the medial
      margin of the patella for recurrent patellar dislocation. OBJECTIVE: MPFL
      reconstruction is the preferred operative treatment for recurrent patellar
      dislocation. The purpose of this study was to report a simple technique for
      reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament with bone-fascia tunnel fixation
      at the medial margin of the patella for recurrent patellar dislocation and to
      evaluate the results at 6-year-minimum follow-up. METHODS: The study included 65
      patients (28 males, 37 females; mean age, 29.4 +/- 5.6 years) who underwent MPFL
      reconstruction using the bone-fascia tunnel fixation at the medial margin of the
      patella technique and who were followed for a mean duration of 78.5 +/- 3.8
      months. Objective assessment, Kujala scale, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity
      score were obtained preoperatively and at the time of final follow-up. RESULTS:
      There were no patellar complications, including redislocation, in the present
      study. The congruence angle had significant improvement from 19.2 degrees  +/-
      6.3 degrees  before surgery to -6.03 degrees  +/- 0.50 degrees  at the last
      follow-up. The lateral patellar angle had significant improvement from -6.9
      degrees  +/- 3.5 degrees  before surgery to 5.1 degrees  +/- 2.4 degrees  at the
      last follow-up. The patellar tilt angle had significant improvement from 24.5
      degrees  +/- 5.2 degrees  before surgery to 12.30 degrees  +/- 1.90 degrees  at
      the last follow-up. The Kujala score was significantly increased from 52.9 +/-
      3.2 points preoperatively to 90.1 +/- 5.8 points postoperatively (P < 0.05). The
      mean Lysholm score was significantly increased from 47.2 +/- 5.2 to 92.5 +/- 6.2
      points postoperatively (P < 0.05). The Tegner activity score improved overall
      from 3.1 +/- 0.6 points to 5.8 +/- 0.9 points at follow-up. CONCLUSION: We have
      done a simple technique where the MPFL is reconstructed safely to avoid patella
      fracture, anatomically to restore physiological kinematics and stability, and
      economically to reduce costs with bone-fascia tunnel fixation at the medial
      margin of the patella.

PMID- 25123918
TI  - Genetic architecture of ALS in Sardinia.
AB  - Conserved populations, such as Sardinians, displaying elevated rates of familial
      or sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) provide unique information on the
      genetics of the disease. Our aim was to describe the genetic profile of a
      consecutive series of ALS patients of Sardinian ancestry. All ALS patients of
      Sardinian ancestry, identified between 2008 and 2013 through the Italian ALS
      Genetic Consortium, were eligible to be included in the study. Patients and
      controls underwent the analysis of TARDBP, C9ORF72, SOD1, and FUS genes. Genetic
      mutations were identified in 155 out of 375 Sardinian ALS cases (41.3%), more
      commonly the p.A382T and p.G295S mutations of TARDBP and the GGGGCC
      hexanucleotide repeat expansion of C9ORF72. One patient had both p.G295S and
      p.A382T mutations of TARDBP and 8 carried both the heterozygous p.A382T mutation
      of TARDBP and a repeat expansion of C9ORF72. Patients carrying the p.A382T and
      the p.G295S mutations of TARDBP and the C9ORF72 repeat expansion shared distinct
      haplotypes across these loci. Patients with cooccurrence of C9ORF72 and TARDBP
      p.A382T missense mutation had a significantly lower age at onset and shorter
      survival. More than 40% of all cases on the island of Sardinia carry a mutation
      of an ALS-related gene, representing the highest percentage of ALS cases
      genetically explained outside of Scandinavia. Clinical phenotypes associated with
      different genetic mutations show some distinctive characteristics, but the
      heterogeneity between and among families carrying the same mutations implies that
      ALS manifestation is influenced by other genetic and nongenetic factors. 

PMID- 25123921
TI  - Cell responses to metallic nanostructure arrays with complex geometries.
AB  - Metallic nanopillar/nanowires are emerging as promising platforms for biological
      applications, as they allow for the direct characterization and regulation of
      cell function. Herein we study the response of cells to a versatile nanopillar
      platform. Nanopillar arrays of various shape, size, and spacing and different
      nanopillar-substrate interfacial strengths were fabricated and interfaced with
      fibroblasts and several unique cell-nanopillar interactions were observed using
      high resolution scanning electron microscopy. Nanopillar penetration, engulfment,
      tilting, lift off and membrane thinning, were observed by manipulating nanopillar
      material, size, shape and spacing. These unique cell responses to various
      nanostructures can be employed for a wide range of applications including the
      design of highly sensitive nano-electrodes for single-cell probing.

PMID- 25123917
TI  - Neurofeedback in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)--a
      controlled multicenter study of a non-pharmacological treatment approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common
      neurobehavioral disorder of childhood and has often a chronic course persisting
      into adulthood. However, up to 30% of children treated with stimulants either
      fail to show an improvement or suffer adverse side effects, including decreased
      appetite, insomnia and irritability and there is no evidence of long term
      efficacy of stimulants for ADHD. A series of studies has shown that neurofeedback
      is an effective additional or alternative treatment for children with ADHD,
      leading to e.g. significant and stable improvement in behavior, attention and IQ.
      Significant treatment effects of neurofeedback have also been verified in meta
      analyses. Most of the trials, however, have been criticized for methodological
      difficulties, particularly lacking appropriate control conditions and number of
      patients included. This randomized study examines the efficacy of slow cortical
      potentials (SCP) -neurofeedback, controlling unspecific effects of the setting by
      comparing two active treatment modalities. METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 144
      patients with ADHD, older than six and younger than ten years, in some cases with
      additional pharmacological treatment, are included in this trial. In five trial
      centres patients are treated either with SCP-feedback or electromyographic (EMG) 
      feedback in 25 sessions within 3 months. A comprehensive test battery is
      conducted before and after treatment and at follow-up 6 month later, to assess
      core symptoms of ADHD, general psychopathology, attentional performance, comorbid
      symptoms, intelligence, quality of life and cortical arousal. DISCUSSION: The
      efficacy of SCP-feedback training for children with ADHD is evaluated in this
      randomized controlled study. In addition to behavior ratings and psychometric
      tests neurophysiological parameters serve as dependent variables. Further, the
      choice of EMG-biofeedback as an active control condition is debated. TRIALS
      REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN76187185. Registered 5 February
      2009.

PMID- 25123922
TI  - Surface chemistry dependent immunostimulative potential of porous silicon
      nanoplatforms.
AB  - Nanoparticles (NPs) have been suggested for immunotherapy applications in order
      to optimize the delivery of immuno-stimulative or -suppressive molecules.
      However, low attention towards the impact of the NPs' physicochemical properties
      has presented a major hurdle for developing efficient immunotherapeutic agents.
      Here, the effects of porous silicon (PSi) NPs with different surface chemistries
      were evaluated on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) and lymphocytes
      in order to highlight the importance of the NPs selection in immuno-stimulative
      or -suppressive treatment. Although all the PSi NPs showed high biocompatibility,
      only thermally oxidized PSi (TOPSi) and thermally hydrocarbonized PSi (THCPSi)
      NPs were able to induce very high rate of immunoactivation by enhancing the
      expression of surface co-stimulatory markers of the MDDCs (CD80, CD83, CD86, and
      HLA-DR), inducing T-cell proliferation, and also the secretion of interleukins
      (IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha). These results
      indicated a balanced increase in the secretion of Th1, Th2, and Treg cytokines.
      Moreover, undecylenic acid functionalized THCPSi, as well as poly(methyl vinyl
      ether-alt-maleic acid) conjugated to (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane
      functionalized thermally carbonized PSi and polyethyleneimine conjugated
      undecylenic acid functionalized THCPSi NPs showed moderate immunoactivation due
      to the mild increase in the above-mentioned markers. By contrast, thermally
      carbonized PSi (TCPSi) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane functionalized TCPSi
      NPs did not induce any immunological responses, suggesting that their application
      could be in the delivery of immunosuppressive molecules. Overall, our findings
      suggest all the NPs containing more nitrogen or oxygen on the outermost backbone
      layer have lower immunostimulatory effect than NPs with higher C-H structures on
      the surface. 

PMID- 25123923
TI  - The osteogenic differentiation of SSEA-4 sub-population of human adipose derived
      stem cells using silicate nanoplatelets.
AB  - How to surpass in vitro stem cell differentiation, reducing cell manipulation,
      and lead the in situ regeneration process after transplantation, remains to be
      unraveled in bone tissue engineering (bTE). Recently, we showed that the
      combination of human bone marrow stromal cells with bioactive silicate
      nanoplatelets (sNPs) promotes the osteogenic differentiation without the use of
      standard osteogenic inductors. Even more, using SSEA-4(+) cell-subpopulations
      (SSEA-4(+)hASCs) residing within the adipose tissue, as a single-cellular source
      to obtain relevant cell types for bone regeneration, was also proposed. Herein,
      sNPs were used to promote the osteogenic differentiation of SSEA-4(+)hASCs. The
      interactions between SSEA-4(+)hASCs and sNPs, namely the internalization pathway
      and effect on cells osteogenic differentiation, were evaluated. SNPs below 100
      MUg/mL showed high cytocompatibility and fast internalization via clathrin
      mediated pathway. SNPs triggered an overexpression of osteogenic-related markers
      (RUNX2, osteopontin, osteocalcin) accompanied by increased alkaline phosphatase
      activity and deposition of a predominantly collagen-type I matrix. Consequently,
      a robust matrix mineralization was achieved, covering >90% of the culturing
      surface area. Overall, we demonstrated the high osteogenic differentiation
      potential of SSEA-4(+)hASCs, further enhanced by the addition of sNPs in a dose
      dependent manner. This strategy endorses the combination of an adipose-derived
      cell-subpopulation with inorganic compounds to achieve bone matrix-analogs with
      clinical relevance. 

PMID- 25123924
TI  - Multiscale patterned transplantable stem cell patches for bone tissue
      regeneration.
AB  - Stem cell-based therapy has been proposed as an enabling alternative not only for
      the treatment of diseases but also for the regeneration of tissues beyond complex
      surgical treatments or tissue transplantation. In this study, we approached a
      conceptual platform that can integrate stem cells into a multiscale patterned
      substrate for bone regeneration. Inspired by human bone tissue, we developed
      hierarchically micro- and nanopatterned transplantable patches as synthetic
      extracellular matrices by employing capillary force lithography in combination
      with a surface micro-wrinkling method using a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)
      (PLGA) polymer. The multiscale patterned PLGA patches were highly flexible and
      showed higher tissue adhesion to the underlying tissue than did the single
      nanopatterned patches. In response to the anisotropically multiscale patterned
      topography, the adhesion and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
      (hMSCs) were sensitively controlled. Furthermore, the stem cell patch composed of
      hMSCs and transplantable PLGA substrate promoted bone regeneration in vivo when
      both the micro- and nanotopography of the substrate surfaces were synergistically
      combined. Thus, our study concludes that multiscale patterned transplantable stem
      cell patches may have a great potential for bone regeneration as well as for
      various regenerative medicine approaches. 

PMID- 25123925
TI  - Effective ovarian stimulation in a patient with resistant ovary syndrome and
      antigonadotrophin antibodies.
AB  - PROBLEM: We report on a successful ovarian stimulation and pregnancy in a patient
      with 'resistant ovary syndrome' (ROS) and antigonadotrophin antibodies. ROS is
      characterized by high endogenous gonadotrophins, low estradiol, normal ovarian
      antral follicle counts and normal antimuellerian hormone values. METHOD OF STUDY:
      After cyclical hormone treatment, downregulation with GnRH analogue and ICSI
      procedure followed. Granulosa cells were treated with LH, FSH or hMG and
      expression of receptors for FSH, LH, oestrogen receptor beta (ERb) and
      progesterone receptor A (PR-A) was determined. Serum of the patient was analysed
      for antibodies directed against hMG. RESULTS: After fertilization of ten
      metaphase II oocytes and transfer of two blastocysts, a singleton pregnancy was
      established. Stimulation of granulosa cells with FSH, LH and hMG upregulated ERb
      and PR-A. Dot blot analysis showed strong reactivity with hMG but not with
      recFSH. CONCLUSION: This patient with normal expression of gonadotrophin
      receptors showed antibodies directed to hMG but not to recFSH.

PMID- 25123926
TI  - Cerebellar abnormalities in Huntington's disease: a role in motor and psychiatric
      impairment?
AB  - The cerebellum has received limited attention in Huntington's disease (HD),
      despite signs of possible cerebellar dysfunction, including motor incoordination
      and impaired gait, which are currently attributed to basal ganglia atrophy and
      disrupted fronto-striatal circuits. This study is the first to investigate a
      potential contribution of macro- and microstructural cerebellar damage to
      clinical manifestations of HD. T1- and diffusion-weighted 3T magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) scans were obtained from 12 controls and 22 early-stage HD
      participants. Manual delineation and voxel-based morphometry were used to assess
      between-group differences in cerebellar volume, and diffusion metrics were
      compared between groups within the cerebellar gray and white matter. Associations
      between these imaging measures and clinical scores were examined within the HD
      group. Reduced paravermal volume was detected in HD compared with controls using
      voxel-based morphometry (P < 0.05), but no significant volumetric differences
      were found using manual delineation. Diffusion abnormalities were detected in
      both cerebellar gray matter and white matter. Smaller cerebellar volumes,
      although not significantly reduced, were significantly associated with impaired
      gait and psychiatric morbidity and of borderline significance with
      pronate/supinate-hand task performance. Abnormal cerebellar diffusion was
      associated with increased total motor score, impaired saccade initiation, tandem
      walking, and timed finger tapping. In conclusion, atrophy of the paravermis,
      possibly encompassing the cerebellar nuclei, and microstructural abnormalities
      within the cerebellum may contribute to HD neuropathology. Aberrant cerebellar
      diffusion and reduced cerebellar volume together associate with impaired motor
      function and increased psychiatric symptoms in stage I HD, potentially
      implicating the cerebellum more centrally in HD presentation than previously
      recognized.

PMID- 25123927
TI  - [Nostalgia and the functions of autobiographical memory].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current research on autobiographical memory distinguishes between a
      self function, a directive function, and a social function of autobiographical
      memory. From a lifespan perspective, the use of autobiographical memory for these
      functions is expected to decrease with age. The present study extended these
      functions by the function of nostalgia: Often triggered by negative emotions,
      remembering personal and positive experiences might, among others, enhance
      positive effects. This emotion-regulating function is expected to become more
      important in old age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study 273 adults (aged
      between 19 and 90 years) completed the Thinking About Life Experiences
      Questionnaire (TALE) as well as 11 newly developed items to assess the nostalgia
      function. RESULTS: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a four
      factor model reflecting the presumed self, directive, social, and nostalgia
      functions of autobiographical memory. The results showed a decrease in the use of
      autobiographical memory for self, directive and social functions with increasing
      age, whereas the nostalgia function followed a U-shaped pattern.

PMID- 25123928
TI  - Geographic and racial-ethnic differences in satisfaction with and perceived
      benefits of mental health services.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether racial-ethnic differences in satisfaction
      with and perceived benefits from mental health services vary by geographic region
      among U.S. adults. METHODS: Drawn from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology
      Surveys (CPES), selected samples consisted of 2,160 adults age 18 and older from
      diverse racial-ethnic groups (Asian, black, Hispanic/Latino, and white) who had
      used mental health services in the past 12 months. Generalized linear model
      analysis was conducted for the United States as a whole and separately by
      geographic region (Northeast, South, Midwest, and West) after adjustment for
      covariates. RESULTS: In the national sample, no significant main effects of race
      ethnicity and geographic region were found in either satisfaction with or
      perceived benefits from mental health services. In the stratified analyses for
      geographic regions, however, significant racial-ethnic differences were observed
      in the West; blacks in the West were significantly more likely to report higher
      satisfaction and perceived benefits, whereas Hispanics/Latinos in the West were
      significantly less likely to do so. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that there
      are regional variations of racial-ethnic differences in satisfaction with and
      perceived benefits from mental health services among U.S. adults and that
      addressing needs of Hispanics/Latinos in the West may help reduce racial-ethnic
      disparities in mental health care. Clinical and policy implications are
      discussed.

PMID- 25123929
TI  - Mitotic DNA damages induced by carbon-ion radiation incur additional chromosomal
      breaks in polyploidy.
AB  - Compared with low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, carbon-ion radiation
      has been proved to induce high frequency of more complex DNA damages, including
      DNA double strands (DSBs) and non-DSB clustered DNA lesions. Chemotherapeutic
      drug doxorubicin has been reported to elicit additional H2AX phosphorylation in
      polyploidy. Here, we investigated whether mitotic DNA damage induced by high-LET
      carbon-ion radiation could play the same role. We demonstrate that impairment of
      post-mitotic G1 and S arrest and abrogation of post-mitotic G2-M checkpoint
      failed to prevent mis-replication of damaged DNA and mis-separation of
      chromosomes. Meanwhile, mitotic slippage only nocodazole-related, cytokinesis
      failure and cell fusion collectively contributed to the formation of binucleated
      cells. Chk1 and Cdh1 activation was inhibited when polyploidy emerged in force,
      both of which are critical components for mitotic exit and cytokinesis. Carbon
      ion radiation irrelevant of nocodazole incurred additional DNA breaks in
      polyploidy, manifesting as structural and numerical karyotype changes. The
      proliferation of cells given pre-synchronization and radiation was completely
      inhibited and cells were intensely apoptotic. Since increased chromosomal damage
      resulted in extensive H2AX phosphorylation during polyploidy, we propose that the
      additional gamma-H2AX during polyploidy incurred by carbon-ion radiation provides
      a final opportunity for these dangerous and chromosomally unstable cells to be
      eliminated. 

PMID- 25123930
TI  - Molecular differentiation of Central European blowfly species (Diptera,
      Calliphoridae) using mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers.
AB  - A challenging step in medical, veterinary and forensic entomology casework is the
      rapid and accurate identification of insects to estimate the period of insect
      activity (PIA), which usually approximates the post-mortem interval (PMI). The
      morphological identification of insect evidence is hampered by species
      similarities, especially at the early larval stages. However, DNA-based species
      identification is more accurate and reliable. In this study, we improved the
      suitability and efficacy of the standard mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase
      subunit I (COI) barcode region of 658 bp combined with an additional region of
      616 bp of the same gene. We also tested the usefulness of other mitochondrial and
      nuclear loci, such as the non-coding region included in mitochondrial Cyt-b
      tRNA(ser)-ND1 (495-496 bp) and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2)
      region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) (310-337 bp). We classified a total of 54
      specimens from five blowfly species belonging to three Calliphoridae genera
      commonly found in Central Europe: Phormia (P. regina), Calliphora (C. vicina) and
      Lucilia (L. sericata, L. ampullacea and L. caesar). Additionally included were
      the Cyt-b (307 bp) sequences for P. regina species and GenBank recorded
      information about the studied loci for select species. The results revealed the
      robustness of COI (616 bp) and ITS2 (310-337 bp) as diagnostic tools to be added
      to the widely established COI barcode (658 bp). Their higher discriminatory power
      allows for more precise and reliable identifications, even within more complex
      genera (Lucilia). This work also contributes new nucleotide sequences that are
      useful for accurate species diagnosis and new sequence data of Calliphoridae
      interspecific variability in the European Westphalia region (Germany).

PMID- 25123932
TI  - Pyridoxine-derived organoselenium compounds with glutathione peroxidase-like and
      chain-breaking antioxidant activity.
AB  - One of the vitamin B6 vitamers, pyridoxine, was modified to incorporate selenium
      in various oxidation states in place of the methyl group in position 2. Such
      compounds were conveniently accessed by treatment of bis-4,5-(carboethoxy)-2-iodo
      3-pyridinol with disodium diselenide and LiAlH4 -reduction. After work-up, selone
      7 was isolated in good yield as an air-stable crystalline material. Hydrogen
      bonding to the neighboring hydroxyl group, as revealed by the short
      intramolecular Se???H distance in the crystal structure is likely to provide
      extra stabilization to the compound. Computational studies showed that selone 7
      is more stable than the corresponding selenol tautomer by 12.2 kcal mol(-1) .
      Hydrogen peroxide oxidation of the selone 7 afforded diselenide 12, and, on
      further oxidation, seleninic acid 13. Treatment of the seleninic acid with
      thiophenol provided an isolable selenosulfide 14. The glutathione peroxidase-like
      properties of the pyridoxine-derived compounds were assessed by using the coupled
      reductase method. Seleninic acid 13 was found to be twofold more active than
      ebselen. The chain-breaking capacity of the pyridoxine compounds were studied in
      a water/chlorobenzene membrane model containing linoleic acid as an oxidizable
      substrate and N-acetylcysteine as a thiol reducing agent. Diselenide 15 could
      match alpha-tocopherol when it comes to reactivity towards peroxyl radicals and
      inhibition time. 

PMID- 25123933
TI  - The Allergies, Immunotherapy, and RhinoconjunctivitiS (AIRS) survey: provider
      practices and beliefs about allergen immunotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The practices and beliefs of the provider specialties that treat
      allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) with allergen immunotherapy (AIT) may vary.
      METHODS: A telephone survey of 500 randomly selected health care practitioners in
      7 specialties, conducted in 2012. RESULTS: AIT was provided as a subcutaneous
      injection (SCIT) by 91% of allergist/immunologists, 54% of otolaryngologists, and
      18% to 24% of other specialties. Otolaryngologists were the most frequent
      providers of sublingual drops of AIT (SLIT; 33%), compared to 2% to 10% of other
      specialties. AIT was recommended for adults with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis by
      100% of allergist/immunologists vs 62% to 84% of the other specialties (p <
      0.001). The primary reason for recommending AIT for adults (52%) or children
      (46%) was that other therapies did not work. Between 48% (nurse
      practitioners/physician assistants) and 93% (allergist/immunologists) of
      practitioners always or often decreased symptomatic medications over the course
      of AIT treatment. Most practitioners in all specialties (82-100%) thought that
      AIT was appropriate for patients with severe allergy symptoms. Significantly more
      allergist/immunologists and otolaryngologists than other specialists thought AIT
      was appropriate for mild allergy symptoms (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively,
      vs other specialties). Significantly more allergist/immunologists than other
      specialists thought that AIT was more effective than symptomatic medications (p <
      0.001), could reduce the further development of allergies (p = 0.03), and could
      prevent the development of asthma. CONCLUSION: SCIT was more frequently provided
      than SLIT by all the specialties. Otolaryngologists were the most likely to offer
      SLIT, while very few allergist/immunologists offered SLIT.
      Allergist/immunologists differed from other specialties in some beliefs about the
      effectiveness of AIT.

PMID- 25123931
TI  - Helicobacter pylori targets cancer-associated apical-junctional constituents in
      gastroids and gastric epithelial cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Helicobacter pylori strains that express the oncoprotein CagA augment
      risk for gastric cancer. However, the precise mechanisms through which cag(+)
      strains heighten cancer risk have not been fully delineated and model systems
      that recapitulate the gastric niche are critical for understanding pathogenesis.
      Gastroids are three-dimensional organ-like structures that provide unique
      opportunities to study host-H. pylori interactions in a preclinical model. We
      used gastroids to inform and direct in vitro studies to define mechanisms through
      which H. pylori modulates expression of the cancer-associated tight junction
      protein claudin-7. DESIGN: Gastroids were infected by luminal microinjection, and
      MKN28 gastric epithelial cells were cocultured with H. pylori wild-type cag(+)
      strains or isogenic mutants. beta-catenin, claudin-7 and snail localisation was
      determined by immunocytochemistry. Proliferation was assessed using 5-ethynyl-2'
      deoxyuridine, and levels of claudin-7 and snail were determined by western blot
      and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Gastroids developed into a self-organising
      differentiation axis and H. pylori induced mislocalisation of claudin-7 and
      increased proliferation in a CagA- and beta-catenin-dependent manner. In MKN28
      cells, H pylori-induced suppression of claudin-7 was regulated by beta-catenin
      and snail. Similarly, snail expression was increased and claudin-7 levels were
      decreased among H. pylori-infected individuals. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori increase
      proliferation in a strain-specific manner in a novel gastroid system. H. pylori
      also alter expression and localisation of claudin-7 in gastroids and human
      epithelial cells, which is mediated by beta-catenin and snail activation. These
      data provide new insights into molecular interactions with carcinogenic potential
      that occur between H. pylori and epithelial cells within the gastric niche.

PMID- 25123934
TI  - Towards elucidating the stability, dynamics and architecture of the nucleosome
      remodeling and deacetylase complex by using quantitative interaction proteomics.
AB  - The nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex is an evolutionarily
      conserved chromatin-associated protein complex. Although the subunit composition
      of the mammalian complex is fairly well characterized, less is known about the
      stability and dynamics of these interactions. Furthermore, detailed information
      regarding protein-protein interaction surfaces within the complex is still
      largely lacking. Here, we show that the NuRD complex interacts with a number of
      substoichiometric zinc finger-containing proteins. Some of these interactions are
      salt-sensitive (ZNF512B and SALL4), whereas others (ZMYND8) are not. The
      stoichiometry of the core subunits is not affected by high salt concentrations,
      indicating that the core complex is stabilized by hydrophobic interactions.
      Interestingly, the RBBP4 and RBBP7 proteins are sensitive to high nonionic
      detergent concentrations during affinity purification. In a subunit exchange
      assay with stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC)-treated
      nuclear extracts, RBBP4 and RBBP7 were identified as dynamic core subunits of the
      NuRD complex, consistent with their proposed role as histone chaperones. Finally,
      using cross-linking MS, we have uncovered novel features of NuRD molecular
      architecture that complement our affinity purification-MS/MS data. Altogether,
      these findings extend our understanding of MBD3-NuRD structure and stability.
      STRUCTURED DIGITAL ABSTRACT: MBD3 physically interacts with ZNF512B, HDAC1,
      ZMYND8, GATAD2B, SALL4, GATAD2A, ZNF592, MTA3, ZNF687, CDK2AP1, CHD3, ZNF532,
      HDAC2, MTA2, CHD4, MTA1, KPNA2, CHD5, RBBP4 and RBBP7 by pull down (View
      interaction) CDK2AP1 physically interacts with MBD3, MTA3, HDAC2, GATAD2A, CHD4,
      CDK2AP1, MTA2, HDAC1, MTA1, CHD3, GATAD2B, MBD2, RBBP4 and RBBP7 by pull down
      (View interaction) MBD3 physically interacts with MTA2, MTA3, RBBP4, RBBP7,
      HDAC2, HDAC1, CHD4, CHD3 and MTA1 by cross-linking study (View interaction).

PMID- 25123936
TI  - Detection of cyanobacterial neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-l-alanine within
      shellfish in the diet of an ALS patient in Florida.
AB  - Cyanobacteria produce the neurotoxic amino acid beta-N-methylamino-l-alanine
      (BMAA), which in contaminated marine waters has been found to accumulate in
      shellfish. Exposure to BMAA has been associated with an increased risk of
      neurodegenerative disease. Analysis of blinded samples found BMAA to be present
      in neuroproteins of individuals who died from ALS and ALS/PDC, but generally not
      in the brains of patients who died of causes unrelated to neurodegeneration or
      Huntington's disease, an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease. We here
      report support for a link between a patient with ALS and chronic exposure to the
      cyanobacterial neurotoxin BMAA via shellfish consumption. The patient had
      frequently eaten lobsters collected in Florida Bay for approximately 30 years. LC
      MS/MS analysis of two lobsters which this ALS patient had placed in his freezer
      revealed BMAA at concentrations of 27 and 4 MUg/g, respectively, as well as the
      presence of 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB), a BMAA isomer. Two additional lobsters
      recently collected from Florida Bay also contained the neurotoxins BMAA and DAB.
      These data suggest that invertebrates collected in water where cyanobacterial
      blooms are present, if consumed, may result in direct human exposure to these
      neurotoxic amino acids. The data support the assertion that prolonged exposure to
      BMAA may have played a role in the etiology of ALS in this patient.

PMID- 25123935
TI  - The necrotrophic effector protein SnTox3 re-programs metabolism and elicits a
      strong defence response in susceptible wheat leaves.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The fungus Stagonospora nodorum is a necrotrophic pathogen of wheat.
      It causes disease by secreting proteinaceous effectors which interact with
      proteins encoded by dominant susceptibility genes in the host. The outcome of
      these interactions results in necrosis, allowing the fungus to thrive on dead
      plant material. The mechanisms of these effectors though are poorly understood.
      In this study, we undertake a comprehensive transcriptomics, proteomic and
      metabolomic approach to understand how a susceptible wheat cultivar responds to
      exposure to the Stagonospora nodorum effector protein SnTox3. RESULTS: Microarray
      and proteomic studies revealed that SnTox3 strongly induced responses consistent
      with those previously associated with classical host defence pathways including
      the expression of pathogenicity-related proteins and the induction of cell death.
      Collapse of the photosynthetic machinery was also apparent at the transcriptional
      and translational level. SnTox3-infiltrated wheat leaves also showed a strong
      induction of enzymes involved in primary metabolism consistent with increases in
      hexoses, amino acids and organic acids as determined by primary metabolite
      profiling. Methionine and homocysteine metabolism was strongly induced upon
      exposure to SnTox3. Pathogenicity in the presence of homocysteine was inhibited
      confirming that the compound has a role in plant defence. Consistent with the
      strong defence responses observed, secondary metabolite profiling revealed the
      induction of several compounds associated with plant defence, including the
      phenylpropanoids chlorogenic acid and feruloylquinic acid, and the cyanogenic
      glucoside dhurrin. Serotonin did not accumulate subsequent to SnTox3
      infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the theory that the SnTox3 effector
      protein elicits a host cell death response to facilitate the pathogen's
      necrotrophic infection cycle. Our data also demonstrate that the mechanism of
      SnTox3 appears distinct from the previously characterised Stagonospora nodorum
      effector SnToxA. Collectively, this comprehensive analysis has advanced our
      understanding of necrotrophic effector biology and highlighted the complexity of
      effector-triggered susceptibility.

PMID- 25123937
TI  - Complex formation of Sn(II) with glycine: an IR, DTA/TGA and DFT investigation.
AB  - The novel Sn(Gly)2?H2O complex compound has been synthesized and characterized by
      TGA, IR and Raman spectroscopy. Molecular spectroscopy and ab initio simulation
      have given the evidence of glycine molecule being coordinated to Sn(II) as
      bidentate chelating ligand by oxygen atom of carboxyl group and nitrogen atom of
      amino group. Water molecule is bonded with amino and carboxylic groups by
      hydrogen bonds in the out sphere. The M06, TPSS, TPSSm, TPSSh and revTPSS density
      functionals have been tested for calculation of structural and vibrational data.
      The vibrational assignment of experimental IR and Raman and simulated spectra has
      been carried out. The TPSS and TPSSm density functionals and Def2-TZVP basis set
      have provided the most accurate results. 

PMID- 25123938
TI  - Charge-transfer complexes of 4-methylpiperidine with sigma- and pi-acceptors.
AB  - The solid charge-transfer (CT) molecular complexes formed in the reaction of the
      electron donor 4-methylpiperidine (4MP) with the sigma-electron acceptor iodine
      and pi-acceptors 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), 2,3-dichloro-5,6
      dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) and 2,4,4,6-tetrabromo-2,5-cyclohexadienone
      (TBCHD) have been investigated spectrophotometrically in chloroform at 25 
      degrees C. These were characterized through electronic and infrared spectra as
      well as elemental and thermal analysis. The obtained results showed that the
      formed solid CT-complexes have the formulas [(4MP) I](+)I(-)3, [(4MP)(DDQ)2] and
      [(4MP)(TBCHD)] and with TCNQ the adduct [TCMPQDM] is obtained through N
      substitution reaction in full agreement with the known reaction stoichiometries
      in solution as well as the elemental measurements. The formation constant KCT,
      molar extinction coefficient epsilonCT, free energy change DeltaG(0), CT energy
      ECT and the ionization potential Ip have been calculated for the CT-complexes
      [(4MP) I](+)I(-)3, [(4MP)(DDQ)2] and [(4MP)(TBCHD)].

PMID- 25123939
TI  - Determination of trace amount of formaldehyde base on a bromate-Malachite Green
      system.
AB  - A novel catalytic kinetic spectrophotometric method for determination of trace
      amount of formaldehyde (FA) has been established, based on catalytic effect of
      trace amount of FA on the oxidation of Malachite Green (MG) by potassium bromate
      in presence of sulfuric acid medium, and was reported for the first time. The
      method was monitored by measuring the decrease in absorbance of MG at 617 nm and
      allowed a precise determination of FA in the range of 0.003-0.08 MUg mL(-1), with
      a limit of detection down to 1 ng mL(-1). The relative standard deviation of 10
      replicate measurements was 1.63%. The method developed was approved to be
      sensitive, selective and accurate, and adopted to determinate free FA in samples
      directly with good accuracy and reproducibility.

PMID- 25123940
TI  - Spectroscopic analyses and studies on respective interaction of cyanuric acid and
      uric acid with bovine serum albumin and melamine.
AB  - In this work, the fluorescence quenching was used to study the interaction of
      cyanuric acid (CYA) and uric acid (UA) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) at two
      different temperatures (283 K and 310 K). The bimolecular quenching constant
      (Kq), apparent quenching constant (Ksv), effective binding constant (KA) and
      corresponding dissociation constant (KD), binding site number (n) and binding
      distance (r) were calculated by adopting Stern-Volmer, Lineweaver-Burk, Double
      logarithm and overlap integral equations. The results show that CYA and UA are
      both able to obviously bind to BSA, but the binding strength order is
      BSA+CYA<BSA+UA. And then, the interactions of CYA and UA with melamine (MEL)
      under the same conditions were also studied by using similar methods. The results
      indicates that both CYA and UA can bind together closely with melamine (MEL). It
      is wished that these research results would facilitate the understanding the
      formation of kidney stones and gout in the body after ingesting excess MEL.

PMID- 25123941
TI  - Synthesis, spectral and third-order nonlinear optical properties of terpyridine
      Zn(II) complexes based on carbazole derivative with polyether group.
AB  - Four novel Zn(II) terpyridine complexes (ZnLCl2, ZnLBr2, ZnLI2, ZnL(SCN)2) based
      on carbazole derivative group were designed, synthesized and fully characterized.
      Their photophysical properties including absorption and one-photon excited
      fluorescence, two-photon absorption (TPA) and optical power limiting (OPL) were
      further investigated systematically and interpreted on the basis of theoretical
      calculations (TD-DFT). The influences of different solvents on the absorption and
      One-Photon Excited Fluorescence (OPEF) spectral behavior, quantum yields and the
      lifetime of the chromophores have been investigated in detail. The third-order
      nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were investigated by open/closed aperture Z
      scan measurements using femtosecond pulse laser in the range from 680 to 1080 nm.
      These results revealed that ZnLCl2 and ZnLBr2 exhibited strong two-photon
      absorption and ZnLCl2 showed superior optical power limiting property.

PMID- 25123942
TI  - FT-IR and FT-Raman studies of cross-linking processes with Ca(2+) ions,
      glutaraldehyde and microwave radiation for polymer composition of poly(acrylic
      acid)/sodium salt of carboxymethyl starch--part I.
AB  - FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopic methods allowed to identify the cross-linking
      process of the aqueous composition of poly(acrylic acid)/sodium salt of
      carboxymethyl starch (PAA/CMS-Na) applied as a binder for moulding sands. The
      cross-linking was performed by chemical methods by introducing cross-linking
      substances with Ca(2+) ions or glutaraldehyde and by physical way, applying the
      microwave radiation. It was found that Ca(2+) ions cause formation of cross
      linking ionic bonds within carboxyl and carboxylate groups. Glutaraldehyde
      generates formation of cross-linking bonds with hemiacetal and acetal structures.
      Whereas in the microwave radiation field, due to dehydration, lattices are formed
      by anhydride bonds. 

PMID- 25123943
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated Fe3O4
      nanoparticles by chemical co-precipitation method for biomedical applications.
AB  - Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical
      co-precipitation method. With polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a stabilizer and
      dispersant. The X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction (SAED)
      results show that the cubic inverse spinel structure of pure phase
      polycrystalline Fe3O4 was obtained. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and
      field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) results exhibited that
      the resulted Fe3O4 nanoparticles were roughly spherical in shape with narrow size
      distribution and homogenous shape. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT
      IR) results suggested that PEG indicated with Fe3O4 via its carbonyl groups.
      Results of vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) indicated that the prepared Fe3O4
      nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetic behavior and high saturation
      magnetization at room temperature. Such Fe3O4 nanoparticles with favorable size
      and tunable magnetic properties are promising biomedical applications. 

PMID- 25123944
TI  - Structural and vibrational spectral investigations of melaminium glutarate
      monohydrate by FTIR, FT-Raman and DFT methods.
AB  - Melaminium glutarate monohydrate has been synthesised and FTIR and FT-Raman
      spectral investigations are carried out. The molecular geometry and vibrational
      frequencies of melaminium glutarate monohydrate in the ground state have been
      determined by using B3LYP method with 6-31++G(**), 6-31++G and cc-pVDZ basis
      sets. The stability of the system, inter molecular hydrogen bonding and the
      electron donor-acceptor interactions of the complex have been investigated by
      using natural bonding orbital analysis. It reveals that the N-H?O and O-H?O
      intermolecular interactions significantly influence crystal packing of this
      molecular complex. The glutarate anion forms hydrogen bonds to the melaminium
      cation as the proton donor of the type N-H?O with a distance (N?O)=2.51 A. It is
      also linked by other hydrogen bonds to the water molecule of the type O-H?O with
      (O?O)=2.82 A and to the amino (NH2) group of melaminium cation of the type N-H?O
      with (N?O)=2.82 A as the proton acceptor. The electrostatic potential of the
      complex is in the range +1.892e*10(-2) to -1.892e*10(-2). The limits of total
      electron density of the complex is +6.679e*10(-2) to -6.679e*10(-2).

PMID- 25123945
TI  - An ultra sensitive fluorescent nanosensor for detection of ionic copper.
AB  - A stable and ultra sensitive nano-scale fluorescent chemo-sensor for trace
      amounts of Cu(2+) was proposed. The Cu(2+) selective fluoroionophore 2-{[(2
      aminophenyl)imino]methyl}-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol (DMK-7) was encapsulated in
      polymeric ethyl cellulose. The sensing membranes were fabricated in form of
      nanofibers and thin films. When embedded in polymers, the exploited DMK-7 dye
      exhibited enhanced photophysical characteristics in absorbance, Stoke's shift,
      fluorescence quantum yield, and short and long-term photostability with respect
      to the solution phase. Sensing abilities of the nanofibers and thin films were
      tested by steady state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. To our
      knowledge, this is the first attempt using the DMK-7-doped electrospun
      nanofibrous materials for copper sensing. The offered sensor displayed a
      sensitive response with a detection limit of 3.3*10(-13) M for Cu(2+) ions over a
      wide concentration range of 5.0*10(-12)-5.0*10(-5). Additionally, exhibited high
      selectivity over convenient cations; Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), NH4(+) and
      Ag(+), Al(3+), Ba(2+), Co(2+), Cr(3+), Fe(3+), Fe(2+), Hg(2+), Li(+), Mn(2+),
      Ni(2+), Pb(2+), Sn(2+) and Zn(2+).

PMID- 25123946
TI  - Estimation of ground and excited state dipole moments of Oil Red O by
      solvatochromic shift methods.
AB  - Absorption and fluorescence spectra of Oil Red O (abbreviated as ORO) are
      recorded in various solvents with different polarity in the range of 250-900 nm,
      at room temperature. The solvatochromic shift methods have been used to determine
      the ground state (MUg) and excited state (MUe) dipole moments depending on
      dielectric constant and refractive index functions. It is observed that
      fluorescence spectra show positive solvatochromism whereas absorption spectra do
      not indicates sensitive behavior to solvent polarity. Excited state dipole moment
      is found as higher than those of ground state for all of the used methods and it
      is attributed to more polar excited state of ORO. Theoretical MUg has been
      determined by quantum chemical calculations using DFT and semi empirical methods.
      HOMO, LUMO, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and solvent accessible
      surface of ORO are calculated by using DFT-B3LYP method.

PMID- 25123947
TI  - Molecular structure, vibrational and 13C NMR spectra of two ent-kaurenes
      spirolactone type diterpenoids rabdosinate and rabdosin B: a combined
      experimental and density functional methods.
AB  - The title compounds, rabdosinate and rabdosin B, were isolated from the leaves of
      Isodon japonica, and characterized by IR-NMR spectroscopy. The molecular
      geometry, vibrational frequencies and gauge including atomic orbital (GIAO-13C)
      chemical shift values of the title compounds have been calculated by using
      DFT/B3LYP method with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. In addition, obtained results were
      related to the linear regression of experimental 13C NMR chemical shifts values.
      The integral equation formalism polarized continuum model (IEFPCM) was used in
      treating chloroform solvation effects on optimized structural parameters and 13C
      chemical shifts. Besides, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), HOMO-LUMO
      analysis were performed by the B3LYP method. 

PMID- 25123948
TI  - Computerized tomographic angiography in patients having eSVS Mesh(R) supported
      coronary saphenous vein grafts: intermediate term results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Saphenous Vein (SVG) is used in over 80% of coronary artery
      bypass procedures (CABG) and SVG patency is the Achilles heel of CABG. To address
      this issue, the eSVS Mesh(R), an external Nitinol knitted mesh, fitted like a
      sleeve over the vein graft preventing over expansion in the high pressure
      arterial system, has been introduced to improve disease management. Patency data
      is limited. The objective of this retrospective study is to report patency rates
      (>3 months) in patients having external mesh support as part of CABG. METHODS:
      From October 25, 2010 through February 13, 2012, 21 patients had external mesh
      support of SVG grafts in addition to internal thoracic artery grafting to the
      Anterior Descending artery. Patients were invited to return for patency
      evaluation using Computerized Tomographic angiography (CTA) an average of 7.2
      months post-operative (R = 3-14 months). RESULTS: 21 male patients (age 57+/- 9
      years) underwent on-pump surgery. The eSVS Mesh was successfully placed on all
      SVGs. All grafts were determined patent intra-operative by transit time Doppler
      measurement and there were no operative revisions. There was no operative
      mortality. 12 of the 21 contacted patients returned for CTA, 8 non-returning
      patients contacted were alive and asymptomatic but refused to return due to
      travel restrictions or cost. One patient was lost to follow up. 11 returning
      patients underwent CTA. One patient was excluded (asymptomatic) due to elevated
      creatinine. Of the 23 anastomoses in 11 patients(Average: 2.09 grafts/patient)
      using SVG available for examination, 21 were patent (92%). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      retrospective non-randomized experience, the external mesh supported grafts
      displayed excellent intermediate patency.

PMID- 25123949
TI  - Role of BRAF molecular analysis in the management of papillary thyroid carcinoma:
      analysis of cytological and histological samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the standard diagnostic test
      for the characterization of a suspicious thyroid nodule, in some cases
      cytological evaluation is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine
      the role of BRAF mutation in aiding diagnosis and to verify whether archival
      cytological samples could be suitable for molecular analysis. METHODS: Eighty
      five patients with suspicious (Thy4) or follicular (Thy3) lesions on cytology
      were resubmitted to a second FNA for BRAF mutation analysis. Of these, 56
      subsequently underwent surgery. The usefulness of archival samples for molecular
      analysis was also studied in a second cohort of 42 patients with a confirmed
      diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma for whom both archived paraffin-embedded
      histological samples and cytological smears were available. A further 15 patients
      with paired fresh FNA and archived cytological and histological samples were
      recruited. RESULTS: BRAF mutation was found in the fresh FNA samples from 10 of
      56 patients who had surgery with previous inconclusive cytology (4/45, 9%, Thy3
      and 6/11, 55%, Thy4). The BRAF test showed a specificity and positive predictive
      value of 100% (26/26 and 10/10, respectively), sensitivity of 33% (10/30) and
      negative predictive value of 57% (26/46). There was absolute concordance between
      the BRAF results obtained with 42 histological and cytological archived samples.
      BRAF analysis on 15 archived cytological samples showed absolute concordance with
      histology, whereas there was one false negative on the matched fresh FNA.
      CONCLUSION: BRAF analysis is a highly specific test that can facilitate
      cytological diagnosis in some cases and can also be performed on archived
      cytological samples.

PMID- 25123950
TI  - Level of adherence to the GOLD strategy document for management of patients
      admitted to hospital with an acute exacerbation of COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung
      Disease (GOLD) strategy document has been available since 2001. Little is known
      about level of adherence to the GOLD document among hospital-based health
      professionals assessing and managing inpatients admitted with an acute
      exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The primary aim
      of the study was to evaluate the level of adherence among health professionals to
      GOLD. METHODS: A retrospective audit of medical histories was completed on a
      random sample of 240 patients admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of
      AECOPD within a calendar year. The audit evaluated adherence to GOLD
      recommendations on appropriateness of hospital and intensive care unit admissions
      as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. RESULTS: High
      levels of adherence to indications for hospital admissions (97%), indications for
      intensive care unit admissions (100%) and prescription of bronchodilators (100%)
      were observed. However, antibiotics (45%) and oxygen therapy (68%) were over
      prescribed. Adherence to non-pharmacological management was poor in areas such as
      smoking cessation (25%) and pulmonary rehabilitation referrals (16%). Patients
      admitted under the care of the respiratory team were more likely (odds ratio =
      2.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-5.4) to be referred to pulmonary rehabilitation
      than patients admitted under the general medicine team. CONCLUSIONS: Health
      professionals in the respiratory team had better adherence to GOLD as compared to
      health professionals in other teams. Nonetheless, pharmacological interventions
      were both appropriately prescribed and also over-prescribed, whereas non
      pharmacological interventions were used rarely, suggesting a need for practice
      review in these areas.

PMID- 25123951
TI  - Optimizing Rubisco and its regulation for greater resource use efficiency.
AB  - Rubisco catalyses the carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), enabling
      net CO2 assimilation in photosynthesis. The properties and regulation of Rubisco
      are not optimal for biomass production in current and projected future
      environments. Rubisco is relatively inefficient, and large amounts of the enzyme
      are needed to support photosynthesis, requiring large investments in nitrogen.
      The competing oxygenation of RuBP by Rubisco decreases photosynthetic efficiency.
      Additionally, Rubisco is inhibited by some sugar phosphates and depends upon
      interaction with Rubisco activase (Rca) to be reactivated. Rca activity is
      modulated by the chloroplast redox status and ADP/ATP ratios, thereby mediating
      Rubisco activation and photosynthetic induction in response to irradiance. The
      extreme thermal sensitivity of Rca compromises net CO2 assimilation at moderately
      high temperatures. Given its central role in carbon assimilation, the improvement
      of Rubisco function and regulation is tightly linked with irradiance, nitrogen
      and water use efficiencies. Although past attempts have had limited success,
      novel technologies and an expanding knowledge base make the challenge of
      improving Rubisco activity in crops an achievable goal. Strategies to optimize
      Rubisco and its regulation are addressed in relation to their potential to
      improve crop resource use efficiency and climate resilience of photosynthesis. 

PMID- 25123952
TI  - Massive open online courses on health and medicine: review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have become immensely popular in
      a short span of time. However, there is very little research exploring MOOCs in
      the discipline of health and medicine. OBJECTIVE: We aim to provide a review of
      MOOCs related to health and medicine offered by various MOOC platforms in 2013,
      by analyzing and comparing the various offerings, their target audience, typical
      length of course, and credentials offered. We also discuss opportunities and
      challenges presented by MOOCs in health and medicine. METHODS: Health and
      medicine-related MOOCs were gathered using several methods to ensure the richness
      and completeness of data. Identified MOOC platform websites were used to gather
      the lists of offerings. In parallel, these MOOC platforms were contacted to
      access official data on their offerings. Two MOOC aggregator sites (Class Central
      and MOOC List) were also consulted to gather data on MOOC offerings. Eligibility
      criteria were defined to concentrate on the courses that were offered in 2013 and
      primarily on the subject of health and medicine. All language translations in
      this paper were done using Google Translate. RESULTS: The search identified 225
      courses, of which 98 were eligible for the review. Over half (58%, 57/98) of the
      MOOCs considered were offered on the Coursera platform, and 94% (92/98) of all
      the MOOCs were offered in English. Universities offered 90 MOOCs, and the John
      Hopkins University offered the largest number of MOOCs (12/90). Only three MOOCs
      were offered by developing countries (China, West Indies, and Saudi Arabia). The
      duration of MOOCs varied from 3-20 weeks with an average length of 6.7 weeks. On
      average, MOOCs expected a participant to work on the material for 4.2 hours a
      week. Verified certificates were offered by 14 MOOCs, while three others offered
      other professional recognition. CONCLUSIONS: The review presents evidence to
      suggest that MOOCs can be used as a way to provide continuous medical education.
      It also shows the potential of MOOCs as a means of increasing health literacy
      among the public.

PMID- 25123954
TI  - Current management of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in Canada.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The detection of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is on the
      rise and its optimal management remains controversial. Our aim was to determine
      the current self-reported management of PTMC amongst Canadian otolaryngologist
      head and neck surgeons (OHNS) and endocrinologists and to identify factors
      influencing their management decisions. METHODS: A nine item web-based
      questionnaire was distributed to Canadian OHNS and endocrinologists. The three
      main domains were demographics, current management of PTMC scenarios, and factors
      influencing the decisions. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen OHNS and
      endocrinologists completed the survey. Respondents were closely divided between
      recommending hemithyroidectomy (47%) or total thyroidectomy (43%) for a newly
      diagnosed PTMC in a low risk patient. Observation was the preferred method for
      managing PTMC detected incidentally after hemithyroidectomy (76%). Respondents
      chose more aggressive treatment for male patients compared to female patients. A
      positive history of thyroid cancer or previous radiation exposure was the most
      important factor influencing the management of PTMC. CONCLUSION: The current
      practices of Canadian OHNS and endocrinologist largely coincide with available
      guidelines. The slight variation in practice might be explained by the opposing
      evidence supporting different management options. Given the dramatic increase in
      the incidence of PTMC we suggest future guidelines address the management of PTMC
      independently.

PMID- 25123955
TI  - The problem with generic immunosuppressants.

PMID- 25123953
TI  - Co-inoculation of Glomus intraradices and Trichoderma atroviride acts as a
      biostimulant to promote growth, yield and nutrient uptake of vegetable crops.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The application of beneficial microorganisms at transplanting can
      promote rapid transplant establishment (starter effect) for achieving early and
      high yields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biostimulant effects of
      Glomus intraradices BEG72 (G) and Trichoderma atroviride MUCL 45632 (T) alone or
      in combination on plant growth parameters, yield, chlorophyll index (SPAD),
      chlorophyll fluorescence and mineral composition of several vegetable crops.
      RESULTS: The T. atroviride strain was capable of producing siderophores and auxin
      like compounds under a wide range of substrate pH conditions (5.5-8.0). The
      highest shoot, root dry weight, SPAD and chlorophyll fluorescence in lettuce,
      tomato and zucchini was observed in the G + T combination, followed by a single
      inoculation of G or T, whereas the lowest values were recorded in the
      uninoculated plants. Under greenhouse conditions, the shoot dry weight was
      significantly increased by 167%, 56%, 115%, 68% and 58% in lettuce, melon,
      pepper, tomato and zucchini, respectively, when supplied with both beneficial
      microorganisms in comparison with the control. This increase in root and shoot
      weight was associated with an increased level of nutrient uptake (e.g. P, Mg, Fe,
      Zn and B). Under open field conditions, the lettuce shoot and root dry weight
      increased by 61% and 57%, respectively, with biostimulant microorganism
      application in field conditions. For zucchini, early and total yields were
      significantly increased by 59% and 15%, respectively, when plants were inoculated
      with both microorganisms. CONCLUSION: The application of the biostimulant tablet
      containing both G and T can promote transplant establishment and vegetable crop
      productivity in a sustainable way.

PMID- 25123956
TI  - Role for biological meshes for delayed abdominal wall closure after pediatric
      liver transplantation?

PMID- 25123957
TI  - Elucidating the nature of transformation in the adolescent transplant patient:
      time to move from knowledge to action.

PMID- 25123958
TI  - Factors responsible for incomplete linkage to care after HIV diagnosis:
      preliminary results from the Test and Keep in Care (TAK) project.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Linkage to care after HIV diagnosis remains underinvestigated in
      Europe, yet delays in linkage to care are an important obstacle to controlling
      the HIV epidemic. The Test and Keep in Care (TAK) project aims to determine the
      prevalence of HIV-positive persons who are lost or late to care and factors
      associated with this. METHODS: Data from community-based voluntary counselling
      and testing that occurred in 2010-2011 were linked with data from HIV clinics
      using unique test numbers. Persons not registered in HIV clinics were considered
      lost to care (LTC). For statistical analysis, nonparametric tests were used for
      comparison, and a multivariable logistic regression model was developed that
      included all variables with P<0.1 from the univariable models. RESULTS: A total
      of 110 persons were diagnosed as HIV-positive: 91% lived in central Poland, 5%
      were female and 71% were men who have sex with men (MSM). Forty-seven (42%)
      persons were LTC, seven of whom did not collect their enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) test result. Of those who registered, 75% registered within 1 month
      from HIV diagnosis, and 54% were late presenters. LTC individuals were more
      likely to have heterosexual or bisexual orientation, to have >20 sexual partners,
      to not be in a relationship with an HIV-positive partner, to not use condoms, and
      to be taking their first HIV test. In a logistic regression model, after
      adjusting for these factors, using condoms in a stable relationship decreased the
      odds of LTC by 72% (odds ratio 0.28; confidence interval 0.11-0.67). CONCLUSIONS:
      Integration into care after HIV diagnosis requires improvement. Our results
      suggest that broadening awareness and counselling about sexual risks may have a
      positive impact.

PMID- 25123959
TI  - Polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 are involved in the acquisition of aggressive
      phenotypes in colorectal cancer.
AB  - The polycystins PC1 and PC2 are emerging as major players in mechanotransduction,
      a process that influences all steps of the invasion/metastasis cascade. We
      hypothesized that PC1 and PC2 facilitate cancer aggressiveness. Immunoblotting,
      RT-PCR, semi-quantitative and quantitative real-time PCR and FACS analyses were
      employed to investigate the effect of polycystin overexpression in colorectal
      cancer (CRC) cells. The impact of PC1 inhibition on cancer-cell proliferation was
      evaluated through an MTT assay. In vitro data were analyzed by Student's t-test.
      HT29 human xenografts were treated with anti-PC1 (extracellular domain)
      inhibitory antibody and analyzed via immunohistochemistry to determine the in
      vivo role of PC1 in CRC. Clinical significance was assessed by examining PC1 and
      PC2 protein expression in CRC patients (immunohistochemistry). In vivo and
      clinical data were analyzed by non-parametric tests, Kaplan-Meier curves, log
      rank test and Cox model. All statistical tests were two-sided. PC1 overexpression
      promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCT116 cells, while PC2
      overexpression results in upregulation of the mTOR pathway in SW480 cells. PC1
      inhibition causes reduced cell proliferation in CRC cells inducing tumor necrosis
      and suppressing EMT in HT29 tumor xenografts. In clinical study, PC1 and PC2
      overexpression associates with adverse pathological parameters, including
      invasiveness and mucinous carcinomas. Moreover, PC1 overexpression appears as an
      independent prognostic factor of reduced recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.016, p
      = 0.03) and lowers overall survival probability, while aberrant PC2 expression
      predicts poor overall survival (p = 0.0468). These results support, for the first
      time, a direct link between mechanosensing polycystins (PC1 and PC2) and CRC
      progression. 

PMID- 25123960
TI  - FeCr2S4 in magnetic fields: possible evidence for a multiferroic ground state.
AB  - We report on neutron diffraction, thermal expansion, magnetostriction,
      dielectric, and specific heat measurements on polycrystalline FeCr2S4 in external
      magnetic fields. The ferrimagnetic ordering temperatures TC ~ 170 K and the
      transition at TOO ~ 10 K, which has been associated with orbital ordering, are
      only weakly shifted in magnetic fields up to 9 T. The cubic lattice parameter is
      found to decrease when entering the state below TOO. The magnetic moments of the
      Cr- and Fe-ions are reduced from the spin-only values throughout the magnetically
      ordered regime, but approach the spin-only values for fields >5.5 T. Thermal
      expansion in magnetic fields and magnetostriction experiments indicate a
      contraction of the sample below about 60 K. Below TOO this contraction is
      followed by a moderate expansion of the sample for fields larger than ~4.5 T. The
      transition at TOO is accompanied by an anomaly in the dielectric constant. The
      dielectric constant depends on both the strength and orientation of the external
      magnetic field with respect to the applied electric field for T < TOO. A linear
      correlation of the magnetic-field-induced change of the dielectric constant and
      the magnetic-field dependent magnetization is observed. This behaviour is
      consistent with the existence of a ferroelectric polarization and a multiferroic
      ground state below 10 K.

PMID- 25123961
TI  - N-heterocyclic carbene, high oxidation state molybdenum alkylidene complexes:
      functional-group-tolerant cationic metathesis catalysts.
AB  - We synthesized the first N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of Schrock's
      molybdenum imido alkylidene bis(triflate) complexes. Unlike existing
      bis(triflate) complexes, the novel 16-electron complexes represent metathesis
      active, functional-group-tolerant catalysts. Single-crystal X-ray structures of
      two representatives of this novel class of Schrock catalysts are presented and
      reactivity is discussed in view of their structural peculiarities. In the
      presence of monomer (substrate), these catalysts form cationic species and can be
      employed in ring-closing metathesis (RCM), ring-opening metathesis polymerization
      (ROMP), as well as in the cyclopolymerization of alpha,omega-diynes. Monomers
      containing functional groups, which are not tolerated by the existing variations
      of Schrock's catalyst, e.g., sec-amine, hydroxy, and carboxylic acid moieties,
      can be used. These catalysts therefore hold great promise in both organic and
      polymer chemistry, where they allow for the use of protic monomers. 

PMID- 25123962
TI  - Safe management of chronic pain in pregnancy in an era of opioid misuse and
      abuse.
AB  - Safe and effective management of chronic pain in pregnancy is challenging. Use of
      over-the-counter analgesics, opioids, opioid substitution therapies,
      complementary and alternative therapies, antidepressants, and anxiolytics each
      have benefits and risks for the mother and neonate that must be considered.
      Because of their potency, opioids are often used despite associated risks for
      adverse effects, abuse, diversion, and addiction. Development of a pain
      management protocol for the counsel and care of pregnant women with pain is
      necessary. 

PMID- 25123963
TI  - Molecular profiling in fresh tissue with high tumor cell content promotes
      enrichment for aggressive adenocarcinomas in cervix.
AB  - Many emerging tools for comprehensive molecular profiling of malignant lesions
      demand fresh frozen tissue with a high tumor purity. Often, a tumor epithelial
      content of at least 80% is recommended. This approach may lead to a systematic
      bias, and therefore we explore if this introduces a selection of cases with a
      certain phenotype in cervical cancer. Clinicopathologic data for a population
      based cohort of 328 patients have been studied. Fresh frozen tumor specimens were
      available for 151 of these patients and investigated for epithelial tumor cell
      portion in hematoxylin-stained frozen sections by light microscopy. The estimated
      tumor purity in the samples was compared with FIGO stage, histopathologic
      characteristics and survival. High tumor purity was significantly more often
      found in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared to adenocarcinoma (AC) (P=0.03).
      For the subgroup of AC (n=40), there was a significant association between high
      tumor purity in the fresh frozen samples and later occurrence of recurrent
      disease (P=0.04). In SCC, no significant associations between tumor purity and
      disease stage, grade or outcome were found. Apparently in line with this, grade
      was found to influence prognosis in AC, but not in SCC. Our findings suggest that
      selection of samples based on high tumor purity in fresh frozen tissue may
      introduce a selection bias toward aggressive disease for the subgroup of AC, but
      not for SCC of the cervix. Thus, the prevalence of potential molecular biomarkers
      identified in AC in particular should be validated in a population-based setting
      to further explore clinical relevance. Also, molecular biomarkers only prevalent
      in subgroups with low tumor purity may go undetected in sample collections
      enriched for high tumor purity. 

PMID- 25123965
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of the Siphoviral Bacteriophage YMC/09/04/R1988 MRSA BP:
      A lytic phage from a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolate.
AB  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an increasing cause of
      serious infection, both in the community and hospital settings. Despite
      sophisticated strategies and efforts, the antibiotic options for treating MRSA
      infection have been narrowed due to the limited number of newly developed
      antimicrobials. Herein, we analyze the completely sequenced genome of a novel
      virulent phage YMC/09/04/R1988 MRSA BP as a potential alternative anti-MRSA
      agent, which lysed clinical isolates from a patient admitted to the hospital due
      to hip disarticulation. The phage contains a linear double-stranded DNA genome of
      44,459 bp in length, with 33.37% GC content, 62 predicted open reading frames
      (ORFs), and annotated functions of only 23 ORFs that are associated with
      structural assembly, host lysis, DNA replication, and modification. It showed a
      broad host range (17 of 30 strains) against MRSA strains in clinical isolates.
      This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID- 25123964
TI  - Limited reliability of five non-invasive biomarkers in predicting hepatic
      fibrosis in chronic HCV mono-infected patients opposed to METAVIR scoring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy is gold standard for fibrosis assessment in hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) infection but its limitations led to the identification of non
      invasive biomarkers. This study assesses the reliability of five biomarkers in
      estimating the stage of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis in chronic HCV patients versus
      METAVIR scoring. METHODS: One hundred HCV monoinfected patients who underwent
      liver biopsy and blood sampling were included. Liver fibrosis was staged (F0-4)
      and required laboratory tests were performed. AAR, API, APRI, FIB-4 and Pohl
      score were calculated and their receiver operating curves (ROCs), sensitivities,
      specificities, predictive values and accuracies were evaluated. RESULTS: There
      were 27, 44, and 29 patients at F0-F1, F2-F3, and F4 groups. Significant
      statistical differences were found regarding AST, vireamia, platelet count,
      prothrombin time and all biomarkers. From ROCs only Pohl score predicted
      significant fibrosis and cirrhosis but with low accuracy. AAR, API and APRI
      showed moderate performance at low cut-offs, but had limited predictive values or
      accuracies at higher cut-offs. FIB-4 was the least accurate test. The diagnostic
      reliability of these biomarkers was limited to patients with suspected
      insignificant fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study verified the limited reliability
      for AAR, API, APRI, FIB-4 and Pohl score in estimating the stage of hepatic
      fibrosis in HCV infected patients opposed to METAVIR scoring.

PMID- 25123966
TI  - Confounder selection via penalized credible regions.
AB  - When estimating the effect of an exposure or treatment on an outcome it is
      important to select the proper subset of confounding variables to include in the
      model. Including too many covariates increases mean square error on the effect of
      interest while not including confounding variables biases the exposure effect
      estimate. We propose a decision-theoretic approach to confounder selection and
      effect estimation. We first estimate the full standard Bayesian regression model
      and then post-process the posterior distribution with a loss function that
      penalizes models omitting important confounders. Our method can be fit easily
      with existing software and in many situations without the use of Markov chain
      Monte Carlo methods, resulting in computation on the order of the least squares
      solution. We prove that the proposed estimator has attractive asymptotic
      properties. In a simulation study we show that our method outperforms existing
      methods. We demonstrate our method by estimating the effect of fine particulate
      matter (PM2.5) exposure on birth weight in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. 

PMID- 25123967
TI  - Dry-processable carbon nanotubes for functional devices and composites.
AB  - Assembly of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in effective and productive ways is of vital
      importance to their application. Recent progress in synthesis of CNTs has
      inspired new strategies for utilizing the unique physiochemical properties of
      CNTs in macroscale materials and devices. Assembling CNTs by dry processes (e.g.,
      directly collecting CNTs in the form of freestanding films followed by pressing,
      stretching, and multilayer stacking instead of dispersing them in solution) not
      only considerably simplifies the processes but also avoids structural damage to
      the CNTs. Various dry-processable CNTs are reviewed, focusing on their synthesis,
      properties, and applications. The synthesis techniques are organized in terms of
      aggregative morphologies and microstructure control of CNTs. Important
      applications such as functional thin-film devices, strong CNT films, and
      composites are included. The opportunities and challenges in the synthesis
      techniques and fabrication of advanced composites and devices are discussed. 

PMID- 25123969
TI  - [Update pediatric orthopedics].

PMID- 25123970
TI  - [Orthopedics update: tumor orthopedics].

PMID- 25123968
TI  - The validity of a behavioural multiple-mini-interview within an assessment centre
      for selection into specialty training.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Entry into specialty training was determined by a National Assessment
      Centre (NAC) approach using a combination of a behavioural Multiple-Mini
      Interview (MMI) and a written Situational Judgement Test (SJT). We wanted to know
      if interviewers could make reliable and valid decisions about the non-cognitive
      characteristics of candidates with the purpose of selecting them into general
      practice specialty training using the MMI. Second, we explored the concurrent
      validity of the MMI with the SJT. METHODS: A variance components analysis
      estimated the reliability and sources of measurement error. Further modelling
      estimated the optimal configurations for future MMI iterations. We calculated the
      relationship of the MMI with the SJT. RESULTS: Data were available from 1382
      candidates, 254 interviewers, six MMI questions, five alternate forms of a 50
      item SJT, and 11 assessment centres. For a single MMI question and one assessor,
      28% of the variance between scores was due to candidate-to-candidate variation.
      Interviewer subjectivity, in particular the varying views that interviewer had
      for particular candidates accounted for 40% of the variance in scores. The
      generalisability co-efficient for a six question MMI was 0.7; to achieve 0.8
      would require ten questions. A disattenuated correlation with the SJT (r = 0.35),
      and in particular a raw score correlation with the subdomain related to clinical
      knowledge (r = 0.25) demonstrated evidence for construct and concurrent validity.
      Less than two per cent of candidates would have failed the MMI. CONCLUSION: The
      MMI is a moderately reliable method of assessment in the context of a National
      Assessment Centre approach. The largest source of error relates to aspects of
      interviewer subjectivity, suggesting enhanced interviewer training would be
      beneficial. MMIs need to be sufficiently long for precise comparison for ranking
      purposes. In order to justify long term sustainable use of the MMI in a
      postgraduate assessment centre approach, more theoretical work is required to
      understand how written and performance based test of non-cognitive attributes can
      be combined, in a way that achieves acceptable generalizability, and has
      validity.

PMID- 25123971
TI  - [springermedizin.de -- the editor recommends].

PMID- 25123972
TI  - Lineage-specific evolution of cnidarian Wnt ligands.
AB  - We have studied the evolution of Wnt genes in cnidarians and the expression
      pattern of all Wnt ligands in the hydrozoan Hydractinia echinata. Current views
      favor a scenario in which 12 Wnt sub-families were jointly inherited by
      cnidarians and bilaterians from their last common ancestor. Our phylogenetic
      analyses clustered all medusozoan genes in distinct, well-supported clades, but
      many orthologous relationships between medusozoan Wnts and anthozoan and
      bilaterian Wnt genes were poorly supported. Only seven anthozoan genes, Wnt2,
      Wnt4, Wnt5, Wnt6, Wnt 10, Wnt11, and Wnt16 were recovered with strong support
      with bilaterian genes and of those, only the Wnt2, Wnt5, Wnt11, and Wnt16 clades
      also included medusozoan genes. Although medusozoan Wnt8 genes clustered with
      anthozoan and bilaterian genes, this was not well supported. In situ
      hybridization studies revealed poor conservation of expression patterns of
      putative Wnt orthologs within Cnidaria. In polyps, only Wnt1, Wnt3, and Wnt7 were
      expressed at the same position in the studied cnidarian models Hydra,
      Hydractinia, and Nematostella. Different expression patterns are consistent with
      divergent functions. Our data do not fully support previous assertions regarding
      Wnt gene homology, and suggest a more complex history of Wnt family genes than
      previously suggested. This includes high rates of sequence divergence and lineage
      specific duplications of Wnt genes within medusozoans, followed by functional
      divergence over evolutionary time scales. 

PMID- 25123973
TI  - Association of creative achievement with cognitive flexibility by a combined
      voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional connectivity study.
AB  - Although researchers generally concur that creativity involves the production of
      novel and useful products, the neural basis of creativity remains elusive due to
      the complexity of the cognitive processes involved. Recent studies have shown
      that highly creative individuals displayed more cognitive flexibility. However,
      direct evidence supporting the relationship between creativity and cognitive
      flexibility has rarely been investigated using both structural and functional
      neuroimaging techniques. We used a combined voxel-based morphometry and resting
      state functional connectivity (rsFC) analysis to investigate the relationship
      between individual creativity ability assessed by the creative achievement
      questionnaire (CAQ), and regional gray matter volume (GMV), as well as intrinsic
      functional connectivity. Results showed that CAQ scores negatively correlated
      with GMV in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the bilateral dorsal
      ACC (dACC) extending to supplementary motor area, but positively correlated with
      GMV in the bilateral superior frontal gyrus and ventral medial prefrontal cortex
      (vmPFC). Further functional connectivity analysis revealed that higher creative
      achievement was inversely associated with the strength of rsFC between the dACC
      and medial superior frontal gyrus (mSFG), right middle frontal gyrus, and left
      orbito-frontal insula. Moreover, the association between the dACC-mSFG
      connectivity and CAQ scores was mediated by cognitive flexibility, assessed by a
      task-switching paradigm. These findings indicate that individual differences in
      creative achievement are associated with both brain structure and corresponding
      intrinsic functional connectivity involved in cognitive flexibility and
      deliberate creative processing. Furthermore, dACC-mSFG connectivity may affect
      creative achievement through its impact on cognitive flexibility. 

PMID- 25123974
TI  - Repetition probability effects for inverted faces.
AB  - It has been shown, that the repetition related reduction of the blood-oxygen
      level dependent (BOLD) signal is modulated by the probability of repetitions
      (P(rep)) for faces (Summerfield et al., 2008), providing support for the
      predictive coding (PC) model of visual perception (Rao and Ballard, 1999).
      However, the stage of face processing where repetition suppression (RS) is
      modulated by P(rep) is still unclear. Face inversion is known to interrupt higher
      level configural/holistic face processing steps and if modulation of RS by P(rep)
      takes place at these stages of face processing, P(rep) effects are expected to be
      reduced for inverted when compared to upright faces. Therefore, here we aimed at
      investigating whether P(rep) effects on RS observed for face stimuli originate at
      the higher-level configural/holistic stages of face processing by comparing these
      effects for upright and inverted faces. Similarly to previous studies, we
      manipulated P(rep) for pairs of stimuli in individual blocks of fMRI recordings.
      This manipulation significantly influenced repetition suppression in the
      posterior FFA, the OFA and the LO, independently of stimulus orientation. Our
      results thus reveal that RS in the ventral visual stream is modulated by P(rep)
      even in the case of face inversion and hence strongly compromised
      configural/holistic face processing. An additional whole-brain analysis could not
      identify any areas where the modulatory effect of probability was orientation
      specific either. These findings imply that P(rep) effects on RS might originate
      from the earlier stages of face processing. 

PMID- 25123975
TI  - Comparison of long-term outcomes following traumatic injury: what is the unique
      experience for those with brain injury compared with orthopaedic injury?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Whilst it has been well-demonstrated that traumatic brain injury (TBI)
      results in long-term cognitive, behavioural and emotional difficulties, less is
      understood about how these outcomes differ from those following traumatic
      orthopaedic injury (TOI). The aim of this study was to compare self-reported
      outcomes at 5-10 years post-injury for those with TBI, TOI, and uninjured
      controls. It was hypothesised that participants with TBI would have greater
      cognitive difficulties; participants with TOI and TBI would have similar
      functional and physical outcomes, both being poorer than controls; and
      participants with TBI would have poorer psychosocial outcomes than those with
      TOI. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight individuals with complicated mild to
      severe TBI and 96 with TOI recruited during inpatient rehabilitation were
      followed up 5-10 years post-injury, together with 48 controls followed over a
      similar period. Self-report measures of global functioning (GOS-E), quality of
      life (SF-36), psychological wellbeing (SCL-90-R, HADS, PCL-S), psychosocial
      difficulties (SIP), cognitive difficulties (SF-36 COG), pain (BPI), and fatigue
      (FSS) were administered. RESULTS: Outcomes for individuals with TBI and TOI
      differed significantly from controls, with poorer global functioning, and greater
      psychological distress and interference from pain. Only participants with TBI
      reported greater cognitive difficulties and anxiety than controls, and were less
      likely to be employed or in a relationship. Participants with TBI reported
      greater anxiety, PTSD, psychological distress and psychosocial difficulties than
      those with TOI. CONCLUSIONS: Both TOI and TBI cause long-term disability,
      interference from pain, and psychological distress. However, cognitive
      impairments, unemployment, lack of long-term relationships, anxiety and PTSD are
      more substantial long-term problems following TBI. Findings from this study have
      implications for managing risks associated with these injury groups and tailoring
      rehabilitation to improve long-term outcomes.

PMID- 25123976
TI  - Central 22q11.2 deletions.
AB  - 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is one of the most common microdeletion syndromes. Most
      patients have a deletion resulting from a recombination of low copy repeat blocks
      LCR22-A and LCR22-D. Loss of the TBX1 gene is considered the most important cause
      of the phenotype. A limited number of patients with smaller, overlapping
      deletions distal to the TBX1 locus have been described in the literature. In
      these patients, the CRKL gene is deleted. Haploinsufficiency of this gene has
      also been implicated in the pathogenesis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. To
      distinguish these deletions (comprising the LCR22-B to LCR22-D region) from the
      more distal 22q11.2 deletions (located beyond LCR22-D), we propose the term
      "central 22q11.2 deletions". In the present study we report on 27 new patients
      with such a deletion. Together with information on previously published cases, we
      review the clinical findings of 52 patients. The prevalence of congenital heart
      anomalies and the frequency of de novo deletions in patients with a central
      deletion are substantially lower than in patients with a common or distal 22q11.2
      deletion. Renal and urinary tract malformations, developmental delays, cognitive
      impairments and behavioral problems seem to be equally frequent as in patients
      with a common deletion. None of the patients had a cleft palate. Patients with a
      deletion that also encompassed the MAPK1 gene, located just distal to LCR22-D,
      have a different and more severe phenotype, characterized by a higher prevalence
      of congenital heart anomalies, growth restriction and microcephaly. Our results
      further elucidate genotype-phenotype correlations in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
      spectrum.

PMID- 25123977
TI  - Potential role of cinacalcet hydrochloride in sporadic primary
      hyperparathyroidism without surgery indication.

PMID- 25123978
TI  - Enzalutamide in European and North American men participating in the AFFIRM
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore any differences in efficacy and safety outcomes between
      European (EU) (n = 684) and North American (NA) (n = 395) patients in the AFFIRM
      trial (NCT00974311). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Phase III, double-blind, placebo
      controlled, multinational AFFIRM trial in men with metastatic castration
      resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after docetaxel. Participants were randomly
      assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive oral enzalutamide 160 mg/day or placebo. The
      primary end point was overall survival (OS) in a post hoc analysis. RESULTS:
      Enzalutamide significantly improved OS compared with placebo in both EU and NA
      patients. The median OS in EU patients was longer than NA patients in both
      treatment groups. However, the relative treatment effect, expressed as hazard
      ratio and 95% confidence interval, was similar in both regions: 0.64 (0.50, 0.82)
      for EU and 0.63 (0.47, 0.83) for NA. Significant improvements in other end points
      further confirmed the benefit of enzalutamide over placebo in patients from both
      regions. The tolerability profile of enzalutamide was comparable between EU and
      NA patients, with fatigue and nausea the most common adverse events. Four EU
      patients (4/461 enzalutamide-treated, 0.87%) and one NA patient (1/263
      enzalutamide-treated, 0.38%) had seizures. The difference in median OS was
      related in part to the timing of development of mCRPC and baseline demographics
      on study entry. CONCLUSION: This post hoc exploratory analysis of the AFFIRM
      trial showed a consistent OS benefit for enzalutamide in men with mCRPC who had
      previously progressed on docetaxel in both NA- and EU-treated patients, although
      the median OS was higher in EU relative to NA patients. Efficacy benefits were
      consistent across end points, with a comparable safety profile in both regions.

PMID- 25123980
TI  - Cadmium and lead in chocolates commercialized in Brazil.
AB  - Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations and their relationship to the cocoa
      content of chocolates commercialized in Brazil were evaluated by graphite furnace
      atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) after microwave-assisted acid digestion.
      Several chemical modifiers were tested during method development, and analytical
      parameters, including the limits of detection and quantification as well as the
      accuracy and precision of the overall procedure, were assessed. The study
      examined 30 chocolate samples, and the concentrations of Cd and Pb were in the
      range of <1.7-107.6 and <21-138.4 ng/g, respectively. The results indicated that
      dark chocolates have higher concentrations of Cd and Pb than milk and white
      chocolates. Furthermore, samples with five different cocoa contents (ranging from
      34 to 85%) from the same brand were analyzed, and linear correlations between the
      cocoa content and the concentrations of Cd (R(2) = 0.907) and Pb (R(2) = 0.955)
      were observed. The results showed that chocolate might be a significant source of
      Cd and Pb ingestion, particularly for children. 

PMID- 25123979
TI  - Comparison of ARIMA and Random Forest time series models for prediction of avian
      influenza H5N1 outbreaks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Time series models can play an important role in disease prediction.
      Incidence data can be used to predict the future occurrence of disease events.
      Developments in modeling approaches provide an opportunity to compare different
      time series models for predictive power. RESULTS: We applied ARIMA and Random
      Forest time series models to incidence data of outbreaks of highly pathogenic
      avian influenza (H5N1) in Egypt, available through the online EMPRES-I system. We
      found that the Random Forest model outperformed the ARIMA model in predictive
      ability. Furthermore, we found that the Random Forest model is effective for
      predicting outbreaks of H5N1 in Egypt. CONCLUSIONS: Random Forest time series
      modeling provides enhanced predictive ability over existing time series models
      for the prediction of infectious disease outbreaks. This result, along with those
      showing the concordance between bird and human outbreaks (Rabinowitz et al.
      2012), provides a new approach to predicting these dangerous outbreaks in bird
      populations based on existing, freely available data. Our analysis uncovers the
      time-series structure of outbreak severity for highly pathogenic avain influenza
      (H5N1) in Egypt.

PMID- 25123981
TI  - Increased ethanol production from sweet sorghum juice concentrated by a membrane
      separation process.
AB  - The aim of this investigation was to attain high ethanol concentration by
      concentrating sweet sorghum juice using a two-step membrane separation process.
      Ultrafiltration permeation of the juice was used to remove residues, followed by
      nanofiltration concentration to increase the sugar concentration. The
      concentrated juice containing 180.0 g L(-1) sucrose, 59.3 g L(-1) glucose and
      49.3 g L(-1) fructose supplemented with nitrogen sources (10 and 20 g L(-1) of
      yeast extract and polypeptone, respectively) was fermented by Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae BY4741 to produce 133.5 g L(-1) of ethanol (87.6% of theoretical
      yield) after 48 h fermentation. Importantly, the addition of lower concentrations
      of exogenous nitrogen sources (3 and 6 g L(-1) of yeast extract and polypeptone,
      respectively) or no exogenous nitrogen sources resulted in the production of
      131.4 and 132.8 g L(-1) of ethanol (84.8% and 86.0% of theoretical yield),
      respectively, after 48 h fermentation.

PMID- 25123982
TI  - Physical pretreatments of wastewater algae to reduce ash content and improve
      thermal decomposition characteristics.
AB  - Previous study showed high ash content in wastewater algae (WA) has a negative
      effect on bio-crude oil formation in hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). This study
      explored the effect of different pretreatments on ash reduction and the thermal
      decomposition of WA. Single-stage (e.g. centrifugation) and two-stage
      pretreatments (e.g. centrifugation followed by ultrasonication, C+U) were used.
      The apparent activation energy of the thermal decomposition (E(a)) of pretreated
      algae was determined. HTL was conducted to study how different pretreatments may
      impact on bio-crude oil formation. Compared to untreated samples, the ash content
      of algae with centrifugation was reduced from 28.6% to 18.6%. With C+U
      pretreatments, E(a) was decreased from 50.2 kJ/mol to 35.9 kJ/mol and the bio
      crude oil yield was increased from 30% to 55%. These results demonstrate that
      pretreatments of C+U can improve the thermal decomposition behavior of WA and
      enhance the bio-crude oil conversion efficiency.

PMID- 25123984
TI  - Self-powered energy fiber: energy conversion in the sheath and storage in the
      core.
AB  - A high-performance, self-powered, elastic energy fiber is developed that consists
      of an energy conversion sheath and an energy storage core. The coaxial structure
      and the aligned nanostructures at the electrode interface enable a high total
      energy-conversion and energy-storage performance that is maintained under bending
      and after stretching. 

PMID- 25123983
TI  - Influence of health-related quality of life on health service utilization in
      Chinese rural-to-urban female migrant workers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rural-to-urban migrant workers have been increasing rapidly in China
      over recent decades. Health related quality of life (HRQOL) may affect health
      service utilization. There is a lack of data on HRQOL in relation to health
      service utilization in Chinese rural-to-urban migrant workers. This study was
      aimed to explore the influence of HRQOL on health service utilization in Chinese
      rural-to-urban female migrant workers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey
      of 1,438 female rural-to-urban migrant workers in Shenzhen-Dongguan economic
      zone, China in 2013. HRQOL was assessed by the 36-items Health Survey Short Form
      (SF-36). Health service utilization was measured by any physician visit over the
      recent two weeks and any hospitalization over the last 1-year (annual
      hospitalization). Clustered logistic regression was used to analyze the influence
      of HRQOL on health service utilization. RESULTS: Lower scores in three HRQOL
      domains (bodily pain, general health, role physical) were associated with more
      frequent health service utilization in female rural-to-urban migrant workers.
      Bodily pain and general health were associated with an independent influence of
      15.6% on the risk of recent two-week physician visit, while role physical and
      general health were associated with an independent influence of 21.2% on the risk
      of annual hospitalization. The independent influence of HRQOL on health service
      utilization was smaller than that of socio-demographic and health-related
      variables. CONCLUSIONS: HRQOL may have a modest influence on health service
      utilization in Chinese rural-to-urban female migrant workers - an underprivileged
      population in urban China.

PMID- 25123985
TI  - Rates and risk factors associated with depressive symptoms during pregnancy and
      with postpartum onset.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of depressive
      symptoms in the third trimester of pregnancy and at 3 months postpartum and to
      prospectively identify risk factors associated with elevated depressive symptoms
      during pregnancy and with postpartum onset. About 364 women attending antenatal
      clinics or at the time of their ultrasound were recruited and completed
      questionnaires in pregnancy and 226 returned their questionnaires at 3 months
      postpartum. Depressed mood was assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
      Scale (EPDS; score of >= 10). The rate of depressed mood during pregnancy was
      28.3% and 16.4% at 3 months postpartum. Among women with postpartum depressed
      mood, 6.6% were new postpartum cases. In the present study, belonging to a non
      Caucasian ethnic group, a history of emotional problems (e.g. anxiety and
      depression) or of sexual abuse, comorbid anxiety, higher anxiety sensitivity and
      having experienced stressful events were associated with elevated depressed mood
      during pregnancy. Four risk factors emerged as predictors of new onset elevated
      depressed mood at 3 months postpartum: higher depressive symptomatology during
      pregnancy, a history of emotional problems, lower social support during pregnancy
      and a delivery that was more difficult than expected. The importance of
      identifying women at risk of depressed mood early in pregnancy and clinical
      implications are discussed.

PMID- 25123986
TI  - Reliability and validity of three shortened versions of the State Anxiety
      Inventory scale during the perinatal period.
AB  - The screening for anxiety in obstetric settings has been challenging due to time
      and knowledge constraints. Brief, valid, and reliable instruments can provide
      health care professionals with a quick and easy method to assess anxiety. Three
      six-item forms of the State Anxiety Inventory scale have been constructed. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the psychometric properties of
      these short versions in the perinatal period. Data were drawn from a longitudinal
      pregnancy cohort in Alberta, Canada. Internal consistency of the shortened
      versions was assessed. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to estimate and
      compare indicators of fit during pregnancy and at 4 and 12 months postpartum. All
      shortened scales demonstrated high internal consistency and reliability, with
      alphas ranging from 0.81 to 0.85. All fit indices were greater than 0.93,
      implying a good fit between each model and our data. In the model comparisons,
      the Marteau and Bekker scale provided a more robust fit to data obtained during
      pregnancy and the early postpartum period. At 12 months postpartum, the Chlan et
      al. form demonstrated the best fit of the three versions. The shortened scales
      appear to have acceptable psychometric properties. Brief scales have the
      potential to provide an economical means of assessing perinatal anxiety and can
      be considered as equivalent alternatives to the full-scale version.

PMID- 25123988
TI  - Effect of deodorant and antiperspirant use and presence or absence of axillary
      hair on absorption of testosterone 2% solution applied to men's axillae.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Testosterone 2% solution is applied to axillae and is indicated for
      testosterone replacement therapy in males deficient in endogenous testosterone.
      AIM: This open-label crossover study evaluated the effect of
      deodorant/antiperspirant use and presence or absence of axillary hair on
      absorption of testosterone solution. METHODS: Healthy males (N = 30; >=50 years
      of age with baseline testosterone <400 ng/dL) were randomized to one of four
      treatment sequences involving six treatments. Each treatment consisted of one 1.5
      mL dose of testosterone 2% solution (30 mg of testosterone) applied to each
      axilla. Axillae were unshaved or shaved, and were untreated or pretreated with
      deodorant/antiperspirant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood samples were taken over 72
      hours after each dose for measuring serum testosterone concentrations. RESULTS:
      Profiles of mean testosterone concentrations were similar across treatments. For
      all treatments, area under the concentration-time curve through 24 hours (AUC[0
      24] ) and 72 hours (AUC[0-72] ), and maximum total testosterone concentration
      (Cmax ) were similar except for 15% lower Cmax when treatment was applied after
      deodorant/antiperspirant to shaved vs. unshaved axillae (least squares mean, 531
      ng/dL vs. 626 ng/dL, respectively; P = 0.011). This difference is not considered
      clinically significant. The 95% confidence intervals for AUC(0-24) , AUC(0-72) ,
      and Cmax fell within the traditional bioequivalence limits of 0.8 to 1.25.
      Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was low (<15%) in each
      treatment arm, and most TEAEs were mild. CONCLUSIONS: Absorption of testosterone
      2% solution was unaffected by use of deodorant/antiperspirant or by the presence
      or absence of axillary hair. Testosterone solution was generally well tolerated.

PMID- 25123987
TI  - Speech perception and production by sequential bilingual children: a longitudinal
      study of voice onset time acquisition.
AB  - The majority of bilingual speech research has focused on simultaneous bilinguals.
      Yet, in immigrant communities, children are often initially exposed to their
      family language (L1), before becoming gradually immersed in the host country's
      language (L2). This is typically referred to as sequential bilingualism. Using a
      longitudinal design, this study explored the perception and production of the
      English voicing contrast in 55 children (40 Sylheti-English sequential bilinguals
      and 15 English monolinguals). Children were tested twice: when they were in
      nursery (52-month-olds) and 1 year later. Sequential bilinguals' perception and
      production of English plosives were initially driven by their experience with
      their L1, but after starting school, changed to match that of their monolingual
      peers.

PMID- 25123989
TI  - The impact of an antimicrobial stewardship programme on the use of antimicrobials
      and the evolution of drug resistance.
AB  - Misuse of antibiotics can provoke increased bacterial resistance. There are no
      immediate prospects of any new broad-spectrum antibiotics, especially any with
      activity against enterobacteria, coming onto the market. Therefore, programmes
      should be implemented to optimise antimicrobial therapy. In a quasi-experimental
      study, the results for the pre-intervention year were compared with those for the
      3 years following the application of an antimicrobial stewardship programme. We
      describe 862 interventions carried out as part of the stewardship programme at
      the Hospital Costa del Sol from 2009 to 2011. We examined the compliance of the
      empirical antimicrobial treatment with the programme recommendations and the
      treatment optimisation achieved by reducing the antibiotic spectrum and adjusting
      the dose, dosing interval and duration of treatment. In addition, we analysed the
      evolution of the sensitivity profile of the principal microorganisms and the
      financial savings achieved. 93 % of the treatment recommendations were accepted.
      The treatment actions taken were to corroborate the empirical treatment (46 % in
      2009 and 31 % in 2011) and to reduce the antimicrobial spectrum taking into
      account the antibiogram results (37 % in 2009 and 58 % in 2011). The main drugs
      assessed were imipenem/meropenem, used in 38.6 % of the cases, and cefepime (20.1
      %). The sensitivity profile of imipenem against Pseudomonas aeruginosa increased
      by 10 % in 2011. Savings in annual drug spending (direct costs) of 30,000 Euros
      were obtained. Stewardship programmes are useful tools for optimising
      antimicrobial therapy. They may contribute to preventing increased bacterial
      resistance and to reducing the long-term financial cost of antibiotic treatment.

PMID- 25123990
TI  - Design of a metal-promoted oxide catalyst for the selective synthesis of
      butadiene from ethanol.
AB  - The synthesis of buta-1,3-diene from ethanol has been studied over metal
      containing (M=Ag, Cu, Ni) oxide catalysts (MO(x)=MgO, ZrO2, Nb2O5, TiO2, Al2O3)
      supported on silica. Kinetic study of a wide range of ethanol conversions (2-90%)
      allowed the main reaction pathways leading to butadiene and byproducts to be
      determined. The key reaction steps of butadiene synthesis were found to involve
      ethanol dehydrogenation, acetaldehyde condensation, and the reduction of
      crotonaldehyde with ethanol into crotyl alcohol. Catalyst design included the
      selection of active components for each key reaction step and merging of these
      components into multifunctional catalysts and adjusting the catalyst functions to
      achieve the highest selectivity. The best catalytic performance was achieved over
      the Ag/ZrO2/SiO2 catalyst, which showed the highest selectivity towards butadiene
      (74 mol%).

PMID- 25123991
TI  - Investigation of the immunogenicity of different types of aggregates of a murine
      monoclonal antibody in mice.
AB  - PURPOSE: The potential contribution of protein aggregates to the unwanted
      immunogenicity of protein pharmaceuticals is a major concern. In the present
      study a murine monoclonal antibody was utilized to study the immunogenicity of
      different types of aggregates in mice. Samples containing defined types of
      aggregates were prepared by processes such as stirring, agitation, exposure to
      ultraviolet (UV) light and exposure to elevated temperatures. METHODS: Aggregates
      were analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography, light obscuration, turbidimetry,
      infrared (IR) spectroscopy and UV spectroscopy. Samples were separated into
      fractions based on aggregate size by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation
      or by centrifugation. Samples containing different types and sizes of aggregates
      were subsequently administered to C57BL/6 J and BALB/c mice, and serum was
      analyzed for the presence of anti-IgG1, anti-IgG2a, anti-IgG2b and anti-IgG3
      antibodies. In addition, the pharmacokinetic profile of the murine antibody was
      investigated. RESULTS: In this study, samples containing high numbers of
      different types of aggregates were administered in order to challenge the in vivo
      system. The magnitude of immune response depends on the nature of the aggregates.
      The most immunogenic aggregates were of relatively large and insoluble nature,
      with perturbed, non-native structures. CONCLUSION: This study shows that not all
      protein drug aggregates are equally immunogenic.

PMID- 25123993
TI  - Smoking, behavioral factors and familial environment: a population based study
      with Brazilian adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the association between
      smoking and both behavioral and environmental factors among adolescents in the
      public school system in the city of Campina Grande (northeastern Brazil).
      METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out involving 574
      schoolchildren between 10 and 19 years, with the use of a structured
      questionnaire addressing behavioral factors, environmental factors and smoking.
      The chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used for the statistical
      analysis (5 % level of significance). RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was de
      3.3 %. The lowest age regarding the use of tobacco for the first time was eight
      years and the age group with the greatest frequency of initiation into this habit
      was 11 to 14 years (44.3 %). A total of 84.3 % of tobacco users smoked between
      one and 10 cigarettes per day. Smoking was associated with delays in schooling
      (p=0.047), gender (p=0.016), alcohol use and frequency of alcohol use (p<0.001)
      and the relationship with one's father (p=0.014) and mother (p=0.004).
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low prevalence, an early initiation into smoking was
      found, suggesting that educational campaigns should be directed at earlier ages.
      Alcohol use stood out among the variables studied, suggesting that smoking is
      influenced by both the use and intensity of this substance.

PMID- 25123992
TI  - [Labour factors associated with post-traumatic stress in uniformed workers in
      Medellin].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determining the labor factors associated with post-traumatic stress in
      uniformed workers in Medellin. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was made of 124
      uniformed workers aged 20 to 48 years-old. A survey was made using an adults'
      post-traumatic stress instrument which had been validated in Medellin.
      Statistical analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Post-traumatic stress disorder
      risk prevalence was 52.2 %. Multivariate analysis showed that the highest risk
      situations were those related to previous mental health diagnosis (PR=7.67),
      working schedule (4.24), violent episodes (PR=3.59) and community relationships
      (PR=2.73). CONCLUSIONS: A person's current labor situation seemed to be a risk
      factor for developing post-traumatic stress in the target population.

PMID- 25123994
TI  - [The 20th century legal framework regarding risk at work and occupational health
      in Colombia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Analyzing the 20th century Colombian legal framework from the point of
      view of labor law, social security and public health for identifying concepts
      regarding occupational health and professional risk and trying to establish
      convergence and differences between such foci and whether they fulfilled a
      complementary view. METHOD: This work involved documentary research by means of
      thematic categorical analysis of the laws and statutes promulgated in 20th
      century Colombia, considering the main element or entity which should have
      regulated that related to professional risk or occupational health. RESULTS: The
      development of the 20th century Colombian legal framework regarding health at
      work was periodized, revealing the predominance of a view of social law focused
      on protecting dependent workers' work-related risks, as part of a tendency
      extending to the Colombian Sistema General de Riesgos Laborales. CONCLUSIONS: The
      proposed stages used for organizing the legal framework concerning social
      security regarding professional risk and occupational health facilitated some
      important elements being recognized concerning the social, legal and
      institutional context from which workers' health laws emerged. Tension was noted
      concerning statutes orientated towards redress and compensation regarding
      accidents at work and legislation emphasizing prevention.

PMID- 25123995
TI  - [A case study regarding the technical and public health feasibility of collecting
      water from fog].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the collection of water for human consumption from fog
      nets in San Antonio (Cundinamarca department). METHOD: Water was collected from
      fog using a prototype 6 m2sensor unit which was installed In the area for 53
      days; this water was analysed to assess its quality regarding human consumption.
      RESULTS: The collection area's average daily volume was 43.26 L/day and the
      parameters evaluated met the minimum values established by local regulations for
      drinking water (RAS 2000), except for pH. CONCLUSION: This technique represents
      an alternative for obtaining water fit for human consumption and can be scaled-up
      to produce the quantity needed for communities living in low rainfall areas. It
      can thereby lead to improving such populations' health conditions. Its economic
      feasibility should thus be assessed regarding its implementation and
      sustainability.

PMID- 25123996
TI  - [Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding until the sixth month in teenage
      mothers. Medellin, 2010].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Ascertaining factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding until the
      sixth month in teenage mothers included in SISBEN system levels I and II in the
      city of Medellin. METHODOLOGY: This was a case-control study which included 323
      teenage mothers, involving 197 cases and 126 controls for the "Buen comienzo
      habia una vez -BCHV" (good start) strategy. Univariate analysis involved using
      descriptive statistics; a correspondence analysis was also made. Qualitative
      variables were compared using contingency tables and the Mann-Whitney U test was
      used for quantitative variables having non-normal distribution. Logistic
      regressions was used to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding
      until the sixth month. Kapplan-Meier curves were made for the duration of
      breastfeeding and for the significant variable in the model. The attributable
      risk to which the population was exposed was calculated, as were population
      attributable risks. RESULTS: 27.9% of teenage mothers in the sample managed
      exclusive breastfeeding until the sixth month. Average maternal age was 17.56
      years. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the time spent involved in the
      strategy and education following the birth of a child for those belonging to a
      nuclear family were associated with a longer duration of breastfeeding.
      CONCLUSIONS: The duration of exclusive breastfeeding in the teenage mother
      population could be extended, emphasizing continuity and the type of education
      received by being in the program.

PMID- 25123997
TI  - [Validating abbreviated developmental scale (ADS-1) criterion in the language
      hearing domain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Establishing the validity of abbreviated developmental scale (ADS
      1)criterion, regarding the language and hearing domain for 4- to 5-year-old
      children in the city of Popayan(2012). METHODS: This work involved a validation
      study of diagnostic tests for 96 children whose language and hearing were
      assessed by ADS-1 within a growth and development program and through speech
      therapy assessment as gold standard (Reynell norm-referenced test for measuring
      expressive and receptive language skills and tone audiometry and otoacoustic
      emissions for assessing hearing). The validity of the scale?s criterion was
      determined as was the correlation between both tests using the Kappa value. SPSS
      19 was used for analyzing the results. RESULTS: The ADS-1 scale had 54 %
      sensitivity, 42 % specificity, 87 %positive predictive value, 11 % negative
      predictive value and K=-0.0 concordance. CONCLUSIONS: The ADS-1 scale has little
      predictive ability for correctly classifying a patient as being really ill and/or
      the healthy as being really sound. This value did not coincide with the
      prevalence found (87.5%). Poor agreement between both methods did not allow it to
      be classified as a valid instrument for use as a screening test for the early
      detection of language and hearing disorders in children aged 4 to 5 years old.

PMID- 25123998
TI  - Health risk represented by inhaling polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) during
      daily commuting involving using a high traffic flow route in Bogota.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assessing the risk to health by inhaling particles and particle-bound
      PAH during daily commuting along a high traffic flow route/corridor in Bogota.
      METHODS: A van was equipped with a PAS2000 photo-electric sensor for real-time
      measurement of particle-bound PAH and a Dust Trakfor monitoring PM10
      concentration; it drove along typical commuting routes in the city. Exposure to
      particles and particle-bound PAH was assessed by using an inhalation intake
      model. RESULTS: A similar trend was observed for both PM10 and PAH concentration,
      indicating that traffic was the same source for both contaminants. Extreme PM10
      and PAH inhalation concentrations were recorded every time direct bus and
      microbus emissions were measured by the van. Inhalation model results indicated
      that exposure was significantly greater when using a venues having mixed traffic
      use (i.e. buses, microbuses, passenger vehicles, motorcycles) compared to using
      roads where the TransMilenio system (articulated buses) had been implemented.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results may support evaluating bus drivers, commuters and bike
      users' exposure to toxic compounds in the city.

PMID- 25123999
TI  - [Respiratory disease risk factors in the 5-14 year-old population in an area of
      Bogota, 2012-2013].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Establishing the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, asthma and
      rhinitis, possibly associated with air pollution, in 5- to 14-year-old children
      in Bosa (a conurbation of Bogota), between 2012 and 2013. METHODS: A sample was
      taken of 553 children living in the conurbation. RESULTS: The results indicated
      that when a child lives with people who smoke there was a 1.5 times risk of
      coughing at night (compared to living in a non-smoking home) such night-time
      coughing being different to that produced by respiratory infections such as
      colds, bronchitis and pneumonia. Children living in homes having fireplaces/open
      cooking areas located less than 100 m apart had 1.6 times greater probability of
      presenting symptoms. Children attending schools having greater PM10 exposure and
      living near buildings being constructed or having roads in a poor state of repair
      less than 100 meters from their homes were 2.5 times more likely to suffer
      respiratory disease. Children living in damp rooms were 4 times more likely to
      have wheezed during the past year. The risk of wheezing became increased by 80 %
      when a child lived within 100 meters of buildings being constructed or near
      unpaved roads and attended a school having greater exposure. CONCLUSION:
      Government intervention is critical for changing respiratory disease-associated
      extramural risk factors, such as improvements benefitting children which should
      be carried out in urban areas.

PMID- 25124000
TI  - [The lack of water and its implications regarding feeding practice in Turbo,
      Antioquia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Describing water-related perceptions and practice and how slum
      dwellers lacking public service coverage in the town of Turbo in the Antioquia
      Department, Colombia, approach this. METHODS: This study involved qualitative
      research from an ethnographic approach. Data was collected by means of interviews
      with slum dwellers and observing water-related activities. The information was
      encoded; empirical categories were initially constructed, followed by analytical
      ones. RESULTS: The families had established daily dynamics for facing life
      without water, investing time, money and effort and, according to their
      perceptions and possibilities, defining practice and uses for the water which
      they had access to. The available water sources consisted of a piped water supply
      which had to be paid for or was collected from other neighborhoods (considered
      unsuitable for drinking), rain water (appreciated for its taste and alleged
      quality) and bought bottled water (considered suitable for drinking and cooking,
      but more expensive than the piped water). Less suitable water sources were
      resorted to at critical moments during shortage. Regarding such deficiency,
      feeding practice became modified by replacing preparations requiring more water
      and making adjustments, thereby limiting what could be considered as suitable
      feeding. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of water affected the target families' food
      security, quality of life and welfare. Water-related practice corresponded to
      living conditions, meaning that biological and social aspects must be reconciled
      and recognized. The importance of the right to water and taking those suffering
      such deficiency in to consideration when making public health policy was thus
      highlighted.

PMID- 25124001
TI  - [The congenital syphilis protocol used at the Instituto Materno Infantil-Hospital
      la Victoria, Bogota].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Examining a cohort of women having a reactive venereal disease
      research laboratory (VDRL) test on delivery (and their newborn) to describe
      adherence to the Colombian treatment regime to prevent congenital syphilis and
      identify adverse clinical outcomes. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive study of 73
      pregnant women and their new born was carried out at the Instituto Materno
      Infantil-Hospital La Victoria during 2008. RESULTS: Syphilis was detected in 50
      women during their pregnancy and 23 when giving birth; 34 % became re-infected.
      29 % were drug addicts, 19 % indigent and 23% had a history of syphilis. 7 cases
      were considered successful regarding antenatal treatment. Congenital syphilis
      frequency at the institution was 1 case per 46 births; there were 8 fetal deaths
      (12 %) and 58 cases of congenital syphilis in the newborn (27 symptomatic and 31
      asymptomatic). 7 newborn had neurosyphilis, 17 suffered growth restriction and 6
      were premature. Attending antenatal care, detecting syphilis during pregnancy and
      providing some type of treatment were related to decreased mortality, fewer
      symptomatic newborn and fewer infants having IUGR. Pregnant female drug addicts
      did not attend or lacked prenatal care and had a greater number of symptomatic
      newborn, involving growth restriction and being premature. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      recommended that pregnant women be encouraged to attend prenatal care and that
      health personnel should become involved in detecting the disease, verifying
      treatment in couples (i.e. including the sexual partner)and training in the
      institution's maternal and neonatal care programs.

PMID- 25124002
TI  - [Pharmacosurveillance regarding Colombian patients being treated with stavudine].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Reducing the occurrence of negative stavudine use-associated outcomes
      by reporting such risk to doctors responsible for the care of HIV/AIDS patients
      in Colombia as stavudine has been associated with cumulative and irreversible
      toxicity. METHODS: All stavudine users were identified from Audifarma S.A. (drug
      suppliers) databases (covering about 4.5 million people). The risk was then
      reported to health service providers and the substitution of stavudine for
      zidovudine or tenofovir was recommended. RESULTS: It was found that 1,410
      patients registered in the afore mentioned databases were receiving
      antiretroviral therapy during 2010, of whom 109 (7.5 %) were receiving stavudine;
      these patients were living in 20 cities and being attended by 19 institutions.
      Stavudine use became reduced by 94.6 % during the 28 months following the
      intervention. Zidovudine was the most commonly used replacement drug. DISCUSSION:
      Stavudine was successfully replaced following World Health Organization
      recommendations aimed at preventing the occurrence of lipodystrophy and the
      peripheral neuropathy associated with its use.

PMID- 25124003
TI  - [Argentinean general practitioners' practice and counseling regarding physical
      activity].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Investigating general practitioners' (GP) physical activity and to
      what extent their own physical activity affects counselling their patients in
      clinical practice. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional, exploratory study;
      sample size was 115 (82 women and 33 men). The survey involved using a self
      administered questionnaire at the GPs' annual congress in 2011, using a specially
      designed, on-line questionnaire. RESULTS: This questionnaire revealed that about
      76% of the female GPs did give advice concerning physical activity to their
      patients while the respective prevalence in men was 33 %. Regarding advice
      concerning physical activity to patients having non-communicable diseases, 73 %
      of women GPs always seemed to recommend physical activity for them while the
      corresponding prevalence in men was 27 %. Around 97 % (n=62) of the female GPs
      and 93 % (n=25) of male GPs asked their patients about their physical activity
      pattern; however, this study revealed that only 35 % (n=23) of male and 46 %
      (n=12) of female GPS were actually familiar with the latest recommendations
      concerning physical activity. CONCLUSION: No relationship was found between GPs'
      physical activity level and their counselling in practice concerning physical
      activity or their current knowledge of the topic. The study showed that GPs
      stated that physical activity was important for their patients, although few of
      them engaged in types of physical activity during their leisure-time. There would
      thus seem to be an urgent need for training GPs in prescribing physical activity
      at primary healthcare level to increase their patients' involvement in some form
      of physical activity.

PMID- 25124004
TI  - [A glossary for health care promoting universities (an HPU glossary)].
AB  - The health promotion in the university context emerges as an important initiative
      to facilitate the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors in this environment
      where students, faculty and university staff spend and share a significant part
      of their lives. The movement of Health Promoting Universities (HPU) has over 20
      years of experience, but still lacks a common language that allows effective
      communication between those who are interested in its planning and
      implementation. The purpose of this paper is to develop the most relevant
      concepts in the context of the international movement of UPS. This document is
      organized into five anchor dimensions: [1]The university and health promotion,
      [2] The University and its social responsibility, [3] The University, inequality
      and inequity, [4] The University and evidence in health promotion, and [5]
      Strategies to develop a HPU. It is hoped that this glossary for HPU encourages
      the development of a common language between those who promote this initiative
      and come from different disciplines, and at the same time serve as a guide for
      practice. 

PMID- 25124005
TI  - [Causes of diabetic patients' indifference towards treatment, diet and monitoring
      and possible factors associated with such disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Analyze the causes of detachment to diet and treatment of patients
      with diabetes and factors associated with disease such as family history of
      diabetes and hypertension, in patients from one municipality of San Luis Potosi,
      Mexico, and surrounding areas. METHODS: Descriptive study of variables such as
      age, sex, schooling level, occupation, family history of diabetes and
      hypertension, causes of detachment to diet and treatment; analytic for groups in
      terms of the risk of diabetes according to socio demographic and family history.
      RESULTS: Of the 156 patients included main causes of detachment or abandonment of
      the indicated treatment and/or were the oblivion and insistence on restricted
      food intake. Patients with a family history of hypertension in both parents had
      5.8 times the risk of Diabetes Mellitus, compared to those without this history
      (p<0.01). Those patients with a maternal history of diabetes had 4.76 times the
      risk of suffering it too, compared to those with only paternal history (p<0.001).
      For patients with a history of obesity, they had 2.4 times higher risk of
      developing diabetes than those who had not (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Main causes,
      reported by patients, for detachment to treatment and diet were the oblivion and
      the insistence on restricted food intake, and the degree of association of
      Diabetes Mellitus with family history of this disease and hypertension is 2.4 to
      5.8 times, with p<0.05.

PMID- 25124007
TI  - The heart of the matter: prime time E/e' prime!

PMID- 25124006
TI  - Determination of glutamate dehydrogenase activity and its kinetics in mouse
      tissues using metabolic mapping (quantitative enzyme histochemistry).
AB  - Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) catalyses the reversible conversion of glutamate
      into alpha-ketoglutarate with the concomitant reduction of NAD(P)(+) to NAD(P)H
      or vice versa. GDH activity is subject to complex allosteric regulation including
      substrate inhibition. To determine GDH kinetics in situ, we assessed the effects
      of various glutamate concentrations in combination with either the coenzyme
      NAD(+) or NADP(+) on GDH activity in mouse liver cryostat sections using
      metabolic mapping. NAD(+)-dependent GDH V(max) was 2.5-fold higher than NADP(+)
      dependent V(max), whereas the K(m) was similar, 1.92 mM versus 1.66 mM, when
      NAD(+) or NADP(+) was used, respectively. With either coenzyme, V(max) was
      determined at 10 mM glutamate and substrate inhibition was observed at higher
      glutamate concentrations with a K(i) of 12.2 and 3.95 for NAD(+) and NADP(+) used
      as coenzyme, respectively. NAD(+)- and NADP(+)-dependent GDH activities were
      examined in various mouse tissues. GDH activity was highest in liver and much
      lower in other tissues. In all tissues, the highest activity was found when
      NAD(+) was used as a coenzyme. In conclusion, GDH activity in mice is highest in
      the liver with NAD(+) as a coenzyme and highest GDH activity was determined at a
      glutamate concentration of 10 mM.

PMID- 25124008
TI  - Coronary involvement in lupus patients: getting sharper pictures with advanced
      vascular imaging?

PMID- 25124009
TI  - Contrast-enhanced CMR imaging of ventricular tachycardia isthmus sites to guide
      ablation: an approach in evolution.

PMID- 25124010
TI  - Does neointimal characterization following DES implantation predict long-term
      outcomes?

PMID- 25124011
TI  - Robot-assisted remote echocardiographic examination and teleconsultation: a
      randomized comparison of time to diagnosis with standard of care referral
      approach.
AB  - The strategy using cardiological consultation in addition to the robot-assisted
      remote echocardiography at a distance was tested in a prospective, randomized
      open-label trial to evaluate its feasibility and to define its clinical value in
      a rural area. The present study involved 1 primary healthcare center in the north
      of Sweden, 135 miles from the hospital where the echocardiograms and the
      cardiology teleconsultation were performed long distance in real time. Nineteen
      patients were randomized to remote consultation and imaging, and 19 to the
      standard of care consultation. The total process time was significantly reduced
      in the former arm (median 114 days vs. 26.5 days; p < 0.001). The time from
      randomization until attaining a specialist consultation was also significantly
      reduced (p < 0.001). The patients' satisfaction was reassuring; they considered
      that the remote consultation strategy offered an increased rapidity of diagnosis
      and the likelihood of receiving faster management compared with the standard of
      care at the primary healthcare center. 

PMID- 25124012
TI  - Feasibility of intercity and trans-Atlantic telerobotic remote ultrasound:
      assessment facilitated by a nondedicated bandwidth connection.
AB  - We discuss the concept of ultrasound imaging at a distance by presenting the
      evaluation of a customized, lightweight, human-safe robotic arm for low-force,
      long-distance, telerobotic ultrasonography. We undertook intercity and trans
      Atlantic telerobotic ultrasound simulation from master stations located in New
      York, New York and Munich, Germany, and imaged a phantom and a human volunteer
      located at a slave station in Burlington, Massachusetts, using standard Internet
      bandwidth <100 Mbps and <50 Mbps, respectively. The data from the robotic arm
      were tracked for understanding the time efficiency of the human interactions at
      the master stations. Comparison of a beginner in ultrasound operation with a
      professional sonographer revealed that although proficiency in using ultrasound
      was not a prerequisite for operating the robotic arm, previous experience in
      using clinical ultrasound was associated with progressively lower probe
      maneuvering time and speed due to an enhanced ability of the veteran operator in
      adjusting the finer angular motions of the probe. These results suggest that long
      distance telerobotic echocardiography over a local nondedicated Internet
      bandwidth is feasible and can be rapidly learned by sonographers for cost
      effective resource utilization. 

PMID- 25124013
TI  - Remote ultrasound: new opportunities.

PMID- 25124014
TI  - Ultrafast cardiac ultrasound imaging: technical principles, applications, and
      clinical benefits.
AB  - Several recent technical advances in cardiac ultrasound allow data to be acquired
      at a very high frame rate. Retrospective gating, plane/diverging wave imaging,
      and multiline transmit imaging all improve the temporal resolution of the
      conventional ultrasound system. The main drawback of such high frame rate data
      acquisition is that it typically has reduced image quality. However, for given
      clinical applications, the acquisition of temporally-resolved data might outweigh
      the reduction in image quality. It is the aim of this paper to provide an
      overview of the technical principles behind these new ultrasound imaging
      modalities, to review the current evidence of their potential clinical added
      value, and to forecast how they might influence daily clinical practice. 

PMID- 25124016
TI  - FDG PET/CT imaging for LVAD associated infections.

PMID- 25124017
TI  - OCT imaging for the management of pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 25124018
TI  - Delayed disruption of a bioresorbable vascular scaffold.

PMID- 25124015
TI  - Noninvasive imaging of cardiovascular injury related to the treatment of cancer.
AB  - The introduction of multiple treatments for cancer, including chemotherapeutic
      agents and radiation therapy, has significantly reduced cancer-related morbidity
      and mortality. However, these therapies can promote a variety of toxicities,
      among the most severe being the ones involving the cardiovascular system.
      Currently, for many surviving cancer patients, cardiovascular (CV) events
      represent the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent data suggest that
      CV injury occurs early during cancer treatment, creating a substrate for
      subsequent cardiovascular events. Researchers have investigated the utility of
      noninvasive imaging strategies to detect the presence of CV injury during and
      after completion of cancer treatment because it starts early during cancer
      therapy, often preceding the development of chemotherapy or cancer therapeutics
      related cardiac dysfunction. In this State-of-the-Art Paper, we review the
      utility of current clinical and investigative CV noninvasive modalities for the
      identification and characterization of cancer treatment-related CV toxicity. 

PMID- 25124019
TI  - Integrated 3D Echo-X-Ray navigation to predict optimal angiographic deployment
      projections for TAVR.

PMID- 25124021
TI  - Reply: Effects of blood T1 on extracellular volume calculation.

PMID- 25124020
TI  - Effects of blood T1 on extracellular volume calculation.

PMID- 25124022
TI  - Why, when, and how often?: The next steps after defining the right tools for
      noninvasive imaging of cardiotoxicity.

PMID- 25124023
TI  - Adapting to a changing health care environment.

PMID- 25124024
TI  - Stochastic population forecasting based on combinations of expert evaluations
      within the Bayesian paradigm.
AB  - This article suggests a procedure to derive stochastic population forecasts
      adopting an expert-based approach. As in previous work by Billari et al. (2012),
      experts are required to provide evaluations, in the form of conditional and
      unconditional scenarios, on summary indicators of the demographic components
      determining the population evolution: that is, fertility, mortality, and
      migration. Here, two main purposes are pursued. First, the demographic components
      are allowed to have some kind of dependence. Second, as a result of the existence
      of a body of shared information, possible correlations among experts are taken
      into account. In both cases, the dependence structure is not imposed by the
      researcher but rather is indirectly derived through the scenarios elicited from
      the experts. To address these issues, the method is based on a mixture model,
      within the so-called Supra-Bayesian approach, according to which expert
      evaluations are treated as data. The derived posterior distribution for the
      demographic indicators of interest is used as forecasting distribution, and a
      Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is designed to approximate this posterior.
      This article provides the questionnaire designed by the authors to collect expert
      opinions. Finally, an application to the forecast of the Italian population from
      2010 to 2065 is proposed. 

PMID- 25124025
TI  - Is tissue oxygen saturation related with complete blood parameters in ED
      patients?

PMID- 25124026
TI  - Cardiology clinic follow-up did not decrease return visits to the ED for chest
      pain patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We initiated a program to rapidly rule out myocardial infarction and
      make an appointment (with no co-payment) with a cardiologist within 72 hours for
      patients with low-risk chest pain. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were
      to determine if the rate of return emergency department (ED) visits for chest
      pain decreased among patients who kept their appointments and to evaluate factors
      that impacted clinic no-show rates. METHODS: The study was conducted at a safety
      net facility with 65 000 adult patient visits per year. This study was a
      retrospective review of patients with chest pain discharged from the ED with a
      scheduled cardiology clinic appointment between October 2008 and December 2009.
      We compared those who kept their clinic appointment with those who did not for
      repeat ED visits for 6 months after the study period. Multivariate analysis
      evaluated factors associated with keeping appointments. RESULTS: Of 381 patients,
      265 (70%) kept their appointments. Show rates did not differ based on age, sex,
      race, or language. Patients with commercial insurance were more likely to keep
      appointments than Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured (OR, 51.3; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 2.53-1041.64; P = .010). The 116 no-show patients averaged 0.39
      return ED visits (95% CI, 0.15-0.63), and the 265 patients who kept their
      appointments averaged 0.28 (95% CI, 0.17-0.39). Two hundred twenty-nine patients
      who kept their appointment had no return ED visits, but 36 patients had 74 return
      ED visits. There was no difference in return ED visits between the 18 who had
      diagnostic cardiac testing (mean, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.60-3.06) and the 18 who did not
      (mean, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.20-2.36; P = .251). CONCLUSIONS: This program did not
      reduce repeat ED visits. Patients with insurance were more likely to keep follow
      up appointments.

PMID- 25124027
TI  - Computed tomography scan as a diagnostic tool for supraglottitis in adults.

PMID- 25124029
TI  - Effects of familiar contingencies on infants' vocal behavior in new communicative
      contexts.
AB  - Recently, there has been a growing interest in understanding the mechanisms
      underlying vocal learning in songbirds and human infants. Research has
      demonstrated how contingent social feedback from social partners to immature
      vocalizations can play a role during vocal learning in both brown-headed cowbirds
      and prelinguistic infants. Contingencies in social interactions, particularly
      familiar contingencies, are important in developing preferences for social
      partners and shaping social exchanges Bigelow and Birch [1999]. Infant Behavior &
      Development 22:367-382]; however, little is known about how familiar
      contingencies that individuals experience during communicative exchanges play a
      role in new contexts. The current study examined differences in caregiver
      response patterns to infant vocal behavior and assessed how familiar
      contingencies influenced infant vocal behavior in novel communicative exchanges
      with caregivers. Infants were systematically exposed to high and low social
      feedback schedules during a play session. Results revealed the frequency of
      caregiver responsiveness to which infants were accustomed to affected infant
      vocal production during novel communicative situations. Infants with high
      responding caregivers vocalized with more mature vocalizations and used their
      vocalizations differently than infants with low responding caregivers during the
      high, but not low, response period. Specifically, infants with high responding
      caregivers directed more of their vocalizations at their caregiver and looked
      more at their caregiver after vocalizing, an indication of anticipating
      contingent responding. These results suggest that infants with high responding
      caregivers learned the association between vocalizing and contingent responses
      during the novel communicative interaction. This study demonstrates the need to
      understand how infants who experience a variety of contingencies in everyday
      interactions with caregivers carry over to other interactive situations.

PMID- 25124028
TI  - Patient factors associated with identification of sepsis in the ED.

PMID- 25124030
TI  - The effect of spine postures on the hydrodynamic drag in Epinephelus ongus
      larvae.
AB  - Laboratory behavioural observation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
      analysis were conducted to examine whether the movement of the elongated dorsal
      and pelvic spines changed the hydrodynamic drag in white-streaked grouper
      Epinephelus ongus larvae. The behavioural observation in the tank revealed that
      the larvae extended the dorsal and pelvic spines during passive transport and
      retracted during swimming; the angles of the dorsal and pelvic spines in relation
      to the anteroposterior axis were larger during the passive transport (mean +/-
      S.D. = 28.84 +/- 14.27 and 20.35 +/- 15.05 degrees ) than those during the
      swimming (mean +/- S.D. = 2.59 +/- 5.55 and 0.32 +/- 6.49 degrees ). The CFD
      analysis indicated that the relative hydrodynamic drag acting on the larvae was
      approximately 1.25 times higher when the spines were extended (passive transport)
      than when the spines were retracted (swimming), suggesting that the E. ongus
      larvae have an ability to adjust their hydrodynamic drag depending on the
      behavioural context.

PMID- 25124031
TI  - Astrocytic inclusions in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal
      degeneration.
AB  - Tufted astrocytes (TAs) in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and astrocytic
      plaques (APs) in corticobasal degeneration (CBD) have been regarded as the
      pathological hallmarks of major sporadic 4-repeat tauopathies. To better define
      the astrocytic inclusions in PSP and CBD and to outline the pathological features
      of each disease, we reviewed 95 PSP cases and 30 CBD cases that were confirmed at
      autopsy. TAs exhibit a radial arrangement of thin, long, branching accumulated
      tau protein from the cytoplasm to the proximal processes of astrocytes. APs show
      a corona-like arrangement of tau aggregates in the distal portions of astrocytic
      processes and are composed of fuzzy, short processes. Immunoelectron microscopic
      examination using quantum dot nanocrystals revealed filamentous tau accumulation
      of APs located in the immediate vicinity of the synaptic structures, which
      suggested synaptic dysfunction by APs. The pathological subtypes of PSP and CBD
      have been proposed to ensure that the clinical phenotypes are in accordance with
      the pathological distribution and degenerative changes. The pathological features
      of PSP are divided into 3 representative subtypes: typical PSP type, pallido
      nigro-luysian type (PNL type), and CBD-like type. CBD is divided into three
      pathological subtypes: typical CBD type, basal ganglia- predominant type, and PSP
      like type. TAs are found exclusively in PSP, while APs are exclusive to CBD,
      regardless of the pathological subtypes, although some morphological variations
      exist, especially with regard to TAs. The overlap of the pathological
      distribution of PSP and CBD makes their clinical diagnosis complicated, although
      the presence of TAs and APs differentiate these two diseases. The characteristics
      of tau accumulation in both neurons and glia suggest a different underlying
      mechanism with regard to the sites of tau aggregation and fibril formation
      between PSP and CBD: proximal-dominant aggregation of TAs and formation of
      filamentous NFTs in PSP in contrast to the distal-dominant aggregation of APs and
      formation of less filamentous pretangles in CBD. 

PMID- 25124032
TI  - Ca2+-mediated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species metabolism augments Wnt/beta
      catenin pathway activation to facilitate cell differentiation.
AB  - Emerging evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can stimulate the
      Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in a number of cellular processes. However, potential
      sources of endogenous ROS have not been thoroughly explored. Here, we show that
      growth factor depletion in human neural progenitor cells induces ROS production
      in mitochondria. Elevated ROS levels augment activation of Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling that regulates neural differentiation. We find that growth factor
      depletion stimulates the release of Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum stores.
      Ca(2+) subsequently accumulates in the mitochondria and triggers ROS production.
      The inhibition of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake with simultaneous growth factor
      depletion prevents the rise in ROS metabolism. Moreover, low ROS levels block the
      dissociation of the Wnt effector Dishevelled from nucleoredoxin. Attenuation of
      the response amplitudes of pathway effectors delays the onset of the Wnt/beta
      catenin pathway activation and results in markedly impaired neuronal
      differentiation. Our findings reveal Ca(2+)-mediated ROS metabolic cues that fine
      tune the efficiency of cell differentiation by modulating the extent of the
      Wnt/beta-catenin signaling output. 

PMID- 25124033
TI  - Degradation of Tiam1 by casein kinase 1 and the SCFbetaTrCP ubiquitin ligase
      controls the duration of mTOR-S6K signaling.
AB  - Tiam1 (T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1) is a guanine nucleotide
      exchange factor that specifically controls the activity of the small GTPase Rac,
      a key regulator of cell adhesion, proliferation, and survival. Here, we report
      that in response to mitogens, Tiam1 is degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome
      system via the SCF(betaTrCP) ubiquitin ligase. Mitogenic stimulation triggers the
      binding of Tiam1 to the F-box protein betaTrCP via its degron sequence and
      subsequent Tiam1 ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation. The proteolysis of
      Tiam1 is prevented by betaTrCP silencing, inhibition of CK1 and MEK, or mutation
      of the Tiam1 degron site. Expression of a stable Tiam1 mutant that is unable to
      interact with betaTrCP results in sustained activation of the mTOR/S6K signaling
      and increased apoptotic cell death. We propose that the SCF(betaTrCP)-mediated
      degradation of Tiam1 controls the duration of the mTOR-S6K signaling pathway in
      response to mitogenic stimuli. 

PMID- 25124034
TI  - Interfacial partitioning of a loop hinge residue contributes to diacylglycerol
      affinity of conserved region 1 domains.
AB  - Conventional and novel isoenzymes of PKC are activated by the membrane-embedded
      second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) through its interactions with the C1
      regulatory domain. The affinity of C1 domains to DAG varies considerably among
      PKCs. To gain insight into the origin of differential DAG affinities, we
      conducted high-resolution NMR studies of C1B domain from PKCdelta (C1Bdelta) and
      its W252Y variant. The W252Y mutation was previously shown to render C1Bdelta
      less responsive to DAG (Dries, D. R., Gallegos, L. L., and Newton, A. C. (2007) A
      single residue in the C1 domain sensitizes novel protein kinase C isoforms to
      cellular diacylglycerol production. J. Biol. Chem. 282, 826-830) and thereby
      emulate the behavior of C1B domains from conventional PKCs that have a conserved
      Tyr at the equivalent position. Our data revealed that W252Y mutation did not
      perturb the conformation of C1Bdelta in solution but significantly reduced its
      propensity to partition into a membrane-mimicking environment in the absence of
      DAG. Using detergent micelles doped with a paramagnetic lipid, we determined that
      both the residue identity at position 252 and complexation with diacylglycerol
      influence the geometry of C1Bdelta-micelle interactions. In addition, we
      identified the C-terminal helix alpha1 of C1Bdelta as an interaction site with
      the head groups of phosphatidylserine, a known activator of PKCdelta. Taken
      together, our studies (i) reveal the identities of C1Bdelta residues involved in
      interactions with membrane-mimicking environment, DAG, and phosphatidylserine, as
      well as the affinities associated with each event and (ii) suggest that the
      initial ligand-independent membrane recruitment of C1B domains, which is greatly
      facilitated by the interfacial partitioning of Trp-252, is responsible, at least
      in part, for the differential DAG affinities. 

PMID- 25124035
TI  - Systematic analysis of bacterial effector-postsynaptic density 95/disc
      large/zonula occludens-1 (PDZ) domain interactions demonstrates Shigella OspE
      protein promotes protein kinase C activation via PDLIM proteins.
AB  - Diseases caused by many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens depend on the
      activities of bacterial effector proteins that are delivered into eukaryotic
      cells via specialized secretion systems. Effector protein function largely
      depends on specific subcellular targeting and specific interactions with cellular
      ligands. PDZ domains are common domains that serve to provide specificity in
      protein-protein interactions in eukaryotic systems. We show that putative PDZ
      binding motifs are significantly enriched among effector proteins delivered into
      mammalian cells by certain bacterial pathogens. We use PDZ domain microarrays to
      identify candidate interaction partners of the Shigella flexneri effector
      proteins OspE1 and OspE2, which contain putative PDZ-binding motifs. We
      demonstrate in vitro and in cells that OspE proteins interact with PDLIM7, a
      member of the PDLIM family of proteins, which contain a PDZ domain and one or
      more LIM domains, protein interaction domains that participate in a wide variety
      of functions, including activation of isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC). We
      demonstrate that activation of PKC during S. flexneri infection is attenuated in
      the absence of PDLIM7 or OspE proteins and that the OspE PDZ-binding motif is
      required for wild-type levels of PKC activation. These results are consistent
      with a model in which binding of OspE to PDLIM7 during infection regulates the
      activity of PKC isoforms that bind to the PDLIM7 LIM domain. 

PMID- 25124036
TI  - Human trefoil factor 2 is a lectin that binds alpha-GlcNAc-capped mucin glycans
      with antibiotic activity against Helicobacter pylori.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori infection is the major cause of gastric cancer and remains an
      important health care challenge. The trefoil factor peptides are a family of
      small highly conserved proteins that are claimed to play essential roles in
      cytoprotection and epithelial repair within the gastrointestinal tract. H. pylori
      colocalizes with MUC5AC at the gastric surface epithelium, but not with MUC6
      secreted in concert with TFF2 by deep gastric glands. Both components of the
      gastric gland secretome associate non-covalently and show increased expression
      upon H. pylori infection. Although blood group active O-glycans of the Lewis-type
      form the basis of H. pylori adhesion to the surface mucin layer and to epithelial
      cells, alpha1,4-GlcNAc-capped O-glycans on gastric mucins were proposed to
      inhibit H. pylori growth as a natural antibiotic. We show here that the gastric
      glycoform of TFF2 is a calcium-independent lectin, which binds with high
      specificity to O-linked alpha1,4-GlcNAc-capped hexasaccharides on human and
      porcine stomach mucin. The structural assignments of two hexasaccharide isomers
      and the binding active glycotope were based on mass spectrometry, linkage
      analysis, (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, glycan inhibition, and
      lectin competition of TFF2-mucin binding. Neoglycolipids derived from the C3/C6
      linked branches of the two isomers revealed highly specific TFF2 binding to the 6
      linked trisaccharide in GlcNAcalpha1-4Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-6(Fucalpha1-2Galbeta1
      3)GalNAc-ol(Structure 1). Supposedly, lectin TFF2 is involved in protection of
      gastric epithelia via a functional relationship to defense against H. pylori
      launched by antibiotic alpha1,4-GlcNAc-capped mucin glycans. Lectin-carbohydrate
      interaction may have also an impact on more general functional aspects of TFF
      members by mediating their binding to cell signaling receptors. 

PMID- 25124037
TI  - Control of Toll-like receptor-mediated T cell-independent type 1 antibody
      responses by the inducible nuclear protein IkappaB-zeta.
AB  - Antibody responses have been classified as being either T cell-dependent or T
      cell-independent (TI). TI antibody responses are further classified as being
      either type 1 (TI-1) or type 2 (TI-2), depending on their requirement for B cell
      mediated antigen receptor signaling. Although the mechanistic basis of antibody
      responses has been studied extensively, it remains unclear whether different
      antibody responses share similarities in their transcriptional regulation. Here,
      we show that mice deficient in IkappaB-zeta, specifically in their B cells, have
      impaired TI-1 antibody responses but normal T cell-dependent and TI-2 antibody
      responses. The absence of IkappaB-zeta in B cells also impaired proliferation
      triggered by Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation, plasma cell differentiation,
      and class switch recombination (CSR). Mechanistically, IkappaB-zeta-deficient B
      cells could not induce TLR-mediated induction of activation-induced cytidine
      deaminase (AID), a class-switch DNA recombinase. Retroviral transduction of AID
      in IkappaB-zeta-deficient B cells restored CSR activity. Furthermore, acetylation
      of histone H3 in the vicinity of the transcription start site of the gene that
      encodes AID was reduced in IkappaB-zeta-deficient B cells relative to IkappaB
      zeta-expressing B cells. These results indicate that IkappaB-zeta regulates TLR
      mediated CSR by inducing AID. Moreover, IkappaB-zeta defines differences in the
      transcriptional regulation of different antibody responses. 

PMID- 25124038
TI  - Biochemical characterization of mutants in chaperonin proteins CCT4 and CCT5
      associated with hereditary sensory neuropathy.
AB  - Hereditary sensory neuropathies are a class of disorders marked by degeneration
      of the nerve fibers in the sensory periphery neurons. Recently, two mutations
      were identified in the subunits of the eukaryotic cytosolic chaperonin TRiC, a
      protein machine responsible for folding actin and tubulin in the cell. C450Y CCT4
      was identified in a stock of Sprague-Dawley rats, whereas H147R CCT5 was found in
      a human Moroccan family. As with many genetically identified mutations associated
      with neuropathies, the underlying molecular basis of the mutants was not defined.
      We investigated the biochemical properties of these mutants using an expression
      system in Escherichia coli that produces homo-oligomeric rings of CCT4 and CCT5.
      Full-length versions of both mutant protein chains were expressed in E. coli at
      levels approaching that of the WT chains. Sucrose gradient centrifugation
      revealed chaperonin-sized complexes of both WT and mutant chaperonins, but with
      reduced recovery of C450Y CCT4 soluble subunits. Electron microscopy of
      negatively stained samples of C450Y CCT4 revealed few ring-shaped species,
      whereas WT CCT4, H147R CCT5, and WT CCT5 revealed similar ring structures. CCT5
      complexes were assayed for their ability to suppress aggregation of and refold
      the model substrate gammad-crystallin, suppress aggregation of mutant huntingtin,
      and refold the physiological substrate beta-actin in vitro. H147R CCT5 was not as
      efficient in chaperoning these substrates as WT CCT5. The subtle effects of these
      mutations are consistent with the homozygous disease phenotype, in which most
      functions are carried out during development and adulthood, but some selective
      function is lost or reduced. 

PMID- 25124039
TI  - The mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier associates with the inner membrane presequence
      translocase in a stoichiometric manner.
AB  - The majority of mitochondrial proteins are synthesized with amino-terminal signal
      sequences. The presequence translocase of the inner membrane (TIM23 complex)
      mediates the import of these preproteins. The essential TIM23 core complex
      closely cooperates with partner protein complexes like the presequence
      translocase-associated import motor and the respiratory chain. The inner
      mitochondrial membrane also contains a large number of metabolite carriers, but
      their association with preprotein translocases has been controversial. We
      performed a comprehensive analysis of the TIM23 interactome based on stable
      isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture. Subsequent biochemical studies
      on identified partner proteins showed that the mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier
      associates with the membrane-embedded core of the TIM23 complex in a
      stoichiometric manner, revealing an unexpected connection of mitochondrial
      protein biogenesis to metabolite transport. Our data indicate that direct TIM23
      AAC coupling may support preprotein import into mitochondria when respiratory
      activity is low. 

PMID- 25124040
TI  - Biosynthesis and translocation of unsulfated acyltrehaloses in Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis.
AB  - A number of species-specific polymethyl-branched fatty acid-containing trehalose
      esters populate the outer membrane of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Among them, 2,3
      diacyltrehaloses (DAT) and penta-acyltrehaloses (PAT) not only play a structural
      role in the cell envelope but also contribute to the ability of M. tuberculosis
      to multiply and persist in the infected host, promoting the intracellular
      survival of the bacterium and modulating host immune responses. The nature of the
      machinery, topology, and sequential order of the reactions leading to the
      biosynthesis, assembly, and export of these complex glycolipids to the cell
      surface are the object of the present study. Our genetic and biochemical evidence
      corroborates a model wherein the biosynthesis and translocation of DAT and PAT to
      the periplasmic space are coupled and topologically split across the plasma
      membrane. The formation of DAT occurs on the cytosolic face of the plasma
      membrane through the action of PapA3, FadD21, and Pks3/4; that of PAT occurs on
      the periplasmic face via transesterification reactions between DAT substrates
      catalyzed by the acyltransferase Chp2 (Rv1184c). The integral membrane
      transporter MmpL10 is essential for DAT to reach the cell surface, and its
      presence in the membrane is required for Chp2 to be active. Disruption of mmpL10
      or chp2 leads to an important build-up of DAT inside the cells and to the
      formation of a novel form of unsulfated acyltrehalose esterified with polymethyl
      branched fatty acids normally found in sulfolipids that is translocated to the
      cell surface. 

PMID- 25124041
TI  - Allosteric regulation of a protein acetyltransferase in Micromonospora aurantiaca
      by the amino acids cysteine and arginine.
AB  - ACT domains (amino acid-binding domains) are linked to a wide range of metabolic
      enzymes that are regulated by amino acid concentration. Seventy proteins with ACT
      GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) domain organization were found in
      actinomycetales. In this study, we investigate the ACT-containing GNAT
      acetyltransferase, Micau_1670 (MaKat), from Micromonospora aurantiaca ATCC 27029.
      Arginine and cysteine were identified as ligands by monitoring the conformational
      changes that occur upon amino acids binding to the ACT domain in the MaKat
      protein using FRET assay. It was found that MaKat is an amino acid-regulated
      protein acetyltransferase, whereas arginine and cysteine stimulated the activity
      of MaKat with regard to acetylation of acetyl-CoA synthetase (Micau_0428). Our
      research reveals the biochemical characterization of a protein acetyltransferase
      that contains a fusion of a GNAT domain with an ACT domain and provides a novel
      signaling pathway for regulating cellular protein acetylation. These findings
      indicate that acetylation of proteins and acetyltransferase activity may be
      tightly linked to cellular concentrations of some amino acids in actinomycetales.

PMID- 25124042
TI  - Crystal structure of the ubiquitin-like domain-CUT repeat-like tandem of special
      AT-rich sequence binding protein 1 (SATB1) reveals a coordinating DNA-binding
      mechanism.
AB  - SATB1 is essential for T-cell development and growth and metastasis of multitype
      tumors and acts as a global chromatin organizer and gene expression regulator.
      The DNA binding ability of SATB1 plays vital roles in its various biological
      functions. We report the crystal structure of the N-terminal module of SATB1.
      Interestingly, this module contains a ubiquitin-like domain (ULD) and a CUT
      repeat-like (CUTL) domain (ULD-CUTL tandem). Detailed biochemical experiments
      indicate that the N terminus of SATB1 (residues 1-248, SATB1((1-248))), including
      the extreme 70 N-terminal amino acids, and the ULD-CUTL tandem bind specifically
      to DNA targets. Our results show that the DNA binding ability of full-length
      SATB1 requires the contribution of the CUTL domain, as well as the CUT1-CUT2
      tandem domain and the homeodomain. These findings may reveal a multiple-domain
      coordinated mechanism whereby SATB1 recognizes DNA targets. 

PMID- 25124044
TI  - Newborn screening for pompe disease? a qualitative study exploring professional
      views.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Developments in enzyme replacement therapy have kindled discussions
      on adding Pompe disease, characterized by progressive muscle weakness and
      wasting, to neonatal screening. Pompe disease does not fit traditional screening
      criteria as it is a broad-spectrum phenotype disorder that may occur in lethal
      form in early infancy or manifest in less severe forms from infancy to late
      adulthood. Current screening tests cannot differentiate between these forms.
      Normally, expanding screening is discussed among experts in advisory bodies.
      While advisory reports usually mention the procedures and outcome of
      deliberations, little is known of the importance attached to different arguments
      and the actual weighing processes involved. In this research we aim to explore
      the views of a wide range of relevant professionals to gain more insight into the
      process of weighing pros and cons of neonatal screening for Pompe disease, as an
      example of the dilemmas involved in screening for broad-spectrum phenotype
      disorders. METHODS: We conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with medical, lab,
      insurance and screening professionals, and executive staff of patient
      organisations. They were asked about their first reaction to neonatal screening
      for Pompe disease, after which benefits and harms and requirements for screening
      were explored in more detail. RESULTS: Advantages included health gain by timely
      intervention, avoiding a diagnostic quest, having a reproductive choice and
      gaining more knowledge about the natural course and treatment. Being prepared was
      mentioned as an advantage for the later manifesting cases. Disadvantages included
      treatment costs and uncertainties about its effect, the timing of treatment in
      later manifesting cases, the psychological burden for the patient-in-waiting and
      the family. Also the downsides of having prior knowledge as well as having to
      consider a reproductive option were mentioned as disadvantages. CONCLUSION: When
      weighing pros and cons, interviewees attach different importance to different
      arguments, based on personal and professional views. Professionals expect
      benefits from neonatal screening for Pompe disease, especially for early-onset
      cases. Some interviewees valued screening in later manifesting cases as well,
      while stressing the need for adequate support of pre-symptomatic patients and
      their families. Others considered the psychological burden and uncertainties
      regarding treatment as reasons not to screen.

PMID- 25124043
TI  - Shutdown of achaete-scute homolog-1 expression by heterogeneous nuclear
      ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)-A2/B1 in hypoxia.
AB  - The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor hASH1, encoded by the ASCL1 gene,
      plays an important role in neurogenesis and tumor development. Recent findings
      indicate that local oxygen tension is a critical determinant for the progression
      of neuroblastomas. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the
      oxygen-dependent expression of hASH1 in neuroblastoma cells. Exposure of human
      neuroblastoma-derived Kelly cells to 1% O2 significantly decreased ASCL1 mRNA and
      hASH1 protein levels. Using reporter gene assays, we show that the response of
      hASH1 to hypoxia is mediated mainly by post-transcriptional inhibition via the
      ASCL1 mRNA 5'- and 3'-UTRs, whereas additional inhibition of the ASCL1 promoter
      was observed under prolonged hypoxia. By RNA pulldown experiments followed by
      MALDI/TOF-MS analysis, we identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein
      (hnRNP)-A2/B1 and hnRNP-R as interactors binding directly to the ASCL1 mRNA 5'-
      and 3'-UTRs and influencing its expression. We further demonstrate that hnRNP
      A2/B1 is a key positive regulator of ASCL1, findings that were also confirmed by
      analysis of a large compilation of gene expression data. Our data suggest that a
      prominent down-regulation of hnRNP-A2/B1 during hypoxia is associated with the
      post-transcriptional suppression of hASH1 synthesis. This novel post
      transcriptional mechanism for regulating hASH1 levels will have important
      implications in neural cell fate development and disease. 

PMID- 25124045
TI  - Prospective study of ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal cryotherapy: case
      selection as an optimization factor for a technique.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technical and oncological effectiveness of ultrasound
      guided percutaneous renal cryotherapy (PRC) in a selected group of patients with
      renal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 28
      patients with posterior-facing T1a renal tumors with middle and inferior external
      borders. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided PRC. Follow-up was conducted
      with computed tomography at 1 month and then every 6 months, with a good result
      defined as the total absence of contrast incorporation. We performed a
      descriptive and survival study using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. RESULTS: The 28
      patients had a mean age (SD) of 68.3 (10.1) years, and the group underwent 28
      procedures. The mean (SD) size of the tumors was 25.5 (7.5) mm, the mean
      nephrometry score was 1.41 (0.52) and the mean preoperative creatinine level was
      133.5 (144.1) mmol/L. There were no intraoperative complications. In terms of
      postoperative complications, there was only 1 case (3.5%) of a skin lesion
      resulting from treating a tumor in a transplanted kidney (Clavien II). The median
      follow-up was 25 months, and the mean (SD) postoperative creatinine level was
      135.5 (110.3) mmol/L. Two cases presented radiological recurrence (93% efficacy),
      with a mean time to recurrence of 12 and 19 months, respectively. There were no
      tumor-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Our series (the largest on PRC in our country
      to date) shows that, with an appropriate selection of tumors, PRC is a safe
      technique with minimal morbidity. Ultrasonography enables the controlled
      performance of the procedure and saves the patient from radiation and reduces
      costs.

PMID- 25124046
TI  - Opisthorchis viverrini: analysis of the sperm-specific rhophilin associated tail
      protein 1-like.
AB  - Concurrent deficiency of rhophilin associated tail protein (ROPN1) and ROPN1-like
      (ROPN1L) in mice causes structural abnormalities and immotility of sperm and
      thereby infertility. In the present research, ROPN1L of the human liver fluke
      Opisthorchis viverrini was molecularly characterized and showed unexpected
      potential as a diagnostic tool. ROPN1L transcripts were detected in 2-week-old
      juveniles by RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical analysis of the adult worm localized the
      protein in testis lobes, seminal vesicle and receptacle and immunoelectron
      microscopic analysis revealed its location on the tail of spermatozoa.
      Interestingly, sera of experimentally infected hamsters and sera of individuals
      suffering from opisthorchiasis showed reactivity to recombinant OvROPN1L
      (rOvROPN1L). The protein shows modest conservation to the human homolog at 47.2%
      sequence identity and a mouse anti-rOvROPN1L antiserum was not reactive with
      sperm protein extracts from hamsters, mice and rats. Unsurprisingly, conservation
      is higher in trematodes, e.g. 78.4% and 71.2% identity to Fasciola gigantica and
      Schistosoma haematobium, respectively and evaluation of diagnostic specificity is
      required using sera of individuals suffering from different trematodiases in
      Thailand. 

PMID- 25124048
TI  - A-site sub-stoichiometry and oxygen vacancies as the origin of the electrical
      properties of Sr2-yLuNb1-xTixO6-delta perovskite-like materials.
AB  - Aliovalent substitution of Nb(5+) by Ti(4+) in Sr2LuNbO6 is limited to 10% of Nb
      atoms. A full structural determination by NPD confirms this and reveals that the
      structure is better described as a superstructure of the simple cubic perovskite
      (as previously reported) with the monoclinic cell 2(1/2)ap* 2(1/2)ap* 2ap and
      beta~ 90 degrees  (S.G. P21/n). The substituted materials present both oxygen
      vacancies induced by charge compensation and Sr-deficiency. Therefore, their
      formula should be given as Sr2-yLuNb1-xTixO6-delta. Electrical properties can be
      fully understood considering these compositional defects. The parent compound
      Sr2LuNbO6 presents low electrical conductivity in air, which improves by more
      than one order of magnitude upon Ti substitution. In any case, the title oxides
      show low electrical conductivity in a wide oxygen partial pressure (pO2) range
      (10(-25) atm <=pO2<= 10(-1) atm). At high pO2 the conductivity increases with pO2
      due to oxygen-vacancy annihilation and hole creation, according to a general p
      type semiconducting mechanism; A-site substoichiometry and Ti-substitution are
      the origin of this behaviour. In the low pO2 region, the conductivity increases
      as the oxygen partial pressure decreases. Reduction of cations, Nb(5+) or Ti(4+),
      supports n-type conduction by electrons and oxygen vacancy creation. For the
      intermediate pO2 range a low ionic conduction contribution is observed. Although
      the estimated ionic conductivity is not high in the substituted compounds, the
      strategy seems to be valid since a significant enhancement of ionic conduction is
      observed upon aliovalent substitution. 

PMID- 25124047
TI  - A meta-analysis of external fixator versus intramedullary nails for open tibial
      fracture fixation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare the clinical outcomes of external fixator (EF) and
      intramedullary nails (IN) in the treatment of open tibial fractures. METHODS: We
      searched seven electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID, Cochrane
      library, CNKI, and CBM) for trials of tibial fracture fixation published from
      1980 to 2013. The indicators including postoperative infection, malunion,
      nonunion, soft tissue injury, delayed healing, and healing time were used for
      quantitative outcome assessments. RESULTS: A total of nine trials involving 532
      patients (EF, n = 253; IN, n = 279) with open tibia fractures were included in
      this meta-analysis. The results indicated that the patients undergoing IN had
      lower incidence of postoperative infection (risk radio [RR] = 3.85; 95%
      confidence intervals [CI], 2.67-5.54; P < 0.0001), malunion (RR = 2.31; 95% CI,
      1.40-3.81; P = 0.001), nonunion (RR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.06-1.88; P = 0.02) and less
      healing time (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 6.19; 95% CI, 1.42-10.96; P =
      0.01) compared with EF. However, regarding to the soft tissue injury (RR = 0.74;
      95% CI, 0.34-1.62; P = 0.45) and delayed healing (RR = 1.38; 95% CI, 0.79-2.43; P
      = 0.26), there is no significantly difference between EF and IN approach.
      CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the use of IN is more effective than EF and may be
      considered as first-line approach in fixation of open tibial fractures.

PMID- 25124049
TI  - The solid-state continuum: a perspective on the interrelationships between
      different solid-state forms in drug substance and drug product.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the review is to provide an overview of the
      nomenclature used in the solid-state continuum and relate these to the
      development of drug substances and drug products. KEY FINDINGS: The importance of
      a rational approach to solid-state form selection, including integrated decision
      making (ensuring equal weight is given to the needs of the drug substance and the
      drug product), is vital for the effective development of a drug candidate. For
      example, how do secondary processing considerations influence the selection of
      drug substance solid-state form and resulting formulation, and how can drug
      substance solid-state form be used to optimise secondary processing? Further, the
      potential use of 'crystal' engineering to optimise stability, purity and optical
      resolutions, and the linked regulatory requirements, will be discussed. SUMMARY:
      The nomenclature used in the solid-state continuum, which contains a large number
      of different crystalline and non-crystalline forms, for example, amorphous
      systems, was reviewed. Further, the significant role of the drug substance within
      the solid oral dose form from a physicochemical perspective was covered.

PMID- 25124050
TI  - Childhood trauma and eating psychopathology: a mediating role for dissociation
      and emotion dysregulation?
AB  - The present study examined the relationship between different forms of childhood
      trauma and eating psychopathology using a multiple mediation model that included
      emotion dysregulation and dissociation as hypothesised mediators. 142 female
      undergraduate psychology students studying at two British Universities
      participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed measures of
      childhood trauma (emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional
      neglect and physical neglect), eating psychopathology, dissociation and emotion
      dysregulation. Multiple mediation analysis was conducted to investigate the
      study's proposed model. Results revealed that the multiple mediation model
      significantly predicted eating psychopathology. Additionally, both emotion
      dysregulation and dissociation were found to be significant mediators between
      childhood trauma and eating psychopathology. A specific indirect effect was
      observed between childhood emotional abuse and eating psychopathology through
      emotion dysregulation. Findings support previous research linking childhood
      trauma to eating psychopathology. They indicate that multiple forms of childhood
      trauma should be assessed for individuals with eating disorders. The possible
      maintaining role of emotion regulation processes should also be considered in the
      treatment of eating disorders. 

PMID- 25124051
TI  - Exploring policies for the reduction of child physical abuse and neglect.
AB  - Policies can be powerful tools for prevention given their potential to affect
      conditions that can improve population-level health. Given the dearth of
      empirical research on policies' impacts on child maltreatment, this article (a)
      identifies 37 state policies that might have impacts on the social determinants
      of child maltreatment; (b) identifies available data sources documenting the
      implementation of 31 policies; and (c) utilizes the available data to explore
      effects of 11 policies (selected because they had little missing data) on child
      maltreatment rates. These include two policies aimed at reducing poverty, two
      temporary assistance to needy families policies, two policies aimed at increasing
      access to child care, three policies aimed at increasing access to high quality
      pre-K, and three policies aimed at increasing access to health care. Multi-level
      regression analyses between within-state trends of child maltreatment
      investigation rates and these 11 policies, controlling for states' childhood
      poverty, adults without a high school diploma, unemployment, child burden, and
      race/ethnicity, identified two that were significantly associated with decreased
      child maltreatment rates: lack of waitlists to access subsidized child care and
      policies that facilitate continuity of child health care. These findings are
      correlational and are limited by the quality and availability of the data. Future
      research might focus on a reduced number of states that have good quality
      administrative data or population-based survey data on child maltreatment or
      reasonable proxies for child maltreatment and where data on the actual
      implementation of specific policies of interest can be documented. 

PMID- 25124052
TI  - Computed tomographic findings in 15 dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy.
AB  - Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy is a disease characterized by the infiltration of
      the lung and bronchial mucosa by eosinophils. The aim of the present study was to
      describe the CT findings in a large series of dogs with confirmed diagnosis of
      eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. Computed tomographic scans of 15 dogs with
      confirmed diagnosis of eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy were evaluated
      retrospectively by two boarded radiologists who reached a consensus.
      Abnormalities were identified in 14/15 (93%) dogs, including pulmonary
      parenchymal abnormalities in 14/15 (93%) dogs, bronchial wall thickening in 13
      (87%) dogs, which was considered marked in eight (53%), plugging of the bronchial
      lumen by mucus/debris in 11 (73%) dogs, and bronchiectasis in nine (60%) dogs.
      Pulmonary nodules were identified in 5/15 (33%) dogs including one dog with a
      mass. All dogs with a nodular lung pattern had additional abnormalities.
      Lymphadenopathy was present in 10 dogs (67%). Lesions associated with
      eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy are variable and heterogeneous and encompass a
      wider variety of computed tomographic features than reported previously. Computed
      tomographic images were abnormal in the majority of affected dogs, hence CT is a
      useful modality to characterize the nature and distribution of thoracic lesions
      in dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy. 

PMID- 25124053
TI  - VMAT2 and Parkinson's disease: old dog, new tricks.

PMID- 25124055
TI  - Cytostatic drugs and metabolites in municipal and hospital wastewaters in Spain:
      filtration, occurrence, and environmental risk.
AB  - Concerns about cytostatic anticancer drugs in the environment are increasing,
      mainly due to the lack of knowledge about the fate and impact of these cytotoxic
      compounds in the water cycle. In this context, the present work investigated the
      occurrence of 13 cytostatics and 4 metabolites in wastewater samples from various
      wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and from a large hospital from Spain. The
      target compounds belong to five different classes according to the Anatomical
      Therapeutic Classification (ATC), namely, alkylating agents, antimetabolites,
      plant alkaloids and other natural products, cytotoxic antibiotics and related
      substances, and other antineoplastic agents. Some of them have been classified as
      carcinogens in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
      These compounds were determined by an automated on line solid-phase extraction
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS) method. Results
      showed the presence of methotrexate (MET), ifosfamide (IF), cyclophosphamide
      (CP), irinotecan (IRI), doxorubicin (DOX), capecitabine (CAP), tamoxifen (TAM)
      and the metabolites endoxifen (OH-D-TAM), hydroxytamoxifen (OH-TAM) and
      hydroxypaclitaxel (OH-PAC) at levels ranging from 2 ng L(-1) (for MET) to 180 ng
      L(-1) (for TAM). Some of these compounds were found to be efficiently removed
      after wastewater treatment, e.g. MET, DOX and IRI, whereas other compounds, such
      as TAM, CP and IF remained largely unaltered. The behaviour of the target
      compounds during the common filtration step of the water samples was also
      investigated with the finding that some compounds are strongly adsorbed to nylon
      filters, while cellulose acetate appears as the best choice for the filter
      material. The aquatic environmental risk associated to the detected compounds was
      also assessed. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of
      the presence of the metabolites OH-D-TAM and OH-TAM in the water cycle.

PMID- 25124054
TI  - Correlation between optical coherence tomography-derived intraluminal parameters
      and fractional flow reserve measurements in intermediate grade coronary lesions:
      a comparison between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements accurately assess
      functional relevance in intermediate grade coronary lesions. A significant
      relationship between hemodynamic stenosis severity and optical coherence
      tomography (OCT)-derived intraluminal dimensions has recently been demonstrated.
      However, morphologic thresholds to identify significant stenoses are variable and
      exploration of this correlation in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains
      currently incomplete. This study aimed at comparing the diagnostic value of
      intraluminal parameters as determined by OCT to predict FFR <=0.8 in lesions of
      patients with versus without DM. METHODS: In 100 patients (DM = 56, non-DM = 44)
      with 142 coronary de novo lesions (DM = 80, non-DM = 62) of intermediate grade as
      determined by quantitative coronary angiography, we performed OCT and FFR.
      Stenoses were defined functionally relevant if FFR was <=0.8. RESULTS: FFR
      measurements in the overall study cohort, the DM and the non-DM group correlated
      significantly with minimal lumen area (MLA) [overall: r (2) = 0.339, DM: r (2) =
      0.341, non-DM: r (2) = 0.355 (all p < 0.001)], percent area stenosis [overall: r
      (2) = 0.352, DM: r (2) = 0.376, non-DM: r (2) = 0.351 (all p < 0.001)] and
      minimal lumen diameter [overall: r (2) = 0.333, DM: r (2) = 0.277, non-DM: r (2)
      = 0.417 (all p < 0.001)] without differing statistically between diabetic and non
      diabetic patients (p = ns). Receiver operating characteristic analysis
      demonstrated that among OCT-derived parameters, MLA predicted FFR <=0.8 with the
      best diagnostic efficiency and with similar cut-off values for all patients [area
      under the curve (AUC) = 0.836, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.772-0.901, cut
      off value = 1.64 mm(2)] as well as for diabetic (AUC = 0.840, 95% CI = 0.754
      0.927, cut-off value = 1.59 mm(2)) and non-diabetic subjects (AUC = 0.833, 95% CI
      = 0.734-0.932, cut-off value = 1.64 mm(2)). CONCLUSION: In both, diabetic and non
      diabetic patients, FFR and OCT-derived intraluminal measurements are
      significantly correlated and OCT predicts hemodynamically relevant coronary
      stenosis with moderate diagnostic efficiency.

PMID- 25124056
TI  - Effects of nano-ZnO on the agronomically relevant Rhizobium-legume symbiosis.
AB  - The impact of nano-ZnO (nZnO) on Rhizobium-legume symbiosis was studied with
      garden pea and its compatible bacterial partner Rhizobium leguminosarum bv.
      viciae 3841. Exposure of peas to nZnO had no impact on germination, but
      significantly affected root length. Chronic exposure of plant to nZnO impacted
      its development by decreasing the number of the first- and the second-order
      lateral roots, stem length, leaf surface area, and transpiration. The effect of
      nZnO dissolution on phytotoxicity was also examined. Results showed that Zn(2+)
      had negative impact on plant development. Exposure of R. leguminosarum bv. viciae
      3841 to nZnO brought about morphological changes by rendering the microbial cells
      toward round shape and damaging the bacterial surface. Furthermore, the presence
      of nZnO in the rhizosphere affected root nodulation, delayed the onset of
      nitrogen fixation, and caused early senescence of nodules. Attachment of
      nanoparticles on the root surface and dissolution of Zn(2+) are important factors
      affecting the phytotocity of nZnO. Hence, the presence of nZnO in the environment
      is potentially hazardous to the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis system. 

PMID- 25124057
TI  - Foster care, externalizing disorders, and antipsychotic use among Medicaid
      enrolled youths.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The authors investigated the extent to which clinical diagnoses of
      externalizing disorders explain higher rates of antipsychotic use by foster care
      youths. METHODS: Medicaid claims data from 44 states for 2009 for youths in
      foster care (N=301,894) and those not in foster care (N=5,092,574) were analyzed,
      excluding those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, and major
      depressive disorder. Logistic regressions assessed the relationship between
      foster care, externalizing disorders, and antipsychotic use. RESULTS: Foster care
      youths had higher rates of externalizing disorders than the comparison group
      (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, 17.3% versus 6.5%; disruptive behavior
      disorder, 7.2% versus 2.5%; conduct disorder, 2.3% versus .5%) and greater
      antipsychotic use (7.4% versus 1.4%). Foster care remained a significant
      predictor of antipsychotic use after control for demographic and diagnostic
      covariates, including externalizing disorders (adjusted odds ratio=2.59, 95%
      confidence interval=2.54-2.63). CONCLUSIONS: High rates of externalizing disorder
      diagnoses only partially explained elevated levels of antipsychotic use in this
      vulnerable population.

PMID- 25124058
TI  - Granulation of increasingly hydrophobic formulations using a twin screw
      granulator.
AB  - The application of twin screw granulation in the pharmaceutical industry has
      generated increasing interest due to its suitability for continuous processing.
      However, an understanding of the impact of formulation properties such as
      hydrophobicity on intermediate and finished product quality has not yet been
      established. Hence, the current work investigated the granulation behaviour of
      three formulations containing increasing amounts of hydrophobic components using
      a ConsigmaTM-1 twin screw granulator. Process conditions including powder feed
      rate, liquid to solid ratio, granulation liquid composition and screw
      configuration were also evaluated. The size of the wet granules was measured in
      order to enable exploration of granulation behaviour in isolation without
      confounding effects from downstream processes such as drying. The experimental
      observations indicated that the granulation process was not sensitive to the
      powder feed rate. The hydrophobicity led to heterogeneous liquid distribution and
      hence a relatively large proportion of un-wetted particles. Increasing numbers of
      kneading elements led to high shear and prolonged residence time, which acted to
      enhance the distribution of liquid and feeding materials. The bimodal size
      distributions considered to be characteristic of twin screw granulation were
      primarily ascribed to the breakage of relatively large granules by the kneading
      elements. 

PMID- 25124059
TI  - Amphiphilic chitosan-grafted-functionalized polylactic acid based nanoparticles
      as a delivery system for doxorubicin and temozolomide co-therapy.
AB  - The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of an amphiphilic system
      comprising chitosan-grafted polylactide and carboxyl-functionalized polylactide
      acid as a carrier for the controlled release and co-release of two DNA alkylating
      drugs: doxorubicin and temozolomide. Polylactide and carboxyl-functionalized
      polylactide acid were obtained through direct melt polycondensation reaction,
      using methanesulfonic acid as a non-toxic initiator, and subsequently these were
      grafted to the chitosan backbone through a coupling reaction, utilizing 1-ethyl-3
      (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide as a condensing agent. ATR-FTIR analysis and
      conductometric titration confirmed that a reaction between CS and PLA, PLACA2%
      and PLACA5% occurred. Chitosan-grafted-polylactide and polylactide-citric acid
      nanoparticles were prepared via the polyelectrolyte complex technique, applying
      dextran sulphate as a polyanion, and loaded with doxorubicin and temozolomide.
      The diameter of particles, zeta-potential and their relationship to temperature
      and pH were analysed in all formulations. Encapsulation, co-encapsulation
      efficiency and release studies were conducted in different physiological
      simulated environments and human serum. Results showed the continuous release of
      drugs without an initial burst in different physiological media.

PMID- 25124060
TI  - Test performance of PET-CT for mediastinal lymph node staging of pulmonary
      carcinoid tumours.
AB  - Positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) is one of the initial mediastinal
      staging modality for non-small cell lung cancer; however, the clinical utility in
      carcinoid tumours is uncertain. We sought to determine the test performance of
      PET-CT for mediastinal lymph node staging of pulmonary carcinoid tumours. We
      collated data from seven institutions, performing a retrospective search on
      pathological databases for a consecutive series of patients who underwent
      thoracic surgery (with lymph nodal dissection) for carcinoid tumours with
      preoperative PET-CT staging. PET-CT results were compared with the reference
      standard of pathologic results obtained from lymph node dissection and test
      performance reported using sensitivity and specificity. From November 1999 to
      January 2013, 247 patients from seven institutions underwent surgery for
      carcinoid tumours with a corresponding preoperative PET-CT scan. The mean age of
      the patients was 61 (SD 15, range 73) and 84 were male patients (34%). The
      pathologic subtype was typical carcinoid in 217 patients (88%) and atypical
      carcinoid in 30 patients (12%). Results from lymph node dissection were obtained
      in 207 patients. The calculated sensitivity and specificity of PET-CT to identify
      mediastinal lymph node disease was 33% (95% CI 4% to 78%) and 94% (95% CI 89% to
      97%), respectively. Our results indicate that PET-CT has a poor sensitivity but
      good specificity to detect the presence of mediastinal lymph node metastases in
      pulmonary carcinoid tumours. Mediastinal lymph node metastases cannot be ruled
      out with negative PET-CT uptake, and if the absence of mediastinal lymph node
      disease is a prerequisite for directing management, tissue sampling should be
      undertaken. 

PMID- 25124063
TI  - An unusual stacking transformation in liquid-crystalline columnar assemblies of
      clicked molecular propellers with tunable light emissions.
AB  - The columnar liquid-crystalline (LC) and fluorescence properties of three
      dimensional molecular propellers based on tetraphenylethylene is reported. X-ray
      scattering studies reveal an unusual transition from a rectangular (Colrec ) to a
      hexagonal columnar (Colhex ) phase. In contrast to second-order intercolumnar
      transitions based on a common tilt mechanism, the transition is first order and
      involves an unprecedented zigzag stacking of aromatic propellers in the Colrec
      phase. A sudden change in emission color from sky blue to green occurs rapidly
      and reversibly at this transition, which is due to the planarization of the
      propeller mesogen. 

PMID- 25124061
TI  - Prevention of infections during primary immunodeficiency.
AB  - Because infectious diseases are a major source of morbidity and mortality in the
      majority of patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), the application of a
      prophylactic regimen is often necessary. However, because of the variety of PIDs
      and pathogens involved, and because evidence is scarce, practices are
      heterogeneous. To homogenize practices among centers, the French National
      Reference Center for PIDs aimed at elaborating recommendations for anti
      infectious prophylaxis for the most common PIDs. We performed a literature review
      of infectious complications and prophylactic regimens associated with the most
      frequent PIDs. Then, a working group including different specialists
      systematically debated about chemoprophylaxis, immunotherapy, immunization, and
      recommendations for patients. Grading of prophylaxis was done using strength of
      recommendations (decreasing from A to D) and evidence level (decreasing from I to
      III). These might help infectious diseases specialists in the management of PIDs
      and improving the outcome of patients with PIDs.

PMID- 25124064
TI  - The impact of genetic heterogeneity on biomarker development in kidney cancer
      assessed by multiregional sampling.
AB  - Primary clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) genetic heterogeneity may lead to
      an underestimation of the mutational burden detected from a single site
      evaluation. We sought to characterize the extent of clonal branching involving
      key tumor suppressor mutations in primary ccRCC and determine if genetic
      heterogeneity could limit the mutation profiling from a single region assessment.
      Ex vivo core needle biopsies were obtained from three to five different regions
      of resected renal tumors at a single institution from 2012 to 2013. DNA was
      extracted and targeted sequencing was performed on five genes associated with
      ccRCC (von-Hippel Lindau [VHL], PBRM1, SETD2, BAP1, and KDM5C). We constructed
      phylogenetic trees by inferring clonal evolution based on the mutations present
      within each core and estimated the predictive power of detecting a mutation for
      each successive tumor region sampled. We obtained 47 ex vivo biopsy cores from 14
      primary ccRCC's (median tumor size 4.5 cm, IQR 4.0-5.9 cm). Branching patterns of
      various complexities were observed in tumors with three or more mutations. A VHL
      mutation was detected in nine tumors (64%), each time being present ubiquitously
      throughout the tumor. Other genes had various degrees of regional mutational
      variation. Based on the mutations' prevalence we estimated that three different
      tumor regions should be sampled to detect mutations in PBRM1, SETD2, BAP1, and/or
      KDM5C with 90% certainty. The mutational burden of renal tumors varies by region
      sampled. Single site assessment of key tumor suppressor mutations in primary
      ccRCC may not adequately capture the genetic predictors of tumor behavior.

PMID- 25124066
TI  - Targeted genome regulation and modification using transcription activator-like
      effectors.
AB  - Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are immensely powerful new tools
      for genome engineering that can be directed to bind to almost any DNA sequence of
      choice. They originate from the Xanthomonas species of plant pathogenic bacteria
      and, in nature, these proteins increase the virulence of Xanthomonas. However, in
      2009, the DNA binding code of TALEs was deciphered and, subsequently, TALE
      proteins have been exploited for many diverse applications. Custom TALEs that
      target almost any required DNA sequence can be readily constructed in < 1 week.
      One major application is gene editing: TALEs fused with the Fok I endonuclease
      catalytic domain can induce double-stranded breaks at a chosen genomic location,
      similar to zinc finger nucleases. Designer TALE transcription factors have also
      been developed by linking TALEs to a transcription AD, such as VP64. More
      recently, TALEs have been developed that can repress transcription, bind
      methylated DNA or act as fluorescent chromatin probes. In the present review, we
      describe the assembly of designer TALEs, their expanding range of current and
      potential future applications, and briefly discuss alternatives, namely, zinc
      finger nucleases and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic
      repeat/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat associated
      protein 9.

PMID- 25124065
TI  - Novel GALT variations and mutation spectrum in the Korean population with
      decreased galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Classic galactosemia (OMIM #230400) is an autosomal recessive
      metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the galactose-1-phosphate
      uridyltransferase (GALT, EC2.7.7.12) protein due to mutations in the GALT gene.
      The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive and updated mutation
      spectrum of GALT in a Korean population. METHODS: Thirteen unrelated patients
      screened positive for galactosemia in a newborn screening program were included
      in this study. They showed a reduced GALT enzyme activity in red blood cells.
      Direct sequencing of the GALT gene and in silico analyses were done to evaluate
      the impact of novel variations upon GALT enzyme activity. We also reviewed
      previous reports for GALT mutations in Koreans. RESULTS: We identified six novel
      likely pathogenic variations including three missense (p.Ala101Asp, p.Tyr165His,
      and p.Pro257Thr), one small deletion/insertion [c.826_827delinsAA (p.Ala276Asn)],
      one frameshift (p.Asn96Serfs*5), and one splicing (c.378-1G > C) likely
      pathogenic variations. The most frequent variation was the Duarte variant (c.940A
      > G, 35.3%), followed by c.507G > C (p.Gln169His, 9.6%), among 34 Korean
      patients. Other mutations were widely scattered. None of the eight common
      mutations used for targeted mutation analysis in Western countries including
      p.Gln188Arg, p.Ser135Leu, p.Lys285Asn, p.Leu195Pro, p.Tyr209Cys, p.Phe171Ser,
      c.253-2A > G, and a 5 kb deletion, had been found in Koreans until this study.
      CONCLUSIONS: Considering the mutation spectrum in Koreans, direct sequence
      analysis of entire GALT exons is recommended for accurate diagnosis. The
      mutations responsible for GALT deficiency in the Korean population were clearly
      different from those of other populations.

PMID- 25124067
TI  - Living cardiac tissue slices: an organotypic pseudo two-dimensional model for
      cardiac biophysics research.
AB  - Living cardiac tissue slices, a pseudo two-dimensional (2D) preparation, have
      received less attention than isolated single cells, cell cultures, or Langendorff
      perfused hearts in cardiac biophysics research. This is, in part, due to
      difficulties associated with sectioning cardiac tissue to obtain live slices.
      With moderate complexity, native cell-types, and well-preserved cell-cell
      electrical and mechanical interconnections, cardiac tissue slices have several
      advantages for studying cardiac electrophysiology. The trans-membrane potential
      (Vm) has, thus far, mainly been explored using multi-electrode arrays. Here, we
      combine tissue slices with optical mapping to monitor Vm and intracellular Ca(2+)
      concentration ([Ca(2+)]i). This combination opens up the possibility of studying
      the effects of experimental interventions upon action potential (AP) and calcium
      transient (CaT) dynamics in 2D, and with relatively high spatio-temporal
      resolution. As an intervention, we conducted proof-of-principle application of
      stretch. Mechanical stimulation of cardiac preparations is well-established for
      membrane patches, single cells and whole heart preparations. For cardiac tissue
      slices, it is possible to apply stretch perpendicular or parallel to the dominant
      orientation of cells, while keeping the preparation in a constant focal plane for
      fluorescent imaging of in-slice functional dynamics. Slice-to-slice comparison
      furthermore allows one to assess transmural differences in ventricular tissue
      responses to mechanical challenges. We developed and tested application of axial
      stretch to cardiac tissue slices, using a manually-controlled stretching device,
      and recorded Vm and [Ca(2+)]i by optical mapping before, during, and after
      application of stretch. Living cardiac tissue slices, exposed to axial stretch,
      show an initial shortening in both AP and CaT duration upon stretch application,
      followed in most cases by a gradual prolongation of AP and CaT duration during
      stretch maintained for up to 50 min. After release of sustained stretch, AP
      duration (APD) and CaT duration reverted to shorter values. Living cardiac tissue
      slices are a promising experimental model for the study of cardiac mechano
      electric interactions. The methodology described here can be refined to achieve
      more accurate control over stretch amplitude and timing (e.g. using a computer
      controlled motorised stage, or by synchronising electrical and mechanical events)
      and through monitoring of regional tissue deformation (e.g. by adding motion
      tracking). 

PMID- 25124068
TI  - Mathematical modeling for evolution of heterogeneous modules in the brain.
AB  - Modular architecture has been found in most cortical areas of mammalian brains,
      but little is known about its evolutionary origin. It has been proposed by
      several researchers that maximizing information transmission among subsystems can
      be used as a principle for understanding the development of complex brain
      networks. In this paper, we study how heterogeneous modules develop in coupled
      map networks via a genetic algorithm, where selection is based on maximizing
      bidirectional information transmission. Two functionally differentiated modules
      evolved from two homogeneous systems with random couplings, which are associated
      with symmetry breaking of intrasystem and intersystem couplings. By exploring the
      parameter space of the network around the optimal parameter values, it was found
      that the optimum network exists near transition points, at which the incoherent
      state loses its stability and an extremely slow oscillatory motion emerges. 

PMID- 25124069
TI  - Memories as bifurcations: realization by collective dynamics of spiking neurons
      under stochastic inputs.
AB  - How the neural system proceeds from sensory stimuli to generate appropriate
      behaviors is a basic question that has not yet been fully answered. In contrast
      to the conventional viewpoint, in which the external stimulus dominantly drives
      the response behavior, recent studies have revealed that not only external
      stimuli, but also intrinsic neural dynamics, contribute to the generation of
      response behavior. In particular, spontaneous activity, which is neural activity
      without extensive external stimuli, has been found to exhibit similar patterns to
      those evoked by external inputs, from time to time. In order to further
      understand the role of this spontaneous activity on the response, we propose a
      viewpoint, memories-as-bifurcations, that differs from the traditional memories
      as-attractors viewpoint. According to this viewpoint, memory is recalled when
      spontaneous neural activity is changed to an appropriate output activity upon the
      application of an input. After reviewing the previous rate-coding model embodying
      this viewpoint, we employ a model of a spiking neuron network that can embed
      input/output associations, and study the dynamics of collective neural activity.
      The organized neural activity, which matched the target pattern, is shown to be
      generated even under application of stochastic input, while the spontaneous
      activity, which apparently shows noisy dynamics, is found to exhibit selectively
      higher similarity with evoked activities corresponding to embedded target
      patterns. These results suggest that such an intrinsic structure in the
      spontaneous activity might play a role in generating the higher response. The
      relevance of these results to biological neural processing is also discussed. 

PMID- 25124070
TI  - Bronchoscopic interventions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - Over the past decade, several non-surgical and minimally invasive bronchoscopic
      lung volume reduction (BLVR) techniques have been developed to treat patients
      with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). BLVR can be
      significantly efficacious, suitable for a broad cohort of patients, and
      associated with a solid safety profile at a reasonable expense. The introduction
      of BLVR is also expected to accelerate the further development of interventional
      pulmonology worldwide. Recently, results from clinical studies on BLVR techniques
      have been published, providing valuable information about the procedure's
      indications, contraindications, patient-selection criterion and outcomes. BLVR
      utilizing one-way endobronchial valves is gaining momentum as an accepted
      treatment in regular medical practice because of the identification of best
      responders. Patients with a heterogeneous emphysema distribution and without
      inter-lobar collateral ventilation show encouraging results. Furthermore, for
      patients with collateral ventilation, who are not considered candidates for valve
      treatment, and for patients with homogeneous emphysema, the introduction of lung
      volume reduction coil treatment is a promising solution. Moreover, with the
      development of newer treatment modalities, that is, biochemical sealant and
      thermal water vapor, the potential to treat emphysema irrespective of collateral
      flow, may be further increased. Nevertheless, patient selection for BLVR
      treatment will be crucial for the procedure's success and should be performed
      using a multidisciplinary team approach. Consequently, BLVR needs to be
      concentrated in high-volume centres that will offer better quality and experience
      with treatment challenges and adverse events. This review gives a general
      overview of BLVR from an expert and scientific perspective. 

PMID- 25124071
TI  - Bullet points from SHOT: key messages and recommendations from the Annual SHOT
      Report 2013.

PMID- 25124072
TI  - Seroepidemiology of human T-cell lymphotropic virus among Iranian adult
      thalassemic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A large number of transfusion-dependent thalassemic patients is at a
      substantial risk for transfusion-transmitted infections. Human T-cell
      lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is a blood-borne pathogen and can be transmitted via
      cellular products. We aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of HTLV in transfusion
      dependent thalassemic patients referred to Tehran Adult Thalassemia Clinic.
      METHODS: From 2008 to 2010, 257 transfusion-dependent thalassemic patients who
      referred to Tehran Adult Thalassemia Clinic were enrolled. The seroprevalence of
      HTLV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV were assessed
      using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Also, the samples with positive
      result for anti-HTLVAb (by ELISA) were reassessed using Western blot for HTLV.
      RESULTS: Among the 257 transfusion-dependent thalassemic patients who were tested
      for anti-HTLVAb, 29 (11.3%, 95% CI = 7.8-15.6%) were found to be anti-HTLVAb
      positive by ELISA and Western blot. No case was detected to be HBsAg positive,
      whereas 16% had HBV seroconversion criteria, and more than 95% had anti-HBsAb in
      their sera. Also, 103 (40.1%) patients were HCV seropositive, 13 (5.1%) patients
      of which were co-infected with HCV/HTLV. Among the HTLV-infected patients, 44.8%
      were co-infected with HCV, whereas 39.5% of HTLV-seronegative individuals were
      HCV mono-infected (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that transfusion
      dependent thalassemic patients were in higher risk for transmission of different
      blood-borne pathogens such as HTLV. The screening of HTLV in Iranian blood donors
      is recommended.

PMID- 25124073
TI  - Pulsed-high-dose dexamethasone as a treatment for pure red cell aplasia following
      ABO-incompatible allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 25124074
TI  - Two cases of platelet transfusion refractoriness and one case of possible FNAIT
      caused by antibodies against CD36 in China.

PMID- 25124075
TI  - Chaperone network composition in Solanum lycopersicum explored by transcriptome
      profiling and microarray meta-analysis.
AB  - Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are molecular chaperones primarily involved in
      maintenance of protein homeostasis. Their function has been best characterized in
      heat stress (HS) response during which Hsps are transcriptionally controlled by
      HS transcription factors (Hsfs). The role of Hsfs and Hsps in HS response in
      tomato was initially examined by transcriptome analysis using the massive
      analysis of cDNA ends (MACE) method. Approximately 9.6% of all genes expressed in
      leaves are enhanced in response to HS, including a subset of Hsfs and Hsps. The
      underlying Hsp-Hsf networks with potential functions in stress responses or
      developmental processes were further explored by meta-analysis of existing
      microarray datasets. We identified clusters with differential transcript profiles
      with respect to abiotic stresses, plant organs and developmental stages. The
      composition of two clusters points towards two major chaperone networks. One
      cluster consisted of constitutively expressed plastidial chaperones and other
      genes involved in chloroplast protein homeostasis. The second cluster represents
      genes strongly induced by heat, drought and salinity stress, including HsfA2 and
      many stress-inducible chaperones, but also potential targets of HsfA2 not related
      to protein homeostasis. This observation attributes a central regulatory role to
      HsfA2 in controlling different aspects of abiotic stress response and tolerance
      in tomato. 

PMID- 25124076
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor A polymorphism and risk of Kaposi's sarcoma
      herpesvirus viremia in kidney allograft recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) causes Kaposi's sarcoma (KS),
      primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman's disease in
      immunocompromised patients including allograft recipients. Detection of KSHV DNA
      in blood, as well as host genetic polymorphisms has been found to be associated
      with an increased risk for KS. We investigated an association between single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)
      gene region and KSHV viremia in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) in Saudi
      Arabia. METHODS: In total, 152 KTR who have survived kidney transplantation for
      at least 6 months were included in the study. KSHV viremia was determined by real
      time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genotyping of SNPs in the VEGFA region was
      performed by PCR and direct sequencing, as well as by restriction fragment length
      polymorphism. RESULTS: KSHV DNA was detected in 28.9% (n = 44) of the study
      population. The A-allele at position C172A VEGFA gene promoter region was found
      to be associated with KSHV viremia (odd ratio [OR] = 4.8, P = 0.005). In
      addition, the G-allele at position C+405G in the 5'-untranslated region was
      associated with KSHV viremia in women, but not in men (OR = 3.98, P = 0.004).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an association of VEGFA polymorphisms with KSHV
      viremia among KTR in this study population. A limitation of our study is that the
      results can only be predicated for patients 6 months after kidney transplantation
      and should be validated in another cohort with larger sample size.

PMID- 25124077
TI  - Study of the usability of spaced retrieval exercise using mobile devices for
      Alzheimer's disease rehabilitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible brain disease that slowly
      destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the
      simplest daily tasks. Recent studies showed that people with AD might actually
      benefit from physical exercises and rehabilitation processes. Studies show that
      rehabilitation would also add value in making the day for an individual with AD a
      little less foggy, frustrating, isolated, and stressful for as long as possible.
      OBJECTIVE: The focus of our work was to explore the use of modern mobile
      technology to enable people with AD to improve their abilities to perform
      activities of daily living, and hence to promote independence and participation
      in social activities. Our work also aimed at reducing the burden on caregivers by
      increasing the AD patients' sense of competence and ability to handle behavior
      problems. METHODS: We developed ADcope, an integrated app that includes several
      modules that targeted individuals with AD, using mobile devices. We have
      developed two different user interfaces: text-based and graphic-based. To
      evaluate the usability of the app, 10 participants with early stages of AD were
      asked to run the two user interfaces of the spaced retrieval memory exercise
      using a tablet mobile device. RESULTS: We selected 10 participants with early
      stages of AD (average age: 75 years; 6/10, 60% males, 4/10, 40% females). The
      average elapsed time per question between the text-based task (14.04 seconds) and
      the graphic-based task (12.89 seconds) was significantly different (P=.047).
      There was also a significant difference (P<.001) between the average correct
      answer score between the text-based task (7.60/10) and the graphic-based task
      (8.30/10), and between the text-based task (31.50/100) and the graphic-based task
      (27.20/100; P<.001). Correlation analysis for the graphic-based task showed that
      the average elapsed time per question and the workload score were negatively
      correlated (-.93, and -.79, respectively) to the participants' performance
      (P<.001 and P=.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found that people with early
      stages of AD used mobile devices successfully without any prior experience in
      using such devices. Participants' measured workload scores were low and posttask
      satisfaction in fulfilling the required task was conceivable. Results indicate
      better performance, less workload, and better response time for the graphic-based
      task compared with the text-based task.

PMID- 25124078
TI  - Evaluation of treatment outcomes for patients on first-line regimens in US
      President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) clinics in Uganda: predictors
      of virological and immunological response from RV288 analyses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Viral load (VL) monitoring is recommended, but seldom performed, in
      resource-constrained countries. RV288 is a US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS
      Relief (PEPFAR) basic programme evaluation to determine the proportion of
      patients on treatment who are virologically suppressed and to identify predictors
      of virological suppression and recovery of CD4 cell count. Analyses from Uganda
      are presented here. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, observational study,
      patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) (efavirenz or
      nevirapine+zidovudine/lamivudine) from Kayunga District Hospital and Kagulamira
      Health Center were randomly selected for a study visit that included
      determination of viral load (HIV-1 RNA), CD4 cell count and clinical chemistry
      tests. Subjects were recruited by time on treatment: 6-12, 13-24 or >24 months.
      Logistic regression modelling identified predictors of virological suppression.
      Linear regression modelling identified predictors of CD4 cell count recovery on
      ART. RESULTS: We found that 85.2% of 325 subjects were virologically suppressed
      (viral load<47 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml). There was no difference in the proportion of
      virologically suppressed subjects by time on treatment, yet CD4 counts were
      higher in each successive stratum. Women had higher median CD4 counts than men
      overall (406 vs. 294 cells/MUL, respectively; P<0.0001) and in each time-on
      treatment stratum. In a multivariate logistic regression model, predictors of
      virological suppression included efavirenz use [odds ratio (OR) 0.47; 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.22-1.02; P=0.057], lower cost of clinic visits (OR
      0.815; 95% CI 0.66-1.00; P=0.05), improvement in CD4 percentage (OR 1.06; 95% CI
      1.014-1.107; P=0.009), and care at Kayunga vs. Kangulamira (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.23
      0.92; P=0.035). In a multivariate linear regression model of covariates
      associated with CD4 count recovery, time on highly active antiretroviral therapy
      (ART) (P<0.0001), patient satisfaction with care (P=0.038), improvements in total
      lymphocyte count (P<0.0001) and haemoglobin concentration (P=0.05) were
      positively associated, whereas age at start of ART (P=0.0045) was negatively
      associated with this outcome. CONCLUSIONS: High virological suppression rates are
      achievable on first-line ART in Uganda. The odds of virological suppression were
      positively associated with efavirenz use and improvements in CD4 cell percentage
      and total lymphocyte count and negatively associated with the cost of travel to
      the clinic. CD4 cell reconstitution was positively associated with CD4 count at
      study visit, time on ART, satisfaction with care at clinic, haemoglobin
      concentration and total lymphocyte count and negatively associated with age.

PMID- 25124079
TI  - Stigma and the perpetuation of obesity.
AB  - Even as obesity rates reach new highs, the social stigmatization of obesity seems
      to be strengthening and globalizing. This review identifies at least four
      mechanisms by which a pervasive environment of fat stigma could reinforce high
      body weights or promote weight gain, ultimately driving population-level obesity.
      These are direct effects through behavior change because of feeling judged, and
      indirect effects of social network changes based on stigmatizing actions and
      decisions by others, psychosocial stress from feeling stigmatized, and the
      structural effects of discrimination. Importantly, women and children appear
      especially vulnerable to these mechanisms. The broader model provides an improved
      basis to investigate the role of stigma in driving the etiology of obesity, and
      explicates how individual, interpersonal, and structural dimensions of stigma are
      connected to variation in health outcomes, including across generations. 

PMID- 25124080
TI  - Effects of the exercise-inducible myokine irisin on malignant and non-malignant
      breast epithelial cell behavior in vitro.
AB  - Exercise has been shown to reduce risk and improve prognosis of several types of
      cancers. Irisin is a myokine linked to exercise and lean body mass, which is
      thought to favorably alter metabolism systemically, potentially providing benefit
      for metabolic disease (including cancer). We evaluated the effects of various
      concentrations of irisin (with and without post-translational modifications) on
      malignant and non-malignant breast epithelial cell number, migration and
      viability. Irisin significantly decreased cell number, migration and viability in
      malignant MDA-MB-231 cells, without affecting non-malignant MCF-10a cells.
      Moreover, irisin enhanced the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin (Dox) when added to
      a wide spectrum of irisin concentrations in the malignant cell type (with
      simultaneous reduction in Dox uptake), which was not observed in non-malignant
      MCF-10a cells. Additionally, we found that irisin decreases malignant cell
      viability in part through stimulation of caspase activity leading to apoptotic
      death. Interestingly, we found that irisin suppresses NFkappaB activation, an
      opposite effect of other myokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF
      alpha). Our observations suggest that irisin may offer therapeutic benefits for
      breast cancer prevention and treatment possibly through an anti-inflammatory
      response, induction of apoptotic cell death, or through enhanced tumor
      sensitivity to common antineoplastic agents such as Dox. 

PMID- 25124081
TI  - Resmethrin, the first modern pyrethroid insecticide.
AB  - The discovery of resmethrin almost five decades ago was the seminal event in the
      development of pyrethroid insecticides as important pest management tools, the
      value of which endures to this day. This brief review considers the development
      of pyrethroids from the perspective of the discovery of resmethrin. I describe
      the pathway to the discovery of resmethrin and the unique properties that
      differentiated it from the pyrethrins and earlier synthetic pyrethroids is
      described. I also summarize information on metabolic fate and mechanisms of
      selective toxicity, first elucidated with resmethrin, that have shaped our
      understanding of pyrethroid toxicology since that time. Finally, I review the
      discovery pathway that led from resmethrin to the development of the first
      photostable, agriculturally useful pyrethroids that established the importance of
      this insecticide class.

PMID- 25124082
TI  - In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of tumor protease activity.
AB  - Increased expression of cathepsins has diagnostic as well as prognostic value in
      several types of cancer. Here, we demonstrate a novel magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) method, which uses poly-L-glutamate (PLG) as an MRI probe to map cathepsin
      expression in vivo, in a rat brain tumor model. This noninvasive, high-resolution
      and non-radioactive method exploits the differences in the CEST signals of PLG in
      the native form and cathepsin mediated cleaved form. The method was validated in
      phantoms with known physiological concentrations, in tumor cells and in an animal
      model of brain tumor along with immunohistochemical analysis. Potential
      applications in tumor diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic response are
      outlined. 

PMID- 25124083
TI  - Community-based family-style group homes for children orphaned by AIDS in rural
      China: an ethnographic investigation.
AB  - As the number of children orphaned by AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
      has reached 17.3 million, most living in resource-poor settings, interest has
      grown in identifying and evaluating appropriate care arrangements for them. In
      this study, we describe the community-based family-style group homes ('group
      homes') in rural China. Guided by an ecological framework of children's
      wellbeing, we conducted a series of ethnographic observations, in-depth
      interviews and group discussions in the rural areas of Henan Province, which has
      been severely impacted by the AIDS endemic through commercial blood collection.
      Based on our observations and discussions, group homes appear to provide stable
      and safe living environments for children orphaned by AIDS. Adequate financial
      support from non-government organizations (NGOs) as well as the central and
      provincial governments has ensured a low child-caregiver ratio and attention to
      the basic needs of the children at group homes. The foster parents were selected
      from the local community and appear to have adequate qualifications and
      dedication. They receive a monthly stipend, periodical evaluation and parenting
      consultation from supporting NGOs. The foster parents and children in the group
      homes have formed strong bonds. Both children and foster parents reported
      positively on health and education. Characteristics of community-based group
      homes can be replicated in other care arrangements for AIDS orphans in resource
      poor settings for the optimal health outcomes of those vulnerable children. We
      also call for capacity building for caregivers and communities to provide
      sustainable and supportive living environment for these children. 

PMID- 25124084
TI  - African stakeholders' views of research options to improve nutritional status in
      sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Setting research priorities for improving nutrition in Africa is
      currently ad hoc and there is a need to shift the status quo in the light of slow
      progress in reducing malnutrition. This study explored African stakeholders'
      views on research priorities in the context of environmental and socio
      demographic changes that will impact on nutritional status in Africa in the
      coming years. METHODS: Using Multi-Criteria Mapping, quantitative and qualitative
      data were gathered from 91 stakeholders representing 6 stakeholder groups (health
      professionals, food Industry, government, civil society, academics and research
      funders) in Benin, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo and Uganda.
      Stakeholders appraised six research options (ecological nutrition, nutritional
      epidemiology, community nutrition interventions, behavioural nutrition, clinical
      nutrition and molecular nutrition) for how well they could address malnutrition
      in Africa. RESULTS: Impact (28.3%), research efficacy (23.6%) and social
      acceptability (22.4%) were the criteria chosen the most to evaluate the
      performance of research options. Research on the effectiveness of community
      interventions was seen as a priority by stakeholders because they were perceived
      as likely to have an impact relatively quickly, were inexpensive and cost
      effective, involved communities and provided direct evidence of what works.
      Behavioural nutrition research was also highly appraised. Many stakeholders,
      particularly academics and government were optimistic about the value of
      ecological nutrition research (the impact of environmental change on nutritional
      status). Research funders did not share this enthusiasm. Molecular nutrition was
      least preferred, considered expensive, slow to have an impact and requiring
      infrastructure. South Africa ranked clinical and molecular nutrition the highest
      of all countries. CONCLUSION: Research funders should redirect research funds in
      Africa towards the priorities identified by giving precedence to develop the
      evidence for effective community nutrition interventions. Expanding research
      funding in behavioural and ecological nutrition was also valued and require multi
      disciplinary collaborations between nutritionists, social scientists,
      agricultural and climate change scientists.

PMID- 25124086
TI  - The role of environmental context, faith, and patient satisfaction in HIV
      prevention among African American women.

PMID- 25124085
TI  - Asymmetric gold-catalyzed lactonizations in water at room temperature.
AB  - Asymmetric gold-catalyzed hydrocarboxylations are reported that show broad
      substrate scope. The hydrophobic effect associated with in situ-formed aqueous
      nanomicelles gives good to excellent ee's of product lactones. In-flask product
      isolation, along with the recycling of the catalyst and the reaction medium, are
      combined to arrive at an especially environmentally friendly process. 

PMID- 25124087
TI  - Posttraumatic disease of the palmar fascia.

PMID- 25124088
TI  - Peripheral nerve injuries: advancing the field through research, collaboration,
      and education.
AB  - The Andrew J. Weiland Medal is presented each year by the American Society for
      Surgery of the Hand and the American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand for a
      body of work related to hand surgery research. This essay, awarded the Weiland
      Medal in 2013, focuses on advancing the field of peripheral nerve injuries
      through research, collaboration, and education. 

PMID- 25124089
TI  - Identifying optimal biomarker combinations for treatment selection via a robust
      kernel method.
AB  - Treatment-selection markers predict an individual's response to different
      therapies, thus allowing for the selection of a therapy with the best predicted
      outcome. A good marker-based treatment-selection rule can significantly impact
      public health through the reduction of the disease burden in a cost-effective
      manner. Our goal in this article is to use data from randomized trials to
      identify optimal linear and nonlinear biomarker combinations for treatment
      selection that minimize the total burden to the population caused by either the
      targeted disease or its treatment. We frame this objective into a general problem
      of minimizing a weighted sum of 0-1 loss and propose a novel penalized
      minimization method that is based on the difference of convex functions algorithm
      (DCA). The corresponding estimator of marker combinations has a kernel property
      that allows flexible modeling of linear and nonlinear marker combinations. We
      compare the proposed methods with existing methods for optimizing treatment
      regimens such as the logistic regression model and the weighted support vector
      machine. Performances of different weight functions are also investigated. The
      application of the proposed method is illustrated using a real example from an
      HIV vaccine trial: we search for a combination of Fc receptor genes for
      recommending vaccination in preventing HIV infection. 

PMID- 25124090
TI  - Norwegian nursing and medical students' perception of interprofessional teamwork:
      a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the ways in which nursing and medical students
      perceive and understand their roles in interprofessional teamwork. A 2010 report
      by the World Health Organization highlights the importance of students'
      understanding of teamwork in healthcare, and their ability to be effective team
      players. This study aims at describing nursing and medical students' perceptions
      of interprofessional teamwork, focusing on experiences and recommendations that
      can be used to guide future educational efforts. METHODS: The study uses a
      qualitative research design. Data were collected from four focus group
      interviews: two homogenous groups (one with medical students, one with nursing
      students) and two mixed groups (medical and nursing students). RESULTS: The
      results show that traditional patterns of professional role perception still
      prevail and strongly influence students' professional attitudes about taking
      responsibility and sharing responsibility across disciplinary and professional
      boundaries. It was found that many students had experienced group cultures
      detrimental to team work. Focusing on clinical training, the study found a
      substantial variation in perception with regard to the different arenas for
      interprofessional teamwork, ranging from arenas with collaborative learning to
      arenas characterized by distrust, confrontation, disrespect and hierarchical
      structure. CONCLUSIONS: This study underlines the importance of a stronger focus
      on interprofessional teamwork in health care education, particularly in clinical
      training. The study results suggest that the daily rounds and pre-visit
      "huddles," or alternatively psychiatric wards, offer arenas suitable for
      interprofessional training, in keeping with the students' assessments and
      criteria proposed in previous studies.

PMID- 25124091
TI  - Voiding diaries: adherence in the clinical setting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to document adherence with 24-h
      voiding diaries in the evaluation of routine urogynecology patients. METHODS:
      This was a cross-sectional study of 200 patients presenting for initial
      urogynecological consultation. All were mailed a standardized packet prior to
      their visit, including a 24-h voiding diary. Upon arrival, subjects were asked to
      complete a brief survey. Eight questions targeted those that completed the diary
      ("completers"); 3 targeted those that did not ("noncompleters"). "Completers"
      were further sub-classified based on survey responses. Those recording each void
      immediately were termed "appropriate completers." Others were considered
      "inappropriate completers." Demographics and other data were obtained from the
      medical records. RESULTS: Eleven women were excluded for recording more than 24 h
      of data. Of the 189 remaining subjects, 157 (83 %) completed the diary. Many
      "noncompleters" were unaware of the diary (54 %). Others chose not to complete
      it, most commonly citing "don't think it applies" (25 %). On univariate analysis
      "completers" were older (p = 0.049), with more complaints of mixed incontinence
      (p = 0.001). Fifty-four percent of "completers" were deemed "appropriate."
      "Appropriate completers" voided more frequently (p = 0.024) than "inappropriate
      completers." After multivariate analyses, however, only lower parity and
      unemployed status were associated with appropriate diary completion.
      Reassuringly, the majority, 77 %, believed that the diary responses were
      reflective of their typical behavior, and voiding frequency on the diary
      correlated with self-report during their medical history (rs = 0.483, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although compliance with voiding diaries is reasonably high in the
      office setting, adherence to instructions is less optimal. Strategies to improve
      ease of use could benefit future patient care.

PMID- 25124092
TI  - Pelvic organ prolapse surgical management in Portugal and FDA safety
      communication have an impact on vaginal mesh.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery has lately
      gained importance in gynecological practice. This study aims to characterize the
      evolution of POP surgical procedures conducted in Portugal in the last decade and
      the impact of an FDA 2011 safety communication on mesh POP surgeries. METHODS:
      Trends in the surgical management of POP were assessed using the Portuguese
      National Medical Registry. We considered all records of women with diagnosis of
      genital prolapse from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2012. Additionally, we also
      conducted a survey among members of the Portuguese Society of Urogynecology to
      evaluate current practices in the surgical management of POP. RESULTS: From 2000
      to 2012, 46,819 diagnoses of genital prolapse were registered, with a 105 %
      increase during the study period (2,368 in 2000 to 4,941 in 2012). POP mesh
      surgery represented only 6 % of total prolapse diagnoses, but mesh use greatly
      increased up to 2011, when only a slight increase was registered. Among
      gynecologists who responded to the questionnaire, there was considerable
      variability on the procedures of choice to treat POP. Fifty-seven per cent of
      respondents performed vaginal mesh POP surgery, but only 27 % of those actually
      reported having changed their practice after the FDA 2011 safety communication.
      CONCLUSIONS: Surgical procedures for POP conducted in Portugal greatly increased
      over the last decade. The use of surgical meshes is still limited, but despite
      FDA safety communication it has increased over the years, with a slight increase
      in 2012, which illustrates the need for further analyses in the coming years.

PMID- 25124093
TI  - The genetic control of aposematic black pigmentation in hemimetabolous insects:
      insights from Oncopeltus fasciatus.
AB  - Variations in body pigmentation, encompassing both the range of specific colors
      as well as the spatial arrangement of those colors, are among the most noticeable
      and lineage-specific insect features. However, the genetic mechanisms responsible
      for generating this diversity are still limited to several model species that are
      primarily holometabolous insects. To address this lack of knowledge, we utilize
      Oncopeltus fasciatus, an aposematic hemimetabolous insect, as a new model to
      study insect pigmentation. First, to determine the genetic regulation of black
      pigment production in Oncopeltus, we perform an RNAi analysis on three core genes
      involved in the melanin pathway, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopa decarboxylase
      (DDC), and laccase 2 (lac2). The black pigmentation is affected in all instances,
      showing that the black pigments in this species are derived from the melanin
      pathway. The results of the DDC RNAi are particularly informative because they
      reveal that it is Dopamine melanin, not DOPA melanin, which is the predominant
      component of black pigments in Oncopeltus. Second, we test whether pigmentation
      follows a two-step model where the spatial pre-mapping of enzymatic activity is
      followed by vein-dependent transportation of melanin substances. We confirm the
      existence of the first step by observing that premature wings develop black
      pigmentation when exposed to melanin precursors. In addition, we provide evidence
      for the second step by showing that wing melanin patterning is disrupted when
      vein transportation is halted. These findings bring novel insights from a
      hemimetabolous species and establish a framework for subsequent studies on the
      mechanisms of pigment production and patterning responsible for variations in
      insect coloration. 

PMID- 25124094
TI  - Regulatory volume increase in astrocytes exposed to hypertonic medium requires
      beta1 -adrenergic Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase stimulation and glycogenolysis.
AB  - The cotransporter of Na(+) , K(+) , 2Cl(-) , and water, NKKC1, is activated under
      two conditions in the brain, exposure to highly elevated extracellular K(+)
      concentrations, causing astrocytic swelling, and regulatory volume increase in
      cells shrunk in response to exposure to hypertonic medium. NKCC1-mediated
      transport occurs as secondary active transport driven by Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase
      activity, which establishes a favorable ratio for NKCC1 operation between
      extracellular and intracellular products of the concentrations of Na(+) , K(+) ,
      and Cl(-) * Cl(-) . In the adult brain, astrocytes are the main target for NKCC1
      stimulation, and their Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase activity is stimulated by elevated
      K(+) or the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Extracellular K(+)
      concentration is normal during regulatory volume increase, so this study
      investigated whether the volume increase occurred faster in the presence of
      isoproterenol. Measurement of cell volume via live cell microscopic imaging
      fluorescence to record fluorescence intensity of calcein showed that this was the
      case at isoproterenol concentrations of >=1 uM in well-differentiated mouse
      astrocyte cultures incubated in isotonic medium with 100 mM sucrose added. This
      stimulation was abolished by the beta1 -adrenergic antagonist betaxolol, but not
      by ICI118551, a beta2 -adrenergic antagonist. A large part of the beta1 
      adrenergic signaling pathway in astrocytes is known. Inhibitors of this pathway
      as well as the glycogenolysis inhibitor 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol
      hydrochloride and the NKCC1 inhibitors bumetanide and furosemide abolished
      stimulation by isoproterenol, and it was weakened by the Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase
      inhibitor ouabain. These observations are of physiological relevance because
      extracellular hypertonicity occurs during intense neuronal activity. This might
      trigger a regulatory volume increase, associated with the post-excitatory
      undershoot.

PMID- 25124095
TI  - Relationship between mid-trimester ultrasound fetal liver length measurements and
      gestational diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship
      between mid-trimester ultrasound fetal liver length (FLL) and gestational
      diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a high-risk population. METHODS: A prospective study
      was performed in 331 women with singleton pregnancies who were at high risk of
      GDM and were undergoing a mid-trimester ultrasound examination. The ultrasound
      scan at 23 weeks gestation was followed by a 100-g oral glucose tolerance test
      (OGTT) at 24 weeks gestation. Correlations between FLL and OGTT results at
      different time points were tested. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
      analysis of FLL as a potential prognostic factor for GDM was also performed.
      RESULTS: In GDM patients, there was a significant positive correlation (P < 0.01)
      between FLL and OGTT glycemia immediately before and 60, 120, and 180 min after
      glucose intake. Mean FLL in GDM was significantly higher than in healthy subjects
      (41.04 vs 31.09 mm, respectively; P < 0.001). When tested as a potential
      prognostic factor for GDM, fetal liver measurements showed excellent diagnostic
      performance. The ROC analysis established a cut-off value of FLL of 39 mm for the
      prediction GDM, with sensitivity of 71.76%, specificity 97.56%, positive
      predictive value 91.0%, and negative predictive value 90.9%. The usefulness of
      FLL measurements was supported by a high area under the ROC curve (90.5%).
      CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there is a strong correlation between FLL and OGTT
      results, with FLL possibly serving as a valid marker for the prediction of GDM in
      high-risk populations.

PMID- 25124096
TI  - A transcriptome approach to ecdysozoan phylogeny.
AB  - The monophyly of Ecdysozoa, which comprise molting phyla, has received strong
      support from several lines of evidence. However, the internal relationships of
      Ecdysozoa are still contended. We generated expressed sequence tags from a
      priapulid (penis worm), a kinorhynch (mud dragon), a tardigrade (water bear) and
      five chelicerate taxa by 454 transcriptome sequencing. A multigene alignment was
      assembled from 63 taxa, which comprised after matrix optimization 24,249 amino
      acid positions with high data density (2.6% gaps, 19.1% missing data).
      Phylogenetic analyses employing various models support the monophyly of
      Ecdysozoa. A clade combining Priapulida and Kinorhyncha (i.e. Scalidophora) was
      recovered as the earliest branch among Ecdysozoa. We conclude that Cycloneuralia,
      a taxon erected to combine Priapulida, Kinorhyncha and Nematoda (and others), are
      paraphyletic. Rather Arthropoda (including Onychophora) are allied with Nematoda
      and Tardigrada. Within Arthropoda, we found strong support for most clades,
      including monophyletic Mandibulata and Pancrustacea. The phylogeny within the
      Euchelicerata remained largely unresolved. There is conflicting evidence on the
      position of tardigrades: While Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses of only
      slowly evolving genes recovered Tardigrada as a sister group to Arthropoda,
      analyses of the full data set, and of subsets containing genes evolving at fast
      and intermediate rates identified a clade of Tardigrada and Nematoda. Notably,
      the latter topology is also supported by the analyses of indel patterns. 

PMID- 25124097
TI  - Evolutionary relationships in the medicinally important genus Fritillaria L.
      (Liliaceae).
AB  - Fritillaria (Liliaceae) is a genus of approximately 140 species of bulbous
      perennial plants that includes taxa of both horticultural and medicinal
      importance. As well as being commercially valuable, Fritillaria species have
      attracted attention because of their exceptionally large genome sizes, with all
      values recorded to date in excess of 30Gb. Despite such interest in the genus,
      phylogenetic relationships between the majority of species have remained
      untested. Here we present the first phylogenetic reconstruction of relationships
      to encompass most of the currently recognised species diversity in the genus.
      Three regions of the plastid genome were sequenced in 117 individuals of
      Fritillaria, representing 92 species (c. 66% of the genus) and in representatives
      of nine other genera of Liliaceae. Eleven low-copy nuclear gene regions were also
      screened in selected species for their potential utility. Phylogenetic analysis
      of a combined plastid dataset using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference
      provided support for the monophyly of the majority of currently recognised
      subgenera. However, subgenus Fritillaria, which is by far the largest of the
      subgenera and includes the most important species used in traditional Chinese
      medicine, is found to be polyphyletic. Moreover, several taxa that were
      represented by multiple individuals show evidence of species non-monophyly. The
      Japanese endemic subgenus Japonica, which contains the species with the largest
      recorded genome size for any diploid plant, is resolved as sister to the
      predominantly Middle Eastern and Central Asian subgenus Rhinopetalum. Whilst
      relationships between most of the major Fritillaria lineages can now be resolved,
      our results also highlight the need for data from additional independently
      evolving loci; an endeavour that may be particularly challenging in light of the
      huge nuclear genomes found in these plants. 

PMID- 25124098
TI  - Should genes with missing data be excluded from phylogenetic analyses?
AB  - Phylogeneticists often design their studies to maximize the number of genes
      included but minimize the overall amount of missing data. However, few studies
      have addressed the costs and benefits of adding characters with missing data,
      especially for likelihood analyses of multiple loci. In this paper, we address
      this topic using two empirical data sets (in yeast and plants) with well-resolved
      phylogenies. We introduce varying amounts of missing data into varying numbers of
      genes and test whether the benefits of excluding genes with missing data outweigh
      the costs of excluding the non-missing data that are associated with them. We
      also test if there is a proportion of missing data in the incomplete genes at
      which they cease to be beneficial or harmful, and whether missing data
      consistently bias branch length estimates. Our results indicate that adding
      incomplete genes generally increases the accuracy of phylogenetic analyses
      relative to excluding them, especially when there is a high proportion of
      incomplete genes in the overall dataset (and thus few complete genes). Detailed
      analyses suggest that adding incomplete genes is especially helpful for resolving
      poorly supported nodes. Given that we find that excluding genes with missing data
      often decreases accuracy relative to including these genes (and that decreases
      are generally of greater magnitude than increases), there is little basis for
      assuming that excluding these genes is necessarily the safer or more conservative
      approach. We also find no evidence that missing data consistently bias branch
      length estimates. 

PMID- 25124099
TI  - Selective adsorption of metoprolol enantiomers using 2-hydroxypropyl-beta
      cyclodextrin cross-linked multiwalled carbon nanotube.
AB  - This study investigates the ability of functionalized multiwalled carbon
      nanotubes (MWCNTs) for enantio-separation of metoprolol chiral forms.
      2Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (2HP-beta-CD) was applied as a chiral selector
      to functionalize carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The modified multiwalled CNT samples
      were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy. The results of analyses showed that CNTs were successfully
      cross-linked with 2HP-beta-CD. To evaluate the enantio-separation property of the
      products, the separation of metoprolol chiral forms on the initial and final
      products was examined. Further, UV-visible spectroscopy and polarimeter analyses
      were used for characterization. The results indicate that MWCNT does not have any
      intrinsic enantio-separation ability, although its selectivity for enantio
      separation can be enhanced by cross-linking it to 2HP-beta-CD. Moreover, the
      optimal mass of adsorbent as well as optimal mass of functional groups is
      estimated to achieve maximum enantio-separation efficiency. The results indicate
      that applying large amounts of 2HP-beta-CD to CNTs functionalization decreases
      the cross-linking efficiency, which consequently reduces enantio-separation
      efficiency.

PMID- 25124100
TI  - The advantage of professional organizations as advocates for improved funding of
      maternal and child health services in Uganda.
AB  - The attainment of United Nations Millennium Development Goal 5 has proven elusive
      for many countries. Efforts to reduce maternal mortality require concerted
      evidence-based efforts from all key players, including professional
      organizations. The Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda used
      the results of maternal and perinatal death review to develop and pilot advocacy
      programs with parliamentarians, media, and government that aimed to improve
      maternal and newborn health in Uganda. This work translated to further
      parliamentary debate on the topic, increased resource allocation by government,
      and improved media-related public education. 

PMID- 25124101
TI  - One-year evaluation of the impact of an emergency obstetric and neonatal care
      training program in Western Kenya.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of introducing an emergency obstetric and
      neonatal care training program on maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality
      at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya. METHODS: A prospective
      chart review was conducted of all deliveries during the 3-month period (November
      2009 to January 2010) before the introduction of the Advances in Labor and Risk
      Management International Program (AIP), and in the 3-month period (August
      November 2011) 1 year after the introduction of the AIP. All women who were
      admitted and delivered after 28 weeks of pregnancy were included. The primary
      outcome was the direct obstetric case fatality rate. RESULTS: A total of 1741
      deliveries occurred during the baseline period and 1812 in the postintervention
      period. Only one mother died in each period. However, postpartum hemorrhage rates
      decreased, affecting 59 (3.5%) of 1669 patients before implementation and 40
      (2.3%) of 1751 afterwards (P=0.029). The number of patients who received oxytocin
      increased from 829 (47.6%) to 1669 (92.1%; P<0.001). Additionally, the number of
      neonates with 5-minute Apgar scores of less than 5 reduced from 133 (7.7%) of
      1717 to 95 (5.4%) of 1745 (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: The introduction of the AIP
      improved maternal outcomes. There were significant differences related to use of
      oxytocin and postpartum hemorrhage.

PMID- 25124102
TI  - A chromosomal 5q31.1 gain involving PITX1 causes Liebenberg syndrome.

PMID- 25124103
TI  - Increased blood glucose is related to disturbed cerebrovascular pressure
      reactivity after traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased blood glucose and impaired pressure reactivity (PRx) after
      traumatic brain injury (TBI) are both known to correlate with unfavorable patient
      outcome. However, the relationship between these two variables is unknown.
      METHODS: To test the hypothesis that increased blood glucose leads to increased
      PRx, we retrospectively analyzed data from 86 traumatic brain injured patients
      admitted to the Neurocritical Care Unit. Data analyzed included arterial glucose
      concentration, intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and
      end-tidal CO2. PRx was calculated as the moving correlation coefficient between
      averaged (10 seconds) arterial blood pressure and ICP. One arterial glucose
      concentration and one time-aligned PRx value were obtained for each patient,
      during each day until the fifth day after ictus. RESULTS: Mean arterial glucose
      concentrations during the first 5 days since ictus were positively correlated
      with mean PRx (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.25, p = 0.02). The correlation
      was strongest on the first day after injury (Pearson correlation coefficient =
      0.47, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings indicate that increased
      blood glucose may impair cerebrovascular reactivity, potentially contributing to
      a mechanistic link between increased blood glucose and poorer outcome after TBI.

PMID- 25124104
TI  - Plasmapheresis may be an option in urgent management of heparin-induced
      thrombocytopenia in the setting of acute intracerebral hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We report a case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) that was
      complicated by acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and bilateral adrenal
      hemorrhage. In the setting of worsening thrombocytopenia, the risk of expansion
      of ICH and additional thrombotic events is concerning; hence, we employed
      plasmapheresis to reduce thrombotic risk. METHODS: We followed serial daily
      heparin antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) optical density
      measurements as well as heparin-induced platelet aggregation (HIPA) assays on
      both pre- and post-pheresis samples in order to objectively determine when
      thrombotic risk was sufficiently decreased. RESULTS: After four cycles of
      plasmapheresis, both heparin antibody ELISA and HIPA assays became negative.
      CONCLUSION: This case helps illustrate the utility of plasmapheresis in
      management of HIT when anticoagulation is contraindicated.

PMID- 25124106
TI  - Ventriculostomy-Associated Infection (VAI): In Search of a Definition.

PMID- 25124105
TI  - Accuracy of nimodipine gel extraction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Until recently, use of nimodipine in aneurysmal subarachnoid
      hemorrhage patients unable to swallow required extraction of gel from inside the
      commercially available capsule. Despite the Black-Box warning against inadvertent
      intravenous administration, bedside extraction of the gel from the capsule
      continues to be a common practice in some institutions. The accuracy of bedside
      extraction has not been formally evaluated. METHODS: Twenty-eight nurses from the
      neurology and neurosurgical ICUs at a single center attempted to extract
      nimodipine gel from 2 capsules, each using the method currently approved by the
      US FDA. The primary outcome was mean weight of extracted gel per capsule, which
      was compared to both gel weight from batch compounded pharmacy syringes and a pre
      calculated appropriate weight for 30 mg nimodipine gel. RESULTS: Simulated
      bedside extraction provided lower yield than pharmacy-compounded syringes (22.6
      +/- 4.6 mg vs 30.4 +/- 0.59 mg, p = 0.001). Bedside extraction provided
      inconsistent and low yield (75.4 +/- 15.32 % of possible dose extracted, p =
      0.0001 for comparison of means between bedside extraction syringes and predicted
      gel weight). Pharmacy-compounded syringes provided consistent high yield (101.3
      +/- 2.0 % of possible dose extracted, p = 0.14 for comparison of means between
      pharmacy syringes and predicted gel weight). CONCLUSION: Combined with reports of
      significant patient harm and death with inadvertent intravenous administration,
      this study suggests that there is no role for bedside extraction of nimodipine in
      clinical practice.

PMID- 25124107
TI  - Prostate cancer mortality outcomes and patterns of primary treatment for
      Aboriginal men in New South Wales, Australia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare prostate cancer mortality for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
      men and to describe prostate cancer treatments received by Aboriginal men.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analysed cancer registry records for all men diagnosed
      with prostate cancer in New South Wales (NSW) in 2001-2007 linked to hospital
      inpatient episodes and deaths. More detailed information on androgen-deprivation
      therapy and radiotherapy was obtained from medical records for 87 NSW Aboriginal
      men diagnosed in 2000-2011. The main outcomes were primary treatment for, and
      death from, prostate cancer. Analysis included Cox proportional hazards
      regression and logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 259 Aboriginal men among
      35,214 prostate cancer cases diagnosed in 2001-2007. Age and spread of disease at
      diagnosis were similar for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men. Prostate cancer
      mortality 5 years after diagnosis was higher for Aboriginal men (17.5%, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 12.4-23.3) than non-Aboriginal men (11.4%, 95% CI 11.0
      11.8). Aboriginal men were 49% more likely to die from prostate cancer (hazard
      ratio 1.49, 95% CI 1.07-1.99) after adjusting for differences in demographic
      factors, stage at diagnosis, health access and comorbidities. Aboriginal men were
      less likely to have a prostatectomy for localised or regional cancer than non
      Aboriginal men (adjusted odds ratio 0.60, 95% CI 0.40-0.91). Of 87 Aboriginal men
      with full staging and treatment information, 60% were diagnosed with localised
      disease. Of these, 38% had a prostatectomy (+/- radiotherapy), 29% had
      radiotherapy only and 33% had neither. CONCLUSION: More research is required to
      explain differences in treatment and mortality for Aboriginal men with prostate
      cancer compared with non-Aboriginal men. In the meantime, ongoing monitoring and
      efforts are needed to ensure Aboriginal men have equitable access to best care.

PMID- 25124109
TI  - Strong anisotropic dynamics of ultra-confined water.
AB  - Dynamics of water confined in ~5 A diameter channels of beryl and cordierite
      single crystals were studied by using inelastic (INS) and quasielastic (QENS)
      neutron scattering. The INS spectra for both samples were similar and showed that
      there are no hydrogen bonds acting on water molecule, which experiences strong
      anisotropic potential, steep along the channels and very soft perpendicular to
      it. The high-resolution (3.4 MUeV) QENS data revealed gradual freezing out of the
      water molecule dynamics for both minerals at temperatures below about 80 K when
      the scattering momentum transfer was parallel to the channels, but not when it
      was perpendicular to the channels. The QENS study with medium energy resolution
      (0.25 meV) of the beryl with the scattering momentum transfer along the channels
      showed gradual freezing out of water molecule dynamics at temperatures below
      about 200 K, whereas at higher temperatures the data could be described as 2-fold
      rotational jumps about the axis coinciding with the direction of the dipole
      moment (that is, perpendicular to the channels), with a residence time of 5.5 ps
      at 225 K. The energy resolution dependence of the apparent dynamics freezing
      temperature suggests gradual slowing down of the rotational jumps as the
      temperature is decreased, until the associated QENS broadening can no longer be
      detected, rather than actual freezing. 

PMID- 25124108
TI  - CRF-based models of protein surfaces improve protein-protein interaction site
      predictions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification of protein-protein interaction sites is a
      computationally challenging task and important for understanding the biology of
      protein complexes. There is a rich literature in this field. A broad class of
      approaches assign to each candidate residue a real-valued score that measures how
      likely it is that the residue belongs to the interface. The prediction is
      obtained by thresholding this score.Some probabilistic models classify the
      residues on the basis of the posterior probabilities. In this paper, we introduce
      pairwise conditional random fields (pCRFs) in which edges are not restricted to
      the backbone as in the case of linear-chain CRFs utilized by Li et al. (2007). In
      fact, any 3D-neighborhood relation can be modeled. On grounds of a generalized
      Viterbi inference algorithm and a piecewise training process for pCRFs, we
      demonstrate how to utilize pCRFs to enhance a given residue-wise score-based
      protein-protein interface predictor on the surface of the protein under study.
      The features of the pCRF are solely based on the interface predictions scores of
      the predictor the performance of which shall be improved. RESULTS: We performed
      three sets of experiments with synthetic scores assigned to the surface residues
      of proteins taken from the data set PlaneDimers compiled by Zellner et al.
      (2011), from the list published by Keskin et al. (2004) and from the very recent
      data set due to Cukuroglu et al. (2014). That way we demonstrated that our pCRF
      based enhancer is effective given the interface residue score distribution and
      the non-interface residue score are unimodal.Moreover, the pCRF-based enhancer is
      also successfully applicable, if the distributions are only unimodal over a
      certain sub-domain. The improvement is then restricted to that domain. Thus we
      were able to improve the prediction of the PresCont server devised by Zellner et
      al. (2011) on PlaneDimers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly suggest that pCRFs
      form a methodological framework to improve residue-wise score-based protein
      protein interface predictors given the scores are appropriately distributed. A
      prototypical implementation of our method is accessible at
      http://ppicrf.informatik.uni-goettingen.de/index.html.

PMID- 25124110
TI  - Development of the Japanese version of the Minneapolis-Manchester Quality of Life
      Survey of Health - Adolescent Form (MMQL-AF) and investigation of its reliability
      and validity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are very few reliable and valid measures in Japan assessing
      health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with cancer. The present study
      aimed to develop a Japanese version of the Minneapolis-Manchester Quality of Life
      Survey of Health Adolescent Form (MMQL-AF), which is a measure for assessing the
      HRQOL of childhood cancer survivors, and investigate its reliability and
      validity. METHODS: Participants were 141 children with cancer who had been off
      therapy for more than one year and 183 healthy controls. The reliability and
      internal consistency of the measure were assessed through test-retest methods
      using Cronbach's coefficient alpha and intra-class correlation coefficients
      (ICCs). For validation of the measure, factorial validity, concurrent validity
      using the Japanese version of PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL-J), and
      discriminant validity using comparisons between children with cancer and healthy
      controls were investigated. RESULTS: Of the 46 items in the original version, 44
      items were determined to comprise the Japanese version of the MMQL-AF. Cronbach's
      coefficient alphas for each subscale were high ranging from 0.83 to 0.89. Test
      retest reliability ranged between ICC 0.79 to 0.96. Investigation of concurrent
      validity using the PedsQL-J demonstrated strong correlations in physical
      functions and moderate correlations for other factors. A significant difference
      was observed between children with cancer and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS:
      Thus, the Japanese version of the MMQL-AF served as a self-evaluation
      questionnaire that allowed for practical, comprehensive, and multidimensional
      measurement of HRQOL specific to childhood cancer survivors.

PMID- 25124111
TI  - Electrochemical synthesis on nanoparticle chains to couple semiconducting rods:
      coulomb blockade modulation using photoexcitation.
AB  - Hybrid nanostructures are made by coupling a room temperature coulomb blockade
      device with photoexcitable nano-rods. Direct electrochemical synthesis on
      nanoparticle chain arrays leads to the formation of semiconducting rods that are
      in direct contact with the nanoparticles and also spatial confined by them. This
      direct interfacing leads to mutual intermodulation between the two systems. 

PMID- 25124112
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel thiadiazole amides as potent Cdc25B
      and PTP1B inhibitors.
AB  - A series of novel thiadiazole amide derivatives have been synthesized and
      evaluated for inhibitory activities against Cdc25B and PTP1B. Most of them showed
      inhibitory activities against Cdc25B (IC50=1.18-8.01 MUg/mL) and PTP1B (IC50=0.85
      8.75 MUg/mL), respectively. Moreover, compounds 5b and 4l were most potent with
      IC50 values of 1.18 and 0.85 MUg/mL for Cdc25B and PTP1B, respectively, compared
      with reference drugs Na3VO4 (IC50=0.93 MUg/mL) and oleanolic acid (IC50=0.85
      MUg/mL). The results of selectivity experiments showed that the target compounds
      were selective inhibitors against PTP1B and Cdc25B. Enzyme kinetic experiments
      demonstrated that compound 5k was a specific inhibitor with the typical
      characteristics of a mixed inhibitor.

PMID- 25124113
TI  - Cytotoxic activity of butane type of 1,7-seco-2,7'-cyclolignanes and apoptosis
      induction by Caspase 9 and 3.
AB  - All stereoisomers of methoxybutane and fluorobutane type of 1,7-seco-2,7'
      cyclolignane were synthesized and cytotoxic activities of these compounds were
      compared with those of all stereoisomers of butane and butanol type compounds.
      Both enantiomers of butane type secocyclolignane showed higher cytotoxic activity
      (IC50=16-20 MUM) than methoxy type compounds, whereas none was observed for all
      the stereoisomers of butanol type secocyclolignane, however, (-)-Kadangustin J
      showed stereospecific cytotoxic activity (IC50=47-67 MUM). Since (R)-9'-fluoro
      derivative 23 was most potent (IC50=19 MUM) among the corresponding fluoro
      stereoisomers, (R)-9'-alkyl derivatives were synthesized, hydrophobic 9'-heptyl
      derivative 27 showing highest activity (IC50=3.7 MUM against HL-60, IC50=3.1 MUM
      against HeLa) in this experiment. Apoptosis induction caused by Caspase 3 and 9
      for (R)-9'-heptyl derivative 27 was observed in the research on the mechanism. A
      degradation of DNA into small fragments was also shown by DNA ladder assay.

PMID- 25124114
TI  - Phorbaketals L-N, cytotoxic sesterterpenoids isolated from the marine sponge of
      the genus Phorbas.
AB  - Three new sesterterpenoids, phorbaketals L-N (1-3), were isolated from a marine
      sponge of the genus Phorbas and their complete structures were elucidated via
      analysis of HRFABMS and NMR spectroscopic data. Phorbaketal N (3) showed potent
      cytotoxicity against human pancreas cancer cells (IC50=11.4 MUM).

PMID- 25124116
TI  - 4-Substituted quinazoline derivatives as novel EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors.
AB  - Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor tyrosine kinase subtype A2
      (EphA2) is an attractive therapeutic target for suppressing tumor progression. In
      our efforts to discover novel small molecules to inhibit EphA2, a class of
      compound based on 4-substituted quinazoline containing 7-(morpholin-2-ylmethoxy)
      group was identified as a novel hit by high throughput screening campaign.
      Structural modification of parent quinazoline scaffolds by introducing
      substituents on aniline displayed potent inhibitory activities toward EphA2. 

PMID- 25124115
TI  - Design, synthesis and evaluation of benzoisothiazolones as selective inhibitors
      of PHOSPHO1.
AB  - We report the discovery and characterization of a series of benzoisothiazolone
      inhibitors of PHOSPHO1, a newly identified soluble phosphatase implicated in
      skeletal mineralization and soft tissue ossification abnormalities. High
      throughput screening (HTS) of a small molecule library led to the identification
      of benzoisothiazolones as potent and selective inhibitors of PHOSPHO1. Critical
      structural requirements for activity were determined, and the compounds were
      subsequently derivatized and measured for in vitro activity and ADME parameters
      including metabolic stability and permeability. On the basis of its overall
      profile the benzoisothiazolone analogue 2q was selected as MLPCN probe ML086. 

PMID- 25124118
TI  - Affective and cognitive determinants of women's sexual response to erotica.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The specific cognitive-affective mechanisms involved in the
      activation and regulation of the subjective and genital components of sexual
      arousal are not fully understood yet. AIM: The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the contribution of self-reported thoughts and affect to the
      prediction of women's subjective and genital responses to erotica. METHODS:
      Twenty-eight sexually functional women (mean age = 32, SD = 6.29) were presented
      with sexually explicit and nonexplicit romantic films. Genital responses,
      subjective sexual arousal, state affect, and self-reported thoughts were
      assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Vaginal pulse amplitude was measured using a
      vaginal photoplethysmograph. Subjective sexual arousal, thoughts, and affective
      responses were assessed through self-report scales. RESULTS: Correlations between
      subjective and physiological sexual arousal were low (r = -0.05, P > 0.05). Self
      reported thoughts and affect were significant predictors of subjective sexual
      arousal. The strongest single predictor of subjective arousal was sexual arousal
      thoughts (e.g., "I'm getting excited") (beta = 0.63, P < 0.01). None of the
      cognitive or affective variables predicted women's genital responses.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, results support the role of cognitive (self-reported
      thoughts) and affective dimensions in women's subjective sexual arousal to
      erotica and, consistent with previous findings, suggest that subjective and
      physiological sexual arousal may be impacted by different processes.

PMID- 25124117
TI  - Complotype affects the extent of down-regulation by Factor I of the C3b feedback
      cycle in vitro.
AB  - Sera from a large panel of normal subjects were typed for three common
      polymorphisms, one in C3 (R102G) and two in Factor H (V62I and Y402H), that
      influence predisposition to age-related macular degeneration and to some forms of
      kidney disease. Three groups of sera were tested; those that were homozygous for
      the three risk alleles; those that were heterozygous for all three; and those
      homozygous for the low-risk alleles. These groups vary in their response to the
      addition of exogenous Factor I when the alternative complement pathway is
      activated by zymosan. Both the reduction in the maximum amount of iC3b formed and
      the rate at which the iC3b is converted to C3dg are affected. For both reactions
      the at-risk complotype requires higher doses of Factor I to produce similar down
      regulation. Because iC3b reacting with the complement receptor CR3 is a major
      mechanism by which complement activation gives rise to inflammation, the
      breakdown of iC3b to C3dg can be seen to have major significance for reducing
      complement-induced inflammation. These findings demonstrate for the first time
      that sera from subjects with different complement alleles behave as predicted in
      an in-vitro assay of the down-regulation of the alternative complement pathway by
      increasing the concentration of Factor I. These results support the hypothesis
      that exogenous Factor I may be a valuable therapeutic aid for down-regulating
      hyperactivity of the C3b feedback cycle, thereby providing a treatment for age
      related macular degeneration and other inflammatory diseases of later life. 

PMID- 25124119
TI  - An open trial of group metacognitive therapy for depression in Norway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preliminary data support the implementation of individual
      metacognitive therapy (MCT) for depression. Given the focus of MCT on
      transpersonal processes, we hypothesized that this treatment should translate
      well to a group format. In this study, the effects and feasibility associated
      with group MCT for depression are reported. METHODS: Eleven patients who were
      consecutively referred by general practitioners to a specialist psychiatric
      practice in Norway participated in an open trial of the effects and feasibility
      associated with group MCT for depression. All of the patients met the DSM-IV
      criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) and were monitored in a baseline
      period before attending 90-min weekly treatment sessions of group MCT for 10
      weeks. The primary symptom outcome measure was severity of depression whilst
      secondary outcome measures included levels of anxiety, rumination and
      metacognitive beliefs. We also assessed recovery rates and changes in comorbid
      Axis I and Axis II diagnoses. RESULTS: Large clinically significant improvements
      across all measures were detected at post-treatment and these were maintained at
      follow-up. Based on objectively defined recovery criteria, all patients were
      classified as recovered at post-treatment and 91% at 6 months follow-up. The
      intervention was also associated with significant reductions in comorbid
      diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data indicate that group MCT in the
      treatment of depression is effective, well accepted and it extends clinical
      application of MCT for depression to group formats as a potential cost-effective
      intervention.

PMID- 25124120
TI  - Methanol steam reforming promoted by molten salt-modified platinum on alumina
      catalysts.
AB  - We herein describe a straight forward procedure to increase the performance of
      platinum-on-alumina catalysts in methanol steam reforming by applying an alkali
      hydroxide coating according to the "solid catalyst with ionic liquid layer"
      (SCILL) approach. We demonstrate by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier
      transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD)
      studies that potassium doping plays an important role in the catalyst activation.
      Moreover, the hygroscopic nature and the basicity of the salt modification
      contribute to the considerable enhancement in catalytic performance. During
      reaction, a partly liquid film of alkali hydroxides/carbonates forms on the
      catalyst/alumina surface, thus significantly enhancing the availability of water
      at the catalytically active sites. Too high catalyst pore fillings with salt
      introduce a considerable mass transfer barrier into the system as indicated by
      kinetic studies. Thus, the optimum interplay between beneficial catalyst
      modification and detrimental mass transfer effects had to be identified and was
      found on the applied platinum-on-alumina catalyst at KOH loadings around 7.5
      mass%.

PMID- 25124121
TI  - Subtypes of non-suicidal self-injury based on childhood adversity.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the latent clusters in non-suicidal self
      injury (NSSI) based on childhood adversity. Data were derived from Waves I (2001
      2002) and II (2004-2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and
      Related Conditions, a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.
      Individuals engaging in NSSI (N = 672) comprised the analytic sample. Latent
      class statistical analysis was undertaken to elucidate the latent structure of
      NSSI based on child experiences of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and family
      violence. Four-classes of respondents were identified vis-a-vis childhood
      adversities. A low abuse/neglect class (35.7% of respondents, 91.1% male)
      demonstrated less mental health and substance use comorbidity and antisocial
      behavior. A sexual abuse class (43.1% of respondents, 98.6% female) evinced
      somewhat lower levels of antisocial behavior than the other classes but similarly
      high levels of mental health disorder and a non-sexual abuse/neglect class (8.3%
      of respondents, 91.5% male) characterized by varied and intensive forms of
      antisocial and externalizing behaviors. Finally, a severe high
      abuse/neglect/family violence class (12.95% of respondents, 100% female)
      demonstrated high levels of clinical psychiatric and personality disorders. The
      current project is a nationally representative study of NSSI latent clusters and
      extends and validates the existence of NSSI subtypes revealed by prior research.

PMID- 25124122
TI  - [Medical consultation concerning the productive aged population and air pollution
      in Bogota: 2008 and 2010].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Exploring the relationship of current air pollution levels in Bogota
      for breathable particulate matter (<10 microns) PM10 and medical consultation
      during productive age (18 to 65 years old). METHODS: Data regarding Bogota's air
      quality monitoring network for 2008 to 2010 was reviewed, specifically PM10
      levels and diagnosis arising from medical consultations in Bogota's public
      hospitals during this time. RESULTS: According to the air quality monitoring
      network's results there was an 8 MUg/m3 decrease in annual average PM10 from 2008
      to 2010 (11.9 %) and, although consultations on grounds relating to air pollution
      increased by 58.7 % from 2008 to 2010, an overall 1.2 % decrease was observed
      when comparing this to the total of medical consultations each year. CONCLUSIONS:
      A significant percentage of medical attention provided in Bogota may be related
      to its air quality; the set of control policies developed in Bogota for some time
      now have led to a significant reduction in PM10 levels.

PMID- 25124123
TI  - [Air pollution and respiratory illness in children aged less than 5 years-old in
      Bogota, 2007].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Determining the relationship between indoor and outdoor air pollution
      caused by particulate matter PM10 and respiratory symptoms in children aged
      younger than 5 years-old in three locations in Bogota. METHODS: This was a cohort
      study, involving 315 children in kindergartens located in the area of greatest
      exposure to PM10, and 304 in kindergartens located in an area of less exposure.
      The cohort was followed-up for 19 weeks considering respiratory symptoms.
      Particulate matter was intramurally and extramurally measured in the
      kindergartens. Prevalence and association between variables were determined.
      RESULTS: There was a difference regarding average intramural PM between higher
      and lower exposure (85.6 ug/m3cf 61.8 g/m3; p<0.05); 74.3 % of the children had
      suffered wheezing during the last year, difference between greater and lesser
      exposure being 79.6 % cf 69.0 % (p<0.05). Wheezing and coughing were associated
      with greater exposure to PM10 (RR 1.39 and 1.30). Factors associated with
      respiratory symptoms concerned passive smoking, having a history of low birth
      weight, a history of wheezing, a child's kindergarten or home being within 100
      meters of (industrial) chimneys, high traffic flow routes, roads in disrepair and
      bed-sharing. DISCUSSION: A child aged less than 5 years-old exposed to PM10 had a
      1.7 times higher risk of truancy due to acute respiratory illness; a decrease in
      PM10 reduced such truancy by 41.1 %.

PMID- 25124124
TI  - [Constructing a tool for certifying handicap / disability in Colombia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Describing how a tool was created/constructed for certifying Colombian
      people's disability status. METHOD: This was a descriptive study involving a five
      phase, multi-method design. It sought to identify needs, background, categories
      and procedures from differing view points, using participatory methodology, for
      identifying and certifying disabled people in Colombia. RESULTS: The study led to
      an international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF)-based
      certification tool which can be used by a multi-professional team in healthcare
      institution settings to guarantee access to benefits approved by Colombian
      disability law. CONCLUSIONS: Certification (even when voluntary) can be the key
      to enjoying all the benefits designed for Colombian people suffering disability;
      such people are not the subjects of mercy and compassion anymore. Certification
      seeks to identify people suffering disabilities as holders of rights under
      Colombian law, as clear evidence of Colombian state commitment to ensuring an
      inclusive society.

PMID- 25124125
TI  - [Inequality regarding maternal mortality in Colombian departments in 2000-2001,
      2005-2006 and 2008-2009].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Describing inequality regarding maternal mortality in Colombia for
      2000-2001, 2005-2006 and 2008-2009. METHODS: This was an ecological study. The
      maternal mortality rate (MMR) was estimated, adjusted for maternal age, Colombian
      department and causes of maternal mortality. The main causes of mortality were
      described for 2000-2001, 2005-2006 and 2008-2009. The excess of risk of maternal
      death in Colombia was calculated regarding the best external referent using the
      attributable fraction (AF). The AF was correlated with the indicator of
      unsatisfied basic needs (UBN) by department. RESULTS: The highest MMR in Colombia
      was between 81 and 161 per 100,000 live births and the lowest between 3 and 5;
      the lowest MMR in the world was between 2 and 4 per 100,000 live births for the
      same periods. The main causes of maternal mortality in Colombia were hypertension
      during pregnancy, unclassified obstetric conditions and complications when giving
      birth. An excess of risk of maternal mortality in Colombia was found (on average
      86 %) when compared to an external referent. A correlation was found between AF
      and UBN. CONCLUSIONS: Great inequality was found regarding maternal mortality in
      Colombia and when comparing Colombia to developed countries. Inequality regarding
      maternal mortality persists in spite of advances having been made regarding
      reform of the healthcare system, thereby suggesting that this has not been
      effective in reducing maternal mortality and its inequalities.

PMID- 25124126
TI  - [Socio-demographic and healthcare conditions regarding maternal self
      sufficiency/effectiveness concerning preventing diarrhea during childhood].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Investigating the correlation between socio-demographic conditions,
      health and maternal self-efficacy to prevent childhood diarrhoea. METHODS: This
      was a quantitative cross-sectional study which was conducted in Fortaleza, in
      north-eastern Brazil; it involved 448 mothers of children aged less than 5 years
      old. Data was collected through interviews held in the family healthcare centres
      using an in-house maternal self-efficacy for childhood diarrhoea prevention scale
      and a form for collecting information about the mothers' socio-demographic
      profile. RESULTS: The self-sufficiency/effectiveness in preventing diarrhoea
      during childhood interview data revealed a statistically significant association
      with maternal age (p=0.018), per capita income (p=0.023), type of housing
      (p=0.032), garbage disposal from the dwelling (p=0.000), origin of the water
      drunk by the children (p=0.002), type of sanitary installation (p=0.001) and its
      location (p=0.023), type of drainage (p=0.046) and the resources used by the
      mothers regarding their personal hygiene (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare staff
      should advance strategies for improving self-sufficiency/effectiveness regarding
      maternal care for children, especially regarding preventative measures concerning
      diarrhoea during childhood.

PMID- 25124127
TI  - [IMCI and the maternal practice of African descendants' living on the Colombian
      Caribbean coast regarding the common cold and diarrhea].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluating maternal practice regarding diarrhoea and the common cold.
      METHOD: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study which was conducted on the
      island of Baru, near Cartagena, Colombia. It involved 127 mothers of African
      descent and their 138 children aged less than 5 years of age; convenience
      sampling was used. The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI)
      instrument was used for the survey during a one-day healthcare session. The
      prevalence of diarrhoea and the common cold during the 7 days immediately before
      the survey were estimated, as were maternal practice regarding these and the
      occurrence of other risks and protective factors; a history of breastfeeding,
      complementary feeding and vaccination was compiled. Descriptive statistics were
      used and the chi2 test was used for ascertaining the significance of the
      relationships between variables. RESULTS: Diarrhoea prevalence was 71.7 % (64-79
      95 % CI), this being lower for girls aged 2 months to 5 years-old (p = 0,02) and
      common cold prevalence was 99.2 % (97-100 95 % CI), this being higher in girls
      aged older than 2 months (p=0.004). 86.9 % (81-92 95 % CI) of the mothers did not
      know how to identify warning signs for these diseases, 84.9 % (78-90 95 % CI) of
      the practices were inadequate and 73.3% of the mothers took their children to a
      doctor as their first line medical practice (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Efforts must
      be increased regarding the implementation of the IMCI strategy in vulnerable
      communities, through effective channels of communication and innovative ways to
      reduce child morbidity and mortality indices, thereby promoting the island's
      social development.

PMID- 25124129
TI  - [An analysis of low birth weight in Colombia, 2005-2009].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Analysing Colombia's low birth weight pattern over a five-year period
      (2005 to 2009) and identifying the determinants and risk factors associated with
      such low birth weight rate. METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study
      which used the information contained in live birth certificates. Ratios were
      calculated for each selected variable and a multivariate logistic regression
      model was used for determining the associated predictors. RESULTS: The low birth
      weight rate was 8.6 % on average, this being higher in urban areas (8.9 %) and in
      the new born of mothers affiliated to the Colombian social security health
      insurance system's contributory regime (9.2 %). The low birth weight rate was
      higher in mothers lacking education (9.7 %) and those having a university or
      higher level of education (9.1 %). The predictors associated with the full-term
      newborn were caesarean delivery (OR 1.49), being female (OR 1.47), having
      attended less than four prenatal visits (OR 1.32), those being pregnant for the
      first time (OR 1.28) and being a single mother (OR 1.17). CONCLUSIONS: The low
      birth weight rate has increased each year and is linked to factors such as type
      of delivery, a child's gender, the number of prenatal visits, the number of
      previous live births, marital status, educational level and maternal age. These
      factors should form the target for Colombian public health policy and
      intervention.

PMID- 25124128
TI  - [Nutritional state associated with social determinants in Arhuaco children aged
      less than 5 years-old].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Misinformation concerning indigenous communities is an obstacle to
      ascertaining their healthcare status; however, the role of malnutrition
      concerning their morbidity and mortality is unquestionable. The aim of this study
      was to ascertain food security levels and identify social determinants and their
      association with the nutritional status of children aged less than five years
      old. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional, analytical study of an Arhuaco
      population which used non-probability sampling for convenience. Anthropometry
      included analyzing weight, length and head circumference based on WHO 2006
      references for nutritional diagnosis. Social determinants were obtained using an
      instrument adapted from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Relevant
      ethical considerations were taken into account. RESULTS: 169 children were
      evaluated and 132 surveys conducted. Growth delay regarding size was less
      frequent in children aged less than 6 months (p=0.03)and acute malnutrition was
      higher in those who went to see a traditional doctor first (p=0.01) and whose
      mothers had no formal schooling (p=0.05); the latter association was also found
      regarding obesity (p=0.00) and in those having risk factors concerning
      neurodevelopment too (p=0.00). Nutritional transition was higher in males
      (p=0.03), in children lacking complete vaccination (p=0.03) and in those whose
      mothers had 4 or fewer children (p=0.00). CONCLUSIONS: Strategies aimed at taking
      action regarding acute malnutrition and being overweight must be formulated,
      plans for monitoring growth in this population must be promoted and communication
      between traditional and Western medicine must be optimized, involving mothers as
      the main actors.

PMID- 25124130
TI  - Effect of biomass smoke on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rural
      localities of Colombia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the differences associated to the
      change of biofuel used to cook as a way to estimate the proportion of respiratory
      abnormalities of respiratory function associated to biomass exposure. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the respiratory function through
      spirometry in subjects cooking with biomass or natural gas. All patients were
      evaluated by a general physician and a pulmonologist. We compared the prevalence
      of spirometry abnormalities across those cooking with natural gas versus those
      cooking with biofuel. A multivariable logistic regression and multiple linear
      regression were used to adjust differences by potential confounding factors.
      RESULTS: 203 subjects were studied. There was a significant increase in the
      prevalence of severe obstructive pattern (OR 5.50; 95 % CI 1.17-25.79) in
      subjects who cook with biomass compared with natural gas users. Values of forced
      expired volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were
      statistically lower among those cooking with biomass. The prevalence of
      respiratory morbidity and symptoms were not statistically significant between
      both groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that replacing biomass fuel by
      natural gas may be an important public health intervention in Colombia, because
      it can reduce the prevalence of abnormal patterns of pulmonary function.

PMID- 25124131
TI  - [Muscular strength training does not increase human adults' arterial stiffness or
      improve body toning].
AB  - OBJECT: Determining the influence of three weekly strength training (ST)
      sessions, over a ten-week period, on arterial stiffness (AS) and taking the
      associated anthropometric measurements. METHODS: This was a before-and-after
      intervention trial, involving a sample of 17 individuals. Participants were
      adults from both genders aged 18 and 40 years-old who had been sedentary for at
      least three months previously. Anthropometric measurements were taken, together
      with pulse wave velocity (PWV) before and immediately after the experimental
      sessions. RESULTS: Independent variables (age and gender) were considered for
      determining their influence on final PWV and anthropometric measurements.
      Comparing initial PWV (mean=9.00) with final PWV (mean=9.00) for subjects
      involved in the proposed ST revealed no significant difference between them
      (p=0.469). Regarding anthropometric measurement, individuals' body fat (p<0.001)
      and body fat mass percentages (p<0.001) became significantly reduced, accompanied
      by an increase in lean mass (p<0.001). However, no changes were recorded
      regarding waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (p= 0.777), body mass (p=0.226) or body mass
      index (BMI) (p =0.212). CONCLUSION: This study's findings suggested that the
      proposed ST did not increase AS. Devotees of such type of training may therefore
      safely enjoy all its benefits without risk to the cardiovascular system. Further
      controlled and randomized research is needed to confirm these results.

PMID- 25124132
TI  - [An occupational assessment of disabled people in Colombia: an exploratory
      analysis of ongoing practice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper analyses a study of the current state of occupational
      assessment of disabled people; it took place in 14 public and private
      institutions involved in promoting the inclusion of this population in the
      workforce. The study was aimed at providing definitions, demonstrating the
      pertinent processes, instruments, professionals, stages of the process and
      support involved in helping disabled people to become included in the workforce.
      METHODOLOGY: The study involved a group of experts adopting a methodology which
      designed, implemented and analysed a data collection instrument seeking
      qualitative and quantitative data concerning target populations, assessment
      purposes, the instruments used, timing and other relevant factors for programmes
      aimed at disabled people becoming included in the workforce. The 14 Colombian
      institutions having most experience regarding this topic participated in the
      study (the oldest having 40 years' experience and the most recent 8 years in this
      field). RESULTS: The results indicated widespread heterogeneity regarding the
      occupational assessment components explored. It was found that the objectives
      proposed for each process differed, depending on each institution's philosophy
      and structure, the model's characteristics and those of the intraprofessional
      teams. They also highlighted the broad range of instruments and timing (i.e. 1 to
      180 days) of sub-processes used as tools for occupational assessment (of the
      disabled). CONCLUSIONS: These findings constitute a foundation justifying the
      compilation of a Manual for the Occupational Assessment of Disabled People in
      Colombia, recognising accumulated cognitive, social and professional capital
      (i.e. established tradition in this field).

PMID- 25124134
TI  - [Modelling respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) transmission children aged less than
      five years-old].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Studying respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) transmission dynamics in a
      population of children aged less than 5 years-old using deterministic models.
      METHOD: A deterministic susceptible-infected-removed(SIR) mathematical model with
      seasonal forcing was used for the simulation. RESULTS: A mathematical
      epidemiological model (SIRS) with seasonal forcing was proposed which explained
      RSV dynamics between 2005 and 2010 in a population of children aged less than
      five years-old in Bogota. CONCLUSIONS: The mathematical model (SIRS) with
      seasonal forcing explained the cyclical pattern of cases of children aged less
      than five years old infected with RSV in Bogota, Colombia during the target
      period.

PMID- 25124133
TI  - [Knowledge about dengue and cardio-cerebrovascular disease in a town in
      Colombia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at describing a low-income population's knowledge and
      perception concerning dengue and cardio-cerebrovascular disease in a town in
      Colombia. METHOD: The study involved qualitative research; data from 16 semi
      structured individual and 3 focus groups was collected through questionnaires
      addressing 3 low-income sectors and then interpreted. Deductive categorisation of
      data was based on the questions and inductive analysis to establish such
      population's knowledge for studying their perceptions regarding dengue and cardio
      cerebrovascular disease. RESULTS: It was evident that the target population knew
      about the agents, the forms of acquiring such diseases, the risk factors and
      action to be taken for preventing and controlling both diseases; however, such
      knowledge did not represent (i.e. had not led to) changes in their daily practice
      or lifestyles. CONCLUSIONS: Local health centre actions needs to be supported by
      theory or models and must go beyond single interventions based essentially on the
      transmission of information.

PMID- 25124135
TI  - Pain and inflammation in hidradenitis suppurativa correspond to morphological
      changes identified by high-frequency ultrasound.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin disease with a
      chronic intermittent course. The current classification systems used to
      categorize disease severity provide limited insight into the degree of
      inflammation and pain, which are key symptoms of the disease. OBJECTIVE: We
      sought to investigate the correlation and validity of simple patient- and
      investigator-assessed items related to inflammation with morphological changes
      identified by high-frequency ultrasound in HS. METHODS: Twenty patients with the
      clinical diagnosis of HS were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent
      clinical examinations during which one representative inflammatory nodule was
      selected in each patient based on the anamnestic information, patient experience
      and clinical presentation. Tenderness and flare activity of the representative
      nodule were graded by the patients and erythema by the investigator.
      Subsequently, all patients underwent high-resolution ultrasound scanning of their
      representative nodule. RESULTS: We found significant associations between the
      size of the representative nodule (the diameter in the transverse plane) and
      patient assessments of flare activity and tenderness. Moreover, we found a marked
      association between the size of the nodules and investigator assessment of
      erythema. CONCLUSION: Patient assessments of flare activity and pain, and
      investigator assessment of erythema are strongly associated with morphological
      changes identified using ultrasound, suggesting that these patient- and
      investigator-assessed items might be strong indicators of the degree of present
      inflammation in HS.

PMID- 25124136
TI  - Comparison of the microbiological quality of environmentally friendly and
      conventionally grown vegetables sold at retail markets in Korea.
AB  - Fresh produce is usually eaten raw without cooking or heating, which may increase
      the probability of foodborne infection. The microbiological quality of 11 types
      of fresh, raw vegetables (romaine lettuce, sesame leaves, crown daisy, garlic
      chives, iceberg lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, leek, chili pepper, capsicum, and
      zucchini) purchased at retail markets in Iksan, Korea as affected by cultivation
      method (environmentally friendly vegetables [organic, pesticide-free, and low
      pesticide vegetables] and conventionally grown vegetables) and harvest season was
      determined. Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella were not detected in all
      samples of vegetables tested. Aerobic mesophiles (>6 log cfu/g) were detected in
      environmentally friendly romaine lettuce and crown daisy and environmentally
      friendly and conventionally grown garlic chives, which also contained coliforms
      (>3 log cfu/g). Sesame leaf and crown daisy (regardless of cultivation method),
      as well as conventionally grown romaine lettuce and leek, contained >1 log cfu/g
      of E. coli. The overall microbiological quality of environmentally friendly and
      conventionally grown vegetables was not significantly different (P > 0.05).
      However, there were seasonal effects on populations of coliforms and generic E.
      coli on vegetables. The greatest numbers of microorganisms were isolated from
      environmentally friendly or conventionally grown vegetables purchased in winter.
      The vegetables, regardless of cultivation method or season, should be subjected
      to appropriate antimicrobial treatment to enhance their microbial safety. 

PMID- 25124137
TI  - Optimizing oxygen delivery in the critically ill: the utility of lactate and
      central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) as a roadmap of resuscitation in shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resuscitation of any critically ill patient is aimed at restoration
      of oxygen delivery to maintain aerobic metabolism. Thus, "endpoints" of
      resuscitation have been sought after as a measure of evaluating the adequacy of
      resuscitation. This review article describes the most commonly used endpoints,
      central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) and lactate, and provides a clinically
      useful paradigm for utilizing these endpoints during resuscitation of critically
      ill patients in the emergency department (ED). OBJECTIVE: This review article
      will summarize the pathophysiology of cellular shock, describe the available
      research regarding lactate and ScvO2, and provide an approach to utilizing these
      endpoints during resuscitation in the ED. DISCUSSION: ScvO2 and lactate each have
      been shown to be useful for the assessment of shock, yet each has inherent
      limitations. When used together, ScvO2 and lactate provide the emergency
      physician with a glimpse of the underlying pathophysiologic state, allowing
      targeted therapy to restore oxygen delivery. CONCLUSION: ScvO2 and lactate are
      useful endpoints of resuscitation, and when used together, provide a metabolic
      framework for guiding targeted therapy for critically ill patients in the ED with
      shock.

PMID- 25124138
TI  - Entrustable professional activities: making sense of the emergency medicine
      milestones.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Next Accreditation System (NAS) is being implemented by the
      Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education with seven specialties,
      including Emergency Medicine (EM), which began in July 2013. The NAS represents a
      more structured method of accreditation, with dependence on outcomes and less
      emphasis on educational process. A key component of the NAS is the individual
      resident semiannual reporting of the Milestone proficiency levels for all sub
      competencies, which are more specific areas of domain for the general
      competencies. All specialties are struggling to some extent with developing
      assessment mechanisms for the Milestones. At the heart of this struggle is the
      conceptualization of the Milestones themselves-descriptors of the individual. In
      practice, faculty assess clinical care provided to the patient by the resident.
      This creates difficulty for faculty to assign a resident to a specific sub
      competency proficiency level when their focus has been on assessment of clinical
      care. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this article include the discussion of
      whether Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) could be defined and linked to
      milestones in a way that, once implemented, could inform Clinical Competency
      Committees of the Milestone proficiency reporting. DISCUSSION: EPAs are units of
      professional work, or clinical care that may help translate aspects of clinical
      care into Milestone proficiencies. This article explores EPAs in depth, and
      discusses how EPAs may be used within EM as one method of assigning proficiency
      levels to residents. CONCLUSIONS: EPAs may be a useful tool to inform Milestone
      proficiency placement of residents. Because EPAs are based on clinical
      descriptions rather than individual physician descriptions, there may be less
      faculty development needed for Milestone sub-competency assessment.

PMID- 25124139
TI  - [Sedation in endoscopic procedures performed by intensivists].

PMID- 25124140
TI  - HIV testing preferences in Tanzania: a qualitative exploration of the importance
      of confidentiality, accessibility, and quality of service.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV counseling and testing (HCT), an effective preventive strategy
      and an entry point for care, remains under-utilized in Tanzania. Limited uptake
      of HCT, despite the widespread availability of varied testing options, suggests
      that existing options may not align well with population preferences for testing.
      METHODS: Between October and December 2011, we conducted an exploratory study in
      the Kilimanjaro Region to develop a conceptual framework for understanding which
      characteristics of HIV testing are associated with preferences for testing. Forty
      individuals (55% women, 53% never having tested) participated in in-depth
      interviews and focus groups to identify factors that influence whether and where
      people test for HIV. RESULTS: A variety of discrete characteristics of testing
      venues, test providers, and testing procedures (e.g. distance to testing,
      counselor experience, type of HIV test, and availability of antiretroviral
      therapy) mapped conceptually to three domains: confidentiality of testing and
      test results, quality of HCT, and accessibility and availability of ancillary
      services. We noted heterogeneous preferences and demonstrate that while some test
      characteristics overlap and reinforce across multiple domains, others demand
      clients to make trade-offs between domains. CONCLUSION: Testing decisions appear
      to be influenced by an array of often inter-linked factors across multiple
      domains, including quality, confidentiality, and accessibility; perceptions of
      these factors varied greatly across participants and across available testing
      options. HCT interventions that jointly target barriers spanning the three
      domains have the potential to increase uptake of HIV testing and deserve further
      exploration.

PMID- 25124142
TI  - Uranium incorporation into aluminum-substituted ferrihydrite during iron(ii)
      induced transformation.
AB  - Uranium retention processes (adsorption, precipitation, and incorporation into
      host minerals) exert strong controls on U mobility in the environment, and
      understanding U retention is therefore crucial for predicting the migration of U
      within surface and groundwater. Uranium can be incorporated into Fe (hydr)oxides
      during Fe(ii)-induced transformation of ferrihydrite to goethite. However,
      ferrihydrite seldom exists as a pure phase within soils or sediments, and
      structural impurities such as Al alter its reactivity. The presence of Al in
      ferrihydrite, for example, decreases the rate of transformation to goethite, and
      thus may impact the retention pathway, or extent of retention, of U. Here, we
      investigate the extent and pathways of U(vi) retention on Al-ferrihydrite during
      Fe(ii)-induced transformation. Ferrihydrite containing 0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, and 20%
      Al was reacted with 10 MUM U and 300 MUM Fe(ii) in the presence of 0 mM and 4 mM
      Ca(2+) and 3.8 mM carbonate at pH 7.0. Solid reaction products were characterized
      using U L3-edge EXAFS spectroscopy to differentiate between adsorbed U and U
      incorporated into the goethite lattice. Uranium incorporation into Al
      ferrihydrite declined from ~70% of solid-phase U at 0% and 1% Al to ~30% of solid
      phase U at 20% Al content. The decrease in U incorporation with increasing Al
      concentration was due to two main factors: (1) decreased transformation of
      ferrihydrite to goethite; and, (2) a decrease of the goethite lattice with
      increasing Al, making the lattice less compatible with large U atoms. However,
      uranium incorporation can occur even with an Al-substituted ferrihydrite
      precursor in the presence or absence of Ca(2+). The process of U incorporation
      into Al-goethite may therefore be a potential long-term sink of U in subsurface
      environments where Al-substituted iron oxides are common, albeit at lower levels
      of incorporation with increasing Al content. 

PMID- 25124141
TI  - Follow-up on pediatric patients with bronchiolitis obliterans treated with
      corticosteroid pulse therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a rare but severe disease in
      children. Currently, there is no consensus on the treatment for BO with respect
      to the systemic use of corticosteroids. Here we report on the follow-up of
      children with a diagnosis of BO who were treated with corticosteroid pulse
      therapy. METHODS: Forty patients fulfilling the BO diagnosis criteria were
      treated with methylprednisolone pulse therapy in monthly cycles until clinical
      improvement. After the pulse therapy began, we analyzed the clinical and
      laboratory data at intervals. Statistical analyses were performed using non
      parametric tests to compare repeated measures (Friedman, Wilcoxon) or paired
      nominal data (McNemar) (alpha = 5%). RESULTS: The frequency of wheezing
      exacerbations and hospitalizations was reduced (p = 0.0042 and p < 0.0001,
      respectively) and oxygen saturation improved (p = 0.0002) in the pulse therapy
      treated patients. Prolonged oral corticosteroid therapy was discontinued in 83%
      of these patients. The mean Z-score length for age improved from -1.08 to -0.63,
      and the mean Z-score weight for age improved from -0.91 to -0.59. The adverse
      effects during the infusion were temporary and none were serious. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our data suggest that pulse corticotherapy could be a safe alternative to
      prolonged systemic oral corticotherapy in children with BO, thus minimizing the
      adverse effects of the oral therapy. New prospective controlled studies are
      required to confirm this proposition.

PMID- 25124143
TI  - The macropod type 2 interferon gene shares important regulatory and functionally
      relevant regions with eutherian IFN-gamma.
AB  - Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is an important immune regulatory molecule that
      plays a significant role in internal and external modulation of the mammalian
      immune response to intracellular pathogens. Herein, we report the 492 nt
      expressed sequence for the coding domain of IFN-gamma from the immune tissues of
      two Australian macropod marsupial species: the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)
      and the vulnerable rufous hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes hirsutus). Both 5' and 3'
      untranslated regions and the coding domain of M. eugenii IFN-gamma revealed the
      presence of motifs responsible for transcriptional regulation, mRNA regulation,
      post-translational modifications, and receptor binding in other mammals. Since
      diagnostic kits for mycobacterial disease commonly rely on the assessment of
      interferon levels, we can now use this information to develop reagents that can
      be applied in clinical and laboratory settings to further our understanding of
      marsupial responses to disease. 

PMID- 25124144
TI  - ISA virus regulates the generation of reactive oxygen species and p47phox
      expression in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner in Salmo salar.
AB  - Several viruses, including Orthomyxovirus, utilize cellular reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) for viral genomic replication and survival within host cells.
      However, the role of ROS in early events of viral entry and signal induction has
      not been elucidated. Here, we show that ISA virus (ISAV) induces ROS production
      very early during infection of CHSE-214 and SHK-1Ycells, and that production is
      sustained over the observed 24h post-infection. The mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MAPK) family is responsible for important signaling pathways. In this
      study, we report that ISAV activates ERK and p38 in Salmo salar. In salmonid
      macrophages, while ERK was required for SOD, GLURED, p47phox expression, p38
      regulated the ROS production by the NADPH oxidase complex activation. These
      results, together with the presence of several consensus target motifs for p38
      MAPK in the promoter of the S. salar p47phox gene, suggest that p38 MAPK
      regulates p47phox gene expression in fish through the activation of this key
      transcription factor. 

PMID- 25124145
TI  - Complement activation-related pseudoallergy: a stress reaction in blood triggered
      by nanomedicines and biologicals.
AB  - Intravenous injection of a variety of nanotechnology enhanced (liposomal,
      micellar, polymer-conjugated) and protein-based (antibodies, enzymes) drugs can
      lead to hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), also known as infusion, or
      anaphylactoid reactions. The molecular mechanism of mild to severe allergy
      symptoms may differ from case to case and is mostly not known, however, in many
      cases a major cause, or contributing factor is activation of the complement (C)
      system. The clinical relevance of C activation-related HSRs, a non-IgE-mediated
      pseudoallergy (CARPA), lies in its unpredictability and occasional lethal
      outcome. Accordingly, there is an unmet medical need to develop laboratory assays
      and animal models that quantitate CARPA. This review provides basic information
      on CARPA; a short history, issues of nomenclature, incidence, classification of
      reactogenic drugs and symptoms, and the mechanisms of C activation via different
      pathways. It is pointed out that anaphylatoxin-induced mast cell release may not
      entirely explain the severe reactions; a "second hit" on allergy mediating cells
      may also contribute. In addressing the increasing requirements for CARPA testing,
      the review evaluates the available assays and animal models, and proposes a
      possible algorithm for the screening of reactogenic drugs and hypersensitive
      patients. Finally, an analogy is proposed between CARPA and the classic stress
      reaction, suggesting that CARPA represents a "blood stress" reaction, a systemic
      fight of the body against harmful biological and chemical agents via the
      anaphylatoxin/mast-cell/circulatory system axis, in analogy to the body's fight
      of physical and emotional stress via the hypothalamo/pituitary/adrenal axis. In
      both cases the response to a broad variety of noxious effects are funneled into a
      uniform pattern of physiological changes. 

PMID- 25124146
TI  - Global biogeography of Alnus-associated Frankia actinobacteria.
AB  - Macroecological patterns of microbes have received relatively little attention
      until recently. This study aimed to disentangle the determinants of the global
      biogeographic community of Alnus-associated actinobacteria belonging to the
      Frankia alni complex. By determining a global sequence similarity threshold for
      the nitrogenase reductase (nifH) gene, we separated Frankia into operational
      taxonomic units (OTUs) and tested the relative effects of Alnus phylogeny,
      geographic relatedness, and climatic and edaphic variables on community
      composition at the global scale. Based on the optimal nifH gene sequence
      similarity threshold of 99.3%, we distinguished 43 Frankia OTUs from root systems
      of 22 Alnus species on four continents. Host phylogeny was the main determinant
      of Frankia OTU-based community composition, but there was no effect on the
      phylogenetic structure of Frankia. Biogeographic analyses revealed the strongest
      cross-continental links over the Beringian land bridge. Despite the facultative
      symbiotic nature of Frankia, phylogenetic relations among Alnus species play a
      prominent role in structuring root-associated Frankia communities and their
      biogeographic patterns. Our results suggest that Alnus species exert strong
      phylogenetically determined selection pressure on compatible Actinobacteria. 

PMID- 25124147
TI  - Congenital abnormalities of the vertebral column in ferrets.
AB  - Vertebral column pathologies requiring surgical intervention have been described
      in pet ferrets, however little information is available on the normal vertebral
      formula and congenital variants in this species. The purpose of this
      retrospective study was to describe vertebral formulas and prevalence of
      congenital vertebral anomalies in a sample of pet ferrets. Radiographs of 172 pet
      ferrets (96 males and 76 females) were included in this retrospective study. In
      143 ferrets (83.14%), five different formulas of the vertebral column were
      recorded with normal morphology of vertebrae (rib attachment included) but with a
      variable number of thoracic (Th), lumbar (L), and sacral (S) vertebrae. The
      number of cervical (C) vertebrae was constant in all examined animals. Observed
      vertebral formulas were C7/Th14/L6/S3 (51.74%), C7/Th14/L6/S4 (22.10%),
      C7/Th14/L7/S3 (6.98%), C7/Th15/L6/S3 (1.74%), and C7/Th15/L6/S4 (0.58%). Formula
      C7/Th14/L6/S4 was significantly more common in males than in females (P < 0.05).
      Congenital spinal abnormalities were found in 29 ferrets (16.86%), mostly
      localized in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions. The cervical region was
      affected in only one case. Transitional vertebrae represented the most common
      congenital abnormalities (26 ferrets) in the thoracolumbar (13 ferrets) and
      lumbosacral regions (10 ferrets) or simultaneously in both regions (three
      ferrets). Other vertebral anomalies included block (two ferrets) and wedge
      vertebra (one ferret). Spina bifida was not detected. Findings from the current
      study indicated that vertebral formulas may vary in ferrets and congenital
      abnormalities are common. This should be taken into consideration for surgical
      planning. 

PMID- 25124149
TI  - Expression of microRNA miR-126 and miR-200c is associated with prognosis in
      patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that exert a critical influence on
      tumorigenesis through post-transcriptional modification and are considered to be
      potential biomarkers for the diagnosis or prognosis of various cancers. Although
      several miRNAs have been proposed as relevant biomarkers for non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC), detailed working mechanisms and validated prognostic significance
      of these miRNAs remain controversial. In this study, we evaluated expression
      levels of miRNA-126 (miR-126) and miR-200c in 72 NSCLCs and 30 benign lung
      tissues by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)
      and analyzed the correlation of miRNA expression with a variety of
      clinicopathological factors and patient survival. Compared with the benign
      control group, miR-126 expression was significantly downregulated in NSCLCs (p <
      0.001), while miR-200c expression was significantly upregulated in NSCLCs (p <
      0.001). The expression of miR-126 was significantly higher in NSCLCs with a tumor
      size of <=3 cm than in those with a tumor size of >3 cm (p = 0.026). There were
      no other significant associations between miRNA expression and
      clinicopathological features. In univariate survival analysis for all NSCLC
      patients, high miR-200c expression (p = 0.037), large tumor size (p = 0.026), and
      lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.012) were significantly correlated with worse
      overall survival. High miR-126 expression was significantly associated with
      favorable prognosis only in patients with adenocarcinoma (p = 0.033). In
      multivariate analysis, miR-200c and tumor size remained as independent prognostic
      factors. Our results suggest that miR-126 might play tumor-suppressive and miR
      200c an oncogenic role, and these miR's are potential prognostic biomarkers for
      NSCLC.

PMID- 25124148
TI  - Pallidal gap junctions-triggers of synchrony in Parkinson's disease?
AB  - Although increased synchrony of the neural activity in the basal ganglia may
      underlie the motor deficiencies exhibited in Parkinson's disease (PD), how this
      synchrony arises, propagates through the basal ganglia, and changes under
      dopamine replacement remains unknown. Gap junctions could play a major role in
      modifying this synchrony, because they show functional plasticity under the
      influence of dopamine and after neural injury. In this study, confocal imaging
      was used to detect connexin-36, the major neural gap junction protein, in
      postmortem tissues of PD patients and control subjects in the putamen,
      subthalamic nucleus (STN), and external and internal globus pallidus (GPe and
      GPi, respectively). Moreover, we quantified how gap junctions affect synchrony in
      an existing computational model of the basal ganglia. We detected connexin-36 in
      the human putamen, GPe, and GPi, but not in the STN. Furthermore, we found that
      the number of connexin-36 spots in PD tissues increased by 50% in the putamen,
      43% in the GPe, and 109% in the GPi compared with controls. In the computational
      model, gap junctions in the GPe and GPi strongly influenced synchrony. The basal
      ganglia became especially susceptible to synchronize with input from the cortex
      when gap junctions were numerous and high in conductance. In conclusion, connexin
      36 expression in the human GPe and GPi suggests that gap junctional coupling
      exists within these nuclei. In PD, neural injury and dopamine depletion could
      increase this coupling. Therefore, we propose that gap junctions act as a
      powerful modulator of synchrony in the basal ganglia.

PMID- 25124150
TI  - High users of emergency departments in Quebec among patients with both
      schizophrenia and a substance use disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study assessed factors associated over time with high use of
      emergency departments by patients in Quebec who had schizophrenia and a co
      occurring substance use disorder. METHODS: The cohort study included 2,921
      patients who received a diagnosis of schizophrenia in 2006 and had at least one
      emergency department visit during fiscal year 2006-2007. Generalized estimating
      equations were used to estimate predictors of high use of emergency departments
      over time. RESULTS: After adjustment for all covariates, predictors of high use
      over time were as follows: living in either a university medical region (OR=2.10)
      or a peripheral medical region (OR=2.10), frequent hospitalization (OR=1.16), and
      greater number of psychiatric (OR=1.64) or physical comorbidities (OR=1.23).
      CONCLUSIONS: Because high use of emergency departments is a strong indicator of
      poor care continuity, identified associated factors could help develop and offer
      new programs to be deployed in the community to better support these patients
      with greater needs.

PMID- 25124151
TI  - Cochlear length determination using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in a clinical
      setting.
AB  - Indications for cochlear implants are determined by audiological and medical
      considerations. Clinical imaging is therefore an integral element for anatomical
      evaluation in terms of medical considerations. Several authors have discussed the
      variability of cochlear shape, especially cochlear length. Cochlear length is,
      however, an increasingly recognized parameter in terms of preoperative
      evaluation. This study introduces a methodology to determine individual cochlear
      length in clinical setting by using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. Cochlear
      length determination was performed retrospectively with an OsiriX curved 3D
      Multiplanar Reconstruction tool on subjects who underwent temporal bone imaging
      from January 2011 to February 2013. Cochlear length was defined as the spiral
      route from the center-distal point of the bony round window along the lateral
      wall towards the helicotrema, which is the endpoint of the measurement. Cochlear
      length was measured in 436 temporal bones (218 left ears, 218 right ears, 218
      subjects). The mean cochlear length was 37.6 mm (SD: +/- 1.93 mm), median was
      37.6 mm, range 32-43.5 mm. The cochlear length had a normal distribution. A
      significant difference was found between cochlear length by gender (p < .0001),
      but not between the left and right cochlea (p = .301) or according to age.
      Consideration of the cochlear length in clinical data may be an insufficiently
      represented parameter in cochlear implant treatment. Literature shows the impact
      of electrode insertion depth on residual hearing preservation and speech
      performance. Individual evaluation of the cochlear implant electrode choice may
      be the next step in personalized cochlear implant treatment as a valuable
      addition to existing audiological and surgical evaluation. The cochlear length
      determination methodology presented herein is a reproducible and clinically
      available parameter. Indeed, revealing a significant cochlear length span width,
      especially according to gender differences, may be assumed as hardly ignorable.

PMID- 25124152
TI  - Abnormal intelligibility of speech in competing speech and in noise in a
      frequency region where audiometric thresholds are near-normal for hearing
      impaired listeners.
AB  - The ability to identify syllables in the presence of speech-shaped noise and a
      single-talker background was measured for 18 normal-hearing (NH) listeners, and
      for eight hearing-impaired (HI) listeners with near-normal audiometric thresholds
      for frequencies up to 1.5 kHz and a moderate to severe hearing loss above 2 kHz.
      The stimulus components were restricted to the low-frequency (<=1.5 kHz) region,
      where audiometric thresholds were classified clinically as normal or near normal
      for all listeners. Syllable identification in a speech background was measured as
      a function of the fundamental-frequency (F0) difference between competing voices
      (ranging from 1 semitone to ~1 octave). HI listeners had poorer syllable
      intelligibility than NH listeners in all conditions. Intelligibility decreased by
      about the same amount for both groups when the F0 difference between competing
      voices was reduced. The results suggest that the ability to identify speech
      against noise or an interfering talker was disrupted in frequency regions of near
      normal hearing for HI listeners, but that the ability to benefit from the tested
      F0 differences was not disrupted. This deficit was not predicted by the elevated
      absolute thresholds for speech in speech, but it was for speech in noise. It may
      result from supra-threshold auditory deficits associated with aging.

PMID- 25124153
TI  - Differential modulation of auditory responses to attended and unattended speech
      in different listening conditions.
AB  - This study investigates how top-down attention modulates neural tracking of the
      speech envelope in different listening conditions. In the quiet conditions, a
      single speech stream was presented and the subjects paid attention to the speech
      stream (active listening) or watched a silent movie instead (passive listening).
      In the competing speaker (CS) conditions, two speakers of opposite genders were
      presented diotically. Ongoing electroencephalographic (EEG) responses were
      measured in each condition and cross-correlated with the speech envelope of each
      speaker at different time lags. In quiet, active and passive listening resulted
      in similar neural responses to the speech envelope. In the CS conditions,
      however, the shape of the cross-correlation function was remarkably different
      between the attended and unattended speech. The cross-correlation with the
      attended speech showed stronger N1 and P2 responses but a weaker P1 response
      compared to the cross-correlation with the unattended speech. Furthermore, the N1
      response to the attended speech in the CS condition was enhanced and delayed
      compared with the active listening condition in quiet, while the P2 response to
      the unattended speaker in the CS condition was attenuated compared with the
      passive listening in quiet. Taken together, these results demonstrate that top
      down attention differentially modulates envelope-tracking neural activity at
      different time lags and suggest that top-down attention can both enhance the
      neural responses to the attended sound stream and suppress the responses to the
      unattended sound stream. 

PMID- 25124154
TI  - Inner ear stem cells derived feeder layer promote directional differentiation of
      amniotic fluid stem cells into functional neurons.
AB  - Intact spiral ganglion neurons are required for cochlear implantation or
      conventional hearing amplification as an intervention for sensorineural hearing
      loss. Treatment strategies to replace the loss of spiral ganglion neurons are
      needed. Recent reports have suggested that amniotic fluid-derived stem cells are
      capable of differentiating into neuron-like cells in response to cytokines and
      are not tumorigenic. Amniotic fluid stem cells represent a potential resource for
      cellular therapy of neural deafness due to spiral ganglion pathology. However,
      the directional differentiation of amniotic fluid stem cells is undetermined in
      the absence of cytokines and the consequence of inner ear supporting cells from
      the mouse cochlea organ of Corti on the differentiation of amniotic fluid stem
      cells remains to be defined. In an effort to circumvent these limitations, we
      investigated the effect of inner ear stem cells derived feeder layer on amniotic
      fluid stem cells differentiation in vitro. An inner ear stem cells derived feeder
      layer direct contact system was established to induce differentiation of amniotic
      fluid stem cells. Our results showed that inner ear stem cells derived feeder
      layer successfully promoted directional differentiation of amniotic fluid stem
      cells into neurons with characteristics of functionality. Furthermore, we showed
      that Wnt signaling may play an essential role in triggering neurogenesis. These
      findings indicate the potential use of inner ear stem cells derived feeder layer
      as a nerve-regenerative scaffold. A reliable and effective amniotic fluid stem
      cell differentiation support structure provided by inner ear stem cells derived
      feeder layer should contribute to efforts to translate cell-based strategies to
      the clinic.

PMID- 25124155
TI  - NIR spectroscopic method for the in-line moisture assessment during drying in a
      six-segmented fluid bed dryer of a continuous tablet production line: Validation
      of quantifying abilities and uncertainty assessment.
AB  - This study focuses on the thorough validation of an in-line NIR based moisture
      quantification method in the six-segmented fluid bed dryer of a continuous from
      powder-to-tablet manufacturing line (ConsiGmaTM 25, GEA Pharma Systems nv,
      Wommelgem, Belgium). The moisture assessment ability of an FT-NIR spectrometer
      (MatrixTM-F Duplex, Bruker Optics Ltd, UK) equipped with a fiber-optic Lighthouse
      ProbeTM (LHP, GEA Pharma Systems nv, Wommelgem, Belgium) was investigated.
      Although NIR spectroscopy is a widely used technique for in-process moisture
      determination, a minority of NIR spectroscopy methods is thoroughly validated. A
      moisture quantification PLS model was developed. Twenty calibration experiments
      were conducted, during which spectra were collected at-line and then regressed
      versus the corresponding residual moisture values obtained via Karl Fischer
      measurements. The developed NIR moisture quantification model was then validated
      by calculating the accuracy profiles on the basis of the analysis results of
      independent in-line validation experiments. Furthermore, as the aim of the NIR
      method is to replace the destructive, time-consuming Karl Fischer titration, it
      was statistically demonstrated that the new NIR method performs at least as good
      as the Karl Fischer reference method. 

PMID- 25124156
TI  - Flow cytometric enumeration of bacteria using TO-PRO(r)-3 iodide as a single
      stain viability dye.
AB  - Quantification of bacteria using conventional viable plate counting (VPC) is
      labor-intensive and time-consuming. Flow cytometry (FCM) can be proposed as a
      faster alternative. This study aimed to develop a flow cytometric, single-stain
      approach using TO-PRO(r)-3 iodide (TP3) for the quantification of Staphylococcus
      aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis cells. Live or dead bacterial
      suspensions were stained with TP3 and analyzed using a FACSCalibur flow
      cytometer. After optimization of staining parameters and instrument settings, an
      excellent separation of viable and dead cells was achieved for all species. The
      quantitative performance of the technique was assessed by analyzing serial
      dilutions of bacterial suspensions using FCM and VPC. A highly linear correlation
      (r2 > 0.99) was observed between the colony forming units (CFU)/mL as determined
      by FCM and by VPC over a concentration range of about 104 to 108 CFU/mL. As such,
      FCM quantification of viable bacteria using TP3 can be considered as an accurate
      and reliable alternative for VPC. The monostain procedure is easy to apply and
      cost-effective, and it allows bacterial enumeration in a broad variety of
      samples. 

PMID- 25124157
TI  - Laboratory automation in a functional programming language.
AB  - After some years of use in academic and research settings, functional languages
      are starting to enter the mainstream as an alternative to more conventional
      programming languages. This article explores one way to use Haskell, a functional
      programming language, in the development of control programs for laboratory
      automation systems. We give code for an example system, discuss some programming
      concepts that we need for this example, and demonstrate how the use of functional
      programming allows us to express and verify properties of the resulting code. 

PMID- 25124158
TI  - Reactions of rac-(ebthi)M(eta(2) -Me3 SiC2 SiMe3 ) (M=Ti, Zr) with aryl nitriles.
AB  - The reactions of the Group 4 metallocene alkyne complexes rac-(ebthi)M(eta(2) 
      Me3 SiC2 SiMe3 ) (1 a: M=Ti, 1 b: M=Zr; rac-(ebthi)=rac-1,2-ethylene-1,1'
      bis(eta(5) -tetrahydroindenyl)) with Ph?C?N were investigated. For 1 a, an
      unusual nitrile-nitrile coupling to 1-titana-2,5-diazacyclopenta-2,4-diene (2) at
      ambient temperature was observed. At higher temperature, the C?C coupling of two
      nitriles resulted in the formation of a dinuclear complex with a four-membered
      diimine bridge (3). The reaction of 1 b with Ph?C?N afforded dinuclear compound 4
      and 2,4,6-triphenyltriazine. Additionally, the reactivity of 1 b towards other
      nitriles was investigated. 

PMID- 25124159
TI  - A novel COL4A1 gene mutation results in autosomal dominant non-syndromic
      congenital cataract in a Chinese family.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Almost one-third of congenital cataracts are primarily autosomal
      dominant disorders, which are also called autosomal dominant congenital cataract,
      resulting in blindness and clouding of the lens. The purpose of this study was to
      identify the disease-causing mutation in a Chinese family affected by bilateral,
      autosomal dominant congenital cataract. METHODS: The detection of candidate gene
      mutation and the linkage analysis of microsatellite markers were performed for
      the known candidate genes. Molecular mapping and cloning of candidate genes were
      used in all affected family members to screen for potential genetic mutations and
      the mutation was confirmed by single enzyme digestion. RESULTS: The proband was
      diagnosed with isolated, congenital cataract without the typical clinical
      manifestations of cataract, which include diabetes, porencephaly, sporadic
      intracerebral hemorrhage, and glomerulopathy. A novel mutation, c.2345 G > C
      (Gly782Ala), in exon 31 of the collagen type IV alphalpha1 (COL4A1) gene, which
      encodes the collagen alpha-1(IV) chain, was found to be associated with autosomal
      dominant congenital cataract in a Chinese family. This mutation was not found in
      unaffected family members or in 200 unrelated controls. Sequence analysis
      confirmed that the Gly782 amino acid residue is highly conserved. CONCLUSIONS:
      The novel mutation (c.2345 G > C) of the COL4A1 gene is the first report of a non
      syndromic, autosomal dominant congenital cataract, thereby highlighting the
      important role of type IV collagen in the physiological and optical properties of
      the lens.

PMID- 25124160
TI  - Real-time near-infrared fluorescence guided surgery in gynecologic oncology: a
      review of the current state of the art.
AB  - Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging has emerged as a promising complimentary
      technique for intraoperative visualization of tumor tissue, lymph nodes and vital
      structures. In this review, the current applications and future opportunities of
      NIR fluorescence imaging in gynecologic oncology are summarized. Several studies
      indicate that intraoperative sentinel lymph node identification in vulvar cancer
      using NIR fluorescence imaging outperforms blue dye staining and provides real
      time intraoperative imaging of sentinel lymph nodes. NIR fluorescence imaging can
      penetrate through several millimeters of tissue, revealing structures just below
      the tissue surface. Hereby, iatrogenic damage to vital structures, such as the
      ureter or nerves may be avoided by identification using NIR fluorescence imaging.
      Tumor-targeted probes are currently being developed and have the potential to
      improve surgical outcomes of cytoreductive and staging procedures, in particular
      in ovarian cancer. Research in the near future will be necessary to determine
      whether this technology has additional value in order to facilitate the surgical
      procedure, reduce morbidity and improve disease-free and overall survival. 

PMID- 25124162
TI  - SGO guidance document for clinical trial designs in ovarian cancer: a changing
      paradigm.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore and facilitate the multifaceted process of drug development
      and regulatory approval in ovarian cancer. METHODS: The Society of Gynecologic
      Oncology (SGO) recently sought and received input from multiple stakeholders
      including the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Clinical Therapy Evaluation
      Program (CTEP), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pharmaceutical industry,
      and patient advocates. This whitepaper is the work product and opinion solely of
      the SGO. RESULTS: This document summarizes the SGO's interpretation of these
      meetings and the current regulatory environment where there has been a paucity of
      recent approvals in the United States. It provides guidance in clinical trial
      design with the express purpose of encouraging novel drug development in ovarian
      cancer. Points of emphasis include: ovarian cancer heterogeneity (histologic
      subtypes and molecular genetic alterations), clinical trial design elements,
      surrogate as well as composite endpoints, and the four principles of clinical
      drug development (unmet medical need, discovery, safety, and efficacy).
      CONCLUSIONS: There has been an evolution in the acceptance of surrogate endpoints
      depending upon the clinical setting in ovarian cancer. While overall survival
      (OS) remains the most objective clinical trial endpoint, there is now realization
      that demanding OS as the primary endpoint has many obstacles. Ovarian cancer is a
      heterogeneous disease that is now divided by histologic subtypes. Future
      registration strategies will need to address disease heterogeneity. The
      exploration of currently acceptable clinical trial endpoints and alternative
      regulatory strategies will hopefully stimulate interest in novel drug development
      for patients with ovarian cancer.

PMID- 25124161
TI  - Neratinib shows efficacy in the treatment of HER2/neu amplified uterine serous
      carcinoma in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) represents an aggressive variant of
      endometrial cancer and accounts for a large proportion of deaths annually.
      HER2/neu amplification is associated with USC in approximately 30-35% of cases.
      The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity of a panel of
      primary USC cell lines to the small tyrosine kinase inhibitor neratinib, an ErbB1
      and HER2 inhibitor, both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: HER2/neu amplification
      was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) in 24 USC cell lines. Flow cytometry was used to determine
      the effects of neratinib on cell viability, cell cycle distribution and signaling
      in vitro. Mice harboring HER2/neu amplified xenografts were treated with
      neratinib to assess the efficacy of the drug in vivo. RESULTS: HER2/neu
      amplification was noted in 8/24 primary cell lines. Data regarding the efficacy
      of neratinib was determined using 4 HER2 amplified cell lines and 4 non-amplified
      cell lines with similar growth rates. Data revealed that cell lines with HER2/neu
      amplification were exquisitely more sensitive to neratinib compared to non
      amplified cell lines (mean +/- SEM IC50: 0.011MUM +/- 0.0008 vs. 0.312MUM +/-
      0.0456 p<0.0001). Neratinib caused arrest in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle
      and resulted in decreased autophosphorylation of HER2 and activation of S6.
      Neratinib treated mice harboring xenografts of HER2/neu amplified USC showed
      delayed tumor growth and improved overall survival compared to vehicle
      (p=0.0019). CONCLUSIONS: Neratinib may be a potential treatment option for
      patients harboring HER2/neu amplified USC. Clinical trials for this subset of
      endometrial cancer patients are warranted.

PMID- 25124164
TI  - Vitamin E and wound healing: an evidence-based review.
AB  - Vitamin E has been demonstrated to modulate cellular signalling, gene expression
      and affect wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA), thus influencing wound healing. This evidence-based review aimed to
      identify and evaluate current research assessing the properties of vitamin E in
      relation to wound healing, through its role as an antioxidant and its influence
      on connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), MRSA and gene transcription.
      Literature dated from 1996 to 2012, published in English, involving either
      animals or adult humans with an acute or chronic wound were included. The
      databases that contained relevant articles were narrowed down to four, and a
      total of 33 identified studies were included. The literature review revealed that
      there is a significant dearth of robust studies establishing the effects of
      vitamin E on wound healing, and further research is clearly warranted. 

PMID- 25124163
TI  - Mutations in POLE and survival of colorectal cancer patients--link to disease
      stage and treatment.
AB  - Recent molecular profiling studies reported a new class of ultramutated
      colorectal cancers (CRCs), which are caused by exonuclease domain mutations
      (EDMs) in DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE). Data on the clinical implications of
      these findings as to whether these mutations define a unique CRC entity with
      distinct clinical outcome are lacking. We performed Sanger sequencing of the POLE
      exonuclease domain in 431 well-characterized patients with microsatellite stable
      (MSS) CRCs of a population-based patient cohort. Mutation data were analyzed for
      associations with major epidemiological, clinical, genetic, and pathological
      parameters including overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS).
      In 373 of 431 MSS CRC, all exons of the exonuclease domain were analyzable. Fifty
      four mutations were identified in 46 of these samples (12.3%). Besides already
      reported EDMs, we detected many new mutations in exons 13 and 14 (corresponding
      to amino acids 410-491) as well as in exon 9 and exon 11 (corresponding to aa 268
      303 and aa 341-369). However, we did not see any significant associations of EDMs
      with clinicopathological parameters, including sex, age, tumor location and tumor
      stage, CIMP, KRAS, and BRAF mutations. While with a median follow-up time of 5.0
      years, survival analysis of the whole cohort revealed nonsignificantly different
      adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.35 (95% CI: 0.82-2.25) and 1.44 (0.81-2.58) for
      OS and DSS indicating slightly impaired survival of patients with EDMs, subgroup
      analysis for patients with stage III/IV disease receiving chemotherapy revealed a
      statistically significantly increased adjusted HR (1.87; 95%CI: 1.02-3.44). In
      conclusion, POLE EDMs do not appear to define an entirely new clinically distinct
      disease entity in CRC but may have prognostic or predictive implications in CRC
      subgroups, whose significance remains to be investigated in future studies.

PMID- 25124165
TI  - Quantifying the influence of the tobacco industry on EU governance: automated
      content analysis of the EU Tobacco Products Directive.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The tobacco industry spends large sums lobbying the European Union
      (EU) institutions, yet whether such lobbying significantly affects tobacco policy
      is not well understood. We used novel quantitative text mining techniques to
      evaluate the impact of industry pressure on the contested EU Tobacco Products
      Directive revision. DESIGN: Policy positions of 18 stakeholders including the
      tobacco industry, health NGOs and tobacco retailers were evaluated using their
      text submissions to EU consultations and impact assessments. Using Wordscores to
      calculate word frequencies, we developed a scale ranging from 0-tobacco industry
      to 1-public health organisations, which was then used to track changes in the
      policy position of the European Commission's 2010 consultation document, its 2012
      final proposal and the European Parliament and Council's approved legislation in
      March 2014. RESULTS: Several stakeholders' positions were closer to the tobacco
      industry than that of health NGOs, including retailers (omega=0.35), trade unions
      (omega=0.34) and publishers (omega=0.33 and omega=0.40). Over time the European
      Commission's position shifted towards the tobacco industry from omega=0.52 (95%
      CI 0.50 to 0.54) to omega=0.40 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.42). This transition reflected
      an increasing use of words pertaining to business and the economy in the
      Commission's document. Our findings were robust to alternative methods of scoring
      policy positions in EU documents. CONCLUSIONS: Using quantitative text mining
      techniques, we observed that tobacco industry lobbying activity at the EU was
      associated with significant policy shifts in the EU Tobacco Products Directive
      legislation towards the tobacco industry's submissions. In the light of the
      Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, additional governance strategies are
      needed to prevent undue influence of the tobacco industry on EU policy making.

PMID- 25124166
TI  - Mental health/illness and prisons as place: frontline clinicians' perspectives of
      mental health work in a penal setting.
AB  - This article takes mental health and prisons as its two foci. It explores the
      links between social and structural aspects of the penal setting, the provision
      of mental healthcare in prisons, and mental health work in this environment. This
      analysis utilises qualitative interview data from prison-based fieldwork
      undertaken in Her Majesty's Prison Service, England. Two themes are discussed:
      (1) the desire and practicalities of doing mental health work and (2) prison
      staff as mental health work allies. Concepts covered include equivalence,
      training, ownership, informal communication, mental health knowledge, service
      gatekeepers, case identification, and unmet need. Implications for practice are
      (1) the mental health knowledge and understanding of prison wing staff could be
      appraised and developed to improve mental healthcare and address unmet need.
      Their role as observers and gatekeepers could be considered. (2) The realities of
      frontline mental health work for clinicians in the penal environment should be
      embraced and used to produce and implement improved policy and practice guidance,
      which is in better accord with the actuality of the context - both socially and
      structurally. 

PMID- 25124167
TI  - Sample size importantly limits the usefulness of instrumental variable methods,
      depending on instrument strength and level of confounding.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Instrumental variable (IV) analysis is promising for estimation of
      therapeutic effects from observational data as it can circumvent unmeasured
      confounding. However, even if IV assumptions hold, IV analyses will not
      necessarily provide an estimate closer to the true effect than conventional
      analyses as this depends on the estimates' bias and variance. We investigated how
      estimates from standard regression (ordinary least squares [OLS]) and IV (two
      stage least squares) regression compare on mean squared error (MSE). STUDY
      DESIGN: We derived an equation for approximation of the threshold sample size,
      above which IV estimates have a smaller MSE than OLS estimates. Next, we
      performed simulations, varying sample size, instrument strength, and level of
      unmeasured confounding. IV assumptions were fulfilled by design. RESULTS:
      Although biased, OLS estimates were closer on average to the true effect than IV
      estimates at small sample sizes because of their smaller variance. The threshold
      sample size above which IV analysis outperforms OLS regression depends on
      instrument strength and strength of unmeasured confounding but will usually be
      large given the typical moderate instrument strength in medical research.
      CONCLUSION: IV methods are of most value in large studies if considerable
      unmeasured confounding is likely and a strong and plausible instrument is
      available.

PMID- 25124170
TI  - Graphical fault tree analysis for fatal falls in the construction industry.
AB  - The current study applied a fault tree analysis to represent the causal
      relationships among events and causes that contributed to fatal falls in the
      construction industry. Four hundred and eleven work-related fatalities in the
      Taiwanese construction industry were analyzed in terms of age, gender,
      experience, falling site, falling height, company size, and the causes for each
      fatality. Given that most fatal accidents involve multiple events, the current
      study coded up to a maximum of three causes for each fall fatality. After the
      Boolean algebra and minimal cut set analyses, accident causes associated with
      each falling site can be presented as a fault tree to provide an overview of the
      basic causes, which could trigger fall fatalities in the construction industry.
      Graphical icons were designed for each falling site along with the associated
      accident causes to illustrate the fault tree in a graphical manner. A graphical
      fault tree can improve inter-disciplinary discussion of risk management and the
      communication of accident causation to first line supervisors. 

PMID- 25124171
TI  - Editorial. Veterinary dermatology over 25 years.

PMID- 25124168
TI  - Side effects are incompletely reported among systematic reviews in
      gastroenterology.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Systematic reviews are an integral component of evidence-based health
      care. However, little is known on how well they report the potential harms of
      interventions. We assessed the reporting of harms in recently published
      systematic reviews of interventions relevant to clinical gastroenterology. STUDY
      DESIGN: We identified all systematic reviews of randomized trials of
      gastroenterology interventions published from 2008 to 2012 in highly cited
      gastroenterology and general medical journals. We adapted the Consolidated
      Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines for harms and assessed qualitative and
      quantitative parameters of harms reporting. Regression analyses determined
      predictors of more comprehensive harms reporting. RESULTS: In total, 78
      systematic reviews were identified, with 72 published in gastroenterology
      journals and six in general medical journals. Overall, one in three systematic
      reviews (26/78, 33%) did not refer to harms of the intervention anywhere in the
      article. Less than half of the studies included adverse events as an outcome
      measure, and data on absolute rates of adverse events were only provided in 28%.
      Most (65%) did not include any figures or tables on adverse event; however, all
      included these on efficacy outcomes (mean, 3 and range, 1-7). Regression analyses
      indicated that the use of reporting guidelines was significantly associated with
      better harms reporting (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The reporting of harms in
      gastroenterology systematic reviews is largely inadequate and highly asymmetrical
      compared with the reporting of benefits. We suggest that review authors routinely
      assess both efficacy and harms outcomes of an intervention and that reporting
      guidelines specifically targeting harms reporting be developed.

PMID- 25124172
TI  - Keratinocyte biology and pathology.

PMID- 25124173
TI  - Veterinary dermatology and dermatopathology.

PMID- 25124169
TI  - Intratracheal co-administration of antioxidants and ceftriaxone reduces pulmonary
      injury and mortality rate in an experimental model of sepsis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recent studies showed that both sepsis and antibiotic
      therapy are associated with cell death and linked to reactive oxygen species
      generation. This study investigated the effects of intratracheal administration
      of combinations of antioxidants (n-acetyl cysteine (NAC), vitamins C and E) in
      the treatment of sepsis-induced lung injury. METHODS: Ninety-six male Wistar rats
      subjected to sepsis were treated with ceftriaxone plus NAC with or without
      vitamins C and E and compared to appropriate controls. As an index of oxidative
      damage protein carbonyls, sulfhydryl groups, lipid peroxidation and superoxide
      anion were measured, as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase.
      Histopathological alterations and mortality rate were also analyzed. RESULTS:
      Twenty-four hours after sepsis induction, markers of oxidative stress increased
      in all lungs examined. Ceftriaxone plus intratracheal combination of NAC,
      vitamins C and E decreased lung injury in infected animals by reducing superoxide
      anion production (54%), lipid peroxidation (53%) and protein carbonyl (58%) and
      restored the redox status (7.5 times). This therapy also reduced the imbalance of
      antioxidant enzymes activities and attenuated the alveolar architectural
      disorganization, inflammatory cell infiltration and pulmonary oedema. Survival
      increased from 66.6% with ceftriaxone to 83.2% with ceftriaxone plus
      antioxidants. CONCLUSIONS: Ceftriaxone plus intratracheal co-administration of
      antioxidants provides better protection, by decreasing pulmonary oxidative
      stress, limiting histophatological alterations and improving survival.
      Antioxidants should be explored as a co-adjuvant in the treatment of severe lung
      injury.

PMID- 25124175
TI  - The 'spore of Malassez' as a canine skin pathogen: lessons from history?

PMID- 25124174
TI  - Pyoderma, the march of the staphylococci.

PMID- 25124176
TI  - Insights into immunoglobulin E-mediated late-phase reactions in dogs.

PMID- 25124177
TI  - An autoimmune subepidermal blistering skin disease in a dog? The odds are that it
      is not bullous pemphigoid.

PMID- 25124178
TI  - The secret sits.

PMID- 25124179
TI  - Orf.

PMID- 25124180
TI  - Equine dermatology - past, present and future.

PMID- 25124181
TI  - Systemic signalling in photosynthetic induction of Rumex K-1 (Rumex patientia *
      Rumex tianschaious) leaves.
AB  - The rapid induction of photosynthesis is critical for plants under light-fleck
      environment. Most previous studies about photosynthetic induction focused upon
      single leaf, but they did not consider the systemic integrity of plant. Here, we
      verified whether systemic signalling is involved in photosynthetic induction.
      Rumex K-1 (Rumex patientia * Rumex tianschaious) plants were grown under light
      fleck condition. After whole night dark adaptation, different numbers of leaves
      (system leaf or SL) were pre-illuminated with light, and then the photosynthetic
      induction of other leaves (target leaf or TL) was investigated. This study showed
      that the pre-illumination of SL promoted photosynthetic induction in TL. This
      promotion was independent of the number of SL, the light intensity on SL and the
      distance between SL and TL, indicating that this systemic signalling is non-dose
      dependent. More interestingly, the photosynthetic induction was promoted by only
      the pre-illumination of morphological upper leaf rather than the pre-illumination
      of morphological lower leaf, indicating that the transfer of this signal is
      directional. The results showed that the transfer of this systemic signalling
      depends upon the phloem. This systemic signalling helps plants to use light
      energy more efficiently under light flecks. 

PMID- 25124182
TI  - Motor and cognitive deficits in aged tau knockout mice in two background strains.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We recently reported that Parkinsonian and dementia phenotypes emerge
      between 7-12 months of age in tau-/- mice on a Bl6/129sv mixed background. These
      observations were partially replicated by another group using pure Bl6 background
      tau-/- mice, but notably they did not observe a cognitive phenotype. A third
      group using Bl6 background tau-/- mice found cognitive impairment at 20-months of
      age. RESULTS: To reconcile the observations, here we considered the genetic,
      dietary and environmental variables in both studies, and performed an extended
      set of behavioral studies on 12-month old tau+/+, tau+/-, and tau-/- mice
      comparing Bl6/129sv to Bl6 backgrounds. We found that tau-/- in both backgrounds
      exhibited reduced tyrosine hydroxylase-positive nigral neuron and impaired motor
      function in all assays used, which was ameliorated by oral treatment with L-DOPA,
      and not confounded by changes in body weight. Tau-/- in the C57BL6/SV129
      background exhibited deficits in the Y-maze cognition task, but the mice on the
      Bl6 background did not. CONCLUSIONS: These results validate our previous report
      on the neurodegenerative phenotypes of aged tau-/- mice, and show that genetic
      background may impact the extent of cognitive impairment in these mice. Therefore
      excessive lowering of tau should be avoided in therapeutic strategies for AD.

PMID- 25124184
TI  - Comparison of five-year outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting versus
      percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with left ventricular ejection
      fractions<=50% versus >50% (from the CREDO-Kyoto PCI/CABG Registry Cohort-2).
AB  - Coronary heart disease is a major risk factor for left ventricular (LV) systolic
      dysfunction. However, limited data are available regarding long-term benefits of
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the era of drug-eluting stent or
      coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with LV systolic dysfunction
      with severe coronary artery disease. We identified 3,584 patients with 3-vessel
      and/or left main disease of 15,939 patients undergoing first myocardial
      revascularization enrolled in the CREDO-Kyoto PCI/CABG Registry Cohort-2. Of
      them, 2,676 patients had preserved LV systolic function, defined as an LV
      ejection fraction (LVEF) of >50% and 908 had impaired LV systolic function
      (LVEF<=50%). In patients with preserved LV function, 5-year outcomes were not
      different between PCI and CABG regarding propensity score-adjusted risk of all
      cause and cardiac deaths. In contrast, in patients with impaired LV systolic
      function, the risks of all-cause and cardiac deaths after PCI were significantly
      greater than those after CABG (hazard ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.04 to
      2.14, p=0.03 and hazard ratio 2.39, 95% confidence interval 1.43 to 3.98,
      p<0.01). In both patients with moderate (35%<LVEF<=50%) and severe (LVEF<=35%) LV
      systolic dysfunction, the risk of cardiac death after PCI was significantly
      greater than that after CABG (hazard ratio 2.25, 95% confidence interval 1.15 to
      4.40, p=0.02 and hazard ratio 4.42, 95% confidence interval 1.48 to 13.24,
      p=0.01). Similarly, the risk of all-cause death tended to be greater after PCI
      than after CABG in both patients with moderate and severe LV systolic dysfunction
      without significant interaction (hazard ratio 1.57, 95% confidence interval 0.96
      to 2.56, p=0.07 and hazard ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 0.71 to 2.82,
      p=0.32; interaction p=0.91). CABG was associated with better 5-year survival
      outcomes than PCI in patients with impaired LV systolic function (LVEF<=50%) with
      complex coronary disease in the era of drug-eluting stents. In both patients with
      moderate (35%<LVEF<=50%) and severe (LVEF<=35%) LV systolic dysfunction, CABG
      tended to have better survival outcomes than PCI.

PMID- 25124183
TI  - Impact of blood transfusions on patients with head and neck cancer undergoing
      free tissue transfer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine whether blood transfusions are associated
      with adverse outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing
      microvascular free tissue transfer. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.
      METHODS: The records of all patients who underwent free flaps for reconstruction
      after HNC resection from July 2007 through February 2013 at a single institution
      were reviewed. Rates of overall survival (OS), recurrence free survival (RFS),
      and postoperative wound infection were determined. Statistical analyses included
      Cox proportional hazards models and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Of 167 patients,
      90 received 0 to 2 units of blood and 77 received >= 3. After controlling for
      age, preoperative hemoglobin, preoperative albumin, cancer stage, and adverse
      pathologic features, transfusion of >= 3 (versus 0 to 2) units was associated
      with poorer OS (P = 0.0006; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.96) and RFS (P = 0.003; HR =
      2.35). The rates of wound infection in patients who received 0, 1, 2, or >= 3
      units were 13.3%, 21.2%, 33.3%, and 31.2%, respectively. There was a
      statistically significant difference in wound infection rates between those
      patients receiving 0 to 1 versus >= 2 units (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who
      receive >= 3 units of blood after free tissue transfer for HNC had a
      significantly increased risk of death after controlling for age, preoperative
      hemoglobin and albumin, cancer stage, and adverse pathologic features. Increased
      transfusions are also associated with higher wound infection rates. The increased
      tendency to transfuse free flap patients in order to maintain a threshold
      hematocrit may have a detrimental impact on survival and wound infections and
      should be revisited.

PMID- 25124185
TI  - An intervention to address secondhand tobacco smoke exposure among nonsmokers
      hospitalized with coronary heart disease.
AB  - Secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure increases nonsmokers' risk of coronary
      heart disease and worsens outcomes after hospitalization for acute coronary
      syndrome, but it is rarely addressed in inpatient cardiac care. We developed and
      assessed a hospital-based intervention to increase nonsmokers' awareness of SHS
      as a cardiovascular risk factor. Nonsmokers admitted to 2 cardiac units of a
      large Boston, Massachusetts, hospital were surveyed before (May 2010 to January
      2011) and after (November 2011 to March 2012) a system-level nurse-delivered
      intervention was implemented in October 2011. It consisted of a revised admission
      form that prompted nurses to document SHS exposure at admission, provide a
      pamphlet about SHS risks, and advise nonsmokers to make their home and car smoke
      free. The primary outcome was patients' short-term recall of advice to keep their
      home and car smoke free. The secondary outcome was patients' awareness of the
      cardiovascular risk of SHS exposure. We enrolled 190 nonsmokers before and 142
      nonsmokers after implementation. Adjusting for group differences, patients
      admitted after the system change were more likely to recall being asked if a
      household member smokes (24% vs 10%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.6, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.8 to 7.1, p=0.0002) and being advised to keep their
      home and car smoke free (28% vs 2%, AOR 27.3, 95% CI 7.8 to 95.7, p<0.0001).
      After the intervention, more patients believed that SHS exposure increased
      cardiovascular risk for nonsmokers (42% vs 21%, AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6 to 4.4) and
      for themselves (39% vs 22%, AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.8). In conclusion, a system
      level intervention in cardiac units successfully increased hospitalized
      nonsmokers' awareness of the cardiovascular risk of SHS exposure.

PMID- 25124187
TI  - Frequency and clinical outcomes of ESKAPE bacteremia in solid organ
      transplantation and the risk factors for mortality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although bacteremias caused by the 6 ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus
      faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii,
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) have recently been highlighted
      as a serious complication in solid organ transplant (SOT), more information is
      urgently needed. We sought to investigate the frequency and clinical outcomes of
      ESKAPE bacteremia in SOT and determine the risk factors for mortality. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis of bacteremia after SOT was reviewed. Risk factors for
      mortality caused by ESKAPE bacteremia were identified. RESULTS: Eighty-four
      episodes of bacteremia were caused by ESKAPE strains. Of these strains, 41 were
      caused by resistant ESKAPE (rESKAPE) organisms. The only factor for bacteremia
      related mortality independently associated with ESKAPE was septic shock (odds
      ratio [OR] = 21.017, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.038-87.682, P < 0.001). The
      factors for bacteremia-related mortality independently associated with rESKAPE
      bacteremia were septic shock (OR = 16.558, 95% CI = 6.620-104.668, P = 0.003) and
      age >=40 years (OR = 7.521, 95% CI = 1.196-47.292, P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: To
      improve the outcomes of transplantation, more effective therapeutic treatments
      are of paramount importance when older SOT recipients with bacteremia due to
      ESKAPE/rESKAPE organisms present with septic shock.

PMID- 25124188
TI  - What does your neighbourhood say about you? A study of life expectancy in 1.3
      million Swiss neighbourhoods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Switzerland had the highest life expectancy at 82.8 years among the
      Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in 2011.
      Geographical variation of life expectancy and its relation to the socioeconomic
      position of neighbourhoods are, however, not well understood. METHODS: We
      analysed the Swiss National Cohort, which linked the 2000 census with mortality
      records 2000-2008 to estimate life expectancy across neighbourhoods. A
      neighbourhood index of socioeconomic position (SEP) based on the median rent,
      education and occupation of household heads and crowding was calculated for 1.3
      million overlapping neighbourhoods of 50 households. We used skew-normal
      regression models, including the index and additionally marital status,
      education, nationality, religion and occupation to calculate crude and adjusted
      estimates of life expectancy at age 30 years. RESULTS: Based on over 4.5 million
      individuals and over 400,000 deaths, estimates of life expectancy at age 30 in
      neighbourhoods ranged from 46.9 to 54.2 years in men and from 53.5 to 57.2 years
      in women. The correlation between life expectancy and neighbourhood SEP was
      strong (r=0.95 in men and r=0.94 women, both p values <0.0001). In a comparison
      of the lowest with the highest percentile of neighbourhood SEP, the crude
      difference in life expectancy from skew-normal regression was 4.5 years in men
      and 2.5 years in women. The corresponding adjusted differences were 2.8 and 1.9
      years, respectively (all p values <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although life expectancy
      is high in Switzerland, there is substantial geographical variation and life
      expectancy is strongly associated with the social standing of neighbourhoods.

PMID- 25124186
TI  - Comparison of stenting and surgical revascularization strategy in non-ST
      elevation acute coronary syndromes and complex coronary artery disease (from the
      Milestone Registry).
AB  - The optimal revascularization strategy in patients with complex coronary artery
      disease and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes is undetermined. In
      this multicenter, prospective registry, 4,566 patients with non-ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarctions, unstable angina, and multivessel coronary
      disease, including left main disease, were enrolled. After angiography, 3,033
      patients were selected for stenting (10.3% received drug-eluting stents) and
      1,533 for coronary artery bypass grafting. Propensity scores were used for
      baseline characteristic matching and result adjustment. Patients selected for
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were younger (mean age 64.4+/-10 vs
      65.2+/-9 years, p=0.03) and more frequently presented with non-ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarctions (32.0% vs 14.5%, p=0.01), cardiogenic shock
      (1.5% vs 0.7%, p<0.01), and history of PCI (13.1% vs 5.5%, p<0.01) or coronary
      artery bypass grafting (10.6% vs 4.6%, p<0.01). European System for Cardiac
      Operative Risk Evaluation scores were higher in PCI patients (5.4+/-2 vs 5.2+/-2,
      p<0.01). Patients referred for coronary artery bypass grafting more often
      presented with triple-vessel disease and left main disease (82.2% vs 33.8% and
      13.7% vs 2.4%, respectively, p<0.01). After adjustment, 929 well-matched pairs
      were chosen. Early mortality was lower after PCI before matching (2.1% vs 3.1%,
      p<0.01), whereas after balancing, there was no difference (2.5% vs 2.8%, p=0.62).
      Three-year survival was in favor of PCI compared with surgery before (87.5% vs
      82.8%, hazard ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 1.7, p<0.01) and after
      (86.4% vs 82.3%, hazard ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.7, p=0.01).
      Stenting was associated with improved outcomes in the following subgroups:
      patients aged >65 years, women, patients with unstable angina, those with
      European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation scores>5, those with
      Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk scores >4, those receiving drug
      eluting stents, and those with 2-vessel disease. In conclusion, in patients
      presenting with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes and complex
      coronary artery disease, immediate stenting was associated with lower mortality
      risk in the long term compared with surgical revascularization, especially in
      subgroups at high clinical risk.

PMID- 25124189
TI  - Risk relativism and physical law.
AB  - In two 1959 papers, one coauthored, Jerome Cornfield asserts that 'relative'
      measures are more useful for causal inference while 'absolute' measures are more
      useful for public health purposes. In one of these papers (the single-authored
      one), he asks how epidemiology should respond to the fact that its domain is not
      a highly 'articulated' one-it is not susceptible to being subsumed under general
      laws. What is the connection between these issues? There has recently been some
      backlash against 'risk relativism', and Charles Poole has recently dismantled the
      mathematical argument for the first claim. However the problem with 'Cornfield's
      Principle' seems to go much deeper. The whole attempt to partition measures into
      absolute and relative is fundamentally mistaken. Why, then, has it seemed so
      appealing? Perhaps one reason is the influence that early education in the
      physical sciences continues to exert on the way epidemiologists think, and their
      response to the low articulation of their domain of study. 

PMID- 25124190
TI  - Educational differences in mortality and the relative importance of different
      causes of death: a 7-year follow-up study of Spanish adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evidence on mortality patterns by education in Spain comes from
      regional areas. This study aimed to estimate these patterns in the whole Spanish
      population. METHODS: All citizens aged 25 years and over and residing in Spain in
      2001 were followed during 7 years to determine their vital status, resulting in a
      total of 196,470,401 person-years and 2,379,558 deaths. We estimated the age
      adjusted total and cause-specific mortality by educational level-primary, lower
      secondary, upper secondary and university education-and then calculated the
      relative and absolute measures of inequality in mortality and contribution of the
      leading causes of death to absolute inequalities. RESULTS: Except for some cancer
      sites, the mortality rate for the leading causes of death shows an inverse
      gradient with educational level. The leading causes of death with the highest
      relative index of inequality ratios were HIV disease (9.81 in women and 11.61 in
      men), diabetes in women (4.02) and suicide in men (3.52). The leading causes of
      death that contribute most to the absolute inequality in mortality are
      cardiovascular diseases (48.8%), respiratory diseases (9.3%) and diabetes
      mellitus (8.8%) in women, and cardiovascular diseases (20.8%), respiratory
      diseases (19.8%) and cancer (19.6%) in men. CONCLUSIONS: Although the causes of
      death with the strongest gradient in mortality rate are HIV disease in both
      sexes, diabetes mellitus in women and suicide in men, most of the absolute
      education-related inequalities in total mortality are due to cardiovascular
      diseases, respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus in women and to
      cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and cancer in men.

PMID- 25124191
TI  - Collective-efficacy as a mediator of the relationship of leaders' personality
      traits and team performance: A cross-level analysis.
AB  - The relationship between a leader's personality and his team's performance has
      been established in organisational research, but the underlying process and
      mechanism responsible for this effect have not been fully explored. Both the
      traditional multiple linear regression and the multilevel structural equation
      model approaches were used in this study to test a proposed mediating model of
      subordinates' perception of collective efficacy between leader personality and
      team performance. The results show that the team leader's extraversion and
      conscientiousness personality traits were related positively to both the team
      average (individual) perception of collective efficacy and team performance, and
      the collective efficacy mediated the relationship of the leader's personality
      traits and team performance. This study also discusses how Chinese cultural
      elements play a role in such a mediating model. 

PMID- 25124192
TI  - Identification and characterisation of multiple glutathione S-transferase genes
      from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, is one of the most
      harmful insect pests on crucifer crops worldwide. In this study, 19 cDNAs
      encoding glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) were identified from the genomic and
      transcriptomic database for DBM (KONAGAbase) and further characterized. RESULTS:
      Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 19 GSTs were classified into six different
      cytosolic classes, including four in delta, six in epsilon, three in omega, two
      in sigma, one in theta and one in zeta. Two GSTs were unclassified. RT-PCR
      analysis revealed that most GST genes were expressed in all developmental stages,
      with higher expression in the larval stages. Six DBM GSTs were expressed at the
      highest levels in the midgut tissue. Twelve purified recombinant GSTs showed
      varied enzymatic properties towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and glutathione,
      whereas rPxGSTo2, rPxGSTz1 and rPxGSTu2 had no activity. Real-time quantitative
      PCR revealed that expression levels of the 19 DBM GST genes were varied and
      changed after exposure to acephate, indoxacarb, beta-cypermethrin and spinosad.
      PxGSTd3 was significantly overexpressed, while PxGSTe3 and PxGSTs2 were
      significantly downregulated by all four insecticide exposures. CONCLUSION: The
      changes in DBM GST gene expression levels exposed to different insecticides
      indicate that they may play individual roles in tolerance to insecticides and
      xenobiotics.

PMID- 25124194
TI  - The use of chaperones during sensitive examinations and treatments.

PMID- 25124195
TI  - Harvesting solar light with crystalline carbon nitrides for efficient
      photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
AB  - Described herein is the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution using crystalline
      carbon nitrides (CNs) obtained by supramolecular aggregation followed by ionic
      melt polycondensation (IMP) using melamine and 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine as a
      dopant. The solid state NMR spectrum of (15)N-enriched CN confirms the triazine
      as a building unit. Controlling the amount and arrangements of dopants in the CN
      structure can dramatically enhance the photocatalytic performance for H2
      evolution. The polytriazine imide (PTI) exhibits the apparent quantum efficiency
      (AQE) of 15% at 400 nm. This method successfully enables a substantial amount of
      visible light to be harvested for H2 evolution, and provides a promising route
      for the rational design of a variety of highly active crystalline CN
      photocatalysts.

PMID- 25124193
TI  - Implications of the Wnt5a/CaMKII pathway in retinoic acid-induced myogenic tongue
      abnormalities of developing mice.
AB  - Although proper tongue development is relevant to other structures in the
      craniofacial region, the molecular details of muscle development in tongue remain
      poorly understood. Here, we report that pregnant mice treated with retinoic acid
      (+RA) produce embryos with tongue malformation and a cleft palate. Histological
      analyses revealed that at E14.5, the tongues of +RA fetuses failed to descend and
      flatten. Ultrastructural analysis showed that at perinatal stage E18.5, the
      myofilaments failed to form normal structures of sarcomeres, and arranged
      disorderly in the genioglossus. The proliferation and levels of myogenic
      determination markers (Myf5 and MyoD) and myosin in the genioglossus were
      profoundly reduced. Wnt5a and Camk2d expressions were down-regulated, while
      levels of Tbx1, Ror2, and PKCdelta were up-regulated in the tongues of +RA
      fetuses. In mock- and Wnt5a-transfected C2C12 (Wnt5a-C2C12) cells, Wnt5a
      overexpression impaired proliferation, and maintained Myf5 at a relative high
      level after RA treatment. Furthermore, Wnt5a overexpression positively correlated
      with levels of Camk2d and Ror2 in C2C12 cells after RA exposure. These data
      support the hypothesis that the Wnt5a/CaMKII pathway is directly involved in RA
      induced hypoplasia and disorder of tongue muscles. 

PMID- 25124196
TI  - [Prevalence of uterine fibroids in France and impact on quality of life: results
      of a survey among 2500 women between 30-55 years].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of symptomatic uterine fibroid in France,
      related symptoms and its impact on quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Online
      prospective survey from December 2012 to February 2013 using two questionnaires
      on 2498 women aged between 30 and 55 years old and representatives of the
      feminine population. RESULTS: On the studied population, 220 women presented a
      symptomatic uterine fibroid representing a prevalence of 8.8%. 163 women (73.7%)
      presented bleedings associated or not with pain, and 58 (26.3%) suffered from
      pain only. For 77 (34.9%) women, the symptoms preceded the diagnostic and the
      mean delay between first symptoms and diagnostic was 2.22 years (ET : 3.56). At
      the time of the survey, 144 (65%) women with symptomatic uterine fibroid were
      followed by a physician (a gynecologist in 91.6% (n=132)), and 110 (49.7%)
      evaluated their pain as severe or extremely severe and 178 (80.6%) were bothered
      by their symptoms in their everyday life. CONCLUSION: This analysis shows a
      strong prevalence for symptomatic uterine fibroid with a major impact on the
      quality of life.

PMID- 25124197
TI  - Score test variable screening.
AB  - Variable screening has emerged as a crucial first step in the analysis of high
      throughput data, but existing procedures can be computationally cumbersome,
      difficult to justify theoretically, or inapplicable to certain types of analyses.
      Motivated by a high-dimensional censored quantile regression problem in multiple
      myeloma genomics, this article makes three contributions. First, we establish a
      score test-based screening framework, which is widely applicable, extremely
      computationally efficient, and relatively simple to justify. Secondly, we propose
      a resampling-based procedure for selecting the number of variables to retain
      after screening according to the principle of reproducibility. Finally, we
      propose a new iterative score test screening method which is closely related to
      sparse regression. In simulations we apply our methods to four different
      regression models and show that they can outperform existing procedures. We also
      apply score test screening to an analysis of gene expression data from multiple
      myeloma patients using a censored quantile regression model to identify high-risk
      genes. 

PMID- 25124198
TI  - Rapid separation and characterization of diterpenoid alkaloids in processed roots
      of Aconitum carmichaeli using ultra high performance liquid chromatography
      coupled with hybrid linear ion trap-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - The lateral root of Aconitum carmichaeli, a popular traditional Chinese medicine,
      has been widely used to treat rheumatic diseases. For decades, diterpenoid
      alkaloids have dominated the phytochemical and biomedical research on this plant.
      In this study, a rapid and sensitive method based on ultra high performance
      liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap tandem mass
      spectrometry was developed to characterize the diterpenoid alkaloids in Aconitum
      carmichaeli. Based on an optimized chromatographic condition, more than 120
      diterpenoid alkaloids were separated with good resolution. Using a systematic
      strategy that combines high resolution separation, highly accurate mass
      measurements and a good understanding of the diagnostic fragment-based
      fragmentation patterns, these diterpenoid alkaloids were identified or
      tentatively identified. The identification of these chemicals provided essential
      data for further phytochemical studies and toxicity research of Aconitum
      carmichaeli. Moreover, the ultra high performance liquid chromatography with
      linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry platform was an effective and accurate
      tool for rapid qualitative analysis of secondary metabolite productions from
      natural resources. 

PMID- 25124200
TI  - Adolescent health care maintenance in a teen-friendly clinic.
AB  - Adolescence is marked by complex physical, cognitive, social, and emotional
      development, which can be stressful for families and adolescents. Before the
      onset of puberty, providers should clearly lay the groundwork for clinical care
      and office visits during the adolescent years. This article addresses the
      guidelines and current legal standards for confidentiality in adolescent care,
      the most frequently used psychosocial screening tools, and current
      recommendations for preventive health services and immunizations. Through the
      creation of teen-friendly clinics, primary care providers are well positioned to
      offer guidance and support to teens and their parents during this time of
      transition and growth. 

PMID- 25124199
TI  - Knowing who to trust: exploring the role of 'ethical metadata' in mediating risk
      of harm in collaborative genomics research in Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The practice of making datasets publicly available for use by the
      wider scientific community has become firmly integrated in genomic science. One
      significant gap in literature around data sharing concerns how it impacts on
      scientists' ability to preserve values and ethical standards that form an
      essential component of scientific collaborations. We conducted a qualitative
      sociological study examining the potential for harm to ethnic groups, and
      implications of such ethical concerns for data sharing. We focused our empirical
      work on the MalariaGEN Consortium, one of the first international collaborative
      genomics research projects in Africa. METHODS: We conducted a study in three
      MalariaGEN project sites in Kenya, the Gambia, and the United Kingdom. The study
      entailed analysis of project documents and 49 semi-structured interviews with
      fieldworkers, researchers and ethics committee members. RESULTS: Concerns about
      how best to address the potential for harm to ethnic groups in MalariaGEN
      crystallised in discussions about the development of a data sharing policy.
      Particularly concerning for researchers was how best to manage the sharing of
      genomic data outside of the original collaboration. Within MalariaGEN, genomic
      data is accompanied by information about the locations of sample collection, the
      limitations of consent and ethics approval, and the values and relations that
      accompanied sample collection. For interviewees, this information and context
      were of important ethical value in safeguarding against harmful uses of data, but
      is not customarily shared with secondary data users. This challenged the ability
      of primary researchers to protect against harmful uses of 'their' data.
      CONCLUSION: We identified three protective mechanisms--trust, the existence of a
      shared morality, and detailed contextual understanding--which together might play
      an important role in preventing the use of genomic data in ways that could harm
      the ethnic groups included in the study. We suggest that the current practice of
      sharing of datasets as isolated objects rather than as embedded within a
      particular scientific culture, without regard for the normative context within
      which samples were collected, may cause ethical tensions to emerge that could
      have been prevented or addressed had the 'ethical metadata' that accompanies
      genomic data also been shared.

PMID- 25124201
TI  - Adolescent growth and development.
AB  - Adolescence is a developmental stage defined by physical and psychosocial
      maturation. This article reviews normal pubertal development and the evaluation
      and management of adolescents with suspected pubertal abnormalities and provides
      an overview of adolescent psychosocial development. 

PMID- 25124202
TI  - Parents and family matter: strategies for developing family-centered adolescent
      care within primary care practices.
AB  - Healthy adolescent development and successful transition to adulthood begins in
      the family. Supporting families in their communities and cultures ultimately
      makes this support system stronger. Parenting adolescents is described as the
      most challenging life stage for parents. Primary care providers are in an ideal
      position to support families with teens. This article reviews stressors,
      recommends strength-based strategies, describes how health care delivery systems
      can be organized to address the needs of adolescents and their families, shares a
      case study of a family-oriented, youth-friendly primary care clinic, and provides
      practical strategies for developing family-centered adolescent care within
      primary care practices. 

PMID- 25124203
TI  - Primary care for adolescents with developmental disabilities.
AB  - Disability is a natural part of the human experience. To maximize potential,
      adolescents with disabilities require multidisciplinary transition planning and
      life-skill training. Health care professionals can reduce barriers to accessing
      health care. They can encourage self-determination and connect patients to self
      advocacy organizations. They can facilitate smooth transitions to adult health
      care services. Careful descriptions of a patient's baseline traits and function
      are critical, not only to assist in person centered planning processes, but to
      ensure that new caregivers and clinicians have the information they need to
      recognize changes in function or behavior that can signal illness. 

PMID- 25124204
TI  - Body image and health: eating disorders and obesity.
AB  - Eating behavior in adolescents can be as high risk as other behaviors that arise
      during this period and can have serious health consequences. This article
      presents a framework for screening and treatment of abnormal adolescent eating
      behavior by the primary care provider. A review of the types of disordered eating
      is presented along with suggested ways to screen. Indications for subspecialty
      eating disorder referrals and key aspects of screening and intervention in
      adolescent obesity and eating disorders are also reviewed. Specific attention is
      paid to the aspects of care that can be provided in primary care and
      multidisciplinary care. 

PMID- 25124206
TI  - Teens, technology, and health care.
AB  - Teens are avid users of new technologies and social media. Nearly 95% of US
      adolescents are online at least occasionally. Health care professionals and
      organizations that work with teens should identify online health information that
      is both accurate and teen friendly. Early studies indicate that some of the new
      health technology tools are acceptable to teens, particularly texting, computer
      based psychosocial screening, and online interventions. Technology is being used
      to provide sexual health education, medication reminders for contraception, and
      information on locally available health care services. This article reviews early
      and emerging studies of technology use to promote teen health. 

PMID- 25124205
TI  - Common issues encountered in adolescent sports medicine: guide to completing the
      preparticipation physical evaluation.
AB  - Participation in athletic activities among children and adolescents is on the
      rise in the United States. Approximately 35 million children ages 5 to 18 play
      organized sports each year. High school athletes suffer approximately 2 million
      injuries per year, resulting in 500,000 doctor visits and 30,000
      hospitalizations. In addition, early specialization in sports has led to
      increased incidence of overuse injury in adolescents. Head injuries among
      adolescents are also on the rise. Primary care providers are called on to
      complete preparticipation evaluations and to see adolescents with acute injuries.
      The goal of this article is to discuss these issues common to adolescent
      athletes. 

PMID- 25124207
TI  - Adolescent substance involvement use and abuse.
AB  - Substance use in adolescence is common, but not all use indicates a substance use
      disorder. The primary care provider has an essential role in screening for
      substance involvement, assessing the level of substance use and its impact on
      function, and engaging in a brief intervention to encourage and support
      behavioral change related to substance use. This article summarizes the
      literature on adolescent vulnerability to substance use disorders and their
      impact on adolescent health and well-being. Practical concrete suggestions for
      approaches to screening, brief interventions, and referral to treatment provide a
      stepwise approach to adolescent substance use assessment and intervention. 

PMID- 25124208
TI  - Mood disorders in adolescents: diagnosis, treatment, and suicide assessment in
      the primary care setting.
AB  - The primary care setting is considered the entry point of adolescents with mental
      illness in the health care system. This article informs primary care providers
      about the diagnostic features and differential of mood disorders in adolescents,
      screening and assessment, as well as evidence-based psychosocial and
      psychopharmacologic therapies. The article also provides a framework for decision
      making regarding initiating treatment in the primary care setting and referral to
      mental health services. Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of the
      collaboration between primary care and mental health providers to facilitate
      engagement of adolescents with mood disorders and adherence to treatment. 

PMID- 25124209
TI  - Adolescent pregnancy and contraception.
AB  - 7% of US teen women became pregnant in 2008, totaling 750,000 pregnancies
      nationwide. For women ages 15 to 19, 82% of pregnancies are unintended.
      Adolescents have a disproportionate risk of medical complications in pregnancy.
      Furthermore, adolescent parents and their infants both tend to suffer poor
      psychosocial outcomes. Preventing unintended and adolescent pregnancies are key
      public health objectives for Healthy People 2020. Screening for sexual activity
      and pregnancy risk should be a routine part of all adolescent visits. Proven
      reductions in unintended pregnancy in teens are attained by providing access to
      contraception at no cost and promoting the most-effective methods. 

PMID- 25124210
TI  - Common sexually transmitted infections in adolescents.
AB  - Adolescents are often at higher risk for acquiring sexually transmitted
      infections (STIs). Medical providers should be alert for both asymptomatic and
      symptomatic STIs, and follow appropriate screening guidelines. Moreover,
      providers need to know how to best administer adolescent-friendly confidential
      care, treatment, and health education in the primary care setting. This article
      addresses the most common adolescent STIs and pertinent recommendations for
      screening, diagnosis, and management of infections, in addition to a brief
      focused discussion on human immunodeficiency virus and adolescents. 

PMID- 25124211
TI  - Sexual minority youth.
AB  - This article provides an overview of the medical and mental health needs of the
      lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth population. Information is
      reviewed regarding both primary medical care and the special health risks that
      these youth face. Providers are introduced to the concept that societal and
      internalized homophobia lead directly to certain health disparities, including
      substance use, school and family rejection, depression, and increased sexually
      transmitted infection acquisition. This article familiarizes the primary care
      practitioner with the health care needs of the LGBT population and the research
      behind the various recommendations for caring for these youth.

PMID- 25124212
TI  - Adolescent interpersonal violence: implications for health care professionals.
AB  - Violence involvement is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among
      adolescents. This review provides a summary of the burden of adolescent violence
      and violence-related behavior, risk, and protective factors for violence
      outcomes. The importance of screening for violence involvement in the primary
      care setting and examples of online resources to support providers in advocating,
      assessing, and intervening on behalf of youth are also reviewed. The article
      draws attention to bullying and dating/relationship violence, not as new forms of
      violence-related behavior, but as behaviors with health outcomes that have
      recently received increased attention. 

PMID- 25124213
TI  - Health care for youth involved with the correctional system.
AB  - Adolescents with involvement in the correctional system have significant health
      risks and needs. Professional guidelines and policies related to health services
      in correctional settings can help health care providers who work in youth
      detention facilities and those who see youth for follow-up care after
      incarceration. Several challenges exist to providing care in detention
      facilities, but overcoming these barriers to optimally serve youth is critical.
      When youth are released to their homes, community providers must understand the
      extent of care offered in detention facilities, the unique considerations for
      youth on probation, and the aspects of follow-up care that should be addressed. 

PMID- 25124214
TI  - Know your audience. Adolescent medicine.

PMID- 25124215
TI  - Adolescent medicine. Preface.

PMID- 25124216
TI  - Axial level-specific regulation of neuronal development: lessons from PITX2.
AB  - Transcriptional regulation of gene expression is vital for proper control of
      proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival of developing neurons.
      Pitx2 encodes a homeodomain transcription factor that is highly expressed in the
      developing and adult mammalian brain. In humans, mutations in PITX2 result in
      Rieger syndrome, characterized by defects in the development of the eyes,
      umbilicus, and teeth and variable abnormalities in the brain, including
      hydrocephalus and cerebellar hypoplasia. Alternative splicing of Pitx2 in the
      mouse results in three isoforms, Pitx2a, Pitx2b, and Pitx2c, each of which is
      expressed symmetrically along the left-right axis of the brain throughout
      development. Here, we review recent evidence for axial and brain region-specific
      requirements for Pitx2 during neuronal migration and differentiation,
      highlighting known isoform contributions.

PMID- 25124217
TI  - The ontogenetic origins of skull shape disparity in the Triturus cristatus group.
AB  - Comparative studies of ontogenies of closely related species provide insights
      into the mechanisms responsible for morphological diversification. Using
      geometric morphometrics, we investigated the ontogenetic dynamics of postlarval
      skull shape and disparity in three closely related crested newt species. The
      skull shapes of juveniles just after metamorphosis (hereafter metamorphs) and
      adult individuals were sampled by landmark configurations that describe the shape
      of the dorsal and ventral side of the newt skull, and analyzed separately. The
      three species differ in skull size and shape in metamorphs and adults. The
      ontogenies of dorsal and ventral skull differ in the orientation but not lengths
      of the ontogenetic trajectories. The disparity of dorsal skull shape increases
      over ontogeny, but that of ventral skull shape does not. Thus, modifications of
      ontogenetic trajectories can, but need not, increase the disparity of shape. In
      species with biphasic life-cycles, when ontogenetic trajectories for one stage
      can be decoupled from those of another, increases and decreases in disparity are
      feasible, but our results show that they need not occur. 

PMID- 25124218
TI  - Cardiac magnetic resonance versus transthoracic echocardiography for the
      assessment and quantification of aortic regurgitation in patients undergoing
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) evaluation of the severity
      of residual aortic regurgitation (AR) following transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation (TAVI) has been controversial and lacks validation. OBJECTIVES: This
      study sought to compare TTE and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for assessment
      of AR in patients undergoing TAVI with a balloon-expandable valve. METHODS: TTE
      and CMR exams were performed pre-TAVI in 50 patients and were repeated
      postprocedure in 42 patients. All imaging data were analysed in centralised core
      laboratories. RESULTS: The severity of native AR as determined by multiparametric
      TTE approach correlated well with the regurgitant volume and regurgitant fraction
      determined by CMR prior to TAVI (Rs=0.79 and 0.80, respectively; p<0.001 for
      both). However, after TAVI, the correlation between the prosthetic AR severity
      assessed by TTE and regurgitant volume and fraction measured by CMR was only
      modest (Rs=0.59 and 0.59, respectively; p<0.001 for both), with an
      underestimation of AR severity by TTE in 61.9% of patients (1 grade in 59.5%).
      The TTE jet diameter in parasternal view and the multiparametric approach
      (Rs=0.62 and 0.59, respectively; both with p<0.001) showed the best correlation
      with CMR regurgitant fraction post-TAVI. The circumferential extent of prosthetic
      paravalvular regurgitation showed a poor correlation with CMR regurgitant volume
      and fraction (Rs=0.32, p=0.084; Rs=0.36, p=0.054, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The
      severity of AR following TAVI with a balloon-expandable valve was underestimated
      by echocardiography as compared with CMR. The jet diameter, but not the
      circumferential extent of the leaks, and the multiparametric echocardiography
      integrative approach best correlated with CMR findings. These results provide
      important insight into the evaluation of AR severity post-TAVI.

PMID- 25124219
TI  - Age-related differences in the activity of arterial mineral deposition and
      regional bone metabolism: a 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography
      study.
AB  - Functional (18)F-fluoride PET demonstrated an inverse relationship between the
      activity of arterial mineral deposition and regional bone metabolism. While bone
      metabolism decreases with age, the activity of arterial mineral deposition
      increases. INTRODUCTION: The extent of arterial calcification increases with age,
      whereas bone mineral density decreases, evidencing a well-known inverse
      correlation on morphological basis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      functional relationship between the activity of arterial mineral deposition and
      regional bone metabolism as assessed by (18)F-sodium fluoride (NaF) PET/CT.
      METHODS: Three hundred four subjects were examined by (18)F-NaF PET/CT. Tracer
      accumulation in the femoral arteries was analyzed both qualitatively and
      semiquantitatively by measuring the blood-pool-corrected standardized uptake
      value (target-to-background ratio). Uptake was compared with cardiovascular risk
      factors (RFs), calcified plaque burden, and regional bone metabolism as assessed
      by PET/CT. RESULTS: The activity of arterial mineral deposition significantly
      increased with age (p < 0.001), whereas regional bone metabolism significantly
      decreased (p < 0.001). There was a significant inverse correlation between bone
      metabolism and arterial mineral deposition (unadjusted, p < 0.001); that
      association was not significant (p = 0.79) when controlled for age and other RFs.
      Both high activity of arterial mineral deposition and low bone metabolism were
      significantly associated with cardiovascular events and other RFs. CONCLUSION:
      (18)F-NaF PET/CT provides a tool to visualize and quantify the activity of
      arterial mineral deposition and regional bone metabolism. In this study, we
      observed an inverse correlation between the activity of arterial mineral
      deposition and regional bone metabolism. While the activity of arterial mineral
      deposition significantly increases with age, regional bone metabolism decreases.

PMID- 25124220
TI  - Utility of an Australasian registry for children undergoing radiation treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of an
      Australasian registry ('the Registry') for children undergoing radiation
      treatment (RT). METHODS: Children under the age of 16 years who received a course
      of radiation between January 1997 and December 2010 and were enrolled on the
      Registry form the subjects of this study. RESULTS: A total of 2232 courses of RT
      were delivered, predominantly with radical intent (87%). Registrations fluctuated
      over time, but around one-half of children diagnosed with cancer undergo a course
      of RT. The most prevalent age range at time of RT was 10-15 years, and the most
      common diagnoses were central nervous system tumours (34%) and acute
      lymphoblastic leukaemia (20%). CONCLUSIONS: The Registry provides a reflection of
      the patterns of care of children undergoing RT in Australia and a mechanism for
      determining the resources necessary to manage children by RT (human, facilities
      and emerging technologies, such as proton therapy). It lacks the detail to
      provide information on radiotherapy quality and disease outcomes which should be
      the subject of separate audit studies. The utility of the Registry has been
      hampered by its voluntary nature and varying needs for consent. Completion of
      registry forms is a logical requirement for inclusion in the definition of a
      subspecialist in paediatric radiation oncology.

PMID- 25124221
TI  - Site-directed delivery of nitric oxide to cancers.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) is a reactive gaseous free radical which mediates numerous
      biological processes. At elevated levels, NO is found to be toxic to cancers and
      hence, a number of strategies for site-directed delivery of NO to cancers are in
      development during the past two decades. More recently, the focus of research has
      been to, in conjunction with other cancer drugs deliver NO to cancers for its
      secondary effects including inhibition of cellular drug efflux pumps. Among the
      various approaches toward site-selective delivery of exogenous NO sources, enzyme
      activated nitric oxide donors belonging to the diazeniumdiolate category afford
      unique advantages including exquisite control of rates of NO generation and
      selectivity of NO production. For this prodrug approach, enzymes including
      esterase, glutathione/glutathione S-transferase, DT-diaphorase, and
      nitroreductase are utilized. Here, we review the design and development of
      various approaches to enzymatic site-directed delivery of NO to cancers and their
      potential. 

PMID- 25124224
TI  - Ocular pterygium--digital keloid dysplasia.
AB  - We describe an adolescent Peruvian male with marked, aggressive ingrowth of
      conjunctiva (pterygium-like) over the cornea associated with keloid formation on
      his distal limbs. He has in addition camptodactyly of all fingers and to some
      extent of his toes, and unusual skin pigmentations. He resembles an earlier
      described family from Norway in which a mother and two children showed a similar
      combination of signs. We present the follow-up of the Norwegian family. The
      entity resembles the Penttinen syndrome but can be differentiated due to the
      early aging in the latter, which is lacking in the presently reported entity. We
      suggest naming this entity ocular pterygium-digital keloid dysplasia. The
      condition follows likely an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance.

PMID- 25124225
TI  - Molecularly imprinted polymer as in-line concentrator in capillary
      electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry for the determination of
      quinolones in bovine milk samples.
AB  - In this work molecularly imprinted polymers have been evaluated as sorbent for
      the construction of an in-line solid phase extraction analyte concentrator in
      capillary electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry for the determination of
      the eight regulated veterinary quinolones in bovine milk samples. Different
      parameters affecting the analyte concentrator performance, such as sample pH,
      volume and composition of the elution plug and injection time, were studied.
      Sample volumes of 22MUL (2bar for 15min) were loaded on the MISPE microcartridge
      and the retained analytes were eluted by injecting a plug of MeOH/H2O/NH3
      (60/37/3 by volume) for 125s at 50mbar (60nL). The proposed method is simple for
      the monitoring of these antibiotic residues in milk samples, allowing the direct
      injection of the samples with minimum sample pretreatment, achieving limits of
      detection between 3.8 and 4.7MUgkg(-1) and unequivocal identification of the
      compounds working in tandem mass spectrometry. Recoveries ranging from 70.0 to
      102.3% were obtained and satisfactory intra-day and inter-day RSDs were achieved
      (<=12% and 15% respectively). Reproducibility among different constructed analyte
      concentrators showed RSD<=11%. 

PMID- 25124226
TI  - Simultaneous determination of nickel, cobalt and mercury ions in water samples by
      solid phase extraction using multiwalled carbon nanotubes as adsorbent after
      chelating with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate prior to high performance liquid
      chromatography.
AB  - Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been widely used for the enrichment of
      trace important pollutants in environment because of its large specific surface
      area, high extraction efficiency, and easy operation. In this study, a solid
      phase extraction method was established to determine nickel (Ni(2+)), cobalt
      (Co(2+)) and mercury (Hg(2+)) ions using MWNTs as the adsorbent and sodium
      diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) as the chelating agent. The final analysis was
      performed on a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The factors that
      may influence the extraction efficiency were optimized in detail including the
      type and volume of elution solvent, sample pH, volume of chelating agent
      solution, and volume of sample solution, etc. The experimental results indicated
      that good linear relationship between peak area and the concentration of the ions
      was achieved in the range of 0.1-100MUgL(-1), 0.1-50MUgL(-1), and 2.7-300MUgL(-1)
      for Ni(2+), Co(2+), and Hg(2+), respectively. The precision was determined by
      calculating the relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) values that were in the
      range of 6.2-11.7% under the optimal conditions. The detection limits of Ni(2+),
      Co(2+), and Hg(2+) were in the range of 0.04-0.9MUgL(-1) (S/N=3). The presented
      method was applied for the determination of the metal ions mentioned above in
      real water samples, and satisfied results were achieved. All these indicated that
      proposed method will be a good alternative tool for monitoring the target ions in
      environmental samples in the future. 

PMID- 25124227
TI  - Ionic liquid-assisted liquid-phase microextraction based on the solidification of
      floating organic droplets combined with high performance liquid chromatography
      for the determination of benzoylurea insecticide in fruit juice.
AB  - A green, simple, and efficient method, ionic liquid-assisted liquid-liquid
      microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic droplets (ILSFOD
      LLME) collected via a bell-shaped collection device (BSCD) coupled to high
      performance liquid chromatography with a variable-wavelength detector, was
      developed for the preconcentration and analysis of seven benzoylurea insecticides
      (BUs) in fruit juice. In the proposed method, the low-density solvent 1-dodecanol
      and the ionic liquid trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate ([P14,
      6, 6, 6]PF6) were used as extractant. The extraction solvent droplet was easily
      collected and separated by the BSCD without centrifugation. The experimental
      parameters were optimized by the one-factor-at-a-time approach and were followed
      using an orthogonal array design. The results indicated the different effects of
      each parameter for extraction efficiency. Under the optimal conditions in the
      water model, the limits of detection for the analytes varied from 0.03 to
      0.28MUgL(-1). The enrichment factors ranged from 160 to 246. Linearities were
      achieved for hexaflumuron and flufenoxuron in the range of 0.5-500MUgL(-1), for
      triflumuron, lufenuron and diafenthiuron in the range of 1-500MUgL(-1), and for
      diflubenzuron and chlorfluazuron in the range of 5-500MUgL(-1); the correlation
      coefficients for the BUs ranged from 0.9960 to 0.9990 with recoveries of 75.6
      113.9%. Finally, the developed technique was successfully applied to real fruit
      juice with acceptable results. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the
      seven BUs at two spiked levels (50 and 200MUgL(-1)) varied between 0.1% and 7.3%.

PMID- 25124228
TI  - Determination of levamisole and tetramisole in seized cocaine samples by
      enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography and circular dichroism
      detection.
AB  - Levamisole, an anthelmintic drug, has been increasingly employed as an adulterant
      of illicit street cocaine over the last decade; recently, the use of tetramisole,
      the racemic mixture of levamisole and its enantiomer dexamisole, was also
      occasionally observed. A new enantioselective high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) method, performed on cellulose tris(3,5
      dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phases in normal-phase mode, was
      validated to determine the enantiomeric composition of tetramisole enantiomers in
      seized cocaine samples. Furthermore, the hyphenation of the validated HPLC method
      with a circular dichroism (CD) detection system allowed the direct determination
      of elution order and a selective monitoring of levamisole and dexamisole in the
      presence of possible interferences. The method was applied to the identification
      and quantitation of the two enantiomers of tetramisole in seized street cocaine
      samples. 

PMID- 25124229
TI  - Chiral chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry applied to the determination of
      pro-resolving lipid mediators.
AB  - Pro-resolving lipid mediators are a class of endogenously synthesized molecules
      derived from different fatty acids, such as arachidonic, docosahexaenoic or
      eicosapentaenoic acid, which are derived into four different product families:
      lipoxins, resolvins, maresins and protectins. For quantitation of these
      compounds, a sensitive, selective and robust liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation
      of lipoxin A4, 6-epi-lipoxin A4, lipoxin B4 and lipoxin A5, the D-series
      resolvins D1 and D2 as well as aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 and resolvin D1,
      maresin and protectin and the pathway markers 17(S)-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid
      and 17(R)-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid in cell culture supernatants. For this
      purpose, a chiral column was connected in series with a reversed-phase column to
      achieve efficient analyte separation and high sensitivity. Sample pre-treatment
      included a fast and simple liquid-liquid extraction procedure. Limits of
      quantitation in the range of 0.1-0.5ng/mL cell culture media, absolute recoveries
      between 90 and 115%, intra- and interday precision of less than 13% and an
      accuracy of less than 11% were obtained. Stability of the samples after 60 days
      storage at -80 degrees C, three freeze/thaw cycles and 4h at room temperature has
      been demonstrated for all analytes. Sample extracts can be stored at 7 degrees C
      for 24h without degradation of the analytes. Deviations of less than 13% in the
      accuracy, evaluated in terms of relative error, were obtained. The suitability of
      the method has been demonstrated in cell culture supernatants of human
      polymorphonuclear leukocytes, stimulated with 15R-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid
      and in cell culture media of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes co-incubated with
      human platelets. From all studied analytes, lipoxin A4 and 6-epi-lipoxin A4 were
      found in cell culture media under both incubation conditions, while 15-epi
      lipoxin A4 was additionally detected in cell culture supernatants of
      polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated with 15R-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid. 

PMID- 25124231
TI  - Survival disparities between Maori and non-Maori men with prostate cancer in New
      Zealand.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine temporal trends and current survival differences between
      Maori and non-Maori men with prostate cancer in New Zealand (NZ). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A cohort of 37,529 men aged >= 40 years diagnosed with prostate cancer
      between 1996 and 2010 was identified from the New Zealand Cancer Registry and
      followed until 25 May 2011. Cause of death was obtained from the Mortality
      Collection by data linkage. Survival for Maori compared with non-Maori men was
      estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazard regression
      models, adjusted for age, year of diagnosis, socioeconomic deprivation and
      rural/urban residence. RESULTS: The probability of surviving was significantly
      lower for Maori compared with non-Maori men at 1, 5 and 10 years after diagnosis.
      Maori men were more likely to die from any cause [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)
      1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72-1.97] and from prostate cancer (aHR 1.94,
      95% CI 1.76- 2.14). The aHR of prostate cancer death for Maori men diagnosed with
      regional extent was 2.62-fold (95% CI 1.60-4.31) compared with non-Maori men. The
      survival gap between Maori and non-Maori men has not changed throughout the study
      period. CONCLUSION: Maori men had significantly poorer survival than non-Maori,
      particularly when diagnosed with regional prostate cancer. Despite improvements
      in survival for all men diagnosed after 2000, the survival gap between Maori and
      non-Maori men has not been reduced with time. Differences in prostate cancer
      detection and management, partly driven by higher socioeconomic deprivation in
      Maori men, were identified as the most likely contributors to ethnic survival
      disparities in NZ.

PMID- 25124232
TI  - Equivalent input produces different output in the UniFrac significance test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: UniFrac is a well-known tool for comparing microbial communities and
      assessing statistically significant differences between communities. In this
      paper we identify a discrepancy in the UniFrac methodology that causes
      semantically equivalent inputs to produce different outputs in tests of
      statistical significance. RESULTS: The phylogenetic trees that are input into
      UniFrac may or may not contain abundance counts. An isomorphic transform can be
      defined that will convert trees between these two formats without altering the
      semantic meaning of the trees. UniFrac produces different outputs for these
      equivalent forms of the same input tree. This is illustrated using metagenomics
      data from a lake sediment study. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the UniFrac tool can
      vary greatly for the same input depending on the arbitrary choice of input
      format. Practitioners should be aware of this issue and use the tool with caution
      to ensure consistency and validity in their analyses. We provide a script to
      transform inputs between equivalent formats to help researchers achieve this
      consistency.

PMID- 25124233
TI  - Simulations of potentials of mean force for separating a leucine zipper dimer and
      the basic region of a basic region leucine zipper dimer.
AB  - Basic region leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors involved in DNA
      recognition are dimeric proteins. The monomers consist of two subdomains, a
      leucine zipper sequence responsible for dimerization and a highly basic DNA
      recognition sequence. Leucine zippers are strongly dimerized, and in a bZIP, the
      basic region can, in the absence of DNA, undergo extensive relative monomer-to
      monomer fluctuations. In this work, LZ and bZIP potentials of mean force (PMFs),
      which provide free energies along reaction coordinates, are simulated with a
      distance replica exchange method. The method uses restraint potentials to provide
      sampling along a reaction coordinate and enhances configuration space exploration
      by exchanging information between neighboring restraint potential configurations.
      Restraint potentials that are constructed from sums over a number of atom
      distances are employed. Their use requires a modification of the Weighted
      Histogram Analysis Method (WHAM) procedure to combine and unbias the data from
      the different restraint-potential-biased window densities to provide a PMF. These
      methods are first used to obtain a PMF for separating a leucine zipper (GCN4-p1)
      of the yeast transcriptional activator GCN4. The PMF indicates a very strong
      binding free energy that only weakens when the monomers are separated by about 12
      A, which is about 6 A beyond their bound, dimer equilibrium distance. PMFs are
      also obtained for separating the basic subdomain monomer parts of the GCN4 bZIP
      transcriptional factor, in the absence of DNA. In a monomer separation range
      spanning the open, crystal-based structure to closer configurations, the basic
      subdomain PMF is quite flat, implying essentially thermal sampling in this
      distance range. A PMF generated starting from a "collapsed" state, taken from a
      previous simulation ( J. Phys. Chem. B 2012 , 116 , 6071 ), where collapsed
      refers to the feature that the basic subdomain monomers are also effectively
      dimerized, shows that this state is bound in free energy, though much less so
      than the leucine zipper dimer. 

PMID- 25124230
TI  - A study on the mechanism by which MDMA protects against dopaminergic dysfunction
      after minimal traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in mice.
AB  - Driving under methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) influence increases the risk
      of being involved in a car accident, which in turn can lead to traumatic brain
      injury. The behavioral deficits after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are closely
      connected to dopamine pathway dysregulation. We have previously demonstrated in
      mice that low MDMA doses prior to mTBI can lead to better performances in
      cognitive tests. The purpose of this study was to assess in mice the changes in
      the dopamine system that occurs after both MDMA and minimal traumatic brain
      injury (mTBI). Experimental mTBI was induced using a concussive head trauma
      device. One hour before injury, animals were subjected to MDMA. Administration of
      MDMA before injury normalized the alterations in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels
      that were observed in mTBI mice. This normalization was also able to lower the
      elevated dopamine receptor type 2 (D2) levels observed after mTBI. Brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels did not change following injury alone, but in
      mice subjected to MDMA and mTBI, significant elevations were observed. In the
      behavioral tests, haloperidol reversed the neuroprotection seen when MDMA was
      administered prior to injury. Altered catecholamine synthesis and high D2
      receptor levels contribute to cognitive dysfunction, and strategies to normalize
      TH signaling and D2 levels may provide relief for the deficits observed after
      injury. Pretreatment with MDMA kept TH and D2 receptor at normal levels, allowing
      regular dopamine system activity. While the beneficial effect we observe was due
      to a dangerous recreational drug, understanding the alterations in dopamine and
      the mechanism of dysfunction at a cellular level can lead to legal therapies and
      potential candidates for clinical use. 

PMID- 25124234
TI  - MOF-derived porous ZnO/ZnFe2O4/C octahedra with hollow interiors for high-rate
      lithium-ion batteries.
AB  - Novel porous ZnO/ZnFe2O4/C octahedra with hollow interiors are fabricated by a
      facile self-sacrificing template method involving the refluxing synthesis of
      hollow, metal-organic framework octahedra in solution and subsequent thermal
      annealing in N2 . When evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries,
      these porous hollow ZnO/ZnFe2O4/C octahedra exhibit significantly enhanced
      electrochemical performances with high rate capability, high capacity, and
      excellent cycling stability.

PMID- 25124235
TI  - The significance of circulating tumour cells in breast cancer: a review.
AB  - Haematogenous spread of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) is the principle
      mechanism for development of metastases. Research into the enumeration and
      characterisation of CTCs, particularly in the last decade, has allowed the
      introduction of semi-automated CTC assessment in the clinical setting. In breast
      cancer, CTC enumeration is being used as a prognostic biomarker, a predictive
      biomarker of treatment response and is being assessed to guide treatment in both
      the early and metastatic setting. CTC characterisation has the potential to
      direct targeted therapies, such as HER2 therapies in HER2 negative primary breast
      tumour patients. However, CTC assessment has considerable challenges. Capture and
      identification of these very rare cells is currently largely dependent on a
      presumed homogeneity of phenotype. In addition, high throughput assays are
      lacking. The clinical significance of CTCs is incompletely understood. A large
      proportion of CTC positive patients have no evidence of metastases, raising the
      issue of either inconsequential tumour dormancy or non-viable CTCs. CTCs may have
      additional clinical sequelae such as promoting venous thrombosis. However CTCs
      provide a real-time liquid biopsy of the tumour and represent an exciting,
      minimally invasive method of assessing disease status and also a novel
      therapeutic target for malignancy. 

PMID- 25124236
TI  - The net clinical benefit of personalized antiplatelet therapy in patients
      undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - This was a prospective study comparing two groups: personalized and non
      personalized treatment with P2Y12 receptor blockers during a 12-month follow-up.
      We aimed to investigate whether personalized antiplatelet treatment in patients
      with high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) improves clinical outcome.
      Platelet reactivity was assessed by adenosine diphosphate induced aggregation
      using a multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) in 798 patients with coronary
      artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients with
      HTPR received up to four repeated loading doses of clopidogrel or prasugrel in
      the personalized treatment group (n=403), whereas no change in the treatment
      strategy was undertaken in patients with HTPR in the non-personalized treatment
      group (n=395). There were fewer major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the
      personalized treatment group than in the non-personalized treatment group (7.4%
      compared with 15.3% respectively; P<0.001). The multivariate Cox regression
      analysis showed that the relative risk to develop MACE was 51% lower in the
      personalized treatment group as compared with the non-personalized treatment
      group [hazard ratio (HR)=0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.31-0.77; P<0.001].
      Similarly, there was a clear net benefit of the personalized antiplatelet
      treatment over the non-personalized treatment (ischemic and bleedings events:
      8.2% versus 18.7% respectively; HR=0.46; 95%CI: 0.29-0.70; P<0.001). Further
      analysis indicated that patients with aggregation values within the therapeutic
      window (21-49 units) experienced the lowest event rates (stent thrombosis and
      major bleeding: 2.5%) as compared with poor responders (>=50 units: 5.4%) or
      ultra-responders (0-20 units: 5.2%). In conclusion, personalized antiplatelet
      treatment might improve patients' outcome without increasing bleeding
      complications compared with the non-personalized treatment during a 12-month
      follow-up. 

PMID- 25124237
TI  - Impact of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine on disease recurrence in men exposed to
      HPV Infection: a randomized study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually
      transmitted infections and is the cause of several different diseases in men and
      women. Although little is known about HPV infection in men, they are also in the
      risk group of HPV infection and play an important role in transmitting the virus
      to women. AIM: To define the efficacy of the HPV vaccine through cross
      immunization and its role in clearance of HPV infection, and to assess infection
      associated factors in men. METHODS: This prospective randomized clinical study
      enrolled 171 evaluable men with genital warts between June 2009 and October 2013.
      After the initial treatment intervention, 91 patients were randomly assigned to
      receive HPV vaccine in three doses. Eighty patients were in the control
      (unvaccinated) group. One hundred-eleven men were single and 60 men were married.
      Patients who had previous treatment for pre-existing warts and medical disorders
      that needed chronic treatment or immunosuppression were not included in the
      randomization. Also 29 men with follow-up less than 12 months and incomplete
      vaccination were not included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The patients were assessed
      regarding age, condom use, marital status, number of visible genital warts, and
      smoking status. Post-treatment follow-up was monthly up to 12th month. RESULTS:
      Mean age was 34 +/- 7.6. One hundred fifteen patients were smokers. For the
      recurrence of warts, age, smoking, vaccination status were insignificant and
      marital status was significant in the univariable analysis; only marital status
      preserved significance (HR: 2.0 CI:1.29-3.12 P = 0.002) in the multivariable
      analysis including vaccination status, marital status, and smoking. CONCLUSION:
      Among the investigated factors vaccination status was not but marital status
      significantly influenced wart recurrence. Married men had more recurrences in our
      population. Larger multicenter randomized clinical trials are lacking and
      seriously required to investigate the therapeutic effect of current quadrivalent
      HPV vaccine in genital warts.

PMID- 25124238
TI  - Pregnancy does not increase the local recurrence rate after surgical resection of
      desmoid-type fibromatosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnancy has been reported as a risk factor for promoting growth and
      progression of desmoid-type fibromatosis because of the presumed role of
      estrogens in stimulating desmoid growth. In this study, the clinical outcomes of
      females who were pregnant 5 years or less before resection of desmoid tumor or
      who became pregnant after resection were compared to nulliparous females or
      females who were pregnant more than 5 years before resection. METHODS: Obstetric
      histories of desmoid tumor patients were abstracted from medical records.
      Patients were grouped by pregnancy status as either: pregnancy-associated
      (pregnant up to 5 years before primary desmoid tumor resection or pregnant after
      resection) or not pregnancy-associated (nulliparous or pregnant more than 5 years
      before resection of desmoid tumor). Cox proportional hazards regression was used
      to evaluate pregnancy status as a predictor of desmoid tumor recurrence. RESULTS:
      There were 15 females who had pregnancy-associated desmoids (33%) and 31 females
      who had non-pregnancy-associated desmoids (67%). There were no differences in
      clinicopathologic features or recurrence-free survival between females of
      different pregnancy status in univariate or multivariate survival analyses.
      CONCLUSION: Recurrence-free survival rates among women recently pregnant before
      or pregnant after resection of desmoid tumor and nulliparous women or those with
      a remote history of pregnancy are comparable after adjusting for patient age,
      anatomic location, and completeness of surgical resection. Subsequent pregnancy
      should not be discouraged for reproductive-aged women after resection of desmoid
      type fibromatosis.

PMID- 25124239
TI  - A combinatorial approach towards water-stable metal-organic frameworks for highly
      efficient carbon dioxide separation.
AB  - A library of 20 UiO-66-derived metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is synthesized in
      a combinatorial approach involving mixed ligand copolymerization and two post
      synthetic modifications (PSMs) in tandem. Mixed ligand co-polymerization of
      benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (BDC) and sodium 2-sulfoterephthalate (SS-BDC) with
      zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl4 ) was used to prepare 5 groups of MOFs with the
      same UiO-66 topology but differing amounts of sulfate groups. These MOFs exhibit
      excellent water stabilities in a pH range of 1 to 12, together with high CO2
      uptake capacities and selectivities. 

PMID- 25124240
TI  - The state of epidemiological knowledge in the 21st century.

PMID- 25124241
TI  - [Disease transmission dynamics according to complexity theory].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Illustrating disease transmission as a complex system according to
      complexity theory. METHODS: A SIR mathematical model (S=number susceptible,
      I=number infectious, and R=number recovered or immune) reflecting disease
      transmission from the connection between states of susceptibility, infection,
      disease, recovery and nonlinearity in the interaction between susceptible and
      infected was simulated. Infection rate temporal fluctuations were described by
      logistic mapping. RESULTS: Transmission occurs with the reduction of susceptible
      states as people become infected and sick, followed by an increase in
      individuals' recovery following diagnosis and treatment. Small increases in
      infection rate value led to fluctuations in the number of susceptible and exposed
      people and randomness in the relationship between being susceptible and infected,
      until converging towards a regular pattern. CONCLUSION: The model reflected the
      connection between states of susceptibility, nonlinearity and chaotic behavior
      following small increases in infection rate. A historical and trans-disciplinary
      perspective could help in understanding transmission complexity and coordinating
      control options.

PMID- 25124242
TI  - [The contribution of epidemiology to disease control: malaria].
AB  - Despite the number of cases and attributable mortality having become reduced,
      malaria continues to be an important public health problem. This report presents
      some examples of epidemiology's contribution to malaria control; it also
      motivates reflexion to the contrary, i.e. malaria's contribution to the
      development of epidemiology. Attempting to identify methods for measuring
      epidemiology's contribution to malaria control led to an in-depth analysis of
      what exactly does epidemiology consist of, whether all its contributions could be
      considered positive and to what extent they might have been due just to
      epidemiology. 

PMID- 25124244
TI  - [The role of research-based evidence in health system policy decision-making].
AB  - Different models may be used for explaining how research-based evidence is used
      in healthcare system policy-making. It is argued that models arising from a
      clinical setting (i.e. evidence-based policy-making model) could be useful
      regarding some types of healthcare system decision-making. However, such models
      are "silent" concerning the influence of political contextual factors on
      healthcare policy-making and are thus inconsistent with decision-making regarding
      the modification of healthcare system arrangements. Other political science-based
      models would seem to be more useful for understanding that research is just one
      factor affecting decision-making and that different types of research-based
      evidence can be used instrumentally, conceptual or strategically during different
      policy-making stages. 

PMID- 25124243
TI  - [Colombian experience regarding skin cancer: healthcare-related barriers to
      access to healthcare and bureaucratic itineraries].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Describing and understanding the experiences of people suffering non
      melanoma skin cancer in their struggles to recuperate, deciphering their
      itinerary regarding their health-seeking behavior, describing the relationship
      between patients and the Colombian healthcare system by referring to the number
      of pertinent writs and the percentage of denied services, and documenting the
      determinants which are related to timely diagnosis. METHODS: This was a mixed
      methods study, combining epidemiology and critical medical anthropology; the
      study involved a retrospective cohort of 369 people, 3 focus groups including 48
      participants and in-depth interviews regarding 20 cases. RESULTS: The data
      revealed specific healthcare system-related barriers to access to healthcare,
      intermediate barriers (work-related and geographical) and structural barriers
      (economic-, income-, purchasing power-, social cohesion- and education-related).
      Timely diagnosis was made in 32.5% of the reported cases. Related determinants
      consisted of educational level equal to or above technical training (OR 4.4),
      home ownership (OR 4.8), living in an urban area (OR3.5) and contributory regime
      affiliation (OR 1.9); 28% of the people involved in the study reported that they
      had been denied access to a service (biopsy, surgery) and the rate of resorting
      to legal means (i.e. writs) was 5 out of every 100 new cases per year. The
      itinerary from the time of the appearance of a particular disease to definitive
      resolution was established. DISCUSSION: People living in unfavorable social
      conditions were involved in the severest cases and, paradoxically, faced the
      largest set of barriers to access to healthcare in Colombia. Such barriers extend
      beyond the healthcare system and will not become resolved solely through
      healthcare reform.

PMID- 25124245
TI  - [Evidence-based public health decision-making tools which can also be used for
      prioritising disease].
AB  - He use of research-based evidence has been promoted during recent years, due to
      the increasing development of evidence-based medicine,and it has been reported
      that transferring the concept of "evidence-based" from clinical to public health
      practice has not been as straight forward as expected.Much research-based
      evidence for supporting public health recommendations has come from studies whose
      evidence has been qualified as being low or very low quality in the medical
      hierarchy based on classic evidence and the grading of recommendations,
      assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE)approach. This paper was aimed at
      presenting two methods of rating evidence, as well as their limitations and
      applications as public health decision-making tools.

PMID- 25124246
TI  - [The background, development and perspectives of modern epidemiology].
AB  - Epidemiology is an ongoing discipline (i.e. still being constructed) and many of
      the foundations of the theory and methods now in use were mostly developed during
      the second half of the twentieth century, arising from what is known today as
      "modern epidemiology". This paper summary the history and main ideas which guided
      epidemiology at that time, the debates and divisions that characterized such
      advance and presents a "biased" point of view concerning the perspectives which
      could help thinking about the disciplinary development of epidemiology. 

PMID- 25124247
TI  - [A Latin-American perspective regarding the past, present and future of
      epidemiology].
AB  - This article addresses three questions. Concerning the past, why was there no pre
      Columbian epidemiology? What are the origins of modern epidemiology (including
      its South American roots)? A surrealistic title has been chosen regarding the
      future to emphasise the fact that making predictions is not easy. Why are complex
      phenomena the dark object of epidemiological desire? 

PMID- 25124248
TI  - [Latin-American public policy regarding social determinants of health].
AB  - The study was aimed at identifying Latin-American countries' public policy which
      has been related to the social determinants of health. A topic review was thus
      made of papers kept in the 22 Latin-American countries' databases and official
      documents issued by their multilateral organisations and ministries of health.
      The World Health Organization's concept of the social determinants of health has
      been summarised and a history given of the pertinent work developed worldwide in
      regions such as Europe and Latin-America. Public policy regarding the field of
      study in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and
      Venezuela has been described. It was concluded that Latin-America provides a
      panorama of inequality regarding the application of policy concerning the social
      determinants of health and that there was segmented intervention, mainly
      regarding intermediate determinants of health, without taking an integrated
      approach from different entrance points into account, according to the stated
      conceptual framework. 

PMID- 25124249
TI  - [Ascertaining a Venezuelan oil town's health conditions].
AB  - Objective Analysing health conditions in the town of Carirubana in Falcon State,
      Venezuela, as a prior study to the construction of a gas conditioning plant
      there. Methods This study formed part of a field research project which involved
      consulting primary and secondary sources. The former consisted of evaluating
      public and private health-centres and those in the Barrio Adentro system; the
      aforementioned health centres' medical staff were interviewed to determine
      current health-disease status and the factors determining health for the town
      being studied. Likewise, both situations (health-disease and factors determining
      health) were evaluated and analysed in the secondary sources at national, state
      and municipal level. Results Deficits were observed at national level regarding
      public health infrastructure; there were 1.3 beds per thousand inhabitants, this
      being less than half that recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)
      (i.e. three to four beds per thousand inhabitants). State and municipal cancer
      mortality rates were relatively stable over a four-year period (2001-2004).
      Conclusions The mortality rate in Carirubana was characteristic of a low-income
      area. The poverty and pollution directly produced by the oil refining plants were
      the key determinants for this town's morbidity and mortality rates.

PMID- 25124251
TI  - [An occupational evaluation of disabled people from a human abilities'
      viewpoint].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Describing how a tool was designed for assessing disabled people in
      Colombia (called "Occupational evaluation of handicapped people in Colombia").
      METHOD: This was a multi-method study which consisted of five phases and a
      stakeholder participation-based strategy. The first stage of the multi-method
      research involved a literature review followed by expert judgment and then peer
      assessment of the tool; the fourth stage involved a pilot study and and a basic
      training course in occupational assessment involved the tool's socialisation with
      actors working in the field of occupational assessment, taking their suggestions
      into account for final adjustment of the tool. RESULTS: A tool was developed for
      the occupational assessment of disabled people in Colombia which was based on
      identifying their capabilities in terms of performance and general work skills to
      promote their inclusion in the workforce. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the Colombian
      state's responsibility for ensuring disabled people's right to work and their
      inclusion in the workforce (Law 1346/2009, Law 1618/2013 and Convention on the
      Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD)), this tool will not replace existing
      ones but will promote a more favourable perception of disabled people, thereby
      facilitating their inclusion in the workforce.

PMID- 25124250
TI  - [A study concerning how much weight schoolchildren carry in their bags, involving
      four schools in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, Argentina].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determining the weight children carry in their bags to school
      (absolute and relative values) and the distance walked during home-school routes,
      involving students from four schools in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires.
      METHOD: The study involved 751 primary (4th to 6th grades) and secondary (1st to
      3rd years) level students who were attending three private schools and one public
      one. Body and bag weights were measured and the children were asked about the
      distance (in blocks) they walked from school to home. The study involved a
      descriptive analysis and contrasted the students by gender, educational level,
      type of school and grade or year. Possible associations between variables were
      ascertained. The group was divided into those carrying bags weighing less than
      10% of their body weight and those who carrying 10% (considered a critical value)
      and more; frequencies were calculated by the type of bag being used. RESULTS: 68%
      of the sample were carrying 10% or more of their body weight (P42=10.13%): 66% in
      male (P44=10.12%) and 60% in female children (P40=10.2%). Private school students
      carried more weight than public school children (p<0.05) and younger students
      carried a greater weight than older students (p<0.05) in both educational levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most children were carrying relative weights well above that
      recommended and female students were most affected. Younger students carried
      higher absolute and relative weights.

PMID- 25124252
TI  - [The characterization of biosolids produced by the San Fernando wastewater
      treatment plant in Itagui, Antioquia, Colombia].
AB  - ABSTRACT Objective This study was aimed at evaluating pertinent physicochemical
      and microbiological (bacteria and parasites) parameters regarding the biosolids
      produced by the San Fernando wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Itagui,
      Antioquia, Colombia. Methods Twelve samples were collected and evaluated every
      month from January to December during 2010. The chemical, physical and
      microbiological tests followed the protocol described in Colombian technical
      guideline 5167. The protocol described in Mexican official Norm 004 (with some
      modifications) was used for identifying helminth ova and assessing their
      viability. Results All samples proved positive for Ascarislumbricoides, viable
      ova count ranging from 4 to 22 eggs/2gTS. Both Salmonella and Enterobacteriawere
      detected in all samples evaluated, the latter having 3,000 colony forming unit
      (CFU)/g minimum concentration. Biosolid sample values met the heavy metal
      concentration requirement established by national guidelines. There was no
      statistical association between rainfall and the pathogen's presence in the
      biosolids. Conclusion Our results suggested that the biosolids being produced by
      the San Fernando wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) could be used as organic
      fertilizer; however they should be treated/sanitized to meet the stipulations in
      Colombian technical guideline 5167. 

PMID- 25124253
TI  - Comparison of pre- and post-operative health-related quality of life and length
      of stay after primary total hip replacement in matched English and German patient
      cohorts.
AB  - PURPOSE: We compare pre- and post-operative health-related quality of life
      (HRQoL) and length of stay after total hip replacement (THR) in matched German
      and English patient cohorts to test for differences in admission thresholds,
      clinical effectiveness and resource utilisation between the healthcare systems.
      METHODS: German data (n = 271) were collected in a large orthopaedic hospital in
      Munich, Germany; English data (n = 26,254) were collected as part of the national
      patient-reported outcome measures programme. HRQoL was measured using the EuroQoL
      5D instrument. Propensity score matching was used to construct two patient
      cohorts that are comparable in terms of preoperative patient characteristics.
      RESULTS: Before matching, patients in England showed lower preoperative EQ-5D
      scores (0.35 vs 0.52, p < 0.001) and experienced a larger improvement in HRQoL
      (0.43 vs 0.33, p < 0.001) than German patients. Patients in the German cohort
      were more likely to report no or only moderate problems with mobility and pain
      preoperatively than their English counterparts. After matching, improvements in
      HRQoL were comparable (0.32 vs 0.33, p = 0.638); post-operative scores were
      slightly higher in the German cohort (0.82 vs 0.85, p = 0.585). Length of stay
      was substantially lower in England than in Germany (4.5 vs 9.0 days, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight differences in preoperative health status
      between countries, which may arise due to different admission thresholds and
      access to surgery. In terms of quality of life, THR surgery is equally effective
      in both countries when performed on similar patients, but hospital stay is
      shorter in England.

PMID- 25124256
TI  - Preparation of thermally stable microcapsules with a chitosan-silica hybrid.
AB  - Addition of microcapsules with a high dielectric constant and low specific heat
      capacity to a battered layer was designed to create a higher temperature in the
      crust than in the prefried fish nuggets to prevent the water vapor in the fish
      nuggets from migrating to the crust during microwave heating. Therefore, chitosan
      silica hybrids and soybean oil were utilized to prepare the shell and core of the
      thermally stable microcapsules (MC(CS)), respectively. The MC(CS) were prepared
      by sol-gel coacervation from an oil-in-water emulsion. The sodium silicate was
      hydrolyzed and coacervated through polymerization for 24 h at pH 5. The zeta
      potential analysis indicated that chitosan with a positive charge and silica with
      a negative charge interacted through electrostatic attraction to form a hybrid
      shell. The volume mean particle size and encapsulation efficiency of the MC(CS)
      were 9.6 +/- 0.2 MUm and 75.6% +/- 1.3%, respectively, when oil/chitosan = 0.2
      and chitosan/silica = 0.5 (w/w). In addition to H-bonding and electrostatic
      attraction, Si-O-N bonds were formed between chitosan and silica. Dehydration of
      the bound water in the MC(CS) was observed in the range of 25 to 250  degrees C
      in the differential scanning calorimetry thermal analysis, with the lack of
      apparent thermal peaks indicating its high thermal stability. The decrease of
      force to cut the crust observed by texture analysis as well as the increase of
      hedonic score by consumer acceptance test revealed the addition of 1% MC(CS)
      significantly improved the crispness of the crust in the microwave-reheated
      nuggets.

PMID- 25124254
TI  - Arginase activity in alternatively activated macrophages protects PI3Kp110delta
      deficient mice from dextran sodium sulfate induced intestinal inflammation.
AB  - Alternatively activated or M2 macrophages have been reported to protect mice from
      intestinal inflammation, but the mechanism of protection has not been elucidated.
      In this study, we demonstrate that mice deficient in the p110delta catalytic
      subunit activity of class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3Kp110delta) have
      increased clinical disease activity and histological damage during dextran sodium
      sulfate (DSS) induced colitis. Increased disease severity in PI3Kp110delta
      deficient mice is dependent on professional phagocytes and correlates with
      reduced numbers of arginase I+ M2 macrophages in the colon and increased
      production of inflammatory nitric oxide. We further demonstrate that
      PI3Kp110delta-deficient macrophages are defective in their ability to induce
      arginase I when skewed to an M2 phenotype with IL-4. Importantly, adoptive
      transfer of IL-4-treated macrophages derived from WT mice, but not those from
      PI3Kp110delta-deficient mice, protects mice during DSS-induced colitis. Moreover,
      M2 macrophages mediated protection is lost when mice are cotreated with
      inhibitors that block arginase activity or during adoptive transfer of arginase I
      deficient M2 macrophages. Taken together, our data demonstrate that arginase I
      activity is required for M2 macrophages mediated protection during DSS-induced
      colitis in PI3Kp110delta-deficient mice.

PMID- 25124255
TI  - Rare benign tumours of the nipple.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benign lesions of the breast in total are much more frequent than
      malignant ones. However, there are no epidemiologic data on the prevalence of
      benign or malignant tumours of the nipple, and the bibliography on benign nipple
      tumours in general is limited. AIMS: To present some rare cases of benign nipple
      tumours and review the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four cases of rare
      benign nipple tumours: neurofibromas, wart, leiomyoma and milium are presented.
      The literature search on benign nipple tumours was performed using MEDLINE,
      Pubmed, and Cochrane databases with limits: English language, human species and
      available abstract. The keyword used was 'benign nipple tumours'. RESULTS: The
      initial search retrieved 337 articles. The papers were reviewed and the articles
      that referred to benign lesions that appeared at the nipple specifically were
      identified. Different entities that were described included: neurofibroma,
      leiomyoma, milium, florid papillomatosis, syringomatous adenoma, nevoid
      hyperkeratosis, fibroma, pseudolymphoma and haemangioma. DISCUSSION: Differential
      diagnosis of benign tumours of the nipple can be demanding for the physicians.
      Many of the symptoms and signs like pruritus, serosanguinous discharge,
      lichenification, erosion and nodular enlargement are produced by either malignant
      or benign nipple lesions. Radiology can be unclear in the diagnosis of nipple
      abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Histological examination of the lesion can be the only
      definite answer in these cases.

PMID- 25124257
TI  - A therapeutic workplace for the long-term treatment of drug addiction and
      unemployment: eight-year outcomes of a social business intervention.
AB  - This study evaluated the long-term effects of a therapeutic workplace social
      business on drug abstinence and employment. Pregnant and postpartum women (N =
      40) enrolled in methadone treatment were randomly assigned to a therapeutic
      workplace or usual care control group. Therapeutic workplace participants could
      work weekdays in training and then as employees of a social business, but were
      required to provide drug-free urine samples to work and maintain maximum pay.
      Three-year outcomes were reported previously. This paper reports 4- to 8-year
      outcomes. During year 4 when the business was open, therapeutic workplace
      participants provided significantly more cocaine- and opiate-negative urine
      samples than controls; reported more days employed, higher employment income, and
      less money spent on drugs. During the 3 years after the business closed,
      therapeutic workplace participants only reported higher income than controls. A
      therapeutic workplace social business can maintain long-term abstinence and
      employment, but additional intervention may be required to sustain effects.

PMID- 25124258
TI  - Injection and sexual HIV/HCV risk behaviors associated with nonmedical use of
      prescription opioids among young adults in New York City.
AB  - Prevalence of nonmedical prescription opioid (PO) use has increased markedly in
      the U.S. This qualitative study explores the drug-use and sexual experiences of
      nonmedical PO users as they relate to risk for HIV and HCV transmission. Forty
      six New York City young adult nonmedical PO users (ages 18-32) completed in
      depth, semi-structured interviews. Despite initial perceptions of POs as less
      addictive and safer than illegal drugs, PO misuse often led to long-term opioid
      dependence and transition to heroin use and drug injection. Injectors in the
      sample reported sporadic syringe-sharing, frequent sharing of non-syringe
      injection paraphernalia and selective sharing with fellow injectors who are
      presumed "clean" (uninfected). Participants reported little knowledge of HCV
      injection-related risks and safer injection practices. They also reported
      engaging in unprotected sex with casual partners, exchange sex and group sex, and
      that PO misuse increases the risk of sexual violence. Prevention efforts
      addressing HIV/HCV risk should be targeted to young nonmedical PO users. 

PMID- 25124260
TI  - The clustering of psychopathology among adults seeking treatment for alcohol and
      drug addiction.
AB  - Beyond the high prevalence of co-occurring mental and substance use disorders,
      little is known about more complex patterns of psychopathology and
      multimorbidity, particularly in treatment populations. We sought to identify a
      parsimonious set of latent classes to describe the structure of mental disorder
      comorbidity among adults entering outpatient addiction treatment, and explore
      differences in the structure and prevalence of classes across sociodemographic
      characteristics. Participants (N=544) completed the Psychiatric Diagnostic
      Screening Questionnaire at treatment admission. We used latent class analysis to
      identify classes of clients with specific patterns of co-occurring mental
      disorders. The best-fitting solution identified 3 classes, characterized by no
      comorbidity (i.e., substance use disorders only), co-occurring major depression,
      and multimorbidity or a high degree of psychopathology. Older age was associated
      with lower probability of being in the class with co-occurring major depression,
      women were more likely than men to be in the multimorbid class, and being married
      or partnered was associated with a lower probability of being in either of the
      comorbid classes. These results are consistent with general population research
      on the patterning of psychiatric disorders, implying that while clients in
      addiction treatment may have extraordinarily high levels of psychopathology, the
      patterns of symptoms and the groups most affected are not markedly different than
      in other settings. By capturing the complexity of interrelationships among the
      many factors that are known to influence prognosis and outcomes, latent class
      analysis offers a useful way to examine and represent case-mix in clinical
      populations. 

PMID- 25124262
TI  - Comment on: "Current status and trends in performance-based risk-sharing
      arrangements between healthcare payers and medical product manufacturers".

PMID- 25124259
TI  - Do improvements in substance use and mental health symptoms during treatment
      translate to long-term outcomes in the opposite domain?
AB  - Providers who treat adolescents with co-occurring substance use and mental health
      issues may prioritize treatment of one set of symptoms believing that
      improvements in one domain will result in improvements of the other. However,
      limited empirical data for adolescents provide evidence of such "spillover
      effects." Using data from 2900 youth in an outpatient treatment, we examined
      whether during-treatment changes in substance use or mental health symptoms
      predicted 12-month outcomes in the analogous and opposite domains. There was very
      little evidence of spillover effects, only that youth with no internal distress
      at 0 and 3 months reported lower levels of substance use problems at 12-months
      relative to youth with internal distress that stayed the same from 0 to 3 months.
      These findings suggest that providers treat both sets of substance use and mental
      health symptoms in an integrated manner given that these symptoms commonly co
      occur among youth with either set.

PMID- 25124261
TI  - The influence of treatment attendance on subsequent aggression among severely
      mentally ill substance abusers.
AB  - The interrelationships between severe mental illness, substance use, and
      aggression are of longstanding importance with implications for community
      treatment programs, treatment research and public policy. Through the analysis of
      longitudinal data collected from 278 patients over a 6-month period following
      admission to an outpatient dual diagnosis treatment program, this study examined
      the association between dual diagnosis treatment attendance and subsequent
      aggression among individuals diagnosed with both a severe mental illness and a
      substance use disorder. We also tested substance use and psychiatric symptoms as
      mediators of this treatment-aggression relationship. The results of structural
      equation modeling analyses indicated that dual diagnosis treatment was associated
      with lower levels of subsequent aggression. Mediational analyses indicated that
      greater treatment involvement was associated with reduced substance use, which
      was associated with lower levels of aggression; thus, substance use was found to
      mediate the relationship between dual diagnosis treatment and aggression.
      Surprisingly, severity of psychiatric symptoms did not predict later aggression.
      These findings suggest that targeting substance use reduction in treatment may
      have the additional benefit of reducing the risk of later aggression among dual
      diagnosis patients.

PMID- 25124263
TI  - Authors' reply to Curto and Garattini: "Current status and trends in performance
      based risk-sharing arrangements between healthcare payers and medical product
      manufacturers".

PMID- 25124264
TI  - Clinical outcomes in cytomegalovirus-positive Posner-Schlossman syndrome patients
      treated with topical ganciclovir therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of
      cytomegalovirus (CMV)-positive Posner-Schlossman syndrome patients undergoing
      topical ganciclovir treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative, and
      interventional case series. METHODS: One eye of each of 126 consecutive Posner
      Schlossman syndrome patients was investigated using aqueous polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) between January 2006 and June 2013. The initial presentations and
      follow-up data of the CMV-positive patients (68 eyes) and CMV-negative patients
      (58 eyes) were compared. RESULTS: Severe endothelial cell loss (P < .001) and a
      higher number of eyes requiring glaucoma filtering surgery (P = .017) were
      observed in CMV-positive Posner-Schlossman syndrome patients. All CMV-infected
      eyes treated with continual topical 2% ganciclovir exhibited an undetectable CMV
      level at the following taps. During follow-up, the average number of
      antiglaucomatous agents decreased, and a similar frequency of intraocular
      pressure (IOP) spikes was observed in both groups (P = .358). Patients with CMV
      positive eyes with a disease duration over 5 years were likely to require
      glaucoma surgery (P = .024, log-rank test). All patients receiving surgery
      exhibited CMV-negative PCR during the IOP attack, but experienced severe
      peripheral anterior synechiae and pigment clogging. Both groups exhibited a
      similar endothelial cell decrease (P = .243) and probability of progressive
      endothelial cell loss (P = .219, log-rank test). CONCLUSION: Ganciclovir
      treatment was effective for clearing the viral load, assisting the IOP control,
      and preserving the corneal endothelium of CMV-positive Posner-Schlossman syndrome
      patients. Early diagnosis and proper treatment could decrease the risk of
      advanced glaucoma and avoid glaucoma surgery in long-lasting cases.

PMID- 25124265
TI  - Dome-shaped macular configuration: longitudinal changes in the sclera and choroid
      by swept-source optical coherence tomography over two years.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study longitudinal changes in the posterior pole in eyes with dome
      shaped macular configuration within the staphyloma. DESIGN: Prospective,
      longitudinal study. METHODS: We prospectively examined the macular area in 35
      eyes (26 patients) with dome-shaped macular configuration and high myopia (mean
      spherical equivalent, -14.83 +/- 4.50 diopters) using swept-source optical
      coherence tomography. Scleral and choroidal thicknesses were measured at the
      fovea and at 4 parafoveal locations 2000 MUm from the foveal center. Height of
      the macular bulge was measured as well. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up of
      24.8 +/- 2.5 months, the scleral thickness significantly decreased at the fovea
      from 496.1 +/- 95.7 MUm to 484.7 +/- 96.2 MUm (P < .001) and at all 4 parafoveal
      locations (P < .001, respectively). The scleral thinning was asymmetric, with an
      estimated decrease per year of 5.6 MUm at the foveal center, 11.1 MUm superiorly,
      12.1 MUm inferiorly, 10.4 MUm temporally, and 5.8 MUm nasally. The ocular
      concavities deepened over time, and mean macular bulge height increased from
      136.5 +/- 60.9 MUm to 157.6 +/- 67.0 MUm (P < .001). The choroid within the
      staphyloma showed generalized thinning during follow-up. Mean choroidal thickness
      decreased significantly at the fovea from 28.3 +/- 17.2 MUm at baseline to 22.9
      +/- 17.2 MUm (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Progressive asymmetric scleral thinning
      occurred in the macular region of eyes with dome-shaped macular configuration.
      The scleral thinning was more pronounced in the parafoveal area than at the
      foveal center, resulting in an increase of the macular bulge height.

PMID- 25124266
TI  - [Annular pancreas: a potentially overlooked congenital pancreatic anomaly].

PMID- 25124267
TI  - South Africans with recent pregnancy rarely know partner's HIV serostatus:
      implications for serodiscordant couples interventions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implementation of safer conception strategies requires knowledge of
      partner HIV-serostatus. We recruited women and men in a high HIV-prevalence
      setting for a study to assess periconception risk behavior among individuals
      reporting HIV-serodiscordant partnerships. We report screening data from that
      study with the objective of estimating the proportion of individuals who are
      aware that they are in an HIV-serodiscordant relationship at the time of
      conception. METHODS: We screened women and men attending antenatal and
      antiretroviral clinics in Durban, South Africa for enrollment in a study of
      periconception risk behavior among individuals with serodiscordant partners.
      Screening questionnaires assessed for study eligibility including age 18-45 years
      (for women) or at least 18 years of age (for men), pregnancy in past year (women)
      or partner pregnancy in the past 3 years (men), HIV status of partner for recent
      pregnancy, participant's HIV status, and infected partner's HIV status having
      been known before the referent pregnancy. RESULTS: Among 2620 women screened,
      2344 (90%) met age and pregnancy criteria and knew who fathered the referent
      pregnancy. Among those women, 963 (41%) did not know the pregnancy partner's HIV
      serostatus at time of screening. Only 92 (4%) reported knowing of a
      serodiscordant partnership prior to pregnancy. Among 1166 men screened, 225 (19%)
      met age and pregnancy criteria. Among those men, 71 (32%) did not know the
      pregnancy partner's HIV status and only 30 (13%) reported knowing of a
      serodiscordant partnership prior to pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: In an HIV-endemic
      setting, awareness of partner HIV serostatus is rare. Innovative strategies to
      increase HIV testing and disclosure are required to facilitate HIV prevention
      interventions for serodiscordant couples.

PMID- 25124268
TI  - Cardiovascular changes after administration of aerosolized salbutamol in horses:
      five cases.
AB  - Prevention and treatment of intraoperative hypoxemia in horses is difficult and
      both efficacy and safety of therapeutic maneuvers have to be taken into account.
      Inhaled salbutamol has been suggested as treatment of hypoxia in horses during
      general anesthesia, due to safety and ease of the technique. The present report
      describes the occurrence of clinically relevant unwanted cardiovascular effects
      (i.e. tachycardia and blood pressure modifications) in 5 horses undergoing
      general anesthesia in dorsal recumbency after salbutamol inhalation. Balanced
      anesthesia based on inhalation of isoflurane in oxygen or oxygen and air and
      continuous rate infusion (CRI) of lidocaine, romifidine, or combination of
      lidocaine and guaifenesine and ketamine was provided. Supportive measures were
      necessary to restore normal cardiovascular function in all horses but no long
      term adverse effects were noticed in any of the cases. 

PMID- 25124269
TI  - Organic aerosols and inorganic species from post-harvest agricultural-waste
      burning emissions over northern India: impact on mass absorption efficiency of
      elemental carbon.
AB  - Atmospheric PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter of <= 2.5 MUm),
      collected from a source region [Patiala: 30.2  degrees N; 76.3  degrees E; 250 m
      above mean sea level] of emissions from post-harvest agricultural-waste (paddy
      residue) burning in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), North India, has been studied
      for its chemical composition and impact on regional atmospheric radiative
      forcing. On average, organic aerosol mass accounts for 63% of PM2.5, whereas the
      contribution of elemental carbon (EC) is ~3.5%. Sulphate, nitrate and ammonium
      contribute up to ~85% of the total water-soluble inorganic species (WSIS), which
      constitutes ~23% of PM2.5. The potassium-to-organic carbon ratio from paddy
      residue burning emissions (KBB(+)/OC: 0.05 +/- 0.01) is quite similar to that
      reported from Amazonian and Savanna forest-fires; whereas non-sea-salt-sulphate
      to-OC ratio (nss-SO4(2-)/OC: 0.21) and nss-SO4(2-)/EC ratio of 2.6 are
      significantly higher (by factor of 5 to 8). The mass absorption efficiency of EC
      (3.8 +/- 1.3 m(2) g(-1)) shows significant decrease with a parallel increase in
      the concentrations of organic aerosols and scattering species (sulphate and
      nitrate). A cross plot of OC/EC and nss-SO4(2-)/EC ratios show distinct
      differences for post-harvest burning emissions from paddy-residue as compared to
      those from fossil-fuel combustion sources in south-east Asia. 

PMID- 25124270
TI  - Comparison of phloem and xylem hydraulic architecture in Picea abies stems.
AB  - The hydraulic properties of xylem and phloem differ but the magnitude and
      functional consequences of the differences are not well understood. Phloem and
      xylem functional areas, hydraulic conduit diameters and conduit frequency along
      the stems of Picea abies trees were measured and expressed as allometric
      functions of stem diameter and distance from stem apex. Conductivities of phloem
      and xylem were estimated from these scaling relations. Compared with xylem,
      phloem conduits were smaller and occupied a slightly larger fraction of
      conducting tissue area. Ten times more xylem than phloem was annually produced
      along the stem. Scaling of the conduit diameters and cross-sectional areas with
      stem diameter were very similar in phloem and xylem. Phloem and xylem conduits
      scaled also similarly with distance from stem apex; widening downwards from the
      tree top, and reaching a plateau near the base of the living crown. Phloem
      conductivity was estimated to scale similarly to the conductivity of the
      outermost xylem ring, with the ratio of phloem to xylem conductivity being c. 2%.
      However, xylem conductivity was estimated to increase more than phloem
      conductivity with increasing tree dimensions as a result of accumulation of xylem
      sapwood. Phloem partly compensated for its smaller conducting area and narrower
      conduits by having a slightly higher conduit frequency. 

PMID- 25124271
TI  - Effects of two different anesthetic protocols on cardiac flow measured by two
      dimensional phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - Companion animals are routinely anesthetized or heavily sedated for cardiac MRI
      studies, however effects of varying anesthetic protocols on cardiac function
      measurements are incompletely understood. The purpose of this prospective study
      was to compare effects of two anesthetic protocols (Protocol A: Midazolam,
      fentanyl; Protocol B: Dexmedetomidine) on quantitative and qualitative blood flow
      values measured through the aortic, pulmonic, mitral, and tricuspid valves using
      two-dimensional phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (2D PC MRI) in healthy
      dogs. Mean flow per heartbeat values through the pulmonary artery (Qp) and aorta
      (Qs) were compared to right and left ventricular stroke volumes (RVSV, LVSV)
      measured using a reference standard of 2D Cine balanced steady-state free
      precession MRI. Pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) was also calculated.
      Differences in flow and Qp/Qs values generated using 2D PC MRI did not differ
      between the two anesthetic protocols (P = 1). Mean differences between Qp and
      RVSV were 3.82 ml/beat (95% limits of agreement: 3.62, -11.26) and 1.9 ml/beat (
      7.86, 11.66) for anesthesia protocols A and B, respectively. Mean differences
      between Qs and LVSV were 1.65 ml/beat (-5.04, 8.34) and 0.03 ml/beat (-4.65,
      4.72) for anesthesia protocols A and B, respectively. Mild tricuspid or mitral
      reflux was seen in 2/10 dogs using 2D PC MRI. No aortic or pulmonic insufficiency
      was observed. Findings from the current study indicated that these two anesthetic
      protocols yield similar functional measures of cardiac blood flow using 2D PC MRI
      in healthy dogs. Future studies in clinically affected patients are needed. 

PMID- 25124272
TI  - Closed-globe injuries of the ocular surface associated with combat blast
      exposure.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe closed-globe conjunctival and corneal injuries and
      endothelial cell abnormalities associated with blast exposure and their
      relationships to other closed-globe injuries and blast-event characteristics.
      DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Veterans with a
      history of blast-related traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: History and
      ocular examination, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, gonioscopy, specular
      microscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Type and location of blast injuries to the
      conjunctiva and cornea. RESULTS: Ocular surface injuries were present in 25% (16
      of 65) of blast-exposed veterans with TBI. Injuries included partial-thickness
      anterior stromal corneal scars (15 eyes), Descemet membrane ruptures (6 eyes),
      and conjunctival or corneal foreign bodies (7 eyes). Based on normative
      information from an age-matched comparison group, endothelial cell abnormalities
      were identified in 37% of participants. Eyes with ocular surface injury were more
      likely to have lower endothelial cell density, higher coefficient of variation of
      cell area, and lower percentage of hexagonal cells compared with eyes without
      injury. Presence of ocular surface injury or endothelial cell abnormalities was
      associated with elevated rates of other anterior and posterior segment injuries,
      as well as impairment of visual acuity. We found no relationship between
      ballistic eyewear use or severity level of TBI and presence of ocular surface
      injuries from blast. CONCLUSIONS: Independent of TBI severity or use of
      protective eyewear, ocular surface injuries and endothelial cell abnormalities
      were found in significant numbers of veterans with blast-related brain injury.
      Descemet membrane ruptures from blast exposure were described. Ocular surface
      trauma was associated with other ocular injuries throughout the globe. Potential
      mechanisms for the types and locations of ocular injuries seen were discussed.
      Any corneal or conjunctival injury in a blast survivor should prompt a thorough
      ocular trauma examination, including gonioscopy and specular microscopy, with
      appropriate follow-up for associated injuries. Longitudinal studies are required
      to determine long-term visual outcomes after blast exposure.

PMID- 25124274
TI  - Stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus engages the cerebellum for motor function
      in parkinsonian rats.
AB  - Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is effective in managing motor symptoms of
      Parkinson's disease in well-selected individuals. Recently, research has shown
      that DBS in the basal ganglia (BG) can alter neural circuits beyond the
      traditional basal ganglia-thalamus-cortical (BG-TH-CX) loop. For instance,
      functional imaging showed alterations in cerebellar activity with DBS in the
      subthalamic nucleus (STN). However, these imaging studies revealed very little
      about how cell-specific cerebellar activity responds to STN stimulation or if
      these changes contribute to its efficacy. In this study, we assess whether STN
      DBS provides efficacy in managing motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease by
      recruiting cerebellar activity. We do this by applying STN-DBS in
      hemiparkinsonian rats and simultaneously recording neuronal activity from the
      STN, brainstem and cerebellum. We found that STN neurons decreased spiking
      activity by 55% during DBS (P = 0.038), which coincided with a decrease in most
      pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus and Purkinje neurons by 29% (P < 0.001) and
      28% (P = 0.003), respectively. In contrast, spike activity in the deep cerebellar
      nuclei increased 45% during DBS (P < 0.001), which was likely from reduced
      afferent activity of Purkinje cells. Then, we applied STN-DBS at sub-therapeutic
      current along with stimulation of the deep cerebellar nuclei and found similar
      improvement in forelimb akinesia as with therapeutic STN-DBS alone. This suggests
      that STN-DBS can engage cerebellar activity to improve parkinsonian motor
      symptoms. Our study is the first to describe how STN-DBS in Parkinson's disease
      alters cerebellar activity using electrophysiology in vivo and reveal a potential
      for stimulating the cerebellum to potentiate deep brain stimulation of the
      subthalamic nucleus.

PMID- 25124275
TI  - A web-based platform to support an evidence-based mental health intervention:
      lessons from the CBITS web site.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of Web-based platforms in behavioral health, the
      study examined usage of a Web site for supporting training and implementation of
      an evidence-based intervention. METHODS: Using data from an online registration
      survey and Google Analytics, the investigators examined user characteristics and
      Web site utilization. RESULTS: Site engagement was substantial across user
      groups. Visit duration differed by registrants' characteristics. Less experienced
      clinicians spent more time on the Web site. The training section accounted for
      most page views across user groups. Individuals previously trained in the
      Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools intervention viewed more
      implementation assistance and online community pages than did other user groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Web-based platforms have the potential to support training and
      implementation of evidence-based interventions for clinicians of varying levels
      of experience and may facilitate more rapid dissemination. Web-based platforms
      may be promising for trauma-related interventions, because training and
      implementation support should be readily available after a traumatic event.

PMID- 25124273
TI  - Metabolism in HD: still a relevant mechanism?
AB  - The polyglutamine expansion within huntingtin is the causative factor in the
      pathogenesis of Huntington's disease (HD). Although the underlying mechanisms by
      which mutant huntingtin causes neuronal dysfunction and degeneration have not
      been fully elucidated, compelling evidence suggests that mitochondrial
      dysfunction and compromised energy metabolism are key players in HD pathogenesis.
      Longitudinal studies of HD subjects have shown reductions in glucose utilization
      before the disease clinical onset. Preferential striatal neurodegeneration, a
      hallmark of HD pathogenesis, also has been associated with interrupted energy
      metabolism. Data from genetic HD models indicate that mutant huntingtin disrupts
      mitochondrial bioenergetics and prevents adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation,
      implying altered energy metabolism as an important component of HD pathogenesis.
      Here we revisit the evidence of abnormal energy metabolism in the central nervous
      system of HD patients, review our current understanding of the molecular
      mechanisms underlying abnormal metabolism induced by mutant huntingtin, and
      discuss the promising therapeutic development by halting abnormal metabolism in
      HD.

PMID- 25124277
TI  - Quantification of polyphenols and evaluation of antimicrobial, analgesic and anti
      inflammatory activities of aqueous and acetone-water extracts of Libidibia
      ferrea, Parapiptadenia rigida and Psidium guajava.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Vast numbers of plant species from northeastern
      Brazil have not yet been phytochemically or biologically evaluated. AIM OF THE
      STUDY: The goal of this work was to obtain, characterize and show the
      antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous and acetone
      water extracts of Libidibia ferrea, Parapiptadenia rigida and Psidium guajava.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The plant material (100g) was dried, and the crude
      extracts were obtained by using turbo-extraction (10%; w/v) with water or
      acetone:water (7:3, v/v) as the extraction solvent. High-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) methods were used to screen the crude extracts for
      hydrolysable tannins (gallic acid) and condensed tannins (catechins). The
      antibacterial activity was evaluated by agar-diffusion and microdilution methods
      against Gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus
      epidermidis INCQS 00016, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and a clinical isolate
      of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) as well as Gram-negative strains
      (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella enteritidis INCQS 00258, Shigella
      flexneri and Klebsiella pneumoniae). To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity,
      a leukocyte migration model was used. Analgesic activity was determined by the
      hot plate test and the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test. Data were
      analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS:
      Parapiptadenia rigida presented the highest amount of total polyphenols (35.82 +/
      0.20%), while the greatest catechin content was found in the acetone-water
      extract of Psidium guajava (EAWPg; 1.04 MUg/g). The largest amounts of catechins
      were found in the aqueous extract of Libidibia ferrea (EALf; 1.07 MUg/g) and the
      acetone-water extract of Parapiptadenia rigida (EAWPr; 1.0 MUg/g). All extracts
      showed activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The aqueous and acetone-water
      extracts of Psidium guajava showed the greatest inhibition zones in the agar
      diffusion tests. In the evaluation of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC),
      the most susceptible Gram-positive bacterium was Staphylococcus epidermidis and
      the most susceptible Gram-negative bacterium was Shigella flexneri. EAPg and
      EAWPg showed the greatest MIC values. All extracts were significant inhibitors of
      leukocyte migration (p<0.05). Using the writhing test, significant analgesic
      activity was found for EAPr (50 mg/kg), EAWPr (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) and EAWPg
      (50 mg/kg) (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the appropriate extraction procedure
      preserves the chemical components such as gallic acid and catechin, and showed
      antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

PMID- 25124276
TI  - Attenuation of inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and toxic risk evaluation
      of Aporosa lindleyana Baill bark extract.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditionally, Aporosa lindleyana Baill. has been
      used against various ailments viz. jaundice, fever, headache, seminal loss and
      insanity. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti
      oxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of Aporosa lindleyana Baill. bark and
      its fractions. METHOD: The anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of
      Aporosa lindleyana Baill. bark and its various fractions at doses of 200mg/kg and
      300mg/kg b.w. has been carried out by a carrageenan induced hind paw edema
      method. To establish the probable mechanism of action, TNF-alpha and NO levels
      have been estimated by an ELISA method and the effect of active fraction on COX-2
      and NF-kappaB expressions has been evaluated. The effect on the levels of anti
      oxidative enzymes (CAT, SOD & GPX) by the ethanolic extract and its fractions has
      also been investigated. Furthermore, peptic ulcer and hepatotoxic risk evaluation
      has also been carried out at three times higher dose than that used in
      inflammatory in vivo model. RESULTS: Among the extract and its various fractions
      tested for anti-inflammatory activity, the methanolic fraction at a dose of
      300mg/kg showed significant inhibition in paw edema by 73% as compared to
      Indomethacin which showed 77% inhibition after 5h. The same dose of methanolic
      fraction also caused significant reduction in TNF-alpha (59.27%) and NO
      concentration (57.12%) while Indomethacin showed inhibition of 63.91% and 60.12%.
      The active methanolic fraction was also found to inhibit the expression of NF
      kappaB and COX-2 induced by carrageenan. Histological studies showed that the
      ethanolic extract and its fractions did not cause any damage to the stomach as
      well as to liver. Moreover, the active fractions also decreased lipid
      peroxidation levels and increased the antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT,
      GPX). CONCLUSION: The results of present study demonstrated that significant anti
      inflammatory activity of methanolic fraction of Aporosa lindleyana may be
      attributed to the modulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Same fraction was
      also found to be effective against oxidative stress as it was found to elevate
      the levels of anti-oxidative enzymes. It can therefore be concluded that the
      methanolic fraction could be explored as a disease modifying agent against
      inflammation and oxidative stress.

PMID- 25124278
TI  - Expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor system in porcine
      oviducts after induction of ovulation and superovulation.
AB  - This study was performed to determine the influence of insemination as well as
      treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and equine chorionic
      gonadotropin (eCG) on expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      system in porcine oviducts. In the first experiment, 10 gilts were assigned to 2
      groups: cyclic (treated with phosphate-buffered saline; n = 5) and inseminated (n
      = 5). In experiment II, 15 gilts were assigned to 3 groups: inseminated (control;
      n = 5), induced ovulation and inseminated (750 IU eCG, 500 IU hCG; n = 5), and
      superovulated and inseminated (1500 IU eCG, 1000 IU hCG; n = 5). Oviducts
      (isthmus and ampulla) were collected 3 days after phosphate-buffered saline
      treatment (experiment I) or insemination. Blood samples were collected during
      slaughter for E2 (estradiol) and P4 (progesterone) analysis. Levels of messenger
      RNA (mRNA) of the VEGF system were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain
      reaction and protein by Western blot and E2 and P4 using radioimmunoassays.
      Insemination by itself decreased VEGF120 mRNA expression and VEGF-A protein level
      in the oviductal isthmus (P < 0.05) but did not alter VEGF164 mRNA. Expression of
      Flt-1 (c-fms-like tyrosine kinase VEGFR-1) mRNA increased in the isthmus of
      inseminated relative to cyclic gilts (P < 0.05), whereas KDR (fetal liver kinase
      1 VEGFR-2) mRNA levels decreased in both the oviductal isthmus (P < 0.05) and
      ampulla (P < 0.001). Superovulation decreased VEGF120 and VEGF164 mRNA expression
      in the isthmus compared with the inseminated group (P < 0.05), and lowered
      protein levels of VEGF-A in the isthmus of both stimulated groups (P < 0.001).
      Expression of Flt-1 mRNA was affected by hCG and eCG treatment in both
      gonadotropin-stimulated groups in the isthmus as well as in the ampulla (P <
      0.001) and protein levels in the ampulla of superovulated gilts (P < 0.05).
      Protein levels of KDR were reduced in the oviductal ampulla of gilts in both the
      induced ovulation and superovulated groups (P < 0.05). The concentrations of both
      E2 and P4 increased significantly in superovulated group of gilts (P < 0.01 and P
      < 0.05 for E2 and P4, respectively). Our study showed that insemination alone as
      well as ovarian stimulation affected the mRNA and protein profiles of the VEGF
      system in the porcine oviduct. Disrupted VEGF system expression may be crucial to
      many events occurring during the periovulatory period and consequently could lead
      to deprivation of VEGF-dependent factors that are necessary for proper
      fertilization, gamete transport, and embryo development. 

PMID- 25124280
TI  - The cost-effectiveness of installing sidewalks to increase levels of transport
      walking and health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of installing sidewalks
      to increase levels of transport-walking. METHODS: Secondary analysis using
      logistic regression established the association of sidewalks with transport
      walking using two transport-walking thresholds of 150 and 60 min/week using
      Western Australian data (n=1394) from 1995 to 2000. Minimum, moderate and maximum
      interventions were defined, associated respectively with one sidewalk, at least
      one sidewalk and sidewalks on both sides of the street. Costs, average and
      incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated for each intervention and
      expressed as 'the cost per person who walks for transport for more than 150
      min/week (60 min/week) after the installation of new sidewalks'. A sensitivity
      analysis examined the robustness of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios to
      varying model inputs. Costs are in 2012 Australian dollars. RESULTS: A positive
      relationship was found between the presence of sidewalks and transport-walking
      for both transport-walking thresholds of 150 and 60 min/week. The minimum
      intervention was found to be the most cost-effective at $2330/person and
      $674/person for the 150 and 60 min/week transport-walking thresholds
      respectively. Increasing the proportion of people transport-walking and
      increasing population density by 50% improved the cost-effectiveness of
      installing side-walks to $346/person. CONCLUSIONS: To increase levels of
      transport-walking, retrofitting streets with one sidewalk is most cost-effective.

PMID- 25124279
TI  - Using electronic health record data to evaluate preventive service utilization
      among uninsured safety net patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study compared the preventive service utilization of uninsured
      patients receiving care at Oregon community health centers (CHCs) in 2008 through
      2011 with that of continuously insured patients at the same CHCs in the same
      period, using electronic health record (EHR) data. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective cohort analysis, using logistic mixed effects regression modeling
      to calculate odds ratios and rates of preventive service utilization for patients
      without insurance, or with continuous insurance. RESULTS: CHCs provided many
      preventive services to uninsured patients. Uninsured patients were less likely
      than continuously insured patients to receive 5 of 11 preventive services,
      ranging from OR 0.52 (95% CI: 0.35-0.77) for mammogram orders to 0.75 (95% CI:
      0.66-0.86) for lipid panels. This disparity persisted even in patients who
      visited the clinic regularly. CONCLUSION: Lack of insurance is a barrier to
      preventive service utilization, even in patients who can access care at a CHC.
      Policymakers in the United States should continue to address this significant
      prevention disparity.

PMID- 25124281
TI  - Online reports of foodborne illness capture foods implicated in official
      foodborne outbreak reports.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Traditional surveillance systems capture only a fraction of the
      estimated 48 million yearly cases of foodborne illness in the United States. We
      assessed whether foodservice reviews on Yelp.com (a business review site) can be
      used to support foodborne illness surveillance efforts. METHODS: We obtained
      reviews from 2005 to 2012 of 5824 foodservice businesses closest to 29 colleges.
      After extracting recent reviews describing episodes of foodborne illness, we
      compared implicated foods to foods in outbreak reports from the U.S. Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RESULTS: Broadly, the distribution of
      implicated foods across five categories was as follows: aquatic (16% Yelp, 12%
      CDC), dairy-eggs (23% Yelp, 23% CDC), fruits-nuts (7% Yelp, 7% CDC), meat-poultry
      (32% Yelp, 33% CDC), and vegetables (22% Yelp, 25% CDC). The distribution of
      foods across 19 more specific food categories was also similar, with Spearman
      correlations ranging from 0.60 to 0.85 for 2006-2011. The most implicated food
      categories in both Yelp and CDC were beef, dairy, grains-beans, poultry and vine
      stalk. CONCLUSIONS: Based on observations in this study and the increased usage
      of social media, we posit that online illness reports could complement
      traditional surveillance systems by providing near real-time information on
      foodborne illnesses, implicated foods and locations.

PMID- 25124283
TI  - Versatile iridicycle catalysts for highly efficient and chemoselective transfer
      hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds in water.
AB  - Cyclometalated iridium complexes are shown to be highly efficient and
      chemoselective catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of a wide range of
      carbonyl groups with formic acid in water. Examples include alpha-substituted
      ketones (alpha-ether, alpha-halo, alpha-hydroxy, alpha-amino, alpha-nitrile or
      alpha-ester), alpha-keto esters, beta-keto esters and alpha,beta-unsaturated
      aldehydes. The reduction was carried out at substrate/catalyst ratios of up to 50
      000 at pH 4.5 and required no organic solvent. The protocol provides a practical,
      easy and efficient way for the synthesis of beta-functionalised secondary
      alcohols, such as beta-hydroxyethers, beta-hydroxyamines and beta-hydroxyhalo
      compounds, which are valuable intermediates in pharmaceutical, fine chemical,
      perfume and agrochemical synthesis. 

PMID- 25124285
TI  - Fungal surgical site infections.

PMID- 25124282
TI  - Poly (ADP) ribose polymerase enzyme inhibitor, veliparib, potentiates
      chemotherapy and radiation in vitro and in vivo in small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Poly (ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP) plays a key role in DNA repair and is highly
      expressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We investigated the therapeutic
      impact of PARP inhibition in SCLC. In vitro cytotoxicity of veliparib, cisplatin,
      carboplatin, and etoposide singly and combined was determined by MTS in 9 SCLC
      cell lines (H69, H128, H146, H526, H187, H209, DMS53, DMS153, and DMS114).
      Subcutaneous xenografts in athymic nu/nu mice of H146 and H128 cells with
      relatively high and low platinum sensitivity, respectively, were employed for in
      vivo testing. Mechanisms of differential sensitivity of SCLC cell lines to PARP
      inhibition were investigated by comparing protein and gene expression profiles of
      the platinum sensitive and the less sensitive cell lines. Veliparib showed
      limited single-agent cytotoxicity but selectively potentiated (>= 50% reduction
      in IC50 ) cisplatin, carboplatin, and etoposide in vitro in five of nine SCLC
      cell lines. Veliparib with cisplatin or etoposide or with both cisplatin and
      etoposide showed greater delay in tumor growth than chemotherapy alone in H146
      but not H128 xenografts. The potentiating effect of veliparib was associated with
      in vitro cell line sensitivity to cisplatin (CC = 0.672; P = 0.048) and DNA-PKcs
      protein modulation. Gene expression profiling identified differential expression
      of a 5-gene panel (GLS, UBEC2, HACL1, MSI2, and LOC100129585) in cell lines with
      relatively greater sensitivity to platinum and veliparib combination. Veliparib
      potentiates standard cytotoxic agents against SCLC in a cell-specific manner.
      This potentiation correlates with platinum sensitivity, DNA-PKcs expression and a
      5-gene expression profile.

PMID- 25124284
TI  - Clinical, lifestyle, socioeconomic determinants and rate of asymptomatic
      intracranial atherosclerosis in stroke free Pakistanis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease (ICAD) is the most frequent
      etiology of stroke with high prevalence among Asians. Despite this, early
      determinants of ICAD have not been described from this region. METHODS: The study
      is an analytical prospective cross-sectional study of 200 adults from Radiology
      Departments of two diagnostic centers in Karachi. Eligible participants confirmed
      the absence of stroke symptoms via the Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke Free
      Status (QVSFS) and underwent an interview covering medical, socio demographic,
      lifestyle and anthropometric evaluation using locally validated and standardized
      definitions. Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) were centrally reviewed to detect
      ICAD using the criterion used in the Warfarin-Aspirin Symptomatic Intracranial
      Disease study. The risk factors associated with asymptomatic ICAD are reported
      along with prevalence ratios. RESULTS: Of the 200 participants, ICAD was found in
      34.5% (n = 69) of the participants. Mean age was 37.1 (S.D 15.1) years with 62%
      younger than 45 years. Self-reported hypertension was found in 26.5% subjects,
      diabetes in 9%, dyslipidemia in 5% and depression in 60%. Smokeless tobacco
      (Adjusted PR 3.27 (1.07-6.05)), Western diet, high socioeconomic status (Adjusted
      PR 2.26 (1.99-5.62)) and dyslipidemia (Adjusted PR 1.88 (1.25-2.21)) had
      significant associations with ICAD after multivariable analysis. Age, gender,
      diabetes, hypertension, depression and physical activity did not have a
      significant association. CONCLUSION: ICAD was found on MRI in one in three
      asymptomatic Pakistanis and was associated with modifiable risks. Initiatives
      targeting primary prevention may be able to decrease the burden of disease caused
      by stroke due to ICAD. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02072876 2/25/2014.

PMID- 25124287
TI  - Moving stem cell therapy to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 25124286
TI  - An image processing approach to analyze morphological features of microscopic
      images of muscle fibers.
AB  - We present an image processing approach to automatically analyze duo-channel
      microscopic images of muscular fiber nuclei and cytoplasm. Nuclei and cytoplasm
      play a critical role in determining the health and functioning of muscular fibers
      as changes of nuclei and cytoplasm manifest in many diseases such as muscular
      dystrophy and hypertrophy. Quantitative evaluation of muscle fiber nuclei and
      cytoplasm thus is of great importance to researchers in musculoskeletal studies.
      The proposed computational approach consists of steps of image processing to
      segment and delineate cytoplasm and identify nuclei in two-channel images.
      Morphological operations like skeletonization is applied to extract the length of
      cytoplasm for quantification. We tested the approach on real images and found
      that it can achieve high accuracy, objectivity, and robustness. 

PMID- 25124289
TI  - Acute renal failure as a form of presentation of sarcoidosis in a young adult: a
      case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease. Renal involvement
      is a rare initial presentation of this disease. Few articles on renal involvement
      as an initial presentation of sarcoidosis have been published in the literature.
      CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old Caucasian woman presented with acute renal
      failure as an initial manifestation of sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Renal
      involvement is an uncommon feature of sarcoidosis and it is essential to
      establish a fast and correct diagnosis because early therapy avoids progression
      to terminal renal failure.

PMID- 25124288
TI  - Physiological and proteomic analyses of salt stress response in the halophyte
      Halogeton glomeratus.
AB  - Very little is known about the adaptation mechanism of Chenopodiaceae Halogeton
      glomeratus, a succulent annual halophyte, under saline conditions. In this study,
      we investigated the morphological and physiological adaptation mechanisms of
      seedlings exposed to different concentrations of NaCl treatment for 21 d. Our
      results revealed that H. glomeratus has a robust ability to tolerate salt; its
      optimal growth occurs under approximately 100 mm NaCl conditions. Salt crystals
      were deposited in water-storage tissue under saline conditions. We speculate that
      osmotic adjustment may be the primary mechanism of salt tolerance in H.
      glomeratus, which transports toxic ions such as sodium into specific salt-storage
      cells and compartmentalizes them in large vacuoles to maintain the water content
      of tissues and the succulence of the leaves. To investigate the molecular
      response mechanisms to salt stress in H. glomeratus, we conducted a comparative
      proteomic analysis of seedling leaves that had been exposed to 200 mm NaCl for 24
      h, 72 h and 7 d. Forty-nine protein spots, exhibiting significant changes in
      abundance after stress, were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption
      ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS/MS) and
      similarity searches across EST database of H. glomeratus. These stress-responsive
      proteins were categorized into nine functional groups, such as photosynthesis,
      carbohydrate and energy metabolism, and stress and defence response. 

PMID- 25124290
TI  - The ability to suppress macrophage-mediated inflammation in orbital fat stem
      cells is controlled by miR-671-5p.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Our previous works demonstrated that systemic orbital fat-derived
      stem cell (OFSC) transplantation was effective in ameliorating lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS)-induced extensive acute lung injury (ALI) in vivo mainly through paracrine
      regulation of macrophage-mediated cytokine-storm. In this study, we explore the
      molecular mechanism(s) of OFSCs regulating macrophage activity in a cytokine
      inducible fashion. METHODS: LPS (100 ng/ml)-activated macrophages were treated by
      conditioned medium from OFSCs (OFSCs-CM) or non-contact cultured with OFSCs for 6
      hours. The potency of OFSCs on macrophage proliferation and pro-inflammation
      ability were determined. Expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in
      macrophages, inducible immuno-modulatory factors in OFSCs, were investigated.
      Deep sequencing analysis as well as interaction between microRNA (miRNA) and
      genes of immuno-modulators in OFSCs induced by activated macrophages was
      predicted by miRTar. Transfection of miRNA inhibitor into OFSCs was performed.
      Real-time RT-PCR and transplantation of OFSCs into mice with LPS-induced ALI
      confirmed the in vitro and in vivo mechanism. RESULTS: The paracrine effect of
      OFSCs on inhibition of macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokine release was more
      potent than induction of macrophage G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. OFSCs-CM suppressed
      LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthetase and the pro-inflammatory cytokines
      such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, and IL
      1 beta expression in macrophages. Under non-contact culture, LPS-activated
      macrophages effectively triggered the expression of soluble immuno-modulating
      factors in OFSCs, i.e., IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 RA), indoleamine
      2,3-dioxygenase, and soluble TNF receptor type II (sTNF RII). Under miRTar
      prediction, miR-671-5p was identified as a critical microRNA in regulation of
      multiple immune-modulating factors in OFSCs response to macrophages. The baseline
      level of miR-671-5p was high in OFSCs, and down-regulation of miR-671-5p upon co
      culture with activated macrophages was observed. MiR-671-5p inhibitor
      transfection into OFSCs selectively enhanced the IL-1 RA and sTNF RII
      expressions. In addition, inhibition of miR-671-5p in OFSCs enhanced the anti
      inflammatory ability against LPS-induced ALI. CONCLUSION: The paracrine effect of
      OFSCs inhibits the pro-inflammatory ability and proliferation of macrophages. The
      immune-modulation capacity of OFSCs can be triggered by activated macrophages,
      and down-regulation of miR-671-5p enhances OFSC immuno-modulation ability by up
      regulating IL-1 RA and sTNF RII expression.

PMID- 25124291
TI  - Switching to emtricitabine, tenofovir and rilpivirine as single tablet regimen in
      virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected patients: a cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Emtricitabine/tenofovir/rilpivirine as a single-tablet regimen (STR)
      is widely used without licence in treatment-experienced patients. The purpose of
      this retrospective observational study was to assess viral suppression of ART
      experienced patients switching to STR. METHODS: We assessed 131 pretreated
      patients switching to STR with HIV RNA <400 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL. The primary
      outcome measure was the proportion of patients at week 24 with HIV RNA <40
      copies/mL. RESULTS: By week 24, eight patients had stopped STR: four because of
      adverse events and four for other reasons. Three virological failures were
      observed; among these, at least one patient developed cross-resistance to
      nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and nonnucleoside reverse
      transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), in particular with the E138K pattern. In
      intent-to-treat analysis, 92% of participants (120 of 131) achieved HIV RNA <40
      copies/mL. Only grade 1 to 2 adverse events were observed, mainly consisting of
      increased liver enzymes (n=33). Systemic exposure to rilpivirine was above the
      usually observed steady-state levels for the 18 measurements assessed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy and tolerability are similar to those in treatment-naive
      patients.

PMID- 25124293
TI  - Psychological factors predicting outcome after traumatic injury: the role of
      resilience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasingly, studies have examined the psychological impact on
      individuals who survive a traumatic physical injury. The primary aim of this
      study was to determine the stability of resilience and its association with
      depressive symptoms. METHODS: This study included 110 adults admitted to a Level
      I trauma center. Resilience and depression were measured at baseline and 12
      months. Injury-related variables included Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity
      Score, etiology of injury, and type of injury. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that
      resilience remained stable over 12 months regardless of injury severity,
      etiology, or type. Negative correlations were found between baseline resilience
      and 12-month depression (P < .01), as well as Glasgow Coma Scale and depression
      (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Injured individuals with low resilience are more likely
      to be depressed at 12 months. Assessing resilience at the time of injury may be
      useful in identifying those at risk for depression 1 year later.

PMID- 25124294
TI  - Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: paradigms of surgical management.
AB  - Cholangiocarcinoma is a lethal disease with increasing incidence worldwide.
      Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma represents the most common type of
      cholangiocarcinoma. Despite major development on surgical strategies over the
      past 20 years, the 5-year survival rate after surgery has remained below 40%,
      often in the vicinity of 20%. Most perihilar cholangiocarcinomas, however, are
      unresectable at the time of the diagnosis. The recent use of aggressive
      approaches based on better image modality, specific perioperative management, and
      a multidisciplinary approach have enabled to convert the use of palliative
      therapies to more radical surgery. This review focuses on the recent advances in
      surgical treatment for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma including liver
      transplantation with their respective impact on patient survival.

PMID- 25124292
TI  - Does intramesorectal excision for ulcerative colitis impact bowel and sexual
      function when compared with total mesorectal excision?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proctectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) can be performed via
      intramesorectal (IME) or total mesorectal excision (TME). METHODS: We compared
      patient-reported bowel and sexual function among IME versus TME UC patients
      (September 2000 to March 2011) using the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
      Bowel Function scale, Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life, Fecal Incontinence
      Severity Index, Female Sexual Function Instrument, and International Index of
      Erectile Dysfunction surveys. RESULTS: Eighty-nine IME versus TME patients (35 +/
      2 years, 57% male, 62% IME) had similar baseline characteristics, although IME
      patients had more open procedures (P <= .03). IME patients reported better fecal
      continence (P = .009) but similar fecal incontinence-related quality of life (P
      >= .44). For sexual function, there were no differences for either women (Female
      Sexual Function Instrument; P >= .20) or men (International Index of Erectile
      Dysfunction; P >= .22). CONCLUSIONS: IME appears to be associated with better
      fecal continence but no difference in overall bowel or sexual function compared
      with TME in patients with UC.

PMID- 25124296
TI  - Triple opportunistic pulmonary cavitary disease after cord blood transplantation.
AB  - Opportunistic infectious diseases in patients are variable and depend on the host
      as well as the type of immunosuppression. Cord blood transplant recipients appear
      to be particularly vulnerable to infectious complications. Sequential or
      concurrent opportunistic infectious diseases can be particularly difficult to
      manage and have increased mortality. We present a young patient, status post cord
      blood transplantation for acute myelogenous leukemia, who developed a large
      pulmonary mass-like infection with Aspergillus, cytomegalovirus, and
      Mycobacterium avium complex. Radiological, surgical, and pathological features
      are described. 

PMID- 25124295
TI  - The effect of antecolic versus retrocolic reconstruction on delayed gastric
      emptying after classic non-pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreaticoduodenectomy
      increases length of hospital stay and costs, and may be influenced by surgical
      techniques. METHODS: We retrospectively compared 400 patients with antecolic
      gastrojejunostomy with 400 patients with retrocolic gastrojejunostomy for the
      occurrence of DGE. RESULTS: The prevalence of DGE was 15% in the antecolic group
      and 21% in the retrocolic group (P = .021), and median length of stay was shorter
      for the former (8 vs. 10 days, P = .001). The difference was statistically
      significant with grade A DGE (9% vs. 14%, P = .038), but not B or C. In a
      multivariate analysis, DGE was influenced by retrocolic reconstruction, as well
      as older age, chronic pancreatitis, preoperative bilirubin level, a history of
      previous upper abdominal surgery, and postoperative pancreatic fistula.
      CONCLUSIONS: An antecolic gastrojejunostomy for classic non-pylorus-preserving
      pancreaticoduodenectomy is associated with a lower incidence of mild DGE (grade
      A) and a shorter length of stay.

PMID- 25124297
TI  - Review: Bone conduction devices and contralateral routing of sound systems in
      single-sided deafness.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Systematically review the literature on the clinical
      outcome of bone conduction devices (BCD) and contralateral routing of sound
      systems (CROSS) for patients with single-sided deafness (SSD). DATA SOURCES:
      PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases were searched up to April
      7, 2014. REVIEW METHODS: All studies investigating BCD and CROSS for patients
      with SSD on speech perception in noise, sound localization, or quality of life
      were selected and critically appraised. RESULTS: In total, 46 articles were
      retrieved, of which six satisfied the eligibility criteria. Critical appraisal
      showed that five studies (n = 91) carried a moderate to high directness of
      evidence and a low to moderate risk of bias. Subsequently, study characteristics
      and outcome measurements were extracted. Due to large heterogeneity between
      studies, pooling of data was not feasible. Studies did not show a clear advantage
      of BCD or CROSS on speech perception in noise. BCD and CROSS lead to the same
      sound localization ability as the unaided condition. Quality of life did not
      differ significantly between conditions; however, subjective speech communication
      did improve. CONCLUSION: No high level of evidence studies compare BCD and CROSS
      in patients with SSD. Literature showed no beneficial effect of BCD or CROSS
      regarding speech perception in noise and sound localization. Subjective speech
      communication demonstrated a moderate improvement with BCD and CROSS. High
      evidence studies comparing all treatment options for single-sided deafness should
      be conducted.

PMID- 25124298
TI  - An evaluation of interactive computer training to teach instructors to implement
      discrete trials with children with autism.
AB  - Discrete-trial instruction (DTI) is a teaching strategy that is often
      incorporated into early intensive behavioral interventions for children with
      autism. Researchers have investigated time- and cost-effective methods to train
      staff to implement DTI, including self-instruction manuals, video modeling, and
      interactive computer training (ICT). ICT combines the best components of self
      instruction manuals and video models, and have the same benefits; however, there
      is limited research on this training method. Therefore, the purpose of this study
      was to investigate ICT to teach university students to implement DTI with
      children with autism. All participants' teaching fidelity increased during both
      role-plays with an adult and instructional sessions with a child with autism. In
      addition, participants demonstrated an increase in teaching fidelity with
      untrained instructional programs. All participants were able to complete training
      in an average of 2 hr, and social validity ratings were high. 

PMID- 25124299
TI  - Diaphragmatic hernia after liver transplantation in children: case series and
      review of the literature.
AB  - A diaphragmatic hernia (DH) is a rare complication of pediatric liver
      transplantation (LT), with multiple factors implicated in the pathophysiology. It
      is a potentially life-threatening condition in the absence of early recognition
      and surgical treatment. A DH after LT has been reported in 16 patients in 7 case
      series. We report 10 cases from our institution and review the published
      literature to understand the underlying pathophysiology. The study sample
      included all children (<18 years of age) who underwent LT from October 1989 to
      August 2013 at our center and subsequently presented with a DH. Among 4433 LT
      procedures performed in this time period, 1032 were for children. Ten DH cases
      were recognized, and risk factors were assessed. The mean age at diagnosis was
      4.9 years, all patients with a DH received left lateral segment split grafts, and
      the mean graft weight was 248 +/- 41 g with a mean graft-to-recipient body weight
      ratio (GBWR) of 3% +/- 1.22% (range = 1.7%-5.0%). The mean cold ischemia time was
      510.7 +/- 307.6 minutes (range = 60-900 minutes). Six patients had a primary
      abdominal muscle closure, 3 had a temporary Silastic mesh closure, and 1 had a
      skin closure only. Postoperative ascites and pleural effusion did not appear to
      be significant risk factors. All 10 children presented with a right
      posterolateral DH, with 1 also having a left DH. The small bowel was herniated in
      the majority. All patients underwent prompt surgical intervention without
      complications. An early age, a split graft, and a high GBWR may be risk factors
      for a DH. A high index of suspicion and prompt surgical intervention minimize
      complications.

PMID- 25124300
TI  - Vertically-aligned BCN nanotube arrays with superior performance in
      electrochemical capacitors.
AB  - Electrochemical capacitors (EC) have received tremendous interest due to their
      high potential to satisfy the urgent demand in many advanced applications. The
      development of new electrode materials is considered to be the most promising
      approach to enhance the EC performance substantially. Herein, we present a high
      capacity capacitor material based on vertically-aligned BC2N nanotube arrays (VA
      BC2NNTAs) synthesized by low temperature solvothermal route. The obtained VA
      BC2NNTAs display the good aligned nonbuckled tubular structure, which could
      indeed advantageously enhance capacitor performance. VA-BC2NNTAs exhibit an
      extremely high specific capacitance, 547 Fg(-1), which is about 2-6 times larger
      than that of the presently available carbon-based materials. Meanwhile, VA
      BC2NNTAs maintain an excellent rate capability and high durability. All these
      characteristics endow VA-BC2NNTAs an alternative promising candidate for an
      efficient electrode material for electrochemical capacitors (EC).

PMID- 25124301
TI  - Conjugate umpolung of beta,beta-disubstituted enals by dual catalysis with an N
      heterocyclic carbene and a Bronsted acid: facile construction of contiguous
      quaternary stereocenters.
AB  - A sterically hindered homoenolate has been generated by the NHC-catalyzed
      conjugate umpolung of beta,beta-disubstituted enals and successfully employed in
      a facile stereoselective annulation with isatins. The strategy provides efficient
      access to spirocyclic oxindoles bearing two highly congested contiguous
      quaternary carbon centers. The use of a Bronsted acid cocatalyst was found to be
      crucial for guaranteeing both excellent reactivity and high stereoselectivity. 

PMID- 25124302
TI  - The effect of environment on nursing and health promotion for women.

PMID- 25124306
TI  - Nasal reconstruction: a dermatological surgeon's approach to recreating the
      'aesthetic king' of the central face.

PMID- 25124303
TI  - Correlates of polysomnographic sleep changes in cocaine dependence: self
      administration and clinical outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abstinence from chronic cocaine use is associated with abnormal sleep
      architecture. As sleep abnormalities are associated with clinical outcome in
      alcohol dependence, we hypothesized a similar relationship in cocaine dependence.
      METHODS: We report data from a cocaine self-administration study (N=12) and the
      placebo arm of a randomized clinical trial (N=20). Self-administration
      participants underwent three cocaine self-administration sessions during a three
      week inpatient stay. Treatment participants underwent two weeks of inpatient
      followed by six weeks of outpatient treatment including once-weekly cognitive
      behavioral therapy. Measurements included polysomnography from early and late in
      abstinence during the inpatient stays. Clinical outcomes included amount of
      cocaine self-administered, urine tests, and self-reported use and withdrawal
      symptoms. RESULTS: Change in slow-wave sleep from early to late abstinence
      (DeltaSWS; p=0.05), late abstinence rapid eye movement sleep (REM; p=0.002), and
      late abstinence total sleep time (p=0.02) were negatively correlated with the
      amount of cocaine self-administered. Early abstinence REM was positively
      correlated with withdrawal symptoms (p=0.02). Late abstinence REM was positively
      correlated with percent negative urines and maximum consecutive number of days
      abstinent (both p<0.001). DeltaSWS was positively correlated with percent
      negative urines (p=0.03) and participants with increased SWS had greater percent
      negative urines (p=0.008) and maximum consecutive number of days abstinent
      (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Correlations between sleep deficits and amount of cocaine
      self-administered, clinical outcomes, and severity of withdrawal symptoms
      underscore the relevance of sleep in clinical outcomes in the treatment of
      cocaine dependence.

PMID- 25124304
TI  - Smoking, MATRICS consensus cognitive battery and P50 sensory gating in a Han
      Chinese population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of smoking on cognitive performance have long been
      studied, with mixed results. P50 sensory gating has been used as endophenotype
      for studying nicotinic systems genetics, and P50 gating deficits have been
      reported to be a sensitive biomarker for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.
      This study examined the inter-relationship between P50 suppression, cognitive
      function, and smoking in a healthy Han Chinese population, which has not been
      reported before. METHODS: We recruited 82 healthy male subjects, including 48
      smokers and 34 non-smokers who were matched for age and education. The authors
      measured P50 sensory gating and administered the Chinese-language version of the
      MATRICS consensus cognitive battery (MCCB) and Stroop tests. RESULTS: The results
      showed that the smokers scored lower than nonsmokers on the MCCB brief
      visuospatial memory test (BVMT) index and the STROOP test. Furthermore, the MCCB
      total score was negatively associated with number of cigarettes smoked per day in
      the smoker group. However, P50 sensory gating was not associated with either
      smoking status or any cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that
      smoking is associated with cognitive impairment, but not with P50 sensory gating.

PMID- 25124308
TI  - Reconstructing the nasal dorsum.
AB  - The skin of the nasal dorsum and bridge is more forgiving in terms of
      reconstructive options. Individual differences in skin laxity, nasal length and
      sebaceous composition impact on reconstructive choice as do the size, depth and
      exact location of the surgical defect. For many, if not all, defects in this area
      there are multiple different reconstructive options available all of which can
      result in equivalent and excellent results. Oftentimes there is no clear
      advantage of one repair over another and the choice becomes one of personal
      preference based on experience. No proscriptive approach or algorithm can be
      usefully applied in this setting. Key considerations include the location of the
      defect (distal vs. proximal nasal dorsum), the position of the defect (midline or
      off-centre) and the texture of the skin involved (sebaceous vs. non-sebaceous).
      Defects may be considered complex if they border on, or cross onto adjacent
      cosmetic units. Examples include defects extending onto the nasal tip, tip-ala
      junction, sidewall, nasal root-glabella and medial canthus. The adjacent
      reservoirs of tissue redundancy that can be utilized in flap reconstruction
      include the nasal sidewall, the nasal dorsum itself, the glabella, the
      midline/paramedian forehead and the medial cheek. Nearly all flaps on the nasal
      dorsum require subnasalis muscle dissection to effect sufficient movement and to
      ensure adequate flap vascularity and viability. The nasal bridge and glabella
      have much thicker skin and it is usually sufficient to dissect in the
      subcutaneous plane rather than disrupting the deeper procerus and corrugator
      muscles. Thick sebaceous skin is generally stiffer, moves less easily and
      closures may result in greater wound tension. These factors together with a
      tendency for sutures to tear through easily potentially increases the risk of
      complications. Greater consideration should be given to the exact type of flap or
      graft chosen in these patients. 

PMID- 25124305
TI  - Separate and combined effects of the GABAA positive allosteric modulator diazepam
      and Delta9-THC in humans discriminating Delta9-THC.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our previous research suggested the involvement of gamma-aminobutyric
      acid (GABA), in particular the GABAB receptor subtype, in the interoceptive
      effects of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC). The aim of the present
      study was to determine the potential involvement of the GABAA receptor subtype by
      assessing the separate and combined effects of the GABAA positive allosteric
      modulator diazepam and Delta(9)-THC using pharmacologically selective drug
      discrimination procedures. METHODS: Ten cannabis users learned to discriminate 30
      mg oral Delta(9)-THC from placebo and then received diazepam (5 and 10mg),
      Delta(9)-THC (5, 15 and 30 mg) and placebo, alone and in combination. Self
      report, task performance and physiological measures were also collected. RESULTS:
      Delta(9)-THC functioned as a discriminative stimulus, produced subjective effects
      typically associated with cannabinoids (e.g., High, Stoned, Like Drug) and
      elevated heart rate. Diazepam alone impaired performance on psychomotor
      performance tasks and increased ratings on a limited number of self-report
      questionnaire items (e.g., Any Effect, Sedated), but did not substitute for the
      Delta(9)-THC discriminative stimulus or alter the Delta(9)-THC discrimination
      dose-response function. Similarly, diazepam had limited impact on the other
      behavioral effects of Delta(9)-THC. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the
      GABAA receptor subtype has minimal involvement in the interoceptive effects of
      Delta(9)-THC, and by extension cannabis, in humans.

PMID- 25124307
TI  - Nasal anatomy for the dermatological surgeon.
AB  - The nose is an important site of skin pathology and skin cancer in particular,
      underlining the importance of the nose to the practice of dermatology. This
      article is intended to serve as an overview of the anatomy of the nose for
      dermatologists and dermatological surgeons. Areas of clinical relevance are
      emphasized with examples. 

PMID- 25124310
TI  - Reconstructing the nasal tip.
AB  - Given the intricate contours of adjacent concavities and convexities, the limited
      area from which to recruit similar skin, and variable areas of skin thickness,
      elasticity and adnexal density, reconstruction of the nasal tip is a challenging
      process. When approaching nasal reconstruction we have often found it helpful to
      partition defects into two subgroups: those that fall within the upper two-thirds
      of the nose and those that fall within the lower third. Within this framework of
      the lower third, we present our reconstructive approach to surgical defects of
      the nasal tip. 

PMID- 25124309
TI  - Repair of the nasal sidewall.
AB  - Repair of the nasal sidewall after skin cancer excision is generally best
      approached with the use of local flaps for aesthetic reasons. The sidewall may be
      divided into upper and lower sections and defects described as small, medium or
      large. In this section I will review the flaps that I feel make best use of
      adjacent tissue reservoirs allowing aesthetic placement of incisions while
      protecting free margins and function, and that reward the operator with reliably
      superior results for the patient. 

PMID- 25124311
TI  - The reconstruction of the nasal ala with interpolated flaps from the cheek and
      forehead: design and execution modifications to improve surgical outcomes.
AB  - The nasal ala, critically important in the function and appearance of the central
      face, has significant reconstructive demands given the lack of suitable adjacent
      donor tissue that can be used to repair all but the smallest surgical defects in
      this area. Interpolated flaps from the forehead and cheek have long been ideal
      reconstructive alternatives for the repair of larger or more difficult alar
      wounds, and with the design and execution modifications described here, the
      dermatological surgeon can offer more appropriate restoration of this critically
      important aesthetic unit. 

PMID- 25124312
TI  - Multiresidue determination of UV filters in water samples by solid-phase
      extraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis.
AB  - UV filters, contained in sunscreens and other cosmetic products, as well as in
      some plastics and industrial products, are nowadays considered contaminants of
      emerging concern because their widespread and increasing use has lead to their
      presence in the environment. Furthermore, some UV filters are suspected to have
      endocrine disruption activity. In the present work, we developed an analytical
      method based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for the
      determination of UV filters in tap and lake waters. Sixteen UV filters were
      extracted from water samples by solid-phase extraction employing graphitized
      carbon black as adsorbent material. Handling 200 mL of water sample, satisfactory
      recoveries were obtained for almost all the analytes. The limits of detection and
      quantification of the method were comparable to those reported in other works,
      and ranged between 0.7-3.5 and 1.9-11.8 ng/L, respectively; however in our case
      the number of investigated compounds was larger. The major encountered problem in
      method development was to identify the background contamination sources and
      reduce their contribution. UV filters were not detected in tap water samples,
      whereas the analyses conducted on samples collected from three different lakes
      showed that the swimming areas are most subject to UV filter contamination. 

PMID- 25124313
TI  - Primary myelofibrosis: 2014 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and
      management.
AB  - DISEASE OVERVIEW: Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm
      characterized by stem cell-derived clonal myeloproliferation, abnormal cytokine
      expression, bone marrow fibrosis, anemia, splenomegaly, extramedullary
      hematopoiesis (EMH), constitutional symptoms, cachexia, leukemic progression, and
      shortened survival. DIAGNOSIS: DIAGNOSIS is based on bone marrow morphology. The
      presence of JAK2, CALR, or MPL mutation is supportive but not essential for
      diagnosis; approximately 90% of patients carry one of these mutations and 10% are
      "triple-negative." None of these mutations are specific to PMF and are also seen
      in essential thrombocythemia (ET). Prefibrotic PMF mimics ET in its presentation
      and the distinction, enabled by careful bone marrow morphological examination, is
      prognostically relevant. Differential diagnosis also includes chronic myeloid
      leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and acute
      myeloid leukemia. RISK STRATIFICATION: The Dynamic International Prognostic
      Scoring System-plus (DIPSS-plus) uses eight predictors of inferior survival: age
      >65 years, hemoglobin <10 g/dL, leukocytes >25 * 10(9) /L, circulating blasts
      >=1%, constitutional symptoms, red cell transfusion dependency, platelet count
      <100 * 10(9) /L, and unfavorable karyotype (i.e., complex karyotype or sole or
      two abnormalities that include +8, -7/7q-, i(17q), inv(3), -5/5q-, 12p-, or 11q23
      rearrangement). The presence of 0, 1, "2 or 3," and >=4 adverse factors defines
      low, intermediate-1, intermediate-2, and high-risk disease with median survivals
      of approximately 15.4, 6.5, 2.9, and 1.3 years, respectively. High risk disease
      is also defined by CALR(-) /ASXL1(+) mutational status. RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY:
      Observation alone is adequate for asymptomatic low/intermediate-1 risk disease,
      especially with CALR(+) /ASXL1(-) mutational status. Stem cell transplant is
      considered for DIPSS-plus high risk disease or any risk disease with CALR(-)
      /ASXL1(+) mutational status. Investigational drug therapy is reasonable for
      symptomatic intermediate-1 or intermediate-2 risk disease. Splenectomy is
      considered for drug-refractory splenomegaly. Involved field radiotherapy is most
      useful for post-splenectomy hepatomegaly, non-hepatosplenic EMH, PMF-associated
      pulmonary hypertension, and extremity bone pain.

PMID- 25124314
TI  - Response to the Letter-to-the-Editor Regarding "The Two Year Cost Effectiveness
      of Three Options to Treat Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patients".

PMID- 25124316
TI  - Geometric accuracy in three-dimensional coordinates of Leksell stereotactic skull
      frame with wide-bore 1.5-T MRI compared with conventional 1.5-T MRI.
AB  - The use of 1.5-tesla (T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with a wide and
      simultaneously short bore enhances patient comfort compared with traditional 1.5
      T MR imaging and is becoming increasingly available in stereotactic radiosurgery
      treatment planning. However, the geometric accuracy seems unavoidably worse in
      wide-bore MR imaging than in conventional MR imaging. We assessed the geometric
      distortion of the stereotactic image attached on a Leksell skull frame in
      conventional and wide-bore 1.5-T MR imaging. Two kinds of acrylic phantoms were
      placed on the skull frame and were scanned using computed tomography (CT) and
      conventional and wide-bore 1.5-T MR imaging. The three-dimensional coordinates on
      both MR imaging were compared with those on CT. Deviations of measured
      coordinates at selected points (x = 50, 100, 150 mm; y = 50, 100, 150 mm) were
      indicated on different axial planes (z = 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 mm). The
      differences of coordinates were less than 1.0 mm in the entire treatable area for
      conventional MR imaging. With the large bore system, the differences of the
      coordinates were less than 1.0 mm around the center but substantially exceeded
      1.0 mm in the peripheral regions. Further study is needed to increase the
      geometric accuracy of wide-bore MR imaging for stereotactic radiosurgery
      treatment planning. 

PMID- 25124315
TI  - A single exposure to cocaine during development elicits regionally-selective
      changes in basal basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF-2) gene expression and
      alters the trophic response to a second injection.
AB  - RATIONALE: During adolescence, the brain is maturing and more sensitive to drugs
      of abuse that can influence its developmental trajectory. Recently, attention has
      been focused on basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) given that its
      administration early in life enhances the acquisition of cocaine self
      administration and sensitization at adulthood (Turner et al. (Pharmacol Biochem
      Behav 92:100-4, 2009), Clinton et al. (Pharmacol Biochem Behav103:6-17, 2012)).
      Additionally, we found that abstinence from adolescent cocaine exposure long
      lastingly dysregulates FGF-2 transcription (Giannotti et al. (Psychopharmacology
      (Berl) 225:553-60, 2013 ). OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study are to
      evaluate if (1) a single injection of cocaine (20 mg/kg) at postnatal day 35
      alters FGF-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and (2) the first injection influences
      the trophic response to a second injection (10 mg/kg) provided 24 h or 7 days
      later. RESULTS: We found regional differences in the FGF-2 expression pattern as
      either the first or the second injection of cocaine by themselves upregulated FGF
      2 mRNA in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens while downregulating
      it in the hippocampus. The first injection influences the trophic response of the
      second. Of note, 24 h after the first injection, accumbal and hippocampal FGF-2
      changes produced by cocaine in saline-pretreated rats were prevented in cocaine
      pretreated rats. Conversely, in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus 7
      days after the first injection, the cocaine-induced FGF-2 changes were modified
      by the subsequent exposure to the psychostimulant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      show that a single cocaine injection is sufficient to produce enduring changes in
      the adolescent brain and indicate that early cocaine priming alters the
      mechanisms regulating the trophic response in a brain region-specific fashion.

PMID- 25124317
TI  - A detailed view on sulphur metabolism at the cellular and whole-plant level
      illustrates challenges in metabolite flux analyses.
AB  - Understanding the dynamics of physiological process in the systems biology era
      requires approaches at the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome
      levels. In this context, metabolite flux experiments have been used in mapping
      metabolite pathways and analysing metabolic control. In the present review,
      sulphur metabolism was taken to illustrate current challenges of metabolic flux
      analyses. At the cellular level, restrictions in metabolite flux analyses
      originate from incomplete knowledge of the compartmentation network of metabolic
      pathways. Transport of metabolites through membranes is usually not considered in
      flux experiments but may be involved in controlling the whole pathway. Hence,
      steady-state and snapshot readings need to be expanded to time-course studies in
      combination with compartment-specific metabolite analyses. Because of species
      specific differences, differences between tissues, and stress-related responses,
      the quantitative significance of different sulphur sinks has to be elucidated;
      this requires the development of methods for whole-sulphur metabolome approaches.
      Different cell types can contribute to metabolite fluxes to different extents at
      the tissue and organ level. Cell type-specific analyses are needed to
      characterize these contributions. Based on such approaches, metabolite flux
      analyses can be expanded to the whole-plant level by considering long-distance
      transport and, thus, the interaction of roots and the shoot in metabolite fluxes.
      However, whole-plant studies need detailed empirical and mathematical modelling
      that have to be validated by experimental analyses. 

PMID- 25124318
TI  - Roles of melatonin in abiotic stress resistance in plants.
AB  - In recent years melatonin has emerged as a research highlight in plant studies.
      Melatonin has different functions in many aspects of plant growth and
      development. The most frequently mentioned functions of melatonin are related to
      abiotic stresses such as drought, radiation, extreme temperature, and chemical
      stresses. This review mainly focuses on the regulatory effects of melatonin when
      plants face harsh environmental conditions. Evidence indicates that environmental
      stress can increase the level of endogenous melatonin in plants. Overexpression
      of the melatonin biosynthetic genes elevates melatonin levels in transgenic
      plants. The transgenic plants show enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses.
      Exogenously applied melatonin can also improve the ability of plants to tolerate
      abiotic stresses. The mechanisms by which melatonin alleviates abiotic stresses
      are discussed. 

PMID- 25124319
TI  - Elevated levels of cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 in human cyclosporine induced gingival
      overgrowth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to immuno-localize and estimate the levels
      of cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 in human gingival tissue samples from healthy
      individuals, chronic periodontitis patients and patients with cyclosporine
      induced gingival overgrowth. METHODS: Group I consisted of individuals with
      healthy gingiva (n=6), Group II - cyclosporine induced gingival overgrowth (n=9)
      and Group III - chronic periodontitis patients (n=6). Gingival tissue samples
      were collected from subjects of all the three groups. COX-1, COX-2 levels were
      estimated in tissue homogenates by enzyme activity assay. Immuno-localization for
      COX-1 and COX-2 was also done in sections of gingival tissue. RESULTS: The study
      results demonstrated a significantly higher mean levels of COX-1 and 2 in drug
      induced gingival overgrowth samples (p<0.05). COX-1 and COX-2 was localized to
      epithelium and connective tissue in human gingival tissue sections from
      cyclosporine induced gingival overgrowth. CONCLUSION: Cyclooxygenase enzymes
      appear to be potential mediators involved in the pathogenesis of cyclosporine
      induced gingival overgrowth.

PMID- 25124320
TI  - Dynamic contrast enhanced MR imaging for rectal cancer response assessment after
      neo-adjuvant chemoradiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient selection for organ sparing treatment after good response to
      neo-adjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer is
      challenging as no optimal restaging modality is available after CRT. In this
      study, we assessed the value of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance
      imaging (DCE-MRI) for rectal cancer pathological response prediction. METHODS: In
      51 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, the tumor volume and volume
      transfer constant (Ktrans) were obtained at 3 Tesla before CRT and surgery. The
      predictive potential for pathological complete response (pCR) and good response
      (GR) was assessed. GR was defined as pCR and near-pCR based on the tumor
      regression grade. RESULTS: The GR group consisted of 10 patients (19.6%) with six
      pCR (11.8%). Both the post-CRT tumor volume and post-CRT Ktrans values and the
      relative change in volume (DeltaVolume) and Ktrans (DeltaKtrans) were predictive
      for pathological response. DeltaKtrans showed the best predictive potential with
      a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% for GR using a cutoff value of 32%
      reduction in Ktrans. For pCR the best PPV was 80% with a multiparameter model
      containing DeltaVolume and DeltaKtrans. CONCLUSION: DCE-MRI has predictive
      potential for pathological response after CRT in rectal cancer with the relative
      DeltaKtrans being the most predictive parameter.

PMID- 25124321
TI  - Peeking into a cool future: genome editing to delete PCSK9 and control
      hypercholesterolemia in a single shot.

PMID- 25124324
TI  - Deepak Srivastava: follows his heart to study the heart.

PMID- 25124323
TI  - Study of exonic variation identifies incremental information regarding lipid
      related and coronary heart disease genes.

PMID- 25124325
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 25124322
TI  - Ceramide signaling in the coronary microcirculation: a double-edged sword?

PMID- 25124326
TI  - A novel variant in GABRB2 associated with intellectual disability and epilepsy.
AB  - The gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA ) receptor is one of the three main
      classes of receptors activated by GABA, the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter
      in the central nervous system. Mutations in genes encoding various subunits of
      this receptor (GABRA1, GABRA2, GABRA4, GABRA5, GABRA6, GABRB1, GABRB3, GABRG1,
      GABRG2, GABRG3, and GABRD) are implicated in a number of neurological and
      developmental disorders, including epilepsy and autism. To date, no human
      genetics studies have implicated mutations in GABRB2, encoding the beta2 subunit
      of the GABAA receptor, with neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we present a 12
      year-old girl with intellectual disability and epilepsy, who was discovered by
      whole exome sequencing to have a de novo heterozygous missense variant in exon 4
      of GABRB2 (c.236T>C; p.M79T). This variant is likely pathogenic, based on in
      silico analyses, as well as the fact that it results in the non-conservative
      substitution of a non-polar amino acid with a polar amino acid at a position that
      is evolutionarily conserved across multiple species. Our findings underscore the
      need for further investigation into the mechanisms by which mutations in GABRB2
      contribute to neurological and developmental dysfunction.

PMID- 25124327
TI  - CDC Kerala 3: At-risk baby clinic service using different screening tools-
      outcome at 12 months using Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe CDC Kerala experience of establishing an at-risk baby
      clinic and the comparison of different developmental screening tools at 12 mo
      against the gold standard Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants
      (DASII). METHODS: At risk baby clinic of CDC, Kerala was established as a
      facility for follow up of NICU graduates from Sree Avittam Thirunal Hospital at
      2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 mo corrected age and during each visit the mother is taught the
      CDC model early stimulation by developmental therapists and encouraged to
      continue to do the same at home. At 12 mo, assessment results of four simple
      developmental tools were compared with the gold standard DASII administered by a
      senior developmental therapist. RESULTS: Out of a total of 800 babies, outcome
      measurements at 12 mo were available for 604 infants. The prevalence of
      developmental delay using the screening tools, CDC grading for standing, Amiel
      Tison angles and DDST II (Denver II) gross motor were 24.8, 24 and 24.3%
      respectively and using DASII, a diagnostic tool (13.3%). Also the combination of
      Amiel Tison angles, CDC standing grading and DDST gross motor against DASII motor
      DQ had high specificity (94.15%) and negative predictive value (NPV) (70.18%) but
      with a very low sensitivity of 14.58% and low positive predictive value (PPV) of
      53.85%. It was observed that a significant odds ratio for DASII mental deviation
      quotient (DQ) was seen for neonatal seizures (2.34) and low birth weight (1.49).
      CONCLUSION: The prevalence of developmental delay using the screening tools, CDC
      grading for standing, Amiel Tison angles and DDST II (Denver II) gross motor were
      24.8, 24 and 24.3% respectively and together they had a high specificity, NPV and
      accuracy against DASII motor DQ as gold standard at one year assessment.

PMID- 25124328
TI  - CDC Kerala 5: Developmental therapy clinic experience--use of Child Development
      Centre grading for motor milestones.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To document the experiences of the intervention given to children who
      attended the developmental therapy clinic of Child Development Centre (CDC)
      Kerala, a specialized clinic for providing developmental intervention/therapy for
      babies less than two years with developmental delay/disability. METHODS: All the
      babies referred to this speciality clinic from developmental screening/evaluation
      clinics of CDC were registered in the clinic and re-evaluation was done using CDC
      grading for head holding, sitting, standing, Amiel Tison passive angles, and
      Trivandrum Developmental Screening Chart (TDSC) 0-2 y. RESULTS: Out of a total of
      600 consecutive babies below 2 y with developmental delay/disability referred to
      developmental therapy clinic, on comparing the test results at enrollment and
      after 6 mo of intervention, a statistically significant reduction was observed
      (i) in the 2-4 mo age group with regard to abnormal TDSC (25.5%), (ii) in the 4-8
      mo age group with regard to abnormal head holding grade (87.1%) and abnormal TDSC
      (19.4%), (iii) in the 8-12 mo age group, with regard to abnormal sitting grade
      (71.7%) and (iv) in the above 12 mo age group with regard to abnormal sitting
      grade (35.3%) and abnormal standing grade (78.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The experience of
      organizing the developmental intervention/therapy clinic at CDC Kerala has shown
      that therapy services by developmental therapists in a centre and supportive
      therapy by mother at home is useful in improving the developmental status of
      children with developmental delay.

PMID- 25124329
TI  - Recent advances in neonatal seizures.
AB  - Neonatal seizures are the most important indicators of underlying brain injury.
      Seizures in a neonate are different from seizures in older children in many
      aspects including clinical presentation and etiology. The neonatal brain is
      immature and tends to have a decreased seizure threshold. Neonatal seizures are
      classified, based on their presentation as, clinical seizures, electroclinical
      seizures and electroencephalographic seizures; based on the pathophysiology as
      epileptic and nonepileptic seizures; and also on the basis of the etiology.
      Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is the leading cause of neonatal seizures,
      followed by intracranial hemorrhage, metabolic causes such as hypoglycemia and
      hypocalcemia, intracranial infections and strokes. Neonatal epilepsy syndromes
      are rare. Electroencephalography (EEG) is the gold standard for diagnosis.
      Amplitude integrated EEG (aEEG) is also used for continuous monitoring. The
      approach to management consists of initial stabilization of the neonate followed
      by treatment of potentially correctable injurious processes such as hypocalcemia,
      hypoglycemia and electrolyte disturbances, etiology specific therapies and
      antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy. Phenobarbital remains the first line AED
      therapy. Pharmacokinetic data on newer drugs is limited. Prognosis depends on the
      etiology, seizure type, neurological examination at discharge and EEG. Long term
      neurodevelopmental follow up is essential for babies with neonatal seizures. 

PMID- 25124330
TI  - Protective effects of intranasal immunization with recombinant glycoprotein d in
      pregnant BALB/c mice challenged with different strains of equine herpesvirus 1.
AB  - Equine herpesvirus (EHV)-1 induces respiratory infection, neurological disorders
      and abortion in horses. Most of the currently available attenuated or inactivated
      vaccines against this infection are administered intramuscularly and only provide
      partial protection against the respiratory disease. The present study examines
      the effect of intranasal immunization with purified EHV-1 recombinant
      glycoprotein D (gD) in BALB/c mice followed by challenge with three different EHV
      1 strains during early to mid-pregnancy. The induced viral infection was
      evaluated by virus isolation, DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction,
      histopathology and immunohistochemical localization of antigen in the lung,
      placenta and uterus. Non-immunized mice showed clinical signs of infection,
      positive virus isolation from lungs and uteri, and abortion induced by one of the
      virus strains. Endometrial lesions developed in some of these animals that have
      been described previously only in horses. Immunized mice and their offspring had
      no viral infection or typical lesions. Intranasally administered gD therefore
      induced partial or complete protection against three different EHV-1 strains in
      BALB/c mice. 

PMID- 25124331
TI  - Oxidative modification, inflammation and amyloid in the normal and diabetic cat
      pancreas.
AB  - The pathogenesis of beta-cell dysfunction leading to pancreatic beta-cell failure
      seen in type 2 diabetes mellitus is incompletely understood. Pancreatic tissues
      were collected from nine control cats and nine diabetic cats and labelled
      immunohistochemically to examine expression of interleukin (IL)-1beta, insulin,
      islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Thioflavin-S was
      used to stain for amyloid. All control cats showed positive labelling for IL
      1beta and 4-HNE. Diabetic cats showed varying degrees of inflammation and
      oxidative modification, owing in large part to the very small amount of islet
      structure remaining in the typical diabetic cat pancreas. Amyloid deposition was
      identified in 8/9 diabetic cats and 1/9 control cats. In order to validate these
      findings, paired biopsy samples taken from an additional group of cats enrolled
      in a study of obesity and hyperglycaemia (sampling at baseline and after 8-16
      weeks of obesity and hyperglycaemia) were labelled for IL-1beta and 4-HNE. A
      similar pattern of labelling was identified in the baseline samples to that seen
      in control cats. A significant increase in IL-1beta and 4-HNE expression was seen
      after a period of hyperglycaemia and obesity. Taken together, these findings
      suggest that while present in normal cats, markers of inflammation and oxidative
      modification increase very early during the development of disease. Future
      studies focusing on these earlier time points are needed to understand the
      factors that function in protection of the islet beta cell and the development of
      islet pathology in type 2 diabetes mellitus in the cat. 

PMID- 25124332
TI  - Candidate selection for quadrant-based focal ablation through a combination of
      diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and prostate biopsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify prostatic quadrants that could be preserved without
      intervention, using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and
      extended core biopsy, as a step toward implementation of quadrant-based focal
      ablation with potential preservation of erectile and ejaculatory functions, based
      on comparisons with unilateral hemi-gland ablation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      conducted a prebiopsy DWI study including 648 quadrants in 162 men who underwent
      14-core biopsy including anterior sampling and radical prostatectomy (RP) for
      localised cancer. Imaging and pathology were analysed on a quadrant basis. Each
      quadrant was assessed through four-core sampling. Predictive performance of DWI
      and biopsy for quadrant status was analysed. RESULTS: On RP specimens, 170
      anterior (52.5%) and 172 posterior quadrants (53.1%) harboured significant
      cancer. Negative predictive values of DWI, biopsy, and their combination for
      significant cancer were 79.7%, 70.6%, and 91.1%, respectively, in anterior
      quadrants, and 78.5%, 81.3%, and 91.7%, respectively, in posterior quadrants. DWI
      incrementally improved the negative predictive values of biopsy in anterior (P <
      0.001) and posterior quadrants (P = 0.025), without untoward impacts on positive
      predictive values. Negative findings on both DWI and biopsy were identified in
      posterior quadrants of 109 sides (33.6%), but in entire hemi-glands of 54 sides
      (16.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of DWI and 14-core biopsy including
      anterior sampling efficiently identifies quadrants without significant cancer in
      men with localised prostate cancer; the remaining quadrants, therefore, could be
      potential candidate areas for focal ablation. Focal therapy designed based on
      quadrant-based assessment could be superior to unilateral hemi-gland ablation for
      preservation of posterior quadrants and retaining of sexual function in more
      sides.

PMID- 25124334
TI  - Progress toward the total synthesis of N-methylwelwitindolinone B isothiocyanate.
AB  - Progress toward the welwitindolinone alkaloid N-methylwelwitindolinone B
      isothiocyanate is reported. A key reaction to synthesize the [4.3.1] bicycle
      embedded in the core of the molecule is a furan type 2 intramolecular Diels-Alder
      reaction with a tetrasubstituted dienophile, which sets the two vicinal
      quaternary centers present in the natural product. The sterically encumbered
      cycloaddition precursor was synthesized using a Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction
      followed by a Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. Finally, introduction of the
      secondary alkyl chloride was achieved by a regio- and diastereoselective opening
      of a [2.2.1] oxobicycloheptane functionality. 

PMID- 25124333
TI  - Association of G-quadruplex forming sequences with human mtDNA deletion
      breakpoints.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions cause disease and accumulate
      during aging, yet our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their
      formation remains rudimentary. Guanine-quadruplex (GQ) DNA structures are
      associated with nuclear DNA instability in cancer; recent evidence indicates they
      can also form in mitochondrial nucleic acids, suggesting that these non-B DNA
      structures could be associated with mtDNA deletions. Currently, the multiple
      types of GQ sequences and their association with human mtDNA stability are
      unknown. RESULTS: Here, we show an association between human mtDNA deletion
      breakpoint locations (sites where DNA ends rejoin after deletion of a section)
      and sequences with G-quadruplex forming potential (QFP), and establish the
      ability of selected sequences to form GQ in vitro. QFP contain four runs of
      either two or three consecutive guanines (2G and 3G, respectively), and we
      identified four types of QFP for subsequent analysis: intrastrand 2G, intrastrand
      3G, duplex derived interstrand (ddi) 2G, and ddi 3G QFP sequences. We analyzed
      the position of each motif set relative to either 5' or 3' unique mtDNA deletion
      breakpoints, and found that intrastrand QFP sequences, but not ddi QFP sequences,
      showed significant association with mtDNA deletion breakpoint locations.
      Moreover, a large proportion of these QFP sequences occur at smaller distances to
      breakpoints relative to distribution-matched controls. The positive association
      of 2G QFP sequences persisted when breakpoints were divided into clinical
      subgroups. We tested in vitro GQ formation of representative mtDNA sequences
      containing these 2G QFP sequences and detected robust GQ structures by UV-VIS and
      CD spectroscopy. Notably, the most frequent deletion breakpoints, including those
      of the "common deletion", are bounded by 2G QFP sequence motifs. CONCLUSIONS: The
      potential for GQ to influence mitochondrial genome stability supports a high
      priority investigation of these structures and their regulation in normal and
      pathological mitochondrial biology. These findings emphasize the potential
      importance of helicases that subsequently resolve GQ to maintain the stability of
      the mitochondrial genome.

PMID- 25124335
TI  - Incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in southwestern China and analysis of
      risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to screen for retinopathy of prematurity
      (ROP) in southwestern China and understand the prevalence and risk factors of
      ROP, which may provide evidence useful in the prevention and treatment of ROP.
      MATERIAL/METHODS: 1864 preterm infants (gestational age of <37 weeks and birth
      weight of <=2500 g) underwent ROP screening from January 2009 to November 2012 in
      Southwest China. The medical information of infants during perinatal period was
      reviewed, and risk factors of ROP were determined. A total of 1614 infants were
      recruited for final analysis. RESULTS: Incidence of ROP was 12.8%. The first,
      second, third, and fourth stage of ROP was found in 64.6%, 29.6%, 3.4%, and 0.5%
      of infants, respectively. No fifth stage of ROP was observed. In addition, 7.7%
      of infants required surgical intervention. In our Department of Neonatology, the
      incidence of ROP was 20.0%, which was significantly higher than in non
      hospitalized patients (9.9%). The incidence of ROP remained unchanged over the
      years. Independent risk factors of ROP included low birth weight (p=0.049), low
      gestational age (p=0.008), days of oxygen supplementation (p=0.008), and
      myocardial injury after birth (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ROP in
      preterm infants is relatively high in Southwest China, and low birth weight, low
      gestational age, days of oxygen supplementation, and myocardial injury after
      birth are independent risk factors for ROP.

PMID- 25124337
TI  - Carbazole-based hole-transport materials for efficient solid-state dye-sensitized
      solar cells and perovskite solar cells.
AB  - Two carbazole-based small molecule hole-transport materials (HTMs) are
      synthesized and investigated in solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (ssDSCs)
      and perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The HTM X51-based devices exhibit high power
      conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 6.0% and 9.8% in ssDSCs and PSCs, respectively.
      These results are superior or comparable to those of 5.5% and 10.2%,
      respectively, obtained for the analogous cells using the state-of-the-art HTM
      Spiro-OMeTAD. 

PMID- 25124336
TI  - Sedentary behaviors, physical activity behaviors, and body fat in 6-year-old
      children: the generation R study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood overweight and obesity is a major public health concern.
      Knowledge on modifiable risk factors is needed to design effective intervention
      programs. This study aimed to assess associations of children's sedentary
      behaviors (television viewing and computer game use) and physical activity
      behaviors (sports participation, outdoor play, and active transport to/from
      school) with three indicators of body fat, i.e., percent fat mass, body mass
      index (BMI) standard deviation scores, and weight status (normal weight,
      overweight). METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 5913 6-year-old ethnically
      diverse children were analyzed. Children's weight and height were objectively
      measured and converted to BMI. Weight status was defined according to age- and
      sex-specific cut-off points of the International Obesity Task Force. BMI standard
      deviation scores were created, based on Dutch reference growth curves. Fat mass
      was measured my dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Sedentary and physical
      activity behaviors were assessed by parent-reported questionnaires. Series of
      logistic and linear regression analyses were performed, controlling for
      confounders (i.e., socio-demographic factors, family lifestyle factors, and other
      sedentary behaviors and physical activity behaviors). RESULTS: Sports
      participation was inversely associated with fat mass (p < 0.001), even after
      adjustment for socio-demographic factors, family lifestyle factors, and other
      sedentary behaviors and physical activity behaviors. No other independent
      associations were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that
      sports participation is inversely associated with percent body fat among
      ethnically diverse 6-year-old children. More research in varied populations
      including objective measurements and longitudinal designs are needed to confirm
      these current results.

PMID- 25124338
TI  - Adult neurogenesis: bridging the gap between mice and humans.
AB  - Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) generate new neurons in the mammalian brain
      throughout life. Over the past two decades, substantial progress has been made in
      deciphering the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying adult neurogenesis
      and in understanding the role played by new neurons in brain function in animal
      models of health and disease. By contrast, knowledge regarding the extent and
      relevance of neurogenesis in the adult human brain remains scant. Here we review
      new concepts about how new neurons shape adult brain circuits, discuss
      fundamental, unanswered questions about stem cell-associated neural plasticity,
      and illustrate how the gap between the animal-based basic research and current
      efforts to analyze life-long neuronal development of the human brain may be
      overcome by using novel experimental strategies. 

PMID- 25124339
TI  - Association between mental health disorders and sexual dysfunction in patients
      suffering from rheumatic diseases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sexual functioning may be notoriously affected in patients
      suffering from rheumatic diseases, yet the extent to which physical and/or
      psychological factors contribute to sexual dysfunction in this particular group
      of patients remains underinvestigated. AIM: This cross-sectional study aimed at
      investigating whether an association exists between psychological status
      (anxiety, depression) and sexual dysfunction, independently of other physical
      factors, in patients with rheumatic disorders. METHODS: A total of 509
      consecutive rheumatologic patients, aged 54.7 +/- 14.2 years, 423 female and 86
      male, were studied. Female and male sexual function was evaluated with the Female
      Sexual Dysfunction Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function
      (IIEF) questionnaire, respectively. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the Zung Self
      Rating Depression Scale were used to detect presence of anxiety and depression,
      respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sexual dysfunction affected 69.9%, anxiety
      37.5%, and depression 22% of our patients. RESULTS: A strong and negative
      correlation was found between anxiety and both FSFI (r = -0.169, P < 0.001) and
      IIEF score (r = -0.304, P = 0.004). Similarly, depressive symptomatology was
      strongly and negatively correlated with both FSFI (r = -0.178, P < 0.001) and
      IIEF score (r = -0.222, P = 0.04). In the logistic regression analysis, apart
      from increasing age and female sex, depression (P = 0.027) and anxiety (P =
      0.049) were identified as the only predictors of sexual dysfunction, even after
      adjustment for a variety of physical factors. CONCLUSIONS: Mental distress and
      sexual dysfunction are extremely common in rheumatologic patients. Sexual
      dysfunction is significantly associated with anxiety and depression in both men
      and women and may be independently predicted by their presence in this group of
      patients. Physicians dealing with rheumatologic patients should be aware of these
      results and incorporate screening and treatment of the above comorbidities in the
      global assessment of their patients, in order to alleviate the disease-emerging
      mental and physical burden and improve their quality of life.

PMID- 25124340
TI  - Post-operative analgesic effects of paracetamol, NSAIDs, glucocorticoids,
      gabapentinoids and their combinations: a topical review.
AB  - In contemporary post-operative pain management, patients are most often treated
      with combinations of non-opioid analgesics, to enhance pain relief and to reduce
      opioid requirements and opioid-related adverse effects. A diversity of
      combinations is currently employed in clinical practice, and no well-documented
      'gold standards' exist. The aim of the present topical, narrative review is to
      provide an update of the evidence for post-operative analgesic efficacy with the
      most commonly used, systemic non-opioid drugs, paracetamol, non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)/COX-2 antagonists, glucocorticoids, gabapentinoids,
      and combinations of these. The review is based on data from previous systematic
      reviews with meta-analyses, investigating effects of non-opioid analgesics on
      pain, opioid-requirements, and opioid-related adverse effects. Paracetamol,
      NSAIDs, COX-2 antagonists, and gabapentin reduced 24 h post-operative morphine
      requirements with 6.3 (95% confidence interval: 3.7 to 9.0) mg, 10.2 (8.7, 11.7)
      mg, 10.9 (9.1, 12.8) mg, and >= 13 mg, respectively, when administered as
      monotherapy. The opioid-sparing effect of glucocorticoids was less convincing,
      2.33 (0.26, 4.39) mg morphine/24 h. Trials of pregabalin > 300 mg/day indicated a
      morphine-sparing effect of 13.4 (4, 22.8) mg morphine/24 h. Notably, though, the
      available evidence for additive or synergistic effects of most combination
      regimens was sparse or lacking. Paracetamol, NSAIDs, selective COX-2 antagonists,
      and gabapentin all seem to have well-documented, clinically relevant analgesic
      properties. The analgesic effects of glucocorticoids and pregabalin await further
      clarification. Combination regimens are sparsely documented and should be further
      investigated in future studies. 

PMID- 25124341
TI  - Comparison of the ocular characteristics of anterior uveitis caused by herpes
      simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and cytomegalovirus.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the clinical characteristics of anterior uveitis (AU) caused
      by herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), or cytomegalovirus
      (CMV). METHODS: The medical records were reviewed of 46 patients whose diagnoses
      were based on their clinical characteristics [e.g., unilateral involvement,
      presence of keratic precipitates (KPs), and elevation of intraocular pressure
      (IOP)] and on PCR detection of herpes virus DNA in the aqueous humor. The
      demographics, chief complaints, and clinical characteristics of the three types
      of herpetic AU were compared. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients with AU, eight had HSV
      AU, 20 had VZV-AU, and 18 had CMV-AU. HSV-AU and VZV-AU shared common features,
      i.e., a relatively acute disease process and the presence of large KPs. Among the
      three groups of patients, the characteristic features of those with VZV-AU were
      severe intraocular inflammation, as shown by severe aqueous flare, highest viral
      load in the aqueous humor, and presence of segmental iris atrophy. In comparison,
      patients with CMV-AU had the mildest intraocular inflammation, lowest corneal
      endothelial cell density, and highest IOP. CONCLUSIONS: Although the AU caused by
      each of the three types of herpes viruses has a number of common features, each
      disease also has distinct features that should facilitate an accurate diagnosis.

PMID- 25124344
TI  - [A quantitative approach to sports training-adapted social determinants
      concerning sport].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identifying and quantitatively analysing social determinants affecting
      disabled teenagers' inclusion/exclusion in high-performance sports. METHOD: This
      was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 19 12- to 19-year-old athletes
      suffering physical and sensory disability and 17 staff from the District
      Institute of Recreation and Sport. Likert-type rating scales were used, based on
      four analysis categories, i.e. social structure, socio-economic, educational and
      living condition determinants. RESULTS: Social inequity pervades the national
      paralympic sports' system. This is because 74 % of individuals only become
      recognised as sportspeople when they have obtained meritorious results in set
      competition without appropriate conditions having been previously provided by
      such paralympic sports institution to enable them to overcome structural and
      intermediate barriers. CONCLUSIONS: The social structure imposed on district
      based paralympic sport stigmatises individuals regarding their individual
      abilities, affects their empowerment and freedom due to the discrimination
      experienced by disabled teenagers regarding their competitive achievements.

PMID- 25124343
TI  - Genetics of metabolic syndrome.
AB  - Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic traits associated with an
      increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Central
      obesity and insulin resistance are thought to play key roles in the pathogenesis
      of the MetS. The MetS has a significant genetic component, and therefore linkage
      analysis, candidate gene approach, and genome-wide association (GWA) studies have
      been applied in the search of gene variants for the MetS. A few variants have
      been identified, located mostly in or near genes regulating lipid metabolism. GWA
      studies for the individual components of the MetS have reported several loci
      having pleiotropic effects on multiple MetS-related traits. Genetic studies have
      provided so far only limited evidence for a common genetic background of the
      MetS. Epigenetic factors (DNA methylation and histone modification) are likely to
      play important roles in the pathogenesis of the MetS, and they might mediate the
      effects of environmental exposures on the risk of the MetS. Further research is
      needed to clarify the role of genetic variation and epigenetic mechanisms in the
      development of the MetS. 

PMID- 25124345
TI  - [The association between socioeconomic indicators andadolescents'physical
      activity and health-related fitness].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at analysing the association between
      socioeconomic indicators and adolescents' physical activity and health-related
      fitness. METHODS: The study involved 716 adolescents from both genders whose age
      ranged from 10 to 18 years-old (46.8% male) who answered a questionnaire for
      estimating their habitual physical activity, socioeconomic status; two health
      related physical fitness tests were also performed. The socioeconomic indicators
      analysed concerned their parents' educational level and the number of bathrooms,
      TVs, cars, housemaids, refrigerators and freezers in their homes. RESULTS: A
      positive association was found between paternal education (PR=1.61 (range 1.27
      2.10) and 1.41 (1.10-1.83)) and housemaids (PR=1.97 (1.04-3.81) and 1.92 (1.05
      3.52)) with recommended physical activity and leisure time physical activity,
      respectively. The number of cars (PR=1.48: 1.02-2.19) and freezers (PR=1.88: 1.12
      3.18) was positively associated with leisure time physical activity and the
      number of TVs negatively so (PR=0.75: 0.63-0.89). The number of TVs (PR=0.80:
      0.67-0.96) and cars (PR=0.70: 0.55-0.89) was negatively associated with
      cardiorespiratory fitness whilst paternal education (PR=1.17: 1.00-1.37) and the
      number of bathrooms in the home (PR=1.25: 1.02-1.54) were positively associated
      with muscular strength. CONCLUSION: Physical activity and health-related physical
      fitness were associated with socioeconomic status. However, such association
      depended on the socioeconomic indicator being analysed. Caution should be taken
      when analysing studies which use different socioeconomic indicators.

PMID- 25124346
TI  - [Conceptual differences and praxiological implications concerning social
      determination or social determinants].
AB  - The differences between the social determination of health approach adopted by
      the Latin-American Social Medicine and Collective Health movement and the WHO's
      social determinants of health approach are not merely conceptual but involve
      ethical and political considerations. Different notions of causality and risk are
      implied in the aforementioned approaches and shape how concepts regarding health
      illness and health inequity are understood and how they may be confronted. This
      article attempts to clarify the praxiological implications of such approaches and
      contextualise the approaches' socio-historical construction, address
      epistemological, methodological and ontological differences and propose some
      considerations regarding the praxiological implications. 

PMID- 25124342
TI  - Association of the degree of adiposity and duration of obesity with measures of
      cardiac structure and function: the CARDIA study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Examine whether there are independent influences of a greater degree
      of adiposity and longer duration of obesity on cardiac structure and function.
      METHODS: Participants of CARDIA were 18-30 years when they underwent a baseline
      examination in 1985-86. Seven follow-up examinations were conducted every 2-5
      years. RESULTS: Among 2,547 participants who underwent an echocardiogram at the
      year 25 examination and were not obese at baseline, 34.4 and 35.5% were overall
      (BMI >= 30 kg m(-2) ) and abdominally obese (waist circumference: men: >102 cm;
      women: >88 cm) at year 25, respectively. A greater degree of overall and
      abdominal adiposity at year 25 were each associated with a greater left
      ventricular (LV) mass (P < 0.001), LV volume (P < 0.001), LV mass-to-volume ratio
      (P < 0.001), left atrial dimension (P < 0.001), and ejection fraction (P < 0.05)
      after adjustment for duration of obesity and other risk factors. In contrast, a
      longer duration of overall obesity was associated with a greater LV mass (P =
      0.003) and a trend for a lower ejection fraction (P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: A
      greater degree of adiposity is strongly associated with concentric LV remodeling
      in midlife, while the cumulative effects of a longer duration of overall obesity
      during young adulthood contribute to concentric remodeling predominantly by
      increasing LV mass.

PMID- 25124347
TI  - [The relationship-based meaning of teenage pregnancy in Bogota regarding the
      family system].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ascertaining the meaning of teenage pregnancy for teenagers and their
      immediate families. METHODOLOGY: This was an analytical, cross-sectional,
      exploratory, qualitative study. Data was obtained through in-depth interviews
      with 10 pregnant teenagers and their immediate families, plus a focus group
      involving another 12 pregnant teenagers. RESULTS: Analysis by category revealed a
      tenuous limit between adolescents' narrative identity and a lack of such identity
      and identity based on the concept of family. Pregnancy provokes a series of
      responses within families, including fear in a pregnant adolescent and her
      partner, disappointment on the part of the parents, social isolation and eventual
      acceptance and redefinition of such pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy can provide
      the means for an adolescent to redress a deficit in her emotional needs, such
      condition keeping the family together at the expense of a teenager's emancipation
      and may represent an intergenerational legacy.

PMID- 25124348
TI  - [Elderly people's level of participation in social and recreational activities in
      Barranquilla, Colombia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determining elderly people's level of participation in social and
      recreational activities in Barranquilla, Colombia. METHODS: This was a
      descriptive cross-sectional study involving 469 elderly people; a basic
      activities of daily living scale, which had been adapted to the ongoing
      activities being carried out in the pertinent scenarios, was used for evaluating
      their level of participation in social and recreational activities. Bivariate
      analysis was used for estimating the relationship between level of participation
      and age-range and coexistence, using OR and chi2 tests. RESULTS: The scale
      categorized 40.9 % of the subjects as having low participation and only 20.2 % as
      actively and voluntarily participating in the activities being offered. There was
      an increased risk of non-participation in social and recreational activities
      regarding adults being over 80 years of age (OR 3.3: (2.2-4.9) 95 % CI) and those
      living alone (OR 1.75: (1.09-2.82) 95 % CI). CONCLUSION: A clear trend towards
      less participation was shown as aged increased; this is why social isolation
      becomes a risk factor for this group of people's quality of life. It is
      recommended that social networks promoting the elderly's health and quality of
      life should thus be strengthened.

PMID- 25124349
TI  - [Public schoolstudents' body composition and motor performance].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Analysing the influence of body composition on female public school
      students' motor performance. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study which
      involved a sample 371 female public school system students aged seven to 16 years
      old; they were placed ingroup 1 (G1), group 2 (G2) orgroup 3 (G3). Weight and
      height were measured for evaluating the body mass index (BMI), triceps and
      subscapular skinfold thickness for assessing the percentage of body fat (%BF).Sit
      and reach and 20 meters displacement speed tests were also used. RESULTS:
      Significant differences were found regarding all anthropometric variables
      considered. It was found that 41.1% of the 371 female students were overweight or
      obese (66.1 % in G1, 34.5% in G2 and 25.3 % in G3). Regarding % BF, 29.1% of the
      students had percentages above suitable levels (23.3 % in G1, 23.8 % in G2 and
      35.2 % in G3). Significant differences between G1 and G2 and between G2 and G3
      were also found in the motor tests regarding the sit and reach test, as well as
      between G1 and G3 in the speed test. CONCLUSION: Adiposity may have interfered
      with the students' motor performance, especially regarding the 20 meters'
      displacement speed test.

PMID- 25124350
TI  - [Dental caries in young adults regarding saliva's microbiological and physical
      chemical characteristics].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determining the relationship between saliva's physicochemical
      properties, cariogenic microorganism count, facultative anaerobic and gram
      negative bacteria based on caries' experience in young adults. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 120 students aged 17 to 34
      years old for analysing salivary flow rate, pH, calcium and phosphate ion
      concentration, lactic acid, cariogenic microorganism count and facultative and
      gram-negative bacteria. RESULTS: Salivary flow rate was included in the
      biological reference interval but was not found to be associated with caries; the
      same thing happened regarding lactic acid. A direct relationship was found
      between calcium and phosphate concentration and dental cavities. Streptococcus
      mutans was associated with white spot lesion whereas Lactobacillus spp.,
      facultative anaerobic and gram-negative bacteria were associated with advanced
      cavities. CONCLUSIONS: Saliva's physicochemical and microbiological
      characteristics in the young adult group evaluated here were differentially
      related to caries in different degrees of progress.

PMID- 25124351
TI  - [The relationship between the oral health and socioeconomic characteristics of
      chronic kidney disease patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment or kidney
      transplant].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Characterising the oral health of patients undergoing different types
      of dialysis or kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive
      study which involved multivariate analysis of information taken from an initial
      database regarding 336 patients; 49 % were receiving haemodialysis, 34 %
      peritoneal dialysis, 7 % pre-dialysis and 10 % kidney transplant. Illustrative
      variables were age, gender, marital status, occupation, education, oral hygiene
      and gingival indexes, flossing, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index,
      renal disease aetiology and type of dialysis being received. A hierarchical
      clustering method was used. RESULTS: Four groups of patients were identified.
      Class 1 (37.8 %) consisted of unmarried men having had secondary education and
      having good oral hygiene, very high DMFT, with haemodialysis but no
      stomatological pathology. Class 2 (20.24 %) included haemodialysis patients who
      had received elementary education, were unemployed, had inadequate oral hygiene,
      severe gingivitis, very high DMF rate and high Candida frequency. Class 3 (31.2
      %) included women undergoing peritoneal dialysis who were over 70 years old, had
      received elementary education, were housewives, edentulous and who had loss of
      vertical dimension. Class 4 (10.7 %) included men who had received renal
      transplant, secondary education and were employees; one third of them were
      edentulous and had soft tissue alterations. CONCLUSION: Multivariate analysis
      indicated a possible relationship between the type of dialysis received and
      patients' socioeconomic characteristics regarding oral health status.

PMID- 25124352
TI  - Occupational exposure to air pollutants: particulate matter and respiratory
      symptoms affecting traffic-police in Bogota.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Quantifying personal exposure to particles less than 10 micrometres
      in diameter (PM10) and determining the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in
      traffic-police officers working in Bogota's metropolitan area. METHODS: This was
      a cross-sectional study of 574 traffic-police officers divided into two groups
      (477 traffic-police and 97 police working in an office). They were given a
      questionnaire inquiring about respiratory symptoms, toxicological medical
      evaluation, lung function tests and personal PM10 monitoring. The differences
      between groups were found using stratified analysis (i.e. comparing odds ratios).
      Multivariate analysis of factors related to symptoms and diagnosis of respiratory
      alteration was also performed. RESULTS: Respiratory symptoms concerned a higher
      prevalence of cough, expectoration and rhinosinusitis in the traffic-police
      group. Medical examination revealed that the traffic-police group had higher
      nasal irritation prevalence; lung function tests showed no difference. Mean PM10
      levels were higher for the traffic-police group (139.4 MUg/m3), compared to the
      office work group (86.03 MUg/m3). DISCUSSION: PM10 values in both groups did not
      exceed allowable limits for respirable particles in the workplace according to
      ACGIH standards. Traffic-police exposed to air pollution had an increased risk of
      developing respiratory symptoms and signs, thereby agreeing with the results of
      this and other studies. Personal monitoring is a valuable tool when quantifying
      the concentration of PM10to which an individual has been exposed during a normal
      workday. This study contributes towards further research in to the effects of
      PM10 in populations at risk.

PMID- 25124353
TI  - [Population exposure to mercury in the municipality of San Marcos (Sucre
      department) due to eating contaminated rice (Oryza sativa)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determining the magnitude of mercury exposure in the population living
      in the municipality of San Marcos due to eating contaminate drice (Oryza sativa).
      METHODS: Twenty people (representative of the population) were selected, as were
      food (raw rice) and hair samples for determining total mercury and methyl mercury
      by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Student's t-test was used for
      comparing different samples (p<0.05 significance level) and correlation was
      analysed for determining the relationship between consumption habits and mercury
      concentration in humans. RESULTS: Rice sold loose (i.e. unpackaged San Marcos
      white rice) was the only sample having 0.021 mg/g minimum total mercury
      concentration, whilst rice sold in packaged form yielded no measurable value.
      Only 5% of the population sample exceeded the US Environmental Protection
      Agency's (EPA) 0.1 mg/kg bw/day reference dose (RfD) for Me Hg ingestion (RfD).
      CONCLUSIONS: The HgT exposure of people living in and around San Marcos
      concerning rice consumption was low and did not involve great risks to their
      health. However, frequent consumption of other types of contaminated food could
      pose a potential threat to the consumers' health, meaning that ongoing
      environmental monitoring is necessary.

PMID- 25124354
TI  - [Central venous catheter-related complications in critically ill children].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Placing central venous catheters is essential when managing critically
      ill children. This paper was thus aimed at identifying the major complications
      involved in this and determining the incidence of mechanical and infection
      related complications associated with central venous catheterization in
      critically ill children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study was undertaken
      between October 2011 and March 2012 of all new central venous catheters inserted
      in critically ill children. The definition of central venous catheter infection
      was based on CDC criteria. RESULTS: During the study period 200 central venous
      catheters were placed, 51 % in male patients, mostly infants; 71 % required
      mechanical ventilation and 56.5 % medication for hemodynamic support. Respiratory
      tract infections were the leading diagnosis on admission in 33 % of the cases.
      Complications were reported in 8.5 % of the children (52 % of these being due to
      mechanical complication and 48 % to infection). Mechanical complication incidence
      was 4.5% and eight central venous catheters fulfilled CDC criteria for central
      line associated blood stream infection (4 % incidence, i.e. 5 per 1,000
      catheter/day rate). CONCLUSIONS: Despite some complications arising from its use,
      central venous catheter placement is a safe procedure. Mechanical and infection
      incidence associated with central venous catheter placement should be known, not
      only because it differs from that regarding adult patients but also because this
      can help to establish preventative measures for reducing such complications and
      improving the care of critically ill children.

PMID- 25124355
TI  - [HIV/AIDS prevalence in Medellin and presumptive test diagnostic accuracy (2006
      2012)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determining HIV/AIDS prevalence in Medellin, Colombia, and its
      association with demographic factors2006-2012,as well as exploring screening test
      performance. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 5,851subjects.
      Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population (i.e. frequencies and
      summary measures); infection prevalence was calculated and its association with
      demographic factors identified by using parametric and non-parametric statistical
      tests, prevalence ratios and odds ratios. Predictive values were calculated, as
      were the percentage of false results and percentage of subjects correctly
      diagnosed. RESULTS: Mean age was 27 years old (0 to 94 year range); 70.5% of the
      population were female. HIV/AIDS prevalence was found to be 1.8% during the study
      period (0.32% annually). A statistical association was found with gender and age,
      a higher prevalence being found in males and adults. The false positive rate was
      0.7%, negative predictive value100%, positive predictive value 71% and there was
      99% overall efficiency. CONCLUSION: HIV/AIDS prevalence found in this study was
      significantly higher than that found in other studies in the Antioquia department
      and for Colombia overall. The male and female infection prevalence ratio revealed
      increased diagnosis in women. The screening test performed well in areas having
      less than 1% infection prevalence.

PMID- 25124356
TI  - [Mathematical modelling of an infectious disease in a prison setting and optimal
      preventative control strategies].
AB  - A mathematical model was constructed for modelling transmission dynamics and the
      evolution of an infectious disease in a prison setting, considering asymptomatic
      infectious people, symptomatic infectious people and isolated infectious people.
      The model was proposed as a nonlinear differential equation system for describing
      disease epidemiology. The model's stability was analysed for including a
      preventative control strategy which would enable finding a suitable basic
      reproduction number-based control protocol. A cost function related to the system
      of differential equations was formulated to minimise infectious populations and
      intervention costs; such function was minimised by using the Pontryagin maximum
      principle which determines optimum preventative control strategies by minimising
      both infectious populations and associated costs. A numerical analysis of the
      model was made, considering preventative control effectiveness levels and
      different control weighting constants. Conclusions were drawn. The basic
      reproduction number characterises system stability and leads to determining clear
      control criteria; a preventative control threshold was defined, based on the
      controlled basic reproduction number which enabled deducing that disease control
      requires uniform preventative control involving high rates of effectiveness. 

PMID- 25124357
TI  - Iron speciation in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) biofortified by common breeding.
AB  - The iron storage protein ferritin is a potential vehicle to enhance the iron
      content of biofortified crops. With the aim of evaluating the potential of
      ferritin iron in plant breeding, we used species-specific isotope dilution mass
      spectrometry to quantify ferritin iron in bean varieties with a wide range of
      total iron content. Zinc, phytic acid, and polyphenols were also measured. Total
      iron concentration in 21 bean varieties ranged from 32 to 115 ppm and was
      positively correlated with concentrations of zinc (P = 0.001) and nonferritin
      bound iron (P < 0.001). Ferritin iron ranged from 13% to 35% of total iron and
      increased only slightly in high iron beans (P = 0.007). Concentrations of
      nonferritin bound iron and phytic acid were correlated (P = 0.001), although
      phytic acid:iron molar ratio decreased with increasing iron concentration (P =
      0.003). Most iron in high iron beans was present as nonferritin bound iron, which
      confirms our earlier finding showing that ferritin iron in beans was lower than
      previously published. As the range of ferritin iron content in beans is
      relatively narrow, there is less opportunity for breeders to breed for high
      ferritin. The relevance of these findings to the extent of iron absorption
      depends on resolving the question of whether ferritin iron is absorbed or not to
      a greater extent than nonferritin bound iron. 

PMID- 25124358
TI  - Comparatively examining of the apelin-13 levels in the Capoeta trutta (Heckel,
      1843) and Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758).
AB  - Apelin is a recently discovered peptide produced by several tissues in the
      various vertebrates and fish. Apelin has been suggested to have role in
      regulation of many diverse physiological functions including food intake, energy
      homoeostasis, immunity, osmoregulation and reproduction. In this study, apelin-13
      levels in the blood serum of Cyprinus carpio and Capoetta trutta were determined.
      Then the results were compared between two species and sexes of each species.
      Apelin-13 level was analysed using the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit (Rat
      apelin-13 ELISA kit, catalog no: CSB-E14367r). Apelin-13 level in the blood serum
      of C. trutta was significantly higher than those of the C. carpio (p < 0.05).
      However, its levels were observed to be no significant difference (p > 0.05) that
      compared to between sexes of each species. There was a significant negative
      correlation (r = -0.829, p = 0.0001) between the apelin-13 level and body weight
      of C. carpio. However, no significant correlation (r = -0.022, p = 0.924) between
      the apelin-13 level and weight of C. trutta observed. 

PMID- 25124360
TI  - Antiplatelet therapy before, during, and after extremity revascularization.
AB  - Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is well recognized as a marker for systemic
      atherosclerosis. Platelets play an essential role in all stages of the disease,
      contributing to both thrombosis and the development of atherosclerosis.
      Medication regimens to optimize outcomes in both patients who are to undergo
      revascularization and those who will be managed without interventional therapy
      must address antiplatelet therapy. Given the common cardiovascular and
      cerebrovascular comorbidities in patients with PAD, antiplatelet therapy has the
      potential to decrease thromboembolic events in addition to improving patency
      after interventions. This clinical update reviews the current literature and
      recommendations for antiplatelet therapy in patients with PAD. 

PMID- 25124359
TI  - Preoperative dietary restriction reduces intimal hyperplasia and protects from
      ischemia-reperfusion injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Whereas chronic overnutrition is a risk factor for surgical
      complications, long-term dietary restriction (reduced food intake without
      malnutrition) protects in preclinical models of surgical stress. Building on the
      emerging concept that acute preoperative dietary perturbations can affect the
      body's response to surgical stress, we hypothesized that short-term high-fat diet
      (HFD) feeding before surgery is detrimental, whereas short-term nutrient/energy
      restriction before surgery can reverse negative outcomes. We tested this
      hypothesis in two distinct murine models of vascular surgical injury, ischemia
      reperfusion (IR) and intimal hyperplasia (IH). METHODS: Short-term overnutrition
      was achieved by feeding mice a HFD consisting of 60% calories from fat for 2
      weeks. Short-term dietary restriction consisted of either 1 week of restricted
      access to a protein-free diet (protein/energy restriction) or 3 days of water
      only fasting immediately before surgery; after surgery, all mice were given ad
      libitum access to a complete diet. To assess the impact of preoperative nutrition
      on surgical outcome, mice were challenged in one of two fundamentally distinct
      surgical injury models: IR injury to either kidney or liver, or a carotid focal
      stenosis model of IH. RESULTS: Three days of fasting or 1 week of preoperative
      protein/energy restriction attenuated IH development measured 28 days after focal
      carotid stenosis. One week of preoperative protein/energy restriction also
      reduced plasma urea, creatinine, and damage to the corticomedullary junction
      after renal IR and decreased aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and
      hemorrhagic necrosis after hepatic IR. However, exposure to a HFD for 2 weeks
      before surgery had no significant impact on kidney or hepatic function after IR
      or IH after focal carotid stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term dietary restriction
      immediately before surgery significantly attenuated the vascular wall
      hyperplastic response and improved IR outcome. The findings suggest plasticity in
      the body's response to these vascular surgical injuries that can be manipulated
      by novel yet practical preoperative dietary interventions.

PMID- 25124361
TI  - Standard endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with
      very short proximal necks using the Endurant stent graft.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated and compared the midterm results of endovascular
      aortic aneurysm repair with the Endurant (Medtronic Inc, Santa Rosa, Calif) stent
      graft system in off-label use in patients with short (<10 mm) proximal aortic
      necks and in patients treated according to device-specific instructions for use.
      METHODS: This was a case-control (2:1) single-center retrospective analysis of
      prospectively collected data performed between September 2008 and December 2012.
      Analysis identified 19 elective patients with short (<10 mm) proximal necks and
      mild angulations (<=45 degrees ) treated with the Endurant stent graft and 38
      patients matched for age, sex, and aneurysm diameter with proximal aortic necks
      >=10 mm in length who met the instructions for use. End points included technical
      and clinical success and freedom from any secondary intervention, any type of
      endoleak, and aneurysm-related death. RESULTS: The short-neck group was a mean +/
      standard deviation age of 71.7 +/- 8.9 years, 84% were men, and their mean
      infrarenal aortic neck length was 6.1 +/- 1.2 mm. Mean suprarenal and infrarenal
      angles were 110 degrees  +/- 10.4 degrees  and 170 degrees  +/- 15.4 degrees ,
      respectively. Aortic neck diameters were similar between the groups (26.6 +/- 3.8
      vs 25.7 +/- 3.7 mm; P = .36). Primary technical success was achieved in all
      cases. Off-label patients were more likely to require additional proximal cuff
      deployment to successfully obtain a seal (21% vs 3%; P = .04). The two patient
      groups were similar in rates of perioperative mortality, morbidity, and
      complications. Mean follow-up of 24 +/- 12 months revealed no differences in
      clinical success, freedom from reintervention, and aneurysm-related death. No
      type I endoleaks were observed in either group during the follow-up period.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Endurant stent graft system applied off-label in patients with
      very short aneurysm necks (<10 mm) with mild angulation showed acceptable
      treatment results. These midterm results might suggest its use in carefully
      selected patients with very short neck anatomy. Long-term data are needed to
      verify the observed durability of the Endurant stent graft.

PMID- 25124362
TI  - Glucose-lowering effect of insulin degludec is independent of subcutaneous
      injection region.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with diabetes mellitus inject insulin in
      different regions of the body. This study investigated the pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacodynamic properties of insulin degludec (IDeg), a new-generation once
      daily basal insulin with an ultra-long duration of action, after subcutaneous
      (SC) administration in different injection regions. METHODS: In this study, 20
      healthy subjects received single SC doses of IDeg (0.4 U/kg; separated by 13-21
      days) in the thigh, abdomen and deltoid in a randomised, open-label, single
      centre, single-dose, complete crossover trial. Each dose was followed by a 24-h
      euglycaemic clamp and 120-h pharmacokinetic blood sampling. The obtained
      pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles were extrapolated to steady state by
      simulation using a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model. RESULTS: Total IDeg
      exposure [area under the IDeg serum concentration-time curve 0-120 h after a
      single dose (AUCIDeg,0-120h,SD)] and maximum serum concentration [maximum IDeg
      serum concentration after a single dose (C max,IDeg,SD)] were higher (6-7 and 23
      27 %, respectively) following a single SC dose in the deltoid or abdomen,
      compared with the thigh, as also observed with other insulin preparations. No
      statistical difference was observed in these measures between deltoid and
      abdominal administration. No pronounced differences were observed in the glucose
      lowering effect of IDeg [area under the glucose infusion rate (GIR) curve 0-24 h
      after a single dose (AUCGIR,0-24h,SD) and maximum GIR after a single dose
      (GIRmax,SD)] when injected in the thigh, abdomen or deltoid (AUCGIR,0-24h,SD
      2,572, 2,833 and 2,960 mg/kg, respectively). Simulated mean steady-state
      pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles supported a flat and stable IDeg
      exposure and effect regardless of injection region, with comparable total glucose
      lowering effects [area under the GIR curve at steady state (AUCGIR,tau,SS)]
      between the thigh, abdomen and deltoid. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support
      administering IDeg SC in the thigh, upper arm or abdominal wall without affecting
      IDeg absorption or effect at steady state.

PMID- 25124364
TI  - [How can we improve the care of patients with benign anorectal diseases?].

PMID- 25124363
TI  - Cross-platform comparison of nucleic acid hybridization: toward quantitative
      reference standards.
AB  - Measuring interactions between biological molecules is vitally important to both
      basic and applied research as well as development of pharmaceuticals. Although a
      wide and growing range of techniques is available to measure various kinetic and
      thermodynamic properties of interacting biomolecules, it can be difficult to
      compare data across techniques of different laboratories and personnel or even
      across different instruments using the same technique. Here we evaluate relevant
      biological interactions based on complementary DNA and RNA oligonucleotides that
      could be used as reference standards for many experimental systems. We measured
      thermodynamics of duplex formation using isothermal titration calorimetry,
      differential scanning calorimetry, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) monitored
      denaturation/renaturation. These standards can be used to validate results,
      compare data from disparate techniques, act as a teaching tool for laboratory
      classes, or potentially to calibrate instruments. The RNA and DNA standards have
      many attractive features, including low cost, high purity, easily measurable
      concentrations, and minimal handling concerns, making them ideal for use as a
      reference material. 

PMID- 25124366
TI  - Properties of starch from potatoes differing in glycemic index.
AB  - Potatoes are a popular source of dietary carbohydrate worldwide and are generally
      considered to be a high glycemic index (GI) food. Potato starch characteristics
      play a key role in determining their rate of digestion and resulting glycemic
      response. Starches isolated from seven potato cultivars with different GI values,
      including a low GI cultivar (Carisma), were examined for relative crystallinity,
      granule size distribution, amylopectin chain length, and thermal and pasting
      properties. Starch from the Carisma cultivar was more thermally stable and more
      resistant to gelatinization, with significantly higher (p < 0.05) pasting
      temperature and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) gelatinization onset,
      peak and conclusion temperatures, compared to the other cultivars. Differences
      between the potatoes in the other properties measured did not align with the GI
      ranking. Thermal analysis and starch pasting properties may be useful indicators
      for preliminary identification of potato cultivars that are digested slowly and
      have a lower GI. 

PMID- 25124365
TI  - How immigrants adapt their smoking behaviour: comparative analysis among Turkish
      immigrants in Germany and the Netherlands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking behaviour among immigrants is assumed to converge to that of
      the host country's majority population with increasing duration of stay. We
      compared smoking prevalence among Turkish immigrants residing in two different
      countries (Germany (DE)/the Netherlands (NL)) between and within countries by
      time spent in Turkey and DE/NL. METHODS: The German 2009 micro-census and the
      Dutch POLS database (national survey, 1997-2004) were analysed. An interaction
      variable with dichotomised length of stay (LOS) in Turkey (age: 0-17; 18+) and
      categorised LOS in the host country (immigration year: 1979 and earlier, 1980
      1999, 2000-2009; the latter only for Germany) was generated. Age standardised
      smoking prevalences and sex-specific logistic regression models were calculated.
      RESULTS: 6,517 Turkish participants were identified in Germany, 2,106 in the
      Netherlands. Age-standardised smoking prevalences were higher among Turkish
      immigrants in the Netherlands compared to those in Germany: 62.3% vs. 53.1%
      (men/lower education); 30.6% vs. 23.0% (women/lower education). A similar trend
      was observed for the majority population of both countries. The chance of being a
      smoker was lower among Turkish men with short LOS in Turkey and middle LOS in
      Germany/the Netherlands compared to those with short LOS in Turkey and long LOS
      in Germany/the Netherlands (NL: OR = 0.57[95% CI = 0.36-0.89]; DE: OR = 0.73[95%
      CI = 0.56-0.95]). Contrary to that, the chance of being a smoker was higher among
      Turkish men with long LOS in Turkey and middle LOS in Germany/the Netherlands
      compared to those with long LOS in Turkey and long LOS in Germany/the Netherlands
      (NL: OR = 1.35[95% CI = 0.79-2.33]; DE: OR = 1.44[95% CI = 1.03-2.02]). The
      effects for Turkish women were similar, but smaller and often non-significant.
      CONCLUSION: Turkish immigrants adapt their smoking behaviour towards that of the
      Dutch/German majority population with increasing duration of stay. This was
      particularly obvious among those who left Turkey before the age of 18 years - a
      group that needs tailored interventions to prevent further increases in smoking.
      Those who left Turkey as adults and spent a short time in the host countries show
      'imported' smoking patterns. A limitation of this study is the use of cross
      sectional data: a cohort effect cannot be ruled out. Our findings have to be
      confirmed with longitudinal data.

PMID- 25124368
TI  - On selection for flowering time plasticity in response to density.
AB  - Different genotypes often exhibit opposite plastic responses in the timing of the
      onset of flowering with increasing plant density. In experimental studies,
      selection for accelerated flowering is generally found. By contrast, game
      theoretical studies predict that there should be selection for delayed flowering
      when competition increases. Combining different optimality criteria, the
      conditions under which accelerated or delayed flowering in response to density
      would be selected for are analysed with a logistic growth simulation model. To
      maximize seed production at the whole-stand level (simple optimization),
      selection should lead to accelerated flowering at high plant density, unless very
      short growing seasons select for similar onset of flowering at all densities. By
      contrast, selection of relative individual fitness will lead to delayed flowering
      when season length is long and/or growth rates are high. These different results
      give a potential explanation for the observed differences in direction of the
      plastic responses within and between species, including homeostasis, as a result
      of the effect of the variation in season length on the benefits of delayed
      flowering. This suggests that limited plasticity can evolve without the costs and
      limits that are currently thought to constrain the evolution of plasticity.

PMID- 25124367
TI  - Improvement of arterial oxygenation in free-ranging moose (Alces alces)
      immobilized with etorphine-acepromazine-xylazine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of intranasal oxygen and/or early reversal of xylazine
      with atipamezole on arterial oxygenation in free-ranging moose (Alces alces)
      immobilized with etorphine-acepromazine-xylazine with a cross-sectional clinical
      study on 33 adult moose was evaluated. RESULTS: Before treatment the mean+/-SD
      (range) partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) was 62+/-17 (26-99) mmHg.
      Twenty-six animals had a PaO2<80 mmHg. Ten had a PaO2 of 40-60 mmHg and three
      animals had a PaO2<40 mmHg. Intranasal oxygen and intravenous administration of
      atipamezole significantly increased the mean PaO2, as did the combination of the
      two. In contrast, atipamezole administered intramuscularly at the evaluated dose
      had no significant effect on arterial oxygenation. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows
      that intranasal oxygen effectively improved arterial oxygenation in immobilized
      moose, and that early intravenous reversal of the sedative component, in this
      case xylazine, in an opioid-based immobilization drug-protocol significantly
      improves arterial oxygenation.

PMID- 25124369
TI  - Limitations of beta-lactam therapy for infections caused by susceptible Gram
      positive bacteria.
AB  - Penicillin and related beta-lactam agents have been the most widely used and most
      important antimicrobials in medical history, and remain the recommended therapy
      for many infectious diseases 85 years after the discovery of penicillin by
      Alexander Fleming. Yet the efficacy of these agents has been undermined by two
      factors - the emergence of clinically significant resistance to the antimicrobial
      activity of these agents, and clinical situations in which these drugs may be
      suboptimal (even though the bacterial pathogens are not "resistant" to the
      drugs). Observations in experimental infection models in animals (group A
      streptococcal myositis, pneumococcal meningitis and pneumonia, group B
      streptococcal sepsis) and in some cases clinical studies suggest that monotherapy
      with beta-lactam antibiotics may be inferior to treatment with other types of
      antibiotics, alone or in combination with beta-lactams - even in situations where
      the bacterial pathogens remain fully "susceptible" to beta-lactams in vitro. 

PMID- 25124371
TI  - Monocytes and Parkinson's disease: invaders from outside?

PMID- 25124372
TI  - Reengagement of high-need individuals with serious mental illness after
      discontinuation of services.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study determined rates of reengagement in services for individuals
      with serious mental illness who had discontinued services. METHODS: As part of a
      quality assurance program in New York City involving continuous review of
      Medicaid claims and other administrative data, clinician care monitors identified
      2,834 individuals with serious mental illness who were apparently in need of care
      but disengaged from services. The care monitors reviewed monthly updates of
      Medicaid claims, encouraged outreach from providers who had previously worked
      with identified individuals, and determined whether individuals had reengaged in
      services. RESULTS: Reengagement rates over a 12-month follow-up period were low,
      particularly for individuals who had been incarcerated or for whom no service
      provider was available to provide outreach. CONCLUSIONS: Subgroups of disengaged
      individuals with serious mental illness have different rates of reengagement.
      Active outreach by providers might benefit some, but such targeting is
      inefficient when the individual cannot be located.

PMID- 25124373
TI  - Combined use of NGF/BDNF/bFGF promotes proliferation and differentiation of
      neural stem cells in vitro.
AB  - Neurotrophic factors can promote the proliferation and differentiation of neural
      stem cells (NSCs). Here we report that the possibility of using bFGF in
      combination with BDNF and NGF to promote proliferation and differentiation of
      NSCs in vitro. C57BL/6 mouse NSCs were cultured, passaged and stained by
      immunofluorescence for nestin and GFP. According to different neurotrophic
      factors added to NSCs, seven experiment groups (NGF, BDNF, bFGF, bFGF+NGF,
      bFGF+BDNF, NGF+BDNF and NGF+BDNF+bFGF) and a blank control group were
      established. One week after induction and differentiation, results showed that
      there was significant difference in the percentage of NSCs differentiating into
      neurons among the experiment groups. The percentage in the multi-factor groups
      was significantly higher than that in the single-factor groups (p<0.05), among
      which the percentage was the highest in NGF+BDNF+bFGF group. In the two-factor
      groups, the percentage in bFGF+NGF and bFGF+BDNF groups was significantly higher
      than that in NGF+BDNF group (p<0.05). The NSCs growth curves showed that cells
      proliferated continuously with the time of culture prolonging, but there was
      significant difference between the group containing bFGF and that without bFGF.
      Our results demonstrate that combined use of NGF/BDNF/bFGF significantly improved
      the ability of NSCs proliferation and differentiation. 

PMID- 25124374
TI  - Developmental and degenerative modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor
      transcript variants in the mouse hippocampus.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is regarded as an important factor for
      neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal network organization in brain
      circuits. However, little is known about the regulation of BDNF transcript
      variants in the hippocampus during postnatal development and following chemically
      induced neurotoxicity. In the present study, we examined the expression of
      individual BDNF transcript variants in the mouse hippocampus on postnatal day
      (PD) 3, 7, 14, 21, and 56, as well as in the adult hippocampus 1, 2, 4, and 8
      days after trimethyltin (TMT) treatment. During postnatal development, the
      expression levels of common BDNF-coding transcripts and BDNF transcript variants
      increased gradually in the hippocampus, but the temporal patterns of each exon
      transcript showed significant differences. In the TMT-treated hippocampus, the
      levels of common BDNF-coding transcripts and exon I, IIC, III, VII, VIII, and IXA
      transcripts were significantly increased 1 day post-treatment. These observations
      suggest that the differential regulation of BDNF exon transcripts may be
      associated with neuronal and synaptic maturation during postnatal development,
      and neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity in chemically induced
      neurodegeneration. 

PMID- 25124375
TI  - Aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity--a focus on monitoring: a review of
      literature.
AB  - The use of aminoglycoside (AG) antibiotics has declined over the past 15 years
      primarily due to comparable potency of other antimicrobials and the
      nephrotoxicity potential of AG drugs. However, resurgence in the use of AG
      antimicrobials is occurring due to multidrug-resistant gram-negative nosocomial
      infections. Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter isolates as well as
      extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae continue to force
      clinicians to consider AG therapy for nosocomial infections in hospitalized
      patients and enterococcal endocarditis. Additionally, AGs are still indicated in
      the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis. Along with the use
      of AG antibiotics is the associated renal insufficiency complication. This review
      discusses the mechanism for AG-induced nephrotoxicity. Patient- and drug-related
      risk factors are discussed to help identify patients at increased risk. The issue
      of serum-level monitoring is discussed relative to the development of
      nephrotoxicity. 

PMID- 25124377
TI  - A Retrospective Evaluation of Response to Vitamin D Supplementation in Obese
      Versus Nonobese Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on vitamin D status
      following ergocalciferol therapy. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of patients
      aged 18 years and older with a baseline serum 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL who received
      prescription ergocalciferol 50 000 IU at any dose between July 2009 and November
      2011 was conducted. Patients were included if pre- and posttreatment 25(OH)D
      levels were available within 3 months of therapy. RESULTS: Two hundred and
      thirteen patients were included in the study with 52% having a BMI >=30 kg/m(2).
      Thirty-eight different ergocalciferol regimens were prescribed, and the majority
      of patients (66.2%) received a regimen consisting of 50 000 IU once weekly for
      variable durations. Mean 25(OH)D levels increased from 18.8 +/- 6.6 ng/mL at
      baseline to 35.0 +/- 13.8 ng/mL with 61.0% (n = 130) of patients having attained
      vitamin D sufficiency, 25(OH)D >= 30 ng/mL, with their prescribed ergocalciferol
      regimen. Obese patients with a BMI >=30 were less likely to attain vitamin D
      sufficiency following replacement than patients with a BMI <30 kg/m(2) (52% vs
      71%; P = .0161). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated an overall moderate response
      rate to replacement therapy with ergocalciferol and considerable variability in
      vitamin D replacement strategies initiated by primary care providers. Based on
      our findings, elevated BMI >=30 kg/m(2) may impact the likelihood of attaining
      vitamin D sufficiency with ergocalciferol.

PMID- 25124376
TI  - Stress, Drugs, and Alcohol Use Among Health Care Professional Students: A Focus
      on Prescription Stimulants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To contrast the characteristics of pharmacy, medicine, and physician
      assistant (PA) students regarding the prevalence of drug, alcohol, and tobacco
      use and to identify risk factors associated with prescription stimulant use.
      PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred eighty nine students were recruited to complete a 50
      item Web-based survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics, nonmedical
      prescription medication use, illicit drug and alcohol use, Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision; DSM-IV-TR)
      psychiatric diagnoses, and perceived stress scale (PSS) scores. RESULTS: Medicine
      and PA students reported greater nonmedical prescription stimulant use than
      pharmacy students (10.4% vs 14.0% vs 6.1%; P < .05). Medicine and PA students
      were more likely to report a history of an anxiety disorder (12.1% vs 18.6% vs
      5.9%; P < .05), major depressive disorder (9.4% vs 8.1% vs 3.3%; P < .05), and
      attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; 4.0% vs 9.3% vs 0.7%; P < .001)
      than pharmacy students. PSS scores for all 3 groups (21.9-22.3) were roughly
      twice as high as the general adult population. CONCLUSION: Illicit drug and
      prescription stimulant use, psychiatric disorders, and elevated stress levels are
      prevalent among health care professional students. Health care professional
      programs may wish to use this information to better understand their student
      population which may lead to a reassessment of student resources and
      awareness/prevention programs.

PMID- 25124378
TI  - Angioedema related to Angiotensin inhibitors.
AB  - Angiotensin inhibitors have been extensively evaluated in clinical trials and
      have demonstrated significant reductions in morbidity and mortality following
      myocardial infarction and stroke, as well as in patients with heart failure or
      who are at risk of cardiovascular disease. Further, both angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are frequently
      prescribed for the treatment of hypertension and to preserve renal function in
      patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. Angioedema is a
      known, but rare, adverse effect of ACEIs and ARBs. Therefore, it is important for
      clinicians to have a thorough understanding of risks and benefits of prescribing
      these medications, particularly in patients with a history of angioedema. This
      review describes the literature evaluating the incidence and cross-reactivity of
      angioedema with ACEIs and ARBs in order to provide guidance for clinical decision
      making. 

PMID- 25124380
TI  - Beta-lactam hypersensitivity and cross-reactivity.
AB  - Penicillin is the most frequently reported cause of drug allergy, and cross
      reactivity of penicillins with other beta-lactam antibiotics is an area of
      debate. This review evaluates the available data on immunoglobulin E-mediated
      penicillin hypersensitivity and cross-reactivity with cephalosporin, carbapenem,
      and monobactam antibiotics. A MEDLINE search was conducted from 1950 to October
      2013, and selected references from review articles were also evaluated. There is
      a wide variety in reported incidences of cross-reactivity between penicillins and
      cephalosporins or carbapenems, with early retrospective studies suggesting up to
      41.7% and 47.4% cross-reactivity, respectively. Conversely, the use of monobactam
      antibiotics is frequently employed in the case of a penicillin allergy, as
      prescribers believe that there is no cross-reactivity between the 2 drug classes.
      More recent prospective studies suggest that the rates of cross-reactivity with
      cephalosporins and carbapenems are <5% and <1%, respectively. Similarities in
      penicillin and cephalosporin side chains may play a role in cross-reactivity
      between these classes. Cross-reactivity with monobactams is essentially
      negligible; however, there are some clinical data to support an interaction
      between ceftazidime and aztreonam, due to the similarity of their side chains.
      The data reviewed suggest that avoidance of other beta-lactams in patients with
      type 1 hypersensitivity to penicillins should be reconsidered. 

PMID- 25124379
TI  - Nonchemotherapy drug-induced neutropenia and agranulocytosis: could medications
      be the culprit?
AB  - Drug-induced agranulocytosis is a severe complication that has been implicated
      with most classes of medications. Medications such as clozapine, trimethoprim
      sulfamethoxazole and methimazole have been more commonly associated with
      agranulocytosis than other agents. Although the pathogenesis isn't fully
      elucidated, it appears to be two-fold with a direct toxicity to the myeloid cell
      line and immune-mediated destruction. Patients may be asymptomatic at the time
      neutropenia is discovered or may present with more severe complications such as
      sepsis. In approximately 5% of cases drug-induced agranulocytosis may be fatal.
      Management of drug-induced agranulocytosis includes the immediate discontinuation
      of the offending medication, initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics and
      consideration of the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors in high-risk
      patients. 

PMID- 25124381
TI  - Links between patterns of racial socialization and discrimination experiences and
      psychological adjustment: a cluster analysis.
AB  - This study used a person-oriented analytic approach to identify meaningful
      patterns of barriers-focused racial socialization and perceived racial
      discrimination experiences in a sample of 295 late adolescents. Using cluster
      analysis, three distinct groups were identified: Low Barrier Socialization-Low
      Discrimination, High Barrier Socialization-Low Discrimination, and High Barrier
      Socialization-High Discrimination clusters. These groups were substantively
      unique in terms of the frequency of racial socialization messages about bias
      preparation and out-group mistrust its members received and their actual
      perceived discrimination experiences. Further, individuals in the High Barrier
      Socialization-High Discrimination cluster reported significantly higher
      depressive symptoms than those in the Low Barrier Socialization-Low
      Discrimination and High Barrier Socialization-Low Discrimination clusters.
      However, no differences in adjustment were observed between the Low Barrier
      Socialization-Low Discrimination and High Barrier Socialization-Low
      Discrimination clusters. Overall, the findings highlight important individual
      differences in how young people of color experience their race and how these
      differences have significant implications on psychological adjustment.

PMID- 25124382
TI  - Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C667T polymorphism is associated with
      increased risk of coronary artery disease in a Chinese population.
AB  - Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex disease resulting from a combination
      of environmental and genetic factors. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 C/T, matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, macrophage
      migration inhibitory factor (MIF) rs755622 G/C and cyclin D1 (CCND1) rs678653 G/C
      contribute to CAD susceptibility. We examined the association between the five
      polymorphisms and the risk of CAD in a Chinese population of 435 CAD patients and
      480 controls. Genotyping was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption
      ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF MS). When the MTHFR
      rs1801133 CC homozygote genotype was used as the reference group, the TT or CT/TT
      genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk for CAD. The CT
      heterozygote genotype was not associated with the risk for CAD. Logistic
      regression analyses revealed that MMP-2 rs243865 C/T, TNF-alpha rs1800629 A/G,
      MIF rs755622 G/C and CCND1 rs678653 G/C polymorphisms were not associated with
      the risk of CAD. These findings suggest that the MTHFR rs1801133 C/T polymorphism
      is associated with CAD development. Future larger studies with other ethnic
      populations are required to confirm current findings. 

PMID- 25124383
TI  - Protective effect of chemically modified SOD on lipid peroxidation and
      antioxidant status in diabetic rats.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species mediated oxidative stress play an important role on the
      injury of tissue damage and increased attention has been focused on the role of
      free radicals in diabetes mellitus (DM). In the present study firstly superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) enzyme was chemically modified with two different polymer and
      physicochemical properties of these conjugates clearly analyzed. Then, the
      stability of carboxymethylcellulose-SOD (CMC-SOD) and poly methyl vinyl ether-co
      maleic anhydride-SOD (PMVE/MA-SOD) conjugates was investigated against
      temperature and externally added H2O2. Moreover, we investigated the effect of
      chemically modified SOD enzyme on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in
      streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. PMVE/MA-SOD conjugate treatment
      significantly reduced MDA level compared with the control groups, native and CMC
      SOD conjugate treated groups in brain, kidney and liver tissue. GSH and SOD
      enzyme activity in diabetic groups was significantly increased by treatment of
      CMC-SOD and PMVE/MA-SOD conjugates. The protective effects on degenerative
      changes in diabetic rats were also further confirmed by histopathological
      examination. This study provides the preventative activity of SOD-polymer
      conjugates against complication of oxidative stress in experimentally induced
      diabetic rats. These results suggest that chemically modified SOD is effective on
      the oxidative stress-associated disease and offer a therapeutic advantage in
      clinical use. 

PMID- 25124384
TI  - Template-free synthesis and mechanistic study of porous three-dimensional
      hierarchical uranium-containing and uranium oxide microspheres.
AB  - A novel type of uranium-containing microspheres with an urchin-like hierarchical
      nano/microstructure has been successfully synthesized by a facile template-free
      hydrothermal method with uranyl nitrate hexahydrate, urea, and glycerol as the
      uranium source, precipitating agent, and shape-controlling agent, respectively.
      The as-synthesized microspheres were usually a few micrometers in size and porous
      inside, and their shells were composed of nanoscale rod-shaped crystals. The
      growth mechanism of the hydrothermal reaction was studied, revealing that
      temperature, ratios of reactants, solution pH, and reaction time were all
      critical for the growth. The mechanism study also revealed that an intermediate
      compound of 3 UO3 ?NH3 ?5 H2 O was first formed and then gradually converted into
      the final hydrothermal product. These uranium-containing microspheres were
      excellent precursors to synthesize porous uranium oxide microspheres. With a
      suitable calcination temperature, very uniform microspheres of uranium oxides
      (UO2+x , U3 O8 , and UO3 ) were successfully synthesized. 

PMID- 25124386
TI  - The mobile phone compatible burns dressing.

PMID- 25124385
TI  - Withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs in glioma patients after long-term seizure
      freedom: design of a prospective observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is common in patients with a glioma. Antiepileptic drugs
      (AEDs) are the mainstay of epilepsy treatment, but may cause side effects and may
      negatively impact neurocognitive functioning and quality of life. Besides
      antiepileptic drugs, anti-tumour treatment, which currently consists of surgery,
      radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, may contribute to seizure control as well. In
      glioma patients with seizure freedom after anti-tumour therapy the question
      emerges whether AEDs should be continued, particularly in the case where anti
      tumour treatment has been successful. We propose to explore the possibility of
      AED withdrawal in glioma patients with long-term seizure freedom after anti
      tumour therapy and without signs of tumour progression. METHODS/DESIGN: We
      initiate a prospective, observational study exploring the decision-making process
      on the withdrawal or continuation of AEDs in low-grade and anaplastic glioma
      patients with stable disease and prolonged seizure freedom after anti-tumour
      treatment, and the effects of AED withdrawal or continuation on seizure freedom.
      We recruit participants through the outpatient clinics of three tertiary referral
      centers for brain tumour patients in The Netherlands. The patient and the
      treating physician make a shared decision to either withdraw or continue AED
      treatment. Over a one-year period, we aim to include 100 glioma patients. We
      expect approximately half of the participants to be willing to withdraw AEDs. The
      primary outcome measures are: 1) the outcome of the shared-decision making on AED
      withdrawal or continuation, and decision related arguments, and 2) seizure
      freedom at 12 months and 24 months of follow-up. We will also evaluate seizure
      type and frequency in case of seizure recurrence, as well as neurological
      symptoms, adverse effects related to AED treatment or withdrawal, other anti
      tumour treatments and tumour progression. DISCUSSION: This study addresses two
      issues that are currently unexplored. First, it will explore the willingness to
      withdraw AEDs in glioma patients, and second, it will assess the risk of seizure
      recurrence in case AEDs are withdrawn in this specific patient population. This
      study aims to contribute to a more tailored AED treatment, and prevent
      unnecessary and potentially harmful use of AEDs in glioma patients.

PMID- 25124387
TI  - Reconstitution of cytoskeletal protein assemblies for large-scale membrane
      transformation.
AB  - Membranes determine two-dimensional and three-dimensional biochemical reaction
      spaces in living systems. Defining size and shape of surfaces and volumes
      encompassed by membrane is of key importance for cellular metabolism and
      homeostasis, and the maintenance and controlled transformation of membrane shapes
      are coordinated by a large number of different protein assemblies. The
      orchestration of spatial elements over distances orders of magnitudes larger than
      protein molecules, as required for cell division, is a particularly challenging
      task, requiring large-scale ordered protein filaments and networks. The structure
      and function of these networks, particularly of cytoskeletal elements, have been
      characterized extensively in cells and reconstituted systems. However, their co
      reconstitution with membranes from the bottom-up under defined conditions, to
      elucidate their mode of action in detail, is still a relatively new field of
      research. In this short review, we discuss recent approaches and achievements
      with regard to the study of cytoskeletal protein assemblies on model membranes,
      with specific focus on contractile elements as those based on the bacterial
      division FtsZ protein and eukaryotic actomyosin structures. 

PMID- 25124388
TI  - Combining quantitative trait loci analysis with physiological models to predict
      genotype-specific transpiration rates.
AB  - Transpiration is controlled by evaporative demand and stomatal conductance (gs ),
      and there can be substantial genetic variation in gs . A key parameter in
      empirical models of transpiration is minimum stomatal conductance (g0 ), a trait
      that can be measured and has a large effect on gs and transpiration. In
      Arabidopsis thaliana, g0 exhibits both environmental and genetic variation, and
      quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been mapped. We used this information to
      create a genetically parameterized empirical model to predict transpiration of
      genotypes. For the parental lines, this worked well. However, in a recombinant
      inbred population, the predictions proved less accurate. When based only upon
      their genotype at a single g0 QTL, genotypes were less distinct than our model
      predicted. Follow-up experiments indicated that both genotype by environment
      interaction and a polygenic inheritance complicate the application of genetic
      effects into physiological models. The use of ecophysiological or 'crop' models
      for predicting transpiration of novel genetic lines will benefit from
      incorporating further knowledge of the genetic control and degree of independence
      of core traits/parameters underlying gs variation. 

PMID- 25124389
TI  - Clear cell urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder: a case report and review
      of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of clear cell tumors in the bladder is not uncommon.
      Clear cell dysplasia is well-described and characterized by focal replacement of
      transitional mucosa by cells with abundant clear cytoplasm, nuclear enlargement,
      and a granular chromatin pattern. Clear cells can also be seen in clear cell
      adenocarcinoma, which is rare, comprising 0.5% to 2.0% of the reported bladder
      carcinomas. Other clear cell tumors found in the bladder to be considered in the
      differential diagnosis are tumors of Mullerian origin and metastatic lesions,
      such as renal cell carcinoma, clear cell sarcoma, and malignant melanoma. Clear
      cell urothelial carcinoma is exceedingly rare, with only nine clinical cases
      described in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 75-year
      old Caucasian man who presented with intermittent hematuria, in whom a bladder
      tumor was identified. A final histopathology examination of a cystoprostatectomy
      specimen revealed a pT3b, G3 urothelial carcinoma of clear cell type (>90% clear
      cells) and a prostatic adenocarcinoma of Gleason grade 3+3 (score=6). The bladder
      tumor consisted of sheets of malignant cells with severe nuclear atypia and
      abundant clear cytoplasm; no glandular or tubular structures were identified.
      Tumor cells were periodic acid-Schiff positive and negative after diastase
      treatment; additional mucicarmine and oil red O stains were negative.
      Immunohistochemical stains showed the tumor cells positive for cytokeratin 7
      (CK7), p63 (>80% nuclei), p53 (about 30% nuclei), vimentin, E-cadherin, cluster
      of differentiation (CD10), and Ki-67 (>70% nuclei). Stains for cell adhesion
      molecule 5.2 (CAM 5.2), CD117, cytokeratin 20 (CK20), human melanoma black 45
      (HMB-45), paired box protein (PAX 8), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP),
      prostate specific antigen (PSA), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), cancer antigen 25
      (CA25), leukocyte common antigen (LC), S-100 protein, and uroplakin III were all
      negative. CONCLUSIONS: The tumor marker profile was consistent with clear cell
      type carcinoma of urothelial origin. Within the differential diagnoses, we ruled
      out other possible tumor types such as urothelial carcinoma with focal clear cell
      differentiation, clear cell adenocarcinoma, Mullerian tumors, and metastatic
      disease.

PMID- 25124390
TI  - Finite element evaluation of three methods of stable fixation of condyle base
      fractures.
AB  - The surgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures currently offers several
      possibilities for stable internal fixation. In this study, a finite element model
      evaluation was performed of three different methods for osteosynthesis of low
      subcondylar fractures: (1) two four-hole straight plates, (2) one seven-hole
      lambda plate, and (3) one four-hole trapezoidal plate. The finite element model
      evaluation considered a load applied to the first molar on the contralateral side
      to the fracture. Results showed that, although the three methods are capable of
      withstanding functional loading, the lambda plate displayed a more homogeneous
      stress distribution for both osteosynthesis material and bone and may be a better
      method when single-plate fixation is the option.

PMID- 25124391
TI  - Palatal osteotomy with vestibuloplasty for the treatment of severe maxillary
      atrophy: a new twist on an old technique.
AB  - Nowadays, upper denture instability secondary to severe maxillary atrophy is
      treated, in most cases, with dental implants. However, a significant number of
      patients cannot afford this procedure. Palatal bone deepening through a U-shaped
      osteotomy has been described previously. The procedure increases retention by
      improving the suction effect of the palate and prevents anteroposterior and
      lateral movement of the denture. By combining this procedure with a secondary
      epithelialization vestibuloplasty, the labial aspect of the ridge is also
      extended and it does not require a skin graft. This article describes a
      modification of the palatal vault osteotomy through the presentation of a case. 

PMID- 25124392
TI  - UDP-galactose 4'-epimerase from the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica: biochemical
      characterization of the enzyme and identification of inhibitors.
AB  - Leloir pathway enzyme uridine diphosphate (UDP)-galactose 4'-epimerase from the
      common liver fluke Fasciola hepatica (FhGALE) was identified and characterized.
      The enzyme can be expressed in, and purified from, Escherichia coli. The
      recombinant enzyme is active: the K(m) (470 MUM) is higher than the corresponding
      human enzyme (HsGALE), whereas the k(cat) (2.3 s(-1)) is substantially lower.
      FhGALE binds NAD(+) and has shown to be dimeric by analytical gel filtration.
      Like the human and yeast GALEs, FhGALE is stabilized by the substrate UDP
      galactose. Molecular modelling predicted that FhGALE adopts a similar overall
      fold to HsGALE and that tyrosine 155 is likely to be the catalytically critical
      residue in the active site. In silico screening of the National Cancer Institute
      Developmental Therapeutics Program library identified 40 potential inhibitors of
      FhGALE which were tested in vitro. Of these, 6 showed concentration-dependent
      inhibition of FhGALE, some with nanomolar IC50 values. Two inhibitors (5
      fluoroorotate and N-[(benzyloxy)carbonyl]leucyltryptophan) demonstrated
      selectivity for FhGALE over HsGALE. These compounds also thermally destabilized
      FhGALE in a concentration-dependent manner. Interestingly, the selectivity of 5
      fluoroorotate was not shown by orotic acid, which differs in structure by 1
      fluorine atom. These results demonstrate that, despite the structural and
      biochemical similarities of FhGALE and HsGALE, it is possible to discover
      compounds which preferentially inhibit FhGALE.

PMID- 25124394
TI  - Multi-stakeholder collaboration in the redesign of family-centered rounds
      process.
AB  - A human factors approach to healthcare system redesign emphasizes the involvement
      of multiple healthcare stakeholders (e.g., patients and families, healthcare
      providers) in the redesign process. This study explores the experience of
      multiple stakeholders with collaboration in a healthcare system redesign project.
      Interviews were conducted with ten stakeholder representatives who participated
      in the redesign of the family-centered rounds process in a pediatric hospital.
      Qualitative interview data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. A
      model of collaborative healthcare system redesign was developed, which defined
      four phases (i.e., setup of the redesign team, preparation for meetings,
      collaboration in meetings, follow-up after meetings) and two outcomes (i.e., team
      outcomes, redesign outcomes) of the collaborative process. Challenges to multi
      stakeholder collaboration in healthcare system redesign, such as need to
      represent all relevant stakeholders, scheduling of meetings and managing
      different perspectives, were identified. 

PMID- 25124395
TI  - Supraglottitis due to group B streptococcus in an adult with IgG4 and C2
      deficiency: a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Acute supraglottitis is a medical emergency as it can rapidly lead to airway
      compromise. With routine pediatric immunization for Hemophilus influenzae
      serotype b, supraglottitis is now more prevalent in adults, with a shift in the
      causative organisms and a change in the natural history of this disease. Here, we
      present a case of supraglottitis due to group B streptococcus that occurred in an
      adult with previously undetected immunoglobulin 4 (IgG4) and complement protein
      C2 deficiency.

PMID- 25124396
TI  - Effects of data sampling on graphical depictions of learning.
AB  - Continuous and discontinuous data-collection methods were compared in the context
      of discrete-trial programming. Archival data sets were analyzed using trial
      sampling (1st 5 trials, 1st 3 trials, and 1st trial only) and session sampling
      (every other session, every 3rd session, and every 5th session). Results showed
      that trial sampling systematically underestimated the number of sessions and days
      to mastery and overestimated the number of sessions and days to the 1st
      independent response. Session sampling systematically overestimated both sessions
      and days to mastery and sessions and days to the 1st independent response. A time
      savings analysis was included to evaluate empirically how much time would be
      saved by using each sampling method. Results suggested that data sampling would
      produce relatively minimal time savings. 

PMID- 25124393
TI  - Influence of noninjecting and injecting drug use on mortality, retention in the
      cohort, and antiretroviral therapy, in participants in the Swiss HIV Cohort
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We studied the influence of noninjecting and injecting drug use on
      mortality, dropout rate, and the course of antiretroviral therapy (ART), in the
      Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). METHODS: Cohort participants, registered prior to
      April 2007 and with at least one drug use questionnaire completed until May 2013,
      were categorized according to their self-reported drug use behaviour. The
      probabilities of death and dropout were separately analysed using multivariable
      competing risks proportional hazards regression models with mutual correction for
      the other endpoint. Furthermore, we describe the influence of drug use on the
      course of ART. RESULTS: A total of 6529 participants (including 31% women) were
      followed during 31 215 person-years; 5.1% participants died; 10.5% were lost to
      follow-up. Among persons with homosexual or heterosexual HIV transmission,
      noninjecting drug use was associated with higher all-cause mortality [subhazard
      rate (SHR) 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-2.83], compared with no drug
      use. Also, mortality was increased among former injecting drug users (IDUs) who
      reported noninjecting drug use (SHR 2.34; 95% CI 1.49-3.69). Noninjecting drug
      use was associated with higher dropout rates. The mean proportion of time with
      suppressed viral replication was 82.2% in all participants, irrespective of ART
      status, and 91.2% in those on ART. Drug use lowered adherence, and increased
      rates of ART change and ART interruptions. Virological failure on ART was more
      frequent in participants who reported concomitant drug injections while on opiate
      substitution, and in current IDUs, but not among noninjecting drug users.
      CONCLUSIONS: Noninjecting drug use and injecting drug use are modifiable risks
      for death, and they lower retention in a cohort and complicate ART.

PMID- 25124398
TI  - Bipolar stacked quasi-all-solid-state lithium secondary batteries with output
      cell potentials of over 6 V.
AB  - Designing a lithium ion battery (LIB) with a three-dimensional device structure
      is crucial for increasing the practical energy storage density by avoiding
      unnecessary supporting parts of the cell modules. Here, we describe the superior
      secondary battery performance of the bulk all-solid-state LIB cell and a
      multilayered stacked bipolar cell with doubled cell potential of 6.5 V, for the
      first time. The bipolar-type solid LIB cell runs its charge/discharge cycle over
      200 times in a range of 0.1-1.0 C with negligible capacity decrease despite their
      doubled output cell potentials. This extremely high performance of the bipolar
      cell is a result of the superior battery performance of the single cell; the bulk
      all-solid-state cell has a charge/discharge cycle capability of over 1500
      although metallic lithium and LiFePO4 are employed as anodes and cathodes,
      respectively. The use of a quasi-solid electrolyte consisting of ionic liquid and
      Al2O3 nanoparticles is considered to be responsible for the high ionic
      conductivity and electrochemical stability at the interface between the
      electrodes and the electrolyte. This paper presents the effective applications of
      SiO2, Al2O3, and CeO2 nanoparticles and various Li(+) conducting ionic liquids
      for the quasi-solid electrolytes and reports the best ever known cycle
      performances. Moreover, the results of this study show that the bipolar stacked
      three-dimensional device structure would be a smart choice for future LIBs with
      higher cell energy density and output potential. In addition, our report presents
      the advantages of adopting a three-dimensional cell design based on the solid
      state electrolytes, which is of particular interest in energy-device engineering
      for mobile applications.

PMID- 25124399
TI  - Misfolding of luciferase at the single-molecule level.
AB  - The folding of complex proteins can be dramatically affected by misfolding
      transitions. Directly observing misfolding and distinguishing it from aggregation
      is challenging. Experiments with optical tweezers revealed transitions between
      the folded states of a single protein in the absence of mechanical tension.
      Nonfolded chains of the multidomain protein luciferase folded within seconds to
      different partially folded states, one of which was stable over several minutes
      and was more resistant to forced unfolding than other partially folded states.
      Luciferase monomers can thus adopt a stable misfolded state and can do so without
      interacting with aggregation partners. This result supports the notion that
      luciferase misfolding is the cause of the low refolding yields and aggregation
      observed with this protein. This approach could be used to study misfolding
      transitions in other large proteins, as well as the factors that affect
      misfolding. 

PMID- 25124397
TI  - Use of a murine embryonic stem cell line that is sensitive to high glucose
      environment to model neural tube development in diabetic pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are significantly increased by maternal
      diabetes. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) that can differentiate into neuroepithelium
      and can sense supraphysiological glucose concentrations would be very valuable to
      simulate the effects of maternal diabetes on molecular and cellular processes
      during neural tube formation. METHODS: LG-ESC, a recently established ESC line
      that expresses the glucose transporter, Scl2a2, and is sensitive to elevated
      glucose concentrations, were grown for up to 8 days in a three-dimensional
      culture to form neural cysts. We tested whether high glucose media inhibits
      expression of Pax3, a gene that is required for neural tube closure and whose
      expression is inhibited in embryos of diabetic mice, and inhibits formation of
      neural cysts. RESULTS: Pax3 expression was detected after 4 days of culture and
      increased with time. Pax3 expression was inhibited by high glucose media, but not
      if cells had been cultured in low glucose media for the first 4 days of culture.
      Pax7, which is also expressed in dorsal neural tube, was not detected. Pax6,
      which is expressed in the ventral neural tube, was detected only after 8 days of
      culture, but was not inhibited by high glucose. High glucose media did not
      inhibit formation of neural cysts. CONCLUSION: LG-ESC can be used as a model of
      embryonic exposure to a diabetic environment during neural tube development.
      While high glucose exposure inhibits expression of a gene required for neural
      tube closure, it may not inhibit all of the processes involved in formation of a
      neural tube-like structure.

PMID- 25124400
TI  - Predicting the conservation status of data-deficient species.
AB  - There is little appreciation of the level of extinction risk faced by one-sixth
      of the over 65,000 species assessed by the International Union for Conservation
      of Nature. Determining the status of these data-deficient (DD) species is
      essential to developing an accurate picture of global biodiversity and
      identifying potentially threatened DD species. To address this knowledge gap, we
      used predictive models incorporating species' life history, geography, and threat
      information to predict the conservation status of DD terrestrial mammals. We
      constructed the models with 7 machine learning (ML) tools trained on species of
      known status. The resultant models showed very high species classification
      accuracy (up to 92%) and ability to correctly identify centers of threatened
      species richness. Applying the best model to DD species, we predicted 313 of 493
      DD species (64%) to be at risk of extinction, which increases the estimated
      proportion of threatened terrestrial mammals from 22% to 27%. Regions predicted
      to contain large numbers of threatened DD species are already conservation
      priorities, but species in these areas show considerably higher levels of risk
      than previously recognized. We conclude that unless directly targeted for
      monitoring, species classified as DD are likely to go extinct without notice.
      Taking into account information on DD species may therefore help alleviate data
      gaps in biodiversity indicators and conserve poorly known biodiversity.

PMID- 25124402
TI  - Science for lasting peace.

PMID- 25124401
TI  - The interrelationship between anti-Mullerian hormone, ovarian follicular
      populations and age in mares.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a granulosa-cell
      derived glycoprotein, which plays an important inhibitory role during
      folliculogenesis. Concentrations of AMH are highly correlated with antral
      follicle counts (AFCs) in other species, which in turn are related to follicular
      reserve. Relatively little is known about AMH and AFC in the mare. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine plasma AMH concentrations and AFCs in mares of different ages, to
      measure the repeatability of AMH concentrations and AFCs within and across
      oestrous cycles and to assess the relationship between plasma AMH concentrations
      and AFCs with regard to mare age and follicle size. STUDY DESIGN: An
      observational study examining the relationship between AMH, AFC and age in 45
      mares. METHODS: Young (3-8 years), middle-aged (9-18 years) and old mares (19-27
      years) were examined by transrectal ultrasonography over 2 or 3 oestrous cycles.
      Plasma AMH concentrations and AFCs were determined, and antral follicles were
      classified by size into different groups. RESULTS: Plasma AMH concentrations
      varied widely between mares within similar age groups. Antral follicle counts
      were significantly lower in old mares than in young and middle-aged mares, and
      AMH concentrations were significantly lower in old than in middle-aged mares. A
      positive relationship was detected between AFC and AMH, and this relationship
      varied by mare age with a strong correlation in older mares (rho = 0.86;
      P<0.0001), a moderate correlation in middle-aged mares (rho = 0.60; P = 0.01) and
      no correlation in young mares (rho = 0.40, P<0.4). The AMH concentrations were
      significantly related to the number of antral follicles between 6 and 20 mm in
      diameter, and the repeatability of AFCs and AMH concentrations was high within
      and between oestrous cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the
      relationship between AMH and AFC varies across age groups, and concentrations of
      AMH might be a better reflection of reproductive age than calendar age.

PMID- 25124405
TI  - Nuclear weapons. Firing of Los Alamos researcher draws criticism.

PMID- 25124404
TI  - Infectious diseases. Debate erupts on 'repurposed' drugs for Ebola.

PMID- 25124406
TI  - Earth science. A boom in boomless seismology.

PMID- 25124407
TI  - The rising toll.

PMID- 25124408
TI  - Civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

PMID- 25124409
TI  - Mother of all lodes.

PMID- 25124410
TI  - Information technology. Technology's limited role in resolving debates over
      digital surveillance.

PMID- 25124411
TI  - Medicine. Letting go of mucus.

PMID- 25124412
TI  - Chemistry. Self-assembled RNA nanostructures.

PMID- 25124414
TI  - Water treatment. Replace contamination, not the pipes.

PMID- 25124413
TI  - Epigenetics. You are what you eat, but what about your DNA?

PMID- 25124415
TI  - Biochemistry. One step closer to O2.

PMID- 25124416
TI  - HIV cover ill-advised.

PMID- 25124417
TI  - HIV cover ill-advised--response.

PMID- 25124418
TI  - Climate change: time to navigate.

PMID- 25124419
TI  - Fossil fuels' future.

PMID- 25124420
TI  - Sharing ideas too soon.

PMID- 25124421
TI  - Outside the Tower. Kids' questions transcend conflict.

PMID- 25124422
TI  - Parenting. A legacy that transcends genes. Introduction.

PMID- 25124423
TI  - Unsettled questions trail IVF's success.

PMID- 25124424
TI  - Nature's first functional food.

PMID- 25124425
TI  - The taste of things to come.

PMID- 25124426
TI  - An experiment in zero parenting.

PMID- 25124427
TI  - Maternal mental illness.

PMID- 25124428
TI  - Parenting from before conception.
AB  - At fertilization, the gametes endow the embryo with a genomic blueprint, the
      integrity of which is affected by the age and environmental exposures of both
      parents. Recent studies reveal that parental history and experiences also exert
      effects through epigenomic information not contained in the DNA sequence,
      including variations in sperm and oocyte cytosine methylation and chromatin
      patterning, noncoding RNAs, and mitochondria. Transgenerational epigenetic
      effects interact with conditions at conception to program the developmental
      trajectory of the embryo and fetus, ultimately affecting the lifetime health of
      the child. These insights compel us to revise generally held notions to
      accommodate the prospect that biological parenting commences well before birth,
      even prior to conception. 

PMID- 25124429
TI  - Preterm labor: one syndrome, many causes.
AB  - Preterm birth is associated with 5 to 18% of pregnancies and is a leading cause
      of infant morbidity and mortality. Spontaneous preterm labor, a syndrome caused
      by multiple pathologic processes, leads to 70% of preterm births. The prevention
      and the treatment of preterm labor have been long-standing challenges. We
      summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms of disease implicated in
      this condition and review advances relevant to intra-amniotic infection, decidual
      senescence, and breakdown of maternal-fetal tolerance. The success of progestogen
      treatment to prevent preterm birth in a subset of patients at risk is a cause for
      optimism. Solving the mystery of preterm labor, which compromises the health of
      future generations, is a formidable scientific challenge worthy of investment. 

PMID- 25124432
TI  - The evolution of flexible parenting.
AB  - Parenting behaviors, such as the provisioning of food by parents to offspring,
      are known to be highly responsive to changes in environment. However, we
      currently know little about how such flexibility affects the ways in which
      parenting is adapted and evolves in response to environmental variation. This is
      because few studies quantify how individuals vary in their response to changing
      environments, especially social environments created by other individuals with
      which parents interact. Social environmental factors differ from nonsocial
      factors, such as food availability, because parents and offspring both contribute
      and respond to the social environment they experience. This interdependence leads
      to the coevolution of flexible behaviors involved in parenting, which could,
      paradoxically, constrain the ability of individuals to rapidly adapt to changes
      in their nonsocial environment. 

PMID- 25124430
TI  - Neural control of maternal and paternal behaviors.
AB  - Parental care, including feeding and protection of young, is essential for the
      survival as well as mental and physical well-being of the offspring. A large
      variety of parental behaviors has been described across species and sexes,
      raising fascinating questions about how animals identify the young and how brain
      circuits drive and modulate parental displays in males and females. Recent
      studies have begun to uncover a striking antagonistic interplay between brain
      systems underlying parental care and infant-directed aggression in both males and
      females, as well as a large range of intrinsic and environmentally driven neural
      modulation and plasticity. Improved understanding of the neural control of
      parental interactions in animals should provide novel insights into the complex
      issue of human parental care in both health and disease. 

PMID- 25124431
TI  - The biology of mammalian parenting and its effect on offspring social
      development.
AB  - Parents know the transformative nature of having and caring for a child. Among
      many mammals, giving birth leads from an aversion to infant stimuli to
      irresistible attraction. Here, we review the biological mechanisms governing this
      shift in parental motivation in mammals. Estrogen and progesterone prepare the
      uterus for embryo implantation and placental development. Prolactin stimulates
      milk production, whereas oxytocin initiates labor and triggers milk ejection
      during nursing. These same molecules, interacting with dopamine, also activate
      specific neural pathways to motivate parents to nurture, bond with, and protect
      their offspring. Parenting in turn shapes the neural development of the infant
      social brain. Recent work suggests that many of the principles governing parental
      behavior and its effect on infant development are conserved from rodent to
      humans. 

PMID- 25124434
TI  - Interstellar medium. Pseudo-three-dimensional maps of the diffuse interstellar
      band at 862 nm.
AB  - The diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) are absorption lines observed in visual and
      near-infrared spectra of stars. Understanding their origin in the interstellar
      medium is one of the oldest problems in astronomical spectroscopy, as DIBs have
      been known since 1922. In a completely new approach to understanding DIBs, we
      combined information from nearly 500,000 stellar spectra obtained by the massive
      spectroscopic survey RAVE (Radial Velocity Experiment) to produce the first
      pseudo-three-dimensional map of the strength of the DIB at 8620 angstroms
      covering the nearest 3 kiloparsecs from the Sun, and show that it follows our
      independently constructed spatial distribution of extinction by interstellar dust
      along the Galactic plane. Despite having a similar distribution in the Galactic
      plane, the DIB 8620 carrier has a significantly larger vertical scale height than
      the dust. Even if one DIB may not represent the general DIB population, our
      observations outline the future direction of DIB research. 

PMID- 25124435
TI  - Robotics. Programmable self-assembly in a thousand-robot swarm.
AB  - Self-assembly enables nature to build complex forms, from multicellular organisms
      to complex animal structures such as flocks of birds, through the interaction of
      vast numbers of limited and unreliable individuals. Creating this ability in
      engineered systems poses challenges in the design of both algorithms and physical
      systems that can operate at such scales. We report a system that demonstrates
      programmable self-assembly of complex two-dimensional shapes with a thousand
      robot swarm. This was enabled by creating autonomous robots designed to operate
      in large groups and to cooperate through local interactions and by developing a
      collective algorithm for shape formation that is highly robust to the variability
      and error characteristic of large-scale decentralized systems. This work advances
      the aim of creating artificial swarms with the capabilities of natural ones. 

PMID- 25124433
TI  - Interstellar dust. Evidence for interstellar origin of seven dust particles
      collected by the Stardust spacecraft.
AB  - Seven particles captured by the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector and returned
      to Earth for laboratory analysis have features consistent with an origin in the
      contemporary interstellar dust stream. More than 50 spacecraft debris particles
      were also identified. The interstellar dust candidates are readily distinguished
      from debris impacts on the basis of elemental composition and/or impact
      trajectory. The seven candidate interstellar particles are diverse in elemental
      composition, crystal structure, and size. The presence of crystalline grains and
      multiple iron-bearing phases, including sulfide, in some particles indicates that
      individual interstellar particles diverge from any one representative model of
      interstellar dust inferred from astronomical observations and theory. 

PMID- 25124436
TI  - RNA nanostructures. A single-stranded architecture for cotranscriptional folding
      of RNA nanostructures.
AB  - Artificial DNA and RNA structures have been used as scaffolds for a variety of
      nanoscale devices. In comparison to DNA structures, RNA structures have been
      limited in size, but they also have advantages: RNA can fold during transcription
      and thus can be genetically encoded and expressed in cells. We introduce an
      architecture for designing artificial RNA structures that fold from a single
      strand, in which arrays of antiparallel RNA helices are precisely organized by
      RNA tertiary motifs and a new type of crossover pattern. We constructed RNA tiles
      that assemble into hexagonal lattices and demonstrated that lattices can be made
      by annealing and/or cotranscriptional folding. Tiles can be scaled up to 660
      nucleotides in length, reaching a size comparable to that of large natural
      ribozymes. 

PMID- 25124437
TI  - Photosynthesis. Electronic structure of the oxygen-evolving complex in
      photosystem II prior to O-O bond formation.
AB  - The photosynthetic protein complex photosystem II oxidizes water to molecular
      oxygen at an embedded tetramanganese-calcium cluster. Resolving the geometric and
      electronic structure of this cluster in its highest metastable catalytic state
      (designated S3) is a prerequisite for understanding the mechanism of O-O bond
      formation. Here, multifrequency, multidimensional magnetic resonance spectroscopy
      reveals that all four manganese ions of the catalyst are structurally and
      electronically similar immediately before the final oxygen evolution step; they
      all exhibit a 4+ formal oxidation state and octahedral local geometry. Only one
      structural model derived from quantum chemical modeling is consistent with all
      magnetic resonance data; its formation requires the binding of an additional
      water molecule. O-O bond formation would then proceed by the coupling of two
      proximal manganese-bound oxygens in the transition state of the cofactor. 

PMID- 25124438
TI  - Plant science. Genomic-scale exchange of mRNA between a parasitic plant and its
      hosts.
AB  - Movement of RNAs between cells of a single plant is well documented, but cross
      species RNA transfer is largely unexplored. Cuscuta pentagona (dodder) is a
      parasitic plant that forms symplastic connections with its hosts and takes up
      host messenger RNAs (mRNAs). We sequenced transcriptomes of Cuscuta growing on
      Arabidopsis and tomato hosts to characterize mRNA transfer between species and
      found that mRNAs move in high numbers and in a bidirectional manner. The mobile
      transcripts represented thousands of different genes, and nearly half the
      expressed transcriptome of Arabidopsis was identified in Cuscuta. These findings
      demonstrate that parasitic plants can exchange large proportions of their
      transcriptomes with hosts, providing potential mechanisms for RNA-based
      interactions between species and horizontal gene transfer. 

PMID- 25124439
TI  - Water engineering. Reducing sewer corrosion through integrated urban water
      management.
AB  - Sewer systems are among the most critical infrastructure assets for modern urban
      societies and provide essential human health protection. Sulfide-induced concrete
      sewer corrosion costs billions of dollars annually and has been identified as a
      main cause of global sewer deterioration. We performed a 2-year sampling campaign
      in South East Queensland (Australia), an extensive industry survey across
      Australia, and a comprehensive model-based scenario analysis of the various
      sources of sulfide. Aluminum sulfate addition during drinking water production
      contributes substantially to the sulfate load in sewage and indirectly serves as
      the primary source of sulfide. This unintended consequence of urban water
      management structures could be avoided by switching to sulfate-free coagulants,
      with no or only marginal additional expenses compared with the large potential
      savings in sewer corrosion costs. 

PMID- 25124440
TI  - Place cells. Large environments reveal the statistical structure governing
      hippocampal representations.
AB  - The rules governing the formation of spatial maps in the hippocampus have not
      been determined. We investigated the large-scale structure of place field
      activity by recording hippocampal neurons in rats exploring a previously
      unencountered 48-meter-long track. Single-cell and population activities were
      well described by a two-parameter stochastic model. Individual neurons had their
      own characteristic propensity for forming fields randomly along the track, with
      some cells expressing many fields and many exhibiting few or none. Because of the
      particular distribution of propensities across cells, the number of neurons with
      fields scaled logarithmically with track length over a wide, ethological range.
      These features constrain hippocampal memory mechanisms, may allow efficient
      encoding of environments and experiences of vastly different extents and
      durations, and could reflect general principles of population coding. 

PMID- 25124444
TI  - Outside my comfort zone.

PMID- 25124442
TI  - Transdifferentiation. Sequential histone-modifying activities determine the
      robustness of transdifferentiation.
AB  - Natural interconversions between distinct somatic cell types have been reported
      in species as diverse as jellyfish and mice. The efficiency and reproducibility
      of some reprogramming events represent unexploited avenues in which to probe
      mechanisms that ensure robust cell conversion. We report that a conserved
      H3K27me3/me2 demethylase, JMJD-3.1, and the H3K4 methyltransferase Set1 complex
      cooperate to ensure invariant transdifferentiation (Td) of postmitotic
      Caenorhabditis elegans hindgut cells into motor neurons. At single-cell
      resolution, robust conversion requires stepwise histone-modifying activities,
      functionally partitioned into discrete phases of Td through nuclear degradation
      of JMJD-3.1 and phase-specific interactions with transcription factors that have
      conserved roles in cell plasticity and terminal fate selection. Our results draw
      parallels between epigenetic mechanisms underlying robust Td in nature and
      efficient cell reprogramming in vitro. 

PMID- 25124443
TI  - Synthetic biology. Programmable on-chip DNA compartments as artificial cells.
AB  - The assembly of artificial cells capable of executing synthetic DNA programs has
      been an important goal for basic research and biotechnology. We assembled two
      dimensional DNA compartments fabricated in silicon as artificial cells capable of
      metabolism, programmable protein synthesis, and communication. Metabolism is
      maintained by continuous diffusion of nutrients and products through a thin
      capillary, connecting protein synthesis in the DNA compartment with the
      environment. We programmed protein expression cycles, autoregulated protein
      levels, and a signaling expression gradient, equivalent to a morphogen, in an
      array of interconnected compartments at the scale of an embryo. Gene expression
      in the DNA compartment reveals a rich, dynamic system that is controlled by
      geometry, offering a means for studying biological networks outside a living
      cell. 

PMID- 25124441
TI  - Impaired mucus detachment disrupts mucociliary transport in a piglet model of
      cystic fibrosis.
AB  - Lung disease in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) is initiated by defective host
      defense that predisposes airways to bacterial infection. Advanced CF is
      characterized by a deficit in mucociliary transport (MCT), a process that traps
      and propels bacteria out of the lungs, but whether this deficit occurs first or
      is secondary to airway remodeling has been unclear. To assess MCT, we tracked
      movement of radiodense microdisks in airways of newborn piglets with CF.
      Cholinergic stimulation, which elicits mucus secretion, substantially reduced
      microdisk movement. Impaired MCT was not due to periciliary liquid depletion;
      rather, CF submucosal glands secreted mucus strands that remained tethered to
      gland ducts. Inhibiting anion secretion in non-CF airways replicated CF
      abnormalities. Thus, impaired MCT is a primary defect in CF, suggesting that
      submucosal glands and tethered mucus may be targets for early CF treatment. 

PMID- 25124446
TI  - Serum protein profiles, circulating immune complexes and proteinuria in dogs
      naturally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
AB  - Alterations in serum protein profile, presence of circulating immune complexes
      (CIC) and proteinuria were investigated in a large group of dogs naturally
      infected with the Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacterium. Our aim was to evaluate
      the presence of hypergammaglobulinaemia, CIC and proteinuria as a possible result
      of an immune-mediated disease following infection by or exposure to A.
      phagocytophilum. Dogs were divided into three groups - IFA positive (188 dogs
      with confirmed exposure to A. phagocytophilum), PCR positive (31 dogs with
      confirmed infection), and control (IFA and PCR negative) (19 dogs). Serum and
      urine protein patterns were determined by electrophoresis and CIC concentrations
      by absorbance nephelometry. No significant differences in hypergammaglobulinaemia
      were observed between the different groups, as shown by the presence of acute
      phase proteins alpha2 and beta1-2 globulins. CIC concentrations in the IFA and
      PCR positive groups were, on average, higher than in controls by 151.3MUg/ml,
      though the differences were not significant. The proportion of dogs with
      proteinuria did not differ significantly between groups. Our results confirm the
      assumption that anaplasmosis in dogs is most probably a disease with an acute
      course, with a good prognosis under the right treatment. 

PMID- 25124447
TI  - Molecular detection and genotyping of Aphanomyces astaci directly from preserved
      crayfish samples uncovers the Norwegian crayfish plague disease history.
AB  - Aphanomyces astaci causes crayfish plague in European freshwater crayfish, but
      most historical epizootics lack agent isolation and identification. Although
      declared as crayfish plague outbreaks by the Norwegian Competent Authorities,
      only presumptive diagnoses without agent isolation exist from Norwegian
      epizootics until 2005. Molecular methods now allow both A. astaci detection and
      genotype determination from preserved samples. We therefore aimed to (1)
      investigate molecularly if A. astaci was involved in a selection of mass
      mortality events in Norwegian noble crayfish populations from 1971 to 2004, and
      (2) determine the eventually involved A. astaci genotype groups both from these
      historical and also more recent mass-mortality events. DNA was extracted directly
      from presumptively infected crayfish tissues, and screened by A. astaci specific
      qPCR. A representative selection of positive samples was confirmed by ITS
      sequencing. Finally, genotype determination was performed with microsatellite
      markers that distinguish all known A. astaci genotype groups. The molecular
      examination detected A. astaci in crayfish materials from all examined mass
      mortality events. The first event in 1971-1974 was caused by the A. astaci
      genotype group A, presumably the first genotype group that entered Europe more
      than 150 years ago. All later outbreaks were caused by the A. astaci genotype
      group B which was introduced to Europe by importation of signal crayfish in the
      1960s. The results suggest that molecular methods can verify the involvement of
      A. astaci in the vast majority of observed crayfish mass mortalities in Europe
      whenever preserved materials exist. Moreover, microsatellite genotyping can
      reveal at least parts of the underlying epidemiology. 

PMID- 25124448
TI  - Development of an APP Helpful to Manage Patients with Low Back Pain.

PMID- 25124450
TI  - Evaluation of sphingomyelin, cholester, and phosphatidylcholine-based immobilized
      artificial membrane liquid chromatography to predict drug penetration across the
      blood-brain barrier.
AB  - Over the past decades, several in vitro methods have been tested for their
      ability to predict drug penetration across the blood-brain barrier. So far, in
      high-performance liquid chromatography, most attention has been paid to micellar
      liquid chromatography and immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) LC. IAMLC has
      been described as a viable approach, since the stationary phase emulates the
      lipid environment of a cell membrane. However, research in IAMLC has almost
      exclusively been limited to phosphatidylcholine (PC)-based stationary phases,
      even though PC is only one of the lipids present in cell membranes. In this
      article, sphingomyelin and cholester stationary phases have been tested for the
      first time towards their ability to predict drug penetration across the blood
      brain barrier. Upon comparison with the PC stationary phase, the sphingomyelin-
      and cholester-based columns depict similar predictive performance. Combining data
      from the different stationary phases did not lead to improvements of the models. 

PMID- 25124453
TI  - Nephrotic syndrome in hand, foot and mouth disease caused by coxsackievirus A16:
      a case report.
AB  - Some viruses, including certain members of the enterovirus genus, have been
      reported to cause nephrotic syndrome. However, no case of coxsackievirus A16
      (CVA16)-related nephrotic syndrome has been reported so far. We describe a case
      of CVA16-related hand, foot and mouth disease presenting with nephrotic syndrome
      in a 3-year-old boy. This is the first report of CVA16-related nephrotic
      syndrome. 

PMID- 25124454
TI  - On confirmation bias in imaging research.

PMID- 25124452
TI  - The absence of exanthema is related with death and illness severity in acute
      enterovirus infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether exanthema is related to illness severity in acute
      enterovirus infection in children. METHODS: The data of pediatric inpatients at
      Zhujiang Hospital during 2009-2012 with an acute enterovirus infection were
      reviewed retrospectively. Enterovirus infection was determined by real-time
      reverse transcription PCR. Clinical data were summarized and compared between
      cases with and without exanthema. RESULTS: A total of 780 pediatric inpatients
      with an acute enterovirus infection were included in this study, of whom 83
      (10.6%) presented no exanthema. The percentage of deaths in the group of patients
      without exanthema was significantly higher than that in the group with exanthema
      (7.2% vs. 1.1%; p = 0.002). Central nervous system involvement (41.0% vs. 30.0%;
      p = 0.041), severe central nervous system (CNS) involvement (21.7% vs. 11.0%; p =
      0.005), severe CNS involvement with cardiopulmonary failure (9.6% vs. 2.3%; p =
      0.002), an altered level of consciousness (15.7% vs. 7.6%; p = 0.013), and
      convulsions (14.4% vs. 6.3%; p = 0.007) occurred significantly more frequently in
      the group without exanthema. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable proportion of children
      with an acute enterovirus infection in Guangdong Province, China during 2009-2012
      presented no exanthema, and the absence of exanthema was found to be related to
      death and illness severity for these acute enterovirus infections. Clinicians in
      China should consider enterovirus as the possible pathogen when treating children
      with an acute pathogen infection without exanthema.

PMID- 25124451
TI  - Absence of plastin 1 causes abnormal maintenance of hair cell stereocilia and a
      moderate form of hearing loss in mice.
AB  - Hearing relies on the mechanosensory inner and outer hair cells (OHCs) of the
      organ of Corti, which convert mechanical deflections of their actin-rich
      stereociliary bundles into electrochemical signals. Several actin-associated
      proteins are essential for stereocilia formation and maintenance, and their
      absence leads to deafness. One of the most abundant actin-bundling proteins of
      stereocilia is plastin 1, but its function has never been directly assessed.
      Here, we found that plastin 1 knock-out (Pls1 KO) mice have a moderate and
      progressive form of hearing loss across all frequencies. Auditory hair cells
      developed normally in Pls1 KO, but in young adult animals, the stereocilia of
      inner hair cells were reduced in width and length. The stereocilia of OHCs were
      comparatively less affected; however, they also showed signs of degeneration in
      ageing mice. The hair bundle stiffness and the acquisition of the
      electrophysiological properties of hair cells were unaffected by the absence of
      plastin 1, except for a significant change in the adaptation properties, but not
      the size of the mechanoelectrical transducer currents. These results show that in
      contrast to other actin-bundling proteins such as espin, harmonin or Eps8,
      plastin 1 is dispensable for the initial formation of stereocilia. However, the
      progressive hearing loss and morphological defects of hair cells in adult Pls1 KO
      mice point at a specific role for plastin 1 in the preservation of adult
      stereocilia and optimal hearing. Hence, mutations in the human PLS1 gene may be
      associated with relatively mild and progressive forms of hearing loss. 

PMID- 25124455
TI  - Refinement of the critical region in a new 7p22.1 microduplication syndrome
      including craniofacial dysmorphism and speech delay.

PMID- 25124457
TI  - Intimacy motivations and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adoption intentions
      among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) in romantic relationships.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the USA, men who have sex with men (MSM) in primary partnerships
      are at elevated risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Pre
      exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a new biomedical prevention strategy, has potential
      to reduce HIV transmission. This study examined predictors of PrEP adoption
      intentions among HIV-negative MSM in primary partnerships. METHODS: The sample
      included HIV-negative MSM (n = 164) who participated in an ongoing cross
      sectional study with an in-person interview examining PrEP adoption intentions.
      RESULTS: Higher HIV risk perception, intimacy motivations for condomless sex,
      recent condomless anal sex with outside partners, education, and age were each
      independently associated with PrEP adoption intentions. In a multivariate model,
      only age, education, and intimacy motivations for condomless sex were
      significantly associated with PrEP adoption intentions. CONCLUSIONS: Intimacy
      motivations may play a central role in PrEP adoption for MSM couples.
      Incorporating relationship dynamics into biomedical strategies is a promising
      avenue for research and intervention.

PMID- 25124456
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of Qigong/Tai Chi Easy on cancer-related fatigue in
      breast cancer survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many breast cancer survivors experience fatigue, mood, and sleep
      disturbances. PURPOSE: This study aims to compare a meditative movement practice,
      Qigong/Tai Chi Easy (QG/TCE) with sham Qigong (SQG), testing effects of
      meditation/breath aspects of QG/TCE on breast cancer survivors' persistent
      fatigue and other symptoms. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized controlled
      trial tested 12 weeks of QG/TCE versus SQG on fatigue, depression, and sleep
      among 87 postmenopausal, fatigued breast cancer survivors, stages 0-III, age 40
      75. RESULTS: Fatigue decreased significantly in the QG/TCE group compared to
      control at post-intervention (p = 0.005) and 3 months follow-up (p = 0.024), but
      not depression and sleep quality. Improvement occurred over time for both
      interventions in depression and sleep quality (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: QG/TCE
      showed significant improvement over time compared to SQG for fatigue, but not
      depression or sleep. Both QG/TCE and SQG showed improvement for two prevalent
      symptoms among breast cancer survivors, depression and sleep dysfunction.

PMID- 25124459
TI  - The conservative management of renal trauma: a literature review and practical
      clinical guideline from Australia and New Zealand.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the literature and make practical recommendations regarding
      the conservative management of renal trauma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Relevant
      articles and guidelines published between 1980 and 2014 were reviewed. Graded
      recommendations were constructed by a multi-disciplinary panel consisting of
      urologists, radiologists, and infectious disease physicians. These
      recommendations underwent formal review and debate at the Western Australian
      USANZ 2013 state conference, and were presented at the USANZ 2014 annual
      scientific meeting. RESULTS: The literature on the conservative management of
      renal trauma is reviewed within the framework of the American Association for the
      Surgery of Trauma (AAST) kidney injury severity scale. Graded recommendations are
      made regarding several key topics including: imaging, inpatient management,
      antibiotics, return to activity, and follow-up. Grade IV injuries and
      intraoperative consults are examined separately in view of the difficulties these
      groups cause in making appropriate treatment decisions. CONCLUSION: A practical
      clinical guideline is provided regarding the conservative management of renal
      trauma.

PMID- 25124458
TI  - Microtubules provide directional information for core PCP function.
AB  - Planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling controls the polarization of cells within
      the plane of an epithelium. Two molecular modules composed of
      Fat(Ft)/Dachsous(Ds)/Four-jointed(Fj) and a 'PCP-core' including Frizzled(Fz) and
      Dishevelled(Dsh) contribute to polarization of individual cells. How polarity is
      globally coordinated with tissue axes is unresolved. Consistent with previous
      results, we find that the Ft/Ds/Fj-module has an effect on a MT-cytoskeleton.
      Here, we provide evidence for the model that the Ft/Ds/Fj-module provides
      directional information to the core-module through this MT organizing function.
      We show Ft/Ds/Fj-dependent initial polarization of the apical MT-cytoskeleton
      prior to global alignment of the core-module, reveal that the anchoring of apical
      non-centrosomal MTs at apical junctions is polarized, observe that directional
      trafficking of vesicles containing Dsh depends on Ft, and demonstrate the
      feasibility of this model by mathematical simulation. Together, these results
      support the hypothesis that Ft/Ds/Fj provides a signal to orient core PCP
      function via MT polarization.

PMID- 25124463
TI  - Assembling ellipsoidal particles at fluid interfaces using switchable dipolar
      capillary interactions.
AB  - How to dynamically tune an assembly of anisotropic colloidal particles adsorbed
      at fluid-fluid interfaces using dipolar capillary interactions is demonstrated. A
      previously discovered first-order phase transition is exploited and it is shown
      how to spontaneously turn off these dipolar capillary interactions by exceeding a
      critical field strength, providing unprecedented control of the bottom-up
      fabrication of soft materials. 

PMID- 25124462
TI  - Time trends of physical activity and television viewing time in Brazil: 2006
      2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in surveillance of physical activity, data on
      time trends of physical activity in low and middle-income countries are lacking.
      This study describes time trends in physical activity and television viewing
      between 2006 and 2012 among Brazilian adults. METHODS: Data from 371,271 adult
      participants (18 + years) in the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective
      Factors for Chronic Illnesses using Telephone Survey (VIGITEL) were analysed.
      Time trends in leisure-time physical activity (>= 5 days/wk; >= 30 min/day),
      transportation physical activity (using bicycle or walking for >= 30 minutes per
      day as a means of transportation to/from work) and proportion of participants
      spending more than three hours per day watching television were analysed. Annual
      changes according to sex, age and years of schooling were calculated. RESULTS:
      There was an increase in leisure-time physical activity from 12.8% in 2006 to
      14.9% in 2012 (annual increase of 1.9%; p < 0.001). This increase was more marked
      in younger participants and those with high-school education. Transportation
      physical activity decreased 12.9% per year (p < 0.001) from 2006 to 2008 and 5.8%
      per year from 2009 to 2012 (p < 0.001). The annual decline in television viewing
      time was 5% (p < 0.001) between 2006 and 2009 and 2% (p = 0.16) between 2010 and
      2012. CONCLUSION: National survey data from Brazil indicate that leisure-time
      physical activity appears to be increasing, while television viewing time appears
      to be decreasing in recent years. However, transportation physical activity has
      been declining. These data are important for informing national public health
      policies.

PMID- 25124461
TI  - Alteration of lipid profile in subclinical hypothyroidism: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies yielded controversial results about the alteration
      of lipid profiles in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. We performed a
      meta-analysis to investigate the association between subclinical hypothyroidism
      and lipid profiles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library,
      and China National Knowledge Infrastructure articles published January 1990
      through January 2014. Dissertation databases (PQDT and CDMD) were searched for
      additional unpublished articles. We included articles reporting the relationship
      between subclinical hypothyroidism and at least 1 parameter of lipid profiles,
      and calculated the overall weighted mean difference (WMD) with a random effects
      model. Meta-regression was used to explore the source of heterogeneity among
      studies, and the Egger test, Begg test, and the trim and fill method were used to
      assess potential publication bias. RESULTS: Sixteen observational studies were
      included in our analysis. Meta-analysis suggested that the serum total
      cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total
      triglyceride levels were significantly increased in patients with subclinical
      hypothyroidism compared with euthyroidism individuals; the WMD were 12.17 mg/dl,
      7.01 mg/dl, and 13.19 mg/dl, respectively (P<0.001 for all). No significant
      difference was observed for serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).
      Match strategy was the main source of heterogeneity among studies in TC and LDL-C
      analysis. Potential publication bias was found in TC and LDL-C analysis by the
      Egger test or Begg test and was not confirmed by the trim and fill method.
      CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical hypothyroidism may correlate with altered lipid profile.
      Previous studies had limitations in the control of potential confounding factors
      and further studies should consider those factors.

PMID- 25124464
TI  - Microbial priming of plant and animal immunity: symbionts as developmental
      signals.
AB  - The functional similarity between root and gut microbiota, both contributing to
      the nutrition and protection of the host, is often overlooked. A central
      mechanism for efficient protection against pathogens is defense priming, the
      preconditioning of immunity induced by microbial colonization after germination
      or birth. Microbiota have been recruited several times in evolution as
      developmental signals for immunity maturation. Because there is no evidence that
      microbial signals are more relevant than endogenous ones, we propose a neutral
      scenario for the evolution of this dependency: any hypothetic endogenous signal
      can be lost because microbial colonization, reliably occurring at germination or
      birth, can substitute for it, and without either positive selection or the
      acquisition of new functions. Dependency of development on symbiotic signals can
      thus evolve by contingent irreversibility. 

PMID- 25124465
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 25124466
TI  - Association study of ERbeta, AR, and CYP19A1 genes and MtF transsexualism.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The etiology of male-to-female (MtF) transsexualism is unknown.
      Both genetic and neurological factors may play an important role. AIM: To
      investigate the possible influence of the genetic factor on the etiology of MtF
      transsexualism. METHODS: We carried out a cytogenetic and molecular analysis in
      442 MtFs and 473 healthy, age- and geographical origin-matched XY control males.
      The karyotype was investigated by G-banding and by high-density array in the
      transsexual group. The molecular analysis involved three tandem variable regions
      of genes estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) (CA tandem repeats in intron 5),
      androgen receptor (AR) (CAG tandem repeats in exon 1), and CYP19A1 (TTTA tandem
      repeats in intron 4). The allele and genotype frequencies, after division into
      short and long alleles, were obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We investigated the
      association between genotype and transsexualism by performing a molecular
      analysis of three variable regions of genes ERbeta, AR, and CYP19A1 in 915
      individuals (442 MtFs and 473 control males). RESULTS: Most MtFs showed an
      unremarkable 46,XY karyotype (97.96%). No specific chromosome aberration was
      associated with MtF transsexualism, and prevalence of aneuploidy (2.04%) was
      slightly higher than in the general population. Molecular analyses showed no
      significant difference in allelic or genotypic distribution of the genes examined
      between MtFs and controls. Moreover, molecular findings presented no evidence of
      an association between the sex hormone-related genes (ERbeta, AR, and CYP19A1)
      and MtF transsexualism. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that the analysis of
      karyotype provides limited information in these subjects. Variable regions
      analyzed from ERbeta, AR, and CYP19A1 are not associated with MtF transsexualism.
      Nevertheless, this does not exclude other polymorphic regions not analyzed.

PMID- 25124467
TI  - Are end-of-life practices in Norway in line with ethics and law?
AB  - BACKGROUND: End-of-life decisions, including limitation of life prolonging
      treatment, may be emotionally, ethically and legally challenging. Euthanasia and
      physician-assisted suicide (PAS) are illegal in Norway. A study from 2000
      indicated that these practices occur infrequently in Norway. METHODS: In 2012, a
      postal questionnaire addressing experience with limitation of life-prolonging
      treatment for non-medical reasons was sent to a representative sample of 1792
      members of the Norwegian Medical Association (7.7% of the total active doctor
      population of 22,500). The recipients were also asked whether they, during the
      last 12 months, had participated in euthanasia, PAS or the hastening of death of
      non-competent patients. RESULTS: Seventy-one per cent of the doctors responded.
      Forty-four per cent of the respondents reported that they had terminated
      treatment at the family's request not knowing the patient's own wish, doctors
      below 50 and anaesthesiologists more often. Anaesthesiologists more often
      reported to have terminated life-prolonging treatment because of resource
      considerations. Six doctors reported having hastened the death of a patient the
      last 12 months, one by euthanasia, one by PAS and four had hastened death without
      patient request. Male doctors and doctors below 50 more frequently reported
      having hastened the death of a patient. CONCLUSION: Forgoing life-prolonging
      treatment at the request of the family may be more frequent in Norway that the
      law permits. A very small minority of doctors has hastened the death of a
      patient, and most cases involved non-competent patients. Male doctors below 50
      seem to have a more liberal end-of-life practice.

PMID- 25124468
TI  - Ambient temperature and prevalence of obesity in the Spanish population: The
      Di@bet.es study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine possible associations between
      ambient temperature and obesity in the Spanish population using an ecological
      focus. METHODS: The Di@bet.es study is a national, cross-sectional, population
      based survey of cardiometabolic risk factors and their association with
      lifestyle. SAMPLE: 5,061 subjects in 100 clusters. VARIABLES: Clinical,
      demographic and lifestyle survey, physical examination, and blood sampling. The
      mean annual temperature ( degrees C) for each study site was collected from the
      Spanish National Meteorology Agency (1971-2000). RESULTS: The prevalence rates of
      obesity in the different geographical areas divided according to mean annual
      temperature quartiles were 26.9% in quartile 1 (10.4-14.5 degrees C), 30.5% in
      quartile 2 (14.5-15.5 degrees C), 32% in quartile 3 (15.5-17.8 degrees C), and
      33.6% in quartile 4 (17.8-21.3 degrees C) (P = 0.003). Logistic regression
      analyses including multiple socio-demographic (age, gender, educational level,
      marital status) and lifestyle (physical activity, Mediterranean diet score,
      smoking) variables showed that, as compared with quartile 1, the odd ratios for
      obesity were 1.20 (1.01-1.42), 1.35 (1.12-1.61), and 1.38 (1.14-1.67) in
      quartiles 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P = 0.001 for difference, P < 0.001 for
      trend). CONCLUSIONS: Our study reports an association between ambient temperature
      and obesity in the Spanish population controlled for known confounders.

PMID- 25124469
TI  - Clinical significance of surgical resection for the recurrence of esophageal
      cancer after radical esophagectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of surgical
      resection for recurrent lesions after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
      METHODS: Recurrence was detected in 113 of 365 consecutive patients who underwent
      surgical resection for esophageal cancer, and some treatment was performed for
      recurrence in 100 of the 113 patients. The treatments were classified into two
      groups: chemotherapy and/or radiation with surgery (surgery group, n = 14) and
      chemotherapy and/or radiation without surgery (no surgery group, n = 86). The
      outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients in the
      surgery group, 3 underwent repeated resection. Thus, a total of 22 resections
      were performed for these patients. The resected organs were the lymph nodes in
      nine patients, the lungs in six patients, local recurrence in two patients,
      subcutaneous recurrence in two patients, the liver in one patient, the brain in
      one patient, and the parotid gland in one patient. Among the 22 recurrent cases,
      20 involved solitary lesions or multiple lesions located in a small resectable
      region. When the two groups were compared, the surgery group showed a more
      favorable prognosis in terms of both survival after esophagectomy (median
      survival time, 103.3 vs 23.1 months; p = 0.0060) and survival after initial
      recurrence (92.1 vs 12.2 months; p = 0.0057). CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal treatment
      provides a significant benefit for patients with recurrence after esophagectomy
      for esophageal cancer. Surgical intervention should be aggressively included in
      the treatment strategy when the recurrent lesion is solitary or localized.

PMID- 25124470
TI  - Diagnostic performance of multidetector row computed tomography for assessment of
      lymph node metastasis in patients with distal rectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The accurate preoperative diagnosis of depth of tumor invasion and
      nodal status in distal rectal cancer is important because neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy or lateral pelvic lymph node dissection is indicated for patients
      with T3-T4 tumor or nodal involvement. This study aimed to determine the optimal
      cutoff value for predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with distal rectal
      cancer using multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT). METHODS: The study
      investigated 77 patients who had undergone surgery for distal rectal cancer at a
      single institution between 2008 and 2011. Diagnostic performance for depth of
      tumor invasion and mesorectal and lateral pelvic lymph node metastases was
      evaluated. The optimal cutoff value was determined by receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: For predicting mesorectal and lateral
      pelvic lymph node metastasis, MDCT had a sensitivity of 0.36 and 0.89 and a
      specificity of 0.78 and 0.97, respectively. The optimal cutoff values of major
      and minor axes lengths for predicting mesorectal lymph node metastasis were 6.5
      mm and 5.7 mm, respectively. The areas under the curve (AUCs) were 0.82 and 0.88,
      respectively. For predicting lateral lymph node metastasis, the optimal cutoff
      values were 9 mm for the major axis and 6 mm for the minor axis. Both AUCs were
      1. CONCLUSIONS: Using MDCT, the optimal cutoff value of minor axis length for
      predicting mesorectal and lateral pelvic lymph node metastases in patients with
      distal rectal cancer was 6 mm. The accuracy of MDCT was satisfactory for
      predicting lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis.

PMID- 25124471
TI  - Intraperitoneal chemotherapy at the time of surgery is not associated with
      increased 30-day morbidity and mortality following colorectal resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the absence of large randomized trials, the independent
      contribution of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) to morbidity and mortality
      (M+M) from cytoreductive surgery remains uncertain. In a multi-institutional
      cohort of colorectal surgery patients, we examined the association between M+M
      and the use of IPC. METHODS: Patients undergoing an open colorectal resection for
      cancer with and without administration of IPC were identified using the American
      College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005
      2012). Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with 30-day
      M+M. Using a propensity score matching method, patients undergoing IPC were
      matched 1:3 to non-IPC patients. M+M within the matched cohort was compared using
      the chi (2) test. RESULTS: Of the 33,912 patients identified, 188 had concurrent
      IPC. The M+M rates were 41 and 30 % with and without IPC, respectively (p =
      0.002). In multivariate analysis, IPC was not associated with M+M (odds ratio
      0.92; p = 0.62). Using a propensity score match to control for patient and
      operative factors, patients who received IPC (n = 188) were matched to patients
      who did not receive IPC (n = 365). The M+M rates in the matched cohort did not
      significantly differ (41 % with IPC and 45 % without IPC; p = 0.34). Similarly,
      mortality (1.1 vs. 2.5 %; p = 0.26) and length of stay (12 vs. 11 days; p = 0.27)
      were not affected by IPC status. CONCLUSIONS: After controlling for patient and
      operative factors, IPC was not associated with increased M+M following colorectal
      resection. The high morbidity observed in patients receiving IPC appears to be
      driven by operative factors other than the use of IPC.

PMID- 25124472
TI  - Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for malignant
      peritoneal mesothelioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the increased adoption of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and
      hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), patients with malignant
      peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) have seen improved outcomes. We aimed to evaluate
      and synthesize the recent published literature. METHODS: The review was conducted
      according to the recommendation of the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in
      Epidemiology group with prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The DEALE
      method was used to combine mortality rates, and imputation techniques were used
      to calculate standard errors. Meta-regression techniques were used to synthesize
      data. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. RESULTS: Of 6,528
      citations collected, 20 articles reporting on 1,047 patients were included in the
      analysis. The median age was 51 years (interquartile range 49-55), with 59 % (54
      67) female. The median peritoneal carcinomatosis index score was 19 (16-23).
      Complete cytoreduction (CC0, 1) was performed in 67 % (46-93 %) of patients.
      Pooled estimates of survival yielded a 1-, 3- and 5-year survival of 84, 59, and
      42 %, respectively. Patients receiving early postoperative intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy [EPIC] (44 %) and those receiving cisplatin intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy alone (48 %) or in combination (44 %) had an improved 5-year
      survival. CONCLUSIONS: While CRS + HIPEC has led to an improved survival for
      patients with MPM compared to historic data, heterogeneity of studies precludes
      generalizable inferences. EPIC chemotherapy and cisplatin chemoperfusion may
      infer survival benefit.

PMID- 25124460
TI  - The Babesia bovis gene and promoter model: an update from full-length EST
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Babesia bovis is an apicomplexan parasite that causes babesiosis in
      infected cattle. Genomes of pathogens contain promising information that can
      facilitate the development of methods for controlling infections. Although the
      genome of B. bovis is publically available, annotated gene models are not highly
      reliable prior to experimental validation. Therefore, we validated a preproposed
      gene model of B. bovis and extended the associated annotations on the basis of
      experimentally obtained full-length expressed sequence tags (ESTs). RESULTS: From
      in vitro cultured merozoites, 12,286 clones harboring full-length cDNAs were
      sequenced from both ends using the Sanger method, and 6,787 full-length cDNAs
      were assembled. These were then clustered, and a nonredundant referential data
      set of 2,115 full-length cDNA sequences was constructed. The comparison of the
      preproposed gene model with our data set identified 310 identical genes, 342
      almost identical genes, 1,054 genes with potential structural inconsistencies,
      and 409 novel genes. The median length of 5' untranslated regions (UTRs) was 152
      nt. Subsequently, we identified 4,086 transcription start sites (TSSs) and 2,023
      transcriptionally active regions (TARs) by examining 5' ESTs. We identified
      ATGGGG and CCCCAT sites as consensus motifs in TARs that were distributed around 
      50 bp from TSSs. In addition, we found ACACA, TGTGT, and TATAT sites, which were
      distributed periodically around TSSs in cycles of approximately 150 bp. Moreover,
      related periodical distributions were not observed in mammalian promoter regions.
      CONCLUSIONS: The observations in this study indicate the utility of integrated
      bioinformatics and experimental data for improving genome annotations. In
      particular, full-length cDNAs with one-base resolution for TSSs enabled the
      identification of consensus motifs in promoter sequences and demonstrated clear
      distributions of identified motifs. These observations allowed the illustration
      of a model promoter composition, which supports the differences in
      transcriptional regulation frameworks between apicomplexan parasites and mammals.

PMID- 25124473
TI  - FOXC1 is a critical mediator of EGFR function in human basal-like breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) has a poor prognosis and is
      often identified by expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
      BLBC remains a major clinical challenge because its pathogenesis is not well
      understood, thus hindering efforts to develop targeted therapies. Recent data
      implicate the forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) transcription factor as an important
      prognostic biomarker and functional regulator of BLBC, but its regulatory
      mechanism and impact on BLBC tumorigenesis remain unclear. METHODS: The
      association between FOXC1 and EGFR expression in human breast cancer was examined
      by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed tissues and analysis of the TCGA
      database. The regulation of FOXC1 by EGFR activation was investigated in MDA-MB
      468 cells using immunoblotting, qRT-PCR, and luciferase activity assays. This
      EGFR effect on FOXC1 expression was confirmed using the MDA-MB-468 xenograft
      model. RESULTS: Both FOXC1 mRNA and protein levels significantly correlated with
      EGFR expression in human breast tumors. EGFR activation induced FOXC1
      transcription through the ERK and Akt pathways in BLBC. EGFR inhibition in vivo
      reduced FOXC1 expression in xenograft tumors. We also found that FOXC1 knockdown
      impaired the effects of EGF on BLBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings uncover a novel EGFR-FOXC1 signaling axis critical for
      BLBC cell functions, supporting the notion that intervention in the FOXC1 pathway
      may provide potential modalities for BLBC treatment.

PMID- 25124475
TI  - The impact of a pulsing groundwater table on greenhouse gas emissions in riparian
      grey alder stands.
AB  - Floods control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in floodplains; however, there is a
      lack of data on the impact of short-term events on emissions. We studied the
      short-term effect of changing groundwater (GW) depth on the emission of (GHG)
      carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) in two riparian grey
      alder (Alnus incana) stands of different age in Kambja, southern Estonia, using
      the opaque static chamber (five replicates in each site) and gas chromatography
      methods. The average carbon and total nitrogen content in the soil of the old
      alder (OA) stand was significantly higher than in the young alder (YA) stand. In
      both stands, one part was chosen for water table manipulation (Manip) and another
      remained unchanged with a stable and deeper GW table. Groundwater table
      manipulation (flooding) significantly increases CH4 emission (average: YA-Dry
      468, YA-Manip 8,374, OA-Dry 468, OA-Manip 4,187 MUg C m(-2) h(-1)) and decreases
      both CO2 (average: OA-Dry 138, OA-Manip 80 mg C m(-2) h(-1)) and N2O emissions
      (average: OA-Dry 23.1, OA-Manip 11.8 MUg N m(-2) h(-1)) in OA sites. There was no
      significant difference in CO2 and CH4 emissions between the OA and YA sites,
      whereas in OA sites with higher N concentration in the soil, the N2O emission was
      significantly higher than at the YA sites. The relative CO2 and CH4 emissions
      (the soil C stock-related share of gaseous losses) were higher in manipulated
      plots showing the highest values in the YA-Manip plot (0.03 and 0.0030 % C day(
      1), respectively). The soil N stock-related N2O emission was very low achieving
      0.000019 % N day(-1) in the OA-Dry plot. Methane emission shows a negative
      correlation with GW, whereas the 20 cm depth is a significant limit below which
      most of the produced CH4 is oxidized. In terms of CO2 and N2O, the deeper GW
      table significantly increases emission. In riparian zones of headwater streams,
      the short-term floods (e.g. those driven by extreme climate events) may
      significantly enhance methane emission whereas the long-term lowering of the
      groundwater table is a more important initiator of N2O fluxes from riparian gley
      soils than flood pulses.

PMID- 25124474
TI  - Distribution of PCDD/Fs in the fly ash and atmospheric air of two typical
      hazardous waste incinerators in eastern China.
AB  - Distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) in the fly
      ash and atmospheric air of one medical waste incinerator (MWI) and one industrial
      hazardous waste incinerator (IHWI) plants were characterized. The PCDD/F
      concentrations of the stack gas (fly ash) produced from MWI and IHWI were 17.7
      and 0.7 ng international toxic equivalent (I-TEQ)/Nm(3) (4.1 and 2.5 ng I-TEQ/g),
      respectively. For workplace air, the total concentrations of PCDD/Fs were 11.32
      and 0.28 pg I-TEQ/Nm(3) (819.5 and 15.3 pg/Nm(3)). We assumed that the large
      differences of PCDD/F concentrations in workplace air were due to the differences
      in chlorine content of the waste, combustion conditions, and other contamination
      sources. With respect to the homologue profiles, the concentrations of PCDFs
      decreased with the increase of the substituted chlorine number for each site.
      Among all of the PCDD/F congeners, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF was the most important
      contributor to the I-TEQ value accounting for ca. 43 % of two sites. The
      gas/particle partition of PCDD/Fs in the atmosphere of the workplace in the MWI
      was also investigated, indicating that PCDD/Fs were more associated in the
      particle phase, especially for the higher chlorinated ones. Moreover, the ratio
      of the I-TEQ values in particle and gas phase of workplace air was 11.0. At last,
      the relationship between the distribution of PCDD/Fs in the workplace air and
      that from stack gas and fly ash was also analyzed and discussed. The high
      correlation coefficient might be a sign for diffuse gas emissions at transient
      periods of fumes escaping from the incinerator.

PMID- 25124476
TI  - Recent insights into the biology of neuroblastoma.
AB  - Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonal tumor of the sympathetic nervous system which
      accounts for 8-10% of pediatric cancers. It is characterized by a broad spectrum
      of clinical behaviors from spontaneous regression to fatal outcome despite
      aggressive therapies. Considerable progress has been made recently in the
      germline and somatic genetic characterization of patients and tumors. Indeed,
      predisposition genes that account for a significant proportion of familial and
      syndromic cases have been identified and genome-wide association studies have
      retrieved a number of susceptibility loci. In addition, genome-wide sequencing,
      copy-number and expression studies have been conducted on tumors and have
      detected important gene modifications, profiles and signatures that have strong
      implications for the therapeutic stratification of patients. The identification
      of major players in NB oncogenesis, including MYCN, ALK, PHOX2B and LIN28B, has
      enabled the development of new animal models. Our review focuses on these recent
      advances, on the insights they provide on the mechanisms involved in NB
      development and their applications for the clinical management of patients. 

PMID- 25124477
TI  - Anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap in mucosal reconstruction.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: This study describes a reliable technique for mucosal reconstruction
      of large defects using components of a common free flap technique. OBJECTIVE: To
      review the harvest technique and the varied scenarios in which the anterolateral
      thigh adipofascial flap (ALTAF) can be used for mucosal restoration in oral
      cavity and nasal reconstruction. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A
      retrospective review of the medical records of 51 consecutive patients was
      conducted. The patients had undergone ALTAF head and neck reconstruction between
      January 2009 and June 2013. Each case was reviewed, and flap survival and goal
      oriented results were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty patients met the inclusion
      criteria and were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 60.6 years.
      Reconstruction sites included the tongue, palate, gingiva, floor of the mouth,
      and nasal mucosa. All mucosal reconstructions maintained function and form of
      replaced and preserved tissues. One patient (3%) experienced flap failure that
      was reconstructed with a contralateral adipofascial flap with excellent outcome.
      Three patients (10%) required minor flap revisions. There were no other
      complications. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The ALTAF is a versatile flap easily
      harvested for use in several types of mucosal reconstructions.

PMID- 25124478
TI  - Flavor-enhancing properties of mushrooms in meat-based dishes in which sodium has
      been reduced and meat has been partially substituted with mushrooms.
AB  - The effects of beef substitution with crimini or white mushrooms (Agaricus
      bisporus) on the flavor profiles of carne asada and beef taco blends were
      measured with a descriptive analysis panel. Sensory mitigation of sodium
      reduction through the incorporation of mushrooms was also investigated in the
      taco blends. The substitution of beef with mushrooms in the carne asada did not
      alter the overall flavor strength of the dish, but the incorporation of 50% or
      80% ground mushroom in the beef taco blend did enhance its overall flavor as well
      as mushroom, veggie, onion, garlic and earthy flavors, and umami and sweet
      tastes. Overall flavor intensity of the 25% reduced-salt version of the 80%
      mushroom taco blend matched that of the full-salt versions of the 100% and 50%
      beef formulations, thus indicating that the substitution of 80% of the meat with
      mushrooms did mitigate the 25% sodium reduction in terms of the overall flavor
      impact of the dish, even if it did not quite compensate for the reduction in
      salty taste. This proof-of-concept study for the Healthy Flavors Research
      Initiative indicates that because of their flavor-enhancing umami principles,
      mushrooms can be used as a healthy substitute for meat and a mitigating agent for
      sodium reduction in meat-based dishes without loss of overall flavor. 

PMID- 25124479
TI  - The relation between FoxP3+ regulatory T cells and fungal density in oral
      paracoccidioidomycosis: a preliminary study.
AB  - Regulatory T (Treg) cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of
      paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), but data on the role of Treg cells in the context
      of oral PCM are still scarce. The objectives of this study were to investigate
      the density of FoxP3(+) T regulatory cells in oral PCM and to correlate the
      results with the density of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in the lesions. Cases
      of chronic oral PCM seen between 2000 and 2008 were included in this study. The
      diagnosis of all lesions was confirmed with histopathological examination and
      Grocott-Gomori staining. The quantitative analysis of the viable fungi was
      conducted in all cases with Grocott-stained slides. Treg cells were identified
      using antibodies against FoxP3. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test
      the correlation between the density of fungi and Treg cells. Results were
      considered significant when P < 0.05. A total of 11 cases of oral PCM were
      obtained. There was a positive correlation between fungal density and FoxP3(+)
      Treg cells density in oral lesions, however, without statistical significance. A
      positive relation between Treg cells and fungal density was seen in oral PCM.
      Further studies are required to further elucidate the role of these cells in the
      pathogenesis of oral PCM, as well the clinical significance of these findings.

PMID- 25124480
TI  - The Segond fracture: a bony injury of the anterolateral ligament of the knee.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation of the Segond
      fracture with the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee. METHODS: To identify
      the soft-tissue structure causative for the Segond fracture, a study was set up
      to compare anatomic details of the tibial insertion of the recently characterized
      ALL in cadaveric knees (n = 30) with radiologic data obtained from patients (n =
      29) with a possible Segond fracture based on an imaging protocol search. The
      spatial relation of the ALL footprint with well-identifiable anatomic landmarks
      at the lateral aspect of the knee was determined, and this was repeated for the
      Segond fracture bed. RESULTS: In all of the included cadaveric knees, a well
      defined ALL was found as a distinct ligamentous structure connecting the lateral
      femoral epicondyle with the anterolateral proximal tibia. The mean distance of
      the center of the tibial ALL footprint to the center of the Gerdy tubercle (GT
      ALL distance) measured 22.0 +/- 4.0 mm. The imaging database search identified 26
      patients diagnosed with a Segond fracture. The mean GT-Segond distance measured
      22.4 +/- 2.6 mm. The observed difference of 0.4 mm (95% confidence interval, -1.5
      to 2.2 mm) between the GT-ALL distance and GT-Segond distance was neither
      statistically significant (P = .70) nor clinically relevant. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of this study confirmed the hypothesis that the ALL inserts in the region
      on the proximal tibia from where Segond fractures consistently avulse, thus
      suggesting that the Segond fracture is actually a bony avulsion of the ALL.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the Segond fracture remains a useful radiographic
      clue for indirect detection of anterior cruciate ligament injuries, the Segond
      fracture should be considered a frank ligamentous avulsion itself.

PMID- 25124481
TI  - Transtibial versus anteromedial portal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
      using soft-tissue graft and expandable fixation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes between transtibial drilling and
      anteromedial portal techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      reconstruction using soft-tissue grafts secured with expandable fixation.
      METHODS: Patients undergoing soft-tissue ACL reconstruction using expandable
      fixation between 2007 and 2011 were reviewed for inclusion in this study.
      Revision ACL cases were excluded. All surgeries were performed by 1 of 2 sports
      medicine fellowship-trained surgeons (T.S.D., K.D.M.). A total of 128 patients
      (67 comprising transtibial cohort and 61 comprising anteromedial portal cohort)
      had a minimum of 24 months' follow-up (mean, 27 months) and met the inclusion
      criteria. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the method used for
      creation of the femoral tunnel. At final follow-up, outcomes were assessed with
      KT-1000 (MEDmetric, San Diego, CA) measurements, as well as International Knee
      Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. Data were screened for
      normality and skew before use of parametric statistics and were transformed if
      necessary. Data were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance with post hoc paired
      comparisons using the Bonferroni approximation. RESULTS: No differences in
      demographic characteristics were observed between the 2 groups. There was no
      significant difference in postoperative KT-1000 measurements between the 2
      cohorts (1.571 +/- 0.2275 mm in transtibial cohort [n = 35] and 1.246 +/- 0.09249
      mm in anteromedial cohort [n = 61], P = .1259). A significant improvement in
      International Knee Documentation Committee scores was observed in the
      anteromedial cohort, increasing from 41 +/- 16 to 89 +/- 7.4 (mean +/- SD) (P <
      .0001). Similar changes were observed for the Lysholm score. There was no
      significant difference between cohorts for any postoperative scores measured (P >
      .2). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show comparable KT-1000 measurements for both
      anteromedial and transtibial femoral drilling techniques when using a soft-tissue
      graft with expandable fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case
      series.

PMID- 25124482
TI  - International knee documentation committee knee survey use after anterior
      cruciate ligament reconstruction: a 2005-2012 systematic review and world region
      comparison.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this review was to evaluate International Knee
      Documentation Committee (IKDC) survey use after anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction compared with other surveys and determine evidence levels and
      methodologic study quality by world region. METHODS: The Medline database was
      searched from January 2005 through December 2012. RESULTS: We identified 421
      studies and 33 surveys. Europe and Australia had more objective and subjective
      IKDC form use (chi(2) = 9.6, P = .047). Europe and Asia had more objective IKDC
      form use (chi(2) = 19.4, P = .001). Asia had more Lysholm knee scale use (chi(2)
      = 29.9, P < .0001). Europe had more Tegner Activity Level scale (chi(2) = 31.7, P
      < .0001) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (chi(2) = 20.5, P <
      .0001) use. North America and Australia had more Cincinnati or Noyes knee rating
      scale use (chi(2) = 21, P < .0001). Asia and Australia had more studies with
      greater than 60 subjects (chi(2) = 24.4, P = .018). Europe had more studies with
      greater than 24 months' follow-up (chi(2) = 18.4, P = .018). Asia had more
      studies with adequate surgical descriptions (chi(2) = 33.2, P < .0001). North
      America had more studies with well-described rehabilitation (chi(2) = 18.2, P =
      .02). Europe had more studies with confirmed recruitment (chi(2) = 12.9, P =
      .012). Australia and North America had more studies with confirmed independent
      investigators (chi(2) = 11.1, P = .026). Europe had more studies with greater
      than 80% recruitment (chi(2) = 16.0, P = .04). Methodologically stronger studies
      used the objective IKDC survey (P < .0001), the objective and subjective IKDC
      survey (P = .002), or the Cincinnati or Noyes scale (P = .002). This group also
      made greater use of the Tegner scale (P = .013). CONCLUSIONS: Objective and
      subjective IKDC form use is comparable with Lysholm and Tegner scale use.
      Objective and subjective IKDC form use in combination with the Tegner Activity
      Level scale is recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of
      Level I-IV studies.

PMID- 25124483
TI  - Cardiovascular effects of methylphenidate, amphetamines and atomoxetine in the
      treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: an update.
AB  - Several million children and a growing number of adults are currently being
      treated for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) worldwide. Concerns
      have been expressed about possible cardiac effects of the common treatments,
      namely methylphenidate, amphetamines and atomoxetine. Small increases in mean
      heart rate (HR) and mean blood pressure (BP) have been reported for all three
      drugs, but most of the studies have not yielded statistically significant
      results. These studies also have limitations, particularly regarding the lack of
      accepted and standardised measurement methods. Several large studies of the very
      rare phenomenon of sudden death in children have failed to show any convincing
      association with ADHD treatment. Whether minor increases in HR and BP have a
      cumulative effect over many years and have a long-term adverse effect on
      cardiovascular health remains undetermined. 

PMID- 25124484
TI  - Ciona intestinalis NADH dehydrogenase NDX confers stress-resistance and extended
      lifespan on Drosophila.
AB  - An assembled cDNA coding for the putative single-subunit NADH dehydrogenase (NDX)
      of Ciona intestinalis was introduced into Drosophila melanogaster. The encoded
      protein was found to localize to mitochondria and to confer rotenone-insensitive
      substrate oxidation in organello. Transgenic flies exhibited increased resistance
      to menadione, starvation and temperature stress, and manifested a sex and diet
      dependent increase in mean lifespan of 20-50%. However, NDX was able only weakly
      to complement the phenotypes produced by the knockdown of complex I subunits. 

PMID- 25124486
TI  - [Invasive pneumococcal disease in the Community of Valencia. Six years of
      surveillance (2007-2012)].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The introduction of conjugated anti-pneumonia vaccines has led to a
      change in the epidemiology of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD). The aim of
      this study is to describe the trends in IPD in the Community of Valencia during
      the period 2007-2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive and
      longitudinal study was conducted on IPD in the Community of Valencia during the
      period 2007-2012, The information sources used were the Epidemiological
      Surveillance Analysis (Analisis de la Vigilancia Epidemiologica (AVE)) and the
      Valencian Microbiology Network (Red Microbiologica Valenciana (RedMIVA)) of the
      Valencia Health Department. RESULTS: The incidence of IPD decreased between 2007
      and 2012 in all age groups, mainly in the under 5 year-olds, dropping from 30.5
      cases to 12.3 cases per 10(5) inhabitants (p< .001). Pneumonia was the principal
      presentation of the disease, with a decrease in its rates from 6.9 to 4.1 cases
      per 10(5) inhabitants (p< .001). A gradual, non-significant, reduction from 26%
      to 12% (p=.23) was observed in the proportion of cases due to the serotypes
      contained in the heptavalent vaccine (PCV7), mainly in the under 5 year-olds. The
      cases due to additional serotypes in 13-valent conjugated vaccine (1, 3, 5, 6A,
      7F and 19A) also showed a decreasing trend, mainly in vaccinated under 5 year
      olds (52.6% vs 14.3%; p=.03), while the cases due to non-vaccine serotypes
      significantly increased from 42.3% to 56.7% in the general population (p=.002),
      and from 47.4% to 78.6% in vaccinated under 5 year-olds (p=.08). CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of this study show a reduction in the incidence of IPD, with a decrease
      in the proportion of cases produced by vaccine serotypes, and an increase in the
      proportion of those not vaccinated. Epidemiological Surveillance is necessary to
      monitor the trends in the disease.

PMID- 25124485
TI  - A multicentre sero-behavioural survey for hepatitis B and C, HIV and HTLV among
      people who inject drugs in Germany using respondent driven sampling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs are at high risk for hepatitis B, hepatitis C
      and HIV. HTLV was reported by neighboring countries to be prevalent in this
      population, but the situation for Germany is unclear. To generate seroprevalence
      and related behavioural data and to enhance prevention efforts against these
      infections for drug users in Germany, a multicentre sero- and behavioural survey
      was initiated. People who inject drugs are not well reached by services for
      testing and counselling for blood-borne infections in Germany. An interventional
      part of the study is intended to prove feasibility and acceptance of testing and
      counselling in low-threshold drop-in settings. METHODS/DESIGN: Between May 2011
      and March 2015, eligible participants (persons having injected drugs within the
      last 12 months, aged 16 years+, and living in the study city) are recruited by
      respondent driven sampling, using low-threshold drop-in facilities as study-sites
      in eight German cities with large drug scenes. Calculated sample size is 2,033
      participants. Capillary blood samples collected as dried blood spots are
      anonymously tested for serological and molecular markers of hepatitis B and C,
      HIV, and HTLV I and II. A detailed face-to-face-interview about hepatitis- and
      HIV-related knowledge, former testing, imprisonment, sexual and injecting risk
      behaviour is conducted with participants. Staff is trained to offer pre- and post
      test-counselling of blood-borne infections and HIV rapid testing to participants.
      DISCUSSION: We chose respondent driven sampling for recruitment of participants
      to improve representativeness of results. Persons, who are not reached by the
      facility where the study is conducted, are aimed to be included by recruitment
      through their personal social network of injecting drug users. To reduce
      differential biases in the questions on knowledge of transmission and prevention
      of infections, we present true statements on hepatitis B, C and HIV, their
      possible routes of transmission and measures of prevention to participants.
      Participants are told that the statements are true and are asked to answer if
      they knew this fact already or if it is new to them. In case of knowledge gaps
      they are offered free targeted counselling as well as free HIV rapid testing and
      post-test counselling of HIV and hepatitis test results.

PMID- 25124487
TI  - [Does the prescribing of antibiotics in paediatrics improve after a
      multidisciplinary intervention?].
AB  - Antibiotics overuse is linked to elevated antimicrobial resistance. In Aragon,
      Spain, the highest antibiotic prescription rates occur among children from 1 to 4
      years old. The rate of use in this age group is over 60%. AIM: To evaluate the
      effect of multi-faceted intervention on Primary Care paediatricians to reduce
      antibiotic use and to improve antibiotic prescribing for paediatric outpatients.
      METHODS: Outpatient antimicrobial prescribing was analysed before and after an
      intervention in paediatricians. The intervention included a clinical education
      session about diagnosis and treatment in the most prevalent paediatric infectious
      diseases, a clinical interview and communication skills, a workshop on rapid
      Streptococcus antigen detection test and patient information leaflets and useful
      internet websites for parents. The control group included paediatricians without
      this educational intervention on antibiotics. RESULTS: Antibiotic prescribing
      decreased from 19.17 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants/day (DID) to 14.36
      DID among intervention paediatricians vs 19.84 DID to 16.02 DID in controls. The
      decreasing was higher in the intervention group, but the effect was not
      statistically significant. Macrolides and broad-spectrum penicillins prescribing
      decreased in both groups. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic prescribing decreased, but there
      were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. The high
      satisfaction of paediatricians in the intervention group makes it necessary to
      continue with these kinds of strategies to improve antibiotic use in outpatients.

PMID- 25124488
TI  - [Procedure for the marketing authorization of an antibacterial agent].
AB  - The marketing authorization of a new medicinal product is the first step before
      being placed on the market, and includes the full investigation programme. In
      order to ensure their quality, safety and efficacy, medicinal products are
      closely regulated from their initial phases of investigation to their use in
      clinical practice. For registration purposes, the results of all the clinical and
      preclinical studies, along with quality data and the description of the
      manufacturing process should be submitted. All information collected is presented
      for review by the competent authority. The European Medicines Agency regulates
      the registration of medicines in Europe, and national agencies in each EU member
      state are responsible for the assessment of the marketing authorisation
      application. To facilitate the development of clinical programmes, there is a
      common framework for the evaluation of an antibacterial, which includes
      guidelines and an addendum, detailing the specific requirements that must be
      carried out in clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety for most of the
      infections. 

PMID- 25124490
TI  - Beneficial effect of Oligonol supplementation on sweating response under heat
      stress in humans.
AB  - Oligonol is a low-molecular weight polyphenol that possesses antioxidant and anti
      inflammatory properties. However, nothing is known regarding the impact of
      Oligonol on sudomotor activity. This study investigated the effects of Oligonol
      supplementation on sudomotor activity during heat load in humans. Initially, we
      conducted a placebo-controlled, cross-over trial where participants took a daily
      dose of Oligonol 200 mg or placebo for one week. After a 2 week washout period,
      the subjects were switched to the other study arm. As a heat load, half-body
      immersion into hot water (42 +/- 0.5  degrees C for 30 min) was performed in an
      automated climate chamber. Tympanic and skin temperatures were measured.
      Sudomotor activity, including onset time, sweat rate (SR) and volume (SV), active
      sweat gland density (ASGD), and sweat gland output (SGO), was tested in four or
      eight areas of skin. When compared with placebo, Oligonol attenuated increases in
      tympanic and skin temperatures after the heat load. There was an increasing trend
      in local sweat onset time, but there was a decrease in local SR, SV, ASGD, and
      SGO for Oligonol compared to placebo. The mean ASGD was significantly higher in
      the Oligonol group than in the placebo group for 10, 20, and 30 min. This study
      demonstrates that Oligonol appears to be worthy of consideration as a natural
      supplement to support more economical use of body fluids against heat stress. 

PMID- 25124489
TI  - [Acute outbreak of hepatitis C in human immunodeficiency virus-infected
      patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest an increased incidence of acute infection with
      hepatitisC virus (AHC) in men who have sex with men (MSM) co-infected with HIV.
      Early treatment with interferon-alpha, alone or in combination with ribavirin,
      significantly reduces the risk of chronic evolution. METHODS: This retrospective
      study includes all HIV patients with AHC in our centre from 2003 to March 2013.
      AHC was defined by seroconversion of HCV antibodies and detection of serum HCV
      RNA. RESULTS: 93 episodes of AHC were diagnosed in 89 patients. All but three
      were MSM with a history of unprotected sex. Thirty-seven (40%) patients had other
      associated sexually transmitted disease. The 29% (27) had any symptoms suggestive
      of AHC. HCV genotype 4 was the most common (41%), followed by genotype1. Seventy
      patients started treatment with interferon-alfa and weight-adjusted ribavirin.
      Currently 46 have completed treatment and follow-up, reaching 26 of them (56.5%)
      sustained viral response. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of AHC in HIV MSM patients
      from our centre has increased exponentially in recent years; sexual transmission
      remains the main route of infection. Early treatment with interferon-alpha and
      ribavirin achieved a moderate response in these patients.

PMID- 25124491
TI  - Monitoring fetal immune development in human pregnancies: current concepts and
      future goals.
AB  - The vast majority of the current knowledge on immune development in the fetal
      period has been gained from animal studies, particularly from mouse models. This
      has led to a great improvement in our current understanding of immune ontogeny.
      However, it has also become clear that in many ways the mouse model of pregnancy
      differs from the situation in human pregnancy, such as the degree and importance
      of trophoblast invasion, the kind of MHC class repertoire of the extravillous
      trophoblast cells, and differences concerning the development and regulation of T
      cells. It will be of paramount importance to develop non-invasive screening
      methods to assess fetal immune development in humans. The focus of this mini
      review is to discuss how prenatal ultrasound evaluation can be used as a tool to
      monitor fetal immune development in human pregnancies. To identify the fetuses at
      risk of immune disorders could be the first step to developing prevention
      strategies in the future.

PMID- 25124498
TI  - Seclusion and restraint as measures of the quality of hospital care: any
      exceptions?
AB  - The Joint Commission has recently included seclusion and restraint as quality-of
      care indicators for hospital-based inpatient psychiatric services. Their
      inclusion is the result of abuse of these practices, wide variation across
      hospitals, and cultural influences, including the consumer and recovery
      movements. Over the next few years, these indicators will increasingly influence
      treatment modalities available to hospitalized patients. This Open Forum provides
      a brief history of changing attitudes toward use of seclusion and restraint. It
      describes three clinical scenarios that highlight appropriate and humane use of
      seclusion and restraint and that illustrate the clinical complexities associated
      with their use. Potential unforeseen consequences of the reduction or elimination
      of seclusion and restraint are described. 

PMID- 25124495
TI  - Circulating omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and total and cause-specific
      mortality: the Cardiovascular Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) have been
      recommended to reduce coronary heart disease (CHD), controversy remains about
      benefits versus harms, including concerns over theorized proinflammatory effects
      of n-6 PUFA. We investigated associations of circulating n-6 PUFA including
      linoleic acid (the major dietary PUFA), gamma-linolenic acid, dihomo-gamma
      linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid, with total and cause-specific mortality in
      the Cardiovascular Health Study, a community-based U.S. cohort. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Among 2792 participants(aged >=65 years) free of cardiovascular disease
      at baseline, plasma phospholipid n-6 PUFA were measured at baseline using
      standardized methods. All-cause and cause-specific mortality, and total incident
      CHD and stroke, were assessed and adjudicated centrally. Associations of PUFA
      with risk were assessed by Cox regression. During 34 291 person-years of follow
      up (1992-2010), 1994 deaths occurred (678 cardiovascular deaths), with 427 fatal
      and 418 nonfatal CHD, and 154 fatal and 399 nonfatal strokes. In multivariable
      models, higher linoleic acid was associated with lower total mortality, with
      extreme-quintile hazard ratio =0.87 (P trend=0.005). Lower death was largely
      attributable to cardiovascular disease causes, especially nonarrhythmic CHD
      mortality (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.82; P
      trend=0.001). Circulating gamma-linolenic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, and
      arachidonic acid were not significantly associated with total or cause-specific
      mortality (eg, for arachidonic acid and CHD death, the extreme-quintile hazard
      ratio was 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-1.34; P trend=0.87). Evaluated
      semiparametrically, linoleic acid showed graded inverse associations with total
      mortality (P=0.005). There was little evidence that associations of n-6 PUFA with
      total mortality varied by age, sex, race, or plasma n-3 PUFA. Evaluating both n-6
      and n-3 PUFA, lowest risk was evident with highest levels of both. CONCLUSIONS:
      High circulating linoleic acid, but not other n-6 PUFA, was inversely associated
      with total and CHD mortality in older adults.

PMID- 25124497
TI  - Maintenance of the nutritional prognostic index predicts survival in patients
      with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nutrition and immunity significantly affect the progression of cancer in
      cancer patients. Therefore, the evaluation of the nutritional and immune status
      would be useful as a prognostic factor and to determine the optimal treatment
      strategy for patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer who are
      receiving chemotherapy. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the
      prognostic significance of the nutritional and immune status in patients with
      unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer treated with chemotherapy. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed 80 patients with colorectal cancer. A total of 22
      patients had metachronous unresectable cancer, and 58 patients had synchronous
      unresectable cancer. All patients underwent combination chemotherapy with
      oxaliplatin or irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin as first-line
      chemotherapy. We then examined the correlations between the Onodera's prognostic
      nutritional index (OPNI) and the patients' clinicopathological features. The OPNI
      was calculated as follows: 10 * serum albumin (g/dl) + 0.005 * total lymphocyte
      count (per mm(3)). According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      analysis, the cutoff value for OPNI was 44.5. RESULTS: Patients with a
      pretreatment OPNI of ?44.5 demonstrated a longer OS than those with a
      pretreatment OPNI of <44.5. Moreover, we categorized these patients into four
      groups according to the combination of the pre- and post-treatment OPNI. The
      patients in the group with both OPNIs >=44.5 exhibited a better prognosis
      compared to the other group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The OPNI is considered to be
      a useful marker for predicting the long-term outcome in patients who receive
      chemotherapy for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer.

PMID- 25124499
TI  - Exploring the genome-wide relation between copy number status and microRNA
      expression.
AB  - The deregulation of miRNAs has been associated with several different cancer
      types. Deregulation occurs in several ways, but generally little is known about
      the basis for the distorted expression of miRNAs. We investigated the relation
      between copy number status and miRNA expression at the genome-wide level using
      cytogenetic and array-based methods to characterize genomic aberrations in
      hematopoietic cell lines. For the same cell lines, we obtained global miRNA
      expression profiles, and analyzed the genome-wide correlation using the
      Spearman's rank test. This analysis showed that the expression of only a two
      miRNAs (miR-324-5p encoded by MIR324 at 17p13.1 and miR-660 encoded by MIR660 at
      Xp11.23) was influenced by copy number status. Our data imply that no direct
      relation between copy number status and miRNA expression exists in the
      investigated cell lines.

PMID- 25124496
TI  - Cardiac CaM Kinase II genes delta and gamma contribute to adverse remodeling but
      redundantly inhibit calcineurin-induced myocardial hypertrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ca(2+)-dependent signaling through CaM Kinase II (CaMKII) and
      calcineurin was suggested to contribute to adverse cardiac remodeling. However,
      the relative importance of CaMKII versus calcineurin for adverse cardiac
      remodeling remained unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We generated double-knockout
      mice (DKO) lacking the 2 cardiac CaMKII genes delta and gamma specifically in
      cardiomyocytes. We show that both CaMKII isoforms contribute redundantly to
      phosphorylation not only of phospholamban, ryanodine receptor 2, and histone
      deacetylase 4, but also calcineurin. Under baseline conditions, DKO mice are
      viable and display neither abnormal Ca(2+) handling nor functional and structural
      changes. On pathological pressure overload and beta-adrenergic stimulation, DKO
      mice are protected against cardiac dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis. But
      surprisingly and paradoxically, DKO mice develop cardiac hypertrophy driven by
      excessive activation of endogenous calcineurin, which is associated with a lack
      of phosphorylation at the auto-inhibitory calcineurin A site Ser411. Likewise,
      calcineurin inhibition prevents cardiac hypertrophy in DKO. On exercise
      performance, DKO mice show an exaggeration of cardiac hypertrophy with increased
      expression of the calcineurin target gene RCAN1-4 but no signs of adverse cardiac
      remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: We established a mouse model in which CaMKII's activity
      is specifically and completely abolished. By the use of this model we show that
      CaMKII induces maladaptive cardiac remodeling while it inhibits calcineurin
      dependent hypertrophy. These data suggest inhibition of CaMKII but not
      calcineurin as a promising approach to attenuate the progression of heart
      failure.

PMID- 25124500
TI  - Psychometric properties of the social phobia and social interaction anxiety
      scales: evidence of construct equivalence in an African American sample.
AB  - This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Social Phobia Scale and
      Social Interaction Anxiety scale in a community sample of African Americans. We
      conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of the combined scales comparing the
      data to 2- and 3-factor solutions commonly reported in the literature. The
      results indicated that neither solution produce an adequate fit to the data in
      this study. We then proceeded to conduct an exploratory factor analysis within a
      confirmatory framework of both scales. While we were able to extract a 2-factor
      solution from the data, the item composition of the factors was somewhat
      different for African Americans than what is typically reported in non-Hispanic
      White samples. While we conclude that use of the two social anxiety scales is
      warranted, we make recommendations regarding the interpretation of both scales
      with African Americans. 

PMID- 25124494
TI  - Integrating genetic, transcriptional, and functional analyses to identify 5 novel
      genes for atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects >30 million individuals worldwide
      and is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and death. AF
      is highly heritable, yet the genetic basis for the arrhythmia remains
      incompletely understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: To identify new AF-related genes,
      we used a multifaceted approach, combining large-scale genotyping in 2 ethnically
      distinct populations, cis-eQTL (expression quantitative trait loci) mapping, and
      functional validation. Four novel loci were identified in individuals of European
      descent near the genes NEURL (rs12415501; relative risk [RR]=1.18; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.13-1.23; P=6.5*10(-16)), GJA1 (rs13216675; RR=1.10; 95% CI, 1.06
      1.14; P=2.2*10(-8)), TBX5 (rs10507248; RR=1.12; 95% CI, 1.08-1.16; P=5.7*10(
      11)), and CAND2 (rs4642101; RR=1.10; 95% CI, 1.06-1.14; P=9.8*10(-9)). In
      Japanese, novel loci were identified near NEURL (rs6584555; RR=1.32; 95% CI, 1.26
      1.39; P=2.0*10(-25)) and CUX2 (rs6490029; RR=1.12; 95% CI, 1.08-1.16; P=3.9*10(
      9)). The top single-nucleotide polymorphisms or their proxies were identified as
      cis-eQTLs for the genes CAND2 (P=2.6*10(-19)), GJA1 (P=2.66*10(-6)), and TBX5
      (P=1.36*10(-5)). Knockdown of the zebrafish orthologs of NEURL and CAND2 resulted
      in prolongation of the atrial action potential duration (17% and 45%,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We have identified 5 novel loci for AF. Our results
      expand the diversity of genetic pathways implicated in AF and provide novel
      molecular targets for future biological and pharmacological investigation.

PMID- 25124502
TI  - Comparison of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) and abbreviated version
      (PSWQ-A) in a clinical and non-clinical population of older adults.
AB  - The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) is a widely used measure of worry
      severity. An 8-item abbreviated version (PSWQ-A) has been developed as a brief
      screening measure, although there are limited studies assessing the psychometric
      properties of this measure in a large geriatric population. The aim of this study
      was to assess the utility of the PSWQ-A compared to the full PSWQ, to identify
      pathological worry in an older adult sample (N=108) of clinically anxious and
      depressed older adults, compared to a non-clinical sample (N=53). The PSWQ and
      PSWQ-A were found to have similarly adequate reliability and validity. The factor
      structure of the PSWQ-A was replicated, but not for the PSWQ. Both measures
      accurately distinguished between clinical and non-clinical status with similar
      sensitivity and specificity. These findings indicate the PSWQ-A is a useful
      measure for screening or epidemiological studies assessing worry in geriatric
      populations.

PMID- 25124501
TI  - PTSD symptom severity and psychiatric comorbidity in recent motor vehicle
      accident victims: a latent class analysis.
AB  - We conducted a latent class analysis (LCA) on 249 recent motor vehicle accident
      (MVA) victims to examine subgroups that differed in posttraumatic stress disorder
      (PTSD) symptom severity, current major depressive disorder and alcohol/other drug
      use disorders (MDD/AoDs), gender, and interpersonal trauma history 6-weeks post
      MVA. A 4-class model best fit the data with a resilient class displaying
      asymptomatic PTSD symptom levels/low levels of comorbid disorders; a mild
      psychopathology class displaying mild PTSD symptom severity and current MDD; a
      moderate psychopathology class displaying severe PTSD symptom severity and
      current MDD/AoDs; and a severe psychopathology class displaying extreme PTSD
      symptom severity and current MDD. Classes also differed with respect to gender
      composition and history of interpersonal trauma experience. These findings may
      aid in the development of targeted interventions for recent MVA victims through
      the identification of subgroups distinguished by different patterns of
      psychiatric problems experienced 6-weeks post-MVA. 

PMID- 25124503
TI  - Parental changes after involvement in their anxious child's cognitive behavior
      therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Specific parental behaviors and cognitions are associated with child
      anxiety. Studies informing us of the directionality of the associations are
      lacking. We investigated the effect of parental involvement in children's anxiety
      treatment on parental behaviors and cognitions. METHOD: Children (N=54, 7-12
      years) and parents were randomly allocated to different treatment groups
      (involved, not involved). Observed behavior, self-reported behavior and
      cognitions were assessed separately for mothers and fathers at pre-,
      posttreatment and follow-up. RESULTS: There were no differences over time for
      self-reported parental efficacy and observed negativity, but self-reported
      autonomy granting increased for both groups over time. Differential effects were
      found between groups for observed paternal over-involvement (fathers involved in
      treatment showed a more rapid decrease) and self-reported maternal autonomy
      granting (non-involved mothers showed a greater increase). CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggest that child anxiety significantly influences parental behaviors
      and cognitions. Child therapy may successfully change the family system.

PMID- 25124504
TI  - Implicit affective evaluation bias in hypochondriasis: findings from the Affect
      Misattribution Procedure.
AB  - Cognitive theories of hypochondriasis (HYP) suggest that catastrophic
      misinterpretations of benign body sensations are a core feature for the
      maintenance of the disorder. There is tentative support from an analog sample
      that the interpretation of illness-related information also involves an implicit
      affective component. This is the first study to examine this negative affective
      evaluation bias implicitly in patients with HYP. An adapted version of the Affect
      Misattribution Procedure (AMP) with illness, symptom and neutral primes was used
      in 80 patients with HYP, and compared to 83 patients with an anxiety disorder
      (AD), as well as 90 healthy controls (CG). The HYP group showed significantly
      more negative affective reactions in illness prime trials, compared to both
      control groups, as well as more negative implicit evaluations on symptom prime
      trials, compared to the CG. Significant inverse relationships were observed only
      between the implicit evaluations of illness words and health anxiety
      questionnaires. Thus, an implicit negative affective evaluation bias of serious
      illnesses rather than symptoms is a unique feature of HYP. 

PMID- 25124505
TI  - Peeking into the black box: mechanisms of action for anger management treatment.
AB  - We investigated potential mechanisms of action for anger symptom reductions,
      specifically, the roles of anger regulation skills and therapeutic alliance on
      changes in anger symptoms, following group anger management treatment (AMT) among
      combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Data were drawn from a
      published randomized controlled trial of AMT conducted with a racially diverse
      group of 109 veterans with PTSD and anger symptoms residing in Hawaii. Results of
      latent growth curve models indicated that gains in calming skills predicted
      significantly larger reductions in anger symptoms at post-treatment, while the
      development of cognitive coping and behavioral control skills did not predict
      greater symptom reductions. Therapeutic alliance had indirect effects on all
      outcomes mostly via arousal calming skills. Results suggest that generalized
      symptom reduction may be mediated by development of skills in calming
      physiological arousal. In addition, arousal reduction skills appeared to enhance
      one's ability to employ other anger regulation skills. 

PMID- 25124506
TI  - The relationship between the alternative exon 7 splice variant of the BF gene and
      MHC-related Marek's disease resistance in chickens.
AB  - The study was to analyse the relationship between the alternative exon 7 splice
      variant of the BF gene and MHC-related Marek's disease (MD) resistance in
      chickens. The experiment first determined whether or not the cocks of Xiayan
      chickens have alternative splicing-out of the exon 7 of the BF gene from
      peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs). Then, selected two groups: Group K included
      the offspring of the selected cocks which have no alternative splicing-out of the
      exon 7 of the BF gene; Group Y included the offspring of the selected cocks which
      have alternative splicing-out of the exon 7 of the BF gene. All hens used in the
      cross-breeding were non-selected. The experimental chickens were challenged with
      a very virulent strain of Marek's disease virus (MDV) at 4 days old and were
      raised for 12 weeks. At this time, all the surviving chickens were killed and
      necropsy was also performed during the experiment whenever chickens died from the
      infection. Tumour incidence and mortality were calculated using SPSS, and the
      tissues were collected to detect MDV by PCR. The results showed that the
      mortalities of Group K and Y were 52.75% and 70.65%, respectively; and that the
      tumour incidences of non-alternative splicing-out of the exon 7 of the BF for
      Groups K and Y were 15.38% and 38.89%, respectively; the tumour incidences for
      the alternative splicing-out of the exon 7 were 46.15% and 56.76%, respectively.
      The results demonstrated the tumour incidence was highly related with the
      alternative exon 7 splice variant of the BF gene (P < 0.05). 

PMID- 25124507
TI  - Cognitive Risk Factors for Specific Learning Disorder: Processing Speed, Temporal
      Processing, and Working Memory.
AB  - High comorbidity rates between reading disorder (RD) and mathematics disorder
      (MD) indicate that, although the cognitive core deficits underlying these
      disorders are distinct, additional domain-general risk factors might be shared
      between the disorders. Three domain-general cognitive abilities were investigated
      in children with RD and MD: processing speed, temporal processing, and working
      memory. Since attention problems frequently co-occur with learning disorders, the
      study examined whether these three factors, which are known to be associated with
      attention problems, account for the comorbidity between these disorders. The
      sample comprised 99 primary school children in four groups: children with RD,
      children with MD, children with both disorders (RD+MD), and typically developing
      children (TD controls). Measures of processing speed, temporal processing, and
      memory were analyzed in a series of ANCOVAs including attention ratings as
      covariate. All three risk factors were associated with poor attention. After
      controlling for attention, associations with RD and MD differed: Although
      deficits in verbal memory were associated with both RD and MD, reduced processing
      speed was related to RD, but not MD; and the association with RD was restricted
      to processing speed for familiar nameable symbols. In contrast, impairments in
      temporal processing and visuospatial memory were associated with MD, but not RD. 

PMID- 25124508
TI  - Acid/base switching of the tautomerism and conformation of a dioxoporphyrin for
      integrated binary subtraction.
AB  - Compared with most of the reported logic devices based on the supramolecular
      approach, systems based on individual molecules can avoid challenging
      construction requirements. Herein, a novel dioxoporphyrin DPH22 was synthesized
      and two of its tautomers were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction
      studies. Compound DPH22 exhibits multichannel controllable stepwise
      tautomerization, protonation, and deprotonation processes through interactions
      with H(+) and F(-) ions. By using the addition of H(+) and F(-) ions as inputs
      and UV/Vis absorption values at lambda=412, 510, 562, and 603 nm as outputs, the
      controlled tautomerism of DPH22 has been successfully used for the construction
      of an integrated molecular level half-subtractor and comparator. In addition,
      this acid/base-switched tautomerism is reversible, thus endowing the system with
      ease of reset and recycling; consequently, there is no need to modulate
      complicated intermolecular interactions and electron-/charge-transfer processes. 

PMID- 25124509
TI  - Neuroimaging in social anxiety disorder-a meta-analytic review resulting in a new
      neurofunctional model.
AB  - Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most frequent anxiety disorders. The
      landmark meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies by Etkin and Wager
      (2007) revealed primarily the typical fear circuit as overactive in SAD. Since
      then, new methodological developments such as functional connectivity and more
      standardized structural analyses of grey and white matter have been developed. We
      provide a comprehensive update and a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies in SAD
      since 2007 and present a new model of the neurobiology of SAD. We confirmed the
      hyperactivation of the fear circuit (amygdala, insula, anterior cingulate and
      prefrontal cortex) in SAD. In addition, task-related functional studies revealed
      hyperactivation of medial parietal and occipital regions (posterior cingulate,
      precuneus, cuneus) in SAD and a reduced connectivity between parietal and limbic
      and executive network regions. Based on the result of this meta-analysis and
      review, we present an updated model of SAD adopting a network-based perspective.
      The disconnection of the medial parietal hub in SAD extends current frameworks
      for future research in anxiety disorders. 

PMID- 25124511
TI  - The need of continuous focus on improved mentoring of trainees and young
      investigators in the field of andrology: highlights of current programs and
      opportunities for the future.

PMID- 25124512
TI  - Lessons learned in andrology: learning from experience - getting it wrong is
      alright.

PMID- 25124510
TI  - Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy versus psychoeducational intervention in
      bipolar outpatients with sub-threshold depressive symptoms: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The presence of depressive subsyndromal symptoms (SS) in bipolar
      disorder (BD) increases the risk of affective relapse and worsens social,
      cognitive functioning, and quality of life. Nonetheless, there are limited data
      on how to optimize the treatment of subthreshold depressive symptoms in BD.
      Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a psychotherapeutic intervention
      that has been shown effective in unipolar depression. The assessment of its
      clinical effectiveness and its impact on biomarkers in bipolar disorder patients
      with subsyndromal depressive symptoms and psychopharmacological treatment is
      needed. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized, multicenter, prospective, versus active
      comparator, evaluator-blinded clinical trial is proposed. Patients with BD and
      subclinical or mild depressive symptoms will be randomly allocated to: 1) MBCT
      added to psychopharmacological treatment; 2) a brief structured group
      psychoeducational intervention added to psychopharmacological treatment; 3)
      standard clinical management, including psychopharmacological treatment.
      Assessments will be conducted at screening, baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks)
      and 4 month follow-up post-intervention. The aim is to compare MBCT intervention
      versus a brief structured group psychoeducation. Our hypothesis is that MBCT will
      be more effective in reducing the subsyndromal depressive symptoms and will
      improve cognitive performance to a higher degree than the psychoeducational
      treatment. It is also hypothesized that a significant increase of BDNF levels
      will be found after the MBCT intervention. DISCUSSION: This is the first
      randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of MBCT compared to an active
      control group on depressive subthreshold depressive symptoms in patients with
      bipolar disorder. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02133170. Registered
      04/30/2014.

PMID- 25124513
TI  - Validation of a laser-assisted wound measurement device in a wound healing model.
AB  - In the treatment and monitoring of a diabetic or chronic wound, accurate and
      repeatable measurement of the wound provides indispensable data for the patient's
      medical record. This study aims to measure the accuracy of the laser-assisted
      wound measurement (LAWM) device against traditional methods in the measurement of
      area, depth and volume. We measured four 'healing' wounds in a Play-Doh((r)) 
      based model over five subsequent states of wound healing progression in which the
      model was irregularly filled in to replicate the healing process. We evaluated
      the LAWM device against traditional methods including digital photograph
      assessment with National Institutes of Health ImageJ software, measurements of
      depth with a ruler and weight-to-volume assessment with dental paste. Statistical
      analyses included analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-tests. We demonstrate
      that there are significantly different and nearly statistically significant
      differences between traditional ruler depth measurement and LAWM device
      measurement, but there are no statistically significant differences in area
      measurement. Volume measurements were found to be significantly different in two
      of the wounds. Rate of percentage change was analysed for volume and depth in the
      wound healing model, and the LAWM device was not significantly different than the
      traditional measurement technique. While occasionally inaccurate in its absolute
      measurement, the LAWM device is a useful tool in the clinician's arsenal as it
      reliably measures rate of percentage change in depth and volume and offers a
      potentially aseptic alternative to traditional measurement techniques. 

PMID- 25124514
TI  - Sub-chronically exposing mice to a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon increases
      lipid accumulation in their livers.
AB  - The potential for exposing humans and wildlife to environmental polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has increased. Risk assessments describing how PAHs
      disturb lipid metabolism and induce hepatotoxicity have only received limited
      attention. In the present study, seven-week-old male ICR mice received
      intraperitoneal injections of 0, 0.01, 0.1 or 1mg/kg body weight 3
      methylcholanthrene (3MC) per week for 10 weeks. A high-fat diet was provided
      during the exposure. Histopathological lipid accumulation and lipid metabolism
      related genes were measured. We observed that sub-chronic 3MC exposure
      significantly increased lipid droplet and triacylglycerol (TG) levels in the
      livers. A low dose of 3MC activated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which
      negatively regulated lipid synthesis in the livers. The primary genes including
      acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acc), fatty acid synthase (Fas) and stearoyl-CoA
      desaturase 1 (Scd1) decreased significantly when compared with those in the
      control group, indicating that de novo fatty acid synthesis in the hepatocytes
      was significantly inhibited by the sub-chronic 3MC exposure. However, the free
      fatty acid (FFA) synthesis in the adipose tissue was greatly enhanced by up
      regulating the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      (PPARgamma) and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP1C) and target
      genes including Acc, Fas and Scd1. The synthesized FFA was released into the
      blood and then transported into the liver by the up-regulation of Fat and Fatp2,
      which resulted in the gradual accumulation of lipids in the liver. In conclusion,
      histological examinations and molecular level analyses highlighted the
      development of lipid accumulation and confirmed that 3MC significantly impaired
      lipid metabolism in mice. 

PMID- 25124515
TI  - Investigation on the relationship between bioconcentration factor and
      distribution coefficient based on class-based compounds: The factors that affect
      bioconcentration.
AB  - Bioconcentration factor (BCF) is one of the most important parameters in the
      assessment of the potential hazard of new compounds in aquatic ecosystems.
      However, the factors that influence the estimation of BCFs for a large variety of
      chemicals have not been systemically investigated in the literature. In this
      paper, a large BCF data set containing 1088 nonionic and ionic organic compounds
      was used to study the relationship between BCF and molecular descriptors and
      influencing factors. Step-by-step analysis on the class-based compounds showed
      that nonlinear Gaussian and Sigmoid equations could well describe relationships
      between logBCF and distribution coefficient for the compounds over a wide range
      of structures and chloro or/and bromo substituted aromatics, respectively. The
      quality of fit from the nonlinear models is better than the BCFBAF method from
      the Epi Suite program for the class-based compounds. Systemic prediction
      deviations have been observed for some types of compounds. The reasons for
      systemic deviations for these compounds can be attributed to the difference in
      bioconcentration mechanism for hydrophilic compounds, transformation for
      hydroxyphenols and three-membered rings, physical barrier for long chain and
      large polycyclic compounds, difference in determining methods of BCF (kinetic and
      steady-state), bioavailability for highly hydrophobic compounds and accuracy of
      BCF measurements for compounds with extremely high or low BCFs. These factors are
      important and should be considered in any reliable bioconcentration prediction. 

PMID- 25124516
TI  - Filariasis asymptomatically infected donors have lower levels of disialylated IgG
      compared to endemic normals.
AB  - Helminths induce strong regulatory and T helper 2-type responses, whereby
      antibody-derived host protection and regulation are essential components.
      Lymphatic filariasis is an immune-mediated spectral disease that manifests as two
      main clinical outcomes: chronic pathology or asymptomatic infection. These
      outcomes depend on a multitude of factors, including parasite-induced
      immunoregulation and host genetic background; antibody responses contribute to
      this outcome. N-glycosylation of the Fc region of antibodies is a post
      translational modification required for the structure and molecular function,
      influencing host inflammatory and regulatory responses. Altered IgG glycosylation
      correlates with disease, whereby decreased galactosylation is associated with
      inflammation while increased sialylation is associated with anti-inflammatory
      responses. We purified N-linked glycans from the Fc region of total IgG from
      Wuchereria bancrofti-infected patients characterizing the two clinical
      manifestations (chronic pathology and asymptomatic infection) and compared them
      to infection-free endemic normals. Using capillary electrophoresis, we found that
      there was no difference in galactosylation of total IgG between the three groups;
      however, asymptomatically infected patients had significantly lower levels of
      disialylated IgG compared to endemic normals and patients with pathology. These
      data suggest that while galactosylation does not contribute to disease outcome,
      sialylation may be involved in asymptomatic infection. 

PMID- 25124517
TI  - Identification of differential selection traces in two Polish cattle breeds.
AB  - Genetic improvement of animals based on artificial selection is leading to
      changes in the frequency of genes related to desirable production traits. The
      changes are reflected by the neutral, intergenic single nucleotide polymorphims
      (SNPs) being in long-range linkage disequilibrium with functional polymorphisms.
      Genome-wide SNP analysis tools designed for cattle, allow for scanning
      divergences in allelic frequencies between distinct breeds and thus for
      identification of genomic regions which were divergently selected in breeds'
      histories. In this study, by using Bovine SNP50 assay, we attempted to identify
      genomic regions showing the highest differences in allele frequencies between two
      distinct cattle breeds - preserved, unselected Polish Red breed and highly
      selected Holstein cattle. Our study revealed 19 genomic regions encompassing 55
      protein-coding genes and numerous quantitative trait loci which potentially may
      underlie some of the phenotypic traits distinguishing the breeds. 

PMID- 25124518
TI  - Identification of a novel COL2A1 mutation (c.1744G>A) in a Japanese family: a
      case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mutations in the gene encoding the type II collagen gene (COL2A1)
      have been found to affect the entire skeletal system. Recently, inheritable
      skeletal dysplasia caused by novel COL2A1 mutations has been linked to an
      inherited disease of the hip joint that neither involves the entire skeletal
      system nor is characterized by the presence of concomitant disorders, such as
      spinal or ocular abnormalities. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old Japanese woman
      previously diagnosed with avasucular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head on the
      basis of radiological findings was referred to the study site for surgical
      management of a painful hip joint. She had no history of disease but suffered
      from bilateral hip joint lesions. Analysis of her pedigree revealed that
      bilateral hip joint lesions affected more than three generations of her family.
      Based on these findings, haplotype analysis of her and her family members was
      performed by examining select candidate genes from the critical interval for
      epiphyseal dysplasia of the femoral head on 12q13 and sequencing the promoter and
      exonic regions of COL2A1. CONCLUSION: A novel COL2A1 mutation (c.1744G>A) was
      identified within one Japanese family.

PMID- 25124519
TI  - Neuroimmune biomarkers in schizophrenia.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder with a broad spectrum of
      clinical and biological manifestations. Due to the lack of objective tests, the
      accurate diagnosis and selection of effective treatments for schizophrenia
      remains challenging. Numerous technologies have been employed in search of
      schizophrenia biomarkers. These studies have suggested that neuroinflammatory
      processes may play a role in schizophrenia pathogenesis, at least in a subgroup
      of patients. The evidence indicates alterations in both pro- and anti
      inflammatory molecules in the central nervous system, which have also been found
      in peripheral tissues and may correlate with schizophrenia symptoms. In line with
      these findings, certain immunomodulatory interventions have shown beneficial
      effects on psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia patients, in particular those with
      distinct immune signatures. In this review, we evaluate these findings and their
      potential for more targeted drug interventions and the development of companion
      diagnostics. Although currently no validated markers exist for schizophrenia
      patient stratification or the prediction of treatment efficacy, we propose that
      utilisation of inflammatory markers for diagnostic and theranostic purposes may
      lead to novel therapeutic approaches and deliver more effective care for
      schizophrenia patients.

PMID- 25124520
TI  - Cortical thinning and caudate abnormalities in first episode psychosis and their
      association with clinical outcome.
AB  - First episode psychosis (FEP) has been associated with structural brain changes,
      largely identified by volumetric analyses. Advances in neuroimaging processing
      have made it possible to measure geometric properties that may identify subtle
      structural changes not appreciated by a measure of volume alone. In this study we
      adopt complementary methods of assessing the structural integrity of grey matter
      in FEP patients and assess whether these relate to patient clinical and
      functional outcome at 3 year follow-up. 1.5 Tesla T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance
      (MR) images were acquired for 46 patients experiencing their first episode of
      psychosis and 46 healthy controls. Cerebral cortical thickness and local
      gyrification index (LGI) were investigated using FreeSurfer software. Volume and
      shape of the hippocampus, caudate and lateral ventricles were assessed using
      manual tracing and spherical harmonics applied for shape description. A cluster
      of cortical thinning was identified in FEP compared to controls; this was located
      in the right superior temporal gyrus, sulcus, extended into the middle temporal
      gyrus (lateral temporal cortex - LTC). Bilateral caudate volumes were
      significantly lower in FEP relative to controls and the right caudate also
      displayed regions of shape deflation in the FEP group. No significant structural
      abnormalities were identified in cortical LGI or hippocampal or lateral ventricle
      volume/shape. Neither LTC nor caudate abnormalities were related to change in
      symptom severity or global functioning 3 years later. LTC and caudate
      abnormalities are present at the first episode of psychosis but do not appear to
      directly affect clinical or functional outcome.

PMID- 25124522
TI  - A simplified procedure for gram-scale production of sialylglycopeptide (SGP) from
      egg yolks and subsequent semi-synthesis of Man3GlcNAc oxazoline.
AB  - Heterogeneity of glycan structures in native glycoconjugates always hampers
      precise studies on carbohydrate-involved biological functions. To construct
      homogeneous glycoconjugates from natural resource of homogeneous glycans is
      therefore a practical approach to solve this problem. We report here an optimized
      procedure for gram-scale production of sialylglycopeptide (SGP) containing a
      disialyl biantennary complex-type N-glycan from egg yolks. Our new procedure
      simplified the extraction process by treating the egg yolk powder with 40%
      acetone, avoiding massive emulsification, high-speed centrifugation, and
      sophisticated chromatography in reported methods. Subsequent semi-synthesis of
      the N-glycan core Man3GlcNAc oxazoline from SGP was accomplished for the first
      time via glyco-trimming and successive oxazoline formation. This efficient semi
      synthesis provides an alternative to the pure chemical approach that involves
      multi-step total synthesis and facilitates the application of endo-glycosidase
      enabled chemoenzymatic synthesis of various homogeneous glycoconjugates. 

PMID- 25124521
TI  - Replication of previous genome-wide association studies of psychiatric diseases
      in a large schizophrenia case-control sample from Spain.
AB  - Genome wide association studies (GWAS) has allowed the discovery of some
      interesting risk variants for schizophrenia (SCZ). However, this high-throughput
      approach presents some limitations, being the most important the necessity of
      highly restrictive statistical corrections as well as the loss of statistical
      power inherent to the use of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis
      approach. These problems can be partially solved through the use of a polygenic
      approach. We performed a genotyping study in SCZ using 86 previously associated
      SNPs identified by GWAS of SCZ, bipolar disorder (BPD) and autistic spectrum
      disorder (ASD) patients. The sample consisted of 3063 independent cases with DSM
      IV-TR diagnosis of SCZ and 2847 independent controls of European origin from
      Spain. A polygenic score analysis was also used to test the overall effect on the
      SCZ status. One SNP, rs12290811, located in the ODZ4 gene reached statistical
      significance (p=1.7*10(-4), Allelic odds ratio=1.21), a value very near to those
      reported in previous GWAS of BPD patients. In addition, 4 SNPs were close to the
      significant threshold: rs3850333, in the NRXN1 gene; rs6932590, at MHC;
      rs2314398, located in an intergenic region on chromosome 2; and rs1006737, in the
      CACNA1C gene. We also found that 74% of the studied SNPs showed the same tendency
      (risk or protection alleles) previously reported in the original GWAS (p<0.001).
      Our data strengthen the polygenic component of susceptibility to SCZ. Our
      findings show ODZ4 as a risk gene for SCZ, emphasizing the existence of common
      vulnerability in psychosis.

PMID- 25124523
TI  - Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery in undergraduate medical education:
      advances and innovations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Medical students graduate with the knowledge and skills to
      be undifferentiated general physicians. Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery
      (OtoHNS) is an essential component of primary healthcare, but is
      disproportionately under-represented in undergraduate medical education (UME).
      Advances and innovations in educational technology may represent an exciting and
      creative solution to this important problem. Failure to meet this educational
      need will result in substantial downstream effects in primary healthcare
      delivery. The objectives of this study were to 1) demonstrate current deficits in
      OtoHNS teaching at the UME level; 2) develop, validate, and critically appraise
      educational innovations that may enrich OtoHNS teaching in medical school
      curricula; and 3) propose a process for standardization of learning objectives
      for OtoHNS in UME as it relates to development and deployment of such educational
      tools. STUDY DESIGN: A white paper, prepared as a Triological Society thesis,
      which consolidates a prospective 10-year investigation of the problem of and
      potential solutions for under-representation of OtoHNS in UME. Cited datasets
      include multicenter surveys, cohort studies, and prospective, randomized
      controlled trials. METHODS: A series of published and unpublished data were
      synthesized that addresses the following: 1) the current state of OtoHNS teaching
      at the UME level with respect to content, volume, structure, and methods; and 2)
      educational innovations including e-learning and simulation with emphasis on
      validity and learning effectiveness. Educational innovations specific to
      postgraduate (residency) training were excluded. RESULTS: Data support the
      observation that there is uniformly disproportionate under-representation of
      OtoHNS within UME curricula. Medical school graduates, especially those pursuing
      primary care specialties, report poor overall comfort levels in managing OtoHNS
      problems. A series of novel teaching methods were developed and validated using e
      learning and simulation. Selected technologies may have a role in medical student
      teaching. It has been shown that e-learning has limited value in teaching complex
      spatial anatomy to novice learners, but good value in teaching basic clinical
      knowledge and selected technical skills. The role of simulation as it pertains to
      the novice learner is evolving. Important factors to consider during development
      of these tools include: 1) knowledge base and learning style of the learner, 2)
      complexity and nature of the learning objectives, 3) understanding the features
      and limitations of different technological genres, and 4) a team approach to
      module development. There remains a role for traditional teaching paradigms such
      as lectures, labs, and standardized patients; however, the choice of
      instructional genre should be fundamentally tailored to the nature of the
      learning outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Enriching OtoHNS teaching in medical school is
      essential optimize primary care delivered to patients. Although e-learning and
      simulation are broadly accepted and desirable by today's medical students, these
      technologies should be woven into the fabric of UME pedagogical principles
      judiciously, and only after empiric assessment. Foundational to the development
      and implementation of these technologies is the framework of standardized
      competency-based learning objectives, common to all graduating medical students.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA

PMID- 25124524
TI  - Effects of serial and concurrent training on acquisition and generalization.
AB  - Despite a large body of research demonstrating that generalization to novel
      stimuli can be produced by training sufficient exemplars, the methods by which
      exemplars can be trained remain unclear. The purpose of the current study was to
      evaluate 2 methods, serial and concurrent presentation of stimuli, to train
      sufficient exemplars. Five preschool children with developmental delays were
      taught to identify letters or letter sounds using serial and concurrent
      presentation. Generalization to untrained exemplars was evaluated for targets
      trained using each method. Participants reached the mastery criterion in fewer
      training sessions, on average, using the concurrent method of presentation than
      the serial method, and the concurrent method also resulted in greater
      generalization to untrained exemplars. 

PMID- 25124526
TI  - Should we adjust for a confounder if empirical and theoretical criteria yield
      contradictory results? A simulation study.
AB  - Confounders can be identified by one of two main strategies: empirical or
      theoretical. Although confounder identification strategies that combine empirical
      and theoretical strategies have been proposed, the need for adjustment remains
      unclear if the empirical and theoretical criteria yield contradictory results due
      to random error. We simulated several scenarios to mimic either the presence or
      the absence of a confounding effect and tested the accuracy of the exposure
      outcome association estimates with and without adjustment. Various criteria
      (significance criterion, Change-in-estimate(CIE) criterion with a 10% cutoff and
      with a simulated cutoff) were imposed, and a range of sample sizes were trialed.
      In the presence of a true confounding effect, unbiased estimates were obtained
      only by using the CIE criterion with a simulated cutoff. In the absence of a
      confounding effect, all criteria performed well regardless of adjustment. When
      the confounding factor was affected by both exposure and outcome, all criteria
      yielded accurate estimates without adjustment, but the adjusted estimates were
      biased. To conclude, theoretical confounders should be adjusted for regardless of
      the empirical evidence found. The adjustment for factors that do not have a
      confounding effect minimally effects. Potential confounders affected by both
      exposure and outcome should not be adjusted for. 

PMID- 25124527
TI  - Pentacoordinate phosphorus in a high-pressure polymorph of phosphorus nitride
      imide P4N6(NH).
AB  - Coordination numbers higher than usual are often associated with superior
      mechanical properties. In this contribution we report on the synthesis of the
      high-pressure polymorph of highly condensed phosphorus nitride imide P4 N6 (NH)
      representing a new framework topology. This is the first example of phosphorus in
      trigonal-bipyramidal coordination being observed in an inorganic network
      structure. We were able to obtain single crystals and bulk samples of the
      compound employing the multi-anvil technique. gamma-P4 N6 (NH) has been
      thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR and FTIR
      spectroscopy. The synthesis of gamma-P4 N6 (NH) gives new insights into the
      coordination chemistry of phosphorus at high pressures. The synthesis of further
      high-pressure phases with higher coordination numbers exhibiting intriguing
      physical properties seems within reach. 

PMID- 25124525
TI  - Maternal periconceptional occupational pesticide exposure and neural tube
      defects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adverse associations between maternal pesticide exposure and neural
      tube defects (NTDs) have been suggested but not consistently observed. This study
      used data from the multisite National Birth Defects Prevention Study to examine
      associations between maternal periconceptional (1 month preconception through 2
      months postconception) occupational pesticide exposure and NTDs. METHODS: Mothers
      of 502 NTD cases and 2950 unaffected live-born control infants with estimated
      delivery dates from 1997 through 2002 were included. Duration, categorical
      intensity scores, and categorical frequency scores for pesticide classes (e.g.,
      insecticides) were assigned using a modified, literature-based job-exposure
      matrix and maternal-reported occupational histories. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs)
      and 95% confidence intervals were estimated based on fitted multivariable
      logistic regression models that described associations between maternal
      periconceptional occupational pesticide exposure and NTDs. The aORs were
      estimated for pesticide exposure (any [yes/no] and cumulative exposure [intensity
      * frequency * duration] to any pesticide class, each pesticide class, or
      combination of pesticide classes) and all NTD cases combined and NTD subtypes.
      RESULTS: Positive, but marginally significant or nonsignificant, aORs were
      observed for exposure to insecticides + herbicides for all NTD cases combined and
      for spina bifida alone. Similarly, positive aORs were observed for any exposure
      and cumulative exposure to insecticides + herbicides + fungicides and anencephaly
      alone and encephalocele alone. All other aORs were near unity. CONCLUSION:
      Pesticide exposure associations varied by NTD subtype and pesticide class.
      Several aORs were increased, but not significantly. Future work should continue
      to examine associations between pesticide classes and NTD subtypes using a
      detailed occupational pesticide exposure assessment and examine pesticide
      exposures outside the workplace.

PMID- 25124528
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of using small vertebrates as indicators of disturbance.
AB  - In species-rich tropical forests, effective biodiversity management demands
      measures of progress, yet budgetary limitations typically constrain capacity of
      decision makers to assess response of biological communities to habitat change.
      One approach is to identify ecological-disturbance indicator species (EDIS) whose
      monitoring is also monetarily cost-effective. These species can be identified by
      determining individual species' responses to disturbance across a gradient;
      however, such responses may be confounded by factors other than disturbance. For
      example, in mountain environments the effects of anthropogenic habitat alteration
      are commonly confounded by elevation. EDIS have been identified with the
      indicator value (IndVal) metric, but there are weaknesses in the application of
      this approach in complex montane systems. We surveyed birds, small mammals, bats,
      and leaf-litter lizards in differentially disturbed cloud forest of the
      Ecuadorian Andes. We then incorporated elevation in generalized linear (mixed)
      models (GL(M)M) to screen for EDIS in the data set. Finally, we used rarefaction
      of species accumulation data to compare relative monetary costs of identifying
      and monitoring EDIS at equal sampling effort, based on species richness. Our
      GL(M)M generated greater numbers of EDIS but fewer characteristic species
      relative to IndVal. In absolute terms birds were the most cost-effective of the 4
      taxa surveyed. We found one low-cost bird EDIS. In terms of the number of
      indicators generated as a proportion of species richness, EDIS of small mammals
      were the most cost-effective. Our approach has the potential to be a useful tool
      for facilitating more sustainable management of Andean forest systems.

PMID- 25124529
TI  - Comparison of sub-bandage pressures achieved by 3 abdominal bandaging techniques
      in horses.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Clinicians frequently place post operative
      abdominal bandages on horses undergoing laparotomies. Presently, no information
      exists on the amount of incisional support provided by these bandages.
      Determination of sub-bandage pressure provides a means of comparing the ability
      of different bandages to support incisions. OBJECTIVES: Determination of sub
      bandage pressure over a 24 h period using 3 bandaging techniques. STUDY DESIGN: A
      randomised, crossover design using 9 healthy horses. METHODS: Horses were
      randomly assigned to a treatment regimen consisting of placement of 3 abdominal
      bandage types, namely an elastic bandage (ELA), the CM(TM) Hernia Heal Belt (CM)
      or a nylon binder (NYL). The sub-bandage pressures for each bandage were measured
      with the Picopress(r) compression-measuring system at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20
      and 24 h after application. RESULTS: No time and treatment interactions were
      observed, and bandage pressures were maintained within each treatment group over
      the 24 h period. Mean sub-bandage pressures were different between all treatment
      groups (P < 0.001) at 39 (95% confidence interval, 36.7-40.5 mmHg), 25 (95%
      confidence interval, 23.9-27.7 mmHg) and 5 mmHg (95% confidence interval, 4.1-7.8
      mmHg) for CM, ELA and NYL bandages, respectively. Horses were more likely to lie
      down with the CM (P = 0.02) and ELA treatments (P = 0.0002) when compared with
      the NYL treatment. The ELA bandages were more likely to displace caudally
      compared with both CM and NYL bandages. CONCLUSIONS: The CM bandage was superior
      to both ELA and NYL bandages with regard to measured sub-bandage pressure over
      the 24 h period. The clinical significance of the differences in sub-bandage
      pressure between treatments cannot be determined by this study.

PMID- 25124530
TI  - Hedonic tone is associated with left supero-lateral medial forebrain bundle
      microstructure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The medial forebrain bundle (MFB) is an important pathway of the
      reward system. Two branches have been described using diffusion magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI)-based tractography: the infero-medial MFB (imMFB) and the
      supero-lateral MFB (slMFB). Previous studies point to white-matter
      microstructural alterations of the slMFB in major depressive disorder (MDD)
      during acute episodes. To extend this finding, this study investigates whether
      white-matter microstructure is also altered in MDD patients that are in
      remission. Further, we explore associations between diffusion MRI-based metrics
      of white-matter microstructure of imMFB, slMFB and hedonic tone, the ability to
      derive pleasure. METHOD: Eighteen remitted depressed (RD) and 22 never depressed
      (ND) participants underwent high angular resolution diffusion-weighted imaging
      (HARDI) scans. To reconstruct the two pathways of the MFB (imMFB and slMFB) we
      used the damped Richardson-Lucy (dRL) algorithm. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA)
      was sampled along the tracts. RESULTS: Mean FA of imMFB, slMFB and a comparison
      tract (the middle cerebellar peduncle) did not differ between ND and RD
      participants. Hedonic capacity correlated negatively with mean FA of the left
      slMFB, explaining 21% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion MRI-based metrics
      of white-matter microstructure of the MFB in RD do not differ from ND. Hedonic
      capacity is associated with altered white-matter microstructure of the slMFB.

PMID- 25124531
TI  - Microstructural trabecular bone from patients with osteoporotic hip fracture or
      osteoarthritis: its relationship with bone mineral density and bone remodelling
      markers.
AB  - Osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA) are the most prevalent musculoskeletal
      disorders in the elderly but the relationship between them is unclear. The
      purposes of this study are to analyze the bone turnover markers (BTM), bone
      mineral density (BMD) and the structural and mechanical properties of trabecular
      bone in patients with OP and OA, and to explore the relationship between these
      two diseases. We studied 12 OP patients and 13 OA patients. We analyzed BTM (beta
      CrossLaps and PINP), BMD and microstructural and biomechanical parameters (micro
      CT). Our results were: OP group has higher levels of beta-CrossLaps and lower BMD
      at the femoral neck. Also, OP patients have a decreased volume of trabecular bone
      and less trabecular number, with architecture showing prevalence of rod-like
      trabeculae and worse connectivity than OA patients. The biomechanical parameters
      were worse in OP patients. BMD was correlated with almost all the structural and
      biomechanical parameters. Moreover, beta-CrossLaps was negatively correlated with
      hip BMD and with bone surface density and positively with trabecular separation.
      BTM, BMD and bone microstructural changes in osteoporosis are opposite to those
      of OA. These findings justify a less resistant bone with higher risk of fragility
      fractures in OP patients. These histomorphometric and biomechanical changes may
      be suspected by measuring of BMD and beta-CrossLaps levels. 

PMID- 25124532
TI  - Use of FRAX(r)-based fracture risk assessments to identify patients who will
      benefit from osteoporosis therapy.
AB  - Several pharmacological interventions, including selective estrogen receptor
      modulators (SERMs), bisphosphonates, denosumab, and strontium ranelate have
      demonstrated efficacy in reducing the incidence of osteoporotic fractures, the
      most severe consequence of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Until recently, bone
      mineral density (BMD) was the primary factor used to determine which
      postmenopausal women may require osteoporosis treatment. However, clinical
      guidelines now recommend the use of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool
      (FRAX((r))), a computer-based algorithm introduced by the World Health
      Organization, to help primary care physicians identify postmenopausal women who
      may be candidates for pharmacological osteoporosis therapy based on the level of
      fracture risk. Beyond its utility as a resource for determining whether or not to
      initiate osteoporosis treatment, clinical studies have begun to evaluate the
      correlation between FRAX((r))-based 10-year fracture probability and efficacy of
      different osteoporosis treatments. Bazedoxifene, clodronate, and denosumab have
      shown greater fracture risk reduction at higher FRAX((r))-based 10-year fracture
      probabilities, but the efficacy of raloxifene, alendronate, and strontium
      ranelate were relatively stable regardless of fracture probability. In summary,
      these data suggest that the relationship between FRAX((r))-based fracture
      probability and efficacy of different osteoporosis treatments varies depending
      upon the agent in question. 

PMID- 25124533
TI  - Mass spectrometry based quantitative proteomics and integrative network analysis
      accentuates modulating roles of annexin-1 in mammary tumorigenesis.
AB  - Annexin-1 (ANXA1) is known to be involved in important cellular processes and
      implicated in cancer. Our previous study showed its roles in cell migration and
      DNA-damage response processes in breast cancer initiation. In order to understand
      its roles in tumorigenesis, we extended our studies to analyze tumors derived
      from polyomavirus middle T-antigen ANXA1 heterozygous (ANXA1(+/-) ) and ANXA1
      null (ANXA1(-/-) ) mice. We performed quantitative comparison of ANXA1(+/-) and
      ANXA1(-/-) tumors employing reductive dimethyl labeling quantitative proteomics.
      We observed 253 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) with high statistical
      significance among over 5000 quantified proteins. Combinatorial use of pathway
      and network-based computational analyses of the DEPs revealed that ANXA1
      primarily modulates processes related to cytoskeletal remodeling and immune
      responses in these mammary tumors. Of particular note, ANXA1(-/-) tumor showed
      reduced expression of a known epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker
      vimentin, as well as myosin light-chain kinase, which has been reported to induce
      Rho-kinase mediated assembly of stress fibers known to be implicated in EMT.
      Integrative network analysis of established interactome of ANXA1 alongside with
      DEPs further highlights the involvement of ANXA1 in EMT. Functional role of ANXA1
      in tumorigenesis was established in invasion assay where knocking down ANXA1 in
      murine mammary tumor cell line 168FARN showed lower invasive capability.
      Altogether, this study emphasizes that ANXA1 plays modulating roles contributing
      to invasion-metastasis in mammary tumorigenesis, distinctive to its roles in
      cancer initiation. 

PMID- 25124534
TI  - Self-excising integrative yeast plasmid vectors containing an intronated
      recombinase gene.
AB  - Site-specific recombinases are widely used for selectable marker recycling in
      molecular-genetic manipulations with eukaryotic cells. This usually involves the
      use of two genetic constructs, one of which possesses a selectable marker flanked
      by the recombinase recognition sequences, while the other one bears the
      recombinase gene. Combining the recombinase gene with its recognition sequences
      in one plasmid is usually avoided, as it may lead to undesirable recombination
      due to promoter leakage, while the plasmid is maintained in Escherichia coli
      cells. Here, we describe yeast vectors possessing Cre recombinase genes under
      control of regulatable yeast promoters and loxP sequences for the in vivo vector
      backbone excision. The plasmid stability in E. coli is ensured by the presence of
      an intron in the recombinase gene. Applicability of these vectors was validated
      by disruptions of the Hansenula polymorpha PMC1 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      HSP104 and PRB1 genes. 

PMID- 25124536
TI  - Hooked on UVR.

PMID- 25124535
TI  - Impact of high-sensitivity Troponin T on hospital admission, resources
      utilization, and outcomes.
AB  - AIMS: The use of high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay might lead
      to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS). This study
      assessed the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic impact of introducing hs
      cTnT in the everyday clinical practice of an Emergency Department. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We compared all consecutive patients presenting with suspected ACS at
      the Emergency Department, for whom troponin levels were measured. In particular,
      we considered 597 patients presenting during March 2010, when standard cardiac
      Troponin T (cTnT) assay was used, and 629 patients presenting during March 2011,
      when hs-cTnT test was used. Patients with suspected ACS and troponin levels above
      the 99th percentile (Upper Reference Limit, URL) significantly increased when
      using an hs-cTnT assay (17.2% vs. 37.4%, p< 0.001). Accordingly, also the mean
      GRACE risk score increased (124.2 +/- 37.2 vs. 136.7 +/- 32.2; p< 0.001).
      However, the final diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) did not change
      significantly (8.7% vs. 6.8%, p=0.263) by using a rising and/or falling pattern
      of hs-cTnT (change >= 50% or >= 20% depending on baseline values). In addition,
      no significant differences were found between the two study groups with respect
      to in-hospital (2.7% vs. 1.9%, p=0.366) and 1-year mortality (9.8% vs. 7.6%,
      p=0.216). CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe overdiagnosis and overtreatment issues
      in presenters with suspected ACS managed by appropriate changes in hs-cTnT
      levels, despite the increase in the number of patients presenting with abnormal
      troponin levels. This occurred without a rise in short-term and mid-term
      mortality.

PMID- 25124542
TI  - Antibody response to dengue virus.
AB  - In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of the role of the antibody
      response against dengue virus and highlight novel insights into targets
      recognized by the human antibody response. We also discuss how the balance of
      pathological and protective antibody responses in the host critically influences
      clinical aspects of the disease. 

PMID- 25124540
TI  - IFN-gamma and TNF associated with severe falciparum malaria infection in Saudi
      pregnant women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma),
      encoded by TNF-836 C/A (rs 1800630) and IFN-gamma -1616 C/T (rs2069705) genes,
      are key immunological mediators that are believed to both play protective and
      pathological roles in malaria. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      relationship between TNF-836 C/A and IFN-gamma-1616 C/T polymorphism and
      susceptibility to severe malaria in pregnant women. METHODS: A prospective cohort
      (cross-sectional) study was conducted in pregnant women attending the out-patient
      clinic in King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Jazan (KFSHJ), with a clinical
      diagnosis of malaria. A total of one hundred and eighty six pregnant women were
      genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for TNF and IFN-gamma using
      Taqman(r) MGB Probes. Serum cytokine concentrations were measured by sandwich
      ELISA method. RESULTS: A hospital case-control study of severe malaria in a Saudi
      population identified strong associations with individual single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms in the TNF and IFN-gamma genes, and defined TNF-836 C and IFN-gamma
      1616 T genotypes and alleles which were statistically significantly associated
      with severe malaria infection. Furthermore, TNF-836 CC and IFN-gamma-1616 TT
      genotypes were associated with higher serum concentration of TNF and IFN-gamma,
      respectively, and with susceptibility to severe malaria. CONCLUSIONS: This data
      provides a starting point for functional and genetic analysis of the TNF and IFN
      gamma genomic region in malaria infection affecting Saudi populations.

PMID- 25124541
TI  - Efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in subjects with type 2 diabetes: systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of the novel sodium glucose co
      transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor-canagliflozin for type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
      METHODS: A search of Medline (1946-January 2014), Embase (1950-January 2014), and
      The Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials of canagliflozin compared
      to placebo or active comparator in T2DM was performed. Clinical Trials website
      and unpublished U.S. Food and Drug Administration data were also searched.
      RESULTS: Ten trials including 6,701 patients were analyzed. Compared with
      placebo, canagliflozin produced absolute reductions in glycated hemoglobin A1c
      levels when used as monotherapy (weighted mean difference (WMD) -1.08%, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) [-1.25 to -0.90], p < 0.00001) or add-on treatment (WMD 
      0.73%, 95%CI [-0.84 to -0.61], p < 0.00001). When compared with other active
      comparators, canagliflozin significantly reduced HbA1c by -0.21% (WMD, 95%CI [
      0.33 to -0.08], p = 0.001). Canagliflozin led to greater body weight loss (vs.
      placebo, WMD -2.81 kg, 95%CI [-3.26 to -2.37]; vs. active comparators, WMD -3.49
      kg, 95%CI [-4.86 to -2.12]). Hypoglycemia with canagliflozin was similar to
      placebo or sitagliptin, and was lower than glimepiride (risk ratio (RR) 0.15,
      95%CI [0.10 to 0.22]). Genital tract infections were more common with
      canagliflozin (vs. placebo, RR 3.76, 95%CI [2.23 to 6.35]; vs. active
      comparators, RR 4.95, 95%CI [3.25 to 7.52]). Similar incidences of urinary tract
      infections were noted with canagliflozin compared with control groups.
      CONCLUSION: Canagliflozin led to improvements in reducing glycated hemoglobin A1c
      levels and body weight with low risk of hypoglycemia in patients with T2DM.
      Common adverse effects including genital tract infections and osmotic diuresis
      related AEs were identified and reviewed. Risks of cardiovascular events are even
      less certain, and more data on long-term effects are needed.

PMID- 25124543
TI  - Flatland goes 3D.

PMID- 25124545
TI  - Manifold learning based ECG-free free-breathing cardiac CINE MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present and validate a manifold learning (ML)-based method that can
      estimate both cardiac and respiratory navigator signals from electrocardiogram
      (ECG)-free free-breathing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to
      achieve self-gated retrospective CINE reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      this work the use of the ML method is demonstrated for 2D cardiac CINE to achieve
      both cardiac and respiratory self-gating without the need of an external
      navigator or ECG signal. This is achieved by sequentially applying ML to two sets
      of retrospectively reconstructed real-time images with differing temporal
      resolutions. A 1D cardiac signal is estimated by applying ML to high temporal
      resolution real-time images reconstructed from the acquired data. Using the
      estimated cardiac signal, a 1D respiratory signal was obtained by applying the ML
      method to low temporal resolution images reconstructed from the same acquired
      data for each cardiac cycle. Data were acquired in five volunteers with a 2D
      golden angle radial trajectory in a balanced steady-state free precession (b
      SSFP) acquisition. The accuracy of the estimated cardiac signal was calculated as
      the standard deviation of the temporal difference between the estimated signal
      and the recorded ECG. The correlation between the estimated respiratory signal
      and standard pencil beam navigator signal was evaluated. Gated CINE
      reconstructions (20 cardiac phases per cycle, temporal resolution ~30 msec) using
      the estimated cardiac and respiratory signals were qualitatively compared against
      conventional ECG-gated breath-hold CINE acquisitions. RESULTS: Accurate cardiac
      signals were estimated with the proposed method, with an error standard deviation
      in comparison to ECG lower than 20 msec. Respiratory signals estimated with the
      proposed method achieved a mean cross-correlation of 94% with respect to standard
      pencil beam navigator signals. Good quality visual scores of 2.80 +/- 0.45
      (scores from 0, bad, to 4, excellent quality) were observed for the proposed
      approach in comparison with the conventional ECG-gated breath-hold images (visual
      score: 3.00 +/- 0.71). CONCLUSION: Accurate respiratory and cardiac navigator
      signals can be estimated using the proposed framework from the acquired data
      itself, resulting in retrospective self-gated CINE reconstruction with high
      spatial and temporal quality.

PMID- 25124544
TI  - Prophylactic effect of human lactoferrin against Streptococcus mutans bacteremia
      in lactoferrin knockout mice.
AB  - Streptococcus mutans is the primary agent of dental caries, which is often
      detected in transient bacteremia. Lactoferrin is a multifunctional glycoprotein
      showing antibacterial activities against several Streptococcus species. We
      reported here the prophylactic effect of human lactoferrin (hLF) in a lactoferrin
      knockout mouse (LFKO-/-) bacteremic model. The hLF treatment significantly
      cleared S. mutans from the blood and organs of bacteremic mice when compared to
      the non-hLF treated mice. Further, analysis of serum cytokines, spleen and liver
      cytokine mRNA levels revealed that hLF prophylaxis modulates their release
      differently when compared to the non-hLF treated group. C-reactive protein level
      (P = 0.003) also decreased following hLF prophylaxis in S. mutans induced
      bacteremic mice. Additional quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that hLF
      prophylaxis significantly decreased the expression level of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha,
      IL-1beta, IL-6, MPO and iNOS in spleen and liver. These results suggested that
      the hLF protects the host against S. mutans-induced experimental bacteremia.

PMID- 25124546
TI  - Segmental uniparental isodisomy of chromosome 6 causing transient diabetes
      mellitus and merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy.
AB  - Segmental uniparental isodisomy (iUPD) is a rare genetic event that may cause
      aberrant expression of imprinted genes, and reduction to homozygosity of a
      recessive mutation. Transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM) is typically
      caused by imprinting aberrations in chromosome 6q24 TNDM differentially
      methylated region (DMR). Approximately, 15.12 Mb upstream in 6q22-q23 is located
      LAMA2, the gene responsible of merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy
      type 1A (MDC1A). We investigated a patient diagnosed both with TNDM and MDC1A,
      born from a twin dichorionic discordant pregnancy. Parents are first-degree
      cousins. Methylation sensitive-PCR of the imprinted 6q24 TNDM CpG island showed
      only the non-methylated (paternal) allele. Microsatellite markers and SNP array
      profiling disclosed normal biparental inheritance at 6p and a segmental paternal
      iUPD, between 6q22.33 and 6q27. Sequencing of LAMA2 exons showed a homozygous
      frameshift mutation, c.7490_7493dupAAGA, which predicts p.Asp2498GlufsX4, in exon
      54. Her father, but not her mother, was a carrier of the mutation. While
      segmental paternal iUPD6 causing TNDM was reported twice, there are no previous
      reports of MDC1A caused by this event. This is a child with two genetic
      disorders, yet neither is caused by the parental consanguinity, which reinforces
      the importance of considering different etiological mechanisms in the genetic
      clinic.

PMID- 25124547
TI  - Retrospective data analysis and proposal of a practical acceptance criterion for
      inter-laboratory cross-validation of bioanalytical methods using liquid
      chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to conduct a retrospective data analysis for inter
      laboratory cross-validation studies to set a reasonable and practical acceptance
      criterion based on a number of cross-validation results. From the results of
      cross-validation studies for 16 compounds and their metabolites, analytical bias
      and variation were evaluated. The accuracy of cross-validation samples was
      compared with that of quality control (QC) samples with statistical comparison of
      the analytical variation. An acceptance criterion was derived with a confidential
      interval approach. As the results, while a larger bias was observed for the cross
      validation samples, the bias was not fully caused by analytical variation or bias
      attributable to the analytical methods. The direction of the deviation between
      the cross-validation samples and QC samples was random and not concentration
      dependent, suggesting that inter-laboratory variability such as preparation
      errors could be a source of bias. A derived acceptance criterion corresponds to
      one prescribed in the Guideline on bioanalytical method validation from the
      Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan and is a little wider than one in
      the European Medical Agency. In conclusion, thorough retrospective data analysis
      revealed potential causes of larger analytical bias in inter-laboratory cross
      validation studies. A derived acceptance criterion would be practical and
      reasonable for the inter-laboratory cross-validation study. 

PMID- 25124548
TI  - Behavioral extremes of trait anxiety in mice are characterized by distinct
      metabolic profiles.
AB  - No comprehensive metabolic profile of trait anxiety is to date available. To
      identify metabolic biosignatures for different anxiety states, we compared mice
      selectively inbred for ~ 40 generations for high (HAB), normal (NAB) or low (LAB)
      anxiety-related behavior. Using a mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolomics
      approach, we quantified the levels of 257 unique metabolites in the cingulate
      cortex and plasma of HAB, NAB and LAB mice. We then pinpointed affected molecular
      systems in anxiety-related behavior by an in silico pathway and network
      prediction analysis followed by validation of in silico predicted alterations
      with molecular assays. We found distinct metabolic profiles for different trait
      anxiety states and detected metabolites with altered levels both in cingulate
      cortex and plasma. Metabolomics data revealed common candidate biomarkers in
      cingulate cortex and plasma for anxiety traits and in silico pathway analysis
      implicated amino acid metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, oxidative stress and
      apoptosis in the regulation of anxiety-related behavior. We report characteristic
      biosignatures for trait anxiety states and provide a network map of pathways
      involved in anxiety-related behavior. Pharmacological targeting of these pathways
      will enable a mechanism-based approach for identifying novel therapeutic targets
      for anxiety disorders.

PMID- 25124549
TI  - Suicide in children and young adolescents: a 25-year database on suicides from
      Northern Finland.
AB  - Despite the large amount of research on adolescent suicidality, there are few
      detailed studies illustrating the characteristics of child and adolescent
      completed suicide. Our study presents the characteristics of child and adolescent
      suicides occurring over a period of 25 years within a large geographical area in
      Northern Finland, with a special focus on gender differences. The study sample
      included all 58 suicides among children and adolescents (<18 years) occurring in
      the province of Oulu in Finland between 1988 and 2012. The data is based on
      documents pertaining to establish the cause of death from forensic autopsy
      investigations. A register linkage to the data from the Finnish Hospital
      Discharge Register (FHDR) was also made. 79% of the suicide victims were male.
      Violent suicide methods predominated in both genders (males 98%, females 83%).
      While symptoms of mental illness were common, only a minority (15% of males and
      17% of females) had a previous history of psychiatric hospitalization. 17% of
      females but none of the males had been hospitalized previously due to self
      poisoning. A greater proportion of females than males had a history of self
      cutting (33% vs. 7%) and previous suicide attempts (25% vs. 4%). 48% of males and
      58% of females were under the influence of alcohol at the time of their suicide,
      and alcohol intoxication was related to suicides during the night. One fifth of
      the adolescents screened positive for substances other than alcohol. The results
      of this study indicate that there are similarities but also some differences in
      the characteristics of male and female suicides in adolescents. 

PMID- 25124550
TI  - Zolpidem and the risk of Parkinson's disease: a nationwide population-based
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This nationwide population-based study investigated the risk of
      Parkinson's disease (PD) after zolpidem use in patients with sleep disturbance
      using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: In total, 59,548 adult patients newly diagnosed with sleep
      disturbance and who used zolpidem were recruited as the study cohort, along with
      42,171 subjects who did not use zolpidem as a comparison cohort from 2002 to
      2009. Each patient was monitored for 5 years, and those who subsequently had PD
      were identified. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the risk of
      PD between the study and comparison cohorts after adjusting for possible
      confounding risk factors. RESULTS: The patients who received zolpidem had a
      higher cumulative rate of PD than those who did not receive zolpidem during the 5
      year follow-up period (1.2% vs. 0.5%, P < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratios were
      1.10 (95% CI, 0.88-1.37), 1.41 (95% CI, 1.17-1.72), and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.05-1.55)
      for zolpidem use with 28-90, 91-365, and more than 365 cumulative defined daily
      doses (cDDDs), respectively, compared to those who did not use zolpidem.
      CONCLUSIONS: Among the patients with sleep disturbance, zolpidem use increased
      the risk of PD after 5 years of follow-up. Further mechanistic research of
      zolpidem effect in PD is needed.

PMID- 25124551
TI  - Real-time in vivo periprostatic nerve tracking using multiphoton microscopy in a
      rat survival surgery model: a promising pre-clinical study for enhanced nerve
      sparing surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the ability of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to visualise,
      differentiate and track periprostatic nerves in an in vivo rat model, mimicking
      real-time imaging in humans during RP and to investigate the tissue toxicity and
      reproducibility of in vivo MPM on prostatic glands in the rat after imaging and
      final histological correlation study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo prostatic
      rat imaging was carried out using a custom-built bench-top MPM system generating
      real-time three-dimensional histological images, after performing survival
      surgery consisting of mini-laparotomies under xylazine/ketamine anaesthesia
      exteriorising the right prostatic lobe. The acquisition time and the depth of
      anaesthesia were adjusted for collecting multiple images in order to track the
      periprostatic nerves in real-time. The rats were then monitored for 15 days
      before undergoing a new set of imaging under similar settings. After humanely
      killing the rats, their prostates were submitted for routine histology and
      correlation studies. RESULTS: In vivo MPM images distinguished periprostatic
      nerves within the capsule and the prostatic glands from fresh unprocessed
      prostatic tissue without the use of exogenous contrast agents or biopsy sample.
      Real-time nerve tracking outlining the prostate was feasible and acquisition was
      not disturbed by motion artefacts. No serious adverse event was reported during
      rat monitoring; no tissue damage due to laser was seen on the imaged lobe
      compared with the contralateral lobe (control) allowing comparison of their
      corresponding histology. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we have shown that in
      vivo tracking of periprostatic nerves using MPM is feasible in a rat model.
      Development of a multiphoton endoscope for intraoperative use in humans is
      currently in progress and must be assessed.

PMID- 25124552
TI  - Comparative genomics highlights the unique biology of Methanomassiliicoccales, a
      Thermoplasmatales-related seventh order of methanogenic archaea that encodes
      pyrrolysine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A seventh order of methanogens, the Methanomassiliicoccales, has been
      identified in diverse anaerobic environments including the gastrointestinal
      tracts (GIT) of humans and other animals and may contribute significantly to
      methane emission and global warming. Methanomassiliicoccales are phylogenetically
      distant from all other orders of methanogens and belong to a large evolutionary
      branch composed by lineages of non-methanogenic archaea such as
      Thermoplasmatales, the Deep Hydrothermal Vent Euryarchaeota-2 (DHVE-2,
      Aciduliprofundum boonei) and the Marine Group-II (MG-II). To better understand
      this new order and its relationship to other archaea, we manually curated and
      extensively compared the genome sequences of three Methanomassiliicoccales
      representatives derived from human GIT microbiota, "Candidatus
      Methanomethylophilus alvus", "Candidatus Methanomassiliicoccus intestinalis" and
      Methanomassiliicoccus luminyensis. RESULTS: Comparative analyses revealed
      atypical features, such as the scattering of the ribosomal RNA genes in the
      genome and the absence of eukaryotic-like histone gene otherwise present in most
      of Euryarchaeota genomes. Previously identified in Thermoplasmatales genomes,
      these features are presently extended to several completely sequenced genomes of
      this large evolutionary branch, including MG-II and DHVE2. The three
      Methanomassiliicoccales genomes share a unique composition of genes involved in
      energy conservation suggesting an original combination of two main energy
      conservation processes previously described in other methanogens. They also
      display substantial differences with each other, such as their codon usage, the
      nature and origin of their CRISPRs systems and the genes possibly involved in
      particular environmental adaptations. The genome of M. luminyensis encodes
      several features to thrive in soil and sediment conditions suggesting its larger
      environmental distribution than GIT. Conversely, "Ca. M. alvus" and "Ca. M.
      intestinalis" do not present these features and could be more restricted and
      specialized on GIT. Prediction of the amber codon usage, either as a termination
      signal of translation or coding for pyrrolysine revealed contrasted patterns
      among the three genomes and suggests a different handling of the Pyl-encoding
      capacity. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first insights into the genomic
      organization and metabolic traits of the seventh order of methanogens. It
      suggests contrasted evolutionary history among the three analyzed
      Methanomassiliicoccales representatives and provides information on conserved
      characteristics among the overall methanogens and among Thermoplasmata.

PMID- 25124553
TI  - Bim controls IL-15 availability and limits engagement of multiple BH3-only
      proteins.
AB  - During the effector CD8+ T-cell response, transcriptional differentiation
      programs are engaged that promote effector T cells with varying memory potential.
      Although these differentiation programs have been used to explain which cells die
      as effectors and which cells survive and become memory cells, it is unclear if
      the lack of cell death enhances memory. Here, we investigated effector CD8+ T
      cell fate in mice whose death program has been largely disabled because of the
      loss of Bim. Interestingly, the absence of Bim resulted in a significant
      enhancement of effector CD8+ T cells with more memory potential. Bim-driven
      control of memory T-cell development required T-cell-specific, but not dendritic
      cell-specific, expression of Bim. Both total and T-cell-specific loss of Bim
      promoted skewing toward memory precursors, by enhancing the survival of memory
      precursors, and limiting the availability of IL-15. Decreased IL-15 availability
      in Bim-deficient mice facilitated the elimination of cells with less memory
      potential via the additional pro-apoptotic molecules Noxa and Puma. Combined,
      these data show that Bim controls memory development by limiting the survival of
      pre-memory effector cells. Further, by preventing the consumption of IL-15, Bim
      limits the role of Noxa and Puma in causing the death of effector cells with less
      memory potential. 

PMID- 25124554
TI  - Liver X receptor beta activation induces pyroptosis of human and murine colon
      cancer cells.
AB  - Liver X receptors (LXRs) have been proposed to have some anticancer properties,
      through molecular mechanisms that remain elusive. Here we report for the first
      time that LXR ligands induce caspase-1-dependent cell death of colon cancer
      cells. Caspase-1 activation requires Nod-like-receptor pyrin domain containing 3
      (NLRP3) inflammasome and ATP-mediated P2 * 7 receptor activation. Surprisingly,
      LXRbeta is mainly located in the cytoplasm and has a non-genomic role by
      interacting with pannexin 1 leading to ATP secretion. Finally, LXR ligands have
      an antitumoral effect in a mouse colon cancer model, dependent on the presence of
      LXRbeta, pannexin 1, NLRP3 and caspase-1 within the tumor cells. Our results
      demonstrate that LXRbeta, through pannexin 1 interaction, can specifically induce
      caspase-1-dependent colon cancer cell death by pyroptosis. 

PMID- 25124557
TI  - A smart "sense-act-treat" system: combining a ratiometric pH sensor with a near
      infrared therapeutic gold nanocage.
AB  - Herein, we design a "sense-act-treat" system via the combination of a ratiometric
      pH sensor with a therapeutic gold nanocage. Our design could "sense" the tumor
      through two-state switching of fluorescence and further provide chemotherapy and
      hyperthermia for "treating" the tumor, showing the potential for future
      biomedical applications. 

PMID- 25124556
TI  - GRP78 clustering at the cell surface of neurons transduces the action of
      exogenous alpha-synuclein.
AB  - Mutation or multiplication of the alpha-synuclein (Syn)-encoding gene is frequent
      cause of early onset Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent evidences point to the
      pathogenic role of excess Syn also in sporadic PD. Syn is a cytosolic protein,
      which has been shown to be released from neurons. Here we provide evidence that
      extracellular Syn induces an increase in surface-exposed glucose-related protein
      of 78 kDa (GRP78), which becomes clustered in microdomains of the neuronal plasma
      membrane. Upon interacting with Syn, GRP78 activates a signaling cascade leading
      to cofilin 1 inactivation and stabilization of microfilaments, thus affecting
      morphology and dynamics of actin cytoskeleton in cultured neurons. Downregulation
      of GRP78 abolishes the activity of exogenous Syn, indicating that it is the
      primary target of Syn. Inactivation of cofilin 1 and stabilization of actin
      cytoskeleton are present also in fibroblasts derived from genetic PD patients,
      which show a dramatic increase in stress fibers. Similar changes are displayed by
      control cells incubated with the medium of PD fibroblasts, only when Syn is
      present. The accumulation of Syn in the extracellular milieu, its interaction
      with the plasma membrane and Syn-driven clustering of GRP78 appear, therefore,
      responsible for the dysregulation of actin turnover, leading to early deficits in
      synaptic function that precede neurodegeneration. 

PMID- 25124558
TI  - Descriptive epidemiology of colorectal cancer in University Malaya Medical
      Centre, 2001 to 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer in Malaysia.
      Nevertheless, there is little information on treatment and outcomes nationally.
      We aimed to determine the demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics of
      colorectal cancer patients treated at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)
      as part of a larger project on survival and quality of life outcomes. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Medical records of 1,212 patients undergoing treatment in UMMC
      between January 2001 and December 2010 were reviewed. A retrospective-prospective
      cohort study design was used. Research tools included the National Cancer Patient
      Registration form. Statistical analysis included means, standard deviations (SD),
      proportions, chi square, t-test/ ANOVA. P-value significance was set at 0.05.
      RESULTS: The male: female ratio was 1.2:1. The mean age was 62.1 (SD12.4) years.
      Patients were predominantly Chinese (67%), then Malays (18%), Indians (13%) and
      others (2%). Malays were younger than Chinese and Indians (mean age 57 versus 62
      versus 62 years, p<0.001). More females (56%) had colon cancers compared to males
      (44%) (p=0.022). Malays (57%) had more rectal cancer compared to Chinese (45%)
      and Indians (49%) (p=0.004). Dukes' stage data weres available in 67%, with
      Dukes' C and D accounting for 64%. Stage was not affected by age, gender,
      ethnicity or tumor site. Treatment modalities included surgery alone (40%),
      surgery and chemo/radiotherapy 32%, chemo and radiotherapy (8%) and others (20%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Significant ethnic differences in age and site distribution, if
      verified in population-based settings, would support implementation of preventive
      measures targeting those with the greatest need, at the right age.

PMID- 25124559
TI  - Review of the molecular pathogenesis of osteosarcoma.
AB  - Treating the osteosarcoma (OSA) remains a challenge. Current strategies focus on
      the primary tumor and have limited efficacy for metastatic OSA. A better
      understanding of the OSA pathogenesis may provide a rational basis for innovative
      treatment strategies especially for metastases. The aim of this review is to give
      an overview of the molecular mechanisms of OSA tumorigenesis, OSA cell
      proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and chemotherapy resistance, and how
      improved understanding might contribute to designing a better treatment target
      for OSA. 

PMID- 25124560
TI  - TRAIL mediated signaling in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Research over the years has progressively shown substantial broadening of the
      tumor necrosis factor alpha- related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated
      signaling landscape. Increasingly it is being realized that pancreatic cancer is
      a multifaceted and genomically complex disease. Suppression of tumor suppressors,
      overexpression of oncogenes, epigenetic silencing, and loss of apoptosis are some
      of the extensively studied underlying mechanisms. Rapidly accumulating in vitro
      and in vivo evidence has started to shed light on the resistance mechanisms in
      pancreatic cancer cells. More interestingly a recent research has opened new
      horizons of miRNA regulation by DR5 in pancreatic cancer cells. It has been shown
      that DR5 interacts with the core microprocessor components Drosha and DGCR8, thus
      impairing processing of primary let-7. Xenografting DR5 silenced pancreatic
      cancer cells in SCID-mice indicated that there was notable suppression of tumor
      growth. There is a paradigm shift in our current understanding of TRAIL mediated
      signaling in pancreatic cancer cells that is now adding new layers of concepts
      into the existing scientific evidence. In this review we have attempted to
      provide an overview of recent advances in TRAIL mediated signaling in pancreatic
      cancer as evidenced byfindings of in vitro and in vivo analyses. Furthermore, we
      discuss nanotechnological advances with emphasis on PEG-TRAIL and four-arm PEG
      cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels to improve availability of TRAIL at
      target sites. 

PMID- 25124555
TI  - KMTase Set7/9 is a critical regulator of E2F1 activity upon genotoxic stress.
AB  - During the recent years lysine methyltransferase Set7/9 ((Su(var)-3-9, Enhancer
      of-Zeste, Trithorax) domain containing protein 7/9) has emerged as an important
      regulator of different transcription factors. In this study, we report a novel
      function for Set7/9 as a critical co-activator of E2 promoter-binding factor 1
      (E2F1)-dependent transcription in response to DNA damage. By means of various
      biochemical, cell biology, and bioinformatics approaches, we uncovered that cell
      cycle progression through the G1/S checkpoint of tumour cells upon DNA damage is
      defined by the threshold of expression of both E2F1 and Set7/9. The latter
      affects the activity of E2F1 by indirectly modulating histone modifications in
      the promoters of E2F1-dependent genes. Moreover, Set7/9 differentially affects
      E2F1 transcription targets: it promotes cell proliferation via expression of the
      CCNE1 gene and represses apoptosis by inhibiting the TP73 gene. Our biochemical
      screening of the panel of lung tumour cell lines suggests that these two factors
      are critically important for transcriptional upregulation of the CCNE1 gene
      product and hence successful progression through cell cycle. These findings
      identify Set7/9 as a potential biomarker in tumour cells with overexpressed E2F1
      activity. 

PMID- 25124561
TI  - Emerging and established global life-style risk factors for cancer of the upper
      aero-digestive tract.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Upper aero-digestive tract cancer is a multidimensional problem,
      international trends showing complex rises and falls in incidence and mortality
      across the globe, with variation across different cultural and socio-economic
      groups. This paper seeks some explanations and identifies some research and
      policy needs. METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH: The literature illustrates the
      multifactorial nature of carcinogenesis. At the cellular level, it is viewed as a
      multistep process involving multiple mutations and selection for cells with
      progressively increasing capacity for proliferation, survival, invasion, and
      metastasis. Established and emerging risk factors, in addition to changes in
      incidence and prevalence of cancers of the upper aero-digestive tract, were
      identified. RISK FACTORS: Exposure to tobacco and alcohol, as well as diets
      inadequate in fresh fruits and vegetables, remain the major risk factors, with
      persistent infection by particular so-called "high risk" genotypes of human
      papillomavirus increasingly recognised as also playing an important role in a
      subset of cases, particularly for the oropharynx. Chronic trauma to oral mucosa
      from poor restorations and prostheses, in addition to poor oral hygiene with a
      consequent heavy microbial load in the mouth, are also emerging as significant
      risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding and quantifying the impact of individual
      risk factors for these cancers is vital for health decision-making, planning and
      prevention. National policies and programmes should be designed and implemented
      to control exposure to environmental risks, by legislation if necessary, and to
      raise awareness so that people are provided with the information and support they
      need to adopt healthy lifestyles.

PMID- 25124562
TI  - Functional roles of long non-coding RNA in human breast cancer.
AB  - The discovery of long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) changes our view of transcriptional
      and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. With application of new
      research techniques such as high-throughput sequencing, the biological functions
      of LncRNAs are gradually becoming to be understood. Multiple studies have shown
      that LncRNAs serve as carcinogenic factors or tumor suppressors in breast cancer
      with abnormal expression, prompts the question of whether they have potential
      value in predicting the stages and survival rate of breast cancer patients, and
      also as therapeutic targets. Focusing on the latest research data, this review
      mainly summarizes the tumorigenic mechanisms of certain LncRNAs in breast cancer,
      in order to provide a theoretical basis for finding safer, more effective
      treatment of breast cancer at the LncRNA molecular level. 

PMID- 25124563
TI  - Critical review on the carcinogenic potential of pesticides used in Korea.
AB  - Pesticides used in Korea are grouped by four classes of hazard (extremely,
      highly, moderately and slightly hazardous) based on acute oral and dermal
      toxicity in the rat. However, there is little information of carcinogenic
      effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential carcinogenicity for
      active ingredients of pesticides used in Korea. A total of 1,283 pesticide items
      were registered under the Pesticide Control Act of which 987 were commercially
      available. Of these 987 items, 360 active ingredients not duplicated were
      evaluated for carcinogenicity using the carcinogen list established by the US
      Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some 25 out of 360 ingredients were
      classified as likely to be carcinogenic (probable) to humans and 52 had
      suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential (suspected) based on the US EPA
      classification. Some 31% of 987 items contained probable or suspected human
      carcinogenic ingredients. Carcinogenic pesticides accounted for 24% (5,856/24,795
      tons) of the total volume of consumption in Korea. Interestingly, pesticides with
      lower acute toxicity were found to have higher carcinogenic potential. Based on
      these findings, the study suggests that it is important to provide information on
      long-term toxicity to farmers, in addition to acute toxicity data. 

PMID- 25124564
TI  - Comparison of recurrence rates with contour-loop excision of the transformation
      zone (C-LETZ) and large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) for CIN.
AB  - AIM: To compare recurrence rates of large loop excision of the transformation
      zone (LLETZ) with those of contour-loop excision of the transformation zone (C
      LETZ) in the management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The medical records of 177 patients treated consecutively by LLETZ
      and C-LETZ for CIN at Rajavithi Hospital between 2006 and 2009 were
      retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 87 women in the C-LETZ group, 2 cases
      (2.30%) had recurrence compared with 13 cases (14.4%) of the 90 women in the
      LLETZ group, the higher recurrence rate in the latter being statistically
      significant (p<0.05). Median times of follow up in the C-LETZ and LLETZ groups
      were 12 months and 14 months respectively (p>0.05). The C-LETZ group showed less
      intraoperative bleeding compared to the LLETZ group, but the rate of achievement
      of single specimens and positive margins were similar in the two groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated the superiority of C-LETZ over LLETZ
      in terms of efficacy; C-LLETZ is associated with a lower recurrence rate and also
      carries a smaller risk of intraoperative bleeding than LLETZ. The rotating
      technique still has a potential role in treating precancerous lesions of the
      cervix.

PMID- 25124565
TI  - Impact of cellular immune function on prognosis of lung cancer patients after
      cytokine-induced killer cell therapy.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate changes in cellular immune function of patients with lung
      cancer before and after cytokine- induced killer (CIK) cell therapy and to
      identify variation effects on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival
      (PFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 943 lung cancer patients with immune
      dysfunction were recruited from January 2002 to January 2010, 532 being allocated
      to conventional therapy and 411 to CIK therapy after a standard treatment
      according to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines. All the patients were
      investigated for cellular immune function before and after therapy every three
      months. and clinical prognostic outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: After six
      courses of treatment, immune function was much improved in patients receiving CIK
      cells therapy as compared to controls. The percentages of recurrence and/or
      metastases for patients undergoing CIK cell therapy was 56.2% and 49.1%
      respectively but 78.6% and 70.3% among controls (p<0.001). The median OS times
      for CIK cell therapy and control groups were 48 and 36 months respectively. The
      OS rates at 12, 36, 60, 84 months in CIK treated patients were 97.8%, 66.9%,
      27.7%, and 4.1% while they were 92.3%, 44.5%, 9.2%, and 1.5% in controls. OS and
      PFS were significantly different by log rank test between the two groups and
      across the three immune improvement classes. CONCLUSIONS: The immune function of
      lung cancer patients was improved by CIK cell therapy, associated with an
      increase in the OS rate and extension of the time to recurrence and/or
      metastasis.

PMID- 25124566
TI  - Prognostic role of circulating tumor cells in patients with pancreatic cancer: a
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolation and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in
      patients suffering from a variety of different cancers have become hot biomarker
      topics. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of CTCs in pancreatic
      cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initial literature was identified using Medline
      and EMBASE. The primary data were hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) of survival outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and
      progression free survival/recurrence free survival (PFS/RFS). RESULTS: A total of
      9 eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis, published between 2002
      and 2013. The estimated pooled HR and 95%CI for OS for all studies was 1.64
      (95%CI 1.39-1.94, p<0.00001) and the pooled HR and 95%CI for RFS/DFS was 2.36
      (95%CI 1.41-3.96, p<0.00001). The HRs and 95%CIs for OS and RFS/ DFS in patients
      before treatment were 1.93 (95%CI 1.26-2.96, p=0.003) and 1.82 (95%CI 1.22-2.72,
      p=0.003), respectively. In patients receiving treatment, the HRs and 95%CI for OS
      and RFS/DFS were 1.37 (95%CI 1.00- 1.86, p=0.05) and 1.89 (95%CI 1.01-3.51,
      p=0.05), respectively. Moreover, the pooled HR and 95%CI for OS in the post
      treatment group was 2.20 (95%CI 0.80-6.02, p=0.13) and the pooled HR for RFS/DFS
      was 8.36 (95%CI 3.22-21.67, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis provided
      strong evidence supporting the proposition that CTCs detected in peripheral blood
      have a fine predictive role in pancreatic patients especially on the time point
      of post-treatment.

PMID- 25124567
TI  - Upregulation of STK15 in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas in a Mongolian
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The STK15 gene located on chromosome 20q13.2 encodes a centrosome
      associated kinase critical for regulated chromosome segregation and cytokinesis.
      Recent studies have demonstrated STK15 to be significantly associated with many
      tumors, with aberrant expression obseved in many human malignancies. The purpose
      of this study was to investigate expression of STK15 in esophageal squamous cell
      carcinomas (ESCCs) in a Mongolian population. METHODS: Two non-synonymous single
      nucleotide polymorphisms in the coding region of STK15, rs2273535 (Phe31Ile) and
      rs1047972 (Val57Ile) were assessed in 380 ESCC patients and 380 healthy controls.
      We also detected STK15 mRNA expression in 39 esophageal squamous cell carcinomas
      and corresponding adjacent tissues by real time PCR. RESULTS: rs2273535 showed a
      significant association with ESCC in our Mongolian population (rs227353, P
      allele=0.0447, OR (95%CI)=1.259 (1.005~1.578)). Real time PCR analysis of ESCC
      tissues showed that expression of STK15 mRNA in cancer tissues was higher than in
      normal tissues (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that functional SNPs in
      the STK15 gene are associated with ESCC in a Mongolian population and up
      regulation of STK15 mRNAoccurs in ESCC tumors compared adjacent normal tissues.
      STK15 may thus have an important role in the prognosis of ESCC and be a potential
      therapeutic target.

PMID- 25124568
TI  - Survival analysis of biliary tract cancer cases in Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of the relative rarity of biliary tract cancers (BTCs),
      defining long term survival results is difficult. In the present study, we aimed
      to evaluate the survival of a series of cases in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      totally of 47 patients with billiary tract cancer from Mersin Goverment Hospital,
      Acibadem Kayseri Hospital and Kayseri Training and Research Hospital were
      analyzed retrospectively using hospital records between 2006-2012. RESULTS: The
      median overall survival was 19.3+/-3.9 months for all patients. The median
      disease free and overall survivals were 24.3+/-5.3 and 44.1+/-12.9 months in
      patients in which radical surgery was performed , but in those with with
      inoperable disease they were only 5.3+/-1.5 and 10.7+/-3.2 months, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: BTCs have a poor prognosis. Surgery with a microscopic negative
      margin is still the only curative treatment.

PMID- 25124569
TI  - Comparison of survival rates between Chinese and Thai patients with breast
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The burden and severity of a cancer can be reflected by patterns of
      survival. Breast cancer prognosis between two countries with a different
      socioeconomic status and cultural beliefs may exhibit wide variation. This study
      aimed to describe survival in patients with breast cancer in China and Thailand
      in relation to demographic and clinical prognostic information. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We compared the survival of 1,504 Chinese women in Yunnan province and
      929 Thai women in Songkhla with breast cancer from 2006 to 2010. Descriptive
      prognostic comparisons between the Chinese and Thai women were performed by
      relative survival analysis. A Cox regression model was used to calculate the
      hazard ratios of death, taking into account the age, disease stage, period of
      diagnosis and country. RESULTS: The overall 5-year survival proportion for
      patients diagnosed with breast cancer for Yunnan province (0.72) appeared
      slightly better than Songkhla (0.70) without statistical significance. Thai women
      diagnosed with distant and regional breast cancer had poorer survival than
      Chinese women. Disease stage was the most important determinant of survival from
      the results of Cox regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer patients in
      Kunming had slightly greater five-year survival rate than patients in Songkhla.
      Both Chinese and Thai women need improvement in prognosis, which could
      conceivably be attained through increased public education and awareness
      regarding early detection and compliance to treatment protocols.

PMID- 25124570
TI  - Parathyroid hormone gene rs6256 and calcium sensing receptor gene rs1801725
      variants are not associated with susceptibility to colorectal cancer in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Substantial evidence from epidemiological studies has suggested that
      increased levels of calcium may play a protective role against colorectal cancer
      (CRC). Given the vital role of calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) and parathyroid
      hormone (PTH) in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis, we explored whether the
      rs1801725 (A986S) variant located in exon 7 of the CaSR gene and the rs6256
      variant located in exon 3 of PTH gene might be associated with CRC risk.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 860 subjects including 350 cases with CRC
      and 510 controls were enrolled and genotyped using PCR-RFLP methods. RESULTS: We
      observed no significant difference in genotype or allele frequencies between the
      cases with CRC and controls for both CaSR and PTH genes either before or after
      adjustment for confounding factors including age, BMI, sex, smoking status, and
      family history of CRC. Furthermore, no evidence for effect modification of any
      association of rs1801725 and rs6256 variants and CRC by BMI, sex, or tumor site
      was observed. In addition, there was no significant difference in genotype and
      allele frequencies between the normal weight (BMI<25 kg/m2) cases and overweight/
      obese (BMI>=25 kg/m2) cases for the two SNPs. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicated
      that the CaSR gene A986S variant is not a genetic contributor to CRC risk in the
      Iranian population. Furthermore, our results suggest for the first time that PTH
      gene variant does not affect CRC risk. Nonetheless, further studies with larger
      sample size are needed to validate these findings.

PMID- 25124572
TI  - Weight loss correlates with macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 expression and might
      influence outcome in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Weight loss during chemotherapy has not been exclusively
      investigated. Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) might play a role in its
      etiology. Here, we investigated the prognostic value of weight loss before
      chemotherapy and its relationship with MIC-1 concentration and its occurrence
      during chemotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
      (ESCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 157 inoperable locally advanced or
      metastatic ESCC patients receiving first-line chemotherapy. Serum MIC-1
      concentrations were assessed before chemotherapy. Patients were assigned into two
      groups according to their weight loss before or during chemotherapy: >5% weight
      loss group and<=5% weight loss group. RESULTS: Patients with weight loss>5%
      before chemotherapy had shorter progression-free survival period (5.8 months vs.
      8.7 months; p=0.027) and overall survival (10.8 months vs. 20.0 months; p=0.010).
      Patients with weight loss>5% during chemotherapy tended to have shorter
      progression-free survival (6.0 months vs. 8.1 months; p=0.062) and overall
      survival (8.6 months vs. 18.0 months; p=0.022), and if weight loss was reversed
      during chemotherapy, survival rates improved. Furthermore, serum MIC-1
      concentration was closely related to weight loss before chemotherapy (p=0.001)
      CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss both before and during chemotherapy predicted poor
      outcome in advanced ESCC patients, and MIC-1 might be involved in the development
      of weight loss in such patients.

PMID- 25124571
TI  - Computed tomography manifestations of histologic subtypes of retroperitoneal
      liposarcoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Liposarcoma (LPS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma and accounts
      for approximately 20% of all mesenchymal malignancies, often occurring in deep
      soft tissue of retroperitoneal space. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is
      therefore necessary. We explored whether computed tomography (CT) could be used
      to differentiate between the various types of retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS).
      METHOD: Forty-seven cases of RPLS, diagnosed surgically and histologically, were
      analyzed retrospectively. CT features were correlated with postoperative
      pathological appearance. RESULTS: The study radiologist identified 29, 11, 2, 2
      and 3 RPLS as atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma
      (ALT/WDL), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDL), myxoid/round cell liposarcoma
      (ML/RCL), pleomorphic liposarcoma (PL) and mixed-type liposarcoma. Analysis of CT
      scans revealed the following typical findings of the different subtypes of RPLS:
      ALT/WDL was mainly visible as a well-delineated fatty hypodense tumor with
      uniform density and integrity margin; DDL was marked by the combination of focal
      nodular density and hypervascularity. ML/RCL, PL and mixed liposarcoma showed
      malignant biological behaviour and CT findings need further studies. CONCLUSIONS:
      CT scanning can reveal important details including internal components, margins
      and surrounding tissues. Based on CT findings, tumor type can be roughly
      evaluated and biopsy location and therapeutic scheme guided.

PMID- 25124573
TI  - Utility of frozen section pathology with endometrial pre-malignant lesions.
AB  - AIM: To determine utility of the frozen section (FS) in the operative management
      of endometrial pre-malignant lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      analyzed patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy with preoperative
      diagnosis of complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia (CAEH) and simple
      endometrial hyperplasia (SEH) between May 2007 and December 2013. Frozen and
      paraffin section (PS) results were compared. Sensitivity, specificity, the
      positive predictive value (PPV), the negative predictive value (NPV) and the
      accuracy in predicting EC on FS were evaluated with 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs) for each parameter. The correlation between FS and PS was calculated as an
      kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Among 143 preoperatively diagnosed CAEH cases, 60
      (42%) were malignant and 83 (58%) were benign in PS; and among 60 malignant cases
      diagnosed in PS, 43 (71%) were "malignant" in FS. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV
      and NPV for FS were 76%, 100%, 100% and 87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We
      found that FS is reliable and applicable in the management of endometrial
      hyperplasias. It is important that the pathologist should be experienced because
      FS for endometrial pre-malignant lesions has significant inter-observer
      variability. The other conclusion is that patients with the diagnosis of EH,
      especially those who are postmenopausal, should undergo surgery where FS
      investigation is available.

PMID- 25124574
TI  - SLC35B2 expression is associated with a poor prognosis of invasive ductal breast
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide,
      including Thailand, and is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, despite
      advances in diagnosis and treatment. Novel gene expression in breast cancer is a
      focus in searches for prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mRNA expression of novel B4GALT4, SLC35B2, and WDHD1
      genes in breast cancer were examined in invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC)
      patients using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction (QRT-PCR). RESULTS: Among these genes, increased expression of SLC35B2
      mRNA was significantly associated with TNM stage III+IV of IDC (p<0.001). Hence,
      up-regulation of SLC35B2 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for poor prognosis,
      and is also a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

PMID- 25124576
TI  - Distinct pro-apoptotic properties of Zhejiang saffron against human lung cancer
      via a caspase-8-9-3 cascade.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Here we
      investigated the antitumor effect and mechanism of Zhejiang (Huzhou and Jiande)
      saffron against lung cancer cell lines, A549 and H446. Using high performance
      liquid chromatography (HPLC), the contents of crocin I and II were determined. In
      vitro, MTT assay and annexin-V FITC/PI staining showed cell proliferation
      activity and apoptosis to be changed in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The
      inhibition effect of Jiande saffron was the strongest. In vivo, when mice were
      orally administered saffron extracts at dose of 100mg/kg/d for 28 days, xenograft
      tumor size was reduced, and ELISA and Western blotting analysis of caspase-3, -8
      and -9 exhibited stronger expression and activity than in the control. In
      summary, saffron from Zhejiang has significant antitumor effects in vitro and in
      vivo through caspase-8-caspase-9-caspase-3 mediated cell apoptosis. It thus
      appears to have more potential as a therapeutic agent. 

PMID- 25124575
TI  - Association of Rs11615 (C>T) in the excision repair cross-complementing group 1
      gene with ovarian but not gynecological cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that the rs11615 (C>T) polymorphism in the ERCC1
      gene may be a risk factor for gynecological tumors. However, results have not
      been consistent. Therefore we performed this meta- analysis. METHODS: Eligible
      studies were identified by search of PubMed, MEDLINE and Chinese National
      Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs) were applied to assess associations between rs11615 (C>T) and gynecological
      tumor risk. Heterogeneity among studies was tested and sensitivity analysis was
      applied. RESULTS: A total of 6 studies were identified, with 1,766 cases and
      2,073 controls. No significant association was found overall between the rs11615
      (C>T) polymorphism and gynecological tumor susceptibility in any genetic model.
      In further analysis stratified by cancer type, significantly elevated ovarian
      cancer risk was observed in the homozygote and recessive model comparison (TT vs
      CC: OR=1.69, 95% CI=1.03-2.77, heterogeneity=0.876; TT vs CT/CC: OR=1.72, 95%
      CI=1.07-2.77, heterogeneity=0.995). CONCLUSION: The results of the present meta
      analysis suggest that there is no significant association between the rs11615
      (C>T) polymorphism and gynecological tumor risk, but it had a increased risk in
      ovarian cancer.

PMID- 25124577
TI  - Effectiveness of the Microlux/DLTM chemiluminescence device in screening of
      potentially malignant and malignant oral lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness of Microlux/DL with and without
      toluidine blue in screening of potentially malignant and malignant oral lesions.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this diagnostic clinical trial clinical examination was
      carried out by two teams: 1) two oral medicine consultants, and 2) two general
      dentists. Participants were randomly and blindly allocated for each examining
      team. A total of 599 tobacco users were assessed through conventional oral
      examination (COE); the examination was then repeated using Microlux/DL device and
      toluidine blue. Biopsy of suspicious lesions was performed. Also clinicians
      opinions regarding the two tools were obtained. RESULTS: The sensitivity and,
      specificity and positive predictive value (PVP) of Microlux/DL for visualization
      of suspicious premalignant lesions considering COE as a gold standard (i.e
      screening device) were 94.3%, 99.6% and 96.2% respectively, while they were 100%,
      32.4% and 17.9% when considering biopsy as a gold standard. Moreover, Microlux/DL
      enhanced detection of the lesion and uncovered new lesions compared to COE,
      whereas it did not alter the provisional clinical diagnosis, or alter the biopsy
      site. On the other hand, adding toluidine blue dye did not improve the
      effectiveness of the Microlux/DL system. CONCLUSIONS: The Microlux/DL seems to be
      a promising adjunctive screening device.

PMID- 25124578
TI  - Impact of prognostic factors on survival rates in patients with ovarian
      carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to invesitigate the impact of
      significant clinico-pathological prognostic factors on survival rates and to
      identify factors predictive of poor outcome in patients with ovarian carcinoma.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 74 women with
      pathologically proven ovarian carcinoma who were treated between January 2006 and
      April 2011 was performed. Patients were investigated with respect to survival to
      find the possible effects of age, gravida, parity, menstruel condition, pre
      operative Ca-125, treatment period, cytologic washings, presence of ascites,
      tumor histology, stage and grade, maximal tumor diameter, adjuvan chemotherapy
      and cytoreductive success. Also 55 ovarian carcinoma patients were investigated
      with respect to prognostic factors for early 2-year survival. RESULTS: The two
      year survival rate was 69% and the 5-year survival rate was 25.5% for the whole
      study population. Significant factors for 2-year survival were preoperative CA
      125 level, malignant cytology and FIGO clinical stage. Significant factors for 5
      year survival were age, preoperative CA-125 level, residual tumor, lymph node
      metastases, histologic type of tumor, malignant cytology and FIGO clinical stage.
      Logistic regression revealed that independent prognostic factors of 5-year
      survival were patient age, lymph node metastasis and malignant cytology.
      CONCLUSIONS: We consider quality registries with prospectively collected data to
      be one important tool in monitoring treatment effects in population-based cancer
      research.

PMID- 25124579
TI  - Perception and practices on screening and vaccination for carcinoma cervix among
      female healthcare professional in tertiary care hospitals in Bangalore, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is potentially the most preventable and treatable
      cancer. Despite the known efficacy of cervical screening, a significant number of
      women do not avail themselves of the procedure due to lack of awareness.
      OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to elicit information on the knowledge,
      attitude and practice (KAP) regarding screening (Pap test) and vaccination for
      carcinoma cervix among female doctors and nurses in a tertiary care hospital in
      Bangalore and to assess barriers to acceptance of the Pap test. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with semi-structured,
      self-administered questionnaire among female health professionals. The study
      subjects were interviewed for KAP regarding risk factors for cancer cervix, Pap
      test and HPV vaccination for protection against carcinoma cervix. RESULTS: Higher
      proportion of doctors 45 (78.9%) had very good knowledge as compared to only 13
      (13.3%) of the nurses, about risk factors for cancer cervix and Pap test
      (p=0.001). As many as 138(89.6%) of the study subjects had favorable attitude
      towards Pap test and vaccination, but 114 (73.6%) of the study subjects never had
      a Pap test and the most common reason 35 (31%) for not practicing was absence of
      disease symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of good knowledge and attitudes towards
      cancer cervix and Pap test being good, practice remained low among the study
      subjects and most common reasons for not undergoing Pap test was absence of
      disease symptoms. The independent predictors of ever having a Pap test done was
      found to be the occupation and duration of married life above 9 yrs. Hence there
      is a strong need to improve uptake of Pap test by health professionals by
      demystifying the barriers.

PMID- 25124580
TI  - Elevated serum ferritin levels in patients with hematologic malignancies.
AB  - PURPOSE: To retrospectively analyze variability and clinical significance of
      serum ferritin levels in Chinese patients with hematologic malignancies.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum ferritin were measured by radioimmunoassay, using a
      kit produced by the Beijing Institute of Atomic Energy. Patients with hematologic
      malignancies, and treated in the Department of Hematology in Nanjing First
      Hospital and fulfilled study criteria were recruited. RESULTS: Of 473 patients
      with hematologic malignancies, 262 patients were diagnosed with acute leukemia,
      131 with lymphoma and 80 with multiple myeloma. Serum ferritin levels of newly
      diagnosed and recurrent patients were significantly higher than those entering
      complete remission stage or in the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum
      ferritin lever in patients with hematologic malignancies at early stage and
      recurrent stage are significantly increased, so that detection and surveillance
      of changes of serum ferritin could be helpful in assessing conditions and
      prognosis of this patient cohort.

PMID- 25124581
TI  - Prognostic significance of beta-catenin expression in patients with esophageal
      carcinoma: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Many studies have reported beta-catenin involvement in the development of
      esophageal carcinoma (EC), but its prognostic significance for EC patients
      remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to explore the
      issue in detail. After searching PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Chinese
      Biomedical Literature Database, we included a total of ten relevant studies. We
      pooled the overall survival (OS) data using RevMan 5.2 software. The results
      showed that aberrant expression of beta-catenin was associated with a significant
      increase of mortality risk (hazard ratio 1.71, 95%CI 1.46-2.01; p<0.00001).
      Subgroup analyses further suggested that aberrant expression of beta-catenin
      resulted in poor OS of EC patients regardless of histological type of EC, study
      location or criteria for aberrant expression of beta-catenin, and the sensitivity
      analyses revealed that the result was robust. The meta-analysis revealed that
      aberrant expression of beta-catenin could be a predicative factor of poor
      prognosis for EC patients. 

PMID- 25124582
TI  - Clinicopathological features of indonesian breast cancers with different
      molecular subtypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with molecular subtypes that
      have biological distinctness and different behavior. They are classified into
      luminal A, luminal B, Her-2 and triple negative/basal-like molecular subtypes.
      Most of breast cancers reported in Indonesia are already large size, with high
      grade or late stage but the clinicopathological features of different molecular
      subtypes are still unclear. They need to be better clarified to determine proper
      treatment and prognosis. AIM: To elaborate the clinicopathological features of
      molecular subtypes of breast cancers in Indonesian women. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      A retrospective cross-sectional study of 84 paraffin-embedded tissues of breast
      cancer samples from Dr. Sardjito General Hospital in Central Java, Indonesia was
      performed. Expression of ER, PR, Her-2 and Ki-67 was analyzed to classify
      molecular subtypes of breast cancer by immunohistochemistry. The relation of
      clinicopathological features of breast cancers with molecular subtypes of luminal
      A, luminal B, Her-2 and triple negative/basal-like were analyzed using Pearson's
      Chi-Square test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
      RESULTS: Case frequency of luminal A, Luminal B, Her-2+ and triple negative/basal
      like subtypes were 38.1%, 16.7%, 20.2% and 25%, respectively. Significant
      difference was found in breast cancer molecular subtypes in regard to age,
      histological grade, lymph node status and staging. However it showed
      insignificant result in regard to tumor size. Luminal A subtype of breast cancer
      was commonly found in >50 years old women (p:0.028), low grade cancer (p:0.09),
      negative lymph node metastasis (p:0.034) and stage III (p:0.017). Eventhough the
      difference was insignificant, luminal A subtype breast cancer was mostly found in
      small size breast cancer (p:0.129). Her-2+ subtype breast cancer was more
      commonly diagnosed with large size, positive lymph node metastasis and poor
      grade. Triple negative/basal-like cancer was mostly diagnosed among <50 years old
      women. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that immunohistochemistry-based subtyping
      is essential to classify breast carcinoma into subtypes that vary in
      clinicopathological features, implying different therapeutic options and
      prognosis for each subtype.

PMID- 25124583
TI  - Comparisons between the KKU-model and conventional rectal tubes as markers for
      checking rectal doses during intracavitary brachytherapy of cervical cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare the KKU-model rectal tube (KKU-tube) and the conventional
      rectal tube (CRT) for checking rectal doses during high-dose-rate intracavitary
      brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT) of cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between
      February 2010 and January 2011, thirty -two patients with cervical cancer were
      enrolled and treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and intracavitary
      brachytherapy (ICBT). The KKU-tube and CRT were applied intrarectally in the same
      patients at alternate sessions as references for calculation of rectal doses
      during ICBT. The gold standard references of rectum anatomical markers which are
      most proximal to radiation sources were anterior rectal walls (ARW) adjacent to
      the uterine cervix demonstrated by barium sulfate suspension enema. The
      calculated rectal doses derived from actual anterior rectal walls, CRT and the
      anterior surfaces of the KKU-tubes were compared by using the paired t-test. The
      pain caused by insertion of each type of rectal tube was assessed by the visual
      analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The mean dose of CRT was lower than the mean dose
      of ARW (Dmean0-Dmean1) by 80.55+/-47.33 cGy (p-value<0.05). The mean dose of the
      KKU-tube was lower than the mean dose of ARW (Dmean0-Dmean2) by 30.82+/-24.20 cGy
      (p-value<0.05). The mean dose difference [(Dmean0-Dmean1)-(Dmean0-Dmean2)] was
      49.72+/-51.60 cGy, which was statistically significant between 42.32 cGy -57.13
      cGy with the t-value of 13.24 (p-value<0.05). The maximum rectal dose by using
      CRT was higher than the KKU-tube as much as 75.26 cGy and statistically
      significant with the t-score of 7.55 (p-value<0.05). The mean doses at the
      anterior rectal wall while using the CRTs and the KKU-tubes were not
      significantly different (p-value=0.09). The mean pain score during insertion of
      the CRT was significantly higher than the KKU-tube by a t-score of 6.15 (p
      value<0.05) CONCLUSIONS: The KKU-model rectal tube was found to be an easily
      producible, applicable and reliable instrument as a reference for evaluating the
      rectal dose during ICBT of cervical cancer without negative effects on the
      patients.

PMID- 25124584
TI  - Prostate-specific antigen levels in relation to background factors: are there
      links to endocrine disrupting chemicals and AhR expression?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a potential biomarker for early
      detection of prostate cancer (PCa) but its level is known to be affected by many
      background factors and roles of ubiquitous toxicants have not been determined.
      Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous reproductive toxicants used
      in consumer products, which promote tumor formation in some reproductive model
      systems by binding to AhR, but human data on its expression in prostate cancer as
      well as its association with PSA levels are not clear. This study aimed to
      evaluate the expression levels of AhR and its association with serological levels
      of PSA and to detect possible effects of background factors and EDC exposure
      history on PSA levels in PCa cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional
      study was conducted on the tissue levels of AhR and serum levels of PSA in 53 PCa
      cases from 2008-2011 and associations between each and background and lifestyle
      related factors were determined. RESULTS: Although the AhR was overexpressed in
      PCa and correlated with the age of patients, it did not correlate with PSA
      levels.Of nutritional factors, increased intake of polysaturated fats and fish in
      the routine regimen of PCa cases increased the PSA levels significantly.
      CONCLUSIONS: AhR overexpression in PCa pontws to roles of EDCs in PCa but without
      any direct association with PSA levels. However, PSA levels are affected by
      exposure to possible toxicants in foods whichneed to be assessed as possible risk
      factors of PCa in future studies.

PMID- 25124585
TI  - Allogeneic hemopietic stem cell transplants for the treatment of B cell acute
      lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Explore the feasibility of allo- hemopietic stem cell transplants in
      treating patients with B cell acute lymphocytic leukemia. METHODS: Between
      september 2006 and February 2011, fifteen patients with B cell acute lymphocytic
      leukemia (ALL) were treated by allo-hemopietic stem cell transplants (HSCT). Stem
      cell sources were peripheral blood. Six patients were conditioned by busulfan
      (BU) and cyclophosphamide (CY) and nine patients were conditioned with TBI and
      cyclophosphamide (CY). Graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis regimen
      consisted of cyclosporine A (CSA), methotrex ate (MTX) and mycophenolatemofetil
      (MMF). RESULTS: Patients received a median of 7.98*108.kg-1 (5.36-12.30*108.kg-1)
      mononuclear cells (MNC). The median time of ANC>0.5*109/L was day 12 (10-15), and
      PLT>20.0*109/L was day 13 (11-16). Extensive acute GVHD occurred in 6 (40.0%)
      patients, and extensive chronic GVHD was recorded in 6 (40.0%) patients. Nine
      patients were alive after 2.5-65 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Allogeneic stem
      cell transplant could be effective in treating patients with B cell acute
      lymphocytic leukemia.

PMID- 25124586
TI  - Lack of any association of GST genetic polymorphisms with susceptibility to
      ovarian cancer--a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Epidemiology studies have reported conflicting results between
      glutathione S-transferase Mu-1 (GSTM1), glutathione S-transferase theta-1 (GSTT1)
      and glutathione S-transferase pi-1 (GSTP1) and ovarian cancer (OC)
      susceptibility. In this study, an updated meta-analysis was applied to determine
      whether the deletion of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 has an influence on OC
      susceptibility. METHODS: A published literature search was performed through
      PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Science Citation Index Expanded database
      for articles published in English. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (95%CIs) were calculated using random or fixed effects models.
      Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2
      statistics. Sub-group analysis was conducted to explore the sources of
      heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was employed to evaluate the respective
      influence of each study on the overall estimate. RESULTS: In total, 10 published
      studies were included in the final analysis. The combined analysis revealed that
      there was no significant association between GSTM1 null genotype and OC risk
      (OR=1.01, 95%CI: 0.91-1.12). Additionally, there was no significant association
      between GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms and OC risk (OR=0.98, 95% CI: 0.85-1.13).
      Similalry, no significant associations were found concerning the GSTP1 rs1695
      locus and OC risk. Meanwhile, subgroup analysis did not show a significant
      increase in eligible studies with low heterogeneity. However, sensitivity
      analysis, publication bias and cumulative analysis demonstrated the reliability
      and stability of the current meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest
      that GSTs genetic polymorphisms may not contribute to OC susceptibility. Large
      epidemiological studies with the combination of GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null and GSTP1
      Ile105Val polymorphisms and more specific histological subtypes of OC are needed
      to prove our findings.

PMID- 25124587
TI  - Serum adiponectin but not leptin at diagnosis as a predictor of breast cancer
      survival.
AB  - Limited numbers of epidemiological studies have examined the relationship between
      adipokines and breast cancer survival. Preoperative serum levels of obesity
      related adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) were here measured in 370 breast
      cancer patients, recruited from two hospitals in Korea. We examined the
      association between those adipokines and disease-free survival (DFS). The TNM
      stage, ER status and histological grade were aslo assessed in relation to breast
      cancer survival. Elevated adiponectin levels were associated with reduced DFS of
      breast cancer (Ptrend=0.03) among patients with normal body weight, predominantly
      in postmenopausal women. There was no association of leptin with breast cancer
      survival. In conclusion, our study suggests that high levels of adiponectin at
      diagnosis are associated with breast cancer survival among women with normal body
      weight. 

PMID- 25124588
TI  - Expression of Toll-like receptor 9 increases with progression of cervical
      neoplasia in Tunisian women--a comparative analysis of condyloma, cervical
      intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive carcinoma.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed in immune and tumor cells and recognize
      pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Cervical cancer (CC) is directly linked
      to a persistent infection with high risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) and
      could be associated with alteration of TLRs expression. TLR9 plays a key role in
      the recognition of DNA viruses and better understanding of this signaling pathway
      in CC could lead to the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. The
      present study was undertaken to determine the level of TLR9 expression in
      cervical neoplasias from Tunisian women with 53 formalin-fixed and paraffin
      embedded specimens, including 22 samples of invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC), 18
      of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), 7 of condyloma and 6 normal cervical
      tissues as control cases. Quantification of TLR9 expression was based on scoring
      four degrees of extent and intensity of immunostaining in squamous epithelial
      cells. TLR9 expression gradually increased from CIN1 (80% weak intensity) to CIN2
      (83.3% moderate), CIN3 (57.1% strong) and ICC (100% very strong). It was absent
      in normal cervical tissue and weak in 71.4% of condyloma. The mean scores of TLR9
      expression were compared using the Kruskall-Wallis test and there was a
      statistical significance between normal tissue and condyloma as well as between
      condyloma, CINs and ICC. These results suggest that TLR9 may play a role in
      progression of cervical neoplasia in Tunisian patients and could represent a
      useful biomarker for malignant transformation of cervical squamous cells. 

PMID- 25124589
TI  - Prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV among women attending a cervical
      cancer screening mobile unit in Lampang, Thailand.
AB  - A growing body of literature is evidence that identifying subtypes of high-risk
      human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) has impacted on various steps of cervical cancer
      prevention.Thus, it is mandatory to determine the background prevalence and
      distribution of HPV subtypes for designing and implementing area-specific
      management. The present study was conducted to evaluate prevalence and
      distribution of HPV subtypes among women aged 30-70 years living in Lampang, an
      area with a high incidence of cervical cancer, through use of a mobile screening
      unit. Of 2,000 women recruited in this study, 108 (5.40%, 95%CI: 4.45-6.48) were
      found to have HR-HPV infection. Risk was significantly correlated with age and
      number of partners. Singly or in combination, the most common genotype was HPV 52
      (17.6%), followed by HPV 16 (14.81%), HPV 58 (13.89%), HPV 33 (11.11%), HPV 51
      (11.11%), and HPV 56 (9.26%). HPV 18 was found in only 5.6% of cases. Together,
      HPV 16/18 were noted in approximately 20.4% of cases. Eighteen(16.67%) women were
      positive with multiple subtypes of HR-HPV. Co-infection most frequently involved
      HPV 16 or HPV 58. These findings have obvious implications for vaccine policy. 

PMID- 25124590
TI  - Diffusion-weighted imaging for the left hepatic lobe has higher diagnostic
      accuracy for malignant focal liver lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate whether apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC) measurements by dividing the liver into left and right hepatic
      lobes may be utilized to improve the accuracy of differential diagnosis of benign
      and malignant focal liver lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 269
      consecutive patients with 429 focal liver lesions were examined by 3-T magnetic
      resonance imaging that included diffusion-weighted imaging. For 58 patients with
      focal liver lesions of the same etiology in left and right hepatic lobes, ADCs of
      normal liver parenchyma and focal liver lesions were calculated and compared
      using the paired t-test. For all 269 patients, ADC cutoffs for focal liver
      lesions and diagnostic accuracy in the left hepatic lobe, right hepatic lobe and
      whole liver were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
      RESULTS: For the group of 58 patients, mean ADCs of normal liver parenchyma and
      focal liver lesions in the left hepatic lobe were significantly higher than those
      in the right hepatic lobe. For differentiating malignant lesions from benign
      lesions in all patients, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.6% and 92.0% in
      the left hepatic lobe, 94.4% and 94.4% in the right hepatic lobe, and 90.4% and
      94.7% in the whole liver, respectively. The area under the curve of the right
      hepatic lobe, but not the left hepatic lobe, was higher than that of the whole
      liver. CONCLUSIONS: ADCs of normal liver parenchyma and focal liver lesions in
      the left hepatic lobe were significantly higher than those in the right hepatic
      lobe. Optimal ADC cutoff for focal liver lesions in the right hepatic lobe, but
      not in the left hepatic lobe, had higher diagnostic accuracy compared with that
      in the whole liver.

PMID- 25124591
TI  - Radiation induces phosphorylation of STAT3 in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have reported the radiation could activate STAT3, which
      subsequently promotes the invasion of A549 cells. We here explored the dose- and
      time-response of STAT3 to radiation and the effect of radiation on upstream
      signaling molecules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A549 cells were irradiated with
      different doses of gamma-rays. The expression of and nucleus translocation of p
      STAT3 in A549 cells were detected by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence,
      respectively. The level of phosphorylated EGFR was also assessed by
      immunoblotting, and IL-6 expression was detected by real time PCR and ELISA.
      RESULTS: Radiation promoted the phosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705 in a dose- and
      time-dependent manner and nuclear translocation. The level of phosphorylated EGFR
      in A549 cells increased after radiation. In additional, the mRNA and protein
      levels of IL-6 in A549 cells were also up regulated by radiation. CONCLUSIONS:
      STAT3 is activated by radiation in a dose-and time-dependent manner, probably due
      to radiation-induced activation of EGFR or secretion of IL-6 in A549 cells.

PMID- 25124592
TI  - Intra-peritoneal cisplatin combined with intravenous paclitaxel in optimally
      debulked stage 3 ovarian cancer patients: an Izmir Oncology Group study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The advantage of intra-peritoneal (IP) chemotherapy (CT) in the
      initial management of ovarian cancer after cytoreductive surgery is well known.
      The feasibility and toxicity of a treatment regimen with an IP+intravenous CT
      (IPIVCT) for optimally debulked stage III ovarian cancer were here evaluated
      retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients were treated in
      our institution between October 2006 and February 2011. Patients received IV
      paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 over 3 hours followed by IP cisplatin 75 mg/m2 on day 1;
      they also received IP paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 on day 8. They were also scheduled to
      receive 6 courses of CT every 21 days. RESULTS: The median age of the patients
      was 55 years (35-77), and the majority had papillary serous ovarian cancer
      (63.3%). The patients completed a total of 146 cycles of IPIVCT. Twenty-eight
      were able to receive at least three cycles of IPIVCT and 18 (60%) completed the
      scheduled 6 cycles. Two patients discontinued the IPIVCT because of toxicity of
      chemotherapy agents and 6 had to stop treatment due to intolerable abdominal pain
      during IP drug administration, obstruction and impaired access. Grade 3/4
      toxicities included neutropenia (6 patients; 20%), anemia (2 patients; 6.7%) and
      nausea-vomiting (2 patients; 6.7%). Doses were delayed in 12 cycles (8%) for
      neutropenia (n=6), thrombocytopenia (n=3) and elevated creatinine (n=3). Drug
      doses were not reduced. The median duration of progression-free survival (PFS)
      was 47.7 months (95%CI, 38.98-56.44) and overall survival (OS) was 51.7 months
      (95%CI, 44.13-59.29). Two and five-year overall survival rates were 75.6 % and
      64.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IPIVCT is feasible and well-tolerated in this
      setting. Its clinically proven advantages should be taken into consideration and
      more efforts should be made to administer IPIVCT to suitable patients.

PMID- 25124593
TI  - In whom do cancer survivors trust online and offline?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to design effective educational intervention for cancer
      survivors, it is necessary to identify most-trusted sources for health-related
      information and the amount of attention paid to each source. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of our study was to explore the sources of health information used by
      cancer survivors according to their access to the internet and levels of trust in
      and attention to those information sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed
      sources of health information among cancer survivors using selected questions
      adapted from the 2012 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). RESULTS:
      Of 357 participants, 239 (67%) had internet access (online survivors) while 118
      (33%) did not (offline survivors). Online survivors were younger (p<0.001), more
      educated (p<0.001), more non-Hispanic whites (p<0.001), had higher income
      (p<0.001), had more populated households (p<0.001) and better quality of life
      (p<0.001) compared to offline survivors. Prevalence of some disabilities was
      higher among offline survivors including serious difficulties with walking or
      climbing stairs (p<0.001), being blind or having severe visual impairment
      (p=0.001), problems with making decisions (p<0.001), doing errands alone
      (p=0.001) and dressing or bathing (p=0.001). After adjusting for socio-
      demographic status, cancer survivors who were non-Hispanic whites (OR=3.49,
      p<0.01), younger (OR=4.10, p<0.01), more educated (OR=2.29, p=0.02), with greater
      income (OR=4.43, p<0.01), and with very good to excellent quality of life
      (OR=2.60, p=0.01) had higher probability of having access to the internet, while
      those living in Midwest were less likely to have access (OR=0.177, p<0.01).
      Doctors (95.5%) were the most and radio (27.8%) was the least trusted health
      related information source among all cancer survivors. Online survivors trusted
      internet much more compared to those without access (p<0.001) while offline
      cancer survivors trusted health-related information from religious groups and
      radio more than those with internet access (p<0.001 and p=0.008). Cancer
      survivors paid the most attention to health information on newsletters (63.8%)
      and internet (60.2%) and the least to radio (19.6%). More online survivors paid
      attention to internet than those without access (68.5% vs 39.1%, p<0.001) while
      more offline survivors paid attention to radio compared to those with access
      (26.8% vs 16.5%, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize the importance of
      improving the access and empowering the different sources of information.
      Considering that the internet and web technologies are continuing to develop,
      more attention should be paid to improve access to the internet, provide guidance
      and maintain the quality of accredited health information websites. Those without
      internet access should continue to receive health-related information via their
      most trusted sources.

PMID- 25124594
TI  - HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention is not cost-effective in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our study objectives were to evaluate the medical economics of
      cervical cancer prevention and thereby contribute to cancer care policy decisions
      in Japan. METHODS: Model creation: we created presence- absence models for
      prevention by designating human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for primary
      prevention of cervical cancer. Cost classification and cost estimates: we divided
      the costs of cancer care into seven categories (prevention, mass-screening,
      curative treatment, palliative care, indirect, non-medical, and psychosocial
      cost) and estimated costs for each model. Cost-benefit analyses: we performed
      cost-benefit analyses for Japan as a whole. RESULTS: HPV vaccination was
      estimated to cost $291.5 million, cervical cancer screening $76.0 million and
      curative treatment $12.0 million. The loss due to death was $251.0 million and
      the net benefit was -$128.5 million (negative). CONCLUSION: Cervical cancer
      prevention was not found to be cost-effective in Japan. While few cost-benefit
      analyses have been reported in the field of cancer care, these would be essential
      for Japanese policy determination.

PMID- 25124596
TI  - Knowledge, perceptions and acceptability of HPV vaccination among medical
      students in Chongqing, China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate medical students' knowledge of HPV and HPV related
      diseases and assess their attitudes towards HPV vaccination. METHODS: A total of
      605 medical undergraduates from Chongqing Medical University in China were
      surveyed using a structured and pretested questionnaire on HPV related knowledge.
      RESULTS: Some 68.9% of the medical students were females, and mean age was 21.6
      (+/-1.00) years. Only 10.6% correctly answered more than 11 out of 14 questions
      on HPV related knowledge, 71.8% being willing to receive/ advise on HPV
      vaccination. Female students (OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.53-4.72) and students desiring
      more HPV education (OR: 4.24; 95% CI: 1.67-10.8) were more willing to accept HPV
      vaccination. HPV vaccination acceptability was observed to show a positive
      association with HPV related knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey found low levels
      of HPV related knowledge and HPV vaccination acceptability among participating
      medical students. HPV education should be systematically incorporated into
      medical education to increase awareness of HPV vaccination.

PMID- 25124595
TI  - Lack of associations of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism with risk of endometrial
      and ovarian cancer: a pooled analysis of case-control studies.
AB  - This meta-analysis was conducted to examine whether the genotype status of
      Val158Met polymorphism in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is associated with
      endometrial and ovarian cancer risk. Eligible studies were identified by
      searching several databases for relevant reports published before January 1,
      2014. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were appropriately derived from fixed-effects or
      random-effects models. In total, 15 studies (1,293 cases and 2,647 controls for
      ovarian cancer and 2,174 cases and 2,699 controls for endometrial cancer) were
      included in the present meta-analysis. When all studies were pooled into the meta
      analysis, there was no evidence for significant association between COMT
      Val158Met polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk (Val/Met versus Val/Val: OR=0.91,
      95% CI=0.76-1.08; Met/Met versus Val/Val: OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.73-1.10; dominant
      model: OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.77-1.06; recessive model: OR=0.95, 95% CI=0.80-1.13).
      Similarly, no associations were found in all comparisons for endometrial cancer
      (Val/Met versus Val/Val: OR 0.97, 95% CI=0.77-1.21; Met/Met versus Val/Val:
      OR=1.02, 95% CI=0.73-1.42; dominant model: OR=0.98, 95% CI=0.77-1.25; recessive
      model: OR=1.02, 95% CI=0.87-1.20). In the subgroup analyses by source of control
      and ethnicity, no significant associations were found in any subgroup of
      population. This meta-analysis strongly suggests that COMT Val158Met polymorphism
      is not associated with increased endometrial and ovarian cancer risk. 

PMID- 25124597
TI  - Pattern of tobacco use and its correlates among older adults in India.
AB  - PURPOSE: We examined tobacco use pattern and its correlates among older adults.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data of 9,852 older adults (>=60 years) (men 47%
      mean age 68 years) collected by the United Nations Population Fund on Ageing from
      seven Indian states. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the
      correlates of tobacco use. RESULTS: Current use of any form of tobacco was
      reported by 27.8% (men 37.9%, women 18.8%); 9.2% reported only smoking tobacco,
      16.9% smokeless tobacco only and 1.7% used both forms. Alcohol users (OR:5.20,
      95% CI:4.06-6.66), men (OR:2.92, CI :2.71-3.47), those reporting lower income
      (OR:2.74, CI:2.16- 3.46), rural residents (OR 1.34, CI 1.17-1.54) and lower
      castes (OR:1.29, CI:1.13-1.47) were more likely to use any form of tobacco
      compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco cessation interventions are
      warranted in this population focusing on alcohol users, men, those from lower
      income, rural residents and those belonging to a lower caste.

PMID- 25124598
TI  - The MMP-2 -735 C allele is a risk factor for susceptibility to breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The expression of MMP genes has been demonstrated to be associated
      with tumor invasion, metastasis and survival rate for a variety of cancers. The
      functional promoter polymorphism MMP-2 C-735T is associated with decreased
      expression of the MMP-2 gene. The aim of present study was to detect any
      association between MMP-2 C-735T and susceptibility to breast cancer. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The MMP-2 C-735T polymorphism was studied in 233 women (98 with
      breast cancer and 135 healthy controls). All studied women were from Kermanshah
      and Ilam provinces of Western Iran. The MMP-2 C-735T polymorphism was detected
      using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR
      RFLP) method. RESULTS: The frequencies of MMP-2 CC, CT and TT genotypes in
      healthy individuals were 59.3, 38.5 and 2.2%, respectively. However, in breast
      cancer patients, only CC (71.4%) and CT (28.6%) genotypes were observed
      (p=0.077). In patients the frequency of the MMP-2 C allele was significantly
      higher (85.7%) compared to that in controls (78.5 %, p=0.048). The presence of C
      allele of MMP-2 increased the risk of breast cancer by 1.64-fold [OR=1.64 (95%CI
      1.01-2.7, p=0.049)]. The frequency of MMP-2 C allele was also higher in
      patients<=40 years (88.9%) than those aged >=41 years (67.5%, p=0.07). In
      addition, the frequency of MMP-2 C allele tended to be higher in patients with a
      family history of cancer in first-degree relatives (76.6%) compared to that
      without a family history of cancer (67.3%, p=0.31). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      indicate that the C allele of MMP-2 C-735T polymorphism is associated with
      increased risk of breast cancer. Also, the MMP-2 C allele might increase the risk
      of young onset breast cancer in our population.

PMID- 25124599
TI  - Iranian cancer patient perceptions of prognosis and the relationship to hope.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate Iranian cancer patient
      perceptions of their prognosis, factors that influence perceptions of prognosis
      and the effect this has on patient level of hope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Iranian
      cancer patients (n=200) completed self-report measures of their perceptions of
      their prognosis and level of hope, in order to assess the relationship between
      the two and identify factors predictive of perceptions by multiple linear
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Cancer patients perceived of their prognosis
      positively (mean 11.4 out of 15), believed their disease to be curable, and
      reported high levels of hope (mean 40.4 out of 48.0). Multiple linear regression
      analyses demonstrated that participants who were younger, perceived they had
      greater family support, and had higher levels of hope reported more positive
      perceptions of their cancer prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Positive perceptions of
      prognosis and its positive correlation with hope in Iranian cancer patients
      highlights the importance of cultural issues in the disclosure of cancer related
      information.

PMID- 25124600
TI  - Associations between AT-rich interactive domain 5B gene polymorphisms and risk of
      childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have implicated several single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AT-rich interactive domain 5B (ARID5B)
      gene with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, replicated
      studies reported some inconsistent results in different populations. Using meta
      analysis, we here aimed to clarify the nature of the genetic risks contributed by
      the two polymorphisms (rs10994982, rs7089424) for developing childhood ALL.
      Through searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and manually searching relevant references, a
      total of 14 articles with 16 independent studies were included. Odds ratios (ORs)
      with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated to assess the associations.
      Both SNPs rs10994982 and rs7089424 showed significant associations with childhood
      ALL risk in all genetic models after Bonferroni correction. Furthermore, subtype
      analyses of B-lineage ALL provided strong evidence that SNP rs10994982 is highly
      associated with the risk of developing B-hyperdiploid ALL. These results indicate
      that SNPs rs10994982 and rs7089424 are indeed significantly associated with
      increased risk of childhood ALL. 

PMID- 25124601
TI  - Anti-metastasis activity of black rice anthocyanins against breast cancer:
      analyses using an ErbB2 positive breast cancer cell line and tumoral xenograft
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence from animal, epidemiological and clinical
      investigations suggest that dietary anthocyanins have potential to prevent
      chronic diseases, including cancers. It is also noteworthy that human epidermal
      growth factor receptor 2 (ErbB2) protein overexpression or ErbB2 gene
      amplification has been included as an indicator for metastasis and higher risk of
      recurrence for breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present experiments
      investigated the anti-metastasis effects of black rice anthocyanins (BRACs) on
      ErbB2 positive breast cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: Oral
      administration of BRACs (150 mg/kg/day) reduced transplanted tumor growth,
      inhibited pulmonary metastasis, and decreased lung tumor nodules in BALB/c nude
      mice bearing ErbB2 positive breast cancer cell MDA-MB-453 xenografts. The
      capacity for migration, adhesion, motility and invasion was also inhibited by
      BRACs in MDA-MB-453 cells in a concentration dependent manner, accompanied by
      decreased activity of a transfer promoting factor, urokinase-type plasminogen
      activator (u-PA). CONCLUSIONS: Together, our results indicated that BRACs possess
      anti-metastasis potential against ErbB2 positive human breast cancer cells in
      vivo and in vitro through inhibition of metastasis promoting molecules.

PMID- 25124602
TI  - Novel DOX-MTX nanoparticles improve oral SCC clinical outcome by down regulation
      of lymph dissemination factor VEGF-C expression in vivo: oral and IV modalities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains as one of the most
      difficult malignancies to control because of its high propensity for local
      invasion and cervical lymph node dissemination. The aim of present study was to
      evaluate the efficacy of novel pH and temperature sensitive doxorubicin
      methotrexate- loaded nanoparticles (DOX-MTX NP) in terms of their potential to
      change the VEGF-C expression profile in a rat OSCC model. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      120 male rats were divided into 8 groups of 15 animals administrated with 4
      nitroquinoline-1-oxide to induce OSCCs. Newly formulated doxorubicin-methotrexate
      loaded nanoparticles (DOX-MTX NP) and free doxorubicin were IV and orally
      administered. RESULTS: RESULTS indicated that both oral and IV forms of DOX-MTX-
      nanoparticle complexes caused significant decrease in the mRNA level of VEGF-C
      compared to untreated cancerous rats (p<0.05) . Surprisingly, the VEGF-C mRNA was
      not affected by free DOX in both IV and oral modalities (p>0.05). Furthermore, in
      DOX-MTX NP treated group, less tumors characterized with advanced stage and VEGF
      C mRNA level paralleled with improved clinical outcome (p<0.05). In addition,
      compared to untreated healthy rats , the VEGF-C expression was not affected in
      healthy groups that were treated with IV and oral dosages of nanodrug (p>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: VEGF-C is one of the main prognosticators for lymph node metastasis
      in OSCC. Down-regulation of this lymph-angiogenesis promoting factor is a new
      feature acquired in group treated with dual action DOX-MTX-NPs. Beside the
      synergic apoptotic properties of concomitant use of DOX and MTX on OSCC, DOX-MTX
      NPs possessed anti-angiogenesis properties which was related to the improved
      clinical outcome in treated rats. Taking together, we conclude that our
      multifunctional doxorubicin-methotrexate complex exerts specific potent apoptotic
      and anti-angiogenesis properties that could ameliorate the clinical outcome
      presumably via down-regulating dissemination factor-VEGF-C expression in a rat
      OSCC model.

PMID- 25124603
TI  - Roles for paraoxonase but not ceruloplasmin in peritoneal washing fluid in
      differential diagnosis of gynecologic pathologies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraperitoneal spread of gynecologic cancers is a major cause of
      mortality and morbidity and often presents with malignant ascites. Microscopic
      tumor spread can be demonstrated by a peritoneal wash cytology and help assess
      the prognosis of the disease. In our study, the roles of paraoxonase and
      ceruloplasmin, measured in peritoneal washing fluid of patients operated for
      gynecologic pathologies in differential diagnosis was investigated. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients operated for malign or benign gynecologic pathologies in
      Antalya Education and Research Hospital Gynecology Clinic between 2010-2012 were
      included in the study. Samples were obtained during surgery. RESULTS: A
      statistically significant difference was detected between patients with benign
      and malign diseases with regards to PON1 levels measured in peritoneal washing
      fluid (p:0.044), the average values being 64.2+/-30.8 (Range 10.8-187.2) and
      41.4+/-21.4 (Range 10.4-95.5), respectively. No significant variation was evident
      for ceruloplasmin. CONCLUSIONS: Paraoxonase levels measured in peritoneal washing
      fluid may contribute to the differentiation of malign-benign diseases in
      gynecologic pathologies.

PMID- 25124604
TI  - Comparison of neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/ lymphocyte ratios for
      predicting malignant potential of suspicious ovarian masses in gynecology
      practice.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio
      (NLR) with the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting malignancy of pelvic
      masses which are pre-operatively malignant suspicious. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      this retrospective study we evaluated the clinical features of patients with
      ovarian masses which had pre-operatively been considered suspicious for
      malignancy. The patients whose intraoperative frozen sections were malign were
      classified as the study group, while those who had benign masses were the control
      group. Data recorded were age of the patient, diameter of the mass, pre-operative
      serum Ca 125 levels, platelet count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and
      platelet/lymphocyte ratio. RESULTS: There was statistically significantly
      difference between the groups in terms of age, diameter of the mass, serum Ca 125
      levels, platelet number and platelet/lymphocyte ratio. Mean neutrophil/lymphocyte
      ratios showed no difference between the groups. ROC curve analysis showed that
      age, serum Ca 125 levels, platelet number and PLR were discriminative markers in
      predicting malignancy in adnexal masses. CONCLUSIONS: According to the current
      study, serum Ca 125 levels, pre-operative platelet number and PLR may be good
      prognostic factors, while NLR is an ineffective marker in predicting the
      malignant characteristics of a pelvic mass.

PMID- 25124605
TI  - miRNA-1297 induces cell proliferation by targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog
      in testicular germ cell tumor cells.
AB  - To investigate the role of miR-1297 and the tumor suppressor gene PTEN in cell
      proliferation of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). MTT assays were used to test
      the effect of miR-1297 on proliferation of the NCCIT testicular germ cell tumor
      cell line. In NCCIT cells, the expression of PTEN was assessed by Western
      blotting further. In order to confirm target association between miR-1297 and 3'
      UTR of PTEN, a luciferase reporter activity assay was employed. Moreover, roles
      of PTEN in proliferation of NCCIT cells were evaluated by transfection of PTEN
      siRNA. Proliferation of NCCIT cells was promoted by miR-1297 in a concentration
      dependent manner. In addition, miR-1297 could bind to the 3'-UTR of PTEN based on
      luciferase reporter activity assay, and reduced expression of PTEN at protein
      level was found. Proliferation of NCCIT cells was significantly enhanced after
      knockdown of PTEN by siRNA. miR-1297 as a potential oncogene could induce cell
      proliferation by targeting PTEN in NCCIT cells. 

PMID- 25124606
TI  - Emodin inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation through the ERalpha-MAPK/Akt
      cyclin D1/Bcl-2 signaling pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of
      emodin on the growth of human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and the
      estrogen (E2) signal pathway in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT assays were
      used to detect the effects of emodin on E2 induced proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA
      MB-231 cells. Flow cytometry (FCM) was applied to determine the effect of emodin
      on E2-induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. Western blotting allowed detection of the
      effects of emodin on the expression of estrogen receptor alpha, cyclin D1 and B
      cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and
      phosphatidylinostiol 3-kinases (PI3K). Luciferase assays were emplyed to assess
      transcriptional activity of ERalpha. RESULTS: Emodin could inhibit E2-induced MCF
      7 cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis effects, and arrest the cell cycle in
      G0/G1 phase, further blocking the effect of E2 on expression and transcriptional
      activity of ERalpha. Moreover, Emodin influenced the ER alpha genomic pathway via
      downregulation of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 protein expression, and influenced the non
      genomic pathway via decreased PI3K/Akt protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings indicate that emodin exerts inhibitory effects on MCF-7 cell
      proliferation via inhibiting both non-genomic and genomic pathways.

PMID- 25124607
TI  - Survival of colorectal cancer patients in the presence of competing-risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered to be a main cause of
      malignancy-related death in the world, being commonly diagnosed in both men and
      women. It is the third leading cause of cancer dependent death in the world and
      there are one million new cases diagnosed per year. In Iran the incidence of
      colorectal cancer has increased during the last 25 years and it is the fifth
      cause of cancer in men and the third in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      article we analyzed the survival of 475 colorectal patients of Taleghani hospital
      in Tehran with the semi-parametric competing-risks model. RESULTS: There were 55%
      male cases and at the time of the diagnosis most of the patients were between 48
      and 67 years old. The probability of a patient death from colorectal cancer with
      survival of more than 25 years was about 0.4. Body mass index, height, tumour
      site and gender had no influence. CONCLUSIONS: According to these data and by
      using semi-parametric competing-risks method, we found out that only age at
      diagnosis has a significant effect on these patient survival time.

PMID- 25124608
TI  - Development of in-house multiplex real time PCR for human papillomavirus
      genotyping in Iranian women with cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial
      neoplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HPV related cervical cancer as one of the most common women cancers
      in developing countries. Regarding accessibility of commercial vaccines, any long
      or short term modality for integrating preventive immunization against HPV in a
      national program needs comprehensive information about HPV prevalence and its
      genotypes. The important role of selecting most accurate diagnostic technologies
      for obtaining relevant data is underlined by different assays proposed in the
      literature. The main objective of the present study was to introduce an in-house
      HPV typing assay using multiplex real time PCR with reliable results and
      affordable cost for molecular epidemiology surveys and diagnosis. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: 112 samples of formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues and liquid based
      cytology specimens from patients with known different grades of cervical
      dysplasia and invasive cancer, were examined by this method and the result were
      verified by WHO HPV LabNet proficiency program in 2013. RESULTS: HPV was detected
      in 105 (93.7%) out of 112 samples. The dominant types were HPV 18 (61.6%) and HPV
      16 (42.9%). Among the mixed genotypes, HPV 16 and 18 in combination were seen in
      12.4% of specimens. CONCLUSIONS: According to acceptable performance, easy access
      to primers, probes and other consumables, affordable cost per test, this method
      can be used as a diagnostic assay in molecular laboratories and for further
      planning of cervical carcinoma prevention programs.

PMID- 25124609
TI  - Timing of thoracic radiotherapy in limited stage small cell lung cancer: results
      of early versus late irradiation from a single institution in Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is standard treatment to combine chemotherapy (CT) and thoracic
      radiotherapy (TRT) in treating patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer
      (LS-SCLC). However, optimal timing of TRT is unclear. We here evaluated the
      survival impact of early versus late TRT in patients with LS-SCLC. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Follow-up was retrospectively analyzed for seventy consecutive LS-SCLC
      patients who had successfully completed chemo-TRT between January 2006 and
      January 2012. Patients received TRT after either 1 to 2 cycles of CT (early TRT)
      or after 3 to 6 cycles of CT (late TRT). Survival and response rates were
      evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and comparisons were made using the
      multivariate Cox regression test. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 24 (5 to 57)
      months. Carboplatin+etoposide was the most frequent induction CT (59%). Median
      overall, disease free, and metastasis free survivals in all patients were 15 (5
      to 57), 5 (0 to 48) and 11 (3 to 57) months respectively. Late TRT was superior
      to early TRT group in terms of response rate (p=0.05). 3 year overall survival
      (OS) rates in late versus early TRT groups were 31% versus 17%, respectively
      (p=0.03). Early TRT (p=0.03), and incomplete response to TRT (p=0.004) were
      negative predictors of OS. Significant positive prognostic factors for distant
      metastasis free survival were late TRT (p=0.03), and use of PCI (p=0.01). Use of
      carboplatin versus cisplatin for induction CT had no significant impact on OS
      (p=0.634), DFS (p=0.727), and MFS (p=0.309). CONCLUSIONS: Late TRT appeared to be
      superior to early TRT in LS-SCLC treatment in terms of complete response, OS and
      DMFS. Carboplatin or cisplatin can be combined with etoposide in the induction CT
      owing to similar survival outcomes.

PMID- 25124610
TI  - MiR-150-5p suppresses colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion through
      targeting MUC4.
AB  - Growing evidence suggests that miR-150-5p has an important role in regulating
      genesis of various types of cancer. However, the roles and the underlying
      mechanisms of miR-150-5p in development of colorectal cancer (CRC) remain largely
      unknown. Transwell chambers were used to analyze effects on cell migration and
      invasion by miR-150-5p. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting
      and dual-luciferase 3' UTR reporter assay were carried out to identify the target
      genes of miR-150-5p. In our research, miR-150-5p suppressed CRC cell migration
      and invasion, and MUC4 was identified as a direct target gene. Its effects were
      partly blocked by re-expression of MUC4. In conclusiomn, miR-150-5p may suppress
      CRC metastasis through directly targeting MUC4, highlighting its potential as a
      novel agent for the treatment of CRC metastasis. 

PMID- 25124611
TI  - Efficacy and tolerance of pegaspargase-based chemotherapy in patients with nasal
      type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma: a pilot study.
AB  - Nasal-type extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) is a highly
      invasive cancer with a poor prognosis. More effective and safer treatment
      regimens for ENKL are needed. Pegaspargase (PEG-Asp) has a similar mechanism of
      action to L-asparaginase (L-Asp), but presents lower antigenicity. The aim of the
      present research was to evaluate the safety profile and the latent efficacy of a
      PEG-Asp-based treatment regimen in patients with ENKL. Data collected from 20
      patients with histologically confirmed ENKL, admitted to the Third Affiliated
      Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2009 to August 2013, were
      included in the study. All patients received 2500 IU/m2/IM PEG-Asp on day 1 of
      every 21-day treatment cycle. Patients received combination chemotherapy with
      CHOP (n=5), EPOCH (n=7), GEMOX (n=7) or CHOP with bleomycin (n=1). After 2-5
      treatment cycles (median, 4 cycles) of PEG-Asp-based chemotherapy, five patients
      (25%) showed a complete response (CR), and the overall response rate (ORR) was
      60%. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in fourteen patients (70%). Grade 3 alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) elevation was observed in two. Grade 1-2 non-hematological
      toxicity consisted of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) elongation
      (n=9), hypofibrinogenemia (n=6), hypoproteinemia (n=17), hyperglycemia (n=3), and
      nausea (n=6). No allergic reactions were detected. No treatment related death was
      reported. Our results suggested that PEG-Asp-based chemotherapy presented an
      acceptable tolerance and a potential short-term outcome in patients with nasal
      type ENKL. 

PMID- 25124612
TI  - Identification of patients with microscopic hematuria who are at greater risk for
      the presence of bladder tumors using a dedicated questionnaire and point of care
      urine test--a study by the members of Association of Urooncology, Turkey.
AB  - In patients with microscopic hematuria there is a need for better identification
      of those who are at greater risk of harbouring bladder tumors. The RisikoCheck(r)
      questionnaire has a strong correlation with the presence of urothelial carcinoma
      (UC) of the bladder and in combination with other available tests may help
      identify patients who require detailed clinical investigations due to increased
      risk of presence of bladder tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of
      RisikoCheck(r) questionnaire together with NMP-22(r) (BladderChek(r)) as a point
      of-care urine test in predicting the presence of bladder tumors in patients
      presenting with microscopic hematuria as the sole finding. In this multi
      institutional prospective evaluation of 303 consecutive patients without a
      history of urothelial carcinoma (UC), RisikoCheck(r) risk group assessment,
      urinary tract imaging and cystourethroscopy as well as urine cytology and Nuclear
      Matrix Protein-22 (NMP-22 BladderChek) testing were performed where available.
      The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive
      predictive values (PPV) for the risk adapted approach were calculated. All
      patients underwent cystoscopy, and tumors were detected in 18 (5.9%). Urine
      cytology and NMP-22 was positive for malignancy in 9 (3.2%) and 12 (7.5%) of
      patients, respectively. A total of 43 (14%) patients were in the high risk group
      according to the RisikoCheck(r) questionnaire. The sensitivity and specificity of
      the questionnaire in detecting a bladder tumor was 61.5 % and 84.0 % in the high
      risk group. In patients with either a positive NMP-22 test or high risk category
      RisikoCheck(r), 23.6% had bladder tumors with a corresponding sensitivity of
      54.2% and specificity of 88.6%. If both tests were negative only 3.3% of the
      patients had bladder tumors. The results of our study suggest that the efficacy
      of diagnostic evaluation of patients with microscopic hematuria may be further
      enhanced by combining RisikoCheck(r) questionnaire with NMP-22.

PMID- 25124613
TI  - Effect of lymphangiogenesis and lymphovascular invasion on the survival pattern
      of breast cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Invasion of breast cancer cells into blood and lymphatic vessels is
      one of the most important steps for metastasis. In this study the prognostic
      relevance of lymphangiogenesis and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in breast cancer
      patients was evaluated in terms of survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      retrospective study concerned 518 breast cancer patients who were treated at
      Department of Surgical Oncology, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research
      Institute, Kolkata-700063, West Bengal, India, a reputed cancer centre and
      research institute of eastern India between January 2006 and December 2007.
      RESULTS: The median overall survival and disease free survival of the patients
      were 60 months and 54 months respectively. As per Log-rank test, poor overall as
      well as disease free survival pattern was observed for LVI positive patients as
      compared with LVI negative patients (p<0.01). Also poor overall as well as
      disease free survival pattern was observed for perineural invasion (PNI) positive
      patients as compared to PNI negative patients (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: From this
      study it is evident that LVI and PNI are strongly associated with outcome in
      terms of disease free as well as overall survival in breast cancer patients. Thus
      LVI and PNI constitute potential targets for treatment of breast cancer patients.
      We advocate incorporating their status into breast cancer staging systems.

PMID- 25124614
TI  - Combined detection of CEA, CA 19-9, CA 242 and CA 50 in the diagnosis and
      prognosis of resectable gastric cancer.
AB  - Our aim was to investigate the value of combined detection of serum
      carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, CA 242 and CA 50
      in diagnosis and assessment of prognosis in consecutive gastric cancer patients.
      Clinical data including preoperative serum CEA, CA 19-9, CA 242, and CA 50 values
      and information on clinical pathological factors were collected and analyzed
      retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were used to
      explore the relationship between tumor markers and survival. Positive rates of
      tumor markers CEA, CA 19-9, CA 242 and CA 50 in the diagnosis of gastric cancer
      were 17.7, 17.1, 20.4 and 13.8%, respectively, and the positive rate for all four
      markers combined was 36.6%. Patients with elevated preoperative serum
      concentrations of CEA, CA 19-9, CA 242 and CA 50, had late clinical tumor stage
      and significantly poorer overall survival. Five-year survival rates in patients
      with elevated CEA, CA 19-9, CA 242 and CA 50 were 28.1, 25.8, 27.0 and 24.1%,
      respectively, compared with 55.0, 55.4, 56.4 and 54.5% in patients with these
      markers at normal levels (p<0.01). In multivariate Cox proportional hazards
      analyses, an elevated CA 242 level was determined to be an independent prognostic
      marker in gastric cancer patients. Combined detection of four tumor markers
      increased the positive rate for gastric cancer diagnosis. CA 242 showed higher
      diagnostic value and CA 50 showed lower diagnostic value. In resectable gastric
      carcinoma, preoperative CA 242 level was associated with disease stage, and was
      found to be a significant independent prognostic marker in gastric cancer
      patients. 

PMID- 25124615
TI  - Preliminary evaluation of the in vitro efficacy of 1, 2-di (quinazolin-4-yl)
      diselane against SiHa cervical cancer cells.
AB  - Cervical cancer is one the most common malignancies among females. In recent
      years, its incidence rate has shown a rising trend in some countries so that
      development of anticancer drugs for cervical cancer is an urgent priority. In our
      recent anticancer drug discovery screen, 1, 2-di (quinazolin-4-yl)diselane
      (LG003) was found to possess wide spectrum anticancer efficacy. In the present
      work, the in vitro anticancer activity of LG003 was evaluated in the SiHa
      cervical cancer cell line. Compared with commercial anticancer drugs 10
      hydroxycamptothecin, epirubicin hydrochloride, taxol and oxaliplatin, LG003
      showed better anticancer activity. Furthermore, inhibition effects were time- and
      dose-dependent. Morphological observation exhibited LG003 treatment results in
      apoptosis like shrinking and blebbing, and cell membrane damage. Lactate
      dehydrogenase release assay revealed that LG003 exerts such effects in SiHa cells
      through a physiology pathway rather than cytotoxicity, which suggests that title
      compound LG003 can be a potential candidate agent for cervical cancer. 

PMID- 25124616
TI  - Are women in Kuwait aware of breast cancer and its diagnostic procedures?
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge and awareness of women in
      Kuwait with regard to risk factors, symptoms and diagnostic procedures of breast
      cancer. A total of 521 questionnaires were distributed among women in Kuwait.
      Results showed that 72% of respondents linked breast cancer factors to family
      history, while 69.7% scored abnormal breast enlargement as the most detectable
      symptom of the disease. Some 84% of participants had heard about self
      examination, but knowledge about mammograms was limited to 48.6% and only 22.2%
      were familiar with diagnostic procedures. Some 22.9% of respondents identified
      the age over 40 years as the reasonable age to start mammogram screening. Risk
      factor awareness was independent on age groups (p>0.05), but both high education
      and family history increased the likelihood of postivie answers; the majority
      knew about a few factors such as aging, pregnancy after age 30, breast feeding
      for short time, menopause after age of 50, early puberty, and poor personal
      hygiene. In conclusion, 43.1% of participants had an overall good knowledge of
      breast cancer with regards to symptoms, risk factors and breast examination. Very
      highly significant associations (p<0.005) were evident for all groups except for
      respondents distributed by nationality (p=0.444). Early campaigns for screening
      the breast should be recommended to eliminate the confusion of wrong perceptions
      about malignant mammary disease. 

PMID- 25124617
TI  - Expression of neuronal markers, NFP and GFAP, in malignant astrocytoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunohistochemical markers are considered as important factors in
      diagnosis of malignant astrocytomas. The aim of the current study was to
      investigate the frequency of the immunohistochemical markers neurofilament
      protein (NFP) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in malignant astrocytoma
      tumors in Firoozgar and Rasool-Akram hospitals from 2005 to 2010. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, immunohistochemical analysis of NFP and
      GFAP was performed on 79 tissue samples of patients with the diagnosis of
      anaplastic and glioblastoma multiform (GBM) astrocytomas. RESULTS: The obtained
      results demonstrated that all patients were positive for GFAP and only 3.8% were
      positive for NFP. There was no significant association between these markers and
      clinical, demographic, and prognostic features of patients (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      NFP was expressed only in GBMs and not in anaplastic astrocytomas. It would be
      crucial to confirm the present findings in a larger number of tumors, especially
      in high grade gliomas.

PMID- 25124618
TI  - Activation of JNK/p38 pathway is responsible for alpha-methyl-n-butylshikonin
      induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in SW620 human colorectal cancer cells.
AB  - alpha-Methyl-n-butylshikonin (MBS), one of the active components in the root
      extracts of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, posses antitumor activity. In this study,
      we assess the molecular mechanisms of MBS in causing apoptosis of SW620 cells.
      MBS reduced the cell viability of SW620 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner
      and induced cell apoptosis. Treatment of SW620 cells with MBS down-regulated the
      expression of Bcl-2 and up-regulated the expression of Bak and caused the loss of
      mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, MBS treatment led to activation
      of caspase-9, caspase-8 and caspase-3, and cleavage of PARP, which was abolished
      by pretreatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. MBS also induced
      significant elevation in the phosphorylation of JNK and p38. Pretreatment of
      SW620 cells with specific inhibitors of JNK (SP600125) and p38 (SB203580)
      abrogated MBS-induced apoptosis. Our results demonstrated that MBS inhibited
      growth of colorectal cancer SW620 cells by inducing JNK and p38 signaling
      pathway, and provided a clue for preclinical and clinical evaluation of MBS for
      colorectal cancer therapy. 

PMID- 25124619
TI  - Patterns and trends with cancer incidence and mortality rates reported by the
      China National Cancer Registry.
AB  - National cancer registration reports provide a huge potential for identifying
      patterns and trends of important policy, research, prevention and treatment
      significance. As summary reports written on an annual basis, the China Cancer
      Registry Annual Reports (CCRARs) fall short from fully addressing their
      potential. This paper attempts to explore part of the patterns and trends hidden
      behind published CCRARs. It extracted data for cancer incidence rates (IRs) and
      mortality rates (MRs) for 2004, 2006 and 2009 from relevant CCRARs and portrayed
      4 kinds of indicators in line graphs. The study showed that: a) all of the line
      graphs of age-specific IRs and MRs characterized typical "growth curves or
      histogram"; b) graphs of IRs and MRs for males and urban areas had higher peaks
      than that for females and rural regions; c) most of the line graphs of IR/MR
      ratios comprised a starting peak, a secondary peak and a decreasing tail and the
      secondary peaks for females and urban areas were higher than those for males and
      rural areas; d) most of the urban versus rural IR ratios valued above one, but
      most the urban versus rural MR ratios, below one; e) the accumulative IRs and MRs
      showed a stable increasing trend from 2004 to 2009 for urban areas, but mixed for
      rural regions. 

PMID- 25124620
TI  - Lack of association between the MTHFRC677T polymorphism and lung cancer in a
      Turkish population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this case-control study, we aimed to investigate the relationship
      between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and
      lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 200 individuals including 100 patients
      with lung cancer and 100 controls were analyzed. Genotyping of MTHFR C677T was
      performed using PCR and RFLP methods. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were
      men and 90% were smokers. We found that the risk ratio for development of LC was
      13-times higher in smokers compared with non-smokers between patient and control
      groups in our study (OR:13.5, 95%CI:6.27-29.04, p:0.0001). Besides, the risk
      ratio for development of LC was nine times higher in individuals with cancer
      history in their family than those without cancer history (OR:9.65, 95%CI: 2.79
      33.36; p:0.0001). When genotype distributions and allele frequencies were
      analyzed in the study groups, no significant difference was apparent (chi2:0.53,
      p=0.76). In addition, no correlation between genotypes of MTHFRC677T polymorphism
      and histological type of LC was found (chi2:0.99, p=0.60). CONCLUSIONS: These
      results suggest that there was no association between the MTHFR C677T
      polymorphism and lung cancer in the Turkish population.

PMID- 25124621
TI  - Outcome of rectal cancer in patients aged 30 years or less in the Pakistani
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of rectal cancer is increasing in younger age groups.
      Limited data is available regarding survival outcome in younger patients with
      conflicting results from western world. The goal of this study was to determine
      survival in patients with rectal cancer<30 years of age and compare it with their
      older counterparts in the Pakistani population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review of patients operated for rectal adenocarcinoma between
      January 2005 and December 2010 was performed. Patients were divided into two
      groups, Group 1 aged <=30 years and Group 2 aged >30 years. Patient
      characteristics, surgical procedure, histopathological details and number of loco
      regional and distant failures were compared. Expected 5 year survival was
      calculated using Kaplan Meier curves and significance was determined using the
      Log rank test. RESULTS: There were 38 patients in group 1 and 144 in group 2. A
      significantly high number of younger patients presented with poorly
      differentiated histology (44.7% vs 9.7%) (p=0.0001) and advanced pathological
      stage (63.1% vs 38.1%) (p=0.04). Predicted overall 5 year survival was 38% versus
      57% in groups I and II, respectively (p=0.05). Disease free survival was 37%
      versus 52% and was significantly different (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Early onset
      rectal cancer is associated with poor pathological features and a worse outcome
      in Pakistani population.

PMID- 25124622
TI  - Preparation and antitumor activity of a tamibarotene-furoxan derivative.
AB  - Multi-target drug design, in which drugs are designed as single molecules to
      simultaneously modulate multiple physiological targets, is an important strategy
      in the field of drug discovery. QT-011, a tamibarotene-furoxan derivative, was
      here prepared and proposed to exert synergistic effects on antileukemia by
      releasing nitric oxide and tamibarotene. Compared with tamibarotene itself, QT
      011 displayed stronger antiproliferative effects on U937 and HL-60 cells and was
      more effective evaluated in a nude mice U937 xenograft model in vivo. In
      addition, QT-011 could release nitric oxide which might contribute to the
      antiproliferative activity. Autodocking assays showed that QT-011 fits well with
      the hydrophobic pocket of retinoic acid receptors. Taken together, these results
      suggest that QT-011 might be a highly effective derivative of tamibarotene and a
      potential candidate compound as antileukemia agent. 

PMID- 25124623
TI  - Insulin promotes proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells through the
      extracellular regulated kinase pathway.
AB  - The present study was undertaken to determine the roles of insulin in the growth
      of transplanted breast cancer in nude mice, and the proliferation and migration
      of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and assess its influence on downstream
      signaling pathways. In a xenograft mouse model with injection of MCF-7 human
      breast cancer cells, tumor size was measured every other day. The insulin level
      and insulin receptor (IR) were increased in the breast cancer patient tissues.
      Insulin injected subcutaneously around the tumor site in mice caused increase in
      the size and weight of tumor masses, and promoted proliferation and migration of
      MCF-7 cells. The effects of insulin on the increase in the proliferation and
      migration of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were abolished by pretreatment with
      the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor PD98059. Insulin increased the
      phosphorylation of ERK in the MCF-7 cells. These results indicate that insulin
      promotes the growth of breast cancer in nude mice, and increases the
      proliferation and migration of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells via the ERK
      pathway. 

PMID- 25124624
TI  - Risk factors of lymph node metastases with endometrial carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate and evaluate risk
      factors for lymph node metastases (LNM) in cases of endometrial cancer (EC).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single institution analysis of patients
      surgically staged for EC at Ankara Oncology Education and Research Hospital from
      1996 to 2010 was performed. Roles of prognostic factors, such as age,
      histological type, grade, depth of myometrial invasion, cervical involvement,
      peritoneal cytology, and tumor size, in the prediction of LNM were evaluated.
      Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the
      effects of various factors on LNM. RESULTS: LNM was observed in 22 out of 247
      patients (8.9%) and was significantly more common in the presence of tumors of
      higher grade, deep myometrial invasion (DMI), cervical involvement, size>2 cm,
      and with positive peritoneal cytology. Logistic regression analysis revealed that
      DMI remained the only independent risk factor for LNM. NPV, PPV, sensitivity, and
      specificity for satisfying LNM risk were 98.0, 19.5, 86.3, and 65.3%,
      respectively for DMI. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of LNM is influenced
      independently by DMI. If data support a conclusion of DMI, LND should be
      seriously considered.

PMID- 25124625
TI  - Cancers of the young population in Brunei Darussalam.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Globally, the overall incidence of cancer is increasing as a result
      of ageing populations and changing lifestyles. Cancer is one of the leading
      causes of death, especially in the developed nations. Cancers affecting the young
      population are generally considered uncommon. This study assessed the demography
      and trends of cancers of the young in Brunei Darussalam, a small and developing
      Southeast Asia nation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients diagnosed with cancers
      between 2000 and 2012 were identified from the cancer registry maintained by the
      State Histopathology Laboratory. Cancers of the young was defined as any cancers
      diagnosed under the age of 40 years. Demographic data and the type of cancers
      were collected and analysed using SPSS Statistics 17.0. RESULTS: Among the 6,460
      patients diagnosed with cancer over the study period, 18.7% (n=1,205) were
      categorized as young with an overall decline in the proportion from 26.6% in 2000
      to 18.8% in 2012 (p<0.001 for trend). Among all cancers of the young, the most
      common systems affected were gynecological (24.1%), hematological/lymphatic
      (15.8%), subcutaneous/dermatological/ musculoskeletal (10.5%), breast (10.5%) and
      gastrointestinal (9.9%). Overall, among the different systems, neurological
      (54.9%) had the highest proportion of cancers of the young followed by
      gynecological/reproductive (30.6%), hematological/ lymphatic (39.9%), endocrine
      (38.7%), subcutaneous/dermatological/ musculoskeletal (22.3%) and the head and
      neck region (20.1%). There was a female predominance (66.9%) and the incidence
      was significantly higher among the Malays (20.1%) and expatriates (25.1%) groups
      compared to the Chinese (10.7%) and indigenous (16.8%) groups (p<0.001 for
      trend). CONCLUSIONS: Cancers of the young (<40 years) accounted for almost a
      fifth of all cancers in Brunei Darussalam with certain organ systems more
      strongly affected. There was a female preponderance in all racial groups. Over
      the years, there has been a decline in the overall proportion of cancers of the
      young. Selective screening programs should nevertheless be considered.

PMID- 25124626
TI  - Preventive effect of Actinidia valvata Dunn extract on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N
      nitrosoguanidine-induced gastrointestinal cancer in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the preventive effect of Actinidia
      valvata Dunn (AVD) extract on an animal model of gastrointestinal carcinogenesis
      on the basis of changes in tumor incidence, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five male Wistar rats were divided into five
      different treatment groups with 15 rats in each group. Group I was given normal
      feed, whereas Groups II to IV were treated with 10% sodium chloride in the first
      six weeks and 100 ug/mL of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in
      drinking water for 24 weeks. Group II was then given normal feed, whereas Group
      III was given AVD extract (0.24 g/kg/day) for 12 weeks. Group IV was given AVD
      extract from the first week to the 36th week, whereas Group V was treated with
      AVD extract alone for 36 weeks. All rats were sacrificed at the end of the 36
      week experiment and assessed for the presence of gastrointestinal tumors. The
      occurrence of cancer was evaluated by histology. Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and
      cyclinD1 were determined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting.
      RESULTS: The incidences of gastric cancer were 0% in Group I, 73.3% in Group II,
      33.3% in Group III, 26.7% in Group IV, and 0% in Group V. Bcl-2 and cyclinD1
      expression was decreased in AVD extract treated groups, whereas Bax and Caspase-3
      expression was increased. Comparison with group II revealed significant
      differences (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: AVD extract exhibits an obvious preventive
      effect on gastrointestinal carcinogenesis induced by MNNG in rats through the
      regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis.

PMID- 25124627
TI  - Circulating tumor cells are associated with bone metastasis of lung cancer.
AB  - Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide,
      predominantly due to the difficulty of early diagnosis and its high metastatic
      potential. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that circulating tumour cells
      (CTCs) are responsible for cancer metastatic relapse, and CTCs have attracted
      interest in cancer metastasis detection and quantification. In present study, we
      collected blood samples from 67 patients with bone metastasis, and 30 patients
      without such metastasis, and searched for CTCs. Then the association of CTC
      numbers with bone metastasis and other clinico-pothological variants was
      analyzed. Results demonstrated that when 5 or 1 was taken as a threshhold for the
      CTC number, there were significantly higher positivity of CTCs in the bone
      metastasis group than in the non-metastasis group. While the increase in CTC
      number was not significantly associated with any other clinicopathological
      factor, including age, gender, pathological type, intrapulmonary metastasis and
      lymph node metastasis, the CTC number in patients with positivity of the last
      above mentioned variants was obviously higher than in patients with negativity of
      the two variants. Taken together, the CTC number appears to be significantly
      associated with the bone metastasis from lung cancer. 

PMID- 25124629
TI  - Descriptive report on pattern of variation in cancer cases within selected ethnic
      groups in Kamrup Urban District of Assam, 2009-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The global burden of cancer is continuously increasing. According to
      recent report of the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) on time trends it
      is estimated that future burden of cancer cases for India in 2020 will be
      1,320,928. It is well known that knowledge of the incidence of cancer is a
      fundamental requirement of rational planning and monitoring of cancer control
      programs. It would help health planners to formulate public health policy if
      relevant ethnic groups were considered. North East-India alone contains over 160
      Scheduled Tribes and 400 other sub-tribal communities and groups, whose cancer
      incidence rates are high compared to mainland India. As since no previous study
      was done focusing on ethnicity, the present investigation was performed.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this paper PBCR-Guwahati data on all cancer
      registrations from January 2009 to December 2011 for residents of the Kamrup
      Urban District, comprising an area of 261.8 sq. km with a total population of
      900,518, including individual records with information on sex, age, ethnicity and
      cancer site are provided. Descriptive statistics including age adjusted rates
      (AARs) were taken as provided by NCRP. For comparison of proportional incidence
      ratios (PIR) the Student's t test was used, with p<0.05 considered as
      statistically significant. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Differences in leading sites
      of Kamrup Urban District since from the beginning of the PBCR-Guwahati were
      revealed among different ethnic groups by this study. The results should help
      policy makers to formulate different strategies to control the level of burden as
      well as for treatment planning. This study also suggests that age is an important
      factor of cancer among different ethnic populations as well as for overall
      population of Kamrup District of Assam.

PMID- 25124628
TI  - Is the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio an indicator of progression in patients with
      benign prostatic hyperplasia?
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate inflammation parameters and assess
      the utility of the neutrophil- lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a simple and readily
      available predictor for clinical disease activity in patients with nenign
      prostate hyperplasia BPH. We also aimed to investigate the relationship between
      inflammatory parameters with alpha-blocker therapy response, and evaluate the
      potential association between NLR and the progression of benign prostatic
      hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 320 consecutive patients
      (July 2013-December 2013) admitted to our outpatient clinic with symptoms of the
      lower urinary tract at Bozok University. The mean age was 60 (range, 51-75)
      years. Complete blood count (CBC), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed.
      Correlations between PSA, CRP, ESR, prostate volume, International Prostate
      Symptom Score (IPPS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and NLR were assessed
      statistically. Patients were divided into two groups: high and low risk of
      progression. RESULTS: NLR was positively correlated with IPSS (p=0.001, r=0.265),
      PSA (p=0.001, r=0.194), and negatively correlated with Qmax (p<0.001, r=-0.236).
      High-risk patients a had a higher NLR compared with low-risk patients, based on
      IPSS (p<0.001), PSA (p=0.013), and Qmax (p<0.001); however, there were no
      significant differences between the groups in terms of age (p>0.05), and prostate
      volume (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NLR can predict BPH progression. We propose that
      increased inflammation is negatively associated with clinical status in BPH
      patients and suggest that NLR can give information along with LUTS severity which
      may be used as a readikly accessible marker for patient follow-up.

PMID- 25124630
TI  - Prognostic significance of the peripheral blood absolute monocyte count in
      patients with locally advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma receiving
      systemic chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognostic significance of the circulating absolute monocyte
      count (AMC) in patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is
      uncertain. This study was designed to assess the association of circulating AMC
      with survival outcomes in patients diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic
      HCC receiving systemic chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1,
      2005 and December 30, 2012, locally advanced or metastatic HCC patients who had
      Child-Pugh stage A or B disease and received systemic chemotherapy were
      retrospectively enrolled. Patient features including gender, age, extrahepatic
      metastasis, Child-Pugh stage, serum alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) level and AMC were
      collected to investigate their prognostic impact on overall survival(OS).
      RESULTS: A total of 216 patients were eligible for the study. The optimal cut-off
      value of AMC for OS analysis was 0.38*109/L. Median OS was 5.84 months in low-AMC
      group (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.23 to 6.45), and 5.21 months in high-AMC
      group (95% CI, 4.37 to 6.04; p=0.003). In COX multivariate analysis, elevated AMC
      remained as an independent prognostic factor for worse OS (HR, 1.578; 95% CI,
      1.120 to 2.223, p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indiicate that circulating AMC
      is confirmed to be an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with
      locally advanced or metastatic HCC receiving systemic chemotherapy.

PMID- 25124631
TI  - Aquaporin 8 involvement in human cervical cancer SiHa migration via the EGFR
      Erk1/2 pathway.
AB  - Overexpression of aquaporins (AQPs) has been reported in several human cancers.
      Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-extracellular signal-regulated kinases
      1/2 (Erk1/2) are associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression and may
      upregulate AQP expression. In this study, we demonstrated that EGF (epidermal
      growth factor) induces SiHa cells migration and AQP8 expression. Wound healing
      results showed that cell migration was increased by 2.79-1.50-fold at 24 h and 48
      h after EGF treatment. AQP8 expression was significantly increased (3.33-fold) at
      48 h after EGF treatment in SiHa cells. An EGFR kinase inhibitor, PD153035,
      blocked EGF-induced AQP8 expression and cell migration and AQP8 expression was
      decreased from 1.59-fold (EGF-treated) to 0.43-fold (PD153035-treated) in SiHa.
      Furthermore, the MEK (MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/Erk (extracellular
      signal regulated kinase)/Erk inhibitor U0126 also inhibited EGF-induced AQP8
      expression and cell migration. AQP8 expression was decreased from 1.21-fold (EGF
      treated) to 0.43-fold (U0126-treated). Immunofluorescence microscopy further
      confirmed the results. Collectively, our findings show that EGF induces AQP8
      expression and cell migration in human cervical cancer SiHa cells via the
      EGFR/Erk1/2 signal transduction pathway.

PMID- 25124632
TI  - Loss of expression and aberrant methylation of the CDH1 (E-cadherin) gene in
      breast cancer patients from Kashmir.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aberrant promoter hypermethylation has been recognized in human
      breast carcinogenesis as a frequent molecular alteration associated with the loss
      of expression of a number of key regulatory genes and may serve as a biomarker.
      The E-cadherin gene (CDH1), mapping at chromosome 16q22, is an intercellular
      adhesion molecule in epithelial cells, which plays an important role in
      establishing and maintaining intercellular connections. The aim of our study was
      to assess the methylation pattern of CDH1 and to correlate it with the expression
      of E-cadherin, clinicopathological parameters and hormone receptor status in
      breast cancer patients of Kashmir. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methylation specific
      PCR (MSP) was used to determine the methylation status of CDH1 in 128 invasive
      ductal carcinomas (IDCs) paired with the corresponding normal tissue samples.
      Immunohistochemistry was used to study the expression of E-cadherin, ER and PR.
      RESULTS: CDH1 hypermethylation was detected in 57.8% of cases and 14.8% of normal
      adjacent controls. Reduced levels of E-cadherin protein were observed in 71.9% of
      our samples. Loss of E-cadherin expression was significantly associated with the
      CDH1 promoter region methylation (p<0.05, OR=3.48, CI: 1.55-7.79).
      Hypermethylation of CDH1 was significantly associated with age at diagnosis
      (p=0.030), tumor size (p=0.008), tumor grade (p=0.024) and rate of node
      positivity or metastasis (p=0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings suggest
      that abnormal CDH1 methylation occurs in high frequencies in infiltrating breast
      cancers associated with a decrease in E-cadherin expression. We found significant
      differences in tumor-related CDH1 gene methylation patterns relevant to tumor
      grade, tumor size, nodal involvement and age at diagnosis of breast tumors, which
      could be extended in future to provide diagnostic and prognostic information.

PMID- 25124633
TI  - Prevalence of abnormal anal cytology in HIV-infected women: a hospital-based
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To study the prevalence of abnormal anal cytology by Papanicolaou
      (Pap) technique in HIV- infected women who attended a HIV clinic at Prapokklao
      Hospital, Chanthaburi, Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HIV-infected women who
      attended a HIV clinic at Prapokklao Hospital from March 2013 to February 2014
      were recruited for anal Pap smears. Participants who had abnormal results of
      equally or over "abnormal squamous/glandular cells of undetermined significance"
      (ASC-US) were classified as abnormal anal cytology. RESULTS: A total of 590 anal
      Pap smears were performed at HIV clinic of Prapokklao Hospital during the study
      period. There were only 13 patients who had abnormal Pap tests, which were: 11
      ASC-US and 2 HSIL (high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion). The prevalence of
      abnormal anal Pap smears in HIV-infected women who attended HIV clinic at
      Prapokklao Hospital was 2.2 percent. Percentage of high risk HPV in patients who
      had abnormal Pap test was 88.9 (8/9). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of abnormal
      anal Papanicolaou smears in HIV-infected women who attended the HIV clinic at
      Prapokklao hospital was quite low in comparison to the earlier literature.

PMID- 25124634
TI  - Analysis of mammographic breast density in a group of screening chinese women and
      breast cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A dense breast not only reduces the sensitivity of mammography but
      also is a moderate independent risk factor for breast cancer. The percentage of
      Western women with fat breast tissue is higher aged 40 years or older. To a
      certain extent, mammography as a first choice of screening imaging method for
      Western women of this group is reasonable. Hitherto, the frequency and age
      distribution of mammographic breast density patterns among Chinese women had not
      been characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency
      and age distribution of mammographic breast density patterns among a group of
      Chinese screening women and breast cancer patients in order to provide useful
      information for age-specific guidelines for breast cancer screening in Chinese
      women. METHODS: A retrospective review of a total of 3,394 screening women
      between August and December 2009 and 2,527 breast cancer patients between July
      2011 and June 2012 was conducted. Descriptive analyses were used to examine the
      association between age and breast density. The significance of differences of
      breast density between the screening women and the breast cancer patients was
      examined using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: There was a significant inverse
      relationship between age and breast density overall (r=-0.37, p<0.01). Breast
      density of the breast cancer patients in the subgroups of 40-49 years old was
      greater compared with that of the screening women, the same in those aged 50-54
      years and in those 55 years old or older, less than in the screening group.
      CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the Chinese women younger than 55 years old, the
      diagnostic efficiency of breast cancer screening imaging examinations may be
      potentially improved by combining screening mammography with ultrasound.

PMID- 25124635
TI  - Relationship between the SER treatment period and prognosis of patients with
      small cell lung cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the relationship between SER (time between the start of any
      treatment and the end of radiation therapy) and the survival of patients with
      limited-stage small cell lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2008 and
      2013, 135 cases of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) treated with
      consecutively curative chemoradiotherapy were included in this retrospective
      analysis. In terms of SER, patients were divided into early radiotherapy group
      (SER<30 days, n=76) and late radiotherapy group (SER>=30 days, n=59) with a cut-
      off of SER 30 days. Outcomes of the two groups were compared for overall
      survival. RESULTS: For all analyzable patients, median follow-up time was 23.8
      months and median overall survival time was 16.8 months. Although there was no
      significant differences in distant metastasis free survival between the two
      groups, patients in early radiotherapy group had a significantly better PFS
      (p=0.003) and OS (p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: A short SER may be a good prognostic
      factor for LD-SCLC patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

PMID- 25124636
TI  - Mean platelet volume as a prognostic marker in metastatic colorectal cancer
      patients treated with bevacizumab-combined chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have revealed a prognostic impact of the MPV (mean
      platelet volume)/platelet count ratio in terms of survival in advanced non-small
      cell lung cancer. However, there has been no direct analysis of the survival
      impact of MPV in patients with mCRC. The aim of the study is to evaluate the
      pretreatment MPV of patients with metastatic and non-metastatic colorectal cancer
      (non-mCRC) and also the prognostic significance of pretreatment MPV to
      progression in mCRC patients treated with bevacizumab-combined chemotherapy.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three metastatic and ninety-five non-metastatic
      colorectal cancer patients were included into the study. Data on sex, age, lymph
      node status, MPV, platelet and platecrit (PCT) levels were obtained
      retrospectively from the patient medical records. RESULTS: The MPV was
      significantly higher in the patients with mCRC compared to those with non-mCRC
      (7.895+/-1.060 versus 7.322+/-1.136, p=0.013). The benefit of bevacizumab on PFS
      was significantly greater among the patients with low MPV than those with high
      MPV. The hazard ratio (HR) of disease progression was 0.41 (95%CI, 0.174-0.986;
      p=0.04). In conclusion, despite the retrospective design and small sample size,
      MPV can be considered a prognostic factor for mCRC patients treated with
      bevacizumab-combined chemotherapy.

PMID- 25124638
TI  - Dimethylnitrosamine-induced reduction in the level of poly-ADP-ribosylation of
      histone proteins of blood lymphocytes--a sensitive and reliable biomarker for
      early detection of cancer.
AB  - Poly-ADP-ribosylation (PAR) is a post-translational modification of mainly
      chromosomal proteins. It is known to be strongly involved in several molecular
      events, including nucleosome-remodelling and carcinogenesis. In this
      investigation, it was attempted to evaluate PAR level as a reliable biomarker for
      early detection of cancer in blood lymphocyte histones. PAR of isolated histone
      proteins was monitored in normal and dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-exposed mice
      tissues using a novel ELISA-based immuno-probe assay developed in our laboratory.
      An inverse relationship was found between the level of PAR and period of DMN
      exposure in various histone proteins of blood lymphocytes and spleen cells. With
      the increase in the DMN exposure period, there was reduction in the PAR level of
      individual histones in both cases. It was also observed that the decrease in the
      level of PAR of histones resulted in progressive relaxation of genomic DNA,
      perhaps triggering activation of genes that are involved in initiation of
      transformation. The observed effect of carcinogen on the PAR of blood lymphocyte
      histones provided us with a handy tool for monitoring biochemical or
      physiological status of individuals exposed to carcinogens without obtaining
      biopsies of cancerous tissues, which involves several medical and ethical issues.
      Obtaining blood from any patient and separating blood lymphocytes are routine
      medical practices involving virtually no medical intervention, post-procedure
      medical care or trauma to a patient. Moreover, the immuno-probe assay is very
      simple, sensitive, reliable and cost-effective. Therefore, combined with the ease
      of preparation of blood lymphocytes and the simplicity of the technique, immuno
      probe assay of PAR has the potential to be applied for mass screening of cancer.
      It appears to be a promising step in the ultimate goal of making cancer detection
      simple, sensitive and reliable in the near future. 

PMID- 25124637
TI  - Overexpression of HER-2/neu in patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostatic adenocarcinoma is one of the main causes of cancer death,
      and its timely diagnosis and preventing its progression dramatically helps
      improve life indexes. Given the high disease recurrence rate, today, research is
      more inclined toward exploring causes of recurrence and development, and
      innovation of modern treatment methods. Several studies have explored over
      expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2/neu) in prostatic
      cancer so far, with different results. Thus, it was decided to investigate HER
      2/neu overexpression in patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma in Iran. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A sample size of 40 patients with prostate cancer entered the study,
      using a cross-sectional, non-randomized sampling method. Parameters studied
      included patient age at surgery, Gleason score, serum prostatic specific antigen
      (PSA) before surgery, and positive sample rate after immunohistochemical staining
      to investigate HER-2/neu overexpression. RESULTS: In terms of HER-2/neu receptor
      staining rate, of 40 slides, 16 (40%) scored 0, 13 (32.5%) 1+, 7 (17.5%) 2+, and
      4 (10%) 3+. In total 27.5% of slides showed HER-2/neu overexpression. In terms of
      age, an inverse correlation was found (-0.181), but without significance
      (p=0.263). In terms of serum PSA, the correlation coefficient was 0.449
      (p=0.004). With respect to Gleason score, the coefficient was 0.190 (p=0.240).
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, HER-2/neu overexpression occurred in 27.5% of
      prostate cancer cases, which is a relatively high figure, compared to similar
      studies elsewhere. While, we failed to reveal any relationship between HER-2/neu
      expression status with progression and prognosis of disease, it was demonstrated
      that the serum PSA level was significantly higher in cases with increased
      receptor expression.

PMID- 25124639
TI  - Downregulation of Cdk1 and cyclinB1 expression contributes to oridonin-induced
      cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and growth inhibition in SGC-7901 gastric cancer
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oridonin isolated from Rabdosia rubescens, a plant used to treat
      cancer in Chinese folk medicine, is one of the most important antitumor active
      ingredients. Previous studies have shown that oridonin has anti- tumor activities
      in vivo and in vitro, but little is known about cell cycle effects of oridonin in
      gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT assay was adopted to detect the
      proliferation inhibition of SGC-7901 cells, the cell cycle was assessed by flow
      cytometry and protein expression by Western blotting. RESULTS: Oridonin could
      inhibit SGC-7901 cell proliferation, the IC50 being 15.6 MUM, and blocked SGC
      7901 cell cycling in the G2/M phase. The agent also decreased the protein
      expression of cyclinB1 and CDK1. CONCLUSIONS: Oridonin may inhibit SGC-7901
      growth and block the cells in the G2/M phase by decreasing Cdk1 and cyclinB1
      proteins.

PMID- 25124640
TI  - Baseline stimulated thyroglobulin level as a good predictor of successful
      ablation after adjuvant radioiodine treatment for differentiated thyroid cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the predictive value of the baseline stimulated
      thyroglobulin (STg) level for ablation outcome in patients undergoing adjuvant
      remnant radioiodine ablation (RRA) for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study accrued 64 patients (23 male and
      41 female; mean age of 40+/-14 years) who had total thyroidectomy followed by RRA
      for DTC from January 2012 till April 2014. Patients with positive anti-Tg
      antibodies and distant metastasis on post-ablative whole body iodine scans
      (TWBIS) were excluded. Baseline STg was used to predict successful ablation
      (follow-up STg<2 ng/ml, negative diagnostic WBIS and negative ultrasound neck) at
      7-12 months follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, successful ablation was noted in 37
      (58%) patients while ablation failed in 27 (42%). Using the ROC curve, a cut-off
      level of baseline STg level of <=14.5 ng/ml was found to be most sensitive and
      specific for predicting successful ablation. Successful ablation was thus noted
      in 25/28 (89%) of patients with baseline STg<=14.5 ng/ml and 12/36 (33%) patients
      with baseline STg>14.5 ng/ml ((p value<0.05). Age>40 years, female gender, PTS>2
      cm, papillary histopathology, positive cervical nodes and positive TWBIS were
      significant predictors of ablation failure. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in
      patients with total thyroidectomy followed by I-131 ablation for DTC, the
      baseline STg level is a good predictor of successful ablation based on a
      stringent triple negative criteria (i.e. follow-up STg <2 ng/ ml, a negative
      DWBIS and a negative US neck).

PMID- 25124641
TI  - Albumin-globulin ratio for prediction of long-term mortality in lung
      adenocarcinoma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior studies showed a relationship between serum albumin and the
      albumin to globulin ratio with different types of cancer. We aimed to evaluate
      the predictive value of the albumin-globulin ratio (AGR) for survival of patients
      with lung adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study
      included 240 lung adenocarcinoma patients. Biochemical parameters before
      chemotherapy were collected and survival status was obtained from the hospital
      registry. The AGR was calculated using the equation AGR=albumin/ (total protein
      albumin) and ranked from lowest to highest, the total number of patients being
      divided into three equal tertiles according to the AGR values. Furthermore, AGR
      was divided into two groups (low and high tertiles) for ROC curve analysis. Cox
      model analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic value of AGR and AGR tertiles.
      RESULTS: The mean survival time for each tertile was: for the 1st 9.8 months
      (95%CI:7.765-11.848), 2nd 15.4 months (95%CI:12.685-18.186), and 3rd 19.9 months
      (95%CI:16.495-23.455) (p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed significantly higher
      survival rates with the third and high tertiles of AGR in comparison with the
      first and low tertiles, respectively. At multivariate analysis low levels of
      albumin and AGR, low tertile of AGR and high performance status remained an
      independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Low AGR was a significant
      predictor of long-term mortality in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Serum
      albumin measurement and calculation of AGR are easily accessible and cheap to use
      for predicting mortality in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 25124643
TI  - Stathmin 1, a therapeutic target in esophageal carcinoma?

PMID- 25124642
TI  - Five-year survival and median survival time of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in
      Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the fourth most common cancer in
      Malaysia. The objective of this study was to determine the five-year survival
      rate and median survival time of NPC patients in Hospital Universiti Sains
      Malaysia (USM). METHODS: One hundred and thirty four NPC cases confirmed by
      histopathology in Hospital USM between 1st January 1998 and 31st December 2007
      that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were retrospectively
      reviewed. Survival time of NPC patients were estimated by Kaplan-Meier survival
      analysis. Log-rank tests were performed to compare survival of cases among
      presenting symptoms, WHO type, TNM classification and treatment modalities.
      RESULTS: The overall five-year survival rate of NPC patients was 38.0% (95%
      confidence interval (CI): 29.1, 46.9). The overall median survival time of NPC
      patients was 31.30 months (95%CI: 23.76, 38.84). The significant factors that
      altered the survival rate and time were age (p=0.041), cranial nerve involvement
      (p=0.012), stage (p=0.002), metastases (p=0.008) and treatment (p<0.001).
      CONCLUSION: The median survival of NPC patients is significantly longer for
      age<=50 years, no cranial nerve involvement, and early stage and is dependent on
      treatment modalities.

PMID- 25124644
TI  - Fast cell cycle analysis for intraoperative characterization of brain tumor
      margins and malignancy.
AB  - Flow cytometry, although indispensable for the characterization of hematologic
      malignancies, has not been extensively evaluated in solid tumors. To date
      intraoperative pathology evaluation of frozen sections of tissue obtained during
      surgery is the gold standard for intraoperative diagnosis. We investigated the
      value of a modified rapid protocol for cell cycle analysis for the intraoperative
      characterization of intracranial lesions and their surgical margins. We
      investigated patients who underwent surgery for an intracranial lesion suspicious
      for a tumor. DNA analysis and frozen sections were performed on tumor samples
      that were taken during surgery. Thirty-one patients met the inclusion criteria
      for the study. There was a significant difference in G0/G1 phase between high
      grade and low-grade tumors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis
      provided 75% of G0/G1 fraction as the optimal cutoff value thresholding the
      discrimination between low and high-grade tumors. There was a significant
      difference in S-phase and mitoses fraction between high-grade and low-grade
      tumors. ROC analysis indicated 6% of S-phase and 9.7% of mitoses as the optimal
      cutoff values thresholding the discrimination between these two groups. In the
      glioblastoma patients, we also analyzed the perilesional tissue and found
      significant differences between tumor mass and margins regarding the G0/G1 phase,
      the S-phase and mitoses fraction. In conclusion rapid cell cycle analysis is a
      method capable of differentiating low from high-grade tumors and delineating
      tumor margins in gliomas. Thus, the role of cell cycle analysis in brain tumors
      warrants further investigation. 

PMID- 25124645
TI  - Coccidioides parenchymal cerebral abscess in the setting of lymphoma.
AB  - Coccidioides immitis is a dimorphic fungus endemic to southwestern United States
      of America. When symptomatic, infection usually results in a subacute respiratory
      infection. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis occurs in less than 1% of all cases.
      We report a patient with follicular lymphoma and recent travel to Arizona, who
      underwent resection of a cerebral Coccidioides abscess. Serology testing was
      negative. This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion in patients
      with neurologic symptoms and travel to an endemic location. 

PMID- 25124646
TI  - Obsessive compulsive disorder due to a cavernous malformation hemorrhage in the
      dominant caudate head.
AB  - Structural lesions of the basal ganglia may lead to obsessive compulsive disorder
      (OCD). We report a 31-year-old woman who developed OCD after a previously
      asymptomatic left caudate intracerebral cavernous malformation (ICM) hemorrhaged.
      Her neurologic examination was normal. Her OCD required hospitalization and
      improved with medication and therapy. The pathophysiology of this psychiatric
      disorder probably reflects a frontal cortex deafferentation mechanism. In
      patients with known ICM, any abrupt change in neurologic or psychiatric symptoms
      should prompt repeat imaging to assess for hemorrhage. 

PMID- 25124647
TI  - Weight and fat distribution in patients taking valproate: a valproate-discordant
      gender-matched twin and sibling pair study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Chronic treatment with valproate (VPA) is commonly associated with
      weight gain, which potentially has important health implications, in particular
      increased central fat distribution. We utilized a VPA-discordant same-sex, twin
      and matched sibling pair study design to primarily examine for differences in fat
      distribution between patients with epilepsy treated with VPA compared to their
      matched twin or sibling control. Weight, blood pressure, and leptin levels were
      assessed. METHODS: Height, weight, waist and hip measurements, exercise, blood
      pressure (BP), and serum leptin levels were measured. Body composition was
      measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Abdominal fat was
      expressed as a percentage of the abdominal region (AFat%); and of whole body fat
      (WBF); (AFat%WBF). Mean within-pair differences were assessed (VPA-user and
      nonuser). Restricted maximum likelihood (REML) linear mixed model analysis was
      fitted to examine associations of anthropometrics, zygosity, gender, menopausal
      status, VPA dose and duration, with weight and AFat%. RESULTS: We studied 19
      pairs of VPA-discordant, gender-matched (five male, 14 female) twins and
      siblings. Mean (standard deviation, SD) duration of therapy for VPA users was
      11.0 (7.4) years. There were no statistically significant within-pair differences
      in age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), BP, leptin level, WBF, AFat%, or
      AFat%WBF. For pairs in which VPA-user was treated for >11 years there were
      statistically significant mean within-pair differences in AFat%, (+7.1%, p =
      0.03, n = 10 pairs), mean BP (+11.0 mm Hg, p = 0.006, n = 8 pairs); but not in
      AFat%WBF. VPA duration was positively associated with weight (estimate +0.98
      kg/per year of VPA, p = 0.03); VPA treatment duration and dose were not
      significantly associated with AFat%. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrated a
      relationship between long-term VPA use and abdominal adiposity (AFat%), which
      could have significant health implications. We recommend ongoing monitoring of
      weight, BMI, and blood pressure for patients taking VPA.

PMID- 25124648
TI  - Prevalence and predictors of genito-pelvic pain in pregnancy and postpartum: the
      prospective impact of fear avoidance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is limited knowledge regarding the symptom profile of genito
      pelvic pain in pregnancy and postpartum, and potential psychosocial predictors of
      this pain. Prior studies have reported a positive association between
      prepregnancy pain and postpartum genito-pelvic pain. Greater fear avoidance has
      been associated with increased genital pain intensity in women, unrelated to
      childbirth. This relationship has not been examined prospectively in a postpartum
      population. AIMS: The study aims were to examine the symptom profile of genito
      pelvic pain during pregnancy and at 3 months postpartum, and the impact of
      prepregnancy nongenito-pelvic pain and fear avoidance in pregnancy on genito
      pelvic pain at 3 months postpartum. METHODS: First-time expectant mothers (N =
      150) completed measures of fear avoidance (pain-related anxiety, catastrophizing,
      hypervigilance to pain), prepregnancy nongenito-pelvic pain, childbirth-related
      risk factors (e.g., episiotomy), and breastfeeding. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Those
      reporting genito-pelvic pain in pregnancy and/or at 3 months postpartum answered
      questions about the onset (prepregnancy, during pregnancy, postpartum) and
      location (genital, pelvic, or both) of the pain and rated the intensity and
      unpleasantness of the pain on numerical rating scales. RESULTS: Of 150 women, 49%
      reported genito-pelvic pain in pregnancy. The pain resolved for 59% of women,
      persisted for 41%, and 7% of women reported a new onset of genito-pelvic pain
      after childbirth. Prepregnancy nongenito-pelvic pain was associated with an
      increased likelihood of postpartum onset of genito-pelvic pain. Greater pain
      related anxiety was associated with greater average genito-pelvic pain intensity
      at 3 months postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that about half of women may
      develop genito-pelvic pain during pregnancy, which will persist for about a
      third, and a subset will develop this pain after childbirth. Prior recurrent
      nongenito-pelvic pain may enhance the risk of developing genito-pelvic pain
      postpartum, while greater pain-related anxiety in pregnancy may increase the risk
      for greater intensity of postpartum genito-pelvic pain.

PMID- 25124649
TI  - EEG feature pre-processing for neonatal epileptic seizure detection.
AB  - Aim of our project is to further optimize neonatal seizure detection using
      support vector machine (SVM). First, a Kalman filter (KF) was used to filter both
      feature and classifier output time series in order to increase temporal
      precision. Second, EEG baseline feature correction (FBC) was introduced to reduce
      inter patient variability in feature distributions. The performance of the
      detection methods is evaluated on 54 multi channel routine EEG recordings from 39
      both term and pre-term newborns. The area under the receiver operating
      characteristics curve (AUC) as well as sensitivity and specificity are used to
      evaluate the performance of the classification method. SVM without KF and FBC
      achieves an AUC of 0.767 (sensitivity 0.679, specificity 0.707). The highest AUC
      of 0.902 (sensitivity 0.801, specificity 0.831) is achieved on baseline corrected
      features with a Kalman smoother used for training data pre-processing and a KF
      used to filter the classifier output. Both FBC and KF significantly improve
      neonatal epileptic seizure detection. This paper introduces significant
      improvements for the state of the art SVM based neonatal epileptic seizure
      detection. 

PMID- 25124650
TI  - An experimental and numerical investigation of head dynamics due to stick impacts
      in girls' lacrosse.
AB  - A method of investigating head acceleration and intracranial dynamics from stick
      impacts in girls' and women's lacrosse was developed using headform impact
      experiments and a finite element head model. Assessing the likelihood of head
      injury due to stick-head impacts is of interest in girls' and women's lacrosse
      due to the current lack of head protection during play. Experimental and
      simulation data were compared to characterize the head acceleration caused by
      stick-head impacts. Validation against cadaver head impact experiments ensures
      that the finite element model, with its relatively simple material properties,
      can provide means to develop a better understanding of the intracranial dynamics
      during lacrosse stick impacts. Our numerical results showed the peak acceleration
      at the center of gravity increased linearly with impact force, and was generally
      in agreement with the experimental data. von Mises stresses and peak principal
      strains, two common literature injury indicators, were examined within the finite
      element model, and peak values were below the previously reported thresholds for
      mild traumatic brain injury. By reconstructing typical in-game, unprotected stick
      head impacts, this investigation lays the foundation for a quantitative
      methodology of injury prediction in girls' and womens' lacrosse. 

PMID- 25124651
TI  - Individual and community-level determinants of mental and physical health after
      the deepwater horizon oil spill: findings from the gulf States population survey.
AB  - The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill had enormous consequences on the
      environment. Prevalence of mental and physical health conditions among Gulf
      residents after the disaster, however, are still being assessed. The Gulf State
      Population Survey (GSPS) was a representative survey of 38,361 residents in four
      Gulf States and was conducted from December 2010 to December 2011. Analysis of
      the GSPS data showed that differences in individual characteristics and direct or
      indirect exposure to the disaster drove the individual-level variation in health
      outcomes (mental distress, physical distress, and depression). Direct exposure to
      the disaster itself was the most important determinant of health after this
      event. Selected county-level characteristics were not found to be significantly
      associated with any of our health indicators of interest. This study suggests
      that in the context of an overwhelming event, persons who are most directly
      affected through direct exposure should be the primary focus of any public health
      intervention effort. 

PMID- 25124653
TI  - Oncometabolites-driven tumorigenesis: From genetics to targeted therapy.
AB  - Although the alteration of cellular metabolism in cancer was reported by Warburg
      in the early 1930s, a regain of interest in cancer metabolism has more recently
      followed the discovery of germline or somatic mutations in genes coding for
      metabolic enzymes (succinate dehydrogenase, fumarate hydratase and isocitrate
      dehydrogenase) that are associated with tumor susceptibility. Mutations in these
      genes are found in numerous tumor types including paragangliomas, kidney cancers,
      leiomyomas, glioblastomas and acute myeloid leukemia. They lead to the
      accumulation of so-called oncometabolites that behave as competitors of 2
      oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, involved in a broad spectrum of pathways
      such as hypoxic response and epigenetic reprogramming. Here, we review the
      diverse pathways affected by oncometabolites, their potential role in cancer
      formation, maintenance, metastasis and sensitivity to chemotherapies, as well as
      emerging new therapeutic strategies. 

PMID- 25124654
TI  - Reversal of toxic manifestations of chlorpromazine.

PMID- 25124652
TI  - Differential Effects of Mental Health Problems Among Truant Youths.
AB  - Research indicates at-risk youth are more likely to experience emotional and
      psychological problems. Young people who are often truant from school represent a
      group of at-risk youth, but one for which mental health issues are understudied.
      This study examined heterogeneity of mental health problems among a sample of 300
      truant adolescents using latent class analysis (LCA). LCA indicated the sample of
      truants was best represented by four latent subgroups of youth with low mental
      health problems; high depression, low mania; high mania, low depression; and high
      depression and mania. These subgroups were examined in relation to
      sociodemographic and psychosocial measures at baseline and after truancy
      offenses. Results indicated general and unique differences in these covariates
      across the four latent classes. Service and practice implications of better
      understanding mental health issues of truant youth are discussed.

PMID- 25124655
TI  - Sensory differences between beet and cane sugar sources.
AB  - Research concerning the sensory properties of beet and cane sugars is lacking in
      the scientific literature. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to
      determine whether a sensory difference was perceivable between beet and cane
      sugar sources in regard to their (1) aroma-only, (2) aroma and taste without nose
      clips, and (3) taste-only with nose clips, and to characterize the difference
      between the sugar sources using descriptive analysis. One hundred panelists
      evaluated sugar samples using a tetrad test. A significant difference (P < 0.05)
      was identified between beet and cane sugar sources when evaluated by aroma-only
      and taste and aroma without nose clips. However, there was no difference when
      tasted with nose clips. To characterize the observed differences, ten trained
      panelists identified and quantified key sensory attributes of beet and cane
      sugars using descriptive analysis. Analysis of variance indicated significant
      differences (P < 0.05) between sugar samples for 8 of the 10 attributes
      including: off-dairy, oxidized, earthy, and barnyard aroma, fruity and burnt
      sugar aroma-by-mouth, sweet aftertaste, and burnt sugar aftertaste. The sensory
      profile of beet sugar was characterized by off-dairy, oxidized, earthy, and
      barnyard aromas and by a burnt sugar aroma-by-mouth and aftertaste, whereas cane
      sugar was characterized by a fruity aroma-by-mouth and sweet aftertaste. This
      study shows that beet and cane sugar sources can be differentiated by their aroma
      and provides a sensory profile characterizing the differences. As sugar is used
      extensively as a food ingredient, sensory differences between beet and cane sugar
      sources once incorporated into different product matrices should be studied as a
      next step. 

PMID- 25124656
TI  - Identification of Malassezia species in the facial lesions of Chinese seborrhoeic
      dermatitis patients based on DNA sequencing.
AB  - The genus Malassezia is important in the aetiology of facial seborrhoeic
      dermatitis (FSD), which is the most common clinical type. The purpose of this
      study was to analyse the distribution of Malassezia species in the facial lesions
      of Chinese seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) patients and healthy individuals. Sixty
      four isolates of Malassezia were isolated from FSD patients and 60 isolates from
      healthy individuals. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)
      region was used to identify the isolates. The most frequently identified
      Malassezia species associated with FSD was M. furfur (76.56%), followed by M.
      sympodialis (12.50%) and M. japonica (9.38%). The most frequently isolated
      species in healthy individuals were M. furfur (61.67%), followed by M.
      sympodialis (25.00%), M. japonica (6.67%), M. globosa (3.33%), and M. obtusa
      (3.33%). Overall, our study revealed that while M. furfur is the predominant
      Malassezia species in Chinese SD patients, there is no significant difference in
      the distribution of Malassezia species between Chinese SD patients and healthy
      individuals. 

PMID- 25124658
TI  - Duelling letters: which one would you sign?

PMID- 25124657
TI  - New less invasive ventricular reconstruction technique in the treatment of
      ischemic heart failure.
AB  - Ischemic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of heart failure. In patients with
      left ventricular (LV) dilatation, low ejection fraction, and transmural scar in
      an anteroseptal distribution, surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR) is a
      treatment option. We describe our first experience with the Less Invasive
      Ventricular Enhancement (LIVE) technique using the ReviventTM system (Bioventrix
      Inc., San Ramon, CA), in the treatment of a large anteroapical aneurysm. 

PMID- 25124661
TI  - Epigenetic epidemiology of cancer.
AB  - Epigenetic epidemiology includes the study of variation in epigenetic traits and
      the risk of disease in populations. Its application to the field of cancer has
      provided insight into how lifestyle and environmental factors influence the
      epigenome and how epigenetic events may be involved in carcinogenesis.
      Furthermore, it has the potential to bring benefit to patients through the
      identification of diagnostic markers that enable the early detection of disease
      and prognostic markers that can inform upon appropriate treatment strategies.
      However, there are a number of challenges associated with the conduct of such
      studies, and with the identification of biomarkers that can be applied to the
      clinical setting. In this review, we delineate the challenges faced in the design
      of epigenetic epidemiology studies in cancer, including the suitability of blood
      as a surrogate tissue and the capture of genome-wide DNA methylation. We describe
      how epigenetic epidemiology has brought insight into risk factors associated with
      lung, breast, colorectal and bladder cancer and review relevant research. We
      discuss recent findings on the identification of epigenetic diagnostic and
      prognostic biomarkers for these cancers. 

PMID- 25124662
TI  - Over-expression of Oct4 and Sox2 transcription factors enhances differentiation
      of human umbilical cord blood cells in vivo.
AB  - Gene and cell-based therapies comprise innovative aspects of regenerative
      medicine. Even though stem cells represent a highly potential therapeutic
      strategy, their wide-spread exploitation is marred by ethical concerns, potential
      for malignant transformation and a plethora of other technical issues, largely
      restricting their use to experimental studies. Utilizing genetically modified
      human umbilical cord blood mono-nuclear cells (hUCB-MCs), this communication
      reports enhanced differentiation of transplants in a mouse model of amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS). Over-expressing Oct4 and Sox2 induced production of
      neural marker PGP9.5, as well as transformation of hUCB-MCs into micro-glial and
      endothelial lines in ALS spinal cords. In addition to producing new nerve cells,
      providing degenerated areas with trophic factors and neo-vascularisation might
      prevent and even reverse progressive loss of moto-neurons and skeletal muscle
      paralysis. 

PMID- 25124664
TI  - Epistasis effects of COMT and MTHFR on inter-individual differences in mental
      health: under the inverted U-shaped prefrontal dopamine model.
AB  - Higher cognitive performance, maintenance of mental health and psychological well
      being require adequate prefrontal cortex (PFC) function. "Inverted U-shaped"
      dopamine model indicates optimal PFC dopamine level is important to attain its
      function while high or low levels have adverse effects. Catechol-O
      methyltransferase (COMT) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) may be
      involved in this complex non-linear PFC dopamine regulation. We addressed whether
      genetic variation reflecting COMT and MTHFR activities can explain the inter
      individual mental health differences in healthy Japanese men (n=188). The mental
      health was measured by Mental Health Inventory (MHI)-5 score. The rs4633-rs4818
      rs4680 haplotypes were used to represent the multilevel COMT activities, while
      for MTHFR, the functional single polymorphism, rs1801133 (C677T), was used. We
      examined the effectiveness of haplotype-based association analysis of COMT on
      mental health together with studying its interaction with MTHFR-C677T. As a
      result, the relation between activity-ranked COMT genotype and MHI-5 score showed
      a tendency to fit into an "inverted U-shaped" quadratic curve (P=0.054). This
      curvilinear correlation was significant in the subjects with MTHFR-CC (P<0.001),
      but not with MTHFR T-allele carriers (P=0.793). Our pilot study implies a
      potential influence of COMT and MTHFR genotypic combination on normal variation
      of mental health. 

PMID- 25124665
TI  - Nascent histamine induces alpha-synuclein and caspase-3 on human cells.
AB  - Histamine (Hia) is the most multifunctional biogenic amine. It is synthetized by
      histidine decarboxylase (HDC) in a reduced set of mammalian cell types. Mast
      cells and histaminergic neurons store Hia in specialized organelles until the
      amine is extruded by exocytosis; however, other immune and cancer cells are able
      to produce but not store Hia. The intracellular effects of Hia are still not well
      characterized, in spite of its physiopathological relevance. Multiple functional
      relationships exist among Hia metabolism/signaling elements and those of other
      biogenic amines, including growth-related polyamines. Previously, we obtained the
      first insights for an inhibitory effect of newly synthetized Hia on both growth
      related polyamine biosynthesis and cell cycle progression of non-fully
      differentiated mammalian cells. In this work, we describe progress in this line.
      HEK293 cells were transfected to express active and inactive versions of GFP
      human HDC fusion proteins and, after cell sorting by flow cytometry, the relative
      expression of a large number of proteins associated with cell signaling were
      measured using an antibody microarray. Experimental results were analyzed in
      terms of protein-protein and functional interaction networks. Expression of
      active HDC induced a cell cycle arrest through the alteration of the levels of
      several proteins such as cyclin D1, cdk6, cdk7 and cyclin A. Regulation of alpha
      synuclein and caspase-3 was also observed. The analyses provide new clues on the
      molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of intracellular newly
      synthetized Hia on cell proliferation/survival, cell trafficking and protein
      turnover. This information is especially interesting for emergent and orphan
      immune and neuroinflammatory diseases. 

PMID- 25124663
TI  - Regulation of IL-6 and IL-8 production by reciprocal cell-to-cell interactions
      between tumor cells and stromal fibroblasts through IL-1alpha in ameloblastoma.
AB  - Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic benign tumor that occurs in the jawbone, which
      invades bone and reoccurs locally. This tumor is treated by wide surgical
      excision and causes various problems, including changes in facial countenance and
      mastication disorders. Ameloblastomas have abundant tumor stroma, including
      fibroblasts and immune cells. Although cell-to-cell interactions are considered
      to be involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, intercellular communications
      in ameloblastoma have not been fully investigated. In this study, we examined
      interactions between tumor cells and stromal fibroblasts via soluble factors in
      ameloblastoma. We used a human ameloblastoma cell line (AM-3 ameloblastoma
      cells), human fibroblasts (HFF-2 fibroblasts), and primary-cultured fibroblasts
      from human ameloblastoma tissues, and analyzed the effect of ameloblastoma
      associated cell-to-cell communications on gene expression, cytokine secretion,
      cellular motility and proliferation. AM-3 ameloblastoma cells secreted higher
      levels of interleukin (IL)-1alpha than HFF-2 fibroblasts. Treatment with
      conditioned medium from AM-3 ameloblastoma cells upregulated gene expression and
      secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 of HFF-2 fibroblasts and primary-cultured fibroblast
      cells from ameloblastoma tissues. The AM3-stimulated production of IL-6 and IL-8
      in fibroblasts was neutralized by pretreatment of AM-3 cells with anti-IL-1alpha
      antibody and IL-1 receptor antagonist. Reciprocally, cellular motility of AM-3
      ameloblastoma cells was stimulated by HFF-2 fibroblasts in IL-6 and IL-8
      dependent manner. In conclusion, ameloblastoma cells and stromal fibroblasts
      behave interactively via these cytokines to create a microenvironment that leads
      to the extension of ameloblastomas. 

PMID- 25124666
TI  - Expression and localization of aquaporin-4 in sensory ganglia.
AB  - Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a water channel protein that is predominantly expressed in
      astrocytes in the CNS. The rapid water flux through AQP4 may contribute to
      electrolyte/water homeostasis and may support neuronal activities in the CNS. On
      the other hand, little is known about the expression of AQP4 in the peripheral
      nervous system (PNS). Using AQP4(-/-) mice as a negative control, we demonstrated
      that AQP4 is also expressed in sensory ganglia, such as trigeminal ganglia and
      dorsal root ganglia in the PNS. Immunohistochemistry revealed that AQP4 is
      exclusively localized to satellite glial cells (SGCs) surrounding the cell bodies
      of the primary afferent sensory neurons in the sensory ganglia. Biochemical
      analyses revealed that the expression levels of AQP4 in sensory ganglia were
      considerably lower than those in astrocytes in the CNS. Consistently, behavioral
      analyses did not show any significant difference in terms of mechanical and cold
      sensitivity between wild type and AQP4(-/-) mice. Overall, although the
      pathophysiological relevance of AQP4 in somatosensory perception remains unclear,
      our findings provide new insight into the involvement of water homeostasis in the
      peripheral sensory system. 

PMID- 25124667
TI  - Human decidual stromal cells secrete soluble pro-apoptotic factors during
      decidualization in a cAMP-dependent manner.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Is there a relationship between decidualization and apoptosis of
      decidual stromal cells (DSC)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Decidualization triggers the
      secretion of soluble factors that induce apoptosis in DSC. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:
      The differentiation and apoptosis of DSC during decidualization of the receptive
      decidua are crucial processes for the controlled invasion of trophoblasts in
      normal pregnancy. Most DSC regress in a time-dependent manner, and their removal
      is important to provide space for the embryo to grow. However, the mechanism that
      controls DSC death is poorly understood. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The
      apoptotic response of DSC was analyzed after exposure to different exogenous
      agents and during decidualization. The apoptotic potential of decidualized DSC
      supernatants and prolactin (PRL) was also evaluated. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS,
      SETTING, METHODS: DSC lines were established from samples of decidua from first
      trimester pregnancies. Apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry. PRL production,
      as a marker of decidualization, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: DSCs were resistant to a variety of
      apoptosis-inducing substances. Nevertheless, DSC underwent apoptosis during
      decidualization in culture, with cAMP being essential for both apoptosis and
      differentiation. In addition, culture supernatants from decidualized DSC induced
      apoptosis in undifferentiated DSC, although paradoxically these supernatants
      decreased the spontaneous apoptosis of decidual lymphocytes. Exogenously added
      PRL did not induce apoptosis in DSC and an antibody that neutralized the PRL
      receptor did not decrease the apoptosis induced by supernatants. LIMITATIONS,
      REASONS FOR CAUTIONS: Further studies are needed to examine the involvement of
      other soluble factors secreted by decidualized DSC in the induction of apoptosis.
      WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The present results indicate that apoptosis
      of DSC occurs in parallel to differentiation, in response to decidualization
      signals, with soluble factors secreted by decidualized DSC being responsible for
      triggering cell death. These studies are relevant in the understanding of how the
      regression of decidua, a crucial process for successful pregnancy, takes place.
      STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This work was supported by the Consejeria de
      Economia, Innovacion y Ciencia, Junta de Andalucia (Grant CTS-6183, Proyectos de
      Investigacion de Excelencia 2010 to C.R.-R.) and the Instituto de Salud Carlos
      III, Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, Spain (Grants PS09/00339 and
      PI12/01085 to E.G.O.). E.L.-D. was supported by fellowships from the Ministerio
      de Educacion y Ciencia, Spain and the University of Granada. The authors have no
      conflict of interest.

PMID- 25124669
TI  - Endometrial signals improve embryo outcome: functional role of vascular
      endothelial growth factor isoforms on embryo development and implantation in
      mice.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have important
      roles during early embryo development and implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER: VEGF
      plays key roles during mouse preimplantation embryo development, with beneficial
      effects on time to cavitation, blastocyst cell number and outgrowth, as well as
      implantation rate and fetal limb development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Embryo
      implantation requires synchronized dialog between maternal cells and those of the
      conceptus. Following ovulation, secretions from endometrial glands increase and
      accumulate in the uterine lumen. These secretions contain important mediators
      that support the conceptus during the peri-implantation phase. Previously, we
      demonstrated a significant reduction of VEGFA in the uterine cavity of women with
      unexplained infertility. Functional studies demonstrated that VEGF significantly
      enhanced endometrial epithelial cell adhesive properties and embryo outgrowth.
      STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Human endometrial lavages (n = 6) were obtained
      from women of proven fertility. Four-week old Swiss mice were superovulated and
      mated with Swiss males to obtain embryos for treatment with VEGF in vitro.
      Preimplantation embryo development was assessed prior to embryo transfer (n = 19
      30/treatment group/output). Recipient F1 female mice (8-12 weeks of age) were
      mated with vasectomized males to induce pseudopregnancy and embryos were
      transferred. On Day 14.5 of pregnancy, uterine horns were collected for analysis
      of implantation rates as well as placental and fetal development (n = 14
      19/treatment). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Lavage fluid was
      assessed by western immunoblot analysis to determine the VEGF isoforms present.
      Mouse embryos were treated with either recombinant human (rh)VEGF, or VEGF
      isoforms 121 and 165. Preimplantation embryo development was quantified using
      time-lapse microscopy. Blastocysts were (i) stained for cell number, (ii)
      transferred to wells coated with fibronectin to examine trophoblast outgrowth or
      (iii) transferred to pseudo pregnant recipients to analyze implantation rates,
      placental and fetal development. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Western
      blot analysis revealed the presence of VEGF121 and 165 isoforms in human uterine
      fluid. Time-lapse microscopy analysis revealed that VEGF (n = 22) and VEGF121 (n
      = 23) treatment significantly reduced the preimplantation mouse embryo time to
      cavitation (P < 0.05). VEGF and VEGF165 increased both blastocyst cell number
      (VEGF n = 27; VEGF165 n = 24: P < 0.001) and outgrowth (n = 15/treatment: 66 h, P
      < 0.001; 74, 90, 98 and 114 h, P < 0.01) on fibronectin compared with control.
      Furthermore, rhVEGF improved implantation rates and enhanced fetal limb
      development (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Due to the nature of
      this work, embryo development and implantation was only examined in the mouse.
      WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The absence or reduction in levels of VEGF
      during the preimplantation period likely affects key events during embryo
      development, implantation and placentation. The potential for improvement of
      clinical IVF outcomes by the addition of VEGF to human embryo culture media needs
      further investigation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was
      supported by a University of Melbourne Early Career Researcher Grant #601040, the
      NHMRC (L.A.S., Program grant #494802; Fellowship #1002028; N.J.H., Fellowship #
      628927; J.E.; project grant #1047756) and L.A.S., Monash IVF Research and
      Education Foundation. N.K.B. was supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award.
      Work at PHI-MIMR Institute was also supported by the Victorian Government's
      Operational Infrastructure Support Program. There are no conflicts of interest to
      declare.

PMID- 25124668
TI  - Clinically relevant enhancement of human sperm motility using compounds with
      reported phosphodiesterase inhibitor activity.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Can we identify compound(s) with reported phosphodiesterase
      inhibitor (PDEI) activity that could be added to human spermatozoa in vitro to
      enhance their motility without compromising other sperm functions? SUMMARY
      ANSWER: We have identified several compounds that produce robust and effective
      stimulation of sperm motility and, importantly, have a positive response on
      patient samples. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: For >20 years, the use of non-selective
      PDEIs, such as pentoxifylline, has been known to influence the motility of human
      spermatozoa; however, conflicting results have been obtained. It is now clear
      that human sperm express several different phosphodiesterases and these are
      compartmentalized at different regions of the cells. By using type-specific
      PDEIs, differential modulation of sperm motility may be achieved without
      adversely affecting other functions such as the acrosome reaction (AR). STUDY
      DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This was a basic medical research study examining sperm
      samples from normozoospermic donors and subfertile patients attending the
      Assisted Conception Unit (ACU), Ninewells Hospital Dundee for diagnostic semen
      analysis, IVF and ICSI. Phase 1 screened 43 commercially available compounds with
      reported PDEI activity to identify lead compounds that stimulate sperm motility.
      Samples were exposed (20 min) to three concentrations (1, 10 and 100 uM) of
      compound, and selected candidates (n = 6) progressed to Phase 2, which provided a
      more comprehensive assessment using a battery of in vitro sperm function tests.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: All healthy donors and subfertile
      patients were recruited at the Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee
      and ACU, Ninewells Hospital Dundee (ethical approval 08/S1402/6). In Phase 1,
      poor motility cells recovered from the 40% interface of the discontinuous density
      gradient were used as surrogates for patient samples. Pooled samples from three
      to four different donors were utilized in order to reduce variability and
      increase the number of cells available for simultaneous examination of multiple
      compounds. During Phase 2 testing, semen samples from 23 patients attending for
      either routine diagnostic andrology assessment or IVF/ICSI were prepared and
      exposed to selected compounds. Additionally, 48 aliquots of prepared samples,
      surplus to clinical use, were examined from IVF (n = 32) and ICSI (n = 16)
      patients to further determine the effects of selected compounds under clinical
      conditions of treatment. Effects of compounds on sperm motility were assessed by
      computer-assisted sperm analysis. A modified Kremer test using methyl cellulose
      was used to assess sperm functional ability to penetrate into viscous media.
      Sperm acrosome integrity and induction of apoptosis were assessed using the
      acrosomal content marker PSA-FITC and annexin V kit, respectively. MAIN RESULTS
      AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: In Phase 1, six compounds were found to have a strong
      effect on poor motility samples with a magnitude of response of >= 60% increase
      in percentage total motility. Under capacitating and non-capacitating conditions,
      these compounds significantly (P <= 0.05) increased the percentage of total and
      progressive motility. Furthermore, these compounds enhanced penetration into a
      cervical mucus substitute (P <= 0.05). Finally, the AR was not significantly
      induced and these compounds did not significantly increase the externalization of
      phosphatidylserine (P = 0.6, respectively). In general, the six compounds
      maintained the stimulation of motility over long periods of time (180 min) and
      their effects were still observed after their removal. In examinations of
      clinical samples, there was a general observation of a more significant
      stimulation of sperm motility in samples with lower baseline motility. In ICSI
      samples, compounds #26, #37 and #38 were the most effective at significantly
      increasing total motility (88, 81 and 79% of samples, respectively) and
      progressive motility (94, 93 and 81% of samples, respectively). In conclusion,
      using a two-phased drug discovery screening approach including the examination of
      clinical samples, 3/43 compounds were identified as promising candidates for
      further study. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This is an in vitro study and
      caution must be taken when extrapolating the results. Data for patients were from
      one assessment and thus the robustness of responses needs to be established. The
      n values for ICSI samples were relatively small. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE
      FINDINGS: We have systematically screened and identified several compounds that
      have robust and effective stimulation (i.e. functional significance with
      longevity and no toxicity) of total and progressive motility under clinical
      conditions of treatment. These compounds could be clinical candidates with
      possibilities in terms of assisted reproductive technology options for current or
      future patients affected by asthenozoospermia or oligoasthenozoospermia. STUDY
      FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was funded primarily by the MRC (DPFS)
      but with additional funding from the Wellcome Trust, Tenovus (Scotland),
      University of Dundee, NHS Tayside and Scottish Enterprise. The authors have no
      competing interests. A patent (#WO2013054111A1) has been published containing
      some of the information presented in this manuscript.

PMID- 25124671
TI  - Effect of socioeconomic level on knowledge of stroke in the general population: A
      social inequality gradient.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Socioeconomic status is a factor that influences health-related
      behaviour in individuals as well as health conditions in entire populations. The
      objective of the present study was to analyse the sociodemographic factors that
      may influence knowledge of stroke. METHOD: Cross-sectional study. A
      representative sample was selected by double randomisation. Face-to-face
      interviews were carried out by previously trained medical students using a
      structured questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions. Adequate
      knowledge was previously defined. The Mantel-Haenszel test and adjusted logistic
      regression analysis were used to assess the association between knowledge of
      stroke and the study variables. RESULTS: 2411 subjects were interviewed (59.9%
      women; mean age 49.0 [SD 17.3] years) Seventy-three per cent were residents of
      urban areas, 24.7% had a university education, and 15.2% had a low level of
      schooling. Only 2.1% reported earning more than 40 000 euros/year, with 29.9%
      earning less than 10 000. Nearly 74% reported having an excellent or good state
      of health. The unemployment rate was 17.0%. Prevalence of "adequate knowledge"
      was 39.7% (95% CI: 37.7%-41.6%). Trend analysis showed an association between
      knowledge of stroke and income (z=10.14, P<0.0001); educational level (z=15.95,
      P<0.0001); state of health (z=7.92, P<0.0001); and employment status (z=8.98,
      P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Educational level, income, employment status, and state
      of health are independent factors for adequate knowledge of stroke. Public
      awareness campaigns should present material using simple language and efforts
      should be directed toward the most disadvantaged social strata in particular.

PMID- 25124670
TI  - Use and acceptance of long lasting insecticidal net screens for dengue prevention
      in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dengue, recognized by the WHO as the most important mosquito-borne
      viral disease in the world, is a growing problem. Currently, the only effective
      way of preventing dengue is vector control. Standard methods have shown limited
      effect, and there have been calls to develop new integrated vector management
      approaches. One novel tool, protecting houses with long lasting insecticidal
      screens on doors and windows, is being trialled in a cluster randomised
      controlled trial by a joint UADY/WHO TDR/IDRC study in various districts of
      Acapulco, Mexico, with exceptionally high levels of crime and insecurity.This
      study investigated the community's perspectives of long lasting insecticidal
      screens on doors and windows in homes and in schools, in order to ascertain their
      acceptability, to identify challenges to further implementation and opportunities
      for future improvements. METHODS: This was a sequential mixed-methods study. The
      quantitative arm contained a satisfaction survey administered to 288 houses that
      had received the intervention examining their perspectives of both the
      intervention and dengue prevention in general. The qualitative arm consisted of
      Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with those who had accepted the intervention and
      key informant interviews with: schoolteachers to discuss the use of the screens
      in schools, program staff, and community members who had refused the
      intervention. RESULTS: Overall satisfaction and acceptance of the screens was
      very high, with only some operational and technical complaints relating to screen
      fragility and the installation process. However, the wider social context of
      urban violence and insecurity was a major barrier to screen acceptance. Lack of
      information dissemination and community collaboration were identified as project
      weaknesses. CONCLUSIONS: The screens are widely accepted by the population, but
      the project implementation could be improved by reassuring the community of its
      legitimacy in the context of insecurity. More community engagement and better
      information sharing structures are needed.The screens could be a major new dengue
      prevention tool suitable for widespread use, if further research supports their
      entomological and epidemiological effectiveness and their acceptability in
      different social and environmental contexts. Further research is needed looking
      at the impact of insecurity of dengue prevention programmes.

PMID- 25124672
TI  - Regarding emergency department consultations with neurologists. Author's reply.

PMID- 25124673
TI  - Financial costs and personal consequences of research misconduct resulting in
      retracted publications.
AB  - The number of retracted scientific articles has been increasing. Most retractions
      are associated with research misconduct, entailing financial costs to funding
      sources and damage to the careers of those committing misconduct. We sought to
      calculate the magnitude of these effects. Data relating to retracted manuscripts
      and authors found by the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) to have committed
      misconduct were reviewed from public databases. Attributable costs of retracted
      manuscripts, and publication output and funding of researchers found to have
      committed misconduct were determined. We found that papers retracted due to
      misconduct accounted for approximately $58 million in direct funding by the NIH
      between 1992 and 2012, less than 1% of the NIH budget over this period. Each of
      these articles accounted for a mean of $392,582 in direct costs (SD $423,256).
      Researchers experienced a median 91.8% decrease in publication output and large
      declines in funding after censure by the ORI.

PMID- 25124675
TI  - Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with liver cirrhosis in a patient with
      Papillon-Lefevre syndrome.
AB  - We report the first case of a girl who presented with Papillon-Lefevre syndrome
      (PLS) and subsequently developed systemic lupus erythematosus and liver
      cirrhosis. This indicates that autoimmune diseases can be a complication in
      patients with PLS. Cathepsin C gene mutations were not found in our patient or
      her mother. Thus, other genetic factors may have been involved in this patient. 

PMID- 25124674
TI  - Considerations when investigating lncRNA function in vivo.
AB  - Although a small number of the vast array of animal long non-coding RNAs
      (lncRNAs) have known effects on cellular processes examined in vitro, the extent
      of their contributions to normal cell processes throughout development,
      differentiation and disease for the most part remains less clear. Phenotypes
      arising from deletion of an entire genomic locus cannot be unequivocally
      attributed either to the loss of the lncRNA per se or to the associated loss of
      other overlapping DNA regulatory elements. The distinction between cis- or trans
      effects is also often problematic. We discuss the advantages and challenges
      associated with the current techniques for studying the in vivo function of
      lncRNAs in the light of different models of lncRNA molecular mechanism, and
      reflect on the design of experiments to mutate lncRNA loci. These considerations
      should assist in the further investigation of these transcriptional products of
      the genome.

PMID- 25124677
TI  - Urine beta2-microglobulin is associated with clinical disease activity and renal
      involvement in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the association of serum and urine beta2-microglobulin
      (beta2MG) with renal involvement and clinical disease activity in systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Sixty-four female patients with SLE were enrolled.
      We assessed SLE disease activity (SLEDAI)-2K and measured serum and urine beta2MG
      levels, as well as complement (C3 and C4) and anti-dsDNA levels. According to the
      SLEDAI scores, two groups were categorized: low (0-5 of SLEDAI) and high (6-19 of
      SLEDAI) disease activity groups. The presence of renal involvement was determined
      by renal SLEDAI score. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's
      correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, multivariate regression analysis, and
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Urine beta2MG levels were significantly
      different between low and high SLEDAI groups (p = 0.001), but not for serum
      beta2MG levels (p = 0.579). Patients with renal involvement showed higher urine
      beta2MG levels compared to those without renal involvement (p < 0.001), but again
      there was not a difference in serum beta2MG levels (p = 0.228). Urine beta2MG was
      closely associated with SLEDAI (r = 0.363, p = 0.003), renal SLEDAI (r = 0.479, p
      < 0.001), urine protein/Cr (r = 0.416, p = 0.001), and ESR (r = 0.347, p =
      0.006), but not serum beta2MG (r = 0.245, p = 0.051). Urine beta2MG level was
      identified as a surrogate for renal involvement (p = 0.009, OR = 1.017, 95% CI
      1.004-1.030) and overall disease activity (p = 0.009, OR = 1.020, 95% CI 1.005
      1.036). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that urine beta2MG levels are associated
      with renal involvement and overall clinical disease activity in SLE.

PMID- 25124678
TI  - Elucidation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related pathways in a triple
      negative breast cancer cell line model by multi-omics interactome analysis.
AB  - In life sciences, and particularly biomedical research, linking aberrant pathways
      exhibiting phenotype-specific alterations to the underlying physical condition or
      disease is an ongoing challenge. Computationally, a key approach for pathway
      identification is data enrichment, combined with generation of biological
      networks. This allows identification of intrinsic patterns in the data and their
      linkage to a specific context such as cellular compartments, diseases or
      functions. Identification of aberrant pathways by traditional approaches is often
      limited to biological networks based on either gene expression, protein
      expression or post-translational modifications. To overcome single omics
      analysis, we developed a set of computational methods that allow a combined
      analysis of data collections from multiple omics fields utilizing hybrid
      interactome networks. We apply these methods to data obtained from a triple
      negative breast cancer cell line model, combining data sets of gene and protein
      expression as well as protein phosphorylation. We focus on alterations associated
      with the phenotypical differences arising from epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      in two breast cancer cell lines exhibiting epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like
      morphology, respectively. Here we identified altered protein signaling activity
      in a complex biologically relevant network, related to focal adhesion and
      migration of breast cancer cells. We found dysregulated functional network
      modules revealing altered phosphorylation-dependent activity in concordance with
      the phenotypic traits and migrating potential of the tested model. In addition,
      we identified Ser267 on zyxin, a protein coupled to actin filament
      polymerization, as a potential in vivo phosphorylation target of cyclin-dependent
      kinase 1. 

PMID- 25124679
TI  - Distribution and accumulation of hexachlorobutadiene in soils and terrestrial
      organisms from an agricultural area, East China.
AB  - Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) is a potential persistent organic pollutant that has
      been found in abiotic environments and organisms. However, information on HCBD in
      soils and its accumulation in terrestrial food chains is scarce. This study
      investigated the accumulation of HCBD in soils, plants, and terrestrial fauna in
      a typical agricultural area in Eastern China, and drew comparisons with
      organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The HCBD concentrations in soils were <0.02
      3.1ng/g dry weight, which were similar to alpha-endosulfan concentrations but
      much lower than the concentrations of some other OCPs. The HCBD soil-plant
      accumulation factors, 8.5-38.1, were similar to those of o,p'-DDT and higher than
      those of HCHs and p,p'-DDT, indicating that HCBD is strongly bioaccumulated by
      rice and vegetables. HCBD concentrations of 1.3-8.2ng/g lipid weight were found
      in herbivorous insects, earthworms, and Chinese toads. The biomagnification
      factor, the ratio between the lipid-normalized concentrations in the predator and
      the prey, was found to be 0.16-0.64 for different food chains of Chinese toads,
      so HCBD was found not to biomagnify, which is in contrast with OCPs. Further
      research into whether HCBD is biomagnified in high trophic level organisms or
      through the entire terrestrial food web is required. 

PMID- 25124676
TI  - Anti-C1q antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Anti-C1q has been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
      and lupus nephritis in previous studies. We studied anti-C1q specificity for SLE
      (vs rheumatic disease controls) and the association with SLE manifestations in an
      international multicenter study. METHODS: Information and blood samples were
      obtained in a cross-sectional study from patients with SLE (n = 308) and other
      rheumatologic diseases (n = 389) from 25 clinical sites (84% female, 68%
      Caucasian, 17% African descent, 8% Asian, 7% other). IgG anti-C1q against the
      collagen-like region was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Prevalence of anti-C1q was
      28% (86/308) in patients with SLE and 13% (49/389) in controls (OR = 2.7, 95% CI:
      1.8-4, p < 0.001). Anti-C1q was associated with proteinuria (OR = 3.0, 95% CI:
      1.7-5.1, p < 0.001), red cell casts (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.2-5.4, p = 0.015), anti
      dsDNA (OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.9-6.1, p < 0.001) and anti-Smith (OR = 2.8, 95% CI:
      1.5-5.0, p = 0.01). Anti-C1q was independently associated with renal involvement
      after adjustment for demographics, ANA, anti-dsDNA and low complement (OR = 2.3,
      95% CI: 1.3-4.2, p < 0.01). Simultaneously positive anti-C1q, anti-dsDNA and low
      complement was strongly associated with renal involvement (OR = 14.9, 95% CI: 5.8
      38.4, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-C1q was more common in patients with SLE and
      those of Asian race/ethnicity. We confirmed a significant association of anti-C1q
      with renal involvement, independent of demographics and other serologies. Anti
      C1q in combination with anti-dsDNA and low complement was the strongest
      serological association with renal involvement. These data support the usefulness
      of anti-C1q in SLE, especially in lupus nephritis.

PMID- 25124680
TI  - Proteomics study of silver nanoparticles toxicity on Oryza sativa L.
AB  - The increasing use of silver nanoparticles, (AgNPs), will inevitably result in
      their release into the environment and thereby cause the exposure to plants. It
      was claimed that using AgNPs is a safe and efficient method to preserve and treat
      agents of disease in agriculture. This study tries to understand the protein
      populations and sub-populations and follow up environmental AgNPs stresses. To
      accomplish these, the action of homemade spherical AgNPs colloidal suspension
      against Oryza sativa L. was investigated by a proteomic approach (2-DE and
      NanoLC/FT-ICR MS identification). Twenty-eight responsive (decrement/increment in
      abundance) proteins were identified. Proteomic results revealed that an exposure
      of O. sativa L., root with different concentrations of AgNPs resulted in an
      accumulation of protein precursors, indicative of the dissipation of a proton
      motive force. The identified proteins are involved in oxidative stress tolerance,
      Ca(2+) regulation and signaling, transcription and protein degradation, cell wall
      and DNA/RNA/protein direct damage, cell division and apoptosis. The expression
      pattern of these proteins and their possible involvement in the nontoxicity
      mechanisms were discussed. 

PMID- 25124682
TI  - Mild to Moderate Renal Impairment Is Associated With No-Reflow Phenomenon After
      Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - We investigated whether admission estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
      values are associated with no-reflow phenomenon in patients with ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention (pPCI). Patients (n = 673; 59 +/- 13 years; 77.1% men) were
      stratified into 3 groups according to eGFR at admission: normal renal function
      (eGFR >= 90 mL/min/1.73 m2), mild renal impairment (eGFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2),
      and moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2). No-reflow phenomenon
      was defined as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade <3 after pPCI.
      The rate of no-reflow gradually increased from the normal renal function group to
      the moderate impaired renal function group (P < .001). Multivariate analysis
      showed that eGFR (odds ratio [OR] 0.942, P < .001), Killip >=2 class (OR 3.968, P
      = .008), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 0.959, P = .034), and early
      patency of infarct vessel (OR 0.186, P < .001) were independent predictors of no
      reflow phenomenon. Mild to moderate renal impairment at admission is
      independently associated with no-reflow phenomenon after pPCI.

PMID- 25124681
TI  - The miR-379/miR-410 cluster at the imprinted Dlk1-Dio3 domain controls neonatal
      metabolic adaptation.
AB  - In mammals, birth entails complex metabolic adjustments essential for neonatal
      survival. Using a mouse knockout model, we identify crucial biological roles for
      the miR-379/miR-410 cluster within the imprinted Dlk1-Dio3 region during this
      metabolic transition. The miR-379/miR-410 locus, also named C14MC in humans, is
      the largest known placental mammal-specific miRNA cluster, whose 39 miRNA genes
      are expressed only from the maternal allele. We found that heterozygote pups with
      a maternal--but not paternal--deletion of the miRNA cluster display partially
      penetrant neonatal lethality with defects in the maintenance of energy
      homeostasis. This maladaptive metabolic response is caused, at least in part, by
      profound changes in the activation of the neonatal hepatic gene expression
      program, pointing to as yet unidentified regulatory pathways that govern this
      crucial metabolic transition in the newborn's liver. Not only does our study
      highlight the physiological importance of miRNA genes that recently evolved in
      placental mammal lineages but it also unveils additional layers of RNA-mediated
      gene regulation at the Dlk1-Dio3 domain that impose parent-of-origin effects on
      metabolic control at birth and have likely contributed to mammal evolution.

PMID- 25124683
TI  - The effect of bupropion XL and escitalopram on memory and functional outcomes in
      adults with major depressive disorder: results from a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - Decrements in cognitive function are a common feature of Major Depressive
      Disorder (MDD), and whether distinct classes of antidepressants differentially
      affect memory in these individuals has not been sufficiently evaluated. In this
      study we sought to determine the effect of escitalopram and bupropion XL on
      memory and psychosocial function. Forty-one individuals (18-50 years) with MDD
      were enrolled in an 8-week, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled
      comparative trial of bupropion XL and escitalopram. Thirty-six participants
      completed pre and post memory assessments. Verbal, non-verbal and working memory
      were evaluated with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Psychosocial
      function was assessed with the Sheehan Disability Scale and Endicott Work
      Productivity Scale. Escitalopram and bupropion XL significantly improved
      immediate as well as delayed verbal and nonverbal memory, global function (all
      p<=0.001), and work productivity (p=0.045), with no significant between-group
      differences. Improvement in immediate verbal memory exerted a direct influence on
      improvement in global function (p=0.006). Treatment with either escitalopram or
      bupropion XL was associated with improvement in memory and psychosocial function
      in adults with MDD. 

PMID- 25124684
TI  - Daily life evidence of environment-incongruent emotion in schizophrenia.
AB  - Researchers have recently hypothesized that negative emotion in positive
      situations may be one mechanism for understanding emotion dysfunction in
      schizophrenia. Using ecological momentary assessment, we examined the
      relationship between emotion experience and environmental context in the daily
      lives of participants with and without schizophrenia. Participants with (n=47)
      and without schizophrenia (n=41) were provided a cellular telephone and called
      four times a day for one week. During each call participants rated their emotion
      experiences, described their current activities, and rated enjoyment from those
      activities. In line with previous research, participants with schizophrenia
      reported higher negative emotion overall relative to participants without
      schizophrenia, but equivalent levels of positive emotion and activity enjoyment.
      In line with the environment-incongruent negative emotion hypothesis,
      participants with schizophrenia evidenced a weaker relationship between reported
      enjoyment of current activities and current negative emotion compared to
      participants without schizophrenia. In addition, lower neurocognition predicted
      this weak relationship between negative emotion and context in the schizophrenia
      group. These findings provide ecologically valid support for environment
      incongruent negative emotion in schizophrenia, and suggest that people with
      schizophrenia with more impaired neurocognition may have more difficulties
      regulating negative emotion. 

PMID- 25124686
TI  - Low PIAS3 expression in malignant mesothelioma is associated with increased STAT3
      activation and poor patient survival.
AB  - PURPOSE: Deregulation of STAT3 activation is a hallmark of many cancer cells, and
      the underlying mechanisms are subject to intense investigation. We examined the
      extent of PIAS3 expression in mesothelioma cells and human tumor samples and
      determined the functional effects of PIAS3 expression on STAT3 signaling.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We evaluated the expression of PIAS3 in mesothelioma tumors
      from patients and correlated the expression levels with the course of the
      disease. We also measured the effects of enhanced PIAS3 activity on STAT3
      signaling, cellular growth, and viability in cultured mesothelioma cells.
      RESULTS: Gene expression databases revealed that mesotheliomas have the lowest
      levels of PIAS3 transcripts among solid tumors. PIAS3 expression in human
      mesothelioma tumors is significantly correlated with overall survival intervals
      (P = 0.058). The high expression of PIAS3 is predictive of a favorable prognosis
      and decreases the probability of death within one year after diagnosis by 44%.
      PIAS3 expression is functionally linked to STAT3 activation in mesothelioma cell
      lines. STAT3 downregulation with siRNA or enhanced expression of PIAS3 both
      inhibited mesothelioma cell growth and induced apoptosis. Mesothelioma cells are
      sensitive to curcumin and respond by the induction of PIAS3. Corroborative
      evidence has been obtained from STAT3 inhibition experiments. Exposure of the
      cells to a peptide derived from the PIAS3 protein that interferes with STAT3
      function resulted in apoptosis induction and the inhibition of cell growth.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest that PIAS3 protein expression impacts survival
      in patients with mesothelioma and that PIAS3 activation could become a
      therapeutic strategy. Clin Cancer Res; 20(19); 5124-32. (c)2014 AACR.

PMID- 25124687
TI  - Prolongation of overall survival in advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with
      the XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antibody.
AB  - PURPOSE: The cancer/testis antigen XAGE1 (GAGED2a) is expressed in approximately
      40% of advanced lung adenocarcinomas. We investigated the clinical relevance of
      the XAGE1 (GAGED2a) immune responses in patients with advanced lung
      adenocarcinoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antigen expression and
      EGFR mutation were determined with tumor tissues. The XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antibody
      and T-cell immune responses, as well as immune cell phenotypes, were analyzed
      with blood samples. Patients with EGFR wild-type (EGFRwt) tumors were treated
      with conventional platinum-based doublet chemotherapy and patients with EGFR
      mutated (EGFRmt) tumors were treated with EGFR-TKI and conventional chemotherapy.
      The overall survival (OS) rates of the antibody-positive and -negative patients
      were investigated. RESULTS: The results showed that the OS of antibody-positive
      patients was prolonged significantly compared with that of antibody-negative
      patients with either XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antigen-positive EGFRwt (31.5 vs. 15.6
      months, P = 0.05) or EGFRmt (34.7 vs. 11.1 months, P = 0.001) tumors.
      Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of the XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antibody
      was a strong predictor for prolonged OS in patients with XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antigen
      positive tumors and in patients with either EGFRwt or EGFRmt tumors. On the other
      hand, XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antigen expression was a worse predictor in patients with
      EGFRmt tumors. Phenotypic and functional analyses of T cells indicated immune
      activation in the antibody-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest
      that production of the XAGE1 (GAGED2a) antibody predicts good prognosis for
      patients with lung adenocarcinoma as an immune biomarker and the protective
      effect of this naturally occurring immune response supports the concept of
      immunotherapy.

PMID- 25124685
TI  - Clinical implications of phosphorylated STAT3 expression in De Novo diffuse large
      B-cell lymphoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)
      regulates tumor growth, invasion, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, immune
      response, and survival. Data regarding expression of phosphorylated (activated)
      STAT3 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and the impact of phosphorylated
      STAT3 (pSTAT3) on prognosis are limited. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We evaluated
      expression of pSTAT3 in de novo DLBCL using immunohistochemistry, gene expression
      profiling (GEP), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results were analyzed
      in correlation with cell-of-origin (COO), critical lymphoma biomarkers, and
      genetic translocations. RESULTS: pSTAT3 expression was observed in 16% of DLBCL
      and was associated with advanced stage, multiple extranodal sites of involvement,
      activated B-cell-like (ABC) subtype, MYC expression, and MYC/BCL2 expression.
      Expression of pSTAT3 predicted inferior overall survival (OS) and progression
      free survival (PFS) in patients with de novo DLBCL. When DLBCL cases were
      stratified according to COO or MYC expression, pSTAT3 expression did not predict
      inferior outcome, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the prognostic
      predictability of pSTAT3 expression was due to its association with the ABC
      subtype, MYC expression, and adverse clinical features. GEP demonstrated
      upregulation of genes, which can potentiate function of STAT3. GSEA showed the
      JAK-STAT pathway to be enriched in pSTAT3(+) DLBCL. CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      this study provide a rationale for the ongoing successful clinical trials
      targeting the JAK-STAT pathway in DLBCL.

PMID- 25124689
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 as inflammation markers of Trichinella
      spiralis and Trichinella pseudospiralis infections in mice.
AB  - Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella pseudospiralis exhibit differences in the
      host-parasite relationship such as the inflammatory response in parasitized
      muscles. Several studies indicate that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) represent
      a marker of inflammation since they regulate inflammation and immunity. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of gelatinases (MMP-9 and MMP-2)
      in mice experimentally infected with T. spiralis or T. pseudospiralis, to
      elucidate the involvement of these molecules during the inflammatory response to
      these parasites. Gelatin zymography on SDS polyacrilamide gels was used to assess
      the serum levels and in situ zymography on muscle histological sections to show
      the gelatinase-positive cells. In T. spiralis infected mice, the total MMP-9
      serum level increased 6 days post-infection whereas, the total MMP-2 serum level
      increased onward. A similar trend was observed in T. pseudospiralis infected mice
      but the MMP-9 level was lower than that detected in T. spiralis infected mice.
      Significant differences were also observed in MMP-2 levels between the two
      experimental groups. The number of gelatinase positive cells was higher in T.
      spiralis than in T. pseudospiralis infected muscles. We conclude that MMP-9 and
      MMP-2 are markers of the inflammatory response for both T. spiralis and T.
      pseudospiralis infections.

PMID- 25124688
TI  - A recombinant modified vaccinia ankara vaccine encoding Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
      target antigens: a phase I trial in UK patients with EBV-positive cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several cancers in which the
      tumor cells express EBV antigens EBNA1 and LMP2. A therapeutic vaccine comprising
      a recombinant vaccinia virus, MVA-EL, was designed to boost immunity to these
      tumor antigens. A phase I trial was conducted to demonstrate the safety and
      immunogenicity of MVA-EL across a range of doses. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Sixteen
      patients in the United Kingdom (UK) with EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma
      (NPC) received three intradermal vaccinations of MVA-EL at 3-weekly intervals at
      dose levels between 5 * 10(7) and 5 * 10(8) plaque-forming units (pfu). Blood
      samples were taken at screening, after each vaccine cycle, and during the post
      vaccination period. T-cell responses were measured using IFNgamma ELISpot assays
      with overlapping EBNA1/LMP2 peptide mixes or HLA-matched epitope peptides.
      Polychromatic flow cytometry was used to characterize functionally responsive T
      cell populations. RESULTS: Vaccination was generally well tolerated. Immunity
      increased after vaccination to at least one antigen in 8 of 14 patients (7/14,
      EBNA1; 6/14, LMP2), including recognition of epitopes that vary between EBV
      strains associated with different ethnic groups. Immunophenotypic analysis
      revealed that vaccination induced differentiation and functional diversification
      of responsive T-cell populations specific for EBNA1 and LMP2 within the CD4 and
      CD8 compartments, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MVA-EL is safe and immunogenic
      across diverse ethnicities and thus suitable for use in trials against different
      EBV-positive cancers globally as well as in South-East Asia where NPC is most
      common. The highest dose (5 * 10(8) pfu) is recommended for investigation in
      current phase IB and II trials.

PMID- 25124690
TI  - PI3P phosphatase activity is required for autophagosome maturation and
      autolysosome formation.
AB  - Autophagosome formation is promoted by the PI3 kinase complex and negatively
      regulated by myotubularin phosphatases, indicating that regulation of local
      phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) levels is important for this early
      phase of autophagy. Here, we show that the Caenorhabditis elegans myotubularin
      phosphatase MTM-3 catalyzes PtdIns3P turnover late in autophagy. MTM-3 acts
      downstream of the ATG-2/EPG-6 complex and upstream of EPG-5 to promote
      autophagosome maturation into autolysosomes. MTM-3 is recruited to autophagosomes
      by PtdIns3P, and loss of MTM-3 causes increased autophagic association of ATG-18
      in a PtdIns3P-dependent manner. Our data reveal critical roles of PtdIns3P
      turnover in autophagosome maturation and/or autolysosome formation. 

PMID- 25124691
TI  - Identification of previously undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes in the
      inpatient setting using risk factor and hemoglobin A1C screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identifying diabetes early in its progression can present
      opportunities to intervene with education and medical management to prevent
      diabetes-related complications. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to determine
      the incidence of diabetes in hospitalized patients without insurance or routine
      outpatient care using recommendations by the American Diabetes Association (ADA)
      Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes for diabetes risk screening and diagnosis.
      METHODS: This study was conducted at a community hospital in Abilene, Texas.
      Hospitalized patients were screened if they had self-payer status and did not
      have a primary care physician. If patients met screening criteria based on risk
      factors listed in the ADA guidelines, a hemoglobin A1C test and fasting plasma
      glucose test were completed during hospitalization. Patients found to have
      diabetes were referred for outpatient education and management of diabetes. Data
      to determine the incidence of diabetes diagnosis were collected retrospectively.
      RESULTS: A total of 460 patients were screened for inclusion. Of the 92 patients
      included in the analysis, 8.7% (n=8) were identified as having diabetes and 39.1%
      (n=36) with prediabetes. Age and hypertension were independently positively
      correlated with increased risk for diabetes (P=0.002; P=0.045). CONCLUSIONS:
      Using risk factor screening based on ADA recommendations in the inpatient setting
      did not identify a significant number of patients with diabetes. This study found
      specific risk factors to be correlated with diagnosis of diabetes. Rather than
      using routine screening based on the number of risk factors, the presence of
      highly correlated risk factors may be an indication for diabetes screening.

PMID- 25124692
TI  - Long-term effectiveness of supported employment: 5-year follow-up of a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The individual placement and support model of supported employment has
      been shown to be more effective than other vocational approaches in improving
      competitive work over 1-2 years in persons with severe mental illness. The
      authors evaluated the longer-term effects of the model compared with traditional
      vocational rehabilitation over 5 years. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial
      compared supported employment to traditional vocational rehabilitation in 100
      unemployed persons with severe mental illness. Competitive work and hospital
      admissions were tracked for 5 years, and interviews were conducted at 2 and 5
      years to assess recovery attitudes and quality of life. A cost-benefit analysis
      compared program and total treatment costs to earnings from competitive
      employment. RESULTS: The beneficial effects of supported employment on work at 2
      years were sustained over the 5-year follow-up period. Participants in supported
      employment were more likely to obtain competitive work than those in traditional
      vocational rehabilitation (65% compared with 33%), worked more hours and weeks,
      earned more wages, and had longer job tenures. Reliance on supported employment
      services for retaining competitive work decreased from 2 years to 5 years for
      participants in supported employment. Participants were also significantly less
      likely to be hospitalized, had fewer psychiatric hospital admissions, and spent
      fewer days in the hospital. The social return on investment was higher for
      supported employment participants, whether calculated as the ratio of work
      earnings to vocational program costs or of work earnings to total vocational
      program and mental health treatment costs. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate
      that the greater effectiveness of supported employment in improving competitive
      work outcomes is sustained beyond 2 years and suggest that supported employment
      programs contribute to reduced hospitalizations and produce a higher social
      return on investment.

PMID- 25124693
TI  - Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma nasal type: detection by computed
      tomography features.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) often has an
      infiltrative pattern in computed tomography that makes them difficult to
      distinguish from benign inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to design a
      method of measuring the thickness of the nasal floor and nasal septum, determine
      the critical value of mucosal thickness that may implicate these NKTL cases from
      benign inflammatory disease, and finally make a complete flowchart to detect NKTL
      with minimal mistake. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-two patients with nasal NKTL and 173
      patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyposis were
      enrolled. The patients' data were collected retrospectively. METHODS: All
      patients underwent standard computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses. The
      coronal section near the vertical part of the ground lamina was chosen for
      measurement, and the thickest points along the nasal floor and septum were
      measured. RESULTS: Patients with NKTL had thicker nasal floors and/or septa than
      those with chronic rhinosinusitis, recurrent sinusitis, or pansinusitis (P <
      .001). If the cutoff points of the nasal floor and nasal septum thickness were
      set at 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm, respectively, the probability of being thicker than the
      corresponding points in the CRS group was <2%, and the possibility of other
      diagnoses should be considered. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal floor mucosal thickness >2.0
      mm or nasal septum mucosal thickness >2.5 mm may be indicators serving as one of
      several important hints for implicit NKTL. Finally, we established a diagnostic
      flowchart to include all of these important hints. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 25124694
TI  - Dynamic behaviors of approximately ellipsoidal microbubbles photothermally
      generated by a graphene oxide-microheater.
AB  - Thermal microbubbles generally grow directly from the heater and are spherical to
      minimize surface tension. We demonstrate a novel type of microbubble indirectly
      generated from a graphene oxide-microheater. Graphene oxide's photothermal
      properties allowed for efficient generation of a thermal gradient field on the
      microscale. A series of approximately ellipsoidal microbubbles were generated on
      the smooth microwire based on heterogeneous nucleation. Other dynamic behaviors
      induced by the microheater such as constant growth, directional transport and
      coalescence were also investigated experimentally and theoretically. The results
      are not only helpful for understanding the bubble dynamics but also useful for
      developing novel photothermal bubble-based devices. 

PMID- 25124695
TI  - Prevention of behavior problems in a selected population: Stepping stones triple
      P for parents of young children with disabilities.
AB  - Because young children with disabilities are at elevated risk for development of
      challenging behaviors, and caregivers of these children typically lack access to
      evidence-based parenting interventions, two randomized trials were conducted to
      examine the impact of an evidence-based parenting intervention, Stepping Stones
      Triple P (SSTP), as a selective preventive intervention. Both studies targeted
      parents of children under two with a variety of disabilities who were enrolled in
      the IDEA Part C Early Intervention (EI) system in one state. SSTP was delivered
      in family homes. In Study One, 49 families were randomly assigned to EI services
      as usual, with or without SSTP; a 52% attrition rate from treatment was seen. No
      significant between-group differences were seen aside from a trend toward reduced
      symptoms of parental depression at follow-up. Intervention group children
      demonstrated significant decline in behavior problems from post treatment to
      follow-up, and there was a trend toward improved parenting style in the
      intervention group during this same time frame. Study Two incorporated a separate
      workforce intervention for EI service coordinators; 40 families on their
      caseloads were then randomly assigned to receive EI services as usual with or
      without SSTP. Attrition from treatment was limited to 20%. No differential impact
      was seen on child behavior; a trend was noted post-treatment on parent symptoms
      of depression and on the observed parent-child relationship. At 12-month follow
      up, there was a trend favoring improvement in the intervention group in parenting
      style; statistically significant impact was also seen on the observed quality of
      the parent-child relationship. SSTP shows promise as a selective preventive
      intervention for an early intervention population. Reasons for the differential
      findings between the two studies are explored and suggestions for future research
      are provided. 

PMID- 25124696
TI  - Recent insights into genotype-phenotype relationships in patients with Rett
      syndrome using a fine grain scale.
AB  - Mutations in MECP2 gene cause Rett syndrome (RTT), a neurodevelopmental disorder
      affecting around 1 in 10,000 female births. The clinical picture of RTT appears
      quite heterogeneous for each single feature. Mutations in MECP2 gene have been
      associated with the onset of RTT. The most known gene function consists of
      transcriptional repression of specific target genes, mainly by the binding of its
      methyl binding domain (MBD) to methylated CpG nucleotides and recruiting co
      repressors and histone deacetylase binding to DNA by its transcription repressor
      domain (TRD). This study aimed at evaluating a cohort of 114 Rett syndrome (RTT)
      patients with a detailed scale measuring the different kinds of impairments
      produced by the syndrome. The sample included relatively large subsets of the
      most frequent mutations, so that genotype-phenotype correlations could be tested.
      Results revealed that frequent missense mutations showed a specific profile in
      different areas of impairment. The R306C mutation, considered as producing mild
      impairment, was associated to a moderate phenotype in which behavioural
      characteristics were mainly affected. A notable difference emerged by comparing
      mutations truncating the protein before and after the nuclear localization
      signal; such a difference concerned prevalently the motor-functional and autonomy
      skills of the patients, affecting the management of everyday activities. 

PMID- 25124698
TI  - Arithmetic strategy development and its domain-specific and domain-general
      cognitive correlates: a longitudinal study in children with persistent
      mathematical learning difficulties.
AB  - Deficits in arithmetic fact retrieval constitute the hallmark of children with
      mathematical learning difficulties (MLD). It remains, however, unclear which
      cognitive deficits underpin these difficulties in arithmetic fact retrieval. Many
      prior studies defined MLD by considering low achievement criteria and not by
      additionally taking the persistence of the MLD into account. Therefore, the
      present longitudinal study contrasted children with persistent MLD (MLD-p; mean
      age: 9 years 2 months) and typically developing (TD) children (mean age: 9 years
      6 months) at three time points, to explore whether differences in arithmetic
      strategy development were associated with differences in numerical magnitude
      processing, working memory and phonological processing. Our longitudinal data
      revealed that children with MLD-p had persistent arithmetic fact retrieval
      deficits at each time point. Children with MLD-p showed persistent impairments in
      symbolic, but not in nonsymbolic, magnitude processing at each time point. The
      two groups differed in phonological processing, but not in working memory. Our
      data indicate that both domain-specific and domain-general cognitive abilities
      contribute to individual differences in children's arithmetic strategy
      development, and that the symbolic processing of numerical magnitudes might be a
      particular risk factor for children with MLD-p. 

PMID- 25124699
TI  - To evaluate the effects of a simplified hand washing improvement program in
      schoolchildren with mild intellectual disability: a pilot study.
AB  - A quasi-experimental study using a pretest-posttest design with a control group
      was used to evaluate the effects of a simplified 5-step multimedia visualization
      hand hygiene improvement program by schoolchildren with mild intellectual
      disability (MID). A total of twenty schoolchildren aged 6-12 years old with MID
      (12 males) were recruited and they were assigned into intervention (n=10) and
      control (n=10) groups. To evaluate the quality of their hand washing, Glow gel,
      which contains plastic simulated germs that are visible under an ultra-violet
      lamp, was applied to participants' hands to assess the quality of hand washing by
      comparing the amount of visible Glow gel before and after hand washing using a 4
      point scale. Four raters used this 4-point scale to assess the quality of hand
      washing through digital photo images of the participants' hands. A total of eight
      digital photos per participant were taken. A fifteen-minute hand washing training
      session was conducted every school day for 4 weeks for the intervention group.
      Those in the control group received no training. A multimedia visual package on
      steps of hand washing was presented together with a reward system, whereby a
      number of stars were earned each week depending on the quality of hand washing.
      Results showed encouraging findings, as the schoolchildren in the intervention
      group showed significant improvement in hand washing (p<0.001) and the
      improvement was stronger than that of the control group (p=0.02). To conclude, a
      systematic instruction emphasizing multimedia visualization in a hand washing
      improvement program can be successfully implemented in a special school, and the
      effect of integrating multimedia visuals in the hand hygiene program could
      improve hand hygiene among schoolchildren with MID. 

PMID- 25124697
TI  - Metabolomic (anthropometric and biochemical) indexes and metabolic syndrome in
      adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to describe the use of combination of
      international standardized anthropometric parameters, along with biochemical
      parameters (metabolomic indexes) to identify metabolic syndrome (MetS), in
      persons with intellectual disabilities. We conducted a cross-sectional study of
      42 adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities (aged 13-30years)
      who attend special schools in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The study
      included anthropometric (using the International Society for the Advancement of
      Kineanthropometry recommendations) and biochemical measures, and their
      combinations as metabolomic-indexes, that can significantly predict MetS
      occurrence in this vulnerable population. Waist circumference (WC) and relaxed
      arm circumference, both adjusted for height, have the highest correlation with
      MetS (R2=0.23-0.47, p<0.01). Besides body mass index (BMI) and WC we propose
      other indicators such as, skinfolds, hip circumference and relaxed arm
      circumference, all of them adjusted by height in order to better define the
      presence of MetS in persons with intellectual disabilities.

PMID- 25124700
TI  - A computer-aided program for helping patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease
      engage in verbal reminiscence.
AB  - This study assessed a simple computer-aided program for helping patients with
      moderate Alzheimer's disease engage in verbal reminiscence. In practice, the
      program was aimed at fostering the patient's verbal engagement on a number of
      life experiences/topics previously selected for him or her and introduced in the
      sessions through a friendly female, who appeared on the computer screen. The
      female asked the patient about the aforementioned experiences/topics, and
      provided him or her with positive attention, and possibly verbal guidance (i.e.,
      prompts/encouragements). Eight patients were involved in the study, which was
      carried out according to non-concurrent multiple baseline designs across
      participants. Seven of them showed clear improvement during the intervention
      phase (i.e., with the program). Their mean percentages of intervals with verbal
      engagement/reminiscence ranged from close to zero to about 15 during the baseline
      and from above 50 to above 75 during the intervention. The results were discussed
      in relation to previous literature on reminiscence therapy, with specific
      emphasis on the need for (a) replication studies and (b) the development of new
      versions of the technology-aided program to improve its impact and reach a wider
      number of patients. 

PMID- 25124702
TI  - Effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on human epidermal melanocytes and
      melanoblasts.

PMID- 25124701
TI  - A pilot study of angiogenin in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a
      novel potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis?
AB  - Characteristics of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) have
      not yet been fully understood. The objectives of this pilot study are to detect
      protein expression profile in the sera of HFPEF patients, and to identify
      potential biomarkers for the disease. Five hundred and seven proteins were
      detected in the sera of healthy volunteers and patients with either HFPEF or
      hypertension using antibody microarrays (three in each group). The results showed
      that the serum concentrations of 17 proteins (e.g. angiogenin, activin A and
      artemin) differed considerably between HFPEF and non-HFPEF patients (hypertensive
      patients and healthy controls), while a protein expression pattern distinct from
      that in non-HFPEF patients was associated with HFPEF patients. The up-regulation
      of angiogenin in both HFPEF patients with LVEF >=50% (P = 0.004) and a subset of
      HFPEF patients with LVEF = 41-49% (P < 0.001) was further validated in 16 HFPEF
      patients and 16 healthy controls. Meanwhile, angiogenin distinguished HFPEF
      patients from controls with a mean area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve of 0.88 (P < 0.001) and a diagnostic cut-off point of 426
      ng/ml. Moreover, the angiogenin levels in HFPEF patients were positively
      correlated with Lg(N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, NT-proBNP) (P <
      0.001). In addition, high angiogenin level (>=426 ng/ml) was a predictor of all
      cause death within a short-term follow-up duration, but not in the longer term of
      36 months. This pilot study indicates that the aforementioned 17 potential
      biomarkers, such as angiogenin, may hold great promise for both diagnosis and
      prognosis assessment of HFPEF. 

PMID- 25124703
TI  - Identification and characterization of human Rad51 inhibitors by screening of an
      existing drug library.
AB  - Homologous Recombination (HR) plays an essential role in cellular proliferation
      and in maintaining genomic stability by repairing DNA double-stranded breaks that
      appear during replication. Rad51, a key protein of HR in eukaryotes, can have an
      elevated expression level in tumor cells, which correlates with their resistance
      to anticancer therapies. Therefore, targeted inhibition of Rad51 through
      inhibitor may improve the tumor response to these therapies. In order to identify
      small molecules that inhibit Rad51 activity, we screened the Prestwick Library
      (1120 molecules) for their effect on the strand exchange reaction catalyzed by
      Rad51. We found that Chicago Sky Blue (CSB) is a potent inhibitor of Rad51,
      showing IC50 values in the low nanomolar range (400 nM). Biochemical analysis
      demonstrated that the inhibitory mechanism probably occurs by disrupting the
      Rad51 association with the single-stranded DNA, which prevents the nucleoprotein
      filament formation, the first step of the protein activity. Structure Activity
      Relationship analysis with a number of compounds that shared structure homology
      with CSB was also performed. The sensitivity of Rad51 inhibition to CSB
      modifications suggests specific interactions between the molecule and Rad51
      nucleofilament. CSB and some of its analogs open up new perspectives in the
      search for agents capable of potentiating chemo- and radio-therapy treatments for
      cancer. Moreover, these compounds may be excellent tools to analyze Rad51
      cellular functions. Our study also highlights how CSB and its analogs, which are
      frequently used in colorants, stains and markers, could be responsible of
      unwanted side effects by perturbing the DNA repair process.

PMID- 25124705
TI  - Local anesthetic versus forced coughing at colposcopic-guided biopsy: a
      prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the administration of local anesthetic (LA)
      reduces pain in comparison with forced coughing (FC) for the execution of
      colposcopically guided biopsies (CGBs). STUDY DESIGN: Data of 100 consecutive
      patients undergoing CGBs with the use of LA or FC were prospectively evaluated.
      Procedure-related pain was assessed with the use of a 100-mm visual analogue
      scale. RESULTS: Fifty-one and 49 patients had CGBs using LA and FC, respectively.
      No between-group differences were observed in terms of pain related to speculum
      insertion, CGBs and pain recorded after the procedures (p>0.05). However,
      patients in the LA group experienced pain related to cervical injection for
      administration of anesthesia (mean (+/-SD): 12.4 (+/-1.6)). Operative time was
      longer in the LA than in the FC group (7.2 (+/-0.2) vs. 5.0 (+/-0.1)min;
      p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: FC should be preferred over LA. Although CGB-related pain
      levels do not differ, the omission of intracervical injection is associated with
      undoubted advantages.

PMID- 25124706
TI  - A review of stroke and pregnancy: incidence, management and prevention.
AB  - Stroke, defined as a focal or global disturbance of cerebral function lasting
      over 24h resulting from disruption of its blood supply, is a devastating event
      for a pregnant woman. This can result in long-term disability or death, and
      impact on her family and unborn child. In addition to pre-existing patient risk
      factors, the hypercoagulable state and pre-eclampsia need to be taken into
      account. The patterns and types of stroke affect pregnant women differ from the
      non-pregnant female population of child-bearing age. Like other thrombo-embolic
      diseases in pregnancy, stroke is essentially a disease of the puerperium.
      Population studies have estimated the risk of stroke at between 21.2 and 46.2 per
      100,000. The US Nationwide Inpatient Sample, identified 2850 pregnancies
      complicated by stroke in the United States in 2000-2001, for a rate of 34.2 per
      100,000 deliveries. There were 117 deaths, a mortality rate of 1.4 per 100,000.
      Both the mortality and disability rates were higher than previously reported,
      with 10-13% of women dying. With the increasing prevalence of obesity,
      hypertension and cardiac disease amongst women of child-bearing age, so is the
      incidence of stroke during pregnancy and the puerperium. In the United States, an
      alarming trend toward higher numbers of stroke hospitalizations during the last
      decade was demonstrated in studies from 1995 to 1996 and 2006 to 2007. The rate
      of all types of stroke increased by 47% among antenatal hospitalizations, and by
      83% among post-partum hospitalizations. Hypertensive disorders, obesity and heart
      disease complicated 32% of antenatal admissions and 53% of post-partum
      admissions. In addition to pre-existing patient risk factors, the hypercoagulable
      state and pre-eclampsia need to be taken into account. The patterns and types of
      stroke affect pregnant women differ from the non-pregnant female population of
      child-bearing age. Like other thrombo-embolic diseases in pregnancy, stroke is
      essentially a disease of the puerperium. 

PMID- 25124707
TI  - The influence of prolonged preterm premature rupture of the membranes on neonatal
      outcome of the presenting and non-presenting twin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the neonatal outcome in twin gestations complicated by
      prolonged preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). STUDY DESIGN: Between
      the years 2000 and 2010 we identified 48 women with twin pregnancies who were
      diagnosed as having PPROM and a latency period to delivery >24h. We compared the
      neonatal morbidity and mortality between the presenting and non-presenting twins,
      assuming that the rupture occurred in the lower sac. Importantly, in 30 women we
      were able to identify the location of the ruptured sac by ultrasound examination
      demonstrating oligohydramnion. In these 30 cases, neonatal outcome of fetuses in
      the ruptured sac and those in the intact sac were compared. RESULTS: The median
      gestational age was 31 weeks (range 28-33) with a median latency period between
      PPROM and delivery of 9 days (range 1-18). Of the identified ruptures 90% (27/30)
      occurred in the lower sac (presenting twin). There was no significant difference
      between the presenting and non-presenting twin in terms of neonatal morbidity and
      mortality. Moreover, no difference was found when fetuses with ruptured sac were
      compared to those with intact membrane sac. Importantly, the outcomes were not
      affected by the length of the latency period. CONCLUSION: The current study
      results demonstrated that the outcome of fetuses exposed to prolonged preterm
      rupture of membranes is similar to that of fetuses with intact membranes. Our
      data suggest that rupture of membranes per se did not cause any deleterious
      clinical manifestations or lead to clinical discordant inflammation and poor
      neonatal outcome, supporting a conservative management of twin pregnancies with
      PPROM.

PMID- 25124708
TI  - Vitamin C attenuates detrimental effects of diabetes mellitus on sperm
      parameters, chromatin quality and rate of apoptosis in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The main goal was to examine the protective effects of vitamin C on
      sperm parameters, sperm chromatin condensation and apoptosis in experimentally
      induced diabetic mice. STUDY DESIGN: 28 adult Syrian mice were divided into 4
      groups. In Group1, the mice were diabetic that received a single dose of
      Streptozocin (STZ) (200mg/kg) intra-peritoneally (ip). Group 2 was included
      diabetic mice that received vitamin C (10mg/kg/daily, ip). Mice in group 3 were
      received vitamin C and group 4 was considered as control. After 35 days, sperm
      analysis was done accordingly. To asses sperm chromatin and DNA quality, we used
      aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB), chromomycin A3 (CMA3), acridine orange
      (AO) and terminal transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin end
      labeling (TUNEL) tests. RESULTS: All of the sperm parameters (count, motility,
      morphology and viability) had significant reduction in diabetic mice but, the
      data showed a significant increase in all of the sperm parameters in
      diabetic+vitamin C when compared with diabetic and control animals (P<0.05).
      There were significant differences (P<0.001) between groups regarding to TB
      staining (48.8+/-5.92 vs 34.3+/-4.13), AO test (35.9+/-6.11 vs 20.8+/-2.89) and
      TUNEL test (39.42+/-7.18 vs 22.00+/-3.65) in diabetic and diabetic+vitamin C
      groups, respectively. Nevertheless, in CMA3 and AB staining assays, there were
      not any significant differences between different groups. CONCLUSION: Vitamin C,
      as a potent antioxidant, can attenuate detrimental effects of diabetes mellitus
      on the sperm parameters, chromatin quality and apoptosis in an experimental
      model.

PMID- 25124704
TI  - Novel third-generation water-soluble noscapine analogs as superior microtubule
      interfering agents with enhanced antiproliferative activity.
AB  - Noscapine, an opium-derived 'kinder-gentler' microtubule-modulating drug is in
      Phase I/II clinical trials for cancer chemotherapy. However, its limited water
      solubility encumbers its development into an oral anticancer drug with clinical
      promise. Here we report the synthesis of 9 third-generation, water-soluble
      noscapine analogs with negatively charged sulfonato and positively charged
      quaternary ammonium groups using noscapine, 9-bromonoscapine and 9-aminonoscapine
      as scaffolds. The predictive free energy of solvation was found to be lower for
      sulfonates (6a-c; 8a-c) compared to the quaternary ammonium-substituted
      counterparts, explaining their higher water solubility. In addition, sulfonates
      showed higher charge dispersability, which may effectively shield the
      hydrophobicity of isoquinoline nucleus as indicated by hydrophobicity mapping
      methods. These in silico data underscore efficient net charge balancing, which
      may explain higher water solubility and thus enhanced antiproliferative efficacy
      and improved bioavailability. We observed that 6b, 8b and 8c strongly inhibited
      tubulin polymerization and demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity
      against four cancer cell lines compared to noscapine. Molecular simulation and
      docking studies of tubulin-drug complexes revealed that the brominated compound
      with a four-carbon chain (4b, 6b, and 8b) showed optimal binding with tubulin
      heterodimers. Interestingly, 6b, 8b and 8c treated PC-3 cells resulted in
      preponderance of mitotic cells with multipolar spindle morphology, suggesting
      that they stall the cell cycle. Furthermore, in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation
      of 6b, 8b and 8c revealed at least 1-2-fold improvement in their bioavailability
      compared to noscapine. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate
      novel water-soluble noscapine analogs that may pave the way for future pre
      clinical drug development. 

PMID- 25124709
TI  - Toxoplasma gondii and anxiety disorders in a community-based sample.
AB  - A growing body of literature suggests that exposure to the neurotropic parasite
      Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is associated with increased risk of mental
      disorders, particularly schizophrenia. However, a potential association between
      T. gondii exposure and anxiety disorders has not been rigorously explored. Here,
      we examine the association of T. gondii infection with both anxiety and mood
      disorders. Participants (n=484) were drawn from the Detroit Neighborhood Health
      Study, a population-representative sample of Detroit residents. Logistic
      regression was used to examine the associations between T. gondii exposure
      (defined by seropositivity and IgG antibody levels) and three mental disorders:
      generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and
      depression. We found that T. gondii seropositivity was associated with a 2 times
      greater odds of GAD (odds ratio (OR), 2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11
      4.53) after adjusting for age, gender, race, income, marital status, and
      medication. Individuals in the highest antibody level category had more than 3
      times higher odds of GAD (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.41-7.97). Neither T. gondii
      seropositivity nor IgG antibody levels was significantly associated with PTSD or
      depression. Our findings indicate that T. gondii infection is strongly and
      significantly associated with GAD. While prospective confirmation is needed, T.
      gondii infection may play a role in the development of GAD. 

PMID- 25124710
TI  - A role for inflammatory metabolites as modulators of the glutamate N-methyl-D
      aspartate receptor in depression and suicidality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with depression and suicidality suffer from low-grade
      neuroinflammation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines activate indoleamine 2,3
      dioxygenase, an initial enzyme of the kynurenine pathway. This pathway produces
      neuroactive metabolites, including quinolinic- and kynurenic acid, binding to the
      glutamate N-methyl-d-aspartate-receptor, which is hypothesized to be part of the
      neural mechanisms underlying symptoms of depression. We therefore hypothesized
      that symptoms of depression and suicidality would fluctuate over time in patients
      prone to suicidal behavior, depending on the degree of inflammation and
      kynurenine metabolite levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). METHODS: We
      measured cytokines and kynurenine metabolites in CSF, collected from suicide
      attempters at repeated occasions over 2 years (total patient samples n=143,
      individuals n=30) and healthy controls (n=36). The association between the
      markers and psychiatric symptoms was assessed using the Montgomery Asberg
      Depression Rating Scale and the Suicide Assessment Scale. RESULTS: Quinolinic
      acid was increased and kynurenic acid decreased over time in suicidal patients
      versus healthy controls. Furthermore, we found a significant association between
      low kynurenic acid and severe depressive symptoms, as well as between high
      interleukin-6 levels and more severe suicidal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: We
      demonstrate a long-term dysregulation of the kynurenine pathway in the central
      nervous system of suicide attempters. An increased load of inflammatory cytokines
      was coupled to more severe symptoms. We therefore suggest that patients with a
      dysregulated kynurenine pathway are vulnerable to develop depressive symptoms
      upon inflammatory conditions, as a result the excess production of the NMDA
      receptor agonist quinolinic acid. This study provides a neurobiological framework
      supporting the use of NMDA-receptor antagonists in the treatment of suicidality
      and depression.

PMID- 25124711
TI  - Explaining person identification: an inquiry into the tracking of human agents.
AB  - To introduce the issue of the tracking and identification of human agents, I
      examine the ability of an agent ("a tracker") to track a human person ("a
      target") and distinguish this target from other individuals: The ability to
      perform person identification. First, I discuss influential mechanistic models of
      the perceptual recognition of human faces and people (the face-recognition
      program). Such models propose detailed hypotheses about the parts and activities
      of the mental mechanisms that control the perceptual recognition of persons.
      However, models based on perceptual recognition are incomplete theories of person
      identification because they do not explain several identification behaviors that
      are fundamental to human social interactions (e.g., identifying unobservable
      persons and imposters). Furthermore, recognition-based models tend to appeal to
      the controversial concept of the "identity" of a person without explaining what
      determines personal identity and persistence. To overcome these limitations, I
      propose to integrate the face-recognition program into a broader causal
      historical theory of identification. The causal-historical theory of
      identification complements models focused on perceptual recognition because it
      can account for the types of non-perceptual identification overlooked by the face
      recognition program. Moreover, it can decompose the identification behaviors into
      tracking processes that succeed or fail to be sensitive to causal characteristics
      of a target. I illustrate these advantages with a discussion of the difference
      between the tracking of a person understood as either a causally continuous
      biological organism (organism-based tracking) or a psychologically continuous
      mind (psychological tracking). Finally, I argue that the causal-historical theory
      provides a theoretical framework for investigating the tracking of relations
      between a target and its contextual and historical attributes, such as a target's
      possessions. 

PMID- 25124712
TI  - Self medicated antibiotics in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional health survey
      conducted in the Rajshahi City.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibiotic self medication is highly prevalent in the developing
      countries due to easy availability and poor regulatory controls for selling these
      drugs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of self
      medication with antibiotics for the treatment of various diseases by the peoples
      of Rajshahi city in Bangladesh. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted
      to the patient's (n = 1300) at eight locations of Rajshahi city in Bangladesh
      from March to April, 2014. The locations were selected by convenience and the
      study population within each study area was randomly selected. The survey was
      self-administered and included questions pertaining to self medicated drugs and
      antibiotic usage patterns as well. Data were analyzed using descriptive
      statistics. RESULTS: It was found that 347 (26.69%) out of 1300 participants
      experienced self medication with antibiotics. Over fifty percent of the patients
      studied were between the ages of 21-30 years with 83.57% of them being males and
      16.43% females. The highest percentage of self medicated antibiotics was
      metronidazole (50.43%) followed by azithromycin (20.75%), ciprofloxacin (11.53%),
      amoxicillin (10.37%) and tetracycline (7.49%) respectively. The key reasons for
      the self medication of antibiotics was the pre-experience (45.82%), suggestions
      from others (28.24%) and knowledgeable of the antibiotics (16.14%). The perceived
      symptoms to purchase the antibiotics independently was dysentery, diarrhea and
      food poisoning (36.02%), cold, cough and fever (28.24%), infection (12.97%),
      dental carries and toothache (9.22%), irritable bowel syndrome (3.46%), acne
      (4.32%), ear and throat pain (2.31%). The duration of maximum antibiotics usage
      was ranges between 0-10 years. Only 4.32% patient's used self medicated
      antibiotics longer than 10 years. The patient's compliance for self medication of
      antibiotics varies from excellent to no comments whereas only 6.92% patients
      reported side effects for the self medication of antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of this study confirm that antibiotic self-medication is a relatively
      frequent problem in Bangladesh. Drug Administration of Bangladesh should
      implement the regulatory controls immediately on the distribution and selling of
      antibiotics in order to reduce the frequency of antibiotic misuse.

PMID- 25124713
TI  - Non-eosinophilic airway hyper-reactivity in mice, induced by IFN-gamma producing
      CD4(+) and CD8(+) lung T cells, is responsive to steroid treatment.
AB  - Non-eosinophilic asthma is characterized by infiltration of neutrophils into the
      lung and variable responsiveness to glucocorticoids. The pathophysiological
      mechanisms have not been characterized in detail. Here, we present an
      experimental asthma model in mice associated with non-eosinophilic airway
      inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). For this, BALB/c mice were
      sensitized by biolistic DNA immunization with a plasmid encoding the model
      antigen beta-galactosidase (pFascin-betaGal mice). For comparison, eosinophilic
      airway inflammation was induced by subcutaneous injection of betaGal protein
      (betaGal mice). Intranasal challenge of mice in both groups induced AHR to a
      comparable extent as well as recruitment of inflammatory cells into the airways.
      In contrast to betaGal mice, which exhibited extensive eosinophilic infiltration
      in the lung, goblet cell hyperplasia and polarization of CD4(+) T cells into Th2
      and Th17 cells, pFascin-betaGal mice showed considerable neutrophilia, but no
      goblet cell hyperplasia and a predominance of Th1 and Tc1 cells in the airways.
      Depletion studies in pFascin-betaGal mice revealed that CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells
      cooperated to induce maximum inflammation, but that neutrophilic infiltration was
      not a prerequisite for AHR induction. Treatment of pFascin-betaGal mice with
      dexamethasone before intranasal challenge did not affect neutrophilic
      infiltration, but significantly reduced AHR, infiltration of monocytes and
      lymphocytes as well as content of IFN-gamma in the bronchoalveolar fluid. Our
      results suggest that non-eosinophilic asthma associated predominantly with
      Th1/Tc1 cells is susceptible to glucocorticoid treatment. pFascin-betaGal mice
      might represent a mouse model to study pathophysiological mechanisms proceeding
      in the subgroup of asthmatics with non-eosinophilic asthma that respond to
      inhaled steroids. 

PMID- 25124715
TI  - Structure and development of 'witches' broom' galls in reproductive organs of
      Byrsonima sericea (Malpighiaceae) and their effects on host plants.
AB  - Galls are anomalies in plant development of parasitic origin that affect the
      cellular differentiation or growth and represent a remarkable plant-parasite
      interaction. Byrsonima sericea DC. (Malpighiaceae) is a super host of several
      different types of gall in both vegetative and reproductive organs. The existence
      of galls in reproductive organs and their effects on the host plant are seldom
      described in the literature. In this paper, we present a novel study of galls in
      plants of the Neotropical region: the 'witches' broom' galls developed in floral
      structures of B. sericea. The unaffected inflorescences are characterised by a
      single indeterminate main axis with spirally arranged flower buds. The flower
      buds developed five unaffected brownish hairy sepals and five pairs of elliptical
      yellow elaiophores, five yellow fringed petals, 10 stamens and a pistil with
      superior tricarpellar and trilocular ovary. The affected inflorescences showed
      changes in architecture, with branches arising from the main axis and flower
      buds. The flower buds exhibited several morphological and anatomical changes. The
      sepals, petals and carpels converted into leaf-like structures after
      differentiation. Stamens exhibited degeneration of the sporogenous tissue and
      structures containing hyphae and spores. The gynoecium did not develop, forming a
      central meristematic region, from which emerges the new inflorescence. In this
      work, we discuss the several changes in development of reproductive structures
      caused by witches' broom galls and their effects on reproductive success of the
      host plants. 

PMID- 25124714
TI  - ADAM10 correlates with uveal melanoma metastasis and promotes in vitro invasion.
AB  - Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare ocular tumor that may lead to deadly metastases in
      50% of patients. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)10, ADAM17, and the
      HGF-receptor c-Met support invasiveness in different tumors. Here, we report that
      high ADAM10, MET, and, to a lesser extent, ADAM17 gene expression correlates with
      poor progression-free survival in UM patients (hazard ratio 2.7, 2.6, and 1.9,
      respectively). About 60% of primary UM expresses c-Met and/or ADAM10 proteins.
      Four UM cell lines display high levels of ADAM10 and ADAM17, which constitutively
      cleave c-Met, inducing the release of soluble c-Met. ADAM10/17 pharmacological
      inhibition or gene silencing reduces c-Met shedding, but has limited impact on
      surface c-Met, which is overexpressed. Importantly, ADAM10 silencing inhibits UM
      cell invasion driven by FCS or HGF, while ADAM17 silencing has a limited effect.
      Altogether our data indicate that ADAM10 has a pro-invasive role and may
      contribute to UM progression. 

PMID- 25124716
TI  - Induced self-assembly of platinum(II) alkynyl complexes through specific
      interactions between citrate and guanidinium for proof-of-principle detection of
      citrate and an assay of citrate lyase.
AB  - Water-soluble alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridine complexes appended with guanidinium
      moieties, [Pt(tpy)(C=C-Ar)][OTf]2 (tpy=terpyridine;
      OTf=trifluoromethanesulfonate; Ar=C6 H4-{NHC(=NH2(+))(NH2)}-4 (1), C6 H4-{CH2
      NHC(=NH2(+))(NH2)}-4 (2)), and [Pt(tBu3 tpy)(C=CC6H4-{NHC(=NH2(+))(NH2)}
      4)][OTf]2 (3; tBu3 tpy=4,4',4''-tri-tert-butyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine), have
      been synthesized and characterized. The photophysical properties of the complexes
      have been studied. Based on the results of UV/Vis absorption, resonance light
      scattering, and dynamic light scattering experiments, in aqueous buffer solutions
      complexes 1 and 2 undergo aggregation in the presence of citrate through strong
      and specific electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions with citrate. The
      emergence of a triplet metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer ((3 MMLCT) emission
      in the near-infrared (NIR) region brought on by the induced self-assembly of
      complex 1 has been demonstrated for proof-of-principle detection of citrate with
      good sensitivity and selectivity over other mono- and dicarboxylate substrates in
      the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle as well as phosphate and lactate anions. Such
      a good selectivity toward citrate has been rationalized by the high charge
      density of citrate under physiological conditions and specific interactions
      between the guanidinium moiety on complex 1 and citrate. Extension of the work to
      citrate detection in fetal bovine serum and real-time monitoring of the activity
      of citrate lyase by the NIR emission of complex 1 have also been demonstrated.

PMID- 25124717
TI  - The cross-sectional area changes in digital flexor tendons and suspensory
      ligament in foals by ultrasonographic examination.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Flexural deformities are common conditions of
      growing horses and are suggested to have a relationship with the contraction of
      musculotendinous units. However, limited studies have documented the changes in
      each tendon and ligament in the metacarpal region with age. OBJECTIVES: To
      investigate the changes in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of each tendon and
      ligament in the metacarpal region with age by ultrasonographic examination. STUDY
      DESIGN: Longitudinal study of foals from Day 1 to age 24 months. METHODS: The CSA
      of the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, accessory
      ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament was measured
      by ultrasonographic examination at monthly intervals from Day 1 to age 24 months
      in 7 Thoroughbred foals. RESULTS: Changes in superficial digital flexor CSA in
      all regions were larger than those of other structures from 10 months to 15
      months. The suspensory ligament CSA was significantly larger than those of other
      structures on Day 1 in both the region of suspensory origin (RSO) and region of
      suspensory body (RSBO). This condition continued until 2 months in the RSO and
      until 5 months in the RSBO. The changes in deep digital flexor CSA were larger
      than those of other structures from 2 to 5 months in both the RSO and RSBO.
      CONCLUSIONS: The rate of change in each structure varies with age. Thus, the
      functional adaptation with age that takes place may differ among structures
      because the primary function of each structure differs.

PMID- 25124719
TI  - Insights into the influence of dispersion correction in the theoretical treatment
      of guanidine-quinoline copper(I) complexes.
AB  - For the description of steric effects, dispersion correction is important in
      density functional theory. By investigation of sterically encumbered guanidine
      quinoline copper bis(chelate) complexes, we could show that the correct
      description requires modern dispersion correction using Becke-Johnson (BJ)
      damping and that earlier dispersion corrections are not sufficient. The triple
      zeta basis set def2-TZVP of the Ahlrichs series is balanced and converged for the
      structural description. With regard to functionals, the best structural
      description is obtained with the TPSSh functional but B3LYP is very suited as
      well. Cutting of ligand substituents leads to distortions which limit the
      predictive ability of such calculations. We recommend the calculation of "full"
      chemical systems with inclusion of dispersion correction using BJ damping. In the
      further analysis of the regarded copper bis(chelate) complexes, we found that the
      theoretical description of optical and Raman spectra is not much affected by the
      dispersion although charge transfer excitations come into play and that
      B3LYP/def2-TZVP is the best choice. Hence, we can derive the result that the
      correct structural description with dispersion serves as crucial basis for
      subsequent calculation steps.

PMID- 25124720
TI  - Combined semilunar valve stenoses in neonates: management approaches and
      literature review.
AB  - Combination of right and left ventricular outflow tracts obstruction is extremely
      rare. Neonates with combined aortic stenosis (AS) and pulmonary stenosis (PS)
      present in critical condition and required urgent treatment. The management
      approach is not well defined. We report five female neonates with combined AS and
      PS presented to our institute in the last 5 years, age (1-18 days), weight (2.2
      3.4 kg). Two had associated muscular ventricular septal defects. The mean Doppler
      gradient across the aortic valve (AV) was 73 mmHg (53-105 mmHg) and across the
      pulmonary valve was 62 mmHg (44-76 mmHg). Three had balloon dilatation and one
      surgical repair. The fifth patient was managed conservatively, but had sudden
      cardiac death at age of 3 months. One patient arrived in shock and sepsis,
      underwent emergency balloon dilation of the AV in the ICU. Despite decreasing the
      gradient, she died next day after the procedure. The surviving children were well
      at median follow-up age of 3.4 years. This is an extremely rare combination which
      needs early intervention. The management approach is not well defined.
      Interventional catheterization is possibly the better option.

PMID- 25124718
TI  - Proteomic analysis of the Plasmodium male gamete reveals the key role for
      glycolysis in flagellar motility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gametogenesis and fertilization play crucial roles in malaria
      transmission. While male gametes are thought to be amongst the simplest
      eukaryotic cells and are proven targets of transmission blocking immunity, little
      is known about their molecular organization. For example, the pathway of energy
      metabolism that power motility, a feature that facilitates gamete encounter and
      fertilization, is unknown. METHODS: Plasmodium berghei microgametes were purified
      and analysed by whole-cell proteomic analysis for the first time. Data are
      available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001163. RESULTS: 615 proteins
      were recovered, they included all male gamete proteins described thus far.
      Amongst them were the 11 enzymes of the glycolytic pathway. The hexose
      transporter was localized to the gamete plasma membrane and it was shown that
      microgamete motility can be suppressed effectively by inhibitors of this
      transporter and of the glycolytic pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the
      first whole-cell proteomic analysis of the malaria male gamete. It identifies
      glycolysis as the likely exclusive source of energy for flagellar beat, and
      provides new insights in original features of Plasmodium flagellar organization.

PMID- 25124721
TI  - Cumulative radiation exposure in pediatric patients with congenital heart
      disease.
AB  - Certain pediatric patients undergoing surgery for the most severe forms of
      congenital heart disease are exposed to high doses of ionizing radiation. The
      amount of cumulative radiation exposure from all modalities has not yet been
      evaluated. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the cumulative radiation
      exposure in a contemporary cohort of patients with congenital heart disease
      undergoing single-ventricle palliation. This is a single-center, retrospective
      study of pediatric patients undergoing Fontan completion between May 2005 and May
      2010. Radiation exposure from all procedures including cardiac catheterizations,
      computed tomography (CT) scans, plain film radiography, and nuclear medicine
      scans was evaluated. Radiation dose was calculated as the dose area product (MUGy
      m(2)) and was measured in all cardiac catheterizations, CT scans, and other
      imaging modalities. Seventy patients who underwent Fontan completion at a mean
      age of 3.6 +/- 1.5 years (range 1.4-8 years) were included in the study. Mean
      number of chest X-rays was 32 +/- 8 (range 10-285) with a mean cumulative total
      exposure of 1,320 MUGy m(2) (range 480-12,960) per patient. Mean number of
      cardiac catheterizations was 2.45 +/- 1.3 (range 1-8), and mean fluoroscopy and
      cine angiography exposures per case were 1,103 +/- 245 and 1,412 +/- 273 MUGy
      m(2) giving a mean cumulative exposure of 9,054 MUGy m(2) (range 2,515-201,200)
      per patient for all catheterizations. Mean number of CT scans performed was 0.44
      +/- 0.4 (0-11), and the mean exposure was 352 MUGy m(2), giving a mean cumulative
      total of 154 MUGy m(2) (range 0-3,872) per person. A total of five lung perfusion
      scans were carried out. Radiation exposure in patients with congenital heart
      disease undergoing single-ventricle palliation is quite variable. Most of the
      exposure to ionizing radiation occurs during cardiac catheterization. Strategies
      to utilize other imaging modalities such as MRI would decrease exposure in this
      particular group of patients who may be particularly vulnerable to its side
      effects.

PMID- 25124722
TI  - Synthesis of pyridazinones through the copper(I)-catalyzed multicomponent
      reaction of aldehydes, hydrazines, and alkynylesters.
AB  - The copper-catalyzed multicomponent cyclization reaction, which combined
      aldehydes, hydrazines, and alkynylesters, was applied in the synthesis of
      pyridazinones. The reaction was regioselective and gave only six-membered
      pyridazinones in the complete absence of five-membered pyrazoles or a
      regioisomeric mixture. During this investigation, the use of 2-halobenzaldehyde
      as the starting material, under identical reaction conditions, gave 6-(2
      ethoxyphenyl)pyridazinones after sequential Michael addition/1,2-addition/Ullmann
      cross-coupling reactions. 

PMID- 25124723
TI  - SLC19A1, SLC46A1 and SLCO1B1 polymorphisms as predictors of methotrexate-related
      toxicity in Portuguese rheumatoid arthritis patients.
AB  - Methotrexate (MTX) is used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment showing a wide
      toxicity profile. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding for MTX transporters with the occurrence
      of MTX-related toxicity (overall and gastrointestinal). A total of 233 Portuguese
      RA patients were genotyped for 23 SNPs. Haplotype analyses were performed and a
      toxicogenetic risk index (TRI) was created for SNPs that revealed to be
      statistically significant. Regarding MTX overall toxicity, an increased risk was
      associated to SLC19A1 rs7499 G carriers (p = 0.017), SLC46A1 rs2239907 GG (p =
      0.030) and, SLCO1B1 rs4149056 T carriers (p = 0.040) and TT (p = 0.019). TRI
      revealed that patients with Index 3 were 18-fold more likely to present an
      adverse drug reaction when compared to those with Index 1 (p = 0.001). For MTX
      gastrointestinal toxicity, results demonstrated an increased risk associated with
      SLC19A1 rs7499 G carriers (p = 0.012) and GG (p = 0.045), SLC19A1 rs1051266 G
      carriers (p = 0.034), SLC19A1 rs2838956 A carriers (p = 0.049) and, SLCO1B1
      rs4149056 T carriers (p = 0.042) and TT (p = 0.025). Haplotype analyses showed
      association between GGAG haplotype for SLC19A1 rs7499, rs1051266, rs2838956 and
      rs3788200 with MTX gastrointestinal toxicity (p = 0.029). TRI revealed that
      patients with Index 4 were 9-fold more likely to present a gastrointestinal
      disorder when compared to those with Index 1 (p = 0.020). This study demonstrated
      that SLC19A1, SLC46A1 and SLCO1B1 genotypes may help to identify patients with
      increased risk of MTX-related overall toxicity and that SLC19A1 and SLCO1B1
      genotypes, and SLC19A1 haplotypes may help to identify patients with increased
      risk of MTX-related gastrointestinal toxicity. 

PMID- 25124725
TI  - The BSD2 ortholog in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a polysome-associated chaperone
      that co-migrates on sucrose gradients with the rbcL transcript encoding the
      Rubisco large subunit.
AB  - The expression of the CO2 -fixation enzyme ribulose-bisphosphate
      carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), which is affected by light, involves the
      cysteine-rich protein bundle-sheath defective-2 (BSD2) that was originally
      identified in maize bundle-sheath cells. We identified the BSD2 ortholog in
      Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a small protein (17 kDa) localized to the
      chloroplast. The algal BSD2-ortholog contains four CXXCXGXG DnaJ-like elements,
      but lacks the other conserved domains of DnaJ. BSD2 co-migrated with the rbcL
      transcript on heavy polysomes, and both BSD2 and rbcL mRNA shifted to the lighter
      fractions under oxidizing conditions that repress the translation of the Rubisco
      large subunit (RbcL). This profile of co-migration supports the possibility that
      BSD2 is required for the de novo synthesis of RbcL. Furthermore, BSD2 co-migrated
      with the rbcL transcript in a C. reinhardtii premature-termination mutant that
      encodes the first 60 amino acids of RbcL. In both strains, BSD2 shared its
      migration profile with the rbcL transcript but not with psbA mRNA. The chaperone
      activity of BSD2 was exemplified by its ability to prevent the aggregation of
      both citrate synthase (CS) and RbcL in vitro following their chemical
      denaturation. This activity did not depend on the presence of the thiol groups on
      BSD2. In contrast, the activity of BSD2 in preventing the precipitation of
      reduced beta-chains in vitro in the insulin turbidity assay was thiol-dependent.
      We conclude that BSD2 combines a chaperone 'holdase' function with the ability to
      interact with free thiols, with both activities being required to protect newly
      synthesized RbcL chains. 

PMID- 25124727
TI  - Cavity-induced microstreaming for simultaneous on-chip pumping and size-based
      separation of cells and particles.
AB  - We present a microfluidic platform for simultaneous on-chip pumping and size
      based separation of cells and particles without external fluidic control systems
      required for most existing platforms. The device utilizes an array of
      acoustically actuated air/liquid interfaces generated using dead-end side
      channels termed Lateral Cavity Acoustic Transducers (LCATs). The oscillating
      interfaces generate local streaming flow while the angle of the LCATs relative to
      the main channel generates a global bulk flow from the inlet to the outlet. The
      interaction of these two competing velocity fields (i.e. global bulk velocity vs.
      local streaming velocity) is responsible for the observed separation. It is shown
      that the separation of 5 MUm and 10 MUm polystyrene beads is dependent on the
      ratio of these two competing velocity fields. The experimental and simulation
      results suggest that particle trajectories based only on Stokes drag force cannot
      fully explain the separation behavior and that the impact of additional forces
      due to the oscillating flow field must be considered to determine the trajectory
      of the beads and ultimately the separation behavior of the device. To demonstrate
      an application of this separation platform with cellular components, smaller red
      blood cells (7.5 +/- 0.8 MUm) are separated from larger K562 cells (16.3 +/- 2.0
      MUm) with viabilities comparable to those of controls based on a trypan blue
      exclusion assay. 

PMID- 25124724
TI  - Autoantibodies associated with prenatal and childhood exposure to environmental
      chemicals in Faroese children.
AB  - Methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and perfluorinated compounds
      (PFCs) are ubiquitous and persistent environmental chemicals with known or
      suspected toxic effects on the nervous system and the immune system. Animal
      studies have shown that tissue damage can elicit production of autoantibodies.
      However, it is not known if autoantibodies similarly will be generated and
      detectable in humans following toxicant exposures. Therefore, we conducted a
      pilot study to investigate if autoantibodies specific for neural and non-neural
      antigens could be detected in children at age 7 years who have been exposed to
      environmental chemicals. Both prenatal and age-7 exposures to mercury, PCBs, and
      PFCs were measured in 38 children in the Faroe Islands who were exposed to widely
      different levels of these chemicals due to their seafood-based diet.
      Concentrations of IgM and IgG autoantibodies specific to both neural
      (neurofilaments, cholineacetyltransferase, astrocyte glial fibrillary acidic
      protein, and myelin basic protein) and non-neural (actin, desmin, and keratin)
      antigens were measured and the associations of these autoantibody concentrations
      with chemical exposures were assessed using linear regression. Age-7 blood
      mercury concentrations were positively associated with titers of multiple neural-
      and non-neural-specific antibodies, mostly of the IgM isotype. Additionally,
      prenatal blood-mercury and -PCBs were negatively associated with anti-keratin IgG
      and prenatal PFOS was negatively associated with anti-actin IgG. These
      exploratory findings demonstrate that autoantibodies can be detected in the
      peripheral blood following exposure to environmental chemicals. The unexpected
      association of exposures with antibodies specific for non-neural antigens
      suggests that these chemicals may have toxicities that have not yet been
      recognized. 

PMID- 25124726
TI  - Molecular characterization of SjBIRP, another apoptosis inhibitor, from
      Schistosoma japonicum.
AB  - Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) play an important role in the regulation of
      apoptotic processes and are defined by the presence of baculoviral IAP repeat
      (BIR) domains. Here, we characterized a cDNA fragment (SjBIRP) synthesized from
      the RNA of Schistosoma japonicum, which was found to contain the BIR domain,
      suggesting that it could encode a potential IAP. Real-time PCR analyses indicated
      that SjBIRP transcription was detected at several stages of the schistosome's
      lifecycle, with increased levels present in schistosomula (7 days). In addition,
      the SjBIRP was highly expressed in adult females as compared to adult males. A
      functional assay showed that SjBIRP could inhibit caspase3/7 activity in both
      HeLa cells and schistosome lysates. Furthermore, SjBIRP expression profiles
      varied between different hosts of S. japonicum. Taken together, our preliminary
      studies suggest that SjBIRP may play a functional role in the regulation of
      apoptosis in schistosomes, and that it could be a potential drug target for
      schistosomiasis control. 

PMID- 25124728
TI  - Modeling large-scale dynamic processes in the cell: polarization, waves, and
      division.
AB  - The past decade has witnessed significant developments in molecular biology
      techniques, fluorescent labeling, and super-resolution microscopy, and together
      these advances have vastly increased our quantitative understanding of the cell.
      This detailed knowledge has concomitantly opened the door for biophysical
      modeling on a cellular scale. There have been comprehensive models produced
      describing many processes such as motility, transport, gene regulation, and
      chemotaxis. However, in this review we focus on a specific set of phenomena,
      namely cell polarization, F-actin waves, and cytokinesis. In each case, we
      compare and contrast various published models, highlight the relevant aspects of
      the biology, and provide a sense of the direction in which the field is moving. 

PMID- 25124729
TI  - Quality of measurements of acute surgical and traumatic wounds using a digital
      wound-analysing tool.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of measurements using a wound
      analysing tool and their interpretability. Wound surface areas and tissue types,
      such as granulation, slough and necrosis, in twenty digital photographs were
      measured using a specific software program. The ratio of these tissue types in a
      wound was calculated using a wound profile. We calculated the intraclass
      coefficient or kappa for reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM) and
      smallest detectable change (SDC). The inter-rater reliability intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.99 for surface area, 0.76 for granulation,
      0.67 for slough and 0.22 for necrosis. The profiles gave an overall kappa of
      0.16. For test-retest reliability, the ICC was 0.99 for surface area, 0.81 for
      granulation, 0.80 for slough and 0.97 for necrosis. The agreement of the applied
      profiles in the test-retest was 66% (40-100). SEM and SDC for surface area were
      0.10/0.27; for granulation, 6.88/19.08; for slough, 7.17/19.87; and for necrosis,
      0.35/0.98, respectively. Measuring wound surface area and tissue types by means
      of digital photo analysis is a reliable and applicable method for monitoring
      wound healing in acute wounds in daily practice as well as in research. 

PMID- 25124730
TI  - Hospitalizations and associated costs in a population-based study of children
      with Down syndrome born in Florida.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our objective was to examine differences in hospital resource usage
      for children with Down syndrome by age and the presence of other birth defects,
      particularly severe and nonsevere congenital heart defects (CHDs). METHODS: This
      was a retrospective, population-based, statewide study of children with Down
      syndrome born 1998 to 2007, identified by the Florida Birth Defects Registry
      (FBDR) and linked to hospital discharge records for 1 to 10 years after birth. To
      evaluate hospital resource usage, descriptive statistics on number of
      hospitalized days and hospital costs were calculated. Results were stratified by
      isolated Down syndrome (no other coded major birth defect); presence of severe
      and nonsevere CHDs; and presence of major FBDR-eligible birth defects without
      CHDs. RESULTS: For 2552 children with Down syndrome, there were 6856 inpatient
      admissions, of which 68.9% occurred during the first year of life (infancy). Of
      the 2552 children, 31.7% (n = 808) had isolated Down syndrome, 24.0% (n = 612)
      had severe CHDs, 36.3% (n = 927) had nonsevere CHDs, and 8.0% (n = 205) had a
      major FBDR-eligible birth defect in the absence of CHD. Infants in all three
      nonisolated DS groups had significantly higher hospital costs compared with those
      with isolated Down syndrome. From infancy through age 4, children with severe
      CHDs had the highest inpatient costs compared with children in the other sub
      groups. CONCLUSION: Results support findings that for children with Down syndrome
      the presence of other anomalies influences hospital use and costs, and children
      with severe CHDs have greater hospital resource usage than children with other
      CHDs or major birth defects without CHDs.

PMID- 25124732
TI  - Identification of loci associated with late-onset psoriasis using dense
      genotyping of immune-related regions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic plaque psoriasis can be subdivided into two groups according
      to the age of onset: type 1 (early onset, before 40 years) and type 2 (late
      onset, at or beyond 40 years). So far, 36 genetic loci have been associated with
      early-onset psoriasis in genome-wide association studies of white populations,
      while few studies have investigated genetic susceptibility to late-onset
      psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the genetics underpinning late-onset
      psoriasis. METHODS: We genotyped 543 cases of late-onset psoriasis and 4373
      healthy controls using the Immunochip array, a dense genotyping chip containing
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms previously associated with autoimmune diseases.
      Imputation using SNP2HLA and stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed
      for markers spanning the human leucocyte antigen gene region. RESULTS: Two loci
      (HLA-C and IL12B) previously associated with early-onset psoriasis showed
      significant association at a genome-wide threshold in the current study (P < 5 *
      10(-8)). Six more loci (TRAF3IP2, IL23R, RNF114, IFIH1, IL23A and HLA-A) showed
      study-wide significant association (P < 2.3 * 10(-5); calculated using Genetic
      type 1 error calculator). Additionally, we identified an association at IL1R1 on
      chromosome 2q13, which is not associated with early-onset disease. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the largest study to date of genetic loci in late-onset psoriasis, and
      demonstrates the overlap that exists with early-onset psoriasis. It also suggests
      that some loci are associated exclusively with late-onset psoriasis.

PMID- 25124731
TI  - Phytolatex synthesized gold nanoparticles as novel agent to enhance sun
      protection factor of commercial sunscreens.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the potential of phytolatex (latex of Jatropha gossypifolia)
      fabricated gold nanoparticles as promising candidate in sunscreen formulations
      for enhancement in sun protection factor. METHODS: In this study, plant latex was
      used as reducing and capping agent to synthesize gold nanoparticles. Latex
      fabricated gold nanoparticles were characterized by different analytical
      techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy,
      dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy and X
      ray diffraction. Potential of sunscreen preparations containing gold
      nanoparticles to protect skin from UV radiation was investigated by in vitro sun
      protection factor analysis. Transmission electron microscopy and UV-Vis
      spectroscopy techniques were used to get insight into mechanism by which AuNPs
      enhance sun protection factor of sunscreen. RESULTS: Monodisperse gold
      nanoparticles were synthesized using plant latex without need of hazardous
      chemical reducing and capping agents. Gold nanoparticles showed surface plasmon
      resonance peak at 550 nm in UV-Vis spectroscopic study. Gold nanoparticles were
      spherical and triangular in shape with size range of 30-50 nm. The zeta potential
      of gold nanoparticles was found to be -9.39 +/- 0.19 mV. XRD analysis confirmed
      face-centred cubic (fcc) structure of gold nanoparticles. Incorporation of latex
      synthesized gold nanoparticles (2 and 4 [% w/w]) into commercial sunscreens
      increased the sun protection factor from 2.43 +/- 0.74 to 24.11 +/- 0.46% than
      sunscreen devoid of gold nanoparticles. From UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and
      TEM analysis, it was observed that gold nanoparticles enhance the sun protection
      factor of commercial sunscreens due to reflection and scattering of UV radiation.
      CONCLUSION: Phytolatex synthesized gold nanoparticle is novel agent to enhance
      sun protection factor of commercial sunscreens. Gold nanoparticles aggregation in
      commercial sunscreen was the main factor behind SPF enhancement. This study
      showed that gold nanoparticles are potent alternative to traditionally used
      hazardous titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen.

PMID- 25124733
TI  - Influence of repeated infusion of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce on
      esophageal secondary peristalsis in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 has been implicated as a
      target mediator for heartburn perception and modulation of esophageal secondary
      peristalsis. Our aim was to determine the effect of repeated esophageal infusion
      of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce on heartburn perception and secondary
      peristalsis in healthy adults. METHODS: Secondary peristalsis was performed with
      mid-esophageal injections of air in 15 healthy adults. Two separate protocols
      including esophageal infusion with saline and capsaicin-contained red pepper
      sauce and 2 consecutive sessions of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce were
      randomly performed. KEY RESULTS: After repeated infusion of capsaicin-contained
      red pepper sauce, the threshold volume to activate secondary peristalsis was
      significantly increased during slow (p < 0.001) and rapid air injections (p =
      0.004). Acute infusion of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce enhanced heartburn
      perception (p < 0.001), but the intensity of heartburn perception was
      significantly reduced after repeated capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce
      infusion (p = 0.007). Acute infusion of capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce
      significantly increased pressure wave amplitudes of distal esophagus during slow
      (p = 0.003) and rapid air injections (p = 0.01), but repeated infusion of
      capsaicin-contained red pepper sauce significantly decreased pressure wave
      amplitude of distal esophagus during slow (p = 0.0005) and rapid air injections
      (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Repeated esophageal infusion of capsaicin
      appears to attenuate heartburn perception and inhibit distension-induced
      secondary peristalsis in healthy adults. These results suggest capsaicin
      sensitive afferents in modulating sensorimotor function of secondary peristalsis
      in human esophagus.

PMID- 25124735
TI  - TiO2 hollow spheres composed of highly crystalline nanocrystals exhibit superior
      lithium storage properties.
AB  - While the synthesis of TiO2 hollow structures is well-established, in most cases
      it is particularly difficult to control the crystallization of TiO2 in solution
      or by calcination. As a result, TiO2 hollow structures do not really exhibit
      enhanced lithium storage properties. Herein, we report a simple and cost
      effective template-assisted method to synthesize anatase TiO2 hollow spheres
      composed of highly crystalline nanocrystals, in which carbonaceous (C) spheres
      are chosen as the removable template. The release of gaseous species from the
      combustion of C spheres may inhibit the growth of TiO2 crystallites so that
      instead small TiO2 nanocrystals are generated. The small size and high
      crystallinity of primary TiO2 nanoparticles and the high structural integrity of
      the hollow spheres gives rise to significant improvements in the cycling
      stability and rate performance of the TiO2 hollow spheres. 

PMID- 25124734
TI  - First case of multidrug-resistant blaNDM-1- and blaOXA-232-carrying Klebsiella
      pneumoniae and its probable cross-transmission in a French hospital.

PMID- 25124737
TI  - More-frequent extreme northward shifts of eastern Indian Ocean tropical
      convergence under greenhouse warming.
AB  - The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in the tropical eastern Indian Ocean
      exhibits strong interannual variability, often co-occurring with positive Indian
      Ocean Dipole (pIOD) events. During what we identify as an extreme ITCZ event, a
      drastic northward shift of atmospheric convection coincides with an anomalously
      strong north-minus-south sea surface temperature (SST) gradient over the eastern
      equatorial Indian Ocean. Such shifts lead to severe droughts over the maritime
      continent and surrounding islands but also devastating floods in southern parts
      of the Indian subcontinent. Understanding future changes of the ITCZ is therefore
      of major scientific and socioeconomic interest. Here we find a more-than-doubling
      in the frequency of extreme ITCZ events under greenhouse warming, estimated from
      climate models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5
      that are able to simulate such events. The increase is due to a mean state change
      with an enhanced north-minus-south SST gradient and a weakened Walker
      Circulation, facilitating smaller perturbations to shift the ITCZ northwards. 

PMID- 25124736
TI  - Epigallocatechin-3-gallate functions as a physiological regulator by modulating
      the jasmonic acid pathway.
AB  - Flavonoids, a class of plant polyphenols derived from plant secondary metabolism,
      play important roles in plant development and have beneficial effects on human
      health. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol, and
      its molecular and biochemical mechanism have been followed with interest. The
      shared signaling heritage or convergence of organisms has allowed us to extend
      this research into the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we showed that
      EGCG could promote jasmonic acid (JA) signaling in A. thaliana. EGCG not only
      inhibited seed germination but also elevated the resistance to necrotrophic
      Botrytis cinerea, partly by altering the relative strength of JA signaling.
      Accordingly, JA marker gene induction, seed germination inhibition and the
      increased resistance to B. cinerea were attenuated in the JA-insensitive coi1-2
      mutant. The coi1-2 mutant was partially insensitive to the treatment of EGCG,
      further implicating the function of EGCG in JA signaling and/or perception. Our
      results indicate that EGCG, a member of the flavonoid class of polyphenols,
      affects signal processing in seed development and disease susceptibility via
      modulation of JA signaling. 

PMID- 25124738
TI  - Neurotoxicology and development: human, environmental and social impacts.
AB  - The 12th International symposium of the Scientific Committee on Neurotoxicology
      and Psychophysiology, International Commission on Occupational Health was held in
      Cape Town, South Africa on March 24-27, 2013. Reflecting the meeting aiming to
      build greater focus on challenges facing working populations and communities in
      developing countries, the Symposium theme was Neurotoxicology and Development:
      Human, Environmental and Social Impacts. A total of 23 countries were represented
      with strong participation from 5 African countries. In addition to the more
      traditional topics of these Symposia, like metal, solvents and pesticides
      neurotoxicity, the conference embraced several new themes including affective
      disorders arising from chemical exposure, neurodevelopmental impacts in early
      life and novel approaches to genetic and epigenetic biomarkers for the assessment
      of neurotoxic impact. The theme of the conference prompted extensive discussions,
      which have laid the basis for a number of new directions for research, advocacy
      and capacity building to prevent and manage chemical neurotoxicity in workplace
      and community settings across the globe. 

PMID- 25124739
TI  - Prenatal and postnatal lead exposure and cognitive development of infants
      followed over the first three years of life: a prospective birth study in the
      Pearl River Delta region, China.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our pilot studies showed that there was a significant relationship
      between low cord blood levels and scores of neonatal behavioral neurological
      assessment. The study was further to probe the adverse cognitive effects induced
      by low-level lead exposure during prenatal and postnatal period. METHOD: Totally
      362 mothers with their infants located the PRD, Guangdong, China participated in
      the study during their stay in these center: 141 in the high lead group
      [umbilical-cord blood lead levels (UCBLLs)>=3.92MUg/dl] and 102 in the low lead
      group (UCBLLs<=1.89MUg/dl). The other 137 subjects failed to complete the study
      for a variety of reasons. Blood Lead levels (BLLs) were measured by atomic
      absorption spectrophotometry, equipped with a graphite furnace. The developmental
      functioning of infants and children was assessed with BSID-II. The children's
      birth outcome and the rest of information were obtained from their medical
      records or a comprehensive questionnaire from their parents, which contained
      demographic characteristics, lifestyle, mother's IQ and environmental lead
      sources, etc. RESULTS: Of 380, 243 newborns (63.95%) had complete data collection
      for all variables included at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of age. The mean UCBLLs for
      high and low lead group were 5.63+/-0.32MUg/dl and 1.35+/-0.26MUg/dl,
      respectively. Significant inverse associations have been found between the UCBLLs
      and the MDI and the PDI. The associations might attenuate over subsequent years.
      BLLs at 24 months were significantly associated, in an inverse direction, with
      MDI at 24 and 36 months. The observed trend of cognitive deficit beginning at 6
      months of life might persist, and even develop over the coming years. A positive
      significant effect of home nurture environment was observed on MDI scores at 12,
      24, 36 months of age and PDI scores at 24 and 36 months of age. CONCLUSION: Our
      study demonstrates that prenatal and postnatal lead exposure as low as 5MUg/dl
      has an adverse effect on neurodevelopment, best arrested by measuring UCBLLs and
      BLLs at 24 months of age, and suggest a reference for a blood lead critical value
      below 5MUg/dL. The collective evidence indicate that low lead exposure must be
      addressed appropriately by health policy makers and argues for an improvement of
      home nurture environment, i.e., reduce the burden of Pb on children and,
      strengthen the training of cognitive ability.

PMID- 25124740
TI  - Dramatic decrease in fluoroquinolones in the pediatric population in Korea.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the change of prescribing patterns
      after the regulatory action regarding fluoroquinolones in pediatric patients.
      METHODS: We conducted a time series analysis using the Korea Health Insurance
      Review and Assessment Service National Patients Sample database. Study subjects
      consisted of pediatric patients under 18 years of age who were prescribed
      antibiotics at least once (ATC code, J01) before (January 2009-December 2009) and
      after implementation (January 2010-December 2011) of the regulation. The use of
      fluoroquinolones was defined as the use of the following antibiotics for at least
      once in pediatric patients: ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, lomefloxacin,
      levofloxacin, and gemifloxacin. We calculated the number of pediatric
      fluoroquinolone users for each month. The difference between proportions before
      and after the regulation was estimated as relative and absolute reduction of
      fluoroquinolone use. We calculated 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We
      identified 4, 945, 169 antibiotic prescriptions in 484, 914 pediatric patients.
      During the 12-month period before implementation, percentage of fluoroquinolone
      use was 4.81% (95% CI: 4.70-4.91%, N = 8001). We observed a rapid decrease in the
      monthly number of fluoroquinolone users in pediatric population after the
      implementation of regulatory action. In the year after regulatory action, the
      percentage of fluoroquinolone use was only 0.26% (95% CI: 0.24-0.28%, N = 834).
      Overall, there was a 94.55% relative reduction (95% CI: 88.02-101.56%) in the use
      of fluoroquinolones. CONCLUSION: Korean regulatory actions regarding
      fluoroquinolones had an effect of reducing use in pediatric population.

PMID- 25124741
TI  - Simultaneous high-resolution detection of multiple transcripts combined with
      localization of proteins in whole-mount embryos.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is a fundamental tool for
      studying the spatio-temporal expression pattern of RNA molecules in intact
      embryos and tissues. The available methodologies for detecting mRNAs in embryos
      rely on enzymatic activities and chemical reactions that generate diffusible
      products, which are not fixed to the detected RNA, thereby reducing the spatial
      resolution of the technique. In addition, current WISH techniques are time
      consuming and are usually not combined with methods reporting the expression of
      protein molecules. RESULTS: The protocol we have developed and present here is
      based on the RNAscope technology that is currently employed on formalin-fixed,
      paraffin-embedded and frozen tissue sections for research and clinical
      applications. By using zebrafish embryos as an example, we provide a robust and
      rapid method that allows the simultaneous visualization of multiple transcripts,
      demonstrated here for three different RNA molecules. The optimized procedure
      allows the preservation of embryo integrity, while exhibiting excellent signal-to
      noise ratios. Employing this method thus allows the determination of the spatial
      expression pattern and subcellular localization of multiple RNA molecules
      relative to each other at high resolution, in the three-dimensional context of
      the developing embryo or tissue under investigation. Lastly, we show that this
      method preserves the function of fluorescent proteins that are expressed in
      specific cells or cellular organelles and conserves antigenicity, allowing
      protein detection using antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: By fine-tuning the RNAscope
      technology, we have successfully redesigned the protocol to be compatible with
      whole-mount embryo samples. Using this robust method for zebrafish and extending
      it to other organisms would have a strong impact on research in developmental,
      molecular and cell biology. Of similar significance would be the adaptation of
      the method to whole-mount clinical samples. Such a protocol would contribute to
      biomedical research and clinical diagnostics by providing information regarding
      the three-dimensional expression pattern of clinical markers.

PMID- 25124742
TI  - Retronasal odor of dried bonito stock induces umami taste and improves the
      palatability of saltiness.
AB  - A traditional Japanese umami-rich stock, dried bonito stock, was reported to
      improve the palatability of a low-salt diet due to its characteristic aroma. Two
      pathways are available for the presentation of odors: the orthonasal and
      retronasal pathways. Aroma is perceived through the orthonasal pathway. In
      contrast, retronasal application of odors is thought to evoke different
      sensations from the orthonasal pathway, which is typically perceived as taste and
      modifies taste. Therefore, the effect of retronasal odor on salt-reduction might
      be different from that of aroma, that is, orthonasal odor. Thus, the effects of
      the retronasal odor of dried bonito stock on the enhancement and improvement of
      palatability upon salt reduction were examined using sensory evaluation.
      Moreover, the contributions to flavor expression and palatability of dried bonito
      stock were also investigated. Although the retronasal odor of dried bonito did
      not enhance saltiness, it improved the palatability of saltiness. In the presence
      of no tastants except 0.68% NaCl, a content 15% less than that of Japanese
      traditional soup, the retronasal odor of dried bonito generated umami, enhanced
      the suitability for dried bonito stock, and increased palatability. This
      indicates that the retronasal odor of dried bonito stock could improve the
      palatability of a salt-reduced diet. These findings can be applied to the
      development of new seasonings for improving the palatability of salt-reduced
      foods. 

PMID- 25124744
TI  - Isoflurane reduces the ischemia reperfusion injury surge: a longitudinal study
      with MRI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies show neuroprotective benefits of isoflurane (ISO)
      administered during cerebral ischemia. However, the available studies evaluated
      cerebral injury only at a single time point following the intervention and thus
      the longitudinal effect of ISO on ischemic tissues remains to be investigated.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to investigate the longitudinal
      effect of ISO treatment in counteracting the deleterious effect of ischemia by
      evoking the transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), and
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). METHODS: Focal cerebral ischemia was
      induced in 70 rats by filament medial cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) method.
      MCAo rats were randomly assigned to control (90 min ischemia) and MCAo+ISO (90
      min ischemia+2% ISO) groups. Infarct volume, edema, intracerebral hemorrhage
      (ICH), and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were measured in eight in vivo
      sequential MR imaging sessions for 3 weeks. Western blot analysis and
      immunofluorescence were used to determine the expression level of HIF-1alpha (the
      regulatable subunit of HIF-1) and VEGF proteins. RESULTS: ISO inhalation during
      ischemia significantly decreased the surge of infarct volume, edema, ICH, and
      reduced the mortality rate (p<0.01). ISO transiently altered the rCBF,
      significantly enhanced the expression of HIF-1alpha and VEGF, and decreased the
      immune cell infiltration. Locomotor dysfunction was ameliorated at a
      significantly faster pace, and the benefit was seen to persist up to three weeks.
      CONCLUSION: Treatment with ISO during ischemia limits the deadly surge in the
      dynamics of ischemia reperfusion injury with no observed long-term inverse
      effect.

PMID- 25124743
TI  - Enhanced neurocognitive functioning and positive temperament in twins discordant
      for bipolar disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Based on evidence linking creativity and bipolar disorder, a model has
      been proposed whereby factors influencing liability to bipolar disorder confer
      certain traits with positive effects on reproductive fitness. The authors tested
      this model by examining key traits known to be associated with evolutionary
      fitness, namely, temperament and neurocognition, in individuals carrying
      liability for bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia probands and their co-twins were
      included as psychiatric controls. METHOD: Twin pairs discordant for bipolar
      disorder and schizophrenia and control pairs were identified through the Swedish
      Twin Registry. The authors administered a neuropsychological test battery and
      temperament questionnaires to samples of bipolar probands, bipolar co-twins,
      schizophrenia probands, schizophrenia co-twins, and controls. Multivariate mixed
      model analyses of variance were conducted to compare groups on temperament and
      neurocognitive scores. RESULTS: Bipolar co-twins showed elevated scores on a
      "positivity" temperament scale compared with controls and bipolar probands, while
      bipolar probands scored higher on a "negativity" scale compared with their co
      twins and controls, who did not differ. Additionally, bipolar co-twins showed
      superior performance compared with controls on tests of verbal learning and
      fluency, while bipolar probands showed performance decrements across all
      neurocognitive domains. In contrast, schizophrenia co-twins showed attenuated
      impairments in positivity and overall neurocognitive functioning relative to
      their ill proband counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that supra
      normal levels of sociability and verbal functioning may be associated with
      liability for bipolar disorder. These effects were specific to liability for
      bipolar disorder and did not apply to schizophrenia. Such benefits may provide a
      partial explanation for the persistence of bipolar illness in the population.

PMID- 25124746
TI  - Use of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin in donkey semen cryopreservation improves
      sperm viability but results in low fertility in mares.
AB  - The use of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) on semen cryopreservation has
      been related with better sperm viability in several species; however, the effect
      on fertility is not known in donkey semen. Ejaculates (n = 25) from five donkeys
      were diluted in S-MEDIUM with 0, 1, 2 or 3 mg of CLC/120 * 10(6) spermatozoa.
      Semen was frozen, and thawed samples were evaluated by computer-assisted sperm
      analyser system (CASA), supravital test, hyposmotic swelling test and fluorescent
      dyes to assess the integrity of sperm membranes. Mares (n = 60) were inseminated
      with frozen-thawed semen treated with the doses of 0 or 1 mg CLC. Percentages of
      sperm with progressive motility and with functional plasma membrane were greater
      (p < 0.05) in the CLC-treated groups than in the control. Percentages of intact
      plasma membrane and intact plasma membrane and acrosome detected by fluorescent
      dyes were also greater (p < 0.05) in CLC-treated groups. Although no difference
      (p > 0.05) in conception rates was detected between groups (control, 3/30, 10%;
      CLC-treated, 1/30, 3.3%), fertility was low for artificial insemination programs
      in mares. Therefore, we firstly demonstrated that frozen semen treated with CLC
      in S-MEDIA extender before freezing improves the in vitro sperm viability, but
      semen treated or not with CLC in S-MEDIUM extender results in a very low
      conception rate in mares inseminated with thawed donkey semen. 

PMID- 25124747
TI  - Evaluating disease-modifying agents: a simulation framework for Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Considerable advances have been made in modeling Alzheimer's disease
      (AD), with a move towards individual-level rather than cohort models and
      simulations that consider multiple dimensions when evaluating disease severity.
      However, the possibility that disease-modifying agents (DMAs) may emerge requires
      an update of existing modeling frameworks. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was
      to develop a simulation allowing for economic evaluation of DMAs in AD. METHODS:
      The model was developed based on a previously published, well-validated, discrete
      event simulation which measures disease severity on the basis of cognition,
      behaviour, and function, and captures the interrelated changes in these measures
      for individuals. The updated model adds one more domain, patient dependence, in
      addition to cognition, behaviour, and function to better characterize disease
      severity. Furthermore, the model was modified to have greater flexibility in
      assessing the impact of various important assumptions, such as the long-term
      effectiveness of DMAs and their impact on survival, on model outcomes. A
      validation analysis was performed to examine how well the model predicted change
      in disease severity among patients not receiving DMA treatment by comparing model
      results to those observed in two recent phase III clinical trials of
      bapineuzumab. In addition, various hypothetical scenarios were tested to
      demonstrate the improved features of the model. RESULTS: Validation results show
      that the model closely predicts the mean changes in disease severity over 18
      months. Results from different hypothetical scenarios show that the model allows
      for credible assessment of those major uncertainties surrounding the long-term
      effectiveness of DMAs, including the potential impact of improved survival with
      DMA treatment. They also indicate that varying these assumptions could have a
      major impact on the value of DMAs. CONCLUSIONS: The updated economic model has
      good predictive power, but validation against longer-term outcomes is still
      needed. Our analyses also demonstrate the importance of designing a model with
      sufficient flexibility such that the model allows for assessment of the impact of
      key sources of uncertainty on the value of DMAs.

PMID- 25124748
TI  - Typology of individuals with substance dependence based on a Montreal
      longitudinal catchment area study.
AB  - This study sought to develop a typology of individuals with substance dependence
      (ISD) based on a longitudinal survey (n = 2,434) and 121 ISD. The latter were
      divided into three groups: newly abstinent individuals, chronic dependents and
      acute dependents. Individuals' typology was developed by cluster analysis. Newly
      abstinent individuals had fewer emotional problems and mental disorders in the
      previous 12 months. Four classes of ISD were identified, labelled respectively
      "chronic multi-substance consumption and mental disorders comorbidities," "multi
      substance consumption," "alcohol and marijuana consumption" and "alcohol
      consumption only." Strategies adapted to each of these profiles could be promoted
      for more effective treatment.

PMID- 25124750
TI  - Implementing a medical screening and referral program for rural emergency
      departments.
AB  - CONTEXT: Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding due to nonemergent use is an
      ongoing concern. In 2011, a regional health system that primarily serves rural
      communities in Texas instituted a new program to medically screen and refer
      nonemergent patients to nearby affiliated rural health clinics (RHCs). PURPOSE:
      This formative evaluation describes the program goals, process, and early
      implementation experiences at 2 sites that adopted the program before wider
      implementation within the rural health system. METHODS: Primary data collection
      including document review, internal stakeholder interviews, and direct
      observation of program processes were used for this formative evaluation of
      program implementation in light of program goals and objectives. Fourteen key
      informants were asked questions related to the program concept, structure, and
      implementation. RESULTS: The program, as implemented, aligned with initial
      program goals, but it was dependent on ED screening staff and RHC availability.
      Some adjustments to the program were needed, including RHC hours, consistency
      among staff in making referrals, patient education, and improving patient uptake
      on the referral. Stakeholders reported lessons learned related to training, staff
      buy-in, Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), and
      intraorganizational cooperation. DISCUSSION: The system was able to leverage
      excess capacity of affiliated RHCs to accommodate low-acuity patients referred
      from the ED and may lead to improvements in Triple Aim goals of increased patient
      satisfaction, better population health and outcomes, and lower per capita costs.
      Lessons learned from this program may inform similar processes aimed to reduce
      nonemergency ED utilization by other rural health systems.

PMID- 25124749
TI  - Complement factor C5a induces atherosclerotic plaque disruptions.
AB  - Complement factor C5a and its receptor C5aR are expressed in vulnerable
      atherosclerotic plaques; however, a causal relation between C5a and plaque
      rupture has not been established yet. Accelerated atherosclerosis was induced by
      placing vein grafts in male apoE(-/-) mice. After 24 days, when advanced plaques
      had developed, C5a or PBS was applied locally at the lesion site in a pluronic
      gel. Three days later mice were killed to examine the acute effect of C5a on late
      stage atherosclerosis. A significant increase in C5aR in the plaque was
      detectable in mice treated with C5a. Lesion size and plaque morphology did not
      differ between treatment groups, but interestingly, local treatment with C5a
      resulted in a striking increase in the amount of plaque disruptions with
      concomitant intraplaque haemorrhage. To identify the potential underlying
      mechanisms, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells were treated in vitro with
      C5a. Both cell types revealed a marked increase in apoptosis after stimulation
      with C5a, which may contribute to lesion instability in vivo. Indeed, apoptosis
      within the plaque was seen to be significantly increased after C5a treatment. We
      here demonstrate a causal role for C5a in atherosclerotic plaque disruptions,
      probably by inducing apoptosis. Therefore, intervention in complement factor C5a
      signalling may be a promising target in the prevention of acute atherosclerotic
      complications. 

PMID- 25124752
TI  - Impulsive exponential synchronization of randomly coupled neural networks with
      Markovian jumping and mixed model-dependent time delays.
AB  - In this paper, the exponential synchronization problem for an array of N randomly
      coupled neural networks with Markovian jump and mixed model-dependent time delays
      via impulsive control is investigated. The jump parameters are determined by a
      continuous-time, discrete-state Markovian chain, and the mixed time delays under
      consideration comprise both discrete and continuous distributed delays. By making
      use of the Kronecker product and some useful techniques, a novel Lyapunov
      Krasovskii functional suitable for handling distributed delays was proposed and
      then we show that the addressed synchronization problem is solvable if a set of
      linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are feasible. The results presented in this
      paper generalize and improve many known results. Two numerical examples are also
      given to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results. 

PMID- 25124753
TI  - Global exponential almost periodicity of a delayed memristor-based neural
      networks.
AB  - In this paper, the existence, uniqueness and stability of almost periodic
      solution for a class of delayed memristor-based neural networks are studied. By
      using a new Lyapunov function method, the neural network that has a unique almost
      periodic solution, which is globally exponentially stable is proved. Moreover,
      the obtained conclusion on the almost periodic solution is applied to prove the
      existence and stability of periodic solution (or equilibrium point) for delayed
      memristor-based neural networks with periodic coefficients (or constant
      coefficients). The obtained results are helpful to design the global exponential
      stability of almost periodic oscillatory memristor-based neural networks. Three
      numerical examples and simulations are also given to show the feasibility of our
      results. 

PMID- 25124751
TI  - Isotopic ratio based source apportionment of children's blood lead around coking
      plant area.
AB  - Lead exposure in the environment is a major hazard affecting human health,
      particularly for children. The blood lead levels in the local children living
      around the largest coking area in China were measured, and the source of blood
      lead and the main pathways of lead exposure were investigated based on lead
      isotopic ratios ((207)Pb/(206)Pb and (208)Pb/(206)Pb) in blood and in a variety
      of media, including food, airborne particulate matter, soil, dust and drinking
      water. The children's blood lead level was 5.25 (1.59 to 34.36 as range) MUg dL(
      1), lower than the threshold in the current criteria of China defined by the US
      Centers for Disease Control (10 MUg dL(-1)). The isotopic ratios in the blood
      were 2.111+/-0.018 for (208)Pb/(206)Pb and 0.864+/-0.005 for (207)Pb/(206)Pb,
      similar to those of vegetables, wheat, drinking water, airborne particulate
      matter, but different from those of vehicle emission and soil/dust, suggesting
      that the formers were the main pathway of lead exposure among the children. The
      exposure pathway analysis based on the isotopic ratios and the human health risk
      assessment showed that dietary intake of food and drinking water contributed
      93.67% of total exposed lead. The study further indicated that the coal used in
      the coking plant is the dominant pollution source of lead in children's blood.

PMID- 25124745
TI  - Vector platforms for gene therapy of inherited retinopathies.
AB  - Inherited retinopathies (IR) are common untreatable blinding conditions. Most of
      them are inherited as monogenic disorders, due to mutations in genes expressed in
      retinal photoreceptors (PR) and in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The retina's
      compatibility with gene transfer has made transduction of different retinal cell
      layers in small and large animal models via viral and non-viral vectors possible.
      The ongoing identification of novel viruses as well as modifications of existing
      ones based either on rational design or directed evolution have generated vector
      variants with improved transduction properties. Dozens of promising proofs of
      concept have been obtained in IR animal models with both viral and non-viral
      vectors, and some of them have been relayed to clinical trials. To date,
      recombinant vectors based on the adeno-associated virus (AAV) represent the most
      promising tool for retinal gene therapy, given their ability to efficiently
      deliver therapeutic genes to both PR and RPE and their excellent safety and
      efficacy profiles in humans. However, AAVs' limited cargo capacity has prevented
      application of the viral vector to treatments requiring transfer of genes with a
      coding sequence larger than 5 kb. Vectors with larger capacity, i.e.
      nanoparticles, adenoviral and lentiviral vectors are being exploited for gene
      transfer to the retina in animal models and, more recently, in humans. This
      review focuses on the available platforms for retinal gene therapy to fight
      inherited blindness, highlights their main strengths and examines the efforts to
      overcome some of their limitations. 

PMID- 25124756
TI  - Early embryonic specification of vertebrate cranial placodes.
AB  - Cranial placodes contribute to many sensory organs and ganglia of the vertebrate
      head. The olfactory, otic, and lateral line placodes form the sensory receptor
      cells and neurons of the nose, ear, and lateral line system; the lens placode
      develops into the lens of the eye; epibranchial, profundal, and trigeminal
      placodes contribute sensory neurons to cranial nerve ganglia; and the
      adenohypophyseal placode gives rise to the anterior pituitary, a major endocrine
      control organ. Despite these differences in fate, all placodes are now known to
      originate from a common precursor, the preplacodal ectoderm (PPE). The latter is
      a horseshoe-shaped domain of ectoderm surrounding the anterior neural plate and
      neural crest and is defined by expression of transcription factor Six1, its
      cofactor Eya1, and other members of the Six and Eya families. Studies in
      zebrafish, Xenopus, and chick reveal that the PPE is specified together with
      other ectodermal territories (epidermis, neural crest, and neural plate) during
      early embryogenesis. During gastrulation, domains of ventrally (e.g., Dlx3/Dlx5,
      GATA2/GATA3, AP2, Msx1, FoxI1, and Vent1/Vent2) and dorsally (e.g., Zic1, Sox3,
      and Geminin) restricted transcription factors are established in response to a
      gradient of BMP and help to define non-neural and neural competence territories,
      respectively. At neural plate stages, the PPE is then induced in the non-neural
      competence territory by signals from the adjacent neural plate and mesoderm
      including FGF, BMP inhibitors, and Wnt inhibitors. Subsequently, signals from
      more localized signaling centers induce restricted expression domains of various
      transcription factors within the PPE, which specify multiplacodal areas and
      ultimately individual placodes. For further resources related to this article,
      please visit the WIREs website. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The author has declared no
      conflicts of interest for this article.

PMID- 25124757
TI  - Cell-intrinsic timing in animal development.
AB  - In certain instances we can witness cells controlling the sequence of their
      behaviors as they divide and differentiate. Striking examples occur in the
      nervous systems of animals where the order of differentiated cell types can be
      traced to internal changes in their progenitors. Elucidating the molecular
      mechanisms underlying such cell fate succession has been of interest for its role
      in generating cell type diversity and proper tissue structure. Another well
      studied instance of developmental timing occurs in the larva of the nematode
      Caenorhabditis elegans, where the heterochronic gene pathway controls the
      succession of a variety of developmental events. In each case, the identification
      of molecules involved and the elucidation of their regulatory relationships is
      ongoing, but some important factors and dynamics have been revealed. In
      particular, certain homologs of worm heterochronic factors have been shown to
      work in neural development, alerting us to possible connections among these
      systems and the possibility of universal components of timing mechanisms. These
      connections also cause us to consider whether cell-intrinsic timing is more
      widespread, regardless of whether multiple differentiated cell types are produced
      in any particular order. For further resources related to this article, please
      visit the WIREs website. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have declared no
      conflicts of interest for this article.

PMID- 25124759
TI  - Arterial tortuosity in patients with Filamin A- associated vascular aneurysms.

PMID- 25124755
TI  - Developmental programs of lung epithelial progenitors: a balanced progenitor
      model.
AB  - The daunting task of lung epithelium development is to transform a cluster of
      foregut progenitors into a three-dimensional (3D) tubular network with distinct
      cell types distributed at their appropriate locations. A complete understanding
      of lung development needs to address not only how, but also where, different cell
      types form. We propose that the lung epithelium forms through regulated
      deployment of three developmental programs: branching morphogenesis to expand
      progenitors and build a tree-like tubular network, airway differentiation to
      specify cells for the proximal conducting airways, and alveolar differentiation
      to specify cells for the peripheral gas exchange region. Each developmental
      program has its unique morphological features and molecular control mechanisms;
      their spatiotemporal coordination can be accounted for in a balanced progenitor
      model where progenitors balance between alternative developmental programs in
      response to spatiotemporal cues. This model integrates progenitor morphogenesis
      and differentiation, and provides new insights to lung immaturity in preterm
      birth and lung evolution. Advanced gene targeting and 3D imaging tools are needed
      to achieve a comprehensive understanding of lung epithelial progenitors on
      molecular, cellular, and morphological levels. For further resources related to
      this article, please visit the WIREs website. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors
      have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.

PMID- 25124761
TI  - The movement of the non-cell-autonomous transcription factor, SHORT-ROOT relies
      on the endomembrane system.
AB  - Plant cells are able to convey positional and developmental information between
      cells through the direct transfer of transcription factors. One well studied
      example of this is the SHORT-ROOT (SHR) protein, which moves from the stele into
      the neighboring ground tissue layer to specify endodermis. While it has been
      shown that SHR trafficking relies on plasmodesmata (PD), and interaction with the
      SHR INTERACTING EMBRYONIC LETHAL (SIEL) protein, little information is known
      about how SHR trafficking is controlled or how SIEL promotes the movement of SHR.
      Here we show that SHR can move from multiple different cell types in the root.
      Analysis of subcellular localization indicates that in the cytoplasm of root or
      leaf cells, SHR localizes to endosomes in a SIEL-dependent manner. Interference
      of early and late endosomes disrupts intercellular movement of SHR. Our findings
      reveal an essential role for the plant endomembrane, independent of secretion, in
      the intercellular trafficking of SHR. 

PMID- 25124754
TI  - Maternal control of the Drosophila dorsal-ventral body axis.
AB  - The pathway that generates the dorsal-ventral (DV) axis of the Drosophila embryo
      has been the subject of intense investigation over the previous three decades.
      The initial asymmetric signal originates during oogenesis by the movement of the
      oocyte nucleus to an anterior corner of the oocyte, which establishes DV polarity
      within the follicle through signaling between Gurken, the Drosophila Transforming
      Growth Factor (TGF)-alpha homologue secreted from the oocyte, and the Drosophila
      Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) that is expressed by the follicular
      epithelium cells that envelop the oocyte. Follicle cells that are not exposed to
      Gurken follow a ventral fate and express Pipe, a sulfotransferase that
      enzymatically modifies components of the inner vitelline membrane layer of the
      eggshell, thereby transferring DV spatial information from the follicle to the
      egg. These ventrally sulfated eggshell proteins comprise a localized cue that
      directs the ventrally restricted formation of the active Spatzle ligand within
      the perivitelline space between the eggshell and the embryonic membrane. Spatzle
      activates Toll, a transmembrane receptor in the embryonic membrane. Transmission
      of the Toll signal into the embryo leads to the formation of a ventral-to-dorsal
      gradient of the transcription factor Dorsal within the nuclei of the syncytial
      blastoderm stage embryo. Dorsal controls the spatially specific expression of a
      large constellation of zygotic target genes, the Dorsal gene regulatory network,
      along the embryonic DV circumference. This article reviews classic studies and
      integrates them with the details of more recent work that has advanced our
      understanding of the complex pathway that establishes Drosophila embryo DV
      polarity. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs
      website. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest
      for this article.

PMID- 25124760
TI  - Structural insights for HIV-1 therapeutic strategies targeting Vif.
AB  - HIV-1 viral infectivity factor (Vif) is a viral accessory protein that is
      required for HIV-1 infection due largely to its role in recruiting antiretroviral
      factors of the APOBEC3 (apolipoprotein B editing catalytic subunit-like 3) family
      to an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex for polyubiquitylation and proteasomal
      degradation. The crystal structure of the (near) full-length Vif protein in
      complex with Elongin (Elo)B/C, core-binding factor (CBF)beta and Cullin (Cul)5
      revealed that Vif has a novel structural fold. In our opinion the structural data
      revealed not only the protein-protein interaction sites that determine Vif
      stability and interaction with cellular proteins, but also motifs driving Vif
      homodimerization, which are essential in Vif functionality and HIV-1 infection.
      Vif-mediated protein-protein interactions are excellent targets for a new class
      of antiretroviral therapeutics to combat AIDS. 

PMID- 25124762
TI  - A mathematical model of the human metabolic system and metabolic flexibility.
AB  - In healthy subjects some tissues in the human body display metabolic flexibility,
      by this we mean the ability for the tissue to switch its fuel source between
      predominantly carbohydrates in the postprandial state and predominantly fats in
      the fasted state. Many of the pathways involved with human metabolism are
      controlled by insulin and insulin-resistant states such as obesity and type-2
      diabetes are characterised by a loss or impairment of metabolic flexibility. In
      this paper we derive a system of 12 first-order coupled differential equations
      that describe the transport between and storage in different tissues of the human
      body. We find steady state solutions to these equations and use these results to
      nondimensionalise the model. We then solve the model numerically to simulate a
      healthy balanced meal and a high fat meal and we discuss and compare these
      results. Our numerical results show good agreement with experimental data where
      we have data available to us and the results show behaviour that agrees with
      intuition where we currently have no data with which to compare. 

PMID- 25124763
TI  - Modelling the impact of marine reserves on a population with depensatory
      dynamics.
AB  - In this study, we use a spatially implicit, stage-structured model to evaluate
      marine reserve effectiveness for a fish population exhibiting depensatory (strong
      Allee) effects in its dynamics. We examine the stability and sensitivity of the
      equilibria of the modelled system with regards to key system parameters and find
      that for a reasonable set of parameters, populations can be protected from a
      collapse if a small percentage of the total area is set aside in reserves.
      Furthermore, the overall abundance of the population is predicted to achieve a
      maximum at a certain ratio A of reserve area to fished area, which depends
      heavily on the other system parameters such as the net export rate of fish from
      the marine reserves to the fished areas. This finding runs contrary to the
      contested "equivalence at best" result when comparing fishery management through
      traditional catch or effort control and management through marine reserves.
      Lastly, we analyse the problem from a bioeconomics perspective by computing the
      optimal harvesting policy using Pontryagin's Maximum Principle, which suggests
      that the value for A which maximizes the optimal equilibrium fishery yield also
      maximizes population abundance when the cost per unit harvest is constant, but
      can increase substantially when the cost per unit harvest increases with the area
      being harvested.

PMID- 25124764
TI  - Age trajectories of mortality from all diseases in the six most populated
      countries of the South America during the last decades.
AB  - Age trajectories of total mortality represent an irreplaceable source of
      information about aging. In principle, age affects mortality from all diseases
      differently than it affects mortality from external causes. External causes
      (accidents) are excluded here from all causes, and the resultant category "all
      diseases" is tested as a helpful tool to better understand the relationship
      between mortality and age. Age trajectories of all-diseases mortality are studied
      in the six most populated countries of the South America during 1996-2010. The
      numbers of deaths for specific causes of death are extracted from the database of
      WHO, where the ICD-10 revision is used. The all-diseases mortality shows a strong
      minimum, which is hidden in total mortality. Two simple deterministic models fit
      the age trajectories of all-diseases mortality. The inverse proportion between
      mortality and age fits the mortality decreases up to minimum value in all six
      countries. All previous models describing mortality decline after birth are
      discussed. Theoretical relationships are derived between the parameter in the
      first model and standard mortality indicators: Infant mortality, Neonatal
      mortality, and Postneonatal mortality. The Gompertz model extended with a small
      positive quadratic element fit the age trajectories of all-diseases mortality
      after the age of 10 years. 

PMID- 25124765
TI  - Dynamics of a producer-grazer model incorporating the effects of excess food
      nutrient content on grazer's growth.
AB  - Modeling under the framework of ecological stoichiometric allows the
      investigation of the effects of food quality on food web population dynamics.
      Recent discoveries in ecological stoichiometry suggest that grazer dynamics are
      affected by insufficient food nutrient content (low phosphorus (P)/carbon (C)
      ratio) as well as excess food nutrient content (high P:C). This phenomenon is
      known as the "stoichiometric knife edge." While previous models have captured
      this phenomenon, they do not explicitly track P in the producer or in the media
      that supports the producer, which brings questions to the validity of their
      predictions. Here, we extend a Lotka-Volterra-type stoichiometric model by
      mechanistically deriving and tracking P in the producer and free P in the
      environment in order to investigate the growth response of Daphnia to algae of
      varying P:C ratios. Bifurcation analysis and numerical simulations of the full
      model, that explicitly tracks phosphorus, lead to quantitative different
      predictions than previous models that neglect to track free nutrients. The full
      model shows that the fate of the grazer population can be very sensitive to
      excess nutrient concentrations. Dynamical free nutrient pool seems to induce
      extreme grazer population density changes when total nutrient is in an
      intermediate range. 

PMID- 25124766
TI  - Ecohydrology of agroecosystems: quantitative approaches towards sustainable
      irrigation.
AB  - Irrigation represents one of the main strategies to enhance and stabilize
      agricultural productivity, by mitigating the effects of rainfall vagaries. In the
      face of the projected growth in population and in biofuel demands, as well as
      shifts in climate and dietary habits, a more sustainable management of water
      resources in agroecosystems is needed. The field of ecohydrology, traditionally
      focusing on natural ecosystems, has the potential to offer the necessary
      quantitative tools to assess and compare agricultural enterprises across
      climates, soil types, crops, and irrigation strategies, accounting for the
      unpredictability of the hydro-climatic forcing. Here, agricultural sustainability
      and productivity are assessed with reference to water productivity (defined as
      the ratio between yield and total supplied water), yields, water requirements,
      and their variability-a crucial element for food security and resource allocation
      planning. These synthetic indicators are quantified by means of a probabilistic
      description of the soil water balance and crop development. The model results
      allow the interpretation of patterns of water productivity observed in Zea mays
      (maize) and Triticum aestivum (wheat), grown under a variety of soils, climates,
      and irrigation strategies. Employing the same modeling framework, the impact of
      rainfall pattern and irrigation strategy on yield and water requirements is
      further explored. The obtained standard deviations of yield and water
      requirements suggest the existence of a nonlinear tradeoff between yield
      stabilization and variability of water requirements, which in turn is strongly
      impacted by irrigation strategy. Moreover, intermediate rainfall amounts are
      associated to the highest variability in yields and irrigation requirements,
      although allowing the maximum water productivity. The existence of these
      tradeoffs between productivity, reliability, and sustainability poses a problem
      for water management, in particular in mesic climates. 

PMID- 25124767
TI  - When learners surpass their models: mathematical modeling of learning from an
      inconsistent source.
AB  - It has been reported in the literature that both adults and children can, to a
      different degree, modify and regularize the often-inconsistent linguistic input
      they receive. We present a new algorithm to model and investigate the learning
      process of a learner mastering a set of (grammatical or lexical) forms from an
      inconsistent source. The algorithm is related to reinforcement learning and drift
      diffusion models of decision making, and possesses several psychologically
      relevant properties such as fidelity, robustness, discounting, and computational
      simplicity. It demonstrates how a learner can successfully learn from or even
      surpass its imperfect source. We use the data collected by Singleton and Newport
      (Cognit Psychol 49(4):370-407, 2004) on the performance of a 7-year-boy Simon,
      who mastered the American Sign Language (ASL) by learning it from his parents,
      both of whom were imperfect speakers of ASL. We show that the algorithm possesses
      a frequency boosting property, whereby the frequency of the most common form of
      the source is increased by the learner. We also explain several key features of
      Simon's ASL. 

PMID- 25124768
TI  - Serum LDL cholesterol levels and new onset of arterial hypertension: an 8-year
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum cholesterol has been demonstrated to correlate with blood
      pressure values; therefore, abnormal levels of serum cholesterol might contribute
      to the development of hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess the new
      onset of hypertension over a period of 8 years in a pharmacologically untreated
      population sample in normo- and hypercholesterolemic individuals. DESIGN: 1864
      Caucasian subjects with baseline blood pressure values <140/90 mmHg were
      subdivided into two different groups, according to LDL cholesterol changes
      observed over a period of 8 years. Group 1 included subjects whose LDL
      cholesterol levels remained or decreased within the normal range, while Group 2
      included those whose LDL cholesterol levels were persistently increased above the
      normal range. The 8-year incidence of new-onset hypertension was 7.1% in Group 1
      and 13.8% in Group 2 (P = 0.02), after adjustment for the main confounding risk
      factors. The difference between Groups 1 and 2 was confirmed in men (8.2 vs.
      13.1%, P = 0.04) and women (6.1. vs. 14.5%, P = 006), as well as in subjects
      younger than 65 years (5.7 vs. 10.9%; P = 0.011), but not in older ones.
      CONCLUSIONS: Baseline serum LDL cholesterol levels are related to the rate of new
      onset hypertension in patients with normal or marginally elevated blood pressure
      values.

PMID- 25124769
TI  - Cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm complicating malignant otitis
      externa: first case report.
AB  - Pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare complication of
      head and neck infections. To date, three cases of petrous ICA pseudoaneurysm have
      been described as a complication of otogenic infection, including only one
      secondary to malignant otitis externa. We present here the first case of cervical
      ICA pseudoaneurysm as a complication of malignant otitis externa, and stress the
      importance of timely diagnosis to avoid fatal outcomes.

PMID- 25124771
TI  - Are 20 human papillomavirus types causing cervical cancer?
AB  - In 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that there was
      consistent and sufficient epidemiological, experimental and mechanistic evidence
      of carcinogenicity to humans for 12 HPV types (HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, HPV33, HPV35,
      HPV39, HPV45, HPV51, HPV52, HPV56, HPV58 and HPV59) for cervical cancer.
      Therefore, these types were considered as 1A carcinogens. They all belong to the
      family of the alpha-Papillomaviridae, in particular to the species alpha5
      (HPV51), alpha6 (HPV56), alpha7 (HPV18, HPV39, HPV45, HPV59) and alpha9 (HPV16,
      HPV31, HPV33, HPV35, HPV52, HPV58). Less evidence is available for a thirteenth
      type (HPV68, alpha7), which is classified as a 2A carcinogen (probably
      carcinogenic). Moreover, seven other phylogenetically related types (HPV26,
      HPV53, HPV66, HPV67, HPV68, HPV70 and HPV73) were identified as single HPV
      infections in certain rare cases of cervical cancer and were considered possibly
      carcinogenic (2B carcinogens). Recently, Halec et al [7] demonstrated that the
      molecular signature of HPV-induced carcinogenesis (presence of type-specific
      spliced E6*| mRNA; increased expression of p16; and decreased expression of
      cyclin D1, p53 and Rb) was similar in cervical cancers containing single
      infections with one of the eight afore-mentioned 2A or 2B carcinogens to those in
      cancers with single infections with group 1 carcinogens. Ninety six percent of
      cervical cancers are attributable to one of the 13 most common HPV types (groups
      1 and 2A). Including the additional seven HPV types (group 2B) added 2.6%, to
      reach a total of 98.7% of all HPV-positive cervical cancers. From recently
      updated meta-analyses, it was shown that HPV68, HPV26, HPV66, HPV67, HPV73 and
      HPV82 were significantly more common in cancer cases than in women with normal
      cervical cytology, suggesting that for these HPV types, an upgrading of the
      carcinogen classification could be considered. However, there is no need to
      include them in HPV screening tests or vaccines, given their rarity in cervical
      cancers.

PMID- 25124770
TI  - Differential expression of Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines in
      ovine interdigital dermatitis and footrot.
AB  - Footrot is a common inflammatory bacterial disease affecting the health and
      welfare of sheep worldwide. The pathogenesis of footrot is complex and
      multifactorial. The primary causal pathogen is the anaerobic bacterium
      Dichelobacter nodosus, with Fusobacterium necrophorum also shown to play a key
      role in disease. Since immune-mediated pathology is implicated, the aim of this
      research was to investigate the role of the host response in interdigital
      dermatitis (ID) and footrot. We compared the expression of Toll-like receptors
      (TLRs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines and the histological appearance of
      clinically normal in comparison to ID and footrot affected tissues. Severe ID and
      footrot were characterised by significantly increased transcript levels of pro
      inflammatory cytokines TNFalpha and IL1beta and the pattern recognition receptors
      TLR2 and TLR4 in the interdigital skin. This was reflected in the
      histopathological appearance, with ID and footrot presenting progressive chronic
      active pododermatitis with a mixed lymphocytic and neutrophilic infiltration,
      gradually increasing from a mild form in clinically normal feet, to moderate in
      ID and to a focally severe form with frequent areas of purulence in footrot.
      Stimulation with F. necrophorum and/or D. nodosus extracts demonstrated that
      dermal fibroblasts, the resident cell type of the dermis, also contribute to the
      inflammatory response to footrot bacteria by increased expression of TNFalpha,
      IL1beta and TLR2. Overall, ID and footrot lead to a local inflammatory response
      given that expression levels of TLRs and IL1beta were dependent on the disease
      state of the foot not the animal. 

PMID- 25124772
TI  - Different distributions of preproMCH and hypocretin/orexin in the forebrain of
      the pig (Sus scrofa domesticus).
AB  - Neurons producing melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) or hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt)
      have been implicated in the sleep/wake cycle and feeding behavior. Sleep and
      feeding habits vary greatly among mammalian species, depending in part of the
      prey/predatory status of animals. However, the distribution of both peptides has
      been described in only a limited number of species. In this work, we describe the
      distribution of MCH neurons in the brain of the domestic pig. Using in situ
      hybridization and immunohistochemistry, their cell bodies are shown to be located
      in the posterior lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), as expected. They form a dense
      cluster ventro-lateral to the fornix while only scattered cells are present
      dorsal to this tract. By comparison, Hcrt cell bodies are located mainly dorsal
      to the fornix. Therefore, the two populations of neurons display complementary
      distributions in the posterior LHA. MCH projections are, as indicated by MCH
      positive axons, very abundant in all cortical fields ventral to the rhinal
      sulcus, as well as in the lateral, basolateral and basomedial amygdala. In
      contrast, most of the isocortex is sparsely innervated. To conclude, the
      distribution of MCH cell bodies and projections shows some very specific features
      in the pig brain, that are clearly different of that described in the rat, mouse
      or human. In contrast, the Hcrt pattern seems more similar to that in these
      species, i.e. more conserved. These results suggest that the LHA anatomic
      organization shows some very significant interspecies differences, which may be
      related to the different behavioral repertoires of animals with regard to feeding
      and sleep/wake cycles. 

PMID- 25124773
TI  - Radiographic analysis of the restoration of hip joint center following open
      reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures: a retrospective cohort
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unfavorable reduction is considered one of the key factors leading to
      joint degeneration and compromised clinical outcome in acetabular fracture
      patients. Besides the columns, walls, and superior dome, the postoperative
      position of hip joint center (HJC), which is reported to affect hip biomechanics,
      should be considered during the assessment of quality of reduction. We aimed to
      evaluate the radiographic restoration of HJC in acetabular fractures treated with
      open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: Patients with a displaced
      acetabular fracture that received open reduction and internal fixation in the
      authors' institution during the past five years were identified from the trauma
      database. The horizontal and vertical shifts of HJC were measured in the standard
      anteroposterior view radiographs taken postoperatively. The radiographic quality
      of fracture reduction was graded according to Matta's criteria. The relationships
      between the shift of HJC and the other variables were evaluated. RESULTS: Totally
      127 patients with 56 elementary and 71 associated-type acetabular fractures were
      included, wherein the majority showed a medial (89.0%) and proximal (93.7%) shift
      of HJC postoperatively. An average of 2.8 mm horizontal and 2.2 mm vertical shift
      of HJC were observed, which correlated significantly with the quality of fracture
      reduction (P < 0.001 for both). The horizontal shift of HJC correlated with the
      fracture type (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The restoration of HJC correlates with
      the quality of reduction in acetabular fractures following open reduction and
      internal fixation. Further studies are required to address the effects of HJC
      shift on the biomechanical changes and clinical outcomes of hip joint, especially
      in poorly reduced acetabular fractures.

PMID- 25124776
TI  - The neural correlates of cognitive behavioral therapy: recent progress in the
      investigation of patients with panic disorder.
AB  - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for mental
      disorders. Several meta-analytical reviews supported its efficacy and
      effectiveness in the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia (PD/AG).
      Recently, it has been shown that neurobiological changes are associated with the
      process and outcome of CBT. However, the general and specific neurobiological
      effects of CBT are still widely unknown. Therefore, the potential of applying
      neuroscience to clinical practice and optimizing CBT is still limited. The
      current review summarizes recent findings about the neural correlates of CBT in
      PD/AG measured with fMRI. Furthermore, the current review will focus on neural
      activation patterns predicting and moderating therapeutic success of CBT, due to
      its potential application in personalized treatment in the future. Finally, we
      will discuss some future perspectives of the neurosciences in CBT research.

PMID- 25124777
TI  - Novel insights related to CF neutrophils.

PMID- 25124778
TI  - Oral therapy for multiple myeloma: ixazomib arriving soon.

PMID- 25124780
TI  - Old and new news in CLL: "It's the pathway, stupid!".

PMID- 25124779
TI  - First do no harm: infectious deaths in pediatric ALL.

PMID- 25124781
TI  - A common progenitor cell in LCH and ECD.

PMID- 25124782
TI  - Is JAK2V617F finally off the hook?

PMID- 25124783
TI  - A step forward back to (induced) fetal.

PMID- 25124784
TI  - Less (bacterial diversity) is more (deaths).

PMID- 25124786
TI  - Activation of TRKB receptor in murine hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells induced
      mastocytosis.

PMID- 25124785
TI  - Blood collection methods affect cellular protein integrity: implications for
      clinical trial biomarkers and ZAP-70 in CLL.

PMID- 25124787
TI  - Engraftment of donor cells with germ-line integration of HHV6 mimics HHV6
      reactivation following cord blood/haplo transplantation.

PMID- 25124788
TI  - Inhibition of neutrophil-dependent cytotoxicity for human endothelial cells by
      ACE inhibitors.
AB  - Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) have immunomodulating properties
      and have been suggested to protect against endothelial injury, for example
      myocardial infarction and reperfusion injury. We tested whether two ACEi
      (captopril and enalapril), differing in a thiol group, protected human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) from cytotoxicity induced by polymorphonuclear
      neutrophils (PMN) in vitro, when cells were activated by tumour necrosis factor
      alpha (TNFalpha) or the arachidonate derivative lipoxin-A4 (LXA4 ), using
      separate cytotoxicity pathways. When (51) Cr labelled HUVEC were treated with
      captopril (0-500 MUm) or enalapril (0-100 MUm) for 2 h and then activated by
      TNFalpha (100 ng/ml) for 24 h, a significant, dose-dependent reduction of (51) Cr
      release was observed. Similarly, captopril reduced (51) Cr release when LXA4 (0.1
      MUm) was used to stimulate PMN for 4 h. Among previously defined mechanisms of
      significance for the cytotoxic reaction, expression of ICAM-1, but not
      intracellular Ca(2+) changes in PMN or PMN adherence to HUVEC, were reduced by
      ACEi treatment. Moreover, both ACEi inhibited HUVEC surface expression of
      TNFalpha receptor I (but not II). Thus, these ACEi, particularly captopril,
      interfere with PMN-induced cytotoxicity for endothelial cells by modulating pro
      inflammatory surface receptors, which is a novel effect that might be explored
      for further therapeutic approaches. 

PMID- 25124789
TI  - Environmental costs and renewable energy: re-visiting the Environmental Kuznets
      Curve.
AB  - The environmental costs of economic development have received increasing
      attention during the last years. According to the World Energy Outlook (2013)
      sustainable energy policies should be promoted in order to spur economic growth
      and environmental protection in a global context, particularly in terms of
      reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Within this
      framework, the European Union aims to achieve the "20-20-20" targets, including a
      20% reduction in EU greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels, a raise in the
      share of EU energy consumption produced from renewable resources to 20% and a 20%
      improvement in the EU's energy efficiency. Furthermore, the EU "Energy Roadmap
      2050" has been recently adopted as a basis for developing a long-term European
      energy framework, fighting against climate change through the implementation of
      energy efficiency measures and the reduction of emissions. This paper focuses on
      the European context and attempts to explain the impact of economic growth on CO2
      emissions through the estimation of an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) using
      panel data. Moreover, since energy seems to be at the heart of the environmental
      problem it should also form the core of the solution, and therefore we provide
      some extensions of the EKC by including renewable energy sources as explanatory
      variables in the proposed models. Our data sets are referred to the 27 countries
      of the European Union during the period 1996-2010. With this information, our
      empirical results provide some interesting evidence about the significant impacts
      of renewable energies on CO2 emissions, suggesting the existence of an extended
      EKC. 

PMID- 25124790
TI  - Capturing multiple values of ecosystem services shaped by environmental
      worldviews: a spatial analysis.
AB  - Two related approaches to valuing nature have been advanced in past research
      including the study of ecosystem services and psychological investigations of the
      factors that shape behavior. Stronger integration of the insights that emerge
      from these two lines of enquiry can more effectively sustain ecosystems,
      economies, and human well-being. Drawing on survey data collected from outdoor
      recreationists on Santa Cruz Island within Channel Islands National Park, U.S.,
      our study blends these two research approaches to examine a range of tangible and
      intangible values of ecosystem services provided to stakeholders with differing
      biocentric and anthropocentric worldviews. We used Public Participation
      Geographic Information System methods to collect survey data and a Social Values
      for Ecosystem Services mapping application to spatially analyze a range of values
      assigned to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the park. Our results showed
      that preferences for the provision of biological diversity, recreation, and
      scientific-based values of ecosystem services varied across a spatial gradient.
      We also observed differences that emerged from a comparison between survey
      subgroups defined by their worldviews. The implications emanating from this
      investigation aim to support environmental management decision-making in the
      context of protected areas. 

PMID- 25124791
TI  - Candida glabrata endophthalmitis transmitted from graft to host after descemet
      stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

PMID- 25124792
TI  - Exploring the relationship between socioeconomic status and dog-bite injuries
      through spatial analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite a reported socioeconomic gradient in health, little is
      known about relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and frequency of dog
      bite injuries. The primary objective of this study was to compare the frequency
      of dog-bite injuries, using data on dog-bite injury hospitalizations (DBIH),
      across different SES areas in Manitoba, Canada. The secondary objective of the
      study was to assess if frequency and pattern of DBIHs are similar to those of non
      canine bite injury hospitalizations (NCBIH) and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis
      (PEP). SES grouping in this study was defined through rurality and area-wide
      income quintile groups. METHODS: Rural and urban Manitoba neighbourhoods were
      ranked according to average area-level incomes into five levels (quintiles) with
      equal numbers of people in each income level. Prevalence was defined as the
      number of cases of hospitalizations (whether dog-bite injury or non-canine bite
      injury) or PEP reported in the years 1984-2006, divided by the total population
      during the same time period and expressed as the number of cases per 100 000
      population per SES grouping. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated
      using the approach for Poisson distribution. RESULTS: During 1984-2006,
      Manitoba's prevalence (CI) of DBIH (3.19 (2.97, 3.41) per 100 000 population) was
      lower than prevalence of NCBIH (4.08 (3.84, 4.32)) and PEP (7.24 (6.92, 7.57)).
      Prevalence of DBIH was higher in rural than in urban areas (DBIH: 3.58 (3.24,
      3.92) vs 2.87 (2.59, 3.15), p<0.01) and higher in the lowest income quintile
      areas than in the highest, whether rural (5.18 (4.24, 6.26) vs 3.29 (2.55, 4.17),
      p<0.0001) or urban (3.65 (2.97, 4.44) vs 2.24 (1.73, 2.87), p<0.01). The patterns
      of relationship between SES (rurality and income levels) and prevalence of NCBIH
      and PEP were similar to those between SES and DBIH. CONCLUSIONS: Although only a
      descriptive study, the results suggest that policies for control of dog-bite
      injuries should be area-specific. Prevention efforts could perhaps be improved by
      focussing not only on families, but also on neighbourhood regions.

PMID- 25124793
TI  - Dynamic respiratory endoscopic findings pre- and post laryngoplasty in
      Thoroughbred racehorses.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: To investigate laryngeal function in cases of
      recurrent laryngeal neuropathy pre- and post laryngoplasty (LP) using dynamic
      respiratory endoscopy (DRE). OBJECTIVES: To compare the rima glottidis area
      during DRE pre- and post LP; document all forms of dynamic upper airway
      obstruction (DUAO) pre- and post LP and investigate the relationship between post
      operative abduction at rest and exercise. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series.
      METHODS: Thoroughbred racehorses with pre- and post LP DRE were included. Left-to
      right arytenoid cartilage angle ratios and rima glottidis area ratios were used
      to quantify laryngeal function during rest and exercise, pre- and post LP.
      RESULTS: In 35 horses, mean pre-LP ratios were greater during rest (left-to-right
      quotient angle ratio [LRQ] 0.76 +/- 0.13; left-to-right arytenoid ratio [LRR]
      0.72 +/- 0.14; rima glottidis area ratio [RGA] 0.40 +/- 0.10) than exercise (LRQ
      0.39 +/- 0.16, P < 0.001; LRR 0.38 +/- 0.16, P < 0.001; RGA 0.15 +/- 0.05, P <
      0.001). Exercising ratios were larger post LP (LRQ 0.61 +/- 0.13; LRR 0.60 +/-
      0.12; RGA 0.30 +/- 0.08) than pre-LP (LRQ 0.39 +/- 0.16, P < 0.001; LRR 0.38 +/-
      0.16, P < 0.001; RGA 0.15 +/- 0.05, P < 0.001). A positive linear relationship
      was found between post LP resting and exercising ratios (R(2) = 0.48; P < 0.001)
      and post operative abduction grades (R(2) = 0.63; P < 0.001). Pre-LP all horses
      demonstrated left arytenoid cartilage collapse with bilateral vocal cord collapse
      and 37% had aryepiglottic fold collapse. Post LP 13 horses (37%) developed
      additional DUAOs and these horses had smaller RGAs (0.25 +/- 0.08) than horses
      that did not develop DUAOs (0.32 +/- 0.07, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple forms
      of DUAO occurred pre-LP and additional forms often developed post LP. Post LP the
      degree of arytenoid cartilage abduction at rest was useful to predict the degree
      of abduction during exercise.

PMID- 25124795
TI  - Intriguing manipulation of metal-enhanced fluorescence for the detection of
      Cu(II) and cysteine.
AB  - Commercially available salicylaldehyde, in alkaline medium, exhibits strong
      fluorescence after one hour of UV exposure in the presence of Ag(I) . The
      phenolic group of salicylaldehyde is converted into the quinone form under
      alkaline conditions in the presence of AgNO3 , resulting in aggregated Ag(0),
      which causes approximately 250 times fluorescence enhancement of the in situ
      produced quinone. Such high silver-enhanced-fluorescence (SEF) is selectively
      quenched by cysteine, arginine, histidine, methionine, and tryptophan. In
      contrast to the other amino acids, ageing brings selectivity of the cysteine
      induced quenching effect. Interestingly, Cu(II) is found to be the only metal ion
      that exclusively regenerates the lost fluorescence. Thus, quenching and recovery
      of fluorescence (Turn Off/On) can be used for the selective and sensitive
      detection of cysteine as well as Cu(II) ions in one pot. Alteration of the
      electric field density around the fluorophore (lightening rod effect) and
      scattering/absorption cross-section have been proposed to account for the Off/On
      fluorescence. 

PMID- 25124794
TI  - Serum immunoglobulin E and interleukin-13 levels in children with idiopathic
      nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - Serum IgE and IL-13 levels were estimated in 40 idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and
      16 controls. There were 15 first episode nephrotic syndrome (FENS), 15 infrequent
      relapsing nephrotic syndrome (IRNS) and 10 patients belonged to frequent
      relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS). Serum IgE and IL-13 levels were
      significantly increased in active nephrotic syndrome and its sub-groups as
      compared to controls and remission (p < 0.001). IgE levels did not differ
      significantly among different subgroups, while Il-13 was significantly higher in
      FRNS in comparison with FENS (p = 0.041). Both IgE and IL-13 levels were
      comparable in nephrotic patients with and without bronchial asthma. Serum IL-13
      had significant positive correlation with IgE (r = 0.605, p < 0.001). Thus,
      raised levels of IgE and IL-13 are found in nephrotic syndrome and could have a
      role in the pathogenesis of disease. 

PMID- 25124797
TI  - Plane-wave density functional theory investigation of adsorption of 2,4,6
      trinitrotoluene on Al-hydroxylated (0001) surface of (4 * 4) alpha-alumina.
AB  - This article reports the results of the theoretical investigation of adsorption
      of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) on Al-hydroxylated (0001) surface of (4 * 4) alpha
      alumina (alpha-Al2O3) using plane-wave Density Functional Theory. Sixteen water
      molecules were used to hydroxylate the alumina surface. The Perdew-Burke
      Ernzerhof functional and the recently developed van der Waals functional (vdW
      DF2) were used. The interaction of electron with core was accounted using the
      Vanderbilt ultrasoft pseudopotentials. It was found that hydroxylation has
      significant influence on the geometry of alumina and such changes are prominent
      up to few layers from the surface. Particularly, due to the Al-hydroxylation the
      oxygen layers are decomposed into sublayers and such partitioning becomes
      progressively weaker for interior layers. Moreover, the nature of TNT adsorption
      interaction is changed from covalent type on the pristine alumina surface to
      hydrogen-bonding interaction on the Al-hydroxylated alumina surface. TNT in
      parallel orientation forms several hydrogen bonds compared to that in the
      perpendicular orientation with hydroxyl groups of the Al-hydroxylated alumina
      surface. Therefore, the parallel orientation will be present in the adsorption of
      TNT on Al-hydroxylated (0001) surface of alpha-alumina. Further, the vdW-DF2 van
      der Waals functional was found to be most suitable and should be used for such
      surface adsorption investigation.

PMID- 25124796
TI  - Snail regulated by PKC/GSK-3beta pathway is crucial for EGF-induced epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells.
AB  - Cancer metastasis is considered a major challenge in cancer therapy. Recently,
      epidermal growth factor (EGF)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling
      has been shown to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and thereby to
      promote cancer metastasis. However, the underlying mechanism has not been fully
      elucidated. We demonstrate that EGF can induce EMT in human prostate and lung
      cancer cells and thus promote invasion and migration. EGF-induced EMT has been
      characterized by the cells acquiring mesenchymal spindle-like morphology and
      increasing their expression of N-cadherin and fibronectin, with a concomitant
      decrease of E-cadherin. Both protein and mRNA expression of transcription factor
      Snail rapidly increases after EGF treatment. The knockdown of Snail significantly
      attenuates EGF-induced EMT, suggesting that Snail is crucial for this process. To
      determine the way that Snail is accumulated, we demonstrate (1) that EGF promotes
      the stability of Snail via inhibiting the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3
      beta (GSK-3beta), (2) that protein kinase C (PKC) rather than the
      phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway is
      responsible for GSK-3beta inhibition and (3) that GSK-3beta inhibition promotes
      the transcription of Snail. Taken together, these results reveal that the PKC/GSK
      3beta signaling pathway controls both the stability and transcription of Snail,
      which is crucial for EMT induced by EGF in PC-3 and A549 cells. Our study
      suggests a novel signaling pathway for Snail regulation and provides a better
      understanding of growth-factor-induced tumor EMT and metastasis. 

PMID- 25124801
TI  - Advanced drug delivery systems for therapeutic applications.

PMID- 25124804
TI  - Phenotypic plasticity and similarity among gall morphotypes on a superhost,
      Baccharis reticularia (Asteraceae).
AB  - Understanding factors that modulate plant development is still a challenging task
      in plant biology. Although research has highlighted the role of abiotic and
      biotic factors in determining final plant structure, we know little of how these
      factors combine to produce specific developmental patterns. Here, we studied
      patterns of cell and tissue organisation in galled and non-galled organs of
      Baccharis reticularia, a Neotropical shrub that hosts over ten species of galling
      insects. We employed qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand
      patterns of growth and differentiation in its four most abundant gall
      morphotypes. We compared two leaf galls induced by sap-sucking Hemiptera and stem
      galls induced by a Lepidopteran and a Dipteran, Cecidomyiidae. The hypotheses
      tested were: (i) the more complex the galls, the more distinct they are from
      their non-galled host; (ii) galls induced on less plastic host organs, e.g.
      stems, develop under more morphogenetic constraints and, therefore, should be
      more similar among themselves than galls induced on more plastic organs. We also
      evaluated the plant sex preference of gall-inducing insects for oviposition.
      Simple galls were qualitative and quantitatively more similar to non-galled
      organs than complex galls, thereby supporting the first hypothesis. Unexpectedly,
      stem galls had more similarities between them than to their host organ, hence
      only partially supporting the second hypothesis. Similarity among stem galls may
      be caused by the restrictive pattern of host stems. The opposite trend was
      observed for host leaves, which generate either similar or distinct gall
      morphotypes due to their higher phenotypic plasticity. The Relative Distance of
      Plasticity Index for non-galled stems and stem galls ranged from 0.02 to 0.42.
      Our results strongly suggest that both tissue plasticity and gall inducer
      identity interact to determine plant developmental patterns, and therefore, final
      gall structure. 

PMID- 25124805
TI  - Assessment of 5-fluorouracil and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide in vivo genotoxicity
      with Pig-a mutation and micronucleus endpoints.
AB  - Genotoxicity assessments were conducted on male Sprague Dawley rats treated with
      5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) as part of an
      international validation trial of the Pig-a mutant phenotype assay. Rats were
      orally exposed to 0, 11.5, 23, or 46 mg/kg/day 5-FU for three consecutive days
      (Days 1-3); blood was sampled on Days -1, 4, 15, 29, and 45. Pig-a mutant
      phenotype reticulocyte (RET(CD59-)) and mutant phenotype erythrocyte (RBC(CD59-))
      frequencies were determined on Days -1, 15, 29, and 45, and percent
      micronucleated reticulocytes (%MN-RET) were measured on Day 4. Rats were treated
      with 4NQO for 28 consecutive days by oral gavage, at doses of 1.5, 3, or 6
      mg/kg/day. RBC(CD59-) and RET(CD59-) frequencies were determined on Days -1, 15,
      and 29, and MN-RET were quantified on Day 29. Whereas 5-FU was found to increase
      %MN-RET, no significant increases were observed for RBC(CD59-) or RET(CD59-) at
      any of the time points studied. The high dose of 4NQO (6 mg/kg/day) was observed
      to markedly increase RBC(CD59-) and RET(CD59-) frequencies, and this same dose
      level caused a weak but significantly elevated increase in MN-RET (approximately
      twofold). Collectively, the results provide additional support for the
      combination of Pig-a mutation and MN-RET into acute and 28-day repeat-dose
      studies.

PMID- 25124806
TI  - Feasibility study to assess clinical applications of 3-T cine MRI coupled with
      synchronous audio recording during speech in evaluation of velopharyngeal
      insufficiency in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the past decade, there has been increased utilization of magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating and understanding velopharyngeal
      insufficiency (VPI). To our knowledge, none of the prior studies with MRI has
      simultaneously linked the audio recordings of speech during cine MRI acquisition
      with the corresponding images and created a video for evaluating VPI. OBJECTIVE:
      To develop an MRI protocol with static and cine sequences during phonation to
      evaluate for VPI in children and compare the findings to nasopharyngoscopy and
      videofluoroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five children, ages 8-16 years, with
      known VPI, who had previously undergone nasopharyngoscopy and videofluoroscopy,
      were included. MRI examination was performed on a 3-T Siemens scanner. Anatomical
      data was obtained using an isotropic T2-weighted 3-D SPACE sequence with
      multiplanar reformation capability. Dynamic data was obtained using 2-D FLASH
      cine sequences of the airway in three imaging planes during phonation. Audio
      recordings were captured by a MRI compatible optical microphone. RESULTS: All
      five cases had MRI and nasopharyngoscopy and four had videofluoroscopy performed.
      VPI was identified by MRI in all five patients. The location and severity of the
      velopharyngeal gap, closure pattern, velar size and shape and levator veli
      palatini (LVP) muscle were identified in all patients. MRI was superior in
      visualizing the integrity of the LVP muscle. MRI was unable to identify
      hemipalatal weakness in one case. In a case of stress-induced VPI, occurring only
      during clarinet playing, cine MRI demonstrated discordant findings of a
      velopharyngeal gap during phonatory tasks but not with instrument playing.
      Overall, there was satisfactory correlation among MRI, nasopharyngoscopy and
      videofluoroscopy findings. CONCLUSION: Cine MRI of the airway during speech is a
      noninvasive, well-tolerated diagnostic imaging tool that has the potential to
      serve as a guide prior to and after surgical correction of VPI. MRI provided
      superior anatomical detail of the levator musculature. The creation of a video
      with recorded phonation allowed correlation between palatal movements and
      specific phonatory tasks.

PMID- 25124808
TI  - 8-Azapurines as isosteric purine fluorescent probes for nucleic acid and
      enzymatic research.
AB  - The 8-azapurines, and their 7-deaza and 9-deaza congeners, represent a unique
      class of isosteric (isomorphic) analogues of the natural purines, frequently
      capable of substituting for the latter in many biochemical processes.
      Particularly interesting is their propensity to exhibit pH-dependent room
      temperature fluorescence in aqueous medium, and in non-polar media. We herein
      review the physico-chemical properties of this class of compounds, with
      particular emphasis on the fluorescence emission properties of their neutral
      and/or ionic species, which has led to their widespread use as fluorescent probes
      in enzymology, including enzymes involved in purine metabolism,
      agonists/antagonists of adenosine receptors, mechanisms of catalytic RNAs, RNA
      editing, etc. They are also exceptionally useful fluorescent probes for
      analytical and clinical applications in crude cell homogenates. 

PMID- 25124809
TI  - Unexpected positive intraoperative cultures in aseptic revision arthroplasty.
AB  - Unexpected positive intraoperative cultures (UPIC) in presumed aseptic revision
      arthroplasty can be difficult to interpret. The purpose of this retrospective
      study was to compare the incidence of subsequent periprosthetic joint infection
      (PJI) in patients who received antibiotic therapy according to an institutional
      protocol with those who did not and whether they meet Musculoskeletal Infection
      Society (MSIS) criteria for PJI. In patients who were treated with antibiotic
      according to institutional criteria, the incidence of PJI after revision was
      higher in those who did not meet MSIS criteria (22%) than in those that met MSIS
      criteria (14%; P > 0.71). UPIC in aseptic revision arthroplasty are not uncommon.
      PJI cannot be excluded in patients that do not meet MSIS definition.

PMID- 25124812
TI  - Multiple populations of pantropical spotted dolphins in Hawaiian waters.
AB  - Understanding gene flow and dispersal patterns is important for predicting
      effects of natural events and anthropogenic activities on animal populations. In
      Hawaii, most species of odontocetes are managed as single populations. Recent
      exceptions include false killer whales, spinner dolphins, and common bottlenose
      dolphins, for which studies have shown fidelity to individual islands or groups
      of islands. Our study focused on pantropical spotted dolphins. We analyzed
      mitochondrial control region and 11 microsatellite loci from 101 individuals from
      4 areas: Hawaii, Maui/Lanai, Oahu, and Kauai/Niihau. We examined F ST, F' ST, R
      ST, Jost's D, and PhiST and used TESS to estimate number of populations and
      assignment probabilities. Our results support genetic differentiation among
      Hawaii, Maui/Lanai, and Oahu and suggest that pantropical spotted dolphins near
      Kauai/Niihau are likely transient and in low numbers. Between island regions, F
      ST for microsatellites ranged from 0.016 to 0.045 and for mtDNA, from 0.011 to
      0.282. F ' ST, ranged from 0.098 to 0.262 for microsatellites and 0.019 to 0.415
      for mtDNA. R ST and PhiST showed similar results to F ST for microsatellites and
      mtDNA respectively, and Jost's D fell between F ST and F ' ST. TESS supported 3
      populations, and greatest mean assignment probability by island region ranged
      from 0.50 to 0.72. The private alleles method indicated migration rates among
      regions from 1.49 to 3.45, and effective population size of the island of Hawaii
      was estimated to be 220. There was no strong evidence to support sex-biased
      dispersal or group fidelity. Considering this study in the larger context of
      other odontocete population studies and studies of connectivity, we suggest
      genetic differentiation may be mediated by behavior adapted to differing habitat
      types and niches. 

PMID- 25124813
TI  - Contrasting levels of clonal and within-population genetic diversity between the
      2 ecologically different herbs Polygonatum stenophyllum and Polygonatum inflatum
      (Liliaceae).
AB  - Comparative studies on clonal and genetic structure between ecologically
      contrasting congeners may provide valuable insights into the mechanisms promoting
      the maintenance of genetic diversity in clonal plant species. Polygonatum
      stenophyllum has long rhizomes (ca. 30-40 cm long) and largely occurs on sandy
      soils in open river banks, whereas its congener Polygonatum inflatum has short
      ones (ca. 5-10 cm long) and occurs on humic soils under deciduous forests. Using
      21 allozyme loci, we comparatively assessed levels of clonal and genetic
      diversity in the 2 clonal species. Seven populations of P. stenophyllum consisted
      of single clones, and levels of within-population clonal and genetic variation
      were considerably lower than those of P. inflatum. However, when samples were
      pooled, P. stenophyllum harbored higher genetic variation than P. inflatum, which
      is due to higher among-population genetic differentiation in the former species
      compared with the latter (FST=0.636 vs. FST=0.165). Our data suggest that
      populations of P. stenophyllum have been mainly founded by a single seed or
      rhizome (through river water) or by a few seeds, whereas populations of P.
      inflatum would have been established through multiple, repeated seedling
      recruitment. Moderate levels of genetic diversity in a population of P.
      stenophyllum located at the foot of the Baekdudaegan Mountains and in all the
      populations of P. inflatum are consistent with the previous hypothesis that these
      mountains served as a glacial refugium for many boreal species of the Korean
      Peninsula.

PMID- 25124814
TI  - Outcomes of Fukushima: biological effects of radiation on nonhuman species.

PMID- 25124807
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid markers of neuroinflammation in delirium: a role for
      interleukin-1beta in delirium after hip fracture.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Exaggerated central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory responses to
      peripheral stressors may be implicated in delirium. This study hypothesised that
      the IL-1beta family is involved in delirium, predicting increased levels of
      interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and decreased IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in
      the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of elderly patients with acute hip fracture. We
      also hypothesised that Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and interferon
      gamma (IFN-gamma) would be increased, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)
      would be decreased. METHODS: Participants with acute hip fracture aged >60 (N=43)
      were assessed for delirium before and 3-4 days after surgery. CSF samples were
      taken at induction of spinal anaesthesia. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
      (ELISA) were used for protein concentrations. RESULTS: Prevalent delirium was
      diagnosed in eight patients and incident delirium in 17 patients. CSF IL-1beta
      was higher in patients with incident delirium compared to never delirium
      (incident delirium 1.74 pg/ml (1.02-1.74) vs. prevalent 0.84 pg/ml (0.49-1.57)
      vs. never 0.66 pg/ml (0-1.02), Kruskal-Wallis p=0.03). CSF:serum IL-1beta ratios
      were higher in delirious than non-delirious patients. CSF IL-1ra was higher in
      prevalent delirium compared to incident delirium (prevalent delirium 70.75 pg/ml
      (65.63-73.01) vs. incident 31.06 pg/ml (28.12-35.15) vs. never 33.98 pg/ml (28.71
      43.28), Kruskal-Wallis p=0.04). GFAP was not increased in delirium. IFN-gamma and
      IGF-1 were below the detection limit in CSF. CONCLUSION: This study provides
      novel evidence of CNS inflammation involving the IL-1beta family in delirium and
      suggests a rise in CSF IL-1beta early in delirium pathogenesis. Future larger CSF
      studies should examine the role of CNS inflammation in delirium and its sequelae.

PMID- 25124811
TI  - In vivo growth suppression of CT-26 mouse colorectal cancer cells by adenovirus
      expressed small hairpin RNA specifically targeting thymosin beta-4 mRNA.
AB  - Thymosin beta-4 (Tbeta4) is known to be involved in tumorigenesis. Overexpression
      of this polypeptide has been observed in a wide variety of cancers, including
      colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Accordingly, Tbeta4 has been proposed to be a novel
      therapeutic target for CRC, especially in its metastatic form. Although in vitro
      tumor-suppressive effects of Tbeta4 gene silencing mediated by small hairpin RNA
      (shRNA) have already been demonstrated, the in vivo efficacy of such an approach
      has not yet been reported. Herein, we demonstrated that infection with
      recombinant adenovirus expressing an shRNA targeting Tbeta4 markedly reduced the
      growth of and robustly induced apoptosis in CT-26 mouse CRC cells in culture.
      Additionally, tumors grown in nude mice from the CT-26 cells whose Tbeta4
      expression already been downregulated by virus infection were also drastically
      reduced. Most importantly, significant growth arrest of tumors derived from the
      parental CT-26 cells was observed after multiple intratumoral injections of these
      viruses. Together, our results show for the first time that in vivo silencing of
      Tbeta4 expression by its shRNA generated after adenoviral infection can suppress
      CRC growth. These results further demonstrate the feasibility of treating CRC by
      a Tbeta4 knockdown gene therapeutic approach. 

PMID- 25124815
TI  - Genetic and ecological studies of animals in Chernobyl and Fukushima.
AB  - Recent advances in genetic and ecological studies of wild animal populations in
      Chernobyl and Fukushima have demonstrated significant genetic, physiological,
      developmental, and fitness effects stemming from exposure to radioactive
      contaminants. The few genetic studies that have been conducted in Chernobyl
      generally show elevated rates of genetic damage and mutation rates. All major
      taxonomic groups investigated (i.e., birds, bees, butterflies, grasshoppers,
      dragonflies, spiders, mammals) displayed reduced population sizes in highly
      radioactive parts of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. In Fukushima, population
      censuses of birds, butterflies, and cicadas suggested that abundances were
      negatively impacted by exposure to radioactive contaminants, while other groups
      (e.g., dragonflies, grasshoppers, bees, spiders) showed no significant declines,
      at least during the first summer following the disaster. Insufficient information
      exists for groups other than insects and birds to assess effects on life history
      at this time. The differences observed between Fukushima and Chernobyl may
      reflect the different times of exposure and the significance of multigenerational
      mutation accumulation in Chernobyl compared to Fukushima. There was considerable
      variation among taxa in their apparent sensitivity to radiation and this reflects
      in part life history, physiology, behavior, and evolutionary history.
      Interestingly, for birds, population declines in Chernobyl can be predicted by
      historical mitochondrial DNA base-pair substitution rates that may reflect
      intrinsic DNA repair ability. 

PMID- 25124816
TI  - Fukushima's biological impacts: the case of the pale grass blue butterfly.
AB  - To evaluate the effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident on the surrounding
      area, we studied the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha, the most common
      butterfly in Japan. We here review our important findings and their implications.
      We found forewing size reduction, growth retardation, high mortality rates, and
      high abnormality rates in the field and reared samples. The abnormality rates
      observed in September 2011 were higher than those observed in May 2011 in almost
      all localities, implying transgenerational accumulation of genetic damage. Some
      of the abnormal traits in the F1 generation were inherited by the F2 generation.
      In a particular cross, the F2 abnormality rate scored 57%. The forewing size
      reduction and high mortality and abnormality rates were reproduced in external
      and internal exposure experiments conducted in our laboratory using Okinawa
      larvae. We observed the possible real-time evolution of radiation resistance in
      the Fukushima butterflies, which, in retrospect, indicates that field sampling
      attempts at the very early stages of such accidents are required to understand
      the ecodynamics of polluted regions. We propose, as the postulates of pollutant
      induced biological impacts, that the collection of phenotypic data from the field
      and their relevant reproduction in the laboratory should be the basis of
      experimental design to demonstrate the biological effects of environmental
      pollutants and to investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for these
      effects. 

PMID- 25124817
TI  - Unraveling low-level gamma radiation--responsive changes in expression of early
      and late genes in leaves of rice seedlings at Iitate Village, Fukushima.
AB  - In the summer of 2012, 1 year after the nuclear accident in March 2011 at the
      Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, we examined the effects of gamma radiation
      on rice at a highly contaminated field of Iitate village in Fukushima, Japan. We
      investigated the morphological and molecular changes on healthy rice seedlings
      exposed to continuous low-dose gamma radiation up to 4 uSv h(-1), about 80 times
      higher than natural background level. After exposure to gamma rays, expression
      profiles of selected genes involved in DNA replication/repair, oxidative stress,
      photosynthesis, and defense/stress functions were examined by RT-PCR, which
      revealed their differential expression in leaves in a time-dependent manner over
      3 days (6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h). For example, OsPCNA mRNA rapidly increased at
      6, 12, and 24 h, suggesting that rice cells responded to radiation stress by
      activating a gene involved in DNA repair mechanisms. At 72 h, genes related to
      the phenylpropanoid pathway (OsPAL2) and cell death (OsPR1oa) were strongly
      induced, indicating activation of defense/stress responses. We next profiled the
      transcriptome using a customized rice whole-genome 4*44K DNA microarray at early
      (6h) and late (72 h) time periods. Low-level gamma radiation differentially
      regulated rice leaf gene expression (induced 4481 and suppressed 3740 at 6 h and
      induced 2291 and suppressed 1474 genes at 72 h) by at least 2-fold. Using the
      highly upregulated and downregulated gene list, MapMan bioinformatics tool
      generated diagrams of early and late pathways operating in cells responding to
      gamma ray exposure. An inventory of a large number of gamma radiation-responsive
      genes provides new information on novel regulatory processes in rice.

PMID- 25124824
TI  - Exploring associations between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and
      gastrointestinal (GI) problems in women: a study in women with urological and GI
      problems vs a control population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of self-reported lower urinary tract symptoms
      (LUTS) in women consulting a Gastroenterology clinic with complaints of
      functional constipation (FC), fecal incontinence (FI) or both, compared with a
      female control population. Also, to study the influence of FC, FI, or both on
      self-reported LUTS in women attending a Urology clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      present a retrospective study of data collected through a validated self
      administered bladder and bowel symptom questionnaire in a tertiary referral
      hospital from three different female populations: 104 controls, 159
      gastroenterological patients and 410 urological patients. Based on the reported
      bowel symptoms, patients were classified as having FC, FI, a combination of both,
      or, no FC or FI. LUTS were compared between the control population and the
      gastroenterological patients, and between urological patients with and without
      concomitant gastroenterological complaints. Results were corrected for possible
      confounders through logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of LUTS
      in the control population was similar to large population-based studies. Nocturia
      was significantly more prevalent in gastroenterological patients with FI compared
      with the control population [odds ratio (OR) 9.1]. Female gastroenterological
      patients with FC more often reported straining to void (OR 10.3), intermittency
      (OR 5.5), need to immediately re-void (OR 3.7) and feeling of incomplete emptying
      (OR 10.5) compared with the control population. In urological patients, urgency
      (94%) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI, 54% of UI) were reported more often
      by patients with FI than by patients without gastroenterological complaints (58%
      and 30% of UI respectively), whereas intermittency (OR 3.6), need to immediately
      re-void (OR 2.2) and feeling of incomplete emptying (OR 2.2) were reported more
      often by patients with FC than by patients without gastroenterological
      complaints. CONCLUSION: As LUTS are reported significantly more often by female
      gastroenterological patients than by a control population, and as there is a
      difference in self-reported LUTS between female urological patients with
      different concomitant gastroenterological complaints, we suggest that general
      practitioners, gastroenterologists and urologists should always include the
      assessment of symptoms of the other pelvic organ system in their patient
      evaluation. The clinical correlations between bowel symptoms and LUTS may be
      explained by underlying neurological mechanisms.

PMID- 25124823
TI  - Pachyonychia congenita cornered: report on the 11th Annual International
      Pachyonychia Congenita Consortium Meeting.
AB  - This is a report of the research presented at the 11th Annual Meeting of the
      International Pachyonychia Congenita Consortium, held on 6 May 2014 in
      Albuquerque, NM, U.S.A. This year's meeting was divided into five corners
      concerning pachyonychia congenita (PC) research: (i) 'PC Pathogenesis Cornered',
      an overview of recent keratin research, for PC and other skin disorders; (ii)
      'From All Corners of ...', an outline of other genetic disorders that we can
      learn from; (iii) 'Fighting For Our Corner', an outline of National Institutes of
      Health/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
      programmes and U.S. funding opportunities applicable to rare skin disorders; (iv)
      'The PC Corner', focusing on recent clinical studies related to PC; and (v)
      'Clinical Corners: Turning the Corner?', an update on ongoing PC clinical trials.

PMID- 25124825
TI  - The effect of beta blocker withdrawal on adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of beta blockers on myocardial blood flow (MBF) under
      vasodilators has been studied in several SPECT and PET myocardial perfusion
      imaging (MPI) studies with divergent results. The present study evaluated the
      effect of a beta blocker withdrawal on quantitative adenosine MBF and on MPI
      results. METHODS: Twenty patients with beta blockers and CAD history were studied
      with quantitative adenosine N-13 ammonia PET. The first study was performed under
      complete medication and the second after beta blocker withdrawal. The PET studies
      were independently read with respect to MPI result and clinical decision making.
      RESULTS: Global MBF showed an increase from 180.2 +/- 59.9 to 193.6 +/- 60.8
      mL.minute(-1)/100 g (P = .02) after beta blocker withdrawal. The segmental
      perfusion values were closely correlated (R(2) = 0.82) over the entire range of
      perfusion values. An essentially different interpretation after beta blocker
      discontinuation was found in two cases (10%). CONCLUSION: A beta blocker
      withdrawal induces an increase in adenosine MBF. In the majority of cases, MPI
      interpretation and decision making are independent of beta blocker intake. If a
      temporary beta blocker withdrawal before MPI is not possible or was not realized
      by the patient, it is appropriate to perform adenosine stress testing without
      loss of the essential MPI result.

PMID- 25124828
TI  - Does risk for major adverse cardiac events in patients undergoing vasodilator
      stress with adjunctive exercise differ from patients undergoing either standard
      exercise or vasodilator stress with myocardial perfusion imaging?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with functional limitations, the use of adjunctive
      exercise with vasodilator stress has advantages over vasodilator stress alone in
      single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for
      technical reasons and with regards to more effective cardiac risk stratification.
      Whether patients who undergo vasodilator with adjunctive exercise stress MPI
      possess clinical characteristics and cardiac risk that differs from those who
      undergo standard exercise or vasodilator stress MPI is unknown. METHODS:
      Prospectively collected data on 19,367 consecutive patients referred for stress
      MPI to a tertiary care center (9,331 [48%] underwent exercise-only, 3,793 [20%]
      underwent vasodilator plus exercise, and 6,243 [32%] underwent vasodilator-only)
      were analyzed. Perfusion data were scored using the ASNC 17-segment with a summed
      stress score (SSS) < 4 = normal, 4-8 = mildly abnormal, and > 8 = moderate to
      severely abnormal. Patients were followed a mean of 1.96 +/- 0.95 years.
      Demographics, clinical characteristics, and the occurrence of major adverse
      cardiac events (cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction) were compared
      between the three stress modality groups. RESULTS: Comparison of demographics and
      clinical characteristics revealed significant differences in gender, age, cardiac
      risk factors, and stress MPI between the three stress modality groups (P < .001).
      In follow-up, cardiac event-free survival of patients in the vasodilator plus
      exercise stress group was significantly higher than those in the vasodilator-only
      group but lower than those in the exercise-only group (P < .001). Annualized
      cardiac event rates of patients in the vasodilator plus exercise stress group
      were significantly lower than those in the vasodilator-only group for all three
      categories of the SSS (P < .001). After multivariable adjustment, with exercise
      only as reference category, vasodilator plus exercise and vasodilator-only stress
      emerged as independent predictors (more likely occurrence) of cardiac death,
      while vasodilator-only stress emerged as an independent predictor (more likely
      occurrence) of cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. With vasodilator
      only as the reference category, exercise-only and vasodilator plus exercise
      stress emerged as independent predictors (less likely occurrence) of cardiac
      death as well as of cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients undergoing vasodilator plus exercise stress MPI possess clinical
      characteristics and cardiac risk that differs significantly from those undergoing
      either standard exercise or vasodilator stress MPI and places them in a lower
      risk category compared to vasodilator stress alone.

PMID- 25124826
TI  - Comparison of Tc-99m tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and exercise
      F18-FDG imaging in detection of myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary
      artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Direct ischemia imaging with F18-FDG can potentially overcome many
      limitations of SPECT-MPS inherent to "cold imaging". We compared SPECT-MPS with
      exercise F18-FDG PET in detection of ischemia in patients with suspected CAD.
      METHODS: 45 patients with clinical suspicion of CAD without the history of
      myocardial infarction were prospectively included. All patients underwent Tc-99m
      tetrofosmin SPECT-MPS and exercise F18-FDG PET imaging within 7 days of SPECT
      MPS, and both modalities were compared with coronary angiography for detecting
      ischemia. RESULTS: 27 patients had an abnormal coronary angiography (at least one
      coronary artery with stenosis >50%). Exercise F18-FDG performed better than SPECT
      MPS in LAD and LCX territory with comparably good performance in RCA territory.
      Exercise F18-FDG performed better in single-vessel disease and equally good in
      multi-vessel disease compared to SPECT-MPS. Performance of exercise 18F-FDG study
      was significantly better than SPECT-MPS (P = .0014) in the analysis of the 81
      vascular territories in the 27 patients with abnormal coronary angiography.
      Performance of exercise F18-FDG was significantly better than SPECT-MPS in
      detecting ischemia in suspected CAD patients. CONCLUSION: Exercise F18-FDG
      imaging is a potentially useful ischemia imaging modality which offers the
      advantages of direct ischemia imaging in CAD patients.

PMID- 25124827
TI  - Molecular imaging of plaque vulnerability.
AB  - Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in the development of
      novel imaging strategies focusing on the biology of the vessel wall for
      identification of vulnerable plaques. While the majority of these studies are
      still in the pre-clinical stage, few techniques (e.g., (18)F-FDG and (18)F-NaF
      PET imaging) have already been evaluated in clinical studies with promising
      results. Here, we will briefly review the pathobiology of atherosclerosis and
      discuss molecular imaging strategies that have been developed to target these
      events, with an emphasis on mechanisms that are associated with atherosclerotic
      plaque vulnerability. 

PMID- 25124830
TI  - Synthesis of highly active and stable spinel-type oxygen evolution
      electrocatalysts by a rapid inorganic self-templating method.
AB  - Composition-adjustable spinel-type metal oxides, Mnx Co3-x O4-delta (x=0.8-1.4),
      were synthesized in ethanol solutions by a rapid inorganic self-templating
      mechanism using KCl nanocrystals as the structure-directing agent. The Mnx Co3?x
      O4?delta materials showed ultrahigh oxygen evolution activity and strong
      durability in alkaline solutions, and are capable of delivering a current density
      of 10 mA cm(-2) at 1.58 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M KOH
      solution, which is superior in comparison to IrO2 catalysts under identical
      experimental conditions, and comparable to the most active noble-metal and
      transition-metal oxygen evolution electrocatalysts reported so far. The high
      performance for catalytic oxygen evolution originates from both compositional and
      structural features of the synthesized materials. The moderate content of Mn
      doping into the spinel framework led to their improved electronic conductivity
      and strong oxidizing ability, and the well-developed porosity, accompanied with
      the high affinity between OH(-) reactants and catalyst surface, contributed to
      the smooth mass transport, thus endowing them with superior oxygen evolution
      activity. 

PMID- 25124829
TI  - Treatment failure in cognitive-behavioural therapy: therapeutic alliance as a
      precondition for an adherent and competent implementation of techniques.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Treatment failure is a common phenomenon, but little is known about
      the reasons. Therapeutic alliance, therapist adherence, and therapist competence
      are considered important aspects of treatment success and formed the focus of the
      current investigation. DESIGN: Three randomized controlled trials for the
      treatment of depression, social phobia, and hypochondriasis were the basis of the
      current study. METHODS: The role of therapeutic alliance, as well as therapist
      adherence and competence, were investigated in 61 patients, which were classified
      either as treatment failure or as treatment success. Process variables were
      evaluated by independent raters on the basis of videotapes of the first three
      treatment sessions. RESULTS: Therapists' adherence and therapeutic alliance
      differed significantly between successful treatments and those classified as
      failures, whereas therapists' competence did not. In cross-sectional analysis, we
      found a moderating effect of adherence with alliance on treatment outcome,
      indicating that the better the therapeutic alliance, the stronger the effect of
      adherence on treatment outcome. Moreover, higher therapists' competence was found
      to affect treatment outcome positively, only mediated by therapeutic alliance.
      Higher therapists' adherence affected treatment outcome positively, only mediated
      by the competence-alliance relationship. In additional longitudinal analyses, we
      found evidence that the therapeutic alliance within one session influences
      therapists' adherence and competence in the subsequent session, but not the other
      way around. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic alliance proved to be an important variable
      for the prediction of treatment failure. Furthermore, in our longitudinal
      analyses, we found evidence that the therapeutic alliance is a precondition for
      the adherent and competent implementation of therapeutic techniques, which
      questions the results of our cross-sectional analysis and of previous research.
      PRACTITIONER POINTS: Clinical implications Treatment failure is associated with a
      lower therapeutic alliance in cognitive-behavioural treatment. Therapeutic
      alliance seems to be an important precondition for the adherent and competent
      implementation of therapeutic techniques. Therapeutic alliance should be
      monitored during psychotherapeutic treatment. Cautions or limitations Results are
      limited to cognitive-behavioural therapy and may not be representative for other
      treatment approaches. Process analyses are based on highly standardized
      randomized controlled trials and may not be generalizable to routine care.

PMID- 25124831
TI  - Socio-economic determinants of ownership and use of treated bed nets in Nigeria:
      results from a cross-sectional study in Cross River and Bauchi States in 2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor people bear a disproportionate burden of malaria and prevention
      measures may not reach them well. A study carried out to examine the socio
      economic factors associated with ownership and use of treated bed nets in Cross
      River and Bauchi States of Nigeria took place soon after campaigns to distribute
      treated bed nets. METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey about childhood
      illnesses among mothers of children less than four years of age and focus group
      discussions in 90 communities in each of the two states asked about household
      ownership of treated bed nets and their use for children under four years old.
      Bivariate and multivariate analyses examined associations between socio-economic
      and other variables and these outcomes in each state. RESULTS: Some 72% of 7,685
      households in Cross River and 87% of 5,535 households in Bauchi State had at
      least one treated bed net. In Cross River, urban households were more likely to
      possess bed nets, as were less-poor households (enough food in the last week),
      those with a male head, and those from communities with a formal health facility.
      In Bauchi, less-poor households and those with a more educated head were more
      likely to possess nets. In households with nets, only about half of children
      under four years old always slept under a net: 54% of 11,267 in Cross River and
      57% of 11,277 in Bauchi. Factors associated with use of nets for young children
      in Cross River were less-poor households, fewer young children in the household,
      more education of the father, antenatal care of the mother, and younger age of
      the child, while in Bauchi the factors were a mother with more education and
      antenatal care, and younger age of the child. Some focus groups complained of
      distribution difficulties, and many described misconceptions about adverse
      effects of nets as an important reason for not using them. CONCLUSION: Despite a
      recent campaign to distribute treated bed nets, disadvantaged households were
      less likely to possess them and to use them for young children. Efforts are
      needed to reach these households and to dispel fears about dangers of using
      treated nets.

PMID- 25124832
TI  - Is the incidence of temporomandibular disorder increased in polycystic ovary
      syndrome?
AB  - The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders is higher among women than men
      (ratio 3:1 -9:1). Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) is the most common endocrine
      disorder in women, which is characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation and
      excess of androgenic hormones that lead to metabolic aberrations and ovarian
      dysfunction. Increased activities of various matrix metalloproteinases
      (particularly MMP-2 and 9) in the serum of these patients has been reported, and
      it has been hypothesised that high activities of MMP may contribute to loss of
      matrix and chronic inflammation of the fibrocartilage in temporomandibular
      disorders. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence of temopormandibular dysfunction
      in women with PCOS compared with an age-matched, disease-free, control group. We
      studied 50 patients with previously diagnosed PCOS and 50 volunteers who had
      normal menstrual cycles. We made a comprehensive clinical examination of the
      temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscles of mastication in both groups and
      recorded the Visual Analogue Scores (VAS) for pain. There were significant
      differences (p<0.001) in the incidence of temporomandibular disorders (n=43 (86%)
      in the PCOS group compared with n=12 24% in the control group), muscle
      tenderness(n=32 (64%) in the PCOS group compared with n=14 (28%) in the control
      group) and pain in the TMJ (mean (SD) VAS 2.9 (2.61) compared with 0.3 (1.56). We
      confirm the higher incidence and severity of disorders of the TMJ in patients
      with PCOS and suspect that chronic low-grade inflammation may play a part in the
      aetiology of the disease. 

PMID- 25124833
TI  - Attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention: a psychometric evaluation of the
      Swedish version of the APuP instrument.
AB  - The primary aim was to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the Attitude towards
      Pressure ulcer Prevention (APuP) instrument in a Swedish context. A further aim
      was to describe and compare attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention between
      registered nurses (RNs), assistant nurses (ANs) and student nurses (SNs). In
      total, 415 RNs, ANs and SNs responded to the questionnaire. In addition to
      descriptive and comparative statistics, confirmatory factor analyses were
      performed. Because of a lack of support for the instrument structure, further
      explorative and consecutive confirmatory tests were conducted. Overall, positive
      attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention were identified for all three groups,
      but SNs reported lower attitude scores on three items and a higher score on one
      item compared to RNs and ANs. The findings indicated no support in this Swedish
      sample for the previously reported five-factor model of APuP. Further explorative
      and confirmative factor analyses indicated that a four-factor model was most
      interpretable: (i) Priority (five items), (ii) Competence (three items), (iii)
      Importance (three items) and (iv) Responsibility (two items). The five-factor
      solution could not be confirmed. Further research is recommended to develop a
      valid and reliable tool to assess nurses' attitudes towards pressure ulcer
      prevention working across different settings on an international level. 

PMID- 25124834
TI  - Membrane protein resistance of oligo(ethylene oxide) self-assembled monolayers.
AB  - As part of an effort to develop biointerfaces for structure-function studies of
      integral membrane proteins (IMPs) a series of oligo(ethylene oxide) self
      assembled monolayers (OEO-SAMs) were evaluated for their resistance to protein
      adsorption (RPA) of IMPs on Au and Pt. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) was used
      to determine SAM thicknesses and compare the RPA of HS(CH2)3O(CH2CH2O)6CH3 (1),
      HS(CH2)3O(CH2CH2O)6H (2), [HS(CH2)3]2CHO(CH2CH2O)6CH3 (3) and
      [HS(CH2)3]2CHO(CH2CH2O)6H (4), assembled from water. For both substrates, SAM
      thicknesses for 1 to 4 were found to be comparable indicating SAMs with similar
      surface coverages and OEO chain order and packing densities. Fibrinogen (Fb), a
      soluble plasma protein, and rhodopsin (Rd), an integral membrane G-protein
      coupled receptor, adsorbed to the SAMs of 1, as expected from previous reports,
      but not to the hydroxy-terminated SAMs of 2 and 4. The methoxy-terminated SAMs of
      3 were resistant to Fb but, surprisingly, not to Rd. The stark difference between
      the adsorption of Rd to the SAMs of 3 and 4 clearly indicate that a hydroxy
      terminus of the OEO chain is essential for high RPA of IMPs. The similar
      thicknesses and high RPA of the SAMs of 2 and 4 show the conditions of protein
      resistance (screening the underlying substrate, packing densities, SAM order, and
      conformational mobility of the OEO chains) defined from previous studies on Au
      are applicable to Pt. In addition, the SAMs of 4, exhibiting the highest
      resistance to Fb and Rd, were placed in contact with undiluted fetal bovine serum
      for 2h. Low protein adsorption (~12.4ng/cm(2)), obtained under these more
      challenging conditions, denote a high potential of the SAMs of 4 for various
      applications requiring the suppression of non-specific protein adsorption. 

PMID- 25124835
TI  - Promising dissolution enhancement effect of soluplus on crystallized celecoxib
      obtained through antisolvent precipitation and high pressure homogenization
      techniques.
AB  - Poor solubility and dissolution of hydrophobic drugs have become a major
      challenge in pharmaceutical development. Drug nanoparticles have been widely
      accepted to overcome this problem. The aim of this study was to manufacture
      celecoxib nanoparticles using antisolvent precipitation and high pressure
      homogenization techniques in the presence of varying concentrations of
      soluplus((r)) as a hydrophilic stabilizer. Antisolvent crystallization followed
      by freeze drying (CRS-FD) and antisolvent crystallization followed by high
      pressure homogenization and freeze drying (HPH-FD) were used to obtain celecoxib
      nanoparticles. The obtained nanoparticles were analyzed in terms of particle
      size, saturation solubility, morphology (optical and scanning electron
      microscopy), solid state (DSC, XRPD and FT-IR) and dissolution behavior. The
      results showed that celecoxib nanoparticle can be obtained when soluplus was
      added to the crystallization medium. In addition, the results showed that the
      concentration of soluplus and the method used to prepare nanoparticles can
      control the size and dissolution of celecoxib. Samples obtained in the presence
      of 5% soluplus through HPH technique showed an excellent dissolution (90%) within
      4min. It is interesting to note that celecoxib samples with high crystallinity
      showed better dissolution than those celecoxib samples with high amorphous
      content, although they had the same concentration of soluplus. DSC and XRPD
      proved that samples obtained via HPH technique are more crystalline than the
      samples obtained through only antisolvent crystallization technique. 

PMID- 25124836
TI  - Effect of exopolysaccharides on photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles.
AB  - Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are largely used in consumer products and
      industrial applications. The increased use of such materials may lead to its
      release into the environment. The study used chemically synthesized ZnO NPs and
      characterized by using UV-visible spectrophotometer, scanning electron
      microscopy, particle size analyzer and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The mean
      diameter of the particles was found to be 55+/-1.2nm. The XRD patterns exhibited
      hexagonal structure for ZnO NPs. The photocatalytic property of ZnO NPs was
      evaluated based on the UV-vis spectra changes of the methylene blue solution as a
      function of reaction time in the presence of ZnO NPs under visible light. The
      study suggests that ZnO NPs can be used as an efficient photocatalyst and the
      environmental factor such as exopolysaccharides could mask the photocatalytic
      activity of NPs. 

PMID- 25124837
TI  - Evaluation of esophagogastric junction relaxation by 4-second Integrated
      Relaxation Pressure in achalasia using High Resolution Manometry with water
      perfused catheters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Relaxation of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is now evaluated
      calculating 4-second integrated relaxation pressure (4-s IRP) by high resolution
      manometry (HREPT). Solid-state catheters have been used to define abnormal
      values. Our aim was to evaluate 4-s IRP in esophageal achalasia using HREPT with
      perfused catheters. METHODS: From June 2009 to June 2013, 936 HREPT studies have
      been performed in our unit. Of these, 194 patients having treated achalasia were
      excluded. Control group was constituted by 695 patients without achalasia, and 47
      patients with untreated achalasia constituted the study group. HREPT was
      performed with water-perfused catheters. To establish the cut-off value for 4-s
      IRP that better discriminate patients with achalasia from all other patients, a
      receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. KEY RESULTS:
      Twenty three of 47 achalasia patients (49%) showed a 4-s IRP under 15 mmHg; and
      seven (15%) had a value under modified Chicago criteria. A cut-off value for 4-s
      IRP of 6.5 mmHg, calculated by ROC analysis, highly discriminates achalasia from
      the rest of the patients and especially from scleroderma patients (area under the
      curve: 0.997, 95% CI: 0.995-1.000; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Cut-off
      values for 4-s IRP defined using HREPT with solid-state catheters are not
      adequate for diagnosing esophageal achalasia with water-perfused systems. A lower
      value, i.e., 6.5 mmHg, is suggested for this equipment. The diagnostic criteria
      of esophageal achalasia should be modified for HREPT performed with water
      perfused systems.

PMID- 25124838
TI  - Charles W. Vaughan, MD, 1926-2014.

PMID- 25124839
TI  - Xenograft model for therapeutic drug testing in recurrent respiratory
      papillomatosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identifying effective treatment for papillomatosis is limited by a
      lack of animal models, and there is currently no preclinical model for testing
      potential therapeutic agents. We hypothesized that xenografting of papilloma may
      facilitate in vivo drug testing to identify novel treatment options. METHODS: A
      biopsy of fresh tracheal papilloma was xenografted into a NOD-scid
      IL2Rgamma(null) (NSG) mouse. RESULTS: The xenograft began growing after 5 weeks
      and was serially passaged over multiple generations. Each generation showed a
      consistent log-growth pattern, and in all xenografts, the presence of the human
      papillomavirus (HPV) genome was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
      Histopathologic analysis demonstrated that the squamous architecture of the
      original papilloma was maintained in each generation. In vivo drug testing with
      bevacizumab (5 mg/kg i.p. twice weekly for 3 weeks) showed a dramatic therapeutic
      response compared to saline control. CONCLUSION: We report here the first
      successful case of serial xenografting of a tracheal papilloma in vivo with a
      therapeutic response observed with drug testing. In severely immunocompromised
      mice, the HPV genome and squamous differentiation of the papilloma can be
      maintained for multiple generations. This is a feasible approach to identify
      therapeutic agents in the treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

PMID- 25124840
TI  - Longitudinal voice outcomes following laryngeal reinnervation via vagus-to
      recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis after vagal nerve sacrifice: a case series.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe longitudinal voice outcomes of vagus-to
      recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis following operative vagal nerve sacrifice.
      METHODS: Two patients who underwent anastomosis were assessed by a
      multidisciplinary voice team at 1, 4, 9, 12, and 18 months after vagal sacrifice.
      RESULTS: Long-term changes in voice function based on auditory perceptual
      measures of voice quality and visual perceptual changes in glottal closure were
      observed and maintained for 18 months after vagus-to-recurrent laryngeal nerve
      anastomosis in 2 patients with proximal vagal nerve sacrifice. Patients achieved
      acceptable voice outcomes and elected not to undergo further treatment, which was
      supported by Voice Handicap Index scores. CONCLUSION: Gradual restoration of
      voice following operative vagal sacrifice can be achieved over an 18-month period
      using vagus-to-recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis and warrants further
      investigation in appropriately selected patients.

PMID- 25124841
TI  - Facial palsy in Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome and Bell's palsy: familial history
      and recurrence tendency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare genetic predilection and
      recurrence tendency between facial palsy in Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS)
      and Bell's palsy METHODS: We carried out an investigation on patients with facial
      palsy in MRS and those with Bell's palsy who visited the outpatient department in
      our hospital between February 2009 and February 2013. They were asked about
      familial history and whether it was the first episode, with the results recorded
      and compared. RESULTS: There were 16 patients with facial palsy in MRS and 860
      patients with Bell's palsy involved in the study. Familial history was positive
      in 5 of 16 patients (31.3%) with facial palsy in MRS and 56 of 860 patients
      (6.5%) with Bell's palsy (P < .01). Twelve of 16 cases (75%) with facial palsy in
      MRS and 88 of 860 cases (10.2%) with Bell's palsy had a history of facial palsy
      in the past (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Compared to Bell's palsy, facial palsy in MRS
      has an obvious genetic predilection and recurrence tendency.

PMID- 25124842
TI  - Fluxionally chiral DMAP catalysts: kinetic resolution of axially chiral biaryl
      compounds.
AB  - Can organocatalysts that incorporate fluxional groups provide enhanced
      selectivity in asymmetric transformations? To address this issue, we have
      designed chiral 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) catalysts with fluxional
      chirality. These catalysts were found to be efficient in promoting the acylative
      kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols and axially chiral biaryl compounds with
      selectivity factors of up to 37 and 51, respectively. 

PMID- 25124844
TI  - Evaluating degradation of silk's fibroin by attenuated total reflectance infrared
      spectroscopy: case study of ancient banners from Polish collections.
AB  - In this study a part of research where artificially aged model samples were used
      as a guideline to the mechanism of degradation is presented. In previous work
      Bombyx Mori silk samples were exposed to various environments such as different
      oxygen, water vapour and volatile organic products content, all at the
      temperature of 150  degrees C [11]. Based on those results gathered with by
      Attenuated Total Reflectance/Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR)
      the degradation estimators were proposed and classified as follows: (1) Primary
      functional groups estimators EAmideI/II - intensity ratios of Amide I C=O
      stretching vibration to Amide II N-H in-plane bending and C-N stretching
      vibrations A1620/A1514. ECOOH - band 1318 cm(-1) integral to band integral of CH3
      bending vibration band located at 1442 cm(-1)P1318/P1442. (2) Secondary
      conformational estimators EcC=O2 - intensity ratios within Amide I C=O stretching
      vibration of parallel beta-sheet to antiparallel beta-sheet A1620/A1699. In this
      work estimators were verified against estimators calculated from spectra of silk
      samples from 8 museum objects: 3 from 19th, 2 from 18th, 1 from 17th and 2 from
      16th century including 3 banners from the storage resources of the Wawel Royal
      Castle in Cracow, Poland.

PMID- 25124843
TI  - Expression quantitative trait loci infer the regulation of isoflavone
      accumulation in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) seed.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mapping expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) of targeted genes
      represents a powerful and widely adopted approach to identify putative regulatory
      variants. Linking regulation differences to specific genes might assist in the
      identification of networks and interactions. The objective of this study is to
      identify eQTL underlying expression of four gene families encoding isoflavone
      synthetic enzymes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway, which are
      phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL; EC 4.3.1.5), chalcone synthase (CHS; EC
      2.3.1.74), 2-hydroxyisoflavanone synthase (IFS; EC1.14.13.136) and flavanone 3
      hydroxylase (F3H; EC 1.14.11.9). A population of 130 recombinant inbred lines
      (F5:11), derived from a cross between soybean cultivar 'Zhongdou 27' (high
      isoflavone) and 'Jiunong 20' (low isoflavone), and a total of 194 simple sequence
      repeat (SSR) markers were used in this study. Overlapped loci of eQTLs and
      phenotypic QTLs (pQTLs) were analyzed to identify the potential candidate genes
      underlying the accumulation of isoflavone in soybean seed. RESULTS: Thirty three
      eQTLs (thirteen cis-eQTLs and twenty trans-eQTLs) underlying the transcript
      abundance of the four gene families were identified on fifteen chromosomes. The
      eQTLs between Satt278-Sat_134, Sat_134-Sct_010 and Satt149-Sat_234 underlie the
      expression of both IFS and CHS genes. Five eQTL intervals were overlapped with
      pQTLs. A total of eleven candidate genes within the overlapped eQTL and pQTL were
      identified. CONCLUSIONS: These results will be useful for the development of
      marker-assisted selection to breed soybean cultivars with high or low isoflavone
      contents and for map-based cloning of new isoflavone related genes.

PMID- 25124845
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of 2-acetylpyridine-alpha
      naphthoxyacetylhydrazone and its metal complexes [corrected].
AB  - A new series of complexes of Ni(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Mn(II), Hg(II) and
      UO2(2+) derived from 2-acetylpyridine-alpha-naphthoxyacetylhydrazone (HA2PNA)
      have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (IR, UV
      visible, ESR and (1)H NMR) as well as magnetic and thermal measurements. The data
      revealed that the ligand acts as neutral NO, NN and NNO or mono-negative NNO
      chelate. On the basis of electronic spectral and magnetic moment data, an
      octahedral geometry is suggested for Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and UO2(2+) complexes
      and a square planar arrangement for Cu(II) complex. The bond length, bond angle,
      HOMO, LUMO, dipole moment and charges on the atoms have been calculated to
      confirm the geometry of the ligand and the investigated complexes. The kinetic
      parameters were determined for thermal degradation stages of some complexes using
      Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger methods. Also, the ligand and its complexes
      were screened against antibacterial, antioxidant using DPPH radical and antitumor
      activities using in vitro Ehrlich ascites assay. 

PMID- 25124846
TI  - Synthesis, structural and vibrational investigation on 2-phenyl-N-(pyrazin-2
      yl)acetamide combining XRD diffraction, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopies with DFT
      calculations.
AB  - The optimized molecular structure, vibrational frequencies, corresponding
      vibrational assignments of 2-phenyl-N-(pyrazin-2-yl)acetamide have been
      investigated experimentally and theoretically using Gaussian09 software package.
      The title compound was optimized by using the HF/6-31G(6D,7F) and B3LYP/6
      31G(6D,7F) calculations. The geometrical parameters are in agreement with the XRD
      data. The stability of the molecule arising from hyper-conjugative interaction
      and charge delocalization has been analyzed using NBO analysis. Gauge-including
      atomic orbital (1)H-NMR chemical shifts calculations were carried out and
      compared with experimental data. The HOMO and LUMO analysis is used to determine
      the charge transfer within the molecule. Molecular electrostatic potential was
      performed by the DFT method. First hyperpolarizability is calculated in order to
      find its role in non linear optics. From the XRD data, in the crystal, molecules
      are held together by strong C-H?O and N-H?O intermolecular interactions.

PMID- 25124847
TI  - Spectroscopic properties and the catalytic activity of new organo-lead
      supramolecular coordination polymer containing quinoxaline.
AB  - The 3D-supramolecular coordination polymer (SCP) (3)infinity[
      Cu2(CN)3(Me3Pb)(qox)], 1, as the first example of the CuCN SCP containing the
      (Me3Pb) fragment, was explored to investigate its catalytic and photo-catalytic
      activities. The structure of 1 contains two chemically identical but
      crystallographically different [Cu2(CN)3?Me3Pb?qox]2 units with four Cu(I) sites
      assuming distorted TP-3 geometry. Two non-linear chains of equal abundance are
      formed producing corrugated parallel chains which are connected laterally by
      quinoxaline creating 2D-layers which are arranged parallel in an (AB?AB?AB)n
      fashion forming 3D-network. IR, mass, electronic absorption and fluorescence
      spectra are also investigated. The SCP 1 is diamagnetic and exhibits good
      catalytic and photo-catalytic activities for the degradation of methylene blue
      (MB). The reaction is first order with respect to MB dye. The irradiation of the
      reaction with UV-light enhanced the rate of MB mineralization. The efficiency of
      recycled the 1 and the mechanism of degradation of MB dye were investigated. 

PMID- 25124848
TI  - SABRE is required for stabilization of root hair patterning in Arabidopsis
      thaliana.
AB  - Patterned differentiation of distinct cell types is essential for the development
      of multicellular organisms. The root epidermis of Arabidopsis thaliana is
      composed of alternating files of root hair and non-hair cells and represents a
      model system for studying the control of cell-fate acquisition. Epidermal cell
      fate is regulated by a network of genes that translate positional information
      from the underlying cortical cell layer into a specific pattern of differentiated
      cells. While much is known about the genes of this network, new players continue
      to be discovered. Here we show that the SABRE (SAB) gene, known to mediate
      microtubule organization, anisotropic cell growth and planar polarity, has an
      effect on root epidermal hair cell patterning. Loss of SAB function results in
      ectopic root hair formation and destabilizes the expression of cell fate and
      differentiation markers in the root epidermis, including expression of the
      WEREWOLF (WER) and GLABRA2 (GL2) genes. Double mutant analysis reveal that wer
      and caprice (cpc) mutants, defective in core components of the epidermal
      patterning pathway, genetically interact with sab. This suggests that SAB may act
      on epidermal patterning upstream of WER and CPC. Hence, we provide evidence for a
      role of SAB in root epidermal patterning by affecting cell-fate stabilization.
      Our work opens the door for future studies addressing SAB-dependent functions of
      the cytoskeleton during root epidermal patterning. 

PMID- 25124849
TI  - Non-verbal communication in meetings of psychiatrists and patients with
      schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recent evidence found that patients with schizophrenia display non
      verbal behaviour designed to avoid social engagement during the opening moments
      of their meetings with psychiatrists. This study aimed to replicate, and build
      on, this finding, assessing the non-verbal behaviour of patients and
      psychiatrists during meetings, exploring changes over time and its association
      with patients' symptoms and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. METHOD:
      40-videotaped routine out-patient consultations, involving patients with
      schizophrenia, were analysed. Non-verbal behaviour of patients and psychiatrists
      was assessed during three fixed, 2-min intervals using a modified Ethological
      Coding System for Interviews. Symptoms, satisfaction with communication and the
      quality of the therapeutic relationship were also measured. RESULTS: Over time,
      patients' non-verbal behaviour remained stable, whilst psychiatrists' flight
      behaviour decreased. Patients formed two groups based on their non-verbal
      profiles, one group (n = 25) displaying pro-social behaviour, inviting
      interaction and a second (n = 15) displaying flight behaviour, avoiding
      interaction. Psychiatrists interacting with pro-social patients displayed more
      pro-social behaviours (P < 0.001). Patients' pro-social profile was associated
      reduced symptom severity (P < 0.05), greater satisfaction with communication (P <
      0.001) and positive therapeutic relationships (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients'
      non-verbal behaviour during routine psychiatric consultations remains unchanged,
      and is linked to both their psychiatrist's non-verbal behaviour and the quality
      of the therapeutic relationship.

PMID- 25124850
TI  - An improved and validated sample cleanup method for analysis of ethyl carbamate
      in Chinese liquor.
AB  - Ethyl carbamate (EC) is a potential human carcinogen widely existing in fermented
      foods and alcoholic beverages. The solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled to gas
      chromatography mass spectrometry is a widely-used method to determine EC levels,
      but the accuracy varies with sample matrix and the effects of operation
      parameters are rarely examined. In this study, the influence factors involved in
      EC determination were investigated using Chinese liquor as sample matrix, and the
      improved method was further applied. Three types of SPE columns, including
      diatomite, Florisil, and primary-secondary amine, were compared in extraction
      efficiency, and the diatomite column exhibited the highest extraction efficiency.
      The optimal volumes of elution solvents with diatomite column were 15 mL for 3-mL
      samples solution loaded. In addition, the alcoholic strength for EC determination
      should be diluted below 20% (v/v) to avoid the enhancement of matrix-induced
      chromatographic response. Moreover, the pH neutralization could help improve EC
      recovery and peak resolution, reducing interfering effects. Based on these
      results, the improved method showed that the limit of detection, the limit of
      quantification, and average recoveries were 1.10 MUg/L, 3.65 MUg/L, and 93.06%,
      respectively. To further elucidate the underlying factors related to EC
      accumulation, partial least square regression analysis was conducted, and the
      results suggested that EC levels had the closest relationship with alcoholic
      strength among the remaining precursors. 

PMID- 25124852
TI  - Neurite-J: an image-J plug-in for axonal growth analysis in organotypic cultures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies in our lab proposed a method of dorsal root ganglia
      (DRG) and spinal cord slice (SC) organotypic 3D cultures to study motor and
      sensory axonal regeneration. Although these models are useful to test how
      different factors affect axonal growth, manual sample analysis can be inaccurate
      and time-consuming. Thus, we designed and set-up a plug-in to quantify axonal
      growth in 3D organotypic cultures. NEW METHOD: DRG and SC were cultured in a 3D
      collagen matrix. Explants were maintained in culture medium (control condition)
      or in culture medium supplemented with neurotrophins. Neurites were immunolabeled
      against RT-97 and pictures were obtained using an epifluorescence microscope. To
      quantify axonal growth we adapted the Sholl method of concentric rings to our
      cultures and the algorithm was implemented as an ImageJ plug-in. COMPARISON WITH
      EXISTING METHOD(S): Our method and plug-in was compared with standard Sholl
      method demonstrating better accuracy. In comparison with Neurite-J, manual
      measures of axonal growth in organotypic cultures require more time and provide
      fewer data than our proposed method. RESULTS: Neurite-J gives a reliable
      quantitative analysis of neurite growth, providing counts of neurite number and
      neurite area at different distances from the explant. Moreover, this plug-in
      follows lineal and semi-logarithmic analysis of the Sholl method, yielding a
      numerical value of neurite outgrowth useful for comparing different experimental
      conditions. CONCLUSION: Neurite-J provides a quantification method of neurite
      arbors in 3D organotypic cultures that gives the researcher an easy, fast and
      reliable tool to study axonal growth.

PMID- 25124851
TI  - Skull-stripping with machine learning deformable organisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Segmentation methods for medical images may not generalize well to
      new data sets or new tasks, hampering their utility. We attempt to remedy these
      issues using deformable organisms to create an easily customizable segmentation
      plan. We validate our framework by creating a plan to locate the brain in 3D
      magnetic resonance images of the head (skull-stripping). NEW METHOD: Our method
      borrows ideas from artificial life to govern a set of deformable models. We use
      control processes such as sensing, proactive planning, reactive behavior, and
      knowledge representation to segment an image. The image may have landmarks and
      features specific to that dataset; these may be easily incorporated into the
      plan. In addition, we use a machine learning method to make our segmentation more
      accurate. RESULTS: Our method had the least Hausdorff distance error, but
      included slightly less brain voxels (false negatives). It also had the lowest
      false positive error and performed on par to skull-stripping specific method on
      other metrics. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S): We tested our method on 838 T1
      weighted images, evaluating results using distance and overlap error metrics
      based on expert gold standard segmentations. We evaluated the results before and
      after the learning step to quantify its benefit; we also compare our results to
      three other widely used methods: BSE, BET, and the Hybrid Watershed algorithm.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our framework captures diverse categories of information needed for
      brain segmentation and will provide a foundation for tackling a wealth of
      segmentation problems.

PMID- 25124855
TI  - Sexual precocity of Nellore bulls that are offspring of super precocious,
      precocious and normal cows in extensive farming conditions.
AB  - The objective of this work was to verify that mothers classified as super
      precocious (M1) and precocious (M2) produce more precocious bulls than females
      classified as normal (M3). This study included 21,186 animals with an average age
      of 21.29 +/- 1.77 months that underwent a breeding soundness evaluation from 1999
      to 2008. Of these animals, 2019, 6059 and 13,108 were offspring of M1, M2 and M3
      females, respectively. In the breeding soundness examination, the animals were
      classified as sound for reproduction, sound under a natural mating regime,
      unsound for reproduction and discarded. To compare the averages obtained for each
      category of mother within the individual breeding soundness classes, a chi-square
      test with a 5% error probability was used, considering the effects of year and
      month of birth and farm. For the three classes of mothers (M1, M2 and M3), 67.26,
      67.22 and 64.16% of bull calves were considered sound for reproduction and 19.71,
      19.46 and 21.90% were considered unsound for reproduction, respectively. There
      was no difference in the frequency of animals that were sound for reproduction
      under the natural breeding regime between the three classes of mothers (8.87,
      9.31 and 9.19%, respectively). There was a difference between the numbers of
      precocious and normal females that were discarded, with frequencies of 4.01 and
      4.75%, respectively (p < 0.05). There were differences in year and month of birth
      and farm between super precocious and precocious cows in relation to the breeding
      soundness classification of the animals. It was concluded that the bull offspring
      of super precocious and precocious cows presented a higher percentage of approval
      in the breeding soundness examination than the bull offspring of normal cows,
      demonstrating that the selection for precocity of females has contributed to an
      increase in the sexual precocity of the herd in relation to the sexual maturity
      of bulls.

PMID- 25124853
TI  - Long noncoding RNA associated-competing endogenous RNAs in gastric cancer.
AB  - Some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the regulation of gene
      expression by acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, the roles of
      lncRNA associated-ceRNAs in oncogenesis are not fully understood. Here, based on
      lncRNA microarray data of gastric cancer, bioinformatic algorithm miRcode and
      microRNA (miRNA) targets database TarBase, we first constructed an lncRNA-miRNA
      mRNA network. Then, we confirmed it by data of six types of other cancer
      including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, papillary
      thyroid carcinoma, pituitary gonadotrope tumors, ovarian cancer, and chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia. The results showed a clear cancer-associated ceRNA network.
      Eight lncRNAs (AC009499.1, GACAT1, GACAT3, H19, LINC00152, AP000288.2, FER1L4,
      and RP4-620F22.3) and nine miRNAs (miR-18a-5p, miR-18b-5p, miR-19a-3p, miR-20b
      5p, miR-106a-5p, miR-106b-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-139-5p, and miR-195-5p) were
      involved. For instance, through its miRNA response elements (MREs) to compete for
      miR-106a-5p, lncRNA-FER1L4 regulates the expression of PTEN, RB1, RUNX1, VEGFA,
      CDKN1A, E2F1, HIPK3, IL-10, and PAK7. Furthermore, cellular experimental results
      indicated that FER1L4-small interfering RNA (siRNA) simultaneously suppressed
      FER1L4 and RB1 mRNA level. These results suggest that lncRNAs harbor MREs and
      play important roles in post-transcriptional regulation in cancer. 

PMID- 25124854
TI  - Association of gene variants of the renin-angiotensin system with accelerated
      hippocampal volume loss and cognitive decline in old age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Genetic factors confer risk for neuropsychiatric phenotypes, but the
      polygenic etiology of these phenotypes makes identification of genetic culprits
      challenging. An approach to this challenge is to examine the effects of genetic
      variation on relevant endophenotypes, such as hippocampal volume loss. A smaller
      hippocampus is associated with gene variants of the renin-angiotensin system
      (RAS), a system implicated in vascular disease. However, no studies to date have
      investigated longitudinally the effects of genetic variation of RAS on the
      hippocampus. METHOD: The authors examined the effects of polymorphisms of AGTR1,
      the gene encoding angiotensin-II type 1 receptor of RAS, on longitudinal
      hippocampal volumes of older adults. In all, 138 older adults (age >=60 years)
      were followed for an average of about 4 years. The participants underwent
      repeated structural MRI and comprehensive neurocognitive testing, and they were
      genotyped for four AGTR1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with low pairwise
      linkage disequilibrium values and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. RESULTS:
      Genetic variants at three AGTR1 SNPs (rs2638363, rs1492103, and rs2675511) were
      independently associated with accelerated hippocampal volume loss over the 4-year
      follow-up period in the right but not left hemisphere. Intriguingly, these AGTR1
      risk alleles also predicted worse episodic memory performance but were not
      related to other cognitive measures. Two risk variants (rs2638363 and rs12721331)
      interacted with the APOE4 allele to accelerate right hippocampal volume loss.
      CONCLUSIONS: Risk genetic variants of the RAS may accelerate memory decline in
      older adults, an effect that may be conferred by accelerated hippocampal volume
      loss. Molecules involved in this system may hold promise as early therapeutic
      targets for late-life neuropsychiatric disorders.

PMID- 25124856
TI  - Helminths in feline coprolites up to 9000 years in the Brazilian Northeast.
AB  - The identification of parasites in animal coprolites has been an important tool
      to promote knowledge about parasites infecting different zoological groups in the
      past. It also helps the understanding of parasites causing zoonoses, which is
      especially important for animals that were part of the diet of prehistoric human
      groups. Nevertheless, the study of feline coprolites is still scarce. This study
      analyzed 30 feline coprolites from southeastern Piaui taken from archeological
      sites used by human groups in the past. Eggs of Spirometra sp., Toxocara cati,
      Spirurida, Oxyuroidea Calodium cf. hepaticum, Trichuris cf. muris, Trichuris sp.,
      and other Trichuridae, Oncicola sp., and nematode larvae were found. Some of
      these findings reflect the consumption of infected prey. The role of felines in
      the transmission of helminthes causing zoonoses in the region is discussed. 

PMID- 25124857
TI  - The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of copper(II) complexes.
AB  - Biofilm-related bacterial infections pose a significant problem, as they are
      generally more tolerant to antibiotics and the immune system. Development of
      novel compounds with antibiofilm activity is therefore paramount. In this study
      we have analysed metal complexes of the general structure [M(IL)(AL)](2+) (where
      IL represents functionalised 1,10-phenanthrolines and AL represents 1S,2S- or
      1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane) and [Cu(IL)3](2+). Antimicrobial activity was tested on
      a number of bacterial strains, showing that copper(II) compounds were active
      against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, albeit that activity was
      generally higher for the former. The antibiofilm activity was then determined
      against a clinical isolate of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
      Strikingly, the copper complexes tested showed significant activity against
      biofilms, and were better in the removal of biofilms than vancomycin, an
      antibiotic that is currently used in the treatment of MRSA infections. 

PMID- 25124858
TI  - Electrospun P34HB fibres: a scaffold for tissue engineering.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Amongst the fourth generation of PHAs is bio-plasticpoly3
      hydroxybutyrate4-hydroxybutyrate (P34HB); it is thus appropriate to perform novel
      research on its uses and applications. The main objective of this study was to
      determine whether electrospun P34HB fibres would accommodate viability, growth
      and differentiation of mouse adipose-derived stem cells (mASCs). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In the present study, we looked at P34HB in two forms, electrospun P34HB
      fibres and P34HB film. Morphology of electrospun P34HB fibres and P34HB film were
      characterized using scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and
      confocal laser scanning microscopy, after cell seeding. Cell adhesion,
      proliferation and cytotoxicity tests were conducted on both by MTT and CCK-8
      assays, respectively. After being cultured with osteogenic induction, expression
      of adipogenic genes Runx2, OPN and OCN, were examined by real-time PCR. RESULTS:
      By scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy and confocal laser scanning
      microscopy, we observed that the mASCs grew well associated with the P34HB
      materials. After MTT and CCK-8 assay, we concluded that P34HB would, indeed, be a
      material suitable for further cell adhesion and proliferation studies. More
      importantly, we found that the P34HB matrices promoted expression of Runx2, OPN
      and OCN with osteogenic induction. CONCLUSIONS: In this investigation, we can
      confirm that the electrospun P34HB fibres accommodated survival, proliferation
      and differentiation of mASCs, and we have been able to draw the conclusion that
      fibre scaffolds produced by the electrospinning process are promising for
      application of bone tissue engineering.

PMID- 25124860
TI  - Interaction Between Words and Symbolic Gestures as Revealed By N400.
AB  - What happens if you see a person pronouncing the word "go" after having gestured
      "stop"? Differently from iconic gestures, that must necessarily be accompanied by
      verbal language in order to be unambiguously understood, symbolic gestures are so
      conventionalized that they can be effortlessly understood in the absence of
      speech. Previous studies proposed that gesture and speech belong to a unique
      communication system. From an electrophysiological perspective the N400
      modulation was considered the main variable indexing the interplay between two
      stimuli. However, while many studies tested this effect between iconic gestures
      and speech, little is known about the capability of an emblem to modulate the
      neural response to subsequently presented words. Using high-density EEG, the
      present study aimed at evaluating the presence of an N400 effect and its
      spatiotemporal dynamics, in terms of cortical activations, when emblems primed
      the observation of words. Participants were presented with symbolic gestures
      followed by a semantically congruent or incongruent verb. A N400 modulation was
      detected, showing larger negativity when gesture and words were incongruent. The
      source localization during N400 time window evidenced the activation of different
      portions of temporal cortex according to the gesture and word congruence. Our
      data provide further evidence of how the observation of an emblem influences
      verbal language perception, and of how this interplay is mainly instanced by
      different portions of the temporal cortex. 

PMID- 25124861
TI  - Stereoselective synthesis of lanthionine derivatives in aqueous solution and
      their incorporation into the peptidoglycan of Escherichia coli.
AB  - The three diastereoisomers-(R,R), (S,S) and meso-of lanthionine were synthesized
      in aqueous solution with high diastereoselectivity (>99%). The (S) and (R)
      enantiomers of two differently protected sulfamidates were opened by nucleophilic
      attack of (R) or (S)-cysteine. Acidification and controlled heating liberated the
      free lanthionines. Using the same chemistry, an alpha-benzyl lanthionine was also
      prepared. The proposed method, which avoids the need of enrichment by
      recrystallization, opens the way to the labelling of these compounds with (35)S.
      Furthermore, in vivo bioincorporation into Escherichia coli W7 was studied. No
      incorporation of alpha-benzyl lanthionine was observed. In contrast, meso
      lanthionine can effectively replace meso-diaminopimelic acid in vivo, while in
      the presence of (R,R)-lanthionine the initial increase of bacterial growth was
      followed by cell lysis. In the future, meso-[(35)S]lanthionine could be used to
      study the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan and its turnover in relation to cell
      growth and division. 

PMID- 25124859
TI  - Plasticity versus specificity in RTK signalling modalities for distinct
      biological outcomes in motor neurons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple growth factors are known to control several aspects of
      neuronal biology, consecutively acting as morphogens to diversify neuronal fates,
      as guidance cues for axonal growth, and as modulators of survival or death to
      regulate neuronal numbers. The multiplicity of neuronal types is permitted by the
      combinatorial usage of growth factor receptors, each of which is expressed in
      distinct and overlapping subsets of neurons, and by the multitasking role of
      growth factor receptors, which recruit multiple signalling cascades
      differentially required for distinct biological outcomes. We have explored
      signalling robustness in cells where a given receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)
      elicits qualitatively distinct outcomes. As the HGF/Met system regulates several
      biological responses in motor neurons (MN) during neuromuscular development, we
      have investigated the signalling modalities through which the HGF/Met system
      impacts on MN biology, and the degree of robustness of each of these functions,
      when challenged with substitutions of signalling pathways. RESULTS: Using a set
      of mouse lines carrying signalling mutations that change the Met phosphotyrosine
      binding preferences, we have asked whether distinct functions of Met in several
      MN subtypes require specific signalling pathways, and to which extent signalling
      plasticity allows a pleiotropic system to exert distinct developmental outcomes.
      The differential ability of signalling mutants to promote muscle migration versus
      axonal growth allowed us to uncouple an indirect effect of HGF/Met signalling on
      nerve growth through the regulation of muscle size from a direct regulation of
      motor growth via the PI3 kinase (PI3K), but not Src kinase, pathway. Furthermore,
      we found that HGF/Met-triggered expansion of Pea3 expression domain in the spinal
      cord can be accomplished through several alternative signalling cascades,
      differentially sensitive to the Pea3 dosage. Finally, we show that the regulation
      of MN survival by HGF/Met can equally be achieved in vitro and in vivo by
      alternative signalling cascades involving either PI3K-Akt or Src and Mek
      pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings distinguish MN survival and fate
      specification, as RTK-triggered responses allowing substitutions of the
      downstream signalling routes, from nerve growth patterning, which depends on a
      selective, non-substitutable pathway.

PMID- 25124863
TI  - Reliability and validity testing of automated scoring in obstructive sleep apnea
      diagnosis with the Embletta X100.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To verify the reliability and validity of automated
      scoring and compare it to that of manual scoring for diagnosing obstructive sleep
      apnea using an Embletta X100 level 2 portable device. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      study. METHODS: A total of 116 patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea
      who had successfully received portable polysomnography with the Embletta X100
      were examined. All polysomnography data were analyzed by automated and manual
      methods. Manual scoring was performed according to the revised American Academy
      of Sleep Medicine 2012 criteria. Automated scoring was analyzed using the
      automatic algorithm, which was updated with the American Academy of Sleep
      Medicine 2012 criteria. All parameters were evaluated statistically using
      correlation analysis and paired t tests. RESULTS: The apnea-hypopnea index for
      automated scoring and manual scoring with the Embletta X100 were moderately
      correlated (r = 0.76, P < .001). However, there was poor agreement (Bland-Altman
      plot, kappa = 0.34, 0.33, and 0.26; cutoff value = 5, 15, and 30), and the apnea
      hypopnea index data were generally excessively underestimated based on diagnostic
      agreement and disagreement criteria. Furthermore, the apnea-hypopnea index
      severity (Kendall tau-b = 0.62) between automated and manual scoring lacked good
      concordance. CONCLUSIONS: Automated scoring using the Embletta X100 was
      statistically moderately related to the manual scoring results. However,
      automated scoring tended to excessively underestimate the apnea-hypopnea index
      data compared to manual scoring. Thus, manual scoring by a sleep expert is
      essential for obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis with the Embletta X100. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 25124864
TI  - Get a Life? The Impact of the European Working Time Directive: The Case of UK
      Senior Doctors.
AB  - This paper seeks to identify the effect of the implementation of the European
      Working Time Directive on the working hours of UK doctors. The Labour Force
      Survey is used to compare the working hours of doctors with a variety of control
      groups before and after the implementation of the directive. The controls include
      those unconstrained by the directive and doctor counterparts working in Europe.
      We use differences-in-differences and matching methods to estimate the impact of
      this natural experiment, distinguishing between the anticipation and enactment of
      the European Working Time Directive. We find that the legislation reduced the
      hours of senior doctors by around 8 hours in total including the component
      attributable to anticipation effects and allowing for (exogenously set) rising
      wages. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 25124862
TI  - Ricinine: a pyridone alkaloid from Ricinus communis that activates the Wnt
      signaling pathway through casein kinase 1alpha.
AB  - Wnt signaling plays important roles in proliferation, differentiation,
      development of cells, and various diseases. Activity-guided fractionation of the
      MeOH extract of the Ricinus communis stem led to the isolation of four compounds
      (1-4). The TCF/beta-catenin transcription activities of 1 and 3 were 2.2 and 2.5
      fold higher at 20 and 30MUM, respectively. Cells treated with ricinine (1) had
      higher beta-catenin and lower of p-beta-catenin (ser 33, 37, 45, Thr 41) protein
      levels, whereas glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) and casein kinase
      1alpha (CK1alpha) protein levels remained unchanged. Cells treated with
      pyrvinium, an activator of CK1alpha, had lower beta-catenin levels. However, the
      combined treatment of pyrvinium and 1 led to higher beta-catenin levels than
      those in cells treated with pyrvinium alone, which suggested that 1 inhibited
      CK1alpha activity. Furthermore, 1 increased beta-catenin protein levels in
      zebrafish embryos. These results indicated that 1 activated the Wnt signaling
      pathway by inhibiting CK1alpha. 

PMID- 25124865
TI  - Ionic liquids as novel solvents for the synthesis of sugar fatty acid ester.
AB  - Sugar fatty acid esters are bio-surfactants known for their non-toxic, non-ionic,
      and high biodegradability . With great emulsifying and conditioning effects,
      sugar fatty acids are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic
      industries. Biosynthesis of sugar fatty acid esters has attracted growing
      attention in recent decades. In this study, the enzymatic synthesis of sugar
      fatty acid esters in ionic liquids was developed, optimized, and scaled up.
      Reaction parameters affecting the conversion yield of lipase-catalyzed synthesis
      of glucose laurate from glucose and vinyl laurate (i.e. temperature, vinyl
      laurate/glucose molar ratio, and enzyme loads) were optimized by response surface
      methodology (RSM). In addition, production was scaled up to 2.5 L, and recycling
      of enzyme and ionic liquids was investigated. The results showed that under
      optimal reaction conditions (66.86  degrees C, vinyl laurate/glucose molar ratio
      of 7.63, enzyme load of 73.33 g/L), an experimental conversion yield of 96.4% was
      obtained which is close to the optimal value predicted by RSM (97.16%). A similar
      conversion yield was maintained when the reaction was carried out at 2.5 L.
      Moreover, the enzymes and ionic liquids could be recycled and reused effectively
      for up to 10 cycles. The results indicate the feasibility of ionic liquids as
      novel solvents for the biosynthesis of sugar fatty acid esters. 

PMID- 25124866
TI  - Risk of ischemic stroke in primary aldosteronism patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High aldosterone concentrations are associated with the risk of
      stroke that is independent of blood pressure levels. We investigated the risk of
      ischemic stroke in primary aldosteronism (PA) patients. METHODS: This
      retrospective case-control study was based on the Taiwan Primary Aldosteronism
      Investigation (TAIPAI) database from 2004 to 2010. The study group comprised the
      patients who developed ischemic stroke after the diagnosis of PA. The PA patients
      who did not develop stroke were matched according to age and sex as the control
      group. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to determine the
      risk factors of ischemic stroke. RESULTS: Of 339 patients diagnosed with PA, 22
      patients (6.5%) developed de novo ischemic stroke. The PA patients with stroke
      suffered from a longer hypertensive period (11.0+/-6.5 vs 7.8+/-8.3, P=.007) and
      a higher prevalence of proteinuria than those who did not develop stroke (40.9%
      vs 12.9%, P=.002). A multivariate logistic regression model showed that PA
      patients with proteinuria (HR 3.58, P=.02), preexisting coronary artery disease
      (HR 11.12, P<.001) or left ventricular hypertrophy (HR 3.09, P=.047) were
      associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Proteinuria, a
      medical history of coronary artery disease or left ventricular hypertrophy, was
      associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in PA patients. Our results
      suggest that a public health initiative is necessary to enhance the follow-up of
      proteinuria and to manage subsequent stroke among patients with aldosteronism.

PMID- 25124867
TI  - Effects of the ABCG2 and ABCB1 drug transporter polymorphisms on the
      pharmacokinetics of bicalutamide in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: Bicalutamide is an oral non-steroidal anti-androgen used in the
      treatment of prostate cancer. Drug transporters P-glycoprotein encoded by ABCB1
      and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) encoded by ABCG2 are involved in the
      transportation of bicalutamide and its treatment failure. We evaluated the roles
      of ABCB1 and ABCG2 genetic polymorphisms in the pharmacokinetics of bicalutamide
      in humans. METHODS: After a single oral dose of 150mg bicalutamide was
      administered, plasma concentrations of bicalutamide were measured, and
      pharmacokinetic analyses were performed in 27 healthy subjects according to ABCB1
      (c.1236C>T, c.2677G>T/A, and c.3435C>T) and ABCG2 (c.34G>A and c.421C>A).
      RESULTS: ABCB1 polymorphisms did not affect the plasma levels of bicalutamide and
      the pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ among ABCB1 genotype groups.
      However, the ABCG2 c.421C>A polymorphism significantly influenced the plasma
      levels and pharmacokinetics of bicalutamide gene dose-dependently. CONCLUSIONS:
      The ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms did not influence the pharmacokinetics of
      bicalutamide. However, ABCG2 c.421C>A significantly and gene dose-dependently
      influenced its pharmacokinetics, but c.34G>A did not.

PMID- 25124868
TI  - Effect of JEZTC, a synthetic compound, on proliferation and phenotype maintenance
      of rabbit articular chondrocytes in vitro.
AB  - Antioxidant may provide anti-arthritic effect that contributes to resolution of
      inflammation. Gallic acid (GA) and its derivatives were reported to be effective
      in treatment of arthritis. But GA-suppressed cell proliferation may compromise
      its effect on chondro-protection. In this study, we synthesized sulfonamido-based
      gallate-JEZTC and investigated its effect on rabbit articular chondrocytes
      through examination of the cell proliferation, morphology, viability,
      glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, and cartilage-specific gene expression.
      Results showed that JEZTC could effectively promote chondrocyte growth and
      enhance secretion and synthesis of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) by
      upregulating expression levels of aggrecan, collagen II, and Sox9 genes.
      Expression of collagen I which marked chondrocyte dedifferentiation was
      effectively downregulated by JEZTC. In addition, hypertrophy that may lead to
      chondrocyte ossification could not be detected in JEZTC groups. The results
      indicated JEZTC can well preserve the phenotype of chondrocytes. Range of 2.344
      to 9.375 MUg/ml is the recommended dose of JEZTC, which showed increased cell
      proliferation. Especially, JEZTC of 4.688 MUg/ml showed the best performance.
      This study might provide a basis for development of a novel agent for the
      treatment of symptomatic chondral and osteochondral lesions.

PMID- 25124869
TI  - Recellularization potential assessment of Wharton's Jelly-derived endothelial
      progenitor cells using a human fetal vascular tissue model.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Wharton's Jelly have demonstrated an
      excellent differentiation potential into the endothelial lineage. We hypothesize
      that endothelial progenitor cells differentiated from Wharton's Jelly-derived
      mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to repopulate a decellularized vascular
      bed employed as a biological scaffold. For this purpose, we aimed at
      investigating the behavior of the endothelial progenitor cells in the
      decellularized matrix and their potential to repopulate decellularized human
      vascular tissue. Our main objectives were to differentiate Wharton's Jelly
      derived mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial progenitor cells and to obtain a
      human vascular tissue slice experimental model using the umbilical cord arteries.
      We employed a decellularization method using enzymatic treatment of the umbilical
      cord arteries and a recellularization method with the endothelial progenitor
      cells differentiated from Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal cells in a co-culture
      system, in order to investigate our hypothesis. The cellular integration within
      the biological scaffold was determined by using flow cytometry analysis and
      confirmed by visualization of histological staining as well as fluorescence
      microscopy. The morphological observations of the recellularized scaffolds
      revealed the presence of endothelial progenitor cells within the decellularized
      tissue slices, displaying no degradation of the scaffold's extracellular matrix.
      The flow cytometry analysis revealed the presence of Wharton's Jelly-derived
      endothelial progenitor cells population in the decellularized fetal blood vessel
      scaffold after recellularization. In conclusion, our results have shown that an
      in vitro human vascular tissue slice experimental model using decellularized
      human fetal arteries is able to sustain an adequate scaffold for cellular
      implants. 

PMID- 25124871
TI  - Improved efficiency of definitive endoderm induction from human induced
      pluripotent stem cells in feeder and serum-free culture system.
AB  - Improvement of methods to produce endoderm-derived cells from pluripotent stem
      cells is important to realize high-efficient induction of endodermal tissues such
      as pancreas and hepatocyte. Difficulties hampering such efforts include the low
      efficiency of definitive endoderm cell induction and establishing appropriate
      defined culture conditions to ensure a safe cell source for human
      transplantation. Based on previous studies, we revised the experimental condition
      of definitive endoderm induction in feeder- and serum-free culture. Our results
      suggested that CHIR99021 is more effective than Wnt3A ligand in feeder- and serum
      free conditions. In addition, keeping cell density low during endoderm induction
      is important for the efficiency. On the other hand, we showed that overtreatment
      with CHIR99021 converted the cells into BRACHYURY-expressing posterior mesoderm
      cells rather than endoderm, indicating strict CHIR99021 treatment requirements
      for endoderm differentiation. Nevertheless, these results should enable better
      control in the production of definitive endoderm-derived cells. 

PMID- 25124872
TI  - Meiotic maturation of oocytes recovered from the ovaries of Indian big cats at
      postmortem.
AB  - In order to increase the available sources of genetic material for endangered
      members of the great cat family, this study was designed to assess the meiotic
      competence of oocytes recovered from postmortem ovaries of the Indian leopard,
      tiger and lion. The average number of oocytes that were recovered per ovary was
      11.0 +/- 5.0, 11.0 +/- 3.5 and 21.3 +/- 8.8 for tiger, lion and leopard,
      respectively. The proportion of culture grade oocytes for tiger, lion and leopard
      were 72.7, 78.8 and 71.9%, respectively. The culture grade oocytes were matured
      in tissue culture medium 199 modified with sodium bicarbonate supplemented with
      0.3% BSA (fatty acid-free) (w/v), 10 MUg/ml FSH, 6 IU/ml LH, 1 MUg/ml 17beta
      estradiol, 0.36 mM pyruvate, 2.2 mM calcium lactate, 2.0 mM L-glutamine, 100
      IU/ml penicillin and 0.1 mg/ml streptomycin in an incubator with 5% CO2 under
      humidified air at 38.5 degrees C for 36 h. After in vitro maturation, 56.3, 53.8
      and 58.7% of the tiger, lion and leopard oocytes, respectively, were matured. The
      proportion of oocytes that extruded first polar body was significantly higher
      when the oocytes were collected from the animals of less than 15 yr of age
      compared to above 15 yr. These findings suggest that the oocytes recovered from
      ovaries of tiger, lion and leopard immediately postmortem can be successfully
      matured to MII stage.

PMID- 25124870
TI  - Hyaluronan in aged collagen matrix increases prostate epithelial cell
      proliferation.
AB  - The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the prostate, which is comprised primarily of
      collagen, becomes increasingly disorganized with age, a property that may
      influence the development of hyperplasia and cancer. Collageous ECM extracted
      from the tails of aged mice exhibits many characteristics of collagen in aged
      tissues, including the prostate. When polymerized into a 3-dimensional (3D) gel,
      these collagen extracts can serve as models for the study of specific cell-ECM
      interactions. In the present study, we examined the behaviors of human prostatic
      epithelial cell lines representing normal prostate epithelial cells (PEC), benign
      prostatic hyperplasia (BPH-1), and adenocarcinoma (LNCaP) cultured in contact
      with 3D gels made from collagen extracts of young and aged mice. We found that
      proliferation of PEC, BPH-1, and LNCaP cells were all increased by culture on
      aged collagen gels relative to young collagen gels. In examining age-associated
      differences in the composition of the collagen extracts, we found that aged and
      young collagen had a similar amount of several collagen-associated ECM
      components, but aged collagen had a much greater content of the glycosaminoglycan
      hyaluronan (HA) than young collagen. The addition of HA (of similar size and
      concentration to that found in aged collagen extracts) to cells placed in young
      collagen elicited significantly increased proliferation in BPH-1 cells, but not
      in PEC or LNCaP cells, relative to controls not exposed to HA. Of note,
      histochemical analyses of human prostatic tissues showed significantly higher
      expression of HA in BPH and prostate cancer stroma relative to stroma of normal
      prostate. Collectively, these results suggest that changes in ECM involving
      increased levels of HA contribute to the growth of prostatic epithelium with
      aging. 

PMID- 25124873
TI  - Repression of multiple CYP2D genes in mouse primary hepatocytes with a single
      siRNA construct.
AB  - The Cyp2d subfamily is the second most abun-dant subfamily of hepatic drug
      metabolizing CYPs. In mice, there are nine Cyp2d members that are believed to
      have redundant catalytic activity. We are testing and optimizing the ability of
      one short interfering RNA (siRNA) construct to knockdown the expression of
      multiple mouse Cyp2ds in primary hepatocytes. Expression of Cyp2d10, Cyp2d11,
      Cyp2d22, and Cyp2d26 was observed in the primary male mouse hepatocytes. Cyp2d9,
      which is male-specific and growth hormone-dependent, was not expressed in male
      primary hepatocytes, potentially because of its dependence on pulsatile growth
      hormone release from the anterior pituitary. Several different siRNAs at
      different concentrations and with different reagents were used to knockdown Cyp2d
      expression. siRNA constructs designed to repress only one construct often mildly
      repressed several Cyp2d isoforms. A construct designed to knockdown every Cyp2d
      isoform provided the best results, especially when incubated with transfection
      reagents designed specifically for primary cell culture. Interestingly, a
      construct designed to knockdown all Cyp2d isoforms, except Cyp2d10, caused a 2.5*
      increase in Cyp2d10 expression, presumably because of a compensatory response.
      However, while RNA expression is repressed 24 h after siRNA treatment, associated
      changes in Cyp2d-mediated metabolism are tenuous. Overall, this study provides
      data on the expression of murine Cyp2ds in primary cell lines, valuable
      information on designing siRNAs for silencing multiple murine CYPs, and potential
      pros and cons of using siRNA as a tool for repressing Cyp2d and estimating
      Cyp2d's role in murine xenobiotic metabolism. 

PMID- 25124874
TI  - Electronic medical record adoption in Oklahoma practices: rural-urban differences
      and the role of broadband availability.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most recent research has not found significant differences in electronic
      medical record (EMR) adoption rates between rural and urban physicians. However,
      few studies have assessed rural/urban differences at a lower level--for instance,
      by specialty or size of practice. Determinants of EMR adoption by physician
      practices in Oklahoma are explored, including the potential role of broadband
      availability (which is required for EMR interoperability). METHODS: Surveys of
      2,800 unique Oklahoma physician practices in 2011 were meshed with data from the
      National Broadband Map for that same year. Summary statistics from the survey
      data allowed for comparison of EMR adoption rates by sub category. Logistic
      regressions were used to tease out the impact of location, specialty, and
      broadband availability on the EMR adoption decision. FINDINGS: Similar overall
      EMR adoption rates in rural and urban practices masked significant differences
      among specific subcategories. In particular, solo practices in rural areas are
      much more likely to adopt EMRs than are their urban counterparts (41% vs 33%, P <
      .01); rural psychiatric practices also have measurably higher adoption rates (59%
      vs 25%, P < .01). Logistic regression results demonstrate that determinants of
      adoption do vary between rural and urban practices. No statistical relationship
      between EMR adoption and measures of broadband availability was found.
      CONCLUSIONS: Measurable differences in EMR adoption rates do exist between rural
      and urban practices for specific physician categories in Oklahoma. Targeted
      policies may be important for increasing EMR adoption, but policy efforts
      focusing solely on broadband availability for private practices are likely
      misguided.

PMID- 25124876
TI  - Flexible sigmoidoscopy screening reduces colorectal cancer incidence and deaths,
      study shows.

PMID- 25124877
TI  - Unusually severe hypophosphatemic rickets caused by a novel and complex re
      arrangement of the PHEX gene.
AB  - X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is caused by mutations in PHEX. Several other
      genetic forms of hypophosphatemia have also been described. These disorders share
      variable clinical presentation ranging from mild hypophosphatemia to severe lower
      extremity bowing. We report on a 43-year-old woman with short stature, painful
      leg deformities, and poor dentation. Her biochemical profile showed
      hypophosphatemia with renal phosphate wasting. Due to unusually severe clinical
      presentation and absence of mutations in Sanger sequencing of the PHEX gene,
      quantitative multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was performed. A
      large deletion within the PHEX gene encompassing exons 8 to 11 was identified. We
      generated a specific junction fragment using long-range PCR and sequenced the
      junction fragment to determine the exact deletion breakpoints. We found a
      heterozygous novel complex re-arrangement involving gross deletions, insertions,
      and inversion of PHEX
      (hg19:g.22,115,003_22,141,395del;g:22,145,536_22,150,789delinsCins22,114,640_22,1
      4,698invinsA). Thus, the complex re-arrangement including a deletion of coding
      exons 8 to 11 of the PHEX can be regarded as the cause of XLH in the patient
      reported here. Phosphate and active vitamin D treatment was initiated with
      subsequent relief in bone pain and physical improvement. This report expands the
      spectrum of clinical severity underlying genetic defects in XLH and highlights
      the importance of conventional medical therapy even at adult age. Furthermore,
      our findings underscore the importance of search for gene deletions in patients
      with suspected XLH.

PMID- 25124878
TI  - Impact of the information age on residency training: communication, access to
      public information, and clinical care.
AB  - Access to technology in practice helps physicians manage information,
      communicate, and research topics; however, those in training receive almost no
      formal preparation for integrating web-based technologies into practice. One
      reason for this is that many faculty-aside from junior faculty or those in recent
      generations-did not grow up using Internet communication, may use it minimally,
      if at all, in their own practices, and may know little about its forms and
      varieties. This report presents a case to illustrate how these disparities may
      play out in the supervisory situation and makes suggestions about helping
      supervisors integrate technology-awareness into their teaching. 

PMID- 25124879
TI  - Improved Attitudes to Psychiatry: A Global Mental Health Peer-to-Peer E-Learning
      Partnership.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Health links aim to strengthen healthcare systems in low and middle
      income countries through mutual exchange of skills, knowledge, and experience.
      However, student participation remains limited despite growing educational
      emphasis upon global health. Medical students continue to report negative
      attitudes to psychiatry in high-income countries, and in Somaliland, the lack of
      public sector psychiatrists limits medical students' awareness of mental
      healthcare. The authors describe the design, implementation, and mixed-methods
      analysis of a peer-to-peer psychiatry e-learning partnership between UK and
      Somaliland students arising from a global mental health link between the two
      countries. METHODS: Medical students at King's College London and Hargeisa and
      Amoud universities, Somaliland, were grouped into 24 pairs. Participants aimed to
      complete ten fortnightly meetings to discuss psychiatry topics via the website
      MedicineAfrica. Students completed initial and final evaluations including
      Attitudes toward Psychiatry (ATP-30) questions, a stigma questionnaire, and brief
      evaluations after each meeting. RESULTS: Quantitative findings demonstrated that
      enjoyment, interest, and academic helpfulness were rated highly by students in
      Somaliland and moderately by students in the UK. Somaliland students' attitudes
      to psychiatry were significantly more positive post-participation, whereas UK
      students' attitudes remained stable. Qualitative findings identified more gains
      in factual knowledge for Somaliland students, whereas UK students reported more
      cross-cultural learning. Reasons for non-completion and student-suggested
      improvements emphasized the need to ensure commitment to the program by
      participants. CONCLUSIONS: This partnership encouraged students to consider
      global mental health outside the standard medical education environment, through
      an e-learning format solely utilizing existing resources. This new approach
      demonstrates potential benefits to students in contrasting locations of brief,
      focused online peer-to-peer education partnerships, expanding the scope of health
      links to the medical professionals of the future.

PMID- 25124881
TI  - General psychiatric residents and corrections: moving forensic education beyond
      the classroom.
AB  - Mental illness in the criminal justice system is one of the most important and
      underserved public health challenges in psychiatry today, but few general
      psychiatry residency programs offer clinical education in correctional
      psychiatry. Developing such rotations might seem intimidating to educational
      leaders unfamiliar with the criminal justice system, but a variety of potential
      solutions exist for residency programs to offer this increasingly important
      clinical training. 

PMID- 25124880
TI  - Understanding the dynamics of change and the impact on psychiatric education.
AB  - Academic departments of psychiatry are experiencing unprecedented changes that
      are difficult and challenging for faculty and administrators. This article
      examines the factors that influence change and the barriers to effective change.
      The author reviewed the business literature on change in organizations and
      examined the psychodynamic factors that mediate individual and organizational
      response to change. Several business models for effective change management exist
      and can be utilized by psychiatric educators. The psychodynamic models of change
      are useful for understanding the psychological impact of change on organizations
      and individuals. Effective management of change requires careful attention to the
      goals of the organization, development of a detailed plan to implement change,
      adequate resources to carry out the change, effective leadership and
      communication, and contingency plans for unforeseen events. Individual and
      organizational needs must also be considered. A model for dealing with change in
      education is presented. 

PMID- 25124875
TI  - MicroRNA-145: a potent tumour suppressor that regulates multiple cellular
      pathways.
AB  - MicroRNAs are endogenous, small (18-25 nucleotides) non-coding RNAs, which
      regulate genes expression by directly binding to the 3'-untranslated regions of
      the target messenger RNAs. Emerging evidence shows that alteration of microRNAs
      is involved in cancer development. MicroRNA-145 is commonly down-regulated in
      many types of cancer, regulating various cellular processes, such as the cell
      cycle, proliferation, apoptosis and invasion, by targeting multiple oncogenes.
      This review aims to summarize the recent published literature on the role of
      microRNA-145 in regulating tumourigenesis and progression, and explore its
      potential for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. 

PMID- 25124883
TI  - No chromosome but image duplication.

PMID- 25124882
TI  - Abdominal injuries in a low trauma volume hospital--a descriptive study from
      northern Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal injuries occur relatively infrequently during trauma, and
      they rarely require surgical intervention. In this era of non-operative
      management of abdominal injuries, surgeons are seldom exposed to these patients.
      Consequently, surgeons may misinterpret the mechanism of injury, underestimate
      symptoms and radiologic findings, and delay definite treatment. Here, we
      determined the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic abdominal
      injuries at our hospital to provide a basis for identifying potential hazards in
      non-operative management of patients with these injuries in a low trauma volume
      hospital. METHODS: This retrospective study included prehospital and in-hospital
      assessments of 110 patients that received 147 abdominal injuries from an isolated
      abdominal trauma (n = 70 patients) or during multiple trauma (n = 40 patients).
      Patients were primarily treated at the University Hospital of Umea from January
      2000 to December 2009. RESULTS: The median New Injury Severity Score was 9
      (range: 1-57) for 147 abdominal injuries. Most patients (94%) received computed
      tomography (CT), but only 38% of patients with multiple trauma were diagnosed
      with CT < 60 min after emergency room arrival. Penetrating trauma caused injuries
      in seven patients. Solid organ injuries constituted 78% of abdominal injuries.
      Non-operative management succeeded in 82 patients. Surgery was performed for 28
      patients, either immediately (n = 17) as result of operative management or later
      (n = 11), due to non-operative management failure; the latter mainly occurred
      with hollow viscus injuries. Patients with multiple abdominal injuries, whether
      associated with multiple trauma or an isolated abdominal trauma, had
      significantly more non-operative failures than patients with a single abdominal
      injury. One death occurred within 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Non-operative management
      of patients with abdominal injuries, except for hollow viscus injuries, was
      highly successful in our low trauma volume hospital, even though surgeons receive
      low exposure to these patients. However, a growing proportion of surgeons lack
      experience in decision-making and performing trauma laparotomies. Quality
      assurance programmes must be emphasized to ensure future competence and quality
      of trauma care at low trauma volume hospitals.

PMID- 25124885
TI  - The effect of the laryngeal tie-forward procedure and soft palate cautery on
      nasopharyngeal diameter in horses.
AB  - The laryngeal tie-forward (LTF) procedure has been shown to move the larynx
      rostrally and dorsally whilst repositioning the basihyoid bone caudally and
      dorsally. Other studies have shown that the position of the hyoid bones
      influences the size of the nasopharynx. The effect of the LTF procedure on the
      size of the nasopharynx is unknown. It was hypothesised that the LTF procedure
      would result in a decrease in dorsoventral nasopharyngeal diameter. Twenty-five
      thoroughbred horses which underwent LTF with or without soft palate cautery
      (LTF+/-SPC) for treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate were included
      in this study. Preoperative and postoperative lateral radiographs were used to
      determine changes in laryngohyoid position and nasopharyngeal diameter. The LTF+/
      SPC procedure resulted in a significant reduction (14-17 per cent) in
      dorsoventral nasopharyngeal diameter (P<0.001). The LTF procedure decreases
      nasopharyngeal diameter. The impact on upper respiratory tract function during
      exercise remains unclear. 

PMID- 25124884
TI  - Qualitative and quantitative analysis of a group of volatile organic compounds in
      biological samples by HS-GC/FID: application in practical cases.
AB  - A simple and sensitive procedure, using n-propanol as internal standard (IS), was
      developed and validated for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of a group
      of 11 volatile organic substances with different physicochemical properties (1
      butanol, 2-propanol, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, acetone, acetonitrile,
      chloroform, diethyl ether, methanol, toluene and p-xylene) in whole blood, urine
      and vitreous humor. Samples were prepared by dilution with an aqueous solution of
      internal standard followed by Headspace Gas Chromatography with a Flame
      ionization Detector (HS GC-FID) analysis. Chromatographic separation was
      performed using two capillary columns with different polarities (DB-ALC2:
      30m*0.320mm*1.2MUm and DB-ALC1: 30m*0.320mm*1.8MUm), thus providing a change in
      the retention and elution order of volatiles. This dual column confirmation
      increases the specificity, since the risk of another substance co-eluting at the
      same time in both columns is very small. The method was linear from 5 to 1000mg/L
      for toluene and p-xylene, 50-1000mg/L for chloroform, and 50-2000mg/L for the
      remaining substances, with correlation coefficients of over 0.99 for all
      compounds. The limits of detection (LOD) ranged 1 to 10mg/L, while the limits of
      quantification (LOQ) ranged from 2 to 31mg/L. The intra-day precision (CV<6.4%),
      intermediate precision (CV<7.0%) and accuracy (relative error +/-10%) of the
      method were in conformity with the criteria normally accepted in bioanalytical
      method validation. The method developed has been applied to forensic cases, with
      the advantages that it uses a small sample volume and does not require any
      extraction procedure as it makes use of a headspace injection technique. 

PMID- 25124887
TI  - Putative candidate genes for canine hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) in
      multiple dog breeds.

PMID- 25124886
TI  - Weather and soil type affect incidence of fasciolosis in dairy cow herds.
AB  - Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is generally a subclinical infection of
      dairy cows and can result in marked economic losses on Irish dairy farms. This
      study investigated the exposure to F hepatica in 237 dairy cow herds, using an in
      house antibody-detection ELISA applied to bulk tank milk (BTM) samples collected
      in the autumn of 2012. A total of 364 BTM samples were collected from 237
      different herds, with 127 farmers submitting BTM samples in two consecutive
      months. Analysis of the BTM samples indicated that 67 per cent (n= 159) of the
      dairy herds had been exposed to F hepatica. Rainfall, temperature and soil types
      were significantly different between the exposed and non-exposed herds (P<0.05),
      highlighting the role of these variables to the exposure to F hepatica. Among the
      127 herds that provided two monthly milk samples, 83 herds were exposed to F
      hepatica and 82 increased their F hepatica antibody levels at the later sampling
      time (P<0.01).The findings of this study confirm the high prevalence of F
      hepatica antibodies in Irish dairy herds and show the rise in antibody levels
      during autumn. This study is the first step towards assessing the spatiotemporal
      pattern of fasciolosis in dairy herds in Ireland. 

PMID- 25124889
TI  - Seeking a measure of clinically meaningful change in ALS.
AB  - We sought to identify a method to assess 'clinically meaningful change' perceived
      by patients, caregivers and clinical raters in relation to changes in ALSFRS-R
      scores at three-month intervals. In this five-site study, 81 patient-caregiver
      dyads were interviewed at baseline, three, and six months to assess changes in
      ALSFRS-R in relation to perceived occurrence of change, its magnitude and impact.
      Ratings by patients, caregivers and clinical raters were analyzed over three
      month intervals within and between respondent groups. We found that patients,
      clinical raters, and caregivers agreed about 80% of the time about whether change
      occurred, and in what direction, on each of three visits. The perceived magnitude
      of change for the four domains measured by the ALSFRS-R was correlated with
      ratings of impact within respondent groups and across time. We also found
      moderate associations between changes in ALSFRS-R domain scores and judgments of
      symptom impact as rated by patient, caregiver and clinical rater. Independent
      measures (Quality of Life, Goal Assessment Scaling) showed no consistent
      correlations with ALSFRS-R change scores. In conclusion, the use of scales to
      assess the perceived magnitude and impact of change corresponding with the
      domains of the ALSFRS-R may be a step towards understanding of the clinical
      meaning of changes in that measure.

PMID- 25124888
TI  - Comparison of clinical outcomes for 40 necrotic immature permanent incisors
      treated with calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate
      apexification/apexogenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Traumatic injury often results in pulp necrosis of immature
      permanent incisors in children. This study compared clinical outcomes for 40
      necrotic immature permanent incisors treated with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] or
      mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apexification/apexogenesis. METHODS: Forty
      necrotic open-apex incisors from 40 children aged 6.5-10 years were divided
      evenly into four groups with each group containing teeth of similar type and
      similar root apex width in patients of similar age. Group 1 incisors were treated
      with ultrasonic filing and MTA placement; Group 2 were treated with ultrasonic
      filing and Ca(OH)2 medication; Group 3 were treated with hand filing and MTA
      placement; and Group 4 were treated with hand filing and Ca(OH)2 medication.
      RESULTS: Group 1 incisors needed the shortest mean duration (5.4 +/- 1.1 weeks)
      for apical hard tissue barrier formation, followed by Group 3 incisors (7.8 +/-
      1.8 weeks), Group 2 incisors (11.3 +/- 1.3 weeks), and Group 4 incisors (13.1 +/-
      1.5 weeks). Group 1 incisors had a significantly shorter mean elongated root
      length (2.1 +/- 0.2 mm) after treatment than Group 2 incisors (3.5 +/- 0.3 mm, p
      < 0.001), and Group 3 incisors had a significantly shorter mean elongated root
      length (2.1 +/- 0.1 mm) after treatment than Group 4 incisors (3.7 +/- 0.3 mm, p
      < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Necrotic open-apex incisors treated with ultrasonic filing
      plus MTA placement need the shortest mean duration for apical hard tissue barrier
      formation. For elongation of apical root length, Ca(OH)2
      apexification/apexogenesis is better than MTA apexification/apexogenesis,
      regardless if either ultrasonic or hand filing are used.

PMID- 25124890
TI  - A genomic profile of the immune response to stroke with implications for stroke
      recovery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the change in gene
      expression between two time points following stroke and to identify biomarkers of
      stroke recovery through gene expression profiling and pathway analysis. METHODS:
      Peripheral blood was collected from 34 ischemic stroke patients (confirmed by
      magnetic resonance imaging) >=18 years of age, within 24 hr of symptom onset and
      24-48 hr later, and from healthy controls. The Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) was
      used to determine 30-day recovery. Total RNA was extracted from whole blood in
      Paxgene RNA tubes, amplified, and hybridized to Illumina HumanRef-8v2 bead chips.
      Gene expression was compared in a univariate manner between stroke patients at
      both time points and good versus bad outcome using t-test in GeneSpring.
      Inflation of Type 1 error was corrected by false discovery rate (FDR), and
      Ingenuity Systems Pathway analysis (IPA) was performed. A secondary validation
      cohort was recruited from a local hospital. RESULTS: Three genes were
      significantly downregulated over time (LY96, IL8, and SDPR; FDR corrected p <
      .05). This finding was confirmed in a validation cohort of stroke patients (n =
      8). IPA revealed cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) signaling was the most
      significant pathway present in the peripheral whole blood of stroke patients 24
      48 hr after onset. When controlling for age and National Institutes of Health
      Stroke Scale score, high baseline expression of TLR2 and TLR4 significantly
      predicted worse scores on the MRS. CONCLUSION: CTLA4 signaling is a novel pathway
      for the study of stroke-induced immune suppression. Markers of immune dysfunction
      early after stroke may prove useful for identifying patients with increased risk
      of poor recovery.

PMID- 25124891
TI  - Association of androgen-deprivation therapy with excess cardiac-specific
      mortality in men with prostate cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine if androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is associated with
      excess cardiac-specific mortality (CSM) in men with prostate cancer and no
      cardiovascular comorbidity, coronary artery disease risk factors, or congestive
      heart failure (CHF) or past myocardial infarction (MI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In
      all, 5077 men (median age 69.5 years) with cT1c-T3N0M0 prostate cancer were
      treated with brachytherapy with or without neoadjuvant ADT (median duration 4
      months) between 1997 and 2006. Fine and Gray competing risks analysis evaluated
      the association of ADT with CSM, adjusting for age, year of brachytherapy, and
      ADT treatment propensity score among men in groups defined by cardiac
      comorbidity. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 4.8 years, no association was
      detected between ADT and CSM in men with no cardiac risk factors (1.08% at 5
      years for ADT vs 1.27% at 5 years for no ADT, adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 0.83;
      95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39-1.78; P = 0.64; n = 2653) or in men with
      diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hypercholesterolaemia (2.09% vs 1.97%, AHR
      1.33; 95% CI 0.70-2.53; P = 0.39; n = 2168). However, ADT was associated with
      significantly increased CSM in men with CHF or MI (AHR 3.28; 95% CI 1.01-10.64; P
      = 0.048; n = 256). In this subgroup, the 5-year cumulative incidence of CSM was
      7.01% (95% CI 2.82-13.82%) for ADT vs 2.01% (95% CI 0.38-6.45%) for no ADT.
      CONCLUSION: ADT was associated with a 5% absolute excess risk of CSM at 5 years
      in men with CHF or prior MI, suggesting that administering ADT to 20 men in this
      potentially vulnerable subgroup could result in one cardiac death.

PMID- 25124892
TI  - Estimation of contaminant subslab concentration in petroleum vapor intrusion.
AB  - In this study, the development and partial validation are presented for an
      analytical approximation method for prediction of subslab contaminant
      concentrations in PVI. The method involves combining an analytic approximation to
      soil vapor transport with a piecewise first-order biodegradation model (together
      called the Analytic Approximation Method, including Biodegradation, AAMB), the
      result of which calculation provides an estimate of contaminant subslab
      concentrations, independent of building operation conditions. Comparisons with
      three-dimensional (3-D) simulations and another PVI screening tool, BioVapor,
      show that the AAMB is suitable for application in a scenario involving a building
      with an impermeable foundation surrounded by open ground surface, where the
      atmosphere is regarded as the primary oxygen source. Predictions from the AAMB
      can be used to determine the required vertical source-building separation, given
      a subslab screening concentration, allowing identification of buildings at risk
      for PVI. This equation shows that the "vertical screening distance" suggested by
      U.S. EPA is sufficient in most cases, as long as the total petroleum hydrocarbon
      (TPH) soil gas concentration at the vapor source does not exceed 50-100mg/L. When
      the TPH soil gas concentration of the vapor source approaches a typical limit,
      i.e. 400mg/L, the "vertical screening distance" required would be much greater. 

PMID- 25124894
TI  - Characterization of a novel intrinsic luminescent room-temperature ionic liquid
      based on [P6,6,6,14 ][ANS].
AB  - Intrinsically luminescent room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) can be prepared
      by combining a luminescent anion (more common) or cation with appropriate counter
      ions, rendering new luminescent soft materials. These RTILs are still new, and
      many of their photochemical properties are not well known. A novel intrinsic
      luminescent RTIL based on the 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonate ([ANS]) anion
      combined with the trihexyltetradecylphosphonium ([P6,6,6,14 ]) cation was
      prepared and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Detailed photophysical
      studies highlight the influence of the ionic liquid environment on the ANS
      fluorescence, which together with rheological and (1) H NMR experiments
      illustrate the effects of both the viscosity and electrostatic interactions
      between the ions. This material is liquid at room temperature and possesses a
      glass transition temperature (Tg ) of 230.4 K. The fluorescence is not highly
      sensitive to factors such as temperature, but owing to its high viscosity,
      dynamic Stokes shift measurements reveal very slow components for the IL
      relaxation. 

PMID- 25124893
TI  - Parallel evolution of a self-signal: humans and new world monkeys independently
      lost the cell surface sugar Neu5Gc.
AB  - Human sialic acid biology is unusual and thought to be unique among mammals.
      Humans lack a functional cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid
      hydroxylase (CMAH) protein and cannot synthesize the sugar Neu5Gc, an innate
      mammalian signal of self. Losing this sugar changed how humans interact with some
      of our deadliest pathogens: malaria, influenza, and streptococcus among others.
      We show that the New World monkeys, comprising the third of all primate species,
      have human-like sialic acid biology. They have lost Neu5Gc because of an
      independent CMAH inactivation ~30 million years ago (mya) (compared to ~3 mya in
      hominids). This parallel loss of Neu5Gc opens sialic acid biology to comparative
      phylogenetic analysis and reveals an unexpected conservation priority. New World
      monkeys risk infection by human pathogens that can recognize cells in the absence
      of Neu5Gc. This striking molecular convergence provides a mechanism that could
      explain the long-standing observation that New World monkeys are susceptible to
      some human diseases that cannot be transmitted to other primates. 

PMID- 25124895
TI  - Molecular signals regulating translocation and toxicity of graphene oxide in the
      nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the toxic effects of graphene
      oxide (GO). However, the molecular basis for the translocation and toxicity of GO
      is still largely unclear. In the present study, we employed an in vivo
      Caenorhabditis elegans assay system to identify molecular signals involved in the
      control of the translocation and toxicity of GO. We identified 7 genes whose
      mutations altered both the translocation and toxicity of GO. Mutations of the hsp
      16.48, gas-1, sod-2, sod-3, and aak-2 genes caused greater GO translocation into
      the body and toxic effects on both primary and secondary targeted organs compared
      with wild type; however, mutations of the isp-1 and clk-1 genes resulted in
      significantly decreased GO translocation into the body and toxicity on both
      primary and secondary targeted organs compared with wild-type. Moreover,
      mutations of the hsp-16.48, gas-1, sod-2, sod-3, and aak-2 genes caused increased
      intestinal permeability and prolonged mean defecation cycle length in GO-exposed
      nematodes, whereas mutations of the isp-1 and clk-1 genes resulted in decreased
      intestinal permeability in GO-exposed nematodes. Therefore, for the underlying
      mechanism, we hypothesize that both intestinal permeability and defecation
      behavior may have crucial roles in controlling the functions of the identified
      molecular signals. The molecular signals may further contribute to the control of
      transgenerational toxic effects of GO. Our results provide an important insight
      into understanding the molecular basis for the in vivo translocation and toxicity
      of GO. 

PMID- 25124898
TI  - [Analysis of the curative effect of ABO-incompatible liver transplantation in the
      treatment in patients with acute severe liver disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the clinical effect of ABO-incompatible liver
      transplantation in the treatment of acute severe liver disease. METHODS: A
      retrospective clinical study was conducted. The clinical data of 4 136 patients
      undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation in Organ Transplantation Center of
      Tianjin First Center Hospital from September 1999 to December 2013 were analyzed.
      The criteria of patients enrolled were as following: model for end-stage liver
      disease (MELD) score >= 20, the donor's and recipient's blood types were
      different, age 18-70 years, and undergone primary non-bypass orthotopic liver
      transplantation. According to the rate of compliance with the principles of blood
      transfusion, the cases were divided into two groups: ABO-compatible group (ABO-C
      group, n=41), ABO-incompatible group (ABO-I group, n=22). The patients in ABO-I
      group received basiliximab + methylprednisolone for immune induction therapy
      during operation, basiliximab + tacrolimus + mycophenolate + cortisol as
      quadruple immunosuppressive regimen after operation. They also received
      subcutaneous injection of low molecular heparin for anticoagulant therapy after
      operation, and oral warfarin or aspirin and clopidogrel bisulfate instead after 7
      days. They also received routine alprostadil after operation. The remaining
      treatment was the same as that of ABO-C group. The clinical data, postoperative
      complications, rejection and survival rates of two groups were statistically
      analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in gender, age, MELD
      score, complicated with tumor, quality of donor liver, length of cold
      preservation of donor liver, duration of operation, and blood loss during
      operation between ABO-C and ABO-I groups. Number of splenectomy during operation
      was significantly higher in ABO-I group than that in ABO-C group (5 cases vs. 1
      case, chi2 = 4.687, P=0.030). The 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year
      survival rates of ABO-C group were 89.5%, 78.3%, 72.5%, 69.1% and 61.8%,
      respectively, while those of ABO-I group were 78.9%, 72.9%, 65.6%, 56.2% and
      46.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the cumulative
      survival rate between two groups (Log Rank, chi2 = 0.647, df=1, P=0.421). The
      postoperative infection rate in ABO-I group was significantly higher than that of
      ABO-C group [63.6% (14/22) vs. 31.7% (13/41), chi2 = 5.960, P=0.015]. There were
      no significant difference in postoperative complications of biliary tract [22.7%
      (5/22) vs. 12.2% (5/41), chi2 = 0.531, P=0.466], vascular complications [31.8%
      (7/22) vs. 12.2% (5/41), chi2 = 2.416, P=0.120], or rejection as diagnosed by
      pathology [22.7% (5/22) vs. 9.8% (4/41), chi2 = 1.051, P=0.305] between ABO-I and
      ABO-C groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although ABO-incompatible liver transplantation was
      followed by higher postoperative infection rate and perioperative mortality, ABO
      incompatible liver transplantation can still be used to save the patient with
      acute severe liver disease as there is a shortage of compatible donor at present.

PMID- 25124896
TI  - P2X7 is involved in the anti-inflammation effects of levobupivacaine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sough to elucidate whether purinergic P2X7 receptor is actively
      involved in the effects of levobupivacaine on inhibiting microglia activation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microglia were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 50
      ng/mL), LPS plus levobupivacaine (50 MUM), or LPS plus levobupivacaine plus the
      P2X7 receptor agonist Bz-ATP (100 MUM) and denoted as the LPS, LPS + Levo, and
      LPS + Levo + Bz-ATP group, respectively. Microglia activation was measured by
      assaying inflammatory molecules expression. Microglia activation was also
      measured by assaying neuronal cell viability using coculture of microglia and
      neurons, as activated microglia may cause neuron injury. We also measured the
      levels of P2X7 receptor activation in microglia using ethidium uptake assay.
      RESULTS: Our data confirmed the effects of levobupivacaine on inhibiting
      inflammatory molecules upregulation in activated microglia, as the concentrations
      of interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, and macrophage
      inflammatory protein 2, of the LPS + Levo group were significantly lower than
      those of the LPS group (all P < 0.05). Moreover, Bz-ATP significantly abrogated
      the inhibitory effects of levobupivacaine, as concentrations of IL-1beta, tumor
      necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 of the LPS +
      Levo + Bz-ATP group were significantly higher than those of the LPS + Levo group
      (all P < 0.05). In contrast, neuronal cell viability of the LPS + Levo group was
      significantly higher than those of the LPS and LPS + Levo + Bz-ATP groups (P =
      0.012 and 0.002). Moreover, levels of P2X7 receptor activation of the LPS and LPS
      + Levo + Bz-ATP groups were significantly higher than that of the LPS + Levo
      group (P = 0.003 and 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: P2X7 receptor is involved in the
      effects of levobupivacaine on inhibiting microglial activation.

PMID- 25124897
TI  - Prophylactic fasciotomy in a porcine model of extremity trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extremity injury, with concomitant hemorrhagic shock, can result in
      ischemia-reperfusion injury and the formation of compartment syndrome requiring
      fasciotomy. As the benefit of prophylactic fasciotomy is unclear, the objective
      of this study is to determine the functional recovery of an ischemic limb with
      hemorrhagic shock after prophylactic fasciotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Yorkshire
      swine underwent 35% blood volume hemorrhage, followed by 1, 3, and 6 h of
      ischemia (n = 17; 1HR, 3HR, and 6HR) via iliac artery occlusion followed by
      repair and reperfusion. A second cohort (n = 18) underwent fasciotomy of the
      anterior compartment of the hind limb following vascular repair (1HR-F, 3HR-F,
      and 6HR-F). Compartment pressures, measures of electromyographic (EMG) recovery,
      and a validated gait score (modified Tarlov) were performed throughout a 14-d
      survival period. RESULTS: Increasing ischemic intervals resulted in incremental
      increases in compartment pressure (P < 0.05), although the mean did not exceed 30
      mm Hg. EMG studies did not show a significant improvement comparing the 3HR with
      6HR groups. There was a significant improvement in the EMG studies within the 3HR
      F, when compared with 6HR-F. There was a trend toward sensory improvement between
      the 3HR-F and 3HR groups. However, this did not translate to a difference in
      functional outcome as measured by the Tarlov gait score. CONCLUSIONS: Within this
      swine model of hemorrhagic shock and hind limb ischemia, the use of prophylactic
      fasciotomies did not improve functional outcome.

PMID- 25124899
TI  - [Recombinant Trichinella spiralis-53000 protein alleviates liver damage due to
      lipopolysaccharides via M2 macrophage activation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if recombinant Trichinella spiralis-53 000 protein
      (rTsP53) could alleviate liver damage caused by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) via M2
      macrophage activation. METHODS: Sixty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into
      LPS group, LPS + phosphate buffer saline (PBS) group and rTsP53 intervention
      group by random number table, with 20 mice in each group. Intraperitoneal
      injection of 15 MUg/kg LPS was performed for all the mice in the three groups
      after 8 hours of fasting. The mice in LPS + PBS group were injected with PBS
      after 1 hour of LPS injection. The mice in the rTsP53 intervention group were
      injected with rTsP53 (5 mg/kg) after 1 hour of LPS injection. After 48 hours all
      the mice were sacrificed. Peritoneal macrophages were harvested and flow
      cytometry (FCM) was used to detect markers CCR7 (M1) and CD206 (M2) of
      macrophages. Hepatic tissue was harvested for pathological study after
      hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and double staining immunofluorescence was used
      to detect F4/80+ HLA-DR+ and F4/80+ CD163+. Peripheral blood serum was harvested
      to detect the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase
      (ALT). RESULTS: Compared with LPS and LPS + PBS groups, survival rate of mice of
      rTsP53 intervention group was significantly elevated (90% vs. 25%, 30%, both
      P<0.01), and the pathological injury of the liver was significantly ameliorated,
      and the hepatic structure was better preserved. The transaminase in rTsP53
      intervention group was significantly lower than that of LPS and LPS + PBS groups
      (ALT: 97.7 +/- 8.5 U/L vs. 181.7 +/- 19.5 U/L, 173.7 +/- 17.2 U/L; AST: 142.7 +/-
      12.1 U/L vs. 235.7 +/- 9.9 U/L, 213.7 +/- 6.7 U/L, all P<0.05), FITC-CD206+
      proportion of peritoneal macrophage was significantly higher [(17.75 +/- 0.30)%
      vs. (1.38 +/- 0.13)%, (1.36 +/- 0.05)%, both P<0.05] while PE-CCR7(+) proportion
      [(6.89 +/- 0.11)% vs. (15.30 +/- 0.64)%, (14.96 +/- 0.93)%, both P<0.05] was
      significantly lower. Fluorescence intensity of macrophages with F4/80+ CD163+
      double staining for liver sections was significantly increased (0.36 +/- 0.01 vs.
      0.29 +/- 0.02, 0.31 +/- 0.01, both P<0.05), while there was no significant
      difference in the fluorescence intensity of macrophages with F4/80+ HLA-DR+
      double staining (0.30 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.30 +/- 0.02, 0.31 +/-0.01, both P>0.05).
      There was no significant difference of above results between LPS group and LPS +
      PBS group (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: rTsP53 could ameliorate liver damage caused
      by LPS and improve animal's survival via the activation of M2 macrophage.

PMID- 25124900
TI  - [The value of the baseline MELD scores, MELD-Na scores and iMELD scores in short
      term prognosis in hepatitis B virus related acute-on-chronic liver failure
      patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the function of the baseline model for end-stage liver
      disease (MELD) scores, MELD-Na scores and iMELD scores in short-term prognosis in
      the initial treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) related acute-on-chronic liver
      failure (ACLF) patients. METHODS: 232 HBV-related ACLF patients who received
      initial treatment in 302 Military Hospital of China from January 2011 to January
      2013 were enrolled in this prospective clinical follow-up. The relationship
      between the baseline MELD scores, MELD-Na scores, iMELD scores and clinical
      outcomes were analyzed, and the value of these three models for short term
      prognosis was assessed. RESULTS: Finally the 12-week clinical follow-up was
      completed in 191 patients, with the completion rate of 82.33%. Eighty-five
      patients died, with the fatality rate of 44.50%. Compared with the survival
      group, in non-survival group, the baseline of MELD scores (26.65 +/- 7.75 vs.
      21.19 +/- 5.42, t=-5.720, P=0.000), MELD-Na scores (29.16 +/- 11.35 vs. 21.72 +/-
      6.33, t=-5.729, P=0.000), iMELD scores (47.19 +/- 10.96 vs. 38.02 +/- 7.01, t=
      7.011, P=0.000), total bilirubin (TBil: 374.3 +/- 150.1 MUmol/L vs. 305.5 +/-
      147.1 MUmol/L, t=-3.182, P=0.002), creatinine (Cr: 110.7 +/- 90.1 MUmol/L vs.
      71.1 +/- 35.1 MUmol/L, t=-4.157, P=0.000) and international normalized ratio
      (INR: 2.3 +/- 0.9 vs. 2.0 +/- 0.6, t=-2.754, P=0.006) were significantly
      increased, but the baseline of serum Na+ (132.8 +/- 6.1 mmol/L vs. 136.7 +/- 5.1
      mmol/L, t=4.861, P=0.000) was significantly lowered. It was shown by Spearman
      correlation analysis that the baseline MELD scores, MELD-Na scores and iMELD
      scores all had positive correlation with the short-term prognosis of patients (r
      value was 0.398, 0.404, and 0.470, respectively, all P=0.000), the baseline of
      serum Na+ had a negative correlation with the short-term prognosis of patients
      (r=-0.365, P=0.000). It was shown by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC
      curve) that the cut-off scores of the baseline of MELD scores, MELD-Na scores and
      iMELD scores were 25.07, 25.43 and 43.11 respectively, and the area under ROC
      curve (AUC) of the baseline of MELD scores, MELD-Na scores and iMELD scores were
      0.731, 0.735 and 0.773, respectively. The sensitivity of the three models was
      55.3%, 57.7%, 63.5%, and the specificity was 84.9%, 84.0%, 84.9% respectively.
      The value of the three models had no difference in short-term prognostic
      prediction. According to the respective cut-off score, the three prediction
      models were divided into four groups, and all of them had differences in fatality
      rate on the whole (chi2 for MELD scores was 34.740, P=0.000; chi2 for MELD-Na
      scores was 36.861, P=0.000; chi2 for iMELD scores was 50.127, P=0.000). The
      mortality was elevated gradually as the equation scores increased. CONCLUSIONS:
      The baseline of MELD scores, MELD-Na scores and iMELD scores can predict well the
      short-term prognosis of the initial treatment in HBV-related ACLF patients, and
      have relatively good clinical value for guiding therapy.

PMID- 25124901
TI  - [Ventilator bundle treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome and its
      correlation with biomarkers of inflammation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the levels of blood soluble urokinase plasminogen activator
      receptor (suPAR), receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE),
      procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and to investigate the effect
      of ventilator bundle (VB) on prognosis of patients with acute respiratory
      distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: A prospective controlled study was conducted.
      A total of 54 cases of ARDS patients admitted to Department of Critical Care
      Medicine of the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University who received treatment of
      invasive mechanical ventilation between January 2013 and December 2013 were
      enrolled. All of the patients were given VB, and then divided into completely
      dependent group (VB group, n=29) and non-completely dependent group (NVB group,
      n=25) according to the dependence. The mechanical ventilation time, intensive
      care unit (ICU) length of stay, the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia
      (VAP), the incidence of complications and 28-day mortality rate were compared
      between two groups. The blood suPAR, RAGE, PCT and CRP levels before and after
      treatment were determined. The correlations between oxygenation index
      (PaO(2)/FiO(2)) and other variables were analyzed by Pearson correlation and
      linear regression analysis. RESULTS: (1) There was no significant difference in
      gender, age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluationII (APACHE II) score
      and PaO(2)/FiO(2), as well as other basic state between two groups. (2) There was
      no obvious difference in suPAR, RAGE, PCT and CRP levels before treatment between
      two groups. The levels of above parameters were significantly decreased after
      treatment. The blood suPAR and RAGE levels in VB group were significantly
      decreased compared with those in NVB group [suPAR: 189.87 (135.57) ng/L vs.
      309.38 (278.00) ng/L, RAGE: 2.17 (0.75) MUg/L vs. 3.17 (2.64) MUg/L, both
      P<0.01]. (3) Compared with NVB group, the mechanical ventilation time, ICU length
      of stay, and the incidence of VAP in VB group were significantly reduced
      (mechanical ventilation time: 131.52 +/- 44.94 hours vs. 166.28 +/- 38.09 hours,
      t=-3.039, P=0.004; ICU length of hospital stay: 171.14 +/- 74.25 hours vs. 210.92
      +/- 54.89 hours, t=-2.208, P=0.032; incidence of VAP: 17.24% vs. 44.00%, chi2 =
      4.611, P=0.041), but 28-day mortality rate (27.59% vs. 36.00%, chi2 = 0.441,
      P=0.566) and rates of other related complication showed no significant difference
      between VB group and NVB group. (4) Correlation analysis showed that
      PaO(2)/FiO(2) was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.290, P=0.033), suPAR (r=
      0.898, P=0.000), RAGE (r=-0.898, P=0.000), PCT (r=-0.486, P=0.000) and CRP (r=
      0.280, P=0.040). (5) The linear regression analysis showed PaO(2)/FiO(2) and
      suPAR (t=2.645, P=0.011), RAGE (t=-2.885, P=0.006), PCT (t=2.649, P=0.011) were
      significantly negatively co-related. CONCLUSIONS: Blood suPAR, RAGE, PCT and CRP
      levels were correlated with the severity of ARDS patients. Compliance of VB can
      affect the prognosis of patients with ARDS. The high compliance of patients can
      significantly decrease the levels of blood pro-inflammatory markers, shorten the
      mechanical ventilation time and ICU length of stay, reduce the incidence of VAP,
      and it showed a positive impact on patients' prognosis.

PMID- 25124902
TI  - [The effect of calpeptin on injury and atrophy of diaphragm under mechanical
      ventilation in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of calpeptin on diaphragmatic injury and
      atrophy under controlled mechanical ventilation in rats. METHODS: A total of 24
      SPF Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into anesthetized control
      group (CON group), 24-hour controlled mechanical ventilation group (CMV group),
      and 24-hour CMV + treatment with calpeptin group (CMVC group), with 8 rats in
      each group. Animals in the CON group received an intraperitoneal injection of
      pentobarbital sodium without CMV and continuous infusion of pentobarbital sodium.
      A small-animal ventilator was used for 24 hours in rats of CMV group. Rats of
      CMVC were treated with a specific calpain inhibitor calpeptin (4 mg/kg). The drug
      was injected subcutaneously 2 hours before and 8, 15 and 23 hours after
      mechanical ventilation. Changes in diaphragm ultrastructure, light microscopic
      picture, and myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression were observed. RESULTS: (1)
      Alignment of myofilaments and normal Z-band, and the shape of mitochondria were
      maintained in CON group as revealed by electron microscope. The signs of
      misalignment of myofibrils, disruption of Z-band and vacuolar mitochondria were
      found in CMV group, and they were obviously improved in CMVC group. The density
      of muscle injury (* 10-2/MUm2) in CMV group was significantly higher than that in
      control group (36.8 +/- 13.7 vs. 6.4 +/- 6.3, t=6.373, P=0.001), and that in CMVC
      group was significantly lowered (17.6 +/- 9.1 vs. 36.8 +/- 13.7, t=3.694,
      P=0.002).(2) In CON group, the diaphragm fibers appeared regular in cross section
      without pathologic change under light microscopy. Fuzzy muscle striations,
      irregular muscle fibers, centralized nuclei and swelling of capillary endothelial
      cells were observed in CMV group, while pathological changes in the CMVC group
      were milder significantly. (3) In CMV group, the density of MHCslow and MHCfast
      was lower compared with that of CON group, and the gray value was lowered by
      61.1% (t=8.138, P=0.001) and 77.1% (t=8.844, P=0.001), respectively, especially
      in MHCfast. However, the gray values of MHCslow and MHCfast were increased by
      1.51 folds (t=4.601, P=0.010), and 1.33 folds (t=2.859, P=0.011), respectively,
      after treatment with calpeptin, and the elevation was more significantly in
      MHCslow. CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragmatic injury and atrophy were found after CMV for
      24 hours. Calpeptin could reverse the detrimental effects of CMV, and it
      suggested that calpain plays an important role in modulating the ventilator
      induced dysfunction of the diaphragm.

PMID- 25124903
TI  - [Effect of unilateral lung recruitment maneuver on hemodynamics and dead space
      ratio in pigs with unilateral acute respiratory distress syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare unilateral lung and traditional lung recruitment maneuver
      (RM) in animals with unilateral acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by
      implementing independent lung ventilation, and to explore the rational mechanical
      ventilation strategy for unilateral lung lesions. METHODS: Healthy hybrid pigs
      were used as experimental animals, and they were divided into two groups
      according to random number table method (sealed concealed envelope). There were
      20 pigs in each group. According to different methods of lung RM, the
      conventional mechanical ventilation (i.e. implementing ventilation for both lung
      by using a ventilator) was performed as control group; the individual lung
      ventilation (that was, implementing ventilation for both lung individually by
      using two ventilators) as independent lung ventilation group. The model of left
      lung ARDS was reproduced, and the respective RM was implemented according to
      respective method of the two groups. The differences in hemodynamic parameters
      and dead space ratio (VD/VT) between two groups under the RM pressure of 20, 40,
      60 cmH2O (1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa) were observed. RESULTS: (1) Hemodynamics parameters
      changes: with the increase in RM pressure, the heart rate (HR) in control group
      showed a tendency of gradual increase, and the level at 60 cmH2O was
      significantly higher than that at 20 cmH2O (192.65 +/- 22.99 bpm vs. 178.20 +/-
      18.25 bpm, P<0.05). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) showed a tendency of gradual
      decrease, and that at 60 cmH2O was lower significantly than that at 20 cmH2O and
      40 cmH2O (78.55+/-25.77 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. 112.40 +/- 10.84 mmHg, 106.15
      +/- 13.54 mmHg, both P<0.01). Cardiac output (CO) gradually lowered, and the
      differences at 20, 40, 60 cmH2O were logistically significant (11.14 +/- 2.65
      L/min, 9.56 +/- 2.17 L/min, 6.01 +/- 1.39 L/min, P<0.05 or P<0.01). With an
      increase in RM pressure, the difference in HR, MAP, CO in independent lung
      ventilation group were not significant, and the HR at 60 cmH2O was significantly
      lower than that of the control group (178.20 +/- 18.26 bpm vs. 192.65 +/- 22.99
      bpm, P<0.05), and MAP and CO were significantly higher than those of the control
      group (MAP: 110.80 +/- 11.60 mmHg vs. 78.55 +/- 25.77 mmHg, CO: 9.68 +/- 2.08
      L/min vs. 6.01 +/- 1.39 L/min, both P<0.01). (2) VD/VT changes: with an increase
      in RM pressure, the oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) in control group showed a
      tendency of gradual decrease, and the level at 60 cmH2O was significantly lower
      than that at 20 cmH2O and 40 cmH2O (126.40 +/- 37.55 mmHg vs. 187.40 +/- 21.66
      mmHg, 175.20 +/- 23.00 mmHg, both P<0.01). On the right side, VD/VT showed a
      tendency of gradual increase, and there was statistical significance in paired
      comparison among 20, 40, 60 cmH2O (0.52 +/- 0.12, 0.60 +/- 0.15, 0.72 +/- 0.12,
      P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was no obvious change on the left side. Along with the
      increase in RM pressure, the PaO2/FiO2 of independent lung ventilation group
      showed a tendency of gradual increase, and that at 40 cmH2O and 60 cmH2O were
      significantly higher than that at 20 cmH2O (244.45 +/- 53.93 mmHg, 270.05 +/-
      53.42 mmHg vs. 205.65 +/- 31.33 mmHg, P<0.05 and P<0.01), and the level at 20,
      40, 60 cmH2O was higher than that of the control group (205.65+/-31.33 vs. 187.40
      +/- 21.66, P<0.05; 244.45 +/- 53.93 vs. 175.20 +/- 23.00, P<0.01; 270.05 +/-
      53.42 vs. 126.40 +/- 37.55, P<0.01). There were no changes in VD/VT on both
      sides, and VD/VT on the right side was significantly lower than that of the
      control group when the inflation pressure was 20, 40, 60 cmH2O (0.38 +/- 0.14 vs.
      0.52 +/- 0.12, 0.43 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.60 +/- 0.15, 0.50 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.72 +/- 0.12,
      all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: For severe ARDS caused by single lung injury,
      implementation of independent lung RM on the basis of independent lung mechanical
      ventilation for individual lung was significantly superior to the traditional
      lung RM for the improvement of hemodynamic parameters and VD/VT.

PMID- 25124904
TI  - [The clinical value of bedside lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiac pulmonary edema].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the diagnostic accuracy of bedside lung ultrasound
      examination in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiac pulmonary
      edema. METHODS: A prospective pilot and single-blind trial was conducted. A total
      of 89 patients with respiratory failure admitted to the Department of Critical
      Care Medicine of Anhui Provincial Hospital from September 2012 to September 2013
      were enrolled. There were 32 patients with COPD, 31 patients with cardiac
      pulmonary edema, 8 patients with interstitial lung disease, 12 with lung
      infection, and 6 patients with other diseases. Another group of 30 patients
      without respiratory disease were enrolled as the control group. Bedside lung
      ultrasound examinations were performed in all patients within 24 hours, and chest
      radiograph was performed at the same time. The signs to be revealed were the "A"
      lines or horizontal lines arising from the pleural line, and the comet-tail
      artifact ("B" lines) arising from the lung wall interface. RESULTS: Of 89
      patients, 33 patients were shown a mean of 2.94 +/- 1.87 "A" lines per case with
      the bedside lung ultrasound, and 38 patients with a mean of 3.27 +/- 1.72 "B"
      lines per patient. 1.94 +/- 0.96 "A" lines a case and 1.74 +/- 0.82 "B" lines a
      case in control group. There were significant difference between the test group
      and control group ("A"line: t=3.835, P=0.000; "B" line: t=6.540, P=0.000). Among
      32 cases with COPD, 28 patients had a positive result of "A" line with a
      coincidence rate of 81.2%. In the 31 patients with cardiac pulmonary edema, 25
      patients presented "B" line, with a coincidence rate of 80.6%. The "A" lines or
      horizontal lines arising from the pleural line showed a sensitivity of 81.30% and
      a specificity of 87.70% with a positive predictive value (PPV) 78.80% and a
      negative predictive value (NPV) 89.30% of in the diagnosis of COPD, and the "B"
      lines showed a sensitivity of 80.60% and a specificity of 77.60% with a PPV of
      65.80% and a NPV of 88.20% in the diagnosis of cardiac pulmonary edema. However,
      X-ray examination showed a sensitivity of 65.50%, a specificity of 86.00%, a PPV
      of 72.40% and a NPV of 81.70% in the diagnosis of COPD, and it showed a
      sensitivity of 74.20%, a specificity of 69.00%, a PPV of 56.10% and a NPV of
      83.30% in the diagnosis of cardiac pulmonary edema. Bedside ultrasound was highly
      consistent with X-ray in diagnosis of COPD [area under receiver operating
      characteristic curve (AUC): 0.833 vs. 0.816, P>0.05], but Kappa value of
      ultrasound technology "A" line in the diagnosis of COPD was greater than the
      value of X-ray imaging techniques (0.685 vs. 0.527). There was little diagnostic
      value of ultrasound "A" line in cardiac pulmonary edema(AUC was 0.305), while the
      "B" line was superior to X-ray (AUC: 0.888 vs. 0.747, P<0.001), and had a higher
      Kappa value than the value of X-ray imaging techniques (0.553 vs. 0.481) in
      cardiac pulmonary edema. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that bedside ultrasound is cost
      effective, easy for repeated examination, and suitable for differential diagnosis
      of lung diseases. It might be useful in screening for COPD and cardiac pulmonary
      edema.

PMID- 25124905
TI  - [The protective effect of valproic acid on myocardium in rats with lethal scald
      injury and its mechanism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of valproic acid (VPA) on
      myocardium in rats following lethal burn injury and its mechanism. METHODS:
      Seventy-eight Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to four groups:
      sham-scald group (n=10), sham-scald + VPA group (n=10), scald group (n=29), and
      scald + VPA group (n=29). Rats in the latter two groups were subjected to 55%
      total body surface area (TBSA) third-degree burns by immersing the back of the
      trunk for 15 seconds, both lower extremities for 15 seconds, and the abdomen for
      8 seconds in 80 centigrade water. Sham-scald rats were immersed in 37 centigrade
      water instead. Rats were then subcutaneously injected with VPA (300 mg/kg) or
      normal saline as control. Blood of 5 rats in each group was with drawn from the
      abdominal aorta at 6 hours after injury for measurement of plasma creatine kinase
      MB (CK-MB) activities; then the rats were sacrificed and heart tissues were
      harvested for the measurement of acetylated histone H3 and activated caspase-3 by
      Western Blot. The remaining rats were used for 12-hour survival analysis.
      RESULTS: Compared with sham-scald group, there was a significant increase in
      plasma CK-MB activities (5 438.0 +/- 413.6 U/L vs. 2 881.0 +/- 324.8 U/L, P<0.05)
      and activated caspase-3 protein levels in heart tissue (gray value: 1.75 +/- 0.25
      vs. 1.00 +/- 0.18, P<0.05) and an significant decline in the acetylation levels
      of histone H3 (gray value: 0.55 +/- 0.18 vs. 1.00 +/- 0.20, P<0.05) after major
      burn injury. VPA treatment significantly reduced the plasma CK-MB activities [(4
      018.0 +/- 388.3) U/L], activated caspase-3 protein levels in heart tissue (gray
      value: 1.33 +/- 0.20), and raised the acetylation levels of histone H3 (gray
      value: 2.20 +/- 0.23, all P<0.05). Survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier curves
      showed that the survival was improved after VPA treatment, and the survival rate
      was increased from 0 to 50% at 12 hours (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: VPA can attenuate
      cardiac injury and improve survival in a rodent model of lethal burn injury.
      These protective effects may be due to its inhibitory effects on histone
      deacetylase and caspase-3 activation.

PMID- 25124906
TI  - [Testify patient's blood electrolyte concentration a tendency to approach that of
      replacement-fluid in continuous renal replacement therapy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prove with mathematical formula that the patient's blood
      electrolyte concentration shows a tendency to approach that of replacement-fluid
      after continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). METHODS: Electrolyte
      concentration of plasma, replacement-fluid and returning fluid were compared, and
      they were labeled as C(blood), C(norm), and C(return) respectively. The
      "C(return)" was calculated, and the relationship among them was demonstrated with
      comparison by mathematical formula. At last, according to their relationship,
      plasma change towards to the replacement fluid was analyzed. RESULTS: It was
      showed that "C(blood)<C(return)<C(norm)" or "C(blood)>C(return)>C(norm)", and
      according the relationship, it was derive that the trend of change in "C(blood)"
      after circulation for m unit time was "C(blood)1>C(blood)2>C(blood)3> ...
      >C(blood)m>C(norm)" or "C(blood)1 < C(blood)2 < C(blood)3 < ... < C(blood)m <
      C(norm)". The plasma electrolyte concentration would close to that of replacement
      fluid infinitely with the continue of CRRT. CONCLUSIONS: With mathematical model,
      it is proved that the replacement fluid electrolyte concentration is the final
      target of the plasma. We must make up the replacement fluid correctly. And this
      results provide the basis for CRRT treatment of electrolyte disorder.

PMID- 25124907
TI  - [The clinical application of pulse indicator continuous cardiac output monitoring
      in early fluid resuscitation for patients with severe acute pancreatitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of early fluid resuscitation under
      the guidance of pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) on patients
      with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: Clinical data of 18 SAP patients
      (research group), who had undergone fluid resuscitation under the guidance of
      PiCCO in the Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated
      Hospital of Anhui Medical University from October 2011 to October 2013, were
      analyzed prospectively. At the same time, clinical data of 25 cases (control
      group) that had undergone fluid resuscitation without the guidance of PiCCO from
      January 2009 to September 2011 were collected retrospectively. The volume of
      fluid and clinical data were compared between two groups. RESULTS: During the
      first 6 hours, 0-24 hours, 24-48 hours, and 0-72 hours after intensive care unit
      (ICU) admission, the research group received larger volume of fluid than that of
      the control group (2 133 +/- 1 593 mL vs. 1 024 +/- 421 mL, t=3.337, P=0.002; 5
      960 +/- 2 951 mL vs. 3 767 +/- 854 mL, t=3.531, P=0.001; 4 709 +/- 1 508 mL vs. 3
      863 +/- 1 122 mL, t=2.112, P=0.031; 14 601 +/- 5 095 mL vs. 11 409 +/- 2 667 mL,
      t=2.673, P=0.007). Compared with the control group, the incidence of application
      of blood purification was lowered [5.56% (1/18) vs. 44.00% (11/25), chi2 = 7.688,
      P=0.006], the duration of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was
      shortened (3.54 +/- 2.44 days vs. 5.62 +/- 3.62 days, t=2.113, P=0.041), acute
      physiology and chronic health II (APACHEII) score was significantly declined at
      24 hours after admission (11 +/- 4 vs. 14 +/- 5, t=2.104, P=0.042), the blood
      lactic acid was decreased more significantly after 72 hours (3.10 +/- 0.55 mmol/L
      vs. 2.40 +/- 1.12 mmol/L, t=2.442, P=0.019), and the length of ICU stay was
      shortened (10 +/- 9 days vs. 20 +/- 10 days, t=3.371, P=0.002) in research group.
      But there was no significant difference in the percentage of the use of
      vasoactive drugs [16.67% (3/18) vs. 24.00% (6/25), chi2 =0.340, P=0.560], the
      incidence of invasive mechanical ventilation [50.00% (9/18) vs. 52.00% (13/25),
      chi2 = 0.017, P=0.897], 72-hour urea nitrogen changes (-0.33 +/- 4.71 mmol/L vs. 
      0.09 +/- 5.37 mmol/L, t=0.152, P=0.880), and the percentage of abdominal
      infection[16.67% (3/18) vs. 16.00% (4/25), chi2 = 0.003, P=0.953] between
      research group and control group. The mortality in research group was lower than
      that in control group [5.56% (1/18) vs. 20.00% (5/25)] without statistical
      difference (chi2 = 1.819, P=0.178). According to the 2012 Atlanta classification,
      patients were re-evaluated after 48 hours fluid resuscitation. Six patients in
      research group developed moderately severe acute pancreatitis, and the incidence
      was significantly higher than that in control group [33.33% (6/18) vs. 8.00%
      (2/25), chi2 = 4.435, P=0.034]. The time of mean PiCCO installation was 4.5 days
      in 18 cases of the research group, and no related complications occurred.
      CONCLUSIONS: The PiCCO device may be a useful adjunct for fluid resuscitation
      monitoring in patients with SAP within 72 hours. Early fluid resuscitation under
      the guidance of PiCCO may be helpful in improving tissue perfusion, reducing the
      application of blood purification, as well as shortening length of ICU stay. This
      program did not increase the risk of invasive mechanical ventilation, and no
      obvious change in mortality rate was observed.

PMID- 25124908
TI  - [The effects of fluid resuscitation on oxygenation index and prognosis in early
      stage of severe acute pancreatitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between fluid equilibrium and oxygen index
      in patients at early stage (within 2 weeks) of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP),
      and to discuss the effects of fluid equilibrium after resuscitation on the
      prognosis. METHODS: A clinical study was conducted. Ninety-seven patients with
      SAP admitted into Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University directly or
      transferred into intensive care unit (ICU) in 24 hours after admission between
      March 2011 to October 2013 were studied. Finally, 65 patients were enrolled in
      statistical analysis, and those with termination of treatment prematurely were
      excluded. The patients received treatment protocol formulated by the same
      physician in ICU. Patients were divided into improved group and death group
      according to the outcome. The differences in fluid equilibrium on 1, 2, 3, 7, 14
      days after admission of ICU between the two groups were compared. The correlation
      between fluid equilibrium and oxygen index was analyzed with curve fitting.
      RESULTS: Among 65 patients enrolled, 53 of them were improved after intensive
      care and were transferred into ordinary wards. However, 12 patients died in ICU.
      Patients in the improved group showed delayed positive fluid equilibrium, and
      some patients even showed negative fluid equilibrium. Patients in death group
      needed more fluid to achieve fluid equilibrium. There was a significant
      difference in the need of fluid to reach an equilibrium between improved group
      and death group [1 day: 1 814.5 (905.2, 2 152.8) mL vs. 3 891.0 (2 524.2, 5
      714.5) mL, Z=-3.303, P=0.001; 2 days: 2 469.0 (1 456.0, 3 696.0) mL vs. 6 498.0
      (4 617.8, 8 763.5) mL, Z=-4.431, P<0.001; 3 days: 3 234.0 (1 098.0, 4 295.5) mL
      vs. 9 533.5 (6 748.8, 10 689.0) mL, Z=-4.684, P<0.001; 7 days: 3 234.0 (1 033.0,
      5 162.0) mL vs. 13 986.5 (8 045.8, 14 518.0) mL, Z=-4.718, P<0.001; 14 days: 3
      234.0 (978.5, 4 924.0) mL vs. 13 436.5 (8 045.8, 14 518.0) mL, Z=-4.769,
      P<0.001]. There was no correlation between fluid equilibrium and oxygen index in
      improved patients within 3 days of ICU admission (R2 = 0.000, P=0.827), and it
      fit the logistic curve in a relatively low level after 3 days of ICU admission
      (R2 = 0.036, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early fluid resuscitation could help maintain
      hemodynamics stability in SAP patients. Those SAP patients who showed a negative
      equilibrium in early stage showed a better prognosis, and the fluid equilibrium
      and oxygen index in improved patients fit the logistic curve after 3 days of ICU
      admission.

PMID- 25124909
TI  - [Comparison of the performance of three prehospital trauma scores in evaluation
      of injury severity among Lushan earthquake victims].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the performance of revised trauma score (RTS), CRAMS
      score (circulation, respiration, abdomen, motor and speech) and prehospital index
      (PHI) on evaluation of injury severity in earthquake victims. METHODS: Data of
      victims admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University during the Lushan
      earthquake from April 20th, 2013, to April 27th were retrospectively analyzed.
      The clinical information at admission was recorded, and the injury severity score
      (ISS), RTS, CRAMS and PHI were calculated. The optimal cut-off values were looked
      for, the comparability between the three scores and ISS score were figured out by
      receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve), and the correlation between
      ISS and three scores was analyzed by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: There
      was a total of 263 victims included in the study. ISS >= 16 was found in 86
      cases, and ISS<16 in 177 victims, and there were significant statistic
      differences in male ratio (67.4% vs. 50.8%, chi2 = 6.477, P=0.011), RTS score
      [7.55 (0.29) vs. 7.84 (0), U=6 825, P=0.013] and CRAMS scores [8 (1) vs. 9 (1),
      U=3 977, P=0.000] between two groups. It was showed by ROC curve analysis that
      the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of RTS, CRAMS and PHI was 0.547 (P=0.220),
      0.734 (P=0.000) and 0.544 (P=0.250), and the Youden indexes of the three scores
      were 0.093, 0.443, and 0.119, respectively. Moreover, the best cut-off values of
      them were 4.9, 9.5 and 3.5. Linear regression analysis showed that RTS and CRAMS
      score showed negative correlation with ISS score (r1=-0.139, P1=0.024; r2=-0.413,
      P2=0.000), while PHI showed no relationship with it (r=0.071, P=0.250).
      CONCLUSIONS: Of these three scoring systems, CRAMS has the best correlation with
      ISS, and it can be used in the prompt assessment of trauma severity in earthquake
      victims.

PMID- 25124910
TI  - [Effect of Sheshang capsule on platelet function of rabbits bitten by
      Trimeresurus stejnegeri and its mechanism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the Sheshang capsule on coagulation of
      the rabbits bitten by Trimeresurus stejnegeri and its mechanism. METHODS: The
      changes in platelet aggregation rate was observed after the establishment of
      rabbits model by subcutaneously injection with 0.75, 1.50, 2.25, and 3.00 mL/kg
      of Trimeresurus stejnegeri venom for 72 hours. Fifty New Zealand white rabbits
      were randomly divided into five groups, 10 rabbits in each group. Rabbit model
      was reproduced by subcutaneously injection with 0.75 mL/kg of Trimeresurus
      stejnegeri venom. The rabbits in sham group were injected with 0.75 mL/kg normal
      saline(NS). The rabbits were gavaged with 5, 10, 15 mL * kg-1 * d-1 of the
      Sheshang concoction to the low, intermediate and high dose groups respectively
      after 6 hours, and 10 mL * kg-1 * d-1 NS was fed in the sham group and model
      group. The platelet aggregation rate, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume
      (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), platelet distribution width (PDW), cyclic adenosine
      monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) were determined after 1 week.
      RESULTS: (1) With the increase in the concentration of Trimeresurus stejnegeri
      venom, 1-min, 3-min, 5-min and maximum platelet aggregation rates showed a
      gradual declining trends. (2) Compared with the sham group, 5-min and maximum
      platelet aggregation rate in the model group were significantly decreased [35.5
      (24.2, 42.5)% vs. 43.0 (38.2, 58.5)%, 39.5 (29.0, 45.0)% vs. 46.5 (39.2, 60.2)%,
      both P<0.05]. Compared with the model group, 5-min and maximum platelet
      aggregation rate in the intermediate dose group were significantly increased
      [44.0 (39.8, 45.0) % vs. 35.5 (24.2, 42.5) %, 45.5 (43.5, 46.2) % vs. 39.5 (29.0,
      45.0) %, both P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in platelet
      aggregation rate among the other groups. Compared with the sham group, PLT count
      in model group was obviously reduced (410.3 +/- 155.3 * 109/L vs. 724.5 +/- 220.7
      * 109/L, P<0.01), so as MPV and PCT done [MPV: 5.11 +/- 1.09 fl vs. 6.34 +/- 1.16
      fl, P<0.01; PCT: 21.9 (18.6, 26.8) % vs. 34.8 (24.8, 45.4) %, P<0.05]. Compared
      with the model group, PLT and PCT in the low, intermediate and high dose groups
      were significantly increased [PLT: 702.4 +/- 166.3 * 109/L, 648.5 +/- 160.2 *
      109/L, 789.3 +/- 86.2 * 109/L vs. 410.3 +/- 155.3 * 109/L, PCT: 38.8 (35.7,
      42.9)%, 36.0 (29.8, 44.4)%, 43.1 (40.5, 48.8)% vs. 21.9 (18.6, 26.8)%, all
      P<0.01], and MPV in the intermediate dose group was significantly increased (6.26
      +/- 1.05 fl vs. 5.11 +/- 1.09 fl, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in
      PDW among groups (P>0.05). Compared with the sham group, cAMP (47.57 +/- 12.76
      nmol/L vs. 36.67 +/- 10.54 nmol/L) and PKA (14.68 +/- 5.80 MUg/L vs. 9.23 +/-
      4.05 MUg/L) in the model group were significantly increased (both P<0.05).
      Compared with the model group, cAMP and PKA of each dose group were decreased,
      while cAMP in low dose group [(36.33 +/- 11.08) nmol/L] and PKA in the
      intermediate dose group [(10.21 +/- 5.31) MUg/L] were significant decreased (both
      P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the range of experimental concentration (0-3 mL/kg), the
      higher the concentration, and the stronger the inhibition of platelet aggregation
      rate was. The Sheshang capsule can raise platelet aggregation rate and PLT,
      increase MPV and PCT, and act against inhibition of platelet aggregation effect
      of the venom, thus improve the haemostatic function of platelet. Sheshang capsule
      can be used to treat the coagulopathy induced by Trimeresurus stejnegeri venom
      through regulating cAMP/PKA pathways.

PMID- 25124911
TI  - [Effects of hypertonic sodium chloride hydroxyethyl starch solution on cerebral
      vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage and its mechanism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect and potential mechanisms of
      hypertonic sodium chloride hydroxyethyl starch solution (HSH) against the
      cerebral vasospasm (CVS) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: Twenty
      four male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to four groups
      according to the random number table, with 6 rats in each group. The SAH-CVS
      model was reproduced by injection of the blood twice through the cisterna magna.
      Rats in both model and HSH treatment groups received 8 mL/kg normal saline (NS)
      or HSH treatment everyday via caudal vein. Rats in sham group were injected with
      1.5 mL/kg NS into cisterna magna followed by 8 mL/kg NS treatment. Rats in normal
      group received no treatment. Rats were sacrificed to harvest basilar artery after
      7 days. The thickness of vessel wall and lumen area were measured using
      hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The rate of apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle
      cell (VSMC) was assessed using flow cytometry. Caspase-3 activity was measured by
      a fluorometric assay. The expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 were determined by Western
      Blot. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by H2DCFDA.
      RESULTS: Compared with normal group, increased thickness of vessel wall (27.72 +/
      1.94 MUm vs. 18.30 +/- 1.10 MUm, P<0.05), decreased lumen area (26 115 +/- 1 991
      MUm2 vs. 55 080 +/- 2 091 MUm2, P<0.05), and elevation of rate of apoptosis of
      VSMCs [(35.05 +/- 5.54) % vs. (5.93 +/- 1.53) %, P<0.05] were found in model
      group. Compared with model group, decreased thickness of vessel wall (22.55 +/-
      1.50 MUm vs. 27.72 +/- 1.94 MUm, P<0.05), increase of lumen area (48 115 +/- 2
      460 MUm2 vs. 26 115 +/- 1 991 MUm2, P<0.05), and depressed rate of apoptosis of
      VSMCs [(16.54 +/- 5.94) % vs. (35.05 +/- 5.54) %, P<0.05] were found in HSH
      treatment group. Caspase-3 activity, intracellular ROS level, Bax and Bcl-2
      expressions in model group were (188.40 +/- 19.35)%, (163.50 +/- 17.02)%, (208.71
      +/- 26.04)% and (44.52 +/- 9.61) % of those of normal group, and the differences
      of these parameters between model and normal groups were statistically
      significant (all P<0.05). Caspase-3 activity, intracellular ROS level, Bax and
      Bcl-2 expressions in HSH treatment group were (135.05 +/- 19.52)%, (119.44 +/-
      11.50)%, (139.20 +/- 18.04)% and (85.35 +/- 13.12)% of those of normal group,
      respectively, and the differences of these parameters between HSH treatment and
      model groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The differences of all
      measurements between sham and normal groups were not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current results demonstrate that HSH attenuates the SAH-induced
      CVS, alleviates thickness of vessel wall, and increases lumen area via inhibition
      of VSMCs apoptosis.

PMID- 25124912
TI  - [The change in auditory evoked potentials of brainstem in patients with skull
      base fracture and hypoacusia].

PMID- 25124913
TI  - [Diagnosis and treatment of a patient with serous Q-fever, a case report].

PMID- 25124914
TI  - [Analysis of 2 cases of pulmonary embolism].

PMID- 25124915
TI  - [Application of dexmedetomidine sedation in treatment of continuous state of
      asthma, a case report].

PMID- 25124916
TI  - [Nuclear factor-KappaB pathway and acute lung injury in hemorrhagic shock].

PMID- 25124917
TI  - [An experience of the clinical features and treatment patients of the acute snake
      bite around Shaanxi Guanzhong area].

PMID- 25124918
TI  - [Glycocalyx and fluid management in patients with sepsis].

PMID- 25124919
TI  - [Value of lung ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress
      syndrome].

PMID- 25124920
TI  - The independent association of plateletcrit with long-term outcomes in patients
      undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - PURPOSE: Platelets play a key role in the genesis of thrombosis. Plateletcrit
      (PCT) provides complete information on total platelet mass. The relationship
      between PCT values and long-term outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergo primary angioplasty is not known. We
      sought to determine the effect of PCT values on the outcomes of primary
      angioplasty for STEMI. METHODS: Overall, 2572 consecutive STEMI patients (mean
      age, 56.6+/-11.8 years) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention
      were enrolled retrospectively into the present study. Plateletcrit at admission
      was measured as part of the automated complete blood count. Patients were
      classified into 2 groups: high PCT (>0.237, n=852) and nonhigh PCT (<0.237,
      n=1720). Clinical characteristics and in-hospital and long-term (median, 21
      months) outcomes of primary angioplasty were analyzed. RESULTS: A higher in
      hospital shock rate was observed among patients with high PCT values compared
      with those with nonhigh PCT values (6.5 vs 3.8%, respectively; P=.003). The long
      term cardiovascular prognosis was worse for patients with high PCT values (Kaplan
      Meier, log-rank test; P=.007). We used Cox proportional hazard models to examine
      the association between PCT and adverse clinical outcomes. High PCT values were
      also an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 1.85;
      95% confidence interval, 1.061-3.22; P=.03). CONCLUSION: High PCT values on
      admission are independently associated with long-term adverse outcomes in
      patients with STEMI who undergo primary angioplasty.

PMID- 25124922
TI  - Thoracic pedicle classification determined by inner cortical width of pedicles on
      computed tomography images: its clinical significance for posterior vertebral
      column resection to treat rigid and severe spinal deformities-a retrospective
      review of cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) is an effective
      alternative for treating rigid and severe spinal deformities. Accurate placement
      of pedicle screws, especially apically, is crucial. As morphologic evaluations of
      thoracic pedicles have not provided objective criteria, we propose a thoracic
      pedicle classification for treating rigid and severe spinal deformities. METHODS:
      A consecutive series of 56 patients with severe and rigid spinal deformities who
      underwent PVCR at a single institution were reviewed retrospectively. Altogether,
      1098 screws were inserted into thoracic pedicles at T2-T12. Based on the inner
      cortical width of the thoracic pedicles, the patients were divided into four
      groups: group 1 (0-1.0 mm), group 2 (1.1-2.0 mm), group 3 (2.1-3.0 mm), group 4
      (>=3.1 mm). The proportion of screws accurately inserted in thoracic pedicles for
      each group was calculated. Statistical analysis was also performed regarding
      types of thoracic pedicles classified by Lenke et al. (SPINE 35:1836-1842, 2010)
      using a morphological method. RESULTS: There were statistically significant
      differences in the rates of screws inserted in thoracic pedicles between the
      groups (P < 0.008) except groups 3 and 4 (P > 0.008), which were then combined.
      The accuracies for the three new groups were 35.05%, 65.34%, and 88.32%,
      respectively, with statistically significant differences between the groups (P <
      0.017). Rates of screws inserted in thoracic pedicles classified by Lenke et al.
      (SPINE 35:1836-1842, 2010) were 82.31%, 83.40%, 80.00%, and 30.28% for types A,
      B, C, and D, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (P >
      0.008) between these types except between type D and the other three types (P <
      0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The inner cortical width of thoracic pedicles is the sole
      factor crucial for accurate placement of thoracic pedicle screws. We propose a
      computed tomography-based classification of the pedicle's inner cortical width:
      type I thoracic pedicle: absent channel, inner cortical width of 0-1 mm; type II:
      presence of a channel of which type IIa has an inner cortical width of 1.1-2.0 mm
      and type IIb a width of >=2.1 mm. The proposed classification can help surgeons
      predict whether screws can be inserted into the thoracic pedicle, thus guiding
      instrumentation when PVCR is performed.

PMID- 25124921
TI  - Glutathione peroxidase's reaction intermediate selenenic acid is stabilized by
      the protein microenvironment.
AB  - Selenenic acids are highly reactive intermediates of selenoproteins' enzymatic
      reactions. Knowledge of how the protein environment protects and stabilizes them
      is fundamental not only to descriptions of selenoproteins' reactivity but also
      potentially for proteomics and therapeutics. However, selenenic acids are
      considered particularly short-lived and are not yet identified in wild-type
      selenoproteins. Here, we report trapping the selenenic acid in glutathione
      peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme that efficiently eliminates hydroperoxides. It
      has long been thought that selenium-containing glutathione peroxidases form a
      selenenic acid intermediate. However, this putative species has eluded detection.
      Here, we report its identification. The selenenic acid in bovine glutathione
      peroxidase 1 was chemically trapped using dimedone, an alkylating agent specific
      to sulfenic and selenenic acids. The alkylation of the catalytic selenocysteine
      was verified by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. In the presence of
      glutathione, the selenocysteine was not alkylated because the selenenic acid
      condenses faster with glutathione than the alkylation reaction. In the absence of
      thiols, the selenenic acid was surprisingly long-lived with 95% of the protein
      still able to react with dimedone 10 min after hydrogen peroxide was removed,
      indicating that the protein environment stabilizes the selenenic acid by
      shielding it from reactive groups in the protein. After 30 min, the
      selenocysteine was no longer modified but became accessible once the protein was
      exposed to reducing agents. This suggests that the selenenic acid reacted with a
      protein's amide or amine to form a selenylamide bond. Such a modification may
      play a role in protecting glutathione peroxidase'' reactivity.

PMID- 25124923
TI  - Small metastasizing choroidal melanomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: Small choroidal melanomas have a better prognosis than large tumours.
      However, these small tumours can spread, often late in their course. The aim of
      the study was to analyse survival and tumour characteristics of six cases of late
      metastatic diseases after conservative treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study
      was conducted at the Croix-Rousse University Hospital of Lyon among 523 patients
      treated between 1991 and 2010 by proton beam therapy (508) or brachytherapy with
      106 (Ru/Rh) (15) for uveal melanomas. We have selected patients with small
      choroidal melanoma (thickness<=3 mm and diameter<=9 mm) (59 patients), who have
      developed hepatic metastases (six of 59). RESULTS: At the time of diagnosis,
      median age was 57 years (range, 37-82 years). The mean tumour thickness was 2.9
      mm (range 2.5-3 mm), and the mean diameter was 7 mm (5-8 mm). Orange pigment was
      observed in four cases, subretinal fluid was observed in two cases, and one
      tumour touched the optic disc. Five patients had proton beam therapy. One patient
      had beta brachytherapy (106 Ru/106 Rh). Average follow-up was 8.3 years (range
      4.2-11.8 years). None of the six patients developed local tumour recurrence. The
      mean survival time after diagnosis of melanoma was 9.8 years (range, 4.9-14.6
      years). The average time from treatment of primary tumour to detection of liver
      metastasis was 7 years (range 3.9-12 years). The mean survival time from the
      diagnosis of metastasis was 35.2 months (range 9-101 months). Small melanoma
      related death was 0% at 3 years, 1.7% at 5 years, 5.1% at 10 years and 10.2% at
      15 years in our series. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a small tumoral size and an early
      and effective local treatment, six of 59 small choroidal melanomas have developed
      metastasis after local treatment. Small tumours represent a significant risk of
      metastasis.

PMID- 25124924
TI  - Prolyl isomerase Pin1 in cancer.
AB  - Proline-directed phosphorylation is a posttranslational modification that is
      instrumental in regulating signaling from the plasma membrane to the nucleus, and
      its dysregulation contributes to cancer development. Protein interacting with
      never in mitosis A1 (Pin1), which is overexpressed in many types of cancer,
      isomerizes specific phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro bonds in many substrate proteins,
      including glycolytic enzyme, protein kinases, protein phosphatases,
      methyltransferase, lipid kinase, ubiquitin E3 ligase, DNA endonuclease, RNA
      polymerase, and transcription activators and regulators. This Pin1-mediated
      isomerization alters the structures and activities of these proteins, thereby
      regulating cell metabolism, cell mobility, cell cycle progression, cell
      proliferation, cell survival, apoptosis and tumor development. 

PMID- 25124925
TI  - Hydrogen peroxide primes heart regeneration with a derepression mechanism.
AB  - While the adult human heart has very limited regenerative potential, the adult
      zebrafish heart can fully regenerate after 20% ventricular resection. Although
      previous reports suggest that developmental signaling pathways such as FGF and
      PDGF are reused in adult heart regeneration, the underlying intracellular
      mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we show that H2O2 acts as a novel
      epicardial and myocardial signal to prime the heart for regeneration in adult
      zebrafish. Live imaging of intact hearts revealed highly localized H2O2 (~30 MUM)
      production in the epicardium and adjacent compact myocardium at the resection
      site. Decreasing H2O2 formation with the Duox inhibitors diphenyleneiodonium
      (DPI) or apocynin, or scavenging H2O2 by catalase overexpression markedly
      impaired cardiac regeneration while exogenous H2O2 rescued the inhibitory effects
      of DPI on cardiac regeneration, indicating that H2O2 is an essential and
      sufficient signal in this process. Mechanistically, elevated H2O2 destabilized
      the redox-sensitive phosphatase Dusp6 and hence increased the phosphorylation of
      Erk1/2. The Dusp6 inhibitor BCI achieved similar pro-regenerative effects while
      transgenic overexpression of dusp6 impaired cardiac regeneration. H2O2 plays a
      dual role in recruiting immune cells and promoting heart regeneration through two
      relatively independent pathways. We conclude that H2O2 potentially generated from
      Duox/Nox2 promotes heart regeneration in zebrafish by unleashing MAP kinase
      signaling through a derepression mechanism involving Dusp6.

PMID- 25124928
TI  - Domestic incense burning and nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a case-control study in
      Hong Kong Chinese.
AB  - Incense burning is a powerful producer of carcinogens and has been considered as
      a risk factor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We conducted a case-control
      study and case-only analyses to investigate the effect of incense burning and its
      interaction with genetic background on NPC risk among Hong Kong Chinese. Between
      June 2010 and December 2012, we recruited 352 incident cases of NPC and 410
      controls. We collected information on lifelong practice of domestic incense
      burning via interviews and genotyped 80 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in
      DNA repair genes. We observed an increased NPC risk associated with daily burning
      in women [Adjusted OR = 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33, 4.66] but not
      in men. The adjusted OR for daily burning with poor ventilation was 2.08 (95% CI:
      1.02, 4.24), while that with good ventilation was 1.35 (95% CI: 0.92, 1.98).
      Interactions between 2 SNPs (rs2074517 and rs4771436) and incense burning were
      significantly associated with NPC risk and tended to have a SNP exposure-response
      effect. Evidence for gene-environment interactions supported the knowledge that
      NPC is a multi-factorial disease resulting from the joint effects of
      environmental exposures and inherited susceptibility.

PMID- 25124926
TI  - Arginase I, polyamine, and prostaglandin E2 pathways suppress the inflammatory
      response and contribute to diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis.
AB  - Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) is a rare clinical manifestation of
      tegumentary leishmaniasis. The molecular mechanisms underlying DCL pathogenesis
      remain unclear, and there is no efficient treatment available. This study
      investigated the systemic and in situ expression of the inflammatory response
      that might contribute to suppression in DCL. The plasma levels of arginase I,
      ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), and
      prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were higher in patients with DCL, compared with patients
      with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) or with controls from an area of
      endemicity. In situ transcriptomic analyses reinforced the association between
      arginase I expression and enzymes involved in prostaglandin and polyamine
      synthesis. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that arginase I, ODC, and
      cyclooxygenase2 expression was higher in lesion biopsy specimens from patients
      with DCL than in those from patients with LCL. Inhibition of arginase I or ODC
      abrogates L. amazonensis replication in infected human macrophages. Our data
      implicate arginase I, ODC, PGE2, and TGF-beta in the failure to mount an
      efficient immune response and suggest perspectives in the development of new
      strategies for therapeutic intervention for patients with DCL. 

PMID- 25124927
TI  - Characterization of drug-resistant influenza A(H7N9) variants isolated from an
      oseltamivir-treated patient in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients contracting influenza A(H7N9) infection often developed
      severe disease causing respiratory failure. Neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors (NAIs)
      are the primary option for treatment, but information on drug-resistance markers
      for influenza A(H7N9) is limited. METHODS: Four NA variants of
      A/Taiwan/1/2013(H7N9) virus containing a single substitution (NA-E119V, NA-I222K,
      NA-I222R, or NA-R292K) recovered from an oseltamivir-treated patient were tested
      for NAI susceptibility in vitro; their replicative fitness was evaluated in cell
      culture, mice, and ferrets. RESULTS: NA-R292K led to highly reduced inhibition by
      oseltamivir and peramivir, while NA-E119V, NA-I222K, and NA-I222R caused reduced
      inhibition by oseltamivir. Mice infected with any virus showed severe clinical
      signs with high mortality rates. NA-I222K virus was the most virulent in mice,
      whereas virus lacking NA change (NA-WT) and NA-R292K virus seemed the least
      virulent. Sequence analysis suggests that PB2-S714N increased virulence of NA
      I222K virus in mice; NS1-K126R, alone or in combination with PB2-V227M, produced
      contrasting effects in NA-WT and NA-R292K viruses. In ferrets, all viruses
      replicated to high titers in the upper respiratory tract but produced only mild
      illness. NA-R292K virus, showed reduced replicative fitness in this animal model.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight challenges in assessment of the replicative
      fitness of H7N9 NA variants that emerged in NAI-treated patients.

PMID- 25124930
TI  - Role of sleep duration as a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes among adults of
      different ages in Japan: the Niigata Wellness Study.
AB  - AIM: To compare the role of short sleep duration as a risk factor for diabetes
      among adults of different ages. METHODS: The study enrolled 38987 Japanese
      individuals without diabetes, and the 8-year risk of developing diabetes
      attributable to different sleep durations (< 5.5 h, 5.5 to < 6.5 h, 6.5 to < 7.0
      h, 7.0-7.5 h, > 7.5-8.0 h, or > 8.0 h) was assessed among individuals aged <= 45,
      46-59 or >= 60 years. RESULTS: During the 8-year follow-up period, 2085
      individuals developed diabetes. Overall, individuals with a short sleep duration
      of < 5.5 h or 5.5 to < 6.5 h had, respectively, a 1.53-fold (95% CI 1.19, 1.97)
      or 1.25-fold (95% CI 1.10, 1.42) increased risk of diabetes as compared with
      those who had 7.0-7.5 h of sleep. A sleep duration of < 5.5 h or 5.5 to < 6.5 h
      was predictive of the development of diabetes among individuals aged <= 45 years,
      but not among those aged >= 60 years. With increasing age, the effect of short
      sleep duration on the risk of diabetes was attenuated. CONCLUSIONS: Short sleep
      duration was predictive of diabetes among young or middle-aged Japanese adults
      but not among elderly individuals after age was considered. Managing habitual
      short sleep and the possible reasons for having such short sleep duration could
      be particularly important for young or middle-aged adults in the development of
      future diabetes.

PMID- 25124933
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of dynamic collapse of the cricotracheal ligament in
      thoroughbred racehorses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe (1) diagnosis of dynamic collapse of the cricotracheal
      ligament in a group of horses and (2) treatment and outcome of affected horses.
      STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Thoroughbred horses (n = 8).
      METHODS: Of 600 over ground dynamic endoscopic examinations performed, 8
      Thoroughbred horses had cricotracheal ligament collapse (CTLC); 5 were 2 years
      old and in early training and 2 were mature horses in full work. CTLC was
      diagnosed if circumferential collapse of the cricotracheal ligament was
      identified during exercise. Seven horses had repeat endoscopic examination. Two
      horses unresponsive to conservative management were treated surgically. RESULTS:
      Multiple abnormalities of the upper portion of the respiratory tract were
      identified along with CTLC in all five 2-year-old horses and resolution of CTLC
      was observed after treatment for upper airway inflammation. No concurrent
      respiratory abnormality was identified in the 2 mature horses. Surgical reduction
      of the cricotracheal space and imbrication of the cricotracheal ligament of these
      2 horses resulted in resolution of clinical signs of CTLC. CONCLUSIONS: CTLC is a
      rare cause of dynamic obstruction in Thoroughbred racehorses. Resolution may
      occur after adaptation to training and after inflammation of the respiratory
      tract is resolved, but for horses with persistent CTLC, surgical reduction of the
      cricotracheal space and imbrication of the cricotracheal ligament may result in
      resolution of clinical signs.

PMID- 25124932
TI  - Complete response of sunitinib therapy for renal cell cancer recurrence in the
      native kidney after renal transplantation: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No case report has yet shown that sunitinib therapy for the
      postoperative recurrence of renal cancer in a native kidney after renal
      transplantation can achieve complete response (CR). CASE PRESENTATION: A tumor
      was detected in the right native kidney of a 35-year-old Japanese male 10 years
      after renal transplantation. A tumor thrombus that reached the atrium was
      detected, which suggested cT3cN0M0. Because of the risk of perioperative
      complications, preoperative therapy with sunitinib was selected and 8 courses
      were administered. The size of the primary tumor was reduced by 33%, while that
      of the tumor thrombus was decreased by 39.5%. Right nephrectomy and removal of
      the tumor thrombus were then performed. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography
      (CT) four months after surgery suggested local relapse. Sunitinib was
      administered for 9 months, which led to complete response (CR). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study presented the case of sunitinib therapy for renal cancer in the native
      kidney after renal transplantation. The therapeutic efficacy and safety for such
      cases should be discussed.

PMID- 25124929
TI  - Functionalized nanoscale micelles with brain targeting ability and intercellular
      microenvironment biosensitivity for anti-intracranial infection applications.
AB  - Due to complication factors such as blood-brain barrier (BBB), integrating high
      efficiency of brain target ability with specific cargo releasing into one
      nanocarrier seems more important. A brain targeting nanoscale system is developed
      using dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) as targeting moiety. DHA has high affinity with
      GLUT1 on BBB. More importantly, the GLUT1 transportation of DHA represents a "one
      way" accumulative priority from blood into brain. The artificial micelles are
      fabricated by a disulfide linkage, forming a bio-responsive inner barrier, which
      can maintain micelles highly stable in circulation and shield the leakage of
      entrapped drug before reaching the targeting cells. The designed micelles can
      cross BBB and be further internalized by brain cells. Once within the cells, the
      drug release can be triggered by high intracellular level of glutathione (GSH).
      Itraconazole (ITZ) is selected as the model drug because of its poor brain
      permeability and low stability in blood. It demonstrates that the functionalized
      nanoscale micelles can achieve highly effective direct drug delivery to targeting
      site. Based on the markedly increased stability in blood circulation and improved
      brain delivery efficiency of ITZ, DHA-modified micelles show highly effective in
      anti-intracranial infection. Therefore, this smart nanodevice shows a promising
      application for the treatment of brain diseases.

PMID- 25124931
TI  - Phenotypic overlap between familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and microcephaly,
      lymphedema, and chorioretinal dysplasia caused by KIF11 mutations.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Retinal detachment with avascularity of the peripheral retina,
      typically associated with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), can result
      from mutations in KIF11, a gene recently identified to cause microcephaly,
      lymphedema, and chorioretinal dysplasia (MLCRD) as well as chorioretinal
      dysplasia, microcephaly, and mental retardation (CDMMR). Ophthalmologists should
      be aware of the range of presentations for mutations in KIF11 because the
      phenotypic distinction between FEVR and MLCRD/CDMMR portends management
      implications in patients with these conditions. OBJECTIVE: To identify gene
      mutations in patients who present with a FEVR phenotype and explore the spectrum
      of ocular and systemic abnormalities caused by KIF11 mutations in a cohort of
      patients with FEVR or microcephaly in conjunction with chorioretinopathy or FEVR.
      DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Clinical data and DNA were collected from each
      participant between 1998 and 2013 from the clinical practices of ophthalmologists
      and clinical geneticists internationally. Twenty-eight FEVR probands with
      diagnoses made by the referring physician and without a known FEVR gene mutation,
      and 3 with microcephaly and chorioretinopathy, were included. At least 1 patient
      in each pedigree manifested 1 or more of the following: macular dragging, partial
      retinal detachment, falciform folds, or total retinal detachment. EXPOSURES:
      Whole-exome sequencing was conducted on affected members in multiplex pedigrees,
      and Sanger sequencing of the 22 exons of the KIF11 gene was performed on
      singletons. Clinical data and history were collected and reviewed. MAIN OUTCOMES
      AND MEASURES: Identification of mutations in KIF11. RESULTS: Four novel
      heterozygous KIF11 mutations and 1 previously published mutation were identified
      in probands with FEVR: p.A218Gfs*15, p.E470X, p.R221G, c.790-1G>T, and the
      previously described heterozygous p.R47X. Documentation of peripheral avascular
      areas on intravenous fluorescein angiography was possible in 2 probands with
      fibrovascular proliferation demonstrating phenotypic overlap with FEVR.
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Mutations in KIF11 cause a broader spectrum of ocular
      disease than previously reported, including retinal detachment. The KIF11 gene
      likely plays a role in retinal vascular development and mutations in this gene
      can lead to clinical overlap with FEVR. Cases of FEVR should be carefully
      inspected for the presence of microcephaly as a marker for KIF11-related disease
      to enhance the accuracy of the prognosis and genetic counseling.

PMID- 25124934
TI  - Biofilms formed by the archaeon Haloferax volcanii exhibit cellular
      differentiation and social motility, and facilitate horizontal gene transfer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Archaea share a similar microbial lifestyle with bacteria, and not
      surprisingly then, also exist within matrix-enclosed communities known as
      biofilms. Advances in biofilm biology have been made over decades for model
      bacterial species, and include characterizations of social behaviors and cellular
      differentiation during biofilm development. Like bacteria, archaea impact
      ecological and biogeochemical systems. However, the biology of archaeal biofilms
      is only now being explored. Here, we investigated the development, composition
      and dynamics of biofilms formed by the haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii DS2.
      RESULTS: Biofilms were cultured in static liquid and visualized with fluorescent
      cell membrane dyes and by engineering cells to express green fluorescent protein
      (GFP). Analysis by confocal scanning laser microscopy showed that H. volcanii
      cells formed microcolonies within 24 h, which developed into larger clusters by
      48 h and matured into flake-like towers often greater than 100 MUm in height
      after 7 days. To visualize the extracellular matrix, biofilms formed by GFP
      expressing cells were stained with concanavalin A, DAPI, Congo red and thioflavin
      T. Stains colocalized with larger cellular structures and indicated that the
      extracellular matrix may contain a combination of polysaccharides, extracellular
      DNA and amyloid protein. Following a switch to biofilm growth conditions, a sub
      population of cells differentiated into chains of long rods sometimes exceeding
      25 MUm in length, compared to their planktonic disk-shaped morphology. Time-lapse
      photography of static liquid biofilms also revealed wave-like social motility.
      Finally, we quantified gene exchange between biofilm cells, and found that it was
      equivalent to the mating frequency of a classic filter-based experimental method.
      CONCLUSIONS: The developmental processes, functional properties and dynamics of
      H. volcanii biofilms provide insight on how haloarchaeal species might persist,
      interact and exchange DNA in natural communities. H. volcanii demonstrates some
      biofilm phenotypes similar to bacterial biofilms, but also has interesting
      phenotypes that may be unique to this organism or to this class of organisms,
      including changes in cellular morphology and an unusual form of social motility.
      Because H. volcanii has one of the most advanced genetic systems for any
      archaeon, the phenotypes reported here may promote the study of genetic and
      developmental processes in archaeal biofilms.

PMID- 25124935
TI  - Inverse associations of total and decaffeinated coffee with liver enzyme levels
      in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2010.
AB  - Coffee may have hepatoprotective effects and higher coffee consumption has been
      associated inversely with levels of liver enzymatic markers. However, it is
      unclear whether decaffeinated coffee is also associated with liver enzymes. The
      study population included 27,793 participants, age 20 or older, in the U.S.
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2010). Coffee intake was
      evaluated by 24-hour dietary recall. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase
      (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma
      glutamyl transaminase (GGT) were measured. We examined the relationship between
      coffee intake and enzymatic levels using weighted multiple variable logistic
      (abnormally elevated levels of enzymes) and linear regression (continuous
      enzymatic levels). Total coffee consumption was inversely associated with
      abnormal levels of all four liver enzymes and continuous levels of AST, ALP, and
      GGT. Compared to those reporting no coffee consumption, participants reporting >=
      3 cups per day had an odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of 0.75
      (0.63, 0.89), 0.82 (0.68, 0.98), 0.73 (0.55, 0.95), and 0.69 (0.57, 0.83) for
      abnormal levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT, respectively. Similar inverse
      associations were found with decaffeinated coffee intake and abnormal levels of
      ALT (OR (>= 2 vs 0 cup/d): 0.62 [0.41, 0.94]), AST (0.74 [0.49, 1.11]), and GGT
      (0.70 [0.49-1.00]). CONCLUSION: Higher intakes of coffee, regardless of its
      caffeine content, were associated with lower levels of liver enzymes.

PMID- 25124937
TI  - High-level conversion of L-lysine into 5-aminovalerate that can be used for nylon
      6,5 synthesis.
AB  - L-Lysine is a potential feedstock for the production of bio-based precursors for
      engineering plastics. In this study, we developed a microbial process for high
      level conversion of L-lysine into 5-aminovalerate (5AVA) that can be used as a
      monomer in nylon 6,5 synthesis. Recombinant Escherichia coli WL3110 strain
      expressing Pseudomonas putida delta-aminovaleramidase (DavA) and lysine 2
      monooxygenase (DavB) was grown to high density in fed-batch culture and used as a
      whole cell catalyst. High-density E. coli WL3110 expressing DavAB, grown to an
      optical density at 600 nm (OD600 ) of 30, yielded 36.51 g/L 5AVA from 60 g/L L
      lysine in 24 h. Doubling the cell density of E. coli WL3110 improved the
      conversion yield to 47.96 g/L 5AVA from 60 g/L of L-lysine in 24 h. 5AVA
      production was further improved by doubling the L-lysine concentration from 60 to
      120 g/L. The highest 5AVA titer (90.59 g/L; molar yield 0.942) was obtained from
      120 g/L L-lysine by E. coli WL3110 cells grown to OD600 of 60. Finally, nylon 6,5
      was synthesized by bulk polymerization of epsilon-caprolactam and delta
      valerolactam prepared from microbially synthesized 5AVA. The hybrid system
      demonstrated here has promising possibilities for application in the development
      of industrial bio-nylon production processes. 

PMID- 25124938
TI  - Selective episiotomy vs. implementation of a non episiotomy protocol: a
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the episiotomy rate
      should be around 10%, which is already a reality in many European countries.
      Currently the use of episiotomy should be restricted and physicians are
      encouraged to use their clinical judgment to decide when the procedure is
      necessary. There is no clinical evidence corroborating any indication of
      episiotomy, so until the present moment it is not yet known whether episiotomy is
      indeed necessary in any context of obstetric practice. OBJECTIVES: To compare
      maternal and perinatal outcomes in women undergoing a protocol of not performing
      episiotomy versus selective episiotomy. METHODS/DESIGN: An open label randomized
      clinical trial will be conducted including laboring women with term pregnancy,
      maximum dilation of 8 cm, live fetus in cephalic vertex presentation. Women with
      bleeding disorders of pregnancy, indication for caesarean section and those
      without capacity to consent and without legal guardians will be excluded. Primary
      outcomes will be frequency of episiotomy, delivery duration, frequency of
      spontaneous lacerations and perineal trauma, frequency of instrumental delivery,
      postpartum blood loss, need for perineal suturing, number of sutures, Apgar
      scores at one and five minutes, need for neonatal resuscitation and pH in cord
      blood. As secondary outcomes frequency complications of perineal suturing,
      postpartum perineal pain, maternal satisfaction, neonatal morbidity and admission
      newborn in NICU will be assessed. Women will be invited to participate and those
      who agree will sign the consent form and will be then assigned to a protocol of
      not conducting episiotomy (experimental group) or to a group that episiotomy is
      performed selectively according to the judgment of the provider of care delivery
      (control Group). The present study was approved by IMIP's Research Ethics
      Committee. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Register under the number and was
      registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT02178111.

PMID- 25124936
TI  - Antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of biosurfactants isolated from
      lactobacilli against multi-drug-resistant pathogens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biosurfactants (BS) are amphiphilic compounds produced by microbes,
      either on the cell surface or secreted extracellularly. BS exhibit strong
      antimicrobial and anti-adhesive properties, making them good candidates for
      applications used to combat infections. In this study, our goal was to assess the
      in vitro antimicrobial, anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm abilities of BS produced
      by Lactobacillus jensenii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus against clinical Multidrug
      Resistant (MDR) strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Cell-bound BS from both L. jensenii and L.
      rhamnosus were extracted and isolated. The surface activities of crude BS samples
      were evaluated using an oil spreading assay. The antimicrobial, anti-adhesive and
      anti-biofilm activities of both BS against the above mentioned MDR pathogens were
      determined. RESULTS: Surface activities for both BS ranged from 6.25 to 25 mg/ml
      with clear zones observed between 7 and 11 cm. BS of both L. jensenii and L.
      rhamnosus showed antimicrobial activities against A. baumannii, E. coli and S.
      aureus at 25-50 mg/ml. Anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm activities were also
      observed for the aforementioned pathogens between 25 and 50 mg/ml. Finally,
      analysis by electron microscope indicated that the BS caused membrane damage for
      A. baumannii and pronounced cell wall damage in S. aureus. CONCLUSION: Our
      results indicate that BS isolated from two Lactobacilli strains has antibacterial
      properties against MDR strains of A. baumannii, E. coli and MRSA. Both BS also
      displayed anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm abilities against A. baumannii, E. coli
      and S. aureus. Together, these capabilities may open up possibilities for BS as
      an alternative therapeutic approach for the prevention and/or treatment of
      hospital-acquired infections.

PMID- 25124939
TI  - Lack of activity of betulin-based Oleogel-S10 in the treatment of actinic
      keratoses: a randomized, multicentre, placebo-controlled double-blind phase II
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Betulinic acid and other triterpenes have shown strong antitumour
      activity in vitro and in vivo. A triterpene extract of birch bark formed the base
      of Oleogel-S10 and allowed topical application. Two previous trials have shown
      efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs) with
      betulin-based Oleogel-S10. OBJECTIVES: To confirm the efficacy and
      tolerability/safety of Oleogel-S10 in the treatment of AKs in a multicentre
      placebo-controlled study. METHODS: Patients (n = 165) were treated topically for
      3 months in a four-arm parallel study design, randomly allocated to A (n = 53)
      Oleogel-S10 once daily, B (n = 51) Oleogel-S10 twice daily, or C (n = 25) or D (n
      = 28) placebo (petroleum jelly) once or twice daily, respectively. Clinical
      efficacy in this double-blind study was assessed by the investigators. Final and
      baseline biopsies were evaluated by central histopathology. RESULTS: Complete
      clearance of the target lesions was seen in 4% of patients in group A and 7% in
      group B, but not in the placebo groups. A clearance rate of > 75% was seen for
      15% and 18% of patients in groups A and B, respectively, and for 13% in the
      placebo groups. These differences were not statistically significant.
      Histopathologically, 43.9% of patients showed a downgrading or clearance of the
      marker AK with no significant differences between the groups. Treatment with
      Oleogel-S10 was well tolerated. The tolerability as assessed by the investigator
      was mostly 'very good' (78.8%), followed by 'good' (18.2%) and only 1.2% assessed
      it as 'intolerable'. Patient-assessed tolerability was graded mostly 'very good'
      (56.4%) or 'good' (34.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with Oleogel-S10 was well
      tolerated during a treatment period of 3 months, yet was no better than placebo
      in terms of efficacy in the treatment of AKs.

PMID- 25124940
TI  - Sensitivity testing of trypanosome detection by PCR from whole blood samples
      using manual and automated DNA extraction methods.
AB  - Automated extraction of DNA for testing of laboratory samples is an attractive
      alternative to labour-intensive manual methods when higher throughput is
      required. However, it is important to maintain the maximum detection sensitivity
      possible to reduce the occurrence of type II errors (false negatives; failure to
      detect the target when it is present), especially in the biomedical field, where
      PCR is used for diagnosis. We used blood infected with known concentrations of
      Trypanosoma copemani to test the impact of analysis techniques on trypanosome
      detection sensitivity by PCR. We compared combinations of a manual and an
      automated DNA extraction method and two different PCR primer sets to investigate
      the impact of each on detection levels. Both extraction techniques and
      specificity of primer sets had a significant impact on detection sensitivity.
      Samples extracted using the same DNA extraction technique performed substantially
      differently for each of the separate primer sets. Type I errors (false positives;
      detection of the target when it is not present), produced by contaminants, were
      avoided with both extraction methods. This study highlights the importance of
      testing laboratory techniques with known samples to optimise accuracy of test
      results. 

PMID- 25124941
TI  - A Fasciola hepatica-derived fatty acid binding protein induces protection against
      schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma bovis using the adjuvant adaptation (ADAD)
      vaccination system.
AB  - Several efforts have been made to identify anti-schistosomiasis vaccine
      candidates and new vaccination systems. The fatty acid binding protein (FAPB) has
      been shown to induce a high level of protection in trematode infection. The
      adjuvant adaptation (ADAD) vaccination system was used in this study, including
      recombinant FABP, a natural immunomodulator and saponins. Mice immunised with the
      ADAD system were able to up-regulate proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and IL-6)
      and induce high IgG2a levels. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in worm
      burden, egg liver and hepatic lesion in vaccinated mice in two independent
      experiments involving Schistosoma bovis infected mice. The foregoing data shows
      that ADAD system using FABP provide a good alternative for triggering an
      effective immune response against animal schistosomiasis. 

PMID- 25124942
TI  - Thermochromic luminescent nest-like silver thiolate cluster.
AB  - A novel discrete open high-nuclearity nest-like silver thiolate cluster complex,
      [Ag33 S3 (StBu)16 (CF3 COO)9 (NO3 )(CH3 CN)2 ](NO3 ) (1), has been isolated with
      nitrate and S(2-) anions acting as structure-directing templates. Its similar
      nest-like structure has been assembled into an extended layer [Ag31 S3 (StBu)16
      (NO3 )9 ]n (2) by adjustment of auxiliary ligand. More interestingly, both
      complexes exhibit temperature-dependent luminescence of high sensitivity with a
      large fluorescence enhancement (12-fold for 1, 21-fold for 2), which can be
      easily recognized by the naked-eye (dramatic red-shift Delta=104 nm for 1, larger
      Delta=113 nm for 2 at 77 K compared to those at 298 K). The correlation between
      luminescent thermochromism and temperature-dependent variation of the
      coordination modes of template NO3 (-) anion, Ag???S and Ag???Ag distances are
      also elucidated through variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray crystal
      structure (VT-SCXRD) analyses. 

PMID- 25124943
TI  - Pro re nata prescribing in a population receiving palliative care: a prospective
      consecutive case note review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To document pro re nata (PRN) prescribing practices and to identify
      patterns with respect to clinical characteristics and the medications prescribed.
      DESIGN: Prospective consecutive case note review. SETTING: Two interrelated
      consultative hospice and palliative care services in regional Victoria,
      Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Terminally ill inpatients and community-based
      individuals (N = 203) at the time of referral to a hospice or palliative care
      service. MEASUREMENTS: Number of medications that the referring physician
      prescribed on a PRN basis and on a regular basis for symptom control; comorbid
      disease, performance status, comorbidity burden, disease phase, and survival.
      RESULTS: Mean number of PRN medications prescribed was 3.0, with significantly
      higher rates in the last week of life (rate ratio (RR) = 1.30, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 1.07-1.59) and during the terminal phase of disease (RR = 1.36,
      95% CI = 1.09-1.68). One-quarter of prescriptions were for medications that met
      the Beers consensus criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in
      elderly persons. CONCLUSION: These descriptive baseline data are new. A mean of
      three different medications allows responsiveness to a variety of fluctuating
      symptoms, but there was a large range within the sample, indicating that some
      individuals and their caregivers have a high burden of administration-related
      decision-making.

PMID- 25124944
TI  - In vitro and in vivo anti-malarial activity of limonoids isolated from the
      residual seed biomass from Carapa guianensis (andiroba) oil production.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carapa guianensis is a cultivable tree used by traditional health
      practitioners in the Amazon region to treat several diseases and particularly
      symptoms related to malaria. Abundant residual pressed seed material (RPSM)
      results as a by-product of carapa or andiroba oil production. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-malarial activity and
      cytotoxicity of limonoids isolated from C. guaianensis RPSM. METHODS: 6alpha
      acetoxyepoxyazadiradione (1), andirobin (2), 6alpha-acetoxygedunin (3) and 7
      deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin (4) (all isolated from RPSM using extraction and
      chromatography techniques) and 6alpha-hydroxy-deacetylgedunin (5) (prepared from
      3) were evaluated using the micro test on the multi-drug-resistant Plasmodium
      falciparum K1 strain. The efficacy of limonoids 3 and 4 was then evaluated orally
      and subcutaneously in BALB/c mice infected with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium
      berghei NK65 strain in the 4-day suppressive test. RESULTS: In vitro, limonoids 1
      5 exhibited median inhibition concentrations (IC50) of 20.7-5.0 MUM,
      respectively. In general, these limonoids were not toxic to normal cells (MRC-5
      human fibroblasts). In vivo, 3 was more active than 4. At oral doses of 50 and
      100 mg/kg/day, 3 suppressed parasitaemia versus untreated controls by 40 and 66%,
      respectively, evidencing a clear dose-response. CONCLUSION: 6alpha-acetoxygedunin
      is an abundant natural product present in C. guianensis residual seed materials
      that exhibits significant in vivo anti-malarial properties.

PMID- 25124945
TI  - Predictors in adolescence of ESRD in middle-aged men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of predictors of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in
      adolescence could provide intervention targets and improve understanding of the
      cause. STUDY DESIGN: Register-based nested case-control study. SETTING &
      PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of all Swedish male residents born from 1952 through 1956
      who attended mandatory military conscription examinations in late adolescence was
      used to identify 534 cases and 5,127 controls matched by birth year, county, and
      vital status. PREDICTOR: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), proteinuria, blood
      pressure, and body mass index (BMI) in late adolescence. OUTCOMES: ESRD (defined
      here as dialysis therapy, kidney transplantation, surgical procedures creating
      long-term access for dialysis therapy, or chronic kidney disease stage 5) from
      1985 through 2009. MEASUREMENTS: Physical working capacity and cognitive function
      score in late adolescence. Head of household's occupation and household crowding
      measured as person-per-room ratio from the 1960 census when participants were
      children. RESULTS: Proteinuria is associated notably with future ESRD, with an
      adjusted OR of 7.72 (95% CI, 3.94-15.14; P<0.001) for trace or positive dipstick
      findings. ESR has a dose-dependent association with ESRD with an adjusted OR of
      2.07 (95%CI, 1.14-3.75; P=0.02) for ESR >15mm/h. Hypertension is associated
      strongly with future ESRD with an OR of 3.97 (95%CI, 2.08-7.59; P<0.001) for
      grade 2 hypertension and higher. Elevated BMI is associated statistically
      significantly with increased ESRD risk with an OR of 3.53 (95%CI, 2.04-6.11;
      P<0.001) for BMI >=30 compared with 18.5-<25kg/m(2). LIMITATIONS: The study was
      limited to men, with no initial estimation of glomerular filtration rate, and
      information on smoking was unavailable. CONCLUSIONS: ESR, proteinuria, BMI, and
      blood pressure in late adolescence are independent predictors of ESRD in middle
      aged men. This highlights the long natural history and importance of adopting a
      life-course approach when considering the cause of chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 25124949
TI  - Numbness of the forehead.

PMID- 25124946
TI  - Bottom-up impact on the cecidomyiid leaf galler and its parasitism in a tropical
      rainforest.
AB  - The relative importance of host-plant resources, natural enemies or their
      interactions in controlling the population of galling insects and their
      parasitism is poorly known for tropical gallers. In this study, we assessed the
      impacts of plant quality and density of host trees in regulating the densities of
      a galler species, the cecidomyiid leaf galler (Cecidomyiini sp. 1EJV) and its
      parasitoids and inquilines on Neoboutonia macrocalyx trees in Uganda. We
      manipulated the nutritional quality (or vigour) and the resource concentration
      with four levels each of fertilization and the group size of host tree. We then
      recorded the effects of these treatments on the growth rate and total leaf area
      of host plants, the density of gallers and their mortality by parasitoids and
      inquilines. Higher levels of fertilization and host density resulted in
      significantly higher total leaf area than did ambient nutrient levels, and lowest
      tree densities, respectively. Fertilization also caused significant change in the
      growth rate of leaf area. Both higher fertilization and host density caused
      higher density of gallers. Total leaf area was positively associated with galler
      density, but within galled replicates, the galled leaves were larger than the
      ungalled leaves. Although highest levels of fertilization and density of host
      trees caused significant change in the densities of parasitoids, the rate of
      parasitism did not change. However, tree-density manipulations increased the rate
      of inquilinism, but on a very low level. Our results demonstrate a trophic
      cascade in the tropical galler and its parasitoids as a response to bottom-up
      effects. 

PMID- 25124950
TI  - Shimmering lights.

PMID- 25124951
TI  - Accelerometer-assessed physical activity and diabetic retinopathy in the United
      States.

PMID- 25124952
TI  - Effect of topical rebamipide on human conjunctival goblet cells.

PMID- 25124953
TI  - Tethered vitreous seeds following intravitreal melphalan for retinoblastoma.

PMID- 25124954
TI  - Follow-up on anterior chamber angiostrongyliasis.

PMID- 25124955
TI  - Vulnerable populations in the underuse of the US Health Care System by persons
      with diabetes mellitus and diabetic macular edema.

PMID- 25124956
TI  - Vulnerable populations in the underuse of the US Health Care System by persons
      with diabetes mellitus and diabetic macular edema-reply.

PMID- 25124957
TI  - Making sense of the evidence from the age-related eye disease study 2 randomized
      clinical trial.

PMID- 25124958
TI  - Making sense of the evidence from the age-related eye disease study 2 randomized
      clinical trial-reply.

PMID- 25124960
TI  - Melatonin heals the gut.

PMID- 25124959
TI  - Uric acid and clinical correlates of endothelial function in kidney transplant
      recipients.
AB  - Uric acid is associated with increased mortality in kidney transplant recipients
      (KTRs), but it is uncertain if this involves endothelial dysfunction. We
      hypothesized, first, that there was an association between uric acid and
      endothelial function, and second, that there were associations between
      endothelial function and cardiac and mortality risk scores. METHODS: One hundred
      and fifty-two patients were examined 10 wk after kidney transplantation by two
      measures of endothelial function, the brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation
      (FMD) expressed as percent dilatation (FMD%), and fingertip peripheral arterial
      tone (PAT) expressed as log-reactive hyperemia index (LnRHI). Risk scores were
      calculated from a recently validated formula. Other clinical correlates of
      endothelial function were described in stepwise linear regression models.
      RESULTS: Uric acid was associated negatively with FMD% in an age- and gender
      adjusted model, while not in the multivariable model. No association was shown
      between uric acid and LnRHI. FMD% was associated negatively with risk scores in
      both crude and age- and gender-adjusted models (p < 0.01). LnRHI was associated
      negatively with risk scores in the latter model only (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Uric acid was neither associated with FMD% nor LnRHI in KTRs. There were
      significant associations between endothelial function indices and cardiac and
      mortality risk scores.

PMID- 25124961
TI  - Introduction to special issue on microbiome influences on host immunity.

PMID- 25124962
TI  - MyD88 acts as an adaptor protein for inflammatory signalling induced by amyloid
      beta in macrophages.
AB  - Neuroinflammation is the complex innate immune response of neural tissue to
      control infection, and Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a major family of pattern
      recognition receptors (PRRs), have a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      progression. Innate immune cells, including macrophages, govern tailored
      inflammatory gene expression to regulate inflammatory responses, however the role
      of macrophages in AD pathogenesis is not clear. All TLRs, with the exception of
      TLR3, recruit the MyD88 adaptor, and evidence indicates a role for this adaptor
      in inflammatory and cognitive changes in mouse AD models, in addition to amyloid
      beta (Abeta)-induced inflammatory signalling at a cellular level. In the present
      study, we employed the use of Abeta to induce inflammatory signalling in
      immortalized macrophages. Data presented herein demonstrate that Abeta promoted
      the nuclear sequestration of NF-kappaB, and polarized macrophages to an M1
      phenotype with downstream consequences on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.
      Importantly, Abeta-induced TNF-alpha production was exacerbated in macrophages
      lacking MyD88, while MyD88 deficiency promoted NF-kappaB activation, enhanced M1
      and M2 polarization, and compromised macrophage viability. We demonstrate that in
      the absence of MyD88, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) act as upstream
      signalling intermediates targeted by Abeta in the cascade leading to TNF-alpha
      expression. Our findings offer a new role for MyD88 in cellular mechanisms
      underlying AD pathogenesis, indicating that MyD88 adaptors are key in regulating
      Abeta-induced inflammatory signalling in macrophages. 

PMID- 25124963
TI  - Involvement of IL-6 and IL-1 receptor antagonist on intellectual disability.
AB  - Imbalances in the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been increasingly
      correlated with several neurodevelopmental disorders and their role in neuronal
      development is being investigated. To assess the possible influence of cytokines
      on the onset of intellectual disability (ID), we studied the polymorphisms of
      thirteen proinflammatory cytokine genes in 81 patients and 61 healthy controls.
      We demonstrated a significant association of interleukin-6 (IL-6) single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (-174 G/C and nt565 G/A), and interleukin-1
      receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) (Mspa-I 11100) SNP with ID. Moreover, the IL-6 SNPs
      is an unfavorable genetic predisposition for females. The evaluation of
      circulating levels of IL-6 and IL-1RA showed that the serum concentrations of IL
      6 were significantly higher in ID patients than in controls. These data suggest
      that functional cytokine gene polymorphisms may influence the development of ID. 

PMID- 25124964
TI  - The growth of human scalp hair in females using visible red light laser and LED
      sources.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) has been
      demonstrated to promote hair growth in males. A double-blind randomized
      controlled trial was undertaken to define the safety and physiologic effects of
      LLLT on females with androgenic alopecia. METHODS: Forty-seven females (18-60
      years old, Fitzpatrick I-IV, and Ludwig-Savin Baldness Scale I-2, I-3, I-4, II-1,
      II-2 baldness patterns) were recruited. A transition zone scalp site was
      selected; hairs were trimmed to 3 mm height; the area was tattooed and
      photographed. The active group received a "TOPHAT655" unit containing 21, 5 mW
      diode lasers (655 +/- 5 nm) and 30 LEDS (655 +/- 20 nm), in a bicycle-helmet like
      apparatus. The placebo group unit appeared identical, containing incandescent red
      lights. Patients treated at home every other day * 16 weeks (60 treatments, 67
      J/cm(2) irradiance/25 minute treatment, 2.9 J dose), with follow up and
      photography at 16 weeks. A masked 2.85 cm(2) photographic area was evaluated by
      another blinded investigator. The primary endpoint was the percent increase in
      hair counts from baseline. RESULTS: Forty-two patients completed the study (24
      active, 18 sham). No adverse events or side effects were reported. Baseline hair
      counts were 228.2 +/- 133.4 (N = 18) in the sham and 209.6 +/- 118.5 (N = 24) in
      the active group (P = 0.642). Post Treatment hair counts were 252.1 +/- 143.3 (N
      = 18) in the sham group and 309.9 +/- 166.6 (N = 24) in the active group (P =
      0.235). The change in hair counts over baseline was 23.9 +/- 30.1 (N = 18) in the
      sham group and 100.3 +/- 53.4 (N = 24) in the active group (P < 0.0001). The
      percent hair increase over the duration of the study was 11.05 +/- 48.30 (N = 18)
      for the sham group and 48.07 +/- 17.61 (N = 24) for the active group (P < 0.001).
      This demonstrates a 37% increase in hair growth in the active treatment group as
      compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT of the scalp at 655 nm
      significantly improved hair counts in women with androgenetic alopecia at a rate
      similar to that observed in males using the same parameters.

PMID- 25124965
TI  - Using virtual human technology to provide immediate feedback about participants'
      use of demographic cues and knowledge of their cue use.
AB  - Demographic characteristics have been found to influence pain management
      decisions, but limited focus has been placed on participants' reactions to
      feedback about their use of sex, race, or age to make these decisions. The
      present study aimed to examine the effects of providing feedback about the use of
      demographic cues to participants making pain management decisions. Participants
      (N = 107) viewed 32 virtual human patients with standardized levels of pain and
      provided ratings for virtual humans' pain intensity and their treatment
      decisions. Real-time lens model idiographic analyses determined participants'
      decision policies based on cues used. Participants were subsequently informed
      about cue use and completed feedback questions. Frequency analyses were conducted
      on responses to these questions. Between 7.4 and 89.4% of participants indicated
      awareness of their use of demographic or pain expression cues. Of those
      individuals, 26.9 to 55.5% believed this awareness would change their future
      clinical decisions, and 66.6 to 75.9% endorsed that their attitudes affect their
      imagined clinical practice. Between 66.6 and 79.1% of participants who used cues
      reported willingness to complete an online tutorial about pain across demographic
      groups. This study was novel because it provided participants feedback about
      their cue use. Most participants who used cues indicated willingness to
      participate in an online intervention, suggesting this technology's utility for
      modifying biases. PERSPECTIVE: This is the first study to make individuals aware
      of whether a virtual human's sex, race, or age influences their decision making.
      Findings suggest that a majority of the individuals who were made aware of their
      use of demographic cues would be willing to participate in an online
      intervention.

PMID- 25124966
TI  - Suture granuloma mimicking a recurrent sacro-coccygeal pilonidal sinus after
      Limberg flap.
AB  - Sacro-coccygeal pilonidal sinus disease is classified as an asymptomatic, acutely
      abscess-forming or chronic subcutaneous inflammation in the sacro-coccygeal
      region featuring characteristic pits in the bottom cleft. Due to high rates of
      recurrence, two flap techniques have been established in the course of the past
      three decades. One of them is the Karydakis operation, the other option is a
      rotation flap named Limberg procedure. We report about a case of suture granuloma
      in the area of a Limberg flap after recurrent pilonidal sinus with extrusion of
      the suture material, thus mimicking recurrence. In case of recurrent pilonidal
      sinus following plastic coverage or primary closure, respectively, the
      differential diagnosis of suture granuloma should be considered. 

PMID- 25124968
TI  - Predictive findings of allergic disease in fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine whether findings on fiberoptic
      nasolaryngoscopy beyond the nasal cavity can aid in diagnosis of atopy. STUDY
      DESIGN: Case control analysis of patients undergoing fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy
      and allergy testing at a single academic institution. METHODS: Patients who
      underwent flexible nasolaryngoscopy for either laryngeal or nasal symptoms and
      allergy testing by in vitro methods were divided into an atopic group and a
      nonatopic control group based on results of allergy testing. Three board
      certified otolaryngologists who were blinded to the atopic status and symptoms
      viewed 88 patient videos and filled out an 8-item endoscopic rating questionnaire
      for each. Correlation between rater scores, endoscopic findings, and atopic
      status was calculated using Randolph's multirater kappa values and Mann-Whitney
      test. RESULTS: Intrarater reliability was moderate to perfect for all physicians
      on all questions (kappa 0.545-1.0). Inter-rater reliability was slight to fair
      (kappa 0.143-0.399) for all questions and the overall impression of atopic
      disease. Abnormalities of the torus tubarius (P = .007) and increased
      nasopharyngeal secretions (P = .038) were predictive of atopic disease, whereas
      the presence of an adenoid (P = .08) and impression of atopic disease (P = .15)
      approached significance. All other endoscopic measures were not predictive of
      atopic status. CONCLUSIONS: Fiberoptic nasolaryngeal findings within the
      nasopharynx rather than the larynx are predictive of a positive atopic status.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b.

PMID- 25124967
TI  - The FGF-1-specific single-chain antibody scFv1C9 effectively inhibits breast
      cancer tumour growth and metastasis.
AB  - Immunotherapy mediated by recombinant antibodies is an effective therapeutic
      strategy for a variety of cancers. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the
      fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1)-specific recombinant antibody scFv1C9 arrests
      the cell cycle at the G0/G1 transition by blocking the intracrine FGF-1 pathway
      in breast cancer cells. Here, we further show that the overexpression of scFv1C9
      in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by lentiviral infection resulted in
      decreased tumourigenicity, tumour growth and lung metastasis through FGF-1
      neutralization. We found that scFv1C9 resulted in the up-regulation of p21, which
      in turn inhibited the expression of CDK2 and blocked cell cycle progression. To
      explore the potential role of scFv1C9 in vivo, we delivered the gene into solid
      tumours by electroporation, which resulted in significant inhibition of tumour
      growth. In tumour tissue sections, immunohistochemical staining of the cellular
      proliferation marker Ki-67 and the microvessel marker CD31 showed a reduction in
      the proliferative index and microvessel density, respectively, upon expression of
      scFv1C9 compared with the appropriate controls. Thus, our data indicate a central
      role for scFv1C9 in blocking the intracrine pathway of FGF-1, therefore, scFv1C9
      could be developed in an effective therapeutic for breast cancer. 

PMID- 25124969
TI  - Dosage individualization in children: integration of pharmacometrics in clinical
      practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children are in a continuous and dynamically changing state of growth
      and development. A thorough understanding of developmental pharmacokinetics (PK)
      and pharmacodynamics (PD) is required to optimize drug therapy in children. DATA
      SOURCES: Based on recent publications and the experience of our group, we present
      an outline on integrating pharmacometrics in pediatric clinical practice to
      develop evidence-based personalized pharmacotherapy. RESULTS: Antibiotics in
      septic neonates and immunosuppressants in pediatric transplant recipients are
      provided as proof-of-concept to demonstrate the utility of pharmacometrics in
      clinical practice. Dosage individualization based on developmental PK-PD model
      has potential benefits of improving the efficacy and safety of drug therapy in
      children. CONCLUSION: The pharmacometric technique should be better developed and
      used in clinical practice to personalize drug therapy in children in order to
      decrease variability of drug exposure and associated risks of overdose or
      underdose.

PMID- 25124970
TI  - The role of surfactant and non-invasive mechanical ventilation in early
      management of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surfactant replacement therapy has been used for few decades for the
      treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and has significantly improved
      morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Non-invasive respiratory support
      has recently emerged as a strategy in the early management of RDS. In this
      review, we discuss the different strategies of early management of RDS. DATA
      SOURCES: A literature search of PubMed database was conducted to review the
      subject. The quality of evidence of key clinical studies was graded according to
      a modified grading system of the international GRADE group. RESULTS: Continuous
      positive airway pressure (CPAP) with selective surfactant is a safe alternative
      to routine intubation, surfactant and mechanical ventilation in preterm infants
      with spontaneous breathing, and such an approach has been associated with
      decreased risk of death and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There is a risk of
      pneumothorax when using a high pressure of CPAP (>=8 cm of H2O), a high partial
      pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2 >75 mm of Hg), and a high fraction of inspired
      oxygen (FiO2 >0.6) as a threshold for intubation while on CPAP. CONCLUSION: Not
      all preterm infants need surfactant treatment, and non-invasive respiratory
      support is a safe and effective approach.

PMID- 25124971
TI  - Bilirubin nomograms for identification of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in healthy
      term and late-preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperbilirubinemia occurs in most healthy term and late-preterm
      infants, and must be monitored to identify those who might develop severe
      hyperbilirubinemia. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) or transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB)
      nomograms have been developed and validated to identify neonatal
      hyperbilirubinemia. This study aimed to review previously published studies and
      compare the TcB nomograms with the TSB nomogram, and to determine if the former
      has the same predictive value for significant hyperbilirubinemia as TSB nomogram
      does. METHODS: A predefined search strategy and inclusion criteria were set up.
      We selected studies assessing the predictive ability of TSB/TcB nomograms to
      identify significant hyperbilirubinemia in healthy term and late-preterm infants.
      Two independent reviewers assessed the quality and extracted the data from the
      included studies. Meta-Disc 1.4 analysis software was used to calculate the
      pooled sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of TcB/TSB
      nomograms. A pooled summary of the receiver operating characteristic of the
      TcB/TSB nomograms was created. RESULTS: After screening 187 publications from
      electronic database searches and reference lists of eligible articles, we
      included 14 studies in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Eleven studies
      were of medium methodological quality. The remaining three studies were of low
      methodological quality. Seven studies evaluated the TcB nomograms, and seven
      studies assessed TSB nomograms. There were no differences between the predictive
      abilities of the TSB and TcB nomograms (the pooled area under curve was 0.819 vs.
      0.817). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that TcB nomograms had the same predictive
      value as TSB nomograms, both of which could be used to identify subsequent
      significant hyperbilirubinemia. But this result should be interpreted cautiously
      because some methodological limitations of these included studies were identified
      in this review.

PMID- 25124973
TI  - No relationship between mode of delivery and neonatal mortality and
      neurodevelopment in very low birth weight infants aged two years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare neonatal mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes at two
      years of age in very low birth weight infants (<=1500 g) born by cesarean with
      those by vaginal delivery. METHODS: In this retrospective, case-control study, we
      evaluated neonatal mortality, medical conditions and neurodevelopmental outcomes
      at two years of corrected age in 710 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants born
      between January 2005 and December 2010. Of the 710 infants, 351 were born by the
      cesarean and 359/710 by vaginal route. RESULTS: There were no significant
      differences in neonatal mortality between the cesarean delivery group and vaginal
      delivery group [56/351 (15.9%) vs. 71/359 (19.8%), P=0.20]. VLBW infants
      delivered by the cesarean procedure had a higher incidence of respiratory
      distress syndrome than those born by the vaginal route [221/351 (63.0%) vs.
      178/359 (49.6%), P<0.001]. There were no differences in other neonatal
      morbidities, including intraventricular hemorrhage [126/351 (35.9%) vs. 134/359
      (37.3%), P=0.69], bronchopulmonary dysplasia [39/351 (11%) vs. 31/359 (8.6%),
      P=0.38] and necrotising enterocolitis [40/351 (11.4%) vs. 32/359 (8.9%), P=0.32]
      between the two groups. The incidence of poor neurodevelopment after cesarean
      delivery was similar to that after vaginal delivery [105/351 (29.9) vs. 104/359
      (29.0%), P=0.78]. CONCLUSIONS: In neither neurodevelopment nor neonatal mortality
      did cesarean birth offered significant advantages to VLBW infants. Moreover, the
      operation might be associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress
      syndrome for VLBW infants. The mode of delivery of VLBW infants should be largely
      based on obstetric indications and maternal considerations rather than perceived
      better outcomes for the neonate.

PMID- 25124972
TI  - QDPR gene mutation and clinical follow-up in Chinese patients with
      dihydropteridine reductase deficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the mutation spectrum of the QDPR
      gene, to determine the effect of mutations on dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR)
      structure/function, to discuss the potential genotypephenotype correlation, and
      to evaluate the clinical outcome of Chinese patients after treatment. METHODS:
      Nine DHPR-deficient patients were enrolled in this study and seven of them
      underwent neonatal screening. QDPR gene mutations were analyzed and confirmed by
      routine methods. The potential pathogenicity of missense variants was analyzed
      using Clustal X, PolyPhen program and Swiss-PDB Viewer 4.04_OSX software,
      respectively. The clinical outcomes of the patients were evaluated after long
      term treatment. RESULTS: In 10 mutations of the 9 patients, 4 were novel
      mutations (G20V, V86D, G130S and A175R), 4 were reported by us previously, and 2
      known mutations were identified. R221X was a hotspot mutation (27.7%) in our
      patients. Eight missense mutations probably had damage to protein. Six patients
      in this series were treated with a good control of phenylalanine level. The
      height and weight of the patients were normal at the age of 4 months to 7.5
      years. Four patients, who underwent a neonatal screening and were treated early,
      showed a normal mental development. In 2 patients diagnosed late, neurological
      symptoms were significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: The mutation spectrum of the
      QDPR gene is different in the Chinese population. Most mutations are related to
      severe phenotype. The determination of DHPR activity should be performed in
      patients with hyperphenylalaninemia. DHPR-deficient patients who were treated
      below the age of 2 months may have a near normal mental development.

PMID- 25124974
TI  - Effect of pravastatin on endothelial dysfunction in children with medium to giant
      coronary aneurysms due to Kawasaki disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ongoing low-grade inflammation and endothelial dysfunction persist in
      children with coronary lesions diagnosed with Kawasaki disease (KD). Statins,
      frequently used in the management of high cholesterol, have also shown to improve
      surrogate markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. This study was
      undertaken to investigate the efficacy and safety of pravastatin in children with
      coronary artery aneurysms due to KD. METHODS: The study enrolled 14 healthy
      children and 13 male children, aged 2-10 years, with medium-to-giant coronary
      aneurysms for at least 12 months after the onset of KD. Pravastatin was given
      orally to the KD group at a dose of 5 mg/day for children under 5 and 10 mg/day
      for children older than 5 years. To determine the effects of pravastatin on
      endothelial function, high-frequency ultrasound was performed before the start of
      the study and 6 months after pravastatin therapy. The parameters measured were
      brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), non-flow mediated dilation (NMD),
      and carotid artery stiffness index (SI). High sensitive C-reactive protein (hs
      CRP) levels, the circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) number, and
      serum lipid profiles were also determined at baseline and after 6 months of
      pravastatin treatment. RESULTS: Before treatment, the KD group had significantly
      decreased FMD (P<0.05) and increased SI and hs-CRP levels (P<0.05) compared with
      controls. After 6 months of pravastatin therapy, FMD improved significantly
      compared to the baseline KD group (3.16+/-6.49 to 10.05+/-7.74, P<0.05), but
      remained significantly less than that in the control group with no significant
      changes in NMD and SI. There were significant decreases in markers of
      inflammation after treatment. The hs-CRP levels decreased significantly from
      2.93+/-0.81 mmol/L to 2.14+/-0.82 mmol/L (P<0.05) and the serum apo-B and apo
      B/apo-A1 ratio were also reduced (P<0.05) in the KD group. However, the
      circulating EPC number was not significantly different between baseline and that
      following pravastatin treatment in the KD group and the control group (P>0.05).
      No significant complications were noted with paravastatin therapy. CONCLUSIONS:
      Pravastatin improves endothelial function and reduces low-grade chronic
      inflammation in patients with coronary aneurysms due to KD. Children with
      coronary aneurysms due to KD may benefit from statin therapy.

PMID- 25124975
TI  - Congenital duodenal obstruction in neonates: a decade's experience from one
      center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is one of the most common
      anomalies in newborns, and accounting for nearly half of all cases of neonatal
      intestinal obstruction. This study aimed to review our single-center experience
      in managing congenital duodenal obstruction while evaluate the outcomes. METHODS:
      We conducted a retrospective analysis of the records of all neonates dianogsed
      with congenital duodenal obstruction admitted to our center between January 2003
      and December 2012. We analyzed demographic criteria, clinical manifestations,
      associated anomalies, radiologic findings, surgical methods, postoperative
      complications, and final outcomes. RESULTS: The study comprised 287 newborns (193
      boys and 94 girls). Birth weight ranged from 950 g to 4850 g. Fifty-three
      patients were born prematurely between 28 and 36 weeks' gestation. Malrotation
      was diagnosed in 174 patients, annular pancreas in 66, duodenal web in 55,
      duodenal atresia or stenosis in 9, preduodenal portal vein in 2, and congenital
      band compression in 1. Twenty patients had various combinations of these
      conditions. Presenting symptoms included bilious vomiting, dehydration, and
      weight loss. X-rays of the upper abdomen demonstrated the presence of a typical
      double-bubble sign or air-fluid levels in 68.64% of patients, and confirmatory
      upper and/or lower gastrointestinal contrast studies were obtained in 64.11%.
      Multiple associated abnormalities were observed in 50.52% of the patients.
      Various surgical approaches were used, including Ladd's procedure, duodenoplasty,
      duodenoduodenostomy, duodenojejunostomy, or a combination of these. Seventeen
      patients died postoperatively and 14 required re-operation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Congenital duodenal obstruction is a complex entity with various etiologies and
      often includes multiple concomitant disorders. Timely diagnosis and aggressive
      surgery are key to improving prognosis. Care should be taken to address all of
      the causes of duodenal obstruction and/or associated alimentary tract anomalies
      during surgery.

PMID- 25124976
TI  - Somatic growth of lean children: the potential role of sleep.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the current obesity pandemic, childhood malnutrition remains
      an urgent, public health concern. Similar to the obesity pandemic, childhood
      malnutrition is influenced by genetic and a number of social, environmental and
      biological factors. In this study, we investigated the association between sleep
      duration and somatic growth in lean children. METHODS: A stratified, randomly
      clustered sampling design was used to select fifth grade students from 10 primary
      schools in Shanghai. Based on a body mass index below the 15th percentile a
      subsample of 143 lean children aged 10-11 years old was defined. Sleep duration
      and other potential confounders were surveyed through parental or self-report
      questionnaires. Body measurements were collected and used to calculate the Z
      score of weight, height, body mass index as well as body fat percentage. RESULTS:
      Compared with children who slept <9 hours, those who slept for >=10 hours grew
      taller and gained more weight after adjusting for confounding factors. When
      children slept 9-10 hours, they had significantly higher Z score of weight and
      body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged sleep not only benefits weight gain but
      also improves height in lean children. Our findings might provide important
      public health advice such that prolonged sleep may be an effective modifier of
      nutritional problems in childhood.

PMID- 25124977
TI  - Improved outcomes of transported neonates in Beijing: the impact of strategic
      changes in perinatal and regional neonatal transport network services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infants born outside perinatal centers may have compromised outcomes
      due to the transfer speed and efficiency to an appropriate tertiary center. This
      study aimed to evaluate the impact of regional coordinated changes in perinatal
      supports and retrieval services on the outcome of transported neonates in
      Beijing, China. METHODS: Information about transported newborns between phase 1
      (July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2006) and phase 2 (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2009) was
      collected. The strategic changes during phase 2 included standardized neonatal
      transport procedures, skilled attendants, a perinatal consulting service, and
      preferential admission of transported neonates to the intensive care unit of the
      tertiary care center. Data from phase 2 (after-strategic changes) were compared
      with those of phase 1 (the period of pre-strategic changes) after a 12-month
      washout period, especially regarding the reduction in mortality and selected
      morbidity. RESULTS: There was a large increase in the number of transported
      infants in phase 2 compared with phase 1 (2797 vs. 567 patients). The average
      monthly rate of increase of transported infants was 383.3% (from 24 infants per
      month to 116 infants per month). The mortality rate of transported neonates
      reduced significantly from phase 1 to phase 2 (5.11% vs. 2.82%; P=0.005),
      particularly for preterm infants (8.47% vs. 4.34%; P=0.006). In addition,
      transported neonates during phase 2 had significantly decreased morbidities.
      CONCLUSIONS: Regional coordinated strategies optimizing the perinatal services
      and transport of outborn sick and preterm infants to tertiary care centers
      improved survival outcomes considerably. These findings have vital implications
      for health outcomes and resource planning.

PMID- 25124978
TI  - Placental growth factor expression is reversed by antivascular endothelial growth
      factor therapy under hypoxic conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical trials have revealed that the antivascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) therapies are effective in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
      But the low level of VEGF was necessary as a survival signal in healthy
      conditions, and endogenous placental growth factor (PIGF) is redundant for
      development. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the PIGF expression under
      hypoxia as well as the influence of anti-VEGF therapy on PIGF. METHODS: CoCl2
      induced hypoxic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for an
      in vitro study, and oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice models were used for an
      in vivo study. The expression patterns of PIGF under hypoxic conditions and the
      influence of anti-VEGF therapy on PIGF were evaluated by quantitative reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). The retinal avascular areas and
      neovascularization (NV) areas of anti-VEGF, anti-PIGF and combination treatments
      were calculated. Retina PIGF concentration was evaluated by ELISA after
      treatment. The vasoactive effects of exogenous PIGF on HUVECs were investigated
      by proliferation and migration studies. RESULTS: PIGF mRNA expression was reduced
      by hypoxia in OIR mice, in HUVECs under hypoxia and anti-VEGF treatment. However,
      PIGF expression was reversed by anti-VEGF therapy in the OIR model and in HUVECs
      under hypoxia. Exogenous PIGF significantly inhibited HUVECs proliferation and
      migration under normal conditions, but it stimulated cell proliferation and
      migration under hypoxia. Anti-PIGF treatment was effective for neovascular tufts
      in OIR mice (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The finding that PIGF expression is
      iatrogenically up-regulated by anti-VEGF therapy provides a consideration to
      combine it with anti-PIGF therapy.

PMID- 25124979
TI  - Clinical characteristics and mutation analysis of three Chinese children with
      autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few studies on the genotypes and phenotypes of autosomal
      recessive polycystic kidney disease in Chinese patients. METHODS: PKHD1 mutations
      in three children were detected with PCR and direct sequencing, and their
      clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: All of the children had
      bilateral enlarged polycystic kidneys, congenital hepatic fibrosis and
      intrahepatic bile duct dilatation. One of three children had classical multiple
      small cysts throughout the kidneys, and the other two children had bilateral
      multiple renal cysts of various sizes. Two children had abnormally shaped livers,
      portal hypertension and splenomegaly. Two heterozygous mutations (p.T36M, and
      p.P137S) were detected in Patient 1 and two were detected in Patient 2 (p.L2658X
      and p.V836A). One heterozygous mutation (p.L1425R) was detected in Patient 3.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that renal and liver phenotypes of the Chinese
      children varied. Five mutations were identified in the three children, three of
      which were novel mutations.

PMID- 25124980
TI  - A novel CLCN5 mutation in a Chinese boy with Dent's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dent's disease is a rare X-linked recessive hereditary disease caused
      by mutations in either the CLCN5 or OCRL1 genes. This disease is characterized by
      manifestations of proximal renal tubule dysfunction associated with low molecular
      weight proteinuria (LMWP), hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, and
      progressive renal failure. METHODS: We report a Chinese boy with Dent's disease,
      clinically diagnosed by LMWP and hypercalciuria. Genetic analysis was made of the
      CLCN5 and OCRL1 genes. Related studies were also reviewed. RESULTS: A splice site
      mutation IVS6, +2T>C of the CLCN5 gene was revealed in this case, and it was not
      reported previously. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and genetic analysis is valuable for
      the diagnosis of Dent's disease. A novel mutation in the CLCN5 gene was
      identified in our patient.

PMID- 25124981
TI  - GATA3 mutation in a family with hypoparathyroidism, deafness and renal dysplasia
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hypoparathyroidism, deafness and renal dysplasia (HDR) syndrome
      is an autosomal dominant disorder primarily caused by GATA3 gene mutation. We
      report here a case that both of a Chinese boy and his father had HDR syndrome
      which caused by a novel mutation of GATA3. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction and
      DNA sequencing was performed to detect the exons of the GATA3 gene for mutation
      analysis. RESULTS: Sequence analysis of GATA3 revealed a heterozygous nonsense
      mutation in this family: a mutation of GATA3 at exon 2 (c.515C >A) that resulted
      in a premature stop at codon 172 (p.S172X) with a loss of two zinc finger
      domains. CONCLUSION: We identified a novel nonsense mutation which will expand
      the spectrum of HDR-associated GATA3 mutations.

PMID- 25124982
TI  - Impact of caffeine and coffee on our health.
AB  - Coffee is the most frequently consumed caffeine-containing beverage. The caffeine
      in coffee is a bioactive compound with stimulatory effects on the central nervous
      system and a positive effect on long-term memory. Although coffee consumption has
      been historically linked to adverse health effects, new research indicates that
      coffee consumption may be beneficial. Here we discuss the impact of coffee and
      caffeine on health and bring attention to the changing caffeine landscape that
      includes new caffeine-containing energy drinks and supplements, often targeting
      children and adolescents.

PMID- 25124984
TI  - Reconceptualising the doctor-patient relationship: recognising the role of trust
      in contemporary health care.
AB  - The conception of the doctor-patient relationship under Australian law has
      followed British common law tradition whereby the relationship is founded in a
      contractual exchange. By contrast, this article presents a rationale and
      framework for an alternative model-a "Trust Model"-for implementation into law to
      more accurately reflect the contemporary therapeutic dynamic. The framework has
      four elements: (i) an assumption that professional conflicts (actual or
      perceived) with patient safety, motivated by financial or personal interests,
      should be avoided; (ii) an onus on doctors to disclose these conflicts; (iii) a
      proposed mechanism to contend with instances where doctors choose not to
      disclose; and (iv) sanctions for non-compliance with the regime. 

PMID- 25124985
TI  - Cytometric analysis of surface molecules of leucocytes and phagocytic activity of
      granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages in cows with pyometra.
AB  - Pyometra is a serious problem in dairy cow herds, causing large economic losses
      due to infertility. The development of pyometra depends mainly on the
      immunological status of the cow. The aim of the study was a comparative
      evaluation of selected indicators involving non-specific and specific immunity in
      cows with pyometra and in cows without inflammation of the uterus. The study was
      performed in 20 cows, which were divided into two groups: pyometra group and
      healthy group, each comprising 10 cows, based on the results of cytological and
      ultrasonographic tests. A flow cytometric analysis was performed for the surface
      molecules CD4, CD8, CD14, CD21, CD25 and CD4(+) CD25(+) on leucocytes, and the
      phagocytic activity was determined from granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages in
      the peripheral blood and uterine washings, respectively. It was demonstrated that
      the percentage of phagocytic granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages in both the
      peripheral blood and uterine washings was significantly lower in cows with
      pyometra compared with the healthy group (p < 0.001). Significantly (p <= 0.001)
      lower percentage of CD4(+) , CD14(+) , CD25(+) and CD4(+) CD25(+) phenotype
      leucocytes was also observed in the peripheral blood of cows from the pyometra
      group, along with a significantly higher (p < 0.001) percentage of CD8(+) and
      CD21(+) lymphocytes as compared to the healthy group. The results of work
      indicate that disfunction of cell immunity coexisting with pyometra may be caused
      by a bacterial infection and the presence of blocking agents (IL-10), released by
      the increasing number of CD8(+) lymphocytes what leads to the advanced
      inflammation of uterus. 

PMID- 25124986
TI  - Oxygen reduction reaction in a droplet on graphite: direct evidence that the edge
      is more active than the basal plane.
AB  - Carbon-based metal-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)
      in alkaline medium have been extensively investigated with the aim of replacing
      the commercially available, but precious platinum-based catalysts. For the proper
      design of carbon-based metal-free electrocatalysts for the ORR, it would be
      interesting to identify the active sites of the electrocatalyst. The ORR was now
      studied with an air-saturated electrolyte solution droplet (diameter ca. 15 MUm),
      which was deposited at a specified position either on the edge or on the basal
      plane of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. Electrochemical measurements suggest
      that the edge carbon atoms are more active than the basal-plane ones for the ORR.
      This provides a direct way to identify the active sites of carbon materials for
      the ORR. Ball-milled graphite and carbon nanotubes with more exposed edges were
      also prepared and showed significantly enhanced ORR activity. DFT calculations
      elucidated the mechanism by which the charged edge carbon atoms result in the
      higher ORR activity. 

PMID- 25124983
TI  - Questions and answers on the Belgian model of integral end-of-life care:
      experiment? Prototype? : "Eu-euthanasia": the close historical, and evidently
      synergistic, relationship between palliative care and euthanasia in Belgium: an
      interview with a doctor involved in the early development of both and two of his
      successors.
AB  - This article analyses domestic and foreign reactions to a 2008 report in the
      British Medical Journal on the complementary and, as argued, synergistic
      relationship between palliative care and euthanasia in Belgium. The earliest
      initiators of palliative care in Belgium in the late 1970s held the view that
      access to proper palliative care was a precondition for euthanasia to be
      acceptable and that euthanasia and palliative care could, and should, develop
      together. Advocates of euthanasia including author Jan Bernheim, independent from
      but together with British expatriates, were among the founders of what was
      probably the first palliative care service in Europe outside of the United
      Kingdom. In what has become known as the Belgian model of integral end-of-life
      care, euthanasia is an available option, also at the end of a palliative care
      pathway. This approach became the majority view among the wider Belgian public,
      palliative care workers, other health professionals, and legislators. The legal
      regulation of euthanasia in 2002 was preceded and followed by a considerable
      expansion of palliative care services. It is argued that this synergistic
      development was made possible by public confidence in the health care system and
      widespread progressive social attitudes that gave rise to a high level of
      community support for both palliative care and euthanasia. The Belgian model of
      so-called integral end-of-life care is continuing to evolve, with constant
      scrutiny of practice and improvements to procedures. It still exhibits several
      imperfections, for which some solutions are being developed. This article
      analyses this model by way of answers to a series of questions posed by Journal
      of Bioethical Inquiry consulting editor Michael Ashby to the Belgian authors. 

PMID- 25124987
TI  - Smoking ban is upheld at Scotland's State Hospital despite patient's earlier
      victory.

PMID- 25124988
TI  - Identification of promoter polymorphisms in the cytochrome P450 CYP6AY1 linked
      with insecticide resistance in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens.
AB  - Imidacloprid resistance in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, is
      primarily the result of the over-expression of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases.
      Here, a field-collected strain of N. lugens was shown to be highly resistant to
      both imidacloprid and buprofezin. Insecticide exposure and quantitative real-time
      PCR revealed that its resistance was mainly associated with a cytochrome P450
      gene, CYP6AY1. CYP6AY1 is known to metabolize imidacloprid but its effect on
      buprofezin is unclear. In the 5'-untranslated region of CYP6AY1, a novel
      alternative splicing was detected. After a 1990-bp promoter region was cloned,
      its basal luciferase activity was assessed. Furthermore, genotyping studies
      identified 12 variations in the promoter region that discriminated between the
      field-collected and control strain. Finally, survival bioassays revealed a single
      nucleotide polymorphism and an insertion-deletion polymorphism linked to
      buprofezin and imidacloprid resistance. Mutagenesis of these sites enhanced the
      promoter activity of CYP6AY1. These results suggest that promoter polymorphisms
      may affect P450-mediated multiple insecticide resistance of pests. 

PMID- 25124989
TI  - Breaking the trade-off between thermal and electrical conductivities in the
      thermoelectric material of an artificially tilted multilayer.
AB  - Breaking the trade-off between thermoelectric (TE) parameters has long been
      demanded in order to highly enhance its performance. Here, we report the 'trade
      off-free' interdependence between thermal conductivity (kappa) and resistivity
      (rho) in a TE/metal tilted multilayer and significant enhancement of TE power
      generation based on the off-diagonal thermoelectric (ODTE) effect, which
      generates transverse electrical current in response to vertical thermal current.
      rho and kappa can be simultaneously decreased by setting charge flow along more
      electrically conductive layer and thermal flow across less-thermally conductive
      perpendicular direction by decreasing the tilting angle. Moreover, introducing
      porosity in the metal layer enables to decrease in kappa without changing rho,
      because the macroscopic rho and kappa of the tilted multilayer is respectively
      governed by the properties of the TE material and the metal with large
      dissimilarity. The obtained results reveal new strategies for developing trade
      off-free TE materials, which will stimulate practical use of TE conversion for
      waste-heat recovery. 

PMID- 25124990
TI  - Spatial and temporal analysis of land cover changes and water quality in the Lake
      Issaqueena watershed, South Carolina.
AB  - Monitoring changes in land cover and the subsequent environmental responses are
      essential for water quality assessment, natural resource planning, management,
      and policies. Over the last 75 years, the Lake Issaqueena watershed has
      experienced a drastic shift in land use. This study was conducted to examine the
      changes in land cover and the implied changes in land use that have occurred and
      their environmental, water quality impacts. Aerial photography of the watershed
      (1951, 1956, 1968, 1977, 1989, 1999, 2005, 2006, and 2009) was analyzed and
      classified using the geographic information system (GIS) software. Seven land
      cover classes were defined: evergreen, deciduous, bare ground, pasture/grassland,
      cultivated, and residential/other development. Water quality data, including
      sampling depth, water temperature, dissolved oxygen content, fecal coliform
      levels, inorganic nitrogen concentrations, and turbidity, were obtained from the
      South Carolina (SC) Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) for
      two stations and analyzed for trends as they relate to land cover change. From
      1951 to 2009, the watershed experienced an increase of tree cover and bare ground
      (+17.4 % evergreen, +62.3 % deciduous, +9.8 % bare ground) and a decrease of
      pasture/grassland and cultivated land (-42.6 % pasture/grassland and -57.1 %
      cultivated). From 2005 to 2009, there was an increase of 21.5 % in
      residential/other development. Sampling depth ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 m. Water
      temperature fluctuated corresponding to changing air temperatures, and dissolved
      oxygen content fluctuated as a factor of water temperature. Inorganic nitrogen
      content was higher from December to April possibly due to application of
      fertilizers prior to the growing season. Turbidity and fecal coliform bacteria
      levels remained relatively the same from 1962 to 2005, but a slight decline in pH
      can be observed at both stations. Prior to 1938, the area consisted of single
      crop cotton farms; after 1938, the farms were abandoned, leaving large bare areas
      with highly eroded soil. Starting in 1938, Clemson reforested almost 30 % of the
      watershed. Currently, three fourths of the watershed is forestland, with a
      limited coverage of small farms and residential developments. Monitoring water
      quality is essential in maintaining adequate freshwater supply. Water quality
      monitoring focuses mainly on the collection of field data, but current water
      quality conditions depend on the cumulative impacts of land cover change over
      time. 

PMID- 25124991
TI  - The role of subscapularis muscle denervation in the pathogenesis of shoulder
      internal rotation contracture after neonatal brachial plexus palsy: a study in a
      rat model.
AB  - We assessed the role of subscapularis muscle denervation in the development of
      shoulder internal rotation contracture in neonatal brachial plexus injury.
      Seventeen newborn rats underwent selective denervation of the subscapular muscle.
      The rats were evaluated at weekly intervals to measure passive shoulder external
      rotation. After 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized. The subscapularis thickness
      was measured using 7.2T MRI axial images. The subscapularis muscle was then
      studied grossly, and its mass was registered. The fiber area and the area of
      fibrosis were measured using collagen-I inmunostained muscle sections.
      Significant progressive decrease in passive shoulder external rotation was noted
      with a mean loss of 58 degrees  at four weeks. A significant decrease in
      thickness and mass of the subscapularis muscles in the involved shoulders was
      also found with a mean loss of 69%. Subscapularis muscle fiber size decreased
      significantly, while the area of fibrosis remained unchanged. Our study shows
      that subscapularis denervation, per se, could explain shoulder contracture after
      neonatal brachial plexus injury, though its relevance compared to other
      pathogenic factors needs further investigation.

PMID- 25124992
TI  - Indocyanine green and fluorescence lymphangiography for sentinel lymph node
      identification in cutaneous melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has become the
      standard method of determining regional lymph node involvement in cutaneous
      melanoma. Although traditionally performed via injection of radioisotope tracers
      and blue dyes, fluorescent lymphangiography with indocyanine green (ICG) is an
      attractive alternative. METHODS: Fifty two consecutive patients with cutaneous
      melanoma of the trunk or extremities underwent SLNB. Preoperative
      lymphoscintigraphy was performed with technetium-99m sulfur colloid (TSC).
      Peritumoral intradermal injection of isosulfan blue (ISB) and ICG was then
      performed. Successful identification of a sentinel lymph node via each modality
      was then assessed. RESULTS: A total of 77 lymph nodes were identified from the 52
      patients (range 1-3). The majority of melanomas were extremity-based, superficial
      spreading type, and had SLN localized to the axilla. There were no complications
      related to IcG administration. Rates of SLN detection were 96.2% for TSC, 59.6%
      for ISB, and 88.5% for IcG (P < 0.05 for ICG vs ISB). On univariate logistic
      regression analysis, no factors were found to be associated with failure of ICG.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescent lymphangiography using ICG is an effective method of SLN
      identification in patients with cutaneous melanoma of the trunk and extremities.
      When ICG and TSC are used in combination, ISB offers no additional advantage and
      may be safely omitted.

PMID- 25124993
TI  - The use of decision trees and naive Bayes algorithms and trace element patterns
      for controlling the authenticity of free-range-pastured hens' eggs.
AB  - This article aims to evaluate 2 machine learning algorithms, decision trees and
      naive Bayes (NB), for egg classification (free-range eggs compared with battery
      eggs). The database used for the study consisted of 15 chemical elements (As, Ba,
      Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Se, Sr, V, and Zn) determined in 52 eggs
      samples (20 free-range and 32 battery eggs) by inductively coupled plasma mass
      spectrometry. Our results demonstrated that decision trees and NB associated with
      the mineral contents of eggs provide a high level of accuracy (above 80% and 90%,
      respectively) for classification between free-range and battery eggs and can be
      used as an alternative method for adulteration evaluation. 

PMID- 25124994
TI  - Further evidence of the importance of RIT1 in Noonan syndrome.
AB  - Noonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal dominant disorder consisting of short
      stature, short and/or webbed neck, distinctive facial features, cardiac
      abnormalities, cryptorchidism, and coagulation defects. NS exhibits genetic
      heterogeneity, associated with mutated genes that participate in RAS-mitogen
      activated protein kinase signal transduction. Recently, a new gene (RIT1) was
      discovered as the causative gene in 17 of 180 Japanese individuals who were
      negative for the previously known genes for NS and were studied using exome
      sequencing (four patients), followed by Sanger sequencing (13 patients). The
      present study used the same technique in 70 Brazilian patients with NS and
      identified six with RIT1 missense mutations. Thus, we confirm that RIT1 is
      responsible for approximately 10% of the patients negative for mutations in the
      previously known genes. The phenotype includes a high frequency of high birth
      weight, relative macrocephaly, left ventricular hypertrophy, and ectodermal
      findings, such as curly hair, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkled palms and soles.
      Short stature and pectus deformity were less frequent. The majority of patients
      with a RIT1 mutation did not show apparent intellectual disability. Because of
      the relatively high frequency of mutations in RIT1 among patients with NS and its
      occurrence in different populations, we suggest that it should be added to the
      list of genes included in panels for the molecular diagnosis of NS through
      targeted next-generation sequencing.

PMID- 25124995
TI  - Increased expression of cystatin C and transforming growth factor beta-1 in
      calcific aortic valves.

PMID- 25124996
TI  - The impact of anatomical remodeling of the left atrium and pulmonary vein on the
      recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation.

PMID- 25124997
TI  - YOUng Football Italian amateur players Remote electrocardiogram Screening with
      Telemedicine (YOU FIRST) study: preliminary results.

PMID- 25124999
TI  - Variability of right ventricular angiography in arrhythmogenic right ventricular
      cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 25124998
TI  - Circulating miR-323-3p and miR-652: candidate markers for the presence and
      progression of acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognostic utility of circulating plasma microRNA in patients
      with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has been proposed but not yet demonstrated.
      We set out to investigate circulating microRNA levels in patients incurring
      recent ACS and examined associations with neurohormones, cardiac structure and
      function, and survival over 5 years of follow-up. METHODS: An initial screen of
      375 microRNAs was performed in 35 ACS patients and 16 healthy controls.
      Candidates identified from the initial screen (miR-323-3p, miR-652, miR-27b, miR
      103 and miR-208a) were validated in a further cohort of 200 patients at baseline
      (~ 30 days post-ACS) and at 4 and 12 months post-ACS, and compared with 100
      controls. RESULTS: In the validation cohort, significantly higher levels in
      patients were replicated for miR-323-3p, miR-652 and miR-27b (10-fold, 2.3-fold
      and 2.3-fold, respectively, adjusted p<0.05). Lower levels of miR-103 were not
      replicated and miR-208a was undetectable. From baseline to 4 months post
      admission, miR-323-3p and miR-652 remained elevated in patients compared to
      controls (adjusted p<0.01), with no further change in levels between 4 and 12
      months; whereas miR-27b fell to control levels by 4 months. Baseline levels of
      miR-652 in the lowest tertile were significantly associated with readmission for
      heart failure (log-rank p<0.001). In combination with NT-proBNP and LVEF, miR-652
      significantly improved risk stratification (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      identifies miR-652 as a novel candidate biomarker for post-ACS prognosis beyond
      existing biomarkers of LVEF and NT-proBNP. Moreover circulating miR-323-3p was
      markedly elevated in patients for at least a year post-ACS and may be a stable
      biomarker for ACS.

PMID- 25125000
TI  - Strenuous exercise and the heart: are we not seeing the wood for the trees?

PMID- 25125002
TI  - Gender differences in quality of life after PCI attenuate after a 10 year follow
      up.

PMID- 25125001
TI  - Reduced functionality in everyday activities of patients with self-reported heart
      failure hospitalization--population-based study results.
AB  - AIM: To assess daily functioning and geriatric conditions of older subjects
      suffering from heart failure (HF) as compared to the general population. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: The data were collected as part of the nationwide PolSenior project
      (2007-2011). Of 4979 individuals (age range 65-104 years), data on self-reported
      HF hospitalization were available for 4795 subjects (96%). Geriatric assessment
      (GA) included functional status (ADL, Activities of Daily Living and IADL,
      Instrumental ADL scales), cognitive function, mood disorders, sensory organ
      impairment, falls and comorbidity. Mean age +/- SD of the study population was
      73.8 +/- 6.5 years; 62% were female. The proportion of subjects with HF
      hospitalizations increased from 8% in subjects aged 65-69 years up to 13% in the
      age group of 85-89 years, and decreased in nonagenarians (11%). Subjects with the
      HF hospitalization were older, used more drugs, and were characterized by a
      higher prevalence of comorbid conditions, mood disorders, hearing impairment and
      functional limitations. In logistic regression, HF hospitalization increased the
      age-sex adjusted risk of disability by 40%, both in ADL and IADL. After
      adjustment to other clinical and geriatric conditions, HF hospitalization
      remained an independent predictor of disability in both ADL (OR=1.36, 95%CI: 1.00
      1.84) and IADL (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.01-1.93). CONCLUSIONS: Older people who
      reported HF admissions had a higher number of comorbidities and geriatric
      conditions: mood disorders, hearing impairment and functional limitations.
      Besides, in our study, HF hospitalization independently and significantly
      increased the risk of limitations in IADL and ADL. Therefore, further studies are
      needed to evaluate the benefits of GA in patients with HF.

PMID- 25125003
TI  - Is acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation associated with
      development of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the critical care setting?

PMID- 25125004
TI  - Androgen attenuates cardiac fibroblasts activations through modulations of
      transforming growth factor-beta and angiotensin II signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Androgen deficiency produces heart failure, which can be ameliorated
      by testosterone supplementation. Cardiac fibrosis plays a critical role in the
      pathophysiology of heart failure. This study aimed to evaluate whether
      testosterone can attenuate cardiac fibroblast activity through modulating
      transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and angiotensin (Ang) II signaling.
      METHODS: Migration, proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation, collagen
      production, and transcription signaling were evaluated in adult male rat
      (weighing 300-350 g) cardiac fibroblasts with and without incubation with
      testosterone (10nM) and co-administration of TGF-beta1 (10 ng/ml) or Ang II (100
      nM) by cell migration analysis, proliferation assay, soluble collagen
      measurement, zymographic analysis, immunofluorescence microscopy, real-time PCR
      and Western blot. RESULTS: Compared to those without testosterone, testosterone
      treated fibroblasts exhibited less collagen production. Testosterone-treated
      fibroblasts also had less migration, proliferation, myofibroblast
      differentiation, and collagen production in the presence of TGF-beta1, or had
      less collagen production with Ang II. Testosterone-treated fibroblasts had
      decreased phosphorylated Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin, and 4E binding
      protein-1 irrespective of TGF-beta1 treatment and had increased matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in the presence of TGF-beta1 treatment, and had
      decreased phosphorylated P38 and Smad 2/3 levels in the presence of Ang II.
      Cardiac fibroblasts with and without testosterone had similar mRNA and protein
      expressions of total Akt and total Smad 2/3 irrespective of TGF-beta1 or Ang II
      treatment. CONCLUSION: Physiological level of testosterone attenuated Akt and
      Smad 2/3 phosphorylation mediated by TGF-beta1 and angiotensin II respectively,
      which can result in decreased cardiac fibroblast activation and potentially
      contribute to beneficial effects in heart failure.

PMID- 25125005
TI  - Secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death in a 65 year untreated ALCAPA
      patient.

PMID- 25125006
TI  - Left ventricular or Bi-ventricular assist device? How dobutamine stress
      echocardiography can untie the dilemma of right ventricular dysfunction.

PMID- 25125007
TI  - Prognostic significance of mitral regurgitation in long-term all-cause mortality
      in patients aged >= 80 years with acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation (MR) has been shown to be associated with a poor
      prognosis in the patients with acute myocardial infarction, whether or not
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is employed. However, the long-term
      prognostic significance of MR in octogenarian patients with acute coronary
      syndrome (ACS) remains unknown. We sought to determine the impact of MR on long
      term all-cause mortality and to further reveal whether PCI could influence the
      prognosis in octogenarian MR patients with ACS. METHODS: In this study, we
      included a total of 353 consecutive hospitalized patients, aged >= 80 years, with
      ACS during the period of 5-year follow-up. Association between MR and long-term
      all-cause mortality was analyzed both in a overall cohort and in a matched cohort
      developed from a propensity score analysis. RESULTS: MR was independently
      associated with long-term all-cause mortality in the overall and matched cohorts
      (hazard ratio (HR) 1.58, 95% CI 1.01-2.47, P=0.043; HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.15-3.13,
      P=0.013). In the subgroup treated with PCI, MR also exhibited higher long-term
      all-cause mortality, PCI remained an independent determinant of improving long
      term survival rate by reducing the mortality by 15.1% in ACS patients with MR
      aged >= 80 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that MR is independently
      associated with long-term all-cause mortality, and PCI is an independent
      determinant for improving the long-term survival rate in the octogenarian ACS
      patients with MR.

PMID- 25125008
TI  - Relationship between fractional flow reserve and residual plaque volume and
      clinical outcomes after optimal drug-eluting stent implantation: insight from
      intravascular ultrasound volumetric analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The underlying cause of FFR reduction and prognostic impact of FFR
      after optimal DES implantation remain unknown. The study aims were to use
      intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to investigate the mechanism responsible for
      reduced fractional flow reserve (FFR) after optimal drug-eluting stent (DES)
      implantation and to evaluate FFR effect on clinical outcomes after optimal
      percutaneous coronary intervention with DES. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients
      treated with optimal DES implantation under IVUS and pullback FFR guidance were
      followed clinically (median 17.8 months). Post-stenting IVUS examination and
      pullback FFR recording were performed, and angiographic and IVUS parameters
      associated with reduced FFR were evaluated. The composite of major adverse
      cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stent
      thrombosis, and target vessel revascularization, was analyzed. RESULTS:
      Regression analysis showed inverse correlations between post-stent FFR and
      residual plaque volume index (r=-0.40, p<0.01) and residual percent plaque volume
      (r=-0.68, p<0.01) in IVUS but no correlation of minimal lesion diameter with
      quantitative coronary angiography (r=0.07, p=0.50) or IVUS-derived minimal stent
      area (r=0.02, p=0.84). MACE was observed in 10 patients (10.3%), and FFR after
      optimal stenting was significantly lower in this group (0.86 +/- 0.04 vs 0.91 +/-
      0.04, p<0.01). The optimal FFR threshold for predicting MACE was 0.90, identified
      by the receiver operating characteristic curve. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced FFR after
      optimal DES implantation was associated with residual plaque volume identified by
      IVUS and future adverse cardiac events.

PMID- 25125009
TI  - Neoatherosclerosis--a cause of late stent thrombosis?

PMID- 25125010
TI  - Postconditioning or preconditioning, which should be promoted in the protection
      of ischemic reperfusion injury?

PMID- 25125011
TI  - Reply: Comments on hypertonic saline with furosemide for the treatment of acute
      congestive heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 25125012
TI  - Edentulism associates with poor cardiovascular health. Results from the Atahualpa
      Project.

PMID- 25125013
TI  - Switching from ticagrelor to prasugrel: a warning.

PMID- 25125014
TI  - Cerebral microemboli and neurocognitive change after carotid artery stenting with
      different embolic protection devices.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Proximal cerebral protection devices have been developed as an
      alternative to filter protection devices for reducing neurological complications
      during carotid artery stenting (CAS). The aim of the present study was to
      evaluate the frequency of silent cerebral embolism after CAS using different
      cerebral embolic protection devices and the impact of silent cerebral embolism on
      neurocognitive function. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients who underwent
      CAS were enrolled. The patients were randomized to either proximal balloon
      occlusion or filter protection. Neurocognitive tests were performed before and
      six months after CAS. Cerebral embolisms were evaluated with diffusion-weighted
      magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI). RESULTS: The number and volume of new
      ischemic lesions found with DW-MRI were higher in the filter protection group
      than in the proximal balloon occlusion group. According to our definition, nine
      (21%) patients in the balloon occlusion group and 16 (36%) patients in the filter
      protection group showed neurocognitive decline, and ten (23%) patients in the
      balloon occlusion group and four (9%) patients in the filter protection group
      showed neurocognitive improvement (NS). Regarding the group of patients with new
      cerebral ischemic lesions on DW-MRI, neurocognitive decline occurred in 14 (31%)
      of 45 patients with DW-MRI lesions and 11 (26%) of 43 patients without DW-MRI
      lesions (NS). CONCLUSION: Neurocognitive outcome after CAS is unpredictable; both
      neurocognitive decline and improvement can occur. In this study, the proximal
      balloon occlusion system significantly decreased cerebral microemboli during CAS
      compared to filter protection. Cerebral microembolism was not found to be
      associated with neurocognitive decline.

PMID- 25125015
TI  - Incidence and clinical characteristics of takotsubo cardiomyopathy post
      aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PMID- 25125016
TI  - Depression among cardiovascular patients living in a Middle Eastern country-
      preliminary findings from a cross-sectional survey.

PMID- 25125017
TI  - Glucagon-like peptide-1 levels on admission for acute myocardial infarction with
      or without acute hyperglycemia.

PMID- 25125018
TI  - Low plasma renin level is associated with the occurrence of angiographic radial
      artery spasm in patients undergoing transradial coronary procedures.

PMID- 25125019
TI  - Validation of a risk scoring model for prediction of acute cardiac complications
      in chest pain patients presenting to the Emergency Department.

PMID- 25125020
TI  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertrophic obstructive
      cardiomyopathy: two antagonistic obstructions.

PMID- 25125021
TI  - Inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks and signal jammers:
      first report of a new interference.

PMID- 25125022
TI  - Quantifying subtle changes in cardiovascular mechanics in acromegaly: a Doppler
      myocardial imaging study.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: To describe morphological and functional cardiovascular changes
      in acromegaly (ACM) patients, as well as to investigate the ability of Doppler
      based myocardial deformation imaging (DMI) to characterize subtle dysfunction in
      ACM. METHODS: 69 patients (pts) with ACM (mean age 47 +/- 10 years, 27 men) and
      31 controls (mean age 43 +/- 16 years, matched for age and gender) were
      recruited. Standard echocardiography and DMI data were obtained for all patients.
      Peak systolic longitudinal strain values (S) were determined for the left and
      right ventricles. Radial S was measured at the level of the mid inferolateral
      segment. Using a high-resolution echo-tracking system, the main indices of
      arterial stiffness were measured. RESULTS: Of the ACM subjects, 57 had active
      disease (group A), and 12 controlled ACM (group B). All pts with ACM presented
      structural changes: a higher LV indexed mass (112 +/- 36, 118 +/- 23 vs 74 +/- 18
      g/m(2), p < 0.001) and a higher relative wall thickness (0.45 +/- 0.09, 0.50 +/-
      0.07 vs 0.40 +/- 0.07, p = 0.003) compared to controls. Also, ACM pts had
      functional changes: reduced LV ejection fraction (57 +/- 5, 55 +/- 5 vs 64 +/-
      4%, p < 0.001) and altered diastolic function (E/A 1.0 +/- 0.4, 1.1 +/- 0.1 vs
      1.3 +/- 0.3, p = 0.005) compared to controls. Both longitudinal and radial LV S
      values were lower in ACM compared to controls: -16.5 +/- 3.5, -16.8 +/- 4.3 vs 
      21.5 +/- 3.8%, p < 0.001 for longitudinal and 38.3 +/- 12.3, 35.6 +/- 11.8 vs
      52.2 +/- 11.7%, p = 0.002 for radial strain. CONCLUSIONS: ACM pts present LV
      concentric hypertrophy and LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction, even in
      controlled disease. Altered global LV systolic function appears to be due both to
      longitudinal and radial dysfunction.

PMID- 25125023
TI  - A review of the effects of Nigella sativa L. and its constituent, thymoquinone,
      in metabolic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is an important risk factor for cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) occurrence and mortality. CVDs are leading cause of death
      worldwide. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the use of herbal
      medicines with more efficiency and minimal undesirable effects than chemical
      drugs for a variety of disorders including CVD. Nigella sativa and its active
      constituent, thymoquinone, have been documented to exhibit antidiabetic,
      antiobesity, hypotensive and hypolipidemic properties. AIM: In this review, we
      discussed the most relevant articles to find out the role of N. sativa in
      different components of metabolic syndrome and CVD risk factors including high
      blood pressure, obesity, dyslipidemia and high blood glucose. CONCLUSIONS: This
      review suggests a potential role of N. sativa and TQ in the management of
      metabolic syndrome, however more studies should be conducted to evaluate their
      effectiveness.

PMID- 25125024
TI  - Psychosocial, behavioural, pedagogical, and nutritional proposals about how to
      encourage eating a healthy breakfast.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Even if more and more evidences have highlighted the importance of
      breakfast in the growth and development of children, from 10 to 30% of US and
      European children and adolescents regularly skip breakfast. Thus, there is still
      a lot to be done before breakfast becomes a daily habit. The aim of this paper is
      to try and understand how it is possible to overcome the real or imaginary
      difficulties associated with skipping breakfast by psychosocial, behavioural,
      pedagogical and nutritional proposals. DISCUSSION: Schools are the best context
      where perform healthy interventions because it is here that children learn about
      the importance of good health at an age when the school still plays a major role
      in their education. Some school interventions, based on solid theories as the
      Self Determination Theory and the Behaviour Analysis, have been implemented in
      the last years to promote health behaviour such as intake of fruit and vegetables
      and physical activities. Cognitive behaviour therapy is the most closely
      monitored type of treatment/cure for obesity in randomised controlled trials.
      Moreover some associations such as the National Association of Food Science
      Specialists have drawn an own method to encourage food education at school and
      promote the importance of prevention. These projects could be used as starting
      point to perform interventions focus on breakfast. SUMMARY: Increase the
      consumption of breakfast between children is very important. Efforts should be
      done to drawn new school projects based on scientific-evidences.

PMID- 25125026
TI  - Glial Asthenia and Functional Paralysis: A New Perspective on Neurodegeneration
      and Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Neuroglia are represented by several population of cells heterogeneous in
      structure and function that provide for the homeostasis of the brain and the
      spinal cord. Neuroglial cells are also central for neuroprotection and defence of
      the central nervous system against exo- and endogenous insults. At the early
      stages of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease neuroglial
      cells become asthenic and lose some of their homeostatic, neuroprotective, and
      defensive capabilities. Astroglial reactivity, for example, correlates with
      preservation of cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment and
      prodromal Alzheimer's disease. Here, we overview the experimental data indicating
      glial paralysis in neurodegeneration and argue that loss of glial function is
      fundamental for defining the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 25125025
TI  - Metabolism-related pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions with tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors: current understanding, challenges and recommendations.
AB  - Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) occur when a patient's response to the drug is
      modified by administration or co-exposure to another drug. The main cytochrome
      P450 (CYP) enzyme, CYP3A4, is implicated in the metabolism of almost all of the
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Therefore, there is a substantial potential
      for interaction between TKIs and other drugs that modulate the activity of this
      metabolic pathway. Cancer patients are susceptible to DDIs as they receive many
      medications, either for supportive care or for treatment of toxicity. Differences
      in DDI outcomes are generally negligible because of the wide therapeutic window
      of common drugs. However for anticancer agents, serious clinical consequences may
      occur from small changes in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Therefore, the
      objective of this review is to highlight the current understanding of DDIs among
      TKIs, with a focus on metabolism, as well as to identify challenges in the
      prediction of DDIs and provide recommendations. 

PMID- 25125027
TI  - The spatiotemporal segregation of GAD forms defines distinct GABA signaling
      functions in the developing mouse olfactory system and provides novel insights
      into the origin and migration of GnRH neurons.
AB  - Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has a dual role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter
      in the adult central nervous system (CNS) and as a signaling molecule exerting
      largely excitatory actions during development. The rate-limiting step of GABA
      synthesis is catalyzed by two glutamic acid decarboxylase isoforms GAD65 and
      GAD67 coexpressed in the GABAergic neurons of the CNS. Here we report that the
      two GADs show virtually nonoverlapping expression patterns consistent with
      distinct roles in the developing peripheral olfactory system. GAD65 is expressed
      exclusively in undifferentiated neuronal progenitors confined to the
      proliferative zones of the sensory vomeronasal and olfactory epithelia In
      contrast GAD67 is expressed in a subregion of the nonsensory
      epithelium/vomeronasal organ epithelium containing the putative Gonadotropin
      releasing hormone (GnRH) progenitors and GnRH neurons migrating from this region
      through the frontonasal mesenchyme into the basal forebrain. Only GAD67+, but not
      GAD65+ cells accumulate detectable GABA. We further demonstrate that GAD67 and
      its embryonic splice variant embryonic GAD (EGAD) concomitant with GnRH are
      dynamically regulated during GnRH neuronal migration in vivo and in two
      immortalized cell lines representing migratory (GN11) and postmigratory (GT1-7)
      stage GnRH neurons, respectively. Analysis of GAD65/67 single and double knock
      out embryos revealed that the two GADs play complementary (inhibitory) roles in
      GnRH migration ultimately modulating the speed and/or direction of GnRH
      migration. Our results also suggest that GAD65 and GAD67/EGAD characterized by
      distinct subcellular localization and kinetics have disparate functions during
      olfactory system development mediating proliferative and migratory responses
      putatively through specific subcellular GABA pools.

PMID- 25125028
TI  - A dual-task design of corrosion-controlling and osteo-compatible
      hexamethylenediaminetetrakis- (methylene phosphonic acid) (HDTMPA) coating on
      magnesium for biodegradable bone implants application.
AB  - Magnesium as well as its alloys appears increasingly as a revolutionary bio-metal
      for biodegradable implants application but the biggest challenges exist in its
      too fast bio-corrosion/degradation. Both corrosion-controllable and bio
      compatible Mg-based bio-metal is highly desirable in clinic. In present work,
      hexamethylenediaminetetrakis (methylenephosphonic acid) [HDTMPA, (H2 O3 P-CH2 )2 
      N-(CH2 )6 -N-(CH2 -PO3 H2 )2 ], as a natural and bioactive organic substance, was
      covalently immobilized and chelating-deposited onto Mg surface by means of
      chemical conversion process and dip-coating method, to fullfill dual-task
      performance of corrosion-protective and osteo-compatible functionalities. The
      chemical grafting of HDTMPA molecules, by participation of functional groups on
      pretreated Mg surface, ensured a firmly anchored base layer, and then sub
      sequential chelating reactions of HDTMPA molecules guaranteed a homogenous and
      dense HDTMPA coating deposition on Mg substrate. Electrochemical corrosion and
      immersion degradation results reveal that the HDTMPA coated Mg provides a
      significantly better controlled bio-corrosion/degradation behavior in phosphate
      buffer saline solution as compared with untreated Mg from perspective of clinic
      requirement. Moreover, the HDTMPA coated Mg exhibits osteo-compatible in that it
      induces not only bioactivity of bone-like apatite precipitation but also promotes
      osteoblast cells adhesion and proliferation. Our well-controlled biodegradable
      and biocompatible HDTMPA modified Mg might bode well for next generation bone
      implant application.

PMID- 25125029
TI  - Functionalized fullerene (C60) as a potential nanomediator in the fabrication of
      highly sensitive biosensors.
AB  - Designing a biosensor for versatile biomedical applications is a sophisticated
      task and how dedicatedly functionalized fullerene (C60) can perform on this stage
      is a challenge for today and tomorrow's nanoscience and nanotechnology. Since the
      invention of biosensor, many ideas and methods have been invested to upgrade the
      functionality of biosensors. Due to special physicochemical characteristics, the
      novel carbon material "fullerene" adds a new dimension to the construction of
      highly sensitive biosensors. The prominent aspects of fullerene explain its
      outstanding performance in biosensing devices as a mediator, e.g. fullerene in
      organic solvents exhibits five stages of reversible oxidation/reduction, and
      hence fullerene can work either as an electrophile or nucleophile. Fullerene is
      stable and its spherical structure produces an angle strain which allows it to
      undergo characteristic reactions of addition to double bonds (hybridization which
      turns from sp(2) to sp(3)). Research activities are being conducted worldwide to
      invent a variety of methods of fullerene functionalization with a purpose of
      incorporating it effectively in biosensor devices. The different types of
      functionalization methods include modification of fullerene into water soluble
      derivatives and conjugation with enzymes and/or other biomolecules, e.g. urease,
      glucose oxidase, hemoglobin, myoglobin (Mb), conjugation with metals e.g. gold
      (Au), chitosan (CS), ferrocene (Fc), etc. to enhance the sensitivity of
      biosensors. The state-of-the-art research on fullerene functionalization and its
      application in sensor devices has proven that fullerene can be implemented
      successfully in preparing biosensors to detect glucose level in blood serum, urea
      level in urine solution, hemoglobin, immunoglobulin, glutathione in real sample
      for pathological purpose, to identify doping abuse, to analyze pharmaceutical
      preparation and even to detect cancer and tumor cells at an earlier stage.
      Employing fullerene-metal matrix for the detection of tumor and cancer cells is
      also possible by the inclusion of fullerene in single-walled carbon nanotubes
      (SWCNTs) known as peapods as well as in double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs),
      to augment the effectiveness of biosensors. This review discusses various
      approaches that have been reported for functionalizing fullerene (C60)
      derivatives and their application in different types of biosensor fabrication. 

PMID- 25125031
TI  - [A rare cause of cyanosis in a pre-term infant].

PMID- 25125030
TI  - [Thrombopenia and the nature of the microorganism in infected critically ill
      children].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombopenia is correlated with sepsis and mortality in pediatric
      intensive care units. The purpose of this study was to find an association
      between thrombopenia and the microorganism type to guide the choice of empiric
      antibiotic therapy in infected critically ill children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      conducted a prospective descriptive study, including all newborns, infants, and
      children admitted to a pediatric surgical intensive care unit from 1st January to
      31st December 2009. We identified patients who developed an infection and/or
      thrombopenia (platelet count less than 100,000/mm(3)) during hospitalization.
      RESULTS: One hundred ninety-seven patients were included (57 newborns, 41
      infants, 99 children). Ninety patients developed 100 infectious episodes during
      the study period. Of the 57 newborns enrolled in the study, 31 (54%) developed 37
      infections. Seventy-six microorganisms (55 Gram-negative bacilli [GNB], 17 Gram
      positive cocci, two Gram-negative cocci, two fungal pathogens) were identified
      during 65 infectious episodes in 55 patients. Thirty-four episodes of
      thrombopenia were observed in 30 patients. Thrombopenia was observed only in
      infected patients (P<0.001). Thrombopenia was associated with infections caused
      by GNB (26/28 vs 20/37, P=0.001) and by Klebsiella (16/28 vs 6/37, P=0.001) and
      may be associated with infections caused by GNB producing extended-spectrum beta
      lactamases (P=0.07). Gram-positive cocci infections were correlated to the non
      occurrence of thrombopenia (P=0.02). Postoperative peritonitis was also
      significantly associated with thrombopenia (P=0.03). The mortality rate in our
      patients was 12.7% (22.8% in neonates). There was an association between
      thrombopenia and death in univariate analysis (11/25 vs 19/172, P<0.001).
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis did not confirm thrombopenia as an
      independent predictive factor of mortality in children. CONCLUSION: Because of
      the relatively high proportion of resistant GNB, an empiric antibiotic therapy
      combining a carbapenem and an aminoglycoside may be indicated in infected
      critically ill children developing thrombopenia.

PMID- 25125032
TI  - [Efficacy and safety of intravenous immunoglobulins in the management of neonatal
      hyperbilirubinemia due to ABO incompatibility: a meta-analysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: ABO fetomaternal red blood cell incompatibility (ABO FMI) induces an
      immune hemolysis after fetal transfer of hemolyzing maternal anti-A or anti-B.
      ABO hemolytic disease (ABO HD) remains the most frequent cause of severe and
      early jaundice in newborns. High levels of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia may
      induce acute and chronic neurological complications. Severe hyperbilirubinemia
      can be prevented by first-line phototherapy (PT) treatment, but exchange
      transfusion (ET) is required if treatment is not effective, even if ET is linked
      with high hemodynamic, infectious, gastrointestinal, and/or biological morbidity.
      Intravenous human polyclonal immunoglobulins (IVIg) have been proposed in
      concomitant use with PT in order to avoid the requirement for ET in ABO FMI.
      METHODS: Electronic databases of all published clinical trials in neonatal
      hyperbilirubinemia due to ABO incompatibility were systematically queried for
      randomized controlled clinical trials comparing PT alone to PT associated with
      IVIg based on the requirement for ET. Duration of PT and adverse events were
      optional criteria. A meta-analysis of the selected data was performed on six
      selected trials out of 28 found. RESULTS: IVIg doses ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 g/Kg
      in one to three administrations. Requirement for ET was lower in the IgIV+PT
      group, with a relative risk of 0.27 [CI 95% 0.17-0.42; P<0.00001], expressed as a
      number needed to treat of five neonates to avoid one ET. The mean duration of PT
      was 4 days in the PT group and association of PT with IVIg significantly reduced
      the duration of PT treatment by 0.84 days. The tolerance of the IVIg and PT
      association was good with no reported cases of ulcerative enterocolitis in 265
      treated newborns. CONCLUSION: IVIG associated with PT reduces the need for ET and
      the duration of PT in newborns with hyperbilirubinemia due to ABO hemolytic
      disease. Their efficacy and good tolerance prompt consideration of IVIg as a
      therapeutic adjuvant to PT in severe hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia due to ABO
      incompatibility.

PMID- 25125033
TI  - [Lacidipine efficacy and safety for high blood pressure treatment in pediatric
      oncohematology].
AB  - In adults, lacidipine seems to have no CYP3A4-inhibiting action. This particular
      characteristic makes it advantageous when combined with drugs metabolized by
      CYP3A4, such as cyclosporine. Until now, no data on the efficacy or safety of
      this calcium antagonist have been available in children. Thirty-nine hypertensive
      children (age: 0.13-14 years) receiving lacidipine in oncohematology for a mean
      of 75 days were included in this retrospective study. The causes of high blood
      pressure were renal tumor (n=7), catecholamine-secreting tumor (n=4), corticoid
      treatment (n=5), and cyclosporine treatment (n=23). An initial dosage of 0.05
      mg/kg/day was sufficient for 41% of the patients. The remaining patients needed
      to increase the dosage, by steps of 0.03 mg/kg/day, until reaching an average
      effective dosage of 0.1 mg/kg/day. Lacidipine significantly decreased blood
      pressure by 30 (+/-14) mmHg for systolic blood pressure and by 26 (+/-13) mmHg
      for diastolic blood pressure. A medication plan with twice-daily administration
      was not significantly more effective than a single administration per day.
      Lacidipine was well tolerated, and no toxicity-related withdrawal of treatment
      occurred. For 22 patients treated with both cyclosporine and lacidipine, renal
      function was not disturbed over time, suggesting its preservation by lacidipine.
      No significant increase in cyclosporine blood concentration was detected.
      Lacidipine seems to be an effective calcium antagonist in pediatric
      oncohematology, is well tolerated, has a kidney-protector effect and no drug
      interaction when combined with cyclosporine. 

PMID- 25125034
TI  - [Lactic acidosis in a child with acute severe asthma].
AB  - Lactic acidosis is a recognized event in adult patients with acute severe asthma
      (ASA). Only a few cases have been reported in children. Hereinafter is reported
      the case of a 2-year-old girl hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit
      for ASA, which was treated with high-flow oxygen therapy and intravenous
      methylprednisolone and salbutamol. During hospitalization, she had metabolic
      acidosis with a 7.29 pH, a 26mmHg hypocapnia, and a decrease in bicarbonates to
      12 mmol/L. The anion gap was increased to 20 mmol/L and lactates to 8 mmol/L. The
      work-up for a congenital metabolic disease was normal. Progression was propitious
      with spontaneous improvement of lactic acidosis, and the child was discharged
      from the intensive care unit after 72 h. The origin of lactic acidosis during ASA
      seems to be multifactorial. Although its recovery can be spontaneous, it is
      important to know how to identify it because it can worsen respiratory symptoms
      and can lead to incongruous therapeutic escalation. 

PMID- 25125036
TI  - A silenced spring?

PMID- 25125035
TI  - A post hoc analysis of subgroup outcomes and creatinine in the phase III clinical
      trial (EMPOWER) of dexpramipexole in ALS.
AB  - Our objective was to compare the phase II and phase III (EMPOWER) studies of
      dexpramipexole in ALS and evaluate potential EMPOWER responder subgroups and
      biomarkers based on significant inter-study population differences. In a post hoc
      analysis, we compared the baseline population characteristics of both
      dexpramipexole studies and analyzed EMPOWER efficacy outcomes and laboratory
      measures in subgroups defined by significant inter-study differences. Results
      showed that, compared with phase II, the proportion of El Escorial criteria (EEC)
      definite participants decreased (p = 0.005), riluzole use increased (p = 0.002),
      and mean symptom duration increased (p = 0.037) significantly in EMPOWER.
      Baseline creatinine (p < 0.001) and on-study creatinine change (p < 0.001)
      correlated significantly with ALSFRS-R in EMPOWER. In the EMPOWER subgroup
      defined by EEC-definite ALS, riluzole use, and < median symptom duration (15.3
      months), dexpramipexole-treated participants had reduced ALSFRS-R slope decline
      (p = 0.015), decreased mortality (p = 0.011), and reduced creatinine loss (p =
      0.003). In conclusion, significant differences existed between the phase II and
      EMPOWER study populations in ALS clinical trials of dexpramipexole. In a post hoc
      analysis of EMPOWER subgroups defined by these differences, potential clinical
      benefits of dexpramipexole were identified in the subgroup of riluzole-treated,
      short-symptom duration, EEC-definite ALS participants. Creatinine loss correlated
      with disease progression and was reduced in dexpramipexole-treated participants,
      suggesting it as a candidate biomarker.

PMID- 25125038
TI  - Biofouling ecology as a means to better understand membrane biofouling.
AB  - Despite more than a decade of worldwide research on membrane fouling in membrane
      bioreactors, many questions remain to be answered. Biofouling, which is referred
      to as the unwanted deposition and growth of biofilms, remains the main problem.
      Due to its complexity, most of the existing anti-biofouling strategies are not
      completely successful. To unravel this complexity and finally to developed well
      adapted control strategies, a microbial-based description of the biofouling
      development is needed. Therefore, in this review, the biofouling formation will
      be described as a typical biofilm formation in five steps including the formation
      of a conditioning film, the bacterial attachment, the production of extracellular
      polymeric substances, the biofilm maturation, and the bacterial detachment.
      Moreover, important processes such as hydrodynamics and bacterial communication
      or quorum sensing will be taken into account. It is finally discussed whether
      biofouling formation is an active or inactive biofilm process together with
      suggestion for further research. 

PMID- 25125037
TI  - Degradation of off-gas toluene in continuous pyrite Fenton system.
AB  - Degradation of off-gas toluene from a toluene reservoir and a soil vapor
      extraction (SVE) process was investigated in a continuous pyrite Fenton system.
      The removal of off-gas toluene from the toluene reservoir was >95% by 8h in the
      pyrite Fenton system, while it was ~97 % by 3h in classic Fenton system and then
      rapidly decreased to initial level by 8h. Continuous consumption of low Fe(II)
      concentration dissolved from pyrite surface (0.05-0.11 mM) was observed in the
      pyrite Fenton system, which can lead to the effective and successful removal of
      the gas-phase toluene due to stable production of OH radical (OH). Inhibitor and
      spectroscopic test results showed that OH was a dominant radical that degraded
      gas-phase toluene during the reaction. Off-gas toluene from the SVE process was
      removed by 96% in the pyrite Fenton system, and remnant toluene from rebounding
      effect was treated by 99%. Main transformation products from toluene oxidation
      were benzoic acid (31.4%) and CO2 (38.8%) at 4h, while traces of benzyl alcohol
      (1.3%) and benzaldehyde (0.7%) were observed. Maximum operation time of
      continuous pyrite Fenton system was estimated to be 56-61 d and its optimal
      operation time achieving emission standard was 28.9 d.

PMID- 25125039
TI  - Escherichia coli W shows fast, highly oxidative sucrose metabolism and low
      acetate formation.
AB  - Sugarcane is the most efficient large-scale crop capable of supplying sufficient
      carbon substrate, in the form of sucrose, needed during fermentative feedstock
      production. However, sucrose metabolism in Escherichia coli is not well
      understood because the two most common strains, E. coli K-12 and B, do not grow
      on sucrose. Here, using a sucrose utilizing strain, E. coli W, we undertake an in
      depth comparison of sucrose and glucose metabolism including growth kinetics,
      metabolite profiling, microarray-based transcriptome analysis, labelling-based
      proteomic analysis and (13)C-fluxomics. While E. coli W grew comparably well on
      sucrose and glucose integration of the omics, datasets showed that during growth
      on each carbon source, metabolism was distinct. The metabolism was generally
      derepressed on sucrose, and significant flux rearrangements were observed in
      central carbon metabolism. These included a reduction in the flux of the
      oxidative pentose phosphate pathway branch, an increase in the tricarboxylic acid
      cycle flux and a reduction in the glyoxylate shunt flux due to the
      dephosphorylation of isocitrate dehydrogenase. But unlike growth on other sugars
      that induce cAMP-dependent Crp regulation, the phosphoenol-pyruvate-glyoxylate
      cycle was not active on sucrose. Lower acetate accumulation was also observed in
      sucrose compared to glucose cultures. This was linked to induction of the acetate
      catabolic genes actP and acs and independent of the glyoxylic shunt. Overall, the
      cells stayed highly oxidative. In summary, sucrose metabolism was fast, efficient
      and led to low acetate accumulation making it an ideal carbon source for
      industrial fermentation with E. coli W. 

PMID- 25125040
TI  - Cellular fatty acid profile and H(+)-ATPase activity to assess acid tolerance of
      Bacillus sp. for potential probiotic functional attributes.
AB  - The present study has been focused widely on comparative account of probiotic
      qualities of Bacillus spp. for safer usage. Initially, 170 heat resistant flora
      were isolated and selected for non-pathogenic cultures devoid of cytK, hblD, and
      nhe1 virulence genes. Subsequently, through biochemical tests along with 16S rRNA
      gene sequencing and fatty acid profiling, the cultures were identified as
      Bacillus megaterium (AR-S4), Bacillus subtilis (HR-S1), Bacillus licheniformis
      (Csm1-1a and HN-S1), and Bacillus flexus (CDM4-3c and CDM3-1). The selected
      cultures showed 70-80 % survival under simulated gastrointestinal condition which
      was also confirmed through H(+)-ATPase production. The amount of H(+)-ATPase
      increased by more than 2-fold when grown at pH 2 which support for the acid
      tolerance ability of Bacillus isolates. The study also examined the influence of
      acidic pH on cellular fatty acid composition of Bacillus spp. A remarkable shift
      in the fatty acid profile was observed at acidic pH through an increased amount
      of even numbered fatty acid (C16 and C18) in comparison with odd numbered (C15
      and C17). Additionally, the cultures exhibited various probiotic functional
      properties. Overall, the study increases our understanding of Bacillus spp. and
      will allow both industries and consumers to choose for well-defined probiotic
      with possible health benefits.

PMID- 25125041
TI  - Differential contributions of two SARP family regulatory genes to indigoidine
      biosynthesis in Streptomyces lavendulae FRI-5.
AB  - The Streptomyces antibiotic regulatory protein (SARP) family regulators have been
      shown to control the production of secondary metabolites in many Streptomyces
      species as the most downstream regulators in the regulatory cascade. Streptomyces
      lavendulae FRI-5 produces a blue pigment (indigoidine) together with two types of
      antibiotics: D-cycloserine and the nucleoside antibiotics. The production of
      these secondary metabolites is governed by a signaling system consisting of a
      gamma-butyrolactone, IM-2 [(2R,3R,1'R)-2-1'-hydroxybutyl-3-hydroxymethyl-gamma
      butanolide], and its cognate receptor, FarA. Here, we characterized two
      regulatory genes of the SARP family, farR3 and farR4, which are tandemly located
      in the proximal region of farA. farR3 is transcribed both as a monocistronic RNA
      and as a bicistronic farR4-farR3 mRNA, and the expression profile is tightly
      controlled by the IM-2/FarA system. Loss of farR3 delayed and decreased the
      production of indigoidine without any changes in the transcriptional profile of
      other far regulatory genes, indicating that FarR3 positively controls the
      biosynthesis of indigoidine and is positioned in the downstream region of the IM
      2/FarA signaling system. Meanwhile, loss of farR4 induced the early production of
      IM-2 by increasing transcription of an IM-2 biosynthetic gene, farX, indicating
      that FarR4 negatively controls the biosynthesis of IM-2. Thus, our results
      suggested differential contributions of the SARP family regulators to the
      regulation of secondary metabolism in S. lavendulae FRI-5. This is the first
      report to show that an SARP family regulator is involved in the biosynthesis of a
      signaling molecule functioning at the most upstream region of the regulatory
      cascade for Streptomyces secondary metabolism.

PMID- 25125042
TI  - C7-prenylation of tryptophanyl and O-prenylation of tyrosyl residues in
      dipeptides by an Aspergillus terreus prenyltransferase.
AB  - During our search for novel prenyltransferases, a putative gene ATEG_04218 from
      Aspergillus terreus raised our attention and was therefore amplified from strain
      DSM 1958 and expressed in Escherichia coli. Biochemical investigations with the
      purified recombinant protein and different aromatic substrates in the presence of
      dimethylallyl diphosphate revealed the acceptance of all the tested tryptophan
      containing cyclic dipeptides. Structure elucidation of the main enzyme products
      by NMR and MS analyses confirmed the attachment of the prenyl moiety to C-7 of
      the indole ring, proving the identification of a cyclic dipeptide C7
      prenyltransferase (CdpC7PT). For some substrates, reversely C3- or N1-prenylated
      derivatives were identified as minor products. In comparison to the known
      tryptophan-containing cyclic dipeptide C7-prenyltransferase CTrpPT from
      Aspergillus oryzae, CdpC7PT showed a much higher substrate flexibility. It also
      accepted cyclo-L-Tyr-L-Tyr as substrate and catalyzed an O-prenylation at the
      tyrosyl residue, providing the first example from the dimethylallyltryptophan
      synthase (DMATS) superfamily with an O-prenyltransferase activity towards
      dipeptides. Furthermore, products with both C7-prenyl at tryptophanyl and O
      prenyl at tyrosyl residue were detected in the reaction mixture of cyclo-L-Trp-L
      Tyr. Determination of the kinetic parameters proved that (S)-benzodiazepinedione
      consisting of a tryptophanyl and an anthranilyl moiety was accepted as the best
      substrate with a K M value of 204.1 MUM and a turnover number of 0.125 s(-1).
      Cyclo-L-Tyr-L-Tyr was accepted with a K M value of 1,411.3 MUM and a turnover
      number of 0.012 s(-1). 

PMID- 25125043
TI  - Two-photon-induced fluorescence in new pi-expanded diketopyrrolopyrroles.
AB  - Structurally unique pi-expanded diketopyrrolopyrroles (EDPP) were designed and
      synthesized. Strategic placement of a fluorene scaffold at the periphery of a
      diketopyrrolopyrrole through tandem Friedel-Crafts-dehydration reactions resulted
      in dyes with supreme solubility. The structure of the dyes was confirmed by X-ray
      crystallography verifying a nearly flattened arrangement of the ten fused rings.
      Despite the extended ring system, the dye still preserved good solubility and was
      further functionalized by using Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions, such as the
      Buchwald-Hartwig amination. Photophysical studies of these new functional dyes
      revealed that they possess enhanced properties when compared with expanded DPPs
      in terms of two-photon absorption cross-section. It is further demonstrated that
      in addition to the initial diacetals, the final electrophilic cyclization step
      can also be applied to diketones. By placing two amine groups at peripheral
      positions of the resulting dyes, values of two-photon absorption cross-section on
      the level of 2000 GM around 1000 nm were achieved, which in combination with high
      fluorescence quantum yield (Phifl ), generated a two-photon brightness of
      approximately 1600 GM. These characteristics in combination with strong red
      emission (665 nm) make these new pi-expanded diketopyrrolopyrroles of major
      promise as two-photon dyes for bioimaging applications. Finally, the
      corresponding N-alkylated DPPs displayed a solid-state fluorescence. 

PMID- 25125044
TI  - An enhanced photocatalytic response of nanometric TiO2 wrapping of Au
      nanoparticles for eco-friendly water applications.
AB  - We propose a ground-breaking approach by an upside-down vision of the Au/TiO2
      nano-system in order to obtain an enhanced photocatalytic response. The system
      was synthesized by wrapping Au nanoparticles (~8 nm mean diameter) with a thin
      layer of TiO2 (~4 nm thick). The novel idea of embedding Au nanoparticles with
      titanium dioxide takes advantage of the presence of metal nanoparticles, in terms
      of electron trapping, without losing any of the TiO2 exposed surface, so as to
      favor the photocatalytic performance of titanium dioxide. A complete structural
      characterization was made by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron
      microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The remarkable photocatalytic performance
      together with the stability of the nano-system was demonstrated by degradation of
      the methylene blue dye in water. The non-toxicity of the nano-system was
      established by testing the effect of the material on the reproductive cycle of
      Mytilus galloprovincialis in an aquatic environment. The originally synthesized
      material was also compared to conventional TiO2 with Au nanoparticles on top. The
      latter system showed a dispersion of Au nanoparticles in the liquid environment,
      due to their instability in the aqueous solution that clearly represents an
      environmental contamination issue. Thus, the results show that nanometric TiO2
      wrapping of Au nanoparticles has great potential in eco-friendly water/wastewater
      purification. 

PMID- 25125045
TI  - In vitro assessment of the direct effect of laquinimod on basic functions of
      human neural stem cells and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells.
AB  - Laquinimod is an orally active immunomodulatory small molecule that has shown
      clear clinical benefit in trials for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and
      in experimental rodent models that emulate multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies in
      healthy mice, and in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, have
      demonstrated that laquinimod is capable of entering the central nervous system.
      It is therefore important to determine if laquinimod is capable of a direct
      influence on basic functions of neural stem cells (NSC) or oligodendrocyte
      progenitor cells (OPC)--cells critical for myelin repair in MS. In order to
      address this question, a series of experiments was conducted to determine the
      effect of exogenous laquinimod on viability, proliferation, migration and
      differentiation of human NSC and OPC in vitro. These data show, for the first
      time in cells of human origin, that direct, short-term interaction between
      laquinimod and NSC or OPC, in an isolated in vitro setting, is not detrimental to
      the basic cellular function of these cells.

PMID- 25125046
TI  - Longitudinally extensive optic neuritis in neuromyelitis optica spectrum
      disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuomyelitis optica, sarcoid, and multiple sclerosis can all cause
      optic neuritis. Further means of distinguishing the causes of optic neuritis
      among these etiologies would be valuable for the clinician. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective, cohort study from a single university based hospital and neuro
      ophthalmology clinic. Blinded interpretation of orbit MRIs was performed on
      patients with acute optic neuritis from multiple sclerosis (n=25), sarcoid (n=5)
      and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (n=6). RESULTS: A length of >40 mm
      anterior visual pathway enhancement distinguished neuromyelitis optica spectrum
      disorder from multiple sclerosis (p=0.0376). No statistically significant
      differences were found for presence of pain or papillitis, however there was a
      trend for bilateral involvement and chiasmal involvement in neuromyelitis optica
      spectrum disorder compared to multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: In acute optic
      neuritis, enhancing anterior visual pathway lesion length >40 mm helps
      differentiate neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder from multiple sclerosis.
      This degree of involvement can be considered longitudinally extensive optic
      neuritis. Further characterization is necessary as this degree of enhancement
      occurs in other clinical syndromes besides neuromyelitis optica.

PMID- 25125047
TI  - Does early verbal fluency decline after STN implantation predict long-term
      cognitive outcome after STN-DBS in Parkinson's disease?
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: An early and transient verbal fluency (VF) decline and impairment in
      frontal executive function, suggesting a cognitive microlesion effect may
      influence the cognitive repercussions related to subthalamic nucleus deep brain
      stimulation (STN-DBS). METHODS: Neuropsychological tests including semantic and
      phonemic verbal fluency were administered both before surgery (baseline), the
      third day after surgery (T3), at six months (T180), and at an endpoint multiple
      years after surgery (Tyears). RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (mean age, 63.5 +/-
      9.5 years; mean disease duration, 12 +/- 5.8 years) were included. Both semantic
      and phonemic VF decreased significantly in the acute post-operative period (44.4
      +/- 28.2% and 34.3 +/- 33.4%, respectively) and remained low at 6 months compared
      to pre-operative levels (decrease of 3.4 +/- 47.8% and 10.8 +/- 32.1%) (P <
      0.05). Regression analysis showed phonemic VF to be an independent factor of
      decreased phonemic VF at six months. Age was the only independent predictive
      factor for incident Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) (F (4,19)=3.4, P<0.03).
      CONCLUSION: An acute post-operative decline in phonemic VF can be predictive of a
      long-term phonemic VF deficit. The severity of this cognitive lesion effect does
      not predict the development of dementia which appears to be disease-related.

PMID- 25125048
TI  - Meta-analysis of the association between two neprilysin gene polymorphisms and
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between two
      neprilysin variants (rs989692 and rs3736187) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      METHODS: All eligible studies were searched in PubMed and Embase from inception
      to July 2014. Data was extracted by two investigators independently. The complete
      overdominant model (CC+TT vs. CT) and co-dominant model (GG vs. AA and GA vs. AA)
      were used for rs989692 and rs3736187, respectively. A comparison of allele
      frequencies was also conducted. RESULTS: Six studies containing 2555 AD patients
      and 1914 controls were included for rs989692 polymorphisms. The pooled odds ratio
      (OR) and confidence interval (CI) suggested that rs989692 polymorphisms were not
      associated with AD based on the current published studies (C vs. T, OR = 1.01,
      95% CI = 0.85-1.19; CC+TT vs. CT, OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.78-1.01). Five studies
      containing 2438 AD patients and 1452 controls were identified for rs3736187
      polymorphisms (G vs. A, OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.66-0.91; GG vs. AA, OR = 0.38, 95%
      CI = 0.19-0.77; GA vs. AA, OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.61-0.99). The result showed that
      rs3736187 polymorphisms were likely associated with the decreased risk of AD.
      CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicates that rs3736187 (A/G) polymorphisms may
      be a potential beneficial single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), which are
      associated with a decreased risk in AD. Further larger scale studies are
      necessary to validate gene-to-gene interactions and to define the association of
      neprilysin polymorphisms with AD.

PMID- 25125049
TI  - Expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 in cerebrospinal fluid after
      subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: IL-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine reported to play an important role
      in the induction of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
      Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is known to act as an inhibitor of
      signal transduction of IL-6. However, there have been no reports on the
      expression of SOCS3 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after SAH. FINDINGS: The
      concentration of IL-6 was measured serially up until day 10, in CSF of eight
      patients with SAH. CSF samples obtained from patients suffering from an
      unruptured aneurysm were used as controls. The expression of SOCS3 in CSF was
      further examined by immunoprecipitation methods. Concentrations of IL-6 in CSF
      increased immediately after the onset of SAH and remained chronically elevated
      over control values. SOCS3 was significantly expressed in CSF on days 1 to 3
      after SAH. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SOCS3 regulates IL-6 signaling
      as an antagonist in CSF, immediately following SAH. As the expression of SOCS3
      decreases after day 5, IL-6 signals might then be more easily transmitted,
      presumably resulting in cerebral vasospasm.

PMID- 25125051
TI  - Apixaban versus enoxaparin in elective major orthopedic surgery: a clinical
      review.
AB  - Despite current guidelines recommendations about anticoagulant prophylaxis, many
      studies have shown an high venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence in patients
      undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty. A number of anticoagulants are
      currently available, but they have some limitations that affect their
      applicability and consequently their effectiveness. Several new oral
      anticoagulants (NOACs) have been developed in an attempt to overcome these
      limitations. Apixaban is a NOAC that selectively inhibits the coagulation factor
      Xa; it is approved for the prevention of VTE after total hip replacement and
      total knee replacement surgery. This review examines the results of main trials
      designed to test efficacy and safety of apixaban in major elective orthopedic
      surgery. 

PMID- 25125050
TI  - Amyloid-beta(1-42) protofibrils stimulate a quantum of secreted IL-1beta despite
      significant intracellular IL-1beta accumulation in microglia.
AB  - Neuroinflammation is a characteristic feature of the Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      brain. Significant inflammatory markers such as activated microglia and cytokines
      can be found surrounding the extracellular senile plaques predominantly composed
      of amyloid-beta protein (Abeta). Several innate immune pathways, including Toll
      like receptors (TLRs) and the NLRP3 inflammasome, have been implicated in AD
      inflammation. Abeta plays a primary role in activating these pathways which
      likely contributes to the progressive neurodegeneration in AD. In order to better
      understand the complexities of this interaction we investigated the inflammatory
      response of primary microglia to Abeta(1-42) protofibrils. Abeta(1-42)
      protofibrils triggered a time- and MyD88-dependent process that produced tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) mRNA, and
      intracellular pro and mature forms of IL-1beta protein. The accumulation of both
      IL-1beta forms indicated that Abeta(1-42) protofibrils were able to prime and
      activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. Surprisingly, Abeta-induced accumulation of
      intracellular mature IL-1beta did not translate into greater IL-1beta secretion.
      Instead, we found that Abeta elicited a quantized burst of secreted IL-1beta and
      this process occurred even prior to Abeta priming of the microglia suggesting a
      basal level of either pro or mature IL-1beta in the cultured primary microglia.
      The IL-1beta secretion burst was rapid but not sustained, yet could be re-evoked
      with additional Abeta stimulation. The findings from this study demonstrated
      multiple sites of IL-1beta regulation by Abeta(1-42) protofibrils including
      TLR/MyD88-mediated priming, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and modulation of the
      IL-1beta secretory process. These results underscore the wide-ranging effects of
      Abeta on the innate immune response. 

PMID- 25125052
TI  - [Magnesium, diabetes and metabolic syndrome].

PMID- 25125053
TI  - [Reduction of omalgia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: clinical randomized trial
      ketorolac vs ketorolac and acetazolamide].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy cholecystectomy for the surgical treatment of
      cholelithiasis has been considered the gold standard. The referred pain to the
      shoulder (omalgia) may be present to 63% of the patients and limits outpatient
      management. OBJECTIVE: The study was to evaluate the usefulness of acetazolamide
      associated with ketorolac for reduction of the omalgia to minimally invasive
      treatment. METHODS: We performed a clinical trial, randomized, double blind in
      patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy to assess the reduction of post
      operative omalgia comparing ketorolac and ketorolaco+acetazolamida. 31 patients
      in each group were studied. The study group: 250 mg of acetazolamide before
      anesthetic induction and 30 mg of ketorolac in the immediate postoperative
      period. CONTROL GROUP: one tablet of placebo prior to the anesthetic induction
      and 30 mg of ketorolac in the immediate postoperative. The presence of omalgia
      was assessed using the analog visual scale. The variables recorded included: age,
      sex, flow of carbon dioxide intra-abdominal pressure, surgical time, urgent or
      elective surgery, omalgia, severity of pain evaluated by analog visual scale,
      addition analgesia. RESULTS: Both groups were homogeneous and statistical
      analysis showed no differences in the variables studied. The omalgia in the study
      group was presented at 9.67% and in the group control was the 58.06% (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: 250 mg oral acetazolamide associated 30 mg of ketorolac reduces
      significantly the development of omalgia in patients undergoing laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy.

PMID- 25125054
TI  - [Bile duct lesions repaired with peritoneal tube grafts].
AB  - BACKGROUND: A significant number of people suffer iatrogenic bile duct injury
      during laparoscopic cholescystectomy. Biliary-digestive bypass may be complicated
      by stenosis and biliary sepsis, affecting both quality of life and life
      expectancy. To avoid bypass synthetic grafts have been used, which are expensive.
      OBJECTIVE: Evaluating autologous implantation of peritoneus as alternative of
      bile duct repair. METHODS: Under general anesthesia, ten New Zealand adult
      rabbits were operated, common bile duct approached and sectioned underneath the
      cystic duct followed by a liver biopsy. An autologous graft was built of
      peritoneum and graft-bile duct proximal and distal end-to-end anastomosis done.
      Animals were followed-up by weekly bilirrubin and transferases. Rabbits were
      scheduled euthanized and a liver biopsy done for histological examinations.
      RESULTS: Autologous graft was easy to create and all rabbits survived. They did
      not develop jaundice or alterations in their normal habits. At necropsy,
      autologous grafts were removed and no signs of occlusion were noticed. Moderate
      short-term liver damage was observed but long-term damage was negligible. Bileoma
      and pyogenic liver abscess were observed in two animals, respectively.
      DISCUSSION: Our results favourably match well-known procedures used for bile duct
      repair, especially in cases of severe injury (Bismuth-Strasberg E1-3): it seems
      less complicated than biliary-digestive bypass, not as expensive as synthetic
      grafts, and much easier to build than human amnion graft. CONCLUSION: Interposing
      an autologous graft of peritoneum is an easy-to-create surgical procedure and
      circumferential bile duct injuries were adequately repaired.

PMID- 25125055
TI  - [Analgesic efficacy of the incisional infiltration of ropivacaine vs ropivacaine
      with dexamethasone in the elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Incisional pain is the main obstacle for elective laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy as an outpatient. We evaluated the analgesic efficacy of local
      infiltration of ropivacaine with dexamethasone (Rop/Dx), compared with
      ropivacaine (Rop) alone, during the first 24 hours postoperative of this surgery.
      Our hypothesis is that incisional pain intensity will be lower in patients of the
      group Rop/Dx. METHODS: In a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial clinical,
      80 patients were divided into two groups. Group Rop (n= 40) received pre and post
      incisional infiltration with 150 mg of ropivacaine in 8 mL of 0.9% saline, while
      group Rop/Dx (n= 40) received 150 mg of ropivacaine with 8 mg of dexamethasone in
      6 mL of 0.9% saline. The intensity of pain at rest and movement was assessed at
      2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively by a numerical rating scale of 11
      points. RESULTS: Incisional pain scores in group Rop/Dx were significantly lower,
      compared to the group Rop, at 12 hours (p= 0.05) and 24 hours (p= 0.01) at rest
      and at 12 hours (p= 0.04) and 24 hours (p= 0.01) during movement postoperatively.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found initial evidence that ropivacaine with dexamethasone for
      local infiltration decreased incisional pain intensity after 12 hours post
      elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a good safety profile.

PMID- 25125056
TI  - [Risk factors and evolution of enterocutaneous fistula after terminal ostomy
      takedown].
AB  - BACKGROUND: End-ileostomy or colostomies are constructed for source control in
      patients with severe abdominal sepsis. After takedown, enterocutaneous fistula
      represents one of the most feared complications. METHODS: A prospective base was
      created with all patients that underwent, during a 90 month period, end-ileostomy
      or colostomy takedown after abdominal sepsis. Pre-, intra- and postoperative data
      were obtained to identify the factors related to enterocutaneous fistula.
      RESULTS: There were 293 patients. Thirty patients (10%) developed enterocutaneous
      fistulas. In twenty-four patients the site was at the anastomosis. Identified
      risk factors related to enterocutaneous fistula were ASA score III or higher (p<
      0.01), ostomy takedown >365 days after its creation (p< 0.05), reoperation (p<
      0.001) and anastomotic dehiscence (p< 0.001). Of these patients, twenty (67%) had
      spontaneous closure of the fistula, and three more (10%) had surgical closure,
      and three patients (10%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Ten percent of patients develop
      enterocutaneous fistula after end-ileostomy or colostomy takedown. Patient
      selection and delaying time of surgery to obtain complete recovery of the patient
      are the most important factors to avoid this complication. Prognosis is related
      to the characteristics of the fistula (output and site) and medical treatment.

PMID- 25125057
TI  - [Financial expenses incurred by herniated disk in health professionals].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term sick leave by illeness is cause of financial expences and
      worker's loss of productivity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the financial expense
      incurred by spinal disk herniation in health professionals. METHODS: 3000 health
      professionals of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social work in Tecate, Tijuana
      and Rosarito, cities of Baja California, Mexico. During 2009-2011, 1070 health
      professionals had long sick leave certificates and 48 had a cervical or lumbar
      disk herniation. We evaluated the total days of absenteeism in comparison with
      the absenteeism days suggested by the Medical Disability Advisor. RESULTS: Of the
      48 spinal herniated disks, 54% were cervical and 65% had surgical management. The
      mean (+/- SD) days of absence was 125 +/- 84 and 24 (50%) of the spinal herniated
      disks exceeded the Medical Disability Advisor disability duration parameters, in
      6 (26%), 12 (52%), and 5 (22%) patients due to no diagnostic concordance,
      diagnosis delay and residual pain, respectively. The total cost of the spinal
      herniated disks that extended outside of the Medical Disability Advisor
      disability duration parameters was 683,026 pesos versus 367,081 pesos of the
      spinal herniated disks that did not exceed the Medical Disability Advisor
      disability duration parameters. After 12 months of follow-up, 9 (18.8%) continue
      with sick leave and 2 (4%) had permanent disability. CONCLUSIONS: In patients
      with a spinal herniated disk, the costs of subsidies were two-fold more due
      principally to a not diagnostic agreement.

PMID- 25125058
TI  - [Temporary disability in operated spine patients. Preliminary report].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The spinal injuries in workers have become a large scale health
      problem. The purpose of this study is to review the differences in the spine
      pathologies from incapacity to work, as well as factors that could alter the
      recovery time and the possibility of returning the patient to work. METHODS:
      Statistical preliminary review study in 37 patients enrolled in the Instituto
      Mexicano del Seguro Social, workers, undertaken to spinal pathology surgery,
      comparing days of incapacity with proposed internationally, as well as his return
      to work. RESULTS: The results show that 37% of the patients studied are still
      active in the social security, 2 years after surgery. The days of disability
      generated by the pathology in this study group (212.3 days) are significantly
      higher than what is set on the Medical Disability Advisor (56 days, almost 4
      times more). CONCLUSION: The study shows the need to develop the same analysis in
      other hospitals, comparing the proportion of cases that return to the work and
      total disability times for diagnostics.

PMID- 25125059
TI  - [New technologies in minimally invasive surgery training: what do surgeons
      demand?].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery might greatly benefit from the Information
      and Communications Technologies. The objective of this work is to determine the
      better approach to include those technologies, in particular an e-Learning
      platform, into an in-person training course. METHODS: An online survey was sent
      to all participants in any of the laparoscopic training courses at Jesus Uson
      Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre. This survey included questions regarding new
      technologies used for training. Once all data were gathered, a descriptive
      analysis was performed. RESULTS: 382 questionnaires were sent of which 102 were
      correctly received back. This means a response rate equal to 30%. Current
      theoretical training means are watching surgical videos (85-83.3%) and assisting
      to in-person training courses (77-75.5%). Participants rated as useful the use of
      new technologies for training (4.1 +/- 0.9) and they would mainly use it both
      before and after assisting to an in-person training course (80-78.4%).
      CONCLUSIONS: It is proposed a methodology that provides participants with
      didactic resources based on surgical videos, both before and after assisting to
      an in-person training course. Through the application of this methodology, an
      improvement and reduction of the time that surgeons expend in training is aimed.

PMID- 25125060
TI  - [Pyramid training model in laparoscopic surgery].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery implementation requires a regulated and
      orderly learning process. METHODS: Jesus Uson Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre
      promotes a pyramid training model structured into four levels: training of basic
      and advanced skills in physical simulator (level 1), training of anatomical
      protocols and advanced skills with animal models (level 2) training advanced
      procedural skills with tele-surgical applications (level 3), and training in the
      operating room (level 4). Training provided at levels 1 and 2 is described and
      evaluated. RESULTS: 4284 participants have been trained in laparoscopy at our
      institution. 95.5% surgeons: 49% gastroenterologists, 30% urologists, and 14%
      gynecologist (14%). 77% of celebrated courses consisted of 20 hours training (8
      at level 1 and 12 at level 2). 94.37% of participants considered pyramid model as
      highly suitable, scoring 9.5 on a scale 1-10 for the model and for the simulation
      quality. 82.7% perceived the improvement in their laparoscopic skills and 99.56%
      recommend this training program to other surgeons. DISCUSSION: There are no
      unified criteria between different training programs but most of them measure
      laparoscopic skills based on time of execution, quality or mistakes of the
      exercise, and the student satisfaction test. CONCLUSION: The pyramid training
      model lead to the acquisition of necessary laparoscopic skills to perform safely
      advanced minimally invasive techniques.

PMID- 25125061
TI  - [Intracranial tumor behavior of plasma cell neoplasms. Report of 2 cases and
      literature review].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma is a plasmatic cell neoplasm that is characterized
      by skeletal destruction, renal failure, anemia and hypercalcemia. The skull
      plasmacytomas represent less than 1% of the head and neck tumors, they can be the
      primary lesion or occur as a secondary manifestation of multiple myeloma in 20
      30% of the patients, or they can even manifest several years later after the
      diagnosis of plasmacytoma. Although some of the lesions may be surgically
      accessible, the aggressive natural behavior will complicate the evolution of the
      patients. We present two cases of Mexican women with intracranial plasmacytomas,
      one of them associated with multiple myeloma. CLINICAL CASES: The first case was
      a 24 year-old woman diagnosed with a multiple myeloma with plasmacytic
      plasmablastic bone infiltration that was removed in 90%. She presented a local
      recurrence that required a second intervention for removal. The second case was a
      62 year-old female with a malignant intracranial tumor of plasma cells that was
      totally resected. Both patients received adjuvant treatment based on chemotherapy
      and radiation therapy with favorable results. The patients died at 5 and 1.5
      years respectively due to renal failure secondary to systemic disease.
      CONCLUSIONS: We propose chemotherapy and radiation therapy as an essential part
      of treatment for this condition, as the aggressive behavior of the neoplasms can
      complicate the evolution, despite being surgically accessible.

PMID- 25125062
TI  - [Adnexal neoplasms in the context of skin cancer: trichilemmal carcinoma. Apropos
      of a case].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The trichilemmal carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm, whose origin
      lies in the annexes of the skin, because of its low prevalence often confused
      with other dermal tumors, the differential diagnosis is not easy and is usually
      made by exclusion; in theory, its behavior is slow with little tendency to send
      both regional lymph node metastasis and systemic. Due to the limited number of
      cases there is no consensus on the prognosis, although it is generally considered
      good. The aim of this report is to show a case that, contrary to previous
      reports, the clinical presentation is aggressive with large soft tissue tumor
      infiltration around the site of origin in a patient without risk factors for skin
      cancer. CLINICAL CASE: Male patient, 65 years old with cytologic diagnosis of
      carcinoma in a preprarotideal facial tumor, characteristics at diagnosis were
      infiltration of the facial skin, ear, and parotid gland. Complete block resection
      was performed, radical parotiroidectomy and radical neck dissection; the soft
      tissue defect was covered with a pediculated flap. The evolution was satisfactory
      it follow-up short though. We evaluated the experience in the literature
      regarding the prognosis and treatment of these patients. CONCLUSION: Trichilemmal
      carcinoma can be fully invasive behavior prognosis is difficult to know and
      probably depends on the clinical stage at diagnosis.

PMID- 25125063
TI  - [Acute pancreatitis and afferent loop syndrome. Case report].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The afferent syndrome loop is a mechanic obstruction of the afferent
      limb before a Billroth II or Roux-Y reconstruction, secondary in most of case to
      distal or subtotal gastrectomy. Clinical case: Male 76 years old, with antecedent
      of cholecystectomy, gastric adenocarcinoma six years ago, with subtotal
      gastrectomy and Roux-Y reconstruction. Beginning a several abdominal pain, nausea
      and vomiting, abdominal distension, without peritoneal irritation sings. Amylase
      1246 U/L, lipase 3381 U/L. Computed Tomography with thickness wall and dilatation
      of afferent loop, pancreas with diffuse enlargement diagnostic of acute
      pancreatitis secondary an afferent loop syndrome. CONCLUSION: The afferent loop
      syndrome is presented in 0.3%-1% in all cases with Billroth II reconstruction,
      with a mortality of up to 57%, the obstruction lead accumulation of bile,
      pancreatic and intestinal secretions, increasing the pressure and resulting in
      afferent limb, bile conduct and Wirsung conduct dilatation, triggering an
      inflammatory response that culminates in pancreatic inflammation. The severity of
      the presentation is related to the degree and duration of the blockage.

PMID- 25125064
TI  - [Sigmoid diverticulitis in adolescent. Case report].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few cases have been reported in children and adolescents of sigmoid
      diverticulitis. Most of the case reports in medical literature are associated
      with true congenital diverticula and genetic diseases of collagen synthesis.
      CLINICAL CASE: 13 year-old female who was admitted to General and Endoscopic
      Surgery service with diagnosis of complicated appendicitis. Laparotomy was
      performed finding complicated sigmoid diverticular disease. Lavage, sigmoidectomy
      and primary anastomosis were performed. The histopathological findings reported a
      perforated pseudo-diverticulum of the sigmoid colon with peritonitis. The patient
      was discharged 72 hours after surgery and no complications were reported.
      CONCLUSION: There are only case reports about colonic diverticulitis in children
      and adolescents, and its etiology has not yet been well established. This patient
      had sigmoid pseudo-diverticula and did not present genetic concomitant disease.
      This case is an exception to data reported on literature about diverticular
      disease in this population.

PMID- 25125065
TI  - [Experience in kidney transplantation without blood transfusion: kidney
      transplantation transfusion-free in Jehovah's Witnesses. First communication in
      Mexico].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Jehovah's Witness refuse blood transfusion, but they accept organ
      transplantation, albumin, immunoglobulin, vaccines and clotting factors. CLINICAL
      CASES: We present 3 kidney transplants in Jehovah's Witness patients (two male
      and one female) without blood transfusion, with a mean age of 31.33 years and a
      mean body mass index of 20.99 kg/m(2). All patients underwent pretransplant
      peritoneal dialysis for an average of 52.3 months. Two transplants came from
      living donors and one from a deceased donor with a cold ischemia of 23 hours. The
      donors were two females and one male, with a mean age of 34.33 years. All
      patients received pretransplant erythropoietin and iron dextran and an
      intraoperative cell saver was used. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells and
      serum creatinine levels, as well as the glomerular filtration at 24 months
      postransplant were stable. All patients received induction with basiliximab and
      initial immunosuppression with calcineurin inhibitors. One of the patients had a
      perirenal hematoma as a complication, which required a surgery 20 days post
      transplant. At 5, 26 and 36 months postransplant the three patients are alive and
      with functional grafts. CONCLUSION: It is possible to perform kidney
      transplantation without transfusion in Jehovah's Witness, obtaining an acceptable
      global survival without acute rejection.

PMID- 25125066
TI  - [Vascular injury as a complication of knee arthroscopic surgery. Report of two
      cases and review of the literature].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arthroscopy of the knee is a surgical performed world-wide considered
      extremely safe, rates of complication ranging from 0.56 to 8.2%. Vascular
      complications are even more rare (0.0032%), and generally related to the
      popliteal artery injury. CLINICAL CASE: We are reporting the cases of two
      patients who had unsuspected vascular complications after arthroscopy. Both cases
      presented vascular injuries after elective knee arthroscopy. First case was a
      patient with thrombosed pseudoaneurysm in the popliteal artery and total section
      of the popliteal vein, unfortunately the diagnosis was done 72 hrs after knee
      arthroscopy and finally required amputation, the 2nd case presented popliteal
      arteriovenous fistula, the diagnosis was done 3 weeks after knee arthroscopy, the
      patient was successfully treated by resection of the fistula and direct repair of
      the artery and vein. CONCLUSIONS: Although extremely infrequent, the vascular
      injury after knee arthroscopy should be remembered as a surgical complication, a
      low index of suspicion may have caused an unfortunate and untimely delay in
      diagnosis and treatment with potential risk of leg amputation and death.

PMID- 25125067
TI  - [Caloric restriction: about its positive metabolic effects and cellular impact].
AB  - Caloric restriction, as a 30 to 60% decrease of ad libitum balanced caloric
      intake, without malnutrition, is the non-genetic strategy that has consistently
      extended the average and maximum lifespan of most living beings, and it has been
      tested from unicellular organisms like yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Rhesus
      primates. In addition, various genetic and pharmacological caloric restriction
      models have shown to protect against cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative
      diseases. Primate studies suggest that this intervention delays the onset of age
      related diseases; in humans, it has physiological, biochemical and metabolic
      effects decreasing diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factor. Although
      currently the mechanism by which caloric restriction has its positive effects at
      the cellular level is unknown, it has been reported to decrease oxidative stress
      and increase in mitochondrial biogenesis.

PMID- 25125069
TI  - Follicular lymphoma of the ocular adnexal region: a nation-based study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize the clinicopathological features of follicular lymphoma
      of the ocular adnexal region. METHODS: Retrospective nation-based study of Danish
      patients with ocular adnexal follicular lymphoma from January 1st 1980 through
      December 31st 2009. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with ocular adnexal follicular
      lymphoma were identified. Fourteen (58%) of the patients were females. The median
      age was 63 years (range: 42-96 years). Eleven (46%) of the patients had primary
      ocular adnexal lymphoma, seven (29%) had an ocular adnexal lesion in conjunction
      with a concurrent systemic lymphoma and six patients (25%) presented with an
      ocular adnexal relapse. The most frequently affected sites were the lacrimal
      gland (38%) and the orbit (33%). Thirteen patients (54%) presented with Ann Arbor
      stage IE lymphoma, four (17%) had stage IIE, two patients (8%) stage IIIE, and
      five patients (21%) had stage IV lymphoma. Radiotherapy was primarily used in
      patients with primary lymphoma and those with a stage IE/IIE relapse (82%), while
      stage IIIE/IV lymphomas most frequently received alkylating chemotherapy (67%).
      Complete remission was observed in 19 of the patients (79%), but of these 11(58%)
      had a relapse. The 10-year overall survival for the entire cohort was 59%. The
      translocation t(14;18) was detected in 16 patients (16/24, 76%). Recurrence was
      only observed in patients with the t(14;18) (p=0.05, log-rank). CONCLUSIONS:
      Ocular adnexal follicular lymphoma is more commonly found in elderly female
      patients. The lacrimal gland is relatively frequently involved. Radiotherapy is
      the treatment of choice for localized ocular adnexal follicular lymphoma
      providing a favourable prognosis for majority of patients.

PMID- 25125068
TI  - Internet-mediated physiotherapy and pain coping skills training for people with
      persistent knee pain (IMPACT - knee pain): a randomised controlled trial
      protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Persistent knee pain in people over 50 years of age is often
      attributable to knee osteoarthritis (OA), a common joint condition that causes
      physical and psychological dysfunction. Exercise and pain coping skills training
      (PCST) can help reduce the impact of persistent knee pain, however, access to
      health professionals who deliver these services can be challenging. With
      increasing access to the Internet, remotely delivered Internet-based treatment
      approaches may provide alternatives for healthcare delivery. This pragmatic
      randomised controlled trial will investigate whether an Internet-delivered
      intervention that combines PCST and physiotherapist-guided exercise (PCST + Ex)
      is more effective than online educational material (educational control) in
      people with persistent knee pain. METHODS/DESIGN: We will recruit 148 people over
      50 years of age with self-reported persistent knee pain consistent with knee OA
      from the Australian community. Following completion of baseline questionnaires,
      participants will be randomly allocated to access a 3-month intervention of
      either (i) online educational material, or (ii) the same online material plus an
      8-module (once per week) Internet-based PCST program and seven Internet-delivered
      physiotherapy sessions with a home exercise programs to be performed 3 times per
      week. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 3 months and 9 months with the
      primary time point at 3 months. Primary outcomes are average knee pain on walking
      (11-point numeric rating scale) and self-reported physical function (Western
      Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index subscale). Secondary
      outcomes include additional measures of knee pain, health-related quality-of
      life, perceived global change in symptoms, and potential moderators and mediators
      of outcomes including self-efficacy for pain management and function, pain coping
      attempts and pain catastrophising. Other measures of adherence, adverse events,
      harms, use of health services/co-interventions, and process measures including
      appropriateness and satisfaction of the intervention, will be collected at 3, 6
      and 9 months. DISCUSSION: The findings will help determine the effectiveness and
      acceptability of Internet access to a combination of interventions that are known
      to be beneficial to people with persistent knee pain. This study has the
      potential to guide clinical practice towards innovative modes of healthcare
      provision. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry
      reference: ACTRN12614000243617.

PMID- 25125071
TI  - Posterior sclera reinforcement and phakic intraocular lens implantation for
      highly myopic amblyopia in children: a 3-year follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the safety and efficacy of posterior scleral reinforcement
      (PSR) combined with phakic intraocular lens (PIOLs) implantation for highly
      myopic amblyopia in children. METHODS: This study included eight highly myopic
      children (11 eyes) who failed in conventional therapy for amblyopia using various
      combination of spectacles, contact lenses, and intensive patching before
      enrollment into this study. They were treated sequentially with PSR and PIOL
      implantation, and were followed up for 3 years after surgery. Uncorrected visual
      acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in LogMAR, spherical
      equivalent power (SE), and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Before surgery,
      the mean UCVA was 1.59+/-0.33, BCVA, 0.74+/-0.37, SE, -17.57+/-5.56D, the axial
      length (AL), 30.09+/-2.18 mm. After PSR, BCVA improved one line in three
      patients, the rest were unchanged, and AL was unchanged among all cases. Six eyes
      of three patients were implanted with an iris-claw PIOL and five eyes of five
      patients were implanted with a posterior PIOL. After completion of treatment, the
      mean UCVA was 0.44+/-0.21, BCVA 0.38+/-0.24, SE -0.54+/-0.74 D, and AL 30.35+/
      2.29 mm. No patient experienced complications. CONCLUSION: Combined PSR and PIOL
      implantation treatment for highly myopic amblyopia in children is safe and
      effective.

PMID- 25125070
TI  - Prevalence of glaucoma in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep
      apnea: ocular morbidity and outcomes in a 3 year follow-up study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and progression
      of glaucoma in patients receiving treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We
      also investigated whether there is an association between severity of OSA and the
      incidence of glaucoma. METHODS: A total of 39 patients aged >30 years who had
      been diagnosed with moderate and severe OSA in the sleep clinic at Hamad General
      Hospital were assessed for the presence of glaucoma. The severity of OSA was
      graded as mild, moderate, or severe based on American Association of Sleep
      Medicine (AASM) criteria using the apnea hypopnea index. Before enrollment, all
      patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including serial visual
      field tests, optical coherence tomography (OCT) with fundus photographs, and
      pachymetry. Enrolled patients were followed up in the ophthalmology outpatient
      clinic and sleep clinic for a period of 3 years. RESULTS: Examinations found that
      8 (20.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.9-37%) of the 39 patients with OSA had
      glaucoma. Six (75%; 95% CI 36-96%) of these patients had normal-tension glaucoma
      (NTG) and two (25%; 95% CI 4.5-64.4%) patients had high-tension glaucoma. Among
      the 27 patients with severe OSA, 7 (25.9%; 95% CI 8-34%) had glaucoma, and among
      12 patients with moderate OSA, 1 (8.3%; 95% CI 0.1-15%) had glaucoma. During the
      course of follow-up, two patients who previously did not have glaucoma were
      reclassified as NTG and two patients with glaucoma deteriorated. A higher
      prevalence of glaucoma in the severe OSA group compared with the moderate OSA
      group was found, albeit a statistically significant difference could not be
      attained (P=0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that severe OSA is an important
      risk factor for developing glaucoma. Adequate treatment of OSA, along with
      optimal ophthalmic care, resulted in better control of glaucoma.

PMID- 25125073
TI  - Combinatorial gene therapy accelerates bone regeneration: non-viral dual delivery
      of VEGF and BMP2 in a collagen-nanohydroxyapatite scaffold.
AB  - Vascularization and bone repair are accelerated by a series of gene-activated
      scaffolds delivering both an angiogenic and an osteogenic gene. Stem cell
      mediated osteogenesis in vitro, in addition to increased vascularization and bone
      repair by host cells in vivo, is enhanced using all systems while the use of the
      nanohydroxyapatite vector to deliver both genes markedly enhances bone healing. 

PMID- 25125074
TI  - Johann Vesling (1598-1649): seventeenth century anatomist of Padua and his
      Syntagma Anatomicum.
AB  - Johann Vesling (1598-1649) was a German anatomist and surgeon who belonged to the
      golden period of the illustrious University of Padua. He made significant
      contributions to the advancement of anatomical knowledge during the 17th century
      and is remembered most for his remarkable anatomical work, the Syntagma
      Anatomicum, which was published in 1641. He was the first to describe the soleus
      muscle and to emphasize its resemblance to the sole fish. He produced the
      earliest illustrations of the human lymphatic system and was one of the first to
      document observations about the thoracic duct. He was also the first to report
      the bifurcation of the human hepatic portal vein on entering the fissure of the
      liver. His observations from embryological experiments were critical for
      understanding the development of the four-chambered heart. He was one of the
      first authors to state that four pulmonary veins empty into the left atrium of
      the heart. Syntagma Anatomicum (1641) was the most widely used anatomical text in
      Europe for almost a century and was republished a number of times with editions
      in Latin, German, Dutch, and English. Syntagma was the first illustrated western
      anatomical text to reach Japan and laid the foundation for the development of
      European medicine there. The illustrations used in it deviated from the artistic
      convention that had characterized anatomical figures from the time of Vesalius,
      and focused instead on representing anatomical details to make them helpful for
      medicine and surgery. Clin. Anat. 27:1122-1127, 2014. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc. 

PMID- 25125072
TI  - Optical quality of the diabetic eye: a review.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by the presence of
      chronic hyperglycaemia. Several structural, morphological, and physiological
      changes in each of ocular component have been described in detail during the past
      decades. Due to these abnormalities, the diabetic patient undergoes a degradation
      of the retinal image by an increase of higher ocular aberrations and ocular
      scattering coming from mainly tear film, cornea, and crystalline lens. This
      review aims to provide an overview of current knowledge about the effects of
      diabetes mellitus in these optical phenomena and its consequence on the visual
      quality of the diabetic patient.

PMID- 25125075
TI  - Prevalence of and risk factors for diabetic macular edema in the United States.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss in
      persons with diabetes mellitus. Although there are national estimates for the
      prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and its risk factors among persons with
      diabetes, to our knowledge, no comparable estimates are available for DME
      specifically. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of DME in the US population
      and to identify associated risk factors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A
      cross-sectional analysis of 1038 participants aged 40 years or older with
      diabetes and valid fundus photographs in the 2005 to 2008 National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The overall prevalence
      of DME and its prevalence according to age, race/ethnicity, and sex. RESULTS: Of
      the 1038 persons with diabetes analyzed for this study, 55 had DME, for an
      overall weighted prevalence of 3.8% (95% CI, 2.7%-4.9%) or approximately 746, 000
      persons in the US 2010 population aged 40 years or older. We identified no
      differences in the prevalence of DME by age or sex. Multivariable logistic
      regression analysis showed that the odds of having DME were higher for non
      Hispanic blacks than for non-Hispanic whites (odds ratio [OR], 2.64; 95% CI, 1.19
      5.84; P = .02). Elevated levels of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (OR, 1.47; 95% CI,
      1.26-1.71 for each 1%; P < .001) and longer duration of diabetes (OR, 8.51; 95%
      CI, 3.70-19.54 for >= 10 vs <10 years; P < .001) were also associated with DME
      prevalence. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These results suggest a greater burden of
      DME among non-Hispanic blacks, individuals with high levels of hemoglobin A1c,
      and those with longer duration of diabetes. Given recent treatment advances in
      reducing vision loss and preserving vision in persons with DME, it is imperative
      that all persons with diabetes receive early screening; this recommendation is
      even more important for those at higher risk for DME.

PMID- 25125076
TI  - Use of three-dimensional time-resolved phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging
      with vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction to assess renal
      blood flow in a renal cell carcinoma patient treated with sunitinib: a case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New imaging modalities to assess the efficacy of drugs that have
      molecular targets remain under development. Here, we describe for the first time
      the use of time-resolved three-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance
      imaging to monitor changes in blood supply to a tumor during sunitinib treatment
      in a patient with localized renal cell carcinoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year
      old Japanese woman with a tumor-bearing but functional single kidney presented at
      our hospital in July 2012. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
      revealed a cT1aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma embedded in the upper central region of
      the left kidney. She was prescribed sunitinib as neoadjuvant therapy for 8
      months, and then underwent partial nephrectomy. Tumor monitoring during this time
      was done using time-resolved three-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance
      imaging, a recent technique which specifically measures blood flow in the various
      vessels of the kidney. This imaging allowed visualization of the redistribution
      of renal blood flow during treatment, and showed that flow to the tumor was
      decreased and flows to other areas increased. Of note, this change occurred in
      the absence of any change in tumor size. CONCLUSION: The ability of time-resolved
      three-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging to provide
      quantitative information on blood supply to tumors may be useful in monitoring
      the efficacy of sunitinib treatment.

PMID- 25125077
TI  - Fibrosis stage is the strongest predictor for disease-specific mortality in NAFLD
      after up to 33 years of follow-up.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the
      Western world, strongly associated with insulin resistance and the metabolic
      syndrome. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, i.e., fatty liver accompanied by
      necroinflammatory changes, is mostly defined by the NAFLD activity score (NAS).
      The aim of the current study was to determine disease-specific mortality in
      NAFLD, and evaluate the NAS and fibrosis stage as prognostic markers for overall
      and disease-specific mortality. In a cohort study, data from 229 well
      characterized patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD were collected. Mean follow-up
      was 26.4 (+/-5.6, range 6-33) years. A reference population was obtained from the
      National Registry of Population, and information on time and cause of death were
      obtained from the Registry of Causes of Death. NAFLD patients had an increased
      mortality compared with the reference population (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29,
      confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.59, P = 0.020), with increased risk of
      cardiovascular disease (HR 1.55, CI 1.11-2.15, P = 0.01), hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HR 6.55, CI 2.14-20.03, P = 0.001), infectious disease (HR 2.71, CI
      1.02-7.26, P = 0.046), and cirrhosis (HR 3.2, CI 1.05-9.81, P = 0.041). Overall
      mortality was not increased in patients with NAS 5-8 and fibrosis stage 0-2 (HR
      1.41, CI 0.97-2.06, P = 0.07), whereas patients with fibrosis stage 3-4,
      irrespective of NAS, had increased mortality (HR 3.3, CI 2.27-4.76, P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: NAFLD patients have increased risk of death, with a high risk of
      death from cardiovascular disease and liver-related disease. The NAS was not able
      to predict overall mortality, whereas fibrosis stage predicted both overall and
      disease-specific mortality.

PMID- 25125078
TI  - PTEN regulates plasma membrane expression of glucose transporter 1 and glucose
      uptake in thyroid cancer cells.
AB  - Glucose represents an important source of energy for the cells. Proliferating
      cancer cells consume elevated quantity of glucose, which is converted into
      lactate regardless of the presence of oxygen. This phenomenon, known as the
      Warburg effect, has been proven to be useful for imaging metabolically active
      tumours in cancer patients by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission
      tomography (FDG-PET). Glucose is internalised in the cells by glucose
      transporters (GLUTs) belonging to the GLUT family. GLUT1 (SLC2A1) is the most
      prevalent isoform in more aggressive and less differentiated thyroid cancer
      histotypes. In a previous work, we found that loss of expression of PTEN was
      associated with increased expression of GLUT1 on the plasma membrane (PM) and
      probability of detecting thyroid incidentalomas by FDG-PET. Herein, we
      investigated the molecular pathways that govern the expression of GLUT1 on the PM
      and the glucose uptake in WRO (expressing WT PTEN) and FTC133 (PTEN null)
      follicular thyroid cancer cells cultured under glucose-depleted conditions. The
      membrane expression of GLUT1 was enhanced in glucose-deprived cells. Through
      genetic manipulations of PTEN expression, we could demonstrate that the lack of
      this oncosuppressor has a dominant effect on the membrane expression of GLUT1 and
      glucose uptake. We conclude that loss of function of PTEN increases the
      probability of cancer detection by FDG-PET or other glucose-based imaging
      diagnosis. 

PMID- 25125080
TI  - Recent advances in the discovery of N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors.
AB  - N-Myristoyltransferase (NMT) is a cytosolic monomeric enzyme present in
      eukaryotes such as fungi and protozoa, but is not found in prokaryotes. The
      attachment of a 14-carbon saturated fatty acid, myristate, from myristoyl-CoA
      (14:0 CoA) to the N-terminal glycine residue in a specific set of cellular
      proteins is commonly called protein N-myristoylation. The myristoylation reaction
      catalyzed by the enzyme myristoyl CoA:NMT is both necessary for the growth of
      various organisms and conclusive for cellular proliferation. Therefore, NMT has
      been identified as a novel and promising target for antifungal, antiparasitic,
      and anticancer agents, and a large number of potent NMT inhibitors with
      antifungal, antiparasitic, and anticancer activities have been reported. Herein
      we describe recent advances in the discovery of NMT inhibitors. We introduce not
      only the functions of NMT, but also some representative natural and synthetic
      inhibitors, with a focus on their biological activity, selectivity, and structure
      activity relationship (SAR) information. In particular, inspiration from NMT
      inhibitor structures and the future direction of these compounds are highlighted.

PMID- 25125081
TI  - Requests for dermatology specialist consultations show an inverse correlation
      with waiting time: an analysis of waiting time to access dermatology specialist
      health care in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy.

PMID- 25125079
TI  - Clopidogrel discontinuation within the first year after coronary drug-eluting
      stent implantation: an observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of adherence to the recommended duration of dual
      antiplatelet therapy after first generation drug-eluting stent implantation is
      difficult to assess in real-world settings and limited data are available.
      METHODS: We followed 4,154 patients treated with coronary drug-eluting stents in
      Western Denmark for 1 year and obtained data on redeemed clopidogrel
      prescriptions and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, i.e., cardiac death,
      myocardial infarction, or stent thrombosis) from medical databases. RESULTS:
      Discontinuation of clopidogrel within the first 3 months after stent implantation
      was associated with a significantly increased rate of MACE at 1-year follow-up
      (hazard ratio (HR) 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-3.93).
      Discontinuation 3-6 months (HR 1.29; 95% CI: 0.70-2.41) and 6-12 months (HR 1.29;
      95% CI: 0.54-3.07) after stent implantation were associated with smaller, not
      statistically significant, increases in MACE rates. Among patients who
      discontinued clopidogrel, MACE rates were highest within the first 2 months after
      discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuation of clopidogrel was associated with
      an increased rate of MACE among patients treated with drug-eluting stents. The
      increase was statistically significant within the first 3 months after drug
      eluting stent implantation but not after 3 to 12 months.

PMID- 25125084
TI  - Physiological flexibility in an avian range expansion.
AB  - The mechanisms that enable animals to colonize new areas are little known, but
      growing evidence indicates that the regulation of stress hormones is important.
      Stress hormones probably influence invasions because they enable organisms to
      adjust their phenotypes depending on environmental context. Often, studies of
      stress hormones are based on single or a few samples from individuals even though
      the flexibility in the regulation of such hormones is what enables them to
      achieve homeostasis and facilitate performance. Here, we asked whether
      flexibility in the regulation of one stress hormone, corticosterone, was related
      to colonization success in one of the world's most successful avian invaders, the
      house sparrow (Passer domesticus). We studied Kenyan house sparrows, as the
      species was recently introduced there (around 1950) and has since expanded
      northwestward. Previous work in this system revealed that younger populations
      released more corticosterone during a restraint stressor than older populations.
      Our first goal was to discern whether such population differences were fixed or
      flexible in adulthood; our second goal was to determine whether individual
      identity explained any variation in corticosterone regulation. As before, we
      found that corticosterone responses to short-term restraint (i.e., stress
      responses), but not baseline corticosterone, were larger in younger populations.
      We also found that both baseline and stress-induced corticosterone measures were
      flexible; both metrics became similar among sites after one week of captivity.
      For stress responses, we also found that individual identity was important.
      Altogether, the present data suggest that the colonization of Kenya by house
      sparrows might have been facilitated by stress hormone regulatory flexibility. 

PMID- 25125083
TI  - Neuroendocrine gene expression reveals a decrease in dopamine D2B receptor with
      no changes in GnRH system during prepubertal metamorphosis of silvering in wild
      Japanese eel.
AB  - Silvering is a prepubertal metamorphosis preparing the eel to the oceanic
      reproductive migration. A moderate gonad development occurs during this
      metamorphosis from the sedentary yellow stage to the migratory silver stage. The
      aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular aspects of various endocrine
      parameters of BPG axis at different ovarian developmental stages in wild yellow
      and silver female Japanese eels. The GSI of the sampled female eels ranged
      between 0.18 and 2.3%, corresponding to yellow, pre-silver and silver stages.
      Gonad histology showed changes from previtellogenic oocytes in yellow eels to
      early vitellogenic oocytes in silver eels. Both serum E2 and T concentrations
      significantly increased with ovarian development indicating a significant
      activation of steroidogenesis during silvering. In agreement with previous
      studies, significant increases in pituitary gonadotropin beta subunits FSH-beta
      and LH-beta transcripts were also measured by qPCR, supporting that the
      activation of pituitary gonadotropin expression is likely responsible for the
      significant ovarian development observed during silvering. We investigated for
      the first time the possible brain neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in the
      activation of the pituitary gonadotropic function during silvering. By analyzing
      the expression of genes representative of the stimulatory GnRH control and the
      inhibitory dopaminergic control. The transcript levels of mGnRH and the three
      GnRH receptors did not change in the brain and pituitary between yellow and
      silver stages, suggesting that gene expression of the GnRH system is not
      significantly activated during silvering. The brain transcript levels of tyrosine
      hydroxylase, limiting enzyme of DA synthesis did not change during silvering,
      indicating that the DA synthesis activity was maintained. In contrast, a
      significant decrease in DA-D2B receptor expression in the forebrain and pituitary
      was observed, with no changes in DA-D2A receptor. The decrease in the pituitary
      expression of DA-D2BR during silvering would allow a reduced inhibitory effect of
      DA. We may raise the hypothesis that this regulation of D2BR gene expression is
      one of the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in the slight activation of the
      pituitary gonadotropin and gonadal activity that occur at silvering. 

PMID- 25125085
TI  - Impact of platelet transfusion on toxicity and mortality after hematopoietic
      progenitor cell transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia occurs commonly after hematopoietic progenitor cell
      transplantation (HPCT) and is associated with potential morbidity and mortality.
      Few studies have examined the impact of platelet (PLT) transfusion on clinical
      outcomes in HPCT while optimal PLT transfusion strategies after HSCT remain
      uncertain. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study
      was conducted on 522 patients undergoing HPCT between January 2002 and December
      2007. Associations between PLT transfusion events and clinical characteristics
      with transplant-related outcomes were assessed using univariate and multivariate
      analysis. RESULTS: Mean number of PLT transfusion events before Day +60
      posttransplant was 7.5 (95% confidence interval, 6.7-8.4) with greater number of
      events after allogeneic compared with autologous HPCT (p < 0.01). Univariate and
      multivariate analysis confirmed that the number of PLT transfusion events was
      associated with increased 100-day nonrelapse mortality (p < 0.01), posttransplant
      length of hospital stay (p < 0.01), need for intensive care unit admission (p <
      0.01), and number of organs affected by severe toxicity (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION:
      HPCT-related toxicity and mortality are associated with increased PLT transfusion
      events. Alternative strategies to reduce PLT transfusions after HPCT may warrant
      future study.

PMID- 25125082
TI  - Metabolic stressors and signals differentially affect energy allocation between
      reproduction and immune function.
AB  - Most free-living animals have finite energy stores that they must allocate to
      different physiological and behavioral processes. In times of energetic stress,
      trade-offs in energy allocation among these processes may occur. The
      manifestation of trade-offs may depend on the source (e.g., glucose, lipids) and
      severity of energy limitation. In this study, we investigated energetic trade
      offs between the reproductive and immune systems by experimentally limiting
      energy availability to female Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) with 2-deoxy
      d-glucose, a compound that disrupts cellular utilization of glucose. We observed
      how glucoprivation at two levels of severity affected allocation to reproduction
      and immunity. Additionally, we treated a subset of these hamsters with leptin, an
      adipose hormone that provides a direct signal of available fat stores, in order
      to determine how increasing this signal of fat stores influences glucoprivation
      induced trade-offs. We observed trade-offs between the reproductive and immune
      systems and that these trade-offs depended on the severity of energy limitation
      and exogenous leptin signaling. The majority of the animals experiencing mild
      glucoprivation entered anestrus, whereas leptin treatment restored estrous
      cycling in these animals. Surprisingly, virtually all animals experiencing more
      severe glucoprivation maintained normal estrous cycling throughout the
      experiment; however, exogenous leptin resulted in lower antibody production in
      this group. These data suggest that variation in these trade-offs may be mediated
      by shifts between glucose and fatty acid utilization. Collectively, the results
      of the present study highlight the context-dependent nature of these trade-offs,
      as trade-offs induced by the same metabolic stressor can manifest differently
      depending on its intensity. 

PMID- 25125086
TI  - Manganese-mediated intermolecular arylation of H-phosphinates and related
      compounds.
AB  - The intermolecular radical functionalization of arenes with aryl and alkyl H
      phosphinate esters, as well as diphenylphosphine oxide and H-phosphonate
      diesters, is described. The novel catalytic Mn(II) /excess Mn(IV) system is a
      convenient and inexpensive solution to directly convert Csp2 ?H into C?P bonds.
      The reaction can be employed to functionalize P-stereogenic H-phosphinates since
      it is stereospecific. With monosubstituted aromatics, the selectivity for para
      substitution increases in the order (RO)2 P(O)H<R(1) P(O)(OR)H<Ph2 P(O)H, a trend
      that may be explained by steric effects. 

PMID- 25125088
TI  - [Correction of the broad nasal tip].
AB  - AIM OF STUDY: The multiple techniques, the accurate examination and the checking
      of the various anatomic components (skin, cartilage resistance) could explain the
      difficulty for the surgeon to choose a main line, achieving the purpose of
      perfect and permanent results. Facing this complexity, the goal of this study is
      to plan step by step, using a simple and original technique in order to correct a
      broad nose. METHODS: The modification of the nasal tip includes resection
      techniques, currently the most used, the cartilaginous reshaping with sutures or
      onlay grafts and more recently the reinforcement structures approach by inlay
      grafts. Basically, there are 3 important stages in the performing of a new nose
      tip: projection and rotation control of the tip, nasal base stability and
      reshaping of the tip. The author reports an original technique for the control of
      the tip projection and reshaping the middle crus with two cartilaginous grafts
      disposed on the external side of the medial crus. These two grafts permit both
      improving naturally the support of the tip and stabilizing the columella,
      avoiding the classical median columellar strut. RESULTS: Through a ten-year
      experience with 203 cases, every patient result was analyzed and criticized. All
      the cases were reviewed after 2 years at least, and the unwanted effects were
      noted. Nineteen patients have had a secondary rhinoplasty (11%), 4 for a revision
      tip surgery (2%). There is no respiratory dysfunction and more than 90% of
      patients are satisfied for their aesthetic result. We think that the main
      problems as resection techniques with skin or mucosa retraction, unpredictable
      long-term effect on the tip, unknown future of the grafts, especially onlay
      grafts responsible sometimes for unpleasant irregularities, could be minimized
      with this procedure. The more the nasal tip is stabilized, the more the results
      are better and longer lasting. CONCLUSION: The surgery of the nose tip is focused
      not only with shaping procedures of the middle or lateral crus. The technique
      reported is very simple and safety for the nasal tip surgery through a
      modification and/or a reinforcement of the initial structure, maximizing the
      contact between skin and anatomical component and economizing the interposition
      of a cartilage graft as far as possible. It is a new concept including respect of
      the anatomy, and stability, which are the best guarantee for a durable result.

PMID- 25125087
TI  - Primary care availability and emergency department use by older adults: a
      population-based analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between the number of primary care
      providers (PCPs) in an area and emergency department (ED) visits by older adults.
      DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Nonfederal
      EDs in North Carolina in 2010. PARTICIPANTS: All older adults (n = 640,086)
      presenting to a nonfederal ED in North Carolina in 2010. MEASUREMENTS: The
      primary outcome was the number of ED visits by older adults in each ZIP code per
      100 adults aged 65 and older living in that ZIP code. A secondary outcome was the
      number of ED visits not resulting in hospital admission per 100 older adults. The
      primary predictor variable was the number of PCPs per 100 older residents for
      each ZIP code. Covariates included those representing healthcare need (Medicare
      hospitalizations, nursing home beds), predisposing factors for healthcare use
      (race, education, population density of older adults), and enabling factors
      (distance to the nearest ED). RESULTS: In a multivariable regression model
      corrected for spatial clustering, ZIP code characteristics associated with ED
      visits included more hospitalizations by Medicare beneficiaries, more nursing
      home beds, and closer proximity to an ED. Number of PCPs per 100 older adult
      residents in each ZIP code was not associated with ED use, and the 95% confidence
      limit indicates at most a small effect of PCP availability on ED use. CONCLUSION:
      These findings suggest that primary care availability has at most a limited
      effect on ED use by older adults in North Carolina.

PMID- 25125089
TI  - The effects of genetic manipulation, dieldrin treatment and irradiation on the
      mating competitiveness of male Anopheles arabiensis in field cages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To enable the release of only sterile male Anopheles arabiensis
      mosquitoes for the sterile insect technique, the genetic background of a wild
      type strain was modified to create a genetic sexing strain ANO IPCL1 that was
      based on a dieldrin resistance mutation. Secondly, the eggs of ANO IPCL1 require
      treatment with dieldrin to allow complete elimination of female L1 larvae from
      the production line. Finally, male mosquito pupae need to be treated with an
      irradiation dose of 75 Gy for sterilization. The effects of these treatments on
      the competitiveness of male An. arabiensis were studied. METHODS: The
      competitiveness of ANO IPCL1 males that were treated either with irradiation or
      both dieldrin and irradiation, was compared with that of the wild-type strain
      (An. arabiensis Dongola) at a 1:1 ratio in 5.36 m3 semi-field cages located in a
      climate-controlled greenhouse. In addition, three irradiated: untreated male
      ratios were tested in semi-field cages (1:1, 5:1 and 10:1) and their competition
      for virgin wild-type females was assessed. RESULTS: The ANO IPCL1 males were
      equally competitive as the wild-type males in this semi-field setting. The ANO
      IPCL1 males irradiated at 75 Gy were approximately half as competitive as the
      unirradiated wild-type males. ANO IPCL1 males that had been treated with dieldrin
      as eggs, and irradiated with 75 Gy as pupae were slightly more competitive than
      males that were only irradiated. Ratios of 1:1, 5:1 and 10:1 irradiated ANO IPCL1
      males: untreated wild-type males resulted in 31, 66 and 81% induced sterility in
      the female cage population, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An irradiation dose of 75
      Gy reduced the competitiveness of male ANO IPCL1 significantly and will need to
      be compensated by releasing higher numbers of sterile males in the field.
      However, the dieldrin treatment used to eliminate females appears to have an
      unexpected radioprotectant effect, however the mechanism is not understood. A
      sterile to wild-type ratio of 10:1 effectively reduced the population's fertility
      under the experimental field cage conditions, but further studies in the field
      will be needed to confirm the efficiency of sterile ANO IPCL1 males when
      competing against wild males for wild females.

PMID- 25125090
TI  - Laparoscopic pretransplant nephrectomy with morcellation in autosomic-dominant
      polycystic kidney disease patients with end-stage renal disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) in end-stage autosomic-dominant
      polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) requires a large abdominal incision for the
      specimen extraction. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe our
      technique of LN for end-stage ADPKD followed by morcellation (LNM) of the
      specimen and extraction through a minimal abdominal incision. METHODS: The
      medical records of 19 consecutive patients who underwent pretransplant LNM
      between 2008 and 2011 by a single experienced laparoscopic surgeon were analyzed.
      Morcellation was performed with the Gynecare MorcellexTM Tissue morcellator,
      Ethicon. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: All cases but one were completed
      laparoscopically. Mean specimen weight was 1,026.8 g. Mean duration of the
      procedure, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay were 131.3 min, 52.1 ml, and
      7.9 days, respectively. Specimens were extracted through a 12-mm trocar in 10/18
      patients and through a 3-cm incision in 9/18 cases. Postoperatively, three
      complications were observed (Clavien grades II, I, and II). The only case of
      incisional hernia was observed in the converted procedure. Major limitation of
      the study is its retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: In our preliminary series and
      in the hands of a very experienced laparoscopist, LNM for ADPKD appears as a
      modern, mini-invasive, and safe technique. Specimen's extraction through a small
      abdominal incision reduces postoperative pain and incisional hernias and
      guarantees the final cosmetic result of laparoscopy. The reduced overall
      morbidity could reduce the period between nephrectomy and transplantation.

PMID- 25125091
TI  - Laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy for children with
      choledochal cysts in China: a multicenter study.
AB  - AIMS: Laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy (LH) for children with choledochal cyst
      (CDC) has become feasible and popular recently. The purpose of this study is to
      evaluate the safety and efficacy of LH for CDC in a large multicenter series.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of 956 consecutive patients who underwent
      LH for CDC at seven academic institutions from June 2001 to May 2012 were
      retrospectively analyzed. Ultrasonography, upper gastrointestinal contrast
      studies, and laboratory tests were performed during the follow-up period.
      RESULTS: A total of 956 patients of CDC treated with LH were identified and
      included in this study. Of these patients, there were no significant differences
      in age, gender ratio, and the subtypes of CDC among the seven centers. The
      operative time of all patients decreased significantly as time went by.
      Interestingly, the centers that began to perform LH earlier, like cohort A, B,
      and C, took much more time in the initial cases than the later centers. The
      postoperative complications included 12 (1.3 %) intra-abdominal fluid collection,
      6 (0.6 %) anastomotic stenosis, 14 (1.5 %) bile leak, 8 (0.8 %) Roux loop
      obstruction and 4 (0.4 %) gastrointestinal bleeding, and one case developed
      intrahepatic stone formation; two mortalities occurred; one died of hyperkalemia,
      and the other one died of postoperative bleeding. No other complication occurred
      during the mean follow-up of 5.7 years (ranged from 4 month to 11 years).
      CONCLUSIONS: We reported a multi-institutional series of LH in children with CDC.
      Our findings suggested that LH represents a feasible treatment option for CDC by
      offering reliable middle and long-term outcome, low surgical morbidity.

PMID- 25125092
TI  - Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: a systematic literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is gaining momentum, but
      there is still uncertainty regarding its safety, reproducibility, and oncologic
      appropriateness. This review assesses the current status of LPD. METHODS: Our
      literature review was conducted in Pubmed. Articles written in English containing
      five or more LPD were selected. RESULTS: Twenty-five articles matched the review
      criteria. Out of a total of 746 LPD, 341 were reported between 1997 and 2011 and
      405 (54.2 %) between 2012 and June 1, 2013. Pure laparoscopy (PL) was used in 386
      patients (51.7 %), robotic assistance (RA) in 234 (31.3 %), laparoscopic
      assistance (LA) in 121 (16.2 %), and hand assistance in 5 (0.6 %). PL was
      associated with shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, and lower rate of
      pancreatic fistula (vs LA and RA). LA was associated with shorter operative time
      (vs RA), but with higher blood loss and increased incidence of pancreatic fistula
      (vs PL and RA). Conversion to open surgery was required in 64 LPD (9.1 %).
      Operative time averaged 464.3 min (338-710) and estimated blood 320.7 mL (74
      642). Cumulative morbidity was 41.2 %, and pancreatic fistula was reported in
      22.3 % of patients (4.5-52.3 %). Mean length of hospital stay was 13.6 days (7
      23), showing geographic variability (21.9 days in Europe, 13.0 days in Asia, and
      9.4 days in the US). Operative mortality was 1.9 %, including one intraoperative
      death. No difference was noted in conversion rate, incidence of pancreatic
      fistula, morbidity, and mortality when comparing results from larger (>=30 LPD)
      and smaller (<=29 LPD) series. Pathology demonstrated ductal adenocarcinoma in
      30.6 % of the specimens, other malignant tumors in 51.7 %, and benign
      tumor/disease in 17.5 %. The mean number of lymph nodes examined was 14.4 (7-32),
      and the rate of microscopically positive tumor margin was 4.4 %. CONCLUSIONS: In
      selected patients, operated on by expert laparoscopic pancreatic surgeons, LPD is
      feasible and safe.

PMID- 25125093
TI  - Incidence and risk factors of incisional hernia formation following abdominal
      organ transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hernia formation is common following abdominal operations, and
      transplant patients are at increased risk due to postoperative immunosuppression.
      The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of incisional hernia
      formation following primary abdominal solid organ transplantation and identify
      clinical risk factors for hernia formation. METHODS: We performed a single
      institution retrospective review of a prospectively collected database to
      evaluate all patients who underwent primary liver, kidney, or pancreas
      transplantation between 2000 and 2011. The primary outcome was hernia formation
      at the transplant incision. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards
      models were used to identify risk factors for incisional hernia formation.
      RESULTS: A total of 3,460 transplants were performed during the study period:
      2,247 kidney only, 718 liver only, and 495 pancreas or simultaneous pancreas and
      kidney (pancreas group). The overall incisional hernia rate was 7.5 %. The Kaplan
      Meier rates of hernia formation at 1, 5, and 10 years were 2.5, 4.9, and 7.0 %
      for kidney; 4.5, 13.6, and 19.0 % for liver; and 2.5, 12.7, and 21.8 % for the
      pancreas groups. On univariate analysis, surgical site infection (SSI), body mass
      index (BMI) >25, delayed graft function, and withholding a calcineurin inhibitor
      or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) were associated with hernia formation in the
      kidney group. SSI and BMI >25 were associated with hernia formation in the liver
      group. In the pancreas group, SSI, cyclosporine, and withholding MMF were all
      associated with hernia formation. On multivariate analysis, SSI was strongly
      associated with hernia formation in all groups. Hazard ratio: kidney = 24.71
      (13.00-46.97); liver = 12.0 (6.40-22.52); pancreas = 12.95 (2.78-60.29).
      CONCLUSION: Incisional hernias are common following abdominal organ transplant
      with nearly one in five patients developing an incisional hernia 5 years after
      liver or pancreas transplantation. Strategies focusing on prevention and early
      treatment of SSI may help to decrease the risk of incisional hernia formation
      following abdominal organ transplantation.

PMID- 25125094
TI  - Differences in gaze behaviour of expert and junior surgeons performing open
      inguinal hernia repair.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Various fields have used gaze behaviour to evaluate task
      proficiency. This may also apply to surgery for the assessment of technical
      skill, but has not previously been explored in live surgery. The aim was to
      assess differences in gaze behaviour between expert and junior surgeons during
      open inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Gaze behaviour of expert and junior
      surgeons (defined by operative experience) performing the operation was recorded
      using eye-tracking glasses (SMI Eye Tracking Glasses 2.0, SensoMotoric
      Instruments, Germany). Primary endpoints were fixation frequency (steady eye gaze
      rate) and dwell time (fixation and saccades duration) and were analysed for
      designated areas of interest in the subject's visual field. Secondary endpoints
      were maximum pupil size, pupil rate of change (change frequency in pupil size)
      and pupil entropy (predictability of pupil change). NASA TLX scale measured
      perceived workload. Recorded metrics were compared between groups for the entire
      procedure and for comparable procedural segments. RESULTS: Twenty-five cases were
      recorded, with 13 operations analysed, from 9 surgeons giving 630 min of data,
      recorded at 30 Hz. Experts demonstrated higher fixation frequency (median[IQR]
      1.86 [0.3] vs 0.96 [0.3]; P = 0.006) and dwell time on the operative site during
      application of mesh (792 [159] vs 469 [109] s; P = 0.028), closure of the
      external oblique (1.79 [0.2] vs 1.20 [0.6]; P = 0.003) (625 [154] vs 448 [147] s;
      P = 0.032) and dwelled more on the sterile field during cutting of mesh (716
      [173] vs 268 [297] s; P = 0.019). NASA TLX scores indicated experts found the
      procedure less mentally demanding than juniors (3 [2] vs 12 [5.2]; P = 0.038). No
      subjects reported problems with wearing of the device, or obstruction of view.
      CONCLUSION: Use of portable eye-tracking technology in open surgery is feasible,
      without impinging surgical performance. Differences in gaze behaviour during open
      inguinal hernia repair can be seen between expert and junior surgeons and may
      have uses for assessment of surgical skill.

PMID- 25125095
TI  - A comparative study of survival after minimally invasive and open oesophagectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oesophageal cancer is increasing in incidence worldwide. Minimally
      invasive techniques have been used to perform oesophagectomy, but concerns
      regarding these techniques remain. Since its description by Cuschieri in 1992,
      the use of minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) has increased, but still only
      used in a minority of resections in the UK in 2009. In particular, there has been
      reluctance to use minimally invasive (thoracoscopic and laparoscopic) techniques
      in more advanced cancers for fears regarding the adequacy of the oncological
      resection. In order to identify any factors that could affect survival, we
      undertook a retrospective analysis on all patients who underwent surgery in our
      department over an 8-year period. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis was
      undertaken on all patients who underwent oesophagectomy in a tertiary upper
      gastrointestinal surgery unit, from 2005 to 2012 inclusive. Data were collected
      from the departmental database and case note review, with follow-up and survival
      data to time of data collection. The survival data were analysed using univariate
      and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models to determine which
      variables affected survival. Variables examined included age, tumour position,
      tumour stage (T0, 1, 2 vs T3, 4), nodal stage (N0 vs N1), tumour histology,
      completeness of resection (R0 vs R1), use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and
      operative technique (thoracoscopic/laparoscopic (MIO) vs laparoscopic
      abdomen/open chest (Lap assisted) vs Open. RESULTS: 334 patients underwent
      oesophagectomy between 2005 and 2012. Male to female ratio was 3.75:1, with a
      mean age of 64 years (range 36-87). There were 83 open oesophagectomies, 187
      laparoscopically assisted oesophagectomies and 64 minimally invasive
      oesophagectomies. Following univariate regression analysis the following factors
      were found to be correlated to survival: use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Hazard
      Ratio 2.889, 95 % CI 1.737-4.806), T stage 3 or 4 (3.749, 2.475-5.72), Node
      positive (5.225, 3.561-7.665), R1 resection (2.182, 1.425-3.341), type of
      operation (MIO compared to open oesophagectomy) (0.293, 0.158-0.541). There was
      no significant relationship between age, tumour position or tumour histology and
      length of survival. When these factors were entered into a multivariate model,
      the independently significant factors correlated to survival were found to be T
      stage 3 or 4 (HR 1.969, 1.248-3.105), Node positive (3.833, 2.548-5.766) and type
      of operation (MIO compared to open) (0.5186, 0.277-0.972). CONCLUSION: Multiple
      small studies have found reduced pulmonary complication rates and duration of
      hospital stay when using a minimally invasive approach compared to open. Concerns
      in the literature over long-term outcomes, however, have led to limited
      utilisation of this method, especially in advanced disease. The data from this
      large study show significantly better survival following operations performed
      using minimally invasive techniques compared to open, however, we have not
      adjusted for some known or unknown confounding factors. International and
      national RCTs, however, will provide more information in due course.

PMID- 25125096
TI  - Laparoscopy in the diagnosis and repair of diaphragmatic injuries in left-sided
      penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma: laparoscopy in trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic injuries from penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma are
      notoriously difficult to detect with clinical and radiological evaluation. The
      aim of this study was to establish the incidence of diaphragmatic injury from
      penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma, clinical and radiological features
      predictive of a diaphragmatic injury and the feasibility of laparoscopic repair.
      METHODS: This is a prospective consecutive case series conducted in a
      metropolitan hospital complex. Fifty five patients were enrolled into the study
      and underwent a standardized laparoscopic procedure. Only stable patients were
      selected and right-sided penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries were excluded. The
      patients' clinical details, radiological findings, operative procedure, treatment
      of the diaphragmatic injury and complications were collected and analysed.
      RESULTS: There were a total of 55 patients, of whom, 22 (40 %) had diaphragmatic
      injuries. The mean age was 26.3 +/- 7.8 years (range 15-44) with a male:female
      ratio of 10:1. The causes of injury were stab in 54 (98.2 %) patients and firearm
      in one (1.8 %). Twenty six (47.3 %) patients had positive radiological findings,
      of which 10 (38.5 %) had a diaphragmatic injury. There were 6 (27.3 %) associated
      intra-abdominal injuries. Twenty one (95.5 %) of 22 patients with diaphragmatic
      injuries were successfully repaired laparoscopically. Mean duration of procedure
      with diaphragmatic repair was 74.9 +/- 22.5 min compared to 38.3 +/- 16.9 min
      without diaphragmatic repair. Six patients (10.9 %) had minor intra-operative
      complications. There were no deaths. Hospital stay was 2.9 +/- 3.4 days.
      CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragmatic injury was present in 40 % of patients with left-sided
      thoracoabdominal injury. Radiological findings were not reliable in predicting
      diaphragmatic injury. The majority of these injuries can be safely repaired
      laparoscopically.

PMID- 25125097
TI  - Neuromuscular blockade improves surgical conditions (NISCO).
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined the impact of muscle relaxation on surgical conditions
      and patients' postoperative outcome during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy
      under balanced anaesthesia. METHODS: After approval and consent, 57 anaesthetized
      patients were randomly assigned to group no neuromuscular blockade (No NMB) and
      deep neuromuscular blockade (Deep NMB), i.e. no twitch response to train-of-four
      nerve stimulation. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed using the 4-trocar
      technique with a CO2-pneumoperitoneum. Surgical conditions were assessed using a
      Visual Analogue Scale. Movement of diaphragm or abdominal muscles, inadequate
      visibility, or breathing and coughing against the ventilator were documented as
      events reflecting inadequate muscle relaxation. Independently, surgeons could
      request 0.3 mg/kg rocuronium to improve surgical conditions. Workflow variables
      were obtained as a surrogate of surgical conditions. Data are presented as mean
      (95 % confidence interval). The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov
      (NCT00895778). RESULTS: While in 12 of 25 patients of group "No NMB" one or more
      adverse events impaired the surgical procedure (p < 0.001), only 1 of 25 patients
      of group "Deep NMB" showed an adverse event. Deep NMB resulted in an absolute
      risk reduction of 0.44 (0.23-0.65) and a number needed to treat of 2.3 (1.5-4.4),
      respectively. Surgeons requested 0.3 mg/kg rocuronium in 10 of 25 cases (40 %) of
      group "No NMB" only. This dose significantly improved surgical conditions by an
      average 62 of 100 possible points. All further variables did not differ between
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Deep NMB ameliorates surgical conditions for laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy by improved visibility and reduction of involuntary movements.

PMID- 25125098
TI  - The efficacy of prophylactic IVC filters in gastric bypass surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery have a high risk for
      thromboembolic events. Over the last decade, the use of prophylactic IVC filters
      (IVCF) has drastically increased for patients who are considered high risk.
      However, the role and efficacy of prophylactic IVCF placement remain
      controversial, and the literature is limited to a few retrospective studies.
      METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature. A total of 21
      articles were analyzed, and eight relevant retrospective studies were chosen for
      review of data. Data from laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery were compared to
      open gastric bypass surgery RESULTS: The relevant eight retrospective studies
      included a total of 597 patients. Patients had IVCFs before laparoscopic gastric
      bypass (41 %) and before open gastric bypass (59 %). There were 5 postoperative
      pulmonary emboli (PE) (0.84 %), 21 DVTs (3.52 %), 5 minor IVCF-related
      complications (0.84 %), 2 major IVCF-related complications (0.34 %), and 10
      deaths (1.68 %). The rate of postoperative PE was the same in the laparoscopic
      group and the open group (0.84 %). The rate of DVT in the laparoscopic group was
      5.02 %, and in the open group, it was 2.23 %. CONCLUSION: It is estimated that 55
      % of bariatric surgeons use IVCF in high-risk patients. Prospective research that
      supports the use of IVCF is very limited, and individualized placement relies on
      retrospective studies only. In addition, patient characteristics associated with
      high risk vary between different studies. Our review showed that most of the
      published studies support the use of prophylactic IVCF and found it to be safe.
      On the other hand, the largest and most recent retrospective cohort study does
      not support their use. The efficacy of prophylactic IVCFs before gastric bypass
      surgery in high-risk patients has not been established.

PMID- 25125099
TI  - Comparative analysis of the functionality of simulators of the da Vinci surgical
      robot.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The implementation of robotic technology in minimally invasive
      surgery has led to the need to develop more efficient and effective training
      methods, as well as assessment and skill maintenance tools for surgical
      education. Multiple simulators and procedures are available for educational and
      training purposes. A need for comparative evaluations of these simulators exists
      to aid users in selecting an appropriate device for their purposes. METHODS: We
      conducted an objective review and comparison of the design and capabilities of
      all dedicated simulators of the da Vinci robot, the da Vinci Skill Simulator
      (DVSS) (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA), dV-Trainer (dVT) (Mimic
      Technologies Inc., Seattle, WA, USA), and Robotic Surgery Simulator (RoSS)
      (Simulated Surgical Skills, LLC, Williamsville, NY, USA). This provides base
      specifications of the hardware and software, with an emphasis on the training
      capabilities of each system. RESULTS: Each simulator contains a large number of
      training exercises, DVSS = 40, dVT = 65, and RoSS = 52 for skills development.
      All three offer 3D visual images but use different display technologies. The DVSS
      leverages the real robotic surgeon's console to provide visualization, hand
      controls, and foot pedals. The dVT and RoSS created simulated versions of all of
      these control systems. They include systems management services which allow
      instructors to collect, export, and analyze the scores of students using the
      simulators. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to provide comparative
      information of the three simulators functional capabilities with an emphasis on
      their educational skills. They offer unique advantages and capabilities in
      training robotic surgeons. Each device has been the subject of multiple
      validation experiments which have been published in the literature. But those do
      not provide specific details on the capabilities of the simulators which are
      necessary for an understanding sufficient to select the one best suited for an
      organization's needs.

PMID- 25125100
TI  - Transoral periosteal thyroidectomy: cadaver to human.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic thyroid surgery is gaining wide acceptance,
      existing endoscopic methods for thyroidectomy are blamed for the increased
      frequency of flap dissections and longer surgical times. More recently, transoral
      endoscopic thyroidectomy has overcome the limitations of previous approaches.
      Herein, we present our initial experience with transoral periosteal thyroidectomy
      (TOPOT) in cadaver and porcine models. Using these models, the surgical view was
      improved and had greater freedom of motion; the technique was then performed in
      human subjects using robotic TOPOT, which has not previously been reported.
      METHOD: TOPOTs were performed in seven fresh human cadavers and ten live pigs.
      Total thyroidectomies were performed in all cadavers and pigs. After the cadaver
      and animal trials, four human patients underwent robotic TOPOT performed using
      the da Vinci(r) surgical system at Korea University Anam Hospital. Recurrent
      laryngeal nerve function, intra- and postoperative complications, and
      postoperative outcomes were assessed in all patients. RESULT: One left lobectomy
      for follicular adenoma, two right lobectomies for nodular hyperplasia, and one
      left lobectomy with a central neck dissection for papillary thyroid
      microcarcinoma were performed in the human subjects using a robotic transoral
      periosteal approach. In three cases, paresthesia occurred in the mental nerve,
      but this improved within 4 weeks in all cases. No local infections occurred at
      the incision site or anterior neck, and no recurrent laryngeal nerve cord palsies
      occurred postoperatively. CONCLUSION: TOPOT may be an effective and safe approach
      for robotic thyroid surgery.

PMID- 25125101
TI  - Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the elderly: feasibility, short-term
      safety, and impact on comorbidity and weight in 250 cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the elderly obese population, frequently suffering from multiple
      comorbidities, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is considered a high
      risk procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term safety (30-day
      hospital morbidity and mortality) of this procedure and its impact on weight and
      associated comorbidities in the medium term (type-two diabetes, hypertension,
      sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia, and joint pain). METHODS: This study
      represents a retrospective analysis of all our Belgian patients older than 60
      years of age who underwent a LRYGB between October 2004 and October 2012. Patient
      files were reviewed and patients were contacted by formal consultation or by
      phone for an update of their clinical status. Demographics, operative details,
      postoperative course, and the evolution of weight and associated comorbidities
      were registered. RESULTS: A total of 280 patients were included. A complete
      follow-up was available for 250 patients (89 %), of whom 161 were female and 89
      male. Mean age, BMI, and hospital stay were 64.1 years (60-78 years), 41.9
      kg/m(2) (27.4-68 kg/m(2)), and 4.3 days (2-19 days), respectively. There was no
      in-hospital mortality, 27 (10.8 %) patients suffered from early postoperative
      complications and 5 (2 %) patients needed to be readmitted. After a mean follow
      up of 31.5 months, the mean excess weight loss was 59.3 % (range 21.9-120.1 %).
      Resolution or improvement of diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea,
      hypercholesterolemia, and joint pain was seen in 94.6, 77.6, 88.0, 77.1 and 57.6
      % respectively. CONCLUSION: LRYGB has an acceptable complication rate in the
      elderly. Since all obesity-related comorbidities improved during follow-up, there
      is a plea not to exclude this subgroup of patients from the well-known benefits
      of gastric bypass surgery.

PMID- 25125102
TI  - Retention of fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) proficiency with a
      biannual mandatory training session.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) program was developed
      by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) in
      1997 with the goal of teaching surgeons the fundamental knowledge, judgment, and
      technical skills specific to laparoscopic surgery (Peters et al., Surgery JH
      135:21-27, 2004; Soper et al., Bull Am College Surg NJ 93:30-32, 2008). This
      single academic institution observational study aimed to assess the effectiveness
      of a biannual FLS training curriculum on Post-Graduate Year [PGY] 1-5 proficiency
      levels, with a focus on one FLS task (PEG transfer). Previous studies have shown
      that obtaining expert FLS proficiency correlates with retaining proficiency in
      the future (Castellvi et al., Surgery 146:387-393, 2009). METHODS: PGY 1-5
      residents (n = 28) at an academic general surgery residency program performed two
      timed PEG transfer tasks biannually. Participants were monitored by FLS certified
      examiners and standard FLS rules applied. Residents were expected to meet or
      exceed standards set by SAGES and FLS in consecutive timed PEG transfer trials
      (proficiency: <48 s). RESULTS: Twenty-eight residents participated (PGY 1-5).
      Participants showed proficiency if they completed the PEG transfer task in less
      than 48 s on two consecutive trials. None of the PGY 1 or PGY 2 residents
      completed two consecutive trials within the stated proficiency time, while the
      majority of the PGY 3-5 residents showed proficiency in the PEG transfer task.
      CONCLUSION: A biannual training session for FLS retains expert proficiency by PGY
      levels 4-5. Previous reports from our institution demonstrated that 95 % of the
      residents did not practice this task between mandatory biannual sessions. This
      suggests that, in combination with standard residency training, biannual FLS
      sessions confer retained expert skills by PGY 4-5. As the FLS exam is generally
      taken by PGY 4 and 5 residents and is required for board certification, general
      surgery residents that participate in biannual training sessions will likely
      retain expert proficiency and achieve FLS certification.

PMID- 25125104
TI  - Rotating ring-disk electrode with dual dynamic potential control: theory and
      practice.
AB  - Using the LabVIEWTM graphical programming language designed by National
      Instruments(r), a digital simulation model has been developed in order to
      describe electrochemical processes occurring at rotating ring-disk electrodes.
      The model allows for taking into consideration independent potential control of
      the two working electrodes, homogeneous electrode reactions, as well as spatial
      inhomogeneities of the working electrode surfaces. The main programming concepts,
      as well as the operation of the simulation software is presented. Several test
      simulations have been carried out in order to evaluate the accuracy of the
      calculations. 

PMID- 25125103
TI  - Interactions of divalent calcium ions with head groups of zwitterionic
      phosphatidylcholine liposomal membranes.
AB  - The interaction of the divalent calcium ions with the zwitterionic lipid
      membranes was studied by measuring the lipid order parameter which is inversely
      proportional to the membrane fluidity. Small unilamellar lipid vesicles were
      prepared from 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and then treated
      with different concentrations of divalent calcium ions. An increase in the order
      parameter and decrease in the fluidity of the liposomal membranes were observed
      after treatment with the calcium ions. The presence of positively charged iron
      oxide nanoparticles in the suspension of liposomes negligibly changed the
      results. The results of experiments were discussed theoretically within modified
      Langevin-Poisson-Boltzmann (MLPB) model leading to the conclusion that the
      membrane fluidity and ordering of the membrane lipids are primarily altered by
      the accumulation of calcium ions in the region of negatively charged phosphate
      groups within the head groups of the membrane lipids. 

PMID- 25125105
TI  - Electrochemical reduction of perchlorate ions on ruthenium.
AB  - The reduction of perchlorate ions at ruthenium electrodes was investigated by
      voltammetry, chronoamperometry, impedance spectroscopy, and by measuring changes
      of interfacial stress changes using the cantilever bending method as functions of
      electrode potential, and concentrations of perchloric acid and HCl. The cyclic
      voltammograms recorded at a rotating (Ru) disc electrode were highly asymmetric
      with respect to the electrode potential axis, and a negative current could be
      observed even during the positive sweep. Chloride ions decrease the interfacial
      stress and exert an inhibiting effect on the reduction process indicating the
      role of competitive adsorption. The desorption rate of Cl(-) depends strongly on
      the hydrodynamic conditions, probably through desorption/diffusion coupling.
      These results serve as a warning that in perchlorate-containing solutions in
      contact with Ru the adsorption of chloride ions may also influence the rate of
      other electrochemical processes.

PMID- 25125106
TI  - Relative permittivity in stern and diffuse layers.
AB  - Stern layer and outer Helmholtz plane (i.e. the distance of closest approach) are
      considered within electric double layer models, where the orientational ordering
      of water dipoles is explicitly taken into account. It is shown that permittivity
      of the Stern layer is not independent of the surface charge density as it is
      frequently assumed in different theoretical models and simulations, but strongly
      depends on the magnitude of the surface charge density. Therefore, to predict the
      behaviour and realistic values of the surface potential and electric field, in
      the electrolyte solution near the charged surface, requires a surface charge
      density dependent permittivity of the Stern layer. 

PMID- 25125107
TI  - Mechanism of electroreduction of the Henry reaction products. Electrochemically
      initiated degradation of 1-phenyl-2-nitroethanol.
AB  - Electroreduction of the Henry reaction product - i.e. 1-phenyl-2-nitroethanol
      (PNE) - in 0.1 M Bu(4)NClO(4) solution in MeCN has been investigated by a set of
      experimental (cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and controlled potential
      electrolysis) and theoretical (digital simulation and quantum chemical
      calculations) methods. The results obtained show that cathodically generated
      radical anion of PNE undergoes C-C bond cleavage reaction resulting in the
      formation of the free radical of benzyl alcohol and nitromethane anion. The
      proton transfer between these species affords nitromethane and benzaldehyde
      radical anion. Electron transfer from the last to PNE initiates the cyclic
      process of the PNE degradation.

PMID- 25125108
TI  - Permittivity spectroscopy - an insight into materials properties.
AB  - Permittivity Spectroscopy is a branch of the Impedance Spectroscopy specially
      tuned for measurements and analyses of dielectrics permittivity properties. The
      present paper presents experimental results on permittivity properties of
      composite objects in which a polarizable dielectric is distributed in a fine non
      polarizable matrix (solid or liquid) measured in frequency range 1 MHz down to
      0.01 Hz. Two types of objects are studied - water in porous functional ceramics
      and lubricating oils. In both systems gigantic enhancement of the effective
      capacitance is observed. The first series of experiments was performed on porous
      membranes of yttrium doped barium cerate, which is a proton conducting ceramics
      with hydrophilic properties. At a given level of watering the measured
      capacitance is sharply increasing (3 to 5 orders of magnitude) in the lower
      frequency range. The second example covers permittivity study of lubricating
      oils, where the increase is 2-3 orders of magnitude. The phenomenon of gigantic
      enhancement of the effective capacitance could be related to a formation of
      dipole volume structures induced by the external alternating electrical field. 

PMID- 25125109
TI  - Electrodeposition of Co/CoO nanoparticles onto graphene for ORR electrocatalysis:
      a study based on micro-X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence
      mapping.
AB  - Electrodeposition of graphene-supported Co for ORR electrocatalysts from an
      acetonitrile solution has been studied by a multi-technique approach, combining a
      suite of spectroscopic methods with electrochemical measurements, allowing a
      molecular-level understanding of potentiostatic and pulsed-potential plating
      processes from the organic solvent onto a freestanding graphene film. The
      formation of the graphene film by the light-scribe approach has been monitored by
      Raman spectroscopy; the electrodeposition process has been clarified by cyclic
      voltammetry and the compositional and chemical-state distribution of Co have been
      investigated ex situ by soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence
      mapping, showing that both spatial distribution and valence state are homogeneous
      and independent of the local current density. The deposit consists in micrometric
      aggregates of Co/CoO nanoparticles with diameter ca. 30 nm (pulsed) and 200 nm
      (potentiostatic deposition). Potentiostatic deposition allows to obtain better
      ORR electrocatalytic perfomance in terms of nnumber of transferred electrons,
      onset/ half-wave potential and current density. 

PMID- 25125110
TI  - Some factors influencing power and energy capabilities of RuO2 supercapacitors.
AB  - Ruthenium oxide electrodes prepared by different routes were studied and the
      results discussed in terms of the possibility of using these electrodes in high
      power/high energy supercapacitors. The supercapacitor electrodes were prepared by
      mixing RuO(2) particles with a binder (Nafion((r)) or polyvinilydenfluoride) in
      various ratios. The results show that charging/discharging reaction of RuO(2)
      consists of at least two redox reactions taking place simultaneously at different
      rates. The contribution of each reaction in the overall process depends on the
      hydration of RuO(2) as well as on the type of binder and binder/RuO(2) ratio.
      From both energy and power capability of supercapacitors the best electrode
      composition would be hydrous RuO(2) with ~20% Nafion((r)) as a binder. Asymmetric
      supercapacitors assembled with RuO(2) and activated carbon as a counter electrode
      gave 26 and 12 W h kg(-1) at average specific power of 5 W g(-1) for
      RuO(2)/Nafion((r)) and RuO(2)/polyvinylidene fluoride, respectively.

PMID- 25125111
TI  - Stability of commercial Pt/C low temperature fuel cell catalyst: electrochemical
      IL-SEM study.
AB  - Platinum catalyst stability has been investigated under potentiostatic and
      potentiodynamic conditions with and without the presence of chloride anions. The
      combination of rotating disc electrode (RDE) and identical location scanning
      electron microscopy (IL-SEM) methods reveals that potentiodynamic degradation is
      much more severe compared to the potentiostatic and that chloride enhances
      platinum dissolution thus catalyst degradation. IL-SEM method nicely shows the
      platinum dissolution and redeposition on the top of a catalyst film. 

PMID- 25125112
TI  - An innovative hybrid 3D analytic-numerical model for air breathing parallel
      channel counter-flow PEM fuel cells.
AB  - The parallel straight channel PEM fuel cell model presented in this paper extends
      the innovative hybrid 3D analytic-numerical (HAN) approach previously published
      by the authors with capabilities to address ternary diffusion systems and counter
      flow configurations. The model's core principle is modelling species transport by
      obtaining a 2D analytic solution for species concentration distribution in the
      plane perpendicular to the cannel gas-flow and coupling consecutive 2D solutions
      by means of a 1D numerical pipe-flow model. Electrochemical and other nonlinear
      phenomena are coupled to the species transport by a routine that uses derivative
      approximation with prediction-iteration. The latter is also the core of the
      counter-flow computation algorithm. A HAN model of a laboratory test fuel cell is
      presented and evaluated against a professional 3D CFD simulation tool showing
      very good agreement between results of the presented model and those of the CFD
      simulation. Furthermore, high accuracy results are achieved at moderate
      computational times, which is owed to the semi-analytic nature and to the
      efficient computational coupling of electrochemical kinetics and species
      transport. 

PMID- 25125113
TI  - Rigid- and polarizable-ion potentials for modeling Ru-polyoxometalate catalysts
      for water oxidation.
AB  - This work assesses the predictive power and capabilities of classical interatomic
      potentials for describing the atomistic structure of a fully inorganic water
      oxidation catalyst in the gas phase and in solution. We address a Ru
      polyoxometalate molecule (Ru-POM) that is presently one of the most promising
      catalysts for water oxidation due to its efficiency and stability under reaction
      conditions. The Ru-POM molecule is modeled with two interatomic potentials, the
      rigid ion model and the shell model potentials, which are used to perform
      molecular dynamics simulations. The predictions of these two approaches are
      discussed and compared to the available ab-initio data. These results allow us to
      establish the suitable level of theory to model complex heterogeneous interfaces
      between the Ru-POM and electrodes in solution. 

PMID- 25125114
TI  - Corrosion evaluation of zirconium doped oxide coatings on aluminum formed by
      plasma electrolytic oxidation.
AB  - The plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of aluminum in sodium tungstate
      (Na(2)WO(4) . (2)H(2)O) and Na(2)WO(4) . (2)H(2)O doped with Zr was analyzed in
      order to obtain oxide coatings with improved corrosion resistance. The influence
      of current density in PEO process and anodization time was investigated, as well
      as the influence of Zr, with the aim to find out how they affect the chemical
      content, morphology, surface roughness, and corrosion stability of oxide
      coatings. It was shown that the presence of Zr increases the corrosion stability
      of oxide coatings for all investigated PEO times. Evolution of EIS spectra during
      the exposure to 3% NaCl, as a strong corrosive agent, indicated the highest
      corrosion stability for PEO coating formed on aluminum at 70 mA/cm(2) for 2 min
      in a zirconium containing electrolyte.

PMID- 25125115
TI  - Structure and dielectric properties of electrochemically grown ZrO2 films.
AB  - The dielectric properties of electrochemically grown zirconium oxide films by
      anodisation of zirconium in 1.0 mol dm-3 phosphoric acid solution were
      investigated in a 3 to 30 V potential range with a view to inducing surface
      modifications for eventual use in biomedical and electronic applications. The
      oxide films grown at different potentials were characterised by Atomic Force
      Microscopy, X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopies; the latter demonstrated
      the incorporation of phosphate ions into the passive films. Flat band potentials
      calculated from the Mott-Shottky analysis of the oxides semiconducting properties
      confirm the bilayer structure of the films. The oxide dielectric permittivity was
      evaluated from impedance spectroscopy measurements and the film oxide model
      proposed gave values independent of the oxide growth potential. 

PMID- 25125116
TI  - Optimizing the preparation procedure of self-assembled monolayer of stearic acid
      for protection of cupronickel alloy.
AB  - The aim of this work is to examine the possibility of CuNi protection in chloride
      media by self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of stearic acid (SA). In order to
      obtain a compact, well ordered monolayer, that will provide long term protection,
      different SAM preparation procedures are studied. The influence of CuNi
      pretreatment, SA solution temperature and temperature of the drying period
      followed after the SA treatment on the protective properties of stearic acid self
      assembled layer are examined by electrochemical methods and surface analysis
      techniques. The obtained results show that for complete self-assembled film
      formation it is necessary to have a drying period after exposing the sample to
      the stearic acid solution. Heating of the SA solution and drying period at higher
      temperatures result in layers with better stability in chloride media. The most
      compact surface layer, that provides long lasting and efficient protection to the
      underlying alloy, is obtained when prior to SA solution exposure an oxide layer
      on CuNi surface was formed at elevated temperatures. 

PMID- 25125117
TI  - Molecular modeling of organic corrosion inhibitors: why bare metal cations are
      not appropriate models of oxidized metal surfaces and solvated metal cations.
AB  - The applicability of various models of oxidized metal surfaces - bare metal
      cations, clusters of various size, and extended (periodic) slabs - that are used
      in the field of quantum-chemical modeling of corrosion inhibitors is examined and
      discussed. As representative model systems imidazole inhibitor, MgO surface, and
      solvated Mg(2+) ion are considered by means of density-functional-theory
      calculations. Although the results of cluster models are prone to cluster size
      and shape effects, the clusters of moderate size seem useful at least for
      qualitative purposes. In contrast, the bare metal cations are useless not only as
      models of oxidized surfaces but also as models of solvated cations, because they
      bind molecules several times stronger than the more appropriate models. In
      particular, bare Mg(2+) binds imidazole by 5.9 eV, while the slab model of
      MgO(001) by only 0.35 eV. Such binding is even stronger for 3+ cations, e.g.,
      bare Al(3+) binds imidazole by 17.9 eV. The reasons for these fantastically
      strong binding energies are discussed and it is shown that the strong bonding is
      predominantly due to electron charge transfer from molecule to metal cation,
      which stems from differences between molecular and metal ionization potentials.

PMID- 25125118
TI  - Correlation between electronic and corrosion properties of the passive oxide film
      on nitinol.
AB  - The oxide film (TiO(2)) was formed on Nitinol potentiostatically in an acetic
      acid solution. Deep understanding of electronic properties of this film is needed
      to predict long-term corrosion properties of Nitinol implant material in
      simulated body fluid conditions. The capacitance measurements were performed
      under depletion conditions to study electronic (semiconducting) properties. The
      space charge, formed at the solid|liquid interface, creates the barrier for the
      corrosion processes in aggressive (bio)environment. According to the results of
      electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott-Schottky analysis (MS), the
      passive film on Nitinol behaves as amorphous highly-doped n-type semiconductor.
      The values of electronic structure parameters (the flat-band potential, E(fb) and
      the carrier (donor) density, N(D)) were corrected for frequency dispersion.

PMID- 25125119
TI  - Preparation and characterization of poly(5-aminoindole) by using electrochemical
      quartz crystal nanobalance technique.
AB  - The electrochemical quartz crystal nanobalance (EQCN) was employed to study the
      electropolymerization of 5-aminoindole on platinum electrodes in acidic media.
      Potentiostatic or potential cycling electrooxidation of 5-aminoindole below 0.62
      V vs. SCE leads to the formation of uniform, yellow, electrochemically active
      polymeric films. A scheme of the redox transformations of poly(5-aminoindole)
      which involves protonation-deprotonation steps accompanying the electron transfer
      is suggested. At higher positive potentials, further oxidation takes place
      resulting in different blue-purple, indigo-type materials which remain attached
      to the metal surface but show decreased or no redox activity. 

PMID- 25125120
TI  - Impedance of electrochemically modified graphite.
AB  - Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, EIS, has been applied for
      characterization of electrochemically modified graphite electrodes in the
      sulphuric acid solution. Graphite modifications were performed by potential
      cyclization between potentials of graphite oxide formation/reduction, different
      number of cycles, and prolonged reduction steps after cyclization. Impedance
      spectra measured at two potential points within double-layer region of graphite
      have been successfully modeled using the concept of porous electrodes involving
      two different electrolyte diffusion paths, indicating existence of two classes of
      pores. The evaluated impedance parameter values show continuous changes with
      stages of graphite modification, indicating continuous structural changes of
      pores by number of potential cycles applied. Differences of impedance parameter
      values at two potential values indicate the potential induced changes of solution
      properties within the pores of modified graphite. 

PMID- 25125121
TI  - Incorporation of cobalt-ferrite nanoparticles into a conducting polymer in
      aqueous micellar medium: strategy to get photocatalytic composites.
AB  - In this study an easy strategy for conducting polymer based nanocomposite
      formation is presented through the deposition of cobalt-ferrite (CoFe(2)O(4))
      containing poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) thin layers. The
      electrochemical polymerization has been performed galvanostatically in an aqueous
      micellar medium in the presence of the nanoparticles and the surface active
      Triton X-100. The nanoparticles have been characterized by Transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM), the thin layers has been studied by applying Scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the basic electrochemical
      properties have been also determined. Moreover, electrocatalytic activity of the
      composite was demonstrated in the electrooxidation reaction of dopamine (DA). The
      enhanced sensitivity - related to the cobalt-ferrite content - and the
      experienced photocatalyitic activity are promising for future application.

PMID- 25125122
TI  - Electronic absorption spectra and nonlinear optical properties of ruthenium
      acetylide complexes: a DFT study toward the designing of new high NLO response
      compounds.
AB  - In this study we have used density functional theory (DFT) to calculate nonlinear
      optical properties and simulate the UV-VIS absorption spectra of ruthenium
      acetylide complexes.Among the studied systems, system 4 has shown highest non
      linear optical properties (a = 72.92 * 10(-24)esu and b = 76.32 * 10(-30)esu).New
      compounds have been theoretically designed by the extension of conjugation length
      and substitution of electron withdrawing atom/groups as acceptor on system 4. All
      designed compounds show intense band due to metal-to-ligand charge transfer
      (MLCT).Second-order polarizabilityof new design compounds was remarkablyhigh as
      compared to system 4 (123.35 * 10(-30)to 360.23 * 10(-30)esu). Effect of
      acceptors was more prominent than pi-spacers. Results of theoretical
      investigation indicate that all systems should be excellent non-linear optical
      materials.

PMID- 25125123
TI  - Effects of different gas phases and gas bubbles on the nucleation kinetics.
AB  - In this study, the effects of different gas phases and gas bubbles on the
      Induction time were investigated. In the first step, the effects of different
      kinds of gases (N(2), Ar, dry air-N(2) and dry air-Ar) which are fed into
      solution-gas interphase and into the solution were determined. After determining
      the most effective gas upon the Induction time, the next step was to use this gas
      in the presence of the seed crystals, to specify variation in the Induction time.
      The experimental results show that gassing and the presence of seed crystal tend
      to shorten the Induction time as compared to the normal crystallization
      condition.

PMID- 25125125
TI  - Photodegradation of 4-methylphenol on palladium phthalocyaninesulfonate
      functionalized mesopolymer under visible light irradiation.
AB  - A versatile photocatalyst has been prepared by grafting palladium
      phthalocyaninesulfonate (PdPcS) onto the FDU-14 mesopolymer with 3-D cubic
      mesostructure (FDU-14-PdPcS) via multi-step chemical modification processes. The
      FDU-14-PdPcS was characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse
      reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) techniques.
      In the photodegradation studies of 4-methylphenol, the FDU-14-PdPcS catalyst
      exhibited excellent visible light photocatalytic activity and reusability in the
      present of H(2)O(2). The photodegradation intermediate of 4-methylphenol was
      investigated by gas chromatoghraphy-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique.
      Quenching experiments with isopropanol, sodium azide and benzoquinone suggested
      that (1)O(2) and O(2)(*-) were the prominent active species during the
      photodegradation process. A possible mechanism involved in the photodegradation
      of 4-methylphenol has also been discussed.

PMID- 25125124
TI  - Adsorptive stripping voltammetry of antibiotics rifamycin SV and rifampicin at
      renewable pencil electrodes.
AB  - Adsorptive stripping voltammetry of antibiotics of rifamycin SV (RSV) and
      rifampicin (RIF) was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse
      voltammetry using a renewable pencil graphite electrode (PGE). The nature of the
      oxidation process of RSV and RIF taking place at the PGE was characterized. The
      results show that the determination of highly sensitive oxidation peak current is
      the basis of a simple, accurate and rapid method for quantification of RSV and
      RIF in bulk forms, pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids by
      differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DPASV). Factors influencing
      the trace measurement of RSV and RIF at PGE are assessed. The limits of detection
      for the determination of RSV and RIF in bulk forms are 6.0 * 10(-8) mol/L and 1.3
      * 10(-8) mol/L, respectively. Moreover, the proposed procedure was successfully
      applied to assay both RSV and RIF in pharmaceutical formulations and in
      biological fluids. The capability of the proposed procedure for simultaneous
      assay of antibiotics RSV-isoniazid and RIF-isoniazid was achieved. The
      statistical analysis and calibration curve data for trace determination of RSV
      and RIF are reported.

PMID- 25125126
TI  - Polymer nanoparticles containing 2,4,6-triiodophenol: a potential contrast medium
      for medical imaging.
AB  - Contrast agents have been utilized for x-ray imaging to visualize blood vessels.
      Triiodobenzene derivatives are known contrast agents yet have not been formulated
      in a nanoparticle form for the purpose of enhancing the contrast of cancer
      tissues. In this study, experiments to encapsulate 2,4,6-triiodophenol in a
      polymer matrix were designed. Spherical NPs made of PLA, PLGA, PLA-TPGS, PLGA
      TPGS and TPGS-FOL, were synthesized and characterized. Using the oil-in-water
      single-emulsion technique, the effect of several experimental parameters such as
      sonication power, ratio of 2,4,6-triiodophenol/polymer, type and concentration of
      emulsifier, and polymer type has been studied. A good morphology of polymer NPs
      with entrapped 2,4,6-triiodophenol was successfully obtained however the
      encapsulated iodine was in the range of 5 to 26%. 

PMID- 25125127
TI  - Synthesis of 3',4'-dihydro-2H,2'H,5H-spiro [imidazolidine-4,1'-naphthalene]-2,5
      dione and its derivatives.
AB  - The synthesis of two novel compounds, 1-amino-3',4'-dihydro-2H,2'H,5H
      spiro[imidazolidine-4,1'-naphthalene]-2,5-dione and 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-3',4'
      dihydro-2H,2'H,5H-spiro[imidazolidine-4,1'-naphthalene]-2,5-dione, was reported.
      The structures of the compounds were verified by (1)H, (13)C NMR and IR
      spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations at DFT level.

PMID- 25125128
TI  - Colchicine levels in chronic kidney diseases and kidney transplant recipients
      using tacrolimus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tacrolimus is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and can alter colchicine metabolism.
      In this study, we aimed to evaluate plasma colchicine levels in different stages
      of kidney disease as well as in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients using
      tacrolimus. METHOD: This study included six familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)
      patients with normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as controls, three patients
      with low GFR, six FMF patients on hemodialysis (HD), and six FMF patients who
      were KTx recipients using tacrolimus. After a three-d washout period, plasma
      colchicine levels were measured at 0 (pre-dose), one, two, four, eight, and 24 h
      post-dose of 1 mg oral colchicine. Area under the curve 0-24 h (AUC0-24 ) and
      maximum concentration (Cmax ) were evaluated and compared between the groups.
      RESULTS: Colchicine AUC0-24 was six-fold higher in HD (p < 0.001) and three-fold
      higher in KTx recipients (p < 0.001) when compared to the control. The low GFR
      group had mildly higher AUC0-24 than the control group. Cmax levels were also
      higher in HD (p = 0.011) and KTx recipient (p = 0.06) groups and mildly elevated
      in low GFR patients in comparison with controls. CONCLUSION: Colchicine AUC0-24
      and Cmax were significantly increased in HD patients and KTx recipients using
      tacrolimus. Therefore, dose adjustments are needed to avoid toxicity in both
      circumstances.

PMID- 25125129
TI  - Flow cytometry-based assay to study HIV-1 gp120 specific antibody-dependent
      cellular cytotoxicity responses.
AB  - Increased attention on the role of Fc-mediated effector functions against HIV-1
      has led to renewed interest into the role that antibody-dependent cellular
      cytotoxicity (ADCC) could play in controlling viral transmission and/or the rate
      of disease progression. While (51)Chromium release assays have traditionally been
      used to study ADCC responses against HIV-1, a number of alternative flow
      cytometry-based assays were recently developed. In this study, an alternative
      flow-cytometry-based assay was established to allow non-radioactive measurement
      of ADCC-mediated elimination of HIV-1 gp120 envelope glycoprotein (Env)-coated
      target cells. This assay relies on staining target and effector cells with
      different dyes, which allows precise gating and permits the calculation of the
      number of surviving target cells by normalization to flow-cytometry particles. By
      using small concentrations of recombinant gp120 Env, suitable targets cells that
      recapitulate the ADCC response mediated against HIV-1-infected cells were
      generated. Finally, this method was applied successfully to screen human sera for
      ADCC activity directed against HIV-1 gp120 Env. 

PMID- 25125131
TI  - Guest editorial: sleepers awake! Older people are our future (or beige is the new
      black).

PMID- 25125130
TI  - Optimal transfection methods and comparison of PK-15 and Dulac cells for rescue
      of chimeric porcine circovirus type 1-2.
AB  - A chimeric porcine circovirus type 1-2 (PCV1-2) infectious DNA clone has low
      transfection efficiency and exhibits low levels of proliferation. Electroporation
      and lipofection parameters were optimized for PK-15 and Dulac cells with the
      purpose of increasing the efficiency for rescuing infectious PCV1-2. Titers of
      PCV1-2 in Dulac cells were 100-fold higher than those in PK-15 cells following
      transfection. The electroporation efficiency into Dulac cells was high when three
      400 MUs pulses at 250 V with 6 MUg of plasmid DNA was used, lipofection
      efficiency was high when the ratio of DNA to transfection reagent was 1:3. The
      proportion of infected cells was 55.6% compared with 44.2%, for the
      electroporation and lipofection techniques respectively. Virus titers were higher
      in Dulac cells, from 10(4.44) to 10(5.32)TCID50/mL compared with 10(1.90)
      10(3.38)TCID(50)/mL for PK-15 cells. Dulac cells were more permissive to PCV1-2
      than PK-15 cells regardless of the transfection technique.

PMID- 25125132
TI  - Laser all-ceramic crown removal-a laboratory proof-of-principle study-phase 1
      material characteristics.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The removal of all-ceramic crowns is a time consuming
      and destructive procedure in the dental office. The removal of all-ceramic crowns
      using Er:YAG lasers has not been previously described in the scientific
      literature. The objective of this laboratory proof-of-principle study was to
      evaluate whether with regards to absorption and transmission characteristics of
      bonding cements and ceramics all-ceramic crowns can be removed from natural teeth
      using an Erbium laser. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Fourier Transform
      Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used on flat ceramic samples (IPS Empress
      Esthetic (EE), E.max CAD, and E.max ZirCAD) to assess which infrared laser
      wavelengths transmit through the ceramics. Additionally, FTIR spectra for four
      bonding cements (Variolink Veneer, Variolink II, Multilink Automix, and SpeedCEM)
      were obtained. The Er:YAG laser energy transmission (wavelength 2,940 nm, 10 Hz
      repetition rate, pulse duration 100 us at 126 mJ/pulse to 300 us at 508 mJ/pulse)
      through different ceramic thicknesses was measured. Ablation thresholds for
      bonding cements were determined. Cement samples were directly irradiated or laser
      light was transmitted through ceramic samples. RESULTS: While the ceramics did
      not show any characteristic water absorption bands in the FTIR, all bonding
      cements showed a broad H2 O/OH absorption band. Some cements exhibited a distinct
      absorption peak at the Er:YAG laser emission wavelength. Depending on the ceramic
      thickness, EE and E.max CAD ceramics transmitted between 21 and 60% of the
      incident Er:YAG energy, with E.max CAD transmitting more energy than EE at
      comparable thicknesses. In contrast, E.max ZirCAD transmitted only 5-10% of the
      incident energy. Initial signs of cement deterioration occurred at 1.3-2.6
      J/cm(2) . Multilink Automix, SpeedCEM, and Variolink II started ablation at 4.4
      4.7 J/cm(2) . Variolink Veneer needed 44% less energy for ablation. CONCLUSION:
      Er:YAG laser energy can be transmitted through all-ceramic materials and those
      transmitted energies are sufficient for ablation of bonding cements.

PMID- 25125133
TI  - The effect of IL-17 on the production of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix
      metalloproteinase-1 by human periodontal ligament fibroblasts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of IL-17 on IL-6, IL-1beta, and matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP-1) production, and to compare the MMP-1 production between
      the individual and combined effects of IL-1beta and IL-6 in human periodontal
      ligament fibroblasts (HPDLF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human periodontal ligament
      fibroblasts were cultured with IL-17 for 0.5, 1, 4, 24, 48, and 72 h, and were
      cultured with IL-1beta, IL-6/sIL-6R, or a combination of IL-1beta and IL-6/sIL-6R
      for 24 h. To measure the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1beta, and MMP-1, total RNA was
      extracted from the cultured HPDLF, and a real-time PCR analysis was performed.
      The protein levels of IL-6, IL-1beta, and MMP-1 in supernatants were measured
      using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). RESULTS: IL-17 significantly
      increased the expression of IL-6 and MMP-1 mRNA and protein, while IL-17
      transiently increased the expression of IL-1beta mRNA. The combination of IL
      1beta and IL-6/sIL-6R induced significantly higher levels of MMP-1 protein than
      IL-1beta alone. CONCLUSIONS: IL-17 upregulated the production of IL-6 and MMP-1
      sequentially in HPDLF. IL-6/sIL-6R may enhance the effects of IL-1beta on MMP-1
      production. The present results suggest that IL-17 induces MMP-1 production not
      only directly, but also indirectly by promoting IL-6 production, thus resulting
      in the degradation of collagens in the PDL.

PMID- 25125134
TI  - An extrafacial amelanotic lentigo maligna of the leg: a case report.

PMID- 25125135
TI  - Prevalence of sinonasal disease in children with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common
      chronic rheumatic disease in children and is caused by a multitude of well
      studied disorders. However, the association between JIA and/or its treatment and
      sinonasal inflammatory disease (SNID) has never been studied. We therefore
      investigated this relationship to gain more insight into burdening pathologies
      connected to JIA. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation. METHODS: A
      retrospective evaluation according to the Lund-Mackay score of cone-beam computed
      tomography scans (CBCT) performed in 70 children affected by JIA and compared to
      CBCT scans of 124 healthy controls was conducted. The prevalence of sinonasal
      opacification and adenoid hypertrophy in patients affected with JIA was compared
      with findings obtained in unaffected children. RESULTS: JIA was significantly
      associated with SNID (P = .030). Of patients with JIA, 18.6% had SNID, whereas in
      children without JIA, only 8.1% had SNID. The odds ratio values were 5.38 (95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 1.90-15.26) for treated and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.18-4.83)
      for untreated JIA. No clear difference was found depending on the duration of
      JIA. No association was found between adenoid hypertrophy and SNID (P = .816).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that JIA patients, especially when undergoing
      immunosuppressive therapy, should be subjected to an ear, nose, and throat
      evaluation. A prospective study including clinical evaluation would be of the
      utmost importance to provide evidence on which to base comprehensive healthcare
      for these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b.

PMID- 25125136
TI  - Identification and characterization of a pesticide degrading flavobacterium
      species EMBS0145 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
AB  - Organophosphates (OPs) like chlorpyrifos, diazinon, or malathion have become most
      common and indisputably most toxic pest-control agents that adversely affects the
      human nervous system even at low levels of exposure. Because of their relatively
      low cost and ability to be applied on a wide range of target insects and crop,
      organophosphorus pesticides account for a large share of all insecticides used in
      India, this in turn raises severe health concerns. In this view, the present
      investigation was aimed to identify novel species of Flavobacterium bacteria
      which is bestowed with the capacity to degrade pesticides like chlorpyrifos,
      diazinon or malathion. The bacterium was isolated from agricultural soil
      collected from Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The samples were serially
      diluted and the aliquots were incubated for a suitable time following which the
      suspected colony was subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The sequence thus
      obtained was aligned pairwise against Flavobacterium species, which resulted in
      identification of novel species of Flavobacterium later which was named as
      EMBS0145 and sequence was deposited in GenBank with accession number JN794045.

PMID- 25125137
TI  - Association between TNF-alpha-308 G/A gene polymorphism and gastric cancer risk:
      a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has been found to be
      associated with gastric carcinogenesis, but individually published results have
      been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between
      the TNF-alpha-308 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer risk. METHODS: MEDLINE,
      EMBASE and the COCHRANE library databases were searched for relevant articles to
      identify all available data. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals
      (95% CIs) from each study were used to assess the association between the TNF
      alpha-308 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer risk. RESULTS: This meta-analysis
      included 30 studies (32 datasets) involving 7009 gastric cancer cases and 12,119
      control subjects. Overall, a significant association was found between the TNF
      alpha-308 G/A polymorphism and gastric cancer in AA+GA vs. GG (dominant contrast
      model) (OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.07-1.34, p=0.001). With stratification based on
      ethnicity, the TNF-alpha-308 G/A polymorphism was correlated with gastric cancer
      risk in Caucasians, using the dominant contrast model (OR=0.74, 95% CI=0.57-0.96,
      p=0.02), but not in East Asians and other ethnic groups. In the comprehensive
      subgroup analysis, a significant association was also found in recent articles
      (published after 2005), population-based high-quality studies, hospital-based
      high-quality studies, studies using the TaqMan method and non-cardia subgroups.
      However, the TNF-alpha-308 G/A polymorphism was not associated with specific
      histological types of gastric cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: The TNF-alpha-308 G/A
      polymorphism may contribute to susceptibility to gastric cancer in Caucasians,
      especially for non-cardia gastric cancer, as most strongly demonstrated in high
      quality studies and in studies using the TaqMan genotyping method. Furthermore,
      we recommend the TaqMan method as the preferred genotyping method in DNA
      polymorphism studies.

PMID- 25125139
TI  - Influence of gonadotrophin-induced first oestrus on gilt fertility.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the association between the oestrous
      response of pre-pubertal gilts to gonadotrophin injection or boar exposure and
      their subsequent farrowing rate and litter size. At 154 days of age, randomly
      selected pre-pubertal gilts received an intramuscular injection of 400 IU equine
      chorionic gonadotrophin plus 200 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (PG600((r)) ;
      Merck Animal Health; n = 181). From the remaining pool of animals not treated
      with hormones, the first gilts showing signs of oestrus were selected to act as
      controls (n = 201). Boar exposure began at 155 days of age for both groups, and
      gilts were bred at a weight of approximately 130 kg. Comparisons were made
      between PG600((r)) -treated gilts exhibiting oestrus or not within 7 days post
      injection (early and late responders, respectively) and control gilts exhibiting
      oestrus or not within 30 days after beginning of boar exposure (select and non
      select control gilts, respectively). By 162 days, oestrus was detected in 67.5%
      of PG600((r)) -treated gilts compared with 5.7% of control gilts (p < 0.0001).
      The proportion of animals observed in oestrus at least three times before
      breeding was greater for select control gilts compared with early and late
      responder PG600((r)) -treated gilts (p <= 0.001). There were no significant
      differences in farrowing rate and litter size between the four treatment groups.
      These data indicate that PG600((r)) is an effective tool to induce an earlier
      oestrus in gilts, that subsequent farrowing rate and born alive litter size
      compare favourably to that of select gilts and that gilts failing to respond
      promptly to hormonal stimulation do not exhibit compromised fertility.

PMID- 25125140
TI  - A structured blood conservation programme reduces transfusions and costs in
      cardiac surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Transfusions of blood products can be lifesaving, but they are also
      associated with considerable risks and adverse effects, including immune response
      and infections. In cardiac surgery, transfusions have also been associated with
      increased mortality. We prospectively studied the effects of a structured
      programme to reduce transfusions and transfusion-associated costs in cardiac
      surgery. METHODS: The programme included: (i) education of all staff about the
      risks and benefits of blood transfusions; (ii) revised guidelines for
      transfusions; and (iii) a transfusion log where indication for transfusion,
      status of the patient and prescribing physician were registered. Transfusion
      prevalence, complications and costs for blood products were registered for all
      acute and elective cardiac operations during a 12-month period before (n = 1128)
      and after (n = 1034) the programme was started. The two time periods were
      compared. In addition, the prevalence of transfusions was registered for 2 more
      years after the programme was initiated. RESULTS: The first year after the
      programme was initiated the proportion of patients transfused with red blood cell
      concentrate decreased by 21.8% (from 58.2 to 45.5%, P <0.001), plasma by 37.4%
      (from 30.8 to 19.3%, P <0.001) and platelets by 21.0% (from 20.5 to 16.2%, P =
      0.010). Reoperations for bleeding (5.8 vs 5.0%), early complication rate and 30
      day mortality (2.5 vs 2.6%) were not significantly different before and after the
      start date. Based on the 2009 institutional prices for red blood cell concentrate
      (102 ?/unit), plasma (35 ?/unit) and platelets (290 ?/unit), the savings on blood
      products were ?161,623 during the first 12 months after the programme was
      launched. The proportion of patients transfused with any blood product was 60.9%
      before the programme was started and 48.3, 54.0 and 50.7% 1-3 years after its
      start (all P <0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A structured blood conservation
      programme reduces transfusions and costs for blood products in cardiac surgery,
      without any signs of compromised medical safety. The effects of introducing such
      a programme are maintained over at least 3 years.

PMID- 25125138
TI  - Maternal and perinatal outcomes after bariatric surgery: a Spanish multicenter
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery (BS) has become more frequent among women of child
      bearing age. Data regarding the underlying maternal and perinatal risks are
      scarce. The objective of this nationwide study is to evaluate maternal and
      perinatal outcomes after BS. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational
      study of 168 pregnancies in 112 women who underwent BS in 10 tertiary hospitals
      in Spain over a 15-year period. Maternal and perinatal outcomes, including
      gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorders
      (PAHD), pre-term birth cesarean deliveries, small and large for gestational age
      births (SGA, LGA), still births, and neonatal deaths, were evaluated. Results
      were further compared according to the type of BS performed: restrictive
      techniques (vertical-banded gastroplasty, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric
      banding), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD).
      RESULTS: GDM occurred in five (3 %) pregnancies and there were no cases of PAHD.
      Women whose pregnancies occurred before 1 year after BS had a higher pre
      gestational body mass index (BMI) than those who got pregnant 1 year after BS
      (34.6 +/- 7.7 vs 30.4 +/- 5.3 kg/m(2), p = 0.007). In pregnancies occurring
      during the first year after BS, a higher rate of stillbirths was observed
      compared to pregnancies occurring after this period of time (35.5 vs 16.8 %, p =
      0.03). Women who underwent BPD delivered a higher rate of SGA babies than women
      with RYGB or restrictive procedures (34.8, 12.7, and 8.3 %, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy should be scheduled at least 1 year after BS.
      Malabsorptive procedures are associated to a higher rate of SGA births.

PMID- 25125142
TI  - Rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-C and C-O coupling of quinoline N-oxides with alkynes:
      combination of C-H activation with O-atom transfer.
AB  - [Cp*Rh(III)]-catalyzed C-H activation of arenes assisted by an oxidizing N-O or N
      N directing group has allowed the construction of a number of hetercycles. In
      contrast, a polar N-O bond is well-known to undergo O-atom transfer (OAT) to
      alkynes. Despite the liability of N-O bonds in both C-H activation and OAT, these
      two important areas evolved separately. In this report, [Cp*Rh(III)] catalysts
      integrate both areas in an efficient redox-neutral coupling of quinoline N-oxides
      with alkynes to afford alpha-(8-quinolyl)acetophenones. In this process the N-O
      bond acts as both a directing group for C-H activation and as an O-atom donor.

PMID- 25125141
TI  - Oesophageal pyomyositis in an intravenous drug user.
AB  - An inflammatory or infectious disease of the oesophagus occurring in tissue
      layers beneath but sparing the mucosa may pose a diagnostic challenge. Bacterial
      pyomyositis has been previously reported occurring mostly in the skeletal muscle.
      Pyomyositis involving the gastrointestinal tract is extremely rare, and may
      easily be misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific clinical features. We report a case
      of an intravenous drug user who presented with oesophageal pyomyositis. Early
      computed tomography facilitated accurate diagnosis. Adequate drainage followed by
      antibiotic treatment was effective and the oesophagus was preserved. To the best
      of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of oesophageal myositis in
      an intravenous drug user. 

PMID- 25125143
TI  - Highly efficient and excitation tunable two-photon luminescence platform for
      targeted multi-color MDRB imaging using graphene oxide.
AB  - Multiple drug-resistance bacteria (MDRB) infection is one of the top three
      threats to human health according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Due to
      the large penetration depth and reduced photodamage, two-photon imaging is an
      highly promising technique for clinical MDRB diagnostics. Since most commercially
      available water-soluble organic dyes have low two-photon absorption cross-section
      and rapid photobleaching tendency, their applications in two-photon imaging is
      highly limited. Driven by the need, in this article we report extremely high two
      photon absorption from aptamer conjugated graphene oxide (sigma2PA = 50800 GM)
      which can be used for highly efficient two-photon fluorescent probe for MDRB
      imaging. Reported experimental data show that two-photon photoluminescence
      imaging color, as well as luminescence peak position can be tuned from deep blue
      to red, just by varying the excitation wavelength without changing its chemical
      composition and size. We have demonstrated that graphene oxide (GO) based two
      photon fluorescence probe is capable of imaging of multiple antibiotics
      resistance MRSA in the first and second biological transparency windows using 760
      1120 nm wavelength range.

PMID- 25125144
TI  - Chromosomal rearrangements directly cause underdominant F1 pollen sterility in
      Mimulus lewisii-Mimulus cardinalis hybrids.
AB  - Chromosomal rearrangements can contribute to the evolution of postzygotic
      reproductive isolation directly, by disrupting meiosis in F1 hybrids, or
      indirectly, by suppressing recombination among genic incompatibilities. Because
      direct effects of rearrangements on fertility imply fitness costs during their
      spread, understanding the mechanism of F1 hybrid sterility is integral to
      reconstructing the role(s) of rearrangements in speciation. In hybrids between
      monkeyflowers Mimulus cardinalis and Mimulus lewisii, rearrangements contain all
      quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for both premating barriers and pollen sterility,
      suggesting that they may have facilitated speciation in this model system. We
      used artificial chromosome doubling and comparative mapping to test whether
      heterozygous rearrangements directly cause underdominant male sterility in M.
      lewisii-M. cardinalis hybrids. Consistent with a direct chromosomal basis for
      hybrid sterility, synthetic tetraploid F1 s showed highly restored fertility
      (83.4% pollen fertility) relative to diploids F1 s (36.0%). Additional mapping
      with Mimulus parishii-M. cardinalis and M. parishii-M. lewisii hybrids
      demonstrated that underdominant male sterility is caused by one M. lewisii
      specific and one M. cardinalis specific reciprocal translocation, but that
      inversions had no direct effects on fertility. We discuss the importance of
      translocations as causes of reproductive isolation, and consider models for how
      underdominant rearrangements spread and fix despite intrinsic fitness costs. 

PMID- 25125145
TI  - Transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)-mediated female-specific
      sterility in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.
AB  - Engineering sex-specific sterility is critical for developing transgene-based
      sterile insect technology. Targeted genome engineering achieved by customized
      zinc-finger nuclease, transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) or
      clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats/Cas9 systems has been
      exploited extensively in a variety of model organisms; however, screening mutated
      individuals without a detectable phenotype is still challenging. In addition,
      genetically recessive mutations only detectable in homozygotes make the
      experiments time-consuming. In the present study, we model a novel genetic system
      in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, that results in female-specific sterility by
      combining transgenesis with TALEN technologies. This system induces sex-specific
      sterility at a high efficiency by targeting the female-specific exon of the B.
      mori doublesex (Bmdsx) gene, which has sex-specific splicing isoforms regulating
      somatic sexual development. Transgenic animals co-expressing TALEN left and right
      arms targeting the female-specific Bmdsx exon resulted in somatic mutations and
      female mutants lost fecundity because of lack of egg storage and abnormal
      external genitalia. The wild-type sexual dimorphism of abdominal segment was not
      evident in mutant females. In contrast, there were no deleterious effects in
      mutant male moths. The current somatic TALEN technologies provide a promising
      approach for future insect functional genetics, thus providing the basis for the
      development of attractive genetic alternatives for insect population management. 

PMID- 25125147
TI  - Influence of minimally invasive total hip replacement on hip reaction forces and
      their orientations.
AB  - Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is becoming increasingly popular. Supporters
      claim that the main advantages of MIS total hip replacement (THR) are less pain
      and a faster rehabilitation and recovery. Critics claim that safety and efficacy
      of MIS are yet to be determined. We focused on a biomechanical comparison between
      surgical standard and MIS approaches for THR during the early recovery of
      patients. A validated, parameterized musculoskeletal model was set to perform a
      squat of a 50th percentile healthy European male. A bilateral motion was chosen
      to investigate effects on the contralateral side. Surgical approaches were
      simulated by excluding the incised muscles from the computations. Resulting hip
      reaction forces and their symmetry and orientation were analyzed. MIS THR seemed
      less influential on the symmetry index of hip reaction forces between the
      operated and nonoperated leg when compared to the standard lateral approach. Hip
      reaction forces at peak loads of the standard transgluteal approach were 24%
      higher on the contralateral side when compared to MIS approaches. Our results
      suggest that MIS THR contributes to a greater symmetry of hip reaction forces in
      absolute value as well as force-orientation following THR.

PMID- 25125148
TI  - Enlightened oncologists can provide quality cancer care at reduced costs.

PMID- 25125146
TI  - Relevance of the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) on RANKL, OPG, and nod
      expressions induced by TLR and IL-1R signaling in bone marrow stromal cells.
AB  - The myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) plays a pivotal role in Toll-like
      receptor (TLR)- and interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R)-induced osteoclastogenesis. We
      examined the role of MyD88 on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and
      nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-kappaB)
      activation and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod) induction by
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IL-1 beta, and their effect on receptor activator of
      NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) production in bone marrow
      stromal cell (BMSC). RANKL, Nod1, Nod2, NF-kappaB, and p38 protein levels were
      determined by Western blot. Nod2 was stimulated with muramyl dipeptide (MDP)
      prior to TLR4 stimulation with LPS. MyD88 deficiency markedly inhibited RANKL
      expression after LPS stimulation and increased OPG messenger RNA (mRNA)
      production. Also, MyD88 was necessary for NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK activation. MDP
      alone did not induce RANKL and OPG expressions; however, when combined with LPS,
      their expressions were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Our results support
      that MyD88 signaling has a pivotal role in osteoclastogenesis thought NF-kappaB
      and p38 activation. Nod2 and especially Nod1 levels were influenced by MyD88. 

PMID- 25125149
TI  - The variability of ecstasy tablets composition in Brazil.
AB  - The content of ecstasy tablets has been changing over the years, and nowadays 3,4
      methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is not always present in the tablets. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition in the seized
      tablets labeled as ecstasy. We analyzed samples from 150 different seizures made
      by Sao Paulo's State Police by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. MDMA was
      present in 44.7% of the analyzed samples, and another twenty different active
      substances were identified in these tablets, such as caffeine, 2C-B, piperazines,
      amphetamines, phencyclidine, and others. Methamphetamine was present in 22% of
      these samples. The results demonstrate a huge shift in the pattern of trafficking
      of synthetic drugs, where MDMA has been replaced in tablets mostly by illicit
      psychoactive substances, in a clear attempt to bypass the law. The great
      variability in the tablets composition may lead to an increased risk of drug
      poisoning. 

PMID- 25125151
TI  - Next-generation therapeutics.

PMID- 25125152
TI  - Nepal may have enough doctors but they're in the wrong place.

PMID- 25125150
TI  - NDST1 missense mutations in autosomal recessive intellectual disability.
AB  - NDST1 was recently proposed as a candidate gene for autosomal recessive
      intellectual disability in two families. It encodes a bifunctional GlcNAc N
      deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase with important functions in heparan sulfate
      biosynthesis. In mice, Ndst1 is crucial for embryonic development and homozygous
      null mutations are perinatally lethal. We now report on two additional unrelated
      families with homozygous missense NDST1 mutations. All mutations described to
      date predict the substitution of conserved amino acids in the sulfotransferase
      domain, and mutation modeling predicts drastic alterations in the local protein
      conformation. Comparing the four families, we noticed significant overlap in the
      clinical features, including both demonstrated and apparent intellectual
      disability, muscular hypotonia, epilepsy, and postnatal growth deficiency.
      Furthermore, in Drosophila, knockdown of sulfateless, the NDST ortholog, impairs
      long-term memory, highlighting its function in cognition. Our data confirm NDST1
      mutations as a cause of autosomal recessive intellectual disability with a
      distinctive phenotype, and support an important function of NDST1 in human
      development.

PMID- 25125154
TI  - [The evolution of national health and the development of the nursing practice in
      Taiwan].
AB  - Nursing is an applied science. While there is a wide range of nursing theories
      and nursing care models, resolving the health problems and meeting the health
      needs of clients is the common objective of all in the nursing profession. The
      nursing profession may be subdivided into hospital clinical nursing and community
      health nursing (CHN). CHN is further subdivided into public health nursing,
      school health nursing, and industrial health nursing. The past 60 years has been
      a period of significant growth and improvement in Taiwan that has enhanced the
      nation's socioeconomic condition, general living standards, and general public
      health. The nursing profession has seen profound progress as well, not only in
      terms of content but also in terms of nursing care models, which are increasingly
      framed around core public health needs and take into consideration different
      health perspectives. Nursing in Taiwan has gradually established its own
      professional function and autonomy. 

PMID- 25125155
TI  - [The Taiwan Nurses Association and professional diplomacy].
AB  - The Taiwan Nurses Association (TWNA) is publishing a special centenary issue to
      commemorate the 100th anniversary of the association in 2014. For this issue,
      TWNA invited the author to write a review article that addresses the involvement
      of the TWNA in professional diplomacy and international exchange over the past
      century. The author reviews the history of both TWNA and the International
      Council of Nurses and introduces the contributions of the association in the
      field of professional diplomacy and the positive contributions of many Taiwan
      nursing leaders to global healthcare and society. The purpose of the paper is to
      convey the traditions and experiences of TWNA forward to the next generation. 

PMID- 25125156
TI  - ["Scholar officials": thoughts on the involvement of professional nurses in the
      political process].
AB  - A growing number of nurses are concerned with / participate in public affairs,
      politics, and policymaking processes. In particular, nursing leaders are actively
      leveraging their collective power to create interdisciplinary alliances aimed at
      encouraging the media and government to confront key nursing issues and implement
      healthcare reform. This article highlights the political participation and policy
      making process to address the meaning and essence of politics, politics and
      nursing, training and strategies of public affairs and political participation,
      the shift from academia to health policy, and facilitation of important health
      policies. It is hoped that nurses may appropriately use their status and
      influence to actively participate in political campaigns and the policymaking
      process. By using their professional knowledge and skills, nurses may not only
      protect patient safety and public health but also facilitate nursing professional
      development and promote the professional image of nursing. 

PMID- 25125153
TI  - Hypertonic sodium lactate improves fluid balance and hemodynamics in porcine
      endotoxic shock.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Based on the potential interest in sodium lactate as an energy
      substrate and resuscitative fluid, we investigated the effects of hypertonic
      sodium lactate in a porcine endotoxic shock. METHODS: Fifteen anesthetized,
      mechanically ventilated pigs were challenged with intravenous infusion of E. coli
      endotoxin. Three groups of five animals were randomly assigned to receive 5
      mL/kg/h of different fluids: a treatment group received hypertonic sodium lactate
      11.2% (HSL group); an isotonic control group receiving 0.9% NaCl (NC group); a
      hypertonic control group with the same amount of osmoles and sodium than HSL
      group receiving hypertonic sodium bicarbonate 8.4% (HSB group). Hemodynamic and
      oxygenation variables, urine output and fluid balance were measured at baseline
      and at 30, 60, 120, 210 and 300 min. Skin microvascular blood flow at rest and
      during reactive hyperemia was obtained using a laser Doppler flowmetry technique.
      Results were given as median with interquartile ranges. RESULTS: Endotoxin
      infusion resulted in hypodynamic shock. At 300 min, hemodynamics and oxygenation
      were significantly enhanced in HSL group: mean arterial pressure (103 [81-120]
      mmHg vs. 49 [41-62] in NC group vs. 71 [60-78] in HSB group), cardiac index (1.6
      [1.2-1.8] L/min/m2 vs. 0.9 [0.5-1.1] in NC group vs. 1.3 [0.9-1.6] in HSB group)
      and partial pressure of oxygen (366 [308-392] mmHg vs. 166 [130-206] in NC group
      vs. 277 [189-303] in HSB group). At the same time, microvascular reactivity was
      significantly better in HSL group with a lower venoarterial CO2 tension
      difference (5.5 [4-10] mmHg vs. 17 [14-25] in NC group vs. 14 [12-15] in HSB
      group). The cumulative fluid balance was lower in HSL group (-325 [-655; -150]
      mL) compared to NC (+560 [+230; +900] mL, p = 0.008) and HSB (+185 [-110; +645]
      mL, p = 0.03) groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our hypodynamic model of endotoxic shock,
      infusion of hypertonic sodium lactate improves hemodynamic and microvascular
      reactivity with a negative fluid balance and a better oxygenation.

PMID- 25125157
TI  - [Centennial retrospective on the evolution and development of the nursing
      practice environment in Taiwan].
AB  - The practice environment for nurses has seen tremendous change over the past
      century due to the dedication and trailblazing work of nursing pioneers. This
      article describes how the nursing practice environment in Taiwan has evolved over
      this period. References used include nursing narratives, hospital accreditation
      standards, standard operating procedures, workplace safety standards, and
      worksite-related values and expectations. The efforts of the professional nursing
      community to realize a positive practice environment are further discussed. Over
      this century of change, the only thing that has remained unchanged is the
      commitment of nurses to "treat patients as one's own family". In the current as
      well as the previous periods of manpower shortages in nursing, the nursing
      community has managed to turn crisis into opportunity by using the situation to
      enhance pay and benefits. Nursing professionalism is widely respected and
      recognized throughout Taiwan society. The rapidly changing needs of the 21st
      century in aspects such as the advancement of high technology, the rapid growth
      of the elderly population, and the fast rate of social change seriously impact
      the development of the nursing profession. How to effectively apply high
      technology, simplify workflows, provide high quality and humanistic nursing care,
      build safe and quality workplaces, attract bright nursing students, and provide
      healthcare for the entire population will remain the responsibilities of nursing
      for generations to come. 

PMID- 25125158
TI  - [Centennial retrospective on the evolution and development of nursing research in
      Taiwan].
AB  - Nursing is a distinct branch of science. Nursing research is not only key to
      developing professional knowledge and but also to promoting nursing as an
      independent discipline. This paper describes the development and outcomes of
      nursing research over the past 100 years and then explores the factors that have
      influenced the focus of nursing research in the past. Findings may be applied to
      future efforts to promote nursing research. The authors hope that nurses
      integrate the best research evidence, the best clinical judgment, and the
      expectations of patients in order to provide the best quality of nursing care
      through reflection and praxis in nursing research. 

PMID- 25125159
TI  - [Centennial retrospective on the evolution and development of the nursing
      profession in Taiwan].
AB  - This article explores the evolution and development of the Taiwanese nursing
      profession. After introducing the origins of nursing, this article proceeds to
      introduce nursing during various periods in Taiwan, including the early-Qing
      Dynasty, foreign missionary nursing, the Japanese Colonial Era, and the
      Nationalist Chinese Era following World War Two up to the present. The authors
      then present the current situation in the Taiwanese nursing profession in terms
      of gender issues, high-technology developments, educational issues, the nursing
      licensing examination, hiring and training, multiple role functions, and the
      skill-mix care model. Finally, the authors make recommendations for the further
      development and improvement of the nursing profession in Taiwan. 

PMID- 25125160
TI  - [Centennial retrospective on the evolution and development of nursing education
      in Taiwan].
AB  - Nursing education in Taiwan has developed significantly over the past one hundred
      years. Throughout the first half of the 20th century, nursing education in Taiwan
      ended at the high school level. However, over the most recent 50 years, this
      level has been gradually raised, and nursing doctoral programs are now offered
      today. Changes in the nursing profession over the past century have been
      influenced by social and political factors, war, the health care policies, and
      national education policies. Areas of nursing education that have presented key
      challenges to change and innovation include the nursing faculty, curriculum,
      teaching materials, and quality of teaching. Today, key future goals for nursing
      education in Taiwan are: Raising the entry level of generic nursing education
      from junior high to the high-school level, improving the curricula for master's
      and doctoral students, cultivating advanced practice nurses, improving the
      quality of nursing faculties, and establishing a mechanism to ensure the
      consistent quality of nursing education. 

PMID- 25125161
TI  - [Centennial retrospective on the role expansion of the nursing profession in
      Taiwan].
AB  - Advanced practice nurses were introduced in Taiwan to address increasingly
      complex public healthcare needs, reimbursement reform in the National Health Care
      Insurance system, and healthcare organization changes and to ensure high-quality
      care for patients. This article discusses the role and the function of nurses;
      the expansion and extension of nursing responsibilities; the specific roles of
      the advanced practice nurse, the nurse practitioner, the case manager, and the
      care manager; the affect of advanced practice on nursing identity and
      effectiveness; and key current issues in advanced practice. Suggestions are
      provided to improve the professional development of nurses in the future. 

PMID- 25125162
TI  - [A new vision of nursing: the evolution and development of nursing informatics].
AB  - Technology development trends in the 21st century are increasingly focused on the
      development of interdisciplinary applications. Advanced information technology
      may be applied to integrate nursing care information, simplify nursing processes,
      and reduce the time spent on work tasks, thereby increasing the amount of time
      that clinical personnel are available to care for patients and ensuring that
      patients are provided with high-quality and personalized care services. The
      development of nursing information began in Taiwan in 2003 and has since expanded
      and thrived. The ability of nursing information to connect formerly insular
      national nursing communities promotes the international visibility of Taiwan. The
      rapid development of nursing information in Taiwan, resulting in the production
      of informative and outstanding results, has received worldwide attention. The
      Taiwan Nursing Informatics Association was established in 2006 to nurture nursing
      information professionals, develop and apply information technology in the health
      care domain, and facilitate international nursing information exchanges. The
      association actively promotes nursing information in the areas of administration,
      education, research, and clinical practice, thereby integrating nursing with
      empirical applications to enhance the service quality and management of nursing
      and increase the benefits of nursing teaching and research. To convert
      information into knowledge, the association develops individualized strategies
      for managing mobile care and employs an interagency network to exchange and
      reintegrate resources, establishing active, intelligent nursing based on network
      characteristics and an empirical foundation. The mid- and long-term objectives of
      the association involve introducing cloud computing and facilitating the
      meaningful use of nursing information in both public and government settings,
      thereby creating a milestone of developing and expanding nursing information
      unique to Taiwan. 

PMID- 25125163
TI  - [A new vision of nursing: the evolution and development of evidence-based
      nursing].
AB  - The concept and principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM), first introduced in
      1996 in the UK and Canada, have greatly impacted healthcare worldwide. Evidence
      based care is a new approach to healthcare that works to reduce the gap between
      evidence and practice in order to further the scientific credentials and
      practices of the nursing profession. The revolution in healthcare has perhaps
      most noticeably impacted the nursing sciences. Today, new methodologies are
      increasingly synthesizing knowledge, while expanded access to publication
      resources is creating a new era in evidence-based nursing. Therefore, we expect
      to see in Taiwan the increased sharing of innovative implementations of evidence
      based nursing practice and promotion campaigns and the exploration of a new
      evidence-based nursing paradigm for incorporating evidence-based concepts into
      the policymaking process, nursing practice, and nursing education. All scientists
      in clinical care, education, and research are responsible to establish scientific
      nursing knowledge in support of the evidence-based nursing practice. 

PMID- 25125164
TI  - Metastatic intramucosal colorectal adenocarcinoma: a case to support review of
      current concepts (and staging) of early colorectal cancer.

PMID- 25125165
TI  - Does early identification of low-grade glioma growth impact outcome?

PMID- 25125166
TI  - Special issue: recent advances in muscle research.

PMID- 25125167
TI  - Recent advances in muscle research.

PMID- 25125168
TI  - Memories of Annemarie Weber.

PMID- 25125170
TI  - The formin FHOD1 in cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Members of the formin family are known to be involved in the regulation of the
      actin cytoskeleton. We have recently identified a muscle specific splice variant
      of the formin FHOD3 and demonstrated its role in the maintenance of the
      contractile filaments of cardiomyocytes. Here, we characterize the expression and
      subcellular localization of FHOD3's closest relative, FHOD1, in the heart.
      Confocal microscopy shows that FHOD1 is mainly located at the intercalated disc,
      the special type of cell-cell contact between cardiomyocytes, but also partially
      associated with the myofibrils. Subcellular targeting of FHOD1 is probably
      mediated by its N-terminal domain, since expression constructs lacking this
      domain show aberrant localization in primary cultures of neonatal rat
      cardiomyocytes. Finally, we show that in contrast to FHOD3, FHOD1 shows increased
      expression levels in dilated cardiomyopathy, suggesting that the two formins play
      distinct roles and are differentially regulated in cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 25125171
TI  - Localization of sarcomeric proteins during myofibril assembly in cultured mouse
      primary skeletal myotubes.
AB  - It is important to understand how muscle forms normally in order to understand
      muscle diseases that result in abnormal muscle formation. Although the structure
      of myofibrils is well understood, the process through which the myofibril
      components form organized contractile units is not clear. Based on the staining
      of muscle proteins in avian embryonic cardiomyocytes, we previously proposed that
      myofibrils formation occurred in steps that began with premyofibrils followed by
      nascent myofibrils and ending with mature myofibrils. The purpose of this study
      was to determine whether the premyofibril model of myofibrillogenesis developed
      from studies developed from studies in avian cardiomyocytes was supported by our
      current studies of myofibril assembly in mouse skeletal muscle. Emphasis was on
      establishing how the key sarcomeric proteins, F-actin, nonmuscle myosin II,
      muscle myosin II, and alpha-actinin were organized in the three stages of
      myofibril assembly. The results also test previous reports that nonmuscle myosins
      II A and B are components of the Z-bands of mature myofibrils, data that are
      inconsistent with the premyofibril model. We have also determined that in mouse
      muscle cells, telethonin is a late assembling protein that is present only in the
      Z-bands of mature myofibrils. This result of using specific telethonin antibodies
      supports the approach of using YFP-tagged proteins to determine where and when
      these YFP-sarcomeric fusion proteins are localized. The data presented in this
      study on cultures of primary mouse skeletal myocytes are consistent with the
      premyofibril model of myofibrillogenesis previously proposed for both avian
      cardiac and skeletal muscle cells.

PMID- 25125172
TI  - Translational control of tropomyosin expression in vertebrate hearts.
AB  - The tropomyosin (TM) gene family produces a set of related TM proteins with
      important functions in striated and smooth muscle, and nonmuscle cells. In
      vertebrate striated muscle, the thin filament consists largely of actin, TM, the
      troponin (Tn) complex (Tn-I, Tn-C and Tn-T), and tropomodulin (Tmod) and is
      responsible for mediating Ca(2+) control of muscle contraction and relaxation.
      There are four known genes (designated as TPM1, TPM2, TPM3, and TPM4) for TM in
      vertebrates. The four TM genes generate a multitude of tissue- and developmental
      specific isoforms through the use of different promoters, alternative mRNA
      splicing, different 3'-end mRNA processing and tissue-specific translational
      control. In this review, we have focused mainly on the regulation of TM
      expression in striated muscles, primarily in vertebrate hearts with special
      emphasis on translational control using mouse and Mexican axolotl animal models.

PMID- 25125169
TI  - Regulation of structure and function of sarcomeric actin filaments in striated
      muscle of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been used as a valuable system to study
      structure and function of striated muscle. The body wall muscle of C. elegans is
      obliquely striated muscle with highly organized sarcomeric assembly of actin,
      myosin, and other accessory proteins. Genetic and molecular biological studies in
      C. elegans have identified a number of genes encoding structural and regulatory
      components for the muscle contractile apparatuses, and many of them have
      counterparts in mammalian cardiac and skeletal muscles or striated muscles in
      other invertebrates. Applicability of genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry
      has made C. elegans an excellent system to study mechanisms of muscle
      contractility and assembly and maintenance of myofibrils. This review focuses on
      the regulatory mechanisms of structure and function of actin filaments in the C.
      elegans body wall muscle. Sarcomeric actin filaments in C. elegans muscle are
      associated with the troponin-tropomyosin system that regulates the actin-myosin
      interaction. Proteins that bind to the side and ends of actin filaments support
      ordered assembly of thin filaments. Furthermore, regulators of actin dynamics
      play important roles in initial assembly, growth, and maintenance of sarcomeres.
      The knowledge acquired in C. elegans can serve as bases to understand the basic
      mechanisms of muscle structure and function.

PMID- 25125174
TI  - A Titan but not necessarily a ruler: assessing the role of titin during thick
      filament patterning and assembly.
AB  - The sarcomeres of striated muscle are among the most elaborate and dynamic
      eukaryotic cellular protein machinery, and the mechanisms by which these
      semicrystalline filament networks are initially patterned and assembled remain
      contentious. In addition to the acto-myosin filaments that provide motor
      function, the sarcomere contains titin filaments, comprised of individual
      molecules of the giant Ig- and fibronectin domain-rich protein titin. Titin is
      the largest known protein, containing many structurally distinct domains with a
      variety of proposed functions, including sarcomere stabilization, the prevention
      of over-stretching, and returning to resting length after contraction. One
      molecule of titin, which binds to both the Z-disk and the M-line, spans a half
      sarcomere, and is proposed to serve as a "molecular ruler" that dictates the
      spacing of sarcomeres. The semirigid rod-like A-band region of titin has also
      been proposed to act as a scaffold for thick filament formation during muscle
      development, but despite decades of research, this hypothesis has not been
      rigorously tested. Recent studies in zebrafish have brought into question the
      necessity for the A-band region of titin during the early stages of sarcomere
      patterning. In this review, we give an overview of the many different roles of
      titin in the development and function of striated muscle, and address the
      validity of the "molecular ruler" model of myofibrillogenesis in light of the
      current literature.

PMID- 25125173
TI  - Expression of myotilin during chicken development.
AB  - Several missense mutations in the Z-band protein, myotilin, have been implicated
      in human muscle diseases such as myofibrillar myopathy, spheroid body myopathy,
      and distal myopathy. Recently, we have reported the cloning of chicken myotilin
      cDNA. In this study, we have investigated the expression of myotilin in cross
      striated muscles from developing chicken by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridizations.
      In situ hybridization of embryonic stages shows myotilin gene expression in
      heart, somites, neural tissue, eyes and otocysts. RT-PCR and qRT-PCR data,
      together with in situ hybridization results point to a biphasic transcriptional
      pattern for MYOT gene during early heart development with maximum expression
      level in the adult. In skeletal muscle, the expression level starts decreasing
      after embryonic day 20 and declines in the adult skeletal muscles. Western blot
      assays of myotilin in adult skeletal muscle reveal a decrease in myotilin protein
      compared with levels in embryonic skeletal muscle. Our results suggest that MYOT
      gene may undergo transcriptional activation and repression that varies between
      tissues in developing chicken. We believe this is the first report of the
      developmental regulation on myotilin expression in non-mammalian species.

PMID- 25125175
TI  - Probing muscle ankyrin-repeat protein (MARP) structure and function.
AB  - Muscle ankyrin-repeat proteins (MARPs) have been shown to serve diverse functions
      within cardiac and skeletal muscle cells. Apart from their interactions with
      sarcomeric proteins like titin or myopalladin that locate them along
      myofilaments, MARPs are able to shuttle to the nucleus where they act as
      modulators for a variety of transcription factors. The deregulation of MARPs in
      many cardiac and skeletal myopathies contributes to their use as biomarkers for
      these diseases. Many of their functions are attributed to their domain
      composition. MARPs consist of an N-terminal coiled-coil domain responsible for
      their dimerization. The C-terminus contains a series of ankyrin repeats, whose
      best-characterized function is to bind to the N2A region of the giant sarcomeric
      protein titin. Here we investigate the nature of their dimerization and their
      interaction with titin more closely. We demonstrate that the coiled-coil domain
      in all MARPs enables their homo- and hetero-dimerization in antiparallel fashion.
      Protein complementation experiments indicate further antiparallel binding of the
      ankyrin repeats to titin's N2A region. Binding of MARP to titin also affects its
      PKA mediated phosphorylation. We demonstrate further that MARPs themselves are
      phosphorylated by PKA and PKC, potentially altering their structure or function.
      These studies elucidate structural relationships within the stretch-responsive
      MARP/titin complex in cross-striated muscle cells, and may relate to disease
      relevant posttranslational modifications of MARPs and titin that alter muscle
      compliance.

PMID- 25125178
TI  - SMYD proteins: key regulators in skeletal and cardiac muscle development and
      function.
AB  - Muscle fibers are composed of myofibrils, one of the most highly ordered
      macromolecular assemblies in cells. Recent studies demonstrate that members of
      the Smyd family play critical roles in myofibril assembly of skeletal and cardiac
      muscle during development. The Smyd family consists of five members including
      Smyd1, Smyd2, Smyd3, Smyd4, and Smyd5. They share two highly conserved structural
      and functional domains, namely the SET and MYND domains involved in lysine
      methylation and protein-protein interaction, respectively. Smyd1 is specifically
      expressed in muscle cells under the regulation of myogenic transcriptional
      factors of the MyoD and Mef2 families and the serum responsive factor. Loss of
      function studies reveal that Smyd1 is required for cardiomyogenesis and sarcomere
      assembly in skeletal and cardiac muscles. Smyd2, on another hand, is dispensable
      for heart development in mice. However, Smyd2 appears to play a role in
      myofilament organization in both skeletal and cardiac muscles via Hsp90
      methylation. A Drosophila Smyd4 homologue is a muscle-specific transcriptional
      modulator involved in the development or function of adult muscle. The molecular
      mechanisms by which Smyd family proteins function in muscle cells are not well
      understood. It has been suggested that members of the Smyd family may use
      multiple mechanisms to control muscle development and cell differentiation,
      including transcriptional regulation, epigenetic regulation via histone
      methylation, and methylation of proteins other than histones, such as molecular
      chaperone Hsp90.

PMID- 25125176
TI  - Protein arginylation, a global biological regulator that targets actin
      cytoskeleton and the muscle.
AB  - Posttranslational addition of Arg to proteins, mediated by arginyltransferase
      ATE1 has been first observed in 1963 and remained poorly understood for decades
      since its original discovery. Recent work demonstrated the global nature of
      arginylation and its essential role in multiple physiological pathways during
      embryogenesis and adulthood and identified over a hundred of proteins arginylated
      in vivo. Among these proteins, the prominent role belongs to the actin
      cytoskeleton and the muscle, and follow up studies strongly suggests that
      arginylation constitutes a novel biological regulator of contractility. This
      review presents an overview of the studies of protein arginylation that led to
      the discovery of its major role in the muscle.

PMID- 25125180
TI  - Structural implications of beta-cardiac myosin heavy chain mutations in human
      disease.
AB  - Over 500 disease-causing point mutations have been found in the human beta
      cardiac myosin heavy chain, many quite recently with modern sequencing
      techniques. This review shows that clusters of these mutations occur at critical
      points in the sequence and investigates whether the many studies on these mutants
      reveal information about the function of this protein.

PMID- 25125177
TI  - Getting folded: chaperone proteins in muscle development, maintenance and
      disease.
AB  - Chaperone proteins are critical for protein folding and stability, and hence are
      necessary for normal cellular organization and function. Recent studies have
      begun to interrogate the role of this specialized class of proteins in muscle
      biology. During development, chaperone-mediated folding of client proteins
      enables their integration into nascent functional sarcomeres. In addition to
      assisting with muscle differentiation, chaperones play a key role in the
      maintenance of muscle tissues. Furthermore, disruption of the chaperone network
      can result in neuromuscular disease. In this review, we discuss how chaperones
      are involved in myofibrillogenesis, sarcomere maintenance, and muscle disorders.
      We also consider the possibilities of therapeutically targeting chaperones to
      treat muscle disease.

PMID- 25125179
TI  - Cell biology of sarcomeric protein engineering: disease modeling and therapeutic
      potential.
AB  - The cardiac sarcomere is the functional unit for myocyte contraction. Ordered
      arrays of sarcomeric proteins, held in stoichiometric balance with each other,
      respond to calcium to coordinate contraction and relaxation of the heart. Altered
      sarcomeric structure-function underlies the primary basis of disease in multiple
      acquired and inherited heart disease states. Hypertrophic and restrictive
      cardiomyopathies are caused by inherited mutations in sarcomeric genes and result
      in altered contractility. Ischemia-mediated acidosis directly alters sarcomere
      function resulting in decreased contractility. In this review, we highlight the
      use of acute genetic engineering of adult cardiac myocytes through stoichiometric
      replacement of sarcomeric proteins in these disease states with particular focus
      on cardiac troponin I. Stoichiometric replacement of disease causing mutations
      has been instrumental in defining the molecular mechanisms of hypertrophic and
      restrictive cardiomyopathy in a cellular context. In addition, taking advantage
      of stoichiometric replacement through gene therapy is discussed, highlighting the
      ischemia-resistant histidine-button, A164H cTnI. Stoichiometric replacement of
      sarcomeric proteins offers a potential gene therapy avenue to replace mutant
      proteins, alter sarcomeric responses to pathophysiologic insults, or neutralize
      altered sarcomeric function in disease.

PMID- 25125183
TI  - Myosin VI localization and expression in striated muscle pathology.
AB  - Myosin VI (MVI) is a unique unconventional myosin translocating, unlike other
      myosins, towards the minus end of actin filaments. It is involved in numerous
      cellular processes such as endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, cell
      migration, and transcription. In mammalian skeletal muscles it localizes mainly
      to sarcoplasmic reticulum and is also present within the muscle nuclei and at the
      neuromuscular junction (Karolczak et al. Histochem Cell Biol 2013; 23:219-228).
      We have also shown that in denervated rat hindlimb muscle the MVI expression
      level is significantly increased and its localization is changed, indicating an
      important role of MVI in striated muscle pathology. Here, we addressed this
      problem by examining the distribution and expression levels of myosin VI in
      biopsies of skeletal muscles from patients with different myopathies. We found
      that, particularly in myopathies associated with fiber atrophy, the amount of MVI
      was enhanced and its localization in affected fibers was changed. Also, since a
      mutation within the human MVI gene was shown to be associated with
      cardiomyopathy, we assessed MVI localization and expression level in cardiac
      muscle using wild type and MLP(-/-) mice, a dilated cardiomyopathy model. No
      significant difference in MVI expression level was observed for both types of
      animals. MVI was found at intercalated discs and also at the sarcoplasmic
      reticulum. In the knockout mice, it was also present in ring-like structures
      surrounding the nuclei. The data indicate that in striated muscle MVI could be
      engaged in sarcoplasmic reticulum maintenance and/or functioning, vesicular
      transport, signal transmission and possibly in gene transcription.

PMID- 25125184
TI  - The pathway for force transmission in the rat anococcygeus muscle: a tale of two
      tendons.
AB  - Smooth muscles forming the wall of tissues having conduit and reservoir functions
      (including blood vessels, intestinal tract, and stomach, gall bladder, urinary
      bladder, respectively) are organized into sheets or layers. The pathway for force
      transmission emanates from myosin interaction with actin filaments attached to
      intracellular dense bodies linked by the cytoskeleton to plasma membrane dense
      bodies which are adhesion sites for the extracellular matrix. The extracellular
      matrix is continuous throughout and between muscle layers, facilitating their
      coordinated function. There are a few instances where smooth muscles are
      organized in small longitudinal bundles with elastic tendinous ends, such as the
      pilomotor muscles of skin, the ciliary muscle of the eye, and costo-uterine
      muscle. In this study, we examine ultrastructure of two tendons that tether the
      anococcygeus muscle of the rat from the spine to the colon, the former a true
      tendon (myotendinous junction) and the latter a layer of connective tissue
      (intramuscular tendon). These regions show morphological specializations in the
      distribution and thickness of dense bodies, basement membrane, fiber shape and
      quantity of extracellular matrix. At the plasma membrane between dense bodies are
      caveolae, flask shaped structures primarily responsible for signal transduction,
      proliferation and electromechanical coupling. Changes also occur in caveolar
      regions, where the basement membrane is thickened and attachments to
      extracellular matrix are seen. Together, both regions of the plasma membrane are
      designed to facilitate force transmission.

PMID- 25125181
TI  - Understanding cardiac sarcomere assembly with zebrafish genetics.
AB  - Mutations in sarcomere genes have been found in many inheritable human diseases,
      including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of
      sarcomere assembly shall facilitate understanding of the pathogenesis of
      sarcomere-based cardiac disease. Recently, biochemical and genomic studies have
      identified many new genes encoding proteins that localize to the sarcomere.
      However, their precise functions in sarcomere assembly and sarcomere-based
      cardiac disease are unknown. Here, we review zebrafish as an emerging vertebrate
      model for these studies. We summarize the techniques offered by this animal model
      to manipulate genes of interest, annotate gene expression, and describe the
      resulting phenotypes. We survey the sarcomere genes that have been investigated
      in zebrafish and discuss the potential of applying this in vivo model for larger
      scale genetic studies.

PMID- 25125186
TI  - Tenascin-C in development and disease of blood vessels.
AB  - Tenascin-C (TNC) is an extracellular glycoprotein categorized as a matricellular
      protein. It is highly expressed during embryonic development, wound healing,
      inflammation, and cancer invasion, and has a wide range of effects on cell
      response in tissue morphogenesis and remodeling including the cardiovascular
      system. In the heart, TNC is sparsely detected in normal adults but transiently
      expressed at restricted sites during embryonic development and in response to
      injury, playing an important role in myocardial remodeling. Although TNC in the
      vascular system appears more complex than in the heart, the expression of TNC in
      normal adult blood vessels is generally low. During embryonic development,
      vascular smooth muscle cells highly express TNC on maturation of the vascular
      wall, which is controlled in a way that depends on the embryonic site of cell
      origin. Strong expression of TNC is also linked with several pathological
      conditions such as cerebral vasospasm, intimal hyperplasia, pulmonary artery
      hypertension, and aortic aneurysm/ dissection. TNC synthesized by smooth muscle
      cells in response to developmental and environmental cues regulates cell
      responses such as proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival in an
      autocrine/paracrine fashion and in a context-dependent manner. Thus, TNC can be a
      key molecule in controlling cellular activity in adaptation during normal
      vascular development as well as tissue remodeling in pathological conditions.

PMID- 25125182
TI  - Finding the sweet spot: assembly and glycosylation of the dystrophin-associated
      glycoprotein complex.
AB  - The dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC) is a collection of
      glycoproteins that are essential for the normal function of striated muscle and
      many other tissues. Recent genetic studies have implicated the components of this
      complex in over a dozen forms of muscular dystrophy. Furthermore, disruption of
      the DGC has been implicated in many forms of acquired disease. This review aims
      to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the processing and assembly
      of dystrophin-associated proteins with a focus primarily on the dystroglycan
      heterodimer and the sarcoglycan complex. These proteins form the transmembrane
      portion of the DGC and undergo a complex multi-step processing with proteolytic
      cleavage, differential assembly, and both N- and O-glycosylation. The enzymes
      responsible for this processing and a model describing the sequence and
      subcellular localization of these events are discussed.

PMID- 25125185
TI  - Smooth muscle-protein translocation and tissue function.
AB  - Smooth muscle (SM) tissue is a complex organization of multiple cell types and is
      regulated by numerous signaling molecules (neurotransmitters, hormones,
      cytokines, etc.). SM contractile function can be regulated via expression and
      distribution of the contractile and cytoskeletal proteins, and activation of any
      of the second messenger pathways that regulate them. Spatial-temporal changes in
      the contractile, cytoskeletal or regulatory components of SM cells (SMCs) have
      been proposed to alter SM contractile activity. Ca(2+)
      sensitization/desensitization can occur as a result of changes at any of these
      levels, and specific pathways have been identified at all of these levels.
      Understanding when and how proteins can translocate within the cytoplasm, or to
      and-from the plasmalemma and the cytoplasm to alter contractile activity is
      critical. Numerous studies have reported translocation of proteins associated
      with the adherens junction and G protein-coupled receptor activation pathways in
      isolated SMC systems. Specific examples of translocation of vinculin to and from
      the adherens junction and protein kinase C (PKC) and 17 kDa PKC-potentiated
      inhibitor of myosin light chain phosphatase (CPI-17) to and from the plasmalemma
      in isolated SMC systems but not in intact SM tissues are discussed. Using both
      isolated SMC systems and SM tissues in parallel to pursue these studies will
      advance our understanding of both the role and mechanism of these pathways as
      well as their possible significance for Ca(2+) sensitization in intact SM tissues
      and organ systems.

PMID- 25125188
TI  - Is sarcomere lattice geometry optimal? Analysis of several potential virtual
      polygon cross-sectional patterns for actin and myosin myofilaments in muscle.
AB  - The hexagonal arrangement of actin filaments in skeletal muscle is not the
      fundamental geometrical or functioning myofilament unit. This analysis of several
      possible sarcomere lattice geometries for the arrangement of the actin and myosin
      filaments identifies several geometrical constraints that can be compared for
      their effect on muscle sarcomere functioning and efficiency. Three distinct
      virtual polygons, with myosins at their vertices and that tessellate the plane,
      are compared for both centered actin and perimeter actin arrangements. The
      analysis evaluates the optimal ratio of myosin to actin filaments, the packing
      density, and the effect on new myofilament formation in muscle hypertrophy for
      the various lattice geometries. The results support the view that no single
      measure of geometrical effectiveness can evaluate definitively the efficiency of
      any particular arrangement of the myofilaments. The analysis provides
      quantitative measures of several parameters that, taken overall, support the
      effectiveness of the myofilament arrangement in Nature. It provides a new
      definition of the fundamental myofilament unit (FMU). It is possible to calculate
      the number of actin and myosin myofilaments that need to be added to each polygon
      arrangement of the myofilaments to create a new FMU for that specific geometry.
      This leads to useful conclusions about the biochemical efficiency involved in
      where such units arise in the course of muscle hypertrophy. It supports the idea
      that the evolutionary endpoint for optimizing muscle's force-generating function
      can be better understood via the concepts of a FMU and the polygon arrangement of
      the sarcomere lattice geometry.

PMID- 25125189
TI  - Myosin VIIA is a marker for the cone accessory outer segment in zebrafish.
AB  - The accessory outer segment, a cytoplasmic structure running alongside the
      photoreceptor outer segment, has been described in teleost fishes, excluding the
      model organism zebrafish. So far, the function of the accessory outer segment is
      unknown. Here, we describe the ultrastructure of the zebrafish cone accessory
      outer segment by electron microscopy. Starting at the connecting cilium, the
      accessory outer segment runs parallel alongside the cone outer segment (COS). A
      thin plasma bridge connects the outer segment with the accessory outer segment,
      whose surface is enlarged by foldings and invaginations. Beside the morphological
      descriptions, we demonstrate that the Usher protein myosin VIIa (Myo7a) is a
      specific marker for the zebrafish cone accessory outer segment. Zebrafish cone
      photoreceptors possess a large and well-differentiated accessory outer segment,
      in which the unconventional motor protein Myo7a is highly enriched. The direct
      cytoplasmic contact with the COS as well as the surface enlargement of the
      accessory outer segment suggests an important role of this structure in transport
      and exchange of metabolites between the COS and the surrounding retinal pigment
      epithelium. In future studies of the outer retina, more attention should be paid
      to this often neglected structure.

PMID- 25125191
TI  - Pre-clinical research in small animals using radiotherapy technology--a
      bidirectional translational approach.
AB  - For translational cancer research, pre-clinical in-vivo studies using small
      animals have become indispensable in bridging the gap between in-vitro cell
      experiments and clinical implementation. When setting up such small animal
      experiments, various biological, technical and methodical aspects have to be
      considered. In this work we present a comprehensive topical review based on
      relevant publications on irradiation techniques used for pre-clinical cancer
      research in mice and rats. Clinical radiotherapy treatment devices for the
      application of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy as well as dedicated
      research irradiation devices are feasible for small animal irradiation depending
      on the animal model and the experimental goals. In this work, appropriate
      solutions for the technological transfer of human radiation oncology to small
      animal radiation research are summarised. Additionally, important information
      concerning the experimental design is provided such that reliable and clinically
      relevant results can be attained. 

PMID- 25125187
TI  - The role of mechanotransduction on vascular smooth muscle myocytes' [corrected]
      cytoskeleton and contractile function.
AB  - Smooth muscle (SM) exhibits a highly organized structural hierarchy that extends
      over multiple spatial scales to perform a wide range of functions at the
      cellular, tissue, and organ levels. Early efforts primarily focused on
      understanding vascular SM (VSM) function through biochemical signaling. However,
      accumulating evidence suggests that mechanotransduction, the process through
      which cells convert mechanical stimuli into biochemical cues, is requisite for
      regulating contractility. Cytoskeletal proteins that comprise the extracellular,
      intercellular, and intracellular domains are mechanosensitive and can remodel
      their structure and function in response to external mechanical cues.
      Pathological stimuli such as malignant hypertension can act through the same
      mechanotransductive pathways to induce maladaptive remodeling, leading to changes
      in cellular shape and loss of contractile function. In both health and disease,
      the cytoskeletal architecture integrates the mechanical stimuli and mediates
      structural and functional remodeling in the VSM.

PMID- 25125192
TI  - Improving perfusion quantification in arterial spin labeling for delayed arrival
      times by using optimized acquisition schemes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The improvement in Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) perfusion
      quantification, especially for delayed bolus arrival times (BAT), with an
      acquisition redistribution scheme mitigating the T1 decay of the label in multi
      TI ASL measurements is investigated. A multi inflow time (TI) 3D-GRASE sequence
      is presented which adapts the distribution of acquisitions accordingly, by
      keeping the scan time constant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The MR sequence increases
      the number of averages at long TIs and decreases their number at short TIs and
      thus compensating the T1 decay of the label. The improvement of perfusion
      quantification is evaluated in simulations as well as in-vivo in healthy
      volunteers and patients with prolonged BATs due to age or steno-occlusive
      disease. RESULTS: The improvement in perfusion quantification depends on BAT. At
      healthy BATs the differences are small, but become larger for longer BATs
      typically found in certain diseases. The relative error of perfusion is improved
      up to 30% at BATs>1500ms in comparison to the standard acquisition scheme.
      CONCLUSION: This adapted acquisition scheme improves the perfusion measurement in
      comparison to standard multi-TI ASL implementations. It provides relevant benefit
      in clinical conditions that cause prolonged BATs and is therefore of high
      clinical relevance for neuroimaging of steno-occlusive diseases.

PMID- 25125193
TI  - Bacteria-mediated aerobic degradation of hexacosane in vitro conditions.
AB  - In vitro degradation of hexacosane (C26H54), a HMW n-alkane, was studied in MSM
      by two bacterial strains i.e., Pseudomonas sp. BP10 and Stenotrophomonas
      nitritireducens E9, isolated from petroleum sludge, in isolation and combination.
      The results revealed that both the strains were able to metabolize hexacosane by
      82% in isolation and 98% in their consortium after 7days. An enhancement of 16%
      in hexacosane degradation by the consortium indicated an additive action of
      bacterial strains. However, in control, a degradation of 21% was attributed to
      abiotic factors. During incubation with hexacosane, both the bacteria continued
      to multiply in isolation and consortium, which reflected that hexacosane was
      utilized by bacteria as a carbon and energy source. Activities of alkane
      hydroxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase were differentially expressed in isolation
      and combination, indicating their involvement in hexacosane degradation. Enhanced
      cell surface hydrophobicity and emulsification index and reduced surface tension
      also supported the degradation process. 

PMID- 25125194
TI  - Biodiesel from wet microalgae: extraction with hexane after the microwave
      assisted transesterification of lipids.
AB  - A chloroform-free novel process for the efficient production of biodiesel from
      wet microalgae is proposed. Crude biodiesel is produced through extraction with
      hexane after microwave-assisted transesterification (EHMT) of lipids in wet
      microalgae. Effects of different parameters, including reaction temperature,
      reaction time, methanol dosage, and catalyst dosage, on fatty acids methyl esters
      (FAMEs) yield are investigated. The yield of FAME extracted into the hexane from
      the wet microalgae is increased 6-fold after the transesterification of lipids.
      The yield of FAME obtained through EHMT of lipids in wet microalgae is comparable
      to that obtained through direct transesterification of dried microalgae biomass
      with chloroform; however, FAME content in crude biodiesel obtained through EHMT
      is 86.74%, while that in crude biodiesel obtained through the chloroform-based
      process is 75.93%. EHMT ensures that polar pigments present in microalgae are not
      extracted into crude biodiesel, which leads to a 50% reduction in nitrogen
      content in crude biodiesel. 

PMID- 25125195
TI  - Characterization of corncob-derived biochar and pyrolysis kinetics in comparison
      with corn stalk and sawdust.
AB  - In this study, thermal and physicochemical characterization results of corncob
      (CC) and its derived biochars were analyzed and differentiated from sawdust (SD)
      and cornstalk (CS). The pyrolysis temperature shows the largest effect on the
      yield of biochar produced compare with residing time, heating rate, and feedstock
      particle size. The CC-derived biochars produced at temperatures ranging from 300
      to 600 degrees C were analyzed. The CC was thermochemically altered to a stable
      biochar when the pyrolysis temperature was set to over 500 degrees C. To deduce
      the reaction mechanism of the CC during the major thermal decomposition stage, 16
      mechanisms in solid-state reactions were applied. The reaction order and
      nucleation mechanisms described the thermal decomposition of the CC. By using the
      best-fitted mechanisms, the kinetic parameters were calculated. The weight active
      energy of the CC was 122.42kJ/mol, which was the lowest value compared to those
      of CS and SD. 

PMID- 25125196
TI  - Biocapture of CO2 from biogas by oleaginous microalgae for improving methane
      content and simultaneously producing lipid.
AB  - This study aimed to use oleaginous microalgae to capture CO2 from biogas for
      improving methane content and simultaneously producing lipid. Several microalgae
      were screened for their ability to grow and produce lipid using CO2 in biogas. A
      marine Chlorella sp. was the most suitable strain for capturing CO2 and producing
      lipid using biogas (50% v/v CO2 in methane) as well as using 50% v/v CO2 in air.
      The medium and operating conditions were optimized through response surface
      methodology (RSM). The optimal concentrations of KNO3 and K2HPO4 were 0.80gL(-1)
      and 0.06gL(-1), respectively. The optimal operating conditions were: initial pH
      of 7.8, initial cell concentration of 10(7.5)cellsmL(-1), light intensity of
      4500lux and gas flow rate of 0.03Lmin(-1). After optimization, 89.3% of CO2 was
      removed from biogas and the methane content was increased up to 94.7%. The lipid
      productivity was 94.7mgL(-1)day(-1). 

PMID- 25125197
TI  - Application of hydrothermal treatment to affect the fermentability of Pinus
      radiata pulp mill effluent sludge.
AB  - A hybrid technique incorporating a wet oxidation stage and secondary fermentation
      step was used to process Pinus radiata pulp mill effluent sludge. The effect of
      hydrothermal oxidation at high temperature and pressure on the hydrolysis of
      constituents of the waste stream was studied. Biochemical acidogenic potential
      assays were conducted to assess acid production resulting from anaerobic
      hydrolysis of the wet oxidised hydrolysate under acidogenic conditions.
      Significant degradation of the lignin, hemicellulose, suspended solids,
      carbohydrates and extractives were observed with wet oxidation. In contrast,
      cellulose showed resistance to degradation under the experimental conditions.
      Extensive degradation of biologically inhibitory compounds by wet oxidation did
      not show a beneficial impact on the acidogenic or methanogenic potential compared
      to untreated samples. 

PMID- 25125198
TI  - High cell density lipid rich cultivation of a novel microalgal isolate Chlorella
      sorokiniana FC6 IITG in a single-stage fed-batch mode under mixotrophic
      condition.
AB  - A single-stage mixotrophic cultivation strategy was developed with a novel
      microalgal isolate Chlorella sorokiniana FC6 IITG for high cell density lipid
      rich biomass generation. The strain was evaluated for growth and lipid content
      under different physico-chemical parameters, nutritional conditions and trophic
      modes. Finally, a single-stage mixotrophic fed-batch cultivation strategy was
      demonstrated with intermittent feeding of key nutrients along with dynamic
      increase in light intensity for high cell density biomass and sodium acetate as
      elicitor for lipid enrichment. The key findings: (i) glucose and sodium acetate
      was identified as growth supporting and lipid inducing nutrients, respectively;
      (ii) mixotrophic batch cultivation resulted in maximum biomass and lipid
      productivity (mgL(-1)day(-1)) of 455.5 and 111.85, respectively; (iii) single
      stage mixotrophic fed-batch cultivation showed maximum biomass productivity of
      1.93gL(-1)day(-1) (biomass titer 15.81gL(-1)) and lipid productivity of 550mgL(
      1)day(-1); (iv) biodiesel properties were in accordance with international
      standards. 

PMID- 25125199
TI  - Brait-Fahn-Schwarz disease: the missing link between ALS and Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 25125200
TI  - Topographic determinants of mobile vertebrate predator hotspots: current
      knowledge and future directions.
AB  - Despite being identified as a driver of mobile predator aggregations (hotspots)
      in both marine and terrestrial environments, topographic complexity has long
      remained a challenging concept for scientists to visualise and a difficult
      parameter to estimate. It is only with the advent of high-speed computers and the
      recent popularisation of geographical information systems (GIS) that terrain
      attributes have begun to be quantitatively measured in three-dimensional space
      and related to wildlife dynamics, making the well-established field of
      geomorphometry (or 'digital terrain modelling') a discipline of growing appeal to
      biologists. Although a diverse array of numerical metrics is now available to
      describe the shape, geometry and physical properties of natural habitats, few of
      these are known to, or adequately used by, ecologists. In this review, we examine
      the nature and usage of 56 geomorphometrics extracted from the ecological
      modelling literature over a period of 32 years (1979-2011). We show that, in
      studies of mobile predators, numerous topographic variables have largely been
      overlooked in favour of single basic metrics that do not, on their own, fully
      capture the complexity of continuous landscapes. Based on a simulation approach,
      we assess the redundancy and correlation structure of these metrics and
      demonstrate that a majority are highly collinear. We highlight a suite of 7-8
      complementary metrics which best explain topographic patterns across a
      bathymetric grid of the west Australian seafloor, and contend that field and
      analytical protocols should prioritise variables of these types, particularly
      when the responses of predator populations to physical habitat features are of
      interest. We suggest that prominent structures such as canyons, seamounts or
      mountain chains can serve as useful proxies for predator hotspots, especially in
      remote locations where access to high-resolution biological data is often
      limited. 

PMID- 25125201
TI  - Minimally invasive surgical instruments with an accessory channel capable of
      integrating fibre-optic cable for optical biopsy: a review of the state of the
      art.
AB  - This review article provides a comprehensive overview and classification of
      minimally invasive surgical instruments with an accessory channel incorporating
      fibreoptics or another auxiliary device for various purposes. More specifically,
      this review was performed with the focus on the newly emerging field of optical
      biopsy, its objective being to discuss primarily the instruments capable of
      carrying out the optical biopsy and subsequent tissue resection. Instruments
      housing the fibreoptics for other uses, as well as instruments with an accessory
      channel capable of housing the fibreoptics instead of their original auxiliary
      device after relevant design modifications, supplement the review. The entire
      Espacenet and Scopus databases were searched, yielding numerous patents and
      articles on conceptual and existing instruments satisfying the criteria. The
      instruments were categorised based on the function the fibreoptics or the
      auxiliary device serves. On the basis of their geometrical placement with respect
      to the tissue resector or manipulator, the subcategories were further defined.
      This subdivision was used to identify the feasibility of performing the optical
      biopsy and the tissue resection in an accurate and successive fashion. In
      general, the existing concepts or instruments are regarded as limited with regard
      to such a functionality, either due to the placement of their accessory channel
      with or without the fibreoptics or due to the operational restrictions of their
      tissue manipulators. A novel opto-mechanical biopsy harvester, currently under
      development at Delft University of Technology, is suggested as a promising
      alternative, ensuring a fast and accurate succession of the optical and the
      mechanical biopsies of a flat superficial tissue. 

PMID- 25125203
TI  - Computational study of van der Waals complexes between borylenes and
      hydrocarbons.
AB  - The addition of borylenes (RB) to prototypical carbon-carbon multiple bonds
      (ethyne, ethene) and the insertion into a C-H bond of methane involves weakly
      bound van der Waals complexes of the reaction partners according to computational
      chemistry methods. Geometries of all complexes were optimized using spin
      component scaled second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory (SCS-MP2) in
      combination with a quadruple-zeta (def2-QZVP) basis set. Energies were further
      refined using the coupled-cluster (CCSD(T)) method in combination with basis sets
      up to quadruple-zeta quality (def2-QZVP and aug-cc-pVTZ). All of the complexes of
      borylenes studied correspond to shallow minima on their potential-energy
      surfaces. Borylene complexes with ethyne are the most stable and those with
      methane are the least stable ones. Aminoborylene complexes BNHR with ethyne and
      ethene are stabilized mainly by NH???pi interactions. Symmetry-adapted
      perturbation theory (SAPT) was performed to analyze the nature of the interaction
      between borylene molecules and hydrocarbons. Most of the ethyne complexes are
      dominated by electrostatic interactions, whereas for most of the ethene and all
      of the methane complexes the interaction is mainly dispersive.

PMID- 25125202
TI  - Peptide receptor chemoradionuclide therapy in small cell carcinoma: from bench to
      bedside.
AB  - PURPOSE: Small cell cancers (SmCC), whether pulmonary (SCLC) or extrapulmonary,
      have a poor prognosis unless localised at diagnosis. Given a proportion of these
      cancers express somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2), we aimed to investigate
      the efficacy of targeted peptide receptor chemoradionuclide therapy (PRCRT).
      METHODS: In this preclinical study, we used a SCLC xenograft mouse model with
      high expression of SSTR2 to investigate the effect of peptide receptor
      radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with chemotherapy compared to either alone. We
      subsequently explored the clinical utility in a patient with SmCC with high SSTR
      expression treated with PRCRT. RESULTS: Robust expression of SSTR2 in NCI-H69
      SCLC xenografts was documented by (68)Ga-DOTA-octreotate (GaTate) (tumour to
      background uptake ratio = 35). The combination of PRRT using (177)Lu-DOTA
      octreotate (LuTate) with carboplatin/etoposide (C/E) chemotherapy was more
      effective than either LuTate or C/E alone for regression of the NCI-H69 model (p
      value < 0.05). PRCRT was associated with significantly prolonged survival versus
      PRRT (p value = 0.0001) or chemotherapy alone (p value = 0.0058). In the
      subsequent case study, a patient with relapsed SmCC with high SSTR2 expression on
      GaTate PET underwent PRCRT with radiosensitising etoposide with evidence of a
      complete metabolic response for 4 months. CONCLUSION: Given the limited treatment
      options in this setting, PRCRT is a promising therapeutic option for SSTR2
      expressing SmCC.

PMID- 25125204
TI  - Rationally synthesized five-fold twinned core-shell Pt3Ni@Rh nanopentagons,
      nanostars and nanopaddlewheels for selective reduction of a phenyl ring of
      phthalimide.
AB  - Surface-energy fine-tuned five-fold twinned nanostructures with a core-shell
      Pt3Ni@Rh structural motif, namely, a core-shell Pt3Ni@Rh pentagon, a core-shell
      Pt3Ni@Rh starfish, and a paddlewheel with a Pt3Ni crankshaft and two Rh five-fold
      starfish wheels, are prepared by rationally designed stepwise heteroepitaxial
      growth. Unusual selective hydrogenation of the phenyl ring in phthalimide is
      accomplished with moderately active core-shell Pt3Ni@Rh pentagons and starfish
      like nanoparticles. The most active paddlewheel structure proceeds to further
      reduce one carbonyl group, indicating the sequential nature of phthalimide
      reduction by Rh nanoparticle catalysis. 

PMID- 25125205
TI  - Hypothermia and operative mortality during on-pump coronary artery bypass
      grafting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Controversy surrounds the effect of hypothermia on operative mortality
      during cardiac surgery. The present study accessed a large clinical database of
      coronary artery bypass graft operations to address the issue. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery
      Database identified patients treated with isolated, nonemergency, on-pump
      coronary artery bypass grafting from July 2011 to December 2012. The patients
      were divided into 3 groups according to their lowest core temperature during the
      procedure: moderate hypothermia (<= 34  degrees C), mild hypothermia (>34 
      degrees C but <= 36  degrees C), and normothermia (>36  degrees C). The primary
      endpoint of the study was operative mortality, defined according to the Database
      criteria. RESULTS: During the study period, 142,541 patients were available for
      analysis; 94,777 (66.5%) received moderate hypothermia, 42,750 (30.3%) mild
      hypothermia, and 5014 (3.5%) normothermia. Operative mortality occurred in 1394
      patients (1.5%) in the moderate hypothermia, 534 (1.3%) in the mild hypothermia,
      and 105 (2.1%) in the normothermia group. Multivariate analysis identified
      hypothermia (both mild [odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.81; P <
      .0001] and moderate [odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-0.89; P =
      .0015]) was protective against operative mortality compared with normothermia. No
      incremental benefit was noted between the different hypothermia grades (P =
      .0827). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients receive hypothermia during on-pump coronary
      artery bypass grafting. Hypothermia is protective against operative mortality
      compared with normothermia in such patients. Moderate hypothermia does not
      provide additional survival benefit.

PMID- 25125208
TI  - Successful aortic valve repair after trauma-induced aortic regurgitation.

PMID- 25125207
TI  - Pilot study of pulmonary arterial branch sealing using energy devices in an ex
      vivo model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Vascular endostaplers are bulky and can be dangerous when dividing
      small pulmonary arterial (PA) branch vessels during video-assisted thoracoscopic
      lobectomy. We aimed to evaluate and compare the immediate efficacy of modern
      energy sealing devices in an ex vivo PA sealing model. METHODS: Patients
      undergoing anatomical lung resection or lung transplantation were recruited for a
      prospective cohort pilot study. Four devices were evaluated: Harmonic Ace
      (Ethicon, Cincinnati, Ohio), Thunderbeat (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan), LigaSure
      (Covidien, Boulder, Colo), and Enseal (Ethicon; Cincinnati, Ohio). After
      anatomical lung resection, the PA branches were dissected in vitro. Sealing was
      then performed with 1 of the sealing devices, the vessel was slowly pressurized,
      and the bursting pressure was recorded. RESULTS: Forty-nine PA branches were
      sealed in 14 patients. The mean PA branch diameter was 7.4 mm (1.8-14.5 mm). Ten
      patients had normal PA pressure and 3 had PA hypertension. The mean bursting
      pressure in each was as follows: Harmonic Ace group, 415.5 mm Hg (137.1-1388.4 mm
      Hg), Thunderbeat group, 875 mm Hg (237.1-2871.3 mm Hg); LigaSure group, 214.7 mm
      Hg (0-579.6 mm Hg); Enseal group, 133.7 mm Hg (0-315.38 mm Hg). There were 2
      complete sealing failures: LigaSure (diameter 6.78 mm) and Enseal (diameter 8.3
      mm). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study to examine energy sealing of PA branches in
      a simulated ex vivo model, vascular sealing using energy was effective and was
      able to sustain high intraluminal bursting pressures. Further research is needed
      to determine the in vivo and long-term safety of PA branch energy sealing.

PMID- 25125206
TI  - Contemporary outcomes of complete atrioventricular septal defect repair: analysis
      of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Contemporary outcomes data for complete atrioventricular septal defect
      (CAVSD) repair are limited. We sought to describe early outcomes of CAVSD repair
      across a large multicenter cohort, and explore potential associations with
      patient characteristics, including age, weight, and genetic syndromes. METHODS:
      Patients in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database
      having repair of CAVSD (2008-2011) were included. Preoperative, operative, and
      outcomes data were described. Univariate associations between patient factors and
      outcomes were described. RESULTS: Of 2399 patients (101 centers), 78.4% had Down
      syndrome. Median age at surgery was 4.6 months (interquartile range, 3.5-6.1
      months), with 11.8% (n = 284) aged <= 2.5 months. Median weight at surgery was
      5.0 kg (interquartile range, 4.3-5.8 kg) with 6.3% (n = 151) < 3.5 kg. Pulmonary
      artery band removal at CAVSD repair was performed in 122 patients (4.6%). Major
      complications occurred in 9.8%, including permanent pacemaker implantation in
      2.7%. Median postoperative length of stay (PLOS) was 8 days (interquartile range,
      5-14 days). Overall hospital mortality was 3.0%. Weight < 3.5 kg and age <= 2.5
      months were associated with higher mortality, longer PLOS, and increased
      frequency of major complications. Patients with Down syndrome had lower rates of
      mortality and morbidities than other patients; PLOS was similar. CONCLUSIONS: In
      a contemporary multicenter cohort, most patients with CAVSD have repair early in
      the first year of life. Prior pulmonary artery band is rare. Hospital mortality
      is generally low, although patients at extremes of low weight and younger age
      have worse outcomes. Mortality and major complication rates are lower in patients
      with Down syndrome.

PMID- 25125209
TI  - Results of type II hybrid arch repair with zone 0 stent graft deployment for
      complex aortic arch pathology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the early results of a less invasive, single-stage hybrid
      arch procedure involving replacement of the ascending aorta, arch debranching,
      and zone 0 antegrade stent graft deployment. METHODS: Between May 2007 and
      January 2012, 20 patients with both acute and chronic aortic pathology were
      managed at 2 institutions with a type 2 hybrid arch procedure. Indications
      included diffuse atherosclerotic aneurysm, false lumen expansion of chronic
      aortic dissections, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, and acute type A
      dissection. Mean age was 67 +/- 16.8 years with a mean European System for
      Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score of 29.5 +/- 19.4. Postoperative
      clinical and imaging follow-up was complete to a mean 18.5 +/- 15.3 months.
      RESULTS: Successful zone 0 stent graft deployment was achieved in all cases.
      There was 1 in-hospital mortality (5%). A second death occurred at 40 days
      postoperation. Other complications included a permanent neurologic deficit in 1
      patient (5%), transient paraplegia in 4 patients (20%), and 3 patients had
      respiratory complications (15%). There were no cases of renal failure requiring
      dialysis. Stent-related complications were identified in 4 patients (20%),
      including 3 type I endoleaks, none of which were at zone 0. There was 1 type II
      endoleak and a case of stent infolding. Two patients required a second successful
      endografting procedure. CONCLUSIONS: This single-stage hybrid arch procedure
      offers an alternative approach to complex diffuse aortic pathology involving the
      arch. Replacement of the ascending aorta provides a safe location for zone 0
      stent graft deployment, eliminating complications of proximal deployment in a
      native diseased aorta.

PMID- 25125211
TI  - Solid self-emulsifying phospholipid suspension (SSEPS) with diatom as a drug
      carrier.
AB  - We report the application of diatom as a solid carrier for water insoluble drugs
      applied in oral drug delivery system based on the self-emulsifying drug delivery
      system (SEDDS) caprylocaproyl macrogol-8 glycerides/lecithin/propylene
      glycol/caprylic/capric triglyceride. Diatoms are fossilized skeletons of
      photosynthetic algae with complex 3-dimensional (3D), porous structure consisting
      of amorphous silica, obtained by purification of diatomaceous earth. Different
      solid samples of carbamazepine (CBZ) suspension in SEDDS, called solid self
      emulsifying phospholipid suspension (SSEPS), were prepared using two methods:
      adsorption of CBZ dispersion in SEDDS by gentle mixing with diatoms in mortar
      with pestle (Method A) or dispersion of diatoms in ethanol solution of CBZ and
      SEDDS components, followed by ethanol evaporation (Method B). Release rate of CBZ
      from SSEPS was significantly higher in comparison to pure drug, physical mixture
      of diatoms and CBZ as well as solid dispersion of pure CBZ and diatoms obtained
      by ethanol evaporation. The dissolution of CBZ from SSEPS sample prepared using
      method B was faster than from the sample prepared by the method A. Higher
      dissolution for sample prepared by the method B can be attributed to the partial
      adsorption (deeper localization) of liquid material inside the pores of diatoms.
      Upon storage of the samples under accelerated conditions (40 degrees C and 70%
      RH) for 10 weeks no significant changes in CBZ crystallinity and dissolution was
      in case of SSEPS, contrary to solid dispersion with increased crystallinity,
      indicating that diatoms with adsorbed liquid CBZ-loaded SEPS can maintain initial
      CBZ characteristics.

PMID- 25125212
TI  - Systematic review to identify and appraise outcome measures used to evaluate
      childhood obesity treatment interventions (CoOR): evidence of purpose,
      application, validity, reliability and sensitivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lack of uniformity in outcome measures used in evaluations of
      childhood obesity treatment interventions can impede the ability to assess
      effectiveness and limits comparisons across trials. OBJECTIVE: To identify and
      appraise outcome measures to produce a framework of recommended measures for use
      in evaluations of childhood obesity treatment interventions. DATA SOURCES: Eleven
      electronic databases were searched between August and December 2011, including
      MEDLINE; MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations; EMBASE; PsycINFO;
      Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC); Allied and Complementary
      Medicine Database (AMED); Global Health, Maternity and Infant Care (all Ovid);
      Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (EBSCOhost);
      Science Citation Index (SCI) [Web of Science (WoS)]; and The Cochrane Library
      (Wiley) - from the date of inception, with no language restrictions. This was
      supported by review of relevant grey literature and trial databases. REVIEW
      METHODS: Two searches were conducted to identify (1) outcome measures and
      corresponding citations used in published childhood obesity treatment evaluations
      and (2) manuscripts describing the development and/or evaluation of the outcome
      measures used in the childhood intervention obesity evaluations. Search 1 search
      strategy (review of trials) was modelled on elements of a review by Luttikhuis et
      al. (Oude Luttikhuis H, Baur L, Jansen H, Shrewsbury VA, O'Malley C, Stolk RP, et
      al. Interventions for treating obesity in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev
      2009;1:CD001872). Search 2 strategy (methodology papers) was built on Terwee et
      al.'s search filter (Terwee CB, Jansma EP, Riphagen II, de Vet HCW. Development
      of a methodological PubMed search filter for finding studies on measurement
      properties of measurement instruments. Qual Life Res 2009;18:1115-23). Eligible
      papers were appraised for quality initially by the internal project team. This
      was followed by an external appraisal by expert collaborators in order to agree
      which outcome measures should be recommended for the Childhood obesity Outcomes
      Review (CoOR) outcome measures framework. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-nine
      manuscripts describing 180 outcome measures met eligibility criteria. Appraisal
      of these resulted in the recommendation of 36 measures for the CoOR outcome
      measures framework. Recommended primary outcome measures were body mass index
      (BMI) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Experts did not advocate any
      self-reported measures where objective measurement was possible (e.g. physical
      activity). Physiological outcomes hold potential to be primary outcomes, as they
      are indicators of cardiovascular health, but without evidence of what constitutes
      a minimally importance difference they have remained as secondary outcomes
      (although the corresponding lack of evidence for BMI and DXA is acknowledged). No
      preference-based quality-of-life measures were identified that would enable
      economic evaluation via calculation of quality-adjusted life-years. Few measures
      reported evaluating responsiveness. LIMITATIONS: Proposed recommended measures
      are fit for use as outcome measures within studies that evaluate childhood
      obesity treatment evaluations specifically. These may or may not be suitable for
      other study designs, and some excluded measures may be more suitable in other
      study designs. CONCLUSIONS: The CoOR outcome measures framework provides clear
      guidance of recommended primary and secondary outcome measures. This will enhance
      comparability between treatment evaluations and ensure that appropriate measures
      are being used. Where possible, future work should focus on modification and
      evaluation of existing measures rather than development of tools de nova. In
      addition, it is recommended that a similar outcome measures framework is produced
      to support evaluation of adult obesity programmes. FUNDING: The National
      Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

PMID- 25125214
TI  - Direct superior tibiofibular joint arthrography demonstrates consistent
      communication with the tibiofemoral joint.

PMID- 25125213
TI  - Embolus characterization in branch retinal artery occlusion by optical coherence
      tomography.

PMID- 25125210
TI  - Single genome analysis reveals genetic characteristics of Neuroadaptation across
      HIV-1 envelope.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The widespread use of highly effective, combination antiretroviral
      therapy (cART) has led to a significant reduction in the incidence of HIV
      associated dementia (HAD). Despite these advances, the prevalence of HIV-1
      associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) has been estimated at approximately
      40%-50%. In the cART era, the majority of this disease burden is represented by
      asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment and mild neurocognitive disorder (ANI and
      MND respectively). Although less severe than HAD, these diagnoses carry with them
      substantial morbidity. RESULTS: In this cross-sectional study, single genome
      amplification (SGA) was used to sequence 717 full-length HIV-1 envelope (env)
      clade B variants from the paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood plasma
      samples of fifteen chronically infected HIV-positive individuals with normal
      neurocognitive performance (NCN), ANI and MND. Various degrees of
      compartmentalization were found across disease states and history of cART
      utilization. In individuals with compartmentalized virus, mean HIV-1 env
      population diversity was lower in the CSF than plasma-derived variants. Overall,
      mean V1V2 loop length was shorter in CSF-derived quasispecies when compared to
      contemporaneous plasma populations, and this was found to correlate with a lower
      mean number of N-linked glycosylation sites in this region. A number of discrete
      amino acid positions that correlate strongly with compartmentalization in the CSF
      were identified in both variable and constant regions of gp120 as well as in
      gp41. Correlated mutation analyses further identified that a subset of amino acid
      residues in these compartmentalization "hot spot" positions were strongly
      correlated with one another, suggesting they may play an important, definable
      role in the adaptation of viral variants to the CSF. Analysis of these hot spots
      in the context of a well-supported crystal structure of HIV-1 gp120 suggests
      mechanisms through which amino acid differences at the identified residues might
      contribute to viral compartmentalization in the CSF. CONCLUSIONS: The detailed
      analyses of SGA-derived full length HIV-1 env from subjects with both normal
      neurocognitive performance and the most common HAND diagnoses in the cART era
      allow us to identify novel and confirm previously described HIV-1 env genetic
      determinants of neuroadaptation and relate potential motifs to HIV-1 env
      structure and function.

PMID- 25125215
TI  - Vitamin D supplementation for treatment of seasonal affective symptoms in
      healthcare professionals: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (25(OH)D) have been associated
      with a higher likelihood of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and poor mental
      well-being, yet firm evidence for either remains lacking. Thus, vitamin D
      supplementation may alleviate symptoms associated with SAD. METHODS: This study
      was a randomized, single-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial including
      healthcare professionals employed in psychiatric and somatic hospitals. 3345
      healthcare professionals were invited to participate, 50 participants were
      screened, and 34 were able to complete the study. The main inclusion criterion
      was 8 points or more on question no. 2 of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment
      Questionnaire (SPAQ-SAD). During a 3-month period, the participants received a
      daily dose of 70 MUg vitamin D or placebo. The primary outcome was the sum of the
      self-reported questionnaire Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton
      Depression Rating Scale, Seasonal Affective Disorders (SIGH-SAD). The secondary
      outcome was World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) of the
      healthcare professionals during the winter period and the exploratory outcome
      measures were weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, absenteeism from work
      and 25(OH)D. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences in SIGH
      SAD sums at 12 weeks (p = 0.7 (CI: - 3.27 to 4.81)). However, there was a
      significant improvement of primary SIGH-SAD over time from inclusion (autumn
      winter) to the completion of the study (winter-spring) for all participants. The
      secondary and exploratory outcome measures were all insignificant between
      groups.The sums of the SIGH-SAD at 12 weeks were not significantly different [p =
      0.701 (CI: 4.81-3.27)] between the groups. There was, however, a significant
      improvement in primary SIGH-SAD sums over time from inclusion (autumn-winter) to
      the completion of the study (winter-spring) in both groups. The secondary and
      explorative outcome measures were not significantly different between groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant between-group differences in the primary
      (SIGH-SAD) and secondary (WH0-5) as well as the exploratory outcome measures
      (weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, absenteeism from work and 25(OH)D.
      Thus, the study failed to demonstrate an effect of vitamin D on SAD symptoms, but
      our findings may be limited by confounders. Furthermore, the study was
      underpowered and did not allow us to assess the ability of vitamin D to improve
      mood in those with low 25(OH)D. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov registration number: NCT01462058).

PMID- 25125216
TI  - Uveitis in patients with late-stage cutaneous melanoma treated with vemurafenib.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: This case series highlights the risk of uveitis in patients treated
      with vemurafenib for unresectable or metastatic cutaneous melanoma. OBJECTIVE: To
      assess the occurrence and severity of uveitis as an adverse effect of vemurafenib
      therapy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: In this observational small case series,
      data were collected successively from May 1, 2012, through February 31, 2013,
      from patients with clinical signs of ocular inflammation treated with vemurafenib
      at the Department of Ophthalmology, Cochin-Hotel-Dieu Hospital. MAIN OUTCOMES AND
      MEASURES: Patients' demographics, vemurafenib dosages, and the intervals between
      the onset of treatment and the first ocular symptoms were recorded. The
      characteristics of ocular inflammatory manifestations were analyzed. The effect
      of the discontinuation of vemurafenib therapy on ocular manifestations was
      assessed, as well as the effect of rechallenging when vemurafenib was
      reintroduced. RESULTS: Seven patients (mean [SD] age, 74.7 [4.0] years) had
      uveitis. The vemurafenib dose was 960 mg twice per day in 6 patients and a half
      dose in 1 patient. The mean (SD) time until the appearance of ocular signs was
      5.6 (2.3) months (range, 19 days to 7 months), and inflammation ranged from mild
      or low-grade anterior uveitis to severe explosive panuveitis complicated by
      retinal detachment. Signs of ocular inflammation were always bilateral. Optical
      coherence tomography revealed a macular edema in only 1 of the 7 patients.
      Clinical improvement occurred when vemurafenib therapy was stopped in 5 of 7
      patients. The rechallenge at treatment reintroduction was positive in 2 of 7
      patients. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This small case series highlights that
      uveitis can be a noteworthy adverse effect of vemurafenib therapy in patients
      with metastatic cutaneous melanoma. However, these cases of uveitis were usually
      restricted to the anterior segment and manageable with local corticosteroid
      therapy, which justified the continuation of vemurafenib therapy because the
      benefits regarding the patients' survival were greater than the risk to their
      vision.

PMID- 25125217
TI  - Refractometer assessment of colostral and serum IgG and milk total solids
      concentrations in dairy cattle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estimation of the quantity of colostral IgG or serum IgG absorbed
      following ingestion of colostrum by calves is essential for monitoring the
      effectiveness of colostrum feeding practices on dairy farms. Milk total solids
      concentrations determination is a critical part of quality assessment of
      nonsaleable whole milk prior to feeding to calves. To date, on-farm methods to
      assess colostral IgG, serum IgG or milk total solids concentrations have been
      performed separately with various instruments. The objective of this study was to
      evaluate the diagnostic performance of a single electronic, hand-held
      refractometer for assessing colostral and serum IgG concentrations and milk total
      solids in dairy cattle. Colostral IgG, serum IgG and milk total solids
      concentrations were determined by the refractometer. Corresponding analysis of
      colostral and serum IgG concentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion
      (RID) while milk total solids were determined by spectrophotometry. Sensitivity
      and specificity of the refractometer for colostrum and serum samples were
      calculated as determined by RID. Sensitivity and specificity of the refractometer
      for milk samples was calculated as determined by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The
      sensitivity of the refractometer was 1 for colostral IgG, serum IgG and milk
      total solids determinations. Specificity of the refractometer was 0.66, 0.24 and
      0 for colostral IgG, serum IgG and milk total solids determinations,
      respectively. The refractometer underestimated colostral IgG, serum IgG and milk
      total solids concentrations compared to the concentrations determined by RID or
      spectrophotometry. CONCLUSIONS: The refractometer was an acceptable, rapid,
      convenient on-farm method for determining colostral IgG and milk total solids.
      The refractometer was not an acceptable method for determination of serum IgG
      concentrations as it severely underestimated the serum IgG concentrations.

PMID- 25125218
TI  - Circulating microRNAs as a marker for liver injury in human immunodeficiency
      virus patients.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis virus coinfection amplify and
      accelerate hepatic injury. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs suggested
      as biomarkers for liver injury. We analyzed the circulating levels of miRNAs in
      HIV patients with regard to the extent and etiology of liver injury. Total RNA
      was extracted from 335 serum samples of HIV patients and 22 healthy control
      participants using Qiazol. Comprehensive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array
      analyses (768 miRNA) were performed in serum samples of eight HIV, eight HIV/HCV
      (hepatitis C virus), six HCV patients, and three healthy controls. Reverse
      transcription (RT)-PCR measured levels of miRNA-122, miRNA-22, and miRNA-34a in
      serum samples of 335 patients and 19 healthy control participants. Liver injury
      and fibrosis in these patients were defined using aspartate aminotransferase
      (AST) levels, fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI)
      score. The miRNA pattern of HIV/HCV samples showed altered expression of 57 and
      33 miRNA compared to HCV and HIV infection, respectively. miRNA-122, miRNA-22,
      and miRNA-34a were highly up-regulated in HIV/HCV patients. Analyzing the entire
      cohort, these miRNAs were correlated with liver function tests and were
      independent predictors of liver injury (AST >2 * ULN). miRNA-122 and miRNA-22
      were associated with relevant fibrosis (FIB-4 >1.45; APRI >1). Circulating levels
      of miRNA-122 were independent predictors for relevant fibrosis in HIV patients.
      Interestingly, miRNA-122 and miRNA-34a levels were higher in HIV/HCV patients,
      miRNA-22 levels were highest in HIV/HBV patients, and circulating levels of miRNA
      34a correlated positively with illicit drug use and ethanol consumption.
      CONCLUSION: Circulating miRNA-122, miRNA-22, and miRNA-34a correlates with the
      etiology of liver injury in HIV patients. These biomarkers not only mirror
      different mechanisms of hepatic injury, but also are independent predictors of
      liver injury in HIV patients.

PMID- 25125220
TI  - Ribonuclease A inhibition by carboxymethylsulfonyl-modified xylo- and
      arabinopyrimidines.
AB  - A group of acidic nucleosides were synthesized to develop a new class of
      ribonuclease A (RNase A) inhibitors. Our recent study on carboxymethylsulfonyl
      modified nucleosides revealed some interesting results in RNase A inhibition.
      This positive outcome triggered an investigation of the role played by secondary
      sugar hydroxy groups in inhibiting RNase A activity. Uridines and cytidines
      modified with ?SO2 CH2 COOH groups at the 2'- and 3'-positions show good
      inhibitory properties with low inhibition constant (Ki ) values in the range of
      109-17 MUM. The present work resulted in a set of inhibitors that undergo more
      effective interactions with the RNase A active site, as visualized by docking
      studies.

PMID- 25125221
TI  - Improved psoriasis with weight loss: the role of behavioural factors.

PMID- 25125219
TI  - Dietary guideline adherence for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common
      gastrointestinal disease, and the cost of health care and lost productivity due
      to GERD is extremely high. Recently described side effects of long-term acid
      suppression have increased the interest in nonpharmacologic methods for
      alleviating GERD symptoms. We aimed to examine whether GERD patients follow
      recommended dietary guidelines, and if adherence is associated with the severity
      and frequency of reflux symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cross
      sectional study within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California population,
      comparing 317 GERD patients to 182 asymptomatic population controls. All analyses
      adjusted for smoking and education. RESULTS: GERD patients, even those with
      moderate to severe symptoms or frequent symptoms, were as likely to consume
      tomato products and large portion meals as GERD-free controls and were even more
      likely to consume soft drinks and tea [odds ratio (OR) = 2.01 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.12-3.61; OR = 2.63 95% CI 1.24-5.59, respectively] and eat fried
      foods and high fat diet. The only reflux-triggering foods GERD patients were less
      likely to consume were citrus and alcohol [OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.35-0.97 for
      citrus; OR = 0.41 95% CI 0.19-0.87 for 1 + drink/day of alcohol]. The
      associations were similar when we excluded users of proton pump inhibitors.
      CONCLUSIONS: GERD patients consume many putative GERD causing foods as frequently
      or even more frequently than asymptomatic patients despite reporting symptoms.
      These findings suggest that, if dietary modification is effective in reducing
      GERD, substantial opportunities for nonpharmacologic interventions exist for many
      GERD patients.

PMID- 25125222
TI  - Sex steroids as pheromones in mammals: the exceptional role of estradiol.
AB  - This article is part of a Special Issue (Chemosignals and Reproduction). Whether
      from endogenous or exogenous sources, 17beta-estradiol (E2) has very powerful
      influences over mammalian female reproductive physiology and behavior. Given its
      highly lipophilic nature and low molecular mass, E2 readily enters excretions and
      can be absorbed from exogenous sources via nasal, cutaneous, and other modes of
      exposure. Indeed, systemic injection of tritiated estradiol ((3)H-E2) into a male
      mouse or bat has been shown to produce significant levels of radioactivity in the
      reproductive tissues and brain of cohabiting female conspecifics. Bioactive E2
      and other steroids are naturally found in male mouse urine and other excretions,
      and males actively direct their urine at proximate females. Very low doses of E2
      can mimic the Bruce effect (disruption of peri-implantation pregnancy by novel
      males), the Vandenbergh effect (early reproductive maturation induced by novel
      males), and male-induced estrus and ovulation. Males' capacities to induce the
      Bruce and Vandenbergh effects can both be diminished by manipulations that reduce
      their urinary E2. Uterine dynamics during the Bruce and Vandenbergh effects are
      consistent with the actions of E2. Collectively, these data demonstrate a
      critical role of male-sourced E2 in these major mammalian pheromonal effects. 

PMID- 25125223
TI  - What is the meaning of a nonresolved viral nucleic acid test-reactive minipool?
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed at analyzing the prevalence of hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) DNA among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative donations by cobas
      TaqScreen MPX test (Roche Molecular Systems) and discussing the meaning of a
      reactive minipool (MP) that does not resolve to an individual donation (ID)
      reactive result. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nucleic acid amplification testing
      (NAT) was performed in 12 Chinese blood centers on 826,044 serologic negative
      donations in MPs of six. MP-reactive pools that were resolved to ID-reactive
      donations were confirmed by Roche TaqMan viral load assays. Antibody to hepatitis
      B surface antigen and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) results
      were also analyzed. Cycle threshold (Ct) values of reactive MPs were analyzed in
      relation to the probability of pool resolution. RESULTS: A total of 1267 of
      137,674 pools were reactive, of which 839 donations were reactive by ID-NAT. The
      MP6 HBV NAT-yield rate lay between 1 in 1600 and 1 in 1000. At MP Ct values equal
      or below 37, the probability of pool resolution was approximately 80%. The
      prevalence of anti-HBc in ID-reactive donations was 81%. The proportion of
      reactive pools that could not be resolved was 36%. The prevalence of anti-HBc in
      donations implicated in nonresolved MPs was significantly higher than those in
      nonreactive MPs (48% vs. 37%, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: The anti-HBc data suggest
      that approximately 10% of nonresolved MPs contain HBV DNA from a low-viral-load
      occult carrier. We consider ID-NAT resolution testing in duplicate to minimize
      HBV transmission risk associated with transfusing nonreactive donations
      implicated in reactive MPs.

PMID- 25125224
TI  - Quantification of the triglyceride fatty acid composition with 3.0 T MRI.
AB  - The aim of this work was to validate a sequential method for quantifying the
      triglyceride fatty acid composition with 3.0 T MRI. The image acquisition was
      performed with a 3D spoiled gradient multiple echo sequence. A specific phase
      correction algorithm was implemented to correct the native phase images for wrap,
      zero- and first-order phase and rebuild the real part images. Then, using a model
      of a fat (1)H MR spectrum integrating nine components, the number of double bonds
      (ndb) and the number of methylene-interrupted double bonds (nmidb) were derived.
      The chain length (CL) was obtained from these parameters using heuristic
      approximation. Validations were performed on different vegetable oils whose
      theoretical fatty acid composition was used as reference and in five human
      subjects. In vivo measurements were made in the liver and in the subcutaneous and
      visceral adipose tissues. Linear regressions showed strong correlations between
      ndb and nmidb quantified with MRI and the theoretical values calculated using oil
      composition. Mean ndb/nmidb/CL were 1.80 +/- 0.25/0.51 +/- 0.21/17.43 +/- 0.07,
      2.72 +/- 0.31/0.94 +/- 0.16/17.47 +/- 0.08 and 2.53 +/- 0.21/0.84 +/- 0.14/17.43
      +/- 0.07 in the liver, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues respectively.
      The results suggest that the triglyceride fatty acid composition can be assessed
      in human fatty liver and adipose tissues with a clinically relevant MRI method at
      3.0 T.

PMID- 25125227
TI  - Designing technology to meet the therapeutic demands of acute renal injury in
      neonates and small infants.
AB  - Within paediatric intensive care units (PICU), clinicians face an increasing
      demand to support neonates and small infants with acute renal injury or
      medication-resistant oedema. Of all PICU admissions, fluid overload or a
      requirement for renal replacement therapy (RRT) is a poor prognostic factor,
      resulting in death in 25-50 % of such babies. For those who survive, RRT is
      supportive until kidney recovery, but up to 30 % of babies may have chronic
      kidney sequelae. Owing to their size, neonates and small infants present specific
      challenges for dialysis. Dialysis technology was designed for use in adults and
      had to be adapted for pediatric use, creating a less than ideal treatment
      environment fraught with complications. Consequently, wherever possible, the vast
      majority of physicians default to peritoneal dialysis. Clinicians now have access
      to two new dialysis systems with technology specifically designed for use in
      babies ranging from 800 g to 8 kg: the CARPEDIEM and Nidus exhibit preliminary
      data that demonstrates both purification and ultrafiltration capability, with
      safety records that exceed any existing systems presently in practice. These are
      truly exciting times, as these systems have the potential to revolutionise how
      such babies in the PICU are treated.

PMID- 25125226
TI  - Viral surveillance and subclinical viral infection in pediatric kidney
      transplantation.
AB  - The more potent immunosuppressive therapy that has successfully reduced the
      incidence of acute rejection and improved graft outcomes has also resulted in a
      higher incidence of viral complications. Sensitive molecular methods now allow
      for the detection of subclinical viral infection, which is increasingly
      recognized due to the adoption of routine post-transplant viral surveillance
      protocols. The goal of viral surveillance is the detection of subclinical viral
      infection that triggers an intervention; one that either prevents progression to
      viral disease or leads to early diagnosis of viral disease, which is associated
      with improved outcomes. Knowledge of the epidemiology and natural history of
      subclinical viral infection and viral disease, as well as patient-specific risk
      factors, is required to establish the optimal surveillance schedule which
      achieves the goal of early diagnosis. Evidence that detection of subclinical
      viral infection can impact viral disease is variable depending on the virus. This
      review will summarize the current data on the role of viral surveillance for BK
      virus (BKV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the
      pediatric kidney transplant population. 

PMID- 25125228
TI  - A 2-year-old presents following methanol ingestion with serum creatinine of 8.6
      mg/dl: Questions.

PMID- 25125225
TI  - Higher levels of cystatin C are associated with worse cognitive function in older
      adults with chronic kidney disease: the chronic renal insufficiency cohort
      cognitive study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between cognition and levels of cystatin
      C in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD). DESIGN: Prospective observational
      study. SETTING: Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Cognitive Study. PARTICIPANTS:
      Individuals with a baseline cognitive assessment completed at the same visit as
      serum cystatin C measurement (N = 821; mean age 64.9, 50.6% male, 48.6% white).
      MEASUREMENTS: Levels of serum cystatin C were categorized into tertiles;
      cognitive function was assessed using six neuropsychological tests. Scores on
      these tests were compared across tertiles of cystatin C using linear regression
      and logistic regression to examine the association between cystatin C level and
      cognitive performance (1 standard deviation difference from the mean). RESULTS:
      After multivariable adjustment for age, race, education, and medical
      comorbidities in linear models, higher levels of cystatin C were associated with
      worse cognition on the modified Mini-Mental State Examination, Buschke Delayed
      Recall, Trail-Making Test Part (Trails) A and Part B, and Boston Naming (P < .05
      for all). This association remained statistically significant for Buschke Delayed
      Recall (P = .01) and Trails A (P = .03) after additional adjustment for estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The highest tertile of cystatin C was
      associated with greater likelihood of poor performance on Trails A (odds ratio
      (OR) = 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16-4.06), Trails B (OR = 1.89, 95%
      CI = 1.09-3.27), and Boston Naming (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.07-3.19) than the
      lowest tertile after multivariate adjustment in logistic models. CONCLUSION: In
      individuals with CKD, higher serum cystatin C levels were associated with worse
      cognition and greater likelihood of poor cognitive performance on attention,
      executive function, and naming. Cystatin C is a marker of cognitive impairment
      and may be associated with cognition independent of eGFR.

PMID- 25125229
TI  - Haemodialysing babies weighing <8 kg with the Newcastle infant dialysis and
      ultrafiltration system (Nidus): comparison with peritoneal and conventional
      haemodialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy of the Newcastle infant dialysis and
      ultrafiltration system (Nidus) with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and conventional
      haemodialysis (HD) in infants weighing <8 kg. METHODS: We compared the urea,
      creatinine and phosphate clearances, the ultrafiltration precision, and the
      safety of the Nidus machine with PD in 7 piglets weighing 1-8 kg, in a planned
      randomised cross-over trial in babies, and in babies for whom no other therapy
      existed, some of whom later graduated to conventional HD. RESULTS: Two babies
      entered the randomised trial; 1 recovered rapidly on PD, the other remained on
      the Nidus as PD failed. Additionally, 9 babies were treated on the Nidus on
      humanitarian grounds: 3 because of failed PD, and 3 with permanent kidney failure
      later converted to conventional HD. We haemodialysed 10 babies weighing between
      1.8 and 5.9 kg for 2,475 h during 354 Nidus sessions without any clinically
      important incidents, and without detectable haemolysis. Single-lumen vascular
      access was used with no blood priming of circuits. The urea, creatinine and
      phosphate clearances using the Nidus were around 1.5 to 2.0 ml/min in piglets and
      babies, and were consistently higher than PD clearances, which ranged from about
      0.2 to 0.8 ml/min (p <= 0.0002 for each chemical). Ultrafiltration was achieved
      to microlitre precision by the Nidus, but varied widely with PD. Fluid removal
      using conventional HD was imprecise and resulted in some hypovolaemic episodes
      requiring correction. CONCLUSION: The Nidus can provide HD in the Pediatric
      Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and outpatient intermittent HD without blood priming
      for babies weighing <8 kg, It generates higher dialysis clearances than PD, and
      delivers more precise ultrafiltration control than either PD or conventional HD.

PMID- 25125231
TI  - Global and cyp19a1a gene specific DNA methylation in gonads of adult rare minnow
      Gobiocypris rarus under bisphenol A exposure.
AB  - As a weak estrogenic chemical, bisphenol A (BPA) has been extensively studied for
      reproductive toxicity and the effects on the steroidogenesis. In the present
      study, we aim to explore the effects of BPA on epigenetic modification in rare
      minnow Gobiocypris rarus. We have detected the global and cyp19a1a gene specific
      DNA methylation in gonads of adult G. rarus under BPA exposure. The global DNA
      methylation level was significantly increased in testis of the male fish exposed
      to BPA for 7 days, and it was significantly increased in the ovary following 35
      days exposure. DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) catalyze the transfer of a methyl
      moiety from S-adenosyl-l-methionine to the cytosine of a CpG dinucleotide. The
      alteration of the detected dnmts mRNA expression could affect the global DNA
      methylation levels following 15MUg/L BPA exposure. Cytochrome P450 aromatase
      (CYP19A1A), is responsible for the conversion of androgens into estrogens, which
      plays a vital role in estrogen synthesis in gonads. In the present study, the
      methylation level of ovarian cyp19a1a gene was significantly suppressed and
      stimulated by 7- and 35-day BPA exposure, respectively. There was a significant
      negative correlation between cyp19a1a mRNA expression and methylation levels of
      the four CpGs at the 5' flanking region in the ovary of adult G. rarus following
      BPA exposure. So we hypothesize that there are some association between the
      reproductive toxicity of BPA and the global DNA methylation under BPA exposure.
      And the alteration of cyp19a1a expression in female G. rarus by BPA might
      attribute to the change of its DNA methylation status. 

PMID- 25125232
TI  - From a "perfect storm" to "smooth sailing": policymaker perspectives on
      implementation and sustainment of an evidence-based practice in two states.
AB  - Policymakers shape implementation and sustainment of evidence-based practices
      (EBPs), whether they are developing or responding to legislation and policies or
      negotiating public sector resource constraints. As part of a large mixed-method
      study, we conducted qualitative interviews with 24 policymakers involved in
      delivery of the same EBP in two U.S. states. We analyzed transcripts via open and
      focused coding techniques to identify the commonality, diversity, and complexity
      of implementation challenges; approaches to overcoming those challenges; and the
      importance of system-level contextual factors in ensuring successful
      implementation. Key findings centered on building support and leadership for
      EBPs; funding and contractual strategies; partnering with stakeholders; tackling
      challenges via proactive planning and problem solving; and the political, legal,
      and systemic pressures affecting EBP longevity. The policymaker perspectives
      offer guidance on nurturing system and organizational practice environments to
      achieve positive outcomes and for optimally addressing macro-level influences
      that bear upon the instantiation of EBPs in public sector child welfare systems. 

PMID- 25125233
TI  - The relationship between child maltreatment and substance abuse treatment
      outcomes among emerging adults and adolescents.
AB  - Emerging adulthood is the period of greatest risk for problematic substance use.
      The primary aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between a
      broad measure of child maltreatment and several key outcomes for a large clinical
      sample of emerging adults (n = 858) and adolescents (n = 2,697). The secondary
      aim was to examine the extent to which the relationship between child
      maltreatment and treatment outcomes differed between emerging adults and
      adolescents. Multilevel latent growth curve analyses revealed emerging adults and
      adolescents who experienced child maltreatment reported significantly greater
      reductions over time on several treatment outcomes (e.g., substance use,
      substance-related problems, and emotional problems). Overall, analyses did not
      support differential relationships between child maltreatment and changes over
      time in these substance use disorder treatment outcomes for emerging adults and
      adolescents. The one exception was that although emerging adults with child
      maltreatment did reduce their HIV risk over time, their improvements were not as
      great as were the improvements in HIV risk reported by adolescents who had
      experienced child maltreatment. 

PMID- 25125234
TI  - [Acute on chronic respiratory failure in interstitial pneumonias].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbations of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and
      exacerbations of pleuropulmonary disease in connective tissue diseases are
      associated with a high mortality. DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES: They have to be
      differentiated from respiratory failure in patients with interstitial lung
      disease as a result of infections, pulmonary embolism, cardiac failure and drug
      toxicity, because the latter can be treated causally. The extent and the
      invasivity of diagnostic procedures have to be adopted to the patient's
      situation. A rapid diagnosis is important in order to initiate therapies
      (antibiotics, anticoagulation, immunosuppression) in treatable causes of
      exacerbations. IMPORTANCE OF VENTILATION: The prognosis for patients who are
      under invasive mechanical ventilation in acute exacerbations of interstitial lung
      disease is poor. Especially in acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis (IPF), there is no general recommendation for either invasive or for
      noninvasive ventilation. In acute exacerbations of other subtypes of interstitial
      pneumonia, either idiopathic or as a pulmonary manifestation of connective tissue
      disease, and in all secondary exacerbations of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias
      which offer further treatment options, the decision about mechanical ventilation
      requires a differentiated assessment. LUNG TRANSPLANTATION: In younger patients
      with interstitial lung disease and a progressive disease, indication for lung
      transplantation should be made early and before an exacerbation. If patients
      listed for lung transplantation experience an acute exacerbation, bridging-to
      transplant has to be discussed with the transplant unit. In cases without further
      causal treatment options palliative care must be initiated.

PMID- 25125235
TI  - [Physiotherapy in intensive care medicine].
AB  - BACKGROUND: A high amount of recently published articles and reviews have already
      focused on early mobilisation in intensive care medicine. However, in the
      clinical setting the problem of its practicability remains as each professional
      group in the mobility team has its own expectations concerning the interventions
      made by physiotherapy. Even though there are as yet no standard operation
      procedures (SOP), there do exist distinctive mobilisation concepts that are well
      implemented in certain intensive care units
      (http://www.fruehmobilisierung.de/Fruehmobilisierung/Algorithmen.html). AIM: Due
      to these facts and the urgent need for SOPs this article presents the
      physiotherapeutic concept for the treatment of patients in the intensive care
      unit which has been developed by the author: First the patients' respiratory and
      motor functions have to be established in order to classify the patients and
      allocate them to their appropriate group (one out of three) according to their
      capacities; additionally, the patients are analysed by checking their so-called
      "surrounding conditions". Following these criteria a therapy regime is developed
      and patients are treated accordingly. By constant monitoring and re-evaluation of
      the treatment in accordance with the functions of the patient a dynamic system
      evolves. "Keep it simple" is one of the key features of that physiotherapeutic
      concept. Thus, a manual for the classification and the physiotherapeutic
      treatment of an intensive care patient was developed. METHODS: In this article it
      is demonstrated how this concept can be implemented in the daily routine of an
      intensive care unit. Physiotherapy in intensive care medicine has proven to play
      an important role in the patients' early rehabilitation if the therapeutic
      interventions are well adjusted to the needs of the patients. A team of nursing
      staff, physiotherapists and medical doctors from the core facility for medical
      intensive care and emergency medicine at the medical university of Innsbruck
      developed the "Mobilisation Concept for the Multidisciplinary Treatment of the
      Intensive Care Patient" following the principles of the physiotherapeutic concept
      mentioned above and published it online on the homepage of the German network for
      early mobilisation
      (http://www.fruehmobilisierung.de/Fruehmobilisierung/Algorithmen.html) in spring
      2012. The biggest challenge was to find one common language for all professional
      groups to define the aims of mobilisation. RESULTS: The success of the
      implementation becomes apparent in a well structured and coordinated procedure of
      early mobilisation, as all partners of the rehabilitation team apply adequate
      treatments. As a result the patients receive the appropriate treatment at the
      appropriate time which greatly supports their convalescence.

PMID- 25125237
TI  - Organ donation video messaging: differential appeal, emotional valence, and
      behavioral intention.
AB  - Video narratives increasingly are used to draw the public's attention to the need
      for more registered organ donors. We assessed the differential impact of donation
      messaging videos on appeal, emotional valence, and organ donation intentions in
      781 non-registered adults. Participants watched six videos (four personal
      narratives, one informational video without personal narrative, and one unrelated
      to donation) with or without sound (subtitled), randomly sequenced to minimize
      order effects. We assessed appeal, emotional valence, readiness to register as
      organ donors, and donation information-seeking behavior. Compared to other video
      types, one featuring a pediatric transplant recipient (with or without sound)
      showed more favorable appeal (p < 0.001), generated more positive emotional
      valence (p < 0.01), and had the most favorable impact on organ donor willingness
      (p < 0.001). Ninety-five (12%) participants clicked through to a donation website
      after viewing all six videos. Minority race (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.20, 3.13, p =
      0.006), positive change in organ donor readiness (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.48,
      p < 0.001), and total positive emotion (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.07, p <
      0.001) were significant multivariable predictors of clicking through to the
      donation website. Brief, one-min videos can have a very dramatic and positive
      impact on willingness to consider donation and behavioral intentions to register
      as an organ donor. 

PMID- 25125238
TI  - BDNF val66met genotype and schizotypal personality traits interact to influence
      probabilistic association learning.
AB  - The brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) val66met polymorphism rs6265
      influences learning and may represent a risk factor for schizophrenia. Healthy
      people with high schizotypal personality traits display cognitive deficits that
      are similar to but not as severe as those observed in schizophrenia and they can
      be studied without confounds of antipsychotics or chronic illness. How genetic
      variation in BDNF may impact learning in individuals falling along the
      schizophrenia spectrum is unknown. We predicted that schizotypal personality
      traits would influence learning and that schizotypal personality-based
      differences in learning would vary depending on the BDNF val66met genotype.
      Eighty-nine healthy adults completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire
      (SPQ) and a probabilistic association learning test. Blood samples were genotyped
      for the BDNF val66met polymorphism. An ANOVA was performed with BDNF genotype
      (val homozygotes and met-carriers) and SPQ score (high/low) as grouping variables
      and probabilistic association learning as the dependent variable. Participants
      with low SPQ scores (fewer schizotypal personality traits) showed significantly
      better learning than those with high SPQ scores. BDNF met-carriers displaying few
      schizotypal personality traits performed best, whereas BDNF met-carriers
      displaying high schizotypal personality traits performed worst. Thus, the BDNF
      val66met polymorphism appears to influence probabilistic association learning
      differently depending on the extent of schizotypal personality traits displayed. 

PMID- 25125239
TI  - The role of serotonin in adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
AB  - Serotonin is probably best known for its role in conveying a sense of
      contentedness and happiness. It is one of the most unique and pharmacologically
      complex monoamines in both the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS).
      Serotonin has become in focus of interest for the treatment of depression with
      multiple serotonin-mimetic and modulators of adult neurogenesis used clinically.
      Here we will take a broad view of serotonin from development to its physiological
      role as a neurotransmitter and its contribution to homeostasis of the adult
      rodent hippocampus. This chapter reflects the most significant findings on
      cellular and molecular mechanisms from neuroscientists in the field over the last
      two decades. We illustrate the action of serotonin by highlighting basic receptor
      targeting studies, and how receptors impact brain function. We give an overview
      of recent genetically modified mouse models that differ in serotonin availability
      and focus on the role of the monoamine in antidepressant response. We conclude
      with a synthesis of the most recent data surrounding the role of serotonin in
      activity and hippocampal neurogenesis. This synopsis sheds light on the
      mechanisms and potential therapeutic model by which serotonin plays a critical
      role in the maintenance of mood. 

PMID- 25125240
TI  - Spontaneous recovery from extinction in the infant rat.
AB  - Within the Pavlovian conditioning framework, extinction is a procedure in which,
      after conditioning, the conditioned stimulus (CS) is repeatedly presented without
      the unconditioned stimulus (US). During this procedure the conditioned response
      (CR) is gradually attenuated. It has been suggested that extinction during the
      early stages of ontogeny is a qualitatively different process from extinction in
      adulthood: during infancy, extinction may result in erasure of the memory, while
      during adulthood extinction involves new learning. This conclusion was supported
      by studies showing that renewal, reinstatement or spontaneous recovery procedures
      were not effective during infancy for recovering the CR once it had been
      extinguished. These studies used the freezing response as the only behavioral
      index, although some recent evidence indicates that the absence of freezing after
      conditioning or after extinction does not necessarily imply a deficit in memory,
      and that other behavioral indexes may be more sensitive to detecting conditioning
      effects. The goal of the present study was to analyze extinction in preweanling
      rats by examining the possibility of the spontaneous recovery of a conditioned
      fear response, measured through a different set of mutually-exclusive behaviors
      that constitute an exhaustive ethogram, and including control groups (Experiment
      1: US-Only and CS-Only; Experiment 2: US-Only, CS-Only and Unpaired) in order to
      examine whether non-associative learning may explain quantitative or qualitative
      changes in the frequency of specific responses during extinction or recovery.
      Extinction produced changes in the expression of freezing, grooming and
      exploration, and the clearest evidence of spontaneous recovery came from the
      analysis of freezing behavior. The pattern of behavior observed during extinction
      is compatible with theoretical approaches which consider different dynamic
      behavioral systems, and it also fit in well with a molar approach to the analysis
      of behavior, which considers that extinction involves a transition from one
      allocation of time among behaviors to another allocation, rather than a loss of
      strength in any particular discrete response. These results have implications for
      the study of extinction during infancy, since they are compatible with the
      hypothesis that the original memory survives extinction, and highlight the
      importance of control conditions for detecting this effect during this
      ontogenetic period. 

PMID- 25125241
TI  - Patient expectations in day surgery unit: our experience.

PMID- 25125242
TI  - Laser all-ceramic crown removal-a laboratory proof-of-principle study-phase 2
      crown debonding time.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The removal of all-ceramic crowns is a time consuming
      procedure in the dental office. Little research has been done in alternative
      removal techniques for all-ceramic crowns. The objective of the second phase of
      this proof-of-principle laboratory pilot study was to evaluate whether Ivoclar
      Vivadent all-ceramic crowns can be efficiently removed from natural teeth without
      damage to the underlying tooth structure using an Erbium laser. STUDY
      DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ceramic materials used were IPS E.max CAD
      Lithium-disilicate (LS2 ) (E.max CAD) and IPS E.max ZirCAD Zirconium-oxide (ZrO2
      ) (ZirCAD) (Ivoclar, Vivadent, Liechtenstein). Molars, either as stand-alone
      teeth or placed in an artificial row of teeth, were prepared to receive all
      ceramic crowns. Copings and full contour crowns with either featheredge or
      regular margins were produced. The all-ceramic crowns were bonded to the teeth
      with Ivoclar Multilink Automix. The time for Er:YAG laser debonding of each crown
      was then measured. The Er:YAG (LiteTouch, Syneron, Yokneam, Israel) was used with
      an 1,100 um diameter fiber tip with energies up to 600 mJ per pulse (wavelength
      2,940 nm, 10 Hz repetition rate, pulse duration 100 us at 126 mJ/pulse, and 400
      us at 590 mJ/pulse). The irradiation was applied at a distance of 10 mm from the
      crown surface following a defined pattern. Air-water spray was applied to the
      crowns at a rate of 67 ml/minute. RESULTS: All of the all-ceramic crowns were
      successfully debonded with the laser. On average, an all-ceramic E.max CAD crown
      was debonded in 190 +/- 92 seconds (average +/- SD). The debonding time for
      ZirCAD featheredge crowns was 226 +/- 105 seconds and for ZirCAD crowns with
      regular margins it was 312 +/- 102 seconds. No crowns fractured and no damage to
      the underlying dentin was detected. The bonding cement deteriorated due to the
      Er:YAG irradiation. Additionally, no carbonization at the dentin/cement interface
      was observed. CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser energy can successfully be used to
      efficiently debond all-ceramic full contour crowns from natural teeth without
      damage to the underlying tooth structure. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:636-643, 2014. (c)
      2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 25125236
TI  - Genetic heterogeneity in Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) and CdLS-like
      phenotypes with observed and predicted levels of mosaicism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a multisystem disorder with
      distinctive facial appearance, intellectual disability and growth failure as
      prominent features. Most individuals with typical CdLS have de novo heterozygous
      loss-of-function mutations in NIPBL with mosaic individuals representing a
      significant proportion. Mutations in other cohesin components, SMC1A, SMC3, HDAC8
      and RAD21 cause less typical CdLS. METHODS: We screened 163 affected individuals
      for coding region mutations in the known genes, 90 for genomic rearrangements, 19
      for deep intronic variants in NIPBL and 5 had whole-exome sequencing. RESULTS:
      Pathogenic mutations [including mosaic changes] were identified in: NIPBL 46 [3]
      (28.2%); SMC1A 5 [1] (3.1%); SMC3 5 [1] (3.1%); HDAC8 6 [0] (3.6%) and RAD21 1
      [0] (0.6%). One individual had a de novo 1.3 Mb deletion of 1p36.3. Another had a
      520 kb duplication of 12q13.13 encompassing ESPL1, encoding separase, an enzyme
      that cleaves the cohesin ring. Three de novo mutations were identified in ANKRD11
      demonstrating a phenotypic overlap with KBG syndrome. To estimate the number of
      undetected mosaic cases we used recursive partitioning to identify discriminating
      features in the NIPBL-positive subgroup. Filtering of the mutation-negative group
      on these features classified at least 18% as 'NIPBL-like'. A computer composition
      of the average face of this NIPBL-like subgroup was also more typical in
      appearance than that of all others in the mutation-negative group supporting the
      existence of undetected mosaic cases. CONCLUSIONS: Future diagnostic testing in
      'mutation-negative' CdLS thus merits deeper sequencing of multiple DNA samples
      derived from different tissues.

PMID- 25125243
TI  - Abdominal ultrasound-guided transvaginal myometrial core needle biopsy for the
      definitive diagnosis of suspected adenomyosis in 1032 patients: a retrospective
      study.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of abdominal ultrasound-guided
      transvaginal myometrial core needle biopsy (CNB) for the definitive diagnosis of
      adenomyosis. DESIGN: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II
      3). SETTING: Private practice. PATIENTS: A total of 1032 consecutive
      premenopausal women aged 22 to 53 years who had undergone myometrial CNB and
      uterine-preserving surgery to treat adenomyosis, which was preliminarily
      diagnosed on the basis of symptoms and ultrasonographic findings. INTERVENTION:
      Transvaginal myometrial CNB under abdominal ultrasound guidance. MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: The mean age of the 1032 patients was 41.4 years (range, 22-53
      years); 61% were aged 40 to 49 years, and 33% were aged 30 to 39 years. The mean
      Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC) score was 271.1, and total pain
      score was 11.79. The mean anterior myometrial thickness was 2.79 cm (range, 0.7
      8.7 cm), and the posterior myometrial thickness was 3.72 cm (range, 1.1-9.4 cm).
      A total of 2596 myometrial tissue cores were obtained from thickened myometrium
      via abdominal ultrasound-guided transvaginal myometrial CNB. At histopathologic
      examination the tissue cores demonstrated adenomyosis in 2167, myometrial
      hypertrophy in 343, and leiomyoma in 86. Patients were classified into a
      concordant group (adenomyosis only, adenomyosis plus hypertrophy, and adenomyosis
      plus leiomyoma; n = 951) and a discordant group (hypertrophy and leiomyoma; n =
      81), depending on conformance between the pathologic result and the preliminary
      ultrasonographic diagnosis. The study showed a 92.26% concordance rate of
      adenomyosis between the transvaginal myometrial CNB and ultrasonographic
      diagnoses. The mean number of tissue cores in the discordant (n = 2.12) and
      concordant (n = 2.55) groups differed significantly (p < .05). CONCLUSION:
      Abdominal ultrasound-guided transvaginal myometrial CNB can be used in the
      definitive diagnosis of clinically and/or sonographically suspected adenomyosis
      in patients undergoing uterine-preserving surgery. Future research should focus
      on improving the definitive diagnostic rate of adenomyosis by using transvaginal
      myometrial CNB.

PMID- 25125244
TI  - Incisional negative pressure wound therapy after hemiarthroplasty for femoral
      neck fractures - reduction of wound complications.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of incisional negative pressure
      wound therapy (iNPWT) in wound healing after femoral neck fracture (FNF) treated
      with hip hemiarthroplasty (HA) and its influence on postoperative seromas, wound
      secretion, as well as time and material consumption for dressing changes. The
      study is a prospective randomised evaluation of iNPWT in patients with large
      surgical wounds after FNF. Patients were randomised either to be treated by iNPWT
      (group A) or a standard wound dressing (group B). Follow-up included ultrasound
      measurements of seroma volumes on postoperative days 5 and 10, duration of wound
      secretion, and time and material spent for wound dressing changes. For comparison
      of the means, we used the t-test for independent samples, P > 0.05 was considered
      significant. There were 21 patients randomised in this study. Group A (11
      patients, 81.6 +/- 5.2 years of age) developed a seroma of 0.257 +/- 0.75 cm(3)
      after 5 days and had a secretion of 0.9 +/- 1.0 days, and the total time for
      dressing changes was 14.8 +/- 3.9 minutes, whereas group B (ten patients, 82.6 +/
      8.6 years of age) developed a seroma of 3.995 +/- 5.01 cm(3) after 5 days and
      had a secretion of 4.3 +/- 2.45 days, and the total time for dressing changes was
      42.9 +/- 11.0 minutes. All mentioned differences were significant. iNPWT has been
      used on many different types of traumatic and non-traumatic wounds. This
      prospective, randomised study has demonstrated decreased development of
      postoperative seromas, reduction of total wound secretion days and reduction of
      needed time for dressing changes. 

PMID- 25125245
TI  - Laryngoscopic characteristics in vocal leukoplakia: inter-rater reliability and
      correlation with histology grading.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Vocal cord leukoplakia is a clinical diagnosis that
      comprises a spectrum of benignities, premalignancies, and malignancies. Accurate
      recordings of the visual characteristics of the affected area are important for
      communication between physicians and are helpful in further management. The
      objective of this study was to determine the laryngoscopic characteristics among
      patients with vocal cord leukoplakia and the reliability of examinations between
      different raters. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review conducted in a
      tertiary referral center in Taiwan. METHODS: From January 2010 to April 2013, 107
      consecutive patients with vocal leukoplakia who had accepted excisional biopsy
      were recruited and classified into two groups according to histologic findings.
      The patients without clear preoperative flexible laryngoscope images stored in
      the picture archiving and communication system were excluded. There were 68
      patients who met the inclusion criteria, and the preoperative laryngoscope images
      were reviewed by two laryngologists. The inter-rater reliabilities of the
      recordings were assessed. Correlation between the variables and histologic
      classification was also performed. RESULTS: The inter-rater reliability of the
      assessment was significant in the recordings of color, texture, size, hyperemia,
      thickness, and symmetry (kappa = 0.267 to 0.573, P < .05) but not in vocal cord
      edema. The laryngoscopic findings including color, texture, size, and hyperemia
      were associated with the grade of dysplasia (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The specific
      proposed laryngoscopic characteristics are consistent in the recordings between
      raters and can be potentially used for stratifying patients' risk. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 25125247
TI  - Guide for bougie as an adjunct for an anterior larynx.

PMID- 25125248
TI  - Accuracy of manual entry of drug administration data into an anesthesia
      information management system.
AB  - PURPOSE: Data on drug administration are entered manually into anesthesia
      information management systems (AIMS). This study examined whether these data are
      accurate regarding drug name, dose administered, and time of administration, and
      whether the stage of anesthesia influences data accuracy. METHODS: Real-time
      observational data on drug administration during elective operations were
      compared with computerized information on drug administration entered by
      anesthesiologists. A trained observer (K.D.) performed the observations. RESULTS:
      Data were collected during 57 operations which included 596 separate occasions of
      drug administration by 22 anesthesiologists. No AIMS records were found for 90
      (15.1%) occasions of drug administration (omissions), while there were 11 (1.8%)
      AIMS records where drug administration was not observed. The AIMS and observer
      data matched for drug name on 495 of 596 (83.1%) occasions, for dose on 439 of
      495 (92.5%) occasions, and for time on 476 of 495 (96.2%) occasions. Amongst the
      90 omitted records, 34 (37.8%) were for vasoactive drugs with 24 (27.7%) for
      small doses of hypnotics. Omissions occurred mostly during maintenance: 50 of 153
      (24.6%), followed by induction: 30 of 325 (9.2%) and emergence: 10 of 57 (17.5%)
      (P < 0.001). Time and dose inaccuracies occurred mainly during induction,
      followed by maintenance and emergence; time inaccuracies were 7/325 (8.3%),
      10/203 (4.9%), and 0/57 (0%), respectively (P = 0.07), and dose inaccuracies were
      15/325 (4.6%), 3/203 (1.5%), and 1/57 (1.7%), respectively (P = 0.11).
      CONCLUSION: The range of accuracy varies when anesthesiologists manually enter
      drug administration data into an AIMS. Charting omissions represent the largest
      cause of inaccuracy, principally by omissions of records for vasopressors and
      small doses of hypnotic drugs. Manually entered drug administration data are not
      without errors. Accuracy of entering drug administration data remains the
      responsibility of the anesthesiologist.

PMID- 25125250
TI  - From the Journal archives: gastric fluid volume and pH in elective patients
      following unrestricted oral fluid until three hours before surgery.

PMID- 25125249
TI  - Reversal of high spinal anesthesia with cerebrospinal lavage after inadvertent
      intrathecal injection of local anesthetic in an obstetric patient.
AB  - PURPOSE: High or total spinal anesthesia commonly results from accidental
      placement of an epidural catheter in the intrathecal space with subsequent
      injection of excessive volumes of local anesthetic. Cerebrospinal lavage has been
      shown to be effective at reversing the effects of high/total spinal anesthesia
      but is rarely considered in obstetric cases. Here, we describe the use of
      cerebrospinal lavage to prevent potential complications from high/total spinal
      anesthesia after unintentional placement of an intrathecal catheter in a
      labouring obstetric patient. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 34-yr-old female presented to
      the labour and delivery unit in active labour. Epidural anesthesia was initiated,
      and after the first bolus dose, the patient experienced lower extremity motor
      block and shortness of breath. A high spinal was confirmed, and cerebrospinal
      lavage was performed. In total, 40 mL of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were exchanged
      for an equal volume of normal saline. The patient's breathing difficulties and
      motor block resolved quickly, and a new epidural catheter was placed after
      removal of the spinal catheter. Pain control was effective, and the patient
      delivered a healthy baby. CONCLUSION: We show that exchange of CSF for normal
      saline can be used successfully to manage a high spinal in an obstetric patient.
      Our results suggest that CSF lavage could potentially be an important and helpful
      adjunct to the conventional supportive management of obstetric patients in the
      event of inadvertent high or total spinal anesthesia.

PMID- 25125246
TI  - Lingual traction to facilitate fibreoptic intubation in patients with difficult
      airways under general anesthesia.

PMID- 25125251
TI  - Blind nasal intubation: teaching a dying art.

PMID- 25125252
TI  - Providing quality in anesthesia care in low- and middle-income countries.

PMID- 25125254
TI  - Addressing variant pathogenicity: the TorsinA (TOR1A) gene as a model.

PMID- 25125257
TI  - CHK it out! Blocking WEE kinase routs TP53 mutant cancer.
AB  - Mutations in TP53, encoding the master tumor suppressor p53, have posed a
      developmental therapeutic dilemma due to inability to target loss of function.
      Inhibition of WEE1 or CHK1 kinase, negative regulators of the G2-M checkpoint,
      selectively sensitizes p53-deficient cells to exogenous DNA damage, abrogating G2
      arrest and precipitating mitotic catastrophe.

PMID- 25125258
TI  - Design of phase I combination trials: recommendations of the Clinical Trial
      Design Task Force of the NCI Investigational Drug Steering Committee.
AB  - Anticancer drugs are combined in an effort to treat a heterogeneous tumor or to
      maximize the pharmacodynamic effect. The development of combination regimens,
      while desirable, poses unique challenges. These include the selection of agents
      for combination therapy that may lead to improved efficacy while maintaining
      acceptable toxicity, the design of clinical trials that provide informative
      results for individual agents and combinations, and logistic and regulatory
      challenges. The phase I trial is often the initial step in the clinical
      evaluation of a combination regimen. In view of the importance of combination
      regimens and the challenges associated with developing them, the Clinical Trial
      Design (CTD) Task Force of the National Cancer Institute Investigational Drug
      Steering Committee developed a set of recommendations for the phase I development
      of a combination regimen. The first two recommendations focus on the scientific
      rationale and development plans for the combination regimen; subsequent
      recommendations encompass clinical design aspects. The CTD Task Force recommends
      that selection of the proposed regimens be based on a biologic or pharmacologic
      rationale supported by clinical and/or robust and validated preclinical evidence,
      and accompanied by a plan for subsequent development of the combination. The
      design of the phase I clinical trial should take into consideration the potential
      pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions as well as overlapping toxicity.
      Depending on the specific hypothesized interaction, the primary endpoint may be
      dose optimization, pharmacokinetics, and/or pharmacodynamics (i.e., biomarker).

PMID- 25125264
TI  - High variability of atmospheric mercury in the summertime boundary layer through
      the central Arctic Ocean.
AB  - The biogeochemical cycles of mercury in the Arctic springtime have been
      intensively investigated due to mercury being rapidly removed from the
      atmosphere. However, the behavior of mercury in the Arctic summertime is still
      poorly understood. Here we report the characteristics of total gaseous mercury
      (TGM) concentrations through the central Arctic Ocean from July to September,
      2012. The TGM concentrations varied considerably (from 0.15 ng/m(3) to 4.58
      ng/m(3)), and displayed a normal distribution with an average of 1.23 +/- 0.61
      ng/m(3). The highest frequency range was 1.0-1.5 ng/m(3), lower than previously
      reported background values in the Northern Hemisphere. Inhomogeneous
      distributions were observed over the Arctic Ocean due to the effect of sea ice
      melt and/or runoff. A lower level of TGM was found in July than in September,
      potentially because ocean emission was outweighed by chemical loss.

PMID- 25125265
TI  - Caries experience and use of dental services in rural and urban adults and older
      adults from central Chile.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a relationship between the use of dental
      services and caries experience in adults and older adults from central Chile.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 453 adults, 35-44 years of age, and 438 older
      adults, 65-74 years of age, was interviewed and examined using World Health
      Organisation (WHO) methods. Sociodemographic variables were also registered.
      Caries experience was assessed using the Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth (DMFT)
      index. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine whether there was
      an association between the independent variables and caries experience. RESULTS:
      Caries prevalence was 99.6% for adults [DMFT score = 14.89 (+/-6.16)] and 99.8%
      for older adults [DMFT score = 25.68 (+/-6.49)]. Less than half of the population
      - 41.7% of adults and 31.5% of older adults - received dental care. Regardless of
      the age group, there were no differences in the DMFT score between those who
      received and those who did not receive attention (P > 0.05). When the DMFT
      findings were analysed in greater detail, people who received dental care and
      urban participants had more fillings (P < 0.05) than did those who were not
      provided with attention or lived in rural areas, who, in turn, had more missing
      teeth (P < 0.05). A higher educational level was associated with a decrease of
      1.15 DMFT points (P = 0.003) in the group of older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Adults
      and older adults from the Maule Region showed severe dental damage from caries.
      Although rurality and use of services do not seem to affect caries experience,
      they are associated with differences in fillings and missing teeth.

PMID- 25125259
TI  - Functional kinomics identifies candidate therapeutic targets in head and neck
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify novel therapeutic drug targets for p53-mutant head and neck
      squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: RNAi kinome viability
      screens were performed on HNSCC cells, including autologous pairs from primary
      tumor and recurrent/metastatic lesions, and in parallel on murine squamous cell
      carcinoma (MSCC) cells derived from tumors of inbred mice bearing germline
      mutations in Trp53, and p53 regulatory genes: Atm, Prkdc, and p19(Arf). Cross
      species analysis of cell lines stratified by p53 mutational status and metastatic
      phenotype was used to select 38 kinase targets. Both primary and secondary RNAi
      validation assays were performed on additional HNSCC cell lines to credential
      these kinase targets using multiple phenotypic endpoints. Kinase targets were
      also examined via chemical inhibition using a panel of kinase inhibitors. A
      preclinical study was conducted on the WEE1 kinase inhibitor, MK-1775. RESULTS:
      Our functional kinomics approach identified novel survival kinases in HNSCC
      involved in G2-M cell-cycle checkpoint, SFK, PI3K, and FAK pathways. RNAi
      mediated knockdown and chemical inhibition of the WEE1 kinase with a specific
      inhibitor, MK-1775, had a significant effect on both viability and apoptosis.
      Sensitivity to the MK-1775 kinase inhibitor is in part determined by p53
      mutational status, and due to unscheduled mitotic entry. MK-1775 displays single
      agent activity and potentiates the efficacy of cisplatin in a p53-mutant HNSCC
      xenograft model. CONCLUSIONS: WEE1 kinase is a potential therapeutic drug target
      for HNSCC. This study supports the application of a functional kinomics strategy
      to identify novel therapeutic targets for cancer.

PMID- 25125263
TI  - Lower subcortical gray matter volume in both younger smokers and established
      smokers relative to non-smokers.
AB  - Although established adult smokers with long histories of nicotine dependence
      have lower neural tissue volume than non-smokers, it is not clear if lower
      regional brain volume is also observed in younger, less established smokers. The
      primary goal of this study was to investigate neural tissue volume in a large
      group of smokers and non-smokers, with a secondary goal of measuring the impact
      of age on these effects. We used voxel-based morphometry to compare regional gray
      matter volume in 118 individuals (59 smokers, 59 age- and gender-matched non
      smokers). Younger smokers had significantly lower gray matter volume in the left
      thalamus and the left amygdala than their non-smoking peers (family-wise error
      corrected clusters, P < 0.05). There was no correlation between smoking use
      variables and tissue volume among younger smokers. Established smokers had
      significantly lower gray matter volume than age-matched non-smokers in the
      insula, parahippocampal gyrus and pallidum. Medial prefrontal cortex gray matter
      volume was negatively correlated with pack-years of smoking among the established
      smokers, but not the younger smokers. These data reveal that regional tissue
      volume differences are not limited exclusively to established smokers. Deficits
      in young adults indicate that cigarette smoking may either be deleterious to the
      thalamus and amygdala at an earlier age than previously reported, or that pre
      existing differences in these areas may predispose individuals to the development
      of nicotine dependence. 

PMID- 25125266
TI  - Chondroprotective effect of high-dose zoledronic acid: An experimental study in a
      rabbit model of osteoarthritis.
AB  - To address the need to impact the subchondral bone-articular cartilage
      interaction for the treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis (OA),
      bisphosphonates may be used as a means to inhibit the subchondral bone
      resorption. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the chondroprotective
      effect of zoledronic acid (ZOL) in a model of OA. Eighteen adult male rabbits
      underwent an anterior cruciate ligament transection and were separated into two
      groups: ZOL group (n=10) received 0.6 mg/kg intravenous injection of ZOL on day
      1, 15, and 29 and placebo group (n=8) received saline. The animals were
      euthanized at 8 weeks. Macroscopically, the ZOL group had significantly milder
      ulcerations, cartilage softening and fibrillation compared to the placebo group.
      Microscopically, morphology of the articular cartilage was better in the ZOL
      treated group compared with the placebo group, without complete disorganization
      in any section of the ZOL group. Furthermore, the chondrocytes in the ZOL treated
      group were mainly cloning, indicating cartilage repairing and regeneration
      process, while in the placebo group hypocellularity predominated. Additionally,
      subchondral necrosis was evident in some specimens of the placebo group.
      Zoledronic acid, in a high-dose regimen, proved to be chondroprotective in a well
      established animal model of OA.

PMID- 25125267
TI  - Resurgence: Response competition, stimulus control, and reinforcer control.
AB  - Resurgence is the relapse of a previously reinforced and then extinguished target
      response when extinguishing a more recently reinforced alternative response. We
      designed the present study to assess the contribution of stimulus-control and
      reinforcer-control processes in determining resurgence. In a modified resurgence
      procedure, we removed the alternative discriminative stimulus signaling
      alternative reinforcement when extinguishing the alternative response. This
      produced more abrupt resurgence of target responding than in a typical resurgence
      procedure maintaining the alternative discriminative stimulus when extinguishing
      the alternative response. The overall amount of resurgence did not differ.
      Importantly, a "renewal" control added and removed the alternative stimulus
      during extinction, identically as in the modified resurgence procedure. However,
      alternative responding was never reinforced, which produced no relapse of target
      responding. Therefore, the more abrupt resurgence with the modified procedure
      than with the typical procedure suggests removing the alternative stimulus
      reduced the competition between alternative and target responding. These findings
      revealed the importance of adding and removing alternative reinforcement in
      producing resurgence (reinforcer control) but little influence of simply adding
      and removing the alternative stimulus (stimulus control). These data suggest that
      clinicians should consider the long-term availability of the alternative response
      option when developing differential-reinforcement interventions. 

PMID- 25125268
TI  - Chronic fistula after laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy.

PMID- 25125269
TI  - Homozygosity for a novel deletion downstream of the SHOX gene provides evidence
      for an additional long range regulatory region with a mild phenotypic effect.
AB  - Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis is caused by heterozygous mutations in SHOX or its
      flanking sequences, including whole or partial gene deletions, point mutations
      within the coding sequence, and deletions of downstream regulatory elements. The
      same mutations when biallelic cause the more severe Langer Mesomelic dysplasia.
      Here, we report on a consanguineous family with a novel deletion downstream of
      SHOX in which homozygously deleted individuals have a phenotype intermediate
      between Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis and Langer Mesomelic dysplasia while
      heterozygously deleted individuals are mostly asymptomatic. The deleted region is
      distal to all previously described 3' deletions, suggesting the presence of an
      additional regulatory element, deletions of which have a milder, variable
      phenotypic effect.

PMID- 25125270
TI  - Diagnostic value of S100B protein in the differential diagnosis of acute vertigo
      in the emergency department.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Vertigo is a common presenting complaint resulting from central or
      peripheral etiologies. Because central causes may be life-threatening,
      ascertaining the nature of the vertigo is crucial in the emergency department
      (ED). With a broad range of potential etiologies, distinguishing central causes
      from benign peripheral causes is a diagnostic challenge. Cranial magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) is the recommended neuroimaging method when clinical
      findings are ambiguous. However, MRI scanning for every patient with an uncertain
      diagnosis may not be efficient or possible. Therefore, to improve ED resource
      utilization for patients with vertigo, there is a need to identify the subset
      most likely to have MRI abnormalities. It has previously been shown that S100B
      protein provides a useful serum marker of stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and
      traumatic brain injury. This study evaluated whether S100B levels could predict
      central causes of vertigo as identified by cranial MRI in the ED. METHODS: This
      prospective, observational study was conducted with adult patients with acute
      onset vertigo (within 6 hours) in the ED of a teaching hospital in Kocaeli,
      Turkey. Patients with nausea or dizziness complaints without previously known
      vertigo or cranial pathology, and who agreed to participate in the study, were
      included. Patients with trauma or with neurologic findings that developed
      concurrent with their symptoms were excluded. Serum levels of S100B were measured
      with an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay kit. All subjects underwent cranial
      MRI. The predictors of positive MRI results were evaluated using logistic
      regression analysis. Sensitivity and specificity of S100B levels for identifying
      subjects with central causes of vertigo on MRI were calculated with receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Of the 82 subjects included in the
      study, 48 (58.5%) were female, and the mean (+/-SD) age was 51 (+/-16) years.
      Thirty-one (37.8%) subjects had positive MRI results. Median (with interquartile
      range [IQR]) serum S100B levels were significantly different between MRI-negative
      and MRI-positive groups (median = 27.00 pg/mL, IQR = 10.00 to 44.60 vs. median =
      60.94 pg/mL, IQR = 38.25 to 77.95, respectively; p = 0.04). In logistic
      regression analysis, subjective "he or she is spinning" (p = 0.030, odds ratio
      [OR] = 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38 to 2.49), systolic blood
      pressure (sBP; p = 0.045, OR = 1.044, 95% CI = 1.021 to 1.080), and serum S100B
      level (p = 0.042, OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.018 to 1.445) were found to be
      independent predictors of MRI abnormalities. In the ROC analysis, S100B > 30
      pg/mL predicted the clinical outcome with 83.9% sensitivity (95% CI = 66.3% to
      94.5%) and 51.0% specificity (95% CI = 36.6% to 65.2%). The area under the ROC
      curve was 0.774 (95% CI = 0.666 to 0.881). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our
      knowledge this is the first study assessing the utility of serum S100B levels for
      diagnosis of acute-onset vertigo. Serum S100B levels are associated with the
      presence of central causes of vertigo on cranial MRI. However, serum S100B levels
      are not sufficiently sensitive to exclude candidates from cranial MRI.

PMID- 25125273
TI  - Go team!

PMID- 25125274
TI  - Interprofessional education and collaboration: a call to action for emergency
      medicine.

PMID- 25125271
TI  - Brief intervention to increase emergency department uptake of combined rapid
      human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C screening among a drug misusing
      population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, Increasing Viral Testing in the Emergency Department
      (InVITED), the authors investigated if a brief intervention about human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk-taking behaviors
      and drug use and misuse in addition to a self-administered risk assessment,
      compared to a self-administered risk assessment alone, increased uptake of
      combined screening for HIV and HCV, self-perception of HIV/HCV risk, and impacted
      beliefs and opinions on HIV/HCV screening. METHODS: InVITED was a randomized,
      controlled trial conducted at two urban emergency departments (EDs) from February
      2011 to March 2012. ED patients who self-reported drug use within the past 3
      months were invited to enroll. Drug misuse severity and need for a brief or more
      intensive intervention was assessed using the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance
      Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Participants were randomly assigned to one
      of two study arms: a self-administered HIV/HCV risk assessment alone (control
      arm) or the assessment plus a brief intervention about their drug misuse and
      screening for HIV/HCV (intervention arm). Beliefs on the value of combined
      HIV/HCV screening, self-perception of HIV/HCV risk, and opinions on HIV/HCV
      screening in the ED were measured in both study arms before the HIV/HCV risk
      assessment (pre), after the assessment in the control arm, and after the brief
      intervention in the intervention arm (post). Participants in both study arms were
      offered free combined rapid HIV/HCV screening. Uptake of screening was compared
      by study arm. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate
      factors related to uptake of screening. RESULTS: Of the 395 participants in the
      study, the median age was 28 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 23 to 38 years),
      44.8% were female, 82.3% had ever been tested for HIV, and 67.3% had ever been
      tested for HCV. Uptake of combined rapid HIV/HCV screening was nearly identical
      by study arm (64.5% vs. 65.2%; Delta = -0.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 
      10.1% to 8.7%). Of the 256 screened, none had reactive HIV antibody tests, but
      seven (2.7%) had reactive HCV antibody tests. Multivariable logistic regression
      analysis results indicated that uptake of screening was not related to study arm
      assignment, total ASSIST drug scores, need for an intervention for drug misuse,
      or HIV/HCV sexual risk assessment scores. However, uptake of screening was
      greater among participants who indicated placing a higher value on combined rapid
      HIV/HCV screening for themselves and all ED patients and those with higher levels
      of perceived HIV/HCV risk. Uptake of combined rapid HIV/HCV screening was not
      related to changes in beliefs regarding the value of combined HIV/HCV screening
      or self-perceived HIV/HCV risk (post- vs. pre-risk assessment with or without a
      brief intervention). Opinions regarding the ED as a venue for combined rapid
      HIV/HCV screening were not related to uptake of screening. CONCLUSIONS: Uptake of
      combined rapid HIV/HCV screening is high and considered valuable among drug using
      and misusing ED patients with little concern about the ED as a screening venue.
      The brief intervention investigated in this study does not appear to change
      beliefs regarding screening, self-perceived risk, or uptake of screening for
      HIV/HCV in this population. Initial beliefs regarding the value of screening and
      self-perceived risk for these infections predict uptake of screening.

PMID- 25125272
TI  - Emergency physicians' attitudes and preferences regarding computed tomography,
      radiation exposure, and imaging decision support.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although computerized decision support for imaging is often
      recommended for optimizing computed tomography (CT) use, no studies have
      evaluated emergency physicians' (EPs') preferences regarding computerized
      decision support in the emergency department (ED). In this needs assessment, the
      authors sought to determine if EPs view overutilization as a problem, if they
      want decision support, and if so, the kinds of support they prefer. METHODS: A 42
      item, Web-based survey of EPs was developed and used to measure EPs' attitudes,
      preferences, and knowledge. Key contacts at local EDs sent letters describing the
      study to their physicians. Exploratory principal components analysis (PCA) was
      used to determine the underlying factor structure of multi-item scales,
      Cronbach's alpha was used to measure internal consistency of items on a scale,
      Spearman correlations were used to describe bivariate associations, and
      multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify variables
      independently associated with physician interest in decision support. RESULTS: Of
      235 surveys sent, 155 (66%) EPs responded. Five factors emerged from the PCA. EPs
      felt that: 1) CT overutilization is a problem in the ED (alpha = 0.75); 2) a
      patient's cumulative CT study count affects decisions of whether and what type of
      imaging study to order only some of the time (alpha = 0.75); 3) knowledge that a
      patient has had prior CT imaging for the same indication makes EPs less likely to
      order a CT (alpha = 0.42); 4) concerns about malpractice, patient satisfaction,
      or insistence on CTs affect CT ordering decisions (alpha = 0.62); and 5) EPs want
      decision support before ordering CTs (alpha = 0.85). Performance on knowledge
      questions was poor, with only 18% to 39% correctly responding to each of the
      three multiple-choice items about effective radiation doses of chest radiograph
      and single-pass abdominopelvic CT, as well as estimated increased risk of cancer
      from a 10-mSv exposure. Although EPs wanted information on patients' cumulative
      exposures, they feel inadequately familiar with this information to make use of
      it clinically. If provided with patients' cumulative radiation exposures from CT,
      87% of EPs said that they would use this information to discuss imaging options
      with their patients. In the multiple regression model, which included all
      variables associated with interest in decision support at p < 0.10 in bivariate
      tests, items independently associated with EPs' greater interest in all types of
      decision support proposed included lower total knowledge scores, greater
      frequency that cumulative CT study count affects EP's decision to order CTs, and
      greater agreement that overutilization of CT is a problem and that awareness of
      multiple prior CTs for a given indication affects CT ordering decisions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Emergency physicians view overutilization of CT scans as a problem
      with potential for improvement in the ED and would like to have more information
      to discuss risks with their patients. EPs are interested in all types of imaging
      decision support proposed to help optimize imaging ordering in the ED and to
      reduce radiation to their patients. Findings reveal several opportunities that
      could potentially affect CT utilization.

PMID- 25125275
TI  - Patient safety training in pediatric emergency medicine: a national survey of
      program directors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires
      training in patient safety and medical errors but does not provide specification
      for content or methods. Pediatric emergency medicine (EM) fellowship directors
      were surveyed to characterize current training of pediatric EM fellows in patient
      safety and to determine the need for additional training. METHODS: From June 2013
      to August 2013, pediatric EM fellowship directors were surveyed via e-mail.
      RESULTS: Of the 71 eligible survey respondents, 57 (80.3%) completed surveys. A
      formal curriculum was present in 24.6% of programs, with a median of 6 hours
      (range = 1 to 18 hours) dedicated to the curriculum. One program evaluated the
      efficacy of the curriculum. Nearly 91% of respondents without formal programs
      identified lack of local faculty expertise or interest as the primary barrier to
      implementing patient safety curricula. Of programs without formal curricula,
      93.6% included at least one component of patient safety training in their
      fellowship programs. The majority of respondents would implement a standardized
      patient safety curriculum for pediatric EM if one was available. CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite the importance of patient safety training and requirements to train
      pediatric EM fellows in patient safety and medical errors, there is a lack of
      formal curriculum and local faculty expertise. The majority of programs have
      introduced components of patient safety training and desire a standardized
      curriculum.

PMID- 25125278
TI  - Microanatomy of the medial collateral ligament enthesis in the bovine knee.
AB  - This study applied transmission and differential interference contrast light
      microscopy imaging methodologies to revisit the microanatomy of the ligament-bone
      junction of the medial collateral ligament, with the aim of providing new
      insights into the mechanostructural significance of the enthesis. The data show
      that the microscale structural features of the enthesis are more complex than the
      conventional description of "direct versus indirect," or "fibrous versus
      nonfibrous" insertions. From a materials perspective the enthesis may be viewed
      as a specialised functionally graded structural continuum whose unique microlevel
      structural adaptation contributes to maintaining both the local tissue
      micromechanical environment and joint function at the macrolevel.

PMID- 25125279
TI  - Evaluation of metals, metalloids, and ash mixture toxicity using sediment
      toxicity testing.
AB  - In December 2008, a release of 4.1 million m(3) of coal ash from the Tennessee
      Valley Authority Kingston Fossil Plant occurred. Ash washed into the Emory River
      and migrated downstream into the Clinch and Tennessee Rivers. A Baseline
      Ecological Risk Assessment evaluated risks to ecological receptors from ash in
      the river system post-dredging. This article describes the approach used and
      results from sediment toxicity tests, discussing any causal relationships between
      ash, metals, and toxicity. Literature is limited in the realm of aquatic coal
      combustion residue (CCR) exposures and the potential magnitude of effects on
      benthic invertebrates. Sediment samples along a spectrum of ash content were used
      in a tiered toxicity testing approach and included a combination of 10 day
      sediment toxicity acute tests and longer-term, partial life cycle "definitive"
      tests with 2 species (Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus). Arsenic, and to a
      lesser extent Se, in the ash was the most likely toxicant causing observed
      effects in the laboratory toxicity tests. Sites in the Emory River with the
      greatest statistical and biologically significant effects had As concentrations
      in sediments twice the probable effects concentration of 33 mg/kg. These sites
      contained greater than 50% ash. Sites with less than approximately 50% ash in
      sediments exhibited fewer significant toxic responses relative to the reference
      sediment in the laboratory. The results discussed here present useful evidence of
      only limited effects occurring from a worst-case exposure pathway. These results
      provided a valuable line of evidence for the overall assessment of risks to
      benthic invertebrates and to other ecological receptors, and were crucial to risk
      management and development of project remediation goals.

PMID- 25125281
TI  - Young slow-progressing ALS patients are at higher risk of inappropriate and
      disease-quickening surgeries.

PMID- 25125280
TI  - Anatomical structure and ultrastructure of the endocarp cell walls of Argania
      spinosa (L.) Skeels (Sapotaceae).
AB  - The anatomical and histochemical study of young and adult endocarps of Argania
      spinosa (sampled from Tindouf; Algeria) shows a general structure that is similar
      to that of majority of stone fruits. These samples consist of tissues that
      contain lignified and cellulosic cell walls. The majority of the tissues are
      composed of sclerenchyma cells; with very thick lignified cell walls and
      conducting tissues. Coniferyl lignins are abundant in the majority of the
      lignified tissues. However, the coniferyl lignins appear at the primary xylem
      during lignification. Syringyl lignins are present in small quantities. The
      electron microscopy observation of the sclerenchyma cell walls of the young
      endocarp shows polylamellate strates and, cellular microfibrils in arced
      patterns. This architecture is observed in the cell walls of the adult endocarp
      only after the incubation of the tissue in methylamine. These configurations
      (arcs) are the result of a regular and complete rotation with a 180 degrees 
      variation in the microfibril angle; the complete and symmetrical arcs show a
      helicoidal mode of construction. The observation of the sclerenchyma cells
      revealed the capacity of helicoidal morphogenesis to adjust itself under the
      influence of topological constraints, such as the presence of a large number of
      pit canals, which maintain symplastic transport. 

PMID- 25125282
TI  - Biogeography and speciation of terrestrial fauna in the south-western Australian
      biodiversity hotspot.
AB  - The south-western land division of Western Australia (SWWA), bordering the
      temperate Southern and Indian Oceans, is the only global biodiversity hotspot
      recognised in Australia. Renowned for its extraordinary diversity of endemic
      plants, and for some of the largest and most botanically significant temperate
      heathlands and woodlands on Earth, SWWA has long fascinated biogeographers. Its
      flat, highly weathered topography and the apparent absence of major geographic
      factors usually implicated in biotic diversification have challenged attempts to
      explain patterns of biogeography and mechanisms of speciation in the region.
      Botanical studies have always been central to understanding the biodiversity
      values of SWWA, although surprisingly few quantitative botanical analyses have
      allowed for an understanding of historical biogeographic processes in both space
      and time. Faunistic studies, by contrast, have played little or no role in
      defining hotspot concepts, despite several decades of accumulating quantitative
      research on the phylogeny and phylogeography of multiple lineages. In this review
      we critically analyse datasets with explicit supporting phylogenetic data and
      estimates of the time since divergence for all available elements of the
      terrestrial fauna, and compare these datasets to those available for plants. In
      situ speciation has played more of a role in shaping the south-western Australian
      fauna than has long been supposed, and has occurred in numerous endemic lineages
      of freshwater fish, frogs, reptiles, snails and less-vagile arthropods. By
      contrast, relatively low levels of endemism are found in birds, mammals and
      highly dispersive insects, and in situ speciation has played a negligible role in
      generating local endemism in birds and mammals. Quantitative studies provide
      evidence for at least four mechanisms driving patterns of endemism in south
      western Australian animals, including: (i) relictualism of ancient Gondwanan or
      Pangaean taxa in the High Rainfall Province; (ii) vicariant isolation of lineages
      west of the Nullarbor divide; (iii) in situ speciation; and (iv) recent
      population subdivision. From dated quantitative studies we derive four testable
      models of historical biogeography for animal taxa in SWWA, each explicit in
      providing a spatial, temporal and topological perspective on patterns of
      speciation or divergence. For each model we also propose candidate lineages that
      may be worthy of further study, given what we know of their taxonomy,
      distributions or relationships. These models formalise four of the strongest
      patterns seen in many animal taxa from SWWA, although other models are clearly
      required to explain particular, idiosyncratic patterns. Generating numerous new
      datasets for suites of co-occurring lineages in SWWA will help refine our
      understanding of the historical biogeography of the region, highlight gaps in our
      knowledge, and allow us to derive general postulates from quantitative (rather
      than qualitative) results. For animals, this process has now begun in earnest, as
      has the process of taxonomically documenting many of the more diverse
      invertebrate lineages. The latter remains central to any attempt to appreciate
      holistically biogeographic patterns and processes in SWWA, and molecular
      phylogenetic studies should - where possible - also lead to tangible taxonomic
      outcomes. 

PMID- 25125283
TI  - Trisphosphine-chelate-substituted molybdenum and tungsten nitrosyl hydrides as
      highly active catalysts for olefin hydrogenations.
AB  - Reaction of [M(NO)Cl3 (NCMe)2 ] (M=Mo, W) with (iPr2 PCH2 CH2 )2 PPh (etp(i) p)
      at room temperature afforded the syn/anti-[M(NO)Cl3 (mer-etp(i) p)] complexes
      (M=Mo, a; W, b; 3 a,b(syn,anti); syn and anti refer to the relative position of
      Ph(etp(i) p) and NO). Reduction of 3 a,b(syn,anti) produced [M(NO)Cl2 (mer-etp(i)
      p)] (4 a,b(syn)), [M(NO)Cl(NCMe)(mer-etp(i) p)] (5 a,b(syn,anti)), and
      [M(NO)Cl(eta(2) -ethylene)(mer-etp(i) p)] (6 a,b(syn,anti)) complexes. The
      hydrides [M(NO)H(eta(2) -ethylene)(mer-etp(i) p)] (7 a,b(syn,anti)) were obtained
      from 6 a,b(syn,anti) using NaHBEt3 (75  degrees C, THF) or LiBH4 (80  degrees C,
      Et3 N), respectively. 7 a,b(syn,anti) were probed in olefin hydrogenations in the
      absence or presence of a hydrosilane/B(C6 F5 )3 mixture. The 7 a,b(syn,anti)/Et3
      SiH/B(C6 F5 )3 co-catalytic systems were highly active in various olefin
      hydrogenations (60 bar H2 , 140  degrees C), with maximum TOFs of 5250 h(-1) (7
      a(syn,anti)) and 8200 h(-1) (7 b(syn,anti)) for 1-hexene hydrogenation. The Et3
      SiH/(B(C6 F5 )3 co-catalyst is anticipated to generate a [Et3 Si](+) cation
      attaching to the ONO atom. This facilitates NO bending and accelerates catalysis
      by providing a vacant site. Inverse DKIE effects were observed for the 7
      a(syn,anti)/Et3 SiH/(B(C6 F5 )3 (kH /kD =0.55) and the 7 b(syn,anti)/Et3
      SiH/(B(C6 F5 )3 (kH /kD =0.65) co-catalytic mixtures (20 bar H2 /D2 , 140 
      degrees C). 

PMID- 25125284
TI  - Postnatal depression.

PMID- 25125285
TI  - ALien Biotic IndEX (ALEX) - a new index for assessing impacts of alien species on
      benthic communities.
AB  - Biotic indices are mainly aimed at assessing levels of deterioration caused by
      chemical or organic pollution. However, no biotic index to date has been
      developed to detect impacts of alien species on benthic communities. In this
      paper, a new biotic index, namely ALEX, is proposed to address the objectives of
      the Water Framework Directive and was tested in Mersin Bay (Levantine Sea,
      Turkey). Species were divided into four biogeographic groups, namely native
      species, casual species, established species and invasive species, and the metric
      considers the relative importance of these groups in samples. The index
      classified the ecological status of some stations which are shallow, and close to
      harbor and river mouths as bad or poor in February and October. The ALEX values
      were positively and significantly correlated with total nitrogen, silicate and
      silt percentage in sediment, and negatively correlated with depth and the
      distance from the harbor.

PMID- 25125286
TI  - Simulation of the potential effects of CO2 leakage from carbon capture and
      storage activities on the mobilization and speciation of metals.
AB  - One of the main risks associated with carbon capture and storage (CCS) activities
      is the leakage of the stored CO2, which can result in several effects on the
      ecosystem. Laboratory-scale experiments were performed to provide data on the
      possible effects of CO2 leakage from CCS on the mobility of metals previously
      trapped in sediments. Metal-contaminated sediments were collected and submitted
      to acidification by means of CO2 injection using different pH treatments. The
      test lasted 10 days, and samples were collected at the beginning and at the end
      of the experiment for metal analysis. The results revealed increases in the
      mobility of metals such as Co, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn due to pH decreases. Geochemical
      modeling demonstrated that acidification influenced the speciation of the metals,
      increasing the concentrations of their free forms. These data suggest the
      possible sediment contamination consequences of accidental CO2 leakage during CCS
      activities.

PMID- 25125287
TI  - Marine litter ensemble transport simulations in the southern North Sea.
AB  - The drift of marine litter in the southern North Sea was simulated with the
      offline Lagrangian transport model PELETS-2D. Assuming different source regions,
      passive tracer particles were released every 28 h within a nine-year period.
      Based on pre-calculated hourly wind and ocean current data, drift simulations
      were carried out forward and backward in time with and without the assumption of
      extra wind forces influencing particle movement. Due to strong variability of
      currents, backward simulations did not allow for the identification of particular
      source regions influencing given monitoring sites. Neither accumulation regions
      at open sea could be identified by forward simulations. A seasonal signal,
      however, could be identified in the number of tracer particles that reached the
      coastal areas. Both particle drift velocity and variability of drift paths
      further increased when an extra wind drift was assumed.

PMID- 25125288
TI  - Rapid, repeated, low-dose challenges with SIVmac239 infect animals in a condensed
      challenge window.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of nonhuman primates is
      the predominant model for preclinical evaluation of human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) vaccines. These studies frequently utilize high-doses of SIV that ensure
      infection after a single challenge but do not recapitulate critical facets of
      sexual HIV transmission. Investigators are increasingly using low-dose challenges
      in which animals are challenged once every week or every two weeks in order to
      better replicate sexual HIV transmission. Using this protocol, some animals
      require over ten challenges before SIV infection is detectable, potentially
      inducing localized immunity. Moreover, the lack of certainty over which challenge
      will lead to productive infection prevents tissue sampling immediately
      surrounding the time of infection. FINDINGS: Here we challenged Mauritian
      cynomolgus macaques with 100 50% tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50) of
      SIVmac239 intrarectally three times a day for three consecutive days. Ten of
      twelve animals had positive plasma viral loads after this challenge regimen.
      CONCLUSIONS: This approach represents a straightforward advance in SIV challenge
      protocols that may avoid induction of local immunity, avoid inconsistent timing
      between last immunization and infection, and allow sampling immediately after
      infection using low-dose challenge protocols.

PMID- 25125289
TI  - Local vasotocin modulation of the pacemaker nucleus resembles distinct electric
      behaviors in two species of weakly electric fish.
AB  - The neural bases of social behavior diversity in vertebrates have evolved in
      close association with hypothalamic neuropeptides. In particular, arginine
      vasotocin (AVT) is a key integrator underlying differences in behavior across
      vertebrate taxa. Behavioral displays in weakly electric fish are channeled
      through specific patterns in their electric organ discharges (EODs), whose rate
      is ultimately controlled by a medullary pacemaker nucleus (PN). We first explored
      interspecific differences in the role of AVT as modulator of electric behavior in
      terms of EOD rate between the solitary Gymnotus omarorum and the gregarious
      Brachyhypopomus gauderio. In both species, AVT IP injection (10MUg/gbw) caused a
      progressive increase of EOD rate of about 30%, which was persistent in B.
      gauderio, and attenuated after 30min in G. omarorum. Secondly, we demonstrated by
      in vitro electrophysiological experiments that these behavioral differences can
      be accounted by dissimilar effects of AVT upon the PN in itself. AVT
      administration (1MUM) to the perfusion bath of brainstem slices containing the PN
      produced a small and transient increase of PN activity rate in G. omarorum vs the
      larger and persistent increase previously reported in B. gauderio. We also
      identified AVT neurons, for the first time in electric fish, using
      immunohistochemistry techniques and confirmed the presence of hindbrain AVT
      projections close to the PN that might constitute the anatomical substrate for
      AVT influences on PN activity. Taken together, our data reinforce the view of the
      PN as an extremely plastic medullary central pattern generator that not only
      responds to higher influences to adapt its function to diverse contexts, but also
      is able to intrinsically shape its response to neuropeptide actions, thus adding
      a hindbrain target level to the complexity of the global integration of central
      neuromodulation of electric behavior. 

PMID- 25125291
TI  - Blood volume measurement by hemodilution: association with valve disease and re
      evaluation of the Allen Formula.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total blood volume (TBV) assessment is central to the management of
      cardiac surgical patients with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The widely accepted
      Allen Formula lacks accuracy in estimating TBV in these patients. Moreover, the
      impact of commonly encountered cardiac disease states on TBV has not been
      systematically investigated. The aim of this study was to determine TBV by
      hemodilution (TBVHD) for patients with valve disease, compare TBVHD to algorithms
      frequently used during cardiac surgery and to modify the Allen Formula to better
      fit today's patient population. METHODS: TBVHD was prospectively measured upon
      initiation of CPB. Ninety-six patients were grouped into 4 cohorts by
      preoperative diagnosis and compared to Allen and weight-based formulae in a
      univariate analysis: mitral regurgitation (MR), coronary artery disease requiring
      bypass surgery (CABG) and aortic stenosis (AS) +/- CABG. The independent effects
      of height and weight on TBV were correlated to the original Allen Formula by
      multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Patients with MR had significantly larger
      TBVHD compared to patients with AS, CABG or both. The smallest TBVHD was found in
      the patients with AS and CABG. The modified Allen Formula had an excellent model
      fit (R(2) = 0.88 and R(2) = 0.95 for males and females, respectively; p<0.001)
      while the classic formula overestimated TBV by 30% in males and females. For
      males, height impacted TBV calculations the most whereas weight was the
      predominant determinant in females. CONCLUSION: Blood volume assessment via the
      Allen Formula or bodyweight overestimated TBV in cardiac surgical patients, with
      potential implications on their management. The assumption that MR frequently
      presents with increased intravascular volume was confirmed whereas AS patients
      with coronary disease had a relatively smaller TBV. Lastly, a modified Allen
      Formula to better reflect today's patient population was derived to reproducibly
      improve accuracy in mathematical estimates of TBV.

PMID- 25125292
TI  - Anatomic assessment of sympathetic peri-arterial renal nerves in man.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although renal sympathetic denervation therapy has shown promising
      results in patients with resistant hypertension, the human anatomy of peri
      arterial renal nerves is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was
      to investigate the anatomic distribution of peri-arterial sympathetic nerves
      around human renal arteries. METHODS: Bilateral renal arteries were collected
      from human autopsy subjects, and peri-arterial renal nerve anatomy was examined
      by using morphometric software. The ratio of afferent to efferent nerve fibers
      was investigated by dual immunofluorescence staining using antibodies targeted
      for anti-tyrosine hydroxylase and anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide. RESULTS:
      A total of 10,329 nerves were identified from 20 (12 hypertensive and 8
      nonhypertensive) patients. The mean individual number of nerves in the proximal
      and middle segments was similar (39.6 +/- 16.7 per section and 39.9 +/- 1 3.9 per
      section), whereas the distal segment showed fewer nerves (33.6 +/- 13.1 per
      section) (p = 0.01). Mean subject-specific nerve distance to arterial lumen was
      greatest in proximal segments (3.40 +/- 0.78 mm), followed by middle segments
      (3.10 +/- 0.69 mm), and least in distal segments (2.60 +/- 0.77 mm) (p < 0.001).
      The mean number of nerves in the ventral region (11.0 +/- 3.5 per section) was
      greater compared with the dorsal region (6.2 +/- 3.0 per section) (p < 0.001).
      Efferent nerve fibers were predominant (tyrosine hydroxylase/calcitonin gene
      related peptide ratio 25.1 +/- 33.4; p < 0.0001). Nerve anatomy in hypertensive
      patients was not considerably different compared with nonhypertensive patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: The density of peri-arterial renal sympathetic nerve fibers is lower
      in distal segments and dorsal locations. There is a clear predominance of
      efferent nerve fibers, with decreasing prevalence of afferent nerves from
      proximal to distal peri-arterial and renal parenchyma. Understanding these
      anatomic patterns is important for refinement of renal denervation procedures.

PMID- 25125290
TI  - Efficient and cost effective production of active-form human PKB using silkworm
      larvae.
AB  - Protein kinase B (PKB) also known as Akt is involved in many signal transduction
      pathways. As alterations of the PKB pathway are found in a number of human
      malignancies, PKB is considered an important drug target for cancer therapy.
      However, production of sufficient amounts of active PKB for biochemical and
      structural studies is very costly because of the necessity of using a higher
      organism expression system to obtain phosphorylated PKB. Here, we report
      efficient production of active PKBalpha using the BmNPV bacmid expression system
      with silkworm larvae. Following direct injection of bacmid DNA, recombinant
      PKBalpha protein was highly expressed in the fat bodies of larvae, and could be
      purified using a GST-tag and then cleaved. A final yield of approximately 1 mg
      PKBalpha/20 larvae was recorded. Kinase assays showed that the recombinant
      PKBalpha possessed high phosphorylation activity. We further confirmed
      phosphorylation on the activation loop by mass spectrometric analysis. Our
      results indicate that the silkworm expression system is of value for preparation
      of active-form PKBalpha with phosphorylation on the activation loop. This
      efficient production of the active protein will facilitate further biochemical
      and structural studies and stimulate subsequent drug development.

PMID- 25125293
TI  - Catheter-based renal denervation is no simple matter: lessons to be learned from
      our anatomy?

PMID- 25125294
TI  - Paroxysmal AF catheter ablation with a contact force sensing catheter: results of
      the prospective, multicenter SMART-AF trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation is important for treatment of paroxysmal atrial
      fibrillation (PAF). Limited animal and human studies suggest a correlation
      between electrode-tissue contact and radiofrequency lesion generation.
      OBJECTIVES: The study sought to assess the safety and effectiveness of an
      irrigated, contact force (CF)-sensing catheter in the treatment of drug
      refractory symptomatic PAF. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized
      study was conducted. Enrollment criteria included: >=3 symptomatic episodes of
      PAF within 6 months of enrollment and failure of >=1 antiarrhythmic drug (Class I
      to IV). Ablation included pulmonary vein isolation with confirmed entrance block
      as procedural endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients were enrolled at 21
      sites, where 161 patients had a study catheter inserted and 160 patients
      underwent radiofrequency application. Procedural-related serious adverse events
      occurring within 7 days of the procedure included tamponade (n = 4), pericarditis
      (n = 3), heart block (n = 1, prior to radiofrequency application), and vascular
      access complications (n = 4). By Kaplan-Meier analyses, 12-month freedom from
      atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter/atrial tachycardia recurrence was 72.5%. The
      average CF per procedure was 17.9 +/- 9.4 g. When the CF employed was between
      investigator selected working ranges >=80% of the time during therapy, outcomes
      were 4.25 times more likely to be successful (p = 0.0054; 95% confidence
      interval: 1.53 to 11.79). CONCLUSIONS: The SMART-AF trial demonstrated that this
      irrigated CF-sensing catheter is safe and effective for the treatment of drug
      refractory symptomatic PAF, with no unanticipated device-related adverse events.
      The increased percent of time within investigator-targeted CF ranges correlates
      with increased freedom from arrhythmia recurrence. Stable CF during
      radiofrequency application increases the likelihood of 12-month success.
      (THERMOCOOL(r) SMARTTOUCH(r) Catheter for Treatment of Symptomatic Paroxysmal
      Atrial Fibrillation; NCT01385202).

PMID- 25125295
TI  - When it comes to radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, have
      all of our wishes been granted? A perspective on the SMART-AF trial.

PMID- 25125297
TI  - Outcomes with digoxin in atrial fibrillation: more data, no answers.

PMID- 25125296
TI  - Increased mortality associated with digoxin in contemporary patients with atrial
      fibrillation: findings from the TREAT-AF study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite endorsement of digoxin in clinical practice guidelines, there
      exist limited data on its safety in atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF). OBJECTIVES:
      The goal of this study was to evaluate the association of digoxin with mortality
      in AF. METHODS: Using complete data of the TREAT-AF (The Retrospective Evaluation
      and Assessment of Therapies in AF) study from the U.S. Department of Veterans
      Affairs (VA) healthcare system, we identified patients with newly diagnosed,
      nonvalvular AF seen within 90 days in an outpatient setting between VA fiscal
      years 2004 and 2008. We used multivariate and propensity-matched Cox proportional
      hazards to evaluate the association of digoxin use with death. Residual
      confounding was assessed by sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Of 122,465 patients
      with 353,168 person-years of follow-up (age 72.1 +/- 10.3 years, 98.4% male),
      28,679 (23.4%) patients received digoxin. Cumulative mortality rates were higher
      for digoxin-treated patients than for untreated patients (95 vs. 67 per 1,000
      person-years; p < 0.001). Digoxin use was independently associated with mortality
      after multivariate adjustment (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.26, 95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 1.23 to 1.29, p < 0.001) and propensity matching (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.17 to
      1.25, p < 0.001), even after adjustment for drug adherence. The risk of death was
      not modified by age, sex, heart failure, kidney function, or concomitant use of
      beta-blockers, amiodarone, or warfarin. CONCLUSIONS: Digoxin was associated with
      increased risk of death in patients with newly diagnosed AF, independent of drug
      adherence, kidney function, cardiovascular comorbidities, and concomitant
      therapies. These findings challenge current cardiovascular society
      recommendations on use of digoxin in AF.

PMID- 25125298
TI  - Prevalence and characteristics of TCFA and degree of coronary artery stenosis: an
      OCT, IVUS, and angiographic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between features of vulnerable plaque and
      angiographic coronary stenosis is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study
      was to systematically investigate the absolute number, relative prevalence, and
      characteristics of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) at different degrees of stenosis
      using optical coherence tomography (OCT), intravascular ultrasound, and coronary
      angiography. METHODS: We identified 643 plaques from 255 subjects who underwent
      OCT imaging in all 3 coronary arteries. They were divided into 3 groups on the
      basis of angiographic diameter stenosis: Group A (30% to 49%, n = 325), Group B
      (50% to 69%, n = 227), and Group C (>70%, n = 91). RESULTS: OCT showed that the
      absolute number of TCFA was greatest in Group A (n = 58), followed by Groups B (n
      = 40) and C (n = 33). However, the relative prevalence of TCFA was higher in
      Group C (36%) than in Groups A (18%) or B (18%) (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002,
      respectively). Fibrous cap of TCFA was thinner in Group C than in Groups A (p <
      0.001) or B (p = 0.001). intravascular ultrasound showed that the plaque burden
      of TCFA was largest in Group C (80.1 +/- 7.4%), compared with Groups B (67.5 +/-
      9.4%) and A (58.1 +/- 8.4%). TCFA in Group C had a higher remodeling index than
      those in Group A (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The absolute number of TCFA is 3 times
      greater in nonsevere stenosis than in severe stenosis. It is, however, twice as
      likely for a lesion to be TCFA in cases of severe stenosis than in nonsevere
      stenosis. Moreover, TCFA in severely-stenotic areas had more features of plaque
      vulnerability.

PMID- 25125299
TI  - Putting TCFA in clinical perspective.

PMID- 25125301
TI  - The Fermi paradox and coronary artery disease.

PMID- 25125300
TI  - High-risk plaque detected on coronary CT angiography predicts acute coronary
      syndromes independent of significant stenosis in acute chest pain: results from
      the ROMICAT-II trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is not known whether high-risk plaque, as detected by coronary
      computed tomography angiography (CTA), permits improved early diagnosis of acute
      coronary syndromes (ACS) independently to the presence of significant coronary
      artery disease (CAD) in patients with acute chest pain. OBJECTIVES: The primary
      aim of this study was to determine whether high-risk plaque features, as detected
      by CTA in the emergency department (ED), may improve diagnostic certainty of ACS
      independently and incrementally to the presence of significant CAD and clinical
      risk assessment in patients with acute chest pain but without objective evidence
      of myocardial ischemia or myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: We included
      patients randomized to the coronary CTA arm of the ROMICAT-II (Rule Out
      Myocardial Infarction/Ischemia Using Computer-Assisted Tomography II) trial.
      Readers assessed coronary CTA qualitatively for the presence of nonobstructive
      CAD (1% to 49% stenosis), significant CAD (>=50% or >=70% stenosis), and the
      presence of at least 1 of the high-risk plaque features (positive remodeling, low
      <30 Hounsfield units plaque, napkin-ring sign, spotty calcium). In logistic
      regression analysis, we determined the association of high-risk plaque with ACS
      (MI or unstable angina pectoris) during the index hospitalization and whether
      this was independent of significant CAD and clinical risk assessment. RESULTS:
      Overall, 37 of 472 patients who underwent coronary CTA with diagnostic image
      quality (mean age 53.9 +/- 8.0 years; 52.8% men) had ACS (7.8%; MI n = 5;
      unstable angina pectoris n = 32). CAD was present in 262 patients (55.5%;
      nonobstructive CAD in 217 patients [46.0%] and significant CAD with >=50%
      stenosis in 45 patients [9.5%]). High-risk plaques were more frequent in patients
      with ACS and remained a significant predictor of ACS (odds ratio [OR]: 8.9; 95%
      CI: 1.8 to 43.3; p = 0.006) after adjustment for >=50% stenosis (OR: 38.6; 95%
      CI: 14.2 to 104.7; p < 0.001) and clinical risk assessment (age, sex, number of
      cardiovascular risk factors). Similar results were observed after adjustment for
      >=70% stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting to the ED with acute chest
      pain but negative initial electrocardiogram and troponin, presence of high-risk
      plaques on coronary CTA increased the likelihood of ACS independent of
      significant CAD and clinical risk assessment (age, sex, and number of
      cardiovascular risk factors). (Multicenter Study to Rule Out Myocardial
      Infarction by Cardiac Computed Tomography [ROMICAT-II]; NCT01084239).

PMID- 25125303
TI  - Glycogen synthase kinase-3 and the heart.

PMID- 25125302
TI  - Cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of Gsk3alpha mitigates post-myocardial infarction
      remodeling, contractile dysfunction, and heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Injury due to myocardial infarction (MI) is largely irreversible.
      Once an infarct has occurred, the clinical goal becomes limiting remodeling,
      preserving left ventricular function, and preventing heart failure. Although
      traditional approaches (e.g., beta-blockers) partially preserve left ventricular
      function, novel strategies are needed to limit ventricular remodeling post-MI.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the role of glycogen synthase
      kinase-3alpha (GSK-3alpha) in post-MI remodeling. METHODS: Mice with
      cardiomyocyte-specific conditional deletion of Gsk3alpha and littermate controls
      underwent sham or MI surgery. Heart function was assessed using serial M-mode
      echocardiography. RESULTS: Gsk3alpha deletion in the heart markedly limits
      remodeling and preserves left ventricular function post-MI. This is due at least
      in part to dramatic thinning and expansion of the scar in the control hearts,
      which was less in the heart of knockout (KO) mice. In contrast, the border zone
      in the KO mice demonstrated a much thicker scar, and there were more viable
      cardiomyocytes within the scar/border zone. This was associated with less
      apoptosis and more proliferation of cardiomyocytes in the KO mice.
      Mechanistically, reduced apoptosis was due, at least in part, to a marked
      decrease in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and increased cardiomyocyte proliferation was
      mediated through cyclin E1 and E2F-1 in the hearts of the KO mice. CONCLUSIONS:
      Taken together, these findings show that reducing GSK-3alpha expression in
      cardiomyocytes limits ventricular remodeling and preserves cardiac function post
      MI. Specifically targeting GSK-3alpha could be a novel strategy to limit adverse
      remodeling and heart failure.

PMID- 25125305
TI  - Carotid artery stenting.
AB  - Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has achieved clinical equipoise with carotid
      endarterectomy (CEA), as evidenced by 2 large U.S. randomized clinical trials,
      multiple pivotal registry trials, and 2 multispecialty guideline documents
      endorsed by 14 professional societies. The largest randomized trial conducted in
      patients at average surgical risk of CEA, CREST (Carotid Revascularization
      Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial) found no difference between CAS and CEA for
      the combined endpoint of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction (MI) after 4
      years of follow-up. The largest randomized trial comparing CAS and CEA in
      patients at increased surgical risk, SAPPHIRE (Stenting and Angioplasty with
      Protection in Patients at High Risk for Endarterectomy), looked at 1-year stroke,
      death, and MI incidence and found no difference in symptomatic patients, but a
      significantly better outcome in asymptomatic patients for CAS (9.9% vs. 21.5%; p
      = 0.02). Given that >70% of carotid revascularization procedures are performed in
      asymptomatic patients for primary prevention of stroke, it is incumbent upon
      clinicians to demonstrate that revascularization has an incremental benefit over
      highly effective modern medical therapy alone. 

PMID- 25125304
TI  - Rhythm control in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation: contemporary
      challenges including the role of ablation.
AB  - Because nonpharmacological interventions likely alter the risks and benefits
      associated with rhythm control, this paper reviews the role of current rhythm
      control strategies in atrial fibrillation. This report also focuses on the
      specific limitations of pharmacological interventions and the utility of
      percutaneous ablation in this growing population of patients with concomitant
      atrial fibrillation and heart failure. 

PMID- 25125306
TI  - Revolutionizing cardiology and health care: a shared purpose makes all the
      difference.

PMID- 25125307
TI  - Pregnancy in fellowship: building a career and family.

PMID- 25125308
TI  - Urinary hyaluronic acid as an early predictor of acute kidney injury after
      cardiac surgery.

PMID- 25125309
TI  - Would a modified Lewis index be more specific, without marked reduction of
      sensitivity, in ECG diagnosis of RVH?

PMID- 25125310
TI  - Reply: would a modified Lewis index be more specific, without marked reduction of
      sensitivity, in ECG diagnosis of RVH?

PMID- 25125311
TI  - A commentary on the SPARC study.

PMID- 25125312
TI  - Coronary CT angiography again results in better patient outcomes.

PMID- 25125313
TI  - Reply: a commentary on the SPARC study.

PMID- 25125314
TI  - Recovery of left ventricular mechanics after transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation: effects of baseline ventricular function and postprocedural aortic
      regurgitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impaired left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation is associated
      with adverse outcome in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). The aim of
      this retrospective study was to assess the impact of transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation (TAVI) on the recovery of myocardial mechanics and the influence of
      postprocedural aortic regurgitation (AR). METHODS: Speckle-tracking
      echocardiography was used to assess multidirectional myocardial deformation
      (longitudinal and circumferential strain) and rotational mechanics (apical
      rotation and twist) before and at midterm follow-up after TAVI. Predictors of
      myocardial recovery, defined as a >=20% relative increase in the magnitude of
      global longitudinal strain compared with baseline, were examined. RESULTS: Sixty
      four patients (median age, 83 years; interquartile range, 77-86 years) with
      severe AS and high surgical risk (mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk
      Evaluation score, 20 +/- 13%) were evaluated. Overall, LV longitudinal
      deformation was impaired at baseline compared with controls. At 5 +/- 3 months
      after TAVI, LV longitudinal deformation had significantly improved only in the
      group of patients with baseline LV ejection fractions (LVEF) <= 55%: global
      longitudinal strain from -9.7 +/- 3.7% to -11.8 +/- 3.2% (P = .05), longitudinal
      strain rate from -0.44 +/- 0.14 sec(-1) to -0.57 +/- 0.16 sec(-1) (P = .001), and
      early diastolic strain rate from 0.38 +/- 0.17 sec(-1) to 0.49 +/- 0.18 sec(-1)
      (P = .01). In patients with normal LVEFs, LV twist was supraphysiologic at
      baseline and normalized after TAVI (from 16.1 +/- 6.9 degrees  to 11.9 +/- 6.2
      degrees , P = .004). In patients with baseline LVEFs <= 55%, circumferential
      deformation was impaired before TAVI and improved after TAVI. Baseline LVEF (odds
      ratio, 0.56 per 10% increment; P = .02) and global longitudinal strain (odds
      ratio, 0.65 per absolute 1% increment; P < .001) were significant predictors of
      myocardial recovery. LV mass, volumes, and longitudinal strain failed to
      favorably remodel in patients with post-TAVI important AR (defined as new mild
      post-TAVI AR or moderate or severe post-TAVI AR [either preexisting or new AR]).
      CONCLUSIONS: TAVI restores LV function toward more physiologic myocardial
      mechanics in both normal- and depressed-LVEF groups. Patients with lower systolic
      function derive the most benefit in terms of longitudinal reverse remodeling.
      Postprocedural AR adversely affects LV structural and functional remodeling.

PMID- 25125315
TI  - The human meniscus: a review of anatomy, function, injury, and advances in
      treatment.
AB  - Meniscal injuries are recognized as a cause of significant musculoskeletal
      morbidity. The menisci are vital for the normal function and long-term health of
      the knee joint. The purpose of this review is to provide current knowledge
      regarding the anatomy and biomechanical functions of the menisci, incidence,
      injury patterns and the advancements in treatment options of meniscal injury. A
      literature search was performed by a review of PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE,
      and OVID for all relevant articles published between 1897 and 2014. This study
      highlights the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the menisci, which
      may be relevant to injury patterns and treatment options. An understanding of the
      normal anatomy and biomechanical functions of the knee menisci is a necessary
      prerequisite to understanding pathologies associated with the knee.

PMID- 25125316
TI  - Endophthalmitis prophylaxis for cataract surgery: are intracameral antibiotics
      necessary?

PMID- 25125317
TI  - Interventions to reduce haemorrhage during myomectomy for fibroids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benign smooth muscle tumours of the uterus, known as fibroids or
      myomas, are often symptomless. However, about one-third of women with fibroids
      will present with symptoms that are severe enough to warrant treatment. The
      standard treatment of symptomatic fibroids is hysterectomy (that is surgical
      removal of the uterus) for women who have completed childbearing, and myomectomy
      for women who desire future childbearing or simply want to preserve their uterus.
      Myomectomy, the surgical removal of myomas, can be associated with life
      threatening bleeding. Excessive bleeding can necessitate emergency blood
      transfusion. Knowledge of the effectiveness of the interventions to reduce
      bleeding during myomectomy is essential to enable evidence-based clinical
      decisions. This is an update of the review published in The Cochrane Library
      (2011, Issue 11). OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness, safety, tolerability
      and costs of interventions to reduce blood loss during myomectomy. SEARCH
      METHODS: In June 2014, we conducted electronic searches in the Cochrane Menstrual
      Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO,
      and trial registers for ongoing and registered trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We
      selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared potential
      interventions to reduce blood loss during myomectomy to placebo or no treatment.
      DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The two authors independently selected RCTs for
      inclusion, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data from the included RCTs.
      The primary review outcomes were blood loss and need for blood transfusion. We
      expressed study results as mean differences (MD) for continuous data and odds
      ratios for dichotomous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the
      quality of evidence using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS: Eighteen RCTs with 1250
      participants met our inclusion criteria. The studies were conducted in hospital
      settings in low, middle and high income countries.Blood lossWe found significant
      reductions in blood loss with the following interventions: vaginal misoprostol (2
      RCTs, 89 women: MD -97.88 ml, 95% CI -125.52 to -70.24; I(2) = 43%; moderate
      quality evidence); intramyometrial vasopressin (3 RCTs, 128 women: MD -245.87 ml,
      95% CI -434.58 to -57.16; I(2) = 98%; moderate-quality evidence); intramyometrial
      bupivacaine plus epinephrine (1 RCT, 60 women: MD -68.60 ml, 95% CI -93.69 to 
      43.51; low-quality evidence); intravenous tranexamic acid (1 RCT, 100 women: MD 
      243 ml, 95% CI -460.02 to -25.98; low-quality evidence); gelatin-thrombin matrix
      (1 RCT, 50 women: MD -545.00 ml, 95% CI -593.26 to -496.74; low-quality
      evidence); intravenous ascorbic acid (1 RCT, 102 women: MD -411.46 ml, 95% CI 
      502.58 to -320.34; low-quality evidence); vaginal dinoprostone (1 RCT, 108 women:
      MD -131.60 ml, 95% CI -253.42 to -9.78; low-quality evidence); loop ligation of
      the myoma pseudocapsule (1 RCT, 70 women: MD -305.01 ml, 95% CI -354.83 to 
      255.19; low-quality evidence); and a fibrin sealant patch (1 RCT, 70 women: MD 
      26.50 ml, 95% CI -44.47 to -8.53; low-quality evidence). We found evidence of
      significant reductions in blood loss with a polyglactin suture (1 RCT, 28 women:
      MD -1870.0 ml, 95% CI -2547.16 to 1192.84) or a Foley catheter (1 RCT, 93 women:
      MD -240.70 ml, 95% CI -359.61 to -121.79) tied around the cervix. However,
      pooling data from these peri-cervical tourniquet RCTs revealed significant
      heterogeneity of the effects (2 RCTs, 121 women: MD (random) -1019.85 ml, 95% CI 
      2615.02 to 575.32; I(2) = 95%; low-quality evidence). There was no good evidence
      of an effect on blood loss with oxytocin, morcellation or clipping of the uterine
      artery.Need for blood transfusion We found significant reductions in the need for
      blood transfusion with vasopressin (2 RCTs, 90 women: OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03 to
      0.74; I(2) = 0%; moderate-quality evidence); peri-cervical tourniquet (2 RCTs,
      121 women: OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.84; I(2) = 69%; low-quality evidence);
      gelatin-thrombin matrix (1 RCT, 100 women: OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.10; low
      quality evidence) and dinoprostone (1 RCT, 108 women: OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04 to
      0.81; low-quality evidence), but no evidence of effect on the need for blood
      transfusion with misoprostol, oxytocin, tranexamic acid, ascorbic acid, loop
      ligation of the myoma pseudocapsule and a fibrin sealant patch.There were
      insufficient data on the adverse effects and costs of the different
      interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: At present there is moderate-quality
      evidence that misoprostol may reduce bleeding during myomectomy, and low-quality
      evidence that bupivacaine plus epinephrine, tranexamic acid, gelatin-thrombin
      matrix, a peri-cervical tourniquet, ascorbic acid, dinoprostone, loop ligation
      and a fibrin sealant patch may reduce bleeding during myomectomy. There is no
      evidence that oxytocin, morcellation and temporary clipping of the uterine artery
      reduce blood loss. Further well designed studies are required to establish the
      effectiveness, safety and costs of different interventions for reducing blood
      loss during myomectomy.

PMID- 25125319
TI  - Which one is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? Small muscle mass
      or large fat mass.

PMID- 25125318
TI  - Complete remission of paraneoplastic vanishing bile duct syndrome after the
      successful treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vanishing bile duct syndrome has been associated with different
      pathologic conditions (adverse drug reactions, autoimmune diseases, graft versus
      host disease, and cancer). Though its causes are unknown, an immune-related
      pathogenesis is the most likely one. Vanishing bile duct syndrome can evolve to
      hepatic failure and, eventually, to death. The treatment is uncertain, but it
      needs the resolution of the underlying pathologic condition. CASE PRESENTATION:
      We describe the association of Hodgkin's lymphoma with a syndrome characterized
      by cholestasis, aminotransferase elevation and an histological picture of bile
      duct loss. All other causes of hepatic function impairment were excluded (in
      particular, drugs, viral and autoimmune related diseases) eventually leading to
      the diagnosis of vanishing bile duct syndrome. Despite the fact that the
      dysfunction is not caused by hepatic Hodgkin's lymphoma involvement, liver
      impairment can limit the optimal therapy of Hodgkin's lymphoma. A treatment
      consisting of ursodeoxycholic acid, prednisone, and full dose chemotherapy
      restored hepatic function and achieved complete and long-lasting remission of
      Hodgkin's lymphoma. CONCLUSION: We reviewed all case reports showing that
      vanishing bile duct syndrome is a dismal paraneoplastic syndrome being fatal in a
      high proportion of patients if not adequately treated. Indeed, this syndrome
      requires both an early recognition and an appropriate aggressive treatment
      consisting of full dose upfront chemotherapy which is the only way to achieve a
      resolution of the vanishing bile duct syndrome. Delayed or reduced intensity
      treatments unfavorably correlate with survival.

PMID- 25125321
TI  - Perception of e-cigarette harm and its correlation with use among U.S.
      adolescents.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: U.S. adolescents increasingly use e-cigarettes. The perceived harm
      of e-cigarettes has not been described, nor has the correlation between harm
      perception and e-cigarette use been assessed. This study examines correlates of e
      cigarette harm perception and use of e-cigarettes in a national survey. METHODS:
      We used cross-sectional nationally representative data from the 2012 National
      Youth Tobacco Survey (n = 24,658). Cross-tabulations and multivariate ordered
      probit and logistic regression models were employed to assess relative harm
      perception and e-cigarette use. RESULTS: Half of U.S. adolescents had heard of e
      cigarettes. Of these, 13.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.7-14.9) and 4.0%
      (95% CI = 3.4-4.7) reported ever or currently using e-cigarettes, respectively.
      Of those aware of e-cigarettes, 34.2% (95% CI = 32.8-35.6) believed e-cigarettes
      were less harmful than cigarettes. Among those trying e-cigarettes, 71.8% (95% CI
      = 69.0-74.5) believed e-cigarettes were comparatively less harmful. Females and
      those >= 17 years old were more likely to perceive e-cigarettes as more harmful
      relative to cigarettes, while on average Whites, users of other tobacco products,
      and those with family members who used tobacco were more likely to perceive e
      cigarettes as comparatively safer. Among cigarette-naive e-cigarette users, use
      of other tobacco products and perceived harm reduction by e-cigarettes were,
      respectively, on average associated with 1.6 and 4.1 percentage-point increases
      in e-cigarette use. CONCLUSIONS: Perception of e-cigarettes as less harmful than
      conventional cigarettes was associated with increased e-cigarette use, including
      among cigarette-naive e-cigarette users. These findings should prompt further
      scientific investigation and merit attention from regulators.

PMID- 25125323
TI  - One-pot consecutive catalysis by integrating organometallic catalysis with
      organocatalysis.
AB  - The present study integrates two types of catalysis, namely, organometallic
      catalysis and organocatalysis in one reaction pot. In this process, the product
      of the first catalytic cycle acts as catalytic component for next catalytic
      cycle. The abnormal N-heterocyclic carbene-copper-based organometallic catalyst
      acts as an efficient catalyst for a click reaction to provide triazole, which, in
      turn, acts as an efficient organocatalyst for different organic transformations,
      for example, aza-Michael addition and multicomponent reactions, in a consecutive
      fashion in the same reaction pot. 

PMID- 25125320
TI  - Off-treatment virologic relapse and outcomes of re-treatment in chronic hepatitis
      B patients who achieved complete viral suppression with oral nucleos(t)ide
      analogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The durability of off-treatment virologic responses has not been
      fully elucidated in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who have previously
      achieved complete virologic suppression with nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy.
      This study aimed to assess off-treatment virologic relapse rates and to
      characterize the outcomes of subsequent re-treatment in CHB patients who have
      discontinued oral NA following complete virologic suppression. METHODS: Ninety
      five CHB patients who showed complete virologic suppression were withdrawn from
      NAs: entecavir, lamivudine, and clevudine in 67, 15, and 13 patients,
      respectively. Consolidation therapy was given for 6 and 12 months for HBeAg
      positive and -negative CHB, respectively, before cessation. Virologic relapse was
      managed with the same NA that had induced complete virologic response before
      discontinuation. RESULTS: The cumulative rates of virologic relapse at 12 and 24
      months were 73.8% and 87.1%, respectively. The relapse rates were independent of
      HBeAg positivity, HBeAg seroconversion, and type of oral NA. In a multivariate
      analysis, duration of oral NA therapy was the only significant predicting factor
      associated with off-treatment virologic relapse. Although the majority of
      patients regained complete virologic suppression, some patients did not respond
      to re-treatment with the initial NA and developed genotypic resistance.
      CONCLUSIONS: NA consolidation therapy for 6 and 12 months is associated with high
      off-treatment virologic relapse in HBeAg-positive and -negative CHB patients,
      respectively. Drugs with high genetic barriers to resistance should be considered
      as a rescue therapy for off-treatment relapse in CHB.

PMID- 25125322
TI  - Prevalence and determinants of secondhand smoke exposure among women in
      Bangladesh, 2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The population of Bangladesh is highly susceptible to
      secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure due to high smoking rates and low awareness about
      the harmful effects of SHS. This study aims to determine the prevalence of SHS
      exposure and highlight the essential determinants in developing successful
      strategies to prevent adverse health effects in Bangladesh. METHODS: The analysis
      is based on the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey 2011, in which 17,749 women
      in the reproductive age group (12-49 years) were included. The information
      regarding SHS exposure at home was derived from the question: "How often does
      anyone smoke inside your house?" The variable was recoded into 3 groups: daily
      exposure, low exposure (exposed weekly, monthly, or less than monthly), and no
      SHS exposure. We performed descriptive and bivariable analyses and multinomial
      logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 46.7% of the women reported high
      exposure to SHS at home. According to the multinomial logistic regression model,
      relatively lower education and lower wealth index were significantly associated
      with daily SHS exposure at home. The exposure differed significantly between the
      divisions of Bangladesh. Having children at home (vs. not) and being Islamic
      (compared to other religious affiliations) were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS:
      The study indicates that women from socioeconomically disadvantaged households
      are more likely to experience daily exposure to SHS at home. Therefore,
      especially these groups have to be targeted to reduce tobacco consumption. In
      addition to aspects of legislation, future strategies need to focus educational
      aspects to improve the population's health status in Bangladesh.

PMID- 25125328
TI  - How are we managing sudden sensorineural hearing loss in the United Kingdom?: our
      experience.

PMID- 25125325
TI  - MRS water resonance frequency in childhood brain tumours: a novel potential
      biomarker of temperature and tumour environment.
AB  - (1)H MRS thermometry has been investigated for brain trauma and hypothermia
      monitoring applications but has not been explored in brain tumours. The proton
      resonance frequency (PRF) of water is dependent on temperature but is also
      influenced by microenvironment factors, such as fast proton exchange with
      macromolecules, ionic concentration and magnetic susceptibility. (1)H MRS has
      been utilized for brain tumour diagnostic and prognostic purposes in children;
      however, the water PRF measure may provide complementary information to further
      improve characterization. Water PRF values were investigated from a repository of
      MRS data acquired from childhood brain tumours and children with apparently
      normal brains. The cohort consisted of histologically proven glioma (22),
      medulloblastoma (19) and control groups (28, MRS in both the basal ganglia and
      parietal white matter regions). All data were acquired at 1.5 T using a short TE
      (30 ms) single voxel spectroscopy (PRESS) protocol. Water PRF values were
      calculated using methyl creatine and total choline. Spectral peak amplitude
      weighted averaging was used to improve the accuracy of the measurements. Mean PRF
      values were significantly larger for medulloblastoma compared with glioma, with a
      difference in the means of 0.0147 ppm (p < 0.05), while the mean PRF for glioma
      was significantly lower than for the healthy cohort, with a difference in the
      means of 0.0061 ppm (p < 0.05). This would suggest the apparent temperature of
      the glioma group was ~1.5  degrees C higher than the medulloblastomas and ~0.7 
      degrees C higher than a healthy brain. However, the PRF shift may not reflect a
      change in temperature, given that alterations in protein content, microstructure
      and ionic concentration contribute to PRF shifts. Measurement of these effects
      could also be used as a supplementary biomarker, and further investigation is
      required. This study has shown that the water PRF value has the potential to be
      used for characterizing childhood brain tumours, which has not been reported
      previously.

PMID- 25125326
TI  - Probing the size limit for nanomedicine penetration into Burkholderia multivorans
      and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.
AB  - Encapsulation of antibiotics into nanoparticles is a potential strategy to
      eradicate biofilms. To allow further optimization of nanomedicines for biofilm
      eradication, the influence of the nanoparticle size on the penetration into dense
      biofilm clusters needs to be investigated. In the present study, the penetration
      of nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 40 to 550 nm into two biofilms,
      Burkholderia multivorans LMG 18825 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa LMG 27622, was
      evaluated using confocal microscopy. Through image analysis, the percentage of
      particles able to penetrate into dense biofilm clusters was calculated. The size
      cut off for optimal penetration into biofilm clusters was located around 100-130
      nm for both biofilms. The mesh size of the biofilm matrix and the size of the
      channels in between the bacteria of the clusters are two factors which likely
      play a role in the exclusion of the larger particles. For B. multivorans, a sharp
      drop in the penetration into the clusters is seen for particles larger than 130
      nm while for P. aeruginosa, a more gradual decrease in penetration could be
      observed. The overall penetration of the nanoparticles was slightly lower for P.
      aeruginosa than for B. multivorans. Based on these results, it could be concluded
      that nanocarriers of about 100 nm and smaller are good candidates to improve the
      treatment of chronic pulmonary biofilms in CF patients. Furthermore, the confocal
      microscopy method demonstrated here is a useful tool to assess the penetration of
      nanomedicines in biofilm clusters. Such information is important to optimize
      nanomedicine formulations for the treatment of biofilm infections.

PMID- 25125327
TI  - Lysosomal capturing of cytoplasmic injected nanoparticles by autophagy: an
      additional barrier to non viral gene delivery.
AB  - Autophagy or 'self-eating' is a process by which defective organelles and foreign
      material can be cleared from the cell's cytoplasm and delivered to the lysosomes
      in which degradation occurs. It remains an open question, however, whether
      nanoparticles that did not enter the cell through endocytosis can also be
      captured from the cytoplasm by autophagy. We demonstrate that nanoparticles that
      are introduced directly in the cytoplasm of the cells by microinjection, can
      trigger an autophagy response. Moreover, both polystyrene beads and plasmid DNA
      containing poly-ethylene-imine complexes colocalize with autophagosomes and
      lysosomes, as was confirmed by electron microscopy. This indicates that
      cytoplasmic capturing of nanoparticles can occur by an autophagy response. The
      capturing of nanoparticles from the cytoplasm most likely limits the time frame
      in which efficient nucleic acid delivery can be obtained. Hence, autophagy forms
      an additional barrier to non-viral gene delivery, a notion that was not often
      taken into account before. Furthermore, these findings urge us to reconsider the
      idea that a single endosomal escape event is sufficient to have the long-lasting
      presence of nanoparticles in the cytoplasm of the cells. 

PMID- 25125329
TI  - Effect of labor on plasma concentrations and postpartum clearance of cell-free,
      pregnancy-associated, placenta-specific microRNAs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of labor on plasma
      concentrations of cell-free, pregnancy-associated, placenta-specific microRNAs
      (miRNAs) before and after delivery. METHOD: In the non-labor group (32 women),
      cesarean section (C/S) was performed before the beginning of labor. In the labor
      group (32 women), C/S was performed after the beginning of labor. Plasma
      concentrations of cell-free, pregnancy-associated, placenta-specific miRNAs (miR
      515-3p, miR-517a, miR-517c, and miR-518b) were measured by real-time quantitative
      PCR. Each miRNA concentration was compared between the non-labor and labor
      groups. RESULTS: Before C/S, plasma concentrations of cell-free, pregnancy
      associated, placenta-specific miRNAs in the labor group were significantly higher
      than those in the non-labor group (P = 0.001 for 515-3p, P = 0.002 for 517a, P =
      0.001 for 517c, and P = 0.003 for 518b). Twenty-four hours after delivery, plasma
      concentrations of cell-free, pregnancy-associated, placenta-specific miRNAs in
      the labor group were significantly higher than those in the non-labor group (P =
      0.002 for 515-3p, P = 0.017 for 517a, P = 0.043 for 517c, and P = 0.009 for
      518b). CONCLUSION: The presence of labor affects cell-free, pregnancy-associated,
      placenta-specific miRNA levels in maternal plasma. Labor also affects postpartum
      clearance of these miRNAs 24 h after delivery.

PMID- 25125330
TI  - Neural drive to respiratory muscles in the spontaneously breathing rat pup.
AB  - The neonatal rodent serves as useful and appropriate model within which to study
      respiratory system development. Despite an extensive literature that documents
      respiratory control in vitro, in vivo studies have relied upon whole body
      plethysmography to determine measures of respiratory frequency and tidal volume.
      However, plethysmography restricts access to the animal and thus, respiratory
      muscle electromyographic (EMG) activities have not been recorded in these studies
      previously. Electromyography yields accurate information about neural respiratory
      center output to the musculature and therefore, about the control of breathing in
      the intact animal. In this case, we documented neural drive to respiratory pump
      and upper airway muscles, electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest wall motions in rat
      pups up to 10 days of age noting sighs, spontaneous central apneas and hypopneas
      in room air and with successive increments in fractional inspired CO2 (FICO2).
      Our findings underscore the advantages of EMG recordings for purposes of
      determining the magnitude and distribution of neural drive to respiratory muscles
      and for characterizing the full range of breathing behaviors exhibited by rats in
      the early postnatal period. 

PMID- 25125331
TI  - In reference to Snoring and carotid artery intima-media thickness.

PMID- 25125333
TI  - Practical aspects of monochromators developed for transmission electron
      microscopy.
AB  - A few practical aspects of monochromators recently developed for transmission
      electron microscopy are briefly reviewed. The basic structures and properties of
      four monochromators, a single Wien filter monochromator, a double Wien filter
      monochromator, an omega-shaped electrostatic monochromator and an alpha-shaped
      magnetic monochromator, are outlined. The advantages and side effects of these
      monochromators in spectroscopy and imaging are pointed out. A few properties of
      the monochromators in imaging, such as spatial or angular chromaticity, are also
      discussed. 

PMID- 25125332
TI  - Trehalose alleviates PC12 neuronal death mediated by lipopolysaccharide
      stimulated BV-2 cells via inhibiting nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB and
      AP-1 activation.
AB  - Inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD).
      Trehalose is a disaccharide which exhibits a variety of effects like anti
      aggregation, autophagy enhancement in PD. It has also been known to suppress
      inflammation in many experimental models, involving endotoxin shock, murine dry
      eye and subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, whether trehalose has an anti
      inflammation effect on PD is largely unknown. In the present study, we found
      trehalose inhibited generation of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha, and nitric oxide in the conditioned medium released from
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells. LPS-induced nuclear transcription
      factors of NF-kappaB and AP-1 activation were also inhibited by trehalose. Then
      the conditioned medium of BV-2 cells was applied to PC12 neurons. As a result,
      both MTT and LDH indicated that trehalose decreased PC12 neuronal death. TUNEL
      assay showed that trehalose suppressed apoptosis of PC12 neurons. These results
      implied that trehalose exerted a protective effect on PC12 neurons against the
      neurotoxic effect triggered by BV-2 microglial activation through inhibiting NF
      kappaB and AP-1 activation and inflammatory mediators and cytokines production in
      BV-2 cells. 

PMID- 25125335
TI  - Proteasome inhibitors with photocontrolled activity.
AB  - Proteasome inhibitors are widely used in cancer treatment as chemotherapeutic
      agents. However, their employment often results in severe side effects, due to
      their non-specific cytotoxicity towards healthy tissue. This problem might be
      overcome by using a photopharmacological approach, that is, by attaining
      external, dynamic, spatiotemporal photocontrol over the activity of a cytotoxic
      agent, achieved by the introduction of a photoswitchable moiety into its
      molecular structure. Here we describe the design, synthesis, and activity of
      photoswitchable proteasome inhibitors. Substantial differences in proteasome
      inhibitory activity in cell extracts were observed before and after irradiation
      with light. The presented results show potential for the development of
      chemotherapeutic agents that can be switched on and off with light, constituting
      a new strategy for spatiotemporally modulating proteasomal activity. 

PMID- 25125334
TI  - Functional characterization and categorization of missense mutations that cause
      methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MUT) deficiency.
AB  - Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MUT) is an essential enzyme in propionate catabolism
      that requires adenosylcobalamin as a cofactor. Almost 250 inherited mutations in
      the MUT gene are known to cause the devastating disorder methylmalonic aciduria;
      however, the mechanism of dysfunction of these mutations, more than half of which
      are missense changes, has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we examined 23
      patient missense mutations covering a spectrum of exonic/structural regions,
      clinical phenotypes, and ethnic populations in order to determine their influence
      on protein stability, using two recombinant expression systems and a
      thermostability assay, and enzymatic function by measuring MUT activity and
      affinity for its cofactor and substrate. Our data stratify MUT missense mutations
      into categories of biochemical defects, including (1) reduced protein level due
      to misfolding, (2) increased thermolability, (3) impaired enzyme activity, and
      (4) reduced cofactor response in substrate turnover. We further demonstrate the
      stabilization of wild-type and thermolabile mutants by chemical chaperones in
      vitro and in bacterial cells. This in-depth mutation study illustrates the tools
      available for MUT enzyme characterization, guides future categorization of
      further missense mutations, and supports the development of alternative,
      chaperone-based therapy for patients not responding to current treatment. 

PMID- 25125336
TI  - Osteoclast inhibition impairs chondrosarcoma growth and bone destruction.
AB  - Because Chondrosarcoma is resistant to available chemotherapy and radiation
      regimens, wide resection is the mainstay in treatment, which frequently results
      in high morbidity and which may not prevent local recurrence. There is a clear
      need for improved adjuvant treatment of this malignancy. We have observed the
      presence of osteoclasts in the microenvironment of chondrosarcoma in human
      pathological specimens. We utilized the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma (SRC) model to
      test the hypothesis that osteoclasts affect chondrosarcoma pathogenesis. We
      implanted SRC tumors in tibia of Sprague-Dawley rats and analyzed bone
      histologically and radiographically for bone destruction and tumor growth. At
      three weeks, tumors invaded local bone causing cortical disruption and trabecular
      resorption. Bone destruction was accompanied by increased osteoclast number and
      resorbed bone surface. Treatment of rats with the zoledronic acid prevented
      cortical destruction, inhibited trabecular resorption, and resulted in decreased
      tumor volume in bone. To confirm that inhibition of osteoclasts per se, and not
      off-target effects of drug, was responsible for the prevention of tumor growth
      and bone destruction, we implanted SRC into osteopetrotic rat tibia. SRC-induced
      bone destruction and tumor growth were impaired in osteopetrotic bone compared
      with control bone. The results from our animal model demonstrate that osteoclasts
      contribute to chondrosarcoma-mediated bone destruction and tumor growth and may
      represent a therapeutic target in particular chondrosarcoma patients.

PMID- 25125337
TI  - Novel MTCYB mutation in a young patient with recurrent stroke-like episodes and
      status epilepticus.
AB  - The acronym "MELAS" (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and
      stroke-like episodes) denotes patients with histological, biochemical and/or
      molecular evidence of mitochondrial disease who experience stroke-like episodes.
      Here we report on a girl with repeated stroke-like episodes and status
      epilepticus, who was diagnosed with MELAS due to a novel mitochondrial cytochrome
      b gene (MTCYB) mutation (m.15092G>A, which predicts p.G116S). Western blotting
      and in silico analyses suggested that this mutation could affect the stability of
      complex III. Cytochrome b is the only mtDNA-encoded subunit of respiratory chain
      complex III. Mutations in MTCYB have been associated with isolated mitochondrial
      myopathy and exercise intolerance, and rarely with multisystem and/or central
      nervous system involvement. If the m.3243A>G and other common MELAS mutations are
      absent in several tissues, MTCYB should be sequenced from muscle in patients with
      stroke-like episodes, especially if muscle histology does not support a
      mitochondrial myopathy and lactic acidosis is absent.

PMID- 25125338
TI  - Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Comparison between the association with PTPN22 genotype
      and the association with ACP1-ADA1 joint genotype.
AB  - AIMS: T1D has been found associated with PTPN22 and with ACP1-ADA1 joint
      genotype. In the present note we have collected further data to evaluate the
      relative importance of the two systems and to search for possible interaction of
      PTPN22 with ACP1-ADA1 joint genotype. METHODS: We have studied 314 children with
      T1D and 770 controls from the White population of Central Italy. ACP1, ADA1 and
      PTPN22 genotypes were determined by DNA analysis. Chi square test of independence
      was performed by SPSS program and three way contingency analysis by a log-linear
      model. RESULTS: Both carriers of *T allele of PTPN22 and subjects with ACP1 *A/*A
      and *A/*B genotypes carrying ADA1 *2 allele show an increase of susceptibility to
      T1D. There is evidence of additive effect (p=0.0002) but not of epistatic
      interaction. The association of T1D with ACP1-ADA1 joint genotype is stronger
      (OR=2.494, 95% C.I. 1.509-4.122) as compared to that with PTPN22 (OR=1.825, 95%
      C.I. 1.951-2.859). CONCLUSIONS: It has been suggested that the *T variant of
      PTPN22 inhibits T cell receptor signaling leading to failure to delete
      autoreactive T cells during intrathymic selection resulting in increased
      susceptibility to autoimmune disorders. The joint genotype ACP1 *A/*A and *A/*B
      carrying the ADA1 *2 allele shows a decreased activity of ACP1 resulting in a
      lowering of Zap70 activity that may decrease T cell receptor signaling with an
      additive effects to the inhibition due to the *T variant of PTPN22.

PMID- 25125340
TI  - Isolated hepatic perfusion with oxaliplatin combined with 100 mg melphalan in
      patients with metastases confined to the liver: A phase I study.
AB  - AIM: To improve isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP), we performed a phase I dose
      escalation study to determine the optimal oxaliplatin dose in combination with a
      fixed melphalan dose. METHODS: Between June 2007 and July 2008, 11 patients,
      comprising of 8 colorectal cancer and 3 uveal melanoma patients and all with
      isolated liver metastases, were treated with a one hour IHP with escalating doses
      of oxaliplatin combined with 100 mg melphalan. Samples of blood and perfusate
      were taken during IHP treatment for pharmacokinetic analysis of both drugs and
      patients were monitored for toxicity, response and survival. RESULTS: Dose
      limiting sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) occurred at 150 mg oxaliplatin.
      The areas under the concentration-time curves (AUC) of oxaliplatin at the maximal
      tolerated dose (MTD) of 100 mg oxaliplatin ranged from 11.9 mg/L h to 16.5 mg/L
      h. All 4 patients treated at the MTD showed progressive disease 3 months after
      IHP. CONCLUSIONS: In view of similar and even higher doses of oxaliplatin applied
      in both systemic treatment and hepatic artery infusion (HAI), applying this dose
      in IHP is not expected to improve treatment results in patients with isolated
      hepatic metastases.

PMID- 25125339
TI  - The DEXLIFE study methods: identifying novel candidate biomarkers that predict
      progression to type 2 diabetes in high risk individuals.
AB  - The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is rapidly increasing worldwide and T2D is
      likely to affect 592 million people in 2035 if the current rate of progression is
      continued. Today, patients are diagnosed with T2D based on elevated blood
      glucose, either directly or indirectly (HbA1c). However, the information on
      disease progression is limited. Therefore, there is a need to identify novel
      early markers of glucose intolerance that reflect the underlying biology and the
      overall physiological, metabolic and clinical characteristics of progression
      towards diabetes. In the DEXLIFE study, several clinical cohorts provide the
      basis for a series of clinical, physiological and mechanistic investigations in
      combination with a range of--omic technologies to construct a detailed metabolic
      profile of high-risk individuals across multiple cohorts. In addition, an
      exercise and dietary intervention study is conducted, that will assess the impact
      on both plasma biomarkers and specific functional tissue-based markers. The
      DEXLIFE study will provide novel diagnostic and predictive biomarkers which may
      not only effectively detect the progression towards diabetes in high risk
      individuals but also predict responsiveness to lifestyle interventions known to
      be effective in the prevention of diabetes.

PMID- 25125341
TI  - A comparison of fibrin sealant versus standard closure in the reduction of
      postoperative morbidity after groin dissection: A systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Groin dissection is commonly performed in patients with lower limb
      malignant conditions such as malignant melanoma, vulvar, penile, anal and scrotal
      carcinomas with an associated high complication rate. Numerous surgical
      strategies have been suggested to reduce morbidity. We aimed to systematically
      review one of those methods - fibrin sealant (FS) - in comparison to standard
      closure (SC) in reducing postoperative morbidity from groin dissection. METHODS:
      A systematic search of the literature, study selection and data extraction using
      an independent screening process, assessment of risk of bias and statistical data
      analysis was performed. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing fibrin
      sealant to standard care in patients with malignant disease undergoing groin
      dissection reporting at least one outcome measure relating to postoperative
      complications were included in the review. RESULTS: A total of 6 RCTs were
      included. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative
      surgical site infection (SSI) rates between FS and SC. The overall incidence of
      wound infection in the FS group was 32% (43/133) compared to 34% (45/132) in the
      SC group. (Pooled risk ratio = 0.0.94 [0.68, 1.32]; 95% CI; P = 0.74). The
      incidence of seroma for the FS group (30/133) and the SC group (30/132) did not
      differ (Pooled risk ratio = 1.03 [0.67, 1.58]; 95% CI; P value = 0.90).
      Complication rates were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Based on current
      evidence, fibrin sealant does not significantly reduce morbidity in patients
      undergoing groin dissection for the management of malignant disease when compared
      to standard closure techniques.

PMID- 25125343
TI  - Next-generation sequence testing expands research into causes of hearing loss:
      scientists examine role of multiple mutations in individual cases.

PMID- 25125344
TI  - Newborn bloodspot retention reinstated in Minnesota: practice expected to benefit
      larger newborn screening studies, public health, disease research.

PMID- 25125342
TI  - Anatomy and ontogeny of a novel hemodynamic organ in zebrafish.
AB  - The zebrafish maxillary barbel can protract and retract in response to stimuli,
      and appears connected to a prominent blood sinus on the lateral aspect of the
      maxillary bone. However, the mechanism of barbel movement is not described. Using
      whole-mount phalloidin staining of the sinus region, we observed long filamentous
      actin cables, suggesting highly organized vascular smooth muscle cells,
      surrounding an endothelial chamber. Although the chamber is variably filled by
      erythrocytes in vivo, cardiac injection of fluorescent dextrans shows that it
      consistently contains plasma. Full-thickness confocal imaging of dextran-injected
      adults containing EGFP(+) endothelial cells revealed a vascular complex with
      three compartments, here named the distal bulb, central chamber, and accessory
      chamber. The early ontogeny of all three compartments was confirmed in a whole
      mount series of Tg(fli1a:EGFP) juveniles. In wild type adults, the fine structure
      of each chamber was studied using paraffin- and plastic-section histochemistry
      and transmission electron microscopy. The distal bulb and central chamber have
      smooth muscle coats with luminally-elongated septa, forming semi-detached blood
      filled lacunae. The central chamber walls and septa are extensively innervated by
      small, unmyelinated axons, as confirmed by immunohistochemical detection of
      acetylated tubulin, a component of axonal cytoplasm. The accessory chamber
      appears neither innervated nor muscularized, but is an endothelial cul-de-sac
      with a thickened elastic adventitia, suggesting an extensible fluid reservoir. We
      propose that we have identified a new organ in zebrafish, the maxillary barbel
      blood sinus, whose neurovascular specializations may contribute to zebrafish
      sensory biology and appendage control.

PMID- 25125346
TI  - May the thyroid gland and thyroperoxidase participate in nitrosylation of serum
      proteins and sporadic Parkinson's disease?
AB  - The research group has detected nitrosative stress and a singular version of
      nitrosylated serum alpha-synuclein in serum of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.
      Dysfunction of the thyroid gland has been proposed to be linked to this disease.
      The aim of the study was to know if the thyroid gland is involved in idiopathic
      PD and nitrosative stress. We studied 50 patients (early and advanced disease
      patients), 35 controls, and 6 subjects with thyroidectomy. Clinical
      characteristics, serum thyroperoxidase levels, and 3-nitrotyrosine proteins were
      analyzed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting methods were
      employed. The findings indicated that the prevalence of two thyroid dysfunctions
      (hyper- or hypothyroidism) was not found to be different in patients relative to
      controls. However, the levels of the enzyme thyroperoxidase were found to be
      elevated in early disease patients (p<0.006), not in advanced disease subjects,
      and these levels were negatively correlated with serum 3-nitrotyrosine proteins
      (p<0.05), the indicators of nitrosative stress. The thyroidectomized subjects
      showed very low levels of serum 3-nitrotyrosine proteins (78% reduction vs.
      controls) and, among these proteins, the nitrosylated serum alpha-synuclein was
      nearly absent. These observations lead to the hypothesis that the thyroid gland
      and thyroperoxidase participate in nitrosylation of serum proteins and they could
      influence Parkinsonian nitrosative stress as well as nitrosylation of serum alpha
      synuclein, a potentially pathogenic factor.

PMID- 25125347
TI  - Combining serum carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and hair ethyl glucuronide to
      provide optimal information on alcohol use.

PMID- 25125348
TI  - Detoxifying polyhalogenated catechols through a copper-chelating agent by forming
      stable and redox-inactive hydrogen-bonded complexes with an unusual perpendicular
      structure.
AB  - The use of selective metal chelating agents with preference for binding of a
      specific metal ion to investigate its biological role is becoming increasingly
      common. We found recently that a well-known copper-specific chelator 2,9-dimethyl
      1,10-phenanthroline (2,9-Me2OP) could completely inhibit the synergistic toxicity
      induced by tetrachlorocatechol (TCC) and sodium azide (NaN3). However, its
      underlying molecular mechanism is still not clear. Here, we show that the
      protection by 2,9-Me2OP is not due to its classic copper-chelating property, but
      rather due to formation of a multiple hydrogen-bonded complex between 2,9-Me2OP
      and TCC, featuring an unusual perpendicular arrangement of the two binding
      partners. The two methyl groups at the 2,9 positions in 2,9-Me2OP were found to
      be critical to stabilize the 2,9-Me2OP/TCC complex due to steric hindrance, and
      therefore completely prevents the generation of the reactive and toxic
      semiquinone radicals by TCC/NaN3. This represents the first report showing that
      an unexpected new protective mode of action for the copper "specific" chelating
      agent 2,9-Me2OP by using its steric hindrance effect of the two CH3 groups not
      only to chelate copper, but also to "chelate" a catechol through multiple H
      bonding. These findings may have broad biological implications for future
      research of this widely used copper-chelating agent and the ubiquitous catecholic
      compounds.

PMID- 25125350
TI  - Controlled release of therapeutic antibody formats.
AB  - The local administration of antibodies can represent in many cases a significant
      improvement for antibody-based therapies. The benefits of local delivery include
      high drug concentrations at the target site, the possibility of lower drug dosing
      and less systemic drug exposure. Currently, the most relevant delivery sites for
      therapeutic antibodies are the posterior segments of the eye, mucosal surfaces,
      the articular joints and the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, the oral
      and pulmonary route may enable non-invasive systemic antibody delivery. However,
      local antibody delivery to these sites is characterized by short drug residence
      times and a low compliance of administration. Controlled release (CR) systems can
      address these limitations and, thereby, enable and improve local delivery
      applications by achieving long lasting local drug concentrations, improved
      efficacy-dosing ratios and reduced treatment-associated side effects. The
      requirements for CR antibody formulations are more complex compared to
      conventional CR systems for small molecules, and their development poses an
      enormous technical challenge. Therefore, the review highlights experiences and
      challenges gathered in the development of the different CR systems for antibodies
      to date. Additionally, the unmet technological needs encountered in the field are
      described. This includes a critical evaluation of the limited capability of
      various CR systems to preserve antibody stability, delivery site specific
      considerations, as well as the processability of a CR system with a particular
      focus on drug loading and injectability. We believe that the success of CR and
      local delivery approaches could create an enormous added value for patients in
      the future. 

PMID- 25125349
TI  - Effects of a eucaloric reduced-carbohydrate diet on body composition and fat
      distribution in women with PCOS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if consumption of a reduced-carbohydrate (CHO) diet would
      result in preferential loss of adipose tissue under eucaloric conditions, and
      whether changes in adiposity were associated with changes in postprandial insulin
      concentration. METHODS: In a crossover-diet intervention, 30 women with PCOS
      consumed a reduced-CHO diet (41:19:40% energy from CHO:protein:fat) for 8 weeks
      and a standard diet (55:18:27) for 8 weeks. Body composition by DXA and fat
      distribution by CT were assessed at baseline and following each diet phase.
      Insulin AUC was obtained from a solid meal test (SMT) during each diet phase.
      RESULTS: Participants lost 3.7% and 2.2% total fat following the reduced-CHO diet
      and STD diet, resp. (p<0.05 for difference between diets). The reduced-CHO diet
      induced a decrease in subcutaneous-abdominal, intra-abdominal, and thigh
      intermuscular adipose tissue (-7.1%, -4.6%, and -11.5%, resp.), and the STD diet
      induced a decrease in total lean mass. Loss of fat mass following the reduced CHO
      diet arm was associated with lower insulin AUC (p<0.05) during the SMT.
      CONCLUSIONS: In women with PCOS, consumption of a diet lower in CHO resulted in
      preferential loss of fat mass from metabolically harmful adipose depots, whereas
      a diet high in CHO appeared to promote repartitioning of lean mass to fat mass.

PMID- 25125351
TI  - The key role of caregiver confidence in the caregiver's contribution to self-care
      in adults with heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caregivers play an important role in contributing to heart failure
      (HF) patients' self-care but no prior studies have examined the caregivers'
      contributions to HF patients' self-care and no prior studies have examined
      potential determinants of the caregivers' contribution to HF patients' self-care.
      AIMS: The purpose of this study was to describe the caregivers' contribution to
      HF patients' self-care and identify its determinants. METHODS: The study design
      involved a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. Caregivers' contributions
      were measured with the Caregiver's Contribution to Self-care of HF Index (CC
      SCHFI) which measures the caregiver's contribution to self-care maintenance and
      management and caregiver confidence in contributing to HF patient's self-care.
      Potential determinants were measured using a socio-demographic questionnaire
      completed by caregivers and patients, and patient clinical data was obtained from
      the medical record. RESULTS: Data from 515 caregiver/patient dyads were analyzed.
      Most (55.5%) patients were male (mean age 75.6 years) and most (52.4%) caregivers
      were female (mean age, 56.6 years). The caregivers' contribution to patients'
      self-care maintenance was low in weight monitoring and physical activity but
      higher in checking ankles, advising on low-salt foods and taking medicines. The
      caregivers' contribution to patients' self-care management was low in symptom
      recognition. When symptoms were recognized, caregivers advised patients to reduce
      fluids and salt and call the provider but rarely advised to take an extra
      diuretic. Caregiver confidence in the ability to contribute to patient self-care
      explained a significant amount of variance in the caregiver's contribution.
      CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that caregivers in this sample did not
      contribute meaningfully to HF self-care. Providers should educate both HF
      patients and caregivers. Interventions that improve caregiver confidence have the
      potential to successfully increase the caregivers' contribution to patients' self
      care.

PMID- 25125352
TI  - The caregiver role in thromboprophylaxis management in atrial fibrillation: a
      literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia and a risk factor for
      adverse events including stroke. People living with atrial fibrillation are
      commonly elderly and have multiple comorbidities. The role of a caregiver in
      supporting the individual to manage a chronic and complex condition has received
      limited attention. OBJECTIVES: This review aims to summarize available
      information on the caregiver role in atrial fibrillation, specifically in
      promoting adherence to thromboprophylaxis and evidence for strategies to support
      and enable the caregiver. DATA SOURCES: A review of electronic databases and
      search engines was undertaken including Medline, Scopus and CINAHL. The search
      terms 'atrial fibrillation', 'anticoagulation', 'carer', 'caregiver', 'family
      support' were used. Dates searched were from January 1990 to November 2012.
      RESULTS: The review found limited original clinical research studies. The
      majority of the literature identified in the initial search included review
      papers and work which recommends the inclusion of the caregiver in the care of
      patients with atrial fibrillation but limited empirical evidence. CONCLUSIONS:
      Caregivers have an essential role to play in advocacy, family centred care and
      shared decision-making. This may influence thromboprophylaxis treatment choices
      and potentially adherence. Assessment of caregiver needs and support should be
      central to patient assessment and care planning. There is a need for clinical
      intervention studies which more target and address the caregiver role.

PMID- 25125354
TI  - Liquid scintillation spectrometry: a technique with future.

PMID- 25125353
TI  - Post-discharge electrocardiogram Holter monitoring in recently hospitalised
      individuals with chronic atrial fibrillation to enhance therapeutic monitoring
      and identify potentially predictive phenotypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia
      managed in clinical practice. Maintenance of intended rate or rhythm control
      following hospitalisation is a key therapeutic goal. AIMS: The purpose of this
      study was to assess post-discharge maintenance of intended AF control and
      classify potentially predictive heart rate (HR) phenotypes via electrocardiogram
      (ECG) Holter monitoring. METHODS: In a sub-study of a multicentre randomised
      controlled trial comparing AF-specific management with usual care, 24-hour ECG
      Holter monitoring was undertaken in 133 patients 7-14 days post-discharge.
      Intended rate and rhythm control were compared to Holter data. Analysis of the
      frequency distribution of mean hour-to-hour differences identified those with
      labile HRs. RESULTS: Mean age was 71 +/- 10 years, 67 (50%) were male and mean HR
      was 72 +/- 14 bpm. Most (89%) had persistent AF (median time in AF=39% (IQR 0
      100%)). Uncontrolled HR (>90 bpm for >10% of recording) occurred in 35 (26%)
      patients and 49 (37%) patients did not achieve their intended rate (n=26) or
      rhythm control (n=23). Patients in the upper quartile of mean hour-to-hour HR
      variability were identified as persistently labile (n=33). A further group (n=22)
      with periodically labile HRs was identified. Those with coronary artery disease
      (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.13-0.91, p=0.033) or renal disease/dysfunction (OR 0.24; 95%
      CI 0.06-0.98, p=0.047) were less likely to demonstrate HR stability (n=78).
      CONCLUSION: Post-discharge ECG Holter monitoring of AF patients represents a
      valuable tool to identify deviations in intended rhythm/rate control and adjust
      therapeutic management accordingly. It may also identify individuals who
      demonstrate labile HRs.

PMID- 25125355
TI  - Response to invited commentary: Methods to address control for confounding and
      nonperfect randomization when using outcome distribution curves to estimate the
      population-level impact of a public health intervention.

PMID- 25125359
TI  - Hong Kong: an R&D hub in Asia for materials science and engineering.

PMID- 25125364
TI  - Interdependencies among clinical research funders.

PMID- 25125365
TI  - More ethical and more efficient clinical research: multiplex trial design.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Today's clinical research faces challenges such as a lack of clinical
      equipoise between treatment arms, reluctance in randomizing for multiple
      treatments simultaneously, inability to address interactions and increasingly
      restricted resources. Furthermore, many trials are biased by extensive exclusion
      criteria, relatively small sample size and less appropriate outcome measures.
      FINDINGS: We propose a 'Multiplex' trial design that preserves clinical equipoise
      with a continuous and factorial trial design that will also result in more
      efficient use of resources. This multiplex design accommodates subtrials with
      appropriate choice of treatment arms within each subtrial. Clinical equipoise
      should increase consent rates while the factorial design is the best way to
      identify interactions. CONCLUSION: The multiplex design may evolve naturally from
      today's research limitations and challenges, while principal objections seem
      absent. However this new design poses important infrastructural, organisational
      and psychological challenges that need in depth consideration.

PMID- 25125366
TI  - Transcriptional activation of Fsp27 by the liver-enriched transcription factor
      CREBH promotes lipid droplet growth and hepatic steatosis.
AB  - Fat-specific protein 27 (Fsp27) is a lipid droplet-associated protein that
      promotes lipid droplet (LD) growth and triglyceride (TG) storage in white
      adipocytes. Fsp27 is also highly expressed in the steatotic liver and contributes
      to TG accumulation. In this study we discovered that the liver produces
      Fsp27beta, an alternative Fsp27 isoform, which contains 10 additional amino acids
      at the N-terminus of the original Fsp27 (Fsp27alpha). White adipose tissue (WAT)
      and the liver specifically expressed Fsp27alpha and Fsp27beta transcripts,
      respectively, which were driven by distinct promoters. The Fsp27beta promoter was
      activated by the liver-enriched transcription factor cyclic-AMP-responsive
      element-binding protein H (CREBH) but not by peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma (PPARgamma), which activated the Fsp27alpha promoter. Enforced
      expression of the constitutively active CREBH strongly induced Fsp27beta and the
      human ortholog CIDEC2 in mouse hepatocytes and HepG2 cells, respectively. In
      contrast, loss of CREBH decreased hepatic Fsp27beta in fasted mice, suggesting
      that CREBH plays a critical role in Fsp27beta expression in the liver. Similar to
      Fsp27alpha, Fsp27beta localized on the surface of lipid droplets and suppressed
      lipolysis. Consequently, enforced expression of Fsp27beta or CREBH promoted lipid
      droplet enlargement and TG accumulation in the liver. CONCLUSION: The CREBH
      Fsp27beta axis is important for regulating lipid droplet dynamics and TG storage
      in the liver.

PMID- 25125367
TI  - Intratumor distribution and test-retest comparisons of physiological parameters
      quantified by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in rat U251 glioma.
AB  - The distribution of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) parametric estimates
      in a rat U251 glioma model was analyzed. Using Magnevist as contrast agent (CA),
      17 nude rats implanted with U251 cerebral glioma were studied by DCE-MRI twice in
      a 24 h interval. A data-driven analysis selected one of three models to estimate
      either (1) plasma volume (vp), (2) vp and forward volume transfer constant
      (K(trans)) or (3) vp, K(trans) and interstitial volume fraction (ve),
      constituting Models 1, 2 and 3, respectively. CA distribution volume (VD) was
      estimated in Model 3 regions by Logan plots. Regions of interest (ROIs) were
      selected by model. In the Model 3 ROI, descriptors of parameter distributions-
      mean, median, variance and skewness--were calculated and compared between the two
      time points for repeatability. All distributions of parametric estimates in Model
      3 ROIs were positively skewed. Test-retest differences between population
      summaries for any parameter were not significant (p >= 0.10; Wilcoxon signed-rank
      and paired t tests). These and similar measures of parametric distribution and
      test-retest variance from other tumor models can be used to inform the choice of
      biomarkers that best summarize tumor status and treatment effects.

PMID- 25125370
TI  - Alternative splicing regulation of APP exon 7 by RBFox proteins.
AB  - RBFox proteins are well-known alternative splicing regulators. We have shown
      previously that during neuronal differentiation of P19 cells induced by all-trans
      retinoic acid and cell aggregation, RBFox1 shows markedly increased temporal
      expression. To find its key splicing regulation, we examined the effect of RBFox1
      on 33 previously reported and validated neuronal splicing events of P19 cells. We
      observed that alternative splicing of three genes, specifically, amyloid
      precursor protein (APP), disks large homolog 3 (DLG3), and G protein, alpha
      activating activity polypeptide O (GNAO1), was altered by transient RBFox1
      expression in HEK293 and HeLa cells. Moreover, an RBFox1 mutant (RBFox1FA) that
      was unable to bind the target RNA sequence ((U)GCAUG) did not induce these
      splicing events. APP generates amyloid beta peptides that are involved in the
      pathology of Alzheimer's disease, and therefore we examined APP alternative
      splicing regulation by RBFox1 and other splicing regulators. Our results
      indicated that RBFox proteins promote the skipping of APP exon 7, but not the
      inclusion of exon 8. We made APP6789 minigenes and observed that two (U)GCAUG
      sequences, located upstream of exon 7 and in exon 7, functioned to induce
      skipping of exon 7 by RBFox proteins. Overall, RBFox proteins may shift APP from
      exon 7 containing isoforms, APP770 and APP751, toward the exon 7 lacking isoform,
      APP695, which is predominant in neural tissues. 

PMID- 25125369
TI  - Astrocytic control of neural circuit formation: highlights on TGF-beta signaling.
AB  - Brain function depends critically on the coordinated activity of presynaptic and
      postsynaptic signals derived from both neurons and non-neuronal elements such as
      glial cells. A key role for astrocytes in neuronal differentiation and circuitry
      formation has emerged within the last decade. Although the function of glial
      cells in synapse formation, elimination and efficacy has greatly increased, we
      are still very far from deeply understanding the molecular and cellular mechanism
      underlying these events. The present review discusses the mechanisms driving
      astrocytic control of excitatory and inhibitory synapse formation in the central
      nervous system, especially the mechanisms mediated by soluble molecules,
      particularly those from the TGF-beta family. Further, we discuss whether and how
      human astrocytes might contribute to the acquisition of human cognition. We argue
      that understanding how astrocytic signals regulate synaptic development might
      offer new insights into human perception, learning, memory, and cognition and,
      ultimately, provide new targets for the treatment of neurological diseases. 

PMID- 25125371
TI  - Reference ranges for the volumes of fetal cardiac ventricular walls by three
      dimensional ultrasound using spatiotemporal image correlation and virtual organ
      computer-aided analysis and its validation in fetuses with congenital heart
      diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values for the volumes of fetal cardiac
      ventricular walls using three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) and perform data
      validation using fetuses with confirmed congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS:
      This prospective, cross-sectional study analyzed 371 singleton pregnancies
      between 20w0d and 33w6d of gestation. Ventricular volumes were assessed using
      spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) and virtual organ computer-aided analysis
      (VOCAL). We calculated the polynomial regressions, adjusted by the coefficient of
      determination (R(2) ). To assess intra-observer concordance, the intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. To validate the curves, the ventricular
      wall volumes of 22 fetuses with CHD were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a good
      correlation between these mean volumes and gestational age, and this correlation
      was best represented by linear equations. Intra-observer concordance in assessing
      the volumes of the right (ICC = 0.90) and left ventricular walls (ICC = 0.97) was
      good. We observed that the volumes of the right and left ventricular walls were
      altered (<5(th) percentile and/or >95(th) percentile) in 8/22 fetuses presenting
      with CHD. CONCLUSION: The reference ranges for the volumes of the right and left
      ventricular walls by 3DUS using STIC and VOCAL between 20w0d and 33w6d of
      gestation were determinate, and they exhibited good intra-observer concordance.

PMID- 25125372
TI  - Elongation of amyloid fibrils through lateral binding of monomers revealed by
      total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - Amyloid fibrils are fibrillar aggregates of denatured proteins associated with a
      large number of amyloidoses. The formation of amyloid fibrils has been considered
      to occur by nucleation and elongation. Real-time imaging of the elongation as
      well as linear morphology of amyloid fibrils suggests that all elongation events
      occur at the growing ends of fibrils. On the other hand, we suggested that
      monomers also bind to the lateral sides of preformed fibrils during the seed
      dependent elongation, diffuse to the growing ends, and finally make further
      conformation changes to the mature amyloid fibrils. To examine lateral binding
      during the elongation of fibrils, we used islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), which
      has been associated with type II diabetes, and prepared IAPP modified with the
      fluorescence dye, Alexa532. By monitoring the elongation process with amyloid
      specific thioflavin T and Alexa532 fluorescence, we obtained overlapping images
      of the two fluorescence probes, which indicated lateral binding. These results
      are similar to the surface diffusion-dependent growth of crystals, further
      supporting the similarities between amyloid fibrillation and the crystallization
      of substances. 

PMID- 25125373
TI  - pH-dependent antigen-binding antibodies as a novel therapeutic modality.
AB  - Monoclonal antibodies have become a general modality in therapeutic development.
      However, even with infinite binding affinity to an antigen, a conventional
      antibody is limited in that it can bind to the antigen only once, and this
      results in antigen-mediated antibody clearance when the a membrane-bound antigen
      is targeted, or in antibody-mediated antigen accumulation when a soluble antigen
      is targeted. Recently, a pH-dependent antigen-binding antibody that binds to an
      antigen in plasma at neutral pH and dissociates from the antigen in endosome at
      acidic pH has been reported to overcome this limitation and to reduce antigen
      mediated antibody clearance and antibody-mediated antigen accumulation. A pH
      dependent binding antibody against a soluble antigen can be further improved by
      Fc engineering to enhance the Fc receptor binding. Various approaches, including
      histidine-based engineering, direct cloning from immunized animals, and synthetic
      and combinatorial libraries, have been successfully applied to generate pH
      dependent binding antibodies against various antigens. This review discusses the
      features, approaches, advantages, and challenges of developing a pH-dependent
      binding antibody as a novel therapeutic modality. This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled: Recent advances in molecular engineering of antibody.

PMID- 25125368
TI  - A new look at social support: a theoretical perspective on thriving through
      relationships.
AB  - Close and caring relationships are undeniably linked to health and well-being at
      all stages in the life span. Yet the specific pathways through which close
      relationships promote optimal well-being are not well understood. In this
      article, we present a model of thriving through relationships to provide a
      theoretical foundation for identifying the specific interpersonal processes that
      underlie the effects of close relationships on thriving. This model highlights
      two life contexts through which people may potentially thrive (coping
      successfully with life's adversities and actively pursuing life opportunities for
      growth and development), it proposes two relational support functions that are
      fundamental to the experience of thriving in each life context, and it identifies
      mediators through which relational support is likely to have long-term effects on
      thriving. This perspective highlights the need for researchers to take a new look
      at social support by conceptualizing it as an interpersonal process with a focus
      on thriving. 

PMID- 25125374
TI  - Effectiveness of laser Doppler perfusion monitoring in the assessment of
      microvascular function in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass
      grafting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of single-point laser Doppler perfusion
      monitoring (LDPM) in the assessment of microvascular reactivity in the skin
      during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study.
      SETTING: Government-affiliated teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty male
      patients aged 60 +/- 2 years who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting under
      CPB. INTERVENTIONS: The authors assessed the endothelium-dependent vasodilation
      of the skin microcirculation at the forehead and forearm using LDPM coupled with
      thermal hyperemia. This measurement was performed before and after the induction
      of anesthesia, during and after CPB, and 24 h after the end of the surgical
      procedure. RESULTS: The basal values of microvascular flow before the induction
      of anesthesia were significantly higher in the skin of the forehead compared with
      that of the forearm. There were no significant alterations in microvascular
      reactivity throughout the recording periods for both recording sites, as assessed
      by the vasodilation range expressed as cutaneous vascular conductance (arbitrary
      perfusion units/mean arterial pressure). CONCLUSIONS: Using LDPM, the authors
      showed that the microcirculatory bed of the skin of the forehead, which is
      readily accessible during cardiac surgery, is a suitable model for the study of
      microvascular reactivity and tissue perfusion in cardiovascular surgical
      procedures using CPB. This technique could, thus, be suitable for evaluating the
      effects of drugs or technical procedures on tissue perfusion during cardiac
      surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass.

PMID- 25125375
TI  - Influence of light curing units and fluoride mouthrinse on morphological surface
      and color stability of a nanofilled composite resin.
AB  - Composite resin is a dental material susceptible to color change over time which
      limits the longevity of restorations made with this material. The influence of
      light curing units and different fluoride mouthrinses on superficial morphology
      and color stability of a nanofilled composite resin was evaluated. Specimens (N =
      150) were prepared and polished. The experimental groups were divided according
      to the type of light source (halogen and LED) and immersion media (artificial
      saliva, 0.05% sodium fluoride solution-manipulated, Fluordent Reach, Oral B,
      Fluorgard). Specimens remained in artificial saliva for 24-h baseline. For 60
      days, they were immersed in solutions for 1 min. Color readout was taken at
      baseline and after 60 days of immersion. Surface morphology was analyzed by
      Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) after 60 days of immersion. Color change data
      were submitted to two-way Analysis of Variance and Tukey tests (alpha = 0.05).
      Surface morphology was qualitatively analyzed. The factor light source presented
      no significant variability (P = 0.281), the immersion media, significant
      variability (P < 0.001) and interaction between factors, no significant
      variability (P = 0.050). According to SEM observations, no difference was noted
      in the surface of the specimens polymerized by different light sources,
      irrespective of the immersion medium. It was concluded that the light source did
      not influence the color stability of composite, irrespective of the immersion
      media, and among the fluoride solutions analyzed, Fluorgard was the one that
      promoted the greatest color change, however, this was not clinically perceptible.
      The immersion media did not influence the morphology of the studied resin.

PMID- 25125377
TI  - Santiago Ramon y Cajal: The Cajal Institute and the Spanish Histological School.
AB  - Santiago Ramon y Cajal was a self-taught researcher. He almost always worked
      alone, usually in the solitude of his private laboratory installed at his home.
      He was also a university professor and therefore taught histology and pathology
      to many students. But because research laboratories were scarce and poorly
      equipped, he preferred to organize courses and tutor at home as well. For this
      reason, Cajal left a faint trace of disciples in the three academic chairs that
      he came to occupy. It may be argued that Cajal formed the histological school
      when the Spanish government decided to support his investigations and created a
      scientific laboratory for him, with funding to cover the cost of journals,
      instruments, materials, personnel, and so forth. This support occurred in the
      year 1902, after Cajal received the Moscow Prize. Some of his former students
      accompanied Cajal to the new laboratory. Upon receipt of new awards, including
      the Gold Medal of von Helmholtz (1905) and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or
      Medicine (1906), Cajal's popularity increased and a large number of students
      wanted to learn about the laboratory and work with the great Cajal. This review
      tells this history. But we realize that this is not an easy task because to be
      fair to all the people that formed the Spanish Histological School, we would need
      to write a book. This is not practical. Instead, selection of contributors to the
      formation of the Spanish Histological School is provided. At the same time, some
      brushstrokes of the story extend to and include the Cajal Institute, which ran in
      parallel with the Spanish Histological School.

PMID- 25125378
TI  - Impact of environmental and personality factors upon adolescents before and after
      psychotherapeutic intervention.
AB  - It is important to understand the risk factors and resilience factors that
      contribute to psychological distress or to a sense of well-being in adolescents.
      This study focuses on life events and social support from an external
      environmental aspect. The focus from an internal-personality aspect is on self
      criticism and self-disclosure. In this study, 155 adolescents, ages 12-18 years,
      were divided into two groups. The experimental group included 70 adolescents
      requesting psychotherapy for emotional disorders. The control group included 85
      adolescents without emotional disorders. Participants in the experimental group
      were followed up to the completion of six months of psychotherapy. Adolescents in
      the experimental group had undergone more negative life events and a
      significantly smaller number of positive life events compared to the control
      group [F(4, 143)=9.77, p<0.001, Eta(2)=.22]. The experimental group was
      characterized by a diminished degree of social support compared to the control
      group [F(2, 144)=7.27, p<0.01, Eta(2)=.09]. Regarding self-criticism and self
      disclosure, no differences were found between the control and experimental groups
      [F(3, 148)=2.18, p>0.05, Eta(2)=.04]. The prospective analysis following six
      months of psychotherapy indicated a significant improvement in distress variables
      reported by the parents but not by the subjects themselves, pointing to the
      importance of family intervention as part of adolescent psychotherapy. A decrease
      in the level of self-criticism after psychotherapeutic intervention was found
      [F(1, 18)=4.41, p<0.05, Eta(2)=.20], altering self-criticism from a factor that
      needs to be neutralized to a factor that can be improved during psychotherapy. 

PMID- 25125376
TI  - Functional chromatography reveals three natural products that target the same
      protein with distinct mechanisms of action.
AB  - Access to lead compounds with defined molecular targets continues to be a barrier
      to the translation of natural product resources. As a solution, we developed a
      system that uses discrete, recombinant proteins as the vehicles for natural
      product isolation. Here, we describe the use of this functional chromatographic
      method to identify natural products that bind to the AAA+ chaperone, p97, a
      promising cancer target. Application of this method to a panel of fungal and
      plant extracts identified rheoemodin, 1-hydroxydehydroherbarin, and
      phomapyrrolidone A as distinct p97 modulators. Excitingly, each of these
      molecules displayed a unique mechanism of p97 modulation. This discovery provides
      strong support for the application of functional chromatography to the discovery
      of protein modulators that would likely escape traditional high-throughput or
      phenotypic screening platforms. 

PMID- 25125379
TI  - Diagnostic and clinical characteristics of early-manifesting females with
      Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy.
AB  - Manifestations of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) are present in up
      to 40% of heterozygous females, but there are few reports of females who exhibit
      skeletal muscle symptoms in childhood. From the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance
      Tracking and Research Network, a multi-site population-based surveillance network
      for dystrophinopathy, nine symptomatic female heterozygotes with onset of
      symptoms prior to age 9 years were identified. The median age at diagnosis was
      8.3 years, and the median interval from first symptoms to diagnosis was 1.35
      years. Of the nine female heterozygotes, four had a positive family history,
      seven had intellectual disability and five had at least one mental health
      disorder. Mental health concerns included attention deficit hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum features, bipolar disorder, and depression. The
      frequency of intellectual and mental health problems in this group is higher than
      previously reported for affected males and for symptomatic females. These
      findings may have implications for diagnosis of early manifesting heterozygotes
      and for their health supervision.

PMID- 25125380
TI  - Injury to the suprascapular nerve during superior labrum anterior and posterior
      repair: is a rotator interval portal safer than an anterosuperior portal?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the risk of injury to the
      suprascapular nerve during suture anchor placement in the glenoid when using an
      anterosuperior portal versus a rotator interval portal. METHODS: Ten bilateral
      fresh human cadaveric shoulders were randomized to anchor placement through the
      anterosuperior portal on one shoulder and the rotator interval portal on the
      contralateral shoulder. Standard 3 * 14 mm suture anchors were placed in the
      glenoid rim (1 o'clock, 11 o'clock, and 10 o'clock positions for the right
      shoulder). The suprascapular nerve was dissected. When glenoid perforation
      occurred, the distance from the anchor tip to the suprascapular nerve, the
      distance from the glenoid rim to the suprascapular nerve, and the drill-hole
      depth at each entry site were recorded. RESULTS: All far-posterior anchors
      perforated the glenoid rim when using the anterosuperior or rotator interval
      portal. The distance from the far-posterior anchor tip to the suprascapular nerve
      averaged 8 mm (range, 3.4 to 14 mm) for the anterosuperior portal and 2.1 mm
      (range, 0 to 5.5 mm) for the rotator interval portal (P <= .001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Using an anterosuperior or rotator interval portal results in consistent
      penetration of 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock posterior anchors and might place the
      suprascapular nerve at risk of iatrogenic injury. Based on closer proximity of
      the anchor tip to the suprascapular nerve, the risk of injury is significantly
      greater with a rotator interval portal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using a rotator
      interval portal for suture anchor placement in the posterior aspect of the
      glenoid rim can lead to a higher likelihood of suprascapular nerve injury.

PMID- 25125381
TI  - Ligamentum teres injuries of the hip: a systematic review examining surgical
      indications, treatment options, and outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hip arthroscopy is becoming a common technique for the diagnosis and
      treatment of ligamentum teres pathologic conditions. This systematic review aims
      to determine the indications/contraindications, treatments, and surgical outcomes
      for management of ligamentum teres injuries. METHODS: We searched EMBASE,
      MEDLINE, and PubMed databases from 1946 to November 28, 2013 for all relevant
      English articles pertaining to surgical treatment of the ligamentum teres. A hand
      search of the reference sections of included articles was performed, and all
      relevant articles were systematically screened in duplicate, with agreement and
      descriptive statistics presented. RESULTS: We identified 1,016 studies, 9 of
      which (4 case series and 5 case reports) met our eligibility criteria. These
      studies had a total of 87 patients (89 hips) who had undergone either
      arthroscopic debridement (81 patients, 83 hips) or reconstruction with
      autografting, allografting, or synthetic grafting (6 patients) of a torn
      ligamentum teres. Major qualifications for surgery included persistent hip pain
      despite conservative treatment and mechanical symptoms or instability symptoms
      (e.g., clicking or locking). Advanced arthritis (i.e., radiographic joint space <
      2 mm) was the only reported contraindication. Patients were followed
      postoperatively for 1.5 to 60 months and were assessed using subjective methods
      (i.e., modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS] and Non-Arthritic Hip Score [NAHS]).
      Overall, both debridement and reconstruction improved the condition of patients,
      with a 40% increase in reported postoperative functional scores as well as a
      reported 89% of patients who were able to return to regular activity/sport.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ligamentum teres debridement is indicated for short-term relief of
      hip pain caused by partial-thickness tears (type 2) failing conservative
      management, whereas reconstruction with autografts, allografts, or synthetic
      grafts may be indicated for type 1 (full-thickness) ligamentum teres tears that
      are deemed "reparable," cause instability, have failed previous debridement, or a
      combination of these conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review
      of Level IV and Level V studies.

PMID- 25125382
TI  - Arthroscopy-assisted surgery for tibial plateau fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to summarize the recent clinical outcomes of patients
      undergoing arthroscopy-assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) for tibial
      plateau fractures. METHODS: A systematic electronic search of the PubMed and
      Cochrane databases was performed in January 2014. All English-language clinical
      studies on tibial plateau fractures treated with ARIF that were published after
      January 1, 2000 were eligible for inclusion. Basic information related to the
      surgery was collected. RESULTS: The search criteria initially identified 141
      articles, and 19 studies were included in this systematic review. There were 2
      retrospective comparative studies, 16 case series studies, and one clinical
      series based on a technique note. There were a total of 609 patients in this
      systematic review, with a mean follow-up time of 52.5 months. The most common
      fracture types were Schatzker types II and III. Concomitant injuries were common:
      42.2% of the patients had meniscal injuries, and 21.3% had anterior cruciate
      ligament (ACL) injuries. In addition, the status of 90.5% of the patients was
      classified as good or excellent according to the clinical Rasmussen scoring
      system, and 90.9% of the patients were satisfied with the treatment. Only 6
      severe complications were reported, including one case of compartment syndrome.
      CONCLUSIONS: ARIF is a reliable, effective, and safe method for the treatment of
      tibial plateau fractures, especially when they present with concomitant injuries.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level III and Level IV studies.

PMID- 25125385
TI  - Hydroxychloroquine's Efficacy as an Antiplatelet Agent Study in Healthy
      Volunteers: A Proof of Concept Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the inflammatory model of atherosclerosis taking center stage,
      anti-inflammatory drugs hold a promising place in the therapy of cardiovascular
      disease (CVD). Recent studies showed that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was protective
      against thrombovascular events in lupus erythematosus and traditional
      cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Some
      preliminary experimental data have shown that it may prevent platelet activation
      too. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antiplatelet activity of HCQ when given alone and
      in combination with aspirin (ASA) and compare it with ASA alone and ASA plus
      clopidogrel (CLOP) in healthy human volunteers. METHODS: In part 1 of the study,
      8 volunteers were given HCQ for 7 days. In part 2, 12 volunteers were randomly
      assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to the 3 groups in which 2 of the 3 treatments, ASA,
      ASA plus CLOP, and ASA plus HCQ, were given in the 2 treatment periods separated
      by a 14-day washout period using the incomplete block design. Inhibition of
      platelet aggregation (IPA) was measured by light transmission aggregometry.
      RESULTS: When arachidonic acid (AA) was used as agonist, HCQ given alone showed a
      significant reduction in platelet aggregation (11.0% +/- 4.2%, P = .03). The IPA
      was significantly increased when ASA plus HCQ was compared with ASA alone (31.2%
      +/- 8.1%, P = .002). This synergistic effect was not seen with adenosine
      diphosphate and collagen as agonists. Levels of serum 11-dehydrothromboxane B2, a
      stable marker of thromboxane A2 production, were not significantly different
      between the groups. There was also a significant decrease in fibrinogen and
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate values when HCQ was used alone or in combination
      with ASA. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that HCQ has antiplatelet properties
      possibly through the AA pathway (downstream to thromboxane A2 production). With
      possible additional beneficial effects over the traditional CVD risk factors,
      larger studies in the future might explore HCQ's potential as an antiplatelet
      agent.

PMID- 25125383
TI  - Detection of C3d-binding donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies at diagnosis of
      humoral rejection predicts renal graft loss.
AB  - Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a major cause of kidney graft loss, yet
      assessment of individual risk at diagnosis is impeded by the lack of a reliable
      prognosis assay. Here, we tested whether the capacity of anti-HLA antibodies to
      bind complement components allows accurate risk stratification at the time of AMR
      diagnosis. Among 938 kidney transplant recipients for whom a graft biopsy was
      performed between 2004 and 2012 at the Lyon University Hospitals, 69 fulfilled
      the diagnosis criteria for AMR and were enrolled. Sera banked at the time of the
      biopsy were screened for the presence of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies
      (DSAs) and their ability to bind C1q and C3d using flow bead assays. In contrast
      with C4d graft deposition, the presence of C3d-binding DSA was associated with a
      higher risk of graft loss (P<0.001). Despite similar trend, the difference did
      not reach significance with a C1q-binding assay (P=0.06). The prognostic value of
      a C3d-binding assay was further confirmed in an independent cohort of 39 patients
      with AMR (P=0.04). Patients with C3d-binding antibodies had worse eGFR and higher
      DSA mean fluorescence intensity. In a multivariate analysis, only eGFR <30 ml/min
      per 1.73 m(2) (hazard ratio [HR], 3.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46 to
      8.70; P=0.005) and the presence of circulating C3d-binding DSA (HR, 2.80; 95% CI,
      1.12 to 6.95; P=0.03) were independent predictors for allograft loss at AMR
      diagnosis. We conclude that assessment of the C3d-binding capacity of DSA at the
      time of AMR diagnosis allows for identification of patients at risk for allograft
      loss.

PMID- 25125384
TI  - Sex differences and attitudes toward living donor kidney transplantation among
      urban black patients on hemodialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Living donor kidney transplantation, the treatment of
      choice for ESRD, is underused by women and blacks. To better understand sex
      differences in the context of potential barriers to living donor kidney
      transplantation, the Dialysis Patient Transplant Questionnaire was administered
      in two urban, predominantly black hemodialysis units. DESIGN, SETTING,
      PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: The Dialysis Patient Transplant Questionnaire was
      designed to study barriers to kidney transplantation from previously validated
      questions. Between July of 2008 and January of 2009, the Dialysis Patient
      Transplant Questionnaire was administered to 116 patients on hemodialysis,
      including potentially eligible and ineligible living donor kidney transplantation
      candidates. Of 101 patients who self-identified as black or African American, 50
      (49.5%) patients had the questionnaire entirely administered by the researcher or
      assistant, 25 (24.8%) patients required some assistance, and 26 (25.7%) patients
      completed the Dialysis Patient Transplant Questionnaire entirely by themselves.
      Multiple logistic regression methods were used to determine if the observed
      bivariate associations and differences persisted when controlled for potential
      confounders. RESULTS: Women were less likely to want living donor kidney
      transplantation compared with men (58.5% versus 87.5%, P=0.003), despite being
      nearly two times as likely as men to receive unsolicited offers for kidney
      transplant (73.2% versus 43.2%, P=0.02). They were also less likely to have been
      evaluated for a kidney transplant (28.3% versus 52.2%, P=0.01). The multiple
      logistic regression analysis showed that sex was a statistically significant
      predictor of wanting living donor kidney transplantation (women versus men odds
      ratio, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 0.46), controlling for various
      factors known to influence transplant decisions. A sensitivity analysis indicated
      that mode of administration did not bias these results. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast
      to previous studies, the study found that black women were less likely to want
      living donor kidney transplantation compared with black men. Black women were
      also less likely to be evaluated for a kidney transplant, although they were more
      likely to receive an unsolicited living donor kidney transplantation offer.

PMID- 25125387
TI  - East Kent trust is placed in special measures after being rated inadequate.

PMID- 25125386
TI  - Comparison of referrals for lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging from
      physiotherapists, primary care and secondary care: how should referral pathways
      be optimised?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare sensitivity of pathology on imaging between referrals from
      primary care, physiotherapists, spinal surgeons and other secondary care
      providers. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective review of 200 consecutive magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) scans of patients' first presentations to radiology for
      MR lumbar scanning at a tertiary orthopaedic centre. A scan report was defined as
      positive if there was any evidence of neural compromise. Fisher's exact 2*2
      contingency analyses were performed. RESULTS: Eighty-seven (44%) scans were
      positive and 113 (57%) were negative. Forty-four percent of scans requested by
      general practitioners (GPs) were reported as positive compared with 57% of scans
      requested by physiotherapists. Only 40% and 20% of scans requested by specialist
      spinal surgeons and non-spinal team secondary care providers were positive,
      respectively. Physiotherapist referrals for MRI lumbar spine scans were
      significantly more likely to be positive compared with GPs (P=0.05), spinal
      surgeons (P=0.03) and others (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: When appropriate, referrals
      via the extended physiotherapy service should be encouraged, rather than
      referrals directly from GPs. With appropriate training and in the appropriate
      clinical context, extended physiotherapy services could include inpatients and
      could accept outpatient referrals from other secondary care providers and not
      just from GPs; this would improve efficiency and reduce the workload of the
      radiology department and the spinal surgical unit.

PMID- 25125388
TI  - G-protein alphaq participates in the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone
      nongenomic signal transduction.
AB  - The nuclear receptor-mediated genomic pathways of the animal steroid hormones are
      well known. However, the cell membrane receptor-mediated nongenomic pathways of
      the animal steroid hormones are little understood. In this study, we report the
      participation of a G-protein alpha q (Galphaq)(1) subunit in the 20E nongenomic
      pathway in the cell membrane and regulating gene expression during molting and
      metamorphosis in a lepidopteran insect, Helicoverpa armigera. 20E-induced
      phosphorylation of Galphaq was detected using two-dimensional electrophoresis
      techniques. Knockdown of Galphaq by injecting double-stranded RNA suppressed the
      development of larvae, delayed metamorphosis, and inhibited 20E-induced gene
      expression. Galphaq was distributed throughout the cell, and migrated toward the
      plasma membrane upon 20E induction. Galphaq was necessary in the 20E-induced
      intracellular Ca(2+) release and extracellular Ca(2+) influx. The protein kinase
      C (PKC) inhibitor could repress 20E-induced phosphorylation of cyclin-dependent
      kinase 10 (CDK10) and transcription factor ultraspiracle (USP1). PKC inhibitor
      could repress the Galphaq phosphorylation and membrane trafficking. These results
      suggest that Galphaq participates in 20E signaling in the cell membrane at the
      pre-genomic stage by modulating the increase of the intracellular Ca(2+) and
      phosphorylation of CDK10 and USP1 in 20E transcription complex to regulate gene
      transcription. 

PMID- 25125389
TI  - DHEA - a precursor of ERbeta ligands.
AB  - What is DHEA and why is there so much public interest in this steroid which has
      been touted as the fountain of youth and is supposed to have all kinds of health
      benefits? Endocrinologists have been fascinated with DHEA for a long time because
      of its high production in the fetal adrenals and its continued high levels until
      the 7th decade of life. Yet there is still little agreement about its
      physiological functions. In its simplest terms endocrinology is the communication
      between at least three organs: one sends a message, one releases a hormone into
      the blood in response to the message and one responds to the hormone. DHEA is
      produced by a specific zone of the adrenal cortex, the zona reticularis, whose
      sole function is to produce this steroid. Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
      which are C21 steroids are produced in two other zones of the adrenal cortex
      called the zona fasicularis and the zona glomerulosa, respectively. Being C21
      steroids, they cannot be synthesized from DHEA which is a C19 steroid. To date
      there is no known hormone which specifically stimulates the zona reticularis and
      there is no known specific receptor for DHEA. Thus DHEA does not qualify as a
      hormone. DHEA could have autocrine or paracrine effects but, so far, there is no
      known effect of DHEA on either the cells of the zona glomerulosa or the zona
      fasicularis. Of course DHEA could have functions as a local precursor of
      androgens or estrogens and many studies have reported on the beneficial effects
      of transdermal or transvaginal administration of DHEA in postmenopausal women.
      This review will consider two of the potential functions of DHEA as a precursor
      of estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) ligands. 

PMID- 25125390
TI  - Testosterone decreases fluid and chloride secretions in the uterus of adult
      female rats via down-regulating cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR)
      expression and functional activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Estrogen is known to stimulate uterine fluid and Cl(-) secretion via
      CFTR. This study investigated testosterone effect on these changes in a rat
      model. METHODS: Ovariectomized adult female rats received estrogen for five days
      or estrogen for three days followed by two days peanut oil or testosterone either
      alone or in the presence of flutamide or finasteride. At the end of treatment,
      uteri were perfused with perfusate containing CFTRinh-172. The rate of fluid and
      Cl(-) secretion were determined. Dose-dependent effect of testosterone and effect
      of forskolin on fluid secretion rate were measured. Animals were sacrificed and
      uteri were removed for CFTR protein and mRNA expression analyses, histology and
      cAMP measurement. Morphology of uterus, levels of expression of CFTR protein and
      mRNA and distribution of CFTR protein were observed. RESULTS: Estrogen causes
      increase while testosterone causes decrease in uterine fluid and Cl(-)
      secretions. The effects of estrogen but not testosterone were antagonized by
      CFTRinh-172. Luminal fluid volume and apical expression of CFTR in the luminal
      epithelia were highest under estrogen and lowest under testosterone influences.
      Similar changes were observed in CFTR protein and mRNA expressions. Uterine cAMP
      level was highest under estrogen and lowest under testosterone influence.
      Forskolin increases fluid secretion rate in estrogen but not in testosterone
      treated animals. Testosterone effects were dose-dependent and were antagonized by
      flutamide however, not finasteride. CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone inhibition of
      estrogen-induced uterine fluid and Cl(-) secretion occurs via inhibition of CFTR
      expression and functional activities. These changes could explain the adverse
      effects of testosterone on fertility.

PMID- 25125391
TI  - Assessment of psychiatric disorders among sex offenders: Prevalence and
      associations with criminal history.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Much of the research on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among
      sex offenders has been conducted in the USA or Europe. Less is known about it in
      other regions, particularly in Asia. AIMS: The objective of this study is to
      determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among sex offenders in Taiwan
      and their associations with offender characteristics and criminal history.
      METHODS: Participants were randomly selected from men serving sentences in
      Taiwan's prison for serious sex offenders. Consenting men were assessed using the
      structured clinical interviews for DSM-IV-TR Axis I and II disorders.
      Demographics and criminal history were also recorded. RESULTS: Over two-thirds of
      the 68 participants met criteria for one or more lifetime Axis I disorders, and
      nearly 60% met criteria for one or more Axis II disorder. The higher the number
      of Axis I and cluster B personality disorders, the higher was the total number of
      convictions. CONCLUSIONS: Our study adds to the literature that suggests that
      psychiatric assessment is likely to have an important role in the management and
      treatment of sex offenders. The finding that multiple disorders are common in
      this group and associated with more convictions for sex offences suggests that
      failure to include psychiatric assessment in planning the management of sex
      offenders may increase the risk of recidivism.

PMID- 25125393
TI  - Fertility-sparing management combined with photodynamic therapy for endometrial
      stromal sarcoma: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low-grade endometrial sarcoma (LGESS) has a favorable
      prognosis after standard surgical treatment. The conservative fertility-sparing
      treatments in young patients with LGESS have been reported; however, the role of
      conservative therapy is not well defined. STUDY DESIGN/PATIENT AND METHODS: A 31
      year-old nulliparous woman was diagnosed with LGESS after resection of a cervical
      polyp with resection margin positive for malignancy. She underwent fertility
      sparing surgery including laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection,
      hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy, endocervical curettage, and photodynamic
      therapy (PDT) on the endometrium and uterine cervix. And she had received
      adjuvant therapy with a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. RESULTS: She conceived
      by in vitro fertilization and delivered twins at 32+2 weeks gestation by Cesarean
      section 32 months after conservative treatment. She has no evidence of recurrence
      after 99 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Conservative management of LGESS may be
      attempted in selected patients who want to preserve fertility. Conservative
      surgery combined with PDT has shown effective results in long-term follow-up.

PMID- 25125392
TI  - Cumulative dietary exposure to a selected group of pesticides of the triazole
      group in different European countries according to the EFSA guidance on
      probabilistic modelling.
AB  - The practicality was examined of performing a cumulative dietary exposure
      assessment according to the requirements of the EFSA guidance on probabilistic
      modelling. For this the acute and chronic cumulative exposure to triazole
      pesticides was estimated using national food consumption and monitoring data of
      eight European countries. Both the acute and chronic cumulative dietary exposures
      were calculated according to two model runs (optimistic and pessimistic) as
      recommended in the EFSA guidance. The exposures obtained with these model runs
      differed substantially for all countries, with the highest exposures obtained
      with the pessimistic model run. In this model run, animal commodities including
      cattle milk and different meat types, entered in the exposure calculations at the
      level of the maximum residue limit (MRL), contributed most to the exposure. We
      conclude that application of the optimistic model run on a routine basis for
      cumulative assessments is feasible. The pessimistic model run is laborious and
      the exposure results could be too far from reality. More experience with this
      approach is needed to stimulate the discussion of the feasibility of all the
      requirements, especially the inclusion of MRLs of animal commodities which seem
      to result in unrealistic conclusions regarding their contribution to the dietary
      exposure. 

PMID- 25125394
TI  - The development of a high-throughput measurement method of octanol/water
      distribution coefficient based on hollow fiber membrane solvent microextraction
      technique.
AB  - This paper describes the development of a novel high-throughput hollow fiber
      membrane solvent microextraction technique for the simultaneous measurement of
      the octanol/water distribution coefficient (logD) for organic compounds such as
      drugs. The method is based on a designed system, which consists of a 96-well
      plate modified with 96 hollow fiber membrane tubes and a matching lid with 96
      center holes and 96 side holes distributing in 96 grids. Each center hole was
      glued with a sealed on one end hollow fiber membrane tube, which is used to
      separate the aqueous phase from the octanol phase. A needle, such as microsyringe
      or automatic sampler, can be directly inserted into the membrane tube to deposit
      octanol as the accepted phase or take out the mixture of the octanol and the
      drug. Each side hole is filled with aqueous phase and could freely take in/out
      solvent as the donor phase from the outside of the hollow fiber membranes. The
      logD can be calculated by measuring the drug concentration in each phase after
      extraction equilibrium. After a comprehensive comparison, the
      polytetrafluoroethylene hollow fiber with the thickness of 210 MUm, an extraction
      time of 300 min, a temperature of 25  degrees C and atmospheric pressure without
      stirring are selected for the high throughput measurement. The correlation
      coefficient of the linear fit of the logD values of five drugs determined by our
      system to reference values is 0.9954, showed a nice accurate. The -8.9% intra-day
      and -4.4% inter-day precision of logD for metronidazole indicates a good
      precision. In addition, the logD values of eight drugs were simultaneously and
      successfully measured, which indicated that the 96 throughput measure method of
      logD value was accurate, precise, reliable and useful for high throughput
      screening.

PMID- 25125395
TI  - Simultaneous quantification of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and 5-hydroxytryptamine
      by capillary electrophoresis with quantum dot and horseradish peroxidase enhanced
      chemiluminescence detection.
AB  - A capillary electrophoresis (CE) with chemiluminescence (CL) detection method was
      developed for the simultaneous quantification of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5
      HIAA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). In this method, CdTe quantum dot (QD) and
      horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were used as enhancing reagents to co-catalyze the
      post-column CL reaction between luminol and hydrogen peroxide, achieving highly
      efficient CL emission. 5-HIAA and 5-HT inhibit the CL emission resulting to the
      formation of negative peaks in electropherogram. The degree of CL suppression is
      proportional to the concentration of 5-HT and 5-HIAA. The linear ranges for the
      determination of 5-HIAA and 5-HT were 2.5*10(-8)-2.5*10(-6) M and 2.5*10(-8)
      5.0*10(-6) M with detection limits (signal/noise=3) of 7.0*10(-9) M and 6.0*10(
      9) M, respectively. Intraday precision do not exceed 5.0%. The accuracy was
      confirmed by the recoveries ranged from 98% to 104%. The present method was
      successfully applied for the quantification of 5-HIAA and 5-HT in human urine.
      The concentrations of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in human urine were found to be in the
      range of 0.78-1.2 MUM and 3.2-5.1 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 25125396
TI  - Overestimation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 by increased ionisation efficiency of 3
      epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in LC-MS/MS methods not separating both metabolites as
      determined by an LC-MS/MS method for separate quantification of 25-hydroxyvitamin
      D3, 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 in human serum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An LC-MS/MS method was developed for simultaneous quantification of
      25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), 3-epi-25(OH)D3, and 25(OH)D2 in human serum.
      METHODS: Sample preparation consisted of protein precipitation followed by off
      line SPE. Calibration curves for each vitamin D metabolite were constructed in
      phosphate-buffered saline with 60 g/L albumin including its corresponding stable
      isotope labelled (SIL) internal standard. A pentafluorophenyl (PFP) analytical
      column was used to resolve 25(OH)D3 from 25(OH)D2 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3, followed by
      SRM registration using positive ESI-MS/MS. Accuracy was assessed from measurement
      of samples with NIST reference method procedure (RMP) assigned values. The PFP LC
      MS/MS method was compared to an in-house C18 column LC-MS/MS method, not
      resolving 25(OH)D3 from 3-epi-25(OH)D3, using adult and newborn samples. RESULTS:
      Intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 4% and 7.5%,
      respectively for all three vitamin D metabolites; lower limits of quantification
      were 1, 1 and 2 nmol/L and linearity of methods were 1-500, 1-200 and 2-500
      nmol/L for 25(OH)D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2, respectively. The PFP LC-MS/MS
      method showed minimal bias to the NIST RMP. Method comparison revealed that in
      the C18 LC-MS/MS method, the 3-epi-25(OH)D3 concentration is overestimated
      inadvertently not only from co-elution of both analytes, but also by an
      additional 30-40% higher ionisation efficiency of 3-epi-25(OH)D3 when compared to
      25(OH)D3. CONCLUSION: This accurate LC-MS/MS method allows the simultaneous
      measurement of 25(OH)D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3, and 25(OH)D2 in human serum. Due to
      increased ionisation efficiency, the contribution of the 3-epi-25(OH)D3
      metabolite to the total 25(OH)D3 concentration is significantly overestimated in
      MS methods that do not resolve 3-epi-25(OH)D3 from 25(OH)D3 and may compromise
      its use in infant samples known to have significant amounts of 3-epi-25(OH)D3.

PMID- 25125397
TI  - Performance characterization of a quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometric method for 12 macrolide and lincosamide antibiotics in salmon,
      shrimp and tilapia.
AB  - This paper describes an extension and performance characterization of a
      quantitative confirmatory multi-residue liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometric method for residues of macrolide and lincosamide antibiotics,
      originally validated for application to bovine kidney tissues, to tissues of
      salmon, shrimp and tilapia. The 12 analytes include clindamycin, erythromycin A,
      gamithromycin, josamycin, lincomycin, neospiramycin 1, oleandomycin, pirlimycin,
      spiramycin 1, tildipirosin, tilmicosin and tylosin A. The limit of detection was
      0.5 MUg/kg. Within-laboratory precision evaluated over the analytical range of
      5.0-50.0 MUg/kg ranged from 4 to 17%. The accuracy of the method ranged from 80
      to 112%. Recoveries ranged from 47 to 99% with all but one recovery above 60%.
      This is the first report of a quantitative confirmatory method for gamithromycin,
      pirlimycin and tildipirosin in fish and shrimp.

PMID- 25125398
TI  - Development of an LC-MS/MS method for high throughput quantification of metformin
      uptake in transporter inhibition assays.
AB  - A high throughput LC-MS/MS method for quantification of metformin substrate
      uptake enables conversion of radiometric transporter inhibition assays for
      multidrug and toxin extrusion transporters (MATE 1 and 2) and organic cation
      transporter 2 (OCT2) to a nonradioactive format. Such conversion greatly
      simplifies assay complexity and reduces assay costs. The development of a
      quantitative LC-MS/MS method for metformin in support of the high throughput
      transporter inhibition assays faced specific challenges of achieving both
      adequate chromatographic retention and rapid analytical turnaround. Here we
      report a method that circumvents both challenges. The utilization of a porous
      graphitic carbon column (Hypercarb) ensured adequate retention of highly polar
      metformin in biological samples. The combined employment of a ballistic gradient
      on a 3 mm * 30 mm, 5 MUm Hypercarb column, and dual staggered chromatography
      coupled with multiple injection chromatography acquisition, yielded a fast
      injection-to-injection cycle time of 30s. The method demonstrated good accuracy,
      precision and excellent robustness for high throughput applications, and has been
      successfully implemented in the development and validation of the nonradioactive
      transporter inhibition assays for MATEs and OCT2.

PMID- 25125400
TI  - Treat sickest hepatitis C patients first, new US guidelines recommend.

PMID- 25125402
TI  - Combined animal and plant health agency to be created.

PMID- 25125401
TI  - EFSA assesses the impact of scrapie eradication policies.

PMID- 25125403
TI  - FSA releases first results from Campylobacter survey.

PMID- 25125404
TI  - Bristol academic recognised for contributions to feline medicine.

PMID- 25125405
TI  - Celebrating success in statutory membership exam.

PMID- 25125406
TI  - BVA steps up non-stun slaughter campaign.

PMID- 25125399
TI  - Cargo sorting in the endocytic pathway: a key regulator of cell polarity and
      tissue dynamics.
AB  - The establishment and maintenance of polarized plasma membrane domains is
      essential for cellular function and proper development of organisms. Epithelial
      cells polarize along two fundamental axes, the apicobasal and the planar, both
      depending on finely regulated protein trafficking mechanisms. Newly synthesized
      proteins destined for either surface domain are processed along the biosynthetic
      pathway and segregated into distinct subsets of transport carriers emanating from
      the trans-Golgi network or endosomes. This exocytic trafficking has been
      identified as essential for proper epithelial polarization. Accumulating evidence
      now reveals that endocytosis and endocytic recycling play an equally important
      role in epithelial polarization and the appropriate localization of key polarity
      proteins. Here, we review recent work in metazoan systems illuminating the
      connections between endocytosis, postendocytic trafficking, and cell polarity,
      both apicobasal and planar, in the formation of differentiated epithelial cells,
      and how these processes regulate tissue dynamics. 

PMID- 25125407
TI  - New partnership a first for the AWF.

PMID- 25125408
TI  - Views sought on global standard for animal welfare in vet schools.

PMID- 25125409
TI  - Private Members Bill proposes regulation of commercial cat breeding.

PMID- 25125410
TI  - WSAVA advises on companion animal vaccination in Asia.

PMID- 25125411
TI  - Helping farmers choose the best livestock for tropical climates.

PMID- 25125412
TI  - FVE seeks views on recommendations for improving aquatic animal health.

PMID- 25125413
TI  - 'Tour de Yorkshire' raises funds for Indian animal welfare charity.

PMID- 25125414
TI  - MERS infection in animals to be reported as an emerging disease.

PMID- 25125415
TI  - Responding to concerns about complaints.
AB  - When the RCVS asked members of the profession and public about its complaints and
      disciplinary system, it received a great deal of feedback - some positive, but
      much of it critical. Here, Luke Bishop, RCVS communications officer, describes
      how the process has now been overhauled with the aim of making it quicker, more
      efficient and a more satisfactory experience for all involved. 

PMID- 25125416
TI  - Unusual cases of blackleg in cattle.

PMID- 25125417
TI  - Impact of Schmallenberg virus on British farms.

PMID- 25125418
TI  - Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in Cornwall.

PMID- 25125419
TI  - PDSA to expand its charitable objects.

PMID- 25125420
TI  - Fungal ingestion in companion animals.

PMID- 25125421
TI  - A validation study of the Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK
      MoCA) in Chinese older adults in Hong Kong.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate the Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK
      MoCA) in identification of mild cognitive impairment and dementia in Chinese
      older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Cognition clinic and memory
      clinic of a public hospital in Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 272
      participants (dementia, n=130; mild cognitive impairment, n=93; normal controls,
      n=49) aged 60 years or above were assessed using HK-MoCA. The HK-MoCA scores were
      validated against expert diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed) criteria for dementia and Petersen's criteria
      for mild cognitive impairment. Statistical analysis was performed using receiver
      operating characteristic curve and regression analyses. Additionally, comparison
      was made with the Cantonese version of Mini-Mental State Examination and Global
      Deterioration Scale. RESULTS: The optimal cutoff score for the HK-MoCA to
      differentiate cognitive impaired persons (mild cognitive impairment and dementia)
      from normal controls was 21/22 after adjustment of education level, giving a
      sensitivity of 0.928, specificity of 0.735, and area under the curve of 0.920.
      Moreover, the cutoff to detect mild cognitive impairment was 21/22 with a
      sensitivity of 0.828, specificity of 0.735, and area under the curve of 0.847.
      Score of the Cantonese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination to detect
      mild cognitive impairment was 26/27 with a sensitivity of 0.785, specificity of
      0.816, and area under the curve of 0.857. At the optimal cutoff of 18/19, HK-MoCA
      identified dementia from controls with a sensitivity of 0.923, specificity of
      0.918, and area under the curve of 0.971. CONCLUSION: The HK-MoCA is a useful
      cognitive screening instrument for use in Chinese older adults in Hong Kong. A
      score of less than 22 should prompt further diagnostic assessment. It has
      comparable sensitivity with the Cantonese version of Mini-Mental State
      Examination for detection of mild cognitive impairment. It is brief and feasible
      to conduct in the clinical setting, and can be completed in less than 15 minutes.
      Thus, HK-MoCA provides an attractive alternative screening instrument to Mini
      Mental State Examination which has ceiling effect (ie may fail to detect
      mild/moderate cognitive impairment in people with high education level or
      premorbid intelligence) and needs to be purchased due to copyright issues.

PMID- 25125422
TI  - Investigation of availability and accessibility of community automated external
      defibrillators in a territory in Hong Kong.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the availability and accessibility of community automated
      external defibrillators in a territory in Hong Kong. DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      study. SETTING: Two public hospitals in New Territories West Cluster in Hong
      Kong. PARTICIPANTS: Information about the locations of community automated
      external defibrillators was obtained from automated external defibrillator
      suppliers and through community search. Data on locations of out-of-hospital
      cardiac arrests from August 2010 to September 2013 were obtained from the local
      cardiac arrest registry of the emergency departments of two hospitals. Sites of
      both automated external defibrillators and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests were
      geographically coded and mapped. The number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests
      within 100 m of automated external defibrillators per year and the proportion of
      out-of-hospital cardiac arrests with accessible automated external defibrillators
      (100 m) were calculated. The number of community automated external
      defibrillators per 10,000 population and public access defibrillation rate were
      also calculated and compared with those in other countries. RESULTS: There were a
      total of 207 community automated external defibrillators in the territory. The
      number of automated external defibrillators per 10,000 population was 1.942. All
      facilities with automated external defibrillators in this territory had more than
      0.2 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests per automated external defibrillator per year
      within 100 m. Among all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, 25.2% could have an
      automated external defibrillator reachable within 100 m. The public access
      defibrillation rate was 0.168%. CONCLUSIONS: The number and accessibility of
      community automated external defibrillators in this territory are comparable to
      those in other developed countries. The placement site of community automated
      external defibrillators is cost-effective. However, the public access
      defibrillation rate is low.

PMID- 25125423
TI  - Clinical applications of age-related macular degeneration genetics.
AB  - Understanding genetic causes of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) will
      eventually yield effective discoveries and improvements in predictive/prognostic
      methods. These include, but are not limited to, reliable disease prediction
      (screening for increased discrimination of clinical risk), differential
      classification of AMD subtypes with biomarkers (development of risk-linked
      molecular taxonomies), selection of optimal preventive and therapeutic
      interventions (guided by a biologically meaningful understanding of treatment
      response), and drug dosing. In this review, we discuss clinical applications
      informed by key findings in AMD genetics, and provide commentary on leveraging
      extant and forthcoming evidence to improve AMD risk prediction, AMD
      classification, and knowledge on the genetic basis of drug activity and toxicity.
      Advances in translating AMD genetics findings for AMD risk prediction require
      development of a genetics-based causality for AMD incidence and progression.
      Molecular subtyping of AMD phenotypes requires a set of dynamic biomarkers
      presenting prognostic value; although these have yet to be identified, the
      formation of multidisciplinary teams and their participation in large-scale
      consortia may yield promising results. Drugs targeting complement and vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) systems are under evaluation, and forthcoming
      work on rare variants and noncoding DNA in AMD pathogenesis will likely reveal
      biochemical pathways enriched with AMD-associated genetic variants. Pharmacologic
      targets in these pathways may inform a rational and effective therapeutic
      approach to preventing and treating this sight-threatening disease. 

PMID- 25125426
TI  - Early experience affects the strength of vigilance for threat in rhesus monkey
      infants.
AB  - Both human and nonhuman primates exhibit a cognitive bias to social threat, but
      little is known about how this bias develops. We investigated the development of
      threat bias in free-ranging infant rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) at 3 months
      (n = 45) and 9 months (n = 46) of age. Three-month-olds did not display bias, but
      9-month-olds exhibited increased maintenance of attention to threatening social
      stimuli. To examine whether the social environment affected this increased
      vigilance for threat, we collected behavioral data on maternal rank and
      protectiveness across the first 12 weeks of life for infants tested at 9 months.
      Among 9-month-olds, those of high-ranking and more protective mothers displayed
      greater vigilance for threat than those of lower-ranking and less protective
      mothers. These results demonstrate that infant social cognition is shaped by
      mothers both directly (via protectiveness) and indirectly (through social rank). 

PMID- 25125427
TI  - Gaze following is accelerated in healthy preterm infants.
AB  - Gaze following is an essential human communication cue that orients the attention
      of two interacting people to the same external object. This capability is
      robustly observed after 7 months of age in full-term infants. Do healthy preterm
      infants benefit from their early exposure to face-to-face interactions with other
      humans to acquire this capacity sooner than full-term infants of the same
      chronological age, despite their immature brains? In two different experiments,
      we demonstrated that 7-month-old preterm infants performed like 7-month-old full
      term infants (with whom they shared the same chronological age) and not like 4
      month-old full-term infants (with whom they shared the same postmenstrual age).
      The duration of exposure to visual experience thus appears to have a greater
      impact on the development of early gaze following than does postmenstrual age. 

PMID- 25125424
TI  - Lower urinary tract symptoms in men.
AB  - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a highly prevalent and costly condition
      that affects older men worldwide. Many affected men develop lower urinary tract
      symptoms, which can have a negative impact on their quality of life. In the past,
      transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was the mainstay of treatment.
      However, several efficacious drug treatments have been developed, which have
      transformed BPH from an acute surgical entity to a chronic medical condition.
      Specifically, multiple clinical trials have shown that alpha adrenoceptor
      antagonists can significantly ameliorate lower urinary tract symptoms. Moreover,
      5alpha reductase inhibitors, alone or combined with an alpha adrenoceptor
      antagonist, can reverse the natural course of BPH, reducing the risk of urinary
      retention and the need for surgical intervention. Newer medical regimens
      including the use of antimuscarinic agents or phosphodiesterase type 5
      inhibitors, have shown promise in men with predominantly storage symptoms and
      concomitant erectile dysfunction, respectively. For men who do not adequately
      respond to conservative measures or pharmacotherapy, minimally invasive surgical
      techniques (such as transurethral needle ablation, microwave thermotherapy, and
      prostatic urethral lift) may be of benefit, although they lack the durability of
      TURP. A variety of laser procedures have also been introduced, whose improved
      hemostatic properties abrogate many of the complications associated with
      traditional surgery. 

PMID- 25125429
TI  - [We can do better to prevent head injuries].

PMID- 25125428
TI  - Perceiving crowd attention: ensemble perception of a crowd's gaze.
AB  - In nearly every interpersonal encounter, people readily gather socio-visual cues
      to guide their behavior. Intriguingly, social information is most effective in
      directing behavior when it is perceived in crowds. For example, the shared gaze
      of a crowd is more likely to direct attention than is a single person's gaze. Are
      people equipped with mechanisms to perceive a crowd's gaze as an ensemble? Here,
      we provide the first evidence that the visual system extracts a summary
      representation of a crowd's attention; observers rapidly pooled information from
      multiple crowd members to perceive the direction of a group's collective gaze.
      This pooling occurred in high-level stages of visual processing, with gaze
      perceived as a global-level combination of information from head and pupil
      rotation. These findings reveal an important and efficient mechanism for
      assessing crowd gaze, which could underlie the ability to perceive group
      intentions, orchestrate joint attention, and guide behavior. 

PMID- 25125430
TI  - [Research at Landspitali University Hospital - comparison with the Nordic
      countries and new opportunities].

PMID- 25125431
TI  - [Visits to an emergency department due to head injuries].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Head injury is a common consequence of accidents and violence. It
      can result in permanent disability and is one of the leading causes of premature
      death worldwide. Our aim was to review all visits to Landspitali University
      Hospital (LUH) from head injuries, to study the incidence, nature and severity of
      head injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study on all visits of
      Reykjavik's inhabitants to LUH for head injuries in the years 2000-2005 and 2008
      2009. Data were collected from patient records at LUH. One main diagnosis was
      used if head injury diagnoses were many. They were categorised into 5 groups;
      soft tissue injury, eye injury, injury to cranium, intracranial- and cranial
      nerve injury and multiple trauma. RESULTS: During the study period 35.031
      patients presented with head injuries to LUH. Males were 67%. Mean age was 26
      years (0-107). The highest rate was among infants and children aged 0-4 years
      (20.8%), followed by 5-9 years (11,5%) and 20-24 years (9.4%). The annual
      incidence decreased between the study periods from 4.2% to 3.3%. The annual
      incidence for admitted head injury patients decreased from 181/year/100.000
      inhabitants to 110/year/100.000 inhabitants. Most often injuries were caused by
      accidents (80,5%) and violence (12.7%). Soft tissue injury was the most common
      injury (65%), followed by eye injury (15%) and intracranial- and cranial nerve
      injury (14%). The injuries that most frequently led to hospital admission were
      intracranial bleeding (90.1%), followed by skull fracture (79.2%). CONCLUSION:
      Accidents and violence caused most head injuries and they are more common among
      men than women. Patients with intracranial haemorrhage were usually admitted.
      Incidence of hospital visits and admissions because of head injuries in Reykjavik
      has decreased over the last decade. Key words: Head injury, accident, violence,
      brain injury, intracranial bleeding.

PMID- 25125432
TI  - [Giant thymoma - case report].
AB  - Thymomas are usually benign tumors and are most often found in the anterior
      mediastinum. We report a rare case of a giant tumor in the right hemithorax that
      originated in the thymus. The tumor was 15x8 cm and histology revealed a type AB
      thymoma. The tumor was removed and the patient is doing well and is without
      symptoms two years after the operation. Key words: Thymoma, abdominal pain, giant
      tumor, mediastinum.

PMID- 25125433
TI  - [We are only human - reflection on nurse prosecution].

PMID- 25125434
TI  - ["Shame and blame" threatens patient safety].

PMID- 25125435
TI  - [Needle exchange programs are a cost-effective preventative measure against HIV
      in Iceland].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In 2007 there was a sudden increase in HIV cases among intravenous
      drug users (IDUs) in Iceland. In 2007 - 2011 there were 34 new HIV cases among
      IDUs compared to four in the previous four year period. The purpose of this study
      was to assess whether needle exchange programs (NEPs) were cost-effective in
      preventing the spread of HIV among IDUs in Iceland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cost
      utility analysis was conducted from a societal perspective. Costs are presented
      at the 2011 price level and values were discounted using a 3% discount rate. A
      ten year period, 2011 - 2020 was compared with and without NEPs. The Incremental
      Cost-Utility Ratio (ICUR) was calculated as societal cost per quality adjusted
      life year (QALY). Sensitivity analysis was performed on study assumptions.
      RESULTS: The estimated societal costs associated with HIV infections among IDUs
      from 2011 - 2020 was 914.369.621 ISK without NEP and 947.653.758 ISK with NEP.
      Excess societal cost due to NEP was 33.284.137 ISK. Societal utility from NEP was
      7,39 QALYs. Additionally, NEP prevented 4-5 HIV infections. The ICUR of providing
      NEP was 4.506.720 ISK. CONCLUSION: According to WHO an intervention is considered
      cost-effective if the ICUR is less than three-fold national GDP per capita. In
      2011 the GDP per capita in Iceland was 15.315.000 ISK. Sensitivity analysis on
      study assumptions yielded a societal cost within the WHO limit. Therefore, the
      results indicate that NEPs are cost-effective in preventing the spread of HIV
      among IDUs in Iceland.

PMID- 25125436
TI  - [Patient satisfaction with care and interaction with staff in the Acute Cardiac
      Unit at Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Icelandic health care system ranks favourably in international
      comparison but patients' experience of interaction with the health service has
      not been well studied. The goal of this study was to examine the satisfaction of
      patients admitted to the Acute Cardiac Unit (ACU) at Landspitali - The National
      University Hospital of Iceland. METHODS: A questionnaire based on the Patient
      Satisfaction Questionnaire III was mailed to patients admitted to the ACU between
      1 January and 29 February 2012. Questions were presented as statements and
      participants asked to respond how strongly on a scale from 1 to 5 they agreed or
      disagreed with each statement. Data analysis was performed using descriptive
      statistics, Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency of scales and principal
      components analysis, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests for
      comparison of groups and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients for
      correlation between variables. RESULTS: The questionnaire was mailed to 485
      individuals of whom 275 (57%) responded. The median age of the participants was
      62 (range, 19-95) years and 132 (48%) were women. Internal consistency of the
      scales was mostly high (Cronbach's alpha 0.62-0.91) and principal components
      analysis revealed one main factor. The mean score of the questionnaire was 6.8 +/
      1.0 and 91%, and 86% of the participants were pleased with their interaction with
      physicians and nurses, respectively. Similarly, 88% were pleased with the care
      they recieved but 25% felt they received insufficient explanations of their
      symptoms or that follow-up care was lacking. CONCLUSION: Patients of the ACU
      generally appear to be satisfied with their care. However, our results suggest
      that improvement is needed in several areas, including information provided at
      discharge and follow-up care.

PMID- 25125437
TI  - [Cerebral ischemia/infarction - diagnosis and treatment].
AB  - Four hundred individuals suffer from ischemic stroke every year in Iceland, more
      than one daily. Cerebral ischemia is an emergency. Around two million brain cells
      die every minute after an occlusion of a cerebral artery. Therefore, it is of
      utmost importance that the patient is transported quickly to hospital, not least
      to receive thrombolytic treatment. Even though thrombolytic treatment can be
      given up to four and a half hours after the ictal event, time is brain and the
      effect of thombolysis reduces dramatically as times passes. For every two
      patients who are treated inside one hour, one recovers fully. When the treatment
      is administred between three and four and a half hours only one in 14 recovers
      fully. All patients with an acute stroke should be admitted to a stroke unit
      where a multidisciplinary focus on stroke causation and treatment is present,
      with emphasis on early rehabilitation. Secondary preventive treatment focusing on
      anti-thrombotic, hypertensive, diabetic, cholesterol lowering treatment, carotic
      endarterectomy and life style changes should be initiated as soon as possible.

PMID- 25125438
TI  - Use patient power to tackle medical corruption in India.

PMID- 25125439
TI  - A prospective interrupted time series study of interventions to improve the
      quality, rating, framing and structure of goal-setting in community-based brain
      injury rehabilitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the introduction of an electronic goals system
      followed by staff training improved the quality, rating, framing and structure of
      goals written by a community-based brain injury rehabilitation team. DESIGN:
      Interrupted time series design. INTERVENTION: Two interventions were introduced
      six months apart. The first intervention comprised the introduction of an
      electronic goals system. The second intervention comprised a staff goal training
      workshop. METHODS: An audit protocol was devised to evaluate the goals. A random
      selection of goal statements from the 12 months prior to the interventions (Time
      1 baseline) were compared with all goal statements written after the introduction
      of the electronic goals system (Time 2) and staff training (Time 3). All goals
      were de-identified for client and time-period, and randomly ordered. RESULTS: A
      total of 745 goals (Time 1 n = 242; Time 2 n = 283; Time 3 n = 220) were
      evaluated. Compared with baseline, the introduction of the electronic goals
      system alone significantly increased goal rating, framing and structure (chi(2)
      tests 144.7, 18.9, 48.1, respectively, p < 0.001). The addition of staff training
      meant that the improvement in goal quality, which was only a trend at Time 2, was
      statistically significant at Time 3 (chi(2) 15.0, p <= 001). The training also
      led to a further significant increase in the framing and structuring of goals
      over the electronic goals system (chi(2) 11.5, 12.5, respectively, p <= 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: An electronic goals system combined with staff training improved the
      quality, rating, framing and structure of goal statements.

PMID- 25125440
TI  - Effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy on upper-extremity function
      in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of
      randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically examine the research literature on the effectiveness
      of constraint-induced movement therapy on improving arm function in children with
      cerebral palsy, and to assess the association between the study effect size and
      the characteristics of the patients and intervention protocol. DATA SOURCES: A
      systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, CINAHL,
      Web of Science, and TRIP Database up to May 2014. REVIEW METHODS: Studies
      employing randomized controlled trial design, children with cerebral palsy,
      comparing constraint-induced movement therapy with another intervention with a
      focus on arm function, and upper-extremity measures were included in this review.
      Methodological quality was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence-based
      Database (PEDro) scale. RESULTS: The literature search resulted in 27 randomized
      controlled trial studies with good methodological quality that compared
      constraint-induced movement therapy with other intervention therapy. Overall,
      constraint-induced movement therapy provided a medium beneficial effect (d =
      0.546; p < 0.001) when compared with conventional therapy. For the subgroup
      analyses, presence of a dose-equivalent comparison group, intervention location,
      and time of follow-up were significant factors. Studies examining constraint
      induced movement therapy effect without a dose-equivalent comparison group showed
      a large effect in children with cerebral palsy, but studies with a dose
      equivalent group only showed a small effect. Children who received home-based
      constraint-induced movement therapy had a better improvement in arm function than
      those who received constraint-induced movement therapy elsewhere. CONCLUSION: The
      research literature supports constraint-induced movement therapy as an effective
      intervention to improve arm function in children with cerebral palsy.

PMID- 25125441
TI  - Efficacy of electrical stimulation as an adjunct to repetitive task practice
      therapy on skilled hand performance in hemiparetic stroke patients: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of additional electrical stimulation to hand
      muscles combined with repetitive task practice therapy on skilled hand
      performance in stroke patients. DESIGN: A randomized controlled study. SETTING:
      Neurological physical therapy outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: Forty stroke patients
      of both sexes (45-65 years - 16 females and 24 males). METHODS: Participants were
      randomly assigned into two equal groups: experimental and control groups. All
      patients received repetitive task practice. Those in the experimental group
      received additional electrical stimulation for specific hand muscles and patients
      in the control group received sham electrical stimulation. Treatment was provided
      three times/week for two months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients received
      baseline and post-treatment assessments using three-dimensional motion analysis
      (to evaluate range of motion of fingers abduction and extension), motor
      assessment scale (to assess hand motor function) and time to complete Jebsen
      Taylor Test (to assess hand skills). RESULTS: Patients in the experimental group
      showed a significant improvement as compared with those in the control group.
      Motor assessment scale score was 4.25+/-0.63 for the experimental group and
      3.35+/-0.74 for the control group (t=-3.50 and p= 0.0001). Time to complete
      Jebsen Taylor Test was 180.90+/-7.04 for the experimental group and 192.80+/-6.87
      for the control group (t=4.50 and p= 0.0001). There was a significant improvement
      in fingers abduction and extension in both groups (in favor to the experimental
      group). CONCLUSION: Repetitive task practice therapy combined with electrical
      stimulation can improve skilled hand performance in terms of hand motor function,
      skills and range of motion in stroke patients.

PMID- 25125442
TI  - Participant and caregiver experience of the Nintendo Wii SportsTM after stroke:
      qualitative study of the trial of WiiTM in stroke (TWIST).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand stroke survivors and their caregivers' experience and
      acceptability of using the Nintendo Wii SportsTM games (WiiTM) as a home-based
      arm rehabilitation tool. DESIGN: A qualitative study within a randomized
      controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of using the WiiTM for arm
      rehabilitation. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. SETTINGS:
      Participants and carers were interviewed in their homes. SUBJECTS: Eleven male
      and seven female participants and 10 caregivers who were taking part in the
      randomized controlled trial within six months of stroke. Median age 65.
      INTERVENTION: All participants were using the WiiTM for arm rehabilitation. MAIN
      MEASURES: Semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Five themes were identified:
      diligence of play, perceived effectiveness, acceptability, caregiver and social
      support, and the set-up and administration of the WiiTM. Participants appreciated
      the ability to maintain a social role and manage other comorbidities around the
      use of the WiiTM. A small number of participants found the Mii characters too
      childlike for adult rehabilitation. The most popular game to start the
      rehabilitation programme was bowling. As confidence grew, tennis was the most
      popular, with baseball and boxing being the least popular games. Caregivers
      provided some practical support and encouragement to play the WiiTM. CONCLUSIONS:
      The WiiTM may provide an engaging and flexible form of rehabilitation with
      relatively high reported usage rates in a home setting. The WiiTM was acceptable
      to this sample of patients and their caregivers in home-based rehabilitation of
      the arm following stroke.

PMID- 25125444
TI  - LeishMicrosatDB: open source database of repeat sequences detected in six fully
      sequenced Leishmania genomes.
AB  - A Leishmania Microsatellite Database (LeishMicrosatDB) is reported for genome
      wise mining of microsatellites in six Leishmania species, using in silico
      techniques. This was created to provide parasitologists a platform to understand
      the genome characterization, mapping, phylogeny and evolutionary analysis. The
      present version of the database contains 1,738,669 simple sequence repeats of
      which 181 s756 repeats are present in compound form. The repeats can be sought in
      a chromosome using input parameters such as repeat type (mono- hexa), coding
      status, repeat unit length and repeat sequence motif. The genic repeats have been
      further hyperlinked with their corresponding locus id, and the database is
      appended with primer3 plus for primer designing of selected repeats with left and
      right flanking sequences up to 250 bp. Information on clustering and polymorphic
      repeats can also be retrieved. This database may also be adopted as a tool to
      study the relative occurrence and distribution of microsatellites across the
      parasitic genome. The database can enable a biologist to select markers at
      desired intervals over the chromosomes, and can be accessed as an open source
      repository at http://biomedinformri.com/leishmicrosat. DATABASE URL:
      http://biomedinformri.com/leishmicrosat.

PMID- 25125443
TI  - Mechanically-compliant intracortical implants reduce the neuroinflammatory
      response.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The mechanisms underlying intracortical microelectrode encapsulation
      and failure are not well understood. A leading hypothesis implicates the role of
      the mechanical mismatch between rigid implant materials and the much softer brain
      tissue. Previous work has established the benefits of compliant materials on
      reducing early neuroinflammatory events. However, recent studies established late
      onset of a disease-like neurodegenerative state. APPROACH: In this study, we
      implanted mechanically-adaptive materials, which are initially rigid but become
      compliant after implantation, to investigate the long-term chronic
      neuroinflammatory response to compliant intracortical microelectrodes. MAIN
      RESULTS: Three days after implantation, during the acute healing phase of the
      response, the tissue response to the compliant implants was statistically similar
      to that of chemically matched stiff implants with much higher rigidity. However,
      at two, eight, and sixteen weeks post-implantation in the rat cortex, the
      compliant implants demonstrated a significantly reduced neuroinflammatory
      response when compared to stiff reference materials. Chronically implanted
      compliant materials also exhibited a more stable blood-brain barrier than the
      stiff reference materials. SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, the data show strikingly that
      mechanically-compliant intracortical implants can reduce the neuroinflammatory
      response in comparison to stiffer systems.

PMID- 25125446
TI  - A brain-computer interface based on self-regulation of gamma-oscillations in the
      superior parietal cortex.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems are often based on motor-
      and/or sensory processes that are known to be impaired in late stages of
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We propose a novel BCI designed for patients
      in late stages of ALS that only requires high-level cognitive processes to
      transmit information from the user to the BCI. APPROACH: We trained subjects via
      EEG-based neurofeedback to self-regulate the amplitude of gamma-oscillations in
      the superior parietal cortex (SPC). We argue that parietal gamma-oscillations are
      likely to be associated with high-level attentional processes, thereby providing
      a communication channel that does not rely on the integrity of sensory- and/or
      motor-pathways impaired in late stages of ALS. MAIN RESULTS: Healthy subjects
      quickly learned to self-regulate gamma-power in the SPC by alternating between
      states of focused attention and relaxed wakefulness, resulting in an average
      decoding accuracy of 70.2%. One locked-in ALS patient (ALS-FRS-R score of zero)
      achieved an average decoding accuracy significantly above chance-level though
      insufficient for communication (55.8%). SIGNIFICANCE: Self-regulation of gamma
      power in the SPC is a feasible paradigm for brain-computer interfacing and may be
      preserved in late stages of ALS. This provides a novel approach to testing
      whether completely locked-in ALS patients retain the capacity for goal-directed
      thinking.

PMID- 25125445
TI  - PlantCAZyme: a database for plant carbohydrate-active enzymes.
AB  - PlantCAZyme is a database built upon dbCAN (database for automated carbohydrate
      active enzyme annotation), aiming to provide pre-computed sequence and annotation
      data of carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes) to plant carbohydrate and bioenergy
      research communities. The current version contains data of 43,790 CAZymes of 159
      protein families from 35 plants (including angiosperms, gymnosperms, lycophyte
      and bryophyte mosses) and chlorophyte algae with fully sequenced genomes. Useful
      features of the database include: (i) a BLAST server and a HMMER server that
      allow users to search against our pre-computed sequence data for annotation
      purpose, (ii) a download page to allow batch downloading data of a specific
      CAZyme family or species and (iii) protein browse pages to provide an easy access
      to the most comprehensive sequence and annotation data. DATABASE URL:
      http://cys.bios.niu.edu/plantcazyme/

PMID- 25125447
TI  - Clinical research: the future of the molecular imaging technologist-a white paper
      presented by members of the graduate stakeholders committee of the SNMMI
      technologist section.

PMID- 25125448
TI  - Detection of Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery by PET/CT.
AB  - An aberrant right subclavian artery can be diagnosed by PET/CT, as demonstrated
      in this case of a 70-y-old man undergoing PET/CT for staging of squamous cell
      carcinoma of the right lung. It is important to report this finding during the
      evaluation of oncologic patients, to prevent severe complications that may arise
      from various oncologic interventions. 

PMID- 25125449
TI  - Remote-controlled automatic injection versus manual injection in ictal SPECT of
      seizure patients: experience from a children's hospital.

PMID- 25125450
TI  - Bisphosphonate-associated atypical subtrochanteric femur fracture.
AB  - Bisphosphonates help prevent progressive bone mineralization loss and subsequent
      osteoporotic fractures. However, long-term bisphosphonate therapy paradoxically
      increases the risk of a unique injury called an atypical subtrochanteric femur
      fracture. Despite this, the benefits of bisphosphonates outweigh the risks,
      because far more pathologic fractures are prevented than induced. The early
      identification of atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures is important as there
      is high associated morbidity and mortality. We describe a case of a 76-y-old
      woman with a completed bisphosphonate-associated atypical subtrochanteric femur
      fracture. 

PMID- 25125451
TI  - Examining the nuclear medicine advanced associate: past, present, and future-a
      white paper presented by members of the graduate stakeholders committee of the
      SNMMI technologist section.

PMID- 25125452
TI  - Frailty modeling for clustered competing risks data with missing cause of
      failure.
AB  - Competing risks data often occur within a center in multi-center clinical trials
      where the event times within a center may be correlated due to unobserved factors
      across individuals. In this paper, we consider the cause-specific proportional
      hazards model with a shared frailty to model the association between the event
      times within a center in the framework of competing risks. We use a hierarchical
      likelihood approach, which does not require any intractable integration over the
      frailty terms. In a clinical trial, cause of death information may not be
      observed for some patients. In such a case, analyses through exclusion of cases
      with missing cause of death may lead to biased inferences. We propose a
      hierarchical likelihood approach for fitting the cause-specific proportional
      hazards model with a shared frailty in the presence of missing cause of failure.
      We use multiple imputation methods to address missing cause of death information
      under the assumption of missing at random. Simulation studies show that the
      proposed procedures perform well, even if the imputation model is misspecified.
      The proposed methods are illustrated with data from EORTC trial 30791 conducted
      by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC).

PMID- 25125453
TI  - Sample size determinations for group-based randomized clinical trials with
      different levels of data hierarchy between experimental and control arms.
AB  - We derived sample size formulae for detecting main effects in group-based
      randomized clinical trials with different levels of data hierarchy between
      experimental and control arms. Such designs are necessary when experimental
      interventions need to be administered to groups of subjects whereas control
      conditions need to be administered to individual subjects. This type of trial,
      often referred to as a partially nested or partially clustered design, has been
      implemented for management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and is beginning
      to emerge more commonly in wider clinical settings. Depending on the research
      setting, the level of hierarchy of data structure for the experimental arm can be
      three or two, whereas that for the control arm is two or one. Such different
      levels of data hierarchy assume correlation structures of outcomes that are
      different between arms, regardless of whether research settings require two or
      three level data structure for the experimental arm. Therefore, the different
      correlations should be taken into account for statistical modeling and for sample
      size determinations. To this end, we considered mixed-effects linear models with
      different correlation structures between experimental and control arms to
      theoretically derive and empirically validate the sample size formulae with
      simulation studies.

PMID- 25125455
TI  - Comprehensive data on ionising radiation from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power
      plant in the town of Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture: The Misho Project.
AB  - Data related to radioactivity released from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
      Plant (FDNPP) accident on 15 March 2011 gathered by residents of Miharu,
      Fukushima Prefecture, and by Tohoku University are presented. These data sets
      consist of (1) the earliest radiation monitoring by a Geiger counter in the town,
      (2) ratios of radioactivity between (132)Te and (137)Cs for a wide area between
      Fukushima and Tokyo, (3) radiation measurement of soil samples collected from 18
      school grounds, and (4) external radiation exposure of 1400 students using OSL
      badges. By combining and analysing these various data sets, a curve for the
      cumulative total external exposure as a function of time, with 16 : 00 h on 15
      March 2011 being time zero, is obtained. The average cumulative external dosage
      is estimated to be 10 mSv (sigma = 4.2 mSv) over 10 years. In addition, the
      initiative that the residents of Miharu took in response to the FDNPP accident,
      which became known as The Misho Project (MP), is documented; in particular, the
      time at which the municipality instructed the immediate ingestion of iodine
      tablets by those under the age of 40, 13 : 00 h on 15 March 2011, is assessed. 

PMID- 25125454
TI  - Continuous glucose monitoring in insulin-treated patients in non-ICU settings.
AB  - Inpatient hyperglycemia, in patients with and without a history of diabetes, is
      associated with increased risk of complications, mortality, and longer hospital
      stay in medicine and surgical patients. Bedside capillary point of care testing
      is widely recommended as the preferred method for glucose monitoring and for
      guiding glycemic management of individual patients; however, the accuracy of most
      handheld glucose meters is far from optimal. Recent studies in the hospital
      setting have reported that the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can
      provide real-time information about glucose concentration, direction, and rate of
      change over a period of several days. Because it provides glucose values every 5
      10 minutes 24 hours a day, CGM may have an advantage over point of care testing
      with respect to reducing the incidence of severe hypoglycemia in acute care. Real
      time CGM technology may facilitate glycemic control and to reduce hypoglycemia in
      insulin-treated patients. Recent guidelines, however, have recommended deferring
      the use of CGM in the adult hospital setting until further data on accuracy and
      safety become available. In this study, we review the advantages and
      disadvantages of the use of real-time CGM in the management of dysglycemia in the
      hospital setting. 

PMID- 25125456
TI  - Foundations for literacy: An early literacy intervention for deaf and hard-of
      hearing children.
AB  - The present study evaluated the efficacy of a new preschool early literacy
      intervention created specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children
      with functional hearing. Teachers implemented Foundations for Literacy with 25
      DHH children in 2 schools (intervention group). One school used only spoken
      language, and the other used sign with and without spoken language. A "business
      as usual" comparison group included 33 DHH children who were matched on key
      characteristics with the intervention children but attended schools that did not
      implement Foundations for Literacy. Children's hearing losses ranged from
      moderate to profound. Approximately half of the children had cochlear implants.
      All children had sufficient speech perception skills to identify referents of
      spoken words from closed sets of items. Teachers taught small groups of
      intervention children an hour a day, 4 days a week for the school year. From fall
      to spring, intervention children made significantly greater gains on tests of
      phonological awareness, letter-sound knowledge, and expressive vocabulary than
      did comparison children. In addition, intervention children showed significant
      increases in standard scores (based on hearing norms) on phonological awareness
      and vocabulary tests. This quasi-experimental study suggests that the
      intervention shows promise for improving early literacy skills of DHH children
      with functional hearing. 

PMID- 25125457
TI  - Cognitive and functional decline and their relationship in patients with mild
      Alzheimer's dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the relationship between
      cognitive and functional progression is not fully understood; however, functional
      decline has been postulated to follow cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE: To assess the
      relationship between cognitive and functional treatment effects in mild AD
      dementia patients. METHODS: Data of patients with mild AD were pooled from two
      multicenter, double-blind, Phase 3 studies. Patients were randomized to infusions
      of 400-mg solanezumab (n = 654), or placebo (n = 660) every 4 weeks for 18
      months. Cognitive and functional outcome measures were assessed using the AD
      Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) and the AD Cooperative Study
      Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL), respectively. Analyses included
      comparisons among normalized scales, correlations between outcome measures, and
      path analyses to model the relationship of treatment effect on cognition and
      function. RESULTS: Normalized ADAS-Cog and ADCS-ADL scales showed cognitive
      impairment was more evident than functional impairment in mild AD. The
      correlation between cognition and function increased over time. Path analyses
      demonstrated that 87% of the treatment effect on function was driven by the
      treatment effect on cognition, with the remaining 13% due to direct treatment
      effect. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study are consistent with the hypothesis
      that functional impairment is primarily driven by and follows cognitive decline
      in mild AD dementia. The cognitive treatment effect appeared to explain the
      majority of the functional treatment effect. It is possible that a cognitive
      treatment effect may be considered as a leading indicator for functional outcomes
      in an 18-month clinical trial for milder stages of AD.

PMID- 25125459
TI  - Is brain copper deficiency in Alzheimer's, Lewy body, and Creutzfeldt Jakob
      diseases the common key for a free radical mechanism and oxidative stress-induced
      damage?
AB  - In Alzheimer's (AD), Lewy body (LBD), and Creutzfeldt Jakob (CJD) diseases,
      similar pathological hallmarks have been described, one of which is brain
      deposition of abnormal protease-resistant proteins. For these pathologies, copper
      bound to proteins is able to protect against free radicals by reduction from
      cupric Cu++ to cupreous Cu+. We have previously demonstrated in bovine brain
      homogenate that free radicals produce proteinase K-resistant prion after
      manganese is substituted for copper. Since low brain copper levels have been
      described in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, in substantia nigra in
      Parkinson's disease, and in various brain regions in AD, LBD, and CJD, a
      mechanism has been proposed that may underlie the neurodegenerative processes
      that occur when copper protection against free radicals is impaired. In peptide
      sequences, the alpha acid proton near the peptide bond is highly mobile and can
      be pulled out by free radicals. It will produce a trivalent alpha-carbon radical
      and induce a free radical chain process that will generate a D-amino acid
      configuration in the peptide sequence. Since only L-amino acids are
      physiologically present in mammalian (human) proteins, it may be supposed that
      only physiological L-peptides can be recycled by physiological enzymes such as
      proteases. If a D-amino acid is found in the peptide sequence subsequent to
      deficient copper protection against free radicals, it will not be recognized and
      might alter the proteasome L-amino acid recycling from brain peptides. In the
      brain, there will result an accumulation of abnormal protease-resistant proteins
      such as those observed in AD, LBD, and CJD. 

PMID- 25125460
TI  - Awareness of disease is different for cognitive and functional aspects in mild
      Alzheimer's disease: a one-year observation study.
AB  - Awareness of disease can be compromised to some degree in a proportion of people
      with dementia, with evident differences across domains. We designed this study to
      determine the factors associated with the impairment of awareness over a period
      of time. Using a longitudinal design, 69 people with mild Alzheimer's disease and
      their family caregivers completed the Assessment Scale of Psychosocial Impact of
      the Diagnosis of Dementia, the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Scale, the
      Mini-Mental State Examination, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, the Cornell
      Scale for Depression in Dementia, the Pfeffer Functional Activities
      Questionnaire, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and the Zarit Burden Interview.
      Univariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the
      contribution of the various factors. The level of awareness of disease was
      significantly lower (p <= 0.001) between baseline and at follow up. At follow up,
      there was no change in the level of awareness of disease in 61.8%, whereas 25.4%
      worsened. However, the level of awareness improved in 12.3%. Logistic regression
      demonstrated that functional deficits (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: (1.03-1.22), p <=
      0.01), and caregivers' quality of life (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: (0.70-0.98), p <=
      0.05) were a significant predictor of impaired awareness of disease. The results
      confirmed that awareness and cognition are relatively independent, and showed
      that in people with mild dementia, unawareness is mainly manifested by poor
      recognition of changes in the activities of daily living, and decrease in quality
      of life. 

PMID- 25125458
TI  - Global N-acetylaspartate in normal subjects, mild cognitive impairment and
      Alzheimer's disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediary state on the way
      to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Little is known about whole brain concentration of
      the neuronal marker, N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in MCI patients. OBJECTIVE: To test
      the hypothesis that since MCI and AD are both neurodegenerative, quantification
      of the NAA in their whole brain (WBNAA) could differentiate them from cognitively
      intact matched controls. METHODS: Proton MR spectroscopy to quantify the WBNAA
      was applied to 197 subjects (86 females) 72.6 +/- 8.4 years old (mean +/-
      standard deviation). Of these, 102 were cognitively intact, 42 diagnosed as MCI,
      and 53 as probable AD. Their WBNAA amounts were converted into absolute
      concentration by dividing with the brain volume segmented from the MRI that also
      yielded the fractional brain volume (fBPV), an atrophy metric. RESULTS: WBNAA
      concentration of MCI and AD patients (10.5 +/- 3.0 and 10.1 +/- 2.9 mM) were not
      significantly different (p = 0.85). They were, however, highly significantly 25
      29% lower than the 14.1 +/- 2.4 mM of normal matched controls (p < 10-4). The
      fBPV of MCI and AD patients (72.9 +/- 4.9 and 69.9 +/- 4.7%) differed
      significantly from each other (4%, p = 0.02) and both were significantly lower
      than the 74.6 +/- 4.4% of normal elderly (2%, p = 0.003 for MCI; 6%, p < 10-4 for
      AD). ROC curve analysis has shown WBNAA to have 70.5% sensitivity and 84.3%
      specificity to differentiate MCI or AD patients from normal elderly versus just
      68.4 and 65.7% for fBPV. CONCLUSION: Low WBNAA in MCI patients compared with
      cognitively normal contemporaries may indicate early neuronal damage accumulation
      and supports the notion of MCI as an early stage of AD. It also suggests WBNAA as
      a potential marker of early AD pathology.

PMID- 25125461
TI  - Differences between mild cognitive impairment subtypes as indicated by event
      related potential correlates of cognitive and motor processes in a Simon task.
AB  - Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may represent a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD), although the clinical manifestations of MCI are heterogeneous.
      Consequently, MCI subtypes are differentiated since amnestic decline
      (particularly when combined with decline on multiple cognitive domains) increases
      the probability of progression to AD. In the present study, event-related
      potential (ERP) correlates of stimulus evaluation (N2), visuospatial attention
      (negativity posterior-contralateral, N2pc), stimulus categorization (P3b),
      executive control (pre-response positivity, PP, and medial frontal negativity),
      and motor (lateralized readiness potential, LRP) processes were studied in 53
      participants while they performed a Simon task. Participants were divided into
      control group (CG), multiple-domain non-amnestic MCI (mdnaMCI), single-domain
      amnestic MCI (sdaMCI), and multiple-domain amnesic MCI (mdaMCI). Although there
      were no differences in reaction times and percentage of errors in the performed
      Simon-type task, a differential pattern of electrophysiological correlates was
      observed in MCI compared to CG. Concretely, amnestic MCI (sdaMCI and mdaMCI)
      showed reduced motor activity (LRP amplitude; AUC: 0.84); impairment in executive
      control (PP amplitude; AUC: 0.80) was observed in multiple-domain MCI (mdaMCI and
      mdnaMCI); finally, stimulus evaluation (N2 latency; AUC: 0.86) and visuospatial
      attention (N2pc amplitude; AUC: 0.78) was affected in mdaMCI. Overall, results
      linked the poorer prognosis of the mdaMCI subtype with a greater number of
      differences in ERP correlates regarding CG. Therefore, the present results enable
      us to suggest possible ERP biomarkers for specific MCI subtypes. 

PMID- 25125462
TI  - Closing-in is related to apathy in Alzheimer's disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apathy and depression are behavioral manifestations that may occur
      often in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. AD patients may also show Closing-in
      (CI) phenomenon, in graphic copying tasks. Recent evidence would suggest that
      apathetic symptoms are related to frontal dysfunctions in AD patients, whereas
      the cognitive bases of depressive symptoms in AD are still unclear. Recent
      studies demonstrated that frontal dysfunctions are also involved in the genesis
      of CI in AD patients. OBJECTIVE: Since frontal dysfunctions are thought to be
      more strongly related to apathetic than depressive symptoms, here we tested the
      hypothesis that CI is significantly associated with apathy in AD patients.
      METHODS: Forty-four AD patients were enrolled for this study. All patients
      completed a neuropsychological evaluation of visuo-spatial, frontal/executive,
      visuo-constructional, and memory skills. Moreover, graphic copying tasks were
      employed to detect CI, and behavioral scales to assess apathetic and depressive
      symptoms. RESULTS: CI and apathetic and depressed symptoms occurred in more than
      half of the present AD sample, but regression models revealed that the number of
      CI was significantly related to apathy only. The number of CI was also
      significantly correlated with severity of apathetic but not of depressive
      symptoms. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that CI and apathy are
      correlated with each other in mild to moderate AD, likely because they share
      common pathogenic mechanisms related to frontal/executive dysfunctions.

PMID- 25125463
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid alpha-synuclein and Lewy body-like symptoms in normal
      controls, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) alpha-synuclein has been described
      in synucleinopathies, including dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Common symptoms
      of DLB include visual hallucinations and visuospatial and executive deficits. Co
      occurrence of Lewy body pathology is common in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients,
      but it is unknown if reduced CSF alpha-synuclein is associated with Lewy body
      like symptomatology in AD. OBJECTIVE: Determine associations between CSF alpha
      synuclein and Lewy body-like symptomatology. METHODS: We included 73 controls
      (NC), 121 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, and 61 AD patients (median
      follow-up 3.5 years, range 0.6-7.8). We tested associations between baseline CSF
      alpha-synuclein and visual hallucinations and (longitudinal) cognition. Models
      were tested with and without co-varying for CSF total tau (T-tau), which is
      elevated in AD patients, and believed to reflect neurodegeneration. RESULTS:
      Hallucinations were reported in 20% of AD patients, 13% of MCI patients, and 8%
      of NC. In AD, low CSF alpha-synuclein was associated with hallucinations. When
      adjusting for CSF T-tau, low CSF alpha-synuclein was associated with accelerated
      decline of executive function (NC, MCI, and AD), memory (MCI and AD), and
      language (MCI). CONCLUSION: The associations of low CSF alpha-synuclein with
      hallucinations and poor executive function, which are hallmarks of DLB,
      indirectly suggest that this biomarker may reflect underlying synuclein
      pathology. The associations with memory and language in MCI and AD suggests
      either that reduced CSF alpha-synuclein also partly reflects global impaired
      neuronal/synaptic function, or that non-specific overall cognitive deterioration
      is accelerated in the presence of synuclein related pathology. The findings will
      require autopsy verification.

PMID- 25125465
TI  - ABCA5 regulates amyloid-beta peptide production and is associated with
      Alzheimer's disease neuropathology.
AB  - Brain cholesterol homeostasis is regulated by a group of proteins called ATP
      binding cassette subfamily A (ABCA) transporters. Certain ABCA transporters
      regulate amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP) processing to generate amyloid
      beta peptides (Abeta) and are associated with an increased risk for late-onset
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). ABCA5 is a little-known member of the ABCA subfamily
      with no known function. In this study we undertook a comprehensive analysis of
      ABCA5 expression in the human and mouse brains. We explored the potential role of
      ABCA5 in AbetaPP processing associated with AD pathology. ABCA5 was
      differentially expressed in multiple regions of both human and mouse brains. It
      was strongly expressed in neurons with only weak expression in microglia,
      astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. ABCA5 was able to stimulate cholesterol efflux
      in neurons. ABCA5 expression was specifically elevated in the hippocampus of AD
      brains. Using two in vitro cell systems we demonstrated that ABCA5 reduces Abeta
      production, both Abeta40 and Abeta42, without altering AbetaPP mRNA and protein
      levels, indicating that the decrease in the Abeta levels was due to changes in
      AbetaPP processing and not AbetaPP expression. This report represents the first
      extensive expression and functional study of ABCA5 in the human brain and our
      data suggest a plausible function of ABCA5 in the brain as a cholesterol
      transporter associated with Abeta generation, information that may offer a
      potential new target for controlling Abeta levels in the brain. 

PMID- 25125466
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid apolipoprotein E concentration and progression of Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Apolipoprotein E plays a role in the pathogenesis of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma level alterations
      have been reported in AD patients. In search of a potential biomarker, which
      would be predictive of cognitive, functional, or motor decline, we analyzed CSF
      apolipoprotein E (ApoE) levels of AD patients in this regard. METHODS: Subjects
      with newly diagnosed AD enrolled into an observational study were followed up
      longitudinally. Neuropsychological testing and physical examination were
      performed annually. In a sub-cohort of patients, where baseline CSF ApoE
      concentration values were available, multiple regression analyses were used to
      determine possible associations of CSF ApoE concentration and speed of decline on
      different cognitive, functional, and motor scales (MMSE, iADL, bADL, GDS,
      UPDRSIII) adjusting for possible confounders. RESULTS: No association of CSF ApoE
      levels and speed of decline on the various scales could be established (p = 0.09
      to 0.88). Nevertheless, the use of neuroleptic drugs could be linked to higher
      velocity of global and extrapyramidal deterioration (p = 0.04 and 0.05 for GDS
      and UPDRSIII, respectively), but not to other outcomes (MMSE, bADL, and iADL).
      CONCLUSION: Herein, CSF ApoE at time of AD diagnosis could not be shown to be a
      viable biomarker for future cognitive, functional, or motor decline. Expectedly,
      the use of neuroleptic drugs was associated with detrimental effects.

PMID- 25125464
TI  - Increased tau phosphorylation and aggregation in the hippocampus of mice
      overexpressing corticotropin-releasing factor.
AB  - Clinical and basic science research suggests that stress and/or changes in
      central stress signaling intermediates may be involved in Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) pathogenesis. Although the links between stress and AD remain unsettled,
      data from our group and others have established that stress exposure in rodents
      may confer susceptibility to AD pathology by inducing hippocampal tau
      phosphorylation (tau-P). Work in our laboratory has shown that stress-induced tau
      P requires activation of the type-1 corticotropin-releasing factor receptor
      (CRFR1). CRF overexpressing (CRF-OE) mice are a model of chronic stress that
      display cognitive impairment at 9-10 month of age. In this study we used 6-7
      month old CRF-OE mice to examine whether sustained exposure to CRF and stress
      steroids would impact hippocampal tau-P and kinase activity in the presence or
      absence of the CRFR1-specific antagonist, R121919, given daily for 30 days. CRF
      OE mice had significantly elevated tau-P compared to wild type (WT) mice at the
      AT8 (S202/T204), PHF-1 (S396/404), S262, and S422 sites. Treating CRF-OE mice
      with R121919 blocked phosphorylation at the AT8 (S202/T204) and PHF-1 (S396/404)
      sites, but not at the S262 and S422 sites and reduced phosphorylation of c-Jun N
      Terminal Kinase (JNK). Examination of hippocampal extracts from CRF-OE mice at
      the ultrastructural level revealed negatively stained round/globular aggregates
      that were positively labeled by PHF-1. These data suggest critical roles for CRF
      and CRFR1 in tau-P and aggregation and may have implications for the development
      of AD cognitive decline.

PMID- 25125467
TI  - Serum MHPG strongly predicts conversion to Alzheimer's disease in behaviorally
      characterized subjects with Down syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent genetic cause of
      intellectual disability. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) frequently develops
      in DS and is characterized by progressive memory loss and behavioral and
      psychological signs and symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Predicting and monitoring
      the progression of AD in DS is necessary to enable adaptive caretaking.
      OBJECTIVE: Reliable blood biomarkers that aid the prediction of AD are necessary,
      since cerebrospinal fluid sampling is rather burdensome, particularly for people
      with DS. Here, we investigate serum levels of eight biogenic amines and their
      metabolites in relation to dementia staging and probable BPSD items. METHODS:
      Using RP-HPLC with electrochemical detection, (nor)adrenergic (NA/A and MHPG),
      serotonergic (5-HT and 5-HIAA), and dopaminergic (DA, HVA, and DOPAC) compounds
      were quantified in the serum of DS subjects with established AD at baseline (n =
      51), DS subjects without AD (n = 50), non-demented DS individuals that converted
      to AD over time (n = 50), and, finally, healthy non-DS controls (n = 22).
      RESULTS: Serum MHPG levels were significantly lower in demented and converted DS
      subjects (p < 0.0001) compared to non-demented DS individuals and healthy
      controls. Those subjects with MHPG levels below median had a more than tenfold
      increased risk of developing dementia. Furthermore, significant correlations were
      observed between monoaminergic serum values and various probable BPSD items
      within each DS group. CONCLUSION: Decreased serum MHPG levels show great
      potential as biomarker to monitor and predict conversion to AD in DS. Moreover,
      significant monoaminergic alterations related to probable BPSD items, suggesting
      that monoaminergic dysregulation is an underlying biological mechanism, and
      demonstrating the need to develop a validated rating scale for BPSD in DS.

PMID- 25125469
TI  - The microbiome and disease: reviewing the links between the oral microbiome,
      aging, and Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - This review, gathered from diverse sources, shows how our microbiome influences
      health and ultimately how well we age. Evidence linking oral bacteria to
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) is discussed in the context of aging, drawing together
      data from epidemiological, experimental, genetic, and environmental studies.
      Immunosenescence results in increased bacterial load as cell-mediated and humoral
      immune responses wane. The innate immune system gradually takes over;
      contributing to the rise in circulating proinflammatory cytokines such as
      TNFalpha. Maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) against a
      backdrop of increasing bacterial load is important. Aging may favor the
      proliferation of anaerobes in the mouth eliciting a robust TNFalpha response from
      the oral epithelium. Prolonged exposure to high levels of circulating TNFalpha
      compromises the integrity of the BBB. Sensitive techniques now detect the
      "asymptomatic" presence of bacteria in areas previously thought to be sterile,
      providing new insights into the wider distribution of components of the
      microbiome. These "immune-tolerated" bacteria may slowly multiply elsewhere until
      they elicit a chronic inflammatory response; some are now considered causal in
      instances of atherosclerosis and back pain. Inflammatory processes have long been
      associated with AD. We propose for a subset of AD patients, aging favors the
      overgrowth of oral anaerobes established earlier in life provoking a pro
      inflammatory innate response that weakens the BBB allowing bacteria to spread and
      quietly influence the pathogenesis of AD. Finally, we suggest that human
      polymorphisms considered alongside components of the microbiome may provide new
      avenues of research for the prevention and treatment of disease. 

PMID- 25125468
TI  - Restoration of lipoxin A4 signaling reduces Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in
      the 3xTg-AD mouse model.
AB  - The initiation of an inflammatory response is critical to the survival of an
      organism. However, when inflammation fails to reach resolution, a chronic
      inflammatory state may occur, potentially leading to bystander tissue damage.
      Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic inflammation contributes to the
      progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and identifying mechanisms to resolve
      the pro-inflammatory environment stimulated by AD pathology remains an area of
      active investigation. Previously, we found that treatment with the pro-resolving
      mediator aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 (ATL), improved cognition, reduced Abeta
      levels, and enhanced microglia phagocytic activity in Tg2576 transgenic AD mice.
      Here, we evaluated the effect of aging on brain lipoxin A4 (LXA4) levels using
      non-transgenic and 3xTg-AD mice. Additionally, we investigated the effect of ATL
      treatment on tau pathology in 3xTg-AD mice. We found that LXA4 levels are reduced
      with age, a pattern significantly more impacted in 3xTg-AD mice. Moreover, ATL
      delivery enhanced the cognitive performance of 3xTg-AD mice and reduced Abeta
      levels, as well as decreased the levels of phosphorylated-tau (p-tau). The
      decrease in p-tau was due in part to an inhibition of the tau kinases GSK-3beta
      and p38 MAPK. In addition, microglial and astrocyte reactivity was inhibited by
      ATL treatment. Our results suggest that the inability to resolve the immune
      response during aging might be an important feature that contributes to AD
      pathology and cognitive deficits. Furthermore, we demonstrate that activation of
      LXA4 signaling could serve as a potential therapeutic target for AD-related
      inflammation and cognitive dysfunction.

PMID- 25125470
TI  - Direct visualization of fungal infection in brains from patients with Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - Recently, we have reported the presence of fungal infections in patients with
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). Accordingly, fungal proteins and DNA were found in
      brain samples, demonstrating the existence of infection in the central nervous
      system. In the present work, we raised antibodies to specific fungal species and
      performed immunohistochemistry to directly visualize fungal components inside
      neurons from AD patients. Mice infected with Candida glabrata were initially used
      to assess whether yeast can be internalized in mammalian tissues. Using
      polyclonal rabbit antibodies against C. glabrata, rounded immunopositive cells
      could be detected in the cytoplasm of cells from liver, spleen, and brain samples
      in infected, but not uninfected, mice. Immunohistochemical analyses of tissue
      from the frontal cortex of AD patients revealed the presence of fungal material
      in a small percentage (~10%) of cells, suggesting the presence of infection.
      Importantly, this immunopositive material was absent in control samples. Confocal
      microscopy indicated that this fungal material had an intracellular localization.
      The specific morphology of this material varied between patients; in some
      instances, disseminated material was localized to the cytoplasm, whereas small
      punctate bodies were detected in other patients. Interestingly, fungal material
      could be revealed using different anti-fungal antibodies, suggesting multiple
      infections. In summary, fungal infection can only be observed using specific anti
      fungal antibodies and only a small percentage of cells contain fungi. Our
      findings provide an explanation for the hitherto elusive detection of fungi in AD
      brains, and are consistent with the idea that fungal cells are internalized
      inside neurons. 

PMID- 25125471
TI  - Medication cost of persons with dementia in primary care in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Results of cost-of-illness studies in dementia have shown a
      considerable divergence in costs of medication for persons with dementia.
      However, detailed economic analyses of medication costs for community-dwelling
      persons with dementia are currently still missing, especially on the basis of
      primary data. OBJECTIVE: To determine medication cost, cost per drug, and number
      of drugs taken of community-dwelling persons with dementia and analyze their
      associated factors; to estimate the current price reduction of anti-dementia
      drugs due to implementation of low-priced generics. METHOD: The present analysis
      included 205 patients screened positive for dementia. Medication data were
      assessed within a medication review. To estimate the cost effect of implementing
      generics, the most favorable equivalent generic was assigned to each anti
      dementia drug. Factors associated with medication cost, cost per drug, and number
      of drugs taken were evaluated using multiple regression models. RESULTS:
      Medication cost and cost per drug were higher and the number of taken drugs lower
      in advanced stages of cognitive impairment. Prescription of anti-dementia
      generics could decrease overall medication cost by 28%. Medication cost was
      associated with number of diagnoses, deficits in activities of daily living, and
      age. Dementia severity was related to cost per drug and number of drugs taken.
      CONCLUSION: Medication cost increases with the number of diagnoses and growing
      deficits in activities of daily living and decreases with age. Severely
      cognitively impaired persons are treated with a small number of high-priced
      drugs, which could suggest inadequate medication of multimorbid persons.

PMID- 25125472
TI  - Rice bran extract compensates mitochondrial dysfunction in a cellular model of
      early Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in brain aging and has emerged
      to be an early event in Alzheimer's disease (AD), contributing to
      neurodegeneration and the loss of physical abilities seen in patients suffering
      from this disease. We examined mitochondrial dysfunction in a cell culture model
      of AD (PC12APPsw cells) releasing very low amyloid-beta (Abeta40) levels and thus
      mimicking early AD stages. Our data show that these cells have impaired energy
      metabolism, low ATP levels, and decreased endogenous mitochondrial respiration.
      Furthermore, protein levels of PGC1alpha as well as of Mitofusin 1 were
      decreased. PC12APPsw cells also showed increased mitochondrial content, probably
      due to an attempt to compensate the impaired mitochondrial function. Recent data
      showed that stabilized rice bran extract (RBE) protects from mitochondrial
      dysfunction in vivo Pharmacol Res. (2013) 76C, 17-27. To assess the effect of RBE
      on mitochondrial function, we treated PC12APPsw cells for 24 h with RBE. Key
      components of RBE are oryzanols, tocopherols, and tocotrienols, all substances
      that have been found to exert beneficial effects on mitochondrial function. RBE
      incubation elevated ATP production and respiratory rates as well as PGC1alpha
      protein levels in PC12APPsw cells, thus improving the impaired mitochondrial
      function assessed in our cell culture AD model. Therefore, RBE represents to be a
      promising nutraceutical for the prevention of AD. 

PMID- 25125473
TI  - Phosphodiesterase inhibition in cognitive decline.
AB  - Understanding the cellular and molecular processes involved in learning and
      memory will help in the development of safe and effective cognitive enhancers.
      The cAMP response element-binding (CREB) may be a universal modulator of
      processes required for memory formation, and increasing the levels of second
      messengers like cAMP and cGMP could ultimately lead to CREB activation.
      Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors regulate signaling pathways by elevating cAMP
      and/or cGMP levels, and they have been demonstrated to improve learning and
      memory in a number of rodent models of impaired cognition. The aim of this review
      is to summarize the outstanding progress that has been made in the application of
      PDE inhibitors for memory dysfunction. In addition, we have introduced some
      recent data we generated demonstrating that tadalafil could be considered as an
      optimal candidate for drug re-positioning and as a good candidate to enhance
      cognition. 

PMID- 25125474
TI  - Enhanced neurite outgrowth and branching precede increased amyloid-beta-induced
      neuronal apoptosis in a novel Alzheimer's disease model.
AB  - Though it is widely accepted that amyloid-beta (Abeta) is a key factor in
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In
      order to study the association between Abeta and neural circuitry dysfunction, we
      developed a primary culture preparation derived from the nervous system of
      transgenic Drosophila melanogaster larvae expressing human Abeta1-42 (Abeta42).
      Cultured neurons undergo a consistent developmental process, culminating in an
      elaborate neuronal network with distinct functional and morphological
      characteristics. Throughout this development, a time-dependent increase in
      intracellular expression levels of Abeta42 was detected, followed by
      extracellular staining at a later time point. When compared to controls, Abeta42
      cultures exhibited enhanced levels of apoptosis, resulting in reduced cell
      viability. Moreover, as primary culture preparations enable high resolution
      monitoring of neuronal phenotypes, we were able to detect subtle morphological
      changes in neurons expressing Abeta42, namely an enhancement in neurite outgrowth
      and arborization, which preceded the effect of neurodegeneration. Our results
      establish D. melanogaster primary neuronal cultures as a rapid, accessible and
      cost-effective platform for AD molecular studies and drug screening, and suggest
      a possible role for Abeta42 in the organization of neuronal processes. 

PMID- 25125475
TI  - Cannabis-based medicine reduces multiple pathological processes in AbetaPP/PS1
      mice.
AB  - Several recent findings suggest that targeting the endogenous cannabinoid system
      can be considered as a potential therapeutic approach to treat Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). The present study supports this hypothesis demonstrating that delta
      9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) botanical extracts, as well as
      the combination of both natural cannabinoids, which are the components of an
      already approved cannabis-based medicine, preserved memory in AbetaPP/PS1
      transgenic mice when chronically administered during the early symptomatic stage.
      Moreover, THC + CBD reduced learning impairment in AbetaPP/PS1 mice. A
      significant decrease in soluble Abeta42 peptide levels and a change in plaques
      composition were also observed in THC + CBD-treated AbetaPP/PS1 mice, suggesting
      a cannabinoid-induced reduction in the harmful effect of the most toxic form of
      the Abeta peptide. Among the mechanisms related with these positive cognitive
      effects, the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids may also play a
      relevant role. Here we observed reduced astrogliosis, microgliosis, and
      inflammatory-related molecules in treated AbetaPP/PS1 mice, which were more
      marked after treatment with THC + CBD than with either THC or CBD. Moreover,
      other cannabinoid-induced effects were uncovered by a genome-wide gene expression
      study. Thus, we have identified the redox protein thioredoxin 2 and the signaling
      protein Wnt16 as significant substrates for the THC + CBD-induced effects in our
      AD model. In summary, the present findings show that the combination of THC and
      CBD exhibits a better therapeutic profile than each cannabis component alone and
      support the consideration of a cannabis-based medicine as potential therapy
      against AD.

PMID- 25125476
TI  - Impaired lysosomal cobalamin transport in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is required for erythrocyte formation and DNA synthesis
      and it plays a crucial role in maintaining neurological function. As a coenzyme
      for methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, cobalamin utilization
      depends on its efficient transit through the intracellular lysosomal compartment
      and subsequent delivery to the cytosol and mitochondria. Lysosomal function
      deteriorates in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Lysosomal acidification is defective in
      AD and lysosomal proteolysis is disrupted by AD-related presenilin 1 mutation. In
      this study, we propose that AD related lysosomal dysfunction may impair lysosomal
      cobalamin transport. The experiments use in vitro and in vivo models of AD to
      define how lysosomal dysfunction directly affects cobalamin utilization. SH-SY5Y
      AbetaPP mutant cells were treated with a proteasome inhibitor to induce lysosomal
      amyloid-beta accumulation. We metabolically labeled these cells with [57Co]
      cobalamin and isolated purified lysosomes, mitochondria, and cytosol fractions.
      The results indicated that proteasome inhibition was associated with lysosomal
      amyloid-beta accumulation and a doubling of lysosomal [57Co] cobalamin levels. We
      also used AbetaPPxPS1 transgenic AD mice that were intraperitoneally injected
      with [57Co] cobalamin. The amount of [57Co] cobalamin in the major organs of
      these mice was measured and the subcellular [57Co] cobalamin distribution in the
      brain was assessed. The results demonstrated that lysosomal [57Co] cobalamin
      level was significantly increased by 56% in the AbetaPPxPS1 AD mouse brains as
      compared to wild type control mice. Together these data provide evidence that
      lysosomal cobalamin may be impaired in AD in association with amyloid-beta
      accumulation. 

PMID- 25125477
TI  - PKCepsilon deficits in Alzheimer's disease brains and skin fibroblasts.
AB  - In Alzheimer's disease (AD) transgenic mice, activation of synaptogenic protein
      kinase C epsilon (PKCepsilon) was found to prevent synaptotoxic amyloid-beta
      (Abeta)-oligomer elevation, PKCepsilon deficits, early synaptic loss, cognitive
      deficits, and amyloid plaque formation. In humans, to study the role of
      PKCepsilon in the pathophysiology of AD and to evaluate its possible use as an
      early AD-biomarker, we examined PKCepsilon and Abeta in the brains of autopsy
      confirmed AD patients (n = 20) and age-matched controls (AC, n = 19), and in skin
      fibroblast samples from AD (n = 14), non-AD dementia patients (n = 14), and AC (n
      = 22). Intraneuronal Abeta levels were measured immunohistochemically (using an
      Abeta-specific antibody) in hippocampal pyramidal cells of human autopsy brains.
      PKCepsilon was significantly lower in the hippocampus and temporal pole areas of
      AD brains, whereas Abeta levels were significantly higher. The ratio of
      PKCepsilon to Abeta in individual CA1 pyramidal cells was markedly lower in the
      autopsy AD brains versus controls. PKCepsilon was inversely correlated with Abeta
      levels in controls, whereas in AD patients, PKCepsilon showed no significant
      correlation with Abeta. In autopsy brains, PKCepsilon decreased as the Braak
      score increased. Skin fibroblast samples from AD patients also demonstrated a
      deficit in PKCepsilon compared to controls and an AD-specific change in the Abeta
      oligomer effects on PKCepsilon. Together, these data demonstrate that the
      relationship between Abeta levels and PKCepsilon is markedly altered in AD
      patients' brains and skin fibroblasts, reflecting a loss of protective effect of
      PKCepsilon against toxic Abeta accumulation. These changes of PKCepsilon levels
      in human skin fibroblasts may provide an accurate, non-invasive peripheral AD
      biomarker. 

PMID- 25125478
TI  - The multiple lifestyle modification for patients with prehypertension and
      hypertension patients: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the
      effectiveness, efficacy and safety of multiple concomitant lifestyle modification
      therapies for patients with hypertension or prehypertension. METHODS AND
      ANALYSIS: Electronic searches will be performed in the Cochrane Library, OVID,
      EMBASE, etc, along with manual searches in the reference lists of relevant papers
      found during electronic search. We will identify eligible randomised controlled
      trials utilising multiple lifestyle modifications to lower blood pressure. The
      control could be drug therapy, single lifestyle change or no intervention.
      Changes in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure constitute
      primary end points, and secondary end points include the number of patients
      meeting the office target blood pressure, the number of patients reporting
      microvascular or macrovascular complications, etc. We will extract descriptive,
      methodological and efficacy data from identified randomised controlled trials
      (RCTs). We will calculate the relative risk for proportion of patients with a
      normal blood pressure in the experimental group. Dichotomous data will be
      analysed using risk difference and continuous data using weighted mean
      differences, both with 95% CI. We will use the chi(2) test and the I(2) statistic
      to assess heterogeneity. We will use the fixed effects model to compute the
      efficacy unless there is evidence of heterogeneity. If heterogeneity of effect
      size persists with respect to blood pressure change, further metaregression will
      be performed within groups. We will examine the potential for publication bias by
      using a funnel plot. DISSEMINATION: We will synthesise results from RCTs which
      provide more precise and accurate information on the effect of multiple lifestyle
      changes on blood pressure. The results of this review will increase the
      understanding of multiple lifestyle modifications for patients with hypertension
      or prehypertension. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Our protocol is registered on
      PROSPERO (CRD42013006476), http://www.crd.your.ac.uk/PROSPERO.

PMID- 25125479
TI  - Potential risk of TNF inhibitors on the progression of interstitial lung disease
      in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Biological therapy represents important advances in alleviating
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the effect on interstitial lung disease (ILD) has
      been controversial. The objective of this study was to assess the risk of such
      treatment for patients with ILD. DESIGN: Case-control cohorts. SETTING: Single
      centre in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: This study included 163 patients with RA who
      underwent biological therapy. OUTCOME MEASURED: We assessed chest CT before
      initiation of biological therapy and grouped 163 patients according to the
      presence of ILD (with (n=58) and without pre-existing ILD (n=105)). Next, we
      evaluated serial changes of chest CT after treatment and visually assessed the
      emergence of ILD or its progression, which was referred to as an 'ILD event'.
      Then, we also classified the patients according to the presence of ILD events and
      analysed their characteristics. RESULTS: Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors
      were administered to more patients with ILD events than those without ILD events
      (88% vs 60%, p<0.05), but recipients of tocilizumab or abatacept did not differ
      in this respect. Of 58 patients with pre-existing ILD, 14 had ILD events, and
      that proportion was greater than for those without pre-existing ILD (24% vs 3%,
      p<0.001). Of these 14 patients, all were treated with TNF inhibitors. Four
      patients developed generalised lung disease and two died from ILD progression.
      Baseline levels of KL-6 were similar in both groups, but increased in patients
      with ILD events. CONCLUSIONS: TNF inhibitors have the potential risk of ILD
      events, particularly for patients with pre-existing ILD, and KL-6 is a valuable
      surrogate marker for detecting ILD events. Our data suggest that non-TNF
      inhibitors are a better treatment option for these patients.

PMID- 25125480
TI  - Reduction in stillbirths at term after new birth induction paradigm: results of a
      national intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The risk of fetal death increases steeply after 42 gestational weeks.
      Since 2009, Denmark has had a more proactive policy including prevention of
      prolonged pregnancy, and early intervention in women with diabetes, preeclampsia,
      high body mass index and of a higher age group. The aim of this study was to
      describe the development in fetal deaths with this more proactive birth induction
      practice, and to identify and quantify contributing factors for this development.
      DESIGN: National cohort study. SETTING: Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: Delivering women
      in Denmark, 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2012. OUTCOME MEASURES: Stillbirths per
      1000 women at risk (prospective risk of stillbirth) and per 1000 newborn from 37
      and 40 gestational weeks, respectively, through the study period. RESULTS: During
      the study period, 829,165 children were live born and 3770 (0.45%) stillborn.
      Induction of labour increased from 12.4% in year 2000 to 25.1% in 2012 (p<0.001),
      and the percentage of children born at or after 42 weeks decreased from 8.0% to
      1.5% (p<0.001). Through the same period, the prospective risk of stillbirth after
      37 weeks fell from 0.70 to 0.41/1000 ongoing pregnancies (p<0.001), and from 2.4
      to 1.4/1000 newborn (p<0.001). The regression analysis confirmed the inverse
      association between year of birth and risk of stillbirth. The lowest risk was
      observed in the years 2011-2012 as compared with years 2000-2002 with a fully
      adjusted HR of 0.69 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.83). The general earlier induction, the
      focused earlier induction of women with body mass index >30, twins, and of women
      above 40 years and a halving of smoking pregnant women were all independent
      contributing factors for the decrease. CONCLUSIONS: A gradually more proactive
      and differential earlier labour induction practice is likely to have mainly been
      responsible for the substantial reduction in stillbirths in Denmark.

PMID- 25125482
TI  - Preclinical characterization of 5-amino-4-oxo-[6-11C]hexanoic acid as an imaging
      probe to estimate protoporphyrin IX accumulation induced by exogenous
      aminolevulinic acid.
AB  - Preoperative noninvasive imaging to estimate the quantity and spatial
      distribution of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation in tumors induced by 5
      aminolevulinic acid (ALA) administration is expected to improve the efficacy of
      ALA-based fluorescence-guided resection and photo- and sonodynamic therapies.
      PpIX synthesis from exogenous ALA has been reported to be regulated by ALA influx
      or ALA dehydratase (ALAD) activity, which catalyzes the first step of the
      synthesis. In this study, we characterized the properties of a (11)C-labeled ALA
      analog, 5-amino-4-oxo-[6-(11)C]hexanoic acid ((11)C-MALA), as a PET tracer to
      estimate PpIX accumulation. METHODS: In vitro uptake of (11)C-MALA and (3)H-ALA
      was determined in 5 tumor cell lines after 10-min incubation with each tracer at
      37 degrees C. The expression levels of ALAD were determined by Western blot
      analysis. In vivo distribution and dynamic PET studies were conducted in tumor
      bearing mice. In vitro and in vivo accumulation of ALA-induced PpIX was
      determined by measuring fluorescence in extracts of cells or tumors. RESULTS: In
      vitro uptake of (11)C-MALA in 5 tumor cell lines was correlated with ALAD
      expression levels and PpIX accumulation. In vivo biodistribution and dynamic PET
      studies showed that (11)C-MALA was rapidly incorporated into tumors, and the
      tumor-to-muscle ratio of (11)C-MALA at 1 min after injection was significantly
      correlated with that of (3)H-ALA. (11)C-MALA in tumors was continuously decreased
      thereafter, and the elimination rate of (11)C-MALA from AsPC-1 tumors with the
      highest ALAD expression level was slower than from other tumors with lower
      expression levels. These results suggest that the influx and intracellular
      retention of (11)C-MALA reflect ALA influx and ALAD expression levels,
      respectively. Tumor accumulation of (11)C-MALA at 60 min after injection was
      strongly correlated with PpIX accumulation in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION: (11)C
      MALA PET has the potential to noninvasively estimate the quantitative and spatial
      accumulation of exogenous ALA-induced PpIX.

PMID- 25125481
TI  - Comparison of the amino acid tracers 18F-FET and 18F-DOPA in high-grade glioma
      patients.
AB  - High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are the most common malignant primary tumors of the
      central nervous system. PET probes of amino acid transport such as O-(2-(18)F
      fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine ((18)F-FET), 3,4-dihydroxy-6-(18)F-fluoro-l-phenylalanine
      ((18)F-DOPA), and (11)C-methionine ((11)C-MET) detect primary and recurrent
      tumors with a high accuracy. (18)F-FET is predominantly used in Europe, whereas
      amino acid transport imaging is infrequently done in the United States. The aim
      of this study was to determine whether (18)F-FET and (18)F-DOPA PET/CT provide
      comparable information in HGG. METHODS: Thirty (18)F-FET and (18)F-DOPA PET/CT
      scans were obtained before surgery or biopsy in 27 patients with high clinical
      suspicion for primary or recurrent HGG (5 primary, 22 recurrent tumors). (18)F
      FET and (18)F-DOPA PET/CT images were compared visually and semiquantitatively
      (maximum standardized uptake value [SUV(max)], mean SUV [SUV(mean)]). Background
      (SUV(max) and SUV(mean)) and tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) were calculated
      for both PET probes. The degree of (18)F-DOPA uptake in the basal ganglia
      (SUV(mean)) was also assessed. RESULTS: Visual analysis revealed no difference in
      tumor uptake pattern between the 2 PET probes. The SUV(mean) and SUV(max) for
      (18)F-FET were higher than those of (18)F-DOPA (4.0 +/- 2.0 and 4.9 +/- 2.3 vs.
      3.5 +/- 1.6 and 4.3 +/- 2.0, respectively; all P < 0.001). TBRs for SUV(mean) but
      not for SUV(max) were significantly higher for (18)F-FET than (18)F-DOPA (TBR
      SUV(mean): 3.8 +/- 1.7 vs. 3.4 +/- 1.2, P = 0.004; TBR SUV(max): 3.3 +/- 1.6 and
      3.0 +/- 1.1, respectively; P = 0.086). (18)F-DOPA uptake by the basal ganglia was
      present (SUV(mean), 2.6 +/- 0.7) but did not affect tumor visualization.
      CONCLUSION: Whereas visual analysis revealed no significant differences in uptake
      pattern for (18)F-FET and (18)F-DOPA in patients with primary or recurrent HGG,
      both SUVs and TBRs for SUV(mean) were significantly higher for (18)F-FET.
      However, regarding tumor delineation, both tracers performed equally well and
      seem equally feasible for imaging of primary and recurrent HGG. These findings
      suggest that both PET probes can be used based on availability in multicenter
      trials.

PMID- 25125483
TI  - Iatrogenic parkinsonism: the role of flunarizine and cinnarizine.
AB  - We performed a clinical report based, descriptive and retrospective study, aimed
      at comparing Flunarizine/Cinnarizine-induced parkinsonism (FCIP) patients and
      Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The FCIP group (n = 30) presented a lower
      frequency of rigidity and unilateral tremor than the PD group (n = 70). All FCIP
      patients improved, 13 after dopaminergic treatment. FCIP patients who improved
      spontaneously presented lower frequency of rigidity, compared with the other FCIP
      subgroup and PD group. FCIP patients who did not improve spontaneously showed a
      clinical pattern similar to PD patients. 

PMID- 25125484
TI  - Medio-lateral balance impairment differentiates between Parkinson's disease and
      atypical parkinsonism.
AB  - In early disease stages, it can be difficult to differentiate clinically between
      Parkinson's disease and the various forms of atypical parkinsonism, like multiple
      system atrophy or progressive supranuclear palsy. Balance impairment in the medio
      lateral plane (i.e. sideways) is often seen in patients with a form of atypical
      parkinsonism, but not in patients with Parkinson's disease. This is reflected by
      the distance between the feet during gait, which is typically normal (or even
      narrow) in Parkinson's disease, but widened in atypical parkinsonism. Estimating
      this stance width depends on subjective judgement, and is difficult to quantify
      in clinical practice. Here, we emphasize that this medio-lateral balance
      impairment can also be revealed using two simple tests: (1) inability to perform
      tandem gait (taking one or more side steps being abnormal); and (2) self-report
      by patients who have lost the ability to ride a bicycle. Both tests have a good
      diagnostic yield in differentiating between Parkinson's disease and atypical
      parkinsonism, even early in the course of the disease. 

PMID- 25125485
TI  - Tumor-associated macrophages as major players in the tumor microenvironment.
AB  - During tumor progression, circulating monocytes and macrophages are actively
      recruited into tumors where they alter the tumor microenvironment to accelerate
      tumor progression. Macrophages shift their functional phenotypes in response to
      various microenvironmental signals generated from tumor and stromal cells. Based
      on their function, macrophages are divided broadly into two categories: classical
      M1 and alternative M2 macrophages. The M1 macrophage is involved in the
      inflammatory response, pathogen clearance, and antitumor immunity. In contrast,
      the M2 macrophage influences an anti-inflammatory response, wound healing, and
      pro-tumorigenic properties. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) closely resemble
      the M2-polarized macrophages and are critical modulators of the tumor
      microenvironment. Clinicopathological studies have suggested that TAM
      accumulation in tumors correlates with a poor clinical outcome. Consistent with
      that evidence, experimental and animal studies have supported the notion that
      TAMs can provide a favorable microenvironment to promote tumor development and
      progression. In this review article, we present an overview of mechanisms
      responsible for TAM recruitment and highlight the roles of TAMs in the regulation
      of tumor angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, immunosuppression, and
      chemotherapeutic resistance. Finally, we discuss TAM-targeting therapy as a
      promising novel strategy for an indirect cancer therapy. 

PMID- 25125486
TI  - Distinct networks of leptin- and insulin-sensing neurons regulate thermogenic
      responses to nutritional and cold challenges.
AB  - Defense of core body temperature (Tc) can be energetically costly; thus, it is
      critical that thermoregulatory circuits are modulated by signals of energy
      availability. Hypothalamic leptin and insulin signals relay information about
      energy status and are reported to promote thermogenesis, raising the possibility
      that they interact to direct an appropriate response to nutritional and thermal
      challenges. To test this idea, we used an Nkx2.1-Cre driver to generate
      conditional knockouts (KOs) in mice of leptin receptor (L(2.1)KO), insulin
      receptor (I(2.1)KO), and double KOs of both receptors (D(2.1)KO). L(2.1)KOs are
      hyperphagic and obese, whereas I(2.1)KOs are similar to controls. D(2.1)KOs
      exhibit higher body weight and adiposity than L(2.1)KOs, solely due to reduced
      energy expenditure. At 20-22 degrees C, fed L(2.1)KOs maintain a lower baseline
      Tc than controls, which is further decreased in D(2.1)KOs. After an overnight
      fast, some L(2.1)KOs dramatically suppress energy expenditure and enter a torpor
      like state; this behavior is markedly enhanced in D(2.1)KOs. When fasted mice are
      exposed to 4 degrees C, L(2.1)KOs and D(2.1)KOs both mount a robust thermogenic
      response and rapidly increase Tc. These observations support the idea that
      neuronal populations that integrate information about energy stores to regulate
      the defense of Tc set points are distinct from those required to respond to a
      cold challenge.

PMID- 25125487
TI  - Loss-of-function mutations in ABCA1 and enhanced beta-cell secretory capacity in
      young adults.
AB  - Loss-of-function mutations affecting the cholesterol transporter ATP-binding
      cassette transporter subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) impair cellular cholesterol
      efflux and are associated with reduced HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. ABCA1 may
      also be important in regulating beta-cell cholesterol homeostasis and insulin
      secretion. We sought to determine whether loss-of-function ABCA1 mutations affect
      beta-cell secretory capacity in humans by performing glucose-potentiated arginine
      tests in three subjects homozygous for ABCA1 mutations (age 25 +/- 11 years),
      eight heterozygous subjects (28 +/- 7 years), and eight normal control subjects
      pair-matched to the heterozygous carriers. To account for any effect of low HDL-C
      on insulin secretion, we studied nine subjects with isolated low HDL-C with no
      ABCA1 mutations (age 26 +/- 6 years) and nine pair-matched control subjects.
      Homozygotes for ABCA1 mutations exhibited enhanced oral glucose tolerance and
      dramatically increased beta-cell secretory capacity that was also greater in
      ABCA1 heterozygous subjects than in control subjects, with no differences in
      insulin sensitivity. Isolated low HDL-C subjects also demonstrated an increase in
      beta-cell secretory capacity but in contrast to those with ABCA1 mutations,
      exhibited impaired insulin sensitivity, supporting beta-cell compensation for
      increased insulin demand. These data indicate that loss-of-function mutations in
      ABCA1 in young adults may be associated with enhanced beta-cell secretory
      capacity and normal insulin sensitivity and support the importance of cellular
      cholesterol homeostasis in regulating beta-cell insulin secretion.

PMID- 25125489
TI  - Public service stress and burnout over 12 months.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research indicates that workplace stress has the potential to harm
      employee health with stress and stress-related absence increasing significantly
      during economic recession and times of organizational change. AIMS: To explore
      whether psychosocial hazards and burnout changed over a 12 month period in a
      public sector organization during a period of severely reduced organizational
      finances. METHODS: The Management Standards Indicator Tool (MSIT) and the Maslach
      Burnout Inventory-General Scale (MBI-GS) were administered to employees of one
      local government department in July 2011 and July 2012. RESULTS: A total of 128
      employees completed the questionnaires in July 2011 (response rate 67%) and 57 in
      July 2012 (response rate 54%). MSIT factor scores of demands, peer support and
      role worsened significantly over the period of study. Furthermore, all
      psychosocial hazards scored worse than the recommended level set by Health and
      Safety Executive. Two burnout dimensions, 'demands' and 'cynicism', significantly
      worsened over the 12 month period but professional efficacy increased.
      CONCLUSIONS: The MSIT and MBI-GS appeared to have utility in this comparison.
      Psychosocial hazards appeared to worsen over the 12 months of the study, as
      'demands' and 'cynicism' increased. However, an increase in professional efficacy
      was also seen, which requires further investigation.

PMID- 25125490
TI  - Integrating attachment and depression in the confluence model of sexual assault
      perpetration.
AB  - This study sought to extend the confluence model of sexual assault perpetration
      by examining attachment insecurity and depression as additional predictors of
      sexual aggression. Male college students (N = 193) completed an online
      questionnaire assessing confluence model constructs in addition to attachment and
      history of depression. Overall, the model fit the data well, chi(2)(11, 193) =
      19.43, p = ns; root mean square error of approximation = .063; comparative fit
      index = .94. Attachment and depression demonstrated both direct and indirect
      relationships with perpetration severity. The results contribute to elucidating
      the process by which certain men become susceptible to perpetrating sexual
      assault. Implications are discussed. 

PMID- 25125488
TI  - Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade improves coronary microvascular function in
      individuals with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Reduced coronary flow reserve (CFR), an indicator of coronary microvascular
      dysfunction, is seen in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and predicts cardiac
      mortality. Since aldosterone plays a key role in vascular injury, the aim of this
      study was to determine whether mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blockade improves
      CFR in individuals with T2DM. Sixty-four men and women with well-controlled
      diabetes on chronic ACE inhibition (enalapril 20 mg/day) were randomized to add
      on therapy of spironolactone 25 mg, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.5 mg, or
      placebo for 6 months. CFR was assessed by cardiac positron emission tomography at
      baseline and at the end of treatment. There were significant and similar
      decreases in systolic blood pressure with spironolactone and HCTZ but not with
      placebo. CFR improved with treatment in the spironolactone group as compared with
      the HCTZ group and with the combined HCTZ and placebo groups. The increase in CFR
      with spironolactone remained significant after controlling for baseline CFR,
      change in BMI, race, and statin use. Treatment with spironolactone improved
      coronary microvascular function, raising the possibility that MR blockade could
      have beneficial effects in preventing cardiovascular disease in patients with
      T2DM.

PMID- 25125491
TI  - Interview interruption and responses to questions about domestic violence in
      India.
AB  - This article uses the National Family Health Survey 2005-2006 (NFHS-3) of India
      to examine the relationship between interview interruption and the reporting of
      domestic violence. A sample of 65,610 currently married women was used to compare
      reported acts of physical and sexual violence among women who had been
      interrupted during their interview and those who had not. Logistic regression
      analyses indicated that women whose interviews were interrupted by either an
      adult man or woman were significantly more likely to report intimate partner
      violence. 

PMID- 25125492
TI  - The explanatory role of relationship power and control in domestic violence
      against women in Nicaragua: a feminist psychology analysis.
AB  - This study offers a feminist psychology analysis of various aspects of
      relationship power and control and their relative explanatory contribution to
      understanding physical, psychological, and sexual violence against women.
      Findings from structured interviews with 345 women from rural Nicaragua (M age =
      44) overwhelmingly demonstrate that measures of power and control reflecting
      interpersonal relationship dynamics have the strongest predictive power for
      explaining violence when compared in multivariate analyses to several of the more
      commonly used measures. These findings have implications for future research and
      the evaluation of interventions designed to decrease levels of violence against
      women. 

PMID- 25125493
TI  - Evaluation of the Green Dot Bystander Intervention to Reduce Interpersonal
      Violence Among College Students Across Three Campuses.
AB  - Evidence suggests that interventions to engage bystanders in violence prevention
      increase bystander intentions and efficacy to intervene, yet the impact of such
      programs on violence remains unknown. This study compared rates of violence by
      type among undergraduate students attending a college campus with the Green Dot
      bystander intervention (n = 2,768) with students at two colleges without
      bystander programs (n = 4,258). Violent victimization rates were significantly (p
      < .01) lower among students attending the campus with Green Dot relative to the
      two comparison campuses. Violence perpetration rates were lower among males
      attending the intervention campus. Implications of these results for research and
      practice are discussed. 

PMID- 25125494
TI  - Extending Johnson's intimate partner violence typology: lessons from an
      adolescent sample.
AB  - Johnson's intimate partner violence (IPV) typology-categorizing IPV by both use
      and receipt of physical violence and controlling behaviors-effectively predicts
      IPV consequences among adults. His typology has not yet been applied to
      adolescents, an important population for early IPV intervention. Therefore, in
      analyzing IPV covariates among 493 female urban high school students, we used as
      key predictors both Johnson's original typology and, for enhanced clarity, a
      relationship-level extension. Preliminary evidence suggests that the pattern of
      adolescent IPV differs substantially from that of adult IPV and that a
      relationship-level typology provided additional clarity in categorizing this
      pattern. 

PMID- 25125495
TI  - miR-1, miR-133a/b, and miR-208a in human fetal hearts correlate to the apoptotic
      and proliferation markers.
AB  - The heart is the first organ to function in the developing embryo. MicroRNAs
      (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs involved in the translational regulation of
      gene expression, which is beside transcriptional regulation crucial for the
      morphologic development of muscle tissue. The aim of our study was to test the
      hypothesis that the expression of miR-1, miR-133a/b, and miR-208a correlates with
      gestational age as well as with an apoptotic and proliferative index in the
      developing human heart. Our study included normal heart tissue samples obtained
      at autopsy from 46 fetuses, 12 children, and 15 adults. Proliferation and
      apoptosis were measured by the immunohistochemical detection of Ki67 and cleaved
      CK18. Expression of miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-208a was measured using
      real-time PCR. We found a similar level of expression of miR-133a/b in fetal and
      children hearts that was different from the levels in healthy adults. We also
      found a correlation between a miR-208a expression to the gestational age of
      fetuses. We observed an inverse correlation between Ki67 expression and
      gestational age. Expression of Ki67 was positively correlated to the expression
      of miR-208a and miR-1, but inversely correlated to the expression of miR-133a/b.
      Expression of cleaved-CK18 was also inversely correlated to the expression of miR
      133a/b. Our results showed a general decrease in the expression of miR-1 and an
      increase of miR-133a/b with increasing gestational age. We also found a general
      decrease in the expression of miR-208a, mimicking the expression of its host
      gene. Our results also suggest the involvement of miR-208a and miR-1 in the
      proliferation as well as anti-proliferative and anti-apoptotic roles of miR
      133a/b. 

PMID- 25125496
TI  - Combination of honokiol and magnolol inhibits hepatic steatosis through AMPK
      SREBP-1 c pathway.
AB  - Honokiol and magnolol, as pharmacological biphenolic compounds of Magnolia
      officinalis, have been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
      properties. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 c (SREBP-1 c) plays an
      important role in the development and processing of steatosis in the liver. In
      the present study, we investigated the effects of a combination of honokiol and
      magnolol on SREBP-1 c-dependent lipogenesis in hepatocytes as well as in mice
      with fatty liver due to consumption of high-fat diet (HFD). Liver X receptor
      alpha (LXRalpha) agonists induced activation of SREBP-1 c and expression of
      lipogenic genes, which were blocked by co-treatment of honokiol and magnolol
      (HM). Moreover, a combination of HM potently increased mRNA of fatty acid
      oxidation genes. HM induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an inhibitory
      kinase of the LXRalpha-SREBP-1 c pathway. The role of AMPK activation induced by
      HM was confirmed using an inhibitor of AMPK, Compound C, which reversed the
      ability of HM to both inhibit SREBP-1 c induction as well as induce genes for
      fatty acid oxidation. In mice, HM administration for four weeks ameliorated HFD
      induced hepatic steatosis and liver dysfunction, as indicated by plasma
      parameters and Oil Red O staining. Taken together, our results demonstrated that
      a combination of HM has beneficial effects on inhibition of fatty liver and SREBP
      1 c-mediated hepatic lipogenesis, and these events may be mediated by AMPK
      activation.

PMID- 25125497
TI  - Dengue virus infection induces broadly cross-reactive human IgM antibodies that
      recognize intact virions in humanized BLT-NSG mice.
AB  - The development of small animal models that elicit human immune responses to
      dengue virus (DENV) is important since prior immunity is a major risk factor for
      developing severe dengue disease. This study evaluated anti-DENV human antibody
      (hAb) responses generated from immortalized B cells after DENV-2 infection in NOD
      scid IL2rgamma(null) mice that were co-transplanted with human fetal thymus and
      liver tissues (BLT-NSG mice). DENV-specific human antibodies predominantly of the
      IgM isotype were isolated during acute infection and in convalescence. We found
      that while a few hAbs recognized the envelope protein produced as a soluble
      recombinant, a number of hAbs only recognized epitopes on intact virions. The
      majority of the hAbs isolated during acute infection and in immune mice were
      serotype-cross-reactive and poorly neutralizing. Viral titers in immune BLT-NSG
      mice were significantly decreased after challenge with a clinical strain of
      dengue. DENV-specific hAbs generated in BLT-NSG mice share some of the
      characteristics of Abs isolated in humans with natural infection. Humanized BLT
      NSG mice provide an attractive preclinical platform to assess the immunogenicity
      of candidate dengue vaccines. 

PMID- 25125498
TI  - Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors augment UT-15C-stimulated ATP release from
      erythrocytes of humans with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - Both prostacyclin analogs and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are effective
      treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In addition to direct
      effects on vascular smooth muscle, prostacyclin analogs increase cAMP levels and
      ATP release from healthy human erythrocytes. We hypothesized that UT-15C, an
      orally available form of the prostacyclin analog, treprostinil, would stimulate
      ATP release from erythrocytes of humans with PAH and that this release would be
      augmented by PDE5 inhibitors. Erythrocytes were isolated and the effect of UT-15C
      on cAMP levels and ATP release were measured in the presence and absence of the
      PDE5 inhibitors, zaprinast or tadalafil. In addition, the ability of a soluble
      guanylyl cyclase inhibitor to prevent the effects of tadalafil was determined.
      Erythrocytes of healthy humans and humans with PAH respond to UT-15C with
      increases in cAMP levels and ATP release. In both groups, UT-15C-induced ATP
      release was potentiated by zaprinast and tadalafil. The effect of tadalafil was
      prevented by pre-treatment with an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase in
      healthy human erythrocytes. Importantly, UT-15C-induced ATP release was greater
      in PAH erythrocytes than in healthy human erythrocytes in both the presence and
      the absence of PDE5 inhibitors. The finding that prostacyclin analogs and PDE5
      inhibitors work synergistically to enhance release of the potent vasodilator ATP
      from PAH erythrocytes provides a new rationale for the co-administration of these
      drugs in this disease. Moreover, these results suggest that the erythrocyte is a
      novel target for future drug development for the treatment of PAH. 

PMID- 25125499
TI  - Ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide inhibits cholestasis- and hypoxia
      induced apoptosis by upregulating antiapoptosis proteins.
AB  - An increase of toxic bile acids such as glycochenodeoxycholic acid occurs during
      warm ischemia reperfusion causing cholestasis and damage in hepatocytes and
      intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells. We aim to test antiapoptosis effects of
      ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide under cholestatic induction by
      glycochenodeoxycholic acid treatment of mouse hepatocytes and hypoxia induction
      by cobalt chloride treatment of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cancer Mz-ChA
      1cell line. Such treatments caused marked increases in apoptosis as evidenced by
      activation of caspase 3, caspase 8 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1. Co
      treatment with ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide significantly
      inhibited these increases. Interestingly, ursodeoxycholyl
      lysophosphatidylethanolamide was able to increase expression of antiapoptotic
      cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein in both cell types. Ursodeoxycholyl
      lysophosphatidylethanolamide also prevented the decreases of myeloid cell
      leukemia sequence-1 protein in both experimental systems, and this protection was
      due to ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide's ability to inhibit
      ubiquitination-mediated degradation of myeloid cell leukemia sequence-1, and to
      increase the phosphorylation of GSK-3beta. In addition, ursodeoxycholyl
      lysophosphatidylethanolamide was able to prevent the decreased expression of
      another antiapoptotic cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 2 in cobalt chloride
      treated Mz-ChA-1 cells. Hence, ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide
      mediated cytoprotection against apoptosis during toxic bile-acid and ischemic
      stresses by a mechanism involving accumulation of cellular FLICE-inhibitory
      protein, myeloid cell leukemia sequence-1 and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 2
      proteins. Ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide may thus be used as an
      agent to prevent hepatic ischemia reperfusion. 

PMID- 25125500
TI  - Preparation and antitumor effect of a toxin-linked conjugate targeting vascular
      endothelial growth factor receptor and urokinase plasminogen activator.
AB  - The aberrant signaling activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor
      (VEGFR) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is a common characteristic of
      many tumors, including lung cancer. Accordingly, VEGFR and uPA have emerged as
      attractive targets for tumor. KDR (Flk-1/VEGFR-2), a member of the VEGFR family,
      has been recognized as an important target for antiangiogenesis in tumor. In this
      study, a recombinant immunotoxin was produced to specifically target KDR
      expressing tumor vascular endothelial cells and uPA-expressing tumor cells and
      mediate antitumor angiogenesis and antitumor effect. Based on its potent
      inhibitory effect on protein synthesis, Luffin-beta (Lbeta) ribosome-inactivating
      protein was selected as part of a recombinant fusion protein, a single-chain
      variable fragment against KDR (KDRscFv)-uPA cleavage site (uPAcs)-Lbeta-KDEL
      (named as KPLK). The KDRscFv-uPAcs-Lbeta-KDEL (KPLK) contained a single-chain
      variable fragment (scFv) against KDR, uPAcs, Lbeta, and the retention signal for
      endoplasmic reticulum proteins KDEL (Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu). The KPLK-expressing vector
      was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the KPLK protein was isolated with nickel
      affinity chromatography and gel filtration chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis test demonstrated KPLK was effectively
      expressed. Result of in vitro cell viability assay on non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) H460 cell line (uPA-positive cell) revealed that KPLK significantly
      inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and accumulated cells in S and
      G2/M phases, but the normal cell line (human submandibular gland cell) was
      unaffected. These effects were enhanced when uPA was added to digest KPLK to
      release Lbeta. For in vivo assay of KPLK, subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of
      nude mice were established with H460 cells. Growth of solid tumors was
      significantly inhibited in animals treated with KPLK up to 21 days, tumor weights
      were decreased, and the expression of angiogenesis marker CD31 was downregulated;
      meanwhile, the apoptosis-related protein casspase-3 was upregulated. These
      results suggested that the recombinant KPLK may have therapeutic applications on
      tumors, especially uPA-overexpressing ones. 

PMID- 25125502
TI  - Effect of perceived stress on cytokine production in healthy college students.
AB  - Chronic psychological stress impairs antibody synthesis following influenza
      vaccination. Chronic stress also increases circulating levels of proinflammatory
      cytokines and glucocorticoids in elders and caregivers, which can impair antibody
      synthesis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether psychological
      stress increases ex vivo cytokine production or decreases glucocorticoid
      sensitivity (GCS) of peripheral blood leukocytes from healthy college students. A
      convenience sample of Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students completed
      the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Whole blood was incubated in the presence of
      influenza vaccine and dexamethasone to evaluate production of interleukin-6 (IL
      6), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and
      interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Multiple regression models controlling for age,
      gender, and grade point average revealed a negative relationship between PSS and
      GCS for vaccine-stimulated production of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. These
      data increase our understanding of the complex relationship between chronic
      stress and immune function. 

PMID- 25125501
TI  - Telmisartan induces apoptosis and regulates Bcl-2 in human renal cancer cells.
AB  - It has been well-characterized that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS)
      physiologically regulates systemic arterial pressure. However, RAS signaling has
      also been shown to increase cell proliferation during malignancy, and angiotensin
      receptor blockers (ARBs) are able to decrease pro-survival signaling by
      inhibiting anti-apoptotic molecules and suppressing caspase activity. In this
      study, the apoptotic effects of telmisartan, a type of ARB, was evaluated using a
      non-cancerous human renal cell line (HEK) and a human renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
      cell line (786). Both types of cells were treated with telmisartan for 4 h, 24 h,
      and 48 h, and then were assayed for levels of apoptosis, caspase-3, and Bcl-2
      using MTT assays, flow cytometry, and immunostaining studies. Analysis of
      variance was used to identify significant differences between these data (P <
      0.05). Following the treatment of 786 cells with 100 uM and 200 uM telmisartan, a
      marked inhibition of cell proliferation was observed. 50 uM cisplatin also caused
      high inhibition of these cells. Moreover, these inhibitions were both
      concentration- and time-dependent (P < 0.05). Various apoptotic effects were also
      observed compared with control cells at the 24 h and 48 h timepoints assayed (P <
      0.001). Furthermore, positive caspase-3 staining and down-regulation of Bcl-2
      were detected, consistent with induction of cell death. In contrast, treatment of
      HEK cells with telmisartan did not produce an apoptotic effect compared with
      control cells at the 24 h timepoint (P > 0.05). Treatment with cisplatin promoted
      in HEK cells high index of apoptosis (P < 0.001). Taken together, these results
      suggest that telmisartan induces apoptosis via down-regulation of Bcl-2 and
      involvement of caspase-3 in human RCC cells. 

PMID- 25125503
TI  - Tomato fruit chromoplasts behave as respiratory bioenergetic organelles during
      ripening.
AB  - During tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit ripening, chloroplasts differentiate
      into photosynthetically inactive chromoplasts. It was recently reported that
      tomato chromoplasts can synthesize ATP through a respiratory process called
      chromorespiration. Here we show that chromoplast oxygen consumption is stimulated
      by the electron donors NADH and NADPH and is sensitive to octyl gallate (Ogal), a
      plastidial terminal oxidase inhibitor. The ATP synthesis rate of isolated
      chromoplasts was dependent on the supply of NAD(P)H and was fully inhibited by
      Ogal. It was also inhibited by the proton uncoupler carbonylcyanide m
      chlorophenylhydrazone, suggesting the involvement of a chemiosmotic gradient. In
      addition, ATP synthesis was sensitive to 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p
      benzoquinone, a cytochrome b6f complex inhibitor. The possible participation of
      this complex in chromorespiration was supported by the detection of one of its
      components (cytochrome f) in chromoplasts using immunoblot and immunocytochemical
      techniques. The observed increased expression of cytochrome c6 during ripening
      suggests that it could act as electron acceptor of the cytochrome b6f complex in
      chromorespiration. The effects of Ogal on respiration and ATP levels were also
      studied in tissue samples. Oxygen uptake of mature green fruit and leaf tissues
      was not affected by Ogal, but was inhibited increasingly in fruit pericarp
      throughout ripening (up to 26% in red fruit). Similarly, Ogal caused a
      significant decrease in ATP content of red fruit pericarp. The number of
      energized mitochondria, as determined by confocal microscopy, strongly decreased
      in fruit tissue during ripening. Therefore, the contribution of chromoplasts to
      total fruit respiration appears to increase in late ripening stages. 

PMID- 25125505
TI  - Beneficial effect of pistachio consumption on glucose metabolism, insulin
      resistance, inflammation, and related metabolic risk markers: a randomized
      clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a pistachio-rich diet reduces the prediabetes stage
      and improves its metabolic risk profile. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Prediabetic
      subjects were recruited to participate in this Spanish randomized clinical trial
      between 20 September 2011 and 4 February 2013. In a crossover manner, 54 subjects
      consumed two diets, each for 4 months: a pistachio-supplemented diet (PD) and a
      control diet (CD). A 2-week washout period separated study periods. Diets were
      isocaloric and matched for protein, fiber, and saturated fatty acids. A total of
      55% of the CD calories came from carbohydrates and 30% from fat, whereas for the
      PD, these percentages were 50 and 35%, respectively (including 57 g/day of
      pistachios). RESULTS: Fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA of insulin resistance
      decreased significantly after the PD compared with the CD. Other cardiometabolic
      risk markers such as fibrinogen, oxidized LDL, and platelet factor 4
      significantly decreased under the PD compared with the CD (P < 0.05), whereas
      glucagon-like peptide-1 increased. Interleukin-6 mRNA and resistin gene
      expression decreased by 9 and 6%, respectively, in lymphocytes after the
      pistachio intervention (P < 0.05, for PD vs. CD). SLC2A4 expression increased by
      69% in CD (P = 0.03, for PD vs. CD). Cellular glucose uptake by lymphocytes
      decreased by 78.78% during the PD (P = 0.01, PD vs. CD). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic
      pistachio consumption is emerging as a useful nutritional strategy for the
      prediabetic state. Data suggest that pistachios have a glucose- and insulin
      lowering effect, promote a healthier metabolic profile, and reverse certain
      metabolic deleterious consequences of prediabetes.

PMID- 25125504
TI  - Beyond the barrier: communication in the root through the endodermis.
AB  - The root endodermis is characterized by the Casparian strip and by the suberin
      lamellae, two hydrophobic barriers that restrict the free diffusion of molecules
      between the inner cell layers of the root and the outer environment. The presence
      of these barriers and the position of the endodermis between the inner and outer
      parts of the root require that communication between these two domains acts
      through the endodermis. Recent work on hormone signaling, propagation of calcium
      waves, and plant-fungal symbiosis has provided evidence in support of the
      hypothesis that the endodermis acts as a signaling center. The endodermis is also
      a unique mechanical barrier to organogenesis, which must be overcome through
      chemical and mechanical cross talk between cell layers to allow for development
      of new lateral organs while maintaining its barrier functions. In this review, we
      discuss recent findings regarding these two important aspects of the endodermis. 

PMID- 25125506
TI  - Efficacy and safety of oral methazolamide in patients with type 2 diabetes: a 24
      week, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of methazolamide as a potential
      therapy for type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This double-blind,
      placebo-controlled study randomized 76 patients to oral methazolamide (40 mg
      b.i.d.) or placebo for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy end point for methazolamide
      treatment was a placebo-corrected reduction in HbA1c from baseline after 24 weeks
      (DeltaHbA1c). RESULTS: Mean +/- SD baseline HbA1c was 7.1 +/- 0.7% (54 +/- 5
      mmol/mol; n = 37) and 7.4 +/- 0.6% (57 +/- 5 mmol/mol; n = 39) in the
      methazolamide and placebo groups, respectively. Methazolamide treatment was
      associated with a DeltaHbA1c of -0.39% (95% CI -0.82, 0.04; P < 0.05) (-4.3
      mmol/mol [-9.0, 0.4]), an increase in the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c
      <=6.5% (48 mmol/mol) from 8 to 33%, a rapid reduction in alanine aminotransferase
      (~10 units/L), and weight loss (2%) in metformin-cotreated patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Methazolamide is the archetype for a new intervention in type 2 diabetes with
      clinical benefits beyond glucose control.

PMID- 25125507
TI  - Brain iron overload, insulin resistance, and cognitive performance in obese
      subjects: a preliminary MRI case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The linkage among the tissue iron stores, insulin resistance (IR), and
      cognition remains unclear in the obese population. We aimed to identify the
      factors that contribute to increased hepatic iron concentration (HIC) and brain
      iron overload (BIO), as evaluated by MRI, and to evaluate their impact on
      cognitive performance in obese and nonobese subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND
      METHODS: We prospectively recruited 23 middle-aged obese subjects without
      diabetes (13 women; age 50.4 +/- 7.7 years; BMI 43.7 +/- 4.48 kg/m2) and 20
      healthy nonobese volunteers (10 women; age 48.8 +/- 9.5 years; BMI 24.3 +/- 3.54
      kg/m2) in whom iron load was assessed in white and gray matter and the liver by
      MRI. IR was measured from HOMA-IR and an oral glucose tolerance test. A battery
      of neuropsychological tests was used to evaluate the cognitive performance.
      Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify the independent
      associations of BIO and cognitive performance. RESULTS: A significant increase in
      iron load was detected at the caudate nucleus (P < 0.001), lenticular nucleus (P
      = 0.004), hypothalamus (P = 0.002), hippocampus (P < 0.001), and liver (P <
      0.001) in obese subjects. There was a positive correlation between HIC and BIO at
      caudate (r = 0.517, P < 0.001), hypothalamus (r = 0.396, P = 0.009), and
      hippocampus (r = 0.347, P < 0.023). The area under the curve of insulin was
      independently associated with BIO at the caudate (P = 0.001), hippocampus (P =
      0.028), and HIC (P = 0.025). BIOs at the caudate (P = 0.028), hypothalamus (P =
      0.006), and lenticular nucleus (P = 0.012) were independently associated with
      worse cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and IR may contribute to
      increased HIC and BIO being associated with worse cognitive performance. BIO
      could be a potentially useful MRI biomarker for IR and obesity-associated
      cognitive dysfunction.

PMID- 25125508
TI  - Impact of a community health workers-led structured program on blood glucose
      control among latinos with type 2 diabetes: the DIALBEST trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Latinos with type 2 diabetes (T2D) face major healthcare access and
      disease management disparities. We examined the impact of the Diabetes Among
      Latinos Best Practices Trial (DIALBEST), a community health worker (CHW)-led
      structured intervention for improving glycemic control among Latinos with T2D.
      RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 211 adult Latinos with poorly controlled
      T2D were randomly assigned to a standard of healthcare (n = 106) or CHW (n = 105)
      group. The CHW intervention comprised 17 individual sessions delivered at home by
      CHWs over a 12-month period. Sessions addressed T2D complications, healthy
      lifestyles, nutrition, healthy food choices and diet for diabetes, blood glucose
      self-monitoring, and medication adherence. Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle,
      anthropometric, and biomarker (HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile)
      data were collected at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months (6 months
      postintervention). Groups were equivalent at baseline. RESULTS: Participants had
      high HbA1c at baseline (mean 9.58% [81.2 mmol/mol]). Relative to participants in
      the control group, CHWs had a positive impact on net HbA1c improvements at 3
      months (-0.42% [-4.62 mmol/mol]), 6 months (-0.47% [-5.10 mmol/mol]), 12 months (
      0.57% [-6.18 mmol/mol]), and 18 months (-0.55% [-6.01 mmol/mol]). The overall
      repeated-measures group effect was statistically significant (mean difference 
      0.51% [-5.57 mmol/mol], 95% CI -0.83, -0.19% [-9.11, -2.03 mmol/mol], P = 0.002).
      CHWs had an overall significant effect on fasting glucose concentration that was
      more pronounced at the 12- and 18-month visits. There was no significant effect
      on blood lipid levels, hypertension, and weight. CONCLUSIONS: DIALBEST is an
      effective intervention for improving blood glucose control among Latinos with
      T2D.

PMID- 25125511
TI  - The role of non-governmental organizations in residential solid waste management:
      a case study of Puducherry, a coastal city of India.
AB  - Poorly planned and uncontrolled urbanization in India has caused a variety of
      negative, often irreversible, environmental impacts. The impacts appear to be
      unavoidable and not easily mitigable due to the mounting public health problems
      caused by non-segregation of solid wastes at source and their subsequent improper
      management. Recently in India, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other
      civil society organizations have increasingly started to get involved in
      improving waste management services. Municipal solid waste management being a
      governmental function, the contribution of NGOs in this field has not been well
      documented. This study highlights the activities and services of Shuddham, an NGO
      functioning in the town of Puducherry within the Union Territory of Puducherry in
      South India. The NGO program promoted much needed awareness and education,
      encouraged source separation, enhanced door-to-door collection, utilized wastes
      as raw materials and generated more job opportunities. Even though source
      separation prior to door-to-door collection is a relatively new concept, a
      significant percentage of residents (39%) in the study area participated fully,
      while a further 48% participated in the collection service. The average amount of
      municipal solid waste generated by residential units in the Raj Bhavan ward was
      8582 kg/month of which 47% was recovered through active recycling and composting
      practices. The study describes the features and performance of NGO-mediated solid
      waste management, and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses as well as the
      opportunities and threats of this system to see whether this model can
      sustainably replace the low-performance conventional solid waste management in
      practice in the town of Puducherry. The experiences from this case study are
      expected to provide broad guidelines to better understand the role of NGOs and
      their contributions towards sustainable waste management practices in urban
      areas. 

PMID- 25125510
TI  - Enhancing biogas production from anaerobic biodegradation of the organic fraction
      of municipal solid waste through leachate blending and recirculation.
AB  - Leachate recirculation has a profound advantage on biodegradation of the organic
      fraction of municipal solid waste in landfills. Mature leachate from older
      sections of landfills (>10 years) and young leachate were blended and added to
      organic fraction of municipal solid waste in a series of biomethane potential
      assay experiments with different mixing ratios of mature and young leachate and
      their effect on biogas production was monitored. The improvement in biogas
      production was in the range of 19%-41% depending on the ratio of mixing old and
      new leachate. The results are conclusive that the biogas generation could be
      improved by blending the old and new leachate in a bioreactor landfill system as
      compared with a conventional system employed in bioreactor landfills today for
      recirculating the same age leachate. 

PMID- 25125512
TI  - Calcaneal "Z" osteotomy effect on hindfoot varus after triple arthrodesis in a
      cadaver model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Triple arthrodesis involves subtalar, talonavicular, and
      calcaneocuboid joint fusion and is performed to relieve pain and correct
      deformity. Complications include malunion resulting in equinovarus and lateral
      column overload, which can lead to painful callosities and stress fractures. This
      study quantified the effectiveness of a closing-wedge calcaneal "Z" osteotomy for
      correction of the varus condition and reduction of abnormal loading of the
      lateral border of the foot. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen feet were used. Angle
      meters were attached to the calcaneus and second cuneiform to measure hindfoot
      and midfoot varus, and pressure sensors were placed under the first and fifth
      metatarsal heads to document loading of the borders of the foot. Tensile loads
      were applied to ten extrinsic tendons and the Achilles tendon while an 1187 N
      axial foot load was applied. Calcaneus and second cuneiform coronal plane angles
      and medial and lateral plantar pressures were measured initially, after triple
      fusion-induced varus, and after "Z" osteotomy. RESULTS: The calcaneal "Z"
      osteotomy had no significant corrective effect, with hindfoot alignment virtually
      identical before and after the procedure under the described foot loading
      conditions. Similarly, second cuneiform inclination, representative of midfoot
      alignment, showed no change from the osteotomy. Medial and lateral peak plantar
      pressures after calcaneal "Z" osteotomy did not differ from those measured after
      varus triple fusion. CONCLUSION: In this cadaver model of varus malunited triple
      arthrodesis, the closing-wedge calcaneal "Z" osteotomy was ineffective for
      correction of bone alignment and lateral forefoot overloading under the tested
      conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results provide additional information on
      which to base treatment after triple arthrodesis with varus malunion.

PMID- 25125513
TI  - Comparison of nonlocking plates and locking plates for intraarticular calcaneal
      fracture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures
      remains challenging. Currently, there is no uniform method to treat such
      fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the radiographic and clinical
      outcome of nonlocking plates and locking plates in the treatment of
      intraarticular calcaneal fractures. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study
      was performed including 42 patients with intraarticular calcaneal fractures that
      were treated by nonlocking plate (n = 18) or locking plates (n = 24) between
      January 2010 and June 2012. Radiological and functional outcomes were compared
      between the 2 groups. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, all fractures were healed,
      and the patients with a locking plate had a significantly better Bohler's angle
      and Gissane's angle compared with the nonlocking plate group (P < .05). No
      complications occurred for the patients in the locking plate group, and 3
      patients in the nonlocking plate group had implant loosening that led to loss of
      reduction (P < .05). The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
      hindfoot score in the locking plate group was significantly higher than that in
      the nonlocking plate group (P < .05). No statistically significant difference
      between the 2 groups was found regarding SF-36 (P > .05). CONCLUSION: This study
      supports the view that locking plates may provide better stability and functional
      recovery in the treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative case series.

PMID- 25125509
TI  - Molecular architecture of mammalian nitric oxide synthases.
AB  - NOSs are homodimeric multidomain enzymes responsible for producing NO. In
      mammals, NO acts as an intercellular messenger in a variety of signaling
      reactions, as well as a cytotoxin in the innate immune response. Mammals possess
      three NOS isoforms--inducible, endothelial, and neuronal NOS--that are composed
      of an N-terminal oxidase domain and a C-terminal reductase domain. Calmodulin
      (CaM) activates NO synthesis by binding to the helical region connecting these
      two domains. Although crystal structures of isolated domains have been reported,
      no structure is available for full-length NOS. We used high-throughput single
      particle EM to obtain the structures and higher-order domain organization of all
      three NOS holoenzymes. The structures of inducible, endothelial, and neuronal NOS
      with and without CaM bound are similar, consisting of a dimerized oxidase domain
      flanked by two separated reductase domains. NOS isoforms adopt many conformations
      enabled by three flexible linkers. These conformations represent snapshots of the
      continuous electron transfer pathway from the reductase domain to the oxidase
      domain, which reveal that only a single reductase domain participates in electron
      transfer at a time, and that CaM activates NOS by constraining rotational motions
      and by directly binding to the oxidase domain. Direct visualization of these
      large conformational changes induced during electron transfer provides
      significant insight into the molecular underpinnings governing NO formation.

PMID- 25125515
TI  - European Restart a Heart Day.

PMID- 25125514
TI  - Transdermal glyceryl trinitrate in the treatment of ischemia following toe
      deformity correction: a case series.

PMID- 25125517
TI  - Towards evidence-based emergency medicine: best BETs from the Manchester Royal
      Infirmary . BET 1: Do patients with an asymptomatic sub-segmental pulmonary
      embolism need anticoagulation therapy?
AB  - A short cut review was carried out to establish whether therapeutic
      anticoagulation is required for patients who have an incidental diagnosis of
      subsegmental pulmonary embolism (PE), which is asymptomatic. 4 studies were
      relevant to the three-part question. The author, date and country of publication,
      patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study
      weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The evidence suggests that patients
      with clinically unsuspected PE may have better prognostic outcomes than those
      with symptomatic presentations, especially if the PE is at the sub-segmental
      level. The only direct comparison of anti-coagulation versus no anti-coagulation
      in patients with an asymptomatic, unsuspected PE suggests a survival benefit from
      anti-coagulation. However, this study included patients with cancer and was not
      restricted to patients with subsegmental PE. Consequently, the clinical bottom
      line is that level 1 evidence is required to answer this question. In the
      meantime decisions must continue to be informed by clinical judgment. 

PMID- 25125516
TI  - Chinese bystanders in medical emergencies: apathetic or bewildered?

PMID- 25125519
TI  - Towards evidence-based emergency medicine: best BETs from the Manchester Royal
      Infirmary. BET 2: the use of local anaesthetic lubrication for the
      catheterisation of males.
AB  - A short cut review was carried out to establish whether local anaesthetic
      lubrication is necessary for urethral catheterisation in men. Two studies were
      directly relevant to the question. The author, date and country of publication,
      patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study
      weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that the
      use of local anaesthetic is effective in this population and should form part of
      the procedure. 

PMID- 25125551
TI  - Moving the worksite health promotion profession forward: is the time right for
      requiring standards? A review of the literature.
AB  - Standards in any profession are adopted to assure that the individuals hired are
      adequately trained and the programs that they oversee are of the highest quality.
      Worksite health promotion should be no different from any other field. A review
      of the research conducted by experts in worksite health promotion is examined,
      along with an assessment of skills needed to ensure that wellness programs are
      effective and employees, their families, and even their communities are educated
      on the ways to best prevent chronic diseases and occupational incidences through
      healthy and safe behaviors. This article is consistent with Health Promotion
      Practice's mission and focuses on the exploration of the processes used to plan
      effective worksite health promotion programs, and it suggests initial discussions
      on whether these processes should become standards for professionals in the
      worksite health promotion field. 

PMID- 25125552
TI  - When 4.5 million people become patients.

PMID- 25125553
TI  - Relvar Ellipta for asthma.
AB  - ?Relvar Ellipta (GSK) is a dry powder inhaler that contains a corticosteroid
      (fluticasone furoate) and a long-acting beta2 agonist (vilanterol trifenatate).
      It is licensed for once-daily use as maintenance therapy for chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. In a previous article we considered its use
      in the management of COPD.1 Here we review the evidence for Relvar Ellipta in the
      treatment of patients with asthma. 

PMID- 25125554
TI  - 'Evolution-proofing' antibacterials.

PMID- 25125556
TI  - Any detectable thyroglobulin in lymph node biopsy washouts suggests local
      recurrence in differentiated thyroid cancer.
AB  - The sensitivity of local recurrence detection in differentiated thyroid cancer
      (DTC) is increased by measuring thyroglobulin in needle washouts from lymph node
      fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNA-Tg). Recent studies have proposed minimum
      diagnostic threshold values for FNA-Tg and have reported interference from Tg
      antibodies (Tg Ab), leading to low or false-negative results. The aim of this
      study was to assess the utility of FNA-Tg in the diagnosis of local DTC
      recurrence in patients referred to a single pathology service used by our
      tertiary teaching hospital, the first such study in an Australian cohort. Data
      were collected from the pathology service database for FNA-Tg over an 18-month
      period, and the results of 69 FNA-Tg samples from 57 patients were obtained. FNA
      Tg findings were compared with cytology and histology when patients proceeded to
      surgery. Using the functional sensitivity as the cut-off, detectable FNA-Tg
      (>=0.9 MUg/l) had a sensitivity of 95.7%, specificity of 50% and positive
      predictive value of 95.7%. Our results suggest that detectable FNA-Tg leads to
      histological confirmation of local nodal DTC recurrence and would support a
      decision to proceed to surgery. Serum Tg Ab can, however, interfere with FNA-Tg
      measurements. Thus, we now recommend routine use of FNA-Tg washouts in all lymph
      node FNA biopsies for the detection of DTC recurrence. 

PMID- 25125555
TI  - Management of insulin pump therapy in children with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - Insulin pump therapy is a current treatment option for children and adolescents
      with type 1 diabetes. Insulin pumps can provide a greater flexibility in insulin
      administration and meal planning, as compared with multiple insulin injections,
      and they may be particularly suitable for the paediatric age group. Many young
      people with diabetes have integrated insulin pumps into their daily practice. The
      use of insulin pumps can also be supplemented by the information retrieved from
      continuous glucose monitoring in the sensor-augmented pump therapy, which may
      improve glycaemic control. In this review, we describe the principles of pump
      therapy and summarise features of commercially available insulin pumps, with
      focus on practical management and the advantages and disadvantages of this
      technology. 

PMID- 25125557
TI  - Corticosterone metabolites in laying hen droppings-Effects of fiber enrichment,
      genotype, and daily variations.
AB  - There is growing interest and concern for animal welfare in commercial poultry
      production. To evaluate stress and welfare in an objective and noninvasive way,
      fecal corticosterone metabolites (FCM) in droppings can be analyzed. However, the
      influence of diet, genotype, and daily variations in FCM and production of
      droppings in laying hens has been poorly investigated. This study examined the
      effect of insoluble fiber by adding 3% ground straw pellets to the feed to
      Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) and Lohmann Brown (LB) hens housed in furnished
      cages between 20 and 40 wk of age. In total, 960 hens were included in the study.
      Droppings were collected 4 times per day for 3 consecutive days and analyzed by
      corticosterone immunoassay. Biological validation confirmed the ability of the
      assay to detect changes in FCM levels. Inclusion of straw pellets in the feed
      increased FCM concentration in both hen genotypes and increased excretion rate of
      FCM in LB hens. The LB hens also produced greater amounts of droppings than LSL
      hens. Both FCM levels and production of droppings varied during the day, although
      no distinct diurnal rhythm was found. These findings demonstrate that when using
      FCM to evaluate stress and welfare in laying hens, many factors (e.g., diet,
      genotype used, and so on) need to be taken into account to allow accurate
      interpretation of the results. In addition, under certain conditions, excretion
      rate of FCM might be more appropriate to use compared with FCM concentration. 

PMID- 25125558
TI  - The effect of perch availability during pullet rearing and egg laying on the
      behavior of caged White Leghorn hens.
AB  - Enriched cages, compared with conventional cages, allow egg laying strains of
      chickens to meet some behavioral needs, including a high motivation to perch. The
      objective of this study was to determine if perch availability during rearing
      affected perch use as adults and if perch presence affected eating and drinking
      in caged White Leghorn hens. Chickens were assigned to 14 cages each with and
      without 2 round metal perches from hatch to 16.9 wk of age. At 17 wk of age,
      pullets were assigned to laying cages consisting of 1 of 4 treatments. Treatment
      1 chickens never had access to perches (controls). Treatment 2 chickens only had
      access to 2 round metal perches during the laying phase (17 to 71 wk of age).
      Treatment 3 chickens only had access to 2 round perches during the pullet phase
      (0 to 16.9 wk of age). Treatment 4 chickens had access to the perches during both
      the pullet and laying phase. Each treatment during the adult phase consisted of 9
      cages with 9 birds/cage for a total of 36 cages. Automatic infrared cameras were
      used to monitor behavior of hens in each cage for a 24-h period at 19, 24, 29,
      34, 39, 44, 49, 54, 59, 64, and 69 wk of age. Behavior was also recorded twice
      weekly by an observer in the room where the hens were housed during photophase
      from 25 to 68 wk of age. Behavioral data were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated
      measures and the MIXED model procedure. A greater proportion of hens without
      perches as pullets used the rear perch more during both photophase and scotophase
      than hens with prior pullet perching experience. Eating and drinking activities
      of caged adult Leghorns were not impaired by their prior experience to perches as
      pullets or by the presence of perches in laying cages. It is concluded that
      providing perches in cages to White Leghorns during pullet rearing did not
      facilitate use of perches as adults. 

PMID- 25125559
TI  - Enhanced immune responses of chickens to oral vaccination against infectious
      bursal disease by ginseng stem-leaf saponins.
AB  - Infectious bursal disease (IBD), caused by infectious bursal disease virus
      (IBDV), is an immunosuppressive infectious disease of global economic importance
      in poultry. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of oral administration
      of ginseng stem-leaf saponins (GSLS) on humoral and gut mucosal immunity in
      chickens vaccinated with live IBDV vaccine, and furthermore, to test its
      protective efficacy against virulent IBDV challenge following vaccination. In
      experiment 1, chickens were orally administered with GSLS at 5 mg/kg of BW for 7
      d, and then immunized with live IBDV vaccine via the oral route. Serum was
      sampled on 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wk postvaccination for detecting antibody titers
      by ELISA, and intestinal tissues were collected on 0, 1, 3, and 5 wk
      postvaccination for measurement of IgA-positive cells and intestinal
      intraepithelial lymphocytes by immunohistochemical and hematoxylin-eosin
      staining, respectively. Result showed that antibody titers, IgA-positive cells
      and intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes were significantly higher in chickens
      drinking GSLS than the control, suggesting an enhanced effect of GSLS on humoral
      and gut mucosal immune responses. In experiment 2, chickens were delivered with
      GSLS and then vaccinated in the same way as in experiment 1. The birds were
      challenged with virulent IBDV at wk 3 postvaccination. Then the birds were
      weighed, bled, and necropsied at d 3 postchallenge and the bursae were sampled
      for gross and histopathological examination. Results demonstrated that GSLS
      provided a better protection against virulent IBDV challenge following
      vaccination than the control. In conclusion, oral administration of GSLS enhances
      both humoral and gut mucosal immune responses to IBDV and offers a better
      protection against virulent IBDV challenge. Considering its immunomodulatory
      properties to IBDV vaccine, GSLS might be a promising oral adjuvant for
      vaccination against infectious diseases in poultry. 

PMID- 25125560
TI  - Nutrient analysis, metabolizable energy, and digestible amino acids of soybean
      meals of different origins for broilers.
AB  - Nutrient composition, ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility, and AME of 55 soybean
      meal (SBM) samples from the United States (US; n = 16), Argentina (ARG; n = 16),
      Brazil (BRA; n = 10), and India (IND; n = 13), collected from commercial mills in
      Southeast Asia, were compared using laboratory analyses and animal studies. There
      were significant (P < 0.05 to 0.001) differences due to origin in CP, fat, ash,
      fiber, and nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP) contents of SBM. The average CP content
      of US, ARG, BRA, and IND samples was determined to be 47.3, 46.9, 48.2, and 46.4%
      (as-fed basis), respectively. Compared with SBM from other origins, crude fiber
      and NSP contents were lower (P < 0.05) and sucrose content was higher (P < 0.05)
      in the US samples. The IND samples had the highest (P < 0.05) contents of fiber,
      ash, and NSP, and lowest (P < 0.05) contents of fat and sucrose. Differences (P <
      0.0001) were observed among origins for in vitro protein quality measures (urease
      index, KOH protein solubility, and trypsin inhibitor activity). Significant (P <
      0.001) effects due to origin were observed for all minerals. Soybean meal from
      the US and IND had higher (P < 0.05) calcium contents (0.45%) compared with those
      from ARG and BRA (0.28-0.31%). Phosphorus and potassium contents were lowest (P <
      0.05) in SBM from IND, and no differences (P > 0.05) were observed in SBM from
      other origins. Iron content was markedly high (928 mg/kg) in SBM from IND
      compared with those from other origins (103-134 mg/kg). Major origin-related
      differences (P < 0.0001) were observed in the AME of SBM. The average AME content
      of US, ARG, BRA, and IND samples was 2,375, 2,227, 2,317, and 2,000 kcal/kg (as
      fed basis), respectively. Total AA contents of US, ARG, BRA, and IND samples were
      similar (P > 0.05) for 9 of the 17 amino acids. Major differences (P < 0.05 to P
      < 0.001) due to origin were determined for the digestibility of all AA. The IND
      samples had the lowest (P < 0.05) digestibility and no differences (P > 0.05)
      between samples from other 3 origins. However, the digestible CP content of US
      SBM was higher (P < 0.05) than those of ARG and IND, but similar (P > 0.05) to
      that from BRA. The digestible CP contents of SBM from the US, ARG, BRA, and IND
      were 40.0, 38.6, 39.8, and 36.7%, respectively. Digestible contents of
      indispensable AA, in general, followed the same trend as that of digestible CP.
      In conclusion, the present evaluation showed that major differences in nutritive
      value do exist between SBM from different origins in terms of nutrient contents,
      AME, and digestible AA. Overall, SBM originating from the US had better nutritive
      value compared with those from ARG and IND, on the basis of AME and contents of
      digestible CP and digestible AA. 

PMID- 25125561
TI  - Effects of alkaline concentration, temperature, and additives on the strength of
      alkaline-induced egg white gel.
AB  - Egg whites can undergo gelation at extreme pH. In this paper, the effects of NaOH
      concentration (1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3%), temperature (10, 20, 30, and 40 degrees C),
      and additives (metallic compounds, carbohydrates, stabilizers, and coagulants) on
      the strength of alkaline-induced egg white gel were investigated. Results showed
      that NaOH concentration and induced temperature significantly affected the rate
      of formation and peak strength of the egg white gel. Of the 6 metallic compounds
      used in this experiment, CuSO4exhibited the optimal effect on the strength of
      alkaline-induced egg white gel, followed by MgCl2, ZnSO4, PbO, and CaCl2. When
      CuSO4concentration was 0.2%, the gel strength increased by 31.92%. The effect of
      Fe2(SO4)3was negligible. Of the 5 carbohydrate additives, xanthan gum (0.2%)
      caused the highest increase (54.31%) in the strength of alkaline-induced egg
      white gel, followed by sodium alginate, glucose, starch, and sucrose. Meanwhile,
      propylene glycol (0.25%) caused the highest improvement (15.78%) in the strength
      of alkaline-induced egg white gel among the 3 stabilizing agents and coagulants
      used, followed by Na2HPO4and glucono-delta-lactone.

PMID- 25125562
TI  - Neopterin and biopterin as biomarkers of immune system activity associated with
      crating in broiler chickens.
AB  - Neopterin and biopterin belong to a group of unconjugated pterin derivates. These
      biomolecules are present in many animal species and perform several functions.
      Pterin concentrations may provide additional information on the effect of stress
      on immune system activity. This study focused on an investigation of the effect
      of crating on plasma concentrations of neopterin and biopterin in broilers. The
      effects of 2 crating periods (2 and 4 h) were monitored in Hubbard broilers (n =
      90) aged 42 d. After a given crating period, randomly selected chickens from each
      group were sampled immediately and the remaining chickens were sampled after 24
      h. Plasma corticosterone increased (P < 0.001) immediately after 2 and 4 h
      crating, but no difference between the crated and the control noncrated broilers
      was found 24 h later. Immediately after crating, neopterin in 2- and 4-h broilers
      did not differ from the control, but 24 h later a decrease (P = 0.011) in plasma
      neopterin was found in 4-h broilers compared with the control. Simultaneously, 24
      h after crating, neopterin levels in 2- and 4-h broilers decreased (P < 0.001) in
      comparison with the levels immediately after crating. Plasma biopterin was higher
      (P < 0.001) in 4-h broilers than in the control immediately after the crating. A
      time of sampling effect (P = 0.016) was found for the heterophil-to-lymphocyte
      ratio, with heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio higher 24 h after crating in
      comparison with its level immediately after the crating. This study shows that
      crating may significantly affect the immune system of broiler chickens. This is
      corroborated by the increase in plasma biopterin concentrations in broilers
      immediately after crating and the decrease in plasma neopterin concentrations in
      broilers 24 h after crating. The correlations were found for widely used
      indicators of acute and chronic stress in birds [i.e., plasma corticosterone
      concentrations (biopterin) and the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (neopterin),
      respectively]. 

PMID- 25125563
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphism variants within tva and tvb receptor genes in
      Chinese chickens.
AB  - Avian leukosis is an immunosuppressive neoplastic disease caused by avian
      leukosis viruses (ALV), which causes tremendous economic losses in the worldwide
      poultry industry. The susceptibility or resistance of chicken cells to subgroup A
      ALV and subgroup B, D, and E ALV are determined by the receptor genes tumor virus
      locus A (tva) and tumor virus locus B (tvb), respectively. Four genetic resistant
      loci (tva(r1), tva(r2), tva(r3), and tva(r4)) in tva receptor gene and a genetic
      resistant locus tvb(r) in the tvb receptor gene have been identified in inbred
      lines of White Leghorn. To evaluate the genetic resistance to subgroup A, B, D,
      and E ALV, genetic variations within resistant loci in tva and tvb genes were
      screened in Chinese local chicken breeds and commercial broiler lines. Here, the
      heterozygote tva(s1/r1) and the resistant genotype tva(r2/r2), tva(r3/r3), and
      tva(r4/r4) were detected in Chinese chickens by direct sequencing. The
      heterozygote tva(s1/r1) was detected in Huiyang Bearded chicken (HYBC), Rizhaoma
      chicken, and commercial broiler line 13 to 15 (CB13 to CB15), with the
      frequencies at 0.08, 0.18, 0.17, 0.25, and 0.15, respectively. The resistant
      genotype tva(r2/r2) was detected in Jiningbairi chicken (JNBRC), HYBC, and CB15,
      with the frequencies at 0.03, 0.08, and 0.06, respectively, whereas tva(r3/r3)
      and tva(r4/r4) were detected in 19 and 17 of the 25 Chinese chickens tested, with
      the average frequencies at 0.13 and 0.20, respectively. Furthermore, the
      resistant genotype tvb(r/r) was detected in JNBRC, CB07, CB12, CB14, and CB15 by
      pyrosequencing assay, with the frequencies at 0.03, 0.03, 0.11, 0.09, and 0.15,
      respectively. These results demonstrated that the potential for genetic
      improvement of resistance to subgroup A, B, D, and E ALV were great both in
      Chinese local chickens and commercial broilers. This study provides valuable
      insight into the selective breeding for chickens genetically resistant to ALV. 

PMID- 25125564
TI  - Urea cycle disorders: a life-threatening yet treatable cause of metabolic
      encephalopathy in adults.
AB  - Urea cycle disorders are inborn errors of metabolism that, in rare cases, can
      present for the first time in adulthood. We report a perplexing presentation in a
      woman 4 days postpartum of bizarre and out-of-character behaviour interspersed
      with periods of complete normality. Without any focal neurological signs or
      abnormality on initial investigations, the diagnosis became clear with the
      finding of a significantly elevated plasma ammonia level, just as she began to
      deteriorate rapidly. She improved following intravenous dextrose and lipid
      emulsion, together with sodium benzoate, arginine and a protein-restricted diet.
      She remains well 12 months later with no permanent sequelae. Whilst this is a
      rare presentation of an uncommon disease, it is a treatable disorder and its
      early diagnosis can prevent a fatal outcome.

PMID- 25125565
TI  - HIV-1 clinical isolates with the E138A substitution in reverse transcriptase show
      full susceptibility to emtricitabine and other nucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitors.

PMID- 25125567
TI  - eComment. Experimental controversy regarding the role of adipose-derived stem
      cells in surgical oncology.

PMID- 25125568
TI  - eComment. Underestimated occurrence of mesenteric ischaemia after cardiac
      surgery.

PMID- 25125570
TI  - Sustained ventricular tachycardia and coved-type electrocardiogram in peripheral
      leads: a particularly malignant phenotype of Brugada syndrome?

PMID- 25125571
TI  - Endocardial left ventricular lead placement from the left subclavian vein
      approach.
AB  - AIMS: In up to 10-15% of cases, the traditional epicardial approach for left
      ventricular (LV) lead placement is not feasible and surgical implantation is
      considered the alternative. We present the implantation of a transseptal LV lead
      through a left subclavian access. METHODS AND RESULTS: Through the left
      subclavian vein access and using a system which includes a guiding catheter, a
      puncture screw catheter and a puncture stylet, access to the LV was achieved and
      the LV stimulation lead was successfully implanted. CONCLUSION: We describe the
      implantation of a transseptal LV stimulation lead through a left subclavian
      access.

PMID- 25125572
TI  - Unsuitability of the epidemiological approach to bicycle transportation injuries
      and traffic engineering problems.
AB  - Bicyclists and transportation professionals would do better to decline advice
      drawn from characteristically epidemiological studies. The faults of epidemiology
      are both accidental (unpreparedness for the task) and essential (unsuitability of
      the methods). Characteristically epidemiological methods are known to be error
      prone, and when applied to bicycle transportation suffer from diversion bias,
      inappropriately broad-brush categorisations, a focus on undifferentiated risk
      rather than on danger, a bias towards unsafe behaviour, and an overly narrow
      perspective. To the extent that there is a role for characteristically
      epidemiological methods, it should be the same as anywhere else: as a preliminary
      or adjunct to the scientific method, for which there is no substitute. 

PMID- 25125573
TI  - Signalling at tight junctions during epithelial differentiation and microbial
      pathogenesis.
AB  - Tight junctions are a component of the epithelial junctional complex, and they
      form the paracellular diffusion barrier that enables epithelial cells to create
      cellular sheets that separate compartments with different compositions. The
      assembly and function of tight junctions are intimately linked to the actomyosin
      cytoskeleton and, hence, are under the control of signalling mechanisms that
      regulate cytoskeletal dynamics. Tight junctions not only receive signals that
      guide their assembly and function, but transmit information to the cell interior
      to regulate cell proliferation, migration and survival. As a crucial component of
      the epithelial barrier, they are often targeted by pathogenic viruses and
      bacteria, aiding infection and the development of disease. In this Commentary, we
      review recent progress in the understanding of the molecular signalling
      mechanisms that drive junction assembly and function, and the signalling
      processes by which tight junctions regulate cell behaviour and survival. We also
      discuss the way in which junctional components are exploited by pathogenic
      viruses and bacteria, and how this might affect junctional signalling mechanisms.

PMID- 25125574
TI  - Thinness in the era of obesity: trends in children and adolescents in The
      Netherlands since 1980.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although children both at the upper and lower tail of the body mass
      index (BMI) distribution are at greater health risk, relatively little is known
      about the development of thinness prevalence rates in developed countries over
      time. We studied trends in childhood thinness and assessed changes in the BMI
      distribution since the onset of the obesity epidemic. METHODS: Growth data from
      54 814 children aged 2-18 years of Dutch, Turkish and Moroccan origin living in
      The Netherlands were used. Anthropometric measurements were performed during
      nationwide cross-sectional growth studies in 1980 (only Dutch), 1997 and 2009.
      Prevalence rates of thinness grades I, II and III were calculated according to
      international cut-offs. BMI distributions for 1980, 1997 and 2009 were compared.
      RESULTS: Since 1980, thinness (all grades combined) reduced significantly from
      14.0% to 9.8% in children of Dutch origin, but the proportion of extremely thin
      children (grade III) remained constant. Thinness in children of Moroccan origin
      decreased significantly from 8.8% to 6.2% between 1997 and 2009. No significant
      difference was observed in children of Turkish origin (5.4% in 1997 vs. 5.7% in
      2009). Thinness occurred most often in children aged 2-5 years. There were no
      differences between boys and girls. The BMI distribution widened since 1980,
      mainly due to an upward shift of the upper centiles. CONCLUSION: Since the onset
      of the obesity epidemic, prevalence rates of thinness decreased. However, we
      found a small but persistent group of extremely thin children. More research is
      needed to gain insight into their health status.

PMID- 25125575
TI  - 'By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail': lessons from the 2009 H1N1
      'swine flu' pandemic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pandemic influenza has the potential to cause widespread death and
      destruction. Communications with the public have a vital role in the prevention
      of pandemic influenza by promoting the effective uptake of behaviours that can
      delay the spread of infection. This study explored the development and
      implementation of communications in the pandemic influenza outbreak of H1N1
      ('swine flu') in 2009 in three European countries. METHODS: In-depth interviews
      were conducted with senior policy and communication officials involved in the
      planning and delivery of communications programmes in England, Italy and Hungary.
      RESULTS: The study found a lack of planning and a low value attached to the
      skills required to produce effective communications. In all case study countries
      there was a dearth of good quality audience research to inform the development of
      communications. Little thought had been given to the tone, targeting or
      channelling of messages. Instead, communications were characterized by a 'one
      size fits all' and a 'top down', expert-led response. There was also little
      effort to evaluate the impact of communications, but where this was done, very
      low levels of public compliance and engagement with key behavioural messages were
      found. CONCLUSIONS: Policy makers should prioritize investment in the skills and
      expertise required to achieve desired behaviour changes. Audience research should
      be conducted throughout the planning cycle to inform national communications
      strategies. This should include insights to inform the segmentation of public
      audiences, targeting of messages and consideration of content and emotional tone
      most likely to achieve desired behavioural outcomes.

PMID- 25125576
TI  - Mapping the denominator: spatial demography in the measurement of progress.
AB  - Measuring progress towards international health goals requires a reliable
      baseline from which to measure change and recent methodological advancements have
      advanced our abilities to measure, model and map the prevalence of health issues
      using sophisticated tools. The provision of burden estimates generally requires
      linking these estimates with spatial demographic data, but for many resource-poor
      countries data on total population sizes, distributions, compositions and
      temporal trends are lacking, prompting a reliance on uncertain estimates. Modern
      technologies and data archives are offering solutions, but the huge range of
      uncertainties that exist today in spatial denominator datasets will still be
      around for many years to come. 

PMID- 25125577
TI  - 'A living death': a qualitative assessment of quality of life among women with
      trichiasis in rural Niger.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior to blindness, trachoma is thought to profoundly affect women's
      abilities to lead normal lives, but supporting evidence is lacking. To better
      understand the effects of trichiasis, we asked women to define quality of life,
      how trichiasis affects this idea and their perceptions of eyelid surgery.
      METHODS: Operated and unoperated women were purposively selected for in-depth
      interviews. These were audio-recorded and transcribed, and codes were identified
      and applied to the transcripts. Overarching themes, commonalities and differences
      were identified and matched to quotations. RESULTS: Twenty-three women were
      interviewed. Quality of life was defined as health, security, family, social
      status and religious participation. Trichiasis caused severe pain and loss of
      health, leading to loss of security. This affected social, economic and religious
      activities and caused burden on their families. Surgery improved quality of life,
      even in cases of surgical failure or recurrent disease. CONCLUSIONS: Trichiasis
      disables most women, even those reporting fewer or less-severe symptoms. While
      women in rural Niger often live in extreme poverty, trichiasis exacerbates the
      situation, making women unable to work and undermining their social status. It
      adds to family burden, as women lose the ability to meaningfully contribute to
      the household and require additional family resources for their care.

PMID- 25125578
TI  - Factors associated with physical therapists' implementation of physical activity
      interventions in The Netherlands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical therapists play an important role in the promotion of
      physical activity (PA) and the effectiveness of PA interventions. However, little
      is known about the extent to which they implement PA interventions following the
      intervention protocol and about the factors influencing their implementation
      behaviors. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to investigate physical therapists'
      implementation fidelity regarding PA interventions, including completeness and
      quality of delivery, and influencing factors with a Theoretical Domains Framework
      based questionnaire. DESIGN: The study was based on a cross-sectional design.
      METHODS: A total of 268 physical therapists completed the Determinants of
      Implementation Behavior Questionnaire. Questions about completeness and quality
      of delivery were based on components and tasks of PA interventions as described
      by the Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy. Multilevel regression analyses
      were used to identify factors associated with completeness and quality of
      delivery. RESULTS: High implementation fidelity was found for the physical
      therapists, with higher scores for completeness of delivery than for quality of
      delivery. Physical therapists' knowledge, skills, beliefs about capabilities and
      consequences, positive emotions, behavioral regulation, and the automaticity of
      PA intervention delivery were the most important predictors of implementation
      fidelity. Together, the Theoretical Domains Framework accounted for 23% of the
      variance in both total completeness and total quality scores. LIMITATIONS: The
      cross-sectional design precluded the determination of causal relationships. Also,
      the use of a self-report measure to assess implementation fidelity could have led
      to socially desirable responses, possibly resulting in more favorable ratings for
      completeness and quality. CONCLUSIONS: This study enhances the understanding of
      how physical therapists implement PA interventions and which factors influence
      their behaviors. Knowledge about these factors may assist in the development of
      strategies to improve physical therapists' implementation behaviors.

PMID- 25125580
TI  - Inhibition of TRPM8 channels reduces pain in the cold pressor test in humans.
AB  - The transient receptor potential (subfamily M, member 8; TRPM8) is a nonselective
      cation channel localized in primary sensory neurons, and is a candidate for cold
      thermosensing, mediation of cold pain, and bladder overactivity. Studies with
      TRPM8 knockout mice and selective TRPM8 channel blockers demonstrate a lack of
      cold sensitivity and reduced cold pain in various rodent models. Furthermore,
      TRPM8 blockers significantly lower body temperature. We have identified a
      moderately potent (IC50 = 103 nM), selective TRPM8 antagonist, PF-05105679 [(R)-3
      [(1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl)(quinolin-3-ylcarbonyl)amino]methylbenzoic acid]. It
      demonstrated activity in vivo in the guinea pig bladder ice water and menthol
      challenge tests with an IC50 of 200 nM and reduced core body temperature in the
      rat (at concentrations >1219 nM). PF-05105679 was suitable for acute
      administration to humans and was evaluated for effects on core body temperature
      and experimentally induced cold pain, using the cold pressor test. Unbound plasma
      concentrations greater than the IC50 were achieved with 600- and 900-mg doses.
      The compound displayed a significant inhibition of pain in the cold pressor test,
      with efficacy equivalent to oxycodone (20 mg) at 1.5 hours postdose. No effect on
      core body temperature was observed. An unexpected adverse event (hot feeling) was
      reported, predominantly periorally, in 23 and 36% of volunteers (600- and 900-mg
      dose, respectively), which in two volunteers was nontolerable. In conclusion,
      this study supports a role for TRPM8 in acute cold pain signaling at doses that
      do not cause hypothermia.

PMID- 25125579
TI  - Anaplerotic metabolism of alloreactive T cells provides a metabolic approach to
      treat graft-versus-host disease.
AB  - T-cell activation requires increased ATP and biosynthesis to support
      proliferation and effector function. Most models of T-cell activation are based
      on in vitro culture systems and posit that aerobic glycolysis is employed to meet
      increased energetic and biosynthetic demands. By contrast, T cells activated in
      vivo by alloantigens in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) increase mitochondrial
      oxygen consumption, fatty acid uptake, and oxidation, with small increases of
      glucose uptake and aerobic glycolysis. Here we show that these differences are
      not a consequence of alloactivation, because T cells activated in vitro either in
      a mixed lymphocyte reaction to the same alloantigens used in vivo or with
      agonistic anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies increased aerobic glycolysis. Using
      targeted metabolic (13)C tracer fate associations, we elucidated the metabolic
      pathway(s) employed by alloreactive T cells in vivo that support this phenotype.
      We find that glutamine (Gln)-dependent tricarboxylic acid cycle anaplerosis is
      increased in alloreactive T cells and that Gln carbon contributes to ribose
      biosynthesis. Pharmacological modulation of oxidative phosphorylation rapidly
      reduces anaplerosis in alloreactive T cells and improves GVHD. On the basis of
      these data, we propose a model of T-cell metabolism that is relevant to activated
      lymphocytes in vivo, with implications for the discovery of new drugs for immune
      disorders. 

PMID- 25125581
TI  - Commentary: Does mortality from smoking have implications for future Mendelian
      randomization studies?

PMID- 25125582
TI  - Auditing documentation on delivery room management using video and physiological
      recordings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neonatal resuscitation is often retrospectively documented, which can
      lead to inaccuracy and incomplete recording of delivery room management. In this
      study, we assessed the accuracy and completeness of neonatal resuscitation
      documentation in our neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: Recordings of
      physiological parameters and video data were performed in the delivery room and
      used to deduct the clinical condition of the infant, the interventions done and
      their effect on the infant's condition. The data from the recordings were
      compared with the documentation on neonatal stabilisation in the medical records
      (paper or digital). RESULTS: Recordings of 54 infants were compared with the
      documentation in their medical records. In 93% of the medical records delivery
      room management was documented. The clinical condition of the infant at birth was
      documented in 76% and 1 min Apgar scores in 98%. Respiratory support was
      correctly documented in 83%, heart rate in 37% and oxygen saturation in 13%. In
      57% use of supplemental oxygen and its indication were correctly reported. Seven
      infants were intubated and this was correctly documented in 57%. Apgar scores
      were compared between the recordings and the medical records. At 1 min, 5 min and
      10 min after birth the Apgar score, given by the researcher using the recordings,
      was similar to the scores in the medical records in 33%, 44% and 53%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate and complete documentation of neonatal
      resuscitation continues to be a challenge. Recordings of physiological parameters
      and video imaging can improve documentation by providing detailed information.

PMID- 25125583
TI  - Brain. Editorial.

PMID- 25125584
TI  - 'Idiopathic' no more! Abnormal interaction of large-scale brain networks in
      generalized epilepsy.

PMID- 25125585
TI  - Hereditary dystonia and parkinsonism: two sides of the same coin?

PMID- 25125586
TI  - Neuronal substrate of cognitive impairment in post-stroke dementia.

PMID- 25125587
TI  - The next step in modern brain lesion analysis: multivariate pattern analysis.

PMID- 25125588
TI  - Psoriatic arthritis: current therapy and future approaches.
AB  - PsA is a systemic inflammatory condition that affects 20-30% of patients with
      psoriasis. It is characterized by potential involvement of diverse tissues,
      including peripheral and axial joints, enthesitis, dactylitis and skin and nail
      disease. The degree of involvement in each domain can vary over time in
      individual patients and can differ substantially between PsA patients. The
      clinical heterogeneity along with the varying extent of severity and activity can
      pose significant challenges to treatment. Although some studies had suggested
      immunopathophysiological similarities between PsA and RA, more recently important
      distinctions have been defined. Similarly, although some immunomodulatory
      therapies have proved effective for both PsA and RA, recent data suggest distinct
      responses to certain targeted therapies. Herein, current DMARDs and biologic
      agents as well as the potential role of emerging therapeutics will be reviewed. 

PMID- 25125589
TI  - Impact of musculoskeletal pain on insomnia onset: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pain, the most common manifestation of rheumatological conditions, is
      highly prevalent among older adults, with worse health outcomes found in those
      with co-morbid insomnia. Proactive prevention of insomnia may reduce the overall
      disease burden of pain and rheumatological conditions. To inform such
      development, this study examined the role of pain, physical limitation and
      reduced social participation in predicting and mediating insomnia onset. METHODS:
      A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 6676 individuals >=50 years of
      age who completed questionnaires at baseline and a 3-year follow-up. Participants
      were classified into none, some and widespread pain according to the ACR
      criteria. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between
      baseline pain and insomnia onset at 3 years. Path analysis was used to test for
      the mediating role of physical limitation and social participation restriction.
      RESULTS: Some [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.57 (95% CI 1.15, 2.13)] and widespread
      [2.13 (1.66, 3.20)] pain increased the risk of insomnia onset at 3 years, after
      adjusting for age, gender, socio-economic class, education, anxiety, depression,
      sleep and co-morbidity at baseline. The combination of physical limitation and
      reduced social participation explained up to 68% of the effect of some pain on
      insomnia onset and 66% of the effect of widespread pain on insomnia onset.
      CONCLUSION: There was a dose-response association between the extent of pain at
      baseline and insomnia onset at 3 years that was substantially mediated by
      physical limitation and reduced social participation. Targeting physical
      limitation and social participation in older people with pain may buffer co
      morbid insomnia, reducing the overall disease burden.

PMID- 25125590
TI  - Comparison between three systems of classification criteria in juvenile systemic
      lupus erythematous.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The most widely used classification criteria for SLE are those derived
      and validated in adult patients by the ACR. Alternatives include the Boston
      weighted (BW) and SLICC criteria. The aim of this study was to compare the
      performance of BW and SLICC criteria with the 1997 ACR criteria in a JSLE cohort.
      METHODS: Cases were JSLE patients and controls were patients with other rheumatic
      diseases attending a tertiary centre in the past 10 years. Data were
      retrospectively collected to establish the ACR, BW and SLICC criteria fulfilled
      at the first visit and within the first year of follow-up. A consensus diagnosis
      of JSLE established by the same group of highly experienced paediatric
      rheumatologists was chosen as the standard of reference. RESULTS: One hundred and
      seventy-three patients were included: 81 JSLE and 92 controls. There was a sharp
      increase in sensitivity and prevalence of all criteria within the first year of
      follow-up. The BW criteria had higher sensitivity than the ACR criteria (81.5% vs
      58%, P < 0.001) at the first visit, but lower specificity in both periods. SLICC
      criteria had higher sensitivity (82.7% vs 58%, P < 0.001) at the first visit, but
      similar specificity in both periods. CONCLUSION: In this JSLE population, the
      SLICC criteria performed best in terms of sensitivity and accuracy at the first
      visit and within the first year of follow-up.

PMID- 25125591
TI  - Factors influencing work disability in psoriatic arthritis: first results from a
      large UK multicentre study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which structural
      damage, clinical disease activity, demographic and social factors are associated
      with work disability (WD) in PsA. METHODS: Four hundred patients fulfilling
      CASPAR (Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis) criteria for PsA were
      recruited from 23 hospitals across the UK. Demographic, socio-economic, work,
      clinical and radiographic data were collected. WD was assessed with the Work
      Productivity and Activity Impairment Specific Health Problem (WPAI-SHP)
      questionnaire reporting WD as a percentage of absenteeism (work time missed),
      presenteeism (impairment at work/reduced effectiveness) and work productivity
      loss (overall work impairment/absenteeism plus presenteeism). Logistic and linear
      regressions were conducted to investigate associations with WD. RESULTS: Two
      hundred and thirty-six participants of any age were in work. Absenteeism,
      presenteeism and productivity loss rates were 14% (s.d. 29.0), 39% (s.d. 27.2)
      and 46% (s.d. 30.4), respectively. Ninety-two (26%) participants of working age
      were unemployed. Greater age, disease duration of 2-5 years and worse physical
      function were associated with unemployment. Patients reported that employer
      awareness and helpfulness exerted a strongly positive influence on remaining in
      employment. Higher levels of global and joint-specific disease activity and worse
      physical function were associated with greater levels of presenteeism and
      productivity loss among those who remained in work. CONCLUSION: Reduced
      effectiveness at work was associated with measures of disease activity, whereas
      unemployment, considered the endpoint of WD, was associated with employer
      factors, age and disease duration. A longitudinal study is under way to determine
      whether treatment to reduce disease activity ameliorates WD in the real-world
      setting.

PMID- 25125592
TI  - Interferon gene expression signature in rheumatoid arthritis neutrophils
      correlates with a good response to TNFi therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA
      Seq) of RA neutrophils to identify pre-therapy gene expression signatures that
      correlate with disease activity or response to TNF inhibitor (TNFi) therapy.
      METHODS: Neutrophils were isolated from the venous blood of RA patients (n = 20)
      pre-TNFi therapy and from healthy controls (n = 6). RNA was poly(A) selected and
      sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. Reads were mapped to the human
      genome (hg19) using TopHat and differential expression analysis was carried out
      using edgeR (5% false discovery rate). Signalling pathway analysis was carried
      out using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. IFN signalling was confirmed
      by western blotting for phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of
      transcription (STAT) proteins. Response to TNFi was measured at 12 weeks using
      change in the 28-item DAS (DAS28). RESULTS: Pathway analysis with IPA predicted
      activation of IFN signalling in RA neutrophils, identifying 178 IFN-response
      genes regulated by IFN-alpha, IFN-beta or IFN-gamma (P < 0.01). IPA also
      predicted activation of STAT1, STAT2 and STAT3 transcription factors in RA
      neutrophils (P < 0.01), which was confirmed by western blotting. Expression of
      IFN-response genes was heterogeneous and patients could be categorized as IFN
      high or IFN-low. Patients in the IFN-high group achieved a better response to
      TNFi therapy [DeltaDAS28, P = 0.05, odds ratio (OR) 1.4 (95% CI 1.005, 1.950)]
      than patients in the IFN-low group. The level of expression of IFN-response genes
      (IFN score) predicted a good response [European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)
      criteria] to TNFi using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area
      under the curve 0.76). CONCLUSION: IFN-response genes are significantly up
      regulated in RA neutrophils compared with healthy controls. Higher IFN-response
      gene expression in RA neutrophils correlates with a good response to TNFi
      therapy.

PMID- 25125593
TI  - Tumour necrosis factor inhibitor therapy and infection risk in axial
      spondyloarthritis: results from a longitudinal observational cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Long-term data on infection risk in axial SpA (axSpA) are sparse. TNF
      inhibitors (TNFis) are increasingly being used in axSpA, with infection being the
      most important adverse event. We aimed to investigate the frequency of infections
      in axSpA and to identify factors predisposing to infection. METHODS: Data were
      extracted from a longitudinal observational cohort of patients with axSpA.
      Infection rates were calculated and multivariate analysis was performed to
      investigate the association of independent variables with infection. RESULTS:
      Data were analysed for 440 patients followed for a total of 1712 patient-years
      (pys). A total of 259 infections, of which 23 were serious, were recorded in 185
      patients. The overall rate of any infection was 15 (95% CI 13, 17)/100 pys and
      the serious infection rate was 1.3 (95% CI 0.9, 2.0)/100 pys. There was no
      significant difference in the rate of any infection or serious infection in
      patients on TNFis compared with patients never on biologic agents. In the
      multivariate analysis, DMARD treatment, but not TNFi treatment, was associated
      with risk of infection. Age, disease duration, smoking status, BASFI, BASDAI, co
      morbidity score and hospitalization were not associated with an increased risk of
      infection. CONCLUSION: The serious infection rate in axSpA in this observational
      cohort is low when compared with rates reported in other rheumatic diseases.
      Biologic use was not a significant risk factor for serious infection.

PMID- 25125596
TI  - In situ exposure assessment of intermediate frequency fields of diverse devices.
AB  - In this study, in situ exposure assessment of both electric and magnetic fields
      of different intermediate frequency (IF) sources is investigated. The authors
      investigated smart boards and touchscreens, energy-saving bulbs, fluorescent
      lamps, a portable hearing unit and an electrosurgical unit (ESU). For most of
      these sources, the electric field is the dominating quantity. International
      Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection reference levels are exceeded for
      touchscreens (44 kHz: up to 155.7 V m(-1) at 5 cm), energy-saving bulbs (38-52
      kHz: up to 117.3 V m(-1)), fluorescent lamps (52 kHz: up to 471 V m(-1) at 5 cm)
      and ESUs (up to 920 kHz: 792 V m(-1) at 0.5 cm). Magnetic field strengths up to
      1.8 and 10.5 A m(-1) were measured close to the ESU and portable hearing unit (69
      V m(-1)), respectively. Large differences of measured field values exist among
      the various operating modes of the IF equipment. Compliance distances for general
      public range from 15.3 cm (touchscreen) to 25 cm (fluorescent lamps). 

PMID- 25125594
TI  - Twenty-two points to consider for clinical trials in systemic sclerosis, based on
      EULAR standards.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: SSc is clinically and aetiopathogenically heterogeneous. Consensus
      standards for more uniform trial design and selection of outcome measures are
      needed. The objective of this study was to develop evidence-based points to
      consider (PTCs) for future clinical trials in SSc. METHODS: Thirteen
      international SSc experts experienced in SSc clinical trial design were invited
      to participate. One researcher with experience in systematic literature review
      and three trainees were also included. A systematic review using PubMed and the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted and PTCs when
      designing clinical trials in SSc were developed. As part of that development we
      conducted an Internet-based Delphi exercise regarding the main points to be made
      in the consensus statement. Consensus was defined as achieving a median score of
      >=7 of 9. RESULTS: By consensus, the experts decided to develop PTCs for each
      individual organ system. The current document provides a unifying outline on PTCs
      regarding general trial design, inclusion/exclusion criteria and analysis.
      Consensus was achieved regarding all the main points of the PTCs. CONCLUSION:
      Using European League Against Rheumatism suggestions for PTCs, a general outline
      for PTCs for controlled clinical trials in SSc was developed. Specific outlines
      for individual organ systems are to be published separately. This general outline
      should lead to more uniform and higher-quality trials and clearly delineate areas
      where further research is needed.

PMID- 25125597
TI  - Effects of pupil center shift on ocular aberrations.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated effects of pupil shifts, occurring with changes in
      luminance and accommodation stimuli, on refraction components and higher-order
      aberrations. METHODS: Participants were young and older groups (n = 20; 22 +/- 2
      years; age range, 18-25 years; and n = 19, 49 +/- 4 years, 45-58 years,
      respectively). Aberrations/refractions at 4- and 3-mm diameters were compared
      between centered and decentered pupils for low (background, 0.01 cd/m(2), 0
      diopters [D]), and high (6100 cd/m(2), 4 or 6 D) stimuli. Decentration was the
      difference between pupil centers for low and high stimuli. Clinical important
      changes with decentration were: M at +/- 0.50 or +/- 0.25 D, J180 and J45 at +/-
      0.25 or +/- 0.125 D, HORMS at +/- 0.05 MUm, C(3, 1) at +/- 0.05 MUm, and C(4, 0)
      at +/- 0.05 MUm. RESULTS: Because of small pupil shifts in most participants
      (mean 0.26 mm), there were few important changes in most refraction components
      and higher-order aberration terms. However, M changed by >0.25 D for a third of
      participants with 4-mm pupils. When determining refractions from second to sixth
      order aberration coefficients, the more stringent criteria gave 76/534 (14%)
      possible important changes. Some participants had large pupil shifts with
      considerable aberration changes. Comparisons at the high stimulus were possible
      for only 11 participants because of small pupils. When refractions were
      determined from second order aberration coefficients only, only 35 (7%) had
      important changes for the more stringent criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Usually pupil
      shifts with changes in stimulus conditions have little influence on aberrations,
      but they can with high shifts. The number of aberrations orders that are
      considered as contributing to refraction influences the proportion of cases that
      might be considered clinically important.

PMID- 25125595
TI  - A cluster of methylations in the domain IV of 25S rRNA is required for ribosome
      stability.
AB  - In all three domains of life ribosomal RNAs are extensively modified at
      functionally important sites of the ribosome. These modifications are believed to
      fine-tune the ribosome structure for optimal translation. However, the precise
      mechanistic effect of modifications on ribosome function remains largely unknown.
      Here we show that a cluster of methylated nucleotides in domain IV of 25S rRNA is
      critical for integrity of the large ribosomal subunit. We identified the elusive
      cytosine-5 methyltransferase for C2278 in yeast as Rcm1 and found that a combined
      loss of cytosine-5 methylation at C2278 and ribose methylation at G2288 caused
      dramatic ribosome instability, resulting in loss of 60S ribosomal subunits.
      Structural and biochemical analyses revealed that this instability was caused by
      changes in the structure of 25S rRNA and a consequent loss of multiple ribosomal
      proteins from the large ribosomal subunit. Our data demonstrate that individual
      RNA modifications can strongly affect structure of large ribonucleoprotein
      complexes. 

PMID- 25125598
TI  - The combined effect of azithromycin and insulin-like growth factor-1 on cultured
      human meibomian gland epithelial cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the leading cause of dry eye
      disease, a prevalent disorder severely affecting patients' quality of life but
      has no cure. We have discovered that azithromycin, a topical antibiotic used off
      label to treat MGD-associated posterior blepharitis, directly acts on the human
      meibomian gland epithelial cells (HMGECs) to promote their differentiation, and
      in doing so, reduces cell proliferation. We have also found that insulin-like
      growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration
      primarily used to treat dwarfism, stimulates the proliferation and lipid
      accumulation in these cells. We hypothesize that the combination of azithromycin
      and IGF-1 will promote cellular differentiation and lipid accumulation, while
      preserving the normal proliferation of HMGECs. METHODS: We cultured immortalized
      HMGECs with vehicle, 10 nM IGF-1, 10 MUg/mL azithromycin, or a combination of IGF
      1 and azithromycin for 5 to 13 days. Cells were evaluated for intracellular
      neutral lipids and lysosome accumulation by different staining methods; lipid
      composition of cell lysates were analyzed using high-performance thin-layer
      chromatography; proteins of interest (sterol regulatory element binding protein-1
      [SREBP-1], cyclins B1 and D1) were measured by immunoblotting, and cell numbers
      were counted using a hemocytometer. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrate that the
      combination of azithromycin and IGF-1 promotes the differentiation and lipid
      accumulation of HMGECs, while preserving their normal proliferation rate. This
      combined treatment also increased the levels of neutral lipids, phospholipids,
      and SREBP-1, and restored cyclin B1 content to control amounts. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results support our hypothesis, and this combination regime may represent a
      unique and effective treatment of MGD.

PMID- 25125599
TI  - Long-term therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells compared to dexamethasone
      on recurrent experimental autoimmune uveitis of rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: We tested the long-term effects of different regimens of mesenchymal
      stem cell (MSC) administration in a recurrent experimental autoimmune uveitis
      (rEAU) model in rats, and compared the efficacy of MSC to that of dexamethasone
      (DEX). METHODS: One or two courses of MSC treatments were applied to R16-specific
      T cell-induced rEAU rats before or after disease onsets. The DEX injections were
      given for 7 or 50 days continuously after disease onsets. Clinical appearances
      were observed until the 50th day after transfer. On the 10th day, T cells from
      control and MSC groups were analyzed by flow cytometry. Supernatants from the
      proliferation assay and aqueous humor were collected for cytokine detection.
      Functions of T cells and APCs in spleens also were studied by lymphocyte
      proliferation assays. RESULTS: One course of MSC therapy, administered after
      disease onset, led to a lasting therapeutic effect, with a decreased incidence,
      reduced mean clinical score, and reduced retinal impairment after 50 days of
      observation, while multiple courses of treatment did not improve the therapeutic
      benefit. Although DEX and MSCs equally reduced the severity of the first episode
      of rEAU, the effect of DEX was shorter lasting, and DEX therapy failed to control
      the disease even with long periods of treatment. The MSCs significantly decreased
      T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 responses, suppressed the function of antigen
      presenting cells, and upregulated T regulatory cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggested that MSCs might be new corticosteroid spring agents, while providing
      fewer side effects and longer lasting suppressive effects for recurrent uveitis.

PMID- 25125600
TI  - Transgenic mice expressing mutated Tyr437His human myocilin develop progressive
      loss of retinal ganglion cell electrical responsiveness and axonopathy with
      normal iop.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize age-related changes of retinal ganglion cell (RGC)
      function, IOP, and anatomical markers of axon/glia integrity in a transgenic
      mouse expressing Tyr437His mutant of human myocilin protein. METHODS: Retinal
      ganglion cell electrical responsiveness was tested with pattern electroretinogram
      (PERG) in 11 transgenic mice expressing mutated myocilin at different ages over
      18 months under ketamine/xylazine anesthesia. Twelve age-matched C57BL/6J mice
      also were tested as controls. Intraocular pressure was measured with a Tonolab
      tonometer. Immunohistochemistry for GFAP and neurofilament was performed on
      dissected optic nerve heads. RESULTS: In transgenic mice expressing mutated
      myocilin, the PERG amplitude progressively decreased with increasing age by
      approximately 50%, whereas the PERG peak latency increased by approximately 40 ms
      (ANOVA, P < 0.05). In contrast, PERGs of young and old control mice had similar
      amplitudes and peak latencies. In transgenic mice, GFAP staining was more intense
      and extended than in control mice, and increased with increasing age;
      neurofilament staining showed swollen and partially degenerated axons in old
      transgenic mice. The IOP of young transgenic mice was similar to that of control
      mice and did not significantly change with increasing age. CONCLUSIONS:
      Transgenic mice expressing mutated human myocilin display progressive age-related
      changes in RGC electrical responsiveness that are not associated with IOP
      elevation but are associated with marked astrogliosis and axonopathy. Our results
      support the view that MYOC expression in the optic nerve may impact structural,
      metabolic, or neurotrophic support to RGC axons, thereby influencing their
      susceptibility to glaucomatous damage independently of IOP.

PMID- 25125601
TI  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa infectious keratitis in a high oxygen transmissible rigid
      contact lens rabbit model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish a rabbit model of infectious Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      keratitis using ultrahigh oxygen transmissible rigid lenses and characterize the
      frequency and severity of infection when compared to a non-oxygen transmissible
      lens material. METHODS: Rabbits were fit with rigid lenses composed of ultrahigh
      and non-oxygen transmissible materials. Prior to wear, lenses were inoculated
      with an invasive corneal isolate of P. aeruginosa stably conjugated to green
      fluorescent protein (GFP). Corneas were examined before and after lens wear using
      a modified Heidelberg Rostock Tomograph in vivo confocal microscope. Viable
      bacteria adherent to unworn and worn lenses were assessed by standard plate
      counts. The presence of P. aeruginosa-GFP and myeloperoxidase-labeled neutrophils
      in infected corneal tissue was evaluated using laser scanning confocal
      microscopy. RESULTS: The frequency and severity of infectious keratitis was
      significantly greater with inoculated ultrahigh oxygen transmissible lenses.
      Infection severity was associated with increasing neutrophil infiltration and in
      severe cases, corneal melting. In vivo confocal microscopic analysis of control
      corneas following lens wear confirmed that hypoxic lens wear was associated with
      mechanical surface damage, whereas no ocular surface damage was evident in the
      high-oxygen lens group. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that in the absence of
      adequate tear clearance, the presence of P. aeruginosa trapped under the lens
      overrides the protective effects of oxygen on surface epithelial cells. These
      findings also suggest that alternative pathophysiological mechanisms exist
      whereby changes under the lens in the absence of frank hypoxic damage result in
      P. aeruginosa infection in the otherwise healthy corneal epithelium.

PMID- 25125602
TI  - Constitutive and LPS-induced expression of MCP-1 and IL-8 by human uveal
      melanocytes in vitro and relevant signal pathways.
AB  - PURPOSE: Melanocytes are one of the major cellular components in the uvea.
      Interleukin-8/CXCL8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) are the
      two most important proinflammatory chemokines. We studied the constitutive and
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of IL-8 and MCP-1 in cultured human
      uveal melanocytes (UM) and explored the relevant signal pathways. METHODS:
      Conditioned media and cells were collected from UM cultured in medium with and
      without stimulation of LPS. Interleukin-8 and MCP-1 proteins and mRNAs were
      measured using an ELISA kit and RT-PCR, respectively. Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB
      in nuclear extracts and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2), and c-Jun N-terminal
      kinase1/2 (JNK1/2) in cells cultured with and without LPS were measured by ELISA
      kits. Inhibitors of p38 (SB203580), ERK1/2 (UO1026), JNK1/2 (SP600125), and NF
      kappaB (BAY11-7082) were added to the cultures to evaluate their effects.
      RESULTS: Low levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 proteins were detected in the conditioned
      media in UM cultured without serum. Lipopolysaccharide (0.01-1 MUg/mL) increased
      IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNAs and proteins levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner,
      accompanied by a significant increase of phosphorylated JNK1/2 in cell lysates
      and NF-kappaB in nuclear extracts. Nuclear factor-kappaB and JNK1/2 inhibitors
      significantly blocked LPS-induced expression of IL-8 and MCP-1. CONCLUSIONS: This
      is the first report on the expression and secretion of chemokines by UM. The data
      suggest that UM may play a role in the pathogenesis of ocular inflammatory
      diseases.

PMID- 25125604
TI  - The staining pattern of brilliant blue G during macular hole surgery: a
      clinicopathologic study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the intraoperative staining pattern of the internal limiting
      membrane (ILM)-specific dye Brilliant Blue G (BBG) in a cohort of patients with
      idiopathic macular holes; to analyze the associations of the staining pattern
      with pre- and postoperative variables and to correlate the staining pattern with
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the excised ILM. METHODS: Fifty-five
      consecutive patients were studied. The staining pattern was divided into three
      subtypes based on the intraoperative appearance. The presence of a narrow rim of
      nonstaining around the macular hole (MH) edge was noted and measured. In the
      final 21 patients, the excised ILM was examined with TEM. RESULTS: The pattern of
      staining observed was categorized as uniform in 33 patients (60%), patchy
      nonstaining in 17 (31%), and no visible staining in 5 (9%). The staining pattern
      correlated with the MH stage. In the patients with uniform or patchy staining, a
      nonstaining rim was observed in 26 (52%) of the 50. The presence of a rim was
      associated with a greater hole diameter and lower postoperative visual acuity.
      The stain pattern correlated significantly with the amount of cellular tissue on
      the vitreous side of the ILM on TEM, with a greater proportion of multicellular
      layer membranes and new collagen in the incomplete staining groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      A variety of nonstaining patterns around macular holes can be observed using BBG,
      and these patterns correlate to the amount of cellular tissue on the vitreous
      side of the ILM seen histologically. These patterns could be used to guide the
      ILM peeling requirement or extent in future studies.

PMID- 25125603
TI  - Sunlight exposure, pigmentation, and incident age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: Examine potential effects of sunlight exposure, hair color, eye color,
      and selected gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on incidence of AMD.
      METHODS: Subjects participated in up to five examinations over a 20-year period.
      Eye color, self-reported hair color as a teenager, and sunlight exposure were
      ascertained at the baseline examination. Presence and severity of AMD and its
      lesions were determined via fundus photographs. Genetic data were available on a
      subset of participants. The SNPs CFH Y402H rs1061170 and ARMS2 A69S rs10490924
      were used to analyze genetic risk of AMD; OCA2 rs4778241 and HERC2 rs12913832
      represented genetic determinants of eye color. RESULTS: Incidence of early AMD
      was higher in blond/red-haired persons compared with brown/black-haired persons
      (hazard ratio [HR] 1.25, P = 0.02) and in persons with high sun exposure in their
      thirties (HR 1.41, P = 0.02). However, neither was significant after adjustment
      for multiple comparisons. Eye (HR 1.36, P = 0.006) and hair color (HR 1.42, P =
      0.003) were associated with incidence of any retinal pigmentary abnormalities
      (RPAs). Both remained significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons.
      Neither presence of alleles for light-colored eyes nor those associated with high
      risk of late AMD altered the association of eye or hair color with early AMD.
      None of the characteristics studied were significantly associated with late AMD.
      CONCLUSIONS: Modest associations of eye color, hair color, and HERC2 genotype
      with any RPAs were found. Genes for AMD did not affect these associations. Eye
      color phenotype was more strongly associated with outcomes than HERC2 or OCA2
      genotype.

PMID- 25125605
TI  - Comparative transcriptomic analysis of cultivated limbal epithelium and donor
      corneal tissue reveals altered wound healing gene expression.
AB  - PURPOSE: The improved surgical outcomes associated with transplantation of
      cultivated amniotic membrane expanded limbal epithelium (AMLE) compared to
      traditional donor methods has led to substantial adoption of this technique for
      treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. METHODS: The mRNA expression profiles
      of AMLE and CE were assayed using microarrays. Transcripts with a 1.5-fold change
      in either direction in addition to a Bonferroni adjusted P value < 0.05 were
      considered to be differentially expressed. Expression changes detected by
      microarray profiling and important corneal-limbal markers were assessed using
      quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: A
      total of 487 probe sets (319 upregulated and 168 downregulated) were found to be
      differentially expressed between AMLE and CE. Enrichment analysis revealed
      significant overrepresentation of multiple biological processes (e.g., response
      to wounding, wound healing, and regulation of cell morphogenesis) within the
      differentially expressed gene list. The expression of a number of genes that were
      upregulated (ABCG2, S100A9, ITGA5, TIMP2, FGF5, PDGFC, SEMA3A) and downregulated
      (KLF4, P63alpha) in AMLE was confirmed using qRT-PCR. Immunofluorescence
      confirmed that AMLE cultures were P63alpha, ABCG2, CK3, CK12, and E-cadherin (E
      cad) positive. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we have shown that genes associated
      with wound healing processes are upregulated in AMLE. These gene expression
      changes may contribute to corneal restoration and the positive outcomes
      associated with transplantation.

PMID- 25125606
TI  - Wnt and extraocular muscle sparing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The extraocular muscles (EOM) and their motor neurons are spared in
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In limb muscle, axon retraction from the
      neuromuscular junctions occurs early in the disease. Wnts, a conserved family of
      secreted signaling molecules, play a critical role in neuromuscular junction
      formation. This is the first study to examine Wnt signaling for its potential
      involvement in maintenance of normal morphology in EOM in ALS. METHODS:
      Extraocular muscle and limb muscle axons, neuromuscular junctions, and myofibers
      from control, aging, and ALS subjects and the SOD1(G93A) mouse model of ALS were
      quantified for their expression of Wnt1, Wnt3a, Wnt5a, Wnt7a, and beta-catenin.
      RESULTS: All four Wnt isoforms were expressed in most axon profiles in all human
      EOM. Significantly fewer were positive for Wnt1, Wnt3a, and Wnt7a in the human
      limb muscles. Similar differential patterns in Wnt myofiber expression were also
      seen except in the case of Wnt7a, where expression was elevated. In the
      SOD1(G93A) mouse, all four Wnt isoforms were significantly decreased in the
      neuromuscular junctions at the terminal stage compared to values in age-matched
      controls. beta-Catenin was activated in a subset of myofibers in EOM and limb
      muscle in all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in expression of Wnts in EOM
      and limb muscle, particularly at the neuromuscular junction level, suggest that
      they play a role in the pathophysiology of ALS. Collectively, the data support a
      role for signaling of Wnts in the preservation of the EOM in ALS and their
      dysregulation and the subsequent development of pathology in the ALS limb
      muscles.

PMID- 25125608
TI  - Association between blood cadmium level and age-related macular degeneration in a
      representative Korean population.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the association between blood cadmium level and AMD.
      METHODS: This population-based, cross-sectional study using a nationwide,
      systemically stratified, multistage, clustered sampling method included 4933
      subjects older than 40 years who participated in the Korean National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) between 2008 and 2012 and had fundus
      photographs taken. All participants underwent a standardized interview,
      evaluation of blood cadmium concentrations, and comprehensive ophthalmic
      examination. A 45 degrees  digital fundus photograph was taken from both eyes
      under physiologic mydriasis, and were graded using the international
      classification and grading system for AMD. RESULTS: Mean blood cadmium levels
      were 1.47 MUg/L in women and 1.19 MUg/L in men. After adjusting for potential
      confounders, including age, sex, and smoking status, the odds ratio (OR) for AMD
      was significantly increased in the highest quintile blood cadmium group (OR,
      1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-3.29; P for trend = 0.017). This
      association between blood cadmium level and AMD was significant in men (OR, 2.11;
      95% CI, 1.11-4.02; P for trend = 0.024), but not in women (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.70
      2.52; P for trend = 0.158). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first
      epidemiologic evidence that higher blood cadmium level is associated with AMD.
      Results of the present study indicate that an elevated cadmium burden may
      increase the risk of AMD development.

PMID- 25125607
TI  - Loss of Raf-1 kinase inhibitory protein delays early-onset severe retinal
      ciliopathy in Cep290rd16 mouse.
AB  - PURPOSE: Mutations in the cilia-centrosomal protein of centrosomal protein of 290
      kDa (CEP290) result in severe ciliopathies, including autosomal recessive early
      onset childhood blindness disorder Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). The
      Cep290(rd16) (retinal degeneration 16) mouse model of CEP290-LCA exhibits
      accumulation of CEP290-interacting protein Raf-1 kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP)
      prior to onset of retinal degeneration (by postnatal day P14). We hypothesized
      that reducing RKIP levels in the Cep290(rd16) mouse will delay or improve retinal
      phenotype. METHODS: We generated double mutant mice by combining the Cep290(rd16)
      and Rkip(ko) alleles (Cep290(rd16):Rkip(+/ko) and Cep290(rd16):Rkip(ko/ko)).
      Retinal function was assessed by ERG and retinal morphology and protein
      trafficking were assessed by histology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM),
      and immunofluorescence analysis. Cell death was examined by apoptosis. RESULTS:
      Prior to testing our hypothesis, we examined ERG and retinal morphology of
      Rkip(ko/ko) mice and did not find any detectable differences compared with wild
      type mice. The Cep290(rd16):Rkip(+/ko) mice exhibited similar retinopathy as
      Cep290(rd16); however, Cep290(rd16): Rkip(ko/ko) double knockout mice
      demonstrated a substantial improvement (>9-fold) in photoreceptor function and
      structure at P18 as of Cep290(rd16) mice. We consistently detected transient
      preservation of photoreceptors at P18 and polarized trafficking of opsins to
      sensory cilia in the double mutant mice; however, retinal degeneration ensued by
      P30. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies implicate CEP290-RKIP pathway in CEP290-retinal
      degeneration and suggest that targeting RKIP levels can delay photoreceptor
      degeneration, assisting in extending the time-window for treating such rapidly
      progressing blindness disorder.

PMID- 25125609
TI  - A novel mutation in VCP causes Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 2 disease.
AB  - Mutations in VCP have been reported to account for a spectrum of phenotypes that
      include inclusion body myopathy with Paget's disease of the bone and
      frontotemporal dementia, hereditary spastic paraplegia, and 1-2% of familial
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We identified a novel VCP mutation (p.Glu185Lys)
      segregating in an autosomal dominant Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 family.
      Functional studies showed that the Glu185Lys variant impaired autophagic function
      leading to the accumulation of immature autophagosomes. VCP mutations should thus
      be considered for genetically undefined Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2. 

PMID- 25125610
TI  - Neuroanatomical precursors of dyslexia identified from pre-reading through to age
      11.
AB  - Developmental dyslexia is a common reading disorder that negatively impacts an
      individual's ability to achieve literacy. Although the brain network involved in
      reading and its dysfunction in dyslexia has been well studied, it is unknown
      whether dyslexia is caused by structural abnormalities in the reading network
      itself or in the lower-level networks that provide input to the reading network.
      In this study, we acquired structural magnetic resonance imaging scans
      longitudinally from 27 Norwegian children from before formal literacy training
      began until after dyslexia was diagnosed. Thus, we were able to determine that
      the primary neuroanatomical abnormalities that precede dyslexia are not in the
      reading network itself, but rather in lower-level areas responsible for auditory
      and visual processing and core executive functions. Abnormalities in the reading
      network itself were only observed at age 11, after children had learned how to
      read. The findings suggest that abnormalities in the reading network are the
      consequence of having different reading experiences, rather than dyslexia per se,
      whereas the neuroanatomical precursors are predominantly in primary sensory
      cortices. 

PMID- 25125611
TI  - ECHS1 mutations in Leigh disease: a new inborn error of metabolism affecting
      valine metabolism.
AB  - Two siblings with fatal Leigh disease had increased excretion of S-(2
      carboxypropyl)cysteine and several other metabolites that are features of 3
      hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA hydrolase (HIBCH) deficiency, a rare defect in the valine
      catabolic pathway associated with Leigh-like disease. However, this diagnosis was
      excluded by HIBCH sequencing and normal enzyme activity. In contrast to HIBCH
      deficiency, the excretion of 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-carnitine was normal in the
      children, suggesting deficiency of short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECHS1 gene).
      This mitochondrial enzyme is active in several metabolic pathways involving fatty
      acids and amino acids, including valine, and is immediately upstream of HIBCH in
      the valine pathway. Both children were compound heterozygous for a c.473C > A
      (p.A158D) missense mutation and a c.414+3G>C splicing mutation in ECHS1. ECHS1
      activity was markedly decreased in cultured fibroblasts from both siblings, ECHS1
      protein was undetectable by immunoblot analysis and transfection of patient cells
      with wild-type ECHS1 rescued ECHS1 activity. The highly reactive metabolites
      methacrylyl-CoA and acryloyl-CoA accumulate in deficiencies of both ECHS1 and
      HIBCH and are probably responsible for the brain pathology in both disorders.
      Deficiency of ECHS1 or HIBCH should be considered in children with Leigh disease.
      Urine metabolite testing can detect and distinguish between these two disorders. 

PMID- 25125612
TI  - Does dominant pedunculopontine nucleus exist?

PMID- 25125613
TI  - Reply: Does dominant pedunculopontine nucleus exist?

PMID- 25125615
TI  - Learning to be a consultant: what should be taught.

PMID- 25125616
TI  - An analysis of clinical consultation activities in clinical pathology: who
      requests help and why.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the distribution of callers who made consultation requests
      and to identify associations between caller categories and consultation topics.
      METHODS: Review of prospectively collected database of consultations. RESULTS:
      Direct care personnel made more consultation requests than non-direct care
      personnel. Consultation topics varied by caller type. Direct care personnel
      requested more consultations on test interpretation and few consultations on test
      selection than laboratory personnel. Differences in consultation requests by
      primary care physicians and specialists were significant. CONCLUSIONS: At our
      laboratory, consultation requests primarily originate from primary care
      physicians. Consultation requests vary by caller type.

PMID- 25125614
TI  - Diffusion tensor imaging and neurocognition in survivors of childhood acute
      lymphoblastic leukaemia.
AB  - Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia are at risk for
      neurocognitive impairment, though little information is available on its
      association with brain integrity, particularly for survivors treated without
      cranial radiation therapy. This study compares neurocognitive function and brain
      morphology in long-term adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic
      leukaemia treated with chemotherapy alone (n = 36) to those treated with cranial
      radiation therapy (n = 39) and to healthy control subjects (n = 23). Mean
      (standard deviation) age at evaluation was 24.9 (3.6) years for the chemotherapy
      group and 26.7 (3.4) years for the cranial radiation therapy group, while time
      since diagnosis was 15.0 (1.7) and 23.9 (3.1) years, respectively. Brain grey and
      white matter volume and diffusion tensor imaging was compared between survivor
      groups and to 23 healthy controls with a mean (standard deviation) age of 23.1
      (2.6) years. Survivors treated with chemotherapy alone had higher fractional
      anisotropy in fibre tracts within the left (P < 0.05), but not in the right,
      hemisphere when compared to controls. Survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia,
      regardless of treatment, had a lower ratio of white matter to intracranial volume
      in frontal and temporal lobes (P < 0.05) compared with control subjects.
      Survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with chemotherapy alone
      performed worse in processing speed (P < 0.001), verbal selective reminding (P =
      0.01), and academics (P < 0.05) compared to population norms and performed better
      than survivors treated with cranial radiation therapy on verbal selective
      reminding (P = 0.02), processing speed (P = 0.05) and memory span (P = 0.009).
      There were significant associations between neurocognitive performance and brain
      imaging, particularly for frontal and temporal white and grey matter volume.
      Survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with chemotherapy alone
      demonstrated significant long-term differences in neurocognitive function and
      altered neuroanatomical integrity. These results suggest substantial region
      specific white matter alterations in survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
      possibly resulting in restricted radial diffusion due to the compaction of
      neuronal fibres. 

PMID- 25125617
TI  - Loss of blast heterogeneity in myelodysplastic syndrome and other chronic myeloid
      neoplasms.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Flow cytometry immunophenotyping has been suggested as an adjunctive
      technique in the evaluation of myeloid malignancies, especially in the
      myelodysplastic syndromes. However, its use has been limited due to complexity
      and cost restraints. The goal of this study is to attempt a simpler approach to
      flow cytometry immunophenotyping in myeloid neoplasms. METHODS: We analyzed bone
      marrow specimens of 45 selected patients and an additional 99 consecutive random
      patients using a limited antibody panel. RESULTS: Normal CD34-positive blasts
      show a characteristic pattern of CD13/HLA-DR expression, with three readily
      identifiable subpopulations. In contrast, myeloid neoplasms frequently show loss
      of this heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of a limited antibody panel with a
      focus on CD13/HLA-DR expression provides relatively high specificity and
      sensitivity for the detection of myeloid neoplasms.

PMID- 25125619
TI  - Rapid detection of the active cardiac glycoside convallatoxin of lily of the
      valley using LOCI digoxin assay.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the luminescent oxygen channeling technology-based digoxin
      immunoassay (LOCI digoxin assay) for rapid detection of lily of the valley
      extract and convallatoxin. The potential in vitro binding of convallatoxin with
      Digibind was also evaluated. METHODS: Aliquots of a drug-free serum pool and a
      digoxin serum pool were supplemented with lily of the valley extract or
      convallatoxin, and then apparent digoxin concentrations were measured using the
      LOCI digoxin assay. Mice were administered lily of the valley extract or 50 MUg
      of convallatoxin, and digoxin concentrations in serum specimens were measured 1
      and 2 hours after gavage. Aliquots of a serum pool supplemented with
      convallatoxin or lily of the valley extract were further supplemented with
      various concentrations of Digibind and free apparent digoxin concentrations were
      measured. RESULTS: Apparent digoxin concentrations were observed when aliquots of
      a drug-free serum pool were supplemented with convallatoxin or lily of the valley
      extract, and also with convallatoxin or herbal extract. Bidirectional
      interference of convallatoxin and lily of the valley extract with serum digoxin
      measurement using the LOCI assay was also observed. Digibind was capable of
      binding convallatoxin in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: LOCI digoxin assay can be used for
      rapid detection of convallatoxin, and Digibind can bind convallatoxin in vitro.

PMID- 25125618
TI  - Comparison between invasive breast cancer with extensive peritumoral vascular
      invasion and inflammatory breast carcinoma: a clinicopathologic study of 161
      cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Extensive peritumoral neoplastic lymphovascular invasion (ePVI) is a
      marker of aggressiveness in invasive breast carcinoma (BC). METHODS: We explored
      the impact of ePVI on different BC subtypes. In a total of 2,116 BCs, 91 ePVI
      BCs, 70 inflammatory breast carcinomas (IBCs), and 114 casual BCs as a control
      group (CG-BC) were recruited. RESULTS: Patients affected by ePVI-BC were younger,
      had larger tumors, higher histologic grade, elevated Ki-67 score, Her2/neu
      overexpressed, and more lymph node metastases compared with CG-BC (P < .001).
      Interestingly, only younger mean age at diagnosis differentiated patients with
      ePVI-BC from patients affected by IBC. ePVI-BC showed a clinical outcome
      intermediate between the prognoses of IBC and CG-BC. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest
      that ePVI-BC and IBC may share some pathologic processes, providing a novel
      perspective on the heterogeneity of BC. Epidemiologic data and molecular studies
      on gene expression features are needed to rationally classify these tumors into
      their identified subtypes.

PMID- 25125620
TI  - Mesothelin expression in pancreatic mucinous cysts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Mesothelin (MSLN) is a differentiation antigen found to be
      overexpressed in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and is a
      potential treatment target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: From
      institutional archives, 114 cases of resected pancreatic mucinous cysts were
      identified, including IPMN and mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN).
      Immunohistochemical analysis of MSLN was performed on representative sections.
      RESULTS: MSLN was seen more frequently in neoplastic epithelial cells from IPMN
      (39/52; P < .0005) and MCN (9/14; P < .0001) compared with unremarkable adjacent
      pancreatic and bile ducts (0/57) and benign foveolar and duodenal epithelium
      (0/21). When present, MSLN was diffusely expressed in neoplastic epithelium and
      only focally expressed in adjacent ducts (8/57). No significant difference was
      seen (P = .26) in MLSN expression between IPMN (79%) and MCN (83%) when only
      presence or absence was considered. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that MLSN
      can be used as a marker of neoplastic transformation of epithelial cells in
      pancreatic mucinous cysts. The findings can help identify neoplastic mucinous
      epithelium.

PMID- 25125621
TI  - Evaluation of napsin A, TTF-1, p63, p40, and CK5/6 immunohistochemical stains in
      pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A panel of immunohistochemical (IHC) stains frequently used to
      subclassify non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) includes napsin A, TTF-1, CK5/6,
      p40, and p63. The expression profiles of these stains in neuroendocrine tumors
      have not been systematically evaluated. METHOD: Sixty-eight resected pulmonary
      neuroendocrine tumors, including 52 typical carcinoids (TCs), eight atypical
      carcinoids (ACs), seven small cell carcinomas (SCLCs) and one large cell
      neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), were stained for napsin A, TTF-1, p63, p40, and
      CK5/6. Tumors were scored as positive (>1% tumor cells reactive) or negative, and
      percentage of reactive tumor cells was recorded. RESULTS: Napsin A, p63, p40, and
      CK5/6 were consistently negative in neuroendocrine tumors. TTF-1 was positive in
      17 of 52 TCs, 4 of 8 ACs, 5 of 7 SCLCs, and 0 of 1 LCNECs. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary
      neuroendocrine tumors have a distinct but nonspecific profile on IHC panel
      commonly applied to subclassify NSCLCs. They are napsin A-/p40-/p63-/CK5/6-/TTF
      1+/-. Recognizing this profile may have value in separating neuroendocrine tumors
      from NSCLCs.

PMID- 25125623
TI  - Platelet mapping assay interference due to platelet activation in heparinized
      samples.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Thromboelastography Platelet Mapping (TEGPM) is an assay designed to
      detect platelet inhibition due to aspirin or clopidogrel-like drugs. The purpose
      of this study was to evaluate potential causes of error in the design or
      operation of the assay. METHODS: We evaluated percent inhibition of platelets due
      to aspirin or clopidogrel using TEGPM, which measures clot viscoelastic maximum
      amplitude (MA) after activation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or arachidonic
      acid (AA) and subtraction of MA due to fibrin (MAFibrin). RESULTS: MAFibrin
      measured in heparinized blood showed an unstable increasing pattern in 28% of
      samples (16 of 58). The platelet aggregation inhibitor eptifibatide corrected
      increasing MAFibrin in 14 of 16 cases, while the thrombin inhibitor argatroban
      corrected increasing MAFibrin in six of 16 cases, suggesting that unanticipated
      platelet activation/ aggregation was a more important cause of unstable rising
      MAFibrin than uninhibited thrombin. The unstable increased MAFibrin falsely
      increased percent ADP inhibition on average from 19% to 38% and percent AA
      inhibition from 29% to 58%. Heparinized samples showed platelet clumping and had
      procoagulant platelet microvesicle levels double those in citrate anticoagulant.
      CONCLUSIONS: Unanticipated platelet activation/aggregation occurring in the
      heparinized TEGPM samples lead to erroneous percent inhibition results.

PMID- 25125622
TI  - A dual-fixed neutrophil substrate improves interpretation of antineutrophil
      cytoplasmic antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the addition of a formalin-fixed neutrophil
      substrate could improve interpretation and prediction of autoantigenic
      specificity in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) testing. METHODS:
      Routine diagnostic samples sent for ANCA testing were analyzed prospectively on a
      dual substrate of both ethanol- and formalin-fixed neutrophils. Positive samples
      on ethanol-fixed neutrophils were deemed "typical" if formalin-fixed neutrophils
      also stained, and "atypical" if not. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) results
      were correlated with antimyeloperoxidase (MPO) and anti-proteinase 3 (PR3)
      results with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Of 1,426
      samples, 201 from unique patients were ANCA-positive (200 on IIF, 1 on ELISA
      alone). Thirty-two (45%) of 71 typical ANCA staining patterns were positive for
      either an anti-MPO or anti-PR3 antibodies, whereas only one (0.8%) of 129
      atypical patterns was ELISA-positive, in a patient without systemic vasculitis.
      Only one (3%) of 34 ELISA-positive samples had a negative IIF-ANCA (1/1,426
      patients, 0.07%), and this patient did not have vasculitis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Concomitant staining on formalin fixation of IIF-positive ethanol-fixed ANCA
      samples improves the interpretation of ANCA testing and is predictive of
      vasculitis autoantigens MPO and PR3.

PMID- 25125624
TI  - Aggressive B-cell lymphomas with translocations involving BCL6 and MYC have
      distinct clinical-pathologic characteristics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recently described, aggressive B-cell lymphomas with genetic
      abnormalities involving MYC and BCL2 have been shown to have a poor prognosis
      when treated with regimens for diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Similar data on
      cases with concurrent MYC and BCL6 translocation are still scant. Moreover,
      little is known regarding the morphologic and immunophenotypic characteristics of
      these cases, which further complicates their identification. This study describes
      six cases of aggressive B-cell lymphoma with translocations involving MYC and
      BCL6. METHODS: Six cases of large B-cell lymphoma with translocation involving
      MYC and BCL6 confirmed by fluorescence in situ were identified. The morphologic,
      immunophenotypic, and clinical features of the cases were examined. RESULTS: All
      the patients were older women, and in 50% of cases, the presentation was
      extranodal. In two cases, the liver was involved at presentation. A starry-sky
      pattern was a constant feature of the cases in which the morphology could be
      reliably assessed. Five of six cases had an immunophenotype corresponding to the
      germinal center B cells, and only one was positive for BCL2, an immunophenotype
      reminiscent of that of Burkitt lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: B-cell lymphomas with
      translocations involving MYC and BCL6 have morphologic and immunophenotypic
      features suggestive of Burkitt lymphoma or gray zone lymphoma, and they tend to
      be diagnosed mainly in women, often in extranodal locations.

PMID- 25125626
TI  - Recognition and discrimination of tissue-marking dye color by surgical
      pathologists: recommendations to avoid errors in margin assessment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A variety of tissue-marking dye (TMD) colors can be used to indicate
      surgical pathology specimen margins; however, the ability of pathologists to
      differentiate between specific microscopic margin colors has not been assessed
      systematically. This study aimed to evaluate pathologists' accuracy in
      identifying TMD color and determine the least ambiguous combinations of colors
      for use in surgical pathology. METHODS: Seven colors of TMD were obtained from
      three manufacturers and applied to excess formalin-fixed uterine tissue. Study
      blocks contained multiple tissue pieces, each marked with a different color from
      the same manufacturer. Slides were assessed by eight participants for color and
      color distinctness of each piece of tissue. RESULTS: Black, green, red, and blue
      TMDs were accurately identified by most participants, but participants had
      difficulty identifying violet, orange, and yellow TMDs. Black, green, and blue
      TMDs were most commonly rated as "confidently discernable." CONCLUSIONS:
      Pathologists have difficulty identifying and distinguishing certain colors of
      TMDs. The combined use of certain colors of TMDs (yellow/orange/red, blue/violet,
      and red/violet) within the same specimen should be avoided to decrease the risk
      of inaccurately reporting specimen margins.

PMID- 25125625
TI  - Aberrations of MYC are a common event in B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL) remains a controversial
      entity, and its molecular pathogenesis is largely unknown. Patients are older,
      typically having marked lymphocytosis and splenomegaly in the absence of
      lymphadenopathy. It is defined as a mature B-cell leukemia with more than 55%
      circulating prolymphocytes. Leukemic mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia in prolymphocytic transformation must be excluded. METHODS: Case
      archives were retrospectively reviewed for B-PLL in patients without a previous
      diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia or other B-cell neoplasm. RESULTS: We
      identified six cases of B-PLL with available cytogenetic data, five of which
      showed evidence of aberrations in MYC. Three cases showed additional signals for
      the MYC gene by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and two cases
      demonstrated t(8;14)MYC/IGH by karyotyping or FISH. High levels of MYC protein
      expression were detected in all cases tested with MYC aberrations. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results suggest that deregulation of MYC plays an important role in the
      pathogenesis of B-PLL and expands the spectrum of B-cell neoplasms associated
      with aberrations of MYC.

PMID- 25125628
TI  - Utility of immunofluorescence testing for vascular IgA in adult patients with
      leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of
      immunofluorescence (IF) testing in patients with leukocytoclastic vasculitis
      (LCV), particularly with regard to usefulness in the diagnosis of Henoch
      Schonlein purpura (HSP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the results of IF
      testing in 96 patients with LCV and compared results with clinical criteria and
      clinical impression at the time of biopsy by review of the medical record.
      RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of vascular immunoglobulin A (IgA) for the
      diagnosis of HSP were 0.86 and 0.84, respectively. Positive predictive value was
      0.48 and negative predictive value was 0.97. Of the 53 patients with LCV who did
      not meet clinical criteria for HSP and carried a low clinical suspicion for the
      disease at the time of biopsy, seven had moderate to strong staining for vascular
      IgA. Only one of these patients was determined to have HSP. CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      confirm that vascular IgA is nonspecific and also demonstrate that the utility of
      IF studies for vasculitis is influenced by the clinical presentation and the
      clinician's level of suspicion for HSP. Our data show that the clinical features
      and the overall clinical impression are helpful in selecting which patients are
      most likely to benefit from IF testing.

PMID- 25125627
TI  - Significant histologic features differentiating cellular fibroadenoma from
      phyllodes tumor on core needle biopsy specimens.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cellular fibroepithelial lesions (CFELs) are a heterogeneous group of
      tumors encompassing cellular fibroadenoma (CFA) and phyllodes tumor (PT).
      Distinction between the two is challenging on core needle biopsy (CNB) specimens.
      The objective of this study was to evaluate histologic features that can help
      distinguish PT from CFA on CNB specimens. METHODS: Records of all patients
      diagnosed with CFELs on CNB specimens with follow-up excision between January
      2002 and December 2012 were retrieved. Histopathologic stromal features were
      evaluated on CNB specimens, including mitoses per 10 high-power fields (hpf),
      overgrowth, increased cellularity, fragmentation, adipose tissue infiltration,
      heterogeneity, subepithelial condensation, and nuclear pleomorphism. RESULTS:
      Twenty-seven (42.2%) of 64 were diagnosed as PT (24 benign PTs and three
      borderline PTs) and 37 (57.8%) as CFA on excision. All features except for
      increased stromal cellularity were statistically significant. The average number
      of histologic features seen in PT and CFA was 3.9 and 1.4, respectively (odds
      ratio [OR], 7.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.44-21.69; P = .0004). The
      average number of mitoses per 10 hpf was 3.0 for PT compared with 0.8 for CFA
      (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.18-3.86; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of mitoses
      (three or more) and/or total histologic features of three or more on CNB
      specimens were the most helpful features in predicting PT on excision.

PMID- 25125629
TI  - Micropapillary pattern and poorly differentiated clusters represent the same
      biological phenomenon in colorectal cancer: a proposal for a change in
      terminology.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) with a micropapillary pattern and those
      showing high counts of poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs) are characterized by
      a higher probability to develop nodal metastases and have a worse prognosis. In
      light of the morphologic similarity to the micropapillary component, we aimed to
      verify whether PDCs also display an inverted secretory pattern. METHODS: The
      immunohistochemical expression of MUC1 and E-cadherin was assessed in a cohort of
      CRCs with PDCs and compared with that observed in CRCs without PDCs. RESULTS:
      PDCs in our cases always displayed an inverted MUC1 pattern. In addition, we
      found abnormal (lost or cytoplasmic) expression of E-cadherin in PDCs.
      CONCLUSIONS: The altered expression of MUC1 and E-cadherin may account for the
      aggressive behavior and higher metastatic potential of CRCs with high PDC counts
      and indicate an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Our findings suggest that
      regardless of the morphologic aspect, PDCs and the micropapillary component may
      reflect the same biological phenomenon in CRCs. Thus, we wonder whether the
      micropapillary areas should be considered a variant of CRCs or more objectively
      counted as PDCs to predict prognosis. We also believe that the term PDC better
      describes the biological phenomena underlying this peculiar morphologic aspect in
      comparison with the misnomer micropapillary.

PMID- 25125630
TI  - Performance characteristics of nested polymerase chain reaction vs real-time
      polymerase chain reaction methods for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      complex in paraffin-embedded human tissues.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Nucleic acid amplification tests on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded
      (FFPE) tissue specimens enable Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB) detection
      and rapid tuberculosis diagnosis in the absence of microbiologic culture tests.
      We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      methods for detecting Mycobacterium species in FFPE tissues. METHODS: We examined
      110 FFPE specimens (56 nonmycobacterial cases, 32 MTB, and 22 nontuberculous
      mycobacteria [NTM] determined by acid-fast bacilli [AFB] culture) to assess five
      PCR methods: nested PCR (N-PCR) (Seeplex MTB Nested ACE Detection; Seegene,
      Seoul, South Korea), an in-house real-time PCR (RT-PCR) method, and three
      commercial RT-PCR methods (AccuPower MTB RT-PCR [Bioneer, Seoul, Korea], artus M
      tuberculosis TM PCR [Qiagen, Hilden, Germany], and AdvanSure tuberculosis/NTM RT
      PCR [LG Life Sciences, Seoul, Korea]). RESULTS: The results of N-PCR, in-house RT
      PCR, and AdvanSure RT-PCR correlated well with AFB culture results (concordance
      rates, 94.3%, 87.5%, and 89.5%, respectively). The sensitivity of N-PCR (87.5%)
      was higher than that of the RT-PCR methods, although these differences were not
      statistically significant between N-PCR and the in-house and AdvanSure RT-PCR
      methods (68.8% and 80.0%, respectively). All the PCR methods had high
      specificities, ranging from 98.2% to 100%. Only two NTM cases were detected by
      AdvanSure RT-PCR, implying a very low sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Well-designed RT
      PCR and N-PCR can effectively identify MTB in FFPE specimens.

PMID- 25125631
TI  - Correlation between biological marker expression and fluorine-18
      fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the association between several biological
      markers and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Forty-two patients with hepatocellular
      carcinoma who underwent FDG positron emission tomography were included in the
      study. Tumor sections were immunohistochemically stained for phosphorylated
      signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3), hypoxia-inducible
      factor 1alpha (HIF1alpha), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), GLUT2, GLUT3, and
      GLUT4. RESULTS: The high standardized uptake value (SUV) group showed larger
      tumor size, more frequent vascular invasion, and poorer differentiation compared
      with the low SUV group. The high SUV group also showed significantly higher
      immunohistochemical expression of pSTAT3, HIF1alpha, and GLUT1. The GLUT1 high
      expression group showed higher alpha-fetoprotein (a tumor marker) and poorer
      differentiation than did the GLUT1 low-expression group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      indicates that FDG uptake is associated with the expression of pSTAT3, HIF1alpha,
      and GLUT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. The expression of these proteins shows a
      correlation with poor differentiation and vascular invasion.

PMID- 25125632
TI  - Utility of nine-color, 11-parameter flow cytometry for detection of plasma cell
      neoplasms: a comparison with bone marrow morphologic findings and concurrent M
      protein studies in serum and urine.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) is a widely available laboratory
      platform for the evaluation of plasma cell (PC) neoplasms. We assess the
      performance of a nine-color MFC assay that uses stain-lyse-fix processing of bone
      marrow aspirates, minimal wash steps, and high acquisition rates with analysis of
      up to 1.8 * 10(6) cells. METHODS: MFC results were compared with microscopic
      examinations, immunohistochemical studies, and serum/urine M-protein measurements
      from patients with documented or suspected PC neoplasms. RESULTS: Sensitivity
      exceeded that of microscopic examinations, with or without immunohistochemistry.
      In patients with PC myeloma, clonal PC detection by MFC fell in concert with M
      protein levels. However, in a subset of patients, MFC detected clonal PCs after
      serum/urine studies turned negative. CONCLUSIONS: The nine-color analytic
      cocktail eliminates duplication of PC gating reagents required for evaluation of
      the same epitopes using a five- or six-color approach. Fewer analytic cocktails
      result in lower instrument acquisition times per case, a significant factor for
      the large data sets required for optimal residual disease assessment. Finally,
      concurrent analysis of nine epitopes and two light scatter parameters aids
      detection of residual disease, particularly when it is mixed with polyclonal PCs.

PMID- 25125633
TI  - Value-based flow testing of chronic lymphoproliferative disorders: a quality
      improvement project to develop an algorithm to streamline testing and reduce
      costs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Flow cytometry is essential for the evaluation of lymphoproliferative
      disorders (LPDs) and their classification. Flow panels routinely incorporate a
      large array of antibodies, making testing complex and expensive; such panels are
      likely unnecessary in benign cases or those with straightforward diagnoses. Our
      aim was to develop a more cost-effective testing strategy based on a
      retrospective analysis of flow studies for possible LPDs in blood. METHODS: We
      identified LPD frequencies and types, as well as associated results with patient
      age and absolute lymphocyte count. RESULTS: We found that the likelihood of LPDs
      increased with patient age and absolute lymphocyte count and that CD5-positive
      LPD was the most common LPD diagnosed in our institution (71% of LPDs). Using
      these data, we devised flow-testing algorithms with a screening test for patients
      at low risk of disease and a focus on CD5-positive LPD detection, with reflexing
      as needed. CONCLUSIONS: We project this approach will result in a 40% decrease in
      antibody utilization.

PMID- 25125635
TI  - Long-term effects of continuous positive airway pressure on blood pressure and
      prognosis in hypertensive patients with coronary heart disease and obstructive
      sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can result in hypertension and
      significantly increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There are few
      reports on the long-term effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on
      blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension with coronary heart
      disease (CHD) and OSA. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, long-term follow-up
      study in 83 patients with uncontrolled hypertension, CHD, and OSA randomized to
      control or CPAP groups. Daytime systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood
      pressure (DBP), and severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (SCCEs) were
      recorded at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients completed the
      study with a median follow-up of 36 (interquartile range = 24-54) months. The 2
      groups had similar characteristics at baseline. CPAP was used for 4.5+/-1.1
      hour/night. SBP in the CPAP group was significantly reduced at follow-up (143+/-7
      mm Hg vs. 139+/-7 mm Hg, P = 0.04), and SBP decreased by 8mm Hg (95% confidence
      interval = 1.4-9.9; P = 0.01). Hypertension control was improved (CPAP, 69.4% for
      CPAP users vs. 43.2% for control subjects; P = 0.02); however, DBP did not reach
      statistical difference between the groups (81+/-10 mm Hg vs. 79+/-8 mm Hg; P =
      0.49). In the CPAP group, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale was markedly reduced
      (7.0+/-3.4 vs. 3.7+/-2.3; P < 0.001). There was 1 SCCE in the CPAP group (heart
      failure), and 5 SCCEs in the control group (acute myocardial infarction: 2 (with
      1 death); stroke: 3), but there was no significant difference identified.
      CONCLUSIONS: Long-term CPAP application in uncontrolled hypertension with CHD and
      OSA significantly reduced daytime SBP, improved hypertension control and daytime
      sleepiness, and decreased the trend in SCCEs compared with control subjects.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02059993.

PMID- 25125636
TI  - Association between invasively measured central aortic pressure and left
      ventricular diastolic function in patients undergoing coronary angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of the invasive nature of catheterization, limited
      information is available on hemodynamic interaction between the left ventricle
      and aorta using invasive aortic pressure monitoring. Our aim was to investigate
      whether parameters of invasively measured central aortic pressure waveform were
      related with those of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. METHODS: A total
      of 153 consecutive stable patients (mean age = 64+/-11 years; 62% men) undergoing
      invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were
      prospectively evaluated. Central aortic pressure waveform was obtained at the
      ascending aorta using a pigtail catheter before ICA. We calculated pulse pressure
      (PP), fractional PP (FPP; the ratio of PP to mean pressure), pulsatility index
      (PI; the ratio of PP to diastolic pressure), augmentation index, wave reflection
      time, and ejection duration and analyzed their associations with parameters of LV
      diastolic function in TTE. RESULTS: Most patients (n = 135/153; 88.2%) had
      significant stenosis (>=50%) of >=1 epicardial coronary arteries. In multiple
      linear regression analyses, e' and E/e' were significantly correlated with PP,
      FPP, and PI even after adjustment for potential confounders. There were no
      significant correlations between other parameters of LV diastolic function,
      including E/A, deceleration time, and left atrial volume index and parameters of
      central aortic pressure wave. CONCLUSIONS: Invasively measured central aortic PP,
      FPP, and PI were independently associated with e' and E/e' in patients undergoing
      ICA. This result adds to the evidence of a close interaction between LV diastolic
      function and aortic stiffness in this population.

PMID- 25125637
TI  - Complete Nucleotide Sequence of pVv01, a P1-Like Plasmid Prophage of Vibrio
      vulnificus.
AB  - We report here the 79,263-bp plasmid pVv01 isolated from Vibrio vulnificus. pVv01
      is closely related to the Vibrio plasmid p0908 and shows some similarities to
      phage P1. Unlike p0908, pVv01 represents an intact prophage inducible by
      mitomycin C. PVv01 phage particles revealed a myoviridal morphology and lytic
      activity. 

PMID- 25125638
TI  - Draft Genome Sequences of Propionibacterium acnes Type Strain ATCC6919 and
      Antibiotic-Resistant Strain HL411PA1.
AB  - Propionibacterium acnes is a major skin commensal and is associated with acne
      vulgaris, the most common skin disease. Here we report the draft genome sequences
      of two P. acnes strains, the type strain ATCC6919 and an antibiotic-resistant
      strain, HL411PA1. 

PMID- 25125639
TI  - Complete genome sequence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in Vietnam.
AB  - Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has emerged in Vietnam since 2009. Herein,
      full-length genome sequences are reported for three PEDV isolates from pigs
      displaying severe diarrhea from farms located in northern and southern provinces
      of Vietnam. The results provide more understanding of the molecular
      characteristics of PEDV in Vietnam. 

PMID- 25125640
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of an Alkane Degrader, Alcanivorax sp. Strain NBRC
      101098.
AB  - Alcanivorax sp. strain NBRC 101098 was isolated from seawater in Japan. Strain
      NBRC 101098 is able to degrade various types of n-alkanes. Here, we report the
      complete genome of strain NBRC 101098. 

PMID- 25125641
TI  - Whole-Genome Sequence of Streptococcus suis Serotype 4 Reference Strain 6407.
AB  - We report here the second complete genome sequence of Streptococcus suis serotype
      4 (strain 6407). The genome is 2,292,360 bp in length, covering 2,239 coding
      sequences, 58 tRNAs, and 4 rRNA loci. 

PMID- 25125642
TI  - Integrated metagenomics and metatranscriptomics analyses of root-associated soil
      from transgenic switchgrass.
AB  - The benefits of using transgenic switchgrass with decreased levels of caffeic
      acid 3-O-methyltransferase (COMT) as biomass feedstock have been clearly
      demonstrated. However, its effect on the soil microbial community has not been
      assessed. Here we report metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses of root
      associated soil from COMT switchgrass compared with nontransgenic counterparts. 

PMID- 25125643
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Microbacterium sp. Strain CH12i, Isolated from Shallow
      Groundwater in Cape Hallett, Antarctica.
AB  - The Antarctic continent is largely covered by an expansive ice sheet, but it
      harbors diverse terrestrial and aquatic habitats in the coastal ice-free
      continental margins. Here we present the draft genome of Microbacterium sp.
      CH12i, which was isolated from hypersaline, alkaline, and nutrient-rich
      groundwater from Cape Hallett, northern Victoria Land, Antarctica. 

PMID- 25125644
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Nonlabens ulvanivorans, an Ulvan-Degrading Bacterium.
AB  - Here we report the draft genome sequence of the bacterium Nonlabens ulvanivorans,
      which was recently isolated. To our knowledge, this is the first published genome
      of a characterized ulvan-degrading bacterium. Revealing the ulvan utilization
      pathways may provide access to a vast marine biomass source that has yet to be
      exploited. 

PMID- 25125645
TI  - High-Quality Draft Genomes of Two Vibrio parahaemolyticus Strains Aid in
      Understanding Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease of Cultured Shrimps in
      Mexico.
AB  - The high-quality draft genomes of two Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains, one that
      causes the acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in cultured shrimps
      (FIM-S1708(+)), and another that does not (FIM-S1392(-)) are reported. A
      chromosome-scale assembly for the FIM-S1392(-) genome is reported here. The
      analysis of the two genomes gives some clues regarding the genomic differences
      between the strains. 

PMID- 25125646
TI  - Whole-genome sequences of three symbiotic endozoicomonas strains.
AB  - Members of the genus Endozoicomonas associate with a wide range of marine
      organisms. Here, we report on the whole-genome sequencing, assembly, and
      annotation of three Endozoicomonas type strains. These data will assist in
      exploring interactions between Endozoicomonas organisms and their hosts, and it
      will aid in the assembly of genomes from uncultivated Endozoicomonas spp. 

PMID- 25125647
TI  - Whole-Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing
      Sequence Type 10 Isolate from an Outbreak in Thailand.
AB  - Infections with the Beijing family of Mycobacterium tuberculosis occur worldwide
      and are endemic in Asian countries. We present the draft genome sequence of
      DS6701, a multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis Beijing strain of sequence type 10.
      The isolate is a representative of strains isolated from a multidrug-resistant
      tuberculosis outbreak in Thailand. 

PMID- 25125648
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Burkholderia sordidicola S170, a Potential Plant Growth
      Promoter Isolated from Coniferous Forest Soil in the Czech Republic.
AB  - Burkholderia species are key players in the accumulation of carbon from cellulose
      decomposition in coniferous forest ecosystems. We report here the draft genome of
      Burkholderia sordidicola strain S170, containing features associated with known
      genes involved in plant growth promotion, the biological control of plant
      diseases, and green remediation technologies. 

PMID- 25125649
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Haloferax sp. Strain ATB1, Isolated from a Semi-Arid
      Region in the Brazilian Caatinga.
AB  - Organisms in the Haloferax genus are extreme halophiles that grow in environments
      with pH values between 4 and 12, and temperatures between 0 degrees C and 60
      degrees C. In the present study, a draft of the first Haloferax sp. strain ATB1
      genome isolated from the region of Cariri (in Paraiba State, Brazil) is
      presented. 

PMID- 25125650
TI  - A Gapless, Unambiguous Genome Sequence of the Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
      O157:H7 Strain EDL933.
AB  - Escherichia coli EDL933 is the prototypic strain for enterohemorrhagic E. coli
      serotype O157:H7, associated with deadly food-borne outbreaks. Because the
      publicly available sequence of the EDL933 genome has gaps and >6,000 ambiguous
      base calls, we here present an updated high-quality, unambiguous genome sequence
      with no assembly gaps. 

PMID- 25125651
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of an Atypical Strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolated
      from a Respiratory Infection.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing was used to investigate an unknown clinical
      respiratory infection. This new strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae, ASVL_JC_0001,
      was isolated from a clinical specimen from a patient with bronchitis and
      pulmonary inflammation. The draft genome sequence, obtained with an Illumina
      MiSeq sequencing system, consists of 83 large contigs, a total of 2,092,532 bp
      long, and has a GC content of 40.3%. 

PMID- 25125652
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus chromogenes Strain MU 970, Isolated from
      a Case of Chronic Bovine Mastitis.
AB  - Coagulase-negative staphylococcal species are a common cause of subclinical
      bovine mastitis, with Staphylococcus chromogenes being one of the most frequently
      identified species in these cases. The draft genome sequence of an S. chromogenes
      isolate (MU 970) recovered from the milk of a cow with a chronic intramammary
      infection is reported here. 

PMID- 25125653
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Rifamycin Derivatives Producing Amycolatopsis
      mediterranei Strain DSM 46096/S955.
AB  - Amycolatopsis mediterranei DSM 46096 produces antibiotics of the rifamycin
      family, 27-demethoxy-27-hydroxyrifamycin B, 25-desacetyl-27-demethoxy-27
      hydroxyrifamycin, and 27-demethoxy-27-hydroxyrifamycin SV, which are effective
      against Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we present the draft genome of A.
      mediterranei 46096 (approx. 10.2 Mbp) having 104 contigs with a GC content of
      71.3% and 9,382 coding sequences. 

PMID- 25125654
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Haloalkaliphilic Exiguobacterium sp. Strain AB2 from
      Manleluag Ophiolitic Spring, Philippines.
AB  - Exiguobacterium sp. AB2 is a haloalkaliphilic bacterium isolated from a
      hyperalkaline spring in Manleluag, Pangasinan, Philippines. Sequencing of
      bacterial DNA assembled a 2.85 MB draft genome. Analysis suggests the presence of
      genes for tolerance to stresses such as elevated pH and salt concentrations and
      toxic metals. 

PMID- 25125655
TI  - EGFR blockade enriches for lung cancer stem-like cells through Notch3-dependent
      signaling.
AB  - Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are the most common
      actionable genetic abnormalities yet discovered in lung cancer. However,
      targeting these mutations with kinase inhibitors is not curative in advanced
      disease and has yet to demonstrate an impact on potentially curable, early-stage
      disease, with some data suggesting adverse outcomes. Here, we report that
      treatment of EGFR-mutated lung cancer cell lines with erlotinib, while showing
      robust cell death, enriches the ALDH(+) stem-like cells through EGFR-dependent
      activation of Notch3. In addition, we demonstrate that erlotinib treatment
      increases the clonogenicity of lung cancer cells in a sphere-forming assay,
      suggesting increased stem-like cell potential. We demonstrate that inhibition of
      EGFR kinase activity leads to activation of Notch transcriptional targets in a
      gamma secretase inhibitor-sensitive manner and causes Notch activation, leading
      to an increase in ALDH high(+) cells. We also find a kinase-dependent physical
      association between the Notch3 and EGFR receptors and tyrosine phosphorylation of
      Notch3. This could explain the worsened survival observed in some studies of
      erlotinib treatment at early-stage disease, and suggests that specific dual
      targeting might overcome this adverse effect.

PMID- 25125657
TI  - Cytokine-like molecule CCDC134 contributes to CD8+ T-cell effector functions in
      cancer immunotherapy.
AB  - CCDC134 is a poorly characterized secreted protein that may act as an immune
      cytokine. Here, we show that CCDC134 is differentially expressed on resting and
      activated immune cells and that it promotes CD8(+) T-cell activation,
      proliferation, and cytotoxicity by augmenting expression of the T-cell effector
      molecules IFNgamma, TNFalpha, granzyme B, and perforin. CCDC134 facilitated
      infiltration of CD8(+) T cells with enhanced cytolytic activity into tumors,
      demonstrating strong antitumor effects in a CD8(+) T-cell-dependent manner.
      Mechanistically, in CD8(+) T cells, exposure to CCDC134 promoted cell
      proliferation through the JAK3-STAT5 pathway, a classic feature of many cytokines
      of the common gamma-chain (gamma(c)) cytokine receptor family. Overall, our
      results provide evidence that CCDC134 may serve as a member of the gamma(c)
      cytokine family and illustrate its potent antitumor effects by augmenting CD8(+)
      T-cell-mediated immunity.

PMID- 25125656
TI  - Vaccine-elicited CD8+ T cells cure mesothelioma by overcoming tumor-induced
      immunosuppressive environment.
AB  - Eradicating malignant tumors by vaccine-elicited host immunity remains a major
      medical challenge. To date, correlates of immune protection remain unknown for
      malignant mesothelioma. In this study, we demonstrated that antigen-specific
      CD8(+) T-cell immune response correlates with the elimination of malignant
      mesothelioma by a model PD-1-based DNA vaccine. Unlike the nonprotective tumor
      antigen WT1-based DNA vaccines, the model vaccine showed complete and long
      lasting protection against lethal mesothelioma challenge in immunocompetent
      BALB/c mice. Furthermore, it remained highly immunogenic in tumor-bearing animals
      and led to therapeutic cure of preexisting mesothelioma. T-cell depletion and
      adoptive transfer experiments revealed that vaccine-elicited CD8(+) T cells
      conferred to the protective efficacy in a dose-dependent way. Also, these CD8(+)
      T cells functioned by releasing inflammatory IFNgamma and TNFalpha in the
      vicinity of target cells as well as by initiating TRAIL-directed tumor cell
      apoptosis. Importantly, repeated DNA vaccinations, a major advantage over live
      vectored vaccines with issues of preexisting immunity, achieve an active
      functional state, not only preventing the rise of exhausted PD-1(+) and Tim-3(+)
      CD8(+) T cells but also suppressing tumor-induced myeloid-derived suppressive
      cells and Treg cells, with the frequency of antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells
      inversely correlating with tumor mass. Our results provide new insights into
      quantitative and qualitative requirements of vaccine-elicited functional CD8(+) T
      cells in cancer prevention and immunotherapy.

PMID- 25125659
TI  - AXL inhibition sensitizes mesenchymal cancer cells to antimitotic drugs.
AB  - Molecularly targeted drug therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment;
      however, resistance remains a major limitation to their overall efficacy.
      Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been linked to acquired resistance
      to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), independent of mutational resistance
      mechanisms. AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase associated with EMT that has been
      implicated in drug resistance and has emerged as a candidate therapeutic target.
      Across 643 human cancer cell lines that were analyzed, elevated AXL was strongly
      associated with a mesenchymal phenotype, particularly in triple-negative breast
      cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. In an unbiased screen of small-molecule
      inhibitors of cancer-relevant processes, we discovered that AXL inhibition was
      specifically synergistic with antimitotic agents in killing cancer cells that had
      undergone EMT and demonstrated associated TKI resistance. However, we did not
      find that AXL inhibition alone could overcome acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs in
      the EMT setting, as previously reported. These findings reveal a novel
      cotreatment strategy for tumors displaying mesenchymal features that otherwise
      render them treatment refractory.

PMID- 25125658
TI  - NQO1 suppresses NF-kappaB-p300 interaction to regulate inflammatory mediators
      associated with prostate tumorigenesis.
AB  - NADPH reductase NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is needed to maintain a
      cellular pool of antioxidants, and this enzyme may contribute to tumorigenesis on
      the basis of studies in NQO1-deficient mice. In this work, we sought deeper
      insights into how NQO1 contributes to prostate carcinogenesis, a setting in which
      oxidative stress and inflammation are established contributors to disease
      development and progression. In the TRAMP mouse model of prostate cancer, NQO1
      was highly expressed in tumor cells. NQO1 silencing in prostate cancer cells
      increased levels of nuclear IKKalpha and NF-kappaB while decreasing the levels of
      p53, leading to interactions between NF-kappaB and p300 that reinforce survival
      signaling. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of a set of immune
      associated transcripts associated with inflammation and tumorigenesis in cells in
      which NQO1 was attenuated, with IL8 confirmed functionally in cell culture as one
      key NQO1-supported cytokine. Notably, NQO1-silenced prostate cancer cells were
      more resistant to androgen deprivation. Furthermore, NQO1 inhibition increased
      migration, including under conditions of androgen deprivation. These results
      reveal a molecular link between NQO1 expression and proinflammatory cytokine
      signaling in prostate cancer. Furthermore, our results suggest that altering
      redox homeostasis through NQO1 inhibition might promote androgen-independent cell
      survival via opposing effects on NF-kappaB and p53 function.

PMID- 25125660
TI  - PAK1 tyrosine phosphorylation is required to induce epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition and radioresistance in lung cancer cells.
AB  - The p21-activated Ser/Thr kinase 1 (PAK1) kinase has an essential role in
      tumorigenesis and cell survival in many cancers, but its regulation is not fully
      understood. In this study, we showed that in response to irradiation of lung
      cancer cells, PAK1 was upregulated, tyrosine phosphorylated, and translocated to
      the nucleus. Tyrosine phosphorylation relied upon JAK2 kinase activity and was
      essential for PAK1 protein stability and binding to Snail. This radiation-induced
      JAK2-PAK1-Snail signaling pathway increased epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) by regulating epithelial and mesenchymal cell markers. Notably, JAK2
      inhibitors mediated radiosensitization and EMT blockade in a mouse xenograft
      model of lung cancer. Taken together, our findings offered evidence that JAK2
      phosphorylates and stabilizes functions of PAK1 that promote EMT and
      radioresistance in lung cancer cells, with additional implications for the use of
      JAK2 inhibitors as radiosensitizers in lung cancer treatment.

PMID- 25125661
TI  - Transcriptional dynamics in colorectal carcinogenesis: new insights into the role
      of c-Myc and miR17 in benign to cancer transformation.
AB  - Colorectal cancer develops in a sequential, evolutionary process, leading to a
      heterogenic tumor. Comprehensive molecular studies of colorectal cancer have been
      previously performed; still, the process of carcinogenesis is not fully
      understood. We utilized gene expression patterns from 94 samples including
      normal, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma colon biopsies and performed a coexpression
      network analysis to determine gene expression trajectories of 8,000 genes across
      carcinogenesis. We found that the majority of gene expression changes occur in
      the transition from normal tissue to adenoma. The upregulated genes, known to be
      involved in cellular proliferation, included c-Myc along with its targets. In a
      cellular model system, we show that physiologic upregulation of c-Myc can lead to
      cellular proliferation without DNA replication stress. Our analysis also found
      that carcinogenesis involves a progressive downregulation of genes that are
      markers of colonic tissue and propose that this reflects a perturbed
      differentiation of colon cells during carcinogenesis. The analysis of miRNAs
      targets pointed toward the involvement of miR17 in the regulation of colon cell
      differentiation. Finally, we found that copy-number variations (CNV) enriched in
      colon adenocarcinoma tend to occur in genes whose expression changes already in
      adenoma, with deletions occurring in genes downregulated and duplications in
      genes upregulated in adenomas. We suggest that the CNVs are selected to reinforce
      changes in gene expression, rather than initiate them. Together, these findings
      shed new light into the molecular processes that underlie the transformation of
      colon tissue from normal to cancer and add a temporal context that has been
      hitherto lacking.

PMID- 25125662
TI  - Translesion polymerase eta is upregulated by cancer therapeutics and confers
      anticancer drug resistance.
AB  - DNA repair processes are a key determinant of the sensitivity of cancer cells to
      DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics, which may induce certain repair genes as a
      mechanism to promote resistance. Here, we report the results of a screen for
      repair genes induced in cancer cells treated with DNA crosslinking agents, which
      identified the translesion polymerase eta (PolH) as a p53-regulated target acting
      as one defense against interstrand crosslink (ICL)-inducing agents. PolH was
      induced by fotemustine, mafosfamide, and lomustine in breast cancer, glioma, and
      melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo, with similar inductions observed in normal
      cells such as lymphocytes and diploid fibroblasts. PolH contributions to the
      protection against ICL-inducing agents were evaluated by its siRNA-mediated
      attenuation in cells, which elevated sensitivity to these drugs in all tumor cell
      models. Conversely, PolH overexpression protected cancer cells against these
      drugs. PolH attenuation reduced repair of ICL lesions as measured by host cell
      reactivation assays and enhanced persistence of gammaH2AX foci. Moreover, we
      observed a strong accumulation of PolH in the nucleus of drug-treated cells along
      with direct binding to damaged DNA. Taken together, our findings implicated PolH
      in ICL repair as a mechanism of cancer drug resistance and normal tissue
      protection.

PMID- 25125663
TI  - Evaluation of a metal artifacts reduction algorithm applied to postinterventional
      flat panel detector CT imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flat panel detector CT images are degraded by streak
      artifacts caused by radiodense implanted materials such as coils or clips. A new
      metal artifacts reduction prototype algorithm has been used to minimize these
      artifacts. The application of this new metal artifacts reduction algorithm was
      evaluated for flat panel detector CT imaging performed in a routine clinical
      setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flat panel detector CT images were obtained from
      59 patients immediately following cerebral endovascular procedures or as
      surveillance imaging for cerebral endovascular or surgical procedures previously
      performed. The images were independently evaluated by 7 physicians for metal
      artifacts reduction on a 3-point scale at 2 locations: immediately adjacent to
      the metallic implant and 3 cm away from it. The number of visible vessels before
      and after metal artifacts reduction correction was also evaluated within a 3-cm
      radius around the metallic implant. RESULTS: The metal artifacts reduction
      algorithm was applied to the 59 flat panel detector CT datasets without
      complications. The metal artifacts in the reduction-corrected flat panel detector
      CT images were significantly reduced in the area immediately adjacent to the
      implanted metal object (P = .05) and in the area 3 cm away from the metal object
      (P = .03). The average number of visible vessel segments increased from 4.07 to
      5.29 (P = .1235) after application of the metal artifacts reduction algorithm to
      the flat panel detector CT images. CONCLUSIONS: Metal artifacts reduction is an
      effective method to improve flat panel detector CT images degraded by metal
      artifacts. Metal artifacts are significantly decreased by the metal artifacts
      reduction algorithm, and there was a trend toward increased vessel-segment
      visualization.

PMID- 25125664
TI  - High-resolution CT findings in children with a normal pinna or grade I microtia
      and unilateral mild stenosis of the external auditory canal.
AB  - SUMMARY: A subset of patients presents with unilateral conductive hearing loss, a
      normal pinna or grade I microtia, and mild external auditory canal stenosis. The
      physical findings of microtia and a small external canal are commonly absent or
      subtle in this group of patients, who are being commonly referred for imaging to
      evaluate isolated conductive hearing loss. We present a case series of patients
      with unilateral conductive hearing loss and characteristic ossicular
      abnormalities, commonly anterior fixation of the malleus. All patients had a
      significantly increased distance from the cochlear promontory to the handle of
      the malleus and an abnormal incudostapedial angle, indicative of an abnormal
      ossicular position and/or morphology. Successful surgical reconstruction of the
      ossicular chain was attempted and accomplished in 3 patients.

PMID- 25125665
TI  - One-year MR angiographic and clinical follow-up after intracranial mechanical
      thrombectomy using a stent retriever device.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Little is known about the consequences of arterial wall
      damage that may be due to mechanical endovascular thrombectomy. Our aim was to
      perform 1-year MR angiographic and clinical follow-up of patients treated with
      mechanical endovascular thrombectomy using the Solitaire device. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients with stroke treated between August 2010 and July 2012 were
      prospectively evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 1 year after mechanical
      endovascular thrombectomy. Angiographic follow-up was performed on a 3T MR
      imaging scanner and included intracranial artery TOF MRA and supra-aortic artery
      gadolinium-enhanced MRA. Images were assessed to detect arterial abnormalities
      (stenosis, occlusion, dilation) and were compared with the final post-mechanical
      endovascular thrombectomy run to differentiate delayed and pre-existing
      abnormalities. Clinical evaluation was performed with the mRS and the 36-Item
      Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire quality-of-life scale. RESULTS: Thirty
      nine patients were angiographically assessed at the mean term of 19 +/- 4 months.
      MRA showed intracranial artery abnormalities in 10 patients, including 5 delayed
      intracranial artery abnormalities in 4 patients (4 stenoses and 1 dilation), 4
      cases of pre-existing intracranial artery stenosis, and 2 occlusions. Pre
      existing etiologic cervical artery stenosis or occlusion was observed in 2
      patients. All these patients remained asymptomatic during the follow-up period. A
      significant clinical improvement was observed at 1-year follow-up in comparison
      with 3-month follow-up (P < .0001), with a good outcome achieved in 62.5% of
      patients and an acceptable quality of life restored. CONCLUSIONS: One-year follow
      up identifies delayed asymptomatic arterial abnormalities in patients treated
      with the Solitaire device.

PMID- 25125666
TI  - Surpass flow diverter in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a prospective
      multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Incomplete occlusion and recanalization of large and wide
      neck brain aneurysms treated by endovascular therapy remains a challenge. We
      present preliminary clinical and angiographic results of an experimentally
      optimized Surpass flow diverter for treatment of intracranial aneurysms in a
      prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized, single-arm study. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      At 24 centers, 165 patients with 190 intracranial aneurysms of the anterior and
      posterior circulations were enrolled. The primary efficacy end point was the
      percentage of intracranial aneurysms with 100% occlusion on 6-month DSA. The
      primary safety end point was neurologic death and any stroke through a minimum
      follow-up of 6 months. RESULTS: Successful flow-diverter delivery was achieved in
      161 patients with 186 aneurysms (98%); the mean number of devices used per
      aneurysm was 1.05. Clinical follow-up (median, 6 months) of 150 patients (93.2%),
      showed that the primary safety end point occurred in 18 subjects. Permanent
      neurologic morbidity and mortality were 6% and 2.7%, respectively. Morbidity
      occurred in 4% and 7.4% of patients treated for aneurysms of the anterior and
      posterior circulation, respectively. Neurologic death during follow-up was
      observed in 1.6% and 7.4% of patients with treated intracranial aneurysms of the
      anterior and posterior circulation, respectively. Ischemic stroke at <=30 days,
      SAH at <=7 days, and intraparenchymal hemorrhage at <=7 days were encountered in
      3.7%, 2.5%, and 2.5% of subjects, respectively. No disabling ischemic strokes at
      >30 days or SAH at >7 days occurred. New or worsening cranial nerve deficit was
      observed in 2.7%. Follow-up angiography available in 158 (86.8%) intracranial
      aneurysms showed 100% occlusion in 75%. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical outcomes of the
      Surpass flow diverter in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms show a safety
      profile that is comparable with that of stent-assisted coil embolization.
      Angiographic results showed a high rate of intracranial aneurysm occlusion.

PMID- 25125667
TI  - Middle cerebral artery stenosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke and TIA in
      Israel.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Middle cerebral artery stenosis is not frequent but a
      well-established cause of first and recurrent ischemic stroke. Our aim was to
      investigate middle cerebral artery stenosis in the biethnic (Jewish and Arab)
      population of patients with acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack
      in northern Israel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included 1344
      patients from the stroke data registry who had been hospitalized in the
      neurologic department because of acute ischemic stroke (1041) or TIA (303) and
      had undergone transcranial Doppler sonographic examination during the
      hospitalization. RESULTS: Of the 1344 patients, 120 (8.9%) were found to have MCA
      stenosis. The patients with intracranial stenosis were older and had more
      vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia) and vascular
      diseases (ischemic heart and peripheral vascular disease) than those without
      intracranial stenosis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes (P =
      .002) and peripheral vascular disease (P = .01), but not ethnicity, were
      independent and significant predictors for the presence of MCA stenosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: An independent and significant correlation was found between MCA
      stenosis and vascular risk factors (diabetes mellitus) and vascular diseases,
      thus emphasizing the similarity of intracranial MCA stenosis and other vascular
      diseases originating from atherosclerosis. There was no influence of ethnicity on
      intracranial stenosis in our population.

PMID- 25125669
TI  - Expanding minimally invasive innovation to complex mitral reoperations.

PMID- 25125670
TI  - Nitric oxide (NO): an emerging target for the treatment of glaucoma.
AB  - The predominant risk factor for the progression of glaucoma is an increase in
      IOP, mediated via a reduction in aqueous outflow through the conventional
      (trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal) outflow pathway. Current IOP lowering
      pharmacological strategies target the uveoscleral (nonconventional) outflow
      pathway or aqueous humor production; however, to date no therapy that primarily
      targets the conventional pathway exists. Nitric oxide (NO) is an intracellular
      signaling molecule produced by endogenous NO synthases, well-known for its key
      role in vasodilation, through its action on smooth muscle cells. Under
      physiological conditions, NO mediates a multitude of diverse ocular effects,
      including maintenance of IOP. Nitric oxide donors have been shown to mediate IOP
      lowering effects in both preclinical models and clinical studies, primarily
      through cell volume and contractility changes in the conventional outflow
      tissues. This review is focused on evaluating the current knowledge of the role
      and mechanism of action of endogenous NO and NO donors in IOP regulation. Data on
      key additional functions of NO in glaucoma pathology (i.e., ocular blood flow and
      effects on optic neuropathy) are also summarized. The potential for future
      therapeutic application of NO in the treatment of glaucoma is then discussed. 

PMID- 25125671
TI  - Choroidal thickness and axial length.

PMID- 25125672
TI  - Author response: Choroidal thickness and axial length.

PMID- 25125673
TI  - Anterior segment parameters during unilateral acute primary angle closure.

PMID- 25125674
TI  - Author response: Anterior segment parameters during unilateral acute primary
      angle closure.

PMID- 25125676
TI  - Aspergillus fumigatus harbouring the sole Y121F mutation shows decreased
      susceptibility to voriconazole but maintained susceptibility to itraconazole and
      posaconazole.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Voriconazole, itraconazole and posaconazole are members of the azole
      family and widely used for the treatment of aspergillosis. They act by inhibiting
      the activity of the fungal Cyp51A enzyme. The emergence of environmental azole
      resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains raises major concerns for human health.
      METHODS: Recently, a new cyp51A-mediated resistance mechanism (namely
      TR46/Y121F/T289A) was described in clinical samples and patient-frequented
      environmental sites. In an azole-naive patient, we isolated an A. fumigatus
      strain that was not susceptible to voriconazole but was susceptible to
      itraconazole and posaconazole. RESULTS: A molecular analysis indicated a single
      Y121F substitution without the TR46 or T289A alterations, which to our knowledge
      has never been reported. Structure modelling and molecular dynamics offered an
      explanation for the resistance profile consistent with the structural differences
      between the three azoles. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these observations suggest
      an original mechanism conferring resistance to azoles mediated by cyp51A of
      environmental origin. This uncommon susceptibility pattern might represent a
      'missing link' between the wild-type A. fumigatus and the fully azole-resistant
      strain harbouring the TR46/Y121F/T289A mutations.

PMID- 25125677
TI  - Vancomycin plus ceftaroline shows potent in vitro synergy and was successfully
      utilized to clear persistent daptomycin-non-susceptible MRSA bacteraemia.

PMID- 25125675
TI  - Inhibition of endoglin-GIPC interaction inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth.
AB  - Endoglin, a 180-kDa disulfide-linked homodimeric transmembrane receptor protein
      mostly expressed in tumor-associated endothelial cells, is an endogenous binding
      partner of GAIP-interacting protein, C terminus (GIPC). Endoglin functions as a
      coreceptor of TbetaRII that binds TGFbeta and is important for vascular
      development, and consequently has become a compelling target for antiangiogenic
      therapies. A few recent studies in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), breast
      cancer, and ovarian cancer, however, suggest that endoglin is upregulated in
      tumor cells and is associated with poor prognosis. These findings indicate a
      broader role of endoglin in tumor biology, beyond angiogenic effects. The goal of
      our current study is to evaluate the effects of targeting endoglin in pancreatic
      cancer both in vitro and in vivo. We analyzed the antiproliferative effect of
      both RNAi-based and peptide ligand-based inhibition of endoglin in pancreatic
      cancer cell lines, the latter yielding a GIPC PDZ domain-targeting lipopeptide
      with notable antiproliferative activity. We further demonstrated that endoglin
      inhibition induced a differentiation phenotype in the pancreatic cancer cells and
      sensitized them against conventional chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine. Most
      importantly, we have demonstrated the antitumor effect of both RNAi-based and
      competitive inhibitor-based blocking of endoglin in pancreatic cancer xenograft
      models in vivo. To our knowledge, this is the first report exploring the effect
      of targeting endoglin in pancreatic cancer cells.

PMID- 25125678
TI  - Monotherapy versus combination therapy for sepsis due to multidrug-resistant
      Acinetobacter baumannii: analysis of a multicentre prospective cohort--authors'
      response.

PMID- 25125679
TI  - Improvement in bone mineral density after switching from tenofovir to abacavir in
      HIV-1-infected patients with low bone mineral density: two-centre randomized
      pilot study (OsteoTDF study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tenofovir has been associated with a decrease in bone mineral density
      (BMD). However, data on changes in BMD after discontinuing tenofovir are lacking.
      METHODS: We performed a two-centre randomized pilot study in virologically
      suppressed HIV-infected patients receiving tenofovir with osteopenia/osteoporosis
      (OsteoTDF study, ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT 01153217). Fifty-four patients
      were randomly assigned to switch from tenofovir to abacavir (n = 26) or to
      continue with tenofovir (n = 28). Changes in lumbar and total hip BMD were
      evaluated at Week 48 from baseline. RESULTS: Five patients discontinued the study
      (three from the tenofovir group and two from the abacavir group). No significant
      differences were detected between the groups at Week 48 (P = 0.229 for total hip
      and P = 0.312 for lumbar spine). However, hip BMD improved by 2.1% (95% CI -0.6
      to 4.7) (P = 0.043) in the abacavir group and 0.7% (95% CI -0.9 to 2.4) (P =
      0.372) in the tenofovir group. Lumbar spine BMD varied by -0.7% (95% CI -3.8 to
      3.3) (P <= 0.001) in the abacavir group and -1.2% (95% CI -3.8 to 0.4) (P <
      0.001) in the tenofovir group. CONCLUSIONS: Switching from tenofovir to abacavir
      led to a slight improvement in femoral BMD although no differences were detected
      between groups. Larger studies are necessary before firm recommendations can be
      made on the discontinuation of tenofovir in patients with a low BMD.

PMID- 25125682
TI  - NSAID use reduces breast cancer recurrence in overweight and obese women: role of
      prostaglandin-aromatase interactions.
AB  - Obesity is associated with a worse breast cancer prognosis and elevated levels of
      inflammation, including greater cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and activity
      in adipose-infiltrating macrophages. The product of this enzyme, the
      proinflammatory eicosanoid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), stimulates adipose tissue
      aromatase expression and subsequent estrogen production, which could promote
      breast cancer progression. This study demonstrates that daily use of a
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which inhibits COX-2 activity, is
      associated with reduced estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)-positive breast cancer
      recurrence in obese and overweight women. Retrospective review of data from
      ERalpha-positive patients with an average body mass index of >30 revealed that
      NSAID users had a 52% lower recurrence rate and a 28-month delay in time to
      recurrence. To examine the mechanisms that may be mediating this effect, we
      conducted in vitro studies that utilized sera from obese and normal-weight
      patients with breast cancer. Exposure to sera from obese patients stimulated
      greater macrophage COX-2 expression and PGE2 production. This was correlated with
      enhanced preadipocyte aromatase expression following incubation in conditioned
      media (CM) collected from the obese-patient, sera-exposed macrophages, an effect
      neutralized by COX-2 inhibition with celecoxib. In addition, CM from
      macrophage/preadipocyte cocultures exposed to sera from obese patients stimulated
      greater breast cancer cell ERalpha activity, proliferation, and migration
      compared with sera from normal-weight patients, and these differences were
      eliminated or reduced by the addition of an aromatase inhibitor during CM
      generation. Prospective studies designed to examine the clinical benefit of NSAID
      use in obese patients with breast cancer are warranted.

PMID- 25125681
TI  - AEG-1 regulates retinoid X receptor and inhibits retinoid signaling.
AB  - Retinoid X receptor (RXR) regulates key cellular responses such as cell growth
      and development, and this regulation is frequently perturbed in various
      malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecule(s)
      that physically govern this deregulation are mostly unknown. Here, we identified
      RXR as an interacting partner of astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1)/metadherin
      (MTDH), an oncogene upregulated in all cancers. Upon interaction, AEG-1
      profoundly inhibited RXR/retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-mediated transcriptional
      activation. Consequently, AEG-1 markedly protected HCC and acute myelogenous
      leukemia (AML) cells from retinoid- and rexinoid-induced cell death. In
      nontumorigenic cells and primary hepatocytes, AEG-1/RXR colocalizes in the
      nucleus in which AEG-1 interferes with recruitment of transcriptional
      coactivators to RXR, preventing transcription of target genes. In tumor cells and
      AEG-1 transgenic hepatocytes, overexpressed AEG-1 entraps RXR in cytoplasm,
      precluding its nuclear translocation. In addition, ERK, activated by AEG-1,
      phosphorylates RXR that leads to its functional inactivation and attenuation of
      ligand-dependent transactivation. In nude mice models, combination of all-trans
      retinoic acid (ATRA) and AEG-1 knockdown synergistically inhibited growth of
      human HCC xenografts. The present study establishes AEG-1 as a novel homeostatic
      regulator of RXR and RXR/RAR that might contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis.
      Targeting AEG-1 could sensitize patients with HCC and AML to retinoid- and
      rexinoid-based therapeutics.

PMID- 25125683
TI  - Targeting EphA3 inhibits cancer growth by disrupting the tumor stromal
      microenvironment.
AB  - Eph receptor tyrosine kinases are critical for cell-cell communication during
      normal and oncogenic tissue patterning and tumor growth. Somatic mutation
      profiles of several cancer genomes suggest EphA3 as a tumor suppressor, but its
      oncogenic expression pattern and role in tumorigenesis remain largely undefined.
      Here, we report unexpected EphA3 overexpression within the microenvironment of a
      range of human cancers and mouse tumor xenografts where its activation inhibits
      tumor growth. EphA3 is found on mouse bone marrow-derived cells with mesenchymal
      and myeloid phenotypes, and activation of EphA3(+)/CD90(+)/Sca1(+)
      mesenchymal/stromal cells with an EphA3 agonist leads to cell contraction, cell
      cell segregation, and apoptosis. Treatment of mice with an agonistic alpha-EphA3
      antibody inhibits tumor growth by severely disrupting the integrity and function
      of newly formed tumor stroma and microvasculature. Our data define EphA3 as a
      novel target for selective ablation of the tumor microenvironment and demonstrate
      the potential of EphA3 agonists for anticancer therapy.

PMID- 25125684
TI  - Enteric neural progenitors are more efficient than brain-derived progenitors at
      generating neurons in the colon.
AB  - Gut motility disorders can result from an absent, damaged, or dysfunctional
      enteric nervous system (ENS). Cell therapy is an exciting prospect to treat these
      enteric neuropathies and restore gut motility. Previous studies have examined a
      variety of sources of stem/progenitor cells, but the ability of different sources
      of cells to generate enteric neurons has not been directly compared. It is
      important to identify the source of stem/progenitor cells that is best at
      colonizing the bowel and generating neurons following transplantation. The aim of
      this study was to compare the ability of central nervous system (CNS) progenitors
      and ENS progenitors to colonize the colon and differentiate into neurons.
      Genetically labeled CNS- and ENS-derived progenitors were cocultured with aneural
      explants of embryonic mouse colon for 1 or 2.5 wk to assess their migratory,
      proliferative, and differentiation capacities, and survival, in the embryonic gut
      environment. Both progenitor cell populations were transplanted in the postnatal
      colon of mice in vivo for 4 wk before they were analyzed for migration and
      differentiation using immunohistochemistry. ENS-derived progenitors migrated
      further than CNS-derived cells in both embryonic and postnatal gut environments.
      ENS-derived progenitors also gave rise to more neurons than their CNS-derived
      counterparts. Furthermore, neurons derived from ENS progenitors clustered
      together in ganglia, whereas CNS-derived neurons were mostly solitary. We
      conclude that, within the gut environment, ENS-derived progenitors show superior
      migration, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation compared with CNS
      progenitors. 

PMID- 25125685
TI  - Transforming consumer health informatics through a patient work framework:
      connecting patients to context.
AB  - Designing patient-centered consumer health informatics (CHI) applications
      requires understanding and creating alignment with patients' and their family
      members' health-related activities, referred to here as 'patient work'. A patient
      work approach to CHI draws on medical social science and human factors
      engineering models and simultaneously attends to patients, their family members,
      activities, and context. A patient work approach extends existing approaches to
      CHI design that are responsive to patients' biomedical realities and personal
      skills and behaviors. It focuses on the embeddedness of patients' health
      management in larger processes and contexts and prioritizes patients'
      perspectives on illness management. Future research is required to advance (1)
      theories of patient work, (2) methods for assessing patient work, and (3)
      techniques for translating knowledge of patient work into CHI application design.
      Advancing a patient work approach within CHI is integral to developing and
      deploying consumer-facing technologies that are integrated with patients'
      everyday lives. 

PMID- 25125686
TI  - Reducing caregiver stress with internet-based interventions: a systematic review
      of open-label and randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The high level of stress associated with caring for others with
      medical conditions has been recognized for some time. Reducing caregiver stress
      can improve caregiver quality of life as well as improve the care they provide to
      loved ones. This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of internet-based
      interventions to decrease caregiver stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      comprehensive literature search of Ovid MEDLINE (1946-2013), Embase (1988-2013),
      PsycINFO (1987-2013), and CINAHL was conducted using terms related to caregiver
      and internet-based interventions. Internet-based interventions involving informal
      caregivers in an open-label or randomized controlled trial setting were included.
      A pair of raters independently reviewed all published abstracts. Data regarding
      participants, interventions, and outcomes were extracted and, for randomized
      trials, methodology quality was also reviewed. RESULTS: Eight open-label trials
      met the review criteria: three showed positive benefit in reducing caregiver
      stress, four were partially positive (some outcomes positive, others negative),
      and one was a negative study. Sixteen randomized trials met the review criteria:
      six showed positive benefit, five were partially positive, and five were
      negative. There were no clear patterns as to the variables (such as study
      duration and complexity of intervention) associated with better outcomes,
      although earlier studies typically had more negative outcomes. DISCUSSION:
      Internet-based interventions were mostly effective in reducing aspects of
      caregiver stress and improving their well-being. Further studies to assess
      outcomes for caregivers and their recipients' health, different technology
      delivery methods, and the cost of such interventions are needed.

PMID- 25125687
TI  - Registration of whole immunohistochemical slide images: an efficient way to
      characterize biomarker colocalization.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Extracting accurate information from complex biological
      processes involved in diseases, such as cancers, requires the simultaneous
      targeting of multiple proteins and locating their respective expression in tissue
      samples. This information can be collected by imaging and registering adjacent
      sections from the same tissue sample and stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC).
      Registration accuracy should be on the scale of a few cells to enable protein
      colocalization to be assessed. METHODS: We propose a simple and efficient method
      based on the open-source elastix framework to register virtual slides of adjacent
      sections from the same tissue sample. We characterize registration accuracies for
      different types of tissue and IHC staining. RESULTS: Our results indicate that
      this technique is suitable for the evaluation of the colocalization of biomarkers
      on the scale of a few cells. We also show that using this technique in
      conjunction with a sequential IHC labeling and erasing technique offers improved
      registration accuracies. DISCUSSION: Brightfield IHC enables to address the
      problem of large series of tissue samples, which are usually required in clinical
      research. However, this approach, which is simple at the tissue processing level,
      requires challenging image analysis processes, such as accurate registration, to
      view and extract the protein colocalization information. CONCLUSIONS: The method
      proposed in this work enables accurate registration (on the scale of a few cells)
      of virtual slides of adjacent tissue sections on which the expression of
      different proteins is evidenced by standard IHC. Furthermore, combining our
      method with a sequential labeling and erasing technique enables cell-scale
      colocalization.

PMID- 25125688
TI  - Effects of computer-aided clinical decision support systems in improving
      antibiotic prescribing by primary care providers: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of computer-aided clinical decision
      support systems (CDSS) in improving antibiotic prescribing in primary care.
      METHODS: A literature search utilizing Medline (via PubMed) and Embase (via
      Embase) was conducted up to November 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
      and cluster randomized trials (CRTs) that evaluated the effects of CDSS aiming at
      improving antibiotic prescribing practice in an ambulatory primary care setting
      were included for review. Two investigators independently extracted data about
      study design and quality, participant characteristics, interventions, and
      outcomes. RESULTS: Seven studies (4 CRTs, 3 RCTs) met our inclusion criteria. All
      studies were performed in the USA. Proportions of eligible patient visits that
      triggered CDSS use varied substantially between intervention arms of studies
      (range 2.8-62.8%). Five out of seven trials showed marginal to moderate
      statistically significant effects of CDSS in improving antibiotic prescribing
      behavior. CDSS that automatically provided decision support were more likely to
      improve prescribing practice in contrast to systems that had to be actively
      initiated by healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS: CDSS show promising effectiveness
      in improving antibiotic prescribing behavior in primary care. Magnitude of
      effects compared to no intervention, appeared to be similar to other moderately
      effective single interventions directed at primary care providers. Additional
      research is warranted to determine CDSS characteristics crucial to triggering
      high adoption by providers as a perquisite of clinically relevant improvement of
      antibiotic prescribing.

PMID- 25125689
TI  - Cross-sectional comparison of coronary artery calcium scores between Caucasian
      men in the United States and Japanese men in Japan: the multi-ethnic study of
      atherosclerosis and the Shiga epidemiological study of subclinical
      atherosclerosis.
AB  - The incidence of coronary heart disease in the United States has declined, and
      prevalences of several coronary disease risk factors have become comparable to
      those in Japan. Therefore, the burden of coronary atherosclerosis may be closer
      among younger persons in the 2 countries. We aimed to compare prevalences of
      coronary atherosclerosis, measured with coronary artery calcium scores, between
      men in the 2 countries by age group (45-54, 55-64, or 65-74 years). We used
      community-based samples of Caucasian men in the United States (2000-2002; n =
      1,067) and Japanese men in Japan (2006-2008; n = 832) aged 45-74 years,
      stratifying them into groups with 0, 1, 2, or >=3 of the following risk factors:
      current smoking, overweight, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. We
      calculated adjusted odds ratios of US Caucasian men's having Agatston scores of
      >=10, >=100, and >=400 with reference to Japanese men. Overall, the odds of
      Caucasian men having each Agatston cutoff point were greater. The ethnic
      difference, however, became smaller in younger age groups. For example, adjusted
      odds ratios for Caucasian men's having an Agatston score of >=100 were 2.05,
      2.43, and 3.86 among those aged 45-54, 55-64, and 65-74 years, respectively.
      Caucasian men in the United States had a higher burden of coronary
      atherosclerosis than Japanese men, but the ethnic difference was smaller in
      younger age groups.

PMID- 25125690
TI  - Validation of self-reported smokeless tobacco use by measurement of serum
      cotinine concentration among US adults.
AB  - Although investigators have assessed the relationship between self-reported
      cigarette smoking and biomarker levels, the validity of self-reported information
      on smokeless tobacco (SLT) use is uncertain. We used aggregated data from the
      2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2007-2008, and 2009-2010 administrations of the National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to compare self-reported SLT use
      with serum concentrations of cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, among US adults
      aged >=18 years. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine
      the optimal serum cotinine cutpoint for discriminating SLT users from nonusers of
      tobacco, and concordance analysis was used to compare self-reported SLT use with
      cotinine levels. Among the 30,298 adult respondents who completed the NHANES
      during 2003-2010, 418 reported having exclusively used SLT and no other type of
      tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, or pipes) during the past 5 days, while 23,457
      reported not using any tobacco. The optimal cotinine cutpoint for discriminating
      SLT users from non-tobacco users was 3.0 ng/mL (sensitivity=97.0%,
      specificity=93.0%), which was comparable to a revised cutpoint recommended for
      identifying adult cigarette smokers. Concordance with cotinine was 96.4% and
      93.7% for self-reported SLT use and tobacco nonuse, respectively. These findings
      indicate that self-reported SLT use among adults correlates highly with serum
      cotinine levels and that the optimal cutpoint for minimizing misclassification of
      self-reported use is a serum cotinine concentration of 3.0 ng/mL.

PMID- 25125692
TI  - Stress ultrasound evaluation of medial elbow instability in a cadaveric model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An injury of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is potentially
      career threatening for elite overhead-throwing athletes. Stress ultrasonography
      (SUS) allows for a rapid, cost-effective, and noninvasive evaluation of the UCL
      and elbow joint both at rest and with applied stress. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: To
      determine the amount of cadaveric elbow valgus gapping with sequential sectioning
      of medial elbow structures as measured by SUS. It was hypothesized that the
      greatest increase in ulnohumeral joint gapping would be noted with release of the
      anterior bundle of the UCL. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS:
      Twelve cadaveric elbows were divided into 2 groups and dissected in reverse
      sequences under the direct supervision of an experienced orthopaedic surgeon.
      Baseline ultrasound and SUS with applied valgus loads were performed by an
      experienced radiologist. A valgus load was applied at each sectioning interval
      using a standardized device. Ulnohumeral joint gapping in millimeters was
      measured by SUS for each step as the width of the medial joint from the trochlea
      to the sublime tubercle. The mean increases in joint gapping (Delta) between each
      step were calculated to quantify the additional gapping achieved with release of
      each sequential stabilizer. RESULTS: Release of the anterior band of the anterior
      bundle resulted in a mean Delta of 2.0 mm (95% CI, 1.1-2.8 mm). Release of the
      posterior band of the anterior bundle resulted in a mean Delta of 1.4 mm (95% CI,
      0.6-2.2 mm). Release of the entire anterior bundle caused a mean increase in
      ulnohumeral valgus joint gapping of 3.4 mm (95% CI, 2.4-4.3 mm). Release of the
      remaining individual structures each resulted in a mean increase in valgus joint
      gapping of <=0.8 mm. CONCLUSION: The results of the current cadaveric study
      suggest that different amounts of gapping are seen on SUS with sectioning of the
      medial elbow stabilizers. The hypothesis was confirmed with release of the
      anterior bundle of the UCL resulting in the greatest increase in joint gapping as
      measured by SUS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study illustrates that SUS can identify
      the contributions of each anatomic portion of the UCL and the flexor-pronator
      mass to ulnohumeral joint stability in a cadaveric model.

PMID- 25125693
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analyses in orthopaedic sports medicine: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As increasing attention is paid to the cost of health care delivered
      in the United States (US), cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) are gaining in
      popularity. Reviews of the CEA literature have been performed in other areas of
      medicine, including some subspecialties within orthopaedics. Demonstrating the
      value of medical procedures is of utmost importance, yet very little is known
      about the overall quality and findings of CEAs in sports medicine. PURPOSE: To
      identify and summarize CEA studies in orthopaedic sports medicine and to grade
      the quality of the available literature. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review.
      METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed to compile findings
      and grade the methodological quality of US-based CEA studies in sports medicine.
      The Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument and the checklist by the
      US Panel on Cost-effectiveness in Health and Medicine were used to assess study
      quality. One-sided Fisher exact testing was performed to analyze the predictors
      of high-quality CEAs. RESULTS: Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Five
      studies examined anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 3 studies examined
      rotator cuff repair, 2 examined autologous chondrocyte implantation, 1 study
      examined hip arthroscopic surgery, and 1 study examined the operative management
      of shoulder dislocations. Based on study findings, operative intervention in
      sports medicine is highly cost-effective. The quality of published evidence is
      good, with a mean quality score of 81.8 (range, 70-94). There is a trend toward
      higher quality in more recent publications. No significant predictor of high
      quality evidence was found. CONCLUSION: The CEA literature in sports medicine is
      good; however, there is a paucity of studies, and the available evidence is
      focused on a few procedures. More work needs to be conducted to quantify the cost
      effectiveness of different techniques and procedures within sports medicine. The
      QHES tool may be useful for the evaluation of future CEAs.

PMID- 25125694
TI  - Drug selection and dosing in pregnant cancer patients: insights from clinical
      pharmacokinetics.

PMID- 25125691
TI  - Marginal structural models in occupational epidemiology: application in a study
      of ischemic heart disease incidence and PM2.5 in the US aluminum industry.
AB  - Marginal structural models (MSMs) and inverse probability weighting can be used
      to estimate risk in a cohort of active workers if there is a time-varying
      confounder (e.g., health status) affected by prior exposure-a feature of the
      healthy worker survivor effect. We applied Cox MSMs in a study of incident
      ischemic heart disease and exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic
      diameter of 2.5 MUm or less (PM2.5) in a cohort of 12,949 actively employed
      aluminum workers in the United States. The cohort was stratified by work process
      into workers in smelting facilities, herein referred to as "smelters" and workers
      in fabrication facilities, herein referred to as "fabricators." The outcome was
      assessed by using medical claims data from 1998 to 2012. A composite risk score
      based on insurance claims was treated as a time-varying measure of health status.
      Binary PM2.5 exposure was defined by the 10th-percentile cutoff for each work
      process. Health status was associated with past exposure and predicted the
      outcome and subsequent exposure in smelters but not in fabricators. In smelters,
      the Cox MSM hazard ratio comparing those always exposed above the cutoff with
      those always exposed below the cutoff was 1.98 (95% confidence interval: 1.18,
      3.32). In fabricators, the hazard ratio from a traditional Cox model was 1.34
      (95% confidence interval: 0.98, 1.83). Results suggest that occupational PM2.5
      exposure increases the risk of incident ischemic heart disease in workers in both
      aluminum smelting and fabrication facilities.

PMID- 25125696
TI  - Evaluation of blood perfusion by laser speckle contrast analysis in different
      areas of hands and face in patients with systemic sclerosis.

PMID- 25125697
TI  - Phytic acid in green leaves of herbaceous plants-temporal variation in situ and
      response to different nitrogen/phosphorus fertilizing regimes.
AB  - Phytic acid is the major storage compound for phosphorus (P) in plants. While
      accounting for up to 90 % in many seeds, usually only <10 % of total P is found
      in phytic acid in green leaves. This study follows up on the findings of a recent
      review of the occurrence of phytic acid in green leaves which revealed that (i)
      the current knowledge of phytic acid in leaves is mostly based on data from
      (fertilized) crop plants and (ii) the proportion of total P in phytic acid seems
      to decrease with improved P status in leaves in contrast to an increase in seeds
      and fruit. We studied five species of wild herbaceous plants in the field and
      under controlled conditions. Foliar P concentrations were much lower than those
      of the crops of earlier studies, but the proportion of P in phytic acid was
      similar, with little variation during the observation period. Both the field data
      and the experimental data showed a statistically indistinguishable negative
      correlation of phytic acid-P/total P and total P. In contrast to our expectation,
      this negative relationship was not related to differences in relative growth
      rates. We conclude that (i) our data of phytic acid concentrations in leaves of
      wild plants are in line with earlier observations on crops, and (ii) the trend
      towards lower proportions of phytic acid-P with increasing P status is probably a
      general phenomenon. Currently lacking a convincing explanation for the second
      observation, the role of phytic acid in foliar P metabolism is still unclear. 

PMID- 25125695
TI  - FHL2 regulates the resolution of tissue damage in chronic inflammatory arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We analysed the role of the adaptor molecule four-and-a-half Lin11,
      Isl-1 & Mec-3 (LIM) domain protein 2 (FHL2) in the activation of fibroblast-like
      synoviocytes in human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and tumour necrosis factor alpha
      (TNFalpha)-dependent animal models of the disease. METHODS: Synovial tissues of
      patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA) as well as hind paw sections from
      arthritic human TNFalpha transgenic (hTNFtg) mice and synovial fibroblasts from
      these were analysed. The effects of cytokines on the expression of FHL2 and
      disease-relevant matrixmetalloproteases (MMPs) were determined. Analyses of human
      tissue specimens from patients treated with anti-TNFalpha as well as anti
      TNFalpha treatment of hTNFtg mice were performed to substantiate the TNFalpha
      effects on FHL2 levels. FHL2(-/-) mice and hTNFtg mice (with constitutive or
      inducible transgene expression) were crossbred to generate TNFalpha
      overexpressing FHL2-deficient animals. Signalling pathways were analysed in cells
      from these mice and in human cells after knock down of FHL2 by western blot.
      RESULTS: FHL2 levels were higher in RA than in OA and in hTNFtg than in wild-type
      mice. Surprisingly, while transforming growth factor (TGF)beta-induced FHL2
      expression, TNFalpha suppressed FHL2. In vivo, anti-TNFalpha treatment led to
      higher FHL2 levels both in RA patients and hTNFtg mice. The loss of FHL2
      increased joint destruction in hTNFtg mice, which was accompanied by elevated MMP
      13. In vitro, TNFalpha-mediated MMP-13 was significantly higher in FHL2(-/-)
      cells and after knock down of FHL2, which was caused by prolonged p38 MAPK
      activation. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that FHL2 serves as a protective
      factor and that, rather than promoting the pathology, the upregulation of FHL2 in
      RA occurs in frame of a regenerative attempt.

PMID- 25125699
TI  - Adult Child Migration and the Health of Elderly Parents Left Behind in Mexico.

PMID- 25125698
TI  - Manipulating the antioxidant capacity of halophytes to increase their cultural
      and economic value through saline cultivation.
AB  - Halophytes, salt-tolerant plants, are a source of valuable secondary metabolites
      with potential economic value. The steady-state pools of many stress-related
      metabolites are already enhanced in halophytes when compared with glycophytes,
      but growth under conditions away from the optimum can induce stress and
      consequently result in changes to secondary metabolites such as antioxidants.
      However, direct evidence for increasing the concentration of valuable secondary
      metabolites as a consequence of altering the salinity of the growing environment
      still remains equivocal. To address this, we analysed a range of metabolites with
      antioxidant capacity (including total phenols, flavonoids, ascorbate,
      reduced/oxidized glutathione and reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes) in
      seedlings and plants from different families (Amaranthaceae, Brassicaceae,
      Plantaginaceae and Rhizophoraceae) and habitats grown under different salt
      concentrations. We show that it is possible to manipulate the antioxidant
      capacity of plants and seedlings by altering the saline growing environment, the
      length of time under saline cultivation and the developmental stage. Among the
      species studied, the halophytes Tripolium pannonicum, Plantago coronopus,
      Lepidium latifolium and Salicornia europaea demonstrated the most potential as
      functional foods or nutraceuticals. 

PMID- 25125700
TI  - What Goes Up Must Come Down? Experimental Evidence on Intuitive Forecasting.
AB  - Do laboratory subjects correctly perceive the dynamics of a mean-reverting time
      series? In our experiment, subjects receive historical data and make forecasts at
      different horizons. The time series process that we use features short-run
      momentum and long-run partial mean reversion. Half of the subjects see a version
      of this process in which the momentum and partial mean reversion unfold over 10
      periods ('fast'), while the other subjects see a version with dynamics that
      unfold over 50 periods ('slow'). Typical subjects recognize most of the mean
      reversion of the fast process and none of the mean reversion of the slow process.

PMID- 25125701
TI  - Electrical interactions in the cell: Asymmetric screening in a watery antiverse.
AB  - The problem of electrostatics in biomolecular systems presents an excellent
      opportunity for cross-disciplinary science and a context in which fundamental
      physics is called for to answer complex questions. Due to the large density in
      biological cells of charged biomacromolecules such as protein factors and DNA, it
      is challenging to understand quantitatively the electric forces in these systems.
      Two questions are especially puzzling. First, how is it that such a dense system
      of charged molecules does not simply aggregate in random and non-functional ways?
      Second, since some mechanism apparently prevents such aggregation, how is it that
      binding of biomolecules still occurs so reliably? Recognizing the role of water
      as a universal solvent in living systems is key to understanding these questions.
      We present a simplified physical model in which water is regarded as a medium of
      high dielectric constant that nevertheless exhibits the key features essential
      for answering the two questions presented. The answer to the first question lies
      in the strong screening ability of water, which reduces the energy scale of the
      electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, our model reveals the existence of
      asymmetric screening, a pronounced asymmetry between the screening for a system
      with like charges and that for a system with opposite charges, and this provides
      an answer to the second question.

PMID- 25125702
TI  - An AFM Study of the Effects of Silanization Temperature, Hydration, and Annealing
      on the Nucleation and Aggregation of Condensed OTS Domains on Mica.
AB  - Partial monolayers of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) were formed on mica under
      different reaction conditions in which the silanization temperature, time, and
      amount of water adsorbed on the mica substrates were varied. OTS surface coverage
      increased with silanization time for all samples; however, the amount and
      distribution of adsorbed OTS varied greatly under these different reaction
      conditions. AFM analysis showed that OTS formed two phases on mica silanized at
      25 degrees C: condensed "island-like" domains and expanded "liquid-like" domains.
      Partially dehydrated mica silanized at 9 degrees C, however, displayed only
      condensed domains which were of smaller size compared to those on the 25 degrees
      C samples. The lateral diffusion and aggregation of small condensed OTS domains
      to form larger aggregates was evident on all surfaces except the 25 degrees C
      partially dehydrated mica. A uniform distribution of many small condensed domains
      surrounded by expanded OTS phases was seen instead. Extended annealing resulted
      in surface diffusion and aggregation of these domains and nucleation of new
      condensed domains from the surrounding expanded OTS phases. These observations
      are consistent with a deposition, diffusion, and aggregation model (DDA) which
      allows for activated diffusion; however, rigorous modeling is not presented here.

PMID- 25125703
TI  - Parents' Relationship Quality and Children's Behavior in Stable Married and
      Cohabiting Families.
AB  - Although an extensive literature has shown that family structure is linked with
      child well-being, less well understood is how the dynamics within families affect
      children, in particular the extent to which positive mother-father relationship
      quality is linked with children's outcomes. In this study the authors used data
      from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 773) to examine how
      couple supportiveness in stable coresident families is related to children's
      externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems over ages 3 through 9. Using
      latent growth curve and fixed effects models, they found that parents' greater
      supportiveness has a slight association with lower levels of children's
      behavioral problems. Using cross-lagged structural equation models to examine the
      direction of the association, they also found some evidence that parents'
      relationship quality and children's behavioral problems are reciprocally related.
      Overall, this study suggests that more positive couple interactions are
      beneficial for children residing with both of their biological parents.

PMID- 25125704
TI  - Single Motherhood, Living Arrangements, and Time With Children in Japan.
AB  - The authors examined relationships between single parenthood and mothers' time
      with children in Japan. Using data from the 2011 National Survey of Households
      with Children (N = 1,926), they first demonstrate that time spent with children
      and the frequency of shared dinners are significantly lower for single mothers
      than for their married counterparts. For single mothers living alone, less time
      with children reflects long work hours and work-related stress. Single mothers
      coresiding with parents spend less time with children and eat dinner together
      less frequently than either married mothers or their unmarried counterparts not
      living with parents, net of (grand)parental support, work hours, income, and
      stress. The findings suggest that rising divorce rates and associated growth in
      single-mother families may have a detrimental impact on parents' time with
      children in Japan and that the relatively high prevalence of intergenerational
      coresidence among single mothers may do little to temper this impact.

PMID- 25125705
TI  - Predictors of Self-reported Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Homeless and
      Runaway Adolescents.
AB  - Path analysis was used to investigate factors associated with self-reported
      sexually transmitted diseases among 569 homeless and runaway adolescents in four
      Midwestern states. Youth were interviewed by outreach workers directly on the
      streets, in shelters, and in drop-in centers. Results indicated that family abuse
      was positively related to substance use, affiliation with friends who sold sex,
      and time on own. Early family abuse indirectly increased the likelihood of self
      reported sexually transmitted diseases through time on own, substance use,
      friends selling sex, and risky sexual behaviors. Finally, substance use and
      affiliation with friends who sold sex was positively associated with risky sexual
      behaviors, which in turn was related to self-reported sexually transmitted
      diseases. No significant gender interactions were found for this model.

PMID- 25125706
TI  - Weighted Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve and Its
      Application to Gene Selection.
AB  - Partial area under the ROC curve (PAUC) has been proposed for gene selection in
      Pepe et al. (2003) and thereafter applied in real data analysis. It was noticed
      from empirical studies that this measure has several key weaknesses, such as an
      inability to reflect nonuniform weighting of different decision thresholds,
      resulting in large numbers of ties. We propose the weighted area under the ROC
      curve (WAUC) in this paper to address the problems associated with PAUC. Our
      proposed measure enjoys a greater flexibility to describe the discrimination
      accuracy of genes. Nonparametric and parametric estimation methods are
      introduced, including PAUC as a special case, along with theoretical properties
      of the estimators. We also provide a simple variance formula, yielding a novel
      variance estimator for nonparametric estimation of PAUC, which has proven
      challenging in previous work. The proposed methods permit sensitivity analyses,
      whereby the impact of differing weight functions on gene rankings may be assessed
      and results may be synthesized across weights. Simulations and re-analysis of two
      well-known microarray datasets illustrate the practical utility of WAUC.

PMID- 25125707
TI  - Children in Institutional Care: Delayed Development and Resilience.
AB  - Children exposed to institutional care often suffer from "structural neglect"
      which may include minimum physical resources, unfavorable and unstable staffing
      patterns, and social-emotionally inadequate caregiver-child interactions. This
      chapter is devoted to the analysis of the ill effects of early institutional
      experiences on resident children's development. Delays in the important areas of
      physical, hormonal, cognitive, and emotional development are discussed. The
      evidence for and against the existence of a distinctive set of co-occurring
      developmental problems in institutionalized children is weighed and found to not
      yet convincingly demonstrate a "post-institutional syndrome". Finally, shared and
      non-shared features of the institutional environment and specific genetic,
      temperamental, and physical characteristics of the individual child are examined
      that might make a crucial difference in whether early institutional rearing
      leaves irreversible scars.

PMID- 25125708
TI  - Sensitive Periods.
AB  - This chapter reviews sensitive periods in human brain development based on the
      literature on children raised in institutions. Sensitive experiences occur when
      experiences are uniquely influential for the development of neural circuitry.
      Because in humans, we make inferences about sensitive periods from evaluations of
      complex behaviors, we underestimate the occurrence of sensitive periods at the
      level of neural circuitry. Although we are most interested in complex behaviors,
      such as IQ or attachment or externalizing problems, many different sensitive
      periods at the level of circuits probably underlie these complex behaviors.
      Results from a number of studies suggest that across most, but not all, domains
      of development, institutional rearing limited to the first 4-6 months of life is
      associated with no significant increase risk for long-term adverse effects
      relative to non-institutionalized children. Beyond that, evidence for sensitive
      periods is less compelling, meaning that "the earlier the better" rule for
      enhanced caregiving is a reasonable conclusion at the current state of the
      science.

PMID- 25125709
TI  - Tetrasubstituted pyrazinones derived from the reaction of praziquantel with N
      bromosuccinimide.
AB  - When praziquantel was exposed to N-bromosuccinimide in the presence of ethanol, a
      tricyclic 3-bromo-1-ethoxy pyrazinone was formed. From this and the analogous 1,3
      dibromopyrazinone, a small library of 3-alkylamino-1-ethoxy, 1,3-dialkoxy, 3
      alkoxy-1-bromo, and 3-alkylamino-1-bromo substituted pyrazinones were synthesized
      in high yields.

PMID- 25125710
TI  - Enantioselective synthesis of decalin structures with all-carbon quaternary
      centers via one-pot sequential Cope/Rauhut-Currier reaction.
AB  - The first example of one-pot sequential Cope/Rauhut-Currier reactions are
      reported and used to make functionalized decalin structures with all-carbon
      quaternary stereocenters. The substrates for the new sequential reaction are
      generated through a six-step sequence including an enantioselective Birch
      reduction-allylation reaction which makes the overall process asymmetric.

PMID- 25125711
TI  - Varying coefficient subdistribution regression for left-truncated semi-competing
      risks data.
AB  - Semi-competing risks data frequently arise in biomedical studies when time to a
      disease landmark event is subject to dependent censoring by death, the
      observation of which however is not precluded by the occurrence of the landmark
      event. In observational studies, the analysis of such data can be further
      complicated by left truncation. In this work, we study a varying co-efficient
      subdistribution regression model for left-truncated semi-competing risks data.
      Our method appropriately accounts for the specifical truncation and censoring
      features of the data, and moreover has the flexibility to accommodate potentially
      varying covariate effects. The proposed method can be easily implemented and the
      resulting estimators are shown to have nice asymptotic properties. We also
      present inference, such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov type and Cramer Von-Mises type
      hypothesis testing procedures for the covariate effects. Simulation studies and
      an application to the Denmark diabetes registry demonstrate good finite-sample
      performance and practical utility of the proposed method.

PMID- 25125712
TI  - Nativity Differences in Youths' Weight Trajectories: Foreign-Born Health
      Integration during the Transition to Adulthood.
AB  - Nativity differences in youths' health in the United States are striking, with
      the children of foreign-born parents showing more favorable outcomes than those
      of native-born parents. Very little is known about how inequalities evolve within
      the same individuals over time, or more generally about life cycle aspects of the
      health integration of youth with migration backgrounds. Using data from the
      National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, I examine nativity differences
      in trajectories of weight gain during adolescence and early adulthood, as well as
      the degree to which trajectories are stratified by race/ethnicity and
      socioeconomic status. Do nativity differences converge, diverge or remain stable
      over time, and how are patterns socially stratified within and across nativity
      groups? I find that first-generation adolescents begin at a lower weight than
      their third generation peers and gain weight at a significantly slower pace,
      producing meaningful differences by early adulthood. More complex examination of
      the relationship between nativity and weight gain reveals additional differences
      by ethnicity: the foreign-born advantage over time does not extend as strongly to
      Hispanic adolescents. The findings demonstrate how the health-related integration
      of foreign-born youth is tied to race/ethnicity and socioeconomic circumstances,
      and suggest the need to examine the ways in which social circumstances and health
      change together.

PMID- 25125713
TI  - Neighborhood Characteristics, Parental Practices and Children's Math Achievement
      in Elementary School.
AB  - : This paper investigates the relationships among neighborhood characteristics,
      education-related parental practices, and children's academic achievement during
      a critical but under-studied stage of children's educational trajectories - the
      elementary school years. Using a large, nationally representative database of
      American elementary school students - the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study -
      Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS-K) - and contextual data from the 2000 U.S. Census, we
      examine parental practices and neighborhood characteristics at the beginning of
      children's school careers (grades K-1) and their associations with math
      achievement through the end of the 5th grade. FINDINGS: Net of family-level
      characteristics, higher levels of early education- oriented parental practices
      were associated with higher mathematics achievement at the end of 5th grade,
      while neighborhood disadvantage was associated with lower 5th grade math
      achievement. Families residing in high poverty, high unemployment, low-education
      neighborhoods employed fewer education- oriented practices with their
      kindergarten- first grade children, but the positive effect of such parental
      practices on children's mathematics achievement was stronger for children who
      live in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

PMID- 25125714
TI  - President's address: Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, and the dark side of medical
      science.

PMID- 25125715
TI  - A novel T cell evasion mechanism in persistent RNA virus infection.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and GB virus type C (GBV-C) are associated with impaired
      T cell function despite the fact that HCV replicates in hepatocytes and GBV-C in
      a small proportion of lymphocytes. Recently, we showed that HCV and GBV-C E2
      envelope proteins reduce T cell activation via the T cell receptor (TCR) by
      competing for phosphorylation with a critical kinase in the TCR signaling cascade
      (Lck). E2 interfered with TCR signaling in E2 expressing cells and in bystander
      cells. The bystander effect was mediated by virus particles and extracellular
      microvesicular particles (exosomes). Multiple kinase substrate sites are
      predicted to reside on viral structural proteins and based on bioinformatic
      predictions, many RNA virus pathogens may interfere with TCR signaling via a
      similar mechanism. Identification of T cell inhibitory effects of virus
      structural proteins may provide novel approaches to enhance the immunogenicity
      and memory of viral vaccines. 

PMID- 25125717
TI  - Scanning the chronic disease terrain: prospects and opportunities.
AB  - The disease burden in the United States has changed radically in the past 100
      years. A striking decrease in infectious diseases as causes of morbidity and
      mortality has been followed by a steady increase in morbidity and mortality rates
      from chronic disease, which is now the dominant health issue facing the country,
      at levels justifying considering chronic disease as having reached epidemic
      proportions. Research in recent years has shown that many of the common chronic
      diseases are malleable, i.e., susceptible to therapeutic or preventive efforts
      aimed at risk factors and susceptible age eras and populations. Although clinical
      and population-oriented interventions have been increasingly successful in recent
      decades, more intensive and coordinated preventive efforts will be required,
      including effective partnerships between clinical medicine and other sectors,
      particularly at-risk individuals, government, and public health. Robust joint
      efforts are not only needed, but are likely to be successful. 

PMID- 25125716
TI  - Translational studies in older men using testosterone to treat sarcopenia.
AB  - Sarcopenia is the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that occurs with
      aging. Our research group has found an efficacious administration paradigm using
      testosterone to combat sarcopenia in humans. In addition, our research has
      uncovered an important regulatory enzyme of inflammation, nuclear factor-kappaB
      inducing kinase that may regulate human skeletal muscle catabolism, and that
      appears to be counter-regulated by administration of standard doses of
      testosterone. This is important because a number of age-related clinical
      circumstances trigger acute and chronic muscle loss including cancer, chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease, hospitalization, acute and chronic illness, and
      diseases in which systemic inflammation occurs. Moreover, it is often the
      treatment itself that can induce muscle loss. For example, glucocorticoids are
      tremendously effective at reducing inflammation and are a frontline therapy for
      many inflammatory-based diseases, yet paradoxically trigger muscle loss. We will
      discuss our research findings and the clinical significance of our human clinical
      translational research with testosterone.

PMID- 25125718
TI  - "Reverse genomics" and human endogenous retroviruses.
AB  - Over millions of years, actively replicating retroviruses entered the human
      genome and through time became a stable and substantial part of the inherited
      genetic material. A remarkable 8% of the human genome is accounted for by
      endogenous retroviruses, whose biological importance has not yet been elucidated.
      In studying the RNA of these endogenous retroviruses in the blood of living human
      subjects with HIV infection, we have discovered a whole new family of these
      viruses that had been hidden in the centromeres of specific human chromosomes.
      These retroviruses have specific sequences that can elucidate their chromosome of
      origin. As centromeres represent the most substantial remaining frontier of human
      genomics, these viral sequences can provide a "bar-code" that can be used to
      study the role of centromeres in biology and in disease. This work also
      highlights the efficacy of using "reverse genomics" to understand and annotate
      the human genome. 

PMID- 25125720
TI  - The natural history of acute dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute dilated cardiomyopathy (ADCM) is a frequent cause for
      referral for cardiac transplantation yet its prognosis and natural history on
      contemporary therapy remain uncertain. METHODS: The Multicenter Intervention in
      Myocarditis and Acute Cardiomyopathy (IMAC)-2 trial enrolled 373 patients at 12
      academic medical centers with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <= 40%,
      heart failure symptoms < 6 months duration, and a diagnostic evaluation
      consistent with idiopathic cardiomyopathy or acute myocarditis. The natural
      history of ADCM in an earlier era (1975-2000) was also examined via a MEDLINE
      search of published observational studies. RESULTS: Mean age of the IMAC-2 study
      cohort was 45 +/- 4 years and 38% were female. Mean initial LVEF was 24% +/- 8%
      and increased to 40% +/- 12% during treatment with ACE-I/ARB (82%), and a beta
      blocker (94%). Transplantation-free survival at 1, 2, and 4 years was 94%, 92%,
      and 86%, respectively. This survival rate was substantially higher than the prior
      era. Multivariate predictors of improvement in LVEF were smaller LV dimension and
      higher systolic blood pressure whereas black race and higher initial New York
      Heart Association functional class were associated with lower final LVEF.
      Genotypic variation did not correlate with response to pharmacological therapy.
      CONCLUSION: Earlier diagnosis and aggressive pharmacologic and device-based
      therapy of ADCM has led to improved prognosis.

PMID- 25125719
TI  - Bitter taste receptors in the wrong place: novel airway smooth muscle targets for
      treating asthma.
AB  - There is a need to expand the classes of drugs used to treat obstructive lung
      diseases to achieve better outcomes. With only one class of direct
      bronchodilators (beta-agonists), we sought to find receptors on human airway
      smooth muscle (ASM) that act via a unique mechanism to relax the muscle, have a
      diverse agonist binding profile to enhance the probability of finding new
      therapeutics, and relax ASM with equal or greater efficacy than beta-agonists. We
      have found that human and mouse ASM express six bitter taste receptor (TAS2R)
      subtypes, previously thought only to exist in taste buds of the tongue. Agonists
      acting at TAS2Rs evoke profound bronchodilation via a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism.
      TAS2R function is not altered in asthma models, undergoes minimal tachyphylaxis
      upon repetitive dosing, and relaxes even under extreme desensitization of
      relaxation by beta-agonists. Taken together, TAS2Rs on ASM represent a novel
      pathway to consider for development of agonists in the treatment of asthma and
      chronic obstructive lung disease. 

PMID- 25125721
TI  - Teaching evidence-based medicine in the former Soviet Union: lessons learned.
AB  - Between 2009 and 2012, I taught principles of evidence-based medicine and
      clinical research in Russia, Tatarstan, Moldova, and Kazakhstan. The Soviet Union
      left a medical legacy characterized by balkanization of top tier medicine in
      highly specialized centers, so there was little capability for multidiscipinary
      care. In addition, the authoritarian government led to a persistently top-down
      tradition of medical education and practice, which one of my Russian colleagues
      aptly named "eminence-based medicine." After the fall of the Soviet Union,
      funding for science and medical research was drastically cut, leading to a
      struggle for resources and politicization of resource decisions. At present,
      prejudices and beliefs about disease and treatment persist untested, limited
      English language competency impedes acquisition of new knowledge, and restriction
      of resources cripples innovation. Yet none of these conditions are unknown to us
      in the United States. Physicians may resist evidence that challenges long-held
      beliefs, and patients want us to make decisions based on their individual case,
      not evidence arising from studying other people. As physicians, we need to
      understand how to communicate with and frame our arguments so that they can be
      understood and received favorably. Can we draw lessons from trying to teach
      evidence-based medicine in the former Soviet Union? 

PMID- 25125724
TI  - Gordon Wilson lecture: opening doors worldwide through medical science: personal
      reflections.

PMID- 25125725
TI  - Curing genetic disease with gene therapy.
AB  - Development of viral vectors that allow high efficiency gene transfer into
      mammalian cells in the early 1980s foresaw the treatment of severe monogenic
      diseases in humans. The application of gene transfer using viral vectors has been
      successful in diseases of the blood and immune systems, albeit with several
      curative studies also showing serious adverse events (SAEs). In children with X
      linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID-X1), chronic granulomatous disease,
      and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, these SAEs were caused by inappropriate activation
      of oncogenes. Subsequent studies have defined the vector sequences responsible
      for these transforming events. Members of the Transatlantic Gene Therapy
      Consortium [TAGTC] have collaboratively developed new vectors that have proven
      safer in preclinical studies and used these vectors in new clinical trials in
      SCID-X1. These trials have shown evidence of early efficacy and preliminary
      integration analysis data from the SCID-X1 trial suggest an improved safety
      profile.

PMID- 25125726
TI  - The immune system in hypertension.
AB  - Hypertension is generally attributed to perturbations of the vasculature, the
      kidney, and the central nervous system. During the past several years, it has
      become apparent that cells of the innate and adaptive immune system also
      contribute to this disease. Macrophages and T cells accumulate in the kidneys and
      vasculature of humans and experimental animals with hypertension, and likely
      contribute to end-organ damage. We have shown that mice lacking lymphocytes, such
      as recombinase-activating gene-deficient (RAG-1(-/-)) mice, have blunted
      hypertension in response to angiotensin II, increased salt levels, and
      norepinephrine. Adoptive transfer of T cells restores the blood pressure response
      to these stimuli. Others have shown that mice with severe combined
      immunodeficiency have blunted hypertension in response to angiotensin II.
      Deletion of the RAG gene in Dahl salt-sensitive rats reduces the hypertensive
      response to salt feeding. The central nervous system seems to orchestrate immune
      cell activation. We produced lesions of the anteroventral third ventricle and
      showed that these block T cell activation in response to angiotensin II.
      Likewise, we showed that genetic manipulation of reactive oxygen species in the
      subfornical organ modulates both hypertension and T cell activation. Current
      evidence indicates that production of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor
      alpha, interleukin 17, and interleukin 6 contribute to hypertension, likely by
      promoting vasoconstriction, production of reactive oxygen species, and sodium
      reabsorption in the kidney. We propose a working hypothesis linking the
      sympathetic nervous system, immune cells, the production of cytokines, and
      ultimately vascular and renal dysfunction, leading to augmentation of
      hypertension. 

PMID- 25125727
TI  - Impact of denervated myocardium on improving risk stratification for sudden
      cardiac death.
AB  - Between 184,000 and 462,000 Americans die suddenly each year. Fifty percent to
      70% of these deaths are due to ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF). We
      tested whether hibernating myocardium or myocardial sympathetic denervation
      identifies patients at high-risk for developing VT/VF independently of ejection
      fraction (EF). Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to quantify myocardial
      sympathetic denervation ((11)C-meta-hydroxyephedrine [(11)C-HED]), perfusion
      ((13)N-ammonia), and viability (insulin-stimulated (18)F-2-deoxyglucose
      [(18)FDG]) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (EF < 35%) eligible for a
      primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The primary end
      point was sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) defined as arrhythmic death or ICD
      discharge for VT/VF > 240 bpm. Volumes of total denervated (P = .001) and viable
      denervated myocardium ((11)C-HED-(18)FDG mismatch, P = .03) predicted SCA,
      whereas hibernating and infarcted myocardium did not. Multivariate analysis
      identified four independent predictors of SCA: denervated myocardium > 37.6% of
      left ventricule (LV), LV end-diastolic volume > 98 mL/m(2), creatinine level >
      1.49 mg/dL, and no angiotensin- inhibition therapy. Denervated myocardium had a
      hazard ratio of 3.5 for SCA (10.3%/year vs. 3.0%/year, p=0.001). Absence of all
      four factors predicted low risk (44% of cohort; SCA <1%/y) whereas two or more
      factors identified subjects at high-risk (20% of cohort; SCA 12%/y). Denervated
      myocardium quantified using PET strongly predicts risk of SCA, and is independent
      of EF, infarct volume, and other clinical variables.

PMID- 25125728
TI  - Back to the beginning for the Eighth Evacuation Hospital in Morocco during World
      War II 70 years ago.

PMID- 25125731
TI  - Three ways to die suddenly: do they all require calcium calmodulin-dependent
      protein kinase II?
AB  - Sudden cardiac death occurs due to a limited number of pathological events. The
      heart can beat too fast or too slow to maintain adequate cardiac output or the
      heart can rupture. Here we survey recent evidence that excessive activation of
      calcium calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II by three core neurohumoral
      pathways or by oxidant stress can lead to sudden cardiac death due to sinus node
      dysfunction and bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, and cardiac
      rupture. 

PMID- 25125734
TI  - The endemic mimic: blastomycosis an illness often misdiagnosed.
AB  - One of the endemic fungi, Blastomyces dermatitidis, can cause epidemics of
      infection with multiple persons involved in a point source outbreak but more
      commonly causes sporadic cases of infection within the areas of endemicity.
      Blastomycosis can present as an acute pneumonia which is often misdiagnosed as
      acute pneumococcal pneumonia or the infection may present as a chronic pneumonia
      along with weight loss, night sweats, hemoptysis, and a lung mass suggesting
      tuberculosis or carcinoma of the lung. Extrapulmonary infection with B.
      dermatitidis is protean with many different manifestations. Most commonly, skin
      or subcutaneous lesions are found with either a verrucous or warty appearance or
      in an ulcerative form. Cases have been misidentified as keratoacanthoma, pyoderma
      gangrenosum, carcinoma, or as Weber-Christian panniculitis if there are nodular
      subcutaneous lesions. Essentially any site or organ can have lesions of
      disseminated blastomycosis. In our series, cases of laryngeal carcinoma, adrenal
      insufficiency, thyroid nodules, granulomatous hypercalcemia, abnormal mammograms
      thought to represent breast carcinoma, otitis media with cranial extension,
      immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and hemolytic anemia of unknown cause have been
      misdiagnosed and blastomycosis subsequently identified as the cause. This
      infection causes manifestations which mimic many other more commonly diagnosed
      conditions and must always be considered by clinicians practicing in the endemic
      region. 

PMID- 25125735
TI  - The role of pragmatic clinical trials in the evolution of learning health
      systems.
AB  - Pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) test clinical interventions (eg, treatments,
      diagnostic tests, delivery strategies) that are widely used in practice and for
      which there is often clinical equipoise. Similar to traditional explanatory
      trials of novel therapeutics, PCTs use randomization to decrease selection bias.
      In contrast, PCTs rely on extant data sources (eg, electronic medical records
      [EMRs]) and test interventions that can be implemented with minimal research
      infrastructures. Thus, PCTs have drawn interest as vehicles for decreasing the
      cost of clinical research and for creating learning health systems, which, as
      articulated by the Institute of Medicine, seek to generate new knowledge as an
      integral by-product of the delivery experience. However, realizing this vision
      for PCTs will require innovative approaches for engaging clinicians, improving
      the efficiency of subject recruitment, improving the reliability of EMR data, and
      new paradigms for the regulatory review of low-risk trials to decrease unncessary
      hurdles to practice-based knowledge generation.

PMID- 25125736
TI  - Quantitative human phenotyping: the next frontier in medicine.

PMID- 25125741
TI  - The Bert and Peggy Dupont lecture: prelude to war, a gentlemen's affair: the
      story behind the Battle of Fort Sumter, April 1861.

PMID- 25125737
TI  - Addressing the global burden of chronic kidney disease through clinical and
      translational research.
AB  - Worldwide, an estimated 200 million people have chronic kidney disease (CKD). In
      the United States, African Americans (AAs) have a four-fold excess risk of CKD
      compared to non-Hispanic white people and globally, people in the low-to-middle
      income countries of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest rates of CKD.
      Annually, more than 500,000 individuals develop end-stage renal disease (or CKD
      stage 5) in Sub-Saharan Africa alone and the vast majority of these patients
      suffer premature mortality. The health care costs and economic burden of CKD are
      huge and not sustainable even in advanced Western countries. A recent discovery
      on the role of Apolipoprotein 1 (APOL1) G1 and G2 renal risk variants in AAs has
      a huge potential to unravel the etiology of CKD in both AA and other black
      populations. Under the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored Human
      Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) initiative, a large prospective genetic
      study of CKD is being conducted in 8000 participants in four African countries
      (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria; for a total population of 320 million).
      This and other basic research studies in the United States could potentially shed
      great insight into the genetics and biologic mechanisms involved in the excess
      predilection of Africans and AAs to CKD.

PMID- 25125744
TI  - The Jeremiah Metzger lecture: new additions to the toolbox for global malaria
      eradication.

PMID- 25125745
TI  - Mechanisms of hypoglycemia and exercise-associated autonomic dysfunction.
AB  - It is well established that diabetes can lead to multiple microvascular and
      macrovascular complications. Several large scale randomized multicenter studies
      have shown that intensifying glucose control decreases microvascular and, to a
      certain extent, macrovascular complications of diabetes. However, intensifying
      glucose control in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increases the risk of
      developing hypoglycemia, one of the most feared complications of people with the
      disease. The mechanisms responsible for intensive therapy causing increased
      hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes have been extensively investigated. It is
      now known that a single episode of hypoglycemia can blunt the body's normal
      counterregulatory defenses against subsequent hypoglycemia or exercise.
      Similarly, a single bout of exercise can also blunt counterregulatory responses
      against subsequent hypoglycemia. Both neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system
      responses are reduced by prior hypoglycemia and/or exercise. Work from several
      laboratories has identified multiple physiologic mechanisms involved in the
      pathogenesis of this hypoglycemia and exercise-associated counterregulatory
      failure. By continuing to study these mechanisms, some promising approaches to
      amplify counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia are being discovered. 

PMID- 25125746
TI  - Kidney injury molecule-1: a translational journey.
AB  - Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1, also named TIM-1 and HAVCR-1) was identified as
      the most highly upregulated protein in the proximal tubule of the kidney after
      injury. This protein is present with injury in multiple species including man,
      and also after a large number of acute and chronic insults to the kidney. It is a
      type-1 membrane protein whose ectodomain is released into the lumen of the
      tubule. The ectodomain is heavily glycosylated and stable and appears in the
      urine after injury. It has been qualified by the United States Food and Drug
      Administration and the European Medicines Agency for preclinical assessment of
      nephrotoxicity and on a case-by-case basis for clinical evaluation. As a
      biomarker in humans, its utility has been demonstrated in acute and chronic
      injury and in renal cell carcinoma, a condition similar to injury, where there is
      dedifferentiation of the epithelial cell. KIM-1 is a phosphatidylserine receptor
      which recognizes apoptotic cells directing them to lysosomes. It also serves as a
      receptor for oxidized lipoproteins and hence is important for uptake of
      components of the tubular lumen which may be immunomodulatory and/or toxic to the
      cell. KIM-1 is unique in being the first molecule, not also present on myeloid
      cells, that transforms kidney proximal epithelial cells into semi-professional
      phagocytes. Data suggest that KIM-1 expression is protective during early injury,
      whereas in chronic disease states, prolonged KIM-1 expression may be maladaptive
      and may represent a target for therapy of chronic kidney disease. 

PMID- 25125748
TI  - "An aristocracy of talent": the South Carolina physician-naturalists and their
      times.
AB  - During the natural history movement of the 18th and early 19th centuries,
      Charleston as a center was rivaled in the United States only by Philadelphia, New
      York, and Boston. Prominent physician-naturalists included Alexander Garden (for
      whom the gardenia is named), John Edwards Holbrook ("father of American
      herpetology"), and Francis Peyre Porcher (whose Resources of Southern Fields and
      Forests helped Confederates compensate for drug shortages). The Charleston
      physician-naturalists belonged to an "aristocracy of talent" as distinguished
      from the "aristocracy of wealth" of lowcountry planters, who probably did more
      than any other group to perpetuate slavery and propel the South toward a
      disastrous civil war. None of the physician-naturalists actively opposed slavery
      or secession, a reminder that we are all prisoners of the prevailing paradigms
      and prejudices of our times.

PMID- 25125747
TI  - TGFBR1 and cancer susceptibility.
AB  - Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is a potent inhibitor of cell growth.
      TGFBR1 6A is a polymorphism consisting of a 9-base pair in-frame deletion within
      exon 1 of the type I TGF-beta receptor (TGFBR1), which results in a receptor with
      decreased TGF-beta signaling capability. The discovery of an association between
      TGFBR1*6A and cancer susceptibility led to the hypothesis that hypomorphic
      variants of the TGF-beta signaling pathway may predispose to the development of
      cancer. This hypothesis was tested in vivo with the development of a mouse model
      of Tgfbr1 haploinsufficiency. Tgfbr1 (+/-) mice developed twice as many
      intestinal tumors as Tgfbr1 (+/+). Tgfbr1 haploinsufficiency was also associated
      with early onset adenocarcinoma and increased tumor cell proliferation. A case
      control study identified two haplotypes associated with constitutively decreased
      TGFBR1 and substantially increased colorectal cancer risk indicating that TGFBR1
      may act as a potent modifier of cancer risk.

PMID- 25125749
TI  - Can visual arts training improve physician performance?
AB  - Clinical educators use medical humanities as a means to improve patient care by
      training more self-aware, thoughtful, and collaborative physicians. We present
      three examples of integrating fine arts - a subset of medical humanities - into
      the preclinical and clinical training as models that can be adapted to other
      medical environments to address a wide variety of perceived deficiencies. This
      novel teaching method has promise to improve physician skills, but requires
      further validation. 

PMID- 25125756
TI  - Secretary-Treasurer's report: the 126(th) meeting held at The Charleston Place
      Hotel Charleston, South Carolina October 17(th) through October 20(th), 2013.

PMID- 25125757
TI  - Accountants' compilation report to the board of trustees: American Clinical and
      Climatological Association, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

PMID- 25125750
TI  - Using 2-photon microscopy to understand albuminuria.
AB  - Intravital 2-photon microscopy, along with the development of fluorescent probes
      and innovative software, has rapidly advanced the study of intracellular and
      intercellular processes at the organ level. Researchers can quantify the
      distribution, behavior, and dynamic interactions of up to four labeled chemical
      probes and proteins simultaneously and repeatedly in four dimensions (3D + time)
      with subcellular resolution in real time. Transgenic fluorescently labeled
      proteins, delivery of plasmids, and photo-activatable probes enhance these
      possibilities. Thus, multi-photon microscopy has greatly extended our ability to
      understand cell biology intra-vitally at cellular and subcellular levels. For
      example, evaluation of rat surface glomeruli and accompanying proximal tubules
      has shown the long held paradigm regarding limited albumin filtration under
      physiologic conditions is to be questioned. Furthermore, the role of proximal
      tubules in determining albuminuria under physiologic and disease conditions was
      supported by direct visualization and quantitative analysis. 

PMID- 25125751
TI  - Role of inflammation and inflammatory mediators in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for several different cancers including
      colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanisms underlying the contribution of
      inflammation to cancer remain elusive. Pro-inflammatory mediators such as
      cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) contribute to cancer
      progression. Here, we show that COX-2 is an immediate-early response gene induced
      by growth factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines and its levels are elevated in
      human CRCs. Furthermore, we show that COX-2-derived PGE2 promotes colonic tumor
      growth via silencing certain tumor suppressors and DNA repair genes by DNA
      methylation in colonic epithelial tumor cells. We also report that C-X-C motif
      chemokine receptor 2 accelerates colonic inflammation and colitis-associated
      tumorigenesis by mediating myeloid-derived suppressor cell recruitment to the
      tumor microenvironment. These findings not only support a rationale to target
      these pro-inflammatory pathways for cancer prevention and treatment but also
      provide support for developing new therapeutic approaches to subvert chronic
      inflammation- and tumor-induced immunosuppression. 

PMID- 25125767
TI  - Adaptive Multivariate Global Testing.
AB  - We present a methodology for dealing with recent challenges in testing global
      hypotheses using multivariate observations. The proposed tests target situations,
      often arising in emerging applications of neuroimaging, where the sample size n
      is relatively small compared with the observations' dimension K. We employ
      adaptive designs allowing for sequential modifications of the test statistics
      adapting to accumulated data. The adaptations are optimal in the sense of
      maximizing the predictive power of the test at each interim analysis while still
      controlling the Type I error. Optimality is obtained by a general result
      applicable to typical adaptive design settings. Further, we prove that the
      potentially high-dimensional design space of the tests can be reduced to a low
      dimensional projection space enabling us to perform simpler power analysis
      studies, including comparisons to alternative tests. We illustrate the
      substantial improvement in efficiency that the proposed tests can make over
      standard tests, especially in the case of n smaller or slightly larger than K.
      The methods are also studied empirically using both simulated data and data from
      an EEG study, where the use of prior knowledge substantially increases the power
      of the test. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.

PMID- 25125768
TI  - Differences by mother's education in the effect of childcare on child obesity.
AB  - Previous studies have found adverse effects of maternal employment on child
      obesity for higher educated mothers. Using a quasi-structural model, we find
      additionally a lower risk of obesity for children of less educated mothers with
      increased time in non-parental childcare.

PMID- 25125766
TI  - Alcohol Environment, Perceived Safety, and Exposure to Alcohol, Tobacco, and
      Other Drugs in Early Adolescence.
AB  - This study examined the association between the count of alcohol outlets around
      children's homes and opportunities to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
      (ATOD) during pre-adolescence. Data were collected in 2007 from 394 Baltimore
      City children aged 8-13 (86% African American). Participants' residential address
      and alcohol outlet data were geocoded with quarter mile (i.e., walking distance)
      buffers placed around each participant's home to determine the number of outlets
      within walking distance. The unadjusted logistic regression models revealed that
      each unit increase in the number of alcohol outlets was associated with a 14%
      increase in the likelihood of children seeing people selling drugs (OR=1.14,
      p=.04) and a 15% increase in the likelihood of seeing people smoking marijuana
      (OR=1.15, p<.01). After adjusting for neighborhood physical disorder, the
      relationship between alcohol outlets and seeing people selling drugs and seeing
      people smoking marijuana was fully attenuated. These results suggest that alcohol
      outlets are one aspect of the larger environmental context that is related to
      ATOD exposure in children. Future studies should examine the complex relationship
      between neighborhood physical disorder and the presence of alcohol outlets.

PMID- 25125769
TI  - Permanency Outcomes for Toddlers in Child Welfare Two Years After a Randomized
      Trial of a Parenting Intervention.
AB  - This study reports on child welfare outcomes of a community based, randomized
      control trial of Promoting First Relationships(r) (PFR; Kelly, Sandoval,
      Zuckerman, & Buehlman, 2008), a 10-week relationship-based home visiting program,
      on stability of children's placements and permanency status two years after
      enrollment into the study. Toddlers 10 - 24 months (N = 210) with a recent
      placement disruption were randomized, along with their birth or foster/kin
      parents, to PFR (n = 105) or a comparison condition (n = 105). A stable placement
      had no interruptions or disruptions. A permanent placement was a stable placement
      ending with a legal discharge to the study caregiver. Logistic regression models
      predicting the dichotomous stability and permanency variables, controlling for
      caregiver type, child welfare variables, and caregiver commitment, were
      conducted. There was no difference by intervention group on stability or
      permanency, but there was a significant interaction between caregiver type (birth
      parent vs. foster/kin) and intervention group. More foster/kin caregivers who
      received the PFR intervention provided stable, uninterrupted care and eventually
      adopted or became the legal guardians of the toddlers in their care, compared to
      foster/kin caregivers randomized to the comparison condition.

PMID- 25125770
TI  - Psychology and the Rationality of Emotion.
AB  - Questions addressed by recent psychological research on emotion include questions
      about how thought shapes emotion and how emotion, in turn, shapes thought.
      Research on emotion and cognition paints a somewhat different picture than that
      seen in traditional discussions of passion and reason. This article reviews
      several aspects of this research, concentrating specifically on three views of
      rationality: Rationality as Process, Rationality as Product, and Rationality as
      Outcome.

PMID- 25125771
TI  - Perceptual and cognitive biases in individuals with body dysmorphic disorder
      symptoms.
AB  - Given the extreme focus on perceived physical defects in body dysmorphic disorder
      (BDD), we expected that perceptual and cognitive biases related to physical
      appearance would be associated with BDD symptomology. To examine these
      hypotheses, participants (N = 70) high and low in BDD symptoms completed tasks
      assessing visual perception and cognition. As expected, there were significant
      group differences in self-, but not other-, relevant cognitive biases. Perceptual
      bias results were mixed, with some evidence indicating that individuals high
      (versus low) in BDD symptoms literally see themselves in a less positive light.
      Further, individuals high in BDD symptoms failed to demonstrate a normative self
      enhancement bias. Overall, this research points to the importance of assessing
      both cognitive and perceptual biases associated with BDD symptoms, and suggests
      that visual perception may be influenced by non-visual factors.

PMID- 25125772
TI  - Emotion expression among abusive mothers is associated with their children's
      emotion processing and problem behaviours.
AB  - The current study evaluated the quality of facial and vocal emotional expressions
      in abusive and non-abusive mothers, and assessed whether mothers' emotional
      expression quality was related to their children's cognitive processing of
      emotion and behavioural problems. Relative to non-abusive mothers, abusive
      mothers produced less prototypical angry facial expressions, and less
      prototypical angry, happy, and sad vocal expressions. The intensity of mothers'
      facial and vocal expressions of anger was related to their children's
      externalising and internalising symptoms. Additionally, children's cognitive
      processing of their mothers' angry faces was related to the quality of mothers'
      facial expressions. Results are discussed with respect to the impact of early
      emotional learning environments on children's socioemotional development and risk
      for psychopathology.

PMID- 25125773
TI  - Equilibrium Conformations of Concentric-tube Continuum Robots.
AB  - Robots consisting of several concentric, preshaped, elastic tubes can work
      dexterously in narrow, constrained, and/or winding spaces, as are commonly found
      in minimally invasive surgery. Previous models of these "active cannulas" assume
      piecewise constant precurvature of component tubes and neglect torsion in curved
      sections of the device. In this paper we develop a new coordinate-free energy
      formulation that accounts for general preshaping of an arbitrary number of
      component tubes, and which explicitly includes both bending and torsion
      throughout the device. We show that previously reported models are special cases
      of our formulation, and then explore in detail the implications of torsional
      flexibility for the special case of two tubes. Experiments demonstrate that this
      framework is more descriptive of physical prototype behavior than previous
      models; it reduces model prediction error by 82% over the calibrated bending-only
      model, and 17% over the calibrated transmissional torsion model in a set of
      experiments.

PMID- 25125774
TI  - The Knowledge Broker's "Fit" in the World of Knowledge Translation.

PMID- 25125775
TI  - Lower-limb kinematics of single-leg squat performance in young adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the kinematic parameters that characterize good and poor
      single-leg squat (SLS) performance. METHODS: A total of 22 healthy young adults
      free from musculoskeletal impairment were recruited for testing. For each SLS,
      both two-dimensional video and three-dimensional motion analysis data were
      collected. Pelvis, hip, and knee angles were calculated using a reliable and
      validated lower-limb (LL) biomechanical model. Two-dimensional video clips of
      SLSs were blindly assessed in random order by eight musculoskeletal
      physiotherapists using a 10-point ordinal scale. To facilitate between-group
      comparisons, SLS performances were stratified by tertiles corresponding to poor,
      intermediate, and good SLS performance. RESULTS: Mean ratings of SLS performance
      assessed by physiotherapists were 8.3 (SD 0.5), 6.8 (SD 0.7), and 4.0 (SD 0.8)
      for good, intermediate, and poor squats, respectively. Three-dimensional analysis
      revealed that people whose SLS performance was assessed as poor exhibited
      increased hip adduction, reduced knee flexion, and increased medio-lateral
      displacement of the knee joint centre compared to those whose SLS performance was
      assessed as good (p<=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, poor SLS performance is
      characterized by inadequate knee flexion and excessive frontal plane motion of
      the knee and hip. Future investigations of SLS performance should consider
      standardizing knee flexion angle to illuminate other influential kinematic
      parameters.

PMID- 25125776
TI  - Understanding physiotherapists' roles in ontario primary health care teams.
AB  - PURPOSE: To understand physiotherapists' roles and how they are enacted within
      Ontario primary health care (PHC) teams. METHODS: Following a pragmatic grounded
      theory approach, 12 physiotherapists practising within Ontario PHC teams
      participated in 18 semi-structured in-depth in-person interviews. All interviews
      were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, then entered into NVIVO-8. Coding
      followed three progressive analytic stages and was iterative in nature, guided by
      grounded theory. An explanatory scheme was developed. RESULTS: Physiotherapists
      negotiate their place within the PHC teams through five interrelated roles: (1)
      manager; (2) evaluator; (3) collaborator; (4) educator; and (5) advocate. These
      five roles are influenced by three contextual layers: (1) inter-professional
      team; (2) community and population served; and (3) organizational structure and
      funding. Canada's PHC mandate (access, teams, information, and healthy living)
      frame the contexts that influence role enactment. CONCLUSIONS: To fulfill the PHC
      mandate, physiotherapists carry out multiple roles that are based on a broad
      holistic perspective of health, within the context of a collaborative inter
      professional team and the community, through an evidenced-informed approach to
      care. There appear to be multiple ways of successfully integrating
      physiotherapists within PHC teams, provided that role enactment is context
      sensitive and congruent with the mandate of PHC.

PMID- 25125777
TI  - Reliability and validity of two versions of the upper extremity functional index.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change of the
      20-item version and the Rasch-refined 15-item version of the Upper Extremity
      Functional Index (UEFI-20 and UEFI-15, respectively) and to determine the impact
      of arm dominance on the positive minimal clinically important difference (pMCID).
      METHODS: Adults with upper-extremity (UE) dysfunction completed the UEFI-20,
      Upper Extremity Functional Scale (UEFS), Pain Limitation Scale, and Pain
      Intensity Scale at their initial physiotherapy assessment (Time 1); 24-48 hours
      later (Time 2); and 3 weeks into treatment or at discharge, whichever came first
      (Time 3). Demographics, including working status, were obtained at Time 1. Global
      ratings of change (GRC) were provided by the treating physiotherapist and patient
      at Time 3. The UEFI-15 was calculated from relevant items in the UEFI-20. The
      intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and minimal detectable change (MDC)
      quantified test-retest reliability (Time 1-Time 2). Cross-sectional convergent
      validity was determined by the association (Pearson's r) between Time 1 measures
      of function and pain. Known-groups validity was evaluated with a one-way ANOVA
      across three levels of working status. Longitudinal validity was determined by
      the association (Pearson's r) between function and pain change scores (Time 1
      Time 3). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves estimated the pMCID using
      Time 1-Time 3 change scores and average patient/therapist GRC. RESULTS:
      Reliability for the UEFI-20 and UEFI-15 was the same (ICC=0.94 for both
      measures). MDC values were 9.4/80 for the UEFI-20 and 8.8/100 for the UEFI-15.
      Cross-sectional, known-groups, and longitudinal validity were confirmed for both
      UEFI measures. pMCID values were 8/80 for the UEFI-20 and 6.7/100 for the UEFI
      15; pMCID was higher for people whose non-dominant arm was affected. CONCLUSIONS:
      Both UEFI measures show acceptable reliability and validity. Arm dominance
      affects pMCID. The UEFI-15 is recommended because it measures only one dimension:
      UE function.

PMID- 25125778
TI  - Physiotherapists' perceptions of and experiences with the discharge planning
      process in acute-care general internal medicine units in ontario.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine discharge planning of patients in general internal medicine
      units in Ontario acute-care hospitals from the perspective of physiotherapists.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was sent to
      participants in November 2011. Respondents' demographic characteristics and
      ranking of factors were analyzed using descriptive statistics; t-tests were
      performed to determine between-group differences (based on demographic
      characteristics). Responses to open-ended questions were coded to identify
      themes. RESULTS: Mobility status was identified as the key factor in determining
      discharge readiness; other factors included the availability of social support
      and community resources. While inter-professional communication was identified as
      important, processes were often informal. Discharge policies, timely availability
      of other discharge options, and pressure for early discharge were identified as
      affecting discharge planning. Respondents also noted a lack of training in
      discharge planning; accounts of ethical dilemmas experienced by respondents
      supported these themes. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapists consider many factors
      beyond the patient's physical function during the discharge planning process. The
      improvement of team communication and resource allocation should be considered to
      deal with the realities of discharge planning.

PMID- 25125779
TI  - Patients' perceptions of navigating "the system" for arthritis management: are
      they able to follow our recommendations?
AB  - PURPOSE: To understand whether a visit to a Hip/Knee Arthritis Assessment Centre
      (AC), where non-surgical candidates with arthritis are directed toward community
      resources and provided with a conservative treatment "prescription," contributes
      to patients' self-management and ability to access community resources. METHODS:
      A purposive sample of non-surgical patients was contacted 3-10 months after their
      AC visit. Three focus groups (n=20) and 20 semi-structured telephone interviews
      were conducted. Transcripts were systematically coded and analyzed using a
      qualitative descriptive research methodology. RESULTS: While participants
      generally reported that the AC visit improved self-management, analysis
      identified an emergent theme about the inadequacy of conservative management in
      general, subdivided into two sub-themes related to (1) limited access to high
      quality, non-surgical treatment, such as physiotherapy and (2) health care
      providers' attitudes and approaches, which do not embrace chronic disease
      prevention and management. CONCLUSIONS: An AC visit contributes to arthritis self
      management; however, the current health care system does not adequately support
      conservative treatment of chronic conditions. Treatment guidelines need to be
      tailored to the local health care context in which they are applied.

PMID- 25125780
TI  - Clinician's Commentary on Winter Di Cola et al.(1.).

PMID- 25125783
TI  - Clinician's Commentary on Duong et al.(1.).

PMID- 25125782
TI  - Developing a physiotherapy-specific preliminary clinical decision-making tool for
      oxygen titration: a modified delphi study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate a preliminary clinical decision-making tool
      (CDMT) to assist physiotherapists in titrating oxygen for acutely ill adults in
      Ontario. METHODS: A panel of 14 experienced cardiorespiratory physiotherapists
      was recruited. Factors relating to oxygen titration were identified using a
      modified Delphi technique. Four rounds of questionnaires were conducted, during
      which the goals were to (1) generate factors, (2) reduce factors and debate
      contentious factors, (3) finalize factors and develop the preliminary CDMT, and
      (4) evaluate the usability of the tool in a clinical context. RESULTS: The panel
      reached consensus on a total of 89 factors, which were compiled to create the
      preliminary CDMT. The global tool reached consensus for sensibility, receiving a
      mean score of 6/7 on a 7-point Likert-type scale (1=unacceptable; 7=excellent).
      Five of the nine individual components of evaluation of the tool achieved scores
      >=6.0; the remaining four had mean scores between 5.4 and 5.9. CONCLUSION: This
      study produced a preliminary CDMT for oxygen titration, which the panel agreed
      was highly comprehensible and globally sensible. Further research is necessary to
      evaluate the sensibility and applicability of the tool in a clinical setting.

PMID- 25125781
TI  - A survey of physiotherapists' experience using outcome measures in total hip and
      knee arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify physiotherapists' familiarity with and experience using
      outcome measures (OMs) along the care continuum for patients undergoing total
      joint arthroplasty (TJA) of the hip and knee. Views on future use and barriers
      were also captured. METHODS: A stratified random sample of physiotherapists in
      one Canadian province completed a questionnaire about 19 standardized and
      clinically feasible OMs. Analyses included descriptive statistics and chi-square
      and McNemar tests to compare use of OMs for clinical decision making and program
      evaluation. RESULTS: Of 694 physiotherapists surveyed, 298 (43%) responded. Of
      these, 172 (58%) treated TJA clients and completed the full questionnaire. A
      majority worked in public practice settings and >1 care phase (e.g., pre-op,
      acute, rehab). All physiotherapists reported using >=1 OM and having greater
      experience using performance-based measures than patient-reported OMs. OMs were
      used more often for clinical decision making than for program evaluation.
      Dissatisfaction with available tools was evident from respondents' comments.
      Several barriers to using OMs were identified in varied clinical settings and
      care phases. CONCLUSIONS: While physiotherapists use a variety of OMs along the
      TJA continuum, there remain challenges to routine use across clinical settings,
      care phases, and patient sub-groups.

PMID- 25125784
TI  - Contact with Young Adults with Disability Led to a Positive Change in Attitudes
      toward Disability among Physiotherapy Students.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether contact over 8 weeks with a person with disability
      benefits physiotherapy students' attitudes toward disability and their
      development of professional behaviours and skills. METHODS: Sixteen adults with
      Down syndrome were matched with 16 physiotherapy students (13 women, 3 men; mean
      age 22.5 [SD 3.0] years) and randomized to either an 8-week, twice-weekly walking
      programme or an 8-week, once-weekly social activities programme. Students
      completed the Interaction with Disabled Persons scale, the Community Living
      Attitudes scale, and the Barriers to Exercise scale and rated their competency in
      professional behaviours and skills. RESULTS: There were no differences between
      the groups for any outcome. Across both groups, students showed positive changes
      in attitudes toward disability, self-ratings of professional behaviours, and
      confidence in working with people with disability. CONCLUSIONS: After an 8-week
      programme, physiotherapy students reported being more comfortable with and having
      more confidence in working with people with disability. These data support the
      idea that contact with people with disability in community settings has positive
      benefits for physiotherapy students, regardless of the content of the experience.

PMID- 25125785
TI  - Clinicians' commentary on shields and taylor(1.).

PMID- 25125786
TI  - An Improvised "Blow Glove" Device Produces Similar PEP Values to a Commercial PEP
      Device: An Experimental Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy promotes
      increased lung volume, secretion clearance, and improved oxygenation. Several
      commercial devices exist that produce recommended PEP values (10-20 cmH2O) when
      the patient breathes through a fixed orifice resistor. It was hypothesized that
      an inexpensive, improvised "blow glove" device would produce similar PEP values
      over a wider range of expiration volumes and flow rates. METHODS: PEP for
      different expiration volumes (400-2000 mL) and expiratory flow rates (10-80
      L/min) was compared between a commercial PEP device (Resistex, Mercury Medical,
      Clearwater, FL) and an improvised "blow glove" device, recorded by a Vela
      ventilator (CareFusion, San Diego, CA). Dynamics in positive end expiratory
      pressure (PEEP) values were evaluated following five consecutive expirations. The
      "blow glove" device was evaluated using various glove compositions and sizes.
      RESULTS: The improvised "blow glove" device produced a significantly higher rate
      of PEP values in the recommended range than the Resistex device (88.9% vs. 20%,
      p<0.0001). No significant difference was observed between small and large glove
      sizes (88.9% vs. 82.9%, p>0.05), but the powdered latex glove showed a
      significantly higher rate of PEP values in the recommended range than the powder
      free latex glove (88.9% vs. 44.4%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A "blow glove" PEP
      device using a powdered latex glove produces PEP values in the recommended range
      over a wider spectrum of expiratory flow rates and expiration volumes than a
      commercial PEP device.

PMID- 25125789
TI  - Clinician's Commentary on Anderson et al.(1.).

PMID- 25125788
TI  - What clinical instructors want: perspectives on a new assessment tool for
      students in the clinical environment.
AB  - PURPOSE: Many Canadian physical therapy education programs use the 1997 version
      of the Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (PT-CPI) to evaluate
      students in their clinical placements. Recent evidence that clinical instructors
      (CIs) are unsatisfied with the PT-CPI, however, suggests a need to develop a new
      assessment tool. The purpose of this study was to gather Canadian CIs'
      perspectives on rating scales, preferred training methods, and format for future
      tool development. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study involved five focus
      groups from across Canada. English-speaking CIs who had supervised at least one
      Canadian student in clinical practice were eligible for the study. RESULTS:
      Participants identified concerns with the PT-CPI and indicated a preference for
      (1) more objective rating scales with clearly defined anchors, (2) both in-person
      and online training methods for CIs, and (3) a tool that could be completed and
      reviewed on paper or online. CONCLUSIONS: CIs affirmed the need to develop a new
      assessment tool. RESULTS of the study will be used to inform the development of a
      new assessment tool to better evaluate Canadian physical therapy students'
      performance in the clinical setting.

PMID- 25125787
TI  - The Development and Testing of a Checklist to Study Behaviour Change Techniques
      used in a Treatment Programme for Canadian Armed Forces Members with Chronic Non
      specific Low Back Pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: There are reports of increased use of a variety of behaviour change
      techniques (BCT) by physiotherapists and findings of beneficial effects of use.
      However, there is a lack of physiotherapy-specific definitions of these
      techniques, as well as a sense of how physiotherapists use them in practice.
      Through this study, the authors created and field tested a preliminary
      nomenclature and description for BCT in patients with chronic non-specific low
      back pain (CNSLBP). METHODS: Items for the Physiotherapy Behaviour Change
      Technique (PT-BCT) checklist were derived from a nomenclature created for use in
      psychology and also from publications of studies using cognitive behaviour
      therapy-based approaches in physiotherapy. Content validity was tested via survey
      of clinical and research experts. Videotapes of a 6-week patient self-management
      rehabilitation programme were used for training, reliability testing, and field
      testing of the PT-BCT checklist. RESULTS: Checklist items were endorsed by the
      majority of experts surveyed; intra- and inter-rater reliability were moderate to
      high. In the field study, a broad range of BCT types (behavioural, cognitive, and
      motivational) were observed in both classroom and gym settings. CONCLUSIONS: The
      BCT nomenclature arising from this study and the PT-BCT checklist will be useful
      to further explore behaviour change in physiotherapy practice. The observation in
      this study that BCT were integrated into physiotherapists' practice illustrates
      how physiotherapists can play a role in changing behaviour, specifically in the
      presence of CNSLBP.

PMID- 25125790
TI  - What Does the Cochrane Collaboration Say about Exercises for Osteoarthritis?

PMID- 25125791
TI  - Frustrated Freedom: The Effects of Agency and Wealth on Wellbeing in Rural
      Mozambique.
AB  - In Sen's capability view of poverty, wellbeing is threatened by both deficits of
      wealth and deficits of individual agency. Sen further predicts that "unfreedom,"
      or low levels of agency will suppress the wellbeing effects of higher levels of
      wealth. The current paper extends Sen's view to include a condition, labeled
      "frustrated freedom," in which relatively higher levels of agency can heighten
      the poverty effects of relatively low levels of material wealth. Applying data
      from a large scale population study of female heads of household in rural
      Mozambique, the paper empirically tests Sen's view and the proposed extension. As
      predicted, agency is found to moderate the relationship between agency, wealth,
      and wellbeing, uncovering evidence of both unfreedom and frustrated freedom in
      the population. Further research into the complex dynamics of wellbeing and
      poverty are called for by the authors.

PMID- 25125792
TI  - Adhesion Force Measurements Using an Atomic Force Microscope Upgraded with a
      Linear Position Sensitive Detector.
AB  - The atomic force microscope (AFM), in addition to providing images on an atomic
      scale, can be used to measure the forces between surfaces and the AFM probe. The
      potential uses of mapping the adhesive forces on the surface include a spatial
      determination of surface energy and a direct identification of surface proteins
      through specific protein-ligand binding interactions. The capabilities of the AFM
      to measure adhesive forces can be extended by replacing the four-quadrant
      photodiode detection sensor with an external linear position sensitive detector
      and by utilizing a dedicated user-programmable signal generator and acquisiton
      system. Such an upgrade enables the microscope to measure in the larger dynamic
      range of adhesion forces, improves the sensitivity and linearity of the
      measurement, and eliminates the problems inherent to the multiple repetitious
      contacts between the AFM probe and the specimen surface.

PMID- 25125793
TI  - Effects of Discrete Protein-Surface Interactions in Scanning Force Microscopy
      Adhesion Force Measurements.
AB  - The potential for measuring specific molecular recognition forces between probe
      bound ligands and surface-bound proteins using a scanning force microscope (SFM)
      has recently gained much attention. Generally, observed discontinuities in the
      SFM force-displacement curves are attributed to the breaking of discrete,
      specific affinity bonds. The present study on the molecular recognition system
      composed of surface-immobilized antifluorescyl IgG molecules and SFM probe-bound
      fluorescein ligands has demonstrated that similar intermittent discontinuities in
      the SFM force-displacement curves may in fact be largely due to nonspecific
      discrete interactions between the protein and the SFM probe. The mechanical
      behavior of the cantilever-spherical bead system used in this study is discussed,
      as it appears to cause a false indication of the separation distance between the
      surface and probe. The strong lateral interactions which result in "stick and
      slip"-like discontinuities seen in the adhesion curves are likely the result of
      localized adhesion due to the heterogeneous nature of proteins and the lack of
      molecular mobility allowed in the experimental system. The effect is magnified
      with increasing contact time between the protein and probe. Factors which may
      cause such anomalous behavior in a specific ligand-protein system are discussed
      in order to avoid misinterpretation of SFM adhesion measurements.

PMID- 25125794
TI  - In-Situ Atomic Force Microscope Imaging of Calcite Etch Pit Morphology Changes in
      Undersaturated and 1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic Acid Poisoned Solutions.
AB  - Morphology changes in etch pits formed on the (1014) cleavage plane of calcite
      were induced by varying the ratio of [Ca2+] to [CO32-] in the bulk solution as
      well as through the addition of the crystal poison 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1
      diphosphonic acid (HEDP). Three distinct morphologies were noted: symmetric
      rhombic, asymmetric rhombic, and triangular with a rough curved hypotenuse. The
      latter represents a transient morphology which is only observed during the actual
      dissolution process, while the former morphologies persist after dissolution is
      halted.

PMID- 25125795
TI  - Human Growth Hormone Adsorption Kinetics and Conformation on Self-Assembled
      Monolayers.
AB  - The adsorption process of the recombinant human growth hormone on organic films,
      created by self-assembly of octadecyltrichlorosilane, arachidic acid, and
      dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, is investigated and compared to adsorption on
      silica and methylated silica substrates. Information on the adsorption process of
      human growth hormone (hGH) is obtained by using total internal reflection
      fluorescence (TIRF). The intensity, spectra, and quenching of the intrinsic
      fluorescence emitted by the growth hormone's single tryptophan are monitored and
      related to adsorption kinetics and protein conformation. For the various
      alkylated hydrophobic surfaces with differences in surface density and
      conformational freedom it is observed that the adsorbed amount of growth hormone
      is relatively large if the alkyl chains are in an ordered structure while the
      amounts adsorbed are considerably lower for adsorption onto less ordered alkyl
      chains of fatty acid and phospholipid layers. Adsorption on methylated surfaces
      results in a relatively large conformational change in the growth hormone's
      structure, as displayed by a 7 nm blue shift in emission wavelength and a large
      increase in the effectiveness of fluorescence quenching. Conformational changes
      are less evident for hGH adsorption onto the fatty acid and phospholipid alkyl
      chains. Adsorption kinetics on the hydrophilic head groups of the self-assembled
      monolayers are similar to those on solid hydrophilic surfaces. The relatively
      small conformational changes in the hGH structure observed for adsorption on
      silica are even further reduced for adsorption on fatty acid head groups.

PMID- 25125796
TI  - Validation of a flow-structure-interaction computation model of phonation.
AB  - Computational models of vocal fold (VF) vibration are becoming increasingly
      sophisticated, their utility currently transiting from exploratory research to
      predictive research. However, validation of such models has remained largely
      qualitative, raising questions over their applicability to interpret clinical
      situations. In this paper, a computational model with a segregated implementation
      is detailed. The model is used to predict the fluid-structure interaction (FSI)
      observed in a physical replica of the VFs when it is excited by airflow. Detailed
      quantitative comparisons are provided between the computational model and the
      corresponding experiment. First, the flow model is separately validated in the
      absence of VF motion. Then, in the presence of flow-induced VF motion,
      comparisons are made of the flow pressure on the VF walls and of the resulting VF
      displacements. Self-similarity of spatial distributions of flow pressure and VF
      displacements is highlighted. The self-similarity leads to normalized pressure
      and displacement profiles. It is shown that by using linear superposition of
      average and fluctuation components of normalized computed displacements, it is
      possible to determine displacements in the physical VF replica over a range of VF
      vibration conditions. Mechanical stresses in the VF interior are related to the
      VF displacements, thereby the computational model can also determine VF stresses
      over a range of phonation conditions.

PMID- 25125797
TI  - Novel procedure for thermal equilibration in molecular dynamics simulation.
AB  - We describe a simple novel procedure for achieving thermal equilibration between
      a protein and a surrounding solvent during molecular dynamics (MD) simulation.
      The method uniquely defines the length of simulation time required to achieve
      thermal equilibrium over a broad range of parameters, thus removing ambiguities
      associated with the traditional heuristic approaches. The proposed protocol saves
      simulation time and avoids bias introduced by the inclusion of non-equilibrium
      events. The key element of the procedure involves coupling only the solvent atoms
      to a standard heat bath. Measuring progress towards thermal equilibration
      involves simply monitoring the difference in temperature between the solvent and
      the protein. Here, we report that the results of MD simulations using the above
      procedure are measurably improved relative to the traditional approaches in terms
      of root-mean-square deviations and principal components analysis both indicating
      significantly less undesirable divergence.

PMID- 25125798
TI  - Testing Scientific Software: A Systematic Literature Review.
AB  - CONTEXT: Scientific software plays an important role in critical decision making,
      for example making weather predictions based on climate models, and computation
      of evidence for research publications. Recently, scientists have had to retract
      publications due to errors caused by software faults. Systematic testing can
      identify such faults in code. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify specific
      challenges, proposed solutions, and unsolved problems faced when testing
      scientific software. METHOD: We conducted a systematic literature survey to
      identify and analyze relevant literature. We identified 62 studies that provided
      relevant information about testing scientific software. RESULTS: We found that
      challenges faced when testing scientific software fall into two main categories:
      (1) testing challenges that occur due to characteristics of scientific software
      such as oracle problems and (2) testing challenges that occur due to cultural
      differences between scientists and the software engineering community such as
      viewing the code and the model that it implements as inseparable entities. In
      addition, we identified methods to potentially overcome these challenges and
      their limitations. Finally we describe unsolved challenges and how software
      engineering researchers and practitioners can help to overcome them. CONCLUSIONS:
      Scientific software presents special challenges for testing. Specifically,
      cultural differences between scientist developers and software engineers, along
      with the characteristics of the scientific software make testing more difficult.
      Existing techniques such as code clone detection can help to improve the testing
      process. Software engineers should consider special challenges posed by
      scientific software such as oracle problems when developing testing techniques.

PMID- 25125799
TI  - Print-to-Pattern Dry Film Photoresist Lithography.
AB  - Here we present facile microfabrication processes, referred to as Print-to
      Pattern dry film photoresist (DFP) lithography, that utilize the combined
      advantages of wax printing and DFP to produce micropatterned substrates with high
      resolution over a large surface area in a non-cleanroom setting. The Print-to
      Pattern methods can be performed in an out-of-cleanroom environment making
      microfabrication much more accessible to minimally equipped laboratories. Two
      different approaches employing either wax photomasks or wax etchmasks from a
      solid ink desktop printer have been demonstrated that allow the DFP to be
      processed in a negative tone or positive tone fashion, respectively, with
      resolutions of 100 MUm. The effect of wax melting on resolution and as a bonding
      material was also characterized. In addition, solid ink printers have the
      capacity to pattern large areas with high resolution which was demonstrated by
      stacking DFP layers in a 50 mm * 50 mm woven pattern with 1 mm features. By using
      an office printer to generate the masking patterns, the mask designs can be
      easily altered in a graphic user interface to enable rapid prototyping.

PMID- 25125802
TI  - Rapid on-site cytological evaluation of transbronchial needle aspiration: Why
      not?

PMID- 25125800
TI  - Opposing roles of leptin and ghrelin in the equine corpus luteum regulation: an
      in vitro study.
AB  - Metabolic hormones have been associated with reproductive function modulation.
      Thus, the aim of this study was: (i) to characterize the immunolocalization, mRNA
      and protein levels of leptin (LEP), Ghrelin (GHR) and respective receptors LEPR
      and Ghr-R1A, throughout luteal phase; and (ii) to evaluate the role of LEP and
      GHR on progesterone (P4), prostaglandin (PG) E2 and PGF2alpha , nitric oxide
      (nitrite), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF); macrophage migration inhibitory
      factor (MIF) secretion, and on angiogenic activity (BAEC proliferation), in
      equine corpus luteum (CL) from early and mid-luteal stages. LEPR expression was
      decreased in late CL, while GHR/Ghr-R1A system was increased in the same stage.
      Regarding secretory activity, GHR decreased P4 in early CL, but increased
      PGF2alpha , nitrite and TNF in mid CL. Conversely, LEP increased P4, PGE2,
      angiogenic activity, MIF, TNF and nitrite during early CL, in a dose-dependent
      manner. The in vitro effect of LEP on secretory activity was reverted by GHR,
      when both factors acted together. The present results evidence the presence of
      LEP and GHR systems in the equine CL. Moreover, we suggest that LEP and GHR play
      opposing roles in equine CL regulation, with LEP supporting luteal establishment
      and GHR promoting luteal regression. Finally, a dose-dependent luteotrophic
      effect of LEP was demonstrated. 

PMID- 25125801
TI  - Cholecystokinin inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase expression by
      lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peritoneal macrophages.
AB  - Cholecystokinin (CCK) was first described as a gastrointestinal hormone. However,
      apart from its gastrointestinal effects, studies have described that CCK also
      plays immunoregulatory roles. Taking in account the involvement of inducible
      nitric oxide synthase- (iNOS-) derived NO in the sepsis context, the present
      study was undertaken to investigate the role of CCK on iNOS expression in LPS
      activated peritoneal macrophages. Our results revealed that CCK reduces NO
      production and attenuates the iNOS mRNA expression and protein formation.
      Furthermore, CCK inhibited the nuclear factor- (NF-) kappaB pathway reducing
      IkappaBalpha degradation and minor p65-dependent translocation to the nucleus.
      Moreover, CCK restored the intracellular cAMP content activating the protein
      kinase A (PKA) pathway, which resulted in a negative modulatory role on iNOS
      expression. In peritoneal macrophages, the CCK-1R expression, but not CCK-2R, was
      predominant and upregulated by LPS. The pharmacological studies confirmed that
      CCK-1R subtype is the major receptor responsible for the biological effects of
      CCK. These data suggest an anti-inflammatory role for the peptide CCK in
      modulating iNOS-derived NO synthesis, possibly controlling the macrophage
      activation through NF-kappaB, cAMP-PKA, and CCK-1R pathways. Based on these
      findings, CCK could be used as an adjuvant agent to modulate the inflammatory
      response and prevent systemic complications commonly found during sepsis. 

PMID- 25125803
TI  - Mycobacterium and sarcoidosis: Old wine in a new bottle.

PMID- 25125804
TI  - Diagnostic utility of conventional transbronchial needle aspiration without rapid
      on-site evaluation in patients with lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endobronchial involvement is frequently absent in many patients with
      bronchogenic carcinoma. Malignant involvement may be confined to lymph
      nodes/peribronchial locations only or may be present along with endobronchial
      lesions. Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a flexible bronchoscopic
      technique which can be employed to obtain tissue samples from mediastinal lymph
      nodes or peribronchial locations. Although a safe and cost effective
      bronchoscopic modality, it is frequently underutilized owing to concerns
      regarding its diagnostic utility and safety. Herein, we describe our experience
      over 1 year on the diagnostic utility of TBNA without rapid on-site evaluation
      (ROSE) in patients with suspected diagnosis of lung cancer. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases in which conventional TBNA-without
      ROSE was performed for suspected lung cancer, between January 2012 and December
      2012. Each lymph node station from which aspiration was performed was sampled
      thrice and smears were prepared on slides which were later examined by a
      cytopathologist. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases were retrieved in which conventional
      TBNA without ROSE for suspected lung cancer with mediastinal involvement was
      performed during the study period. Adequate lymph node sampling could be achieved
      in 57.7% cases. Conventional TBNA was diagnostic in 11 out of the 26 (42.3%)
      patients. The diagnostic yield improved to 73.3% in patients in whom an adequate
      lymph nodal sample could be obtained. TBNA was the sole diagnostic sample in six
      (54.5%) patients. Alternative diagnoses (sarcoidosis and tuberculosis) were
      obtained in two patients. CONCLUSION: Conventional TBNA without ROSE is a safe
      and efficacious flexible bronchoscopic procedure which should be performed
      routinely from bronchoscopically accessible locations in patients with a
      suspected diagnosis of lung cancer.

PMID- 25125805
TI  - Vitamin D status in adult critically ill patients in Eastern India: An
      observational retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients has
      been reported to be as high as 80%. There is insufficient data regarding the
      relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] levels and outcomes in
      medical intensive care unit (MICU). The goal of this study was to evaluate the
      prevalence of 25(OH) D deficiency in MICU and its relationship with outcomes.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study in a MICU of a teaching
      medical college hospital of Eastern India. All patients admitted to MICU, who had
      levels of 25(OH) D available, were included in the study. The discriminative
      powers of admission and lowest 25(OH) D values regarding day-30 mortality were
      evaluated by producing receiver operating curves (ROC). Binary end points were
      analyzed by means of a Fisher's exact test. Continuous variables were compared by
      using unpaired t-tests, Welch's tests, or Wilcoxon ranksum tests. All odds ratios
      and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated according to the
      profile-likelihood method. The time from inclusion to death in the two groups was
      compared with the use of the log-rank test, and the results are presented as
      Kaplan-Meier curves. Hazard ratios for death from hypo 25(OH) D were calculated
      by logistic regression model. All P values were 2-tailed and P < 0.05 was
      considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 300 patients admitted
      during the study period, 25(OH) D levels were available in 152 patients (50.6%).
      Of these 152 patients, 15 patients (9.8%) had 25(OH) D insufficiency (20-29.9
      ng/dL), 79 (51.9%) had 25(OH) D deficiency (0-19.9 ng/dL), and the levels were
      normal (>30 ng/dl) in 58 (38.2%) patients. Most of the patients with deficient
      25(OH) D levels were females (P < 0.05). Higher mortality (P = 0.01), increased
      length of MICU stay, and prolonged ventilation were observed in patients with
      25(OH) D deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with 25(OH) D deficiency in MICU have
      increased hospital mortality, longer mechanical ventilation, and longer MICU
      stay.

PMID- 25125806
TI  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and low bone mass: A case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Low bone mass (osteopenia and osteoporosis) is one of
      the effects associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There
      is very little data from Saudi Arabia on COPD and low bone mass. This
      retrospective study was done to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and
      osteopenia in COPD patients attending King Fahd Hospital of the University
      (KFHU), Alkhobar. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After obtaining the ethical approval from
      the research committee, all patients seen between at the King Fahd Hospital of
      the University between January 2010 and December 2012 were included. The
      inclusion criteria included a follow up of a minimum 2 years, and the Medical
      Records should have the details of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1),
      blood bone profile and bone biomarkers and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
      (DEXA) scan. Patients were labeled as osteopenia if the T score was -<1 to <-2.5
      and osteoporosis of <-2.5 as per the WHO definition of osteopenia and
      osteoporosis. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were being followed in the clinics
      and 49 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The average age was 60.6 +/-
      10.47 years; males were 43 and females 6. Three (6.1%) were normal and the
      remaining 46 (93.9%) were with low bone mass. Thirty-two (65.3%) were
      osteoporotic and 14 (28.57%) were osteopenic. The average duration of COPD was
      4.5 +/- 6.2 years. Majority (n = 36, 73.4%) of patients were in the Global
      Initiative for COPD (GOLD) class II and III. FEV1 was significantly lower in the
      patients with low bone mass 1.66 +/- 0.60 versus 3.61 +/- 0.58 (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that over 90% of Saudi Arabian patients with COPD
      suffer from osteopenia and osteoporosis and unfortunately they remain under
      diagnosed and undertreated.

PMID- 25125808
TI  - Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma: Clinical features, prognostic factors
      and survival with RCHOP in Arab patients in the PET scan era.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: PMBCL is a distinct type of nonhodgkins lymphoma with specific
      clinicopathological features. To clarify clinical features, treatment
      alternatives and outcomes, we evaluated 28 Arab patients treated with
      chemotherapy or radiotherapy between 2006 and 2011. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PMBCL
      lymphoma patients identified according to WHO classification and treated at KCCC
      between 2006 and 2011 were included in this study. Demographic and clinical data
      are presented as means or medians. Overall survival was estimated using the
      Kaplan-Meier method. Survival rates were compared using the log-rank test. A P <
      0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 31
      years and the male to female ratio was 2:1. Majority of the patients (75%)
      presented with stage I/II disease. Most had features of local extension like
      pleural effusion (18%) and SVCO (39%). Only 11% of the patients had bone marrow
      involvement at presentation. 96% of the patients required biopsy from the
      mediastinal mass either by image guided core biopsy (75%) or by surgical biopsy.
      Most patients were treated by RCHOP and involved field radiotherapy. Patients
      with positive PET scan after RCHOP chemotherapy received salvage chemotherapy and
      BEAM autologous marrow transplant. The five year OS for the entire group was 85%
      while the PFS was 73%. Patients who had PET scan for response evaluation had
      better OS [P = 0.013] and PFS [P = 0.039] when compared with those patients who
      received only radiotherapy based on CT scan evaluation. CONCLUSION: PMBCL is a
      specific lymphoma entity seen in the young with good survival. The role of PET
      scan for response evaluation and the type of consolidation therapy needs to be
      further clarified.

PMID- 25125807
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of osteoporosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease patients in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a syndrome of
      progressive airflow limitation caused by the abnormal inflammatory reaction of
      the airway and lung parenchyma. Osteoporosis is one of the major extrapulmonary
      manifestations of COPD. The, prevalence of osteoporosis in COPD patients in
      Indian population is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of osteoporosis
      in COPD and to define various risk factors associated with reduced bone mineral
      density (BMD) in COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was done in the
      department of Pulmonary Medicine of a tertiary care hospital. All the diagnosed
      cases of COPD according to the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease
      (GOLD) guidelines were included in this study. The present study was a
      prospective study in for a period of 1 year. A brief history of the patients was
      taken, especially regarding duration of illness, number of exacerbations in the
      past 3 years, smoking in pack years, and history of steroid use (both systemic
      and inhaled steroids) after which cumulative dose of steroids was calculated.
      Spirometry was done in all these patients to stage the severity of COPD according
      to GOLD criteria. DEXA scan of the lumbar spine was done using bone densitometer
      to determine osteoporosis. A world Health Organization (WHO) criterion for
      definition of osteoporosis was applied and patients with T-score of > -2.5
      standard deviation (SD) were diagnosed to have osteoporosis, -1 SD to -2.5 SD
      were diagnosed to have osteopenia and < -1 SD as normal. Statistical analysis for
      association of COPD with osteoporosis was done using chi-square test. Risk
      factors for osteoporosis were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic
      regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 102 COPD patients were included in the
      study. Among these, 68 patients (66.6%) had osteoporosis and 20 patients (19.6%)
      had osteopenia. Majority (64.7%) of the patients who had osteoporosis had stage
      III and stage IV COPD disease. It was observed that as the severity grade of COPD
      increased, the risk of osteoporosis also increased. The bone mineral density
      (BMD) showed a significant difference among different stages of COPD. As the
      severity of the stage of COPD increased, BMD decreased. It was also observed that
      patients with lower body mass index (BMI) had higher prevalence of osteoporosis
      (37.3%) as compared to overweight patients. On univariate analysis, it was
      observed that risk factors for osteoporosis were female sex, higher number of
      exacerbations, BMI, and severity of COPD. After using multivariate logistic
      regression analysis, stage IV COPD (odds ratio (OR): 34.48, 95% confidence
      interval (CI): 1.59-1,000, P < 0.02), number of acute exacerbations >3 (OR: 30.3,
      95% CI: 4.74-200, P < 0.01), and steroid cumulative dose >1,000 mg (OR: 7.35, 95%
      CI: 0.92-58.5, P < 0.04) were observed to be significant risk factors for
      osteoporosis in COPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the prevalence
      of osteoporosis was 66.6% and another 19.6% had osteopenia. As the severity of
      COPD increased, the risk of osteoporosis increased. GOLD stage III and stage IV
      patient had significantly lower BMD as compared to stage I and stage II of COPD
      disease. Stage IV COPD disease, use of oral or parenteral glucocorticoids, and
      repeated number of exacerbations were found to be independent risk factors for
      osteoporosis in COPD patients. Thus, high clinical suspicion and early diagnosis
      and treatment is required in the evaluation of osteoporosis in COPD patients so
      that the quality of life can be improved in these patients.

PMID- 25125809
TI  - A questionnaire-based study on the role of environmental factors in allergic
      bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an
      immunological disorder caused by hypersensitivity against Aspergillus fumigatus.
      The pathogenesis of ABPA remains unknown. Few studies have investigated the role
      of environmental factors in pathogenesis of ABPA. Herein, we investigate the role
      of environmental factors in ABPA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective case
      control study, consecutive patients with asthma (Aspergillus sensitized and
      unsensitized) and ABPA were investigated using a standardized questionnaire to
      enquire into their demographic characteristics, clinical details, exposure to
      organic matter and living conditions (home environment, presence of moisture in
      the walls, and others). Asthma severity and control was assessed using the 2002
      The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) recommendations and asthma control test,
      respectively. RESULTS: During the study period, 202 subjects of asthma (103 and
      99 Aspergillus unsensitized and sensitized asthma, respectively) and 101 ABPA
      with a mean (SD) age of 35.3 (14.7) years were included. The baseline
      characteristics were similar in the two groups except for a higher prevalence of
      severe persistent asthma in the ABPA group (79% vs. 44%, P = 0.0001). No
      significant differences in environmental factors were noted in the ABPA
      population compared to asthmatic patients except for a higher rural residence in
      ABPA (47% vs. 66%, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The study found no significant
      environmental differences in ABPA compared to asthmatic patients. It is likely
      that environmental factors are not the primary pathogenetic factors in causation
      of ABPA.

PMID- 25125811
TI  - Effect of type II diabetes mellitus on treatment outcomes of tuberculosis.
AB  - CONTEXT: There is conflicting evidence of effect of diabetes on treatment of
      tuberculosis (TB). There is a need to investigate effect of diabetes on outcomes
      of TB treatment under field conditions in India. AIMS: To compare treatment
      outcomes among TB patients with diabetes with those without diabetes. SETTING AND
      DESIGN: Study was conducted in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, among patients registered
      with Revised National TB Control Programme. Prospective observational study
      design was used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Registered TB patients aged 30 and above
      were invited to participate in the study. Those who were not aware of their
      diabetic status were diagnosed using oral glucose tolerance test. A total of 89
      diabetic and 120 non-diabetic patients were recruited in the study. They were
      followed up till the end of treatment and outcomes were recorded. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS USED: Treatment outcomes in the two groups were compared using bi
      variate and multi-variate analysis. RESULTS: Bi-variate (unadjusted) analysis
      showed similar treatment success rates in the two groups. But, the adjusted odds
      ratios for successful treatment among diabetic patients were significantly lower
      (0.191, 95% CI 0.04-0.90) for pulmonary TB patients and for smear positive
      pulmonary TB patients (odds ration 0.099, 0.013-0.761). Diabetes was found to be
      predictor for sputum positivity at end of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes
      increases risk of poor treatment outcomes among pulmonary TB patients. The study
      highlights need of screening of TB patients for diabetes. There is need to see
      the effect of glycemic control on treatment outcomes among diabetics.

PMID- 25125810
TI  - Prevalence of water pipe smoking in the city of Mashhad (North East of Iran) and
      its effect on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of water pipe (WP) smoking was studied using a
      standard questionnaire. Pulmonary function tests were also compared between WP
      smokers and non-smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prevalence of WP smoking was
      studied using a standard questionnaire. Pulmonary function tests including forced
      vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), maximal mid
      expiratory flow (MMEF), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal expiratory flow at
      75%, 50%, and 25% of the FVC (MEF75,50,25) were compared between WP smokers and
      non-smokers. RESULTS: A total of 673 individuals including 372 males and 301
      females were interviewed. The number of WP smokers was 58 (8.6%) including 24
      males (6.5%) and 34 females (11.3%). All pulmonary functional test (PFT) values
      in WP smokers were lower as compared to the non-smokers (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001).
      The prevalence and severity of respiratory symptoms (RS) in WP smokers were
      higher than non-smokers (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). There were negative correlations
      between PFT values and positive correlation between RS and duration, rate, as
      well as total smoking (duration X rate) (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In
      this study the prevalence of WP smoking in Mashhad city was evaluated for the
      first time. The results also showed a significant effect of WP smoking on PFT
      values and respiratory symptoms.

PMID- 25125812
TI  - Usage patterns of biomarkers in non-small-cell lung cancer patients in India:
      Findings from a systematic review and survey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Personalized medicine has facilitated improved management of non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients by identifying predictive and prognostic
      biomarkers for enhanced efficiency of detection and efficacy of treatment. This
      systematic review and survey assessed the patterns of biomarker usage, molecular
      testing techniques to diagnose patients with NSCLC in India and testing
      techniques recommended by cancer societies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies were
      retrieved from Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases for the last 12 years,
      using relevant search strategies as per the Cochrane methodology for systematic
      reviews. Outcomes of interest were biomarkers for NSCLC, patterns of biomarker
      testing, diagnostic methods, guidelines and cost of biomarker testing. RESULTS:
      In all, 499 studies were identified for screening and 17 primary publications
      were included in the review. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression
      and epithelial markers (particularly cytokeratins (CK)) were the most commonly
      reported biomarkers (7/17) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was the most
      common technique for detection of biomarkers. The frequency of EGFR mutations was
      higher among women than men. Significantly elevated levels of CK-18 were observed
      in patients with squamous cell carcinoma and of CK-19 in patients with
      adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and NSCLC (P < 0.001). Prognostic or
      predictive role of cytokines and angiogenic markers as well as DNA expression
      were evaluated. The survey also showed that IHC was the most common technique for
      detection of biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and survey provides
      valuable information on biomarker usage in the Indian population, and highlights
      the need for initiatives required for future biomarker testing in India.

PMID- 25125813
TI  - Incidental detection of a tumour on 68-Gallium DOTANOC PET/CT.

PMID- 25125814
TI  - Hydatid cyst of lung: An uncommon cause of chest pain in young.
AB  - Echinococcosis can involve any organ. The liver is the most common organ
      involved, followed by the lungs. Depending on the location of involvement it can
      have varied presentation. We describe a young adult presenting with chest pain
      secondary to a pulmonary giant hydatid cyst. A pulmonary hydatid cyst should be
      considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with chest pain
      without conventional risk factors of coronary artery disease, especially in a
      tropical region. 

PMID- 25125815
TI  - Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma presenting as bilateral pleural effusion.
AB  - Anaplastic thyroid cancer presenting as bilateral malignant pleural effusion is
      rarely reported. We present a case who presented solely with respiratory symptoms
      and subsequently found to be having bilateral malignant pleural effusion
      secondary to anaplastic thyroid cancer. 

PMID- 25125816
TI  - Single-stage management of large pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts in pediatric
      age group: Report of two cases.
AB  - Two patients presented to us with very similar clinical and radiological
      presentation of huge hydatid cysts in the lung and liver. The first patient was
      an 11-year-old female child and the second one was a 9-year-old male child. The
      clinical features in both were breathlessness on exertion, pain abdomen, and
      abdominal distension. Chest Roentgenogram along with computed tomogram of the
      chest and abdomen revealed presence of thin-walled homogenous large cysts, one in
      the right lung and two in the liver, in both the cases. Although the liver cysts
      were of larger size and occupying most of the right lobe of the liver and part of
      the left lobe, liver function tests were normal. All three cysts were enucleated
      in the same sitting by a combined thoracic and abdominal approach (thoracotomy
      followed by laparotomy). After enucleation of the cyst, capitonnage of the cavity
      in the lung was done and the liver cavities were filled with omentum to prevent
      collection of fluid and abscess formation. Both patients recovered well, although
      the second patient required abdominal drain for a long period of 1 month for bile
      leakage which decreased gradually and eventually stopped. 

PMID- 25125817
TI  - Secondary pleural hydatidosis: Complication of intrapulmonary echinococcosis.
AB  - Hydatid disease has a wide geographic distribution around the world. In human,
      the liver is the most commonly affected organ, followed by the lungs.
      Intrathoracic extrapulmonary locations are generally the mediastinum, pleura,
      pericardium and chest wall. Pleural involvement usually follows the rupture of a
      pulmonary or hepatic cyst inside the pleural space causing secondary pleural
      hydatidosis. We report four cases of patients who were referred to our hospital
      for management of pleural hydatid disease as a complication of intrapulmonary
      echinococcosis. 

PMID- 25125818
TI  - Bronchial mucous gland adenoma presenting as massive hemoptysis: A diagnostic
      dilemma.
AB  - Mucous gland adenoma of the lung is an uncommon benign tumor that histologically
      resembles the mucus-secreting component of tracheobronchial gland. The majority
      arises within the main, lobar, or segmental bronchi but parenchymal involvement
      had also been reported. We herein present a case of mucous gland adenoma arising
      from the left lower lobe bronchus. The 32-year-old female presented with massive
      hemoptysis, productive cough, and dyspnoea and was clinically misdiagnosed as
      tuberculosis. Radiology proved to be inconclusive. This case highlights the
      importance of a complete lung work up in patients presenting with signs of
      respiratory tract infections. 

PMID- 25125819
TI  - Primary synovial sarcoma of lung.
AB  - A synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare form of cancer which usually occurs near the
      joints of the arm, neck, or leg, but has been documented in most human tissues
      and organs, including the brain, prostate, and heart. Primary pulmonary SS is an
      extremely rare tumor. We report a case of primary SS of lung who presented with
      severe chest pain and a large right lung mass with right-sided pleural effusion
      in computed tomography (CT) scan of thorax. The diagnosis was made on the basis
      of CT-guided core biopsy and immunohistochemistry. On immunohistochemistry, tumor
      cell expressed epithelial membrane antigen, bcl 2, Vimentin and smooth muscle
      actin and were immunonegative for S100 and cytokeratin. So, the final diagnosis
      was primary SS. 

PMID- 25125820
TI  - Is femoral uptake of Tc99m-methylene diphosphonate on bone scintigraphy in
      bronchogenic carcinoma an alarming sign: A case report and brief review of
      literature?
AB  - Detection of skeletal metastasis in patients with lung cancer is important from
      management point of view. We report the bone scan finding in a patient with non
      small cell lung carcinoma showing isolated abnormal tracer in femur and having a
      characteristic appearance in computed tomography, highlighting the importance of
      bone scan in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma. 

PMID- 25125821
TI  - Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis due to mycophenolate and cyclosporine combination
      therapy in a renal transplant recipient.
AB  - Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is an orphan disease characterized by the
      accumulation of excess of surfactant within alveoli and bronchioles. The primary
      form of PAP (P-PAP; also referred to as idiopathic or autoimmune) is the most
      common form. It is mediated through a circulating neutralizing antibody against
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Secondary PAP (S-PAP) can be
      induced by a host of inciting agents and is far more liable to progress to
      terminal respiratory failure. We describe a rare case of S-PAP occurring in a
      renal transplant recipient due to mycophenolate and cyclosporine combination
      therapy, which resolved spontaneously following withdrawal of these drugs. 

PMID- 25125822
TI  - Miliary nodules: An unusual presentation of allergic bronchopulmonary
      aspergillosis.
AB  - Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immune-mediated inflammatory
      disease caused by hypersensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus. A wide spectrum of
      plain radiographic appearances has been described in ABPA, though none are
      pathognomonic of ABPA. The common radiological abnormalities encountered are
      fleeting pulmonary opacities, bronchiectasis, and mucoid impaction. Uncommon
      radiological findings encountered in ABPA include pulmonary masses, perihilar
      opacities simulating hilar adenopathy, and pleural effusions. However, miliary
      nodules as a radiological presentation of ABPA are very rare and only one case
      has been reported in literature. It is often misdiagnosed and mismanaged as
      tuberculosis; thus, the clinician should be vigilant enough to diagnose this very
      rare entity. 

PMID- 25125823
TI  - Community acquired Roseomonas infection in a pre-existing Tubercular lung lesion.
AB  - Roseomonas are nonfermenting opportunistic Gram-negative bacilli belonging to the
      newly established genus of Roseomonas. The clinical experience with the species
      is limited and is difficult to diagnose because of limited expertise and lack of
      commercially available identification kits with any of the automated systems.
      This is a first ever reported case of secondary bacterial infection due to
      Roseomonas genomospecies 6 in a patient of pulmonary tuberculosis from the Indian
      subcontinent. 

PMID- 25125824
TI  - A 55 years old man with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis.
AB  - Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a very rare diffuse chronic lung
      disease characterized by deposition of small spherules of calcium phosphate
      within the alveolar cavity. The disease is usually seen from birth up to 40 years
      of age and is usually diagnosed incidentally during radiography of the chest for
      other reasons. Most of patients are asymptomatic or having very mild symptoms and
      the majority of patients either have normal or restrictive pulmonary function
      test. Clinically, the course of the disease is different; it remains static in
      few patients or it may progress to pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure and
      cor pulmonale in others. In this case report, we present a 55-year-old man who
      presented with moderate shortness of breath which has progressed from mild
      symptoms with in the previous years. His chest high-resolution CT scan showed
      diffusely scattered, ill-defined little shadowy micronodules which involve the
      left lung; lingula and left lower lobe in particular. A lung biopsy confirmed the
      diagnosis of PAM. He was followed up for 1 year with treatment by steroid and
      alendronate, and no progression was noticed in fact improvement in pulmonary
      function test noticed. This is the first case report of PAM in Kurdistan. 

PMID- 25125826
TI  - Vitamin D status in critical care: Contributor or marker of poor health?

PMID- 25125825
TI  - An unusual cause of recurrent pneumonia in adults.
AB  - Selective IgM deficiency is a rare primary immunodeficiency defined as isolated
      low levels of IgM. It presents with recurrent infections and has been described
      as first presenting in adulthood with recurrent respiratory tract infections.
      Unlike its better known counterpart of IgA deficiency, this particular
      immunodeficiency is often overlooked. We present a case of selective IgM
      deficiency who presented with recurrent respiratory infections. 

PMID- 25125827
TI  - Usher's syndrome: Can primarily be a primary ciliary disorder?

PMID- 25125828
TI  - Congenital lobar emphysema presenting at late childhood: A rare case report.

PMID- 25125829
TI  - Remarkable computed tomography findings in Boerhaave's syndrome.

PMID- 25125830
TI  - Long-term doxycycline and lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:
      A pilot observation.

PMID- 25125831
TI  - Spontaneous resolution of pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor.

PMID- 25125832
TI  - Mucormycosis masquerading as an endobronchial tumor.

PMID- 25125833
TI  - Extensive unilateral tuberculosis lung with segmental atresia of principal
      bronchus.

PMID- 25125834
TI  - Subclinical airflow obstruction in allergic rhinitis.

PMID- 25125835
TI  - A letter in response to recurrent subcutaneous emphysema in a treated
      tuberculosis patient: Is there any association?

PMID- 25125836
TI  - Planning in case control studies: A comment on the relationship between lung
      function and indoor air pollution among rural women in the Niger Delta region of
      Nigeria.

PMID- 25125837
TI  - Comments on pathogenesis of acquired tracheobronchoesophageal fistula following
      blunt chest trauma.

PMID- 25125838
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 25125839
TI  - CRIS Guidelines (Checklist for Reporting In-vitro Studies): A concept note on the
      need for standardized guidelines for improving quality and transparency in
      reporting in-vitro studies in experimental dental research.
AB  - In vitro studies form a pivotal role in dental research contribution to a
      substantial evidence base. The reporting standards of these studies are not
      uniform thus resulting in lacunae in evidence reported. The effort of this
      concept note is to propose a Checklist for Reporting in vitro Studies (CRIS
      guidelines) that would promote quality and transparency in reporting in vitro
      studies. 

PMID- 25125841
TI  - C-shaped root canal configuration: A review of literature.
AB  - The aim is to review and discuss the etiology, incidence, anatomic features,
      classification, diagnosis and management of the C-shaped canal configuration. C
      shaped canal configuration is a variation that has a racial predilection and is
      commonly seen in mandibular second molars. The intricacies present in this
      variation of canal morphology can pose a challenge to the clinician during
      negotiation, debridement and obturation. Manual and electronic searches of
      literature were performed from 1979 to 2012, in Pub Med by crossing the keywords:
      C-shaped canals, mandibular second molar, mandibular first premolar, root canal
      morphology. Knowledge of the C-shaped canal configuration is essential to achieve
      success in endodontic therapy. Radiographic and clinical diagnoses can aid in
      identification and negotiation of the fan-shaped areas and intricacies of the C
      shaped anatomy. Effective management of this anomalous canal configuration can be
      achieved with rotary and hand instrumentation assisted with sonics and
      ultrasonics. Modifications in the obturation techniques will ensure a 3
      dimensional fill of the canal system and chamber retained restorations like
      amalgam or composites, serve as satisfactory post endodontic restorations. 

PMID- 25125840
TI  - Validity of bond strength tests: A critical review: Part I.
AB  - Adhesive systems are selected based on their bond strengths achieved while
      testing in laboratories. These bond strengths can predict the longevity of a
      restoration to some extent. There were several discrepancies in the reported bond
      strengths. To critically review the reliability of macro-bond strength tests used
      to evaluate resin-tooth interface. Relevant literature published between January
      1983 and May 2013 was collected from PubMed database, Google scholar, and hand
      searched journals of Conservative Dentistry, Endodontics and Dental materials.
      Variables that influence the test outcome are categorized into substrate-related
      factors, factors related to specimen properties, preparation of specimens, and
      test methodology. Impact of these variables on the test outcome is critically
      analyzed. There is lack of a standard format for reporting the bond strength
      tests, which could lead to misinterpretation of the data and bonding abilities of
      adhesives. 

PMID- 25125843
TI  - Effects of sports beverages and polishing systems on color stability of different
      resin composites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Consumption of certain acidic beverages may alter the physical and
      esthetic properties of resin composites. AIM: The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the effects of two sports beverages on color stability of two different
      types of resin composites polished with different composite polishing systems.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 96 disk-shaped specimens (diameter: 8-mm and
      thickness: 2-mm) were made from two different resin composites (Cavex Quadrant
      Universal-LC, and Clearfil-APX). All of the specimens were stored in distilled
      water for 24 h at 37 degrees C. Color measurements of each specimen were
      performed using a colorimeter according to the CIEL*a*b* color scale at baseline
      and after seven days of immersion in two different sports beverages (Powerade and
      Buzzer). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were evaluated using Kruskal Wallis
      and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the
      mean DeltaE values of the groups after seven days of immersion (P < 0.05). The
      highest level of the mean color change was observed in the Clearfil APX specimens
      immersed in Powerade (DeltaE = 3.5 +/- 0.9). Control groups stored in distilled
      water for both composites exhibited small color changes (DeltaE-Cavex-bur = 2.1
      +/- 1; DeltaE-Clearfil APX-bur = 2.1 +/- 0.4). CONCLUSION: Sport beverages caused
      discoloration in the resin composites after seven days.

PMID- 25125842
TI  - Comparison of shear bond strength of composite resin to enamel surface with laser
      etching versus acid etching: An in vitro evaluation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is in vitro evaluation of the shear bond
      strength of composite resin bonded to enamel which is pretreated using acid
      etchant and Er,Cr:Ysgg. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 extracted human teeth were
      divided in two groups of 20 each (Groups A and B). In Group A, prepared surface
      of enamel was etched using 37% phosphoric acid (Scotchbond, 3M). In Group B,
      enamel was surface treated by a an Er, Cr: YSGG laser system (Waterlase MD,
      Biolase Technology Inc., San Clemente, CA, USA) operating at a wavelength of
      2,780 nm and having a pulse duration of 140-200 microsecond with a repetition
      rate of 20 Hz and 40 Hz. Bonding agent ((Scotchbond Multipurpose, 3M) was applied
      over the test areas on 20 samples of Groups A and B each, and light cured.
      Composite resin (Ceram X duo Nanoceramic restorative, Densply) was applied onto
      the test areas as a 3 * 3 mm diameter bid, and light cured. The samples were
      tested for shear bond strength. RESULTS: Mean shear bond strength for acid-etched
      enamel (26.41 +/- 0.66MPa, range 25.155 to 27.150 MPa) was significantly higher
      (P < 0.01) than for laser-etched enamel (16.23 +/- 0.71MPa, range 15.233 to
      17.334 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: For enamel surface, mean shear bond strength of bonded
      composite obtained after laser etching were significantly lower than those
      obtained after acid etching.

PMID- 25125844
TI  - Evaluation of smear layer removal from ultrasonically prepared retrocavities by
      three agents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of 35% orthophosphoric acid, 24%
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 10% citric acid in the removal of
      smear layer from retrocavities prepared with ultrasonic retro-tips using scanning
      electron microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Root canals of fifty single-rooted
      teeth were cleaned, shaped, and obturated with gutta-percha and AH plus sealer.
      The apical 3 mm of each root was sectioned with a diamond disc and retrograde
      cavities were prepared with Kis # 1 ultrasonic retro-tips to a depth of 3 mm.
      Retro cavities in Group I were treated with a gel of 35% orthophosphoric acid for
      15 seconds, Group II were treated with a gel of 24% EDTA at neutral pH for 2
      minutes, and Group III were treated with a gel of 10% citric acid for 2 minutes,
      followed by 1 minute rinsing with distilled water for all groups. The samples
      were prepared for scanning electron microscopic observation. Scoring was
      performed for the presence of the smear layer on the walls of the retrocavity.
      RESULTS: In the orthophosphoric acid group, it was observed that all dentinal
      tubules were open in 70% of the samples. The majority of analyzed samples in EDTA
      and citric acid group showed dentinal tubules covered with the smear layer.
      CONCLUSIONS: Application of 35% orthophosphoric acid gel for 15 seconds on
      retrocavities prepared with ultrasonic retro-tips is the most effective means for
      removal of smear layer.

PMID- 25125845
TI  - Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of triple antibiotic paste and
      calcium hydroxide using chitosan as carrier against Candida albicans and
      Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study.
AB  - AIM: To analyze the sustained release of intracanal medicaments with or without a
      carrier and testing their antimicrobial efficacy in root canal against Candida
      albicans and Enterococcus faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 single
      rooted anterior teeth were selected, root canal preparation was done, and teeth
      were divided into two halves and contaminated with C. albicans and E. faecalis,
      which were further divided into four test groups each according to intracanal
      medicaments used. Chitosan was used as vehicle for triple antibiotic paste (TAP)
      and calcium hydroxide and antimicrobial assessment was performed on second and
      seventh day. Dentine samples were collected after each. RESULTS: All four
      medicaments used in this study showed antifungal and antibacterial activity.
      Group II (TAP + chitosan) and Group III (Ca(OH)2 + chitosan) had the higher
      antifungal and antibacterial activity compared with two other groups. CONCLUSION:
      Combination of TAP + chitosan and Ca(OH)2 + chitosan produced better results
      compared with the combination of medicaments with saline.

PMID- 25125846
TI  - "Evaluation of sealing ability of MM-MTA, Endosequence, and biodentine as
      furcation repair materials: UV spectrophotometric analysis".
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the sealing ability of MICRO-MEGA Mineral Trioxide Aggregate,
      Endosequence, Biodentine as furcation repair materials using a dye extraction
      leakage method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty mandibular molars were randomly
      divided according to the material used for perforation repair. Group I- (left
      unsealed) control, Group II-MICRO-MEGA Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Group III -
      Endosequence, Group IV - Biodentine. All samples were subjected to orthograde and
      retrograde methylene blue dye challenge followed by dye extraction with 65%
      nitric acid. Samples were then analyzed using Ultra violet (UV) Visible
      Spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Biodentine showed highest dye absorbance, whereas
      Endosequence showed lowest dye absorbance when compared with other repair
      materials. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it was observed that
      Endosequence showed better sealing ability when compared with other root repair
      materials.

PMID- 25125847
TI  - Comparative evaluation of microleakage in Class II restorations using open vs.
      closed centripetal build-up techniques with different lining materials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evaluation of microleakage is important for assessing the success of
      new restorative materials and methods. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Comparative evaluation
      of microleakage in Class II restorations using open vs. closed centripetal build
      up techniques with different lining materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Standardized mesi-occlusal (MO) and distoocclusal (DO) Class II tooth
      preparations were preparedon 53 molars and samples were randomly divided into six
      experimental groups and one control group for restorations. Group 1: Open
      Sandwich technique (OST) with flowable composite at the gingival seat. Group 2:
      OST with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) at the gingival seat. Group
      3: Closed-Sandwich technique (CST) with flowable composite at the pulpal floor
      and axial wall. Group 4: CST with RMGIC at the pulpal floor and axial wall. Group
      5: OST with flowable composite at the pulpal floor, axial wall, and gingival
      seat. Group 6: OST with RMGIC at the pulpal floor, axial wall, and gingival seat.
      Group 7: Control - no lining material, centripetal technique only. After
      restorations and thermocycling, apices were sealed and samples were immersed in
      0.5% basic fuchsin dye. Sectioning was followed by stereomicroscopic evaluation.
      RESULTS: Results were analyzed using Post Hoc Bonferroni test (statistics is not
      a form of tabulation). Cervical scores of control were more than the exprimental
      groups (P < 0.05). Less microleakage was observed in CST than OST in all
      experimental groups (P < 0.05). However, insignificant differences were observed
      among occlusal scores of different groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Class II
      composite restorations with centripetal build-up alone or when placed with CST
      reduces the cervical microleakage when compared to OST.

PMID- 25125848
TI  - Effects of two bioactive materials on survival and osteoblastic differentiation
      of human mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Activation of mineralization process in periradicular tissues
      following the injuries, is important in repair mechanisms. The objective of this
      study was to investigate the effects of CEM cement on survival and mineralization
      of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and compare it with MTA. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: hMSCs that were planted on test material extracts and culture media were
      the experimental and control groups, respectively. The cytotoxicity of these
      materials was investigated using Methyl thiazol tetrazolium assay. After 7 days,
      alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays, and qRT-PCR were used
      to assess the mineralization, expression of ALP, and gene expression (collagen
      type 1 and osteocalcin), respectively. The results were evaluated by ANOVA
      analysis and multiple comparisons test. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically
      significant. RESULTS: Cell viability was not significantly different. Alizarin
      red and alkaline phosphatase staining showed mineralization in all three groups.
      In qRT-PCR, the expression of collagen type 1 is not significantly different
      among the three groups. Osteocalcin gene expression was significantly higher in
      the CEM group compared to the control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CEM cement has
      acceptable toxicity and could induce mineralization process and enhance
      osteocalcin gene expression which is associated with mineralization in hMSCs.

PMID- 25125849
TI  - Evaluation of fracture resistance of roots obturated with resilon and
      thermoplasticized gutta-percha: An in vitro study.
AB  - AIM: To investigate and compare the fracture resistance of resilon and realseal
      filled root canals with those that were obturated with thermoplasticized gutta
      percha and AH-plus endodontic sealer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty extracted
      human mandibular single-rooted premolars stored in 10% formalin were used in this
      study. They were prepared by using a crown-down technique, debrided and irrigated
      with NaOCl, EDTA, and normal saline and divided into four groups. Group I =
      Negative control, canals prepared but no obturation was done; Group II = Positive
      control obturated with dual cure composite resin; Group III = Obturated with
      thermoplasticized GP and AH-plus; Group IV = Obturated with resilon and realseal.
      All root specimens were stored for two weeks in 100% humidity to allow for
      complete setting of the sealer. Each specimen was mounted in acrylic in a
      polyvinyl ring and tested for fracture resistance with a universal testing
      machine. The loading fixture of the machine was mounted with its spherical tip
      aligned with the center of the access opening of each root. A vertical loading
      force was applied until it fractured the root. The force values were subjected to
      statistical analysis: Kruskall-Wallis H-test and Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS:
      Group comparison revealed that Group II (positive control) had significantly
      higher values of resistance to fracture as compared to all the other groups.
      While Group IV (resilon with realseal) had significantly higher values of
      resistance to fracture as compared to Group I (negative control). CONCLUSION: On
      the basis of our findings, it can be concluded that filling the root canals with
      resilon and realseal increased the in vitro resistance to fracture of single
      canal extracted teeth. resilon and realseal demonstrated high fracture-resistance
      values and could be an alternative to the conventional gutta-percha.

PMID- 25125850
TI  - Root canal configuration of permanent maxillary first molar in Khasi population
      of Meghalaya: An in vitro study.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the root canal configuration of permanent
      maxillary first molar in Khasi population of Meghalaya. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Sixty (60) permanent maxillary first molars collected from patients of Khasi
      population of Meghalaya were studied using canal staining and clearing technique.
      Observations of the number of roots, root canal configuration, lateral canal,
      apical delta, and presence of the additional type of canals were made. RESULTS:
      Based on Vertucci's classification the different types of canal identified are:
      Mesiobuccal root, Type I (28.3%), Type II (28.3%), Type IV (30.0%), Type V
      (5.0%), Type VI (6.7%), and an additional type of canal (2-1-2-1-2; 1.7%) were
      observed. The distobuccal root displayed Type I (95%), Type II (1.7%), Type V
      (3.3%). The most prevalent canal configuration in the palatal roots is Type I
      (98.3%), Type II (1.7%). CONCLUSION: In Khasi population of Meghalaya, the most
      prevalent root canal configuration in the mesiobuccal root is Type IV followed by
      Type I and Type II. MB2 canals are present in more than 65% cases. In palatal and
      distobuccal roots, Type I configuration is present in most cases. Racial
      divergence may be responsible for such variations.

PMID- 25125851
TI  - Comparative evaluation of a novel smart-seal obturating system and its
      homogeneity of using cone beam computed tomography: In vitro simulated lateral
      canal study.
AB  - AIM: The aim was to evaluate and compare a novel polyamide polymer based
      obturating system and Gutta-percha and sealer in filling simulated lateral canals
      and their homogeneity when used for obturating the root canals. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 60 freshly extracted human single rooted teeth with fully
      formed apices were selected for this study. Teeth were de-coronated, and roots
      were standardized to a working length of 15 mm. Root canal preparation was
      carried out with rotary Protaper file system in all groups. The specimens were
      then randomly divided into three groups A, B, and C (n = 20). Ten samples from
      each group were decalcified and simulated lateral canals were made at 2, 4, and 6
      mm from the root apex. Remaining ten samples from each group were maintained
      calcified. Group A was obturated with SmartSeal system (Prosmart-DRFP Ltd.,
      Stamford, UK). Group B was obturated with sectional backfill method. Group C was
      obutrated with cold lateral compaction method (control). Decalcified samples from
      the respective groups were analyzed with digital radiography and photography and
      the measurement of the linear extension and area of lateral canal filling was
      done using UTHSCSA (UTHSCSA Image Tool for Windows version 3.0, San Antonio, TX,
      USA) software. Calcified samples were subjected to cone beam computed tomography
      image analysis sectioned axially. RESULTS: Group A 92.46 +/- 19.45 showed
      greatest extent of filling in lateral canals and denser homogeneity of oburation,
      followed by Group B 78.43 +/- 26.45 and Group C 52.12 +/- 36.67. CONCLUSIONS:
      Polyamide polymer obturation proved to have greater efficiency when compared with
      Gutta-percha system, when used for obturation with regards to adaptation of the
      sealer and penetration into the simulated lateral canals.

PMID- 25125852
TI  - Comparison of surface abrasion produced on the enamel surface by a standard
      dentifrice using three different toothbrush bristle designs: A profilometric in
      vitro study.
AB  - AIM: The aim was to assess, in vitro, the effect on surface abrasivity of enamel
      surface caused by three different types (flat trim, zig-zag, bi-level) of
      toothbrush bristle design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four freshly extracted,
      sound, human incisor teeth were collected for this study. The enamel slab was
      prepared, which were mounted, on separate acrylic bases followed by subjected to
      profilometric analysis. The surface roughness was measured using the
      profilometer. The specimen were divided into three groups, each group containing
      eight mounted specimens, wherein, Group 1 specimens were brushed with flat trim
      toothbrush; Group 2 brushed with zig-zag and Group 3 with bi-level bristle
      design. A commercially available dentifrice was used throughout the study. A
      single specimen was brushed for 2 times daily for 2 min period for 1 week using a
      customized brushing apparatus. The pre- and post-roughness value change were
      analyzed and recorded. STATISTICAL TEST: Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U
      test. RESULT: The results showed that surface abrasion was produced on each
      specimen, in all the three groups, which were subjected to brushing cycle.
      However, the bi-level bristle design (350% increase in roughness, P = 0.021) and
      zig-zag bristle design (160% increase in roughness, P = 0.050) showed
      significantly higher surface abrasion when compared with flat trim bristle design
      toothbrush. CONCLUSION: Flat trim toothbrush bristle produces least surface
      abrasion and is relatively safe for use.

PMID- 25125853
TI  - Comparison of the cleaning efficacy of EndoVac with conventional irrigation
      needles in debris removal from root canal. An in-vivo study.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aims were to evaluate the root canal debris removal after
      irrigation with EndoVac system and to compare its efficacy with Max-i-Probe
      needles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen matched pairs of single canalled vital
      teeth with mature apices indicated for extraction were selected. After working
      length determination and biomechanical preparation, the teeth in the right
      quadrant were irrigated with EndoVac system and with Max-i-Probe needles in the
      left quadrant using 3% NaOCl and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Teeth were
      extracted and marked at 1 and 3 mm from working length and decalcified in
      Kristenson's solution. Stained histologic slides were observed under trinocular
      research microscope. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis.
      The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 and the analysis was performed
      using SPSS version 11.0 software. RESULTS: No statistical significant difference
      was found at 3 mm level between the groups. Group I had significantly less debris
      at 1 mm level. CONCLUSION: EndoVac performed better in removing debris from the
      apical thirds of root canals.

PMID- 25125854
TI  - Five root canals in peg lateral incisor with dens invaginatus: A case report with
      new nomenclature for the five canals.
AB  - This case report describes endodontic treatment completed in a peg-shaped
      maxillary lateral incisor, with single root and five root canals of which, one is
      due to dens invaginatus. Cone beam computed tomogram scanning confirmed the
      unique morphology of the tooth. New nomenclature for the five canals is proposed.

PMID- 25125855
TI  - Type II canal configuration and Type I Dens invaginatus.
AB  - The prevalent notion about maxillary central incisor with normal external
      morphology is a tooth with single root and root canal. A case in which all four
      maxillary incisors were having Type II canal configurations (Vertucci's
      classification) is reported, in addition, the lateral incisors revealed dens
      invaginatus with a Type I pattern as suggested by Ohler's classification and a
      large periapical lesion was seen in relation to the right lateral incisor. The
      diagnosis was confirmed with the aid of spiral computed tomography (CT) and
      canals obturated. Nonsurgical healing of the lesion was assessed by reviewing the
      case at prefixed intervals of time. 

PMID- 25125856
TI  - Cone beam computed tomography evaluation and endodontic management of permanent
      mandibular second molar with four roots: A rare case report and literature
      review.
AB  - The morphological variation in the number of roots and root canals, especially in
      multi-rooted teeth is a constant challenge for diagnosis and successful
      endodontic therapy. Knowledge of the most common anatomic characteristics and
      their possible variations is fundamental. Although, endodontic management of four
      rooted mandibular first molars have been observed on a few occasions in the
      literature, to the best of our knowledge four-rooted mandibular second molars
      having two mesial and two distal roots have not been reported. This paper
      highlights endodontic management of mandibular second molar with four roots (two
      mesial and two distal) with one canal in each root and its cone beam computed
      tomography (CBCT) evaluation which was primarily done for post treatment
      assessment for diagnosing post-endodontic complications, at the same time
      confirmed our radiographic diagnosis of this variation. This also helped us
      portraying the anatomy of this rare variation. 

PMID- 25125857
TI  - Use of quartz fiber post for reattachment of complex crown root fractures: A 4
      year follow-up.
AB  - Dental hard tissue trauma is among the most common cases encountered in dental
      practice. Simple tooth fractures, which occur due to sharp blows, are widely seen
      in all age groups, especially in young adults. If in case of complex fractures
      the fractured tooth fragments are available to the dentist in a clean and
      hydrated state, reattachment of the tooth fragment is the most conservative and
      biological treatment option possible. Cases of enamel and dentin fractures not
      involving pulp are treated by reattaching the fragment with adhesives and
      composite resin. However, fractures involving the pulp require reinforcement by
      quartz fiber posts and resin luting cement. In cases of fractures extending
      subgingivally, an envelope flap helps to achieve the desired isolation and
      visibility. This article presents 2 case reports of reattachment of fractured
      tooth fragments. The first case showing a 4-year success was treated without
      raising a flap. The second case with a subgingival fracture was treated by
      raising a flap. Reattachment is the most economical, biologically acceptable and
      esthetic restorative option for dental trauma. 

PMID- 25125859
TI  - Repair of incomplete horizontal mid-root fracture of maxillary central incisor
      with mineral trioxide aggregate: A follow up report.
AB  - Incomplete horizontal fractures occur in teeth with developing root as it cannot
      withstand traumatic force during injury. Diagnosis and management of such cases
      are difficult. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) served as efficient
      diagnostic tool and follow up measure and the use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate
      in treatment had shown a better prognostic importance. In present case, treatment
      outcome of one year is reported in incompletely fractured mid-root of central
      incisor and the clinical approach is discussed. 

PMID- 25125862
TI  - Time for change: integrating palliative medicine to mainstream medicine.

PMID- 25125860
TI  - CBCT diagnosis and endodontic management of a maxillary first molar with unusual
      anatomy of two palatal canals: A case report.
AB  - It is crucial for any clinician to have a thorough knowledge about the normal
      anatomy of tooth and always be vigilant for any variations to ensure endodontic
      success. An anatomic variant like additional canals in the palatal root of
      maxillary molar is not commonly reported. This clinical case report presents the
      application of cone beam computed tomography as a useful imaging technique in
      endodontics for the management of teeth with aberrant anatomy. Here, maxillary
      first molar having two canals in the palatal root, two canals in mesiobuccal root
      and one canal in distobuccal root was managed successfully using cone beam
      computed tomography scan as a diagnostic aid. 

PMID- 25125863
TI  - End-of-Life Care for Patients Afflicted with Incurable Malignancy and End-Stage
      Renal Disease.

PMID- 25125864
TI  - Preference of the place of death among people of pune.
AB  - AIM: Provision of end-of-life care requires that we have adequate information
      about the preferred place of death in the population. Since no such study is
      reported in India, this study was taken up in and around Pune, a large
      cosmopolitan city. SETTING AND DESIGN: A questionnaire was designed in three
      parts and distributed among the people above the age of 18 in and around Pune.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire had three parts the first being a
      consent form, followed by one for collection of personal information and lastly
      questions specific to the subject matter. Filled forms were screened for
      inconsistencies, gaps of information and errors. RESULTS: The population survey
      was mixed, both urban and rural, men and women, educated and uneducated, young
      and old. Despite this heterogeneity, the results were consistent to the point
      that most of the people surveyed preferred home as the place of death. This
      preference cuts across all barriers, the only difference being that women had a
      stronger preference for home death compared to men. CONCLUSIONS: Helping people
      to die at their preferred place is a part of end-of-life care. Majority of people
      surveyed by us, prefer to die at home, where they are relatively more
      comfortable. Public and governmental policies should be directed toward
      facilitating home deaths.

PMID- 25125865
TI  - Poor health related quality of life among patients of sickle cell disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by chronic hemolytic
      anemia and vascular occlusion, causing recurrent painful episodes, neuro
      cognitive deficits, organ failures and death in early adulthood. Besides the
      medical consequences, most of the families with a child of SCD have to cope with
      financial and social crisis. Quality of life (QOL) is a broad multidimensional
      concept that usually includes subjective evaluations of both positive and
      negative aspects of life. Other than health; emotional well being, social
      dysfunction, chronic pain and fatigability are also important aspects of overall
      quality of life that add to the complexity of its measurement. AIM: The present
      case control study was designed to determine the health related quality of life
      (HRQoL) in patients of sickle cell disease and to compare it with patients of
      other chronic non-communicable diseases. SETTING AND DESIGN: Case control study
      conducted at tertiary health care facility of Central India. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The present study conducted to measure HRQoL among patients of SCD and
      patients of other chronic non-communicable diseases. A translated and pretested
      version of WHO SF-36 questionnaire was used to measure HRQoL. RESULTS: We
      observed that there was significantly lower HRQoL among SCD patients. CONCLUSION:
      Besides merely pharmacotherapy, restoration of overall quality of life should be
      the mainstay of management of patients with SCD.

PMID- 25125866
TI  - Palliative approach in advanced pelvic osteosarcoma: a single centre experience
      of a rare disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pelvic osteosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignant neoplasm with
      poor outcomes. It represents only 5% of all osteosarcomas. The authors present
      our institute's experience in management and outcomes of five successive patients
      of pelvic osteosarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed five
      patients of pelvis osteosarcoma treated in our institute from September 2008 to
      December 2010. Clinical characteristics and treatment (CCT) modality in form of
      surgery and chemotherapy were noted. Statistical analysis was done with regards
      to progression-free survival (PFS) using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS:
      The median age of the patients was 16.0 years. The median duration of symptoms
      was 9 months. One patient had lung metastases at presentation. All patients
      received systemic chemotherapy. One patient underwent surgery in the form of limb
      sparing approach. Three patients had partial response to treatment, one had
      complete response, and one had progressive disease. Median duration of PFS was 7
      months only. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic osteosarcomas are rare neoplasms with aggressive
      growth patterns. Survival results are poor in view of advanced stage of
      presentation and difficult surgical approaches. The combined modality approach is
      needed to improve the results.

PMID- 25125867
TI  - Quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a tertiary care
      center in malwa region of punjab.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this prospective, non-interventional, 4-month
      observational study was to analyze and compare patient-reported quality of life
      (QOL) and their physical/psychosocial symptom burden during their respective
      chemotherapy sessions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective and descriptive study
      was carried out jointly by Pharmacology and Oncology Departments of a tertiary
      care center in Malwa region of Punjab. The data collection was performed by
      administering validated questionnaire/response after taking informed consent.
      RESULTS: A total of 131 cancer patients were recruited with the mean age of 49.05
      +/- 14.35 (SD (standard deviation)) years. As per the QOL scoring of Global
      Health Status (GHS) and four items of symptom scale, that is, insomnia, pain,
      appetite loss, and constipation, and financial difficulties attained a
      significance difference. GHS significantly improved in group three as compared to
      group one, indicating that the patient's overall health/QOL improved as the
      chemotherapy session progressed. CONCLUSION: Although QOL scoring system did not
      show significant improvement in all areas (except insomnia, pain, appetite loss,
      constipation, and financial difficulties) with reference to their respective
      chemotherapy cycles, but a judicious diagnosis with an appropriate treatment
      including chemotherapy may lessen the negative perception of cancer as a deadly
      and fatal disease in our rural population.

PMID- 25125868
TI  - Adaptation of a quality of life questionnaire for Iranian patients with
      esophageal cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of quality of life is very important in cancer patients.
      Esophagus-specific quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-OES18) is a disease
      specific questionnaire for assessing quality of life in esophageal cancer (EC).
      So we aimed to translate and evaluate the reliability and validity of the QLQ
      OES18 when applied to Iranian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was
      designed as cross-sectional study on 62 newly confirmed EC in two referral
      hospital in Tehran, Iran. Reliability of the subscales was evaluated by
      intraclass correlation coefficients. Pearson's correlations of an item with its
      own scale and other scales were calculated to assess convergent and discriminant
      validity. Clinical validity was also evaluated by known-group comparisons.
      RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha was higher than 0.7 in most subscales. All subscales
      met the standards of convergent and discriminant validity. Also QLQ-OES18 had
      discriminatory power for differentiation between patient's groups with different
      clinical status. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidences that Persian version
      of QLQ-OES18 is a valid and reliable questionnaire when applied to a sample of
      Iranian patients with EC and is recommended for use in clinical research.

PMID- 25125869
TI  - Fear of Cancer Recurrence and its Predictive Factors among Iranian Cancer
      Patients.
AB  - CONTEXT: Fear of cancer recurrence (FOCR) is one of the most important
      psychological problems among cancer patients. In extensive review of related
      literature there were no articles on FOCR among Iranian cancer patients. AIM: The
      aim of present study was to investigation FOCR and its predictive factors among
      Iranian cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive-correlational
      study 129 cancer patients participated. For data collection, the demographic
      checklist and short form of fear of progression questionnaire was used. Logistic
      regression was used to determine predictive factors of FOCR. RESULT: Mean score
      of FOCR among participants was 44.8 and about 50% of them had high level of FOCR.
      The most important worries of participants were about their family and the future
      of their children and their lesser worries were about the physical symptoms and
      fear of physical damage because of cancer treatments. Also, women, breast cancer
      patient, and patients with lower level of education have more FOCR. DISCUSSION:
      There is immediate need for supportive care program designed for Iranian cancer
      patients aimed at decreasing their FOCR. Especially, breast cancer patients and
      the patient with low educational level need more attention.

PMID- 25125870
TI  - Does pain behavior influence assessment of pain severity?
AB  - CONTEXT: Nurses are involved in assessment of pain in most clinical settings.
      Pain continues to be underestimated and undertreated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      study assessed the rating of pain severity by nurses who observed the two case
      scenarios using role plays. The data were computed and frequency distribution was
      derived. RESULTS: Majority of the nurses underrated the pain and based their
      ratings on various factors. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to increase the
      awareness among nurses about comprehensive assessment of pain for better
      management.

PMID- 25125871
TI  - Palliative care for patients with malignancy and end-stage renal failure on
      peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many patients on peritoneal dialysis experience a poor quality of
      life because of a high burden of comorbid conditions. Dialysists must pay more
      attention to reducing a patient's pain and suffering, both physical and
      psychological and improve the quality of life for the patients as much as
      possible. A consensus regarding eligibility for palliative care and the delivery
      of these inventions does not currently exist. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed
      to describe the implementation of palliative care for end-stage renal failure
      patients on peritoneal dialysis. DESIGN: A report on three cases. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This study included three outpatients on peritoneal dialysis who
      received palliative care and died between January 2008 and June 2010.
      MEASUREMENTS: The patients' comorbidities, nutritional status, and functional
      status were evaluated using the Charlson comorbidity score, subjective global
      assessment, and Karnofsky Performance Score index, respectively. The Hamilton
      depression and Hamilton anxiety scales were also employed. The patients' clinical
      manifestations and treatments were reviewed. RESULTS: Each patient displayed 11
      16 symptoms. The Charlson comorbidity scores were from 11 to 13, the subjective
      global assessment indicated that two patients were class assigned to "C" and one
      to class "B", and the mean Karnofsky index was <40. Among these patients, all
      experienced depression and two experienced anxiety, Low doses of hypertonic
      glucose solutions, skin care, psychological services, and tranquillizers were
      intermittently used to alleviate symptoms, after making the decision to terminate
      dialysis. The patients died 5 days to 2 months after dialysis withdrawal.
      CONCLUSION: The considerable burden associated with comorbid conditions,
      malnutrition, poor functional status, and serious psychological problems are
      predictors of poor patient prognoses. Withdrawal of dialysis, palliative care,
      and psychological interventions can reduce patient distress and improve the
      quality of life before death, with the care provided.

PMID- 25125872
TI  - The multidisciplinary team in palliative care: a case reflection.
AB  - This essay is a reflection on the multidisciplinary team in palliative care, from
      the perspective of a final year MBBS student from the UK spending one month with
      an Indian pain and palliative care team at Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital
      (IRCH), AIIMS, New Delhi. 

PMID- 25125873
TI  - Role of a dentist in comprehensive management of a comatose patient with post
      traumatic head injury and neuropathological chewing.
AB  - Injury of the head and neck region can result in substantial morbidity.
      Comprehensive management of such patients requires team work of several
      specialties, including dentists. A young female patient with extensive loss of
      cranium and associated pathological chewing was referred to the dental
      department. The lost cranium was replaced by a custom-made, hand-fabricated
      cranioplast. Trauma due to pathological mastication was reduced by usage of a
      custom-made mouthguard. Favorable results were seen in the appearance of the
      patient and after insertion of the mouthguard as evidenced in good healing
      response. The intricate role of a dental specialist in the team to manage a
      patient with post traumatic head injury has been highlighted. The take away
      message is to make the surgical fraternity aware of the scope of dentistry in the
      comprehensive management of patients requiring special care. 

PMID- 25125874
TI  - Management of total cancer pain: a case of young adult.
AB  - Pain due to cancer is one of the most distressing symptoms experienced by the
      patients at some or the other time during the course of treatment or disease
      progression. The multidimensional nature of cancer pain is characterized by
      various dimensions including physical, social, psychological, and spiritual;
      which together constitute the term "total pain". Young cancer patients illustrate
      their unique psychological and developmental needs. This case report highlights
      the concept of "total cancer pain" in a young adult and demonstrates his
      distinctive social, spiritual, and psychological sufferings. The report
      emphasizes that addressing all these concerns is considerably significant in
      order to provide optimal pain relief to the patient. In the present scenario, it
      has been done by a skillful multiprofessional team communicating effectively with
      both the patient and the carer. 

PMID- 25125875
TI  - Primary peritoneal serous carcinoma: a rare case and palliative approach.
AB  - Primary peritoneal serous carcinoma (PPSC) is a rare primary malignancy that
      diffusely involves the peritoneum, indistinguishable clinically and
      histopathologically from primary serous ovarian carcinoma. The origin of PPSC has
      not been well characterized. Here we present a case of PPSC diagnosed in
      ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in a 76- old female
      presenting with ascites, abdominal pain, distension and constipation. PPSC is an
      unusual tumour but cytomorphology is distinctive enough to diagnose
      preoperatively. In the case report hereby described PPSC is an inoperable
      malignancy, hence chemotherapy and palliative care are the only offered
      treatment. 

PMID- 25125876
TI  - Use of Opioids and Sedatives at End-of-Life.
AB  - Despite their proven efficacy and safety, opioid and sedative use for palliation
      in patients afflicted with cancer in Singapore have been shown to be a fraction
      of that in other countries. This paper explores the various psychosocial and
      system-related factors that appear to propagate this conservative approach to
      care in what is largely a western-influenced care practice. A search for
      publications relating to sedative and opioid usage in Asia was performed on
      PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, World Health Organization, and Singapore's
      government agency websites using search terms such as "opioids," "sedatives,"
      "palliation," "end-of-life-care," "pain management," "palliative care," "cancer
      pain," "Asia," "Singapore," and "morphine." Findings were classified into three
      broad groups - system-related, physician-related, and patient-related factors. A
      cautious medico-legal climate, shortage of physicians trained in palliative care,
      and lack of instruments for symptom assessment of patients at the end of life
      contribute to system-related barriers. Physician-related barriers include delayed
      access to palliative care due to late referrals, knowledge deficits in non
      palliative medicine physicians, and sub-optimal care provided by palliative
      physicians. Patients' under-reporting of symptoms and fear of addiction,
      tolerance, and side effects of opioids and sedatives may lead to conservative
      opioid use in palliative care as well. System-related, physician-related, and
      patient-related factors play crucial roles in steering the management of
      palliative patients. Addressing and increasing the awareness of these factors may
      help ensure patients receive adequate relief and control of distressing symptoms.

PMID- 25125877
TI  - Nicotine replacement therapy for palliation of nicotine abstinence syndrome- is
      it worth?

PMID- 25125878
TI  - Polyherbal formulation: Concept of ayurveda.
AB  - Ayurveda is one of the traditional medicinal systems of Indian. The philosophy
      behind Ayurveda is preventing unnecessary suffering and living a long healthy
      life. Ayurveda involves the use of natural elements to eliminate the root cause
      of the disease by restoring balance, at the same time create a healthy life-style
      to prevent the recurrence of imbalance. Herbal medicines have existed world-wide
      with long recorded history and they were used in ancient Chinese, Greek, Egyptian
      and Indian medicine for various therapies purposes. World Health Organization
      estimated that 80% of the word's inhabitants still rely mainly on traditional
      medicines for their health care. The subcontinent of India is well-known to be
      one of the major biodiversity centers with about 45,000 plant species. In India,
      about 15,000 medicinal plants have been recorded, in which the communities used
      7,000-7,500 plants for curing different diseases. In Ayurveda, single or multiple
      herbs (polyherbal) are used for the treatment. The Ayurvedic literature
      Sarangdhar Samhita' highlighted the concept of polyherbalism to achieve greater
      therapeutic efficacy. The active phytochemical constituents of individual plants
      are insufficient to achieve the desirable therapeutic effects. When combining the
      multiple herbs in a particular ratio, it will give a better therapeutic effect
      and reduce the toxicity. This review mainly focuses on important of the
      polyherbalism and its clinical significance. 

PMID- 25125879
TI  - Role of complementary and alternative medicine in geriatric care: A mini review.
AB  - Since time immemorial homo sapiens are subjected to both health and diseases
      states and seek treatment for succor and assuagement in compromised health
      states. Since last two decades the progressive rise in the alternative form of
      treatment cannot be ignored and population seems to be dissatisfied with the
      conventional treatment modalities and therefore, resort to other forms of
      treatment, mainly complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The use of CAM is
      predominantly more popular in older adults and therefore, numerous research
      studies and clinical trials have been carried out to investigate the
      effectiveness of CAM in the management of both communicable and non-communicable
      disease. In this current mini review, we attempt to encompass the use of CAM in
      chronic non-communicable diseases that are most likely seen in geriatrics. The
      current review focuses not only on the reassurance of good health practices,
      emphasizing on the holistic development and strengthening the body's defense
      mechanisms, but also attempts to construct a pattern of self-care and patient
      empowerment in geriatrics. The issues of safety with CAM use cannot be sidelined
      and consultation with a health care professional is always advocated to the
      patient. Likewise, responsibility of the health care professional is to inform
      the patient about the safety and efficacy issues. In order to substantiate the
      efficacy and safety of CAMs, evidence-based studies and practices with
      consolidated standards should be planned and executed. 

PMID- 25125880
TI  - Intensification of bioactive compounds extraction from medicinal plants using
      ultrasonic irradiation.
AB  - Extraction processes are largely used in many chemical, biotechnological and
      pharmaceutical industries for recovery of bioactive compounds from medicinal
      plants. To replace the conventional extraction techniques, new techniques as high
      pressure extraction processes that use environment friendly solvents have been
      developed. However, these techniques, sometimes, are associated with low
      extraction rate. The ultrasound can be effectively used to improve the extraction
      rate by the increasing the mass transfer and possible rupture of cell wall due
      the formation of microcavities leading to higher product yields with reduced
      processing time and solvent consumption. This review presents a brief survey
      about the mechanism and aspects that affecting the ultrasound assisted extraction
      focusing on the use of ultrasound irradiation for high-pressure extraction
      processes intensification. 

PMID- 25125881
TI  - Psidium guajava: A review on its potential as an adjunct in treating periodontal
      disease.
AB  - Plants for thousands of years have been used to enhance health and for medicinal
      purposes. Psidium guajava is one which has an enormous wealth of medicinal value.
      It for long has been known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant,
      antidiarrheal, antimutagenic properties. Despite of its widespread biologic uses
      there is a dearth of information on its therapeutic effect in the treatment of
      periodontal disease. Hence, this review is an attempt to highlight the potential
      of P. guajava in the treatment of periodontal disease. Internet databases PubMed,
      Google Scholar were searched and the most relevant articles were considered for
      review. 

PMID- 25125882
TI  - Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) use as an herbal medicine.
AB  - Wild grown European blackberry Rubus fruticosus) plants are widespread in
      different parts of northern countries and have been extensively used in herbal
      medicine. The result show that European blackberry plants are used for herbal
      medicinal purpose such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antidysentery, antidiabetic,
      antidiarrheal, and also good antioxidant. Blackberry plant (R. fruticosus)
      contains tannins, gallic acid, villosin, and iron; fruit contains vitamin C,
      niacin (nicotinic acid), pectin, sugars, and anthocyanins and also contains of
      berries albumin, citric acid, malic acid, and pectin. Some selected
      physicochemical characteristics such as berry weight, protein, pH, total acidity,
      soluble solid, reducing sugar, vitamin C, total antioxidant capacity,
      antimicrobial screening of fruit, leaves, root, and stem of R. fruticosus, and
      total anthocyanins of four preselected wild grown European blackberry (R.
      fruticosus) fruits are investigated. Significant differences on most of the
      chemical content detect among the medicinal use. The highest protein content
      (2%), the genotypes with the antioxidant activity of standard butylated
      hydroxyanisole (BHA) studies 85.07%. Different cultivars grown in same location
      consistently show differences in antioxidant capacity. 

PMID- 25125883
TI  - Molecule mechanism of stem cells in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Plants possess the ability to continually produce new tissues and organs
      throughout their life. Unlike animals, plants are exposed to extreme variations
      in environmental conditions over the course of their lives. The vitality of
      plants is so powerful that they can survive several hundreds of years or even
      more making it an amazing miracle that comes from plant stem cells. The stem
      cells continue to divide to renew themselves and provide cells for the formation
      of leaves, stems, and flowers. Stem cells are not only quiescent but also
      immortal, pluripotent and homeostatic. Stem cells are the magic cells that repair
      tissues and regenerate organs. During the past decade, scholars around the world
      have paid more and more attention toward plant stem cells. At present, the major
      challenge is in relating molecule action mechanism to root apical meristem, shoot
      apical meristem and vascular system. The coordination between stem cells
      maintenance and differentiation is critical for normal plant growth and
      development. Elements such as phytohormones, transcription factors and some other
      known or unknown genes cooperate to balance this process. In this review,
      Arabidopsis thaliana as a pioneer system, we highlight recent developments in
      molecule modulating, illustrating how plant stem cells generate new mechanistic
      insights into the regulation of plants growth and development. 

PMID- 25125884
TI  - Modulation of diabetes-mellitus-induced male reproductive dysfunctions in
      experimental animal models with medicinal plants.
AB  - Today diabetes mellitus has emerged as a major healthcare problem throughout the
      world. It has recently broken the age barrier and has been diagnosed in younger
      people also. Sustained hyperglycemia is associated with many complications
      including male reproductive dysfunctions and infertility. Numerous medicinal
      plants have been used for the management of the diabetes mellitus in various
      traditional system of medicine and in folklore worldwide as they are a rich
      source of bioactive phytoconstituents, which lower blood glucose level and/or
      also act as antioxidants resulting in the amelioration of oxidative-stress
      induced diabetic complications. The present review describes the ameliorative
      effects of medicinal plants or their products, especially on male reproductive
      dysfunctions, in experimental diabetic animal models. 

PMID- 25125886
TI  - Value addition in sesame: A perspective on bioactive components for enhancing
      utility and profitability.
AB  - Sesame seed is a reservoir of nutritional components with numerous beneficial
      effects along with health promotion in humans. The bioactive components present
      in the seed include vital minerals, vitamins, phytosterols, polyunsaturated fatty
      acids, tocopherols and unique class of lignans such as sesamin and sesamolin. The
      presence of phenylpropanoid compounds namely lignans along with tocopherols and
      phytosterols provide defense mechanism against reactive oxygen species and
      increases keeping quality of oil by preventing oxidative rancidity. In this
      article, we have reviewed the nutraceutical, pharmacological, traditional and
      industrial value of sesame seeds with respect to bioactive components that hold
      high antioxidant value. Valuable information on superior functional components of
      sesame will strongly promote the use of sesame seeds in the daily diet world
      wide. In spite of huge repertoire of sesame germplasm collection, limited
      research efforts on the use of conventional and biotechnological methodologies
      have resulted in minimal success in developing nutritionally superior cultivars.
      In consequence, value addition efforts in sesame would enable development of
      genotypes with high antioxidant activity and subsequently prevention of free
      radical related diseases. Modification of bioactive components in sesame would
      enable production of stabilized sesame oil with enhanced shelf life and better
      market value. 

PMID- 25125887
TI  - Pharmacological aspects of Nerium indicum Mill: A comprehensive review.
AB  - Phytomedicine is the oldest medical practice known to man. Since the dawn of
      mankind, various plant resources are used to cure different diseases and also for
      a long and healthy life. The ancient knowledge of plant based medicine has
      transferred from generations to generations and accumulated as
      ethnopharmacological knowledge among different ethnic groups. India is the
      spanning bed of traditional phytomedicinal system where Ayurveda was born out of
      the knowledge of traditional medicine. In various other countries of South
      Eastern Asia, South America, and in Arabian countries, still today, a great
      number of people rely primarily on phytomedicines to cure diseases. In the
      complementary and alternative medicinal systems, Nerium indicum is one such plant
      which is famed for its therapeutic efficiency in different diseases globally. In
      the present time, when the pharmaceutical companies are concentrating more toward
      the plant based traditional medicines to avoid the side-effects and resistance
      against synthetic drugs, N. indicum has proved its efficiency in different
      disease models. Therefore, this review comprehensively covers the medicinal and
      pharmacological activities of different parts of the plant N. indicum. 

PMID- 25125888
TI  - Comparative evaluation of naftopidil and tamsulosin in the treatment of patients
      with lower urinary tract symptoms with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Naftopidil, approved initially in Japan, is an alpha1d-adrenergic
      receptor antagonist (alpha1-blocker) used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms
      (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is different from tamsulosin
      hydrochloride and silodosin, in that it has a higher affinity for the alpha1D
      adrenergic receptor subtype than for the alpha1A subtype and has a superior
      efficacy to a placebo and comparable efficacy to other alpha1-blockers such as
      tamsulosin. The incidences of ejaculatory disorders and intraoperative floppy
      iris syndrome induced by naftopidil may also be lower than that for tamsulosin
      and silodosin, which have a high affinity for the alpha1A-adrenergic receptor
      subtype. However, it remains unknown if the efficacy and safety of naftopidil in
      Japanese men is applicable to Indian men having LUTS/BPH. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Two groups of 60 patients each, having LUTS due to BPH, were treated with
      tamsulosin 0.4 mg and Naftopidil 75 mg for three months. Ultrasonography (for
      prostate size, post-void residual volume), uroflowmetry, and the International
      Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QOL) score were recorded at
      the beginning of the study, and then at one and three months. RESULTS: The
      prostate size, post-void residual volume, all the uroflowmetry variables, and the
      IPSS QOL scores showed a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001) in
      both the groups. The improvement in the average flow rate and the QOL index was
      better in the naftopidil group on the intergroup comparison and was statistically
      significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although the QOL life index was
      significantly better in the naftopidil group, overall both naftopidil and
      tamsulosin were found to be equally effective in the treatment of LUTS due to
      BPH.

PMID- 25125889
TI  - Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children: A preliminary report.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The recurrence of pediatric nephrolithiasis, the morbidity of
      repeated open surgical treatment as well as our experience in percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy (PNL) in adult patients, all derived us to shift to PNL for
      managing renal stones >1.5 cm in pediatric patients. Our aim of this study is to
      evaluate the safety and efficacy of PNL in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: During the period of the month between May 2011 and April 2013, 38
      children (47 renal units) underwent PNL for renal stones 1.5-5 cm in length.
      Patient demographics, stone characteristics, and clinical outcome were
      prospectively studied. Data of those who underwent conventional and tubeless PNL
      were compared. Median follow-up period was 12 months (range: 6-24). RESULTS: The
      median age at presentation was 8-year (range: 3-12). The operative time ranged
      from 30 to 120 min (median 90). Overall stone clearance rate was 91.5% after
      single PNL. The median hospital stay was 3 days. Auxiliary procedures were
      successful for the remaining 4 patients (nephroscopic clearance in one and
      shockwave lithotripsy in 3). Tubeless PNL was performed in 17 renal units with a
      comparable outcome to conventional ones. The perioperative complications were
      noted in 5/47 (10.6%) of all procedures (Clavien Grade II in 4 and Clavien Grade
      IIIa in 1) and were managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy for renal stones in pediatric patients is safe and feasible if
      performed by a well-experienced endourologist. Tubeless PNL is a better choice
      for children.

PMID- 25125890
TI  - Safety of latex urinary catheters for the short time drainage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we attempt to identify the most appropriate catheter
      (silicone vs. latex) for short-term urinary catheterization. We compared the post
      operative clinico-pathological complications between latex and silicone for short
      term catheterization in rabbits with hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty
      rabbits were used in our study to compare complications of catheterization. They
      were divided in two groups. Hypospadias like defect was created by a 1 cm long
      excision of the ventral urethra. For urethroplasty, we used tubularized incised
      plate technique. Latex and silicon catheters were used in groups 1 and 2,
      respectively. Post-operatively, routine laboratory urine test and complications
      (allergy, infection, bleeding) were compared in groups. RESULTS: A total of 40
      rabbits underwent hypospadias repair. Findings showed that there were no
      significant differences between groups based on urine test indices (P = NS).
      Urinary tract infection rate was 10% (2 rabbits) in latex and 0% in silicone
      groups (P = NS). There were no significant differences between groups regarding
      of cystitis grades between study groups (P = NS). CONCLUSION: It seems that
      urinary tract catheterization with latex catheters is a safe, feasible, and in
      expensive procedure for short-term post-operative course in hypospadias surgery
      in patients without latex hypersensitivity.

PMID- 25125891
TI  - Stentless laparoscopic pyeloplasty: A single center experience.
AB  - AIM: To assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic stentless pyeloplasty for
      congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a
      prospective comparative study conducted over a period of 5 years. The study
      included 35 cases of primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with mean
      age of 29.5 years, divided in two groups- Group A (stent-less, 18 patients) and
      Group B (stented, 17 patients). Follow up ranged from one to 4years (mean 2
      years). Transperitoneal laparoscopic Anderson- Hyene's pyeloplasty was standard
      for both the groups. Perioperative and postoperative complications were
      prospectively collected and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences
      (SPSS) 17 version using Pearson chi square test. RESULTS: Both the groups were
      comparable with respect to preoperative differential renal function (DRF) and
      time required for maximum activity in minutes (tmax.min). Average post operative
      DRF was significantly higher than preoperative DRF in both the groups. Average
      tmax was significantly lower after pyeloplasty than pre operative tmax. Mean
      operative time, mean duration of urethral catheter, and mean duration of drain
      removal were comparable in both the groups. However bothersome irritative lower
      urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and hematuria were significantly more in group B
      patients (P < 0.0001 and <0.013 respectively). CONCLUSION: In experienced hands,
      laparoscopic stentless pyeloplasty is as effective method for treating UPJO as
      its stented counterpart. It is cost effective, avoids stent-related morbidity,
      and could be performed without compromising the success rate. However, more
      randomized studies are needed to evaluate the safety of stentless pyeloplasty.

PMID- 25125892
TI  - Effects of hydrochlorothiazide on kidney stone therapy with extracorporeal shock
      wave lithotripsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation was to assess the efficacy of
      hydrochlorothiazide as a hypocalciuric diuretic on stone-free rate of renal
      pelvic calculi after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was
      conducted and 52 patients with renal pelvic calculi (diameter <=2 cm) were
      enrolled from February 2010 to September 2010. ESWL protocol was performed by
      2,500 shocks per session. The patients were randomized into two groups: (1) 26
      patients who were given 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide twice daily; and (2) 26
      patients who received placebo. The stone-free rate was defined as residual
      calculus size <=4 mm in controlled ultrasound on 2(nd) week, 1 month and 3 months
      after ESWL. RESULTS: 19 (78%) of the first group and 9 (42.9%) of the second
      group were stone-free after one session of ESWL (P = 0.02). 88% of the group 1
      and 47.8% of the group 2 were stone-free on 1 month after ESWL (P = 0.003);
      however, this effect of hydrochlorothiazide was not related to the patients' body
      mass index, age and gender. The accessory treatment procedures were applied in
      24% of the group 1 compared with 19% of the group 2 during 3 months (P = 0.68).
      All patients in both groups were stone-free on 3 months following lithotripsy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hydrochlorothiazide did not impact on the stone-free rate and using
      accessory procedure within 3 months; however, it decreased duration of stone-free
      status and number of ESWL sessions.

PMID- 25125893
TI  - Utility of urine cytology in evaluating hematuria with sonographically suspected
      bladder lesion in patients older than 50 years.
AB  - PURPOSE: Investigate the utility of urine cytology (UC) in patients older than 50
      years with hematuria and sonographically suspected bladder lesion. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Between April 2010 and June 2012, 152 patients above 50 years suffering
      from hematuria were included in this study. In all patients, ultrasound revealed
      a lesion suspected to be bladder cancer. Voided urine specimens were taken from
      all patients and transported to Pathology laboratory and processed within 1-3 h.
      All patients have undergone a cystoscopy examination and biopsy was taken from
      any suspicious lesion. The cytological diagnosis was reported as one of three
      categories, positive or negative or suspicious for malignancy. RESULTS: One
      hundred thirty three (87.5%) patients in this study proved to have bladder
      carcinoma in histopathological examination. The sensitivity of UC was 53.4% and
      only five patients were suspicious. Percentage of positive cytology was highest
      among patients having gross hematuria (51.3%), posterior wall lesions (75%),
      papillonodular configuration (81.8%), invasive cancer (59.1%) and bilharzial
      affection (52.5%). CONCLUSION: Hematuria in patients older than 50 years with
      sonographically suspected bladder lesion mandates cystoscopy and biopsy. UC does
      not add more significant information in this group of patients.

PMID- 25125894
TI  - Use of computed tomography scout film and Hounsfield unit of computed tomography
      scan in predicting the radio-opacity of urinary calculi in plain kidney, ureter
      and bladder radiographs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic utility of
      computed tomography (CT)- scout film with an optimal non-contrast helical CT scan
      Hounsfield unit (HU) in predicting the appearance of urinary calculus in the
      plain kidneys, ureter, urinary bladder (KUB)-radiograph. METHODS: A prospective
      cross-sectional study was executed and data were collected from June 2007 to June
      2012 at a tertiary hospital. The included subjects were diagnosed to have <10mm
      urolithiasis with non-contrast helical CT scan and KUB X-ray, which were carried
      out on the same day. Both KUB radiographs and CT-scout film were read by two
      qualified radiologists with inter-observer standardization prior to the study.
      Urolithiasis characteristics such as stone location, CT attenuation value, CT
      scout film and KUB radiograph appearance were recorded independently by two
      observers. Univariate logistic analysis with receiver operating characteristic
      curve was generated to determine the best cut-off HU value of urolithiases not
      identified in CT-scout film, but determined radio-opaque in KUB X-ray.
      Subsequently, its sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood
      ratios were calculated. Statistical significance was set at P value of 0.05 or
      less. RESULTS: Two hundred and three valid cases were included. 73 out of 75 CT
      scout film detected urolithiasis were identified on plain radiograph and
      determined as radio-opaque. The determined best cut off value of HU utilized for
      prediction of radiographic characteristics was 630HU at which urinary calculi
      were not seen at CT-scout film and were KUB X-ray radio-opaque. The set HU cut
      off was established of ideal accuracy with an overall sensitivity of 82.2%,
      specificity of 96.9% and a positive predictive value of 96.5% and negative
      predictive value of 83.5%. CONCLUSION: Urolithiases identified on the CT-scout
      film were also seen as radiopaque on the KUB radiograph while those stones not
      visible on the CT-scout film, but above the optimal HU cut-off value of 630 are
      also likely to be radiopaque.

PMID- 25125885
TI  - Cytotoxicity of dietary flavonoids on different human cancer types.
AB  - Flavonoids are ubiquitous in nature. They are also in food, providing an
      essential link between diet and prevention of chronic diseases including cancer.
      Anticancer effects of these polyphenols depend on several factors: Their chemical
      structure and concentration, and also on the type of cancer. Malignant cells from
      different tissues reveal somewhat different sensitivity toward flavonoids and,
      therefore, the preferences of the most common dietary flavonoids to various human
      cancer types are analyzed in this review. While luteolin and kaempferol can be
      considered as promising candidate agents for treatment of gastric and ovarian
      cancers, respectively, apigenin, chrysin, and luteolin have good perspectives as
      potent antitumor agents for cervical cancer; cells from main sites of flavonoid
      metabolism (colon and liver) reveal rather large fluctuations in anticancer
      activity probably due to exposure to various metabolites with different
      activities. Anticancer effect of flavonoids toward blood cancer cells depend on
      their myeloid, lymphoid, or erythroid origin; cytotoxic effects of flavonoids on
      breast and prostate cancer cells are highly related to the expression of hormone
      receptors. Different flavonoids are often preferentially present in certain food
      items, and knowledge about the malignant tissue-specific anticancer effects of
      flavonoids could be purposely applied both in chemoprevention as well as in
      cancer treatment. 

PMID- 25125895
TI  - The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C correlates with lymphatic
      microvessel density and lymph node metastasis in prostate carcinoma: An
      immunohistochemical study.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the expression of two different lymphatic vascular density (LVD)
      markers (D2-40 and LYVE-1) and a lymphangiogenic cytokine (Vascular Endothelial
      Growth Factor-C, [VEGF-C]) in prostate carcinoma and to investigate their
      relationship with the lymph node status. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Archival material
      study of 92 non-consecutive radical prostatectomy specimens. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The mean LVD was assessed immunohistochemically in 24 prostate carcinoma
      specimens from patients with clinically localized disease, who were found to have
      nodal metastasis (pN1), and was compared with 68 pN0 cases. Furthermore, the mean
      LVD, VEGF-C expression, and lymphatic invasion were examined in relation to lymph
      node involvement. RESULTS: Peritumoral (but not intratumoral) mean LVD assessed
      by D2-40 was higher in pN1 tumors (P = 0.015). LYVE-1 expression was limited and
      not associated with lymph node status. The VEGF-C expression was higher in the N1
      cases and also correlated with the increased mean LVD in both the peri- and
      intratumoral compartments. Lymphatic invasion was strongly associated with nodal
      metastasis and higher VEGF-C expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that
      increased peritumoral (but not intratumoral) LVD in the tumor specimen is
      associated with lymph node metastasis. Increased expression of VEGF-C is
      associated with higher LVD (in both intratumoral and peritumoral compartments)
      and with positive lymph node status, indicating a possible dual role in both
      lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel invasion.

PMID- 25125896
TI  - Primary Diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma of testis: A single centre experience and
      review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary testicular lymphoma constitutes 1-2% of Non-Hodgkin's
      lymphomas affecting elderly men >60 years of age. Most often it is a Diffuse
      large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and treatment involves multimodality approach
      involving surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Outcome remains poor in spite
      of aggressive therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 286
      registered cases of DLBCL (aged >14 years) from 2007 to 2011 and found nine
      primary testicular involvement patients. These cases were analyzed for baseline
      clinical features, investigations, staging, treatment and outcome. RESULTS:
      Median age was 58 (46-76) years. All patients presented with testicular swelling,
      two had the presence of B symptoms, and three with abdominal lymphadenopathy. Six
      had stage IE disease and three patients had stage IIE. All patients underwent
      orchiectomy. Eight patients received combination chemotherapy and six completed
      three or more cycles. Four achieved complete response, among these three relapsed
      after 32, 42, 70 months and one was lost to follow up. Two had a progressive
      disease, among these one died of disease and one alive with disease. Complete
      follow up was available from five patients and median survival was 36 months (11
      78 months). CONCLUSION: Primary testicular DLBCL is uncommon, needs multimodality
      treatment and central nervous system prophylaxis to improve the survival. The
      outcome needs to be further investigated using biological approaches (Rituximab
      based) and/or more aggressive management.

PMID- 25125897
TI  - Long-term outcome of transobturator suburethral tape procedure for treatment of
      female stress urinary incontinence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim is to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of
      transobturator tape (TOT) procedure in the treatment of women with stress urinary
      incontinence (SUI) by subjective and objective measures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      total 48 women with SUI underwent the TOT procedure during the period from
      December 2005 to February 2008. The follow-up period ranged between 60 and 84
      months (mean 71 months). Mean age was 44.21 +/- 7.52 (range: 30-58). Preoperative
      and early postoperative data were retrieved from the patient's medical files.
      Follow-up evaluation was carried out every 3 months during the 1(st) year and
      yearly afterwards by history taking (including incontinence and quality-of-life
      questionnaire), clinical examination, urine analysis, abdominopelvic
      ultrasonography, and urodynamic studies when indicated. RESULTS: At 12-month
      follow-up, the cure, improvement, and failure rates were 39 patients (81.25%), 5
      (10.42%) and 4 (8.33%), respectively. The corresponding rates at the last follow
      up were 38 (79.15%), 5 (10.42%) and 5 (10.42%) respectively. The postvoid
      residual urine and peak flow rates did not differ significantly between the
      preoperative values and at the last follow-up. The complication rates after a
      mean 71-month included one patient with voiding difficulty and two patients with
      de novo urgency. No case was recorded with retention of urine or erosion.
      CONCLUSIONS: Transobturator tape procedure appeared to be effective minimally
      invasive procedure for SUI with low rate of complication and good long-term
      outcome.

PMID- 25125898
TI  - Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula: Two case reports and review of
      literature.
AB  - Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula (CAUF) of the male urethra is a rare
      anomaly. CAUF can be defined as a urethral fistula in which the urethra and
      external urethral meatus are intact, typically with intact prepuce and no history
      of any penile trauma (including surgical trauma).We report 2 cases of CAUF to
      highlight this pathology with hints of the published similar cases in the
      literatures and discuss the surgical reconstruction ways for management. 

PMID- 25125899
TI  - Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the penis.
AB  - Solitary extramedullary plasmacytomas are rare plasma cell malignancies,
      particularly outside the upper aerodigestive tract. A 90-year-old male presented
      with a penile mass suspicious for penile carcinoma. Pathology revealed the tumor
      to be an Epstein-Barr virus-associated plasmacytoma with no radiographic evidence
      of bone or other soft tissue involvement. There was no laboratory evidence of
      multiple myeloma. 

PMID- 25125900
TI  - Simple cyst of urinary bladder.
AB  - Simple cysts are rare in the urinary bladder and can pose a diagnostic dilemma to
      both the urologist and the histopathologist. No case study was found in the
      database of Elsevier Science Direct, Spring-Link, or PubMed. We present two cases
      of subserous cyst in the bladder and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of the
      condition. The cystic lesion at bladder dome was detected by radiologic
      examination and confirmed by cystoscopy. In case 1, transurethral resection was
      first performed which was followed by partial cystectomy; In case 2, the cyst was
      removed with the urachus using laparoscopic surgery. The patients recovered
      uneventfully and the histopathology showed cysts in subserous layer of urinary
      bladder. The bladder cyst should be distinguished from urachal tumor, and
      laparoscopic partial cystectomy is the preferred operative procedure. 

PMID- 25125901
TI  - Urinary bladder radiotherapy-related chondroblastic osteosarcoma: Rare case
      report and review of literature.
AB  - Radiation-related osteosarcomas are well described malignant mesenchymal
      neoplasms, yet their pathogenesis is not fully understood. They are generally
      classified into either skeletal osteosarcomas, or their and rare soft tissue
      counterpart. The occurrence of osteosarcoma in the urinary bladder (UB) following
      radiotherapy is exceedingly rare. To the best of our knowledge, only two cases of
      radiation-related urinary bladder osteosarcoma have been published; we herein
      describe another case of an 85-year-old man who developed post radiotherapy
      chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the urinary bladder four years following initial
      surgical resection and radiotherapy for bladder urothelial carcinoma. We believe
      that this is the first case of radiation-related chondroblastic osteosarcoma
      arising in the urinary bladder. In addition, we review the literature and explore
      the possible histogenesis of this rare neoplasm. 

PMID- 25125902
TI  - Radiation induced sarcoma: Everything comes with a price.

PMID- 25125904
TI  - Renal cell carcinoma and plasma cell myeloma: Coincidence or true association?

PMID- 25125903
TI  - Renal cell carcinoma and plasma cell myeloma: Unique association and clinical
      implications.
AB  - Several case series, in the recent past, have postulated an association between
      plasma cell myeloma (MM) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Population-based data
      have revealed a bi-directional association between these two malignancies, which
      points to shared risk factors, similar cytokine (Interleukin-6, IL-6)
      requirements for growth and survival, and overlapping clinical presentation. The
      presence of lytic lesions in a patient with prior RCC may simulate bone
      metastasis; thus, leading to a diagnostic pitfall with potentially adverse
      clinical implications. Besides these, therapeutic strategies employed for MM have
      been tried for RCCs with partial success. We aimed to describe two patients, aged
      64 and 54 years, with RCC-MM association, with review of relevant literature; and
      create awareness among pathologists/hematologists, and oncologists. Elucidating a
      common genetic basis might throw some light in understanding the pathobiology of
      these tumors and development of newer targeted therapies. 

PMID- 25125905
TI  - Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of penis: Case report and literature review.
AB  - Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare mesenchymal skin tumor with
      intermediate to low grade malignancy and occasional distant metastasis and high
      rate of recurrence locally. It mostly involves trunk, extremities, scalp, and
      neck. This article describes a middle-aged married male with a DFSP lesion
      involving ventral aspect of glans and distal shaft of penis who underwent local
      excision and primary closure. The patient was tumor-free at three years of follow
      up. 

PMID- 25125906
TI  - Rectourethral fistula: A rare complication of injection sclerotherapy.
AB  - In the modern era, the incidence of rectourethral fistula (RUF) has been on a
      rise due to an increasing number of surgeries being performed for prostatic
      carcinoma. Other causes of this condition still remain rare and their management
      differs from that of post prostatectomy RUF. We report a rare case of a young man
      who presented with leakage of urine per rectum 4 weeks after injection
      sclerotherapy for haemorrhoids. A Micturating Cystourethrogram/Retrograde
      Cystourethrogram revealed the presence of RUF arising at the level of prostrato
      membranous urethra and the urine examination did not show any fecal contamination
      of urine. A fistula at the level or verumontanum along with stricture of the
      distal penile urethra was demonstrated on urethroscopy. The patient was
      successfully managed by dilatation of the stricture segment and urethral
      catheterization. RUF can rarely result from injection sclerotherapy and must be
      thoroughly evaluated. Cases which present early and have minimal contamination of
      urine by fecal contents can be conservatively managed with a simple Foleys
      catheterization for 4-6 weeks after ruling out any obstruction distal to the
      fistulous tract. 

PMID- 25125907
TI  - Recurrent dermatomyositis manifesting as a sign of recurrent transitional cell
      carcinoma of urinary bladder: Long-term survival.
AB  - The association between urological malignancies and paraneoplastic syndromes has
      been well documented. We report a case of recurrent dermatomyositis manifesting
      as a sign of metastatic recurrence of non-muscle-invasive transitional cell
      carcinoma of the bladder, a relationship which has only been referred to in a few
      reports. The case highlights a few important clinical challenges; firstly, the
      importance of thorough investigation for underlying malignancy in patients with
      dermatomyositis, as successful treatment of such malignancy can lead to
      resolution of paraneoplastic symptoms, and secondly, a high index of suspicion of
      recurrence in cases where paraneoplastic manifestations recur. Metastatic
      pulmonary recurrence without local evidence of disease at a follow-up of 4 years
      makes this case unique. Moreover, in the light of our experience and reported
      literature, a framework is suggested to approach such a diagnostic dilemma in the
      future. Description of the case will guide clinicians in the future, in case they
      encounter such an unusual clinical scenario. This could also serve as a
      hypothesis-generating source for designing future research as well. 

PMID- 25125908
TI  - Renal allograft transplant recipient with ruptured hydatid native kidney.
AB  - Echinococcosis of the kidneys in a renal transplant recipient is extremely rare
      and its occurrence being related to immunosuppression is a possibility which
      needs further characterisation. Ruptured renal hydatid in a renal transplant
      recipient is not reported so far to our best knowledge. We present a 42-year-old
      renal allograft receipient who presented one year after transplant with left
      flank pain, palpable left lumbar mass and gross hydatiduria. Investigations
      revealed a ruptured native hydatid kidney. Patient was managed with a combination
      of chemotherapy and left native nephrectomy and discharged in a satisfactory
      condition. 

PMID- 25125910
TI  - Hemorrhagic cystitis: A rare manifestation of organophosphate poisoning.

PMID- 25125909
TI  - Atypical isolated urethral tuberculosis associated with inflammatory stenosis and
      fistulas.

PMID- 25125911
TI  - Estimation of age from development and eruption of teeth.
AB  - The developing dentition is used to assess maturity and estimate the age in many
      disciplines including anthropology, archeology, forensic science, pediatric
      dentistry and orthodontics. There is evidence that dental development is less
      effected than skeletal development by malnutrition and hormonal disorders. There
      are two methods of dental age assessment, radiographically and by clinically
      visualization of eruption of teeth. The clinical method to assess dental age is
      based on the emergence of teeth in the mouth. This method is more suitable since
      it does not require any special equipment, expertise and is more economical.
      Tooth formation is the best choice for estimating the age as variations are less
      as compared to other development factors. Eruption of teeth is one of the changes
      observed easily among the various dynamic changes that occur from the formation
      of teeth to the final shedding of teeth. The times of eruption of teeth are
      fairly constant and this can be made use of in ascertaining the average age of
      eruption of the tooth. Assessment of age of an individual by examination of teeth
      is one of the accepted methods of age determination. 

PMID- 25125912
TI  - Pulp tissue in sex determination: A fluorescent microscopic study.
AB  - AIMS: To determine and compare the reliability of pulp tissue in determination of
      sex and to analyze whether caries have any effect on fluorescent body test.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried on 50 maxillary and mandibular
      teeth (25 male teeth and 25 female teeth), which were indicated for extraction.
      The teeth are categorized into 5 groups, 10 each (5 from males and 5 from
      females) on the basis of caries progression. The pulp cells are stained with
      quinacrine hydrochloride and observed with fluorescent microscope for fluorescent
      body. Gender is determined by identification of Y chromosome fluorescence in
      dental pulp. RESULTS: Fluorescent bodies were found to be more in sound teeth in
      males as the caries increase the mean percentage of fluorescent bodies observed
      decreases in males. We also observed the fluorescent spots in females, and the
      value of the spot increases in female as the caries progresses, thereby giving
      false positive results in females. CONCLUSION: Sex determination by fluorescent
      staining of the Y chromosome is a reliable technique in teeth with healthy pulps
      or caries with enamel or up to half way of dentin. Teeth with caries involving
      pulp cannot be used for sex determination.

PMID- 25125913
TI  - Quantitative and qualitative assessment of DNA extracted from saliva for its use
      in forensic identification.
AB  - Saliva has long been known for its diagnostic value in several diseases. It also
      has a potential to be used in forensic science. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this
      study is to compare the quantity and quality of DNA samples extracted from saliva
      with those extracted from blood in order to assess the feasibility of extracting
      sufficient DNA from saliva for its possible use in forensic identification.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood and saliva samples were collected from 20 volunteers
      and DNA extraction was performed through Phenol Chloroform technique. The
      quantity and quality of isolated DNA was analyzed by spectrophotometery and the
      samples were then used to amplify short tandem repeat (STR) F13 using the
      polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Mean quantity of DNA obtained in saliva was
      48.4 +/- 8.2 MUg/ml and in blood was 142.5 +/- 45.9 MUg/ml. Purity of DNA
      obtained as assessed by the ratio of optical density 260/280, was found to be
      optimal in 45% salivary samples while remaining showed minor contamination.
      Despite this positive F13 STR amplification was achieved in 75% of salivary DNA
      samples. CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that saliva may prove to be a
      useful source of DNA for forensic purpose.

PMID- 25125914
TI  - Comparison of hard tissue interrelationships at the cervical region of teeth
      based on tooth type and gender difference.
AB  - CONTEXT: Cementoenamel junction (CEJ) represents the anatomic limit between the
      crown and root surface. With advancing age and continuous eruption, this area
      becomes exposed in the oral media. Consequently, CEJ will be subjected to the
      action of various physical and chemical factors that might alter its morphology,
      with the cementum being affected in most cases. AIM: To identify the frequency of
      hard tissue interrelationships present at the CEJ in relation to different
      genders, positions and aspects of tooth using a light microscope. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The cervical regions of 80 permanent teeth (40 male and 40 female),
      extracted for orthodontic or periodontal reasons, were analyzed after
      longitudinal ground sections were made in the mesio-distal plane. The CEJ of the
      prepared sections was then studied and their frequencies were categorized as:
      cementum overlapping enamel, enamel overlapping cementum, edge-to-edge
      relationship and the presence of gap junctions. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square
      test performed using SPSS 15 software. RESULTS: Edge-to-edge contact of the
      cementum and enamel was most frequent, followed by gap junction and cementum
      overlapping the enamel, respectively. Chi-square test revealed no statistically
      significant differences with respect to the gender and tooth aspect, whereas the
      result was significant when the position of the tooth was studied. CONCLUSION:
      The observations of the study indicate a considerable morphological diversity in
      the anatomical pattern of CEJ. It can be concluded that the region should be
      protected against dentinal sensitivity, erosion, abrasion, abfraction and
      resorption, as it is more prone to cervical pathologies.

PMID- 25125915
TI  - A comparative study to evaluate the vertical position of maxillary central
      incisor and canine in relation to incisive papilla line.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the vertical distance of
      maxillary central incisor (CI) and maxillary canine (CA) from the incisive
      papilla (IP) line and their variation with age and sex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      total of 120 dentulous subjects following the inclusion and exclusion criteria
      were randomly selected from the local population. On the basis of gender and age,
      subjects were divided into four groups: Ma, Mb, Fa and Fb . Maxillary impressions
      of selected subjects were made and corresponding casts were retrieved. The cast
      was positioned on the surveyor and the center of IP was transferred to the labial
      side of maxillary right CI and CA regions with the help of analyzing rod of the
      surveyor and a line was drawn in this region which was referred to as "IP line".
      The measurements were made from the IP line to the mesio-incisal line angle of
      right maxillary CI-IP and cusp tip of right maxillary CA with the help of digital
      vernier caliper (CA to IP). RESULT: The mean vertical distance of maxillary CI-IP
      ranged from 6.31 +/- 0.74 mm to 7.04 +/- 0.87 mm and the mean vertical distance
      of maxillary CA-IP ranged from 5.83 +/- 0.80 mm to 6.30 +/- 0.82 mm. CONCLUSION:
      The CA position in relation to the IP line is more stable to its position than
      the CI position irrespective of age and sex.

PMID- 25125916
TI  - A call for a new speciality: Forensic odontology as a subject.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Forensic science is defined as a discipline concerned with the
      application of science and technology to the detection and investigation of crime
      and administration of justice, requiring the coordinated efforts of a
      multidisciplinary team. Dental identification remains one of the most reliable
      and frequently applied methods of identification. Hence, it can be defined as the
      science that deals with evidence from the dental and oral structures and is a
      specialty in itself. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the level of awareness of Forensic
      Odontology amongst the individuals from the field of dentistry with the help of a
      survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was prepared and a survey was
      conducted with a sample size of 200 divided in four groups. RESULTS: Revealed
      inadequate knowledge, poor attitude, and lack of practice of forensic odontology
      prevailing among the dentists. CONCLUSION: Our study reflects the current
      situation of our country in the field of forensic odontology, which could be
      improved by introducing forensic odontology as a subject in the dental curriculum
      at both the undergraduate and the post-graduate levels.

PMID- 25125917
TI  - Stature and gender determination and their correlation using odontometry and
      skull anthropometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When the body has been mutilated, it is common to have the
      extremities or head amputated from the trunk. In concern with forensic
      odontology, an estimate must have been made based on the correlation of
      osteometry along with odontometry in determining sex, race and stature.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate and correlate height and
      gender from odontometry and anthropometric data of the skull. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial
      Pathology and Microbiology, I.T.S Center for Dental studies and Research,
      Muradnagar, Ghaziabad (UP) with the representative study subjects of 60 patients
      as 30 males and 30 females in the age group of 15-25 years. The selected
      parameters were measured and then correlated to investigate stature and gender
      from odontometry and anthropometric data of the skull. RESULTS: On linear
      regression analysis, the selected parameters were found to be statistically
      significant predictor of height. It was also established by Karl Pearson's
      coefficient correlation that the left mandibular canine index for female was
      statistically significant to show sexual dimorphism. CONCLUSION: In the emerging
      field of forensic odontology, skull anthropometry, odontometry exhibits stature
      determination and strong sexual dimorphism.

PMID- 25125918
TI  - Gender determination from pulpal tissue.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of X (Barr body [BB]) and Y (F
      body [FB]) chromosomes observed in dental pulp tissue for gender determination of
      an individual. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 100 teeth (50
      male and 50 female), which were indicated for extraction. The teeth were
      sectioned at various intervals (within 12 h to 49 days post-extraction), and the
      pulpal tissue was obtained. Two slides for each pulp tissue were prepared, one
      for 5% Quinacrine dihydrochloride stain (FB) and the other for Hemotoxylin and
      Eosin stain (BB). The slides were then observed under the fluorescent microscope
      for FB and under the light microscope for the BB respectively. RESULTS: Gender
      determination from human pulp is possible up to 7 weeks. The percentage of FB and
      BB decrease gradually as the time interval increases. Further, an equation was
      derived from the data based on the canonical discriminant function coefficients.
      CONCLUSION: The determination of gender based on a joint search for the presence
      or absence of X (BB) and Y (FB) Chromosome is a reliable and cost-effective
      technique.

PMID- 25125919
TI  - Age estimation from physiological changes of teeth: A reliable age marker?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Age is an essential factor in establishing the identity of a person.
      Teeth are one of the most durable and resilient part of skeleton. Gustafson
      (1950) suggested the use of six retrogressive dental changes that are seen with
      increasing age. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the results and to
      check the reliability of modified Gustafson's method for determining the age of
      an individual. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 70 patients in the age group of 20-65
      years, undergoing extraction were included in this present work. The ground
      sections of extracted teeth were prepared and examined under the microscope.
      Modified Gustafson's criteria were used for the estimation of age. Degree of
      attrition, root translucency, secondary dentin deposition, cementum apposition,
      and root resorption were measured. A linear regression formula was obtained using
      different statistical equations in a sample of 70 patients. RESULTS: The mean age
      difference of total 70 cases studied was +/-2.64 years. Difference of actual and
      calculated age was significant and was observed at 5% level of significance, that
      is, t-cal > t-tab (t-cal = 7.72). P < 0.05, indicates that the results were
      statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The present study concludes that
      Gustafson's method is a reliable method for age estimation with some proposed
      modifications.

PMID- 25125920
TI  - Rugae pattern in a sample of population of Meerut - An institutional study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Many studies on rugae pattern have been done on various samples of
      population, but no study has so far been done to assess the rugae pattern of
      population of western Uttar radesh, especially Meerut. AIMS: This study was aimed
      to assess the rugae pattern in males and females of a sample of population of
      Meerut, which may be an additional method of determining gender when dealing with
      any crime or with mutilated bodies that have undergone damage beyond recognition.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 100 Class I dentulous subjects, 50 male and 50
      female patients reporting to the outpatient department of Kalka Dental College,
      Meerut, Uttar Pradesh were randomly selected with an age range between 20-30
      years. Exclusion criteria were subjects >14 years of age, congenital
      malformations, previous orthognathic surgery, allergy to impression material,
      bony and soft tissue protuberances, active lesions, deformity or scars and trauma
      of the palate. Prior approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee was taken.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Alginate impressions of palate of selected patients were
      poured in dental stone and rugae pattern was identified and analyzed by a single
      rater employing Thomas and Kotze's (1983) method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Two
      sample t-test and Chi-Square tests were used for comparison of means and
      relationship between the attributes. A significance level of 5% was considered as
      critical value. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted in total number or
      length of rugae between the genders. However, statistically significant
      difference in the circular type in males and converge type in females was
      observed. CONCLUSION: Rugae pattern can be used as a method of differentiation
      between males and females to corroborate the findings of other methods such as
      anthropometric evaluation of the cranium and dental characteristics.

PMID- 25125921
TI  - Experimental model of developing and analysis of lip prints in atypical surface:
      A metallic straw (bombilla).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The interaction between the offender and the victim produces visible
      or latent prints on objects and utensils. The study of lip prints has reportedly
      stayed away from the basic cinematic concept of the lip-to-surface relationship.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three regular powders were used to reveal the latent lip
      prints on a typical metallic straw called bombilla, and the revealed prints were
      photographed, preserved, and analyzed. RESULTS: Better definition was observed in
      the lower lip print, and nine anatomical patterns were identified, but a higher
      definition of wrinkles was observed with indestructible white powder. CONCLUSION:
      Knowledge of labial dynamics, the real value of the processed surfaces, and the
      need for testing in field conditions are discussed.

PMID- 25125922
TI  - Molecular sex identification of dry human teeth specimens from Sokoto,
      Northwestern Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The advent of molecular techniques has revolutionized the ability of
      scientists to estimate the sex of individuals. Forensic odontology plays an
      important role in establishing the sex of victims with bodies mutilated beyond
      recognition due to major disaster. The genetic difference between males and
      females is defined by the presence or absence of the Y-chromosome. The use of
      alphoid-repeat primers in sex estimation was first applied on dried blood.
      Generally, the X, Y alphoid repeats blind test attest to the accuracy of genetic
      testing, and also point the potential for occasional error in morphometric
      sexing. AIM: To estimate genetic sex of dry human teeth specimens from Sokoto,
      Northwestern Nigeria, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A single-blind study of DNA analysis for sex estimation of nine dry
      human teeth specimens from Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria, through PCR, using
      alphoid repeats primers, was undertaken. RESULTS: The genetic sex of each group
      of the teeth samples were accurately (100%) identified. For each group of teeth,
      PCR Sensitivity = 100%, Specificity = 0%, Predictive value of positive test =
      100%, Predictive value of negative test = 0%, False positive rate = 0%, False
      negative rate = 0%, Efficiency of test = 100%. Fisher's exact probability test P
      = 1. Z-test: z- and P values were invalid. CONCLUSION: This study has
      demonstrated the successful use of alphoid-repeat primers in genetic sex
      identification of human dry teeth samples from Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria. This
      is the first known study estimating the sex of human dry teeth specimens by means
      of PCR in Nigeria. There is need for further studies in Nigeria to complement the
      findings of this study.

PMID- 25125924
TI  - Role of dental implants in forensic identification.

PMID- 25125923
TI  - Volume analysis of heat-induced cracks in human molars: A preliminary study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Only a few methods have been published dealing with the visualization of
      heat-induced cracks inside bones and teeth. AIMS: As a novel approach this study
      used nondestructive X-ray microtomography (micro-CT) for volume analysis of heat
      induced cracks to observe the reaction of human molars to various levels of
      thermal stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen clinically extracted third molars
      were rehydrated and burned under controlled temperatures (400, 650, and 800
      degrees C) using an electric furnace adjusted with a 25 degrees C increase/min.
      The subsequent high-resolution scans (voxel-size 17.7 MUm) were made with a
      compact micro-CT scanner (SkyScan 1174). In total, 14 scans were automatically
      segmented with Definiens XD Developer 1.2 and three-dimensional (3D) models were
      computed with Visage Imaging Amira 5.2.2. The results of the automated
      segmentation were analyzed with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and uncorrected
      post hoc least significant difference (LSD) tests using Statistical Package for
      Social Sciences (SPSS) 17. A probability level of P < 0.05 was used as an index
      of statistical significance. RESULTS: A temperature-dependent increase of heat
      induced cracks was observed between the three temperature groups (P < 0.05, ANOVA
      post hoc LSD). In addition, the distributions and shape of the heat-induced
      changes could be classified using the computed 3D models. CONCLUSION: The
      macroscopic heat-induced changes observed in this preliminary study correspond
      with previous observations of unrestored human teeth, yet the current
      observations also take into account the entire microscopic 3D expansions of heat
      induced cracks within the dental hard tissues. Using the same experimental
      conditions proposed in the literature, this study confirms previous results, adds
      new observations, and offers new perspectives in the investigation of forensic
      evidence.

PMID- 25125928
TI  - Effect of Silver Coating on Barium Titanium Oxide Nanoparticle Toxicity.
AB  - Nanoparticles are presently being studied for optical and biomedical applications
      such as medical imaging and drug delivery. Nanoparticles impact the cellular
      environment due to many variables such as size, shape, and composition. How these
      factors affect cell viability is not fully understood. The purpose of this study
      is to test the toxicity effects of silver coating (Ag@) Barium Titanium Oxide
      (BaTiO3) nanoparticles on Rhesus Monkey Retinal Endothelial cells (RhREC's) in
      culture. The addition of silver to the nanoparticles increases their nonlinear
      optical properties significantly, making the Ag@BaTiO3 nanoparticles good
      candidates for nonlinear microscopy contrast agents. We hypothesize that by
      silver coating nanoparticles, there will be an increase in cell viability at
      higher concentrations when compared to non-silver coated nanoparticles. RhREC's
      were treated with BaTiO3 and Ag@BaTiO3 at concentrations of 0, 1.0, 10.0, and
      100ug/ml for 24 hours at 37 degrees C + 5%CO2. After 24 hour incubation with
      respective nanoparticles, cell viability was determined using the trypan blue dye
      exclusion method. Treatment with 0, 1.0 and 10.0ug/ml of Ag@BaTiO3 had minimal
      effect on cell viability, with 90% viable cells remaining at the end of the 24
      hours treatment period. However, cells treated with 100ug/ml of Ag@BaTiO3
      resulted in a decrease to 51% viable cells. Comparatively, cells treated with 0,
      1.0 and 10ug/ml of BaTiO3 had no significant effect on cell viability (90% viable
      cells after treatment) while the 100ug/ml treatment resulted in a decrease to 29%
      viable cells. These results show that silver coating of BaTiO3 nanoparticles has
      a protective effect on cellular toxicity at high concentrations.

PMID- 25125929
TI  - SUPPORT FOR THE CONTINUATION OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN
      JIMMA ZONE, SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Female genital mutilation/cutting is a harmful practice which has
      effect on female's wellbeing. However, the practice has continued to prevail in
      many cultures. Research on the social determinants of the practice and its
      continuation are scarce. The objective of this study was to assess whether
      attitude towards the continuation of female genital mutilation is predicted by
      gender role perception among adolescents in Jimma zone. METHODS: This study used
      data collected in the first round of Jimma Longitudinal Family Survey of Youth. A
      total of 2084 adolescents were identified from 3700 households and one adolescent
      were interviewed from each household using structured questionnaire. Data on the
      socio-demographic characteristics, religiosity, access to electronic media,
      perception of gender role, attitude towards continuation of Female circumcision
      was collected. Descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques were used to
      analyze the data using SPSS for windows version 16.0. Statically tests were
      performed at the level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: Of the 2084 adolescents,
      1146 (55.0%) were aged 12-14 years, 1025 (49.2%) females and 749 (35.9%) from
      rural areas. The majority, 1289 (61.9%) were Muslims and 1351 (64.8%) Oromo. Five
      hundred seventy three (28.1%) of the male youth did not agree to the importance
      of marrying a circumcised girl. However, 149 (13.8%) and 258 (12.7%) agreed that
      it is very important and important, to marry a circumcised girl, respectively. On
      multivariate logistic regression analysis, perception of gender role, sex, place
      of residence, highest education in the household and religion remained to be
      important predictors of attitude towards the continuation of female genital
      mutilation after adjustment for age and ethnicity. Adolescents who had low gender
      role perception were 1.4 times more likely to have a positive attitude towards
      the continuation of the female genital mutilation (OR: 95%CI, 1.41: 1.02-1.94).
      Female adolescents were 36% less likely to support (P<0.01) the continuation of
      FGM compared to their male counter parts (OR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.49, 0.83). Compared
      to urban youth, those who live in semi urban and rural areas were 1.46 and 1.52
      times more likely to have a positive attitude towards the continuation of the FGM
      practice, respectively (P<0.05). Similarly the Probability of having positive
      attitude towards the continuation of the FGM practice decreased steadily as the
      highest educational level in the household increased. CONCLUSION: One-fifth of
      the youth support the continuation of the practice. Low gender roles perception,
      being from the rural areas, household's lower level of education and being Muslim
      were strong predictors of the attitude towards the continuation of female genital
      mutilation. Improving perception of adolescents towards gender roles through
      effective behavior change communication, and involving religious leaders in the
      campaign against the practice of female genital mutilation is recommended as a
      useful strategy to ban the practice.

PMID- 25125930
TI  - Substance Use as a Risk Factor for Intimate Partner Violence Overlap:
      Generational Differences Among Hispanic Young Adults.
AB  - Intimate partner violence (IPV) research often focuses on either the victims of
      IPV or the perpetrators of IPV. Recent studies have documented the existence of a
      group of victim-perpetrators, for example, they perpetrate IPV and are also the
      victims of IPV. The current study examines this overlap in IPV perpetration and
      victimization among a nationally representative, longitudinal sample of 1,488
      Hispanics with a focus on generational status. Results from group-based
      trajectory models and survey multinomial regression techniques suggest that
      alcohol and marijuana use over time are salient risk factors for IPV
      perpetration, IPV victimization, and IPV overlap. Study limitations and
      implications are discussed.

PMID- 25125931
TI  - Moral Violations Reduce Oral Consumption.
AB  - Consumers frequently encounter moral violations in everyday life. They watch
      movies and television shows about crime and deception, hear news reports of
      corporate fraud and tax evasion, and hear gossip about cheaters and thieves. How
      does exposure to moral violations influence consumption? Because moral violations
      arouse disgust and because disgust is an evolutionarily important signal of
      contamination that should provoke a multi-modal response, we hypothesize that
      moral violations affect a key behavioral response to disgust: reduced oral
      consumption. In three experiments, compared with those in control conditions,
      people drank less water and chocolate milk while (a) watching a film portraying
      the moral violations of incest, (b) writing about moral violations of cheating or
      theft, and (c) listening to a report about fraud and manipulation. These findings
      imply that "moral disgust" influences consumption in ways similar to core
      disgust, and thus provide evidence for the associations between moral violations,
      emotions, and consumer behavior.

PMID- 25125932
TI  - The influence of spinal manipulation on the practitioner-something to consider in
      our instruction of manual therapy?

PMID- 25125934
TI  - The relationship between various anatomical landmarks used for localizing the
      first rib during surface palpation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between anatomical landmarks used to
      locate the first rib during surface palpation. One currently cited technique
      suggests locating the width of the transverse processes (TPs) of the first
      cervical vertebrae (C1) to determine the estimated width of the first thoracic
      vertebrae (T1) TP, allowing for subsequent palpation of the first rib laterally
      to the transverse process of T1. Based on anatomical structural relationships,
      the authors propose an additional method of locating the first rib, lateral to T1
      TP, by palpating through the trapezius muscle at the width of the mastoid process
      (MP). METHODS: Overlying tissue of the bilateral MP, C1 TPs, and T1 TPs of 28
      cadavers were removed. Measurements of the left to right spans at the following
      structures were collected using a digital caliper: mastoid process, C1 TP, and T1
      TP. Measurements were used to determine the agreement between each anatomical
      structural span. RESULTS: The mean absolute difference (standard deviation, SD)
      between C1 TP span versus T1 TP span was 3.9 (+/-2.58) mm with an intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.88 (95% CI = 2.9-4.9). The mean absolute
      difference between MP span and T1 TP span was 35.4 (+/-6.46) mm with an ICC of
      0.71 (95% CI = 33.0-37.8). DISCUSSION: This study confirms the anatomical
      accuracy and feasibility of using the C1 TP span to determine the general width
      of the T1 TP span while palpating for the first rib just lateral to the T1 TP.
      Additionally, this study demonstrates that the more easily palpated mastoid
      process serves as an effective landmark to identify a width sufficiently lateral
      to the T1 TP, appropriate for first rib palpation through the trapezius muscle.

PMID- 25125933
TI  - The effectiveness of strain counterstrain in the treatment of patients with
      chronic ankle instability: A randomized clinical trial.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of
      strain counterstrain (SCS) on dynamic balance and subjective sense of instability
      in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Although many studies have
      been published on CAI, the cause for this common clinical dysfunction remains
      inconclusive. No studies have assessed the effectiveness of SCS on CAI. METHODS:
      At baseline all participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the star
      excursion balance test (SEBT), and the foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM).
      Following the baseline evaluation, participants were randomized into the SCS
      experimental group (EG) (n = 13) or the sham SCS group (SG) (n = 14). All
      participants received the assigned treatment once a week for 4 weeks and
      participated in a prescribed exercise program. At week 4, all participants
      repeated the outcome measures and completed a global rating of change (GROC)
      form. The primary aim was examined with a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
      RESULTS: A significant group-by-time interaction was found for seven directions
      in the SEBT (P<0.031). For subjective measures, no significant group-by-time
      interaction was found for the FAAM (P>0.548), but the GROC revealed a significant
      difference (P = 0.014) in the mean score for the EG (3.92+/-1.66) when compared
      to the SG (2.43+/-1.66). DISCUSSION: Although SCS may not have an effect on
      subjective ankle function in individuals with CAI, preliminary evidence suggests
      that SCS may lead to an improvement in dynamic ankle stability and the subjective
      sense of ankle instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, Level 1b.

PMID- 25125935
TI  - Adverse events following trigger point dry needling: a prospective survey of
      chartered physiotherapists.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Trigger point dry needling (TrP-DN) is commonly used to treat persons
      with myofascial pain, but no studies currently exist investigating its safety.
      The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of Adverse Events (AEs)
      associated with the use of TrP-DN by a sample of physiotherapists in Ireland.
      METHODS: A prospective survey was undertaken consisting of two forms recording
      mild and significant AEs. Physiotherapists who had completed TrP-DN training with
      the David G Simons Academy (DGSA) were eligible to take part in the study. Data
      were collected over a ten-month period. RESULTS: In the study, 39
      physiotherapists participated and 1463 (19.18%) mild AEs were reported in 7629
      treatments with TrP-DN. No significant AEs were reported giving an estimated
      upper risk rate for significant AEs of less than or equal to (<=) 0.04%. Common
      AEs included bruising (7.55%), bleeding (4.65%), pain during treatment (3.01%),
      and pain after treatment (2.19%). Uncommon AEs were aggravation of symptoms
      (0.88%), drowsiness (0.26%), headache (0.14%), and nausea (0.13%). Rare AEs were
      fatigue (0.04%), altered emotions (0.04%), shaking, itching, claustrophobia, and
      numbness, all 0.01%. DISCUSSION: While mild AEs were very commonly reported in
      this study of TrP-DN, no significant AEs occurred. For the physiotherapists
      surveyed, TrP-DN appeared to be a safe treatment.

PMID- 25125936
TI  - Thoracic manipulation versus mobilization in patients with mechanical neck pain:
      a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Thoracic manipulation is widely used in physical therapy and has been
      shown to be effective at addressing mechanical neck pain. However, thoracic
      mobilization may produce similar effects. The purpose of this systematic review
      was to evaluate the current literature regarding the effectiveness of thoracic
      manipulation versus mobilization in patients with mechanical neck pain. METHODS:
      ProQuest, NCBI-PubMed, APTA's Hooked on Evidence, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and
      SPORTDiscus were searched to identify relevant studies. Fourteen studies meeting
      the inclusion criteria were analyzed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database
      (PEDro) scale and the GRADE approach. RESULTS: The literature as assessed by the
      PEDro scale was fair and the GRADE method showed overall quality ranging from
      very low to moderate quality. The 14 included studies showed positive outcomes on
      cervical pain levels, range of motion, and/or disability with the use of thoracic
      manipulation or mobilization. There was a paucity of literature directly
      comparing thoracic manipulation and mobilization. DISCUSSION: Current limitations
      in the body of research, specifically regarding the use of thoracic mobilization,
      limit the recommendation of its use compared to thoracic manipulation for
      patients with mechanical neck pain. There is, however, a significant amount of
      evidence, although of varied quality, for the short-term benefits of thoracic
      manipulation in treating patients with this condition. Further high quality
      research is necessary to determine which technique is more effective in treating
      patients with mechanical neck pain.

PMID- 25125937
TI  - Accuracy of physical therapists' prognosis of low back pain from the clinical
      examination: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate, in patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain
      (LBP), the predictive validity of history items, demographic variables, outcome
      measure questionnaire scores, clinical examination items, and physical
      therapists' (PTs') summative estimation of prognosis on a four-point scale.
      Little is known about the ability of PTs to predict functional outcomes for
      patients with LBP. METHODS: This was a multi-centre prospective cohort study of
      138 patients with LBP. We used backward stepwise linear regression modelling to
      estimate the predictive validity of the baseline variables. The endpoint outcome
      measure was the 18-item Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RM18) at 1 year.
      RESULTS: Of 138 patients with LBP recruited, 89 (64%) completed follow-up at one
      year. Univariate analysis indicated that PTs' opinion of prognosis (P = 0.01) and
      eleven other baseline variables were significantly associated with RM18 at 12
      months. In the final multivariate model PTs' opinion of prognosis (P = 0.022;
      beta = 0.73, CI 0.55, 0.95), an abnormality detected by passive physiological
      flexion testing (P = 0.043, beta = 1.61, CI 1.02, 2.57), heavy work (P = 0.069,
      beta = 0.80, CI 0.62, 1.01), and age (P = 0.079, beta = 1.01 CI 0.99, 1.04) were
      independent prognostic factors for RM18 outcome, explaining 24% of the variance
      in the model. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal PTs' summative clinical impression
      regarding prognosis, following a clinical examination, provides a valid
      predictive estimation of functional outcome at 1 year in patients with chronic or
      recurrent LBP.

PMID- 25125938
TI  - Metastatic cancer mimicking mechanical low back pain: a case report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical
      course of a patient referred to physiotherapy (PT) for the treatment of low back
      pain who was subsequently diagnosed with metastatic non-small cell carcinoma of
      the lung. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 48-year old woman was referred to PT for the
      evaluation and treatment of an insidious onset of low back pain of 2 month
      duration. The patient did not have a history of cancer, recent weight changes, or
      general health concerns. The patient's history and physical examination were
      consistent with a mechanical neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction and no red flag
      findings were present that warranted immediate medical referral. INTERVENTION:
      Short-term symptomatic improvements were achieved using the treatment-based
      classification approach. However, despite five PT sessions over the course of 5
      weeks, the patient did not experience long-term symptomatic improvement. On the
      sixth session, the patient reported a 2-day history of left hand weakness and
      headaches. This prompted the physiotherapist to refer the patient to the
      emergency department where she was diagnosed with lung cancer. CONCLUSION:
      Differential diagnosis is a key component of PT practice. The ability to
      reproduce symptoms or achieve short-term symptomatic gains is not sufficient to
      rule out sinister pathology. This case demonstrates how extra caution should be
      taken in patients who are smokers with thoracolumbar region pain of unknown
      origin. The need for caution is magnified when one can achieve no more than short
      term improvements in the patient's symptoms.

PMID- 25125939
TI  - Clinical Correlates of Autosomal Chromosomal Abnormalities in an Electronic
      Medical Record-Linked Genome-Wide Association Study: A Case Series.
AB  - Although mosaic autosomal chromosomal abnormalities are being increasingly
      detected as part of high-density genotyping studies, the clinical correlates are
      unclear. From an electronic medical record (EMR)-based genome-wide association
      study (GWAS) of peripheral arterial disease, log-R-ratio and B-allele-frequency
      data were used to identify mosaic autosomal chromosomal abnormalities including
      copy number variation and loss of heterozygosity. The EMRs of patients with
      chromosomal abnormalities and those without chromosomal abnormalities were
      reviewed to compare clinical characteristics. Among 3336 study participants,
      0.75% (n = 25, mean age = 74.8 +/- 10.7 years, 64% men) had abnormal intensity
      plots indicative of autosomal chromosomal abnormalities. A hematologic malignancy
      was present in 8 patients (32%), of whom 4 also had a solid organ malignancy
      while 2 patients had a solid organ malignancy only. In 50 age- and sex-matched
      participants without chromosomal abnormalities, there was a lower rate of
      hematologic malignancies (2% vs 32%, P < .001) but not solid organ malignancies
      (20% vs 24%, P = .69). We also report the clinical characteristics of each
      patient with the observed chromosomal abnormalities. Interestingly, among 5
      patients with 20q deletions, 4 had a myeloproliferative disorder while all 3 men
      in this group had prostate cancer. In summary, in a GWAS of 3336 adults, 0.75%
      had autosomal chromosomal abnormalities and nearly a third of them had
      hematologic malignancies. A potential novel association between 20q deletions,
      myeloproliferative disorders, and prostate cancer was also noted.

PMID- 25125941
TI  - Cu(II) Catalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) by Tartaric Acid Under the Irradiation of
      Simulated Solar Light.
AB  - Cu(II) catalytic reduction of Cr(VI) by tartaric acid under the irradiation of
      simulated solar light was investigated through batch experiments at pHs from 3 to
      6 and at temperatures from 15 degrees C to 35 degrees C. Results demonstrated
      that introduction of Cu(II) could markedly improve reduction of Cr(VI) in
      comparison with tartaric acid alone. Optimal removal of Cr(VI) was achieved at pH
      4. Reduction of Cr(VI) increased with increasing temperatures and initial
      concentrations of Cu(II) and tartaric acid. The catalytic role of Cu(II) in the
      reduction of Cr(VI) was ascribed to the formation of Cu(II)-tartaric acid
      complex, which generated active reductive intermediates, including Cu(I) and
      tartaric acid radicals through a pathway of metal-ligand-electron transfer with
      light. Cu(II) photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) by tartaric acid followed pseudo
      zero-order kinetics with regard to Cr(VI), and the activation energy was
      calculated to be 21.48 kJ/mol. To date, such a role of Cu(II) has not been
      reported. The results from the present study are helpful in fully understanding
      the photochemical reductive behavior of Cr(VI) in the presence of both tartaric
      acid and Cu(II) in soil and aquatic environments.

PMID- 25125940
TI  - Social-Cognitive Moderators of the Relationship between Peer Victimization and
      Suicidal Ideation among Psychiatrically Hospitalized Adolescents.
AB  - Peer victimization among children and adolescents is a major public health
      concern, given its widespread individual and societal ramifications. Victims of
      peer aggression often face significant levels of psychological distress and
      social difficulties, such as depression, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and
      social rejection. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether
      cognitive distortions and perceptions of social support moderate the association
      between peer victimization and suicidal thoughts among psychiatrically
      hospitalized adolescents. Participants included 183 psychiatrically hospitalized
      adolescents (ages 13-18). In multiple regression analyses that controlled for
      gender, social and cognitive factors served as significant resources factors.
      Cognitive factors also moderated the relationship between peer victimization and
      suicidal ideation.

PMID- 25125942
TI  - A Multistep Chaotic Model for Municipal Solid Waste Generation Prediction.
AB  - In this study, a univariate local chaotic model is proposed to make one-step and
      multistep forecasts for daily municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in Seattle,
      Washington. For MSW generation prediction with long history data, this
      forecasting model was created based on a nonlinear dynamic method called phase
      space reconstruction. Compared with other nonlinear predictive models, such as
      artificial neural network (ANN) and partial least square-support vector machine
      (PLS-SVM), and a commonly used linear seasonal autoregressive integrated moving
      average (sARIMA) model, this method has demonstrated better prediction accuracy
      from 1-step ahead prediction to 14-step ahead prediction assessed by both mean
      absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE). Max error,
      MAPE, and RMSE show that chaotic models were more reliable than the other three
      models. As chaotic models do not involve random walk, their performance does not
      vary while ANN and PLS-SVM make different forecasts in each trial. Moreover, this
      chaotic model was less time consuming than ANN and PLS-SVM models.

PMID- 25125943
TI  - Greek financial crisis: consequences in the healthcare of diabetes and its
      complications.

PMID- 25125944
TI  - Functional hyposplenism.
AB  - Functional hyposplenism is a condition accompanying many diseases such as sickle
      cell disease, celiac disease, alcoholic liver disease, hepatic cirrhosis,
      lymphomas and autoimmune disorders. It is characterised mostly by defective
      immune responses against infectious agents, especially encapsulated organisms,
      since the spleen is thought to play an important role in the production and
      maturation of B-memory lymphocytes and other substances like opsonins, both of
      which are considered crucial elements of the immune system for fighting
      infections. It is also associated with thrombocytosis, which might lead to
      thromboembolic events. Functional hyposplenism is diagnosed by the presence of
      Howell-Jolly bodies and pitted erythrocytes in the peripheral blood smear, and by
      nuclear imaging modalities such as spleen scintigraphy with the use of Technetium
      99m and/or spleen scintigraphy with the use of heat-damaged Technetium-99m
      labeled erythrocytes. Severe infections accompanying functional hyposplenism can
      lead to the overwhelming post infection syndrome, which can often be fatal.
      Identifying patients with functional hyposplenism is important because simple
      measures such as vaccination against common infective microorganisms (e.g.
      Streptococcus pneumonia, Neisseria meningitides and Haemophilous influenzae) and
      antibiotic therapy when needed are considered beneficial in diminishing the
      frequency and gravity of the infections accompanying the syndrome. 

PMID- 25125945
TI  - Wall shear stress oscillation and its gradient in the normal left coronary artery
      tree bifurcations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is known that blood flow properties such as low/ oscillatory wall
      shear stress (WSS), high blood viscosity, low blood velocity and high
      concentration of low density lipoprotein (LDL) macromolecules, are some of the
      main flow parameters causing atherosclerosis. Limited research has been
      undertaken on the pulsatile WSS and WSS gradient (WSSG) analysis focusing in the
      differentiation between the bifurcation itself and the lateral to it walls in a
      normal left coronary artery (LCA). The results obtained show the flow
      characteristics and qualify the spatial and temporal distribution of WSS ant its
      gradient in regions close to the LCA tree flow dividers and in opposite to them
      areas. METHODS: A 3D computer generated model of the LCA tree based on averaged
      human data extracted from angiographies was developed for computational fluid
      dynamics analysis. Physiological phasic flow velocity is incorporated as entrance
      boundary condition. RESULTS: The instantaneous min wall shear stress oscillates
      from 0.45 to 2.84 N/m(2) at the flow divider and from 0.25 to 1.28 N/m(2) at the
      lateral walls of the main bifurcation. However, for the D1-S1 bifurcation (first
      diagonal-first septal), the instantaneous min wall shear stress oscillates from
      0.6 to 3.85 N/m(2) at the flow divider and from 0.6 to 2.65 N/m(2) at the lateral
      walls. Mean wall shear stress, from max systole to max diastole, experiences a
      129.0 % increase at the main bifurcation flow divider. The difference between max
      and min wall shear stress for the flow divider of the main bifurcation, as it is
      compared with the max wall shear stress over the entire cardiac pulse, attains a
      maximum value of 81.1 % for the lateral walls and 60.0 % at the peak of diastole.
      At the D1-S1 bifurcation, the corresponding difference values are 69.0% and 57.0
      % for the lateral walls and flow divider, respectively. The mean wall shear
      stress gradient experiences a 123.0 % increase from max systole to max diastole
      at the main bifurcation flow divider and 153.0 % at main bifurcation lateral
      walls. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal LCA bifurcation exhibit lower spatial wall shear
      stress and lower wall shear stress gradient values compared to distal
      bifurcations. The lateral walls compared to the bifurcation itself are exposed to
      low WSS and WSSG. With regards to the temporal variation, wall shear stress and
      its gradient exhibited lower values throughout systole as compared to diastole,
      suggesting a possible atherogenic effect of both the systolic phase by itself as
      well as the phasic oscillation of wall shear stress and its gradient from systole
      to diastole.

PMID- 25125946
TI  - N-acetylcycsteine attenuates the deleterious effects of radiation therapy on inci
      sional wound healing in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During preoperative radiotherapy, effective doses of ionizing
      radiation occasionally cause wound complications after subsequent surgery. This
      study was designed to determine the effects of intraperitoneally or orally
      administered N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on anastomotic healing of irradiated rats.
      MATERIAL & METHODS: Forty Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups
      containing 10 rats each. A 3 cm long surgical full-thickness midline laparotomy
      was performed to all groups (Groups 1-4). Group 1 was designed as a control group
      without radiation therapy and NAC treatment. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received a single
      abdominal dose of 10 Gy irradiation before laparotomy and groups 3 and 4 received
      oral and intraperitoneal NAC, respectively. RESULTS: Group comparisons
      demonstrated that breaking strength was significantly higher in NAC treated rats.
      A statistically significant difference was determined in terms of superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), malondealdehyde (MDA) and glutation (GSH) values between groups
      (p<0.001). Nevertheless, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels were
      found to be similar between groups (p=0.163). Serum GSH and SOD levels were
      significantly higher in groups 3 and 4 when compared to group 2 (p < 0.05).
      Similarly, there was a significant increase in serum MDA concentration,
      predicting lipid peroxidation, in group 2 when compared to groups 1, 3 and 4 (p <
      0.05). There was not a significant difference between Groups 3 and 4 regarding
      GSH, MDA, SOD, and AOPP levels. Histopathological analysis revealed that NAC
      administration, either orally or intraperitoneally, leads to a better incisional
      healing in terms of inflammation, granulation, collagen deposition,
      reepithelization and neovascularization. CONCLUSION: The present study supports
      the hypothesis that NAC administration alleviates the negative effects of
      radiotherapy on incisional wound healing by means of reducing oxidative stress
      markers and improving histologic parameters independent of the route of
      administration.

PMID- 25125947
TI  - Prevalence and molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus in a tertiary Greek hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major
      cause of health- and community-associated infections; its prevalence in Greece is
      among the highest in Europe. We investigated the prevalence and molecular
      epidemiology of MRSA in a tertiary Greek hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Spa
      typing and random polymorphic DNA analysis were used to investigate the molecular
      epidemiology of 28 MRSA isolates during May 2010 to May 2011 in a tertiary
      hospital in Northern Greece. RESULTS: Nine spa types were detected; t003 was the
      predominant (32.1%) one, detected in various wards and throughout the study
      period, while t037 was recovered only from intensive care unit patients, and only
      in April 2011, suggestive of an epidemic. Additional rare types were detected for
      the first time in Greece. CONCLUSIONS: Spa typing and random polymorphic DNA
      analysis gave an insight into the epidemiology of MRSA in a Northern Greece
      hospital. Concerning the distribution in the hospital, the predominant spa type
      t003 was present in various wards, and was constantly detected throughout the
      study period, very suggestive of an epidemic, while other types were detected
      only in specific wards. Our data underline the need for surveillance, typing and
      constant reassessment of existing strategies to control MRSA.

PMID- 25125948
TI  - Comparison of analgesic efficiency between wound site infiltration and ultra
      sound-guided transversus abdominis plane block after cesarean delivery under
      spinal anaesthesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: [corrected] Local anesthetic infiltration applied on the wound site
      or abdominal wall may be used for relieving postoperative pain after delivery by
      caesarean section. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic efficiency
      of ultrasound (USG)-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with local
      anesthetic infiltration on a wound site. METHODS: This study was designed as a
      prospective randomized trial, and consisted of 70 pregnant women of American
      Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I-II. Patients were randomized into
      Group I (wound site infiltration, n=35) and Group T (TAP block, n=35). Spinal
      anaesthesia was administered to all patients. In Group I, wound site infiltration
      was applied by the surgical team. In Group T, a USG-guided bilateral TAP block
      was applied. Patients' numeric pain scale (NPS) levels at 2, 6, 12 and 24(th)
      hours, after the operation (NPS0) and during mobilization were assessed.
      Postoperative complications, time to first analgesic request and patient
      satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: The NPS0 values of Group T were found to
      higher and time to first analgesic request longer than those of Group I. The NPS
      values of Group I at 2, 6, 12, and 24(th) hours were found to be statistically
      significantly higher than those of Group T. CONCLUSIONS: According to our
      results, USG-guided TAP block might be superior to infiltration anaesthesia for
      postoperative pain management of patients who have had caesarean section and it
      provided longer-lasting and more efficient analgesia.

PMID- 25125949
TI  - Ultrastructural aspects of the effects of L-carnitine administration on
      epithelial cells in the aging rat tongue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The investigators hypothesized that degenerative changes accumulate
      in epithelial cells in the aging rat tongue and that carnitine administration is
      effective at reversing these alterations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To gain insights
      into the effects of carnitine on epithelial cells of the tongue, the
      investigators used 15 Wistar rats [3 experimental groups: 5- (A), 12- (B) and 18-
      (C) month old rats] with 4 rats per group and 1 control group with 1 rat per age
      group). L-carnitine was administered intraperitoneally to animals of the
      experimental group for 35 days. Samples of the tongue were processed for electron
      microscopy. RESULTS: Degeneration of epithelial cells of the rat tongue was shown
      to begin early in life (5 months) and alterations were shown to accumulate while
      aging. L-carnitine administration eliminated degenerative changes when
      administered in the first age group A, while in the older rats the regeneration
      was only partial for the epithelium (groups B and C). CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      this study suggest that profound ultrastructural alterations commence in the
      degenerating rat tongue and that L-carnitine administration results into partial
      regeneration of epithelial cells.

PMID- 25125950
TI  - Effect of exhaust emissions on carbon monoxide levels in employees working at
      indoor car wash facilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exhaust emissions from motor vehicles threaten the environment and
      human health. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, especially the use of exhaust gas
      CO in suicidal attempts is well known in the literature. Recently, indoor car
      wash facilities established in large shopping malls with closed parking, lots is
      a new risk area that exposes car wash employees to prolonged periods of high
      level CO emissions from cars. The aim of this study was to investigate how
      carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) blood levels of employees get affected in confined areas
      with relatively poor air circulation. METHODS: Twenty male volunteers working in
      indoor parking car wash facilities were included in the study. Participants were
      informed about the aim of this study and their consent was obtained. Their pulse
      COHb levels were measured twice, at the beginning and at the end of the working
      day using Rad-57 pulse CO-oximeter device, allowing non-invasive measurement of
      COHb blood levels to compare the changes in their COHb levels before and after
      work. RESULTS: The mean age of the male volunteers was 29.8 +/- 11.9 (range 18
      55). While the mean COHb levels measured at the start of the working day was 2.1
      +/- 2.0 (range 0-9), it was increased to 5.2 +/- 3.3 (range 1-15) at the end of
      work shift (Wilcoxon test, p <0.001). There was a statistically significant
      difference in COHb levels between the beginning and the end of the work shift in
      smoker subjects, while the difference was not significant in the non-smoking
      group (Wilcoxon test, p=0.001, p=0.102, respectively). CONCLUSION: The COHb blood
      levels of indoor car wash facility employees is directly impacted and gets
      elevated by motor vechile exhaust emissions. For the health of the employees at
      indoor parking car wash facilities, stricter precautions are needed and the
      government should not give permit to such operations.

PMID- 25125951
TI  - Complications of automated spring fired biopsy gun technique. A retrospective
      analysis of 230 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal biopsy (RB) is a procedure which allows obtaining kidney tissue
      for a morphological diagnosis. As an invasive procedure, RB could lead to some
      complications. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and the severity
      of various complications of renal biopsy(RB) performed by automated spring fired
      biopsy gun with needles 16 and 18G. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total number of 230
      RB obtained from patients over 18 years of age, within the period from January
      2009 to July 2013, were analyzed retrospectively. All RB were performed by a
      standartized technique using an automated spring fired biopsy gun, with 16, and
      18 G disposable needle. The average age of the patients was 45.5 +/- 22.3 years,
      119 male and 111 female. As many as 170 biopsies were performed with 16 G needle
      and 60 with 18G. The assessment of the early post-biopsy complications was done
      by renal ultrasound (US). RESULTS: Of all RB, 92.7% were successfully performed.
      In 60% of the failed RB 18 G needle was used. No post-biopsy complications were
      noted in 93.4%. Hematomas were observed in 15 out of 230 cases (6.6%). Of those,
      80% were assessed as minor hematomas (12/15) with an average size of 20.4mm +/-
      11mm and they appeared to be asymptomatic.While 8 cases (66%) of all 12 minor
      hematomas were obtained by two passes (66%), only 4 cases (34%) of hematoma were
      observed after one pass <0.01. The cases of hematomas obtained with 16 G needle
      were significantly higher than those in the group with 18G (8 to 4, p<0,05).
      However, when the number of hematomas in both groups referred to the number of
      all biopsies in the corresponding group, no significant difference of this
      complication was observed, p > 0.05. The incidence of major complications was
      1.3%. CONCLUSION: The optimal period for US examination of the kidneys for early
      diagnosis of complications is up to 24 hours after RB. The experience of the
      physician performing the procedure is of great importance for reducing the risk
      of complications as well as the RB technique used. An automated spring fired
      biopsy gun with needle 16G is recommended.

PMID- 25125952
TI  - Postoperative analgesic effect of epidural neostigmine following caesarean
      section.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effects of postoperative
      epidural administration of neostigmine and morphine in patients scheduled for
      caesarean section under epidural anaesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty ASA I
      II patients, scheduled for caesarean section under epidural anaesthesia, were
      randomly allocated into three groups. Neostigmine (10 MUg/kg), morphine (3 mg),
      and saline (6 mL) were administered to the neostigmine, morphine, and control
      groups, respectively, 30 minutes after the surgery via the epidural catheter.
      Afterwards, postoperative pain treatment was administered to all patients with a
      patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) device, using 0.125% bupivacaine.
      The patients were followed up for 24 hours. The total volume of local
      anaesthetics used, the time to first analgesic requirement, analgesic
      requirements, VAS scores, analgesia quality, first passage of bowel gas,
      ambulation times, haemodynamic parameters and side effects were evaluated.
      RESULTS: The time to first analgesic requirement was significantly longer in the
      morphine group than in the neostigmine and control groups (p<0.01), and in the
      neostigmine group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The total local
      anaesthetic consumption and the number of bolus injections were significantly
      higher in the control group than in the other groups (p<0.01). The first passage
      of bowel gas occurred significantly sooner in the neostigmine group than in the
      morphine (p<0.01) and the control (p<0.05) groups. Itching frequency was
      significantly higher in the morphine group than in the other two groups (p<0.05).
      VAS scores were similar in the morphine and neostigmine groups. CONCLUSION:
      Postoperative single-dose epidural neostigmine reduced the 24-hour analgesic
      requirements but in the chosen doses presented an analgesic effect significantly
      lower than morphine. Hippokratia 2014; 18 (1): 44-48.

PMID- 25125953
TI  - Effects of methylene blue in acute lung injury induced by blunt chest trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We studied whether methylene blue (MB) treatment blunts chest trauma
      induced lung injury in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley
      rats, 200-300g, were used. The rats were divided into five groups (n=8): control,
      early contusion (EC), early contusion + methylene blue (2 mg/kg, EC+MB), late
      contusion (LC), and late contusion + methylene blue (2 mg/kg, LC+MB). RESULTS:
      Histopathological analysis showed increased hemorrhage, alveolar wall thickness,
      edema, and inflammatory cell infiltrates in the EC and LC rats, which decreased
      upon MB treatment. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that MB reduced
      activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the number of active
      terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive
      cells. A significant increase was observed in the malondialdehyde (MDA) and
      nitric oxide (NO) levels in the EC group compared to the control group (p<0.05).
      In addition, a significant decrease was reported in the glutathione (GSH),
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels (p<0.01), but
      no significant difference was observed in the catalase (CAT) levels among the
      groups. The MDA level was significantly higher in the LC group compared to the
      control group, whereas the GSH level was significantly lower compared to the
      control group. The NO level in the EC+MB group was significantly lower when
      compared to the NO level in the EC group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study
      provides evidence that MB might serve as a therapeutic treatment for blunt chest
      trauma.

PMID- 25125955
TI  - Cricotracheal separation with multiple cricoid fractures after blunt neck injury:
      a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Cricotracheal separation is a rare injury with fatal results in
      most cases. Clear guidelines are not available and several dilemmas are to be
      faced during patient management in such cases. DESCRIPTION OF CASE: We present a
      case of cricotracheal separation with multiple cricoid fractures in a 16-year-old
      male with blunt neck trauma. CONCLUSION: Early recognition based on an index of
      clinical suspicion is necessary in order to establish this rare diagnosis.
      Intervention should preserve the laryngeal function as much as possible.

PMID- 25125954
TI  - Genotype 4 HCV infection is difficult to cure with pegylated interferon and
      ribavirin. Results from a Greek Nationwide Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with genotype 4 (G4) chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are
      considered a difficult to treat population, although current data on G4 treatment
      responsiveness and duration are controversial. Greece represents a country with
      an intermediate prevalence of G4 infections, offering an opportunity to compare
      treatment outcomes by genotype and to identify potential prognostic factors for
      sustained virologic response (SVR). METHODS: All CHC patients from the
      HepNet.Greece, an ongoing nationwide cohort study on viral hepatitis, with known
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype who received treatment with Peg-IFNa and
      ribavirin were analyzed. RESULTS: From 4443 patients, 951 (61.7% males, 78.4%
      Greeks, median age 40.6 years, 10% cirrhosis) fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
      G4 was found in 125 (13.1%) patients. Genotype distribution was not significantly
      different between Greeks and immigrants. Patients with G4 had similar odds of SVR
      compared to G1 but significantly lower compared to G2/G3. Age, treatment
      discontinuation, presence of cirrhosis and previous history of HCV-treatment were
      associated with lower probabilities of SVR. Ethnicity did not affect SVR for all
      genotypes while response to treatment was similar between Greek and Egyptian
      patients groups (35.7% vs 40.9%, p=0.660%) with G4 infection. The relation
      between SVR and genotype did not substantially change after adjustment for age,
      gender, cirrhosis, treatment interruption and history of HCV-treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this large cohort of CHC patients with a well
      balanced genotype distribution further supports the idea of considering G4 as a
      difficult to treat genotype. Further investigation is needed to identify genotype
      specific prognostic factors.

PMID- 25125956
TI  - Systemic thrombolysis with the use of tenecteplase for segmental acute renal in
      farction potentially associated with multiple thrombophilic gene polymorphisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The potential association of acute renal infarction with multiple
      thrombophilic gene polymorphisms and the experience of treatment with
      tenecteplase are described for the first time in the international literature.
      DESCRIPTION OF THE CASE: The case of a 50-year old male with segmental acute
      renal infarction potentially associated with multiple thrombophilic gene
      polymorphisms is presented. He was thrombolysed with a single intravenous bolus
      of tenecteplase in a weight-adjusted dose (0.53mg/Kg bodyweight). Within 30
      minutes after drug administration, the patient's symptoms were completely
      relieved. Patient's clinical course was uneventful with an acceptable renal
      function outcome eight weeks post-treatment. The following gene polymorphisms
      were identified: G455A (b-fibrinogen); C677T; A1298C (methylenetetrahydropholate
      reductase); T196C (platelet glycoprotein IIIa); 4G/5G (plasminogen activator
      inhibitor-1). CONCLUSION: Tenecteplase is a safe and simple to use thrombolytic,
      with favourable pharmacokinetic profile, which might be useful if administered
      early, especially when local thrombolysis is impossible or unavailable and
      therefore warrants further investigation in clinical trials. Hippokratia 2014; 18
      (1): 67-70.

PMID- 25125957
TI  - A survival case of severe liver failure caused by acetylsalicylic acid that was
      treated with living donor liver transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe liver dysfunction caused by acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is
      quite rare. The purpose is to describe a patient with severe liver dysfunction
      due to excessive intake of ASA in a suicide attempt, who was successfully treated
      with living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). DESCRIPTION OF CASE: We report a
      20-year-old woman who took 66 g of ASA in a suicide attempt. She was admitted to
      our hospital and received forced alkaline diuresis. However, her liver and renal
      functions worsened after admission. On the 6th day after intake of ASA, she was
      transferred to the intensive care unit, and plasma exchange (PE) and continuous
      hemodiafiltration were performed. Since her liver function did not recover
      despite repeated PE, she was transferred to another hospital for LDLT on the 8th
      day. She underwent LDLT with a portion of the liver donated from her mother on
      the 11(th) day. After the operation, her renal dysfunction continued. Her renal
      parameters gradually improved, and she was discharged on the 44th post-operative
      day without renal dysfunction. CONCLUSION: PE is effective in removing ASA from
      blood. Liver transplantation is the only effective treatment if liver function
      does not recover in spite of repeated PE.

PMID- 25125958
TI  - Complicated acute appendicitis within a right inguinal hernia sac (Amyand's
      hernia): report of a case.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The term Amyand's hernia refers to a rare clinical situation
      characterized by the presence of a normal or inflammed appendix within the sac of
      an inguinal hernia. The situation may be asymptomatic or may present as an
      incarcerated hernia in case of strangulation or acute appendicitis occurring
      inside the hernia sac. DESCRIPTION OF THE CASE: We present the case of a right
      Amyand's hernia on a 88-years-old male that presented to our emergency department
      with a severely tender and swollen inguinal mass that was diagnosed as a
      strangulated inguinal hernia - inguinal abcess and underwent emergency operation.
      The intraoperative findings included a severely inflamed and perforated appendix
      along with healthy part of the caecum inside the sac. Appendectomy with
      subsequent primary hernia repair without mesh was performed with excellent
      outcome. CONCLUSION: Because of the fact that most of such rare cases are managed
      by urgent surgery with no preoperative diagnosis, every surgeon should be
      prepared for the possibility of coping with such an unexpected situation.

PMID- 25125959
TI  - A case of surgical instrument left in the abdomen and taken out of the transverse
      colon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Foreign bodies cause an aseptic reaction that does not have specific
      symptoms and may also result in peritonitis, acute abdominal pain, an
      intraperitoneal abscess, or intestinal obstruction or perforation. We present a
      case of a surgical instrument left in the abdomen that passed into the transverse
      colon via migration after a surgery. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 36-year-old female
      patient was operated upon, with a diagnosis of a hydatid cyst in her liver.
      Approximately 3 years after the surgery, she excreted part of a surgical forceps
      with her stool while she was defecating. In upright direct abdominal radiography,
      a surgical instrument was observed in the abdomen. The patient was operated to
      remove the foreign body from the abdomen. The surgical instrument that was taken
      out had corroded and turned black. It was observed that the material that had
      dropped out of the anus and the material that was taken out during the operation
      were parts of the same surgical instrument. The ascending colon and the abdomen
      were stitched anatomically. Follow-ups were conducted after the operation, and
      the patient was discharged with recovery. CONCLUSIONS: It should be noted that a
      surgical instrument may be left inside the body of patients who have a history of
      surgery and that it can migrate.

PMID- 25125960
TI  - A case report of retroperitoneal extrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma presented
      with elevated level of Alpha fetoprotein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High level of alpha-fetoprotein is usually associated with testis
      cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma a primary tumor of the liver. CASE: We report
      the case of a 72-year-old male patient with chronic renal failure who presented
      with a high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level and a retroperitoneal mass, which was
      subsequently diagnosed to be an extrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma.
      CONCLUSION: A retroperitoneal mass with elevated AFP level and no detected liver
      lesions is not always caused by a testicular cancer.

PMID- 25125961
TI  - Unusual histological patterns and hyaline ring granulomas in a unicystic
      ameloblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) is a distinct variant of ameloblastoma
      displaying a large cystic cavity lining by ameloblastomatous epithelium and can
      present a wide variety of histologic patterns. CASE REPORT: We herein reported an
      unusual UA occurring in the mandible of a 23-year-old male patient who exhibited
      luminal, intraluminal and mural patterns, as well as acanthomatous, basal cells
      and granular cell variants. In addition, hyaline ring granulomas, an
      extraordinary finding in ameloblastoma, were found. The nature of several
      microscopic variants in this tumor and the possible significance of their
      presence have also been discussed. CONCLUSIONS: We believe this to be the first
      case reported in which a UA displayed multiplicity of histopathological patterns
      in a single lesion.

PMID- 25125962
TI  - De Quervain thyroiditis in the course of H1N1 influenza infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Viral infections have been frequently associated with subacute
      (De Quervain) thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroid diseases. In the present case
      report we document a rare case of De Quervain thyroiditis in the course of H1N1
      influenza infection. DESCRIPTION OF THE CASE: A 17-year-old previously healthy
      female that was treated in the General Hospital of Kalamata developed an
      influenza-like syndrome that was accompanied by palpitations, thyroid
      enlargement, and increased C-reactive protein. Polymerase chain reaction assay
      confirmed the diagnosis of H1N1 virus infection. Serum thyroid-stimulating
      hormone was suppressed to zero while the levels of free thyroxine and
      triiodothyronine were increased. The patient was treated with non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs and thyroid function was gradually restored without evolving
      to a hypothyroid phase. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge this is the second case
      described in the literature of De Quervain thyroiditis associated with H1N1
      influenza infection.

PMID- 25125963
TI  - Cystic lymphangioma of the inguinal and scrotal regions in childhood - report of
      three cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: [corrected] Cystic lymphangiomas are congenital lymphatic
      malformations that most commonly develop in the neck, axilla, mediastinum and
      retroperitoneum. Inguinal and scrotal lymphangiomas are extremely rare. CASES
      REPORT: We present the cases of three children with cystic lymphangiomas that
      were treated in our department during a two year period. The patients were all
      boys, aged 3.5, 9 and 13 years, and the location of the cystic lymphangioma was
      the scrotum, the inguinal region and the epididymis respectively. Clinical
      examination and ultrasonography described the lesions as cystic. Surgical
      excision of the lesions with a testis-sparing approach was performed in all three
      cases and histopathology set the diagnosis of cystic lymphangiomas. Complementary
      imaging of the regions adjacent to the excised lesions, excluded any extension or
      co-existing lesions. Post-operative period was uneventful and during a follow-up
      period of six months all patients were well with no signs of recurrence.
      CONCLUSIONS: Scrotal and inguinal cystic lymphangiomas are treated with surgical
      excision with care to preserve the intra-scrotal structures and the structures of
      the inguinal canal. Complete excision is necessary to prevent recurrence.
      Complementary imaging of the adjacent regions is necessary to identify any
      possible extension or co-existing lesions.

PMID- 25125964
TI  - Purple Urine Bag Syndrome: a case report of an alarming phenomenon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Purple urine bag syndrome is an uncommon phenomenon where the plastic
      urinary catheter bag and tubing turn purple. It occurs in some elderly
      constipated chronic urinary catheterization patients. The phenomenon is
      attributed to the presence of metabolites of tryptophan in the presence of
      urinary tract infection.This urine discoloration may lead to misdiagnosis and
      also cause great concern to patients and their relatives. CASE REPORT: We present
      the clinical case of a 83-year-old female patient with dementia and
      hypothyroidism, chronically catheterized, who presented with purple-color urine
      initially misdiagnosed as having haematuria.

PMID- 25125965
TI  - Alpha heavy chain disease: a rare lymphoma hard to diagnose.

PMID- 25125966
TI  - Osteosarcoma in an adolescent previously treated for Hodgkin's Disease.

PMID- 25125967
TI  - An In-depth Analysis of a Multilocus Phylogeny Identifies leuS As a Reliable
      Phylogenetic Marker for the Genus Pantoea.
AB  - Partial sequences of six core genes (fusA, gyrB, leuS, pyrG, rlpB, and rpoB) of
      37 strains of Pantoea species were analyzed in order to obtain a comprehensive
      view regarding the phylogenetic relationships within the Pantoea genus and
      compare tree topologies to identify gene(s) for reliable species and subspecies
      differentiation. All genes used in this study were effective at species-level
      delineation, but the internal nodes represented conflicting common ancestors in
      fusA- and pyrG-based phylogenies. Concatenated gene phylogeny gave the expected
      DNA relatedness, underscoring the significance of a multilocus sequence analysis.
      Pairwise comparison of topological distances and percent similarities indicated a
      significant differential influence of individual genes on the concatenated tree
      topology. leuS- and fusA-inferred phylogenies exhibited, respectively, the lowest
      (4) and highest (52) topological distances to the concatenated tree. These
      correlated well with high (96.3%) and low (64.4%) percent similarities of leuS-
      and fusA-inferred tree topologies to the concatenated tree, respectively. We
      conclude that the concatenated tree topology is strongly influenced by the gene
      with the highest number of polymorphic and non-synonymous sites in the absence of
      significant recombination events. 

PMID- 25125968
TI  - iteRates: An R Package for Implementing a Parametric Rate Comparison on
      Phylogenetic Trees.
AB  - Patterns of diversification rate variation detected in phylogenetic hypotheses
      are frequently used to infer historical, ecological, and evolutionary processes.
      The parametric rate comparison (PRC) is a method for detecting rate variation in
      trees that models branch lengths as random variables drawn from familiar
      statistical distributions. iteRates is a library of functions for the R
      statistical computing environment for implementing PRC on phylogenetic trees.
      Here, we describe some of the functions in iteRates for subtree identification,
      tree manipulation, applying the PRC and K-clades PRC analyses, and conducting a
      whole-tree randomization test. 

PMID- 25125969
TI  - Integrative Pathway Analysis Using Graph-Based Learning with Applications to TCGA
      Colon and Ovarian Data.
AB  - Recent method development has included multi-dimensional genomic data algorithms
      because such methods have more accurately predicted clinical phenotypes related
      to disease. This study is the first to conduct an integrative genomic pathway
      based analysis with a graph-based learning algorithm. The methodology of this
      analysis, graph-based semi-supervised learning, detects pathways that improve
      prediction of a dichotomous variable, which in this study is cancer stage. This
      analysis integrates genome-level gene expression, methylation, and single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data in serous cystadenocarcinoma (OV) and colon
      adenocarcinoma (COAD). The top 10 ranked predictive pathways in COAD and OV were
      biologically relevant to their respective cancer stages and significantly
      enhanced prediction accuracy and area under the ROC curve (AUC) when compared to
      single data-type analyses. This method is an effective way to simultaneously
      predict binary clinical phenotypes and discover their biological mechanisms. 

PMID- 25125970
TI  - Hydroxyproline, a serum biomarker candidate for gastric ulcer in rats: a
      comparison study of metabolic analysis of gastric ulcer models induced by
      ethanol, stress, and aspirin.
AB  - Gastrointestinal symptoms are a common manifestation of adverse drug effects. Non
      steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed drugs that induce
      the serious side effect of gastric mucosal ulceration. Biomarkers for these side
      effects have not been identified and ulcers are now only detectable by endoscopy.
      We previously identified five metabolites as biomarker candidates for NSAID
      induced gastric ulcer using capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS)
      based metabolomic analysis of serum and stomach from rats. Here, to clarify
      mechanism of changes and limitations of indications of biomarker candidates, we
      performed CE-MS-based metabolomic profiling in stomach and serum from rats with
      gastric ulcers induced by ethanol, stress, and aspirin. The results suggest that
      a decrease in hydroxyproline reflects the induction of gastric injury and may be
      useful in identifying gastric ulcer induced by multiple causes. While
      extrapolation to humans requires further study, hydroxyproline can be a new serum
      biomarker of gastric injury regardless of cause. 

PMID- 25125971
TI  - Molecular and Kinetic Characterization of Babesia microti Gray Strain Lactate
      Dehydrogenase as a Potential Drug Target.
AB  - Babesia microti is an emerging zoonotic protozoan organism that causes "malaria
      like" symptoms that can be fatal in immunocompromised people. Owing to lack of
      specific therapeutic regiment against the disease, we cloned and characterized B.
      microti lactate dehydrogenase (BmLDH) as a potential molecular drug receptor. The
      in vitro kinetic properties of BmLDH enzyme was evaluated using nicotinamide
      adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) as a co-factor and lactate as a substrate.
      Inhibitory assay was also done using gossypol as BmLDH inhibitor to determine the
      inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50). The result showed that the 0.99 kbp BmLDH
      gene codes for a barely soluble 36 kDa protein (332 amino acids) localized in
      both the cytoplasm and nucleus of the parasite. In vitro enzyme kinetic studies
      further revealed that BmLDH is an active enzyme with a high catalytic efficiency
      at optimal pH of 10.2. The K m values of NAD(+) and lactate were 8.7 +/- 0.57 mM
      and 99.9 +/- 22.33 mM, respectively. The IC50 value for gossypol was 0.345 MUM,
      while at 2.5 MUM, gossypol caused 100% inhibition of BmLDH catalytic activity.
      These findings, therefore, provide initial evidence that BmLDH could be a
      potential drug target, although further in vivo studies are needed to validate
      the practical application of lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors against B. microti
      infection. 

PMID- 25125972
TI  - Memory Decline in Peri- and Post-menopausal Women: The Potential of Mind-Body
      Medicine to Improve Cognitive Performance.
AB  - Cognitive decline is a frequent complaint during the menopause transition and
      among post-menopausal women. Changes in memory correspond with diminished
      estrogen production. Further, many peri- and post-menopausal women report sleep
      concerns, depression, and hot flashes, and these factors may contribute to
      cognitive decline. Hormone therapy can increase estrogen but is contraindicated
      for many women. Mind-body medicine has been shown to have beneficial effects on
      sleep, mood, and hot flashes, among post-menopausal women. Further, mind-body
      medicine holds potential in addressing symptoms of cognitive decline post
      menopause. This study proposes an initial framework for how mind-body
      interventions may improve cognitive performance and inform future research
      seeking to identify the common and specific factors associated with mind-body
      medicine for addressing memory decline in peri- and post-menopausal women. It is
      our hope that this article will eventually lead to a more holistic and
      integrative approach to the treatment of cognitive deficits in peri- and post
      menopausal women. 

PMID- 25125973
TI  - Subcutaneously administered methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, by prefilled
      syringes versus prefilled pens: patient preference and comparison of the self
      injection experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: This multicenter, randomized, crossover study compared preference, ease
      of use, acceptability, satisfaction, and safety of repeated subcutaneous (SC)
      self-administrations with prefilled pens and prefilled syringes delivering
      methotrexate (MTX), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: The study (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01793259) enrolled 120 patients
      requiring initiation or intensification of MTX therapy for RA. Patients were
      randomized to receive the test drug, a prefilled pen (Metex((r))
      PEN/Metoject((r)) PEN), or the reference drug, a prefilled syringe
      (Metex((r))/Metoject((r))), at doses of 15, 17.5, or 20 mg MTX SC once a week for
      3 weeks. This was followed by receipt of the reference drug (prefilled syringe)
      or the test drug (prefilled pen) in a crossover design, with each patient serving
      as his/her own control. Questionnaires regarding patient preference, the Self
      Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ), and diaries regarding local
      tolerability were used to document outcomes. RESULTS: Overall patient preference
      for the MTX prefilled pen was 75% (P<0.0001). In a six-item questionnaire, 73% to
      76% of the patients preferred the prefilled pen in relation to use,
      acceptability, and satisfaction, and 67% of the patients confirmed that it did
      not take much effort to overcome SC self-injection with the pen. The SIAQ showed
      no clinical differences, in any domain scores, between both devices. Overall
      patient attitude towards self-injection at baseline was positive, as was patient
      experience with both devices during the study. As well, 92% of physicians and
      study nurses indicated that they would recommend the MTX prefilled pen to
      patients for future MTX treatment. The formulations were generally well
      tolerated. CONCLUSION: SC self-injection of MTX with a prefilled pen was
      generally preferred, by patients with RA, over a prefilled syringe with regard to
      use, acceptability, and satisfaction. This is supported by the strong
      appreciation of their attending study nurses and physicians, for its convenience.

PMID- 25125975
TI  - Serum cytokine profiling and enrichment analysis reveal the involvement of
      immunological and inflammatory pathways in stable patients with chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health problem. It
      results from chronic inflammation and causes irreversible airway damage. Levels
      of different serum cytokines could be surrogate biomarkers for inflammation and
      lung function in COPD. We aimed to determine the serum levels of different
      biomarkers in COPD patients, the association between cytokine levels and various
      prognostic parameters, and the key pathways/networks involved in stable COPD. In
      this study, serum levels of 48 cytokines were examined by multiplex assays in 30
      subjects (control, n=9; COPD, n=21). Relationships between serum biomarkers and
      forced expiratory volume in 1 second, peak oxygen uptake, body mass index,
      dyspnea score, and smoking were assessed. Enrichment pathways and network
      analyses were implemented, using a list of cytokines showing differential
      expression between healthy controls and patients with COPD by Cytoscape and
      GeneGo MetacoreTM software (Thomson-Reuters Corporation, New York, NY, USA).
      Concentrations of cutaneous T-cell attracting chemokine, eotaxin, hepatocyte
      growth factor, interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-16, and stem cell factor are
      significantly higher in COPD patients compared with in control patients. Notably,
      this study identifies stem cell factor as a biomarker for COPD. Multiple
      regression analysis predicts that cutaneous T-cell-attracting chemokine, eotaxin,
      IL-6, and stem cell factor are inversely associated with forced expiratory volume
      in 1 second and peak oxygen uptake change, whereas smoking is related to eotaxin
      and hepatocyte growth factor changes. Enrichment pathways and network analyses
      reveal the potential involvement of specific inflammatory and immune process
      pathways in COPD. Identified network interaction and regulation of different
      cytokines would pave the way for deeper insight into mechanisms of the disease
      process. 

PMID- 25125974
TI  - Influence of diet and obesity on COPD development and outcomes.
AB  - The global increase in the prevalence and incidence of obesity has called serious
      attention to this issue as a major public health concern. Obesity is associated
      with many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and
      recently the role of overweight and obesity in lung disease has received new
      interest. Independently of obesity, diet also plays a role as a risk factor for
      many chronic diseases, and evidence is accumulating to support a role for diet in
      the prevention and management of several lung diseases. Chronic obstructive lung
      disease is the third-leading cause of death globally, and both obesity and diet
      appear to play roles in its pathophysiology. Obesity has been associated with
      decreased lung-function measures in population-based studies, with increased
      prevalence of several lung diseases and with compromised pulmonary function. In
      contrast, obesity has a protective effect against mortality in severe chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nutrient intake and dietary patterns have
      also been associated with lung-function measures and the development and
      progression of COPD. Taken together, this suggests that a focus on obesity and
      diet should be part of public health campaigns to reduce the burden of lung
      disease, and could have important implications for clinicians in the management
      of their patients. Future research should also focus on elucidating these
      relationships in diverse populations and age-groups, and on understanding the
      complex interaction between behavior, environment, and genetics in the
      development and progression of COPD. The goal of this article is to review
      current evidence regarding the role that obesity and diet play in the development
      of COPD, and in COPD-related outcomes. 

PMID- 25125978
TI  - Support for the initial attachment, growth and differentiation of MG-63 cells: a
      comparison between nano-size hydroxyapatite and micro-size hydroxyapatite in
      composites.
AB  - Hydroxyapatite (HA) is considered to be a bioactive material that favorably
      influences the adhesion, growth, and osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts.
      To optimize the cell response on the hydroxyapatite composite, it is desirable to
      assess the optimum concentration and also the optimum particle size. The aim of
      our study was to prepare composite materials made of polydimethylsiloxane,
      polyamide, and nano-sized (N) or micro-sized (M) HA, with an HA content of 0%,
      2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% (v/v) (referred to as N0-N25 or M0-M25), and to
      evaluate them in vitro in cultures with human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. For
      clinical applications, fast osseointegration of the implant into the bone is
      essential. We observed the greatest initial cell adhesion on composites M10 and
      N5. Nano-sized HA supported cell growth, especially during the first 3 days of
      culture. On composites with micro-size HA (2%-15%), MG-63 cells reached the
      highest densities on day 7. Samples M20 and M25, however, were toxic for MG-63
      cells, although these composites supported the production of osteocalcin in these
      cells. On N2, a higher concentration of osteopontin was found in MG-63 cells. For
      biomedical applications, the concentration range of 5%-15% (v/v) nano-size or
      micro-size HA seems to be optimum. 

PMID- 25125979
TI  - High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, lipoprotein-related phospholipase A2, and
      acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum biomarkers may be useful for early diagnosis of acute ischemic
      stroke, exclusion of other diseases that may mimic stroke, and prediction of
      infarct volume. We evaluated serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)
      and lipoprotein-related phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) in patients who had acute
      ischemic stroke. METHODS: In 200 patients who presented to an emergency service
      (acute ischemic stroke, 102 patients; control with no stroke, 98 patients),
      stroke patients were evaluated with the Canadian neurological scale and diffusion
      weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and all patients were evaluated with the
      Glasgow coma scale and their serum hs-CRP level and Lp-PLA2 activity were
      assessed. The volume of stroke lesions was calculated from magnetic resonance
      images. RESULTS: Patients who had stroke had higher mean serum hs-CRP level
      (stroke, 7+/-6 mg/dL; control, mean +/- standard deviation 1+/-1 mg/dL; P<=0.001)
      and Lp-PLA2 activity (stroke, mean +/- standard deviation 113+/-86 nmol/min/mL;
      control, mean +/- standard deviation 103+/-50 nmol/min/mL; P<=0.001) than control
      patients who did not have stroke. The mean hs-CRP level and Lp-PLA2 activity were
      higher in patients who had greater stroke severity (lower Canadian neurological
      scale score) and were higher in patients who had larger volume strokes.
      CONCLUSION: Higher hs-CRP level and Lp-PLA2 activity are significantly associated
      with more severe neurologic impairment and larger infarct size in patients who
      have acute ischemic stroke. These biomarkers may be useful for rapid diagnosis
      and prediction of ischemic tissue volume in the early stage of ischemic stroke.
      These findings may be important for health care facilities that have limited
      access to emergency computed tomography scanning for the diagnosis of stroke.

PMID- 25125976
TI  - Update on the pathological processes, molecular biology, and clinical utility of
      N-acetylcysteine in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and morbid disease
      characterized by high oxidative stress. Its pathogenesis is complex, and involves
      excessive oxidative stress (redox imbalance), protease/antiprotease imbalance,
      inflammation, apoptosis, and autoimmunity. Among these, oxidative stress has a
      pivotal role in the pathogenesis of COPD by initiating and mediating various
      redox-sensitive signal transduction pathways and gene expression. The protective
      physiological mechanisms of the redox balance in the human body, their role in
      the pathogenesis of COPD, and the clinical correlation between oxidative stress
      and COPD are reviewed in this paper. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a mucolytic agent
      with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This paper also reviews
      the use of NAC in patients with COPD, especially the dose-dependent properties of
      NAC, eg, its effects on lung function and the exacerbation rate in patients with
      the disease. Earlier data from BRONCUS (the Bronchitis Randomized on NAC Cost
      Utility Study) did not suggest that NAC was beneficial in patients with COPD,
      only indicating that it reduced exacerbation in an "inhaled steroid-naive"
      subgroup. With regard to the dose-dependent properties of NAC, two recent
      randomized controlled Chinese trials suggested that high-dose NAC (1,200 mg
      daily) can reduce exacerbations in patients with COPD, especially in those with
      an earlier (moderately severe) stage of disease, and also in those who are at
      high risk of exacerbations. However, there was no significant effect on symptoms
      or quality of life in patients receiving NAC. Further studies are warranted to
      investigate the effect of NAC at higher doses in non-Chinese patients with COPD. 

PMID- 25125980
TI  - Breast cancer characteristics and survival in a Hispanic population of costa
      rica.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer characteristics may vary according to the patient's
      ethnic group. The goal of this cohort study was to evaluate the characteristics
      of a group of Costa Rican breast cancer patients and their relationship with
      survival. METHODS: Age, stage, tumor grade, immunohistochemistry, lymphovascular
      invasion, recurrence, and survival data on 199 Hispanic patients with breast
      cancer diagnosis, treated between January 2009 and May 2010, were collected from
      a single institution in San Jose, Costa Rica. The data were statistically
      analyzed for significance. RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis was 53 years. With a
      median follow-up of 46.5 months, there was an 88% overall survival rate. Thirty
      seven percent of the patients (p < 0.001) were at stages III and IV during
      diagnosis. The hormone receptor human epidermal receptor negative phenotype (HR
      HER2-) (p < 0.001) was present in 17% of the cases. In a multivariate analysis,
      local (risk ratio, RR: 7.2; confidence interval, CI 95%: 3.8-7.6; p = 0.06) and
      distant recurrence (RR: 14.9; CI 95%: 7.7-28.9; p = 0.01) showed the strongest
      association with the probability of death from the disease. Patients with HR-HER2
      phenotype tumors reported more local recurrences (p = 0.04), a higher tumor
      grade (p < 0.01), and lower overall survival than patients with other breast
      cancer phenotypes (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although this study analyzes a modest
      number of cases, it is an initial insight into factors that may contribute to
      differences in breast cancer outcomes among Hispanic women in Costa Rica. The
      higher proportion of triple negative tumors, advanced stage, and younger median
      age at diagnosis could contribute to the inferior prognostic described among
      Hispanic women. There may be a different distribution of tumor subtypes compared
      to non-Hispanic white women. Further studies are necessary to confirm such
      findings.

PMID- 25125977
TI  - Cellular trafficking and anticancer activity of Garcinia mangostana extract
      encapsulated polymeric nanoparticles.
AB  - Garcinia mangostana Linn extract (GME) is a natural product that has received
      considerable attention in cancer therapy, and has the potential to reduce side
      effects of chemotherapeutics and improve efficacy. We formulated GME-encapsulated
      ethyl cellulose (GME-EC) and a polymer blend of ethyl cellulose and methyl
      cellulose (GME-EC/MC) nanoparticles. We achieved high drug-loading and
      encapsulation efficiency using a solvent-displacement method with particle sizes
      around 250 nm. Cellular uptake and accumulation of GME was higher for GME
      encapsulated nanoparticles compared to free GME. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis
      showed effective anticancer activity of GME-EC and GME-EC/MC nanoparticles in
      HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. GME-EC/MC nanoparticles showed
      approximately twofold-higher anticancer activity compared to GME-EC
      nanoparticles, likely due to their enhanced bioavailability. GME-encapsulated
      nanoparticles primarily entered HeLa cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis and
      trafficked through the endolysosomal pathway. As far as we know, this is the
      first report on the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking mechanism of
      drug-loaded cellulose-based nanoparticles. In summary, encapsulation of GME using
      cellulose-derivative nanoparticles - GME-EC and GME-EC/MC nanoparticles -
      successfully improved the bioavailability of GME in aqueous solution, enhanced
      cellular uptake, and displayed effective anticancer activity. 

PMID- 25125982
TI  - Breast Positioning during Mammography: Mistakes to be Avoided.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Breast positioning is the key factor affecting a mammogram.
      If care is taken during positioning, it maximizes the amount of breast tissue
      being imaged, eliminates most of the artifacts, and increases sensitivity of the
      mammogram. This retrospective study was carried out in our department to assess
      correctness, and also the incorrectness of breast positioning, which need to be
      avoided to obtain an ideal mammogram. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1369
      female patients were included in this study. Mammography was performed on full
      field detector digital mammography equipment. Craniocaudal (CC) view and
      mediolateral oblique (MLO) view were carried out for each breast. Four views were
      done for 1322 patients. The remaining 47 patients had undergone a mastectomy and
      underwent two views for the other breast. Mistakes in improperly positioned
      mammogram were assessed with respect to proper visualization of nipple, position
      of pectoralis major, pectoral-nipple distance (PND), inframammary fold, and
      adequate coverage of all breast quadrants. RESULTS: As per prescribed guidelines,
      mistakes in positioning were recognized in 2.879% of total mammograms. Improper
      positioning of the nipple was the commonest problem, seen in 3.827% of
      mammograms, CC view. On MLO view, bilaterally, pectoralis shadow was not seen in
      0.520% mammograms, its margin was not straight/convex in 0.706%, lower edge of
      pectoralis was above pectoralis-nipple line in 2.081%, and inframammary fold was
      not seen in 1.189%. There was inadequate coverage of lower quadrants in 2.787%,
      and mismatch in PND was seen in 3.864%. In few of the patients, the shortcomings
      as a result of improper positioning were noted on one view, the rest being
      normal. CONCLUSION: Positioning is the most important factor affecting the
      resultant mammography image. During mammography, many cases are improperly
      positioned and as a result the examination is inconclusive, which reduces the
      sensitivity of mammography.

PMID- 25125981
TI  - Current Approaches and Emerging Directions in HER2-resistant Breast Cancer.
AB  - Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is overexpressed in up to 30% of
      breast cancers; HER2 overexpression is indicative of poor prognosis. Trastuzumab,
      an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, has led to improved outcomes in patients with
      HER2-positive breast cancer, including improved overall survival in adjuvant and
      first-line settings. However, a large proportion of patients with breast cancer
      have intrinsic resistance to HER2-targeted therapies, and nearly all become
      resistant to therapy after initial response. Elucidation of underlying mechanisms
      contributing to HER2 resistance has led to development of novel therapeutic
      strategies, including those targeting HER2 and downstream pathways, heat shock
      protein 90, telomerase, and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors.
      Numerous clinical trials are ongoing or completed, including phase 3 data for the
      mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus in patients with HER2
      resistant breast cancer. This review considers the molecular mechanisms
      associated with HER2 resistance and evaluates the evidence for use of evolving
      strategies in patients with HER2-resistant breast cancer. 

PMID- 25125983
TI  - Improvement of quality and safety in health care as a new interprofessional
      learning module - evaluation from students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interprofessional teamwork is in many ways a norm in modern health
      care, and needs to be taught during professional education. DESCRIPTION: This
      study is an evaluation of a newly introduced and mandatory learning module where
      students from different health profession programs used Improvement of Quality
      and Safety as a way to develop interprofessional competence in a real-life
      setting. The intention of this learning module was to integrate interprofessional
      teamwork within the students' basic education, and to give students a basic
      knowledge about Improvement of Quality and Safety. This report focuses on
      evaluations from the participating students (n=222), mainly medical and nursing
      students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate this new learning module, a
      questionnaire was developed and analyzed using a mixed methods design,
      integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods. The evaluation addressed
      learning concepts, learning objectives, and interprofessional and professional
      development. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A majority of students responded positively
      to the learning module as a whole, but many were negative towards specific parts
      of the learning module and its implementation. Medical students and male students
      were less positive towards this learning module. Improvements and alterations
      were suggested.

PMID- 25125984
TI  - Pediatricians' perceptions of clinical practice guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are propositions for health care
      providers about the care of patients and are usually described as "systematically
      developed statements to assist practitioners' and patients' decisions about
      appropriate health care for specific circumstances". OBJECTIVES: The purpose of
      this study was to investigate pediatricians' perceptions of clinical practice
      guidelines at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted at HMC between May 1 and August 31, 2013 using a
      self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to 240 pediatricians.
      RESULTS: A total of 169/240 questionnaires were completed for a response rate of
      70.4%. Our main finding was that pediatricians at all levels are familiar with
      CPGs and use them. In addition, our doctors believe that CPGs lead to good
      quality of care, are practical, provide standardized patient care, will keep them
      up-to-date, decrease the rate of litigation, are evidence-based, do not restrict
      continuity of self-education, do not alter physician esteem, lead to improvement
      of outcome, and are practical. However, barriers that might impede pediatricians'
      use of CPGs are that CPGs affect their clinical judgment, do not match with their
      practice style, and do not reduce health care costs. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatricians
      at HMC have positive perceptions of CPGs. The results of our study suggest that
      CPGs are likely to be implemented if more counseling and education are provided
      to pediatricians regarding the usefulness of evidence-based guidelines. In
      addition, a program should be initialized to remove barriers while simultaneously
      addressing physicians' concerns.

PMID- 25125987
TI  - Use of frameless intrauterine devices and systems in young nulliparous and
      adolescent women: results of a multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to provide additional data on the
      experience with frameless copper and levonorgestrel (LNG) intrauterine devices
      (IUDs) in nulliparous and adolescent women. METHODS: Nulliparous and adolescent
      women, 25 years of age or younger, using the frameless copper IUD or the
      frameless LNG-releasing intrauterine system (IUS), were selected from previous
      studies and a current multicenter post-marketing study with the frameless copper
      IUD. The small copper-releasing GyneFix((r)) 200 IUD consists of four copper
      cylinders, each 5 mm long and only 2.2 mm wide. The frameless FibroPlant((r)) LNG
      IUS consists of a fibrous delivery system releasing the hormone levonorgestrel
      (LNG-IUS). The main features of these intrauterine contraceptives are that they
      are frameless, flexible, and anchored to the fundus of the uterus. RESULTS: One
      hundred and fifty-four nulliparous and adolescent women participated in the
      combined study. One pregnancy occurred with the GyneFix 200 IUD after unnoticed
      early expulsion of the device (cumulative pregnancy rate 1.1 at one year). Two
      further expulsions were reported, one with the GyneFix 200 IUD and the other with
      the FibroPlant LNG-IUS. The cumulative expulsion rate at one year was 1.1 with
      the copper IUD and 2.2 with the LNG-IUS. The total discontinuation rate at one
      year was low (3.3 and 4.3 with the copper IUD and LNG-IUS, respectively) and
      resulted in a high rate of continuation of use at one year (96.7 with the copper
      IUD and 95.7 with the LNG-IUS, respectively). Continuation rates for both
      frameless copper IUD and frameless LNG-IUS remained high at 3 years (>90%). There
      were no cases of perforations or pelvic inflammatory disease reported during or
      following insertion. CONCLUSION: This report confirms earlier studies with
      frameless devices and suggests that the high user continuation rate is
      attributable to the optimal relationship between the IUD and the uterine cavity.
      IUD studies have shown that an IUD that does not fit well will often lead to side
      effects (ie, pain, bleeding, embedment, expulsion) and subsequent removal of the
      IUD. Early discontinuation is not the aim of long-acting reversible
      contraception.

PMID- 25125986
TI  - Hyperemesis gravidarum: current perspectives.
AB  - Hyperemesis gravidarum is a complex condition with a multifactorial etiology
      characterized by severe intractable nausea and vomiting. Despite a high
      prevalence, studies exploring underlying etiology and treatments are limited. We
      performed a literature review, focusing on articles published over the last 10
      years, to examine current perspectives and recent developments in hyperemesis
      gravidarum. 

PMID- 25125988
TI  - Incidence and risk of infection in egyptian patients with systemic lupus
      erythematosus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infection in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is common and is one
      of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To study the risk
      and occurrence of infection in Egyptian SLE patients and to determine its
      characteristics. METHODS: A total of 200 SLE patients were followed up for 1 year
      at monthly intervals, undergoing clinical and laboratory evaluation. Disease
      activity was assessed by SLE disease activity measurement (SLAM) score.
      Infections were diagnosed on basis of clinical findings, medical opinion,
      positive blood and urine cultures, Gram stain results, and specific serological
      assays as measurement of CMV and EBV antibodies. RESULTS: A total of 55% of
      patients developed infection, 45% had one infection, and the rest had multiple
      infection episodes. Total number of infections was 233 infections/year, 47.2%
      were major and 52.8% were minor infections. Urinary tract was the most commonly
      involved site with bacterial infection being the commonest isolated organism
      (46.4%), and E. coli the commonest isolated bacteria (14.2%). There were 51
      episodes caused by systemic viral infection (CMV in 25, EBV in 22, HCV in 3, and
      1 in HBV). CONCLUSION: There is a high rate of infection among SLE patients.
      Disease activity, leukopenia, high CRP level, positive anti-dsDNA, consumed C3,
      and cyclophosphamide therapy are independent risk factors for infection in SLE.

PMID- 25125989
TI  - Do we have to perform a renal biopsy? Clinical dilemmas in a case with nephrotic
      syndrome.
AB  - Renal biopsy is one of the pivotal diagnostic tools used in the field of
      nephrology. A morphological analysis of the kidney may also be of value for the
      overall management of patients with diabetic nephropathy. However, the
      indications for renal biopsy differ considerably among nephrologists, and no
      global consensus regarding performing this procedure among diabetic patients with
      various renal manifestations has yet been achieved. In this report, we would like
      to describe our serendipitous experience with a male type 2 diabetic patient
      presenting with nephrotic syndrome complicated by concurrent gastric carcinoma.
      We also discuss several conundrums that arose in the current case, which had an
      impact on our diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. 

PMID- 25125985
TI  - Epidemiology of human African trypanosomiasis.
AB  - Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, is caused by
      Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, which is a chronic form of the disease present in
      western and central Africa, and by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, which is an
      acute disease located in eastern and southern Africa. The rhodesiense form is a
      zoonosis, with the occasional infection of humans, but in the gambiense form, the
      human being is regarded as the main reservoir that plays a key role in the
      transmission cycle of the disease. The gambiense form currently assumes that 98%
      of the cases are declared; the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the most
      affected country, with more than 75% of the gambiense cases declared. The
      epidemiology of the disease is mediated by the interaction of the parasite
      (trypanosome) with the vectors (tsetse flies), as well as with the human and
      animal hosts within a particular environment. Related to these interactions, the
      disease is confined in spatially limited areas called "foci", which are located
      in Sub-Saharan Africa, mainly in remote rural areas. The risk of contracting HAT
      is, therefore, determined by the possibility of contact of a human being with an
      infected tsetse fly. Epidemics of HAT were described at the beginning of the 20th
      century; intensive activities have been set up to confront the disease, and it
      was under control in the 1960s, with fewer than 5,000 cases reported in the whole
      continent. The disease resurged at the end of the 1990s, but renewed efforts from
      endemic countries, cooperation agencies, and nongovernmental organizations led by
      the World Health Organization succeeded to raise awareness and resources, while
      reinforcing national programs, reversing the trend of the cases reported, and
      bringing the disease under control again. In this context, sustainable
      elimination of the gambiense HAT, defined as the interruption of the transmission
      of the disease, was considered as a feasible target for 2030. Since rhodesiense
      HAT is a zoonosis, where the animal reservoir plays a key role, the interruption
      of the disease's transmission is not deemed feasible. 

PMID- 25125990
TI  - Schwannoma of the median nerve: diagnosis sometimes delayed.
AB  - Schwannoma is a tumor that develops from nerve sheath. The authors report an
      unusual case of schwannoma of the median nerve (MN) that remained asymptomatic
      for four years. The diagnosis was based on MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and
      histopathological examination. Surgical removal is usually curative. The
      asymptomatic character of the tumor and its slow evolution remain an essential
      factor in diagnosis delays. This tumor has a good prognosis with a low recurrence
      rate and potential for malignant transformation. 

PMID- 25125993
TI  - "When was the last tiame you do something for the first time" part 2.

PMID- 25125991
TI  - Age and menopausal status affect osteoprotegerin and osteocalcin levels in women
      differently, irrespective of thyroid function.
AB  - Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteocalcin (OC) are essential bone proteins. Recent
      studies have demonstrated that they are not secreted solely by bone cells; they
      play roles in the vascular function and energy metabolism, and they are
      influenced by multiple factors. The aim of the current study was to investigate
      the influence of menopause and age on OPG and OC in women with different thyroid
      stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 49 women with
      elevated TSH, 26 with suppressed TSH, and 67 age-matched euthyroid controls. Of
      them 64 were menstruating and 78 postmenopausal. Body weight, height, waist
      circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), serum TSH, free thyroxin (FT4), OPG,
      and OC were measured. RESULTS: Generally, both OPG and OC were higher in the
      postmenopausal women than in the menstruating subjects (OPG 3.85 +/- 1.49 pmol/L
      vs. 5.84 +/- 2.42 pmol/L, P < 0.001; OC 8.84 +/- 3.70 ng/dL vs. 12.87 +/- 6.45
      ng/dL, P < 0.001), and within the two thyroid dysfunction subgroups and the
      controls (all P < 0.05). OPG correlated with age (postmenopausal rho = 0.57, P <
      0.001; premenopausal rho = 0.31, P = 0.015). Among the premenopausal subjects,
      OPG was higher in those with low TSH than in the controls (P = 0.048). OC
      correlated negatively with BMI and WC in the postmenopausal group (Spearman rho =
      -0.25, P = 0.03 and rho = -0.42, P < 0.001 respectively). OC was higher in the
      postmenopausal subjects with low TSH than in those with elevated TSH (P = 0.024),
      and correlated positively with FT4 (rho = 0.40, P = 0.002) and negatively with
      TSH (rho = -0.29, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: In women, OPG and OC depended
      differently on age and menopause and, to a lesser extent, on the thyroid function
      and body composition.

PMID- 25125994
TI  - Nuclear accident crisis and liver disease: a summary on evidences.
AB  - The present global concern is on the adverse effect due to exposure to nuclides
      expelled from the disrupted nuclear power plant accident in Japan. The exposure
      can induce several adverse effects. In this specific brief review, the author
      summarizes the evidences on the effect on liver. Discussion is focused on several
      liver diseases. 

PMID- 25125992
TI  - Biomimetic electrospun nanofibrous structures for tissue engineering.
AB  - Biomimetic nanofibrous scaffolds mimicking important features of the native
      extracellular matrix provide a promising strategy to restore functions or achieve
      favorable responses for tissue regeneration. This review provides a brief
      overview of current state-of-the-art research designing and using biomimetic
      electrospun nanofibers as scaffolds for tissue engineering. It begins with a
      brief introduction of electrospinning and nanofibers, with a focus on issues
      related to the biomimetic design aspects. The review next focuses on several
      typical biomimetic nanofibrous structures (e.g. aligned, aligned to random,
      spiral, tubular, and sheath membrane) that have great potential for tissue
      engineering scaffolds, and describes their fabrication, advantages, and
      applications in tissue engineering. The review concludes with perspectives on
      challenges and future directions for design, fabrication, and utilization of
      scaffolds based on electrospun nanofibers.

PMID- 25125995
TI  - Tc-99m mebrofenin hepatobiliary scan in obstructive hepatobiliary disease:
      determining causes with early and late delayed imaging.
AB  - Hepatobiliary radionuclide imaging is typically performed to detect
      cholecystitis. Infrequently, imaging reveals an obstructive pattern. Although
      delayed hepatobiliary imaging is commonly used to differentiate between
      intrahepatic (IH) and extrahepatic (EH) obstruction in the newborn; there is room
      to clarify the use of delayed imaging in the adult population. A retrospective
      review was performed of adult patients demonstrating a complete obstructive
      pattern on initial Tc-99m mebrofenin hepatobiliary imaging. Delayed imaging was
      divided into early delayed (ED) (<10 h) and late delayed (LD) (>=10 h) imaging.
      Two physicians qualified the presence of intestinal radiotracer (negative, low to
      high) on delayed images. Determination of EH or IH pathology was obtained from
      chart review. A total of 24 patients demonstrated an obstructive pattern using
      delayed Tc-99m mebrofenin hepatobiliary imaging, with delayed imaging ranging
      from 4 to 30 h. EH pathologies (choledocholithiasis, stricture, other)
      represented 63% of cases (n = 15), IH pathologies (cirrhosis, hepatitis, other)
      represented 33% cases (n = 8) and 1 case was indeterminate. 67% of EH cases
      showed intestinal activity on delayed imaging (67% on ED and 67% on LD imaging),
      whereas 63% of IH cases showed intestinal activity on delayed imaging (67% on ED
      imaging and 60% on LD imaging). The presence of intestinal activity on the both
      the early and delayed images did not differentiate between the IH and EH
      pathology groups. Subdividing the groups into ED imaging and LD imaging was also
      not predictive of determining location of obstructive pattern on the initial 1 h
      of imaging. This data suggests that delayed hepatobiliary scintigraphy has little
      or no role in determining the cause of obstructive pathology. 

PMID- 25125996
TI  - Factors predicting treatment failure in patients treated with iodine-131 for
      graves' disease.
AB  - Treatment of Graves' disease with iodine-131 ((131)I) is well-known; however, all
      patients do not respond to a single dose of (131)I and may require higher and
      repeated doses. This study was carried out to identify the factors, which can
      predict treatment failure to a single dose of (131)I treatment in these patients.
      Data of 150 patients with Graves' disease treated with 259-370 MBq of (131)I
      followed-up for at least 1-year were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic
      regression analysis was used to predict factors which can predict treatment
      failure, such as age, sex, duration of disease, grade of goiter, duration of
      treatment with anti-thyroid drugs, mean dosage of anti-thyroid drugs used,
      (99m)Tc-pertechnetate ((99m)TcO4 (-)) uptake at 20 min, dose of (131)I
      administered, total triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels. Of the 150 patients,
      25 patients required retreatment within 1 year of initial treatment with (131)I.
      Logistic regression analysis revealed that male sex and (99m)TcO4 (-) uptake were
      associated with treatment failure. On receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
      curve analysis, area under the curve (AUC) was significant for (99m)TcO4 (-)
      uptake predicting treatment failure (AUC = 0.623; P = 0.039). Optimum cutoff for
      (99m)TcO4 (-) uptake was 17.75 with a sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 66%
      to predict treatment failure. Patients with >17.75% (99m)TcO4 (-) uptake had odds
      ratio of 3.14 (P = 0.014) for treatment failure and male patients had odds ratio
      of 1.783 for treatment failure. Our results suggest that male patients and
      patients with high pre-treatment (99m)TcO4 (-) uptake are more likely to require
      repeated doses of (131)I to achieve complete remission. 

PMID- 25125997
TI  - Empiric Therapy with Low-Dose I-131 in Differentiated Cancer Thyroid: What is the
      Magic Number?
AB  - Low dose radioactive iodine-131 (RAI) has been widely reported in the treatment
      of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) since 1970's. However, the
      clinical outcomes, dosage of I-131 and criteria for successful ablation are
      different in various studies. The aim of this study was to assess clinical
      outcome 18-month after RAI therapy in selected DTC patients and identify factors
      associated with a good response. In this experimental study, among patients with
      DTC referred to the Nuclear Medicine Department and had an indication for RAI
      therapy in the period between December 2008 and January 2011, 108 subjects were
      selected randomly. The patients were randomly divided into three groups and
      empiric low dose therapy with 30, 50 or 75 mCi of I-131 was administered.
      Patients were monitored closely clinically and with serum thyroglobulin assays
      and I-131 whole-body scans at 6 monthly intervals for 18-month after treatment.
      Among 105 patients who completed follow-up, 86% were successfully ablated with a
      single low dose of I-131. There was no statistically significant difference in
      ablation rates in the subgroups receiving 30.50 or 75 mCi of I-131. Cumulative
      ablation rate was 99% in patients after the second dose of low dose therapy. If
      appropriate selection criteria are used in DTC, successful remnant ablation can
      be achieved with low doses of I-131 in the range of 30-75 mCi. No significant
      differences were found in results achieved with 30.50 or 75 mCi of I-131. As the
      majority of the DTC patients fall within the inclusion criteria of this study,
      they can be treated on an ambulatory basis with associated low cost, convenience,
      and low whole-body radiation-absorbed dose to the patients. 

PMID- 25125998
TI  - Autonomous Functioning Thyroid Nodule in a 4-year-old Male Child Treated with
      Radioiodine (I-131).
AB  - Autonomous functioning thyroid nodules that cause toxic manifestations (toxic
      adenomas) are benign monoclonal tumors characterized by their capacity to grow
      and produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) autonomously, i.e. in the
      absence of thyrotropin thyroid stimulating hormone. Toxic adenomas are a rare
      presentation of hyperthyroidism in the pediatric population. Radioiodine (I-131)
      has been widely used for therapy of patients with toxic adenomas and is now
      accepted as a safe and effective treatment even in the pediatric age group. The
      authors here present a case of a 4-year-old boy with a solitary hyperfunctioning
      thyroid nodule, who was successfully treated with radioiodine (I-131) and is
      presently on follow-up. 

PMID- 25125999
TI  - F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the
      staging of linitis plastica caused by primary gastric adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Diffuse infiltration by a primary or metastatic malignancy into the submucosa and
      muscularis of the stomach (linitis plastica [LP]) has been described in
      literature. The authors present a case of LP caused by primary adenocarcinoma of
      the stomach, showing diffuse Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the
      thickened wall of the stomach. 

PMID- 25126000
TI  - Vesicoureteral Reflux Detected on Post-void Image of (99m)Tc MAG3 Renal
      Scintigraphy.
AB  - (99m)Tc MAG3 scintigraphic scan is sensitive at depicting focal parenchymal
      abnormalities and can be used for the measurement of overall renal function. We
      experienced a 5-year-old boy presenting with bilateral flank fain, intermittent
      urinary stream and dysuria. On the post-void delayed image of (99m)Tc MAG3
      scintigraphic scan vesicoureteral reflux was detected in left non-functioning
      kidney, which was missed on voiding cystourethrography. 

PMID- 25126002
TI  - False-positive (111)In-pentetreotide Uptake in Gastritis.
AB  - (111)In-pentetreotide [(111)In-octreoscan] is the most widely used radiolabeled
      somatostatin analog for evaluating neuroendocrine tumor overexpression of
      somatostatin receptors. False-positives studies of somatostatin receptor
      scintigraphy have been reported and often the cause is unexplained but assumed to
      be due to high number of somatostatin receptors in other pathologies. Causes of
      false-positives include visualization of the gallbladder, nasal mucosa and
      pulmonary hilar areas in respiratory infections, thyroid abnormalities, accessory
      spleens, recent Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA's) and activity at the site of a
      recent surgical incision. In infection or inflammation the cause of false
      positive uptake is probably the result of tracer binding by somatostatin
      receptors on the inflammatory leukocytes. In this case report, we report, a 44
      year-old male patient with false-positive (111)In-pentetreotide uptake due to
      gastritis. 

PMID- 25126003
TI  - Routine whole volume single photon emission tomography reconstruction in
      comparison to cine raw data in the detection of extracardiac uptake.

PMID- 25126001
TI  - Bone scanning in the adductor insertion avulsion syndrome.
AB  - A thigh splint (adductor insertion avulsion syndrome) is a relatively uncommon
      diagnosis analogous to shin splints. This article reports a 19-year-old female
      patient NOT a regular athlete who presented with groin pain. Physical examination
      was non-specific; magnetic resonance imaging pelvis did not reveal any
      abnormality. Patient referred for whole body bone scan, especially to locate any
      abnormality in the spine. This study highlights the role of whole body bone scan
      in the evaluation of groin pain and importance of evaluation of whole lower
      extremity. 

PMID- 25126004
TI  - The role of plasma gelsolin in cardiopulmonary bypass induced acute lung injury
      in infants and young children: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB, CPB
      ALI) is a common and serious complication after cardiac surgery. And infants and
      young children are more prone to CPB-ALI. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate the perioperative changes of plasma gelsolin (pGSN) in patients below
      3 years of age with cardiac surgeries and CPB, and determine whether pGSN are
      associated with the occurrence and severity of CPB-ALI. METHODS: Seventy-seven
      consecutive patients <=3 years of age with congenital heart diseases (CHD)
      performed on open heart surgery with CPB were finally enrolled, and assigned to
      ALI and non-ALI groups according to the American-European Consensus Criteria.
      Plasma concentrations of gelsolin and total protein were measured at following 8
      time points: before CPB (a), after CPB (b), 2 hours after CPB (c), 6 hours after
      CPB (d), 12 hours after CPB (e), 24 hours after CPB (f), 48 hours after CPB (g)
      and 72 hours after CPB (h). RESULTS: Twenty-seven (35.1%) patients developed CPB
      ALI in the study, including eleven (14.3%) patients with ARDS. The earliest
      significant drop of pGSN and normalized pGSN (pGSNN) of ALI group both occurred
      at 6 hours after CPB (p = 0.04 and p < 0.01), which was much earlier than those
      of non-ALI group (48 hours, p = 0.03 and 24 hours, p < 0.01); PGSN of ALI group
      before CPB and 6 hours after CPB were both significantly lower than those of non
      ALI group (p < 0.01); PGSNN of ALI group before CPB and 6 hours after CPB were
      both significantly lower than those of non-ALI group (p < 0.01, p = 0.04); PGSN
      before CPB was the only independent risk factor predicting the occurrence of CPB
      ALI (OR, 1.023; 95% CI, 1.007-1.039; p < 0.01) with an AUC of 0.753 (95% CI,
      0.626-0.880); The optimal cutoff value of pGSN before CPB was 264.2 mg/L, with a
      sensitivity of 58.3% and a specificity 94.7%. And lower pGSN before CPB was
      significantly associated with the severity of CS-AKI (r = -0.45, p < 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients developing CPB-ALI had lower plasma gelsolin reservoir and
      a much more amount and rapid consumption of plasma gelsolin early after
      operation. PGSN before CPB was an early and sensitive predictor of CPB-ALI in
      infants and young children undergoing cardiac surgery, and was negatively
      correlated with the severity of CPB-ALI.

PMID- 25126006
TI  - Combined hysterolaparoscopy for the diagnosis of female infertility: a
      retrospective study of 132 patients in china.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects and safeness of combined hysterolaparoscopy
      on evaluation the causes of infertility. METHODS: This retrospective study was
      conducted at the Department of Gynecology (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun
      Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China) from January 2011 to April 2014.
      Patients aged 21-43 years with infertility were included in this study. The
      prevalence of different lesions was collected to analyze. RESULTS: 132 infertile
      patients were included, 71 (53.8%) women had primary infertility and the rest 61
      (46.2%) had secondary infertility. Laparoscopic abnormalites were more common
      than hysteroscopy abnormalites both in primary infertility group and secondary
      infertility group. Pelvic inflammatory disease (59.09 %) and endometriosis
      (29.55%) were the most common abnormalities in two groups. The most common
      intrauterine pathology was uterine polyps and the most common uterine
      malformation was uterine septum in two groups. Out of 12 patients having
      malformation uterus, only one was double uterus and double cervical with double
      vagina. There was no major surgical or anesthetic complication in any of our
      patients, other than mild abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: Hysterolaparoscopy is an
      effective and safe tool in comprehensive evaluation of infertility to diagnosis
      and treat the lesions of pelvic and uterus in the same time. Hysterolaparoscopy
      may be recommended as the first and final procedure for evaluation of female
      infertility.

PMID- 25126007
TI  - Prevalence and factors associated with congenital malformations in tirana,
      Albania, during 2011-2013.
AB  - AIM: Congenital Malformations (CMs) represent a challenge especially for
      developing countries. Data about CMs in Albania are rather scarce. In this
      context, our aim was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with CMs in
      Tirana, the capital of Albania. METHODS: Information on all CMs at birth during
      2011-2013 was retrieved from the National CM Surveillance System. For each CM
      case, three controls (babies born without CM) were retrieved as well. Overall,
      831 cases and 2522 controls were included in this study. The prevalence was
      calculated using the total number of live births in Tirana during the same
      period. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated
      with CMs adjusting for a number of covariates. RESULTS: The three-year prevalence
      of CMs was 23.41 per 1,000 live births. The most affected body systems were the
      musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and genital systems. CMs were more prevalent
      among male babies. Advanced mothers' age, lower education, unemployment status
      and lower gestational age were all positively associated with increased
      likelihood of CMs. CONCLUSIONS: Socio-demographic factors of mothers are linked
      to CMs in Albania. Future surveys are needed in Albania in order to establish
      determinants of CMs at a national level.

PMID- 25126005
TI  - Challenging dedifferentiated liposarcoma identified by MDM2-amplification, a
      report of two cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liposarcoma is the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma. Well
      differentiated liposarcoma may progress into dedifferentiated liposarcoma with
      pleomorphic histology. A minority additionally features myogenic, osteo- or
      chondrosarcomatous heterologous differentiation. Genomic amplification of the
      Mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) locus is characteristic for well
      differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcomas. Detection of MDM2 amplification
      may supplement histopathology and aid to distinguish liposarcoma from other soft
      tissue neoplasia. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present two cases of
      dedifferentiated liposarcoma with challenging presentation. Case 1 features a
      myogenic component. As the tumour infiltrated the abdominal muscles and showed
      immunohistochemical expression of myogenic proteins, rhabdomyosarcoma had to be
      ruled out. Case 2 has an osteosarcomatous component resembling extraosseous
      osteosarcoma. The MDM2 status was determined in both cases and helped making the
      correct diagnosis. Overexpression of MDM2 and co-overexpression of Cyclin
      dependent kinase 4 is demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. The underlying MDM2
      amplification is shown by fluorescence in situ hybridisation. Since low grade
      osteosarcoma may also harbour MDM2 amplification it is emphasised that the
      amplification has to be present in the lipomatous parts of the tumour to
      distinguish liposarcoma from extraosseous osteosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: The two
      cases exemplify challenges in the diagnoses of dedifferentiated liposarcoma.
      Liposarcoma often has pleomorphic histology and additionally may feature
      heterologous components that mimic other soft tissue neoplasms. Amplification of
      MDM2 is characteristic for well differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcomas.
      Determination of the MDM2 status by in situ hybridisation may assist
      histopathology and help to rule out differential diagnoses.

PMID- 25126008
TI  - The Role of CT Angiography of Coronaries in Early Diagnosis of Coronary Artery
      Plaques in Albanian People with No History of Cardiovascular Disease in
      Correlation with Traditional Risk Factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of CT angiography of coronaries (CTAC) in the
      diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis by detection of coronary artery plaques
      (CAP) in a group of consecutive albanian individuals with no history of coronary
      artery disease (CAD) or acute coronary syndrome and to investigate the relation
      between the prevalence of CAP, traditional risk factors and the expected 10-year
      risk of fatal cardiovascular event (CVE) based on our own experience. METHOD AND
      TECHNIQUE: This is a prospective study including 456 patients with no history of
      CAD who underwent CTAC in our hospital from September 2009 to March 2013. Risk
      estimation of fatal CVE was assessed using Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation
      (SCORE) and then CT scan was performed with a 64 detector CT, including Ca Score
      and angiography of coronaries with iv contrast. RESULTS: From 456 patients 61.4%
      were low risk and 32.9% were at intermediate risk according to SCORE. The
      prevalence of CAP diagnosed by CTAC was calculated as 55.7 % overall. Though the
      presence and severity of CAP increased significantly with the increase of SCORE,
      it was found to be 44.1% in the low risk patients and 80% in the intermediate
      risk group, with a presence of 17% and 25% of stenotic plaques (>50%)
      respectively. Significant correlation was found between all traditional risk
      factors and CAP. CONCLUSION: Although a direct relation between the prevalence of
      CAP, risk factors and the related 10-year risk of fatal CVE was found, there was
      a significant prevalence of CAP in low -intermediate risk group with a
      considerable presence of stenotic lesions. Also 8.3% of patients with no risk
      factors and 18% of the patients with Ca score 0 had CAP in CT angiography, one
      resulting with severe stenosis. Our results suggest once more that CT angiography
      is a reliable, very accurate noninvasive technique for the diagnosis of early
      CAD, especially in the low-intermediate risk patients compared to the traditional
      evaluation schemes and Ca score, thus should be considered in this group as a
      diagnostic guide for optimal therapy planning.

PMID- 25126009
TI  - An epidemiological study on trigger factors and quality of life in psoriatic
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the role of stress, tobacco, drugs, infections, allergies,
      heredity, alcohol, hormones and skin aggressions as trigger factors and the
      impact on quality of life in a sample of psoriasis patients. METHODS: a
      transversal study performed in 90 patients affected by psoriasis between January
      and November 2012 at the "Nene Tereza" University Hospital, Tirane, Albania,
      based on two scored questionnaires. RESULTS: more than 70 % of patients reported
      that stressful events caused a flare- up of their psoriasis (p< 0.05). More than
      60% of males and 20% of females were smokers (p< 0.05). About 20% of our patients
      were taking one or more of the medications listed in the questionnaire (p> 0.05).
      About 20% of patients reported having had recurrent infections (p<0,05). About
      80% of males patients consumed alcohol (p<0,05). More than 40% reported a
      relative with psoriasis. Statistical comparison of the group that reported skin
      aggressions with the group that did not revealed a significant difference
      (p<0,05). Only a few of them reported to have allergies (p>0,05). About 36% of
      females reported that hormonal changes (puberty and menopause) exacerbated their
      psoriasis (p<0,05). More than 40% of patients reported that psoriasis seriously
      affects their quality of life. CONCLUSION: stress, tobacco, infections, heredity,
      alcohol, hormonal changes and skin aggressions were confirmed as trigger factors
      for psoriasis in the present sample. Allergies and the investigated drugs seemed
      not to have any influence in flare-ups. We found that psoriasis had a serious
      impact in the quality of life in over of 40% of the patients interviewed.

PMID- 25126011
TI  - Spatial analysis and geographic variation of fatal and injury crashes in
      mazandaran province from 2006 to 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Road safety and traffic accidents change in time and space. Although,
      time variations have always been considered the subject being focused by
      researchers, the effect of spatial correlation and spatial components on the risk
      of accident have been less investigated. Due to its specific geographical
      position, Mazandaran Province is one of the highest traffic provinces. This study
      aims to investigate the factors influencing suburban crashes of Mazandaran
      province by considering the spatial correlation. METHODS: This study is
      aggregated (descriptive -analytical) and the study period was 2006 to 2010.
      Social and environmental factors effects on the risk of accidents have been
      studied considering the correlation structure of the regions and regardless of
      this structure with Poisson regression, negative binomial and Full Bayes
      hierarchical models. Geographical pattern of risk distribution for the observed
      values of SMRs and the estimated values after smoothing have been plotted and
      analyzed. RESULTS: Comparing the measures of models goodness of fit indicates
      that hierarchical Bayes model fits the data better. Plotting the geographical
      pattern, the north central parts of the province have been identified as the high
      risk areas. Human factors were identified as the important factors for the risk
      of accident. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of this procedure is to separate the random
      effect of residuals correlation. Using this method, the measure of the model
      goodness of fit got reduced reflecting a better model than the prototype model.
      The significance of the structured spatial effect shows the existence of unknown
      explanatory variables with correlated structure whose identification and control
      can reduce the risk of accidents.

PMID- 25126010
TI  - Analysis of effect of antiviral therapy on regression of liver fibrosis in
      patient with HCV infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HCV infection is characterized by a tendency towards chronicity.
      Acute HCV infection progresses to chronic infection in 70% of cases. Hepatitis C
      virus infection can cause progressive liver injury and lead to fibrosis and
      eventually cirrhosis. The degree of histologic fibrosis is an important marker of
      the stage of the disease. One of current standard treatment for CHC infection is
      the combination of PEG-IFN alpha and ribavirin. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study
      was to investigate the effect of the therapy with Peginterferon alfa-2a or alfa
      2b plus Ribavirin on evolution of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic
      hepatitis C. Also, our aim was to examine whether there was a difference between
      the genders in the efficacy of these antiviral therapy. Our goal also was to
      determine effect of the therapy with Peginterferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b plus
      Ribavirin on evolution of liver steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was made of chronic hepatitis C
      patients who had been treated from 2005 to April 2014 at the Clinic of
      Gastroenterohepatology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. We reviewed 40
      patient medical records to collect demographic, epidemiological and clinical
      information, as information on liver biopsies that was performed prior to the
      antiviral therapy and FibroScan((r)) test that was performed after the antiviral
      therapy. For the processing of data SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social
      Sciences Program) for Windows, ver. 21.0 statistical software was used.
      Comparisons between qualitative and quantitative variables were performed using
      the Student t-test. Mann Whitney U test was used to compare differences in
      variables such as fibrosis stage and steatosis grade. A value of p<0.05 was
      considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: After treatment, there was a
      statistically significant increase in the number of patients with no fibrosis
      (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant reduction in the number of
      patients with cirrhosis (F4) (p>0.05). There was significantly higher decrease of
      fibrosis progression at the patients that were in an mild-to-moderate fibrosis
      (F1/F2/F3), patients that were in advanced stage of fibrosis (F4) at the time of
      the pre-treatment did not have a statistically significant fibrosis reduction. We
      found significant association in evolution of fibrosis after treatment with PEG
      IFN alpha2a (40) kD and PEG-IFNalpha2a (12,5) kD with ribavirin (p< 0.05). We
      also found significant association in evolution of steatosis after treatment with
      PEG-IFN alpha2a (40) kD and PEG-IFNalpha2a (12,5) kD with ribavirin (p < 0.05).
      There was statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between genders within
      fibrosis qualitative evolution. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant regression of
      fibrosis especially at the patients that were in an mild-to-moderate fibrosis
      (F1/F2/F3), patients that were in advanced stage of fibrosis (F4) at the time of
      the pre-treatment did not have a statistically significant fibrosis reduction
      after treatment with PEG-IFN alpha2a (40) kD and PEG-IFNalpha2b (12,5) kD with
      ribavirin. Our results showed significant improvement in steatosis in patients
      infected with HCV after treatment with PEG-IFN alpha2a (40) kD and PEG-IFNalpha2b
      (12,5) kD with ribavirin. Those results provides further evidence for direct
      involvement of HCV and antiviral therapy in the pathogenesis of hepatic
      steatosis. Female gender showed a higher degree of fibrosis reduction.

PMID- 25126012
TI  - A Cross-sectional Study of Midwives' Perspectives Towards their Professional
      Educational Needs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Midwives are one of the most important health care providers and
      meeting their professional educational needs can be effective in maternal and
      child health promotion. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the
      midwives' perspectives towards their educational needs. METHODS: In this cross
      sectional study which was conducted in 2012 in Sari, North of Iran, 223 midwives
      during a convenience sampling method expressed their educational needs. The
      instrument of the data collection was a self-administered 64-question researcher-
      made questionnaire about the participants' educational needs in 10 fields related
      to midwifery profession. RESULTS: The mean age and employment record of the
      participants were 33.87+/-10.49 and 10.09+/-8.14 years respectively, and the
      majority (65.02%) of them was employed in the health care centers. Findings
      showed that the highest score of midwives' educational need was related to need
      to education about labor and delivery care (75.14+/-21.13%) which was followed by
      the need to education about pre marriage counseling (74.04+/-19.95%) and pre
      conception counseling (71.33+/-21.89%). CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the emergence of
      new dimensions of tasks in midwifery practice and due to developing some changes
      in the educational needs of midwives, it's necessary to implement an updated
      educational package in order to deliver the recommended standards of care and to
      increase midwives' participation in continuing education programs.

PMID- 25126013
TI  - Effect of cigarette smoking in pregnancy on infants anthropometric
      characteristics.
AB  - AIM: The main goal of this research is to correlate anthropometric
      characteristics of newborns in pregnant women who consume cigarettes during
      pregnancy. The study was conducted at the Obstetrics Clinic of the Clinical
      Center, University of Sarajevo. METHODS: The retrospective study covered a period
      of two years. Main inclusion criteria for the study was that pregnant women
      consume cigarettes during pregnancy. The research included respondents who had a
      singleton pregnancy, without pathological conditions that can affect the outcome
      and duration of pregnancy. RESULTS: At the Obstetrics Clinic, Clinical Center
      University of Sarajevo in the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013.
      In that period 393 pregnant women completed labor who in the personal history had
      data on smoking during pregnancy. Of the total number of subjects enrolled in
      this study 38.17% smoked up to 10 cigarettes a day, 33.08 % smoked up to 20
      cigarettes a day, while up to 30 cigarettes per day smoked 28.75 % of
      respondents. CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in the average values
      of all anthropometric parameters, in relation to the number of cigarettes
      consumed by the subjects during the day. We also found negative correlation in
      the average values of anthropometric measures and the number of cigarettes
      consumed (p <0.05).

PMID- 25126014
TI  - Rates and Indicators for Episiotomy in Modern Obstetrics - a study from Saudi
      Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This observational study aimed to describe the rates and indicators
      for practice of episiotomy during normal labour and to compare them between women
      who have had one pregnancy (PG) and women who have already delivered two or more
      children (G2 and above). METHODS: The study was conducted at Mother and Child
      Hospital, Buraidah from October- December 2013 as a descriptive cross sectional
      study. RESULTS: Overall rate of Episiotomy was 51.20%. Amongst the Primigravidas
      all went through episiotomies however in G2 and above only 7 patients (4.69%)
      delivered with episiotomy. Proportions tests revealed that there were significant
      differences between gravidity groups on two indications of episiotomy (vaginal
      breech p <0.001 and previous history of perineal tear p < 0.001). G2 and above
      had episiotomy for breech delivery (1 of 7 = 14.29%) significantly more often
      than PG participants (0 of 142 = 0.0%). And G2 and above participants experienced
      episiotomy for previous perineal tear (2 of 7 = 28.5% as compared to none in PG
      No other significant differences were found on indications of episiotomy.
      CONCLUSION: Episiotomy is a very common obstetric intervention (51.20%). The PG
      experience episiotomy significantly more often than G2 and above women. Efforts
      should be made to reduce its rates. This can be done by reviewing the indications
      and rates at repeated intervals and setting guidelines for these indications.

PMID- 25126016
TI  - Situational analysis of human resources in family physician program: survey from
      iran.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Family physician is the increasing efforts to promote physician and
      other human resources in the health care systems. GOAL: Investigate Human
      resources situation of the family physician program in six pilot cities in
      Khuzestan province in the southwest of Iran. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      descriptive study was conducted to examine the family physician program in 2011.
      In this study, 15 healthcare teams in six pilot cities in Iran were assessed.
      Data was compiled from family physician officer document in vice treatment of
      Ahwaz University of medical sciences. National instructions of family physician
      was used to identify current gaps. RESULTS: The survey findings indicated that
      there is a doctor's shortage about 36% in the health team that deployed in the
      first level of referral system. Also on the team, the 34% shortage of nurses and
      60% shortages of nutrition personnel are seen. Specialists with offices in cities
      of second referral level, there have not welcomed the program. CONCLUSIONS: It
      seems that to facilitate patient access to physicians under contract with family
      physician program and the referral system in level two and level three, adopting
      arrangements to attract specialists and improving their maintenance is necessary.

PMID- 25126017
TI  - Siege of town and establishment of field hospital.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The degree of material and social development determines the basic
      characteristics of warfare. There are various causes, means and goals of warfare.
      From the standpoint of international war law, significant is the division between
      international and non-international (civil) war. International law of war is a
      part of public international law and constitutes a set of contractual and legal
      rules governing the relations between the international recognized subjects in
      times of armed conflict. The town of Konjic and Konjic municipalities are
      geographically located in the northern part of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. It is
      the largest urban municipality in the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Distance
      to some settlements in the northeast to the northwest or the villages are 186 km.
      Municipality area is 1,101 km(2). According to the character of the mountainous
      districts, inhabited by a sparse population, which amounts to 29.65 people per 1
      km(2). A third of the population lives in the city and suburbs, and the other two
      thirds is the rural population. GOAL: Our aim was to show that in an environment,
      space, under the conditions imposed suddenly by all sorts of war blockade, the
      successful in transformation from peacetime to war organization, with full
      support to local personnel and material-technical resources can be achieved
      successful results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research was conducted as a
      clinical, descriptive and retrospective, by valid documentation of War Hospital
      and already published thesis on a series of conferences, symposia and seminars at
      home and abroad. In this paper we show our results achieved in the care and
      treatment of injured and sick hospitalized in the War Hospital Konjic for the
      period from April 1992 till December 1995. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Of the total
      number of hospitalized at the surgical ward, 62% had an injury, a disease had
      30.7%. Dominated by war injuries (78.9%). The total mortality in the surgical
      ward was 4.5%. By localization were most often represented injuries of the
      extremities (52.1%), followed by chest (22.4%), stomach (13.4%), head and neck
      (12.1%), and multiple wounds (10.4%). In case of extremity injury in 64% of cases
      it was a case of fracture of the bone and the skeleton, and 19.5% had an injury
      of the neuro-vascular structures. In case of injuries to the abdomen, usually it
      was a case of open injury (95%). CONCLUSION: War Hospital, in many cases of
      illness and injury, due to the proximity of combat operations, and all manner of
      constant blockade, uniting all four echelons of health care by war-surgical
      doctrine. Start the application of the doctrine of original beginning of the
      admission, triage departments and ending at the other hospital departments with
      definitive cure in 90% of cases. In the meantime, patients went through all the
      stages (diagnosis, resuscitation, surgical treatment, conservative treatment,
      isolation, etc.).

PMID- 25126015
TI  - Perception of Societal Stigma and Discrimination Towards People Living with
      HIV/AIDS in Lagos, Nigeria: a Qualitative Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The perception of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) on how the
      public feels about them could influence their willingness to seek medical care,
      interaction with the society and their coping strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      This study assessed the perception and behavior of PLWHAs towards societal stigma
      and discrimination in Lagos, Nigeria. This was a qualitative, descriptive cross
      sectional study among PLWHAs from three of the three senatorial districts in
      Lagos State selected using simple random sampling. Six focus group discussions
      (FGDs), consisting of eight eligible respondents each were held using structured
      FGD guide. RESULTS: Collected data were analyzed using simple content analysis.
      About three quarter of all the discussants said life had become miserable
      following episodes of stigma and discrimination against their personality in
      public, family, health care settings and the work-place. Some had feelings of
      guilt and depression towards these actions. About three quarter had coped with
      the situation by living a low-keyed lifestyle, dissociating themselves from the
      public and avoiding seeking care in HIV care centers. Majority of respondents
      were not willing to come out to publicly discuss their positive HIV status for
      fear of discrimination. CONCLUSION: Discussants recommended continuous awareness
      campaigns about HIV to further educate the general public towards reduction of
      societal stigma and discrimination against PLWHAs.

PMID- 25126018
TI  - Studying the rate and causes of discharge against medical advice in hospitals
      affiliated to mazandaran university of medical sciences.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Discharge against medical advice from the hospital is an important
      issue from point of view of treatment management, health costs as well as the
      side effects of treatment stop on patients and their accompanying. Therefore,
      health managers and planners should consider the predisposing factors that change
      patient's mind in this regard. Since, there has been no study to carefully assess
      the rate and causes of self-discharge in this province, so this study is aimed to
      fill this gap. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study
      was carried out in 6 months period, from 23 July 2010 till 20 January 2011 in all
      public hospitals of Mazandaran province. A form was set out for data collection
      and those patients willing to self-discharge were asked to participate in the
      study. Patients' demographic information was filled using their medical record
      and by the help of department personnel. Furthermore, the form was completed by
      parents for patients over 18 year-old or by the help of first-rank relative for
      those having psychiatric disorders or anybody who wasn't able to complete the
      form. In order to identify the causes of self-discharge, 18 variables were
      determined which were categorized in three general items and five main groups.
      Data were entered into the SPSS15 and were analyzed using descriptive statistics
      indices. RESULTS: According to the results, 94441 were discharged from the
      university hospitals which 7967 patients (8.4 %) of them were self-discharged
      during the 6 month study period. Regarding admission type, 269 (3.3 %), (54.5 %)
      were admitted into the hospital by pre-determined appointment and as usual
      patients, respectively, and the rest were admitted by emergency department. Also,
      31.4%(2504) were hospitalized in surgery ward, 63% (5026) in medical ward, 4.6%
      (374) in intensive care unit (ICU) and the rest were hospitalized in the
      psychiatric ward. The most important reasons for self-discharge were related to:
      1-factors affecting patient illness (54.3%), 2-environmental issues as well as
      patients' accompanying (37.6%) and 3-managerial and medical reasons(7.9%),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study showed the same results for Discharge against
      medical advice rate as the others. From the view point of treatment management,
      its causes should be considered and practices should be done to improve the
      conditions. Meanwhile, the current self-discharge form doesn't reflect the causes
      of the problem and it should be revised.

PMID- 25126019
TI  - Effects of lipoic Acid on acrylamide induced testicular damage.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acrylamide is very toxic to various organs and associated with
      significant increase of oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidants. Alpha
      lipoic acid enhances cellular antioxidant defense capacity, thereby protecting
      cells from oxidative stress. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the
      protective role of alpha-lipoic acid on the oxidative damage induced by
      acrylamide in testicular and epididymal tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty
      adult male rats were divided into four groups (10 rats each). Control group;
      acrylamide treated group administered acrylamide 0.05% (w/v) in drinking water
      for 21 days; alpha-lipoic acid group received basal diet supplemented with 1%
      alpha-lipoic acid and forth group was exposed to acrylamide and treated with
      alpha-lipoic acid at the same doses and treatment regimen mentioned before.
      RESULTS: The administration of acrylamide resulted in significant elevation in
      testicular and epididymal malondialdehyde level (MDA) and significant reduction
      in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activities of glutathione-S
      transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR).
      Also, acrylamide significantly reduced serum total testosterone and progesterone
      but increased estradiol (E2) levels. Treatment with alpha-lipoic acid prior to
      acrylamide induced protective effects and attenuated these biochemical changes.
      CONCLUSION: Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to possess antioxidant properties
      offering promising efficacy against oxidative stress induced by acrylamide
      administration.

PMID- 25126020
TI  - Correlates of hypertension among adult men and women in kosovo.
AB  - AIM: We aimed to assess the independent socioeconomic, behavioral and
      psychosocial correlates of hypertension among the adult population of Kosovo.
      METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Pristina in 2012-2013
      which included a large representative sample of 1793 consecutive primary health
      care users aged >=35 years (mean age: 51.2+/-6.7 years; 52.5% women; overall
      response: 95%). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured, whereas
      demographic and socioeconomic characteristics (age, sex, marital status, place of
      residence, education, employment status and income), lifestyle factors (smoking,
      alcohol intake, physical exercise and dietary fat intake) and psychosocial
      factors (hostility and reaction to transition) were assessed through a structured
      questionnaire. Multivariable-adjusted binary logistic regression was used to
      assess the independent "predictors" of hypertension. RESULTS: Upon simultaneous
      adjustment in a backward stepwise elimination procedure for all socioeconomic
      characteristics, lifestyle factors and psychosocial factors, significant positive
      correlates of hypertension were older age (OR=1.03, 95%CI=1.01-1.05), male gender
      (OR=1.41, 95%CI=1.19-1.58), a lower educational attainment (OR=1.36, 95%CI=1.08
      1.67), smoking (OR=1.53, 95%CI=1.28-2.16), physical inactivity (OR=1.98,
      95%CI=1.46-2.74) and hostility (OR=1.42, 95%CI=1.17-2.08). CONCLUSIONS: Findings
      from this study conducted in transitional Kosovo are generally in line with
      previous reports from the Western Balkan countries and beyond. Decision-makers
      and policymakers should be aware of the rising trend and socioeconomic,
      behavioral and psychosocial determinants of hypertension in post-war Kosovo.

PMID- 25126021
TI  - Bidirectional Associations Among Sensitive Parenting, Language Development, and
      Social Competence.
AB  - Rapid changes in language skills and social competence, both of which are linked
      to sensitive parenting, characterize early childhood. The present study examines
      bidirectional associations among mothers' sensitive parenting and children's
      language skills and social competence from 24 to 36 months in a community sample
      of 174 families. In addition, this study examines how these developmental
      pathways vary by child sex. Findings indicate stability across time in sensitive
      parenting, expressive language skills, and social competence, as well as positive
      main effects of sensitive parenting on expressive and receptive language skills
      for girls and boys. We find mixed evidence over time of reciprocal links between
      social competence and sensitive parenting. Further, boys' receptive language
      skills at 24 months uniquely contribute to increases in mothers' observed
      sensitive parenting from 24 to 36 months. These findings highlight the utility of
      applying transactional frameworks to the study of sex-based differences in early
      developmental processes.

PMID- 25126022
TI  - What are we 'tweeting' about obesity? Mapping tweets with Topic Modeling and
      Geographic Information System.
AB  - Public health related tweets are difficult to identify in large conversational
      datasets like Twitter.com. Even more challenging is the visualization and
      analyses of the spatial patterns encoded in tweets. This study has the following
      objectives: How can topic modeling be used to identify relevant public health
      topics such as obesity on Twitter.com? What are the common obesity related
      themes? What is the spatial pattern of the themes? What are the research
      challenges of using large conversational datasets from social networking sites?
      Obesity is chosen as a test theme to demonstrate the effectiveness of topic
      modeling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and spatial analysis using
      Geographic Information System (GIS). The dataset is constructed from tweets
      (originating from the United States) extracted from Twitter.com on obesity
      related queries. Examples of such queries are 'food deserts', 'fast food', and
      'childhood obesity'. The tweets are also georeferenced and time stamped. Three
      cohesive and meaningful themes such as 'childhood obesity and schools', 'obesity
      prevention', and 'obesity and food habits' are extracted from the LDA model. The
      GIS analysis of the extracted themes show distinct spatial pattern between rural
      and urban areas, northern and southern states, and between coasts and inland
      states. Further, relating the themes with ancillary datasets such as US census
      and locations of fast food restaurants based upon the location of the tweets in a
      GIS environment opened new avenues for spatial analyses and mapping. Therefore
      the techniques used in this study provide a possible toolset for computational
      social scientists in general and health researchers in specific to better
      understand health problems from large conversational datasets.

PMID- 25126023
TI  - Surface Mediated Structures: Stabilization of Metastable Polymorphs on the
      Example of Paracetamol.
AB  - The preparation of typically thermodynamically unstable polymorphic structures is
      a challenge. However, solid surfaces are well established aids for the formation
      and stabilization of polymorphic structures within, for instance, organic
      electronics. In this study, we report the stabilization of a pharmaceutically
      relevant substance via a solid surface at ambient conditions. Form III of
      paracetamol, which is typically unstable in the bulk at standard conditions, can
      be stabilized with a model silica surface by a standard spin coating procedure
      followed by rapid heat treatment. Such a preparation technique allows the use of
      atomic force microscopy and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction measurements
      revealing detailed information on the morphology and structure of the polymorph.
      Furthermore, the results exhibit that this polymorph is stable over a long period
      of time revealing surface mediated stabilization. These findings demonstrate a
      novel approach to provide thermodynamic stability when applied to similar
      molecules with specific applications.

PMID- 25126025
TI  - Joy in the practice of sleep medicine.

PMID- 25126026
TI  - The case of simultaneous submission: "Flying too close to the sun".

PMID- 25126024
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of HIV risk among adolescents and young adults
      reporting drug use: Data from an urban Emergency Department in the U.S.
AB  - Adolescents and young adults who use substances are at particularly high risk for
      contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The Emergency Department (ED) is
      a critical location for HIV prevention for at-risk youth. To inform future
      interventions in the ED, this study identifies correlates of HIV risk behaviors
      among substance using youth seeking ED care. Among 600 14-24-year-olds with past
      6-month drug use, bivariate correlates of HIV risk included: older age, female
      gender, depressive symptoms, alcohol use, marijuana use, other drug use, and
      dating, peer, and community violence. Regression analyses indicated that older
      age, marijuana use, and dating violence were positively related to HIV risk.
      Results suggest HIV prevention efforts for youth in the urban ED should address
      marijuana use and dating violence as well as sexual risk behaviors.

PMID- 25126028
TI  - Resistant hypertension and untreated severe sleep apnea: slowly gaining insight.

PMID- 25126027
TI  - Association of severe obstructive sleep apnea and elevated blood pressure despite
      antihypertensive medication use.
AB  - RATIONALE: We hypothesized that untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is
      associated with elevated ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in subjects with high
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk despite medical management. METHODS: Data from
      the baseline examination of the Heart Biomarker Evaluation in Apnea Treatment
      (HeartBEAT) study, a 4-site randomized controlled trial were analyzed.
      Individuals with moderate-severe OSA (apnea hypopnea index, AHI = 15-50) and
      cardiovascular risk were recruited from cardiology practices. Those with
      hypertension were included. Intensive antihypertensive regimen (IAR) was defined
      as >= 3 antihypertensives including a diuretic. Definitions were: controlled BP
      (BP < 130/80), uncontrolled elevated BP (BP >= 130/80 not on IAR) and resistant
      elevated BP (BP >= 130/80 mm Hg despite IAR). Associations of untreated severe
      OSA (AHI >= 30) and uncontrolled and resistant elevated BP were evaluated using
      logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, race, body mass index,
      smoking status, diabetes, and CVD. RESULTS: Among the 284 participants (mean age
      63.1 +/- 7.2 years, 23.6% with severe OSA), 61.6% had controlled BP, 28.5% had
      uncontrolled elevated BP, and 9.9% had resistant elevated BP. Among participants
      prescribed IAR, resistant elevated BP was more prevalent in those with severe
      compared to moderate OSA (58.3% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.01). Participants with severe
      OSA had a 4-fold higher adjusted odds of resistant elevated BP (OR 4.1, 95% CI:
      1.7-10.2), a finding not reproduced in the absence of IAR use. CONCLUSIONS: Among
      patients with increased cardiovascular risk and moderate to severe OSA, untreated
      severe compared to moderate OSA was associated with elevated BP despite IAR
      suggesting untreated severe OSA contributes to poor BP control despite aggressive
      medication use. COMMENTARY: A commentary on this article appears in this issue on
      page 845.

PMID- 25126030
TI  - Effect of opioids on sleep and breathing in chronic pain patients.

PMID- 25126029
TI  - Sleep disordered breathing and chronic respiratory failure in patients with
      chronic pain on long term opioid therapy.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: The use of opioid medication for chronic pain has been
      increasing. The main aim of this study was to assess how many patients on opioids
      for chronic pain had sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and the type of SDB. The
      impact of these medications on daytime arterial blood gas (ABG) measurements and
      psychomotor vigilance was also studied. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (aged 18-75
      years) on long-term opioids were prospectively recruited. Patients underwent home
      polysomnogram (PSG), psychomotor vigilance testing (PVT), and awake daytime ABG.
      Overnight PSG findings were compared to those of patients matched for age, sex,
      and BMI referred to our sleep service for evaluation of SDB. PVT results in the
      patient cohort were compared to PVT in healthy controls. RESULTS: Forty-six
      percent of opioid patients had severe SDB as defined by an apnea hypopnea index
      (AHI) > 30/h. The severity of SDB was similar in opioid-treated pain clinic
      patients and sleep clinic patients (mean +/- SD AHI: Opioid-treated patients 32.7
      +/- 25.6; Sleep Study comparator group 28.9 +/- 24.6, p = 0.6). Opioid patients
      had a higher frequency of central apneas and a lower arousal index (CAI: 3.9 +/-
      8.3 vs. 0.3 +/- 0.5 events/h; p = 0.004, AI 8.0 +/- 4.1 vs. 20.1 +/- 13.8, p <
      0.001). Pain clinic patients had impaired gas exchange during sleep and
      wakefulness. Nine of 20 (45%) had daytime hypercapnia, indicating a surprising
      number were in chronic respiratory failure. Morphine equivalent doses correlated
      with the severity of SDB. PVT was impaired when compared to a healthy PVT
      comparator group (RT: Opioid-treated patients 0.43 +/- 0.27: Healthy PVT
      comparator group 0.28 +/- 0.03 sec; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients on long
      term opioids frequently have severe SDB, which in part is central in origin. PVT
      was markedly impaired. Half of the patients studied have evidence of chronic
      ventilatory failure. COMMENTARY: A commentary on this article appears in this
      issue on page 853

PMID- 25126031
TI  - A novel adaptive servoventilation (ASVAuto) for the treatment of central sleep
      apnea associated with chronic use of opioids.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and patient comfort of a new mode of
      minute ventilation-targeted adaptive servoventilation (ASVAuto) with auto
      titrating expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) versus bilevel with back-up
      respiratory rate (bilevel-ST) in patients with central sleep apnea (CSA)
      associated with chronic use of opioid medications. METHODS: Prospective,
      randomized, crossover polysomnography (PSG) study. Eighteen consecutive patients
      (age >= 18 years) who had been receiving opioid therapy (>= 6 months), and had
      sleep disordered breathing with CSA (central apnea index [CAI] >= 5) diagnosed
      during an overnight sleep study or positive airway pressure (PAP) titration were
      enrolled to undergo 2 PSG studies-one with ASVAuto and one with bilevel-ST.
      Patients completed 2 questionnaires after each PSG; Morning After Patient
      Satisfaction Questionnaire and PAP Comfort Questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients had a
      mean age of 52.9 +/- 15.3 years. PSG prior to randomization showed an apnea
      hypopnea index (AHI) of 50.3 +/- 22.2 and CAI of 13.0 +/- 18.7. Titration with
      ASVAuto versus bilevel-ST showed that there were significant differences with
      respect to AHI and CAI. The AHI and CAI were significantly lower on ASVAuto than
      bilevel-ST (2.5 +/- 3.5 versus 16.3 +/- 20.9 [p = 0.0005], and 0.4 +/- 0.8 versus
      9.4 +/- 18.8 [p = 0.0002], respectively). Respiratory parameters were normalized
      in 83.3% of patients on ASVAuto versus 33.3% on bilevel-ST. Patients felt more
      awake and alert on ASVAuto than bilevel-ST based on scores from Morning After
      Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (p = 0.0337). CONCLUSIONS: The ASVAuto was
      significantly more effective than bilevel-ST for the treatment of CSA associated
      with chronic opioid use.

PMID- 25126032
TI  - Assessment of a neck-based treatment and monitoring device for positional
      obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: A majority of patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea
      are position dependent whereby they are at least twice as severe when sleeping
      supine (POSA). This study evaluated the accuracy and efficacy of a neck-worn
      device designed to limit supine sleep. The study included nightly measurements of
      snoring, sleep/wake, time supine, and the frequency and duration of feedback to
      monitor compliance. METHODS: Thirty patients between ages 18 and 75 years, BMI <=
      35 with an overall apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >= 5 and an overall AHI >= 1.5
      times the non-supine AHI, and an Epworth score >= 5 were prospectively studied.
      Subjective reports and polysomnography were used to assess efficacy resulting
      from 4 weeks of in-home supine-avoidance therapy and to measure device accuracy.
      From 363 polysomnography reports, 209 provided sufficient positional data to
      estimate one site's prevalence of positional OSA. RESULTS: In 83% of participants
      exhibiting > 50% reduction in overall AHI, the mean and median reductions were
      69% and 79%. Significant reductions in the overall and supine AHI, apnea index,
      percent time SpO2 < 90%, and snoring contributed to significant improvements in
      stage N1 and N2 sleep, reductions in cortical arousals and awakenings, and
      improved depression scores. Supine position was under-detected by > 5% in 3% of
      cases. Sleep efficiency by neck actigraphy was within 10% of polysomnography in
      87% of the studies when position feedback was delivered. The prevalence of POSA
      was consistently > 70% when the overall AHI was < 60. CONCLUSIONS: The neck
      position therapy device is accurate and effective in restricting supine sleep,
      improving AHI, sleep architecture and continuity, and monitoring treatment
      outcomes.

PMID- 25126033
TI  - Complete blood count alterations after six months of continuous positive airway
      pressure treatment in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: The cardiovascular complications caused by obstructive sleep
      apnea (OSA) decrease after continuous positive airway pressure treatment (CPAP).
      Mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and red cell
      distribution width (RDW) are newly recognized tools for assessing cardiovascular
      risk. METHODS: From a selection of patients with symptoms of nocturnal snoring
      and/or excessive daytime sleepiness, 36 males with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)
      > 30/h and 22 age-matched normal male controls with AHI < 5/h were included.
      Patients with OSA underwent another night of CPAP titration, and 11 patients were
      excluded at the 6-month evaluation due to poor compliance with the home CPAP
      therapy. Complete blood count parameters of compliant patients and the control
      group were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared to controls, MPV values were
      significantly higher (p = 0.025) in OSA patients, but no significant differences
      in PDW or RDW were found (p > 0.05). Six months of CPAP therapy resulted in
      significantly lower MPV values but increased values of PDW and RDW in patients
      with severe OSA (p = 0.001, p = 0.007, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our
      data suggest that complete blood count parameters in OSA patients such as MPV,
      PDW and RDW change significantly after CPAP therapy.

PMID- 25126034
TI  - Home-based diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in an urban population.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Home-based diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with
      portable monitoring (PM) is increasingly utilized, but remains understudied in
      underserved and minority populations. We tested the feasibility of home PM in an
      urban population at risk for OSA compared to in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG)
      and examined patient preference with respect to home PM versus PSG. METHODS:
      Randomized crossover study of home PM (WatchPAT200) and in-laboratory
      simultaneous PSG and PM in 75 urban African Americans with high pre-test
      probability of OSA, identified with the Berlin questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty
      seven of 75 participants were women, average age 45 +/- 11 years (mean +/- SD),
      35% with <= high school education, and 76% with annual household income <
      $50,000. Technical failure rates were 5.3% for home vs. 3.1% for in-laboratory
      PM. There was good agreement between apnea hypopnea index on PSG; AHIPSG and AHI
      on home PM (mean +/- 2 SD of the differences = 0.64 +/- 46.5 and intraclass
      correlation coefficient; ICC = 0.73). The areas under the curve for the receiver
      operator characteristic curves for home PM were 0.90 for AHIPSG >= 5, 0.95 for
      AHIPSG >= 10, and 0.92 for AHIPSG >= 15. 62/75 (82%) participants preferred home
      over in-laboratory testing. CONCLUSIONS: Home PM for diagnosis of OSA in a high
      risk urban population is feasible, accurate, and preferred by patients. As home
      PM may improve access to care, the cost-effectiveness of this diagnostic strategy
      for OSA should be examined in underserved urban and rural populations. CLINICAL
      TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01997723.

PMID- 25126035
TI  - The efficacy of a chinstrap in treating sleep disordered breathing and snoring.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: A previously published case report suggested that a chinstrap
      alone might improve obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We conducted this study to
      determine whether a chinstrap was a feasible alternative to continuous positive
      airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with OSA. METHODS: 26 adult patients with OSA
      (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] > 5/h on diagnostic polysomnogram [PSG]) underwent a
      modified split-night PSG, using only a chinstrap for the first 2 hours of sleep,
      followed by CPAP titration for the remainder of the night. Improvements in AHI,
      arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), and snoring with chinstrap use were compared
      to results with optimal CPAP pressures. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference between the diagnostic PSG and the chinstrap portion of the split
      night PSG in the following parameters: general AHI (median [IQR] 16.0/h [9.7
      26.0] vs. 25.9/h [10.7-42.7]), SpO2 nadir (84.0% [80.5-87.5] vs. 87.0 [84.0
      88.5]), AHI in REM sleep (26.7/h [16.8-43.7] vs. 42.4/h [21.3-57.7]), AHI in
      supine sleep (24.9/h [11.9-51.5] vs. 29.8/h [11.7-55.5]), snoring index (253.2/h
      [147.5-353.1] vs. 180.0/h [9.8-393.3]) or subjective snoring scale (3.0 [0.8-3.0]
      vs. 2.5 [0.4-3.0]). The AHI and SpO2 nadir in the 13 patients with mild OSA also
      did not improve with chinstrap use (9.6/h [8.1-12.2] vs. 10.6/h [6.8-35.4] and
      87.0% [83.0-90.0] vs. 88.0% [87.0-89.0]). All these parameters showed significant
      improvement with optimal CPAP titration (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A chinstrap
      alone is not an effective treatment for OSA. It does not improve sleep disordered
      breathing, even in mild OSA, nor does it improve the AHI in REM sleep or supine
      sleep. It is also ineffective in improving snoring.

PMID- 25126036
TI  - Effect of sensory stimuli on restless legs syndrome: a randomized crossover
      study.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: A variety of sensory stimuli relieve restless legs syndrome
      symptoms. Because systematic evaluations of sensory stimulation in restless legs
      syndrome are largely lacking, we performed a randomized crossover study to
      evaluate the effect of external sensory stimulation on restless legs syndrome
      symptoms. METHODS: Eighteen patients underwent 3 consecutive suggestive
      immobilization tests with the order of the following 3 conditions randomly
      assigned: no electrical stimulation (condition 1), tactile and proprioceptive
      sensory stimulation (condition 2), and tactile sensory stimulation only
      (condition 3). Restless legs syndrome symptoms were quantified by visual analog
      scales, and periodic leg movements during wake were measured. RESULTS: Baseline
      visual analogue scale score was 4.5 (range 0-60) in condition 1, 10.5 (range 0
      96) in condition 2, and 8.5 in condition 3 (p = 0.21). There was a tendency
      towards a higher maximum visual analogue scale score and visual analogue scale
      score at the end of the suggested immobilization test in the conditions with
      tactile sensory stimulation, though not significant (p = 0.74 and p = 0.29,
      respectively). Fifteen patients suffered from periodic leg movements during wake.
      Median indices were 18 (range 0-145) in condition 1, 26 (range 0-190) in
      condition 2, and 49 (range 0-228) in condition 3 (p = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: We
      found a tendency towards less leg discomfort in the conditions in which an
      external sensory input was applied. This potential benefit of sensory stimuli on
      restless legs syndrome severity merits further investigation as this could open
      new ways towards a better pathophysiological understanding and non
      pharmacological treatments.

PMID- 25126037
TI  - Drug testing in children with excessive daytime sleepiness during multiple sleep
      latency testing.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of positive drug screens in children
      undergoing a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) for evaluation of excessive
      daytime sleepiness (EDS). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in
      children evaluated at the Boston Children's Hospital Sleep Center between 1998
      and 2013 who underwent MSLT for EDS with a concurrent urine and/or serum drug
      screen. RESULTS: A total of 210 MSLTs were accompanied by drug testing. Children
      were 12.7 +/- 3.7 years old (mean +/- SD), 43% were female, and 24% had
      narcolepsy. Positive tests were obtained in 32% for caffeine, 5% for prescription
      medications, and 4% for over-the-counter drugs. No drugs of abuse were
      identified. Children testing positive for caffeine were older (13.8 +/- 3.5 vs.
      12.4 +/- 3.7) and more likely female (59% vs. 36%), but did not differ in MSLT or
      overnight polysomnographic parameters compared to children without caffeine
      detected. Overall, only 14% had specific documentation regarding caffeine intake,
      though 90% were referred from a sleep clinic. Of the children testing positive
      for caffeine, 5% acknowledged use, 3% denied use, and 92% did not have a
      documented caffeine intake history during their sleep clinic visit. CONCLUSIONS:
      Routine drug testing for drugs of abuse during an MSLT for EDS yielded no
      positive results over a 15-year period, indicating that this routine practice is
      unnecessary in our pediatric population without specific concerns. However,
      objective evidence for caffeine exposure was found in 32% of tested children
      undergoing an MSLT. Sleep physicians rarely documented the caffeine intake
      history during clinic visits for EDS.

PMID- 25126038
TI  - Do respiratory cycle-related EEG changes or arousals from sleep predict
      neurobehavioral deficits and response to adenotonsillectomy in children?
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with
      hyperactive behavior, cognitive deficits, psychiatric morbidity, and sleepiness,
      but objective polysomnographic measures of OSA presence or severity among
      children scheduled for adenotonsillectomy have not explained why. To assess
      whether sleep fragmentation might explain neurobehavioral outcomes, we
      prospectively assessed the predictive value of standard arousals and also
      respiratory cycle-related EEG changes (RCREC), thought to reflect inspiratory
      microarousals. METHODS: Washtenaw County Adenotonsillectomy Cohort II
      participants included children (ages 3-12 years) scheduled for
      adenotonsillectomy, for any clinical indication. At enrollment and again 7.2 +/-
      0.9 (SD) months later, children had polysomnography, a multiple sleep latency
      test, parent-completed behavioral rating scales, cognitive testing, and
      psychiatric evaluation. The RCREC were computed as previously described for
      delta, theta, alpha, sigma, and beta EEG frequency bands. RESULTS: Participants
      included 133 children, 109 with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] >= 1.5, mean 8.3
      +/- 10.6) and 24 without OSA (AHI 0.9 +/- 0.3). At baseline, the arousal index
      and RCREC showed no consistent, significant associations with neurobehavioral
      morbidities, among all subjects or the 109 with OSA. At follow-up, the arousal
      index, RCREC, and neurobehavioral measures all tended to improve, but neither
      baseline measure of sleep fragmentation effectively predicted outcomes (all p >
      0.05, with only scattered exceptions, among all subjects or those with OSA).
      CONCLUSION: Sleep fragmentation, as reflected by standard arousals or by RCREC,
      appears unlikely to explain neurobehavioral morbidity among children who undergo
      adenotonsillectomy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID:
      NCT00233194.

PMID- 25126039
TI  - Feasibility of comprehensive, unattended ambulatory polysomnography in school
      aged children.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Although unattended ambulatory polysomnography (PSG) is
      frequently performed in adults, few studies have been performed in children. The
      objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of comprehensive,
      ambulatory PSG, including electroencephalography, in school-aged children in the
      home environment. METHODS: A total of 201 children, born premature with birth
      weights of 500-1,250 grams, currently aged 5-12 years and living in Canada and
      Australia, underwent unattended ambulatory PSG. RESULTS: PSG was initially
      technically satisfactory in 183 (91%) cases. Fourteen studies were satisfactory
      when repeated, resulting in an overall satisfactory rate of 197 (98%). Artifact
      free signals were obtained for >= 75% of recording time in more than 92% of
      subjects, with the exception of nasal pressure, which was satisfactory for >= 75%
      of recording time in only 67% of subjects. However, thermistry signals were
      satisfactory for >= 75% of recording time in 92% of subjects, and some measure of
      airflow was present for >= 75% of recording time in 96% of subjects. Children
      slept very well, with a long total sleep time (534 +/- 73 [mean +/- SD] minutes),
      high sleep efficiency (92% +/- 5%), and low arousal index (9 +/- 3/h). Parents
      and children reported a high rate of satisfaction with the study. CONCLUSIONS:
      This large, international study has shown that comprehensive, unattended,
      ambulatory PSG is feasible, technically adequate and well-tolerated in school
      aged children when performed under research conditions. Further studies regarding
      the cost efficacy of this approach, and generalizability of the findings to a
      clinical population, are warranted.

PMID- 25126041
TI  - Adult NREM parasomnia associated with lancinating throat pain.
AB  - We report the case of a 30-year-old woman presenting with dangerous nocturnal
      NREM episodes with the clinical feature of lancinating throat pain. We
      hypothesize that the pain may have represented sensory hallucination analogous to
      commonly recognized visual images associated with NREM parasomnias. This case is
      also unusual for probable psychological triggers that could play a role in the
      pathogenesis of the disease, as evidenced by successful psychotherapy.

PMID- 25126040
TI  - Assessing and predicting the likelihood of interventions during routine annual
      follow-up visits for management of obstructive sleep.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on established
      positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment are often advised routine annual follow
      up visits to assess ongoing effectiveness and address problems associated with
      therapy. This study evaluates the clinical utility of annual face-to-face follow
      up visits. DESIGN: We performed a retrospective chart review of OSA patients on
      PAP who had completed a routine annual follow-up visit. Demographics,
      polysomnography, PAP compliance, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), subjective
      complaints (efficacy and interface issues, equipment malfunction, prescription
      renewal), objective findings (efficacy or leak issues, equipment problems), and
      visit-specific interventions were recorded. We determined relationships between
      patient provided information and likelihood of therapeutic versus administrative
      interventions. SETTING: Academic sleep center. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Among
      716 patients who met study criteria, we abstracted data on 180 randomly selected
      patients. On multivariate analyses, only subjective complaints or objective
      findings by providers were associated with a therapeutic intervention (p <
      0.0001). Though most patients (55 of 63 patients, 87.3%) who required therapeutic
      interventions had objective findings, without subjective complaints, the odds of
      such findings were only 0.12 (95% CI = 0.06-0.24, p < 0.0001). Without subjective
      complaints, the likelihood of a therapeutic intervention was 0.07 (95% CI = 0.03
      0.15, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that in the absence of a
      subjective complaint, an annual follow-up is more likely to require
      administrative rather than face-to-face clinical intervention. Designing a clinic
      model to account for this might reduce resource utilization. However, the value
      and optimal timing of "routine" annual follow-up visits requires further
      evaluation.

PMID- 25126043
TI  - Cognitive benefits of computer games for older adults.
AB  - The purpose of this paper is to develop a basis for the hypothesis that digital
      action games may produce cognitive benefits for older adults. First, a discussion
      of the relationship between cognitive and physical health shows the increasing
      weight given to the role of declines in cognition in the development of
      dependency in older adult population studies. Second, evidence that cognitive
      training produces 'far transfer' in elders is presented. The key issue is that
      one approach, known as extended practice training, has been successful in
      producing far transfer to memory and other processes. Its principles, which are
      consistent with those associated with positive brain plasticity effects, are
      identified. Those principles are then related to the mechanics of digital action
      games, which also have the important added feature of producing the experiences
      of presence, engagement, and flow, the subjective elements of game play that are
      likely to sustain interest and emotional investment in the skills practiced so
      that the play produces cognitive benefits. The specific cognitive abilities
      proposed to be improved by different types of game genres are outlined, and
      recent developments in game and interface design that may affect the willingness
      of older adults to play are described.

PMID- 25126042
TI  - Sleep-related violence and sexual behavior in sleep: a systematic review of
      medical-legal case reports.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review systematically medical-legal cases of sleep-related violence
      (SRV) and sexual behavior in sleep (SBS). SEARCH METHODS: We searched Pubmed and
      PsychINFO (from 1980 to 2012) with pre-specified terms. We also searched
      reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Case reports in which a
      sleep disorder was purported as the defense during a criminal trial and in which
      information about the forensic evaluation of the defendant was provided. DATA
      EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Information about legal issues, defendant and victim
      characteristics, circumstantial factors, and forensic evaluation was extracted
      from each case. A qualitative-comparative assessment of cases was performed.
      RESULTS: Eighteen cases (9 SRV and 9 SBS) were included. The charge was murder or
      attempted murder in all SRV cases, while in SBS cases the charge ranged from
      sexual touching to rape. The defense was based on sleepwalking in 11 of 18 cases.
      The trial outcome was in favor of the defendant in 14 of 18 cases. Defendants
      were relatively young males in all cases. Victims were usually adult relatives of
      the defendants in SRV cases and unrelated young girls or adolescents in SBS
      cases. In most cases the criminal events occurred 1-2 hours after the defendant's
      sleep onset, and both proximity and other potential triggering factors were
      reported. The forensic evaluations widely differed from case to case. CONCLUSION:
      SRV and SBS medical-legal cases did not show apparent differences, except for the
      severity of the charges and the victim characteristics. An international
      multidisciplinary consensus for the forensic evaluation of SRV and SBS should be
      developed as an urgent priority.

PMID- 25126044
TI  - The regulation of coenzyme q biosynthesis in eukaryotic cells: all that yeast can
      tell us.
AB  - Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a mitochondrial lipid, which functions mainly as an electron
      carrier from complex I or II to complex III at the mitochondrial inner membrane,
      and also as antioxidant in cell membranes. CoQ is needed as electron acceptor in
      beta-oxidation of fatty acids and pyridine nucleotide biosynthesis, and it is
      responsible for opening the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. The yeast
      model has been very useful to analyze the synthesis of CoQ, and therefore, most
      of the knowledge about its regulation was obtained from the Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae model. CoQ biosynthesis is regulated to support 2 processes: the
      bioenergetic metabolism and the antioxidant defense. Alterations of the carbon
      source in yeast, or in nutrient availability in yeasts or mammalian cells,
      upregulate genes encoding proteins involved in CoQ synthesis. Oxidative stress,
      generated by chemical or physical agents or by serum deprivation, modifies
      specifically the expression of some COQ genes by means of stress transcription
      factors such as Msn2/4p, Yap1p or Hsf1p. In general, the induction of COQ gene
      expression produced by metabolic changes or stress is modulated downstream by
      other regulatory mechanisms such as the protein import to mitochondria, the
      assembly of a multi-enzymatic complex composed by Coq proteins and also the
      existence of a phosphorylation cycle that regulates the last steps of CoQ
      biosynthesis. The CoQ biosynthetic complex assembly starts with the production of
      a nucleating lipid such as HHB by the action of the Coq2 protein. Then, the Coq4
      protein recognizes the precursor HHB acting as the nucleus of the complex. The
      activity of Coq8p, probably as kinase, allows the formation of an initial pre
      complex containing all Coq proteins with the exception of Coq7p. This pre-complex
      leads to the synthesis of 5-demethoxy-Q6 (DMQ6), the Coq7p substrate. When de
      novo CoQ biosynthesis is required, Coq7p becomes dephosphorylated by the action
      of Ptc7p increasing the synthesis rate of CoQ6. This critical model is needed for
      a better understanding of CoQ biosynthesis. Taking into account that patients
      with CoQ10 deficiency maintain to some extent the machinery to synthesize CoQ,
      new promising strategies for the treatment of CoQ10 deficiency will require a
      better understanding of the regulation of CoQ biosynthesis in the future. 

PMID- 25126046
TI  - Clinical presentations of coenzyme q10 deficiency syndrome.
AB  - Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous
      syndrome which has been associated with 5 major clinical phenotypes: (1)
      encephalomyopathy, (2) severe infantile multisystemic disease, (3) nephropathy,
      (4) cerebellar ataxia, and (5) isolated myopathy. Of these phenotypes, cerebellar
      ataxia and syndromic or isolated nephrotic syndrome are the most common. CoQ10
      deficiency predominantly presents in childhood. To date, causative mutations have
      been identified in a small proportion of patients, making it difficult to
      identify a phenotype-genotype correlation. Identification of CoQ10 deficiency is
      important because the disease, in particular muscle symptoms and nephropathy,
      frequently responds to CoQ10 supplementation. 

PMID- 25126047
TI  - Biochemical diagnosis of coenzyme q10 deficiency.
AB  - Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency appears to have a particularly heterogeneous
      clinical presentation. However, there appear to be 5 recognisable clinical
      phenotypes: encephalomyopathy, severe infantile multisystemic disease,
      nephropathy, cerebellar ataxia, and isolated myopathy. However, although useful,
      clinical symptoms alone are insufficient for the definitive diagnosis of CoQ10
      deficiency which relies upon biochemical assessment of tissue CoQ10 status. In
      this article, we review the biochemical methods used in the diagnosis of human
      CoQ10 deficiency and indicate the most appropriate tissues for this evaluation. 

PMID- 25126045
TI  - Coenzyme q and the respiratory chain: coenzyme q pool and mitochondrial
      supercomplexes.
AB  - Two alternative models of organization of the mitochondrial electron transport
      chain (mETC) have been alternatively favored or questioned by the accumulation
      evidences of different sources, the solid model or the random collision model.
      Both agree in the number of respiratory complexes (I-IV) that participate in the
      mETC, but while the random collision model proposes that Complexes I-IV do not
      interact physically and that electrons are transferred between them by coenzyme Q
      and cytochrome c, the solid model proposes that all complexes super-assemble in
      the so-called respirasome. Recently, the plasticity model has been developed to
      incorporate the solid and the random collision model as extreme situations of a
      dynamic organization, allowing super-assembly free movement of the respiratory
      complexes. In this review, we evaluate the supporting evidences of each model and
      the implications of the super-assembly in the physiological role of coenzyme Q. 

PMID- 25126048
TI  - Genetics of coenzyme q10 deficiency.
AB  - Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of eukaryotic cells and is
      involved in crucial biochemical reactions such as the production of ATP in the
      mitochondrial respiratory chain, the biosynthesis of pyrimidines, and the
      modulation of apoptosis. CoQ10 requires at least 13 genes for its biosynthesis.
      Mutations in these genes cause primary CoQ10 deficiency, a clinically and
      genetically heterogeneous disorder. To date mutations in 8 genes (PDSS1, PDSS2,
      COQ2, COQ4, COQ6, ADCK3, ADCK4, and COQ9) have been associated with CoQ10
      deficiency presenting with a wide variety of clinical manifestations. Onset can
      be at virtually any age, although pediatric forms are more common. Symptoms
      include those typical of respiratory chain disorders (encephalomyopathy, ataxia,
      lactic acidosis, deafness, retinitis pigmentosa, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy),
      but some (such as steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome) are peculiar to this
      condition. The molecular bases of the clinical diversity of this condition are
      still unknown. It is of critical importance that physicians promptly recognize
      these disorders because most patients respond to oral administration of CoQ10. 

PMID- 25126049
TI  - Pathomechanisms in coenzyme q10-deficient human fibroblasts.
AB  - Primary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency is a rare mitochondrial disorder
      associated with 5 major clinical phenotypes: (1) encephalomyopathy, (2) severe
      infantile multisystemic disease, (3) cerebellar ataxia, (4) isolated myopathy,
      and (5) steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Growth retardation, deafness and
      hearing loss have also been described in CoQ10-deficient patients. This
      heterogeneity in the clinical presentations suggests that multiple
      pathomechanisms may exist. To investigate the biochemical and molecular
      consequences of CoQ10 deficiency, different laboratories have studied cultures of
      skin fibroblasts from patients with CoQ10 deficiency. In this review, we
      summarize the results obtained in these studies over the last decade. 

PMID- 25126050
TI  - Invertebrate models for coenzyme q10 deficiency.
AB  - The human syndrome of coenzyme Q (CoQ) deficiency is a heterogeneous
      mitochondrial disease characterized by a diminution of CoQ content in cells and
      tissues that affects all the electron transport processes CoQ is responsible for,
      like the electron transference in mitochondria for respiration and ATP production
      and the antioxidant capacity that it exerts in membranes and lipoproteins.
      Supplementation with external CoQ is the main attempt to address these
      pathologies, but quite variable results have been obtained ranging from little
      response to a dramatic recovery. Here, we present the importance of modeling
      human CoQ deficiencies in animal models to understand the genetics and the
      pathology of this disease, although the election of an organism is crucial and
      can sometimes be controversial. Bacteria and yeast harboring mutations that lead
      to CoQ deficiency are unable to grow if they have to respire but develop without
      any problems on media with fermentable carbon sources. The complete lack of CoQ
      in mammals causes embryonic lethality, whereas other mutations produce tissue
      specific diseases as in humans. However, working with transgenic mammals is time
      and cost intensive, with no assurance of obtaining results. Caenorhabditis
      elegans and Drosophila melanogaster have been used for years as organisms to
      study embryonic development, biogenesis, degenerative pathologies, and aging
      because of the genetic facilities and the speed of working with these animal
      models. In this review, we summarize several attempts to model reliable human CoQ
      deficiencies in invertebrates, focusing on mutant phenotypes pretty similar to
      those observed in human patients. 

PMID- 25126051
TI  - An overview of current mouse models recapitulating coenzyme q10 deficiency
      syndrome.
AB  - Coenzyme Q (CoQ), also known as ubiquinone, is an essential lipophilic molecule
      present in all cellular membranes and involved in a variety of cellular
      functions, in particular as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory
      chain and as a potent antioxidant. CoQ is synthesized endogenously through a
      complex metabolic pathway involving over 10 different components. Primary CoQ10
      deficiency in humans, due to mutations in genes involved in CoQ biosynthesis, is
      a heterogeneous group of rare disorders presenting severe and complex clinical
      symptoms. The generation of mouse models deficient in CoQ is important to further
      clarify the cellular function of CoQ and to unravel the complexity in the
      pathophysiological consequences of CoQ deficiency. This review summarizes the
      current knowledge on mouse models of primary CoQ deficiency. 

PMID- 25126053
TI  - Learning with repeated-game strategies.
AB  - We use the self-tuning Experience Weighted Attraction model with repeated-game
      strategies as a computer testbed to examine the relative frequency, speed of
      convergence and progression of a set of repeated-game strategies in four
      symmetric 2 * 2 games: Prisoner's Dilemma, Battle of the Sexes, Stag-Hunt, and
      Chicken. In the Prisoner's Dilemma game, we find that the strategy with the most
      occurrences is the "Grim-Trigger." In the Battle of the Sexes game, a cooperative
      pair that alternates between the two pure-strategy Nash equilibria emerges as the
      one with the most occurrences. In the Stag-Hunt and Chicken games, the "Win-Stay,
      Lose-Shift" and "Grim-Trigger" strategies are the ones with the most occurrences.
      Overall, the pairs that converged quickly ended up at the cooperative outcomes,
      whereas the ones that were extremely slow to reach convergence ended up at non
      cooperative outcomes. 

PMID- 25126052
TI  - Coenzyme q10 therapy.
AB  - For a number of years, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) was known for its key role in
      mitochondrial bioenergetics; later studies demonstrated its presence in other
      subcellular fractions and in blood plasma, and extensively investigated its
      antioxidant role. These 2 functions constitute the basis for supporting the
      clinical use of CoQ10. Also, at the inner mitochondrial membrane level, CoQ10 is
      recognized as an obligatory cofactor for the function of uncoupling proteins and
      a modulator of the mitochondrial transition pore. Furthermore, recent data
      indicate that CoQ10 affects the expression of genes involved in human cell
      signaling, metabolism and transport, and some of the effects of CoQ10
      supplementation may be due to this property. CoQ10 deficiencies are due to
      autosomal recessive mutations, mitochondrial diseases, aging-related oxidative
      stress and carcinogenesis processes, and also statin treatment. Many
      neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, cancer, and muscular and cardiovascular
      diseases have been associated with low CoQ10 levels as well as different ataxias
      and encephalomyopathies. CoQ10 treatment does not cause serious adverse effects
      in humans and new formulations have been developed that increase CoQ10 absorption
      and tissue distribution. Oral administration of CoQ10 is a frequent antioxidant
      strategy in many diseases that may provide a significant symptomatic benefit. 

PMID- 25126055
TI  - Gender differences in the temporal voice areas.
AB  - There is not only evidence for behavioral differences in voice perception between
      female and male listeners, but also recent suggestions for differences in neural
      correlates between genders. The fMRI functional voice localizer (comprising a
      univariate analysis contrasting stimulation with vocal vs. non-vocal sounds) is
      known to give robust estimates of the temporal voice areas (TVAs). However, there
      is growing interest in employing multivariate analysis approaches to fMRI data
      (e.g., multivariate pattern analysis; MVPA). The aim of the current study was to
      localize voice-related areas in both female and male listeners and to investigate
      whether brain maps may differ depending on the gender of the listener. After a
      univariate analysis, a random effects analysis was performed on female (n = 149)
      and male (n = 123) listeners and contrasts between them were computed. In
      addition, MVPA with a whole-brain searchlight approach was implemented and
      classification maps were entered into a second-level permutation based random
      effects models using statistical non-parametric mapping (SnPM; Nichols and
      Holmes, 2002). Gender differences were found only in the MVPA. Identified regions
      were located in the middle part of the middle temporal gyrus (bilateral) and the
      middle superior temporal gyrus (right hemisphere). Our results suggest
      differences in classifier performance between genders in response to the voice
      localizer with higher classification accuracy from local BOLD signal patterns in
      several temporal-lobe regions in female listeners. 

PMID- 25126054
TI  - A comprehensive assessment of resting state networks: bidirectional modification
      of functional integrity in cerebro-cerebellar networks in dementia.
AB  - In resting state fMRI (rs-fMRI), only functional connectivity (FC) reductions in
      the default mode network (DMN) are normally reported as a biomarker for
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this investigation we have developed a comprehensive
      strategy to characterize the FC changes occurring in multiple networks and
      applied it in a pilot study of subjects with AD and Mild Cognitive Impairment
      (MCI), compared to healthy controls (HC). Resting state networks (RSNs) were
      studied in 14 AD (70 +/- 6 years), 12 MCI (74 +/- 6 years), and 16 HC (69 +/- 5
      years). RSN alterations were present in almost all the 15 recognized RSNs;
      overall, 474 voxels presented a reduced FC in MCI and 1244 in AD while 1627
      voxels showed an increased FC in MCI and 1711 in AD. The RSNs were then ranked
      according to the magnitude and extension of FC changes (gFC), putting in evidence
      6 RSNs with prominent changes: DMN, frontal cortical network (FCN), lateral
      visual network (LVN), basal ganglia network (BGN), cerebellar network (CBLN), and
      the anterior insula network (AIN). Nodes, or hubs, showing alterations common to
      more than one RSN were mostly localized within the prefrontal cortex and the
      mesial-temporal cortex. The cerebellum showed a unique behavior where voxels of
      decreased gFC were only found in AD while a significant gFC increase was only
      found in MCI. The gFC alterations showed strong correlations (p < 0.001) with
      psychological scores, in particular Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and
      attention/memory tasks. In conclusion, this analysis revealed that the DMN was
      affected by remarkable FC increases, that FC alterations extended over several
      RSNs, that derangement of functional relationships between multiple areas
      occurred already in the early stages of dementia. These results warrant future
      work to verify whether these represent compensatory mechanisms that exploit a pre
      existing neural reserve through plasticity, which evolve in a state of lack of
      connectivity between different networks with the worsening of the pathology. 

PMID- 25126057
TI  - Two distinct olfactory bulb sublaminar networks involved in gamma and beta
      oscillation generation: a CSD study in the anesthetized rat.
AB  - A prominent feature of olfactory bulb (OB) dynamics is the expression of
      characteristic local field potential (LFP) rhythms, including a slow respiration
      related rhythm and two fast alternating oscillatory rhythms, beta (15-30 Hz) and
      gamma (40-90 Hz). All of these rhythms are implicated in olfactory coding. Fast
      oscillatory rhythms are known to involve the mitral-granule cell loop. Although
      the underlying mechanisms of gamma oscillation have been studied, the origin of
      beta oscillation remains poorly understood. Whether these two different rhythms
      share the same underlying mechanism is unknown. This study uses a quantitative
      and detailed current-source density (CSD) analysis combined with multi-unit
      activity (MUA) recordings to shed light on this question in freely breathing
      anesthetized rats. In particular, we show that gamma oscillation generation
      involves mainly the upper half of the external plexiform layer (EPL) and
      superficial areas of granule cell layer (GRL). In contrast, the generation of
      beta oscillation involves the lower part of the EPL and deep granule cells. This
      differential involvement of sublaminar networks is neither dependent on odor
      quality nor on the precise frequency of the fast oscillation under study.
      Overall, this study demonstrates a functional sublaminar organization of the rat
      OB, which is supported by previous anatomical findings. 

PMID- 25126058
TI  - Across-ear stimulus-specific adaptation in the auditory cortex.
AB  - The ability to detect unexpected or deviant events in natural scenes is critical
      for survival. In the auditory system, neurons from the midbrain to cortex adapt
      quickly to repeated stimuli but this adaptation does not fully generalize to
      other rare stimuli, a phenomenon called stimulus-specific adaptation (SSA). Most
      studies of SSA were conducted with pure tones of different frequencies, and it is
      by now well-established that SSA to tone frequency is strong and robust in
      auditory cortex. Here we tested SSA in the auditory cortex to the ear of
      stimulation using broadband noise. We show that cortical neurons adapt
      specifically to the ear of stimulation, and that the contrast between the
      responses to stimulation of the same ear when rare and when common depends on the
      binaural interaction class of the neurons. 

PMID- 25126056
TI  - Frontiers in therapeutic development of allopregnanolone for Alzheimer's disease
      and other neurological disorders.
AB  - Allopregnanolone (Allo), a neurosteroid, has emerged as a promising promoter of
      endogenous regeneration in brain. In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, Allo
      induced neurogenesis, oligodendrogenesis, white matter generation and cholesterol
      homeostasis while simultaneously reducing beta-amyloid and neuroinflammatory
      burden. Allo activates signaling pathways and gene expression required for
      regeneration of neural stem cells and their differentiation into neurons. In
      parallel, Allo activates systems to sustain cholesterol homeostasis and reduce
      beta-amyloid generation. To advance Allo into studies for chronic human
      neurological conditions, we examined translational and clinical parameters: dose,
      regimen, route, formulation, outcome measures, and safety regulations. A
      treatment regimen of once per week at sub-sedative doses of Allo was optimal for
      regeneration and reduction in Alzheimer's pathology. This regimen had a high
      safety profile following chronic exposure in aged normal and Alzheimer's mice.
      Formulation of Allo for multiple routes of administration has been developed for
      both preclinical and clinical testing. Preclinical evidence for therapeutic
      efficacy of Allo spans multiple neurological diseases including Alzheimer's,
      Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, Niemann-Pick, diabetic neuropathy, status
      epilepticus, and traumatic brain injury. To successfully translate Allo as a
      therapeutic for multiple neurological disorders, it will be necessary to tailor
      dose and regimen to the targeted therapeutic mechanisms and disease etiology.
      Treatment paradigms conducted in accelerated disease models in young animals have
      a low probability of successful translation to chronic diseases in adult and aged
      humans. Gender, genetic risks, stage and burden of disease are critical
      determinants of efficacy. This review focuses on recent advances in development
      of Allo for Alzheimer's disease (AD) that have the potential to accelerate
      therapeutic translation for multiple unmet neurological needs. 

PMID- 25126059
TI  - The world according to zebrafish: how neural circuits generate behavior.

PMID- 25126061
TI  - Ethical issues with brain-computer interfaces.

PMID- 25126062
TI  - Mice with a naturally occurring DISC1 mutation display a broad spectrum of
      behaviors associated to psychiatric disorders.
AB  - Disrupted in schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) gene is associated with several
      neuropsychiatric disorders as it is disrupted by a balanced translocation
      involving chromosomes 1 and 11 in a large Scottish pedigree with high prevalence
      of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. Since its
      identification, several mouse models with DISC1 genetic modifications have been
      generated using different approaches. Interestingly, a natural deletion of 25bp
      in the 129 mouse strain alters the DISC1 gene reading frame leading to a
      premature stop codon very close to the gene breakpoint in the mutant allele of
      the Scottish family. In the present study we confirmed that the 129DISC1(Del)
      mutation results in reduced level of full length DISC1 in hippocampus of
      heterozygous mice and we have characterized the behavioral consequences of
      heterozygous 129DISC1(Del) mutation in a mixed B6129 genetic background. We found
      alterations in spontaneous locomotor activity (hyperactivity in males and
      hypoactivity in females), deficits in pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) and also
      increased despair behavior in heterozygous 129DISC1(Del) mice, thus reproducing
      typical behaviors associated to psychiatric disorders. Since this mouse strain is
      widely and commercially available, we propose it as an amenable tool to study
      DISC1-related biochemical alterations and psychiatric behaviors. 

PMID- 25126060
TI  - Best of both worlds: promise of combining brain stimulation and brain connectome.
AB  - Transcranial current brain stimulation (tCS) is becoming increasingly popular as
      a non-pharmacological non-invasive neuromodulatory method that alters cortical
      excitability by applying weak electrical currents to the scalp via a pair of
      electrodes. Most applications of this technique have focused on enhancing motor
      and learning skills, as well as a therapeutic agent in neurological and
      psychiatric disorders. In these applications, similarly to lesion studies, tCS
      was used to provide a causal link between a function or behavior and a specific
      brain region (e.g., primary motor cortex). Nonetheless, complex cognitive
      functions are known to rely on functionally connected multitude of brain regions
      with dynamically changing patterns of information flow rather than on isolated
      areas, which are most commonly targeted in typical tCS experiments. In this
      review article, we argue in favor of combining tCS method with other neuroimaging
      techniques (e.g., fMRI, EEG) and by employing state-of-the-art connectivity data
      analysis techniques (e.g., graph theory) to obtain a deeper understanding of the
      underlying spatiotemporal dynamics of functional connectivity patterns and
      cognitive performance. Finally, we discuss the possibilities of using these
      combined techniques to investigate the neural correlates of human creativity and
      to enhance creativity. 

PMID- 25126063
TI  - Differential effects of sertraline in a predator exposure animal model of post
      traumatic stress disorder.
AB  - Serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and other neurotransmitters are modulated
      in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines
      (PIC) are elevated during the progression of the disorder. Currently, the only
      approved pharmacologic treatments for PTSD are the selective-serotonin reuptake
      inhibitors (SSRI) sertraline and paroxetine, but their efficacy in treating PTSD
      is marginal at best. In combat-related PTSD, SSRIs are of limited effectiveness.
      Thus, this study sought to analyze the effects of the SSRI sertraline on
      inflammation and neurotransmitter modulation via a predator exposure/psychosocial
      stress animal model of PTSD. We hypothesized that sertraline would diminish
      inflammatory components and increase 5-HT but might also affect levels of other
      neurotransmitters, particularly NE. PTSD-like effects were induced in male
      Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6/group * 4 groups). The rats were secured in Plexiglas
      cylinders and placed in a cage with a cat for 1 h on days 1 and 11 of a 31-day
      stress regimen. PTSD rats were also subjected to psychosocial stress via daily
      cage cohort changes. At the conclusion of the stress regimen, treatment group
      animals were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with sertraline HCl at 10 mg/kg
      for 7 consecutive days, while controls received i.p. vehicle. The animals were
      subsequently sacrificed on day 8. Sertraline attenuated inflammatory markers and
      normalized 5-HT levels in the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast,
      sertraline produced elevations in NE in the CNS and systemic circulation of SSRI
      treated PTSD and control groups. This increase in NE suggests SSRIs produce a
      heightened noradrenergic response, which might elevate anxiety in a clinical
      setting. 

PMID- 25126065
TI  - Learning to perceive in the sensorimotor approach: Piaget's theory of
      equilibration interpreted dynamically.
AB  - LEARNING TO PERCEIVE IS FACED WITH A CLASSICAL PARADOX: if understanding is
      required for perception, how can we learn to perceive something new, something we
      do not yet understand? According to the sensorimotor approach, perception
      involves mastery of regular sensorimotor co-variations that depend on the agent
      and the environment, also known as the "laws" of sensorimotor contingencies
      (SMCs). In this sense, perception involves enacting relevant sensorimotor skills
      in each situation. It is important for this proposal that such skills can be
      learned and refined with experience and yet up to this date, the sensorimotor
      approach has had no explicit theory of perceptual learning. The situation is made
      more complex if we acknowledge the open-ended nature of human learning. In this
      paper we propose Piaget's theory of equilibration as a potential candidate to
      fulfill this role. This theory highlights the importance of intrinsic
      sensorimotor norms, in terms of the closure of sensorimotor schemes. It also
      explains how the equilibration of a sensorimotor organization faced with novelty
      or breakdowns proceeds by re-shaping pre-existing structures in coupling with
      dynamical regularities of the world. This way learning to perceive is guided by
      the equilibration of emerging forms of skillful coping with the world. We
      demonstrate the compatibility between Piaget's theory and the sensorimotor
      approach by providing a dynamical formalization of equilibration to give an
      explicit micro-genetic account of sensorimotor learning and, by extension, of how
      we learn to perceive. This allows us to draw important lessons in the form of
      general principles for open-ended sensorimotor learning, including the need for
      an intrinsic normative evaluation by the agent itself. We also explore
      implications of our micro-genetic account at the personal level.

PMID- 25126064
TI  - Parallel processing in the brain's visual form system: an fMRI study.
AB  - We here extend and complement our earlier time-based, magneto-encephalographic
      (MEG), study of the processing of forms by the visual brain (Shigihara and Zeki,
      2013) with a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, in order to
      better localize the activity produced in early visual areas when subjects view
      simple geometric stimuli of increasing perceptual complexity (lines, angles,
      rhombuses) constituted from the same elements (lines). Our results show that all
      three categories of form activate all three visual areas with which we were
      principally concerned (V1-V3), with angles producing the strongest and rhombuses
      the weakest activity in all three. The difference between the activity produced
      by angles and rhombuses was significant, that between lines and rhombuses was
      trend significant while that between lines and angles was not. Taken together
      with our earlier MEG results, the present ones suggest that a parallel strategy
      is used in processing forms, in addition to the well-documented hierarchical
      strategy. 

PMID- 25126066
TI  - Different corticospinal control between discrete and rhythmic movement of the
      ankle.
AB  - We investigated differences in corticospinal and spinal control between discrete
      and rhythmic ankle movements. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the tibialis
      anterior and soleus muscles and soleus H-reflex were elicited in the middle of
      the plantar flexion phase during discrete ankle movement or in the initial or
      later cycles of rhythmic ankle movement. The H-reflex was evoked at an intensity
      eliciting a small M-wave and MEPs were elicited at an intensity of 1.2 times the
      motor threshold of the soleus MEPs. Only trials in which background EMG level,
      ankle angle, and ankle velocity were similar among the movement conditions were
      included for data analysis. In addition, only trials with a similar M-wave were
      included for data analysis in the experiment evoking H-reflexes. Results showed
      that H reflex and MEP amplitudes in the soleus muscle during discrete movement
      were not significantly different from those during rhythmic movement. MEP
      amplitude in the tibialis anterior muscle during the later cycles of rhythmic
      movement was significantly larger than that during the initial cycle of the
      rhythmic movement or during discrete movement. Higher corticospinal excitability
      in the tibialis anterior muscle during the later cycles of rhythmic movement may
      reflect changes in corticospinal control from the initial cycle to the later
      cycles of rhythmic movement. 

PMID- 25126067
TI  - Analysis of sampling artifacts on the Granger causality analysis for topology
      extraction of neuronal dynamics.
AB  - Granger causality (GC) is a powerful method for causal inference for time series.
      In general, the GC value is computed using discrete time series sampled from
      continuous-time processes with a certain sampling interval length tau, i.e., the
      GC value is a function of tau. Using the GC analysis for the topology extraction
      of the simplest integrate-and-fire neuronal network of two neurons, we discuss
      behaviors of the GC value as a function of tau, which exhibits (i) oscillations,
      often vanishing at certain finite sampling interval lengths, (ii) the GC vanishes
      linearly as one uses finer and finer sampling. We show that these sampling
      effects can occur in both linear and non-linear dynamics: the GC value may vanish
      in the presence of true causal influence or become non-zero in the absence of
      causal influence. Without properly taking this issue into account, GC analysis
      may produce unreliable conclusions about causal influence when applied to
      empirical data. These sampling artifacts on the GC value greatly complicate the
      reliability of causal inference using the GC analysis, in general, and the
      validity of topology reconstruction for networks, in particular. We use idealized
      linear models to illustrate possible mechanisms underlying these phenomena and to
      gain insight into the general spectral structures that give rise to these
      sampling effects. Finally, we present an approach to circumvent these sampling
      artifacts to obtain reliable GC values. 

PMID- 25126068
TI  - Ventral-stream-like shape representation: from pixel intensity values to
      trainable object-selective COSFIRE models.
AB  - The remarkable abilities of the primate visual system have inspired the
      construction of computational models of some visual neurons. We propose a
      trainable hierarchical object recognition model, which we call S-COSFIRE (S
      stands for Shape and COSFIRE stands for Combination Of Shifted FIlter REsponses)
      and use it to localize and recognize objects of interests embedded in complex
      scenes. It is inspired by the visual processing in the ventral stream (V1/V2 ->
      V4 -> TEO). Recognition and localization of objects embedded in complex scenes is
      important for many computer vision applications. Most existing methods require
      prior segmentation of the objects from the background which on its turn requires
      recognition. An S-COSFIRE filter is automatically configured to be selective for
      an arrangement of contour-based features that belong to a prototype shape
      specified by an example. The configuration comprises selecting relevant vertex
      detectors and determining certain blur and shift parameters. The response is
      computed as the weighted geometric mean of the blurred and shifted responses of
      the selected vertex detectors. S-COSFIRE filters share similar properties with
      some neurons in inferotemporal cortex, which provided inspiration for this work.
      We demonstrate the effectiveness of S-COSFIRE filters in two applications: letter
      and keyword spotting in handwritten manuscripts and object spotting in complex
      scenes for the computer vision system of a domestic robot. S-COSFIRE filters are
      effective to recognize and localize (deformable) objects in images of complex
      scenes without requiring prior segmentation. They are versatile trainable shape
      detectors, conceptually simple and easy to implement. The presented hierarchical
      shape representation contributes to a better understanding of the brain and to
      more robust computer vision algorithms. 

PMID- 25126069
TI  - Pydpiper: a flexible toolkit for constructing novel registration pipelines.
AB  - Using neuroimaging technologies to elucidate the relationship between genotype
      and phenotype and brain and behavior will be a key contribution to biomedical
      research in the twenty-first century. Among the many methods for analyzing
      neuroimaging data, image registration deserves particular attention due to its
      wide range of applications. Finding strategies to register together many images
      and analyze the differences between them can be a challenge, particularly given
      that different experimental designs require different registration strategies.
      Moreover, writing software that can handle different types of image registration
      pipelines in a flexible, reusable and extensible way can be challenging. In
      response to this challenge, we have created Pydpiper, a neuroimaging registration
      toolkit written in Python. Pydpiper is an open-source, freely available software
      package that provides multiple modules for various image registration
      applications. Pydpiper offers five key innovations. Specifically: (1) a robust
      file handling class that allows access to outputs from all stages of registration
      at any point in the pipeline; (2) the ability of the framework to eliminate
      duplicate stages; (3) reusable, easy to subclass modules; (4) a development
      toolkit written for non-developers; (5) four complete applications that run
      complex image registration pipelines "out-of-the-box." In this paper, we will
      discuss both the general Pydpiper framework and the various ways in which
      component modules can be pieced together to easily create new registration
      pipelines. This will include a discussion of the core principles motivating code
      development and a comparison of Pydpiper with other available toolkits. We also
      provide a comprehensive, line-by-line example to orient users with limited
      programming knowledge and highlight some of the most useful features of Pydpiper.
      In addition, we will present the four current applications of the code. 

PMID- 25126070
TI  - An intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct at the duodenal papilla.
AB  - In recent years, the disease concept of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the
      bile duct (IPNB) has been attracting attention as a biliary lesion that is
      morphologically similar to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), which
      is considered to be a counterpart of IPMN. However, there are few reports on
      IPNB, and a consensus regarding the features of this disease is thus lacking. We
      experienced an extremely rare case of IPNB occurring in the bile duct at the
      duodenal papilla, which is a tumor presentation that has not previously been
      reported. Herein, we report this interesting case and discuss the possible
      association between IPMN and IPNB. 

PMID- 25126071
TI  - Asymptomatic pelvic metastasis from thymic carcinoma: a case report.
AB  - Thymic epithelial tumors are rare and often occur somewhere local. Metastatic
      sites of thymic carcinomas (Masaoka-Koga stage IVb) are mostly seen in the lung,
      liver and brain. We report a 64-year-old female with an initial diagnosis of
      thymoma B3 who first showed thoracic recurrences and then an asymptomatic
      isolated pelvic metastasis from her thymic carcinoma. 

PMID- 25126072
TI  - A Report of Disseminated Carcinomatosis of the Bone Marrow Originating from
      Transverse Colon Cancer Successfully Treated with Chemotherapy Using XELOX plus
      Bevacizumab.
AB  - A 61-year-old male, who had been admitted to another hospital due to disseminated
      intravascular coagulation (DIC), was referred to our hospital. Total colonoscopy,
      abdominal dynamic CT and positron-emission tomography revealed bone metastasis
      and multiple lymphocytic metastases from transverse colon cancer in addition to
      disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow (DCBM). We immediately performed
      chemotherapy with XELOX + bevacizumab and denosumab against DCBM from transverse
      colon cancer in order to avoid radical surgery. In addition, we initiated the
      administration of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin for 1 week to treat
      DIC. The patient was able to tolerate and receive 4 cycles of chemotherapy
      without any severe side effects. After receiving the 4 cycles of treatment, he
      recovered from DIC, and the bone and multiple lymphocytic metastases disappeared.

PMID- 25126074
TI  - Repeat Descemetopexy after Descemet's Membrane Detachment following
      Phacoemulsification.
AB  - Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) is an uncommon condition with a wide range
      of possible etiologies. Probably the commonest cause is a localized detachment
      occurring after cataract extraction surgery. Descemetopexy gives good anatomic
      attachment rates and visual outcomes and has become the standard treatment for
      DMD. However, in cases with failed initial descemetopexy, the next step in the
      management of such cases remains unclear. Before initiating a complex surgical
      procedure like keratoplasty, which requires good postoperative care and regular
      follow-ups, repeat descemetopexy with a long-term tamponade using 14% C3F8 gas
      for recurrent DMD is definitely a worthwhile attempt. 

PMID- 25126075
TI  - Hemorrhagic macular infarction after intravitreal bevacizumab for chronic
      multifocal central serous chorioretinopathy.
AB  - We hereby report a case of hemorrhagic macular infarction after intravitreal
      bevacizumab for chronic multifocal central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Issues
      regarding safety and adverse effects of bevacizumab are discussed. To the best of
      our knowledge, this is the first reported case of hemorrhagic macular infarction
      after intravitreal bevacizumab for chronic multifocal CSC. 

PMID- 25126073
TI  - A Prospective Phase I/II Study: Combination Chemotherapy with Docetaxel and
      Pemetrexed as Second-Line Treatment in Patients with Stage IIIB/IV Non-Small Cell
      Lung Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Two standard single-agent chemotherapy treatments (docetaxel and
      pemetrexed) were combined in this trial and administered as second-line treatment
      in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the safety and feasibility of combining docetaxel with pemetrexed.
      METHODS: Six patients were enrolled between August 2007 and March 2009 with stage
      IIIB/IV NSCLC. The dose-escalation model included a pemetrexed infusion on day 1
      of 200-300 mg/m(2) followed by infusion of docetaxel on days 1, 8 and 15 at doses
      from 20 to 30 mg/m(2). Primary study endpoints included efficacy and safety
      variables, also progression-free, overall and 1-year survival and time to
      progression. RESULTS: The study was abandoned due to adverse effects defined in
      the protocol. The major toxicities were all of grade 3 and included fatigue,
      stomatitis/mucositis, diarrhea and in one case, an episode of febrile
      neutropenia. Two patients died during the study, but not as a direct result of
      the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that docetaxel or pemetrexed
      monotherapies should continue to be considered the standard second-line
      chemotherapy treatment against NSCLC. The results of this study warrant no
      further investigation into this particular combination treatment due to the
      severe toxicity effects encountered.

PMID- 25126076
TI  - Haptic breakage after transscleral fixation of a single-piece acrylic intraocular
      lens.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the case of a patient with a damaged haptic of an acrylic
      intraocular lens (IOL) after transscleral IOL fixation. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective and descriptive case report. RESULTS: A 40-year-old man presented
      with sudden visual loss in the left eye. He had undergone
      phacoemulsification/aspiration and IOL implantation 3 years previously and IOL
      repositioning with transscleral fixation 2 years before the initial visit. His
      visual acuity was 0.3 in the left eye due to corneal edema caused by a foreign
      body, i.e., the severed haptic tip of the single-piece acrylic IOL, which was
      surgically removed. The IOL itself was tilted and therefore explanted. The
      surface of the tip of the haptic suggested that the monofilament suture thread
      had exerted continuous force across the haptic. CONCLUSIONS: The haptics of
      acrylic IOLs can be damaged after transscleral fixation.

PMID- 25126077
TI  - A new clinical tool for assessing numerical abilities in neurological diseases:
      numerical activities of daily living.
AB  - The aim of this study was to build an instrument, the numerical activities of
      daily living (NADL), designed to identify the specific impairments in numerical
      functions that may cause problems in everyday life. These impairments go beyond
      what can be inferred from the available scales evaluating activities of daily
      living in general, and are not adequately captured by measures of the general
      deterioration of cognitive functions as assessed by standard clinical instruments
      like the MMSE and MoCA. We assessed a control group (n = 148) and a patient group
      affected by a wide variety of neurological conditions (n = 175), with NADL along
      with IADL, MMSE, and MoCA. The NADL battery was found to have satisfactory
      construct validity and reliability, across a wide age range. This enabled us to
      calculate appropriate criteria for impairment that took into account age and
      education. It was found that neurological patients tended to overestimate their
      abilities as compared to the judgment made by their caregivers, assessed with
      objective tests of numerical abilities. 

PMID- 25126078
TI  - Lithium suppresses Abeta pathology by inhibiting translation in an adult
      Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is age, and changes in the
      ageing nervous system are likely contributors to AD pathology. Amyloid beta
      (Abeta) accumulation, which occurs as a result of the amyloidogenic processing of
      amyloid precursor protein (APP), is thought to initiate the pathogenesis of AD,
      eventually leading to neuronal cell death. Previously, we developed an adult
      onset Drosophila model of AD. Mutant Abeta42 accumulation led to increased
      mortality and neuronal dysfunction in the adult flies. Furthermore, we showed
      that lithium reduced Abeta42 protein, but not mRNA, and was able to rescue
      Abeta42-induced toxicity. In the current study, we investigated the mechanism/s
      by which lithium modulates Abeta42 protein levels and Abeta42 induced toxicity in
      the fly model. We found that lithium caused a reduction in protein synthesis in
      Drosophila and hence the level of Abeta42. At both the low and high doses tested,
      lithium rescued the locomotory defects induced by Abeta42, but it rescued
      lifespan only at lower doses, suggesting that long-term, high-dose lithium
      treatment may have induced toxicity. Lithium also down-regulated translation in
      the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe associated with increased
      chronological lifespan. Our data highlight a role for lithium and reduced protein
      synthesis as potential therapeutic targets for AD pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25126079
TI  - RNA Transcription and Maturation in Skeletal Muscle Cells are Similarly Impaired
      in Myotonic Dystrophy and Sarcopenia: The Ultrastructural Evidence.

PMID- 25126080
TI  - Expression of the prostaglandin F synthase AKR1B1 and the prostaglandin
      transporter SLCO2A1 in human fetal membranes in relation to spontaneous term and
      preterm labor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human labor is a complex series of cellular and molecular events that
      occur at the materno-fetal and uterine levels. Many hypotheses have been proposed
      for the initiation of human labor, one hypothesis suggests that maturation of the
      fetus releases a signal in the amniotic fluid that will be transmitted to
      myometrium via the fetal membranes and initiate uterine contractions. There is
      strong evidence that prostaglandins (PGs) play a central role in initiation and
      progression of human labor. OBJECTIVES: In this study we intended to investigate
      the expression of prostaglandin F synthase and the prostaglandin transporter in
      the human fetal membranes and to explore the relationship between cytokines and
      PGs in the mechanism of human labor. METHODS: We used fetal membranes obtained
      before labor at term and after spontaneous labor at term or preterm to identify
      the changes in prostaglandin F synthase (AKR1B1) and human prostaglandin
      transporter (SLCO2A1) proteins in relation to parturition. Using fetal membranes
      explants we tested the effect of cytokines (interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis
      factor alpha) on PG production and the concomitant changes in cyclooxygenase-2
      (PTGS2), AKR1B1 and SLCO2A1 expression. RESULTS: Expression of PTGS2 and AKR1B1
      was upregulated in the fetal membranes in association with term labor while
      SLCO2A1 was downregulated with advancing gestation and during term labor. Before
      labor, IL-1 increased the expression of PTGS2, however during labor TNF
      upregulated PTGS2 and AKR1B1 proteins. CONCLUSIONS: The prostaglandin F synthase
      AKR1B1 is upregulated while prostaglandin transporter is downregulated during
      term labor. The amnion is more responsive than choriodecidua to stimulation with
      pro-inflammatory cytokines. The mechanisms of term and preterm labor are
      different.

PMID- 25126081
TI  - Waves of visibility: probing the depth of inter-ocular suppression with transient
      and sustained targets.
AB  - In order to study non-conscious visual processing, researchers render otherwise
      consciously perceived images into invisible stimuli. Through the years, several
      psychophysical techniques have been developed for this purpose. Yet the
      comparison of experimental results across techniques remains a difficult task as
      the depth of suppression depends on the interactions between the type of stimuli
      and the suppression methods employed. This poses a limit to the inferences that
      researchers make about the extent of non-conscious processes. We investigated the
      mechanisms underlying inter-ocular suppression during continuous flash
      suppression (CFS) and dichoptic visual masking using a transient onset target
      stimulus and a variety of stimulus/mask temporal manipulations. We show that
      target duration, timing of target onset, and mask frequency are key aspects of
      inter-ocular suppression during CFS with transient targets. The differences
      between our results and sustained target CFS studies suggest that two distinct
      mechanisms are involved in the detection of transient and prolonged target
      stimuli during CFS. Our results provide insight into the dynamics of CFS together
      with evidence for similarities between transient target CFS and dichoptic visual
      masking. 

PMID- 25126082
TI  - The cortical microstructural basis of lateralized cognition: a review.
AB  - The presence of asymmetry in the human cerebral hemispheres is detectable at both
      the macroscopic and microscopic scales. The horizontal expansion of cortical
      surface during development (within individual brains), and across evolutionary
      time (between species), is largely due to the proliferation and spacing of the
      microscopic vertical columns of cells that form the cortex. In the asymmetric
      planum temporale (PT), minicolumn width asymmetry is associated with surface area
      asymmetry. Although the human minicolumn asymmetry is not large, it is estimated
      to account for a surface area asymmetry of approximately 9% of the region's size.
      Critically, this asymmetry of minicolumns is absent in the equivalent areas of
      the brains of other apes. The left-hemisphere dominance for processing speech is
      thought to depend, partly, on a bias for higher resolution processing across
      widely spaced minicolumns with less overlapping dendritic fields, whereas dense
      minicolumn spacing in the right hemisphere is associated with more overlapping,
      lower resolution, holistic processing. This concept refines the simple notion
      that a larger brain area is associated with dominance for a function and offers
      an alternative explanation associated with "processing type." This account is
      mechanistic in the sense that it offers a mechanism whereby asymmetrical
      components of structure are related to specific functional biases yielding
      testable predictions, rather than the generalization that "bigger is better" for
      any given function. Face processing provides a test case - it is the opposite of
      language, being dominant in the right hemisphere. Consistent with the bias for
      holistic, configural processing of faces, the minicolumns in the right-hemisphere
      fusiform gyrus are thinner than in the left hemisphere, which is associated with
      featural processing. Again, this asymmetry is not found in chimpanzees. The
      difference between hemispheres may also be seen in terms of processing speed,
      facilitated by asymmetric myelination of white matter tracts (Anderson et al.,
      1999 found that axons of the left posterior superior temporal lobe were more
      thickly myelinated). By cross-referencing the differences between the active
      fields of the two hemispheres, via tracts such as the corpus callosum, the
      relationship of local features to global features may be encoded. The emergent
      hierarchy of features within features is a recursive structure that may
      functionally contribute to generativity - the ability to perceive and express
      layers of structure and their relations to each other. The inference is that
      recursive generativity, an essential component of language, reflects an
      interaction between processing biases that may be traceable in the microstructure
      of the cerebral cortex. Minicolumn organization in the PT and the prefrontal
      cortex has been found to correlate with cognitive scores in humans. Altered
      minicolumn organization is also observed in neuropsychiatric disorders including
      autism and schizophrenia. Indeed, altered interhemispheric connections correlated
      with minicolumn asymmetry in schizophrenia may relate to language-processing
      anomalies that occur in the disorder. Schizophrenia is associated with over
      interpretation of word meaning at the semantic level and over-interpretation of
      relevance at the level of pragmatic competence, whereas autism is associated with
      overly literal interpretation of word meaning and under-interpretation of social
      relevance at the pragmatic level. Both appear to emerge from a disruption of the
      ability to interpret layers of meaning and their relations to each other. This
      may be a consequence of disequilibrium in the processing of local and global
      features related to disorganization of minicolumnar units of processing. 

PMID- 25126083
TI  - Publication bias and the limited strength model of self-control: has the evidence
      for ego depletion been overestimated?
AB  - Few models of self-control have generated as much scientific interest as has the
      limited strength model. One of the entailments of this model, the depletion
      effect, is the expectation that acts of self-control will be less effective when
      they follow prior acts of self-control. Results from a previous meta-analysis
      concluded that the depletion effect is robust and medium in magnitude (d = 0.62).
      However, when we applied methods for estimating and correcting for small-study
      effects (such as publication bias) to the data from this previous meta-analysis
      effort, we found very strong signals of publication bias, along with an
      indication that the depletion effect is actually no different from zero. We
      conclude that until greater certainty about the size of the depletion effect can
      be established, circumspection about the existence of this phenomenon is
      warranted, and that rather than elaborating on the model, research efforts should
      focus on establishing whether the basic effect exists. We argue that the evidence
      for the depletion effect is a useful case study for illustrating the dangers of
      small-study effects as well as some of the possible tools for mitigating their
      influence in psychological science. 

PMID- 25126084
TI  - "Not in their right mind": the relation of psychopathology to the quantity and
      quality of creative thought.
AB  - The empirical link between psychopathology and creativity is often correlational
      and fraught with suspiciously causal interpretations. In this paper, we review
      research in favor of the position that certain forms of psychopathology that
      profoundly affect the neural substrates for rule-based thought (e.g.,
      schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) can significantly influence the quantity of
      creative production. Because highly productive individuals, irrespective of
      psychopathology, often produce work of greater quality, it seems that such an
      increase in the quantity of one's output positively affects the likelihood of
      generating those statistically rare acts and achievements identified and
      celebrated as creative. We consider evidence that offers support for such a
      claim. In addition, we explore findings from neuroscience that can address how a
      neural mechanism, the flexibility of which relies on tradeoffs between rule-based
      (e.g., prefrontal cortex) and stimulus-based (e.g., sensorimotor cortex) brain
      regions, is influenced by psychopathology in ways that can alter dramatically the
      quantity and quality of creative output. 

PMID- 25126086
TI  - The role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications.

PMID- 25126085
TI  - How Much Should We Weigh for a Long and Healthy Life Span? The Need to Reconcile
      Caloric Restriction versus Longevity with Body Mass Index versus Mortality Data.
AB  - Total caloric restriction (CR) without malnutrition is a well-established
      experimental approach to extend life span in laboratory animals. Although CR in
      humans is capable of shifting several endocrinological parameters, it is not
      clear where the minimum inflection point of the U-shaped curve linking body mass
      index (BMI) with all-cause mortality lies. The exact trend of this curve, when
      used for planning preventive strategies for public health is of extreme
      importance. Normal BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9; many epidemiological studies
      show an inverse relationship between mortality and BMI inside the normal BMI
      range. Other studies show that the lowest mortality in the entire range of BMI is
      obtained in the overweight range (25-29.9). Reconciling the extension of life
      span in laboratory animals by experimental CR with the BMI-mortality curve of
      human epidemiology is not trivial. In fact, one interpretation is that the CR
      data are identifying a known: "excess fat is deleterious for health"; although a
      second interpretation may be that: "additional leanness from a normal body weight
      may add health and life span delaying the process of aging." This short review
      hope to start a discussion aimed at finding the widest consensus on which weight
      range should be considered the "healthiest" for our species, contributing in this
      way to the picture of what is the correct life style for a long and healthy life
      span. 

PMID- 25126088
TI  - Invited commentary: lubricating the rusty wheel, new insights into iron oxidizing
      bacteria through comparative genomics.

PMID- 25126090
TI  - Nitrate transporters in leaves and their potential roles in foliar uptake of
      nitrogen dioxide.
AB  - While plant roots are specialized organs for the uptake and transport of water
      and nutrients, the absorption of gaseous or liquid mineral elements by aerial
      plant parts has been recognized since more than one century. Nitrogen (N) is an
      essential macronutrient which generally absorbed either as nitrate (NO(-) 3) or
      ammonium (NH(+) 4) by plant roots. Gaseous nitrogen pollutants like N dioxide
      (NO2) can also be absorbed by plant surfaces and assimilated via the NO(-) 3
      assimilation pathway. The subsequent NO(-) 3 flux may induce or repress the
      expression of various NO(-) 3-responsive genes encoding for instance, the
      transmembrane transporters, NO(-) 3/NO(-) 2 (nitrite) reductase, or assimilatory
      enzymes involved in N metabolism. Based on the existing information, the aim of
      this review was to theoretically analyze the potential link between foliar NO2
      absorption and N transport and metabolism. For such purpose, an overview of the
      state of knowledge on the NO(-) 3 transporter genes identified in leaves or
      shoots of various species and their roles for NO(-) 3 transport across the
      tonoplast and plasma membrane, in addition to the process of phloem loading is
      briefly provided. It is assumed that a NO2-induced accumulation of NO(-) 3/NO(-)
      2 may alter the expression of such genes, hence linking transmembrane NO(-) 3
      transporters and foliar uptake of NO2. It is likely that NRT1/NRT2 gene
      expression and species-dependent apoplastic buffer capacity may be also related
      to the species-specific foliar NO2 uptake process. It is concluded that further
      work focusing on the expression of NRT1 (NRT1.1, NRT1.7, NRT1.11, and NRT1.12),
      NRT2 (NRT2.1, NRT2.4, and NRT2.5) and chloride channel family genes (CLCa and
      CLCd) may help us elucidate the physiological and metabolic response of plants
      fumigated with NO2. 

PMID- 25126089
TI  - Clearance of Apoptotic Bodies, NETs, and Biofilm DNA: Implications for
      Autoimmunity.

PMID- 25126091
TI  - Next generation sequencing technologies for next generation plant breeding.

PMID- 25126087
TI  - Podocyte pathology and nephropathy - sphingolipids in glomerular diseases.
AB  - Sphingolipids are components of the lipid rafts in plasma membranes, which are
      important for proper function of podocytes, a key element of the glomerular
      filtration barrier. Research revealed an essential role of sphingolipids and
      sphingolipid metabolites in glomerular disorders of genetic and non-genetic
      origin. The discovery that glucocerebrosides accumulate in Gaucher disease in
      glomerular cells and are associated with clinical proteinuria initiated intensive
      research into the function of other sphingolipids in glomerular disorders. The
      accumulation of sphingolipids in other genetic diseases including Tay-Sachs,
      Sandhoff, Fabry, hereditary inclusion body myopathy 2, Niemann-Pick, and
      nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type and its implications with respect to
      glomerular pathology will be discussed. Similarly, sphingolipid accumulation
      occurs in glomerular diseases of non-genetic origin including diabetic kidney
      disease (DKD), HIV-associated nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
      (FSGS), and lupus nephritis. Sphingomyelin metabolites, such as ceramide,
      sphingosine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate have also gained tremendous interest. We
      recently described that sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase acid-like 3b (SMPDL3b) is
      expressed in podocytes where it modulates acid sphingomyelinase activity and acts
      as a master modulator of danger signaling. Decreased SMPDL3b expression in post
      reperfusion kidney biopsies from transplant recipients with idiopathic FSGS
      correlates with the recurrence of proteinuria in patients and in experimental
      models of xenotransplantation. Increased SMPDL3b expression is associated with
      DKD. The consequences of differential SMPDL3b expression in podocytes in these
      diseases with respect to their pathogenesis will be discussed. Finally, the role
      of sphingolipids in the formation of lipid rafts in podocytes and their
      contribution to the maintenance of a functional slit diaphragm in the glomerulus
      will be discussed. 

PMID- 25126093
TI  - Molecular targets of chromatin repressive mark H3K9me3 in primate progenitor
      cells within adult neurogenic niches.
AB  - Histone 3 Lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation is known to be associated with pericentric
      heterochromatin and important in genomic stability. In this study, we show that
      trimethylation at H3K9 (H3K9me3) is enriched in an adult neural stem cell niche-
      the subventricular zone (SVZ) on the walls of the lateral ventricle in both
      rodent and non-human primate baboon brain. Previous studies have shown that there
      is significant correlation between baboon and human regarding genomic similarity
      and brain structure, suggesting that findings in baboon are relevant to human. To
      understand the function of H3K9me3 in this adult neurogenic niche, we performed
      genome-wide analyses using ChIP-Seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation and deep
      sequencing) and RNA-Seq for in vivo SVZ cells purified from baboon brain. Through
      integrated analyses of ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq, we found that H3K9me3-enriched genes
      associated with cellular maintenance, post-transcriptional and translational
      modifications, signaling pathways, and DNA replication are expressed, while genes
      involved in axon/neuron, hepatic stellate cell, or immune-response activation are
      not expressed. As neurogenesis progresses in the adult SVZ, cell fate restriction
      is essential to direct proper lineage commitment. Our findings highlight that
      H3K9me3 repression in undifferentiated SVZ cells is engaged in the maintenance of
      cell type integrity, implicating a role for H3K9me3 as an epigenetic mechanism to
      control cell fate transition within this adult germinal niche. 

PMID- 25126094
TI  - Does the Implant Surgical Technique Affect the Primary and/or Secondary Stability
      of Dental Implants? A Systematic Review.
AB  - Background. A number of surgical techniques for implant site preparation have
      been advocated to enhance the implant of primary and secondary stability.
      However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the association
      between the surgical technique and implant stability. Purpose. This review aimed
      to investigate the influence of different surgical techniques including the
      undersized drilling, the osteotome, the piezosurgery, the flapless procedure, and
      the bone stimulation by low-level laser therapy on the primary and/or secondary
      stability of dental implants. Materials and methods. A search of PubMed, Cochrane
      Library, and grey literature was performed. The inclusion criteria comprised
      observational clinical studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted
      in patients who received dental implants for rehabilitation, studies that
      evaluated the association between the surgical technique and the implant primary
      and/or secondary stability. The articles selected were carefully read and
      classified as low, moderate, and high methodological quality and data of interest
      were tabulated. Results. Eight clinical studies were included then they were
      classified as moderate or high methodological quality and control of bias.
      Conclusions. There is a weak evidence suggesting that any of previously mentioned
      surgical techniques could influence the primary and/or secondary implant
      stability. 

PMID- 25126095
TI  - Successful management of coronary artery rupture with stent-graft: a case report.
AB  - Perforation of coronary arteries is a relatively rare yet life-threatening
      complication of percutaneus coronary interventions and is encountered in
      approximately 0.5% of these procedures. According to the type of coronary
      perforation, various methods of correction are employed, ranging from
      conservative approach to emergency cardiac surgery. Coronary stent-grafts are
      composed of two metal stents and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer between them.
      Advent of such stents enabled efficient endovascular repair of coronary artery
      perforation. We present a case of coronary artery perforation which had occurred
      during stent implantation for the treatment of a bridged segment in the distal
      portion of the left anterior descending artery. This perforation was successfully
      managed by implanting a stent-graft. 

PMID- 25126096
TI  - Acute abdominal pain after intercourse: adrenal hemorrhage as the first sign of
      metastatic lung cancer.
AB  - Although the adrenal glands are a common site of cancer metastases, they are
      often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on CT scan or autopsy. Spontaneous
      adrenal hemorrhage associated with metastatic lung cancer is an exceedingly rare
      phenomenon, and diagnosis can be difficult due to its nonspecific symptoms and
      ability to mimic other intra-abdominal pathologies. We report a case of a 65-year
      old man with a history of right upper lobectomy seven months earlier for stage IB
      non-small cell lung cancer who presented with acute abdominal pain after
      intercourse. CT scan revealed a new right adrenal mass with surrounding
      hemorrhage, and subsequent FDG-PET scan confirmed new metabolic adrenal
      metastases. The patient's presentation of abdominal pain and adrenal hemorrhage
      immediately after sexual intercourse suggests that exertion, straining, or
      increased intra-abdominal pressure might be risk factors for precipitation of
      hemorrhage in patients with adrenal metastases. Management includes pain control
      and supportive treatment in mild cases, with arterial embolization or
      adrenalectomy being reserved for cases of severe hemorrhage. 

PMID- 25126092
TI  - Unraveling plant hormone signaling through the use of small molecules.
AB  - Plants have acquired the capacity to grow continuously and adjust their
      morphology in response to endogenous and external signals, leading to a high
      architectural plasticity. The dynamic and differential distribution of
      phytohormones is an essential factor in these developmental changes. Phytohormone
      perception is a fast but complex process modulating specific developmental
      reprogramming. In recent years, chemical genomics or the use of small molecules
      to modulate target protein function has emerged as a powerful strategy to study
      complex biological processes in plants such as hormone signaling. Small molecules
      can be applied in a conditional, dose-dependent and reversible manner, with the
      advantage of circumventing the limitations of lethality and functional redundancy
      inherent to traditional mutant screens. High-throughput screening of diverse
      chemical libraries has led to the identification of bioactive molecules able to
      induce plant hormone-related phenotypes. Characterization of the cognate targets
      and pathways of those molecules has allowed the identification of novel
      regulatory components, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of
      plant hormone signaling. An extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR)
      analysis of the natural phytohormones, their designed synthetic analogs and newly
      identified bioactive molecules has led to the determination of the structural
      requirements essential for their bioactivity. In this review, we will summarize
      the so far identified small molecules and their structural variants targeting
      specific phytohormone signaling pathways. We will highlight how the SAR analyses
      have enabled better interrogation of the molecular mechanisms of phytohormone
      responses. Finally, we will discuss how labeled/tagged hormone analogs can be
      exploited, as compelling tools to better understand hormone signaling and
      transport mechanisms. 

PMID- 25126097
TI  - One-year prevalence, comorbidities and cost of cachexia-related inpatient
      admissions in the USA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cachexia is a condition characterized as a loss in body mass or
      metabolic dysfunction and is associated with several prevalent chronic health
      conditions including many cancers, COPD, HIV, and kidney disease, with between 10
      and 50% of patients with these conditions having cachexia. Currently there is
      little research into cachexia and our objective is to characterize cachexia
      patients, their healthcare utilization, and associated hospitalization costs.
      Given the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, it is important to better
      understand cachexia so that the condition can be better diagnosed and managed.
      METHODS: We utilized one year (2009) of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS).
      The NIS represents all inpatient stays at a random 20% sample of all hospitals
      within the United States. We grouped cachexia individuals by primary or secondary
      discharge diagnosis and then compared those with cachexia to all others in terms
      of length of stay (LOS) and total cost. Finally we looked into factors predicting
      increased LOS using a negative binomial model. RESULTS: We estimated US
      prevalence for cachexia-related inpatient admissions at 161,898 cases. Cachexia
      patients were older, with an average age of 67.95 versus 48.10 years in their non
      cachexia peers. Hospitalizations associated with cachexia had an increased LOS
      compared to non-cachexia patients (6 versus 3 days), with average costs per stay
      $4641.30 greater. Differences were seen in loss of function (LOF) with cachexia
      patients, mostly in the major LOF category (52.60%), whereas non-cachexia
      patients were spread between minor, moderate, and major LOF (36.28%, 36.11%, and
      21.26%, respectively). Significant positive predictors of increased LOS among
      cachexia patients included urban hospital (IRR=1.21, non-teaching urban;
      IRR=1.23, teaching urban), having either major (IRR=1.41) or extreme (IRR=2.64)
      LOF, and having a primary diagnosis of pneumonia (IRR=1.15). CONCLUSION: We have
      characterized cachexia and seen it associated with increased length of stay,
      increased cost, and more severe loss of function in patients compared to those
      without cachexia.

PMID- 25126098
TI  - Retrospective long-term comparison of naturopathic fasting therapy and weight
      reduction diet in overweight patients.
AB  - In a follow-up study overweight and obese patients fasting according to Buchinger
      (modified) and a control group treated by a weight reduction diet in the context
      of an inpatient naturopathic complex treatment were compared using a
      questionnaire developed for a standardized phone interview 6.8 +/- 1.1 years
      after inpatient treatment. During the inpatient treatment the fasting patients
      significantly more body weight, but at the time of the interview significantly
      more weight was gained again. 10.7% of the fasting patients and 31.9% of the
      control group lowered their weight at least 5% of their initial weight up to the
      interview. 42% of the fasting and 74% of the control group persistently changed
      their diet. The control group followed a significantly higher number of trained
      nutritional aspects. 21% of the fasting and 40% of the control group increased
      their leisure activity permanently. Continued improvement in quality of life was
      achieved by 16% of the fasting patients and 28% of the control group. The fasting
      therapy, carried out as part of the inpatient naturopathic complex treatment,
      turned out to be less suitable for the treatment of overweight and obesity
      compared to standard therapy. One likely determinant is the minor poststationary
      lifestyle modification. 

PMID- 25126100
TI  - Buyang huanwu decoction for healthcare: evidence-based theoretical
      interpretations of treating different diseases with the same method and target of
      vascularity.
AB  - Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) is a famous herbal prescription that has been used
      to treat stroke for centuries. Recent studies reported that the use of BHD had
      been extended to treat various kinds of disorders according to the TCM syndrome
      theory of Treating Different Diseases with the Same Method (TDDSM). Here, an
      overview of systematic reviews (SRs) of BHD for healthcare was conducted to
      interpret the TCM theory of TDDSM and its target of vascularity in an evidence
      based manner. Literature searches were carried out in 5 databases to search SRs
      of BHD for any indication up to August 2013. Thirteen eligible SRs were
      identified which reported a wide range of vascular conditions. Based on the
      Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire scores, the quality of included SRs was
      varied, with an average score of 4 points. We found that there is premature
      evidence for the use of BHD for healthcare, whereas BHD was well tolerable in all
      patients. BHD can be used to treat many disorders with the same therapeutic
      principle of invigorating Qi to activate blood circulation, which is essentially
      a manifestation of the TDDSM and is likely to account for targeting the specific
      pathogenesis of vascular diseases. 

PMID- 25126101
TI  - A unique electrical thermal stimulation system comparable to moxibustion of
      subcutaneous tissue.
AB  - Moxibustion strengthens immunity and it is an effective treatment modality, but,
      depending on the material quantity, shape, and composition, the thermal strength
      and intensity can be difficult to control, which may cause pain or epidermal
      burns. To overcome these limitations, a heat stimulating system which is able to
      control the thermal intensity was developed. The temperature distributions on
      epidermis, at 5 mm and 10 mm of depth, in rabbit femoral tissue were compared
      between moxibustion and the electric thermal stimulation system. The stimulation
      system consists of a high radio frequency dielectric heating equipment (2 MHz
      frequency, maximum power 200 W), isolation probe, isolation plate, negative
      pressure generator, and a temperature assessment system. The temperature was
      modulated by controlling the stimulation pulse duty ratio, repetition number, and
      output. There were 95% and 91% temperature distribution correlations between
      moxibustion and the thermal stimulus at 5 mm and 10 mm of depth in tissue,
      respectively. Moreover, the epidermal temperature in thermal stimulation was
      lower than that in moxibustion. These results showed that heat loss by the
      electric thermal stimulation system is less than that by the traditional
      moxibustion method. Furthermore, the proposed electric thermal stimulation did
      not cause adverse effects, such as suppuration or blisters, and also provided
      subcutaneous stimulation comparable to moxibustion. 

PMID- 25126099
TI  - Antileishmanial activity of medicinal plants used in endemic areas in
      northeastern Brazil.
AB  - This study investigates the leishmanicidal activity of five species of plants
      used in folk medicine in endemic areas of the state of Alagoas, Brazil. Data were
      collected in the cities of Colonia Leopoldina, Novo Lino, and Uniao dos Palmares,
      Alagoas state, from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (Leishmania
      amazonensis) who use medicinal plants to treat this disease. Plants extracts were
      tested at a concentration of 1-100 MUg/mL in all experiments, except in an assay
      to evaluate activity against amastigotes, when 10 MUg/mL was used. All plants
      extracts did not show deleterious activity to the host cell evidenced by LDH
      assay at 100, 10, and 1 MUg/mL after 48 h of incubation. The plants extracts
      Hyptis pectinata (L.) Poit, Aloe vera L., Ruta graveolens L., Pfaffia glomerata
      (Spreng.) Pedersen, and Chenopodium ambrosioides L. exhibited direct activity
      against extracellular forms at 100 MUg/mL; these extracts inhibited growth by
      81.9%, 82.9%, 74.4%, 88.7%, and 87.4%, respectively, when compared with
      promastigotes. The plants extracts H. pectinata, A. vera, and R. graveolens also
      significantly diminished the number of amastigotes at 10 MUg/mL, inhibiting
      growth by 85.0%, 40.4%, 94.2%, and 97.4%, respectively, when compared with
      control. Based on these data, we conclude that the five plants exhibited
      considerable leishmanicidal activity. 

PMID- 25126102
TI  - Neurotrophic Signaling Factors in Brain Ischemia/Reperfusion Rats: Differential
      Modulation Pattern between Single-Time and Multiple Electroacupuncture
      Stimulation.
AB  - Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been widely used for stroke-like disorders
      in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the underlying mechanisms remain
      unclear. Our previous studies showed that single-time EA stimulation at "Baihui"
      (GV 20) and "Shuigou" (GV 26) after the onset of ischemia can protect the brain
      against ischemic injury in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
      Here, we further investigated the differential effects between multiple EA and
      single-time EA stimulation on ischemic injury. In the present study, we found
      that both single-time EA and multiple EA stimulation significantly reduced MCAO
      induced ischemic infarction, while only multiple EA attenuated sensorimotor
      dysfunctions. Also, with PCR array screening and ingenuity gene analysis, we
      revealed that multiple EA and single-time EA stimulation could differentially
      induce expression changes in neurotrophic signaling related genes. Meanwhile,
      with western blotting, we demonstrated that the level of glia maturation factor
      beta (GMFbeta) increased in the early stage (day 1) of reperfusion, and this
      upregulation was suppressed only by single-time EA stimulation. These findings
      suggest that the short-term effect of single-time EA stimulation differs from the
      cumulative effect of multiple EA, which possibly depends on their differential
      modulation on neurotrophic signaling molecules expression. 

PMID- 25126103
TI  - A novel nonparametric item response theory approach to measuring socioeconomic
      position: a comparison using household expenditure data from a Vietnam health
      survey, 2003.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measures of household socio-economic position (SEP) are widely used
      in health research. There exist a number of approaches to their measurement, with
      Principal Components Analysis (PCA) applied to a basket of household assets being
      one of the most common. PCA, however, carries a number of assumptions about the
      distribution of the data which may be untenable, and alternative, non-parametric,
      approaches may be preferred. Mokken scale analysis is a non-parametric, item
      response theory approach to scale development which appears never to have been
      applied to household asset data. A Mokken scale can be used to rank order items
      (measures of wealth) as well as households. Using data on household asset
      ownership from a national sample of 4,154 consenting households in the World
      Health Survey from Vietnam, 2003, we construct two measures of household SEP.
      Seventeen items asking about assets, and utility and infrastructure use were
      used. Mokken Scaling and PCA were applied to the data. A single item measure of
      total household expenditure is used as a point of contrast. RESULTS: An 11 item
      scale, out of the 17 items, was identified that conformed to the assumptions of a
      Mokken Scale. All the items in the scale were identified as strong items (Hi >
      .5). Two PCA measures of SEP were developed as a point of contrast. One PCA
      measure was developed using all 17 available asset items, the other used the
      reduced set of 11 items identified in the Mokken scale analaysis. The Mokken
      Scale measure of SEP and the 17 item PCA measure had a very high correlation (r =
      .98), and they both correlated moderately with total household expenditure: r =
      .59 and r = .57 respectively. In contrast the 11 item PCA measure correlated
      moderately with the Mokken scale (r = .68), and weakly with the total household
      expenditure (r = .18). CONCLUSION: The Mokken scale measure of household SEP
      performed at least as well as PCA, and outperformed the PCA measure developed
      with the 11 items used in the Mokken scale. Unlike PCA, Mokken scaling carries no
      assumptions about the underlying shape of the distribution of the data, and can
      be used simultaneous to order household SEP and items. The approach, however, has
      not been tested with data from other countries and remains an interesting, but
      under researched approach.

PMID- 25126104
TI  - Returning findings within longitudinal cohort studies: the 1958 birth cohort as
      an exemplar.
AB  - Population-based, prospective longitudinal cohort studies are considering the
      issues surrounding returning findings to individuals as a result of genomic and
      other medical research studies. While guidance is being developed for clinical
      settings, the process is less clear for those conducting longitudinal research.
      This paper discusses work conducted on behalf of The UK Cohort and Longitudinal
      Study Enhancement Resource programme (CLOSER) to examine consent requirements,
      process considerations and specific examples of potential findings in the context
      of the 1958 British Birth cohort. Beyond deciding which findings to return, there
      are questions of whether re-consent is needed and the possible impact on the
      study, how the feedback process will be managed, and what resources are needed to
      support that process. Recommendations are made for actions a cohort study should
      consider taking when making vital decisions regarding returning findings. Any
      decisions need to be context-specific, arrived at transparently, communicated
      clearly, and in the best interests of both the participants and the study. 

PMID- 25126105
TI  - From spatial ecology to spatial epidemiology: modeling spatial distributions of
      different cancer types with principal coordinates of neighbor matrices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiology and ecology share many fundamental research questions.
      Here we describe how principal coordinates of neighbor matrices (PCNM), a method
      from spatial ecology, can be applied to spatial epidemiology. PCNM is based on
      geographical distances among sites and can be applied to any set of sites
      providing a good coverage of a study area. In the present study, PCNM
      eigenvectors corresponding to positive autocorrelation were used as explanatory
      variables in linear regressions to model incidences of eight most common cancer
      types in Finnish municipalities (n = 320). The dataset was provided by the
      Finnish Cancer Registry and it included altogether 615,839 cases between 1953 and
      2010. RESULTS: PCNM resulted in 165 vectors with a positive eigenvalue. The first
      PCNM vector corresponded to the wavelength of hundreds of kilometers as it
      contrasted two main subareas so that municipalities located in southwestern
      Finland had the highest positive site scores and those located in midwestern
      Finland had the highest negative scores in that vector. Correspondingly, the
      165(th) PCNM vector indicated variation mainly between the two small
      municipalities located in South Finland. The vectors explained 13 - 58% of the
      spatial variation in cancer incidences. The number of outliers having
      standardized residual > |3| was very low, one to six per model, and even lower,
      zero to two per model, according to Chauvenet's criterion. The spatial variation
      of prostate cancer was best captured (adjusted r (2) = 0.579). CONCLUSIONS: PCNM
      can act as a complementary method to causal modeling to achieve a better
      understanding of the spatial structure of both the response and explanatory
      variables, and to assess the spatial importance of unmeasured explanatory
      factors. PCNM vectors can be used as proxies for demographics and causative
      agents to deal with autocorrelation, multicollinearity, and confounding
      variables. PCNM may help to extend spatial epidemiology to areas with limited
      availability of registers, improve cost-effectiveness, and aid in identifying
      unknown causative agents, and predict future trends in disease distributions and
      incidences. A large advantage of using PCNM is that it can create statistically
      valid reflectors of real predictors for disease incidence models with only little
      resources and background information.

PMID- 25126106
TI  - Duplication of the NPHP1 gene in patients with autism spectrum disorder and
      normal intellectual ability: a case series.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by
      impairments in social interactions, reduced verbal communication abilities,
      stereotyped repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. It is a complex
      condition caused by genetic and environmental factors; the high heritability of
      this disorder supports the presence of a significant genetic contribution. Many
      studies have suggested that copy-number variants contribute to the etiology of
      autism spectrum disorder. Recently, copy-number variants of the nephronophthisis
      1 gene have been reported in patients with autism spectrum disorder. To the best
      of our knowledge, only six autism spectrum disorder cases with duplications of
      the nephronophthisis 1 gene have been reported. These patients exhibited
      intellectual dysfunction, including verbal dysfunction in one patient, below
      average verbal intellectual ability in one patient, and intellectual disability
      in four patients. In this study, we identified nephronophthisis 1 duplications in
      two unrelated Japanese patients with autism spectrum disorder using a high
      resolution single-nucleotide polymorphism array. This report is the first to
      describe a nephronophthisis 1 duplication in an autism spectrum disorder patient
      with an average verbal intelligence quotient and an average performance
      intelligence quotient. However, the second autism spectrum disorder patient with
      a nephronophthisis 1 duplication had a below-average performance intelligence
      quotient. Neither patient exhibited physical dysfunction, motor developmental
      delay, or neurological abnormalities. This study supports the clinical
      observation of nephronophthisis 1 duplication in autism spectrum disorder cases
      and might contribute to our understanding of the clinical phenotype that arises
      from this duplication. 

PMID- 25126107
TI  - Privacy-preserving self-helped medical diagnosis scheme based on secure two-party
      computation in wireless sensor networks.
AB  - With the continuing growth of wireless sensor networks in pervasive medical care,
      people pay more and more attention to privacy in medical monitoring, diagnosis,
      treatment, and patient care. On one hand, we expect the public health
      institutions to provide us with better service. On the other hand, we would not
      like to leak our personal health information to them. In order to balance this
      contradiction, in this paper we design a privacy-preserving self-helped medical
      diagnosis scheme based on secure two-party computation in wireless sensor
      networks so that patients can privately diagnose themselves by inputting a health
      card into a self-helped medical diagnosis ATM to obtain a diagnostic report just
      like drawing money from a bank ATM without revealing patients' health information
      and doctors' diagnostic skill. It makes secure self-helped disease diagnosis
      feasible and greatly benefits patients as well as relieving the heavy pressure of
      public health institutions. 

PMID- 25126108
TI  - Automatic blastomere recognition from a single embryo image.
AB  - The number of blastomeres of human day 3 embryos is one of the most important
      criteria for evaluating embryo viability. However, due to the transparency and
      overlap of blastomeres, it is a challenge to recognize blastomeres automatically
      using a single embryo image. This study proposes an approach based on least
      square curve fitting (LSCF) for automatic blastomere recognition from a single
      image. First, combining edge detection, deletion of multiple connected points,
      and dilation and erosion, an effective preprocessing method was designed to
      obtain part of blastomere edges that were singly connected. Next, an automatic
      recognition method for blastomeres was proposed using least square circle
      fitting. This algorithm was tested on 381 embryo microscopic images obtained from
      the eight-cell period, and the results were compared with those provided by
      experts. Embryos were recognized with a 0 error rate occupancy of 21.59%, and the
      ratio of embryos in which the false recognition number was less than or equal to
      2 was 83.16%. This experiment demonstrated that our method could efficiently and
      rapidly recognize the number of blastomeres from a single embryo image without
      the need to reconstruct the three-dimensional model of the blastomeres first;
      this method is simple and efficient. 

PMID- 25126109
TI  - Computational and control methods in rehabilitation medicine.

PMID- 25126111
TI  - Mathematical modelling of cerebral blood circulation and cerebral autoregulation:
      towards preventing intracranial hemorrhages in preterm newborns.
AB  - Impaired cerebral autoregulation leads to fluctuations in cerebral blood flow,
      which can be especially dangerous for immature brain of preterm newborns. In this
      paper, two mathematical models of cerebral autoregulation are discussed. The
      first one is an enhancement of a vascular model proposed by Piechnik et al. We
      extend this model by adding a polynomial dependence of the vascular radius on the
      arterial blood pressure and adjusting the polynomial coefficients to experimental
      data to gain the autoregulation behavior. Moreover, the inclusion of a Preisach
      hysteresis operator, simulating a hysteretic dependence of the cerebral blood
      flow on the arterial pressure, is tested. The second model couples the blood
      vessel system model by Piechnik et al. with an ordinary differential equation
      model of cerebral autoregulation by Ursino and Lodi. An optimal control setting
      is proposed for a simplified variant of this coupled model. The objective of the
      control is the maintenance of the autoregulatory function for a wider range of
      the arterial pressure. The control can be interpreted as the effect of a
      medicament changing the cerebral blood flow by, for example, dilation of blood
      vessels. Advanced numerical methods developed by the authors are applied for the
      numerical treatment of the control problem. 

PMID- 25126110
TI  - ProBLM web server: protein and membrane placement and orientation package.
AB  - The 3D structures of membrane proteins are typically determined without the
      presence of a lipid bilayer. For the purpose of studying the role of membranes on
      the wild type characteristics of the corresponding protein, determining the
      position and orientation of transmembrane proteins within a membrane environment
      is highly desirable. Here we report a geometry-based approach to automatically
      insert a membrane protein with a known 3D structure into pregenerated lipid
      bilayer membranes with various dimensions and lipid compositions or into a
      pseudomembrane. The pseudomembrane is built using the Protein Nano-Object
      Integrator which generates a parallelepiped of user-specified dimensions made up
      of pseudoatoms. The pseudomembrane allows for modeling the desolvation effects
      while avoiding plausible errors associated with wrongly assigned protein-lipid
      contacts. The method is implemented into a web server, the ProBLM server, which
      is freely available to the biophysical community. The web server allows the user
      to upload a protein coordinate file and any missing residues or heavy atoms are
      regenerated. ProBLM then creates a combined protein-membrane complex from the
      given membrane protein and bilayer lipid membrane or pseudomembrane. The user is
      given an option to manually refine the model by manipulating the position and
      orientation of the protein with respect to the membrane. 

PMID- 25126112
TI  - Challenges in predicting the evolutionary maintenance of a phage transgene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In prior work, a phage engineered with a biofilm-degrading enzyme
      (dispersin B) cleared artificial, short-term biofilms more fully than the phage
      lacking the enzyme. An unresolved question is whether the transgene will be lost
      or maintained during phage growth - its loss would limit the utility of the
      engineering. Broadly supported evolutionary theory suggests that transgenes will
      be lost through a 'tragedy of the commons' mechanism unless the ecology of growth
      in biofilms meets specific requirements. We test that theory here. RESULTS:
      Functional properties of the transgenic phage were identified. Consistent with
      the previous study, the dispersin phage was superior to unmodified phage at
      clearing short term biofilms grown in broth, shown here to be an effect
      attributable to free enzyme. However, the dispersin phage was only marginally
      better than control phages on short term biofilms in minimal media and was no
      better than control phages in clearing long term biofilms. There was little
      empirical support for the tragedy of the commons framework despite a strong
      theoretical foundation for its supposed relevance. The framework requires that
      the transgene imposes an intrinsic cost, yet the transgene was intrinsically
      neutral or beneficial when expressed from one part of the phage genome. Expressed
      from a different part of the genome, the transgene did behave as if intrinsically
      costly, but its maintenance did not benefit from spatially structured growth per
      se - violating the tragedy framework. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the transgene was
      beneficial under many conditions, but no insight to its maintenance was
      attributable to the established evolutionary framework. The failure likely
      resides in system details that would be used to parameterize the models. Our
      study cautions against naive applications of evolutionary theory to synthetic
      biology, even qualitatively.

PMID- 25126113
TI  - Minireactor-based high-throughput temperature profiling for the optimization of
      microbial and enzymatic processes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bioprocesses depend on a number of different operating parameters and
      temperature is one of the most important ones. Unfortunately, systems for rapid
      determination of temperature dependent reaction kinetics are rare. Obviously,
      there is a need for a high-throughput screening procedure of temperature
      dependent process behavior. Even though, well equipped micro-bioreactors are a
      promising approach sufficient temperature control is quite challenging and rather
      complex. RESULTS: In this work a unique system is presented combining an optical
      on-line monitoring device with a customized temperature control unit for 96 well
      microtiter plates. By exposing microtiter plates to specific temperature
      profiles, high-throughput temperature optimization for microbial and enzymatic
      systems in a micro-scale of 200 MUL is realized. For single well resolved
      temperature measurement fluorescence thermometry was used, combining the
      fluorescent dyes Rhodamin B and Rhodamin 110. The real time monitoring of the
      microbial and enzymatic reactions provides extensive data output. To evaluate
      this novel system the temperature optima for Escherichia coli and Kluyveromyces
      lactis regarding growth and recombinant protein production were determined.
      Furthermore, the commercial cellulase mixture Celluclast as a representative for
      enzymes was investigated applying a fluorescent activity assay. CONCLUSION:
      Microtiter plate-based high-throughput temperature profiling is a convenient tool
      for characterizing temperature dependent reaction processes. It allows the
      evaluation of numerous conditions, e.g. microorganisms, enzymes, media, and
      others, in a short time. The simple temperature control combined with a
      commercial on-line monitoring device makes it a user friendly system.

PMID- 25126114
TI  - A new patient with a terminal de novo 2p25.3 deletion of 1.9 Mb associated with
      early-onset of obesity, intellectual disabilities and hyperkinetic disorder.
AB  - Terminal and interstitial deletions of 2p25.3 (size < Mb), detected by array-CGH
      analysis, have been reported in about 18 patients sharing common clinical
      features represented by early-onset obesity/ overweightness associated with
      intellectual disabilities (ID) and behavioural troubles. This observations led to
      hypothesize that 2p subtelomeric deletion should be associated with syndromic
      obesity and MYT1L became the main candidate gene for ID and obesity since it is
      deleted or disrupted in all hitherto published cases. Here we described a 2p25.3
      de novo terminal deletion of 1.9 Mb, of paternal origin, detected by array-CGH
      analysis in a girl of 4.4 years with a distinctive phenotype consisting of early
      onset of obesity associated with moderate ID, and hyperkinetic disorder. The
      deletion disrupted MYT1L and encompassed five other OMIM genes, ACP1, TMEM18,
      SNTG2, TPO, and PXDN. Here, we discuss the combined functional effects of
      additional haploinsufficient genes, that may concur with heterozygous deletion of
      MYT1L, in the aetiology for syndromic obesity associated with 2p25.5 subtelomeric
      deletion. 

PMID- 25126115
TI  - Association between Brachial-Ankle pulse wave velocity and cardiac autonomic
      neuropathy in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a common complication of type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is known to
      be a good surrogate marker of vascular damages. The goal of this study was to
      investigate the relationship between BaPWV and CAN in T2DM. METHODS: A total of
      148 patients who had no apparent history of cardiovascular condition were
      enrolled consecutively in this study. The correlation between increased baPWV and
      CAN was analyzed. CAN was evaluated by five standard cardiovascular reflex tests
      (CARTs) according to the Ewing's protocol: 1) heart rate variation during deep
      breathing, 2) heart rate response to standing, 3) Valsalva maneuver, 4) postural
      systolic blood pressure (BP) change, 5) Sustained handgrip test. CAN was defined
      as the presence of at least two abnormal tests. RESULTS: The mean age of patients
      was 59.8 +/- 7.8 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 6.0(2.0-11.0) years.
      The mean baPWV was 1665.5(1482.0-1940.0) cm/sec. Subjects with CAN were older and
      had high BMI, baPWV compared with those without CAN. The proportion of patients
      with diabetic peripheral neuropathy was higher in subjects with CAN. After
      adjusting for other confounding risk factors, baPWV (odds ratio = 8.496, 95% CI:
      1.216-59.348; P = 0.031) remained as independent risk factors for CAN. The number
      of abnormal CARTs increased gradually with increasing baPWV (correlation
      coefficient =0.255, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Increased baPWV was significantly
      correlated with CAN in patients with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 25126119
TI  - Cerebral aspergilloma in a SLE patient: A case report with short literature
      review.
AB  - Aspergillosis of brain is very rare, and commonly seen in immunocompromised or
      immunosuppressed patient. Here, we report a cerebral aspergillosis condition in a
      late teen girl who is a Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis patient with steroid
      therapy. She developed headaches, vomitings, and convulsions. On the basis of
      clinical and neuroimaging, a diagnosis of cerebral tuberculoma was made, and she
      was put on anti-TB therapy, but she did not respond. Later, surgical partial
      excision biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Her cerebral lesions responded with
      antifungal itraconazole therapy. The case will be presented with short literature
      review. Such a report in the literature is rare. 

PMID- 25126118
TI  - Complication avoidance in transcallosal transforaminal approach to colloid cysts
      of the anterior third ventriclen: An analysis of 80 cases.
AB  - OBJECT: The objective of the present study is to analyze the complications and
      their avoidance in a series of 80 patients operated by transcallosal
      transforaminal approach to colloid cysts of the anterior third ventricle.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surgical outcome and complications of 80 patients
      operated by transcallosal transforaminal approach for colloid cysts in the
      anterior third ventricle was analyzed. A detailed pre- and post-operative
      neurological assessment was done in all patients. Neurocognitive assessment of
      corpus callosal function was done in the last 22 cases. CT scan of the brain was
      done in all patients, before and after surgery. RESULTS: All patients underwent
      transcallosal transforaminal approach. Total excision of the lesion was achieved
      in 79 patients and subtotal in one. The complications encountered were
      postoperative seizures in six, acute hydrocephalus in four, venous cortical
      infarct in four, transient hemiparesis in four, transient memory impairment,
      especially for immediate recall in nine, mutism in one, subdural hematoma in one,
      meningitis in three, and tension pneumocephalus in one patient. There were two
      mortalities. There was no incidence of postoperative disconnection syndrome.
      CONCLUSION: Colloid cyst is surgically curable. With good knowledge of the
      regional anatomy and meticulous microsurgical techniques, there is a low
      mortality and minimum morbidity, when compared to the natural history of the
      disease. With increasing experience, most of the complications are avoidable. The
      limited anterior callosotomy does not result in disconnection syndromes.

PMID- 25126116
TI  - piRNA clusters and open chromatin structure.
AB  - Transposable elements (TEs) are major structural components of eukaryotic
      genomes; however, mobilization of TEs generally has negative effects on the host
      genome. To counteract this threat, host cells have evolved genetic and epigenetic
      mechanisms that keep TEs silenced. One such mechanism involves the Piwi-piRNA
      complex, which represses TEs in animal gonads either by cleaving TE transcripts
      in the cytoplasm or by directing specific chromatin modifications at TE loci in
      the nucleus. Most Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are derived from genomic piRNA
      clusters. There has been remarkable progress in our understanding of the
      mechanisms underlying piRNA biogenesis. However, little is known about how a
      specific locus in the genome is converted into a piRNA-producing site. In this
      review, we will discuss a possible link between chromatin boundaries and piRNA
      cluster formation. 

PMID- 25126120
TI  - Impact of clinico-radiological parameters on the outcome of treatment in brain
      tuberculosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of clinico
      radiological parameters on the outcome of the treatment in brain tuberculosis.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery
      and Neurology Skims Srinagar India for a period of two years from November 2009
      to November 2011. A total of 61 patients presenting with brain tuberculosis
      admitted at skims during these two years were included in the study. Patients
      having clinical, laboratory and radiological findings suggestive of brain
      tuberculosis were included in the study. On correlating the CT characteristics
      tuberculomas, basal exudates and hydrocephalus with sequelae at 6,12 and 18
      months - focal deficit, cognitive impairment, and diplopia. RESULTS: It was seen
      that basal exudates correlated with all the three neurological sequelae i.e.;
      with focal deficit (P = 0.001), cognitive impairment (P = 0.011), and diplopia (P
      = 0.021). Hydrocephalus correlated well with cognitive impairment (P = 0.031) and
      tuberculoma correlated with none of these clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION:
      We concluded that the mortality and neurologic sequelae were directly related to
      the clinical stage of disease at presentation. Correlating the CT characteristics
      we concluded that basal exudates correlated with all the three sequelae i.e.;
      with focal deficit, cognitive impairment, and diplopia. Hydrocephalous correlated
      well with cognitive impairment and tuberculoma correlated with none of these
      clinical characteristics.

PMID- 25126121
TI  - Spinal dysraphism: A challenge continued to be faced by neurosurgeons in
      developing countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The incidence of spinal dysraphism has significantly decreased over
      the last few decades, all over the world; however, still the incidence is much
      higher in developing countries with poor socioeconomic status. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The present study includes all patients managed for spinal dysraphism
      over a period of one year (January 2011-December 2011). Details including
      demographics, antenatal care history, site and type of lesion, neurological
      examination, imaging finding, associated congenital anomalies, management
      offered, and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 27 children were operated
      for spinal dysraphism during the study period (17 males and 11 females). Median
      age was 120 days (age range, 1 day to 6 years). Mothers of 15 children did not
      seek any regular antenatal checkup and only 13 mothers received folic acid
      supplementation during pregnancy. Fourteen children were delivered at home and 13
      were at hospital. The most common site was lumbosacral region (67.8%). Seven
      patients had rupture of the sac at the time of presentation, one child had local
      infection, and four patients had hydrocephalus (requiring shunt before surgical
      repair). Two patients developed hydrocephalus at follow up, needing shunt
      surgery. The mean hospital stay was 7 days (range, 5 days to 31 days; median, 10
      days). CONCLUSION: Spinal dysraphism is still a major public health problem in
      developing countries. Management of patients with spinal dysraphism is complex
      and needs close coordination between pediatrician, neurologist, neurosurgeon, and
      rehabilitation experts. A large number of factors influence the outcome.

PMID- 25126117
TI  - Recent advances in the analysis of therapeutic proteins by capillary and
      microchip electrophoresis.
AB  - The development of therapeutic proteins and peptides is an expensive and time
      intensive process. Biologics, which have become a multi-billion dollar industry,
      are chemically complex products that require constant observation during each
      stage of development and production. Post-translational modifications along with
      chemical and physical degradation from oxidation, deamidation, and aggregation,
      lead to high levels of heterogeneity that affect drug quality and efficacy. The
      various separation modes of capillary electrophoresis (CE) are commonly utilized
      to perform quality control and assess protein heterogeneity. This review attempts
      to highlight the most recent developments and applications of CE separation
      techniques for the characterization of protein and peptide therapeutics by
      focusing on papers accepted for publication in the in the two-year period between
      January 2012 and December 2013. The separation principles and technological
      advances of CE, capillary gel electrophoresis, capillary isoelectric focusing,
      capillary electrochromatography and CE-mass spectrometry are discussed, along
      with exciting new applications of these techniques to relevant pharmaceutical
      issues. Also included is a small selection of papers on microchip electrophoresis
      to show the direction this field is moving with regards to the development of
      inexpensive and portable analysis systems for on-site, high-throughput analysis.

PMID- 25126122
TI  - Ventriculoperitoneal shunting: Laparoscopically assisted versus conventional open
      surgical approaches.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) is a mainstay of hydrocephalus
      therapy, but carries a significant risk of device malfunctioning. This study aims
      to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic ventriculoperitoneal shunting versus open
      ventriculoperitoneal shunting (OVPS) VPS-placement and reviews our findings in
      the pertinent context of the literature from 1993 to 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Between 2003 and 2012, a total of 232 patients underwent first time VPS placement
      at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Of those, 155 were laparoscopically
      guided and 77 were done conventionally. We analyzed independent variables (age,
      gender, medical history, clinical presentation, indication for surgery and
      surgical technique) and dependent variables (operative time, post-operative
      complications, length of stay in the hospital) and occurrence of shunt failure.
      RESULTS: Mean operative time was 43.7 min (18.0-102.0) in the laparoscopic group
      versus 63.0 min (30.0-151.0) in the open group, (P < 0.05). Length of stay was
      similar, 5 days in the laparoscopic and in the open group, (P = 0.945). The
      incidence of shunt failure during the entire follow-up period was not
      statistically different between the two groups, occurring in 14.1% in the
      laparoscopic group and 16.9% in the open group, (P = 0.601). Kaplan-Meier
      analysis demonstrated no difference in shunt survival between the two groups (P =
      0.868), with functionality in 85% at 6-months and 78.5% at 1-year. CONCLUSION:
      According to our study, LVPS-placement results compare similarly to OVPS
      placement in most aspects. Since laparoscopic placement is not routinely
      indicated, we suggest a prospective study to assess its value as an alternate
      technique especially suitable in obese patients and patients with previous
      abdominal operations.

PMID- 25126124
TI  - Bed wise cost analysis of in-patient treatment of brachial plexus injury at a
      Level I trauma Center in India.
AB  - AIM: The aim was to calculate, in monetary terms, total cost incurred by a Level
      I trauma center in providing in-patient care to brachial plexus injury patients
      during their preoperative and the postoperative stay. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All
      patients of brachial plexus injury admitted and discharged between January and
      December 2010 were included in the study. Total cost per bed was calculated under
      several cost heads in pre- and post-operative ward care. Intra-operative costs
      were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were admitted in the year 2010. Of
      these 60 were operated and the rest were planned conservative management. The
      total cost incurred by the trauma center in providing in-patient care to patients
      admitted in the ward, excluding high dependency unit, came out to be Rs.
      3,650.00/patient/bed/day. Of this Rs. 2,234.645, the maximum amount was incurred
      in providing manpower alone. The average preoperative wait was 12 days (maximum
      41 days and minimum 1-day). The average postoperative stay was 2 days. Total cost
      incurred in the preoperative period was Rs. 2,975,125 (US$ 59392) or Rs.
      43,117/patient (US$ 861). It was Rs. 386,948 (US$ 7724) in the postoperative
      period (Rs. 6,449 or US$ 129/patient). Nine patients were not operated and had
      waited from 2 to 12 days before finally being planned for observant treatment.
      This itself cost the hospital Rs. 226,328 (US$ 4518). CONCLUSION: By just
      reducing the preoperative length of stay to 1-day the cost can be brought down by
      93% for brachial plexus injury patients alone and the beds can be used to admit
      more critical patients.

PMID- 25126123
TI  - EC-IC bypass for cavernous carotid aneurysms: An initial experience with twelve
      patients.
AB  - AIMS: Need for performing a bypass procedure prior to parent artery occlusion in
      patients with good cerebral vascular reserve is controversial. We analyze our
      experience of 12 giant internal carotid artery aneurysms treated with
      extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass and proximal artery occlusion. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the case records of all complex carotid
      aneurysms operated in our institute since January 2009. RESULTS: The study
      included eleven cavernous carotid aneurysms and one large fusiform cervical
      carotid aneurysm reaching the skull base. Preoperative assessment of cerebral
      vascular reserve was limited to Balloon test occlusion with hypotensive
      challenge. Eleven patients who successfully completed a Balloon test occlusion
      (BTO) underwent low flow superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery
      (STA-MCA) bypass, while one patient with a failed BTO underwent a high flow
      bypass using a saphenous vein graft. Parent artery ligation was performed in all
      patients following the bypass procedure. Check angiogram revealed thrombosis of
      the aneurysm in all patients with a graft patency rate of 81.8%. We had one
      operative mortality, probably related to a leak from the anastomotic site. The
      only patient who had a high flow bypass developed contralateral hemispheric
      infarcts and remained vegetative. All the other patients had a good recovery and
      with a Glasgow outcome score of 5 at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: We feel that
      combining EC-IC bypass prior to parent vessel occlusion helps in reducing the
      risk of post operative ischemic complications especially in situations where a
      complete mandated cerebral blood flow studies are not feasible.

PMID- 25126125
TI  - Multicystic oligodendroglioma with calvarial destruction.
AB  - CONTEXT: Calvarial erosion is known to occur with some superficially located
      tumors. Very few case reports of calvarial erosion associated with
      oligodendroglioma are reported in the literature, but calvarial destruction with
      oligodendroglioma is very rare. AIM: To report an unusual case of multicystic
      frontoparietal oligodendroglioma with destruction of the calvaria and scalp
      involvement in the absence of prior surgery or radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      A 30-year-old male presented with the history of left focal seizure with
      secondary generalization for last three to four years along with left sided
      weakness for the past one month. There was history of slowly progressive
      decreased vision in both eyes leading to complete blindness in both eyes for the
      past one month. On neurological examination, patient had left hemiparesis of
      grade-2/5 with perception of light absent in both eyes. Fundus examination
      revealed bilateral optic atrophy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain
      showed a large supratentorial heterogenous multicystic ring enhancing mass lesion
      involving right frontal lobe, right frontotemporal opercular region, and
      posteriorly abutting the central sulcus and anteriorly destroying the calvaria.
      Patient underwent right frontoparietal craniotomy and near total excision of
      tumor. Histopathological examination revealed oligodendroglioma WHO grade-2.
      Patient received postoperative chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS: At nine month follow
      up patient neurological status was same and his seizure was controlled on single
      AED. There was no recurrence of seizure at nine month of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      Calvarial destruction in association with extra and intra axial neoplasm should
      include oligodendroglioma especially in patients with long history of symptoms,
      although calvarial destruction is very rare. However, the final diagnosis is
      established by means of histopathological examination.

PMID- 25126126
TI  - Intradural spinal granular cell tumor.
AB  - Granular cell tumor is a rare, usually benign tumor with classical
      histomorphology. Location of tumor varies widely within body, but spine is
      distinctly a rare location for this tumor. We report a rare case of granular cell
      tumor involving intradural extramedullary portion of lumbar region of spinal
      cord. Knowledge of which is important as subsequent prognosis differs from other
      tumor at same location. 

PMID- 25126127
TI  - Primary Ewing's sarcoma of cervical vertebra: An uncommon presentation.
AB  - Ewing's sarcoma is a malignant primary bone tumor primarily seen in the long
      bones. Primary Ewing's sarcoma of the cranium is quite uncommon occurring in 1%
      of the cases. We report the occurrence of this rare lesion in a 24-year-old male
      presenting with progressively increasing swelling in left mastoid region
      mimicking a mastoid abscess which was later diagnosed on Fine needle aspiration
      cytology (FNAC) as a small round cell tumor as Ewing's sarcoma. Contrast enhanced
      computed tomography (CECT) revealed a typical moth eaten appearance in the first
      and second cervical vertebra. 

PMID- 25126128
TI  - Thoracic cord compression by extramedullary hematopoiesis in thalassemia.
AB  - Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) refers to hematopoiesis occurring outside the
      medulla of bone. It may be physiologic or due to pathological conditions like
      hematopoietic disorders. EMH can involve liver, spleen, thorax, and lymph nodes.
      It can involve paraspinal tissues with extension and involvement of spinal canal.
      In our case, the diagnosis was confirmed by the history of the patient stating
      underlying hematological condition and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      findings showing large soft tissue masses in paraspinal areas with involvement of
      spinal canal and leading to cord compression. 

PMID- 25126129
TI  - Aneurysmal bone cyst: An unusual presentation of back pain.
AB  - Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare benign tumor comprising 1.4% of all primary
      bone tumors. It commonly involves humerus, femur, tibia, and pelvic bones. Spinal
      involvement is rare. The pathological appearance of the lesion is one of the
      blown out distension with fluid filled cavities from which it gains the name
      aneurysmal bone cyst. The World Health Organization has defined it as an
      expanding lesion with blood filled cavities separated by septa of trabecular bone
      or fibrous tissue containing osteoclast giant cells. We describe the case of a 20
      year-old Asian male who presented with backache and pain in right leg. Radiology
      was suggestive of an ABC involving the posterior elements of the lumbar vertebra.
      Excision was performed. We discuss this unusual case, reviewing the current
      literature on biological behavior and management of aneurysmal bone cyst. 

PMID- 25126130
TI  - Spheno-orbital encephalocele: A rare entity - A case report and review of
      literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report a rare case of basal encephalocele (spheno-orbital
      encephalocele), managed successfully in our institute. This is one of the rarest
      type of encephaloceles with very little literature available. In this case,
      sphenoid dysplasia was not associated with type 1 Neurofibromatosis. SETTINGS:
      Grant Medical College and Sir J.J Group of Hospitals, Byculla, Mumbai,
      Maharashtra, India. METHODS: A 22 year old male presented with a history of
      protrusion of right eye since the age of 7 years followed by progressive
      diminution of vision in the same eye for 5 months. MRI scan was suggestive of
      sphenoid dysplasia with herniation of right fronto-temporal lobe. The patient was
      operated upon with right frontal craniotomy with excision of encephalocele and
      repair of skull base. Subsequently, the patient underwent plastic surgery for
      facial skin remodeling. RESULTS: Patient's encephalocele reduced completely after
      excision and repair with good cosmetic results and no neurological deficits.
      There is no evidence of recurrence till recent follow-up. CONCLUSION: Basal
      encephaloceles are very rare. Complete excision of encephalocele with repair of
      the defect should be the aim to achieve cure.

PMID- 25126131
TI  - Epidural hematoma secondary to solitary skull metastasis from an ovarian
      carcinoma.
AB  - We report a rare case of an acute epidural hematoma (EDH) due to solitary skull
      metastasis in a 60-year-old patient treated earlier for ovarian carcinoma. The
      patient presented with head injury followed by unconsciousness and computerized
      tomography showed a large EDH in the right parietal region along with a contusion
      of left temporal-parietal lobe and subarachnoid hemorrhage in left sylvian
      fissure. Emergency craniotomy and evacuation of the EDH was performed and the
      hemorrhage was determined to be secondary to skull metastasis of ovarian
      carcinoma; the patient recovered and received whole brain radiation therapy. 

PMID- 25126132
TI  - Designing and Developing Open Education Resources in Higher Education: A
      Molecular Biology Project.
AB  - Recent advances in internet technology have transformed how we gather and share
      information in today's world and have provided us with a platform to access
      educational resources and related information on the Internet. Every day, new
      technologies are developed that are changing the when and where we access that
      information. The capabilities of new technologies have allowed society to access
      information and learn virtually anywhere. As technical ingenuity continues to
      generate new technologies and paths of communication, we must look for
      opportunities to collaborate, share and extend our educational resources in
      higher education. Distributing Open Educational Resources (OER) in the form of
      freely licensed materials is necessary in order to laterally influence current
      advances in learning technologies. Online resources are being used in a variety
      of contexts to supplement instruction and training at higher education
      institutions. The aim of this Open Educational Resource project was to design and
      develop a blended learning instructional program to assist online users in
      developing familiarity with laboratory techniques prior to conducting molecular
      biology research in an authentic laboratory setting. This paper will look at the
      background of OER, describe the online materials that the Center for
      Cardiovascular Research (CCR) developed for open use, and discuss the outcomes
      and implications for use.

PMID- 25126133
TI  - Mindful Parenting Assessed Further: Psychometric Properties of the Dutch Version
      of the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale (IM-P).
AB  - Psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Interpersonal Mindfulness in
      Parenting Scale (IM-P) were studied in a general population sample of mothers of
      adolescents (n=866) (study 1). A six-factor structure (29 items) emerged using
      exploratory factor analysis. A main difference from the original IM-P was that
      aspects of compassion and emotional awareness were separated into different
      factors for the self and the child, instead of combined into one factor. In a
      second general population sample of mothers of adolescents (n=.99), the six
      factor structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis (study 2). The
      proposed 29-item version of the IM-P and its subscales were shown to have good
      internal consistencies, apart from the sixth factor. As expected, a high
      correlation was found with general mindfulness questionnaires (FFMQ and FMI).
      Furthermore, the IM-P correlated positively as expected with quality of life and
      optimism and negatively with depression and dysfunctional parenting styles. These
      expected indications of construct validity were found in study 2, as well as in
      mothers (n=112) of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (study 3) which was
      added to examine whether the Dutch version of the IM-P was also valid in a
      pediatric population. Overall, these three studies present good psychometric
      properties of the Dutch translation of the first measure of mindful parenting.

PMID- 25126135
TI  - Impact of an educational intervention on steroid prescribing and dosing effect on
      patient outcomes in COPD exacerbations.
AB  - The increasing number of patients affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD) and associated exacerbations has led to both rising hospital
      admissions and significant economic impact. Evidence-based guidelines have been
      formulated for COPD management recommending the use of low dose, oral
      corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of exacerbations. However, fewer than 50%
      of physicians' prescribing practices appropriately reflect the published clinical
      guidelines on the use of systemic corticosteroids in these patients. OBJECTIVE:
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led
      educational intervention on prescribing practices and patient outcomes when using
      systemic corticosteroids in patients with COPD exacerbations. METHODS: This
      retrospective case-control study included patients admitted to an inpatient
      family medicine service with a COPD exacerbation who received systemic
      corticosteroids. Two pharmacist-led educational interventions were delivered to
      prescribers to review current guidelines for managing COPD exacerbations with
      systemic corticosteroids. Patients were retrospectively identified over a three
      month span prior to and following the educational intervention. Data was
      collected via chart review to evaluate prescribing practices prior to and
      following the educational sessions. In addition, data was collected to evaluate
      the effects of an educational intervention on length of stay, adverse events, and
      cost of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 23 pre-intervention patients and 18 post
      intervention patients met inclusion criteria. After pharmacist-led interventions,
      guidelines were not more likely to be adhered to by prescribers when compared to
      guideline adherence in the pre-intervention patients. Because no statistically
      significant change in guideline adherence was observed, there was no impact on
      secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Pharmacist-led didactic educational interventions
      and guideline dissemination do not improve guideline adherence and prescribing
      practices with respect to systemic corticosteroids in COPD exacerbations.

PMID- 25126134
TI  - Medication adherence: a review of pharmacy education, research, practice and
      policy in Finland.
AB  - AIMS: To describe pharmacy education, research, practice and policy related to
      medication adherence in Finland since the year 2000. METHODS: The three
      universities that provide pharmacy education (Abo Akademi, University of Eastern
      Finland, and University of Helsinki) completed a structured pro-forma
      questionnaire regarding education related to medication adherence. A MEDLINE and
      EMBASE literature search was performed to identify English language peer-reviewed
      research that reported medication compliance, adherence or persistence. The
      Ministry of Social Affairs and Health was invited to nominate policies and
      documents related to medication adherence. A narrative review of medication
      counselling practices and professional service delivery through Finnish community
      pharmacies was undertaken. RESULTS: Medication adherence was a theme integrated
      into obligatory and elective courses for bachelors and masters degree students.
      The literature search identified 33 English language peer-reviewed research
      articles reporting medication compliance, adherence or persistence published
      since the year 2000. Policy documents of the Ministry of Social Affairs and
      Health recognise that poor medication adherence may lead to suboptimal treatment
      outcomes, and encourage patient participation in treatment decision making.
      Adherence practice in Finnish pharmacies has been strongly linked to the
      development of medication counselling services. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence research
      and education has focused on understanding and addressing the contextual factors
      that contribute to medication nonadherence. Adherence practice in community
      pharmacies has tended to focus on medication counselling and programs specific to
      particular disease states. Medication adherence is a topic that is integrated
      into courses for bachelor's and master's level pharmacy students in Finland.

PMID- 25126136
TI  - Physicians' generic drug prescribing behavior in district hospitals: a case of
      Phitsanulok, Thailand.
AB  - Generic prescribing is a sound approach to contain health care costs. However,
      little is known about physicians' prescribing patterns in the Thai context.
      OBJECTIVE: To explore physicians' generic prescription patterns in district
      hospitals. METHODS: Data was collected from three of the eight district hospitals
      between January and December 2008 (final response rate 37.5%). All participating
      hospitals were between 30 and 60-bed capacity. The researchers reviewed 10% of
      total outpatient prescriptions in each hospital. RESULTS: A total of 14,500
      prescriptions were evaluated. The majority of patients were under universal
      health coverage (4,367; 30.1%), followed by senior citizens' health insurance
      (2,734; 18.9%), and civil servant medical benefit schemes (2,419; 16.7%). Ten
      thousand six hundred and seventy-one prescriptions (73.6% of total prescriptions)
      had at least one medication. Among these, each prescription contained 2.85
      (SD=1.69) items. The majority of prescriptions (7,886; 73.9%) were prescribed by
      generic name only. Drugs prescribed by brand names varied in their
      pharmacological actions. They represented both innovator and branded-generic
      items. Interestingly, a large number of them were fixed-dose combination drugs.
      All brand name prescriptions were off patented. In addition, none of the brand
      name drugs prescribed were categorized as narrow therapeutic range or any other
      drug that had been reported to have had problems with generic substitution.
      CONCLUSION: The majority of prescriptions in this sample were written by generic
      names. There is room for improvement in brand name prescribing patterns.

PMID- 25126137
TI  - Impact of emergency contraception status on unintended pregnancy: observational
      data from a women's health practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine if nonprescription emergency
      contraception (EC) availability impacted self-reported unintended pregnancy rates
      and to assess women's knowledge and awareness of EC prior to and after
      nonprescription availability. METHODS: A survey regarding contraception use and
      knowledge was verbally administered to a cross-sectional, convenience sample of
      272 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at a large urban community women's
      clinic between August 2003 and October 2008. Statistical analyses determined the
      differences between two groups (before [BA] and after, [AA] non-prescription EC
      availability in the U.S. drug market) in terms of self-reported unintended
      pregnancy rates, knowledge and awareness of EC. RESULTS: The AA group reported
      higher incidence of unintended pregnancy when compared to the BA group (90.7% vs.
      72.7%, P = 0.0172). The majority of both groups reported that they were not using
      any contraception at the time of conception (BA-84.4%; AA-83.3%). There was no
      significant difference in the participants' awareness of EC between the two
      groups (BA-46.8% vs. AA-43.0%) nor was there a significant difference between the
      two groups in the self-reported willingness to use EC in the future (BA-53.1% vs.
      AA-63.4%). However, among participants who were unaware of EC, 61% reported they
      would consider using it in the future after receiving brief EC counseling from a
      pharmacist or student pharmacist. Neither age nor pregnancy intention was
      associated with self-reported EC awareness but there was an association with
      income (P = 0.0410) and education (P = 0.0021). CONCLUSION: The change from
      prescription-only to non-prescription status of EC in the U.S. drug market did
      not impact the unintended pregnancy rate in this patient population. Lack of
      knowledge and awareness is still a major barrier to widespread EC use.

PMID- 25126138
TI  - Pattern and quality of scientific communications on drug safety produced by a
      regional pharmacovigilance center in Nepal.
AB  - Analyzing the pattern and quality of scientific communications on
      pharmacovigilance can help the regional centers in Nepal and other developing
      countries to develop approaches for communicating effectively medicine safety
      issues. This kind of research is lacking in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: To
      analyze the pattern and quality of scientific communications on drug safety
      produced by the regional pharmacovigilance center at western Nepal. METHODOLOGY:
      Various conference abstracts and journal publications produced by the center
      during its initial four years of establishment (14th September 2004 till 13th
      September 2008) were identified. These communications were categorized in to case
      reports, review articles, conference presentations, short communications,
      newsletter and bulletin articles, original research and case series. In addition,
      the quality of the case reports were evaluated as per International Society of
      Pharmacovigilance/International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISoP/ISPE)
      guidelines on the requirements for submitting case reports on adverse event
      reports in biomedical journals. RESULTS: During the study period, 53 scientific
      communications were produced by the staff of the regional pharmacovigilance
      center in relation with drug safety. Among these, 18 (34%) were related to case
      reports and letters. The median (interquartile range) age of the patients
      described in the case reports was 46.5 (21.7-51.2) years. Among the total 18
      ADRs, four were fixed drug eruptions, followed by contact dermatitis (n=2).
      Majority of the published case reports were related to skin (n=13; 72.2%).
      Antimicrobials were responsible for 27.8% (n=5) of the case reports. Among the 18
      case reports published by the pharmacovigilance center, a majority followed the
      ISoP/ISPE guidelines. Few parameters like physical examination of the patient
      experiencing ADR, patient disposition, dosage and administration of the suspected
      drugs, and drug-reaction interface were missing in few of the cases. CONCLUSION:
      A high percentage of the scientific communications were 'case reports'. A high
      proportion of the case reports produced by the center were of international
      standards. There were lacunae in 'patient disposition' in few of the reports.

PMID- 25126139
TI  - Patients' blood pressure knowledge, perceptions and monitoring practices in
      community pharmacies.
AB  - Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite
      this, patients often cannot or inaccurately estimate their risk factors.
      OBJECTIVES: IN ORDER TO IMPROVE PHARMACIST INTERVENTIONS, WE SOUGHT TO: 1) find
      out patients' knowledge about blood pressure (BP) and their self-monitoring
      behaviors and 2) identify the relationships between these two elements.
      Specifically, if evaluation of BP control were related to knowledge of one's BP
      level and self-monitoring habits, and if knowledge of one's target and BP level
      varied with monitoring habits. METHODS: Final year pharmacy students were trained
      and interviewed patients in community pharmacies as a required exercise in their
      pharmacy clerkship. Each student recruited a convenience sample of 5-10 patients
      who were on hypertension medication, and surveyed them regarding their BP
      targets, recent BP levels as well as monthly and home BP monitoring practices.
      RESULTS: One third of the 449 patients interviewed were able to report a blood
      pressure target with 26% reporting a JNC 7 recognized target. Three quarters of
      patients who reported a blood pressure target were able to report a blood
      pressure level, with 12% being at their self-reported target. Roughly two thirds
      of patients perceived their BP to be "about right", and slightly less than a
      third thought it to be "high". Sixty percent of patients monitor their BP
      monthly, but less than 50% of patients practice home BP monitoring. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study along with others before it point to the knowledge and self-management
      gaps in patients with chronic conditions. Furthermore, pharmacy students were
      able to use a brief intervention to screen patients during routine care.
      Pharmacists can help improve patient understanding and promote increased self
      management through regular BP monitoring.

PMID- 25126140
TI  - Influence of population and general practice characteristics on prescribing of
      minor tranquilisers in primary care.
AB  - Prevalence of generalised anxiety disorders is widespread in Great Britain.
      Previous small-scale research has shown variations in minor tranquiliser
      prescribing, identifying several potential predictors of prescribing volume.
      OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between general
      practice minor tranquiliser prescribing rates and practice population and general
      practice characteristics for all general practices in England. METHODS: Multiple
      regression analysis of minor tranquiliser prescribing volumes during 2004/2005
      for 8,291 English general practices with general practice and population
      variables obtained from the General Medical Services (GMS) statistics, Quality
      and Outcomes Framework (QOF), 2001 Census and 2004 Index of Multiple Deprivation
      (IMD). RESULTS: The highest rates of minor tranquiliser prescribing were in areas
      with the greatest local deprivation while general practices situated in areas
      with larger proportions of residents of black ethnic origin had lower rates of
      prescribing. Other predictors of increased prescribing were general practices
      with older general practitioners and general practices with older registered
      practice populations. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that there is wide variation
      of minor tranquilisers prescribing across England which has implications
      regarding access to treatment and inequity of service provision. Future research
      should determine the barriers to equitable prescribing amongst general practices
      serving larger populations of black ethnic origin.

PMID- 25126141
TI  - Pattern of adverse drug reactions reported by the community pharmacists in Nepal.
AB  - The pharmacovigilance program in Nepal is less than a decade old, and is hospital
      centered. This study highlights the findings of a community based
      pharmacovigilance program involving the community pharmacists. OBJECTIVES: To
      collect the demographic details of the patients experiencing adverse drug
      reactions (ADR) reported by the community pharmacists; to identify the common
      drugs causing the ADRs, the common types of ADRs; and to carry out the causality,
      severity and preventability assessments of the reported ADRs. METHODS: The
      baseline Knowledge-Attitude-Practices (KAP) of 116 community pharmacists from
      Pokhara valley towards drug safety was evaluated using a validated (Cronbach
      alpha=0.61) KAP questionnaire having 20 questions [(knowledge 11, attitude 5 and
      practice 4) maximum possible score 40]. Thirty community pharmacists with high
      scores were selected for three training sessions, each session lasting for one to
      two hours, covering the basic knowledge required for the community pharmacists
      for ADR reporting. Pharmacist from the regional pharmacovigilance center visited
      the trained community pharmacists every alternate day and collected the filled
      ADR reporting forms. RESULTS: Altogether 71 ADRs, from 71 patients (37 males)
      were reported. Antibiotics/ antibacterials caused 42% (n=37) of the total ADRs
      followed by non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [25% (n=22)].
      Ibuprofen/paracetamol combination accounted for ten ADRs. The most common type of
      ADR was itching [17.2 % (n=20), followed by generalized edema [8.6 % (n=10)]. In
      order to manage the ADRs, the patients needed medical treatment in 69% (n=49) of
      the cases. Over two third (69%) of the ADRs had a 'possible' association with the
      suspected drugs and a high percentage (70.4%) were of 'mild (level 2)' type.
      Nearly two third [64.7 % (n=46)] of the ADRs were 'definitely preventable'.
      CONCLUSION: The common class of drugs known to cause ADRs was antibacterial/
      antibiotics. Ibuprofen/ Paracetamol combination use of the drug was responsible
      for more number of ADRs and the most common ADRs were related to dermatological
      system. Strengthening this program might improve safe use of medicines in the
      community.

PMID- 25126142
TI  - Adherence policy, education and practice - an international perspective.
AB  - Nonadherence to chronic therapy has become a large burden on the healthcare
      system of many countries. Community pharmacists are well positioned to address
      nonadherence as part of their overall patient care activities, and contribute to
      patients' quality use of medicines. Between 2008 and 2010, a series of narrative,
      peer-reviewed articles were published in Pharmacy Practice which focused on
      community pharmacists' activities in medication adherence, specifically in the
      areas of the education they receive, their practice, the research conducted and
      national or local policies. This editorial aims to summarise the key findings
      presented in the series, and highlight the pertinent issues and gaps in the
      literature. There is a need to implement global and long-term objectives
      focussing on enhancing the quality of education and competencies of community
      pharmacists and the research conducted in medication adherence, to develop
      guidelines for pharmacists and enhance the uptake of adherence promoting services
      in routine care. 

PMID- 25126143
TI  - Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor use in a large British hospital: comparison
      with published experience.
AB  - Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) are high-cost agents recommended
      as prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia or as adjunctive treatment of severe
      neutropenic sepsis. Their use in high-risk situations such as acute myeloid
      leukaemia, acute lymphocytic leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and stem cell
      transplantation is also indicated. OBJECTIVE: This audit assessed the use of G
      CSF within the Oncology and Haematology Service Delivery Unit at Guy's and St.
      Thomas' hospital (London, United Kingdom). METHODS: Patients who received G-CSF
      in April-May 2008 were identified retrospectively from the pharmacy labelling
      system, and chemotherapy front sheets, clinic letters and transplantation
      protocols were reviewed. Patients on lenograstim, in clinical trials or under non
      approved chemotherapy protocols were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 104 G-CSF
      treatments were assessed. The most commonly treated malignancy was breast cancer
      (41.3%), with docetaxel 100 mg/m (2) (34.6%) being the most frequent chemotherapy
      regimen. The chemotherapy intent was curative in 66.3 % of cases. Pegfilgrastim
      was used in 73.1 % of cases and primary prophylaxis was the most common
      indication (54.8%). Stem cell transplantation was the first indication to meet
      the audit criterion (93.3%), followed by primary prophylaxis (89.5%). There was a
      considerable nonadherence for secondary prophylaxis (6.7%). CONCLUSION: The
      overall level of compliance with the audit criteria was 72.1%. The results for
      primary and secondary prophylaxis would have been different if FEC100
      (fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide) and docetaxel 100 mg/m (2) had been
      considered a single chemotherapy regimen. Also, the lack of access to medical
      notes may have affected the reliability of the results for 'therapeutic' use.

PMID- 25126144
TI  - Knowledge and use of folic acid among college women: a pilot health promotion
      program led by pharmacy students and faculty.
AB  - As pharmacists and pharmacy students are increasingly called upon to assume roles
      in public health activities, it is important to recognize unique opportunities to
      educate community members on health, wellness, and disease prevention. OBJECTIVE:
      To evaluate the impact of a pilot health promotion program on college women's
      knowledge regarding folic acid and prevention of neural tube defects (NTD) and
      frequency of multivitamin use. METHODS: A health promotion program was developed
      by a pharmacy student and two pharmacy faculty members that included an oral
      presentation and reminder messages. A multiple-choice test assessing knowledge of
      folic acid and NTD and frequency of multivitamin use was given to participants
      before and immediately after the presentation. Participants then received a
      reminder message regarding folic acid once a week for three weeks. Knowledge and
      multivitamin use were reassessed four weeks post-intervention. RESULTS: Thirty
      two college women voluntarily attended the oral presentation. Twenty-five women
      (78.2%) completed the four-week post-test. Compared to the pre-test, there were
      statistically significant increases in average test score (p<0.0001) and correct
      responses to questions regarding folic acid and NTD (p<0.05 for each question).
      Participants reported a statistically significant increase in regular (>=4
      times/week) multivitamin use (p=0.023). CONCLUSION: Participants in the pilot
      health promotion program demonstrated a statistically significant increase in
      knowledge about folic acid and frequency of multivitamin use. A similarly-modeled
      health promotion program may be an effective way of increasing folic acid and NTD
      knowledge and changing behaviors of multivitamin use in college women.

PMID- 25126145
TI  - Medication storage and self-medication behaviour amongst female students in
      Malaysia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence, attitudes and
      behaviours of medication storage and self-medication amongst female students at
      Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted
      and cluster random sampling technique was used for respondent selection. A pre
      piloted questionnaire was administered to female respondents so as to collect the
      data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 12 and analysis was conducted using
      descriptive analysis procedures. RESULTS: Of the 481 participants (mean age; SD
      was 22.1; 3.3), 93.1% (n=448) students stated that they stored medicine in their
      rooms, while 70.7% (n=340) stated that they stopped taking a prescribed medicine
      without consulting a doctor. The prevalence of self-medication was 80.9% (n=389).
      The most common reasons for self-medication were related to their knowledge of
      their ailment and its treatment (58.0%), 14.4% thought it saved time and 8.5%
      mentioned that medication given by provider was not effective. The most common
      symptoms were otorhinolaryngology problems (22.5%), followed by respiratory
      disease (19.6%), Gastro Intestinal Tract (GIT) disease (18.1%) and headache/fever
      (16.8%). Commonly used medicines were analgesics & antipyretics (30.2%), ear,
      nose & throat drugs (10.8%), vitamins & minerals (10.8%), GIT drugs (8.5%), anti
      infections (7.3%) and herbal medicines (3.5%). Prevalence of medicine storage and
      self-medication practice is high among educated female students in USM.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to educate the students to ensure safe practice by
      increasing their awareness. Strict policies need to be implemented on the
      unrestricted availability of medicines so as to prevent the wastage of medicines.

PMID- 25126146
TI  - Self medication among hospitalized patients in selected secondary health
      facilities in South Western Nigeria.
AB  - Practice of self-medication has not been evaluated in hospitalized patients
      especially in Nigerian hospitals. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the practice of self
      medication among hospitalized patients with an aim to unearth some of the reasons
      for, and perceptions of benefits of this type of behaviour in secondary health
      care facilities. METHODS: This study was carried out among 197 in-patients
      admitted in three secondary health facilities in southwestern Nigeria using
      structured questionnaire. Effects of variables such as age, gender and marital
      status on the practice of self medication were also evaluated using the Fisher's
      Exact test at p<0.05 as level of significance. RESULTS: Response rate of the
      study was 93.8% with 174 respondents (88.3%) perceived that the medications
      prescribed for them were efficacious. Almost 38% of the respondents were self
      medicating, with herbal medicines (29.2%) and western medicines (37%) partly due
      to side effects of the prescribed medicines. Thirty one (15.7%) respondents
      obtained medicines for self medication through relatives and friends.
      Prescription medicines used for self medication constituted 7.5%. Major reasons
      given for self medication included habit, availability and necessity. Ninety
      respondents (35.7%) had been informed by health care personnel about possible
      side effects of the medications. Ninety six respondents (48.7%) experienced side
      effects with the prescribed medications and was a major reason for self
      medication. Seventy six respondents (79.2%) who had side effects or other
      secondary symptoms informed healthcare personnel in the hospital while 16 (16.7%)
      informed relatives and friends. There was statistically significant association
      between age and the action taken on whom was informed (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      There is need for extra vigilance from health personnel directly responsible for
      care of hospitalized patients to look for incidences of self-medication and
      patient education on the negative aspects of administering undisclosed medicines
      to their health care givers especially while they are hospitalized.

PMID- 25126147
TI  - New Zealand parent's perceptions of the use and safety of over the counter liquid
      analgesics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge of
      parents and caregivers with respect to the purchase, use and storage of liquid
      analgesics purchased over the counter (OTC) from pharmacies. This would enable
      specific strategies to be identified to increase awareness of the potential risks
      of these products. METHODS: Questionnaires were developed and used a combination
      of Likert Scales, open ended questions and yes/no answers. Randomly chosen New
      Zealand pharmacies (463) were asked to approach a person purchasing liquid
      analgesics and ask them to complete the questionnaire. Of the 105 pharmacies that
      participated, 96 completed parent/caregiver questionnaires were returned.
      RESULTS: When choosing a product there was a statistically significant difference
      between the most important factors 'safety' and 'active ingredient' and the least
      important factors 'cost' and if the parent/caregiver 'used it before'. All
      parents/caregivers claim to have received verbal information from pharmacy staff,
      with 40% stating that they 'always' receive information. The majority of
      parents/caregivers store medicines in a high place (n=61), in a cupboard (n=56)
      or a combination of these. Over half (52%) of the parents/caregivers thought that
      children could 'never' open child resistant closures. CONCLUSION: Whilst parents
      and caregivers choose products based on perceived safety, there is an over
      estimation in the perception of the protection that a child resistant closure
      actually offers. The general public needs to continually be vigilant in the use,
      storage and administration when using medication in the vicinity of children.

PMID- 25126148
TI  - Increasing use of artemisinin-based combination therapy for treatment of malaria
      infection in Nigerian hospitals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at describing the pattern of outpatient antimalarial
      drug prescribing in a secondary and a tertiary hospital, and to assess adherence
      to the National Antimalarial Treatment Guideline (ATG). METHODS: An audit of
      antimalarial prescription files from the two health facilities for a period of
      six months in 2008 was conducted. Semi structured questionnaires were used to
      collect information from the doctors and pharmacists on their awareness and
      knowledge of the National Antimalarial Treatment Guideline. RESULTS: Artemisinin
      based combination therapies (ACTs) were the most prescribed antimalarials.
      Overall, 81.4% of the total prescriptions contained ACTs, out of which 56.8% were
      artemetherlumefantrine. However, adherence to the drugs indicated by national
      guideline within the DU90% was 38.5% for the tertiary and 66.7 % for the
      secondary hospital. The standard practice of prescribing with generic name was
      still not adhered to as evidenced in the understudied hospitals. The percentage
      of health care providers that were aware of the ATG was 88.2% for doctors and
      85.1% for pharmacists. However, 13.3% and 52.2% of doctors and pharmacists
      respectively could not properly list the drugs specified in the guideline.
      Amodiaquine was the most commonly preferred option for managing children aged 0 -
      3 months with malaria infection against the indicated oral quinine. CONCLUSION:
      This study showed an increased use of artemisinin-based combination therapy for
      the treatment of uncomplicated malaria compared previous reports in Nigeria. This
      study also highlights the need for periodic in-service quality assurance among
      health professionals with monitoring of adherence to and assessment of knowledge
      of clinical guidelines to ensure the practice of evidence based medicine.

PMID- 25126149
TI  - Evaluation of a pharmacist-managed diabetes medication therapy adherence clinic.
AB  - Patient adherence to prescribed medication regimens is important in diabetes care
      to prevent or delay microvascular and macrovascular complications such as
      retinopathy, nephropathy and myocardial infarction. In Penang Hospital, Malaysia,
      pharmacists collaborate with physicians in diabetes care through a pharmacist
      managed Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (DMTAC) in the Endocrine
      Clinic, in operation since 2006. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the
      pharmacist-managed DMTAC program in improving glycaemic control, lipid parameters
      and patients' medication adherence. METHOD: A retrospective study among patients
      enrolled in the DMTAC program was conducted between September 2007 and December
      2008. Data was included from patients with a glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) >8%
      and who had completed eight visits with the pharmacists. Medical records and
      DMTAC forms that provided patients' demographics, medication regimens, adherence
      and laboratory parameters as well as pharmacists' interventions were reviewed.
      HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL),
      triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were evaluated.
      Documented data of patients' adherence to medication regimen [Modified Morisky
      Medication Adherence Score (MMMAS); high adherence if score >8, medium adherence
      if score 6 to <8 and low adherence if score <6] was also evaluated. RESULTS: A
      total of 43 patients (53.5% females; 46.5% Malays, 44.2% Chinese and 9.3%
      Indians) were included in the analysis. A mean reduction in HbA1c of 1.73%
      (p<0.001), mean reduction in FBG of 2.65mmol/l (p=0.01) and mean reduction in LDL
      cholesterol of 0.38mmol/l (p=0.007) were achieved. The difference in TG and HDL
      cholesterol were not significant. Patients' adherence to medication regimens
      improved significantly with an increase in the mean MMMAS score from 7.00 to
      10.84 (p<0.001) after completion of the DMTAC program. CONCLUSION: The pharmacist
      managed DMTAC program resulted in significant improvements in HbA1c, glucose and
      LDL cholesterol levels as well as medication adherence in patients with diabetes.

PMID- 25126150
TI  - Educational innovations: Categories of bulletin board postings designed to
      increase awareness of contemporary pharmaceutical policy issues.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this project was to categorize and classify bulletin board
      postings pertaining to pharmaceutical policy from both the professional and lay
      press. METHODS: Bulletin board postings were used to supplement in-class
      discussion to keep students, faculty and staff up-to-date on emerging trends. A
      bulletin board located in the main classroom area of the College of Pharmacy
      Building where students would pass by on the way to class and congregate during
      break periods was used to display articles from various sources concerning topics
      related to pharmaceutical policy. Information is presented about the primary
      subject matters addressed in the articles, the types of publications from which
      they were drawn, and the top ten sources of articles displayed. RESULTS: This
      project showed that coverage of issues related to pharmacists is predominantly
      seen in newspapers and most pertinent issues are business related. CONCLUSIONS:
      It can be seen from this analysis that the issues facing pharmacists are varied.
      The pharmaceutical policy field is transforming and many of these changes are
      very relevant to the general population. This is seen from the coverage of all of
      these issues in the lay press.

PMID- 25126151
TI  - Pancreatic Lipomas - Prevalence in Patients Undergoing Abdominal CT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic lipomas are reported to be rare but their prevalence is
      unknown. This study examined the prevalence of pancreatic lipomas in a sample of
      patients undergoing abdominal computed tomography. MATERIAL/METHODS:
      Retrospective review of 100 abdominal computed tomographic scans. RESULTS: In 6
      patients small pancreatic lipomas were found. There was no predominance in
      location or gender. The lipomas measured between 4 and 12 mm. All lipomas were
      incidental findings unrelated to patients' symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic
      lipomas seem to be quite a common finding and can be found in 6% of patients
      undergoing abdominal CT. Radiologists should be aware of this finding to
      establish proper differential diagnosis.

PMID- 25126152
TI  - Uncovering health literacy: Developing a remotely administered questionnaire for
      determining health literacy levels in health disparate populations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Low health literacy contributes to health disparities. We sought to
      develop and evaluate a remotely administered tool to measure health literacy in
      health disparate populations. The basic research design involved asking the
      remotely administered questions in conjunction with an existing and valid measure
      of health literacy, the S-TOFHLA, to a non-representative convenience sample of
      individuals drawn from lower income communities. The measures of the remotely
      administered questions were then correlated with the results of the S-TOFHLA to
      determine if there was a connection between the two measures. We found a
      statistically significant correlation between a single question in the remotely
      administered survey and the validated S-TOFHLA measure. This research supports
      previous work that points to the importance of just a single remotely
      administered question in terms of correspondence with the S-TOFHLA. OBJECTIVE:
      Develop a questionnaire that can be remotely administered to check for Health
      Literacy. METHODS: Correlation analysis is conducted between various questions
      and S-TOFHLA scores to determine criterion validity. RESULTS: A single question,
      "How confident are you in filling out medical forms by yourself?" outperforms
      other measures in correlating with the S-TOFHLA scores. CONCLUSIONS: Further
      assessment of the confidence question both in isolation and in conjunction with
      other literacy identifiers should be conducted. Also, this question should be
      tested against other measures of health literacy beyond the S-TOFHLA.

PMID- 25126153
TI  - A Fabry-Perot Interferometry Based MRI-Compatible Miniature Uniaxial Force Sensor
      for Percutaneous Needle Placement.
AB  - Robot-assisted surgical procedures, taking advantage of the high soft tissue
      contrast and real-time imaging of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are
      developing rapidly. However, it is crucial to maintain tactile force feedback in
      MRI-guided needle-based procedures. This paper presents a Fabry-Perot
      interference (FPI) based system of an MRI-compatible fiber optic sensor which has
      been integrated into a piezoelectrically actuated robot for prostate cancer
      biopsy and brachytherapy in 3T MRI scanner. The opto-electronic sensing system
      design was minimized to fit inside an MRI-compatible robot controller enclosure.
      A flexure mechanism was designed that integrates the FPI sensor fiber for
      measuring needle insertion force, and finite element analysis was performed for
      optimizing the correct force-deformation relationship. The compact, low-cost FPI
      sensing system was integrated into the robot and calibration was conducted. The
      root mean square (RMS) error of the calibration among the range of 0-10 Newton
      was 0.318 Newton comparing to the theoretical model which has been proven
      sufficient for robot control and teleoperation.

PMID- 25126154
TI  - Steering Fluorescence Emission with Metal-Dielectric-Metal Structures of Au, Ag
      and Al.
AB  - Directional control over fluorescence emission is important for improving the
      sensitivity of fluorescence based techniques. In recent years, plasmonic and
      photonic structures have shown great promise in shaping the spectral and spatial
      distribution of fluorescence, which otherwise is typically isotropic in nature
      and independent of the observation direction. In this work we have explored the
      potential of metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) structures composed of Au, Ag or Al in
      steering the fluorescence emission from various probes emitting in the NIR,
      Visible or UV/blue region. We show that depending on the optical properties of
      the metal and the thickness of the dielectric layer, the emission from randomly
      oriented fluorophores embedded within the MDM substrate is transformed into
      beaming emission normal to the substrate. Agreement of the observed angular
      emission patterns with reflectivity calculations reveals that the directional
      emission is due to the coupling of the fluorescence with the electromagnetic
      modes supported by the MDM structure.

PMID- 25126155
TI  - Sensing Reversible Protein-Ligand Interactions with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube
      Field-Effect Transistors.
AB  - We report on the reversible detection of CaptAvidin, a tyrosine modified avidin,
      with single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) field-effect transistors (FETs)
      noncovalently functionalized with biotin moieties using 1-pyrenebutyric acid as a
      linker. Binding affinities at different pH values were quantified, and the
      sensor's response at various ionic strengths was analyzed. Furthermore, protein
      "fingerprints" of NeutrAvidin and streptavidin were obtained by monitoring their
      adsorption at several pH values. Moreover, gold nanoparticle decorated SWNT FETs
      were functionalized with biotin using 1-pyrenebutyric acid as a linker for the
      CNT surface and (+/-)-alpha-lipoic acid linkers for the gold surface, and
      reversible CaptAvidin binding is shown, paving the way for potential dual mode
      measurements with the addition of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).

PMID- 25126156
TI  - Effects of van der Waals Interactions in the Adsorption of Isooctane and Ethanol
      on Fe(100) Surfaces.
AB  - van der Waals (vdW) forces play a fundamental role in the structure and behavior
      of diverse systems. Because of development of functionals that include nonlocal
      correlation, it is possible to study the effects of vdW interactions in systems
      of industrial and tribological interest. Here we simulated within the framework
      of density functional theory (DFT) the adsorption of isooctane (2,2,4
      trimethylpentane) and ethanol on an Fe(100) surface, employing various exchange
      correlation functionals to take vdW forces into account. In particular, this
      paper discusses the effect of vdW forces on the magnitude of adsorption energies,
      equilibrium geometries, and their role in the binding mechanism. According to our
      calculations, vdW interactions increase the adsorption energies and reduce the
      equilibrium distances. Nevertheless, they do not influence the spatial
      configuration of the adsorbed molecules. Their effect on the electronic density
      is a nonisotropic, delocalized accumulation of charge between the molecule and
      the slab. In conclusion, vdW forces are essential for the adsorption of isooctane
      and ethanol on a bcc Fe(100) surface.

PMID- 25126157
TI  - Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR): Impact on the Immune System and
      Potential for Future Therapeutic Modulation.
AB  - Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) has been demonstrated to provide
      excellent local control in several malignancies. Recent reports have suggested
      that this ablative dose may impact disease outside of the radiated area.
      Furthermore, these studies have implicated immune modulation as the primary
      mechanism of disease response outside the irradiated area. More specifically, T
      cell stimulation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha modulation following high dose
      irradiation have been suggested as the responsible components of this phenomenon.
      In addition, the "abscopal effect" may play a role in disease response outside of
      the radiated area. We review the current literature regarding the effects of
      ablative radiation therapy, the potential for immune modulation from it, and the
      mechanisms of the distant effects it elicits.

PMID- 25126158
TI  - Signal transductions and nonalcoholic fatty liver: a mini-review.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease, and the
      incidence increases year by year. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is correlated with
      insulin resistant (IR), and oxidative stress which induces varied inflammatory
      cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, etc). Different signal transductions such as
      MAPK, NF-kappaB, AMPK, JAK2/STAT3, PPAR, PI3K/Akt, TLR were activated by the
      pathogenic factors to regulate correlative reactions. Thus, in-depth study of the
      signal transductions will probably provide new suitable solutions for the
      prevention and therapy of NAFLD. 

PMID- 25126159
TI  - Oropharyngeal airway changes after rapid maxillary expansion: the state of the
      art.
AB  - The aim of this article is to elucidate the state of the art about how rapid
      maxillary expansion (RME) produces changes in the oropharyngeal airways in terms
      of CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) data during the growth period, according
      to the available literature. Electronic search was done from January 2009 to
      April 2014 on PubMed and Scopus databases; in addition manual search was
      conducted as well. According to keywords, seven papers were eligible for our
      purpose, but definitely five papers were selected in agreement with the
      inclusion/exclusion criteria. The current literature suggests that the potential
      relationship between RME and oropharyngeal airway changes is still unclear. In
      fact, although the pharyngeal airway changes after the rapid palatal expansion
      are evident clinically, current orthodontic literature does not provide
      conclusive evidence about the nature of this relationship. 

PMID- 25126160
TI  - MicroRNA-132 silencing decreases the spontaneous recurrent seizures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA-132 in the
      epileptogenesis. METHODS: Antagomir-132 (Ant-132) was used to silence the
      expression of miR-132 and non-targeting scrambled sequence (Scr) as a control.
      Rats were randomly divided into ant-132 group and Scr group in which rats were
      pretreated with An-132 and Scr, respectively, and then induced temporal lobe
      epilepsy (TLE) by Li-Pilo. Behavioral observation was done, and results showed
      the changes in spontaneous recurrent seizures in the chronic phase between two
      groups. Bax and Bcl-2 were detected aiming to evaluate the neuronal apoptosis.
      NPY staining was done to investigate the mossy fiber sprouting (MFS). Golgi
      staining was used to assess the changes in the dendritic morphology. RESULTS: Our
      study showed that ant-132 induced miR-132 silencing in rats could increase the on
      set epilepsy threshold and suppress the numbers of spontaneous recurrent
      seizures. The number of apoptotic neurons and MFS reduced after miR-132
      silencing. In addition, the dendrites of neurons were highly suppressed in the
      CA3 region of the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS: miR-132 silencing suppresses the
      spontaneous seizures. The better outcome may result from the neuroprotective
      effect and the inhibition of MFs-CA3 pathway following miR-132 silencing. Thus,
      miR-132 may serve as a potential target for the development of anti-epileptic
      drugs.

PMID- 25126161
TI  - TREM-1 as a potential therapeutic target in neonatal sepsis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bacterial sepsis in neonates is associated with elevated morbidity and
      mortality. A role for the pro-inflammatory Triggering Receptor Expressed on
      Myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is suspected in the innate immune response to bacteria,
      but little is known about its activities in infants. To begin exploring the
      feasibility of treating neonatal sepsis by blocking leukocyte TREM-1, we compared
      TREM-1 membrane expression and mRNA in newborns without clinical or
      microbiological evidence of infection, to that of healthy adults. The
      functionality of pro-inflammatory reactions in leukocyte TREM-1 of newborns was
      also evaluated. METHODS: Twenty term newborns were enrolled in this study and
      cord blood samples were collected at birth. For comparison, peripheral blood
      specimens were collected from 20 healthy adults (control adult, CA). The
      expression of TREM-1 protein and mRNA in leukocytes was detected with flow
      cytometry and real-time qPCR, respectively. Whole cord blood was also stimulated
      by Escherichia coli or blocked by the TREM-1-specific peptide LP17 to identify
      changes in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8,
      and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, as well as soluble TREM-1 (sTREM-1) using
      enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Mean fluorescence intensity
      (MFI) of TREM-1 on leukocytes of newborns appeared comparable to healthy adults
      [monocytes: 37.5 +/- 6.7 vs. 37.6 +/- 8.7; polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs): 32.9
      +/- 6.6 vs. 33.6 +/- 5.8]. However, the percentage of PMNs positive for TREM-1
      was lower in newborns than in healthy adults (82.3 +/- 7.1 vs. 98.6 +/- 4.8; P <
      0.01); the percentage of TREM-1-positive CD14-positive monocytes was comparable
      to that of healthy adults (97.1 +/- 8.3 vs. 97.5 +/- 7.4). Exposure of cord blood
      to E. coli resulted in increased secretion of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and sTREM-1.
      In contrast, the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha decreased by a
      minimum of 15% when TREM-1 was blocked by LP17 then exposed to E. coli, versus E.
      coli alone. In addition, the concentration of sTREM-1 was positively correlated
      with the levels of TNF-alpha (r = 0.519, P < 0.05), IL-6 (r = 0.507, P < 0.05),
      and IL-8 (r = 0.538, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Healthy newborns exhibit expression
      of TREM-1 on monocytes similar to that in healthy adults, and most PMNs express
      TREM-1 at the newborn stage. Detection of sTREM-1 in neonatal peripheral blood
      should be further investigated as a potential method for the diagnosis of
      neonatal infection. Finally, blocking the TREM-1 signal transduction pathway may
      reduce inflammatory responses of neonate leukocytes and thereby provide a new
      strategy for treatment of neonatal infection.

PMID- 25126162
TI  - Camk2b protects neurons from homocysteine-induced apoptosis with the involvement
      of HIF-1alpha signal pathway.
AB  - In our previous study using iTRAQ technique we found that the level of calmodulin
      dependent protein kinase 2b (Camk2b) was lower in rats with hyperhomocysteinemia.
      We presumed that Camk2b might be involved in homocysteine-induced apoptosis and
      tried to explore its role in this study through the transfection with Camk2b
      gene. Results showed that neurons of HHcy group had lower activity measured by
      MTT, higher percentage of apoptotic neurons, lower expression levels of Camk2b
      mRNA and protein than those in normal group. Neurons with overexpression of
      Camk2b (Camk2b group) had lower percentage of apoptosis and higher activity than
      those in control group. After exposure to 2-Methoxyestradiol, the activity of
      neurons with overexpression of Camk2b was suppressed with more apoptotic cells
      observed. The expressions of BCL2, eNOS, EP300 and EPO were all elevated at both
      mRNA and protein levels in neurons of CamK2b group compared with other three
      groups. Thus, Camk2b protects neurons from Homocysteine-induced apoptosis with
      the involvement of HIF-1alpha signal pathway. 

PMID- 25126163
TI  - Radiographical and clinical evaluation of critical size defects in rabbit
      calvaria filled with allograft and autograft: a pilot study.
AB  - Regeneration of resorbed edentulous sites can be induced by bone grafts from the
      subject himself and/or by the use of biomaterials. At present, there has been an
      extensive search for biomaterials that are evaluated by artificially creating one
      or more critical defects. The aim of this work was to clinically and
      radiographically analyze bone formation by the use of some biomaterials in
      artificially created defects in the parietal bone of rabbits. Six rabbits were
      used, creating defects of 8 mm in diameter in parietal bones. One defect was
      maintained with coagulum only, and in others, freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA),
      autologous bone, and a combination of autologous bone with FDBA respectively,
      were added. Animals were sacrificed at 15-90 days with 2 weeks interval each, and
      calvaria were analyzed macroscopically, measuring by digital caliper the lack of
      filling at the surface of defects, identifying limits at anteroposterior and
      coronal view, realizing a digital photograph register of their external surfaces.
      This was subsequently evaluated radiographically by occlusal film radiography
      used to quantify its density through software. In conclusion, autologous bone
      showed the best behavior, clinically as well as radiographically. However, FDBA
      is a good option as an alternative to autologous bone as its behavior was
      slightly lower over time. The combination of autologous bone and FDBA in the same
      defect showed results considerably inferior to grafts used separately. Low
      radiopacity and clear limits were observed through time for the control coagulum
      filled defect. 

PMID- 25126164
TI  - Serum M30 and M65 levels and effects of Ankaferd blood stopper in cerulein
      induced experimental acute pancreatitis model in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The incidence of acute pancreatitis is increasing recently.
      The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Ankaferd Blood Stopper
      (ABS) on experimental model of cerulein induced acute pancreatitis in rats.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups.
      Group 1: Sham (n = 8), Group 2: Control group (n = 8), Group 3: Treatment group
      (n = 8), Group 4: Prophylaxis group (n = 8), Group 5: Prophylaxis treatment group
      (n = 8). Any practice was not administered to Group 1. Rats were treated with
      either 1 ml ABS or 1 ml saline via intraperitoneal route before and after
      inducing acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic tissues were examined
      histopathologically. Amylase, cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and
      interleukin-1beta), and markers of apoptosis (M30 and M65) were also measured in
      blood samples. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with caspase 3
      antibody. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant improvement in
      histopathological scores in treatment group and prophylaxis group compared with
      controls. In treatment group, M30 and M65 levels were lower when compared with
      controls. In prophylaxis group, there was not a statistically significant
      difference in M30 levels, but M65 levels were lower when compared with controls.
      CONCLUSION: In this experimental acute pancreatitis model, we found high
      histopathological healing effects of ABS treatment and also prophylaxis. ABS
      treatment and prophylaxis reduced apoptosis.

PMID- 25126166
TI  - FRAS1 knockdown reduces A549 cells migration and invasion through downregulation
      of FAK signaling.
AB  - Distal metastasis is the major cause of death for the vast majority of lung
      cancer patients. Many extracellular matrix (ECM)-related molecules are proposed
      to be associated with the migration and invasion of cancer cells. FRAS1 encodes
      an ECM protein, however, little is known about its function on tumorigenesis and
      metastasis of lung cancer. In this work, FRAS1 was silenced by shRNA in non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cell line. The capacities of A549 cells to migrate
      and invade were decreased markedly after FRAS1 knockdown. The shRNA knockdown of
      FRAS1 was found to be specific and had no effect on A549 cells proliferation.
      Western blot experiments demonstrated that FRAS1 knockdown inhibited FAK
      signaling but not Src signaling. Overall, we found that FRAS1 knockdown reduces
      A549 cells migration and invasion ability through downregulation of FAK
      signaling. 

PMID- 25126165
TI  - Celastrol may have an anti-atherosclerosis effect in a rabbit experimental
      carotid atherosclerosis model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Celastrol may have an anti-atherosclerosis effect. This study aimed
      to investigate if celastrol had an anti-AS effect using a rabbit experimental
      carotid atherosclerosis model. METHODS: Forty male Japanese white rabbits were
      divided into the sham group (normal diet), the model group (high fat diet), the
      group treated with celastrol (high fat diet) and the group treated with
      atorvastatin (high fat diet) randomly. The rabbits fed a high fat diet underwent
      balloon injury of the right common carotid artery and were treated with dimethyl
      sulfoxide (DMSO) (the model group, 3.5 ml/kg/d), celastrol and its dissolvent
      DMSO (the celastrol group, 1 mg/kg/d and 3.5 ml/kg/d) and atorvastatin and its
      dissolvent DMSO (the atorvastatin group, 2.5 mg/kg/d and 3.5 ml/kg/d) for 12
      weeks by gavage. RESULTS: The ratio of the plaque area and the arterial wall
      cross-section area in the celastrol group was significantly less than the model
      group (P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference compared with the
      atorvastatin group. The serum level of LDL-C of the celastrol group was
      significantly lower than the model group (P = 0.014), and there was no
      significant difference compared with the atorvastatin group. The expression of
      VEGF in the celastrol group was significantly less compared with the model group
      (P = 0.014), whereas the expression of VEGF in the atorvastatin group and the
      model group showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest
      that celastrol effectively reduced the plaque ratio, decreased the serum levels
      of LDL and downregulated the expression of VEGF, suggesting an anti-AS effect of
      celastrol.

PMID- 25126167
TI  - Ameliorating effects of CAPE on oxidative damage caused by pneumoperitoneum in
      rat lung tissue.
AB  - We investigated the biochemical and histopathological effects of caffeic acid
      phenethyl ester (CAPE) against oxidative stress causing lung injury induced by
      pneumoperitoneum. Twenty-eight rats were selected at random and seven rats were
      assigned to each of the following groups. The control group (S) was subjected to
      a sham operation without pneumoperitoneum. The other groups were subjected to CO2
      pneumoperitoneum 15 mmHg for 60 min. The laparoscopy group (L) had no additional
      drugs administered, the laparoscopy + alcohol (LA) group had 1 ml of 70% ethyl
      alcohol administered 1 h before the desufflation period, and the laparoscopy +
      CAPE (LC) group had CAPE administered at 10 MUmol/kg 1 h before the desufflation
      period. The total oxidative status levels of lung and plasma were significantly
      increased in the LA group as compared with the LC and S group. When the LC group
      was compared with the L group, there was a decrease in the level of total oxidant
      status and increase in the levels of total antioxidant status and paraoxonase in
      lung tissue. The level of total antioxidative status in the S group was increased
      compared with the L group in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. TNF
      alpha and IL-6 were found significantly elevated in the L group compared with the
      LC and S groups in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. There was a similar increase in
      plasma levels of IL-6. These results were supported by histopathological
      examination. CAPE was found to considerably reduce oxidative stress and
      inflammation induced by pneumoperitoneum. 

PMID- 25126168
TI  - L-3-n-butylphthalide improves cognitive impairment of APP/PS1 mice by
      BDNF/TrkB/PI3K/AKT pathway.
AB  - L-3-n-butylphthalide (L-NBP), an extract from seeds of Apium graveolens Linn
      (Chinese celery), has been shown to have neuroprotective effects on cerebral
      ischemic, vascular dementia and amyloid-beta (Abeta)-induced animal models by
      inhibiting oxidative injury, neuronal apoptosis and glial activation, regulating
      amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP) processing and reducing Abeta
      generation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of L-3-n
      butylphthalide on memory impairment and the expression of brain neurotrophic
      derived factor (BNDF), kinaseB (TrkB), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and
      Akt in APP/PS1 double transgenic mouse models. APP/PS1 double transgenic mice
      were administered 30 mg/kg*d L-NBP and 10 mg/kg*d L-NBP for one month. The
      learning and memory ability were studied using the water maze test. Protein
      expression and transcript levels of genes in the mice hippocampus were evaluated
      using western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. The results demonstrated that both 30 mg/kg*d L
      NBP and 10 mg/kg*d L-NBP doses of L-NBP significantly increased memory capability
      and the expression of hippocampal BDNF/TrkB/PI3K/AKT in mice The results
      suggested that L-NBP treatment may reverse memory impairment in APP/PS1
      transgenic mice, and BDNF/TrkB/PI3K/AKT, may be involved in this process. 

PMID- 25126169
TI  - Occlusive barriers in combination with particulate Bio-Oss(r) graft: a pilot
      study on rabbit calvaria.
AB  - The aim of this study was to histologically evaluate the potential for vertical
      bone augmentation of the Bio-Oss(r) graft compared to a blood clot in conjunction
      with an occlusive barrier in the rabbit calvaria defect model. Metallic dome
      shaped barriers with 4.5 mm width and 3.5 mm height were positioned in six adult
      rabbit skulls. At the right side, the barrier was filled with Bio-Oss(r), and the
      left side was filled with a blood clot. After a healing period of three months,
      the animals were sacrificed, and the samples were prepared for histological and
      histomorphometric analyses. The total mineralized area (TMA) as well as the newly
      formed bone (NBA) was calculated as the percentage of the bone augmentation
      inside the metallic barriers, and parametric statistical analysis was used to
      describe the findings. The samples with blood clots exhibited significantly less
      TMA formation than the Bio-Oss(r) group. However, the difference in the amount of
      NBA was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the Bio-Oss(r) specimens
      exhibited remaining graft particles within the sample. In conclusion, the
      barriers filled with Bio-Oss(r) exhibited significantly higher TMA than those
      with only blood clots, and the remaining Bio-Oss(r) particles were integrated
      into newly formed bone tissue to fill the spaces and promote a greater volume
      than the samples from the blood clot groups. 

PMID- 25126170
TI  - Antibacterial activity of leaf essential oil and its constituents from Cinnamomum
      longepaniculatum.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella
      enteritidis CMCC (B) 50041, were used in the antibacterial tests of Cinnamomum
      longepaniculatum leaf essential oil and its five chemical constituents. The
      effect of 1, 8-cineole on the ultrastructural structure of the bacteria (S.
      aureus and E. coli) was also investigated by transmission electron microscopy.
      The C. longepaniculatum leaf essential oil and the five chemical constituents
      showed variable levels of inhibition. Their MIC ( minimum inhibitory
      concentration ) and MBC (minimal bacteriocidal concentration) values were all in
      the range of 0.781 uL/mL~6.25 uL/mL and 0.781 uL/mL~12.5 uL/mL respectively
      except gamma-terpinene. The MIC values of gamma-terpinene against E. coli and S.
      aureus were all higher than 50 uL/mL, but the MIC and MBC values of gamma
      terpinene against S. enteritidis was only 3.125 uL/mL. Among them, alpha
      terpineol possessed the best antibacterial activity. Under the transmission
      electron microscope, cell size of treated E. coli decreased, cell wall and cell
      membrane ruptured, and nucleoplasm was reduced and gathered onto the side. After
      the S. aureus was treated with 1, 8-cineole, the cell size and shape were damaged
      and nucleus cytoplasm was concentrated or reduced or agglomerated on the side.
      These results suggest that C. longepaniculatum leaf essential oil and its
      constituents have excellent antibacterial activities, the antibacterial mechanism
      of 1, 8-cineole against E. coli and S. aureus might attributable to its
      hydrophobicity. 

PMID- 25126172
TI  - Methylation status of promoter 1 region of GDNF gene in human glioma cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the methylation status of promoter 1
      region of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in human glioma
      cells and to explore the effect of GDNF methylation on the expression of GDNF in
      glioma. METHODS: GDNF gene mutation was detected by sequencing in 10 patients
      with glioma and 5 healthy controls. Bisulfite modification for analysis of DNA
      methylation was done to detect the methylation status of promoter 1 region of
      GDNF in 20 patients with glioma (10 with poorly differentiated and 10 with well
      differentiated) and 5 healthy controls. RESULTS: There was no mutation at the
      promoter 1 region of GDNF gene in glioma. The incidence of methylation of GDNF
      gene at the promoter 1 region in healthy control, patients with poorly
      differentiated glioma and those with well differentiated glioma was 72.25%,
      86.25% and 86.75%. The incidence of GDNF methylation in glioma was significantly
      higher than that in the normal brain (P<0.05); while there was no significant
      difference between well differentiated glioma and poorly differentiated glioma.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hypermethylation occurs in the promoter 1 region of GDNF and may
      influence the expression of GDNF in glioma.

PMID- 25126171
TI  - Accuracy of pulse oximeter perfusion index in thoracic epidural anesthesia under
      basal general anesthesia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the change of PVI after thoracic epidural block on the
      basis of general anesthesia. METHODS: In 26 patients undergoing elective upper
      abdominal operations, changes of SVI, PVI, SVV, PPV and CVP were monitored
      immediately before and 10 minutes after T8-9 thoracic epidural anesthesia on the
      basis of general anesthesia. The definition was that patients with DeltaSVI
      greater than 10% belonged to response group to epidural block. RESULTS: Before
      epidural block, the PVI, SVV and PPV baseline values in patients of response
      group were significantly higher than those in patients of non-response group.
      PVI, SVV and PPV after epidural block were significantly higher than immediately
      before epidural block (P < 0.001). PVI, SVV and PPV baseline values immediately
      before epidural block were positively correlated with DeltaSVI; the correlation
      coefficients were 0.70, 0.71 and 0.63, respectively, P <= 0.001. The optimal
      critical values for PVI, SVV and PPV to predict response to T8-9 gap epidural
      block under general anesthesia were 16% (sensitivity 80%, specificity 92%), 13%
      (sensitivity 90%, specificity 62%) and 12% (sensitivity 90%, specificity 77%),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: PVI can be used as a noninvasive indictor to monitor
      volume change after thoracic epidural block on the basis of general anesthesia.

PMID- 25126173
TI  - Rosiglitazone accentuates the adipogenesis of hemangioma-derived mesenchymal stem
      cells induced by adipogenic media.
AB  - Hemangioma-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Hem-MSCs) expressed PPAR-gamma, the
      key transcription factor in adipogenesis. We supposed that rosiglitazone, the
      agonist of PPAR-gamma, may promote the adipogenesis of Hem-MSCs. In this study,
      MSCs were isolated from proliferating hemangioma. Four groups were set up, which
      were Group A (DMEM-LG/10% FBS), Group B (1 MUM rosiglitazone + DMEM-LG/10% FBS),
      Group C (adipogenic media), and Group D (1 MUM rosiglitazone + adipogenic media).
      Cells were cultured in the medium above. On the day 7 and 14, Oil Red "O"
      staining and Western blot were performed to detect the cytoplasmic lipid and
      perilipin A in the cells. The results showed that cytoplasmic lipid appeared in
      Group C and D, and no cytoplasmic lipid in Group A and B on the day 7 and 14.
      Analysis of Oil Red "O" staining showed the area of staining in Group D was
      significantly larger than that in Group C. Analysis of western blot showed no
      expression of perilipin A in Group A and B, and upregulated expression in Groups
      C and D, with the greater upregulation in Group D. In conclusion, our study
      demonstrated that rosiglitazone promoted the adipogenesis of Hem-MSCs initiated
      by adipogenic media via the activation of PPAR-gamma pathway. The results may put
      forward the possibility of treating hemangioma via PPAR-gamma pathway. 

PMID- 25126174
TI  - Confirming the brain death diagnosis using brain CT angiography: experience in
      Tokat State Hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fourteen brain death cases diagnosed in Mart 2012-May 2013 period in
      Tokat State Hospital were studied retrospectively. CT angiography experience
      about those cases was shared, and use of CT angiography in confirmation of brain
      death was discussed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All 14 cases were patients on
      mechanical ventilator, who did not respond to medical and surgical treatments at
      intensive care unit and were diagnosed clinically with brain death. All of these
      patients had CT angiography as a confirmatory test using a 4-slice CT scanner in
      Radiology department in Tokat State Hospital. FINDINGS: Six of the patients were
      female and eight were male. All of them were referred from intensive care unit
      and had clinical brain death diagnosis before CT angiography. In the evaluation
      of CTA, four-point scoring involving opacification loss in both ICVs and cortical
      segments of MCA was used. CTA examinations confirmed brain death diagnoses in all
      patients who had clinical brain death diagnoses, and no confliction between CTA
      findings and clinical diagnoses was observed. CONCLUSION: Demonstrating the lack
      of cerebral circulation is a necessity for confirmation of brain death diagnosis.
      While conventional angiography remains the standard method, CTA emerged as an
      alternative method. In parallel to increase in prevalence of organ implants, CTA,
      a fast and efficient method, has been increasingly used in confirmation of brain
      death diagnoses.

PMID- 25126175
TI  - A novel approach to locate renal artery during retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic
      single-site radical nephrectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To verify the feasibility and safety of retroperitoneal
      laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy and assess the value of our
      proposed approach to search for renal artery. METHODS: A total of 60 cases of
      retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy were performed
      using our homemade single-port multi-channel device. An incision of 5-6 cm was
      cut forward from the posterior axillary line under the lower margin of the 12th
      rib, and a single-port multi-channel device comprised of two control rings and a
      No. 7 glove was placed into the incision. Retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single
      site radical nephrectomy was then performed via locating renal artery through
      muscle and ligament on the posterior abdominal. RESULTS: The 60 cases were all
      successful. None of the 60 patients developed surgical complications. CONCLUSION:
      The application of homemade device is safe and feasible. Our proposed method is
      of greater practical significance for the relatively narrow operating space in
      retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site surgery.

PMID- 25126176
TI  - Primary malignant melanoma of the lung: a case report.
AB  - Primary malignant melanoma of the lung is a very rare disease with about 40 cases
      reported in English literature. We report a 49-year-old female with history of 2
      month chest pain who was revealed to have a peripheral lung mass in left upper
      lobe by chest CT scan. Left upper lobectomy was performed and post-operative
      pathology revealed to be primary malignant melanoma of the lung. 4 months after
      operation, a node in right breast was found by patient herself and needle
      aspiration biopsy revealed to be breast cancer. The patient refused any
      diagnostic and therapeutic procedure and died of extensive metastasis 3 months
      later. Primary malignant melanoma of the lung is highly malignant disease with
      poor prognosis in most patients. 

PMID- 25126177
TI  - Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells suppress MHC class II expression
      on rat vascular endothelium and prolong survival time of cardiac allograft.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) have low
      immunogenicity and immune regulation. To investigate immunomodulatory effects of
      human UC-MSCs on MHC class II expression and allograft, we transplanted heart of
      transgenic rats with MHC class II expression on vascular endothelium. METHODS: UC
      MSCs were obtained from human umbilical cords and confirmed with flow cytometry
      analysis. Transgenic rat line was established using the construct of human MHC
      class II transactivator gene (CIITA) under mouse ICAM-2 promoter control. The
      induced MHC class II expression on transgenic rat vascular endothelial cells
      (VECs) was assessed with immunohistological staining. And the survival time of
      cardiac allograft was compared between the recipients with and without UC-MSC
      transfusion. RESULTS: Flow cytometry confirmed that the human UC-MSCs were
      positive for CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD271, and negative for CD34 and HLA
      DR. Repeated infusion of human UC-MSCs reduced MHC class II expression on
      vascular endothelia of transplanted hearts, and increased survival time of
      allograft. The UC-MSCs increased regulatory cytokines IL10, transforming growth
      factor (TGF)-beta1 and suppressed proinflammatory cytokines IL2 and IFN-gamma in
      vivo. The UC-MSC culture supernatant had similar effects on cytokine expression,
      and decreased lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated
      transfusion of the human UC-MSCs reduced MHC class II expression on vascular
      endothelia and prolonged the survival time of rat cardiac allograft.

PMID- 25126178
TI  - Kinetic analysis of the immunity in a pregnant patient infected with avian
      influenza H7N9.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human infection with avian influenza A H7N9 has emerged in China
      since February, 2013. The immunologic changes in pregnant women infected with
      H7N9 are not known. OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical data and kinetic changes of
      immunity in a pregnant woman infected with H7N9 virus in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu,
      China. METHODS: The clinical data were collected and immunity status was
      monitored in this patient. RESULTS: H7N9 virus became undetectable in sputum from
      14 days since onset of symptoms after effective antiviral therapy with
      oseltamivir and symptomatic/supporting treatments. The symptoms and signs in this
      patient gradually improved from 15 days since onset of symptoms. Peripheral
      lymphocytes initially decreased and gradually increased. The percentage of CD4+ T
      cells increased since 16 days after onset of symptoms. The kinetic changes of
      cytokines including IFN-gamma, IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, IL-10 and TGF-beta1 matched
      the development and recovery of illness. Her family members, including her
      parents exposed to H7N9 positive materials in poultry market, were H7N9 negative.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that pregnant women are susceptible to H7N9
      virus and H7N9 infection in pregnant women is curable without significant impact
      on fetus. Kinetic changes of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines
      play a role in the pathogenesis and clinical outcome in the pregnant patient with
      H7N9 infection.

PMID- 25126179
TI  - Application status of blood constituents during massive blood transfusion in some
      regions of China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to learn about the current situation of surgical
      massive blood transfusion in China's Class III general hospitals, which could
      provide the basis for the formulation of guidelines on massive blood transfusion.
      METHODS: A multicenter retrospective research on the application status of blood
      constituents during massive blood transfusion was conducted and a comparative
      analysis on the distribution of the population infused with other blood
      constituents and the transfusion volume at different periods of time when red
      blood cells are infused in different units within 24 hours as well as on the
      blood applied for both the death group and survival group was made in this study.
      RESULTS: In China, during massive blood transfusion the ratio of the dosage of
      fresh frozen plasma to the dosage of red blood cell suspension reached 1:1-2,
      while the dosage of platelet and cryocepitate appeared to be very small.
      CONCLUSION: During massive blood transfusion, clinicians in 20 Chinese hospitals
      paid more attention to the infusion of fresh frozen plasma while making the
      infusion of red blood cells. However, they paid little attention to the
      supplement of platelet and cryocepitate.

PMID- 25126180
TI  - Presence of FOXP3(+)Treg cells is correlated with colorectal cancer progression.
AB  - The transcription factor FOXP3 is specifically expressed in regulatory T (Treg)
      cells and appears to mediate immune surveillance. Indeed, FOXP3(+)Treg cells have
      been linked to disease pathogenesis, including some cancers. This study
      investigated the presence of FOXP3(+)Treg cells in colorectal cancer and the
      relationship of FOXP3 expression with clinicopathological features of colorectal
      cancer. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression of FOXP3 in 63 samples
      of colorectal cancer and 20 samples of healthy colorectal tissue; flow cytometry
      was used to detect FOXP3(+)Treg cells in peripheral blood. FOXP3 was more
      commonly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues than in normal colorectal tissues
      (P < 0.05). Similarly, the percentage of FOXP3(+)Treg cells in the peripheral
      blood was higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in control individuals
      (P < 0.05). The expression of FOXP3 was positively correlated with gender, Dukes
      staging, and lymph node metastasis. Further, expression increased with the
      increasing degree of malignancy (P < 0.05). Thus, FOXP3 expression may represent
      a valuable index in evaluating the degree of malignancy, clinicopathologic
      staging, and lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer. Further, detection of
      FOXP3(+)Treg cells may be useful in predicting invasion, metastasis, and
      prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. 

PMID- 25126181
TI  - Aberrant sonic hedgehog signaling pathway and STAT3 activation in papillary
      thyroid cancer.
AB  - The sonic hedgehog (SHH) and STAT3 signaling pathways play important roles during
      carcinogenesis with possible interaction. To determine the association of the
      activation of SHH signaling pathway and STAT3 pathway in carcinogenesis of human
      papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), we examined the expression of SHH signaling
      pathway molecules including SHH, Patched (PTCH), Smoothened (SMO) and GLI1
      (glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1), as well as p-STAT3 (phosphorylation at
      Tyr705) by immunohistochemistry in 164 cases of PTC. In PTC, 70.12%, 64.02%,
      68.90%, 64.02%, and 56.71% and in the adjacent normal thyroid tissues, 18.29%,
      18.90%, 26.83%, 14.63%, and 10.98% of the specimens stained positive for SHH,
      PTCH, SMO, GLI1, and p-STAT3, respectively. Significant difference were found for
      the positive rate of SHH, PTCH, SMO, and GLI1 as well as p-STAT3 expression
      between PTC and adjacent normal thyroid tissues. There was a high accordance rate
      between SHH, PTCH, SMO, and GLI1 expression and all of them positively correlated
      with larger tumor size, the presence of ETE and LNM, and higher TNM stage. P
      STAT3 expression positively correlated with the presence of ETE and LNM, and
      higher TNM stage but not age, gender, tumor size of the PTC patients. Signifi
      cant positive correlation between p-STAT3 and SHH, PTCH, SMO and GLI expression
      was found in PTC. These findings suggest that the SHH and STAT3 signaling
      pathways are frequently activated in PTC, interact with each other and may
      therefore be indicators for prognosis or potential targets for therapy against
      PTC. 

PMID- 25126183
TI  - Serum endocan levels in patients with chronic liver disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Early detection of fibrosis should be the main goal of
      treatment in liver cirrhosis. Endocan, previously called endothelial cell
      specific molecule-1, is expressed by endothelial cells, primarily in the lung,
      liver and kidney. In this study, we aimed to examine the correlation of liver
      fibrosis stage, histological activity and grade of steatosis between serum levels
      of endocan in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC)
      and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross
      sectional study includes a total of 146 subjects. 55 CHB patients, 19 CHC
      patients, 38 NAFLD patients and 34 healthy controls were enrolled consecutively.
      Liver biopsies were performed in all patients with chronic viral hepatitis. NAFLD
      patients had either grade 2 or grade 3 steatosis on ultrasonography and elevated
      liver enzymes above the upper normal limits. Serum endocan levels were assessed
      from blood samples obtained at admission. RESULTS: Gender distribution was
      similar among the groups (p=0.056). The mean age of the CHB patients was 45.8+/
      12.1, CHC patients was 55.0+/-12.8 years, NAFLD patients was 42.8+/-10.8, while
      control group was 39.4+/-13.6 years old. Patients with CHC were older than all
      the others (p=0.001). Serum endocan levels were statistically significantly lower
      in CHB, CHC and NAFLD groups when compared with controls. Although levels of
      endocan were lower in CHB and CHC groups when compared with NAFLD group, the
      difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Serum endocan
      concentrations decrease in patients with liver disease. Unlike previous studies,
      we showed a negative correlation between endocan levels and inflammation stage of
      chronic hepatitis. However, further studies are needed to establish the
      association between endocan levels, liver fibrosis and hepatic inflammation.

PMID- 25126182
TI  - Association of epicardial adipose tissue, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and
      platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between diabetic nephropathy, visceral adipose
      tissue (VAT), and inflammation has been shown. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio
      (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are simple, inexpensive, and useful
      markers to determine inflammation. However, to date, in the literature, there
      have been no studies demonstrating the relationship between epicardial adipose
      tissue (EAT), inflammation, and albuminuria. AIMS: We aimed to investigate the
      association between diabetic nephropathy, NLR, and PLR as inflammatory markers
      and EAT thickness. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 200
      diabetic patients. The patients were separated into three groups according to
      their albuminuria levels. The NLR and PLR were calculated from a complete blood
      count. EAT was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. The estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by the modification of diet in
      renal disease (MDRD) equation. RESULTS: Disease duration, EAT, creatinine, NLR,
      PLR, absolute neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet count tended to increase with
      increasing albuminuria while the eGFR decreased. When patients were separated
      into two groups according to NLR and PLR medians, albuminuria levels increased
      with an increase of the NLR (p = 0.003) and PLR (p = 0.009). A correlation
      analysis showed that albuminuria was significantly correlated with EAT, disease
      duration, creatinine, eGFR, PLR, and NLR levels. Additionally, in a binary
      logistic regression analysis, EAT, NLR, and PLR were found to be independently
      associated with albuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: Determining various inflammatory
      cytokines and measuring abdominal VAT in diabetic patients is complex and
      expensive. Simply measuring EAT and calculating NLR and PLR can predict
      inflammation and albuminuria in patients with diabetes.

PMID- 25126184
TI  - Clinical significance of methylation of E-cadherin and p14ARF gene promoters in
      skin squamous cell carcinoma tissues.
AB  - Epigenetic regulation of genes by DNA methylation contributes to cancer. The
      present study sought to identify methylation changes in the promoters of E
      cadherin and p14ARF, two genes with potential cancer roles promoting in skin
      squamous cell carcinoma. Skin squamous cell carcinoma specimens were collected
      from 40 patients and normal skin tissues were collected from 30 individuals as
      controls. Promoter methylation was detected for E-cadherin and p14ARF by
      methylation-specific PCR. Correlations between E-cadherin or p14ARF methylation
      and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed by the Spearman rank test.
      Methylation of E-cadherin (37.5%) and p14ARF (60.0%) was significantly more
      common in skin squamous cell carcinoma than in normal skin tissue (10.0 and 6.7%,
      respectively; P < 0.05). Additionally, E-cadherin and p14ARF methylation were
      positively correlated within skin squamous cell carcinoma (r = 0.422, P = 0.007).
      Furthermore, methylation of these gene promoters in skin squamous cell carcinoma
      was correlated with differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage (P
      < 0.05). Aberrant methylation in promoters of E-cadherin and p14ARF may promote
      occurrence and progression of skin squamous cell carcinoma. 

PMID- 25126185
TI  - An miR-143 promoter variant associated with essential hypertension.
AB  - MicroRNAs like miR-143 are increasingly linked to disease pathogenesis. miR-143
      is enriched in vascular smooth muscle, and several single nucleotide
      polymorphisms have been identified in this miRNA. The aim of the current study
      was to explore a potential correlation between a polymorphism in the miR-143
      promoter region, rs4705342, and essential hypertension (EH). Genotyping for miR
      143 rs4705342 was performed from blood samples of 156 EH patients (case group)
      and 187 healthy individuals (control group) using a TaqMan assay. Participant
      demographic and clinical characteristics were also collected. Logistic regression
      was used to identify an association between genotype and EH, and odds ratios of
      EH risk were also determined. Frequencies of the CC, CT, and TT genotypes
      differed significantly between case (7.7%, 40.4%, 51.9%) and control (15.0%,
      48.1%, 36.9%) groups (chi(2) = 9.400, P = 0.009). Further, the frequency of the C
      allele was lower in the case group than in the control group (27.9% vs. 39.0%, P
      = 0.002). Compared with those having the TT genotype, patients carrying the CC
      and CT genotypes had a significantly reduced risk for EH (OR = 0.541, 95% CI =
      0.351-0.834, P = 0.005), particularly for females, nonsmokers, and those not
      consuming alcohol (P < 0.05). Thus, the rs4705342 polymorphism in the miR-143
      appears to be associated with essential hypertension, and further study is needed
      to understand the molecular mechanism producing this effect. 

PMID- 25126186
TI  - Responsibility and burden from the perspective of seniors' family caregivers: a
      qualitative study in Shanghai, China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the experience of seniors' family
      caregivers with regarding the responsibility, burden and support needs during
      caregiving in Shanghai, China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory,
      descriptive, qualitative design was used and a semi-structure interview was
      conducted. A convenience sample of 11 participants in two community service
      centers in Shanghai was recruited. Data saturation guided the size of the sample.
      The Colaizzi method of empirical phenomenology was used for interviewing and
      analyzing data obtained from 11 caregivers. RESULTS: Three major themes were
      found: It is a hard work; It is my responsibility; Social support is not enough.
      CONCLUSION: The findings of the study are practical and helpful for health care
      providers to develop appropriate caregiver support services, to balance the
      responsibility and burden of caregivers, and to consider the factors influencing
      the utility of support services.

PMID- 25126187
TI  - Prevalence of prostatitis-like symptoms in outpatients with four premature
      ejaculation syndromes: a study in 438 men complaining of ejaculating prematurely.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of prostatitis-like symptoms (PLS) in men
      with or without PE, and the differences among the 438 outpatients with the four
      PE syndromes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and January 2013, 438
      consecutive heterosexual men complaining of PE and another 493 male healthy
      subjects without the complaint were included in this study. Each of them
      completed a detailed face-to-face questionnaire for information of demographics,
      National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and
      International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Each patient was classified
      as one of the four PE subtypes: lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE (APE), natural
      variable PE (NVPE), or premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED). RESULTS:
      There were no significant difference between patients and control subjects
      regarding demographics. In the PE group, the prevalence of PLS were 32%, showing
      statistical significance compared with control subjects (15.8%, P<0.001). And the
      NIH-CPSI score was 10.0+/-7.9, showing significant difference compared with
      control subjects (6.0+/- 5.4, P<0.001). Among the four PE syndromes, patients
      with PLED had the highest prevalence of PLS (42.3%, P<0.001), but the difference
      of NIH-CPSI scores among the four PE syndromes was not significant (P=0.055).
      CONCLUSIONS: PLS were more common in patients with PE. Also, patients had worse
      NIH-CPSI scores than the control subjects. Therefore, patients with PLED had the
      highest incidence of PLS.

PMID- 25126188
TI  - Risk factors target in patients with post-thyroidectomy bleeding.
AB  - As the highly blood flow of thyroid gland post-thyroidectomy bleeding (PTB) is a
      serious and life-threatening complication. Our aim was to investigate factors
      that influenced bleeding after thyroidectomy. Between February 2008 and September
      2012, the data of 4449 consecutive patients with thyroid diseases undergoing
      thyroidectomy were collected and analysed from the department of surgical
      oncology retrospectively. During the study period, 88 (2.0%) patients were
      identified to have clinically PTB. 6 risk factors were significantly related to
      PTB: gender (OR 3.243; 95% CI 2.078-5.061; P < 0.001), age (OR 1.025; 95% CI
      1.006-1.043; P = 0.009), tumor size (OR 4.495; 95% CI 2.462-8.208; P < 0.001),
      postoperative hypertension (OR 2.195; 95% CI 1.006-1.043; P = 0.035), lymph node
      dissection (OR 3.384; 95% CI 2.146-5.339; P < 0.001) and Graves' disease (OR
      3.744; 95% CI 1.920-7.303; P < 0.001). We addressed the most common explicit
      source of bleeding by reexploration: infrahyoid muscles (30/88), beside the
      laryngeal recurrent nerve (22/88), subcutaneous tissue (10/88) and superior pole
      (10/88). In our study, male gender, older age, tumor size > 3 cm, postoperative
      hypertension (SP > 150 mmHg), lymph node dissection and Graves' disease were
      independent risk factors for PTB. The sources of bleeding were identified more
      frequently in the infrahyoid muscles and beside the laryngeal recurrent nerve. It
      is helpful for surgeons to decide the potential bleeding points during the
      reexploration of PTB. 

PMID- 25126189
TI  - Gene profiling analysis for patients with oral verrucous carcinoma and oral
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Oral verrucous carcinoma (OVC) is one malignant tumor which was carved out from
      the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the clinical and pathological
      features as well as the treatment strategies of OVC are different from OSCC.
      Here, global transcript abundance of tumor tissues from five patients with
      primary OVC and six patients with primary OSCC including their matched adjacently
      normal oral mucosa were profiled using the Affymetrix HGU133 Plus 2.0. Ingenuity
      Systems IPA software was used to analyse the gene function and biological
      pathways. There were 109 differentially expressed genes (more than 2-fold)
      between OVC and the adjacently normal tissue, among them 66 were up-regulated and
      43 were down-regulated; 1172 differentially expressed genes (2-fold) between OSCC
      and the adjacently normal tissue, among them 608 were up-regulated and 564 were
      down-regulated. There were 39 common differentially expressed genes in OVC and
      OSCC compared with their matched normal oral mucosa, among them 22 up-regulated
      and 17 down-regulated, and 8 of them different between OVC and OSCC. In addition,
      the gene expression profile was further validated by quantitative real-time PCR
      (Q-RT-PCR) analysis for four of those 39 selected genes. 

PMID- 25126190
TI  - Effect of lower than expected number of oocyte on the IVF results after oocyte
      pickup.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether a lower than expected number of oocyte after
      >=14 mm follicle aspiration during OPU has any effect on pregnancy outcomes
      Methods: This is a retrospective study done between 2010 and 2013 at the IVF Unit
      of the Zeynep Kamil Women and Children Diseases Education and Research Hospital,
      dealing with the medical records of infertile patients who underwent IVF cycle
      and controlled ovarian stimulation with long agonist or fix antogonist protocol.
      The patients included into the study were those diagnosed with a primary
      infertility, aged between 23 and 39, at a BMI of 22-28 kg/m(2) and having
      received the first or second IVF treatment. Male factor, presence of uterine
      anomaly, patients with serious endometriosis and patients with low ovarian
      reserve were all excluded from the study. Typically, oocyte pick-up was performed
      in all the patients 35.5 hours after the hCG implementation. Single or double
      embryo transfer was performed, where available. Patients were classified into two
      groups. Group 1 consisted of those with no difference between >=14 mm aspirated
      follicle number and expected number of oocyte or with 1 missing number of oocyte
      at the most. Group 2 consisted of those with at least >=2 missing number of
      oocyte between aspirated follicle number and expected number of oocyte.
      Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test for continuous
      variables and chi-square test for categorical variables. Additionally, a Linear
      regression analysis was conducted between the total number of oocyte and
      pregnancy. RESULTS: In total, 387 treatment cycles were included into the study.
      Group 1 consisted of 134 patients and Group 2 consisted of 252 patients. Antral
      follicle number (12.8 +/- 4.3 and 14.5 +/- 4.1, P = 0.0007), hCG day E2 value
      (1990.7 +/- 1056.4 and 2515.2 +/- 1332.7, P < 0.0001) and the the number of
      aspirated follicle during OPU (9.1 +/- 4.4 and 13.7 +/- 5.5, P < 0.0001) were
      significantly higher in Group 2; whereas on the other hand, daily gonadotropin
      dose (290.9 +/- 79.9 and 273.4 +/- 74.4, P = 0.034) and total gonadotropin doses
      (2545 +/- 1031.8 and 2247.7 +/- 901.9, P = 0.004) were significantly higher in
      Group 1. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in Group 1 (29.1% and 19.4%,
      P = 0.041). No correlation was observed between the number of oocyte and
      pregnancy (r = 0.082, P = 0.107). CONCLUSIONS: The number of aspirated follicles
      during IVF treatment being higher than the collected number of oocyte leads to a
      statistically significant fall in the pregnancy rates. There is no correlation
      between the number of oocyte and pregnancy.

PMID- 25126191
TI  - Effect of male hepatitis B virus infection on outcomes of in vitro fertilization
      and embryo transfer treatment: insights from couples undergoing oocyte donation.
AB  - It is common to see HBV infected couple seeking fertility treatment in
      reproductive medical centers. However, it is still unclear whether HBV infection
      has any relationship with IVF outcome. To assess the impact of male HVB infection
      on the outcomes of IVF, we retrospectively analyzed data from two hundred and
      seventy-seven subfertile couples undergoing oocyte donation cycles in our center.
      Twenty men (7.2%) were HBV seropositive in 277 couples. 20 couples with
      seropositive husbands had similar semen parameters and fertilization rate when
      compared with their controls. Among the 215 couples undergoing their first oocyte
      donation cycles, 19 couples with seropositive husbands/seronegative wives had
      lower implantation rate (26.7% vs. 40.6%; P > 0.05), and lower clinical pregnancy
      rate (42.1% vs. 63.8%; P > 0.05), but the difference was not statistically
      significant. In binary regression model, male HBV infection had no association
      with clinical pregnancy. Our study shows that male HBV infection has little
      impact on IVF outcomes. 

PMID- 25126192
TI  - Injection of MTX for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy: comparison between
      different methods.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze clinical treatment and outcome of injection
      MTX for Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). We use retrospective study to compare the
      time in CSP of blood chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) and progesterone drooped
      to the normal, blood flow resistance and hospitalization days. 34 patients
      diagnosed with CSP were reviewed in our department from 2000 to 2013, including
      clinical characteristics, early diagnosis, treatment methods and treatment
      outcome. All patients were divided into B ultrasound-guided gestational MTX
      inject group (Group one), local intramuscular treatment group (Group two) and
      uterine artery perfusion MTX group (Group three). All cases had responded well to
      treatment. Except three cases of local intramuscular serum beta-HCG decreased
      slowly MTX 10 mg intramuscular again, the average serum beta-HCG decline of 65%
      the 4th day after treatment. In intramuscular group, the average length of stay
      is 19 +/- 2.1 days. Serum beta-HCG, progesterone recovery time were 20 to 89
      days, an average of 54.5 days. B ultrasound-guided group hospital stay were 15 +/
      3.1 days, serum beta-HCG, progesterone recovery time were 18 to 71 days, an
      average of 44.5 days. In Uterine artery embolization group, the average length of
      stay is 16 +/- 2.4 days, serum beta-HCG, progesterone recovery time were 20 to 70
      days, an average of 45 days. Statistical data results using T-test and chi-square
      test analysis. Three groups of beta-HCG, progesterone decreased to normal days
      the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), but uterine artery
      embolization group and ultrasound-guided group B showed no significant difference
      (P > 0.05). B ultrasound-guided gestational injection of MTX and uterine artery
      embolization perfusion MTX are the better ways to treat uterine scar pregnancy. 

PMID- 25126193
TI  - Combined effects of astragalus soup and persistent Taiji boxing on improving the
      immunity of elderly women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the combined effects of astragalus soup and persistent
      Taiji boxing on improving the immunity of women of advanced years. DESIGN: 120
      elderly women lacking daily exercise were chosen as the study subjects. By using
      the table of random numbers, they were then divided into the control group and
      the experiment group, consisting of 60 each. The control group practiced Taiji
      boxing for 45 minutes twice a day. The experiment group did the same, and, in
      addition, took astragalus soup after each boxing. Indexes related to physical
      immunity of the two groups were observed and compared when they were first
      chosen, when the alternative treatment was applied three, six and twelve months
      later, respectively. RESULTS: The two groups demonstrated no significant
      differences in general data and research indexes when chosen (P > 0.05). Three
      months after the two groups were chosen and treated differently, the control
      group demonstrated no significant improvement while most indexes of the
      experiment group improved considerably (P > 0.05). After six months, the related
      indexes of both groups improved substantially (P < 0.05) and the improvement with
      the experiment was even clearer (P < 0.05). Twelve months later, the improvement
      with the experiment group was more noticeable (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: In a relatively short period of three months, Taiji boxing produces
      no noticeable effect on the improvement of immunity in elderly women. However,
      when they resume the exercise for another three months and longer, Taiji boxing
      has a noticeable advantage and the effect is the most favorable when it is
      combined with astragalus soup.

PMID- 25126194
TI  - Pentacam could be a useful tool for evaluating and qualifying the anterior
      chamber morphology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the changes of anterior chamber
      morphology after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in primary angle-closure (PAC)
      patients using Pentacam. METHODS: 35 normal persons and 35 patients of PAC before
      and 1 week after neodymium: yttrium: aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) LPI were evaluated
      with Pentacam. We measured the anterior chamber angle (ACA), central anterior
      chamber depth (CACD), peripheral anterior chamber depth (PACD), anterior chamber
      volume (ACV) and pupil diameter (PD). Paired t-test was used to investigate the
      differences in anterior segment parameters before and after LPI. Independent
      samples t-test was used to compare these parameters between PAC patients after
      LPI and normal persons. RESULTS: There were significant differences between PAC
      patients and control in nasal and temporal ACA, PACD, ACV (P < 0.05) except for
      superior (P = 0.053) and inferior ACA (P = 0.389), CACD (P = 0.453) and PD (P =
      0.221). ACV increased 56.5% in PAC patients after LPI whose ACV < 57 mm(3), which
      was more greatly than those patients whose ACV > 57 mm(3) (P = 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The changes of anterior chamber parameters after LPI in PAC eyes can
      be demonstrated by Pentacam objectively and quantitatively. LPI seems more
      effective for PAC eyes with smaller ACV. The anterior chamber parameters in PAC
      eyes after LPI are still significantly smaller than those of normal persons.

PMID- 25126195
TI  - Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests in security and safety products
      plant workers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lock and key factory workers are under the risk of metal
      pneumoconiosis and occupational asthma. In this cross-sectional study, it's aimed
      to evaluate the relationship between metal dust exposure and respiratory
      symptoms, pulmonary function tests of workers in different section of lock and
      key factory. METHODS: 54 male workers (mean age, 32.8 +/- 5.4) in a security and
      safety products plant were evaluated for respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function
      tests and smoking habits. Results have been interpreted by comparison of the
      painting (28/54) and grinding group workers (26/54). RESULTS: There was no
      significant difference between painting (32.1 +/- 4.8) and grinding (33.6 +/-
      6.1) groups regarding mean age (P > 0.05). Smokers were in significantly higher
      in grinding group (18/26). Cough and sputum were reported 14.3% (4/28) in
      painting and 3.8% (1/26) in grinding workers (P > 0.05). Chest tightness was seen
      in 7.1% and 7.7% of painting and grinding workers, respectively (P > 0.05). But
      no chest tightness was reported in both groups when they were away work.
      Breathlessness was seen in 10.7% and 7.7% of painting and grinding workers,
      respectively (P > 0.05). Breathlessness was similar in both groups (7.1% vs.
      3.8%) when they were away work. When comparing painting and grinding workers
      respiratory functions no significant difference observed. Chest radiography in
      painting and grinding workers showed hyperlucency (3.6% vs.11.4%), respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Painting groups in lock and key factory workers had more but
      statistically insignificantrespiratory complaints. Interestingly, chest tightness
      was only observed when both groups were at work. It was thought that ventilation
      and using personal protective equipment in factory could provide significant
      benefits.

PMID- 25126196
TI  - Clinical efficacy of Xinkeshu Pian on coronary heart disease and mood disorder
      complications after PCI.
AB  - AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of combining Xinkeshu tablet treatment
      with routine Western medicine treatment for patients with coronary heart disease
      (CHD) and mood disorders after PCI postoperative period. METHOD: 100 patients
      were randomly divided into treatment group of 50 cases, and control group of 50
      cases. The control group was given routine Western medical treatment, whereas the
      treatment group was given routine Western medical treatment in combination with
      Xinkeshu tablets. Eight weeks after treatment, the patients underwent SF-36 life
      quality evaluation, self-rating depression scale (SDS) evaluation, and self
      rating anxiety scale (SAS) evaluation. RESULT: After the eight-week treatment,
      the SF-36 life quality scores, SAS scores, SDS score, as well as the reduction in
      heart creatinine levels of the two groups were compared. The results show
      statistical significance (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Xinkeshu can effectively address
      the PCI postoperative mood disorders in patients with coronary heart disease and
      improve the quality of life.

PMID- 25126197
TI  - Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma coexisting with pulmonary nodular
      amyloidosis: case discussion and review of the literature.
AB  - A 38-year-old female was found to have multiple bilateral lung nodules in a
      routine chest X-ray examination. Thoracoscopy was performed with biopsy of three
      nodules from the right lower lobe and Congo red staining showed typical amyloid
      pattern. Initial diagnosis of pulmonary nodular amyloidosis was made. However,
      one nodule in the right upper lobe enlarged as detected by follow-up CT scan. The
      patient underwent F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG
      PET)/CT and a significant high FDG uptake in the largest nodule in right upper
      lobe was observed while the uptake was normal or mildly increased in the other
      nodules. Meanwhile, right hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes adenopathy was noted.
      Right upper lobe was resected by thoracotomy. Surprisingly, histopathological
      findings showed pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH) with metastasis
      of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. To our knowledge, this is the first
      described case of PEH coexisting with pulmonary nodular amyloidosis. 

PMID- 25126198
TI  - Primary mediastinal adenocarcinoma originating from a calcified nodule.
AB  - Primary mediastinal adenocarcinoma is rare, but its originating from a calcified
      nodule is even more unusual. We present herein a 55-year-old female with a
      superior mediastinal mass, first discovered 2 years prior that changed
      dramatically from its original appearance as a calcified nodule. The mass was
      completely resected, and histopathological examination revealed a primary
      adenocarcinoma. The patient has been disease-free for over 13 months since
      surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of
      mediastinal adenocarcinoma to demonstrate such a surprising course of
      development. 

PMID- 25126200
TI  - Use of improved tracheal catheters in patient of tracheostomy tube-induced
      tracheoesophageal fistula: a case report.
AB  - Tracheostomy tube might cause tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) due to high cuff
      pressure or direct mechanical trauma. Surgical repair provides the ideal way to
      deal with TEF but it necessitates the weaning the patient from mechanical
      ventilation. Here we report a spontaneous closure of TEF by managing it with
      improved tracheal catheters in a patient who is dependent on mechanical
      ventilation. 

PMID- 25126199
TI  - Successful treatment of polymorphic post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
      after allo-HSCT with reduction of immunosuppression.
AB  - Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a life-threatening
      complication for recipients of solid organ transplantation (SOT) and allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In SOT recipients, who
      previously have a normal immune system that has been immunosuppressed, reduction
      of immunosuppression (RI) shows favorable outcome. However, in HSCT recipients,
      who have been profoundly immunosuppressed and for whom the tempo of immune
      reconstitution cannot be fast enough to eliminate the lymphoproliferative
      process, RI is ineffective in most patients. Therefore, cases of tumor regression
      via RI alone are rare in the setting of HSCT. We present a case of 26-year-old
      female developing a polymorphic B-cell PTLD 4 months after receiving allo-HSCT
      for T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. RI alone led to regression of the
      nasopharyngeal tumor, and no sign or evidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
      after RI was observed. The general condition of this patient was quite well just
      before we submitted our draft. To our knowledge, this is the first case that
      tumor of PTLD regressed upon RI alone with a favorable prognosis and without any
      evidence of GVHD and relapse of PTLD after RI therapy in the setting of HSCT,
      which justify the possible advantage of RI alone for low-risk patients. 

PMID- 25126201
TI  - Diagnostic and prognostic roles of DOG1 and Ki-67, in GIST patients with
      localized or advanced/metastatic disease.
AB  - AIM: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is the most common mesenchymal neoplasia in
      the gastrointestinal tract and has a broad spectrum of pathological patterns and
      also clinical features changing from benign to malignant. Although the well
      characterized parameters to predict the outcome have been the size and the
      mitotic index of the tumor in the patients with early-staged disease, bulky
      recurrent or metastatic tumor, resistance to medical treatment and mutation
      analysis are the prognostic factors for advanced stage-GIST. The aim of this
      study is to investigate new and more practical tissue markers, such as DOG1 and
      Ki-67 to specify the GIST diagnosis and also to predict the outcome in GIST
      patients with both localized and advanced staged disease. METHODS: For the last
      14 years, from 1999 to 2013, 111 patients with a histopathological GIST diagnosis
      from the hospital files were enrolled to the study. In their parafin-embedded
      tissue samples, DOG1 and Ki-67 expressions were evaluated with
      immunohistochemisty by two independent pathologists from Cukurova University
      Medical Faculty. Patients were divided into two groups, the patients with
      localized disease treated by surgery and the patients with advanced/metastatic
      disease. DOG1 and Ki-67 expressions were corelated with other diagnostic and
      prognostic histopathological markers and also the clinical outcome in these two
      group of patients. RESULTS: The specificity and the sensitivity of DOG1 in GIST
      diagnosis was found 94 and 43%, respectively. DOG1 expression was especially
      important in the diagnosis of c-kit negative cases. Although Ki-67 was not found
      a statistically significant prognostic factor for overall survival, it was
      strongly corelated with mitotic index which is a well-known standart prognostic
      factor for localized disease. DISCUSSION: DOG1 seems to be an important
      diagnostic tool for clinically suspected GIST diagnosis in both advanced or early
      staged patients whose tumours are c-kit expression negative. On the other hand,
      Ki-67 can be a stronger candidate for prognostic factor instead of mitotic index
      to identify the proliferative cells out of mitotic phase but this statement needs
      be prospectively validated on studies with large number of patients.

PMID- 25126202
TI  - Vitamin A supplementation alleviates extrahepatic cholestasis liver injury
      through Nrf2 activation.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the role of vitamin A in liver damage induced by bile duct
      ligation (BDL) in rats. METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided
      into three groups: SHAM group, BDL group, and BDL + VitA group . The
      concentrations of retinol and retinyl palmitate in the liver were analyzed using
      HPLC, and liver function was evaluated by the level of TBIL, ALT, AST, and ALP in
      serum. Hepatic oxidative status was estimated by measuring T-SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA,
      and AOPP. Nrf2 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry and western
      blotting, and EMSA was performed to determine Nrf2 DNA-binding activity. The
      expression of the downstream factors such as Ho1 and Nqo1 was also examined using
      immunohistochemistry and western blotting assays. RESULTS: Vitamin A treatment
      restored levels of retinoids in liver, improved liver function, alleviated
      oxidative stress, and facilitated the translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus in the
      experimental obstructive jaundice. Vitamin A was also found to increase the
      expression of Nrf2 downstream proteins such as Ho1 and Nqo1. CONCLUSION: Vitamin
      A was here found to ameliorate cholestatic liver injury. This effect may be
      related to the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway in bile duct ligation rats.

PMID- 25126204
TI  - What kind of healthcare debate do we want?

PMID- 25126205
TI  - Welcome to our community.

PMID- 25126206
TI  - Creating a 21st-century intelligent health system.
AB  - In most areas of life, Americans enjoy the ease and convenience offered by
      advances in technology, communications, and transportation. Every day we
      experience the 21st-century model of America, which is one of effectiveness,
      accuracy, speed, flexibility, efficiency, lower cost, more choices, and greater
      achievement. We can shop online, compare prices for goods and services, and when
      decisions need to be made, we have access to a wide array of information sources
      to assist in making those decisions. In short, Americans enjoy great latitude in
      our power to determine what is best for us. This is not, however, the case when
      it comes to health and healthcare. In our current healthcare system, individuals
      are dependent on a structure that has resisted the natural progress and
      modernization achieved by market-oriented, 21st-century industries. The
      information age has been leaving health behind. Although it is the nature of a
      science- and technology-based entrepreneurial free market to provide more choices
      of higher quality at lower cost, in the healthcare sector, prices continue to
      rise, quality is inconsistent, and individuals lack the information, incentives,
      and power to make choices. 

PMID- 25126207
TI  - Medicare Coverage Strategies: Impact of the MMA and PBMs.
AB  - American Health & Drug Benefits TM has been created to act as an ideological
      melting pot focusing on health and drug benefit decision makers, as well as those
      who may affect or may be affected by those decisions. By engaging in
      conversations with payors, regulators, employers, and other stakeholders, our
      journal hopes to enable decision makers to view the impact of benefit designs
      from as many perspectives as possible. Through this open dialogue, we hope that
      better decisions may be made, and that the greater healthcare marketplace will be
      positively impacted. In following our editorial mission, American Health & Drug
      Benefits TM has sought thought leaders who have influenced and will continue to
      influence the healthcare marketplace. During a fall visit to Washington, DC, Dr.
      Joseph Antos was kind enough to host a visit to the American Enterprise Institute
      and provide his thoughts to Robert Henry, editor-in-chief, on how the Centers for
      Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) exerts its influence on drug coverage in the
      wake of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) and in the face of evidence-based
      medicine standards. Following a chronology of CMS's role from its inception to
      current events, Dr. Antos offers a lively insight into CMS's strategy and its
      tactical effects on the American healthcare system. 

PMID- 25126208
TI  - Role of NCCN in Integrating Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines into the
      Healthcare Debate.
AB  - Many new drugs and drugs in the pipeline are referred to as targeted therapy.
      Targeted therapies have revolutionized the care of certain cancers, such as
      chronic myelogenous leukemia, but for other common malignancies, such as colon
      cancer, the impact on survival has been more modest. These seemingly incremental
      improvements coupled with the high cost of targeted therapy have focused the
      debate about the cost of healthcare squarely on oncology. Clinical practice
      guidelines are a common baseline starting point for this debate. Guidelines
      reflect clinical evidence and expert judgment, which is necessary to fill in the
      gaps when clinical evidence is not yet available or is evolving quickly. In
      addition, clinical guidelines inform other key aspects of oncology care, such as
      establishing a standard of care, which can then be translated into quality
      measures. Guidelines can also be reformatted to create an oncology drug
      compendium or rewritten to provide patient information. 

PMID- 25126209
TI  - Measuring the value of treatment to patients: patient-reported outcomes in drug
      development.
AB  - Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can be important measures of the impact and
      value of new drug treatments to patients. Recently, both multisector stakeholder
      groups and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have carefully considered and
      issued guidance on best practices for the use of PROs in measuring treatment
      impact. When best practices are followed and PRO data are appropriately included
      in drug development strategy and clinical trials, these data can be part of the
      evidence submitted for drug approval and included in drug labeling. One study
      showed that PRO data were included in 30% of a sample of new drug labels and were
      more concentrated in certain therapeutic areas, such as anti-inflammatory agents,
      vaccines, gastrointestinal agents, and respiratory and urologic agents. PRO data
      included in labeling, or generated in a similar scientific manner, may often then
      be used in other communication vehicles, such as formulary submission dossiers,
      journal or direct-to-consumer advertisements, publications, or continuing medical
      education. Meaningful and reliable PRO results regarding the effects of new
      treatments on how patients feel and function provide useful information to those
      who must make decisions about the availability and utilization of such
      treatments. 

PMID- 25126210
TI  - Approvable letters in 2007 and the outlook for 2008.

PMID- 25126203
TI  - The beneficial effect of melatonin in brain endothelial cells against oxygen
      glucose deprivation followed by reperfusion-induced injury.
AB  - Melatonin has a cellular protective effect in cerebrovascular and
      neurodegenerative diseases. Protection of brain endothelial cells against hypoxia
      and oxidative stress is important for treatment of central nervous system (CNS)
      diseases, since brain endothelial cells constitute the blood brain barrier (BBB).
      In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of melatonin against
      oxygen-glucose deprivation, followed by reperfusion- (OGD/R-) induced injury, in
      bEnd.3 cells. The effect of melatonin was examined by western blot analysis, cell
      viability assays, measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and
      immunocytochemistry (ICC). Our results showed that treatment with melatonin
      prevents cell death and degradation of tight junction protein in the setting of
      OGD/R-induced injury. In response to OGD/R injury of bEnd.3 cells, melatonin
      activates Akt, which promotes cell survival, and attenuates phosphorylation of
      JNK, which triggers apoptosis. Thus, melatonin protects bEnd.3 cells against
      OGD/R-induced injury. 

PMID- 25126211
TI  - The 2007 Pharmaceutical and Biotech Pipeline Year-End Summary: What it Says About
      the State of the Art of Discovery & Development.

PMID- 25126212
TI  - Risk factors, subjectivity, and truth in healthcare.

PMID- 25126213
TI  - Patent reform proposals raise the stakes for researchers, manufacturers of
      biologics.
AB  - When the founding fathers provided for patents in the American Constitution, they
      could hardly have envisioned the 21st-century demands the U.S. Patents and
      Trademarks Office (PTO) face today. The PTO is an institution that is, by
      definition, concerned with the new-one essential element of a patent is novelty;
      however, it is also struggling to fit the needs of modern biotech research and
      development within a framework conceived by the young American government in the
      18th century. In their new book Biotechnology and the Patent System (AEI Press,
      Washington, DC, 2007), Claude Barfield, PhD, and John Calfee, PhD, both Resident
      Scholars at the American Enterprise Institute, Washington, DC, discuss reforms
      being considered by legislators, lawyers, and members of the biotechnology
      industry that could modernize the patent system and make it work for all the
      stakeholders. The proposed reforms include changing the way patent applications
      are filed and pursued, limiting encumbrances that slow the application process,
      providing more funding to the PTO to speed consideration of applications,
      granting interested parties the right to intervene while a patent application is
      being considered, and limiting the administrative and economic burdens associated
      with the mushrooming numbers of patents for each product or process. 

PMID- 25126214
TI  - The value of biologics.
AB  - American Health & Drug BenefitsTM has reached out to a health and drug benefit
      decision maker to open a dialogue on the benefits coverage implications
      surrounding the high cost of biologic drugs. We asked Dr. Gary Owens to discuss
      with us how payors are turning data points, demographic trends, and pharmacologic
      discoveries into formularies and benefit designs that balance the demands of
      cost, quality, and access to care. With a decade of experience chairing the
      Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee at Independence Blue Cross until 2006 to inform
      him, Dr. Owens described how benefit design structures are being redesigned to
      meet these interlocking needs. 

PMID- 25126215
TI  - When novelty is not enough.
AB  - Neither orderly nor fully rational, the current healthcare environment is a
      mosaic of providers, products, services, and intermediaries delivering
      healthcare, regulatory, and other government institutions, and consumers. The
      information required for informed healthcare decisions for novel pharmaceutical
      interventions varies appreciably with the audience, the therapeutic area, and the
      stage of product development. In this environment, the viability of new product
      introductions can be heavily influenced by perceived value as well as by
      mechanistic novelty. Correspondingly, research and development activities can be
      influenced profoundly by the use of incentive-based formularies, prior
      authorization requirements, or systems of reimbursement that mandate a stream of
      evidence confirming clinical utility in the presence of therapeutic uncertainty
      (eg, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Coverage with Evidence
      Development). The economic impact of innovative technology on the healthcare
      system, as well as the effects on the individual patient, can become a
      significant variable that influences the extent of research activities from the
      bench to the physician-patient-payor interface. 

PMID- 25126216
TI  - Asthma-The National Surveillance Data and the National Asthma Education and
      Prevention Program's Expert Panel Report 3.
AB  - "The disease often begins in childhood and sometimes lasts until old age. It may
      follow an attack of whooping cough. One of the most striking peculiarities is the
      bizarre and extraordinary variety of circumstances, which at times induce a
      paroxysm. Among these local conditions, climate or atmosphere is most important."
      -William Osler, MD (1905) Asthma was familiar to various Greek and Roman authors;
      however, the attacks of severe wheezing were confused with dyspnea from other
      causes.1 By the 1900s many of the key attributes of the disease state were well
      described, such as spasm of the bronchial muscles, swelling of the bronchial
      mucous membrane, and the role of inflammation. The disease was recognized to run
      in families, and to be influenced by provocative stimuli such as odors, flowers,
      hay, and emanations from animals.2 Today, asthma continues to be recognized as a
      chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs, which typically presents with
      intermittent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath or dyspnea, and chest
      tightness, commonly occurring during the night and early morning. The underlying
      inflammation leads to airway hyperresponsiveness and obstruction with some degree
      of reversibility. This inflammatory reaction may result in sudden exacerbations
      and chronic progressive structural changes within the lung. 

PMID- 25126218
TI  - The great p value: we the people.

PMID- 25126217
TI  - Behind-the-Counter Drug Access.

PMID- 25126219
TI  - Health reform in america.

PMID- 25126220
TI  - Medicare coverage policies for biologics: the broad gray line.
AB  - In October 2007, American Health & Drug Benefits asked Dr Joseph Antos to discuss
      the forces that have shaped Medicare's policies and their impact on the various
      stakeholders in US healthcare. The first part of the interview appeared in AHDB
      in February 2008. This second part focuses on the impact of the Centers for
      Medicare & Medicaid Services drug coverage on the future of biologic products.
      This discussion does not reflect any new developments occurring after October,
      such as the recent recommendation of the US Food and Drug Administration advisory
      committee to narrow the indication for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents to
      patients with cancer. 

PMID- 25126221
TI  - Benchmarking new frontiers in managed care pharmacy.
AB  - In 2006, the Foundation for Managed Care Pharmacy-a nonprofit charitable trust
      affiliated with the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy-sponsored a survey that was
      conducted by The HSM Group, a national healthcare market research and consulting
      firm, and supported by an unrestricted grant from Merck & Co. The survey was
      repeated in 2007 and was designed to track the evolution of new healthcare
      trends, gauge the role of managed care pharmacy experts in these trends and the
      initiatives evolving from them, and disseminate that information to the various
      stakeholders of the industry. The authors examine the responses of 186
      respondents from 71 national health plans, 54 pharmacy benefit management
      companies, as well as several hospitals, health systems, physician groups, or
      pharmacies. Survey findings highlight emerging trends in healthcare today and
      provide insight into the role of managed care pharmacy experts in today's
      healthcare environment, as well as other variables that may affect the future of
      the US healthcare delivery system. 

PMID- 25126222
TI  - Not Waiting for Godot: The Evolution of Health Promotion at PPG Industries.
AB  - PPG Industries is a manufacturer of coatings, chemicals, optical products,
      specialty materials, glass, and fiberglass. The company's approach to healthcare
      combines perhaps 2 disparate concepts. The first is that employee health and
      behavior change relies to a large degree on employee awareness and ownership of
      their own health and second that "what gets measured gets done." It is widely
      acknowledged that one of the best tools for employee awareness is the health risk
      appraisal tool. Additional components of employee awareness include knowing key
      individual health metrics and effectively engaging with healthcare providers. As
      a leading global manufacturer, PPG well understands the critical importance of
      cost accounting and financial metrics to drive business decisions. PPG's perhaps
      unique approach comes from the strong marriage of individual health/wellness
      promotion and frequent, timely, and informative financial metrics on health and
      the cost of care. Combining capacity building through the mobilization of
      volunteer wellness teams with expert interventions and financial discipline is a
      feature of the experience here described. This approach has resulted in both
      management and employee engagement in the issue and has allowed PPG to bend the
      curve of ever-increasing healthcare costs and achieve cost increases per employee
      at one half the reported national average for companies of comparable size.
      Because this journal is dedicated to health and drug benefits, we gathered an
      appropriately representative team composed of a physician, an epidemiologist who
      resides in a pharmacy school, and a benefits manager. The team evolved from a
      common vision to identify ways of improving employee health and well-being. The
      team presented both as keynote speakers and as contributors to a breakout session
      at the National Symposium on Work-Life organized in 2007 by the National
      Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a federal agency of the Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention in the Department of Health and Human Services.
      This article is an account of why and how such a unique team was formed. 

PMID- 25126223
TI  - Meta-analysis 101: what you want to know in the era of comparative effectiveness.
AB  - In the era of "comparative effectiveness" research, each of the major
      stakeholders in healthcare-payors, patients, providers, and government-face a
      similar challenge. When making a decision about whether a new device, drug, or a
      diagnostic modality should be considered for use or coverage, what choices are
      best supported by the evidence? Medical evidence is defined by randomized
      controlled trials and by observational studies that vary greatly in their design,
      the accuracy of their analyses, and the relevance of their conclusions and
      recommendations. Hence, key decision makers increasingly rely on systematic
      reviews and meta-analyses to facilitate the interpretation and application of
      research evidence. Knowing how to evaluate meta-analyses and understanding the
      potential pitfalls of the method are crucial for those involved in designing drug
      benefits. The authors highlight the process, strengths, and weaknesses of meta
      analysis and explain how to judge the value of the results. 

PMID- 25126224
TI  - Depression overview.
AB  - Depression is a common condition that often remains undiagnosed and untreated;
      however, symptoms are more likely to be recognized today than in past decades.
      Survey data suggest that female, nonwhite patients are more likely to report
      depressive symptoms, especially those who are less educated, poor, and covered by
      Medicaid. Depression may be a finding suggestive of dysthymic disorder, minor or
      major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, episodic depression, or a
      sign of an associated mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder. Many effective
      treatments are available that are well tolerated. This article outlines the
      diagnostic approach used in primary care, as well as the different treatment
      options available for this condition. Depression can have serious consequences
      and must be treated appropriately. 

PMID- 25126225
TI  - Seizing the opportunity.

PMID- 25126227
TI  - Avoiding the unthinkable: a tale of 2 triangles and the process of care they
      govern.

PMID- 25126226
TI  - Regulatory concerns fuel hunger in congress for FDA reform.

PMID- 25126228
TI  - The unbearable lightness of mental health.

PMID- 25126230
TI  - Managed care and medicare use of generics: seizing the opportunity, part 2.

PMID- 25126229
TI  - Schizophrenia: current concepts and approaches to patient care.
AB  - Schizophrenia is the most serious of all mental conditions. It is typically a
      long-lasting condition characterized by repeated relapses and by marked
      functional impairment. Genetic and environmental factors are important. Exactly
      which factors and how these combine to cause schizophrenia is still unclear.
      Antipsychotic medications form the bedrock for treatment. These drugs are
      effective, but not entirely so, and are associated with negative side effects.
      Individual differences among the available medications suggest that trials with a
      different medication may be appropriate when one agent fails or is not
      appropriate for the specific patient. Monitoring for side effects is important to
      ensure efficacy and compliance. Often, patients choose to stop taking their
      medications for a variety of reasons, which invariably will lead most patients to
      a relapse of illness. Beyond medications, patients need considerable support and
      specialized services. Families are a key resource. The recent focus on personal
      determination has led to recovery-based services, including the incorporation of
      peer support into patient care. 

PMID- 25126231
TI  - Trends in pharmaceutical expenditures: the impact on drug benefit design.
AB  - Annual national spending for pharmaceutical agents was increasing at a rapid pace
      during the late 1990s and early part of the 21st century, outpacing increases in
      spending on hospital care and on physician services, which had dominated the
      industry in the 1970s. In the past few years, however, this trend has shifted,
      resulting in a lower growth rate in 2005. The reasons for these trends of
      increases and subsequent declines are explained in this article, including the
      slower pace of increase in generics and the increasing role of biologic agents in
      the rate of pharmaceutical price inflation. The sharp increases in drug spending
      led to changes in prescription drug benefit designs that have not been fully
      tested. The recent decline creates an opportunity for health plans to evaluate
      the value of current and new strategies and implement value-based benefit designs
      in accordance with the shifting focus in healthcare toward value-based patient
      care. 

PMID- 25126233
TI  - What is happening to the pipeline?

PMID- 25126232
TI  - Medicare coverage for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents: the perfect storm.
AB  - Medicare policy changes have an immediate impact on health plans with regard to
      setting payment policy for providers. So when Medicare tightened payment
      guidelines for a lucrative class of anemia drugs-erythropoiesis-stimulating
      agents-an ambitious set of rules was put into effect. Health plans often follow
      suit in short order, enforcing public guidelines on private payors, even when
      saving money is not a consideration. However, when Medicare takes an unreasonably
      hard line, plans tend to focus on members and physicians more fervently,
      attempting to soften the hard line. In this first part of the interview, Dr
      Silver examines the coverage decisions set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
      Services for the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and discusses the
      issues surrounding their adoption, indications versus off-label use, as well as
      lingering questions about their role in tumor progression and other risk factors.

PMID- 25126234
TI  - Results-driven Healthcare: Addressing the Staggering Cost of Poor Performance.

PMID- 25126235
TI  - Comparing pharmacy benefit managers: moving well beyond the simple spreadsheet
      analysis.
AB  - Unabated increases in prescription drug demands, advancing technology, and rising
      drug inflation rates combined with a sagging economy, continue to intensify
      budget pressures for payors responsible for delivering pharmacy benefits to plan
      members. At the same time, high levels of complexity and resource requirements in
      drug benefit administration have led to a state in which plan sponsors remain
      heavily dependent on pharmacy benefit managers to assist in these efforts. With
      pharmacy representing such a critical component of healthcare delivery from
      clinical and economic perspectives, it is essential that sponsors exercise high
      levels of due diligence in pharmacy benefit manager review and appraisal to
      ensure proper balance of quality clinical care, sufficient access, and optimal
      cost-efficiency in the delivery of such benefits. This review is designed to
      provide a comprehensive understanding of current pharmacy benefit management
      business practices and help equip plan sponsors with the knowledge, strategies,
      and safeguards to drive a well-informed pharmacy benefit selection process and,
      inevitably, a better-aligned pharmacy benefit management-payor relationship. 

PMID- 25126236
TI  - Where generics and biologics meet.

PMID- 25126237
TI  - Capnography monitoring enhances safety of postoperative patient-controlled
      analgesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient-controlled analgesia is associated with potentially fatal
      opioid-related respiratory depression. Opioids are a well-recognized cause of
      respiratory depression. However, in the postoperative patient, unrecognized
      pulmonary disease may lead to retention of carbon dioxide, which is further
      antagonized by opioids and may lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.
      Therefore, using a method that would provide earlier warnings for respiratory
      problems could improve patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of
      monitoring postoperative patients who were receiving patient-controlled opioid
      therapy with capnography modules in addition to the routine use of pulse oximetry
      to monitor ventilatory status and generate alerts when respiratory parameters
      exceed hospital-established limits. METHOD: Postoperative patients receiving
      patient-controlled analgesia were compared in relation to the use of pulse
      oximetry and capnography modules and their ability to generate alerts about
      abnormal respiratory parameters. A total of 634 patients receiving patient
      controlled analgesia therapy were studied, of whom 239 (38%) received
      hydromorphone, 297 (47%) received morphine, and 98 (15%) received fentanyl. All 9
      patients experiencing respiratory depression received supplemental oxygen.
      RESULTS: Of the 634 patients studied, 9 (1.4%) experienced respiratory depression
      by bradypnea (<6 breaths per minute). Six (67%) events were related to
      hydromorphone and 3 (33%) were related to morphine. In 7 (78%) events, there was
      no basal infusion rate and the saturation of peripheral oxygen was >92%. All
      respiratory depression events occurred within the first 24 hours of patient
      controlled analgesia therapy. In all cases, capnography, but not pulse oximetry,
      alerted the nurse to impending respiratory depression. CONCLUSIONS: Capnography
      was more effective than pulse oximetry in providing early warning of respiratory
      depression in patients receiving supplemental oxygen. Capnographic monitoring and
      automatic pausing of patient-controlled analgesia improved postoperative outcomes
      in situations that could have otherwise been fatal. Use of capnography improved
      clinician confidence that opioid dosing could be safely continued in
      postoperative patients for more effective pain management.

PMID- 25126238
TI  - The NCCN Compendium for Cancer Management.
AB  - Early in 2008, American Health & Drug Benefits asked Dr Bill McGivney to discuss
      the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Drugs and Biologics Compendium and
      guidelines, which represent the evaluation of current evidence on cancer
      management and the integration of expert judgment in a consensus fashion by
      oncologists from National Comprehensive Cancer Network institutions. Several
      advantages that may explain the increasing popularity and acceptance of the
      Compendium and the guidelines are the authoritative nature of the National
      Comprehensive Cancer Network experts, the rapid updates, and the free online
      access. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reference the guidelines
      specifically on coverage questions related to oncology and is currently
      evaluating whether to recognize the Compendium as a basis for Medicare coverage
      decisions for cancer patients. A decision is expected in June 2008. In January
      2008, UnitedHealthcare announced that it would be using the Compendium as a basis
      for their coverage decisions for patients with cancer, a fact that may influence
      other private health insurance companies to follow suit. In this interview, Dr
      McGivney discusses some of the unique features of the guidelines and the
      Compendium and what differentiates them from available guidelines and compendia
      of other cancer organizations, including the American Society of Clinical
      Oncology. 

PMID- 25126239
TI  - Contracting for compliance: using adherence as a patient-centered measure of
      performance.

PMID- 25126241
TI  - FDA bolsters its generic approval process: health plans reap the benefits.

PMID- 25126240
TI  - Wayward prescriptions: costs of fraud in payor plans.
AB  - The cost of prescription drugs and medical devices has increased dramatically
      over the past several years. This increase has exceeded the annual average
      inflation index, making medical products desired sources of ill-gotten financial
      gains through diversion, theft, fraud, and deceit. With databases often being
      compromised, personal health information, personal identification, and therapy
      history are all available to be used by thieves through deception and
      misrepresentation, and are being traded on clandestine websites. With increasing
      values of medical services, wanted efforts continue to emerge in profiteering
      schemes, using illicit deals for financial gains by exploiting what was once
      perceived as sacred areas of medical care. Estimates of healthcare resource costs
      in dollars, lives, and products exceed $200 billion. Select examples of fraud in
      our medical services are presented that expose plan members to the risks of loss
      and theft that can compromise the privacy of their health records. The author
      outlines prevention steps for payors to guard against such practices. 

PMID- 25126242
TI  - Heparin at the center of the storm.

PMID- 25126243
TI  - Prescribing warfarin appropriately to meet patient safety goals.
AB  - The anticoagulant warfarin is increasingly used in a variety of disorders
      associated with risk of thromboembolism. The drug is undoubtedly effective but is
      linked to numerous nutrient, disease, and drug interactions; safe use of warfarin
      therefore necessitates close patient monitoring, using the international
      normalized ratio. The predominant adverse effect is bleeding, and individuals
      respond to warfarin in different ways. Both high and subtherapeutic international
      normalized ratios warrant attention, whereas a high international normalized
      ratio, with or without bleeding, mandates prompt patient evaluation. The 2008
      National Patient Safety Goals require medical institutions to develop processes
      to ensure the safe use and monitoring of anticoagulant use. Last August, the US
      Food and Drug Administration revised the prescribing information for warfarin to
      include genetic testing before initiating therapy, although this is still not
      covered by most health plans. 

PMID- 25126245
TI  - The international society for pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research:
      implications for decision makers in healthcare.

PMID- 25126244
TI  - Treading water: the no-growth investment in health services research.
AB  - There is a "perfect storm" brewing in the American healthcare system. Healthcare
      spending has grown faster than our economy for many years and is projected to
      double in as little as 10 years. In spite of what we spend on healthcare,
      research tells us that we only receive appropriate care half the time. We are
      simply not getting what we are paying for. Health services research provides the
      data and the evidence needed to make better decisions, design healthcare
      benefits, and develop effective policies to optimize healthcare financing,
      facilitate access to healthcare services, and improve healthcare outcomes.
      Despite what we know and what we can learn from health services research, federal
      funding for this important field continues to erode. This article provides a
      primer on the federal budget process and summarizes findings from the Federal
      Funding for Health Services Research 2007. 

PMID- 25126246
TI  - Quality in the pharmacy environment.

PMID- 25126247
TI  - Delaware's Wellness Program: Motivating Employees Improves Health and Saves
      Money.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Every year, employers around the country evaluate their company
      benefits package in the hopes of finding a solution to the ever-rising cost of
      health insurance premiums. For many business executives, the only logical choice
      is to pass along those costs to the employee. OBJECTIVES: As an employer, our
      goal in Delaware has always been to come up with innovative solutions to drive
      down the cost of health insurance premiums while encouraging our employees to
      take responsibility for their own health and wellness by living a healthy and
      active lifestyle, and provide them with the necessary tools. METHODS: The
      DelaWELL program (N = 68,000) was launched in 2007, after being tested in initial
      (N = 100) and expanded (N = 1500) pilot programs from 2004 to 2006 in which 3
      similar groups were compared before and after the pilot. Employee health risk
      assessment, education, and incentives provided employees the necessary tools we
      had assumed would help them make healthier lifestyle choices. RESULTS: In the
      first pilot, fewer emergency department visits and lower blood pressure levels
      resulted in direct savings of more than $62,000. In the expanded pilot, in all 3
      groups blood pressure was significantly reduced (P <.001) from preprogram to
      postprogram; body fat reduction was also significant (P <.001); and glucose
      levels dropped (P <.001) in 2 groups. The overall saving was about $450,000. And
      in only about 4 months this year, 729 employees participating in DelaWELL had a
      combined weight loss of 5162 lb. CONCLUSIONS: Decision makers in the State of
      Delaware have come up with an innovative solution to controlling costs while
      offering employees an attractive benefits package. The savings from its employee
      benefit program have allowed the state to pass along the savings to employees by
      maintaining employee-paid health insurance contributions at the same level for
      the past 3 years. DelaWELL has already confirmed our motto, "Although it may seem
      an unusual business investment to pay for healthcare before the need arises, in
      Delaware we concluded that this makes perfect sense." This promising approach to
      improving health and reducing healthcare costs could potentially be applied to
      other employer groups.

PMID- 25126248
TI  - Switching to generic antiepileptic drugs: growing concerns.

PMID- 25126249
TI  - The better quality information to improve care for medicare beneficiaries
      project: exploring approaches to physician performance measurement.
AB  - On August 22, 2006, President Bush issued an Executive Order calling on all
      federal agencies and those who do healthcare business with the government to
      engage in collaborative efforts to incorporate the 4 cornerstones of value-driven
      healthcare: health information technology standards, quality standards, price
      standards, and incentives. The Department of Health and Human Services has
      embarked on a campaign to make these 4 cornerstones a reality by encouraging the
      public and private sectors to work collaboratively at the local level. In support
      of this campaign, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched a project
      in late 2006 that leverages local collaboratives as a means to explore a national
      approach to physician performance measurement. This project, which is known as
      the Better Quality Information to Improve Care for Medicare Beneficiaries
      Project, aims to test methods to aggregate Medicare administrative data with data
      from commercial health plans and, in some cases, Medicaid, in 6 local
      collaboratives to calculate and report quality measures for physician groups and
      for some individual physicians. 

PMID- 25126251
TI  - Potayto-Potahto? The Meaning of the FDA's "Complete Response" Letters.

PMID- 25126250
TI  - Emerging trends in outsourcing healthcare: medical tourism.

PMID- 25126253
TI  - e-Prescribing: Stakeholders Collaborating to Reduce Medication Errors.

PMID- 25126252
TI  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an overview.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a growing healthcare problem that is
      expected to worsen as the population ages and the worldwide use of tobacco
      products increases. Smoking cessation is the only effective means of prevention.
      Employers are in a unique position to help employees stop smoking. During the
      long asymptomatic phase, lung function nevertheless continues to decline;
      therefore, many patients seek medical attention only when they are at an advanced
      stage or when they have experienced an acute exacerbation. To help preserve
      patients' quality of life and reduce healthcare costs related to this chronic
      disease, clinicians need to accurately diagnose the condition and appropriately
      manage patients through the long course of their illness. This article discusses
      the current approach to patient management. 

PMID- 25126254
TI  - Cutting through the politics: presidential candidates' healthcare platforms and
      impact on health benefits.
AB  - Healthcare reform is one of the top issues for the presidential elections this
      year, and both candidates have proposed a wide range of health policy changes
      that could be the most important changes to the delivery of care in the country
      since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in the 1960s. This article provides a
      summary analysis of the healthcare platforms of the presidential candidates.
      Specifically, the major components of their published health plan proposals are
      broken out and compared using the language and descriptions from the candidates.
      The article also highlights several healthcare reform proposals from health
      advocacy organizations, as well as insights from medical directors and pharmacy
      directors across more than 50 major managed care health plans. By framing the
      issues, the article provides a basis for consideration of more detail as
      healthcare reform recommendations are developed by Congress in 2009. 

PMID- 25126255
TI  - Medication therapy management goes hi-tech: implementing automated software
      improves pharmacy efficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandate that all
      Medicare Part D benefit sponsors must offer members a medication therapy
      management program, pharmacists were facing new challenges of data collecting
      using software applications that had limited use for the new program. OBJECTIVE:
      Health Net pharmacists initiated an automated software application to increase
      the efficiency of the medication therapy management program, the integrity of the
      member profiles, and the ability to provide accurate reporting of drug-related
      issues. METHODS: Pharmacists were integral contributors to the automated software
      program; they developed the clinical algorithms, screen layout and transitions,
      and program functionality. Together with a programming company-Cognizant
      Technology Solutions-they created a web-based software application to accommodate
      an increasing number of eligible members and ensure accuracy of the information;
      they also performed testing of the final product. RESULTS: The new program
      includes member demographics and qualifying parameters that are uploaded monthly.
      All drug-related problems are now displayed and updated automatically by the
      software application. Assessment questions are answered and saved within the
      software, and reporting functions allow for quick and accurate results.
      Consequently, the number of drug regimen reviews and drug problems identified has
      increased by more than 300%. CONCLUSION: The automated software application is
      capable of maintaining and updating medication claims, sending and receiving
      faxes to physicians and pharmacies, and allows for documentation of patient
      specific freeform text. Each profile is extensive and allows the pharmacist to
      get all necessary information from a single source.

PMID- 25126256
TI  - Presidential candidates strong supporters of greater access to generics and
      biosimilars.

PMID- 25126258
TI  - New reporting system for potential safety concerns of drugs on the market.

PMID- 25126257
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of second-generation antihistamines and montelukast in
      relieving allergic rhinitis nasal symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Allergic rhinitis imposes a significant health and economic burden
      both on individuals and the healthcare system. Second-generation prescription
      antihistamines, levocetirizine, fexofenadine, and desloratadine, and the
      leukotriene receptor antagonist, montelukast, differ in their ability to relieve
      common rhinitis symptoms. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost
      effectiveness of prescription agents based on their effectiveness in relieving
      nasal symptoms. METHODS: Effectiveness was measured as the composite of nasal
      symptoms, including congestion, rhinorrhea, and sneezing, from clinical studies
      that compared each of the 4 comparators to placebo. Direct costs included
      prescription therapy and rhinitis-related physician office visits. Physician
      office visit costs were collected from an analysis of the PharMetrics insurance
      claims database. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using a Monte Carlo
      simulation to assess the robustness of the average and incremental cost
      effectiveness ratios. RESULTS: The cost per clinically significant improvement of
      nasal symptoms for levocetirizine was less than for the other model comparator
      agents. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for levocetirizine dominated
      montelukast and desloratadine and was lower than either branded or generic
      fexofenadine. CONCLUSION: Levocetirizine is a cost-effective therapy for the
      relief of nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

PMID- 25126260
TI  - e-Prescribing: A Move Toward Appropriate Medication Use.

PMID- 25126259
TI  - Evaluation and management of diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem with tremendous medical and
      economic burdens. It is the seventh leading cause of death and the number one
      cause of end-stage renal disease, adult blindness, impotence, and nontraumatic
      lower-limb amputation in the United States. People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times
      more likely to suffer from stroke or from cardiovascular disease, and are twice
      as likely to die compared with age-matched individuals without diabetes. Diabetes
      cost the United States around $174 billion in 2007, $58 billion of which was
      related to disability, work loss, and early mortality. Although there is
      currently no known cure for diabetes, much progress has been made over the past 2
      decades to improve the diagnosis and management of diabetes. Evidence has shown
      that applying aggressive interventions early can prevent or delay progression to
      microvascular complications that increase the mortality rate in diabetes. The
      authors review the guidelines for optimal evaluation of diabetes mellitus and
      discuss the current and emerging therapeutic options available in the United
      States. 

PMID- 25126261
TI  - Focus on lowest net cost drug reduces costs for patients, plan sponsors.

PMID- 25126262
TI  - Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in a meta-stable state: guidelines, economics,
      and policy in flux.
AB  - Medicare coverage of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents is a complex issue with
      implications for a variety of healthcare stakeholders. In the first part of the
      interview (see AHDB, May 2008), Samuel M. Silver, MD, PhD, examined the evolution
      and clinical implications of the Medicare coverage decisions and the eventual
      shift in clinical practice away from the approved indication to situations
      involving quality-of-life issues. In this second part, Dr Silver discusses with
      F. Randy Vogenberg, RPh, PhD, the clinical implications of the Medicare coverage
      decision regarding erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, pointing out the
      noneconomic reasons why transfusions can be risky to cancer patients, and how
      such policy decisions can have profound implications for patients. Dr Silver
      calls for new studies to be Initiated, which would be funded by the 2 major
      manufacturers of these drugs, to investigate the concerns regarding tumor
      progression and thromboembolic events that are potentially associated with these
      expensive and potentially toxic medications. The discussion resumes where Dr
      Silver explains why it would be good to compare claims data of cancer patients
      who are receiving these medications and their transfusion requirements. 

PMID- 25126263
TI  - Role for automated communication strategies in medication adherence management.
AB  - Lack of medication adherence is a prevalent problem that causes a broad range of
      health-and health-economics-related issues. Adherence management is therefore an
      important strategy, but it also presents its own set of challenges.
      Interventional communication from care support teams at managed care
      organizations and disease management and wellness programs has proved effective
      at modifying patients' medication adherence and reporting behaviors. However,
      these communications do not work well from an economic standpoint. It is not
      economically feasible to scale call centers and the numbers of clinical and
      professional staff to communicate with the increasing number of patients with
      chronic diseases who require ongoing medication use. Using communication
      automation to augment traditional call center outreach can help to mediate
      patient medication-taking behaviors. Specific design criteria for the automation
      of this interaction are discussed in this article, offering supporting data from
      a recent trial of 304 elderly patients with hypertension, and showing the
      benefits of using such a system for effective blood pressure monitoring, at
      reduced costs. 

PMID- 25126264
TI  - An overview of cholesterol management.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Elevated
      cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and abnormal lipid profiles (dyslipidemia) are
      important risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. This
      article discusses the role of cholesterol in the body and the relationship
      between different cholesterol fractions and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
      The guidelines for assessment and treatment of dyslipidemia from the National
      Cholesterol Education Program are outlined, and cholesterol targets and goals of
      therapy are discussed. The mechanism of action, place in therapy (eg, first-line,
      second-line, or add-on), and common side effects are also discussed for each of
      the available classes of drugs used in the treatment of dyslipidemia. 

PMID- 25126266
TI  - Healthcare innovation viability: on the edge of a knife.

PMID- 25126265
TI  - Promotion of medical tourism in the media creates a trend.

PMID- 25126267
TI  - Why Financial Incentives Aren't Enough to Move the Needle on Compliance.

PMID- 25126269
TI  - Recent slowdown in national health expenditures attributed to growing use of
      generics.

PMID- 25126268
TI  - Prescription copay reduction program for diabetic employees: impact on medication
      compliance and healthcare costs and utilization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of a value-based benefit design on utilization
      and expenditures. METHODS: This benefit design involved all diabetes-related
      drugs and testing supplies placed on the lowest copay tier for 1 employer group.
      The sample of diabetic members were enrolled from a 9-month preperiod and for 2
      years after the benefit design was implemented. Measured outcomes included
      prescription drug utilization for diabetes and medical utilization. Generalized
      measures were used to estimate differences between years 1 and 2 and the
      preperiod adjusting for age, gender, and comorbidity risk. RESULTS: Diabetes
      prescription drug use increased by 9.5% in year 1 and by 5.5% in year 2, and mean
      adherence increased by 7% to 8% in year 1 and fell slightly in year 2 compared
      with the preperiod. Pharmacy expenditures increased by 47% and 53% and
      expenditures for diabetes services increased by 16% and 32% in years 1 and 2,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Increases in adherence and use of diabetes medications
      were observed. There were no compensatory cost-savings for the employer through
      lower utilization of medical expenditures in the first 2 years. Adherent patients
      had fewer emergency department visits than nonadherent patients after the
      implementation of this benefit design.

PMID- 25126270
TI  - Partial compliance with antipsychotics increases mental health hospitalizations
      in schizophrenic patients: analysis of a national managed care database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between partial compliance with
      antipsychotic medication and mental health hospitalization in managed care
      patients with schizophrenia. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective
      evaluation of 1499 outpatients with >=1 antipsychotic claims and a diagnosis of
      schizophrenia in a managed care database (PHARMetrics). METHODS: Patients were
      followed for 12 months after their initial oral antipsychotic prescribing event.
      Compliance was estimated by gaps in medication therapy, medication consistency
      and persistence, and medication possession ratio. Categorical and logistic
      regression analyses modeled effects of compliance, age, and gender on
      hospitalization risk. RESULTS: The managed care cohort had an overall
      hospitalization risk of 5.9% during follow-up. Increased hospitalization risk was
      associated with lower partial compliance, as measured by 3 of the 4 definitions.
      Patients with a maximum gap of >30 days were 4.7 times more likely to be
      hospitalized than those with a maximum gap of 0 to 10 days (P <.001). Low
      medication consistency of <70% and a medication possession ratio of <70% were
      significantly associated with increased risk of hospitalization (P <.001).
      Logistic regression analyses indicated that hospitalization odds decreased 16.9%
      (P <.001) and 18.8% (P <.001) for every 10% increase in medication possession
      ratio and medication consistency, respectively. CONCLUSION: Small decreases in
      compliance with antipsychotics are associated with increased hospitalization risk
      among patients with schizophrenia in a managed care population.

PMID- 25126272
TI  - What changes can your health plan expect from the new administration?
AB  - The new administration has already begun to introduce changes in some areas of
      government. To outline potential key changes to the US healthcare system and
      their impact on health plans, Robert Henry and Kip Piper of AHDB asked Dan
      Mendelson to draw on his experience as current president and founder of Avalere
      Health, as well as on his previous role as Associate Director for Health at the
      White House's Office of Management and Budget during the Clinton Administration.
      Mr Mendelson focuses on what he sees as key changes that will have direct
      implications for decision makers in healthcare, including (1) a greater emphasis
      on plan beneficiaries' protection, and (2) increased regulatory focus on plan
      operations. Plans can expect to have less government trust in actuarial
      submissions and probably more oversight and supervision of the daily operation of
      a plan. The triangle of quality, access, and cost will likely reflect the point
      of view of the beneficiary rather than that of plan administrators. Other topics
      discussed include the potential benefits of postmarketing surveillance, new
      opportunities for expediting drug approvals, and the new and increasing emphasis
      on comparative effectiveness research and health information technology. 

PMID- 25126271
TI  - Alzheimer's disease: a healthcare burden of epidemic proportion.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and increases in
      prevalence exponentially with age, with trends in the United States likely to
      worsen in ensuing decades. The pathology in Alzheimer's disease is characterized
      by an increase in extracellular amyloid plaques and intraneural neurofibrillary
      tangles, with neuronal destruction in several areas of the brain, and
      biochemically by a deficiency in acetylcholine; clinical manifestations include
      progressive loss of memory, change in personality, and behavioral disturbances.
      Pharmacotherapy includes the T.S. Dharmarajan Srinivas G. Gunturu use of
      cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine; addressing the many behavioral
      manifestations of the disease, especially in advanced stages, imposes tremendous
      burden to caregivers and healthcare resources. 

PMID- 25126273
TI  - Patient cost-sharing on the rise: results from the benefit design index.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The relationship between healthcare insurers and employers plays a
      critical role today in decisions about benefit design, cost-sharing, and even the
      coverage of individual products and services. To better understand how these 2
      stakeholders interact in the creation of healthcare benefit design, the Zitter
      Group conducted a large national study of insurer-employer relationship. METHODS:
      This study is based on a primary web-based survey with 100 top decision makers in
      large national and important regional commercial managed care plans, and a
      similar survey of 100 employers and employer benefit consultants, including
      medical directors and benefit decision makers. This article reviews the results
      of this research, especially in relation to insurer and employer opinions on
      patient cost-sharing. RESULTS: Findings from this study show that cost-shifting
      remains the prevailing cost-containment strategy used by insurers and employers.
      These stakeholders expect that additional cost-shifting will have minimal impact
      on patient health outcomes. CONCLUSION: Despite accumulating evidence that cost
      shifting leads to undesirable health and cost consequences and has largely failed
      to slow health cost growth, employers and insurers will likely continue to rely
      on this modality as their primary cost-containment strategy.

PMID- 25126274
TI  - Will 2009 usher in the era of biogenerics?

PMID- 25126275
TI  - Employer-based health initiative: impact on employees' cardiovascular outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality among men
      and women in the United States. The Ready, Set, Goal program was an employer
      based initiative designed to identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular
      disease and to offer an intervention to alter those risk factors. The program
      involved cardiovascular education, screening, behavior-change incentives,
      continuing assessment, and follow-up. Pharmacologic treatment was not part of the
      intervention. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of the Ready, Set, Goal pilot
      program in 5 employers in the United States on salient cardiovascular end points
      for employees who completed the program. METHODS: The analysis used a
      pretest/posttest within-subjects design to compare baseline measurements with
      measurements for all subjects who completed a second assessment 6 months after
      baseline measurements. Enrollment began in June 2004 in the first site and in May
      2005 in the last site; it ended in January 2006. Patient clinical data from the
      pilot interventions were aggregated to assess the effects of the intervention on
      salient cardiovascular end points for individuals who completed the Ready, Set,
      Goal program. Changes in short-term cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated.
      Descriptive measures with paired t-tests (alpha = 0.05) were calculated at the
      aggregate level for each dependent variable. Range checks were conducted on all
      variables for clinical validity. RESULTS: A total of 589 subjects from 5 employer
      group pilot interventions completed the program. Of these, 43% were men, 60% were
      white, 9% were African-American, 11% were Hispanic, and 20% were categorized as
      "other." After the intervention, mean blood pressure, total cholesterol, and low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower (P <.05) compared
      with baseline measurements. On average, systolic blood pressure declined by 1.9
      mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure by 1.3 mm Hg; total cholesterol decreased by 5.2
      mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 3.4 mg/dL. Triglyceride levels
      increased and high-density lipoprotein levels decreased, although these changes
      were not significant, and neither were the mean increases in body weight. But
      increases in body mass index were significant. CONCLUSIONS: A worksite
      cardiovascular health program can have positive effects on salient cardiovascular
      end points for employees. The increases in triglyceridnes and body mass index
      should be further explored.

PMID- 25126277
TI  - The paradox of public policy reform: change or continuum?

PMID- 25126278
TI  - Are you kidding me? Clinical comparative effectiveness or evidence-based
      medicine.

PMID- 25126276
TI  - Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Growing Risk in the Hospital and
      in the Community.
AB  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a common and continuously growing
      cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections. The type, disease
      severity, and clinical outcomes of these infections, as well as the genotypic and
      susceptibility patterns of the bacteria differ according to the setting in which
      the infection occurs-a healthcare facility or the community setting. The
      incidence of these infections in the community setting has been growing
      consistently in the past decade or so. In addition, resistance to the many
      current antibiotics used to treat these infections is also growing, further
      complicating management. Rapid-diagnosis tests and new therapeutic agents are
      constantly under investigation. The authors review the current understanding of
      the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management of methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, including the growing problem of
      resistance. In addition, they discuss promising diagnostic and therapeutic
      alternatives, as well as new control strategies to prevent its transmission or
      the development of infection among carriers. 

PMID- 25126280
TI  - New legislations on generics and biosimilars brewing in congress.

PMID- 25126279
TI  - MIPPA: First Broad Changes to Medicare Part D Plan Operations.
AB  - In July 2008, as part of broad Medicare reform, Congress passed the first major
      legislative changes to Medicare Part D since its enactment in 2003-the Medicare
      Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. This new legislation has significant
      implications for how Part D plans can market and enroll Medicare beneficiaries.
      The new legislation also strengthened beneficiary protections, expanded the low
      income subsidy provisions originally included in Part D, and expanded Part D
      coverage. These changes have significant implications for the operation of Part D
      plans and can affect those involved in benefit design, including specialty
      pharmacy coverage. This article discusses the major changes that took effect on
      January 1, 2009, and have immediate implications for Part D plan sponsors,
      including Medicare Advantage plans and stand-alone prescription drug plans. 

PMID- 25126281
TI  - ProvenCare: Geisinger's Model for Care Transformation through Innovative Clinical
      Initiatives and Value Creation.
AB  - Geisinger's system of care can be seen as a microcosm of the national delivery of
      healthcare, with implications for decision makers in other health plans. In this
      interview, Dr Ronald A. Paulus focuses on Geisinger's unique approach to patient
      care. In its core, this approach represents a system of quality and value
      initiatives based on 3 major programs-Proven Health Navigation (medical home);
      the ProvenCare model; and transitions of care. The goal of such an approach is to
      optimize disease management by using a rational reimbursement paradigm for
      appropriate interventions, providing innovative incentives, and engaging patients
      in their own care as part of any intervention. Dr Paulus explains the reasons
      why, unlike Geisinger, other stakeholders, including payers, providers, patients,
      and employers, have no intrinsic reasons to be concerned with quality and value
      initiatives. In addition, he says, an electronic infrastructure that could be
      modified as management paradigms evolve is a necessary tool to ensure the
      healthcare delivery system's ability to adapt to new clinical realities quickly
      to ensure the continuation of delivering best value for all stakeholders. 

PMID- 25126282
TI  - The integrated patient-centered medical home: tools for transforming our
      healthcare delivery system.

PMID- 25126284
TI  - Prioritizing healthcare resources to keep the baby boomers out of nursing homes.

PMID- 25126283
TI  - Increased Patient Cost-Sharing, Weak US Economy, and Poor Health Habits:
      Implications for Employers and Insurers.
AB  - Many healthcare stakeholders, including insurers and employers, agree that growth
      in healthcare costs is inevitable. But the current trend toward further cost
      shifting to employees and other health plan members is unsustainable. In 2008,
      the Zitter Group conducted a large national study on the relationship between
      insurers and employers, to understand how these 2 healthcare stakeholders
      interact in the creation of health benefit design. The survey results were
      previously summarized and discussed in the February/March 2009 issue of this
      journal. The present article aims to assess the implications of those results in
      the context of the growing tendency to increase patient cost-sharing, a weak US
      economy, and poor health habits. Increasing cost-sharing is a blunt instrument:
      although it may reduce utilization of frivolous services, it may also result in
      individuals forgoing medically necessary care. Increases in deductibles will lead
      to an overall decrease in optimal care-seeking behavior as families juggle
      healthcare costs with a weak economy and stagnating wages. 

PMID- 25126285
TI  - The view from washington: healthcare reform.

PMID- 25126286
TI  - Applying Evidence for Medical Technologies: Closing the Gap between R&D and
      Decision Maker Needs.
AB  - In this interview, Dr Sean Tunis, former Director of the Office of Clinical
      Standards and Quality and Chief Medical Officer at the Centers for Medicare &
      Medicaid Services, and current Director of the Center for Medical Technology
      Policy, discusses the need to align the demands of the industry on product
      development with provider and patient needs to ensure that products in the
      pipeline, especially those for chronic disease care, can actually provide
      clinical benefit. The question is how to make sure that new products and
      technologies are not only being approved by regulatory bodies but also serve real
      world needs. This will also promote the acceptance of a product or service by all
      stakeholders-regulators, providers, payers, and purchasers-while meeting actual
      patient needs. Another question for payers and employers is how to create a
      benefit design that encourages the application of evidence in coverage decision
      making toward value-based healthcare. 

PMID- 25126287
TI  - Biosimilars policy forum: perspectives on safety and efficacy of future products.

PMID- 25126288
TI  - The working patient with cancer: implications for payers and employers.
AB  - Cancer is seen today more often as a manageable chronic disease, resulting in
      changing workplace characteristics of the patient with cancer. A growing number
      of employees continue to work while being treated for cancer or return to work
      shortly after their cancer treatment is completed. To respond to these changes
      and the potential impact on the working patient's attitude, employers need
      updated, factual information related to this patient population. This type of
      information will support future benefit considerations by employers on employee
      contributions and future employee health and productivity. In 2005, Amgen
      launched a 3-year initiative to better understand cancer as a chronic disease, as
      well as the impact on the working patient with cancer and on the employer. The
      data from this initiative described in this article provide insights into cancer
      as a chronic and manageable disease in the workforce, and the broader
      implications to payers and employers. 

PMID- 25126290
TI  - Payer perspectives on healthcare reform.

PMID- 25126289
TI  - Lower copay and oral administration: predictors of first-fill adherence to new
      asthma prescriptions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to asthma medications is associated with increased
      emergency department visits and hospitalizations. If adherence is to be improved,
      first-fill adherence is the first goal to meet after the physician and patient
      have decided to begin treatment. Little is known about first-fill adherence with
      asthma medications and the factors for no-fill. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the study
      was to examine the proportion of patients who fill a new prescription for an
      asthma medication and analyze characteristics associated with this first-fill.
      METHODS: This retrospective cohort study linked electronic health records with
      pharmacy claims. The cohort was comprised of 2023 patients aged 18 years or older
      who sought care from the Geisinger Clinic, had Geisinger Health Plan pharmacy
      benefits, and were prescribed an asthma medication for the first time between
      2002 and 2006. The primary outcome of interest was first-time prescription filled
      by the patient within 30 days of the prescription order date. Covariates examined
      included factors related to the patient (ie, age, sex, and ethnicity),
      comorbidities and utilization (ie, Charlson comorbidity index, number of office
      visits, number of additional medications), asthma treatment (ie, delivery route,
      pharmacologic class), and pharmacy copay amount. A logistic-regression model was
      used to determine covariates associated with first-fill. RESULTS: The overall
      first-fill rate for new asthma medications was 78%. First-fill rate was lower for
      patients with a copay above the mean of $12 (odds ratio = 0.76; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.58-0.99) and higher for patients prescribed oral plus inhaled
      medications (versus inhaled only, odds ratio = 3.91; 95% confidence interval,
      2.15-7.11). CONCLUSIONS: SEVERAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FAILING TO FILL AN
      INITIAL PRESCRIPTION FOR ASTHMA CAN BE ADDRESSED THROUGH SIMPLE INTERVENTIONS:
      screening for difficulties a patient may have in filling prescriptions, avoiding
      nonformulary medications, and recognizing the barrier that high copays present.
      In addition, for employers and policymakers, decreasing copay may improve
      adherence and, therefore, asthma control.

PMID- 25126291
TI  - Use pattern and off-label use of atypical antipsychotics in bipolar disorder,
      1998-2002.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postmarketing surveillance that identifies patients at high risk for
      receiving off-label medications will help ensure that the benefits of such
      treatment outweigh the risks. Because many off-label uses have little scientific
      support, tracking the extent to which they occur as well as the particular
      circumstances under which they occur is important. OBJECTIVE: To describe the
      drug-use pattern for patients with bipolar disorder, and to identify demographic
      and clinical factors associated with off-label use of atypical antipsychotics
      before US Food and Drug Administration approval for this indication. METHODS:
      Using the PHARMetrics medical claims database, a total of 105,771 adult patients
      with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder were evaluated during the 5-year (1998-2002)
      study period. Study drugs included mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and
      antidepressants. Off-label use of an atypical antipsychotic was defined as a
      patient taking olanzapine before March 2000 (when it received an indication for
      bipolar disorder) or any other atypical antipsychotic during the entire study
      period. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds ratio of
      receiving a drug off-label. RESULTS: Utilization of and reimbursement for
      atypical antipsychotics increased during the 5-year period. Of the 10.5% of
      patients who took atypical antipsychotics, 7.1% took these drugs off-label. In
      addition, 11% of patients received lithium, 25% received other anticonvulsants,
      and 34% received antidepressants. Off-label use of atypical antipsychotics was
      associated with psychiatry specialist prescribers (odds ratio = 1.52; 95% CI,
      1.44-1.59) and certain comorbidities, such as substance abuse (odds ratio = 1.51;
      95% CI, 1.38-1.66), anxiety disorder (odds ratio = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.14-1.26),
      diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.16-1.37), cerebral vascular
      disease (odds ratio = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.10-1.45), and hypertension (odds ratio =
      1.12; 95% CI, 1.05-1.20). Over time, there has been an increase in the number of
      drug therapies, including atypical antipsychotics, used to treat bipolar
      disorder. CONCLUSION: Because of the significant association found between
      atypical antipsychotic use and several key comorbidities, it is important for
      physicians to recognize these associations and weigh the risks and benefits of
      atypical antipsychotics in their treatment strategies.

PMID- 25126292
TI  - Predictive and prognostic models: implications for healthcare decision-making in
      a modern recession.
AB  - Various modeling tools have been developed to address the lack of standardized
      processes that incorporate the perspectives of all healthcare stakeholders. Such
      models can assist in the decision-making process aimed at achieving specific
      clinical outcomes, as well as guide the allocation of healthcare resources and
      reduce costs. The current efforts in Congress to change the way healthcare is
      financed, reimbursed, and delivered have rendered the incorporation of modeling
      tools into the clinical decision-making all the more important. Prognostic and
      predictive models are particularly relevant to healthcare, particularly in the
      clinical decision-making, with implications for payers, patients, and providers.
      The use of these models is likely to increase, as providers and patients seek to
      improve their clinical decision process to achieve better outcomes, while
      reducing overall healthcare costs. 

PMID- 25126294
TI  - Healthcare reform, classicism, and how we treat the elderly: the politics of
      epidemiology.

PMID- 25126293
TI  - Estimates of commercial population at high risk for cardiovascular events: impact
      of aggressive cholesterol reduction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To model the financial and health outcomes impact of intensive statin
      therapy compared with usual care in a high-risk working-age population (actively
      employed, commercially insured health plan members and their adult dependents).
      The target population consists of working-age people who are considered high-risk
      for cardiovascular disease events because of a history of coronary heart disease.
      STUDY DESIGN: Three-year event forecast for a sample population generated from
      the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. METHODS: Using
      Framingham risk scoring system, the probability of myocardial infarction or
      stroke events was calculated for a representative sample population, ages 35 to
      69 years, of people at high risk for cardiovascular disease, with a history of
      coronary heart disease. The probability of events for each individual was used to
      project the number of events expected to be generated for this population.
      Reductions in cardiovascular and stroke events reported in clinical trials with
      aggressive statin therapy were applied to these cohorts. We used medical claims
      data to model the cohorts' event costs. All results are adjusted to reflect the
      demographics of a typical working-age population. RESULTS: The high-risk cohort
      (those with coronary heart disease) comprises 4% of the 35- to 69-year-old
      commercially insured population but generates 22% of the risk for coronary heart
      disease and stroke. Reduced event rates associated with intensive statin therapy
      yielded a $58 mean medical cost reduction per treated person per month; a typical
      payer cost for a 30-day supply of intensive statin therapy is approximately $57.
      CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering therapy for
      working-age people at high risk for cardiovascular events and with a history of
      heart disease appears to have a significant potential to reduce the rate of
      clinical events and is cost-neutral for payers.

PMID- 25126295
TI  - Cost-sharing enhances cost control.

PMID- 25126296
TI  - Can generics help heal our ailing healthcare system?

PMID- 25126297
TI  - Impact of prescription benefit coverage limits on sevelamer hydrochloride
      adherence for patients with ESRD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of prescription benefit coverage on medication
      adherence in Medicare-eligible members diagnosed with end-stage renal disease
      taking sevelamer hydrochloride. METHODS: This pilot study involved a
      retrospective analysis of patients with end-stage renal disease taking sevelamer,
      with an annual cap on brand prescription drug spending compared with those
      without a cap. We compared sevelamer adherence and discontinuation proportions
      between the 2 groups of Medicare patients in 2003 and 2004. Medication adherence
      was calculated based on the proportion of available days covered in relationship
      to capped versus noncapped pharmacy benefit. RESULTS: Rate ratios showed that in
      2003, the patients taking sevelamer under a capped benefit (N = 43) had 27% fewer
      days of drug use compared with those (N = 88) without a capped benefit (relative
      risk, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58-0.93). Similarly, in 2004, those taking sevelamer under
      the capped benefit (N = 21) had 33% fewer days of drug use compared with those (N
      = 117) without a capped benefit (relative risk, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.46-0.96).
      CONCLUSIONS: Medication adherence was significantly lower for patients with a
      capped brand-name drug benefit. These findings provide insight into potential
      drug utilization patterns, including for sevelamer, under the Medicare Part D
      benefit, where members could face significant out-of-pocket expenditures once
      coverage limits are reached.

PMID- 25126298
TI  - Private health plans perspectives: electronic personal health records and
      electronic prescribing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients, payers, public health researchers, medical economists, and
      policymakers have all called for aggressive deployment of information
      technologies to support the management of health records and prescriptions. In
      response, payers of all types have been making investments in electronic systems.
      OBJECTIVES: To understand, analyze, and quantify current private payer
      involvement in electronic personal health records and electronic prescribing
      development and implementation. METHODS: A web-based survey involving 62 private
      commercial payer respondents representing more than 80 million covered lives and
      16 national plans. RESULTS: Responses showed relatively high rates of
      implementation of electronic personal health records among respondents (20
      currently and 9 in the next 24 months), but a unanimity of agreement of
      disappointing plan members' utilization of these systems. Implementation rates of
      electronic prescribing systems are even higher. More than half of the respondents
      reported utilization rates below 10%. CONCLUSION: The disappointing results with
      the implementations of electronic systems are most likely the result of variables
      exogenous to the technologies themselves. The low utilization of electronic
      prescribing is most likely related to the general lack of penetration of
      information technology into the work flow of most prescriber offices.

PMID- 25126299
TI  - Wellness and the governing dynamics of healthcare reform.

PMID- 25126300
TI  - Health plan retention and pharmacy costs of newly diagnosed patients with chronic
      kidney disease in a managed care population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is prevalent in the United States, and
      diabetes and hypertension cause up to two thirds of all new cases. Many health
      plans believe that these patients do not retain their health plans for a long
      duration, therefore plans do not focus on prevention for this disease. OBJECTIVE:
      To determine health plan retention rates and direct healthcare costs of adults
      with newly diagnosed chronic kidney disease with diabetes or hypertension.
      METHODS: A total of 31,917 patients with chronic kidney disease were included in
      this study between January 1995 and December 2006, using a managed care database.
      Patients were divided into 3 subgroups for cost comparison-patients with chronic
      kidney disease only (n = 8836), those with chronic kidney disease with diabetes
      (n = 11,252), and patients with chronic kidney disease with hypertension (n =
      20,836). Follow-up of patients from index period of initial kidney disease
      diagnosis was 5 years. Average enrollment duration was 38 months; 60% of all
      patients remained enrolled at 3 years postdiagnosis. RESULTS: On average,
      patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes and those with chronic kidney
      disease and hypertension remained enrolled slightly longer than chronic kidney
      disease-only patients (39 months, 40 months, and 36 months, respectively). The
      largest number of claims was for inpatient medical, followed by pharmacy and
      laboratory. Mean annual direct healthcare costs were higher for patients with
      chronic kidney disease and diabetes ($20,165) and those with chronic kidney
      disease and hypertension ($17,612) compared with patients with chronic kidney
      disease only ($9390). CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate that most patients
      who are newly diagnosed with chronic kidney disease retain their health plan
      affiliation for a considerable period, including those with diabetes or
      hypertension. Increased direct healthcare costs were associated with the presence
      of comorbidities in patients with chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 25126301
TI  - Management tools for molecular diagnostic testing: financial and clinical
      implications.

PMID- 25126302
TI  - Increases in Drug Utilization and Patent Expirations: A Recipe for Growth of
      Generics' Market Share, despite Stalling on Biosimilars.

PMID- 25126303
TI  - Quality improvement initiatives: the missed opportunity for health plans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increase in healthcare cost without direct improvements in health
      outcomes, coupled with a desire to expand access to the large uninsured
      population, has underscored the importance of quality initiatives and
      organizations that provide more affordable healthcare by maximizing value.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine the knowledge of managed care organizations about
      quality organizations and initiatives and to identify potential opportunities in
      which pharmaceutical companies could collaborate with health plans in the
      development and implementation of quality initiatives. METHODS: We conducted a
      survey of 36 pharmacy directors and 15 medical directors of different plans
      during a Managed Care Network meeting in 2008. The represented plans cover almost
      74 million lives in commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid programs, or a combination
      of them. RESULTS: The responses show limited knowledge among pharmacy and medical
      directors about current quality organizations and initiatives, except for quality
      organizations that provide health plan quality accreditation. The results also
      reveal an opportunity for pharmaceutical companies to collaborate with private
      health plans in the development of quality initiatives, especially those related
      to drug utilization, such as patient adherence and education and correct drug
      utilization. CONCLUSION: Our survey shows clearly that today's focus for managed
      care organizations is mostly limited to the organizations that provide health
      plan quality accreditation, with less focus on other organizations.

PMID- 25126305
TI  - Orphan drug pricing and payer management in the United States: are we approaching
      the tipping point?
AB  - The Orphan Drug Act of 1983 paved the way for the development of drugs that treat
      rare diseases, defined in the United States as those affecting fewer than 200,000
      patients. Orphan drugs can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, but
      insurers have traditionally covered these therapies because the small populations
      involved did not typically lead to significant cost exposure. Payer sensitivity
      to the cost of orphan drugs is rising, however, with the accelerated rate of new
      launches of these agents amid intensified economic pressure. Payers are showing
      increasing levels of concern and scrutiny about coverage of orphan drugs. A new
      payer survey conducted between February 2008 and March 2009 provides insights on
      how payers are managing orphan drugs and the way it is likely to evolve in the
      future. Survey findings show that the patient share of orphan drug costs is
      rising and is expected to continue to rise, barring sweeping changes in public
      health policy. This shift in benefit design could affect patient access to orphan
      agents and, therefore, drug utilization. Manufacturers will have to invest in
      research to understand payer impact on the uptake of their orphan drugs in
      development. They will also benefit from being prepared to develop strategies to
      ensure patient access to and affordability of their orphan agents. 

PMID- 25126304
TI  - Economic Evaluation of Quality-of-Life Improvement with Second-Generation
      Antihistamines and Montelukast in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis causes significant economic losses and substantial
      reductions in quality of life. Improving a patient's symptoms can therefore
      enhance the patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To measure the relative cost
      effectiveness of prescription second-generation antihistamines (levocetirizine,
      desloratadine, and fexofenadine) and montelukast based on their impact on quality
      of life in patients with uncomplicated allergic rhinitis. METHODS: A
      retrospective, cost-effectiveness model was constructed using 1-year costs to
      managed care payers and using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life
      Questionnaire to measure the quality of life in patients taking prescription
      second-generation antihistamines or montelukast for the treatment of allergic
      rhinitis. Clinical trial results for levocetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine
      (brand and generic), or montelukast were combined as standardized mean
      differences to create a pooled effectiveness measure. The costs of prescription
      drugs and physician office visits for allergic rhinitis were used as direct costs
      measures. Sensitivity was assessed by a Monte Carlo simulation run 1000 times.
      RESULTS: All the drugs in the study showed significant improvement in quality of
      life, with levocetirizine showing the greatest improvement. The incremental cost
      effectiveness of levocetirizine dominated montelukast (incremental cost-effective
      ratio, -1317; 95% confidence interval, -7471, -212). The incremental cost
      effectiveness favored levocetirizine compared with desloratadine and branded
      fexofenadine. CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in the cost
      effectiveness of various oral prescription agents with regard to improving
      quality of life of patients with allergic rhinitis.

PMID- 25126306
TI  - Competition from biosimilars an incentive for innovation.

PMID- 25126307
TI  - Physicians' perceptions of reimbursement as a barrier to comprehensive diabetes
      care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the incidence of diabetes increases, there is growing concern
      about the adequacy of reimbursement levels for delivering comprehensive diabetes
      care. OBJECTIVE: To investigate physicians' perceptions of the adequacy of
      reimbursement, as well as resources (eg, staff, facilities, materials), for their
      treatment of diabetic patients. METHODS: A qualitative exploration using a Web
      based survey of 300 physicians (200 primary care providers and 100
      endocrinologists) and an online discussion group of 12 physicians, focusing on 10
      services recommended by the American Diabetes Association that may be prone to
      underreimbursement. The 10 services were matched with 4 general diabetes care
      categories to assess the adequacy of care delivery. RESULTS: The majority of
      physician study participants perceived that most of the 10 identified services
      are inadequately reimbursed-83% to 95% of physicians said Medicaid reimbursement
      was inadequate, 75% to 89% for Medicare reimbursement, and 67% to 86% for private
      insurance reimbursement-leading them to spend less time with each patient. This
      reduction in time was a limiting factor to providing comprehensive diabetes care.
      The survey also revealed differences between endocrinologists and primary care
      physicians; for example, medical nutrition therapy was offered by 50% of
      endocrinology practices compared with only 29.5% of primary care practices.
      CONCLUSION: This study confirms previous findings that physicians perceive
      current reimbursement for diabetes care as too low, which limits their ability to
      perform all the tasks necessary to deliver comprehensive diabetes care.

PMID- 25126309
TI  - Pharmacogenomics and drug development.

PMID- 25126308
TI  - Hypertension management: an update.
AB  - Hypertension is a significant and costly public health problem. It is a major,
      but modifiable contributor for the development of cardiovascular disease.
      Randomized controlled trials have shown that controlling hypertension reduces the
      risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, end-stage
      renal disease, peripheral vascular disease, as well as overall mortality. The
      risk of developing these hypertension-related complications is continuous,
      starting at a blood pressure level as low as 115/75 mm Hg. Despite the inherent
      health risks associated with uncontrolled hypertension, elevated blood pressure
      remains inadequately treated in the majority of patients. This article reviews
      guidelines for optimal evaluation of hypertension and current therapeutic options
      available to combat this common yet pervasive disease. 

PMID- 25126310
TI  - Obesity: effective treatment requires change in payers' perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is an increasing problem in the United States, and the health
      problems attributed to it have a significant economic impact on the healthcare
      system, as well as on patients' quality of life. In addition, childhood obesity
      is increasingly becoming a prominent diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To identify physician
      and payer reactions to the profiles of 4 new obesity products in development and
      the potential that these will be prescribed by physicians and reimbursed by
      payers. This article examines payers' and physicians' perspectives in effective
      treatment options for this epidemic. METHOD: A 2008 online survey conducted by
      Reimbursement Intelligence was completed by 42 physicians who are advisors to
      Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees and see an average of 435 obese patients
      monthly, as well as 17 payers who represent more than 100 million covered lives.
      This research was double blinded to conceal product and client identification.
      Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from the survey responses.
      RESULTS: Based on the physician and payer survey responses, morbid obesity is
      expected to grow in the next 2 years. About 80% of morbidly obese patients have
      type 2 diabetes, but more than 75% of payers do not track patients who are obese,
      morbidly obese, or those with the metabolic syndrome. Despite its effect on
      business productivity and the cost of care, healthcare professionals and payers
      continue to have varying perspectives related to its prevention and treatment.
      Physicians would like to have more treatment options, but payers perceive them as
      ineffective and find the safety and adverse effect profiles unfavorable.
      CONCLUSION: There is a clear need for multiple treatment alternatives to combat
      obesity that include plan member access to weight-loss options, such as
      prescription medications and bariatric surgery. There needs to be an increase in
      educational support from manufacturers of products for obesity, as well as
      increased awareness of products in the pipeline.

PMID- 25126311
TI  - Health insurance premium increases for the 5 largest school districts in the
      United States, 2004-2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Local school districts are often one of the largest, if not the
      largest, employers in their respective communities. Like many large employers,
      school districts offer health insurance to their employees. There is a lack of
      information about the rate of health insurance premiums in US school districts
      relative to other employers. OBJECTIVE: To assess the change in the costs of
      healthcare insurance in the 5 largest public school districts in the United
      States, between 2004 and 2008, as representative of large public employers in the
      country. METHODS: Data for this study were drawn exclusively from a survey sent
      to the 5 largest public school districts in the United States. The survey
      requested responses on 3 data elements for each benefit plan offered from 2004
      through 2008; these included enrollment, employee costs, and employer costs.
      RESULTS: The premium growth for the 5 largest school districts has slowed down
      and is consistent with other purchasers-Kaiser/Health Research & Educational
      Trust and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program. The average increase in
      health insurance premium for the schools was 5.9% in 2008, and the average annual
      growth rate over the study period was 7.5%. For family coverage, these schools
      provide the most generous employer contribution (80.8%) compared with the
      employer contribution reported by other employers (73.5%) for 2008. CONCLUSIONS:
      Often the largest employers in their communities, school districts demonstrate a
      commitment to provide choice of benefits and affordability for employees and
      their families. Despite constraints typical of public employers, the 5 largest
      school districts in the United States have decelerated in premium growth
      consistent with other purchasers, albeit at a slower pace.

PMID- 25126312
TI  - First anti-inflammatory generic drug promising new therapy for diabetes.

PMID- 25126313
TI  - Evolving trends in insulin delivery in pursuit of improvements in diabetes
      management.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus affects 23.6 million Americans and its incidence is rapidly
      increasing, particularly in older, overweight patients. Large-scale studies
      conclusively show that elevated blood glucose levels are associated with an
      increased risk for microvascular complications, such as retinopathy and
      nephropathy. The high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with this
      disease, and the costs associated with it, underscore the importance of effective
      glycemic control. Conventional syringe/vial insulin delivery is associated with
      many barriers for patients with diabetes mellitus and for their healthcare
      providers. Substantial developments in insulin delivery show promise in
      overcoming these barriers. New technologies in insulin delivery focus on
      increasing patient convenience, reducing the frequency of daily injections, and
      improving glycemic control. This article outlines the challenges associated with
      conventional insulin delivery and describes recent developments that may help to
      overcome these barriers and, ultimately, could enhance glycemic control. 

PMID- 25126314
TI  - Healthcare costs associated with switching from brand to generic levothyroxine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controversy exists over the true therapeutic equivalence of branded
      and generic levothyroxine-the drug of choice for treating hypothyroidism-so
      professional societies recommend against switching between different formulations
      of the drug and suggest that patients who do switch be monitored. Payers
      typically encourage switching to generic drugs because of lower drug acquisition
      costs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of switching levothyroxine formulations
      on actual healthcare costs. METHODS: Patients with hypothyroidism and at least 6
      months of branded levothyroxine therapy were identified from a large healthcare
      claims database. Patients who subsequently switched to another levothyroxine
      formulation and could be followed for 6 months postswitch were matched to
      demographically similar patients who were continuous users of branded
      levothyroxine. Pre- and postswitch healthcare costs for each group were compared.
      RESULTS: The savings in prescription drug costs after switching from branded to
      generic levothyroxine are offset by increases in costs for other healthcare
      services, such that switching is actually associated with an increase, not a
      decrease, in total healthcare costs. CONCLUSION: In the absence of cost-savings,
      there is no clear rationale for switching patients from brand to generic
      levothyroxine.

PMID- 25126316
TI  - Accountable care organizations in the era of healthcare reform.
AB  - Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of 2010, Medicare
      providers, including physician groups and hospitals, will soon have the option to
      form accountable care organizations (ACOs) to improve quality and efficiency. ACO
      participants may share financial gains generated from improved clinical and
      economic performance, provided that quality goals and patient safeguards are met.
      Through future regulations, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
      must implement the ACO option no later than January 1, 2012. In this interview,
      Dr Mark B. McClellan, former CMS Administrator and US Food and Drug
      Administration Commissioner, discusses the extraordinary implications of the new
      ACO option for improving patient care and reducing unnecessary costs. 

PMID- 25126315
TI  - Pay-for-Performance Initiatives: Modest Benefits for Improving Healthcare
      Quality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pay-for-performance initiatives have been suggested as a way to
      improve the quality of patient care and provide incentives to improve providers'
      performance. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has endorsed such
      programs to improve quality of care. OBJECTIVE: To examine the state of quality
      initiatives endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in which
      institutions, provider groups, and physicians are awarded incentives based on
      adherence to composite metrics. METHOD: A literature search was conducted using
      the keywords "pay-for-performance," "quality improvement," "medical errors," and
      "physician incentive plans." RESULTS: Although quality of care has improved in
      healthcare settings that engage in pay-for-performance initiatives, what can be
      attributed to payer-incentive programs is uncertain. Studies demonstrate that, of
      the 25 hospitals classified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to be
      in the lowest decile of quality improvements, all still made significant progress
      in adhering to quality metrics after participation in the study. Financial
      rewards, however, were distributed based on a predetermined threshold established
      by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to be given only to participants
      who fell in the top 2 deciles. Penalties were incurred by the 51 hospitals that
      were within the bottom 2 deciles despite making substantial improvements. At such
      institutions, large minority communities and Medicaid populations comprise the
      patient populations. Other pay-for-performance schemes, such as employer-based
      purchasing, consumer health-spending accounts, and collaborative groups, were
      studied, with little data to support definite benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Examining
      rates of improvement in adherence to pay-for-performance initiatives when
      determining how to distribute financial rewards should be studied alongside the
      current classification by absolute deciles. By rewarding rates of improvement,
      potential elimination of quality disparities for hospitals that serve large
      Medicaid and minority populations can be achieved, because such organizations are
      encouraged to invest in quality improvement as a result of substantial progress
      made. Although alternative strategies like employer-driven value-based purchasing
      and collaboratives seem promising, the long-term effects of such initiatives
      still need to be studied. Creating greater financial incentives for individual
      providers to participate in pay-for-performance programs for many years to come
      will remain a challenge.

PMID- 25126317
TI  - Expect the unexpected: a role for behavioral economics in understanding the
      impact of cost-sharing on emergency department utilization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: AS EMPLOYERS AND PAYERS ADDRESS INCREASING HEALTHCARE COSTS, THEY
      RESORT TO THE TENETS OF CLASSICAL ECONOMICS: if one increases the price for a
      service (defined as an individual's cost-sharing), then that individual's demand
      for services should decrease. This, however, may not necessarily be true, and
      raises the question of whether increased cost-sharing for emergency department
      services will lead to decreased utilization of those services as would be
      expected in classical economics. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of emergency
      department cost-sharing on patient utilization of emergency department services.
      METHOD: In 2002, we retrospectively reviewed 2001 claims and identified 797
      members who have had at least 2 nonemergent visits to the emergency department.
      This cohort was comprised of members with high emergency department utilization
      patterns who also had potentially differing emergency department copayment
      changes from one health insurance plan year to the next. Participants had to be
      covered by Humana for a minimum of 12 consecutive months. Of the original cohort,
      415 remained covered by Humana after the end of the first year, 322 remained
      covered after the second year, and 194 after the end of the third year. After
      completions of three 12-month blocks of time with appropriate claims run out, we
      assessed changes in the cohort's emergency department encounters from the
      previous year to the current year relative to emergency department copayment
      changes, using matched pairs t-test. RESULTS: Surprisingly, in the first 12
      months, reductions in emergency department copayments resulted in decreases in
      patient utilization (-58.3% change, P <.007), and increases in emergency
      department copayment resulted in an increased utilization (1096.0% change, P
      <.001). This unexpected trend continued in the second and third periods. Overall,
      in our cohort, increases in emergency department copayments were significantly
      associated with increased emergency department encounters by different
      individuals in each of the 3 study periods. In contrast, in the 2 groups with no
      increases in emergency department copayments, utilization of these services
      decreased or remained flat. CONCLUSION: When assessing the need for emergency
      department services, many factors besides cost play a role in choosing to obtain
      emergency department care, including individual assessments of the probability of
      a given illness and the financial or temporal implications for the care sought in
      terms of "gains" or "losses" relative to a reference point. Behavioral economics
      can therefore play a role in understanding why healthcare consumers behave as
      they do. The implications of behavioral economics need to be factored in when
      considering a healthcare benefit design.

PMID- 25126318
TI  - The new accountable care organizations and medicare gain-sharing program.

PMID- 25126320
TI  - Enhanced Generic Utilization Saved US Healthcare $139.6 Billion in 2009.

PMID- 25126319
TI  - Effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents in the treatment of rheumatoid
      arthritis: observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies in rheumatoid
      arthritis has been demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. The purpose of the
      present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of these agents for the treatment
      of rheumatoid arthritis in a real-world setting. METHOD: This retrospective chart
      review included patients from 6 clinics in the United States. Eligibility
      criteria included age >=18 years, diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and having
      been initiated with anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy (ie, adalimumab,
      etanercept, or infliximab) between January 1, 2002, and November 30, 2004.
      Patients were assessed for up to 2 years after therapy initiation. Primary
      outcomes of interest were improvements in 4 effectiveness measures-joint pain,
      joint swelling, joint stiffness, and fatigue. A total of 496 patients met the
      study's inclusion criteria: 84 (16.9%) in the adalimumab group, 146 (29.4%) in
      the etanercept group, and 266 (53.6%) in the infliximab group. RESULTS:
      Improvement in 1 of the 4 effectiveness measures was documented in 36.8% (n = 25)
      who received adalimumab, in 47.7% (n = 62) of those who received etanercept, and
      in 48.7% (n = 115) of patients who received infliximab. The infliximab group was
      the only cohort to demonstrate significant improvements from baseline in joint
      pain, joint swelling, and joint stiffness. The adalimumab group had significant
      improvement in joint pain (P = .004). No significant change in fatigue scores was
      reached with any of these agents. CONCLUSION: In the real-world setting of
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis, anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy shows
      significant improvements in joint pain, joint swelling, and joint stiffness,
      although there are differences in effectiveness in the 4 measures among the 3
      agents assessed in this study.

PMID- 25126321
TI  - Comparing medical cost of care for patients with metastatic breast cancer
      receiving taxane therapy: claims analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been estimated that more than $8 billion is spent annually on
      the management of breast cancer in the United States. The taxane chemotherapeutic
      agents are cornerstones in the treatment of breast cancer, yet no study has
      assessed whether the choice of a taxane affects the economic outcomes of
      metastatic breast cancer treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine if differences exist
      in the medical cost of care in patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy for
      metastatic breast cancer, and to compare the use of ancillary medications (for
      neutropenia, anemia, and nausea and vomiting) and their associated costs among
      taxanes. METHOD: We identified women with metastatic breast cancer based on
      diagnosis codes and the women's previous adjuvant chemotherapeutic regimens. Paid
      medical insurance claims were captured for the 24-month study period, from
      January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2007. The groups were determined according
      to the specific taxane administered. Total medical costs were captured from the
      date of first taxane administration to the end of data availability. Outpatient
      pharmacy costs were not available. A multivariate analysis was used to evaluate
      the total medical costs in each group. Median total medical costs per patient per
      month during the study period were adjusted using a multiple regression analysis.
      Utilization and cost of medications administered in the office or hospital for
      chemotherapy-induced adverse effects were captured and adjusted with Tobit
      models. RESULTS: Of the 2245 study participants, 1035 received docetaxel, 997
      received generic paclitaxel, and 213 received nab-paclitaxel. On average,
      patients in the nab-paclitaxel group received more doses (9.6) than those in the
      generic paclitaxel (6.0) or docetaxel (4.8) groups. The multivariate analysis was
      robust, explaining 72% of the variability in total medical costs across the 3
      taxane groups. Median per-patient per-month total medical costs for study
      participants were within approximately $800 of each other among the groups.
      Generic paclitaxel had the lowest total medical costs. The total costs for
      docetaxel and nab-paclitaxel were not significantly different. Nab-paclitaxel had
      the lowest utilization and lowest costs associated with colony-stimulating
      factors. The proportion of patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents
      was not significantly different among the 3 drugs, but the costs for these agents
      were significantly lower in patients receiving nab-paclitaxel than in those
      receiving docetaxel. Antiemetic use was highest in the docetaxel group, but the
      costs for antiemetics were not different among the 3 taxane groups. CONCLUSION:
      The differences in total medical costs among the 3 taxanes were modest. Total
      medical costs were lowest for patients receiving generic paclitaxel and
      comparable between the docetaxel and nab-paclitaxel groups. Patients taking nab
      paclitaxel received more doses than patients taking the other taxanes. Nab
      paclitaxel was associated with lower utilization and costs for colony-stimulating
      factors compared with generic paclitaxel and docetaxel.

PMID- 25126322
TI  - The impact of healthcare reform on payers' products, provider reimbursement, and
      member engagement.

PMID- 25126323
TI  - The current state of bundled payments.

PMID- 25126324
TI  - Assessment of medicare part d communications to beneficiaries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Older Americans receive healthcare benefits through the federal
      Medicare program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides
      comprehensive information to Medicare beneficiaries regarding benefits, plan
      options, and enrollment policies primarily through the annual Medicare & You
      handbook and the Medicare website. Few studies have assessed the overall
      readability and, therefore, the usefulness of this handbook for adequately
      educating beneficiaries. Healthcare communications written at higher levels than
      the readers' comprehension levels cannot be well understood. OBJECTIVE: To
      measure the readability of the 2008 Medicare & You handbook provided to all
      Medicare beneficiaries. METHOD: For our analysis, the 2008 version of the
      Medicare & You handbook was downloaded from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
      Services website. Passages of >=250 words were saved individually in Windows
      Notepad as text files. Shorter passages (ie, <250 words) were combined with the
      next continuing passage. Each file was then uploaded into the Internet-based
      Lexile analyzer (the Lexile Framework for Reading). Figures, pictures, and tables
      were not included in the analysis. RESULTS: Approximately 70% of analyzed
      passages were written at approximately the 5th- to 12th-grade levels (Lexile
      scores: 790L-1290L), whereas 30% of the passages were written at levels above
      grade 12 (Lexile scores: 1310L-1910L). CONCLUSION: Medicare beneficiaries who
      have less than a high-school level education may find the passages analyzed in
      this study difficult to read and comprehend as discussed, indicating the need for
      simplified communication. Our study provides recommendations to improve the
      handbook for better comprehension by beneficiaries.

PMID- 25126326
TI  - FDA's Approval Process Borne Out by a Large Study: But Communicating Generics'
      Safety and Efficacy to the Public Leaves Much to Be Desired.

PMID- 25126325
TI  - A comparison of drug formularies and the potential for cost-savings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brand-name drug costs have been escalating in the United States, and
      the reasons for this are not immediately clear. A lack of adequate and accurate
      information about drug effectiveness, safety, and cost has implications for drug
      utilization and cost. OBJECTIVE: To explore the extent to which health plan
      formularies were consistent with recommended drug listings and identify what
      would be the potential cost-savings on total drug expenditures if the utilization
      rate of the recommended therapies was increased. METHOD: This study compared
      publicly available recommended drug listings with the formularies of 8 major
      health plans in Minnesota. Data from 1 of the health plans underwent an in-depth
      case analysis to evaluate the potential impact on pharmaceutical expenditures,
      using increased utilization rate scenarios of the recommended drugs. RESULTS:
      Health plans were similar with respect to degree of coverage for the recommended
      drugs. However, the case analysis showed that by increasing the utilization rate
      of recommended drugs, a potential cost-savings of more than 50% could be realized
      for the evaluated health plan for some therapeutic categories. CONCLUSION: This
      study demonstrates an approach to assessing drug formularies using publicly
      available, recommended drug lists that incorporated evidence for effectiveness,
      safety, and cost. By using the application of this type of reliable information,
      formulary changes can be guided to incentivize value-based utilization for
      patient populations.

PMID- 25126328
TI  - Healthcare reform: quality outcomes measurement and reporting.

PMID- 25126327
TI  - Managing dyslipidemia in primary care with restricted access to lipid-modifying
      therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many patients with dyslipidemia do not achieve goal low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The barriers to achieving goal include inadequate
      assessment of cardiovascular risk status, medication cost, formulary
      restrictions, patient lack of adherence, and inadequate counseling time. Removing
      barriers may improve goal attainment and reduce the risk for cardiovascular
      events. OBJECTIVE: To identify opportunities to improve dyslipidemia management
      in primary care by examining low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment
      in patients with unrestricted or restricted access to lipid-modifying therapy.
      METHOD: A total of 5936 adult patients from a primary care practice with a low
      density lipoprotein measurement were categorized by coronary heart disease risk
      into 1 of 4 lipid-modifying therapy groups: unrestricted (fluvastatin,
      lovastatin, pravastatin, or simvastatin monotherapy); restricted (atorvastatin,
      rosuvastatin, or simvastatin/ezetimibe fixed-dose combination); other (lipid
      modifying combination statin therapy or a nonstatin lipid-modifying therapy); and
      no lipid-modifying therapy. The primary outcome was low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol goal attainment by lipid-modifying therapy group. Logistic regression
      identified associated demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS: In this cohort,
      78.1% of the patients achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal levels.
      Overall goal attainment rates were lower in the high and very high coronary heart
      disease risk categories, at 52.6% and 31.6%, respectively. For patients at
      elevated coronary heart disease risk (high or very high), the rates of low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment were 14 to 16 percentage points
      higher for patients receiving restricted lipid-modifying therapy compared with
      patients receiving unrestricted lipid-modifying therapy (high coronary heart
      disease risk: 68% vs 52%, respectively; very high coronary heart disease risk:
      42% vs 28%, respectively). Increasing age, male sex, and use of restricted lipid
      modifying therapy were significantly associated with improved low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment. Of the 1298 patients who were not at low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol goal, 54.1% were not receiving any lipid
      modifying therapy. For each coronary heart disease risk category, there was a
      significantly higher percent utilization of unrestricted lipid-modifying therapy
      compared with restricted lipid-modifying therapy (P <.001). CONCLUSION: A
      significant number of patients at elevated risk for coronary heart disease remain
      untreated or have low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels above target.
      Removing barriers to the use of restricted lipid-modifying agents in patients at
      risk for heart disease provides an opportunity to improve low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol levels.

PMID- 25126329
TI  - Implications of the new political realities on healthcare reform.
AB  - With the recent change in power in the US House of Representatives that will take
      effect in January, questions arise regarding potential modifications to some
      features in the healthcare reform bill and its implementation. With many
      provisions scheduled to take effect between 2011 and 2014, the political
      implications of the elections have an immediate practical relevance to health
      plans, employers, and other healthcare stakeholders. American Health & Drug
      Benefits discussed some of these issues with Dan Mendelson, who served in the
      Clinton administration between 1997 and 2000, when there was a similar division
      of party power between Congress and the administration. 

PMID- 25126330
TI  - Engaging providers in medication adherence: a health plan case study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to treatment regimens is a common, costly, and complex
      problem that is often overlooked in a busy primary care setting. OBJECTIVE: The
      goals of this study were to raise providers' awareness of nonadherence among
      their patients, to identify the reasons for lack of adherence, and engage
      physicians in addressing these barriers. METHOD: Five primary care practices
      agreed to participate. The project began in the fall of 2008 with a therapy gap
      analysis, using prescription drug data from the previous 18 months to identify
      nonadherent patients. Initially, 237 members were identified as potential
      nonadherent patients. Each practice was presented with the data related to its
      patients; the group then narrowed its sample using a chart review and/or patient
      outreach. Each practice had to determine the barriers to adherence, and was then
      asked to create action steps to improve patient adherence based on the group's
      unique results and the specific patient population. RESULTS: Barriers to
      adherence identified included prescription drug cost, multiple medications and
      dosing schedules, and patient as well as family level of understanding and
      acceptance of disease state. Each group gained an awareness of nonadherence as it
      related to their patients. For example, in the internal medicine practice, 33% (n
      = 17) of the patients reported stopping their medication because of cost. A
      common reason for poor adherence in the pediatric groups was that parents decided
      to stop their child's medication on weekends and in the summer, without a
      physician's recommendation. Using such feedback, each practice then developed its
      own methods to improve medication adherence within its patient population.
      CONCLUSION: Although the final numbers in this case study were small, the
      providers gained valuable insights regarding nonadherence in their practice. This
      study shows the importance of engaging providers in medication adherence as a way
      to improve this common problem. Making this universal issue a personal problem
      for providers is key to overcoming many of the adherence barriers.

PMID- 25126331
TI  - Moving beyond good intentions: making collaborative care a successful reality.

PMID- 25126332
TI  - The h-e-B value-based health management program: impact on asthma medication
      adherence and healthcare cost.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent publications have shown that copayment reductions increase
      medication adherence above the effects of existing disease management programs,
      demonstrating an additive effect of combining a value-based insurance design with
      a disease management program. This effect, however, has yet to be demonstrated
      for medications used for the treatment of asthma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      impact of a value-based health management asthma program-which included providing
      patient education and lowering copayments for select asthma controller
      medications-on medication adherence and healthcare utilization and costs. STUDY
      DESIGN: The study involved a quasi-experimental intervention versus control group
      design of insured patients diagnosed with asthma. METHOD: After applying the
      inclusion/exclusion criteria for study participation, we obtained informed
      consent from the intervention group; those eligible to participate who did not
      return the forms served as the control group. The final sample size included 764
      patients with asthma-298 in the intervention group and 466 in the control group.
      The intervention consisted of a reduction in copayment for select asthma
      controller medications from an average of $20 to $30 down to $5, as well as 3
      mailings of educational materials for asthma management. Medical and pharmacy
      claims data for the study population were used to evaluate all study parameters
      and outcomes. Medication possession ratio was used to measure adherence to asthma
      controller medications. Statistical models were used to study differences in the
      2 study groups during the 12-month follow-up period for adherence and cost
      outcomes. RESULTS: Participation in the value-based health management asthma
      program increased patients' 12-month medication adherence by 10 absolute
      percentage points in the intervention group (53.9% for intervention vs 43.9% for
      control group, P <.001) and significantly decreased average monthly medical costs
      ($170 intervention vs $229 control, P = .004). This increase in adherence
      resulted in greater monthly pharmacy costs ($181 intervention vs $124 control, P
      <.001). However, the increase in pharmacy costs was offset by lower medical
      costs, leading to a nonsignificant increase in average monthly total healthcare
      costs ($362 intervention vs $337 control, P = .276). CONCLUSION: Adoption of a
      value-based health management program that combines patient education with
      lowered copayments has a positive impact on medication adherence, resulting in a
      reduction in associated medical costs and no significant increase in total costs.

PMID- 25126333
TI  - When information is insufficient: inspiring patients for medication adherence and
      the role of social support networking.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A report presented by the RAND Corporation for the Agency for
      Healthcare Research and Quality recommends that patient self-management programs
      should include supportive coaching, and the World Health Organization has
      suggested that the enhancement of patient motivation and behavioral skills is
      crucial to increasing patient care adherence. The US healthcare reform
      legislation also provides incentives for evidence-based activities (eg, coaching)
      that promote healthy behaviors. OBJECTIVES: To review the current research on
      evidence-based coaching methods and their impact on medication adherence, as well
      as offer practical applications for such coaching interventions. DISCUSSION: The
      authors review the role of medication adherence in reducing the burden of chronic
      diseases, using the definitions of coaching and Network Coaching as a starting
      point for interventions that can enhance providers' skills in motivating patients
      to improve their treatment adherence. Practical examples are included throughout
      the article to illustrate the benefits of these coaching methods for patients and
      providers. The mnemonic COPE is used to assist providers in the recall of 4
      significant coaching and Network Coaching concepts-connectedness and
      collaboration, open-ended questions, positive attitude, and encourage support.
      Following COPE can reinforce physicians and pharmacists in their attempt to
      improve patient medication adherence. CONCLUSION: The article presents healthcare
      providers, including physicians and pharmacists, with a rationale for developing
      evidence-based coaching skills and offers suggestions for the application of key
      coaching concepts.

PMID- 25126334
TI  - Postapproval Development Options in COPD: A Case Study in Value-Based Healthcare
      Systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research and development activities in an era of globalization
      encounter a mosaic of providers, products, services, and intermediaries;
      regulatory and other government institutions; and consumers. The introduction of
      novel therapeutics into this environment mandates research programs that are
      relevant to the registration process, payers and purchasers, transparent pricing,
      and rule-driven business practices, while providing data relevant to marketing
      initiatives internationally. OBJECTIVE: To outline an example for clinical
      development programs that incorporate the perspective of multiple stakeholders
      into a portfolio of study designs to provide optimal data platforms that can
      resonate with diverse recipients. DISCUSSION: A contract research organization
      directly involved in the design, execution, and analysis of clinical trials for
      new drugs and devices across pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies provides
      a unique perspective regarding opportunities and challenges within the
      international clinical research environment. Drs Murphy, Antonini, and Lai,
      representing Worldwide Clinical Trials, utilize chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease as a demonstration project exploiting its prevalence, direct and indirect
      costs, and the rapid infusion/diffusion of innovative therapy into practice as a
      rationale for focus, and illustrate methods of informing registration and
      technology assessments during a prototypical development process. CONCLUSION: By
      virtue of its chronicity, prevalence, and pattern of healthcare utilization,
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease provides an ideal case for illustrating the
      application of clinical trial methodology that can facilitate data evaluation
      through the prism of multiple stakeholders. Adding an international dimension
      exacerbates system complexity and serves to illustrate the breadth of issues that
      can be addressed within this therapeutic area.

PMID- 25126335
TI  - Perspectives in value-based insurance design for patients with diabetes:
      assessment and application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Value-based insurance design initiatives have been developed in an
      effort to reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve health quality. Value
      based insurance design promotes the use of services or therapies that have been
      shown to have clinical benefits that outweigh the cost, such as encouraging
      medication adherence, and discourages those that produce results that do not
      justify the cost. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this analysis is to determine the impact
      of value-based insurance design as it relates specifically to drug therapy,
      including adherence, for patients with diabetes. METHOD: This article analyzes
      data collected by Milliman, a large actuarial group, using MedStat claims,
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, and its own 2008 health cost
      guidelines to develop an actuarial assessment of value-based insurance design
      programs for diabetes care and therapy. This assessment models the impact that
      copay structures and other management techniques have on adherence and
      incremental costs. The model provides a framework for assessing the value of
      benefits and directs patients toward cost-effective services supported by strong
      evidence-based medicine. DISCUSSION: Analysis of actuarial modeling shows that
      adjusting patient copayment designs is in line with other value-based approaches
      designed to improve patient care and reduce long-term costs. Evidence from value
      based insurance design initiatives suggests that reducing patient copayment has
      the potential to improve clinical outcomes, including medication adherence, and
      reduce overall healthcare costs. CONCLUSION: This analysis, coupled with results
      from other value-based insurance design initiatives and related research,
      provides support for employers and health insurance plans to consider adopting
      value-based insurance design programs for patients with diabetes to improve
      quality of care, while potentially reducing healthcare costs.

PMID- 25126337
TI  - First Generic ARB Approval Draws a Wave of Comparative Studies.

PMID- 25126336
TI  - Addressing Costs and Continuity of Care through Innovative Solutions for Infused
      Therapies: A Collaborative Experience with Infliximab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infused therapies are becoming more common as pharmaceutical and
      biotechnology companies increasingly focus their research and development efforts
      on biologic agents. OBJECTIVE: To understand how collaborative efforts among a
      health plan, providers, and specialty pharmacies can improve the efficiency of
      delivering infused therapies, using the example of a pilot program in southern
      Ohio for the administration of infliximab. METHODS: In October 2008, the authors
      conducted one-on-one, in-person interviews with representatives of a health plan,
      a specialty pharmacy, and the 3 largest gastroenterology practices in a southern
      Ohio community that collaborated to develop an innovative pilot program for
      delivering infliximab for patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a cost
      effective manner in the office setting. The 2 health plan and 1 specialty
      pharmacy representatives were directly involved with the development and
      implementation of the program. Gastroenterology practice representatives included
      3 practice managers, 2 infusion nurses, 2 billing managers, and 1
      precertification specialist. RESULTS: The interviews revealed the opportunities
      and challenges associated with managing infused therapies, as well as the
      potential unintended consequences of unilateral action by health plans. As a
      result of changes introduced by a local health plan in southern Ohio, 3 of the
      largest gastroenterology practices in the region decided to discontinue in-office
      infliximab infusions for their patients and send them to local hospital
      outpatient infusion centers. However, before the implementation of this policy, a
      new collaboration between the health plan, the 3 practices, and the health plan's
      specialty pharmacy enabled these practices to continue to provide this medication
      in their offices. This collaboration avoided cost increases to all involved by
      preventing the shift of patients to hospital outpatient departments and allowing
      patients to continue their care in the office setting. CONCLUSION: It will become
      increasingly important for payers to develop and support cost-effective ways to
      provide physicians and patients with access to infused medications. This pilot
      program shows the benefits of collaboration among healthcare stakeholders to
      identify innovative solutions for delivering appropriate office-based infusion
      therapy. The specific approach that is most appropriate for a specific health
      plan will depend on the unique local market circumstances.

PMID- 25126338
TI  - Five steps healthcare leaders can take to address childhood obesity.

PMID- 25126339
TI  - Comparative effectiveness research in the United States: a catalyst for
      innovation.
AB  - Recent calls for value in the US healthcare system have spurred an increase in
      comparative effectiveness research, which generates evidence on competing
      treatment options to inform healthcare stakeholders. As a large healthcare
      purchaser, the federal government has made several significant investments in
      comparative effectiveness research. Notably, in 2009 the American Recovery and
      Reinvestment Act allocated $1.1 billion for comparative effectiveness research,
      and in 2010 the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act established a federal
      institute to organize the federal investment in comparative effectiveness
      research going forward. Over the past several years, comparative effectiveness
      research from the public and private sectors has begun to provide a foundation
      for innovation within the insurance and life sciences industries. Health plans
      and other payers are experimenting with nuanced coverage and reimbursement
      policies informed by comparative effectiveness evidence. Anticipating changes in
      payer, patient, and provider behaviors, drug manufacturers are refocusing their
      efforts on the development of novel and better-differentiated medications. As
      more comparative research becomes available in the future, continued innovation
      in payer and manufacturer strategies appears likely. 

PMID- 25126341
TI  - Recent trends in the dispensing of 90-day-supply prescriptions at retail
      pharmacies: implications for improved convenience and access.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mail-service pharmacies offer consumers the convenience of
      prescriptions filled with a 90-day supply of medication. Unlike mail-service
      pharmacies, retail pharmacies traditionally dispensed maintenance medication
      prescriptions with a 30-day supply. However, the retail landscape changed in May
      2008 with Walmart's announcement of an extension of its $4 Prescription Program
      to include 90-day-supply prescriptions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate recent changes in
      access to and use of 90-day-supply maintenance medications dispensed via retail
      pharmacy. SUMMARY: As of the first quarter of 2007, the proportion of retail
      dispensed maintenance medications with a 90-day supply (compared with all
      maintenance prescriptions dispensed) among Medicare Part D plans, self-insured
      employers, and private health plans was 5.1%, 5.1%, and 5.0%, respectively. As of
      December 2009, this ratio had risen to 8.0% for Medicare plans and 8.1% for
      commercial health plans; the ratio among employers had risen more modestly to
      6.1%. Of particular interest and importance, the proportion increased similarly
      for brand and for generic medications. CONCLUSION: There has been substantial
      growth in 90-day prescriptions dispensed via retail pharmacy, a trend that is
      likely to continue as more insurance providers adopt compatible benefit designs.
      It is important to continue monitoring these trends and to identify opportunities
      to rigorously evaluate their impact on medication adherence and healthcare costs.

PMID- 25126340
TI  - Comparing treatment persistence, healthcare resource utilization, and costs in
      adult patients with major depressive disorder treated with escitalopram or
      citalopram.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder is the most common type of depression,
      affecting 6.6% of adults in the United States annually. Citalopram and
      escitalopram are common second-generation antidepressants used for the treatment
      of patients with this disorder. Because citalopram is available in generic forms
      that have lower acquisition costs compared with the branded escitalopram, some
      health plans may provide incentives to encourage the use of the generic option.
      Decisions based solely on drug acquisition costs may encourage the use of a
      therapy that is less cost-effective when treatment persistence, healthcare
      utilization, and overall costs are factored in. OBJECTIVE: To compare, in a real
      world setting, the treatment persistence, healthcare utilization, and overall
      costs of managing adult patients with major depressive disorder who are treated
      with escitalopram or citalopram. METHODS: Administrative claims data (from
      January 1, 2003, to June 30, 2005) were analyzed for patients with major
      depressive disorder aged >=18 years. Patients filled >=1 prescriptions for
      citalopram or for escitalopram (first-fill time was defined as the index date)
      and had no second-generation antidepressant use during the 6-month preindex
      period. Treatment persistence, healthcare utilization, and healthcare costs were
      measured over the 6-month preindex and 6-month postindex periods and compared
      between patients treated with citalopram or escitalopram, using unadjusted and
      multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Patients receiving escitalopram (N = 10,465) were
      less likely to discontinue the treatment (hazard ratio 0.94; P = .005) and switch
      to another second-generation antidepressant (hazard ratio 0.83; P <.001) than
      patients receiving citalopram (N = 4212). Patients receiving escitalopram were
      also less likely to have a hospital admission (odds ratio 0.88; P = .036) or an
      emergency department visit and had lower total healthcare costs (-$1174) and
      major depressive disorder-related costs (-$109; P <.001) during the study period.
      CONCLUSION: Although the drug acquisition costs are lower for generic citalopram
      than for the brand-name escitalopram, patients treated with escitalopram had
      better treatment persistence, lower healthcare utilization, and lower overall
      costs compared with patients treated with citalopram over the study period. This
      may suggest that other considerations, in addition to acquisition cost, may need
      to be factored in to assess the cost-effectiveness of drug therapy.

PMID- 25126343
TI  - New economic analysis zeroes in on low generic utilization and waste in medicaid.

PMID- 25126344
TI  - CMS Invites Feedback on the Proposed Accountable Care Organizations Rules.

PMID- 25126342
TI  - Strategies to prevent opioid misuse, abuse, and diversion that may also reduce
      the associated costs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of prescription opioid drugs has the potential to lead to
      patient abuse of these medications, addiction, and diversion. Such an abuse is
      associated with increased costs because of excessive healthcare utilization.
      Finding ways to minimize the risk for abuse and addiction can enhance patient
      outcomes and reduce costs to patients and to payers. OBJECTIVE: To review current
      strategies that may reduce the risk for misuse and abuse of opioid medications,
      which in turn can enhance patient outcomes and lower costs to health insurers and
      patients. DISCUSSION: Implementing approaches that will encourage the use of safe
      practices (universal precautions) in pain management by providers can reduce the
      risk for abuse and misuse associated with chronic pain medications, especially
      opioids. These approaches include, but are not limited to, extensive physician
      and patient education regarding these medications and their associated risks for
      abuse; the development of prescription monitoring programs to detect physician or
      pharmacy shopping; the detection of inappropriate prescribing and medical errors;
      the use of physician-patient contracts concerning opioid treatment; the
      requirement of presenting a photo identification to pick up an opioid
      prescription at the pharmacy; urine drug toxicology screening; provisions for
      safe disposal of unused opioids; referrals to pain and addiction specialists; and
      potentially encouraging the use of opioid formulations aimed at reducing abuse.
      CONCLUSION: Supporting such approaches by health insurers and educating providers
      and patients on the risks associated with chronic pain medications can help
      minimize the risk of prescription opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion; reduce
      health services utilization associated with opioid abuse; improve patient
      outcomes; and reduce overall costs.

PMID- 25126345
TI  - The patient-centered medical home: an essential destination on the road to
      reform.

PMID- 25126347
TI  - Systematic health management: the time has come to do the right thing for each
      person.

PMID- 25126346
TI  - Utilization, spending, and price trends for short- and long-acting Beta-agonists
      and inhaled corticosteroids in the medicaid program, 1991-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that afflicts millions of
      people and accounts for substantial utilization of healthcare resources in most
      industrialized countries, including in the United States. However, the exact cost
      and utilization of anti-asthma medications in Medicaid in the past 2 decades have
      not been well studied. Considering the safety issues surrounding the long-acting
      beta-agonists, guideline updates, and the increase in asthma prevalence,
      understanding anti-asthma medication prescribing trends is important to payers
      and patients. GOAL: The purpose of this study was to analyze the utilization and
      spending trends for anti-asthmatic agents in the US Medicaid program over the
      past 2 decades. METHODS: This study was based on a retrospective, descriptive
      analysis of trends in utilization of and spending on anti-asthma medications,
      including short-acting beta-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta
      agonists, and inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist combinations.
      Quarterly utilization and expenditure data were obtained from the national
      Medicaid pharmacy files provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
      from quarter 1 of 1991 through quarter 2 of 2010. Average reimbursement per
      prescription was calculated each quarter as a proxy for drug price. RESULTS: The
      total number of prescriptions for the studied anti-asthma medications rose from
      8.9 million in 1991 to 15.6 million in 2009, peaking at 20.8 million in 2005, the
      year before Medicare and Medicaid dual-eligible beneficiaries were moved to
      Medicare Part D. From 1991 to 2009, Medicaid spending on anti-asthma medications
      overall rose from $180.7 million to $1.3 billion, and spending on inhaled
      corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist combinations rose from $52.8 million in
      2001-their first year on the market-to $411.7 million in 2009. The average price
      per prescription has risen in all the anti-asthma drug classes: overall, spending
      per prescription has increased 4-fold between 1991 and 2009, significantly faster
      than the consumer price index (57.5%) over the same period. In quarter 2 of 2010,
      Medicaid spent more on the combination medication fluticasone-salmeterol-$60
      million-than on any other anti-asthma medication. CONCLUSION: Anti-asthma
      medications are a major and growing expense for state Medicaid programs and can
      be expected to be the same for Medicare Part D in the future. Increased disease
      prevalence has in part contributed to the rise in pharmacotherapy cost.
      Nevertheless, drug therapy is crucial for managing asthma and asthma
      exacerbations.

PMID- 25126348
TI  - The economic impact of delaying 5-alpha reductase inhibitor therapy in men
      receiving treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacologic treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated
      with benign prostatic hyperplasia often includes alpha-blockers and 5-alpha
      reductase inhibitors. Many clinicians use alpha-blockers for rapid symptom
      control, later adding 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to modify long-term disease
      progression. Delaying the addition of these medications has been shown to result
      in reduced clinical outcomes. The economic impact of this practice has not been
      widely studied or reported to date. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to
      assess the economic impact of delaying initiation of concomitant 5-alpha
      reductase inhibitor therapy (>=30 days) in patients receiving alpha-blockers for
      lower urinary tract symptoms. METHODS: Using 2 nationally representative
      databases (Integrated Health Care Information Solutions and PharMetrics), 2
      retrospective analyses were conducted involving 2636 and 4260 men, respectively,
      aged >=50 years treated for benign prostatic hyperplasia between 2000 and 2007.
      Economic outcomes (ie, the cost of therapy and the use of healthcare resources)
      were compared for adding 5-alpha reductase inhibitor therapy early (within <30
      days of initiating an alpha-blocker) versus delaying these medications (>=30 days
      after initiating an alpha-blocker). RESULTS: In the Integrated Health Care
      Information Solutions analysis, patients in the early add-on therapy group (n =
      1572) had lower benign prostatic hyperplasia-related medical costs in the
      posttreatment period than those in the delayed-therapy group (n = 1064), $349
      versus $618 (P <.0001). Similar trends were seen in the PharMetrics analysis-the
      medical costs in the early add-on therapy group (n = 2604) and delayed group (n =
      1656) were $344 versus $449, respectively (P <.001). Pharmacy costs were $1068
      for the early-treatment cohort and $989 for the delayed-treatment cohort for the
      Integrated Health Care Information Solutions database, yielding total costs of
      $1417 and $1606, respectively, for a $189 savings per patient over the initial
      year of treatment (P <.0001). In the PharMetrics analysis, pharmacy costs were
      $1391 for the early-treatment cohort and $1237 for the delayed-treatment cohort,
      resulting in total cost of $1735 and $1686, respectively, yielding $59 in
      additional costs per patient annually for those treated early (P = .8645).
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest that patients receiving 5-alpha reductase
      inhibitor therapy within 30 days after initiating alpha-blocker treatment have
      lower benign prostatic hyperplasia-related medical costs than those who start
      combination treatment later. The increase in pharmacy costs associated with early
      initiation of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor therapy resulted in total costs that
      were similar or significantly lower than those of delayed combination users.

PMID- 25126349
TI  - From a to z: medication cost-management strategies for disproportionate share
      hospitals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Harris County Hospital District, Houston, TX, is a publicly funded
      hospital system that provides care to residents of Harris County with a need
      based payment system. The Harris County Hospital District pharmacy department,
      with a drug budget of more than $75 million in fiscal year 2010, utilizes a
      closed formulary system that is managed by the Formulary Management and
      Pharmacoeconomics Service, along with the medical staff. This service is
      comprised of clinical pharmacists whose goal is to provide a comprehensive, safe,
      and cost-effective formulary. OBJECTIVE: To describe the unique formulary
      management process at a county hospital system and what makes this process cost
      effective, which may benefit pharmacy departments in institutions serving an
      indigent patient population. SUMMARY: The Harris County Hospital District drug
      formulary is overseen by the Pharmacy & Therapeutics committee, which is
      supported by 5 therapeutic subcommittees, including antimicrobials,
      cardiovascular, general formulary, central nervous system, and oncology. The
      Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee consists of a medical staff committee that is
      supported by clinical pharmacists, who serve as the facilitators of these 5
      subcommittees. Their responsibilities include the provision of drug information
      for formulary decisions, providing parameters to govern the use of certain
      medications, communicating changes to the formulary, conducting class reviews and
      medication utilization evaluations, coordinating annual pharmaceutical bids,
      reviewing and writing medication use policies and procedures, facilitating the
      use of cost-effective medications, and monitoring the use of medications in the
      hospital system. CONCLUSION: The processes incorporated by Harris County Hospital
      District in its formulary management are cost-effective and may be beneficial to
      other pharmacy departments, especially those institutions that serve an indigent
      patient population and are interested in cost-effective management strategies.

PMID- 25126350
TI  - Moving Beyond Medicare's ACOs to Accountable Care.

PMID- 25126351
TI  - The business case for payer support of a community-based health information
      exchange: a humana pilot evaluating its effectiveness in cost control for plan
      members seeking emergency department care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As emergency department utilization continues to increase, health
      plans must limit their cost exposure, which may be driven by duplicate testing
      and a lack of medical history at the point of care. Based on previous studies,
      health information exchanges (HIEs) can potentially provide health plans with the
      ability to address this need. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a
      community-based HIE in controlling plan costs arising from emergency department
      care for a health plan's members. Albert Tzeel. METHODS: The study design was
      observational, with an eligible population (N = 1482) of fully insured plan
      members who sought emergency department care on at least 2 occasions during the
      study period, from December 2008 through March 2010. Cost and utilization data,
      obtained from member claims, were matched to a list of persons utilizing the
      emergency department where HIE querying could have occurred. Eligible members
      underwent propensity score matching to create a test group (N = 326) in which the
      HIE database was queried in all emergency department visits, and a control group
      (N = 325) in which the HIE database was not queried in any emergency department
      visit. RESULTS: Post-propensity matching analysis showed that the test group
      achieved an average savings of $29 per emergency department visit compared with
      the control group. Decreased utilization of imaging procedures and diagnostic
      tests drove this cost-savings. CONCLUSIONS: When clinicians utilize HIE in the
      care of patients who present to the emergency department, the costs borne by a
      health plan providing coverage for these patients decrease. Although many factors
      can play a role in this finding, it is likely that HIEs obviate unnecessary
      service utilization through provision of historical medical information regarding
      specific patients at the point of care.

PMID- 25126353
TI  - Managing utilization by exception.

PMID- 25126352
TI  - Modeling costs and outcomes associated with a treatment algorithm for problem
      bleeding episodes in patients with severe hemophilia a and high-titer inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No evidence-based treatment guidelines are currently available for
      the treatment of problem bleedings in patients with hemophilia who develop
      clotting factor inhibitors. A treatment algorithm was developed previously to
      help providers optimize the approach to the treatment of this patient population.
      The algorithm provides the specific intervals between treatments; however, it
      does not specify dosing recommendations and does not offer insights into the
      likelihood of outcome improvements at each time interval. OBJECTIVE: To develop a
      model to analyze the impact on patient outcomes and costs of adhering to a
      current treatment algorithm for the 2 available clotting therapies to treat
      bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia who develop clotting factor
      inhibitors. METHODS: A simulation model was developed using a modified Delphi
      method approach based on a consensus opinion of an expert panel. The model was
      used to analyze the impact of following the available treatment algorithm on
      patient outcomes and costs. Treatment patterns and the likelihood of a resolved
      bleeding episode associated with following the treatment algorithm (ie,
      adherence) were compared with not following the algorithm (ie, nonadherence).
      This model assumed 2 scenarios in which treatment was initiated with each of the
      2 bypassing agents currently available, and clinical and economic outcomes were
      mapped for adhering to and not adhering to the consensus treatment algorithm.
      RESULTS: The simulation model shows that adhering to the treatment algorithm
      would result in 74.4% of patients improving at 72 hours compared with only 56.7%
      of patients when not adhering to the algorithm. According to this model,
      regardless of the bypassing agent used at initiation, adherence to the treatment
      algorithm would result in fewer patients requiring combined sequential therapy
      with the 2 bypassing agents for 3 days. In addition, using this analytic model,
      reducing the percentage of patients with hemophilia who required combined
      sequential therapy by 17.6% resulted in an average cost-savings of $16,305 per
      patient. CONCLUSION: Adherence to an algorithm in which treatment is altered at
      regular intervals based on a patient's clinical response has the potential to
      improve patient outcomes and reduce the number of nonresponsive patients
      requiring sequential therapy in patients with hemophilia who have clotting factor
      inhibitors and are experiencing problem bleeding episodes. >Adherence to the
      algorithm would also result in reduced costs to patients and payers.

PMID- 25126354
TI  - Anticoagulation Bridging Therapy Patterns in Patients Undergoing Total Hip or
      Total Knee Replacement in a US Health Plan: Real-World Observations and
      Implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The necessity for anticoagulant bridging therapy after joint
      replacement surgery is widely understood, but treatment administration patterns
      in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total hip replacement
      (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR) surgery during the hospital stay have yet
      to be examined. OBJECTIVE: To investigate anticoagulation thromboprophylaxis
      patterns, especially the use of anticoagulant bridging therapy and/or nonbridged
      treatment strategies, in patients undergoing THR/TKR surgery. METHODS: This
      retrospective study was based on a large hospital database linked with outpatient
      claims from 2005 through 2007. The study population included 1770 patients who
      were admitted for either THR or TKR surgery and were aged >=18 years on the date
      of the surgery, defined as the index date. Patients were required to have
      commercial insurance or Medicare coverage and be continuously enrolled in their
      health plan for at least 180 days before and 90 days after the index date. The
      data were analyzed retrospectively for risk-adjusted postsurgery VTE and major
      bleeding events among patients receiving anticoagulation thromboprophylaxis.
      Patterns of anticoagulant bridging therapy use were also assessed. A risk
      adjustment was performed using propensity score matching. RESULTS: Of 1770
      eligible patients, 1551 (88%) received anticoagulant VTE prophylaxis; 264 (15%)
      received combination low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin. Of these, 105
      (40%) patients were switched between the 2 monotherapies, and 159 (60%) received
      bridged (overlapping) prophylaxis. The overall rates of VTE and bleeding events
      were significantly lower with bridged therapy than with nonbridged therapy (5.8%
      vs 18.4%, respectively, for VTE, P <.02; 2.3% vs 4.60% for major bleeding, P =
      .41; 1.15% vs 8.05% for minor bleeding, P <.03). CONCLUSION: Although existing
      guidelines recommend anticoagulant bridging therapy after THR or TKR surgery, the
      limited data regarding anticoagulant bridging practice patterns suggest that
      patients who undergo such surgery do not receive adequate anticoagulant
      thromboprophylaxis immediately after discharge. Our findings suggest that
      increased use of bridging therapy after THR or TKR surgery may help improve
      postsurgery patient outcomes by reducing VTE and bleeding rates.

PMID- 25126355
TI  - Obesity in the workplace: impact on cardiovascular disease, cost, and utilization
      of care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In forecasting the future of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the
      American Heart Association calls for preventive strategies with particular
      attention to obesity. The association between obesity and CVD, including coronary
      artery disease (CAD) and diabetes, is well established. The rising prevalence of
      obesity in the workforce may have additional implications for employers and
      employees besides the demonstrated effects on absenteeism and workers'
      compensation. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the impact of
      population obesity on care utilization and cost of cardiovascular conditions such
      as hypertension, CAD, and cerebrovascular disease (or stroke) in a large US
      population of employees engaged in a major corporate wellness program. STUDY
      SAMPLE: Using data from a single large industrial employer across 29
      geographically distinct worksites in the United States, 179,708 episodes of care
      from 2004 to 2007 for 10,853 employees were included. METHODS: The population
      based economic impact of obesity was calculated on the basis of the frequency of
      episodes of care per 1000 employees and on the amount eligible for payment per
      episode of care in US dollars. Data were obtained from a wellness program
      databases, episode of illness inventories, and pharmacy and medical claims. High
      and low prevalence rates of obesity, by obesity quartile, were used to create
      linear mixed models to examine associations with disease outcomes, while
      controlling for correlation within each worksite. RESULTS: Worksites with a high
      rate of obesity (ie, in the fourth quartile) had 348.4 more episodes of care of
      any kind per 1000 employees (P <.001), 38.6 more hypertension episodes of care
      per 1000 employees (P <.001), and 2.5 more cerebrovascular disease episodes of
      care per 1000 employees (P = .017) compared with worksites in the lower 3
      quartiles. A worksite in the fourth obesity rate quartile had $223 greater cost
      per any kind of episode (P <.001), $169 greater cost per hypertension episode (P
      = .003), and $1620 more per CAD episode (P = .005) compared with worksites in the
      lower 3 quartiles. The overall economic impact per 1000 employees was calculated
      by combining episode frequency and eligible amount for payment per episode. For
      sites in the lower 3 quartiles of obesity, the eligible amount per 1000 employees
      for any kind of care was $4.01 million. However, for sites in the highest obesity
      quartile, the eligible amount for payment per 1000 employees was $5.26 million.
      This translates into $1250 greater cost per employee. Similar calculations were
      used to evaluate the effect of obesity on the amount eligible for payment per
      employee for hypertension, CAD, and cerebrovascular disease episodes, with an
      estimated $69, $89, and $8 greater cost, respectively, per employee. CONCLUSION:
      Worksites with greater obesity prevalence rates were associated with numerically
      more frequent and more expensive episodes of care than worksites with low obesity
      prevalence.

PMID- 25126356
TI  - A call to action: responding to the future forecasting of cardiovascular disease
      in america.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be a leading cost driver
      for payers in the United States.1 The American Heart Association estimates that
      more than 75 million individuals nationwide have some form of CVD. Individuals
      aged 20 to 45 years are developing CVD at higher rates than ever before.
      OBJECTIVES: To discuss the alarming increase in the rate of CVD in young adults
      (aged 18-45 years) previously only seen in older adults (aged >=65 years) and
      describe the 5 primary risk factors (smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes,
      and dyslipidemia) that contribute to this new trend in the working-age
      population. DISCUSSION: Using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data, this article
      outlines the increased prevalence of the 3 primary components of CVD-stroke,
      heart failure, and myocardial infarction-in younger adults and the cost impact on
      payers and on US society. The examples provided in this article highlight the
      need for increased efforts by all healthcare stakeholders, and by payers in
      particular, to develop prevention strategies for CVD risk factors targeted at
      young adults to curb the alarming rise in CVD among this age-group. CONCLUSION:
      This article provides compelling evidence for the need to institute prevention
      measures to curb the growing prevalence of CVD risk factors among younger adults
      in the United States.

PMID- 25126357
TI  - Atypical antipsychotics and metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia:
      risk factors, monitoring, and healthcare implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in
      patients with schizophrenia, with a prevalence rate double that of nonpsychiatric
      populations. Given the amount of evidence suggesting a link between atypical
      antipsychotic medications and metabolic syndrome, several agencies have
      recommended regular clinical monitoring of weight, symptoms of hyperglycemia, and
      glucose in chronically medicated patients with schizophrenia. OBJECTIVES: To
      summarize the current literature on atypical antipsychotic-induced metabolic
      syndrome in patients with schizophrenia, outline some of the molecular mechanisms
      behind this syndrome, identify demographic and disease-related risk factors, and
      describe cost-effective methods for surveillance. DISCUSSION: The differential
      prevalence of metabolic syndrome associated with various atypical antipsychotic
      medications has been evidenced across numerous studies, with higher effects seen
      for certain antipsychotic medications on weight gain, waist circumference,
      fasting triglyceride level, and glucose levels. Given the association of these
      symptoms, all atypical antipsychotic medications currently include a warning
      about the risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes, as well as suggestions for regular
      monitoring. Despite this, very little data are available to support adherence to
      these monitoring recommendations. Lack of awareness and resources, diffusion of
      responsibility, policy implementation, and organizational structure have all been
      implicated. CONCLUSION: The treatment of schizophrenia involves a balance in
      terms of risks and benefits. Failing to treat because of risk for complications
      from metabolic syndrome may place the patient at a higher risk for more serious
      health outcomes. Supporting programs aimed at increasing monitoring of simple
      laboratory and clinical measures associated with metabolic syndrome may decrease
      important risk factors, improve patients' quality of life, and reduce healthcare
      costs.

PMID- 25126359
TI  - Lipid management in patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is correlated with a high risk for cardiovascular disease
      (CVD). The management of diabetic dyslipidemia, a well-recognized and modifiable
      risk factor, is a key element in the multifactorial approach to preventing CVD in
      patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic dyslipidemia is characterized by elevated
      triglyceride levels, decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and
      elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. OBJECTIVES: To
      describe the effective approach to the management of dyslipidemia in patients
      with diabetes to allow providers and payers to become familiar with the treatment
      goals for all the components of lipoproteins, to correctly initiate appropriate
      lipid-lowering medications based on treatment goals and lipid-lowering
      capability, and to apply the data presented in lipid clinical trials to the
      treatment of patients with diabetes. SUMMARY: Diabetes is associated with a 2- to
      4-fold increase in risk for CVD. The risk factors for coronary artery disease
      (CAD) include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking. Therefore,
      prioritizing and managing diabetic patients with CVD risk factors is vital.
      CONCLUSION: LDL-C appears to have the greatest role in premature and early
      atherosclerosis and the development of CAD and must be treated as aggressively as
      hyperglycemia to reduce CAD risk. Becoming familiar with lipid treatment goals
      and the many therapies available today can help providers and payers implement
      the appropriate approach to managing diabetic dyslipidemia risk factors and
      reduce the burden of this disease.

PMID- 25126360
TI  - From asheville to hickory: transforming our "sick care" system into a true
      "health care" model.

PMID- 25126361
TI  - The hickory project: controlling healthcare costs and improving outcomes for
      diabetes using the asheville project model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The results of the Asheville Project have shown the success of a
      community-based, chronic disease management model in improving clinical outcomes
      in patients with chronic disease while reducing annual costs of care per
      participant. The question arose whether other programs using a similar management
      model and implemented in other communities could replicate the success of the
      Asheville Project in improving clinical outcomes and reducing costs for patients
      with a chronic disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term clinical and financial
      outcomes of a chronic care management model for patients with diabetes, using the
      Asheville care management model that was successful in the management of several
      chronic diseases. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal, 3-year (2007-2009), quasi
      experimental, multisite, pre-/postenrollment study. METHODS: Self-insured health
      plan members with diabetes agreed to meet on a regular basis (ie, an average of
      every 3 months) with a healthcare professional. Participants received reduced
      copayments on diabetes-related medications and supplies as an incentive for
      participating in the study. Providers utilized a web-based electronic medical
      record system that provided updated medical and prescription data and highlighted
      gaps in care based on national standards. Program providers included community
      pharmacists, population health management company pharmacists, and nurses at on
      site clinics, trained in use of evidence-based guidelines of care. Providers
      assessed patients' medications, knowledge level, and lifestyle; provided patient
      education and goal setting; and referred patients for physician follow-up and
      recommendations to physicians. The majority of the encounters were face-to-face.
      RESULTS: The study included 95 plan members in the clinical cohort participating
      for 1 year or more, and 54 members in the financial cohort who have been
      participating in the program for 3 years. At the end of 3 years, the percentages
      of those achieving guideline goals increased from baseline to the latest follow
      up included, respectively, reaching target hemoglobin A1c levels, 38% to 53%; low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol, 46% to 67%; systolic blood pressure (BP), 55% to
      72%; diastolic BP, 60% to 71%; annual eye examination, 37% to 61%; and self
      testing blood glucose, 79% to 97%. Total healthcare costs decreased by an average
      of $2704 per participant per year. The program's return on investment was $4.89
      to every $1 spent (including program costs). CONCLUSION: The Hickory Project
      shows that it is possible to produce sustained improvements in clinical outcomes
      and reductions in healthcare costs for patients with diabetes using a chronic
      care model that provides frequent patient follow-up, a focus on appropriate
      medication therapy, adherence to clinical practice guidelines, and a reduction in
      prescription copayments for antidiabetes medications as an incentive for patients
      to participate in the program.

PMID- 25126358
TI  - Current therapies and emerging drugs in the pipeline for type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a global epidemic that affects 347 million people
      worldwide and 25.8 million adults in the United States. In 2007, the total
      estimated cost associated with diabetes in the United States in 2007 was $174
      billion. In 2009, $16.9 billion was spent on drugs for diabetes. The global sales
      of diabetes pharmaceuticals totaled $35 billion in 2010, and these are expected
      to rise to $48 billion by 2015. Despite such considerable expenditures, in 2000
      only 36% of patients with type 2 diabetes in the United States achieved glycemic
      control, defined as hemoglobin A1c <7%. OBJECTIVE: To review some of the most
      important drug classes currently in development for the treatment of type 2
      diabetes. DISCUSSION: Despite the 13 classes of antidiabetes medications
      currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment
      of type 2 diabetes, the majority of patients with this chronic disease do not
      achieve appropriate glycemic control with these medications. Many new drug
      classes currently in development for type 2 diabetes appear promising in early
      stages of development, and some of them represent novel approaches to treatment,
      with new mechanisms of action and a low potential for hypoglycemia. Among these
      promising pharmacotherapies are agents that target the kidney, liver, and
      pancreas as a significant focus of treatment in type 2 diabetes. These
      investigational agents may potentially offer new approaches to controlling
      glucose levels and improve outcomes in patients with diabetes. This article
      focuses on several new classes, including the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2
      inhibitors (which are furthest along in development); 11beta-hydroxysteroid
      dehydrogenase (some of which are now in phase 2 trials); glycogen phosphorylase
      inhibitors; glucokinase activators; G protein-coupled receptor 119 agonists;
      protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors; and glucagon-receptor antagonists.
      CONCLUSION: Despite the abundance of FDA-approved therapeutic options for type 2
      diabetes, the majority of American patients with diabetes are not achieving
      appropriate glycemic control. The development of new options with new mechanisms
      of action may potentially help improve outcomes and reduce the clinical and cost
      burden of this condition.

PMID- 25126363
TI  - Adapting to market changes: beyond healthcare reform.

PMID- 25126362
TI  - Health Resource Utilization and Direct Costs Associated with Angina for Patients
      with Coronary Artery Disease in a US Managed Care Setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angina is often a first symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD);
      however, the specific burden of illness for patients with CAD-associated angina
      in managed care has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical and
      cost burden of illness for patients with CAD-associated angina in a managed care
      environment. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective database analysis in a nationwide
      commercial managed care plan. METHODS: This study included patients with
      International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
      diagnostic or procedure codes for CAD between July 1, 2004, and June 30, 2006,
      who had data available for the period 6 months before and 12 months after the
      index date. The primary analyses for patients classified as having CAD with
      angina were based on a 3-algorithm patient-identification model (combined
      positive predictive value of 89%, 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.95).
      Utilization measures for the 12-month postindex period, annual CAD-related direct
      costs, and total all-cause costs (ie, medical plus pharmacy) were determined. A
      generalized linear model was used to compare CAD-related costs and overall costs.
      RESULTS: Of the 246,227 patients with CAD, the 3-algorithm model assigned 230,919
      patients (93.8%) to the CAD-without-angina cohort and 15,308 (6.2%) to the CAD
      with-angina cohort. Patients with angina were more likely than patients without
      angina to be hospitalized (41% vs 11%, respectively; P <.001), to visit the
      emergency department (34% vs 12%, respectively; P <.001), to have office visits
      (94% vs 79%, respectively; P <.001), and to have more revascularization
      procedures (35% vs 8%, respectively; P <.001). Average CAD-related inpatient
      costs were $9536 versus $2169, and pharmacy costs were $1499 versus $891, for
      patients with and without angina, respectively. Total average CAD-related medical
      and pharmacy costs for patients with angina were $14,851 versus $4449 for
      patients with CAD without angina, and the average all-cause per-patient cost was
      $28,590 versus $14,334, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, US
      patients with CAD plus angina in a managed care setting use significantly more
      healthcare services and incur higher costs than patients who have CAD without
      angina. Revascularization procedures are a major driver of these increased costs
      for those with CAD and angina.

PMID- 25126365
TI  - The era of personalized medicine in oncology: novel biomarkers ushering in new
      approaches to cancer therapy.

PMID- 25126364
TI  - Review of strategies to enhance outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes:
      payers' perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes and its clinical consequences exact a great toll on patients
      and on society in terms of its effects on morbidity and mortality and its
      staggering economic impact. OBJECTIVE: To review various programs and strategies
      that aim at enhancing adherence to antihyperglycemic therapy and suggest the best
      approach to improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. DISCUSSION:
      Treatment goals for patients with diabetes have been defined, and multiple safe
      and effective medications are available. Nevertheless, the majority of patients
      with diabetes fail to achieve treatment goals, because of difficulty with
      adherence to medication regimens and lifestyle modifications, and because of
      economic barriers. This article discusses various initiatives developed to
      improve patient outcomes, including consumer-driven health plans and wellness and
      prevention programs. Furthermore, economic incentives to patients, such as value
      based insurance design, may increase adherence; nevertheless, evidence suggests
      that such programs alone provide only modest gains. Primary providers in disease
      management programs can include nurses, case managers, or pharmacists. Supportive
      interventions across several modalities have been shown to be effective.
      CONCLUSION: An approach that uses a combination of strategies designed to impact
      patients' health-related behaviors across a variety of modalities may help to
      improve outcomes and reduce costs. Additional novel, innovative interdisciplinary
      initiatives are necessary to effect meaningful change that can facilitate
      improved health outcomes for patients with diabetes and maximize cost
      effectiveness approaches for payers.

PMID- 25126366
TI  - Building Your Automated Bundled Payment for an Episode-of-Care Initiative.

PMID- 25126367
TI  - Impact of Treatment by NCQA-Certified Physicians on Diabetes-Related Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National Committee for Quality Assurance supports high-quality
      care for patients through the Diabetes Recognition Program (DRP). The DRP
      recognizes physicians and practices that are providing high-quality diabetes care
      as determined by 10 key measures. OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of treatment
      by DRP-certified physicians compared with non-DRP-certified physicians on patient
      outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective claims analysis was conducted from January
      1, 2007, through November 30, 2007, using a large US database of approximately 14
      million commercially insured members. Physicians with DRP certification (N =
      1188) were identified and matched 1:1 to physicians without DRP certification
      based on physician specialty, location (state) of practice, size of potential
      patient population, and number of patients with type 2 diabetes treated by the
      physician. Patients were included if they had type 2 diabetes and had been
      treated by a physician in the DRP group (N = 3836) or in the comparison group (N
      = 4175). Primary outcomes were medication use, medical resource utilization, and
      expenditures. Per-patient per-year (PPPY) medical and pharmacy utilization
      measures were analyzed using Poisson regression; PPPY expenditures were estimated
      using a generalized linear model with gamma distribution. RESULTS: Multivariate
      analysis showed that patients treated by DRP-certified physicians had more
      postindex diabetes-related office visits (mean PPPY, 4.69 vs 4.44, respectively;
      P <.001) and outpatient visits (mean PPPY, 0.93 vs 0.85, respectively; P <.001)
      than patients treated by non-DRP-certified physicians, but fewer emergency
      department visits (mean PPPY, 0.04 vs 0.07, respectively; P <.001) and inpatient
      visits (mean PPPY, 0.08 vs 0.10, respectively; P = .02). Prescribing rates for
      oral antihyperglycemic drugs and statins were higher among DRP-certified
      physicians than non-DRP-certified physicians. Total diabetes-related healthcare
      expenditures were lower for patients with type 2 diabetes managed by DRP
      certified physicians compared with those managed by non-DRP-certified physicians
      (mean PPPY, $3424 vs $4097, respectively; P = .03). CONCLUSION: Significant
      differences in oral antihyperglycemic and statin drug use, and diabetes-related
      emergency department and inpatient visits and expenditures, were observed in this
      study between DRP-certified and non-DRP-certified physicians, showing overall
      improved outcomes for patients managed by DRP-certified physicians.

PMID- 25126368
TI  - Are ACOs the Answer to High-Value Healthcare?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act required the Secretary
      of the Department of Health and Human Services to establish the Medicare Shared
      Savings Program (MSSP) by January 1, 2012. The MSSP is intended to encourage
      physicians, hospitals, and other providers and suppliers to form accountable care
      organizations (ACOs) to provide cost-effective, coordinated care to Medicare
      beneficiaries. Under the MSSP, ACOs can qualify for additional payments by
      meeting specific savings benchmarks and quality measures. OBJECTIVES: To review
      the anticipated changes in the role and responsibilities of ACOs and to evaluate
      the challenges and opportunities that various healthcare stakeholders, including
      patients, providers, and payers, will encounter with the launching of the new
      MSSP. DISCUSSION: ACOs assume responsibility for overall care, cost, and quality
      of patient care. The MSSP will provide ACOs additional payments for meeting cost
      savings and quality benchmarks. The extra savings will be shared with
      participating providers based on different risk-sharing options. As the MSSP and
      new ACOs launch, stakeholders will be impacted differently. This article is
      based, in part, on responses of approximately 100 payers to a survey conducted in
      June 2011 by Xcenda. Each stakeholder group, including providers, payers,
      patients, and manufacturers, must monitor the reactions and relationships between
      all players in the care continuum. Providers will have to achieve a greater level
      of coordination and collaboration than typically exists today. Government and
      commercial payers will have a role in determining how quickly they will adopt
      accountable care models. Patients are expected to become more engaged and
      participatory in their care to achieve optimal outcomes, and manufacturers will
      be required to prove the value of their products given the clinical value
      proposition embedded in accountable care models. CONCLUSION: Whether ACOs are the
      answer to providing higher-quality healthcare at lower costs remains unclear. All
      signs, however, point toward a systemic change in an effort to improve patient
      care and contain healthcare costs. It will be important for all healthcare
      stakeholders to understand the roles that ACOs will play in ensuring access to
      care and quality of care.

PMID- 25126369
TI  - Back to School: Quality Improvement through Academic Detailing.

PMID- 25126371
TI  - 2014: the year of the healthcare consumer.

PMID- 25126370
TI  - Sensitivity of medication use to formulary controls in medicare beneficiaries: a
      review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have examined the impact of formulary management
      strategies on medication use in the elderly, but little has been done to
      synthesize the findings to determine whether the results show consistent trends.
      OBJECTIVE: To summarize the effects of formulary controls (ie, tiered copays,
      step edits, prior authorization, and generic substitution) on medication use in
      the Medicare population to inform future Medicare Part D and other coverage
      decisions. METHODS: This systematic review included research articles (found via
      PubMed, Google Scholar, and specific scientific journals) that evaluated the
      impact of drug coverage or cost-sharing on medication use in elderly (aged >=65
      years) Medicare beneficiaries. The impact of drug coverage was assessed by
      comparing patients with some drug coverage to those with no drug coverage or by
      comparing varying levels of drug coverage (eg, full coverage vs $1000 coverage or
      capped benefits vs noncapped benefits). Articles that were published before 1995,
      were not original empirical research, were published in languages other than
      English, or focused on populations other than Medicare beneficiaries were
      excluded. All studies selected were classified as positive, negative, or neutral
      based on the significance of the relationship (P <.05 or as otherwise specified)
      between the formulary control mechanism and the medication use, and on the
      direction of that relationship. RESULTS: Included were a total of 47 research
      articles (published between 1995 and 2009) that evaluated the impact of drug
      coverage or cost-sharing on medication use in Medicare beneficiaries. Overall, 24
      studies examined the impact of the level of drug coverage on medication use; of
      these, 96% (N = 23) supported the association between better drug coverage (ie,
      branded and generic vs generic-only coverage, capped benefit vs noncapped
      benefit, supplemental drug insurance vs no supplemental drug insurance) or having
      some drug coverage and enhanced medication use. Furthermore, 84% (N = 16) of the
      19 studies that examined the effect of cost-sharing on medication use
      demonstrated that decreased cost-sharing was significantly associated with
      improved medication use. CONCLUSION: Current evidence from the literature
      suggests that restricting drug coverage or increasing out-of-pocket expenses for
      Medicare beneficiaries may lead to decreased medication use in the elderly, with
      all its potential implications.

PMID- 25126372
TI  - The economic burden of ischemic stroke and major hemorrhage in medicare
      beneficiaries with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: a retrospective claims
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the economic implications of oral anticoagulation
      therapy requires careful consideration of the risks and costs of stroke and major
      hemorrhage. The majority of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are aged >=65
      years, so focusing on the Medicare population is reasonable when discussing the
      risk for stroke. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relative economic burden associated
      with stroke and major hemorrhage among Medicare beneficiaries who are newly
      diagnosed with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). METHODS: This study was a
      retrospective analysis of a 5% sample of Medicare claims data for patients with
      NVAF from 2006 to 2008. Patients with NVAF without any claims of AF during the 12
      months before the first (index) claim for AF in 2007 (baseline period) were
      identified and were classified into 4 cohorts during a 12-month follow-up period
      after the index date. These cohorts included (1) no claims for ischemic stroke or
      major hemorrhage (without stroke or hemorrhage); (2) no claims for ischemic
      stroke and >=1 claims for major hemorrhage (hemorrhage only); (3) >=1 claims for
      ischemic stroke and no major hemorrhage claims (stroke only); and (4) >=1 claims
      each for ischemic stroke and for major hemorrhage (stroke and hemorrhage). The 1
      year mean postindex total all-cause healthcare costs adjusted by the Centers for
      Medicare & Medicaid Services Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) score were
      compared among the study cohorts. RESULTS: Of the 9455 eligible patients included
      in this study, 3% (N = 261) of the patients had ischemic stroke claims only, 3%
      (N = 276) had hemorrhage claims only, and <1% (N = 13) had both during the follow
      up period. The unadjusted follow-up healthcare costs were $63,781 and $64,596 per
      patient for the ischemic stroke only and the hemorrhage only cohorts,
      respectively, compared with $35,474 per patient for those without hemorrhage or
      stroke claims. After adjustment for HCC risk score, the mean incremental costs
      for patients with stroke claims only and hemorrhage claims only, relative to
      those without stroke or hemorrhage claims, were $26,776 (95% confidence interval
      [CI], $20,785-$32,767; P <.001) and $26,168 (95% CI, $20,375-$31,961; P <.001),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The economic burden of managing patients with NVAF who
      experience ischemic stroke and hemorrhage were similarly significant during the
      first year after a diagnosis of NVAF. The burden of major bleeding complications
      on patients, clinicians, and payers should not be overlooked, and these
      complications should be considered in conjunction with the cost-savings
      associated with ischemic stroke risk reduction in future cost-benefit evaluations
      of oral anticoagulation therapy.

PMID- 25126373
TI  - The health and economic effects of counterfeit drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Counterfeit drugs comprise an increasing percentage of the US drug
      market and even a larger percentage in less developed countries. Counterfeit
      drugs involve both lifesaving and lifestyle drugs. OBJECTIVE: To review the
      health and economic consequences of counterfeit drugs on the US public and on the
      healthcare system as a whole. METHOD: This comprehensive review of the literature
      encompassed a search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, and ProQuest using the
      keywords "counterfeit drugs," "counterfeit medicines," "fake drugs," and "fake
      medicines." A search of the various FiercePharma daily newsletter series on the
      healthcare market was also conducted. In addition, the US Food and Drug
      Administration and the World Health Organization websites were reviewed for
      additional information. DISCUSSION: The issue of counterfeit drugs has been
      growing in importance in the United States, with the supply of these counterfeit
      drugs coming from all over the world. Innovation is important to economic growth
      and US competitiveness in the global marketplace, and intellectual property
      protections provide the ability for society to prosper from innovation.
      Especially important in terms of innovation in healthcare are the pharmaceutical
      and biopharmaceutical industries. In addition to taking income from consumers and
      drug companies, counterfeit drugs also pose health hazards to patients, including
      death. The case of bevacizumab (Avastin) is presented as one recent example.
      Internet pharmacies, which are often the source of counterfeit drugs, often
      falsely portray themselves as Canadian, to enhance their consumer acceptance.
      Adding to the problems are drug shortages, which facilitate access for
      counterfeits. A long and convoluted supply chain also facilitates counterfeits.
      In addition, the wholesale market involving numerous firms is a convenient target
      for counterfeit drugs. Trafficking in counterfeits can be extremely profitable;
      detection of counterfeits is difficult, and the penalties are modest. CONCLUSION:
      Counterfeit drugs pose a public health hazard, waste consumer income, and reduce
      the incentive to engage in research and development and innovation. Stronger
      state licensure supervision of drug suppliers would be helpful. Technological
      approaches, such as the Radio Frequency Identification devices, should also be
      considered. Finally, counterfeit drugs may raise concerns among consumers about
      safety and reduce patient medication adherence.

PMID- 25126374
TI  - Salsalate, an old, inexpensive drug with potential new indications: a review of
      the evidence from 3 recent studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a well-known growing epidemic, but prediabetes is
      increasing at an even greater rate. Lifestyle changes are effective tools to
      prevent the progression of prediabetes to diabetes, yet many people are unable to
      follow such changes. Salsalate has been suggested as a possible treatment for
      diabetes as early as 1876 and as recently as in a 2013 study. OBJECTIVE: To
      review the recently published evidence about the potential therapeutic benefits
      of the old drug salsalate for individuals who meet the criteria of having
      prediabetes. DISCUSSION: With the rising incidence of obesity and prediabetes, it
      has become prudent to look for more therapeutic options. Salsalate belongs to the
      salicylate drug class, which has been shown to inhibit I-kappaB kinase, thereby
      inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) cascade and decreasing the
      production of inflammatory cytokines, as well as decreasing insulin resistance.
      Recent short-term clinical trials have shown that 3 g to 4.5 g of salicylate
      therapy daily has the ability to lower insulin resistance and to reduce the
      levels of glucose, triglycerides, and free fatty acid concentrations through
      regulation of the I-kappaB kinase beta/NF-kappaB pathway, with few if any side
      effects. However, the effectiveness of salsalate as a treatment option for
      prediabetes is largely unrecognized. This article summarizes the current evidence
      from 3 studies of salsalate therapy in the setting of the prediabetic population
      and presents the case for its use in this population. CONCLUSION: As shown in
      this review, salsalate therapy at the dose of 3 g to 4.5 g daily can lower
      insulin resistance and reduce the levels of glucose, triglycerides, and free
      fatty acid concentrations with minimal side effects. This inexpensive medication
      could be a useful option in the treatment of prediabetes. Larger clinical trials
      are needed, but the data are encouraging and should lay the foundation for
      further investigation and grant funding.

PMID- 25126375
TI  - Pharmacy management and health economics outcomes.
AB  - The following summaries highlight some of the key posters presented at the 26th
      Annual Meeting of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), April 1-4, 2014,
      in Tampa, FL, focusing on areas of interest for payers, employers, drug
      manufacturers, providers, and other healthcare stakeholders. 

PMID- 25126376
TI  - Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells: An update on their phenotype in
      vivo and in vitro.
AB  - Adipose tissue is a rich, ubiquitous and easily accessible source for multipotent
      stromal/stem cells and has, therefore, several advantages compared to other
      sources of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells. Several studies have tried to identify
      the origin of the stromal/stem cell population within adipose tissue in situ.
      This is a complicated attempt because no marker has currently been described
      which unambiguously identifies native adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs).
      Isolated and cultured ASCs are a non-uniform preparation consisting of several
      subsets of stem and precursor cells. Cultured ASCs are characterized by their
      expression of a panel of markers (and the absence of others), whereas their in
      vitro phenotype is dynamic. Some markers were expressed de novo during culture,
      the expression of some markers is lost. For a long time, CD34 expression was
      solely used to characterize haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, but now it
      has become evident that it is also a potential marker to identify an ASC
      subpopulation in situ and after a short culture time. Nevertheless, long-term
      cultured ASCs do not express CD34, perhaps due to the artificial environment.
      This review gives an update of the recently published data on the origin and
      phenotype of ASCs both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the composition of ASCs
      (or their subpopulations) seems to vary between different laboratories and
      preparations. This heterogeneity of ASC preparations may result from different
      reasons. One of the main problems in comparing results from different
      laboratories is the lack of a standardized isolation and culture protocol for
      ASCs. Since many aspects of ASCs, such as the differential potential or the
      current use in clinical trials, are fully described in other recent reviews, this
      review further updates the more basic research issues concerning ASCs'
      subpopulations, heterogeneity and culture standardization. 

PMID- 25126377
TI  - Periosteum derived stem cells for regenerative medicine proposals: Boosting
      current knowledge.
AB  - Periosteum is a thin fibrous layer that covers most bones. It resides in a
      dynamic mechanically loaded environment and provides a niche for pluripotent
      cells and a source for molecular factors that modulate cell behaviour.
      Elucidating periosteum regenerative potential has become a hot topic in
      orthopaedics. This review discusses the state of the art of osteochondral tissue
      engineering rested on periosteum derived progenitor cells (PDPCs) and suggests
      upcoming research directions. Periosteal cells isolation, characterization and
      migration in the site of injury, as well as their differentiation, are analysed.
      Moreover, the role of cell mechanosensing and its contribution to matrix
      organization, bone microarchitecture and bone stenght is examined. In this regard
      the role of periostin and its upregulation under mechanical stress in order to
      preserve PDPC survival and bone tissue integrity is contemplated. The review also
      summarized the role of the periosteum in the field of dentistry and maxillofacial
      reconstruction. The involvement of microRNAs in osteoblast differentiation and in
      endogenous tissue repair is explored as well. Finally the novel concept of a
      guided bone regeneration based on the use of periosteum itself as a smart
      material and the realization of constructs able to mimic the extracellular matrix
      features is talked out. Additionally, since periosteum can differentiate into
      insulin producing cells it could be a suitable source in allogenic
      transplantations. That innovative applications would take advantage from
      investigations aimed to assess PDPC immune privilege. 

PMID- 25126378
TI  - Osteogenic potential: Comparison between bone marrow and adipose-derived
      mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is now a promising research issue to improve the
      drawbacks from traditional bone grafting procedure such as limited donor sources
      and possible complications. Stem cells are one of the major factors in BTE due to
      the capability of self renewal and multi-lineage differentiation. Unlike
      embryonic stem cells, which are more controversial in ethical problem, adult
      mesenchymal stem cells are considered to be a more appropriate cell source for
      BTE. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are the earliest-discovered and
      well-known stem cell source using in BTE. However, the low stem cell yield
      requiring long expansion time in vitro, pain and possible morbidities during bone
      marrow aspiration and poor proliferation and osteogenic ability at old age impede
      its' clinical application. Afterwards, a new stem cell source coming from adipose
      tissue, so-called adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), is found to be more suitable
      in clinical application because of high stem cells yield from lipoaspirates,
      faster cell proliferation and less discomfort and morbidities during harvesting
      procedure. However, the osteogenic capacity of ASCs is now still debated because
      most papers described the inferior osteogenesis of ASCs than BMSCs. A better
      understanding of the osteogenic differences between ASCs and BMSCs is crucial for
      future selection of cells in clinical application for BTE. In this review, we
      describe the commonality and difference between BMSCs and ASCs by cell yield,
      cell surface markers and multiple-differentiation potential. Then we compare the
      osteogenic capacity in vitro and bone regeneration ability in vivo between BMSCs
      and ASCs based on the literatures which utilized both BMSCs and ASCs
      simultaneously in their articles. The outcome indicated both BMSCs and ASCs
      exhibited the osteogenic ability to a certain extent both in-vitro and in-vivo.
      However, most in-vitro study papers verified the inferior osteogenesis of ASCs;
      conversely, in-vivo research reviews revealed more controversies in this issue.
      We expect the new researchers can have a quick understanding of the progress in
      this filed and design a more comprehensive research based on this review. 

PMID- 25126379
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells: Potential role in corneal wound repair and
      transplantation.
AB  - Corneal diseases are a major cause of blindness in the world. Although great
      progress has been achieved in the treatment of corneal diseases, wound healing
      after severe corneal damage and immunosuppressive therapy after corneal
      transplantation remain problematic. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from
      bone marrow or other adult tissues can differentiate into various types of
      mesenchymal lineages, such as osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes, both in
      vivo and in vitro. These cells can further differentiate into specific cell types
      under specific conditions. MSCs migrate to injury sites and promote wound healing
      by secreting anti-inflammatory and growth factors. In addition, MSCs interact
      with innate and acquired immune cells and modulate the immune response through
      their powerful paracrine function. Over the last decade, MSCs have drawn
      considerable attention because of their beneficial properties and promising
      therapeutic prospective. Furthermore, MSCs have been applied to various studies
      related to wound healing, autoimmune diseases, and organ transplantation. This
      review discusses the potential functions of MSCs in protecting corneal tissue and
      their possible mechanisms in corneal wound healing and corneal transplantation. 

PMID- 25126380
TI  - Sox2, a key factor in the regulation of pluripotency and neural differentiation.
AB  - Sex determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), a member of the SoxB1 transcription factor
      family, is an important transcriptional regulator in pluripotent stem cells
      (PSCs). Together with octamer-binding transcription factor 4 and Nanog, they co
      operatively control gene expression in PSCs and maintain their pluripotency.
      Furthermore, Sox2 plays an essential role in somatic cell reprogramming,
      reversing the epigenetic configuration of differentiated cells back to a
      pluripotent embryonic state. In addition to its role in regulation of
      pluripotency, Sox2 is also a critical factor for directing the differentiation of
      PSCs to neural progenitors and for maintaining the properties of neural
      progenitor stem cells. Here, we review recent findings concerning the involvement
      of Sox2 in pluripotency, somatic cell reprogramming and neural differentiation as
      well as the molecular mechanisms underlying these roles. 

PMID- 25126381
TI  - Adipose-derived stem cells: Implications in tissue regeneration.
AB  - Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are
      obtained from abundant adipose tissue, adherent on plastic culture flasks, can be
      expanded in vitro, and have the capacity to differentiate into multiple cell
      lineages. Unlike bone marrow-derived MSCs, ASCs can be obtained from abundant
      adipose tissue by a minimally invasive procedure, which results in a high number
      of cells. Therefore, ASCs are promising for regenerating tissues and organs
      damaged by injury and diseases. This article reviews the implications of ASCs in
      tissue regeneration. 

PMID- 25126383
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells as a potent cell source for articular cartilage
      regeneration.
AB  - Since articular cartilage possesses only a weak capacity for repair, its
      regeneration potential is considered one of the most important challenges for
      orthopedic surgeons. The treatment options, such as marrow stimulation
      techniques, fail to induce a repair tissue with the same functional and
      mechanical properties of native hyaline cartilage. Osteochondral transplantation
      is considered an effective treatment option but is associated with some
      disadvantages, including donor-site morbidity, tissue supply limitation,
      unsuitable mechanical properties and thickness of the obtained tissue. Although
      autologous chondrocyte implantation results in reasonable repair, it requires a
      two-step surgical procedure. Moreover, chondrocytes expanded in culture gradually
      undergo dedifferentiation, so lose morphological features and specialized
      functions. In the search for alternative cells, scientists have found mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSCs) to be an appropriate cellular material for articular cartilage
      repair. These cells were originally isolated from bone marrow samples and further
      investigations have revealed the presence of the cells in many other tissues.
      Furthermore, chondrogenic differentiation is an inherent property of MSCs noticed
      at the time of the cell discovery. MSCs are known to exhibit homing potential to
      the damaged site at which they differentiate into the tissue cells or secrete a
      wide spectrum of bioactive factors with regenerative properties. Moreover, these
      cells possess a considerable immunomodulatory potential that make them the
      general donor for therapeutic applications. All of these topics will be discussed
      in this review. 

PMID- 25126385
TI  - Umbilical cord fibroblasts: Could they be considered as mesenchymal stem cells?
AB  - In cell therapy protocols, many tissues were proposed as a source of mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSC) isolation. So far, bone marrow (BM) has been presented as the
      main source of MSC despite the invasive isolation procedure related to this
      source. During the last years, the umbilical cord (UC) matrix was cited in
      different studies as a reliable source from which long term ex vivo proliferating
      fibroblasts were isolated but with contradictory data about their
      immunophenotype, gene expression profile, and differentiation potential. Hence,
      an interesting question emerged: Are cells isolated from cord matrix (UC-MSC)
      different from other MSCs? In this review, we will summarize different studies
      that isolated and characterized UC-MSC. Considering BM-MSC as gold standard, we
      will discuss if UC-MSC fulfill different criteria that define MSC, and what
      remain to be done in this issue. 

PMID- 25126384
TI  - Endothelial progenitor cells in cardiovascular diseases.
AB  - Endothelial dysfunction has been associated with the development of
      atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Adult endothelial progenitor cells
      (EPCs) are derived from hematopoietic stem cells and are capable of forming new
      blood vessels through a process of vasculogenesis. There are studies which report
      correlations between circulating EPCs and cardiovascular risk factors. There are
      also studies on how pharmacotherapies may influence levels of circulating EPCs.
      In this review, we discuss the potential role of endothelial progenitor cells as
      both diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In addition, we look at the
      interaction between cardiovascular pharmacotherapies and endothelial progenitor
      cells. We also discuss how EPCs can be used directly and indirectly as a
      therapeutic agent. Finally, we evaluate the challenges facing EPC research and
      how these may be overcome. 

PMID- 25126386
TI  - The 2-Methoxy Group Orientation Regulates the Redox Potential Difference between
      the Primary (QA) and Secondary (QB) Quinones of Type II Bacterial Photosynthetic
      Reaction Centers.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that only quinones with a 2-methoxy group can act
      simultaneously as the primary (QA) and secondary (QB) electron acceptors in
      photosynthetic reaction centers from purple bacteria such as Rb. sphaeroides. 13C
      HYSCORE measurements of the 2-methoxy group in the semiquinone states, SQA and
      SQB, were compared with DFT calculations of the 13C hyperfine couplings as a
      function of the 2-methoxy dihedral angle. X-ray structure comparisons support 2
      methoxy dihedral angle assignments corresponding to a redox potential gap
      (DeltaEm) between QA and QB of 175-193 mV. A model having a methyl group
      substituted for the 2-methoxy group exhibits no electron affinity difference.
      This is consistent with the failure of a 2-methyl ubiquinone analogue to function
      as QB in mutant reaction centers with a DeltaEm of ~160-195 mV. The conclusion
      reached is that the 2-methoxy group is the principal determinant of electron
      transfer from QA to QB in type II photosynthetic reaction centers with ubiquinone
      serving as both acceptor quinones.

PMID- 25126382
TI  - Multiple myeloma mesenchymal stromal cells: Contribution to myeloma bone disease
      and therapeutics.
AB  - Multiple myeloma is a hematological malignancy in which clonal plasma cells
      proliferate and accumulate within the bone marrow. The presence of osteolytic
      lesions due to increased osteoclast (OC) activity and suppressed osteoblast (OB)
      function is characteristic of the disease. The bone marrow mesenchymal stromal
      cells (MSCs) play a critical role in multiple myeloma pathophysiology, greatly
      promoting the growth, survival, drug resistance and migration of myeloma cells.
      Here, we specifically discuss on the relative contribution of MSCs to the
      pathophysiology of osteolytic lesions in light of the current knowledge of the
      biology of myeloma bone disease (MBD), together with the reported genomic,
      functional and gene expression differences between MSCs derived from myeloma
      patients (pMSCs) and their healthy counterparts (dMSCs). Being MSCs the
      progenitors of OBs, pMSCs primarily contribute to the pathogenesis of MBD because
      of their reduced osteogenic potential consequence of multiple OB inhibitory
      factors and direct interactions with myeloma cells in the bone marrow.
      Importantly, pMSCs also readily contribute to MBD by promoting OC formation and
      activity at various levels (i.e., increasing RANKL to OPG expression, augmenting
      secretion of activin A, uncoupling ephrinB2-EphB4 signaling, and through
      augmented production of Wnt5a), thus further contributing to OB/OC uncoupling in
      osteolytic lesions. In this review, we also look over main signaling pathways
      involved in the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and/or OB activity,
      highlighting amenable therapeutic targets; in parallel, the reported activity of
      bone-anabolic agents (at preclinical or clinical stage) targeting those signaling
      pathways is commented. 

PMID- 25126387
TI  - FTIR Spectroscopy Revealing Light-Dependent Refolding of the Conserved Tongue
      Region of Bacteriophytochrome.
AB  - Bacteriophytochromes (BphPs) constitute a class of photosensory proteins that
      toggle between Pr and Pfr functional states through absorption of red and far-red
      light. The photosensory core of BphPs is composed of PAS, GAF, and PHY domains.
      Here, we apply FTIR spectroscopy to investigate changes in the secondary
      structure of Rhodopseudomonas palustris BphP2 (RpBphP2) upon Pr to Pfr
      photoconversion. Our results indicate conversion from a beta-sheet to an alpha
      helical element in the so-called tongue region of the PHY domain, consistent with
      recent X-ray structures of Deinococcus radiodurans DrBphP in dark and light
      states (Takala H.; et al. Nature2014, 5, 245-248). A conserved Asp in the GAF
      domain that noncovalently connects with the PHY domain and a conserved Pro in the
      tongue region of the PHY domain are essential for the beta-sheet-to-alpha-helix
      conversion.

PMID- 25126388
TI  - Biological Targeting of Plasmonic Nanoparticles Improves Cellular Imaging via the
      Enhanced Scattering in the Aggregates Formed.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) demonstrate great promise in biomedical applications
      due to their plasmonically enhanced imaging properties. When in close proximity,
      AuNPs plasmonic fields couple together, increasing their scattering cross-section
      due to the formation of hot spots, improving their imaging utility. In the
      present study, we modified the AuNPs surface with different peptides to target
      the nucleus and/or the cell as a whole, resulting in similar cellular uptake but
      different scattering intensities. Nuclear-targeted AuNPs showed the greatest
      scattering due to the formation of denser nanoparticle clusters (i.e., increased
      localization). We also obtained a dynamic profile of AuNP localization in living
      cells, indicating that nuclear localization is directly related to the number of
      nuclear-targeting peptides on the AuNP surface. Increased localization led to
      increased plasmonic field coupling, resulting in significantly higher scattering
      intensity. Thus, biochemical targeting of plasmonic nanoparticles to subcellular
      components is expected to lead to more resolved imaging of cellular processes.

PMID- 25126389
TI  - Pancreatic steatosis: Is it related to either obesity or diabetes mellitus?
AB  - The accumulation of fat in the pancreatic gland has been referred to using
      various synonyms, such as pancreatic lipomatosis, fatty replacement, fatty
      infiltration, fatty pancreas, lipomatous pseudohypertrophy, non-alcoholic fatty
      pancreatic disease and pancreatic steatosis We believe that pancreatic steatosis
      is the best description of fat accumulation in the pancreatic gland without fat
      replacement, and this term also describes the possibility that the fat
      accumulation is a reversible process. A review of the existing literature was
      carried out, and it was found that there was notable evidence from both the
      pathological and the imaging point of view that pancreatic steatosis is an
      increasing problem due to the increasing incidence of obesity. The conclusion was
      that pancreatic steatosis was easily detectable using modern imaging techniques,
      such as ultrasonography, endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography and
      magnetic resonance imaging. Pancreatic steatosis was not due to the presence of
      diabetes mellitus but was highly associated with the metabolic syndrome. The
      possible presence of steatopancreatitis should be better evaluated, especially
      regarding the inflammatory cascade, and additional studies are needed which are
      capable of assessing whether non-alcoholic steatopancreatitis really exists as
      does non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Finally, the presence of exocrine pancreatic
      function should be extensively evaluated in patients with pancreatic steatosis. 

PMID- 25126390
TI  - Benefits of healthy adipose tissue in the treatment of diabetes.
AB  - The major malfunction in diabetes mellitus is severe perturbation of glucose
      homeostasis caused by deficiency of insulin. Insulin deficiency is either
      absolute due to destruction or failure of pancreatic beta cells, or relative due
      to decreased sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin. The primary lesion
      being related to insulin, treatments for diabetes focus on insulin replacement
      and/or increasing sensitivity to insulin. These therapies have their own
      limitations and complications, some of which can be life-threatening. For
      example, exogenous insulin administration can lead to fatal hypoglycemic
      episodes; islet/pancreas transplantation requires life-long immunosuppressive
      therapy; and anti-diabetic drugs have dangerous side effects including edema,
      heart failure and lactic acidosis. Thus the need remains for better safer long
      term treatments for diabetes. The ultimate goal in treating diabetes is to re
      establish glucose homeostasis, preferably through endogenously generated
      hormones. Recent studies increasingly show that extra-pancreatic hormones,
      particularly those arising from adipose tissue, can compensate for insulin, or
      entirely replace the function of insulin under appropriate circumstances. Adipose
      tissue is a versatile endocrine organ that secretes a variety of hormones with
      far-reaching effects on overall metabolism. While unhealthy adipose tissue can
      exacerbate diabetes through limiting circulation and secreting of pro
      inflammatory cytokines, healthy uninflamed adipose tissue secretes beneficial
      adipokines with hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can
      complement and/or compensate for the function of insulin. Administration of
      specific adipokines is known to alleviate both type 1 and 2 diabetes, and leptin
      mono-therapy is reported to reverse type 1 diabetes independent of insulin.
      Although specific adipokines may correct diabetes, administration of individual
      adipokines still carries risks similar to those of insulin monotherapy. Thus a
      better approach is to achieve glucose homeostasis with endogenously-generated
      adipokines through transplantation or regeneration of healthy adipose tissue. Our
      recent studies on mouse models show that type 1 diabetes can be reversed without
      insulin through subcutaneous transplantation of embryonic brown adipose tissue,
      which leads to replenishment of recipients' white adipose tissue; increase of a
      number of beneficial adipokines; and fast and long-lasting euglycemia. Insulin
      independent glucose homeostasis is established through a combination of
      endogenously generated hormones arising from the transplant and/or newly
      replenished white adipose tissue. Transplantation of healthy white adipose tissue
      is reported to alleviate type 2 diabetes in rodent models on several occasions,
      and increasing the content of endogenous brown adipose tissue is known to combat
      obesity and type 2 diabetes in both humans and animal models. While the
      underlying mechanisms are not fully documented, the beneficial effects of healthy
      adipose tissue in improving metabolism are increasingly reported, and are worthy
      of attention as a powerful tool in combating metabolic disease. 

PMID- 25126391
TI  - Inflammation in diabetic kidney disease.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus entails significant health problems worldwide. The pathogenesis
      of diabetes is multifactorial, resulting from interactions of both genetic and
      environmental factors that trigger a complex network of pathophysiological
      events, with metabolic and hemodynamic alterations. In this context, inflammation
      has emerged as a key pathophysiology mechanism. New pathogenic pathways will
      provide targets for prevention or future treatments. This review will focus on
      the implications of inflammation in diabetes mellitus, with special attention to
      inflammatory cytokines. 

PMID- 25126393
TI  - Structured SMBG in early management of T2DM: Contributions from the St Carlos
      study.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is a global pandemic that will affect 300 million
      people in the next decade. It has been shown that early and aggressive treatment
      of T2DM from the onset decreases complications, and the patient's active role is
      necessary to achieve better glycemic control. In order to achieve glycemic
      control targets, an active attitude in patients is needed, and self-monitoring of
      blood glucose (SMBG) plays a significant role. Nowadays, SMBG has become an
      important component of modern therapy for diabetes mellitus, and is even more
      useful if it is performed in a structured way. SMBG aids physicians and patients
      to achieve a specific level of glycemic control and to prevent hypoglycemia. In
      addition, SMBG empowers patients to achieve nutritional and physical activity
      goals, and helps physicians to optimize the different hypoglycemic therapies as
      demonstrated in the St Carlos study. This article describes the different ways of
      using this educational and therapeutic tool from the medical point of view as
      well as from the patient's perspective. 

PMID- 25126394
TI  - Effects of exercise training on mitochondrial function in patients with type 2
      diabetes.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a decreased ability of insulin to facilitate
      glucose uptake into insulin sensitive tissue, i.e., skeletal muscle. The
      mechanism behind this is at the moment unresolved. It has been suggested that
      increased amount of lipids inside the skeletal muscle (intramuscular
      triglyceride, diacylglycerol and ceramides) will impair insulin action in
      skeletal muscle, but data are not consistent in the human literature. It has also
      been hypothesized that the impaired insulin sensitivity is due to a dysfunction
      in the mitochondria resulting in an impaired ability to oxidize lipids, but the
      majority of the literature is not supporting this hypothesis. Recently it has
      been suggested that the production of reactive oxygen species play an essential
      role in skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. It is well accepted that physical
      activity (endurance, strength and high intensity training) improves insulin
      sensitivity in healthy humans and in patients with type 2 diabetes. Whether
      patients with type 2 diabetes have the same beneficial effects (same improvement)
      as control subjects, when it comes to regular physical activity in regard to
      mitochondrial function, is not established in the literature. This review will
      focus only on the effect of physical activity on skeletal muscle (mitochondrial
      function) in patients with type 2 diabetes. 

PMID- 25126396
TI  - Distinct clinical and laboratory characteristics of latent autoimmune diabetes in
      adults in relation to type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Ever since its first appearance among the multiple forms of diabetes, latent
      autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), has been the focus of endless discussions
      concerning mainly its existence as a special type of diabetes. In this mini
      review, through browsing important peer-reviewed publications, (original articles
      and reviews), we will attempt to refresh our knowledge regarding LADA hoping to
      enhance our understanding of this controversial diabetes entity. A unique
      combination of immunological, clinical and metabolic characteristics has been
      identified in this group of patients, namely persistent islet cell antibodies,
      high frequency of thyroid and gastric autoimmunity, DR3 and DR4 human leukocyte
      antigen haplotypes, progressive loss of beta cells, adult disease onset, normal
      weight, defective glycaemic control, and without tendency to ketoacidosis.
      Although anthropomorphic measurements are useful as a first line screening, the
      detection of C-peptide levels and the presence of glutamic acid decarboxylase
      (GAD) autoantibodies is undoubtedly the sine qua non condition for a confirmatory
      LADA diagnosis. In point of fact, GAD autoantibodies are far from being solely a
      biomarker and the specific role of these autoantibodies in disease pathogenesis
      is still to be thoroughly studied. Nevertheless, the lack of diagnostic criteria
      and guidelines still puzzle the physicians, who struggle between early diagnosis
      and correct timing for insulin treatment. 

PMID- 25126395
TI  - Genetic polymorphisms of cytokine genes in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is a combined metabolic disorder which includes hyperglycemia,
      dyslipidemia, stroke and several other complications. Various groups all over the
      world are relentlessly working out the possible role of a vast number of genes
      associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Inflammation is an important outcome of
      any kind of imbalance in the body and is therefore an indicator of several
      diseases, including T2DM. Various ethnic populations around the world show
      different levels of variations in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The
      present review was undertaken to explore the association of cytokine gene
      polymorphisms with T2DM in populations of different ethnicities. This will lead
      to the understanding of the role of cytokine genes in T2DM risk and development.
      Association studies of genotypes of SNPs present in cytokine genes will help to
      identify risk haplotype(s) for disease susceptibility by developing prognostic
      markers and alter treatment strategies for T2DM and related complications. This
      will enable individuals at risk to take prior precautionary measures and avoid or
      delay the onset of the disease. Future challenges will be to understand the
      genotypic interactions between SNPs in one cytokine gene or several genes at
      different loci and study their association with T2DM. 

PMID- 25126392
TI  - Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Have all risk factors the same
      strength?
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot produce
      enough or effectively use of insulin. Compared with individuals without diabetes,
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have a considerably higher risk of
      cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and are disproportionately affected by
      cardiovascular disease. Most of this excess risk is it associated with an
      augmented prevalence of well-known risk factors such as hypertension,
      dyslipidaemia and obesity in these patients. However the improved cardiovascular
      disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients can not be attributed solely to the
      higher prevalence of traditional risk factors. Therefore other non-traditional
      risk factors may be important in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
      Cardiovascular disease is increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects due to a
      complex combination of various traditional and non-traditional risk factors that
      have an important role to play in the beginning and the evolution of
      atherosclerosis over its long natural history from endothelial function to
      clinical events. Many of these risk factors could be common history for both
      diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, reinforcing the postulate that both
      disorders come independently from "common soil". The objective of this review is
      to highlight the weight of traditional and non-traditional risk factors for
      cardiovascular disease in the setting of type 2 diabetes mellitus and discuss
      their position in the pathogenesis of the excess cardiovascular disease mortality
      and morbidity in these patients. 

PMID- 25126398
TI  - Domino effect of hypomagnesemia on the innate immunity of Crohn's disease
      patients.
AB  - Digestive diseases play major role in development and complications of other
      disorders including diabetes. For example, Crohn's disease (CD) is an
      inflammatory bowel disease associated with Mycobacterium avium subspecies
      paratuberculosis. The inflammation is a complex process that involves the
      activity of both innate and adaptive immune responses. CD lesions are primarily
      due to T cell response, however; innate immune response has a significant role in
      initiating its pathogenesis. Toll-like receptors and NOD-like receptors promote
      the activity of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB pathway for cytokines production. This
      results in the production of high levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha,
      interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6. Moreover, intestinal inflammation of CD is
      related to increased activity of NMDA receptors and the release of substance P.
      Imbalanced magnesium homeostasis in CD is a frequent finding in CD, Diabetes and
      others. The loss of such a major mineral affects many physiological processes in
      the body including its role as an immunomodulator. This review aims to (1)
      describe the significance of hypomagnesemia in the release of pro-inflammatory
      mediators in CD; (2) demonstrate effects of magnesium on pathways like NF-kappaB;
      (3) address the role of hypomagnesemia in the activity of CD; and (4) examine
      possible future research to establish a standard magnesium supplementation
      strategy; helping patients with CD or other disorders to maintain a sustained
      remission. 

PMID- 25126399
TI  - Novel treatment approaches in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension represent two common conditions
      worldwide. Their frequent association with cardiovascular diseases makes
      management of hypertensive patients with T2DM an important clinical priority.
      Carvedilol and renal denervation are two promising choices to reduce plasma
      glucose levels and blood pressure in hypertensive patients with T2DM to reduce
      future complications and improve clinical outcomes and prognosis.
      Pathophysiological mechanisms of both options are under investigation, but one of
      the most accepted is an attenuation in sympathetic nervous system activity which
      lowers blood pressure and improves insulin sensitivity. Choice of these
      therapeutic approaches should be individualized based on specific characteristics
      of each patient. Further investigations are needed to determine when to consider
      their use in clinical practice. 

PMID- 25126397
TI  - SH2B1 regulation of energy balance, body weight, and glucose metabolism.
AB  - The Src homology 2B (SH2B) family members (SH2B1, SH2B2 and SH2B3) are adaptor
      signaling proteins containing characteristic SH2 and PH domains. SH2B1 (also
      called SH2-B and PSM) and SH2B2 (also called APS) are able to form homo- or
      hetero-dimers via their N-terminal dimerization domains. Their C-terminal SH2
      domains bind to tyrosyl phosphorylated proteins, including Janus kinase 2 (JAK2),
      TrkA, insulin receptors, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors, insulin receptor
      substrate-1 (IRS1), and IRS2. SH2B1 enhances leptin signaling by both stimulating
      JAK2 activity and assembling a JAK2/IRS1/2 signaling complex. SH2B1 promotes
      insulin signaling by both enhancing insulin receptor catalytic activity and
      protecting against dephosphorylation of IRS proteins. Accordingly, genetic
      deletion of SH2B1 results in severe leptin resistance, insulin resistance,
      hyperphagia, obesity, and type 2 diabetes in mice. Neuron-specific overexpression
      of SH2B1beta transgenes protects against diet-induced obesity and insulin
      resistance. SH2B1 in pancreatic beta cells promotes beta cell expansion and
      insulin secretion to counteract insulin resistance in obesity. Moreover, numerous
      SH2B1 mutations are genetically linked to leptin resistance, insulin resistance,
      obesity, and type 2 diabetes in humans. Unlike SH2B1, SH2B2 and SH2B3 are not
      required for the maintenance of normal energy and glucose homeostasis. The
      metabolic function of the SH2B family is conserved from insects to humans. 

PMID- 25126400
TI  - Choice of wound care in diabetic foot ulcer: A practical approach.
AB  - Diabetic foot ulcers are the consequence of multiple factors including peripheral
      neuropathy, decreased blood supply, high plantar pressures, etc., and pose a
      significant risk for morbidity, limb loss and mortality. The critical aspects of
      the wound healing mechanism and host physiological status in patients with
      diabetes necessitate the selection of an appropriate treatment strategy based on
      the complexity and type of wound. In addition to systemic antibiotics and
      surgical intervention, wound care is considered to be an important component of
      diabetic foot ulcer management. This article will focus on the use of different
      wound care materials in diabetic foot. From a clinical perspective, it is
      important to decide on the wound care material depending on the type and grade of
      the ulcer. This article will also provide clinicians with a simple approach to
      the choice of wound care materials in diabetic foot ulcer. 

PMID- 25126401
TI  - Study of factors influencing susceptibility and age at onset of type 1 diabetes:
      A review of data from Continental Italy and Sardinia.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the role of protein tyrosin phosphatase 22 (PTPN22), maternal
      age at conception and sex on susceptibility and age at onset of type 1 diabetes
      (T1D) in Continental Italy and Sardinian populations. METHODS: Three hundred
      seventy six subjects admitted consecutively to the hospital for T1D and 1032
      healthy subjects as controls were studied in Continental Italy and 284 subjects
      admitted consecutively to the hospital for T1D and 5460 healthy newborns were
      studied in Sardinia. PTPN22 genotype was determined by DNA analysis. Maternal age
      at conception and age at onset of disease were obtained from clinical records.
      chi(2) test of independence, student t test for differences between means and
      odds ratio analysis were carried out by SPSS programs. Three way contingency
      table analysis was carried out according to Sokal and Rohlf. RESULTS: The pattern
      of association between PTPN22 and T1D is similar in Continental Italy and
      Sardinia: the proportion of *T allele carriers is 13.6% in T1D vs 6.7% in
      controls in Continental Italy while in Sardinia is 7.3% in T1D vs 4.4% in
      controls. The association between T1D and maternal age at conception is much
      stronger in Sardinia than in Italy: the proportion of newborn from mother aging
      more than 32 years is 89.3% in T1D vs 32.7% in consecutive newborn in Sardinia (P
      < 10(-6)) while in Continental Italy is 32.2% in T1D vs 19.1% in consecutive
      newborns (P = 0.005). This points to an important role of ethnicity. A slight
      prevalence of T1D males on T1D females is observed both in Continental Italy and
      Sardinia. PTPN22 genotype does not exert significant effect on the age at onset
      neither in Continental Italy nor and Sardinia. Maternal age does not influence
      significantly age at onset in Italy (8.2 years in T1D infants from mothers aging
      32 years or less vs 7.89 years in T1D infants from mothers aging more than 32
      years: P = 0.824) while in Sardinia a border line effect is observed (5.75 years
      in T1D infants from mothers aging 32 years or less vs 7.54 years in T1D infants
      from mothers aging more than 32 years: P = 0.062). No effect of sex on age at
      onset is observed in Continental Italy while in Sardinia female show a lower age
      at onset of T1D as compared to males (8.07 years in males vs 6.3 years in
      females: P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The present data confirm the importance of
      ethnicity on susceptibility and on the age at onset of T1D.

PMID- 25126402
TI  - Conventional insulin vs insulin infusion therapy in acute coronary syndrome
      diabetic patients.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the impact on glucose variability (GLUCV) of an nurse
      implemented insulin infusion protocol when compared with a conventional insulin
      treatment during the day-to-day clinical activity. METHODS: We enrolled 44 type 2
      diabetic patients (n = 32 males; n = 12 females) with acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS) and randomy assigned to standard a subcutaneous insulin treatment (n = 23)
      or a nurse-implemented continuous intravenous insulin infusion protocol (n = 21).
      We utilized some parameters of GLUCV representing well-known surrogate markers of
      prognosis, i.e., glucose standard deviation (SD), the mean daily delta glucose
      (mean of daily difference between maximum and minimum glucose), and the
      coefficient of variation (CV) of glucose, expressed as percent glucose
      (SD)/glucose (mean). RESULTS: At the admission, first fasting blood glucose,
      pharmacological treatments (insulin and/or anti-diabetic drugs) prior to entering
      the study and basal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were observed in the two groups
      treated with subcutaneous or intravenous insulin infusion, respectively. When
      compared with patients submitted to standard therapy, insulin-infused patients
      showed both increased first 24-h (median 6.9 mmol/L vs 5.7 mmol/L P < 0.045) and
      overall hospitalization delta glucose (median 10.9 mmol/L vs 9.3 mmol/L, P <
      0.028), with a tendency to a significant increase in first 24-h glycaemic CV
      (23.1% vs 19.6%, P < 0.053). Severe hypoglycaemia was rare (14.3%), and it was
      observed only in 3 patients receiving insulin infusion therapy. HbA1c values
      measured during hospitalization and 3 mo after discharge did not differ in the
      two groups of treatment. CONCLUSION: Our pilot data suggest that no real benefit
      in terms of GLUCV is observed when routinely managing blood glucose by insulin
      infusion therapy in type 2 diabetic ACS hospitalized patients in respect to
      conventional insulin treatment.

PMID- 25126403
TI  - Fifteen-year follow-up of quality of life in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate metabolic control and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in
      a type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) population. METHODS: As part of a prospective
      cohort study, 283 T1DM patients treated with various insulin treatment modalities
      including multiple daily injections (MDI) and continuous subcutaneous insulin
      infusion (CSII) were examined annually. HRQOL was measured using the SF-36 and
      EuroQol questionnaires. Data regarding HRQOL, glycaemic and metabolic control
      from baseline and follow-up measures in 2002 and 2010 were analysed. Linear mixed
      models were used to calculate estimated values and differences between the three
      moments in time and the three treatment modalities. RESULTS: Significant changes
      [mean Delta (95%CI)] in body mass index [2.4 kg/m(2) (1.0, 3.8)], systolic blood
      pressure [-6.4 mmHg (-11.4, -1.3)] and EuroQol-VAS [-7.3 (-11.4, -3.3)] were
      observed over time. In 2010, 168 patients were lost to follow-up. Regarding mode
      of therapy, 52 patients remained on MDI, 28 remained on CSII, and 33 patients
      switched from MDI to CSII during follow-up. Among patients on MDI, HRQOL
      decreased significantly over time: mental component summary [-9.8 (-16.3, -3.2)],
      physical component summary [-8.6 (-15.3, -1.8)] and EuroQol-VAS [-8.1 (-14.0, 
      2.3)], P < 0.05 for all. For patients using CSII, the EuroQol-VAS decreased [-9.6
      (-17.5, -1.7)]. None of the changes over time in HRQOL differed significantly
      with the changes over time within the other treatment groups. CONCLUSION: No
      differences with respect to metabolic and HRQOL parameters between the various
      insulin treatment modalities were observed after 15 years of follow-up in T1DM
      patients.

PMID- 25126404
TI  - The Early Determinants of Adult Health Study.
AB  - This issue of the Journal features collaborative follow-up studies of two unique
      pregnancy cohorts recruited during 1959-1966 in the United States. Here we
      introduce the Early Determinants of Adult Health (EDAH) study. EDAH was designed
      to compare health outcomes in midlife (age 40s) for same-sex siblings discordant
      on birthweight for gestational age. A sufficient sample of discordant siblings
      could only be obtained by combining these two cohorts in a single follow-up
      study. All of the subsequent six papers are either based upon the EDAH sample or
      are related to it in various ways. For example, three papers report results from
      studies that significantly extended the 'core' EDAH sample to address specific
      questions. We first present the overall design of and rationale for the EDAH
      study. Then we offer a synopsis of past work with the two cohorts to provide a
      context for both EDAH and the related studies. Next, we describe the recruitment
      and assessment procedures for the core EDAH sample. This includes the process of
      sampling and recruitment of potential participants; a comparison of those who
      were assessed and not assessed based on archived data; the methods used in the
      adult follow-up assessment; and the characteristics at follow-up of those who
      were assessed. We provide online supplementary tables with much further detail.
      Finally, we note further work in progress on EDAH and related studies, and draw
      attention to the broader implications of this endeavor.

PMID- 25126405
TI  - Serum microRNA profiles in children with autism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As regulators of gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role
      in the transcriptional networks of the developing human brain. Circulating miRNAs
      in the serum and plasma are remarkably stable and are suggested to have promise
      as noninvasive biomarkers for neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. We
      examined the serum expression profiles of neurologically relevant miRNAs in
      autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex neurodevelopmental disorder
      characterized by multiple deficits in communication, social interaction and
      behavior. METHODS: Total RNA, including miRNA, was extracted from the serum
      samples of 55 individuals with ASD and 55 age- and sex-matched control subjects,
      and the mature miRNAs were selectively converted into cDNA. Initially, the
      expression of 125 mature miRNAs was compared between pooled control and ASD
      samples. The differential expression of 14 miRNAs was further validated by SYBR
      Green quantitative PCR of individual samples. Receiver-operating characteristic
      (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of miRNAs.
      The target genes and pathways of miRNAs were predicted using DIANA mirPath
      software. RESULTS: Thirteen miRNAs were differentially expressed in ASD
      individuals compared to the controls. MiR-151a-3p, miR-181b-5p, miR-320a, miR
      328, miR-433, miR-489, miR-572, and miR-663a were downregulated, while miR-101
      3p, miR-106b-5p, miR-130a-3p, miR-195-5p, and miR-19b-3p were upregulated. Five
      miRNAs showed good predictive power for distinguishing individuals with ASD. The
      target genes of these miRNAs were enriched in several crucial neurological
      pathways. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study of serum miRNAs in ASD
      individuals. The results suggest that a set of serum miRNAs might serve as a
      possible noninvasive biomarker for ASD.

PMID- 25126406
TI  - Proteomic analysis of post mortem brain tissue from autism patients: evidence for
      opposite changes in prefrontal cortex and cerebellum in synaptic connectivity
      related proteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired
      language, communication and social skills. Although genetic studies have been
      carried out in this field, none of the genes identified have led to an
      explanation of the underlying causes. Here, we have investigated molecular
      alterations by proteomic profiling of post mortem brain samples from autism
      patients and controls. The analysis focussed on prefrontal cortex and cerebellum
      as previous studies have found that these two brain regions are structurally and
      functionally connected, and they have been implicated in autism. METHODS: Post
      mortem prefrontal cortex and cerebellum samples from autism patients and matched
      controls were analysed using selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (SRM
      MS). The main objective was to identify significantly altered proteins and
      biological pathways and to compare these across these two brain regions. RESULTS:
      Targeted SRM-MS resulted in identification of altered levels of proteins related
      to myelination, synaptic vesicle regulation and energy metabolism. This showed
      decreased levels of the immature astrocyte marker vimentin in both brain regions,
      suggesting a decrease in astrocyte precursor cells. Also, decreased levels of
      proteins associated with myelination and increased synaptic and energy-related
      proteins were found in the prefrontal cortex, indicative of increased synaptic
      connectivity. Finally, opposite directional changes were found for myelination
      and synaptic proteins in the cerebellum. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest
      altered structural and/or functional connectivity in the prefrontal cortex and
      cerebellum in autism patients, as shown by opposite effects on proteins involved
      in myelination and synaptic function. Further investigation of these findings
      could help to increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying autism
      relating to brain connectivity, with the ultimate aim of facilitating novel
      therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 25126407
TI  - Level of A1C control and its predictors among Lebanese type 2 diabetic patients.
AB  - AIM: Lebanon is among the top 10 countries with the highest prevalence of
      diabetes in the Middle East region with estimates reaching as high as 16.6% in
      adults aged 20-79 years. The objective of this study was to assess the level of
      A1C control among a cohort of type 2 diabetic patients and factors associated
      with uncontrolled A1C. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective observational
      study among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending an outpatient
      endocrinologist's clinic between June 2008 and July 2012 in Beirut, Lebanon. Two
      groups were compared, based on their diabetic control (A1C < 7% and A1C >= 7%).
      RESULTS: A total of 551 patients were included in this study, where 31.8%
      attained A1C control. Crude analyses showed that some factors were significantly
      associated with uncontrolled A1C, and these were long-standing diabetes, diabetes
      related complications, uncontrolled blood pressure, lipid profile, as well as the
      use of metformin, sulfonylurea, or insulin. When multivariate analysis was
      carried out, the chances of having uncontrolled A1C were significantly higher
      among patients who developed neuropathy (odds ratio [OR] 2.08, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.11-3.90), had uncontrolled triglycerides (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.33
      2.94), used insulin (OR 4.52, 95% CI 2.32-8.83), and sulfonylureas (OR 2.88, 95%
      CI 1.88-4.40). CONCLUSION: Uncontrolled diabetes is more likely to exist in
      patients with neuropathy, uncontrolled triglycerides and those using insulin or
      sulfonylurea. Further research is needed to confirm the findings.

PMID- 25126408
TI  - Renal effects of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus was originally conceived as a renal disorder. In the last
      decade, however, there has been renewed interest in role of the kidney in the
      development and maintenance of high glucose levels. This has led to the
      development of novel agents to inhibit sodium glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) as a
      means to better control glucose levels and at the same time augment calorie
      wasting and lower insulin, blood pressure and uric acid levels. Such actions,
      indirectly, may also have benefits for the prevention of diabetic complications
      including renal disease. However, there are also data to support the potential
      for direct renoprotective actions arising from inhibition of SGLT2, including
      actions to attenuate diabetes-associated hyperfiltration and tubular hypertrophy,
      as well as reduce the tubular toxicity of glucose. Some studies have demonstrated
      significant reductions in albumin excretion in various experimental models,
      independent of its effects on blood pressure or glucose control. Although
      promising, such actions remain to be established by comprehensive clinical trials
      with a renal focus, many of which are currently in progress. This article reviews
      the clinical and experimental data pertaining to the renal effects of SGLT2
      inhibition with a particular focus on dapaglifozin. 

PMID- 25126409
TI  - Comprehensive analysis of published studies involving systemic treatment for
      chondrosarcoma of bone between 2000 and 2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of patients with chondrosarcoma of bone have an
      excellent overall survival after local therapy. However, in case of unresectable
      locally advanced or metastatic disease the outcome is poor and limited treatment
      options exist. Therefore we conducted a survey of clinical phase I or II trials
      and retrospective studies that described systemic therapy for chondrosarcoma
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, the Cochrane
      controlled trial register and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
      abstracts a literature survey was conducted. From the identified items, data were
      collected by a systematic analysis. We limited our search to semi-recent studies
      published between 2000 and 2013 to include modern drugs, imaging techniques and
      disease evaluations. RESULTS: A total of 31 studies were found which met the
      criteria: 9 phase I trials, 11 phase II and 8 retrospective studies. In these
      studies 855 chondrosarcoma patients were reported. The tested drugs were mostly
      non-cytotoxic, either alone or in combination with another non-cytotoxic agent or
      chemotherapy. Currently two phase I trials, one phase IB/II trial and three phase
      II trials are enrolling chondrosarcoma patients. CONCLUSION: Because
      chondrosarcoma of bone is an orphan disease it is difficult to conduct clinical
      trials. The meagre outcome data for locally advanced or metastatic patients
      indicate that new treatment options are needed. For the phase I trials it is
      difficult to draw conclusions because of the low numbers of chondrosarcoma
      patients enrolled, and at different dose levels. Some phase II trials show
      promising results which support further research. Retrospective studies are
      encouraged as they could add to the limited data available. Efforts to increase
      the number of studies for this orphan disease are urgently needed.

PMID- 25110576
TI  - Functional characterization of Candida albicans Hos2 histone deacetylase.
AB  - Candida albicans is a mucosal commensal organism capable of causing superficial
      (oral and vaginal thrush) infections in immune normal hosts, but is a major
      pathogen causing systemic and mucosal infections in immunocompromised
      individuals. Azoles have been very effective anti-fungal agents and the mainstay
      in treating opportunistic mold and yeast infections. Azole resistant strains have
      emerged compromising the utility of this class of drugs. It has been shown that
      azole resistance can be reversed by the co-administration of a histone
      deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, suggesting that resistance is mediated by
      epigenetic mechanisms possibly involving Hos2, a fungal deacetylase. We report
      here the cloning and functional characterization of  HOS2 (High Osmolarity 
      Sensitive) , a gene coding for fungal histone deacetylase from  C. albicans.
      Inhibition studies showed that Hos2 is susceptible to pan inhibitors such as
      trichostatin A (TSA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), but is not
      inhibited by class I inhibitors such as MS-275. This  in  vitro enzymatic assay,
      which is amenable to high throughput could be used for screening potent fungal
      Hos2 inhibitors that could be a potential anti-fungal adjuvant. Purified Hos2
      protein consistently deacetylated tubulins, rather than histones from TSA-treated
      cells. Hos2 has been reported to be a putative NAD+ dependent histone
      deacetylase, a feature of sirtuins. We assayed for sirtuin activation with
      resveratrol and purified Hos2 protein and did not find any sirtuin activity. 

PMID- 25126410
TI  - Ring finger protein 39 genetic variants associate with HIV-1 plasma viral loads
      and its replication in cell culture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) exploits host proteins to
      complete its life cycle. Genome-wide siRNA approaches suggested that host
      proteins affect HIV-1 replication. However, the results barely overlapped. RING
      finger protein 39 (RNF39) has been identified from genome-wide association
      studies. However, its function during HIV-1 replication remains unclear. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We investigated the relationship between common RNF39 genetic
      variants and HIV-1 viral loads. The effect of RNF39 protein knockdown or
      overexpression on HIV-1 replication was then investigated in different cell
      lines. Two genetic variants were associated with HIV-1 viral loads. Patients with
      the ht1-GG/GG haplotype presented lower RNF39 expression levels and lower HIV-1
      viral load. RNF39 knockdown inhibited HIV-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: RNF39
      protein may be involved in HIV-1 replication as observed in genetic studies on
      patients with HIV-1 and in in vitro cell cultures.

PMID- 25110577
TI  - Accumulation of oocytes and/or embryos by vitrification: a new strategy for
      managing poor responder patients undergoing pre implantation diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low (or poor) responder patients are women who require large doses of
      stimulation medications and produce less than an optimal number of oocytes during
      IVF cycles. Low responder patients produce few oocytes and embryos, which
      significantly reduces their chances for success in a preimplantation genetic
      diagnosis (PGD) cycle. Accumulation of vitrified oocytes or embryos before the
      actual PGD cycle is a possible strategy that might increase patient's chances for
      a healthy pregnancy. AIM OF THE STUDY: This retrospective study evaluates the
      efficacy of a PGD program in low responder patients after repeated ovarian
      stimulation cycles with cumulative vitrification of oocytes and embryos. METHODS:
      Over a period of 30 months, 13 patients entering the PGD program were identified
      as poor responders after their first ovarian stimulation. These patients started
      a PGD cycle for one of the following indications: history of recurrent
      implantation failure (n=1), cystic fibrosis (n=1), X-linked microtubular myopathy
      (n=1), recurrent miscarriages (n=5), Duchene muscular dystrophy (n=1),
      chromosomal translocation (n=1) and high sperm aneuploidy (n=1).  After multiple
      ovarian hormonal stimulations patients had either all mature oocytes (Group A; 3
      patients) or all of their day 2 embryos vitrified (group B; 10 patients). Mean
      total number of oocyte collections per patient was 2.3 (range: 2 - 5 cycles).
      RESULTS: In the actual PGD cycle, all vitrified oocytes from group A patients
      were warmed and underwent intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) followed by
      culture up to day 3. For group B patients all vitrified day 2 embryos were warmed
      and cultured overnight. On day 3 of culture, all embryos from Group A and B had
      blastomere biopsy followed by genetic analysis. In group A, 20 embryos were found
      suitable for biopsy and genetic analysis; at least one healthy embryo was
      available for transfer for each patient.  For group B, 72 embryos in total were
      available for biopsy and PGD.  All patients, except one, had at least one healthy
      day 5 embryo for transfer (mean number of 2.1 embryos per transfer). Nine
      patients had a clinical pregnancy; 7 patients delivered a healthy baby.
      CONCLUSION: Low responder patients entering a PGD program might increase their
      chances for a healthy pregnancy by repeat ovarian stimulation in combination with
      cumulative oocyte or embryo vitrification.

PMID- 25110576
TI  - Functional characterization of Candida albicans Hos2 histone deacetylase.
AB  - Candida albicans is a mucosal commensal organism capable of causing superficial
      (oral and vaginal thrush) infections in immune normal hosts, but is a major
      pathogen causing systemic and mucosal infections in immunocompromised
      individuals. Azoles have been very effective anti-fungal agents and the mainstay
      in treating opportunistic mold and yeast infections. Azole resistant strains have
      emerged compromising the utility of this class of drugs. It has been shown that
      azole resistance can be reversed by the co-administration of a histone
      deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, suggesting that resistance is mediated by
      epigenetic mechanisms possibly involving Hos2, a fungal deacetylase. We report
      here the cloning and functional characterization of  HOS2 (High Osmolarity 
      Sensitive) , a gene coding for fungal histone deacetylase from  C. albicans.
      Inhibition studies showed that Hos2 is susceptible to pan inhibitors such as
      trichostatin A (TSA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), but is not
      inhibited by class I inhibitors such as MS-275. This  in  vitro enzymatic assay,
      which is amenable to high throughput could be used for screening potent fungal
      Hos2 inhibitors that could be a potential anti-fungal adjuvant. Purified Hos2
      protein consistently deacetylated tubulins, rather than histones from TSA-treated
      cells. Hos2 has been reported to be a putative NAD+ dependent histone
      deacetylase, a feature of sirtuins. We assayed for sirtuin activation with
      resveratrol and purified Hos2 protein and did not find any sirtuin activity. 

PMID- 25126416
TI  - Characterization of a multilayer heparin coating for biomolecule presentation to
      human mesenchymal stem cell spheroids.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells therapies have the potential to treat many pathologies,
      however, controlling cell fate after implantation remains challenging. We have
      used a multilayer technology to graft a range of 5 MUg/mL - 5 mg/mL heparin onto
      the surface of MSC aggregates. Heparin coating does not affect cell viability
      (seen through LIVE/DEAD staining), cell anti-inflammatory properties (seen
      through co-culture with activated monocytes)and facilitates sequestration by
      coated cells of a growth factor (TGF-beta1) that remains bioactive. This system
      can maximize therapeutic potential of MSC-based treatments because the cell
      surface-loaded protein could both signal to the cells to influence transplanted
      cell fate and be released into the surrounding environment to help repair injured
      tissue.

PMID- 25126414
TI  - Cytoplasmic nanojunctions between lysosomes and sarcoplasmic reticulum are
      required for specific calcium signaling.
AB  - Herein we demonstrate how nanojunctions between lysosomes and sarcoplasmic
      reticulum (L-SR junctions) serve to couple lysosomal activation to regenerative,
      ryanodine receptor-mediated cellular Ca (2+) waves. In pulmonary artery smooth
      muscle cells (PASMCs) it has been proposed that nicotinic acid adenine
      dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) triggers increases in cytoplasmic Ca (2+) via L-SR
      junctions, in a manner that requires initial Ca (2+) release from lysosomes and
      subsequent Ca (2+)-induced Ca (2+) release (CICR) via ryanodine receptor (RyR)
      subtype 3 on the SR membrane proximal to lysosomes. L-SR junction membrane
      separation has been estimated to be < 400 nm and thus beyond the resolution of
      light microscopy, which has restricted detailed investigations of the junctional
      coupling process. The present study utilizes standard and tomographic
      transmission electron microscopy to provide a thorough ultrastructural
      characterization of the L-SR junctions in PASMCs. We show that L-SR nanojunctions
      are prominent features within these cells and estimate that the junctional
      membrane separation and extension are about 15 nm and 300 nm, respectively.
      Furthermore, we develop a quantitative model of the L-SR junction using these
      measurements, prior kinetic and specific Ca (2+) signal information as input
      data. Simulations of NAADP-dependent junctional Ca (2+) transients demonstrate
      that the magnitude of these signals can breach the threshold for CICR via RyR3.
      By correlation analysis of live cell Ca (2+) signals and simulated Ca (2+)
      transients within L-SR junctions, we estimate that "trigger zones" comprising 60
      100 junctions are required to confer a signal of similar magnitude. This is
      compatible with the 110 lysosomes/cell estimated from our ultrastructural
      observations. Most importantly, our model shows that increasing the L-SR
      junctional width above 50 nm lowers the magnitude of junctional [Ca (2+)] such
      that there is a failure to breach the threshold for CICR via RyR3. L-SR junctions
      are therefore a pre-requisite for efficient Ca (2+)signal coupling and may
      contribute to cellular function in health and disease. 

PMID- 25126415
TI  - Incidence and predictors of surgical site infections following caesarean sections
      at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the second most common infectious
      complication after urinary tract infection following a delivery by caesarean
      section (CS). At Bugando Medical Centre there has no study documenting the
      epidemiology of SSI after CS despite the large number of CSs performed and the
      relatively common occurrence of SSIs. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort
      study involving pregnant women who underwent a CS between October 2011 and
      February 2012 at Bugando Medical Centre. A total of 345 pregnant women were
      enrolled. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data were collected
      using a standardized questionnaire. Wound specimens were collected and processed
      as per standard operative procedures; and susceptibility testing was carried out
      using a disc diffusion technique. Data was analyzed using STATA version 11.
      RESULTS: The overall cumulative incidence of SSI was 10.9% with an incidence rate
      of 37.5 per 10,000 people/day (95% CI, 26.8-52.4). The median time from CS to the
      development of SSI was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 6-9 days). Six
      independent risk factors for post caesarean SSI as identified in this study by
      multivariate analysis are: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HR: 2.5; 95% CI,
      1.1-5.6; P = 0.021), severe anaemia (HR: 3.8; 95% CI, 1.2-12.4, P = 0.028),
      surgical wound class III (HR: 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-5.0; P = 0.021), multiple vaginal
      examinations (HR: 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.1; P = 0.011), prolonged duration of
      operation (HR: 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2-5.5; P = 0.015) and an operation performed by an
      intern or junior doctor (HR: 4.0; 95% CI, 1.7-9.2; P = 0.001). Staphylococcus
      aureus was the most common organism (27.3%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae
      (22.7%). Patients with a SSI had a longer average hospital stay than those
      without a SSI (12.7 +/- 6.9 vs. 4 +/- 1.7; P < 0.0001) and the case fatality rate
      among patients with a SSI was 2.9%. CONCLUSION: SSIs are common among women
      undergoing CSs at Bugando Medical Centre. SSIs were commonly associated with
      multiple factors. Strategies to control these factors are urgently needed to
      control SSIs post CS at Bugando Medical Centre and other centres in developing
      countries.

PMID- 25126417
TI  - Mortality attributable to tobacco: review of different methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the most important measures for ascertaining the impact of
      tobacco is the estimation of the mortality attributable to its use. Several
      indirect methods of quantification are available. The objective of the article is
      to assess methodologies published and applied in calculating mortality
      attributable to smoking. METHODS: A review of the literature was made for the
      period 1998 to 2005, in the electronic databases MEDLINE. Twelve articles were
      selected for analysis. RESULTS: The most widely used methods were the prevalence
      methods, followed by smoking impact ration method. Ezzati and Lopez showed that
      the general rate of Smoking attributable mortality (SAM) globally was 12% (18% in
      men). Across countries, attributable fractions of total adult deaths ranged from
      8% in Southern Africa, 13.6% in Brazil (18.1% in men) and 25% in Hong Kong (33%
      in men). CONCLUSION: The variations can be attributed to methodological
      differences and to different estimates of the main tobacco-related illnesses and
      tobacco prevalence. All methods show limitations of one type or another, yet
      there is no consensus as to which furnishes the best information.

PMID- 25126418
TI  - Smoking-attributable mortality in Morocco: results of a prevalence-based study in
      Casablanca.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tobacco control measurements' had little impact on smoking prevalence
      in Morocco. The aim of this study is to provide first data on smoking
      attributable mortality in Morocco. METHOD: The Smoking-Attributable Mortality,
      Morbidity and Economic Costs (SAMMEC) software was used to estimate the smoking
      attributable mortality (SAM) in Casablanca region in 2012. Smoking prevalence and
      mortality data of people aged 35 years or older were obtained from the national
      survey on tobacco "Marta" and from Health Ministry Mortality System,
      respectively. RESULTS: Of the 5261deaths of persons aged 35 years and older, 508
      (9.7%) were attributable to cigarette smoking. This total represents 16.2% of all
      male deaths (n =448) and 2.0% (n =80) of all female deaths in this region. The
      leading four causes of smoking attributable deaths were lung cancer (177),
      chronic airways obstruction (76), ischemic heart disease (39), and
      cerebrovascular disease (31). CONCLUSION: Tobacco use caused one out of six
      deaths in Casablanca in 2012. Four leading causes (lung cancer, ischemic heart
      disease, cerebrovascular disease and chronic airways obstruction,) accounted for
      51.6% of SAM. Effective and comprehensive actions must be taken in order to slow
      this epidemic in Morocco.

PMID- 25126419
TI  - A Centre for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculosis (CDT) in a resource
      limited setting: a dragnet for patients with heart disease?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is a growing public health problem in sub
      Saharan Africa. Cough and dyspnea are symptoms of both lung diseases and heart
      failure. This study aimed at determining the contribution of cardiac diseases
      versus pulmonary diseases in the etiological profile of patients presenting with
      cough and dyspnea in a Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculosis
      (CDT), in a semi-rural area in Cameroon. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional
      analysis of data from patients aged 18 years or more who consulted for cough and
      or dyspnea between December 2009 and December 2010 at the CDT of Lafe-Baleng,
      Bafoussam, Cameroon. RESULTS: A total of 1196 patients were received for various
      complaints during the study period; 348 (29.1%) of them presented with cough and
      or dyspnea, and were included in the study. 186 patients (53.4%; 95% CI: 48.2
      58.6) had a pure cardiac disease, while 122 patients (35.1%; 95% CI: 30.2-40.2)
      had a pulmonary disease. The prevalence of hypertension was 50.9%, and
      hypertensive heart disease was the most frequent cardiac disease with a
      prevalence rate of 37.6%. Heart failure was diagnosed in 222 patients,
      representing 63.8% (95% CI: 58.9-68.9) of patients with cough and or dyspnea, and
      18.6% (95% CI: 16.5-21.0) of all the patients received at the CDT of Lafe-Baleng
      during the study period. Compared to patients with a pulmonary disease, patients
      with cardiac disease were older (p < 0.001) and more likely to present with
      dyspnea (p < 0.001) and to have hypertension (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found a
      high prevalence of heart failure in this Centre for the Diagnosis and Treatment
      of Tuberculosis thus, a veritable dragnet for patients with heart disease. Our
      findings emphasize the urgent need to increase the access to cardiovascular care
      and to continuously raise the awareness of the communities on cardiovascular
      diseases in Cameroon.

PMID- 25126420
TI  - Impact of community-based interventions on HIV knowledge, attitudes, and
      transmission.
AB  - In 2012, an estimated 35.3 million people lived with HIV, while approximately two
      million new HIV infections were reported. Community-based interventions (CBIs)
      for the prevention and control of HIV allow increased access and ease
      availability of medical care to population at risk, or already infected with,
      HIV. This paper evaluates the impact of CBIs on HIV knowledge, attitudes, and
      transmission. We included 39 studies on educational activities, counseling
      sessions, home visits, mentoring, women's groups, peer leadership, and street
      outreach activities in community settings that aimed to increase awareness on
      HIV/AIDS risk factors and ensure treatment adherence. Our review findings suggest
      that CBIs to increase HIV awareness and risk reduction are effective in improving
      knowledge, attitudes, and practice outcomes as evidenced by the increased
      knowledge scores for HIV/AIDS (SMD: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.25, 1.07), protected sexual
      encounters (RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.25), condom use (SMD: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.03,
      1.58), and decreased frequency of sexual intercourse (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61,
      0.96). Analysis shows that CBIs did not have any significant impact on scores for
      self-efficacy and communication. We found very limited evidence on community
      based management for HIV infected population and prevention of mother- to-child
      transmission (MTCT) for HIV-infected pregnant women. Qualitative synthesis
      suggests that establishment of community support at the onset of HIV prevention
      programs leads to community acceptance and engagement. School-based delivery of
      HIV prevention education and contraceptive distribution have also been advocated
      as potential strategies to target high-risk youth group. Future studies should
      focus on evaluating the effectiveness of community delivery platforms for
      prevention of MTCT, and various emerging models of care to improve morbidity and
      mortality outcomes. 

PMID- 25126423
TI  - Evaluation of the new digital goldmann applanation tonometer for measuring
      intraocular pressure.
AB  - Purpose. To compare a new digital Goldmann applanation tonometer (dGAT) that
      measures intraocular pressure (IOP) in 0.1 mmHg increments to a standard Goldmann
      applanation tonometer (sGAT). Methods. This study included 116 eyes of 60
      subjects. A single examiner first measured IOP in triplicate using either sGAT or
      dGAT, which was randomly chosen. After a 5-minute interval, the next set of three
      consecutive IOP was measured using the other GAT. Results. The mean IOP measured
      with sGAT was 16.27 +/- 6.68 mmHg and 16.35 +/- 6.69 mmHg with dGAT. Pearson's
      correlation coefficient was 0.998 (P < 0.01). The subjects were divided into
      three groups based on the mean IOP: IOP < 14 mmHg, 14-20 mmHg, or >20 mmHg. The
      Pearson's correlation coefficient within each group was 0.935, 0.972, and 0.997
      (P < 0.01), respectively. The difference within the three consecutive IOP
      measurements (maximum-minimum) for dGAT (0.72 +/- 0.34 mmHg) was significantly
      smaller than those with sGAT (0.92 +/- 0.42 mmHg, P < 0.01). Even in patients
      with equal IOP (zero left-right difference) with sGAT (n = 30), dGAT detected IOP
      differences between the left and right eyes (0.47 +/- 0.31 mmHg). Conclusion.
      Compared to sGAT, dGAT measurements are highly reproducible and less variable. 

PMID- 25126421
TI  - A melanoma helper peptide vaccine increases Th1 cytokine production by leukocytes
      in peripheral blood and immunized lymph nodes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancers produce soluble and cell-associated molecules that can
      suppress or alter antitumor immunity. Preclinical studies suggest the disease
      burden may alter the cytokine profile of helper T cell responses to cancer
      antigens. We studied cytokine production by helper T cells responding to
      vaccination with 6 melanoma helper peptides (6MHP) in blood and lymph nodes.
      METHODS: Twenty-three patients with stage IIIB-IV melanoma received a 6MHP
      vaccine. Antigen-reactive T cells from blood and draining lymph nodes were
      cultured, exposed to antigen, and then supernatants (days 2 and 5) were assayed
      for Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Results from 4 time points were compared to pre
      vaccine levels. RESULTS: Cytokine responses to vaccinating peptides were observed
      in 83% of patients. Th1 favoring responses were most common (17 of 19
      responders). The most abundant cytokines produced were IFN-gamma and IL-5 in the
      PBMC's. IL-2 responses predominated in cells obtained from draining lymph nodes
      in 2-day culture but not in 5-day cultures. Patients with clinically measurable
      disease produced similar levels of total cytokine and similar degree of Th1
      polarization as patients with no evidence of disease (NED). CONCLUSIONS: The MHC
      class II-associated peptides used in this study induced helper T cells with a Th1
      biased cytokine response in both PBMC and sentinel immunized nodes. Most patients
      can mount a Th1 dominant response to these peptides. Future studies are needed to
      test newer vaccine adjuvants in combination with these peptides. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: CDR0000378171, Clinicaltrials: NCT00089219.

PMID- 25126422
TI  - Psychogenic Stress in Hospitalized Dogs: Cross Species Comparisons, Implications
      for Health Care, and the Challenges of Evaluation.
AB  - Evidence to support the existence of health consequences of psychogenic stress
      has been documented across a range of domestic species. A general understanding
      of methods of recognition and means of mitigation of psychogenic stress in
      hospitalized animals is arguably an important feature of the continuing efforts
      of clinicians to improve the well-being and health of dogs and other veterinary
      patients. The intent of this review is to describe, in a variety of species: the
      physiology of the stress syndrome, with particular attention to the hypothalamic
      pituitary-adrenal axis; causes and characteristics of psychogenic stress;
      mechanisms and sequelae of stress-induced immune dysfunction; and other adverse
      effects of stress on health outcomes. Following that, we describe general aspects
      of the measurement of stress and the role of physiological measures and
      behavioral signals that may predict stress in hospitalized animals, specifically
      focusing on dogs. 

PMID- 25126424
TI  - Pain and Anxiety versus Sense of Family Support in Lung Cancer Patients.
AB  - Lung cancer is a stressful condition for both patient and family. The anxiety and
      pain accompanying cancer and its treatment have a significant negative influence
      on the patient's quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      correlation between anxiety, pain, and perceived family support in a sample of
      lung cancer patients. The sample consisted of a total of 101 lung cancer
      outpatients receiving treatment at the oncology department of a general hospital.
      Anxiety, pain (severity and impact on everyday life), and perceived family
      support were assessed using Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the
      Brief Pain Inventory, and the Family Support Scale, respectively. Statistical
      analyses revealed correlations between anxiety, pain, and family support as
      perceived by the patients. The intensity of pain had a positive correlation with
      both state and trait anxiety and a negative correlation with family support.
      Anxiety (state and trait) had a significant negative correlation with family
      support. In conclusion, high prevalence rates of anxiety disorders were observed
      in lung cancer patients. Females appeared more susceptible to anxiety symptoms
      with a less sense of family support. A negative correlation was evidenced between
      family support and anxiety and a positive one between anxiety and pain. 

PMID- 25126425
TI  - Gestational trophoblastic disease: a multimodality imaging approach with impact
      on diagnosis and management.
AB  - Gestational trophoblastic disease is a condition of uncertain etiology, comprised
      of hydatiform mole (complete and partial), invasive mole, choriocarcinoma, and
      placental site trophoblastic tumor. It arises from abnormal proliferation of
      trophoblastic tissue. Early diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease and
      its potential complications is important for timely and successful management of
      the condition with preservation of fertility. Initial diagnosis is based on a
      multimodality approach: encompassing clinical features, serial quantitative beta
      hCG titers, and pelvic ultrasonography. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      is sometimes used as a problem-solving tool to assess the depth of myometrial
      invasion and extrauterine disease spread in equivocal and complicated cases.
      Chest radiography, body computed tomography (CT), and brain MRI have been
      recommended as investigative tools for overall disease staging. Angiography has a
      role in management of disease complications and metastases. Efficacy of PET
      (positron emission tomography) and PET/CT in the evaluation of recurrent or
      metastatic disease has not been adequately investigated yet. This paper discusses
      the imaging features of gestational trophoblastic disease on various imaging
      modalities and the role of different imaging techniques in the diagnosis and
      management of this entity. 

PMID- 25126426
TI  - Saphenous vein sparing superficial inguinal dissection in lower extremity
      melanoma.
AB  - Aim. The classic inguinal lymph node dissection is the main step for the regional
      control of the lower extremity melanoma, but this surgical procedure is
      associated with significant postoperative morbidity. The permanent lymphedema is
      the most devastating long-term complication leading to a significant decrease in
      the patient's quality of life. In this study we present our experience with
      modified, saphenous vein sparing, inguinal lymph node dissections for patients
      with melanoma of the lower extremity. Methods. Twenty one patients (10 women, 11
      men) who underwent saphenous vein sparing superficial inguinal lymph node
      dissection for the melanoma of lower extremity were included in this study. The
      effects of saphenous vein sparing on postoperative complications were evaluated.
      Results. We have observed the decreased rate of long-term lymphedema in patients
      undergoing inguinal lymphadenectomy for the lower extremity melanoma. Conclusion.
      The inguinal lymphadenectomy with saphenous vein preservation in lower extremity
      melanoma patients seems to be an oncologically safe procedure and it may offer
      reduced long-term morbidity. 

PMID- 25126427
TI  - Daytime sleepiness and Parkinson's disease: the contribution of the multiple
      sleep latency test.
AB  - Background. Sleep disorders are major nonmotor manifestations of patients with
      Parkinson's disease (PD), and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is one of the
      most common symptoms. Objective. We reviewed a current literature concerning
      major factors that influence EDS in PD patients, using Multiple Sleep Latency
      Test (MSLT). Methods. A Medline search found 23 studies. Results. The presence of
      EDS was observed in 12.7% to 47% in patients without complaints of daytime
      sleepiness and 47% to 66.7% with complaints of daytime sleepiness. Despite being
      recognized by several authors, major factors that influence EDS, such as severity
      of motor symptoms, use of dopaminergic medications, and associated sleep
      disturbances, presented contradictory data. Conclusions. Available data suggest
      that the variability of the results may be related to the fact that it was
      conducted with a small sample size, not counting the neuropathological
      heterogeneity of the disease. Thus, before carrying out longitudinal studies with
      significant samples, careful analysis should be done by assigning a specific
      agent on the responsibility of EDS in PD patients. 

PMID- 25126428
TI  - Schwannoma of the tongue in a paediatric patient: a case report and 20-year
      review.
AB  - Schwannomas (Neurilemmomas) are benign, encapsulated, slow-growing, and usually
      solitary tumours originating from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheath
      with uncertain etiology. Approximately 25-48% of cases are seen in the head and
      neck region, of which 1% appears in the oral cavity. Lingual schwannoma can
      affect all age groups with peak incidence between the third and sixth decade. We
      report a rare case of lingual schwannoma in a 14-year-old girl complaining of
      asymptomatic swelling over lateral border of tongue since two years. Clinical
      examination revealed a nodule 1.5 * 1 cm in size, rubbery, nontender, smooth at
      right lateral border of tongue covered by normal mucosa, with no cervical
      lymphadenopathy. Excisional biopsy of the lesion was done under local
      anaesthesia. The histological sections spindle cells with thin wavy nuclei
      arranged as typical Antoni A (with Verocay bodies) and Antoni B areas. Nuclear
      palisading distribution (typical of a schwannoma) was readily identifiable. The
      patient was recurrence-free after one year. 

PMID- 25126430
TI  - Transient global amnesia associated with an acute infarction at the cingulate
      gyrus.
AB  - Background. Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a syndrome of sudden, unexplained
      isolated short-term memory loss. In the majority of TGA cases, no causes can be
      identified and neuroimaging, CSF studies and EEG are usually normal. We present a
      patient with TGA associated with a small acute infarct at the cingulate gyrus.
      Case Report. The patient, a 62 year-old man, developed two episodes of TGA. He
      had hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. He was found to have an acute ischemic
      stroke of small size (15 mm of maximal diameter) at the right cerebral cingulate
      gyrus diagnosed on brain magnetic resonance imaging. No lesions involving other
      limbic system structures such as thalamus, fornix, corpus callosum, or
      hippocampal structures were seen. The remainder of the examination was normal.
      Conclusion. Unilateral ischemic lesions of limbic system structures may result in
      TGA. We must bear in mind that TGA can be an associated clinical disorder of
      cingulate gyrus infarct. 

PMID- 25126429
TI  - An Uncommon Presentation of Spontaneous Rectus Sheath Hematoma with Acute Kidney
      Injury due to Obstructive Uropathy and Prerenal Azotemia.
AB  - Rectus Sheath Hematoma (RSH) represents an unusual entity which is characterized
      by acute abdominal pain and tender palpable abdominal mass usually, among elderly
      patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. We report the case of an 81-year-old
      woman admitted to our department due to acute abdominal pain and oligoanuria. The
      patient had recently been hospitalized due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
      and atrial fibrillation (AF) and received both anticoagulant and antiplatelet
      therapies. The radiological assessments revealed an extended Rectus Sheath
      Hematoma and bilateral hydronephrosis. Treatment of the hematoma required
      cessation of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, immobilization, blood and
      fresh frozen plasma transfusion, and administration of vasopressors. The patient
      recovered gradually and was discharged home fifteen (15) days later. 

PMID- 25126431
TI  - Listerial rhombencephalitis in an immunocompetent woman.
AB  - Listeriosis usually affects immunocompromised patients including elderly people
      and pregnant women, but it may also affect otherwise healthy individuals. In our
      report, we present a case of a rare and very severe form of listeriosis
      rhombencephalitis in a 61-year-old female with no history of immunosuppression,
      who, because of history, clinical picture, and laboratory results as well as
      negative cultures, was at first diagnosed with viral encephalitis. This paper
      underlines that Listeria monocytogenes infection should be taken into
      consideration in case of lymphocytic encephalitis even in immunocompetent
      patients. Typical MRI picture may be crucial in establishing a proper diagnosis
      as the lab results may be misleading. 

PMID- 25126432
TI  - Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy caused by uterine leiomyoma with sarcoma
      like findings on magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - A leiomyoma rarely causes disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). In the
      present report, we describe a case of DIC caused by leiomyoma. A 36-year-old
      nulliparous woman presented with hypermenorrhea and a lower abdominal mass. On
      magnetic resonance imaging, we detected a 14 cm uterine tumor, which was
      suspected to be a sarcoma. Blood tests at the preoperative examination indicated
      platelet count of 9.6 * 10(4)/MUL, fibrin degradation product level of 107.1
      MUg/mL (normal value, 0-5.0 MUg/mL), and fibrinogen level of 54 mg/dL (normal
      value, 129-271 mg/dL). Based on these findings, we diagnosed the patient with
      DIC. The patient was treated with nafamostat mesilate and fresh frozen plasma,
      but the DIC did not show any improvement. Subsequently, a hysterectomy was
      performed, after which the DIC improved. Clinicopathological findings indicated
      the presence of a leiomyoma with multiple vessels containing thromboemboli, and
      suggested that the DIC was caused by the leiomyoma. Therefore, it is essential to
      consider that that a benign leiomyoma may be a cause of DIC. 

PMID- 25126433
TI  - Ocular trauma from the "knockout game".
AB  - The "knockout game" is a new form of urban violence receiving much attention in
      local and national media. Apart from the obvious head trauma, eye injuries may be
      subtle and overlooked. This report brings awareness of potential eye damage with
      this type of assault. This report is of a young woman, victim of the knockout
      game, who sustained a submacular hemorrhage. Beyond a neurologic evaluation for
      anyone knocked unconscious following the knockout game, patients should be
      counseled regarding potential ocular injury and encouraged to seek eye care
      promptly should symptoms develop. 

PMID- 25126434
TI  - An unusual presentation of charcot arthropathy caused by syringomyelia mimicking
      a soft tissue tumor.
AB  - Charcot arthropathy is a chronic, degenerative condition and is associated with
      decreased sensorial innervation. Numerous causes of this arthropathy have been
      described. Here we report a case of neuropathic arthropathy secondary to
      syringomyelia which was misdiagnosed as a soft tissue tumor and treated
      surgically and additionally with radiotherapy at another institution. The patient
      had clinical and radiological signs of syringomyelia, associated with a limited
      range of motion, swelling, and pain in the affected joint. Neuropathic
      arthropathy, although less common, should be considered in cases of unexplained
      joint swelling, pain, and limited range of motion of the affected joint. 

PMID- 25126435
TI  - Endoscopic CO(2) Laser Horizontal Partial Laryngectomy in Larynx Carcinosarcoma.
AB  - Background. Carcinosarcoma is an extremely rare malignant neoplasm, with both a
      malignant epithelial and mesenchymal component, that rarely affects the larynx.
      Aim. Aim of this paper is to describe the case of a patient affected by a larynx
      carcinosarcoma treated by endoscopic horizontal partial laryngectomy with CO(2)
      laser and particularly discuss the histogenetic hypothesis as well as the
      possible treatment modalities of this rare lesion. Methods. Case report and
      literature review. Discussion and Conclusion. Still little is known about the
      biology of carcinosarcoma and there is still no consensus in the literature on
      the treatment of these tumors. Endoscopic horizontal partial laryngectomy could
      represent another treatment option in selected cases. 

PMID- 25126436
TI  - Intracranial gliofibroma: a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Gliofibroma is a rare tumor with biphasic morphology, commonly occurring in the
      first two decades of life. Currently, the tumor is not listed as a distinct
      entity in the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central
      nervous system tumors. As its biological behavior, histogenesis, and prognostic
      factors are still debated, the aim of this paper was to describe a case of a
      gliofibroma and to update the data about these lesions. Hence, we present here
      clinical symptoms, pathological findings, and evolution observed in a child with
      gliofibroma. A 10-year-old girl with seizures was referred for study.
      Neuroimaging showed a hemispheric hyperdense tumor with little peritumoral edema
      and no mass effect. The tumor was totally removed. Histologically, the tumor
      consisted of a mixture of glial cells and collagen-rich stroma.
      Immunohistochemical examination revealed positive staining for GFAP, CD 99, S100,
      and vimentin. EMA staining showed a paranuclear dot pattern in only few cells in
      isolated areas. These findings of a glial component with collagenous stroma were
      consistent with a desmoplastic glioma. Because of the rarity of this entity, we
      believe it is important to report every case in order to adequately analyze and
      categorize the tumor in the next WHO classification. 

PMID- 25126437
TI  - High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in a Patient with Reperfusion Pulmonary Edema
      following Percutaneous Transluminal Pulmonary Angioplasty.
AB  - A 62-year-old woman with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome was with recent worsening
      of dyspnea to New York Heart Association functional status Class III. The patient
      was diagnosed as having central type chronic thromboembolic pulmonary
      hypertension. By cardiac catheterization, her mean pulmonary artery pressure was
      53 mmHg with total pulmonary resistance 2238 dynes.sec.cm(-5). After medical
      therapies with tadalafil, furosemide, ambrisentan, beraprost, and warfarin were
      initiated, percutaneous transluminal pulmonary angioplasty (PTPA) was performed.
      Following PTPA, life-threating hypoxemia resulting from postoperative reperfusion
      pulmonary edema developed. High-flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) was applied,
      and 100% oxygen at 50 L/min of flow was required to keep oxygenation. HFNC was
      continued for 3 days, and the patient was discharged on 8th postoperative day
      with SpO2 of 97% on 3 L/min of oxygen inhalation. Because of the simplicity of
      the technique, the lower cost of equipment, and remarkable patient tolerance to
      the treatment, we speculate that HFNC can take over the post of noninvasive
      ventilation as first-line therapy for patients with acute respiratory failure. 

PMID- 25126438
TI  - Tuber cinereum diverticula in a 28-month-old with xq21 deletion syndrome.
AB  - A developmentally delayed 28-month-old male toddler was referred to us for brain
      MRI. Imaging revealed corpus callosum dysgenesis, forniceal hypoplasia, vermian
      hypoplasia, and hypothalamic dysmorphism characterized by tuber cinereum
      diverticula. Subsequent chromosomal microarray showed an Xq21 deletion. We
      present a case of Xq21 deletion syndrome with midline brain anomalies and a novel
      hypothalamic malformation. 

PMID- 25126439
TI  - Isolated nasopharyngeal castleman disease: an uncommon diagnosis in an unusual
      location.
AB  - Localised nasopharyngeal Castleman disease has rarely been reported. We present a
      case involving a 23-year-old female, describe the clinical, imaging, and
      histopathologic features of this challenging diagnosis, and review the
      literature. 

PMID- 25126440
TI  - Antenatal diagnosis of alobar holoprosencephaly.
AB  - A twenty-year-old second gravida presented to the department of radiodiagnosis
      for routine obstetric ultrasound examination. Ultrasonography revealed a live
      fetus of 17 weeks with absent falx, fused thalami, monoventricle, proboscis, and
      cyclopia. Fetal MRI was performed and the findings were confirmed. Even though
      ultrasonography is diagnostic in the detection of fetal anomalies, MRI plays a
      vital role due to its multiplanar capability and excellent soft tissue
      resolution. The importance of presenting this classical case of alobar
      holoprosencephaly is to sensitize the clinicians and radiologists to the imaging
      manifestations of holoprosencephaly and to stress the importance of early
      diagnosis. If diagnosed in utero at an early stage of pregnancy, termination can
      be performed and maternal psychological trauma of bearing a deformed fetus can be
      avoided. 

PMID- 25126441
TI  - Cecal endometriosis presenting as acute appendicitis.
AB  - The aim of our paper is to show the diagnosis of Coecal endometriosis as an
      infrequent reason of right iliac fossa pain. cecal endometriosis manifesting with
      right lower quadrant pain is difficult to diagnose, and it may even sometimes
      require laparotomy for diagnosis and treatment. We report here a case of cecal
      endometriosis causing clinically resembled acute appendicitis. In our patient, a
      diagnosis of cecal endometriosis was made postoperatively by microscopic
      examination of excised right colon, and the patient symptoms and general
      condition were improved after the surgery (open right hemicolectomy and ileocolic
      anastomosis). 

PMID- 25126442
TI  - Yersinia enterocolitica Infection Simulating Lymphoproliferative Disease, after
      Liver Transplant.
AB  - We describe a 14-year-old girl, who was 13 y after liver transplantation for
      biliary atresia with an unremarkable postoperative course. She presented with
      fever of up to 40 degrees C, extreme fatigue, malaise, anorexia, and occasional
      vomiting. On physical examination the only finding was splenomegaly. Lab results
      showed hyperglobulinemia and an elevated sedimentation rate. Liver function tests
      were normal except for mild elevation of gammaGTP. Abdominal U/S and CT
      demonstrated an enlarged spleen with retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymph nodes
      enlargement. An exhaustive evaluation for infectious causes, autoimmune
      conditions, and malignancy was negative. A full recovery after 5 months prompted
      testing for self-limited infectious etiologies. Yersinia enterocolitica infection
      was diagnosed. 

PMID- 25126443
TI  - Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells intrathecal transplantation in chronic
      stroke.
AB  - Cell therapy is being widely explored in the management of stroke and has
      demonstrated great potential. It has been shown to assist in the remodeling of
      the central nervous system by inducing neurorestorative effect through the
      process of angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and reduction of glial scar formation. In
      this study, the effect of intrathecal administration of autologous bone marrow
      mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) is analyzed on the recovery process of patients with
      chronic stroke. 24 patients diagnosed with chronic stroke were administered cell
      therapy, followed by multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation. They were assessed on
      functional independence measure (FIM) objectively, along with assessment of
      standing and walking balance, ambulation, and hand functions. Out of 24 patients,
      12 improved in ambulation, 10 in hand functions, 6 in standing balance, and 9 in
      walking balance. Further factor analysis was done. Patients of the younger groups
      showed higher percentage of improvement in all the areas. Patients who underwent
      cell therapy within 2 years after the stroke showed better changes. Ischemic type
      of stroke had better recovery than the hemorrhagic stroke. This study
      demonstrates the potential of autologous BMMNCs intrathecal transplantation in
      improving the prognosis of functional recovery in chronic stage of stroke.
      Further clinical trials are recommended. This trial is registered with
      NCT02065778. 

PMID- 25126444
TI  - Development of the rat model of lapatinib-induced diarrhoea.
AB  - Targeted therapy of cancer is often associated with clinically significant
      diarrhoea; however, the mechanisms underpinning this adverse effect are currently
      unknown. Diarrhoea following treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of
      EGFR is particularly troublesome. Until recently, understanding of EGFR TKI
      induced diarrhoea has been limited to clinical observation. However, our group
      has recently developed the first rat model of EGFR TKI-induced diarrhoea. This
      paper reviews the published and unpublished findings. 

PMID- 25126445
TI  - Transforming traditional Tai Ji Quan techniques into integrative movement therapy
      Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance.
AB  - Tai Ji Quan, developed as a martial art, has traditionally served multiple
      purposes, including self-defense, competition/performance, and health promotion.
      With respect to health, the benefits historically and anecdotally associated with
      Tai Ji Quan are now being supported by scientific and clinical research, with
      mounting evidence indicating its potential value in preventing and managing
      various diseases and improving well-being and quality of life in middle-aged and
      older adults. The research findings produced to date have both public health
      significance and clinical relevance. However, because of its roots in the martial
      arts, transforming traditional Tai Ji Quan movements and training approaches into
      contemporary therapeutic programs and functional applications is needed to
      maximize its ultimate utility. This paper addresses this issue by introducing Tai
      Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, a functional therapy that involves the use of
      Tai Ji Quan principles and Yang-style-based movements to form an innovative,
      contemporary therapeutic approach that integrates motor, sensory, and cognitive
      components to improve postural control, gait, and mobility for older adults and
      those who have neurodegenerative movement impairments. It provides a synergy of
      traditional and contemporary Tai Ji Quan practice with the ultimate goal of
      improving balance and gait, enhancing performance of daily functional tasks, and
      reducing incidence of falls among older adults.

PMID- 25126446
TI  - Teleoperation System with Hybrid Pneumatic-Piezoelectric Actuation for MRI-Guided
      Needle Insertion with Haptic Feedback.
AB  - This paper presents a surgical master-slave tele-operation system for
      percutaneous interventional procedures under continuous magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) guidance. This system consists of a piezoelectrically actuated
      slave robot for needle placement with integrated fiber optic force sensor
      utilizing Fabry-Perot interferometry (FPI) sensing principle. The sensor flexure
      is optimized and embedded to the slave robot for measuring needle insertion
      force. A novel, compact opto-mechanical FPI sensor interface is integrated into
      an MRI robot control system. By leveraging the complementary features of
      pneumatic and piezoelectric actuation, a pneumatically actuated haptic master
      robot is also developed to render force associated with needle placement
      interventions to the clinician. An aluminum load cell is implemented and
      calibrated to close the impedance control loop of the master robot. A force
      position control algorithm is developed to control the hybrid actuated system.
      Teleoperated needle insertion is demonstrated under live MR imaging, where the
      slave robot resides in the scanner bore and the user manipulates the master
      beside the patient outside the bore. Force and position tracking results of the
      master-slave robot are demonstrated to validate the tracking performance of the
      integrated system. It has a position tracking error of 0.318mm and sine wave
      force tracking error of 2.227N.

PMID- 25126447
TI  - Evaluating an Integrative Theoretical Framework for HIV Sexual Risk among
      Juvenile Justice involved Adolescents.
AB  - Juvenile justice involved youth are at great risk for negative outcomes of risky
      sexual behavior including HIV/AIDS. Given the strong connection between alcohol
      use and risky sex in this population, it is important to consider alcohol use in
      interventions designed to decrease risky sexual behavior. This paper provides
      support for an integrative translational model that incorporates psychosocial,
      neurobiological, and genetic factors to better predict alcohol-related sexual
      risk behavior. Specifically, we present the design, methods, and baseline data
      from a complex randomized control trial, Project SHARP (Sexual Health and
      Adolescent Risk Prevention) in order to illustrate how this broad array of
      factors can best predict alcohol-related sexual risk behavior. Participants were
      justice-involved adolescents (n=284) who completed an fMRI and self-report
      assessments prior to randomization to either a sexual risk plus alcohol risk
      reduction group intervention or to an information-only contact control group
      intervention. Structural equation modeling was utilized and findings supported
      the hypothesized relationships in the translational model. Preliminary data
      suggest that interventions among justice-involved adolescents targeting alcohol
      related sexual risk behavior may be more effective if a biopsychosocial approach
      is considered.

PMID- 25126448
TI  - Dallas Glaucoma Registry: Preliminary Results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, yet
      there are no large databases where risk factors, current management options and
      outcomes may be evaluated. With this concept in mind, Dallas Glaucoma Registry
      was established to focus on an ethnically mixed North Texas population. METHODS:
      This is a retrospective, chart review of 2,484 patients (4,839 eyes) with
      glaucoma from three clinics. Data collected included: age, race, gender,
      intraocular pressure, visual acuity, central corneal thickness, cup-to-disk
      ratio, extent of visual field damage, glaucoma diagnoses, medical and surgical
      therapies. RESULTS: The most prevalent glaucoma was primary open angle glaucoma
      accounting for 44.4% of patients, followed by glaucoma suspect (39.5%), secondary
      glaucoma (7.2%), angle closure glaucoma (6.8%), normal tension glaucoma (1.7%),
      and childhood glaucoma (0.5%). The mean (SD) age was 68.7 (13.8) and 41.3% were
      non Hispanic white, 37.0% were black, 10.4% were Hispanic and 11.3% were of other
      ethnic origin. Hispanic representation in glaucoma did not match their numbers in
      general population of North Texas. CONCLUSION: Large numbers of patients in the
      ongoing Dallas Glaucoma Registry do provide adequate data to better understand
      risk factors, early detection, improved screening targets, treatment options,
      outcomes and future studies.

PMID- 25126451
TI  - Dermatopathology: An abridged compendium of words. A discussion of them and
      opinions about them. Part 5.

PMID- 25126450
TI  - A headset method for measuring the visual temporal discrimination threshold in
      cervical dystonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The visual temporal discrimination threshold (TDT) is the shortest
      time interval at which one can determine two stimuli to be asynchronous and meets
      criteria for a valid endophenotype in adult-onset idiopathic focal dystonia, a
      poorly penetrant disorder. Temporal discrimination is assessed in the hospital
      laboratory; in unaffected relatives of multiplex adult-onset dystonia patients
      distance from the hospital is a barrier to data acquisition. We devised a
      portable headset method for visual temporal discrimination determination and our
      aim was to validate this portable tool against the traditional laboratory-based
      method in a group of patients and in a large cohort of healthy controls. METHODS:
      Visual TDTs were examined in two groups 1) in 96 healthy control participants
      divided by age and gender, and 2) in 33 cervical dystonia patients, using two
      methods of data acquisition, the traditional table-top laboratory-based system,
      and the novel portable headset method. The order of assessment was randomized in
      the control group. The results obtained by each technique were compared. RESULTS:
      Visual temporal discrimination in healthy control participants demonstrated
      similar age and gender effects by the headset method as found by the table-top
      examination. There were no significant differences between visual TDTs obtained
      using the two methods, both for the control participants and for the cervical
      dystonia patients. Bland-Altman testing showed good concordance between the two
      methods in both patients and in controls. DISCUSSION: The portable headset device
      is a reliable and accurate method for visual temporal discrimination testing for
      use outside the laboratory, and will facilitate increased TDT data collection
      outside of the hospital setting. This is of particular importance in multiplex
      families where data collection in all available members of the pedigree is
      important for exome sequencing studies.

PMID- 25126449
TI  - The determinants of head and neck cancer: Unmasking the PI3K pathway mutations.
AB  - Studies attempting to identify and understand the function of mutated genes and
      deregulated molecular pathways in cancer have been ongoing for many years. The
      PI3K-PTEN-mTOR signaling pathway is one of the most frequently deregulated
      pathways in cancer. PIK3CA mutations are found 11%-33% of head and neck cancer
      (HNC). The hotspot mutation sites for PIK3CA are E542K, E545K and H1047R/L. The
      PTEN somatic mutations are in 9-23% of HNC, and they frequently cluster in the
      phosphatase domain of PTEN protein. PTEN loss of heterozygosity (LOH) ranges from
      41%-71% and loss of PTEN protein expression occurs in 31.2% of the HNC samples.
      PIK3CA and PTEN are key molecules in the PI3K-PTEN-mTOR signaling pathway. In
      this review, we provided a comprehensive overview of mutations in the PI3K-PTEN
      mTOR molecular circuitry in HNC, including PI3K family members, TSC1/TSC2, PTEN,
      AKT, and mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes. We discussed how these genetic alterations
      may affect protein structure and function. We also highlight the latest
      discoveries in protein kinase and tumor suppressor families, emphasizing how
      mutations in these families interfere with PI3K signaling. A better understanding
      of the mechanisms underlying cancer formation, progression and resistance to
      therapy will inform selection of novel genomic-based personalized therapies for
      head and neck cancer patients.

PMID- 25126453
TI  - Acantholytic dyskeratotic acanthoma: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Focal acantholytic dyskeratosis has been described as an incidental
      finding and as a clinically distinct lesion. In both situations, a dimorphic
      histologic pattern is observed: acantholysis and dyskeratosis. Solitary, non
      genital lesions displaying such pathology have been difficult to classify.
      Clinical and pathological characteristics of acantholytic dyskeratotic acanthomas
      are described. METHODS: The features of a patient with solitary, non-genital,
      acantholytic dyskeratotic acanthoma are presented and the literature on
      acantholytic dyskeratotic acanthomas is reviewed. Using PubMed the following
      terms were searched and relevant citations assessed: acantholysis, acanthoma,
      cutaneous, dyskeratosis, nail, warty. RESULTS: We identified 30 cutaneous
      acantholytic dyskeratotic acanthomas, including our patient, most often found on
      the trunk and mimicking basal cell carcinoma, and three subungual acantholytic
      dyskeratotic acanthomas of the thumb, which mimicked onychopapilloma. CONCLUSION:
      Acantholytic dyskeratotic acanthomas are clinically and pathologically distinct
      lesions, which may morphologically present as either truncal plaques or subungual
      longitudinal erythronychia.

PMID- 25126454
TI  - Actinic granuloma.

PMID- 25126452
TI  - The dermatoscopic universe of basal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Following the first descriptions of the dermatoscopic pattern of basal cell
      carcinoma (BCC) that go back to the very early years of dermatoscopy, the list of
      dermatoscopic criteria associated with BCC has been several times updated and
      renewed. Up to date, dermatoscopy has been shown to enhance BCC detection, by
      facilitating its discrimination from other skin tumors and inflammatory skin
      diseases. Furthermore, upcoming evidence suggests that the method is also useful
      for the management of the tumor, since it provides valuable information about the
      histopathologic subtype, the presence of clinically undetectable pigmentation,
      the expansion of the tumor beyond clinically visible margins and the response to
      non-ablative treatments. In the current article, we provide a summary of the
      traditional and latest knowledge on the value of dermatoscopy for the diagnosis
      and management of BCC. 

PMID- 25126455
TI  - Is aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma really aggressive digital
      papillary adenocarcinoma?

PMID- 25126457
TI  - Multiple primary thick melanomas: similar dermoscopic pattern.

PMID- 25126456
TI  - Keratoacanthoma versus invasive squamous cell carcinoma: a comparison of
      dermatoscopic vascular features in 510 cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Keratoacanthoma (KA) and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are
      keratinocytic tumors displaying vascular features, imaged using dermatoscopy.
      OBJECTIVE: Compare the dermatoscopy vascular features of KA to SCC. METHODS: This
      prospective study examined consecutive cases of 100 KA and 410 invasive SCC in a
      single private practice in Sydney, Australia. Vascular features were recorded in
      vivo direct from patients using a non-polarized Delta 20 Heine dermatoscope.
      These vascular features were: linear, branching, serpentine, hairpin, glomerular
      and dot vessels, the presence or absence of large diameter tumor vessels, vessel
      presence in central verses peripheral tumor areas and tumor pink areas in
      different proportions. Following full excision, all cases were submitted for
      histopathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: Branching vessels were the only vessel
      morphology that varied, with a significant incidence in KA (25.0%), compared to
      SCC (10.7%), P < 0.01. Large vessels were identified in 20.0% of KA, compared to
      12.4% in SCC, P = 0.05. No vessels were observed in the central tumor areas in
      43.4 % of KA compared to 58.0% of SCC, P = 0.01. Other data comparing the central
      versus peripheral tumor areas for vessels present did not reveal any distinctive
      associations. There were no significant differences between KA and SCC when
      reviewing the selected proportions of pink within the tumor. LIMITATIONS: The
      vascular features may be confounded by tumor depth in KA. Polarized dermatoscopy
      may not produce the same findings. CONCLUSION: This study found branching vessels
      to have a higher incidence in KA compared to invasive SCC. Although not
      statistically significant, large diameter vessels were also more frequent in KA.
      Proportions of pink within the tumor or central verses peripheral tumor vessel
      distribution were not useful diagnostic features separating KA from SCC using
      dermatoscopy.

PMID- 25126458
TI  - Dermatoscopy of folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma.
AB  - A 29-year-old Japanese man presented to our institution with a nodule on his nose
      that had increased in size since childhood. Physical examination indicated the
      presence of an elastic, firm, pedunculated red nodule measuring 15 mm in size.
      Dermatoscopic examination of the nodule indicated a yellowish-white network,
      yellowish-orange dots/globules at its center, and a pinkish-white structureless
      peripheral area. Histopathological examination of an excisional biopsy specimen
      showed a dilated infundibulocystic structure with sebaceous lobules proliferating
      radially, surrounded by fibrous stroma. Moreover, mature adipocytes and small
      vessels were noted in the stroma. Based on these histopatho-logic findings, the
      patient was diagnosed with folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma. 

PMID- 25126459
TI  - Infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma: dermoscopic findings and histologic
      correlation.
AB  - Infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma is a rare variant. It was first described
      in 1987 and proposed as a new basal cell carcinoma (BCC) subtype by Ackerman and
      Walsh in 1990. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that allows
      prompt identification of many types of BCC. However, dermoscopic findings for the
      infundibulocystic variant have not been reported. In our patient the dermoscopic
      findings were maple leaf-like areas in the periphery of the tumor, multiple
      scattered blue-gray dots and globules, short, fine telangiectasia and chrysalis
      or white-shiny streaks. All these structures had an underlying
      anatomopathological correlation. CONCLUSION: According to our case report,
      dermoscopy findings may aid to clearly diagnose this unusual BCC variant with
      proper histopathological correlation.

PMID- 25126460
TI  - Zosteriform cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed with the help of dermoscopy.
AB  - Cutaneous leishmaniasis is usually easy to recognize; however, several atypical
      features exist, which may pose a diagnostic challenge. Here we report a 55-year
      old female patient, who presented with an itchy and painful eruption localized in
      a dermatomal distribution along the right upper chest. Although the clinical
      appearance of the lesions suggested the diagnosis of herpes zoster, dermoscopic
      evaluation revealed erythema, hyperkeratosis, burst star whitish appearance and
      hairpin vessels, compatible with the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
      Indeed, leishmania amastigotes were detected by smear from the lesions.
      Zosteriform presentation of cutaneous leishmaniasis, as exemplified by our
      patient, is especially rare. In our case dermoscopy has proven to be an
      accessible and easy tool to diagnose such atypical presentation of cutaneous
      leishmaniasis, and dermatologists in endemic areas should be familiar with its
      typical dermoscopic features. 

PMID- 25126461
TI  - The dermoscopic variability of Degos disease at different stages of progression.

PMID- 25126462
TI  - Melanoma and satellite blue papule.
AB  - The colors that are seen in dermoscopy depend on the anatomic level of the skin
      at which the chromophores are seen. Blue color can be found in a variety of
      melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions. An 89-year-old man presented with a 3
      year history of a slow-growing, hyperpigmented patch located on the distal third
      of the right arm. Dermoscopy showed an atypical network, irregularly distributed
      globules, pigmented internal streaks and a milky-red area. Based on these
      findings a diagnosis of slow-growing malignant melanoma was made. Simultaneously,
      a well-defined blue papule was seen on the proximal third of the same arm.
      Dermoscopy disclosed a homogeneous blue pattern. After clinical and dermoscopic
      correlation our differential diagnosis for this blue lesion included cutaneous
      melanoma metastasis, blue nevus and foreign body reaction. The patient recalled
      its onset 75 years ago after a grenade explosion. We also discuss the blue lesion
      appearance under reflectance confocal microscopy and high-definition optical
      coherence tomography. Histopathological examination after excision of the
      hyperpigmented patch and blue papule revealed a melanoma in situ and a foreign
      body reaction, respectively. The diagnostic evaluation of a blue lesion should
      always rely on the integration of all data, especially clinical and dermoscopic
      features. Other non-invasive techniques, like reflectance confocal microscopy and
      high-definition optical coherence tomography can also be important aids for its
      differential diagnosis. 

PMID- 25126463
TI  - Recognizing the benefits and pitfalls of reflectance confocal microscopy in
      melanoma diagnosis.

PMID- 25126464
TI  - Dermatoscopy: A multicolored lesion on the forehead.

PMID- 25126465
TI  - An atypical pigmented lesion-Answer.

PMID- 25126466
TI  - Application of black salve to a thin melanoma that subsequently progressed to
      metastatic melanoma: a case study.
AB  - This is a case study of a female patient diagnosed with superficial spreading
      melanoma who decided to treat the lesion by the application of a preparation
      known as black salve. Persistence of the melanoma was documented five years later
      with subsequent evidence of metastatic spread to the regional lymph nodes, lungs,
      liver, subcutaneous tissues and musculature. A literature search has revealed one
      other case study of the use of black salve for the treatment of melanoma. 

PMID- 25126467
TI  - "Neglected nipples": acanthosis nigricans-like plaques caused by avoidance of
      nipple cleansing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) develops sporadically or in association
      with obesity, insulin-resistance and dark pigmentary phenotype. Unusual clinical
      presentations of AN may be diagnostically vexing. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the
      report is to present unusual clinical and dermoscopic pictures of hyper
      keratotic, brownish lesions of the nipples resembling acanthosis nigricans.
      PATIENTS/METHODS: Data including clinical and dermoscopic features of two
      patients with the "neglected nipples": acanthosis nigricans-like (AN-like)
      hyperpigmented plaques caused by avoidance of nipple cleansing. RESULTS: Beside
      the anamnestic clue, presentation of AN-like plaques in the "neglected nipples"
      is limited to the breasts, in the absence of involvement of other flexural sites
      classically affected by AN. Dermoscopy aids the exclusion of a tumor, as it
      reveals exclusively structureless, brown-gray-black hyperkeratosis in the absence
      of criteria associated with melanocytic or non-melanocytic skin neoplasms of the
      nipple. The "neglected breasts" are easily treated by keratolytic creams and
      hygiene. CONCLUSIONS: The "neglected nipples" condition, presenting as bilateral
      AN-like papules and plaques of the nipples, is due to avoidance of cleansing of
      the nipple area, resulting in accumulation of keratotic cellular debris.

PMID- 25126468
TI  - A dermoscope allowing the use of surgical light as illumination.

PMID- 25126469
TI  - Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita restricted to both breasts in a young
      female.
AB  - Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC) is a very rarely occurring
      congenital disorder with persistent cutis marmorata, telangiectasia, and
      phlebectasia. This disorder may be associated with cutaneous atrophy and
      ulceration of the involved skin. We herewith report a 20-year-old female patient
      with CMTC since childhood along with ulcerations on both breasts. CMTC is a
      benign vascular anomaly presenting with dilatation of capillaries and veins of
      dermis and is apparent at birth. The patient had reticulated bluish-purple skin
      changes over both breasts. Although it resembled physiological cutis marmorata,
      it was more pronounced and definitely was unvarying and permanent in pattern. A
      variety of vascular malformations have been described along with this disorder.
      Etiology is not very clear; it may be multifactorial in origin. Prognosis in
      uncomplicated cases is good. 

PMID- 25126470
TI  - Uncommon presentations of tinea versicolor.
AB  - Tinea versicolor (TV) is a common cutaneous fungal infection characterized by
      superficial scaling and a mild disturbance of skin pigmentation. It typically
      affects the chest, upper back, and shoulders. However, involvement of more
      unusual regions of the body such as the face and scalp, arms and legs,
      intertriginous sites, genitalia, areolae, and palms and soles has been reported.
      This report details two such cases observed at our institution: a 32-year-old
      woman with involvement of the popliteal fossa and a 16-year-old boy with
      involvement of the groin. The clinician must be aware of these variations in
      location and perform the appropriate diagnostic workup when lesions have the
      characteristic morphology of TV despite an unusual location. The etiology,
      pathophysiology, and epidemiology of TV are reviewed and current literature
      describing other instances of TV in uncommon locations is discussed. 

PMID- 25126471
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 25126473
TI  - The Topical Evolution: Free Ions, Orthomolecular Agents, Phytochemicals, and
      Insect-Produced Substances.
AB  - Significance: A variety of topical antiseptic substances have been used
      historically to treat open wounds with suspected tissue infection or that are
      slow to heal. However, the effectiveness of these substances in treating infected
      or recalcitrant wounds remains controversial. Recent Advances: Newly formulated
      topical antiseptics delivered through differing dressing technologies, such as
      ionic substances, hold the potential to limit the development of and treat
      antibiotic-resistant microbes in open wounds. Other topically delivered
      substances, such as insect-derived substances, orthomolecular agents, and
      phytochemicals, also present opportunities to optimize wound healing by
      decreasing tissue bioburden and facilitating the wound healing process. Critical
      Issues: Limited systemic perfusion of open wounds in individuals with certain
      diagnoses, such as peripheral arterial disease or necrotizing infection and the
      increasing number of antibiotic-resistant wound pathogens, suggests a continued
      role for topically applied antiseptic agents. Likewise, the failure of wounds to
      heal when treated with standard of care therapy opens the door to innovative
      treatment approaches that include the natural substances described in this
      article. Future Directions: Evidence for the use of select topical antiseptic
      agents from each of the aforementioned categories will be discussed in this
      article. Additional well-controlled clinical studies are needed to provide
      definitive recommendations for many of these topical agents.

PMID- 25126474
TI  - What Do Patients Want? Patient Preference in Wound Care.
AB  - Patient preferences are statements made or actions taken by consumers that
      reflect their desirability of a range of health options. The concept occupies an
      increasingly prominent place at the center of healthcare reform, and is connected
      to all aspects of healthcare, including discovery, research, delivery, outcome,
      and payment. Patient preference research has focused on shared decisions,
      decisional aids, and clinical practice guideline development, with limited study
      in acute and chronic wound care populations. The wound care community has focused
      primarily on patient focused symptoms and quality of life measurement. With
      increasing recognition of wound care as a medical specialty and as a public
      health concern that consumes extensive resources, attention to the preferences of
      end-users with wounds is necessary. This article will provide an overview of
      related patient-centered concepts and begin to establish a framework for
      consideration of patient preference in wound care.

PMID- 25126475
TI  - Collect Data, Tell Stories: Utilizing Available Data to Improve Wound Product
      Selection, Reduce Costs, and Improve Outcomes.
AB  - Objective: To develop a tool to assist in the evaluation of treatment options
      based on clinically relevant parameters, thus enabling clinicians to heal
      patients more efficiently. Approach: Outlined here is the prototypic model of a
      comprehensive analysis tool to compare products by category, accounting for
      product characteristics, effectiveness data from literature, costs, and patient
      needs or clinician preferences. Results: The tool is demonstrated with a venous
      leg ulcer example, and ideas for expanding the tool in the future are provided.
      Innovation: Although this is a simple model, the authors believe that it provides
      a valid and useful platform for comparing similar products of a given type using
      available information and reflecting real-world use to give a practical approach
      to clinical decision-making. Conclusion: Future funding for comprehensive,
      comparative effectiveness studies should provide clarity on which products to
      choose for specific applications. Meanwhile, tools like this can provide
      guidance, and can be modified to accommodate varying circumstances.

PMID- 25126476
TI  - A Global Perspective on Wound Care.
AB  - The development of an interprofessional team approach to the care of acute and
      chronic wounds is a worldwide challenge. This global unmet need has recently been
      recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and addressed by the
      Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC) Global Volunteers program.
      This article provides an overview of the escalating international wound problem.
      Current programs established to deal with wounds in resource-poor countries are
      presented as well as information on volunteering.

PMID- 25126472
TI  - Wound Dressings and Comparative Effectiveness Data.
AB  - Significance: Injury to the skin provides a unique challenge, as wound healing is
      a complex and intricate process. Acute wounds have the potential to move from the
      acute wound to chronic wounds, requiring the physician to have a thorough
      understanding of outside interventions to bring these wounds back into the
      healing cascade. Recent Advances: The development of new and effective
      interventions in wound care remains an area of intense research. Negative
      pressure wound therapy has undoubtedly changed wound care from this point forward
      and has proven beneficial for a variety of wounds. Hydroconductive dressings are
      another category that is emerging with studies underway. Other modalities such as
      hyperbaric oxygen, growth factors, biologic dressings, skin substitutes, and
      regenerative materials have also proven efficacious in advancing the wound
      healing process through a variety of mechanisms. Critical Issues: There is an
      overwhelming amount of wound dressings available in the market. This implies the
      lack of full understanding of wound care and management. The point of using
      advanced dressings is to improve upon specific wound characteristics to bring it
      as close to "ideal" as possible. It is only after properly assessing the wound
      characteristics and obtaining knowledge about available products that the "ideal"
      dressing may be chosen. Future Directions: The future of wound healing at this
      point remains unknown. Few high-quality, randomized controlled trials evaluating
      wound dressings exist and do not clearly demonstrate superiority of many
      materials or categories. Comparative effectiveness research can be used as a tool
      to evaluate topical therapy for wound care moving into the future. Until further
      data emerge, education on the available products and logical clinical thought
      must prevail.

PMID- 25126477
TI  - Medicare Payment: Surgical Dressings and Topical Wound Care Products.
AB  - Medicare patients' access to surgical dressings and topical wound care products
      is greatly influenced by the Medicare payment system that exists in each site of
      care. Qualified healthcare professionals should consider these payment systems,
      as well as the medical necessity for surgical dressings and topical wound care
      products. Scientists and manufacturers should also consider these payment
      systems, in addition to the Food and Drug Administration requirements for
      clearance or approval, when they are developing new surgical dressings and
      topical wound care products. Due to the importance of the Medicare payment
      systems, this article reviews the Medicare payment systems in acute care
      hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home
      health agencies, durable medical equipment suppliers, hospital-based outpatient
      wound care departments, and qualified healthcare professional offices.

PMID- 25126478
TI  - Preconditioning stem cells for in vivo delivery.
AB  - Stem cells have emerged as promising tools for the treatment of incurable neural
      and heart diseases and tissue damage. However, the survival of transplanted stem
      cells is reported to be low, reducing their therapeutic effects. The major causes
      of poor survival of stem cells in vivo are linked to anoikis, potential immune
      rejection, and oxidative damage mediating apoptosis. This review investigates
      novel methods and potential molecular mechanisms for stem cell preconditioning in
      vitro to increase their retention after transplantation in damaged tissues.
      Microenvironmental preconditioning (e.g., hypoxia, heat shock, and exposure to
      oxidative stress), aggregate formation, and hydrogel encapsulation have been
      revealed as promising strategies to reduce cell apoptosis in vivo while
      maintaining biological functions of the cells. Moreover, this review seeks to
      identify methods of optimizing cell dose preparation to enhance stem cell
      survival and therapeutic function after transplantation. 

PMID- 25126479
TI  - Combinatorial fibronectin and laminin signaling promote highly efficient cardiac
      differentiation of human embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Cardiomyocytes (CMs) differentiated from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are a
      promising and potentially unlimited cell source for myocardial repair and
      regeneration. Recently, multiple methodologies-primarily based on the
      optimization of growth factors-have been described for efficient cardiac
      differentiation of hESCs. However, the role of extracellular matrix (ECM)
      signaling in CM differentiation has not yet been explored fully. This study
      examined the role of ECM signaling in the efficient generation of CMs from both
      H7 and H9 ESCs. The hESCs were differentiated on ECM substrates composed of a
      range of fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LN) ratios and gelatin and evaluated by
      the fluorescence activated cell scanning (FACS) analysis on day 14. Of the ECM
      substrates examined, the 70:30 FN:LN reproducibly generated the greatest numbers
      of CMs from both hESC lines. Moreover, the LN receptor integrin beta4 (ITGB4) and
      FN receptor integrin beta5 (ITGB5) genes, jointly with increased phosphorylated
      focal adhension kinase and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases
      (p-ERKs), were up-regulated over 13-fold in H7 and H9 cultured on 70:30 FN:LN
      compared with gelatin. Blocking studies confirmed the role of all these molecules
      in CM specification, suggesting that the 70:30 FN:LN ECM promotes highly
      efficient differentiation of CMs through the integrin-mediated MEK/ERK signaling
      pathway. Lastly, the data suggest that FN:LN-induced signaling utilizes direct
      cell-to-cell signaling from distinct ITGB4(+) and ITGB5(+) cells. 

PMID- 25126480
TI  - Directing human induced pluripotent stem cells into a neurosensory lineage for
      auditory neuron replacement.
AB  - Emerging therapies for sensorineural hearing loss include replacing damaged
      auditory neurons (ANs) using stem cells. Ultimately, it is important that these
      replacement cells can be patient-matched to avoid immunorejection. As human
      induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be obtained directly from the
      patient, they offer an opportunity to generate patient-matched neurons for
      transplantation. Here, we used an established neural induction protocol to
      differentiate two hiPSC lines (iPS1 and iPS2) and one human embryonic stem cell
      line (hESC; H9) toward a neurosensory lineage in vitro. Immunocytochemistry and
      qRT-PCR were used to analyze the expression of key markers involved in AN
      development at defined time points of differentiation. The hiPSC- and hESC
      derived neurosensory progenitors expressed the dorsal hindbrain marker (PAX7),
      otic placodal marker (PAX2), proneurosensory marker (SOX2), ganglion neuronal
      markers (NEUROD1, BRN3A, ISLET1, betaIII-tubulin, Neurofilament kDa 160), and
      sensory AN markers (GATA3 and VGLUT1) over the time course examined. The hiPSC-
      and hESC-derived neurosensory progenitors had the highest expression levels of
      the sensory neural markers at 35 days in vitro. Furthermore, the neurons
      generated from this assay were found to be electrically active. While all cell
      lines analyzed produced functional neurosensory-like progenitors, variabilities
      in the levels of marker expression were observed between hiPSC lines and within
      samples of the same cell line, when compared with the hESC controls. Overall,
      these findings indicate that this neural assay was capable of differentiating
      hiPSCs toward a neurosensory lineage but emphasize the need for improving the
      consistency in the differentiation of hiPSCs into the required lineages. 

PMID- 25126481
TI  - Establishment and characterization of a singaporean chinese lung adenocarcinoma
      cell line with four copies of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene.
AB  - We have established a lung adenocarcinoma cell line, ETCC016, from lung pleural
      effusion of a male Singaporean Chinese with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. The
      subject smoked 20 cigarettes per day for more than 30 years. The cell line arose
      from spontaneous transformation of cells grown in a collagen-coated culture dish.
      Transformed characteristics of the cell line include the ability to reach high
      confluency in a culture dish, low cell doubling time, ability to form colonies in
      soft agar, and ability to form solid tumor in immune-compromised SCID mice.
      Immunostaining showed that the cells originated from lung epithelial cells.
      Genomic analysis revealed a large amount of chromosomal aberrations (gain and
      loss of genetic materials, and loss of heterozygosity [LOH]), indicative of a
      long history of smoking. The cells have four copies of epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) and three copies of MYC, but have lost one copy of the RB1 gene.
      LOH was detected in TP53 and BRAF genes. There is no anaplastic lymphoma kinase
      (ALK) gene rearrangement. The ETCC016 lung adenocarcinoma cell line has
      demonstrated susceptibility towards inhibitors specific for EGFR/HER2 and ALK
      targets, but resistance to MYC-specific inhibitor. This cell line will be a
      useful model for further understanding of lung adenocarcinoma. 

PMID- 25126482
TI  - A moderate increase of hydrogen peroxide level is beneficial for spontaneous
      resumption of meiosis from diplotene arrest in rat oocytes cultured in vitro.
AB  - Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) acts as a signaling molecule and modulates various
      aspects of cell functions in a wide variety of cells including mammalian germ
      cells. We examined whether a decreased level of intra-oocyte cyclic 3',5'
      adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) leads to accumulation of H2O2, and if so, whether
      a moderate increase of H2O2 inactivates maturation promoting factor (MPF) during
      spontaneous resumption of meiosis in rat oocytes cultured in vitro. Removal of
      cumulus cells and culture of denuded oocytes in vitro significantly decreased
      oocyte cAMP level and led to spontaneous meiotic resumption from diplotene
      arrest. The reduced oocyte cAMP level was associated with an increased oocyte
      H2O2 level and reduced catalase activity. Exogenous supplementation of H2O2
      induced meiotic resumption from diplotene arrest in a concentration- and time
      dependent manner in oocytes treated with 0.1 mM of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine,
      while dibutyryl-cAMP and 3-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole inhibited the stimulatory
      effect of exogenous H2O2. The increased intra-oocyte H2O2 level induced Thr
      14/Tyr-15 phosphorylation of CDK1, while Thr-161 phosphorylated CDK1 and cyclin
      B1 levels were reduced significantly. These results suggest that a decreased
      level of intra-oocyte cAMP is associated with an increased level of H2O2. The
      increased level of H2O2 was associated with high phosphorylation of Thr-14/Tyr-15
      and dephosphorylation of the Thr-161 residue of CDK1 and reduced the cyclin B1
      level, which eventually inactivated MPF. The MPF inactivation triggered
      spontaneous resumption of meiosis from diplotene arrest in rat oocytes cultured
      in vitro. 

PMID- 25126483
TI  - High resolution x-ray: a reliable approach for quantifying osteoporosis in a
      rodent model.
AB  - Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic disease of bone, resulting in
      significant worldwide morbidity. Currently, there are insufficient imaging
      modalities available to evaluate osteoporotic bones in small animal models. Here,
      we demonstrate the feasibility of using high resolution X-ray imaging as a
      comparable measure of bone degeneration to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
      in an osteoporosis rodent model. At week 0, animals underwent either an
      ovariectomy (OVX) or sham procedure (SHAM). DXA analysis was performed weekly to
      confirm and compare the bone degenerative changes induced by OVX. A comparison
      using high resolution X-ray imaging (Faxitron((r))) was then performed postmortem
      due to need of soft tissue removal. Two regions of interest (ROIs) were utilized:
      the distal third of the femur and the lumbar spine (L4/L5). It was observed that
      SHAM animals maintained a relatively constant bone mineral density (BMD), in
      comparison to OVX animals, whereby a significant decrease in BMD was appreciated.
      Post mortem X-ray scans were performed and converted to 8-bit color and
      quantified. A high level of agreement with DXA quantifications was observed with
      X-ray quantifications, and a significant correlation between the radiopacity,
      visualized by color distributions, and the DXA BMD values between animal groups
      was evident. Our study demonstrates the applicability of high resolution X-ray
      imaging both qualitatively and quantitatively as a reliable approach for
      quantifying osteoporosis in rodent osteoporotic models. With DXA being a highly
      user dependent modality, our technique is a unique secondary methodology to
      verify DXA findings and minimize inter-observer variability. 

PMID- 25126484
TI  - Prosthetic valve endocarditis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the pre-antibiotic era up 10% of cases of infective endocarditis
      were due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, but this association is currently
      exceedingly rare. CASE DESCRIPTION: Since 1997 we have diagnosed three patients,
      all aged >70, with endocarditis due to S. pneumoniae. One of these three cases
      involved a prosthetic valve, another a prosthetic ring. All three patients
      completely recovered with antibiotic treatment only. DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION:
      During the same period there were 1694 cases of pneumococcal bacteremia, of whom
      395 (23%) after age 70. Therefore, after age 70 the prevalence of endocarditis
      out of all cases of pneumococcal bacteremia was 0.7%. A literature review
      detected another 16 cases of pneumococcal PVE. The mean age of these 17 patients
      was 64+/-14; 10 were female and 7 male. In most instances, symptom duration was
      short, < 6 days. Valve surgery was performed in 5 cases (29%) and 13 patients
      (76%) survived. CONCLUSIONS: Endocarditis due to S. pneumoniae is rare in the
      antibiotic era; even in patients with prosthetic valves its course is evidently
      not more virulent than with other low-virulent organisms.

PMID- 25126485
TI  - The association in a two-way contingency table through log odds ratio analysis:
      the case of Sarno river pollution.
AB  - In this paper we are proposing a general framework for the analysis of the
      complete set of log Odds Ratios (ORs) generated by a two-way contingency table.
      Starting from the RC (M) association model and hypothesizing a Poisson
      distribution for the counts of the two-way contingency table we are obtaining the
      weighted Log Ratio Analysis that we are extending to the study of log ORs.
      Particularly we are obtaining an indirect representation of the log ORs and some
      synthesis measures. Then for studying the matrix of log ORs we are performing a
      generalized Singular Value Decomposition that allows us to obtain a direct
      representation of log ORs. We also expect to get summary measures of association
      too. We have considered the matrix of complete set of ORs, because, it is linked
      to the two-way contingency table in terms of variance and it allows us to
      represent all the ORs on a factorial plan. Finally, a two-way contingency table,
      which crosses pollution of the Sarno river and sampling points, is to be analyzed
      to illustrate the proposed framework. 

PMID- 25126486
TI  - Genetic fragmentation in India's third longest river system, the Narmada.
AB  - India's third longest river, the Narmada, is studied here for the potential
      effects on native fish populations of river fragmentation due to various barriers
      including dams and a waterfall. The species we studied include a cyprinid fish,
      Catla catla, and a mastacembelid, Mastacembelus armatus, both of which are found
      in the Narmada. Our goal was to use DNA sequence information from the D-loop
      region of the mitochondrial DNA to explore how this fragmentation could impact
      the genetic structure of these fish populations. Our results clearly show that
      these barriers can contribute to the fragmentation of the genetic structure of
      these fish communities, Furthermore, these barriers enhance the effects of
      natural isolation by distance and the asymmetry of dispersal flows. This may be a
      slow process, but it can create significant isolation and result in genetic
      disparity. In particular, populations furthest upstream having low migration
      rates could be even more subject to genetic impoverishment. This study serves as
      a first report of its kind for a river system on the Indian subcontinent. The
      results of this study also emphasize the need for appropriate attention towards
      the creation of fish passages across the dams and weirs that could help in
      maintaining biodiversity. 

PMID- 25126488
TI  - Rare aggressive natural killer cell leukemia presented with bone marrow fibrosis 
      a diagnostic challenge.
AB  - Aggressive natural killer cell leukemia is an extraordinary rare aggressive
      malignant neoplasm of natural killer cells. Although its first recognition as a
      specific entity was approximately 20 years ago, this leukemia has not yet been
      satisfactorily characterized as fewer than 200 cases have been reported in the
      literature and up to our knowledge, this is the first case report in Qatar.
      Reaching a diagnosis of aggressive natural killer leukemia was a challenging
      experience, because in addition to being a rare entity, the relative scarcity of
      circulating neoplastic cells, failure to obtain an adequate aspirate sample
      sufficient to perform flow cytometric analysis, together with the absence of
      applicable method to prove NK clonality (as it lack specific clonal marker); our
      case had atypical confusing presentation of striking increase in bone marrow
      fibrosis that was misleading and complicated the case further. The bone marrow
      fibrosis encountered may be related to the neoplastic natural killer cells'
      chemokine profile and it may raise the awareness for considering aggressive
      natural killer leukemia within the differential diagnosis of leukemia with
      heightened marrow fibrosis. 

PMID- 25126487
TI  - Evaluation of industrial dairy waste (milk dust powder) for acetone-butanol
      ethanol production by solventogenic Clostridium species.
AB  - Readily available inexpensive substrate with high product yield is the key to
      restoring acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation to economic competitiveness.
      Lactose-replete cheese whey tends to favor the production of butanol over
      acetone. In the current study, we investigated the fermentability of milk dust
      powder with high lactose content, for ABE production by Clostridium
      acetobutylicum and Clostridium beijerinckii. Both microorganisms produced 7.3 and
      5.8 g/L of butanol respectively, with total ABE concentrations of 10.3 and 8.2
      g/L, respectively. Compared to fermentation with glucose, fermentation of milk
      dust powder increased butanol to acetone ratio by 16% and 36% for C.
      acetobutylicum and C. beijerinckii, respectively. While these results demonstrate
      the fermentability of milk dust powder, the physico-chemical properties of milk
      dust powder appeared to limit sugar utilization, growth and ABE production.
      Further work aimed at improving the texture of milk dust powder-based medium
      would likely improve lactose utilization and ABE production. 

PMID- 25126489
TI  - Expressive aphasia in a patient with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.
AB  - Various paraneoplastic autoimmune phenomena have been reported in patients with
      myelodysplastic syndromes. We describe a patient who developed expressive aphasia
      as a paraneoplastic complication of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).
      Awareness of the various possible manifestations of CMML may aid in the early
      recognition of the condition. 

PMID- 25126490
TI  - Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels in children with
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with increased
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in children. Non-high density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (non-HDL-C) has been shown to be a good predictor of cardiovascular
      events. Recent data in adults found non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to be
      associated with significantly higher levels of non-HDL-C than simple steatosis,
      suggestive it might be used as a non-invasive tool to diagnose NASH. The goal of
      our study was to assess non-HDL-C levels in children with NAFLD. Our cohort
      consisted of pediatric patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Anthropometric,
      laboratory, and histologic data were obtained on all patients. Univariable
      analysis was performed to assess differences in clinical characteristics between
      groups. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the
      correlation between non-HDL-C levels and clinical variables. ANCOVA was used to
      adjust for possible confounders. 302 subjects with NAFLD were included in our
      study; 203 with NASH and 99 without NASH. Subjects with NASH had significantly
      higher non-HDL-C levels than those without (p = 0.004). Histologic features of
      NASH, including ballooning, inflammation, and fibrosis were found to be weakly
      correlated with non-HDL-C levels, (p < 0.05 for all). After adjusting for the
      presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), ALT, and GGT, the association between non
      HDL-C and NASH was not significant (p = 0.66). In Conclusion, non-HDL-C levels
      are higher in children with NASH than those with simple steatosis, suggesting
      increased CVD risk. This may be a reflection of the higher prevalence of MetS.
      Non-HDL-C had a positive association with histologic features of NASH. 

PMID- 25126491
TI  - Personalized medicine approach in mycobacterial disease.
AB  - Mycobacterial diseases are a group of illnesses that cause a considerable number
      of deaths throughout the world, regardless of years of public health control
      efforts. Personalized medicine is a new but rapidly advancing field of
      healthcare. Personalized medicine in the field of mycobacteriology may be applied
      in the different levels of management such as prevention, diagnosis, treatment
      and prognosis. A genetic predisposition and a protein dysfunction study are
      recommended to tailor an individual approach in mycobacterial diseases.

PMID- 25126492
TI  - Arthroscopically confirmed femoral button deployment.
AB  - The anterior cruciate ligament TightRope RT (Arthrex, Naples, FL) is a graft
      suspension device for cruciate ligament reconstruction. It is an adjustable
      length graft loop cortical fixation device designed to eliminate the requirement
      for loop length calculation and to facilitate complete graft fill of short
      femoral sockets that are common with anatomic anterior cruciate ligament
      placement. The adjustable loop length means "one size fits all," thus removing
      the need for multiple implant sizes and allowing graft tensioning even after
      fixation. However, the device has been associated with the same complications
      that have been described with EndoButton (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA)
      fixation. The button of the TightRope RT may remain in the femoral tunnel rather
      than flipping outside of the tunnel to rest on the lateral femoral cortex, or it
      may become jammed inside the femoral canal. Conversely, the button may be pulled
      too far off the femoral cortex into the overlying soft tissue and flip in the
      substance of the vastus lateralis. We describe a new and simple arthroscopic
      technique to directly visualize the deployment and seating of the TightRope
      button on the lateral cortex of the femur to avoid all the aforementioned
      complications. 

PMID- 25126493
TI  - An augmentation suture technique for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
AB  - The double-row suture technique and the suture-bridge technique have been used
      for rotator cuff repair to decrease the occurrence of retears. However, when only
      the degenerated tendon end is sutured, the risk of retear remains. The
      augmentation suture technique is a new procedure that connects the intact medial
      tendon to the lateral greater tuberosity, and this approach may protect the
      initial repair site. The procedures for this technique are as follows: 2 sutures
      are placed through the medial intact tendon, the cuff tear is repaired by the
      single-row technique, 2 sutures are pulled laterally over the single-row repair
      site, and 2 sutures are fixed at the lateral greater tuberosity with a push-in
      type anchor. This technique is simple and easy and does not require special
      equipment. Moreover, this approach can augment the single-row repair technique
      without creating high tension at the cuff end. 

PMID- 25126494
TI  - Retrograde synovial biopsy of the knee joint using a novel biopsy forceps.
AB  - Synovial biopsies of the knee joint are commonly performed arthroscopically with
      the patient under full or regional anesthesia. To overcome the effort, costs, and
      potential risks of surgery, we developed an office-based technique for retrograde
      synovial biopsy using a designated novel biopsy forceps. Using this technique, no
      arthroscopic or radiologic control is needed to perform rapid synovial biopsies
      of the knee joint. Concomitant aspiration of synovial fluid can be performed. A
      technical description of the procedure is given. 

PMID- 25126495
TI  - Hamstring graft preparation using a modified rolling hitch technique.
AB  - Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using double-looped hamstring autograft
      is a common procedure in orthopaedic practice. However, during placement of the
      running, locking stitches at each end of the harvested tendons, the surgeon may
      face several potential obstacles, including the risk of damaging the tendon,
      predisposing the surgeon to needle-stick injury, and extended time consumption.
      We report a modified rolling hitch technique for hamstring graft preparation that
      is quick, cost-saving, and needleless as an alternative method. The original
      rolling hitch technique uses a traditional knot that attaches a rope to an
      object; the modified rolling hitch technique was created by adding 1 more turn
      before finishing with a half-hitch, which may prevent suture slippage off the
      tendon, thus providing sufficient fixation of the suture-tendon construct. 

PMID- 25126496
TI  - Minimally invasive reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using
      quadriceps tendon.
AB  - Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) for the treatment of
      patellar instability has received increased attention over the past few years.
      Most operative techniques use hamstring grafts fixed with bone tunnels and/or
      anchors on the patella. Despite good clinical results using these techniques,
      complications such as implant breakage, patellar fractures through bone tunnels,
      and loss of knee motion have occurred. We present a minimally invasive technique
      for MPFL reconstruction using a strip of quadriceps tendon. With the use of
      specially designed instruments, the graft is harvested through a 3-cm transverse
      incision at the proximal pole of the patella. The tendon strip is then dissected
      distally on the patella, left attached, and diverged 90 degrees  medially
      underneath the medial prepatellar tissue. The graft is fixed on the femur in 20
      degrees  of knee flexion in a bone tunnel with a bioabsorbable interference screw
      (adults) or a bone anchor (children). We think that this technique presents a
      valuable alternative to common hamstring techniques for primary MPFL
      reconstruction in children and adults, as well as for MPFL revision surgery. 

PMID- 25126497
TI  - Arthroscopic excision of bone fragments in a neglected fracture of the lateral
      process of the talus in a junior soccer player.
AB  - Fractures of the lateral process of the talus are uncommon and often overlooked.
      Typically, they are found in adult snowboarders. We report the case of an 11-year
      old male soccer player who complained of lateral ankle pain after an inversion
      injury 6 months earlier. He did not respond to conservative treatment and thus
      underwent arthroscopic excision of fragments of the talar lateral process. The
      ankle was approached through standard medial and anterolateral portals. A 2.7-mm
      diameter 30 degrees  arthroscope was used. Soft tissues around the talus were
      cleared with a motorized shaver, and the lateral aspect of the talar process was
      then visualized. The lateral process presented as an osseous overgrowth, and a
      loose body was impinged between the talus and the calcaneus. The osseous
      overgrowth was resected piece by piece with a punch, and the loose body was
      removed en block. The patient returned to soccer 5 weeks after the operation.
      This case exemplifies 2 important points: (1) This type of fracture can develop
      even in children and not only in snowboarders. (2) Arthroscopic excision of talar
      lateral process fragments can be accomplished easily, and return to sports can be
      achieved in a relatively short time. 

PMID- 25126498
TI  - Pediatric anterior cruciate ligament femoral fixation: the trans-iliotibial band
      endoscopic portal for direct visualization of ideal button placement.
AB  - Pediatric and adolescent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a commonly
      performed procedure that has been increasing in incidence. Multiple techniques
      for graft fixation have been described. Button-based femoral cortical suspension
      fixation of the anterior cruciate ligament graft allows for fast, secure fixation
      with strong load-to-failure biomechanical properties. The biomechanical
      properties of button-based femoral cortical suspension fixation are especially
      beneficial with soft-tissue grafts such as hamstring autografts. Confirmation of
      a successfully flipped button can be achieved with intraoperative fluoroscopy or
      indirect viewing; however, these techniques do not provide direct visualization
      of the flipped button. Our trans-iliotibial band endoscopic portal allows the
      surgeon to safely and directly visualize the flipped button on the lateral
      femoral cortex and ensure that there is no malpositioning in the form of an
      incompletely flipped button or from soft-tissue interposition between the button
      and the lateral femoral cortex. This portal therefore allows for direct visual
      confirmation that the button is fully flipped and resting flush against the
      femoral cortex, deep to the iliotibial band and vastus lateralis. 

PMID- 25126499
TI  - Arthroscopic delivery of cancellous tibial autograft for unstable osteochondral
      lesions in the adolescent knee.
AB  - The appropriate surgical technique for the treatment of unstable osteochondral
      lesions of the knee remains unclear and had been traditionally described with an
      open arthrotomy. Administration of bone grafting material in the knee may be
      performed for a variety of pathologic conditions, including unstable
      osteochondritis dissecans, traumatic osteochondral defects, or subchondral
      fracture nonunion, or for preparation of residual tunnels during revision
      anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Although various grafting materials
      have been described in the literature, cancellous autograft remains the gold
      standard for treatment safety and efficacy. We describe a successful technique
      for arthroscopic delivery of autogenous bone graft during fixation of unstable
      osteochondral lesions of the knee. When the indication for grafting is
      established, cancellous autograft is harvested from the proximal tibia, undergoes
      morcellation, and is soaked in bone marrow aspirate obtained through the harvest
      window. The bone graft is then packed into a modified tuberculin syringe. After
      arthroscopic preparation of the unstable osteochondral fragment and the
      respective donor surface, the tuberculin syringe is placed through a standard
      arthroscopy portal and the bone graft is introduced into the defect under direct
      visualization, followed by an appropriate osteochondral fixation technique. 

PMID- 25126500
TI  - The golf ball sign: arthroscopic localization of an osteochondritis dissecans
      lesion of the knee.
AB  - We report on the arthroscopic treatment of a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with an
      osteochondral defect of the medial femoral condyle. He underwent arthroscopic
      fixation of the defect, and during the surgery, a blunt trocar was used to
      localize the lesion. The trocar created a transient dimpling effect on the
      cartilage overlying the osteochondral defect that resembled the surface of a golf
      ball. This "golf ball sign" then served as a visual guide during placement of a
      chondral dart. When present, it is believed that this sign can benefit
      arthroscopists by helping to improve intraoperative localization of an
      osteochondral defect. 

PMID- 25126501
TI  - Arthroscopic Resection of Intra-Articular Osteochondromas of the Hip.
AB  - Proximal femur osteochondromas are relatively rare, particularly in the femoral
      neck. The choice of treatment poses difficulties to the surgeon. We report an
      unusual case of a patient with 2 osteochondromas in the femoral neck causing
      femoroacetabular impingement. Appropriate identification and precise resection of
      the lesions are important steps of the surgical procedure. We present our
      arthroscopic surgical technique to access the lesions and perform their
      resection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hip arthroscopic
      resection of 2 osteochondromas with considerable dimensions causing
      femoroacetabular impingement. 

PMID- 25126502
TI  - Arthroscopic hip labral repair: the iberian suture technique.
AB  - Arthroscopic hip labral repair has beneficial short-term outcomes; however,
      debate exists regarding ideal surgical labral repair technique. This technical
      note presents an arthroscopic repair technique that uses intrasubstance labral
      suture passage to restore the chondrolabral interface. This "Iberian suture
      technique" allows for an anatomic repair while posing minimal risk of damage to
      the labral and chondral tissues. 

PMID- 25126503
TI  - Arthroscopic labral reconstruction of the hip using local capsular autograft.
AB  - Labral reconstruction is becoming an important treatment modality for hips with
      nonsalvageable labra. Nonsalvageable labra can be present in cases of
      intrasubstance damage, revision surgery after debridement, labral calcification,
      and hypoplasia. Previous methods of reconstruction have been performed in an open
      manner and arthroscopically using ligamentum teres, iliotibial band, and gracilis
      autograft. We present an alternate method of arthroscopic labral reconstruction
      using capsular autograft. The technique uses readily available capsular tissue
      during arthroscopy with no donor-site morbidity. This technique may be valuable
      in appropriately selected patients with labral deficiency. 

PMID- 25126504
TI  - Recycling Suture Limbs from Knotless Suture Anchors for Arthroscopic Shoulder
      Stabilization.
AB  - Recurrent shoulder instability often leads to labral abnormality that requires
      surgical intervention that may require fixation with suture anchors. The proposed
      surgical technique allows the surgeon to achieve 2 points of fixation around the
      labrum and/or capsule with a single suture secured to the glenoid with a knotless
      anchor. Instead of cutting and discarding the residual suture limbs after anchor
      insertion, this technique uses the residual suture limbs of the knotless anchor
      for a second suture pass. This technique (1) creates a more cost- and time
      efficient surgical procedure than using multiple single-loaded anchors or double
      loaded anchors, (2) decreases the known risk of glenoid fracture from the stress
      riser at the implant tips of multi-anchor repairs by reducing the number of
      anchors required for stabilization, (3) decreases the surgical time compared with
      the use of double-loaded anchors through simpler suture management and less knot
      tying, (4) allows for the secure reapproximation of the labrum to the glenoid
      while offering a convenient option for capsulorrhaphy without the need to insert
      another anchor, and (5) yields more points of soft-tissue fixation with fewer
      anchors drilled into the glenoid. 

PMID- 25126505
TI  - A new technique for patch augmentation of rotator cuff repairs.
AB  - Massive rotator cuff tears defying primary repair have been treated with
      debridement, arthroscopic subacromial decompression, partial repair, muscle
      tendon transfer, and joint prosthesis, among other techniques. However, the
      treatment results have not been satisfactory compared with those of small- to
      medium-sized rotator cuff tears; each procedure has its merits and demerits, and
      currently, there is no single established method. For massive rotator cuff tears
      defying primary repair, the arthroscopic patch graft procedure has been reported
      as an effective surgical procedure, and this procedure is chosen as the first
      line treatment in our department. In this procedure, suture anchors are generally
      used to fix the patch graft to the footprint on the side of the greater
      tuberosity. However, tendon-to-bone healing is frequently difficult to achieve,
      and bone-to-bone healing seems more advantageous for the repair of the rotator
      cuff attachment site. To improve the results of treatment, a new patch graft
      procedure was developed, in which the iliotibial ligament with bone was collected
      at Gerdy's tubercle and the bone was anchored to the footprint on the side of the
      greater tuberosity. With this procedure, excellent results were obtained,
      although only short-term results are available at present. The technique and its
      results so far are reported. 

PMID- 25126506
TI  - Arthroscopic technique for the treatment of patellar chondral lesions with the
      patient in the supine position.
AB  - We describe an arthroscopic approach for the treatment of patellar chondral
      lesions with the patient in the supine position. This approach can be used to
      perform certain procedures such as matrix autologous chondrocyte implantation and
      autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis. It is possible to perform these
      arthroscopic techniques working at an angle perpendicular to the patellar joint
      surface. First, with the patient in the supine position, arthroscopic
      longitudinal sectioning of the lateral patellar retinaculum is performed, and the
      patella is reverted with the help of a Codivilla forceps. It is then possible to
      place the chondral surface perpendicular to the floor, and it can be accessed
      directly through a lateral parapatellar portal. Short-term follow-up has shown
      the benignity of opening the patellar retinaculum. This procedure reduces
      morbidity compared with the traditional open surgery. 

PMID- 25126507
TI  - Arthroscopic Treatment of Acute Tibial Avulsion Fracture of the Posterior
      Cruciate Ligament Using the TightRope Fixation Device.
AB  - Avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament from its tibial insertion is
      a rare condition. Early surgical treatment has been regarded as necessary, but
      the optimal surgical technique remains unclear. The purpose of this technical
      note is to present a novel all-inside arthroscopic reconstruction technique for
      bony tibial avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament using the
      TightRope device (Arthrex, Naples, FL). 

PMID- 25126508
TI  - Endoscopic robotic decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow.
AB  - Ulnar nerve entrapment can be treated by a number of surgical techniques when
      necessary. Endoscopic techniques have recently been developed to access the ulnar
      nerve by use of a minimally invasive approach. However, these techniques have
      been considered difficult and, many times, dangerous procedures, reserved for
      experienced elbow arthroscopic surgeons only. We have developed a new endoscopic
      approach using the da Vinci robot (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) that may be
      easier and safer. Standardization of the technique was previously developed in
      cadaveric models to achieve the required safety, reliability, and organization
      for this procedure, and the technique was then used in a live patient. In this
      patient the nerve entrapment symptoms remitted after the surgical procedure. The
      robotic surgical procedure presented a cosmetic advantage, as well as possibly
      reduced scar formation. This is the first note on this surgical procedure; the
      procedure needs to be tested and even evolved until a state-of-the-art standard
      is reached. 

PMID- 25126509
TI  - Arthroscopic Identification of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee.
AB  - Intense interest has focused on the recent description of the anterolateral
      ligament of the knee. Advancing knowledge of its anatomy and function is leading
      to a realization of its importance in the rotatory control of the tibia in
      anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Reconstruction of this structure will
      increasingly become an important goal during anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction. However, preoperative assessment of this ligament is difficult.
      Clinical assessment of rotatory laxity has poor reproducibility, and it is
      difficult to define using current imaging techniques. This article is the first
      to describe a safe and reproducible arthroscopic technique to allow
      identification and examination of the anterolateral ligament of the knee. With
      the knee at 90 degrees  of flexion, the arthroscope is introduced through the
      anterolateral portal to allow clear visualization of the lateral gutter. Under
      direct vision, an accessory portal is made over the inferior limit of the lateral
      gutter. A shaver is then introduced through this portal and used to debride this
      synovial recess and define the anterolateral ligament. This allows the surgeon to
      examine the integrity of the anterolateral ligament, in particular its femoral
      insertion. If required, this additional information can facilitate the
      performance of a more accurate and effective extra-articular reconstruction. 

PMID- 25126511
TI  - Arthroscopic Treatment of Cartilage Lesions With Microfracture and BST-CarGel.
AB  - Bone marrow stimulation techniques for the treatment of articular cartilage
      defects such as microfracture so far have solely reproduced mechanically inferior
      fibrous cartilage tissue, which might result in unsatisfactory clinical results
      at midterm follow-up. A recent study has shown an improvement in repair tissue
      quality by enhancing microfracture with a chitosan-based biomaterial (BST-CarGel;
      Piramal, Laval, Quebec, Canada). BST-CarGel so far has only been applied by
      arthrotomy, which might lead to increased scar tissue formation and thus
      compromise recovery time and clinical outcome. We describe a surgical technique
      for an arthroscopic treatment of cartilage defects of the knee with microfracture
      in combination with BST-CarGel to benefit from improved repair tissue quality and
      to reduce arthrotomy-related morbidity. 

PMID- 25126510
TI  - Reconstruction of the posterolateral corner of the knee with achilles tendon
      allograft.
AB  - Posterolateral corner injuries of the knee are relatively rare; however, they can
      result in significant long-term disability without appropriate treatment. They
      often occur in the setting of multiligament knee injuries, and as a result,
      diagnosis and management can be challenging. Severe injuries often require
      reconstruction, and both anatomic and nonanatomic techniques exist. We describe
      our preferred operative technique to reconstruct the fibular collateral ligament
      and posterolateral corner using a single Achilles tendon allograft. 

PMID- 25126512
TI  - Arthroscopic bankart repair: accessory posterior portal with slotted cannula for
      lowest capsulolabral access.
AB  - We present a novel technique for safe establishment of the accessory posterior
      portal using a slotted cannula. Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a common
      procedure. A variety of arthroscopic techniques have been described in the
      literature, commonly using the posterior portal for visualization and the
      anterior portal with a working cannula. The accessory posterior portal enables
      elegant access to the lower part of the capsulolabral junction, a firmer grasp
      and mobilization of the tissue, quick and easy tool exchange using a slotted
      cannula, and clearer suture placement because of the flat, direct working angle.
      The skin incision is made small without the need for an arthroscopic cannula, and
      the portal location is in a relatively safe zone. The use of the accessory
      posterior portal along with a slotted cannula shortens the duration of the
      operative procedure and improves safety and performance. 

PMID- 25126513
TI  - Hybrid Repair of Large Crescent Rotator Cuff Tears Using a Modified SpeedBridge
      and Double-Pulley Technique.
AB  - An ideal rotator cuff repair maximizes the tendon-bone interface and has adequate
      biomechanical strength that can withstand a high level of demand. Arthroscopic
      transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repairs have become popular and have been
      shown to be superior to many other methods of fixation. We present an alternative
      method of repair for large crescent rotator cuff tears that combines 2 well-known
      methods of fixation: modified SpeedBridge (Arthrex, Naples, FL) and double-pulley
      techniques. These 2 repair constructs were combined to provide the greatest
      amount of compression across the footprint while also providing rigid fixation.
      Ultimately, this can provide an optimal environment for healing in otherwise
      significant injuries. 

PMID- 25126514
TI  - Arthroscopic resection of fat pad lesions and infrapatellar contractures.
AB  - The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP), also known as Hoffa's fat pad, may be a common
      site of pain in the knee because of its susceptibility to injury and its vast
      innervation and vascular supply. Patients who have trauma to the IFP may undergo
      a process of hemorrhage, inflammation, and fibrosis that may become painful.
      Patients with Hoffa's disease in whom conservative treatment with medications,
      physical therapy, and injections has failed may receive significant pain relief
      and benefit from undergoing arthroscopic subtotal removal of the IFP. We describe
      a safe and effective way to perform this procedure allowing excellent
      visualization through the use of a superolateral viewing portal. 

PMID- 25126515
TI  - Avoiding graft-tunnel length mismatch in anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction: the single-bone plug technique.
AB  - Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, using autogenous bone-patellar tendon
      bone (BTB) as a graft material, is commonly performed in the setting of anterior
      cruciate ligament insufficiency. Although bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft has
      an extensive track record, showing excellent clinical results, donor-site
      morbidity and graft-tunnel mismatch can still be problematic for a subset of
      patients. In the setting of a tendon graft that is too long, adequate
      interference screw fixation cannot be obtained, typically resulting in a tibial
      sided bone plug that achieves less than 15 to 20 mm of bone in the distal tibial
      tunnel. We present an easy and effective technique for avoiding the graft-tunnel
      mismatch problems that commonly occur in patients who have an excessively long
      patellar tendons. This technique involves a simple preoperative planning
      algorithm that ultimately results in a single tibial-sided plug harvest. Bony
      interference fixation is then obtained on the femoral side and soft-tissue
      fixation on the tibial side. This technique allows for satisfactory graft
      fixation while avoiding the donor-site morbidity associated with patellar bone
      plug harvest. 

PMID- 25126517
TI  - Chocolate consumption and prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the NHLBI Family
      Heart Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Previous studies have suggested that cocoa products, which are
      rich sources of flavonoids, may lower blood pressure, serum cholesterol, fasting
      blood glucose and improve endothelial function. However, it is unclear whether
      consumption of cocoa products including chocolate influences the risk of
      metabolic syndrome (MetS). In a cross-sectional design, we sought to examine the
      association between chocolate consumption and the prevalence of MetS. METHODS: We
      studied 4098 participants from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
      (NHLBI) Family Heart Study aged 25-93 years. Chocolate consumption was assessed
      using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. MetS was defined using
      the NCEP III criteria. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate
      prevalence odds ratios of MetS according to frequency of chocolate intake.
      RESULTS: Of the 4098 participants (mean age 51.7 y) included in the analyses,
      2206 (53.8%) were female. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our population
      was 30.2%. Compared with those who did not consume any chocolate, multivariate
      adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for MetS were 1.26 (0.94, 1.69), 1.15 (0.85, 1.55),
      and 0.99 (0.66, 1.51) among women who reported chocolate consumption of 1-3
      times/ month, 1-4 times/week, and 5+ times/week, respectively. Corresponding
      values for men were: 1.13 (0.82, 1.57), 1.02 (0.74, 1.39), and 1.21 (0.79, 1.85).
      CONCLUSION: These data do not support an association between chocolate intake and
      the prevalence of MetS in US adult men and women.

PMID- 25126519
TI  - Genome-wide DNA binding pattern of the homeodomain transcription factor Sine
      oculis (So) in the developing eye of Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - The eye of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster provides a highly tractable
      genetic model system for the study of animal development, and many genes that
      regulate Drosophila eye formation have homologs implicated in human development
      and disease. Among these is the homeobox gene sine oculis (so), which encodes a
      homeodomain transcription factor (TF) that is both necessary for eye development
      and sufficient to reprogram a subset of cells outside the normal eye field toward
      an eye fate. We have performed a genome-wide analysis of So binding to DNA
      prepared from developing Drosophila eye tissue in order to identify candidate
      direct targets of So-mediated transcriptional regulation, as described in our
      recent article [1]. The data are available from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus
      (GEO) with the accession number GSE52943. Here we describe the methods, data
      analysis, and quality control of our So ChIP-seq dataset.

PMID- 25126520
TI  - Gene expression signatures affected by ethanol and/or nicotine in normal human
      normal oral keratinocytes (NHOKs).
AB  - It has been reported that nicotine/alcohol alter epigenetic control and lead to
      abrogated DNA methylation and histone modifications, which could subsequently
      perturb transcriptional regulation critically important in cellular
      transformation. The aim of this study is to determine the molecular mechanisms of
      nicotine/alcohol-induced epigenetic alterations and their mechanistic roles in
      transcriptional regulation in human adult stem cells. We hypothesized that
      nicotine/alcohol induces deregulation of epigenetic machinery and leads to
      epigenetic alterations, which subsequently affect transcriptional regulation in
      oral epithelial stem cells. As an initiating step we have profiled transcriptomic
      alterations induced by combinatory administration of EtOH and nicotine in primary
      normal human oral keratinocytes. Here we provide detailed experimental methods,
      analysis and information associated with our data deposited into Gene Expression
      Omnibus (GEO) under GSE57634. Our data provide comprehensive transcriptomic map
      describing molecular changes induced by EtOH and nicotine on normal human oral
      keratinocytes.

PMID- 25126522
TI  - Lipid nanoceuticals: Current status and future perspective.

PMID- 25126518
TI  - Aging-dependent changes in rat heart mitochondrial glutaredoxins--Implications
      for redox regulation.
AB  - Clinical and animal studies have documented that hearts of the elderly are more
      susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion damage compared to young adults. Recently we
      found that aging-dependent increase in susceptibility of cardiomyocytes to
      apoptosis was attributable to decrease in cytosolic glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1) and
      concomitant decrease in NF-kappaB-mediated expression of anti-apoptotic proteins.
      Besides primary localization in the cytosol, Grx1 also exists in the
      mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS). In contrast, Grx2 is confined to the
      mitochondrial matrix. Here we report that Grx1 is decreased by 50-60% in the IMS,
      but Grx2 is increased by 1.4-2.6 fold in the matrix of heart mitochondria from
      elderly rats. Determination of in situ activities of the Grx isozymes from both
      subsarcolemmal (SSM) and interfibrillar (IFM) mitochondria revealed that Grx1 was
      fully active in the IMS. However, Grx2 was mostly in an inactive form in the
      matrix, consistent with reversible sequestration of the active-site cysteines of
      two Grx2 molecules in complex with an iron-sulfur cluster. Our quantitative
      evaluations of the active/inactive ratio for Grx2 suggest that levels of dimeric
      Grx2 complex with iron-sulfur clusters are increased in SSM and IFM in the hearts
      of elderly rats. We found that the inactive Grx2 can be fully reactivated by
      sodium dithionite or exogenous superoxide production mediated by xanthine
      oxidase. However, treatment with rotenone, which generates intramitochondrial
      superoxide through inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I, did
      not lead to Grx2 activation. These findings suggest that insufficient ROS
      accumulates in the vicinity of dimeric Grx2 to activate it in situ. 

PMID- 25126521
TI  - The RPTEC/TERT1 cell line models key renal cell responses to the environmental
      toxicants, benzo[a]pyrene and cadmium.
AB  - We have characterized initial canonical responses to two environmental toxicants,
      cadmium (Cd) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), in a novel in vitro model derived from
      renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC) of a healthy human donor. The
      RPTEC/TERT1 cell line has been immortalized using the human telomerase reverse
      transcriptase (hTERT) subunit only and does not exhibit chromosomal
      abnormalities. RPTEC/TERT1 cells were exposed to single-compound and binary
      mixtures of Cd and B[a]P, known or suspected renal toxicants respectively. Cells
      exhibited cytotoxicity to concentrations of B[a]P and Cd as low as 1 nm and 3
      MUM, respectively. RPTEC/TERT1 cells exhibited compound-specific gene expression
      responses when exposed to 0.01-1 MUM B[a]P and 0.1-10 MUM Cd. A significant
      increase in the expression of genes coding for B[a]P metabolizing enzymes
      (CYP1A1, CYP1B1) occurred in a dose and time dependent manner at 3, 6, and 24 h
      post exposure. Likewise, a significant increase in the heavy metal responsive
      gene MT2A was observed following exposure to Cd. The EROD activity assay
      confirmed significant increases in CYP1(A/B) activity after 24 h of exposure to
      B[a]P which was not affected by the presence of Cd. Co-exposure to low
      concentrations of Cd and B[a]P were consistent with changes in gene expression as
      seen with single-compound exposures. These experiments are the first to provide
      information regarding toxicological responses in the RPTEC/TERT1 cell line that
      model those of the target tissue. We conclude that these cells can provide a
      useful tool for future toxicological studies.

PMID- 25126523
TI  - Pharmacoeconomics guidelines: The need of hour for India.
AB  - Although the government pays for approximately 20% of drugs used in India,
      private out-of-pocket expenditure in India on health-care is one of the highest
      in the world. Preparing pharmacoeconomics guidelines will be an important step in
      order to establish Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in India. Areas in which
      HTA could be applied in the Indian context include, drug pricing, development of
      clinical practice guidelines and prioritizing interventions that represent the
      greatest value within a limited budget. All this calls for action, both by
      government and civil-society organizations, to make access to essential medicines
      a priority. 

PMID- 25126524
TI  - Formulation and evaluation of stimuli-sensitive hydrogels of timolol maleate and
      brimonidine tartrate for the treatment of glaucoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stimuli-sensitive hydrogels are hydrophilic, three-dimensional,
      polymeric network structure capable of imbibing large amounts of water or
      biological fluids on stimulation, such as pH, temperature, and ionic change.
      Owing to the drawback of conventional therapy for ocular delivery, and to provide
      additive effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, stimuli sensitive
      hydrogel membranes containing a combination of timolol maleate and brimonidine
      tartrate were formulated for the treatment of glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Stimuli-sensitive hydrogel were formulated by timolol maleate and brimonidine
      tartrate. Poly acrylic acid (carbopol C 934p) is used as a gelling agent,
      hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose as viscolizer, sodium chloride as tonicity agent.
      Bezalkonium chloride as preservative. White rabbits of both sexes, weighing
      between 2 and 3 kg were used for the study. Stirring of ingredients in pH 4
      phosphate buffers at high speed was carried out. RESULT: Viscosity of the
      prepared hydrogels lies in the optimum range that is, 25-55 cps. Infrared
      spectroscopy studies show that there is no interaction between the drug and
      polymer. Drug released up to 90% at the end of 8 h. The hydrogel membranes were
      found to be sterile, nonirritant to the eye. Marketed formulation showed a
      decrease in IOP up to 14 mmHg at the end of 5 h and then elimination of drug, F2
      and F6 maintain the sustained effect up to 12 h. CONCLUSION: Stimuli-sensitive
      hydrogels was successfully formulated and evaluated for rheological studies, drug
      release studies, drug interaction studies, sterility studies, ocular irritation
      studies, and in vivo studies. IOP lowering activity of the combination of timolol
      maleate and brimonidine tartrate in stimuli-sensitive hydrogel was better when
      compared with alone medication, which shows the additive effect of combination
      medication.

PMID- 25126525
TI  - Nanovesicles for transdermal delivery of felodipine: Development,
      characterization, and pharmacokinetics.
AB  - AIM: The research traces development of nanovesicles to attain enhanced
      transdermal delivery of felodipine and also investigates parameters for
      optimization of variable membrane compositions containing soya- and egg lecithin
      and edge activator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rotary evaporation sonication method
      was employed to obtain tranfersomal formulation that was characterized for
      vesicle shape and size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment
      and loading efficiency, deformability index and in vitro skin permeation.
      RESULTS: Spherical nanovesicles of 75.71 +/- 5.4 nm with PDI 0.228 and zeta
      potential of -49.8 were adjudged as the best formulation (MF8). MF8 displayed
      maximum entrapment and loading efficiency with a high deformability index of
      119.68. In vitro permeation across rat skin by MF8 reported 256% enhancement in
      permeation (flux = 23.72 +/- 0.64) when compared with transdermal control
      formulation and followed zero order kinetics (Case-II). Pharmacokinetic studies
      revealed that transdermal administration, in contrast to oral delivery provided
      relatively constant, sustained blood concentration with minimal plasma
      fluctuation, rapid and prolonged peak time. The relative bioavailability of
      felodipine was found 358.42% versus oral administration that was well supported
      by the outcomes of confocal laser scanning microscopic studies that suggested
      rapid permeation of drugs to across dermal layers. CONCLUSION: The results
      conclude that composition variation and method of preparation elicited
      significant effect on the vesicle characteristic and proved the transcendency of
      felodipine loaded transfersomes.

PMID- 25126526
TI  - Preparation and characterization of amorphous ezetimibe nanosuspensions intended
      for enhancement of oral bioavailability.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to prepare and investigate better and
      stable amorphous ezetimibe nanosuspensions for oral bioavailability enhancement.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nanosuspensions of ezetimibe were prepared by solvent
      antisolvent precipitation technique using the surfactant, Tween 80 as stabilizer.
      The nanosuspension preparation was optimized for particle size by investigating
      two factors that is, solvent:antisolvent ratio and surfactant concentration, at
      three levels. The formulations were characterized for particle size, surface
      morphology, crystallinity, zeta potential, saturation solubility, in vitro drug
      release and in vivo drug absorption. RESULTS: The nanosuspensions of ezetimibe
      were successfully prepared using solvent-antisolvent precipitation. The two
      factors solvent:antisolvent ratio and surfactant concentration influenced the
      particle size of the nanosuspensions prepared. Nanosuspensions were smooth and
      spherical. The X-ray powdered diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry
      results indicated that the antisolvent-solvent method led to the amorphization of
      ezetimibe. Under storage, the amorphous ezetimibe nanosuspensions demonstrated
      significant physical stability. Ezetimibe nanosuspensions increased the
      saturation solubility to an extent of 4-times. Ezetimibe nanosuspensions
      completely dissolved in the dissolution medium within 1 h, while pure drug was
      dissolved up to 42% during same time. The Cmax with ezetimibe nanosuspension was
      approximately 3-fold higher when compared with that of ezetimibe conventional
      suspensions administered orally. CONCLUSIONS: Stable amorphous ezetimibe
      nanosuspensions were successfully prepared and these nanosuspensions demonstrated
      dramatic improvement in oral bioavailability of the active.

PMID- 25126527
TI  - Comparison of effectiveness of curcumin with triamcinolone acetonide in the gel
      form in treatment of minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A randomized clinical
      trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is an unfortunately most common
      disease occurring in oral cavity. Although the lesion is usually self-limited,
      its painful presentation, high frequency of occurrence, and multifactorial
      etiology leads to significant morbidity. So, an efficient therapeutic strategy is
      needed to provide relief to the patients. AIM: To assess and compare the efficacy
      of Curcumin with Triamcinolone acetonide in the gel form in treatment of minor
      RAS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As a randomized clinical trial, 60 patients of either
      sex with clinically diagnosed RAS were randomly divided into 2 groups-Curcumin
      gel group (Group I) and Triamcinolone Acetonide gel group (Group II). Patients in
      either group were asked to apply the gel three times a day on each ulcer.
      Assessment of efficacy of gel was done on the basis of time required for
      regression in pain, size, and number of the ulcers. RESULTS: The results showed
      significant difference in size, pain, number, and duration of ulcers in Group I
      and Group II within a period of 7 days. However, no significant difference was
      noted in both the groups in the treatment of RAS. To evaluate the efficacy, Mann
      Whitney U test was used and statistical analysis was done using Statistical
      Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 19 software. CONCLUSION: Curcumin has
      strong antioxidant, with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and analgesic
      properties, which according to the results obtained from the present study, can
      be used as an effective alternative to steroids in treatment of RAS.

PMID- 25126529
TI  - Nanotechnology: The vision of 2025.

PMID- 25126528
TI  - Albumin nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 as a novel drug carrier for the
      delivery of antiretroviral drug-Efavirenz.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically improved
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
      treatment, prevention and also has been found to increase the lifespan of
      HIV/AIDS patients by providing durable control of the HIV replication in
      patients. Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor of HIV-1.
      The purpose of this study is to formulate efavirenz-loaded bovine serum albumin
      nanoparticles to improve efavirenz delivery into various organs. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Nanoparticles were prepared by desolvation technique and coated with
      polysorbate 80. Ethanol, glutaraldehyde, and mannitol were used as desolvating,
      cross linking agent, and cryoprotectant, respectively. Drug to polymer ratio was
      chosen at five levels from 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, and 1:6 (by weight). The
      formulated nanoparticles were characterized for Fourier Transform Infrared (FT
      IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies, entrapment
      efficiency, particle size, surface charge, surface morphology, in vitro drug
      release, release kinetics, stability studies, and biodistribution studies.
      RESULTS AND MAJOR CONCLUSION: The particle size of the prepared formulations was
      found below 250nm with narrow size distribution, spherical in shape and showed
      good entrapment efficiency (45.62-72.49%). The in vitro drug release indicated
      biphasic release and its data were fitted to release kinetics models and release
      pattern was Fickian diffusion controlled release profile. The prepared
      nanoparticles increased efavirenz delivery into various organs by several fold in
      comparison with the free drug.

PMID- 25126530
TI  - Role of pharmacists in retailing of drugs.

PMID- 25126531
TI  - Method development and validation of liquid chromatography-tandem/mass
      spectrometry for aldosterone in human plasma: Application to drug interaction
      study of atorvastatin and olmesartan combination.
AB  - In the present investigation, a simple and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was developed for the quantification of
      aldosterone (ALD) a hormone responsible for blood pressure in human plasma. The
      developed method was validated and extended for application on human subjects to
      study drug interaction of atorvastatin (ATSV) and olmesartan (OLM) on levels of
      ALD. The ALD in plasma was extracted by liquid-liquid extraction with 5 mL
      dichloromethane/ethyl ether (60/40% v/v). The chromatographic separation of ALD
      was carried on Xterra, RP-Column C18 (150 mm* 4.6 mm * 3.5 MUm) at 30 degrees C
      followed by four-step gradient program composed of methanol and water. Step 1
      started with 35% methanol for first 1 min and changed linearly to 90% in next 1.5
      min in Step 2. Step 3 lasted for next 2 min with 90% methanol. The method finally
      concluded with Step 4 to achieve initial concentration of methanol that is, 35%
      thus contributing the total method run time of 17.5 min. The flow rate was 0.25
      mL/min throughout the process. The developed method was validated for
      specificity, accuracy, precision, stability, linearity, sensitivity, and
      recovery. The method was linear and found to be acceptable over the range of 50
      800 ng/mL. The method was successfully applied for the drug interaction study of
      ATSV + OLM in combination against OLM treatment on blood pressure by quantifying
      changes in levels of ALD in hypertensive patients. The study revealed levels of
      ALD were significantly higher in ATSV + OLM treatment condition when compared to
      OLM as single treated condition. This reflects the reason of low effectiveness of
      ATSV + OLM in combination instead of synergistic activity. 

PMID- 25126532
TI  - Multi criteria decision making to select the best method for the preparation of
      solid lipid nanoparticles of rasagiline mesylate using analytic hierarchy
      process.
AB  - The objective of this study was to select best method for the development of
      rasagiline mesylate (RM) loaded nanoscale solid lipid particles using analytic
      hierarchy process (AHP). Improper method selection may lead to waste of time,
      loss of material and financial resources. One of the possibilities to overcome
      these difficulties, AHP was employed to find the suitable method. In the AHP, a
      decision of hierarchy was constructed with a goal, criteria, sub-criteria, and
      alternatives. After constructing the AHP, the expert choice software was used to
      compute the overall priority of criteria, sub-criteria and alternatives. The best
      alternative selected was based on the highest priority. Nanoscale solid lipid
      particles of RM was formulated by the selected microemulsion method (M4) and it
      shows the particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential were within
      acceptable limits. Drug content and entrapment efficiency of the RM-solid lipid
      nanoparticles were 97.26% and 86.57%, respectively. This study concludes that the
      AHP was viable and effective tool for selecting a most suitable method for the
      fabrication of RM loaded nanoscale solid lipid particles. 

PMID- 25126533
TI  - Comparative antidiarrheal and antiulcer effect of the aqueous and ethanolic stem
      bark extracts of Tinospora cordifolia in rats.
AB  - Tinospora cordifolia is indigenous to the tropical areas of India, Myanmar and
      Sri Lanka. The use of plant as remedy for diarrhea and ulcer is well-documented
      in Ayurvedic system of medicine. However, pharmacological evidence does not exist
      to substantiate its therapeutic efficacy for the same. The aim was to investigate
      the antidiarrheal and antiulcer activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of T.
      cordifolia in rats. The antidiarrheal activity of T. cordifolia extracts was
      evaluated by castor oil and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea using parameters
      such as onset of diarrhea, number of wet stools, total number of stool and weight
      of total number of stools. The antiulcer activity of extracts was investigated
      using ethanol and pylorus ligation-induced ulcer. Furthermore, tissue antioxidant
      parameters such as reduced glutathione, catalase activity and lipid peroxidation
      level were also investigated. Tinospora cordifolia extracts were more efficacious
      in reducing number of total stools in both the models of diarrhea and showed a
      dose-dependent antidiarrheal effect. The antiulcer activity of the extracts was
      confirmed by a reduction in ulcer index along with the decrease in gastric
      volume, total acidity, and an increase in pH of gastric content in both the
      models. The obtained results have established a pharmacological evidence for the
      folkloric use of the T. cordifolia as antidiarrhoeal and antiulcer agent. 

PMID- 25126534
TI  - Evaluation of analgesic activity of perindopril in albino mice.
AB  - The aim was to evaluate the analgesic activity of perindopril in chemical,
      thermal and mechanical pain on Swiss albino mice. A total of 54 albino mice
      (Swiss strain) weighing 25-30 g were allocated to each experimental model and in
      each model there were three groups. The control group received normal saline (25
      ml/kg) per orally, standard group received pentazocine (10 mg/kg) intra
      peritoneal and test groups received perindopril (1 mg/kg) per orally. Perindopril
      and normal saline was administered 2 h before, whereas the pentazocine was
      administered 15 min prior to Eddy's hot plate, writhing and tail clip methods.
      The decrease in number of writhes, the delay in reaction time in tail clip and
      Eddy's hot plate method denoted the analgesic activity. Perindopril decreased the
      number of writhes, delayed the reaction time in tail clip and Eddy's hot plate
      method considerably when compared with control (normal saline), but less when
      compared with standard (pentazocine). Perindopril exhibits analgesic activity in
      thermal, chemical, and mechanical pain models in albino mice. 

PMID- 25126535
TI  - Pharmacodynamic interaction of green tea extract with hydrochlorothiazide against
      ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced myocardial infarction.
AB  - Globally, the rate of development of myocardial diseases and hypertension is very
      common, which is responsible for incremental morbidity and mortality statistics.
      Treatment of ischemic hypertensive patients with diuretics such as
      hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) can precipitate myocardial infarction due to
      hypokalemia. This study was undertaken to evaluate the pharmacodynamic
      interaction of green tea extract (GTE) with HCTZ against ischemia-reperfusion
      induced myocardial toxicity. Wistar albino rats of either sex were taken and
      pretreated with high (500 mg/kg, p.o.) and low (100 mg/kg, p.o.) dose of GTE for
      30 days. Standard, high and low dose of interactive groups received HCTZ (10
      mg/kg, p.o.) for last 7 days. Ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced by modified
      Lagendorff apparatus, and the effect of different treatments was evaluated by
      percentage recovery in terms of heart rate and developed tension, serum
      biomarkers, and heart tissue antioxidant levels. Prophylactic treatment groups,
      such as high and low dose of GTE and their interactive groups with HCTZ,
      exhibited significant percentage recovery in terms of heart rate and developed
      tension. Apart from that, significant increase in superoxide dismutase and
      catalase, decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive species in heart tissue, as
      well as significant decrease in serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine
      phosphokinase-MB and N-acetylcysteine levels have also been documented. The
      present findings clearly suggest that GTE dose-dependently reduces myocardial
      toxicity due to ischemia, and combination with HCTZ can reduce the associated
      side-effects and exhibits myocardial protection. 

PMID- 25126536
TI  - Role of different biodegradable polymers on the permeability of ciprofloxacin.
AB  - Since permeability across biological membranes is a key factor in the absorption
      and distribution of drugs, drug permeation characteristics of three oral
      suspensions of ciprofloxacin were designed and compared. The three suspensions of
      ciprofloxacin were prepared by taking biodegradable polymers such as carbopol
      934, carbopol 940, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The permeability
      study was performed by using a Franz diffusion cell through both synthetic
      cellulose acetate membrane and excised goat gastrointestinal membranes in acidic
      as well as alkaline pH. To know the permeability of drug from
      control/formulations through different membranes in acidic/alkaline pH,
      cumulative percentage drug permeation, apparent permeability (Papp), flux, and
      enhancement ratio (ER) were calculated. Considering Papp and flux values of all
      formulations, it is evident that formulation containing HPMC was the most
      beneficial for improving permeation and diffusivity of ciprofloxacin even after
      16 h. Hence, this preparation may be considered as the most suitable formulation
      to obtain prolonged release action of the drug. The ER values of all
      formulations, through excised goat intestinal mucosal membrane in alkaline pH,
      were higher than those formulations through goat stomach mucosal membrane in
      acidic pH. Enhancement ratio values of those formulations indicate that the
      permeability of the drug was more enhanced by the polymers in the intestinal
      part, leading to more bioavailability and prolonged action in that portion of the
      gastrointestinal tract. It may also be concluded from our results that HPMC
      containing formulation was the best suspension, which may show effective
      controlled release action. Even carbopol containing formulations might also
      produce controlled release action. 

PMID- 25126537
TI  - A simple reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method
      for determination of curcumin in aqueous humor of rabbit.
AB  - This article describes a simple and rapid method for determination of curcumin
      (diferuloylmethane) in aqueous humor of rabbit using high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC). Analysis was performed using a C-18 column (250 * 4.6 mm,
      5 MU luna) by isocratic elution with a mobile phase containing 25 mM potassium
      dihydrogen orthophosphate (pH 3.5): Acetonitrile (40:60) and detection at 424 nm
      using a photodiode array (PDA) detector for curcumin. The regression data for
      curcumin showed a good linear relationship with r(2)> 0.998 over the
      concentration range of 0.1-10 MUg ml(-1). Relative standard deviations (RSD) for
      the intraday and interday coefficient of variations for the assay were less than
      5.0 and 8.5, respectively. The recovery of the method was between 79.8-83.6%. The
      quantification limit of the method for curcumin was 0.01 MUg ml(-1). This method
      has good accuracy, precision, and quantitation limit. It is also concluded that
      the method is useful for measuring very low curcumin concentrations in aqueous
      humor. 

PMID- 25126538
TI  - Collaborative Care in NSCLC; the Role of Early Palliative Care.
AB  - The management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has evolved into a
      multidisciplinary team approach that traditionally has involved medical oncology,
      radiation oncology, and thoracic surgery. However, in the era of personalized
      medicine the importance of molecular diagnostics requires adequate tissue for
      histologic subtyping and molecular testing and thus requires the engagement of
      other subspecialties such as pathology, respirology, and interventional
      radiology. Unfortunately in 2014, the majority of patients presenting with NSCLC
      will succumb to their disease and the early integration of palliative care into
      the treatment strategy will improve the quality of life and end-of-life care of
      our patients and may in fact improve their overall survival. 

PMID- 25126541
TI  - Anima: modular workflow system for comprehensive image data analysis.
AB  - Modern microscopes produce vast amounts of image data, and computational methods
      are needed to analyze and interpret these data. Furthermore, a single image
      analysis project may require tens or hundreds of analysis steps starting from
      data import and pre-processing to segmentation and statistical analysis; and
      ending with visualization and reporting. To manage such large-scale image data
      analysis projects, we present here a modular workflow system called Anima. Anima
      is designed for comprehensive and efficient image data analysis development, and
      it contains several features that are crucial in high-throughput image data
      analysis: programing language independence, batch processing, easily customized
      data processing, interoperability with other software via application programing
      interfaces, and advanced multivariate statistical analysis. The utility of Anima
      is shown with two case studies focusing on testing different algorithms developed
      in different imaging platforms and an automated prediction of alive/dead C.
      elegans worms by integrating several analysis environments. Anima is a fully open
      source and available with documentation at www.anduril.org/anima. 

PMID- 25126539
TI  - Hepatic radioembolization as a bridge to liver surgery.
AB  - Treatment of oncologic disease has improved significantly in the last decades and
      in the future a vast majority of cancer types will continue to increase
      worldwide. As a result, many patients are confronted with primary liver cancers
      or metastatic liver disease. Surgery in liver malignancies has steeply improved
      and curative resections are applicable in wider settings, leading to a prolonged
      survival. Simultaneously, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and liver transplantation
      (LTx) have been applied more commonly in oncologic settings with improving
      results. To minimize adverse events in treatments of liver malignancies,
      locoregional minimal invasive treatments have made their appearance in this
      field, in which radioembolization (RE) has shown promising results in recent
      years with few adverse events and high response rates. We discuss several other
      applications of RE for oncologic patients, other than its use in the palliative
      setting, whether or not combined with other treatments. This review is focused on
      the role of RE in acquiring patient eligibility for radical treatments, like
      surgery, RFA, and LTx. Inducing significant tumor reduction can downstage
      patients for resection or, through attaining stable disease, patients can stay on
      the LTx waiting list. Hereby, RE could make a difference between curative of
      palliative intent in oncologic patient management. Prior to surgery, the future
      remnant liver volume might be inadequate in some patients. In these patients,
      forming an adequate liver reserve through RE leads to prolonged survival without
      risking post-operative liver failure and minimizing tumor progression while
      inducing hypertrophy. In order to optimize results, developments in procedures
      surrounding RE are equally important. Predicting the remaining liver function
      after radical treatment and finding the right balance between maximum tumor
      irradiation and minimizing the chance of inducing radiation-related complications
      are still challenges. 

PMID- 25126540
TI  - Genetically modeled mice with mutations in mitochondrial metabolic enzymes for
      the study of cancer.
AB  - Mitochondrial dysfunction has long been implicated in progression of cancer. As a
      paradigm, the "Warburg effect," which by means of a switch toward anaerobic
      metabolism enables cancer cells to proliferate in oxygen limiting conditions, is
      well established. Besides this metabolic transformation of tumors, it has been
      discovered that mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial proteins are the
      etiological factors in different types of cancer. This confers to mitochondrial
      dysfunction a causative role, rather than resultant, in tumor genesis beyond its
      role in tumor progression and development. Mitochondrial proteins encoded by
      tumor-suppressor genes are part of the succinate-dehydrogenase, the fumarate
      hydratase, and the mitochondrial isocitrate-dehydrogenase enzymes, all of them
      participating in the Krebs cycle. The spectrum of tumors associated with
      mutations in these genes is becoming larger and varies between each enzyme.
      Several mechanisms of tumorigenesis have been proposed for the different
      enzymatic defects, most of them based on studies using cellular and animal
      models. Regarding the molecular pathways implicated in the oncogenic
      transformation, one of the first accepted theories was based on the constitutive
      expression of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (Hif1alpha) at normal oxygen
      tension, a theory referred to as "pseudo-hypoxic drive." This mechanism has been
      linked to the three types of mutations, thus suggesting a central role in cancer.
      However, other alternative molecular processes, such as oxidative stress or
      altered chromatin remodeling, have been also proposed to play an onco-pathogenic
      role. In the recent years, the role of oncometabolites, a new concept emerged
      from biochemical studies upon these tumors, has acquired relevance as responsible
      for tumor formation. Nevertheless, the actual contribution of each of these
      mechanisms has not been definitively established. In this review, we summarize
      the results obtained from mouse strains genetically modified in the three
      different enzymes. 

PMID- 25126542
TI  - The effect of citrus peel extracts on cytokines levels and T regulatory cells in
      acute liver injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: T cell-mediated immune responses contribute to the hepatocellular
      injury during autoimmune hepatitis, viral infection, and hepatotoxins.
      Pharmacological compounds regulating immune responses are suitable candidates for
      prevention/treatment of this pathology. Therefore, the main aim of this study was
      to define the effects of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory mixture of citrus peel
      extract (CPE) on the immune-mediated liver injury. METHODS: The influence of CPE
      on liver injury was determined by the activity of transaminases in plasma and the
      histological changes. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects were studied by
      measuring frequency of T regulatory cells (Tregs), cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-10,
      and IFN-gamma), and nitric oxide levels. RESULTS: The CPE application notably
      prevents development of liver injury through decreasing levels of both cytokines
      (TNF-alpha, INF) and regulatory T cells and increasing levels of IL-10. CPE
      injection also diminished the serum NO, which in turn resulted in evident
      reduction of the liver damage. CONCLUSION: Our findings represent the primary
      preclinical data indicating that the CPE in vivo could ameliorate Con A induced
      hepatitis. The low dose of CPE most likely can be used for the treatment of the T
      cell-mediated liver injury as in autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and
      chronic viral hepatitis.

PMID- 25126545
TI  - Visualization of polypropylene and polyvinylidene fluoride slings in perineal
      ultrasound and correlation with clinical outcome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Complications and malfunctioning after TOT can occur
      due to several factors, such as the material of the sling. The aim of the present
      study is to evaluate morphology and functionality of two types of slings (PVDF;
      polypropylene) in vivo using perineal ultrasound (PUS). MATERIALS: In n = 47
      women with TOT four criteria for PUS were taken and checked for possible
      differences: vertical stability of the sling position during Valsalva manoeuvre
      and contraction; distance "sling to urethra"; width of the sling and condition of
      the selvedges. RESULTS: We observed an increased vertical displacement of the PP
      slings, a significantly smaller variance to the extent of the displacement in
      PVDF-slings (P < 0.01), a significantly larger distance between sling and urethra
      (P < 0.001) in PVDF-slings, and a significantly smaller width of the PP-slings (P
      < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Significant differences were found between the slings
      according to the four criteria. There was no difference established between the
      slings in the improvement of continence and no significant influence of the
      parameters was found for the resulting state of continence. In future studies,
      PUS may help to link differences in the morphology and functionality of in vivo
      slings to their material properties.

PMID- 25126544
TI  - Formulation and optimization of polymeric nanoparticles for intranasal delivery
      of lorazepam using Box-Behnken design: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to optimize lorazepam loaded PLGA nanoparticles
      (Lzp-PLGA-NPs) by investigating the effect of process variables on the response
      using Box-Behnken design. Effect of four independent factors, that is, polymer,
      surfactant, drug, and aqueous/organic ratio, was studied on two dependent
      responses, that is, z-average and % drug entrapment. Lzp-PLGA-NPs were
      successfully developed by nanoprecipitation method using PLGA as polymer,
      poloxamer as surfactant and acetone as organic phase. NPs were characterized for
      particle size, zeta potential, % drug entrapment, drug release behavior, TEM, and
      cell viability. Lzp-PLGA-NPs were characterized for drug polymer interaction
      using FTIR. The developed NPs showed nearly spherical shape with z-average 167
      318 d.nm, PDI below 0.441, and -18.4 mV zeta potential with maximum % drug
      entrapment of 90.1%. In vitro drug release behavior followed Korsmeyer-Peppas
      model and showed initial burst release of 21.7 +/- 1.3% with prolonged drug
      release of 69.5 +/- 0.8% from optimized NPs up to 24 h. In vitro drug release
      data was found in agreement with ex vivo permeation data through sheep nasal
      mucosa. In vitro cell viability study on Vero cell line confirmed the safety of
      optimized NPs. Optimized Lzp-PLGA-NPs were radiolabelled with Technitium-99m for
      scintigraphy imaging and biodistribution studies in Sprague-Dawley rats to
      establish nose-to-brain pathway. 

PMID- 25126543
TI  - Ligation strategies for targeting liposomal nanocarriers.
AB  - Liposomes have been exploited for pharmaceutical purposes, including diagnostic
      imaging and drug and gene delivery. The versatility of liposomes as drug carriers
      has been demonstrated by a variety of clinically approved formulations. Since
      liposomes were first reported, research of liposomal formulations has progressed
      to produce improved delivery systems. One example of this progress is stealth
      liposomes, so called because they are equipped with a PEGylated coating of the
      liposome bilayer, leading to prolonged blood circulation and improved
      biodistribution of the liposomal carrier. A growing research area focuses on the
      preparation of liposomes with the ability of targeting specific tissues. Several
      strategies to prepare liposomes with active targeting ligands have been developed
      over the last decades. Herein, several strategies for the functionalization of
      liposomes are concisely summarized, with emphasis on recently developed
      technologies for the covalent conjugation of targeting ligands to liposomes. 

PMID- 25126547
TI  - Biotemplated synthesis of anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles via
      lignocellulosic waste material.
AB  - Anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) were synthesized by sol-gel
      method using rice straw as a soft biotemplate. Rice straw, as a lignocellulosic
      waste material, is a biomass feedstock which is globally produced in high rate
      and could be utilized in an innovative approach to manufacture a value-added
      product. Rice straw as a reliable biotemplate has been used in the sol-gel method
      to synthesize ultrasmall sizes of TiO2-NPs with high potential application in
      photocatalysis. The physicochemical properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
      were investigated by a number of techniques such as X-ray diffraction analysis
      (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA),
      ultraviolet visible spectra (UV-Vis), and surface area and pore size analysis.
      All results consensually confirmed that particle sizes of synthesized titanium
      dioxide were template-dependent, representing decrease in the nanoparticles sizes
      with increase of biotemplate concentration. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles as
      small as 13.0 +/- 3.3 nm were obtained under our experimental conditions.
      Additionally, surface area and porosity of synthesized TiO2-NPs have been
      enhanced by increasing rice straw amount which results in surface modification of
      nanoparticles and potential application in photocatalysis. 

PMID- 25126546
TI  - Genome-wide uncovering of STAT3-mediated miRNA expression profiles in colorectal
      cancer cell lines.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies resulting in high
      mortality worldwide. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)
      is an oncogenic transcription factor which is frequently activated and aberrantly
      expressed in CRC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs which
      play important roles in many cancers. However, little is known about the global
      miRNA profiles mediated by STAT3 in CRC cells. In the present study, we applied
      RNA interference to inhibit STAT3 expression and profiled the miRNA expression
      levels regulated by STAT3 in CRC cell lines with deep sequencing. We found that
      26 and 21 known miRNAs were significantly overexpressed and downexpressed,
      respectively, in the STAT3-knockdown CRC cell line SW480 (SW480/STAT3-siRNA)
      compared to SW480 transfected with scrambled siRNAs (SW480/siRNA-control). The
      miRNA expression profiling was then validated by quantitative real-time PCR for
      selected known miRNAs. We further predicted the putative target genes for the
      dysregulated miRNAs and carried out functional annotation including GO enrichment
      and KEGG pathway analysis for selected miRNA targets. This study directly depicts
      STAT3-mediated miRNA profiles in CRC cells, which provides a possible way to
      discover biomarkers for CRC therapy. 

PMID- 25126548
TI  - Assessment of waveform similarity in clinical gait data: the linear fit method.
AB  - The assessment of waveform similarity is a crucial issue in gait analysis for the
      comparison of kinematic or kinetic patterns with reference data. A typical
      scenario is in fact the comparison of a patient's gait pattern with a relevant
      physiological pattern. This study aims to propose and validate a simple method
      for the assessment of waveform similarity in terms of shape, amplitude, and
      offset. The method relies on the interpretation of these three parameters,
      obtained through a linear fit applied to the two data sets under comparison
      plotted one against the other after time normalization. The validity of this
      linear fit method was tested in terms of appropriateness (comparing real gait
      data of 34 patients with cerebrovascular accident with those of 15 healthy
      subjects), reliability, sensitivity, and specificity (applying a cluster analysis
      on the real data). Results showed for this method good appropriateness, 94.1% of
      sensitivity, 93.3% of specificity, and good reliability. The LFM resulted in a
      simple method suitable for analysing the waveform similarity in clinical gait
      analysis. 

PMID- 25126550
TI  - Reduction of experimental cerebral malaria and its related proinflammatory
      responses by the novel liposome-based beta-methasone nanodrug.
AB  - Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe complication of and a leading cause of death
      due to Plasmodium falciparum infection. CM is likely the result of interrelated
      events, including mechanical obstruction due to parasite sequestration in the
      microvasculature, and upregulation of Th1 immune responses. In parallel, blood
      brain-barrier (BBB) breakdown and damage or death of microglia, astrocytes, and
      neurons occurs. We found that a novel formulation of a liposome-encapsulated
      glucocorticosteroid, beta-methasone hemisuccinate (nSSL-BMS), prevents
      experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) in a murine model and creates a survival time
      window, enabling administration of an antiplasmodial drug before severe anemia
      develops. nSSL-BMS treatment leads to lower levels of cerebral inflammation,
      expressed by altered levels of corresponding cytokines and chemokines. The
      results indicate the role of integrated immune responses in ECM induction and
      show that the new steroidal nanodrug nSSL-BMS reverses the balance between the
      Th1 and Th2 responses in malaria-infected mice so that the proinflammatory
      processes leading to ECM are prevented. Overall, because of the
      immunopathological nature of CM, combined immunomodulator/antiplasmodial
      treatment should be considered for prevention/treatment of human CM and long-term
      cognitive damage. 

PMID- 25126549
TI  - Cell death and inflammatory bowel diseases: apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy in
      the intestinal epithelium.
AB  - Cell death mechanisms have been associated with the development of inflammatory
      bowel diseases in humans and mice. Recent studies suggested that a complex
      crosstalk between autophagy/apoptosis, microbe sensing, and enhanced endoplasmic
      reticulum stress in the epithelium could play a critical role in these diseases.
      In addition, necroptosis, a relatively novel programmed necrosis-like pathway
      associated with TNF receptor activation, seems to be also present in the
      pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and in specific animal models for intestinal
      inflammation. This review attempts to cover new data related to cell death
      mechanisms and inflammatory bowel diseases. 

PMID- 25126551
TI  - Video game addiction in gambling disorder: clinical, psychopathological, and
      personality correlates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We studied the prevalences of video game use (VGU) and addiction (VGA)
      in gambling disorder (GD) patients and compared them with subjects with non-video
      game use (non-VGU) in relation to their gambling behavior, psychopathology, and
      personality characteristics. METHOD: A sample of 193 GD patients (121 non-VGU, 43
      VGU, and 29 VGA) consecutively admitted to our pathological gambling unit
      participated in the study. Assessment. Measures included the video game
      dependency test (VDT), symptom checklist-90-revised, and the temperament and
      character inventory-revised, as well as a number of other GD indices. RESULTS: In
      GD, the observed prevalence of VG (use or addiction) was 37.3% (95% CI :30.7% /
      44.3),VGU 22.3% (95% CI :17.0% / 28.7), and VGA 15% (95% CI :10.7% / 20.7).
      Orthogonal polynomial contrast into logistic regression showed positive linear
      trends for VG level and GD severity and other measures of general
      psychopathology. After structural equation modeling, higher VG total scores were
      associated with younger age, general psychopathology, and specific personality
      traits, but not with GD severity. Patients' sex and age were involved in the
      mediational pathways between personality traits and VG impairment. CONCLUSIONS:
      GD patients with VG are younger and present more dysfunctional personality
      traits, and more general psychopathology. The presence of VG did not affect the
      severity of GD.

PMID- 25126552
TI  - Role of nutrient-sensing signals in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide.
      The multipronged drug approach still fails to fully prevent the onset and
      progression of diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, a new therapeutic target to
      improve the prognosis of diabetic nephropathy is urgently required. Nutrient
      sensing signals and their related intracellular machinery have evolved to combat
      prolonged periods of starvation in mammals; and these systems are conserved in
      the kidney. Recent studies have suggested that the activity of three nutrient
      sensing signals, mTORC1, AMPK, and Sirt1, is altered in the diabetic kidney.
      Furthermore, autophagy activity, which is regulated by the above-mentioned
      nutrient-sensing signals, is also altered in both podocytes and proximal tubular
      cells under diabetic conditions. Under diabetic conditions, an altered
      nutritional state owing to nutrient excess may disturb cellular homeostasis
      regulated by nutrient-responsible systems, leading to exacerbation of organelle
      dysfunction and diabetic nephropathy. In this review, we discuss new findings
      showing relationships between nutrient-sensing signals, autophagy, and diabetic
      nephropathy and suggest the therapeutic potential of nutrient-sensing signals in
      diabetic nephropathy. 

PMID- 25126553
TI  - Protection of coronary endothelial function during cardiac surgery: potential of
      targeting endothelial ion channels in cardioprotection.
AB  - Vascular endothelium plays a critical role in the control of blood flow by
      producing vasoactive factors to regulate vascular tone. Ion channels, in
      particular, K(+) channels and Ca(2+)-permeable channels in endothelial cells, are
      essential to the production and function of endothelium-derived vasoactive
      factors. Impairment of coronary endothelial function occurs in open heart surgery
      that may result in reduction of coronary blood flow and thus in an inadequate
      myocardial perfusion. Hyperkalemic exposure and concurrent ischemia-reperfusion
      during cardioplegic intervention compromise NO and EDHF-mediated function and the
      impairment involves alterations of K(+) channels, that is, KATP and KCa, and
      Ca(2+)-permeable TRP channels in endothelial cells. Pharmacological modulation of
      these channels during ischemia-reperfusion and hyperkalemic exposure show
      promising results on the preservation of NO and EDHF-mediated endothelial
      function, which suggests the potential of targeting endothelial K(+) and TRP
      channels for myocardial protection during cardiac surgery. 

PMID- 25126554
TI  - Next generation delivery system for proteins and genes of therapeutic purpose:
      why and how?
AB  - Proteins and genes of therapeutic interests in conjunction with different
      delivery systems are growing towards new heights. "Next generation delivery
      systems" may provide more efficient platform for delivery of proteins and genes.
      In the present review, snapshots about the benefits of proteins or gene therapy,
      general procedures for therapeutic protein or gene delivery system, and different
      next generation delivery system such as liposome, PEGylation, HESylation, and
      nanoparticle based delivery have been depicted with their detailed explanation. 

PMID- 25126556
TI  - Identifying the gene signatures from gene-pathway bipartite network guarantees
      the robust model performance on predicting the cancer prognosis.
AB  - For the purpose of improving the prediction of cancer prognosis in the clinical
      researches, various algorithms have been developed to construct the predictive
      models with the gene signatures detected by DNA microarrays. Due to the
      heterogeneity of the clinical samples, the list of differentially expressed genes
      (DEGs) generated by the statistical methods or the machine learning algorithms
      often involves a number of false positive genes, which are not associated with
      the phenotypic differences between the compared clinical conditions, and
      subsequently impacts the reliability of the predictive models. In this study, we
      proposed a strategy, which combined the statistical algorithm with the gene
      pathway bipartite networks, to generate the reliable lists of cancer-related DEGs
      and constructed the models by using support vector machine for predicting the
      prognosis of three types of cancers, namely, breast cancer, acute myeloma
      leukemia, and glioblastoma. Our results demonstrated that, combined with the gene
      pathway bipartite networks, our proposed strategy can efficiently generate the
      reliable cancer-related DEG lists for constructing the predictive models. In
      addition, the model performance in the swap analysis was similar to that in the
      original analysis, indicating the robustness of the models in predicting the
      cancer outcomes. 

PMID- 25126555
TI  - Polymorphisms at amino acid residues 141 and 154 influence conformational
      variation in ovine PrP.
AB  - Polymorphisms in ovine PrP at amino acid residues 141 and 154 are associated with
      susceptibility to ovine prion disease: Leu141Arg154 with classical scrapie and
      Phe141Arg154 and Leu141His154 with atypical scrapie. Classical scrapie is
      naturally transmissible between sheep, whereas this may not be the case with
      atypical scrapie. Critical amino acid residues will determine the range or
      stability of structural changes within the ovine prion protein or its functional
      interaction with potential cofactors, during conversion of PrPC to PrPSc in these
      different forms of scrapie disease. Here we computationally identified that
      regions of ovine PrP, including those near amino acid residues 141 and 154,
      displayed more conservation than expected based on local structural environment.
      Molecular dynamics simulations showed these conserved regions of ovine PrP
      displayed genotypic differences in conformational repertoire and amino acid side
      chain interactions. Significantly, Leu141Arg154 PrP adopted an extended beta
      sheet arrangement in the N-terminal palindromic region more frequently than the
      Phe141Arg154 and Leu141His154 variants. We supported these computational
      observations experimentally using circular dichroism spectroscopy and
      immunobiochemical studies on ovine recombinant PrP. Collectively, our
      observations show amino acid residues 141 and 154 influence secondary structure
      and conformational change in ovine PrP that may correlate with different forms of
      scrapie. 

PMID- 25126557
TI  - Antiulcerogenic potential activity of free and nanoencapsulated Passiflora
      serratodigitata L. extracts.
AB  - This paper provides evidence that the leaves and stem of Passiflora
      serratodigitata L. dry crude extract (DCE), ethylacetate fraction (EAF), and
      residual water fraction show potential antiulcerogenic activity. Interestingly,
      the polymeric nanocapsule loaded with EAF had 10-fold more activity than the free
      EAF. Furthermore, the polymer nanoparticles provided homogeneous colloidal drug
      delivery systems and allowed overcoming challenges such as poor aqueous
      solubility as well as the physical-chemical instability of the organic extract,
      which presented 90% (w/w) of the flavonoid content. The entrapment efficiency of
      the total flavonoid was 90.6 +/- 2.5% (w/v) for the DCE and 79.9 +/- 2.7% (w/v)
      for the EAF. This study shows that nanoencapsulation improves both the
      physicochemical properties and the efficacy of the herbal formulations.
      Therefore, free and encapsulated extracts have the potential to be suitable drug
      design candidates for the therapeutic management of ulcer. 

PMID- 25126558
TI  - Microbiota in healthy skin and in atopic eczema.
AB  - The Italian interest group (IG) on atopic eczema and urticaria is member of the
      Italian Society of Allergology and Immunology. The aim of our IG is to provide a
      platform for scientists, clinicians, and experts. In this review we discuss the
      role of skin microbiota not only in healthy skin but also in skin suffering from
      atopic dermatitis (AD). A Medline and Embase search was conducted for studies
      evaluating the role of skin microbiota. We examine microbiota composition and its
      development within days after birth; we describe the role of specific groups of
      microorganisms that colonize distinct anatomical niches and the biology and
      clinical relevance of antimicrobial peptides expressed in the skin. Specific AD
      disease states are characterized by concurrent and anticorrelated shifts in
      microbial diversity and proportion of Staphylococcus. These organisms may protect
      the host, defining them not as simple symbiotic microbes but rather as
      mutualistic microbes. These findings reveal links between microbial communities
      and inflammatory diseases such as AD and provide novel insights into global
      shifts of bacteria relevant to disease progression and treatment. This review
      also highlights recent observations on the importance of innate immune systems
      and the relationship with normal skin microflora for the maintenance of healthy
      skin. 

PMID- 25126559
TI  - Multiparametric MRI in biopsy guidance for prostate cancer: fusion-guided.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common solid-organ malignancy among American
      men and the second most deadly. Current guidelines recommend a 12-core systematic
      biopsy following the finding of an elevated serum prostate-specific antigen
      (PSA). However, this strategy fails to detect an unacceptably high percentage of
      clinically significant cancers, leading researchers to develop new, innovative
      methods to improve the effectiveness of prostate biopsies. Multiparametric-MRI
      (MP-MRI) has emerged as a promising instrument in identifying suspicious regions
      within the prostate that require special attention on subsequent biopsy. Fusion
      platforms, which incorporate the MP-MRI into the biopsy itself and provide active
      targets within real-time imaging, have shown encouraging results in improving the
      detection rate of significant cancer. Broader applications of this technology,
      including MRI-guided focal therapy for prostate cancer, are in early phase
      trials. 

PMID- 25126560
TI  - Aesthetic evaluation of the nasolabial region in children with unilateral cleft
      lip and palate comparing expert versus nonexperience health professionals.
AB  - Esthetic evaluation of cleft lip and palate rehabilitation outcomes may assist in
      the determination of new surgical interventions and aid in reevaluation of
      treatment protocols. Our objective was to compare esthetics assessments of the
      nasolabial region in children with a unilateral cleft lip and palate between
      healthcare professionals who were experienced in the treatment of cleft lip and
      palate and those who were inexperienced. The study group included 55 patients
      between 6 and 12 years of age who had already undergone primary reconstructive
      surgery for unilateral cleft lip. Standardized digital photographs were obtained,
      and the esthetic features of the nose, lip, and nasolabial region were evaluated.
      We used only cropped photographic images in the assessments of healthcare
      professionals with and without experience in cleft lip and palate. Interrater
      analysis revealed highly reliable assessments made by both the experienced and
      inexperienced professionals. There was no statistically significant difference in
      the esthetic attractiveness of the lip and nose between the experienced and
      inexperienced professionals. Compared with the inexperienced professionals, the
      experienced professional evaluators showed higher satisfaction with the esthetic
      appearance of the nasolabial region; however, no difference was observed in the
      analysis of the lip or nose alone. 

PMID- 25126562
TI  - A novel promising strain of Trichoderma evansii (WF-3) for extracellular alpha
      galactosidase production by utilizing different carbon sources under optimized
      culture conditions.
AB  - A potential fungal strain of Trichoderma sp. (WF-3) was isolated and selected for
      the production of alpha-galactosidase. Optimum conditions for mycelial growth and
      enzyme induction were determined. Basal media selected for the growth of fungal
      isolate containing different carbon sources like guar gum (GG), soya bean meal
      (SM), and wheat straw (WS) and combinations of these carbon substrates with basic
      sugars like galactose and sucrose were used to monitor their effects on alpha
      galactosidase production. The results of this study indicated that galactose and
      sucrose enhanced the enzyme activity in guar gum (GG) and wheat straw (WS).
      Maximum alpha-galactosidase production (213.63 U mL(-1)) was obtained when the
      basic medium containing GG is supplemented with galactose (5 mg/mL). However, the
      presence of galactose and sucrose alone in the growth media shows no effect. Soya
      meal alone was able to support T. evansii to produce maximum enzyme activity
      (170.36 U mL(-1)). The incubation time, temperature, and pH for the maximum
      enzyme synthesis were found to be 120 h (5 days), 28 degrees C, and 4.5-5.5,
      respectively. All the carbon sources tested exhibited maximum enzyme production
      at 10 mg/mL concentration. Among the metal ions tested, Hg was found to be the
      strongest inhibitor of the enzyme. Among the chelators, EDTA acted as stronger
      inhibitor than succinic acid.

PMID- 25126561
TI  - The roles of CD73 in cancer.
AB  - Purinergic signaling has emerged as an important player in cancer progression and
      is regulated by a series of nucleotidases. Among the enzyme cascade, CD73, which
      catelyzes AMP breakdown to adenosine, has been found to be overexpressed in many
      types of cancer. Various factors and mechanisms are employed to regulate
      expression of CD73. Accumulating studies have shown that CD73 is a key regulatory
      molecule of cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, tumor
      angiogenesis, and tumor immune escape in vivo. With such important roles in
      cancer, CD73 has become an appealing therapy target. Recent evidences in mice
      models demonstrated that targeted blockade of CD73 could be a favorable
      therapeutic approach for cancer patients in the future. In this review, we will
      summarize the multiple roles of CD73 in cancer development, including its
      clinical significance, its promotive effects on tumor growth, metastasis, and
      angiogenesis, and its suppressive effects on immune response, regulatory
      mechanisms of CD73 expression, and current situation of anti-CD73 cancer therapy.

PMID- 25126563
TI  - Modulation of TLR 3, 7 and 8 expressions in HCV genotype 3 infected individuals:
      potential correlations of pathogenesis and spontaneous clearance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus is the major cause of chronic hepatitis worldwide
      which finally leads to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Toll like
      receptors (TLRs) play an important role in the course of many viral infections,
      but the role of TLRs in HCV pathogenesis has not been well elucidated so far.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the mRNA expression of TLRs 3, 7,
      and 8 in different stages of HCV infection including chronic, cirrhosis,
      interferon treated resolved, and relapsed cases. METHODOLOGY: Total RNA from
      whole blood was extracted and mRNA expression of TLRs 3, 7, and 8 genes was
      analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR using beta-Actin gene as an internal
      control. RESULTS: This study consisted of 100 HCV infected individuals and twenty
      healthy controls. TLR 3 expression was found to be significantly elevated in
      individuals who had spontaneously cleared the virus (p < 0.001), whereas TLR 7
      was found to be 3.26 times more elevated in patients with cirrhosis of liver. In
      IFN induced individuals, TLR 8 expression levels were found to be 2.28-fold
      elevated as compared to control population. CONCLUSION: TLRs 3, 7, and 8 are
      prime biomarker candidates for HCV infection mRNA expression analysis which might
      improve current therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 25126565
TI  - Definition of metrics to evaluate cochlear array insertion forces performed with
      forceps, insertion tool, or motorized tool in temporal bone specimens.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In order to achieve a minimal trauma to the inner ear structures
      during array insertion, it would be suitable to control insertion forces. The aim
      of this work was to compare the insertion forces of an array insertion into
      anatomical specimens with three different insertion techniques: with forceps,
      with a commercial tool, and with a motorized tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Temporal bones have been mounted on a 6-axis force sensor to record insertion
      forces. Each temporal bone has been inserted, with a lateral wall electrode
      array, in random order, with each of the 3 techniques. RESULTS: Forceps manual
      and commercial tool insertions generated multiple jerks during whole length
      insertion related to fits and starts. On the contrary, insertion force with the
      motorized tool only rose at the end of the insertion. Overall force momentum was
      1.16 +/- 0.505 N (mean +/- SD, n = 10), 1.337 +/- 0.408 N (n = 8), and 1.573 +/-
      0.764 N (n = 8) for manual insertion with forceps and commercial and motorized
      tools, respectively. CONCLUSION: Considering force momentum, no difference
      between the three techniques was observed. Nevertheless, a more predictable force
      profile could be observed with the motorized tool with a smoother rise of
      insertion forces.

PMID- 25126567
TI  - Skin cancer, irradiation, and sunspots: the solar cycle effect.
AB  - Skin cancer is diagnosed in more than 2 million individuals annually in the
      United States. It is strongly associated with ultraviolet exposure, with melanoma
      risk doubling after five or more sunburns. Solar activity, characterized by
      features such as irradiance and sunspots, undergoes an 11-year solar cycle. This
      fingerprint frequency accounts for relatively small variation on Earth when
      compared to other uncorrelated time scales such as daily and seasonal cycles.
      Kolmogorov-Zurbenko filters, applied to the solar cycle and skin cancer data,
      separate the components of different time scales to detect weaker long term
      signals and investigate the relationships between long term trends. Analyses of
      crosscorrelations reveal epidemiologically consistent latencies between variables
      which can then be used for regression analysis to calculate a coefficient of
      influence. This method reveals that strong numerical associations, with
      correlations >0.5, exist between these small but distinct long term trends in the
      solar cycle and skin cancer. This improves modeling skin cancer trends on long
      time scales despite the stronger variation in other time scales and the
      destructive presence of noise. 

PMID- 25126566
TI  - KPG index versus OPG measurements: a comparison between 3D and 2D methods in
      predicting treatment duration and difficulty level for patients with impacted
      maxillary canines.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to test the agreement between orthopantomography
      (OPG) based 2D measurements and the KPG index, a new index based on 3D Cone Beam
      Computed Tomography (CBCT) images, in predicting orthodontic treatment duration
      and difficulty level of impacted maxillary canines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OPG
      and CBCT images of 105 impacted canines were independently scored by three
      orthodontists at t 0 and after 1 month (t 1), using the KPG index and the
      following 2D methods: distance from cusp tip and occlusal plane, cusp tip
      position in relation to the lateral incisor, and canine inclination. Pearson's
      coefficients were used to evaluate the degree of agreement and the chi(2) with
      Yates correction test was used to assess the independence between them. RESULTS:
      Inter- and intrarater reliability were higher with KPG compared to 2D methods.
      Pearson's coefficients showed a statistically significant association between all
      the indexes, while the chi(2) with Yates correction test resulted in a
      statistically significant rejection of independency only for one 2D index.
      CONCLUSIONS: 2D indexes for predicting impacted maxillary canines treatment
      duration and difficulty sometimes are discordant; a 3D index like the KPG index
      could be useful in solving these conflicts.

PMID- 25126568
TI  - Depletion of arginine by recombinant arginine deiminase induces nNOS-activated
      neurotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells.
AB  - The abnormal regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and neuronal
      nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
      Recombinant arginine deiminase (rADI) is a selective NO modulator of iNOS and
      eNOS in endothelial cells, and it also exhibits neuroprotective activity in an
      iNOS-induced neuron-microglia coculture system. However, the effect of rADI on
      nNOS remains unknown. Addressing this issue is important for evaluating the
      potential application of rADI in neurodegenerative diseases. SH-SY5Y cells were
      treated with N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) to activate nNOS. NMDA increased NO
      production by 39.7 +/- 3.9% via nNOS under arginine-containing conditions, but
      there was no significant increase in both arginine-free and rADI pretreated
      arginine-containing (citrulline) buffer. Subsequently, neither NMDA nor rADI
      alone caused cytotoxicity, whereas cotreatment with NMDA and rADI resulted in
      dissipation of the cell mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased cell
      viability. The mechanism of rADI cytotoxicity in the presence of NMDA is caused
      by the inhibition of NO production via nNOS mediated by the NMDA receptor, which
      was abolished when extracellular arginine was absent, even in the presence of
      citrulline. rADI not only reduced NO production but also caused cellular toxicity
      in nNOS-activated SH-SY5Y cells, suggesting a dual role for rADI in NOS-mediated
      neurotoxicity. 

PMID- 25126570
TI  - PPI network analysis of mRNA expression profile of ezrin knockdown in esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Ezrin, coding protein EZR which cross-links actin filaments, overexpresses and
      involves invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis in various cancers including
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In our previous study, Ezrin was knock
      down and analyzed by mRNA expression profile which has not been fully mined. In
      this study, we applied protein-protein interactions (PPI) network knowledge and
      methods to explore our understanding of these differentially expressed genes
      (DEGs). PPI subnetworks showed that hundreds of DEGs interact with thousands of
      other proteins. Subcellular localization analyses found that the DEGs and their
      directly or indirectly interacting proteins distribute in multiple layers, which
      was applied to analyze the shortest paths between EZR and other DEGs. Gene
      ontology annotation generated a functional annotation map and found hundreds of
      significant terms, especially those associated with cytoskeleton organization of
      Ezrin protein, such as "cytoskeleton organization," "regulation of actin filament
      based process," and "regulation of actin cytoskeleton organization." The
      algorithm of Random Walk with Restart was applied to prioritize the DEGs and
      identified several cancer related DEGs ranked closest to EZR. These analyses
      based on PPI network have greatly expanded our comprehension of the mRNA
      expression profile of Ezrin knockdown for future examination of the roles and
      mechanisms of Ezrin. 

PMID- 25126571
TI  - Mass spectrometry based proteomic analysis of salivary glands of urban malaria
      vector Anopheles stephensi.
AB  - Salivary gland proteins of Anopheles mosquitoes offer attractive targets to
      understand interactions with sporozoites, blood feeding behavior, homeostasis,
      and immunological evaluation of malaria vectors and parasite interactions. To
      date limited studies have been carried out to elucidate salivary proteins of An.
      stephensi salivary glands. The aim of the present study was to provide detailed
      analytical attributives of functional salivary gland proteins of urban malaria
      vector An. stephensi. A proteomic approach combining one-dimensional
      electrophoresis (1DE), ion trap liquid chromatography mass spectrometry
      (LC/MS/MS), and computational bioinformatic analysis was adopted to provide the
      first direct insight into identification and functional characterization of known
      salivary proteins and novel salivary proteins of An. stephensi. Computational
      studies by online servers, namely, MASCOT and OMSSA algorithms, identified a
      total of 36 known salivary proteins and 123 novel proteins analysed by LC/MS/MS.
      This first report describes a baseline proteomic catalogue of 159 salivary
      proteins belonging to various categories of signal transduction, regulation of
      blood coagulation cascade, and various immune and energy pathways of An.
      stephensi sialotranscriptome by mass spectrometry. Our results may serve as basis
      to provide a putative functional role of proteins in concept of blood feeding,
      biting behavior, and other aspects of vector-parasite host interactions for
      parasite development in anopheline mosquitoes. 

PMID- 25126569
TI  - Collagen VI and hyaluronan: the common role in breast cancer.
AB  - Collagen VI and hyaluronan are widely distributed extracellular matrix
      macromolecules that play a crucial role in tissue development and are highly
      expressed in cancers. Both hyaluronan and collagen VI are upregulated in breast
      cancer, generating a microenvironment that promotes tumour progression and
      metastasis. A growing number of studies show that these two molecules are
      involved in inflammation and angiogenesis by recruiting macrophages and
      endothelial cells, respectively. Additionally, collagen VI induces epithelial
      mesenchymal transition that is correlated to increased synthesis of hyaluronan in
      mammary cells. Hyaluronan has also a specific role in cellular functions that
      depends mainly on the size of the polymer, whereas the effect of collagen VI in
      tumour progression may be the result of the intact molecule or the C5 peptide of
      alpha3(VI) chain, known as endotrophin. Collectively, these findings strongly
      support the parallel role of these molecules in tumour progression and suggest
      that they may be used as prognostic factors for the breast cancer treatment. 

PMID- 25126572
TI  - Metabolic modeling of common Escherichia coli strains in human gut microbiome.
AB  - The recent high-throughput sequencing has enabled the composition of Escherichia
      coli strains in the human microbial community to be profiled en masse. However,
      there are two challenges to address: (1) exploring the genetic differences
      between E. coli strains in human gut and (2) dynamic responses of E. coli to
      diverse stress conditions. As a result, we investigated the E. coli strains in
      human gut microbiome using deep sequencing data and reconstructed genome-wide
      metabolic networks for the three most common E. coli strains, including E. coli
      HS, UTI89, and CFT073. The metabolic models show obvious strain-specific
      characteristics, both in network contents and in behaviors. We predicted optimal
      biomass production for three models on four different carbon sources (acetate,
      ethanol, glucose, and succinate) and found that these stress-associated genes
      were involved in host-microbial interactions and increased in human obesity.
      Besides, it shows that the growth rates are similar among the models, but the
      flux distributions are different, even in E. coli core reactions. The
      correlations between human diabetes-associated metabolic reactions in the E. coli
      models were also predicted. The study provides a systems perspective on E. coli
      strains in human gut microbiome and will be helpful in integrating diverse data
      sources in the following study. 

PMID- 25126564
TI  - Human genetic disorders and knockout mice deficient in glycosaminoglycan.
AB  - Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are constructed through the stepwise addition of
      respective monosaccharides by various glycosyltransferases and maturated by
      epimerases and sulfotransferases. The structural diversity of GAG
      polysaccharides, including their sulfation patterns and sequential arrangements,
      is essential for a wide range of biological activities such as cell signaling,
      cell proliferation, tissue morphogenesis, and interactions with various growth
      factors. Studies using knockout mice of enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis
      of the GAG side chains of proteoglycans have revealed their physiological
      functions. Furthermore, mutations in the human genes encoding
      glycosyltransferases, sulfotransferases, and related enzymes responsible for the
      biosynthesis of GAGs cause a number of genetic disorders including
      chondrodysplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. This
      review focused on the increasing number of glycobiological studies on knockout
      mice and genetic diseases caused by disturbances in the biosynthetic enzymes for
      GAGs. 

PMID- 25126573
TI  - First record of isolation and characterization of methicillin resistant
      Staphylococcus lugdunensis from clinical samples in Iraq.
AB  - This study was conducted to determine the frequency of Staphylococcus lugdunensis
      in different clinical samples. Out of 690 clinical samples, a total of 178
      coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolates were recovered. CoNS were
      identified as 10 different species; 22 isolates belonged to Staphylococcus
      lugdunensis. Two specific genes for S. lugdunensis were used (tanA gene and fbl
      gene) to confirm identification. Both of these specific genes were detected in 15
      (68.1%) of 22 isolates that were identified phenotypically. The results of
      oxacillin MIC showed that 7 of the 15 (46.6%) S. lugdunensis isolates were
      oxacillin resistant. The antibiotic susceptibility testing against 16 antibiotics
      showed that resistance rates were variable towards these antibiotics. Eight of
      fifteen S. lugdunensis isolates (53.3%) were beta-lactamase producer. Results of
      molecular detection of mecA gene found that mecA gene was detected in 6 (40%) of
      15 S. lugdunensis. All of these 6 isolates (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6) were
      resistant to oxacillin. One isolate (S7) was resistant to oxacillin but mecA was
      not detected in this isolate. This study is a first record of isolation and
      characterization of methicillin resistant S. lugdunensis (MRSL) from clinical
      samples in Iraq.

PMID- 25126574
TI  - Blood monocyte subsets and selected cardiovascular risk markers in rheumatoid
      arthritis of short duration in relation to disease activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate blood monocyte subsets and functional monocyte properties
      in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of short duration in the context of
      cardiovascular (CV) risk and disease activity. METHODS: We studied conventional
      markers of CV risk, intima media thickness (IMT), and blood monocyte subsets in
      27 patients aged 41 +/- 10 years with RA of short duration (median 12 months) and
      22 healthy controls. The RA subjects were divided into low (DAS28: 2.6-5.1) and
      high (DAS28 > 5.1) disease activity. RESULTS: RA patients exhibited increased
      levels of intermediate (CD14(++)CD16(+)) monocytes with decreased CD45RA
      expression compared to controls, increased counts of classical (CD14(++)CD16(-))
      monocytes, and decreased percentages of nonclassical (CD14(+)CD16(++)) monocytes.
      Patients with high disease activity had lower HLA DR expression on classical
      monocytes compared to low disease activity patients. There were no differences in
      monocyte subsets between subjects with DAS > 5.1 and DAS <= 5.1. There were no
      significant intergroup differences in IMT and the majority of classical CV risk
      factors. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RA of short duration show alteration in
      peripheral blood monocyte subsets despite the fact that there is no evidence of
      subclinical atherosclerosis. Disease activity assessed with DAS28 was associated
      with impaired functional properties but not with a shift in monocyte
      subpopulations.

PMID- 25126576
TI  - Biomechanical analysis of force distribution in human finger extensor mechanisms.
AB  - The complexities of the function and structure of human fingers have long been
      recognised. The in vivo forces in the human finger tendon network during
      different activities are critical information for clinical diagnosis, surgical
      treatment, prosthetic finger design, and biomimetic hand development. In this
      study, we propose a novel method for in vivo force estimation for the finger
      tendon network by combining a three-dimensional motion analysis technique and a
      novel biomechanical tendon network model. The extensor mechanism of a human index
      finger is represented by an interconnected tendinous network moving around the
      phalanx's dorsum. A novel analytical approach based on the "Principle of Minimum
      Total Potential Energy" is used to calculate the forces and deformations
      throughout the tendon network of the extensor mechanism when subjected to an
      external load and with the finger posture defined by measurement data. The
      predicted deformations and forces in the tendon network are in broad agreement
      with the results obtained by previous experimental in vitro studies. The proposed
      methodology provides a promising tool for investigating the biomechanical
      function of complex interconnected tendon networks in vivo. 

PMID- 25126575
TI  - Store-operated Ca2+ entry does not control proliferation in primary cultures of
      human metastatic renal cellular carcinoma.
AB  - Store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) is activated following depletion of the
      inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-sensitive Ca(2+) pool to regulate
      proliferation in immortalized cell lines established from either primary or
      metastatic lesions. The molecular nature of SOCE may involve both Stim1, which
      senses Ca(2+) levels within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) reservoir, and
      a number of a Ca(2+)-permeable channels on the plasma membrane, including Orai1,
      Orai3, and members of the canonical transient receptor (TRPC1-7) family of ion
      channels. The present study was undertaken to assess whether SOCE is expressed
      and controls proliferation in primary cultures isolated from secondary lesions of
      heavily pretreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients. SOCE was
      induced following pharmacological depletion of the ER Ca(2+) store, but not by
      InsP3-dependent Ca(2+) release. Metastatic RCC cells express Stim1-2, Orai1-3,
      and TRPC1-7 transcripts and proteins. In these cells, SOCE was insensitive to BTP
      2, 10 uM Gd(3+) and Pyr6, while it was inhibited by 100 uM Gd(3+), 2-APB, and
      carboxyamidotriazole (CAI). Neither Gd(3+) nor 2-APB or CAI impaired mRCC cell
      proliferation. Consistently, no detectable Ca(2+) signal was elicited by growth
      factor stimulation. Therefore, a functional SOCE is expressed but does not
      control proliferation of mRCC cells isolated from patients resistant to
      multikinase inhibitors. 

PMID- 25126578
TI  - Movement type prediction before its onset using signals from prefrontal area: an
      electrocorticography study.
AB  - Power changes in specific frequency bands are typical brain responses during
      motor planning or preparation. Many studies have demonstrated that, in addition
      to the premotor, supplementary motor, and primary sensorimotor areas, the
      prefrontal area contributes to generating such responses. However, most brain
      computer interface (BCI) studies have focused on the primary sensorimotor area
      and have estimated movements using postonset period brain signals. Our aim was to
      determine whether the prefrontal area could contribute to the prediction of
      voluntary movement types before movement onset. In our study,
      electrocorticography (ECoG) was recorded from six epilepsy patients while
      performing two self-paced tasks: hand grasping and elbow flexion. The prefrontal
      area was sufficient to allow classification of different movements through the
      area's premovement signals (-2.0 s to 0 s) in four subjects. The most pronounced
      power difference frequency band was the beta band (13-30 Hz). The movement
      prediction rate during single trial estimation averaged 74% across the six
      subjects. Our results suggest that premovement signals in the prefrontal area are
      useful in distinguishing different movement tasks and that the beta band is the
      most informative for prediction of movement type before movement onset. 

PMID- 25126577
TI  - MicroRNA expression in salivary supernatant of patients with pancreatic cancer
      and its relationship with ZHENG.
AB  - In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), diagnosis and prescriptions are based on
      the signs and symptoms which are recognized as ZHENG. The cornerstone of TCM is
      to differentially treat one ZHENG from others, which is also known as syndrome
      differentiation, and this relies on the gathering of clinical information through
      inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation. However, the
      biomolecular basis of the ZHENG remains unclear. In this study, the expressions
      of 384 cancer-related miRNAs in salivary supernatant of patients with pancreatic
      cancer were assessed by miRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array, and the
      different expression patterns of miRNA in three different groups of ZHENG were
      studied with use of real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Some miRNAs were found
      to be specifically expressed in some ZHENGs, for instance, miR-17, miR-21, and
      miR-181b in Shi-Re ZHENG and miR-196a in Pi-Xu ZHENG. This indicates that these
      miRNAs may play important roles in different ZHENG condition. Therefore, this
      study to some extent revealed the molecular basis of TCM ZHENG in pancreatic
      cancer. 

PMID- 25126579
TI  - The definition of a prolonged intensive care unit stay for spontaneous
      intracerebral hemorrhage patients: an application with national health insurance
      research database.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) of
      spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) patients is one of the most important
      issues. The disease severity, psychosocial factors, and institutional factors
      will influence the length of ICU stay. This study is used in the Taiwan National
      Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to define the threshold of a prolonged
      ICU stay in sICH patients. METHODS: This research collected the demographic data
      of sICH patients in the NHIRD from 2005 to 2009. The threshold of prolonged ICU
      stay was calculated using change point analysis. RESULTS: There were 1599 sICH
      patients included. A prolonged ICU stay was defined as being equal to or longer
      than 10 days. There were 436 prolonged ICU stay cases and 1163 nonprolonged
      cases. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the threshold of a prolonged ICU stay
      is a good indicator of hospital utilization in ICH patients. Different hospitals
      have their own different care strategies that can be identified with a prolonged
      ICU stay. This indicator can be improved using quality control methods such as
      complications prevention and efficiency of ICU bed management. Patients' stay in
      ICUs and in hospitals will be shorter if integrated care systems are established.

PMID- 25126580
TI  - Using ecological momentary assessment to evaluate current physical activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the value of ecological
      momentary assessment in evaluating physical activity among children, adolescents,
      and adults. It also determines whether ecological momentary assessment fulfills
      the criteria of validity, reliability, objectivity, norms, and standardization
      applied to the tools used for the evaluation of physical activity. METHODS: The
      EBSCO-CINHAL, Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, and SPORTDiscuss databases were reviewed
      in December 2012 for articles associated with EMA. RESULTS: Of the 20 articles
      examined, half (10) used electronic methods for data collection, although various
      methods were used, ranging from pen and paper to smartphone applications. Ten
      studies used objective monitoring equipment. Nineteen studies were performed over
      4 days. While the validity of the EMA method was discussed in 18 studies, only
      four found it to be objective. In all cases, the EMA procedures were precisely
      documented and confirmed to be feasible. CONCLUSIONS: Ecological momentary
      assessment is a valid, reliable, and feasible approach to evaluate activity and
      sedentary behavior. Researchers should be aware that while ecological momentary
      assessment offers many benefits, it simultaneously imposes many limitations which
      should be considered when studying physical activity.

PMID- 25126581
TI  - Patient outcomes following subarachnoid hemorrhage between the medical center and
      regional hospital: whether all patients should be transferred to medical centers.
AB  - Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a critical illness that may result in patient
      mortality or morbidity. In this study, we investigated the outcomes of patients
      treated in medical center and nonmedical center hospitals and the relationship
      between such outcomes and hospital and surgeon volume. Patient data were
      abstracted from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan in the
      Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000, which contains all claims data of 1
      million beneficiaries randomly selected in 2000. The International Classification
      of Diseases, Ninth Revision, subarachnoid hemorrhage (430) was used for the
      inclusion criteria. We identified 355 patients between 11 and 87 years of age who
      had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Among them, 32.4% (115/355) were men. The median
      Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score was 1.3 (SD +/- 0.6). Unadjusted logistic
      regression analysis demonstrated that low mortality was associated with high
      hospital volume (OR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.18-8.77). In this study, we found no
      statistical significances of mortality, LOS, and total charges between medical
      centers and nonmedical center hospitals. Patient mortality was associated with
      hospital volume. Nonmedical center hospitals could achieve resource use and
      outcomes similar to those of medical centers with sufficient volume. 

PMID- 25126582
TI  - Ethical and legal implications of elective ventilation and organ transplantation:
      "medicalization" of dying versus medical mission.
AB  - A critical controversy surrounds the type of allowable interventions to be
      carried out in patients who are potential organ donors, in an attempt to improve
      organ perfusion and successful transplantation. The main goal is to transplant an
      organ in conditions as close as possible to its physiological live state.
      "Elective ventilation" (EV), that is, the use of ventilation for the sole purpose
      of retrieving the organs of patients close to death, is an option which offsets
      the shortage of organ donation. We have analyzed the legal context of the dying
      process of the organ donor and the feasibility of EV in the Italian context.
      There is no legal framework regulating the practice of EV, neither is any real
      information given to the general public. A public debate has yet to be initiated.
      In the Italian cultural and legislative scenario, we believe that, under some
      circumstances (i.e., the expressed wishes of the patient, even in the form of
      advance directives), the use of EV does not violate the principle of beneficence.
      We believe that the crux of the matter lies in the need to explore the real
      determination and will of the patient and his/her orientation towards the
      specific aim of organ donation. 

PMID- 25126584
TI  - Potential and limitation of HLA-based banking of human pluripotent stem cells for
      cell therapy.
AB  - Great hopes have been placed on human pluripotent stem (hPS) cells for therapy.
      Tissues or organs derived from hPS cells could be the best solution to cure many
      different human diseases, especially those who do not respond to standard
      medication or drugs, such as neurodegenerative diseases, heart failure, or
      diabetes. The origin of hPS is critical and the idea of creating a bank of well
      characterized hPS cells has emerged, like the one that already exists for cord
      blood. However, the main obstacle in transplantation is the rejection of tissues
      or organ by the receiver, due to the three main immunological barriers: the human
      leukocyte antigen (HLA), the ABO blood group, and minor antigens. The problem
      could be circumvented by using autologous stem cells, like induced pluripotent
      stem (iPS) cells, derived directly from the patient. But iPS cells have
      limitations, especially regarding the disease of the recipient and possible
      difficulties to handle or prepare autologous iPS cells. Finally, reaching
      standards of good clinical or manufacturing practices could be challenging. That
      is why well-characterized and universal hPS cells could be a better solution. In
      this review, we will discuss the interest and the feasibility to establish hPS
      cells bank, as well as some economics and ethical issues. 

PMID- 25126583
TI  - Glioma-associated antigen HEATR1 induces functional cytotoxic T lymphocytes in
      patients with glioma.
AB  - A2B5+ glioblastoma (GBM) cells have glioma stem-like cell (GSC) properties that
      are crucial to chemotherapy resistance and GBM relapse. T-cell-based antigens
      derived from A2B5+ GBM cells provide important information for immunotherapy.
      Here, we show that HEAT repeat containing 1 (HEATR1) expression in GBM tissues
      was significantly higher than that in control brain tissues. Furthermore, HEATR1
      expression in A2B5+ U87 cells was higher than that in A2B5-U87 cells (P = 0.016).
      Six peptides of HEATR1 presented by HLA-A*02 were selected for testing of their
      ability to induce T-cell responses in patients with GBM. When peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells from healthy donors (n = 6) and patients with glioma (n = 33)
      were stimulated with the peptide mixture, eight patients with malignant gliomas
      had positive reactivity with a significantly increased number of responding T
      cells. The peptides HEATR(1682-690), HEATR(11126-1134), and HEATR(1757-765) had
      high affinity for binding to HLA-A*02:01 and a strong capacity to induce CTL
      response. CTLs against HEATR1 peptides were capable of recognizing and lysing GBM
      cells and GSCs. These data are the first to demonstrate that HEATR1 could induce
      specific CTL responses targeting both GBM cells and GSCs, implicating that HEATR1
      peptide-based immunotherapy could be a novel promising strategy for treating
      patients with GBM.

PMID- 25126585
TI  - Cellular factors targeting APCs to modulate adaptive T cell immunity.
AB  - The fate of adaptive T cell immunity is determined by multiple cellular and
      molecular factors, among which the cytokine milieu plays the most important role
      in this process. Depending on the cytokines present during the initial T cell
      activation, T cells become effector cells that produce different effector
      molecules and execute adaptive immune functions. Studies thus far have primarily
      focused on defining how these factors control T cell differentiation by targeting
      T cells themselves. However, other non-T cells, particularly APCs, also express
      receptors for the factors and are capable of responding to them. In this review,
      we will discuss how APCs, by responding to those cytokines, influence T cell
      differentiation and adaptive immunity. 

PMID- 25126587
TI  - The relevance of HLA sequencing in population genetics studies.
AB  - Next generation sequencing (NGS) is currently being adapted by different
      biotechnological platforms to the standard typing method for HLA polymorphism,
      the huge diversity of which makes this initiative particularly challenging.
      Boosting the molecular characterization of the HLA genes through efficient,
      rapid, and low-cost technologies is expected to amplify the success of tissue
      transplantation by enabling us to find donor-recipient matching for rare
      phenotypes. But the application of NGS technologies to the molecular mapping of
      the MHC region also anticipates essential changes in population genetic studies.
      Huge amounts of HLA sequence data will be available in the next years for
      different populations, with the potential to change our understanding of HLA
      variation in humans. In this review, we first explain how HLA sequencing allows a
      better assessment of the HLA diversity in human populations, taking also into
      account the methodological difficulties it introduces at the statistical level;
      secondly, we show how analyzing HLA sequence variation may improve our
      comprehension of population genetic relationships by facilitating the
      identification of demographic events that marked human evolution; finally, we
      discuss the interest of both HLA and genome-wide sequencing and genotyping in
      detecting functionally significant SNPs in the MHC region, the latter having also
      contributed to the makeup of the HLA molecular diversity observed today. 

PMID- 25126588
TI  - Disease-Modifying Effect of Adiponectin in Model of alpha-Synucleinopathies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Growing evidence suggests that neurodegenerative diseases are
      associated with metabolic disorders, but the mechanisms are still unclear. Better
      comprehension of this issue might provide a new strategy for treatment of
      neurodegenerative diseases. We investigated possible roles of adiponectin (APN),
      the anti-diabetes protein, in the pathogenesis of alpha-synucleinopathies.
      METHODS: Using biochemical and histological methods, we investigated autopsy
      brain of alpha-synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia
      with Lewy bodies (DLB), and analyzed the effects of APN in cellular and in mouse
      models of alpha-synucleinopathies. RESULTS: We observed that APN is localized in
      Lewy bodies derived from alpha-synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease and
      dementia with Lewy bodies. In neuronal cells expressing alpha-synuclein (alphaS),
      aggregation of alphaS was suppressed by treatment with recombinant APN in an
      AdipoRI-AMP kinase pathway-dependent manner. Concomitantly, phosphorylation and
      release of alphaS were significantly decreased by APN, suggesting that APN may be
      antineurodegenerative. In transgenic mice expressing alphaS, both histopathology
      and movement disorder were significantly improved by intranasal treatment with
      globular APN when the treatment was initiated in the early stage of the disease.
      In a mouse model, reduced levels of guanosine- and inosine- monophosphates, both
      of which are potential stimulators of aggregation of alphaS, might partly
      contribute to suppression of aggregation of alphaS by APN. INTERPRETATION: Taken
      together, APN may suppress neurodegeneration through modification of the
      metabolic pathway, and could possess a therapeutic potential against alpha
      synucleinopathies.

PMID- 25126590
TI  - Mini-review: perspective of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of urothelial
      carcinoma.
AB  - The microbiome is a new center of attention for studies on the pathogenesis of
      human disease by focusing on the alterations of all microorganisms living in a
      particular site or system of human body, referred as microbiota. Evidence
      suggests that microbiota could contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of
      chronic diseases, including cancers, both locally and remotely. Multiple
      mechanisms have been proposed and/or proven for the microbiota's role in
      tumorigenesis, such as via induction of chronic inflammation, genotoxicity,
      bacterium-mediated cell proliferation, and activation of procarcinogens. Emerging
      data suggest that indigenous microbiota in the urinary tract may play an
      important role in the tumorigenesis of urothelial carcinoma, similar to other
      tumors. Future studies are needed to adequately define the microbiota composition
      and correlate its change with urothelial carcinoma. 

PMID- 25126589
TI  - Gaining the Upper Hand on Pulmonary Drug Delivery.
AB  - Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Cystic Fibrosis (CF) are
      all pulmonary diseases which are characterized by chronic inflammation and an
      increase in mucus production. Excess mucus in the airways correlates with
      pathophysiology such as a decline in lung function and prolonged bacterial
      infections. New drugs to treat these chronic respiratory diseases are currently
      being developed and include both inhaled and orally administered compounds.
      Whilst oral drugs may be easier to administer, they are more prone to side
      effects due to higher bioavailability. Inhaled compounds may show reduced
      bioavailability, but face their own unique challenges. For example, thick mucus
      in the respiratory tracts of asthma, CF and COPD patients can act as a physical
      barrier that impedes drug delivery. Mucus also contains a high number of enzymes
      and proteases that may degrade compounds before they reach their site of action.
      Furthermore, some classes of drugs are rapidly absorbed across the respiratory
      epithelia into systemic circulation, which may limit their duration of action
      and/or cause off-target effects. This review discusses some of the different
      treatment options that are currently available and the considerations that need
      to be taken into account to produce new therapies for the treatment of chronic
      respiratory diseases.

PMID- 25126586
TI  - IL-6 as a druggable target in psoriasis: focus on pustular variants.
AB  - Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) is a cutaneous inflammatory disorder stemming from
      abnormal, persistent activation of the interleukin- (IL-)23/Th17 axis. Pustular
      psoriasis (PP) is a clinicopathological variant of psoriasis, histopathologically
      defined by the predominance of intraepidermal collections of neutrophils.
      Although PP pathogenesis is thought to largely follow that of (PV), recent
      evidences point to a more central role for IL-1, IL-36, and IL-6 in the
      development of PP. We review the role of IL-6 in the pathogenesis of PV and PP,
      focusing on its cross-talk with cytokines of the IL-23/Th17 axis. Clinical
      inhibitors of IL-6 signaling, including tocilizumab, have shown significant
      effectiveness in the treatment of several inflammatory rheumatic diseases,
      including rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis; accordingly,
      anti-IL-6 agents may potentially represent future promising therapies for the
      treatment of PP. 

PMID- 25126591
TI  - Theranostic Profiling for Actionable Aberrations in Advanced High Risk
      Osteosarcoma with Aggressive Biology Reveals High Molecular Diversity: The Human
      Fingerprint Hypothesis.
AB  - The survival of patients with advanced osteosarcoma is poor with limited
      therapeutic options. There is an urgent need for new targeted therapies based on
      biomarkers. Recently, theranostic molecular profiling services for cancer
      patients by CLIA-certified commercial companies as well as in-house profiling in
      academic medical centers have expanded exponentially. We evaluated molecular
      profiles of patients with advanced osteosarcoma whose tumor tissue had been
      analyzed by one of the following methods: 1. 182-gene next-generation exome
      sequencing (Foundation Medicine, Boston, MA), 2. Immunohistochemistry (IHC)/PCR
      based panel (CARIS Target Now, Irving, Tx), 3.Comparative genome hybridization
      (Oncopath, San Antonio, TX). 4. Single-gene PCR assays, PTEN IHC (MDACC CLIA), 5.
      UT Houston morphoproteomics (Houston, TX). The most common actionable aberrations
      occur in the PI3K/PTEN/mTOR pathway. No patterns in genomic alterations beyond
      the above are readily identifiable, and suggest both high molecular diversity in
      osteosarcoma and the need for more analyses to define distinct subgroups of
      osteosarcoma defined by genomic alterations. Based on our preliminary
      observations we hypothesize that the biology of aggressive and the metastatic
      phenotype osteosarcoma at the molecular level is similar to human fingerprints,
      in that no two tumors are identical. Further large scale analyses of osteosarcoma
      samples are warranted to test this hypothesis.

PMID- 25126592
TI  - IDMA-based MAC protocol for satellite networks with consideration on channel
      quality.
AB  - In order to overcome the shortcomings of existing medium access control (MAC)
      protocols based on TDMA or CDMA in satellite networks, interleave division
      multiple access (IDMA) technique is introduced into satellite communication
      networks. Therefore, a novel wide-band IDMA MAC protocol based on channel quality
      is proposed in this paper, consisting of a dynamic power allocation algorithm, a
      rate adaptation algorithm, and a call admission control (CAC) scheme. Firstly,
      the power allocation algorithm combining the technique of IDMA SINR-evolution and
      channel quality prediction is developed to guarantee high power efficiency even
      in terrible channel conditions. Secondly, the effective rate adaptation
      algorithm, based on accurate channel information per timeslot and by the means of
      rate degradation, can be realized. What is more, based on channel quality
      prediction, the CAC scheme, combining the new power allocation algorithm, rate
      scheduling, and buffering strategies together, is proposed for the emerging IDMA
      systems, which can support a variety of traffic types, and offering quality of
      service (QoS) requirements corresponding to different priority levels. Simulation
      results show that the new wide-band IDMA MAC protocol can make accurate
      estimation of available resource considering the effect of multiuser detection
      (MUD) and QoS requirements of multimedia traffic, leading to low outage
      probability as well as high overall system throughput. 

PMID- 25126593
TI  - Impacts of groundwater recharge from rubber dams on the hydrogeological
      environment in Luoyang Basin, China.
AB  - In the rubber dam's impact area, the groundwater total hardness (TH) has declined
      since 2000, ultimately dropping to 100-300 mg/L in 2012. pH levels have shown no
      obvious changes. NH4-N concentration in the groundwater remained stable from 2000
      to 2006, but it increased from 2007 to 2012, with the largest increase up to 0.2
      mg/L. NO3-N concentration in the groundwater generally declined in 2000-2006 and
      then increased from 2007; the largest increase was to 10 mg/L in 2012. Total
      dissolved solids (TDS) of the groundwater showed a general trend of decline from
      2000 to 2009, but levels increased after 2010, especially along the south bank of
      the Luohe River where the largest increase recorded was approximately 100 mg/L.
      This study has shown that the increases in the concentrations of NH4-N and NO3-N
      were probably caused by changes in groundwater levels. Nitrates adsorbed by the
      silt clay of aeration zone appear to have entered the groundwater through
      physical and chemical reactions. TDS increased because of groundwater evaporation
      and some soluble ions entered the groundwater in the unsaturated zone. The
      distance of the contaminant to the surface of the aquifer became shorter due to
      the shallow depth of groundwater, resulting in the observed rise in pollutant
      concentrations more pronounced.

PMID- 25126595
TI  - Examination of the behavior of gravity quay wall against liquefaction under the
      effect of wall width and soil improvement.
AB  - Deformation of quay walls is one of the main sources of damage to port facility
      while liquefaction of backfill and base soil of the wall are the main reasons for
      failures of quay walls. During earthquakes, the most susceptible materials for
      liquefaction in seashore regions are loose saturated sand. In this study, effects
      of enhancing the wall width and the soil improvement on the behavior of gravity
      quay walls are examined in order to obtain the optimum improved region. The FLAC
      2D software was used for analyzing and modeling progressed models of soil and
      loading under difference conditions. Also, the behavior of liquefiable soil is
      simulated by the use of "Finn" constitutive model in the analysis models. The
      "Finn" constitutive model is especially created to determine liquefaction
      phenomena and excess pore pressure generation. 

PMID- 25126594
TI  - Cytotoxic constituents from the rhizomes of Curcuma zedoaria.
AB  - Curcuma zedoaria also known as Temu putih is traditionally used in food
      preparations and treatment of various ailments including cancer. The cytotoxic
      activity of hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and the methanol
      soxhlet extracts of Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes was tested on two human cancer cell
      lines (Ca Ski and MCF-7) and a noncancer cell line (HUVEC) using MTT assay.
      Investigation on the chemical components in the hexane and dichloromethane
      fractions gave 19 compounds, namely, labda-8(17),12 diene-15,16 dial (1),
      dehydrocurdione (2), curcumenone (3), comosone II (4), curcumenol (5),
      procurcumenol (6), germacrone (7), zerumbone epoxide (8), zederone (9), 9
      isopropylidene-2,6-dimethyl-11-oxatricyclo[6.2.1.0(1,5)]undec-6-en-8-ol (10),
      furanodiene (11), germacrone-4,5-epoxide (12), calcaratarin A (13),
      isoprocurcumenol (14), germacrone-1,10-epoxide (15), zerumin A (16),
      curcumanolide A (17), curcuzedoalide (18), and gweicurculactone (19). Compounds
      (1-19) were evaluated for their antiproliferative effect using MTT assay against
      four cancer cell lines (Ca Ski, MCF-7, PC-3, and HT-29). Curcumenone (3) and
      curcumenol (5) displayed strong antiproliferative activity (IC50 = 8.3 +/- 1.0
      and 9.3 +/- 0.3 MUg/mL, resp.) and were found to induce apoptotic cell death on
      MCF-7 cells using phase contrast and Hoechst 33342/PI double-staining assay.
      Thus, the present study provides basis for the ethnomedical application of
      Curcuma zedoaria in the treatment of breast cancer.

PMID- 25126597
TI  - The modelled raindrop size distribution of Skudai, Peninsular Malaysia, using
      exponential and lognormal distributions.
AB  - This paper presents the modelled raindrop size parameters in Skudai region of the
      Johor Bahru, western Malaysia. Presently, there is no model to forecast the
      characteristics of DSD in Malaysia, and this has an underpinning implication on
      wet weather pollution predictions. The climate of Skudai exhibits local
      variability in regional scale. This study established five different parametric
      expressions describing the rain rate of Skudai; these models are idiosyncratic to
      the climate of the region. Sophisticated equipment that converts sound to a
      relevant raindrop diameter is often too expensive and its cost sometimes
      overrides its attractiveness. In this study, a physical low-cost method was used
      to record the DSD of the study area. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to test the
      aptness of the data to exponential and lognormal distributions, which were
      subsequently used to formulate the parameterisation of the distributions. This
      research abrogates the concept of exclusive occurrence of convective storm in
      tropical regions and presented a new insight into their concurrence appearance. 

PMID- 25126596
TI  - Sequence variation in Toxoplasma gondii rop17 gene among strains from different
      hosts and geographical locations.
AB  - Genetic diversity of T. gondii is a concern of many studies, due to the
      biological and epidemiological diversity of this parasite. The present study
      examined sequence variation in rhoptry protein 17 (ROP17) gene among T. gondii
      isolates from different hosts and geographical regions. The rop17 gene was
      amplified and sequenced from 10 T. gondii strains, and phylogenetic relationship
      among these T. gondii strains was reconstructed using maximum parsimony (MP),
      neighbor-joining (NJ), and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses. The partial rop17
      gene sequences were 1375 bp in length and A+T contents varied from 49.45% to
      50.11% among all examined T. gondii strains. Sequence analysis identified 33
      variable nucleotide positions (2.1%), 16 of which were identified as transitions.
      Phylogeny reconstruction based on rop17 gene data revealed two major clusters
      which could readily distinguish Type I and Type II strains. Analyses of sequence
      variations in nucleotides and amino acids among these strains revealed high ratio
      of nonsynonymous to synonymous polymorphisms (>1), indicating that rop17 shows
      signs of positive selection. This study demonstrated the existence of slightly
      high sequence variability in the rop17 gene sequences among T. gondii strains
      from different hosts and geographical regions, suggesting that rop17 gene may
      represent a new genetic marker for population genetic studies of T. gondii
      isolates.

PMID- 25126599
TI  - Influence of vacancy defect on surface feature and adsorption of Cs on GaN(0001)
      surface.
AB  - The effects of Ga and N vacancy defect on the change in surface feature, work
      function, and characteristic of Cs adsorption on a (2 * 2) GaN(0001) surface have
      been investigated using density functional theory with a plane-wave ultrasoft
      pseudopotential method based on first-principles calculations. The covalent bonds
      gain strength for Ga vacancy defect, whereas they grow weak for N vacancy defect.
      The lower work function is achieved for Ga and N vacancy defect surfaces than
      intact surface. The most stable position of Cs adatom on Ga vacancy defect
      surface is at T1 site, whereas it is at B(Ga) site on N vacancy defect surface.
      The E(ads) of Cs on GaN(0001) vacancy defect surface increases compared with that
      of intact surface; this illustrates that the adsorption of Cs on intact surface
      is more stable.

PMID- 25126598
TI  - The influence of obesity on different genders in patients with obstructive sleep
      apnea.
AB  - Obesity is considered to be a major contributing factor to obstructive sleep
      apnea (OSA); however, there is limited evidence with regard to gender
      predominance. We analyzed 2345 patients (339 females) in correlation with body
      mass index (BMI) and OSA severity. Male AHIs were significantly higher than
      female AHIs in each BMI group. As the BMI increased, the AHI increased in both
      males and females, and this trend was more obvious in males. For BMI-matched male
      and female patients with OSA, the severity of OSA was higher in males. As BMI
      increased, the severity of OSA increased more obviously in males. Our findings
      suggest that increased body fat contributes to the pathogenesis of OSA more in
      males than in females and that obesity plays a more significant role in
      contributing to OSA in male patients. 

PMID- 25126601
TI  - Characterization of coal porosity for naturally tectonically stressed coals in
      Huaibei coal field, China.
AB  - The enrichment of coalbed methane (CBM) and the outburst of gas in a coal mine
      are closely related to the nanopore structure of coal. The evolutionary
      characteristics of 12 coal nanopore structures under different natural
      deformational mechanisms (brittle and ductile deformation) are studied using a
      scanning electron microscope (SEM) and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. The
      results indicate that there are mainly submicropores (2~5 nm) and supermicropores
      (<2 nm) in ductile deformed coal and mesopores (10~100 nm) and micropores (5~10
      nm) in brittle deformed coal. The cumulative pore volume (V) and surface area (S)
      in brittle deformed coal are smaller than those in ductile deformed coal which
      indicates more adsorption space for gas. The coal with the smaller pores exhibits
      a large surface area, and coal with the larger pores exhibits a large volume for
      a given pore volume. We also found that the relationship between S and V turns
      from a positive correlation to a negative correlation when S > 4 m(2)/g, with
      pore sizes <5 nm in ductile deformed coal. The nanopore structure (<100 nm) and
      its distribution could be affected by macromolecular structure in two ways.
      Interconversion will occur among the different size nanopores especially in
      ductile deformed coal.

PMID- 25126602
TI  - Large-area binary blazed grating coupler between nanophotonic waveguide and LED.
AB  - A large-area binary blazed grating coupler for the arrayed waveguide grating
      (AWG) demodulation integrated microsystem on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) was
      designed for the first time. Through the coupler, light can be coupled into the
      SOI waveguide from the InP-based C-band LED for the AWG demodulation integrated
      microsystem to function. Both the length and width of the grating coupler are 360
      MUm, as large as the InP-based C-band LED light emitting area in the system. The
      coupler was designed and optimized based on the finite difference time domain
      method. When the incident angle of the light source is 0 degrees , the coupling
      efficiency of the binary blazed grating is 40.92%, and the 3 dB bandwidth is 72
      nm at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

PMID- 25126603
TI  - A novel modulation classification approach using Gabor filter network.
AB  - A Gabor filter network based approach is used for feature extraction and
      classification of digital modulated signals by adaptively tuning the parameters
      of Gabor filter network. Modulation classification of digitally modulated signals
      is done under the influence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The
      modulations considered for the classification purpose are PSK 2 to 64, FSK 2 to
      64, and QAM 4 to 64. The Gabor filter network uses the network structure of two
      layers; the first layer which is input layer constitutes the adaptive feature
      extraction part and the second layer constitutes the signal classification part.
      The Gabor atom parameters are tuned using Delta rule and updating of weights of
      Gabor filter using least mean square (LMS) algorithm. The simulation results show
      that proposed novel modulation classification algorithm has high classification
      accuracy at low signal to noise ratio (SNR) on AWGN channel. 

PMID- 25126604
TI  - The potential of using brain images for authentication.
AB  - Biometric recognition (also known as biometrics) refers to the automated
      recognition of individuals based on their biological or behavioral traits.
      Examples of biometric traits include fingerprint, palmprint, iris, and face. The
      brain is the most important and complex organ in the human body. Can it be used
      as a biometric trait? In this study, we analyze the uniqueness of the brain and
      try to use the brain for identity authentication. The proposed brain-based
      verification system operates in two stages: gray matter extraction and gray
      matter matching. A modified brain segmentation algorithm is implemented for
      extracting gray matter from an input brain image. Then, an alignment-based
      matching algorithm is developed for brain matching. Experimental results on two
      data sets show that the proposed brain recognition system meets the high accuracy
      requirement of identity authentication. Though currently the acquisition of the
      brain is still time consuming and expensive, brain images are highly unique and
      have the potential possibility for authentication in view of pattern recognition.

PMID- 25126605
TI  - An analysis dictionary learning algorithm under a noisy data model with
      orthogonality constraint.
AB  - Two common problems are often encountered in analysis dictionary learning (ADL)
      algorithms. The first one is that the original clean signals for learning the
      dictionary are assumed to be known, which otherwise need to be estimated from
      noisy measurements. This, however, renders a computationally slow optimization
      process and potentially unreliable estimation (if the noise level is high), as
      represented by the Analysis K-SVD (AK-SVD) algorithm. The other problem is the
      trivial solution to the dictionary, for example, the null dictionary matrix that
      may be given by a dictionary learning algorithm, as discussed in the learning
      overcomplete sparsifying transform (LOST) algorithm. Here we propose a novel
      optimization model and an iterative algorithm to learn the analysis dictionary,
      where we directly employ the observed data to compute the approximate analysis
      sparse representation of the original signals (leading to a fast optimization
      procedure) and enforce an orthogonality constraint on the optimization criterion
      to avoid the trivial solutions. Experiments demonstrate the competitive
      performance of the proposed algorithm as compared with three baselines, namely,
      the AK-SVD, LOST, and NAAOLA algorithms. 

PMID- 25126606
TI  - Dynamic response and optimal design of curved metallic sandwich panels under
      blast loading.
AB  - It is important to understand the effect of curvature on the blast response of
      curved structures so as to seek the optimal configurations of such structures
      with improved blast resistance. In this study, the dynamic response and
      protective performance of a type of curved metallic sandwich panel subjected to
      air blast loading were examined using LS-DYNA. The numerical methods were
      validated using experimental data in the literature. The curved panel consisted
      of an aluminum alloy outer face and a rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) steel inner
      face in addition to a closed-cell aluminum foam core. The results showed that the
      configuration of a "soft" outer face and a "hard" inner face worked well for the
      curved sandwich panel against air blast loading in terms of maximum deflection
      (MaxD) and energy absorption. The panel curvature was found to have a monotonic
      effect on the specific energy absorption (SEA) and a nonmonotonic effect on the
      MaxD of the panel. Based on artificial neural network (ANN) metamodels,
      multiobjective optimization designs of the panel were carried out. The
      optimization results revealed the trade-off relationships between the blast
      resistant and the lightweight objectives and showed the great use of Pareto front
      in such design circumstances. 

PMID- 25126607
TI  - Graphs and matroids weighted in a bounded incline algebra.
AB  - Firstly, for a graph weighted in a bounded incline algebra (or called a dioid), a
      longest path problem (LPP, for short) is presented, which can be considered the
      uniform approach to the famous shortest path problem, the widest path problem,
      and the most reliable path problem. The solutions for LPP and related algorithms
      are given. Secondly, for a matroid weighted in a linear matroid, the maximum
      independent set problem is studied. 

PMID- 25126608
TI  - A new kind of fuzzy n-ary hypergroups in the framework of soft set theory.
AB  - Maji et al. introduced the concept of fuzzy soft sets as a generalization of the
      standard soft sets and presented an application of fuzzy soft sets in a decision
      making problem. The aim of this paper is to apply the concept of fuzzy soft sets
      to n-ary hypergroup theory. The concepts of (?(gamma), ?(gamma) ? q(delta))-fuzzy
      soft (invertible) n-ary subhypergroups over a commutative n-ary hypergroup are
      introduced and some related properties and characterizations are obtained. The
      homomorphism properties of (?(gamma), ?(gamma) ? q(delta))-fuzzy soft
      (invertible) n-ary subhypergroups are also derived.

PMID- 25126609
TI  - Obtaining P3P privacy policies for composite services.
AB  - With the development of web services technology, web services have changed from
      single to composite services. Privacy protection in composite services is
      becoming an important issue. P3P (platform for privacy preferences) is a privacy
      policy language which was designed for single web services. It enables service
      providers to express how they will deal with the privacy information of service
      consumers. In order to solve the problem that P3P cannot be applied to composite
      services directly, we propose a method to obtain P3P privacy policies for
      composite services. In this method, we present the definitions of Purpose,
      Recipient, and Retention elements as well as Optional and Required attributes for
      P3P policies of composite services. We also provide an instantiation to
      illustrate the feasibility of the method. 

PMID- 25126610
TI  - Mycotoxins and mycotoxigenic fungi in poultry feed for food-producing animals.
AB  - Moulds are capable of reducing the nutritional value of feedstuff as well as
      elaborating several mycotoxins. Mycotoxin-contaminated feed has adverse effects
      on animal health and productivity. Also, mycotoxins may be carried over into meat
      and eggs when poultry are fed with contaminated feed. In a point prevalence study
      feedstuff used for poultry nutrition in Argentina was analyzed for fungal flora,
      natural incidence of selected mycotoxins, and nutritional quality. Ten mould
      genera were recovered, six of them known to be mycotoxigenic. More than 28
      species were determined. Fumonisins were detected in all the samples (median
      1,750 ppb). Forty-four out of 49 samples (90%) were contaminated with DON (median
      222 ppb) and OTA (median 5 ppb). Also, 44 out of 49 samples were contaminated
      with aflatoxins (median 2.685 ppb), 42 samples (86%) with ZEA (median 50 ppb),
      and 38 samples (78%) with T2-toxin (median 50 ppb). Ninety percent of the samples
      had at least one type of nutritional deficiency. This study indicates the need
      for continuous assessment of the mycological status of animal feed production, in
      order to feed animals for optimal performance ensuring food safety.

PMID- 25126611
TI  - Natural recovery and planned intervention in coastal wetlands: Venice Lagoon
      (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) as a case study.
AB  - The goals of conservation and sustainable use of environmental ecosystems have
      increased the need for detailed knowledge of ecological evolution and responses
      to both anthropogenic pressures and recovery measures. The present study shows
      the effects of natural processes and planned intervention in terms of reducing
      nutrient inputs in a highly exploited coastal lagoon, describing its evolution
      over a 16-year period from the late 1980s (when eutrophication was at its peak)
      until 2003. Changes in nutrient and carbon concentrations in the top layer of
      sediments were investigated in parallel with macroalgal and seagrass biomass in
      the most anthropized basin of Venice Lagoon in four surveys conducted in
      accordance with the same protocols in 1987, 1993, 1998, and 2003. A pronounced
      reduction in trophic state (mainly total nitrogen, organic phosphorus, and
      organic carbon concentrations) and macroalgal biomass was recorded, together with
      the progressive expansion of seagrass meadows. General considerations are also
      made on the effects of Manila clam farming and the shift from illegal to managed
      clam farming. 

PMID- 25126613
TI  - Cerebellar Ataxia and CoQ10 Deficiency.

PMID- 25126614
TI  - Toward the future.

PMID- 25126612
TI  - Voltage dependent anion channel is redistributed during Japanese encephalitis
      virus infection of insect cells.
AB  - Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, Japanese encephalitis remains a
      significant cause of morbidity and mortality in many parts of Asia. Japanese
      encephalitis is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito
      transmitted flavivirus. Many of the details of the virus replication cycle in
      mosquito cells remain unknown. This study sought to determine whether GRP78, a
      well-characterized flavivirus E protein interacting protein, interacted with JEV
      E protein in insect cells, and whether this interaction was mediated at the cell
      surface. GRP78 was shown to interact with JEV E protein by coimmunoprecipitation,
      and was additionally shown to interact with voltage dependent anion protein
      (VDAC) through the same methodology. Antibody inhibition experiments showed that
      neither GRP78 nor VDAC played a role in JEV internalization to insect cells.
      Interestingly, VDAC was shown to be significantly relocalized in response to JEV
      infection, and significant levels of colocalization between VDAC and GRP78 and
      VDAC and ribosomal L28 protein were seen in JEV infected but not uninfected
      cells. This is the first report of relocalization of VDAC in response to JEV
      infection and suggests that this may be a part of the JEV replication strategy in
      insect cells. 

PMID- 25126615
TI  - Bio-Emulation: biomimetically emulating nature utilizing a histoanatomic
      approach; visual synthesis.
AB  - A thorough understanding of the spatial distribution pertaining to the histo
      anatomic coronal structures and dynamic light interaction of the natural
      dentition provides the dental team with the ultimate strategic advantage with
      regards to optical integration of the final restoration. The second part of this
      two-part article will attempt to provide insight on the illumination
      interactivity and the spatial arrangement of the coronal elements of natural
      teeth through the utilization of this knowledge in the clinical and technical
      restorative approach. The main goals for this article are to cognize histo
      anatomic visualization by introducing: (1) Dynamic light interaction, (2) the 9
      elements of visual synthesis, (3) dynamic infinite optical thickness, and (4)
      amplified visual perception effect of the hard dental tissues. Furthermore, a
      diversification of photographic illumination techniques will be illustrated in
      order to juxtapose optical associations between the enamel/dentinoenamel
      complex/dentin nexus. 

PMID- 25126616
TI  - Ceramic adhesive restorations and biomimetic dentistry: tissue preservation and
      adhesion.
AB  - Thanks to sophisticated adhesive techniques in contemporary dentistry, and the
      development of composite and ceramic materials, it is possible to reproduce a
      biomimetic match between substitution materials and natural teeth substrates.
      Biomimetics or bio-emulation allows for the association of two fundamental
      parameters at the heart of current therapeutic treatments: tissue preservation
      and adhesion. This contemporary concept makes the retention of the integrity of
      the maximum amount of dental tissue possible, while offering exceptional clinical
      longevity, and maximum esthetic results. It permits the conservation of the
      biological, esthetic, biomechanical and functional properties of enamel and
      dentin. Today, it is clearly possible to develop preparations allowing for the
      conservation of the enamel and dentin in order to bond partial restorations in
      the anterior and posterior sectors therefore limiting, as Professor Urs Belser
      from Geneva indicates, "the replacement of previous deficient crowns and
      devitalized teeth whose conservation are justified but whose residual structural
      state are insufficient for reliable bonding."1 This article not only addresses
      ceramic adhesive restoration in the anterior area, the ambassadors of biomimetic
      dentistry, but also highlights the possibility of occasionally integrating one or
      two restorations at the heart of the smile as a complement to extensive
      rehabilitations that require more invasive treatment. 

PMID- 25126618
TI  - Influence of enamel composite thickness on value, chroma and translucency of a
      high and a nonhigh refractive index resin composite.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of thickness on the optical properties of
      two enamel shade composites, one with a high refractive index and one
      traditional. METHODS: A medium value enamel shade was selected from the resin
      composites Enamel Plus HRi (UE2) and Enamel Plus HFO (GE2). Enamel Plus HRi is a
      high refractive index composite. Samples were fabricated in five different
      thicknesses: 0.3, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mm. Three specimens per material and
      thickness were fabricated. Three measurements per sample, over white, black and
      dentin composite background were generated with a spectrophotometer (Spectroshade
      Micro, MHT). Value, chroma, translucency and color differences (DeltaE) of the
      specimens were calculated. RESULTS were analyzed by the Pearson correlation test,
      ANOVA and a post-hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: Increasing the thickness of the enamel
      layers decreased the translucency and the chroma of the substrate for both
      materials tested. For HRi the increase of the thickness resulted in an increase
      of the value, whereas for HFO it resulted in a reduction of the value. The two
      composites showed a significant difference in value for each thickness, but not
      in translucency and chroma. Color difference between them was perceptible in
      layers equal or higher than 0.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The high refractive index enamel
      (HRi) composite exhibits different optical behavior compared to the traditional
      one (HFO). HRi enamel composite behaves more like natural enamel as by increasing
      the thickness of the enamel layer, the value also increases.

PMID- 25126617
TI  - Anthropometric analysis of anterior maxillary teeth with digital photography - a
      study in a Portuguese sample.
AB  - SUMMARY: Establishing a geometrical pattern of the anterior maxillary sector has
      been attempted for a long time. The Golden Proportion, Preston's Percentage,
      Golden Percentage, Recurring Esthetic Dental (RED) Proportion and, most recently,
      Gauge Proportion, are theories that try to apply mathematical and geometrical
      relations to the anterior maxillary teeth. PURPOSE: To study the anterior
      maxillary teeth proportions of a Portuguese population sample and see if any of
      the existent anthropometric proportions can be applied to the oral rehabilitation
      of this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized frontal and lateral
      images of 50 dental patient smiles included in the inclusion criteria were
      captured. The widths and heights of maxillary anterior teeth were measured using
      image-processing software and data were statistically analyzed using a parametric
      test (t test). RESULTS: The widths and heights were concordant with the values
      described by the Gauge Proportion. However, they were above the recommended value
      of 78% for the width/height proportion advocated. The proportions between the
      widths of the maxillary anterior teeth were not constant as proposed by the
      Golden Proportion and the RED Proportion. The Preston Proportion was found to be
      in concordance with the studied population. The values observed were closer to
      the Golden Percentage. Considering genre, there was a statistically significant
      difference. Male patients had teeth with larger dimensions than females.
      CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, mainly concerned to the sample
      size, it may be concluded that the widths and heights of the anterior maxillary
      teeth were coincident with the Gauge Proportion. Both the Golden Proportion and
      the RED proportion are unsuitable methods to relate the widths of the maxillary
      anterior teeth unlike the Preston's Proportion. The Golden Percentage was close
      to the percentages observed and could be adjusted to be taken in consideration to
      this population.

PMID- 25126619
TI  - Treatment planning and dental rehabilitation of a periodontally compromised
      partially edentulous patient: a case report - Part I.
AB  - When planning a prosthetic rehabilitation of a periodontally compromised case,
      the clinician is often confronted with difficulties and dilemmas related to
      selecting the appropriate treatment modality that would provide a long-term
      longevity in terms of function and esthetics. In such cases, a correct diagnosis
      and prognosis of the intraoral situation supported by evidence-based dentistry is
      the basis for the establishment of a proper treatment strategy. In this two-part
      treatment planning series, a systematic approach of patient examination and
      prognosis of each tooth is presented. Furthermore, different removable and fixed
      treatment possibilities are described and the rationale governing the decision
      making process is revealed. The execution of the final treatment plan as
      specified by the concept of comprehensive dental care is outlined and the final
      outcome is discussed according to the literature. 

PMID- 25126620
TI  - The effects of forehead and neck position on esthetics of class I, II and III
      profiles.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: All parts of the face, other than jaw relationships, should be
      considered in orthodontic treatment planning. The role of forehead and neck in
      facial esthetics is well known; however, the majority of conventional facial
      analysis methods have not considered them. Neck and forehead may confer mutual
      effects on equilibrium and on esthetics of other facial components, and may
      change the overall convexity/concavity view of the profile. Therefore, the aim of
      this study was to assess the effect of anteroposterior position of the forehead
      and neck on the esthetics of skeletal class I, II and III jaw relationships using
      profile silhouettes. METHODS: Class II and III jaw relationships were constructed
      on the silhouette of a class I normal profile by altering the mandibular
      position. Retruded, normal and protruded positions were also applied for the
      forehead and neck. Three hundred Iranian laypeople (150 men, 150 women) scored
      the esthetics of profile silhouettes from 1 to 7. Half of the participants were
      told to consider the profiles as a man, and the other half were told to consider
      them as a woman. Data were analyzed using non-parametric methods. RESULTS: Class
      I jaw relation was found to be the most beautiful profile followed by class II
      and III respectively. Esthetics of different positions of the neck and forehead
      were significantly different (P < 0.05). In subjects with a normal neck and
      forehead position, and those with a retruded neck, the best esthetic relationship
      was class I, and the worst was class III. For protruded foreheads, the best jaw
      relationship was class II for females and class I for males, and the worst was
      class III for both. In a retruded forehead position, the most preferred jaw
      relationship was class I, and the worst was class II. For profiles with a
      protruded neck, the best esthetics was found to be in class III jaw relationship,
      and the worst was in class II. There was a small difference in scoring for male
      and female profiles (P < 0.05); there were also small differences in scoring
      trends of men and women (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the
      anteroposterior position of the forehead and neck affects the esthetics of jaw
      relationships in profile view. In laypeople's opinions, in a normal profile, the
      overall appearance is more important compared to the independent position of the
      neck and forehead; however, having jaw abnormalities, the neck plays an important
      independent role. The preferred jaw relation for profiles with each forehead or
      neck position was introduced.

PMID- 25126621
TI  - Comparison of marginal fit of Lava CAD/CAM crown-copings with two finish lines.
AB  - PURPOSE: Marginal fit is valued as one of the most important criteria for the
      clinical quality and success of all-ceramic crowns. The aim of this in vitro
      study was to investigate the marginal fit of Lava Zirconia crown-copings on
      chamfer and shoulder preparations. METHODS: Two acrylic model teeth were selected
      to simulate the clinical preparations: one molar was prepared with a chamfer
      finish line (C) and one premolar was prepared with a rounded shoulder finish line
      (RS). Each resin model was duplicated 10 times using silicon-based impression
      material and poured in type IV dental stone for the fabrication of working dies.
      A total of 20 copings were divided into two groups (n = 10 for each finish line).
      Fifty measuring locations were chosen randomly along the margin on the dies and
      the gap width - vertical marginal discrepancy - was measured under a light
      microscope with a magnification of x100. Measurements were made without
      cementation. The mean marginal gap widths and standard deviations were calculated
      and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for different types of
      preparations in order to detect differences (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: The mean
      marginal gap was 30 +/- 3 MUm for the C group and 28 +/- 4 MUm for the RS group.
      The one-way ANOVA showed no statistical significant difference between the two
      groups (P = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the
      marginal discrepancies were all within the clinical acceptable standard set at
      120 MUm. Chamfer and shoulder preparations did not show differences regarding the
      gap dimension. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bur design is an easily selected parameter
      before natural tooth preparation. Both tested finish lines are able to help
      clinicians in obtaining acceptable marginal fit values for the investigated
      zirconia copings.

PMID- 25126622
TI  - The timing and operational management of the variables of bleaching in cases of
      rehabilitation in the esthetic field.
AB  - Managing esthetic restoration in the presence of discolored teeth is a challenge
      for both the clinical team and clinician, whose aim is to use methods that are as
      minimally invasive as possible, and materials that allow the preservation of
      dental tissue. Should one wish to act on the discoloration of teeth that are to
      be restored, or on adjacent ones, it becomes essential to take action on dental
      tissues. This is done through bleaching and dental restoration, using materials
      that allow various clinical situations to be managed, such as those with
      different tonalities between the teeth: prosthetic materials that offer adequate
      uniformity in their results in those areas where it is necessary to mask the
      discoloration. The use of technology such as bleaching, and ceramic materials
      simultaneously can achieve excellent cosmetic results. This article explains how
      to integrate bleaching compared to prosthetic treatment, in terms of time, in the
      various cases of discoloration, and what factors to consider when choosing the
      timing. 

PMID- 25126623
TI  - Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatment on microshear bond strength of zirconia to
      resin cement before and after sintering.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatment on microshear bond
      strength of zirconia to resin cement before and after sintering. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Ninety pre-sintered yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia specimens (4
      * 3 * 2 mm) were divided into 6 groups (n = 15). In group C, sintered zirconia
      was not treated (control group). In groups AS2 and AS3, sintered zirconia blocks
      were irradiated by Er,Cr:YSGG using a power of 2 and 3 W, respectively. Groups
      PS2 and PS3 consisted of pre-sintered blocks conditioned by Er,Cr:YSGG at 2 and 3
      W, respectively. In group AA, sintered zirconia was air abraded with 50-MUm
      alumina powder. One block was made using the same preparations as mentioned above
      and was morphologically assessed by SEM. Microcylinders of Panavia F 2.0 were
      placed on the treated surface of the groups. Samples were incubated at 37 degrees
      C and 98% humidity for 48 h and then subjected to microshear bond strength
      testing. The mode of failure was evaluated. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA
      and Tukey's HSD test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant
      difference between group AA and the others (p < 0.0001). A significant difference
      was also noted between groups AS3 and C (p = 0.031). Complete surface roughness
      was seen in group AA and the bond failure was mostly cohesive, while in laser
      treated groups, the surfaces roughness was much lower vs other groups, and the
      mode of failure was mostly adhesive. CONCLUSION: Laser treatment of pre-sintered
      Y-TZP cannot be recommended for improving the bond. Although sandblasting of
      sintered Y-TZP yielded better results than the rest of the groups, 3 W power
      after sintering can also be effective in enhancing the bonding strength of resin
      cement to zirconia.

PMID- 25126630
TI  - Stage-two surgery using collagen soft tissue grafts: clinical cases and
      ultrastructural analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present the application of two different soft tissue grafts around
      dental implants during stage-two surgery. Furthermore, the ultrastructure of
      these materials is shown and discussed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
      SUMMARY: Although soft tissue autografts may be currently regarded as the gold
      standard, harvesting of these grafts might lead to higher morbidity, longer chair
      time, and intra-/postoperative complications at the donor site. New developments
      in collagen scaff olds have provided an alternative to successfully replace
      autologous grafts in clinical practice. The SEM pictures clearly show the
      different composition of a bilayer scaff old (collagen matrix, CM) and a porcine
      acellular dermal matrix (ADM). These distinctive properties lead to different
      possible indications. Within the presented cases, ADM was used to augment the
      ridge contour and was placed into a buccal pouch to achieve complete coverage and
      an uneventful closed healing. On the other side, CM was left exposed to the oral
      cavity to successfully gain keratinized mucosa around and between two dental
      implants.

PMID- 25126631
TI  - Dental prosthetist experience with oral mucosal screening and referral.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate dental prosthetists' experiences with
      screening and referral for suspicious oral mucosal pathology. METHOD AND
      MATERIALS: Questionnaires regarding oral mucosal screening and referral were
      mailed to 300 randomly selected dental prosthetists in Australia for
      selfcompletion. Non-responders were sent replacement questionnaires up to three
      times, according to the Dillman method. RESULTS: A total of 179 prosthetists
      returned completed questionnaires resulting in a response rate of 64.9% after
      excluding 24 due to incorrectly listed addresses. Most participants reported that
      they checked all new patients for oral mucosal pathology (99.4%) and most
      reported that they checked all recall patients for mucosal pathology (86%). Most
      participants had detected a suspicious lesion (86%) and most had referred for a
      suspicious lesion (77.3%). CONCLUSION: Australian dental prosthetists appear
      motivated to perform oral mucosal screening and will refer suspicious oral
      mucosal pathology when detected.

PMID- 25126632
TI  - A pilot study on spatial changes in the maxilla caused by osteopathic therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A variety of theories on the pathogenesis of temporomandibular
      disorders (TMD) exists resulting in treatment approaches ranging from the
      fabrication of occlusal splints to alternative treatment modalities such as
      osteopathy. The goal of this pilot study was to investigate whether osteopathic
      treatment causes spatial changes in the maxilla. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Following
      ethics commission approval and informed patient consent, three patients diagnosed
      with TMD participated in this investigation. In addition to regular treatment, an
      individualized mandibular occlusal splint was fabricated and a maxillary silicone
      impression was made. Following osteopathic treatment, the splint was adapted
      intraorally and another maxillary impression was made. Before and after
      treatment, the splint and the impressions were scanned three-dimensionally. The
      resulting images were superimposed using best-fit matching algorithms. RESULTS:
      Inconsistent spatial changes in the posterior areas were observed both in the
      maxillary impressions as well as in the mandibular splints reaching maximum
      absolute values of 0.50 mm. CONCLUSION: Based on this pilot study, it appears
      that osteopathic treatment may be capable of inducing spatial changes in the
      maxilla due to sutural movement thereby validating the fundamental principles of
      osteopathic treatment. Although, based on the study conducted, it cannot be
      concluded that osteopathy constitutes a successful treatment alternative in TMD
      patients, practitioners should be aware of this treatment modality.

PMID- 25126633
TI  - An idiosyncratic post-traumatic tetrad: compound odontome, dentigerous cyst,
      impaction, and double-dilaceration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This report describes the case of a 13-year-old patient who
      experienced traumatic intrusion of the primary maxillary right central incisor
      and subsequently suffered an atypical tetrad, comprising of an unerupted compound
      odontoma associated with a dentigerous cyst, and an impacted, doubly dilacerated
      permanent maxillary right central incisor; however, the high interconnectivity of
      the occurrence of four pathologies together is unusual has not previously been
      reported. SUMMARY: The pathologies were detected 7 years after trauma; surgical
      removal of odontome along with the dentigerous cyst was performed, followed by
      orthodontic extrusion of the impacted double-dilacerated permanent central
      incisor. The 18-month follow-up shows no pathology, no gingival recession, and
      normal probing depth.

PMID- 25126634
TI  - Conservative restorations combined with gingival zenith contour technique.
AB  - The symmetry, shape, contour, and size of teeth play an important role in the
      esthetics of the anterior maxillary region of the mouth. However, abnormalities
      in symmetry and contour can considerably influence the esthetic parameters.
      Consequently, rehabilitation performed in this region can be challenging and,
      frequently, multidisciplinary treatment planning that includes esthetics,
      function, structure, and biologic aspects is paramount. The high demand for
      esthetic rehabilitations has, therefore, allowed the effective use of minimally
      invasive techniques to obtain results that mimic natural teeth. This article
      presents a case report in which both esthetic and functional rehabilitation were
      obtained by recontouring the gingival zenith followed by placing
      ultraconservative porcelain veneers. 

PMID- 25126635
TI  - Prosthetic rehabilitation of congenitally missing canines: a case series.
AB  - Hypodontia is a relatively common finding, although rarely are the canines the
      missing teeth. Congenitally missing canines are challenging to treat because of
      their unique role in the masticatory system and the fact that they are in the
      esthetic zone. This article discusses two patients with missing permanent
      canines, various treatment planning considerations, and the provided prosthetic
      solutions. 

PMID- 25126636
TI  - Marginal and internal fit of curved anterior CAD/CAM-milled zirconia fixed dental
      prostheses: an in-vitro study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test whether or not different types of CAD/CAM systems, processing
      zirconia in the densely and in the pre-sintered stage, lead to differences in the
      accuracy of 4-unit anterior fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) frameworks, and to
      evaluate the efficiency. METHOD AND MATERIALS: 40 curved anterior 4-unit FDP
      frameworks were manufactured with four different CAD/CAM systems: DCS Precident
      (DCS) (control group), Cercon (DeguDent) (test group 1), Cerec InLab (Sirona)
      (test group 2), Kavo Everest (Kavo) (test group 3). The DCS System was chosen as
      the control group because the zirconia frameworks are processed in its densely
      sintered stage and there is no shrinkage of the zirconia during the manufacturing
      process. The initial fit of the frameworks was checked and adjusted to a
      subjectively similar level of accuracy by one dental technician, and the time
      taken for this was recorded. After cementation, the frameworks were embedded into
      resin and the abutment teeth were cut in mesiodistal and orobuccal directions in
      four specimens. The thickness of the cement gap was measured at 50* (internal
      adaptation) and 200* (marginal adaptation) magnification. The measurement of the
      accuracy was performed at four sites. Site 1: marginal adaptation, the marginal
      opening at the point of closest perpendicular approximation between the die and
      framework margin. Site 2: Internal adaptation at the chamfer. Site 3: Internal
      adaptation at the axial wall. Site 4: Internal adaptation in the occlusal area.
      The data were analyzed descriptively using the ANOVA and Bonferroni/ Dunn tests.
      RESULTS: The mean marginal adaptation (site 1) of the control group was 107 +/-
      26 MUm; test group 1, 140 +/- 26 MUm; test group 2, 104 +/- 40 MUm; and test
      group 3, 95 +/- 31 MUm. Test group 1 showed a tendency to exhibit larger marginal
      gaps than the other groups, however, this difference was only significant when
      test groups 1 and 3 were compared (P = .0022; Bonferroni/Dunn test).
      Significantly more time was needed for the adjustment of the frameworks of test
      group 1 compared to the other test groups and the control group (21.1 min vs 3.8
      min) (P < .0001; Bonferroni/Dunn test). For the adjustment of the frameworks of
      test groups 2 and 3, the same time was needed as for the frameworks of the
      control group. CONCLUSIONS: No differences of the framework accuracy resulting
      from the different CAM and CAD/CAM procedures were found; however, only after
      adjustment of the fit by an experienced dental technician. Hence, the influence
      of a manual correction of the fit was crucial, and the efforts differed for the
      tested systems. The CAM system led to lower initial accuracy of the frameworks
      than the CAD/CAM systems, which may be crucial for the dental laboratory. The
      stage of the zirconia materials used for the different CAD/CAM procedures, ie
      presintered or densely sintered, exhibited no influence.

PMID- 25126637
TI  - Prevalence of peri-implantitis in patients with implant-supported fixed
      prostheses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate periimplantitis prevalence
      in patients using implant-supported fixed prostheses that did not have any
      routine maintenance care. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A total of 161 implants (27
      patients) were evaluated in patients using implant-supported fixed prostheses.
      Collected data included information related to patient general health and local
      factors such as characteristics of implants, time in function, type of loading,
      positioning, Modified Bleeding Index, bacterial plaque, bleeding on probing
      (BOP), marginal recession, probing depth (PD), keratinized mucosa, and
      radiographic bone loss (BL). Factors related to the prostheses were also
      evaluated. The exclusion criteria were patients that have had any follow-up visit
      for plaque control of the prosthesis and/or the implants. RESULTS: From a total
      of 161 implants, 116 (72%) presented without peri-implantitis (PD > 4 mm + BOP +
      BL > 2 mm) while 45 (28%) had some sign of the disease. Implants placed in the
      maxilla were 2.98 times more likely to develop the disease (P < .05). Moreover,
      patients aged <= 60 years old were 3.24 times more likely to develop peri
      implantitis (P < .05). Another analysis with statistical relevance (P < .05) was
      that implants with less than 3 mm interimplant distance were three times more
      likely to have peri-implantitis. There was no statistical relevance considering
      other analyses. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that patients aged <= 60 years
      have a greater chance of presenting periimplantitis, as well as for implants
      positioned in the maxilla and those placed with an interimplant distance < 3 mm.

PMID- 25126639
TI  - Publishing negative results--sometimes it is more important!

PMID- 25126638
TI  - The sealing ability of ProRoot MTA when placed as an apical barrier using three
      different techniques: an in-vitro apexification model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the sealing ability of ProRoot MTA when placed as an apical
      barrier using three different techniques. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Sixty freshly
      extracted single-rooted human teeth were decoronated and standardized to a root
      length of 15 mm. The root segments were prepared with Gates Glidden burs to
      simulate a divergent open apex of immature teeth and randomly assigned into three
      experimental groups of 20 samples each. MTA (5 mm) was placed by pluggers (Group
      A), paper points (Group B), or ultrasonic tips (Group C). A cotton pellet
      moistened with saline was placed in the root canals till the material set, and
      the coronal portion was sealed with Cavit. After 24 hours, the Cavit and cotton
      pellet were removed and the canals dried and obturated with warm guttapercha
      (Obtura) and AH 26 sealer. Coronal portions of all samples were then sealed with
      Cavit. All root segments were double-coated with nail varnish except for the open
      apex and were exposed to methylene blue dye for 48 hours at room temperature. The
      samples were sectioned longitudinally (layer thickness 0.4 mm) and the extent of
      dye penetration was measured with a stereomicroscope (magnification 20*).
      RESULTS: The mean depth (+/- standard deviation) of dye leakage for Group A was
      1.34 +/- 0.5 mm, Group B 1.25 +/- 0.4 mm, and Group C 1.14 +/- 0.4 mm. There were
      no significant differences among the three experimental groups (.178 < P < .552).
      CONCLUSION: ProRoot MTA has a similar sealing ability when placed as an apical
      barrier with pluggers, paper points, or ultrasonic tips.

PMID- 25126640
TI  - Longevity of silicate ceramic restorations.
AB  - The demand for esthetic restorations has resulted in an increased use of dental
      ceramics as a biocompatible and functionally sufficient alternative to
      conventional restorative materials. Silicate ceramic restorations are widely used
      for veneers, inlays, onlays, and crowns in dentistry. Long-term data are of
      crucial importance to optimize clinical practice. The purpose of the present
      article is to summarize data of the Innsbruck ceramic evaluation up to 261 months
      with the focus on longevity and failure characteristics. 

PMID- 25126641
TI  - Geriatric dentistry: new challenges and new opportunities!

PMID- 25126642
TI  - Criteria for the selection of restoration materials.
AB  - Selection of the appropriate material for dental restoration has become more and
      more difficult owing to the increasing variety of restoration materials. A
      decision flow chart is presented to guide the treatment team (dentist and dental
      technician) in the selection of the restoration material. This material selection
      is based on the available interocclusal space, esthetic aspects (eg, brightness
      value or translucency of the neighboring teeth), as well as clinical evidence
      extracted from survival rates. 

PMID- 25126643
TI  - Prevalence of periodontal disease in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever:
      a cohort study from central Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the periodontal status in
      patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and in those without this
      disease. METHOD AND MATERIALS: 84 subjects clinically diagnosed with FMF and 75
      systemically healthy controls, matched by age and gender, were recruited. All FMF
      patients were on a regular daily colchicine treatment and during attack-free
      periods. Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), probing pocket depth (PD), and
      clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured in all subjects. To evaluate
      periodontal disease further, patients were stratified into fi ve groups.
      Education information and smoking habits were recorded. RESULTS: The FMF patients
      and healthy controls were comparable for age, gender, and smoking status (P>.05).
      The FMF patients had significantly higher PI and GI values and lower PD and CAL
      values than those of the control group (P<.05). However, there was no significant
      difference among all groups in terms of periodontal disease severity (P>.05). In
      the FMF-severe periodontitis group, higher PI and GI values were seen (P<.05).
      However, there was no significant difference between the FMF-severe periodontitis
      group and the controls with severe periodontitis regarding the PD and CAL values
      (P>.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with FMF using colchicine did not manifest higher
      attachment loss compared to age- and sex-matched systemically healthy controls.

PMID- 25126644
TI  - Full-mouth composite rehabilitation of a mixed erosion and attrition patient: a
      case report with v-shaped veneers and ultra-thin CAD/CAM composite overlays.
AB  - Loss of tooth substance has become a common pathology in modern society. It is of
      multifactorial origin, may be induced by a chemical process or by excessive
      attrition, and frequently has a combined etiology. Particular care should be
      taken when diagnosing the cause of dental tissue loss, in order to minimize its
      impact. Several publications have proposed the use of minimally invasive
      procedures to treat such patients in preference to traditional full-crown
      rehabilitation. The use of composite resins, in combination with improvements in
      dental adhesion, allows a more conservative approach. In this paper, we describe
      the step-by-step procedure of full-mouth composite rehabilitation with v-shaped
      veneers and ultra-thin computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture
      (CAD/CAM)- generated composite overlays in a young patient with a combination of
      erosion and attrition disorder.

PMID- 25126645
TI  - Immediate postextraction implant with simultaneous buccal plate augmentation,
      restored with lithium disilicate abutment and veneer: a clinical report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful use of biphasic calcium sulfate for
      improving the buccal plate thickness in an immediate postextraction implant, and
      its fi nal restoration with custom lithium disilicate abutment and veneer.
      SUMMARY: A hopeless lateral incisor was replaced with an immediate postextraction
      implant in conjunction with a buccal plate augmentation based on biphasic calcium
      sulfate. Satisfactory soft tissue height and quality were maintained following
      healing. The fi nal restoration managed the severely reduced prosthetic space due
      to deep bite, and allowed an adhesive luting procedure.

PMID- 25126646
TI  - Dental implants and osteomyelitis in a patient with osteopetrosis.
AB  - Osteopetrosis (OP) is a rare genetic metabolic bone disorder characterized by
      osteoclast dysfunction impairing bone resorption. Together with normal
      osteoblastic activity this dysfunction promotes intense bone sclerosis with
      reduction of marrow spaces as well as bone turnover. Maxillofacial complications
      are common after tooth extraction. Osteomyelitis (OM) of the mandible occurs in
      around 10% of the cases with OP. The purpose of this paper is to report the fi
      rst case of OP treated with dental implants, and to describe the protocol used to
      treat OM that developed after failure of one implant. The treatment of OM
      included long-term use of antibiotics and marginal bone resection with a
      piezoelectric device. Similar cases to confirm the efficacy of this treatment are
      required.

PMID- 25126647
TI  - Patients perceptions of recovery after maxillary sinus augmentation with a
      minimally invasive implant device.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients' perceptions of recovery following sinus augmentation
      procedures have scarcely been documented. The aim of the present prospective
      pilot clinical study was to evaluate the patient's perception of immediate
      postoperative recovery after sinus augmentation, using a minimally invasive
      implant device. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Eighteen patients (8 men, 10 women),
      average age 52 (median 48, range 38 to 72), who had been scheduled for sinus
      augmentation procedures, were asked to enroll in a prospective clinical study. A
      healthrelated quality-of-life questionnaire was given to the patient. The
      questionnaire was designed to assess patient's perception of recovery in four
      main areas: pain, oral function, general activity, and other symptoms. The
      questionnaire was compared to the surgical chart that described the surgical
      details and to the outcome. RESULTS: Patients' perceptions of postoperative
      symptoms in the four tested areas: pain, oral function, general activity, and
      other symptoms were mostly scored "not at all" or "very little" from
      postoperative day (POD) 1. Most patients returned to work on POD 1. CONCLUSION:
      The current results offer a preliminary indication that patients undergoing sinus
      augmentation using a minimally invasive implant device can expect to experience
      minimum discomfort and immediate return to everyday activity.

PMID- 25126648
TI  - A comparison between histologic and clinical diagnoses of oral lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The dentist has a fundamental role in the early diagnosis of lesions
      of the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to establish the rate of erroneous
      clinical diagnoses and whether a clinical diagnosis is enough. The study was
      conducted to ascertain the overall accuracy of clinical diagnoses established by
      dentists. STUDY DESIGN: The biopsy reports of 1,566 samples taken from 1,406
      patients and examined at the Dental Outpatients Department of the University of
      Padua from 1 January 2006 to 30 June 2012 were analyzed in order to compare the
      presumptive clinical diagnosis with the fi nal diagnosis based on histology.
      RESULTS: Overall, the dentists' clinical diagnoses were erroneous in 31.5% of
      cases. These diagnostic errors pertained to 23.8% of the benign neoplasms, 78.9%
      of the malignant neoplasms, and 17% of precancerous lesions. CONCLUSION: The
      present report should not be interpreted as a criticism of the clinicians making
      diagnostic errors but rather a confirmation of the policy to submit excised
      tissues for histologic examination.

PMID- 25126649
TI  - Fluorescent sensors for the basic metabolic panel enable measurement with a smart
      phone device over the physiological range.
AB  - The advanced functionality of portable devices such as smart phones provides the
      necessary hardware to potentially perform complex diagnostic measurements in any
      setting. Recent research and development have utilized cameras and data
      acquisition properties of smart phones to create diagnostic approaches for a
      variety of diseases or pollutants. However, in concentration measurements, such
      as blood glucose, the performance of handheld diagnostic devices depends largely
      on the sensing mechanism. To expand measurements to multiple components, often
      necessary in medical tests, with a single diagnostic device, robust platform
      based sensors are needed. Here, we developed a suite of dual wavelength
      fluorescent sensors with response characteristics necessary to measure each
      component of a basic metabolic panel, a common clinical measurement. Furthermore,
      the response of these sensors could be measured with a simple optical setup to
      convert a smart phone into a fluorescence measurement instrument. This approach
      could be used as a mobile basic metabolic panel measurement system for point of
      care diagnostics. 

PMID- 25126650
TI  - Fluorescence turn-on detection of Sn2+ in live eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
AB  - Sn(2+) is usually added to toothpaste to prevent dental plaque and oral disease.
      However, studies of its physiological role and bacteriostatic mechanism are
      restricted by the lack of versatile Sn(2+) detection methods applicable to live
      cells, including Streptococcus mutans. Here we report two Sn(2+) fluorescent
      probes containing a rhodamine B derivative as a fluorophore, linked via the amide
      moiety to N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine (R1) and tert-butyl carbazate
      group (R2), respectively. These probes can selectively chelate Sn(2+) and show
      marked fluorescence enhancement due to the ring open reaction of rhodamine
      induced by Sn(2+) chelation. The probes have high sensitivity and selectivity for
      Sn(2+) in the presence of various relevant metal ions. Particularly, both R1 and
      R2 can target lysosomes, and R2 can probe Sn concentrations in lysosomes with
      rather acidic microenvironment. Furthermore, these two probes have low toxicity
      and can be used as imaging probes for monitoring Sn(2+) not only in live KB cells
      (eukaryotic) but also in Streptococcus mutans cells (prokaryotic), which is a
      useful tool to study the physiological function of Sn(2+) in biological systems.

PMID- 25126651
TI  - Alkylation of benzene with carbon monoxide over Zn/H-ZSM-5 zeolite studied using
      in situ solid-state NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - Using in situ solid-state NMR spectroscopy we show that CO can act as an
      alkylating reagent and react with benzene to produce toluene over a Zn/H-ZSM-5
      zeolite. In the alkylation reaction, CO provides the methyl group of toluene via
      a methoxy intermediate. 

PMID- 25126652
TI  - In situ generation of redox active peptides driven by selenoester mediated native
      chemical ligation.
AB  - Redox active peptides are generated through selenoester mediated native chemical
      ligation (NCL). Distinct nanostructures, such as nanotubes to nanofibrillar
      architectures, were observed for self-assembling soft materials. 

PMID- 25126653
TI  - Zinc-silylene complexes.
AB  - Reactions of the chlorosilylene [PhC(N(t)Bu)2]SiCl (SiCl) and the aryl and alkyl
      zincorganyls Zn(C5Me5)2, ZnPh2 and ZnEt2 resulted in the first Zn-silylene
      complexes. In all reactions the chlorine atom of the silylene and organic groups
      of the zinc atom are exchanged. By using Zn(C5Me5)2 and ZnPh2 one of the newly
      formed silylene coordinates to the zinc atom to give [PhC(N(t)Bu)2(eta(1)
      C5Me5)Si-Zn(eta(2)-C5Me5)Cl] and [PhC(N(t)Bu)2PhSi-ZnPh(MU-Cl)]2, respectively.
      In contrast, the reaction of SiCl with ZnEt2 resulted due the reduced steric
      demand of the silylene in the disilylene complex [PhC(N(t)Bu)2SiEt]2ZnCl2, in
      which both ethyl-moieties are exchanged by chlorides and two newly formed ethyl
      silylenes coordinate to the zinc atom.

PMID- 25126654
TI  - Self-healable macro-/microscopic shape memory hydrogels based on supramolecular
      interactions.
AB  - A simple strategy is provided to construct novel supramolecular hydrogels with
      both self-healing and shape memory properties. Starting from achieving self
      healable hydrogel based on the dynamic interactions of phenylboronic acid
      modified sodium alginate (Alg-PBA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), further
      formation of a complex of alginate with Ca(2+) renders this hydrogel with the
      capability of shape memory at the macro-/microscopic scales. 

PMID- 25126655
TI  - Rhodium(II)-catalysed tandem aziridination and ring-opening: stereoselective
      synthesis of functionalised tetrahydrofurans.
AB  - Aziridines formed upon treatment of allylic carbamates and homoallylic sulfamates
      with Rh(II) carboxylate catalysts under oxidative conditions are trapped by
      suitably-disposed hydroxyl groups to give functionalised tetrahydrofurans.

PMID- 25126656
TI  - Selective oxidations of activated alcohols in water at room temperature.
AB  - Allylic and benzylic alcohols can be selectively oxidized to their corresponding
      aldehydes or ketones in water containing nanoreactors composed of the designer
      surfactant TPGS-750-M. The oxidation relies on catalytic amounts of CuBr, bpy,
      and TEMPO, with N-methyl-imidazole; air is the stoichiometric oxidant. 

PMID- 25126657
TI  - Recent progress in the chemistry of endohedral metallofullerenes.
AB  - Putting metal atoms or metallic clusters into fullerenes has generated a new
      class of hybrid molecules, defined as endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs),
      possessing novel structures and fascinating properties which are different from
      those of empty fullerenes. In particular, it has been revealed that the chemical
      properties of the cage carbons of EMFs depend strongly on the nature of the
      internal metallic species, such as their electronic configuration, location and
      even motion. Since the first report describing the successful derivatization of
      La@C82 in 1995, great efforts have been devoted to the chemical modification of
      EMFs during the last two decades. Although earlier studies mainly focused on
      readily available species such as M@C82, M2@C80 and M3N@C80 and the related
      results have been systematically summarized in our previous review paper (Chem.
      Commun., 2011, 47, 5942-5957), recent concerns about some relatively rare EMFs
      have developed rapidly. Moreover, taking advantage of single crystal X-ray
      crystallography, we can now clearly demonstrate the mutual influences between the
      internal metallic species and the chemical behaviours of the surrounding cage
      carbons, and the addends as well. In this article, we present recent achievements
      in the chemical functionalization of EMFs, which were mainly published during the
      last four years. For consistency, we will still pay special attention to the role
      that the metals play in controlling the properties of the whole EMF molecules. In
      this review, however, we will not only focus on concrete experimental results
      such as X-ray crystallographic and NMR spectroscopic data but will also include
      computational studies which have indeed enhanced our understanding of the
      chemical properties of EMFs. Applicable materials based on EMFs are also
      mentioned but are not discussed in detail. 

PMID- 25126658
TI  - In response.

PMID- 25126659
TI  - Performance index: An expeditious tool to screen  for improved drought resistance
      in the Lathyrus  genus.
AB  - Some species of the Lathyrus genus are among the most promising crops for
      marginal lands, with high resilience to drought, flood, and fungal diseases,
      combined with high yields and seed nutritional value. However, lack of knowledge
      on the mechanisms underlying its outstanding performance and methodologies to
      identify elite genotypes has hampered its proper use in breeding. Chlorophyll a
      fast fluorescence transient (JIP test), was used to evaluate water deficit (WD)
      resistance in Lathyrus genus. Our results reveal unaltered photochemical values
      for all studied genotypes showing resistance to mild WD. Under severe WD, two
      Lathyrus sativus genotypes showed remarkable resilience maintaining the
      photochemical efficiency, contrary to other genotypes studied. Performance index
      (PIABS) is the best parameter to screen genotypes with improved performance and
      grain production under WD. Moreover, we found that JIP indices are good
      indicators of genotypic grain production under WD. Quantum yield of electron
      transport (phiEo) and efficiency with which trapped excitons can move electrons
      further than QA (psi0) revealed as important traits related to improved
      photosynthetic performance and should be exploited in future Lathyrus germplasm
      improvements. The JIP test herein described showed to be an expeditious tool to
      screen and to identify elite genotypes with improved drought resistance.

PMID- 25126660
TI  - Retraction. Removal notice to "Regional cerebral oxygen saturation on hospital
      arrival is a potential novel predictor of neurological outcomes at hospital
      discharge in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest" [Resuscitation 83
      (2012) 46-50].

PMID- 25126661
TI  - Mental health: Stressed students reach out for help.

PMID- 25126663
TI  - Local photodynamic therapy delays recurrence of equine periocular squamous cell
      carcinoma compared to cryotherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: (i) To report the successful treatment of 10 cases of equine
      periocular squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) with surgical excision and photodynamic
      therapy (PDT) using verteporfin. (ii) To evaluate time to first tumor recurrence
      between PDT-treated horses and horses treated with surgical excision and
      cryotherapy. METHODS: A total of 24 equine PSCC cases were included: group 1 (n =
      14) had excision and cryotherapy (1993-2003), group 2 (n = 10), excision and
      local PDT (2006-2010). Evaluated data: signalment, treatment method, tumor
      location, size, and time to first recurrence. Groups were compared via chi-square
      test for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for numeric variables.
      Time to tumor recurrence was examined using Kaplan-Meier product-limit survival
      analysis. RESULTS: Of 24 cases, nine breeds were affected. Mean age at treatment
      in years: 14 (range 5-24) in group 1; 11 (range 8-18) in group 2. Median tumor
      size: 163 mm2 (range 20-625 mm2) in group 1; 195 mm2 (range 45-775 mm2) in group
      2. Signalment, tumor laterality, and size were not significantly different
      between groups. Time to recurrence was significantly different between groups
      (Logrank test, P = 0.0006). In group 1, 11/14 horses had tumor regrowth with
      median time to recurrence in months: 10 (range 1-44). In group 2 (minimum follow
      up of 25 months; range 25-50), no horse demonstrated tumor recurrence after one
      treatment with excision and PDT. CONCLUSIONS: This represents the first report of
      local PDT using verteporfin for treatment of equine PSCC. Following surgery, the
      likelihood of tumor recurrence was significantly reduced with local PDT compared
      with cryotherapy.

PMID- 25126662
TI  - Profiling the repertoire of T-cell receptor beta-chain variable genes in
      peripheral blood lymphocytes from subjects who have recovered from acute
      hepatitis B virus infection.
AB  - The profile of T-cell receptor beta-chain variable (TRBV) genes usually skews in
      subjects with virus infection or cancer. The gene melting spectral pattern (GMSP)
      can be used to determine the profile of the TRBV gene family. To explore the
      portrait of the TRBV family in peripheral blood lymphocytes from subjects who
      have recovered from acute hepatitis B virus infection (AHI), peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated and further sorted into CD4+ and CD8+ T
      cell subsets. The molecular features of the TRBV complementary determining region
      3 (CDR3) motifs were determined using GMSP analysis. When aGMSP profile showed a
      single peak, the monoclonally expanded TRBV gene was cloned and sequenced. Skewed
      expansions of multiple TRBV genes were observed among the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell
      subsets and the PBMCs. The frequency of monoclonally expanded TRBV genes in the
      CD8+ T-cell subset was significantly higher than that of the CD4+ T-cell subset
      and the PBMCs. Compared to other members of the TRBV gene family, TRBV11, BV15
      and BV20 were predominantly expressed in the repertoire of peripheral blood
      lymphocytes in recovered AHI subjects. The relatively conserved amino acid motifs
      of TRBV5.1 and BV20 CDR3 were also detected in the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets.
      These results demonstrate the presence of multiple biased TRBV families in
      recovered AHI subjects. TRBV11, BV15 and BV20, especially from the CD8+ T-cell
      subset, may be relevant to the pathogenesis of subjects with AHI. The
      preferentially selected TRBV5.1 and BV20 with the relatively conserved CDR3 motif
      may be potential targets for personalized treatments of chronic HBV infection.

PMID- 25126664
TI  - Histopathological features of equine superficial, nonhealing,  corneal ulcers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate corneal changes associated with chronic, nonhealing,
      superficial, corneal ulcers in horses via common histopathological stains.
      DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Twenty-four horses diagnosed with chronic,
      nonhealing, superficial, corneal ulceration. METHODS: The medical records of
      horses evaluated at North Carolina State University's Veterinary Teaching
      Hospital (NCSU-VTH) from 2005 to 2011, diagnosed with a chronic, nonhealing,
      superficial, corneal ulcer and treated with superficial keratectomy (SK) were
      reviewed. Inclusion criteria were superficial corneal ulceration, no cellular
      infiltration via slit-lamp biomicroscopy, no microorganisms evident on corneal
      cytology, and acquisition of samples for aerobic bacterial and common fungal
      cultures. Corneal tissue samples were evaluated histopathologically for the
      presence or absence of a nonadherent epithelial 'lip', epithelial dysmaturity,
      intraepithelial inflammatory cells, an acellular hyaline zone in the anterior
      stroma, and stromal inflammatory cells, fibrosis and vascularization. RESULTS: In
      the majority of analyzed samples, epithelial cells adjacent to the ulcerated site
      showed nonadherence to the basement membrane and dysmaturity. Intraepithelial
      inflammatory cell infiltration was uncommon. Histopathological features of an
      anterior stromal hyaline zone, intrastromal inflammation, fibrosis and
      vascularization were variably present. CONCLUSIONS: The most consistent
      histopathological characteristics of equine chronic, nonhealing, superficial,
      corneal ulcers include epithelial nonadherence, epithelial dysmaturity and mild
      to moderate stromal inflammation; however, one set of histopathological
      characteristics does not definitively define this syndrome in horses.
      Additionally, the anterior stromal acellular hyaline zone commonly cited in
      canine spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) is not a consistent
      finding in equine corneas.

PMID- 25126665
TI  - Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (vorinostat): its role on equine  corneal
      fibrosis and matrix metalloproteinase activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) (i) on
      corneal fibroblast differentiation, morphology, and viability; and (ii) on the
      expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 using an in vitro
      model of equine corneal fibrosis. PROCEDURE: Healthy donor corneas were used to
      generate primary cultures of equine corneal fibroblasts. The fibroblasts were
      exposed to 5 ng/mL TGFbeta1 to induce myofibroblast formation. The cultures were
      treated with either 5 MUm or 10 MUm SAHA for 72 h in the presence of TGFbeta1.
      Real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry were used to determine the antifibrotic
      efficacy of SAHA by quantifying alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA), a marker of
      myofibroblast formation and fibrosis. Real-time PCR was used to determine the
      effects of SAHA on MMP2 and MMP9 expression. Cytotoxicity of SAHA was evaluated
      with phase contrast microscopy and trypan blue exclusion assays. RESULTS:
      Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) significantly attenuated TGFbeta1-induced
      differentiation of equine fibroblasts to myofibroblasts as indicated by 3- to 3.5
      fold (P < 0.001) decrease in alphaSMA mRNA and 86-88% (P < 0.001) decrease in
      alphaSMA+ immunocytochemical staining. SAHA treatment also resulted in 4.5- to
      5.5-fold (P < 0.01) decrease in MMP9 expression. A dose-dependent bimodal effect
      of SAHA on MMP2 expression was noted (3.5-fold increase with 5 MUm dose; 0.5-fold
      decrease with 10 MUm dose). No change in fibroblast viability was observed with a
      5 MUm SAHA dose, whereas a 10 MUm dose resulted in a moderate 17% decrease in
      cell viability. CONCLUSIONS: Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) can
      effectively inhibit TGFbeta-induced differentiation of equine corneal fibroblasts
      to myofibroblasts and modulates MMP production in vitro.

PMID- 25126666
TI  - Gold-thiolate ring as a protecting motif in the Au20(SR)16 nanocluster and
      implications.
AB  - Understanding how gold nanoclusters nucleate from Au(I)SR complexes necessitates
      the structural elucidation of nanoclusters with decreasing size. Toward this
      effort, we herein report the crystal structure of an ultrasmall nanocluster
      formulated as Au20(TBBT)16 (TBBT = SPh-t-Bu). The structure features a vertex
      sharing bitetrahedral Au7 kernel and an unprecedented "ring" motif-Au8(SR)8. This
      large ring protects the Au7 kernel through strong Auring-Aukernel bonding but
      does not involve S-Aukernel bonding, in contrast to the common "staple" motifs in
      which the S-Aukernel bonding is dominant but the Austaple-Aukernel interaction is
      weak (i.e., aurophilic). As the smallest member in the TBBT "magic series",
      Au20(TBBT)16, together with Au28(TBBT)20, Au36(TBBT)24, and Au44(TBBT)28, reveals
      remarkable size-growth patterns in both geometric structure and electronic
      nature. Moreover, Au20(TBBT)16, together with the Au24(SR)20 and Au18(SR)14
      nanoclusters, forms a "4e" nanocluster family, which illustrates a trend of
      shrinkage of bitetrahedral kernels from Au8(4+) to Au7(3+) and possibly to
      Au6(2+) with decreasing size. 

PMID- 25126667
TI  - Bioelectronic tongue using heterodimeric human taste receptor for the
      discrimination of sweeteners with human-like performance.
AB  - The sense of taste helps humans to obtain information and form a picture of the
      world by recognizing chemicals in their environments. Over the past decade, large
      advances have been made in understanding the mechanisms of taste detection and
      mimicking its capability using artificial sensor devices. However, the detection
      capability of previous artificial taste sensors has been far inferior to that of
      animal tongues, in terms of its sensitivity and selectivity. Herein, we developed
      a bioelectronic tongue using heterodimeric human sweet taste receptors for the
      detection and discrimination of sweeteners with human-like performance, where
      single-walled carbon nanotube field-effect transistors were functionalized with
      nanovesicles containing human sweet taste receptors and used to detect the
      binding of sweeteners to the taste receptors. The receptors are heterodimeric G
      protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) composed of human taste receptor type 1 member
      2 (hTAS1R2) and human taste receptor type 1 member 3 (hTAS1R3), which have
      multiple binding sites and allow a human tongue-like broad selectivity for the
      detection of sweeteners. This nanovesicle-based bioelectronic tongue can be a
      powerful tool for the detection of sweeteners as an alternative to labor
      intensive and time-consuming cell-based assays and the sensory evaluation panels
      used in the food and beverage industry. Furthermore, this study also allows the
      artificial sensor to exam the functional activity of dimeric GPCRs. 

PMID- 25126670
TI  - Chemistry makes graphene beyond graphene.
AB  - Although graphene is extremely inert in chemistry because of the giant
      delocalized pi electron system, various methods have been developed to achieve
      its efficient chemical modification. Covalent chemistry is effective to modulate
      the physical properties of graphene. By converting the sp(2) hybridized carbon
      atoms to sp(3) ones, new two-dimensional (2D) materials and 2D superlattices with
      fascinating features beyond mother graphene could be built from the graphene
      scaffold, greatly expanding the graphene family and its attraction. In this
      Perspective, the power of covalent chemistry is demonstrated from the viewpoint
      of tailoring graphene's energy band structure as well as creating new 2D
      materials and 2D superlattices. A specific focus is laid on the general
      consideration and understanding of covalent graphene chemistry toward electronic
      devices and material science. 

PMID- 25126671
TI  - Manganese nanoparticles: impact on non-nodulated plant as a potent enhancer in
      nitrogen metabolism and toxicity study both in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - Mung bean plants were grown under controlled conditions and supplemented with
      macro- and micronutrients. The objective of this study was to determine the
      response of manganese nanoparticles (MnNP) in nitrate uptake, assimilation, and
      metabolism compared with the commercially used manganese salt, manganese sulfate
      (MS). MnNP was modulated to affect the assimilatory process by enhancing the net
      flux of nitrogen assimilation through NR-NiR and GS-GOGAT pathways. This study
      was associated with toxicological investigation on in vitro and in vivo systems
      to promote MnNP as nanofertilizer and can be used as an alternative to MS. MnNP
      did not impart any toxicity to the mice brain mitochondria except in the partial
      inhibition of complex II-III activity in ETC. Therefore, mitochondrial
      dysfunction and neurotoxicity, which were noted by excess usage of elemental
      manganese, were prevented. This is the first attempt to highlight the nitrogen
      uptake, assimilation, and metabolism in a plant system using a nanoparticle to
      promote a biosafe nanomicronutrient-based crop management. 

PMID- 25126672
TI  - L1 cell adhesion molecule is a strong predictor for distant recurrence and
      overall survival in early stage endometrial cancer: pooled PORTEC trial results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) expression has been implicated as
      risk factor for disease recurrence in endometrial cancer (EC), most likely due to
      its role in promoting tumour cell motility. We tested the performance of L1CAM
      expression in predicting the risk of recurrence in the randomised post operative
      radiation therapy in endometrial carcinoma (PORTEC)-1 and -2 trials. METHODS: In
      the PORTEC trials, stage I EC patients were randomised to external beam
      radiotherapy (EBRT) versus no additional treatment (PORTEC-1, n=714), or to EBRT
      versus vaginal brachytherapy (PORTEC-2, n=427). Tumour samples of 865 (75.8%)
      patients were available for L1CAM expression analysis by immunohistochemistry. An
      established scoring system for EC was used, with >10% L1CAM staining defined as
      positive. RESULTS: Positive L1CAM expression was significantly correlated with
      risk of distant recurrence, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 5.1 (95% confidence
      interval (CI) 3.1-8.7) but not with vaginal relapse, while a trend for pelvic
      nodal relapse was found. Tumours with the highest expression levels (>50%
      positive) had the strongest risk of distant recurrence (HR 5.3, CI 2.7-10.4). In
      multivariate Cox analysis with the risk factors age, depth of invasion, grade,
      lympho-vascular space invasion (LVSI) and treatment, L1CAM expression remained an
      independent prognostic factor for distant recurrence (HR 3.5, CI 1.92-6.30) and
      overall survival (HR 2.1, CI 1.41-2.98). CONCLUSION: L1CAM expression is a strong
      independent predictor for distant recurrence and overall survival in stage I
      endometrial cancer. These results warrant prospective validation of L1CAM as
      marker for selecting patients who could benefit from more extensive diagnostic
      and/or therapeutic procedures.

PMID- 25126673
TI  - Enantioselective synthesis of the predominant AB ring system of the Schisandra
      nortriterpenoid natural products.
AB  - An enantioselective synthesis of the AB ring system common to the majority of the
      Schisandra nortriterpenoid natural products is reported. Key steps include a
      stereospecific ring opening of a trisubstituted epoxide and the use of a beta
      lactone to enable installation of the gem-dimethyl functionality of the B ring.
      An acetalization strategy played a key role in a late-stage biomimetic AB ring
      bicyclization. 

PMID- 25126676
TI  - Complementarity of EIS and SPR to reveal specific and nonspecific binding when
      interrogating a model bioaffinity sensor; perspective offered by plasmonic based
      EIS.
AB  - The present work compares the responses of a model bioaffinity sensor based on a
      dielectric functionalization layer, in terms of specific and nonspecific binding,
      when interrogated simultaneously by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), non-Faradaic
      Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Plasmonic based-EIS (P-EIS).
      While biorecognition events triggered a sensitive SPR signal, the related EIS
      response was rather negligible. Contrarily, even a limited nonspecific adsorption
      onto the surface of the metallic electrode, allowed by the intrinsic imperfect
      compactness of the functionalization layers, was signaled by EIS and not by SPR.
      The source of this finding has been addressed from both theoretical and
      experimental perspectives, demonstrating that EIS signals are mainly sensitive to
      adsorptions that alter the current pathway through defects of the
      functionalization layer exposing the electrode. These observations are of
      importance for those developing biosensors analyzed by SPR, EIS, or the novel
      combination of the two methods (P-EIS). A possible application of the observed
      complementarity of the two methods, namely assessment of sample purity in respect
      to a target analyte is highlighted. Moreover, the possibility of false-positive
      EIS responses (determined by nonspecific binding) when assessing samples
      containing complex matrices or consisting of small molecular weight analytes is
      emphasized. 

PMID- 25126675
TI  - Camouflage effects following resin infiltration of postorthodontic white-spot
      lesions in vivo: One-year follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess camouflage effects by concealment of postorthodontic white
      spot lesions (WSLs) to sound adjacent enamel (SAE) achieved over 12 months with
      resin infiltration (Icon, DMG, Hamburg, Germany). METHODS: Twenty subjects (trial
      teeth nteeth = 111) who had received resin infiltration treatment of noncavitated
      postorthodontic WSLs were contacted for a 1-year follow-up assessment of CIE
      L*a*b* colors (T12). Color and lightness (CIE-L*a*b*) data for WSLs and SAE were
      compared to baseline data assessed before infiltration (T0) and those assessed
      after 6 months (T6), using a spectrophotometer. The target parameter was the
      difference between the summarized color and lightness values (DeltaEWSL/SAE).
      Intergroup (WSL, SAE) and intertime comparisons (T0 vs T6, T12) were performed
      using paired t-tests at a significance level of alpha = 5%. RESULTS: Nine
      subjects (trial teeth nteeth = 49; male/female ratio 5/4; age range 13-19 years)
      were available at T12. After the highly significant reduction of DeltaEWSL/SAE
      discrepancies between T0 and T6, analysis of 12-month records revealed color and
      lightness discrepancy of WSL vs SAE that was significantly decreased compared
      with baseline, indicating an assimilation of WSL color to SAE appearance after
      infiltration, while an additional reduction of discrepancies between T6 and T12
      was not significant. CONCLUSION: As color and lightness characteristics of the
      Icon infiltrant as well as the esthetic camouflage effects achieved by WSL
      infiltration were not altered significantly or clinically relevant after 12
      months, the method of resin infiltration can be recommended for an enduring
      esthetic improvement of postorthodontic WSL.

PMID- 25126677
TI  - James F. Jerger, PhD, responds to five questions.

PMID- 25126674
TI  - Atypical cell populations associated with acquired resistance to cytostatics and
      cancer stem cell features: the role of mitochondria in nuclear encapsulation.
AB  - Until recently, acquired resistance to cytostatics had mostly been attributed to
      biochemical mechanisms such as decreased intake and/or increased efflux of
      therapeutics, enhanced DNA repair, and altered activity or deregulation of target
      proteins. Although these mechanisms have been widely investigated, little is
      known about membrane barriers responsible for the chemical imperviousness of cell
      compartments and cellular segregation in cytostatic-treated tumors. In highly
      heterogeneous cross-resistant and radiorefractory cell populations selected by
      exposure to anticancer agents, we found a number of atypical recurrent cell types
      in (1) tumor cell cultures of different embryonic origins, (2) mouse xenografts,
      and (3) paraffin sections from patient tumors. Alongside morphologic
      peculiarities, these populations presented cancer stem cell markers, aberrant
      signaling pathways, and a set of deregulated miRNAs known to confer both stem
      cell phenotypes and highly aggressive tumor behavior. The first type, named
      spiral cells, is marked by a spiral arrangement of nuclei. The second type,
      monastery cells, is characterized by prominent walls inside which daughter cells
      can be seen maturing amid a rich mitochondrial environment. The third type,
      called pregnant cells, is a giant cell with a syncytium-like morphology, a main
      nucleus, and many endoreplicative functional progeny cells. A rare fourth cell
      type identified in leukemia was christened shepherd cells, as it was always
      associated with clusters of smaller cells. Furthermore, a portion of resistant
      tumor cells displayed nuclear encapsulation via mitochondrial aggregation in the
      nuclear perimeter in response to cytostatic insults, probably conferring
      imperviousness to drugs and long periods of dormancy until nuclear eclosion takes
      place. This phenomenon was correlated with an increase in both intracellular and
      intercellular mitochondrial traffic as well as with the uptake of free
      extracellular mitochondria. All these cellular disorders could, in fact, be found
      in untreated tumor cells but were more pronounced in resistant entities,
      suggesting a natural mechanism of cell survival triggered by chemical injury, or
      a primitive strategy to ensure stemming, self-renewal, and differentiation under
      adverse conditions, a fact that may play a significant role in chemotherapy
      outcomes. 

PMID- 25126679
TI  - Aural rehabilitation through music workshops for cochlear implant users.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been reported that after speech perception, music appreciation
      is the second most commonly expressed requirement among cochlear implant (CI)
      recipients. Certain features of music are known to be more readily accessible;
      however, provision of music rehabilitation for adult CI users is limited.
      PURPOSE: A series of music workshops were organized to (1) enable attendees to
      explore which aspects of music they are able to perceive and appreciate; (2)
      raise awareness of listening strategies, technology, and rehabilitation resources
      for music; and (3) develop ideas, and prototype software, for inclusion in a
      music rehabilitation program. The therapeutic value of music workshops was
      concurrently investigated. RESEARCH DESIGN: A qualitative, longitudinal study was
      used. Two consultation meetings were held before a series of nine music workshops
      that occurred over a period of 5 mo. STUDY SAMPLE: Five adult CI users
      participated in consultations before the workshops. Twenty-eight adult CI users
      from the South of England Cochlear Implant Centre attended at least one of the
      workshops. INTERVENTION: Participants could attend as many workshops as they
      wished. Each workshop lasted between 2 to 2.5 hr and included individual computer
      based and group activities. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Responses to open-ended
      questions were transcribed in the consultation meetings and used to develop
      workshop activities. A preworkshop survey was used to determine attendees'
      aspirations and expectations. Postworkshop surveys were used to qualitatively and
      quantitatively evaluate attendees' immediate reactions to the workshop content,
      software, and perceived benefits. A 2-month, postworkshop survey evaluated the
      longer-term impact of the workshops. RESULTS: Overall reaction to the workshops
      and prototype software was positive. All attendees indicated that they
      anticipated changing how they engaged with music as a result of the workshops,
      and data from the preworkshop and postworkshop surveys suggest a positive change
      in listening habits. CONCLUSIONS: The workshops proved to be an effective means
      of simultaneously encouraging music exploration in a social and safe environment
      and obtaining feedback on prototype rehabilitation materials. Survey data
      suggested that through group listening and practical activities, certain aspects
      of music can be accessible and rewarding through a CI, leading to positive
      changes in attitude and behavior toward music.

PMID- 25126680
TI  - The influence of aging on interaural asymmetries in middle latency response
      amplitude.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Auditory-evoked potentials (EPs) provide a more objective assessment
      of central auditory nervous system (CANS) dysfunction when compared to behavioral
      measures because they do not require a behavioral response (Anderson and Kraus,
      2010). In this regard, the middle latency response (MLR) has been considered an
      important component of CANS assessment (Jerger et al, 1988); however, its large
      within-group variability limits its usefulness (Musiek et al, 1999). It has been
      argued that performing intratest calculations on the MLR (e.g., difference in EP
      amplitude when stimulating the left ear versus the right ear) can reduce the
      within-group variability of the MLR and enhance its clinical usefulness (Musiek
      et al, 1999; Weihing et al, 2012). To date, it has not been investigated how well
      these MLR intratest measures reduce within-group variability in adults of various
      ages, nor has it been shown that these intratest measures are sensitive to aging
      related changes in the CANS. PURPOSE: The two primary goals of the present study
      were (1) to determine if calculating an intratest MLR measure, the difference in
      MLR Na-Pa peak-to-peak amplitude on left versus right ear stimulation (i.e., "ear
      effects"), will reduce within-group variability in adults of various ages; and
      (2) to determine if ear effect magnitude will change as a function of aging. Ear
      effects were measured in both quiet and in noise to determine if the addition of
      noise enhanced any age-related-effects. RESEARCH DESIGN: A cross-sectional study
      was conducted. STUDY SAMPLE: The researchers studied 30 adults ranging in age
      from 20-80 yr with hearing sensitivity of 25 dB HL or better at the octave
      frequencies from 500-2000 Hz, and no history of neurologic issues. Adults were
      assigned to one of three age groups based on their chronological age, which were
      young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      MLRs were acquired using a Nicolet Spirit 2000 during a single laboratory visit.
      To determine if within-group variability decreased significantly with ear
      effects, variability for absolute amplitude measures was compared to ear effect
      variability using the Pitman t-test. To examine potential effects of background
      noise and aging, data were analyzed using a mixed-factorial analysis of variance
      with the within-subjects factor "background noise" and the between-subjects
      factor "age group." RESULTS: Within-group variability was significantly reduced
      by calculating ear effects for the youngest group only. Additionally, the oldest
      adults in the present sample showed significantly larger ear effects than younger
      and middle-aged adults. This effect did not appear to be a result of differences
      in peripheral hearing sensitivity. Finally, introducing noise into the paradigm
      did not influence the observed effects. CONCLUSIONS: Ear effects become larger in
      older adults possibly as a result of age-related changes in the subcortical
      and/or cortical generators of the MLR. Failure of the ear effect calculation to
      reduce within-group variability in the middle-aged and older adults suggests that
      interaural asymmetries in MLR amplitude become more variable across participants
      who are older than 50 yr. Information obtained from this measure may benefit the
      development of treatment plans for older adults with hearing difficulties.

PMID- 25126681
TI  - Music therapy for chronic tinnitus: variability of tinnitus pitch in the course
      of therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In general, tinnitus pitch has been observed to be variable across
      time for most patients experiencing tinnitus. Some tinnitus therapies relate to
      the dominant tinnitus pitch in order to adjust therapeutic interventions. As
      studies focusing on tinnitus pitch rarely conduct consecutive pitch matching in
      therapeutic settings, little is known about the course and variability of
      tinnitus pitch during therapeutic interventions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the variability and development of tinnitus pitch in the
      course of therapeutic interventions. Tinnitus pitch was suspected to be highly
      variable. RESEARCH DESIGN: The researchers conducted a descriptive, retrospective
      analysis of data. STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 175 adult patients experiencing
      chronic tinnitus served as participants. All patients had received a neuro-music
      therapy according to the "Heidelberg Model of Music Therapy for Chronic
      Tinnitus." DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: During therapeutic interventions lasting
      for 5 consecutive days, the individual tinnitus frequency was assessed daily by
      means of a tinnitus pitch-matching procedure. The extent of variability in
      tinnitus pitch was calculated by mean ratios of frequencies between subsequent
      tinnitus measurements. Analysis of variance of repeated measures and post hoc
      paired samples t-tests were used for comparison of means in tinnitus frequencies,
      and the test-retest reliability of measurements was obtained by the Pearson
      product-moment correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Tinnitus pitch displayed a
      variability of approximately 3/5 to 4/5 octaves per day. Overall, the mean
      frequency declined in the course of the therapy. Detailed analysis revealed three
      groups of patients with diverging tinnitus progression. The test-retest
      reliability between assessments turned out to be robust (r = 0.74 or higher).
      CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variation in tinnitus pitch was found. Consequently, a
      frequent rechecking of tinnitus frequency is suggested during frequency-specific
      acoustic stimulation in order to train appropriate frequency bands.

PMID- 25126682
TI  - Normative sweep frequency impedance measures in healthy neonates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnosing middle ear disorders in neonates is a challenging task for
      both audiologists and otolaryngologists. Although high-frequency (1000 Hz)
      tympanometry and acoustic stapedial reflex tests are useful in diagnosing middle
      ear problems in this age group, they do not provide information about the
      dynamics of the middle ear in terms of its resonance frequency (RF) and mobility.
      The sweep frequency impedance (SFI) test can provide this information, which may
      assist in the diagnosis of middle ear dysfunction in neonates. PURPOSE: This
      study aimed to investigate the feasibility of testing neonates using the SFI
      technique, establish normative SFI data for RF and mobility of the middle ear in
      terms of changes in sound pressure level (?SPL in dB), and describe the dynamics
      of the middle ear in healthy Australian neonates. STUDY SAMPLE: A prospective
      sample of 100 neonates (58 males, 42 females) with a mean gestational age of 39.3
      wk (SD = 1.3 wk; range = 38-42 wk), who passed all three tests, namely, automated
      auditory brainstem response, transient evoked otoacoustic emissions, and 1000 Hz
      tympanometry, were included in this study. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: A SFI
      research prototype was used to collect the data. First, the SPL in the ear canal
      was measured as a probe-tone frequency was swept from 100-2000 Hz with the ear
      canal static pressure held constant at 200 daPa. Then, this measurement was
      repeated with the static pressure reduced in 50 daPa steps to -200 daPa.
      Additional measurement was also performed at the static pressure, where the peak
      of the 1000 Hz tympanogram occurred. A graph showing the variation of SPL against
      frequency at all static pressures was plotted. From this graph, the RF and ?SPL
      at tympanometric peak pressure (TPP) were determined. Descriptive statistics and
      an analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to the RF and ?SPL data with gender
      and ear as independent variables. RESULTS: The results showed two resonance
      regions of the outer/middle ear with the high RF (mean = 1236 Hz; 90% range: 830
      1518 Hz) being approximately equal to four times that of the low RF (mean = 287
      Hz; 90% range = 209-420 Hz). The low RF was more easily identifiable than the
      high RF. The ?SPL at the low RF (mean = 8.2 dB; 90% range = 3.4-13 dB) was
      greater than that at the high RF (mean = 5.0 dB; 90% range = 1.5-8.1 dB). There
      were no significant differences or interactions between genders and ears.
      CONCLUSION: The study showed that the SFI is a feasible test of middle ear
      function in neonates. The SFI results revealed two regions of resonance with the
      lower resonance (287 Hz) possibly related to the movements of the outer ear canal
      wall and higher resonance (1236 Hz) related to the resonance of the middle ear.
      The normative data developed in this study will be useful in evaluating outer and
      middle ear function in neonates.

PMID- 25126683
TI  - Speech-on-speech masking with variable access to the linguistic content of the
      masker speech for native and nonnative english speakers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Masking release for an English sentence-recognition task in the
      presence of foreign-accented English speech compared with native-accented English
      speech was reported in Calandruccio et al (2010a). The masking release appeared
      to increase as the masker intelligibility decreased. However, it could not be
      ruled out that spectral differences between the speech maskers were influencing
      the significant differences observed. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current
      experiment was to minimize spectral differences between speech maskers to
      determine how various amounts of linguistic information within competing speech
      Affiliationect masking release. RESEARCH DESIGN: A mixed-model design with within
      subject (four two-talker speech maskers) and between-subject (listener group)
      factors was conducted. Speech maskers included native-accented English speech and
      high-intelligibility, moderate-intelligibility, and low-intelligibility Mandarin
      accented English. Normalizing the long-term average speech spectra of the maskers
      to each other minimized spectral differences between the masker conditions. STUDY
      SAMPLE: Three listener groups were tested, including monolingual English speakers
      with normal hearing, nonnative English speakers with normal hearing, and
      monolingual English speakers with hearing loss. The nonnative English speakers
      were from various native language backgrounds, not including Mandarin (or any
      other Chinese dialect). Listeners with hearing loss had symmetric mild sloping to
      moderate sensorineural hearing loss. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Listeners were
      asked to repeat back sentences that were presented in the presence of four
      different two-talker speech maskers. Responses were scored based on the key words
      within the sentences (100 key words per masker condition). A mixed-model
      regression analysis was used to analyze the difference in performance scores
      between the masker conditions and listener groups. RESULTS: Monolingual English
      speakers with normal hearing benefited when the competing speech signal was
      foreign accented compared with native accented, allowing for improved speech
      recognition. Various levels of intelligibility across the foreign-accented speech
      maskers did not influence results. Neither the nonnative English-speaking
      listeners with normal hearing nor the monolingual English speakers with hearing
      loss benefited from masking release when the masker was changed from native
      accented to foreign-accented English. CONCLUSIONS: Slight modifications between
      the target and the masker speech allowed monolingual English speakers with normal
      hearing to improve their recognition of native-accented English, even when the
      competing speech was highly intelligible. Further research is needed to determine
      which modifications within the competing speech signal caused the Mandarin
      accented English to be less effective with respect to masking. Determining the
      influences within the competing speech that make it less effective as a masker or
      determining why monolingual normal-hearing listeners can take advantage of these
      differences could help improve speech recognition for those with hearing loss in
      the future.

PMID- 25126685
TI  - Pediatric hearing aid use: how can audiologists support parents to increase
      consistency?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children need consistent access to the full range of speech sounds
      for spoken language development, making daily hearing aid management a
      fundamental component of effective intervention. In addition to receiving
      services from professionals with expertise in childhood hearing loss, parents
      play a central role in the intervention process. However, parents can experience
      an array of barriers and challenges in learning to cope with the demands of daily
      management. Feedback about hearing aid use time might offer parents insight into
      challenges and lead to the identification of strategies to increase use,
      optimizing child outcomes. PURPOSE: This exploratory study had 2 primary
      purposes: (1) to examine hearing aid use time for a cohort of children 7 mo to 6
      yr of age and (2) to examine whether hearing aid use time increased when parents
      were given periodic objective feedback (i.e., data-logging results) about average
      daily use time. RESEARCH DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was used to collect
      data on eligible participants. RESULTS: Findings for 29 children (7 mo to 6 yr of
      age) revealed variability in hours of hearing aid use and an increase in hours of
      use with age and severity of hearing loss. Reports of typical hearing aid use
      from seven parents revealed that parents overestimated use by an average of 3.36
      hr. Review of challenges reported revealed issues with retention, awareness of
      the effect of nonuse on average daily access to sound, and lack of perceived
      benefit of hearing aid use. Hearing aid use increased with communication about
      data logging for some, but not all, parents. CONCLUSIONS: For effective
      integration of essential hearing aid management skills into the daily lives of
      primary caregivers, audiologists must consider caregiver needs in the overall
      child management and monitoring plan. The ability to optimize child outcomes
      might depend in part on the extent audiologists embrace family-centered services,
      engage in collaborative problem solving, and support parents in applying
      individualized strategies.

PMID- 25126684
TI  - Effect of different signal-processing options on speech-in-noise recognition for
      cochlear implant recipients with the cochlear CP810 speech processor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Difficulty understanding speech in the presence of background noise
      is a common report among cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Several speech
      processing options designed to improve speech recognition, especially in noise,
      are currently available in the Cochlear Nucleus CP810 speech processor. These
      include adaptive dynamic range optimization (ADRO), autosensitivity control
      (ASC), Beam, and Zoom. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate CI
      recipients' speech-in-noise recognition to determine which currently available
      processing option or options resulted in best performance in a simulated
      restaurant environment. RESEARCH DESIGN: Experimental study with one study group.
      The independent variable was speech-processing option, and the dependent variable
      was the reception threshold for sentences score. STUDY SAMPLE: Thirty-two adult
      CI recipients. INTERVENTION: Eight processing options were tested: Beam, Beam +
      ASC, Beam + ADRO, Beam + ASC + ADRO, Zoom, Zoom + ASC, Zoom + ADRO, and Zoom +
      ASC + ADRO. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Participants repeated Hearing in Noise
      Test sentences presented at a 0 degrees  azimuth, with R-Space restaurant noise
      presented from a 360 degrees  eight-loudspeaker array at 70 dB sound pressure
      level. A one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze
      differences in Beam options, Zoom options, and Beam versus Zoom options. RESULTS:
      Among the Beam options, Beam + ADRO was significantly poorer than Beam only, Beam
      + ASC, and Beam + ASC + ADRO. A 1.6-dB difference was observed between the best
      (Beam only) and poorest (Beam + ADRO) options. Among the Zoom options, Zoom only
      and Zoom + ADRO were significantly poorer than Zoom + ASC. A 2.2-dB difference
      was observed between the best (Zoom + ASC) and poorest (Zoom only) options. The
      comparison between Beam and Zoom options showed one significant difference, with
      Zoom only significantly poorer than Beam only. No significant difference was
      found between the other Beam and Zoom options (Beam + ASC vs Zoom + ASC, Beam +
      ADRO vs Zoom + ADRO, and Beam + ASC + ADRO vs Zoom + ASC + ADRO). The best
      processing option varied across subjects, with an almost equal number of
      participants performing best with a Beam option (n = 15) compared with a Zoom
      option (n = 17). There were no significant demographic or audiological moderating
      variables for any option. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed no significant
      differences between adaptive directionality (Beam) and fixed directionality
      (Zoom) when ASC was active in the R-Space environment. This finding suggests that
      noise-reduction processing is extremely valuable in loud semidiffuse environments
      in which the effectiveness of directional filtering might be diminished. However,
      there was no significant difference between the Beam-only and Beam + ASC options,
      which is most likely related to the additional noise cancellation performed by
      the Beam option (i.e., two-stage directional filtering and noise cancellation).
      In addition, the processing options with ADRO resulted in the poorest
      performances. This could be related to how the CI recipients were programmed or
      the loud noise level used in this study. The best processing option varied across
      subjects, but the majority performed best with directional filtering (Beam or
      Zoom) in combination with ASC. Therefore in a loud semidiffuse environment, the
      use of either Beam + ASC or Zoom + ASC is recommended.

PMID- 25126686
TI  - Survey of audiologists' views on risk of falling assessment in the clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Falls are a significant health problem for older adults. With the
      projected increase in persons aged 65 yr and older by the year 2050, this
      continues to be a growing concern. Risk of falling (RoF) assessment is a
      multifactorial approach. Audiologists routinely evaluate older patients in the
      clinic and therefore might be in an ideal position to identify falling risk
      factors. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of
      audiologists' views on RoF assessment related to training and education,
      screening and assessment, prevention and intervention, the effectiveness of RoF
      assessment, and challenges associated with RoF assessment in the audiology
      clinic. RESEARCH DESIGN: The survey was e-mailed to 2000 randomly selected
      audiologists across the United States. The survey was designed with the primary
      objective of understanding personal views regarding RoF assessment. Demographic
      information was included to better understand the type of clinic setting, the
      primary age of patients, year of graduation, and highest degree earned.
      Additionally, open-ended questions were offered to provide a forum for further
      testimonials on current RoF experiences and needs. Questions pertaining to
      resources used to assess RoF and counsel patients on RoF were asked to determine
      the audiologists' understanding of a multifactorial approach to assessing
      patients for RoF. Lastly, a series of Likert scale questions were developed to
      indicate the strength of agreement or disagreement pertaining to general
      statements about RoF assessment and the challenges associated with an RoF
      assessment program. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations,
      frequencies, and percentages) were used for quantitative survey responses.
      Validation of qualitative data was completed by using triangulation sources.
      RESULTS: A total of 275 of 2000 audiologists returned the survey; of those who
      responded, 238 audiologists were analyzed. Two themes emerged from the survey
      responses: resources used to assess RoF and audiologists' personal views on RoF.
      Although a majority (83.0% [n = 197/238]) of audiologists surveyed indicated
      working with geriatric patients (>=61 yr of age), more than half (62.1% [n =
      147/238]) of audiologists surveyed indicated no experience with RoF assessment.
      Overall, 75% (n = 175/233) of the surveyed audiologists consider RoF assessment a
      role in the audiologist's scope of practice; however, only 16.3% (n = 38/233)
      believe audiologists are knowledgeable, 11.8% (n = 27/228) believe audiologists
      are sufficiently trained to provide RoF assessment, and 14% (n = 33/238) are
      currently implementing RoF as part of vestibular and balance assessment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although audiologists support RoF assessment, further education is
      warranted for audiologists to efficiently assess RoF. Many audiologists do not
      have the resources or time to administer RoF assessment in their clinics;
      however, if audiologists can ask just a few questions regarding fall history and
      better understand the risk factors, they can be in a position to refer their
      patients to other professionals for further investigation.

PMID- 25126687
TI  - Overview of nine computerized, home-based auditory-training programs for adult
      cochlear implant recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computerized, home-based auditory-training programs could be
      attractive to cochlear implant (CI) recipients who cannot obtain direct intensive
      training services and also to busy clinicians who would like to enable CI
      recipients to benefit from these programs. However, it is difficult for either
      group to know which of the many programs available might best suit individual
      needs. PURPOSE: Selecting a computerized home-based program can be challenging
      because each offers different features. This article provides an overview of
      currently available programs to help clinicians and recipients choose one that is
      most suitable. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: A narrative literature review and an
      advanced Google search of Web sites linked to auditory-training programs were
      conducted. This overview builds on and updates information from previous
      literature. RESULTS: Nine computerized, home-based auditory-training programs
      were identified for overview. Twenty-nine information items and features for each
      of the nine programs are presented, categorized by general product and purchase
      information, design features of the training paradigm, and auditory and
      communication targets. CONCLUSIONS: This article provides a descriptive overview
      of computerized, home-based auditory-training programs for the use of clinicians,
      CI recipients, researchers, and hearing aid users.

PMID- 25126688
TI  - Comment regarding Hannula et al, 2011.

PMID- 25126689
TI  - Response to Dobie.

PMID- 25126691
TI  - Relationship between conductive hearing loss and maxillary constriction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between conductive hearing loss and
      maxillary constriction. METHOD: A total of 120 people, aged from 7 to 40 years,
      who were referred to an audiologist when taking out health insurance or for
      school pre-registration check-up, were selected for this study. A total of 60
      participants who had hearing threshold levels greater than 15 dB in both ears
      were chosen as the conductive hearing loss group. The remaining 60, with normal
      hearing thresholds of less than 15 dB, were used as the control group. All
      participants were referred to an orthodontic clinic. Participants who had a
      posterior crossbite and high palatal vault were considered to suffer from
      maxillary constriction. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between
      the sex ratios and mean ages of the groups. However, participants with conductive
      hearing loss were 3.5 times more likely than controls to suffer from maxillary
      constriction. CONCLUSION: Patients who suffer from conductive hearing loss are
      likely to show a maxillary abnormality when examined by an orthodontist.

PMID- 25126692
TI  - Prevalence of altered passive eruption in orthodontically treated and untreated
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some authors have reported that after orthodontic treatment (OT), a
      "gummy smile" might develop. Nevertheless, there are no studies in the literature
      that investigate whether OT increases the presence of altered passive eruption
      (APE). The primary aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the
      prevalence of APE after OT (OT group) and compare it with patients who never
      received OT (control group). A secondary aim is to identify which variables are
      related to APE. METHODS: The study population consisted of 190 patients (95
      patients each in the control and OT groups), providing 1,140 anterior teeth for
      the clinical examination. The following clinical parameters were assessed:
      presence or absence of APE, clinical crown length, and gingival biotype, which
      was divided into three categories: thin-scalloped, thick-flat, and thick
      scalloped. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (29.5%) were diagnosed with APE in the
      control group and 40 (42.1%) in the OT group, although this difference was not
      statistically significant (P = 0.07). Furthermore, 34 (75.6%) patients with thick
      flat biotype were diagnosed with APE, whereas 30 (31.3%) and four (8.2%) with
      thick-scalloped and thin-scalloped biotypes, respectively, had APE. These
      differences were statistically significant (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It was
      concluded that: 1) the prevalence of APE is higher after OT but not to a
      statistically significant degree and 2) APE is more common in individuals with a
      thick-flat gingival biotype.

PMID- 25126693
TI  - Glycated albumin and calprotectin levels in gingival crevicular fluid from
      patients with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a high prevalence of
      periodontitis. Periodontitis in these patients is characterized by severe
      inflammation and tissue breakdown, and its diagnosis is important for cures of
      periodontitis and DM. The purpose of this study is to investigate the levels of
      glycated albumin (GA), a DM marker, and calprotectin, an inflammatory marker, in
      gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from patients with periodontitis and DM (DM-P).
      METHODS: The 78 participants in this study were patients with DM, chronic
      periodontitis (CP), DM-P, and healthy individuals (H). GCF and blood were
      collected, and GA and calprotectin in GCF were analyzed using Western blotting
      and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels were compared among H, DM, CP, and
      DM-P groups. Blood GA and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured, and the
      correlation among GCF GA and blood HbA1c or GA levels was investigated. Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for GCF GA to predict DM was performed.
      RESULTS: GA was identified in GCF, and its amount/concentration in GCF samples
      from DM and DM-P were significantly higher than those of non-DM groups (H and
      CP). Calprotectin amounts in GCF from CP and DM-P were significantly higher than
      in H and DM groups. GCF GA level was positively correlated with blood HbA1c and
      GA level. ROC analysis of GCF GA showed an optimal cutoff value to predict DM.
      CONCLUSIONS: GA showed a high level in GCF from patients with DM. Examination of
      GA and calprotectin in GCF may be useful for predicting DM-P.

PMID- 25126695
TI  - Stress Reactivity in Insomnia.
AB  - This study examined whether individuals with primary insomnia (PI) are more
      reactive to stress than good sleepers (GS). PI and GS (n = 20 per group), matched
      on gender and age, completed three nights of polysomnography. On the stress
      night, participants received a mild electric shock and were told they could
      receive additional shocks during the night. Saliva samples were obtained for
      analysis of cortisol and alpha amylase along with self-report and visual analog
      scales (VAS). There was very little evidence of increased stress on the stress
      night, compared to the baseline night. There was also no evidence of greater
      stress reactivity in the PI group for any sleep or for salivary measures. In the
      GS group, stress reactivity measured by VAS scales was positively associated with
      an increase in sleep latency in the experimental night on exploratory analyses.
      Individuals with PI did not show greater stress reactivity compared to GS. 

PMID- 25126696
TI  - Carotid artery dissection associated with an elongated hyoid bone.
AB  - A 36-year-old man presented with acute cerebral infarction in the right frontal
      lobe associated with right internal carotid artery dissection (CAD). Enhanced
      computed tomography revealed right greater horn of the hyoid bone in close
      proximity to the right internal carotid artery (ICA). It was speculated that
      mechanical compression of the internal carotid artery by the hyoid bone induced
      by neck rotation was related to ICA dissection. Greater knowledge of the
      association between the hyoid bone and the CAD will lead to increased awareness
      and appropriate diagnosis. 

PMID- 25126694
TI  - Ebselen inhibits hepatitis C virus NS3 helicase binding to nucleic acid and
      prevents viral replication.
AB  - The hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) is both a protease,
      which cleaves viral and host proteins, and a helicase that separates nucleic acid
      strands, using ATP hydrolysis to fuel the reaction. Many antiviral drugs, and
      compounds in clinical trials, target the NS3 protease, but few helicase
      inhibitors that function as antivirals have been reported. This study focuses on
      the analysis of the mechanism by which ebselen (2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3
      one), a compound previously shown to be a HCV antiviral agent, inhibits the NS3
      helicase. Ebselen inhibited the abilities of NS3 to unwind nucleic acids, to bind
      nucleic acids, and to hydrolyze ATP, and about 1 MUM ebselen was sufficient to
      inhibit each of these activities by 50%. However, ebselen had no effect on the
      activity of the NS3 protease, even at 100 times higher ebselen concentrations. At
      concentrations below 10 MUM, the ability of ebselen to inhibit HCV helicase was
      reversible, but prolonged incubation of HCV helicase with higher ebselen
      concentrations led to irreversible inhibition and the formation of covalent
      adducts between ebselen and all 14 cysteines present in HCV helicase. Ebselen
      analogues with sulfur replacing the selenium were just as potent HCV helicase
      inhibitors as ebselen, but the length of the linker between the phenyl and
      benzisoselenazol rings was critical. Modifications of the phenyl ring also
      affected compound potency over 30-fold, and ebselen was a far more potent
      helicase inhibitor than other, structurally unrelated, thiol-modifying agents.
      Ebselen analogues were also more effective antiviral agents, and they were less
      toxic to hepatocytes than ebselen. Although the above structure-activity
      relationship studies suggest that ebselen targets a specific site on NS3, we were
      unable to confirm binding to either the NS3 ATP binding site or nucleic acid
      binding cleft by examining the effects of ebselen on NS3 proteins lacking key
      cysteines. 

PMID- 25126698
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy and risk factors of the different lacunar syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lacunar syndrome is characterized by pure motor, pure sensory, or
      sensorimotor hemisymptoms without cortical deficits. It may be less predictable
      for a lacunar infarct (LI) than previously believed. The aims of the present
      study were to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the different lacunar syndromes
      and investigate factors associated with acute LI on diffusion-weighted imaging
      (DWI). METHODS: Consecutive patients presenting with an acute lacunar syndrome
      who were admitted to the stroke unit were enrolled. The patients were examined
      clinically and underwent magnetic resonance imaging. The sensitivity and
      specificity of the different lacunar syndromes were assessed using DWI as
      reference test, and we estimated positive and negative predictive values.
      Patients were divided into a LI group and a group without LI. Between-group
      differences were analyzed by chi(2) test, t test, and Mann-Whitney U test, as
      appropriate. Logistic regression was performed to analyze predictors of LI.
      Candidate variables were pure motor syndrome, age, gender, hypertension,
      precerebral or intracerebral stenosis, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, coronary
      heart disease, and smoking. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients with lacunar syndrome
      underwent DWI. The positive predictive value of the lacunar syndrome was 65.1%
      and 75% for the pure motor syndrome. Of the candidate variables, only pure motor
      syndrome and male gender had significant associations with LI on imaging.
      CONCLUSIONS: The clinical diagnosis of patients with lacunar syndromes is
      inaccurate, especially among patients with sensorimotor syndrome. DWI is
      mandatory for obtaining an accurate diagnosis of the infarct.

PMID- 25126697
TI  - Recurrence in intracranial atherosclerotic disease: a stenosis-based analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is a common cause of stroke; its
      incidence and prevalence vary widely by ethnicity. The aim of our study was to
      analyze the recurrence rate of cerebrovascular events in patients with
      symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial stenosis (IS). METHODS: We conducted a
      historical cohort study including all patients admitted in our hospital for
      stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) during 2011 and 2012 with information
      on intracranial circulation (ultrasonography and/or computed tomography
      angiography). We identified patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic IS and
      studied the recurrence of cerebrovascular events (TIA or ischemic stroke within
      the territory of the stenosis) for a minimum follow-up period of 6 months after
      the diagnosis of IS. For the recurrence rate estimation, patients with other
      potentially embolic diseases (in cervical arteries or heart) were excluded. We
      calculated the rate of recurrence of cerebrovascular events and performed Kaplan
      Meier survival curves for symptomatic and asymptomatic IS. RESULTS: We
      investigated 1302 patients, mean age was 72.41 years (standard deviation 12.75).
      We identified 218 IS in 158 patients, 77 were symptomatic and 141 were
      asymptomatic. The recurrence rate of cerebrovascular events was 12.32 per 100
      patient-years, with a mean time to recurrence of 1.73 months for symptomatic
      intracranial stenosis (SIS) and .88 per 100 patient-years for asymptomatic IS (P
      < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a high risk of early recurrence of
      stroke in the territory of a SIS, highlighting the importance of its early
      diagnosis and aggressive treatment.

PMID- 25126699
TI  - Fatal intracranial hemorrhage after intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute
      ischemic stroke associated with cancer-related nonbacterial thrombotic
      endocarditis.
AB  - Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is associated with hypercoagulability
      in patients with inflammatory states such as cancer and autoimmune diseases.
      Cardiac vegetations caused by NBTE often lead to life-threatening systemic
      thromboembolism that most frequently affects the brain, spleen, and kidneys. A 54
      year-old woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer suddenly developed back pain and
      left hemiparesis. Although intravenous alteplase (rt-PA) therapy was administered
      to treat hyperacute ischemic infarction detected by magnetic resonance imaging,
      intracranial hemorrhage occurred in the left hemisphere several hours later as
      the patient started to lose consciousness. Transthoracic echocardiography then
      detected aseptic vegetations on the mitral and aortic valves, indicating NBTE
      associated with ovarian cancer. Because therapies for NBTE are limited to
      heparinization and control of underlying diseases, thrombolytic therapy for acute
      embolic stroke in NBTE has not yet been validated. We postulated that
      thrombolytic therapy for cancer-related NBTE might easily cause hemorrhagic
      complications because cancer-related NBTE is often similar to the state of
      disseminated intravascular coagulation. 

PMID- 25126700
TI  - Screening of the GPX3 gene identifies the "T" allele of the SNP -861A/T as a risk
      for ischemic stroke in young Asian Indians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deficiency of plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx-3) has been
      associated with platelet-dependent thrombosis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) in the promoter region of GPX3 gene have been found associated with the
      risk for ischemic stroke in Caucasian populations. The aim of our present study
      was to evaluate the impact of genetic variations in the GPX3 gene and plasma GPx
      3 antigen levels on ischemic stroke in young Asian Indians. METHODS: One hundred
      patients with ischemic stroke and 200 age- and sex-matched controls were studied.
      Genetic analysis for the study population was done by a combination of variant
      screening using single-stranded conformation polymorphism and final genotyping by
      polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and allele
      specific polymerase chain reactions. Plasma GPx-3 antigen levels were evaluated
      using commercial kits. Data were analyzed using genetic analysis software and
      statistical tools. RESULTS: Significantly higher GPx-3 levels were observed in
      controls compared with patients (controls 26.37 +/- 3.66 MUg/mL and patients
      22.83 +/- 4.57 MUg/mL, P < .001). Only the SNP -861A/T was found associated with
      stroke phenotype (P < .0001). The SNP -568T/C was observed to significantly
      influence plasma GPx-3 levels (P < .05). The haplotype carrying the risk "T"
      allele of SNP -861A/T was significantly over-represented in patients with stroke
      (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The T allele of -861A/T is a risk allele for the
      ischemic stroke phenotype. The -861A/T and -568T/C SNPs may show a statistically
      significant association with both plasma GPx-3 antigen levels and the stroke
      phenotype in a larger sample size.

PMID- 25126701
TI  - Relevance of Health Knowledge in Reporting Maternal Health Complications and Use
      of Maternal Health Care in India.
AB  - We measured levels of women's health knowledge and their association with the
      reporting of maternal health complications and related health care use. We found
      that women with higher levels of health knowledge reported more pregnancy and
      postnatal complications, and used more maternal health care services. Education
      has a positive impact on health, but education alone is not enough to ensure
      recognizing and reporting of health complications and increasing the demand for
      maternal health care services. We conclude that the provision of health education
      for women will help them to identify maternal health complications and improve
      their reporting and related health care use. 

PMID- 25126702
TI  - Anesthesia complications as a childbirth patient safety indicator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has established
      multiple sets of indicators for quality monitoring and improvement. One such set
      is the patient safety indicators (PSIs), which focuses on potentially preventable
      hospital complications after surgeries, procedures, and childbirth. Our objective
      in this study was to determine the prevalence of childbirth-related anesthesia
      complications by method of delivery and to evaluate the variation in complication
      rates across hospitals using the AHRQ PSI methodology and a modification specific
      to childbirth with the goal of determining the relevance of tracking anesthesia
      complications as a potential PSI for childbirth. METHODS: The technical
      specifications of the experimental Anesthesia Complication Quality Indicator, one
      of the PSI defined by AHRQ, were modified to create a childbirth-specific
      indicator that included all childbirth admissions (vaginal and cesarean
      deliveries) and complications from general and neuraxial anesthesia/analgesia.
      Using California hospital discharge data, we calculated hospital-specific rates,
      adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and pregnancy complications. RESULTS: A total
      of 508,842 deliveries occurred in 254 hospitals in California in 2009. Hospitals
      with <200 annual deliveries (N = 12) were excluded from analyses. Among 242
      hospitals, the rate of anesthesia complications was 0.13% for the standard AHRQ
      study population (adult surgical admissions, which included cesarean deliveries).
      The childbirth-specific rate of anesthesia complications was 0.31%. When
      stratified by method of delivery, complication rates were 0.49% for cesarean
      delivery and 0.22% for vaginal delivery (P < 0.0001). The unadjusted mean (SD)
      was 0.34% (0.34%), with range (0%-2.46%). The rates of 13 hospitals (including
      their 95% confidence limits) remained in the upper quartile as outliers, with
      adjusted rates from 0.52% to 2.13%. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of childbirth-related
      anesthesia complications may provide an opportunity to identify hospitals with
      extreme rates that may provide insights into systematic ways to improve patient
      safety.

PMID- 25126703
TI  - Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta inhibition prevents remifentanil-induced
      postoperative hyperalgesia via regulating the expression and function of AMPA
      receptors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have confirmed that brief remifentanil exposure can
      enhance pain sensitivity. We previously reported that activation of glycogen
      synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) contributes to remifentanil-induced
      hyperalgesia via regulating N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor plasticity in the
      spinal dorsal horn. In this study, we demonstrated that GSK-3beta inhibition
      prevented remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia via regulating alpha
      amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) expression
      and function in the spinal dorsal horn. METHODS: Using a rat model of
      remifentanil-induced incision hyperalgesia, mechanical and thermal pain was
      tested 1 day before infusion and 2 hours, 6 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days,
      and 7 days after infusion. Western blot analysis was used to detect AMPAR subunit
      (GluR1 and GluR2) trafficking, AMPAR phosphorylation status, and GSK-3beta
      activity in the spinal dorsal horn. Furthermore, whole-cell patch-clamp recording
      was used to analyze the effect of GSK-3beta inhibition on AMPAR-induced current
      in the spinal dorsal horn. RESULTS: Membrane AMPAR subunit GluR1 was upregulated
      in the spinal cord in remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia rats (275
      +/- 36.54 [mean +/- SD] vs 100 +/- 9.53, P = 0.0009). Selective GSK-3beta
      inhibitors, LiCl and TDZD, treatment ameliorates remifentanil-induced
      postoperative hyperalgesia, and this was associated with the downregulated GluR1
      subunit in the membrane fraction (254 +/- 23.51 vs 119 +/- 14.74, P = 0.0027; 254
      +/- 23.51 vs 124 +/- 9.35, P = 0.0032). Moreover, remifentanil incubation
      increased the amplitude and the frequency of AMPAR-induced current in dorsal horn
      neurons (61.09 +/- 9.34 pA vs 32.56 +/- 6.44 pA, P = 0.0009; 118.32 +/- 20.33
      milliseconds vs 643.67 +/- 43.29 milliseconds, P = 0.0002), which was prevented
      with the application of LiCl and TDZD, respectively. Remifentanil-induced
      postoperative pain induced an increase in pGluR1 Ser845 and Rab5, which was
      prevented with the application of LiCl and TDZD. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      indicate that amelioration of remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia by
      GSK-3beta inhibition is attributed to downregulated AMPAR GluR1 expression in the
      membrane fraction and inhibition of AMPAR function via altering pGluR1 and Rab5
      expression in the spinal dorsal horn.

PMID- 25126704
TI  - What epidural opioid results in the best analgesia outcomes and fewest side
      effects after surgery?: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidural opioids are widely used for central neuraxial blockade and
      postoperative analgesia. However, differences in analgesic efficacy and side
      effect rates among individual opioids remain controversial. METHODS: We conducted
      a random-effects meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared at
      least 2 continuous epidural infusions for acute postoperative analgesia over at
      least 24 hours. Individual study data were weighted by the inverse-variance
      method. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were the primary outcome. Secondary
      outcomes included opioid side effects, such as pruritus, postoperative nausea and
      vomiting (PONV), sedation, hypotension, and respiratory depression. RESULTS:
      Nineteen of the 24 trials included compared 2 of the following opioids: morphine,
      fentanyl, or sufentanil. The total subjects studied were 1513. Pooled analysis by
      type of surgery showed no clinically significant differences in VAS pain scores
      at any time after surgery. There were more PONV (OR = 1.91; 95% CI, 1.14-3.18; P
      = 0.014) and perhaps pruritus (OR = 1.64; 95% CI, 0.98-2.76; P = 0.162) with
      morphine compared to fentanyl. Total opioid consumption differed only in the
      trials comparing morphine and fentanyl, where patients in the morphine group
      required 1.2 mg (of morphine equivalent) less (95% CI, 0.27-2.18). Use of
      analgesic adjuncts was similar for all but 2 studies. CONCLUSIONS: Analgesic
      outcome, in terms of VAS pain score, was similar between the epidural opioids
      studied. These similarities in analgesia may reflect the common practices of
      concurrently using epidural local anesthetics with the opioids and titrating
      infusion rates according to a patient's pain status. With respect to side
      effects, the incidence of PONV and possibly pruritus was higher with morphine
      compared with fentanyl, despite there being similar total opioid consumption
      between those groups.

PMID- 25126705
TI  - Hypersensitivity reactions to intravenous lipid emulsion in swine: relevance for
      lipid resuscitation studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reports in the recent experimental literature have provided
      contradicting results in different animal species regarding the efficacy of IV
      lipid emulsion (ILE) in the reversal of cardiovascular and central nervous system
      symptoms of local anesthetic and other lipophilic drug overdoses. In particular,
      ILE seemed to be effective in rats, rabbits, dogs, and humans, but not in swine,
      for which it not only failed to reverse the adverse effects of anesthetics, but
      the animals also developed a generalized cutaneous mottling or a dusky appearance
      immediately after ILE, suggestive of another type of toxicity. The latter
      symptoms arise in complement (C) activation-related pseudoallergy, a
      hypersensitivity reaction to particulate drugs and agents. METHODS: Ten Yorkshire
      swine (15-20 kg) were sedated with ketamine and anesthetized with isoflurane. ILE
      1.5 and 5 mL/kg 20% was administered via the ear vein while pulmonary arterial
      pressure, systemic arterial blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and end-tidal CO2
      were recorded continuously. Thromboxane was measured in blood collected at
      baseline and 2 and 10 minutes after injections. Complement activation by lipid
      emulsion was also assessed in vitro with soluble terminal complement complex
      (SC5b-9) and sheep red blood cell assays. RESULTS: Significant increases were
      observed in the pulmonary pressure (median [interquartile range]) within minutes
      after the administration of ILE, both at doses 1.5 and 5 mL/kg (15 [12-16.5] to
      18.5 [16-20] mm Hg, P = 0.0058 and 15.5 [13-17.25] to 39.5 [30.5-48.5],
      respectively). The systemic arterial blood pressure increased, and the heart rate
      decreased after both injections. Thromboxane B2 concentration (median
      [interquartile range]) in the blood plasma increased from a baseline of 617.3
      [412.4-920] to 1132 [597.9-1417] pg/mL (P = 0.0055) and from 1276 [1200-2581] to
      4046 [2946-8442] pg/mL (P = 0.0017) after the administration of 1.5 and 5 mL/kg
      ILE, respectively. Intralipid did not cause in vitro complement activation in
      human serum. CONCLUSIONS: ILE causes clinically significant hemodynamic changes
      in pigs, in concert with significant increases in the plasma thromboxane
      concentration. However, the in vitro tests did not confirm involvement of the
      complement system in human sera, leaving the underlying mechanism of these
      findings in doubt. Nonetheless, the observed hemodynamic and biochemical effects
      of ILE serve as a caveat that the pig is not an ideal model for the study of
      interventions involving ILE.

PMID- 25126706
TI  - Hybrid nanoparticles by step-growth Sonogashira coupling in disperse systems.
AB  - Organic/inorganic hybrid nanoparticles were prepared by a Sonogashira
      miniemulsion polymerization of dibromo aryl and diethynyl aryl monomers and
      modified titanium dioxide and cadmium selenide nanocrystals, respectively. The
      poly(arylene ethynylene) microstructure and polymerization rates, as reflected by
      monomer reactivity, decisively impact whether inorganic guest particles can be
      trapped to afford a uniform distribution within a newly formed polymer particle
      or phase separate. This issue was found to be more critical for the TiO2 rods
      studied here. To this end, the compatibility of the organic and inorganic
      portions could be improved substantially by the incorporation of functional
      groups that bind the inorganic surface to the polymer via an appropriate
      termonomer. This concept, in combination with rapid particle formation via a
      postpolymerization dispersion of a premade poly(arylene ethynylene)/TiO2
      composite as an alternative technique, yielded composite particles with a high
      loading of the inorganic nanoparticles. 

PMID- 25126708
TI  - Role of atrial natriuretic Peptide in oxytocin induced cardioprotection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether endogenous atrial
      natriuretic peptide (ANP) contributes to the protective effect of
      neurohypophysial hormone oxytocin (OT) in heart preconditioning. METHODS: Sprague
      Dawley male rats were subjected to 25 min regional ischaemia and 120 min
      reperfusion and were divided into eight groups. Oxytocin or an equivalent volume
      of saline was administrated intraperitoneally, 30 min before ischaemia. The OT
      receptor antagonist (atosiban), ANP receptor antagonist (anantin) and nitric
      oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) were injected 10 min before OT. In other
      groups, atosiban, anantin and L-NAME were only administered 40 min prior to
      ischaemia. RESULTS: Compared with the ischaemia/reperfusion group (I/R),
      alterations in infarct size, biochemical parameters [LDH (lactate dehydrogenase),
      CK-MB (creatine kinase-MB), MDA (malondialdehyde) plasma levels] and severity of
      ventricular arrhythmia due to I/R injury were attenuated and VF was abolished by
      OT treatment. These OT effects were eliminated by OT and ANP receptor blockers
      and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, but anantin did not reverse the effect of OT
      in lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate an important
      contributory role of ANP in the OT induced protection in myocardial ischaemia
      reperfusion. OT also reduced lipid peroxidation with a NO-dependent mechanism.

PMID- 25126707
TI  - Metabolic phenotyping reveals a lipid mediator response to ionizing radiation.
AB  - Exposure to ionizing radiation has dramatically increased in modern society,
      raising serious health concerns. The molecular response to ionizing radiation,
      however, is still not completely understood. Here, we screened mouse serum for
      metabolic alterations following an acute exposure to gamma radiation using a
      multiplatform mass-spectrometry-based strategy. A global, molecular profiling
      revealed that mouse serum undergoes a series of significant molecular alterations
      following radiation exposure. We identified and quantified bioactive metabolites
      belonging to key biochemical pathways and low-abundance, oxygenated,
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the two groups of animals. Exposure to
      gamma radiation induced a significant increase in the serum levels of ether
      phosphatidylcholines (PCs) while decreasing the levels of diacyl PCs carrying
      PUFAs. In exposed mice, levels of pro-inflammatory, oxygenated metabolites of
      arachidonic acid increased, whereas levels of anti-inflammatory metabolites of
      omega-3 PUFAs decreased. Our results indicate a specific serum lipidomic
      biosignature that could be utilized as an indicator of radiation exposure and as
      novel target for therapeutic intervention. Monitoring such a molecular response
      to radiation exposure might have implications not only for radiation pathology
      but also for countermeasures and personalized medicine. 

PMID- 25126709
TI  - [Myxoid/round cell liposarcoma of the brachial plexus].
AB  - Myxoid/round cell liposarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma that is extremely rare in
      the brachial plexus. We report a case of a myxoid/round cell liposarcoma
      originating in the brachial plexus that was surgically resected and evolved well,
      with no deficit or recurrence after 2 years of follow-up. To date, there has been
      no other case of this sarcoma in the literature. 

PMID- 25126710
TI  - [Endovascular versus surgical treatment in subarachnoid haemorrhage: Cost
      analysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyse costs of endovascular versus surgical treatment in 80
      patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      We analysed data on 80 consecutive patients with aSAH between January 2010 and
      June 2011. Endovascular treatment was used in 57 patients and surgical in 23
      patients. Demographic (gender and age) and clinical data (Hunt-Hess and Fisher
      scales), length of stay (ICU and ward) and results at 6 months (Glasgow outcome
      scale,[GOS]) were collected. Costs including stay, follow-up, complications and
      retreatments were calculated. RESULTS: Age was higher in the endovascular group
      (statistically significant). There were no differences between the 2 groups in
      Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales. Results at 6 months were also similar, although
      slightly better in the surgical group. Length of stay was longer in surgical
      patients, both in ICU (mean 1.4 days) and ward (1.7 days). Hospitalisation length
      was also related to age and Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales. Costs from embolisation
      devices, follow-up and retreatment (12% in this series) made final endovascular
      treatment 4.1% more expensive than surgical treatment (?35,835 versus ?34,404).
      Endovascular procedure (including retreatments) was 110% more expensive than
      surgical treatment (?8,015 versus ?3,817). CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences
      between the 2 treatments in terms of morbidity and mortality. Stability of
      surgical treatment was higher than that of endovascular, with better occlusion
      and lower retreatment rates. Endovascular treatment is more expensive in ruptured
      aneurysms, principally due to embolisation device costs, long-term follow-up and
      retreatments, in retreatments, in spite of shorter hospital stay. In incidental
      aneurysms, which usually need shorter hospitalisation, differences between the 2
      treatments could be even larger.

PMID- 25126711
TI  - Detection of parasitic plant suicide germination compounds using a high
      throughput Arabidopsis HTL/KAI2 strigolactone perception system.
AB  - Strigolactones are terpenoid-based plant hormones that act as communication
      signals within a plant, between plants and fungi, and between parasitic plants
      and their hosts. Here we show that an active enantiomer form of the strigolactone
      GR24, the germination stimulant karrikin, and a number of structurally related
      small molecules called cotylimides all bind the HTL/KAI2 alpha/beta hydrolase in
      Arabidopsis. Strigolactones and cotylimides also promoted an interaction between
      HTL/KAI2 and the F-box protein MAX2 in yeast. Identification of this chemically
      dependent protein-protein interaction prompted the development of a yeast-based,
      high-throughput chemical screen for potential strigolactone mimics. Of the 40
      lead compounds identified, three were found to have in planta strigolactone
      activity using Arabidopsis-based assays. More importantly, these three compounds
      were all found to stimulate suicide germination of the obligate parasitic plant
      Striga hermonthica. These results suggest that screening strategies involving
      yeast/Arabidopsis models may be useful in combating parasitic plant infestations.

PMID- 25126712
TI  - Catalyst design in oxidation chemistry; from KMnO4 to artificial metalloenzymes.
AB  - Oxidation reactions are an important part of the synthetic organic chemist's
      toolkit and continued advancements have, in many cases, resulted in high yields
      and selectivities. This review aims to give an overview of the current state-of
      the-art in oxygenation reactions using both chemical and enzymatic processes, the
      design principles applied to date and a possible future in the direction of
      hybrid catalysts combining the best of chemical and natural design. 

PMID- 25126713
TI  - Inhibitory effects of p-alkylaminophenol on melanogenesis.
AB  - Melanin protects the skin against ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is produced in excess
      by UV radiation, which causes skin disorders and pigmentation. Retinoic acid (RA)
      decreases the levels of epidermal melanin by suppressing the expression of
      melanogenic enzymes including tyrosinase, which is the rate-limiting enzyme in
      melanin synthesis. However, RA shows inflammatory effects on the skin. In an
      effort to develop potent inhibitors of melanin synthesis, new aminophenol
      derivatives were synthesized based on structure-activity relationship studies of
      N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (1), a derivative of RA. We investigated the
      inhibitory effects of a series of aminophenols on melanogenesis using B16
      melanoma cells. p-Decylaminophenol (3) was the most potent agent examined,
      showing significant inhibition of B16 tyrosinase activities at concentrations
      less than what was required to achieve a similar level of inhibition by the well
      known tyrosinase inhibitor, kojic acid. Compound 3 decreased melanin content and
      inhibited protein and mRNA expression for the tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP
      1). It also inhibited the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF),
      a master transcription factor in melanogenesis. Compound 3 suppressed MEK/ERK
      signal pathways involved in the activation and expression of MITF. The data
      indicate that 3 inhibits TRP-1 expression by decreasing MITF expression through
      suppressing MEK/ERK signal pathways. This results in the reduction of melanin in
      B16 cells. Compound 3 might be an alternative to RA as a potent inhibitor of
      melanogenesis. 

PMID- 25126714
TI  - Design, stereoselective synthesis, configurational stability and biological
      activity of 7-chloro-9-(furan-3-yl)-2,3,3a,4-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[e]pyrrolo[2,1
      c][1,2,4]thiadiazine 5,5-dioxide.
AB  - Chiral 5-arylbenzothiadiazine derivatives have recently attracted particular
      attention because they exhibit an interesting pharmacological activity as AMPA
      receptor (AMPAr) positive modulators. However, investigations on their
      configurational stability suggest a rapid enantiomerization in physiological
      conditions. In order to enhance configurational stability, preserving AMPAr
      activity, we have designed the novel compound (R,S)-7-chloro-9-(furan-3-yl)
      2,3,3a,4-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[e]pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,2,4]thiadiazine 5,5-dioxide
      bearing a pyrrolo moiety coupled with the 5-(furan-3-yl) substituent on
      benzothiadiazine core. A stereoselective synthesis was projected to obtain single
      enantiomer of the latter compound. Absolute configuration was assigned by X-ray
      crystal structure. Patch clamp experiments evaluating the activity of single
      enantiomers as AMPAr positive allosteric modulator showed that R stereoisomer is
      the active component. Molecular modeling studies were performed to explain
      biological results. An on-column stopped-flow bidimensional recycling HPLC
      procedure was applied to obtain on a large scale the active enantiomer with
      enantiomeric enrichment starting from the racemic mixture of the compound. 

PMID- 25126715
TI  - Mechanical compression insults induce nanoscale changes of membrane-skeleton
      arrangement which could cause apoptosis and necrosis in dorsal root ganglion
      neurons.
AB  - In a primary spinal cord injury, the amount of mechanical compression insult that
      the neurons experience is one of the most critical factors in determining the
      extent of the injury. The ultrastructural changes that neurons undergo when
      subjected to mechanical compression are largely unknown. In the present study,
      using a compression-driven instrument that can simulate mechanical compression
      insult, we applied mechanical compression stimulation at 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 MPa to
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons for 10 min. Combined with atomic force
      microscopy, we investigated nanoscale changes in the membrane-skeleton,
      cytoskeleton alterations, and apoptosis induced by mechanical compression injury.
      The results indicated that mechanical compression injury leads to rearrangement
      of the membrane-skeleton compared with the control group. In addition, mechanical
      compression stimulation induced apoptosis and necrosis and also changed the
      distribution of the cytoskeleton in DRG neurons. Thus, the membrane-skeleton may
      play an important role in the response to mechanical insults in DRG neurons.
      Moreover, sudden insults caused by high mechanical compression, which is most
      likely conducted by the membrane-skeleton, may induce necrosis, apoptosis, and
      cytoskeletal alterations.

PMID- 25126718
TI  - Trachelorraphy in cases of recurrent second trimester loss and prior failed
      vaginal cerclage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the obstetric results of trachelorraphy in the prevention
      of recurrent second trimester loss in cases of prior failed vaginal cerclage.
      STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively from medical
      records. The analysis examined data for 18 women who underwent trachelorraphy
      between 2004 and 2013 at a tertiary referral unit in France. All patients in this
      high-risk population had a history of two or more second trimester losses, or one
      second trimester loss and one preterm labour, and at least one prior failed
      transvaginal cerclage. The main outcome measures were: livebirth rate; rate of
      second trimester loss; and surgical complications. RESULTS: Twenty pregnancies
      were conceived in 16 patients following trachelorraphy. Three patients
      experienced two pregnancies. Among the 20 pregnancies, there was one case of
      fetal loss in the first trimester; this pregnancy was excluded from the analysis.
      Of the remaining 19 pregnancies, there were nine (47%) term deliveries (after 37
      weeks of gestation), seven (32%) preterm deliveries and three (16%) second
      trimester losses. The overall fetal survival rate was 84%. Surgical outcomes were
      excellent, with no complications. CONCLUSION: Trachelorraphy is a safe,
      reproducible, easy-to-learn procedure for the prevention of recurrent second
      trimester loss in cases of prior failed vaginal cerclage. The procedure has
      encouraging and favourable perinatal outcomes in patients with a poor obstetric
      history.

PMID- 25126716
TI  - Characterization of long non-coding RNA transcriptome in clear-cell renal cell
      carcinoma by next-generation deep sequencing.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) have proven to play key roles in cell
      physiology from nuclear organization and epigenetic remodeling to post
      transcriptional regulation. Last decade, gene expression based-classifications
      have been developed in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) to identify
      distinct subtypes of disease and predict patient's outcome. However, there are no
      current lncRNA comprehensive characterizations in ccRCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      RNA-sequencing profiles of 475 primary ccRCC samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas
      (TCGA) were used to assess expressed lncRNA and identify lncRNA-based
      classification. In addition, integrative analysis was performed to correlate
      tumor subtypes with copy-number alterations and somatic mutations. RESULTS: Using
      stringent criteria, we identified 1934 expressed lncRNA and assessed their
      chromatin marks. Unsupervised clustering unravels four lncRNA subclasses in ccRCC
      associated with distinct clinicopathological and genomic features of this
      disease. Cluster C2 (23.4%) defines the most aggressive tumours, with the highest
      Fuhrman grade and stage and the worst overall survival time. Furthermore, cluster
      C2 is enriched for 9p deletion and chromatin remodeler BAP1 somatic mutations.
      Interestingly, cluster C4 (7.8%) is related to a tumor subtype arising from the
      distal tubules of the nephron. Consistent with its distinct ontogeny, cluster C4
      is devoid of classical alterations seen in ccRCC, bears frequent 1p deletion and
      17q gain, and is enriched for MiTF/TFE translocations. In addition,
      reexaminations of copy-number data from one side and tumor histology by
      pathologists from the other side reveal misclassified tumors within C4 cluster
      including chromophobe RCC and clear cell papillary RCC. CONCLUSION: This study
      establishes a foundation for categorizing lncRNA subclasses, which may contribute
      to understand tumor ontogeny and help predicting patients' outcome in ccRCC.

PMID- 25126717
TI  - The extent of diffusion MRI markers of neuroinflammation and white matter
      deterioration in chronic schizophrenia.
AB  - In a previous study we have demonstrated, using a novel diffusion MRI analysis
      called free-water imaging, that the early stages of schizophrenia are more likely
      associated with a neuroinflammatory response and less so with a white matter
      deterioration or a demyelination process. What is not known is how
      neuroinflammation and white matter deterioration change along the progression of
      the disorder. In this study we apply the free-water measures on a population of
      29 chronic schizophrenia subjects and compare them with 25 matching controls. Our
      aim was to compare the extent of free-water imaging abnormalities in chronic
      subjects with the ones previously obtained for subjects at their first psychotic
      episode. We find that chronic subjects showed a limited extent of abnormal
      increase in the volume of the extracellular space, suggesting a less extensive
      neuroinflammatory response relative to patients at the onset of schizophrenia. At
      the same time, the chronic schizophrenia subjects had greater extent of reduced
      fractional anisotropy compared to the previous study, suggesting increased white
      matter deterioration along the progression of the disease. Our findings
      substantiate the role of neuroinflammation in the earlier stages of the disorder,
      and the effect of neurodegeneration that is worsening in the chronic phase.

PMID- 25126719
TI  - [Neonatal enterovirus infections reported in France in 2012].
AB  - Enteroviruses (EVs) are among the most common viruses infecting humans. One-third
      of EV infections affect children under 1 year of age. Neonatal EV infections lead
      to a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild febrile illness to severe,
      potentially fatal sepsis-like conditions with multiorgan failure. EV detections
      by serotype are reported by the National Reference Centre for EV Infections Lyon
      on a monthly basis. Demographic, clinical, and biological data were also
      collected in neonates hospitalized in 2012 for EV infection. Two subgroups were
      identified according to the beginning of symptoms: until 8 days of life (D8) or
      strictly after D8. There were 120 neonatal EV infections. Before D8, children
      with severe infection were born more prematurely with a low birth weight. The EVs
      most commonly detected in neonates were CV-B4 and E-11. Risk factors for severe
      EV infections included liver (73% before D8) and hematological damage
      (thrombocytopenia, 82%; coagulopathy, 64% before D8). This study suggests that
      systematic serotyping of neonatal EV infections and biological monitoring of
      liver function could be useful for early identification of children at high risk
      of clinical severity and fatality.

PMID- 25126720
TI  - Post-appendectomy surgical site infection rate after using an antimicrobial film
      incise drape: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An appendectomy is a contaminated or potentially dirty surgical
      procedure that can be associated with surgical site infection (SSI). METHODS: A
      single-center unblinded prospective cohort study examined the role of
      antimicrobial incise film drapes in lowering the rate of SSI after appendectomy.
      Any patient aged 12 years or older who was scheduled for open appendectomy for
      acute appendicitis was included. Patients were assigned to two groups. Group 1
      (n=52) had the standard five-minute skin preparation with 10% povidone-iodine
      soap followed by the application of an antimicrobial film incise drape, and group
      2 (n=39) had the standard skin preparation alone. RESULTS: Six (11.5%) of the 52
      patients who had the antimicrobial film incise drape and two (5.1%) of the 39
      patients who did not have the drape developed SSI (p=NS). Of the six patients in
      the antimicrobial film group with post-operative SSI, three had a perforated
      appendix, two had a gangrenous appendix, and one had an inflamed appendix. In
      group 2, one patient had an inflamed appendix and the other had a perforated
      appendix. The median length of stay in the hospital was two days (range 1-11
      days) for both groups. CONCLUSION: Our study did not support the view that
      antimicrobial film incise drapes can lower the rate of post-appendectomy SSI.
      Moreover, the length of stay was not minimized by the use of these drapes.

PMID- 25126722
TI  - The community structure of the global corporate network.
AB  - We investigate the community structure of the global ownership network of
      transnational corporations. We find a pronounced organization in communities that
      cannot be explained by randomness. Despite the global character of this network,
      communities reflect first of all the geographical location of firms, while the
      industrial sector plays only a marginal role. We also analyze the meta-network in
      which the nodes are the communities and the links are obtained by aggregating the
      links among firms belonging to pairs of communities. We analyze the network
      centrality of the top 50 communities and we provide a quantitative assessment of
      the financial sector role in connecting the global economy. 

PMID- 25126721
TI  - Effects of 28Si ions, 56Fe ions, and protons on the induction of murine acute
      myeloid leukemia and hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Estimates of cancer risks posed to space-flight crews by exposure to high atomic
      number, high-energy (HZE) ions are subject to considerable uncertainty because
      epidemiological data do not exist for human populations exposed to similar
      radiation qualities. We assessed the carcinogenic effects of 300 MeV/n 28Si or
      600 MeV/n 56Fe ions in a mouse model for radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia
      and hepatocellular carcinoma. C3H/HeNCrl mice were irradiated with 0.1, 0.2, 0.4,
      or 1 Gy of 300 MeV/n 28Si ions, 600 MeV/n 56Fe ions or 1 or 2 Gy of protons
      simulating the 1972 solar particle event (1972SPE) at the NASA Space Radiation
      Laboratory. Additional mice were irradiated with 137Cs gamma rays at doses of 1,
      2, or 3 Gy. All groups were followed until they were moribund or reached 800 days
      of age. We found that 28Si or 56Fe ions do not appear to be substantially more
      effective than gamma rays for the induction of acute myeloid leukemia. However,
      28Si or 56Fe ion irradiated mice had a much higher incidence of hepatocellular
      carcinoma than gamma ray irradiated or proton irradiated mice. These data
      demonstrate a clear difference in the effects of these HZE ions on the induction
      of leukemia compared to solid tumors, suggesting potentially different mechanisms
      of tumorigenesis. Also seen in this study was an increase in metastatic
      hepatocellular carcinoma in the 28Si and 56Fe ion irradiated mice compared with
      those exposed to gamma rays or 1972SPE protons, a finding with important
      implications for setting radiation exposure limits for space-flight crew members.

PMID- 25126723
TI  - The BCL2L1 and PGAM5 axis defines hypoxia-induced receptor-mediated mitophagy.
AB  - Receptor-mediated mitophagy is one of the major mechanisms of mitochondrial
      quality control essential for cell survival. We previously have identified FUNDC1
      as a mitophagy receptor for selectively removing damaged mitochondria in
      mammalian systems. A critical unanswered question is how receptor-mediated
      mitophagy is regulated in response to cellular and environmental cues. Here, we
      report the striking finding that BCL2L1/Bcl-xL, but not BCL2, suppresses
      mitophagy mediated by FUNDC1 through its BH3 domain. Mechanistically, we
      demonstrate that BCL2L1, but not BCL2, interacts with and inhibits PGAM5, a
      mitochondrially localized phosphatase, to prevent the dephosphorylation of FUNDC1
      at serine 13 (Ser13), which activates hypoxia-induced mitophagy. Our results
      showed that the BCL2L1-PGAM5-FUNDC1 axis is critical for receptor-mediated
      mitophagy in response to hypoxia and that BCL2L1 possesses unique functions
      distinct from BCL2. 

PMID- 25126724
TI  - MIR125B1 represses the degradation of the PML-RARA oncoprotein by an autophagy
      lysosomal pathway in acute promyelocytic leukemia.
AB  - Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by the t(15;17)-associated
      PML-RARA fusion gene. We have previously found that MIR125B1 is highly expressed
      in patients with APL and may be associated with disease pathogenesis; however,
      the mechanism by which MIR125B1 exerts its oncogenic potential has not been fully
      elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that MIR125B1 abundance correlates with the PML
      RARA status. MIR125B1 overexpression enhanced PML-RARA expression and inhibited
      the ATRA-induced degradation of the PML-RARA oncoprotein. RNA-seq analysis
      revealed a direct link between the PML-RARA degradation pathway and MIR125B1
      arrested differentiation. We further demonstrated that the MIR125B1-mediated
      blockade of PML-RARA proteolysis was regulated via an autophagy-lysosomal
      pathway, contributing to the inhibition of APL differentiation. Furthermore, we
      identified DRAM2 (DNA-damage regulated autophagy modulator 2), a critical
      regulator of autophagy, as a novel target that was at least partly responsible
      for the function of MIR125B1 involved in autophagy. Importantly, the knockdown
      phenotypes for DRAM2 are similar to the effects of overexpressing MIR125B1 as
      impairment of PML-RARA degradation, inhibition of autophagy, and myeloid cell
      differentiation arrest. These effects of MIR125B1 and its target DRAM2 were
      further confirmed in an APL mouse model. Thus, MIR125B1 dysregulation may
      interfere with the effectiveness of ATRA-mediated differentiation through an
      autophagy-dependent pathway, representing a novel potential APL therapeutic
      target. 

PMID- 25126725
TI  - The nascent polypeptide-associated complex is essential for autophagic flux.
AB  - The ribosome-associated nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC) is involved
      in multiple cotranslational processes, including protein transport into the ER
      and mitochondria, and also acts as a chaperone to assist protein folding. Here we
      demonstrated that NAC is also essential for autophagic degradation of a variety
      of protein aggregates in C. elegans. Loss of function of NAC impairs lysosome
      function, resulting in accumulation of autophagic substrates in enlarged
      autolysosomes. Knockdown of mammalian NAC also causes accumulation of
      nondegradative autolysosomes. Our study revealed that NAC plays an evolutionarily
      conserved role in the autophagy pathway and thus in maintaining protein
      homeostasis under physiological conditions. 

PMID- 25126728
TI  - Human GABARAP can restore autophagosome biogenesis in a C. elegans lgg-1 mutant.
AB  - We recently described in C. elegans embryos, the acquisition of specialized
      functions for orthologs of yeast Atg8 (e.g., mammalian MAP1LC3/LC3) in allophagy,
      a selective and developmentally regulated autophagic process. During the
      formation of double-membrane autophagosomes, the ubiquitin-like Atg8/LC3 proteins
      are recruited to the membrane through a lipidation process. While at least 6
      orthologs and paralogs are present in mammals, C. elegans only possesses 2
      orthologs, LGG-1 and LGG-2, corresponding to the GABARAP-GABARAPL2/GATE-16 and
      the MAP1LC3 families, respectively. During allophagy, LGG-1 acts upstream of LGG
      2 and is essential for autophagosome biogenesis, whereas LGG-2 facilitates their
      maturation. We demonstrated that LGG-2 directly interacts with the HOPS complex
      subunit VPS-39, and mediates the tethering between autophagosomes and lysosomes,
      which also requires RAB-7. In the present addendum, we compared the localization
      of autophagosomes, endosomes, amphisomes, and lysosomes in vps-39, rab-7, and lgg
      2 depleted embryos. Our results suggest that lysosomes interact with
      autophagosomes or endosomes through a similar mechanism. We also performed a
      functional complementation of an lgg-1 null mutant with human GABARAP, its closer
      homolog, and showed that it localizes to autophagosomes and can rescue LGG-1
      functions in the early embryo. 

PMID- 25126730
TI  - Folding into an autophagosome: ATG5 sheds light on how plants do it.
AB  - Autophagosomes arise in yeast and animals from the sealing of a cup-shaped double
      membrane precursor, the phagophore. The concerted action of about 30
      evolutionarily conserved autophagy related (ATG) proteins lies at the core of
      this process. However, the mechanisms allowing phagophore generation and its
      differentiation into a sealed autophagosome are still not clear in detail, and
      very little is known in plants. This is due in part to the scarcity of
      structurally informative, real-time imaging data of ATG proteins at the
      phagophore site. Among these, the ATG5 complex directs anchoring of ATG8 to the
      phagophore, an event required for membrane expansion. Detailed real-time and 3D
      imaging of ATG5, ATG8, and an ER marker at the expanding phagophore allowed us to
      propose a model for autophagosome formation in plants. This model implies tight
      connections of the growing phagophore with the outer face of the cortical
      endoplasmic reticulum and prompts new questions on the mechanism of autophagosome
      biogenesis. 

PMID- 25126729
TI  - Berberine attenuates autophagy in adipocytes by targeting BECN1.
AB  - The lysosomal degradation pathway, autophagy, is essential for the maintenance of
      cellular homeostasis. Recently, autophagy has been demonstrated to be required in
      the process of adipocyte conversion. However, its role in mature adipocytes under
      physiological and pathological conditions remains unclear. Here, we report a
      major function of BECN1 in the regulation of basal autophagy in mature
      adipocytes. We also show that berberine, a natural plant alkaloid, inhibits basal
      autophagy in adipocytes and adipose tissue of mice fed a high-fat diet via
      downregulation of BECN1 expression. We further demonstrate that berberine has a
      pronounced effect on the stability of Becn 1 mRNA through the Mir30 family. These
      findings explore the potential of BECN1 as a key molecule and a drug target for
      regulating autophagy in mature adipocytes. 

PMID- 25126726
TI  - FLCN, a novel autophagy component, interacts with GABARAP and is regulated by
      ULK1 phosphorylation.
AB  - Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant condition caused by
      mutations in the FLCN gene and characterized by benign hair follicle tumors,
      pneumothorax, and renal cancer. Folliculin (FLCN), the protein product of the
      FLCN gene, is a poorly characterized tumor suppressor protein, currently linked
      to multiple cellular pathways. Autophagy maintains cellular homeostasis by
      removing damaged organelles and macromolecules. Although the autophagy kinase
      ULK1 drives autophagy, the underlying mechanisms are still being unraveled and
      few ULK1 substrates have been identified to date. Here, we identify that loss of
      FLCN moderately impairs basal autophagic flux, while re-expression of FLCN
      rescues autophagy. We reveal that the FLCN complex is regulated by ULK1 and
      elucidate 3 novel phosphorylation sites (Ser406, Ser537, and Ser542) within FLCN,
      which are induced by ULK1 overexpression. In addition, our findings demonstrate
      that FLCN interacts with a second integral component of the autophagy machinery,
      GABA(A) receptor-associated protein (GABARAP). The FLCN-GABARAP association is
      modulated by the presence of either folliculin-interacting protein (FNIP)-1 or
      FNIP2 and further regulated by ULK1. As observed by elevation of GABARAP,
      sequestome 1 (SQSTM1) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3
      (MAP1LC3B) in chromophobe and clear cell tumors from a BHD patient, we found that
      autophagy is impaired in BHD-associated renal tumors. Consequently, this work
      reveals a novel facet of autophagy regulation by ULK1 and substantially
      contributes to our understanding of FLCN function by linking it directly to
      autophagy through GABARAP and ULK1. 

PMID- 25126727
TI  - Autophagy in microglia degrades extracellular beta-amyloid fibrils and regulates
      the NLRP3 inflammasome.
AB  - Accumulation of beta-amyloid (Abeta) and resultant inflammation are critical
      pathological features of Alzheimer disease (AD). Microglia, a primary immune cell
      in brain, ingests and degrades extracellular Abeta fibrils via the lysosomal
      system. Autophagy is a catabolic process that degrades native cellular
      components, however, the role of autophagy in Abeta degradation by microglia and
      its effects on AD are unknown. Here we demonstrate a novel role for autophagy in
      the clearance of extracellular Abeta fibrils by microglia and in the regulation
      of the Abeta-induced NLRP3 (NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome
      using microglia specific atg7 knockout mice and cell cultures. We found in
      microglial cultures that Abeta interacts with MAP1LC3B-II via OPTN/optineurin and
      is degraded by an autophagic process mediated by the PRKAA1 pathway. We
      anticipate that enhancing microglial autophagy may be a promising new therapeutic
      strategy for AD. 

PMID- 25126731
TI  - Correlative light and electron microscopy imaging of autophagy in a zebrafish
      infection model.
AB  - High-resolution imaging of autophagy has been used intensively in cell culture
      studies, but so far it has been difficult to visualize this process in detail in
      whole animal models. In this study we present a versatile method for high
      resolution imaging of microbial infection in zebrafish larvae by injecting
      pathogens into the tail fin. This allows visualization of autophagic compartments
      by light and electron microscopy, which makes it possible to correlate images
      acquired by the 2 techniques. Using this method we have studied the autophagy
      response against Mycobacterium marinum infection. We show that mycobacteria
      during the progress of infection are frequently associated with GFP-Lc3-positive
      vesicles, and that 2 types of GFP-Lc3-positive vesicles were observed. The
      majority of these vesicles were approximately 1 MUm in size and in close vicinity
      of bacteria, and a smaller number of GFP-Lc3-positive vesicles was larger in size
      and were observed to contain bacteria. Quantitative data showed that these larger
      vesicles occurred significantly more in leukocytes than in other cell types, and
      that approximately 70% of these vesicles were positive for a lysosomal marker.
      Using electron microscopy, it was found that approximately 5% of intracellular
      bacteria were present in autophagic vacuoles and that the remaining intracellular
      bacteria were present in phagosomes, lysosomes, free inside the cytoplasm or
      occurred as large aggregates. Based on correlation of light and electron
      microscopy images, it was shown that GFP-Lc3-positive vesicles displayed
      autophagic morphology. This study provides a new approach for injection of
      pathogens into the tail fin, which allows combined light and electron microscopy
      imaging in vivo and opens new research directions for studying autophagy process
      related to infectious diseases. 

PMID- 25126732
TI  - Autophagy is required for G1/G0 quiescence in response to nitrogen starvation in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - In response to starvation, cells undergo increased levels of autophagy and cell
      cycle arrest but the role of autophagy in starvation-induced cell cycle arrest is
      not fully understood. Here we show that autophagy genes regulate cell cycle
      arrest in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae during nitrogen starvation.
      While exponentially growing wild-type yeasts preferentially arrest in G1/G0 in
      response to starvation, yeasts carrying null mutations in autophagy genes show a
      significantly higher percentage of cells in G2/M. In these autophagy-deficient
      yeast strains, starvation elicits physiological properties associated with
      quiescence, such as Snf1 activation, glycogen and trehalose accumulation as well
      as heat-shock resistance. However, while nutrient-starved wild-type yeasts finish
      the G2/M transition and arrest in G1/G 00 autophagy-deficient yeasts arrest in
      telophase. Our results suggest that autophagy is crucial for mitotic exit during
      starvation and appropriate entry into a G1/G0 quiescent state.

PMID- 25126735
TI  - A mitochondrial-associated link between an effector caspase and autophagic flux.
AB  - It has become evident that caspases function in nonapoptotic cellular processes
      in addition to the canonical role for caspases in apoptotic cell death. We
      recently demonstrated that the Drosophila effector caspase Dcp-1 localizes to the
      mitochondria and positively regulates starvation-induced autophagic flux during
      mid-oogenesis. Loss of Dcp-1 leads to elongation of the mitochondrial network,
      increased levels of the adenine nucleotide translocase sesB, increased ATP
      levels, and a reduction in autophagy. We found that sesB is a negative regulator
      of autophagic flux, and Dcp-1 interacts with sesB in a nonproteolytic manner to
      regulate its stability, uncovering a novel mechanism of mitochondrial associated,
      caspase-mediated regulation of autophagy in vivo. 

PMID- 25126734
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by tunicamycin and thapsigargin protects
      against transient ischemic brain injury: Involvement of PARK2-dependent
      mitophagy.
AB  - Transient cerebral ischemia leads to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However,
      the contributions of ER stress to cerebral ischemia are not clear. To address
      this issue, the ER stress activators tunicamycin (TM) and thapsigargin (TG) were
      administered to transient middle cerebral artery occluded (tMCAO) mice and oxygen
      glucose deprivation-reperfusion (OGD-Rep.)-treated neurons. Both TM and TG showed
      significant protection against ischemia-induced brain injury, as revealed by
      reduced brain infarct volume and increased glucose uptake rate in ischemic
      tissue. In OGD-Rep.-treated neurons, 4-PBA, the ER stress releasing mechanism,
      counteracted the neuronal protection of TM and TG, which also supports a
      protective role of ER stress in transient brain ischemia. Knocking down the ER
      stress sensor Eif2s1, which is further activated by TM and TG, reduced the OGD
      Rep.-induced neuronal cell death. In addition, both TM and TG prevented PARK2
      loss, promoted its recruitment to mitochondria, and activated mitophagy during
      reperfusion after ischemia. The neuroprotection of TM and TG was reversed by
      autophagy inhibition (3-methyladenine and Atg7 knockdown) as well as Park2
      silencing. The neuroprotection was also diminished in Park2(+/-) mice. Moreover,
      Eif2s1 and downstream Atf4 silencing reduced PARK2 expression, impaired mitophagy
      induction, and counteracted the neuroprotection. Taken together, the present
      investigation demonstrates that the ER stress induced by TM and TG protects
      against the transient ischemic brain injury. The PARK2-mediated mitophagy may be
      underlying the protection of ER stress. These findings may provide a new strategy
      to rescue ischemic brains by inducing mitophagy through ER stress activation. 

PMID- 25126736
TI  - Autophagy deficiency stabilizes TWIST1 to promote epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition.
AB  - The transcription factor TWIST1 is a basic helix-loop-helix protein that
      regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in early embryonic
      morphogenesis, cancer development, and cancer metastasis. The regulation of
      TWIST1 remains poorly understood. Recently, we found that autophagy deficiency
      stabilizes TWIST1 protein through SQSTM1/p62 accumulation. SQSTM1 binds with
      TWIST1 to inhibit TWIST1 degradation in both autophagosomes and proteasomes.
      SQSTM1-mediated TWIST1 stabilization promotes EMT in vitro, and tumor growth and
      metastasis in mice. We propose autophagy as a new mechanism to control the TWIST1
      protein levels and activity in cancer development and progression. 

PMID- 25126737
TI  - HMGB1-dependent and -independent autophagy.
AB  - HMGB1 (high mobility group box 1) is a multifunctional, ubiquitous protein
      located inside and outside cells that plays a critical role in various
      physiological and pathological processes including cell development,
      differentiation, inflammation, immunity, metastasis, metabolism, and death.
      Increasing evidence demonstrates that HMGB1-dependent autophagy promotes
      chemotherapy resistance, sustains tumor metabolism requirements and T cell
      survival, prevents polyglutamine aggregates and excitotoxicity, and protects
      against endotoxemia, bacterial infection, and ischemia-reperfusion injury in
      vitro or in vivo. In contrast, HMGB1 may not be required for autophagy in some
      organs such as the liver and heart. Understanding HMGB1-dependent and 
      independent autophagy in more detail will provide insight into the integrated
      stress response and guide HMGB1-based therapeutic intervention. 

PMID- 25126738
TI  - Positive doping results caused by the single-dose local injection of
      triamcinolone acetonide.
AB  - Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is classified as an S9 glucocorticoid in the 2014
      Prohibited List published by the World Anti-Doping Agency, which caused it to be
      prohibited in-competition when administered orally, intravenously,
      intramuscularly or rectally. The Minimum Required Performance Level (MRPL) for
      the detection and identification of glucocorticoids is 30 ng/mL. Other common
      local injection routes, such as intraarticular, intratendinous, or intrabursal
      injection, are not prohibited. The purpose of this study was to analyze the TA
      and triamcinolone (T) concentrations in urine after a single injection of TA in
      patients to determine if it would produce a positive result. This study was
      performed on 40 patients with sports injuries or joint pains. TA was administered
      locally (doses varied from 12 to 80 mg). Samples were extracted using a solid
      phase extraction column, followed by hydrolysis and liquid extraction using
      diethyl ether. The elution solvents were collected and dried. The dried residue
      was reconstituted and assayed by performing liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in positive ionization mode using electrospray ionization
      and multiple-reaction monitoring as the acquisition mode. The results
      demonstrated that the concentrations of both TA and T in urine exceeded the MRPL
      (30 ng/mL) after a single local injection. We obtained positive results for TA in
      25 patients, and a positive result for T in one patient. Furthermore, the
      metabolic situation of TA, a long-acting glucocorticoid, was not an exact linear
      model. The highest concentrations of TA and T appeared 1-4h after injection. This
      information could be useful for limiting the misuse of TA by athletes. We suggest
      that athletes be aware when using TA injections during a competition period and
      obtain approval for therapeutic use exemption prior to using TA.

PMID- 25126739
TI  - Factors affecting human milk composition.

PMID- 25126740
TI  - Toll-like receptor 9 mediated responses in cardiac fibroblasts.
AB  - Altered cardiac Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) signaling is important in several
      experimental cardiovascular disorders. These studies have predominantly focused
      on cardiac myocytes or the heart as a whole. Cardiac fibroblasts have recently
      been attributed increasing significance in mediating inflammatory signaling.
      However, putative TLR9-signaling through cardiac fibroblasts remains non
      investigated. Thus, our aim was to explore TLR9-signaling in cardiac fibroblasts
      and investigate the consequence of such receptor activity on classical cardiac
      fibroblast cellular functions. Cultivated murine cardiac fibroblasts were
      stimulated with different TLR9 agonists (CpG A, B and C) and assayed for the
      secretion of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFalpha],
      CXCL2 and interferon alpha/beta). Expression of functional cardiac fibroblast
      TLR9 was proven as stimulation with CpG B and -C caused significant CXCL2 and
      TNFalpha-release. These responses were TLR9-specific as complete inhibition of
      receptor-stimulated responses was achieved by co-treatment with a TLR9-antagonist
      (ODN 2088) or chloroquine diphosphate. TLR9-stimulated responses were also found
      more potent in cardiac fibroblasts when compared with classical innate immune
      cells. Stimulation of cardiac fibroblasts TLR9 was also found to attenuate
      migration and proliferation, but did not influence myofibroblast differentiation
      in vitro. Finally, results from in vivo TLR9-stimulation with subsequent
      fractionation of specific cardiac cell-types (cardiac myocytes, CD45+ cells,
      CD31+ cells and cardiac fibroblast-enriched cell-fractions) corroborated our in
      vitro data and provided evidence of differentiated cell-specific cardiac
      responses. Thus, we conclude that cardiac fibroblast may constitute a significant
      TLR9 responder cell within the myocardium and, further, that such receptor
      activity may impact important cardiac fibroblast cellular functions. 

PMID- 25126742
TI  - Single Si nanowire (diameter <= 100 nm) based polarization sensitive near
      infrared photodetector with ultra-high responsivity.
AB  - We report the fabrication and optical response of boron-doped single silicon
      nanowire-based metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector. Typical single nanowire
      devices with diameter of ~80-100 nm and electrode spacing of ~1 MUm were made
      using electron-beam lithography from nanowires, grown by a metal-assisted
      chemical etching process. A high responsivity, of the order of 10(4) A W(-1), was
      observed even at zero bias in a single nanowire photodetector with peak
      responsivity in the near-infrared region. The responsivity was found to increase
      with increasing bias and decreasing nanowire diameter. Finite element based
      optical simulation was proposed to explain the diameter dependent performance of
      a single nanowire. The observed photoresponse is sensitive to the polarization of
      exciting light source, allowing the device to act as a polarization-dependent
      near-infrared photodetector. 

PMID- 25126741
TI  - Clinical outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty performed with the VisuMax
      femtosecond laser system and comparison with conventional penetrating
      keratoplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the clinical outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted
      keratoplasty (FLAK) using the VisuMax femtosecond laser system, and to compare
      them with those of conventional penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: We
      retrospectively examined 20 eyes of 20 consecutive patients undergoing FLAK and
      20 eyes of 20 age- and diagnosis-matched patients undergoing conventional PK. We
      quantitatively assessed corneal astigmatism, refractive astigmatism, and
      corrected visual acuity, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, and endothelial cell
      density 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Corneal and refractive astigmatism
      after FLAK were significantly lower after FLAK than that after conventional PK at
      3 and 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively, Mann-Whitney
      U test). FLAK provided significantly faster visual recovery than conventional PK
      at 1 month postoperatively (p = 0.02), but not at 3 and 6 months postoperatively
      (p = 0.52 and p = 0.80, respectively). We found no significant differences in the
      change in endothelial cell density between the two groups (p = 0.30).
      CONCLUSIONS: FLAK using the VisuMax femtosecond laser system induces
      significantly less corneal and refractive astigmatism than conventional PK, and
      provides significantly faster visual recovery in the early postoperative period,
      possibly because the geometry of the donor-recipient matching is more
      physiological and requires less tight sutures. It is suggested that FLAK has
      advantages over conventional PK, in terms of astigmatism and fast visual
      recovery.

PMID- 25126743
TI  - Epigenetic inactivation of inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase B (INPP4B), a
      regulator of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in EBV-associated nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common viral-associated neoplasm in which
      multiple signaling cascades are interfered with by Epstein-Bar virus (EBV) latent
      proteins and various genetic alterations. Aside from the previously reported
      PIK3CA amplification, we examined the role of INPP4B, a negative regulator of the
      PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the development of NPC. By RT-PCR and Western
      blotting, we revealed that the expression of INPP4B was down-regulated in all
      five established EBV-positive tumor lines. While INPP4B was consistently
      expressed in normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells, downregulation of INPP4B was
      found in 32/65 (49.2%) of primary tumors by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore,
      our study also demonstrated the hypermethylation of the 5'CpG island of INPP4B in
      the tumors in which INPP4B transcription was downregulated. Notably, the re
      expression of INPP4B was detected in the NPC cells treated with the demethylation
      agent (5-aza-2'deoxycytidine). Our study showed that promoter hypermethylation
      was the major mechanism for transcriptional silencing of INPP4B in NPC.
      Furthermore, restoration of INPP4B expression significantly suppressed PI3K/AKT
      downstream signals in the NPC C666-1 cells. In vivo growth inhibition was clearly
      demonstrated in the tumor cells stably expressing INPP4B. The findings indicate
      that epigenetic inactivation of INPP4B is one of the key mechanisms in activating
      PI3K/AKT signaling cascade and playing a role in the tumorigenesis of NPC. 

PMID- 25126744
TI  - De novo assembly of the perennial ryegrass transcriptome using an RNA-Seq
      strategy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perennial ryegrass is a highly heterozygous outbreeding grass species
      used for turf and forage production. Heterozygosity can affect de-Bruijn graph
      assembly making de novo transcriptome assembly of species such as perennial
      ryegrass challenging. Creating a reference transcriptome from a homozygous
      perennial ryegrass genotype can circumvent the challenge of heterozygosity. The
      goals of this study were to perform RNA-sequencing on multiple tissues from a
      highly inbred genotype to develop a reference transcriptome. This was
      complemented with RNA-sequencing of a highly heterozygous genotype for SNP
      calling. RESULT: De novo transcriptome assembly of the inbred genotype created
      185,833 transcripts with an average length of 830 base pairs. Within the inbred
      reference transcriptome 78,560 predicted open reading frames were found of which
      24,434 were predicted as complete. Functional annotation found 50,890 transcripts
      with a BLASTp hit from the Swiss-Prot non-redundant database, 58,941 transcripts
      with a Pfam protein domain and 1,151 transcripts encoding putative secreted
      peptides. To evaluate the reference transcriptome we targeted the high-affinity
      K+ transporter gene family and found multiple orthologs. Using the longest unique
      open reading frames as the reference sequence, 64,242 single nucleotide
      polymorphisms were found. One thousand sixty one open reading frames from the
      inbred genotype contained heterozygous sites, confirming the high degree of
      homozygosity. CONCLUSION: Our study has developed an annotated, comprehensive
      transcriptome reference for perennial ryegrass that can aid in determining
      genetic variation, expression analysis, genome annotation, and gene mapping.

PMID- 25126745
TI  - T cell IFN-gamma suppression following alcohol and burn injury is independent of
      miRNA155.
AB  - miRNA155 has been implicated in normal T cell function and their differentiations
      into the Th1 subtype. We have shown that acute alcohol (ethanol) intoxication
      combined with burn injury suppresses T cell IFN-gamma release. Herein, we
      examined whether the decrease in IFN-gamma is resulted from altered expression of
      miRNA155 and transcription factors--NFAT, Tbx21, Jun and Fos--in T cells
      following ethanol and burn injury. Mice received ethanol (~3 g/Kg) 4 hours prior
      to ~12.5% total body surface area sham or burn injury and were sacrificed one day
      after injury. Splenic T cells were harvested and cultured with anti-CD3 (2 ug/ml)
      in the presence or absence of rIL-12 (10 ng/ml) or PMA (10 ng/ml) plus ionomycin
      (50 ng/ml) for 48 hours. We observed a significant decrease in miRNA155, NFAT,
      Tbx21, Jun and Fos expression as well as IFN-gamma release in T cells cultured
      with anti-CD3 following ethanol and burn injury compared with shams. The co
      treatment of T cells with rIL-12 prevented the decrease in IFN-gamma and NFAT,
      Tbx21, Jun and Fos, but not miRNA155. In contrast, the co-treatment with PMA plus
      ionomycin normalized the expression of NFAT. It did not prevent the decrease in
      IFN-gamma, Tbx21, Jun, Fos and miRNA155. Finally, results obtained in miRNA155-/-
      mice did not show any change in T cell release of IFN-gamma or expression of
      nuclear factors compared to wildtype mice. Together, these findings suggest that
      while ethanol and burn injury decreases the expression of miRNA155, it may not be
      involved in decreased IFN-gamma under those conditions.

PMID- 25126746
TI  - Do cells contribute to tendon and ligament biomechanics?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acellular scaffolds are increasingly used for the surgical repair
      of tendon injury and ligament tears. Despite this increased use, very little data
      exist directly comparing acellular scaffolds and their native counterparts. Such
      a comparison would help establish the effectiveness of the acellularization
      procedure of human tissues. Furthermore, such a comparison would help estimate
      the influence of cells in ligament and tendon stability and give insight into the
      effects of acellularization on collagen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen human
      iliotibial tract samples were obtained from nine body donors. Nine samples were
      acellularized with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), while nine counterparts from
      the same donors remained in the native condition. The ends of all samples were
      plastinated to minimize material slippage. Their water content was adjusted to
      69%, using the osmotic stress technique to exclude water content-related
      alterations of the mechanical properties. Uniaxial tensile testing was performed
      to obtain the elastic modulus, ultimate stress and maximum strain. The
      effectiveness of the acellularization procedure was histologically verified by
      means of a DNA assay. RESULTS: The histology samples showed a complete removal of
      the cells, an extensive, yet incomplete removal of the DNA content and
      alterations to the extracellular collagen. Tensile properties of the tract
      samples such as elastic modulus and ultimate stress were unaffected by
      acellularization with the exception of maximum strain. DISCUSSION: The data
      indicate that cells influence the mechanical properties of ligaments and tendons
      in vitro to a negligible extent. Moreover, acellularization with SDS alters
      material properties to a minor extent, indicating that this method provides a
      biomechanical match in ligament and tendon reconstruction. However, the given
      protocol insufficiently removes DNA. This may increase the potential for
      transplant rejection when acellular tract scaffolds are used in soft tissue
      repair. Further research will help optimize the SDS-protocol for clinical
      application.

PMID- 25126747
TI  - Increased expression of CCN2, epithelial membrane antigen, and fibroblast
      activation protein in hepatocellular carcinoma with fibrous stroma showing
      aggressive behavior.
AB  - Tumor behavior is affected by the tumor microenvironment, composed of cancer
      associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Meanwhile, hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) with
      fibrous stroma reportedly exhibit aggressive behavior suggestive of tumor-stroma
      interaction. However, evidence of the crosstalk remains unclear. In this study,
      CCN2, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), fibroblast activation protein (FAP), and
      keratin 19 (K19) expression was studied in 314 HCCs (cohort 1), 42 scirrhous HCCs
      (cohort 2), and 36 chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis specimens by immunohistochemistry.
      Clinicopathological parameters were analyzed according to the expressions of
      these markers. In tumor epithelial cells from cohort 1, CCN2 and EMA were
      expressed in 15.3% and 17.2%, respectively, and their expressions were more
      frequent in HCCs with fibrous stroma (>=5% of tumor area) than those without
      (P<0.05 for all); CCN2 expression was well correlated with K19 and EMA
      expression. In tumor stromal cells, FAP expression was found in 6.7%. In cohort
      2, CCN2, EMA, and FAP expression was noted in 40.5%, 40.5%, and 66.7%,
      respectively, which was more frequent than that in cohort 1 (P<0.05 for all).
      Additionally, EMA expression was associated with the expression of K19, CCN2, and
      FAP (P<0.05 for all); EMA expressing tumor epithelial cells showed a topographic
      closeness to FAP-expressing CAFs. Analysis of disease-free survival revealed CCN2
      expression to be a worse prognostic factor in both cohort 1 (P = 0.005) and
      cohort 2 (P = 0.023), as well as EMA as a worse prognostic factor in cohort 2 (P
      = 0.048). In conclusion, expression of CCN2, EMA, and FAP may be involved in the
      activation of CAFs in HCC, giving rise to aggressive behavior. Significant
      correlation between EMA-expressing tumor cells and FAP-expressing CAFs and their
      topographic closeness suggests possible cross-talk between tumor epithelial cells
      and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment of HCC. 

PMID- 25126749
TI  - MafA is required for postnatal proliferation of pancreatic beta-cells.
AB  - The postnatal proliferation and maturation of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta
      cells are critical for glucose metabolism and disease development in adults.
      Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying these events will be
      beneficial to direct the differentiation of stem cells into functional beta
      cells. Maturation of beta-cells is accompanied by increased expression of MafA,
      an insulin gene transcription factor. Transcriptome analysis of MafA knockout
      islets revealed MafA is required for the expression of several molecules critical
      for beta-cell function, including Glut2, ZnT8, Granuphilin, Vdr, Pcsk1 and
      Urocortin 3, as well as Prolactin receptor (Prlr) and its downstream target
      Cyclin D2 (Ccnd2). Inhibition of MafA expression in mouse islets or beta-cell
      lines resulted in reduced expression of Prlr and Ccnd2, and MafA transactivated
      the Prlr promoter. Stimulation of beta-cells by prolactin resulted in the
      phosphorylation and translocation of Stat5B and an increased nuclear pool of
      Ccnd2 via Prlr and Jak2. Consistent with these results, the loss of MafA resulted
      in impaired proliferation of beta-cells at 4 weeks of age. These results suggest
      that MafA regulates the postnatal proliferation of beta-cells via prolactin
      signaling. 

PMID- 25126752
TI  - Attentional cueing by cross-modal congruency produces both facilitation and
      inhibition on short-term visual recognition.
AB  - The attentional modulation of performance in a memory task, comparable to the one
      obtained in a perceptual task, is at the focus of contemporary research. We
      hypothesized that a biphasic effect (namely, facilitation followed by inhibition)
      can be obtained in visual working memory when attention is cued towards one item
      of the memorandum and participants must recognize a delayed probe as being
      identical to any item of the memorandum. In every trial, a delayed spiky/curvy
      probe appeared centrally, to be matched with the same-category shape maintained
      in visual working memory which could be either physically identical (positive
      trials) or only categorically similar (negative trials). To orient the
      participant's attention towards a selected portion of a two-item memorandum, a
      (tzk/wow) sound was played simultaneously with two lateral visual shapes (one
      spiky and one curved). Our results indicate that an exogenous attentional shift
      during perception of the memorandum, induced by a congruent audio-visual pairing,
      first facilitates and then inhibits the recognition of a cued item (but not of a
      non-cued item) stored in visual working memory. A coherent pattern of individual
      differences emerged, indicating that the amount of early facilitation in
      congruent-sound trials was negatively correlated with recognition sensitivity in
      no-sound trials (suggesting that the inverse effectiveness rule may also apply to
      memory) and positively correlated with later inhibition, as well as with the self
      reported susceptibility to memory failures.

PMID- 25126753
TI  - A correlative approach to segmenting phases and ferrite morphologies in
      transformation-induced plasticity steel using electron back-scattering
      diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
AB  - Using a combination of electron back-scattering diffraction and energy dispersive
      X-ray spectroscopy data, a segmentation procedure was developed to
      comprehensively distinguish austenite, martensite, polygonal ferrite, ferrite in
      granular bainite and bainitic ferrite laths in a thermo-mechanically processed
      low-Si, high-Al transformation-induced plasticity steel. The efficacy of the
      ferrite morphologies segmentation procedure was verified by transmission electron
      microscopy. The variation in carbon content between the ferrite in granular
      bainite and bainitic ferrite laths was explained on the basis of carbon
      partitioning during their growth. 

PMID- 25126750
TI  - Inhibition of HMGB1-induced angiogenesis by cilostazol via SIRT1 activation in
      synovial fibroblasts from rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - High mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB-1) released from injured
      cells plays an important role in the development of arthritis. This study
      investigated the anti-angiogenic effects of cilostazol in collagen-induced
      arthritis (CIA) of mice, and the underlying mechanisms involved. The expressions
      of HIF-1alpha, VEGF, NF-kappaB p65 and SIRT1 in synovial fibroblasts obtained
      from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were assessed by Western blotting, and in
      vitro and in vivo angiogenesis were analyzed. Tube formations by human
      microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) were significantly increased by direct
      exposure to HMGB1 or to conditioned medium derived from HMGB1-stimulated RA
      fibroblasts, and these increases were attenuated by cilostazol, the latter of
      which was blocked by sirtinol. HMGB1 increased the expression of HIF-1alpha and
      VEGF and concomitantly increased nuclear NF-kappaB p65 and DNA binding activity,
      but these effects of HMGB1 were inhibited by cilostazol. SIRT1 protein expression
      was time-dependently decreased (3-24 hr) by HMGB1, which was recovered by
      pretreatment with cilostazol (1-30 uM) or resveratrol, accompanying with
      increased SIRT1 deacetylase activity. In the tibiotarsal joint tissues of CIA
      mice treated with vehicle, HIF-1alpha- and VEGF-positive spots and CD31 staining
      were markedly exaggerated, whereas SIRT1 immunofluorescence was diminished. These
      variables were wholly reversed in cilostazol (30 mg/kg/day)-treated mice.
      Furthermore, number of blood vessels stained by von Willebrand factor antibody
      was significantly lower in cilostazol-treated CIA mice. Summarizing, cilostazol
      activated SIRT1 and inhibited NF-kappaB-mediated transcription, thereby
      suppressing the expression of HIF-1alpha and VEGF. In addition, cilostazol caused
      HIF-1alpha deacetylation by enhancing SIRT1 activity and reduced VEGF production,
      thereby had an anti-angiogenic effect in vitro studies and in CIA murine model. 

PMID- 25126755
TI  - Overview of research on the mental health impact of violence in the Middle East
      in light of the Arab Spring.
AB  - This is a baseline of published research in the trauma field by Arab researchers.
      It highlights groundbreaking attempts by Arab researchers to investigate the
      mental health impact of violence in their countries before the Arab Spring. Peer
      reviewed articles (N = 157) were identified through computerized searches in
      PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and Pilots Database, 1995 to 2012. A synopsis
      of the published research included (a) country, (b) screening instruments, (c)
      sample size, (d) methods, and (e) results. The findings reveal that domestic
      violence attracted most attention after civil strife in Palestine and Lebanon.
      Torture survivors and victims of sexual violence received little attention. Study
      instruments were borrowed from Western researchers without being validated within
      local Arab cultures. No clinical outcome studies were found. In light of the Arab
      Spring, it is urgent that Arab researchers conduct studies that are evidence
      based and culturally valid addressing the mental health care of all traumatized
      citizens.

PMID- 25126754
TI  - Prevalence and predictors of mental disorders in intentionally and
      unintentionally injured emergency center patients.
AB  - Little is known about the prevalence and predictors of mental disorders among
      injured emergency center (EC) patients in low- and middle-income countries
      (LMICs). Patients presenting with either an intentional or unintentional injury
      were recruited (N = 200). Mental health, injury, and psychological trauma
      histories were assessed. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were
      conducted, and predictors of current mental disorder were identified. Diagnostic
      criteria for a current mental disorder, including substance use disorders, were
      met by 59.5% of the participants. Compared with those with an unintentional
      injury, the intentionally injured participants were more likely to be diagnosed
      with a current mental disorder (66.9% vs. 48.8%, p = .01). High frequencies of
      previous intentional injuries predicted for current mental disorder (OR = 1.46,
      95% CI 1.08-1.98), whereas male gender and witnessed community violence predicted
      substance use disorder diagnoses. The findings indicate that injured EC patients,
      particularly those with intentional injuries, are at risk for mental disorders.
      Psychosocial interventions in the EC context can potentially make an important
      contribution in reducing the burden of mental disorders and injuries in LMICs. 

PMID- 25126756
TI  - Aquatic metagenomes implicate Thaumarchaeota in global cobalamin production.
AB  - Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is a complex metabolite and essential cofactor required
      by many branches of life, including most eukaryotic phytoplankton. Algae and
      other cobalamin auxotrophs rely on environmental cobalamin supplied from a
      relatively small set of cobalamin-producing prokaryotic taxa. Although several
      Bacteria have been implicated in cobalamin biosynthesis and associated with algal
      symbiosis, the involvement of Archaea in cobalamin production is poorly
      understood, especially with respect to the Thaumarchaeota. Based on the detection
      of cobalamin synthesis genes in available thaumarchaeotal genomes, we
      hypothesized that Thaumarchaeota, which are ubiquitous and abundant in aquatic
      environments, have an important role in cobalamin biosynthesis within global
      aquatic ecosystems. To test this hypothesis, we examined cobalamin synthesis
      genes across sequenced thaumarchaeotal genomes and 430 metagenomes from a diverse
      range of marine, freshwater and hypersaline environments. Our analysis
      demonstrates that all available thaumarchaeotal genomes possess cobalamin
      synthesis genes, predominantly from the anaerobic pathway, suggesting widespread
      genetic capacity for cobalamin synthesis. Furthermore, although bacterial
      cobalamin genes dominated most surface marine metagenomes, thaumarchaeotal
      cobalamin genes dominated metagenomes from polar marine environments, increased
      with depth in marine water columns, and displayed seasonality, with increased
      winter abundance observed in time-series datasets (e.g., L4 surface water in the
      English Channel). Our results also suggest niche partitioning between
      thaumarchaeotal and cyanobacterial ribosomal and cobalamin synthesis genes across
      all metagenomic datasets analyzed. These results provide strong evidence for
      specific biogeographical distributions of thaumarchaeotal cobalamin genes,
      expanding our understanding of the global biogeochemical roles played by
      Thaumarchaeota in aquatic environments. 

PMID- 25126757
TI  - Viruses accumulate in aging infection centers of a fungal forest pathogen.
AB  - Fungal viruses (mycoviruses) with RNA genomes are believed to lack extracellular
      infective particles. These viruses are transmitted laterally among fungal strains
      through mycelial anastomoses or vertically via their infected spores, but little
      is known regarding their prevalence and patterns of dispersal under natural
      conditions. Here, we examined, in detail, the spatial and temporal changes in a
      mycovirus community and its host fungus Heterobasidion parviporum, the most
      devastating fungal pathogen of conifers in the Boreal forest region. During the 7
      year sampling period, viruses accumulated in clonal host individuals as a result
      of indigenous viruses spreading within and between clones as well as novel
      strains arriving via airborne spores. Viral community changes produced pockets of
      heterogeneity within large H. parviporum clones. The appearance of novel viral
      infections in aging clones indicated that transient cell-to-cell contacts between
      Heterobasidion strains are likely to occur more frequently than what was inferred
      from genotypic analyses. Intraspecific variation was low among the three
      partitivirus species at the study site, whereas the unassigned viral species
      HetRV6 was highly polymorphic. The accumulation of point mutations during
      persistent infections resulted in viral diversification, that is, the presence of
      nearly identical viral sequence variants within single clones. Our results also
      suggest that co-infections by distantly related viral species are more stable
      than those between conspecific strains, and mutual exclusion may play a role in
      determining mycoviral communities. 

PMID- 25126758
TI  - Disturbance and temporal partitioning of the activated sludge metacommunity.
AB  - The resilience of microbial communities to press disturbances and whether
      ecosystem function is governed by microbial composition or by the environment
      have not been empirically tested. To address these issues, a whole-ecosystem
      manipulation was performed in a full-scale activated sludge wastewater treatment
      plant. The parameter solids retention time (SRT) was used to manipulate microbial
      composition, which started at 30 days, then decreased to 12 and 3 days, before
      operation was restored to starting conditions (30-day SRT). Activated sludge
      samples were collected throughout the 313-day time series in parallel with
      bioreactor performance ('ecosystem function'). Bacterial small subunit (SSU) rRNA
      genes were surveyed from sludge samples resulting in a sequence library of
      >417,000 SSU rRNA genes. A shift in community composition was observed for 12-
      and 3-day SRTs. The composition was altered such that r-strategists were enriched
      in the system during the 3-day SRT, whereas K-strategists were only present at
      SRTs?12 days. This shift corresponded to loss of ecosystem functions
      (nitrification, denitrification and biological phosphorus removal) for SRTs?12
      days. Upon return to a 30-day SRT, complete recovery of the bioreactor
      performance was observed after 54 days despite an incomplete recovery of
      bacterial diversity. In addition, a different, yet phylogenetically related,
      community with fewer of its original rare members displaced the pre-disturbance
      community. Our results support the hypothesis that microbial ecosystems harbor
      functionally redundant phylotypes with regard to general ecosystem functions
      (carbon oxidation, nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus accumulation).
      However, the impacts of decreased rare phylotype membership on ecosystem
      stability and micropollutant removal remain unknown.

PMID- 25126759
TI  - Aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae) inhibits
      enzymatic and biological actions of Bothrops jararaca snake venom.
AB  - Snakebites are a serious public health problem due their high morbi-mortality.
      The main available specific treatment is the antivenom serum therapy, which has
      some disadvantages, such as poor neutralization of local effects, risk of
      immunological reactions, high cost and difficult access in some regions. In this
      context, the search for alternative therapies is relevant. Therefore, the aim of
      this study was to evaluate the antiophidic properties of Jatropha gossypiifolia,
      a medicinal plant used in folk medicine to treat snakebites. The aqueous leaf
      extract of the plant was prepared by decoction and phytochemical analysis
      revealed the presence of sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes and/or
      steroids and proteins. The extract was able to inhibit enzymatic and biologic
      activities induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom in vitro and in vivo. The
      blood incoagulability was efficiently inhibited by the extract by oral route. The
      hemorrhagic and edematogenic local effects were also inhibited, the former by up
      to 56% and the latter by 100%, in animals treated with extract by oral and
      intraperitoneal routes, respectively. The inhibition of myotoxic action of B.
      jararaca reached almost 100%. According to enzymatic tests performed, it is
      possible to suggest that the antiophidic activity may be due an inhibitory action
      upon snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) and/or serine proteinases (SVSPs),
      including fibrinogenolytic enzymes, clotting factors activators and thrombin like
      enzymes (SVTLEs), as well upon catalytically inactive phospholipases A2 (Lys49
      PLA2). Anti-inflammatory activity, at least partially, could also be related to
      the inhibition of local effects. Additionally, protein precipitating and
      antioxidant activities may also be important features contributing to the
      activity presented. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the potential
      antiophidic activity of J. gossypiifolia extract, including its significant
      action upon local effects, suggesting that it may be used as a new source of
      bioactive molecules against bothropic venom. 

PMID- 25126760
TI  - Targeted disruption of the intracellular domain of receptor FgfrL1 in mice.
AB  - FgfrL1 is the fifth member of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (Fgfr)
      family. Studies with FgfrL1 deficient mice have demonstrated that the gene plays
      an important role during embryonic development. FgfrL1 knock-out mice die at
      birth as they have a malformed diaphragm and lack metanephric kidneys. Similar to
      the classical Fgfrs, the FgfrL1 protein contains an extracellular part composed
      of three Ig-like domains that interact with Fgf ligands and heparin. However, the
      intracellular part of FgfrL1 is not related to the classical receptors and does
      not possess any tyrosine kinase activity. Curiously enough, the amino acid
      sequence of this domain is barely conserved among different species, with the
      exception of three motifs, namely a dileucine peptide, a tandem tyrosine-based
      motif YXXPhi and a histidine-rich sequence. To investigate the function of the
      intracellular domain of FgfrL1, we have prepared genetically modified mice that
      lack the three conserved sequence motifs, but instead contain a GFP cassette
      (FgfrL1DeltaC-GFP). To our surprise, homozygous FgfrL1DeltaC-GFP knock-in mice
      are viable, fertile and phenotypically normal. They do not exhibit any
      alterations in the diaphragm or the kidney, except for a slight reduction in the
      number of glomeruli that does not appear to affect life expectancy. In addition,
      the pancreas of both FgfrL1DeltaC-GFP knock-in and FgfrL1 knock-out mice do not
      show any disturbances in the production of insulin, in contrast to what has been
      suggested by recent studies. Thus, the conserved motifs of the intracellular
      FgfrL1 domain are dispensable for organogenesis and normal life. We conclude that
      the extracellular domain of the protein must conduct the vital functions of
      FgfrL1. 

PMID- 25126762
TI  - Malignant self-regard: a self-structure enhancing the understanding of
      masochistic, depressive, and vulnerably narcissistic personalities.
AB  - Several personality disorders have been prominent in the clinical literature but
      have been inadequately recognized in the diagnostic manuals. This group includes
      masochistic, self-defeating, depressive, and vulnerably narcissistic personality
      disorders. The theoretical and empirical relationship of these disorders is
      reviewed. It is proposed that the construct of malignant self-regard may account
      for the similarities among them. The construct describes these personality types
      as being fundamentally related through problematic manifestations of self
      structure. The article discusses the diagnostic value of such a construct and the
      implications of a psychodynamically informed framework for classifying
      personality pathology.

PMID- 25126763
TI  - Disordered self in the schizophrenia spectrum: a clinical and research
      perspective.
AB  - This article explores the phenomenological and empirical rediscovery of anomalous
      self-experience as a core feature of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders and
      presents the current status of research in this field. Historically, a disordered
      self was considered to be a constitutive phenotype of schizophrenia. Although the
      notion of a disordered self has continued to appear occasionally over the years
      mainly in the phenomenologically or psychodynamically oriented literature-this
      notion was usually considered as a theoretical construct rather than as referring
      to concretely lived anomalous experiences. Empirical research on the disorders of
      self-experience in schizophrenia can be traced back to the US-Denmark
      psychopathological collaboration in the well-known adoption and high-risk
      studies, which aimed at identifying trait or phenotypic vulnerability features.
      This research was later followed by clinical work with first-admission
      schizophrenia patients. We offer clinical descriptions of anomalous self
      experience and outline the phenomenological structures of subjectivity that are
      needed for grasping the nature of these anomalous experiential phenomena. What
      appears to underlie these experiences is an instability of the first-person
      perspective that threatens the basic experience of being a self-coinciding,
      embodied, demarcated, and persisting subject of awareness. We summarize a series
      of empirical studies targeting self-experience in schizophrenia performed prior
      to and after the construction of a phenomenologically oriented psychometric
      instrument for assessing anomalies of self-experience, the Examination of
      Anomalous Self-Experience (EASE). These empirical studies support the classic
      clinical intuition that anomalous self-experiences form a central phenotype of
      schizophrenia. Implications for diagnosis and research are briefly discussed.

PMID- 25126761
TI  - Validity of heart failure diagnoses in administrative databases: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Heart failure (HF) is an important covariate and outcome in studies of
      elderly populations and cardiovascular disease cohorts, among others.
      Administrative data is increasingly being used for long-term clinical research in
      these populations. We aimed to conduct the first systematic review and meta
      analysis of studies reporting on the validity of diagnostic codes for identifying
      HF in administrative data. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (inception
      to November 2010) for studies: (a) Using administrative data to identify HF; or
      (b) Evaluating the validity of HF codes in administrative data; and (c) Reporting
      validation statistics (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV],
      negative predictive value, or Kappa scores) for HF, or data sufficient for their
      calculation. Additional articles were located by hand search (up to February
      2011) of original papers. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers;
      article quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy
      Studies tool. Using a random-effects model, pooled sensitivity and specificity
      values were produced, along with estimates of the positive (LR+) and negative (LR
      ) likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR = LR+/LR-) of HF codes.
      RESULTS: Nineteen studies published from 1999-2009 were included in the
      qualitative review. Specificity was >=95% in all studies and PPV was >=87% in the
      majority, but sensitivity was lower (>=69% in >=50% of studies). In a meta
      analysis of the 11 studies reporting sensitivity and specificity values, the
      pooled sensitivity was 75.3% (95% CI: 74.7-75.9) and specificity was 96.8% (95%
      CI: 96.8-96.9). The pooled LR+ was 51.9 (20.5-131.6), the LR- was 0.27 (0.20
      0.37), and the DOR was 186.5 (96.8-359.2). CONCLUSIONS: While most HF diagnoses
      in administrative databases do correspond to true HF cases, about one-quarter of
      HF cases are not captured. The use of broader search parameters, along with
      laboratory and prescription medication data, may help identify more cases.

PMID- 25126766
TI  - Fluorescence fluctuation microscopy: a diversified arsenal of methods to
      investigate molecular dynamics inside cells.
AB  - Fluorescence microscopy provides insight into the subcellular organization of
      biological functions. However, images are snap shots averaging over a highly
      dynamic molecular system. Fluorescence fluctuation microscopy, employing similar
      detection technology, encompasses a powerful arsenal of analysis tools that
      investigate the molecular heterogeneity in space and time. Analyzing signal
      fluctuations from small ensembles (several hundred particles) reveals their
      concentration, the stoichiometry, the stochastic motion, as well as superimposed
      signatures of the environment such as spatial confinement and binding events.
      Thus, fluctuation analysis provides access to dynamic molecular properties that
      can be used to build physical models of cellular processes. In the last decade
      these methods experienced a remarkable diversification, which we revisit here
      with a particular focus on live cell applications. 

PMID- 25126765
TI  - High-speed AFM imaging.
AB  - Proteins are dynamic in nature and function at the single molecule level. To
      achieve a straightforward and in-depth understanding of their underlying
      functional mechanism, we need to directly observe protein molecules at work at
      high resolution, without the use of protein-attached markers. To realize such
      objectives, high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) has been developed and
      recently its capability has been fully established. This approach opens a new
      avenue to directly and closely observe individual molecules at submolecular
      spatial resolution and sub-100 ms time resolution. The captured molecular movies
      of proteins directly report and provide great insights into how the proteins
      function. Moreover, the very recent progress of HS-AFM technology has extended
      its use to the observation of dynamic cellular processes. In this article, I
      review imaging studies to show the innovative power and potential of this new
      microscopy.

PMID- 25126764
TI  - Low molecular weight hyaluronan mediated CD44 dependent induction of IL-6 and
      chemokines in human dermal fibroblasts potentiates innate immune response.
AB  - Complex regulation of the wound healing process involves multiple interactions
      among stromal tissue cells, inflammatory cells, and the extracellular matrix. Low
      molecular weight hyaluronan (LMW HA) derived from the degradation of high
      molecular weight hyaluronan (HMW HA) is suggested to activate cells involved in
      wound healing through interaction with HA receptors. In particular, receptor CD44
      is suggested to mediate cell response to HA of different MW, being the main cell
      surface HA receptor in stromal tissue and immune cells. However, the response of
      dermal fibroblasts, the key players in granulation tissue formation within the
      wound healing process, to LMW HA and their importance for the activation of
      immune cells is unclear. In this study we show that LMW HA (4.3kDa) induced pro
      inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and chemokines IL-8, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL6 and CCL8 gene
      expression in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) that was further confirmed
      by increased levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in cell culture supernatants. Conversely,
      NHDF treated by HMW HA revealed a tendency to decrease the gene expression of
      these cytokine and chemokines when compared to untreated control. The blockage of
      CD44 expression by siRNA resulted in the attenuation of IL-6 and chemokines
      expression in LMW HA treated NHDF suggesting the involvement of CD44 in LMW HA
      mediated NHDF activation. The importance of pro-inflammatory mediators produced
      by LMW HA triggered NHDF was evaluated by significant activation of blood
      leukocytes exhibited as increased production of IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Conclusively,
      we demonstrated a pro-inflammatory response of dermal fibroblasts to LMW HA that
      was transferred to leukocytes indicating the significance of LMW HA in the
      inflammatory process development during the wound healing process. 

PMID- 25126768
TI  - Novel Pigtail Cannula for a Canalicular-Involving Eyelid Laceration.
AB  - An 89-year-old woman presented with a canalicular-involving laceration/avulsion
      of the right lower eyelid after a fall. The inferior canaliculus was severed deep
      within the wound, and the ends were difficult to identify. Novel pigtail
      cannulas, designed by the authors, were used for lacrimal system intubation and
      suture passage. Satisfactory cosmetic and functional results were achieved. These
      cannulas facilitate repair by integrating multiple functionalities in a single
      instrument. Once a cannula has been inserted and rotated, the location of fluid
      egress provides important clues. If injected saline appears in the nasopharynx
      but not in the wound, absence of a common canaliculus can be suspected. Injection
      of viscoelastic, air or fluorescein-impregnated saline also permits easier
      identification of the cut end of the canaliculus within the wound and facilitates
      appropriate rotation of the pigtail.

PMID- 25126767
TI  - Neurostimulation of the lacrimal nerve for enhanced tear production.
AB  - PURPOSE: To design a proof-of-concept study to assess the effect of lacrimal
      nerve stimulation (LNS) with an implantable pulse generator (IPG) to increase
      aqueous tear production. METHODS: Experimental animal study design of 6 Dutch
      Belted rabbits. Ultra high-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT)
      quantified tear production by measuring the baseline tear volume of each rabbit's
      OD and OS. A neurostimulator was implanted adjacent to the right lacrimal nerve.
      After 2 minutes of LNS (100 MUs, 1.6 mA, 20 Hz, 5-8 V), the tear volumes were
      measured with UHR-OCT. The change in tear volume was quantified and compared with
      the nonstimulated OS. Three rabbits underwent chronic LNS (100 MUs, 1.6 mA, 10
      Hz, 2 V) and their lacrimal glands were harvested for histopathologic analysis.
      RESULTS: The UHR-OCT imaging of the OD tear volume showed a 441% average increase
      in tear production after LNS as a percent of baseline. After stimulation, OD had
      statistically significant greater increase in tear volumes than OS (p = 0.028,
      Wilcoxon test). Poststimulation OD tear volumes were significantly greater
      compared with baseline (p = 0.028, Wilcoxon test). Histopathologic examination of
      the lacrimal glands showed no discernible tissue damage from chronic
      neurostimulation. In addition, there were no gross adverse effects on the general
      well-being of the animals due to chronic stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: LNS with an
      IPG appears to increase aqueous tear production. Chronic LNS showed no
      histopathologic lacrimal gland damage. This study suggests that LNS is a
      promising new treatment strategy to increase aqueous tear production.

PMID- 25126769
TI  - Risk of ocular blood splatter during oculofacial plastic surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess intraoperative blood splatter to the ocular surface and adnexa
      during oculofacial surgery. METHODS: Four surgeons and multiple assistants at
      three separate locations wore a total of 331 protective eye shields during 131
      surgeries. Postoperatively, a luminol blood detection system was used to identify
      blood splatter on the shields. In the event of positive blood splatter, the total
      number of blood spots was counted. Controls were used to verify the blood
      detection protocol. A postoperative questionnaire was given to all surgeons and
      assistants after each case, and they were asked whether intraoperative blood
      splatter was noticed. RESULTS: Blood was detected on 61% of eye shields and in a
      total of 80% of surgical cases. However, only 2% of blood splatters were
      recognized intraoperatively by the surgical participants. There was no
      significant difference in the splatter rate between surgeons (64%), assistants
      (60%), and surgical technicians (58%) (p = 0.69). Shields worn during full
      thickness eyelid procedures, direct brow lifting, orbitotomy with bony window,
      and orbital fracture repairs were more likely to be splattered (p = 0.03), and
      there was a significant difference between splatter rates among different
      surgeons (range, 29-90%; p = 0.0004), suggesting that blood splatter rate may be
      both procedure dependent and surgeon dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Mucocutaneous and
      transconjunctival transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and viral
      hepatitis has been documented. These results suggest that oculofacial plastic
      surgeons should consider eye protection for patients with known blood-borne
      diseases and in cases where blood splatter is expected. This precautionary
      practice is supported by the high incidence (98%) of undetected, intraoperative
      blood splatter.

PMID- 25126770
TI  - Malignant melanoma of the lacrimal drainage apparatus complicating conjunctival
      melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Melanoma of the conjunctiva may occasionally involve the lacrimal
      drainage apparatus (LDA). This makes clinical management difficult. The authors
      describe 5 cases of conjunctival melanoma with LDA disease and make
      recommendations about its management. METHODS: Retrospective review of case notes
      and histopathology reports. RESULTS: Five cases of LDA melanoma arising in
      patients with conjunctival melanoma are described. All 5 had orbital exenteration
      as part of their treatment. Melanoma of the LDA was clinically present at the
      time of exenteration in 1 case, found unexpectedly in 2 cases, and developed
      subsequent to exenteration in 2 cases. One patient died within 8 months of
      exenteration from metastatic melanoma. Two patients were disease free 3 and 5
      years after exenteration. One patient developed metastasis in the parotid gland 4
      years after exenteration but remained disease free 7 years after exenteration.
      One more patient has had a local recurrence in the maxilla and lateral nasal wall
      4 years after exenteration, and after resection of that lesion and radiotherapy
      is disease free after 18 months. Seventeen patients underwent orbital
      exenteration for conjunctival melanoma over the period 1996-2013 at the
      authors'institution, with 5 having or developing LDA disease (29%). In the same
      period, there were 52 patients with conjunctival melanoma overall, with LDA
      involvement occurring in 5 of 52 patients (9.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Melanoma of the
      LDA may complicate conjunctival melanoma in a significant percentage of cases
      having orbital exenteration. The surgical technique for orbital exenteration in
      patients with conjunctival melanoma should take this into account by
      intentionally removing the lacrimal sac and upper nasolacrimal duct as well as
      the lacrimal canaliculi. If melanoma is found in the LDA, consideration should be
      given to wider en bloc excision of the LDA.

PMID- 25126771
TI  - Idiopathic Orbital Inflammation Associated With Necrotizing Scleritis and
      Temporal Bone Inflammation.
AB  - The authors present a case of aggressive idiopathic orbital inflammation
      producing necrotizing scleritis along with synchronous tumefactive
      fibroinflammatory lesion of the temporal bone. A young woman with no medical
      history presented with sectoral scleritis and mildly reduced vision. Response to
      initial treatment, which included topical and systemic corticosteroids, as well
      as systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, was limited. Over the following
      months, signs of orbital inflammation developed, including ptosis, proptosis, and
      limited extraocular motility. MRI revealed both orbital and ipsilateral temporal
      bone masses. An orbital biopsy was performed revealing a mixed inflammatory
      infiltrate, whereas a biopsy of the temporal bone mass revealed a tumefactive
      fibroinflammatory lesion. Biopsy showed no histopathologic evidence of infection
      nor neoplasm. The patient eventually responded to treatment with systemic
      prednisone, azathioprine, and rituximab. 

PMID- 25126772
TI  - Dacryocystitis As the Initial Presentation of Invasive Fungal Sinusitis in
      Immunocompromised Children.
AB  - Sino-orbital fungal infection is a rare, but life-threatening disease seen mainly
      in immunocompromised patients. While initial clinical impression may vary,
      dacryocystitis has rarely been described as the initial presenting sign. The
      authors present 2 pediatric cases of dacryocystitis as the initial sign of
      invasive fungal sinusitis. To their knowledge, this presenting sign has not been
      previously reported in the pediatric population. Management strategies and
      outcomes are discussed. 

PMID- 25126773
TI  - Magnesium sulphate for preventing preterm birth in threatened preterm labour.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Magnesium sulphate has been used in some settings as a tocolytic
      agent to inhibit uterine activity in women in preterm labour with the aim of
      preventing preterm birth. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of magnesium sulphate
      therapy given to women in threatened preterm labour with the aim of preventing
      preterm birth and its sequelae. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane
      Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (last searched 31 January 2014).
      SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of magnesium sulphate as the
      only tocolytic, administered by any route, compared with either placebo, no
      treatment or alternative tocolytic therapy (not magnesium sulphate) to women
      considered to be in preterm labour. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two
      review authors assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias and undertook data
      extraction independently. MAIN RESULTS: The 37 included trials (total of 3571
      women and over 3600 babies) were generally of moderate to high risk of bias.
      Antenatal magnesium sulphate was compared with either placebo, no treatment, or a
      range of alternative tocolytic agents.For the primary outcome of giving birth
      within 48 hours after trial entry, no significant differences were seen between
      women who received magnesium sulphate and women who did not (whether placebo/no
      alternative tocolytic drug, betamimetics, calcium channel blockers, cox
      inhibitors, prostaglandin inhibitors, or human chorionic gonadotropin) (19
      trials, 1913 women). Similarly for the primary outcome of serious infant outcome,
      there were no significant differences between the infants exposed to magnesium
      sulphate and those not (whether placebo/no alternative tocolytic drug,
      betamimetics, calcium channel blockers, cox inhibitors, prostaglandin inhibitors,
      human chorionic gonadotropin or various tocolytic drugs) (18 trials; 2187
      babies). No trials reported the outcome of extremely preterm birth. In the seven
      trials that reported serious maternal outcomes, no events were recorded.In the
      group treated with magnesium sulphate compared with women receiving antenatal
      placebo or no alternative tocolytic drug, a borderline increased risk of total
      death (fetal, neonatal, infant) was seen (risk ratio (RR) 4.56, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.00 to 20.86; two trials, 257 babies); none of the comparisons
      between magnesium sulphate and other classes of tocolytic drugs showed
      differences for this outcome (10 trials, 991 babies). The outcomes of neonatal
      and/or infant deaths and of fetal deaths did not show differences between
      magnesium sulphate and no magnesium sulphate, whether compared with placebo/no
      alternative tocolytic drug, or any specific class of tocolytic drug. For most of
      the other secondary outcomes, there were no significant differences between
      magnesium sulphate and the control groups for risk of preterm birth (except for a
      significantly lower risk with magnesium sulphate when compared with barbiturates
      in one trial of 65 women), gestational age at birth, interval between trial entry
      and birth, other neonatal morbidities, or neurodevelopmental outcomes. Duration
      of neonatal intensive care unit stay was significantly increased in the magnesium
      sulphate group compared with the calcium channel blocker group, but not when
      compared with cox inhibitors or prostaglandin inhibitors. No maternal deaths were
      reported in the four trials reporting this outcome. Significant differences
      between magnesium sulphate and controls were not seen for maternal adverse events
      severe enough to stop treatment, except for a significant benefit of magnesium
      sulphate compared with betamimetics in a single trial. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      Magnesium sulphate is ineffective at delaying birth or preventing preterm birth,
      has no apparent advantages for a range of neonatal and maternal outcomes as a
      tocolytic agent and its use for this indication may be associated with an
      increased risk of total fetal, neonatal or infant mortality (in contrast to its
      use in appropriate groups of women for maternal, fetal, neonatal and infant
      neuroprotection where beneficial effects have been demonstrated).

PMID- 25126774
TI  - [Two forms of familial hypercholesterolemia: differences in cardiovascular risk
      factors, cardiac and extracardiac atherosclerosis].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The monogenetic hypercholesterolemias (HC) are associated
      with a very high risk of premature coronary heart disease (CHD). We sought to
      assess the influence of the genetic defect and the cardiovascular risk factors on
      the manifestation of atherosclerotic complications in two forms of genetic HC.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of patients with genetically defined HC (54 LDL
      receptor defective familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and 54 familial defective
      apolipoprotein B (FDB)) were analysed retrospectively for cardiac and
      extracardiac atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Total and LDL-cholesterol were
      significantly higher in FH men than in FDB men, but not so in women. 41.8% of FH
      patients had CHD (mean age 41 years), 5.6% of FDB (mean age 52 years). Stenoses
      (>50% narrowing) of the internal carotid artery were verified in 15% of FH and 4%
      of FDB patients. Peripheral arterial disease was found in 3 FH and 2 FDB
      patients. Hypertension and active smoking were allotted almost equally, body
      weight was normal in most of the patients (BMI <= 25 kg/m(2)). Conlusion:
      Patients with genetic HC suffer from early manifestation of cardiac disease.
      Patients with FH seem to be affected more often than patients with FDB. Early
      diagnosis and early and lifelong treatment are essential and, according to the
      literature, lead to a delay of disease manifestation.

PMID- 25126775
TI  - Fish population studies using parasites from the Southeastern Pacific Ocean:
      considering host population changes and species body size as sources of
      variability of parasite communities.
AB  - Research using parasites in fish population studies in the South Eastern Pacific
      (SEP) is summarized. There are 27 such studies (snapshots mainly) in single host
      species sampled at different geographic localities and at somewhat similar times.
      They have been devoted mainly to economically important species, though others on
      coastal and intertidal fish or on less- or non-commercial species provide
      insights on scales of temporal and spatial variation of parasite
      infracommunities. Later, we assess whether the probability of harbouring
      parasites depends on the host species body size. Our results indicate that a
      stronger tool for fish population studies may be developed under regular (long
      term) scrutiny of parasite communities, especially of small fish host species,
      due to their larger variability in richness, abundance and total biomass, than in
      large fish species. Finally, it might also be necessary to consider the effects
      of fishing on parasite communities as well as the natural oscillations (coupled
      or not) of host and parasite populations.

PMID- 25126776
TI  - Hippo pathway key to ploidy checkpoint.
AB  - Tetraploid cells generated by abnormal cell division are often arrested during
      the cell cycle or cleared by apoptosis. Evasion of these defense mechanisms leads
      to genomic instability and tumorigenesis. In this issue, Ganem et al. report that
      extra centrosome-induced activation of the Hippo pathway kinase LATS2 is a key
      mechanism of tetraploidy-induced cell-cycle arrest. 

PMID- 25126777
TI  - A timeless but timely connection between replication and recombination.
AB  - Initiation of meiotic recombination by DNA double-strand break formation is
      temporally coordinated with replication. Murakami and Keeney show that this
      coordination requires recruitment of the Dbf4-dependent kinase to the replication
      fork by the conserved TIM-TIPIN complex. The same mechanism may regulate other
      important replication-associated processes. 

PMID- 25126778
TI  - CellNet--where your cells are standing.
AB  - The manufacturing of clinically relevant cells is a widely used strategy in
      regenerative medicine. Cahan et al. develop a network biology platform named
      CellNet to accurately assess the fidelity of such cells and spot aberrant
      regulatory networks, and Morris et al. apply this platform to improve cell
      manufacturing. 

PMID- 25126779
TI  - Lights, X-rays, oxygen!
AB  - Photosystem II uses metal ions to oxidize water to form O2. Two recent papers
      employ the new technique of serial femtosecond crystallography utilizing X-ray
      free-electron lasers and nanocrystals to obtain initial structures of
      intermediate states of photosystem II catalysis at the site of oxygen production.

PMID- 25126781
TI  - Phenotypic variation of Salmonella in host tissues delays eradication by
      antimicrobial chemotherapy.
AB  - Antibiotic therapy often fails to eliminate a fraction of transiently refractory
      bacteria, causing relapses and chronic infections. Multiple mechanisms can induce
      such persisters with high antimicrobial tolerance in vitro, but their in vivo
      relevance remains unclear. Using a fluorescent growth rate reporter, we detected
      extensive phenotypic variation of Salmonella in host tissues. This included slow
      growing subsets as well as well-nourished fast-growing subsets driving disease
      progression. Monitoring of Salmonella growth and survival during chemotherapy
      revealed that antibiotic killing correlated with single-cell division rates.
      Nondividing Salmonella survived best but were rare, limiting their impact.
      Instead, most survivors originated from abundant moderately growing, partially
      tolerant Salmonella. These data demonstrate that host tissues diversify pathogen
      physiology, with major consequences for disease progression and control. 

PMID- 25126780
TI  - Altering the intestinal microbiota during a critical developmental window has
      lasting metabolic consequences.
AB  - Acquisition of the intestinal microbiota begins at birth, and a stable microbial
      community develops from a succession of key organisms. Disruption of the
      microbiota during maturation by low-dose antibiotic exposure can alter host
      metabolism and adiposity. We now show that low-dose penicillin (LDP), delivered
      from birth, induces metabolic alterations and affects ileal expression of genes
      involved in immunity. LDP that is limited to early life transiently perturbs the
      microbiota, which is sufficient to induce sustained effects on body composition,
      indicating that microbiota interactions in infancy may be critical determinants
      of long-term host metabolic effects. In addition, LDP enhances the effect of high
      fat diet induced obesity. The growth promotion phenotype is transferrable to germ
      free hosts by LDP-selected microbiota, showing that the altered microbiota, not
      antibiotics per se, play a causal role. These studies characterize important
      variables in early-life microbe-host metabolic interaction and identify several
      taxa consistently linked with metabolic alterations. PAPERCLIP: 

PMID- 25126782
TI  - Function of a Foxp3 cis-element in protecting regulatory T cell identity.
AB  - The homeostasis of multicellular organisms requires terminally differentiated
      cells to preserve their lineage specificity. However, it is unclear whether
      mechanisms exist to actively protect cell identity in response to environmental
      cues that confer functional plasticity. Regulatory T (Treg) cells, specified by
      the transcription factor Foxp3, are indispensable for immune system homeostasis.
      Here, we report that conserved noncoding sequence 2 (CNS2), a CpG-rich Foxp3
      intronic cis-element specifically demethylated in mature Tregs, helps maintain
      immune homeostasis and limit autoimmune disease development by protecting Treg
      identity in response to signals that shape mature Treg functions and drive their
      initial differentiation. In activated Tregs, CNS2 helps protect Foxp3 expression
      from destabilizing cytokine conditions by sensing TCR/NFAT activation, which
      facilitates the interaction between CNS2 and Foxp3 promoter. Thus, epigenetically
      marked cis-elements can protect cell identity by sensing key environmental cues
      central to both cell identity formation and functional plasticity without
      interfering with initial cell differentiation. 

PMID- 25126783
TI  - Control of the inheritance of regulatory T cell identity by a cis element in the
      Foxp3 locus.
AB  - In multicellular organisms, specialized functions are delegated to distinct cell
      types whose identity and functional integrity are maintained upon challenge.
      However, little is known about the mechanisms enabling lineage inheritance and
      their biological implications. Regulatory T (Treg) cells, which express the
      transcription factor Foxp3, suppress fatal autoimmunity throughout the lifespan
      of animals. Here, we show that a dedicated Foxp3 intronic element CNS2 maintains
      Treg cell lineage identity by acting as a sensor of the essential Treg cell
      growth factor IL-2 and its downstream target STAT5. CNS2 sustains Foxp3
      expression during division of mature Treg cells when IL-2 is limiting and
      counteracts proinflammatory cytokine signaling that leads to the loss of Foxp3.
      CNS2-mediated stable inheritance of Foxp3 expression is critical for adequate
      suppression of diverse types of chronic inflammation by Treg cells and prevents
      their differentiation into inflammatory effector cells. The described mechanism
      may represent a general principle of the inheritance of differentiated cell
      states. 

PMID- 25126785
TI  - Type II cadherins guide assembly of a direction-selective retinal circuit.
AB  - Complex retinal circuits process visual information and deliver it to the brain.
      Few molecular determinants of synaptic specificity in this system are known.
      Using genetic and optogenetic methods, we identified two types of bipolar
      interneurons that convey visual input from photoreceptors to a circuit that
      computes the direction in which objects are moving. We then sought recognition
      molecules that promote selective connections of these cells with previously
      characterized components of the circuit. We found that the type II cadherins,
      cdh8 and cdh9, are each expressed selectively by one of the two bipolar cell
      types. Using loss- and gain-of-function methods, we showed that they are critical
      determinants of connectivity in this circuit and that perturbation of their
      expression leads to distinct defects in visually evoked responses. Our results
      reveal cellular components of a retinal circuit and demonstrate roles of type II
      cadherins in synaptic choice and circuit function. 

PMID- 25126784
TI  - Stem-loop recognition by DDX17 facilitates miRNA processing and antiviral
      defense.
AB  - DEAD-box helicases play essential roles in RNA metabolism across species, but
      emerging data suggest that they have additional functions in immunity. Through
      RNAi screening, we identify an evolutionarily conserved and interferon
      independent role for the DEAD-box helicase DDX17 in restricting Rift Valley fever
      virus (RVFV), a mosquito-transmitted virus in the bunyavirus family that causes
      severe morbidity and mortality in humans and livestock. Loss of Drosophila DDX17
      (Rm62) in cells and flies enhanced RVFV infection. Similarly, depletion of DDX17
      but not the related helicase DDX5 increased RVFV replication in human cells.
      Using crosslinking immunoprecipitation high-throughput sequencing (CLIP-seq), we
      show that DDX17 binds the stem loops of host pri-miRNA to facilitate their
      processing and also an essential stem loop in bunyaviral RNA to restrict
      infection. Thus, DDX17 has dual roles in the recognition of stem loops: in the
      nucleus for endogenous microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis and in the cytoplasm for
      surveillance against structured non-self-elements. 

PMID- 25126786
TI  - State-dependent architecture of thalamic reticular subnetworks.
AB  - Behavioral state is known to influence interactions between thalamus and cortex,
      which are important for sensation, action, and cognition. The thalamic reticular
      nucleus (TRN) is hypothesized to regulate thalamo-cortical interactions, but the
      underlying functional architecture of this process and its state dependence are
      unknown. By combining the first TRN ensemble recording with psychophysics and
      connectivity-based optogenetic tagging, we found reticular circuits to be
      composed of distinct subnetworks. While activity of limbic-projecting TRN neurons
      positively correlates with arousal, sensory-projecting neurons participate in
      spindles and show elevated synchrony by slow waves during sleep. Sensory
      projecting neurons are suppressed by attentional states, demonstrating that their
      gating of thalamo-cortical interactions is matched to behavioral state.
      Bidirectional manipulation of attentional performance was achieved through
      subnetwork-specific optogenetic stimulation. Together, our findings provide
      evidence for differential inhibition of thalamic nuclei across brain states,
      where the TRN separately controls external sensory and internal limbic processing
      facilitating normal cognitive function. PAPERFLICK: 

PMID- 25126787
TI  - Probing the stochastic, motor-driven properties of the cytoplasm using force
      spectrum microscopy.
AB  - Molecular motors in cells typically produce highly directed motion; however, the
      aggregate, incoherent effect of all active processes also creates randomly
      fluctuating forces, which drive diffusive-like, nonthermal motion. Here, we
      introduce force-spectrum-microscopy (FSM) to directly quantify random forces
      within the cytoplasm of cells and thereby probe stochastic motor activity. This
      technique combines measurements of the random motion of probe particles with
      independent micromechanical measurements of the cytoplasm to quantify the
      spectrum of force fluctuations. Using FSM, we show that force fluctuations
      substantially enhance intracellular movement of small and large components. The
      fluctuations are three times larger in malignant cells than in their benign
      counterparts. We further demonstrate that vimentin acts globally to anchor
      organelles against randomly fluctuating forces in the cytoplasm, with no effect
      on their magnitude. Thus, FSM has broad applications for understanding the
      cytoplasm and its intracellular processes in relation to cell physiology in
      healthy and diseased states. 

PMID- 25126788
TI  - Cytokinesis failure triggers hippo tumor suppressor pathway activation.
AB  - Genetically unstable tetraploid cells can promote tumorigenesis. Recent estimates
      suggest that ~37% of human tumors have undergone a genome-doubling event during
      their development. This potentially oncogenic effect of tetraploidy is countered
      by a p53-dependent barrier to proliferation. However, the cellular defects and
      corresponding signaling pathways that trigger growth suppression in tetraploid
      cells are not known. Here, we combine RNAi screening and in vitro evolution
      approaches to demonstrate that cytokinesis failure activates the Hippo tumor
      suppressor pathway in cultured cells, as well as in naturally occurring
      tetraploid cells in vivo. Induction of the Hippo pathway is triggered in part by
      extra centrosomes, which alter small G protein signaling and activate LATS2
      kinase. LATS2 in turn stabilizes p53 and inhibits the transcriptional regulators
      YAP and TAZ. These findings define an important tumor suppression mechanism and
      uncover adaptive mechanisms potentially available to nascent tumor cells that
      bypass this inhibitory regulation. 

PMID- 25126789
TI  - Reactivation of developmentally silenced globin genes by forced chromatin
      looping.
AB  - Distal enhancers commonly contact target promoters via chromatin looping. In
      erythroid cells, the locus control region (LCR) contacts beta-type globin genes
      in a developmental stage-specific manner to stimulate transcription. Previously,
      we induced LCR-promoter looping by tethering the self-association domain (SA) of
      Ldb1 to the beta-globin promoter via artificial zinc fingers. Here, we show that
      targeting the SA to a developmentally silenced embryonic globin gene in adult
      murine erythroblasts triggers its transcriptional reactivation. This activity
      depends on the LCR, consistent with an LCR-promoter looping mechanism.
      Strikingly, targeting the SA to the fetal gamma-globin promoter in primary adult
      human erythroblasts increases gamma-globin promoter-LCR contacts, stimulating
      transcription to approximately 85% of total beta-globin synthesis, with a
      reciprocal reduction in adult beta-globin expression. Our findings demonstrate
      that forced chromatin looping can override a stringent developmental gene
      expression program and suggest a novel approach to control the balance of globin
      gene transcription for therapeutic applications. 

PMID- 25126790
TI  - Temporospatial coordination of meiotic DNA replication and recombination via DDK
      recruitment to replisomes.
AB  - It has been long appreciated that, during meiosis, DNA replication is coordinated
      with the subsequent formation of the double-strand breaks (DSBs) that initiate
      recombination, but a mechanistic understanding of this process was elusive. We
      now show that, in yeast, the replisome-associated components Tof1 and Csm3
      physically associate with the Dbf4-dependent Cdc7 kinase (DDK) and recruit it to
      the replisome, where it phosphorylates the DSB-promoting factor Mer2 in the wake
      of the replication fork, synchronizing replication with an early prerequisite for
      DSB formation. Recruiting regulatory kinases to replisomes may be a general
      mechanism to ensure spatial and temporal coordination of replication with other
      chromosomal processes. 

PMID- 25126791
TI  - Ecdysone and mediator change energy metabolism to terminate proliferation in
      Drosophila neural stem cells.
AB  - Stem cells are highly abundant during early development but become a rare
      population in most adult organs. The molecular mechanisms causing stem cells to
      exit proliferation at a specific time are not well understood. Here, we show that
      changes in energy metabolism induced by the steroid hormone ecdysone and the
      Mediator initiate an irreversible cascade of events leading to cell-cycle exit in
      Drosophila neural stem cells. We show that the timely induction of oxidative
      phosphorylation and the mitochondrial respiratory chain are required in
      neuroblasts to uncouple the cell cycle from cell growth. This results in a
      progressive reduction in neuroblast cell size and ultimately in terminal
      differentiation. Brain tumor mutant neuroblasts fail to undergo this shrinkage
      process and continue to proliferate until adulthood. Our findings show that cell
      size control can be modified by systemic hormonal signaling and reveal a unique
      connection between metabolism and proliferation in stem cells. 

PMID- 25126792
TI  - Dissecting engineered cell types and enhancing cell fate conversion via CellNet.
AB  - Engineering clinically relevant cells in vitro holds promise for regenerative
      medicine, but most protocols fail to faithfully recapitulate target cell
      properties. To address this, we developed CellNet, a network biology platform
      that determines whether engineered cells are equivalent to their target tissues,
      diagnoses aberrant gene regulatory networks, and prioritizes candidate
      transcriptional regulators to enhance engineered conversions. Using CellNet, we
      improved B cell to macrophage conversion, transcriptionally and functionally, by
      knocking down predicted B cell regulators. Analyzing conversion of fibroblasts to
      induced hepatocytes (iHeps), CellNet revealed an unexpected intestinal program
      regulated by the master regulator Cdx2. We observed long-term functional
      engraftment of mouse colon by iHeps, thereby establishing their broader potential
      as endoderm progenitors and demonstrating direct conversion of fibroblasts into
      intestinal epithelium. Our studies illustrate how CellNet can be employed to
      improve direct conversion and to uncover unappreciated properties of engineered
      cells. 

PMID- 25126793
TI  - CellNet: network biology applied to stem cell engineering.
AB  - Somatic cell reprogramming, directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells,
      and direct conversions between differentiated cell lineages represent powerful
      approaches to engineer cells for research and regenerative medicine. We have
      developed CellNet, a network biology platform that more accurately assesses the
      fidelity of cellular engineering than existing methodologies and generates
      hypotheses for improving cell derivations. Analyzing expression data from 56
      published reports, we found that cells derived via directed differentiation more
      closely resemble their in vivo counterparts than products of direct conversion,
      as reflected by the establishment of target cell-type gene regulatory networks
      (GRNs). Furthermore, we discovered that directly converted cells fail to
      adequately silence expression programs of the starting population and that the
      establishment of unintended GRNs is common to virtually every cellular
      engineering paradigm. CellNet provides a platform for quantifying how closely
      engineered cell populations resemble their target cell type and a rational
      strategy to guide enhanced cellular engineering. 

PMID- 25126796
TI  - Severe sepsis outcomes: how are we doing?*.

PMID- 25126797
TI  - Who decides who should benefit? Allocating critical care in the context of
      "futile treatment"*.

PMID- 25126798
TI  - Why knowing the effects of positive-pressure ventilation on venous, pleural, and
      pericardial pressures is important to the bedside clinician?*.

PMID- 25126794
TI  - Supergenomic network compression and the discovery of EXP1 as a glutathione
      transferase inhibited by artesunate.
AB  - A central problem in biology is to identify gene function. One approach is to
      infer function in large supergenomic networks of interactions and ancestral
      relationships among genes; however, their analysis can be computationally
      prohibitive. We show here that these biological networks are compressible. They
      can be shrunk dramatically by eliminating redundant evolutionary relationships,
      and this process is efficient because in these networks the number of
      compressible elements rises linearly rather than exponentially as in other
      complex networks. Compression enables global network analysis to computationally
      harness hundreds of interconnected genomes and to produce functional predictions.
      As a demonstration, we show that the essential, but functionally uncharacterized
      Plasmodium falciparum antigen EXP1 is a membrane glutathione S-transferase. EXP1
      efficiently degrades cytotoxic hematin, is potently inhibited by artesunate, and
      is associated with artesunate metabolism and susceptibility in drug-pressured
      malaria parasites. These data implicate EXP1 in the mode of action of a frontline
      antimalarial drug. 

PMID- 25126799
TI  - The valuable contribution of spiritual care to end-of-life care in the ICU*.

PMID- 25126800
TI  - It's not "do" but "why do" rapid response systems work?*.

PMID- 25126801
TI  - From storm to suppression in sepsis: are bands the link?*.

PMID- 25126802
TI  - Biomarkers to detect sepsis: a "burning" issue but still a long way to go*.

PMID- 25126803
TI  - Why do-not-resuscitate orders matter in comparative effectiveness research*.

PMID- 25126804
TI  - Anemia in the critically ill: do we need to live with it?*.

PMID- 25126805
TI  - Acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery: the injury that keeps on hurting?*.

PMID- 25126806
TI  - "The rhythm is gonna get you...": extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with and
      without intra-aortic balloon pumps*.

PMID- 25126807
TI  - Does the reperfusing brain recover better under pressure?*.

PMID- 25126808
TI  - Death in the ICU: when comfort is therapeutic*.

PMID- 25126809
TI  - Clearing lactate is clearly better...but how much?*.

PMID- 25126810
TI  - The impact of possible clonal spread of Acinetobacter baumannii complex
      bacteremia.

PMID- 25126811
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 25126812
TI  - What is the impact of catheter removal on the outcome of non-catheter-related
      candidemia?

PMID- 25126813
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 25126814
TI  - Conservative oxygen therapy in mechanically ventilated patients.

PMID- 25126815
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 25126816
TI  - Is the revised cardiac risk index the right risk index for vascular surgery
      patients?

PMID- 25126817
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 25126818
TI  - Mitochondrial respiration and passive stretch of the diaphragm during unilateral
      phrenic nerve stimulation.

PMID- 25126819
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 25126820
TI  - From targeting to optimizing cerebral perfusion pressure.

PMID- 25126821
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 25126822
TI  - Time to declare a moratorium on stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill.

PMID- 25126823
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 25126824
TI  - Mutation strategies for obtaining chitooligosaccharides with longer chains by
      transglycosylation reaction of family GH18 chitinase.
AB  - Enhancing the transglycosylation (TG) activity of glycoside hydrolases does not
      always result in the production of oligosaccharides with longer chains, because
      the TG products are often decomposed into shorter oligosaccharides. Here, we
      investigated the mutation strategies for obtaining chitooligosaccharides with
      longer chains by means of TG reaction catalyzed by family GH18 chitinase A from
      Vibrio harveyi (VhChiA). HPLC analysis of the TG products from incubation of
      chitooligosaccharide substrates, GlcNAc(n), with several mutant VhChiAs suggested
      that mutant W570G (mutation of Trp570 to Gly) and mutant D392N (mutation of
      Asp392 to Asn) significantly enhanced TG activity, but the TG products were
      immediately hydrolyzed into shorter GlcNAc(n). On the other hand, the TG products
      obtained from mutants D313A and D313N (mutations of Asp313 to Ala and Asn,
      respectively) were not further hydrolyzed, leading to the accumulation of
      oligosaccharides with longer chains. The data obtained from the mutant VhChiAs
      suggested that mutations of Asp313, the middle aspartic acid residue of the DxDxE
      catalytic motif, to Ala and Asn are most effective for obtaining
      chitooligosaccharides with longer chains.

PMID- 25126825
TI  - Explaining women's high satisfaction with objectively poor quality childbirth
      services: Armenia as a case study.
AB  - Despite documented low-quality care in Armenia, surveys document high ratings of
      patient satisfaction with health care services. We explored reasons for high
      satisfaction in Armenia despite poor quality. Twenty-five women who recently
      delivered participated in this qualitative study through in-depth interviews.
      Patients avoided critiquing health care services because of personal
      relationships with and respect for providers and fear of losing services.
      Although they shared an understanding of what quality care should be, many were
      satisfied because their low expectations were met. Further mixed methods research
      may explain this dissonance. Until then, patient satisfaction measures need
      careful, contextual interpretations. 

PMID- 25126826
TI  - Changes in markers of brain serotonin activity in response to chronic exercise in
      senior men.
AB  - Aging is associated with noticeable impairments in brain serotonin transmission,
      which might contribute to increased vulnerability to developing depression in
      later life. Animal and human studies have shown that aerobic exercise can
      stimulate brain serotonin activity and trigger parallel elevations in tryptophan
      (TRP, the serotonin precursor) availability in blood plasma. However, the
      influence of chronic exercise on serotonergic activity in older adults is not yet
      known. Sixteen men aged 64 +/- 3 years exercised for 1 h (67%-70% peak oxygen
      consumption) at baseline and following 16 weeks of aerobic training. The main
      outcome measures were cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, branched-chain
      amino acids (BCAA), TRP, prolactin, lactate, and free fatty acids (FFA). Changes
      in plasma free-TRP/BCAA and prolactin served as surrogates for TRP availability
      and serotonin activity, respectively. Chronic exercise decreased body mass (P <
      0.05) whilst it increased ventilatory threshold 2 (P < 0.01). Although training
      did not affect plasma TRP availability to the brain at rest, both pre- and post
      training exercise challenges markedly increased TRP availability (P < 0.001). The
      free-TRP/BCAA values reached a ceiling during exercise that was lower following
      training (P < 0.05), whereas similar patterns were found for prolactin, lactate,
      and FFA. These data show that aerobic exercise elicits consistent transient
      elevations in plasma TRP availability to the brain in older men; the elevations
      were independent from physical training, although less pronounced following
      training. The data support the contention that repeated elevations in brain
      serotonin activity might be involved in the antidepressant effect of exercise
      training in older adults. 

PMID- 25126827
TI  - Functional interleukin-21 polymorphism is a protective factor of diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma.
AB  - Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a recently discovered cytokine and plays critical roles
      in antitumor immune responses. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most
      common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In this study, we investigated the
      association between IL-21 genetic polymorphisms and the susceptibility to DLBCL,
      and the possible functions of these polymorphisms. Two IL-21 polymorphisms,
      rs907715G/A and rs2221903A/G, were examined in 212 DLBCL patients and 232 healthy
      controls. Data showed that percentages of rs907715GA and AA genotypes were
      significantly lower in patients than in controls (odds ratio [OR]=0.60, 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-0.90, p=0.014; OR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.17-0.56,
      p<0.001, respectively). Frequency of the rs2221903A/G polymorphism did not reveal
      any significant differences between patients and healthy donors. Further analyses
      demonstrated a significantly decreased number of rs907715AA genotype in patients
      with advanced Ann Arbor stages (III+IV). Moreover, we investigated the
      correlation between IL-21 polymorphisms and serum level of IL-21. Results showed
      that subjects carrying rs907715AA had significantly increased level of IL-21 than
      those with GG genotype or GA genotype. These data suggest that rs907715G/A
      polymorphism may act as a protective factor of DLBCL and might affect the serum
      level of IL-21. 

PMID- 25126828
TI  - Nocardia farcinica brain abscess: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and literature
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infections caused by Nocardia farcinica are potentially lethal
      because of the organism's tendency to disseminate and resist antibiotics. Central
      nervous system involvement has been documented in 30% of infections caused N.
      farcinica. METHODS: Case report and review of the literature. RESULTS: A case of
      primary brain abscess caused by N. farcinica, identified by 16SrRNA sequencing,
      is presented, and 39 cases reported previously in the literature are reviewed.
      Our patient underwent a neuronavigation-guided right frontal craniotomy and was
      treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for 12
      mo. He showed marginal improvement in his prior left hemiparesis at the last
      review 14 months later. CONCLUSION: Cases of N. farcinica infections are being
      reported increasingly because of recent changes in taxonomy and diagnostic
      methodology. This change in epidemiology has implications for therapy because of
      the organism's pathogenicity and natural resistance to multiple antimicrobial
      agents, including third-generation cephalosporins. Any delay in starting
      appropriate antibiotic therapy can have adverse consequences.

PMID- 25126829
TI  - Transnationals' experience of dying in their adopted country: a systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social and emotional challenges of migration and integration include
      managing memories and perceptions of country of birth, leaving loved relatives
      behind, and the challenges of maintaining traditions, such as cultural food and
      practices. For many migrants, the strong connection with their birth country is
      never completely severed, which may become pertinent at particular events and
      stages in life with inherent emotional impact. This may be particularly the case
      for end-of-life experience. OBJECTIVE: We undertook a systematic review of
      published evidence of research to identify the lived experience of migrants dying
      in a country different from their country of birth. DESIGN: The search terms
      [transnationals OR migran* OR immigran*] AND [emotions OR belonging OR
      acculturation OR national identity] AND [dying OR end-of-life OR contemplation of
      dying] AND [palliative care OR terminal care] were used on the following
      electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, EBSCO, Geobase, PsychINFO, and
      Scopus to the end date of January 2014. No date limit was imposed. All research
      methodologies were included. The search was restricted to human subjects and
      English language. RESULTS: Seven qualitative studies met the criteria. Thematic
      analysis of these studies identified three main themes: sense of dual identity,
      importance of traditions from their country of origin, and dying preferences.
      CONCLUSION: Findings have implications for the provision of palliative end-of
      life care for dying transnationals, particularly in relation to providing support
      for migrants who are dying to resolve social and emotional issues.

PMID- 25126831
TI  - Development and evaluation of ITS- and aflP-based LAMP assays for rapid detection
      of Aspergillus flavus in food samples.
AB  - Aspergillus flavus is a common filamentous fungus that produces aflatoxins and
      presents a major threat to agriculture and human health. Previous studies focused
      mainly on the detection of A. flavus or aflatoxin separately. Here, we developed
      internal transcribed spacer (ITS)- and aflP-based rapid detection of A. flavus in
      food samples using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method. The
      ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region of A. flavus and the aflatoxin-encoding gene aflP were
      used as target regions. The detection limits of A. flavus and aflP were 10 fg and
      1 pg pure DNA, respectively, which allows aflatoxin-contaminated samples to be
      differentiated from infected samples and reduces false-negative or false-positive
      results. For specificity testing, DNA extracted from 7 A. flavus, 5 different
      Aspergillus spp., and 21 other fungi were used, and our results showed that A.
      flavus strains are detected by ITS-based detection and aflatoxigenic A. flavus
      strains are detected by aflP-based detection. Furthermore, the ITS- and aflP
      based LAMP assays were used for detection analysis of DNA from food samples
      artificially and naturally contaminated with A. flavus. Our results showed that
      the detection rate of A. flavus based on the multi-ITS-based LAMP detection is
      100% and that the aflatoxigenic strains in all A. flavus are detected by the aflP
      based LAMP assay. The LAMP protocol described in our study represents a rapid and
      highly specific and sensitive diagnostic method for A. flavus detection, which
      can be used as a diagnostic tool that simplifies A. flavus monitoring and
      guarantees the quality and safety of foods. 

PMID- 25126832
TI  - Plasmonic Ag@AgCl nanotubes fabricated from copper nanowires as high-performance
      visible light photocatalyst.
AB  - In this paper, plasmonic photocatalyst Ag@AgCl nanotubes were prepared by a cost
      efficient and template-based method and their photocatalytic properties were
      studied. In the synthesis, copper nanowires were first synthesized and Ag
      nanotubes were then obtained through the galvanic reaction between copper and Ag
      ions. The formation of Ag@AgCl nanotubes was finally achieved by in situ
      oxidation reaction upon the addition of FeCl3. The crystal structure of the
      product was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. The morphology and
      composition of the composite were studied by scanning electron microscopy,
      transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      measurements. All the structure characterizations showed that the tubulate
      product was produced by the synthetic processes. By using the obtained product as
      photocatalyst, the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) was investigated under
      visible light. The experimental results showed that the as-prepared Ag@AgCl
      nanotubes exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance and high stability. Under
      visible light irradiation, more than 92.58% of the MO dye has been decomposed in
      10 min on the product with a 1:1 ratio of Fe/Ag. On the basis of the proposed
      mechanism, the improved photocatalytic activities of the Ag@AgCl hybrids can be
      ascribed to the enhanced surface area for dye molecule adsorption, enhanced
      visible light absorbance, and the efficient charge separation of the hybrid
      nanostructures. 

PMID- 25126830
TI  - Executive function late effects in survivors of pediatric brain tumors and acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Survivors of pediatric brain tumors (BT) and acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia (ALL) are at risk for neurocognitive late effects related to executive
      function. PROCEDURE: Survivors of BT (48) and ALL (50) completed neurocognitive
      assessment. Executive function was compared to estimated IQ and population norms
      by diagnostic group. RESULTS: Both BT and ALL demonstrated relative executive
      function weaknesses. As a group, BT survivors demonstrated weaker executive
      functioning than expected for age. Those BT survivors with deficits exhibited a
      profile suggestive of global executive dysfunction, while affected ALL survivors
      tended to demonstrate specific rapid naming deficits. CONCLUSION: Findings
      suggest that pediatric BT and ALL survivors may exhibit different profiles of
      executive function late effects, which may necessitate distinct intervention
      plans.

PMID- 25126834
TI  - Enhancing photoinduced electron transfer efficiency of fluorescent pH-probes with
      halogenated phenols.
AB  - Photoinduced electron transfer (PET), which causes pH-dependent quenching of
      fluorescent dyes, is more effectively introduced by phenolic groups than by amino
      groups which have been much more commonly used so far. That is demonstrated by
      fluorescence measurements involving several classes of fluorophores.
      Electrochemical measurements show that PET in several amino-modified dyes is
      thermodynamically favorable, even though it was not experimentally found,
      underlining the importance of kinetic aspects to the process. Consequently, the
      attachment of phenolic groups allows for fast and simple preparation of a wide
      selection of fluorescent pH-probes with tailor-made spectral properties,
      sensitive ranges, and individual advantages, so that a large number of
      applications can be realized. Fluorophores carrying phenolic groups may also be
      used for sensing analytes other than pH or molecular switching and signaling. 

PMID- 25126835
TI  - Inhibition of protein and cell attachment on materials generated from N-(2
      hydroxypropyl) acrylamide.
AB  - Effective control over biointerfacial interactions is essential for a broad range
      of biomedical applications. At this point in time, only a relatively small range
      of radically polymerizable monomers have been described that are able to generate
      low fouling polymer materials and surfaces. The most important examples that have
      been successfully used in the context of the reduction of nonspecific protein
      adsorption and subsequent cell attachment include PEG-based monomers such as
      poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA), zwitterionic monomers such as 2
      methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and noncharged monomers such as acrylamide
      and N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMAm). However, issues such as oxidative
      degradation and poor polymerization characteristics limit the applicability of
      most of these candidates. Here we have synthesized the monomer N-(2
      hydroxypropyl) acrylamide (HPAm), examined its polymerization kinetics and
      evaluated its suitability for RAFT mediated polymerization in comparison to
      HPMAm. We also synthesized hydrogels using HPMAm and HPAm and evaluated the
      ability of HPAm polymers to occlude protein adsorption and cell attachment. In
      RAFT-controlled polymerization, much faster (8*) polymerization was observed for
      HPAm relative to HPMAm and better control was achieved over the molecular weight
      distribution. The performance of hydrogels prepared from HPAm in the prevention
      of protein adsorption and cellular attachment was equivalent to or better than
      that observed for materials made from HPMAm and PEG. These results open the door
      for HPAm based polymers in applications where effective control over
      biointerfacial interactions is required. 

PMID- 25126836
TI  - Chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed highly enantioselective desymmetrization of 2
      substituted and 2,2-disubstituted 1,3-diols via oxidative cleavage of benzylidene
      acetals.
AB  - A highly enantioselective catalytic protocol for the desymmetrization of a wide
      variety of 2-substituted and 2,2-disubstituted 1,3-diols is reported. This
      reaction proceeds through the formation of an "ortho ester" intermediate via
      oxidation of 1,3-diol benzylidene acetal by dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) and the
      subsequent proton transfer catalyzed by chiral phosphoric acid (CPA). The
      mechanism and origins of enantioselectivity of this reaction are identified using
      DFT calculations. The oxidation by DMDO is rate-determining, and the phosphoric
      acid significantly accelerates the proton transfer; the attractive interactions
      between the benzylidene part of the substrate and the 2,4,6-triisopropyl group of
      CPA are the key to high enantioselectivity. 

PMID- 25126833
TI  - Design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationship studies of a series of [4
      (4-carboxamidobutyl)]-1-arylpiperazines: insights into structural features
      contributing to dopamine D3 versus D2 receptor subtype selectivity.
AB  - Antagonist and partial agonist modulators of the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) have
      emerged as promising therapeutics for the treatment of substance abuse and
      neuropsychiatric disorders. However, development of druglike lead compounds with
      selectivity for the D3 receptor has been challenging because of the high sequence
      homology between the D3R and the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R). In this effort, we
      synthesized a series of acylaminobutylpiperazines incorporating aza-aromatic
      units and evaluated their binding and functional activities at the D3 and D2
      receptors. Docking studies and results from evaluations against a set of chimeric
      and mutant receptors suggest that interactions at the extracellular end of TM7
      contribute to the D3R versus D2R selectivity of these ligands. Molecular insights
      from this study could potentially enable rational design of potent and selective
      D3R ligands. 

PMID- 25126837
TI  - Solution speciation of plutonium and Americium at an Australian legacy
      radioactive waste disposal site.
AB  - During the 1960s, radioactive waste containing small amounts of plutonium (Pu)
      and americium (Am) was disposed in shallow trenches at the Little Forest Burial
      Ground (LFBG), located near the southern suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Because of
      periodic saturation and overflowing of the former disposal trenches, Pu and Am
      have been transferred from the buried wastes into the surrounding surface soils.
      The presence of readily detected amounts of Pu and Am in the trench waters
      provides a unique opportunity to study their aqueous speciation under
      environmentally relevant conditions. This study aims to comprehensively
      investigate the chemical speciation of Pu and Am in the trench water by combining
      fluoride coprecipitation, solvent extraction, particle size fractionation, and
      thermochemical modeling. The predominant oxidation states of dissolved Pu and Am
      species were found to be Pu(IV) and Am(III), and large proportions of both
      actinides (Pu, 97.7%; Am, 86.8%) were associated with mobile colloids in the
      submicron size range. On the basis of this information, possible management
      options are assessed. 

PMID- 25126838
TI  - Cyclodextrins and surfactants in aqueous solution above the critical micelle
      concentration: where are the cyclodextrins located?
AB  - Cyclodextrins (CDs) are known to bind surfactant molecules below the surfactant
      critical micelle concentration (CMC); however, interactions of CDs with
      surfactant micelles (above the CMC) are not well understood. In particular,
      direct structural evidence of the location of CDs in the different subphases
      found in micellar solutions is lacking. We have utilized small-angle neutron
      scattering (SANS) with contrast matching to probe the localization of alpha
      cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbeta-CD) in
      sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles in aqueous (D2O) solutions. SANS data from
      solutions containing either hydrogenated or deuterated surfactants were analyzed
      by considering three different scenarios pertaining to the localization of
      cyclodextrin, either all in solution or some in the micelle shell or some in the
      micelle core, and were simultaneously fitted using the core-shell prolate
      ellipsoid form factor and the Hansen-Hayter-based structure factor. The scenario
      that considered a fraction of CD to localize in the micelle core well described
      the SANS data from both hydrogenated and deuterated SDS-CD-D2O solutions, while
      the other two scenarios did not. Among the various structural and interaction
      parameters obtained from this analysis, it emerged that the micelle core
      consisted of up to ~10% HPbeta-CD or ~16% alpha-CD with respect to the total
      number of molecules (surfactants and CDs) present in the micelle at 25 mM SDS,
      and up to 14% HPbeta-CD or 28% alpha-CD at 50 mM SDS. This is the first study
      that provides direct evidence on the location of cyclodextrin in the core of
      surfactant micelles. An improved understanding of CD interactions with
      surfactants and lipids would enable better strategies for drug encapsulation and
      delivery with CDs. 

PMID- 25126839
TI  - Incidence and trends of blastomycosis-associated hospitalizations in the United
      States.
AB  - We used the State Inpatient Databases from the United States Agency for
      Healthcare Research and Quality to provide state-specific age-adjusted
      blastomycosis-associated hospitalization incidence throughout the entire United
      States. Among the 46 states studied, states within the Mississippi and Ohio River
      valleys had the highest age-adjusted hospitalization incidence. Specifically,
      Wisconsin had the highest age-adjusted hospitalization incidence (2.9
      hospitalizations per 100,000 person-years). Trends were studied in the five
      highest hospitalization incidence states. From 2000 to 2011, blastomycosis
      associated hospitalizations increased significantly in Illinois and Kentucky with
      an average annual increase of 4.4% and 8.4%, respectively. Trends varied
      significantly by state. Overall, 64% of blastomycosis-associated hospitalizations
      were among men and the median age at hospitalization was 53 years. This analysis
      provides a complete epidemiologic description of blastomycosis-associated
      hospitalizations throughout the endemic area in the United States. 

PMID- 25126840
TI  - Parasite pressures on feral honey bees (Apis mellifera sp.).
AB  - Feral honey bee populations have been reported to be in decline due to the spread
      of Varroa destructor, an ectoparasitic mite that when left uncontrolled leads to
      virus build-up and colony death. While pests and diseases are known causes of
      large-scale managed honey bee colony losses, no studies to date have considered
      the wider pathogen burden in feral colonies, primarily due to the difficulty in
      locating and sampling colonies, which often nest in inaccessible locations such
      as church spires and tree tops. In addition, little is known about the provenance
      of feral colonies and whether they represent a reservoir of Varroa tolerant
      material that could be used in apiculture. Samples of forager bees were collected
      from paired feral and managed honey bee colonies and screened for the presence of
      ten honey bee pathogens and pests using qPCR. Prevalence and quantity was similar
      between the two groups for the majority of pathogens, however feral honey bees
      contained a significantly higher level of deformed wing virus than managed honey
      bee colonies. An assessment of the honey bee race was completed for each colony
      using three measures of wing venation. There were no apparent differences in wing
      morphometry between feral and managed colonies, suggesting feral colonies could
      simply be escapees from the managed population. Interestingly, managed honey bee
      colonies not treated for Varroa showed similar, potentially lethal levels of
      deformed wing virus to that of feral colonies. The potential for such findings to
      explain the large fall in the feral population and the wider context of the
      importance of feral colonies as potential pathogen reservoirs is discussed. 

PMID- 25126841
TI  - The complete genome sequence of Escherichia coli EC958: a high quality reference
      sequence for the globally disseminated multidrug resistant E. coli O25b:H4-ST131
      clone.
AB  - Escherichia coli ST131 is now recognised as a leading contributor to urinary
      tract and bloodstream infections in both community and clinical settings. Here we
      present the complete, annotated genome of E. coli EC958, which was isolated from
      the urine of a patient presenting with a urinary tract infection in the Northwest
      region of England and represents the most well characterised ST131 strain.
      Sequencing was carried out using the Pacific Biosciences platform, which provided
      sufficient depth and read-length to produce a complete genome without the need
      for other technologies. The discovery of spurious contigs within the assembly
      that correspond to site-specific inversions in the tail fibre regions of
      prophages demonstrates the potential for this technology to reveal dynamic
      evolutionary mechanisms. E. coli EC958 belongs to the major subgroup of ST131
      strains that produce the CTX-M-15 extended spectrum beta-lactamase, are
      fluoroquinolone resistant and encode the fimH30 type 1 fimbrial adhesin. This
      subgroup includes the Indian strain NA114 and the North American strain JJ1886. A
      comparison of the genomes of EC958, JJ1886 and NA114 revealed that differences in
      the arrangement of genomic islands, prophages and other repetitive elements in
      the NA114 genome are not biologically relevant and are due to misassembly. The
      availability of a high quality uropathogenic E. coli ST131 genome provides a
      reference for understanding this multidrug resistant pathogen and will facilitate
      novel functional, comparative and clinical studies of the E. coli ST131 clonal
      lineage. 

PMID- 25126843
TI  - Trochlear groove osteochondritis dissecans of the knee patellofemoral joint.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The trochlear groove is the rarest location for osteochondritis
      dissecans (OCD) of the knee, with only about 50 previously reported cases, most
      of which were treated before the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      modern techniques of cartilage fixation or osteochondral transplantation. The
      purpose of this multicenter study was to assess the patient presentation and
      clinical, radiographic, and functional results of treatment for trochlear groove
      OCD lesions. METHODS: Hospital records from 5 institutions of the Research in
      Osteochondritis of the Knee (ROCK) study group were retrospectively reviewed for
      cases of trochlear groove OCD. Demographics, clinical presentation, diagnosis,
      treatment, time to pain resolution, and return to sports were recorded. Lesion
      appearance, size, stability, and time to radiographic healing were evaluated on
      plain x-rays and MRIs. RESULTS: Trochlear groove OCD lesions were evaluated in 24
      knees in 21 adolescents (17 male, 4 female), with an average age of 14 years
      (range, 10 to 18 y). Fifty-four percent (13/24) of the lesions were identifiable
      on radiographs, and all were identifiable on MRI, 38% of which (9/24) was
      unstable. One fourth (6/24) of knees had coexistent femoral condyle OCD lesions.
      Treatment outcomes were evaluated in patients with a minimum of 1-year follow-up
      (average: 3 y; range: 1 to 12 y) or healing before 1 year. Half of the knees
      (2/4) treated nonoperatively and two thirds (8/12) treated operatively showed
      radiographic signs of healing with patients returning to full activity without
      pain. Operative treatment success rates were as follows: drilling (3/3), fixation
      (3/3), microfracture (1/2), drilling with subsequent delayed microfracture (1/1),
      and drilling with fixation (0/3). CONCLUSIONS: MRI aids in the diagnosis and
      staging of trochlear groove OCD lesions, as almost one half may not be
      identifiable on radiographs, and one quarter are associated with OCD lesions in
      other locations of the same knee. Multiple operative treatments can be used to
      achieve healing or resolution of symptoms in stable and unstable lesions;
      however, a larger comparative study is needed to make specific recommendations.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.

PMID- 25126842
TI  - Promiscuous speciation with gene flow in silverside fish genus Odontesthes
      (Atheriniformes, Atherinopsidae) from south western Atlantic Ocean basins.
AB  - The present paper integrates phylogenetic and population genetics analyses based
      on mitochondrial and nuclear molecular markers in silversides, genus Odontesthes,
      from a non-sampled area in the SW Atlantic Ocean to address species
      discrimination and to define Managements Units for sustainable conservation. All
      phylogenetic analyses based on the COI mitochondrial gene were consistent to
      support the monophyly of the genus Odontesthes and to include O. argentinensis,
      O. perugiae-humensis and some O. bonariensis haplotypes in a basal polytomy
      conforming a major derivative clade. Microsatellites data revealed somewhat
      higher genetic variability values in the O. argentinensis-perugia populations
      than in O. bonariensis and O. perugia-humensis taxa. Contrasting population
      genetics structuring emerged from mitochondrial and microsatellites analyses in
      these taxa. Whereas mitochondrial data supported two major groups (O.
      argentinensis-perugia-humensis vs. O. bonariensis-perugiae-humensis populations),
      microsatellite data detected three major genetic entities represented by O.
      bonariensis, O. perugiae-humensis and an admixture of populations belonging to O.
      argentinensis-perugiae respectively. Therefore, the star COI polytomy in the tree
      topology involving these taxa could be interpreted by several hypothetic
      scenarios such as the existence of shared ancestral polymorphisms, incomplete
      lineage sorting in a radiating speciation process and/or reticulation events.
      Present findings support that promiscuous and recent contact between incipient
      species sharing asymmetric gene flow exchanges, blurs taxa boundaries yielding
      complicated taxonomy and Management Units delimitation in silverside genus
      Odontesthes from SW Atlantic Ocean basins. 

PMID- 25126844
TI  - Upper thoracic pedicle screws loss of fixation causing spinal cord injury.

PMID- 25126846
TI  - Highly informative single-copy nuclear microsatellite DNA markers developed using
      an AFLP-SSR approach in black spruce (Picea mariana) and red spruce (P. rubens).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are highly
      informative molecular markers for various biological studies in plants. In spruce
      (Picea) and other conifers, the development of single-copy polymorphic genomic
      microsatellite markers is quite difficult, owing primarily to the large genome
      size and predominance of repetitive DNA sequences throughout the genome. We have
      developed highly informative single-locus genomic microsatellite markers in black
      spruce (Picea mariana) and red spruce (Picea rubens) using a simple but efficient
      method based on a combination of AFLP and microsatellite technologies. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: A microsatellite-enriched library was constructed from genomic AFLP DNA
      fragments of black spruce. Sequencing of the 108 putative SSR-containing clones
      provided 94 unique sequences with microsatellites. Twenty-two of the designed 34
      primer pairs yielded scorable amplicons, with single-locus patterns. Fourteen of
      these microsatellite markers were characterized in 30 black spruce and 30 red
      spruce individuals drawn from many populations. The number of alleles at a
      polymorphic locus ranged from 2 to 18, with a mean of 9.3 in black spruce, and
      from 3 to 15, with a mean of 6.2 alleles in red spruce. The polymorphic
      information content or expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.340 to 0.909 (mean =
      0.67) in black spruce and from 0.161 to 0.851 (mean = 0.62) in red spruce. Ten
      SSR markers showing inter-parental polymorphism inherited in a single-locus
      Mendelian mode, with two cases of distorted segregation. Primer pairs for almost
      all polymorphic SSR loci resolved microsatellites of comparable size in Picea
      glauca, P. engelmannii, P. sitchensis, and P. abies. SIGNIFICANCE: The AFLP-based
      microsatellite-enriched library appears to be a rapid, cost-effective approach
      for isolating and developing single-locus informative genomic microsatellite
      markers in black spruce. The markers developed should be useful in black spruce,
      red spruce and other Picea species for various genetics, genomics, breeding,
      forensics, conservation studies and applications.

PMID- 25126848
TI  - A viable population of the European red squirrel in an urban park.
AB  - Whether urban parks can maintain viable and self-sustaining populations over the
      long term is questionable. In highly urbanized landscapes, urban parks could play
      a role in biodiversity conservation by providing habitat and resources to native
      species. However, populations inhabiting urban parks are usually small and
      isolated, leading to increased demographic stochasticity and genetic drift, with
      expected negative consequences on their viability. Here, we investigated a
      European red squirrel population located in an urban park close to Paris, France
      (Parc de Sceaux; 184 ha) to assess its viability. Using mitochondrial D-loop
      sequences and 13 microsatellite loci, we showed that the population presented
      high levels of genetic variation and no evidence of inbreeding. The size of the
      population was estimated at 100-120 individuals based on the comparison of two
      census techniques, Distance Sampling and Capture-Mark-Recapture. The estimated
      heterozygosity level and population size were integrated in a Population
      Viability Analysis to project the likelihood of the population's persistence over
      time. Results indicate that the red squirrel population of this urban park can be
      viable on the long term (i.e. 20 years) for a range of realistic demographic
      parameters (juvenile survival at least >40%) and immigration rates (at least one
      immigration event every two years). This study highlights that urban parks can be
      potential suitable refuges for the red squirrel, a locally threatened species
      across western European countries, provided that ecological corridors are
      maintained. 

PMID- 25126847
TI  - A quest for miRNA bio-marker: a track back approach from gingivo buccal cancer to
      two different types of precancers.
AB  - Deregulation of miRNA expression may contribute to tumorigenesis and other patho
      physiology associated with cancer. Using TLDA, expression of 762 miRNAs was
      checked in 18 pairs of gingivo buccal cancer-adjacent control tissues. Expression
      of significantly deregulated miRNAs was further validated in cancer and examined
      in two types of precancer (leukoplakia and lichen planus) tissues by primer
      specific TaqMan assays. Biological implications of these miRNAs were assessed
      bioinformatically. Expression of hsa-miR-1293, hsa-miR-31, hsa-miR-31* and hsa
      miR-7 were significantly up-regulated and those of hsa-miR-206, hsa-miR-204 and
      hsa-miR-133a were significantly down-regulated in all cancer samples. Expression
      of only hsa-miR-31 was significantly up-regulated in leukoplakia but none in
      lichen planus samples. Analysis of expression heterogeneity divided 18 cancer
      samples into clusters of 13 and 5 samples and revealed that expression of 30
      miRNAs (including the above-mentioned 7 miRNAs), was significantly deregulated in
      the cluster of 13 samples. From database mining and pathway analysis it was
      observed that these miRNAs can significantly target many of the genes present in
      different cancer related pathways such as "proteoglycans in cancer", PI3K-AKT
      etc. which play important roles in expression of different molecular features of
      cancer. Expression of hsa-miR-31 was significantly up-regulated in both cancer
      and leukoplakia tissues and, thus, may be one of the molecular markers of
      leukoplakia which may progress to gingivo-buccal cancer. 

PMID- 25126849
TI  - Financial costs of large carnivore translocations--accounting for conservation.
AB  - Human-carnivore conflict continues to present a major conservation challenge
      around the world. Translocation of large carnivores is widely implemented but
      remains strongly debated, in part because of a lack of cost transparency. We
      report detailed translocation costs for three large carnivore species in Namibia
      and across different translocation scenarios. We consider the effect of various
      parameters and factors on costs and translocation success. Total translocation
      cost for 30 individuals in 22 events was $80,681 (US Dollars). Median
      translocation cost per individual was $2,393, and $2,669 per event. Median cost
      per cheetah was $2,760 (n = 23), and $2,108 per leopard (n = 6). One hyaena was
      translocated at a cost of $1,672. Tracking technology was the single biggest cost
      element (56%), followed by captive holding and feeding. Soft releases, prolonged
      captivity and orphaned individuals also increased case-specific costs. A
      substantial proportion (65.4%) of the total translocation cost was successfully
      recovered from public interest groups. Less than half the translocations were
      confirmed successes (44.4%, 3 unknown) with a strong species bias. Four leopards
      (66.7%) were successfully translocated but only eight of the 20 cheetahs (40.0%)
      with known outcome met these strict criteria. None of the five habituated
      cheetahs was translocated successfully, nor was the hyaena. We introduce the
      concept of Individual Conservation Cost (ICC) and define it as the cost of one
      successfully translocated individual adjusted by costs of unsuccessful events of
      the same species. The median ICC for cheetah was $6,898 and $3,140 for leopard.
      Translocations are costly, but we demonstrate that they are not inherently more
      expensive than other strategies currently employed in non-lethal carnivore
      conflict management. We conclude that translocation should be one available
      option for conserving large carnivores, but needs to be critically evaluated on a
      case-by-case basis. 

PMID- 25126852
TI  - Mapping and introgression of QTL involved in fruit shape transgressive
      segregation into 'piel de sapo' melon (cucumis melo l.) [corrected].
AB  - A mapping F2 population from the cross 'Piel de Sapo' * PI124112 was selectively
      genotyped to study the genetic control of morphological fruit traits by QTL
      (Quantitative Trait Loci) analysis. Ten QTL were identified, five for FL (Fruit
      Length), two for FD (Fruit Diameter) and three for FS (Fruit Shape). At least one
      robust QTL per character was found, flqs8.1 (LOD = 16.85, R2 = 34%), fdqs12.1
      (LOD = 3.47, R2 = 11%) and fsqs8.1 (LOD = 14.85, R2 = 41%). flqs2.1 and fsqs2.1
      cosegregate with gene a (andromonoecious), responsible for flower sex
      determination and with pleiotropic effects on FS. They display a positive
      additive effect (a) value, so the PI124112 allele causes an increase in FL and
      FS, producing more elongated fruits. Conversely, the negative a value for flqs8.1
      and fsqs8.1 indicates a decrease in FL and FS, what results in rounder fruits,
      even if PI124112 produces very elongated melons. This is explained by a
      significant epistatic interaction between fsqs2.1 and fsqs8.1, where the effects
      of the alleles at locus a are attenuated by the additive PI124112 allele at
      fsqs8.1. Roundest fruits are produced by homozygous for PI124112 at fsqs8.1 that
      do not carry any dominant A allele at locus a (PiPiaa). A significant interaction
      between fsqs8.1 and fsqs12.1 was also detected, with the alleles at fsqs12.1
      producing more elongated fruits. fsqs8.1 seems to be allelic to QTL discovered in
      other populations where the exotic alleles produce elongated fruits. This model
      has been validated in assays with backcross lines along 3 years and ultimately
      obtaining a fsqs8.1-NIL (Near Isogenic Line) in 'Piel de Sapo' background which
      yields round melons. 

PMID- 25126851
TI  - Large-scale, high-resolution multielectrode-array recording depicts functional
      network differences of cortical and hippocampal cultures.
AB  - Understanding the detailed circuitry of functioning neuronal networks is one of
      the major goals of neuroscience. Recent improvements in neuronal recording
      techniques have made it possible to record the spiking activity from hundreds of
      neurons simultaneously with sub-millisecond temporal resolution. Here we used a
      512-channel multielectrode array system to record the activity from hundreds of
      neurons in organotypic cultures of cortico-hippocampal brain slices from mice. To
      probe the network structure, we employed a wavelet transform of the cross
      correlogram to categorize the functional connectivity in different frequency
      ranges. With this method we directly compare, for the first time, in any
      preparation, the neuronal network structures of cortex and hippocampus, on the
      scale of hundreds of neurons, with sub-millisecond time resolution. Among the
      three frequency ranges that we investigated, the lower two frequency ranges
      (gamma (30-80 Hz) and beta (12-30 Hz) range) showed similar network structure
      between cortex and hippocampus, but there were many significant differences
      between these structures in the high frequency range (100-1000 Hz). The high
      frequency networks in cortex showed short tailed degree-distributions, shorter
      decay length of connectivity density, smaller clustering coefficients, and
      positive assortativity. Our results suggest that our method can characterize
      frequency dependent differences of network architecture from different brain
      regions. Crucially, because these differences between brain regions require
      millisecond temporal scales to be observed and characterized, these results
      underscore the importance of high temporal resolution recordings for the
      understanding of functional networks in neuronal systems. 

PMID- 25126853
TI  - Erasing the past: a new identity for the Damoclean pathogen causing South
      American leaf blight of rubber.
AB  - BACKGROUND: South American leaf blight (SALB) of rubber has been the main
      constraint to production in its neotropical centre of origin since commercial
      plantations were first established. The fungal causal agent was identified and
      described more than a century ago but its precise placement within the Ascomycota
      still remains uncertain. Indeed, such is the ambiguity surrounding the pathogen
      that each of the spore morphs would, according to their present classification,
      be placed in different ascomycete families: the Microcyclus sexual morph in the
      Planistromellaceae and the two purported asexual morphs--Fusicladium and
      Aposphaeria--in the Venturiaceae and Lophiostomataceae, respectively. Given the
      historical importance of the fungus and the ever-menacing threat that it poses to
      rubber production in the Palaeotropics--and, thus to the rubber industry and to
      the global economy--its phylogeny, as well as its biology, should be resolved as
      a matter of urgency. METHODS AND RESULTS: Here, six genomic regions (LSU rRNA,
      mtSSU, MCM7, EF-1alpha, Act and ITS) were used for reconstructing the molecular
      phylogeny of the SALB fungus based on material collected throughout Brazil. The
      analyses support the classification of the fungus in the family
      Mycosphaerellaceae s. str. (Capnodiales, Dothideomycetes) and place it firmly
      within the clade Pseudocercospora s. str., now accepted as one of the distinct
      genera within Mycosphaerellaceae. The new combination Pseudocercospora ulei is
      proposed and the life cycle of the fungus is confirmed, based on both
      experimental and phylogenetic evidence, with the Aposphaeria morph shown to have
      a spermatial rather than an infective-dispersal function. CONCLUSIONS: Because
      the phylogeny of the SALB fungus has now been clarified, new insights of its
      epidemiology and genomics can be gained following comparison with closely
      related, better-researched crop pathogens.

PMID- 25126854
TI  - Safety and immunogenicity of a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
      manufactured with and without polysorbate 80 given to healthy infants at 2, 3, 4
      and 12 months of age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polysorbate 80 (P80), a nonionic detergent used to solubilize
      proteins, is used in both oral and injectable medications including vaccines.
      Development studies with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) showed
      that adding P80 resulted in a more robust manufacturing process. Before adding
      P80 to the formulation of PCV13, we investigated the immunogenicity and safety of
      PCV13 with and without P80. METHODS: Phase 3, parallel-group, randomized, active
      controlled, double-blind multicenter trial was conducted at 15 sites in Poland.
      Healthy infants were randomized (1:1) to receive PCV13+P80 or PCV13 without P80
      given at ages 2, 3, 4 and 12 months concomitantly with DTaP-IPV-Hib at 2, 3 and 4
      months; hepatitis B at 2 months and measles, mumps, and rubella at 12 months.
      Serotype-specific antipneumococcal immune responses were evaluated using
      antipolysaccharide capsular immunoglobulin (Ig)G responses and opsonophagocytic
      activity (OPA) assay. Safety data were also collected. RESULTS: The 2 treatment
      groups were demographically similar. Following the infant immunization series,
      anticapsular IgG antibody geometric mean concentrations and OPA geometric mean
      titers for each serotype were within 2-fold between the 2 groups. Formal
      noninferiority criteria for comparison of proportion of responders (subjects with
      IgG titers >=0.35 MUg/mL) were met for 11 of the 13 serotypes. Overall population
      responses were highly similar. Anticapsular IgG responses were also within 2-fold
      following the toddler dose. Safety profiles were similar between the 2 groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Addition of P80 to PCV13 did not adversely affect PCV13
      immunogenicity or safety when compared with vaccine formulated without P80.

PMID- 25126855
TI  - Human parechovirus infection in neonatal intensive care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approximately 5-6% of all infective episodes in neonatal intensive
      care unit (NICU) are of viral origin. Previous studies suggest that human
      parechovirus (HPeV) infection presents most commonly in term infants, as a sepsis
      like syndrome in which meningoencephalitis is prominent. Our aim was to study the
      infection rate and associated features of HPeV. METHODS: Blood samples were taken
      from NICU babies older than 48 hours, who were being investigated for late onset
      sepsis. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at the time of the suspected
      sepsis episode. Samples were tested using universal primers and probe directed at
      the 5'-untranslated region of the HPeV genome by reverse transcriptase polymerase
      chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results were confirmed by electrophoresis and DNA
      sequencing. RESULTS: HPeV was detected in 11 of 84 samples (13%). These infants
      had a mean [interquartile range (IQR)] gestational age of 28.9 (26.9-30.6) weeks
      and mean birth weight of 1.26 (SD = 0.72) kg. The median day of presentation was
      16 (IQR: 11-27). These characteristics were similar to the infants without
      positive viral detection. Six infants presented with respiratory signs. One
      infant presented with signs of meningitis. Six of the 11 episodes of HPeV
      infection occurred during the winter months (December to February). No HPeV
      positive infants had abnormal findings on their 28-day cranial ultrasound
      examination. CONCLUSIONS: We found an HPeV infection rate of 13% in infants being
      tested for late onset sepsis. HPeV should be considered as a possible cause of
      sepsis-like symptoms in preterm infants.

PMID- 25126856
TI  - Clinical profile and predictors of fatal Rocky Mountain spotted fever in children
      from Sonora, Mexico.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an increasingly important
      cause of preventable mortality in children in Sonora, Mexico. Although early
      treatment with tetracycline has shown to prevent fatal outcome, the disease
      remains a life-threatening condition, particularly for children. This study
      describes the clinical factors associated with pediatric mortality due to RMSF in
      Sonora, in order to guide healthcare practices. METHODS: This is a retrospective
      analysis of 104 children consecutively hospitalized at the major pediatric
      hospital of Sonora, diagnosed with RMSF between January 2004 and December 2013.
      Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used to identify
      risk factors for fatal outcome. RESULTS: The case fatality ratio in this cohort
      was 20.2%. Children were hospitalized after a median of 6 days from onset of
      symptoms including fever (100%), rash involving palms and soles (88.5%) and
      headache (79.8%); 90.4% of fatal cases had low platelet counts (<50,000/MUL) and
      33.3% showed serum creatinine concentrations above the normal value. Acute kidney
      injury increased mortality, odds ratio (OR(adj)) = 4.84, 95% confidence interval
      (CI): 1.2-16.2, as well as delay in treatment (>= 5th day from onset) with
      doxycycline, OR(adj) = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.24-5.52 and hemorrhage, OR(adj) = 6.11,
      95% CI: 1.89-19.69. CONCLUSIONS: RMSF is a public health problem in Sonora.
      Clinically, fatal cases differ from non-fatal cases in renal function and
      hemorrhagic manifestations, although these findings may occur too late for a
      timely intervention. First-line providers must be educated to harbor a timely
      suspicion of RMSF, and should provide empiric treatment with doxycycline when
      febrile patients first present for care.

PMID- 25126857
TI  - Fatal human bocavirus infection in an 18-month-old child with chronic lung
      disease of prematurity.
AB  - A fatal case of human bocavirus 1 pulmonary infection in an 18-month-old
      prematurely born child is described. Despite conventional and oscillatory
      ventilatory support, intractable hyperinflation developed with bilateral
      pneumothorax and acute cardiac failure 3 days after the onset of respiratory
      symptoms. 

PMID- 25126858
TI  - Implicit learning in individuals with autism spectrum disorders: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized
      by social communication difficulties and behavioural rigidity. Difficulties in
      learning from others are one of the most devastating features of this group of
      conditions. Nevertheless, the nature of learning difficulties in ASDs is still
      unclear. Given the relevance of implicit learning for social and communicative
      functioning, a link has been hypothesized between ASDs and implicit learning
      deficit. However, studies that have employed formal testing of implicit learning
      in ASDs provided mixed results. METHOD: We undertook a systematic search of
      studies that examined implicit learning in ASDs using serial reaction time (SRT),
      alternating serial reaction time (ASRT), pursuit rotor (PR), and contextual
      cueing (CC) tasks, and synthesized the data using meta-analysis. A total of 11
      studies were identified, representing data from 407 individuals with ASDs and
      typically developing comparison participants. RESULTS: The results indicate that
      individuals with ASDs do not differ in any task considered [SRT and ASRT task:
      standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.71 to
      0.36; PR task: SMD -0.34, 95% CI -1.04 to 0.36; CC task: SMD 0.27, 95% CI -0.07
      to 0.60]. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our synthesis of the existing literature, we
      conclude that individuals with ASDs can learn implicitly, supporting the
      hypothesis that implicit learning deficits do not represent a core feature in
      ASDs.

PMID- 25126859
TI  - Solution processed n-In2O3 nanostructures for organic-inorganic hybrid p-n
      junctions.
AB  - Solution processed organic-inorganic bulk hybrid heterostructures are nowadays
      considered as the most promising elements to perform efficient optoelectronic
      functions. In this regard, In2O3 based hybrid heterostructures were fabricated
      using polypyrrole and their role as efficient interfacial layers was studied
      using polypyrrole/ZnO nanowires. The In2O3 nanostructures were synthesized
      through a facile wet chemical approach at an average scale of less than 10 nm in
      cubic phase. The presence of O and In related defects was studied through
      emission spectra; these were also found to exhibit their predominance in Raman
      measurements. The n-type characteristics and donor density value of around 10(20)
      cm(-3) were evaluated for the In2O3 specimens via Mott-Schottky plots. The role
      of In2O3 nanostructures as active/interfacial layers was then studied using the
      current-voltage characteristics obtained across the hybrid heterostructures made
      of polypyrrole/In2O3, polypyrrole/ZnO and polypyrrole/In2O3/ZnO. Organic
      inorganic p-n diodes were obtained via in situ chemical polymerization, drop
      casting and hydrothermal routes. Cyclic voltammograms and Nyquist plots were used
      to study the reduction mechanism taking place in the nanostructures that actually
      results with the formation of metallic In, which plays a vital role in
      establishing the required conduction electrons. The same has been reasoned for
      the improved rectification characteristics observed across the diodes. 

PMID- 25126860
TI  - Regulation of insulin sensitivity by adiponectin and its receptors in response to
      physical exercise.
AB  - Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived abundant plasma protein, also called Acrp30
      (adipocyte complement-related protein), adipoQ, ApM1 (AdiPose Most abundant Gene
      transcript 1), or GBP28 (gelatin-binding protein-28). Insulin resistance is a
      primary contributing factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Adiponectin
      binds to adiponectin receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, and exerts antidiabetic
      effects via activation of AMPK and PPAR-alpha pathways, respectively. In the same
      sense chronic exercise has been showed to induce numerous metabolic factors that
      can improve insulin resistance. It has been reported that physical exercise
      training increases adiponectin receptors, which may mediate the improvement of
      insulin resistance in response to exercise, which is the focus of the present
      review. 

PMID- 25126861
TI  - Expression analysis of GADD45gamma, MEG3, and p8 in pituitary adenomas.
AB  - Preceding studies have indicated that aberrant expression levels rather than
      genetic changes of GADD45gamma, MEG3, and p8 gene might play a role in the
      pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas. We analysed their expression in various
      normal human tissues and in different pituitary tumour types, and investigated
      GADD45gamma mutations in a subset of adenomas. Absolute quantification by real
      time RT-PCR was performed in 24 normal tissues as well as in 34 nonfunctioning,
      24 somatotroph, 12 corticotroph adenomas, 4 prolactinomas, 1 FSHoma, and in 6
      normal pituitaries. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between
      clinical data and gene expression. A subset was screened for GADD45gamma
      mutations by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) and
      sequencing. All normal human tissues expressed GADD45gamma, MEG3, and p8 mRNA.
      For GADD45gamma, significantly lower expression levels were found in
      nonfunctioning adenomas compared with normal pituitary and somatotroph adenomas.
      P8 and MEG3 mRNA levels were significantly lower in nonfunctioning and
      corticotroph adenomas compared with normal pituitary. Expression of GADD45gamma
      was significantly higher in pituitary adenomas of female patients. No mutation
      was found in the GADD45gamma gene. GADD45gamma, MEG3, and p8 appear to have
      physiological functions in a variety of human tissues. GADD45gamma, MEG3, and P8
      may be involved in the pathogenesis of nonfunctioning and corticotroph pituitary
      tumours. Female gender seems to predispose to slightly higher GADD45gamma
      expression in pituitary adenomas. Mutations of the GADD45gamma are unlikely to be
      involved in the pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas. 

PMID- 25126863
TI  - Awareness, perception and coverage of tetanus immunisation in women of child
      bearing age in an urban district of Lagos, Nigeria.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the level of awareness and perception of
      women of child bearing age to tetanus immunisation and determines the cover- age
      rate in Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Nigeria.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 288 women of
      child bearing age selected using multistage sampling technique. Information was
      obtained using structured close-ended questionnaire. Data analysis was done using
      Epi-InfoTM software, version 3.5.1. RESULTS: There was high level of awareness of
      tetanus immunisation among respondents (89%) and as a method of prevention of
      tetanus (76%). There was a positive association between the level of awareness
      and respondents' educational level and occupation (p < 0.05). However, there is a
      low level of awareness regarding the number of doses of the vaccine required in
      pregnancy(14.4%) and for life protection (19.5%). Those who ever received the
      vaccine,got it post-injury (48.9%) and in pregnancy (45.2%). Age, occupation and
      parity were positively associated with receiving the vaccine (p < 0.05), while
      parity and marital status were positively associated with number of dose of
      vaccine received (p < 0.05). Only about 20% of the respondents had received two
      or more doses of the vaccine. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that despite the
      high level of awareness about tetanus and tetanus immunisation, there is a low
      coverage rate of tetanus immunisation among women of child bearing age in Ojodu
      LCDA of Lagos State. Women of child bearing age should also be targeted at the
      community level in tetanus immunisation campaign programme.

PMID- 25126864
TI  - A cross-sectional study for algorithm in diagnosing simple uncomplicated malaria
      in children in health facilities without laboratory backup in Nigeria.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine an algorithm
      for malaria diagnosis using presenting signs and symptoms of children (aged 0-13
      years) with uncomplicated malaria in Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja, Nigeria.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validated questionnaire was used to obtain relevant data
      from 400 children diagnosed presumptively of simple malaria by clinicians and 400
      other children of similar sex and age considered as not having malaria. Giemsa
      stained thick blood films were used to determine parasitaemia. Data obtained was
      analysed using Epi-Info version 3.3.2. RESULTS: Thirty-eight per cent of children
      with presumptive diagnosis of malaria had parasitaemia. Fever, rigor, vomiting,
      jaundice, pallor and spleen enlargement had significant statistical relationship
      with parasitaemia on bivariate analysis, but only fever (p=0.00), rigor (p=0.00),
      vomiting (p=0.00), and pallor (p=0.00) maintained the relationship when subjected
      to logistic regression analysis. But these symptoms individually had low
      sensitivity and/or specificity. Candidate algorithms (combinations of symptoms)
      were then successively subjected to bivariate, logistic and validity analyses.
      Fever with vomiting gave the highest sensitivity (56.2%), specificity (76.4%) and
      PPV (60.0%) and were therefore adopted as the algorithm of choice. CONCLUSION AND
      RECOMMENDATIONS: Children presenting with fever and vomiting without any other
      obvious cause in health facilities without laboratory support in the research
      area should receive antimalarial treatment, to help reduce the malaria scourge.
      This algorithm should be field-tested and if found reliable should be adopted to
      ease the problem of malaria diagnosis in peripheral health facilities.

PMID- 25126862
TI  - Delivery of full-length factor VIII using a piggyBac transposon vector to correct
      a mouse model of hemophilia A.
AB  - Viral vectors have been used for hemophilia A gene therapy. However, due to its
      large size, full-length Factor VIII (FVIII) cDNA has not been successfully
      delivered using conventional viral vectors. Moreover, viral vectors may pose
      safety risks, e.g., adverse immunological reactions or virus-mediated
      cytotoxicity. Here, we took advantages of the non-viral vector gene delivery
      system based on piggyBac DNA transposon to transfer the full-length FVIII cDNA,
      for the purpose of treating hemophilia A. We tested the efficiency of this new
      vector system in human 293T cells and iPS cells, and confirmed the expression of
      the full-length FVIII in culture media using activity-sensitive coagulation
      assays. Hydrodynamic injection of the piggyBac vectors into hemophilia A mice
      temporally treated with an immunosuppressant resulted in stable production of
      circulating FVIII for over 300 days without development of anti-FVIII antibodies.
      Furthermore, tail-clip assay revealed significant improvement of blood
      coagulation time in the treated mice. piggyBac transposon vectors can facilitate
      the long-term expression of therapeutic transgenes in vitro and in vivo. This
      novel gene transfer strategy should provide safe and efficient delivery of FVIII.

PMID- 25126865
TI  - The effect of a sexuality education programme among out- of- school adolescents
      in Lagos, Nigeria.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the effect of a community
      based sexuality education programme on the sexual health knowledge and practices
      of out of school female adolescents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This Intervention
      study was conducted in two markets within Lagos, Nigeria. Representative samples
      of adolescents were interviewed on their sexual health knowledge and practices.
      An Education- entertainment programme provided sexuality education to adolescents
      in Mushin market only (intervention group) followed by post intervention surveys
      in Mushin market and Sangrouse market (control group). The pre and post
      intervention surveys were compared 6 months post intervention to detect any
      changes. RESULTS: Sexual health knowledge and behaviour was similar among
      respondents in both markets pre intervention. Post intervention, the sexual
      health knowledge of the respondents in the intervention site improved
      significantly. (p<0.05) Fewer adolescents initiated sex in the intervention site
      than in the control site and contraceptive use increased. However among the
      sexually active, there was no significant change in their condom use and number
      of sexual partners. CONCLUSION: Community based health education programmes can
      be used to provide effective sexuality education for out of school adolescents.
      Provision should be made by government and non-governmental organisations during
      adolescent reproductive health programming for sexuality education targeted at
      out of school adolescents.

PMID- 25126866
TI  - The effect of a short anti-smoking awareness programme on the knowledge, attitude
      and practice of cigarette smoking among secondary school students in Lagos state,
      Nigeria.
AB  - This study aimed to assess the effect of a short school-based anti-smoking
      program on the knowledge, attitude and practice of cigarette smoking among
      students in secondary schools in Lagos State. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A non
      randomized, controlled intervention study was done among respondents selected
      using multi-stage sampling. Baseline data was collected using self-administered
      questionnaires. An anti-smoking awareness programme was carried out among
      students in the intervention group using health talks, information leaflets and
      posters. Post-intervention data collection took place three months later.
      RESULTS: There were significant increments in the mean knowledge and attitude
      scores after the intervention. There was however no statistically significant
      change in the current smoking habits of respondents (4% vs. 3%; p=0.41)in the
      intervention group. Nevertheless, in the intervention group, the number of never-
      smokers who reported that they were likely to initiate cigarette smoking within
      the next year significantly reduced. There was also a significant increase in the
      proportion of current smokers who desired to quit smoking. CONCLUSION: Even brief
      anti-smoking programs of this nature are effective at improving the knowledge and
      modifying the attitude of the respondents but do not improve smoking habits. It
      however motivated the desire to quit among current smokers. Health education
      sessions and periodic anti-smoking programmes should be introduced into the
      secondary school curriculum. More intensive approaches may be needed to influence
      the smoking behaviour of adolescent smokers.

PMID- 25126867
TI  - Effects of interval exercise training programme on the indices of adiposity and
      biomarker of inflammation in hypertension: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertension remains a significant risk factor in
      cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the present study was to
      investigate the effects of 8 weeks interval training programme on blood pressure,
      aerobic capacity (VO max), indices of adiposity and marker of inflammation in
      black African men with essential hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred
      and forty five (245) male subjects with stage 1 and 2 (systolic blood pressure
      [SBP] between 140-179 & diastolic blood pressure [DBP] between 90-109 mmHg)
      essential hypertension were age matched and grouped into experimental and control
      groups. The experimental (n=140; 58.90 +/- 7.35 years) group involved in an 8
      weeks interval training (60-79% HRmax) programme of between 45 and 60 minutes,
      while age-matched control hypertensive (n=105; 58.27+/-6.24 years) group remain
      sedentary during this period. All subjects in both groups were on
      antihypertensive drugs throughout the study period. Cardiovascular parameters
      (SBP, DBP) & VO max and percent body fat [%BF], waist to hip ratio [WHR] and C
      reactive protein [CRP] were assessed. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation
      test were used in data analysis. RESULTS: Findings of the study revealed
      significant decreased effects of interval training programme on SBP, DBP, %BF,
      WHR and CRP and significant increased effect on VO max at p< 0.05. Also, changes
      in CRP as a result of exercise training significantly and positively correlated
      with changes in SBP, DBP, %BF, WHR, CRP and negatively correlated with VO max at
      p< 0.05.

PMID- 25126868
TI  - The knowledge and attitude of non-ophthalmic medical doctors towards glaucoma in
      two tertiary institutions in south eastern Nigeria.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study is aimed at determining how much knowledge of
      glaucoma the non-ophthalmic medical doctors still possess and their personal
      attitudes toward glaucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Self- administered
      questionnaires were randomly distributed to the non-ophthalmic medical doctors in
      two specialist hospitals in south eastern Nigeria: The data obtained were the
      age, sex, professional and number of years of practice of the participants, their
      knowledge of the symptoms/ aetiology/risk factors, examination/investigation,
      treatment of glaucoma as well as their personal attitude towards glaucoma.
      RESULTS: There were two hundred respondents; one hundred and forty two males and
      fifty eight females (M:F=2.4:1); comprising 82.5% Resident doctors; 51% of whom
      had been in practice for less than 5 years.All the doctors had heard of glaucoma;
      approximately seventy two per cent (72.5%) had a good knowledge of glaucoma
      symptoms and 52.0% of these had been in practice for only 5 years or less.
      Similarly, of the 83% of the doctors who correctly answered the questions on the
      aetiology of glaucoma, majority (84.3%) had been in practice for 5 years or less.
      Only 24.5% and 38.5% respectively of the doctors had a good knowledge of the
      basic examination and treatment required for the management of glaucoma.There was
      no statistically significant relationship between most variables tested. Only the
      relationship between the knowledge of the symptoms of glaucoma and the duration
      of practice of the doctors was statistically significant (p< 0.005). CONCLUSION:
      Most of the non-ophthalmic medical doctors have a basic knowledge of glaucoma and
      how to investigate it but showed a poor knowledge of examination and treatment
      modalities. They also acknowledged the importance of regular eye checks but only
      very few had had their eyes examined.

PMID- 25126869
TI  - Malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzymes in second and third trimesters of pre
      eclamptic Nigerian women.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in malondialdehyde (product of lipid
      peroxidation) and antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Per
      oxidase) levels in pre-eclamptic Nigerian women PATIENTS AND METHODS: A Total of
      100 subjects each for pre-eclamptic,apparently normal and non pregnant women were
      recruited into the study.Venous blood samples were taken from the participants
      during second and third trimesters of pregnancy and at the point of contact for
      non pregnant women. Malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide
      dismutase were measured accordingly from plasma and haemolysate prepared from
      whole blood.Variables were analysed using SPSS version 16, taking level of
      significance to be 0.05 RESULTS: Plasma malondialdehyde in the third trimester
      (3.13+/-0.61umol/l) of pre-eclamptic subjects was higher than in the second
      trimester (3.00+/-1.21umol/l).Plasma malondialdehyde in the third trimester of
      normal pregnancy (2.03+/-0.71umol/l) was also found to be significantly higher
      than in the second trimester (1.65+/-0.62umol/ l)(p<0.0001). Glutathione
      peroxidase in pre-eclamptic subjects was significantly higher in the third
      trimester (2804.11+/-1573.00U/L) as compared to the second trimester (2655.00+/
      1751.30U/L), p= 0.0001.Glutathione peroxidase activity in the third trimester of
      normal pregnancy(3339.50+/-1733.80U/L) was also found to be higher than in the
      second trimester(3023.50+/-1115.90U/L)(p=0.131). Superoxide dismutase activity
      was significantly lower in the third trimester of pre-eclamptic pregnancy when
      compared to second trimester (110.40+/-59.47 Vs 118.01+/-64.41 U/ ml)(p<0.039)
      .Similarly,superoxide dismutase activity was significantly lower in the third
      trimester of normal pregnancy (110.40+/-59.47U/ml) than in the second
      trimester(153.01+/-71.85U/ml)(p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: There was an increased level
      of lipid peroxidation products,malondialdehyde in subjects with pre-eclampsia.
      This was more in the third trimester. There was an increased oxidative stress in
      pre-eclampsia as evidenced also by low serum level of superoxide dismutase in the
      third trimester.Diet rich in antioxidant enzyme might be beneficial.

PMID- 25126870
TI  - Sleep disorders in women attending antenatal care at a tertiary hospital in
      Nigeria.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in a
      population of Nigerian women during pregnancy and to evaluate the frequency of
      these sleep disorders according to the three trimesters of pregnancy. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional design. Participants' were interviewed
      at the antenatal clinic with a questionnaire to evaluate their sleep during and
      before pregnancy and to appraise disturbance in their sleep according to the
      trimester. RESULTS: Two hundred and three pregnant women participated in the
      survey and were evaluated at one of three points in pregnancy: 1st trimester
      (n=57), 2nd trimester (n=71) and 3rd trimester (n=75). Overall, the prevalence of
      sleep disorder in the population surveyed was 35.5% (72/203), more women
      experienced sleep disturbances in the first (42.1%) and third (40%) trimester of
      pregnancy compared to the second (25.3%). In terms of types of sleep disorders;
      96(47.3%) reported insomnia, 32(15.8%) sleep breathing disorders, 86(42.4%)
      excessive daytime sleepiness, 172(84.7%) mild sleepiness and 64(31.5%)
      significant specific awakenings. The most common reason for specific awakening
      was frequent urination (78.6%). These sleep disorders were more common in the
      third trimester of pregnancy but only insomnia and specific awakenings showed
      statistical significance, p=0.007 and 0.031 respectively. Logistic regression
      model showed that nulliparity, increased BMI and previous adverse obstetric
      events had significant independent associations with sleep disorders. CONCLUSION:
      Sleep disorders are common in pregnancy, notably in the first and third
      trimesters.

PMID- 25126871
TI  - Asthma control and quality of life in school- age children in Enugu south east,
      Nigeria.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study set out to assess the quality-of-life of school
      age children in relation to their level of asthma control. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      A cross-sectional descriptive study of children with asthma using the Paediatric
      Asthma Quality of Life questionnaire (PAQLQ) and the Asthma Therapy Assessment
      Questionnaire (ATAQ) to respectively assess the health-related quality of life
      and the level of asthma control. RESULTS: Ninety children with mean age of
      11.8(SD, 2.8; 95% CI, 11.2 to 12.4) years, were enrolled. Fifteen children
      (16.7%) were well-controlled, 17 (18.9%) were partly-controlled while 58 (64.4%)
      had uncontrolled asthma. The mean asthma control score for all participants was
      3.2 (95% CI, 2.8 to 3.7). The mean quality-of-life score was 5.3 (SD, 1.2; 95%
      CI, 4.9 to 5.5). The lowest score was in the symptom domain: 5.1 (SD, 1.4; 95%
      CI, 4.9 to 5.5), and among the 14-17 year age group (4.5 SD, 1.5; MD=1.1;
      p=0.002). The emotional domain was the least affected 5.4 (SD, 1.3; 95% CI, 5.1
      to 5.7). Children with well-controlled asthma had the best quality-of-life scores
      in symptom domains: 5.6 (SD, 1.3; 95% CI, MD=0.6, p=0.63). Quality of life scores
      were not significant in determining asthma control (MD=0.1, p=0.98). Age was
      noted as the strongest quality-of-life predictor (B=-0.2, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS:
      QOL scores are better in children with well-controlled asthma. Adolescent age
      group marks a period of both poor asthma control and quality of life in children
      with asthma.

PMID- 25126872
TI  - Ultrasonographic spleen size and haematological parameters in children with
      sickle cell anaemia in Kano, Nigeria.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine spleen size using abdominal ultrasonography and
      haematological parameters in steady state children with sickle cell anaemia
      (SCA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An analytical case control study of 150 children
      with SCA in steady state aged 6 months to 15 years was undertaken. Children with
      HbAA matched for sex and age were used as controls. The spleen sizes of children
      with SCA and the controls were determined using abdominal ultrasonography.
      Haematological parameters (RBC, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC,WBC, Platelet and Reticulocyte
      counts) were also assessed. RESULTS: Fifty three children (35.3%) with SCA
      against 19 children (12.7%)with HbAA had splenomegaly defined as spleen index >
      31cm2. among the children with SCA who had splenomegaly, 17 (11.3%) were older
      than 10 years. None of those above 10 years with HbAA had splenomegaly. The mean
      values of RBC, Hb, MCV and MCH were significantly lower in children with SCA
      compared to age- sex matched HbAA controls (p = 0.001, 0.001, 0.15 and 0.016
      respectively), while the mean values of MCHC, WBC, platelet and reticulocyte
      counts were significantly higher in children with SCA than in the HbAA controls
      (p = 0.022, 0.001, 0.013 and 0.001) respectively. Among the SCA subjects, as
      spleen index increased from grade II through grade V, the mean values of RBC, Hb,
      WBC and platelet count significantly decreased (p =0.001, 0.001, 0.032 and
      0.007), while the mean value of reticulocyte count significantly increased (p =
      0.001). However, with increasing spleen index from grade II to grade V, the mean
      values of MCV, MCH and MCHC were not significantly different (p = 0.077, 0.741
      and 0.995). CONCLUSION: Splenomegaly persists in much older age group in children
      with SCA and is associated with mild cytopaenia. Spleen size in children with SCA
      should be assessed using a more sensitive and reliable method of ultrasonography.

PMID- 25126873
TI  - Elder abuse and neglect in Zaria northern Nigeria.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the nature and extent
      of elder abuse and neglect among community dwelling elderly in Zaria, Nigeria.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Community dwelling elderly in Zaria city North-western
      Nigeria were interviewed;. they were interviewed using a data collecting sheet
      designed to obtain socio-demographic data and an instrument designed to detect
      abuse and neglect in the elderly. The data obtained was analysed using
      Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 13 for Windows. RESULTS: Three
      hundred and fifty one elderly people participated in the study out of which
      211(60.1%) were females. The mean age of the participants was 73.90 years
      (95%CI=.72.96-74.84 years) There was no case of physical, financial or
      psychological abuse. However, 125(35.6%) participants suffered possible neglect
      in terms of personal care and hygiene. Increasing age, lack of formal education,
      receiving pension, not having a spouse and self reported poor health status were
      significantly associated with elder possible neglect in this community.
      CONCLUSION: Elder abuse was uncommon in this community like in other communities
      in the developing countries. However, possible neglect of personal care and
      hygiene of the elderly was common and that might be due to poor economic status
      of both the elderly and his other caregiver.

PMID- 25126874
TI  - Clinical usefulness of a timed overnight (8 hours) Urine Albumin (microalbumin)
      excretion in monitor-ing treatment in benign essential hypertension.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This research aims to establish the usefulness of timed over
      night (8 hours) Urine Albumin(microalbumin) Excretion (UAE), in monitoring
      therapy in Nigerian patients with benign essential hypertension. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: The study population comprised 40 normotensives/controls, (23 males and
      17 females) aged between 20-70 years, with a mean blood pressure 116/75mmHg, 30
      well-controlled hypertensive patients, diastolic BP <100mmHg or MAP (mean
      arterial pressure) = 110mmHg and 30 poorly controlled hypertensive patients,
      diastolic blood pressure > 100mmHg or MAP >110mmHg.Urine albumin(microalbumin)
      was determined on the 8 hours overnight urine samples by ELISA method using kit
      from Randox Laboratories Limited, N.Ireland Cat No. MA 1410. UAE was calculated
      from the urine albumin concentration, urine volume and collection time. The intra
      assay precision was determined by running 20 replicates of two kit controls in a
      single batch. The coefficient of variation was 6.6% at 10.70mg/L and 4.3% at
      51.20mg/L. RESULTS: The average UAE in the three groups were as follows: 12:22 +/
      4.65ug/ min, 21.50 +/- 10.5ug/min and 30.10 +/- 24.25 ug/min in the control, well
      controlled and poorly controlled groups respectively, 12.5% of normotensive
      subjects, 40% of well controlled and 56.7% of poorly controlled patients were
      found to have microalbuminuria.The UAE increased significantly with the severity
      of hypertension (r = 0.32, p<0.001 for control) r = 0.38, p<00.05 for controlled
      and r = 0.49 p<0.05 for poorly controlled. CONCLUSION: A timed overnight (8
      hours) Urinary UAE is a preferred alternative to cumbersome 24 hours urine
      collection for monitoring response to treatment in Nigerian patients with benign
      essential hypertension.

PMID- 25126875
TI  - Implant failure in lower limb long bone diaphyseal fractures at a tertiary
      hospital in Ile- Ife. Nigeria.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This included determining aetiology of failure and comparing
      the failure rate in implant fixations using solid intramedullary nail and DCP.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study conducted at the Orthopaedic
      Department, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife,Nigeria.
      Records of all operated cases of lower limb long bone diaphyseal fractures
      including those with failed fixations from August 2006-July 2011 were reviewed.
      Data retrieved included type of implant used, aetiology and characteristics of
      Implant failure. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16. Frequency distribution
      of the variables of interest was done. Difference in failure rate of
      intramedullary nail versus DCP was tested using chi-square. Statistical
      significance was inferred at p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 280 patients were
      studied out of which two hundred and twenty-one patients had long bone diaphyseal
      fractures and met inclusion criteria, of which 135 had intramedullary nail
      fixation and 86 had DCP. The rate of implant failure in intramedullary nail was
      1.5% while it was 5.8% in patients with DCP (p=0.113; 0R=4.10; 95% CI=0.65-
      43.77). Implant fracture was the commonest type of failure seen (100% versus 60%)
      and non union was the commonest cause of failure seen (50% versus 40%) in the
      intramedullary nailing and DCP groups respectively. CONCLUSION: The likelihood of
      a failed implant is higher in fixations done with DCP compared with
      intramedullary nail though the difference was not statistically significant.
      Commonest reason for failure in both groups was non-union. Findings from this
      study may guide surgeons in choice of implant in the management of long bone
      fractures.

PMID- 25126876
TI  - Polymorphisms in SPARC and coal workers' pneumoconiosis risk in a Chinese
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The SPARC is a crucial matricellular protein and may influence the
      course of various diseases like tumor metastasis and fibrosis. In the present
      study, we investigated the association between the potential functional
      polymorphisms in SPARC and coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) risk in a Chinese
      population. METHODS: Five potentially functional polymorphisms (rs1059279,
      rs1059829, rs1053411, rs2304052 and rs4958281) in SPARC were genotyped and
      analyzed in a case-control study including 697 CWP cases and 694 controls. The
      genotyping was used by the TaqMan method with the ABI 7900HT Real Time PCR
      system. RESULTS: Our results revealed that three SNPs (rs1059279, rs1059829,
      rs1053411) were significantly associated with increased risk of CWP under an
      additive model (OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.06-1.71, P = 0.015 for rs1059279; OR = 1.20,
      95%CI = 1.03-1.39, P = 0.021 for rs1059829; OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.03-1.65, P =
      0.025 for rs1053411). In the stratification analysis, significant associations
      were observed between each of these three SNPs and patients with 0-20 pack-years
      of smoking (OR = 1.73, 95%CI = 1.21-2.45 for rs1059279; OR = 1.48, 95%CI = 1.07
      2.05 for rs105982; OR = 1.58, 95%CI = 1.13-2.22 for rs1053411). Furthermore, the
      association between rs1059279 and CWP risk remained significant among subjects
      with over 27 years of exposure (OR = 1.27, 95%CI = 1.03-1.56, P = 0.023). In the
      combined analysis of these five polymorphisms, individuals with multiple risk
      alleles had a higher risk of CWP (Ptrend = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Our results
      indicate that three functional SPARC SNPs are associated with an increased risk
      of CWP in a Chinese population. Further functional research and validation
      studies with diverse populations are warranted to confirm our findings.

PMID- 25126878
TI  - ICU physician-based determinants of life-sustaining therapy during nights and
      weekends: French multicenter study from the Outcomerea Research Group.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patient- and organization-related factors are the most common
      influences affecting the ICU decision-making process. Few studies have
      investigated ICU physician-related factors and life-sustaining treatment use
      during nights and weekends, when staffing ratios are low. Here, we described
      patients admitted during nights/weekends and looked for physician-related
      determinants of life-sustaining treatment use in these patients after adjustment
      for patient- and center-related factors. DESIGN: Multicenter observational cohort
      study of admission procedures during nights/weekends shifts. SUBJECTS: ICU
      physicians working nights/weekends in 6 French ICUs. INTERVENTIONS: None.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patient characteristics and intensity of care were
      extracted from the prospective Outcomerea database. Physician characteristics
      were age, gender, religion and religiosity, ICU experience, specialty, being a
      permanent ICU staff member, degree in ethics, and degree in intensive care. We
      used hierarchical mixed models to adjust on center, physician random effects, and
      admission patient characteristics. Of 156 physicians contacted, 119 (77%)
      participated. Patients admitted during nights/weekends were younger and had fewer
      comorbidities and lower treatment intensity during the shift. ICU physicians who
      are younger than 35 years used more renal replacement therapy (odds ratio, 1.04;
      95% CI, 1-1.07; p = 0.04), invasive mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 1.09; 95%
      CI, 1.1-1.19; p = 0.04), and vasopressors (odds ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.09-1.23; p
      < 0.0001). Internal or emergency medicine as the primary specialty was associated
      with invasive mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.24; p =
      0.004) and vasopressor use (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17; p = 0.01).
      Noninvasive ventilation was used less often by physicians with more than 10 years
      of night/weekend shifts and more often by those with religious beliefs (odds
      ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted during
      nights/weekends were younger and had fewer comorbidities. Age, specialty, ICU
      experience, and religious beliefs of the physicians were significantly associated
      life-sustaining treatments used.

PMID- 25126877
TI  - Deficiency of the two-pore-domain potassium channel TREK-1 promotes hyperoxia
      induced lung injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We previously reported the expression of the two-pore-domain K
      channel TREK-1 in lung epithelial cells and proposed a role for this channel in
      the regulation of alveolar epithelial cytokine secretion. In this study, we
      focused on investigating the role of TREK-1 in vivo in the development of
      hyperoxia-induced lung injury. DESIGN: Laboratory animal experiments. SETTING:
      University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Wild-type and TREK-1-deficient mice.
      INTERVENTIONS: Mice were anesthetized and exposed to 1) room air, no mechanical
      ventilation, 2) 95% hyperoxia for 24 hours, and 3) 95% hyperoxia for 24 hours
      followed by mechanical ventilation for 4 hours. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      Hyperoxia exposure accentuated lung injury in TREK-1-deficient mice but not
      controls, resulting in increase in lung injury scores, bronchoalveolar lavage
      fluid cell numbers, and cellular apoptosis and a decrease in quasi-static lung
      compliance. Exposure to a combination of hyperoxia and injurious mechanical
      ventilation resulted in further morphological lung damage and increased lung
      injury scores and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell numbers in control but not
      TREK-1-deficient mice. At baseline and after hyperoxia exposure, bronchoalveolar
      lavage cytokine levels were unchanged in TREK-1-deficient mice compared with
      controls. Exposure to hyperoxia and mechanical ventilation resulted in an
      increase in bronchoalveolar lavage interleukin-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1,
      and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in both mouse types, but the increase in
      interleukin-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels was less prominent in
      TREK-1-deficient mice than in controls. Lung tissue macrophage inflammatory
      protein-2, keratinocyte-derived cytokine, and interleukin-1beta gene expression
      was not altered by hyperoxia in TREK-1-deficient mice compared with controls.
      Furthermore, we show for the first time TREK-1 expression on alveolar macrophages
      and unimpaired tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from TREK-1-deficient
      macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: TREK-1 deficiency resulted in increased sensitivity of
      lungs to hyperoxia, but this effect is less prominent if overwhelming injury is
      induced by the combination of hyperoxia and injurious mechanical ventilation.
      TREK-1 may constitute a new potential target for the development of novel
      treatment strategies against hyperoxia-induced lung injury.

PMID- 25126879
TI  - Early prediction of persistent organ failure by soluble CD73 in patients with
      acute pancreatitis*.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: New biomarkers are needed to better predict the severity of acute
      pancreatitis. CD73/ecto-5'-nucleotidase is an enzyme that generates adenosine,
      which dampens inflammation and improves vascular barrier function in several
      disease models. CD73 also circulates in a soluble form in the blood. We studied
      whether levels of soluble form of CD73 predict the development of organ failure
      in acute pancreatitis. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study of patients with acute
      pancreatitis from 2003 to 2007. SETTING: Admissions to the biggest tertiary care
      hospital in Finland. PATIENTS: One hundred sixty-one patients with acute
      pancreatitis, of which 107 were subclassified according to the revised Atlanta
      criteria into mild, 29 into moderately severe and 25 into severe. INTERVENTIONS:
      None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Serum and blood cell samples were collected
      at admission. Protein levels of soluble form of CD73 in serum were determined
      using a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, activity of soluble form of CD73
      using radioactive enzyme assays, and CD73 messenger RNA levels from leukocytes
      using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Activity and protein concentration
      of soluble form of CD73, and messenger RNA level of CD73 all decreased along with
      the disease severity (p <= 0.01 for all). The activity of soluble form of CD73 at
      admission predicted the development of the severe pancreatitis in different
      groups of the patients. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic
      curve value for activity of soluble form of CD73 was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.51-0.80)
      among a subgroup of patients comprising moderately severe and severe disease,
      0.79 (95% CI, 0.69-0.88) among all patients including mild pancreatitis, and 0.75
      (95% CI, 0.60-0.89) among patients who had no signs of organ failure (modified
      Marshall score < 2) at admission. Especially, in the last-mentioned group,
      activity of soluble form of CD73 was better than C-reactive protein or creatinine
      in predicting the severe pancreat CONCLUSIONS: : Activity of soluble form of CD73
      at admission to hospital has prognostic value in predicting the development of
      the severe form of acute pancreatitis.

PMID- 25126881
TI  - Environmentally benign process for the preparation of antimicrobial alpha
      methylene-beta-hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone (tulipalin B) from tulip biomass.
AB  - Tulipalin B (alpha-methylene-beta-hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone, PaB) is an
      antimicrobial natural product occurring in tulip (Tulipa gesneriana). PaB is
      directly formed from the precursor glucose ester 6-tuliposide B (PosB) by
      endogenous Pos-converting enzyme (TCE). Despite the potential usefulness of
      antibacterial PaB in various industrial applications, lack of facile synthetic
      schemes hampers its practical use. Herein, we describe an environmentally benign
      and facile process for the preparation of PaB using tulip biomass materials based
      on one-step enzyme reaction catalyzed by TCE without the use of petroleum-derived
      solvents. By screening 115 tulip cultivars, we found three elite cultivars, which
      accumulated PosB almost exclusively in flower tissues. The flower extracts with
      aqueous ethanol were partially purified with activated charcoal and subjected to
      the enzyme reaction with reusable immobilized TCE prepared from bulb crude
      extracts. The reaction was completed in a few hours at room temperature, and PaB
      was purified with activated charcoal and ethanol in a batch-wise manner. 

PMID- 25126883
TI  - College Health's response to "not alone".

PMID- 25126880
TI  - International study on microcirculatory shock occurrence in acutely ill patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Microcirculatory alterations are associated with adverse outcome in
      subsets of critically ill patients. The prevalence and significance of
      microcirculatory alterations in the general ICU population are unknown. We
      studied the prevalence of microcirculatory alterations in a heterogeneous ICU
      population and its predictive value in an integrative model of macro- and
      microcirculatory variables. DESIGN: Multicenter observational point prevalence
      study. SETTING: The Microcirculatory Shock Occurrence in Acutely ill Patients
      study was conducted in 36 ICUs worldwide. PATIENTS: A heterogeneous ICU
      population consisting of 501 patients. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Demographic, hemodynamic, and laboratory data were collected in all ICU
      patients who were 18 years old or older. Sublingual Sidestream Dark Field imaging
      was performed to determine the prevalence of an abnormal capillary microvascular
      flow index (< 2.6) and its additional value in predicting hospital mortality. In
      501 patients with a median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II
      score of 15 (10-21), a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of 5 (2-8), and
      a hospital mortality of 28.4%, 17% exhibited an abnormal capillary microvascular
      flow index. Tachycardia (heart rate > 90 beats/min) (odds ratio, 2.71; 95% CI,
      1.67-4.39; p < 0.001), mean arterial pressure (odds ratio, 0.979; 95% CI, 0.963
      0.996; p = 0.013), vasopressor use (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.11-3.07; p =
      0.019), and lactate level more than 1.5 mEq/L (odds ratio, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.28
      3.62; p = 0.004) were independent risk factors for hospital mortality, but not
      abnormal microvascular flow index. In reference to microvascular flow index, a
      significant interaction was observed with tachycardia. In patients with
      tachycardia, the presence of an abnormal microvascular flow index was an
      independent, additive predictor for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.24; 95%
      CI, 1.30-8.06; p = 0.011). This was not true for nontachycardic patients nor for
      the total group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: In a heterogeneous ICU population, an
      abnormal microvascular flow index was present in 17% of patients. This was not
      associated with mortality. However, in patients with tachycardia, an abnormal
      microvascular flow index was independently associated with an increased risk of
      hospital death.

PMID- 25126882
TI  - The impact of nitration on the structure and immunogenicity of the major birch
      pollen allergen Bet v 1.0101.
AB  - Allergy prevalence has increased in industrialized countries. One contributing
      factor could be pollution, which can cause nitration of allergens exogenously (in
      the air) or endogenously (in inflamed lung tissue). We investigated the impact of
      nitration on both the structural and immunological behavior of the major birch
      pollen allergen Bet v 1.0101 to determine whether nitration might be a factor in
      the increased incidence of allergy. Bet v 1.0101 was nitrated with
      tetranitromethane. Immune effects were assessed by measuring the proliferation of
      specific T-cell lines (TCLs) upon stimulation with different concentrations of
      nitrated and unmodified allergen, and by measurement of cytokine release of
      monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) and primary DCs (primDCs) stimulated
      with nitrated versus unmodified allergen. HPLC-MS, crystallography, gel
      electrophoresis, amino acid analysis, size exclusion chromatography and molecular
      dynamics simulation were performed to characterize structural changes after
      nitration of the allergen. The proliferation of specific TCLs was higher upon
      stimulation with the nitrated allergen in comparison to the unmodified allergen.
      An important structural consequence of nitration was oligomerization. Moreover,
      analysis of the crystal structure of nitrated Bet v 1.0101 showed that amino acid
      residue Y83, located in the hydrophobic cavity, was nitrated to 100%. Both moDCs
      and primDCs showed decreased production of TH1-priming cytokines, thus favoring a
      TH2 response. These results implicate that nitration of Bet v 1.0101 might be a
      contributing factor to the observed increase in birch pollen allergy, and
      emphasize the importance of protein modifications in understanding the molecular
      basis of allergenicity. 

PMID- 25126884
TI  - Evelyn Wiener.

PMID- 25126885
TI  - Comparison of skin and soft tissue infections caused by Vibrio and Aeromonas
      species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare skin and soft tissue infections
      (SSTIs) caused by Vibrio and Aeromonas spp. METHODS: Patients whose cultures
      yielded Vibrio or Aeromonas spp. from July 2004 to June 2010 were retrieved from
      the computerized database of the bacteriology laboratory at a hospital in
      southern Taiwan. The medical records were reviewed for all patients fulfilling
      the criteria of monomicrobial Vibrio or Aeromonas spp. SSTIs and the clinical
      characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 28
      patients with Vibrio spp. and 26 patients with Aeromonas spp., respectively.
      Vibrio vulnificus (n=25) and A. hydrophila (n=14) were the most common spp. There
      were no significant differences in age, gender, underlying diseases between
      patients with Vibrio and Aeromonas SSTIs. In comparison to Aeromonas SSTIs, more
      patients with Vibrio SSTIs were complicated with acute respiratory failure (39.3%
      vs. 3.8%, p=0.002) and required intensive care unit admission (50.0% vs. 7.7%,
      p<0.001). Furthermore, patients with Aeromonas SSTIs had a higher likelihood of
      discharge alone within 30 days than Vibrio SSTIs (p=0.049). The difference in in
      hospital mortality among the two groups was not statistically significant
      (p=0.11). CONCLUSION: Both Aeromonas and Vibrio spp. cause SSTIs in southern
      Taiwan and the pathogenicity of Vibrio spp. might be higher than Aeromonas spp.

PMID- 25126886
TI  - Production and partial purification of tannase from Aspergillus ficuum Gim 3.6.
AB  - A novel fungal strain, Aspergillus ficuum Gim 3.6, was evaluated for its tannase
      producing capability in a wheat bran-based solid-state fermentation. Thin-layer
      chromatography (TLC) analysis revealed that the strain was able to degrade tannic
      acid to gallic acid and pyrogallol during the fermentation process. Quantitation
      of enzyme activity demonstrated that this strain was capable of producing a
      relatively high yield of extracellular tannase. Single-factor optimization of
      process parameters resulted in high yield of tannase after 60 hr of incubation at
      a pH of 5.0 at 30 degrees C, 1 mL of inoculum size, and 1:1 solid-liquid ratio in
      the presence of 2.0% (w/v) tannic acid as inducer. The potential of aqueous two
      phase extraction (ATPE) for the purification of tannase was investigated.
      Influence of various parameters such as phase-forming salt, molecular weight of
      polyethylene glycol (PEG), pH, and stability ratio on tannase partition and
      purification was studied. In all the systems, the target enzyme was observed to
      preferentially partition to the PEG-rich top phase, and the best result of
      purification (2.74-fold) with an enzyme activity recovery of 77.17% was obtained
      in the system containing 17% (w/w) sodium citrate and 18.18% (w/w) PEG1000, at pH
      7.0.

PMID- 25126887
TI  - Growth kinetics and growth mechanism of ultrahigh mass density carbon nanotube
      forests on conductive Ti/Cu supports.
AB  - We evaluate the growth kinetics and growth mechanism of ultrahigh mass density
      carbon nanotube forests. They are synthesized by chemical vapor deposition at 450
      degrees C using a conductive Ti/Cu support and Co-Mo catalyst system. We find
      that Mo stabilizes Co particles preventing lift off during the initial growth
      stage, thus promoting the growth of ultrahigh mass density nanotube forests by
      the base growth mechanism. The morphology of the forest gradually changes with
      growth time, mostly because of a structural change of the catalyst particles.
      After 100 min growth, toward the bottom of the forest, the area density decreases
      from ~ 3-6 * 10(11) cm(-2) to ~ 5 * 10(10) cm(-2) and the mass density decreases
      from 1.6 to 0.38 g cm(-3). We also observe part of catalyst particles detached
      and embedded within nanotubes. The progressive detachment of catalyst particles
      results in the depletion of the catalyst metals on the substrate surfaces. This
      is one of the crucial reasons for growth termination and may apply to other
      catalyst systems where the same features are observed. Using the packed forest
      morphology, we demonstrate patterned forest growth with a pitch of ~ 300 nm and a
      line width of ~ 150 nm. This is one of the smallest patterning of the carbon
      nanotube forests to date.

PMID- 25126888
TI  - Effects of a brief school-based media literacy intervention on digital media use
      in adolescents: cluster randomized controlled trial.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a four-session school-based
      media literacy curriculum on adolescent computer gaming and Internet use
      behavior. The study comprised a cluster randomized controlled trial with three
      assessments (baseline, posttest, and 12-month follow-up). At baseline, a total of
      2,303 sixth and seventh grade adolescents from 27 secondary schools were
      assessed. Of these, 1,843 (80%) could be reached at all three assessments
      (Mage=12.0 years; SD=0.83). Students of the intervention group received the media
      literacy program Vernetzte www.Welten ("Connected www.Worlds ") implemented by
      trained teachers during class time. The control group attended regular class.
      Main outcome measures were adolescents' computer gaming and Internet use: days
      per month, hours per day, and addictive use patterns. Parental media monitoring
      and rules at home were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results of multilevel
      growth-curve models revealed a significant intervention effect in terms of a
      lower increase in self-reported gaming frequency (beta = -1.10 [95% CI -2.06, 
      0.13]), gaming time (beta = -0.27 [95% CI -0.40, -0.14]), and proportion of
      excessive gamers (AOR=0.21 [95% CI 0.08, 0.57]) in the intervention group. There
      were also significant group-time interactions for the addictive gaming scale
      (beta=-0.08 [95% CI -0.12, -0.04]), and the Internet Addiction Scale (beta = 
      0.06 [95% CI -0.10, -0.01]). No effect was found for days and hours of Internet
      use or parental media behavior. The study shows that the program Vernetzte
      www.Welten can influence adolescents' media use behavior. Future research should
      address mediating and moderating variables of program effects.

PMID- 25126889
TI  - Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular modeling of new 3
      (cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxybenzaldehyde O-(2-(2,6-dimethylmorpholino)-2-oxoethyl)
      Oxime (GEBR-7b) related phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) inhibitors.
AB  - A new series of 3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl derivatives, structurally
      related to our hit GEBR-4a (1) and GEBR-7b (2), has been designed by changing
      length and functionality of the chain linking the catecholic moiety to the
      terminal cycloamine portion. Among the numerous molecules synthesized, compounds
      8, 10a, and 10b showed increased potency as PDE4D enzyme inhibitors with respect
      to 2 and a good selectivity against PDE4A4, PDE4B2, and PDE4C2 enzymes, without
      both cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. The ability to enhance cAMP level in
      neuronal cells was assessed for compound 8. SAR considerations, also confirmed by
      in silico docking simulations, evidenced that both chain and amino terminal
      function characterized by higher hydrophilicity are required for a good and
      selective inhibitor-catalytic pocket interaction. 

PMID- 25126890
TI  - IWBDA 2013.

PMID- 25126893
TI  - PR-PR: cross-platform laboratory automation system.
AB  - To enable protocol standardization, sharing, and efficient implementation across
      laboratory automation platforms, we have further developed the PR-PR open-source
      high-level biology-friendly robot programming language as a cross-platform
      laboratory automation system. Beyond liquid-handling robotics, PR-PR now supports
      microfluidic and microscopy platforms, as well as protocol translation into human
      languages, such as English. While the same set of basic PR-PR commands and
      features are available for each supported platform, the underlying optimization
      and translation modules vary from platform to platform. Here, we describe these
      further developments to PR-PR, and demonstrate the experimental implementation
      and validation of PR-PR protocols for combinatorial modified Golden Gate DNA
      assembly across liquid-handling robotic, microfluidic, and manual platforms. To
      further test PR-PR cross-platform performance, we then implement and assess PR-PR
      protocols for Kunkel DNA mutagenesis and hierarchical Gibson DNA assembly for
      microfluidic and manual platforms. 

PMID- 25126894
TI  - Chiral gold nanowires with Boerdijk-Coxeter-Bernal structure.
AB  - A Boerdijk-Coxeter-Bernal (BCB) helix is made of linearly stacked regular
      tetrahedra (tetrahelix). As such, it is chiral without nontrivial translational
      or rotational symmetries. We demonstrate here an example of the chiral BCB
      structure made of totally symmetrical gold atoms, created in nanowires by direct
      chemical synthesis. Detailed study by high-resolution electron microscopy
      illustrates their elegant chiral structure and the unique one-dimensional "pseudo
      periodicity". The BCB-type atomic packing mode is proposed to be a result of the
      competition and compromise between the lattice and surface energy. 

PMID- 25126895
TI  - Identification and mitigation of a reactive metabolite liability associated with
      aminoimidazoles.
AB  - Reactive metabolites (RMs) have been implicated as causal factors in many drug
      associated idiosyncratic toxicities. This study aims at identification and
      mitigation of an RM liability associated with aminoimidazole and
      amino(aza)benzimidazole structural motifs from an antimalarial project. Nineteen
      compounds with different structural modifications were studied in rat and human
      liver microsomes using glutathione (GSH) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) as trapping
      agents for RM. Metabolite profiling of aminoimidazole compounds in initial
      studies revealed the presence of dihydrodiol metabolites suggestive of reactive
      epoxide precursors, confirmed by the identification of a dihydrohydroxy GSH
      conjugate in GSH supplemented incubations. Substitution of methyl group at a
      potential site of metabolism blocked the epoxidation; however, formation of an
      imine-methide RM was suspected. Masking the site of metabolism via benzimidazole
      and 4/7-azabenzimidazole resulted in the possible formation of quinone-imine
      intermediates as a product of bioactivation. Further, substitutions with electron
      withdrawing groups and steric crowding did not address this liability. Mitigation
      of bioactivation was achieved with 5/6-azabenzimidazole and with CF3 substitution
      at the 6-position of the 7-azabenzimidazole ring. Moreover, compounds devoid of
      imidazole -NH2 do not undergo bioactivation. This study, therefore, establishes
      aminoimidazole and amino(aza)benzimidazoles as potential toxicophores and
      describes ways to mitigate this bioactivation liability by chemical modification.

PMID- 25126897
TI  - Size-resolved deposition rates for ultrafine and submicrometer particles in a
      residential housing unit.
AB  - We estimated the size-resolved particle deposition rates for the ultrafine and
      submicrometer particles using a nonlinear regression method with unknown particle
      background concentrations during nonsourced period following a controlled sourced
      period in a well-mixed residential environment. A dynamic adjustment method in
      conjunction with the constant injection of tracer gas was used to maintain the
      air exchange rate at three target levels across the range of 0.61-1.24 air change
      per hour (ACH). Particle deposition was found to be highly size dependent with
      rates ranging from 0.68 +/- 0.10 to 5.03 +/- 0.20 h(-1) (mean +/- s.e.). Our
      findings also suggest that the effect of air exchange on the particle deposition
      under enhanced air mixing was relatively small when compared to both the strong
      influence of size-dependent deposition mechanisms and the effects of mechanical
      air mixing by fans. Nonetheless, the significant association between air exchange
      and particle deposition rates for a few size categories indicated potential
      influence of air exchange on particle deposition. In the future, the proposed
      approach can be used to explore the separate or composite effects between air
      exchange and air mixing on particle deposition rates, which will contribute to
      improved assessment of human exposure to ultrafine and submicrometer particles. 

PMID- 25126896
TI  - Labeled EF-Tus for rapid kinetic studies of pretranslocation complex formation.
AB  - The universally conserved translation elongation factor EF-Tu delivers
      aminoacyl(aa)-tRNA in the form of an aa-tRNA.EF-Tu.GTP ternary complex (TC) to
      the ribosome where it binds to the cognate mRNA codon within the ribosomal A
      site, leading to formation of a pretranslocation (PRE) complex. Here we describe
      preparation of QSY9 and Cy5 derivatives of the variant E348C-EF-Tu that are
      functional in translation elongation. Together with fluorophore derivatives of aa
      tRNA and of ribosomal protein L11, located within the GTPase associated center
      (GAC), these labeled EF-Tus allow development of two new FRET assays that permit
      the dynamics of distance changes between EF-Tu and both L11 (Tu-L11 assay) and aa
      tRNA (Tu-tRNA assay) to be determined during the decoding process. We use these
      assays to examine: (i) the relative rates of EF-Tu movement away from the GAC and
      from aa-tRNA during decoding, (ii) the effects of the misreading-inducing
      antibiotics streptomycin and paromomycin on tRNA selection at the A-site, and
      (iii) how strengthening the binding of aa-tRNA to EF-Tu affects the rate of EF-Tu
      movement away from L11 on the ribosome. These FRET assays have the potential to
      be adapted for high throughput screening of ribosomal antibiotics. 

PMID- 25126898
TI  - Large negatively charged organic host molecules as inhibitors of endonuclease
      enzymes.
AB  - Three large negatively charged organic host molecules; beta-cyclodextrin
      sulphate, para-sulphonato-calix[6]arene and para-sulphonato-calix[8]arene have
      been shown to be effective inhibitors of endonuclease in the low micromolar
      range, additionally para-sulphonato-calix[8]arene is a partial inhibitor of
      rhDNase I. 

PMID- 25126899
TI  - Colorectal cancer detection using targeted serum metabolic profiling.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in the
      world. Despite an expanding knowledge of its molecular pathogenesis during the
      past two decades, robust biomarkers to enable screening, surveillance, and
      therapy monitoring of CRC are still lacking. In this study, we present a targeted
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling approach
      for identifying biomarker candidates that could enable highly sensitive and
      specific CRC detection using human serum samples. In this targeted approach, 158
      metabolites from 25 metabolic pathways of potential significance were monitored
      in 234 serum samples from three groups of patients (66 CRC patients, 76 polyp
      patients, and 92 healthy controls). Partial least-squares-discriminant analysis
      (PLS-DA) models were established, which proved to be powerful for distinguishing
      CRC patients from both healthy controls and polyp patients. Receiver operating
      characteristic curves generated based on these PLS-DA models showed high
      sensitivities (0.96 and 0.89, respectively, for differentiating CRC patients from
      healthy controls or polyp patients), good specificities (0.80 and 0.88), and
      excellent areas under the curve (0.93 and 0.95). Monte Carlo cross validation was
      also applied, demonstrating the robust diagnostic power of this metabolic
      profiling approach. 

PMID- 25126900
TI  - Salt effects on lamellar repeat distance depending on head groups of neutrally
      charged lipids.
AB  - Change in lamellar repeat distances of neutrally charged lipids upon addition of
      monovalent salts was measured with small-angle X-ray scattering for combinations
      of two lipids (PC and PE lipids) and six salts. Large dependence on lipid head
      group is observed in addition to those on added cation and anion. The ion and
      lipid dependences have little correlation with measured surface potentials of
      lipid membranes. These results indicate that the lamellar swelling by salt is not
      explained through balance among interactions considered previously (van der Waals
      interaction, electrostatic repulsion emerged by ion binding, etc.). It is
      suggested that effect of water structure, which is affected by not only ions but
      also lipid itself, should be taken into account for understanding membrane
      membrane interactions, as in the Hofmeister effect. 

PMID- 25126901
TI  - Temporal quantum correlations and Leggett-Garg inequalities in multilevel
      systems.
AB  - We show that the quantum bound for temporal correlations in a Leggett-Garg test,
      analogous to the Tsirelson bound for spatial correlations in a Bell test,
      strongly depends on the number of levels N that can be accessed by the
      measurement apparatus via projective measurements. We provide exact bounds for
      small N that exceed the known bound for the Leggett-Garg inequality, and we show
      that in the limit N->infinity the Leggett-Garg inequality can be violated up to
      its algebraic maximum. 

PMID- 25126902
TI  - Measuring a topological transition in an artificial spin-1/2 system.
AB  - We present measurements of a topological property, the Chern number (C_{1}), of a
      closed manifold in the space of two-level system Hamiltonians, where the two
      level system is formed from a superconducting qubit. We manipulate the parameters
      of the Hamiltonian of the superconducting qubit along paths in the manifold and
      extract C_{1} from the nonadiabatic response of the qubit. By adjusting the
      manifold such that a degeneracy in the Hamiltonian passes from inside to outside
      the manifold, we observe a topological transition C_{1}=1->0. Our measurement of
      C_{1} is quantized to within 2% on either side of the transition. 

PMID- 25126903
TI  - Invariants of broken discrete symmetries.
AB  - The parity and Bloch theorems are generalized to the case of broken global
      symmetry. Local inversion or translation symmetries in one dimension are shown to
      yield invariant currents that characterize wave propagation. These currents map
      the wave function from an arbitrary spatial domain to any symmetry-related
      domain. Our approach addresses any combination of local symmetries, thus
      applying, in particular, to acoustic, optical, and matter waves. Nonvanishing
      values of the invariant currents provide a systematic pathway to the breaking of
      discrete global symmetries. 

PMID- 25126904
TI  - Steering bound entangled States: a counterexample to the stronger Peres
      conjecture.
AB  - Quantum correlations are at the heart of many applications in quantum information
      science and, at the same time, they form the basis for discussions about genuine
      quantum effects and their difference to classical physics. On one hand,
      entanglement theory provides the tools to quantify correlations in information
      processing and many results have been obtained to discriminate useful
      entanglement, which can be distilled to a pure form, from bound entanglement,
      being of limited use in many applications. On the other hand, for discriminating
      quantum phenomena from their classical counterparts, Schrodinger and Bell
      introduced the notions of steering and local hidden variable models. We provide a
      method to generate systematically bound entangled quantum states which can still
      be used for steering and, therefore, to rule out local hidden state models. This
      sheds light on the relations between the various views on quantum correlations
      and disproves a widespread conjecture known as the stronger Peres conjecture. For
      practical applications, it implies that even the weakest form of entanglement can
      be certified in a semidevice independent way. 

PMID- 25126905
TI  - Many-body interactions with tunable-coupling transmon qubits.
AB  - The efficient implementation of many-body interactions in superconducting
      circuits allows for the realization of multipartite entanglement and topological
      codes, as well as the efficient simulation of highly correlated fermionic
      systems. We propose the engineering of fast multiqubit interactions with tunable
      transmon-resonator couplings. This dynamics is obtained by the modulation of
      magnetic fluxes threading superconducting quantum interference device loops
      embedded in the transmon devices. We consider the feasibility of the proposed
      implementation in a realistic scenario and discuss potential applications. 

PMID- 25126906
TI  - Nonequilibrium dynamics of one-dimensional hard-core anyons following a quench:
      complete relaxation of one-body observables.
AB  - We demonstrate the role of interactions in driving the relaxation of an isolated
      integrable quantum system following a sudden quench. We consider a family of
      integrable hard-core lattice anyon models that continuously interpolates between
      noninteracting spinless fermions and strongly interacting hard-core bosons. A
      generalized Jordan-Wigner transformation maps the entire family to noninteracting
      fermions. We find that, aside from the singular free-fermion limit, the entire
      single-particle density matrix and, therefore, all one-body observables relax to
      the predictions of the generalized Gibbs ensemble (GGE). This demonstrates that,
      in the presence of interactions, correlations between particles in the many-body
      wave function provide the effective dissipation required to drive the relaxation
      of all one-body observables to the GGE. This relaxation does not depend on
      translational invariance or the tracing out of any spatial domain of the system. 

PMID- 25126907
TI  - Naturalness and the weak gravity conjecture.
AB  - The weak gravity conjecture (WGC) is an ultraviolet consistency condition
      asserting that an Abelian force requires a state of charge q and mass m with
      q>m/m_{Pl}. We generalize the WGC to product gauge groups and study its tension
      with the naturalness principle for a charged scalar coupled to gravity.
      Reconciling naturalness with the WGC either requires a Higgs phase or a low
      cutoff at Lambda~qm_{Pl}. If neither applies, one can construct simple models
      that forbid a natural electroweak scale and whose observation would rule out the
      naturalness principle. 

PMID- 25126908
TI  - Relative entropies in conformal field theory.
AB  - Relative entropy is a measure of distinguishability for quantum states, and it
      plays a central role in quantum information theory. The family of Renyi entropies
      generalizes to Renyi relative entropies that include, as special cases, most
      entropy measures used in quantum information theory. We construct a Euclidean
      path-integral approach to Renyi relative entropies in conformal field theory,
      then compute the fidelity and the relative entropy of states in one spatial
      dimension at zero and finite temperature using a replica trick. In contrast to
      the entanglement entropy, the relative entropy is free of ultraviolet
      divergences, and is obtained as a limit of certain correlation functions. The
      relative entropy of two states provides an upper bound on their trace distance. 

PMID- 25126909
TI  - Radiative electroweak symmetry breaking model perturbative all the way to the
      Planck scale.
AB  - We discuss an extension of the standard model by fields not charged under
      standard model gauge symmetry in which the electroweak symmetry breaking is
      driven by the Higgs quartic coupling itself without the need for a negative mass
      term in the potential. This is achieved by a scalar field S with a large coupling
      to the Higgs field at the electroweak scale which is driven to very small values
      at high energies by the gauge coupling of a hidden symmetry under which S is
      charged. This model can remain perturbative all the way to the Planck scale. The
      Higgs boson is fully standard-model-like in its couplings to fermions and gauge
      bosons. However, the effective cubic and quartic self-couplings of the Higgs
      boson are significantly enhanced. 

PMID- 25126910
TI  - Freeze-out parameters from electric charge and baryon number fluctuations: is
      there consistency?
AB  - Recent results for moments of multiplicity distributions of net protons and net
      electric charge from the STAR Collaboration are compared to lattice QCD results
      for higher order fluctuations of baryon number and electric charge by the
      Wuppertal-Budapest Collaboration, with the purpose of extracting the freeze-out
      temperature and chemical potential. All lattice simulations are performed for a
      system of 2+1 dynamical quark flavors, at the physical mass for light and strange
      quarks; all results are continuum extrapolated. We show that it is possible to
      extract an upper value for the freeze-out temperature, as well as precise
      baryochemical potential values corresponding to the four highest collision
      energies of the experimental beam energy scan. Consistency between the freeze-out
      parameters obtained from baryon number and electric charge fluctuations is found.
      The freeze-out chemical potentials are now in agreement with the statistical
      hadronization model. 

PMID- 25126912
TI  - Neutron pair transfer in (60)Ni+(116)Sn far below the Coulomb barrier.
AB  - An excitation function of one- and two-neutron transfer channels for the
      ^{60}Ni+^{116}Sn system has been measured with the magnetic spectrometer PRISMA
      in a wide energy range, from the Coulomb barrier to far below it. The
      experimental transfer probabilities are well reproduced, for the first time with
      heavy ions, in absolute values and in slope by microscopic calculations which
      incorporate nucleon-nucleon pairing correlations. 

PMID- 25126913
TI  - Proton-neutron pairing correlations in the self-conjugate nucleus (38)K probed
      via a direct measurement of the isomer shift.
AB  - A marked difference in the nuclear charge radius was observed between the
      I^{pi}=3^{+} ground state and the I^{pi}=0^{+} isomer of ^{38}K and is
      qualitatively explained using an intuitive picture of proton-neutron pairing. In
      a high-precision measurement of the isomer shift using bunched-beam collinear
      laser spectroscopy at CERN-ISOLDE, a change in the mean-square charge radius of
      ?r_{c}^{2}?(^{38}K^{m})-?r_{c}^{2}?(^{38}K^{g})=0.100(6)  fm^{2} was obtained.
      This is an order of magnitude more accurate than the result of a previous
      indirect measurement from which it was concluded that both long-lived states in
      ^{38}K have similar charge radii. Our observation leads to a substantially
      different understanding since the difference in charge radius is, moreover,
      opposite in sign to previously reported theoretical predictions. It is
      demonstrated that the observed isomer shift can be reproduced by large-scale
      shell-model calculations including proton and neutron excitations across the
      N,Z=20 shell gaps, confirming the significance of cross-shell correlations in the
      region of ^{40}Ca. 

PMID- 25126914
TI  - Entanglement generation using discrete solitons in Coulomb crystals.
AB  - Laser-cooled and trapped ions can crystallize and feature discrete solitons that
      are nonlinear, topologically protected configurations of the Coulomb crystal.
      Such solitons, as their continuum counterparts, can move within the crystal,
      while their discreteness leads to the existence of a gap-separated, spatially
      localized motional mode of oscillation above the spectrum. Suggesting that these
      unique properties of discrete solitons can be used for generating entanglement
      between different sites of the crystal, we study a detailed proposal in the
      context of state-of-the-art experimental techniques. We analyze the interaction
      of periodically driven planar ion crystals with optical forces, revealing the
      effects of micromotion in radio-frequency traps inherent to such structures, as
      opposed to linear ion chains. The proposed method requires Doppler cooling of the
      crystal and sideband cooling of the soliton's localized modes alone. Since the
      gap separation of the latter is nearly independent of the crystal size, this
      approach could be particularly useful for producing entanglement and studying
      system-environment interactions in large, two- and possibly three-dimensional
      systems. 

PMID- 25126915
TI  - Deexcitation dynamics of superhydrogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
      cations after soft-x-ray absorption.
AB  - We have investigated the response of superhydrogenated gas-phase coronene cations
      upon soft x-ray absorption. Carbon (1s)?pi^{?} transitions were resonantly
      excited at hnu=285  eV. The resulting core hole is then filled in an Auger decay
      process, with the excess energy being released in the form of an Auger electron.
      Predominantly highly excited dications are thus formed, which cool down by
      hydrogen emission. In superhydrogenated systems, the additional H atoms act as a
      buffer, quenching loss of native H atoms and molecular fragmentation.
      Dissociation and transition state energies for several H loss channels were
      computed by means of density functional theory. Using these energies as input
      into an Arrhenius-type cascade model, very good agreement with the experimental
      data is found. The results have important implications for the survival of
      polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the interstellar medium and reflect key aspects of
      graphene hydrogenation. 

PMID- 25126917
TI  - Three-body recombination at vanishing scattering lengths in an ultracold bose
      gas.
AB  - We report on measurements of three-body recombination loss rates in an ultracold
      gas of ^{7}Li atoms in the extremely nonuniversal regime where the two-body
      scattering length vanishes. We show that the loss rate coefficient is well
      defined and can be described by two-body parameters only: the scattering length a
      and the effective range R_{e}. We find the rate to be energy independent, and, by
      connecting our results with previously reported measurements in the universal
      limit, we cover the behavior of the three-body recombination rate in the whole
      range from weak to strong two-body interactions. We identify a nontrivial
      magnetic field value in the nonuniversal regime where the rate should be
      suppressed. 

PMID- 25126916
TI  - Eley-rideal reactions with N atoms at Ru(0001): formation of NO and N(2).
AB  - Forward-directed NO molecules with large translational energies are formed upon
      exposure of an O-covered Ru(0001) surface to a nitrogen (N+N_{2}) beam. This is
      an unequivocal experimental demonstration of the Eley-Rideal reaction for a
      "heavy" (i.e., nonhydrogenated) neutral system. The time dependence of prompt NO
      formation exhibits an exceptionally fast decay as a consequence of shifting
      reaction pathways and probabilities over the course of the exposure. Prompt
      production shuts down as the O coverage decreases due to competition from more
      favorable Eley-Rideal production of N_{2}. 

PMID- 25126918
TI  - Single-photon transistor mediated by interstate Rydberg interactions.
AB  - We report on the realization of an all-optical transistor by mapping gate and
      source photons into strongly interacting Rydberg excitations with different
      principal quantum numbers in an ultracold atomic ensemble. We obtain a record
      switch contrast of 40% for a coherent gate input with mean photon number one and
      demonstrate attenuation of source transmission by over ten photons with a single
      gate photon. We use our optical transistor to demonstrate the nondestructive
      detection of a single Rydberg atom with a fidelity of 0.72(4). 

PMID- 25126919
TI  - Single-photon transistor using a Forster resonance.
AB  - An all-optical transistor is a device in which a gate light pulse switches the
      transmission of a target light pulse with a gain above unity. The gain quantifies
      the change of the transmitted target photon number per incoming gate photon. We
      study the quantum limit of one incoming gate photon and observe a gain of 20. The
      gate pulse is stored as a Rydberg excitation in an ultracold gas. The
      transmission of the subsequent target pulse is suppressed by Rydberg blockade,
      which is enhanced by a Forster resonance. The detected target photons reveal in a
      single shot with a fidelity above 0.86 whether a Rydberg excitation was created
      during the gate pulse. The gain offers the possibility to distribute the
      transistor output to the inputs of many transistors, thus making complex
      computational tasks possible. 

PMID- 25126920
TI  - Spectral multiplexing for scalable quantum photonics using an atomic frequency
      comb quantum memory and feed-forward control.
AB  - Future multiphoton applications of quantum optics and quantum information science
      require quantum memories that simultaneously store many photon states, each
      encoded into a different optical mode, and enable one to select the mapping
      between any input and a specific retrieved mode during storage. Here we show,
      with the example of a quantum repeater, how to employ spectrally multiplexed
      states and memories with fixed storage times that allow such mapping between
      spectral modes. Furthermore, using a Ti:Tm:LiNbO_{3} waveguide cooled to 3 K, a
      phase modulator, and a spectral filter, we demonstrate storage followed by the
      required feed-forward-controlled frequency manipulation with time-bin qubits
      encoded into up to 26 multiplexed spectral modes and 97% fidelity. 

PMID- 25126921
TI  - PT-symmetric phonon laser.
AB  - By exploiting recent developments associated with coupled microcavities, we
      introduce the concept of the PT-symmetric phonon laser with balanced gain and
      loss. This is accomplished by introducing gain to one of the microcavities such
      that it balances the passive loss of the other. In the vicinity of the gain-loss
      balance, a strong nonlinear relation emerges between the intracavity-photon
      intensity and the input power. This then leads to a giant enhancement of both
      optical pressure and mechanical gain, resulting in a highly efficient phonon
      lasing action. These results provide a promising approach for manipulating
      optomechanical systems through PT-symmetric concepts. Potential applications
      range from enhancing mechanical cooling to designing phonon-laser amplifiers. 

PMID- 25126922
TI  - Universality of tip singularity formation in freezing water drops.
AB  - A drop of water deposited on a cold plate freezes into an ice drop with a pointy
      tip. While this phenomenon clearly finds its origin in the expansion of water
      upon freezing, a quantitative description of the tip singularity has remained
      elusive. Here we demonstrate how the geometry of the freezing front, determined
      by heat transfer considerations, is crucial for the tip formation. We perform
      systematic measurements of the angles of the conical tip, and reveal the dynamics
      of the solidification front in a Hele-Shaw geometry. It is found that the cone
      angle is independent of substrate temperature and wetting angle, suggesting a
      universal, self-similar mechanism that does not depend on the rate of
      solidification. We propose a model for the freezing front and derive resulting
      tip angles analytically, in good agreement with the experiments. 

PMID- 25126923
TI  - Time-reversal-symmetry breaking in turbulence.
AB  - In three-dimensional turbulent flows, the flux of energy from large to small
      scales breaks time symmetry. We show here that this irreversibility can be
      quantified by following the relative motion of several Lagrangian tracers. We
      find by analytical calculation, numerical analysis, and experimental observation
      that the existence of the energy flux implies that, at short times, two particles
      separate temporally slower forwards than backwards, and the difference between
      forward and backward dispersion grows as t^{3}. We also find the geometric
      deformation of material volumes, defined by four points spanning an initially
      regular tetrahedron, to show sensitivity to the time reversal with an effect
      growing linearly in t. We associate this with the structure of the strain rate in
      the flow. 

PMID- 25126924
TI  - Entropy- and flow-induced superfluid states.
AB  - Normally the role of phase fluctuations in superfluids and superconductors is to
      drive a phase transition to the normal state. This happens due to proliferation
      of topologically nontrivial phase fluctuations in the form of vortices. Here we
      discuss a class of systems where, by contrast, nontopological phase fluctuations
      can produce superfluidity. Here we understand superfluidity as a phenomenon that
      does not necessarily arises from a broken U(1) symmetry, but can be associated
      with a certain class of (approximate or exact) degeneracies of the system's
      energy landscape giving raise to a U(1)-like phase. 

PMID- 25126925
TI  - Anomalous behavior of dark states in quantum gases of (6)Li.
AB  - We create atom-molecule dark states in a degenerate Fermi gas of ^{6}Li in both
      weakly and strongly interacting regimes using two-photon Raman scattering to
      couple fermion pairs to bound molecular states in the ground singlet and triplet
      potential. Near the unitarity point in the BEC-BCS crossover regime, the atom
      number revival height associated with the dark state abruptly and unexpectedly
      decreases and remains low for magnetic fields below the Feshbach resonance center
      at 832.2 G. With a weakly interacting Fermi gas at 0 G, we perform precision dark
      state spectroscopy of the least-bound vibrational levels of the lowest singlet
      and triplet potentials. From these spectra, we obtain binding energies of the
      v^{''}=9, N^{''}=0 level of the a(1^{3}Sigma_{u}^{+}) potential and the
      v^{''}=38, N^{''}=0 level of the X(1^{1}Sigma_{g}^{+}) potential with absolute
      uncertainty as low as 20 kHz. For the triplet potential, we resolve the molecular
      hyperfine structure. 

PMID- 25126926
TI  - Jumping-catalyst dynamics in nanowire growth.
AB  - Nanowire growth is generally considered a steady-state process, but oscillatory
      phenomena are known to often play a fundamental role. Here we identify a natural
      sequence of distinct growth modes, in two of which the catalyst droplet jumps
      periodically on and off a crystal facet. The oscillatory modes result from a
      mismatch between catalyst size and wire diameter; they enable growth of straight
      smooth-sided wires even when the droplet is too small to span the wire tip.
      Jumping-catalyst growth modes are seen both in computer simulations of vapor
      liquid-solid growth, and in movies of Si nanowire growth obtained by in situ
      microscopy. Our simulations also provide new insight into nanowire kinking. 

PMID- 25126927
TI  - Phase-resolved surface plasmon interferometry of graphene.
AB  - The surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) of graphene reflect the microscopic spatial
      variations of underlying electronic structure and dynamics. Here, we excite and
      image the graphene SPP response in phase and amplitude by near-field
      interferometry. We develop an analytic cavity model that can self-consistently
      describe the SPP response function for edge, grain boundary, and defect SPP
      reflection and scattering. The derived SPP wave vector, damping, and carrier
      mobility agree with the results from more complex models. Spatial variations in
      the Fermi level and associated variations in dopant concentration reveal a
      nanoscale spatial inhomogeneity in the reduced conductivity at internal
      boundaries. The additional SPP phase information thus opens a new degree of
      freedom for spatial and spectral graphene SPP tuning and modulation for
      optoelectronics applications. 

PMID- 25126928
TI  - Role of dispersion interactions in the polymorphism and entropic stabilization of
      the aspirin crystal.
AB  - Aspirin has been used and studied for over a century but has only recently been
      shown to have an additional polymorphic form, known as form II. Since the two
      observed solid forms of aspirin are degenerate in terms of lattice energy,
      kinetic effects have been suggested to determine the metastability of the less
      abundant form II. Here, first-principles calculations provide an alternative
      explanation based on free-energy differences at room temperature. The explicit
      consideration of many-body van der Waals interactions in the free energy
      demonstrates that the stability of the most abundant form of aspirin is due to a
      subtle coupling between collective electronic fluctuations and quantized lattice
      vibrations. In addition, a systematic analysis of the elastic properties of the
      two forms of aspirin rules out mechanical instability of form II as making it
      metastable. 

PMID- 25126929
TI  - Semiconducting-to-metallic photoconductivity crossover and temperature-dependent
      Drude weight in graphene.
AB  - We investigate the transient photoconductivity of graphene at various gate-tuned
      carrier densities by optical-pump terahertz-probe spectroscopy. We demonstrate
      that graphene exhibits semiconducting positive photoconductivity near zero
      carrier density, which crosses over to metallic negative photoconductivity at
      high carrier density. These observations can be accounted for by the interplay
      between photoinduced changes of both the Drude weight and carrier scattering
      rate. Our findings provide a complete picture to explain the opposite
      photoconductivity behavior reported in (undoped) graphene grown epitaxially and
      (doped) graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition. Notably, we observe
      nonmonotonic fluence dependence of the photoconductivity at low carrier density.
      This behavior reveals the nonmonotonic temperature dependence of the Drude weight
      in graphene, a unique property of two-dimensional massless Dirac fermions. 

PMID- 25126931
TI  - Negative oxygen isotope effect on the static spin stripe order in superconducting
      La(2-x)Ba(x)CuO(4) (x=1/8) observed by muon-spin rotation.
AB  - Large negative oxygen-isotope (^{16}O and ^{18}O) effects (OIEs) on the static
      spin-stripe-ordering temperature T_{so} and the magnetic volume fraction V_{m}
      were observed in La_{2-x}Ba_{x}CuO_{4}(x=1/8) by means of muon-spin-rotation
      experiments. The corresponding OIE exponents were found to be alpha_{T_{so}}=
      0.57(6) and alpha_{V_{m}}=-0.71(9), which are sign reversed to
      alpha_{T_{c}}=0.46(6) measured for the superconducting transition temperature
      T_{c}. This indicates that the electron-lattice interaction is involved in the
      stripe formation and plays an important role in the competition between bulk
      superconductivity and static stripe order in the cuprates. 

PMID- 25126930
TI  - Sharp low-energy feature in single-particle spectra due to forward scattering in
      d-wave cuprate superconductors.
AB  - There is an enormous interest in the renormalization of the quasiparticle (qp)
      dispersion relation of cuprate superconductors both below and above the critical
      temperature T_{c} because it enables the determination of the fluctuation
      spectrum to which the qp's are coupled. A remarkable discovery by angle-resolved
      photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) is a sharp low-energy feature (LEF) in qp
      spectra well below the superconducting energy gap but with its energy increasing
      in proportion to T_{c} and its intensity increasing sharply below T_{c}. This
      unexpected feature needs to be reconciled with d-wave superconductivity. Here, we
      present a quantitative analysis of ARPES data from
      Bi_{2}Sr_{2}CaCu_{2}O_{8+delta} (Bi2212) using Eliashberg equations to show that
      the qp scattering rate due to the forward scattering impurities far from the Cu-O
      planes is modified by the energy gap below T_{c} and shows up as the LEF. This is
      also a necessary step to analyze ARPES data to reveal the spectrum of
      fluctuations promoting superconductivity. 

PMID- 25126932
TI  - Scattering matrix formulation of the topological index of interacting fermions in
      one-dimensional superconductors.
AB  - We construct a scattering matrix formulation for the topological classification
      of one-dimensional superconductors with effective time-reversal symmetry in the
      presence of interactions. For an isolated system, Fidkowski and Kitaev have shown
      that such systems have a Z_{8} topological classification. We here show that
      these systems have a unitary scattering matrix at zero temperature when weakly
      coupled to a normal-metal lead, with a topological index given by the trace of
      the Andreev-reflection matrix, trr_{he}. With interactions, trr_{he} generically
      takes on the finite set of values 0, +/-1, +/-2, +/-3, and +/-4. We show that the
      two topologically equivalent phases with trr_{he}=+/-4 support emergent many-body
      end states, which we identify to be a topologically protected Kondo-like
      resonance. The path in phase space that connects these equivalent phases crosses
      a non-Fermi-liquid fixed point where a multiple-channel Kondo effect develops.
      Our results connect the topological index to transport properties, thereby
      highlighting the experimental signatures of interacting topological phases in one
      dimension. 

PMID- 25126933
TI  - Ultrafast quenching of the exchange interaction in a Mott insulator.
AB  - We investigate how fast and how effective photocarrier excitation can modify the
      exchange interaction J_{ex} in the prototype Mott-Hubbard insulator. We
      demonstrate an ultrafast quenching of J_{ex} both by evaluating exchange
      integrals from a time-dependent response formalism and by explicitly simulating
      laser-induced spin precession in an antiferromagnet that is canted by an external
      magnetic field. In both cases, the electron dynamics is obtained from
      nonequilibrium dynamical mean-field theory. We find that the modified J_{ex}
      emerges already within a few electron hopping times after the pulse, with a
      reduction that is comparable to the effect of chemical doping. 

PMID- 25126934
TI  - Stochastic resonance in collective exciton-polariton excitations inside a GaAs
      microcavity.
AB  - We report the first observation of stochastic resonance in confined exciton
      polaritons. We evidence this phenomena by tracking the polaritons behavior
      through two stochastic resonance quantifiers namely the spectral magnification
      factor and the signal-to-noise ratio. The evolution of the stochastic resonance
      in the function of the modulation amplitude of the periodic excitation signal is
      studied. Our experimental observations are well reproduced by numerical
      simulations performed in the framework of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation under
      stochastic perturbation. 

PMID- 25126935
TI  - Unifying the low-temperature photoluminescence spectra of carbon nanotubes: the
      role of acoustic phonon confinement.
AB  - At low temperature the photoluminescence of single-wall carbon nanotubes show a
      large variety of spectral profiles ranging from ultranarrow lines in suspended
      nanotubes to broad and asymmetrical line shapes that puzzle the current
      interpretation in terms of exciton-phonon coupling. Here, we present a complete
      set of photoluminescence profiles in matrix embedded nanotubes including
      unprecedented narrow emission lines. We demonstrate that the diversity of the low
      temperature luminescence profiles in nanotubes originates in tiny modifications
      of their low-energy acoustic phonon modes. When low-energy modes are locally
      suppressed, a sharp photoluminescence line as narrow as 0.7 meV is restored.
      Furthermore, multipeak luminescence profiles with specific temperature dependence
      show the presence of confined phonon modes. 

PMID- 25126936
TI  - Spin pumping and spin-transfer torques in antiferromagnets.
AB  - Spin pumping and spin-transfer torques are two reciprocal phenomena widely
      studied in ferromagnetic materials. However, pumping from antiferromagnets and
      its relation to current-induced torques have not been explored. By calculating
      how electrons scatter off a normal metal-antiferromagnetic interface, we derive
      pumped spin and staggered spin currents in terms of the staggered field, the
      magnetization, and their rates of change. For both compensated and uncompensated
      interfaces, spin pumping is of a similar magnitude as in ferromagnets with a
      direction controlled by the polarization of the driving microwave. The pumped
      currents are connected to current-induced torques via Onsager reciprocity
      relations. 

PMID- 25126937
TI  - Ultrafast exciton formation at the ZnO(1010) surface.
AB  - We study the ultrafast quasiparticle dynamics in and below the ZnO conduction
      band using femtosecond time-resolved two-photon photoelectron spectroscopy. Above
      band gap excitation causes hot electron relaxation by electron-phonon scattering
      down to the Fermi level E_{F} followed by ultrafast (200 fs) formation of a
      surface exciton (SX). Transient screening of the Coulomb interaction reduces the
      SX formation probability at high excitation densities near the Mott limit.
      Located just below the surface, the SX are stable with regard to hydrogen-induced
      work function modifications and thus the ideal prerequisite for resonant energy
      transfer applications. 

PMID- 25126938
TI  - Incoherent control of the retinal isomerization in rhodopsin.
AB  - We propose to control the retinal photoisomerization yield through the backaction
      dynamics imparted by a nonselective optical measurement of the molecular
      electronic state. This incoherent effect is easier to implement than comparable
      coherent pulse shaping techniques, and is also robust to environmental noise. A
      numerical simulation of the quantum dynamics shows that the isomerization yield
      of this important biomolecule can be substantially increased above the natural
      limit. 

PMID- 25126911
TI  - Beam-energy dependence of charge separation along the magnetic field in Au+Au
      collisions at RHIC.
AB  - Local parity-odd domains are theorized to form inside a quark-gluon plasma which
      has been produced in high-energy heavy-ion collisions. The local parity-odd
      domains manifest themselves as charge separation along the magnetic field axis
      via the chiral magnetic effect. The experimental observation of charge separation
      has previously been reported for heavy-ion collisions at the top RHIC energies.
      In this Letter, we present the results of the beam-energy dependence of the
      charge correlations in Au+Au collisions at midrapidity for center-of-mass
      energies of 7.7, 11.5, 19.6, 27, 39, and 62.4 GeV from the STAR experiment. After
      background subtraction, the signal gradually reduces with decreased beam energy
      and tends to vanish by 7.7 GeV. This implies the dominance of hadronic
      interactions over partonic ones at lower collision energies. 

PMID- 25126939
TI  - Effects of cattle management on oak regeneration in northern Californian
      Mediterranean oak woodlands.
AB  - Oak woodlands of Mediterranean ecosystems, a major component of biodiversity
      hotspots in Europe and North America, have undergone significant land-use change
      in recent centuries, including an increase in grazing intensity due to the
      widespread presence of cattle. Simultaneously, a decrease in oak regeneration has
      been observed, suggesting a link between cattle grazing intensity and limited oak
      regeneration. In this study we examined the effect of cattle grazing on coast
      live oak (Quercus agrifolia Nee) regeneration in San Francisco Bay Area,
      California. We studied seedling, sapling and adult density of coast live oak as
      well as vertebrate herbivory at 8 independent sites under two grazing conditions:
      with cattle and wildlife presence (n = 4) and only with wildlife (n = 4). The
      specific questions we addressed are: i) to what extent cattle management
      practices affect oak density, and ii) what is the effect of rangeland management
      on herbivory and size of young oak plants. In areas with cattle present, we found
      a 50% reduction in young oak density, and plant size was smaller, suggesting that
      survival and growth young plants in those areas are significantly limited. In
      addition, the presence of cattle raised the probability and intensity of
      herbivory (a 1.5 and 1.8-fold difference, respectively). These results strongly
      suggest that the presence of cattle significantly reduced the success of young Q.
      agrifolia through elevated herbivory. Given the potential impact of reduced
      recruitment on adult populations, modifying rangeland management practices to
      reduce cattle grazing pressure seems to be an important intervention to maintain
      Mediterranean oak woodlands. 

PMID- 25126941
TI  - Growth factor stimulation improves the structure and properties of scaffold-free
      engineered auricular cartilage constructs.
AB  - The reconstruction of the external ear to correct congenital deformities or
      repair following trauma remains a significant challenge in reconstructive
      surgery. Previously, we have developed a novel approach to create scaffold-free,
      tissue engineering elastic cartilage constructs directly from a small population
      of donor cells. Although the developed constructs appeared to adopt the
      structural appearance of native auricular cartilage, the constructs displayed
      limited expression and poor localization of elastin. In the present study, the
      effect of growth factor supplementation (insulin, IGF-1, or TGF-beta1) was
      investigated to stimulate elastogenesis as well as to improve overall tissue
      formation. Using rabbit auricular chondrocytes, bioreactor-cultivated constructs
      supplemented with either insulin or IGF-1 displayed increased deposition of
      cartilaginous ECM, improved mechanical properties, and thicknesses comparable to
      native auricular cartilage after 4 weeks of growth. Similarly, growth factor
      supplementation resulted in increased expression and improved localization of
      elastin, primarily restricted within the cartilaginous region of the tissue
      construct. Additional studies were conducted to determine whether scaffold-free
      engineered auricular cartilage constructs could be developed in the 3D shape of
      the external ear. Isolated auricular chondrocytes were grown in rapid-prototyped
      tissue culture molds with additional insulin or IGF-1 supplementation during
      bioreactor cultivation. Using this approach, the developed tissue constructs were
      flexible and had a 3D shape in very good agreement to the culture mold (average
      error <400 um). While scaffold-free, engineered auricular cartilage constructs
      can be created with both the appropriate tissue structure and 3D shape of the
      external ear, future studies will be aimed assessing potential changes in
      construct shape and properties after subcutaneous implantation. 

PMID- 25126940
TI  - Selection signatures in worldwide sheep populations.
AB  - The diversity of populations in domestic species offers great opportunities to
      study genome response to selection. The recently published Sheep HapMap dataset
      is a great example of characterization of the world wide genetic diversity in
      sheep. In this study, we re-analyzed the Sheep HapMap dataset to identify
      selection signatures in worldwide sheep populations. Compared to previous
      analyses, we made use of statistical methods that (i) take account of the
      hierarchical structure of sheep populations, (ii) make use of linkage
      disequilibrium information and (iii) focus specifically on either recent or older
      selection signatures. We show that this allows pinpointing several new selection
      signatures in the sheep genome and distinguishing those related to modern
      breeding objectives and to earlier post-domestication constraints. The newly
      identified regions, together with the ones previously identified, reveal the
      extensive genome response to selection on morphology, color and adaptation to new
      environments. 

PMID- 25126942
TI  - Thermodynamics of the interaction between Alzheimer's disease related tau protein
      and DNA.
AB  - Tau hyperphosphorylation can be considered as one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's
      disease and other tauophaties. Besides its well-known role as a microtubule
      associated protein, Tau displays a key function as a protector of genomic
      integrity in stress situations. Phosphorylation has been proven to regulate
      multiple processes including nuclear translocation of Tau. In this contribution,
      we are addressing the physicochemical nature of DNA-Tau interaction including the
      plausible influence of phosphorylation. By means of surface plasmon resonance
      (SPR) we measured the equilibrium constant and the free energy, enthalpy and
      entropy changes associated to the Tau-DNA complex formation. Our results show
      that unphosphorylated Tau binding to DNA is reversible. This fact is in agreement
      with the protective role attributed to nuclear Tau, which stops binding to DNA
      once the insult is over. According to our thermodynamic data, oscillations in the
      concentration of dephosphorylated Tau available to DNA must be the variable
      determining the extent of Tau binding and DNA protection. In addition,
      thermodynamics of the interaction suggest that hydrophobicity must represent an
      important contribution to the stability of the Tau-DNA complex. SPR results
      together with those from Tau expression in HEK cells show that phosphorylation
      induces changes in Tau protein which prevent it from binding to DNA. The
      phosphorylation-dependent regulation of DNA binding is analogous to the Tau
      microtubules binding inhibition induced by phosphorylation. Our results suggest
      that hydrophobicity may control Tau location and DNA interaction and that
      impairment of this Tau-DNA interaction, due to Tau hyperphosphorylation, could
      contribute to Alzheimer's pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25126943
TI  - Toll-like receptor 9-activation during onset of myocardial ischemia does not
      influence infarct extension.
AB  - AIM: Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a major cause of death and disability
      worldwide, despite available reperfusion therapies. Inflammatory signaling is
      considered nodal in defining final infarct size. Activation of the innate immune
      receptor toll-like receptors (TLR) 9 prior to ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)
      reduces infarct size, but the consequence of TLR9 activation timed to the onset
      of ischemia is not known. METHODS AND RESULTS: The TLR9-agonist; CpG B was
      injected i.p. in C57BL/6 mice immediately after induction of ischemia (30
      minutes). Final infarct size, as well as area-at-risk, was measured after 24
      hours of reperfusion. CpG B injection resulted in a significant increase in
      circulating granulocytes and monocytes both in sham and I/R mice. Paradoxically,
      clear evidence of reduced cardiac infiltration of both monocytes and granulocytes
      could be demonstrated in I/R mice treated with CpG B (immunocytochemistry,
      myeloperoxidase activity and mRNA expression patterns). In addition, systemic
      TLR9 activation elicited significant alterations of cardiac inflammatory genes.
      Despite these biochemical and cellular changes, there was no difference in
      infarct size between vehicle and CpG B treated I/R mice. CONCLUSION: Systemic
      TLR9-stimulation upon onset of ischemia and subsequent reperfusion does not alter
      final infarct size despite causing clear alterations of both systemic and cardiac
      inflammatory parameters. Our results question the clinical usefulness of TLR9
      activation during cardiac I/R.

PMID- 25126945
TI  - Treatment of FANCA cells with resveratrol and N-acetylcysteine: a comparative
      study.
AB  - Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetic disorder characterised by chromosome
      instability, cytokine ipersensibility, bone marrow failure and abnormal
      haematopoiesis associated with acute myelogenous leukemia. Recent reports are
      contributing to characterize the peculiar FA metabolism. Central to these
      considerations appears that cells from complementation group A (FANCA) display an
      altered red-ox metabolism. Consequently the possibility to improve FA
      phenotypical conditions with antioxidants is considered. We have characterized
      from the structural and biochemical point of view the response of FANCA
      lymphocytes to N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and resveratrol (RV). Surprisingly both
      NAC and RV failed to revert all the characteristic of FA phenotype and moreover
      their effects are not super imposable. Our data suggest that we must be aware of
      the biological effects coming from antioxidant treatment. 

PMID- 25126946
TI  - Development and validation of a prediction score for complications after
      hepatectomy in hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to develop and
      validate a prediction score for postoperative complications by severity and guide
      perioperative management and patient selection in hepatitis B-related
      hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing liver resection. METHODS: A total of
      1543 consecutive liver resections cases were included in the study. Randomly
      selected sample set of 70% of the study cohort was used to develop a score to
      predict complications III-V and the remaining 30% was used to validate the score.
      Based on the preoperative and predictable intraoperative parameters, logistic
      regression analysis was used to identify risk factors and create an integer score
      for the predicting of complication. RESULTS: American Society of
      Anesthesiologists category, portal hypertension, major liver resection (more than
      3 segments) and extrahepatic procedures were identified as independent predictors
      for complications III-V by logistic regression analysis. A score system
      integrating these 4 factors was stratified into three groups and significantly
      predicted the risk of complications III-V, with a rate of 1.6%, 11.9% and 65.6%
      for low, moderate and high risk, respectively. Using the score, the complications
      risk could be predicted accurately in the validation set, without significant
      differences between predicted (10.4%) and observed (8.4%) risks for complications
      III-V (P = 0.466). CONCLUSIONS: Based on four preoperative risk factors, we have
      developed and validated an integer-based risk score to predict postoperative
      severe complications after liver resection for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular
      carcinoma patients in high-volume surgical center. This score may contribute to
      preoperative risk stratification and clinical decision-making.

PMID- 25126948
TI  - Association of DNA methyltransferases 3A and 3B polymorphisms, and plasma folate
      levels with the risk of urothelial carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interindividual genetic variations of human DNA methyltransferases
      (DNMTs), which involve the methyl donor from the folate-related one-carbon
      metabolism pathway, are hypothesized as a risk factor for urothelial carcinoma
      (UC). Therefore, we evaluated the role of gene-environment interaction in UC
      carcinogenesis. METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted by
      recruiting 192 patients with UC and 381 controls. Their plasma folate levels were
      measured using a competitive immunoassay kit. In addition, DNMT3A -448A>G and
      DNMT3B -579G>T genotyping was evaluated using a polymerase chain reaction
      restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Multivariate logistic
      regression and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to estimate the UC
      risk. RESULTS: We observed that patients with UC exhibited a higher prevalence
      rate of folate insufficiency (folate levels <=6 ng/mL) compared with the controls
      (35.94% and 18.37%, respectively). Furthermore, folate levels were higher in the
      prevalent UC patients than in the incident UC patients. However, folate
      insufficiency was similarly associated with a nearly two-fold increase in the
      risk of UC regardless of the UC patient group. In addition, the frequencies of
      the variant alleles for DNMT3A and DNMT3B were 0.80 and 0.92, respectively, and
      no association was observed with UC risk. However, participants with a variant
      homozygous genotype of DNMT3B -579G>T and folate insufficiency or with high
      cumulative cigarette smoking exhibited an increased risk of UC. CONCLUSION:
      Overall, environmental factors may contribute more significantly to UC
      carcinogenesis compared with genetic susceptibility. Future studies should
      investigate other polymorphisms of DNMT3A and DNMT3B to determine genetic
      susceptibility.

PMID- 25126947
TI  - Brain networks during free viewing of complex erotic movie: new insights on
      psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
AB  - Psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as a male sexual dysfunction
      characterized by a persistent or recurrent inability to attain adequate penile
      erection due predominantly or exclusively to psychological or interpersonal
      factors. Previous fMRI studies were based on the common occurrence in the male
      sexual behaviour represented by the sexual arousal and penile erection related to
      viewing of erotic movies. However, there is no experimental evidence of altered
      brain networks in psychogenic ED patients (EDp). Some studies showed that fMRI
      activity collected during non sexual movie viewing can be analyzed in a reliable
      manner with independent component analysis (ICA) and that the resulting brain
      networks are consistent with previous resting state neuroimaging studies. In the
      present study, we investigated the modification of the brain networks in EDp
      compared to healthy controls (HC), using whole-brain fMRI during free viewing of
      an erotic video clip. Sixteen EDp and nineteen HC were recruited after RigiScan
      evaluation, psychiatric, and general medical evaluations. The performed ICA
      showed that visual network (VN), default-mode network (DMN), fronto-parietal
      network (FPN) and salience network (SN) were spatially consistent across EDp and
      HC. However, between-group differences in functional connectivity were observed
      in the DMN and in the SN. In the DMN, EDp showed decreased connectivity values in
      the inferior parietal lobes, posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal
      cortex, whereas in the SN decreased and increased connectivity was observed in
      the right insula and in the anterior cingulate cortex respectively. The decreased
      levels of intrinsic functional connectivity principally involved the subsystem of
      DMN relevant for the self relevant mental simulation that concerns remembering of
      past experiences, thinking to the future and conceiving the viewpoint of the
      other's actions. Moreover, the between group differences in the SN nodes
      suggested a decreased recognition of autonomical and sexual arousal changes in
      EDp. 

PMID- 25126949
TI  - Symptomatic and incidental venous thromboembolic disease are both associated with
      mortality in patients with prostate cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The association between malignancy and venous thromboembolic
      disease (VTE) is well established. The independent impact of VTE, both
      symptomatic and incidental, on survival in patients with prostate cancer is not
      known. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the effect of VTE of
      survival in prostate cancer. METHODS: Data regarding clinical characteristics,
      treatment and outcomes of 453 consecutive prostate cancer patients were
      collected. Fisher exact (categorical variables) and t-test (continuous variables)
      were utilized to test associations with VTE and mortality. Survival was estimated
      using the Kaplan Meier method. A Cox regression model was used to model the
      mortality hazard ratio (HR). RESULTS: At diagnosis, 358 (83%) patients had early
      stage disease, 43 (10%) had locally advanced disease and 32 (7%) had metastatic
      disease. During the follow up period, 122 (27%) patients died and 41 (9%)
      developed VTE (33 deep vein thrombosis, 5 pulmonary embolism, and 3 patients with
      both DVT and PE). Twenty-five VTE events were symptomatic and 16 were
      incidentally diagnosed on CT scans obtained for other reasons. VTE was associated
      with increased mortality [HR 6.89 (4.29-11.08), p<0.001] in a multivariable
      analysis adjusted for cancer stage, performance status, treatments and co
      morbidities. There was no difference in survival between patients who had
      symptomatic and incidental VTE. CONCLUSION: Venous thromboembolic disease, both
      symptomatic and incidental, is a predictor of poor survival in patients with
      prostate cancer, especially those with advanced disease. Further studies are
      needed to evaluate the benefit of prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulation in
      this population.

PMID- 25126950
TI  - Aspirin delimits platelet life span by proteasomal inhibition.
AB  - Aspirin is widely used in clinical settings as an anti-inflammatory and anti
      platelet drug due its inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenase activity. Although the
      drug has long been considered to be an effective and safe therapeutic regime
      against inflammatory and cardiovascular disorders, consequences of its
      cyclooxygenase-independent attributes on platelets, the key players in
      thrombogenesis, beg serious investigation. In this report we explored the effect
      of aspirin on platelet lifespan in murine model and its possible cytotoxicity
      against human platelets in vitro. Aspirin administration in mice led to
      significant reduction in half-life of circulating platelets, indicative of
      enhanced rate of platelet clearance. Aspirin-treated human platelets were found
      to be phagocytosed more efficiently by macrophages, associated with attenuation
      in platelet proteasomal activity and upregulation of conformationally active Bax,
      which were consistent with enhanced platelet apoptosis. Although the dosage of
      aspirin administered in mice was higher than the therapeutic regimen against
      cardiovascular events, it is comparable with the recommended anti-inflammatory
      prescription. Thus, above observations provide cautionary framework to critically
      re-evaluate prophylactic and therapeutic dosage regime of aspirin in systemic
      inflammatory as well as cardiovascular ailments. 

PMID- 25126951
TI  - Positive feedback promotes oscillations in negative feedback loops.
AB  - A simple three-component negative feedback loop is a recurring motif in
      biochemical oscillators. This motif oscillates as it has the three necessary
      ingredients for oscillations: a three-step delay, negative feedback, and
      nonlinearity in the loop. However, to oscillate, this motif under the common
      Goodwin formulation requires a high degree of cooperativity (a measure of
      nonlinearity) in the feedback that is biologically "unlikely." Moreover, this
      recurring negative feedback motif is commonly observed augmented by positive
      feedback interactions. Here we show that these positive feedback interactions
      promote oscillation at lower degrees of cooperativity, and we can thus unify
      several common kinetic mechanisms that facilitate oscillations, such as self
      activation and Michaelis-Menten degradation. The positive feedback loops are most
      beneficial when acting on the shortest lived component, where they function by
      balancing the lifetimes of the different components. The benefits of multiple
      positive feedback interactions are cumulative for a majority of situations
      considered, when benefits are measured by the reduction in the cooperativity
      required to oscillate. These positive feedback motifs also allow oscillations
      with longer periods than that determined by the lifetimes of the components
      alone. We can therefore conjecture that these positive feedback loops have
      evolved to facilitate oscillations at lower, kinetically achievable, degrees of
      cooperativity. Finally, we discuss the implications of our conclusions on the
      mammalian molecular clock, a system modeled extensively based on the three
      component negative feedback loop. 

PMID- 25126952
TI  - Combined photothermal and photodynamic therapy delivered by PEGylated MoS2
      nanosheets.
AB  - Single- or few-layered transitional metal dichalcogenides, as a new genus of two
      dimensional nanomaterials, have attracted tremendous attention in recent years,
      owing to their various intriguing properties. In this study, chemically
      exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets are modified with lipoic acid-terminated polyethylene
      glycol (LA-PEG), obtaining PEGylated MoS2 (MoS2-PEG) with high stability in
      physiological solutions and no obvious toxicity. Taking advantage of its ultra
      high surface area, the obtained MoS2-PEG is able to load a photodynamic agent,
      chlorin e6 (Ce6), by physical adsorption. In vitro experiments reveal that Ce6
      after being loaded on MoS2-PEG shows remarkably increased cellular uptake and
      thus significantly enhanced photodynamic therapeutic efficiency. Utilizing the
      strong, near-infrared (NIR) absorbance of the MoS2 nanosheets, we further
      demonstrate photothermally enhanced photodynamic therapy using Ce6-loaded MoS2
      PEG for synergistic cancer killing, in both in vitro cellular and in vivo animal
      experiments. Our study presents a new type of multifunctional nanocarrier for the
      delivery of photodynamic therapy, which, if combined with photothermal therapy,
      appears to be an effective therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. 

PMID- 25126953
TI  - Differential activity of Striga hermonthica seed germination stimulants and
      Gigaspora rosea hyphal branching factors in rice and their contribution to
      underground communication.
AB  - Strigolactones (SLs) trigger germination of parasitic plant seeds and hyphal
      branching of symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. There is extensive
      structural variation in SLs and plants usually produce blends of different SLs.
      The structural variation among natural SLs has been shown to impact their
      biological activity as hyphal branching and parasitic plant seed germination
      stimulants. In this study, rice root exudates were fractioned by HPLC. The
      resulting fractions were analyzed by MRM-LC-MS to investigate the presence of SLs
      and tested using bioassays to assess their Striga hermonthica seed germination
      and Gigaspora rosea hyphal branching stimulatory activities. A substantial number
      of active fractions were revealed often with very different effect on seed
      germination and hyphal branching. Fractions containing (-)-orobanchol and ent-2'
      epi-5-deoxystrigol contributed little to the induction of S. hermonthica seed
      germination but strongly stimulated AM fungal hyphal branching. Three SLs in one
      fraction, putative methoxy-5-deoxystrigol isomers, had moderate seed germination
      and hyphal branching inducing activity. Two fractions contained strong
      germination stimulants but displayed only modest hyphal branching activity. We
      provide evidence that these stimulants are likely SLs although no SL
      representative masses could be detected using MRM-LC-MS. Our results show that
      seed germination and hyphal branching are induced to very different extents by
      the various SLs (or other stimulants) present in rice root exudates. We propose
      that the development of rice varieties with different SL composition is a
      promising strategy to reduce parasitic plant infestation while maintaining
      symbiosis with AM fungi. 

PMID- 25126954
TI  - Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) consensus review for squamous cell carcinoma
      of the ovary.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma of the ovary is a rare complication of mature cystic
      teratoma. The epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, and management of this rare
      tumor are reviewed. Clinical characteristics, preoperative imaging, and tumor
      markers may help to predict malignancy preoperatively. Complete cytoreduction
      should be the aim of surgery. The prognosis for stage 1A disease is good, but for
      women with advanced or recurrent disease, it is very poor and has not improved in
      recent years. At present, there are insufficient data to provide clear guidance
      on the optimal management strategy for advanced disease, and there is a need to
      gain an understanding of the biology and to develop novel effective therapies.
      This will require coordinated international collaboration. 

PMID- 25126955
TI  - Is removing 9 lymph nodes a correct cutoff to define optimal lymphadenectomy?:
      The open question of lymph node count.

PMID- 25126956
TI  - The clinical perspectives of CDX2 expression in colorectal cancer: a qualitative
      systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Homeobox genes are often deregulated in cancer. They can have both
      oncogenic and tumor-suppressing potential. The Caudal-related homeobox
      transcription factor 2 (CDX2) is an intestine-specific transcription factor. It
      is implicated in differentiation, proliferation, cell-adhesion, and migration.
      CDX2 has been proposed as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer but its role is
      still controversial. This systematic review were undertaken in order to clarify
      CDX2s role in colorectal cancer. METHODS: A literature search was performed in
      the MEDLINE database from 1966 to February 2014. Only studies in which all or a
      part of the experimental design were performed on human colorectal cancer tissue
      were included. Thus, studies solely performed in cell-lines or animal models were
      excluded. RESULTS: Fifty-two articles of relevance were identified. CDX2
      expression was rarely lost in colorectal cancers, however the expression pattern
      may often be heterogeneous within the tumor and can be selectively down regulated
      at the invasive front and in tumor buddings. Loss of CDX2 expression is probably
      correlated to tumor grade, stage, right-sided tumor location, MMR-deficiency,
      CIMP, and BRAF mutations. The CDX2 gene is rarely mutated but the locus harboring
      the gene is often amplified and may suggest CDX2 as a linage-survival oncogene.
      CDX2 might be implicated in cell proliferation and migration through cross-talk
      with the Wnt-signaling pathway, tumor-stroma proteins, and inflammatory
      cytokines. CONCLUSION: A clear role for CDX2 expression in colorectal cancer
      remains to be elucidated, and it might differ in relation to the underlying
      molecular pathways leading to the cancer formation.

PMID- 25126957
TI  - A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial related to the effects of melatonin on
      oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters of obese women.
AB  - Obesity, the global epidemic health problem, results in chronic disorders.
      Melatonin supplementation may prevent the adverse health consequences of obesity.
      The aim of this study was to assess the effects of melatonin supplementation on
      inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in obese women. In randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 44 obese women were randomly assigned to
      melatonin (n=22) and placebo (n=22) groups. Subjects were supplemented with a
      daily dose of 6 mg melatonin or placebo with low calorie diet for 40 days. Serum
      TNF-alpha, IL-6, hsCRP, TAC, and MDA levels were assessed before and after
      intervention. In the melatonin group, mean serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, hsCRP, and MDA
      levels decreased significantly (p<0.05) from 3.52+/-0.72 pg/ml, 27.12+/-6.32
      pg/ml, 2.54+/-0.49 mg/l, and 3.81+/-0.29 nmol/l to 1.73+/-0.07, 16.34+/-6.32,
      1.67+/-0.27, and 2.79+/-0.29, respectively. Whilst in the placebo group the
      decrease in values were not statistically significant. Mean TAC level increased
      slightly (from 1.11+/-0.30 to 1.14+/-0.45 mmol/l) in the melatonin group whereas
      it decreased slightly (from 1.13+/-0.15 to 1.08+/-0.21 nmol/l) in the placebo
      group. Significant differences were observed only for TNF-alpha (p=0.02) and IL-6
      (p=0.03) between the 2 study groups. Considering the improvements in inflammatory
      and oxidative stress factors in obese women, it seems that melatonin
      supplementation may provide beneficial effects in obesity treatment by
      ameliorating some of its complications. However, further studies are needed to
      make concise conclusions.

PMID- 25126958
TI  - Crystal structure of the homology domain of the eukaryotic DNA replication
      proteins Sld3/Treslin.
AB  - The initiation of eukaryotic chromosomal DNA replication requires the formation
      of an active replicative helicase at the replication origins of chromosomal DNA.
      Yeast Sld3 and its metazoan counterpart Treslin are the hub proteins mediating
      protein associations critical for the helicase formation. Here, we show the
      crystal structure of the central domain of Sld3 that is conserved in Sld3/Treslin
      family of proteins. The domain consists of two segments with 12 helices and is
      sufficient to bind to Cdc45, the essential helicase component. The structure
      model of the Sld3-Cdc45 complex, which is crucial for the formation of the active
      helicase, is proposed. 

PMID- 25126959
TI  - Structural basis for the SOX-dependent genomic redistribution of OCT4 in stem
      cell differentiation.
AB  - In pluripotent cells, OCT4 associates with SOX2 to maintain pluripotency or with
      SOX17 to induce primitive endoderm commitment. The OCT4-SOX2 and OCT4-SOX17
      combinations bind mutually exclusive to two distinct composite DNA elements,
      known as the "canonical" and "compressed" motifs, respectively. The structural
      basis for the OCT4-SOX17 cooperativity is unknown. Whereas SOX17 has been
      engineered to replace SOX2 in the pluripotency circuitry, all generated SOX2
      mutants have failed to act like SOX17. From molecular simulations, we revealed
      the OCT4-SOX17 interaction interface and elucidated the SOX-dependent motif
      preference of OCT4. Moreover, we designed a SOX2 mutant that we predicted and
      confirmed experimentally to bind cooperatively with OCT4 to the compressed motif.
      Ultimately, we found a strong correlation between the experimental and calculated
      relative cooperative-binding free energies of 12 OCT4-SOX-DNA complexes.
      Therefore, we validated the OCT4-SOX interfaces and demonstrated that in silico
      design of DNA-binding cooperativity is suitable for altering transcriptional
      circuitries. 

PMID- 25126961
TI  - Circuit topology of proteins and nucleic acids.
AB  - Folded biomolecules display a bewildering structural complexity and diversity.
      They have therefore been analyzed in terms of generic topological features. For
      instance, folded proteins may be knotted, have beta-strands arranged into a Greek
      key motif, or display high contact order. In this perspective, we present a
      method to formally describe the topology of all folded linear chains and hence
      provide a general classification and analysis framework for a range of
      biomolecules. Moreover, by identifying the fundamental rules that intrachain
      contacts must obey, the method establishes the topological constraints of folded
      linear chains. We also briefly illustrate how this circuit topology notion can be
      applied to study the equivalence of folded chains, the engineering of artificial
      RNA structures and DNA origami, the topological structure of genomes, and the
      role of topology in protein folding. 

PMID- 25126962
TI  - Comprehension asymmetries in language acquisition: a test for Relativized
      Minimality.
AB  - Cross-linguistic studies have shown that typically developing children have
      difficulties comprehending non-canonical structures. These findings have been
      interpreted within the Relativized Minimality (RM) approach, according to which
      local relations cannot be established between two terms of a dependency if an
      intervening element possesses similar morphosyntactic features. In an extension
      of RM, Friedmann, Belletti, and Rizzi (2009) suggested that lexical NP
      restriction is the source of minimality effects in non-canonical sentences. The
      present study aimed at investigating whether the predictions of their account can
      be confirmed in Greek. Our results indicate that although lexical NP restriction
      is a crucial factor in generating minimality effects, it is not always sufficient
      to account for the comprehension difficulties that young children face with non
      canonical sentences, since the internal structure (i.e. the feature
      specification) of the moved element and of the intervener affects their
      performance, as well. 

PMID- 25126960
TI  - The structure of mouse cytomegalovirus m04 protein obtained from sparse NMR data
      reveals a conserved fold of the m02-m06 viral immune modulator family.
AB  - Immunoevasins are key proteins used by viruses to subvert host immune responses.
      Determining their high-resolution structures is key to understanding virus-host
      interactions toward the design of vaccines and other antiviral therapies. Mouse
      cytomegalovirus encodes a unique set of immunoevasins, the m02-m06 family, that
      modulates major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) antigen presentation
      to CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells. Notwithstanding the large number of
      genetic and functional studies, the structural biology of immunoevasins remains
      incompletely understood, largely because of crystallization bottlenecks. Here we
      implement a technology using sparse nuclear magnetic resonance data and
      integrative Rosetta modeling to determine the structure of the m04/gp34
      immunoevasin extracellular domain. The structure reveals a beta fold that is
      representative of the m02-m06 family of viral proteins, several of which are
      known to bind MHC-I molecules and interfere with antigen presentation, suggesting
      its role as a diversified immune regulation module. 

PMID- 25126963
TI  - Comprehensive approach to systemic sclerosis patients during pregnancy.
AB  - Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that usually affects
      women, with a male:female ratio of 1:4-10. It was thought that there was a
      prohibitive risk of fatal complications in the pregnancies of patients with SSc.
      It is now known that the majority of these women undergo a normal progression of
      pregnancy if the right time is chosen and a close obstetric care is delivered.
      The obstetric risk will depend on the subtype and clinical stage of the disease,
      and the presence and severity of the internal organ involvement during the
      pregnancy. The management of these pregnancies should be provided in a
      specialized center, with a multidisciplinary team capable of identifying and
      promptly treating complications. Treatment should be limited to drugs with no
      teratogenic potential, except when renal crises or severe cardiovascular
      complications develop. 

PMID- 25126965
TI  - Evidence-based care for trilateral retinoblastoma.

PMID- 25126964
TI  - Trilateral retinoblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About 5% of children with retinoblastoma from germline mutation of
      the RB1 gene are at risk of developing trilateral retinoblastoma--intraocular
      retinoblastoma combined with a histologically similar brain tumour, most commonly
      in the pineal gland. We aimed to provide a systematic overview of published data
      for trilateral retinoblastoma, and to analyse how survival has changed. METHODS:
      We searched Medline and Embase for scientific literature published between Jan 1,
      1966, and April 14, 2014, that assessed trilateral retinoblastoma cases. We
      undertook a meta-analysis of survival with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox
      proportional hazards regression, stratified on the basis of the original study,
      to account for between-study heterogeneity. FINDINGS: We included 90 studies,
      with 174 patients with trilateral retinoblastoma. 5-year survival after pineal
      trilateral retinoblastoma increased from 6% (95% CI 2-15) in patients diagnosed
      before 1995, to 44% (26-61; p<0.0001) in those diagnosed from 1995 onwards.
      Before 1995, no patients with non-pineal trilateral retinoblastoma survived, but
      from 1995 onwards, 5-year survival was 57% (30-77; p=0.035). Hazard ratios (HR)
      adjusted for the presence of leptomeningeal metastases and trilateral
      retinoblastoma location, suggested that both conventional (HR 0.059, 95% CI 0.016
      0.226; p<0.0001) and high-dose chemotherapy with stem-cell rescue (0.013, 0.002
      0.064; p<0.0001) most strongly contributed to this improvement. Absence of
      leptomeningeal metastases (HR 2.13, 95% CI 0.98-4.60; p=0.055) were associated
      with improved survival. Non-pineal trilateral retinoblastomas were larger than
      pineal tumours (median 30 mm [range 6-100] vs 22 mm [7-60]; p=0.012), but both
      had similar outcomes since 1995. INTERPRETATION: Our results suggest that
      improvements in overall survival are attributable to improved chemotherapy
      regimens and early detection of pineal trilateral retinoblastoma. As such,
      successful treatment of trilateral retinoblastoma should include screening at
      least at the time of retinoblastoma diagnosis and chemotherapy, which would
      preferably be a high-dose regimen with autologous stem-cell rescue. FUNDING:
      None.

PMID- 25126966
TI  - Solid-phase dispersive extraction method for analysis of benzodiazepine drugs in
      serum and urine samples.
AB  - A simple yet highly efficient pretreatment method called solid-phase dispersive
      extraction (SPDE) was developed and used in combination with liquid
      chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/TOF-MS) for the analysis of
      benzodiazepines (BZPs) in serum and urine samples. By using a custom-made
      centrifugal filter, SPDE could be performed in a closed system, thereby
      minimizing exposure to infectious microbes or hazardous chemicals. The limit of
      detection and the limit of quantification of nine BZPs were 1-10 and 5-50ng/mL,
      respectively. The average recoveries of BZPs from pooled serum samples spiked at
      50 and 500ng/mL were 89.6-105.0% (RSD: 2.1-6.8%) and 93.6-110.4% (RSD: 2.1-4.2%),
      respectively, and those from urine samples were 88.7-105.5% (RSD: 2.9-6.4%) and
      91.5-101.1% (RSD: 3.6-5.5%), respectively. SPDE-LC/TOF-MS has potential
      application in forensic science and emergency medicine. 

PMID- 25126968
TI  - Development of a selective agar plate for the detection of Campylobacter spp. in
      fresh produce.
AB  - This study was conducted to develop a selective medium for the detection of
      Campylobacter spp. in fresh produce. Campylobacter spp. (n=4), non-Campylobacter
      (showing positive results on Campylobacter selective agar) strains (n=49)
      isolated from fresh produce, indicator bacteria (n=13), and spoilage bacteria
      isolated from fresh produce (n=15) were plated on four Campylobacter selective
      media. Bolton agar and modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA)
      exhibited higher sensitivity for Campylobacter spp. than did Preston agar and
      Hunt agar, although certain non-Campylobacter strains isolated from fresh produce
      by using a selective agar isolation method, were still able to grow on Bolton
      agar and mCCDA. To inhibit the growth of non-Campylobacter strains, Bolton agar
      and mCCDA were supplemented with 5 antibiotics (rifampicin, polymyxin B, sodium
      metabisulfite, sodium pyruvate, ferrous sulfate) and the growth of Campylobacter
      spp. (n=7) and non-Campylobacter strains (n=44) was evaluated. Although Bolton
      agar supplemented with rifampicin (BR agar) exhibited a higher selectivity for
      Campylobacter spp. than did mCCDA supplemented with antibiotics, certain non
      Campylobacter strains were still able to grow on BR agar (18.8%). When BR agar
      with various concentrations of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim were tested with
      Campylobacter spp. (n=8) and non-Campylobacter (n=7), sulfamethoxazole
      trimethoprim was inhibitory against 3 of 7 non-Campylobacter strains. Finally, we
      validated the use of BR agar containing 50mg/L sulfamethoxazole (BRS agar) or
      0.5mg/L ciprofloxacin (BRCS agar) and other selective agars for the detection of
      Campylobacter spp. in chicken and fresh produce. All chicken samples were
      positive for Campylobacter spp. when tested on mCCDA, BR agar, and BRS agar. In
      fresh produce samples, BRS agar exhibited the highest selectivity for
      Campylobacter spp., demonstrating its suitability for the detection of
      Campylobacter spp. in fresh produce. 

PMID- 25126969
TI  - Exploring the role of parents and peers in young adolescents' risk taking on
      social networking sites.
AB  - This study investigated the role of parental and peer mediation in young
      adolescents' engagement in risk-taking in social networking sites (SNSs). A
      survey conducted in Malaysia with 469 SNS users aged 13-14 revealed that control
      based parental mediation can cause boomerang effects, making young adolescents
      more inclined to taking risks in SNSs. While discussion-based parental mediation
      was found to be negatively related to young adolescents' befriending strangers in
      SNSs, it did not reduce privacy risks. Findings also suggested that peer
      influence could result in undesirable outcomes. In particular, the more young
      adolescents talked about Internet-related issues with peers, the more likely they
      were to disclose personally identifiable information on SNSs.

PMID- 25126970
TI  - Response to the letter by Olivier Barbier, Didier Ollat, Gilbert Versier.

PMID- 25126967
TI  - Nerve growth factor mediates a switch in intracellular signaling for PGE2-induced
      sensitization of sensory neurons from protein kinase A to Epac.
AB  - We examined whether nerve growth factor (NGF), an inflammatory mediator that
      contributes to chronic hypersensitivity, alters the intracellular signaling that
      mediates the sensitizing actions of PGE2 from activation of protein kinase A
      (PKA) to exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (Epacs). When isolated
      sensory neurons are grown in the absence of added NGF, but not in cultures grown
      with 30 ng/ml NGF, inhibiting protein kinase A (PKA) activity blocks the ability
      of PGE2 to augment capsaicin-evoked release of the neuropeptide CGRP and to
      increase the number of action potentials (APs) evoked by a ramp of current.
      Growing sensory neurons in culture in the presence of increasing concentrations
      of NGF increases the expression of Epac2, but not Epac1. An intradermal injection
      of complete Freund's adjuvant into the rat hindpaw also increases the expression
      of Epac2, but not Epac1 in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord: an effect
      blocked by intraplantar administration of NGF antibodies. Treating cultures grown
      in the presence of 30 ng/ml NGF with Epac1siRNA significantly reduced the
      expression of Epac1, but not Epac2, and did not block the ability of PGE2 to
      augment capsaicin-evoked release of CGRP from sensory neurons. Exposing neuronal
      cultures grown in NGF to Epac2siRNAreduced the expression of Epac2, but not Epac1
      and prevented the PGE2-induced augmentation of capsaicin and potassium-evoked
      CGRP release in sensory neurons and the PGE2-induced increase in the number of
      APs generated by a ramp of current. In neurons grown with no added NGF, Epac
      siRNAs did not attenuate PGE2-induced sensitization. These results demonstrate
      that NGF, through increasing Epac2 expression, alters the signaling cascade that
      mediates PGE2-induced sensitization of sensory neurons, thus providing a novel
      mechanism for maintaining PGE2-induced hypersensitivity during inflammation. 

PMID- 25126971
TI  - Adoption of the 16-month American Board of Radiology pathway to dual board
      certifications in nuclear radiology and/or nuclear medicine for diagnostic
      radiology residents.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: In 2010, the American Board of Radiology (ABR) approved
      a new 16-month nuclear subspecialty training pathway within a standard 48-month
      Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited
      diagnostic radiology (DR) residency available to institutions sponsoring ACGME
      accredited nuclear radiology (NR) and/or nuclear medicine (NM) program(s). This
      accelerated pathway leads to eligibility for dual ABR certifications in DR and NR
      or in NM by the American Board of Nuclear Medicine (ABNM). The American College
      of Radiology, in conjunction with the ABR, aimed to understand adoption of this
      new pathway, barriers to implementation, preferences for subspecialty
      certification, and competing alternative combined DR/NR/NM training pathways.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 2013-2014, there were 20 ACGME-accredited NR
      fellowship and 43 ACGME-accredited NM residency programs eligible to adopt this
      new 16-month pathway. They were surveyed by e-mail correspondence regarding
      implementation and barriers to implementation, board certification (ABR-NR and
      ABNM) preferences, and local alternative training pathways. RESULTS: With 100% of
      the surveys completed, a small cadre of qualifying DR programs (14, 22%) has
      adopted (9, 14%) or is seriously considering adopting (5, 8%) the 16-month ABR
      pathway. For most, implementation is problematic with numerous barriers in
      common. Five (8%) institutions are developing 60-month nontraditional models as
      alternative routes to ABR-DR/ABR-NR certifications and/or dual ABR/ABNM board
      certifications. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of strategies to promote a shortened
      training pathway in NR/NM, traditional subspecialty fellowships outside the DR
      residency remain the dominant pathway leading to ABR subspecialty certification
      in NR and/or ABNM certification for diagnostic radiologists.

PMID- 25126972
TI  - Intrapleural fluid infusion for MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound
      ablation in the liver dome.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused
      ultrasound (MR-HIFU) ablation of tumors in the liver dome is challenging because
      of the presence of air in the costophrenic angle. In this study, we used a
      porcine liver model and a clinical MR-HIFU system to assess the feasibility and
      safety of using intrapleural fluid infusion (IPI) to create an acoustic window
      for MR-HIFU ablation in the liver dome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy adult
      Dalland land pigs (n = 6) under general anesthesia were used with animal
      committee approval. Degassed saline (200-800 mL) was infused into the
      intrapleural space under ultrasound guidance. A clinical 1.5-T MR-HIFU system was
      used to perform sonications (4-mm treatment cells, 300-450 W, 20-30 seconds) in
      the liver dome under real-time MR thermometry. An intercostal firing technique
      was used to prevent rib heating in one experiment. Technical success was defined
      as a temperature increase (>10 degrees C) in the target area. After termination,
      the animal was examined for thermal damage to liver, diaphragm, pleura, lung, or
      intercostal muscle. RESULTS: An acoustic window was established in all animals. A
      temperature increase in the target area was achieved in all animals (max. 47
      degrees C-67 degrees C). MR thermometry showed no heating outside the target
      area. Intercostal firing effectively reduced rib heating (55 degrees C vs. 42
      degrees C). Postmortem examination revealed no unwanted thermal damage. One
      complication occurred, in the first experiment, because of an ill-suited needle
      (displacement of the needle). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that IPI may be
      used safely to assist MR-HIFU ablation of tumors in the liver dome. For reliable
      tissue coagulation, IPI must be combined with an intercostal sonication
      technique. Considering the proportion of patients with tumors in the liver dome,
      IPI widens the applicability of MR-HIFU ablation for liver tumors considerably.

PMID- 25126973
TI  - Breast MRI BI-RADS assessments and abnormal interpretation rates by clinical
      indication in US community practices.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: As breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use grows,
      benchmark performance parameters are needed for auditing and quality assurance
      purposes. We describe the variation in breast MRI abnormal interpretation rates
      (AIRs) by clinical indication among a large sample of US community practices.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from 41 facilities across five Breast
      Cancer Surveillance Consortium imaging registries. Each registry obtained
      institutional review board approval for this Health Insurance Portability and
      Accountability Act compliant analysis. We included 11,654 breast MRI examinations
      conducted in 2005-2010 among women aged 18-79 years. We categorized clinical
      indications as 1) screening, 2) extent of disease, 3) diagnostic (eg, breast
      symptoms), and 4) other (eg, short-interval follow-up). We characterized
      assessments as positive (ie, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System [BI-RADS]
      0, 4, and 5) or negative (ie, BI-RADS 1, 2, and 6) and provide results with BI
      RADS 3 categorized as positive and negative. We tested for differences in AIRs
      across clinical indications both unadjusted and adjusted for patient
      characteristics and registry and assessed for changes in AIRs by year within each
      clinical indication. RESULTS: When categorizing BI-RADS 3 as positive, AIRs were
      21.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.8-22.3) for screening, 31.7% (95% CI,
      29.6-33.8) for extent of disease, 29.7% (95% CI, 28.3-31.1) for diagnostic, and
      27.4% (95% CI, 25.0-29.8) for other indications (P < .0001). When categorizing BI
      RADS 3 as negative, AIRs were 10.5% (95% CI, 9.5-11.4) for screening, 21.8% (95%
      CI, 19.9-23.6) for extent of disease, 17.7% (95% CI, 16.5-18.8) for diagnostic,
      and 13.3% (95% CI, 11.6-15.2) for other indications (P < .0001). The significant
      differences in AIRs by indication persisted even after adjusting for patient
      characteristics and registry (P < .0001). In addition, for most indications,
      there were no significant changes in AIRs over time. CONCLUSIONS: Breast MRI AIRs
      differ significantly by clinical indication. Practices should stratify breast MRI
      examinations by indication for quality assurance and auditing purposes.

PMID- 25126974
TI  - Comparison between multivolume CT-based surrogates of regional ventilation in
      healthy subjects.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The assessment of regional ventilation is of critical
      importance when investigating lung function during disease progression and
      planning of pulmonary interventions. Recently, different computed tomography (CT)
      based parameters have been proposed as surrogates of lung ventilation. The aim of
      the present study was to compare these parameters, namely variations of density
      (DeltaHU), specific volume (sVol), and specific gas volume (DeltaSVg) between
      different lung volumes, in relation to their topographic distribution within the
      lung. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were scanned via high
      resolution CT at residual volume (RV) and total lung capacity (TLC); DeltaHU,
      sVol, and DeltaSVg were mapped voxel by voxel after registering TLC onto RV.
      Variations of the three parameters along the vertical and horizontal directions
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Along the vertical direction (from ventral to dorsal
      regions), a strong dependence on gravity was found in DeltaHU and sVol, with
      greater values in the dorsal regions of the lung (P < .001), whereas DeltaSVg was
      more homogeneously distributed within the lung. Conversely, along the
      caudocranial direction (from lung bases to apexes) where no gravitational
      gradient is present, the three parameters behaved similarly, with lower values at
      the apices. CONCLUSIONS: DeltaHU, sVol, and DeltaSVg behave differently along the
      gravity direction. As the greater amount of air delivered to the dependent
      portion of the lung supplies a larger number of alveoli, the amount of gas
      delivered to alveoli compared to the mass of tissue is not gravity dependent. The
      minimization of gravity dependence in the distribution of ventilation when using
      DeltaSVg suggests that this parameter is more reliable to discriminate healthy
      from pathologic regions.

PMID- 25126976
TI  - Environmental sampling for Clostridium difficile on alcohol-based hand rub
      dispensers in an academic medical center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clostridum difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobic
      bacillus that has substantial associated morbidity, mortality, and associated
      healthcare burdens. Clostridium difficile spores are not destroyed by alcohol.
      Alcohol gel dispensers are used commonly as the hand sanitization method of
      choice in hospitals. It is possible that gel dispensers are fomites for C.
      difficile. METHODS: Thirty alcohol-based gel dispenser handles outside of rooms
      of patients with active C. difficile infection were sampled. The samples were
      assessed for C. difficile by both culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
      The samples were also assessed for other organisms by culture. RESULTS: No C.
      difficile was cultured or detected by PCR on any of the gel dispensers. Coagulase
      negative Staphyloccus spp., diptheroids, and Bacillus spp. were the organisms
      detected most commonly. CONCLUSION: At our institution, C. difficile is not
      present on alcohol-based gel dispensers, but other potentially pathogenis are.

PMID- 25126975
TI  - A pharmacogenetics-based warfarin maintenance dosing algorithm from Northern
      Chinese patients.
AB  - Inconsistent associations with warfarin dose were observed in genetic variants
      except VKORC1 haplotype and CYP2C9*3 in Chinese people, and few studies on
      warfarin dose algorithm was performed in a large Chinese Han population lived in
      Northern China. Of 787 consenting patients with heart-valve replacements who were
      receiving long-term warfarin maintenance therapy, 20 related Single nucleotide
      polymorphisms were genotyped. Only VKORC1 and CYP2C9 SNPs were observed to be
      significantly associated with warfarin dose. In the derivation cohort (n = 551),
      warfarin dose variability was influenced, in decreasing order, by VKORC1 rs7294
      (27.3%), CYP2C9*3(7.0%), body surface area(4.2%), age(2.7%), target INR(1.4%),
      CYP4F2 rs2108622 (0.7%), amiodarone use(0.6%), diabetes mellitus(0.6%), and
      digoxin use(0.5%), which account for 45.1% of the warfarin dose variability. In
      the validation cohort (n = 236), the actual maintenance dose was significantly
      correlated with predicted dose (r = 0.609, P<0.001). Our algorithm could improve
      the personalized management of warfarin use in Northern Chinese patients. 

PMID- 25126977
TI  - Preventing intraperitoneal adhesions with ethyl pyruvate and hyaluronic
      acid/carboxymethylcellulose: a comparative study in an experimental model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of ethyl pyruvate (EP) with that of
      hyaluronic acid+carboxymethyl cellulose (Seprafilm) for the prevention of
      intraperitoneal adhesions. Seprafilm has been shown to be effective in many
      experimental and clinical studies. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty rats were divided into
      three groups at random, and uterine horn abrasion was performed by laparotomy.
      One group received no treatment (control group), one group received a single
      intraperitoneal dose of EP 50mg/kg (EP group), and a 2*1-cm patch of Seprafilm
      was applied in the third group (Seprafilm group). All rats were killed 14 days
      after surgery. Macroscopic and histopathological evaluation were performed by a
      surgeon and a pathologist who were blinded to group allocation.
      Histopathologically, inflammation, fibroblastic activity, foreign body reaction,
      collagen proliferation, vascular proliferation, Masson-Trichrome score, matrix
      metalloproteinase-2 score and vascular endothelial growth factor score were
      studied. RESULTS: Median macroscopic intraperitoneal adhesion scores for the
      control, EP and Seprafilm groups were 2.8, 1.2 and 1.1, respectively. Multiple
      comparisons between groups showed a significant difference (p<0.05). In binary
      comparisons, significant differences were found between the control group and the
      EP group, and between the control group and the Seprafilm group (p<0.05). No
      significant difference was found between the adhesion scores for the EP group and
      the Seprafilm group (p>0.05). After histopathological evaluation, significant
      differences in all parameters were found between the groups (p<0.05). In the
      paired comparison, significant differences were found between the control group
      and the EP group, and between the control group and the Seprafilm group
      (p<0.0167), but no significant difference was found between the EP group and the
      Seprafilm group (p>0.0167). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with the untreated control
      group, EP and Seprafilm were found to reduce the formation of intraperitoneal
      adhesions. No significant difference was found between EP and Seprafilm.

PMID- 25126978
TI  - A perineal protection device designed to protect the perineum during labor: a
      multicenter randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of
      a new device for reducing perineal tears during vaginal childbirth. STUDY DESIGN:
      A multicenter open randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed in
      Helsingborg, Lund and Malmo, Sweden consisting of 1148 women. Women anticipating
      a vaginal delivery were either randomized to the intervention group (n=574 in
      which the perineal protection device was used, or a control group (n=574), in
      which the perineal protection device was not used. The main outcome measurements
      were incidence of vaginal and perineal tears (1st to 4th degree tears) and
      adverse effects on the parturient and newborn. RESULTS: The incidences of first-
      and second-degree tears of the vagina (p=0.018) and perineum (p=0.005) were
      significantly reduced in the intervention group compared with the controls. In
      the intervention- and control group, 184 women (34.9%) and 142 (26.6%) showed no
      perineal tearing, respectively (p=0.034). Numbers needed to treat to avoid any
      perianal tearing was 12. The incidence of anal sphincter rupture (ASR) was the
      same in both groups (n=19; 3.4%). No negative effects on mother or child from
      using the device were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The perineal protective device
      significantly reduced the incidence of first- and second-degree tears in the
      vagina and perineum during vaginal birth and also significantly increased the
      number of parturients with a fully intact posterior commissure. No significant
      reduction of ASR and no negative effects of the device were observed.

PMID- 25126979
TI  - Single versus multi-dose antibiotic prophylaxis for pelvic organ prolapse surgery
      with graft/mesh.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of postoperative infections in women who receive
      single-dose versus multi-dose prophylactic antibiotic regimen during prolapse
      surgery with mesh/graft. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of 460 women
      who underwent prolapse surgery with mesh/graft. We compared women who received a
      single-dose prophylactic antibiotic regimen to those who received a multi-dose
      regimen. The primary outcome was the presence of any postoperative infection,
      defined as the presence of any of the following infections: urinary tract
      infection (UTI), fever, wound or trocar site infection, mesh infection or pelvic
      abscess. Associations between prophylactic antibiotic regimen and postoperative
      infections were estimated using univariable and multivariable analysis. RESULTS:
      Rate of any postoperative infection was similar between the single- and multi
      dose groups (19% vs. 16%, p=0.50). Rate of UTI was significantly higher in the
      single-dose compared to the multi-dose group (13% vs. 7%, p=0.03). On
      multivariable analysis, after controlling for vaginal route of surgery, the odds
      of UTI was not significantly different between groups (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.27,
      1.26). CONCLUSION: A single-dose antibiotic regimen is sufficient for prophylaxis
      against postoperative infections in women undergoing prolapse surgery with
      graft/mesh.

PMID- 25126980
TI  - Subchorionic hematoma occurs more frequently in in vitro fertilization pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obstetric complications occur more frequently in pregnancies after in
      vitro fertilization (IVF). We attempted to determine the correlation between
      subchorionic hematoma and IVF pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed 194
      pregnancies achieved by infertility treatment between January 2008 and February
      2012 at our hospital. Among these, 67 were achieved by IVF and 127 by non-IVF
      approaches. We compared the frequency of subchorionic hematoma between the groups
      and examined the risk factors for subchorionic hematoma in the IVF group.
      RESULTS: No significant differences regarding age and the number of uterine
      surgery were observed between the groups. The duration of infertility was longer,
      parity and the rate of luteal support were higher in the IVF group compared with
      that in the non-IVF group. The frequency of subchorionic hematoma was
      significantly higher in the IVF group (22.4%) than that in the non-IVF group
      (11%) (P=0.035). Univariate analysis in the IVF group demonstrated that frozen
      thawed embryo transfer (OR, 6.18; 95% CI, 1.7-22.4), parity>=1 (OR, 3.67; 95% CI,
      1.0-13.2) and blastocyst transfer (OR, 3.75; 95% CI, 1.1-13.3) were risk factors
      for the subchorionic hematoma. CONCLUSION: The frequency of subchorionic hematoma
      is high in IVF pregnancies, and frozen-thawed embryo transfer, parity>=1, and
      blastocyst transfer may contribute to subchorionic hematoma onset.

PMID- 25126981
TI  - Maternal and neonatal outcomes in women undergoing bariatric surgery: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obese women are at increased risk for many pregnancy complications,
      and bariatric surgery (BS) before pregnancy has shown to improve some of these.
      OBJECTIVES: To review the current literature and quantitatively assess the
      obstetric and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women who have undergone BS. SEARCH
      STRATEGY: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched using relevant
      keywords to identify studies that reported on pregnancy outcomes after BS.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: Pregnancy outcome in firstly, women after BS compared to
      obese or BMI-matched women with no BS and secondly, women after BS compared to
      the same or different women before BS. Only observational studies were included.
      DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two investigators independently collected data on
      study characteristics and outcome measures of interest. These were analysed using
      the random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed and sensitivity analysis was
      performed to account for publication bias. MAIN RESULTS: The entry criteria were
      fulfilled by 17 non-randomised cohort or case-control studies, including seven
      with high methodological quality scores. In the BS group, compared to controls,
      there was a lower incidence of preeclampsia (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25-0.80; P=0.007),
      GDM (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.40-0.56; P<0.001) and large neonates (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.34
      0.62; P<0.001) and a higher incidence of small neonates (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.52
      2.44; P<0.001), preterm birth (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.08-1.58; P=0.006), admission for
      neonatal intensive care (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.02-1.72; P=0.03) and maternal anaemia
      (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.56-7.44, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: BS as a whole improves some
      pregnancy outcomes. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding does not appear to
      increase the rate of small neonates that was seen with other BS procedures. Obese
      women of childbearing age undergoing BS need to be aware of these outcomes.

PMID- 25126982
TI  - Uterine arteriovenous malformations following gestational trophoblastic
      neoplasia: a systematic review.
AB  - Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) following gestational trophoblastic
      neoplasia (GTN) is a rare condition. It can be associated with chronic vaginal
      bleeding or life-threatening heavy bleeding, even after complete resolution of
      the tumor following chemotherapy. This analysis aimed to perform an extensive
      systematic review highlighting clinical symptoms, imaging, management and
      prognosis of this rare complication of GTN. We also describe an additional case
      of uterine AVM following GTN. We conducted a literature search using Medline,
      Embase and Cochrane library to analyze the clinical data of 49 published cases of
      uterine AVM following GTN. Median age of the women diagnosed with AVM was 29
      years (range 15-49). Median gravidity was 2 (range 1-8) and 50% of women were
      nulligravida. Complete molar pregnancy was the most common initial gestational
      trophoblastic diagnosis (48%). Overall, 44 patients (88%) were symptomatic and
      presented with chronic or acute abnormal vaginal bleeding. Only 3 patients had an
      undetectable HCG level at the time of uterine AVM diagnosis. Hypo-echoic space in
      the myometrium is the most relevant finding on ultrasonography but the gold
      standard for the definitive diagnosis of AVMs is angiographic examination.
      Uterine artery embolization was the most common treatment option performed in 82%
      of the patients and was successful in controlling the bleeding in 85% of cases.
      We identified 20 pregnancies after successful embolization of uterine AVM
      following a GTN and 90% of them were successful. Because of the risk of life
      threatening heavy bleeding, the diagnosis of uterine AVM should always be
      considered in patients with a history of recurrent unexplained vaginal bleeding
      after gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Angiographic embolization is
      successful in the majority of cases and does not appear to compromise future
      pregnancy. 

PMID- 25126983
TI  - [Mediator effect of resilience between burnout and health in nursing staff].
AB  - AIMS: To determine the relationships between 3 burnout dimensions (Emotional
      Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Reduced Personal Accomplishment), health
      (physical and mental health), and resilience, as well as to analyse the mediator
      role of resilience in relationships between burnout and health in a sample of
      Nursing staff. METHOD: A correlational and cross-sectional study with
      probabilistic sampling was conducted on a sample of 194 Nursing staff of
      University Hospital of Fuenlabrada (Madrid), and composed of nurses (n=133) and
      nursing assistants (n=61). INSTRUMENTS: MBI-HSS (burnout syndrome), SF-12v1
      (physical and mental components of health), 10-Item CD-RISC (resilience), and
      sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: Correlational analyses showed that mental
      health was negatively related with 3 burnout dimensions and positively with
      resilience. Furthermore, physical health was only negatively related with
      Emotional Exhaustion, and positively with resilience. Mediational analyses
      revealed that resilience mediated, on one hand, the relationship between
      Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization with mental health (partial mediation)
      and, on the other hand, the relationship between Reduced Personal Accomplishment
      and mental health (total mediation). CONCLUSIONS: Resilience is not only
      important to improve the mental health of Nursing staff, but also to buffer and
      minimize the negative consequences of the occupational stress to which they are
      at risk, with its most adverse result being signs of burnout. Therefore,
      resilience training should be promoted to improve nursing clinical practice.

PMID- 25126984
TI  - Identification of catalytic residues of a very large NAD-glutamate dehydrogenase
      from Janthinobacterium lividum by site-directed mutagenesis.
AB  - We previously found a very large NAD-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase with
      approximately 170 kDa subunit from Janthinobacterium lividum (Jl-GDH) and
      predicted that GDH reaction occurred in the central domain of the subunit. To
      gain further insights into the role of the central domain, several single point
      mutations were introduced. The enzyme activity was completely lost in all single
      mutants of R784A, K810A, K820A, D885A, and S1142A. Because, in sequence alignment
      analysis, these residues corresponded to the residues responsible for glutamate
      binding in well-known small GDH with approximately 50 kDa subunit, very large GDH
      and well-known small GDH may share the same catalytic mechanism. In addition, we
      demonstrated that C1141, one of the three cysteine residues in the central
      domain, was responsible for the inhibition of enzyme activity by HgCl2, and HgCl2
      functioned as an activating compound for a C1141T mutant. At low concentrations,
      moreover, HgCl2 was found to function as an activating compound for a wild-type
      Jl-GDH. This suggests that the mechanism for the activation is entirely different
      from that for the inhibition.

PMID- 25126985
TI  - Identification of newly isolated Talaromyces pinophilus and statistical
      optimization of beta-glucosidase production under solid-state fermentation.
AB  - Fungi able to degrade agriculture wastes were isolated from different soil
      samples, rice straw, and compost; these isolates were screened for their ability
      to produce beta-glucosidase. The most active fungal isolate was identified as
      Talaromyces pinophilus strain EMOO 13-3. The Plackett-Burman design is used for
      identifying the significant variables that influence beta-glucosidase production
      under solid-state fermentation. Fifteen variables were examined for their
      significances on the production of beta-glucosidase in 20 experimental runs.
      Among the variables screened, moisture content, Tween 80, and (NH4)2SO4 had
      significant effects on beta-glucosidase production with confidence levels above
      90% (p < 0.1). The optimal levels of these variables were further optimized using
      Box-Behnken statical design. As a result, the maximal beta-glucosidase activity
      is 3648.519 U g(-1), which is achieved at the following fermentation conditions:
      substrate amount 0.5 (g/250 mL flask), NaNO3 0.5 (%), KH2PO4 0.3 (%), KCl 0.02
      (%), MgSO4 . 7H2O 0.01 (%), CaCl2 0.01 (%), yeast extract 0.07 (%), FeSO4 . 7H2O
      0.0002 (%), Tween 80 0.02 (%), (NH4)2SO4 0.3 (%), pH 6.5, temperature 25 degrees
      C, moisture content 1 (mL/g dry substrate), inoculum size 0.5 (mL/g dry
      substrate), and incubation period 5 days. 

PMID- 25126986
TI  - Activating PI3-kinase to dampen inflammation.
AB  - Diterpene derivatives of the natural product acanthoic acid have potent anti
      inflammatory effects in vivo. In this issue of Chemistry & Biolgy, Traves and
      colleagues report that the primary molecular mechanism of action of diterpenes
      structurally related to acanthoic acid is the direct activation of PI3-kinase
      signaling in macrophages, which in turn inhibits NF-kappaB activation and
      suppresses proinflammatory gene expression. 

PMID- 25126987
TI  - Rehabilitating mutant GCase.
AB  - Gaucher's disease is a hereditary deficiency of the enzyme beta
      glucocerebrosidase (GCase) that is most commonly treated by enzyme replacement
      therapy. In this issue of Chemistry & Biology, Tan and colleagues search for
      alternative ways to rehabilitate mutant GCase by understanding how it interacts
      with the proteostasis network. 

PMID- 25126988
TI  - Copper as a magic bullet for targeted microbial killing.
AB  - The innate toxicity of copper can be exploited as an antimicrobial. In this issue
      of Chemistry & Biology Festa and colleagues report the use of QBP, a prochelator
      form of the metal-chelate 8-hydroxyquinolone, which allows for targeted copper
      dependent microbial killing at sites of infection. 

PMID- 25126990
TI  - Regulation of nonribosomal peptide synthesis: bis-thiomethylation attenuates
      gliotoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus.
AB  - Gliotoxin is a redox-active nonribosomal peptide produced by Aspergillus
      fumigatus. Like many other disulfide-containing epipolythiodioxopiperazines, a
      bis-thiomethylated form is also produced. In the case of gliotoxin,
      bisdethiobis(methylthio)gliotoxin (BmGT) is formed for unknown reasons by a
      cryptic enzyme. Here, we identify the S-adenosylmethionine-dependent gliotoxin
      bis-thiomethyltransferase (GtmA), which converts dithiogliotoxin to BmGT. This
      activity, which is induced by exogenous gliotoxin, is only detectable in protein
      lysates of A. fumigatus deficient in the gliotoxin oxidoreductase, gliT. Thus,
      GtmA is capable of substrate bis-thiomethylation. Deletion of gtmA completely
      abrogates BmGT formation and we now propose that the purpose of BmGT formation is
      primarily to attenuate gliotoxin biosynthesis. Phylogenetic analysis reveals 124
      GtmA homologs within the Ascomycota phylum. GtmA is encoded outside the gliotoxin
      biosynthetic cluster and primarily serves to negatively regulate gliotoxin
      biosynthesis. This mechanism of postbiosynthetic regulation of nonribosomal
      peptide synthesis appears to be quite unusual. 

PMID- 25126991
TI  - LDAI-based chemical labeling of intact membrane proteins and its pulse-chase
      analysis under live cell conditions.
AB  - The functions of membrane proteins are tightly controlled by the dynamics such as
      protein trafficking and degradation. We demonstrated that ligand-directed acyl
      imidazole (LDAI) chemistry is broadly applicable to selective chemical labeling
      of various types of membrane-bound proteins under live cell conditions without a
      need for any tag fragments. The LDAI chemistry enabled pulse-chase analysis of
      these proteins to determine the half-life, as well as their degradation pathways
      by the imaging, under almost natural cellular conditions. 

PMID- 25126989
TI  - ERdj3 is an endoplasmic reticulum degradation factor for mutant
      glucocerebrosidase variants linked to Gaucher's disease.
AB  - Gaucher's disease (GD) is caused by mutations that compromise beta
      glucocerebrosidase (GCase) folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), leading to
      excessive degradation instead of trafficking, which results in insufficient
      lysosomal function. We hypothesized that ER GCase interacting proteins play
      critical roles in making quality control decisions, i.e., facilitating ER
      associated degradation (ERAD) instead of folding and trafficking. Utilizing GCase
      immunoprecipitation followed by mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, we identified
      endogenous HeLa cell GCase protein interactors, including ERdj3, an ER resident
      Hsp40 not previously established to interact with GCase. Depleting ERdj3 reduced
      the rate of mutant GCase degradation in patient-derived fibroblasts, while
      increasing folding, trafficking, and function by directing GCase to the
      profolding ER calnexin pathway. Inhibiting ERdj3-mediated mutant GCase
      degradation while simultaneously enhancing calnexin-associated folding, by way of
      a diltiazem-mediated increase in ER Ca(2+) levels, yields a synergistic rescue of
      L444P GCase lysosomal function. Our findings suggest a combination therapeutic
      strategy for ameliorating GD. 

PMID- 25126992
TI  - Alternative sigma factor RpoN2 is required for flagellar motility and full
      virulence of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.
AB  - Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the bacterial blight pathogen of rice,
      harbors a single polar flagellum for motility. How the flagellar system is
      regulated and how it is related to bacterial pathogenesis are not well
      understood. The genomic sequence of Xoo strain PXO99(A) revealed a flagellar
      regulon containing over 60 contiguous genes. A gene encoding alternative sigma
      factor 54 (sigma(54)), named as rpoN2, is located in the central region of the
      regulon. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated rpoN2 was transcribed in an operon with
      flgRR, and fleQ. Single gene deletion mutants of the rpoN2 operon were generated.
      The rpoN2 and fleQ mutant lost swimming motility, whereas the flgRR mutant
      remained motile. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis further demonstrated that
      expression of regulatory genes fliA and flgM, and structural genes flgG, flhB,
      and fliC were significantly down-regulated in the rpoN2 and fleQ mutants. These
      results indicated that RpoN2 and FleQ synergistically controlled flagellar
      motility by regulating gene expression. Interestingly, the rpoN2 mutant, but not
      the fleQ mutant was impaired in its virulence on rice. In addition, we showed
      that the flagellin gene fliC mutant, which was non-motile, was not defective in
      virulence. Thus, we concluded that flagellar motility might not be essential for
      Xoo virulence in rice, and RpoN2 probably regulated bacterial virulence through a
      manner independent of its role in controlling flagellar gene expression. 

PMID- 25126993
TI  - Sodium hexadecyl sulfate as an interfacial substance adjusting the adsorption of
      a protein on carbon nanotubes.
AB  - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were functionalized with sodium hexadecyl sulfate (SHS).
      The lysozyme adsorbed on the SHS-CNTs exhibited a higher activity than that
      immobilized on the nonfunctionalized CNTs. To explain the experimental results
      and explore the mechanism of lysozyme adsorption, large-scale molecular dynamics
      simulations have been performed for a four-component system, including lysozyme,
      SHS, CNTs in explicit water. It has been found that the assembled SHS molecules
      form a soft layer on the surface of CNTs. The interactions between lysozyme and
      SHS induce the rearrangement of SHS molecules, forming a saddle-like structure on
      the CNT surface. The saddle-like structure fits the shape of the lysozyme, and
      the active-site cleft of the lysozyme is exposed to the water phase. Whereas, for
      the lysozyme adsorbed on the nonfunctionalized CNT, due to the hydrophobic
      interactions, the active-site cleft of the enzyme tends to face the wall of the
      CNT. The results of this work demonstrate that the SHS molecules as the
      interfacial substance have a function of adjusting the lysozyme with an
      appropriate orientation, which is favorable for the lysozyme having a higher
      activity. 

PMID- 25126994
TI  - Synthesis of antifungal vaccines by conjugation of beta-1,2 trimannosides with T
      cell peptides and covalent anchoring of neoglycopeptide to tetanus toxoid.
AB  - Selective strategies for the construction of novel three component glycoconjugate
      vaccines presenting Candida albicans cell wall glycan (beta-1,2 mannoside) and
      polypeptide fragments on a tetanus toxoid carrier are described. The first of two
      conjugation strategies employed peptides bearing an N-terminal thiopropionyl
      residue for conjugation to a trisaccharide equipped with an acrylate linker and a
      C-terminal S-acetyl thioglycolyl moiety for subsequent linking of neoglycopeptide
      to bromoacetylated tetanus toxoid. Michael addition of acrylate trisaccharides to
      peptide thiol under mildly basic conditions gave a mixture of N- and C- terminal
      glyco-peptide thioethers. An adaptation of this strategy coordinated S-acyl
      protection with anticipated thioester exchange equilibria. This furnished a
      single chemically defined fully synthetic neoglycopeptide conjugate that could be
      anchored to a tetanus toxoid carrier and avoids the introduction of exogenous
      antigenic groups. The second strategy retained the N-terminal thiopropionyl
      residue but replaced the C-terminal S-acetate functionality with an azido group
      that allowed efficient, selective formation of neoglycopeptide thioethers and
      subsequent conjugation of these with propargylated tetanus toxoid, but introduced
      potentially antigenic triazole linkages. 

PMID- 25126995
TI  - Human factors/usability barriers to home medical devices among individuals with
      disabling conditions: in-depth interviews with positive airway pressure device
      users.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that medical equipment often fails to accommodate
      the needs of individuals with disabling conditions. Few studies have focused on
      the accessibility of home medical devices such as positive airway pressure (PAP),
      which is a type of home medical equipment prescribed for long-term therapy.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore in detail the types of
      difficulties experienced by patients with physical/sensory impairments who use
      PAP devices, as an initial step in designing a questionnaire to survey users
      about this topic. METHODS: In this descriptive study, in-depth interviews were
      conducted with 19 participants (9 patients with physical/sensory impairment and
      10 health care providers). Interviews were coded and analyzed for major topics.
      RESULTS: Participants detailed the numerous ways in which current PAP devices
      fail to meet the needs of individuals with physical/sensory impairments (e.g.,
      tremor, poor depth perception, paresis), by requiring patients to perform
      manually difficult tasks, such as inserting PAP parts through small apertures,
      attaching parts using a twisting motion, and lifting arms overhead to apply PAP
      headgear. These demands contributed to patients' frustration with and reduced
      usage of the home medical device. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that home
      medical devices such as PAP may not be currently designed to meet the needs of
      some users with physical/sensory impairments. Additional studies are needed to
      measure the prevalence and impact of impairment-related barriers on PAP adherence
      for this common medical equipment.

PMID- 25126996
TI  - Predictors of loneliness among older women and men in Sweden: A national
      longitudinal study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Longitudinal research on loneliness in old age has rarely considered
      loneliness separately for men and women, despite gender differences in life
      experiences. The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which older
      women and men (70+) report feelings of loneliness with a focus on: (a) changes in
      reported loneliness as people age, and (b) which factors predict loneliness.
      METHOD: Data from the 2004 and 2011 waves of SWEOLD, a longitudinal national
      survey, was used (n = 587). The prediction of loneliness in 2011 by variables
      measured in 2004 and 2004-2011 variable change scores was examined in three
      logistic regression models: total sample, women and men. Variables in the models
      included: gender, age, education, mobility problems, depression, widowhood and
      social contacts. RESULTS: Older people moved into and out of frequent loneliness
      over time, although there was a general increase in loneliness with age.
      Loneliness at baseline, depression increment and recent widowhood were
      significant predictors of loneliness in all three multivariable models.
      Widowhood, depression, mobility problems and mobility reduction predicted
      loneliness uniquely in the model for women; while low level of social contacts
      and social contact reduction predicted loneliness uniquely in the model for men.
      CONCLUSION: This study challenges the notion that feelings of loneliness in old
      age are stable. It also identifies important gender differences in prevalence and
      predictors of loneliness. Knowledge about such differences is crucial for the
      development of effective policy and interventions to combat loneliness in later
      life.

PMID- 25127002
TI  - New insights into the role of water in biological function: studying solvated
      biomolecules using terahertz absorption spectroscopy in conjunction with
      molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - In life science, water is the ubiquitous solvent, sometimes even called the
      "matrix of life". There is increasing experimental and theoretical evidence that
      solvation water is not a passive spectator in biomolecular processes. New
      experimental techniques can quantify how water interacts with biomolecules and,
      in doing so, differs from "bulk" water. Terahertz (THz) absorption spectroscopy
      has turned out to be a powerful tool to study (bio)molecular hydration. The main
      concepts that have been developed in the recent years to describe the underlying
      solute-induced sub-picosecond dynamics of the hydration shell are discussed
      herein. Moreover, we highlight recent findings that show the significance of
      hydrogen bond dynamics for the function of antifreeze proteins and for molecular
      recognition. In all of these examples, a gradient of water motion toward
      functional sites of proteins is observed, the so-called "hydration funnel". By
      means of molecular dynamics simulations, we provide new evidence for a specific
      water-protein coupling as the cause of the observed dynamical heterogeneity. The
      efficiency of the coupling at THz frequencies is explained in terms of a two-tier
      (short- and long-range) solute-solvent interaction. 

PMID- 25127003
TI  - Implications of marijuana legalization for adolescent substance use.
AB  - Marijuana that is legally available for adults has multiple implications for
      adolescent substance use. One potential effect that legalization may have is an
      increase in adolescent use to due increased availability, greater social
      acceptance, and possibly lower prices. Legalization may also facilitate the
      introduction of new formulations of marijuana (edible, vaporized) and with
      potentially higher potencies. It is unknown what adolescent consumption patterns
      will be if marijuana is widely available and marketed in different forms, or what
      effects different patterns of adolescent use will have on cognition, the
      development of marijuana use disorders, school performance, and the development
      of psychotic illnesses. Also unclear is whether adolescent users will be
      experiencing higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compared with previous
      generations of users due to higher potencies. Although previous studies of the
      effects of adolescent marijuana use provide some guidance for current policy and
      public health recommendations, many new studies will be needed that answer
      questions in the context of use within a legal adult environment. Claims that
      marijuana has medicinal benefits create additional challenges for adolescent
      prevention efforts, as they contrast with messages of its harmfulness. Prevention
      and treatment approaches will need to address perceptions of the safety of
      marijuana, claims of its medicinal use, and consider family-wide effects as older
      siblings and parents may increasingly openly consume and advocate for marijuana
      use. Guidance for primary care physicians will be needed regarded screening and
      counseling. Widespread legalization and acceptance of marijuana implies that as
      law enforcement approaches for marijuana control decline, public health, medical,
      and scientific efforts to understand and reduce negative consequences of
      adolescent marijuana use need to be substantially increased to levels
      commensurate with those efforts for tobacco and alcohol.

PMID- 25127004
TI  - Intertemporal cumulative radiative forcing effects of photovoltaic deployments.
AB  - Current policies accelerating photovoltaics (PV) deployments are motivated by
      environmental goals, including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by
      displacing electricity generated from fossil-fuels. Existing practice assesses
      environmental benefits on a net life-cycle basis, where displaced GHG emissions
      offset those generated during PV production. However, this approach does not
      consider that the environmental costs of GHG release during production are
      incurred early, while environmental benefits accrue later. Thus, where policy
      targets suggest meeting GHG reduction goals established by a certain date, rapid
      PV deployment may have counterintuitive, albeit temporary, undesired
      consequences. On a cumulative radiative forcing (CRF) basis, the environmental
      improvements attributable to PV might be realized much later than is currently
      understood, particularly when PV manufacturing utilizes GHG-intensive energy
      sources (e.g., coal), but deployment occurs in areas with less GHG-intensive
      electricity sources (e.g., hydroelectric). This paper details a dynamic CRF model
      to examine the intertemporal warming impacts of PV deployments in California and
      Wyoming. CRF payback times are longer than GHG payback times by 6-12 years in
      California and 6-11 years in Wyoming depending on the PV technology mix and
      deployment strategy. For the same PV capacity being deployed, early installations
      yield greater CRF benefits (calculated over 10 and 25 years) than installations
      occurring later in time. Further, CRF benefits are maximized when PV technologies
      with the lowest manufacturing GHG footprint (cadmium telluride) are deployed in
      locations with the most GHG-intensive grids (i.e., Wyoming). 

PMID- 25127005
TI  - Using ROC to examine the association between attendance and compliance.

PMID- 25127006
TI  - Fabrication of boron nitride nanotube-gold nanoparticle hybrids using pulsed
      plasma in liquid.
AB  - Plasma, generated in liquid at atmospheric pressure by a nanosecond pulsed
      voltage, was used to fabricate hybrid structures from boron nitride nanotubes and
      gold nanoparticles in deionized water. The pH was greatly reduced, conductivity
      was significantly increased, and concentrations of reactive oxygen and nitrogen
      species in the water were increased by the plasma treatment. The treatment
      reduced the length of the nanotubes, giving more individual cuplike structures,
      and introduced functional groups onto the surface. Gold nanoparticles were
      successively assembled onto the functionalized surfaces. The reactive species
      from the liquid plasma along with the nanosecond pulsed electric field seem to
      play a role in the shortening and functionalization of the nanotubes and the
      assembly of gold nanoparticles. The potential for targeted drug delivery was
      tested in a preliminary investigation using doxorubicin-loaded plasma-treated
      nanotubes which were effective at killing ~99% of prostate cancer cells. 

PMID- 25127007
TI  - Growth and anaerobic digestion characteristics of microalgae cultivated using
      various types of sewage.
AB  - Microalgal cultivation combined with anaerobic digestion at wastewater treatment
      plants is promising to recover energy. This study investigated the growth and
      anaerobic digestion characteristics of microalgae cultivated using nutrients in
      sewage. Microalgae were cultivated using primary effluent, secondary effluent,
      and dewatering filtrate. Microscopic observation indicated that Chlorella was
      cultivated using dewatering filtrate of anaerobic digestion without controlling
      the type of species. Batch anaerobic digestion experiments with digested sludge
      showed that the methane conversion ratio of the cultivated mixture was
      approximately 40-65%. Different cultivation time did not affect the microalgal
      contents. Methane recovery mass was 0.13NL-methane/L-cultivation liquor. The C/N
      ratio of the cultivated mixture was approximately 3-5, but the apparent ammonia
      release ratio was smaller than that of sewage sludge during digestion. These
      results proved the applicability of methane recovery from microalgae cultivated
      using nutrients included in anaerobically digested sludge. 

PMID- 25127008
TI  - Performance of the lysozyme for promoting the waste activated sludge
      biodegradability.
AB  - The fresh waste activated sludge (WAS) from a lab-scale sequencing batch reactor
      was used to determine the performance of the lysozyme for promoting its
      biodegradability. The results showed that a strict linear relationship presented
      between the degree of disintegration (DDM) of WAS and the lysozyme incubation
      time from 0 to 240min (R(2) was 0.992, 0.995 and 0.999 in accordance with the
      corresponding lysozyme/TS, respectively). Ratio of net SCOD increase augmented
      significantly by lysozyme digestion for evaluating the sludge biodegradability
      changes. Moreover, the protein dominated both in the EPS and SMP. In addition,
      the logarithm of SMP contents in supernatant presented an increasing trend
      similar with the ascending logarithmic relation with the lysozyme incubation time
      from 0 to 240min (R(2) was 0.960, 0.959 and 0.947, respectively). The SMP,
      especially the soluble protein, had an important contribution to the improvement
      of WAS biodegradability. 

PMID- 25127009
TI  - Enhanced succinic acid production and magnesium utilization by overexpression of
      magnesium transporter mgtA in Escherichia coli mutant.
AB  - In this study, a novel engineered Escherichia coli strain KMG111 was constructed
      by overexpression of mgtA in E. coli mutant DC1515. By adopting KMG111, nearly a
      concentration of succinic acid (32.41gL(-1)) with a yield of 0.81gg(-1) glucose,
      could be obtained in a batch fermentation by using the low-cost mixture of
      Mg(OH)2 and NH3.H2O to replace MgCO3 as the alkaline neutralizer. Moreover, the
      effect of the inhibitory compounds in lignocellulosic hydrolyzates on cell growth
      and succinic acid production could be relieved. In a 3-L bioreactor, the overall
      productivity and yield of succinic acid in the whole anaerobic stage were 2.15gL(
      1)h(-1) and 0.86gg(-1) total sugar, respectively. This study was the first to
      report decreased alkaline neutralizer cost via genetic manipulation for succinic
      acid production, which contributed to the industrialization of this microbial
      synthesis process. 

PMID- 25127010
TI  - Upgrading the rice husk char obtained by flash pyrolysis for the production of
      amorphous silica and high quality activated carbon.
AB  - The overall valorization of rice husk char obtained by flash pyrolysis in a
      conical spouted bed reactor (CSBR) has been studied in a two-step process. Thus,
      silica has been recovered in a first step and the remaining carbon material has
      been subjected to steam activation. The char samples used in this study have been
      obtained by continuous flash pyrolysis in a conical spouted bed reactor at 500
      degrees C. Extraction with Na2CO3 allows recovering 88% of the silica contained
      in the rice husk char. Activation of the silica-free rice husk char has been
      carried out in a fixed bed reactor at 800 degrees C using steam as activating
      agent. The porous structure of the activated carbons produced includes a
      combination of micropores and mesopores, with a BET surface area of up to
      1365m(2)g(-1) at the end of 15min. 

PMID- 25127012
TI  - Serum adipocyte fatty acid binding protein levels are positively associated with
      subclinical atherosclerosis in Chinese pre- and postmenopausal women with normal
      glucose tolerance.
AB  - CONTEXT: Recent studies highlight a critical interaction between adipocyte fatty
      acid binding protein (A-FABP) and cardiovascular disorders. However, associations
      of A-FABP with subclinical atherosclerosis in a population with normal glucose
      tolerance remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the relationship
      between A-FABP and carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) in a Chinese population
      with normal glucose tolerance. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional analysis was
      conducted of 2253 cardiovascular disease-free normal glucose tolerance subjects
      (835 men, 1418 women; 20-78 years old) from the Shanghai Obesity Study. MAIN
      OUTCOME AND MEASURES: C-IMT was measured by B-mode ultrasound and used to assess
      subclinical atherosclerosis. Serum A-FABP levels were quantified by a sandwich
      ELISA. RESULTS: The median serum level for A-FABP was 4.0 ng/mL (interquartile
      range: 2.6-6.0 ng/mL), and significantly higher in women than men (P < .001).
      After adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI), a partial correlation analysis
      showed that A-FABP levels correlated with C-IMT in men, premenopausal, and
      postmenopausal women (P = .024, .006, and .016, respectively). Furthermore, C-IMT
      increased along with quartile A-FABP values (all P for trend <.001). Regression
      analyses demonstrated that A-FABP was associated with C-IMT only in women (P =
      .044 and .001 for pre- and postmenopausal, respectively). Moreover, A-FABP was
      identified as a risk factor for C-IMT in pre- and postmenopausal women with a
      normal BMI (P < .001 and P = .012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Serum A-FABP
      levels independently and positively correlate with subclinical atherosclerosis in
      pre- and postmenopausal Chinese women with normal glucose tolerance after
      adjustments for the traditional risk factors.

PMID- 25127011
TI  - A model of BMD changes after alendronate discontinuation to guide postalendronate
      BMD monitoring.
AB  - CONTEXT: Women stopping alendronate are commonly monitored with serial bone
      mineral density (BMD) measurements, yet no information exists on how frequently
      or for whom these measurements should be performed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of
      the study was to develop a tool to guide post-alendronate BMD monitoring. DESIGN:
      A predictive model was constructed to estimate the time until a given percentage
      of women's BMD T-scores drop below a given threshold that indicates a management
      change (such as retreatment) would be considered. This model was then used to
      estimate the time it would take for groups of women defined by their baseline
      BMDs to drop below the given threshold. SETTING: Data were derived from the
      Fracture Intervention Trial Long Term Extension (FLEX), the largest multicenter
      clinical trial of its type to date. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred four women who had
      received an average of 5.1 years of alendronate during the Fracture Intervention
      Trial and were subsequently observed for 5 treatment-free years (on placebo)
      during the FLEX trial were used to estimate the change in BMD over time. RESULTS:
      If a management change such as alendronate reinitiation would be considered when
      BMD T-score drops below -2.5, the model shows that women with total hip BMD
      greater than -1.9 T-scores at the time of alendronate discontinuation have less
      than a 20% probability that at follow-up, monitoring BMD will be below the
      threshold within 5 years. The model performed similarly, and results are provided
      over a range of management change thresholds from -1.75 to -3 T-scores.
      CONCLUSIONS: Using the tool developed in this analysis, it is possible to
      estimate when BMD repeat measurement after alendronate discontinuation could
      potentially be useful. Measuring BMD within 5 years after alendronate
      discontinuation is unlikely to change management for women with total hip BMD 0.6
      T-scores above a prespecified retreatment threshold within the range of -1.75 to 
      3 T-scores.

PMID- 25127014
TI  - A dynamic duo: pairing click chemistry and postpolymerization modification to
      design complex surfaces.
AB  - Advances in key 21st century technologies such as biosensors, biomedical
      implants, and organic light-emitting diodes rely heavily on our ability to
      imagine, design, and understand spatially complex interfaces. Polymer-based thin
      films provide many advantages in this regard, but the direct synthesis of
      polymers with incompatible functional groups is extremely difficult. Using
      postpolymerization modification in conjunction with click chemistry can
      circumvent this limitation and result in multicomponent surfaces that are
      otherwise unattainable. The two methods used to form polymer thin films include
      physisorption and chemisorption. Physisorbed polymers suffer from instability
      because of the weak intermolecular forces between the film and the substrate,
      which can lead to dewetting, delamination, desorption, or displacement. Covalent
      immobilization of polymers to surfaces through either a "grafting to" or
      "grafting from" approach provides thin films that are more robust and less prone
      to degradation. The grafting to technique consists of adsorbing a polymer
      containing at least one reactive group along the backbone to form a covalent bond
      with a complementary surface functionality. Grafting from involves polymerization
      directly from the surface, in which the polymer chains deviate from their native
      conformation in solution and stretch away from the surface because of the high
      density of chains. Postpolymerization modification (PPM) is a strategy used by
      our groups over the past several years to immobilize two or more different
      chemical functionalities onto substrates that contain covalently grafted polymer
      films. PPM exploits monomers with reactive pendant groups that are stable under
      the polymerization conditions but are readily modified via covalent attachment of
      the desired functionality. "Click-like" reactions are the most common type of
      reactions used for PPM because they are orthogonal, high-yielding, and rapid.
      Some of these reactions include thiol-based additions, activated ester coupling,
      azide-alkyne cycloadditions, some Diels-Alder reactions, and non-aldol carbonyl
      chemistry such as oxime, hydrazone, and amide formation. In this Account, we
      highlight our research combining PPM and click chemistry to generate complexity
      in polymer thin films. For the purpose of this Account, we define a complex
      coating as a polymer film grafted to a planar surface that acts as a template for
      the patterning of two or more discrete chemical functionalities using PPM. After
      a brief introduction to grafting, the rest of the review is arranged in terms of
      the sequence in which PPM is performed. First, we describe sequential
      functionalization using iterations of the same click-type reaction. Next, we
      discuss the use of two or more different click-like reactions performed
      consecutively, and we conclude with examples of self-sorting reactions involving
      orthogonal chemistries used for one-pot surface patterning.

PMID- 25127013
TI  - Association between anticoagulant treatment duration and risk of venous
      thromboembolism recurrence and bleeding in clinical practice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This retrospective observational study examined whether
      anticoagulant treatment duration varies by risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
      recurrence and bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VTE patients naive to
      anticoagulants were identified from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database
      between 06/01/2007 and 09/30/2011 and categorized into three groups: provoked,
      cancer-related, and unprovoked VTE. Treatment duration was from initiation to
      discontinuation of anticoagulation, based on a 60-day gap in prescription fill
      unless there was an international normalized ratio test every 42 days. Bleeding
      risk was estimated using RIETE score, and VTE risk categories were based on ACCP
      guidelines. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to
      evaluate association between VTE recurrence/bleeding and anticoagulation
      duration. RESULTS: Of 2002 patients identified (52.3% males, mean age 57 +/-15
      years), 21.4% had provoked, 16.4% had cancer-related, and 62.1% had unprovoked
      VTE. Average anticoagulant treatment duration was 294 +/- 261 days. After
      adjusting for demographics and clinical characteristics, provoked and cancer
      related VTE patients were 32% (95% CI=14-54%, P<0.001) and 35% (95% CI=7-70%,
      P=0.013) more likely, respectively, to discontinue anticoagulants than unprovoked
      VTE patients. No differences were observed between provoked and cancer-related
      VTE patients. Patients with an intermediate/high bleeding risk were 26% (95%
      CI=14-36%, P<0.001) less likely to discontinue treatment than those with a low
      bleeding risk. CONCLUSIONS: The observed anticoagulation duration for VTE may not
      be concordant with guidelines, due to the challenge of counterbalancing risks of
      VTE recurrence and bleeding. Further studies are needed to explore this.

PMID- 25127015
TI  - Is the exoproteome important for bacterial pathogenesis? Lessons learned from
      interstrain exoprotein diversity in Listeria monocytogenes grown at different
      temperatures.
AB  - Bacterial exoproteomes vary in composition and quantity among species and within
      each species, depending on the environmental conditions to which the cells are
      exposed. This article critically reviews the literature available on exoproteins
      synthesized by the foodborne pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes grown at
      different temperatures. The main challenges posed for exoproteome analyses and
      the strategies that are being used to overcome these constraints are discussed.
      Over thirty exoproteins from L. monocytogenes are considered, and the
      multifunctionality of some of them is discussed. Thus, at the host temperature of
      37 degrees C, good examples are provided by Lmo0443, a potential marker for low
      virulence, and by the virulence factors internalin C (InlC) and listeriolysin O
      (LLO). Based on the reported LLO-induced mucin exocytosis, a model is proposed
      for the involvement of extracellular LLO in optimizing the conditions for InlC
      intervention in the invasion of intestinal epithelial cells. At lower growth
      temperatures, exoproteins such as flagellin (FlaA) and oligopeptide permease
      (OppA) may explain the persistence of particular strains in the food industry
      environment, eventually allowing the development of new tools to eradicate L.
      monocytogenes, a major concern for public health.

PMID- 25127016
TI  - Regulation of lipid metabolism in the green microalga Chlorella protothecoides by
      heterotrophy-photoinduction cultivation regime.
AB  - Proteomics in conjunction with biochemical strategy was employed to unravel
      regulation of lipid metabolism in the green microalga Chlorella protothecoides by
      heterotrophy-photoinduction cultivation regime (HPC). Interestingly, HPC
      triggered transiently synthesis of starch followed by substantial lipid
      accumulation. And a marked decrease in intracellular protein and chlorophyll
      contents was also observed after 12h of photo-induction. The highest lipid
      content of 50.5% was achieved upon the photo-induction stage, which represented
      69.3% higher than that of the end of heterotrophic cultivation. Results suggested
      that turnover of carbon-nitrogen-rich compounds such as starch, protein, and
      chlorophyll might provide carbon or energy for lipid accumulation. The proteomics
      analysis indicated that several pathways including glycolysis, TCA cycle, beta
      oxidation of fatty acids, Calvin cycle, photosynthesis, energy and transport,
      protein biosynthesis, regulate and defense were involved in the lipid
      biosynthesis. Malate dehydrogenase and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase were suggested as
      key regulatory factors in enhancing lipid accumulation. 

PMID- 25127018
TI  - Copper-catalyzed direct alkylation of 1,3-azoles with N-tosylhydrazones bearing a
      ferrocenyl group: a novel method for the synthesis of ferrocenyl-based ligands.
AB  - Copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of ferrocenyl ketone-derived N-tosylhydrazones
      with benzo[d]oxazole leads to the direct C-H bond functionalization by a
      secondary ferrocenyl alkyl group. This direct C-H bond alkylation of azoles with
      N-tosylhydrazones bearing a ferrocenyl group uses inexpensive CuBr as the
      catalyst without any ligand. The reaction is operationally simple and conducted
      under mild conditions, giving the corresponding ferrocenyl-based ligands in
      moderate to good yields. Furthermore, they were able to act as bidentate ligands,
      giving rise to the corresponding palladium chelated complex 6a-6c, which were
      obtained by reaction of 5a-5c with [PdCl2(MeCN)2]. 

PMID- 25127017
TI  - HIV-1 replication in human immune cells is independent of TAR DNA binding protein
      43 (TDP-43) expression.
AB  - The TAR DNA binding protein (TDP-43) was originally identified as a host cell
      factor binding to the HIV-1 LTR and thereby suppressing HIV-1 transcription and
      gene expression (Ou et al., J.Virol. 1995, 69(6):3584). TDP-43 is a global
      regulator of transcription, can influence RNA metabolism in many different ways
      and is ubiquitously expressed. Thus, TDP-43 could be a major factor restricting
      HIV-1 replication at the level of LTR transcription and gene expression. These
      facts prompted us to revisit the role of TDP-43 for HIV-1 replication. We
      utilized established HIV-1 cell culture systems as well as primary cell models
      and performed a comprehensive analysis of TDP-43 function and investigated its
      putative impact on HIV-1 gene expression. In HIV-1 infected cells TDP-43 was
      neither degraded nor sequestered from the nucleus. Furthermore, TDP-43
      overexpression as well as siRNA mediated knockdown did not affect HIV-1 gene
      expression and virus production in T cells and macrophages. In summary, our
      experiments argue against a restricting role of TDP-43 during HIV-1 replication
      in immune cells. 

PMID- 25127019
TI  - Meroterpenes from Psoralea corylifolia against Pyricularia oryzae.
AB  - Six new meroterpenes, namely, 13-methoxyisobakuchiol (1), 13-ethoxyisobakuchiol
      (2), 12,13-dihydro-13-hydroxybakuchiol (3), Delta(10)-12,13-dihydro-12-(R,S)
      methoxyisobakuchiol (4 and 5), and 15-demetyl-12,13-dihydro-13-ketobakuchiol (6),
      together with four known ones, namely, Delta(3),2-hydroxybakuchiol (7),
      Delta(1),3-hydroxybakuchiol (8), bakuchiol (9), and Delta(1,3)-bakuchiol (10),
      were isolated from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia. Their structures were
      identified based on spectral data, including those obtained via 1D and 2D NMR,
      and MS spectral analyses. Antifungal screening results indicated that all
      compounds showed moderate inhibitory activities against Pyricularia oryzae.

PMID- 25127020
TI  - Antihyperlipidemic effects of rhapontin and rhapontigenin from rheum undulatum in
      rats fed a high-cholesterol diet.
AB  - Rhapontin was purified from a methanol extract from the roots of Rheum undulatum,
      and rhapontigenin was produced by an enzymatic transformation of rhapontin. Rats
      were fed a high-cholesterol diet to induce hyperlipidemia, followed by oral
      treatment with rhapontin or rhapontigenin (1-5 mg/kg/day). Rhapontin and
      rhapontigenin treatment resulted in a significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent
      decrease in the serum lipid level, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      level increased slightly compared with the experimental control. Furthermore,
      rhapontin and rhapontigenin treatment improved the pathological characteristics
      of the degenerating fatty liver in high-cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidemic
      rats dose-dependently. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase
      levels in rhapontin- and rhapontigenin-treated hyperlipidemic rats were not
      significantly different from those in the control. These results indicate that
      rhapontin and rhapontigenin can be used as potent antihyperlipidemic agents.

PMID- 25127021
TI  - Amide alkaloids from Scopolia tangutica.
AB  - Four new hydroxycinnamic acid amides, scotanamines A-D (1-4), and seven known
      alkaloids, including N (1),N (10)-di-dihydrocaffeoylspermidine (5), scopolamine
      (6), anisodamine (7), hyoscyamine (8), anisodine (9), caffeoylputrescine (10),
      and N (1)-caffeoyl-N (3)-dihydrocaffeoylspermidine (11), were obtained from the
      roots of Scopolia tangutica. The present study represents the first recognition
      of hydroxycinnamic acid amides containing putrescine or spermidine in S.
      tangutica. Compound 1, in particular, contains a moiety resulting from the
      condensation of nortropinone and putrescine. Compound 2 exhibited moderate
      agonist activity at the u-opioid receptor (EC50=7.3 uM). Compound 2 was tested in
      vivo and induced analgesia in mice. The analgesic effect was recorded using the
      tail-flick assay and was reversed by naloxone.

PMID- 25127022
TI  - Isolation, characterization, and antitumor activity of a novel heteroglycan from
      cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis.
AB  - A novel heteroglycan, Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide 1 (molecular weight 1 17
      * 10(5) Da), was isolated and purified from mycelia of the fungus C. sinensis
      obtained by solid-state culture. Structural characterization by chemical
      analysis, GC-MS, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopy showed that C. sinensis
      polysaccharide 1 was mainly composed of (1 -> 6)-linked alpha-D-Glc and alpha-D
      Gal, with minor beta-(1 -> 4)-D-Xyl and beta-(1 -> 4)-D-Man residues probably
      located in the side chains with a trace amount of alpha-(1 -> 3)-L-Rha residue.
      In biological assays, C. sinensis polysaccharide 1 significantly inhibited
      proliferation of sarcoma 180 cells and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent
      manner. Further studies will elucidate the antitumor mechanism of C. sinensis
      polysaccharide 1 and promote its utilization for the development of novel,
      effective anticancer drugs.

PMID- 25127024
TI  - Fumigaclavines D-H, new ergot alkaloids from endophytic Aspergillus fumigatus.
AB  - Ergot alkaloids are toxins which are produced biotechnologically on an industrial
      scale. The chemical investigation of endophytic Aspergillus fumigatus resulted in
      the isolation of five new ergot alkaloids named fumigaclavines D-H (2-6), along
      with three known analogues, fumigaclavine C (1), festuclavine (7), and
      fumigaclavine A (8). Their structures were unequivocally elucidated by extensive
      spectroscopic analyses in association with X-ray single-crystal diffraction.
      Fumigaclavines D-H are interesting clavine-type ergot alkaloids featuring a
      reverse prenyl moiety at C-2, with 1-4, 6, and 8 bearing additional substituents,
      e.g., an OH or OAc group at C-9. Compounds 2, 4, and 6-8 showed a broad spectrum
      of antimicrobial activity against a panel of anaerobic microorganisms, of which
      compounds 4 and 6 were the most active against Veillonella parvula with an MIC=16
      ug/mL compared to that (0.12 ug/mL) of tinidazole, co-assayed as a positive
      reference.

PMID- 25127023
TI  - Chemical composition and biological effects of Artemisia maritima and Artemisia
      nilagirica essential oils from wild plants of western Himalaya.
AB  - Artemisia species possess pharmacological properties that are used for medical
      purposes worldwide. In this paper, the essential oils from the aerial parts of
      Artemisia nilagirica and Artemisia maritima from the western Indian Himalaya
      region are described. The main compounds analyzed by simultaneous GC/MS and
      GC/FID were camphor and 1,8-cineole from A. maritima, and camphor and artemisia
      ketone from A. nilagirica. Additionally, the oils were evaluated for their
      antibacterial, antifungal, mosquito biting deterrent, and larvicidal activities.
      A. nilagirica essential oil demonstrated nonselective antifungal activity against
      plant pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum fragariae, and
      Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, whereas A. maritima did not show antifungal
      activity. Both Artemisia spp. exhibited considerable mosquito biting deterrence,
      whereas only A. nilagirica showed larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti.
      Antibacterial effects assessed by an agar dilution assay demonstrated greater
      activity of A. maritima essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to A. nilagirica. 

PMID- 25127025
TI  - Effective treatment of invasive Aspergillus fumigatus infection using
      combinations of topical and systemic antifungals in a severely burned patient.
AB  - The authors describe an invasive Aspergillus fumigatus deep-burn wound infection
      in a severely burned patient that was successfully treated with a combination of
      topical terbinafine and systemic voriconazole antifungal therapy. To our
      knowledge, this is the first case report describing the effective control of an
      invasive deep-burn wound infection using this combination. 

PMID- 25127026
TI  - The effects of intravenous vitamin C on point-of-care glucose monitoring.
AB  - Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) decreases systemic inflammation and lowers fluid
      requirements after thermal injury; therefore it has been adopted in many burn
      centers as an adjunct to resuscitation. However, recent concerns have been
      expressed over clinically significant hypoglycemic events caused by vitamin C
      interference with the point-of-care (POC) glucose measurements. This case series
      presents a direct comparison of POC and laboratory reference glucose values in
      the patients receiving vitamin C infusion. Vitamin C was administered at 66
      mg/kg/hour in seven patients with burns >30% TBSA. The baseline characteristics
      and burn characteristics were recorded. POC glucose measurements were made with a
      commonly used hand-held device, and the laboratory values were obtained using
      standard spectrophotometric methods. POC and laboratory glucose values drawn
      within the same hour were compared. Hemoglobin, which is known to cause
      interference in POC testing, was also recorded. All the patients demonstrated
      falsely elevated POC glucose values during and/or immediately after the infusion
      period, with discrepancies ranging from 10 to 200 mg/dl. These findings were
      irregular, unpredictable and unrelated to hemoglobin levels. The findings suggest
      an idiosyncratic reaction that cannot be easily corrected at the bedside using
      mathematical equations. POC glucose monitoring should be avoided during and after
      vitamin C therapy.

PMID- 25127028
TI  - Delirium screening anchored in child development: The Cornell Assessment for
      Pediatric Delirium.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The recently validated Cornell Assessment for Pediatric Delirium
      (CAPD) is a new rapid bedside nursing screen for delirium in hospitalized
      children of all ages. The present manuscript provides a "developmental anchor
      points" reference chart, which helps ground clinicians' assessment of CAPD
      symptom domains in a developmental understanding of the presentation of delirium.
      METHOD: During the development of this CAPD screening tool, it became clear that
      clinicians need specific guidance and training to help them draw on their
      expertise in child development and pediatrics to improve the interpretative
      reliability of the tool and its accuracy in diagnosing delirium. The
      developmental anchor points chart was formulated and reviewed by a
      multidisciplinary panel of experts to evaluate content validity and include
      consideration of sick behaviors within a hospital setting. RESULTS: The CAPD
      developmental anchor points for the key ages of newborn, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8
      weeks, 28 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years served as the basis for training bedside
      nurses in scoring the CAPD for the validation trial and as a multifaceted bedside
      reference chart to be implemented within a clinical setting. In the current
      paper, we discuss the lessons learned during implementation, with particular
      emphasis on the importance of collaboration with the bedside nurse, the
      challenges of establishing a developmental baseline, and further questions about
      delirium diagnosis in children. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The CAPD with
      developmental anchor points provides a validated, structured, and developmentally
      informed approach to screening and assessment of delirium in children. With
      minimal training on the use of the tool, bedside nurses and other pediatric
      practitioners can reliably identify children at risk for delirium.

PMID- 25127027
TI  - Loss of Intralipid(r)- but not sevoflurane-mediated cardioprotection in early
      type-2 diabetic hearts of fructose-fed rats: importance of ROS signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance and early type-2 diabetes are highly prevalent.
      However, it is unknown whether Intralipid(r) and sevoflurane protect the early
      diabetic heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Early type-2
      diabetic hearts from Sprague-Dawley rats fed for 6 weeks with fructose were
      exposed to 15 min of ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion. Intralipid(r) (1%) was
      administered at the onset of reperfusion. Peri-ischemic sevoflurane (2 vol.-%)
      served as alternative protection strategy. Recovery of left ventricular function
      was recorded and the activation of Akt and ERK 1/2 was monitored. Mitochondrial
      function was assessed by high-resolution respirometry and mitochondrial ROS
      production was measured by Amplex Red and aconitase activity assays.
      Acylcarnitine tissue content was measured and concentration-response curves of
      complex IV inhibition by palmitoylcarnitine were obtained. RESULTS: Intralipid(r)
      did not exert protection in early diabetic hearts, while sevoflurane improved
      functional recovery. Sevoflurane protection was abolished by concomitant
      administration of the ROS scavenger N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine. Sevoflurane,
      but not Intralipid(r) produced protective ROS during reperfusion, which activated
      Akt. Intralipid(r) failed to inhibit respiratory complex IV, while sevoflurane
      inhibited complex I. Early diabetic hearts exhibited reduced carnitine-palmitoyl
      transferase-1 activity, but palmitoylcarnitine could not rescue protection and
      enhance postischemic functional recovery. Cardiac mitochondria from early
      diabetic rats exhibited an increased content of subunit IV-2 of respiratory
      complex IV and of uncoupling protein-3. CONCLUSIONS: Early type-2 diabetic hearts
      lose complex IV-mediated protection by Intralipid(r) potentially due to a switch
      in complex IV subunit expression and increased mitochondrial uncoupling, but are
      amenable to complex I-mediated sevoflurane protection.

PMID- 25127030
TI  - Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation after an unsuccessful surgical ablation
      and biological prosthetic mitral valve replacement: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with mitral valve (MV) disease and atrial fibrillation (AF)
      undergo simultaneous prosthetic valve replacement and radiofrequency (RF)
      ablation procedure; however, this combinational procedure restores sinus rhythm
      (SR) in only 68-82% of the cases. In patients with ineffective surgical ablation,
      the use of a biological prosthetic valve might not only be a good choice to
      perform safe catheter ablation procedure in the left atrium (LA), but also
      provide a way to discontinue administration of oral anticoagulants. The objective
      of this study was to assess the efficacy of catheter ablation for AF after MV
      replacement with a biological prosthesis and an ineffective surgical ablation
      procedure. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients aged 48 +/- 7 years were enrolled in
      this study. All patients had long-persistent AF associated with a rheumatic valve
      disease, which was treated by MV replacement with a biological prosthesis and a
      surgical RF ablation procedure. In the late postoperative period, all the
      patients had recurrent hemodynamically significant AF, which required repeated
      cardioversions. From 1 year to 3 years after the surgery, catheter ablation was
      performed, including reisolation of pulmonary veins (PVs) with the ablation of
      ganglionic plexi or linear lesions on the roof of the LA and mitral isthmus. The
      efficacy was assessed at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the procedure.
      RESULTS: Restoration of SR during ablation was achieved in all of the cases. In 6
      9 months, all the patients were free of arrhythmia. LA stunning manifested by the
      absence or decrease of the "A" wave in the transmitral flow and the retrograde
      wave in the PV flow was observed in nine patients with SR. In five of the
      patients, LA contractile function was restored in 1-6 months. Prosthetic valve
      dysfunction was not detected in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Catheter
      ablation is an effective method for AF treatment following an ineffective
      surgical RF ablation procedure and biological prosthetic MV replacement. The use
      of bioprosthetic MVs allows for performing safe catheter ablation without
      subsequent prosthetic dysfunction.

PMID- 25127029
TI  - Increased expression of chemerin in squamous esophageal cancer myofibroblasts and
      role in recruitment of mesenchymal stromal cells.
AB  - Stromal cells such as myofibroblasts influence tumor progression. The mechanisms
      are unclear but may involve effects on both tumor cells and recruitment of bone
      marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) which then colonize tumors. Using
      iTRAQ and LC-MS/MS we identified the adipokine, chemerin, as overexpressed in
      esophageal squamous cancer associated myofibroblasts (CAMs) compared with
      adjacent tissue myofibroblasts (ATMs). The chemerin receptor, ChemR23, is
      expressed by MSCs. Conditioned media (CM) from CAMs significantly increased MSC
      cell migration compared to ATM-CM; the action of CAM-CM was significantly reduced
      by chemerin-neutralising antibody, pretreatment of CAMs with chemerin siRNA,
      pretreatment of MSCs with ChemR23 siRNA, and by a ChemR23 receptor antagonist,
      CCX832. Stimulation of MSCs by chemerin increased phosphorylation of p42/44, p38
      and JNK-II kinases and inhibitors of these kinases and PKC reversed chemerin
      stimulated MSC migration. Chemerin stimulation of MSCs also induced expression
      and secretion of macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF) that tended to restrict
      migratory responses to low concentrations of chemerin but not higher
      concentrations. In a xenograft model consisting of OE21 esophageal cancer cells
      and CAMs, homing of MSCs administered i.v. was inhibited by CCX832. Thus,
      chemerin secreted from esophageal cancer myofibroblasts is a potential
      chemoattractant for MSCs and its inhibition may delay tumor progression. 

PMID- 25127032
TI  - Glioma-derived ADAM10 induces regulatory B cells to suppress CD8+ T cells.
AB  - CD8+ T cells play an important role in the anti-tumor activities of the body. The
      dysfunction of CD8+ T cells in glioma is unclear. This study aims to elucidate
      the glioma cell-derived ADAM10 (A Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain
      containing protein 10) in the suppression of CD8+ effector T cells by the
      induction of regulatory B cells. In this study, glioma cells were isolated from
      surgically removed glioma tissue and stimulated by Phorbol myristate acetage
      (PMA) in the culture. The levels of ADAM10 in the culture were determined by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immune cells were assessed by flow cytometry.
      The results showed that the isolated glioma cells express ADAM10, which was
      markedly up regulated after stimulated with PMA. The glioma-derived ADAM10
      induced activated B cells to differentiate into regulatory B cells, the later
      suppressed CD8+ T cell proliferation as well as the induced regulatory T cells,
      which also showed the immune suppressor effect on CD8+ effector T cell
      proliferation. In conclusion, glioma cells produce ADAM10 to induce Bregs; the
      latter suppresses CD8+ T cells and induces Tregs. 

PMID- 25127031
TI  - Sequestering HMGB1 via DNA-conjugated beads ameliorates murine colitis.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal
      tract that affects millions of people worldwide. Although the etiology of IBD is
      not clear, it is known that products from stressed cells and enteric microbes
      promote intestinal inflammation. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), originally
      identified as a nuclear DNA binding protein, is a cytokine-like protein mediator
      implicated in infection, sterile injury, autoimmune disease, and IBD. Elevated
      levels of HMGB1 have been detected in inflamed human intestinal tissues and in
      feces of IBD patients and mouse models of colitis. Neutralizing HMGB1 activity by
      administration of anti-HMGB1 antibodies or HMGB1-specific antagonist improves
      clinical outcomes in animal models of colitis. Since HMGB1 binds to DNA with high
      affinity, here we developed a novel strategy to sequester HMGB1 using DNA
      immobilized on sepharose beads. Screening of DNA-bead constructs revealed that B2
      beads, one linear form of DNA conjugated beads, bind HMGB1 with high affinity,
      capture HMGB1 ex vivo from endotoxin-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell supernatant and
      from feces of mice with colitis. Oral administration of B2 DNA beads
      significantly improved body weight, reduced colon injury, and suppressed colonic
      and circulating cytokine levels in mice with spontaneous colitis (IL-10 knockout)
      and with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Thus, DNA beads reduce
      inflammation by sequestering HMGB1 and may have therapeutic potential for the
      treatment of IBD. 

PMID- 25127034
TI  - Estrogen receptor-alpha36 is involved in pterostilbene-induced apoptosis and anti
      proliferation in in vitro and in vivo breast cancer.
AB  - Pterostilbene (trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hudroxystilbene) is an antioxidant
      primarily found in blueberries. It also inhibits breast cancer regardless of
      conventional estrogen receptor (ER-alpha66) status by inducing both caspase
      dependent and caspase-independent apoptosis. However, the pterostilbene-induced
      apoptosis rate in ER-alpha66-negative breast cancer cells is much higher than
      that in ER-alpha66-positive breast cancer cells. ER-alpha36, a variant of ER
      alpha66, is widely expressed in ER-alpha66-negative breast cancer, and its high
      expression mediates the resistance of ER-alpha66-positive breast cancer patients
      to tamoxifen therapy. The aim of the present study is to determine the
      relationship between the antiproliferation activity of pterostilbene and ER
      alpha36 expression in breast cancer cells. Methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT)
      assay, apoptosis analysis, and an orthotropic xenograft mouse model were used to
      examine the effects of pterostilbene on breast cancer cells. The expressions of
      ER-alpha36 and caspase 3, the activation of ERK and Akt were also studied through
      RT-PCR, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. ER-alpha36
      knockdown was found to desensitize ER-alpha66-negative breast cancer cells to
      pterostilbene treatment both in vitro and in vivo, and high ER-alpha36 expression
      promotes pterostilbene-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Western blot
      analysis data indicate that MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling in breast cancer
      cells with high ER-alpha36 expression are mediated by ER-alpha36, and are
      inhibited by pterostilbene. These results suggest that ER-alpha36 is a
      therapeutic target in ER-alpha36-positive breast cancer, and pterostilbene is an
      inhibitor that targets ER-alpha36 in the personalized therapy against ER-alpha36
      positive breast cancer. 

PMID- 25127035
TI  - Response of various conduit arteries in tachycardia- and volume overload-induced
      heart failure.
AB  - Although hemodynamics changes occur in heart failure (HF) and generally influence
      vascular function, it is not clear whether various HF models will affect the
      conduit vessels differentially or whether local hemodynamic forces or systemic
      factors are more important determinants of vascular response in HF. Here, we
      studied the hemodynamic changes in tachycardia or volume-overload HF swine model
      (created by either high rate pacing or distal abdominal aortic-vena cava fistula,
      respectively) on carotid, femoral, and renal arteries function and molecular
      expression. The ejection fraction was reduced by 50% or 30% in tachycardia or
      volume-overload model in four weeks, respectively. The LV end diastolic volume
      was increased from 65 +/- 22 to 115 +/- 78 ml in tachycardia and 67 +/- 19 to 148
      +/- 68 ml in volume-overload model. Flow reversal was observed in diastolic phase
      in carotid artery of both models and femoral artery in volume-overload model. The
      endothelial function was also significantly impaired in carotid and renal
      arteries of tachycardia and volume-overload animals. The endothelial dysfunction
      was observed in femoral artery of volume-overload animals but not tachycardia
      animals. The adrenergic receptor-dependent contractility decreased in carotid and
      femoral arteries of tachycardia animals. The protein expressions of NADPH oxidase
      subunits increased in the three arteries and both animal models while expression
      of MnSOD decreased in carotid artery of tachycardia and volume-overload model. In
      conclusion, different HF models lead to variable arterial hemodynamic changes but
      similar vascular and molecular expression changes that reflect the role of both
      local hemodynamics as well as systemic changes in HF.

PMID- 25127037
TI  - Phenotypic modulation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells in a rat model of
      cavernous neurectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) are at high risk for
      erectile dysfunction (ED) due to potential cavernous nerve (CN) damage during
      surgery. Penile hypoxia after RP is thought to significantly contribute to ED
      pathogenesis. AIM: We previously showed that corpora cavernosum smooth muscle
      cells (CCSMCs) undergo phenotypic modulation under hypoxic conditions in vitro.
      Here, we studied such changes in an in vivo post-RP ED model by investigating
      CCSMCs in bilateral cavernous neurectomy (BCN) rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats
      underwent sham (n = 12) or BCN (n = 12) surgery. After 12 weeks, they were
      injected with apomorphine to determine erectile function. The penile tissues were
      harvested and assessed for fibrosis using Masson trichrome staining and for
      molecular markers of phenotypic modulation using immunohistochemistry and western
      blotting. CCSMC morphological structure was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)
      staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Erectile function
      was significantly lower in BCN rats than in sham rats. BCN increased hypoxia
      inducible factor-1alpha and collagen protein expression in corpora cavernous
      tissue. H&E staining and TEM showed that CCSMCs in BCN rats underwent hypertrophy
      and showed rough endoplasmic reticulum formation. The expression of CCSMC
      phenotypic markers, such as smooth muscle alpha-actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy
      chain, and desmin, was markedly lower, whereas vimentin protein expression was
      significantly higher in BCN rats than in control rats. CONCLUSIONS: CCSMCs
      undergo phenotype modulation in rats with cavernous neurectomy. The results have
      unveiled physiological transformations that occur at the cellular and molecular
      levels and have helped characterize CN injury-induced ED.

PMID- 25127038
TI  - Enhanced biocatalytic esterification with lipase-immobilized chitosan/graphene
      oxide beads.
AB  - In this work, lipase from Candida rugosa was immobilized onto chitosan/graphene
      oxide beads. This was to provide an enzyme-immobilizing carrier with excellent
      enzyme immobilization activity for an enzyme group requiring hydrophilicity on
      the immobilizing carrier. In addition, this work involved a process for the
      preparation of an enzymatically active product insoluble in a reaction medium
      consisting of lauric acid and oleyl alcohol as reactants and hexane as a solvent.
      This product enabled the stability of the enzyme under the working conditions and
      allowed the enzyme to be readily isolated from the support. In particular, this
      meant that an enzymatic reaction could be stopped by the simple mechanical
      separation of the "insoluble" enzyme from the reaction medium. Chitosan was
      incorporated with graphene oxide because the latter was able to enhance the
      physical strength of the chitosan beads by its superior mechanical integrity and
      low thermal conductivity. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed that the graphene
      oxide was successfully embedded within the structure of the chitosan. Further,
      the lipase incorporation on the beads was confirmed by a thermo-gravimetric
      analysis. The lipase immobilization on the beads involved the functionalization
      with coupling agents, N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide sodium (NHS) and 1-ethyl-(3
      dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC), and it possessed a high enzyme activity
      of 64 U. The overall esterification conversion of the prepared product was 78% at
      60  degrees C, and it attained conversions of 98% and 88% with commercially
      available lipozyme and novozyme, respectively, under similar experimental
      conditions.

PMID- 25127039
TI  - IGFBP3 methylation is a novel diagnostic and predictive biomarker in colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Aberrant hypermethylation of cancer-related genes has emerged
      as a promising strategy for the development of diagnostic, prognostic and
      predictive biomarkers in human cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim
      of this study was to perform a systematic and comprehensive analysis of a panel
      of CRC-specific genes as potential diagnostic, prognostic and predictive
      biomarkers in a large, population-based CRC cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Methylation status of the SEPT9, TWIST1, IGFBP3, GAS7, ALX4 and miR137 genes was
      studied by quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing in a population-based cohort of
      425 CRC patients. RESULTS: Methylation levels of all genes analyzed were
      significantly higher in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa (p<0.0001);
      however, cancer-associated hypermethylation was most frequently observed for
      miR137 (86.7%) and IGFBP3 (83%) in CRC patients. Methylation analysis using the
      combination of these two genes demonstrated greatest accuracy for the
      identification of colonic tumors (sensitivity 95.5%; specificity 90.5%). Low
      levels of IGFBP3 promoter methylation emerged as an independent risk factor for
      predicting poor disease free survival in stage II and III CRC patients (HR =
      0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85, p = 0.01). Our results also suggest that stage II & III
      CRC patients with high levels of IGFBP3 methylation do not benefit from adjuvant
      5FU-based chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: By analyzing a large, population-based CRC
      cohort, we demonstrate the potential clinical significance of miR137 and IGFBP3
      hypermethylation as promising diagnostic biomarkers in CRC. Our data also
      revealed that IGFBP3 hypermethylation may serve as an independent prognostic and
      predictive biomarker in stage II and III CRC patients.

PMID- 25127042
TI  - Determination of critical nitrogen dilution curve based on stem dry matter in
      rice.
AB  - Plant analysis is a very promising diagnostic tool for assessment of crop
      nitrogen (N) requirements in perspectives of cost effective and environment
      friendly agriculture. Diagnosing N nutritional status of rice crop through plant
      analysis will give insights into optimizing N requirements of future crops. The
      present study was aimed to develop a new methodology for determining the critical
      nitrogen (Nc) dilution curve based on stem dry matter (SDM) and to assess its
      suitability to estimate the level of N nutrition for rice (Oryza sativa L.) in
      east China. Three field experiments with varied N rates (0-360 kg N ha(-1)) using
      three Japonica rice hybrids, Lingxiangyou-18, Wuxiangjing-14 and Wuyunjing were
      conducted in Jiangsu province of east China. SDM and stem N concentration (SNC)
      were determined during vegetative stage for growth analysis. A Nc dilution curve
      based on SDM was described by the equation (Nc = 2.17W(-0.27) with W being SDM in
      t ha(-1)), when SDM ranged from 0.88 to 7.94 t ha(-1). However, for SDM < 0.88 t
      ha(-1), the constant critical value Nc = 1.76% SDM was applied. The curve was
      dually validated for N-limiting and non-N-limiting growth conditions. The N
      nutrition index (NNI) and accumulated N deficit (Nand) of stem ranged from 0.57
      to 1.06 and 51.1 to -7.07 kg N ha(-1), respectively, during key growth stages
      under varied N rates in 2010 and 2011. The values of DeltaN derived from either
      NNI or Nand could be used as references for N dressing management during rice
      growth. Our results demonstrated that the present curve well differentiated the
      conditions of limiting and non-limiting N nutrition in rice crop. The SDM based
      Nc dilution curve can be adopted as an alternate and novel approach for
      evaluating plant N status to support N fertilization decision during the
      vegetative growth of Japonica rice in east China.

PMID- 25127040
TI  - Toll-like receptor-3 is dispensable for the innate microRNA response to West Nile
      virus (WNV).
AB  - The innate immune response to West Nile virus (WNV) infection involves
      recognition through toll-like receptors (TLRs) and RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs),
      leading to establishment of an antiviral state. MiRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown
      to be reliable biomarkers of TLR activation. Here, we sought to evaluate the
      contribution of TLR3 and miRNAs to the host response to WNV infection. We first
      analyzed HEK293-NULL and HEK293-TLR3 cells for changes in the innate immune
      response to infection. The presence of TLR3 did not seem to affect WNV load,
      infectivity or phosphorylation of IRF3. Analysis of experimentally validated
      NFkappaB-responsive genes revealed a WNV-induced signature largely independent of
      TLR3. Since miRNAs are involved in viral pathogenesis and the innate response to
      infection, we sought to identify changes in miRNA expression upon infection in
      the presence or absence of TLR3. MiRNA profiling revealed 70 miRNAs induced
      following WNV infection in a TLR3-independent manner. Further analysis of
      predicted gene targets of WNV signature miRNAs revealed genes highly associated
      with pathways regulating cell death, viral pathogenesis and immune cell
      trafficking. 

PMID- 25127044
TI  - Exploiting monitoring data in environmental exposure modelling and risk
      assessment of pharmaceuticals.
AB  - In order to establish the environmental impact of an active pharmaceutical
      ingredient (API), good information on the level of exposure in surface waters is
      needed. Exposure concentrations are typically estimated using information on the
      usage of an API as well as removal rates in the patient, the wastewater system
      and in surface waters. These input data are often highly variable and difficult
      to obtain, so model estimates often do not agree with measurements made in the
      field. In this paper we present an approach which uses inverse modelling to
      estimate overall removal rates of pharmaceuticals at the catchment scale using a
      hydrological model as well as prescription and monitoring data for a few
      representative sites for a country or region. These overall removal rates are
      then used to model exposure across the broader landscape. Evaluation of this
      approach for APIs in surface waters across England and Wales showed good
      agreement between modelled exposure distributions and available monitoring data.
      The use of the approach, alongside estimates of predicted no-effect
      concentrations for the 12 study compounds, to assess risk of the APIs across the
      UK landscape, indicated that, for most of the compounds, risks to aquatic life
      were low. However, ibuprofen was predicted to pose an unacceptable risk in 49.5%
      of the river reaches studied. For diclofenac, predicted exposure concentrations
      were also compared to the Environmental Quality Standard previously proposed by
      the European Commission and 4.5% of river reaches were predicted to exceed this
      concentration. While the current study focused on pharmaceuticals, the approach
      could also be valuable in assessing the risks of other 'down the drain' chemicals
      and could help inform our understanding of the important dissipation processes
      for pharmaceuticals in the pathway from the patient to ecological receptors. 

PMID- 25127041
TI  - SPO24 is a transcriptionally dynamic, small ORF-encoding locus required for
      efficient sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, meiosis and sporulation are highly regulated
      responses that are driven in part by changes in RNA expression. Alternative mRNA
      forms with extended 5' UTRs are atypical in S. cerevisiae, and 5' extensions with
      upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are even more unusual. Here we characterize
      the gene YPR036W-A, now renamed SPO24, which encodes a very small (67-amino-acid)
      protein. This gene gives rise to two mRNA forms: a shorter form throughout
      meiosis and a longer, 5'-extended form in mid-late meiosis. The latter form
      includes a uORF for a 14-amino-acid peptide (Spo24u14). Deletion of the
      downstream ORF (dORF) leads to sporulation defects and the appearance of
      pseudohyphae-like projections. Experiments with luciferase reporters indicate
      that the uORF does not downregulate dORF translation. The protein encoded by the
      dORF (Spo24d67) localizes to the prospore membrane and is differentially
      phosphorylated during meiosis. Transcription of the 5'-extended mRNA in mid
      meiosis depends upon the presence of two middle sporulation elements (MSEs).
      Removal of the MSEs severely inhibits the mid-meiotic appearance of the 5'
      extended mRNA and limits the ability of plasmid-borne SPO24 to rescue the
      sporulation defect of a spo24Delta mutant, suggesting that the 5'-extended mRNA
      is functionally important. These results reveal Spo24d67 as a sporulation-related
      factor that is encoded by a transcriptionally dynamic, uORF-containing locus. 

PMID- 25127045
TI  - Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

PMID- 25127043
TI  - Antibiotic resistance genes in bacterial and bacteriophage fractions of Tunisian
      and Spanish wastewaters as markers to compare the antibiotic resistance patterns
      in each population.
AB  - The emergence and increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in
      the environment may pose a serious global health concern. This study evaluates
      the abundance of several ARGs in bacterial and bacteriophage DNA via real-time
      qPCR in samples from five different sampling points in Tunisia; three wastewater
      treatment plants (WWTP 1, 2 and 3) and wastewater from two abattoirs slaughtering
      different animals. Results are compared with those obtained in the Barcelona
      area, in northeast Spain. Eight ARGs were quantified by qPCR from total and phage
      DNA fraction from the samples. Three beta-lactamases (bla(TEM), bla(CTX-M)
      cluster 1 and bla(CTX-M) cluster 9), two quinolone resistance genes (qnrA and
      qnrS), the mecA gene that confers resistance to methicillin in Staphylococcus
      aureus, the emerging armA gene, conferring resistance to aminoglycosides and
      sul1, the most extended gene conferring resistance to sulfonamides, were
      evaluated. Sul1 and bla(TEM) were the most prevalent ARGs detected at all five
      Tunisian sampling points, similarly with the observations in Barcelona. bla(CTX-M
      9) was more prevalent than bla(CTX-M-1) both in bacterial and DNA within phage
      particles in all samples analysed. mecA and armA were almost absent in Tunisian
      waters from human or animal origin in contrast with Barcelona that showed a
      medium prevalence. qnrA was more prevalent than qnrS in bacterial and phage DNA
      from all sampling points. In conclusion, our study shows that ARGs are found in
      the bacterial and is reflected in the phage DNA fraction of human and animal
      wastewaters. The densities of each ARGs vary depending on the ARGs shed by each
      population and is determined by the characteristics of each area. Thus, the
      evaluation of ARGs in wastewaters seems to be suitable as marker reflecting the
      antibiotic resistance patterns of a population.

PMID- 25127046
TI  - Spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings in long-term silicone oil
      related visual loss.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings in
      long-term silicone oil-related visual loss. METHODS: Four symptomatic patients
      were reviewed 4 years to 9 years after vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade for
      macula-on retinal detachment. Three lost vision with oil in situ, with one at the
      time of oil removal. Eleven control eyes with good vision were included. Patients
      underwent assessment of best-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity,
      Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue testing, static perimetry, and spectral domain optical
      coherence tomography imaging of the macula and disk. RESULTS: Long-term best
      corrected visual acuity was significantly reduced in affected eyes (range, 0.44
      1.02), as was contrast sensitivity (0.75-1.35) and color discrimination
      (Farnsworth-Munsell-100 Hue score, 151-390). Static perimetry showed a central
      scotoma in all affected eyes. Optical coherence tomography revealed microcystic
      macular changes in the inner nuclear layer of all affected eyes associated with
      severe loss of the papillofoveal retinal nerve fiber layer. In one patient,
      serial optical coherence tomography images showed development of microcystic
      macular changes 18 months after oil removal. Control eyes lacked these features,
      except two asymptomatic eyes that showed microcystic changes on optical coherence
      tomography with a corresponding paracentral scotoma. CONCLUSION: We have
      demonstrated microcystic macular changes in the inner nuclear layer of affected
      eyes, as well as focal severe loss of the papillofoveal projection. These changes
      share significant morphologic features reported in multiple sclerosis-associated
      optic neuritis and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.

PMID- 25127047
TI  - Retinal detachment associated with ocular toxoplasmosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of retinal detachment (RD) and associated
      clinical features in ocular toxoplasmosis. METHODS: A review of the medical
      records of patients diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis and follow-up of 6 months
      or more was conducted. All patients were seen at the Casey Eye Institute at the
      Oregon Health & Science University over a 9-year period (2003-2012). Demographic
      data, presence of RD and/or vitritis, and treatments were reviewed. Main outcome
      measures were the rate of RD in ocular toxoplasmosis, degree of vision loss, and
      final anatomical status of the retina. Disease- and treatment-related factors
      associated with poor visual outcome were also analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-five eyes
      of 28 patients with ocular toxoplasmosis and sufficient follow-up were studied.
      Median age of patients was 40 years (range, 7-93 years). Median follow-up time
      was 22.5 months (range, 6-96 months). Four of thirty-five eyes (11.4%) developed
      RD with a frequency of 0.06 RD events per patient-year of follow-up in this
      sample in a single center. Of four patients with RD, three underwent pars plana
      vitrectomy and one underwent laser retinopexy. Two of the 4 patients had
      recurrent RD requiring scleral buckle. At final follow-up, all patients who
      underwent surgical repair had attached retinas; however, 3 of 4 patients had
      severe vision loss (20/200 or worse). CONCLUSION: Retinal detachment occurred in
      11% of eyes in this study that led to severe vision loss despite successful RD
      repair.

PMID- 25127048
TI  - A 10-year review of open-globe trauma in elderly patients at an urban hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To describe the demographics, characteristics, and outcomes of open
      globe injuries (OGIs) in elderly patients. METHODS: Retrospective chart review.
      RESULTS: Ninety cases (26 men) were identified. The average age was 80 years
      (range, 65-96 years). The types of OGIs included rupture (83.3%) and penetrating
      (16.7%) injuries. The causes of trauma were falls (64.4%), accidents (20%), motor
      vehicle accidents (5.5%), and assault (3.33%). Types of lacerations included
      corneal (44.4%), corneoscleral (26.7%), and scleral (28.9%). Forty-six cases were
      OGIs because of dehiscence of previous ocular surgical wound. Ten eyes had
      concurrent orbital fractures. Approximately 81.1% of cases underwent primary OGI
      repair within 24 hours of injury, and all cases underwent primary OGI repair
      within 24 hours of admission. The average visual acuity at presentation was
      20/4,375 (SD, 0.64). Although 22 patients presented with no light perception,
      only 10 remained no light perception after OGI repair. Complications at
      presentation included uveal prolapse (70%), hemorrhagic choroidal detachment
      (37.8%), vitreous hemorrhage (51.1%), retinal detachment (20%), and afferent
      pupillary defect (42.2%). Three patients (3.33%) underwent primary pars plana
      vitrectomy for retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. Three patients
      developed endophthalmitis. Overall, retinal attachment was achieved in all eyes
      that underwent primary pars plana vitrectomy. Primary enucleations were performed
      in 4 cases (4.44%) for nonsalvageable no light perception eyes. CONCLUSION: The
      visual prognosis of OGIs in the elderly population is poor; only 14.4% achieved
      20/200 or better visual acuity. Precautionary measures should be taken to prevent
      OGIs in the elderly population.

PMID- 25127050
TI  - Low-intensity/high-density subthreshold microPulse diode laser for chronic
      central serous chorioretinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcomes and macular thickness change in patients
      with symptomatic chronic central serous chorioretinopathy after treatment with a
      subthreshold MicroPulse diode laser. METHODS: In this retrospective,
      interventional case series, 10 patients were treated with the subthreshold 810-nm
      diode MicroPulse laser. Selected patients had symptomatic disease that may or may
      not have involved the foveal center. The MicroPulse laser was applied to the
      areas of leakage seen on fluorescein angiogram, over the areas of clinical
      neurosensory detachment, and/or pigment epithelial detachments. Pretreatment and
      posttreatment vision, change in maximum macular thickness, number of treatment
      sessions, and number of laser spot applications were recorded. Patients were
      excluded if they did not attend follow-up, had other confounding macular
      diseases, were using steroid medications, or application of another treatment
      modality had been used (i.e., photodynamic therapy or anti-vascular endothelial
      growth factor medication). RESULTS: Ten patients met the inclusion criteria, with
      1 patient treated in both eyes. Three patients were excluded for lack of follow
      up, one for the use of systemic steroids, and one for treatment with anti
      vascular endothelial growth factor injection. Maximum macular thickness decreased
      after subthreshold MicroPulse laser treatment between 20 MUm and 338 MUm (mean =
      97 MUm decrease, P = 0.0046) in 11 treated eyes. CONCLUSION: Subthreshold diode
      MicroPulse laser is a potential treatment option for patients with symptomatic
      chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

PMID- 25127049
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnea and central serous chorioretinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association
      between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central serous chorioretinopathy
      (CSCR). METHODS: Patients with CSCR without a history of steroid use or secondary
      retinal disease were matched based on age/gender/body mass index with control
      patients and administered the Berlin Questionnaire to assess for OSA risk.
      Patients were scored "OSA+" if they were at "high risk" on the Berlin
      Questionnaire or reported a previous OSA diagnosis. Rates of OSA+ were compared
      between the 2 groups, odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval was calculated
      using exact conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Forty-eight qualifying
      patients with CSCR were identified. There were no statistically significant
      differences between the CSCR and control groups by age (mean = 55 years), gender
      (79% male), body mass index (mean = 28.2), history of diabetes, or hypertension.
      Within the CSCR group, 22 patients (45.8%) were OSA+ versus 21 control patients
      (43.8%) (difference = 2.1%; 95% confidence interval, -18.2% to 22.2%; exact odds
      ratio = 1.08, 95% confidence interval, 0.47-2.49; P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: When
      compared with matched controls, patients with CSCR did not have statistically
      significant higher rates of OSA risk or previous diagnosis. This finding
      contrasts with previous work showing a strong association between the diseases.
      The divergence is likely due to our matching controls for body mass index, a
      significant risk factor for OSA.

PMID- 25127051
TI  - Re: Multimodal imaging findings in retinal deep capillary ischemia.

PMID- 25127052
TI  - Re: Subretinal hyperreflective exudation associated with neovascular age-related
      macular degeneration.

PMID- 25127053
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24240565.

PMID- 25127054
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24695062.

PMID- 25127055
TI  - Priming and activation of NADPH oxidases in plants and animals.
AB  - In mammals, engagement of Toll-like receptors by microbe-associated molecular
      patterns enhances the responsiveness of NADPH oxidases. Two recent papers report
      a similar 'priming' mechanism for the plant oxidase RbohD. Despite lacking
      structural homology, the functional parallels between plants and animals reveal
      that a common regulatory logic arose by convergent evolution. 

PMID- 25127058
TI  - Myeloma genetics and genomics: practice implications and future directions.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous, clonal disorder of the plasma cells
      originating from the B-cell line. The diagnosis and monitoring of MM requires
      routine measurement of biomarkers such as serum protein electrophoresis, urine
      protein electrophoresis, serum free light chains, among others. Prognostic models
      such as the Durie-Salmon staging system and International Staging System are
      available and account for the disease burden. Advanced biomarker and genetic
      testing includes cytogenetics, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and gene
      expression profiling to estimate the aggressiveness of the disease and
      personalize the patient's treatment. Future goals of therapy will be to achieve
      minimal residual disease (MRD), which incorporates biomarkers and genomic data.
      MRD testing might provide a better estimate of the depth of response to therapy
      and overall survival. A robust genomic program of research is still needed to
      provide additional information for the best MM care practices and to gain new
      strategies to treat the disease, in particular, in the relapsed and/or refractory
      setting.

PMID- 25127059
TI  - Large myocardial infarction with myocardium calcium deposits associated with
      reperfusion injury.
AB  - The clinical and autopsy findings of a 66-year-old man with myocardial infarction
      complicated by reperfusion injury are described, highlighting the presence of
      large myocardium calcium deposits. 

PMID- 25127056
TI  - Notch and hippo converge on Cdx2 to specify the trophectoderm lineage in the
      mouse blastocyst.
AB  - The first lineage choice in mammalian embryogenesis is that between the
      trophectoderm, which gives rise to the trophoblast of the placenta, and the inner
      cell mass, from which is derived the embryo proper and the yolk sac. The
      establishment of these lineages is preceded by the inside-versus-outside
      positioning of cells in the early embryo and stochastic expression of key
      transcription factors, which is then resolved into lineage-restricted expression.
      The regulatory inputs that drive this restriction and how they relate to cell
      position are largely unknown. Here, we show an unsuspected role of Notch
      signaling in regulating trophectoderm-specific expression of Cdx2 in cooperation
      with TEAD4. Notch activity is restricted to outer cells and is able to influence
      positional allocation of blastomeres, mediating preferential localization to the
      trophectoderm. Our results show that multiple signaling inputs at preimplantation
      stages specify the first embryonic lineages. 

PMID- 25127057
TI  - TRIM proteins regulate autophagy and can target autophagic substrates by direct
      recognition.
AB  - Autophagy, a homeostatic process whereby eukaryotic cells target cytoplasmic
      cargo for degradation, plays a broad role in health and disease states. Here we
      screened the TRIM family for roles in autophagy and found that half of TRIMs
      modulated autophagy. In mechanistic studies, we show that TRIMs associate with
      autophagy factors and act as platforms assembling ULK1 and Beclin 1 in their
      activated states. Furthermore, TRIM5alpha acts as a selective autophagy receptor.
      Based on direct sequence-specific recognition, TRIM5alpha delivered its cognate
      cytosolic target, a viral capsid protein, for autophagic degradation. Thus, our
      study establishes that TRIMs can function both as regulators of autophagy and as
      autophagic cargo receptors, and reveals a basis for selective autophagy in
      mammalian cells.

PMID- 25127060
TI  - Youth, friendship, and gaming: a network perspective.
AB  - With digital games being part of the leisure of a multitude of young people, it
      is important to understand to what extent gaming-related practices such as
      talking about games or playing games together are associated with the quality of
      friendship relations with players and nonplayers. Based on 100 friendship
      networks, this study explored to what extent those practices permeated the
      everyday life of youngsters and whether they could be considered as a part of
      doing friendship. Results indicated that gaming as a conversational topic was
      widespread within and between networks. Furthermore, regardless of gender, this
      was significantly associated with friendship quality in almost all of the
      networks. When considering playing games together, a somewhat different picture
      emerged. In contrast to conversational practices, playing together was less
      widespread. Moreover, both the occurrence and the effect of co-play and
      friendship quality was gendered. The findings of this study show that a focus on
      gaming-related practices yields a fruitful starting point when considering the
      role of digital games in a social context that is not limited to people playing
      (online) games. Furthermore, they also feed into the ongoing debate of possible
      effects of digital games in that it shows that the way in which games influence
      the lives of young people goes beyond a direct effects approach.

PMID- 25127061
TI  - [Latent chronic eosinophilic pneumonia in a patient previously treated with
      immunomodulators].

PMID- 25127063
TI  - Prognostic factors of long-term outcome in cases of severe traumatic brain
      injury.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this monocentric study was to assess the long-term
      outcome of a group of severe traumatic brain-injured patients and explore the
      prognostic values of some clinical and paraclinical parameters available at the
      initial stage. METHODOLOGY: The patients included were victims of severe
      traumatic brain injuries in 2007 or 2008. A standardized assessment was performed
      for each patient including clinical, radiological, and electrophysiological data
      collected at the initial stage, The outcomes were assessed at least 2 years after
      injury. Depending on the patients' availability and ability to communicate, the
      assessments included measures of dependency for activities of daily living (ADL),
      cognitive functions, behaviour, mood, and quality of life. RESULTS: Eighteen
      patients were included, of whom ten were autonomous for ADL at the time of
      assessment. Memory complaints, attentional deficits, anxiety, and irritability
      were the main long-term impairments observed. A correlation analysis showed
      significant correlations between the dependency level (as rated by the Functional
      Independence Measure) and each of length of coma, length of the post-traumatic
      amnesia, and the N100 auditory evoked potentials. DISCUSSION: These results
      confirm the uniqueness of each patient regarding the long-term consequences of a
      traumatic brain injury and the multi-determined nature of each prognosis.

PMID- 25127062
TI  - HIV-1 transgenic rats display alterations in immunophenotype and cellular
      responses associated with aging.
AB  - Advances in anti-retroviral therapy over the last two decades have allowed life
      expectancy in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus to approach
      that of the general population. The process of aging in mammalian species,
      including rats, results in immune response changes, alterations in immunological
      phenotypes, and ultimately increased susceptibility to many infectious diseases.
      In order to investigate the immunological pathologies associated with chronic HIV
      1 disease, particularly in aging individuals, the HIV-1 transgenic (HIV-1Tg) rat
      model was utilized. HIV-1Tg rats were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to
      determine immunological alterations during the aging process. LPS is known to
      cause an imbalance in cytokine and chemokine release, and provides a method to
      identify changes in immune responses to bacterial infection in an HIV animal
      model. An immune profile and accompanying cellular consequences as well as
      changes in inflammatory cytokine and chemokine release related to age and
      genotype were assessed in HIV-1Tg rats. The percentage of T cells decreased with
      age, particularly T cytotoxic cells, whereas T helper cells increased with age.
      Neutrophils and monocytes increased in HIV-1Tg rats during maturation compared to
      age-matched F344 control rats. Aging HIV-1Tg rats displayed a significant
      increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, along with an
      increase in the chemokine, KC/GRO, in comparison to age-matched controls. Our
      data indicate that immunophenotype and immune responses can change during aging
      in HIV-positive individuals. This information could be important in determining
      the most beneficial age-dependent therapeutic treatment for HIV patients. 

PMID- 25127065
TI  - Partial purification and characterization of chromate reductase of a novel
      Ochrobactrum sp. strain Cr-B4.
AB  - Hexavalent chromium contamination is a serious problem due to its high toxicity
      and carcinogenic effects on the biological systems. The enzymatic reduction of
      toxic Cr(VI) to the less toxic Cr(III) is an efficient technology for
      detoxification of Cr(VI)-contaminated industrial effluents. In this regard, a
      chromate reductase enzyme from a novel Ochrobactrum sp. strain Cr-B4, having the
      ability to detoxify Cr(VI) contaminated sites, has been partially purified and
      characterized. The molecular mass of this chromate reductase was found to be
      31.53 kD, with a specific activity 14.26 U/mg without any addition of electron
      donors. The temperature and pH optima for chromate reductase activity were 40
      degrees C and 8.0, respectively. The activation energy (Ea) for the chromate
      reductase was found to be 34.7 kJ/mol up to 40 degrees C and the activation
      energy for its deactivation (Ed) was found to be 79.6 kJ/mol over a temperature
      range of 50-80 degrees C. The frequency factor for activation of chromate
      reductase was found to be 566.79 s(-1), and for deactivation of chromate
      reductase it was found to be 265.66 * 10(3) s(-1). The reductase activity of this
      enzyme was affected by the presence of various heavy metals and complexing
      agents, some of which (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid [EDTA], mercaptoethanol,
      NaN3, Pb(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), and Cd(2+)) inhibited the enzyme activity, while
      metals like Cu(2+) and Fe(3+) significantly enhanced the reductase activity. The
      enzyme followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with Km of 104.29 uM and a Vmax of 4.64
      uM/min/mg.

PMID- 25127064
TI  - Motor function levels and pelvic parameters in walking or ambulating children
      with cerebral palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In children with cerebral palsy, spinal equilibrium and pelvic
      strategies may vary according to the functional status. OBJECTIVES: To study the
      relationship between motor function and pelvic and spinal parameters in a
      population of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (rated from level I to
      level IV on Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS]). A sagittal X-ray
      of the spine in the standing position was analyzed with Optispine((r)) software.
      RESULTS: The study population comprised 114 children and adolescents (mean
      [range] age: 12.35 [4-17]). For the study population as a whole, there were
      significant overall correlations between the GMFCS level on one hand and pelvic
      incidence and pelvic tilt (PT) on the other (P=0.013 and 0.021, respectively).
      DISCUSSION: Pelvic parameters vary according to the GMFCS level but do not appear
      to affect spinal curvature. The sacrum is positioned in front of the head of the
      femur (i.e. negative PT) in GMFCS level I and progressively moves backwards (i.e.
      positive PT) in GMFCS levels II, III and IV.

PMID- 25127066
TI  - First-order kinetics of landfill leachate treatment in a pilot-scale anaerobic
      sequence batch biofilm reactor.
AB  - This paper reports the kinetics evaluation of landfill leachate anaerobic
      treatment in a pilot-scale Anaerobic Sequence Batch Biofilm Reactor (AnSBBR). The
      experiment was carried out at room temperature (23.8 +/- 2.1  degrees C) in the
      landfill area in Sao Carlos-SP, Brazil. Biomass from the bottom of a local
      landfill leachate stabilization pond was used as inoculum. After acclimated and
      utilizing leachate directly from the landfill, the AnSBBR presented efficiency
      over 70%, in terms of COD removal, with influent COD ranging from 4825 mg L(-1)
      to 12,330 mg L(-1). To evaluate the kinetics of landfill leachate treatment,
      temporal profiles of CODFilt. concentration were performed and a first-order
      kinetics model was adjusted for substrate consumption, obtaining an average k1 =
      4.40 * 10(-5) L mgTVS(-1) d(-1), corrected to 25  degrees C. Considering the
      temperature variations, a temperature-activity coefficient theta = 1.07 was
      obtained. Statistical "Randomness" and "F" tests were used to successfully
      validate the model considered. Thus, the results demonstrate that the first-order
      kinetic model is adequate to model the anaerobic treatment of the landfill
      leachate in the AnSBBR. 

PMID- 25127067
TI  - Delayed vocal fold paralysis after continuous interscalene level brachial plexus
      block with catheter placement: a case report.
AB  - We report an incident of delayed onset of true vocal fold paralysis with
      continuous interscalene brachial plexus block. A 51 year old woman underwent left
      shoulder manipulation and lysis of adhesions with fluoroscopy and general
      anesthesia. An interscalene brachial plexus block was performed and a catheter
      with a continuous infusion pump was placed for postoperative pain control.
      Following hospital discharge, approximately 8 hours after the initial catheter
      bolus the patient developed hoarseness, dysphagia, and dyspnea, secondary to left
      vocal fold palsy. The patient was admitted for observation and the catheter was
      discontinued with no intubation required. By the next morning, the patient's
      dysphagia and dyspnea had resolved and her hoarseness improved. 

PMID- 25127068
TI  - Semicarbazide - from state-of-the-art analytical methods and exposure to
      toxicity: a review.
AB  - This review assesses the state of the art concerning semicarbazide (SEM).
      Originally, SEM was primarily detected as a nitrofurazone veterinary metabolite,
      but over time scientists gradually found that azodicarbonamide in sealed cans and
      flour could also lead to the generation of SEM. This discovery makes the study of
      SEM particularly interesting. At present, an increasing number of researchers are
      investigating the toxicity of SEM and developing more and better analytical
      methods for the determination of SEM. In recent years, many researchers have
      focused on exposure from different foods, the public awareness of hazards and
      analytical detection methods for SEM in different foods. Although there have been
      significant achievements, these results have not been summarised in a review. The
      exposure from different foods, toxicity and methods of detection for SEM are
      comprehensively reviewed here. This review will provide not only others with a
      better understanding of SEM but also background information to facilitate future
      research. 

PMID- 25127070
TI  - Transparent and flexible supercapacitors with single walled carbon nanotube thin
      film electrodes.
AB  - We describe a simple process for the fabrication of transparent and flexible,
      solid-state supercapacitors. Symmetric electrodes made up of binder-free single
      walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) thin films were deposited onto
      polydimethylsiloxane substrates by vacuum filtration followed by a stamping
      method, and solid-state supercapacitor devices were assembled using a gel
      electrolyte. An optical transmittance of 82% was found for 0.02 mg of SWCNTs, and
      a specific capacitance of 22.2 F/g was obtained. The power density can reach to
      41.5 kW . kg(-1) and shows good capacity retention (94%) upon cycling over 500
      times. Fabricated supercapacitors will be relevant for the realization of
      transparent and flexible devices with energy storage capabilities, displays and
      touch screens in particular.

PMID- 25127069
TI  - Comparative angioprotective effects of magnesium compounds.
AB  - Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is implicated in the development of numerous disorders
      of the cardiovascular system. Moreover, the data regarding the efficacy of
      different magnesium compounds in the correction of impaired functions due to low
      magnesium intake are often fragmentary and inconsistent. The aim of this study
      was to compare the effects of the most bioavailable Mg compounds (Mg l-aspartate,
      Mg N-acetyltaurate, Mg chloride, Mg sulphate and Mg oxybutyrate) on systemic
      inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in rats fed a low Mg diet for 74 days. A
      low Mg diet decreased the Mg concentration in the plasma and erythrocytes, which
      was accompanied by a reduced concentration of eNOs and increased levels of
      endothelin-1 level in the serum and impaired endothelium-dependent
      vasodilatation. These effects increased the concentration of proinflammatory
      molecules, such as VCAM-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and CRP, indicating the development of
      systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. The increased total NO level,
      which estimated from the sum of the nitrate and nitrite concentrations in the
      serum, may also be considered to be a proinflammatory marker. Two weeks of Mg
      supplementation partially or fully normalised the ability of the vascular wall to
      effect adequate endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and reversed the levels of
      most endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory markers (except CRP) to the mean
      values of the control group. Mg sulphate had the smallest effect on the
      endothelin-1, TNF-alpha and VCAM-1 levels. Mg N-acetyltaurate was significantly
      more effective in restoring the level of eNOS compared to all other studied
      compounds, except for Mg oxybutyrate. Taken together, the present findings
      demonstrate that all Mg compounds equally alleviate endothelial dysfunction and
      inflammation caused by Mg deficiency. Mg sulphate tended to be the least
      effective compound. 

PMID- 25127072
TI  - Historical Mercury releases from commercial products: global environmental
      implications.
AB  - The intentional use of mercury (Hg) in products and processes ("commercial Hg")
      has contributed a large and previously unquantified anthropogenic source of Hg to
      the global environment over the industrial era, with major implications for Hg
      accumulation in environmental reservoirs. We present a global inventory of
      commercial Hg uses and releases to the atmosphere, water, soil, and landfills
      from 1850 to 2010. Previous inventories of anthropogenic Hg releases have focused
      almost exclusively on atmospheric emissions from "byproduct" sectors (e.g.,
      fossil fuel combustion). Cumulative anthropogenic atmospheric Hg emissions since
      1850 have recently been estimated at 215 Gg (only including commercial Hg
      releases from chlor-alkali production, waste incineration, and mining). We find
      that other commercial Hg uses and nonatmospheric releases from chlor-alkali and
      mining result in an additional 540 Gg of Hg released to the global environment
      since 1850 (air: 20%; water: 30%; soil: 30%; landfills: 20%). Some of this
      release has been sequestered in landfills and benthic sediments, but 310 Gg
      actively cycles among geochemical reservoirs and contributes to elevated present
      day environmental Hg concentrations. Commercial Hg use peaked in 1970 and has
      declined sharply since. We use our inventory of historical environmental releases
      to force a global biogeochemical model that includes new estimates of the global
      burial in ocean margin sediments. Accounting for commercial Hg releases improves
      model consistency with observed atmospheric concentrations and associated
      historical trends. 

PMID- 25127071
TI  - Complementary and alternative medicine use in infertility: cultural and religious
      influences in a multicultural Canadian setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
      for infertility in a multicultural healthcare setting and to compare Western and
      non-Western infertility patients' reasons for using CAM and the meanings they
      attribute to CAM use. DESIGN: Qualitative semi-structured interviews using
      thematic analysis. SETTINGS/LOCATION: Two infertility clinics in Montreal,
      Quebec, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: An ethnoculturally varied sample of 32 heterosexual
      infertile couples. RESULTS: CAM used included lifestyle changes (e.g., changing
      diet, exercise), alternative medicine (e.g., acupuncture, herbal medicines), and
      religious methods (e.g., prayers, religious talismans). Patients expressed three
      attitudes toward CAM: desperate hope, casual optimism, and amused skepticism.
      PARTICIPANTS' CAM use was consistent with cultural traditions of health and
      fertility: Westerners relied primarily on biomedicine and used CAM mainly for
      relaxation, whereas non-Westerners' CAM use was often influenced by culture
      specific knowledge of health, illness and fertility. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding
      patients' CAM use may help clinicians provide culturally sensitive, patient
      centered care.

PMID- 25127073
TI  - Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing Screening, Brief Intervention, and
      Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) in Primary Care in Integrated Health Care Settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Substance abuse in the United States is a serious public health
      concern impacting morbidity and mortality. However, systematic screening and
      intervention has not been widely adopted into routine practice by health care
      organizations and routine screening and intervention is not currently in place
      for primary care at Kaiser Permanente Colorado. Therefore, a formative evaluation
      was conducted to explore and enhance implementation of the Substance Abuse and
      Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) screening, brief intervention, and
      referral to treatment (SBIRT) approach in the organization. METHODS: Key clinical
      stakeholders, including internal and family medicine physicians, primary care
      nurses, mental health therapists, chemical dependency clinicians, and clinic
      based psychologists provided feedback. Two focus groups were also conducted with
      patient stakeholders: one in English and one in Spanish. RESULTS: All clinical
      stakeholders promoted clinic-based psychologists to conduct brief intervention
      and determine referral to treatment as the optimal implementation program.
      Inclusion of the patient perspective also highlighted the importance of
      considering this perspective in implementation. Both patient groups were
      generally supportive of SBIRT, especially the educational value of screening
      questions defining healthy drinking limits; however, English-speaking patients
      noted privacy concerns and Spanish-speaking patients noted frequently being asked
      about drug or alcohol use. Organizationally, systems exist to facilitate drug and
      alcohol use screening, intervention, and referral to treatment. However,
      physician time, alignment with other priorities, and lack of consistent
      communication were noted potential barriers to SBIRT implementation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Clinicians expressed concerns about competing priorities and the need for
      organizational leadership involvement for successful SBIRT implementation. A
      unique suggestion for successful implementation is to utilize existing primary
      care clinic-based psychologists to conduct brief intervention and facilitate
      referral to treatment. Patient stakeholders supported universal screening, but
      cultural differences in opinions and current experience were noted, indicating
      the importance of including this perspective when evaluating implementation
      potential.

PMID- 25127074
TI  - Conserved electrostatic fields at the Ras-effector interface measured through
      vibrational Stark effect spectroscopy explain the difference in tilt angle in the
      Ras binding domains of Raf and RalGDS.
AB  - Vibrational Stark effect (VSE) spectroscopy was used to measure the electrostatic
      fields present at the interface of the human guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase)
      Ras docked with the Ras binding domain (RBD) of the protein kinase Raf. Nine
      amino acids located on the surface of Raf were selected for labeling with a
      nitrile vibrational probe. Eight of the probe locations were situated along the
      interface of Ras and Raf, and one probe was 2 nm away on the opposite side of
      Raf. Vibrational frequencies of the nine Raf nitrile probes were compared both in
      the monomeric, solvated protein and when docked with wild-type (WT) Ras to
      construct a comprehensive VSE map of the Ras-Raf interface. Molecular dynamics
      (MD) simulations employing an umbrella sampling strategy were used to generate a
      Boltzmann-weighted ensemble of nitrile positions in both the monomeric and docked
      complexes to determine the effect that docking has on probe location and
      orientation and to aid in the interpretation of VSE results. These results were
      compared to an identical study that was previously conducted on nine nitrile
      probes on the RBD of Ral guanidine dissociation stimulator (RalGDS) to make
      comparisons between the docked complexes formed when either of the two effectors
      bind to WT Ras. This comparison finds that there are three regions of conserved
      electrostatic fields that are formed upon docking of WT Ras with both downstream
      effectors. Conservation of this pattern in the docked complex then results in
      different binding orientations observed in otherwise structurally similar
      proteins. This work supports an electrostatic cause of the known binding tilt
      angle between the Ras-Raf and Ras-RalGDS complexes. 

PMID- 25127076
TI  - Dynamics of Back Electron Transfer in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Featuring 4-tert
      Butyl-Pyridine and Atomic-Layer-Deposited Alumina as Surface Modifiers.
AB  - A series of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) was constructed with TiO2
      nanoparticles and N719 dye. The standard I3(-)/I(-) redox shuttle and the Co(1,10
      phenanthroline)3(3+/2+) shuttle were employed. DSCs were modified with atomic
      layered-deposited (ALD) coatings of Al2O3 and/or with the surface-adsorbing
      additive 4-tert-butyl-pyridine. Current-voltage data were collected to ascertain
      the influence of each modification upon the back electron transfer (ET) dynamics
      of the DSCs. The primary effect of the additives alone or in tandem is to
      increase the open-circuit voltage. A second is to alter the short-circuit current
      density, JSC. With dependence on the specifics of the system examined, any of a
      myriad of dynamics-related effects were observed to come into play, in both
      favorable (efficiency boosting) and unfavorable (efficiency damaging) ways. These
      effects include modulation of (a) charge-injection yields, (b) rates of
      interception of injected electrons by redox shuttles, and (c) rates of
      recombination of injected electrons with holes on surface-bound dyes. In turn,
      these influence charge-collection lengths, charge-collection yields, and onset
      potentials for undesired dark current. The microscopic origins of the effects
      appear to be related mainly to changes in driving force and/or electronic
      coupling for underlying component redox reactions. Perhaps surprisingly, only a
      minor role for modifier-induced shifts in conduction-band-edge energy was found.
      The combination of DSC-efficiency-relevant effects engendered by the modifiers
      was found to vary substantially as a function of the chemical identity of the
      redox shuttle employed. While types of modifiers are effective, a challenge going
      forward will be to construct systems in ways in which the benefits of organic and
      inorganic modifiers can be exploited in fully additive, or even synergistic,
      fashion. 

PMID- 25127078
TI  - Membrane surface engineering for protein separations: experiments and
      simulations.
AB  - A bisphosphonate derived ligand was successfully synthesized and grafted from the
      surface of regenerated cellulose membrane using atom transfer radical
      polymerization (ATRP) for protein separations. This ligand has a remarkable
      affinity for arginine (Arg) residues on protein surface. Hydrophilic residues N
      (2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) was copolymerized to enhance the
      flexibility of the copolymer ligand and further improve specific protein
      adsorption. The polymerization of bisphosphonate derivatives was successful for
      the first time using ATRP. Static and dynamic binding capacities were determined
      for binding and elution of Arg rich lysozyme. The interaction mechanism between
      the copolymer ligand and lysozyme was elucidated using classical molecular
      dynamics (MD) simulations. 

PMID- 25127075
TI  - Reactivity of damaged pyrimidines: DNA cleavage via hemiaminal formation at the
      C4 positions of the saturated thymine of spore photoproduct and dihydrouridine.
AB  - Described here are mechanistic details of the chemical reactivities of two
      modified/saturated pyrimidine residues that represent naturally occurring forms
      of DNA damage: 5-thyminyl-5,6-dihydrothymine, commonly referred to as the "spore
      photoproduct" (SP), and 5,6-dihydro-2'-deoxyuridine (dHdU), formed via ionizing
      radiation damage to cytosine under anoxic conditions and also serving as a
      general model of saturated pyrimidine residues. It is shown that due to the loss
      of the pyrimidine C5-C6 double bond and consequent loss of ring aromaticity, the
      C4 position of both these saturated pyrimidines is prone to the formation of a
      hemiaminal intermediate via water addition. Water addition is facilitated by
      basic conditions; however, it also occurs at physiological pH at a slower rate.
      The hemiaminal species so-formed subsequently converts to a ring-opened
      hydrolysis product through cleavage of the pyrimidine N3-C4 bond. Further
      decomposition of this ring-opened product above physiological pH leads to DNA
      strand break formation. Taken together, these results suggest that once the
      aromaticity of a pyrimidine residue is lost, the C4 position becomes a "hot spot"
      for the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate, the decay of which triggers a
      cascade of elimination reactions that can under certain conditions convert a
      simple nucleobase modification into a DNA strand break. 

PMID- 25127077
TI  - Gynecologic care for transgender youth.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of the care of the adolescent
      transgender patient with regard to the guidelines and recommendations that
      currently exist, and to review the role of the clinician caring for transgender
      youth. RECENT FINDINGS: The World Professional Association for Transgender Health
      and the Endocrine Society continue to provide comprehensive guidelines for the
      care of adolescent transgender patients. The decision to perform surgery on a
      patient who is a minor remains a complex one, and a case-by-case approach should
      be taken with important ethical principles in mind. Cross-sex steroid use places
      transgender adolescents at risk for metabolic disorders, and careful surveillance
      is necessary. In addition, transgender teens are at high risk for depression,
      anxiety and suicidality and have been shown to engage in more high-risk behaviors
      compared with their nontransgender heterosexual counterparts. SUMMARY: Clinicians
      who care for adolescents can play an important role in the counseling, screening,
      health maintenance and support of their patients through the transition process.

PMID- 25127079
TI  - A nurse-managed advocacy clinic in a Hispanic senior center: using a concept
      based clinical practice site to enhance nursing education.
AB  - A nurse-managed advocacy clinic for vulnerable, low-income, non-English-speaking
      elderly Hispanic men and women was developed at a neighborhood community center
      as a clinical site for senior baccalaureate nursing students. In the clinic's 5
      years of operation, nursing students and faculty provided health screenings and
      education as well as referrals to primary care providers, landlords, pharmacies,
      and social workers. In doing so, nursing students were introduced to the concept
      of patient advocacy in a real-world experiential clinical setting, providing an
      effective link between theoretical knowledge discussed in the classroom and
      professional nursing practice. 

PMID- 25127080
TI  - Comparison of student experience with critical events during simulation and acute
      care hospital rotations.
AB  - An exploratory study was conducted to determine critical events for adult
      patients and to verify critical events that nursing students experienced in their
      nursing programs. Sophomores and juniors were surveyed regarding frequency of
      exposure to critical events. Sophomores reported greater differences between
      simulation and clinical practice, with most in simulation. Juniors were more
      balanced in exposure to critical events, in both clinical practice and
      simulation. This information provides feedback on critical events, clinical
      experiences, and how to use simulation to lessen the experience gap. 

PMID- 25127081
TI  - Evaluation of instruments developed to measure the clinical learning environment:
      an integrative review.
AB  - The nature of the clinical learning environment has a huge impact on student
      learning. This article reviews current methods available for evaluating the
      clinical learning environment. Five instruments were identified that measure the
      clinical learning environment. All of these instruments focus solely on the
      student perspective of the clinical learning environment. Although gaining
      student input is important, there are other perspectives that offer valuable
      insights on the nature of the clinical learning environment. The findings from
      this integrative review indicate the need for future development and testing of
      an instrument to evaluate the clinical learning environment from the staff nurse
      and nurse faculty perspective. 

PMID- 25127082
TI  - Post-stress rumination predicts HPA axis responses to repeated acute stress.
AB  - Failure of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to habituate to repeated
      stress exposure is related with adverse health outcomes, but our knowledge of
      predictors of non-habituation is limited. Rumination, defined as repetitive and
      unwanted past-centered negative thinking, is related with exaggerated HPA axis
      stress responses and poor health outcomes. The aim of this study was to test
      whether post-stress rumination was related with non-habituation of cortisol to
      repeated stress exposure. Twenty-seven participants (n=13 females) were exposed
      to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) twice on consecutive afternoons. Post
      stress rumination was measured after the first TSST, and HPA axis responses were
      assessed by measuring salivary cortisol 1 min before, and 1, 10, 20, 60, and 120
      min after both TSSTs. Stress exposure induced HPA axis activation on both days,
      and this activation showed habituation indicated by lower responses to the second
      TSST (F=3.7, p=0.015). Post-stress rumination after the first TSST was associated
      with greater cortisol reactivity after the initial stress test (r=0.45, p<0.05)
      and with increased cortisol responses to the second TSST (r=0.51, p<0.01),
      indicating non-habituation, independently of age, sex, depressive symptoms,
      perceived life stress, and trait rumination. In summary, results showed that
      rumination after stress predicted non-habituation of HPA axis responses. This
      finding implicates rumination as one possible mechanism mediating maladaptive
      stress response patterns, and it might also offer a pathway through which
      rumination might lead to negative health outcomes.

PMID- 25127083
TI  - Peptide YY and ghrelin predict craving and risk for relapse in abstinent smokers.
AB  - Appetite hormones are directly involved in regulating satiety, energy
      expenditure, and food intake, and accumulating evidence suggests their
      involvement in regulating reward and craving for drugs. This study investigated
      the ability of peptide YY (PYY) and ghrelin during the initial 24-48 h of a
      smoking cessation attempt to predict smoking relapse at 4 weeks. Multiple
      regression analysis indicated that increased PYY was associated with decreased
      reported craving and increased positive affect. Cox proportional hazard models
      showed that higher ghrelin levels predicted increased risk of smoking relapse
      (hazard ratio=2.06, 95% CI=1.30-3.27). These results indicate that circulating
      PYY may have buffering effects during the early stages of cessation while ghrelin
      may confer increased risk of smoking relapse. Further investigation of the links
      between these hormones and nicotine dependence is warranted.

PMID- 25127084
TI  - Effect of restorative yoga vs. stretching on diurnal cortisol dynamics and
      psychosocial outcomes in individuals with the metabolic syndrome: the PRYSMS
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chronic stimulation and dysregulation of the neuroendocrine system by
      stress may cause metabolic abnormalities. We estimated how much cortisol and
      psychosocial outcomes improved with a restorative yoga (relaxation) versus a low
      impact stretching intervention for individuals with the metabolic syndrome.
      METHODS: We conducted a 1-year multi-center randomized controlled trial (6-month
      intervention and 6-month maintenance phase) of restorative yoga vs. stretching.
      Participants completed surveys to assess depression, social support, positive
      affect, and stress at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. For each assessment, we
      collected saliva at four points daily for three days and collected response to
      dexamethasone on the fourth day for analysis of diurnal cortisol dynamics. We
      analyzed our data using multivariate regression models, controlling for study
      site, medications (antidepressants, hormone therapy), body mass index, and
      baseline cortisol values. RESULTS: Psychosocial outcome measures were available
      for 171 study participants at baseline, 140 at 6 months, and 132 at 1 year.
      Complete cortisol data were available for 136 of 171 study participants (72 in
      restorative yoga and 64 in stretching) and were only available at baseline and 6
      months. At 6 months, the stretching group had decreased cortisol at waking and
      bedtime compared to the restorative yoga group. The pattern of changes in stress
      mirrored this improvement, with the stretching group showing reductions in
      chronic stress severity and perseverative thoughts about their stress. Perceived
      stress decreased by 1.5 points (-0.4; 3.3, p=0.11) at 6 months, and by 2.0 points
      (0.1; 3.9, p=0.04) at 1 year in the stretching compared to restorative yoga
      groups. Post hoc analyses suggest that in the stretching group only, perceived
      increases in social support (particularly feelings of belonging), but not changes
      in stress were related to improved cortisol dynamics. CONCLUSIONS: We found
      significant decreases in salivary cortisol, chronic stress severity, and stress
      perception in the stretching group compared to the restorative yoga group. Group
      support during the interactive stretch classes may have contributed to these
      changes.

PMID- 25127086
TI  - Who is stressed? A pilot study of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase
      concentrations in agoraphobic patients and their novice therapists undergoing in
      vivo exposure.
AB  - In cognitive behavioural therapy of phobic anxiety, in vivo exposure is
      considered as an effective treatment strategy. Apparently, it involves the
      experience of stress and anxiety in patients. Given the therapist's role during
      exposure sessions, it is conceivable that the performance is also accompanied
      with the experience of stress in therapists, especially when unversed in
      conducting psychotherapy. Studies confirmed that cognitive behavioural therapists
      tend to avoid therapist-guided in vivo exposure. The objective of this study was
      the simultaneous investigation of therapist's and patient's stress response
      during in vivo exposure. Therefore, 23 agoraphobic patients and their 23 treating
      therapists in training provided five saliva samples during an in vivo exposure
      and five samples during an ordinary therapy session. Before and during exposure
      session, subjective evaluations of stress and anxiety were assessed. Results
      suggested that therapists reported similar levels of perceived stress as patients
      before exposure. Both groups displayed significantly elevated salivary cortisol
      (sC) levels during exposure compared to the control session and a trend for
      alterations in salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity was found. Therapists
      reached peak concentrations of sC before start of the intervention followed by a
      decline during exposure, while patients displayed peak levels of cortisol
      secretion after 60 min of exposure. In vivo exposure seems to be a demanding
      intervention not only for the patient, but also for therapists in training.
      However, it was also demonstrated that physiological and subjective stress rather
      decrease during the intervention and that both groups rated exposure to be
      substantially successful. Based on the presented results, another potential
      factor contributing to the under-usage of exposure treatment is conceivable and
      needs to be addressed in future research.

PMID- 25127087
TI  - Rewards and challenges of a career in research and teaching at a liberal arts
      college.

PMID- 25127085
TI  - Coping and glucocorticoid receptor regulation by stress inoculation.
AB  - Intermittent exposure to mildly stressful situations provides opportunities to
      practice coping in the context of exposure psychotherapies and stress inoculation
      training. Previously, we showed that stress inoculation modeled in juvenile
      monkeys enhances subsequent indications of resilience. Here we examine stress
      inoculation effects in adult female monkeys. We found that stress inoculation
      prevents social separation stress induced anhedonia measured using sucrose
      preference tests and reduces the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis stress
      hormone response to a novel environment. Stress inoculation also increases
      glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) gene expression in anterior cingulate cortex but
      not hippocampus. Increased anterior cingulate cortex NR3C1 expression induced by
      stress inoculation is not associated with significant changes in GR1F promoter
      DNA methylation. On average, low levels of promoter DNA methylation and limited
      GR1F expression were evident in monkey anterior cingulate cortex as observed in
      corticolimbic brain regions of adult humans. Taken together these findings
      suggest that stress inoculation in adulthood enhances behavioral and hormonal
      aspects of coping without significantly influencing GR1F promoter DNA methylation
      as a mechanism for NR3C1 transcription regulation. 

PMID- 25127088
TI  - Zebrafish bioassay-guided microfractionation identifies anticonvulsant steroid
      glycosides from the Philippine medicinal plant Solanum torvum.
AB  - Medicinal plants used for the treatment of epilepsy are potentially a valuable
      source of novel antiepileptic small molecules. To identify anticonvulsant
      secondary metabolites, we performed an in vivo, zebrafish-based screen of
      medicinal plants used in Southeast Asia for the treatment of seizures. Solanum
      torvum Sw. (Solanaceae) was identified as having significant anticonvulsant
      activity in zebrafish larvae with seizures induced by the GABAA antagonist
      pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). This finding correlates well with the ethnomedical use
      of this plant in the Philippines, where a water decoction of S. torvum leaves is
      used to treat epileptic seizures. HPLC microfractionation of the bioactive crude
      extract, in combination with the in vivo zebrafish seizure assay, enabled the
      rapid localization of several bioactive compounds that were partially identified
      online by UHPLC-TOF-MS as steroid glycosides. Targeted isolation of the active
      constituents from the methanolic extract enabled the complete de novo structure
      identification of the six main bioactive compounds that were also present in the
      traditional preparation. To partially mimic the in vivo metabolism of these
      triterpene glycosides, their common aglycone was generated by acid hydrolysis.
      The isolated molecules exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity in zebrafish
      seizure assays. These results underscore the potential of zebrafish bioassay
      guided microfractionation to rapidly identify novel bioactive small molecules of
      natural origin.

PMID- 25127090
TI  - Continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion therapy in Addison's disease: a
      randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: Patients with Addison's disease (AD) report impaired subjective health
      status (SHS). Since cortisol exhibits a robust circadian cycle that entrains
      other biological clocks, impaired SHS may be due to the noncircadian cortisol
      profile achieved with conventional glucocorticoid replacement. Continuous
      subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion (CSHI) reproduces a circadian cortisol
      profile, but its effects on SHS have not been objectively evaluated. OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of this study was to determine the effect of CSHI on SHS in AD. SETTING
      AND DESIGN: This was a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of
      CSHI vs oral glucocorticoid therapy. Participants received in random order 4
      weeks of: CSHI and oral placebo, and subcutaneous placebo and oral
      hydrocortisone, separated by a 2-week washout period. SHS was assessed using the
      Short-Form 36 (SF-36), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Fatigue Scale (FS),
      Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS); and Addison's Quality of Life
      Questionnaire (AddiQoL). Participants were asked their (blinded) treatment
      preference. Twenty-four hour urine free cortisol (UFC) and diurnal salivary
      cortisol collections compared cortisol exposure during each treatment. RESULTS:
      Ten participants completed the study. Baseline SHS scores (mean +/- SE) were
      consistent with mild impairment: SF-36 physical component summary 48.4 (+/- 2.4),
      mental component summary 53.3 (+/- 3.0); GHQ-28 18.1 (+/- 3.3); GSRS 3.7 (+/-
      1.6), and AddiQoL 94.7 (+/- 3.7). FS was similar to other AD cohorts 13.5 (+/-
      1.0) (P = 0.82). UFC between treatments was not different (P = 0.87). The
      salivary cortisol at 0800 h was higher during CSHI (P = 0.03), but not at any
      other time points measured. There was no difference between the treatments in the
      SHS assessments. Five participants preferred CSHI, four oral hydrocortisone, and
      one was uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: Biochemical measurements indicate similar
      cortisol exposure during each treatment period, although a more circadian pattern
      was evident during CSHI. CSHI does not improve SHS in AD with good baseline SHS.
      This casts some doubt on the potential benefit of circadian cortisol delivery on
      SHS in AD.

PMID- 25127091
TI  - Normal bone density and fat mass in heterozygous SERPINF1 mutation carriers.
AB  - CONTEXT: Homozygous mutations in SERPINF1 cause deficiency of pigment epithelium
      derived factor (PEDF) and lead to osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type VI, but it is
      not known whether heterozygous mutations in SERPINF1 cause a phenotype.
      OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we therefore assessed family members of
      individuals with OI type VI and compared the results of SERPINF1 mutation
      carriers with those of noncarriers of SERPINF1 mutations. SETTING: This study was
      conducted at a metabolic bone clinic of a pediatric orthopedic hospital.
      SUBJECTS: The study population comprised 29 family members (age range 8-89 y; 18
      females, 11 males) of patients with a diagnosis of OI type VI. Eighteen
      individuals were heterozygous for SERPINF1 mutations, but the others did not
      carry a mutation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PEDF expression was assessed in skin
      fibroblasts from four heterozygous SERPINF1 mutation carriers. Skeletal
      characteristics and body composition were measured using dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Serum samples
      were used to quantify markers of bone metabolism, lipid status, and PEDF.
      RESULTS: Carriers of heterozygous stop or frame shift mutations in SERPINF1 had
      low SERPINF1 transcript levels. Mean PEDF serum concentrations were significantly
      lower in the carrier group than in the noncarriers (P = .04). However, no group
      differences were found with regard to areal bone density at the lumbar spine and
      total body, volumetric bone density at the radius and tibia, body composition,
      lipid status, and markers of bone metabolism. CONCLUSION: Heterozygous SERPINF1
      mutation carriers had no detectable abnormalities in fat and bone, despite
      decreased PEDF expression.

PMID- 25127092
TI  - Ectopic prolactin secretion from a perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of ectopic pituitary hormone secretion requires
      abnormally high circulating hormone levels, absence of a pituitary tumor, and
      localization of the hormone in question to the extrapituitary malignant neoplasm.
      No case of a malignant solid tumor producing prolactin has been documented thus
      far. CASE REPORT: A 47-year-old woman presented with amenorrhea and galactorrhea
      of 3-year duration. Serum prolactin ranged from 300 to > 900 ng/mL, and other
      pituitary and thyroid indices were normal, including testing for
      macroprolactinemia. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed a partially
      empty sella but no tumor. Cabergoline 0.5 mg twice weekly did not affect her
      prolactinemia (1700 to 1900 ng/mL), and the medication was stopped. In the
      meantime, she developed abdominal pain, and a computed tomography scan showed a
      17 * 13 * 8-cm mass abutting the distal stomach, proximal duodenum, and right
      colon. After the tumor was excised, her galactorrhea resolved, menstrual
      periodicity resumed within the first month, and serum prolactin fell to 5 ng/mL.
      Pathological examination of the excised tumor was consistent with perivascular
      epithelioid cell tumor. Between 5 and 10% of the tumor cells were strongly
      positive for prolactin on immunohistochemistry. RT-PCR detected prolactin mRNA in
      the tumor cell extract, confirming the diagnosis of ectopic prolactin synthesis
      and secretion. CONCLUSION: We present the first example of massive and
      symptomatic hyperprolactinemia due to ectopic prolactin production by a solid
      extrapituitary mesenchymal tumor confirmed with both mRNA analysis and
      immunohistochemistry. Ectopic prolactin secretion should be suspected in patients
      with a prolactin >200 ng/mL and negative sellar MRI.

PMID- 25127093
TI  - Conjunctival UV autofluorescence--prevalence and risk factors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Autofluorescence of ultraviolet (UV) light has been shown to occur in
      localised areas of the bulbar conjunctiva, which map to active cellular changes
      due to UV and environmental exposure. This study examined the presence of
      conjunctival UV autofluorescence in eye care practitioners (ECPs) across Europe
      and the Middle East and its associated risk factors. METHOD: Images were captured
      of 307 ECPs right eyes in the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Kuwait,
      Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom
      using a Nikon D100 camera and dual flash units through UV filters. UV
      autofluorescence was outlined using ImageJ software and the nasal and temporal
      area quantified. Subjects were required to complete a questionnaire on their
      demographics and lifestyle including general exposure to UV and refractive
      correction. RESULTS: Average age of the subjects was 38.5+/-12.2 years (range 19
      68) and 39.7% were male. Sixty-two percent of eyes had some conjunctival damage
      as indicated by UV autofluorescence. The average area of damage was higher
      (p=0.005) nasally (2.95+/-4.52mm(2)) than temporally (2.19+/-4.17mm(2)). The area
      of UV damage was not related to age (r=0.03, p=0.674), gender (p=0.194), self
      reported sun exposure lifestyle (p>0.05), geographical location (p=0174),
      sunglasses use (p>0.05) or UV-blocking contact lens use (p>0.05), although it was
      higher in those wearing contact lenses with minimal UV-blocking and no spectacles
      (p=0.015). The area of UV damage was also less nasally in those who wore contact
      lenses and spectacles compared to those with no refractive correction use
      (p=0.011 nasal; p=0.958 temporal). CONCLUSION: UV conjunctival damage is common
      even in Europe, Kuwait and UAE, and among ECPs. The area of damage appears to be
      linked with the use of refractive correction, with greater damage nasally than
      temporally which may be explained by the peripheral light focusing effect.

PMID- 25127089
TI  - Abnormalities in cortical bone, trabecular plates, and stiffness in
      postmenopausal women treated with glucocorticoids.
AB  - CONTEXT: The mechanisms by which glucocorticoids (GCs) increase skeletal
      fragility are not well understood. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to
      evaluate the microarchitecture, trabecular morphology, and biomechanical
      properties of bone in postmenopausal women treated with GCs. DESIGN: This was a
      case-control study. SETTING: The study was conducted at a university hospital
      outpatient facility. PATIENTS: Postmenopausal women treated with oral GCs for
      longer than 3 months (n = 30) and age/race-matched controls (n = 60) participated
      in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Areal bone mineral density aBMD (BMD) by
      dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was measured. Trabecular and cortical
      volumetric BMD (vBMD) and microarchitecture by high-resolution peripheral
      computed tomography of the distal radius and tibia were also measured. Whole-bone
      stiffness was estimated by finite element analysis. A novel technique, individual
      trabecula segmentation, was used to evaluate trabecular type (as plate or rod),
      orientation, and connectivity. RESULTS: DXA T-scores did not differ significantly
      at any site. GC subjects had significantly lower total, cortical, and trabecular
      vBMD and thinner cortices, fewer, thinner, more widely, and irregularly spaced
      trabeculae. They had fewer trabecular plates, fewer axially aligned trabeculae,
      and lower trabecular connectivity. Differences ranged from 4% to 65% for these
      trabecular measures and 5% to 17% for the cortical measures. Whole-bone stiffness
      was significantly lower (11%-16%) in GC subjects. Markers of bone formation
      (osteocalcin and amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen) and resorption
      (C-telopeptide) were lower in the GC subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar areal
      BMD by DXA, GC-treated women had abnormal cortical and trabecular vBMD and
      microarchitecture at both the radius and tibia, including fewer trabecular
      plates, a less axially aligned trabecular network, lower trabecular connectivity,
      thinner cortices, and lower whole-bone stiffness. Further research into these
      abnormalities as mechanisms for fracture in GC-treated women is warranted.

PMID- 25127094
TI  - Rhabdoid differentiation is associated with aggressive behavior in renal cell
      carcinoma: a clinicopathologic analysis of 76 cases with clinical follow-up.
AB  - Rhabdoid differentiation has been associated with aggressive behavior in
      carcinomas from different organ systems. A recent consensus statement of the
      International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP), in addition to proposing a
      nucleolar grading system (ISUP grade) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to replace
      the Fuhrman system, recommended reporting the presence of rhabdoid
      differentiation in RCC and considering tumors with rhabdoid differentiation to be
      ISUP grade 4. Although it has been shown that rhabdoid differentiation is
      associated with increased grade and stage of RCC, it has not been fully
      demonstrated whether it has an adverse effect independent of this association
      with increased grade and stage. We provide the largest clinicopathologic analysis
      of RCC with rhabdoid differentiation to date (76 cases), including
      characterization of metastatic disease. In addition, by constructing a
      multivariable model including tumor grade, stage, necrosis, and distant
      metastasis to compare a series of 49 clear cell RCC with rhabdoid differentiation
      with a cohort of 41 clear cell RCCs without rhabdoid differentiation, we
      demonstrate that the presence of rhabdoid differentiation in clear cell RCC
      confers an increased risk of death (hazard ratio=5.25; 95% confidence interval,
      2.1-14.3) independent of these other adverse prognostic factors. These findings
      underscore the significance of rhabdoid differentiation in RCC as an adverse
      prognostic factor and support the recent reporting and grading recommendations of
      the ISUP. 

PMID- 25127095
TI  - Morphologic and molecular characterization of traditional serrated adenomas of
      the distal colon and rectum.
AB  - Of the serrated polyps, the origin, morphologic features, molecular alterations,
      and natural history of traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs) are the least
      understood. Recent studies suggest that these polyps may arise from precursor
      lesions. The frequencies of KRAS and BRAF mutations vary between these studies,
      and only 1 small study has measured CpG island methylation using current markers
      of methylation. Mutations in GNAS, a gene commonly mutated in colorectal villous
      adenomas, have not been fully evaluated in TSAs. Finally, the expression of
      annexin A10 (ANXA10), a recently discovered marker of sessile serrated
      adenomas/polyps, has not been studied in these polyps. To further characterize
      these polyps, 5 gastrointestinal pathologists reviewed 55 left-sided polyps
      diagnosed as TSA at a single institution. Pathologists assessed various
      histologic features including cytoplasmic eosinophilia, ectopic crypt foci,
      presence of conventional dysplasia, and presence of precursor serrated lesions.
      KRAS, BRAF, and GNAS mutational analysis was performed, as well as CpG island
      methylation and ANXA10 immunohistochemistry. Ectopic crypt foci were seen in 62%
      of TSAs. Precursor lesions were seen in 24% of the study polyps, most of which
      were hyperplastic polyps. KRAS and BRAF mutations were common and were present in
      42% and 48% of polyps, respectively. GNAS mutations occurred in 8% of polyps,
      often in conjunction with a BRAF mutation. Unlike sessile serrated
      adenomas/polyps, TSAs rarely had diffuse expression of ANXA10. Importantly, BRAF
      mutated TSAs had more widespread methylation of a 5-marker CpG island panel
      compared with KRAS-mutated polyps. However, ectopic crypt foci, a proposed
      defining feature of TSA, were not associated with any specific molecular
      alteration. 

PMID- 25127096
TI  - Estimation of normal computed tomography measurements for the upper cervical
      spine in the pediatric age group.
AB  - OBJECT: Upper cervical spine injuries in the pediatric age group have been
      recognized as extremely unstable from ligamentous disruption and as potentially
      lethal. Few measurement norms have been published for the pediatric upper
      cervical spine to help diagnose this pathological state. Instead, adult
      measurement techniques and results are usually applied inappropriately to
      children. The authors propose using high-resolution reconstructed CT scans to
      define a range of normal for a collection of selected upper cervical spine
      measurements in the pediatric age group. METHODS: Sagittal and coronal
      reformatted images were obtained from thin axial CT scans obtained in 42 children
      (< 18 years) in a 2-month period. There were 25 boys and 17 girls. The mean age
      was 100.9 months (range 1-214 months). Six CT scans were obtained for nontrauma
      indications, and 36 were obtained as part of a trauma protocol and later cleared
      for cervical spine injury. Six straightforward and direct linear distances-basion
      dental interval (BDI); atlantodental interval (ADI); posterior atlantodental
      interval (PADI); right and left lateral mass interval (LMI); right and left
      craniocervical interval (CCI); and prevertebral soft-tissue thickness at C-2-that
      minimized logistical and technical distortions were measured and recorded.
      Statistical analysis including interobserver agreement, age stratification, and
      sex differences was performed for each of the 6 measurements. RESULTS: The mean
      ADI was 2.25 +/- 0.24 mm (+/- SD), the mean PADI was 18.3 +/- 0.07 mm, the mean
      BDI was 7.28 +/- 0.10 mm, and the mean prevertebral soft tissue width at C-2 was
      4.45 +/- 0.43 mm. The overall mean CCI was 2.38 +/- 0.44 mm, and the overall mean
      LMI was 2.91 +/- 0.49 mm. Linear regression analysis demonstrated statistically
      significant age effects for PADI (increased 0.02 mm/month), BDI (decreased 0.02
      mm/month), and CCI (decreased 0.01 mm/month). Similarly significant effects were
      found for sex; females demonstrated on average a smaller CCI by 0.26 mm and a
      smaller PADI by 2.12 mm. Moderate to high interrater reliability was demonstrated
      across all parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Age-dependent and age-independent normal CT
      measurements of the upper cervical spine will help to differentiate physiological
      and pathological states in children. The BDI appears to change significantly with
      age but not sex; on the other hand, the LMI and ADI appear to be age-independent
      measures. This preliminary study suggests acceptable levels of interrater
      reliability, and further expanded study will aim to validate these measurements
      to produce a profile of normal upper cervical spine measurements in children.

PMID- 25127097
TI  - Brain metastases in patients diagnosed with a solid primary cancer during
      childhood: experience from a single referral cancer center.
AB  - OBJECT: Metastasis to the brain is frequent in adult cancer patients but rare
      among children. Advances in primary tumor treatment and the associated prolonged
      survival are said to have increased the frequency of brain metastasis in
      children. The authors present a series of cases of brain metastases in children
      diagnosed with a solid primary cancer, evaluate brain metastasis trends, and
      describe tumor type, patterns of occurrence, and prognosis. METHODS: Patients
      with brain metastases whose primary cancer was diagnosed during childhood were
      identified in the 1990-2012 Tumor Registry at The University of Texas M.D.
      Anderson Cancer Center. A review of their hospital records provided demographic
      data, history, and clinical data, including primary cancer sites, number and
      location of brain metastases, sites of extracranial metastases, treatments, and
      outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-four pediatric patients (1.4%) had a brain metastasis
      from a solid primary tumor. Sarcomas were the most common (54%), followed by
      melanoma (15%). The patients' median ages at diagnosis of the primary cancer and
      the brain metastasis were 11.37 years and 15.03 years, respectively. The primary
      cancer was localized at diagnosis in 48% of patients and disseminated regionally
      in only 14%. The primary tumor and brain metastasis presented synchronously in
      15% of patients, and other extracranial metastases were present when the primary
      cancer was diagnosed. The remaining patients were diagnosed with brain metastasis
      after initiation of primary cancer treatment, with a median presentation interval
      of 17 months after primary cancer diagnosis (range 2-77 months). At the time of
      diagnosis, the brain metastasis was the first site of systemic metastasis in only
      4 (8%) of the 51 patients for whom data were available. Up to 70% of patients had
      lung metastases when brain metastases were found. Symptoms led to the brain
      metastasis diagnosis in 65% of cases. Brain metastases were single in 60% of
      cases and multiple in 35%; 6% had only leptomeningeal disease. The median Kaplan
      Meier estimates of survival after diagnoses of primary cancer and brain
      metastasis were 29 months (95% CI 24-34 months) and 9 months (95% CI 6-11
      months), respectively. Untreated patients survived for a median of 0.9 months
      after brain metastasis diagnosis (95% CI 0.3-1.5 months). Those receiving
      treatment survived for a median of 8 months after initiation of therapy (95% CI 6
      11 months). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study challenge the current notion
      of an increased incidence of brain metastases among children with a solid primary
      cancer. The earlier diagnosis of the primary cancer, prior to its dissemination
      to distant sites (especially the brain), and initiation of presumably more
      effective treatments may support such an observation. However, although the
      actual number of cases may not be increasing, the prognosis after the diagnosis
      of a brain metastasis remains poor regardless of the management strategy.

PMID- 25127100
TI  - The deformation of B4C particle in the B4C/2024Al composites after high velocity
      impact.
AB  - In the present work, B4C/2024Al composites with volume fraction of 45% were
      prepared by a pressure infiltration method. The microstructure of the crater
      bottom of B4C/2024Al composite after impact was characterized by transmission
      electron microscope (TEM), which indicated that recovery and dynamic
      recrystallization generated in Al matrix, and the grain size distribution was
      about from dozens of nanometer to 200 nm. Furthermore, the plastic deformation
      was observed in B4C ceramic, which led to the transformation from monocrystal to
      polycrystal ceramic grains. The boundary observed in this work was high-angle
      grain boundary and the two grains at the boundary had an orientation difference
      of 30 degrees .

PMID- 25127099
TI  - Enterocutaneous fistula in the setting of ventriculoperitoneal shunt extrusion
      through the skin and perforation through the small bowel.
AB  - The authors report a case of a 2-year-old boy with postinfectious hydrocephalus,
      managed with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt and complicated by shunt extrusion
      through the cranial skin. The shunt was removed due to concern for infection, and
      the child was found to have an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) communicating along
      the shunt track between the small bowel and a clavicular sinus. Self-closure of
      the ECF was anticipated. Thus, the fistula was managed expectantly with dressing
      changes of the clavicular sinus, while the patient's malnutrition was managed in
      accordance with World Health Organization protocols. The presentation, prognosis
      and management of ECFs, including the likelihood of self-resolution and the role
      of expectant management, are discussed. Additionally, proposed mechanisms of ECF
      formation in the setting of a VP shunt are discussed, with an emphasis on the
      roles of infection and malnutrition. 

PMID- 25127098
TI  - Epilepsy surgery failure in children: a quantitative and qualitative analysis.
AB  - OBJECT: Resection is a safe and effective treatment option for children with
      pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy, but some patients continue experience seizures
      after surgery. While most studies of pediatric epilepsy surgery focus on
      predictors of postoperative seizure outcome, these factors are often not
      modifiable, and the reasons for surgical failure may remain unclear. METHODS: The
      authors performed a retrospective cohort study of children and adolescents who
      received focal resective surgery for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Both
      quantitative and qualitative analyses of factors associated with persistent
      postoperative seizures were conducted. RESULTS: Records were reviewed from 110
      patients, ranging in age from 6 months to 19 years at the time of surgery, who
      underwent a total of 115 resections. At a mean 3.1-year follow-up, 76% of
      patients were free of disabling seizures (Engel Class I outcome). Seizure freedom
      was predicted by temporal lobe surgery compared with extratemporal resection,
      tumor or mesial temporal sclerosis compared with cortical dysplasia or other
      pathologies, and by a lower preoperative seizure frequency. Factors associated
      with persistent seizures (Engel Class II-IV outcome) included residual
      epileptogenic tissue adjacent to the resection cavity (40%), an additional
      epileptogenic zone distant from the resection cavity (32%), and the presence of a
      hemispheric epilepsy syndrome (28%). CONCLUSIONS: While seizure outcomes in
      pediatric epilepsy surgery may be improved by the use of high-resolution
      neuroimaging and invasive electrographic studies, a more aggressive resection
      should be considered in certain patients, including hemispherectomy if a
      hemispheric epilepsy syndrome is suspected. Family counseling regarding treatment
      expectations is critical, and reoperation may be warranted in select cases.

PMID- 25127101
TI  - Discovery of furan-2-carbohydrazides as orally active glucagon receptor
      antagonists.
AB  - Furan-2-carbohydrazides were found as orally active glucagon receptor
      antagonists. Starting from the hit compound 5, we successfully determined the
      structure activity relationships of a series of derivatives obtained by modifying
      the acidity of the phenol. We identified the ortho-nitrophenol as a good scaffold
      for glucagon receptor inhibitory activity. Our efforts have led to the discovery
      of compound 7l as a potent glucagon receptor antagonist with good bioavailability
      and satisfactory long half-life. 

PMID- 25127102
TI  - Development of chiral praziquantel analogues as potential drug candidates with
      activity to juvenile Schistosoma japonicum.
AB  - A series of chiral praziquantel analogues were synthesized and evaluated against
      Schistosoma japonicum both in vitro and in vivo. All compounds exhibited low to
      considerable good activity in vivo. Remarkably, worm reduction rate of R-3 was
      60.0% at a single oral dose of 200mg/kg against juvenile stage of Schistosoma
      japonicum. The target compounds displayed in vivo antischistosomal activity
      against both Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma mansoni. Furthermore, all R
      isomers displayed stronger antischistosomal activity than S-isomers in vivo,
      indicating R-isomers were the active enantiomers, while S-isomers were less
      active ones. This structure activity relationship (SAR) could have important
      implications in further drug development for schistosomiasis. 

PMID- 25127104
TI  - A new series of HAPs as anti-HBV agents targeting at capsid assembly.
AB  - A series of novel Heteroaryldihydropyrimidines (HAPs) derivatives were designed
      and synthesized as potent inhibitors of HBV capsid assembly. These compounds were
      prepared from efforts to optimize an earlier series of HAPs, and compounds Mo1,
      Mo7, Mo8, Mo10, Mo12, and Mo13 demonstrated potent inhibition of HBV DNA
      replication at submicromolar range. 

PMID- 25127103
TI  - Structural studies provide clues for analog design of specific inhibitors of
      Cryptosporidium hominis thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase.
AB  - Cryptosporidium is the causative agent of a gastrointestinal disease,
      cryptosporidiosis, which is often fatal in immunocompromised individuals and
      children. Thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) are
      essential enzymes in the folate biosynthesis pathway and are well established as
      drug targets in cancer, bacterial infections, and malaria. Cryptosporidium
      hominis has a bifunctional thymidylate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase
      enzyme, compared to separate enzymes in the host. We evaluated lead compound 1
      from a novel series of antifolates, 2-amino-4-oxo-5-substituted pyrrolo[2,3
      d]pyrimidines as an inhibitor of Cryptosporidium hominis thymidylate synthase
      with selectivity over the human enzyme. Complementing the enzyme inhibition
      compound 1 also has anti-cryptosporidial activity in cell culture. A crystal
      structure with compound 1 bound to the TS active site is discussed in terms of
      several van der Waals, hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions with the
      protein residues and the substrate analog 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate
      (TS), cofactor NADPH and inhibitor methotrexate (DHFR). Another crystal structure
      in complex with compound 1 bound in both the TS and DHFR active sites is also
      reported here. The crystal structures provide clues for analog design and for the
      design of ChTS-DHFR specific inhibitors. 

PMID- 25127105
TI  - Evaluation of the cyclopentane-1,2-dione as a potential bio-isostere of the
      carboxylic acid functional group.
AB  - Cycloalkylpolyones hold promise in drug design as carboxylic acid bio-isosteres.
      To investigate cyclopentane-1,2-diones as potential surrogates of the carboxylic
      acid functional group, the acidity, tautomerism, and geometry of hydrogen bonding
      of representative compounds were evaluated. Prototypic derivatives of the known
      thromboxane A2 prostanoid (TP) receptor antagonist, 3-(3-(2-((4
      chlorophenyl)sulfonamido)-ethyl)phenyl)propanoic acid, in which the carboxylic
      acid moiety is replaced by the cyclopentane-1,2-dione unit, were synthesized and
      evaluated as TP receptor antagonists. Cyclopentane-1,2-dione derivative 9 was
      found to be a potent TP receptor antagonist with an IC50 value comparable to that
      of the parent carboxylic acid. These results indicate that the cyclopentane-1,2
      dione may be a potentially useful carboxylic acid bio-isostere. 

PMID- 25127107
TI  - Trends in boxed warnings and withdrawals for novel therapeutic drugs, 1996
      through 2012.

PMID- 25127108
TI  - Supportive care needs of cancer patients: A literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This review of the research literature explored the supportive care
      needs of cancer patients of varying ages and genders at varying stages of cancer
      treatment. METHOD: We conducted a search of online databases of peer-reviewed
      studies published in the English language between 2009 and 2014. RESULTS: This
      paper reviews research studies that explored the supportive care needs of cancer
      patients through focus groups, surveys, and interviews. The samples addressed
      varied in age, ethnicity, and gender. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: One major need
      identified was the requirement of informational support. Other essential needs
      included emotional, spiritual, and financial support. Supportive care can be
      administered in various ways-for example, by religious communities or caregivers
      as well as providers. However, healthcare providers must recognize the supportive
      care needs of their patients and incorporate effective resources and
      interventions into treatment plans.

PMID- 25127106
TI  - Polymorphisms in the TNFA and IL6 genes represent risk factors for autoimmune
      thyroid disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) comprises diseases including
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, both characterized by reactivity to
      autoantigens causing, respectively, inflammatory destruction and autoimmune
      stimulation of the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor. AITD is the most common
      thyroid disease and the leading form of autoimmune disease in women. Cytokines
      are key regulators of the immune and inflammatory responses; therefore, genetic
      variants at cytokine-encoding genes are potential risk factors for AITD. METHODS:
      Polymorphisms in the IL6-174 G/C (rs1800795), TNFA-308 G/A (rs1800629), IL1B-511
      C/T (rs16944), and IFNGR1-56 T/C (rs2234711) genes were assessed in a case
      control study comprising 420 Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients, 111 Graves'
      disease patients and 735 unrelated controls from Portugal. Genetic variants were
      discriminated by real-time PCR using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. RESULTS: A
      significant association was found between the allele A in TNFA-308 G/A and
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis, both in the dominant (OR = 1.82, CI = 1.37-2.43, p-value
      = 4.4*10(-5)) and log-additive (OR = 1.64, CI = 1.28-2.10, p-value = 8.2*10(-5))
      models. The allele C in IL6-174 G/C is also associated with Hashimoto's
      thyroiditis, however, only retained significance after multiple testing
      correction in the log-additive model (OR = 1.28, CI = 1.06-1.54, p-value =
      8.9*10(-3)). The group with Graves' disease also registered a higher frequency of
      the allele A in TNFA-308 G/A compared with controls both in the dominant (OR =
      1.85, CI = 1.19-2.87, p-value = 7.0*10(-3)) and log-additive (OR = 1.69, CI =
      1.17-2.44, p-value = 6.6*10(-3)) models. The risk for Hashimoto's thyroiditis and
      Graves' disease increases with the number of risk alleles (OR for two risk
      alleles is, respectively, 2.27 and 2.59). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports
      significant associations of genetic variants in TNFA and IL6 with the risk for
      AITD, highlighting the relevance of polymorphisms in inflammation-related genes
      in the etiopathogenesis of AITD.

PMID- 25127109
TI  - Trans-axillary approach for breast implant exchange in high risk cases of
      irradiated or attenuated skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction with implants after tissue expansion is one of
      the most common methods of reconstruction. Although this approach is generally
      reliable, exchange of breast tissue expander for implant through the standard
      anterior incision presents a challenge in cases with attenuated soft tissue
      envelope due to radiation, thin anatomy, prior surgery, or combination of the
      above. We propose that a trans-axillary approach is a safe and alternate approach
      for implant exchange in the high-risk patients. TECHNIQUE AND CASE EXAMPLES: A
      case series of 16 patients with multiple risk factors for compromised soft tissue
      that underwent a trans-axillary approach for implant exchange is reported. The
      trans-axillary implant exchange technique involves use of a standard 4 cm
      axillary incision, removal of the expander, judicious capsulotomy, placement of
      permanent implant, and closure in three separate tissue layers. RESULTS: All
      trans-axillary cases were successful and all incisions were well healed without
      dehiscence, infection, or seroma. The average patient age was 49.4 years, and 50%
      of patients had received or were scheduled to receive radiation therapy. Nine
      patients underwent unilateral trans-axillary expander exchange while 7 patients
      were bilateral. Median implant size was 360 cc (mean 369 cc, range 150-600 cc),
      and mean follow-up for all patients was over 24 months. There were no cases of
      implant extrusion, capsular contracture requiring re-operation, or lymphedema.
      Six patients underwent concurrent or subsequent nipple reconstruction.
      CONCLUSIONS: This approach illustrates application of a technique commonly used
      in breast aesthetic augmentation to address a common reconstructive dilemma,
      which we believe to be a useful tool in prosthesis-based breast reconstruction,
      especially in patients with compromised soft tissue envelopes.

PMID- 25127110
TI  - Updated S2K AWMF guideline for the diagnosis and follow-up of obstructive
      sialadenitis--relevance for radiologic imaging.
AB  - The interdisciplinarily developed German S2k AWMF guideline for the treatment of
      obstructive sialadenitis represents a new standard in the guideline program of
      the AWMF, the German Society for Consultants and the clinical disciplines working
      in the field of diseases of the head and neck region. In the last few years new
      diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities have been established in obstructive
      chronic Sialadenitis offering individually optimized therapeutic strategies. Only
      a few years ago extirpation of the whole affected gland was the only relevant
      therapy option. Nowadays therapeutic options such as interventional sialendoscopy
      and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) are available in combination
      with marsupialization or incision of the duct. If possible the focus is on
      preserving the main glandular duct. In the following article the relevant aspects
      for the diagnostic radiologic procedures are presented.

PMID- 25127111
TI  - [Diagnostic error: lung cancer].

PMID- 25127112
TI  - Potential utility of a new ulcerative colitis segmental endoscopic index
      combining disease severity and the extent of inflammation.
AB  - GOAL: To investigate the potential utility of a new scoring system, the
      Ulcerative Colitis Segmental Endoscopic Index (UCSEI), which combines measures of
      disease severity and extent of inflammation. BACKGROUND: Intestinal mucosal
      healing (MH) is a new therapeutic goal for ulcerative colitis (UC). Discontinuous
      lesions are common in UC and endoscopic observation of the entire colon is
      important. STUDY: Patients with active mild-to-moderate UC received daily
      treatment with oral mesalazine (4 g/d) and mesalazine enemas (1 g/d) for 8 weeks.
      Endoscopic evaluations, using the UCSEI and Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES), were
      performed in 5 colonic segments at baseline and week 8. The UCSEI criteria
      included erythema, vascular pattern, friability, and erosion/ulcer. The sum of 5
      subscores, determined for each segment, was calculated as the UCSEI. Disease
      activity was also assessed using the UC Disease Activity Index (UCDAI). MH was
      defined as MES=0 to 1. RESULTS: Of 58 patients, 51 completed the scheduled
      endoscopic evaluations. At week 8, the UCDAI score had significantly decreased
      from 6.63 (baseline) to 2.73 (P<0.001). The remission and MH rates were 35.3% and
      55.3%, respectively. Segmental endoscopic evaluation, using UCSEI, showed that
      baseline inflammation tended to be more severe in the distal colon. The baseline
      UCSEI increased with the extent of disease, which was not seen in MES.
      Improvements in UCSEI were observed, even in the patients without decreases in
      the MES. CONCLUSIONS: UCSEI, reflecting disease severity and extent of
      inflammation, provides useful information for UC management that is not available
      with MES.

PMID- 25127113
TI  - Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Acute Variceal Bleeding: A Meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Acute variceal bleeding is the most common lethal
      complication of liver cirrhosis. A meta-analysis was conducted to compare the
      outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to those of
      medical/endoscopic therapy for acute variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.
      METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for all
      relevant comparative studies. Odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CI)were pooled for dichotomous and time-dependent
      variables, respectively. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the type
      of study design (randomized or nonrandomized studies), source of bleeding
      (esophageal or gastric varices), type of stent (covered or bare stent), and
      patient selection (high risk or unselected patients). RESULTS: Six papers were
      eligible. TIPS was superior to medical/endoscopic therapy in decreasing the
      incidence of treatment failure (OR=0.22; 95% CI, 0.11-0.44), improving overall
      survival (HR=0.55; 95% CI, 0.38-0.812), and decreasing the incidence of bleeding
      related death (OR=0.19; 95% CI, 0.06-0.59). Although TIPS did not significantly
      decrease the incidence of rebleeding (OR=0.27; 95% CI, 0.06-1.29), it became
      significantly greater in the subgroup meta-analyses of randomized studies
      (OR=0.09; 95% CI, 0.03-0.32) than in those of nonrandomized studies (OR=0.76; 95%
      CI, 0.40-1.45; subgroup difference, P=0.003), and in the subgroup meta-analyses
      of studies including high-risk patients (OR=0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.23) than in
      those including low-risk patients (OR=0.83; 95% CI, 0.44-1.56; subgroup
      difference, P=0.0007). In addition, TIPS did not significantly increase the
      incidence of posttreatment hepatic encephalopathy (OR=1.37; 95% CI, 0.63-2.99).
      CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of the benefit of prevention from treatment
      failure, TIPS with covered stents might improve the overall survival of high-risk
      patients with acute variceal bleeding.

PMID- 25127114
TI  - Long-term Outcomes of Symptomatic Gallbladder Sludge.
AB  - GOALS AND BACKGROUND: Long-term outcomes of symptomatic gallbladder (GB) sludge
      are not fully established. This study aimed to determine whether patients with
      symptomatic GB sludge could experience subsequent biliary events. STUDY: This
      study investigated consecutive patients who presented with typical biliary pain
      and underwent abdominal ultrasonography from March 2003 to December 2012. A
      prospectively maintained database of these patients, excluding those with
      gallstones, was reviewed retrospectively. We compared the development of biliary
      events such as acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis
      between both GB sludge and non-GB sludge cohorts. RESULTS: In all, 58 and 70
      patients were diagnosed with and without GB sludge, respectively. The 5-year
      cumulative biliary event rate was significantly higher in the GB sludge (33.9%
      vs. 15.8%, P=0.021) and the hazard ratio of subsequent biliary events was 2.573
      (95% confidence interval, 1.124-5.889; P=0.025) in patients with GB sludge. The 5
      year cumulative rate of each biliary event was higher in the GB sludge cohort
      (15.6% vs. 5.3% in acute cholecystitis, 15.5% vs. 5.3% in acute cholangitis,
      18.4% vs. 11.1% in acute pancreatitis, respectively), although it was not
      statistically significant. Among the GB sludge cohort, subsequent biliary events
      were less frequent in patients who underwent cholecystectomy compared with those
      who did not (2/16, 12.5% vs. 17/42, 40.4%; P=0.067). CONCLUSIONS: GB sludge
      accompanying typical biliary pain can cause subsequent biliary events and
      cholecystectomy may prevent subsequent biliary events. Therefore, GB sludge would
      be considered as a culprit of biliary events.

PMID- 25127115
TI  - Rate of Recurrent Luminal Esophageal Cancer in Asymptomatic Patients After
      Curative Treatment for Esophageal Cancer.
AB  - GOALS: The goal of this study was to determine the luminal recurrence rate of
      asymptomatic patients undergoing annual surveillance esophagogastroduodenoscopy
      (EGD). BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend surveillance EGD in
      postesophagectomy patients with esophageal cancer if there is clinical suspicion
      of local recurrence. However, many patients undergo annual surveillance EGD
      despite the recommendations to the contrary. STUDY: A query was performed of all
      patients who underwent esophagectomy between January 2000 and April 2010 at
      Moffitt Cancer Center. Patients were included if: they underwent esophagectomy
      with curative intent, had at least 12 months of follow-up after surgery, and had
      a R0 resection. Clinical and pathologic data in patients with and without
      recurrent disease were compared using the Fisher exact tests. Mean differences
      were examined using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: 346 patients were
      included with a mean age of 63.5+/-10.4 years and mean follow-up of 40.9+/-24.8
      months. Recurrence was detected in 89 (25.7%) patients at a mean follow-up of
      17.9+/-15.9 months after surgery. Seventeen (19.1%) patients had recurrence
      involving the esophagus but 7 (7.9%) patients had associated regional or distant
      metastases. Nine patients had abnormal signs/symptoms prompting evaluation with
      EGD. One patient had isolated luminal recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the
      majority of patients recurred in the metastatic setting. One (0.29%) patient had
      localized recurrence; however, it was unclear if this patient had any symptoms or
      signs to prompt evaluation. Our results support the current recommendation of a
      symptom-base endoscopic evaluation for esophageal cancer recurrence.

PMID- 25127117
TI  - Outcome of pregnancy following second- or third-trimester intrauterine fetal
      death.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcomes of a pregnancy after a second- or third
      trimester intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). METHODS: A prospective observational
      study was conducted at Trousseau Hospital (Paris, France) between 1996 and 2011.
      The first ongoing pregnancy in women who had had a previous IUFD was monitored.
      Management of their treatment was according to a standardized protocol.
      Recurrence of fetal death was the main outcome criterion. RESULTS: The subsequent
      pregnancies of 87 women who had experienced at least one previous IUFD were
      followed up. The cause of previous IUFD was placental in 50 (57%) women, unknown
      in 19 (22%), adnexal in 12 (14%), metabolic in 2 (2%), and malformative in 4
      (5%). Three (3%) participants had another stillbirth. Overall, obstetric
      complications occurred in 34 (39%) pregnancies (including 22 [25%] preterm
      births, 5 [6%] small for gestational age, and 6 [7%] maternal vascular
      complications). Obstetric complications were significantly more common among
      women whose previous stillbirth had been due to placental causes than among those
      affected by other causes (P=0.02). CONCLUSION: Most pregnancies after IUFD
      resulted in a live birth; however, adverse obstetric outcomes were more common
      when the previous stillbirth was due to placental causes.

PMID- 25127116
TI  - Metformin protects cardiomyocyte from doxorubicin induced cytotoxicity through an
      AMP-activated protein kinase dependent signaling pathway: an in vitro study.
AB  - Doxorubicin (Dox) is one of the most widely used antitumor drugs, but its
      cumulative cardiotoxicity have been major concerns in cancer therapeutic practice
      for decades. Recent studies established that metformin (Met), an oral anti
      diabetic drug, provides protective effects in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Met has
      been shown to increase fatty acid oxidation, an effect mediated by AMP activated
      protein kinase (AMPK). Here we delineate the intracellular signaling factors
      involved in Met mediated protection against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity in the
      H9c2 cardiomyoblast cell line. Treatment with low dose Met (0.1 mM) increased
      cell viabilities and Ki-67 expressions while decreasing LDH leakages, ROS
      generations and [Ca2+]i. The protective effect was reversed by a co-treatment
      with compound-C, an AMPK specific inhibitor, or by an over expression of a
      dominant-negative AMPKalpha cDNA. Inhibition of PKA with H89 or a suppression of
      Src kinase by a small hairpin siRNA also abrogated the protective effect of the
      low dose Met. Whereas, with a higher dose of Met (1.0 mM), the protective effects
      were abolished regardless of the enhanced AMPK, PKA/CREB1 and Src kinase
      activity. In high dose Met treated cells, expression of platelet-derived growth
      factor receptor (PDGFR) was significantly suppressed. Furthermore, the protective
      effect of low dose Met was totally reversed by co-treatment with AG1296, a PDGFR
      specific antagonist. These data provide in vitro evidence supporting a signaling
      cascade by which low dose Met exerts protective effects against Dox via
      sequential involvement of AMPK, PKA/CREB1, Src and PDGFR. Whereas high dose Met
      reverses the effect by suppressing PDGFR expression. 

PMID- 25127118
TI  - Neuronal cellular responses to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field
      exposure: implications regarding oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.
AB  - Neurodegenerative diseases comprise both hereditary and sporadic conditions
      characterized by an identifying progressive nervous system dysfunction and
      distinctive neuopathophysiology. The majority are of non-familial etiology and
      hence environmental factors and lifestyle play key roles in their pathogenesis.
      The extensive use of and ever increasing worldwide demand for electricity has
      stimulated societal and scientific interest on the environmental exposure to low
      frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human health. Epidemiological studies
      suggest a positive association between 50/60-Hz power transmission fields and
      leukemia or lymphoma development. Consequent to the association between EMFs and
      induction of oxidative stress, concerns relating to development of
      neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease (AD), have been voiced as
      the brain consumes the greatest fraction of oxygen and is particularly vulnerable
      to oxidative stress. Exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF)-EMFs are reported
      to alter animal behavior and modulate biological variables, including gene
      expression, regulation of cell survival, promotion of cellular differentiation,
      and changes in cerebral blood flow in aged AD transgenic mice. Alterations in
      inflammatory responses have also been reported, but how these actions impact
      human health remains unknown. We hence evaluated the effects of an
      electromagnetic wave (magnetic field intensity 1 mT; frequency, 50-Hz) on a well
      characterized immortalized neuronal cell model, human SH-SY5Y cells. ELF-EMF
      exposure elevated the expession of NOS and O2(-), which were countered by
      compensatory changes in antioxidant catylase (CAT) activity and enzymatic kinetic
      parameters related to CYP-450 and CAT activity. Actions of ELF-EMFs on cytokine
      gene expression were additionally evaluated and found rapidly modified.
      Confronted with co-exposure to H2O2-induced oxidative stress, ELF-EMF proved not
      as well counteracted and resulted in a decline in CAT activity and a rise in O2(
      ) levels. Together these studies support the further evaluation of ELF-EMF
      exposure in cellular and in vivo preclinical models to define mechanisms
      potentially impacted in humans.

PMID- 25127119
TI  - Oligosaccharide substrate preferences of human extracellular sulfatase Sulf2
      using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based glycomics approaches.
AB  - Sulfs are extracellular endosulfatases that selectively remove the 6-O-sulfate
      groups from cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) chain. By altering the sulfation at
      these particular sites, Sulfs function to remodel HS chains. As a result of the
      remodeling activity, HSulf2 regulates a multitude of cell-signaling events that
      depend on interactions between proteins and HS. Previous efforts to characterize
      the substrate specificity of human Sulfs (HSulfs) focused on the analysis of HS
      disaccharides and synthetic repeating units. In this study, we characterized the
      substrate preferences of human HSulf2 using HS oligosaccharides with various
      lengths and sulfation degrees from several naturally occurring HS sources by
      applying liquid chromatography mass spectrometry based glycomics methods. The
      results showed that HSulf2 preferentially digests highly sulfated HS
      oligosaccharides with zero acetyl groups and this preference is length dependent.
      In terms of length of oligosaccharides, HSulf2 digestion induced more sulfation
      decrease on DP6 (DP: degree of polymerization) compared to DP2, DP4 and DP8. In
      addition, the HSulf2 preferentially digests the oligosaccharide domain located at
      the non-reducing end (NRE) of the HS and heparin chain. In addition, the HSulf2
      digestion products were altered only for specific isomers. HSulf2 treated NRE
      oligosaccharides also showed greater decrease in cell proliferation than those
      from internal domains of the HS chain. After further chromatographic separation,
      we identified the three most preferred unsaturated hexasaccharide for HSulf2. 

PMID- 25127120
TI  - Automated segmentation and quantification of white matter hyperintensities in
      acute ischemic stroke patients with cerebral infarction.
AB  - White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) of presumed vascular origin are common in
      ageing population, especially in patients with acute cerebral infarction and the
      volume has been reported to be associated with mental impairment and the risk of
      hemorrhage from antithrombotic agents. WMHs delineation can be computerized to
      minimize human bias. However, the presence of cerebral infarcts greatly degrades
      the accuracy of WMHs detection and thus limits the application of computerized
      delineation to patients with acute cerebral infarction. We propose a computer
      assisted segmentation method to depict WMHs in the presence of cerebral infarcts
      in combined T1-weighted, fluid attenuation inversion recovery, and diffusion
      weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The proposed method detects WMHs by
      empirical threshold and atlas information, with subtraction of white matter
      voxels affected by acute infarction. The method was derived using MRI from 25
      hemispheres with WMHs only and 13 hemispheres with both WMHs and cerebral
      infarcts. Similarity index (SI) and correlation were utilized to assess the
      agreement between the new automated method and a gold standard visually guided
      semi-automated method done by an expert rater. The proposed WMHs segmentation
      approach produced average SI, sensitivity and specificity of 83.142+/-11.742,
      84.154+/-16.086 and 99.988+/-0.029% with WMHs only and of 68.826+/-14.036,
      74.381+/-18.473 and 99.956+/-0.054% with both WMHs and cerebral infarcts in the
      derivation cohort. The performance of the proposed method with an external
      validation cohort was also highly consistent with that of the experienced rater. 

PMID- 25127121
TI  - Inhibition of c-Myc overcomes cytotoxic drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia
      cells by promoting differentiation.
AB  - Nowadays, drug resistance still represents a major obstacle to successful acute
      myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment and the underlying mechanism is not fully
      elucidated. Here, we found that high expression of c-Myc was one of the
      cytogenetic characteristics in the drug-resistant leukemic cells. c-Myc over
      expression in leukemic cells induced resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs,
      enhanced colony formation capacity and inhibited cell differentiation induced by
      all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Meanwhile, inhibition of c-Myc by shRNA or
      specific c-Myc inhibitor 10058-F4 rescued the sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs,
      restrained the colony formation ability and promoted differentiation. RT-PCR and
      western blotting analysis showed that down-regulation of C/EBPbeta contributed to
      the poor differentiation state of leukemic cells induced by c-Myc over
      expression. Importantly, over-expression of C/EBPbeta could reverse c-Myc induced
      drug resistance. In primary AML cells, the c-Myc expression was negatively
      correlated with C/EBPbeta. 10058-F4, displayed anti-proliferative activity and
      increased cellular differentiation with up-regulation of C/EBPbeta in primary AML
      cells. Thus, our study indicated that c-Myc could be a novel target to overcome
      drug resistance, providing a new approach in AML therapy. 

PMID- 25127122
TI  - Image-based three-dimensional conformal brachytherapy for medically inoperable
      endometrial carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Definitive radiotherapy is a viable option for medically inoperable
      patients with early stage endometrial cancer. We present our experience using
      image-based brachytherapy (BT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with medically
      inoperable clinical Stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma received definitive BT
      with or without external beam radiotherapy. High-dose-rate BT was delivered using
      MRI- or CT-based planning for each fraction. For patients with an MRI, gross
      tumor volume (GTV) was contoured although dose was still prescribed to the
      clinical treatment volume (CTV), including the entire uterus, cervix, and upper 1
      2 cm of vagina. Equivalent 2 Gy doses (EQD2) were calculated. RESULTS: Thirty
      eight patients were treated from 2007 to 2013, 20 receiving BT alone with a
      median dose of 37.5 Gy in five to six fractions. For combined therapy, median
      external beam and BT doses were 45 and 25 Gy in four to five fractions. With 15
      month median followup, the 2-year actuarial local control and overall survival
      were 90.6% and 94.4%. No Grade 2-5 late toxicities were observed. Mean CTV D90
      EQD2 for BT alone and combined therapy was 48.6 +/- 5.6 and 72.4 +/- 6.0 Gy,
      whereas mean GTV D90 EQD2 was 172.3 +/- 59.6 and 138.0 +/- 64.6 Gy. CONCLUSIONS:
      Image-based BT is feasible for medically inoperable early stage endometrial
      cancer with excellent early results. Despite low CTV doses, high doses delivered
      to GTV with BT likely accounts for high local control. Endometrial cancer
      guidelines for image-based planning are needed to define target volumes based on
      risk with differential dose delivery.

PMID- 25127123
TI  - Permanent prostate brachytherapy with or without supplemental external beam
      radiotherapy as practiced in Japan: outcomes of 1300 patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report outcomes for men treated with iodine-125 ((125)I) prostate
      brachytherapy (BT) at a single institution in Japan. METHODS AND MATERIALS:
      Between 2003 and 2009, 1313 patients (median age, 68 years) with clinically
      localized prostate cancer were treated with (125)I BT. Median prostate-specific
      antigen level was 7.6 ng/mL (range, 1.1-43.3). T-stage was T1c in 60%, T2 in 39%,
      and T3 in 1% of patients. The Gleason score was <7, 7, and >7 in 49%, 45%, and 6%
      of patients, respectively. Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy was used in
      40% of patients and combined external beam radiotherapy of 45 Gy in 48% of
      patients. Postimplant dosimetry was performed after 30 days after implantation,
      with total doses converted to the biologically effective dose. Survival functions
      were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox hazard model. RESULTS: Median
      followup was 67 months (range, 6-126). The 7-year biochemical freedom from
      failure for low-, intermediate-, and selected high-risk prostate cancers were
      98%, 93%, and 81%, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified the
      Gleason score, initial prostate-specific antigen level, positive biopsy rate,
      dose, and neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy as predictors for biochemical
      freedom from failure. The 7-year actuarial developing Grade 3+ genitourinary and
      gastrointestinal toxicity was 2% and 0.3%, respectively. Forty-four percent
      patients with normal baseline potency retained normal erectile function at 5
      years. CONCLUSIONS: (125)I prostate BT is a highly effective treatment option for
      low-, intermediate-, and selected high-risk prostate cancers. Side effects were
      tolerable. An adequate dose may be required to achieve successful biochemical
      control.

PMID- 25127124
TI  - Development and implementation of a clinical needs assessment to support nursing
      and midwifery students with a disability in clinical practice: part 1.
AB  - Equality and disability legislation, coupled with increasing numbers of students
      with a disability, and inadequate supports in clinical practice, acted as
      catalysts to explore how best to support undergraduate nursing and midwifery
      students on clinical placements. Historically, higher education institutions
      provide reasonable accommodations for theoretical rather than clinical modules
      for practice placements. This paper describes the development and implementation
      of a Clinical Needs Assessment designed to identify the necessary supports or
      reasonable accommodations for nursing and midwifery students with a disability
      undertaking work placements in clinical practice. The existing literature, and
      consultation with an expert panel, revealed that needs assessments should be
      competency based and clearly identify the core skills or elements of practice
      that the student must attain to achieve proficiency and competence. The five
      Domains of Competence, advocated by An Bord Altranais, the Nursing and Midwifery
      Board of Ireland, formed the framework for the Clinical Needs Assessment. A panel
      of experts generated performance indicators to enable the identification of
      individualised reasonable accommodations for year 1 nursing and midwifery
      students in one Irish University. Development and implementation of the Clinical
      Needs Assessment promoted equality, inclusion and a level playing field for
      nursing and midwifery students with a disability in clinical practice. 

PMID- 25127127
TI  - Reduction of hydrogen peroxide accumulation and toxicity by a catalase from
      Mycoplasma iowae.
AB  - Mycoplasma iowae is a well-established avian pathogen that can infect and damage
      many sites throughout the body. One potential mediator of cellular damage by
      mycoplasmas is the production of H2O2 via a glycerol catabolic pathway whose
      genes are widespread amongst many mycoplasma species. Previous sequencing of M.
      iowae serovar I strain 695 revealed the presence of not only genes for H2O2
      production through glycerol catabolism but also the first documented mycoplasma
      gene for catalase, which degrades H2O2. To test the activity of M. iowae catalase
      in degrading H2O2, we studied catalase activity and H2O2 accumulation by both M.
      iowae serovar K strain DK-CPA, whose genome we sequenced, and strains of the H2O2
      producing species Mycoplasma gallisepticum engineered to produce M. iowae
      catalase by transformation with the M. iowae putative catalase gene, katE. H2O2
      mediated virulence by M. iowae serovar K and catalase-producing M. gallisepticum
      transformants were also analyzed using a Caenorhabditis elegans toxicity assay,
      which has never previously been used in conjunction with mycoplasmas. We found
      that M. iowae katE encodes an active catalase that, when expressed in M.
      gallisepticum, reduces both the amount of H2O2 produced and the amount of damage
      to C. elegans in the presence of glycerol. Therefore, the correlation between the
      presence of glycerol catabolism genes and the use of H2O2 as a virulence factor
      by mycoplasmas might not be absolute. 

PMID- 25127128
TI  - Systemic RNAi delivery to the muscles of ROSA26 mice reduces lacZ expression.
AB  - RNAi has potential for therapeutically downregulating the expression of
      dominantly inherited genes in a variety of human genetic disorders. Here we used
      the ROSA26 mouse, which constitutively expresses the bacterial lacZ gene in
      tissues body wide, as a model to test the ability to downregulate gene expression
      in striated muscles. Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAVs) were
      generated that express short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) able to target the lacZ mRNA.
      Systemic delivery of these rAAV6 vectors led to a decrease of beta-galactosidase
      expression of 30-50-fold in the striated muscles of ROSA26 mice. However, high
      doses of vectors expressing 21 nucleotide shRNA sequences were associated with
      significant toxicity in both liver and cardiac muscle. This toxicity was reduced
      in cardiac muscle using lower vector doses. Furthermore, improved knockdown in
      the absence of toxicity was obtained by using a shorter (19 nucleotide) shRNA
      guide sequence. These results support the possibility of using rAAV vectors to
      deliver RNAi sequences systemically to treat dominantly inherited disorders of
      striated muscle. 

PMID- 25127126
TI  - Smad4 regulates ureteral smooth muscle cell differentiation during mouse
      embryogenesis.
AB  - Proper formation of ureteral smooth muscle cells (SMCs) during embryogenesis is
      essential for ureter peristalsis that propels urine from the kidney to the
      bladder in mammals. Currently the molecular factors that regulate differentiation
      of ureteral mesenchymal cells into SMCs are incompletely understood. A recent
      study has reported that Smad4 deficiency reduces the number of ureteral SMCs.
      However, its precise role in the ureteral smooth muscle development remains
      largely unknown. Here, we used Tbx18:Cre knock-in mouse line to delete Smad4 to
      examine its requirement in the development of ureteral mesenchyme and SMC
      differentiation. We found that mice with specific deletion of Smad4 in Tbx18
      expressing ureteral mesenchyme exhibited hydroureter and hydronephrosis at
      embryonic day (E) 16.5, and the mutant mesenchymal cells failed to differentiate
      into SMCs with increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation. Molecular markers
      for SMCs including alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and smooth muscle myosin
      heavy chain (SM-MHC) were absent in the mutant ureters. Moreover, disruption of
      Smad4 significantly reduced the expression of genes, including Sox9, Tbx18 and
      Myocardin associated with SMC differentiation. These findings suggest that Smad4
      is essential for initiating the SMC differentiation program during ureter
      development. 

PMID- 25127129
TI  - Graph-based inter-subject pattern analysis of FMRI data.
AB  - In brain imaging, solving learning problems in multi-subjects settings is
      difficult because of the differences that exist across individuals. Here we
      introduce a novel classification framework based on group-invariant graphical
      representations, allowing to overcome the inter-subject variability present in
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data and to perform multivariate
      pattern analysis across subjects. Our contribution is twofold: first, we propose
      an unsupervised representation learning scheme that encodes all relevant
      characteristics of distributed fMRI patterns into attributed graphs; second, we
      introduce a custom-designed graph kernel that exploits all these characteristics
      and makes it possible to perform supervised learning (here, classification)
      directly in graph space. The well-foundedness of our technique and the robustness
      of the performance to the parameter setting are demonstrated through inter
      subject classification experiments conducted on both artificial data and a real
      fMRI experiment aimed at characterizing local cortical representations. Our
      results show that our framework produces accurate inter-subject predictions and
      that it outperforms a wide range of state-of-the-art vector- and parcel-based
      classification methods. Moreover, the genericity of our method makes it is easily
      adaptable to a wide range of potential applications. The dataset used in this
      study and an implementation of our framework are available at
      http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.1086317. 

PMID- 25127130
TI  - An engineered factor Va prevents bleeding induced by anticoagulant wt activated
      protein C.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An increased risk of bleeding is observed in patients receiving
      activated protein C (APC), which may be a limiting factor for the application of
      novel APC therapies. Since APC's therapeutic effects often require its
      cytoprotective activities on cells but not APC's anticoagulant activities, an
      agent that specifically antagonizes APC's anticoagulant effects but not its
      cytoprotective effects could provide an effective means to control concerns for
      risk of bleeding. We hypothesized that superFVa, an engineered activated FVa
      variant that restores hemostasis in hemophilia could reduce APC-induced bleeding.
      APPROACH AND RESULTS: SuperFVa was engineered with mutations of the APC cleavage
      sites (Arg506/306/679Gln) and a disulfide bond (Cys609-Cys1691) between the A2
      and A3 domains, which augment its biological activity and cause high resistance
      to APC. SuperFVa normalized APC-prolonged clotting times and restored APC
      suppressed thrombin generation in human and murine plasma at concentrations where
      wild-type (wt) FVa did not show effects. Following intravenous injection of APC
      into BALB/c mice, addition to whole blood ex vivo of superFVa but not wt-FVa
      significantly normalized whole blood clotting. Blood loss following tail clip or
      liver laceration was significantly reduced when superFVa was administered
      intravenously to BALB/c mice prior to intravenous APC-treatment. Furthermore,
      superFVa abolished mortality (~50%) associated with excessive bleeding following
      liver laceration in mice treated with APC. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide proof
      of concept that superFVa is effective in preventing APC-induced bleeding and may
      provide therapeutic benefits as a prohemostatic agent in various situations where
      bleeding is a serious risk.

PMID- 25127131
TI  - Birth weight reference percentiles for Chinese.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a reference of population-based gestational age-specific
      birth weight percentiles for contemporary Chinese. METHODS: Birth weight data was
      collected by the China National Population-based Birth Defects Surveillance
      System. A total of 1,105,214 live singleton births aged >=28 weeks of gestation
      without birth defects during 2006-2010 were included. The lambda-mu-sigma method
      was utilized to generate percentiles and curves. RESULTS: Gestational age
      specific birth weight percentiles for male and female infants were constructed
      separately. Significant differences were observed between the current reference
      and other references developed for Chinese or non-Chinese infants. CONCLUSION:
      There have been moderate increases in birth weight percentiles for Chinese
      infants of both sexes and most gestational ages since 1980s, suggesting the
      importance of utilizing an updated national reference for both clinical and
      research purposes.

PMID- 25127132
TI  - A novel compound NSC745885 exerts an anti-tumor effect on tongue cancer SAS cells
      in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent cancer, especially
      in developing countries. Anthracyclines and their anthraquinone derivatives, such
      as doxorubicin, exhibit a cell growth inhibitory effect and have been used as
      anti-cancer drugs for many years. However, the cardiotoxicity of anthracycline
      antibiotics is a major concern in their clinical application. NSC745885 is a
      novel compound synthesized from 1,2-diaminoanthraquinone, which subsequently
      reacts with thionyl chloride and triethylamine. The present study aimed to
      investigate the anti-oral cancer potential and the safety of NSC745885. METHODS:
      We investigated the anti-cancer potential of NSC745885 in oral squamous carcinoma
      cell lines and in an in vivo oral cancer xenograft mouse model. The expression of
      apoptotic related genes were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR and western bloting,
      and the in vivo assessment of apoptotic marker were measured by
      immunohistochemical staining. The anti-tumor efficiency and safety between
      doxorubicin and NSC745885 were also compared. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated
      that NSC745885 exhibits anti-oral cancer activity through the induction of
      apoptosis in cancer cells and in tumor-bearing mice, and this treatment did not
      induce marked toxicity in experimental mice. This compound also exhibits a
      comparable anti-tumor efficiency and a higher safety in experimental mice when
      compared to doxorubicin. CONCLUSIONS: The data of this study provide evidence for
      NSC745885 as a potential novel therapeutic drug for the treatment of human OSCC.

PMID- 25127133
TI  - Dietary regimens modify early onset of obesity in mice haploinsufficient for
      Rai1.
AB  - Smith-Magenis syndrome is a complex genomic disorder in which a majority of
      individuals are obese by adolescence. While an interstitial deletion of
      chromosome 17p11.2 is the leading cause, mutation or deletion of the RAI1 gene
      alone results in most features of the disorder. Previous studies have shown that
      heterozygous knockout of Rai1 results in an obese phenotype in mice and that
      Smith-Magenis syndrome mouse models have a significantly reduced fecundity and an
      altered transmission pattern of the mutant Rai1 allele, complicating large,
      extended studies in these models. In this study, we show that breeding C57Bl/6J
      Rai1+/- mice with FVB/NJ to create F1 Rai1+/- offspring in a mixed genetic
      background ameliorates both fecundity and Rai1 allele transmission phenotypes.
      These findings suggest that the mixed background provides a more robust platform
      for breeding and larger phenotypic studies. We also characterized the effect of
      dietary intake on Rai1+/- mouse growth during adolescent and early adulthood
      developmental stages. Animals fed a high carbohydrate or a high fat diet gained
      weight at a significantly faster rate than their wild type littermates. Both high
      fat and high carbohydrate fed Rai1+/- mice also had an increase in body fat and
      altered fat distribution patterns. Interestingly, Rai1+/- mice fed different
      diets did not display altered fasting blood glucose levels. These results suggest
      that dietary regimens are extremely important for individuals with Smith-Magenis
      syndrome and that food high in fat and carbohydrates may exacerbate obesity
      outcomes.

PMID- 25127134
TI  - Modifying lipid rafts promotes regeneration and functional recovery.
AB  - Ideal strategies to ameliorate CNS damage should promote both neuronal survival
      and axon regeneration. The receptor Neogenin promotes neuronal apoptosis. Its
      ligand prevents death, but the resulting repulsive guidance molecule a (RGMa)
      Neogenin interaction also inhibits axonal growth, countering any prosurvival
      benefits. Here, we explore strategies to inhibit Neogenin, thus simultaneously
      enhancing survival and regeneration. We show that bone morphogenetic protein
      (BMP) and RGMa-dependent recruitment of Neogenin into lipid rafts requires an
      interaction between RGMa and Neogenin subdomains. RGMa or Neogenin peptides that
      prevent this interaction, BMP inhibition by Noggin, or reduction of membrane
      cholesterol all block Neogenin raft localization, promote axon outgrowth, and
      prevent neuronal apoptosis. Blocking Neogenin raft association influences axonal
      pathfinding, enhances survival in the developing CNS, and promotes survival and
      regeneration in the injured adult optic nerve and spinal cord. Moreover, lowering
      cholesterol disrupts rafts and restores locomotor function after spinal cord
      injury. These data reveal a unified strategy to promote both survival and
      regeneration in the CNS. 

PMID- 25127135
TI  - Single-cell imaging of caspase-1 dynamics reveals an all-or-none inflammasome
      signaling response.
AB  - Inflammasome-mediated caspase-1 activation is involved in cell death and the
      secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). Although
      the dynamics of caspase-1 activation, IL-1beta secretion, and cell death have
      been examined with bulk assays in population-level studies, they remain poorly
      understood at the single-cell level. In this study, we conducted single-cell
      imaging using a genetic fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensor that
      detects caspase-1 activation. We determined that caspase-1 exhibits all-or-none
      (digital) activation at the single-cell level, with similar activation kinetics
      irrespective of the type of inflammasome or the intensity of the stimulus. Real
      time concurrent detection of caspase-1 activation and IL-1beta release
      demonstrated that dead macrophages containing activated caspase-1 release a local
      burst of IL-1beta in a digital manner, which identified these macrophages as the
      main source of IL-1beta within cell populations. Our results highlight the value
      of single-cell analysis in enhancing understanding of the inflammasome system and
      chronic inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 25127136
TI  - A pseudouridine residue in the spliceosome core is part of the filamentous growth
      program in yeast.
AB  - Although pseudouridine nucleobases are abundant in tRNAs, rRNAs, and small
      nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), they are not known to have physiologic roles in cell
      differentiation. We have identified a pseudouridine residue (Psi28) on
      spliceosomal U6 snRNA that is induced during filamentous growth of Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae. Pus1p catalyzes this modification and is upregulated during
      filamentation. Several U6 snRNA mutants are strongly pseudouridylated at Psi28.
      Remarkably, these U6 mutants activate pseudohyphal growth, dependent upon Pus1p,
      arguing that U6-Psi28 per se can initiate at least part of the filamentous growth
      program. We confirmed this by using a designer small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA)
      targeting U6-U28 pseudouridylation. Conversely, mutants that block U6-U28
      pseudouridylation inhibit pseudohyphal growth. U6-U28 pseudouridylation changes
      the splicing efficiency of suboptimal introns; thus, Pus1p-dependent
      pseudouridylation of U6 snRNA contributes to the filamentation growth program.

PMID- 25127137
TI  - Gli3 repressor controls cell fates and cell adhesion for proper establishment of
      neurogenic niche.
AB  - Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) rely on environmental
      signals provided by the neurogenic niche for their proper function. However,
      little is known about the initial steps of niche establishment, as embryonic
      radial glia transition to postnatal NSCs. Here, we identify Gli3 repressor
      (Gli3R), a component of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway, as a critical factor
      controlling both cell-type specification and structural organization of the
      developing SVZ. We demonstrate that Gli3R expressed in radial glia temporally
      regulates gp130/STAT3 signaling at the transcriptional level to suppress glial
      characteristics in differentiating ependymal cells. In addition, Gli3R maintains
      the proper level of Numb in ependymal cells to allow localization of cell
      adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) and E-cadherin.
      Thus, our findings reveal a role for Gli3R as a mediator of niche establishment
      and provide insights into the conditions required for proper SVZ neurogenic niche
      formation. 

PMID- 25127138
TI  - Costs and benefits of mutational robustness in RNA viruses.
AB  - The accumulation of mutations in RNA viruses is thought to facilitate rapid
      adaptation to changes in the environment. However, most mutations have
      deleterious effects on fitness, especially for viruses. Thus, tolerance to
      mutations should determine the nature and extent of genetic diversity that can be
      maintained in the population. Here, we combine population genetics theory,
      computer simulation, and experimental evolution to examine the advantages and
      disadvantages of tolerance to mutations, also known as mutational robustness. We
      find that mutational robustness increases neutral diversity and, as expected, can
      facilitate adaptation to a new environment. Surprisingly, under certain
      conditions, robustness may also be an impediment for viral adaptation, if a
      highly diverse population contains a large proportion of previously neutral
      mutations that are deleterious in the new environment. These findings may inform
      therapeutic strategies that cause extinction of otherwise robust viral
      populations. 

PMID- 25127140
TI  - Global scaling down of excitatory postsynaptic responses in cerebellar Purkinje
      cells impairs developmental synapse elimination.
AB  - Synapse elimination is crucial for precise neural circuit formation during
      postnatal development. We examined how relative differences in synaptic strengths
      among competing inputs and/or absolute synaptic strengths contribute to climbing
      fiber (CF) to Purkinje cell (PC) synapse elimination in the cerebellum. We
      generated mice with PC-selective deletion of stargazin (TARP gamma-2), the major
      AMPA receptor auxiliary subunit in PCs (gamma-2 PC-KO mice). Whereas relative
      differences between "strong" and "weak" CF-mediated postsynaptic response are
      preserved, absolute strengths of CF inputs are scaled down globally in PCs of
      gamma-2 PC-KO mice. Although the early phase of CF elimination is normal,
      dendritic translocation of the strongest CF and the late phase of CF elimination
      that requires Ca(2+)-dependent activation of Arc/Arg3.1 in PCs are both impaired
      in gamma-2 PC-KO mice. We conclude that, although relative differences in CF
      synaptic inputs are initially essential, proper synaptic scaling is crucial for
      accomplishing CF synapse elimination.

PMID- 25127139
TI  - Oncogene mimicry as a mechanism of primary resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
AB  - Despite the development of potent RAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      pathway inhibitors, only a fraction of BRAF-mutant patients benefit from
      treatment with these drugs. Using a combined chemogenomics and chemoproteomics
      approach, we identify drug-induced RAS-RAF-MEK complex formation in a subset of
      BRAF-mutant cancer cells characterized by primary resistance to vemurafenib. In
      these cells, autocrine interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion may contribute to the
      primary resistance phenotype via induction of JAK/STAT3 and MAPK signaling. In a
      subset of cell lines, combined IL-6/MAPK inhibition is able to overcome primary
      resistance to BRAF-targeted therapy. Overall, we show that the signaling
      plasticity exerted by primary resistant BRAF-mutant cells is achieved by their
      ability to mimic signaling features of oncogenic RAS, a strategy that we term
      "oncogene mimicry." This model may guide future strategies for overcoming primary
      resistance observed in these tumors.

PMID- 25127141
TI  - Escape from telomere-driven crisis is DNA ligase III dependent.
AB  - Short dysfunctional telomeres are capable of fusion, generating dicentric
      chromosomes and initiating breakage-fusion-bridge cycles. Cells that escape the
      ensuing cellular crisis exhibit large-scale genomic rearrangements that drive
      clonal evolution and malignant progression. We demonstrate that there is an
      absolute requirement for fully functional DNA ligase III (LIG3), but not ligase
      IV (LIG4), to facilitate the escape from a telomere-driven crisis. LIG3- and LIG4
      dependent alternative (A) and classical (C) nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ)
      pathways were capable of mediating the fusion of short dysfunctional telomeres,
      both displaying characteristic patterns of microhomology and deletion. Cells that
      failed to escape crisis exhibited increased proportions of C-NHEJ-mediated
      interchromosomal fusions, whereas those that escaped displayed increased
      proportions of intrachromosomal fusions. We propose that the balance between
      inter- and intrachromosomal telomere fusions dictates the ability of human cells
      to escape crisis and is influenced by the relative activities of A- and C-NHEJ at
      short dysfunctional telomeres.

PMID- 25127142
TI  - Balanced activity of three mitotic motors is required for bipolar spindle
      assembly and chromosome segregation.
AB  - Bipolar spindle assembly requires force to organize the microtubule network.
      Here, we show that three motor proteins, namely Eg5, Kif15, and dynein, act
      together to produce the right force balance in the spindle. Excessive inward
      force results in monopolar spindle formation, while excessive outward force
      generation results in unstable spindles with splayed spindle poles. Blocking
      activity of all three motors prevents bipolar spindle formation, but established
      bipolar spindles are refractory to loss of all motor activity. Further analysis
      shows that although these preformed spindles remain bipolar, outward force
      generation is required to establish sufficient tension on kinetochores and to
      accomplish successful chromosome segregation. Together, these results show how
      Eg5, Kif15, and dynein work together to build a bipolar spindle and reveal an
      important role for antagonistic motors in chromosome segregation.

PMID- 25127144
TI  - Sox6 and Otx2 control the specification of substantia nigra and ventral tegmental
      area dopamine neurons.
AB  - Distinct midbrain dopamine (mDA) neuron subtypes are found in the substantia
      nigra pars compacta (SNc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), but it is mainly
      SNc neurons that degenerate in Parkinson's disease. Interest in how mDA neurons
      develop has been stimulated by the potential use of stem cells in therapy or
      disease modeling. However, very little is known about how specific dopaminergic
      subtypes are generated. Here, we show that the expression profiles of the
      transcription factors Sox6, Otx2, and Nolz1 define subpopulations of mDA neurons
      already at the neural progenitor cell stage. After cell-cycle exit, Sox6
      selectively localizes to SNc neurons, while Otx2 and Nolz1 are expressed in a
      subset of VTA neurons. Importantly, Sox6 ablation leads to decreased expression
      of SNc markers and a corresponding increase in VTA markers, while Otx2 ablation
      has the opposite effect. Moreover, deletion of Sox6 affects striatal innervation
      and dopamine levels. We also find reduced Sox6 levels in Parkinson's disease
      patients. These findings identify Sox6 as a determinant of SNc neuron development
      and should facilitate the engineering of relevant mDA neurons for cell therapy
      and disease modeling.

PMID- 25127145
TI  - Sex-dependent gene expression in human pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Males and females have a variety of sexually dimorphic traits, most of which
      result from hormonal differences. However, differences between male and female
      embryos initiate very early in development, before hormonal influence begins,
      suggesting the presence of genetically driven sexual dimorphisms. By comparing
      the gene expression profiles of male and X-inactivated female human pluripotent
      stem cells, we detected Y-chromosome-driven effects. We discovered that the sex
      determining gene SRY is expressed in human male pluripotent stem cells and is
      induced by reprogramming. In addition, we detected more than 200 differentially
      expressed autosomal genes in male and female embryonic stem cells. Some of these
      genes are involved in steroid metabolism pathways and lead to sex-dependent
      differentiation in response to the estrogen precursor estrone. Thus, we propose
      that the presence of the Y chromosome and specifically SRY may drive sex-specific
      differences in the growth and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.

PMID- 25127143
TI  - Quantification of crypt and stem cell evolution in the normal and neoplastic
      human colon.
AB  - Human intestinal stem cell and crypt dynamics remain poorly characterized because
      transgenic lineage-tracing methods are impractical in humans. Here, we have
      circumvented this problem by quantitatively using somatic mtDNA mutations to
      trace clonal lineages. By analyzing clonal imprints on the walls of colonic
      crypts, we show that human intestinal stem cells conform to one-dimensional
      neutral drift dynamics with a "functional" stem cell number of five to six in
      both normal patients and individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis
      (germline APC(-/+)). Furthermore, we show that, in adenomatous crypts (APC(-/-)),
      there is a proportionate increase in both functional stem cell number and the
      loss/replacement rate. Finally, by analyzing fields of mtDNA mutant crypts, we
      show that a normal colon crypt divides around once every 30-40 years, and the
      division rate is increased in adenomas by at least an order of magnitude. These
      data provide in vivo quantification of human intestinal stem cell and crypt
      dynamics.

PMID- 25127146
TI  - Creation of a computer self-efficacy measure: analysis of internal consistency,
      psychometric properties, and validity.
AB  - Computer self-efficacy is an often studied construct that has been shown to be
      related to an array of important individual outcomes. Unfortunately, existing
      measures of computer self-efficacy suffer from several deficiencies, including
      criterion contamination, outdated wording, and/or inadequate psychometric
      properties. For this reason, the current article presents the creation of a new
      computer self-efficacy measure. In Study 1, an over-representative item list is
      created and subsequently reduced through exploratory factor analysis to create an
      initial measure, and the discriminant validity of this initial measure is tested.
      In Study 2, the unidimensional factor structure of the initial measure is
      supported through confirmatory factor analysis and further reduced into a final,
      12-item measure. In Study 3, the convergent and criterion validity of the 12-item
      measure is tested. Overall, this three study process demonstrates that the new
      computer self-efficacy measure has superb psychometric properties and internal
      reliability, and demonstrates excellent evidence for several aspects of validity.
      It is hoped that the 12-item computer self-efficacy measure will be utilized in
      future research on computer self-efficacy, which is discussed in the current
      article.

PMID- 25127147
TI  - Triazolopyrimidine compounds containing first-row transition metals and their
      activity against the neglected infectious Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.
AB  - Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease remain a significant global problem. Current
      treatments have serious disadvantage due to cost, toxicity, long therapy duration
      and resistance. In the last years increasing interest has arisen in drug
      development to fight both diseases. Recently, metal-based drugs have revealed as
      promising drugs in a variety of therapeutic areas. Herein we describe six newly
      synthesized transition metal complexes with a bioactive molecule 5,7-dimethyl
      1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (dmtp). All of them have been characterized by X
      ray, spectroscopic and thermal methods. In vitro and in vivo studies (murine
      model) on the antiproliferative activity of these complexes against Leishmania
      spp. (Leishmania infantum, Leishmania braziliensis) and Trypanosoma cruzi have
      been carried out. Our results reveal a strong potential of three of the assayed
      compounds as antiparasitic agents against the above-mentioned infectious
      diseases. 

PMID- 25127148
TI  - Some molecular targets for antihyperlipidemic drug research.
AB  - High levels of cholesterol and other lipid constituents are major risk factors in
      the development of atherosclerosis as well as diseases and disorders associated
      with it. Though, drugs of various categories acting through different mechanisms
      are available for antihyperlipidemic therapy, there are limitations associated
      with each of them, keeping the interest in discovery of newer and better
      antihyperlipidemic drugs alive. Identification and exploitation of novel
      molecular targets for discovery of new antihyperlipidemic drugs is an important
      area of research. Twenty such drug targets are elaborated herein, for their
      biochemical roles, structures, estimations, as well as, exploitation for new drug
      discovery research. Few recently discovered drugs are based on such molecular
      targets are also discussed. 

PMID- 25127149
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogues
      with aromatic side chains attached at C-17.
AB  - Two new analogues of the steroid hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with
      aromatic side chains attached at C-17 were designed to investigate their effects
      on VDR, HL-60 cell differentiation and tumor cell proliferation. These analogues
      were prepared by the classical photochemical ring opening approach. After the
      protection of both the 1alpha- and 3beta-hydroxyl in 1alpha
      hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone with TBS groups, followed by bromination with NBS
      and debromination in the presence of gamma-collidine, the diene intermediate was
      obtained. Hydrazone formation followed by iodine oxidation gave a vinyl iodide.
      The aromatic side chain at C-17 was introduced via the Negishi coupling of the
      resulting intermediate with an in situ generated zinc reagent with the
      substituted aryl bromide (CD-side chain) in the presence of catalytic amount of
      Pd(PPh3)4. After the removal of the TBDMS and MOM protective groups, followed by
      UV irradiation and the subsequent thermal reaction, the 1alpha,25-(OH)2-D3
      analogues with a substituted phenyl ring attached at C-17 to replace the C-20 and
      C-21 were prepared. In the VDR competitive binding assay, compounds 2 and 3
      almost lost their binding ability, and were only 0.01% and 0.015% as potent as
      the 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. However, compounds 2 and 3 were as potent as
      1alpha,25-(OH)2-D3 in inducing HL-60 cell differentiation at concentrations of
      30, 100, 300, 1000 nM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 2 and 3 exhibited
      similar or better antiproliferative potency against MCF-7 human breast cancer
      cells, the IC50 values for analogues 2, 3 and the natural hormone were 7.08,
      7.56, and 12.5 MUM, respectively. 

PMID- 25127150
TI  - Synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity of new series of benzothiazole and
      pyrimido[2,1-b]benzothiazole derivatives.
AB  - New series of benzothiazole and pyrimido[2,1-b]benzothiazole derivatives were
      synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectrometrical methods (IR,
      HRMS, (1)H and (13)C NMR). Nineteen of the synthesized compounds were selected by
      the National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA, to be screened for their antitumor
      activity at a single dose (10 MUM) against a panel of 60 cancer cell lines. The
      most active compounds, 4, 6, 10, 14, 17 and 20 were selected for further
      evaluation at five dose level screening. Compounds 17 (GI50 = 0.44 MUM, TGI = 1.2
      MUM and LC50 MG-MID = 6.6 MUM) and 4 (GI50 = 0.77 MUM, TGI = 2.08 MUM and LC50 MG
      MID = 11.74 MUM) were proved to be the most active members in this study. 3D and
      2D pharmacophoric maps for the structural features of both compounds were
      studied. 

PMID- 25127151
TI  - Extending the N-linked aminopiperidine class to the mycobacterial gyrase domain:
      pharmacophore mapping from known antibacterial leads.
AB  - Bacterial DNA gyrase is a well-established and clinically validated target to
      develop novel antibacterial. Our effort was designated to search for
      synthetically better compounds with possibility of hit to lead development. With
      this as objective, a series of 1-(2-(4-aminopiperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1,5
      naphthyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives were designed by molecular hybridization
      strategy and synthesized following nine step reaction to yield activity in low
      nanomolar range and commendable antibacterial activities. Compound 1-(4
      fluorophenyl)-3-(1-(2-(7-methoxy-2-oxo-1,5-naphthyridin-1(2H)-yl)ethyl)piperidin
      4-yl)urea (35) emerged as the most promising inhibitor with an IC50 of 78 nM
      against Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA gyrase enzyme, with MTB MIC of 0.62 MUM,
      and not cytotoxic at 50 MUM in eukaryotic cell line. 

PMID- 25127152
TI  - Novel multi-targeting anthra[2,3-b]thiophene-5,10-diones with guanidine
      containing side chains: interaction with telomeric G-quadruplex, inhibition of
      telomerase and topoisomerase I and cytotoxic properties.
AB  - Novel generations of antitumor anthraquinones are expected to be advantageous
      over the conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Previous structure-activity
      relationship studies demonstrated an importance of the positively charged side
      chains conjugated to anthra[2,3-b]thiophene-5,10-dione scaffolds. Exploring a
      role of individual side chain moieties in binding to the duplex and G-quadruplex
      DNA, modulation of telomerase and topoisomerase I activities, intracellular
      accumulation and cytostatic potency, we herein analyzed a series of reported and
      newly synthesized guanidine-containing derivatives of anthra[2,3-b]thiophene-5,10
      dione. We found that the number of cationic side chains (namely, two) is critical
      for a tight interaction with human telomeric G-quadruplex (TelQ). Along with a
      larger drug-TelQ association constant, the telomerase attenuation by
      anthrathiophenediones with two basic groups in the side chains was more
      pronounced than by the analogs bearing one basic group. For mono-guanidinated
      compounds the substituent with the amino group in the side chain provided better
      TelQ affinity than the methylamine residue. The intracellular uptake of the mono
      guanidino derivative with two side chains was >2-fold higher than the respective
      value for the bis(guanidino) derivative. This difference can explain a lower
      antiproliferative potency of bis(guanidine) containing compounds. Thus, the
      modifications of side chains of anthra[2,3-b]thiophene-5,10-dione differently
      modulated drug-target interactions and cellular effects. Nevertheless, the
      selected compound 11-(3-aminopropylamino)-4-(2-guanidinoethylamino)anthra[2,3
      b]thiophene-5,10-dione 13 demonstrated a high affinity to TelQ and the ability to
      stabilize the quadruplex structure. These properties were paralleled by
      reasonable potency of 13 as a telomerase/topoisomerase I inhibitor and an
      antiproliferative agent. These results indicate that the structural elements of
      anthra[2,3-b]thiophene-5,10-dione derivatives can be balanced to yield a
      candidate for further preclinical study. 

PMID- 25127153
TI  - Synthesis of genistein coupled with sugar derivatives and their inhibitory effect
      on nitric oxide production in macrophages.
AB  - The isoflavone genistein 1 and some derivatives modulate IL-12, TNF-alpha and NO
      production by macrophages and lung cancer cell lines, and improve the clinical
      signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Seven genistein
      derivatives connected at C-6 position of a sugar, such as d-glucose and d
      galactose, were synthesized. The ability to modulate macrophage response was
      evaluated, showing variable inhibition capacity of NO and TNF-alpha production in
      J774.A1 and RAW 264.7. Five of the seven compounds were non-cytotoxic; compound 8
      was more effective to inhibit NO and TNF-alpha production, without affecting cell
      viability. 

PMID- 25127155
TI  - A case of secondary syphilis demonstrating nephrotic syndrome and a solitary
      intrahepatic mass in a human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected patient.
AB  - A 37-year-old, human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected Japanese man was referred
      because of nephrotic syndrome following emergence of generalized skin rash.
      Serological tests for syphilis turned out to be positive within ten months of the
      referral. Abdominal echography incidentally revealed a solitary intrahepatic mass
      without a detectable blood flow in segment 7. The patient's signs and symptoms,
      as well as the intrahepatic mass, resolved promptly after administration of
      amoxicillin. We consider that, in the present case, secondary syphilis caused the
      nephrotic syndrome and the intrahepatic mass, both of which have rarely been
      reported to date. 

PMID- 25127154
TI  - Novel thienopyrimidinones as mGluR1 antagonists.
AB  - There has been much attention to discover mGluR1 antagonists for treating various
      central nervous system diseases such as seizures and neuropathic pain.
      Thienopyrimidinone derivatives were designed, synthesized, and biologically
      evaluated against mGluR1. Among the synthesized compounds, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7
      (o-tolyl)thienopyrimidin-4-one 30 exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity
      with an IC50 value of 45 nM and good selectivity over mGluR5. Also, the selective
      mGluR1 antagonist 30 showed marginal hERG channel activity (IC50 = 9.87 MUM),
      good profiles to CYP isozymes, and a good pharmacokinetic profile. Overall, the
      compound 30 was identified as a selective mGluR1 antagonist with a good
      pharmacokinetic profile, which is probably devoid of cardiac side effect and drug
      drug interactions. Therefore, the compound 30 can be expected to be broadly used
      as mGluR1 antagonistic chemical probe in in vitro and in vivo study for
      investigating CNS diseases. 

PMID- 25127156
TI  - Fulminant pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype
      027 in a healthy young woman in Japan.
AB  - In the past two decades, Clostridium difficile polymerase chain reaction ribotype
      027 strain has rapidly emerged as the leading cause of antibiotic-associated
      colitis in North America and Europe; however, it has been reported only
      occasionally in Japan. We report a case of fulminant pseudomembranous colitis
      caused by this strain in a healthy young woman in Japan without any previous
      medical history. The strain isolated from our patient was susceptible to both
      gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin, thus representing a historic strain. The
      acquisition of fluoroquinolone resistance was reported as the important key
      genetic event linked to the virulence of this strain. It is noteworthy that the
      fluoroquinolone-susceptible 027 strain caused fulminant colitis in a healthy
      young woman in a non-endemic area. Our experience suggests that C. difficile PCR
      ribotype 027 has the potential virulence factors that are not associated with a
      fluoroquinolone resistance-conferring mutation.

PMID- 25127157
TI  - Sleep and exercise: a reciprocal issue?
AB  - Sleep and exercise influence each other through complex, bilateral interactions
      that involve multiple physiological and psychological pathways. Physical activity
      is usually considered as beneficial in aiding sleep although this link may be
      subject to multiple moderating factors such as sex, age, fitness level, sleep
      quality and the characteristics of the exercise (intensity, duration, time of
      day, environment). It is therefore vital to improve knowledge in fundamental
      physiology in order to understand the benefits of exercise on the quantity and
      quality of sleep in healthy subjects and patients. Conversely, sleep disturbances
      could also impair a person's cognitive performance or their capacity for exercise
      and increase the risk of exercise-induced injuries either during extreme and/or
      prolonged exercise or during team sports. This review aims to describe the
      reciprocal fundamental physiological effects linking sleep and exercise in order
      to improve the pertinent use of exercise in sleep medicine and prevent sleep
      disorders in sportsmen. 

PMID- 25127158
TI  - Co-infection with 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' and Borrelia afzelii in an
      Ixodes ricinus tick that has bitten a human in Romania.
AB  - Despite the vast importance of ticks as disease vectors, the infectious agents
      transmitted by ticks are still incompletely known in many areas. Here, we report
      for the first time the detection of the bacterium 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia
      mikurensis' in Romania, in an Ixodes ricinus tick obtained from a human.
      Furthermore, the tick also had a co-infection with Borrelia afzelii. 'Candidatus
      Neoehrlichia mikurensis' is one of the most recent discoveries of a tick-borne
      agent, and has been found in human patients in several European countries as well
      as in China. 

PMID- 25127159
TI  - Highly sensitive method for diagnosis of subclinical B. ovis infection.
AB  - Babesia ovis is a tick-transmitted protozoa parasite that infects small ruminants
      causing fever, anaemia, hemoglobinuria, anorexia and, in acute cases, death.
      Common in tropical and sub-tropical areas, the presence of this parasite in sheep
      herds has an economic impact on industry and therefore sensitive methods for the
      diagnosis and disease eradication are required. To achieve this goal, a semi
      nested PCR for B. ovis specific identification was developed and consequent
      reaction conditions and enzymes were optimized and tested with field samples. 300
      blood samples from small ruminants and 39 ticks from Rhipicephalus genus were
      collected from different regions of Portugal. Afterwards, DNA extraction was
      performed and conventional and semi-nested PCR were accomplished for all samples.
      The results obtained from both methodologies were compared and the sensitivity
      was evaluated. Employing the semi-nested PCR it was possible to identify a higher
      number of positive cases among the evaluated samples than using the conventional
      PCR, namely 38/300 blood samples and 7/39 ticks. However, fragment amplification
      was only observed in 5 out of 300 blood samples and in none of the 39 ticks when
      a conventional PCR was employed. The validation of the results was achieved by
      sequencing the DNA fragments corresponding to the hypervariable v4 region of the
      18S ribosomal RNA gene and performing an alignment with sequences already
      published on GenBank((r)). The ticks collected in this study belong to the
      Rhipicephalus genus, although other species could be involved as a vector in the
      Babesia spread. The diagnostic assay here described is presently the most
      effective and sensitive method for detection of B. ovis in field blood samples
      and ticks, enabling the detection up to 1 parasite into 10(9) erythrocytes. 

PMID- 25127160
TI  - Studies of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in sheep experimentally infected with the
      human NY-18 isolate: characterization of tick feeding sites.
AB  - Anaplasma phagocytophilum, transmitted by ticks of the genus Ixodes, was first
      described in Scotland as the agent of tick-borne fever in sheep and more recently
      as the cause of human granulocytic anaplasmosis in the U.S. and Europe. We
      previously reported sheep as an experimental host for the human NY-18 isolate of
      A. phagocytophilum. While clinical signs were not observed and infected
      granulocytes were not seen in stained blood smears, these sheep served as a good
      host for infection of ticks. In this research we characterized tick feeding sites
      to better understand tick/host/pathogen interactions. Ixodes scapularis adults
      were allowed to feed for 2 and 4 days on experimentally infected sheep, after
      which biopsies were taken beneath tick feeding sites for histopathology, PCR and
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies. In addition, the expression of selected
      immune response genes was studied in blood and feeding site biopsies. While
      necrosis was too advanced in 4-day biopsies for accurate cell counts, higher
      numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils were found in 2-day biopsies from infected
      sheep as compared with the uninfected controls. An unexpected result was the
      documentation of higher dermal inflammation in infected sheep at sites without
      ticks. A. phagocytophilum infected granulocytes were localized by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) in skin biopsies using rabbit antibodies against the
      recombinant A. phagocytophilum major surface protein 4 as the primary antibody
      for indirect peroxidase-anti-peroxidase and fluorescent antibody IHC. These
      infected cells are likely to be the source of infection for ticks. Sheep
      therefore served as good hosts for studying host/pathogen/tick interactions of
      this human strain of A. phagocytophilum, and provided a means of producing
      infected ticks for future studies on tick/pathogen developmental and transmission
      cycles. 

PMID- 25127161
TI  - Occurrence of ticks and prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia
      burgdorferi s.l. in three types of urban biotopes: forests, parks and cemeteries.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to compare different urban biotopes for the
      occurrence of ixodid tick species, for the population density of Ixodes ricinus
      and for the prevalence rates of two emerging, zoonotic pathogens. Altogether 2455
      ticks were collected from the vegetation on 30 places (forests, parks,
      cemeteries) of Budapest, Hungary. I. ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna were
      collected in all three biotope types, but Dermacentor reticulatus only in parks
      and forests, and D. marginatus only in a forest. Highest population density of I.
      ricinus was observed in neglected parts of cemeteries. In females of this tick
      species the prevalence rates of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia
      burgdorferi s.l. were significantly lower in cemeteries, than in parks or
      forests. In conclusion, risks associated with the presence of ticks and tick
      borne pathogens may be high in a city, but this depends on biotope types, due to
      habitat-related differences in the vegetation, as well as in the availability of
      tick hosts and pathogen reservoirs. 

PMID- 25127162
TI  - Aqueous two-phase (PEG4000/Na2SO4) extraction and characterization of an acid
      invertase from potato tuber (Solanum tuberosum).
AB  - Invertases are key metabolic enzymes that catalyze irreversible hydrolysis of
      sucrose into fructose and glucose. Plant invertases have essential roles in
      carbohydrate metabolism, plant development, and stress responses. To study their
      isolation and purification from potato, an attractive system useful for the
      separation of biological molecules, an aqueous two-phase system, was used. The
      influence of various system parameters such as type of phase-forming salts,
      polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecular mass, salt, and polymer concentration was
      investigated to obtain the highest recovery of enzyme. The PEG4000 (12.5%,
      w/w)/Na2SO4(15%, w/w) system was found to be ideal for partitioning invertase
      into the bottom salt-rich phase. The addition of 3% MnSO4 (w/w) at pH 5.0
      increased the purity by 5.11-fold with the recovered activity of 197%. The Km and
      Vmax on sucrose were 3.95 mM and 0.143 U mL(-1) min(-1), respectively. Our data
      confirmed that the PEG4000/Na2SO4 aqueous two-phase system combined with the
      presence of MnSO4 offers a low-cost purification of invertase from readily
      available potato tuber in a single step. The biochemical characteristics of
      temperature and pH stability for potato invertase prepared from an ATPS make the
      enzyme a good candidate for its potential use in many research and industrial
      applications. 

PMID- 25127163
TI  - Repurposing human PDE4 inhibitors for neglected tropical diseases: design,
      synthesis and evaluation of cilomilast analogues as Trypanosoma brucei PDEB1
      inhibitors.
AB  - A medicinal chemistry exploration of the human phosphodiesterase 4 (hPDE4)
      inhibitor cilomilast (1) was undertaken in order to identify inhibitors of
      phosphodiesterase B1 of Trypanosoma brucei (TbrPDEB1). T. brucei is the parasite
      which causes African sleeping sickness, a neglected tropical disease that affects
      thousands each year, and TbrPDEB1 has been shown to be an essential target of
      therapeutic relevance. Noting that 1 is a weak inhibitor of TbrPDEB1, we report
      the design and synthesis of analogs of this compound, culminating in 12b, a sub
      micromolar inhibitor of TbrPDEB1 that shows modest inhibition of T. brucei
      proliferation. 

PMID- 25127164
TI  - Rupestonic acids B-G, NO inhibitory sesquiterpenoids from Artemisia rupestris.
AB  - Six new guaiane sesquiterpenoids, rupestonic acids B-G (1-6), have been isolated
      from the whole plants of Artemisia rupestris together with six known compounds (7
      12). The structures of the new isolates (1-6) were elucidated on the basis of
      extensive 1D and 2D NMR analysis, and the absolute configurations were
      established by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) in combination with density
      functional theory calculations. In in vitro bioassays, compounds 2 and 6
      exhibited significant inhibitory effects on LPS-stimulated NO production in BV-2
      microglial cells with IC50 values of 2.6 and 2.2 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 25127166
TI  - Cryptochinones from Cryptocarya chinensis act as farnesoid X receptor agonists.
AB  - Cryptochinones A-D are tetrahydroflavanones isolated from the leaves of
      Cryptocarya chinensis, an evergreen tree whose extracts are believed to have a
      variety of health benefits. The origin of their possible bioactivity is unclear.
      The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of nuclear receptor superfamily that
      has been widely targeted for developing treatments for chronic liver disease and
      for hyperglycemia. We studied whether cryptochinones A-D, which are structurally
      similar to known FXR ligands, may act at this target. Indeed, in mammalian one
      hybrid and transient transfection reporter assays, cryptochinones A-D
      transactivated FXR to modulate promoter action including GAL4, SHP, CYP7A1, and
      PLTP promoters in dose-dependent manner, while they exhibited similar agonistic
      activity as chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), an endogenous FXR agonist. Through
      molecular modeling docking studies we evaluated their ability to bind to the FXR
      ligand binding pocket. Our results indicate that cryptochinones A-D can behave as
      FXR agonists. 

PMID- 25127165
TI  - A new phenylpropanoid and an alkylglycoside from Piper retrofractum leaves with
      their antioxidant and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity.
AB  - Two new compounds, piperoside (1) and isoheptanol 2(S)-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1
      >6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (11), along with 10 known compounds 3,4
      dihydroxyallylbenzene (2), 1,2-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-4-allylbenzene (3),
      tachioside (4), benzyl-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), icariside F2 (6),
      dihydrovomifoliol-3'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), isopropyl O-beta-D
      glucopyranoside (8), isopropyl primeveroside (9), n-butyl O-beta-D
      glucopyranoside (10), isoheptanol 2(S)-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1->6)-O-beta-D
      glucopyranoside (12), were isolated from the leaves of Piper retrofractum. Their
      structures were determined from 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, and HR-ESI-MS spectral, a
      modified Mosher's method, and comparisons with previous reports. All of the
      isolated compounds showed modest alpha-glucosidase inhibitory (4.60+/-1.74% to
      11.97+/-3.30%) and antioxidant activities under the tested conditions.

PMID- 25127167
TI  - New class of methyl tetrazole based hybrid of (Z)-5-benzylidene-2-(piperazin-1
      yl)thiazol-4(%H)-one as potent antitubercular agents.
AB  - In search of potential therapeutics for tuberculosis, we describe here the
      synthesis and in vitro antitubercular activity of a novel series of thiazolone
      piperazine tetrazole derivatives. Among all the synthesized derivatives, four
      compounds (10, 14, 20 and 33) exhibited more potent activity (MIC=3.08, 3.01,
      2.62 and 2.51 MUM) than ethambutol (MIC=9.78 MUM) and pyrazinamide (MIC=101.53
      MUM) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Furthermore, they displayed no toxicity
      against Vero cells (C1008) and mouse bone marrow derived macrophages (MBMDMphi).
      These investigated analogues have emerged as possible lead molecule to enlarge
      the scope of the study.

PMID- 25127168
TI  - Comparison of saponin composition and content in wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb.
      and Zucc.) before and after germination.
AB  - Eight wild soybean accessions with different saponin phenotypes were used to
      examine saponin composition and relative saponin quantity in various tissues of
      mature seeds and two-week-old seedlings by LC-PDA/MS/MS. Saponin composition and
      content were varied according to tissues and accessions. The average total
      saponin concentration in 1 g mature dry seeds of wild soybean was 16.08 +/- 3.13
      MUmol. In two-week-old seedlings, produced from 1 g mature seeds, it was 27.94 +/
      6.52 MUmol. Group A saponins were highly concentrated in seed hypocotyl (4.04 +/
      0.71 MUmol). High concentration of DDMP saponins (7.37 +/- 5.22 MUmol) and Sg-6
      saponins (2.19 +/- 0.59 MUmol) was found in cotyledonary leaf. In seedlings, the
      amounts of group A and Sg-6 saponins reduced 2.3- and 1.3-folds, respectively,
      while DDMP + B + E saponins increased 2.5-fold than those of mature seeds. Our
      findings show that the group A and Sg-6 saponins in mature seeds were degraded
      and/or translocated by germination whereas DDMP saponins were newly synthesized.

PMID- 25127169
TI  - Biochemical characterization of two thermostable xylanolytic enzymes encoded by a
      gene cluster of Caldicellulosiruptor owensensis.
AB  - The xylanolytic extremely thermophilic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor owensensis
      provides a promising platform for xylan utilization. In the present study, two
      novel xylanolytic enzymes, GH10 endo-beta-1,4-xylanase (Coxyn A) and GH39 beta
      1,4-xylosidase (Coxyl A) encoded in one gene cluster of C.owensensis were
      heterogeneously expressed and biochemically characterized. The optimum
      temperature of the two xylanlytic enzymes was 75 degrees C, and the respective
      optimum pH for Coxyn A and Coxyl A was 7.0 and 5.0. The difference of Coxyn A and
      Coxyl A in solution was existing as monomer and homodimer respectively, it was
      also observed in predicted secondary structure. Under optimum condition, the
      catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of Coxyn A was 366 mg ml(-1) s(-1) on beechwood
      xylan, and the catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of Coxyl A was 2253 mM(-1) s(-1) on
      pNP-beta-D-xylopyranoside. Coxyn A degraded xylan to oligosaccharides, which were
      converted to monomer by Coxyl A. The two intracellular enzymes might be
      responsible for xylooligosaccharides utilization in C.owensensis, also provide a
      potential way for xylan degradation in vitro.

PMID- 25127170
TI  - Glycemic effect of oat and barley beta-glucan when incorporated into a snack bar:
      a dose escalation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The blood glucose-lowering effects of beta-glucan from oats and
      barley depend on the amounts consumed and their rheological properties. This has
      been recently challenged with growing evidence that the food matrix may also be
      an important factor in predicting its physiological response. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of this study was to examine the effects of varying doses of beta
      glucan from oats and barley and added to a snack bar on postprandial glycemia.
      DESIGN: In a randomized crossover study, 12 healthy males and females consumed
      one of 8 snack bars containing 0 (control), 1.5, 3, and 6 g of beta-glucan
      derived from oats or barley or 3 white bread controls. All treatments contained
      50 g of available carbohydrate. Blood glucose concentrations were measured after
      ingestion of the treatments over 2 hours. RESULTS: Incorporation of 1.5 to 6 g of
      beta-glucan into snack bars had no additional glucose-lowering benefits
      irrespective of dose and source compared to the control bars (0 g beta-glucan),
      suggesting that both the solid food matrix and composition of the bars may play a
      role in their effects on glycemic response. All bars reduced blood glucose area
      under the curve (AUC) by an average of 25% (p < 0.05) compared to the mean of the
      3 white bread controls. CONCLUSION: Adding beta-glucan from oats and barley to
      the snack bar formulation used in this study did not yield any additional
      benefits beyond the glucose-lowering effects of the snack bars themselves.

PMID- 25127171
TI  - Anti-CGRP antibodies: a new approach to migraine prevention.

PMID- 25127172
TI  - Epilepsy: lost in translation.

PMID- 25127173
TI  - Safety and efficacy of LY2951742, a monoclonal antibody to calcitonin gene
      related peptide, for the prevention of migraine: a phase 2, randomised, double
      blind, placebo-controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Migraine remains poorly treated, with few effective preventive drugs
      available. We assessed the safety and efficacy of LY2951742, a fully humanised
      monoclonal antibody to calcitonin gene-related peptide, for migraine prevention.
      METHODS: We did a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 proof-of
      concept study at 35 centres in the USA. Patients aged 18-65 years with four to 14
      migraine headache days per month were randomly assigned (1:1) to LY2951742 or
      placebo by a computerised randomisation scheme. LY2951742 (150 mg) or placebo
      were given as a subcutaneous injection once every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. The
      primary endpoint was the mean change in number of migraine headache days per 28
      day period assessed at 9-12 weeks. Safety was assessed over 24 weeks, including
      the 12-week treatment period and the subsequent 12 weeks after study drug
      administration. Patients and treating investigators were masked to treatment
      allocation. Analyses were by intention to treat. A mixed-effects model of
      repeated measures was used, including patient baseline value, treatment, visit,
      and treatment-by-visit interaction as fixed effects, and patients as random
      effects. Safety measures were analysed according to the treatment received. This
      study has been completed and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01625988.
      FINDINGS: Between July 31, 2012, and Sept 18, 2013, 218 patients were randomly
      assigned to LY2951742 (n=108, but one patient withdrew before treatment) or
      placebo (n=110). The mean change from baseline to week 12 in the number of
      migraine headache days was -4.2 (SD 3.1; 62.5% decrease) in the LY2951742 group
      compared with -3.0 (SD 3.0; 42.3% decrease) in the placebo group (least-squares
      mean difference -1.2, 90% CI -1.9 to -0.6; p=0.0030). Adverse events that
      occurred more frequently with LY2951742 than with placebo included injection site
      pain, erythema, or both (21 [20%] of 107 vs seven [6%] of 110), upper respiratory
      tract infections (18 [17%] vs ten [9%]), and abdominal pain (six [6%] vs three
      [3%]). There were two serious adverse events reported in the treatment arm and
      four in the placebo arm, none of which were deemed to be related to the study
      drug. INTERPRETATION: These results provide preliminary evidence that LY2951742
      might be beneficial in migraine prevention and provide support for the role of
      calcitonin gene-related peptide in the pathogenesis of migraine. Further
      controlled studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of monoclonal
      calcitonin gene-related peptide antibodies for the preventive treatment of
      migraine. FUNDING: Arteaus Therapeutics.

PMID- 25127175
TI  - Atorvastatin induces T cell proliferation by a telomerase reverse transcriptase
      (TERT) mediated mechanism.
AB  - Statins are one of the most potent drugs in delaying age-related inflammatory
      changes in the arterial vessel wall, slowing down the progression of
      atherosclerosis. Statins have also been shown to abrogate telomere-attributed
      cardiovascular risk. The goal of our study was to explore a potential effect of
      atorvastatin on telomerase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
      and T-lymphocytes (T cells). METHODS AND RESULTS: Treatment with
      pharmacologically relevant concentrations (0.1-0.3 MUM) of atorvastatin resulted
      in a 6-fold increase of telomerase activity (TA) (p < 0.0001) in human and mouse
      PBMCs and CD4 T cells, translating into moderate proliferation of T lymphocytes.
      In contrast, high doses of atorvastatin (2-5 MUM) or the addition of LDL
      cholesterol completely inhibited proliferation, thereby abrogating telomerase
      activity. The proliferative effect of atorvastatin was ablated by the absense of
      the catalytic subunit of telomerase, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT).
      Using transgenic GFP-mTert reporter mice, we observed a decrease in telomerase
      positive lymphocytes from 30% to 15% during the first 5 months of age (p < 0.01).
      This suggests that the decrease in immune cell turnover during normal development
      and maturation is mirrored by a reduction in telomerase activity in lymphocytes
      in-vivo. CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin and cholesterol have opposing effects on
      telomerase in mononuclear cells and T-lymphocytes. Our study suggests a link
      between cholesterol metabolism and telomere-related cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 25127176
TI  - Does "thinking about thinking" interfere with memory? An experimental memory
      study in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
AB  - Neuropsychological assessments of participants with obsessive-compulsive disorder
      (OCD) indicate impaired verbal memory if to be remembered material has to be
      organized. People with OCD also tend to focus their attention on their thoughts
      (heightened cognitive self-consciousness). We tested the hypothesis that
      cognitive self-consciousness causes verbal memory deficits by provoking a
      division of attention between study task and thoughts. Thirty-six participants
      with OCD, 36 matched healthy controls and 36 participants with major depressive
      disorder (MDD) learned under proactive interference in three study conditions:
      single-task condition, condition with heightened cognitive self-consciousness and
      condition with an external secondary task. Memory was impaired in the cognitive
      self-consciousness condition compared to both other conditions. Independent of
      condition, participants with OCD showed a reduced memory performance compared to
      healthy controls, but did not differ from participants with MDD. Our results are
      in line with the hypothesis that cognitive self-consciousness causes memory
      impairment.

PMID- 25127174
TI  - The challenge and promise of anti-epileptic therapy development in animal models.
AB  - Translation of successful target and compound validation studies into clinically
      effective therapies is a major challenge, with potential for costly clinical
      trial failures. This situation holds true for the epilepsies-complex diseases
      with different causes and symptoms. Although the availability of predictive
      animal models has led to the development of effective antiseizure therapies that
      are routinely used in clinical practice, showing that translation can be
      successful, several important unmet therapeutic needs still exist. Available
      treatments do not fully control seizures in a third of patients with epilepsy,
      and produce substantial side-effects. No treatment can prevent the development of
      epilepsy in at-risk patients or cure patients with epilepsy. And no specific
      treatment for epilepsy-associated comorbidities exists. To meet these demands, a
      redesign of translational approaches is urgently needed. 

PMID- 25127177
TI  - Accelerate farmer's agricultural S&T training in Tibet.

PMID- 25127179
TI  - ACT Internet-based vs face-to-face? A randomized controlled trial of two ways to
      deliver Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for depressive symptoms: an 18-month
      follow-up.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate two interventions based on
      Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for depressive symptoms: A face-to-face
      treatment (ACT group) was compared to a guided self-help treatment delivered via
      the Internet consisting of two assessment sessions (pre and post) and an ACT
      based Internet program (iACT). Outpatients experiencing at least mild depressive
      symptoms were randomized to either approach. The iACT treatment group received
      access to an ACT-based Internet program and supportive web-based contact over a
      period of 6 weeks. The face-to-face group received ACT-based treatment once a
      week over the same period of time. In both groups, the results showed a
      significant effect on depression symptomatology, and general wellbeing after
      treatment and at the 18-month follow-up. However, the data indicated that the
      iACT group changed differently regarding depressive symptoms and wellbeing as
      compared to the face-to face ACT group. Results showed large pre-treatment to 18
      month follow-up within-group effect sizes for all symptom measures in the iACT
      treatment group (1.59-2.08), and for most outcome measures in the face-to-face
      ACT group (1.12-1.37). This non-inferiority study provides evidence that guided
      Internet-delivered ACT intervention can be as effective as ACT-based face-to-face
      treatment for outpatients reporting depressive symptoms, and it may offer some
      advantages over a face-to-face intervention. 

PMID- 25127178
TI  - Treatment of co-occurring PTSD-AUD: effects of exposure-based and non-trauma
      focused psychotherapy on alcohol and trauma cue-reactivity.
AB  - Laboratory studies have shown that exposure to trauma memories increases both
      craving and salivation responses to alcohol cues among individual with co
      occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependence (AD). The
      purpose of the present study was to examine 1) whether this cue reactivity is
      dampened following exposure-based treatment for PTSD and 2) how changes in
      reactivity to trauma cues correspond to changes in alcohol cue-reactivity. Adults
      with current PTSD and AD (N = 120) were randomly assigned to 9-12 sessions of
      either Trauma-focused Exposure Therapy (EXP) for PTSD or Health & Lifestyles
      (HLS, a non-trauma focused comparison treatment), concurrent with 6-week
      residential AD treatment-as-usual. Participants completed trauma and alcohol cue
      reactivity laboratory sessions before and after treatment. Compared to HLS,
      individuals receiving EXP showed significantly greater reductions in negative
      affect elicited by trauma cues following treatment. Both treatments demonstrated
      similar, moderate to large reductions in craving and salivary reactivity over
      time. Interestingly, latent change in trauma cue-elicited distress over the
      course of treatment predicted latent change in both trauma cue-elicited alcohol
      craving and salivation. Overall, findings highlight the utility of integrating
      trauma-focused therapies like EXP into substance use treatment in the interests
      of reducing PTSD symptoms and distress associated with trauma cues. 

PMID- 25127181
TI  - Laser-induced nondestructive patterning of a thin ferroelectric polymer film with
      controlled crystals using Ge8Sb2Te11 alloy layer for nonvolatile memory.
AB  - We present a simple but robust nondestructive process for fabricating
      micropatterns of thin ferroelectric polymer films with controlled crystals. Our
      method is based on utilization of localized heat arising from thin
      Ge(8)Sb(2)Te(11) (GST) alloy layer upon exposure of 650 nm laser. The heat was
      generated on GST layer within a few hundred of nanosecond exposure and
      subsequently transferred to a thin poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene)
      film deposited on GST layer. By controlling exposure time and power of the
      scanned laser, ferroelectric patterns of one or two microns in size are
      fabricated with various shape. In the micropatterned regions, ferroelectric
      polymer crystals were efficiently controlled in both degree of the crystallinity
      and the molecular orientations. Nonvolatile memory devices with laser scanned
      ferroelectric polymer layers exhibited excellent device performance of large
      remnant polarization, ON/OFF current ratio and data retention. The results are
      comparable with devices containing ferroelectric films thermally annealed at
      least for 2 h, making our process extremely efficient for saving time.
      Furthermore, our approach can be conveniently combined with a number of other
      functional organic materials for the future electronic applications.

PMID- 25127180
TI  - Clinical application of inert gas Multiple Breath Washout in children and
      adolescents with asthma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Children with asthma often have normal spirometry despite
      significant disease. The pathology of the small airways in asthma may be assessed
      using Multiple Breath Washout (MBW) and calculating the Lung Clearance Index
      (LCI). There are only few studies using MBW in children with asthma and existing
      data regarding bronchodilator effect are contradictory. The aim of the present
      pilot study was to compare LCI in asthma and controls and assess the effect of
      salbutamol in children with asthma on the LCI. METHODS: Unselected patients with
      a diagnosis of asthma visiting the outpatient department of our hospital between
      04-2010 and 03-2011 were recruited and compared to a healthy control group. MBW
      was performed as inert gas MBW using sulfurhexafluorid (SF6) as the tracer gas.
      Clinical data were documented and spirometry and MBW (EasyOne Pro, MBW module,
      NDD Switzerland) were performed before and after the use of salbutamol (200-400
      MUg). Healthy controls performed baseline MBW only. RESULTS: 32 children
      diagnosed with asthma (4.7-17.4 years) and 42 controls (5.3-20.8) were included
      in the analysis. LCI differed between patients and controls, with a mean LCI (SD)
      of 6.48 (0.48) and 6.21 (0.38) (P = 0.008). Use of salbutamol had no significant
      effect on LCI for the group. CONCLUSION: These pilot data show that clinically
      stable asthma patients and controls both have a LCI in the normal range. However,
      in patients the LCI is significantly higher indicating that MBW may have a role
      in assessing small airways disease in asthma.

PMID- 25127182
TI  - Stormwater chemical contamination caused by cured-in-place pipe (CIPP)
      infrastructure rehabilitation activities.
AB  - Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) is becoming a popular U.S. stormwater culvert
      rehabilitation method. Several State transportation agencies have reported that
      CIPP activities can release styrene into stormwater, but no other contaminants
      have been monitored. CIPP's stormwater contamination potential and that of its
      condensate waste was characterized. Condensate completely dissolved Daphnia magna
      within 24 h. Condensate pH was 6.2 and its chemical oxygen demand (COD) level was
      36,000 ppm. D. magna mortality (100%) occurred in 48 h, even when condensate was
      diluted by a factor of 10,000 and styrene was present at a magnitude less than
      its LC50. Condensate and stormwater contained numerous carcinogenic solvents used
      in resin synthesis, endocrine disrupting contaminants such as plasticizers, and
      initiator degradation products. For 35 days, COD levels at the culvert outlets
      and downstream ranged from 100 to 375 ppm and styrene was 0.01 to 7.4 ppm.
      Although contaminant levels generally reduced with time, styrene levels were
      greatest 50 ft downstream, not at the culvert outlet. Cured CIPP extraction tests
      confirmed that numerous contaminants other than styrene were released into the
      environment and their persistence and toxicity should be investigated. More
      effective contaminant containment and cleaner installation processes must be
      developed to protect the environment.

PMID- 25127183
TI  - Challenges and opportunities in epigenetic drug discovery.

PMID- 25127184
TI  - Exploring the Concepts of Abstinence and Recovery Through the Experiences of Long
      Term Opiate Substitution Clients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the client experience of long-term opiate
      substitution treatment (OST). METHODS: A qualitative grounded theory study set in
      a U.K. rural community drug treatment service. RESULTS: Continuous OST enabled
      stability and a sense of "normality." Participants expressed relief at moving
      away from previous chaotic lifestyles and freedom from the persistent fear of
      opiate withdrawal. However, for some, being on a script made them feel withdrawn,
      lethargic, and unable to fully participate in mainstream society. Intrapersonal
      barriers (motivation and fear) were perceived as key barriers to abstinence.
      CONCLUSIONS: Participants experienced long-term OST as a transition between
      illicit drug use and recovery. Recovery was seen as a process rather than a fixed
      goal, confirming that there is a need for services to negotiate individualized
      recovery goals, spanning harm minimization and abstinence-oriented treatment
      approaches.

PMID- 25127185
TI  - Hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding and lithium bonding: an atoms in molecules and
      natural bond orbital perspective towards conservation of total bond order, inter-
      and intra-molecular bonding.
AB  - One hundred complexes have been investigated exhibiting D-X...A interactions,
      where X = H, Cl or Li and DX is the 'X bond' donor and A is the acceptor. The
      optimized structures of all these complexes have been used to propose a
      generalized 'Legon-Millen rule' for the angular geometry in all these
      interactions. A detailed Atoms in Molecules (AIM) theoretical analysis confirms
      an important conclusion, known in the literature: there is a strong correlation
      between the electron density at the XA bond critical point (BCP) and the
      interaction energy for all these interactions. In addition, we show that
      extrapolation of the fitted line leads to the ionic bond for Li-bonding
      (electrostatic) while for hydrogen and chlorine bonding, it leads to the covalent
      bond. Further, we observe a strong correlation between the change in electron
      density at the D-X BCP and that at the X...A BCP, suggesting conservation of the
      bond order. The correlation found between penetration and electron density at BCP
      can be very useful for crystal structure analysis, which relies on arbitrary van
      der Waals radii for estimating penetration. Various criteria proposed for shared-
      and closed-shell interactions based on electron density topology have been tested
      for H/Cl/Li bonded complexes. Finally, using the natural bond orbital (NBO)
      analysis it is shown that the D-X bond weakens upon X bond formation, whether it
      is ionic (DLi) or covalent (DH/DCl) and the respective indices such as ionicity
      or covalent bond order decrease. Clearly, one can think of conservation of bond
      order that includes ionic and covalent contributions to both D-X and X...A bonds,
      for not only X = H/Cl/Li investigated here but also any atom involved in
      intermolecular bonding.

PMID- 25127187
TI  - Radiation stability of cations in ionic liquids. 5. Task-specific ionic liquids
      consisting of biocompatible cations and the puzzle of radiation hypersensitivity.
AB  - In 1953, an accidental discovery by Melvin Calvin and co-workers provided the
      first example of a solid (the alpha-polymorph of choline chloride) showing
      hypersensitivity to ionizing radiation: under certain conditions, the radiolytic
      yield of decomposition approached 5 * 10(4) per 100 eV (which is 4 orders of
      magnitude greater than usual values), suggesting an uncommonly efficient
      radiation-induced chain reaction. Twenty years later, the still-accepted
      mechanism for this rare condition was suggested by Martyn Symons, but no
      validation for this mechanism has been supplied. Meanwhile, ionic liquids and
      deep eutectic mixtures that are based on choline, betainium, and other
      derivitized natural amino compounds are presently finding an increasing number of
      applications as diluents in nuclear separations, where the constituent ions are
      exposed to ionizing radiation that is emitted by decaying radionuclides. Thus,
      the systems that are compositionally similar to radiation hypersensitive solids
      are being considered for use in high radiation fields, where this property is
      particularly undesirable! In Part 5 of this series on organic cations, we revisit
      the phenomenon of radiation hypersensitivity and explore mechanistic aspects of
      radiation-induced reactions involving this class of task-specific, biocompatible,
      functionalized cations, both in ionic liquids and in reference crystalline
      compounds. We demonstrate that Symons' mechanism needs certain revisions and
      rethinking, and suggest its modification. Our reconsideration suggests that there
      cannot be conditions leading to hypersensitivity in ionic liquids. 

PMID- 25127186
TI  - Stereoconvergent arylations and alkenylations of unactivated alkyl electrophiles:
      catalytic enantioselective synthesis of secondary sulfonamides and sulfones.
AB  - The development of efficient methods for the generation of enantioenriched
      sulfonamides and sulfones is an important objective for fields such as organic
      synthesis and medicinal chemistry; however, there have been relatively few
      reports of direct catalytic asymmetric approaches to controlling the
      stereochemistry of the sulfur-bearing carbon of such targets. In this report, we
      describe nickel-catalyzed stereoconvergent Negishi arylations and alkenylations
      of racemic alpha-bromosulfonamides and -sulfones that furnish the desired cross
      coupling product in very good ee and yield for an array of reaction partners.
      Mechanistic studies are consistent with the generation of a radical intermediate
      that has a sufficient lifetime to diffuse out of the solvent cage and to cyclize
      onto a pendant olefin. 

PMID- 25127188
TI  - Optical functional performance of the osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate optical and visual functional
      performance of the osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP). METHODS: Optical design
      and analysis was performed with customized optical design software. Nine patients
      with implanted OOKP devices and 9 age-matched control patients were assessed.
      Contrast sensitivity was assessed and glare effect was measured with a brightness
      acuity test. All OOKP patients underwent kinetic Goldmann perimetry and wavefront
      aberrometry and completed the National Eye Institute Visual Function
      Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25). RESULTS: Optical analysis showed that the optical
      cylinder is near diffraction-limited. A reduction in median visual acuity (VA)
      with increasing glare settings was observed from 0.04 logMAR (without glare) to
      0.20 logMAR (with glare at "high" setting) and significantly reduced
      statistically when compared with the control group at all levels of glare (P <
      0.05). Contrast sensitivity was significantly reduced when compared with age
      matched controls at medium and high spatial frequencies (P < 0.05). Median
      Goldmann perimetry was 65 degrees (interquartile range, 64-74 degrees; V-4e
      isopters) and 69 degrees excluding 2 glaucomatous subjects. Several vision
      related NEI VFQ-25 subscales correlated significantly with VA at various
      brightness acuity test levels and contrast sensitivity at medium spatial
      frequencies, including dependency, general vision, near activities and distance
      activities. CONCLUSIONS: The OOKP optical cylinder provides patients with a good
      level of VA that is significantly reduced by glare. We have shown in vivo that
      updates to the optical cylinder design have improved the patient's field of view.
      Reduction of glare and refinement of cylinder alignment methods may further
      improve visual function and patient satisfaction.

PMID- 25127189
TI  - New combined technique of deep intrastromal arcuate keratotomy overlayed by LASIK
      flap for treatment of high astigmatism.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe a novel technique combining deep
      intrastromal arcuate keratotomy and superficial lamellar keratotomy followed by
      excimer photoablation for the management of high naturally occurring or
      postkeratoplasty astigmatism. METHODS: In this retrospective case series, the
      first step was deep intrastromal arcuate keratotomy and superficial lamellar
      keratotomy performed at 100-MUm depth by femtosecond laser. Manual incisions were
      made for flap elevation. The second step, after 1 month, consisted of reopening
      the flap and using an excimer laser to correct residual ametropia. RESULTS: Nine
      eyes series were studied. The mean preoperative refractive cylinder correction
      was 6.11 +/- 2.54 diopters (D). The mean postoperative refractive cylinder
      correction was 2.85 +/- 1.31 D. The mean correction index was 1.07 +/- 0.28 D.
      The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/40 to 20/22 after the 2
      steps. The median follow-up was 11 (range, 9-17) months. No complications were
      observed and postoperative outcome was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Permitting
      correction of a broader range of high astigmatism with good accuracy, this
      combined approach minimizes excision of corneal stromal tissue and postoperative
      complications.

PMID- 25127193
TI  - Temperature-dependent phase transition and desorption free energy of sodium
      dodecyl sulfate at the water/vapor interface: approaches from molecular dynamics
      simulations.
AB  - Adsorption of surfactants at the water/vapor interface depends upon their
      chemical potential at the interface, which is generally temperature-dependent.
      Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to reveal temperature
      influences on the microstructure of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) molecule
      adsorption layer. At room temperature, SDS molecules aggregate at the interface,
      being in a liquid-expanded phase, whereas they tend to spread out and probably
      transit to a gaseous phase as the temperature increases to above 318 K. This
      phase transition has been confirmed by the temperature-dependent changes in two
      dimensional array, tilt angles, and immersion depths to the aqueous phase of SDS
      molecules. The aggregation of SDS molecules accompanies with larger immersion
      depths, more coordination of Na(+) ions, and less coordination of water.
      Desorption free energy profiles show that higher desorption free energy appears
      for SDS molecules at the aggregate state at low temperatures, but no energy
      barrier is observed. The shapes of desorption free energy profiles depend upon
      the distribution of SDS at the interface, which, in turn, is related to the phase
      state of SDS. Our study sheds light on the development of adsorption
      thermodynamics and kinetics theories. 

PMID- 25127194
TI  - Anisotropic hyperelastic behavior of soft biological tissues.
AB  - Constitutive laws are fundamental to the studies of the mechanically dominated
      clinical interventions involving soft biological tissues which show a highly
      anisotropic hyperelastic mechanical properties. The purpose of this paper was to
      develop an improved constitutive law based on the Holzapfel-Gasser-Ogden's model:
      to replace the isotropic part with Gent constitutive law so as to model the
      noncollagenous matrix of the media due to its generality and capability to
      reproduce the Neo-Hookean model. This model is implemented into an in-house
      finite element program. A uniaxial tension test is considered to study the
      influence of material parameter J(m) in Gent model and beta which represents the
      angle between the collagen fibers and the circumferential direction. A simulation
      of an adventitial strip specimen under tension is performed to show the
      applicability of this constitutive law.

PMID- 25127195
TI  - Reduced levels of plasma kisspeptin during the antenatal booking visit are
      associated with increased risk of miscarriage.
AB  - CONTEXT: Kisspeptin is a recently identified hormone encoded by the KISS1 gene,
      playing a critical role in human reproduction. Plasma kisspeptin levels rise
      dramatically during normal pregnancy due to placental synthesis, which implicates
      it as a potential tool for assessing risks of pregnancy complications. No
      previous prospective study has investigated the association between plasma
      kisspeptin and risk of miscarriage. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to
      determine whether a single plasma kisspeptin or serum human chorionic
      gonadotropin (hCG) measurement in asymptomatic women attending their booking
      antenatal visit is associated with miscarriage. DESIGN: This was a prospective
      cohort study. SETTING: The study was conducted at a tertiary obstetric center.
      PARTICIPANTS: A total of 993 asymptomatic pregnant women with a gestation of 6
      weeks or longer attending routine antenatal booking visit were recruited between
      January 2010 and December 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma kisspeptin and
      serum hCG were measured during the antenatal booking visit. Pregnancy outcome was
      recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Plasma kisspeptin correlated with gestation
      (r(2) = 0.57; P < .0001). Gestational age-corrected (multiples of median) plasma
      kisspeptin was 60.4% lower (P < .001), and multiples of median-hCG was 36.1%
      lower (P < .001) in women later diagnosed with miscarriage compared with women
      without miscarriage. Increased plasma kisspeptin was associated with reduced
      miscarriage risk, even after adjusting for age, body mass index, gestational age,
      smoking, and blood pressure [odds ratio 0.13 (95% confidence interval 0.08-0.22),
      P = .0001]. Kisspeptin had a higher diagnostic performance for miscarriage than
      hCG (receiver-operator characteristic-area under the curve 0.899 +/- 0.025 plasma
      kisspeptin; 0.775 +/- 0.040, serum hCG, P < .01 vs plasma kisspeptin).
      CONCLUSION: Our data suggest for the first time that a single plasma kisspeptin
      measurement taken during the antenatal booking visit provides a potential novel
      marker for identifying asymptomatic pregnant women at a gestation of 6 weeks or
      greater at increased risk of miscarriage.

PMID- 25127197
TI  - Drinking identity as a mediator of the relationship between drinking motives and
      weekly alcohol consumption among heavy drinking undergraduate students.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study assessed relationships among social, coping,
      enhancement, and conformity drinking motives and weekly alcohol consumption by
      considering drinking identity as a mediator of this relationship. METHODS:
      Participants were 260 heavy drinking undergraduate students (81% female;
      Mage=23.45; SD=5.39) who completed a web-based survey. RESULTS: Consistent with
      expectations, findings revealed significant direct effects of motives on drinking
      identity for all four models. Further, significant direct effects emerged for
      drinking identity on weekly drinking. Results partially supported predictions
      that motives would have direct effects on drinks per week; total effects of
      motives on drinking emerged for all models but direct effects of motives on
      weekly drinking emerged for only enhancement motives. There were significant
      indirect effects of motives on weekly drinking through drinking identity for all
      four models. CONCLUSIONS: The findings supported the hypotheses that drinking
      identity would mediate the relationship between drinking motives and alcohol
      consumption. These examinations have practical utility and may inform development
      and implementation of interventions and programs targeting alcohol misuse among
      heavy drinking undergraduate students.

PMID- 25127198
TI  - From socially prescribed perfectionism to problematic use of internet
      communicative services: the mediating roles of perceived social support and the
      fear of negative evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study developed and tested a model that explains how
      people who believe that others have unrealistically high standards and exert
      pressure on them to be perfect (that is, people high in socially prescribed
      perfectionism) develop a problematic use of internet communicative services
      (GPIU). Following the perfectionism social disconnection model and previous
      evidence about the role that the online environment might play in the development
      of problematic internet use, low reported social support and the fear of negative
      evaluations in face to face interactions were hypothesized to mediate the
      association between socially prescribed perfectionism and GPIU. METHODS: A sample
      of 465 undergraduate students was recruited (240 F; mean age 21.91+2.23years),
      and the hypotheses were tested through structural equation modeling separately
      for men and women. RESULTS: Among men, the association between SPP and GPIU was
      fully mediated by the fear of being negatively evaluated and the perception of
      low social support. For women, we found a partially mediated model in which SPP
      affected GPIU indirectly through the fear of negative evaluations. The presence
      of a direct effect of SPP on GPIU was also found. Moreover, perceived social
      support was not found to be a significant mediator among women. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings suggest that problematic use of internet communicative services might
      be, at least in part, a defensive response to extreme social evaluation
      pressures.

PMID- 25127196
TI  - The interactive effect of neighborhood peer cigarette use and 5HTTLPR genotype on
      individual cigarette use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous cross-sectional research has shown that adolescents'
      cigarette use is interactively associated with that of their school peers and
      their 5HTTLPR genotype, such that the cigarette use of persons with more copies
      of the 5HTTLPR*S' allele is more dependent on school peers' cigarette use
      behaviors than their counterparts. This analysis seeks to extend this novel
      finding by examining whether the same conclusion can be reached when substituting
      neighborhood peers for school peers and examining the timing of the initiation of
      any and regular smoking in adolescence. METHODS: This analysis employs an
      independent sample with longitudinal measures of cigarette use among 6th through
      8th graders clustered in 82 neighborhoods, of whom 1098 contributed genetic data.
      The proportion of respondents who had ever smoked cigarettes by the first wave
      was calculated for each census block group in the study. 5HTTLPR genotype was
      assayed using the method of Whisman et al. (2011). The timing of any or regular
      smoking initiation and over four years were modeled as dependent variables using
      Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: The interaction of neighborhood peer
      smoking behavior in the first wave and 5HTTLPR genotype statistically
      significantly predicted any smoking initiation (hazard ratio: 3.532; p
      value=0.002) and regular smoking initiation (hazard ratio: 5.686; p-value=0.000),
      net of controls for sex, race/ethnicity, grade in the first wave of data, and
      parental educational attainment. These findings reach the same conclusions as
      previous cross-sectional research. CONCLUSIONS: These results differ in the model
      of gene-environment interaction that they support. The findings for any smoking
      initiation are consistent with the diathesis-stress model of gene-environment
      interaction; the findings for regular smoking initiation are consistent with the
      differential susceptibility model.

PMID- 25127199
TI  - Revisiting the rationale for social normative interventions in student drinking
      in a UK population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Social normative re-education interventions are based on the premise
      that harmful student drinking is caused by misperceptions of campus drinking
      norms. They have become dominant despite little evidence for effectiveness,
      especially with heavy drinkers. The objective of this study was to explore the
      relative importance of social norms and other key cognitive constructs in
      predicting single occasion alcohol consumption in undergraduates. METHODS: 
      DESIGN: A cross sectional survey design was utilised. SETTING: Three UK
      universities. PARTICIPANTS: 367 1st year undergraduate students. MEASURES:
      Frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed; hazardous drinking; descriptive and
      injunctive normative perceptions of alcohol consumption were measured at 3
      proximal-distal levels. RESULTS: Participants in this study were drinking at much
      higher levels than previously reported (means of 20 units for males, 16 units for
      females on a single drinking occasion); 85% exceeded the UK government's
      definition of binge drinking of 8 units or more on a single occasion. Norm
      perceptions, which form the basis of social normative interventions, were not
      significant predictors of individual consumption. Cognitive appraisal of oneself
      as a drinker and volitional behavioural control on drinking occasions are the
      most important constructs in predicting heavy drinking in this sample of UK
      undergraduate students. The model that emerges explains 40% of the variance in
      single occasion consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Students are consuming levels of
      alcohol that will result in accumulative harm if unchecked. This study provides
      an explanation as to why social normative interventions are not effective. An
      alternative focus for reducing alcohol consumption in UK undergraduates is
      suggested.

PMID- 25127200
TI  - miR-29b suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion of tongue squamous cell
      carcinoma through PTEN-AKT signaling pathway by targeting Sp1.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: miR-29b has been implicated in various cancers. However, the role of
      miR-29b in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) remains unclear. This study
      aimed to investigate the role of miR-29b in TSCC progression. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The expression of miR-29b was analyzed in TSCC tissues and cells.
      Functional studies were performed in TSCC cells. Real time-PCR, Western blot,
      cell proliferation, transwell, and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed
      according to standard procedures. RESULTS: miR-29b was significantly decreased in
      TSCC specimens and cell lines compared with corresponding normal counterparts.
      Overexpression of miR-29b significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration,
      invasion, and cell-cycle progression of TSCC cells, and promoted apoptosis.
      Moreover, miR-29b targeted the 3' untranslated region of the Sp1 transcript and
      resulted in the deregulation of Sp1. The inhibition of Sp1 by miR-29b
      subsequently resulted in the upregulation of PTEN, leading to a decline of
      phosphorylated AKT. Knockdown of Sp1 in TSCC cell lines mimicked the effects of
      miR-29b overexpression. In addition, the expression of miR-29b was inversely
      correlated with Sp1 and positively correlated with the PTEN in TSCC specimens.
      CONCLUSION: miR-29b functions as a tumor suppressor in TSCC, and the miR
      29b/Sp1/PTEN/AKT axis might represent a potential therapeutic target for TSCC
      intervention.

PMID- 25127202
TI  - Direct synthesis of alpha-trifluoromethyl ketone from (hetero)arylacetylene:
      design, intermediate trapping, and mechanistic investigations.
AB  - Regioselective addition across the alkynes has been achieved in a silver
      catalyzed protocol utilizing Langlois reagent (CF3SO2Na) and molecular O2 to
      access medicinally active alpha-trifluoromethyl ketone compounds. This method was
      successful in producing alpha-trifluoromethyl ketone in heterocyclic scaffolds,
      which are incompatible with earlier strategies. Experimental findings suggest a
      mechanism involving alpha-styrenyl radical intermediate and 1-methyl-2
      pyrrolidinone (NMP) solvent, which leads to crystallographically characterized N
      methylsuccinimide. Isotope labeling, kinetic studies, and intermediate trapping
      further helped to gain insight into this energy-demanding process. 

PMID- 25127201
TI  - A systematic review of patient acceptance of screening for oral cancer outside of
      dental care settings.
AB  - This systematic review summarised the literature on patient acceptability of
      screening for oral cancer outside dental care settings. A comprehensive search of
      relevant literature was performed in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of
      Systematic Reviews, CINAHAL, psycINFO, CANCERLIT and BNI to identify relevant
      articles published between 1975 and Dec 2013. Studies reporting acceptability of
      oral cancer screening to undiagnosed individuals attending non-dental settings
      were eligible for inclusion. A total of 2935 references were initially identified
      from the computerised search but 2217 were excluded after screening the titles.
      From the abstracts of the remaining 178 articles, 47 full text articles were
      retrieved for further scrutiny, and 12 studies were found to be eligible for
      inclusion. In these studies, knowledge about oral cancer, anxiety related to the
      screening process, preference for care provision, and financial cost were
      influencing factors for the acceptance of screening. Written information provided
      to patients in primary care was reported to boost immediate knowledge levels of
      oral cancer, lessen anxiety, and increase intentions for screening. The majority
      of screening methods were entirely acceptable to patients; lack of acceptability
      from the patients' viewpoint was not a significant barrier to carrying out
      opportunistic screening of high-risk populations. In conclusion, the available
      evidence suggests that acceptance of, and satisfaction with oral cancer screening
      is high, particularly where patients have previously been educated about oral
      cancer. Further research focusing on patient's preferences would enable
      streamlining of the approach to oral cancer screening taken by any national
      programme. 

PMID- 25127203
TI  - Analysis of CF...FC interactions on cyclohexane and naphthalene frameworks.
AB  - Intramolecular CF...FC interactions in selected organofluorine compounds (all-syn
      1,2,3,4- and all-syn-1,2,4,5-tetrafluorocyclohexane, 1,8-difluoronaphthalene, 4,5
      difluorophenanthrene, 2,2',5,5'-tetrafluorobiphenyl) were studied at the MP2/aug
      cc-pVDZ level using the recently developed noncovalent interaction (NCI) method.
      For the optimized minima, all CF...FC interactions that are identified by this
      method are classified as attractive, even in those cases where suitable isodesmic
      reaction energies fail to provide evidence for an energetic stabilization.
      Possible relations between these interactions and the observable JFF spin-spin
      coupling constant values are discussed. 

PMID- 25127204
TI  - Pathways community HUB: a model for coordination of community health care.

PMID- 25127206
TI  - Care coordination, family-centered care, and functional ability in children with
      special health care needs in the United States.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine if there was an association between
      care coordination, family-centered care, and functional ability among children
      with special health care needs (CSHCN). Analysis of data from the 2005-2006
      National Survey of CSHCN revealed that the percentages of CSHCN receiving care
      coordination and family-centered care were 59.3 and 66.3, respectively. Children
      who did not receive care coordination had a 53% higher adjusted odds (odds
      ratio=1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.21-1.94, P<0.001) for a limitation in
      functional ability compared to CSHCN who received care coordination. Family
      centered care was not associated with a limitation in functional ability in CSHCN
      (P=0.61). CSHCN are underserved with regard to care coordination and this appears
      to be associated with impaired functional ability. Longitudinal studies are
      needed to confirm causality.

PMID- 25127205
TI  - Failure to reach target glycated a1c levels among patients with diabetes who are
      adherent to their antidiabetic medication.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to describe patient characteristics and types
      of medications taken by those with poor glycemic control (A1c>7%) despite being
      adherent to antidiabetic medications. This is a retrospective analysis of
      administrative data from adult patients with diabetes enrolled in a large health
      plan in Hawaii (n=21,267 observations for 11,013 individuals) and adherent to
      their antidiabetic medications. Multivariable logistic regressions were estimated
      to determine characteristics and types of medications associated with poor
      glycemic control. Separate models were estimated to examine category of
      medication (insulin only, 1 oral medication, multiple oral medications, both oral
      medications and insulin) and specific therapeutic class of oral antidiabetic
      medications. Despite being adherent to their medications, 56.1% of patients had
      poor glycemic control. Compared to patients taking combination sulfonylureas,
      patients had a higher odds of having A1c>7% for all other oral diabetic
      medications, with odds ratios ranging from OR=2.07 for sulfonylureas alone to
      OR=1.33 for combination DPP-4 inhibitors. More than half of patients in this
      study had poor A1c control despite being adherent to their medications. This
      suggests that physicians, pharmacists, and other providers may need to monitor
      treatment regimens more carefully, encourage healthy behaviors, and intensify
      pharmacological treatment as needed.

PMID- 25127207
TI  - Ponesimod--a future oral therapy for psoriasis?

PMID- 25127208
TI  - Oral ponesimod in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis: a randomised, double
      blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We assessed the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ponesimod, an
      oral, selective, reversible modulator of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1, in
      patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. METHODS: Between Sept
      22, 2010, and Oct 24, 2012, patients with psoriasis area and severity index
      (PASI) scores higher than 10 were enrolled into this multicentre double-blind,
      phase 2 study. They received 20 mg or 40 mg ponesimod or placebo once daily for
      16 weeks. Those with at least 50% reduction in PASI score at 16 weeks and who
      were receiving ponesimod were rerandomised to receive maintenance ponesimod
      therapy or placebo until week 28. The primary endpoint was reduction in PASI
      score from baseline of at least 75% (PASI75) at week 16. This study is registered
      with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01208090. FINDINGS: Of 326 patients initially
      randomised (20 mg ponesimod n=126, 40 mg ponesimod n=133, and placebo n=67)
      PASI75 was achieved at week 16 in 58 (46.0%), 64 (48.1%), and nine (13.4%),
      respectively. The treatment effect was significant for the two ponesimod doses
      (both p<0.0001). Of 219 patients who entered the maintenance period, PASI75 was
      achieved by week 28 in 35 (71.4%) of 49 who continued on 20 mg ponesimod and 41
      (77.4%) of 53 on 40 mg ponesimod, and in 19 (42.2%) of 45 who swapped from 20 mg
      to placebo and 19 (40.4%) of 47 from 40 mg to placebo. Ponesimod was associated
      with dyspnoea, raised liver enzyme concentrations, and dizziness. INTERPRETATION:
      Significant clinical benefit was seen at week 16 that increased with maintenance
      therapy. FUNDING: Actelion Pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 25127209
TI  - Pretransfusion testing and transfusion of uncrossmatched erythrocytes.

PMID- 25127210
TI  - Lack of nephrotoxicity by 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 during hip arthroplasty:
      a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is commonly used as plasma expander during
      surgery but may be nephrotoxic as seen in studies in patients with sepsis. The
      authors hypothesized that the possible nephrotoxicity of 6% HES 130/0.4 could be
      revealed by measurements of urinary excretion of neutrophil gelatinase-associated
      lipocalin (u-NGAL) in patients with normal renal function during hip
      arthroplasty. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled
      study, 40 patients referred for hip arthroplasty received either 6% HES 130/0.4
      or isotonic saline 0.9%; 7.5 ml/kg during the first hour of surgery and 5 ml/kg
      during the following hours; 38 patients completed the study. U-NGAL, urine
      albumin, blood pressure, and plasma concentrations of creatinine, renin, NGAL,
      albumin, angiotensin-II, and aldosterone were measured before, during, and after
      surgery. U-NGAL was defined as primary outcome. RESULTS: There were no
      significant differences in U-NGAL (mean difference and 95% CI), plasma
      creatinine, and urine albumin during the study. U-NGAL and urine albumin
      increased significantly in both groups the morning after surgery but was
      normalized at follow-up after 10 to 12 days. Mean arterial pressure was
      significantly higher during the recovery period in the HES group compared with
      that in the control group (91 [13] and 83 [6] mmHg, mean [SD], P < 0.03). Plasma
      renin and angiotensin-II were nonsignificantly different in both groups, whereas
      plasma aldosterone was significantly lower in the HES group. Plasma albumin was
      reduced in both groups, but to a significantly lower level in the HES group.
      CONCLUSION: The study showed no evidence of a harmful effect of intraoperative
      infusion of 6% HES 130/0.4 on renal function in patients during hip arthroplasty.

PMID- 25127212
TI  - Repeated evolutionary changes of leaf morphology caused by mutations to a
      homeobox gene.
AB  - Elucidating the genetic basis of morphological changes in evolution remains a
      major challenge in biology. Repeated independent trait changes are of particular
      interest because they can indicate adaptation in different lineages or genetic
      and developmental constraints on generating morphological variation. In animals,
      changes to "hot spot" genes with minimal pleiotropy and large phenotypic effects
      underlie many cases of repeated morphological transitions. By contrast, only few
      such genes have been identified from plants, limiting cross-kingdom comparisons
      of the principles of morphological evolution. Here, we demonstrate that the
      REDUCED COMPLEXITY (RCO) locus underlies more than one naturally evolved change
      in leaf shape in the Brassicaceae. We show that the difference in leaf margin
      dissection between the sister species Capsella rubella and Capsella grandiflora
      is caused by cis-regulatory variation in the homeobox gene RCO-A, which alters
      its activity in the developing lobes of the leaf. Population genetic analyses in
      the ancestral C. grandiflora indicate that the more-active C. rubella haplotype
      is derived from a now rare or lost C. grandiflora haplotype via additional
      mutations. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the deletion of the RCO-A and RCO-B genes has
      contributed to its evolutionarily derived smooth leaf margin, suggesting the RCO
      locus as a candidate for an evolutionary hot spot. We also find that temperature
      responsive expression of RCO-A can explain the phenotypic plasticity of leaf
      shape to ambient temperature in Capsella, suggesting a molecular basis for the
      well-known negative correlation between temperature and leaf margin dissection.

PMID- 25127211
TI  - Modification of the association between PM10 and lung function decline by
      cadherin 13 polymorphisms in the SAPALDIA cohort: a genome-wide interaction
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both air pollution and genetic variation have been shown to affect
      lung function. Their interaction has not been studied on a genome-wide scale to
      date. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify, in an agnostic fashion, genes that modify
      the association between long-term air pollution exposure and annual lung function
      decline in an adult population-based sample. METHODS: A two-stage genome-wide
      interaction study was performed. The discovery (n = 763) and replication (n =
      3,896) samples were derived from the multi-center SAPALDIA cohort (Swiss Cohort
      Study on Air Pollution and Lung Disease in Adults). Annual rate of decline in the
      forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75%) was the main end point. Multivariate
      linear regression analyses were used to identify potential multiplicative
      interactions between genotypes and 11-year cumulative PM10 exposure. RESULTS: We
      identified a cluster of variants intronic to the CDH13 gene as the only locus
      with genome-wide significant interactions. The strongest interaction was observed
      for rs2325934 (p = 8.8 * 10(-10)). Replication of the interaction between this
      CDH13 variant and cumulative PM10 exposure on annual decline in FEF25-75% was
      successful (p = 0.008). The interaction was not sensitive to adjustment for
      smoking or body weight. CONCLUSIONS: CDH13 is functionally linked to the
      adipokine adiponectin, an inflammatory regulator. Future studies need to confirm
      the interaction and assess how the result relates to previously observed
      interactions between air pollution and obesity on respiratory function.

PMID- 25127214
TI  - The receptor-like kinase FERONIA is required for mechanical signal transduction
      in Arabidopsis seedlings.
AB  - Among the myriad cues that constantly inform plant growth and development,
      mechanical forces are unique in that they are an intrinsic result of cellular
      turgor pressure and also imposed by the environment. Although the key role of
      mechanical forces in shaping plant architecture from the cellular level to the
      level of organ formation is well established, the components of the early
      mechanical signal transduction machinery remain to be defined at the molecular
      level. Here, we show that an Arabidopsis mutant lacking the receptor-like kinase
      FERONIA (FER) shows severely altered Ca(2+) signaling and growth responses to
      different forms of mechanical perturbation. Ca(2+) signals are either abolished
      or exhibit qualitatively different signatures in feronia (fer) mutants exposed to
      local touch or bending stimulation. Furthermore, mechanically induced
      upregulation of known touch-responsive genes is significantly decreased in fer
      mutants. In addition to these defects in mechanical signaling, fer mutants also
      exhibit growth phenotypes consistent with impaired mechanical development,
      including biased root skewing, an inability to penetrate hard agar layers, and
      abnormal growth responses to impenetrable obstacles. Finally, high-resolution
      kinematic analysis of root growth revealed that fer mutants show pronounced
      spatiotemporal fluctuations in root cell expansion profiles with a timescale of
      minutes. Based on these results, we propose that FER is a key regulator of
      mechanical Ca(2+) signaling and that FER-dependent mechanical signaling functions
      to regulate growth in response to external or intrinsic mechanical forces.

PMID- 25127213
TI  - Dynamic localization of the cyanobacterial circadian clock proteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cyanobacterial circadian clock system has been extensively
      studied, and the structures, interactions, and biochemical activities of the
      central oscillator proteins (KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC) have been well elucidated.
      Despite this rich repository of information, little is known about the
      distribution of these proteins within the cell. RESULTS: Here we report that KaiA
      and KaiC localize as discrete foci near a single pole of cells in a clock
      dependent fashion, with enhanced polar localization observed at night. KaiA
      localization is dependent on KaiC; consistent with this notion, KaiA and KaiC
      colocalize with each other, as well as with CikA, a key input and output factor
      previously reported to display unipolar localization. The molecular mechanism
      that localizes KaiC to the poles is conserved in Escherichia coli, another Gram
      negative rod-shaped bacterium, suggesting that KaiC localization is not dependent
      on other clock- or cyanobacterial-specific factors. Moreover, expression of CikA
      mutant variants that distribute diffusely results in the striking delocalization
      of KaiC. CONCLUSIONS: This work shows that the cyanobacterial circadian system
      undergoes a circadian orchestration of subcellular organization. We propose that
      the observed spatiotemporal localization pattern represents a novel layer of
      regulation that contributes to the robustness of the clock by facilitating
      protein complex formation and synchronizing the clock with environmental stimuli.

PMID- 25127215
TI  - Class I TCP-DELLA interactions in inflorescence shoot apex determine plant
      height.
AB  - Regulation of plant height, one of the most important agronomic traits, is the
      focus of intensive research for improving crop performance. Stem elongation takes
      place as a result of repeated cell divisions and subsequent elongation of cells
      produced by apical and intercalary meristems. The gibberellin (GA) phytohormones
      have long been known to control stem and internodal elongation by stimulating the
      degradation of nuclear growth-repressing DELLA proteins; however, the mechanism
      allowing GA-responsive growth is only slowly emerging. Here, we show that DELLAs
      directly regulate the activity of the plant-specific class I TCP transcription
      factor family, key regulators of cell proliferation. Our results demonstrate that
      class I TCP factors directly bind the promoters of core cell-cycle genes in
      Arabidopsis inflorescence shoot apices while DELLAs block TCP function by binding
      to their DNA-recognition domain. GAs antagonize such repression by promoting
      DELLA destruction and therefore cause a concomitant accumulation of TCP factors
      on promoters of cell-cycle genes. Consistent with this model, the quadruple
      mutant tcp8 tcp14 tcp15 tcp22 exhibits severe dwarfism and reduced responsiveness
      to GA action. Altogether, we conclude that GA-regulated DELLA-TCP interactions in
      inflorescence shoot apex provide a novel mechanism to control plant height.

PMID- 25127216
TI  - Matrix elasticity regulates lamin-A,C phosphorylation and turnover with feedback
      to actomyosin.
AB  - Tissue microenvironments are characterized not only in terms of chemical
      composition but also by collective properties such as stiffness, which influences
      the contractility of a cell, its adherent morphology, and even differentiation.
      The nucleoskeletal protein lamin-A,C increases with matrix stiffness, confers
      nuclear mechanical properties, and influences differentiation of mesenchymal stem
      cells (MSCs), whereas B-type lamins remain relatively constant. Here we show in
      single-cell analyses that matrix stiffness couples to myosin-II activity to
      promote lamin-A,C dephosphorylation at Ser22, which regulates turnover, lamina
      physical properties, and actomyosin expression. Lamin-A,C phosphorylation is low
      in interphase versus dividing cells, and its levels rise with states of nuclear
      rounding in which myosin-II generates little to no tension. Phosphorylated lamin
      A,C localizes to nucleoplasm, and phosphorylation is enriched on lamin-A,C
      fragments and is suppressed by a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor. Lamin
      A,C knockdown in primary MSCs suppresses transcripts predominantly among
      actomyosin genes, especially in the serum response factor (SRF) pathway. Levels
      of myosin-IIA thus parallel levels of lamin-A,C, with phosphosite mutants
      revealing a key role for phosphoregulation. In modeling the system as a
      parsimonious gene circuit, we show that tension-dependent stabilization of lamin
      A,C and myosin-IIA can suitably couple nuclear and cell morphology downstream of
      matrix mechanics.

PMID- 25127218
TI  - Anisotropic diffusion of macromolecules in the contiguous nucleocytoplasmic fluid
      during eukaryotic cell division.
AB  - Character and rapidity of protein diffusion in intracellular fluids are key
      determinants of the dynamics and steady state of a plethora of biochemical
      reactions. So far, an anomalous diffusion in cytoplasmic fluids with viscoelastic
      and even glassy characteristics has been reported in a variety of organisms on
      several length scales and timescales. Here, we show that the contiguous fluid of
      former cytoplasm and nucleoplasm features an anisotropically varying diffusion of
      macromolecules during eukaryotic cell division. In metaphase, diffusion in the
      contiguous nucleocytoplasmic fluid appears less anomalous along the spindle axis
      as compared to perpendicular directions. As a consequence, the long-time
      diffusion of macromolecules preferentially points along the spindle axis, leading
      to prolonged residence of macromolecules in the spindle region. Based on our
      experimental data, we suggest that anisotropic diffusion facilitates the
      encounter and interaction of spindle-associated proteins, e.g., during the
      formation of a dynamic spindle matrix.

PMID- 25127217
TI  - Regulation of YAP by mechanical strain through Jnk and Hippo signaling.
AB  - Mechanical forces affect all the tissues of our bodies. Experiments conducted
      mainly on cultured cells have established that altering these forces influences
      cell behaviors, including migration, differentiation, apoptosis, and
      proliferation [1, 2]. The transcriptional coactivator YAP has been identified as
      a nuclear relay of mechanical signals, but the molecular mechanisms that lead to
      YAP activation were not identified [3]. YAP is the main transcriptional effector
      of the Hippo signaling pathway, a major growth regulatory pathway within metazoa
      [4], but at least in some instances, the influence of mechanical strain on YAP
      was reported to be independent of Hippo signaling [5, 6]. Here, we identify a
      molecular pathway that can promote the proliferation of cultured mammary
      epithelial cells in response to cyclic or static stretch. These mechanical
      stimuli are associated with increased activity of the transcriptional coactivator
      YAP, which is due at least in part to inhibition of Hippo pathway activity. Much
      of this influence on Hippo signaling can be accounted for by the activation of c
      Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity by mechanical strain and subsequent
      inhibition of Hippo signaling by JNK. LATS1 is a key negative regulator of YAP
      within the Hippo pathway, and we further show that cyclic stretch is associated
      with a JNK-dependent increase in binding of a LATS inhibitor, LIMD1, to the LATS1
      kinase and that reduction of LIMD1 expression suppresses the activation of YAP by
      cyclic stretch. Together, these observations establish a pathway for mechanical
      regulation of cell proliferation via JNK-mediated inhibition of Hippo signaling. 

PMID- 25127219
TI  - Clonal relationships impact neuronal tuning within a phylogenetically ancient
      vertebrate brain structure.
AB  - Understanding how neurons acquire specific response properties is a major goal in
      neuroscience. Recent studies in mouse neocortex have shown that "sister neurons"
      derived from the same cortical progenitor cell have a greater probability of
      forming synaptic connections with one another and are biased to respond to
      similar sensory stimuli. However, it is unknown whether such lineage-based rules
      contribute to functional circuit organization across different species and brain
      regions. To address this question, we examined the influence of lineage on the
      response properties of neurons within the optic tectum, a visual brain area found
      in all vertebrates. Tectal neurons possess well-defined spatial receptive fields
      (RFs) whose center positions are retinotopically organized. If lineage
      relationships do not influence the functional properties of tectal neurons, one
      prediction is that the RF positions of sister neurons should be no more (or less)
      similar to one another than those of neighboring control neurons. To test this
      prediction, we developed a protocol to unambiguously identify the daughter
      neurons derived from single tectal progenitor cells in Xenopus laevis tadpoles.
      We combined this approach with in vivo two-photon calcium imaging in order to
      characterize the RF properties of tectal neurons. Our data reveal that the RF
      centers of sister neurons are significantly more similar than would be expected
      by chance. Ontogenetic relationships therefore influence the fine-scale
      topography of the retinotectal map, indicating that lineage relationships may
      represent a general and evolutionarily conserved principle that contributes to
      the organization of neural circuits.

PMID- 25127222
TI  - Proposed US Food and Drug Administration guidance for industry on distributing
      medical publications about the risks of prescription drugs and biological
      products: a misguided approach.

PMID- 25127220
TI  - WOX5 suppresses CYCLIN D activity to establish quiescence at the center of the
      root stem cell niche.
AB  - In Arabidopsis, stem cells maintain the provision of new cells for root growth.
      They surround a group of slowly dividing cells named the quiescent center (QC),
      and, together, they form the stem cell niche (SCN). The QC acts as the signaling
      center of the SCN, repressing differentiation of the surrounding stem cells and
      providing a pool of cells able to replace damaged stem cells. Maintenance of the
      stem cells depends on the transcription factor WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 5 (WOX5),
      which is specifically expressed in the QC. However, the molecular mechanisms by
      which WOX5 promotes stem cell fate and whether WOX5 regulates proliferation of
      the QC are unknown. Here, we reveal a new role for WOX5 in restraining cell
      division in the cells of the QC, thereby establishing quiescence. In contrast,
      WOX5 and CYCD3;3/CYCD1;1 both promote cell proliferation in the nascent
      columella. The additional QC divisions occurring in wox5 mutants are suppressed
      in mutant combinations with the D type cyclins CYCD3;3 and CYCD1;1. Moreover,
      ectopic expression of CYCD3;3 in the QC is sufficient to induce cell division in
      the QC. WOX5 thus suppresses QC divisions that are otherwise promoted by CYCD3;3
      and CYCD1;1, in part by interacting with the CYCD3;3 promoter to repress CYCD3;3
      expression in the QC. Therefore, we propose a specific role for WOX5 in
      initiating and maintaining quiescence of the QC by excluding CYCD activity from
      the QC.

PMID- 25127223
TI  - Potential torsades de pointes triggered by hypokalemia related to olanzapine in a
      patient with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

PMID- 25127224
TI  - Continuing quality enhancement.

PMID- 25127221
TI  - Rhythms in energy storage control the ability of the cyanobacterial circadian
      clock to reset.
AB  - Circadian clocks are oscillatory systems that schedule daily rhythms of
      organismal behavior. The ability of the clock to reset its phase in response to
      external signals is critical for proper synchronization with the environment. In
      the model clock from cyanobacteria, the KaiABC proteins that comprise the core
      oscillator are directly sensitive to metabolites. Reduced ATP/ADP ratio and
      oxidized quinones cause clock phase shifts in vitro. However, it is unclear what
      determines the metabolic response of the cell to darkness and thus the magnitude
      of clock resetting. We show that the cyanobacterial circadian clock generates a
      rhythm in metabolism that causes cells to accumulate glycogen in anticipation of
      nightfall. Mutation of the histidine kinase CikA creates an insensitive clock
      input phenotype by misregulating clock output genome wide, leading to
      overaccumulation of glycogen and subsequently high ATP in the dark. Conversely,
      we show that disruption of glycogen metabolism results in low ATP in the dark and
      makes the clock hypersensitive to dark pulses. The observed changes in cellular
      energy are sufficient to recapitulate phase-shifting phenotypes in an in vitro
      model of the clock. Our results show that clock-input phenotypes can arise from
      metabolic dysregulation and illustrate a framework for circadian biology where
      clock outputs feed back through metabolism to control input mechanisms.

PMID- 25127225
TI  - Ultrasound of the fetal veins part 2: Veins at the cardiac level.
AB  - In recent years the advent of high-resolution and color Doppler ultrasound has
      enabled a more comprehensive examination of the veins at the cardiac level. These
      veins include both the superior and inferior vena cava, the pulmonary veins, the
      azygos vein, the coronary sinus, and the brachiocephalic (or innominate) vein.
      This article gives a review of the normal and abnormal conditions of the cardiac
      venous system. Normal anatomy and abnormal findings of these veins are
      demonstrated by grayscale and color Doppler. Three groups of anomalies are
      presented: 1) the interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuity, 2) the
      left persisting superior vena cava and 3) the total and partial anomalous
      pulmonary venous connections. Many of these abnormal findings can be detected by
      a dedicated examination of the veins during fetal echocardiography, but some
      anomalies are detectable by focusing on indirect signs such as the compensatory
      dilation of other veins. 

PMID- 25127226
TI  - Letter to the editor: Mostbeck G. Elastography everywhere--now even the lungs!
      Ultraschall in Med. 2014; 35: 5 - 8.

PMID- 25127227
TI  - Associations between depression and diabetes in the community: do symptom
      dimensions matter? Results from the Gutenberg Health Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: While a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and depression
      has been established, there is little knowledge if the associations are due to
      somatic-affective or cognitive-affective dimensions of depression. RESEARCH
      DESIGN AND METHODS: In a population-based, representative survey of 15.010
      participants we therefore studied the associations of the two dimensions of
      depression with diabetes and health care utilization among depressed and diabetic
      participants. Depression was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ-9.
      RESULTS: We found a linear and consistent association between the intensity of
      depression and the presence of diabetes increasing from 6.9% in no or minimal
      depression to 7.6% in mild, 9% in moderate and 10.5% in severe depression. There
      was a strong positive association between somatic-affective symptoms but not with
      cognitive-affective symptoms and diabetes. Depression and diabetes were both
      independently related to somatic health care utilisation. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes
      and depression are associated, and the association is primarily driven by the
      somatic-affective component of depression. The main limitation of our study
      pertains to the cross-sectional data acquisition. Further longitudinal work on
      the relationship of obesity and diabetes should differentiate the somatic and the
      cognitive symptoms of depression.

PMID- 25127228
TI  - Influence of tetracycline on the microbial community composition and activity of
      nitrifying biofilms.
AB  - The present work aims to evaluate the bacterial composition and activity (carbon
      and nitrogen removal) of nitrifying biofilms exposed to 50 MUg L(-1) of
      tetracycline. The tetracycline removal efficiency and the occurrence of
      tetracycline resistance (tet) genes were also studied. Two sequencing batch
      biofilm reactors (SBBRs) fed with synthetic wastewater were operated without
      (SBBR1) and with (SBBR2) the antibiotic. Both SBBRs showed similar organic matter
      biodegradation and nitrification activity. Tetracycline removal was about 28% and
      biodegradation was probably the principal removal mechanism of the antibiotic.
      Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of the
      bacterial community showed shifts leading to not only the fading of some
      ribotypes, but also the emergence of new ones in the biofilm with tetracycline.
      The study of the tet genes showed that tet(S) was only detected in the biofilm
      with tetracycline, suggesting a relationship between its occurrence and the
      presence of the antibiotic.

PMID- 25127229
TI  - Chemical and mechanical defenses vary among maternal lines and leaf ages in
      Verbascum thapsus L. (Scrophulariaceae) and reduce palatability to a generalist
      insect.
AB  - Intra-specific variation in host-plant quality affects herbivore foraging
      decisions and, in turn, herbivore foraging decisions mediate plant fitness. In
      particular, variation in defenses against herbivores, both among and within
      plants, shapes herbivore behavior. If variation in defenses is genetically based,
      it can respond to natural selection by herbivores. We quantified intra-specific
      variation in iridoid glycosides, trichome length, and leaf strength in common
      mullein (Verbascum thapsus L, Scrophulariaceae) among maternal lines within a
      population and among leaves within plants, and related this variation to feeding
      preferences of a generalist herbivore, Trichopulsia ni Hubner. We found
      significant variation in all three defenses among maternal lines, with T. ni
      preferring plants with lower investment in chemical, but not mechanical, defense.
      Within plants, old leaves had lower levels of all defenses than young leaves, and
      were strongly preferred by T. ni. Caterpillars also preferred leaves with
      trichomes removed to leaves with trichomes intact. Differences among maternal
      lines indicate that phenotypic variation in defenses likely has a genetic basis.
      Furthermore, these results reveal that the feeding behaviors of T. ni map onto
      variation in plant defense in a predictable way. This work highlights the
      importance of variation in host-plant quality in driving interactions between
      plants and their herbivores. 

PMID- 25127230
TI  - Behavior of the potential antitumor V(IV)O complexes formed by flavonoid ligands.
      1. Coordination modes and geometry in solution and at the physiological pH.
AB  - The coordination modes and geometry assumed in solution by the potent antitumor
      oxidovanadium(IV) complexes formed by different flavonoids were studied by
      spectroscopic (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, EPR) and computational (Density
      Functional Theory, DFT) methods. A series of bidentate flavonoid ligands (L) with
      increasing structural complexity was examined, which can involve (CO, O(-))
      donors and formation of five- and six-membered chelate rings, or (O(-), O(-))
      donors and five-membered chelate rings. The geometry corresponding to these
      coordination modes can be penta-coordinated, [VOL2], or cis-octahedral, cis
      [VOL2(H2O)]. The results show that, at physiological pH, ligands provided with
      (CO, O(-)) donor set yield cis-octahedral species with "maltol-like" coordination
      when five-membered chelate rings are formed (as with 3-hydroxyflavone), while
      penta-coordinated structures with "acetylacetone-like" coordination are preferred
      when the chelate rings are six-membered (as with chrysin). When both the binding
      modes are possible, as with morin, the "acetylacetone-like" coordination is
      observed. For the ligands containing a catecholic donor set, such as 7,8
      dihydroxyflavone, baicalein, fisetin, quercetin and rutin, the formation of
      square pyramidal complexes with (O(-), O(-)) "catechol-like" coordination and
      five-membered chelate rings is preferred at physiological pH. The determination
      of the different coordination modes and geometry is important to define the
      biotransformation in the blood and the interaction of these complexes with the
      biological membranes. 

PMID- 25127231
TI  - Pallidal neurostimulation in patients with medication-refractory cervical
      dystonia: a randomised, sham-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical dystonia is managed mainly by repeated botulinum toxin
      injections. We aimed to establish whether pallidal neurostimulation could improve
      symptoms in patients not adequately responding to chemodenervation or oral drug
      treatment. METHODS: In this randomised, sham-controlled trial, we recruited
      patients with cervical dystonia from centres in Germany, Norway, and Austria.
      Eligible patients (ie, those aged 18-75 years, disease duration >=3 years,
      Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale [TWSTRS] severity score >=15
      points) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive active neurostimulation
      (frequency 180 Hz; pulse width 120 MUs; amplitude 0.5 V below adverse event
      threshold) or sham stimulation (amplitude 0 V) by computer-generated
      randomisation lists with randomly permuted block lengths stratified by centre.
      All patients, masked to treatment assignment, were implanted with a deep brain
      stimulation device and received their assigned treatment for 3 months.
      Neurostimulation was activated in the sham group at 3 months and outcomes were
      reassessed in all patients after 6 months of active treatment. Treating
      physicians were not masked. The primary endpoint was the change in the TWSTRS
      severity score from baseline to 3 months, assessed by two masked dystonia experts
      using standardised videos, analysed by intention to treat. This trial is
      registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00148889. FINDINGS: Between Jan 19,
      2006, and May 29, 2008, we recruited 62 patients, of whom 32 were randomly
      assigned to neurostimulation and 30 to sham stimulation. Outcome data were
      recorded in 60 (97%) patients at 3 months and 56 (90%) patients at 6 months. At 3
      months, the reduction in dystonia severity was significantly greater with
      neurostimulation (-5.1 points [SD 5.1], 95% CI -7.0 to -3.5) than with sham
      stimulation (-1.3 [2.4], -2.2 to -0.4, p=0.0024; mean between-group difference
      3.8 points, 1.8 to 5.8) in the intention-to-treat population. Over the course of
      the study, 21 adverse events (five serious) were reported in 11 (34%) of 32
      patients in the neurostimulation group compared with 20 (11 serious) in nine
      (30%) of 30 patients in the sham-stimulation group. Serious adverse events were
      typically related to the implant procedure or the implanted device, and 11 of 16
      resolved without sequelae. Dysarthria (in four patients assigned to
      neurostimulation vs three patients assigned to sham stimulation), involuntary
      movements (ie, dyskinesia or worsening of dystonia; five vs one), and depression
      (one vs two) were the most common non-serious adverse events reported during the
      course of the study. INTERPRETATION: Pallidal neurostimulation for 3 months is
      more effective than sham stimulation at reducing symptoms of cervical dystonia.
      Extended follow-up is needed to ascertain the magnitude and stability of chronic
      neurostimulation effects before this treatment can be recommended as routine for
      patients who are not responding to conventional medical therapy. FUNDING:
      Medtronic.

PMID- 25127233
TI  - Lost in space: sleep.

PMID- 25127232
TI  - Prevalence of sleep deficiency and use of hypnotic drugs in astronauts before,
      during, and after spaceflight: an observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep deprivation and fatigue are common subjective complaints among
      astronauts. Previous studies of sleep and hypnotic drug use in space have been
      limited to post-flight subjective survey data or in-flight objective data
      collection from a small number of crew members. We aimed to characterise
      representative sleep patterns of astronauts on both short-duration and long
      duration spaceflight missions. METHODS: For this observational study, we
      recruited crew members assigned to Space Transportation System shuttle flights
      with in-flight experiments between July 12, 2001, and July 21, 2011, or assigned
      to International Space Station (ISS) expeditions between Sept 18, 2006, and March
      16, 2011. We assessed sleep-wake timing objectively via wrist actigraphy, and
      subjective sleep characteristics and hypnotic drug use via daily logs, in-flight
      and during Earth-based data-collection intervals: for 2 weeks scheduled about 3
      months before launch, 11 days before launch until launch day, and for 7 days upon
      return to Earth. FINDINGS: We collected data from 64 astronauts on 80 space
      shuttle missions (26 flights, 1063 in-flight days) and 21 astronauts on 13 ISS
      missions (3248 in-flight days), with ground-based data from all astronauts (4014
      days). Crew members attempted and obtained significantly less sleep per night as
      estimated by actigraphy during space shuttle missions (7.35 h [SD 0.47]
      attempted, 5.96 h [0.56] obtained), in the 11 days before spaceflight (7.35 h
      [0.51], 6.04 h [0.72]), and about 3 months before spaceflight (7.40 h [0.59],
      6.29 h [0.67]) compared with the first week post-mission (8.01 h [0.78], 6.74 h
      [0.91]; p<0.0001 for both measures). Crew members on ISS missions obtained
      significantly less sleep during spaceflight (6.09 h [0.67]), in the 11 days
      before spaceflight (5.86 h [0.94]), and during the 2-week interval scheduled
      about 3 months before spaceflight (6.41 h [SD 0.65]) compared with in the first
      week post-mission (6.95 h [1.04]; p<0.0001). 61 (78%) of 78 shuttle-mission crew
      members reported taking a dose of sleep-promoting drug on 500 (52%) of 963
      nights; 12 (75%) of 16 ISS crew members reported using sleep-promoting drugs.
      INTERPRETATION: Sleep deficiency in astronauts was prevalent not only during
      space shuttle and ISS missions, but also throughout a 3 month preflight training
      interval. Despite chronic sleep curtailment, use of sleep-promoting drugs was
      pervasive during spaceflight. Because chronic sleep loss leads to performance
      decrements, our findings emphasise the need for development of effective
      countermeasures to promote sleep. FUNDING: The National Aeronautics and Space
      Administration.

PMID- 25127234
TI  - Deep brain stimulation for cervical dystonia.

PMID- 25127237
TI  - Reporting tumor molecular heterogeneity in histopathological diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Detection of molecular tumor heterogeneity has become of paramount
      importance with the advent of targeted therapies. Analysis for detection should
      be comprehensive, timely and based on routinely available tumor samples. AIM: To
      evaluate the diagnostic potential of targeted multigene next-generation
      sequencing (TM-NGS) in characterizing gastrointestinal cancer molecular
      heterogeneity. METHODS: 35 gastrointestinal tract tumors, five of each intestinal
      type gastric carcinomas, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, pancreatic
      intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, ampulla of Vater carcinomas,
      hepatocellular carcinomas, cholangiocarcinomas, pancreatic solid pseudopapillary
      tumors were assessed for mutations in 46 cancer-associated genes, using Ion
      Torrent semiconductor-based TM-NGS. One ampulla of Vater carcinoma cell line and
      one hepatic carcinosarcoma served to assess assay sensitivity. TP53, PIK3CA,
      KRAS, and BRAF mutations were validated by conventional Sanger sequencing.
      RESULTS: TM-NGS yielded overlapping results on matched fresh-frozen and formalin
      fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, with a mutation detection limit of 1% for
      fresh-frozen high molecular weight DNA and 2% for FFPE partially degraded DNA. At
      least one somatic mutation was observed in all tumors tested; multiple
      alterations were detected in 20/35 (57%) tumors. Seven cancers displayed
      significant differences in allelic frequencies for distinct mutations, indicating
      the presence of intratumor molecular heterogeneity; this was confirmed on
      selected samples by immunohistochemistry of p53 and Smad4, showing concordance
      with mutational analysis. CONCLUSIONS: TM-NGS is able to detect and quantitate
      multiple gene alterations from limited amounts of DNA, moving one step closer to
      a next-generation histopathologic diagnosis that integrates morphologic,
      immunophenotypic, and multigene mutational analysis on routinely processed
      tissues, essential for personalized cancer therapy.

PMID- 25127238
TI  - Interplay between parasitism and host ontogenic resistance in the epidemiology of
      the soil-borne plant pathogen Rhizoctonia solani.
AB  - Spread of soil-borne fungal plant pathogens is mainly driven by the amount of
      resources the pathogen is able to capture and exploit should it behave either as
      a saprotroph or a parasite. Despite their importance in understanding the fungal
      spread in agricultural ecosystems, experimental data related to exploitation of
      infected host plants by the pathogen remain scarce. Using Rhizoctonia solani /
      Raphanus sativus as a model pathosystem, we have obtained evidence on the link
      between ontogenic resistance of a tuberizing host and (i) its susceptibility to
      the pathogen and (ii) after infection, the ability of the fungus to spread in
      soil. Based on a highly replicable experimental system, we first show that
      infection success strongly depends on the host phenological stage. The nature of
      the disease symptoms abruptly changes depending on whether infection occurred
      before or after host tuberization, switching from damping-off to necrosis
      respectively. Our investigations also demonstrate that fungal spread in soil
      still depends on the host phenological stage at the moment of infection. High,
      medium, or low spread occurred when infection was respectively before, during, or
      after the tuberization process. Implications for crop protection are discussed. 

PMID- 25127239
TI  - Crystal structure of a complex of NOD1 CARD and ubiquitin.
AB  - The Caspase Recruitment Domain (CARD) from the innate immune receptor NOD1 was
      crystallized with Ubiquitin (Ub). NOD1 CARD was present as a helix-swapped
      homodimer similar to other structures of NOD1 CARD, and Ub monomers formed a
      homodimer similar in conformation to Lys48-linked di-Ub. The interaction between
      NOD1 CARD and Ub in the crystal was mediated by novel binding sites on each
      molecule. Comparisons of these sites to previously identified interaction
      surfaces on both molecules were made along with discussion of their potential
      functional significance. 

PMID- 25127240
TI  - A systems biology approach investigating the effect of probiotics on the vaginal
      microbiome and host responses in a double blind, placebo-controlled clinical
      trial of post-menopausal women.
AB  - A lactobacilli dominated microbiota in most pre and post-menopausal women is an
      indicator of vaginal health. The objective of this double blinded, placebo
      controlled crossover study was to evaluate in 14 post-menopausal women with an
      intermediate Nugent score, the effect of 3 days of vaginal administration of
      probiotic L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 (2.5*109 CFU each) on the
      microbiota and host response. The probiotic treatment did not result in an
      improved Nugent score when compared to when placebo. Analysis using 16S rRNA
      sequencing and metabolomics profiling revealed that the relative abundance of
      Lactobacillus was increased following probiotic administration as compared to
      placebo, which was weakly associated with an increase in lactate levels. A
      decrease in Atopobium was also observed. Analysis of host responses by microarray
      showed the probiotics had an immune-modulatory response including effects on
      pattern recognition receptors such as TLR2 while also affecting epithelial
      barrier function. This is the first study to use an interactomic approach for the
      study of vaginal probiotic administration in post-menopausal women. It shows that
      in some cases multifaceted approaches are required to detect the subtle molecular
      changes induced by the host to instillation of probiotic strains. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02139839.

PMID- 25127243
TI  - Prevention of invasive pneumococcal diseases: beyond cultures.

PMID- 25127241
TI  - Integrating transcriptomics with metabolic modeling predicts biomarkers and drug
      targets for Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Accumulating evidence links numerous abnormalities in cerebral metabolism with
      the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), beginning in its early stages. Here,
      we integrate transcriptomic data from AD patients with a genome-scale
      computational human metabolic model to characterize the altered metabolism in AD,
      and employ state-of-the-art metabolic modelling methods to predict metabolic
      biomarkers and drug targets in AD. The metabolic descriptions derived are first
      tested and validated on a large scale versus existing AD proteomics and
      metabolomics data. Our analysis shows a significant decrease in the activity of
      several key metabolic pathways, including the carnitine shuttle, folate
      metabolism and mitochondrial transport. We predict several metabolic biomarkers
      of AD progression in the blood and the CSF, including succinate and prostaglandin
      D2. Vitamin D and steroid metabolism pathways are enriched with predicted drug
      targets that could mitigate the metabolic alterations observed. Taken together,
      this study provides the first network wide view of the metabolic alterations
      associated with AD progression. Most importantly, it offers a cohort of new
      metabolic leads for the diagnosis of AD and its treatment. 

PMID- 25127245
TI  - A lightweight distributed framework for computational offloading in mobile cloud
      computing.
AB  - The latest developments in mobile computing technology have enabled intensive
      applications on the modern Smartphones. However, such applications are still
      constrained by limitations in processing potentials, storage capacity and battery
      lifetime of the Smart Mobile Devices (SMDs). Therefore, Mobile Cloud Computing
      (MCC) leverages the application processing services of computational clouds for
      mitigating resources limitations in SMDs. Currently, a number of computational
      offloading frameworks are proposed for MCC wherein the intensive components of
      the application are outsourced to computational clouds. Nevertheless, such
      frameworks focus on runtime partitioning of the application for computational
      offloading, which is time consuming and resources intensive. The resource
      constraint nature of SMDs require lightweight procedures for leveraging
      computational clouds. Therefore, this paper presents a lightweight framework
      which focuses on minimizing additional resources utilization in computational
      offloading for MCC. The framework employs features of centralized monitoring,
      high availability and on demand access services of computational clouds for
      computational offloading. As a result, the turnaround time and execution cost of
      the application are reduced. The framework is evaluated by testing prototype
      application in the real MCC environment. The lightweight nature of the proposed
      framework is validated by employing computational offloading for the proposed
      framework and the latest existing frameworks. Analysis shows that by employing
      the proposed framework for computational offloading, the size of data
      transmission is reduced by 91%, energy consumption cost is minimized by 81% and
      turnaround time of the application is decreased by 83.5% as compared to the
      existing offloading frameworks. Hence, the proposed framework minimizes
      additional resources utilization and therefore offers lightweight solution for
      computational offloading in MCC. 

PMID- 25127244
TI  - Vaccine effectiveness of the pneumococcal Haemophilus influenzae protein D
      conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV10) against clinically suspected invasive pneumococcal
      disease: a cluster-randomised trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vaccine effectiveness of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines against
      culture-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease has been well documented. In the
      Finnish Invasive Pneumococcal disease (FinIP) trial, we reported vaccine
      effectiveness and absolute rate reduction against laboratory-confirmed invasive
      pneumococcal disease (confirmation by culture or antigen or DNA detection
      irrespective of serotype). Here, we assessed vaccine effectiveness of PHiD-CV10
      against clinically suspected invasive pneumococcal disease in children by use of
      diagnoses coded in hospital discharge registers. METHODS: For this phase 3/4
      cluster-randomised, double-blind trial, undertaken between Feb 18, 2009, and Dec
      31, 2011, in municipal health-care centres and the Tampere University Vaccine
      Research Centre (Finland), we randomly assigned (2:2:1:1) 78 clusters into PHiD
      CV10 three plus one, PHiD-CV10 two plus one, control three plus one, control two
      plus one groups (26:26:13:13 clusters) to give PHiD-CV10 in either three plus one
      or two plus one schedule (if enrolled before 7 months of age; infant schedules),
      two plus one (if enrolled between 7 and 11 months; catch-up schedules), and two
      doses at least 6 months apart (if enrolled between 12 and 18 months; catch-up
      schedules). Children were eligible if they had not received and were not
      anticipated to receive any of the study vaccines and had no general
      contraindications to vaccinations. We collected all inpatient and outpatient
      discharge notifications from the national hospital discharge register with
      International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 diagnoses compatible with
      invasive pneumococcal disease or unspecified sepsis, and verified data with
      patient files. We excluded invasive pneumococcal disease cases confirmed by
      positive culture or DNA/RNA detection from normally sterile body fluid. The
      primary objective was to estimate vaccine effectiveness against all register
      based non-laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease or unspecified
      sepsis and patient-file verified non-laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal
      disease in infants younger than 7 months at enrolment. Masked follow-up lasted
      from the date of the first vaccination to Dec 31, 2011. Vaccine effectiveness was
      calculated against all episodes. This trial is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, numbers NCT00861380 and NCT00839254. FINDINGS: We enrolled
      47,366 children. On the basis of ICD-10 diagnoses, we recorded 264 episodes of
      register-based non-laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease or
      unspecified sepsis, of which 102 were patient-file verified non-laboratory
      confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease. The vaccine effectiveness was 50% (95%
      CI 32-63) in the 30,527 infants with three plus one and two plus one schedules
      combined and the absolute incidence rate reduction was 207 episodes per 100,000
      person-years (95% CI 127-286). The vaccine effectiveness against the patient-file
      verified non-laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease was 71% (95% CI
      52-83) in infant three plus one and two plus one schedules combined. The absolute
      rate reduction was 142 episodes per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 91-191) in
      infant cohorts. INTERPRETATION: This vaccine-probe analysis is the first report
      showing the effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on clinically suspected
      invasive pneumococcal disease. The absolute rate reduction was markedly higher
      compared with laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease, which implies
      low sensitivity of the laboratory-based case definitions and subsequently higher
      public health effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines against invasive
      pneumococcal disease than previously estimated. FUNDING: GlaxoSmithKline
      Biologicals SA and National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Finland.

PMID- 25127246
TI  - The use of social networking services and their relationship with the big five
      personality model and job satisfaction in Korea.
AB  - Social networking services (SNSs) have been garnering attention from society due
      to their recent rapid growth. This study examines whether SNS use can affect the
      relationship between the Big Five personality model and individual job
      satisfaction. Based on a sample of 1,452 workers in Korea, the results of this
      study indicate that the Big Five personality model (extroversion, agreeableness,
      and neuroticism) was significantly related to individual job satisfaction.
      Further, SNS use moderated the relationship between extroversion and neuroticism
      with individual job satisfaction. Also, SNS use was found to increase job
      satisfaction of Korean workers who are more extroverted, while it also affected
      job satisfaction of Korean workers with low agreeableness. As SNS use plays an
      important role in the workplace, it is necessary to realize and appreciate the
      importance of SNSs in shaping and promoting job satisfaction of working
      individuals.

PMID- 25127247
TI  - A method for predicting the number of active bubbles in sonochemical reactors.
AB  - Knowledge of the number of active bubbles in acoustic cavitation field is very
      important for the prediction of the performance of ultrasonic reactors toward
      most chemical processes induced by ultrasound. The literature in this field is
      scarce, probably due to the complicated nature of the phenomena. We introduce
      here a relatively simple semi-empirical method for predicting the number of
      active bubbles in an acoustic cavitation field. By coupling the bubble dynamics
      in an acoustical field with chemical kinetics occurring in the bubble during
      oscillation, the amount of the radical species OH and HO2 and molecular H2O2
      released by a single bubble was estimated. Knowing that the H2O2 measured
      experimentally during sonication of water comes from the recombination of
      hydroxyl (OH) and perhydroxyl (HO2) radicals in the liquid phase and assuming
      that in sonochemistry applications, the cavitation is transient and the bubble
      fragments at the first collapse, the number of bubbles formed per unit time per
      unit volume is then easily determined using material balances for H2O2, OH and
      HO2 in the liquid phase. The effect of ultrasonic frequency on the number of
      active bubbles was examined. It was shown that increasing ultrasonic frequency
      leads to a substantial increase in the number of bubbles formed in the reactor. 

PMID- 25127248
TI  - Effect of citric acid induced deflocculation on the ultrasonic pretreatment
      efficiency of dairy waste activated sludge.
AB  - In this investigation, the application of citric acid was explored for the
      removal of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) from waste activated sludge
      (WAS), followed by ultrasonic pretreatment, which enhanced the subsequent
      anaerobic biodegradability. EPS was removed with 0.05g/g SS of citric acid. The
      chemical oxygen demand (COD) solubilization and suspended solids (SS) reduction
      that occurred for specific energy input of 171.9kJ/kg TS, in deflocculated (EPS
      removed and ultrasonically pretreated) sludges were found to be 22.70% and 20.28%
      and was comparatively higher, than the flocculated (with EPS and ultrasonically
      pretreated). The biogas yield potential of flocculated and deflocculated sludges
      (specific energy input - 171.9kJ/kgTS) was found to be 0.212L/(gVS) and
      0.435L/(gVS), respectively. Accordingly, the deflocculation and ultrasonic
      pretreatment improved the anaerobic biodegradability efficiently. Thus, this
      chemo mediated sonic pretreatment is an effective method for enhancing
      biodegradability and improving clean energy generation from WAS. 

PMID- 25127249
TI  - Colonization of later life? Laypersons' and users' agency regarding anti-aging
      medicine in Germany.
AB  - Anti-aging medicine is regarded as a significant trend in contemporary Western
      societies. Foucauldian gerontology provides some of the dominant theoretical
      perspectives on this trend in social and cultural theory. Proceeding from its
      interpretation and critique of anti-aging in terms of medicalization and
      responsibilization of aging, we explore by means of qualitative socio-empirical
      research how interested laypersons as well as non-professional users in the
      German context actually perceive of and deal with the medical claims and moral
      imperatives surrounding anti-aging medicine. The study is based on 12 focus
      groups and 20 narrative interviews (96 participants all included). They were
      conducted in Germany between 2011 and 2012, and analyzed by qualitative content
      analysis as well as comparative sequence analysis. The empirical findings
      indicate that in everyday life, interested laypersons and non-professional users
      employ different strategies for dealing with anti-aging products and services,
      corresponding to different degrees of affirmation and rejection. Four strategies
      could be identified: (a) medical optimism, (b) preventive maximalism, (c)
      ritualized well-being, and (d) considerate rejection. Also, each type was
      problematized and arguments against it were expressed. Overall, these findings
      show how our participants develop viable strategies to put the relevance of
      medical knowledge and moral imperatives for their own lives into perspective.
      This sheds light on laypersons' and users' agency-that is, their active role and
      deliberative space in the uptake, adaptation, and integration of anti-aging into
      their personal life. These empirical findings contribute to an enriched picture
      of the actual practice of anti-aging in concrete national and socio-cultural
      settings. This can help to differentiate the evaluation and thus make its
      critique more context sensitive, adequate, and targeted. 

PMID- 25127250
TI  - Cognitive functioning among patients with diabetic foot.
AB  - AIMS: Using diabetic foot (DF) as an indicator of severe diabetes, we aimed to
      investigate the cognitive profile of DF patients and the relations between
      cognitive functioning and both diabetes complications and comorbidities. METHODS:
      Dementia-free patients with DF aged 30-90 (n=153) were assessed through medical
      records and a cognitive battery. Information on diabetes complications and
      comorbidities was collected via interview; glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was
      tested. Data were analyzed using robust logistic or quantile regression adjusted
      for potential confounders. RESULTS: The mean Mini-Mental Examination (MMSE) score
      of patients was 24.6 (SD=3.6), and 40% had global cognitive dysfunction (MMSE
      <=24). Among elderly patients (aged >=65), MMSE impairment was related to
      amputation (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.07-12.11). Episodic memory impairment was
      associated with foot amputation (OR 4.13, 95% CI 1.11-15.28) and microvascular
      complications (OR 9.68, 95% CI 1.67-56.06). Further, elderly patients with HbA1c
      <7% had increased odds of psychomotor slowness (OR 7.75, 95% CI 1.55-38.73) and
      abstract reasoning impairment (OR 4.49, 95% CI: 1.15-17.46). However, such
      significant associations were not shown in adult patients aged <65. CONCLUSION:
      Amputation, microvascular diseases and glycemic control were associated with
      impaired global cognitive function and its domains among patients aged >=65.

PMID- 25127251
TI  - A cluster randomized-controlled trial of a classroom-based drama workshop program
      to improve mental health outcomes among immigrant and refugee youth in special
      classes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this cluster randomized trial was to evaluate the
      effectiveness of a school-based theatre intervention program for immigrant and
      refugee youth in special classes for improving mental health and academic
      outcomes. The primary hypothesis was that students in the theatre intervention
      group would report a greater reduction in impairment from symptoms compared to
      students in the control and tutoring groups. METHODS: Special classrooms in five
      multiethnic high schools were randomly assigned to theater intervention (n = 10),
      tutoring (n = 10) or control status (n = 9), for a total of 477 participants.
      Students and teachers were non-blinded to group assignment. The primary outcome
      was impairment from emotional and behavioural symptoms assessed by the Impact
      Supplement of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) completed by the
      adolescents. The secondary outcomes were the SDQ global scores (teacher and youth
      reports), impairment assessed by teachers and school performance. The effect of
      the interventions was assessed through linear mixed effect models which
      incorporate the correlation between students in the same class, due to the nature
      of the randomization of the interventions by classroom. RESULTS: The theatre
      intervention was not associated with a greater reduction in self-reported
      impairment and symptoms in youth placed in special class because of learning,
      emotional and behavioural difficulties than a tutoring intervention or a non
      active control group. The estimates of the different models show a non
      significant decrease in both self-reported and impairment scores in the theatre
      intervention group for the overall group, but the impairment score decreased
      significantly for first generation adolescents while it increased for second
      generation adolescents. CONCLUSION: The difference between the population of
      immigrant and refugee youth newcomers studied previously and the sample of this
      trial may explain some of the differences in the observed impact of the theatre
      intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01426451.

PMID- 25127252
TI  - Potentially inappropriate medication use in older people with cancer: prevalence
      and correlates.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use has been associated
      with an increase in adverse drug events, hospitalization and mortality. This
      study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with PIM use in patients
      presenting to a medical oncology outpatient clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Consecutive patients (n=385) aged >= 70 years referred to a medical oncology
      outpatient clinic between January 2009 and July 2010 completed a structured data
      collection instrument. The instrument assessed medication use, diagnoses, self
      reported falls in the previous six months, pain (10-point visual analog scale
      [VAS]) and distress (10-point VAS). Frailty was defined using exhaustion, weight
      loss, Karnofsky Performance Scale, instrumental activities of daily living and
      physical function. PIM use was defined by the Beers Criteria. Logistic regression
      was used to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for
      factors associated with PIM use. RESULTS: In total, 26.5% (n=102) of the sample
      used >=1 PIM. The five most prevalent classes of PIMs were benzodiazepines (n=34,
      8.8%), tricyclic antidepressants (n=16, 4.2%), alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists
      (prazosin) (n=15, 3.9%), propulsives (metoclopramide) (n=15, 3.9%) and non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n=14, 3.6%). In multivariate analyses, PIM use
      was associated with age 75-79 years (OR 1.83; 95%CI 1.02-3.26) compared to age 70
      74 years, using >= 5 medications (OR 4.10; 95%CI 2.26-7.44) compared to <5
      medications and being frail (OR 3.05; 95%CI 1.18-7.87) compared to being robust.
      CONCLUSION: More than one quarter of older people with cancer used one or more
      PIMs, and this was associated with being frail compared to being robust.

PMID- 25127253
TI  - Fecal carriage rates of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia
      coli among antibiotic naive healthy human volunteers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Higher prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)
      producing Escherichia coli fecal carriage has been reported in the nosocomial
      setting than in the community. We tried to determine the fecal carriage of ESBL
      producing E. coli among healthy volunteers in a relatively isolated community.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 115 healthy adult volunteers
      from whom one fecal sample was collected and was plated on selective media. Each
      morphotypes were identified, characterized, and ESBL phenotype was confirmed by
      double-disk potentiation method. Molecular characterization of ESBL gene was done
      using multiplex polymerase chain reaction and pulse-field gel electrophoresis
      (PFGE) was done to identify their clonal relation. RESULTS: ESBL-producing E.
      coli had a prevalence of 19% (22/115) among the healthy volunteers in the
      community. CTX-M was the predominant type, showed a presence 95.5% (21/22), TEM
      63%, SHV 9%, and both TEM and CTX-M were present in 63.6% (14/22), all three
      present in 4.5% (1/22). The lineage using PFGE showed a single clone in 17
      isolates. Seven isolates were type A (all TEM & CTX-M), six were type A1 (all TEM
      & CTX-M except 2), four were type A2 (all CTX-M), and three belonged to types B,
      C, and D respectively Conclusion: High prevalence rate of 19% in the community
      indicated by this study implies the possibility of sustained ESBL carriage even
      among isolated population, which could serve as a reservoir for enriching the
      ESBL pool in the hospital. Clonal relations also indicate a possible
      epidemiological source that needs to be evaluated.

PMID- 25127254
TI  - Epidemiological investigation of bovine tuberculosis herd breakdowns in Spain
      2009/2011.
AB  - We analyzed the most likely cause of 687 bovine tuberculosis (bTB) breakdowns
      detected in Spain between 2009 and 2011 (i.e., 22% of the total number of
      breakdowns detected during this period). Seven possible causes were considered:
      i) residual infection; ii) introduction of infected cattle from other herds; iii)
      sharing of pastures with infected herds; iv) contiguous spread from infected
      neighbor herds; v) presence of infected goats in the farm; vi) interaction with
      wildlife reservoirs and vii) contact with an infected human. For each possible
      cause a decision tree was developed and key questions were included in each of
      them. Answers to these key questions lead to different events within each
      decision tree. In order to assess the likelihood of occurrence of the different
      events a qualitative risk assessment approach was used. For this purpose, an
      expert opinion workshop was organized and ordinal values, ranging from 0 to 9
      (i.e., null to very high likelihood of occurrence) were assigned. The analysis
      identified residual infection as the most frequent cause of bTB breakdowns
      (22.3%; 95%CI: 19.4-25.6), followed by interaction with wildlife reservoirs
      (13.1%; 95%CI: 10.8-15.8). The introduction of infected cattle, sharing of
      pastures and contiguous spread from infected neighbour herds were also identified
      as relevant causes. In 41.6% (95%CI: 38.0-45.4) of the breakdowns the origin of
      infection remained unknown. Veterinary officers conducting bTB breakdown
      investigations have to state their opinion about the possible cause of each
      breakdown. Comparison between the results of our analysis and the opinion from
      veterinary officers revealed a slight concordance. This slight agreement might
      reflect a lack of harmonized criteria to assess the most likely cause of bTB
      breakdowns as well as different perceptions about the importance of the possible
      causes. This is especially relevant in the case of the role of wildlife
      reservoirs. 

PMID- 25127255
TI  - Diversity of bacteria carried by pinewood nematode in USA and phylogenetic
      comparison with isolates from other countries.
AB  - Pine wilt disease (PWD) is native to North America and has spread to Asia and
      Europe. Lately, mutualistic relationship has been suggested between the pinewood
      nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus the causal nematode agent of PWD, and
      bacteria. In countries where PWN occurs, nematodes from diseased trees were
      reported to carry bacteria from several genera. However no data exists for the
      United States. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity of the
      bacterial community carried by B. xylophilus, isolated from different Pinus spp.
      with PWD in Nebraska, United States. The bacteria carried by PWN belonged to
      Gammaproteobacteria (79.9%), Betaproteobacteria (11.7%), Bacilli (5.0%),
      Alphaproteobacteria (1.7%) and Flavobacteriia (1.7%). Strains from the genera
      Chryseobacterium and Pigmentiphaga were found associated with the nematode for
      the first time. These results were compared to results from similar studies
      conducted from other countries of three continents in order to assess the
      diversity of bacteria with associated with PWN. The isolates from the United
      States, Portugal and China belonged to 25 different genera and only strains from
      the genus Pseudomonas were found in nematodes from all countries. The strains
      from China were closely related to P. fluorescens and the strains isolated from
      Portugal and USA were phylogenetically related to P. mohnii and P. lutea.
      Nematodes from the different countries are associated with bacteria of different
      species, not supporting a relationship between PWN with a particular bacterial
      species. Moreover, the diversity of the bacteria carried by the pinewood nematode
      seems to be related to the geographic area and the Pinus species. The roles these
      bacteria play within the pine trees or when associated with the nematodes, might
      be independent of the presence of the nematode in the tree and only related on
      the bacteria's relationship with the tree. 

PMID- 25127256
TI  - The X gene of adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) is involved in viral DNA
      replication.
AB  - Adeno-associated virus (AAV) (type 2) is a popular human gene therapy vector with
      a long active transgene expression period and no reported vector-induced adverse
      reactions. Yet the basic molecular biology of this virus has not been fully
      addressed. One potential gene at the far 3' end of the AAV2 genome, previously
      referred to as X (nt 3929 to 4393), overlapping the 3' end of the cap gene, has
      never been characterized, although we did previously identify a promoter just up
      stream (p81). Computer analysis suggested that X was involved in replication and
      transcription. The X protein was identified during active AAV2 replication using
      a polyclonal antibody against a peptide starting at amino acid 98. Reagents for
      the study of X included an AAV2 deletion mutant (dl78-91), a triple nucleotide
      substitution mutant that destroys all three 5' AUG-initiation products of X, with
      no effect on the cap coding sequence, and X-positive-293 cell lines. Here, we
      found that X up-regulated AAV2 DNA replication in differentiating keratinocytes
      (without helper virus, autonomous replication) and in various forms of 293 cell
      based assays with help from wild type adenovirus type 5 (wt Ad5) or Ad5 helper
      plasmid (pHelper). The strongest contribution by X was seen in increasing wt AAV2
      DNA replication in keratinocytes and dl78-91 in Ad5-infected X-positive-293 cell
      lines (both having multi-fold effects). Mutating the X gene in pAAV-RC (pAAV-RC
      3Xneg) yielded approximately a ~33% reduction in recombinant AAV vector DNA
      replication and virion production, but a larger effect was seen when using this
      same X-knockout AAV helper plasmid in X-positive-293 cell lines versus normal 293
      cells (again, multi-fold). Taken together these data strongly suggest that AAV2 X
      encodes a protein involved in the AAV life cycle, particularly in increasing AAV2
      DNA replication, and suggests that further studies are warranted. 

PMID- 25127257
TI  - Quantifying age-related rates of social contact using diaries in a rural coastal
      population of Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improved understanding and quantification of social contact patterns
      that govern the transmission dynamics of respiratory viral infections has utility
      in the design of preventative and control measures such as vaccination and social
      distancing. The objective of this study was to quantify an age-specific matrix of
      contact rates for a predominantly rural low-income population that would support
      transmission dynamic modeling of respiratory viruses. METHODS AND FINDINGS: From
      the population register of the Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System,
      coastal Kenya, 150 individuals per age group (<1, 1-5, 6-15, 16-19, 20-49, 50 and
      above, in years) were selected by stratified random sampling and requested to
      complete a day long paper diary of physical contacts (e.g. touch or embrace). The
      sample was stratified by residence (rural-to-semiurban), month (August 2011 to
      January 2012, spanning seasonal changes in socio-cultural activities), and day of
      week. Usable diary responses were obtained from 568 individuals (~50% of
      expected). The mean number of contacts per person per day was 17.7 (95% CI 16.7
      18.7). Infants reported the lowest contact rates (mean 13.9, 95% CI 12.1-15.7),
      while primary school students (6-15 years) reported the highest (mean 20.1, 95%
      CI 18.0-22.2). Rates of contact were higher within groups of similar age
      (assortative), particularly within the primary school students and adults (20-49
      years). Adults and older participants (>50 years) exhibited the highest inter
      generational contacts. Rural contact rates were higher than semiurban (18.8 vs
      15.6, p = 0.002), with rural primary school students having twice as many
      assortative contacts as their semiurban peers. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: This
      is the first age-specific contact matrix to be defined for tropical Sub-Saharan
      Africa and has utility in age-structured models to assess the potential impact of
      interventions for directly transmitted respiratory infections.

PMID- 25127258
TI  - Glucose rapidly induces different forms of excitatory synaptic plasticity in
      hypothalamic POMC neurons.
AB  - Hypothalamic POMC neurons are required for glucose and energy homeostasis. POMC
      neurons have a wide synaptic connection with neurons both within and outside the
      hypothalamus, and their activity is controlled by a balance between excitatory
      and inhibitory synaptic inputs. Brain glucose-sensing plays an essential role in
      the maintenance of normal body weight and metabolism; however, the effect of
      glucose on synaptic transmission in POMC neurons is largely unknown. Here we
      identified three types of POMC neurons (EPSC(+), EPSC(-), and EPSC(+/-)) based on
      their glucose-regulated spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs),
      using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Lowering extracellular glucose decreased
      the frequency of sEPSCs in EPSC(+) neurons, but increased it in EPSC(-) neurons.
      Unlike EPSC(+) and EPSC(-) neurons, EPSC(+/-) neurons displayed a bi-phasic sEPSC
      response to glucoprivation. In the first phase of glucoprivation, both the
      frequency and the amplitude of sEPSCs decreased, whereas in the second phase,
      they increased progressively to the levels above the baseline values.
      Accordingly, lowering glucose exerted a bi-phasic effect on spontaneous action
      potentials in EPSC(+/-) neurons. Glucoprivation decreased firing rates in the
      first phase, but increased them in the second phase. These data indicate that
      glucose induces distinct excitatory synaptic plasticity in different
      subpopulations of POMC neurons. This synaptic remodeling is likely to regulate
      the sensitivity of the melanocortin system to neuronal and hormonal signals. 

PMID- 25127260
TI  - Ipilimumab treatment associated pituitary hypophysitis: clinical presentation and
      imaging diagnosis.
AB  - Ipilimumab is an immunomodulating drug for use in treatment of unresectable or
      metastatic melanoma with autoimmune lymphocytic hypophysitis as a reported
      complication. We describe three recent cases of ipilimumab associated autoimmune
      hypophysitis (IAH) at our institution, and provide a selected literature review
      showing its variable clinical presentation, imaging appearance and treatment in
      order to expedite early and appropriate IAH management. Patients had variable
      clinical presentation of hypophysitis, including headache, fatigue, visual
      changes, endocrinopathy, and/or hyponatremia. Contrast enhanced MRI showed
      symmetric pituitary gland and stalk enlargement in all of our cases and received
      a presumptive diagnosis of IAH. Following cessation of therapy and treatment
      there was normalization of pituitary morphology at follow-up MRI and return to
      clinical baseline. Varying clinical presentation can complicate the diagnosis of
      lymphocytic hypophysitis. One must be cognizant of its overall clinical and
      radiologic picture in patients receiving ipilimumab, now commonly used for the
      treatment of metastatic melanoma. 

PMID- 25127259
TI  - Expression of stemness genes in primary breast cancer tissues: the role of SOX2
      as a prognostic marker for detection of early recurrence.
AB  - The events leading to breast cancer (BC) progression or recurrence are not
      completely understood and new prognostic markers aiming at identifying high risk
      patients and to develop suitable therapy are highly demanded. Experimental
      evidences found in cancer cells a deregulated expression of some genes involved
      in governance of stem cell properties and demonstrated a relationship between
      stemness genes overexpression and poorly differentiated BC subtypes. In the
      present study 140 primary invasive BC specimens were collected. The expression
      profiles of 13 genes belonging to the OCT3/SOX2/NANOG/KLF4 core circuitry by RT
      PCR were analyzed and any correlation between their expression and the BC clinic
      pathological features (CPfs) and prognosis was investigated. In our cohort (117
      samples), NANOG, GDF3 and SOX2 significantly correlated with grade 2, Nodes
      negative status and higher KI67 proliferation index, respectively (p=0.019,
      p=0.029, p= 0.035). According to multivariate analysis, SOX2 expression resulted
      independently associated with increased risk of recurrence (HR= 2,99; p= p=0,004)
      as well as Nodes status (HR=2,44; p=0,009) and T-size >1 (HR=1,77; p=0,035). Our
      study provides further proof of the suitable use of stemness genes in BC
      management. Interestingly, a prognostic role of SOX2, which seems to be a
      suitable marker of early recurrence irrespective of other clinicopathological
      features. 

PMID- 25127261
TI  - Ventriculomammary shunt: an unusual ventriculoperitoneal shunt complication.
AB  - Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt malfunctions are common and can result in
      significant consequences for patients. Despite the prevalence of breast
      augmentation surgery and breast surgery for other pathologies, few breast related
      VP shunt complications have been reported. A 54-year-old woman with hydrocephalus
      post-subarachnoid hemorrhage returned 1 month after VP shunt placement
      complaining of painful unilateral breast enlargement. After investigation, it was
      determined that the distal VP shunt catheter had migrated from the peritoneal
      cavity into the breast and wrapped around her breast implant. The breast
      enlargement was the result of cerebrospinal fluid retention. We detail this
      unusual case and review all breast related VP shunt complications reported in the
      literature. To avoid breast related complications related to VP shunt procedures,
      it is important to illicit pre-procedural history regarding breast implants,
      evade indwelling implants during catheter tunneling and carefully securing the
      abdominal catheter to prevent retrograde catheter migration to the breast. 

PMID- 25127262
TI  - Identification of crypto- and neochlorogenic lactones as potent xanthine oxidase
      inhibitors in roasted coffee beans.
AB  - Xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity has been found in boiling water
      extracts from roasted coffee beans. Therefore, assay-guided purification of the
      extracts was performed using size-exclusion column chromatography, and
      subsequently with reversed phase HPLC to afford lactone derivatives of
      chlorogenic acids. Among the tested lactones, crypto- and neochlorogenic lactones
      showed potent XO inhibitory activities compared with three major chlorogenic
      acids found in coffee beans. These XO inhibitory lactones may ameliorate gout and
      hyperuricemia in humans who drink coffee. 

PMID- 25127263
TI  - Making sense of the undue burden interpretation of minimal risk.

PMID- 25127264
TI  - On the minimal risk threshold in research with children.
AB  - To protect children in research, procedures that are not administered in the
      medical interests of a child must be restricted. The risk threshold for these
      procedures is generally measured according to the concept of minimal risk.
      Minimal risk is often defined according to the risks of "daily life." But it is
      not clear whose daily life should serve as the baseline; that is, it is not clear
      to whom minimal risk should refer. Commentators in research ethics often argue
      that "minimal risk" should refer to healthy children or the subjects of the
      research. I argue that neither of these interpretations is successful. I propose
      a new interpretation in which minimal risk refers to children who are not unduly
      burdened by their daily lives. I argue that children are not unduly burdened when
      they fare well, and I defend a substantive goods account of children's welfare. 

PMID- 25127265
TI  - Justice and nontherapeutic pediatric research.

PMID- 25127266
TI  - Defining minimal risk and the clinical disconnect.

PMID- 25127267
TI  - Using the minimal risk threshold for all "no-benefit" pediatric studies.

PMID- 25127268
TI  - Standards for an account of children's well-being.

PMID- 25127269
TI  - Using the lives of children who are thriving as a baseline for minimal risk is
      not useful for IRB determinations.

PMID- 25127270
TI  - On the minimal risk threshold in research with children: "substantive goods" and
      other criteria.

PMID- 25127271
TI  - Disability, health, and minimal risk thresholds.

PMID- 25127272
TI  - Undue burden: looking at minimal risk and the material principle of justice.

PMID- 25127273
TI  - Addressing dual agency: getting specific about the expectations of
      professionalism.
AB  - Professionalism requires that physicians uphold the best interests of patients
      while simultaneously insuring just use of health care resources. Current
      articulations of these obligations like the American Board of Internal Medicine
      (ABIM) Foundation's Physician Charter do not reconcile how these obligations fit
      together when they conflict. This is the problem of dual agency. The most common
      ways of dealing with dual agency: "bunkering"--physicians act as though societal
      cost issues are not their problem; "bailing"--physicians assume that they are
      merely agents of society and deliver care typically based on a strongly
      consequentialist public health ethic; or "balancing"--a vaguely specified attempt
      to uphold both patient welfare and societal need for judicious resource use
      simultaneously--all fail. Here I propose how the problem of dual agency might
      begin to be addressed with rigor and consistency. Without dealing with the dual
      agency problem and getting more specific about how to reconcile its norms when
      they conflict, the expectations of professionalism risk being written off as
      cute, nonbinding aphorisms from the medical profession.

PMID- 25127274
TI  - Agency is messy: get used to it.

PMID- 25127275
TI  - When professional obligations collide: context matters.

PMID- 25127276
TI  - Legal barriers to physicians' stewardship role.

PMID- 25127277
TI  - In defense of bunkering.

PMID- 25127278
TI  - Dual agency and role morality.

PMID- 25127279
TI  - Getting even more specific about physicians' obligations: justice,
      responsibility, and professionalism.

PMID- 25127280
TI  - A mask tells us more than a face.

PMID- 25127281
TI  - Physicians' dual agency, stewardship, and marginally beneficial care.

PMID- 25127282
TI  - Political activism is not mandated by medical professionalism.

PMID- 25127284
TI  - Sox2 is a potent inhibitor of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in human
      mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are a promising target for cell-based bone
      regeneration. However, their application for clinical use is limited because
      hMSCs lose their ability for cell division and differentiation during longer in
      vitro cultivation. The osteogenic differentiation is regulated through a complex
      network of molecular signal transduction pathways where the canonical Wnt pathway
      plays an important role. Sox2, a known key factor for maintenance of cellular
      pluripotency in stem cells, is supposed to influence the Wnt pathway in
      osteoblasts. In this study, we overexpressed Sox2 in immortalized hMSCs by
      lentiviral gene transfer. Sox2 overexpression significantly reduced the
      osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potentials. This effect was abolished
      by knockdown of Sox2 overexpression. In addition, Oct4 and Nanog, other key
      transcription factors for pluripotency, are strongly upregulated when Sox2 is
      overexpressed. Furthermore, Dkk1, a target gene of the Sox2-Oct4 heterodimer and
      a Wnt antagonist, is downregulated. Sox2 overexpression causes higher expression
      levels of beta-catenin, the central transcription factor of the canonical Wnt
      pathway. These results suggest that Sox2 keeps hMSCs in an undifferentiated state
      by influencing the canonical Wnt pathway. Regulated expression of Sox2 may be a
      promising tool to cultivate hMSCs in sufficient quantities for cell and gene
      therapy applications.

PMID- 25127283
TI  - Local and systemic cytokine expression in patients with postherpetic neuralgia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the painful complication of a
      varicella zoster virus reactivation. We investigated the systemic and local gene
      expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in patients with
      PHN. METHODS: Thirteen patients with PHN at the torso (Th4-S1) were recruited.
      Skin punch biopsies were obtained from the painful and the contralateral painless
      body area for intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and cytokine profiling.
      Additionally, blood was withdrawn for systemic cytokine expression and compared
      to blood values of healthy controls. We analyzed the gene expression of selected
      pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF] and
      interleukins [IL]-1beta, IL-2, and IL-8). RESULTS: IENFD was lower in affected
      skin compared to unaffected skin (p<0.05), while local gene expression of pro-
      and anti-inflammatory cytokines did not differ except for two patients who had
      7fold higher IL-6 and 10fold higher IL-10 gene expression in the affected skin
      compared to the contralateral unaffected skin sample. Also, the systemic
      expression of cytokines in patients with PHN and in healthy controls was similar.
      CONCLUSION: While the systemic and local expression of the investigated pro- and
      anti-inflammatory cytokines was not different from controls, this may have been
      influenced by study limitations like the low number of patients and different
      disease durations. Furthermore, other cytokines or pain mediators need to be
      considered.

PMID- 25127287
TI  - Gut microbiota in preterm infants with gross blood in stools: A prospective,
      controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gross blood in stools is a peculiar entity in preterm infants, but
      little is known about its etiology. As gut microbiota can be distorted in preterm
      infants, we aimed to evaluate the gut microbiota in infants with gross blood in
      stools. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective, controlled, single-center study, we
      enrolled all infants born before 34 weeks of gestational age presenting gross
      blood in stools that was either completely isolated or associated with mild
      clinical symptoms or radiological signs. Each case was paired with two controls
      who were hospitalized in the same unit and were matched for gestational age and
      birth weight. The diversity of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA
      gene PCR and temporal temperature gel electrophoresis. We calculated a diversity
      score corresponding to the number of operational taxonomic units present in the
      microbiota. RESULTS: Thirty-three preterm infants with gross blood in stools were
      matched with 57 controls. Clinical characteristics were similar in cases and
      controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the diversity
      score between the two groups, but microbiota composition differed. The proportion
      of infants with Escherichia coli was significantly higher in cases than in
      controls (p=0.045) and the opposite pattern occurred for Staphylococcus sp.
      (p=0.047). CONCLUSION: Dysbiosis could be a risk factor for gross blood in stools
      in preterm infants. Additional, larger studies are needed to confirm the
      implications of the presence of different genotypes of E. coli and to evaluate
      preventive actions such as the prophylactic use of probiotics and/or prebiotics.

PMID- 25127289
TI  - Measuring behaviors of individual adolescents during group-based substance abuse
      intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Group treatment is delivered in youth correctional facilities, yet
      groups may be iatrogenic. Few measures with demonstrated psychometric properties
      exist to track behaviors of individuals during groups. The authors assessed
      psychometrics for the Group Process-Individual Level measure (GP-IL) of group
      treatment. METHODS: N = 152 teens were randomized to 1 of 2 groups (10 sessions
      each). Adolescents, counselors, and observers rated teen behaviors at sessions 3
      and 10. GP-IL assesses reinforcement for deviancy and positive behaviors, member
      rejection, and counselor connection and praise. RESULTS: Internal consistency and
      1-month stability were demonstrated. Concurrent validity is supported by
      correlations with measures expected to be associated with group behavior (e.g.,
      coping skills). Counselors and observers rated more deviancy during interactive
      skills-building groups versus didactic psychoeducational groups (P <= .005).
      Scales evidenced incremental validity. CONCLUSIONS: GP-IL offers a sound method
      of tracking adolescent behaviors for professionals working with groups.
      Counselors ratings were most reliable and valid overall.

PMID- 25127290
TI  - Rapid atmospheric pressure plasma jet processed reduced graphene oxide counter
      electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells.
AB  - In this work, we present the use of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as the counter
      electrode materials in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). rGO was first
      deposited on a fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrate by screen-printing,
      followed by post-treatment to remove excessive organic additives. We investigated
      the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) treatment on the DSSC
      performance. A power conversion efficiency of 5.19% was reached when DSSCs with
      an rGO counter electrode were treated by APPJs in the ambient air for a few
      seconds. For comparison, it requires a conventional calcination process at 400 
      degrees C for 15 min to obtain comparable efficiency. Scanning electron
      micrographs show that the APPJ treatment modifies the rGO structure, which may
      reduce its conductivity in part but simultaneously greatly enhances its catalytic
      activity. Combined with the rapid removal of organic additives by the highly
      reactive APPJ, DSSCs with APPJ-treated rGO counter electrode show comparable
      efficiencies to furnace-calcined rGO counter electrodes with greatly reduced
      process time. This ultrashort process time renders an estimated energy
      consumption per unit area of 1.1 kJ/cm(2), which is only one-third of that
      consumed in a conventional furnace calcination process. This new methodology thus
      saves energy, cost, and time, which is greatly beneficial to future mass
      production. 

PMID- 25127288
TI  - Associations between maternal scaffolding and executive functioning in 3 and 4
      year olds born very low birth weight and normal birth weight.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deficits in executive function, including measures of working memory,
      inhibition and cognitive flexibility, have been documented in preschoolers born
      very low birth weight (VLBW) compared with preschoolers born normal birth weight
      (NBW). Maternal verbal scaffolding has been associated with positive outcomes for
      both at-risk and typically developing preschoolers. AIMS: The purpose of this
      study was to examine associations between maternal verbal scaffolding, Verbal IQ
      (VIQ) and executive function measures in preschoolers born VLBW. SUBJECTS: A
      total of 64 VLBW and 40 NBW preschoolers ranging in age from 3 1/2 to 4 years
      participated in the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: VIQ was measured with the Wechsler
      Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence - Third Edition. Executive function
      tests included the Bear Dragon, Gift Delay Peek, Reverse Categorization and
      Dimensional Change Card Sort-Separated Dimensions. STUDY DESIGN: Maternal verbal
      scaffolding was coded during a videotaped play session. Associations between
      maternal verbal scaffolding and preschoolers' measures of VIQ and executive
      function were compared. Covariates included test age, maternal education, and
      gender. RESULTS: Preschoolers born VLBW performed significantly worse on VIQ and
      all executive function measures compared to those born NBW. Maternal verbal
      scaffolding was associated with VIQ for VLBW preschoolers and Gift Delay Peek for
      the NBW group. Girls born VLBW outperformed boys born VLBW on VIQ and Bear
      Dragon. CONCLUSION: Integrating scaffolding skills training as part of parent
      focused intervention may be both feasible and valuable for early verbal reasoning
      and EF development.

PMID- 25127292
TI  - Carbon nanotube-poly(methyl methacrylate) hybrid films: preparation using
      diazonium salt chemistry and mechanical properties.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: The poor miscibility of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in common organic
      solvents and organic monomers requires their modification by suitable functional
      (reactive or not) groups prior to their incorporation in thermoplastic polymers.
      EXPERIMENTS: Dispersion behavior of carbon nanotubes and mechanical properties of
      various CNT-poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites were investigated. We
      studied the influence of the surface chemistry through the use of diazonium salts
      as an elegant and environmentally friendly platform to provide a suitable
      sidewall functionalization by methyl methacrylate functions. We used either a
      molecular size functional group through the grafting of
      methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane or a macromolecular size one, consisting in
      PMMA brushes grown by SI-ATRP in order to study the influence of the length of
      methacrylate function on the dispersion of CNT in PMMA. FINDINGS: The hardness
      and the elastic indentation modulus of all hybrid films were obtained through
      nanoindentation measurements and found to increase, using ATRP-modified CNTs,
      suggesting a better dispersion of CNTs in PMMA due to optimal inorganic-organic
      interactions promoted by the short chains of PMMA.

PMID- 25127291
TI  - Oil rich in carotenoids instead of vitamins C and E as a better option to reduce
      doxorubicin-induced damage to normal cells of Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice:
      hematological, toxicological and histopathological evaluations.
AB  - The development of therapeutic strategies to attenuate chemotherapy toxicity
      represents an area of great interest in cancer research, and among them is
      nutritional therapy based on antioxidants. As research on this topic is still
      controversial and scarce, we aim to investigate the effects of antioxidant
      supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin E or pequi oil, a carotenoid-rich oil
      extracted from pequi (Caryocar brasiliense), on doxorubicin (DX)-induced
      oxidative damage to normal cells in Ehrlich solid tumor-bearing mice. Tumor
      weight and volume, histopathology, morphometry and immunohistochemistry were used
      to assess the treatments' efficacy in containing tumor aggressiveness and
      regression, while possible toxicity of treatments was assessed by animals'
      weight, morphological analysis of the heart, liver and kidneys, hemogram, and
      serum levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl
      transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and urea. Although all the
      chemotherapeutic treatments increased internal necrosis area and reduced the
      positive Ki-67 cells compared to non-treated tumors, the treatments with pequi
      oil provided before tumor inoculation (PTDX) or in continuous and concurrent
      administration with doxorubicin (PTPDX) were more effective in containing tumor
      growth, besides increasing lymphocyte-dependent immunity and reducing the adverse
      side effects associated with DX-induced oxidative damage to normal cells, mainly
      the PTDX treatment. Vitamins C and E given before tumor inoculation and
      chemotherapy were not successful against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity,
      besides increasing doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity, indicating that, at least
      for doxorubicin, pequi oil instead of vitamins C and E would be the best option
      to reduce its adverse effects. 

PMID- 25127293
TI  - Synthesis and comparison of two poly (methyl methacrylate-b-3
      (trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate)/SiO2 hybrids by "grafting-to" approach.
AB  - Two copolymer/SiO2 hybrids are prepared by growing SiO2 on the template of well 
      structured diblock copolymer PMMA-b-PMPS using a "grafting-to" approach. PMMA-b
      PMPS is obtained by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl
      methacrylate (PMMA) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (PMPS) using a
      brominated initiator end group termed 1H,1H,2H,2H-heptadecafluoro (F-Br) and a
      conventional initiator of ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate (EBiB), respectively. The
      "grafting-to" approach is controlled at HCl for 24h by hydrolysis and
      condensation of Si(OCH3)3 groups in PMPS with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) to
      gain both hybrids of F-PMMA-b-PMPS/SiO2 (by F-Br initiator) and E-PMMA-b
      PMPS/SiO2 (by EBIB initiator). Comparatively, a little amount of fluorine content
      provided by F-Br is able to tighten the size of self-assembled micelles, to
      improve wettability and the viscoelasticity of F-PMMA-b-PMPS film due to F-Br
      migrating onto the film surface. Therefore, the surface of F-PMMA-b-PMPS film is
      sufficiently hydrophobic (99 degrees  and Deltaf=2941Hz) than E-PMMA-b-PMPS film
      (94 degrees and Deltaf=4820Hz), and the viscoelasticity of the adsorbed layer for
      F-PMMA-b-PMPS (DeltaD/Deltaf=-0.112) film is much harder than E-PMMA-b-PMPS/SiO2
      (DeltaD/Deltaf=-0.071). On the other hand, the cross-linked silica in PMMA-b
      PMPS/SiO2 could also increase water contact angels of films (100-107 degrees )
      and decrease the water absorption (Deltaf=704-798Hz). The influence on the
      viscoelasticity of the adsorbed layer by the fluorine group is much more obvious
      than the cross-linked silica, therefore F-PMMA-b-PMPS/SiO2 (DeltaD/Deltaf=-0.347)
      and F-PMMA-b-PMPS (DeltaD/Deltaf=-0.112) films have harder adsorbed layer than E
      PMMA-b-PMPS/SiO2 (-0.071) and F-PMMA-b-PMPS films (-0.042). However, compared
      with a slightly improvement in thermo stability by F-Br, the cross-linked silica
      in PMMA-b-PMPS/SiO2 performs significantly improving thermal decomposition
      temperature at 300 degrees C and 350 degrees C. 

PMID- 25127294
TI  - Self-assembled monolayers of mercaptobenzoic acid and magnetite nanoparticles as
      an efficient support for development of tuberculosis genosensor.
AB  - In this work, a genosensor for the electrochemical detection of genomic DNA from
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis was developed. The biosensor is based on self
      assembled monolayers of mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) and magnetite nanoparticles
      (Fe3O4Nps) on bare gold electrode for immobilization of DNA probe. The aim of
      this work was the development of a platform based on cysteine-coated magnetic
      Fe3O4Nps linked via the carboxylate group from MBA to the work electrode surface
      and subsequently to the DNA probe. The probe-genome interaction was evaluated
      using a [Fe(CN)6](4-)/[Fe(CN)6](3-) redox pair. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and
      electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to evaluate the
      bioelectrochemical behavior of the sensor. Atomic force microscopy images showed
      Fe3O4Nps immobilized across the electrode surface. The interaction of the sensor
      with different genome DNA concentrations resulted in changes in the charge
      transfer resistance, indicating a possible use for tuberculosis detection at low
      concentrations (detection limit of 6ngMUL(-1)). 

PMID- 25127295
TI  - Catalytic performance of activated carbon supported cobalt catalyst for CO2
      reforming of CH4.
AB  - Syngas production by CO2 reforming of CH4 in a fixed bed reactor was investigated
      over a series of activated carbon (AC) supported Co catalysts as a function of Co
      loading (between 15 and 30wt.%) and calcination temperature (Tc=300, 400 or 500
      degrees C). The catalytic performance was assessed through CH4 and CO2
      conversions and long-term stability. XRD and SEM were used to characterize the
      catalysts. It was found that the stability of Co/AC catalysts was strongly
      dependent on the Co loading and calcination temperature. For the loadings (25wt.%
      for Tc=300 degrees C), stable activities have been achieved. The loading of
      excess Co (>wt.% 25) causes negative effects not only on the performance of the
      catalysts but also on the support surface properties. In addition, the experiment
      showed that ultrasound can enhance and promote dispersion of the active metal on
      the carrier, thus improving the catalytic performance of the catalyst. The
      catalyst activity can be long-term stably maintained, and no obvious deactivation
      has been observed in the first 2700min. After analyzing the characteristics, a
      reaction mechanism for CO2 reforming of CH4 over Co/AC catalyst was proposed. 

PMID- 25127296
TI  - A green one-pot synthesis of Pt/TiO2/Graphene composites and its electro-photo
      synergistic catalytic properties for methanol oxidation.
AB  - A facile and green one-pot method was used to synthesize Pt/TiO2/Graphene
      composites with ethanol as a reducing agent under microwave irradiation. The as
      prepared composites were characterized by SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS, XRD and Raman.
      Electrocatalytic performance of the Pt/TiO2/GNs composites was investigated by
      cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometric (CA), COad stripping voltammetry and
      electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS). All experimental data have revealed
      that TiO2 (P25) not only enhanced the reduction ability of ethanol under
      microwave irradiation but also promoted Pt heterogeneous nucleation to form Pt
      nanoclusters which are around P25 and loaded on graphene nanosheets (GNs)
      surface. Electrochemical experiments showed that Pt/TiO2/GNs had much higher
      catalytic activity and stability toward methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and
      better resistance to CO poisoning compared with Pt/GNs and the commercially
      available Johnson Matthey 20% Pt/C catalyst (Pt/C-JM). Especially under UV
      irradiation with 20min, Pt/TiO2/GNs composites showed an ultrahigh forward peak
      current density of 1354mAmg(-1), nearly 2.5 times higher than that of Pt/C-JM,
      which indicated that the electrocatalytic and photocatalytic properties of
      Pt/TiO2/GNs had been integrated to boost the catalytic performance for MOR. 

PMID- 25127297
TI  - Role of proprioceptive information to control balance during gait in healthy and
      hemiparetic individuals.
AB  - Proprioceptive information is important for balance control yet little is known
      about how it is used during gait or how a stroke affects its use. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the role of proprioception in controlling balance during
      gait in healthy participants and after stroke. Twelve healthy and 9 hemiparetic
      participants walked on an instrumented treadmill in a fully lit room, while whole
      body, three-dimensional kinematics were quantified. Vibration was applied
      continuously or during the stance phase only, on the posterior neck muscles and
      triceps surae tendon on the non-dominant/paretic side. Difficulty in maintaining
      dynamic and postural balance was evaluated using stabilizing and destabilizing
      forces, respectively. Continuous and stance phase vibration of the triceps surae
      reduced the difficulty in maintaining both dynamic and postural balance in
      healthy participants (p<.05), with a greater distance between the center of
      pressure and the limit of the potential base of support, a more backward body
      position, and no change in spatio-temporal gait parameters. No effect of neck
      muscle vibration was observed on balance (p=.63 and above). None of the vibration
      conditions affected balance or gait parameters among stroke participants. The
      results confirmed that proprioceptive information was not used to control balance
      during gait in stroke participants. The importance of proprioceptive information
      may depend on other factors such as walking and visual conditions. Changes in
      sensory integration ability likely explain the results after stroke. Further
      study is needed to understand the integration of proprioceptive and visual
      information to control balance during gait after stroke. 

PMID- 25127298
TI  - Hydrogen bond disruption in DNA base pairs from (14)C transmutation.
AB  - Recent ab initio molecular dynamics simulations have shown that radioactive
      carbon does not normally fragment DNA bases when it decays. Motivated by this
      finding, density functional theory and Bader analysis have been used to quantify
      the effect of C -> N transmutation on hydrogen bonding in DNA base pairs. We find
      that (14)C decay has the potential to significantly alter hydrogen bonds in a
      variety of ways including direct proton shuttling (thymine and cytosine),
      thermally activated proton shuttling (guanine), and hydrogen bond breaking
      (cytosine). Transmutation substantially modifies both the absolute and relative
      strengths of the hydrogen bonding pattern, and in two instances (adenine and
      cytosine), the density at the critical point indicates development of mild
      covalent character. Since hydrogen bonding is an important component of Watson
      Crick pairing, these (14)C-induced modifications, while infrequent, may trigger
      errors in DNA transcription and replication. 

PMID- 25127299
TI  - Emphysema genetics. Location, location, location!

PMID- 25127300
TI  - New asthma biomarkers: shorter telomeres, longer disease?

PMID- 25127301
TI  - The child is father of the man?

PMID- 25127302
TI  - ICU-acquired weakness, morbidity, and death.

PMID- 25127303
TI  - Propensity-matching analysis is not straightforward.

PMID- 25127304
TI  - Measuring mucociliary transport and mucus properties in multiple regions of
      airway epithelial surfaces helps clarify cystic fibrosis defects.

PMID- 25127305
TI  - Improvement of sinus disease in cystic fibrosis with ivacaftor therapy.

PMID- 25127306
TI  - In vivo X-ray imaging reveals improved airway surface hydration after a therapy
      designed for cystic fibrosis.

PMID- 25127307
TI  - Osteopontin and periostin are associated with a 20-year decline of pulmonary
      function in patients with asthma.

PMID- 25127308
TI  - Insulin resistance, puberty, and nonatopic asthma in adolescent girls.

PMID- 25127309
TI  - Asthmatic and normal respiratory epithelial cells respond differently to
      mechanical apical stress.

PMID- 25127310
TI  - Inhaled antibiotics or inhaled hazard?

PMID- 25127311
TI  - Reply: inhaled antibiotics or inhaled hazard?

PMID- 25127312
TI  - Small lesion, severe consequences. An intriguing ventilation-perfusion
      scintigraphy.

PMID- 25127313
TI  - Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in the setting of pulmonary amyloidosis.

PMID- 25127314
TI  - Sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy.

PMID- 25127315
TI  - Hydrogen-bond-dynamics-based switching of conductivity and magnetism: a phase
      transition caused by deuterium and electron transfer in a hydrogen-bonded purely
      organic conductor crystal.
AB  - A hydrogen bond (H-bond) is one of the most fundamental and important noncovalent
      interactions in chemistry, biology, physics, and all other molecular sciences.
      Especially, the dynamics of a proton or a hydrogen atom in the H-bond has
      attracted increasing attention, because it plays a crucial role in (bio)chemical
      reactions and some physical properties, such as dielectricity and proton
      conductivity. Here we report unprecedented H-bond-dynamics-based switching of
      electrical conductivity and magnetism in a H-bonded purely organic conductor
      crystal, kappa-D3(Cat-EDT-TTF)2 (abbreviated as kappa-D). This novel crystal
      kappa-D, a deuterated analogue of kappa-H3(Cat-EDT-TTF)2 (abbreviated as kappa
      H), is composed only of a H-bonded molecular unit, in which two
      crystallographically equivalent catechol-fused ethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene
      (Cat-EDT-TTF) skeletons with a +0.5 charge are linked by a symmetric anionic
      [O...D...O](-1)-type strong H-bond. Although the deuterated and parent hydrogen
      systems, kappa-D and kappa-H, are isostructural paramagnetic semiconductors with
      a dimer-Mott-type electronic structure at room temperature (space group: C2/c),
      only kappa-D undergoes a phase transition at 185 K, to change to a nonmagnetic
      insulator with a charge-ordered electronic structure (space group: P1). The X-ray
      crystal structure analysis demonstrates that this dramatic switching of the
      electronic structure and physical properties originates from deuterium transfer
      or displacement within the H-bond accompanied by electron transfer between the
      Cat-EDT-TTF pi-systems, proving that the H-bonded deuterium dynamics and the
      conducting TTF pi-electron are cooperatively coupled. Furthermore, the reason why
      this unique phase transition occurs only in kappa-D is qualitatively discussed in
      terms of the H/D isotope effect on the H-bond geometry and potential energy
      curve.

PMID- 25127316
TI  - Postpartum Maternal Sleep, Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Self-Perceived Mother
      Infant Emotional Relationship.
AB  - This study examined the links between maternal sleep, maternal depressive
      symptoms, and mothers' perceptions of their emotional relationship with their
      infant in a self-recruited sample of mothers. Eighty mothers of infants 3-18
      months old completed sleep diaries for 5 consecutive nights, and questionnaires
      assessing sleep (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]), depressive symptom severity
      (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]), and perceived mother-infant
      relationship (Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire [PBQ] and Maternal Postnatal
      Attachment Questionnaire [MPAQ]). Significant correlations, controlling for
      depression severity, were found between more disturbed maternal sleep and more
      negative maternal perceptions of the mother-infant relationship. Regression
      analyses revealed that EPDS showed the strongest association with PBQ, whereas
      ISI demonstrated the strongest association with MPAQ. The present study
      highlights the importance of deepening and expanding our understanding of the
      negative implications of maternal sleep problems. 

PMID- 25127317
TI  - Belizentrin, a highly bioactive macrocycle from the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum
      belizeanum.
AB  - Belizentrin (1), a novel 25-membered polyketide-derived macrocycle, was isolated
      from cultures of the marine dinoflagellate Prorocentrum belizeanum. This
      metabolite is the first member of an unprecedented class of polyunsaturated and
      polyhydroxylated macrolactams. The structure of 1 was primarily determined by NMR
      and computational methods. Pharmacological assays with cerebellar cells showed
      that 1 produces important changes in neuronal network integrity at nanomolar
      concentrations. 

PMID- 25127319
TI  - Potential energy surfaces and quasiclassical trajectory study of the O + H2(+)->
      OH(+) + H, OH + H(+) proton and hydrogen atom transfer reactions and isotopic
      variants (D2(+), HD(+)).
AB  - The rate constants (k; T: 200-900 K) and cross-sections (sigma; Ecol: 0.010-0.50
      eV) of the O + H2(+)-> OH(+) + H (1), OH + H(+) (2) reactions, which occur on the
      ground (1(2)A'') and first excited (1(2)A') potential energy surfaces (PESs),
      respectively, were investigated for the first time, considering also the rate
      constants for D2(+) and HD(+). Ab initio multireference configuration interaction
      calculations were performed on both barrierless PESs (where the minimum energy
      path involves the insertion of the O atom into the middle of the H2(+) bond), and
      suitable analytical expressions were developed for the first time and used in
      quasiclassical trajectory (QCT) calculations. k(1) ~ 3k(2) independent of the
      isotopic variant, k(H2(+)) > k(HD(+)) > k(D2(+)) for , and the intermolecular and
      intramolecular isotopic effects are essentially independent of T. Comparison with
      the Langevin-Gioumousis-Stevenson (LGS) simple capture model shows that these
      results are similar to the QCT ones, especially for ; and the isotopic effects
      are coincident with the QCT ones for both reactions. For O + H2(+), sigma(1) ~
      3sigma(2) at Ecol<= 0.10 eV, and sigma(1) = 1.5sigma(2) at 0.40 and 0.50 eV. The
      larger value of sigma(1(2)A'') with respect to sigma(1(2)A') arises from the
      larger value of bmax(1(2)A'') with respect to bmax(1(2)A'), and this results from
      the more attractive character of the former PES. Besides, the reaction
      probabilities are quite large [0.78-0.98 (1(2)A'') and 0.78-0.93 (1(2)A')], and
      the decreasing trend of both cross-sections as Ecol increases arises from the
      barrierless character of both PESs. We expect that these results (in particular,
      the competition between proton transfer and hydrogen atom transfer) will
      encourage experimentalists to carry out investigations on this interesting
      reaction. 

PMID- 25127318
TI  - Hypnosis in Spain (1888-1905): from spectacle to medical treatment of mediumship.
AB  - Towards the end of the nineteenth century, some Spanish physicians sought to
      legitimize hypnotherapy within medicine. At the same time, hypnotism was being
      popularized among the Spanish population through stage hypnosis shows. In order
      to extend the use of medical hypnotherapy, some physicians made efforts to
      demarcate the therapeutic use of hypnotic suggestion from its application for
      recreational purposes, as performed by stage hypnotists. However, in the eyes of
      some physicians, the first public session to legitimize hypnotherapy turned out
      to be a complete failure due to its similarities with a stage hypnosis
      performance. Apart from exploring this kind of hitherto little-known historical
      cases, we explore the role of spiritists in legitimizing medical hypnosis. At a
      time when Spanish citizens were still reluctant to accept hypnotherapy, the
      spiritists sponsored a charitable clinic where treatment using hypnosis was
      offered. We conclude that the clinic was effective in promoting the use of
      hypnotherapy, both among physicians as clinical practice, and as a medical
      treatment for patients from the less privileged classes of Spanish society.

PMID- 25127321
TI  - Evaluation of noise reduction methods for sentence recognition by Mandarin
      speaking cochlear implant listeners.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to (1) assess the contributions of
      single-channel noise-reduction (NR) algorithms for improving speech
      intelligibility for Mandarin-speaking cochlear implant (CI) listeners and (2)
      examine whether different algorithms perform differently in various environmental
      noises. DESIGN: Mandarin sentences were corrupted by three types of maskers,
      including speech-shaped noise, babble, and car noise, at +10, +5, or 0 dB signal
      to noise ratios and processed by four single-channel NR algorithms. The processed
      sentences were played to seven Mandarin-speaking CI patients for recognition. All
      patients used their own clinical speech processors in the testing. RESULTS:
      Significant improvements in speech intelligibility were observed with most noise
      suppression methods. Further analysis indicated that NR algorithms could
      effectively preserve the phonetic boundaries, which are critical for speech
      perception, and also the fundamental frequency (F0) representation was moderately
      improved by the NR methods. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that
      although most single-channel NR algorithms could effectively improve speech
      recognition in noise for Mandarin-speaking CI listeners, these algorithms perform
      differently in various environmental noises, and it would be beneficial for the
      CI sound processor to integrate NR methods tailored to individual types of noises
      for the best cost and benefit tradeoff. In addition, the intelligibility
      improvement may be attributed to the restoration of acoustic landmark information
      and the improved representation of temporal F0 cues.

PMID- 25127320
TI  - Hearing function in patients living with HIV/AIDS.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: During the earlier years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, initial reports
      described sensorineural hearing loss in up to 49% of individuals with HIV/AIDS.
      During those years, patients commonly progressed to advanced stages of HIV
      disease and frequently had neurological complications. However, the abnormalities
      on pure-tone audiometry and brainstem-evoked responses outlined in small studies
      were not always consistently correlated with advanced stages of HIV/AIDS.
      Moreover, these studies could not exclude the confounding effect of concurrent
      opportunistic infections and syphilis. Additional reports also have indicated
      that some antiretroviral medications may be ototoxic; thus, it has been difficult
      to make conclusions regarding the cause of changes in hearing function in HIV
      infected patients. More recently, accelerated aging has been suggested as a
      potential explanation for the disproportionate increase in complications of aging
      described in many HIV-infected patients; hence, accelerated aging-associated
      hearing loss may also be playing a role in these patients. DESIGN: We conducted a
      large cross-sectional analysis of hearing function in over 300 patients with HIV
      1 infection and in 137 HIV-uninfected controls. HIV-infected participants and HIV
      uninfected controls underwent a 2-hr battery of hearing tests including the
      Hearing Handicap Inventory, standard audiometric pure-tone air and bone
      conduction testing, tympanometric testing, and speech reception and
      discrimination testing. RESULTS: Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and
      logistic regression analysis of 278 eligible HIV-infected subjects stratified by
      disease stage in early HIV disease (n = 127) and late HIV disease (n = 148) and
      120 eligible HIV-uninfected controls revealed no statistically significant
      differences among the three study groups in either overall 4-frequency pure-tone
      average (4-PTA) or hearing loss prevalence in either ear. Three-way ANOVA showed
      significant differences in word recognition scores in the right ear among groups,
      a significant group effect on tympanogram static admittance in both ears and a
      significant group effect on tympanic gradient in the right ear. There was
      significantly larger admittance and gradient in controls as compared to the HIV
      infected group at late stage of disease. Hearing loss in the HIV-infected groups
      was associated with increased age and was similar to that described in the
      literature for the general population. Three-way ANOVA analysis also indicated
      significantly greater pure-tone thresholds (worse hearing) at low frequencies in
      HIV patients in the late stage of disease compared with HIV-uninfected controls.
      This difference was also found by semi-parametric mixed effects models.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite reports of "premature" or "accelerated" aging in HIV
      infected subjects, we found no evidence of hearing loss occurring at an earlier
      age in HIV-infected patients compared to HIV-uninfected controls. Similar to what
      is described in the general population, the probability of hearing loss increased
      with age in the HIV-infected subjects and was more common in patients over 60
      years of age. Interestingly, HIV-infected subjects had worse hearing at lower
      frequencies and have significant differences in tympanometry compared to HIV
      uninfected controls; these findings deserve further study.

PMID- 25127322
TI  - Interaural level differences and sound source localization for bilateral cochlear
      implant patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were (i) to determine the magnitude of the
      interaural level differences (ILDs) that remain after cochlear implant (CI)
      signal processing and (ii) to relate the ILDs to the pattern of errors for sound
      source localization on the horizontal plane. DESIGN: The listeners were 16
      bilateral CI patients fitted with MED-EL CIs and 34 normal-hearing listeners. The
      stimuli were wideband, high-pass, and low-pass noise signals. ILDs were
      calculated by passing signals, filtered by head-related transfer functions
      (HRTFs) to a Matlab simulation of MED-EL signal processing. RESULTS: For the
      wideband signal and high-pass signals, maximum ILDs of 15 to 17 dB in the input
      signal were reduced to 3 to 4 dB after CI signal processing. For the low-pass
      signal, ILDs were reduced to 1 to 2 dB. For wideband and high-pass signals, the
      largest ILDs for +/-15 degree speaker locations were between 0.4 and 0.7 dB; for
      the +/-30 degree speaker locations between 0.9 and 1.3 dB; for the 45 degree
      speaker locations between 2.4 and 2.9 dB; for the +/-60 degree speaker locations,
      between 3.2 and 4.1 dB; and for the +/-75 degree speaker locations between 2.7
      and 3.4 dB. All of the CI patients in all the stimulus conditions showed poorer
      localization than the normal-hearing listeners. Localization accuracy for the CI
      patients was best for the wideband and high-pass signals and was poorest for the
      low-pass signal. CONCLUSIONS: Localization accuracy was related to the magnitude
      of the ILD cues available to the normal-hearing listeners and CI patients. The
      pattern of localization errors for the CI patients was related to the magnitude
      of the ILD differences among loudspeaker locations. The error patterns for the
      wideband and high-pass signals, suggest that, for the conditions of this
      experiment, patients, on an average, sorted signals on the horizontal plane into
      four sectors-on each side of the midline, one sector including 0, 15, and
      possibly 30 degree speaker locations, and a sector from 45 degree speaker
      locations to 75 degree speaker locations. The resolution within a sector was
      relatively poor.

PMID- 25127323
TI  - Automated screening for high-frequency hearing loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hearing loss at high frequencies produces perceptual difficulties and
      is often an early sign of a more general hearing loss. This study reports the
      development and validation of two new speech-based hearing screening tests in
      English that focus on detecting hearing loss at frequencies above 2000 Hz.
      DESIGN: The Internet-delivered, speech-in noise tests used closed target-word
      sets of digit triplets or consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words presented against
      a speech-shaped noise masker. The digit triplet test uses the digits 0 to 9
      (excluding the disyllabic 7), grouped in quasi-random triplets. The CVC test uses
      simple words (e.g., "cat") selected for the high-frequency spectral content of
      the consonants. During testing, triplets or CVC words were identified in an
      adaptive procedure to obtain the speech reception threshold (SRT) in noise. For
      these new, high-frequency (HF) tests, the noise was low-pass filtered to produce
      greater masking of the low-frequency speech components, increasing the
      sensitivity of the test for HF hearing loss. Individual test tokens (digits,
      CVCs) were first homogenized using a group of 10 normal-hearing (NH) listeners by
      equalizing intelligibility across tokens at several speech-in-noise levels. Both
      tests were then validated and standardized using groups of 24 NH listeners and 50
      listeners with hearing impairment. Performance on the new high frequency digit
      triplet (HF-triplet) and CVC (HF-CVC) tests was compared with audiometric hearing
      loss, and with that on the unfiltered, broadband digit triplet test (BB-triplet)
      test, and the ASL (Adaptive Sentence Lists) speech-in-noise test. RESULTS: The HF
      triplet and HF-CVC test results (SRT) both correlated positively and highly with
      high-frequency audiometric hearing loss and with the ASL test. SRT for both tests
      as a function of high-frequency hearing loss increased at nearly three times the
      rate as that of the BB-triplet test. The intraindividual variability (SD) on the
      tests was about 2.1 (HF-triplet) and 1.7 (HF-CVC) times less than that for the BB
      triplet test. The effect on the HF-triplet test of varying presentation method
      (professional or cheap headphones and loudspeakers) was small for the NH group
      and somewhat larger, but nonsignificant for the hearing-impaired group. Test
      repetition produced a moderate, significant learning effect for the first and
      second retests, but was small and nonsignificant for further retesting. The
      learning effect was about two times larger for the HF-CVC test than for the HF
      triplet test. The sensitivity of both new tests for high-frequency hearing loss
      was similar, with an 87% true-positive and 7% false-positive ratio for detecting
      an average high-frequency hearing loss of 20 dB or more. CONCLUSIONS: The new HF
      triplet and HF-CVC tests provide a sensitive and accurate method for detecting
      high-frequency hearing loss. The tests may signal developing hearing impairment
      at an early stage. The HF-triplet is preferred over the HF-CVC test because of
      its smaller learning effect, smaller error rate, greater simplicity, and lower
      cultural dependency.

PMID- 25127325
TI  - FS4, FS4-p, and FSP: a 4-month crossover study of 3 fine structure sound-coding
      strategies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare two novel fine structure
      strategies "FS4" and "FS4-p" with the established fine structure processing (FSP)
      strategy. FS4 provides fine structure information on the apical four-electrode
      channels. With FS4-p, these electrodes may be stimulated in a parallel manner.
      The authors evaluated speech perception, sound quality, and subjective
      preference. DESIGN: A longitudinal crossover study was done on postlingually
      deafened adults (N = 33) who were using FSP as their default strategy. Each
      participant was fitted with FS4, FS4-p, and FSP, for 4 months in a randomized and
      blinded order. After each run, an Adaptive Sentence test in noise (Oldenburger
      Sentence Test [OLSA]) and a Monosyllable test in quiet (Freiburger Monosyllables)
      were performed, and subjective sound quality was determined with a Visual
      Analogue Scale. At the end of the study the preferred strategy was noted.
      RESULTS: Scores of the OLSA did not reveal any significant differences among the
      three strategies, but the Freiburger test showed a statistically significant
      effect (p = 0.03) with slightly worse scores for FS4 (49.7%) compared with FSP
      (54.3%). Performance of FS4-p (51.8%) was comparable with the other strategies.
      Both audiometric tests depicted a high variability among subjects. The number of
      best-performing strategies for each participant individually was as follows: (a)
      for the OLSA: FSP, N = 10.5; FS4, N = 10.5; and FS4-p, N = 12; and (b) for the
      Freiburger test: FSP, N = 14; FS4, N = 9; and FS4-p, N = 10. A moderate agreement
      was found in the best-performing strategies of the Speech tests within the
      participants. For sound quality, speech in quiet, classical, and pop music were
      assessed. No significant effects of strategy were found for speech in quiet and
      classical music, but auditory impression of pop music was rated as more natural
      in FSP compared with FS4 (p = 0.04). It is interesting that at the end of the
      study, a majority of the participants favored the new coding strategies over
      their previous default FSP (FSP, N = 13; FS4, N = 13; FS4-p, N = 7). CONCLUSIONS:
      In summary, FS4 and FS4-p offer new and further options in audio processor
      fitting, with similar levels of speech understanding in noise as FSP. This is an
      interesting result, given that the strategies' presentation of temporal fine
      structure differs from FSP. At the end of the study, 20 of 33 subjects chose
      either FS4 or FS4-p over their previous default strategy FSP.

PMID- 25127324
TI  - Evaluation of ototoxicity in patients treated with hyperthermic intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy (HIPEC) with cisplatin and sodium thiosulfate.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ototoxic hearing loss associated with intravenous or intra-arterial
      administration of cisplatin is well documented. However, there is limited data
      regarding the ototoxic effect of cisplatin when perfused into the abdominal
      cavity using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The purpose of
      this study is to assess and describe ototoxicity in patients treated with HIPEC
      with cisplatin and sodium thiosulfate for peritoneal surface malignancies.
      DESIGN: We performed a retrospective chart review (2007-2012) of patients treated
      for advanced peritoneal malignancies at a tertiary care center using HIPEC with
      cisplatin and sodium thiosulfate infusion. Thirteen patients (12 males, 1 female)
      met study criteria. Audiometric thresholds were compared before and after
      treatment. A 20 dB loss at any single frequency, 10 dB decrease at any two
      adjacent frequencies, or loss of response at three consecutive test frequencies
      defined a significant ototoxic change (). RESULTS: Despite minimal hearing change
      in six patients, none of the 13 patients in our study exhibited a significant
      ototoxic change in hearing sensitivity post HIPEC with cisplatin at any test
      interval in any test frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings represent the first
      objective assessment of ototoxic effect after HIPEC with cisplatin and sodium
      thiosulfate infusion. Our results suggest that peritoneal perfusion of cisplatin
      with intravenous perfusion of sodium thiosulfate is not associated with ototoxic
      changes in hearing sensitivity. Further investigation of the administration and
      systemic mechanism of absorption of sodium thiosulfate as a potential protection
      against cisplatin ototoxicity is needed to confirm these findings.

PMID- 25127326
TI  - Is "no response" on diagnostic auditory brainstem response testing an indication
      for cochlear implantation in children?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the results of a "no response" (NR) result on auditory
      brainstem response (ABR) testing with those of behavioral pure-tone audiometry
      and ultimate clinical tracking to cochlear implantation (CI). DESIGN:
      Retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent multifrequency ABR
      testing in a 5 year span. Total of 1143 pediatric patients underwent ABR testing
      during the study period and 105 (9.2%) were identified with bilateral NR based on
      absent responses to both click and tone burst stimuli. For the children with NR,
      various clinical parameters were evaluated as these children progressed through
      the CI evaluation process. Children were grouped based on whether they underwent
      ABRs for diagnostic or for confirmatory purposes. RESULTS: Of the 105 children
      who met inclusion criteria, 94 had sufficient follow-up to be included in this
      analysis. Ninety-one (96.8%) of 94 children with bilateral NR ABRs were
      ultimately recommended for and received a CI. Three (3.2%) children were not
      recommended for implantation based on the presence of multiple comorbidities
      rather than auditory factors. None of the children (0%) had enough usable
      residual hearing to preclude CI. For those who had diagnostic ABRs, the average
      time at ABR testing was 5.4 months (SD 6.2, range 1-36) and the average time from
      ABR to CI was 10.78 months (SD 5.0, range 3-38). CONCLUSIONS: CI should
      tentatively be recommended for children with a bilateral NR result with
      multifrequency ABR, assuming confirmatory results with behavioral audiometric
      testing. Amplification trials, counseling, and auditory-based intervention
      therapy should commence but not delay surgical intervention, as it does not
      appear to change the eventual clinical course. Children not appropriate for this
      "fast-tracking" to implantation might include those with significant
      comorbidities, auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, and unreliable or poorly
      correlated results on behavioral audiometric testing.

PMID- 25127327
TI  - Intelligibility of emotional speech in younger and older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the influence of vocal emotions on speech
      understanding. Word recognition accuracy for stimuli spoken to portray seven
      emotions (anger, disgust, fear, sadness, neutral, happiness, and pleasant
      surprise) was tested in younger and older listeners. Emotions were presented in
      either mixed (heterogeneous emotions mixed in a list) or blocked (homogeneous
      emotion blocked in a list) conditions. Three main hypotheses were tested. First,
      vocal emotion affects word recognition accuracy; specifically, portrayals of fear
      enhance word recognition accuracy because listeners orient to threatening
      information and/or distinctive acoustical cues such as high pitch mean and
      variation. Second, older listeners recognize words less accurately than younger
      listeners, but the effects of different emotions on intelligibility are similar
      across age groups. Third, blocking emotions in list results in better word
      recognition accuracy, especially for older listeners, and reduces the effect of
      emotion on intelligibility because as listeners develop expectations about vocal
      emotion, the allocation of processing resources can shift from emotional to
      lexical processing. DESIGN: Emotion was the within-subjects variable: all
      participants heard speech stimuli consisting of a carrier phrase followed by a
      target word spoken by either a younger or an older talker, with an equal number
      of stimuli portraying each of seven vocal emotions. The speech was presented in
      multi-talker babble at signal to noise ratios adjusted for each talker and each
      listener age group. Listener age (younger, older), condition (mixed, blocked),
      and talker (younger, older) were the main between-subjects variables. Fifty-six
      students (Mage= 18.3 years) were recruited from an undergraduate psychology
      course; 56 older adults (Mage= 72.3 years) were recruited from a volunteer pool.
      All participants had clinically normal pure-tone audiometric thresholds at
      frequencies <=3000 Hz. RESULTS: There were significant main effects of emotion,
      listener age group, and condition on the accuracy of word recognition in noise.
      Stimuli spoken in a fearful voice were the most intelligible, while those spoken
      in a sad voice were the least intelligible. Overall, word recognition accuracy
      was poorer for older than younger adults, but there was no main effect of talker,
      and the pattern of the effects of different emotions on intelligibility did not
      differ significantly across age groups. Acoustical analyses helped elucidate the
      effect of emotion and some intertalker differences. Finally, all participants
      performed better when emotions were blocked. For both groups, performance
      improved over repeated presentations of each emotion in both blocked and mixed
      conditions. CONCLUSIONS: These results are the first to demonstrate a
      relationship between vocal emotion and word recognition accuracy in noise for
      younger and older listeners. In particular, the enhancement of intelligibility by
      emotion is greatest for words spoken to portray fear and presented
      heterogeneously with other emotions. Fear may have a specialized role in
      orienting attention to words heard in noise. This finding may be an auditory
      counterpart to the enhanced detection of threat information in visual displays.
      The effect of vocal emotion on word recognition accuracy is preserved in older
      listeners with good audiograms and both age groups benefit from blocking and the
      repetition of emotions.

PMID- 25127328
TI  - Long-term hearing deficits after childhood middle ear disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term impact of childhood otitis media on
      listening ability in school-aged children. DESIGN: Speech perception in
      background noise was measured in two groups of 35 children, aged 6 to 12 years,
      with normal middle ear function and sound detection at assessment. The first
      consisted of children who had previously suffered middle ear disease; the second
      those with no history of middle ear disease. RESULTS: Binaural speech perception
      ability was significantly poorer in the children with prior middle ear disease.
      Furthermore, spatial listening (the ability to selectively attend to a sound
      signal from one location) was also significantly impaired. Significant
      correlations were demonstrated between both the age of onset and the duration of
      childhood otitis media and speech perception ability (onset: r = -0.58, p <
      0.001; duration: r = -0.63, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate
      the risk of long-term functional hearing deficit for children with middle ear
      disease history in childhood. They also indicate that this risk is increased with
      earlier onset and longer duration. The findings highlight the need for early
      intervention and an awareness of the potential for reduced functional listening
      ability even after sound detection has returned to normal.

PMID- 25127330
TI  - The SOX transcription factors as key players in pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and induced
      PSCs (iPSCs) are able to self-renew and differentiate into a multitude of
      specialized cellular lineages. In these cells, the pluripotential identity is
      maintained by a group of transcription factors (TFs). Among these factors, SOX
      TFs play an essential role, not only in regulating pluripotency but also in
      mediating self-renewal and differentiation. Some SOX TFs are highly expressed in
      undifferentiated PSCs, while others are upregulated upon differentiation to
      promote specific lineage differentiation. Further roles of SOX factors in
      pluripotency are highlighted through their critical involvement in iPSCs
      generation. To perform these multiple functions and activities, SOX TFs are
      strongly associated with a complex regulatory network(s) that involves the
      binding of SOX factors to variant trans-acting partners to activate or suppress
      specific genes. Although, SOX2 has attracted special attention as a critical
      factor in maintaining PSCs characteristics and as an integral component that is
      required to reprogram somatic cells into pluripotency, new reports widely
      appreciated that other SOX TFs, such as SOX1, SOX3, or reengineered SOX7 and
      SOX17, can compensate for the absence of SOX2 and thus play a fundamental role
      during the reprogramming process and maintaining pluripotency. These findings
      indicate that the recent progress has greatly expanded our knowledge about the
      role of SOX factors in PSCs. Thus, in this review we summarize what is currently
      known about the roles of SOX factors in PSCs and their role in somatic cell
      reprogramming. Also, we intend to provide an update on their relationship with
      other factors in regulating the characteristics and early differentiation of
      PSCs. 

PMID- 25127329
TI  - Studying progression from glucose intolerance to type 2 diabetes in obese
      children.
AB  - AIM: Identification of metabolic and genetic factors capable to mediate
      progression from normal glucose tolerance (NGT) through impaired glucose
      tolerance (IGT) to type 2 diabetes (T2D) in childhood obesity. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Three groups of obese children with NGT (n=54), IGT (n=35), and T2D
      (n=62) were evaluated. A control group of non-obese normal children (n=210) was
      also studied. In obese patients, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was
      performed. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed using HOMA-IR index. Insulin
      sensitivity (IS) was assessed according to the Matsuda formula. Genomic DNA from
      obese and control children was genotyped for genetic variants of PPARG, ADIPOQ,
      ADIPOR1, FTO, TCF7L2, and KCNJ11 using a real-time PCR strategy. The unpaired
      Student's t-test and Kruskal-Wallis one-way test were used to compare
      quantitative data in two and more groups. To assess the extent to which the
      various genetic variants were associated with pathology, ORs (odds ratios) and
      95% CI (confidence interval) were estimated. RESULTS: In T2D children, HOMA-IR
      value (7.5+/-3.1) was significantly (P<0.001) higher than that in IGT (4.21+/
      2.25) and NGT (4.1+/-2.4) subjects. The Matsuda IS index was significantly
      increased in normoglycemic patients compared to IGT individuals (2.8+/-1.75 vs.
      2.33+/-1.2, P<0.05). The Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARG was significantly
      associated with obesity (OR=1.74, 95% CI=1.19-2.55, P=0.004) and T2D in obesity
      (OR=2.01, 95% CI=1.24-3.26, P=0.004). CONCLUSION: IR is a major risk factor that
      mediates progression from NGT to clinical T2D in Russian obese children. This
      progression may be genetically influenced by the Pro12Ala variant of PPARG.

PMID- 25127331
TI  - Heteroaggregation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles with model natural colloids
      under environmentally relevant conditions.
AB  - The heteroaggregation of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) with natural colloids
      (NCs), which are ubiquitous in natural surface waters, is a crucial process
      affecting the environmental transport and fate of ENPs. Attachment efficiencies
      for heteroaggregation, alpha hetero, are required as input parameters in
      environmental fate models to predict ENP concentrations and contribute to ENP
      risk assessment. Here, we present a novel method for determining alpha hetero
      values by using a combination of laser diffraction measurements and aggregation
      modeling based on the Smoluchowski equation. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2
      NPs, 15 nm) were used to demonstrate this new approach together with larger
      silicon dioxide particles (SiO2, 0.5 MUm) representing NCs. Heteroaggregation
      experiments were performed at different environmentally relevant solution
      conditions. At pH 5 the TiO2 NPs and the SiO2 particles are of opposite charge,
      resulting in alpha hetero values close to 1. At pH 8, where all particles are
      negatively charged, alpha hetero was strongly affected by the solution
      conditions, with alpha hetero ranging from <0.001 at low ionic strength to 1 at
      conditions with high NaCl or CaCl2 concentrations. The presence of humic acid
      stabilized the system against heteroaggregation.

PMID- 25127332
TI  - Characteristics of acute heart failure hospitalizations in a general medical ward
      in Southwestern Uganda.

PMID- 25127333
TI  - Morphologic characteristics of eroded coronary plaques: a combined angiographic,
      optical coherence tomography, and intravascular ultrasound study.

PMID- 25127334
TI  - Seven french radial artery access for PCI: a prospective single-center
      experience.

PMID- 25127335
TI  - Precordial chest pain in patients with chronic Chagas disease.
AB  - Precordial chest pain affects about 15% to 33% of patients with chronic Chagas
      disease. In the absence of megaesophagus, it should be ascribed to chronic Chagas
      heart disease. Precordial chest pain is atypical because it can usually neither
      be associated to physical exercise nor be alleviated by nitroglycerin. However,
      in certain circumstances, precordial chest pain can masquerade as acute coronary
      syndrome. Although obstructive coronary artery disease can occasionally be found,
      microvascular angina seems to be the mechanism behind such phenomenon. Precordial
      chest pain not always has a benign clinical course; sometimes, it can herald a
      dismal prognosis. On the basis of cases previously reported, it seems that
      nitrates, betablockers and/or calcium channel blockers can be of value in the
      treatment of this condition. 

PMID- 25127336
TI  - Acute eosinophilic myocarditis.

PMID- 25127337
TI  - Early changes of myocardial deformation properties in patients with dystrophia
      myotonica type 1: a three-dimensional Speckle Tracking echocardiographic study.

PMID- 25127338
TI  - Real-time photoacoustic imaging system for burn diagnosis.
AB  - We have developed a real-time (8 to 30 fps) photoacoustic (PA) imaging system
      with a linear-array transducer for burn depth assessment. In this system, PA
      signals originating from blood in the noninjured tissue layer located under the
      injured tissue layer are detected and imaged. A compact home-made high-repetition
      rate (500 Hz) 532-nm fiber laser was incorporated as a light source. We used an
      alternating arrangement for the fibers and sensor elements in the probe, which
      improved the signal-to-noise ratio, reducing the required laser energy power for
      PA excitation. This arrangement also enabled a hand-held light-weight probe
      design. A phantom study showed that thin light absorbers embedded in the tissue
      mimicking scattering medium at depths >3 mm can be imaged with high contrast. The
      maximum error for depth measurement was 140 MUm. Diagnostic experiments were
      performed for rat burn models, including superficial dermal burn, deep dermal
      burn, and deep burn models. Injury depths (zones of stasis) indicated by PA
      imaging were compared with those estimated by histological analysis, showing
      discrepancies 200 MUm. The system was also used to monitor the healing process of
      a deep dermal burn. The results demonstrate the potential usefulness of the
      present system for clinical burn diagnosis.

PMID- 25127339
TI  - Copper-catalyzed domino reactions for the synthesis of cyclic compounds.
AB  - Copper-catalyzed domino reactions are one of the most useful strategies for the
      construction of various cyclic compounds. In this Synopsis, we mainly focus on
      the latest advances in copper-catalyzed cross-coupling or addition-initiated
      domino reactions in the synthesis of cyclic compounds, including double
      alkenylation of N- or S-nucleophiles, alkenylation or alkynlation followed by
      cyclization of amides or amines, addition and cyclization of heteroallenes
      affording heterocycles, and coupling and cyclization of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds
      toward heterocycles. 

PMID- 25127340
TI  - Colloids with continuously tunable surface charge.
AB  - In this paper, we present a robust way to tune the surface potential of
      polystyrene colloids without changing the pH, ionic strength, etc. The colloids
      are composed of a cross-linked polystyrene core and a cross-linked vinylbenzyl
      chloride layer. Besides the chlorine groups, the particle surface contains
      sulfate/sulfonate groups (arising from the polymerization initiators) that
      provide a negative surface potential. Performing a Menschutkin reaction on the
      surface chlorine groups with tertiary amines allows us to introduce quaternary,
      positively charged amines. The overall charge on the particles is then determined
      by the ratio between the sulfate/sulfonate moieties and the quaternary amines.
      Using this process, we were able to invert the charge in a continuous manner
      without losing colloidal stability upon passing the isoelectric point. The
      straightforward reaction mechanism together with the fact that the reaction could
      be quenched rapidly resulted in a colloidal system in which the zeta potential
      can be tuned between -80 and 45 mV. As proof of principle, the positively charged
      particles were used in heterocoagulation experiments with nanometer- and
      micrometer-sized negatively charged silica particles to create geometrically well
      defined colloidal (nano) clusters. 

PMID- 25127341
TI  - Social self-perception among pediatric brain tumor survivors compared with peers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess self-perceptions of social behavior among children treated
      for a brain tumor and comparison children. To investigate group differences in
      the accuracy of children's self-perceptions as measured by discrepancies between
      self and peer reports of social behavior and to understand if these phenomena
      differ by gender. METHOD: Self and peer reports of social behavior were obtained
      in the classrooms of 116 children who were treated for an intracranial tumor.
      Social behaviors were assessed using the Revised Class Play, which generates
      indices for 5 behavioral subscales: Leadership-popularity, Prosocial, Aggressive
      disruptive, Sensitive-isolated, and Victimization. A child matched for gender,
      race, and age was selected from each survivor's classroom to serve as a
      comparison. Abbreviated IQ scores were obtained in participants' homes. RESULTS:
      Relative to comparison children, those who had undergone treatment for a brain
      tumor overestimated their level of Leadership-popularity and underestimated
      levels of Sensitive-isolated behaviors and Victimization by peers. Female
      survivors were more likely than male survivors to underestimate Sensitive
      isolated behaviors and Victimization. CONCLUSION: Following treatment for a brain
      tumor, children (particularly girls) may be more likely than healthy children to
      underestimate peer relationship difficulties. These discrepancies should be
      considered when obtaining self-report from survivors and developing interventions
      to improve social functioning.

PMID- 25127342
TI  - "More than meets the eye": when the neonatal course may impact several years out.
AB  - CASE: Nadia is a 7-year-old girl who you have followed since her discharge from
      the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Her parents are here today for an urgent
      visit with behavioral concerns, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and
      aggression.Nadia is a former 40-weeker born through vacuum-assisted vaginal
      delivery at 9 pounds 7 ounces. Her delivery was complicated with shoulder
      dystocia, which resulted in resuscitation. Her Apgar scores were 1, 3, and 4 at
      1, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. After intubation and stabilization on
      mechanical ventilation, Nadia was transferred to the NICU. Her neonatal course
      included systemic hypothermia using "cool cap" for hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathy (HIE) for a duration of 72 hours. She was extubated on day of life
      3. She had an occupational therapy consultation for poor suck/feeding, and it
      quickly improved. She was discharged on day of life 14. On discharge, Nadia was
      referred to early intervention (EI) and the NICU follow-up clinic. Nadia was
      followed by EI until 12 months of age and in the NICU follow-up clinic until 18
      months of age, as there were no concerns meeting her developmental milestones or
      her neuromotor development.At this urgent visit, Nadia's parents report that she
      attended a family child care from 1.5 to 3 years of age, Head Start from 3 to 5
      years of age and the local public school from 5 years to present. Since starting
      child care, Nadia's teachers have reported that she requires a lot of redirection
      and refocusing, fidgets a lot in class, and can be aggressive toward her peers
      when unprovoked. Since her parents had not seen these behaviors at home, they
      thought it was a phase that she would grow out of. However, as they began to work
      with her to complete school assignments, they noticed that it was very difficult
      for Nadia to sit still and focus on work. They also struggled in the mornings to
      get her ready and off to school.The parents bring in Conners scales completed by
      themselves and her lead teacher, and with these and our clinical observations, we
      diagnose her with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), combined type.
      We discuss risk factors and ADHD management with her parents. During our
      discussion, Nadia's father, who has done some reading on ADHD, remembers reading
      an article about HIE and NICU stay being risk factors for ADHD. He wonders if
      this affects the choice of management of her ADHD symptoms. How would you address
      his query?

PMID- 25127344
TI  - [Discussion welcome].

PMID- 25127343
TI  - Perfluorochemicals and human semen quality: the LIFE study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relation between persistent environmental chemicals and semen
      quality is evolving, although limited data exist for men recruited from general
      populations. OBJECTIVES: We examined the relation between perfluorinated
      chemicals (PFCs) and semen quality among 501 male partners of couples planning
      pregnancy. METHODS: Using population-based sampling strategies, we recruited 501
      couples discontinuing contraception from two U.S. geographic regions from 2005
      through 2009. Baseline interviews and anthropometric assessments were conducted,
      followed by blood collection for the quantification of seven serum PFCs
      (perfluorosulfonates, perfluorocarboxylates, and perfluorosulfonamides) using
      tandem mass spectrometry. Men collected a baseline semen sample and another
      approximately 1 month later. Semen samples were shipped with freezer packs, and
      analyses were performed on the day after collection. We used linear regression to
      estimate the difference in each semen parameter associated with a one unit
      increase in the natural log-transformed PFC concentration after adjusting for
      confounders and modeling repeated semen samples. Sensitivity analyses included
      optimal Box-Cox transformation of semen quality end points. RESULTS: Six PFCs [2
      (N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate (Me-PFOSA-AcOH),
      perfluorodecanoate (PFDeA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorooctane
      sulfonamide (PFOSA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorooctanoic acid
      (PFOA)] were associated with 17 semen quality end points before Box-Cox
      transformation. PFOSA was associated with smaller sperm head area and perimeter,
      a lower percentage of DNA stainability, and a higher percentage of bicephalic and
      immature sperm. PFDeA, PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS were associated with a lower
      percentage of sperm with coiled tails. CONCLUSIONS: Select PFCs were associated
      with certain semen end points, with the most significant associations observed
      for PFOSA but with results in varying directions.

PMID- 25127345
TI  - [Substance abuse and pregnancy from an obstetric point of view].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In Germany we find about 2 000 newborns per year with a mother
      misusing drugs. It is to be feared that there is a substantial amount of
      underreported substance abuse in pregnant women. To care for these pregnancies
      from an obstetric point of view as well as from an addiction treatment point of
      view is a challenge for all health-care professionals, due to multiple drugs
      being used and the special psychosocial and health issues these mothers and
      babies -present. METHOD: A selective search was undertaken in Pubmed, retrieving
      reviews and original articles from 2001-2013, with consideration of statements,
      recommendations and guidelines from national and international associations and
      committees on the topic. This review is intended to assist gynaecologists,
      obstetricians and paediatricians during the complex peripartum care for the drug
      abusing pregnant patient. RESULTS: When offering obstetric care for these
      pregnancies, several issues have to be taken into account: the special
      psychological situation of the pregnant drug user, with frequent occurrence of
      psychiatric comorbidities like depression and anxiety disorders, as well as
      gynaecological complications like premature labour, intrauterine growth
      restriction and maternal infectious diseases. The pharmacological complexity of
      the substances abused and the possible side-effects on the foetus have to be
      explained to the mother. Maintenance medication for foetomaternal risk reduction
      and maternal stabilisation remains the state-of-the-art treatment. Furthermore,
      it is important to explain the neonatal abstinence syndrome to the mother as well
      as the result of breast-feeding in the presence of smoking and/or infectious
      diseases. DISCUSSION: Professionalism and empathy are needed from gynaecologists
      in order to achieve risk reduction for mother and child in substance-using
      pregnancies. However, in spite of close cooperation of all health-care
      professionals and avoidance of stigma, it will be difficult to offer good
      obstetric care to the high-risk patients with poly-drug abuse.

PMID- 25127346
TI  - [Preconceptional use of folic acid in the region of the Kantonsspital
      Munsterlingen/Thurgau: has it changed over the past 10 years?].
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Numerous studies have shown that the preconceptional use of folic
      acid prevents neural tube defects. We created a study to find out whether the
      preconceptional use of folic acid has improved in the past 10 years, in the area
      of Munsterlingen, Switzerland. MATERIAL AND METHODS:  We interviewed 2 groups of
      patients who delivered at our Institution, namely between 2000 and 2002 (period
      A) involving 287 women and from 2009 to 2010 (period B) involving 305 pregnant
      women. We asked them whether they used folic acid by means of a standardised
      questionnaire. RESULTS:  In period B significantly more women have taken folic
      acid preconceptionally (period A: 27.5% vs. period B: 40.7%; p=0.001). A
      significant increase in folic acid intake was seen in the German speaking group
      from period A to B (30.3% vs. 52.7%; p=0.0005), while this was not the case in
      the non-German speaking group (21.4% in both periods). More multiparae women were
      taking folic acid compared to nulliparae. A significant increase from period A to
      B was noted only in the German speaking group. Unexpectedly, in nulliparae non
      German speaking women, folic acid supplementation decreased from 14% to 6.1%.
      DISCUSSION:  We have found a significant increase in preconceptional folic acid
      supplementation from 2001 to 2010. The percentage of women taking folic acid is
      disappointingly low in all groups, particularly in nulliparae women of non-German
      ethnicity.

PMID- 25127347
TI  - [Infant mortality in Germany (2008-2012)--lower in the former German Democratic
      Republic?].
AB  - BACKGROUND: German infant mortality is ranked near the median of European
      countries. In Germany infant mortality is significantly higher in the German
      Federal Republic compared with the former German Democratic Republic. This is
      often used as reason for a call for structural requirements and minimum caseload
      for the care for very low birth weight infants. METHOD: Neonatal and infant
      mortality were calculated for the 16 German federal states with data from the
      German statistical federal office for the years 2008-2012. RESULTS: Considerable
      variations were found for the neonatal (1.34-3.610/00, total Germany 2.310/00)
      and the infant (2.38-5.200/00, 3.470/00) mortality. The rate of stillborn infants
      was 3.560/00. A lower neonatal mortality in the former German Democratic Republic
      (1.620/00 vs. 2.440/00, p<0.0001, Chi-squared test) could not be confirmed for
      preterm infants with birth weight less than 1 500 g. In the former German
      Democratic Republic stillbirth was significantly more frequent in preterm infants
      with birth weight 500-999 g (p<0.0001). Combined stillbirth and neonatal
      mortality showed no difference between the German Federal Republic and former
      German Democratic Republic (5.450/00 and 5.290/00, respectively, n.s.; infants
      less than 500 g birth weight were excluded). The average number of preterm
      infants per perinatal centre and federal state had no influence on state specific
      neonatal mortality. CONCLUSION: If stillborn infants were accounted for no
      difference was found between the German Federal Republic and the former German
      Democratic Republic regarding mortality. Comparing infant mortality of different
      countries has to account for stillborn infants. Considerable variation of
      neonatal mortality is persisting throughout Germany despite structural
      requirements and introduction of a minimum caseload since 2005. A lower infant
      mortality in the former German Democratic Republic and implications drawn from
      are not supported by the presented nationwide data from the German statistical
      federal office.

PMID- 25127348
TI  - [Infant mortality in Germany (2008-2012) - lower in the East?].

PMID- 25127349
TI  - [Quality results in perinatal centers].

PMID- 25127350
TI  - [Prevention of preterm birth by Shirodkar cerclage--clinical results of a
      retrospective analysis].
AB  - In spite of the continuous progress in prenatal care, 1 out of 10 babies is born
      too early--tendency rising worldwide. As a consequence of the heterogeneous
      aetiology of preterm birth, there is still no single and efficient interventional
      therapy. Cerclage is one option for pregnancies with cervical insufficiency,
      whereas the clinical benefit is discussed controversially. We analyzed in a
      retrospective study with 120 patients the effect of a cerclage intervention
      regarding pregnancy prolongation. Patients with cervical incompetence and
      Shirodkar cerclage were compared to those undergoing conservative treatment. As
      expected, gestational age at delivery was significantly lower after emergency
      cerclage (31 weeks) compared to prophylactic (36 weeks) and therapeutic cerclage
      (35 weeks). Prolongation differs significantly between the prophylactic (18
      weeks), therapeutic (14 weeks) and emergency cerclage (10 weeks) groups.
      Conservative management achieved 8 weeks prolongation. Of note, particularly
      emergency cerclage in cases with advanced cervical incompetence resulted in a
      substantially higher pregnancy prolongation (10 weeks) compared to no
      intervention (one week). The efficiency of cerclage operations has to be assessed
      in a differentiated manner based on the clinical situation and indication. The
      clinical benefit depends strongly on proper patient selection.

PMID- 25127351
TI  - Successful treatment of 1-34 parathyroid hormone (PTH) after failure of
      bisphosphonate therapy in a complex case of pregnancy associated osteoporosis and
      multiple fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy associated osteoporosis (PAO) was first reported almost
      half a century ago. The most common symptom is acute lower back pain due to
      vertebral fractures in the last trimester or immediately after birth. PATIENT: We
      present a case involving a female patient born in 1971 (gravida II, para I) with
      a history of PAO. In April 2000 at the age of 28 years, she delivered a son and
      breastfed him for 4 months. A first magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) screening
      in June 2000 showed osteoporotic fractures at lumbar vertebra 1-4. Therefore, the
      patient received oral alendronate therapy. In May 2001, a second MRT exhibited
      burst fracture of thoracic 8, end-plate fracture of thoracic 11, 12, lumbar 2-5
      and compression fracture of lumbar 1. The oral therapy was switched to
      ibandronate (3 mg) intravenously every 3 months. An X-ray in December 2002 showed
      3 new additional end-plate fractures at thoracic 4, 6 and 7. Ibandronate was
      discontinued in September 2004 and the patient received daily subcutaneous (s.
      c.) injections of 1-34 PTH in September 2005. RESULTS: After starting 1-34 PTH
      treatment for 18 months, a further increase in bone mineral density (BMD) was
      achieved without any further fracture. CONCLUSION: We presented for the first
      time a case of severe PAO with 11 spine fractures. We observed an unsatisfactory
      effect of oral and i. v. bisphosphonates in combination with adequate calcium and
      vitamin D supplementation. The treatment with 1-34 PTH showed an increase in BMD
      with no further fractures.

PMID- 25127352
TI  - Maternite Prize of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine. Laudatio for
      Christian P. Speer, MD, FRCPE Professor of Pediatrics.

PMID- 25127354
TI  - The browning of white adipose tissue: some burning issues.
AB  - Igniting thermogenesis within white adipose tissue (i.e., promoting expression
      and activity of the uncoupling protein UCP1) has attracted much interest.
      Numerous "browning agents" have now been described (gene ablations, transgenes,
      food components, drugs, environments, etc.). The implied action of browning
      agents is that they increase UCP1 through this heat production, leading to
      slimming. Here, we particularly point to the possibility that cause and effect
      may on occasion be the reverse: browning agents may disrupt, for example, the
      fur, leading to increased heat loss, increased thermogenic demand to counteract
      this heat loss, and thus, through sympathetic nervous system activation, to
      enhanced UCP1 expression in white (and brown) adipose tissues. 

PMID- 25127353
TI  - Fatty acid flippase activity of UCP2 is essential for its proton transport in
      mitochondria.
AB  - Modulation of cellular energy expenditure is fundamental to normal and
      pathological cell growth and differentiation. Mitochondria stores energy as a
      proton gradient across their inner membrane. Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) can
      dissipate the gradient to produce heat or regulate metabolite fluxes. UCP
      mediated proton currents require fatty acids (FAs) and are blocked by
      nucleotides, but the molecular basis of these processes is unknown. We find, by
      nuclear magnetic resonance and functional mutagenesis, that UCP2 can bind FAs
      laterally through its peripheral site, and this intramembrane molecular
      recognition is essential for UCP2-catalyzed FA flipping across the membrane,
      which in turn is essential for proton translocation. The antagonist GDP binds
      inside the UCP2 cavity and perturbs its conformation, which can displace FA from
      the peripheral site as a mean of inhibiting proton currents. Our data provide a
      biophysical perspective of the intricate interplay of UCPs, FA, and nucleotides
      in determining proton fluxes in mitochondria. 

PMID- 25127355
TI  - Aggregation behavior of engineered nanoparticles and their impact on activated
      sludge in wastewater treatment.
AB  - The ever-increasing daily use of engineered nanoparticles will lead to heightened
      levels of these materials in the environment. These nanomaterials will eventually
      go into the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), therefore, resulting into a
      pressing need for information on their aggregation behavior and kinetics in the
      wastewater aqueous matrix. In this work, we dispersed two different metal oxide
      nanoparticles (ZnO and TiO2) into the influent of two different WWTPs. Through
      the time-resolved dynamic light scattering analysis and transmission electron
      microscopy, the metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were quite stably existed in the
      wastewater matrix with aggregates of diameter 300-400 nm after 4.5h or more
      suspension. We confirmed that the dissolved organic matters (DOMs) attributed to
      the stability of nanoparticles. No propensity of NPs to aggregate were observed
      in the presence of both monovalent and divalent electrolytes even at high
      concentrations up to 0.15 M in NaCl or 0.025 M in CaCl2, indicating that the
      destabilization of nanoparticles in the complicated wastewater matrix was not
      achieved by the compression of electrical double layer, therefore, their
      aggregation kinetics cannot be simply predicted by the classic Derjaguin-Landau
      Verwey-Overbeek theory of colloidal stability. However, obvious aggregation of
      nanoparticles in the Al2(SO4)3 solution system was observed with the likely
      mechanism of bridging of the metal oxide nanoparticles and aggregates due to the
      formation of hydrous alumina (Al(OH)3.H2O) in the Al2(SO4)3 solution. In the
      wastewater matrix, we used the noninvasive measurement technology to detect the
      O2 flux of activated sludge before and after treatment with 1, 10 and 100 mg L(
      1) NPs. The results confirmed that both ZnO and TiO2 NPs showed an adverse impact
      on the O2 uptake of activated sludge when the exposure time extended to 4.5 h.

PMID- 25127356
TI  - The role of P450 metabolism in the estrogenic activity of bifenthrin in fish.
AB  - Bifenthrin, a pyrethroid pesticide, is estrogenic in vivo in fishes. However,
      bifenthrin is documented to be anti-estrogenic in vitro, in the ER-CALUX
      (estrogen receptor) cell line. We investigated whether metabolite formation is
      the reason for this incongruity. We exposed Menidia beryllina (inland
      silversides) to 10ng/l bifenthrin, 10ng/l 4-hydroxy bifenthrin, and 10ng/l
      bifenthrin with 25MUg/l piperonyl butoxide (PBO) - a P450 inhibitor. Metabolite
      exposed juveniles had significantly higher estrogen-mediated protein levels
      (choriogenin) than bifenthrin/PBO-exposed, while bifenthrin alone was
      intermediate (not significantly different from either). This suggests that
      metabolites are the main contributors to bifenthrin's in vivo estrogenicity.

PMID- 25127357
TI  - Effect of bisphenol A on P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux and ultrastructure of the
      sea urchin embryo.
AB  - Usage of bisphenol A (BPA) in production of polycarbonate plastics has resulted
      in global distribution of BPA in the environment. These high concentrations cause
      numerous negative effects to the aquatic biota, among which the most known is the
      induction of endocrine disruption. The focus of this research was to determine
      the effects of two experimentally determined concentrations of BPA (100nM and
      4MUM) on cellular detoxification mechanisms during the embryonic development (2
      cell, pluteus) of the rocky sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus), primarily the
      potential involvement of multidrug efflux transport in the BPA intercellular
      efflux. The results of transport assay, measurements of the intracellular BPA and
      gene expression surveys, for the first time indicate the importance of P
      glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1) in defense against BPA. Cytotoxic effects of BPA,
      validated by the immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM), induced the aberrant karyokinesis, and consequently, the
      impairment of embryo development through the first cell division and retardation.

PMID- 25127358
TI  - The prevalence of abnormal genital findings, vulvovaginitis, enuresis and
      encopresis in children who present with allegations of sexual abuse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of vulvovaginitis, enuresis and encopresis in
      children who were referred for allegations of sexual abuse. SUBJECTS: A
      retrospective chart review of 1280 children presenting for non-acute examination
      after allegations of sexual abuse during a 15-year time span. Interview
      documentation, physical examination documentation, urinalysis, urine and vaginal
      cultures were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 1280 children, 73.3% were female and
      26.7% male. The ages of the children ranged from 6 months to 18 years (median age
      was 6 years). Interviews revealed that fondling contact was the most common
      allegation, followed by oral, vaginal, and anal penetration. Interviews also
      disclosed lower urinary tract symptoms, UTI, constipation, encopresis and
      enuresis. Physical examination revealed no abnormal genital findings in 44.7% of
      cases. Examinations of the vagina noted: erythema (18.1%); hymenal notching
      (posterior 16.8%, anterior 4.4%); vuvlovaginitis (14.0%); laceration or
      transection (0.6%); and bruising (0.4%). Examination of the anus noted: anal
      fissure/tear (14.9%); loss of anal tone (10.6%); reflex anal dilatation (9.2%);
      venous congestion (3.8%); and proctitis (0.9%). Vulvovaginitis was noted in 14%
      (131/936) and encopresis in 2.3% (21/936). Enuresis according to age was reported
      in 13% of 5-9 year olds, 14.7% of 10-16 year olds and 18.2% of 17-18 year olds
      suspected of being abused. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of vulvovaginitis and enuresis
      were increased, and encopresis was decreased in children with allegations of
      sexual abuse when compared to the general pediatric population. Physicians should
      continue to be aware of the possibility of the presence of these conditions in
      children who have been sexually abused, and offer appropriate treatment.

PMID- 25127359
TI  - Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta attenuates glucocorticoid-induced
      suppression of myogenic differentiation in vitro.
AB  - Glucocorticoids are the only therapy that has been demonstrated to alter the
      progress of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common muscular dystrophy
      in children. However, glucocorticoids disturb skeletal muscle metabolism and
      hamper myogenesis and muscle regeneration. The mechanisms involved in the
      glucocorticoid-mediated suppression of myogenic differentiation are not fully
      understood. Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) is considered to play a
      central role as a negative regulator in myogenic differentiation. Here, we showed
      that glucocorticoid treatment during the first 48 h in differentiation medium
      decreased the level of phosphorylated Ser9-GSK-3beta, an inactive form of GSK
      3beta, suggesting that glucocorticoids affect GSK-3beta activity. We then
      investigated whether GSK-3beta inhibition could regulate glucocorticoid-mediated
      suppression of myogenic differentiation in vitro. Two methods were employed to
      inhibit GSK-3beta: pharmacological inhibition with LiCl and GSK-3beta gene
      knockdown. We found that both methods resulted in enhanced myotube formation and
      increased levels of muscle regulatory factors and muscle-specific protein
      expression. Importantly, GSK-3beta inhibition attenuated glucocorticoid-induced
      suppression of myogenic differentiation. Collectively, these data suggest the
      involvement of GSK-3beta in the glucocorticoid-mediated impairment of myogenic
      differentiation. Therefore, the inhibition of GSK-3beta may be a strategy for
      preventing glucocorticoid-induced muscle degeneration. 

PMID- 25127361
TI  - A fluorescence color-encoded lipid-supported polymeric particle.
AB  - Several fluorescent or luminescent organisms with biological, chemical, and
      ecological diversity have been proposed as substitutes for use in new imaging and
      diagnostic technologies. Inspired by these trends, we designed a synthetic
      fluorescent light-encoding particulate to serve as a novel and prospective cancer
      diagnostic imaging platform. The fluorescence-emitting particulate was used
      practically for both in vitro and in vivo selective cancer diagnostic imaging. 

PMID- 25127360
TI  - Genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii isolates and toxoplasmosis
      seroprevalence in stray cats of Izmir, Turkey.
AB  - Currently, some Toxoplasma gondii genotypes are being associated with serious
      clinical presentations. A recent report showing the Africa 1 genotype in two
      local congenital toxoplasmosis cases acquired in Turkey formed the basis of this
      study because atypical Africa 1 genotype is most frequently detected in animals
      and patients from sub-Saharan Africa. Since stray cats are considered as the
      linkage between wild life and urban life in T. gondii transmission, the present
      study aimed to isolate and characterize T. gondii strains circulating in stray
      cats of Izmir (Western Turkey). A secondary objective was to determine
      toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in this cat population. Tissues obtained from 100
      deceased stray cats were bioassayed and isolated strains were genotyped using 15
      microsatellite markers. In addition, toxoplasmosis seroprevalence was analyzed in
      1121 cat sera collected from several large veterinary clinics in Izmir. Among the
      22 isolates, 19 were Type II (86.3%), two were Type III (9%) and one was Africa 1
      genotype (4.5%). The overall seropositivity rates in cats were 42-48% and 33.4
      34.4% according to IFA and ELISA, respectively. Seroprevalence in deceased cats
      was significantly higher than in healthy cats (P = 0.0033). Finding both the
      major clonal Type II lineage together with the Type III lineage also found in
      Middle East, and an atypical genotype, Africa 1 appears consistent with the
      specific geographic location of Turkey between three continents and raises the
      possibility of transportation of these strains between continents through trade
      routes or long distance migratory birds. In addition, the first large study of
      toxoplasma seroprevalence in a stray cat population was also reported. The
      relatively high seropositivity rates and the variety of T. gondii genotypes
      confirm the local stray cat population as a risk factor for human toxoplasmosis
      in Izmir. 

PMID- 25127362
TI  - Mineralization and drug release of hydroxyapatite/poly(l-lactic acid)
      nanocomposite scaffolds prepared by Pickering emulsion templating.
AB  - Biodegradable and bioactive nanocomposite (NC) biomaterials with controlled
      microstructures and able to deliver special drugs have gained increasing
      attention in bone tissue engineering. In this study, the hydroxyapatite
      (HAp)/poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) NC scaffolds were facilely prepared using
      solvent evaporation from templating Pickering emulsions stabilized with PLLA
      modified HAp (g-HAp) nanoparticles. Then, in vitro mineralization experiments
      were performed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) to evaluate the bioactivity of the
      NC scaffolds. Moreover, in vitro drug release of the NC scaffolds using anti
      inflammatory drug (ibuprofen, IBU) as the model drug was also investigated. The
      results showed that the NC scaffolds possessed interconnected pore structures,
      which could be modulated by varying the g-HAp nanoparticle concentration. The NC
      scaffolds exhibited excellent bioactivity, since they induced the formation of
      calcium-sufficient, carbonated apatite nanoparticles on the scaffolds after
      mineralization in SBF for 3 days. The IBU loaded in the NC scaffolds showed a
      sustained release profile, and the release kinetic followed the Higuchi model
      with diffusion process. Thus, solvent evaporation based on Pickering emulsion
      droplets is a simple and effective method to prepare biodegradable and bioactive
      porous NC scaffolds for bone repair and replacement applications. 

PMID- 25127364
TI  - Delivery of antisense peptide nucleic acids to cells by conjugation with small
      arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide (R/W)9.
AB  - Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are very attractive antisense and antigene agents,
      but these molecules are not passively taken into cells. Here, using a functional
      cell assay and fluorescent-based methods, we investigated cell uptake and
      antisense activity of a tridecamer PNA that targets the HIV-1 polypurine tract
      sequence delivered using the arginine-rich (R/W)9 peptide (RRWWRRWRR). At
      micromolar concentrations, without use of any transfection agents, almost 80%
      inhibition of the target gene expression was obtained with the conjugate in the
      presence of the endosomolytic agent chloroquine. We show that chloroquine not
      only induced escape from endosomes but also enhanced the cellular uptake of the
      conjugate. Mechanistic studies revealed that (R/W)9-PNA conjugates were
      internalized via pinocytosis. Replacement of arginines with lysines reduced the
      uptake of the conjugate by six-fold, resulting in the abolition of intracellular
      target inhibition. Our results show that the arginines play a crucial role in the
      conjugate uptake and antisense activity. To determine whether specificity of the
      interactions of arginines with cell surface proteoglycans result in the
      internalization, we used flow cytometry to examine uptake of arginine- and lysine
      rich conjugates in wild-type CHO-K1 and proteoglycan-deficient A745 cells. The
      uptake of both conjugates was decreased by four fold in CHO-745 cells; therefore
      proteoglycans promote internalization of cationic peptides, irrespective of the
      chemical nature of their positive charges. Our results show that arginine-rich
      cell-penetrating peptides, especially (R/W)9, are a promising tool for PNA
      internalization. 

PMID- 25127363
TI  - Application of a combination of a knowledge-based algorithm and 2-stage screening
      to hypothesis-free genomic data on irinotecan-treated patients for identification
      of a candidate single nucleotide polymorphism related to an adverse effect.
AB  - Interindividual variation in a drug response among patients is known to cause
      serious problems in medicine. Genomic information has been proposed as the basis
      for "personalized" health care. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) is a
      powerful technique for examining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their
      relationship with drug response variation; however, when using only GWAS, it
      often happens that no useful SNPs are identified due to multiple testing
      problems. Therefore, in a previous study, we proposed a combined method
      consisting of a knowledge-based algorithm, 2 stages of screening, and a
      permutation test for identifying SNPs. In the present study, we applied this
      method to a pharmacogenomics study where 109,365 SNPs were genotyped using
      Illumina Human-1 BeadChip in 168 cancer patients treated with irinotecan
      chemotherapy. We identified the SNP rs9351963 in potassium voltage-gated channel
      subfamily KQT member 5 (KCNQ5) as a candidate factor related to incidence of
      irinotecan-induced diarrhea. The p value for rs9351963 was 3.31*10-5 in Fisher's
      exact test and 0.0289 in the permutation test (when multiple testing problems
      were corrected). Additionally, rs9351963 was clearly superior to the clinical
      parameters and the model involving rs9351963 showed sensitivity of 77.8% and
      specificity of 57.6% in the evaluation by means of logistic regression. Recent
      studies showed that KCNQ4 and KCNQ5 genes encode members of the M channel
      expressed in gastrointestinal smooth muscle and suggested that these genes are
      associated with irritable bowel syndrome and similar peristalsis diseases. These
      results suggest that rs9351963 in KCNQ5 is a possible predictive factor of
      incidence of diarrhea in cancer patients treated with irinotecan chemotherapy and
      for selecting chemotherapy regimens, such as irinotecan alone or a combination of
      irinotecan with a KCNQ5 opener. Nonetheless, clinical importance of rs9351963
      should be further elucidated. 

PMID- 25127365
TI  - Vitamin K2 biosynthetic enzyme, UBIAD1 is essential for embryonic development of
      mice.
AB  - UbiA prenyltransferase domain containing 1 (UBIAD1) is a novel vitamin K2
      biosynthetic enzyme screened and identified from the human genome database.
      UBIAD1 has recently been shown to catalyse the biosynthesis of Coenzyme Q10
      (CoQ10) in zebrafish and human cells. To investigate the function of UBIAD1 in
      vivo, we attempted to generate mice lacking Ubiad1, a homolog of human UBIAD1, by
      gene targeting. Ubiad1-deficient (Ubiad1(-/-)) mouse embryos failed to survive
      beyond embryonic day 7.5, exhibiting small-sized body and gastrulation arrest.
      Ubiad1(-/-) embryonic stem (ES) cells failed to synthesize vitamin K2 but were
      able to synthesize CoQ9, similar to wild-type ES cells. Ubiad1(+/-) mice
      developed normally, exhibiting normal growth and fertility. Vitamin K2 tissue
      levels and synthesis activity were approximately half of those in the wild-type,
      whereas CoQ9 tissue levels and synthesis activity were similar to those in the
      wild-type. Similarly, UBIAD1 expression and vitamin K2 synthesis activity of
      mouse embryonic fibroblasts prepared from Ubiad1(+/-) E15.5 embryos were
      approximately half of those in the wild-type, whereas CoQ9 levels and synthesis
      activity were similar to those in the wild-type. Ubiad1(-/-) mouse embryos failed
      to be rescued, but their embryonic lifespans were extended to term by oral
      administration of MK-4 or CoQ10 to pregnant Ubiad1(+/-) mice. These results
      suggest that UBIAD1 is responsible for vitamin K2 synthesis but may not be
      responsible for CoQ9 synthesis in mice. We propose that UBIAD1 plays a pivotal
      role in embryonic development by synthesizing vitamin K2, but may have additional
      functions beyond the biosynthesis of vitamin K2.

PMID- 25127369
TI  - The effects of musical practice on structural plasticity: the dynamics of grey
      matter changes.
AB  - Intensive training and the acquisition of expertise are known to bring about
      structural changes in the brain. Musical training is a particularly interesting
      model. Previous studies have reported structural brain modifications in the
      auditory, motor and visuospatial areas of musicians compared with nonmusicians.
      The main goal of the present study was to go one step further, by exploring the
      dynamic of those structural brain changes related to musical experience. To this
      end, we conducted a regression study on 44 nonmusicians and amateur musicians
      with 0-26years of musical practice of a variety instruments. We sought first to
      highlight brain areas that increased with the duration of practice and secondly
      distinguish (thanks to an ANOVA analysis) brain areas that undergo grey matter
      changes after only limited years of musical practice from those that require
      longer practice before they exhibit changes. Results revealed that musical
      training results a greater grey matter volumes in different brain areas for
      musicians. Changes appear gradually in the left hippocampus and right middle and
      superior frontal regions, but later also include the right insula and
      supplementary motor area and left superior temporal, and posterior cingulate
      areas. Given that all participants had the same age and that we controlled for
      age and education level, these results cannot be ascribed to normal brain
      maturation. Instead, they support the notion that musical training could induce
      dynamic structural changes. 

PMID- 25127366
TI  - Dengue virus 2 American-Asian genotype identified during the 2006/2007 outbreak
      in Piaui, Brazil reveals a Caribbean route of introduction and dissemination of
      dengue virus in Brazil.
AB  - Dengue virus (DENV) is the most widespread arthropod-borne virus, and the number
      and severity of outbreaks has increased worldwide in recent decades. Dengue is
      caused by DENV-1, DENV- 2, DENV-3 and DENV-4 which are genetically distant. The
      species has been subdivided into genotypes based on phylogenetic studies. DENV-2,
      which was isolated from dengue fever patients during an outbreak in Piaui, Brazil
      in 2006/2007 was analyzed by sequencing the envelope (E) gene. The results
      indicated a high similarity among the isolated viruses, as well as to other DENV
      2 from Brazil, Central America and South America. A phylogenetic and
      phylogeographic analysis based on DENV-2E gene sequences revealed that these
      viruses are grouped together with viruses of the American-Asian genotype in two
      distinct lineages. Our results demonstrate the co-circulation of two American
      Asian genotype lineages in northeast Brazil. Moreover, we reveal that DENV-2
      lineage 2 was detected in Piaui before it disseminated to other Brazilian states
      and South American countries, indicating the existence of a new dissemination
      route that has not been previously described. 

PMID- 25127371
TI  - Epilepsy, comorbid conditions in Canadian children: analysis of cross-sectional
      data from cycle 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Children and Youth.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze national survey data to provide
      estimates of prevalence of epilepsy and associated developmental disabilities and
      comorbid conditions. METHODS: We analyzed data from Cycle 3 of Canada's National
      Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth. The NLSCY captured, socio-demographic
      information, as well as age, sex, education, ethnicity, household income, chronic
      health related conditions from birth to 15 years old. The main survey question
      intended to identify "epilepsy", "cerebral palsy", "intellectual disability",
      "learning disability", and "emotional and nervous difficulties" in the population
      of children surveyed. Prevalence was based on the national cross-sectional sample
      and used 1000 bootstrap weights to account for survey design factors. RESULTS:
      Cycle 3 of the NLSCY had the largest number of patients with diagnosed epilepsy.
      Prevalence figures (n/1000) for epilepsy and cerebral palsy (EPI_CP), epilepsy
      and intellectual disability (EPI_ID), epilepsy and learning disability (EPI_LD),
      and epilepsy and emotional nervous difficulties (EPI_EMO_NERV) were 1.1, 1.17,
      2.58 and 1.34 respectively. Amongst children with epilepsy, 43.17% reported the
      presence of one or more of the above comorbid conditions. CONCLUSION: These
      results provide an initial prevalence estimate of comorbid conditions with
      epilepsy in Canadian children. In a high proportion of children with epilepsy,
      the PMK had reported at least one comorbid disorder. These findings carry
      implications for health care utilization and long-term outcomes. We discuss
      methodological aspects related to the ascertainment of epilepsy in both surveys,
      and to the validity and implications of our findings.

PMID- 25127372
TI  - The impact of web-based HOT (Healthy Outcomes for Teens) Project on risk for type
      2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The HOT (Healthy Outcome for Teens) Project is an innovative online
      educational intervention for middle school children for prevention of diabetes
      and obesity by balancing food intake with physical activity. The objective was to
      improve knowledge, outcome expectations, self-efficacy, and self-reported food
      intake and skills and to compare a passive online learning (POL) control group
      with an active online learning (AOL) treatment group by implementing a social
      cognitive theory (SCT)-grounded online intervention. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In
      total, 214 participants were recruited from three middle schools. Full data were
      secured for 181 students. Six valid, reliable questionnaires were administered
      online, pre/post, to both the AOL and POL groups to assess knowledge gain, self
      reported intake, and meal planning skills, as well as change in SCT constructs.
      RESULTS: Subjects in the AOL group improved significantly for all five categories
      of planning a meal questionnaire (P=0.001) and also for outcome expectations for
      exercise (P=0.001). At postintervention, no significant differences were found
      for composite scores of exercise self-efficacy, weight efficacy lifestyle, and
      rapid eating assessment plan questionnaires between AOL versus POL (by Mann
      Whitney test). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that teens participating in the AOL
      version of the HOT Project intervention acquired skills for planning a meal and
      improved outcome expectations for exercise.

PMID- 25127370
TI  - Clinical correlates of graph theory findings in temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is considered a brain network disorder,
      additionally representing the most common form of pharmaco-resistant epilepsy in
      adults. There is increasing evidence that seizures in TLE arise from abnormal
      epileptogenic networks, which extend beyond the clinico-radiologically determined
      epileptogenic zone and may contribute to the failure rate of 30-50% following
      epilepsy surgery. Graph theory allows for a network-based representation of TLE
      brain networks using several neuroimaging and electrophysiologic modalities, and
      has potential to provide clinicians with clinically useful biomarkers for
      diagnostic and prognostic purposes. METHODS: We performed a review of the current
      state of graph theory findings in TLE as they pertain to localization of the
      epileptogenic zone, prediction of pre- and post-surgical seizure frequency and
      cognitive performance, and monitoring cognitive decline in TLE. RESULTS: Although
      different neuroimaging and electrophysiologic modalities have yielded
      occasionally conflicting results, several potential biomarkers have been
      characterized for identifying the epileptogenic zone, pre-/post-surgical seizure
      prediction, and assessing cognitive performance. For localization, graph theory
      measures of centrality have shown the most potential, including betweenness
      centrality, outdegree, and graph index complexity, whereas for prediction of
      seizure frequency, measures of synchronizability have shown the most potential.
      The utility of clustering coefficient and characteristic path length for
      assessing cognitive performance in TLE is also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Future
      studies integrating data from multiple modalities and testing predictive models
      are needed to clarify findings and develop graph theory for its clinical utility.

PMID- 25127373
TI  - Comparison of platelet serotonin transporter activity in subjects with severe
      sleep bruxism and control.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between sleep
      bruxism (SB) frequency and serotonin transporter (SERT)-driven serotonin (5-HT)
      uptake in platelets. METHODS: Subjects were dental trainee residents and faculty
      members of Okayama University Hospital who were aware of having severe or no SB.
      SB frequency was assessed for 3-consecutive nights by a self-contained
      electromyographic detector/analyzer, which indicated individual SB levels as one
      of four grades (score 0, 1, 2 and 3). Subjects were classified as normal control
      (NC) when SB scores indicated only 0 or 1 during the 3 nights, or as severe SB
      for scores 2 or 3. Those subjects whose scores fluctuated from 0 to 3 during the
      3 nights were omitted from further analysis. Fasting peripheral venous blood
      samples were collected in the morning following the final SB assessment. Amounts
      of SERTs proteins collected from peripheral platelets were quantified using
      ELISA, and SERTs transport activity was assessed by uptake assay using [3H]-5-HT.
      RESULTS: Thirteen severe SB subjects and 7 NC subjects were eligible. Gender
      distribution, mean age, 5-HT concentration and total amounts of SERT protein in
      platelets showed no significant differences between NC and severe SB (p=0.85: Chi
      squared test; p=0.64, 0.26, 0.46: t-test). However, [3H]-5-HT uptake by platelets
      was significantly greater in NC compared to severe SB subjects (12.79+/-1.97,
      8.27+/-1.91 fmol/10(5) platelets/min, p<0.001, t-test). CONCLUSION: The results
      of this pilot study suggest a possible correlation between peripheral platelet
      serotonin transporter uptake ability and SB severity.

PMID- 25127374
TI  - Nuclear mobility and activity of FOXA1 with androgen receptor are regulated by
      SUMOylation.
AB  - Forkhead box (FOX) protein A1 has been dubbed a pioneer transcription factor
      because it binds target sites in DNA, thereby displacing nucleosomes to loosen
      chromatin and facilitating steroid receptor DNA binding nearby. FOXA1 is an
      important regulator of prostate development, collaborating with androgen receptor
      (AR). Post-translational modifications regulating FOXA1 are thus far poorly
      understood. SUMOylation, post-translational modification of proteins by small
      ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins, has emerged as an important regulatory
      mechanism in transcriptional regulation. In this work, we show by SUMOylation
      assays in COS-1 cells that the FOXA1 is modified at least in two of its three
      lysines embedded in SUMOylation consensus, K6 and K389, in proximity to its
      transactivation domains and K267 proximal to its DNA-binding domain. We also
      provide evidence for SUMO-2/3 modification of endogenous FOXA1 in LNCaP prostate
      cancer cells. Based on fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assays with
      mCherry-fused FOXA1 and EGFP-fused AR in HEK293 cells, the presence of FOXA1
      retards the nuclear mobility of agonist-bound AR. Interestingly, mutation of the
      FOXA1 SUMOylation sites slows down the mobility of the pioneer factor, further
      retarding the nuclear mobility of the AR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and gene
      expression assays suggest that the mutation enhances FOXA1's chromatin occupancy
      as well as its activity on AR-regulated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) locus in
      LNCaP cells. Moreover, the mutation altered the ability of FOXA1 to influence
      proliferation of LNCaP cells. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that
      the SUMOylation can regulate the transcriptional activity of FOXA1 with the AR. 

PMID- 25127376
TI  - Effect of different head and neck positions on behaviour, heart rate variability
      and cortisol levels in lunged Royal Dutch Sport horses.
AB  - Different head-and-neck positions (HNPs) are discussed in relation to potential
      welfare issues. To evaluate the effect on welfare, seven Royal Dutch Sport horses
      were studied in five predetermined HNPs: (1) unrestrained (HNP1); (2) neck
      raised, bridge of nose around the vertical (HNP2); (3) neck lowered and
      considerably flexed, bridge of nose pointing towards the chest (HNP4); (4) neck
      raised and extended, bridge of nose in front of the vertical (HNP5), and (5) neck
      lowered and flexed, bridge of nose pointing towards the carpus (HNP7). A
      standardised exercise test (SET) of 34 min consisted of trot, canter and walk.
      Behaviour was recorded with a pre-defined ethogram and R-R intervals measured
      using telemetry. Cortisol concentrations were taken at the start, 5 and 30 min
      after the SET. Behaviour around the SET was scored separately. Conflict
      behaviours increased significantly during HNP2 when compared with HNP1, HNP4 and
      HNP7 during the SET, and there was significant negative anticipation before HNP2
      and HNP7. The heart rate variability (HRV) frequency domain for HNP2 showed a
      significantly increased low frequency peak (LFpeak) compared with other HNPs, and
      there was a decrease in very low frequency (VLF%) compared with HNP1. HNP4 showed
      a significant increase in LF% and decrease in VLF% compared with HNP1. Saliva
      cortisol concentrations were significantly increased in HNP2 at 5 and 30 min
      after exercise. Increased conflict behaviour was mostly observed in HNP2, but
      there was a raised HRV suggesting a sympathetic shift in HNP2 and HNP4, and
      increased cortisol concentrations during HNP2 indicated a stress response.

PMID- 25127377
TI  - Finite element analysis of three commonly used external fixation devices for
      treating Type III pilon fractures.
AB  - Pilon fractures are commonly caused by high energy trauma and can result in long
      term immobilization of patients. The use of an external fixator i.e. the (1)
      Delta, (2) Mitkovic or (3) Unilateral frame for treating type III pilon fractures
      is generally recommended by many experts owing to the stability provided by these
      constructs. This allows this type of fracture to heal quickly whilst permitting
      early mobilization. However, the stability of one fixator over the other has not
      been previously demonstrated. This study was conducted to determine the
      biomechanical stability of these external fixators in type III pilon fractures
      using finite element modelling. Three-dimensional models of the tibia, fibula,
      talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, three cuneiforms and five metatarsal bones
      were reconstructed from previously obtained CT datasets. Bones were assigned with
      isotropic material properties, while the cartilage was assigned as hyperelastic
      springs with Mooney-Rivlin properties. Axial loads of 350 N and 70 N were applied
      at the tibia to simulate the stance and the swing phase of a gait cycle. To
      prevent rigid body motion, the calcaneus and metatarsals were fixed distally in
      all degrees of freedom. The results indicate that the model with the Delta frame
      produced the lowest relative micromovement (0.03 mm) compared to the Mitkovic
      (0.05 mm) and Unilateral (0.42 mm) fixators during the stance phase. The highest
      stress concentrations were found at the pin of the Unilateral external fixator
      (509.2 MPa) compared to the Mitkovic (286.0 MPa) and the Delta (266.7 MPa)
      frames. In conclusion, the Delta external fixator was found to be the most stable
      external fixator for treating type III pilon fractures.

PMID- 25127375
TI  - Lipocalin 2 is a regulator of macrophage polarization and NF-kappaB/STAT3 pathway
      activation.
AB  - Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) has been previously characterized as an adipokine/cytokine and
      implicated in obesity and inflammation. Herein, we investigated the role and
      potential mechanism of Lcn2 in the regulation of macrophage polarization in
      obesity-associated inflammation. We observed that Lcn2-/- mice displayed an up
      regulation of expression of M1 macrophage marker Cd11c but a down-regulation of
      M2 marker arginase 1 in adipose tissue and liver of mice upon a high-fat diet
      feeding. Lcn2-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were more
      sensitive to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, leading to a more profound up
      regulation of expression of pro-inflammatory markers than wild-type (WT) BMDMs.
      Accordingly, LPS stimulation elicited an increase in the activation of nuclear
      factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB), c-Jun, and
      STAT3 signaling pathways as well as an up-regualtion of expression of NF-kappaB
      and STAT3 target genes such as IL-1beta, IL-6, iNOS, and MCP-1 in Lcn2-/- BMDMs
      compared with WT controls. Pre-treatment of recombinant Lcn2 attenuated LPS
      stimulated degradation of IkappaBalpha and STAT3 phosphorylation as well as LPS
      induced gene expression of IL-6 and iNOS in Lcn2-/- BMDMs. Moreover, the NFkappaB
      inhibitor markedly blocked LPS-stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation in Lcn2-/- BMDMs.
      These results together with the time course of Lcn2 secretion, NFkappaB and STAT3
      phosphorylation in response to LPS stimulation, suggest that Lcn2 plays a role as
      an anti-inflammatory regulator in macrophage activation via modulating a feed
      forward activation of NFkappaB-STAT3 loop. 

PMID- 25127379
TI  - Impacts of groundwater discharge at Myora Springs (North Stradbroke Island,
      Australia) on the phenolic metabolism of eelgrass, Zostera muelleri, and grazing
      by the juvenile rabbitfish, Siganus fuscescens.
AB  - Myora Springs is one of many groundwater discharge sites on North Stradbroke
      Island (Queensland, Australia). Here spring waters emerge from wetland forests to
      join Moreton Bay, mixing with seawater over seagrass meadows dominated by
      eelgrass, Zostera muelleri. We sought to determine how low pH/high CO2 conditions
      near the spring affect these plants and their interactions with the black
      rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens), a co-occurring grazer. In paired-choice feeding
      trials S. fuscescens preferentially consumed Z. muelleri shoots collected nearest
      to Myora Springs. Proximity to the spring did not significantly alter the carbon
      and nitrogen contents of seagrass tissues but did result in the extraordinary
      loss of soluble phenolics, including Folin-reactive phenolics, condensed tannins,
      and phenolic acids by >=87%. Conversely, seagrass lignin contents were, in this
      and related experiments, unaffected or increased, suggesting a shift in secondary
      metabolism away from the production of soluble, but not insoluble,
      (poly)phenolics. We suggest that groundwater discharge sites such as Myora
      Springs, and other sites characterized by low pH, are likely to be popular
      feeding grounds for seagrass grazers seeking to reduce their exposure to soluble
      phenolics.

PMID- 25127380
TI  - Orthodontic treatment of an adult patient with severe crowding and unilateral
      missing premolars.

PMID- 25127378
TI  - Quantifying metabolic heterogeneity in head and neck tumors in real time: 2-DG
      uptake is highest in hypoxic tumor regions.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity may increase the likelihood of
      treatment failure due to the presence of a subset of resistant tumor cells. Using
      a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenograft model and a real-time
      fluorescence imaging approach, we tested the hypothesis that tumors are
      metabolically heterogeneous, and that tumor hypoxia alters patterns of glucose
      uptake within the tumor. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Cal33 cells were grown as xenograft
      tumors (n = 16) in nude mice after identification of this cell line's metabolic
      response to hypoxia. Tumor uptake of fluorescent markers identifying hypoxia,
      glucose import, or vascularity was imaged simultaneously using fluorescent
      molecular tomography. The variability of intratumoral 2-deoxyglucose (IR800-2-DG)
      concentration was used to assess tumor metabolic heterogeneity, which was further
      investigated using immunohistochemistry for expression of key metabolic enzymes.
      HNSCC tumors in patients were assessed for intratumoral variability of (18)F
      fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) uptake in clinical PET scans. RESULTS: IR800-2-DG
      uptake in hypoxic regions of Cal33 tumors was 2.04 times higher compared to the
      whole tumor (p = 0.0001). IR800-2-DG uptake in tumors containing hypoxic regions
      was more heterogeneous as compared to tumors lacking a hypoxic signal.
      Immunohistochemistry staining for HIF-1alpha, carbonic anhydrase 9, and ATP
      synthase subunit 5beta confirmed xenograft metabolic heterogeneity. We detected
      heterogeneous (18)F-FDG uptake within patient HNSCC tumors, and the degree of
      heterogeneity varied amongst tumors. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia is associated with
      increased intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity. (18)F-FDG PET scans may be used
      to stratify patients according to the metabolic heterogeneity within their
      tumors, which could be an indicator of prognosis.

PMID- 25127381
TI  - Progressive slicing of second deciduous molars in a young patient with second
      premolar agnesis.

PMID- 25127382
TI  - Mini-implant-supported temporary pontics.

PMID- 25127383
TI  - A rapid maxillary expander with differential opening.

PMID- 25127384
TI  - Resin reinforcement: an alternative approach for direct bonding of molar tubes.

PMID- 25127385
TI  - Scoring of ceramic bracket bases for easier debonding.

PMID- 25127386
TI  - Removal of aqueous Hg(II) and Cr(VI) using phytic acid doped
      polyaniline/cellulose acetate composite membrane.
AB  - Conductive composite membrane-phytic acid (PA) doped polyaniline (PANI)/cellulose
      acetate (CA) (PANI-PA/CA) was prepared in a simple and environmental-friendly
      method, in which aniline was blended with CA/PA solution and polymerized before
      the phase conversion. The resultant composite membranes were characterized by
      SEM, EDX, FTIR-ATR, BET and electrical resistance measurements. When used as
      adsorbent for Hg(II) and Cr(VI) ions, the prepared composite membrane exhibits
      excellent adsorption capability. The adsorption of Hg(II) and Cr(VI) follows a
      pseudo-second-order kinetic model and best fits the Langmuir isotherm model, with
      the maximum adsorption capacity reaching 280.11 and 94.34 mg g(-1), respectively.
      The heavy metal loaded composite membrane can be regenerated and reused after
      treatment with acid or alkali solution, making it a promising and practical
      adsorbent for Hg(II) and Cr(VI) removal. Tests with river water were also carried
      out, indicating good performance and application.

PMID- 25127387
TI  - Reaction of carbon tetrachloride with methane in a non-equilibrium plasma at
      atmospheric pressure, and characterisation of the polymer thus formed.
AB  - In this paper we focus on the development of a methodology for treatment of
      carbon tetrachloride utilising a non-equilibrium plasma operating at atmospheric
      pressure, which is not singularly aimed at destroying carbon tetrachloride but
      rather at converting it to a non-hazardous, potentially valuable commodity. This
      method encompasses the reaction of carbon tetrachloride and methane, with argon
      as a carrier gas, in a quartz dielectric barrier discharge reactor. The reaction
      is performed under non-oxidative conditions. Possible pathways for formation of
      major products based on experimental results and supported by quantum chemical
      calculations are outlined in the paper. We elucidate important parameters such as
      carbon tetrachloride conversion, product distribution, mass balance and
      characterise the chlorinated polymer formed in the process. 

PMID- 25127388
TI  - Specific and ultrasensitive ciprofloxacin detection by responsive photonic
      crystal sensor.
AB  - A new approach for specific and ultrasensitive measurement of ciprofloxacin has
      been developed by integrating ternary complexes into responsive photonic crystal
      (RPC). Tryptophan was first immobilized within the polyacrylamide hydrogel
      substrates of RPC. The determination of ciprofloxacin was via the existence of
      zinc(II) ions that function as a 'bridge' to form specific tryptophan-zinc(II)
      ciprofloxacin complexes step by step, which resulted in a stepwise red-shift of
      the diffraction wavelength. A maximum wavelength shift from 798 to 870 nm for
      ciprofloxacin was observed when the RPC film was immersed in 10(-4)M
      ciprofloxacin. A linear relationship has been obtained between the Deltalambda of
      diffraction peak and logarithm of ciprofloxacin concentration at pH 5.0 in the
      range of 10(-10) to 10(-4)M. And the least detectable concentration in present
      work is about 5 * 10(-11)M. The results demonstrated that the as-designed ternary
      complexes-based RPC sensor exhibited high sensitivity, satisfactory specificity
      and excellent recoverability for sensing of ciprofloxacin in aqueous media and
      were validated by detecting ciprofloxacin in the eye-drop sample.

PMID- 25127389
TI  - Graphene oxide as an effective catalyst for wet air oxidation of phenol.
AB  - The graphene oxide (GO) and chemically reduced graphene oxides, used as catalysts
      in absence of any metals, were investigated in the catalytic wet air oxidation
      (CWAO) of phenol in a batch reactor. The characterization of the materials was
      measured with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM), Raman, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The carbon materials exhibited good phenol
      and total organic compounds (TOC) removals in the CWAO of phenol. The GO had the
      highest catalytic activity, total phenol removal was achieved after 40 min, and
      ca. 84% TOC removal was obtained after 120 min at reaction temperature of 155
      degrees C, total pressure of 2.5 MPa and catalyst loading of 0.2 gL(-1).

PMID- 25127390
TI  - What predicts the first peak of the knee adduction moment?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first peak of the knee adduction moment curve during walking has
      been shown to be a good clinical surrogate measure of medial tibiofemoral joint
      loading and osteoarthritis. Defining the relative contributions of the variables
      that dictate the knee adduction moment, such as center of mass, center of
      pressure, vertical ground reaction force, and knee adduction angle (i.e. lower
      limb alignment), has not been formally investigated within the same cohort of
      individuals. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine which of these
      variables is the biggest determinant of the first peak of knee adduction moment
      curve. METHODS: Instrumented gait analysis was collected for 30 individuals.
      Variables significantly correlated with the peak knee adduction moment were input
      into a stepwise multi-variable linear regression model. RESULTS: The knee
      adduction angle predicted 58% of the variance in the first peak knee adduction
      moment and the vertical ground reaction force magnitude predicted the second most
      variance (20%). CONCLUSIONS: The most effective way to modify the peak knee
      adduction moment may be to change the knee adduction angle (e.g. off loader
      brace), followed by changing the vertical magnitude of the ground reaction force
      (e.g. cane use). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Defining the major determinants of the knee
      adduction moment may help guide clinicians in choosing conservative interventions
      to reduce it in conditions such as medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis.

PMID- 25127391
TI  - Generation and behavior characterization of CaMKIIbeta knockout mice.
AB  - The calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is abundant in the
      brain, where it makes important contributions to synaptic organization and
      homeostasis, including playing an essential role in synaptic plasticity and
      memory. Four genes encode isoforms of CaMKII (alpha, beta, delta, gamma), with
      CaMKIIalpha and CaMKIIbeta highly expressed in the brain. Decades of molecular
      and cellular research, as well as the use of a large number of CaMKIIalpha mutant
      mouse lines, have provided insight into the pivotal roles of CaMKIIalpha in brain
      plasticity and cognition. However, less is known about the CaMKIIbeta isoform. We
      report the development and extensive behavioral and phenotypic characterization
      of a CaMKIIbeta knockout (KO) mouse. The CaMKIIbeta KO mouse was found to be
      smaller at weaning, with an altered body mass composition. The CaMKIIbeta KO
      mouse showed ataxia, impaired forelimb grip strength, and deficits in the
      rotorod, balance beam and running wheel tasks. Interestingly, the CaMKIIbeta KO
      mouse exhibited reduced anxiety in the elevated plus maze and open field tests.
      The CaMKIIbeta KO mouse also showed cognitive impairment in the novel object
      recognition task. Our results provide a comprehensive behavioral characterization
      of mice deficient in the beta isoform of CaMKII. The neurologic phenotypes and
      the construction of the genotype suggest the utility of this KO mouse strain for
      future studies of CaMKIIbeta in brain structure, function and development. 

PMID- 25127392
TI  - A phase 2 study of MK-0457 in patients with BCR-ABL T315I mutant chronic
      myelogenous leukemia and philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia.
AB  - Aurora kinase overexpression has been observed in patients with hematologic
      malignancies. MK-0457, a pan-aurora kinase inhibitor that also inhibits the ABL
      T315I mutant, was evaluated to treat patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia
      (CML) or Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with
      the T315I mutation. Adults with Ph+ chronic phase (CP)-, accelerated phase (AP)-
      or blast phase (BP)-CML, or ALL and documented BCR-ABL T315I mutation were
      treated with a 5-day continuous infusion of MK-0457 administered every 14 days at
      40 mg/m(2)/h, 32 mg/m(2)/h or 24 mg/m(2)/h. Fifty-two patients (CP, n=15; AP,
      n=14; BP, n=11; Ph+ ALL, n=12) were treated. Overall, 8% of patients achieved
      major cytogenetic response; 6% achieved unconfirmed complete or partial response;
      39% had no response. Two patients (CP CML) achieved complete hematologic
      response. No patients with advanced CML or Ph+ ALL achieved major hematologic
      response. The most common adverse event (AE) was neutropenia (50%). The most
      common grade 3/4 AEs were neutropenia (46%) and febrile neutropenia (35%). MK
      0457 demonstrated minimal efficacy and only at higher, intolerable doses; lower
      doses were tolerated and no unexpected toxicities were observed. These data will
      assist in the development of future aurora kinase inhibitors and in the selection
      of appropriate target patient populations.

PMID- 25127393
TI  - Clinical features and treatment outcome in newly diagnosed Chinese patients with
      multiple myeloma: results of a multicenter analysis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to understand the clinical features and treatment
      outcome of Chinese patients with multiple myeloma (MM). This retrospective study
      enrolled 940 newly diagnosed inpatients (median age, 59 years; immunoglobulin
      (Ig)D isotype, 6.5%) with complete follow-up data at three centers. In all, 85.8%
      of patients were of Durie-Salmon stage III and 48.3% were of International
      Staging System (ISS) stage III at diagnosis. Also, 9.6% of patients had
      extramedullary plasmacytoma. Compared with IgG, IgD-type patients were diagnosed
      at a younger age, and more patients were of ISS stage III, with hypercalcemia,
      elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase, hyperuricemia, renal dysfunction and
      1q21 amplification (P=0.03). The overall survival (OS) benefit was more prominent
      in IgG than in IgD when patients received bortezomib; however, they showed no
      significant difference when they received older therapies such as melphalan
      combined with prednisone or vincristine combined with adriamycin and
      dexamethasone. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results showed that
      17.6% had 17p13 deletion. Conventional cytogenetics revealed that 13.3% were
      hypodiploid and those cases had the worst survival, but hyperdiploid cases (9.3%)
      did not show any survival benefit compared with those with a normal karyotype
      (77.4%). Median OS and progression-free survival for all patients were 54 and 26
      months, respectively. Significant factors for survival by multivariate analysis
      were gender, ISS stage, number of FISH abnormalities and extramedullary disease.
      MM in mainland China presents with different features, with patients being of
      younger age and having higher risk and more survival benefit in IgG patients
      receiving bortezomib.

PMID- 25127394
TI  - Correlation of prostatic urethral angle with the severity of urinary symptom and
      peak flow rate in men with small prostate volume.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of prostatic anatomical factors on male lower
      urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the peak flow rate (Qmax) in patients with
      small prostate volume (PV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records were obtained from a
      prospectively maintained database of first-visit men with LUTS. Patients whose
      total PV (TPV) was greater than 30 mL were excluded; 444 patients were enrolled
      in the study. The TPV, transitional zone volume (TZV), transitional zone index
      (TZI), intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), and prostatic urethral angle
      (PUA) were measured by transrectal ultrasonography. LUTS were evaluated using the
      International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom
      Score (OABSS) questionnaires. Uroflowmetric measurements were also made. RESULTS:
      PUA (r = 0.269, P<0.001), TZV (r = 0.160, P<0.001), and TZI (r = 0.109, P =
      0.022) significantly correlated with the IPSS. Qmax (r = -0.334, P<0.001) and
      OABSS (r = 0.211, P<0.001) correlated only with PUA. In a multivariate regression
      analysis, PUA and age were independently associated with IPSS, OABSS, and Qmax.
      For IPSS of 20 or greater, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of PUA was 0.667
      and the cut-off value was 43.7 degrees . When Qmax was 10 mL/s or less, the AUC
      of PUA was 0.664 and the cut-off value was 43.5 degrees . CONCLUSIONS: PUA has a
      significant association with symptom severity and Qmax among prostatic anatomical
      factors analyzed in men with LUTS and small PV. PUA should be considered as an
      important clinical factor in male LUTS management. Furthermore, the impact of PUA
      on response to medical treatment and disease progression needs to be
      investigated.

PMID- 25127395
TI  - A simple efficient synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-O-ethylascorbic acid.
AB  - A single-step synthesis of 3-O-ethyl-l-ascorbic acid was performed without the
      induction of protecting groups. Sodium l-ascorbate reacted with ethyl bromide in
      DMSO to give 3-O-ethylascorbic acid in a yield of 51.0%. 3-O-Ethylascorbic acid
      enhanced dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.

PMID- 25127396
TI  - Socioeconomic dynamics of gender disparity in childhood immunization in India,
      1992-2006.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent evidence indicated that gender disparity in child health is
      minimal and narrowed over time in India. However, considering the geographical
      and socio-cultural diversity in India, the gender gap may persist across
      disaggregated socioeconomic context which may be masked by average level. This
      study examines the dynamics of gender disparity in childhood immunization across
      regions, residence, wealth, caste and religion in India during 1992-2006. METHOD:
      We used multi-waves of the cross-sectional data of National Family Health Survey
      conducted in India between 1992-93 and 2005-06. Gender disparity ratio was used
      to measure the gender gap in childhood immunization across the selected
      socioeconomic characteristics. Multinomial regression analysis was used to
      examine the gender gap after accounting for other covariates. RESULT: Results
      indicate that, at aggregate level, gender disparity in full immunization is
      minimal and has stagnated during the study period. However, gender disparity-
      disfavouring female children--becomes apparent across the regions, poor
      households, and religion--particularly among Muslims. Adjusted gender disparity
      ratio indicates that, full immunization is lower among female than male children
      of the western region, poor household and among Muslims. Between 1992-93 and 2005
      06, the disparity in full immunization had narrowed in the northern region
      whereas it had, astonishingly, increased in some of the western and southern
      states of the country. CONCLUSION: Our findings emphasize the need to integrate
      gender issues in the ongoing immunization programme in India, with particular
      attention to urban areas, developed states, and to the Muslim community.

PMID- 25127398
TI  - Climate change sensitivity index for Pacific salmon habitat in southeast Alaska.
AB  - Global climate change may become one of the most pressing challenges to Pacific
      Salmon conservation and management for southeast Alaska in the 21st Century.
      Predicted hydrologic change associated with climate change will likely challenge
      the ability of specific stocks to adapt to new flow regimes and resulting shifts
      in spawning and rearing habitats. Current research suggests egg-to-fry survival
      may be one of the most important freshwater limiting factors in Pacific Salmon's
      northern range due to more frequent flooding events predicted to scour eggs from
      mobile spawning substrates. A watershed-scale hydroclimatic sensitivity index was
      developed to map this hypothesis with an historical stream gauge station dataset
      and monthly multiple regression-based discharge models. The relative change from
      present to future watershed conditions predicted for the spawning and incubation
      period (September to March) was quantified using an ensemble global climate model
      average (ECHAM5, HadCM3, and CGCM3.1) and three global greenhouse gas emission
      scenarios (B1, A1B, and A2) projected to the year 2080. The models showed the
      region's diverse physiography and climatology resulted in a relatively
      predictable pattern of change: northern mainland and steeper, snow-fed
      mountainous watersheds exhibited the greatest increases in discharge, an earlier
      spring melt, and a transition into rain-fed hydrologic patterns. Predicted
      streamflow increases for all watersheds ranged from approximately 1-fold to 3
      fold for the spawning and incubation period, with increased peak flows in the
      spring and fall. The hydroclimatic sensitivity index was then combined with an
      index of currently mapped salmon habitat and species diversity to develop a
      research and conservation priority matrix, highlighting potentially vulnerable to
      resilient high-value watersheds. The resulting matrix and observed trends are put
      forth as a framework to prioritize long-term monitoring plans, mitigation
      experiments, and finer-scale climate impact and adaptation studies. 

PMID- 25127397
TI  - Association between domestic violence and HIV serostatus among married and
      formerly married women in Kenya.
AB  - The prevalence of both domestic violence (DV) and HIV among Kenyan women is known
      to be high, but the relationship between them is unknown. Nationally
      representative cross-sectional data from married and formerly married (MFM) women
      responding to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2008/2009 were analyzed
      adjusting for complex survey design. Multivariable logistic regressions were used
      to assess the covariate-adjusted associations between HIV serostatus and any
      reported DV as well as four constituent DV measures: physical, emotional, sexual,
      and aggravated bodily harm, adjusting for covariates entered into each model
      using a forward stepwise selection process. Covariates of a priori interest
      included those representing marriage history, risky sexual behavior, substance
      use, perceived HIV risk, and sociodemographic characteristics. The prevalence of
      HIV among MFM women was 10.7% (any DV: 13.1%, no DV: 8.6%); overall prevalence of
      DV was 43.4%. Among all DV measures, only physical DV was associated with HIV
      (11.9%; adjusted odds ratio: 2.01, p <.05). Efforts by the government and women's
      groups to monitor and improve policies to reduce DV, such as the Sexual Offences
      Act of 2006, are urgently needed to curb HIV, as are policies that seek to
      provide DV counseling and treatment to MFM women. 

PMID- 25127399
TI  - Benefit of shading by nurse plant does not change along a stress gradient in a
      coastal dune.
AB  - The proximity of adult neighbors often increases the performance of woody
      seedlings under harsh environmental conditions but this nurse plant effect
      becomes less intense when abiotic stress is alleviated, as predicted by the
      stress gradient hypothesis (SGH). Although some studies have tested how the net
      nurse effect is changed by stress, few studies have tested how the mechanism that
      drives the facilitative effect of nurse responds to changes in stress. We
      conducted field experiments in a subtropical coastal dune to test if shading
      drives the known nurse effect of adults of the tree Guapira opposita on seedling
      performance of another tree species, Ternstroemia brasiliensis. We transplanted
      T. brasiliensis seedlings to three neighbor environments: under a G. opposita
      crown, under artificial shade and without neighbor as a control. Furthermore,
      assuming that proximity to the seashore correlates with stress intensity, we
      tested if the potential shade-driven facilitation became less intense as stress
      decreased. Regardless of the proximity to the seashore, after a year, the
      survival of T. brasiliensis seedlings was twice as high when the seedlings were
      under G. opposita or under artificial shade compared to the control, indicating
      that the nurse effect is driven by shade and that this facilitation mechanism is
      constant along the stress gradient. However, G. opposita and artificial shade had
      a negative effect on seedlings growth. Overall, our results showed that the
      facilitation mechanism behind the nurse effect did not wane as the stress was
      reduced. Furthermore, in spite of the potential costs in terms of biomass
      production, our study highlights the potential of nurse plants and artificial
      shade as techniques to improve the survival of transplanted seedlings used in the
      restoration of degraded shrubland coastal dunes. 

PMID- 25127400
TI  - Use of cloneable peptide-MBP fusion protein as a mimetic coating antigen in the
      standardized immunoassay for mycotoxin ochratoxin A.
AB  - The quality of mycotoxin conjugates is essential to the development of
      reliability of immunoassays for mycotoxins. However, conventional mycotoxin
      conjugates are usually synthesized by chemical methods, which are harmful to the
      environment and yield unwanted cross-reactions. In this study, using ochratoxin A
      (OTA) as a model system, a selected OTA mimotope (phage-displayed peptide) that
      specifically binds to anti-OTA antibody was expressed as soluble and monovalent
      fusions to maltose binding protein (MBP). These prepared fusion proteins can
      serve as a mimetic coating antigen in both a quantitative chemiluminescent enzyme
      linked immunoassay (CLEIA) and a qualitative dot immunoassay for OTA. One of the
      prepared mimetic coating antigen (L12-206-MBP)-based CLEIAs exhibited a half
      inhibition concentration (IC50) of 0.82 ng/mL and a working range of 0.30-2.17
      ng/mL, which resemble those of the conventional OTA-OVA conjugate-based
      immunoassay. The dot immunoassay developed with both the OTA-OVA conjugate and
      the mimetics showed identical visual cutoff values of 5 ng/mL. The mimetic
      coating antigen proposed here is an OTA-free product and can be prepared
      reproducibly as a homogeneous product and facilitates standardization of
      immunoassays for the mycotoxin OTA. 

PMID- 25127401
TI  - Chelation gradients for investigation of metal ion binding at silica surfaces.
AB  - Centimeter-long surface gradients in bi- and tridentate chelating agents have
      been formed via controlled rate infusion, and the coordination of Cu(2+) and
      Zn(2+) to these surfaces has been examined as a function of distance by X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). 3-(Trimethoxysilylpropyl)ethylenediamine and 3
      (trimethoxysilylpropyl)diethylenetriamine were used as precursor silanes to form
      the chelation gradients. When the gradients were exposed to a metal ion solution,
      a series of coordination complexes formed along the length of the substrate. For
      both chelating agents at the three different concentrations studied, the amine
      content gradually increased from top to bottom as expected for a surface chemical
      gradient. While the Cu 2p peak area had nearly the same profile as nitrogen, the
      Zn 2p peak area did not and exhibited a plateau along much of the gradient. The
      normalized nitrogen-to-metal peak area ratio (N/M) was found to be highly
      dependent on the type of ligand, its surface concentration, and the type of metal
      ion. For Cu(2+), the N/M ratio ranged from 8 to 11 on the diamine gradient and
      was ~4 on the triamine gradient, while for Zn(2+), the N/M ratio was 4-8 on
      diamine and 5-7 on triamine gradients. The extent of protonation of amine groups
      was higher for the diamine gradients, which could lead to an increased N/M ratio.
      Both 1:1 and 1:2 ligand/metal complexes along with dinuclear complexes are
      proposed to form, with their relative amounts dependent on the ligand, ligand
      density, and metal ion. Collectively, the methods and results described herein
      represent a new approach to study metal ion binding and coordination on surfaces,
      which is especially important to the extraction, preconcentration, and separation
      of metal ions. 

PMID- 25127403
TI  - Be it ever so humble...

PMID- 25127402
TI  - Transcriptional landscape of glomerular parietal epithelial cells.
AB  - Very little is known about the function of glomerular parietal epithelial cells
      (PECs). In this study, we performed genome-wide expression analysis on PEC
      enriched capsulated vs. PEC-deprived decapsulated rat glomeruli to determine the
      transcriptional state of PECs under normal conditions. We identified hundreds of
      differentially expressed genes that mapped to distinct biologic modules including
      development, tight junction, ion transport, and metabolic processes. Since
      developmental programs were highly enriched in PECs, we characterized several of
      their candidate members at the protein level. Collectively, our findings confirm
      that PECs are multifaceted cells and help define their diverse functional
      repertoire. 

PMID- 25127404
TI  - Remodeling a broken system through hospital-payer partnerships.
AB  - One way to fix our broken system is to strengthen hospital-payer partnerships,
      which will help shift caregiver focus from volume to value. 

PMID- 25127406
TI  - Dose and timing of prenatal tobacco exposure: threats to early child development.

PMID- 25127407
TI  - Dynamic analysis of a needle insertion for soft materials: Arbitrary Lagrangian
      Eulerian-based three-dimensional finite element analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our goal was to develop a three-dimensional finite element model that
      enables dynamic analysis of needle insertion for soft materials. To demonstrate
      large deformation and fracture, we used the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE)
      method for fluid analysis. We performed ALE-based finite element analysis for 3%
      agar gel and three types of copper needle with bevel tips. METHODS: To evaluate
      simulation results, we compared the needle deflection and insertion force with
      corresponding experimental results acquired with a uniaxial manipulator. We
      studied the shear stress distribution of agar gel on various time scales.
      RESULTS: For 30 degrees , 45 degrees , and 60 degrees , differences in
      deflections of each needle between both sets of results were 2.424, 2.981, and
      3.737mm, respectively. For the insertion force, there was no significant
      difference for mismatching area error (p<0.05) between simulation and
      experimental results. CONCLUSIONS: Our results have the potential to be a
      stepping stone to develop pre-operative surgical planning to estimate an optimal
      needle insertion path for MR image-guided microwave coagulation therapy and for
      analyzing large deformation and fracture in biological tissues.

PMID- 25127405
TI  - Effect of nicotine patches in pregnancy on infant and maternal outcomes at 2
      years: follow-up from the randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled SNAP
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The SNAP (Smoking and Nicotine in Pregnancy) trial compared nicotine
      replacement therapy (NRT) patches with placebo in pregnant smokers; although NRT
      doubled cessation rates in the first 4 weeks, by delivery no differences in
      maternal smoking or birth outcomes were noted. As a result, NRT used in standard
      doses during pregnancy is considered ineffective for smoking cessation.
      Subsequent effects of NRT on the children of treated mothers are unknown because
      no trials have investigated the effect of gestational NRT use beyond birth. To
      assess whether NRT use in pregnancy might cause harm to infants, we aimed to
      compare effects of NRT and placebo on infant development 2 years after delivery.
      METHODS: 1050 pregnant smokers aged 16-45 years, at 12-24 weeks' gestation, and
      smoking at least five cigarettes per day were recruited from seven hospitals in
      England between May 1, 2007, and Feb 26, 2010, and followed up until their
      infants were 2 years old. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive up
      to 8-weeks treatment with NRT (15 mg/16 h transdermal patches) or identically
      packaged and visually matched placebo patches (all patches manufactured by and
      purchased at market rate from United Pharmaceuticals, Amman, Jordan), issued as
      two 4-week supplies (521 for NRT group, 529 for placebo group) [Corrected].
      Randomisation was stratified by site with participants, health-care
      professionals, and research staff masked to treatment allocation. The primary
      results for participants and infants at delivery were published in 2012; we
      present results from the trial cohort 2 years after birth. After delivery,
      questionnaires were posted to participants and, if there was no response, to
      family physicians. The primary outcome at 2 years was infants' survival without
      developmental impairment (ie, no disability or problems with behaviour or
      development). Treatment groups were compared on an intention-to-treat basis. The
      trial is registered with Controlled-Trials.com, number ISRCTN07249128. FINDINGS:
      Questionnaires were returned at 2 years for 891 (88%) of 1010 live singleton
      births (445 of (88%) 503 given NRT and 446 (88%) of 507 given placebo). Because
      of missing data, developmental outcomes, including four infant deaths, were
      documented for 888 of (88%) 1010 singleton infants; 445 (88%) of 503 infants in
      NRT group and 443 (87%) of 507 infants in placebo. In the NRT group, 323 (73%) of
      445 infants had no impairment compared with 290 (65%) of 443 infants in the
      placebo group (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% CI 1.05-1.86, p=0.023). At 2 years, 15
      (3%) of 521 mothers in the NRT group and nine (2%) of 529 mothers in the placebo
      groups self-reported prolonged smoking abstinence since a quit date set in
      pregnancy (OR 1.71, 95% CI 0.74-3.94, p=0.20). Adverse events were not collected
      after delivery, but previously reported adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes were
      similar in the two groups. INTERPRETATION: Infants born to women who used NRT for
      smoking cessation in pregnancy were more likely to have unimpaired development.
      NRT had no effect on prolonged abstinence from smoking but did cause a temporary
      doubling of smoking cessation shortly after randomisation during pregnancy, which
      could explain findings. If findings are confirmed by subsequent research, this
      has potential implications for the management of smoking in pregnancy. FUNDING:
      National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

PMID- 25127408
TI  - Locally linear representation Fisher criterion based tumor gene expressive data
      classification.
AB  - Tumor gene expressive data are characterized by a large amount of genes with only
      a small amount of observations, which always appear with high dimensionality. So
      it is necessary to reduce the dimensionality before identifying their genre. In
      this paper, a discriminant manifold learning method, named locally linear
      representation Fisher criterion (LLRFC), is applied to extract features from
      tumor gene expressive data. In LLRFC, an inter-class graph and an intra-class
      graph are constructed based on their genre information, where any tumor gene
      expressive data in the inter-class graph should select k nearest neighbors with
      different class labels and in the intra-class graph the k nearest neighbors for
      any tumor gene expressive data must be sampled from those with the same class.
      And then the locally least linear reconstruction is introduced to optimize the
      corresponding weights in both graphs. Moreover, a Fisher criterion is modeled to
      explore a low dimensional subspace where the reconstruction errors in the inter
      class graph can be maximized and the reconstruction errors in the intra-class
      graph can be minimized, simultaneously. Experiments on some benchmark tumor gene
      expressive data have been conducted with some related algorithms, by which the
      proposed LLRFC has been validated to be efficient. 

PMID- 25127409
TI  - Automated diagnosis of Age-related Macular Degeneration using greyscale features
      from digital fundus images.
AB  - Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the major causes of vision loss
      and blindness in ageing population. Currently, there is no cure for AMD, however
      early detection and subsequent treatment may prevent the severe vision loss or
      slow the progression of the disease. AMD can be classified into two types: dry
      and wet AMDs. The people with macular degeneration are mostly affected by dry
      AMD. Early symptoms of AMD are formation of drusen and yellow pigmentation. These
      lesions are identified by manual inspection of fundus images by the
      ophthalmologists. It is a time consuming, tiresome process, and hence an
      automated diagnosis of AMD screening tool can aid clinicians in their diagnosis
      significantly. This study proposes an automated dry AMD detection system using
      various entropies (Shannon, Kapur, Renyi and Yager), Higher Order Spectra (HOS)
      bispectra features, Fractional Dimension (FD), and Gabor wavelet features
      extracted from greyscale fundus images. The features are ranked using t-test,
      Kullback-Lieber Divergence (KLD), Chernoff Bound and Bhattacharyya Distance
      (CBBD), Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve-based and Wilcoxon ranking
      methods in order to select optimum features and classified into normal and AMD
      classes using Naive Bayes (NB), k-Nearest Neighbour (k-NN), Probabilistic Neural
      Network (PNN), Decision Tree (DT) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers.
      The performance of the proposed system is evaluated using private (Kasturba
      Medical Hospital, Manipal, India), Automated Retinal Image Analysis (ARIA) and
      STructured Analysis of the Retina (STARE) datasets. The proposed system yielded
      the highest average classification accuracies of 90.19%, 95.07% and 95% with 42,
      54 and 38 optimal ranked features using SVM classifier for private, ARIA and
      STARE datasets respectively. This automated AMD detection system can be used for
      mass fundus image screening and aid clinicians by making better use of their
      expertise on selected images that require further examination. 

PMID- 25127411
TI  - Multifunctional 1D magnetic and fluorescent nanoparticle chains for enhanced MRI,
      fluorescent cell imaging, and combined photothermal/chemotherapy.
AB  - While the assembled 1D magnetic nanoparticle (NP) chains have demonstrated
      synergistic magnetic effects from the individual NPs, it is essential to prepare
      new 1D NP chains that can combine the magnetism with other important material
      properties for multifunctional applications. This paper reports the fabrication
      and multifunctional investigation of a new type of 1D NP chains that combine the
      magnetic properties with fluorescent properties, photothermal conversion ability,
      and drug carrier function. The building block NPs are composed of magnetic
      Fe(3)O(4) nanocrystals clustered in the core and fluorescent carbon dots embedded
      in the mesoporous carbon shell with hydroxyl/carboxyl groups anchored on their
      surface. These NPs can assemble under the induction of external magnetic field
      and form stable 1D NP chains of diameter ~ 90 nm and length ~ 3 MUm via the
      hydrogen bonding and pi-pi stacking linkage of the carbon shell. The resulted 1D
      hybrid NP chains not only demonstrate much higher magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) contrasting ability than the dispersed building block NPs, but also enter
      into intracellular region and light up the B16F10 cells under a laser excitation
      with strong and stable fluorescence. While the mesoporous carbon shell provides
      high drug loading capacity, the embedded fluorescent carbon dots convert near
      infrared (NIR) light to heat, and hence kill the tumor cells efficiently and
      enhance the drug release rate to further improve the therapeutic efficacy under
      NIR irradiation. Such designed 1D magnetic-fluorescent hybrid NP chains with
      enhanced MRI contrast, fluorescent imaging ability, and combined chemo
      /photothermal therapeutic ability have great potential for various biomedical
      applications.

PMID- 25127412
TI  - Lactic acid production with undefined mixed culture fermentation of potato peel
      waste.
AB  - Potato peel waste (PPW) as zero value byproduct generated from food processing
      plant contains a large quantity of starch, non-starch polysaccharide, lignin,
      protein, and lipid. PPW as one promising carbon source can be managed and
      utilized to value added bioproducts through a simple fermentation process using
      undefined mixed cultures inoculated from wastewater treatment plant sludge. A
      series of non-pH controlled batch fermentations under different conditions such
      as pretreatment process, enzymatic hydrolysis, temperature, and solids loading
      were studied. Lactic acid (LA) was the major product, followed by acetic acid
      (AA) and ethanol under fermentation conditions without the presence of added
      hydrolytic enzymes. The maximum yields of LA, AA, and ethanol were respectively,
      0.22 g g(-1), 0.06 g g(-1), and 0.05 g g(-1). The highest LA concentration of
      14.7 g L(-1) was obtained from a bioreactor with initial solids loading of 60 g
      L(-1) at 35 degrees C.

PMID- 25127410
TI  - The proteasome complex and the maintenance of pluripotency: sustain the fate by
      mopping up?
AB  - The proteasome is a multi-enzyme complex responsible for orchestrating protein
      quality control by degrading misfolded, damaged, abnormal and foreign proteins.
      Studies related to the association of the proteasomal system in the preservation
      of self-renewal in both human and mouse pluripotent cells are sparse, and
      therefore a clear indication of the emergence of a new and important field of
      research. Under specific conditions the standard proteasome switches to the newly
      synthesized immunoproteasome, a catalytically active protein chamber also
      involved in the regulation of protein homeostasis, cell signaling and gene
      expression. Herein we review recent data to help elucidate and highlight the
      pivotal role of the proteasome complex, constitutive as well as inducible, in the
      regulation of self-renewal, pluripotency and differentiation of both embryonic
      and induced pluripotent stem cells. The proteasome that is endowed with enhanced
      proteolytic activity maintains self-renewal by regulating gene expression. In
      addition to protein degradation, the proteasome activator PA28, compartments of
      the 19S regulatory particle and key members of the ubiquitin pathway dictate the
      fate of a pluripotent stem cell. We anticipate that our observations will
      stimulate active research in this new and emerging theme related to stem cell
      biology, disease and regenerative medicine. 

PMID- 25127413
TI  - Intraoperative high-field MRI for transsphenoidal reoperations of nonfunctioning
      pituitary adenoma.
AB  - OBJECT: The loss of anatomical landmarks, frequently invasive tumor growth, and
      tissue changes make transsphenoidal reoperation of nonfunctioning pituitary
      adenomas (NFAs) challenging. The use of intraoperative MRI (iMRI) may lead to
      improved results. The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact
      of iMRI on transsphenoidal reoperations for NFA. METHODS: Between September 2002
      and July 2012, 109 patients underwent reoperations in which 111 transsphenoidal
      procedures were performed and are represented in this study. A 1.5-T Magnetom
      Sonata Maestro Class scanner (Siemens) was used for iMRI. Follow-up iMRI scans
      were acquired if gross-total resection (GTR) was suspected or if no further
      removal seemed possible. RESULTS: Surgery was performed for tumor persistence and
      regrowth in 26 (23%) and 85 (77%) patients, respectively. On the initial iMRI
      scans, GTR was confirmed in 19 (17%) patients. Remnants were located as follows:
      65 in the cavernous sinus (71%), 35 in the suprasellar space (38%), 9 in the
      retrosellar space (10%). Additional resection was possible in 62 (67%) patients,
      resulting in a significant volume reduction and increased GTR rate (49%). The GTR
      rates of invasive tumors on initial iMRI and postoperative MRI (poMRI) were 7%
      and 25%, respectively. Additional remnant resection was possible in 64% of the
      patients. Noninvasive tumors were shown to be totally resected on the initial
      iMRI in 31% of cases. After additional resection for 69% of the procedures, the
      GTR rate on poMRI was 75%. Transcranial surgery to resect tumor remnants was
      indicated in 5 (5%), and radiotherapy was performed in 29 (27%) patients. After
      GTR, no recurrence was detected during a mean follow-up of 2.2 +/- 2.1 years.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of iMRI in transsphenoidal reoperations for NFA leads to
      significantly higher GTR rates. It thus prevents additional operations and
      reduces the number of tumor remnants. The complication rates do not exceed the
      incidences reported in the literature for primary transsphenoidal surgery. If
      complete tumor resection is not possible, iMRI guidance can facilitate tumor
      volume reduction.

PMID- 25127414
TI  - Association of genetic variants in the retinoblastoma binding protein 6 gene with
      the risk of glioma: a case-control study in a Chinese Han population.
AB  - OBJECT: The retinoblastoma binding protein 6 (RBBP6) gene plays an important role
      in the induction of apoptosis and regulation of the cell cycle, and interacts
      with both p53 and retinoblastoma protein in carcinogenesis. Recently, many
      studies investigating the function of the RBBP6 gene, including its roles in lung
      cancer and breast cancer, have been reported. However, the association between
      RBBP6 variants and glioma was unknown. Therefore, to uncover the association
      between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of RBBP6 and glioma, a hospital
      based case-control study was performed in a Chinese Han population. METHODS: Ten
      common tagging SNPs of the RBBP6 gene (covering 100% of all SNPs) were genotyped
      with the Sequenom MassARRY iPLEX platform, including 992 cases and 1008 controls,
      according to the HapMap database based on a pairwise linkage disequilibrium r(2)
      threshold of 0.8, minor allele frequency of 0.05, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
      of 0.05. RESULTS: The authors found that 4 SNPs were significantly associated
      with glioma (rs2033214, p = 0.013, adjusted OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.18-5.14;
      rs11860248, p = 8.64 * 10-(6), adjusted OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.23-2.05; rs9933544, p =
      3.65 * 10(-4), adjusted OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.13-1.87; rs13332653, p = 0.004,
      adjusted OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.14-1.95). Stratification analyses revealed that
      rs2033214 was only significantly associated with low-grade gliomas; rs9933544 and
      rs13332653 were only significantly associated with glioblastoma multiforme; and
      rs11860248 was significantly associated with both low-grade gliomas and
      glioblastoma multiforme, compared with the common wild-type homozygous genotype.
      Further stratified analysis revealed that rs11860248 was more pronounced in
      certain subgroups: adults, males, histological types, and family history of
      cancer. What's more, the haplotype and diplotype analyses consistently revealed
      that the subjects carrying 1 copy of haplotype CCGCC had a 53% increased glioma
      risk compared with their corresponding noncarriers (p = 0.018, adjusted OR 1.53,
      95% CI 1.08-2.17). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results suggested that RBBP6 gene
      variants are associated with glioma and contribute to glioma susceptibility,
      which was first reported elsewhere. Individuals with the so-called risk alleles
      might have an increased risk of glioma. These results might provide new insight
      into the occurrence of glioma.

PMID- 25127415
TI  - Outcome in adult patients with hemorrhagic moyamoya disease after combined
      extracranial-intracranial bypass.
AB  - OBJECT: The outcome of patients with hemorrhagic moyamoya disease (MMD) after
      cerebral revascularization is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to
      delineate the efficacy of this surgical method in the treatment of hemorrhagic
      MMD. METHODS: Between January 2007 and August 2011, a consecutive cohort of 113
      patients with hemorrhagic MMD was enrolled into this prospective single-center
      cohort study. The surgical method was combined direct and indirect bypass. The
      cumulative probability of the primary end point (all stroke and deaths from
      surgery through 30 days after surgery and ipsilateral recurrent hemorrhage
      afterward) was analyzed. The angiographic outcome was measured by the following
      parameters: bypass patency, reduction of basal MMD vessels, improved degree of
      dilation, and branch extension of the anterior choroidal and posterior
      communicating arteries (AChA-PCoA). RESULTS: Of the 113 enrolled cases, CT scans
      revealed pure intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in 63 cases (55.7%), pure
      intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in 14 cases (12.4%), and ICH with IVH in 36 cases
      (31.9%). In 74 of 113 hemorrhagic hemispheres (65.5%), the AChA-PCoA was
      extremely dilated with extensive branches beyond the choroidal fissure. A total
      of 114 surgeries were performed. No patient suffered ischemic or hemorrhagic
      stroke through 30 days after surgery. Ipsilateral rebleeding occurred in 5
      patients, 4 of whom died of the rebleeding event. The cumulative probability of
      the primary end point was 0% at 1 year and 1.9% at 2 years. The annual rebleeding
      rate was 1.87%/person/year. The improvement in AChA-PCoA extension was observed
      in 75 of 107 operated hemispheres (70.1%), which was higher than that in 7 of 105
      unoperated hemispheres (35.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Revascularization may provide a
      benefit over conservative therapy for hemorrhagic MMD patients. The improvement
      of dilation and branch extension of AChA-PCoA might be correlated with the low
      rebleeding rate.

PMID- 25127416
TI  - Practical surgical indicators to identify candidates for radical resection of
      insulo-opercular gliomas.
AB  - OBJECT: Maximum resection of gliomas with minimum surgical complications usually
      leads to optimum outcomes for patients. Radical resection of insulo-opercular
      gliomas is still challenging, and selection of ideal patients can reduce risk and
      obtain better outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study included 83
      consecutively treated patients with newly diagnosed gliomas located at the insulo
      opercular region and extending to the sylvian fissure around the primary motor
      and somatosensory cortices. The authors selected 4 characteristics as surgical
      indicators: clear tumor boundaries, negative enhancement, intact lenticulostriate
      arteries, and intact superior extremity of the central insular sulcus. RESULTS:
      Univariate analysis showed that tumors with clear boundaries were associated with
      higher rates of gross-total resection than were tumors with ambiguous boundaries
      (75.7% vs 19.6%). Tumors with negative enhancement compared with enhanced tumors
      were associated with lower frequency of tumor progression (32.0% vs 81.8%,
      respectively) and lower rates of surgical complications (14.0% vs 45.5%,
      respectively). Tumors with intact lenticulostriate arteries were associated with
      higher rates of gross-total resection than were tumors with involved
      lenticulostriate arteries (67.3% vs 11.8%, respectively). Tumors with intact
      superior extremity of the central insular sulcus were associated with higher
      rates of gross-total resection (57.4% vs 20.7%, respectively) and lower rates of
      surgical complications (18.5% vs 41.4%, respectively) than were tumors with
      involved anatomical structures. Multivariate analysis showed that clear tumor
      boundaries were independently associated with gross-total resection (p < 0.001).
      Negative enhancement was found to be independently associated with surgical
      complications (p = 0.005), overall survival times (p < 0.001), and progression
      free survival times (p = 0.004). Independent associations were also found between
      intact lenticulostriate arteries and gross-total resection (p < 0.001), between
      intact lenticulostriate arteries and progression-free survival times (p = 0.026),
      and between intact superior extremity of the central insular sulcus and gross
      total resection (p = 0.043). Among patients in whom all 4 indicators were
      present, prognosis was good (5-year survival rate 93.3%), resection rate was
      maximal (gross-total resection 100%), and surgical complication rate was minimal
      (6.7%). Also among these patients, overall rates of survival (p = 0.003) and
      progression-free survival (p = 0.005) were significantly higher than among
      patients in whom fewer indicators were present. CONCLUSIONS: The authors propose
      4 simple indicators that can be used to identify ideal candidates for radical
      resection of insulo-opercular gliomas, improve the outcomes, and promote maximum
      resection without introducing neurological complications. The indicators are
      clear tumor boundaries, negative enhancement, intact lenticulostriate arteries,
      and intact superior extremity of the central insular sulcus.

PMID- 25127417
TI  - National socioeconomic indicators are associated with outcomes after aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage: a hierarchical mixed-effects analysis.
AB  - OBJECT: Although heterogeneity exists in patient outcomes following subarachnoid
      hemorrhage (SAH) across different centers and countries, it is unclear which
      factors contribute to such disparities. In this study, the authors performed a
      post hoc analysis of a large international database to evaluate the association
      between a country's socioeconomic indicators and patient outcome following
      aneurysmal SAH. METHODS: An analysis was performed on a database of 3552 patients
      enrolled in studies of tirilazad mesylate for aneurysmal SAH from 1991 to 1997,
      which included 162 neurosurgical centers in North and Central America, Australia,
      Europe, and Africa. Two primary outcomes were assessed at 3 months after SAH:
      mortality and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score. The association between these
      outcomes, nation-level socioeconomic indicators (percapita gross domestic product
      [GDP], population-to-neurosurgeon ratio, and health care funding model), and
      patientlevel covariates were assessed using a hierarchical mixed-effects logistic
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Multiple previously identified patient-level
      covariates were significantly associated with increased mortality and worse
      neurological outcome, including age, intraventricular hemorrhage, and initial
      neurological grade. Among national-level covariates, higher per-capita GDP (p <
      0.05) was associated with both reduced mortality and improved neurological
      outcome. A higher population-to-neurosurgeon ratio (p < 0.01), as well as fewer
      neurosurgical centers per population (p < 0.001), was also associated with better
      neurological outcome (p < 0.01). Health care funding model was not a significant
      predictor of either primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Higher per-capita gross GDP and
      population-to-neurosurgeon ratio were associated with improved outcome after
      aneurysmal SAH. The former result may speak to the availability of resources,
      while the latter may be a reflection of better outcomes with centralized care.
      Although patient clinical and radiographic phenotypes remain the primary
      predictors of outcome, this study shows that national socioeconomic disparities
      also explain heterogeneity in outcomes following SAH.

PMID- 25127418
TI  - Monkey-adapted HIV-1 highlights in vivo significance of restriction factors.
AB  - HIV-1 was isolated 31 years ago, yet models for studying HIV-1 pathogenesis in
      vivo are still lacking. Recent experiments using an HIV-1 strain engineered to
      replicate in macaques recapitulate several important features of human AIDS, and
      provide insight into the genetics of cross-species transmission and emergence of
      pathogenic retroviruses. 

PMID- 25127420
TI  - Catalytic olefin hydroamination with aminium radical cations: a photoredox method
      for direct C-N bond formation.
AB  - While olefin amination with aminium radical cations is a classical method for C-N
      bond formation, catalytic variants that utilize simple 2 degrees  amine
      precursors remain largely undeveloped. Herein we report a new visible-light
      photoredox protocol for the intramolecular anti-Markovnikov hydroamination of
      aryl olefins that proceeds through catalytically generated aminium radical
      intermediates. Mechanistic studies are consistent with a process involving amine
      oxidation via electron transfer, turnover-limiting C-N bond formation, and a
      second electron transfer step to reduce a carbon-centered radical, rendering the
      overall process redox-neutral. A range of structurally diverse N-aryl
      heterocycles can be prepared in good to excellent yields under conditions
      significantly milder than those required by conventional aminium-based protocols.

PMID- 25127421
TI  - The Importance of Sleep: Attentional Problems in School-Aged Children With Down
      Syndrome and Williams Syndrome.
AB  - In typically developing (TD) children, sleep problems have been associated with
      day-time attentional difficulties. Children with developmental disabilities often
      suffer with sleep and attention problems, yet their relationship is poorly
      understood. The present study investigated this association in school-aged
      children with Down syndrome (DS) and Williams syndrome (WS). Actigraphy and pulse
      oximetry assessed sleep and sleep-disordered breathing respectively, and
      attention was tested using a novel visual Continuous Performance Task
      (CPT).Attentional deficits were evident in both disorder groups. In the TD group,
      higher scores on the CPT were related to better sleep quality, higher
      oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2), and fewer desaturation events. Sleep quality,
      duration, and SpO2 variables were not related to CPT performance for children
      with DS and WS. 

PMID- 25127422
TI  - Oxidative coupling of terminal alkyne with alpha-hydroxy ketone: an expedient
      approach toward ynediones.
AB  - An efficient and mild copper-catalyzed one-pot approach toward ynediones has been
      established. A variety of ynediones were constructed directly through oxidative
      coupling of alkyne with alpha-hydroxy ketone. Oxygen-oxidizing and neutral
      conditions in one-pot for a wide range of substrates including natural product
      derivatives make this transformation highly efficient and practical. On the basis
      of control experiments, in situ IR measurements, and isotopic labeling
      experiments, a plausible mechanism involving intermediate phenylglyoxal was
      drawn. Applications by synthesis of various heterocycles were also investigated. 

PMID- 25127419
TI  - Characterizing solution surface loop conformational flexibility of the GM2
      activator protein.
AB  - GM2AP has a beta-cup topology with numerous X-ray structures showing multiple
      conformations for some of the surface loops, revealing conformational flexibility
      that may be related to function, where function is defined as either membrane
      binding associated with ligand binding and extraction or interaction with other
      proteins. Here, site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) electron paramagnetic
      resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations are used to
      characterize the mobility and conformational flexibility of various structural
      regions of GM2AP. A series of 10 single cysteine amino acid substitutions were
      generated, and the constructs were chemically modified with the
      methanethiosulfonate spin label. Continuous wave (CW) EPR line shapes were
      obtained and subsequently simulated using the microscopic order macroscopic
      disorder (MOMD) program. Line shapes for sites that have multiple conformations
      in the X-ray structures required two spectral components, whereas spectra of the
      remaining sites were adequately fit with single-component parameters. For spin
      labeled sites L126C and I66C, spectra were acquired as a function of temperature,
      and simulations provided for the determination of thermodynamic parameters
      associated with conformational change. Binding to GM2 ligand did not alter the
      conformational flexibility of the loops, as evaluated by EPR and NMR
      spectroscopies. These results confirm that the conformational flexibility
      observed in the surface loops of GM2AP crystals is present in solution and that
      the exchange is slow on the EPR time scale (>ns). Furthermore, MD simulation
      results are presented and agree well with the conformational heterogeneity
      revealed by SDSL. 

PMID- 25127423
TI  - Virulence attributes in Brazilian clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen responsible for causing
      a huge variety of acute and chronic infections with significant levels of
      morbidity and mortality. Its success as a pathogen comes from its
      genetic/metabolic plasticity, intrinsic/acquired antimicrobial resistance,
      capacity to form biofilm and expression of numerous virulence factors. Herein, we
      have analyzed the genetic variability, antimicrobial susceptibility as well as
      the production of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) and virulence attributes
      (elastase, pyocyanin and biofilm) in 96 strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from
      different anatomical sites of patients attended at Brazilian hospitals. Our
      results revealed a great genetic variability, in which 86 distinct RAPD types
      (89.6% of polymorphisms) were detected. Regarding the susceptibility profile, 48
      strains (50%) were resistant to the antimicrobials, as follows: 22.92% to the
      three tested antibiotics, 12.5% to both imipenem and meropenem, 11.46% to
      ceftazidime only, 2.08% to imipenem only and 1.04% to both ceftazidime and
      meropenem. Out of the 34 clinical strains of P. aeruginosa resistant to both
      imipenem and meropenem, 25 (73.53%) were MBL producers by phenotypic method while
      12 (35.29%) were PCR positive for the MBL gene SPM-1. All P. aeruginosa strains
      produced pyocyanin, elastase and biofilm, although in different levels. Some
      associations were demonstrated among the susceptibility and/or production of
      these virulence traits with the anatomical site of strain isolation. For
      instance, almost all strains isolated from urine (85.71%) were resistant to the
      three antibiotics, while the vast majority of strains isolated from rectum (95%)
      and mouth (66.67%) were susceptible to all tested antibiotics. Urine isolates
      produced the highest pyocyanin concentration (20.15+/-5.65 MUg/ml), while strains
      isolated from pleural secretion and mouth produced elevated elastase activity
      (1441.43+/-303.08 FAU) and biofilm formation (OD590 0.676+/-0.32), respectively.
      Also, MBL-positive strains produced robust biofilm compared to MBL-negative
      strains. Collectively, the production of site-dependent virulence factors can be
      highlighted as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of infections
      caused by heterogeneous and resistant strains of P. aeruginosa.

PMID- 25127424
TI  - Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry
      assigns Escherichia coli to the phylogroups A, B1, B2 and D.
AB  - Escherichia coli classification into phylogroups reflects the diversity of their
      pathogenicity and their ecological niche, B2 isolates being the most virulent
      among extra-intestinal strains. MALDI-TOF MS allows a quick, automated, simple
      and inexpensive bacterial identification. We evaluated the MALDI-TOF MS as a tool
      for E. coli phylogroup differentiation. We used 656 E. coli isolates, previously
      assigned to phylogroup A, B1, B2, and D by multiplex PCR, to constitute
      independent training and validation sets. We then defined two phylogrouping
      strategies, both validated on spectra obtained by the 'direct transfer method'.
      The first strategy used the MALDI Biotyper software (Bruker Daltonik) that
      identified a single peak shift between isolates of phylogroup B2 and those of
      groups A, B1 and D. It accurately classified 89% of the isolates. The second
      strategy used the ClinProTools software (Bruker Daltonik) and was based on three
      successive models. The model 1 adequately differentiated 92% of phylogroup B2
      isolates from those belonging to phylogroups A, B1, D. The model 2 adequately
      discriminated 87% of phylogroup D-isolates from those of phylogroups A and B1.
      The model 3 correctly sorted 69% of A and B1-isolates. We concluded that clinical
      laboratories could routinely and very quickly assign E. coli isolates to
      phylogroups with MALDI-TOF MS. These methods could (i) expedite the detection of
      the most virulent strains belonging to phylogroup B2 and (ii) be a first-line
      tool to monitor the epidemiology of extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli. 

PMID- 25127425
TI  - New insights into highly efficient reduction of CO2 to formic acid by using zinc
      under mild hydrothermal conditions: a joint experimental and theoretical study.
AB  - We report here a theoretical study with quantum chemical calculations based on
      experimental results to understand highly efficient reduction of CO2 to formic
      acid by using zinc under hydrothermal conditions. Results showed that zinc
      hydride (Zn-H) is a key intermediate species in the reduction of CO2 to formic
      acid, which demonstrates that the formation of formic acid is through an SN2-like
      mechanism. 

PMID- 25127427
TI  - Advances in understanding the mechanism of zebrafish heart regeneration.
AB  - The adult mammalian heart was once believed to be a post-mitotic organ without
      any capacity for regeneration, but recent findings have challenged this dogma. A
      modified view assigns the mammalian heart a measurable capacity for regeneration
      throughout its lifetime, with the implication that endogenous regenerative
      capacity can be therapeutically stimulated in the injury setting. Although
      extremely limited in adult mammals, the natural capacity for organ regeneration
      is a conserved trait in certain vertebrates. Urodele amphibians and teleosts are
      well-known examples of such animals that can efficiently regenerate various
      organs including the heart as adults. By understanding how these animals
      regenerate a damaged heart, one might obtain valuable insights into how
      regeneration can be augmented in injured human hearts. Among the regenerative
      vertebrate models, the teleost zebrafish, Danio rerio, is arguably the best
      characterized with respect to cardiac regenerative responses. Knowledge is still
      limited, but a decade of research in this model has led to results that may help
      to understand how cardiac regeneration is naturally stimulated and maintained.
      This review surveys recent advances in the field and discusses current
      understanding of the endogenous mechanisms of cardiac regeneration in zebrafish. 

PMID- 25127429
TI  - Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: correlation between radiological and clinical
      findings.
AB  - OBJECT: The pathophysiology of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs)
      results in perimedullary venous congestion and in turn central cord congestion.
      Clinically, this presents with progressive neurological dysfunctions that, if
      diagnosed in a timely fashion, can be at least halted and in part reversed. In
      SDAVFs, imaging features on MRI and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) have
      not been studied in conjunction with clinical findings. The primary purpose of
      the present study was to test if severity of clinical presentation varies in
      relation to imaging. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study identified 12
      patients treated for SDAVF at the authors' institution. The extent of venous
      congestion and cord edema was quantified by the number of vertebral levels shown
      to be affected on DSA and MRI. A modified Aminoff-Logue Scale (ALS) score was
      assigned at the time of diagnosis and again after definitive therapy. The
      patients were divided into one of two groups: those with venous congestion < 7
      and >= 7 vertebral levels seen on DSA and MRI and with central cord edema < 6 and
      >= 6 levels. A t-test was used to assess for a difference in the presenting ALS
      score between the groups. RESULTS: Patients with >= 7 levels of venous congestion
      reported greater functional disability (DSA: p <= 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.509; and
      MRI: p <= 0.001, d = 0.632). Patients with a greater extent of cord edema also
      reported worse functional disability (p <= 0.001, d = 2.31). There was a strong
      linear correlation between the post- and pretreatment ALS scores (R(2) = 0.86)
      for those with successful interventions (n = 9). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with an
      SDAVF, the severity of the neurological dysfunction may be predicted by the
      extent of DSA- and MRI-documented venous congestion and cord edema. There was a
      strong positive relationship between initial and posttreatment neurological
      dysfunction.

PMID- 25127430
TI  - Long-term patient outcomes after posterior cervical foraminotomy: an analysis of
      151 cases.
AB  - OBJECT: The authors conducted a study to investigate the rate and timing of
      reoperation due to symptom recurrence after unilateral posterior cervical
      foraminotomy (PCF). METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed demographic,
      surgical, and clinical data from 151 patients who underwent unilateral PCF at
      their institution with an average follow-up of 4.15 years. The main outcome
      variables were reoperation rate, time to reoperation, and short- and long-term
      radiculopathy improvement rates. Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted to assess
      risk of reoperation and recurrence of radiculopathy over time. RESULTS: After
      index PCF in 151 patients, the overall reoperation rate was 9.9% (15 patients).
      The average time until reoperation was 2.4 years, and the average last follow-up
      examination was 4.15 years after the first surgery. Patients who presented with
      preoperative neck pain in addition to radiculopathy had a higher risk for
      reoperation and a shorter time to reoperation. The majority of patients who
      underwent a reoperation had an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (80%). A
      smaller number of patients had reoperation that included a repeat PCF (6.7%) or
      laminectomy with posterior cervical fusion (13.3%). The rate of same-level
      reoperation (6.6%, 10 patients) was significantly higher (p = 0.05) when compared
      with adjacent-segment (1.3%, 2 patients) or distant-segment (1.9%, 3 patients)
      reoperation. At last follow-up, the overall rate of improvement in radiculopathy
      was 85%, with the majority of patients (91.4%) experiencing resolution as early
      as 1 month after index surgery. Following the subgroup that experienced initial
      symptom improvement, 16.1% of these patients experienced radiculopathy recurrence
      an average of 7.3 years after the initial operation. While the reoperation rate
      for the overall cohort in this series was 9.9%, patients with follow-up periods
      longer than 2 years had a reoperation rate of 18.3%. Moreover, patients with more
      than 10 years of follow-up had a reoperation rate of 24.3%. CONCLUSIONS: PCF is a
      procedure performed to address nerve root compression in the cervical spine. The
      authors evaluated 151 patients who underwent unilateral PCF and found a
      reoperation rate of 9.9% at an average of 2.4 years after the initial surgery
      (6.6% at same level, 3.3% elsewhere). The reoperation rates reached 18.3% and
      24.3% in patients with follow-up periods longer than 2 and 10 years,
      respectively. The authors' analysis revealed that patients with no preoperative
      neck pain had the lowest rates of revision surgery after PCF.

PMID- 25127426
TI  - 2014 ESC/ESA Guidelines on non-cardiac surgery: cardiovascular assessment and
      management: The Joint Task Force on non-cardiac surgery: cardiovascular
      assessment and management of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the
      European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA).

PMID- 25127431
TI  - Computed tomography-guided epidural patching of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid
      leaks.
AB  - OBJECT: Cerebrospinal fluid leaks due to unrecognized durotomy during spinal
      surgery are often managed with a second surgery for dural closure. CT-guided
      percutaneous patching targeted to the dural defect offers an alternative to
      surgery since it can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion without the
      need for general anesthesia. This case series describes the authors' experience
      using targeted CT-guided percutaneous patching to repair incidental durotomies
      incurred during spinal surgery. METHODS: This investigation is a retrospective
      case series involving patients who underwent CT-guided percutaneous patching of
      surgical incidental durotomies and were referred between January 2007 and June
      2013. Their presenting clinical history, myelographic findings, and clinical
      outcomes, including the need for eventual surgical duraplasty, were reviewed.
      RESULTS: Nine cases were identified, including 7 durotomies incurred during
      lumbar discectomy, one due to a medial transpedicular screw breach, and one
      incurred during vertebrectomy for spinal osteosarcoma. All patients who had
      favorable outcomes with percutaneous intervention alone had 2 common features:
      dural defect of 4 mm or smaller and absence of a pseudomeningocele. Patients with
      CSF leaks complicated by pseudomeningocele and those with a dural defect of 6 mm
      or more all required eventual surgical management. CONCLUSIONS: The authors'
      results suggest that findings on CT myelography may help predict which patients
      with postsurgical durotomy can be treated with percutaneous intervention. In
      particular, CT-guided patching may be more likely to be successful in those
      patients with dural defects of less than 5 mm and without pseudomeningocele. In
      patients with larger dural defects or pseudomeningoceles, percutaneous blood
      patching alone is unlikely to be successful.

PMID- 25127432
TI  - Utility of routine biopsy at vertebroplasty in the management of vertebral
      compression fractures: a tertiary center experience.
AB  - OBJECT: The authors assess the utility of routine biopsy at vertebroplasty for
      vertebral compression fracture (VCF) as a tool in the early detection of
      malignancy in presumed benign VCF. METHODS: A prospective observational study was
      conducted on a cohort of consecutive patients undergoing vertebroplasty over a 5
      year period between April 2006 and March 2011 at the Royal London Hospital.
      Polymethylmethacrylate cement injection was used in every procedure.
      Intraoperative vertebral body biopsy was performed routinely at every level of
      VCF. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
      scores, analgesic usage, and complications were recorded preoperatively and at 1
      day, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of
      202 levels were augmented in 147 patients. The most common levels augmented were
      T-12 (17%), L-1 (18%), and L-4 (10%). Analysis of 184 routine vertebral biopsies
      in 135 patients revealed that in 86 patients with presumed osteoporosis and no
      prior cancer diagnosis, 4 (4.7%) had a malignant VCF. In 20 known cancer patients
      presumed to be in remission, 2 (10%) had a malignant VCF. Routine vertebral
      biopsy returned an overall cancer diagnosis rate of 5.5% (6 of 109) when
      combining the 2 groups (patients with no prior history of cancer or cancer
      thought to be in remission). In these 6 patients, history, examination,
      laboratory tests, and preprocedure imaging all failed to suggest malignancy
      diagnosed at routine biopsy. Significant reductions in pain VAS and ODI scores
      were evident at Day 1 and were sustained at up to 1 year postoperatively (p <
      0.001). They were not dependent on the level of fracture (T3-10, T11-L2, or L3
      S1) (p > 0.05), number of levels treated (single level, 2 levels, or > 2 levels)
      (p > 0.05), or etiology of VCF (p > 0.05). The complication rate was 6% (9 of
      147). There were 5 deaths, none of which were directly related to surgery.
      CONCLUSIONS: Routine vertebral biopsy performed at vertebroplasty may demonstrate
      cancer-related VCFs in unsuspected patients with no previous cancer diagnosis or
      active malignancy in patients previously thought to be in remission. This early
      diagnosis of cancer or relapsed disease will play an important role in expediting
      patients' subsequent cancer management. In cases of multiple-level VCF, the
      authors advocate biopsy at each level to maximize the diagnostic yield from the
      specimens and to avoid missing a malignancy at a single level.

PMID- 25127433
TI  - Progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the
      thoracic spine following posterior decompression and stabilization.
AB  - OBJECT: Despite its potential clinical impact, information regarding progression
      of thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is scarce.
      Posterior decompression with stabilization is currently the primary surgical
      treatment for symptomatic thoracic OPLL; however, it remains unclear whether
      thoracic OPLL increases in size following spinal stabilization. It is also
      unknown whether patients' clinical symptoms worsen as OPLL size increases. In
      this retrospective case series study, the authors examined the postoperative
      progression of thoracic OPLL. METHODS: Nine consecutive patients with thoracic
      OPLL who underwent posterior decompression and fixation with a minimum follow-up
      of 3 years were included in this study. Thin-slice CT scans of the thoracic spine
      obtained at the time of surgery and the most recent follow-up were analyzed. The
      level of the most obvious protrusion of ossification was determined using the
      sagittal reconstructions, and the ossified area was measured on the axial
      reconstructed scan at the level of the most obvious protrusion of ossification
      using the DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) software
      program. Myelopathy severity was assessed according to the Japanese Orthopaedic
      Association (JOA) scale score for lower-limb motor function on admission, at
      postoperative discharge, and at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: The OPLL area
      was increased in all patients. The mean area of ossification increased from 83.6
      +/- 25.3 mm(2) at the time of surgery to 114.8 +/- 32.4 mm(2) at the last follow
      up visit. No patients exhibited any neurological deterioration due to OPLL
      progression. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the size of the
      thoracic OPLL increased after spinal stabilization. Despite diminished local
      spinal motion, OPLL progression did not decrease or stop. Physicians should pay
      attention to ossification progression in patients with thoracic OPLL.

PMID- 25127434
TI  - Targeted structure modulation of "pillar-layered" metal-organic frameworks for
      CO2 capture.
AB  - Two new zinc MOFs with similar "pillar-layered" framework structures based on
      1,1'-biphenyl-2,2',6,6'-tetracarboxylic acid (H4bpta) and two different
      bipyridine pillar ligands, namely {[Zn4(bpta)2(4-pna)2(H2O)2].4DMF.3H2O}n (1) and
      {[Zn2(bpta)(bpy-ea)(H2O)].2DMF.H2O}n (2) (4-pna = N-(4-pyridyl)isonicotinamide
      and bpy-ea = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane), have been synthesized and investigated
      with their CO2 adsorption properties. By analysis of the structure properties and
      the CO2 adsorption performances of these two MOFs, it was found that the
      introduction of polar acylamide groups via 4-pna resulted in 1 with enhanced CO2
      capacity and CO2/CH4 selectivity at low pressure. In contrast, the framework of 2
      shows flexible properties originating from the flexibility of the ethanediylidene
      group in the bpy-ea ligand, which benefits the sieve effect of pores to give
      higher CO2/CH4 selectivity at a relatively high pressure range. 

PMID- 25127435
TI  - The role of serum soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in stable
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) results from an abnormal
      inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases. Serum soluble
      urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a glycoprotein secreted
      during infections and inflammation. The main goal of this study was to evaluate
      the serum suPAR level in stable COPD patients compared with a control group.
      METHODS: Forty-six stable COPD patients and 41 control subjects were included in
      the study. Blood samples were collected from 46 stable COPD patients (40 men, 6
      women; mean [SD] age, 55.92 [7.91] years; the forced expiratory volume in 1
      second, 45.32% [19.1%] of predicted). Forty-one healthy subjects were selected as
      control subjects and were matched to COPD patients with respect to age and body
      mass index. Serum suPAR and plasma fibrinogen levels were measured in stable COPD
      patients and control subjects. RESULTS: Serum suPAR levels of the COPD patients
      were significantly higher than those of the control subjects (4.94 [2.79] and
      2.40 [2.01] ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). Plasma fibrinogen levels of the COPD
      patients were significantly higher than those of the control subjects (406.77
      [172.6] and 336.53 [96.1] g/L, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      indicated that serum suPAR may play an important role in the inflammatory process
      of COPD, and this increase may be particularly large for patients in Global
      Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages III and IV. Serum suPAR
      and plasma fibrinogen level measurements may be useful for the evaluation of
      stable COPD.

PMID- 25127436
TI  - Little adjustments significantly improve the Turkevich synthesis of gold
      nanoparticles.
AB  - In this report, we show how the classical and widely used Turkevich synthesis can
      be improved significantly by simple adjustments. The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)
      produced with the optimized protocol have a much narrower size distribution (5-8%
      standard deviation), and their diameters can be reproduced with unrivaled little
      variation (<3%). Moreover, large volumes of these particles can be produced in
      one synthesis; we routinely synthesize 1000 mL of ~3.5 nM AuNPs. The key features
      of the improved protocol are the control of the pH by using a citrate buffer
      instead of a citrate solution as the reducing agent or stabilizer and optimized
      mixing of reagents. Further, the shape uniformity of the particles can be
      improved by addition of 0.02 mM EDTA. While the proposed protocol is as
      straightforward as the original Turkevich protocol, it is more tolerant against
      variations in precursor concentration. 

PMID- 25127438
TI  - Spinal cord--skeletal muscle cocultures detect muscle-relaxant action of
      botulinum neurotoxin A.
AB  - The mouse LD50 assay is routinely used for potency testing of botulinum toxins.
      Unfortunately, this test is associated with severe pain and distress in animals
      and requires large quantities of mice. Here we used cocultures of spinal cord and
      muscle tissue as an alternative for probing botulinum toxins. Cocultures were
      prepared from mouse embryonic tissue (C57/BL6J) and cultured for 24-27 days. In
      these cultures spontaneous muscle activity was quantified in sham- and botulinum
      toxin-treated cultures for up to 3 days by video microscopy. At a concentration
      of 58 fmol/L or higher, incobotulinumtoxin A significantly reduced the frequency
      of muscle contractions within 24 hours after incubation. Hence, nerve-muscle
      cultures are similar sensitive as the mouse LD50 assay. The limit of detection,
      as observed in our study, is close to the most sensitive cell-based bioassays,
      capable to detect concentrations of botulinum neurotoxin A between 30 and 50
      fmol/L. However, spontaneous muscle activity of individual cultures displayed
      considerable fluctuations when evaluated on a day-to-day basis. Generally, the
      authors would like to emphasize, that in its present form, this in vitro assay
      might be too laborious for botulinum toxin potency testing. Thus, methodical
      improvements to decrease data variability are the next milestone to be passed
      towards developing this model into an assay that can be utilized for reducing
      animal experimentation.

PMID- 25127437
TI  - Incense use and cardiovascular mortality among Chinese in Singapore: the
      Singapore Chinese Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Incense burning is common in many parts of the world. Although it is
      perceived that particulate matter from incense smoke is deleterious to health,
      there is no epidemiologic evidence linking domestic exposure to cardiovascular
      mortality. OBJECTIVE: We examined the association between exposure to incense
      burning and cardiovascular mortality in the Singapore Chinese Health Study.
      METHODS: We enrolled a total of 63,257 Singapore Chinese 45-74 years of age
      during 1993-1998. All participants were interviewed in person to collect
      information about lifestyle behaviors, including the practice of burning incense
      at home. We identified cardiovascular deaths via record linkage with the
      nationwide death registry through 31 December 2011. RESULTS: In this cohort,
      76.9% were current incense users, and most of the current users (89.9%) had
      burned incense daily for >= 20 years. Relative to noncurrent users, current users
      had a 12% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality [multivariable adjusted hazard
      ratio (HR) = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.20]. The HR was 1.19 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.37) for
      mortality due to stroke and 1.10 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.21) for mortality due to
      coronary heart disease. The association between current incense use and
      cardiovascular mortality appeared to be limited to participants without a history
      of cardiovascular disease at baseline (HR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.26) but not
      linked to those with a history (HR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.17). In addition, the
      association was stronger in never-smokers (HR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.23) and
      former smokers (HR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.42) than in current smokers (HR =
      1.05; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.22). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposure to incense burning in
      the home environment was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular
      mortality in the study population.

PMID- 25127439
TI  - Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese patients with end-stage heart
      failure and left ventricular assist device: medium-term results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity precludes patients with end-stage heart failure from
      becoming cardiac transplant candidates. This study evaluates the safety and
      efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a means to transplant
      candidacy in such patients. METHODS: Morbidly obese patients with end-stage heart
      failure, who were ineligible for cardiac transplantation and underwent LSG
      between 2008 and 2013, were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic
      characteristics, perioperative details, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL),
      and status of transplant candidacy were analyzed. RESULTS: Six patients (3 men)
      with end-stage heart failure and morbid obesity underwent LSG. Three patients
      (50%) had a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in place at the time of
      surgery. Median age was 34 (31-66) years and mean preoperative body mass index
      (BMI) was 47.6+/-3.0 kg/m2. Median operative time was 90 (66-141) minutes, with a
      median length of stay of 7 (4-16) days. There were no perioperative deaths. One
      patient suffered a spontaneous flank hematoma. The same patient also had
      thrombosis of the LVAD pump at 3 weeks postoperatively, requiring an uneventful
      device exchange. At median follow-up of 22 (12-70) months, the mean %EWL was
      51.4+/-10.3% with a decrease in BMI to 34.3+/-2.4 kg/m2 (P<.05). All patients had
      lost sufficient weight to become transplant eligible within 12 months of surgery.
      Two patients had undergone successful transplantation and another 2 were on the
      transplant list. CONCLUSION: LSG appears to be a safe, technically feasible, and
      effective method for obtaining adequate weight loss in morbidly obese patients
      with end-stage heart failure and mechanical circulatory support, subsequently
      improving their access to cardiac transplantation. This is the largest case
      series to date of this high-risk group of patients undergoing LSG.

PMID- 25127440
TI  - Correlation of impaired subjective visual vertical and postural instability in
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Perception of verticality is essential for postural control. On the other hand,
      postural instability is one of the cardinal features in Parkinson's disease (PD).
      Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the vertical perception using
      the subjective visual vertical test in PD patients with different degrees of
      postural instability and in different stages of disease. Forty five idiopathic PD
      patients were evaluated using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale
      (UPDRS), the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, the clinical test for postural instability,
      and the subjective visual vertical test. Forty-five healthy individuals were
      evaluated in the control group. PD patients had a compromised perception of
      verticality and a disturbed processing of graviceptive pathways. Good correlation
      was also found between subjective visual vertical and postural instability.
      Patients with the worst postural instability had greater deviations of subjective
      visual vertical. There was also a positive correlation between subjective visual
      vertical and scores on the UPDRS and Hoehn and Yahr Scale, with good and
      reasonable degree of intensity, respectively. These findings suggest that the
      perception of verticality is affected in PD patients and this abnormal vertical
      perception and disturbed processing of graviceptive pathways are associated with
      postural instability and to a lesser degree with disease severity. 

PMID- 25127441
TI  - Dementia is associated with iron-deficiency anemia in females: a population-based
      study.
AB  - Cognitive derangement and neurological symptoms are observed in patients with
      anemia. Although it is still controversial, a few studies suggested that anemia
      may increase the risk of dementia. This study aimed to explore the association
      between iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and dementia in a population-based case
      control study. We retrieved our study sample from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health
      Insurance Database 2000. We extracted 8300 subjects with a diagnosis of dementia
      and 8300 age- and gender-matched controls. The results showed that there was a
      significant difference in the prevalence of prior IDA between cases and controls
      (6.0% vs. 3.8%, p<0.001). The conditional logistic regression analysis suggested
      that the odds ratio (OR) of prior IDA for cases was 1.36 (95% CI: 1.07-1.74)
      compared to controls after adjusting for subjects' monthly income, geographic
      location, urbanization level, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and alcohol
      abuse. Among female subjects, the adjusted OR of prior IDA for cases was as high
      as 2.00 (95% CI: 1.42-2.80) compared to controls. However, in men-no increased
      odds of prior IDA were observed, compared to controls. We concluded that women
      with dementia had a higher prevalence of prior IDA, compared to controls. 

PMID- 25127442
TI  - Quality of life after total and subtotal gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There remains debate as to whether quality of life (QoL) is better
      for patients following sub-total gastrectomy (SG) or total gastrectomy (TG) for
      cancer. Both have similar survival rates provided an R0 resection is performed
      and in many series the morbidity and mortality after TG is higher than SG. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the QoL in patients after TG and SG for cancer.
      METHOD: All surviving patients who had undergone TG or SG between 1994 and 2009
      were identified from a prospectively collected database and sent the European
      Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core questionnaire (QLQ
      C30 v.3) and the gastric module (QLQ-STO22). RESULTS: From a total of 261
      patients who had undergone TG or SG in the study period, 91 were still alive and
      53 responded. There was no significant difference between the QoL between TG and
      SG based on functional scales and global health status. However dysphagia and
      eating restrictions were significantly worse in the TG group. CONCLUSION: This
      study has demonstrated that there is no difference in overall QoL in patients
      with TG or SG although eating restrictions and dysphagia are worse after TG.

PMID- 25127443
TI  - Effects of different types of N deposition on the fungal decomposition activities
      of temperate forest soils.
AB  - Nitrogen (N) deposition significantly affects soil microbial activities and
      litter decomposition processes in forest ecosystems. However, the changes in soil
      fungi during litter decomposition remain unclear. In this study, ammonium nitrate
      was selected as inorganic N (IN), whereas urea and glycine were selected as
      organic N (ON). N fertilizer with different IN-to-ON ratios (1:4, 2:3, 3:2, 4:1,
      and 5:0) was mixed in equal amounts and then added to temperate forest soils.
      Half of each treatment was simultaneously added with streptomycin to inhibit soil
      bacteria. The activities of enzymes involved in litter decomposition (invertase,
      beta-glucosidase, cellulase, polyphenol oxidase, and phosphatase) were assayed
      after a three-year field experiment. The results showed that enzymatic activities
      were inhibited by IN addition but accelerated by ON addition in the non
      antibiotic addition treatments. An increase in ON in the mixed N fertilizer also
      shifted enzymatic activities from N inhibition to N stimulation. Similarly, in
      the antibiotic addition treatments, fungal activities revealed the same trends,
      but they were seriously inhibited by IN and significantly accelerated by ON.
      These results indicated that soil fungi were more sensitive to N deposition,
      particularly to ON. A large amount of ON may convert soil microbial communities
      into a fungi-dominated system. However, excessive ON deposition (20% IN+80% ON)
      caused N saturation and repressed fungal activities. These results suggested that
      soil fungi were sensitive to N type and that different IN-to-ON ratios may induce
      diverse ecological effects on soil fungi. 

PMID- 25127444
TI  - Socioeconomic development as a determinant of the levels of organochlorine
      pesticides and PCBs in the inhabitants of Western and Central African countries.
AB  - Several studies of environmental samples indicate that the levels of many
      persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are increasing in Africa, but few studies
      have been conducted in humans. Simultaneously, many African countries are
      experiencing a rapid economic growth and implementing information and
      communication technologies (ICT). These changes have generated high amounts of
      electronic waste (e-waste) that have not been adequately managed. We tested the
      hypothesis that the current levels of two main classes of POPs in Western and
      Central African countries are affected by the degree of socioeconomic
      development. We measured the levels of 36 POPs in the serum of recent immigrants
      (N=575) who came from 19 Sub-Saharan countries to the Canary Islands (Spain). We
      performed statistical analyses on their anthropometric and socioeconomic data.
      High median levels of POPs were found in the overall sample, with differences
      among the countries. Organochlorine pesticide (OCP) and polychlorinated biphenyl
      (PCB) levels increased with age. People from low-income countries had
      significantly higher OCP levels and much lower PCB levels than those from high
      income countries. We found a significant association between the implementation
      of ICT and PCB contamination. Immigrants from the countries with a high volume of
      imports of second-hand electronic equipment had higher PCB levels. The economic
      development of Africa and the e-waste generation have directly affected the
      levels of POPs. The POP legacies of these African populations most likely are due
      to the inappropriate management of the POPs' residues. 

PMID- 25127445
TI  - A nationwide survey and emission estimates of cyclic and linear siloxanes through
      sludge from wastewater treatment plants in Korea.
AB  - Siloxanes are widely used in various industrial applications as well as in
      personal care products. Despite their widespread use and potential toxic effects,
      few studies have reported on the occurrence of siloxanes in the environment. In
      this study, we determined the concentrations of 5 cyclic and 15 linear siloxanes
      in sludge collected from 40 representative wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in
      Korea. Total concentrations of 20 siloxanes (Sigmasiloxane) in sludge ranged from
      0.05 to 142 (mean: 45.7) MUg/g dry weight, similar to the concentrations reported
      in European countries but higher than those reported in China. The concentrations
      of siloxanes in sludge from domestic WWTPs were significantly (p<0.01) higher
      than those from industrial WWTPs, indicating higher consumption of siloxanes in
      various personal care products (e.g. shampoos and conditioners). The major
      siloxane compounds found in sludge were decamethylcyclopentasilane (D5),
      docosamethyldecasiloxane (L10) and dodecamethylcyclohexasilane (D6), which
      collectively accounted for, on average, 62% of the Sigmasiloxane concentrations.
      Non-parametric multidimensional scaling ordination of the profiles of siloxanes
      indicated the existence of different usage patterns of siloxanes between
      industrial and household activities. Multiple linear regression analysis of
      siloxane concentrations and WWTP characteristics suggested that D5, D6 and linear
      siloxane concentrations in sludge were positively correlated with population
      served by a WWTP. Environmental emission fluxes of cyclic and linear siloxanes
      through sludge disposal in Korea were 14,800 and 18,500 kg/year, respectively.
      This is the first report describing occurrence and environmental emission of
      siloxanes through sludge in Korea.

PMID- 25127447
TI  - Solid mesostructured polymer-surfactant films at the air-liquid interface.
AB  - Pioneering work by Edler et al. has spawned a new sub-set of mesostructured
      materials. These are solid, self-supporting films comprising surfactant micelles
      encased within polymer hydrogel; composite polymer-surfactant films can be grown
      spontaneously at the air-liquid interface and have defined and controllable
      mesostructures. Addition of siliconalkoxide to polymer-surfactant mixtures allows
      for the growth of mesostructured hybrid polymer-surfactant silica films that
      retain film geometry after calcinations and exhibit superior mechanical
      properties to typically brittle inorganic films. Growing films at the air-liquid
      interface provides a rapid and simple means to prepare ordered solid inorganic
      films, and to date the only method for generating mesostructured films thick
      enough (up to several hundred microns) to be removed from the interface.
      Applications of these films could range from catalysis to encapsulation of
      hydrophobic species and drug delivery. Film properties and mesostructures are
      sensitive to surfactant structure, polymer properties and polymer-surfactant
      phase behaviour: herein it will be shown how film mesostructure can be tailored
      by directing these parameters, and some interesting analogies will be drawn with
      more familiar mesostructured silica materials. 

PMID- 25127446
TI  - Investigation of organochlorine pesticides from the Indus Basin, Pakistan:
      sources, air-soil exchange fluxes and risk assessment.
AB  - Present study aimed to evaluate the contamination status of organochlorine
      pesticides (OCPs) and their associated potential for air-soil exchange and health
      risks from ecologically important sites of the Indus Basin, Pakistan. Among
      different OCPs investigated, SigmaDDTs and SigmaHCHs were more prevalent
      compounds in the agricultural soils and ambient air samples of the study area.
      The average concentrations for DDTs were found higher at downstream agricultural
      sites, particularly at Head Panjnad (Soil: 320 ng/g; Air: 743 pg/m(3)) and acting
      as an ultimate sink of SigmaOCP burden in soils. Spatial distribution patterns
      inferred ubiquitous distribution of SigmaDDTs in soils and air of the study area.
      Source diagnostic ratios demonstrated that studied OCPs either are illegally
      being used in agricultural practices or/and they are residues of past use in the
      environment. Fugacity fraction model revealed wide variations (ff=0.12-0.94) with
      20% of OCPs above equilibrium range and net volatilization of alpha-endosulfan,
      beta-HCH and o,p'-DDD. Assessment of cancer risks for OCPs indicated a higher
      cancer risk (CR>1*10(-6)) for the residents of the Indus Basin. According to the
      available soil quality guidelines, DDTs and HCHs were above the permissible
      limits and pose a threat to natural habitat and biodiversity of the Indus Basin.

PMID- 25127448
TI  - Motor and memory function in rat models of cyanide toxicity and vascular
      occlusion induced ischemic injury.
AB  - Although oxidative stress is characteristic of global vascular occlusion and
      cyanide toxicity, the pattern of cerebral metabolism reconditioning and rate of
      progression or reversal of neural tissue damage differ for both forms of
      ischemia. Thus, it is important to compare cognitive and motor functions in both
      models of ischemia involving cyanide treatment (CN) and vascular occlusion (VO).
      Adult Wistar rats (N=30) were divided into three groups; VO (n=12), CN (n=12) and
      Control-CO (n=6). The CN was treated with 30mg/Kg of potassium cyanide (KCN); VO
      was subjected to global vascular occlusion-both for duration of 10 days. The
      control (CO) was fed on normal rat chow and water for the same duration. At day
      10, the test and control groups (CN, VO and CO) were subjected to motor function
      tests (Table edge tests and Open Field Test) and memory function tests (Y-Maze
      and Novel object recognition) while the withdrawal groups CN-I and VO-I were
      subjected to the same set of tests at day 20 (the withdrawal phase). The results
      show that both cyanide toxicity and vascular occlusion caused a decline in motor
      and memory function when compared with the control. Also, the cyanide treatment
      produced a more rapid decline in these behavioral parameters when compared with
      the vascular occlusion during the treatment phase. After the withdrawal phase,
      cyanide treatment (CN-I) showed either an improvement or restoration of motor and
      memory function when compared to the CN and control. Withdrawal of vascular
      occlusion caused no improvement, and in some cases a decline in motor and memory
      function. In conclusion, cyanide toxicity caused a decline in motor and memory
      function after the treatment while vascular occlusion caused no significant
      decline in cognition and motor function at this time. After the withdrawal phase,
      the effect of cyanide toxicity was reduced and significant improvements were
      observed in the behavioral tests (motor and cognitive), while a decline in these
      functions were seen in the vascular occlusion group after this phase. 

PMID- 25127450
TI  - Production of destruxins from Metarhizium spp. fungi in artificial medium and in
      endophytically colonized cowpea plants.
AB  - Destruxins (DTXs) are cyclic depsipeptides produced by many Metarhizium isolates
      that have long been assumed to contribute to virulence of these entomopathogenic
      fungi. We evaluated the virulence of 20 Metarhizium isolates against insect
      larvae and measured the concentration of DTXs A, B, and E produced by these same
      isolates in submerged (shaken) cultures. Eight of the isolates (ARSEF 324, 724,
      760, 1448, 1882, 1883, 3479, and 3918) did not produce DTXs A, B, or E during the
      five days of submerged culture. DTXs were first detected in culture medium at 2-3
      days in submerged culture. Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor showed
      considerable variation in their susceptibility to the Metarhizium isolates. The
      concentration of DTXs produced in vitro did not correlate with percent or speed
      of insect kill. We established endophytic associations of M. robertsii and M.
      acridum isolates in Vigna unguiculata (cowpeas) and Cucumis sativus (cucumber)
      plants. DTXs were detected in cowpeas colonized by M. robertsii ARSEF 2575 12
      days after fungal inoculation, but DTXs were not detected in cucumber. This is
      the first instance of DTXs detected in plants endophytically colonized by M.
      robertsii. This finding has implications for new approaches to fungus-based
      biological control of pest arthropods. 

PMID- 25127451
TI  - Productivity change of surgeons in an academic year.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to calculate total factor productivity of
      surgeons in an academic year and to evaluate the effect of surgical trainees on
      their productivity. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed all the surgical procedures
      performed from April 1 through September 30, 2013 in the Teikyo University
      Hospital. The nonradial and nonoriented Malmquist model under the variable
      returns-to-scale assumptions was employed. A decision-making unit is defined as a
      surgeon with the highest academic rank in the surgery. Inputs were defined as the
      number of physicians who assisted in surgery, and the time of surgical operation
      from skin incision to skin closure. The output was defined as the surgical fee
      for each surgery. April is the beginning month of a new academic year in Japan,
      and we divided the study period into April to June and July to September 2013. We
      computed each surgeon's Malmquist index, efficiency change, and technical change.
      RESULTS: We analyzed 2789 surgical procedures that were performed by 105
      surgeons. The Malmquist index of all surgeons was significantly greater than 1 (p
      = 0.0033). The technical change was significantly greater than 1 (p < 0.0001).
      However, the efficiency change was not statistically significantly different from
      1 (p = 0.1817). CONCLUSIONS: The surgeons are less productive in the beginning
      months of a new academic year. The main factor of this productivity loss is
      considered to be surgical training.

PMID- 25127452
TI  - Development of a web-based laparoscopic technical skills assessment and testing
      instrument: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Current surgical training programs rely heavily on subjective
      assessments to measure operative proficiency, despite heavy emphasis on
      standardized testing as a means to rank scholastic ability. A compact
      laparoscopic simulator was developed with the intention to create a technical
      skill evaluation system that resembles standardized testing to provide the user
      with real-time percentile scores in a variety of skill metrics. The calculation
      of percentiles is only accurate if the pool of scores resembles a specific
      distribution (e.g., normal or log-normal distribution). We hypothesize that the
      grading measures provided by the simulator will follow normal or log-normal
      distributions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 surgical trainees with
      varying levels of laparoscopic experience were surveyed regarding their current
      training, proficiencies, and experience with the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic
      Surgery curriculum and then asked to perform a standard peg-transfer task 5
      times. A proprietary device placed along the trocars of a laparoscopic box
      trainer was used to gather data that, when subjected to unique algorithms, gave
      real-time, web-based feedback to trainees on the following metrics: volume of
      instrument use, economy of movement, angular instrument path, instrument
      rotation, bimanual coordination, smoothness, time to task completion, and depth
      perception. Numerical data were plotted on a frequency histogram. Minitab
      software was used to identify if individual metrics fit a standard distribution
      curve. Analysis of variance was used to differentiate among 3 established
      physician skill levels, as a means of assessing construct validity. RESULTS: In
      the goodness-of-fit tests performed, angular path, depth perception, rotation,
      and smoothness were found to best fit a log-normal distribution (p > 0.1).
      Bimanual coordination was found to fit a normal distribution (p >= 0.067).
      However, both normal and log-normal distributions were rejected (p <= 0.01) for
      the metrics of time, volume, and economy of movement. After separating
      participants into 3 groups based on level of experience with the Fundamentals of
      Laparoscopic Surgery curriculum, analysis of variance showed significant
      differences among all group means across the 5 metrics (i.e., angular path, depth
      perception, rotation, smoothness, and bimanual coordination; p <= 0.023).
      CONCLUSION: A proprietary device provided quantitative assessment of laparoscopic
      skills, which can be used to differentiate among skill levels. Of the 8 tested
      metrics, 5 fit a normal or log-normal distribution, meaning the scores can
      statistically be ranked by percentile. Time, volume, and economy of movement did
      not fit desired distributions. The grading system proved to have construct
      validity, indicating it may be useful in the longitudinal assessment of
      laparoscopic skills of surgical trainees.

PMID- 25127453
TI  - Novel therapy for pyridoxine dependent epilepsy due to ALDH7A1 genetic defect: L
      arginine supplementation alternative to lysine-restricted diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Pyridoxine dependent epilepsy (PDE) due to mutations
      in the ALDH7A1 gene (PDE-ALDH7A1) is caused by alpha-aminoadipic-semialdehyde
      dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency in the lysine pathway resulting in the
      accumulation of alpha-aminoadipic acid semialdehyde (alpha-AASA). Classical
      presentation is neonatal intractable seizures with a dramatic response to
      pyridoxine. Pyridoxine therapy does not prevent developmental delays in the
      majority of the patients. We hypothesized that L-arginine supplementation will
      decrease accumulation of alpha-AASA by competitive inhibition of lysine transport
      into the central nervous system and improve neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive
      functions in PDE-ALDH7A1. METHODS: A 12-year-old male with PDE-ALDH7A1 was
      treated with l-arginine supplementation as an innovative therapy. Treatment
      outcome was monitored by cerebral-spinal-fluid (CSF) alpha-AASA measurements at
      baseline, 6th and 12th months of therapy. Neuropsychological assessments were
      performed at baseline and 12th months of therapy. RESULTS: L-arginine therapy was
      well tolerated without side effects. CSF alpha-AASA was decreased 57% at 12th
      months of therapy. Neuropsychological assessments revealed improvements in
      general abilities index from 108 to 116 and improvements in verbal and motor
      functioning at 12th months of therapy. CONCLUSION: The short-term treatment
      outcome of this novel L-arginine supplementation therapy for PDE-ALDH7A1 was
      successful for biochemical and neurocognitive improvements.

PMID- 25127454
TI  - Moving to universal coverage? Trends in the burden of out-of-pocket payments for
      health care across social groups in India, 1999-2000 to 2011-12.
AB  - In the background of ongoing health sector reforms in India, the paper
      investigates the magnitude and trends in out-of-pocket and catastrophic payments
      for key population sub-groups. Data from three rounds of nationally
      representative consumer expenditure surveys (1999-2000, 2004-05 and 2011-12) were
      pooled to assess changes over time in a range of out-of-pocket -related outcome
      indicators for the poorest 20% households, scheduled caste and tribe households
      and Muslims households relative to their better-off/majority religion
      counterparts. Our results suggest that the poorest 20% of households experienced
      a decline in the proportion reporting any OOP for inpatient care relative to the
      top 20% and Muslim households saw an increase in the proportion reporting any
      inpatient OOP relative to non-Muslim households during 2000-2012. The change in
      the proportion of Muslim households or SC/ST households reporting any OOP for
      outpatient care was similar to that for their respective more advantaged
      counterparts; but the poorest 20% of households experienced a faster increase in
      the proportion reporting any OOP for outpatient care than their top 20%
      counterparts. SC/ST, Muslim and the poorest 20% of households experienced as
      faster increase in the share of outpatient OOP in total household spending
      relative to their advantaged counterparts. We conclude that the financial burden
      of out of pocket spending increased faster among the disadvantaged groups
      relative to their more advantaged counterparts. Although the poorest 20% saw a
      relative decline in OOP spending on inpatient care as a share of household
      spending, this is likely the result of foregoing inpatient care, than of
      accessing benefits from the recent expansion of cashless publicly financed
      insurance schemes for inpatient care. Our results highlight the need to explore
      the reasons underlying the lack of effectiveness of existing public health
      financing programs and public sector health services in reaching less-advantaged
      castes and religious minorities. 

PMID- 25127455
TI  - Patterns of tree species diversity in relation to climatic factors on the Sierra
      Madre Occidental, Mexico.
AB  - Biological diversity can be defined as variability among living organisms from
      all sources, including terrestrial organisms, marine and other aquatic
      ecosystems, and the ecological complexes which they are part of. This includes
      diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Numerous diversity
      indices combine richness and evenness in a single expression, and several climate
      based explanations have been proposed to explain broad-scale diversity patterns.
      However, climate-based water-energy dynamics appears to be an essential factor
      that determines patterns of diversity. The Mexican Sierra Madre Occidental
      occupies an area of about 29 million hectares and is located between the
      Neotropical and Holarctic ecozones. It shelters a high diversity of flora,
      including 24 different species of Pinus (ca. 22% on the whole), 54 species of
      Quercus (ca. 9-14%), 7 species of Arbutus (ca. 50%) and many other trees species.
      The objectives of this study were to model how tree species diversity is related
      to climatic and geographic factors and stand density and to test the Metabolic
      Theory, Productivity-Diversity Hypothesis, Physiological Tolerance Hypothesis,
      Mid-Domain Effect, and the Water-Energy Dynamic Theory on the Sierra Madre
      Occidental, Durango. The results supported the Productivity-Diversity Hypothesis,
      Physiological Tolerance Hypothesis and Water-Energy Dynamic Theory, but not the
      Mid-Domain Effect or Metabolic Theory. The annual aridity index was the variable
      most closely related to the diversity indices analyzed. Contemporary climate was
      found to have moderate to strong effects on the minimum, median and maximum tree
      species diversity. Because water-energy dynamics provided a satisfactory
      explanation for the patterns of minimum, median and maximum diversity, an
      understanding of this factor is critical to future biodiversity research.
      Quantile regression of the data showed that the three diversity parameters of
      tree species are generally higher in cold, humid temperate climates than in dry,
      hot climates. 

PMID- 25127457
TI  - Cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease related to the R1441G mutation in
      LRRK2.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The neuropsychological characteristics of patients with Parkinson's
      Disease (PD) associated with R1441G mutation in the LRRK2 gene (R1441G-PD) are
      not well known. The aim of this study was to examine the cognitive status and
      mood of R1441G-PD patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with R1441G-PD were compared
      with thirty idiopathic PD (i-PD) patients who were matched by age, sex,
      education, disease onset age and duration, using a comprehensive battery of
      neuropsychological test, and considering the Movement Disorder Society (MDS)
      criteria for the diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD-MCI) and dementia (PD
      Dementia). RESULTS: The mean scores in the depression and anxiety scales were
      similar in the two groups. Depressive symptoms were detected in 31.8% of R1441G
      PD and 25% of i-PD patients and anxiety symptoms were evident in 4.5% and 15%,
      respectively, but the differences were not significant. The only
      neuropsychological test on which there was a significantly worse performance in
      the R1441G-PD group was the Boston naming test but the difference became not
      significant when Bonferroni's correction was applied. The prevalence of PD-MCI
      was 30% in both R1441G-PD and i-PD, with no differences in the number and type of
      domains altered given that executive function, memory and attention were mainly
      affected. PD-Dementia was diagnosed in 13.3% (n = 4) of R1441G-PD and 26.7% (n =
      8) of i-PD patients (difference was not significant). CONCLUSION: In conclusion,
      significant differences were not detected between R1441G-PD and i-PD in
      cognitive, depression and anxiety scales, or PD-MCI and PD-Dementia prevalence,
      and the cognitive profile was identical in the two groups.

PMID- 25127456
TI  - Benign and malignant nodular thyroid disease in acromegaly. Is a routine thyroid
      ultrasound evaluation advisable?
AB  - Data on the prevalence of benign and malignant nodular thyroid disease in
      patients with acromegaly is a matter of debate. In the last decade an increasing
      incidence of thyroid cancer has been reported. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the prevalence of goiter, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer in a large
      series of patients with acromegaly with a cross-sectional study with a control
      group. Six Spanish university hospitals participated. One hundred and twenty
      three patients (50% men; mean age 59+/-13 years; disease duration 6.7+/-7.2
      years) and 50 controls (51% males, mean age 58+/-15 years) were studied. All
      participants underwent thyroid ultrasound and fine needle aspiration. Cytological
      analysis was performed in suspicious nodules between 0.5 and 1.0 cm and in all
      nodules greater than 1.0 cm. Goiter was more frequently found in patients than in
      controls (24.9 vs. 8.3%, respectively; p<0.001). Nodular thyroid disease as well
      as nodules greater than 1 cm were also more prevalent in acromegalic patients
      (64.6%, vs. 28.6%, p<0.05 and 53.3 vs. 28.6%, respectively; p<0.05), and all
      underwent fine needle aspiration. Suspicious cytology was detected in 4 patients
      and in none of the controls. After thyroidectomy, papillary thyroid carcinoma was
      confirmed in two cases (3.3% of patients with thyroid nodules), representing 1.6%
      of the entire group of patients with acromegaly (2.4% including a case with
      previously diagnosed papillary thyroid carcinoma). These data indicated that
      thyroid nodular disease and cancer are increased in acromegaly, thus justifying
      its routine ultrasound screening. 

PMID- 25127458
TI  - A new highly sensitive method to assess respiration rates and kinetics of natural
      planktonic communities by use of the switchable trace oxygen sensor and reduced
      oxygen concentrations.
AB  - Oxygen respiration rates in pelagic environments are often difficult to quantify
      as the resolutions of our methods for O2 concentration determination are marginal
      for observing significant decreases during bottle incubations of less than 24
      hours. Here we present the assessment of a new highly sensitive method, that
      combine Switchable Trace Oxygen (STOX) sensors and all-glass bottle incubations,
      where the O2 concentration was artificially lowered. The detection limit of
      respiration rate by this method is inversely proportional to the O2
      concentration, down to <2 nmol L(-1) h(-1) for water with an initial O2
      concentration of 500 nmol L(-1). The method was tested in Danish coastal waters
      and in oceanic hypoxic waters. It proved to give precise measurements also with
      low oxygen consumption rates (~7 nmol L(-1) h(-1)), and to significantly decrease
      the time required for incubations (<=14 hours) compared to traditional methods.
      This method provides continuous real time measurements, allowing for a number of
      diverse possibilities, such as modeling the rate of oxygen decrease to obtain
      kinetic parameters. Our data revealed apparent half-saturation concentrations (Km
      values) one order of magnitude lower than previously reported for marine
      bacteria, varying between 66 and 234 nmol L(-1) O2. Km values vary between
      different microbial planktonic communities, but our data show that it is possible
      to measure reliable respiration rates at concentrations ~0.5-1 umol L(-1) O2 that
      are comparable to the ones measured at full air saturation.

PMID- 25127459
TI  - The fate of nitrate in intertidal permeable sediments.
AB  - Coastal zones act as a sink for riverine and atmospheric nitrogen inputs and
      thereby buffer the open ocean from the effects of anthropogenic activity.
      Recently, microbial activity in sandy permeable sediments has been identified as
      a dominant source of N-loss in coastal zones, namely through denitrification.
      Some of the highest coastal denitrification rates measured so far occur within
      the intertidal permeable sediments of the eutrophied Wadden Sea. Still,
      denitrification alone can often account for only half of the substantial nitrate
      (NO3-) consumption. Therefore, to investigate alternative NO3- sinks such as
      dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), intracellular nitrate storage
      by eukaryotes and isotope equilibration effects we carried out 15NO3- amendment
      experiments. By considering all of these sinks in combination, we could quantify
      the fate of the 15NO3- added to the sediment. Denitrification was the dominant
      nitrate sink (50-75%), while DNRA, which recycles N to the environment accounted
      for 10-20% of NO3- consumption. Intriguingly, we also observed that between 20
      and 40% of 15NO3- added to the incubations entered an intracellular pool of NO3-
      and was subsequently respired when nitrate became limiting. Eukaryotes were
      responsible for a large proportion of intracellular nitrate storage, and it could
      be shown through inhibition experiments that at least a third of the stored
      nitrate was subsequently also respired by eukaryotes. The environmental
      significance of the intracellular nitrate pool was confirmed by in situ
      measurements which revealed that intracellular storage can accumulate nitrate at
      concentrations six fold higher than the surrounding porewater. This intracellular
      pool is so far not considered when modeling N-loss from intertidal permeable
      sediments; however it can act as a reservoir for nitrate during low tide.
      Consequently, nitrate respiration supported by intracellular nitrate storage can
      add an additional 20% to previous nitrate reduction estimates in intertidal
      sediments, further increasing their contribution to N-loss. 

PMID- 25127461
TI  - Novel N-biphenyl-2-ylmethyl 2-methoxyphenylpiperazinylalkanamides as 5-HT7R
      antagonists for the treatment of depression.
AB  - 5-HT7 receptor (5-HT7R) is a promising target for the treatment of depression and
      neuropathic pain. 5-HT7R antagonists exhibited antidepressant effects, while the
      agonists produced strong anti-hyperalgesic effects. In our efforts to discover
      selective 5-HT7R antagonists or agonists, N-biphenylylmethyl 2
      methoxyphenylpiperazinylalkanamides 1 were designed, synthesized, and
      biologically evaluated against 5-HT7R. Among the synthesized compounds, N-2'
      chlorobiphenylylmethyl 2-methoxyphenylpiperazinylpentanamide 1-8 showed the best
      binding affinity with a Ki value of 8.69nM and it was verified as a novel
      antagonist according to functional assays. The compound 1-8 was very selective
      over 5-HT1DR, 5-HT2AR, 5-HT3R, 5-HT5AR and 5-HT6R and moderately selective over 5
      HT1AR, 5-HT1BR and 5-HT2CR. The novel 5-HT7R antagonist 1-8 exhibited an
      antidepressant effect at a dose of 25mg/kg in the forced swimming test in mice
      and showed a U-shaped dose-response curve which typically appears in 5-HT7R
      antagonists such as SB-269970 and lurasidone. 

PMID- 25127462
TI  - Synthesis and antifungal activity of substituted salicylaldehyde hydrazones,
      hydrazides and sulfohydrazides.
AB  - Efficient synthetic procedures for the preparation of acid hydrazines and
      hydrazides were developed by converting the corresponding carboxylic acid into
      the methyl ester catalyzed by Amberlyst-15, followed by a reaction with hydrazine
      monohydrate. Sulfohydrazides were prepared from the corresponding sulfonyl
      chlorides and hydrazine monohydrate. Both of these group of compounds were
      condensed with substituted salicylaldehydes using gradient concentration methods
      that generated a large library of hydrazone, hydrazide and sulfohydrazide
      analogs. Antifungal activity of the prepared analogs showed that salicylaldehyde
      hydrazones and hydrazides are potent inhibitors of fungal growth with little to
      no mammalian cell toxicity, making these analogs promising new targets for future
      therapeutic development. 

PMID- 25127463
TI  - 2-Phenylaminonaphthoquinones and related compounds: synthesis, trypanocidal and
      cytotoxic activities.
AB  - A series of new 2-aminonaphthoquinones and related compounds were synthesized and
      evaluated in vitro as trypanocidal and cytotoxic agents. Some tested compounds
      inhibited epimastigote growth and trypomastigote viability. Several compounds
      showed similar or higher activity and selectivity as compared with current
      trypanocidal drug, nifurtimox. Compound 4l exhibit higher selectivity than
      nifurtimox against Trypanosoma cruzi in comparison with Vero cells. Some of the
      synthesized quinones were tested against cancer cells and normal fibroblasts,
      showing that certain chemical modifications on the naphthoquinone moiety induce
      and excellent increase the selectivity index of the cytotoxicity (4g and 10). The
      results presented here show that the anti-T. cruzi activity of 2
      aminonaphthoquinones derivatives can be improved by the replacement of the
      benzene ring by a pyridine moiety. Interestingly, the presence of a chlorine atom
      at C-3 and a highly lipophilic alkyl group or aromatic ring are newly observed
      elements that should lead to the discovery of more selective cytotoxic and
      trypanocidal compounds. 

PMID- 25127464
TI  - Design, synthesis, and in vitro evaluation of an activity-based protein profiling
      (ABPP) probe targeting agmatine deiminases.
AB  - Agmatine deiminases (AgDs) belong to a family of enzymes known as guanidinium
      group modifying enzymes (GMEs). Many pathogenic bacteria encode an AgD that
      participates in the catabolism of agmatine (decarboxylated arginine). This
      catabolism may confer a competitive survival advantage, by virtue of energy
      production and increased acid tolerance, making this sub-family of enzymes a
      potential therapeutic target that warrants further study. Herein we report the
      development of an activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) probe that selectively
      targets the AgD from Streptococcus mutans. Due to the selectivity and covalent
      nature of the modification, this probe could prove to be a valuable tool for the
      study of other AgD family members. 

PMID- 25127465
TI  - Identification of novel inhibitors of phospho-MurNAc-pentapeptide translocase
      MraY from library screening: Isoquinoline alkaloid michellamine B and xanthene
      dye phloxine B.
AB  - The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Diversity Set was screened for potential
      inhibitors of phospho-MurNAc-pentapeptide translocase MraY from Escherichia coli
      using a primary fluorescence enhancement assay, followed by a secondary
      radiochemical assay. One new MraY inhibitor was identified from this screen, a
      naphthylisoquinoline alkaloid michellamine B, which inhibited E. coli MraY (IC50
      456MUM) and Bacillus subtilis MraY (IC50 386MUM), and which showed antimicrobial
      activity against B. subtilis (MIC 16MUg/mL). Following an earlier report of
      halogenated fluoresceins identified from a combined MraY/MurG screen, three
      halogenated fluoresceins were tested as inhibitors of E. coli MraY and E. coli
      MurG, and phloxine B was identified as an inhibitor of E. coli MraY (IC50 32MUM).
      Molecular docking of inhibitor structures against the structure of Aquifex
      aeolicus MraY indicates that phloxine B appears to bind to the Mg(2+) cofactor in
      the enzyme active site, while michellamine B binds to a hydrophobic groove formed
      between transmembrane helices 5 and 9. 

PMID- 25127466
TI  - Exploiting the anti-HIV 6-desfluoroquinolones to design multiple ligands.
AB  - It is getting clearer that many drugs effective in different therapeutic areas
      act on multiple rather than single targets. The application of polypharmacology
      concepts might have numerous advantages especially for disease such as HIV/AIDS,
      where the rapid emergence of resistance requires a complex combination of more
      than one drug. In this paper, we have designed three hybrid molecules combining
      WM5, a quinolone derivative we previously identified as HIV Tat-mediated
      transcription (TMT) inhibitor, with the tricyclic core of nevirapine and BILR
      355BS (BILR) non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) to
      investigate whether it could be possible to obtain molecules acting on both
      transcription steps of the HIV replicative cycle. One among the three designed
      multiple ligands, reached this goal. Indeed, compound 1 inhibited both TMT and
      reverse transcriptase (RT) activity. Unexpectedly, while the anti-TMT activity
      exerted by compound 1 resulted into a selective inhibition of HIV-1 reactivation
      from latently infected OM10.1 cells, the anti-RT properties shown by all of the
      synthesized compounds did not translate into an anti-HIV activity in acutely
      infected cells. Thus, we have herein produced the proof of concept that the
      design of dual TMT-RT inhibitors is indeed possible, but optimization efforts are
      needed to obtain more potent derivatives. 

PMID- 25127467
TI  - Sequence-specific DNA alkylation and transcriptional inhibition by long-chain
      hairpin pyrrole-imidazole polyamide-chlorambucil conjugates targeting CAG/CTG
      trinucleotide repeats.
AB  - Introducing novel building blocks to solid-phase peptide synthesis, we readily
      synthesized long-chain hairpin pyrrole-imidazole (PI) polyamide-chlorambucil
      conjugates 3 and 4 via the introduction of an amino group into a GABA (gamma
      turn) contained in 3, to target CAG/CTG repeat sequences, which are associated
      with various hereditary disorders. A high-resolution denaturing polyacrylamide
      sequencing gel revealed sequence-specific alkylation both strands at the N3 of
      adenines or guanines in CAG/CTG repeats by conjugates 3 and 4, with 11bp
      recognition. In vitro transcription assays using conjugate 4 revealed that
      specific alkylation inhibited the progression of RNA polymerase at the alkylating
      sites. Chiral substitution of the gamma-turn with an amino group resulted in
      higher binding affinity observed in SPR assays. These assays suggest that
      conjugates 4 with 11bp recognition has the potential to cause specific DNA damage
      and transcriptional inhibition at the alkylating sites. 

PMID- 25127468
TI  - Ecological routes of avian influenza virus transmission to a common mesopredator:
      an experimental evaluation of alternatives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wild raccoons have been shown to be naturally exposed to avian
      influenza viruses (AIV). However, the mechanisms associated with these natural
      exposures are not well-understood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We
      experimentally tested three alternative routes (water, eggs, and scavenged
      waterfowl carcasses) of AIV transmission that may explain how raccoons in the
      wild are exposed to AIV. Raccoons were exposed to 1) water and 2) eggs spiked
      with an AIV (H4N6), as well as 3) mallard carcasses experimentally inoculated
      with the same virus. Three of four raccoons exposed to the high dose water
      treatment yielded apparent nasal shedding of >10(2.0) PCR EID50 equivalent/mL.
      Little to no shedding was observed from the fecal route. The only animals
      yielding evidence of serologic activity during the study period were three
      animals associated with the high dose water treatment. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
      Overall, our results indicate that virus-laden water could provide a natural
      exposure route of AIV for raccoons and possibly other mammals associated with
      aquatic environments. However, this association appears to be related to AIV
      concentration in the water, which would constitute an infective dose. In
      addition, strong evidence of infection was only detected in three of four animals
      exposed to a high dose (e.g., 10(5.0) EID50/mL) of AIV in water. As such, water
      borne transmission to raccoons may require repeated exposures to water with high
      concentrations of virus.

PMID- 25127470
TI  - Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of microRNA with star trigon structure
      and endonuclease mediated signal amplification.
AB  - MicroRNAs play important roles in gene regulation. They can be used as effective
      biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of diseases like cancers. Due to their
      intrinsic properties of short length, low abundance and sequence homology among
      family members, it is difficult to realize sensitive and selective detection with
      economical use of time and cost. Herein, we report an ultrasensitive
      electrochemical method for microRNA analysis employing two oligonucleotides and
      one endonuclease. Generally, a glassy carbon electrode is first covered with gold
      nanoparticles (AuNPs) mediated by poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA).
      Then, thiolated capture probe (CP) with methylene blue (MB) labeled at 5' end is
      modified on the pretreated electrode. Hybridization occurs among target microRNA,
      CP and auxiliary probe (AP), forming a star trigon structure on the electrode
      surface. Subsequently, endonuclease recognizes and cleaves CP on CP/AP duplex,
      releasing microRNA and AP back to the solution. The two regenerated elements can
      then form another star trigon with other CP molecules, initiating cycles of CP
      cleavage and MB departure. Significant decrease of electrochemical signals is
      thus observed, which can be used to reflect the concentration of microRNA. This
      proposed method has a linear response to microRNA in a wide range from 100 aM to
      1 nM and the sensitivity of attomolar level can be achieved. Moreover, it has
      high selectivity against single-base mismatch sequences and can be used directly
      in serum samples. Therefore, this method shows great feasibility for the
      detection of microRNA and may have potential applications in cancer diagnosis and
      prognosis.

PMID- 25127469
TI  - Evaluation of the contribution of multiple DAMPs and DAMP receptors in cell death
      induced sterile inflammatory responses.
AB  - When cells die by necrosis in vivo they stimulate an inflammatory response. It is
      thought that this response is triggered when the injured cells expose
      proinflammatory molecules, collectively referred to as damage associated
      molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are recognized by cells or soluble molecules of
      the innate or adaptive immune system. Several putative DAMPs and/or their
      receptors have been identified, but whether and how much they participate in
      responses in vivo is incompletely understood, and they have not previously been
      compared side-by-side in the same models. This study focuses on evaluating the
      contribution of multiple mechanisms that have been proposed to or potentially
      could participate in cell death-induced inflammation: The third component of
      complement (C3), ATP (and its receptor P2X7), antibodies, the C-type lectin
      receptor Mincle (Clec4e), and protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2). We
      investigate the role of these factors in cell death-induced inflammation to dead
      cells in the peritoneum and acetaminophen-induced liver damage. We find that mice
      deficient in antibody, C3 or PAR2 have impaired inflammatory responses to dying
      cells. In contrast there was no reduction in inflammation to cell death in the
      peritoneum or liver of mice that genetically lack Mincle, the P2X7 receptor or
      that were treated with apyrase to deplete ATP. These results indicate that
      antibody, complement and PAR2 contribute to cell death-induced inflammation but
      that Mincle and ATP- P2X7 receptor are not required for this response in at least
      2 different in vivo models. 

PMID- 25127471
TI  - Screen-printed microfluidic dielectrophoresis chip for cell separation.
AB  - Dielectrophoresis (DEP), the induced motion of polarizable particles in a non
      uniform electric field, has been proven as a perfect candidate to transport,
      accumulate, separate and characterize micro-/nano-scale bioparticles in
      microfluidic systems. However, conventional fabrication technologies are complex,
      time-consuming and relatively expensive, leading to low throughput of the DEP
      based systems. In this paper, we report a novel microfluidic alternating current
      DEP (AC-DEP) chip fabricated via inexpensive screen printing method. The
      innovation of our work consists in the extreme simplicity of the fabrication
      procedure, i.e., the main components, including electrodes and channels, were
      constructed by layer-by-layer screen printing process, which is especially
      suitable for high-throughput mass production. Carbon paste, instead of metals,
      was used to print interdigitated electrodes with semi-3D structure which not only
      reduces dramatically the chip cost but also increases particle trapping
      efficiency. To test the chip performance, yeast cells, as model cells, were
      trapped and separated from a mixed suspension with PS microspheres. Our results
      show that high capture rate and separation efficiency can be achieved under
      optimized conditions. 

PMID- 25127472
TI  - A cost-effective Z-folding controlled liquid handling microfluidic paper analysis
      device for pathogen detection via ATP quantification.
AB  - A cost-effective microfluidic paper analysis device (MUPAD) was developed with a
      special Z-folding design for controlling the fluidic flowing and substrate
      transportation. This presented MUPAD can be easily fabricated through wax
      printing by using a solid ink printer which deposits wax onto the surface of a
      chromatographic paper, and then baked on a hotplate by penetrating the molten wax
      into the paper to create a hydrophobic barrier. After MUPAD fabrication, liquid
      control and substrate transportation can be easily carried out by twice folding
      the MUPAD following Z shape. The Z folding made two separated reagent holding
      zone connected while the detection reaction occurred with the connection. In this
      paper, a pathogens detection indicated by ATP quantification was took as a proof
      in-principle application of using this presented MUPAD, the limit of detection
      (LOD) was 1 MUM for ATP detection and 2.6*10(7) CFU/mL for Salmonella live cell
      detection, which showed a great potential for Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)
      applications.

PMID- 25127473
TI  - The peroxidase/catalase-like activities of MFe2O4 (M=Mg, Ni, Cu) MNPs and their
      application in colorimetric biosensing of glucose.
AB  - MFe2O4 (M=Mg, Ni, Cu) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were found to have catalytic
      activities similar to those of biological enzymes such as catalase and
      peroxidase. These nanomaterials, as bifunctional catalase/peroxidases (KatGs),
      not only could catalyze H2O2 to produce hydroxyl radicals, which oxidized
      peroxidase substrate to produce color, but also could catalyze the decomposition
      reaction of H2O2 into water and oxygen directly in the same condition through the
      catalase-like activity. And it was also found that the amount of generated
      hydroxyl radicals and oxygen was related to the concentration of MFe2O4 (M=Mg,
      Ni, Cu) MNPs. The peroxidase-like catalytic behavior of MFe2O4 MNPs was analyzed
      in detail. Under the optimized conditions, NiFe2O4 MNPs were used as a
      colorimetric biosensor for the detection of 9.4*10(-7)-2.5*10(-5) mol L(-1)
      glucose with a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.5*10(-7) mol L(-1). The sensor was
      successfully applied to glucose detection in urine sample.

PMID- 25127474
TI  - Development of highly sensitive electrochemical genosensor based on multiwalled
      carbon nanotubes-chitosan-bismuth and lead sulfide nanoparticles for the
      detection of pathogenic Aeromonas.
AB  - In this paper, we reported the construction of new high sensitive electrochemical
      genosensor based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes-chitosan-bismuth complex (MWCNT
      Chi-Bi) and lead sulfide nanoparticles for the detection of pathogenic Aeromonas.
      Lead sulfide nanoparticles capped with 5'-(NH2) oligonucleotides thought amide
      bond was used as signalizing probe DNA (sz-DNA) and thiol-modified
      oligonucleotides sequence was used as fixing probe DNA (fDNA). The two probes
      hybridize with target Aeromonas DNA (tDNA) sequence (fDNA-tDNA-szDNA). The signal
      of hybridization is detected by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) after
      electrodeposition of released lead nanoparticles (PbS) from sz-DNA on the surface
      of glass carbon electrode decorated with MWCNT-Chi-Bi, which improves the
      deposition and traducing electrical signal. The optimization of incubation time,
      hybridization temperature, deposition potential, deposition time and the
      specificity of the probes were investigated. Our results showed the highest
      sensibility to detect the target gene when compared with related biosensors and
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The detection limit for this biosensor was
      1.0*10(-14) M. We could detect lower than 10(2) CFU mL(-1) of Aeromonas in spiked
      tap water. This method is rapid and sensitive for the detection of pathogenic
      bacteria and would become a potential application in biomedical diagnosis, food
      safety and environmental monitoring.

PMID- 25127475
TI  - Electrochemical biosensor for carbofuran pesticide based on esterases from
      Eupenicillium shearii FREI-39 endophytic fungus.
AB  - In this work, a biosensor was constructed by physical adsorption of the isolated
      endophytic fungus Eupenicillium shearii FREI-39 esterase on halloysite, using
      graphite powder, multi-walled carbon nanotubes and mineral oil for the
      determination of carbofuran pesticide by inhibition of the esterase using square
      wave voltammetry (SWV). Specific esterase activities were determined each 2 days
      over a period of 15 days of growth in four different inoculation media. The
      highest specific activity was found on 6th day, with 33.08 U on PDA broth. The
      best performance of the proposed biosensor was obtained using 0.5 U esterase
      activity. The carbofuran concentration response was linear in the range from 5.0
      to 100.0 ug L(-1) (r=0.9986) with detection and quantification limits of 1.69 ug
      L(-1) and 5.13 ug L(-1), respectively. A recovery study of carbofuran in spiked
      water samples showed values ranging from 103.8+/-6.7% to 106.7+/-9.7%. The
      biosensor showed good repeatability and reproducibility and remained stable for a
      period of 20 weeks. The determination of carbofuran in spiked water samples using
      the proposed biosensor was satisfactory when compared to the chromatographic
      reference method. The results showed no significant difference at the 95%
      confidence level with t-test statistics. The application of enzymes from
      endophytic fungi in constructing biosensors broadens the biotechnological
      importance of these microorganisms.

PMID- 25127476
TI  - Associations between rice, noodle, and bread intake and sleep quality in Japanese
      men and women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that a diet with a high-glycemic index is
      associated with good sleep quality. Therefore, we investigated the association of
      sleep quality with the intake of 3 common starchy foods with different glycemic
      indexes-rice, bread, and noodles-as well as the dietary glycemic index in a
      Japanese population. METHODS: The participants were 1,848 men and women between
      20 and 60 years of age. Rice, bread, and noodle consumption was evaluated using a
      self-administered diet history questionnaire. Sleep quality was evaluated by
      using the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and a global
      score >5.5 was considered to indicate poor sleep. RESULTS: Multivariate-adjusted
      odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for poor sleep across the quintiles of
      rice consumption were 1.00 (reference), 0.68 (0.49-0.93), 0.61 (0.43-0.85), 0.59
      (0.42-0.85), and 0.54 (0.37-0.81) (p for trend = 0.015); those for the quintiles
      of noodle consumption were 1.00 (reference), 1.25 (0.90-1.74), 1.05 (0.75-1.47),
      1.31 (0.94-1.82), and 1.82 (1.31-2.51) (p for trend = 0.002). Bread intake was
      not associated with sleep quality. A higher dietary glycemic index was
      significantly associated with a lower risk of poor sleep (p for trend = 0.020).
      CONCLUSION: A high dietary glycemic index and high rice consumption are
      significantly associated with good sleep in Japanese men and women, whereas bread
      intake is not associated with sleep quality and noodle consumption is associated
      with poor sleep. The different associations of these starchy foods with sleep
      quality might be attributable to the different glycemic index of each food.

PMID- 25127477
TI  - Helium generated cold plasma finely regulates activation of human fibroblast-like
      primary cells.
AB  - Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas are being developed for a wide range of
      health care applications, including wound healing. However in order to exploit
      the potential of plasma for clinical applications, the understanding of the
      mechanisms involved in plasma-induced activation of fibroblasts, the cells active
      in the healing process, is mandatory. In this study, the role of helium generated
      plasma in the tissue repairing process was investigated in cultured human
      fibroblast-like primary cells, and specifically in hepatic stellate cells and
      intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts. Five minutes after treatment, plasma
      induced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cultured cells, as assessed
      by flow cytometric analysis of fluorescence-activated 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein
      diacetate probe. Plasma-induced intracellular ROS were characterized by lower
      concentrations and shorter half-lives with respect to hydrogen peroxide-induced
      ROS. Moreover ROS generated by plasma treatment increased the expression of
      peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma, nuclear receptor that
      modulates the inflammatory responses. Plasma exposure promoted wound healing in
      an in vitro model and induced fibroblast migration and proliferation, as
      demonstrated, respectively, by trans-well assay and partitioning between daughter
      cells of carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester fluorescent dye. Plasma
      induced fibroblast migration and proliferation were found to be ROS-dependent as
      cellular incubation with antioxidant agents (e.g. N-acetyl L-cysteine) cancelled
      the biological effects. This study provides evidence that helium generated plasma
      promotes proliferation and migration in liver and intestinal fibroblast-like
      primary cells mainly by increasing intracellular ROS levels. Since plasma-evoked
      ROS are time-restricted and elicit the PPAR-gamma anti-inflammatory molecular
      pathway, this strategy ensures precise regulation of human fibroblast activation
      and can be considered a valid therapeutic approach for liver and gut lesions. 

PMID- 25127479
TI  - Buckley-James estimator of AFT models with auxiliary covariates.
AB  - In this paper we study the Buckley-James estimator of accelerated failure time
      models with auxiliary covariates. Instead of postulating distributional
      assumptions on the auxiliary covariates, we use a local polynomial approximation
      method to accommodate them into the Buckley-James estimating equations. The
      regression parameters are obtained iteratively by minimizing a consecutive
      distance of the estimates. Asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator are
      investigated. Simulation studies show that the efficiency gain of using auxiliary
      information is remarkable when compared to just using the validation sample. The
      method is applied to the PBC data from the Mayo Clinic trial in primary biliary
      cirrhosis as an illustration. 

PMID- 25127481
TI  - Do diabetic kidneys deserve a lifestyle change?

PMID- 25127478
TI  - Disruption of axonal transport perturbs bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-
      signaling and contributes to synaptic abnormalities in two neurodegenerative
      diseases.
AB  - Formation of new synapses or maintenance of existing synapses requires the
      delivery of synaptic components from the soma to the nerve termini via axonal
      transport. One pathway that is important in synapse formation, maintenance and
      function of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the bone morphogenetic
      protein (BMP)-signaling pathway. Here we show that perturbations in axonal
      transport directly disrupt BMP signaling, as measured by its downstream signal,
      phospho Mad (p-Mad). We found that components of the BMP pathway genetically
      interact with both kinesin-1 and dynein motor proteins. Thick vein (TKV) vesicle
      motility was also perturbed by reductions in kinesin-1 or dynein motors.
      Interestingly, dynein mutations severely disrupted p-Mad signaling while kinesin
      1 mutants showed a mild reduction in p-Mad signal intensity. Similar to mutants
      in components of the BMP pathway, both kinesin-1 and dynein motor protein mutants
      also showed synaptic morphological defects. Strikingly TKV motility and p-Mad
      signaling were disrupted in larvae expressing two human disease proteins;
      expansions of glutamine repeats (polyQ77) and human amyloid precursor protein
      (APP) with a familial Alzheimer's disease (AD) mutation (APPswe). Consistent with
      axonal transport defects, larvae expressing these disease proteins showed
      accumulations of synaptic proteins along axons and synaptic abnormalities. Taken
      together our results suggest that similar to the NGF-TrkA signaling endosome, a
      BMP signaling endosome that directly interacts with molecular motors likely
      exist. Thus problems in axonal transport occurs early, perturbs BMP signaling,
      and likely contributes to the synaptic abnormalities observed in these two
      diseases. 

PMID- 25127480
TI  - Developmental exposure of mice to dioxin promotes transgenerational testicular
      inflammation and an increased risk of preterm birth in unexposed mating partners.
AB  - TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, commonly known as dioxin) is a
      ubiquitous environmental contaminant and known endocrine disruptor. Using a mouse
      model, we previously found that adult female mice exposed in utero to TCDD (F1
      generation) as well as multiple subsequent generations (F2-F4) exhibited reduced
      fertility and an increased incidence of spontaneous preterm birth. Additional
      studies revealed that male F1 mice with a similar in utero/developmental TCDD
      exposure also exhibited diminished fertility and conferred an increased risk of
      preterm birth to their unexposed mating partners. Herein, we extend these
      previous observations, reporting that reduced fertility in male F1 mice is linked
      to testicular inflammation which coincides with apoptosis of developing
      spermatocytes, sub-fertility and an increased risk of preterm birth in their
      unexposed mating partners. Significantly, in the absence of additional toxicant
      exposure, testicular inflammation and reduced fertility persisted in F2 and F3
      males and their control mating partners also frequently exhibited spontaneous
      preterm birth. Although a steady, global decline in male fertility has been noted
      over the last few decades, the reasons for these changes have not been firmly
      established. Likewise, the PTB rate in the U.S. and other countries has
      paralleled industrial development, suggesting a possible relationship between
      environmental toxicant exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Most current
      clinical strategies to prevent preterm birth are focused solely on the mother and
      have yielded limited benefits. In contrast, our studies strongly suggest that the
      preconception testicular health of the father is a critical determinant of
      pregnancy outcomes in mice. Future clinical studies should examine the potential
      contribution of the male to gestation length in women and whether efforts to
      reduce the incidence of preterm birth should be initiated in both parents prior
      to pregnancy. 

PMID- 25127482
TI  - Combining incretin-based drugs and RAAS inhibitors: more cons than pros?

PMID- 25127484
TI  - Jenny Graves: the free spirit of scientific enquiry.

PMID- 25127485
TI  - Selective deficit of spatial short-term memory: Role of storage and rehearsal
      mechanisms.
AB  - We report the neuropsychological and MRI investigation of a patient (GP) who
      developed a selective impairment of spatial short-term memory (STM) following
      damage to the dorso-mesial areas of the right frontal lobe. We assessed in this
      patient spatial STM with an experimental procedure that evaluated immediate and 5
      20 s delayed recall of verbal, visual and spatial stimuli. The patient scored
      significantly worse than normal controls on tests that required delayed recall of
      spatial data. This could not be ascribed to a deficit of spatial episodic long
      term memory because amnesic patients performed normally on these tests.
      Conversely, the patient scored in the normal range on tests of immediate recall
      of verbal, visual and spatial data and tests of delayed recall of verbal and
      visual data. Comparison with a previously described patient who had a selective
      deficit in immediate spatial recall and an ischemic lesion that affected frontal
      and parietal dorso-mesial areas in the right hemisphere (Carlesimo GA, Perri R,
      Turriziani P, Tomaiuolo F, Caltagirone C. Remembering what but not where:
      independence of spatial and visual working memory in the human brain. Cortex.
      2001 Sep; 37(4):519-34) suggests that the right parietal areas are involved in
      the short-term storage of spatial information and that the dorso-mesial regions
      of the right frontal underlie mechanisms for the delayed maintenance of the same
      data. 

PMID- 25127486
TI  - Multiplexed gold nanorod array biochip for multi-sample analysis.
AB  - Optical transduction of biological bindings based on localized surface plasmon
      resonance (LSPR) of gold nanorods (GNRs) is attractive for label-free biosensing.
      The aspect ratio (AR) dependence of LSPR band maxima inherently provides an ideal
      multiplex mechanism. GNRs of selected sizes can be combined to ensure distinct
      plasmon peaks in absorption spectrum. Monitoring the spectral shift at the
      dedicated peaks allows for simultaneous detection of the specific analyte. Here,
      we first transformed the GNR's multiplexed biosensing capability to a robust chip
      based format. Specifically, nanorods of AR 2.6 and 4.5 were assembled onto thiol
      terminated substrates, followed by functionalization of respective antibodies to
      construct a GNR multiplex biochip. As a model system, concentrations of human IgG
      and rabbit IgG were simultaneously measured by correlating red-shifts at distinct
      resonance peaks caused by specific target binding. The calibration curves
      exhibited linear relationship between the spectral shift and analyte amount. The
      sensing performance in multi-analyte mode correlated nicely with those for single
      analyte detection with minimal cross-reactivity. Moreover, mixed GNRs can be
      deposited in controllable array pattern on the glass chip to analyze numerous
      samples at the same time. Each GNRs dot functioned independently as a multiplexed
      plamonic sensor. Coupled with microplate reader, this GNR nanoarray chip can
      potentially result in large scale assay of samples concurrently while for each
      sample, a multi-analyte detection simultaneously if desired. The concept shown in
      this work is simple and versatile that will definitely be a new paradigm in high
      throughput protein biochip development in the era of nano-biosensing. 

PMID- 25127483
TI  - Effect of a long-term behavioural weight loss intervention on nephropathy in
      overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes: a secondary analysis of the Look
      AHEAD randomised clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term effects of behavioural weight loss interventions on
      diabetes complications are unknown. In a secondary analysis of the Look AHEAD
      (Action for Health in Diabetes) multicentre randomised clinical trial, we
      assessed whether an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) affects the
      development of nephropathy in people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Overweight or
      obese people aged 45-76 years with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned (1:1)
      to ILI or to a diabetes support and education (DSE) group by a central web-based
      data management system, stratified by clinical centre and blocked with random
      block sizes. The ILI was designed to achieve and maintain weight loss through
      reduced caloric consumption and increased physical activity. The interventions
      were terminated early because of absence of effect on the primary outcome of
      cardiovascular disease events in the main Look AHEAD trial. Albuminuria and
      estimated glomerular filtration rate were prespecified as two of many other
      outcomes and were assessed from baseline until the interventions ended. They were
      combined post hoc to define the main outcome for this report, very-high-risk
      chronic kidney disease (CKD), based on the 2013 Kidney Disease Improving Global
      Outcomes (KDIGO) classification. Outcomes assessors and laboratory staff were
      masked to treatment, but participants and interventionists were not masked. Time
      to-event data were analysed by intention to treat by the Kaplan-Meier method and
      proportional hazards models. The Look AHEAD trial is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00017953. FINDINGS: Of the 5145 participants randomly
      assigned in the Look AHEAD trial (2570 to ILI and 2575 to DSE), analyses for very
      high-risk CKD were done in 2423 (94%) of patients in the ILI group and 2408 (94%)
      of those in the DSE group. After a median of 8.0 years (IQR 7.9-9.9) of follow
      up, the incidence of very-high-risk CKD was lower in the ILI group than in the
      DSE group, with incidence rates of 0.91 cases per 100 person-years in the DSE
      group and 0.63 per 100 person-years in the ILI group (difference 0.27 cases per
      100 person-years, hazard ratio 0.69, 95% CI 0.55-0.87; p=0.0016). This effect was
      partly attributable to reductions in bodyweight, HbA1c, and systolic blood
      pressure. There were no safety concerns regarding kidney-related adverse events.
      INTERPRETATION: Weight loss should be considered as an adjunct to medical
      treatments to prevent or delay progression of CKD in overweight or obese people
      with type 2 diabetes. FUNDING: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
      Kidney Diseases.

PMID- 25127487
TI  - Multi-level kinetic model explaining diverse roles of isozymes in prokaryotes.
AB  - Current standard methods for kinetic and genomic modeling cannot provide deep
      insight into metabolic regulation. Here, we developed and evaluated a multi-scale
      kinetic modeling approach applicable to any prokaryote. Specifically, we
      highlight the primary metabolism of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus
      PCC 7942. The model bridges metabolic data sets from cells grown at different CO2
      conditions by integrating transcriptomic data and isozymes. Identification of the
      regulatory roles of isozymes allowed the calculation and explanation of the
      absolute metabolic concentration of 3-phosphoglycerate. To demonstrate that this
      method can characterize any isozyme, we determined the function of two glycolytic
      glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases: one co-regulates high concentrations
      of the 3-phosphoglycerate, the other shifts the bifurcation point in hexose
      regulation, and both improve biomass production. Moreover, the regulatory roles
      of multiple phosphoglycolate phosphatases were defined for varying (non-steady)
      CO2 conditions, suggesting their protective role against toxic photorespiratory
      intermediates. 

PMID- 25127488
TI  - Design changes improve contact patterns and articular surface damage in total
      knee arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Optetrak PS (Exactech, Inc., Gainesville, FL) has been a well
      functioning posterior stabilized knee replacement since its introduction in 1995.
      In 2009, the Optetrak Logic incorporated modifications to the anterior face of
      the tibial post and the corresponding anterior articulating surface of the
      femoral component to reduce edge loading on the polyethylene post. In this study,
      we provide the rationale for the design change and compare the damage on
      retrieved tibial components of both designs to demonstrate the effectiveness of
      the design modifications in decreasing post damage. METHODS: We integrated
      retrieval findings of tibial post damage with finite element analysis to redesign
      the anterior tibial post-femoral box articulation. We then used subsequent
      retrieval analysis on a 3:1 matched sample of 60 PS and 20 Logic inserts to
      examine the impact of the design change on polyethylene damage. RESULTS:
      Polyethylene stresses were markedly reduced when rounded contact geometries were
      incorporated. The comparison of the new and old designs using retrieval analysis
      demonstrated that the redesign led to reduction in surface damage and deformation
      on the tibial post. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the use of a design cycle by
      which a problem is identified through retrieval analysis, analytical tools are
      used to suggest design solutions, and then retrieval analysis is applied again on
      the new design to confirm improved performance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Anterior post
      damage has been markedly reduced through the introduction of design changes to
      the post-box geometry.

PMID- 25127489
TI  - N-acetyl-4-aminophenol (paracetamol) in urine samples of 6-11-year-old Danish
      school children and their mothers.
AB  - Recent studies indicate an association between the use of paracetamol during
      pregnancy and reproductive disorders in male offspring. Furthermore, N-acetyl-4
      aminophenol (NAAP, paracetamol) has been shown to be ubiquitously excreted in
      urine samples of the general population. To investigate the internal body burden
      of the Danish population to NAAP for the first time, 288 morning urine samples
      from 6- to 11-year-old Danish school children and their mothers were analyzed for
      NAAP. NAAP was measurable in all mothers and all of the children except for one
      child. Results showed that there is a ubiquitous body burden of NAAP in Danish
      mothers and children even when paracetamol analgesics have not been used
      recently. Hence, several unknown sources of NAAP/paracetamol exposure have to
      exist. We found an association in NAAP excretion between the mothers and their
      children which could indicate common lifestyle related exposure (e.g. via food or
      indoor air sources). However, we did not detect any association between lifestyle
      data from questionnaires and levels of NAAP excretion in this study. The
      knowledge about possible sources of exposure leading to this omnipresent
      paracetamol excretion is limited and further investigation is wanted.

PMID- 25127491
TI  - Analysis of muscle activation patterns during transitions into and out of high
      knee flexion postures.
AB  - Increased risk of medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) is linked to
      occupations that require frequent transitions into and out of postures which
      require high knee flexion (>90 degrees ). Muscle forces are major contributors to
      joint loading, and an association between compressive forces due to muscle
      activations and the degeneration of joint cartilage has been suggested. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate muscle activation patterns of muscles
      crossing the knee during transitions into and out of full-flexion kneeling and
      squatting, sitting in a low chair, and gait. Both net and co-activation were
      greater when transitioning out of high flexion postures, with maximum activation
      occurring at knee angles greater than 100 degrees . Compared to gait, co
      activation levels during high flexion transitions were up to approximately 3
      times greater. Co-activation was significantly greater in the lateral muscle
      group compared to the medial group during transitions into and out of high
      flexion postures. These results suggest that compression due to activation of the
      medial musculature of the knee may not be the link between high knee flexion
      postures and increased medial knee OA observed in occupational settings. Further
      research on a larger subject group and workers with varying degrees of knee OA is
      necessary. 

PMID- 25127490
TI  - PCBs, PCDD/Fs, and PBDEs in blood samples of a rural population in South Germany.
AB  - The body burden of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs),
      dioxin-like (dl-PCBs) and non-dioxin-like (ndl-PCBs) polychlorinated biphenyls,
      and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was determined in blood samples from
      70 subjects between 4 and 76 years old. The participants of the study were
      recruited in the neighborhood of a reclamation plant located in a rural area in
      Southern Germany. The median concentrations (95th percentiles in parentheses),
      expressed as WHO2005-TEQ (toxic equivalents), for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs were 4.5
      (17.9)pgg(-1) l.w. and 2.6 (13.2)pgg(-1) l.w., respectively. The dl-PCBs
      contributed 40% of the total TEQ (median values), and the most abundant congener
      was PCB 156. Combined, the sum of the 6 non-dioxin-like PCBs had a median of
      0.773MUgL(-1) and a 95th percentile of 4.895MUgL(-1). For the six tetra to hepta
      PBDE congeners, the median was 1.8ngg(-1) l.w. (95th percentile: 16.2ngg(-1)
      l.w.). None of our study subjects had a body burden that exceeded the
      biomonitoring equivalents for dioxins or PBDE congener 99 or the human
      biomonitoring values for ndl-PCBs. Likewise the study group did not exceed German
      reference values or values obtained in similar investigations. Overall, our study
      did not exhibit elevated internal exposures. The results also hint further
      decreasing tendencies for PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs in Germany and demonstrates
      that people in the vicinity of a reclamation plant with no indication of an
      environmental contamination did not exhibit elevated internal exposures.

PMID- 25127492
TI  - Altered corticomuscular coherence elicited by paced isotonic contractions in
      individuals with cerebral palsy: a case-control study.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to analyze corticomuscular coherence during planning
      and execution of simple hand movements in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP)
      and healthy controls (HC). Fourteen individuals with CP and 15 HC performed
      voluntary paced movements (opening and closing the fist) in response to a warning
      signal. Simultaneous scalp EEG and surface EMG of extensor carpi radialis brevis
      were recorded during 15 isotonic contractions. Time-frequency corticomuscular
      coherence (EMG-C3/C4) before and during muscular contraction, as well as EMG
      intensity, onset latency and duration were analyzed. Although EMG intensity was
      similar in both groups, individuals with CP exhibited longer onset latency and
      increased duration of the muscular contraction than HC. CP also showed higher
      corticomuscular coherence in beta EEG band during both planning and execution of
      muscular contraction, as well as lower corticomuscular coherence in gamma EEG
      band at the beginning of the contraction as compared with HC. In conclusion, our
      results suggest that individuals with CP are characterized by an altered
      functional coupling between primary motor cortex and effector muscles during
      planning and execution of isotonic contractions. In addition, the usefulness of
      corticomuscular coherence as a research tool for exploring deficits in motor
      central processing in persons with early brain damage is discussed. 

PMID- 25127493
TI  - Reliability of telemetric electromyography and near-infrared spectroscopy during
      high-intensity resistance exercise.
AB  - This study quantified the inter- and intra-test reliability of telemetric surface
      electromyography (EMG) and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during resistance
      exercise. Twelve well-trained young men performed high-intensity back squat
      exercise (12 sets at 70-90% 1-repetition maximum) on two occasions, during which
      EMG and NIRS continuously monitored muscle activation and oxygenation of the
      thigh muscles. Intra-test reliability for EMG and NIRS variables was generally
      higher than inter-test reliability. EMG median frequency variables were generally
      more reliable than amplitude-based variables. The reliability of EMG measures was
      not related to the intensity or number of repetitions performed during the set.
      No notable differences were evident in the reliability of EMG between different
      agonist muscles. NIRS-derived measures of oxyhaemoglobin, deoxyhaemoglobin and
      tissue saturation index were generally more reliable during single-repetition
      sets than multiple-repetition sets at the same intensity. Tissue saturation index
      was the most reliable NIRS variable. Although the reliability of the EMG and NIRS
      measures varied across the exercise protocol, the precise causes of this
      variability are not yet understood. However, it is likely that biological
      variation during multi-joint isotonic resistance exercise may account for some of
      the variation in the observed results. 

PMID- 25127494
TI  - Pathophysiology of the constant burning, tingling element of neuropathic pain: a
      new hypothesis.
AB  - Neuropathic pain (NPP) presents itself with at least one of the following
      elements: constant, intermittent and evoked pain. The pathophysiology of NPP is
      still controversial, in especial of its constant element, the focus of this
      study. Many hypotheses have been proposed in an attempt to explain it, but none
      of them seems to account for the various aspects of the constant element of NPP.
      Under the phylogenetic perspective, it is postulated, the pain may be classified
      into two categories: paleopain, present in inferior animals, poorly localized,
      transmitted by the medial pain system pathways, and neopain, conducted by the
      lateral pain system pathways, very well localized, described in terms suggestive
      of tissue damage and present in superior animals. We believe that, in humans,
      under physiological circumstances, the expression of the paleopain was completely
      abolished. It is proposed that it is due to the tonic inhibition of the medial
      thalamus by the ventral posterior (VP) nucleus of the thalamus, via a circuit
      that the authors described and named prosencephalomesencephalic modulatory
      circuit (PMMC). Two pathways are suggested as activators of the PMMC: the
      neospinothalamic/neotrigeminothalamic and ventral spinothalamic tracts. The
      interruption of this circuit or of its activators, at any point, would lead to
      the release of the medial thalamus from the inhibitory influences of VP, allowing
      the manifestation of the paleopain. It is postulated that the constant burning,
      tingling element of NPP is nothing more than the clinical expression of the
      paleopain. Evidence to support this hypothesis is provided. As a direct
      consequence of the presented hypothesis, the substantia nigra pars reticulata is
      proposed as a new target of deep brain stimulation for the treatment of the
      constant burning, tingling element of NPP. 

PMID- 25127495
TI  - Aristotle got it right again!

PMID- 25127497
TI  - Persistent organic pollutants in liver of Brazilian sharpnose shark
      (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) from southeastern coast of Brazil.
AB  - In the present study, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined in 14
      livers from specimens of the Brazilian sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon lalandii),
      which is an important economic resource for small-scale fisheries on the
      southeastern coast of Brazil. The following concentrations (lipid weight) of POPs
      were found: ?PCBs: 1019+/-267 ng g(-1); ?DDTs: 111+/-40 ng g(-1) and ?PBDEs:
      10.4+/-4.78. PCB 153 made the greatest contribution to ?PCB (21.4%), followed by
      PCB 138 (14.6%) and PCB 180 (9.94%). Among chlorinated pesticides, only the p,p'
      DDE and p,p'-DDD isomers had concentrations above the detection limit. Moreover,
      levels above the detection limit were found only for PBDE congeners 47 and 100
      (BDEs 47>99). On average, BDE 47 accounted for 88% of the total PBDE load. The
      feeding habits of the Brazilian sharpnose shark close to the Brazilian coastline
      are likely the most important difference regarding the accumulation of POPs in
      comparison to oceanic species that feed in deeper waters. Thus, this species may
      be used to evaluate the pollution of coastal areas as well as human exposure to
      contaminants, as the Brazilian sharpnose shark is a frequently used for human
      consumption. Further studies in other areas of Brazil and involving other species
      are needed to clarify the mechanisms and potential impact of POPs, which can
      affect the biology of different organisms and cause population declines.

PMID- 25127498
TI  - Steroid markers to assess sewage and other sources of organic contaminants in
      surface sediments of Cienfuegos Bay, Cuba.
AB  - Analyses of faecal steroids in coastal sediments from Cienfuegos Bay Cuba
      indicate chronic sewage contamination at the main outfalls from the city, where
      concentrations of coprostanol up to 5400ngg(-)(1) (dry wt) were measured. In
      contrast, steroid concentrations and compositions from sites from the south part
      of the Bay are characteristic of uncontaminated sewage environments. The levels
      of coprostanol in the Cienfuegos sediments compares to the lower to mid-range of
      concentrations reported for coastal sediments on a world-wide basis, with
      sedimentary levels markedly below those previously reported for heavily impacted
      sites. This study delivers baseline data for further investigation of the
      effectiveness of the proposed sewerage plan promoted by the GEF project in
      Cienfuegos. Investigations on the correlations between faecal steroids and other
      organic contaminants confirmed that the major source of petroleum hydrocarbons
      within the bay was associated with the sewage effluents from the Cienfuegos city.

PMID- 25127499
TI  - Response of multi-metric indices to anthropogenic pressures in distinct marine
      habitats: the need for recalibration to allow wider applicability.
AB  - Sustainable exploitation of coastal ecosystems is facilitated by tools which
      allow reliable assessment of their response to anthropogenic pressures. The
      Infaunal Quality Index (IQI) and Multivariate-AMBI (M-AMBI) were developed to
      classify the ecological status (ES) of benthos for the Water Framework Directive
      (WFD). The indices respond reliably to the impacts of organic enrichment in muddy
      sand habitats, but their applicability across a range of pressures and habitats
      is less well understood. The ability of the indices to predict changes in
      response to pressures in three distinct habitats, intertidal muddy sand, maerl
      and inshore gravel, was tested using pre-existing datasets. Both responded
      following the same patterns of variation as previously reported. The IQI was more
      conservative when responding to environmental conditions so may have greater
      predictive value in dynamic habitats to provide an early-warning system to
      managers'. Re-calibration of reference conditions is necessary to reliably
      reflect ES in different habitats.

PMID- 25127496
TI  - Mitochondria, energetics, epigenetics, and cellular responses to stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cells respond to environmental stressors through several key
      pathways, including response to reactive oxygen species (ROS), nutrient and ATP
      sensing, DNA damage response (DDR), and epigenetic alterations. Mitochondria play
      a central role in these pathways not only through energetics and ATP production
      but also through metabolites generated in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, as well
      as mitochondria-nuclear signaling related to mitochondria morphology, biogenesis,
      fission/fusion, mitophagy, apoptosis, and epigenetic regulation. OBJECTIVES: We
      investigated the concept of bidirectional interactions between mitochondria and
      cellular pathways in response to environmental stress with a focus on epigenetic
      regulation, and we examined DNA repair and DDR pathways as examples of biological
      processes that respond to exogenous insults through changes in homeostasis and
      altered mitochondrial function. METHODS: The National Institute of Environmental
      Health Sciences sponsored the Workshop on Mitochondria, Energetics, Epigenetics,
      Environment, and DNA Damage Response on 25-26 March 2013. Here, we summarize key
      points and ideas emerging from this meeting. DISCUSSION: A more comprehensive
      understanding of signaling mechanisms (cross-talk) between the mitochondria and
      nucleus is central to elucidating the integration of mitochondrial functions with
      other cellular response pathways in modulating the effects of environmental
      agents. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of mitochondrial functions
      in epigenetic regulation and DDR with environmental stress. Development and
      application of novel technologies, enhanced experimental models, and a systems
      type research approach will help to discern how environmentally induced
      mitochondrial dysfunction affects key mechanistic pathways. CONCLUSIONS:
      Understanding mitochondria-cell signaling will provide insight into individual
      responses to environmental hazards, improving prediction of hazard and
      susceptibility to environmental stressors.

PMID- 25127500
TI  - Changes in the concentration and relative abundance of alkanes and PAHs from the
      Deepwater Horizon oiling of coastal marshes.
AB  - We determined changes of 28 alkanes and 43 different PAHs in 418 wetland soil
      samples collected on ten sampling trips to three Louisiana estuaries before and
      after they were oiled from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. There was a
      significant decline in 22 of the 28 alkane analytes (0.42% day(-1)), no change in
      6, over 2.5 years. The concentration of five aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons
      (PAHs) increased (range 0.25-0.70% day(-1)), whereas the total PAH pool did not
      change. Of these five, naphthalene and C-1-naphthalenes are suggested to be of
      higher toxicity than the other three because of their relatively higher
      volatility or solubility. The relative proportions of alkane analytes, but not
      PAHs, does not yet resemble that in the pre-oiled marshes after 3 years, The
      trajectories of nine indicators for degradation/weathering were either
      inconclusive or misleading (alkanes) or confirmed the relatively meager
      degradation of PAHs.

PMID- 25127501
TI  - Floating debris in the Mediterranean Sea.
AB  - Results from the first large-scale survey of floating natural (NMD) and
      anthropogenic (AMD) debris (>2 cm) in the central and western part of the
      Mediterranean Sea are reported. Floating debris was found throughout the entire
      study area with densities ranging from 0 to 194.6 items/km(2) and mean abundances
      of 24.9 AMD items/km(2) and 6.9 NMD items/km(2) across all surveyed locations. On
      the whole, 78% of all sighted objects were of anthropogenic origin, 95.6% of
      which were petrochemical derivatives (i.e. plastic and styrofoam). Maximum AMD
      densities (>52 items/km(2)) were found in the Adriatic Sea and in the Algerian
      basin, while the lowest densities (<6.3 items/km(2)) were observed in the Central
      Tyrrhenian and in the Sicilian Sea. All the other areas had mean densities
      ranging from 10.9 to 30.7 items/km(2). According to our calculations, more than
      62 million macro-litter items are currently floating on the surface of the whole
      Mediterranean basin.

PMID- 25127502
TI  - Mediterranean diet and risk of frailty in community-dwelling older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Low intake of certain micronutrients and protein has
      been associated with higher risk of frailty. However, very few studies have
      assessed the effect of global dietary patterns on frailty. This study examined
      the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the risk of
      frailty in older adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective cohort
      study with 1815 community-dwelling individuals aged >=60 years recruited in 2008
      2010 in Spain. MEASUREMENTS: At baseline, the degree of MD adherence was measured
      with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score and the
      Mediterranean Diet Score, also known as the Trichopoulou index. In 2012,
      individuals were reassessed to detect incident frailty, defined as having at
      least 3 of the following criteria: exhaustion, muscle weakness, low physical
      activity, slow walking speed, and weight loss. The study associations were
      summarized with odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) obtained
      from logistic regression, with adjustment for the main confounders. RESULTS: Over
      a mean follow-up of 3.5 years, 137 persons with incident frailty were identified.
      Compared with individuals in the lowest tertile of the MEDAS score (lowest MD
      adherence), the OR (95% CI) of frailty was 0.85 (0.54-1.36) in those in the
      second tertile, and 0.65 (0.40-1.04; P for trend = .07) in the third tertile.
      Corresponding figures for the Mediterranean Diet Score were 0.59 (0.37-0.95) and
      0.48 (0.30-0.77; P for trend = .002). Being in the highest tertile of MEDAS was
      associated with reduced risk of slow walking (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.35-0.79) and of
      weight loss (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.36-0.80). Lastly, the risk of frailty was
      inversely associated with consumption of fish (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.45-0.97) and
      fruit (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.39-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Among community-dwelling older
      adults, an increasing adherence to the MD was associated with decreasing risk of
      frailty.

PMID- 25127503
TI  - A developmental screening tool for toddlers with multiple domains based on Rasch
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Using multidomain developmental screening tools is a feasible
      method for pediatric health care professionals to identify children at risk of
      developmental problems in multiple domains simultaneously. The purpose of this
      study was to develop a Rasch-based tool for Multidimensional Screening in Child
      Development (MuSiC) for children aged 0-3 years. METHODS: The MuSic was developed
      by constructing items bank based on three commonly used screening tools,
      validating with developmental status (at risk for delay or not) on five
      developmental domains. Parents of a convenient sample of 632 children (aged 3
      35.5 months) with and without developmental delays responded to items from the
      three screening tools funded by health authorities in Taiwan. Item bank was
      determined by item fit of Rasch analysis for each of the five developmental
      domains (cognitive skills, language skills, gross motor skills, fine motor
      skills, and socioadaptive skills). Children's performance scores in logits
      derived in Rasch analysis were validated with developmental status for each
      domain using the area under receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS:
      MuSiC, a 75-item developmental screening tool for five domains, was derived. The
      diagnostic validity of all five domains was acceptable for all stages of
      development, except for the infant stage (<=11 months and 15 days). CONCLUSION:
      MuSiC can be applied simultaneously to well-child care visits as a universal
      screening tool for children aged 1-3 years on multiple domains. Items with sound
      validity for infants need to be further developed.

PMID- 25127504
TI  - Impact of guideline changes on use or omission of radiation in the elderly with
      early breast cancer: practice patterns at National Comprehensive Cancer Network
      institutions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast radiation therapy (RT) is a care standard after breast
      conservation surgery that improves local control and survival in women. In 2004,
      a phase III trial demonstrated radiation after breast-conservation surgery
      provided no survival and limited local control benefit to women aged 70 years and
      older with stage I, estrogen receptor-positive cancers who receive endocrine
      therapy. This led to breast-conservation surgery and endocrine therapy alone
      being incorporated as a category I option in the National Comprehensive Cancer
      Network (NCCN) Guidelines for older women in 2004. We examined factors associated
      with change in radiation use in elderly patients at 13 NCCN centers. STUDY
      DESIGN: We identified women treated at NCCN centers meeting age and stage
      criteria during 2000 to 2009. Factors considered a priori potentially associated
      with RT use were evaluated in univariate and multivariable models, including year
      of diagnosis, tumor and patient characteristics, axillary surgery, and treating
      institution. Date of diagnosis was classified as 2000 to 2004 vs 2005 to 2009,
      reflecting when guidelines changed. RESULTS: Among 1,292 eligible cases, 78%
      received RT. In multivariable analysis, diagnosis after 2004 (p = 0.0003), older
      age (p < 0.0001), higher comorbidity score (p = 0.0006), smaller tumors (p =
      0.0146), and omission of axillary surgery (p < 0.0001) predicted RT omission.
      Ninety-four percent of women aged 70 to 74 years received RT in 2000, compared
      with 88% in 2009. For the same times and age 80 years and older, RT use was 80%
      vs 41%. Finally, RT use was associated with treating institution (p < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: After guideline changes for RT use in older women, NCCN centers
      demonstrated wide variation in implementing change. This suggests other factors
      are also influencing guideline uptake.

PMID- 25127505
TI  - Modified rendezvous biliary procedure involving the hepatobiliary surgeon,
      endoscopist, and interventional radiologist: a novel solution for complex bile
      duct injuries.

PMID- 25127506
TI  - Reoperative complications after primary orthotopic liver transplantation: a
      contemporary single-center experience in the post-model for end-stage liver
      disease era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on complications requiring reoperation after orthotopic liver
      transplantation (OLT) are limited. We sought to describe the spectrum of
      reoperative complications after OLT, evaluate the associations with graft and
      patient survival, and identify predictors of need for reoperation. STUDY DESIGN:
      We retrospectively studied adult patients who underwent primary OLT at our
      institution from February 2002 to July 2012. The primary outcomes included
      occurrence of a reoperative complication. Secondary outcomes were graft and
      patient survival. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to model
      the associations of recipient, donor, and operative variables with reoperation.
      RESULTS: Of 1,620 patients, 470 (29%) had complications requiring reoperation.
      The most common reoperative complication was bleeding (17.3%). Compared with
      patients not requiring reoperation, patients with reoperative complications had
      greater Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores and need for pretransplantation
      hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and renal replacement
      therapy; considerably longer cold and warm ischemia times and greater
      intraoperative blood transfusion requirements; and substantially worse 1-, 3-,
      and 5-year graft and patient survival rates. In multivariable analysis,
      predictors of reoperative complications included intraoperative transfusion of
      packed RBCs (odds ratio [OR] = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.91-2.56), donor length of
      hospitalization >8 days (OR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.28-2.73), recipient
      pretransplantation mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.21-2.24), cold
      ischemia time >9 hours (OR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.23-2.17), warm ischemia time >55
      minutes (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.02-2.44), earlier major abdominal surgery (OR =
      1.41; 95% CI, 1.03-1.92), and elevated donor serum sodium (OR = 1.17; 95% CI,
      1.03-1.31). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who require reoperation for complications after
      OLT have high pretransplantation acuity and inferior post-transplantation
      survival. We identified factors associated with reoperative complications to
      guide perioperative donor-recipient matching and improve outcomes.

PMID- 25127507
TI  - Median arcuate ligament release.

PMID- 25127508
TI  - Practical management of postoperative atrial fibrillation after noncardiac
      surgery.

PMID- 25127509
TI  - Automated quantitative analysis of tissue microarray of 443 patients with
      colorectal adenocarcinoma: low expression of Bcl-2 predicts poor survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bcl-2 has been implicated in the development and progression of a
      number of cancers including colorectal cancer. Reports of Bcl-2 expression in
      colorectal cancer and patient outcomes have been inconsistent due to small
      cohorts and semi-quantitative grading methods. STUDY DESIGN: We used a high
      throughput tissue microarray system (automated quantitative analysis [AQUA]),
      analyzing colorectal adenocarcinoma samples from 443 patients resected during the
      period of 1967 to 1986. This system uses fully quantitative, automated
      fluorescent microscopy to accurately assess Bcl-2 expression in colorectal cancer
      samples. Clinicopathologic variables were collected prospectively and were
      assessed using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: At a
      median follow-up of 54 months, the 5- and 10-year disease-specific survivals for
      all patients were 59.2% and 52.1%, respectively. Loss of Bcl-2 expression was
      seen in 70.4% of tumors and was associated with a decreased 5-year disease
      specific survival (55.8% vs 75.6%, p = 0.001 and relative risk [RR] 1.8) and
      decreased 5-year overall survival (45.8% vs 56.5%, p = 0.046 and RR 1.2). On
      univariate analysis, T stage, N stage, and loss of Bcl-2 expression predicted
      poor disease-specific survival. On multivariate analysis, Bcl-2 expression was an
      independent prognostic factor for disease-specific survival (p = 0.034).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that loss of Bcl-2 expression in colorectal
      cancer is associated with decreased disease-specific and overall survival. This
      finding may help identify a subset of patients with a more aggressive phenotype
      and guide adjuvant chemotherapy choices.

PMID- 25127510
TI  - Isolated free fluid on abdominal computed tomography in blunt trauma: watch and
      wait or operate?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolated free fluid (FF) on abdominal CT in stable blunt trauma
      patients can indicate the presence of hollow viscus injury. No criteria exist to
      differentiate treatment by operative exploration vs observation. The goals of
      this study were to determine the incidence of isolated FF and to identify factors
      that discriminate between patients who should undergo operative exploration vs
      observation. STUDY DESIGN: A review of blunt trauma patients at a Level I trauma
      center from July 2009 to March 2012 was performed. Patients with a CT showing
      isolated FF after blunt trauma were included. Data collected included
      demographics, injury severity, physical examination, CT, and operative findings.
      RESULTS: Two thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine patients had CT scans, 156
      (5.4%) of whom had isolated FF. The therapeutic operative group included 13
      patients; 9 had immediate operation and 4 failed nonoperative management. The
      nonoperative/nontherapeutic operation group consisted of 142 patients with
      successful nonoperative management and 1 patient with a nontherapeutic operation.
      Abdominal tenderness was documented in 69% of the therapeutic operative group and
      23% of the nonoperative/nontherapeutic group (odds ratio = 7.5; p < 0.001). The
      presence of a moderate to large amount of FF was increased in the therapeutic
      operative group (85% vs 8%; odds ratio = 66; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Isolated FF
      was noted in 5.4% of stable blunt trauma patients. Blunt trauma patients with
      moderate to large amounts of FF without solid organ injury on CT and abdominal
      tenderness should undergo immediate operative exploration. Patients with neither
      of these findings can be safely observed.

PMID- 25127511
TI  - Long-term health-related quality of life after iatrogenic bile duct injury
      repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on the effect of bile duct injuries (BDI) on health-related
      quality of life (HRQOL) are not well defined. We sought to assess long-term HRQOL
      after BDI repair in a large cohort of patients spanning a 23-year period. STUDY
      DESIGN: We identified and mailed HRQOL questionnaires to all patients treated for
      major BDI after laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 1, 1990 and December
      31, 2012 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. RESULTS: We identified 167 patients alive at
      the time of the study who met the inclusion criteria. Median age at BDI was 42
      years (interquartile range 31 to 54 years); the majority of patients were female
      (n = 131 [78.4%]) and of white race (n = 137 [83.0%]). Most patients had Bismuth
      level 2 (n = 56 [33.7%]) or Bismuth level 3 (n = 40 [24.1%]) BDI. Surgical repair
      most commonly involved a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (n = 142 [86.1%]). Sixty
      two patients (37.1%) responded to the HRQOL questionnaire. Median follow-up was
      169 months (interquartile range 125 to 222 months). At the time of BDI, mental
      health was most affected, with patients commonly reporting a depressed mood
      (49.2%) or low energy level (40.0%). These symptoms improved significantly after
      definitive repair (both p < 0.05). Limitations in physical activity and general
      health remained unchanged before and after surgical repair (both p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Mental health concerns were more commonplace vs physical or general
      health issues among patients with BDI followed long term. Optimal
      multidisciplinary management of BDI can help restore HRQOL to preinjury levels.

PMID- 25127514
TI  - The effects of a modified spinal mobilisation with leg movement (SMWLM) technique
      on sympathetic outflow to the lower limbs.
AB  - Physiotherapy management of lumbar disorders, based on Mulligan's mobilization
      techniques, is a treatment of choice by many physiotherapists, however, there is
      only limited evidence of any neurophysiological effects and much of this has
      focused on the cervical spine and upper limbs. This study aims to extend the
      knowledge base underpinning the use of a modified Mulligan's spinal mobilisation
      with leg movement technique (SMWLM) by exploring its effects on the peripheral
      sympathetic nervous system (SNS) of the lower limbs. Using a single blind,
      placebo controlled, independent groups study design, 45 normal naive healthy
      males were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups (control,
      placebo or treatment; SMWLM). SNS activity was determined by recording skin
      conductance (SC) obtained from lower limb electrodes connected to a BioPac unit.
      Validation of the placebo technique was performed by post- intervention
      questionnaire. Results indicated that there was a significant change in SC from
      baseline levels (30%) that was specific to the side treated for the treatment
      group during the intervention period (compared to placebo and control
      conditions). This study provides preliminary evidence that a modified SMWLM
      technique results in side-specific peripheral SNS changes in the lower limbs. 

PMID- 25127512
TI  - The innate immune sensor LGP2 activates antiviral signaling by regulating MDA5
      RNA interaction and filament assembly.
AB  - Cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptors detect non-self RNAs during virus
      infections and initiate antiviral signaling. One receptor, MDA5, possesses
      essential signaling domains, but weak RNA binding. A second receptor, LGP2,
      rapidly detects diverse dsRNA species, but lacks signaling domains. Accumulating
      evidence suggests LGP2 and MDA5 work together to detect viral RNA and generate a
      complete antiviral response, but the basis for their cooperation has been
      elusive. Experiments presented here address this gap in antiviral signaling,
      revealing that LGP2 assists MDA5-RNA interactions leading to enhanced MDA5
      mediated antiviral signaling. LGP2 increases the initial rate of MDA5-RNA
      interaction and regulates MDA5 filament assembly, resulting in the formation of
      more numerous, shorter MDA5 filaments that are shown to generate equivalent or
      greater signaling activity in vivo than the longer filaments containing only
      MDA5. These findings provide a mechanism for LGP2 coactivation of MDA5 and a
      biological context for MDA5-RNA filaments in antiviral responses. 

PMID- 25127513
TI  - Lysine acetylation controls local protein conformation by influencing proline
      isomerization.
AB  - Gene transcription responds to stress and metabolic signals to optimize growth
      and survival. Histone H3 (H3) lysine 4 trimethylation (K4me3) facilitates state
      changes, but how levels are coordinated with the environment is unclear. Here, we
      show that isomerization of H3 at the alanine 15-proline 16 (A15-P16) peptide bond
      is influenced by lysine 14 (K14) and controls gene-specific K4me3 by balancing
      the actions of Jhd2, the K4me3 demethylase, and Spp1, a subunit of the Set1 K4
      methyltransferase complex. Acetylation at K14 favors the A15-P16trans
      conformation and reduces K4me3. Environmental stress-induced genes are most
      sensitive to the changes at K14 influencing H3 tail conformation and K4me3. By
      contrast, ribosomal protein genes maintain K4me3, required for their repression
      during stress, independently of Spp1, K14, and P16. Thus, the plasticity in
      control of K4me3, via signaling to K14 and isomerization at P16, informs distinct
      gene regulatory mechanisms and processes involving K4me3. 

PMID- 25127515
TI  - [11C]NS8880, a promising PET radiotracer targeting the norepinephrine
      transporter.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the norepinephrine
      transporter (NET) is still hindered by the availability of useful PET imaging
      probes. The present study describes the radiosynthesis and pre-clinical
      evaluation of a new compound, exo-3-(6-methoxypyridin-2-yloxy)-8-H-8
      azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane (NS8880), targeting NET. NS8880 has an in vitro binding
      profile comparable to desipramine and is structurally not related to reboxetine.
      METHODS: Labeling of NS8880 with [(11)C] was achieved by a non-conventional
      technique: substitution of pyridinyl fluorine with [(11)C]methanolate in a Boc
      protected precursor. The isolated [(11)C]NS8880 was evaluated pre-clinically both
      in a pig model (PET scanning) and in a rat model (MUPET scanning) and compared to
      (S,S)-[(11)C]-O-methylreboxetine ([(11)C]MeNER). RESULTS: The radiolabeling
      technique yielded [(11)C]NS8880 in low (<10%) but still useful yields with high
      purity. The PET in vivo evaluation in pig and rat revealed a rapid brain uptake
      of [(11)C]NS8880 and fast obtaining of equilibrium. Highest binding was observed
      in thalamic and hypothalamic regions. Pretreatment with desipramine efficiently
      reduced binding of [(11)C]NS8880. CONCLUSION: Based on the pre-clinical results
      obtained so far [(11)C]NS8880 displays promising properties for PET imaging of
      NET.

PMID- 25127516
TI  - Theory of dynamical electron channeling contrast images of near-surface crystal
      defects.
AB  - This paper describes the dynamical simulation of electron channeling contrast
      images (ECCIs) of dislocations. The approach utilizes both the Bloch wave
      formalism and the scattering matrix formalism to generate electron channeling
      patterns (ECPs). The latter formalism is then adapted to include the effect of
      lattice defects on the back-scattered electron yield, resulting in a
      computational algorithm for the simulation of ECCIs. Dislocations of known line
      direction and Burgers vector are imaged experimentally by ECCI and match well
      with simulated ECCIs for various channeling conditions. Experiment/simulation
      comparisons for ECPs and ECCIs are demonstrated for metals (Al), semiconductors
      (Si), and ceramics (SrTiO3).

PMID- 25127517
TI  - Effect of surface stress on microcantilever resonance frequency during water
      adsorption: influence of microcantilever dimensions.
AB  - This paper reports the effect of dimensions of microcantilever (MC) on its
      resonance frequency and bending upon adsorption of water molecules. Study is
      conducted on three MCs having the dimensions of 450 * 40 * 2.5 MUm(3) (MC1), 225
      * 30 * 3 MUm(3) (MC2) and 125 * 35 * 4.5 MUm(3) (MC3). The measured resonant
      frequency showed the expected negative shift in MC1, initially positive followed
      by a negative shift in MC2 and only positive shift in MC3 during adsorption. This
      behavior is attributed to changes in the stiffness of the MC associated with the
      surface stress. The surface stress generated on the MC has been derived from its
      bending measurements upon water adsorption. The change in the stiffness of MC
      evaluated from an independent estimate of expected frequency shift showed that
      the relative stiffness change of MC increases linearly with the surface stress
      scaled with cube of width to height ratio of MCs, confirming the dimensional
      dependence of adsorption induced stiffness change.

PMID- 25127518
TI  - Validation and application of an UPLC-MS/MS method for the quantification of
      synthetic cannabinoids in urine samples and analysis of seized materials from the
      Portuguese market.
AB  - An UPLC-MS/MS method using ESI+ionization and MRM was developed and fully
      validated according to international guidelines for the qualitative and
      quantitative analysis of nine synthetic cannabinoids and/or their metabolites in
      urine samples (1mL). Prior to extraction the samples were subjected to an
      enzymatic hydrolysis using beta-glucuronidase followed by a SPE procedure using
      Oasis((r)) HLB 3cc (60mg) columns. The chromatographic separation was performed
      with an Acquity UPLC((r)) HSS T3 (50mm*2.1mm i.d., 1.8MUm) reversed-phase column
      using a gradient with methanol-ammonium formate 2mM (0.1% formic acid) and with a
      run time of 9.5min. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, capacity of
      identification, limits of detection (0.01-0.5ng/mL) and quantification (0.05
      0.5ng/mL), recovery (58-105%), carryover, matrix effect, linearity (0.05
      50ng/mL), intra-assay precision, inter-assay accuracy and precision (CV<20%). The
      method was applied to 80 authentic samples, five of them (6.2%) were confirmed or
      suspected to be positive for the metabolites JWH-018 N-hydroxypentyl and JWH-018
      N-pentanoic acid of JWH-018 and for the metabolite JWH-122 N-(5-hydroxypentyl) of
      JWH-122, and three of them in association with THC and/or THCCOOH (substances
      included in the method, together with the 11-OH-THC). Additionally, 17 spice
      products were analyzed, for which were confirmed the presence of the following
      substances: AM-2201, JWH-018, JWH-022 JWH-073, JWH-122, JWH-203, JWH-210, JWH
      250, HU-210 and RCS-4, according to the comparison with authentic reference
      material and published data. The analytical method developed allowed the analysis
      of synthetic cannabinoids and the notification of the first cases in Portugal. 

PMID- 25127519
TI  - Accident rates amongst regular bicycle riders in Tasmania, Australia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterise the demographics, cycling habits and accident rates of
      adult cyclists in Tasmania. METHODS: Volunteers >=18 years of age who had cycled
      at least once/week over the previous month provided information on demographics;
      cycling experience; bicycles owned; hours/km/trips cycled per week; cycling
      purpose; protective equipment used; and major (required third-party medical
      treatment or resulted >=1 day off work) or minor (interfered with individuals'
      regular daily activities and/or caused financial costs) accidents while cycling.
      RESULTS: Over 8-months, 136 cyclists (70.6% male) completed the telephone survey.
      Mean (standard deviation) age was 45.4 (12.1) years with 17.1 (11.4) years of
      cycling experience. In the week prior to interview, cyclists averaged 6.6
      trips/week (totalling 105.7km or 5.0h). The most common reason for cycling was
      commuting/transport (34% of trips), followed by training/health/fitness (28%).
      The incidence of major and minor cycling accidents was 1.6 (95% CI 1.1-2.0) and
      3.7 (2.3-5.0) per 100,000km, respectively. Male sex was associated with a
      significantly lower minor accident risk (incidence rate ratio=0.34, p=0.01).
      Mountain biking was associated with a significantly higher risk of minor accident
      compared with road or racing, touring, and city or commuting biking (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity of regular cyclists' exceeds the level recommended
      for maintenance of health and wellbeing; cyclists also contributed substantially
      to the local economy. Accident rates are higher in this sample than previously
      reported in Tasmania and internationally. Mountain biking was associated with
      higher risks of both major and minor accidents compared to road/racing bike
      riding.

PMID- 25127520
TI  - Is air quality index associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents?
      The CASPIAN-III Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the association of air quality index (AQI)
      with cardiometabolic risk factors in a nationally representative sample of
      healthy adolescents. METHODS: This nationwide survey was conducted among a
      stratified multi-stage probability sample of students, aged 10-18 years, from 27
      provinces of Iran. Those students with history of any acute or chronic diseases,
      any medication use, as well as active or passive smoking were not included to the
      current study. Dietary and physical activity habits were documented by valid
      questionnaires. Physical examination and blood sampling were conducted under
      standard protocols. AQI data were obtained from air pollution monitoring sites
      from the entire country by considering air pollutants concentration, which
      includes all provincial counties containing different clusters. RESULTS: The
      study participants consisted of 1413 students (48.8% boys) with a mean (SD) age
      of 14.81+/-2.48 years. The mean AQI level was 285.37+/-30.11 at national levels.
      After adjustment for confounding factors including age, sex, and anthropometric
      measures, as well as for dietary and physical activity habits, multiple linear
      regressions based on correlation of coefficients of the AQI with cardiometabolic
      risk factors showed significant positive correlations of AQI with systolic blood
      pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and
      triglycerides, as well as significant negative correlations with HDL-cholesterol.
      After adjustment for abovementioned confounding factors, binary logistic
      regressions analyses showed that AQI increased the risk of abnormal levels of
      some risk factors as elevated levels of systolic blood pressure, total
      cholesterol, and triglycerides. CONCLUSION: The associations of low air quality
      with some cardiometabolic factors in the current survey, although not strong,
      might be considered as an evidence of the adverse cardiometabolic consequences of
      exposure to air pollutants in the pediatric age group, and predisposing them to
      earlier development of non-communicable diseases.

PMID- 25127521
TI  - Determinants of bisphenol A and phthalate metabolites in urine of Flemish
      adolescents.
AB  - As part of the second Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS II), bisphenol
      A (BPA) and different phthalate metabolites were analyzed, for the first time, in
      the urine of 210 adolescents in Flanders, Belgium. All chemicals had a detection
      frequency above 90%. For all compounds, except the sum of DEHP, highest levels
      were detected during spring. Average values for the Flemish adolescents were in
      an agreement with concentrations found in different international studies, all
      confirming the ubiquity of BPA and phthalate exposure. There was a significant
      correlation between BPA and the different phthalate metabolites (r between 0.26
      and 0.39; p<0.01). Shared sources of exposure to BPA and phthalates, such as food
      packaging, were suggested to be responsible for this positive correlation.
      Different determinants of exposure were evaluated in relation to the urinary
      concentrations of these chemicals. For BPA, a significant association was
      observed with household income class, smoking and exposure to environmental
      tobacco smoke. For phthalates, the following significant associations were
      observed: age (MBzP), educational level of the adolescent (MBzP), equivalent
      household income (MnBP), use of personal care products (MnBP and MBzP), wall
      paper in house (MnBP and MBzP) and use of local vegetables (MnBP and MBzP). 

PMID- 25127522
TI  - A new and sensitive method for measuring in vivo and in vitro cytotoxicity in
      earthworm coelomocytes by flow cytometry.
AB  - This study describes a new and sensitive method for measuring the in vivo and in
      vitro cytotoxicity of 2 earthworm species, Eisenia andrei and Perionyx excavatus,
      exposed to copper. Specifically, we measured the number of coelomocyte cells that
      were affected by copper following in vivo and in vitro exposure by flow
      cytometry, after calcein acetoxymethyl ester (calcein-AM) staining. We found that
      the coelomocyte viability of both earthworm species was noticeably reduced in the
      in vivo cytotoxicity test at concentrations of 100mg/kg copper in dry soil.
      However, pathological symptoms, such as mucous secretion and bleeding, swelling,
      thinning, and fragmentation, and burrowing symptoms were not evident following
      exposure to copper levels of <400mg/kg dry soil. In conclusion, the present study
      demonstrates that calcein-AM is a more sensitive test of earthworm coelomocyte
      cytotoxicity compared to the traditional individual level toxicity test.
      Therefore, this test could be used to detect low levels of metal contamination in
      soils. 

PMID- 25127523
TI  - Temperature-related mortality in 17 large Chinese cities: how heat and cold
      affect mortality in China.
AB  - Few multicity studies have been conducted to investigate the acute health effects
      of cold and hot temperatures in China. We aimed to examine the relationship
      between temperature and daily mortality in 17 large Chinese cities. We first
      calculated city-specific effect of temperature using time-series regression
      models combined with distributed lag nonlinear models; then we pooled the city
      specific estimates with the Bayesian hierarchical models. The cold effects lasted
      longer than the hot effects. For the cold effects, a 1  degrees C decrease from
      the 25th to 1st percentiles of temperature over lags 0-14 days was associated
      with increases of 1.69% [95% posterior intervals (PI): 1.01%, 2.36%], 2.49% (95%
      PI: 1.53%, 3.46%) and 1.60% (95% PI: 0.32%, 2.87%) in total, cardiovascular and
      respiratory mortality, respectively. For the hot effects, a 1  degrees C increase
      from the 75th to 99th percentiles of temperature was associated with
      corresponding increases of 2.83% (95% PI: 1.42%, 4.24%), 3.02% (95% PI: 1.33%,
      4.71%) and 4.64% (95% PI: 1.96%, 7.31%). The latitudes, number of air
      conditioning per household and disposable income per capita were significant
      modifiers for cold effects; the proportion of the elderly was a significant
      modifier for hot effects. This largest epidemiological study of temperature to
      date in China suggested that both cold and hot temperatures were associated with
      increased mortality. Our findings may have important implications for the public
      health policies in China.

PMID- 25127524
TI  - Temporal trends of radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure in
      everyday environments across European cities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rapid development and increased use of wireless telecommunication
      technologies led to a substantial change of radio-frequency electromagnetic field
      (RF-EMF) exposure in the general population but little is known about temporal
      trends of RF-EMF in our everyday environment. OBJECTIVES: The objective of our
      study is to evaluate temporal trends of RF-EMF exposure levels in different
      microenvironments of three European cities using a common measurement protocol.
      METHODS: We performed measurements in the cities of Basel (Switzerland), Ghent
      and Brussels (Belgium) during one year, between April 2011 and March 2012. RF-EMF
      exposure in 11 different frequency bands ranging from FM (Frequency Modulation,
      88 MHz) to WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network, 2.5 GHz) was quantified with
      portable measurement devices (exposimeters) in various microenvironments: outdoor
      areas (residential areas, downtown and suburb), public transports (train, bus and
      tram or metro rides) and indoor places (airport, railway station and shopping
      centers). Measurements were collected every 4s during 10-50 min per environment
      and measurement day. Linear temporal trends were analyzed by mixed linear
      regression models. RESULTS: Highest total RF-EMF exposure levels occurred in
      public transports (all public transports combined) with arithmetic mean values of
      0.84 V/m in Brussels, 0.72 V/m in Ghent, and 0.59 V/m in Basel. In all outdoor
      areas combined, mean exposure levels were 0.41 V/m in Brussels, 0.31 V/m in Ghent
      and 0.26 V/m in Basel. Within one year, total RF-EMF exposure levels in all
      outdoor areas in combination increased by 57.1% (p<0.001) in Basel by 20.1% in
      Ghent (p=0.053) and by 38.2% (p=0.012) in Brussels. Exposure increase was most
      consistently observed in outdoor areas due to emissions from mobile phone base
      stations. In public transports RF-EMF levels tended also to increase but mostly
      without statistical significance. DISCUSSION: An increase of RF-EMF exposure
      levels has been observed between April 2011 and March 2012 in various
      microenvironments of three European cities. Nevertheless, exposure levels were
      still far below regulatory limits of each country. A continuous monitoring is
      needed to identify high exposure areas and to anticipate critical development of
      RF-EMF exposure at public places.

PMID- 25127525
TI  - Nonylphenol in pregnant women and their matching fetuses: placental transfer and
      potential risks of infants.
AB  - As the predominant environmental biodegradation product of nonylphenol (NP)
      ethoxylates and with proven estrogenic effects, NP is formed during the
      alkylation process of phenols. The purposes of this study were (1) to examine
      maternal and prenatal exposure to NP in Taiwan, (2) to determine the level of
      placental protection against NP exposure as well as the level of NP in breast
      milk, and (3) to assess the potential risk for breastfed newborns exposed to NP
      through the milk. Thirty pairs of maternal and fetal blood samples, placenta, and
      breast milk during the 1st and the 3rd months of lactation were collected.
      External NP exposures of these specimens were then analyzed by using high
      performance liquid chromatography coupling with fluorescence detection. Next, the
      socio-demographics, lifestyle, delivery method, dietary and work history were
      collected using a questionnaire. In addition, the daily intake of NP from
      consuming breast milk in the 1st and 3rd months for newborns was studied through
      deterministic and probabilistic risk assessment methods. The geometric means and
      geometric standard deviation of NP levels in maternal blood, fetal cord blood,
      placenta, and breast milk in the 1st and 3rd months were 14.6 (1.7) ng/ml, 18.8
      (1.8) ng/ml, 19.8 (1.9) ng/g, 23.5 (3.2) ng/ml, and 57.3 (1.4) ng/ml,
      respectively. The probabilistic percentiles (50th, 75th, and 95th) of daily
      intake NP in breast milk were 4.33, 7.79, and 18.39 MUg/kg-bw/day in the 1st
      month, respectively, and were 8.11, 10.78, 16.08 MUg/kg-bw/day in the 3rd month,
      respectively. The probabilistic distributions (5th, 25th, and 50th) of risk for
      infants aged 1 month old were 0.27, 0.64, and 1.15, respectively, and that for
      infants aged 3 month old were 0.31, 0.46, and 0.62, respectively. Through
      repeated exposure from the dietary intake of expectant mothers, fetuses could
      encounter a high NP exposure level due to transplacental absorption, partitioning
      between the maternal and fetal compartments. Daily NP intake via breast milk in
      three month-old babies exceeded the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 5 ug/kg
      bw/day indicated a potential risk for Taiwan infants.

PMID- 25127526
TI  - A computed tomography evaluation of two hundred normal ankles, to ascertain what
      anatomical landmarks to use when compressing or placing an ankle syndesmosis
      screw.
AB  - Classical AO teaching recommends that a syndesmosis screw should be inserted at
      25-30 degrees to the coronal plane of the ankle. Accurately judging the 25/30
      degree angle can be difficult, resulting in poor operative reduction of
      syndesmosis injuries. The CT scans of 200 normal ankles were retrospectively
      examined. The centroid of the fibula and tibia in the axial plane 15mm proximal
      to the talar dome was calculated. A force vector between the centroid of the
      fibula and the tibia in the axial plane should not displace the fibula relative
      to the tibia when surfaces are parallel. Therefore, a line connecting the two
      centroids was postulated to be the ideal syndesmosis line. This line was shown to
      pass through the fibula within 2.5mm of the lateral cortical apex of the fibula
      and the anterior half of the medial malleolus in 100% of the ankles studied. The
      results support the concept that in the operatively reduced syndesmosis, the
      anterior half of the medial malleolus can be used as a reliable guide for aiming
      the syndesmosis drill hole, provided that the fibular entry point is at/or
      adjacent to the lateral fibular apex. The screw should also remain parallel to
      the tibial plafond in the coronal plane.

PMID- 25127527
TI  - Intracellular Haemophilus influenzae invades the brain: is zyxin a critical blood
      brain barrier component regulated by TNF-alpha?

PMID- 25127528
TI  - Polyphosphate-mediated modulation of Campylobacter jejuni biofilm growth and
      stability.
AB  - Biofilms increase C. jejuni's resilience to detergents, antibiotics, and
      environmental stressors. In these investigations, we studied the modulation of
      biofilm in response to phosphate related stressors. We found that the deletion of
      ppk1, phoX, and ppk2 (polyphosphate associated [poly P] genes) in C. jejuni
      modulated different stages of biofilm formation such as attached microcolonies,
      air-liquid biofilms, and biofilm shedding. Additionally, inorganic phosphate also
      modulated attached microcolonies, air-liquid biofilms, and biofilm shedding both
      independently of and additively in the poly P associated mutants. Furthermore, we
      observed that these different biofilm stages were affected by biofilm age: for
      example, the adherent microcolonies were maximum on day 2, while biofilm growth
      at the air-liquid interface and shedding was highest on day 3. Also, we observed
      altered calcofluor white reactive polysaccharides in poly P-associated mutants,
      as well as increased secretion of autoinducer-2 (AI-2) quorum sensing molecules
      in the ?ppk2 mutant. Further, the polysaccharide and flagellar biosynthesis
      genes, that are associated with biofilm formation, were altered in these poly P
      associated mutants. We conclude that the phosphate limiting condition modulates
      C. jejuni biofilm formation. 

PMID- 25127529
TI  - Cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular burden in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Reduced functional capacity is associated with poor prognosis. In
      patients with chronic kidney disease the factors that contribute to low
      cardiorespiratory fitness are unclear. The objective of this study was to
      evaluate the cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular response to exercise in chronic
      kidney disease patients, and secondly investigate the relationships between
      cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular burden. DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      analysis. METHODS: Baseline demographic, anthropometric and biochemical data were
      examined in 136 patients with moderate chronic kidney disease (age 59.7+/-9.6yrs,
      eGFR 40+/-9ml/min/1.73m(2), 55% male, 39% with a history of cardiovascular
      disease, 38% diabetic and 17% current smokers). Cardiorespiratory fitness was
      measured as peak VO2, left ventricular morphology and function using
      echocardiography, central arterial stiffness by aortic pulse wave velocity and
      left ventricular afterload using augmentation index. Physical activity levels
      were assessed using the Active Australia questionnaire. RESULTS: Peak VO2 (22.9+/
      6.5ml/kg/min) and peak heart rate (148+/-22bpm) were 17% and 12% lower than the
      age-predicted values, respectively. The low fit group were significantly older,
      and were more likely to have type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, a higher
      BMI and be less active than the high fit group (P<0.05). The independent
      predictors of peak VO2 were age, type II diabetes, hemoglobin level, physical
      activity, aortic pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and global longitudinal
      strain. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with chronic kidney disease, the peak VO2 and
      heart rate response is markedly impaired. Reduced cardiorespiratory fitness is
      independently associated with increased aortic stiffness, increased left
      ventricle afterload, poor left ventricle function and higher burden of
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 25127530
TI  - Effects of femoral rotational taping on pain, lower extremity kinematics, and
      muscle activation in female patients with patellofemoral pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the hip and knee joint kinematics as well as muscle
      activation between participants with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and
      controls, and to investigate the immediate effect of proximal femoral rotational
      taping on pain, joint kinematics, and muscle activation during single-leg squat
      (SLS). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Sixteen female participants with
      PFPS, and eight healthy female controls participated. Three-dimensional hip and
      patellar kinematics measured by electromagnetic tracking system, hip (gluteus
      maximus and gluteus medius) and thigh (rectus femoris) muscle activation measured
      by EMG, and subjective report of pain were recorded during SLS in three
      randomized conditions of no tape, sham taping, and femoral rotational taping with
      kinesiotape. RESULTS: Without taping, compared with controls, PFPS group had
      increased hip adduction angle (23.5+/-11.3 degrees  vs. 15.8+/-7.3 degrees )
      during SLS. Additionally, PFPS group exhibited lesser rectus femoris activity
      during the initial 0-15 degrees  of SLS. Application of both femoral rotational
      and sham tapes reduced pain for PFPS group. Compared with no tape or sham tape,
      femoral rotational tape significantly shifted the patella into more posterior
      (1.59+/-0.83cm in no tape vs. 1.54+/-0.87cm in sham tape vs. 1.32+/-0.72cm in
      femoral rotational tape) and distal (-2.49+/-0.95cm vs. -2.64+/-0.80cm vs. 
      3.11+/-0.77cm) positions in the PFPS group. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral rotational
      taping could alter patellofemoral kinematics and decrease pain in treatment of
      young female participants with PFPS.

PMID- 25127532
TI  - Traumatic lens subluxation presenting as pseudomelanoma.
AB  - An 82-year-old white man was referred for a suspected inferior pigmented,
      choroidal melanoma in his left eye. The patient stated that his left eye had been
      hit by a tree branch approximately 40 years prior, and he had not been able to
      see with it since then. Dilated fundus examination revealed a 14 * 8 mm dark,
      dome-shaped choroidal mass located inferiorly. Transillumination of the eye
      revealed no defects. Ultrasonography revealed a hollow lesion, consistent with a
      senile, dark dislocated cataract.

PMID- 25127534
TI  - Immigrant and refugee health: foreward.

PMID- 25127531
TI  - Aberrant hetero-disulfide bond formation by the hypertriglyceridemia-associated
      p.Gly185Cys APOA5 variant (rs2075291).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Apolipoprotein A-V (apoA-V) is a low-abundance plasma protein that
      modulates triacylglycerol homeostasis. Gene transfer studies were undertaken in
      apoa5 (-/-) mice to define the mechanism underlying the correlation between the
      single-nucleotide polymorphism c.553G>T in APOA5 and hypertriglyceridemia.
      APPROACH AND RESULTS: Adeno-associated virus (AAV) 2/8-mediated gene transfer of
      wild-type apoA-V induced a dramatic lowering of plasma triacylglycerol in apoa5 (
      /-) mice, whereas AAV2/8-Gly162Cys apoA-V (corresponding to the c.553G>T single
      nucleotide polymorphism: rs2075291; p.Gly185Cys when numbering includes signal
      sequence) had a modest effect. Characterization studies revealed that plasma
      levels of wild-type and G162C apoA-V in transduced mice were similar and within
      the physiological range. Fractionation of plasma from mice transduced with AAV2/8
      G162C apoA-V indicated that, unlike wild-type apoA-V, >50% of G162C apoA-V was
      recovered in the lipoprotein-free fraction. Nonreducing SDS-PAGE immunoblot
      analysis provided evidence that G162C apoA-V present in the lipoprotein-free
      fraction, but not that portion associated with lipoproteins, displayed altered
      electrophoretic mobility consistent with disulfide-linked heterodimer formation.
      Immunoprecipitation followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry of human
      plasma from subjects homozygous for wild-type APOA5 and c.553G>T APOA5 revealed
      that G162C apoA-V forms adducts with extraneous plasma proteins including
      fibronectin, kininogen-1, and others. CONCLUSIONS: Substitution of Cys for Gly at
      position 162 of mature apoA-V introduces a free cysteine that forms disulfide
      bonds with plasma proteins such that its lipoprotein-binding and triacylglycerol
      modulation functions are compromised.

PMID- 25127533
TI  - Severe bilateral ischemic retinal vasculitis following cataract surgery.
AB  - This report describes two cases of severe, bilateral ischemic retinal vasculitis
      following cataract surgeries at different surgical centers. In both cases, the
      patient underwent bilateral cataract surgeries, performed 1 week apart for each
      eye. In the perioperative period following the second of the two surgeries, both
      patients developed severe, bilateral intraocular inflammation and profound vision
      loss. The underlying cause of this adverse response remains unknown. The authors
      suggest that the severe inflammatory reaction could be related to an
      intraoperative intracameral vancomycin injection.

PMID- 25127536
TI  - Immigrant and refugee health: mental health conditions.
AB  - Immigrants leave their homes for unfamiliar destinations in search of better
      lives for themselves and their families. Many immigrants experience profound loss
      and emotional distress as they adjust to life in different societies. Despite
      these challenges, the prevalence of mental health conditions among immigrants is
      low, whereas children of immigrants have rates equal to those of native
      populations. The prevalence of mental health conditions is high among refugees,
      who comprise a specific subgroup of immigrants who have been displaced forcibly
      and often have experienced severe trauma. Cultural factors, such as stigma and
      somatization of emotional symptoms, make it less likely that immigrants and
      refugees from certain groups will ever present to mental health subspecialists.
      Strong therapeutic relationships, cultural sensitivity, involvement of family
      members, judicious use of medications, and knowledge of available community
      resources are important tools that can aid clinicians who treat immigrants and
      refugees with mental health conditions. 

PMID- 25127535
TI  - Immigrant and refugee health: medical evaluation.
AB  - Overseas medical screening by panel physicians for conditions that might
      jeopardize US public health is required for admission to the United States by
      immigrant visa or refugee status. According to protocols established by the
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conditions such as active
      tuberculosis and substance dependence, when detected, prohibit entry to the
      United States, whereas close medical follow-up after arrival is required for
      individuals with other conditions. Refugees and asylees should undergo further
      medical assessment by a US civil surgeon as soon as possible after arrival.
      Applicants for legal permanent residence in the United States, whether by
      immigrant visa or adjustment of status, must receive vaccinations comparable to
      those recommended for citizens. When immigrants and refugees present to a primary
      care physician, the vaccination process may not be complete, and documentation of
      the extent to which it is complete might be lacking. Immigrants and refugees may
      have a variety of unrecognized or untreated musculoskeletal conditions, mental
      health conditions, infectious diseases, and chronic conditions. 

PMID- 25127537
TI  - Immigrant and refugee health: common infectious diseases.
AB  - Immigrants and refugees are at risk of infectious diseases (IDs) that are rare in
      the United States. Screening and treatment before entry into the United States
      are required for some of these diseases, whereas quarantine is mandated for
      others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published specific
      recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of immigrants and refugees
      before and after they arrive in the United States. In addition, immigrants and
      refugees who return to their home countries are at greater risk of IDs than other
      travelers. Health care professionals are required to report certain IDs to state
      or local health departments. 

PMID- 25127538
TI  - Immigrant and refugee health: cross-cultural communication.
AB  - Physicians in the United States increasingly care for culturally, linguistically,
      and educationally diverse immigrants with limited English proficiency. Language
      barriers contribute significantly to the health disparities experienced by
      patients with limited English proficiency. Qualified professional interpreters
      should be used instead of ad hoc interpreters, such as a patient's friend or
      family member, an untrained bilingual staff member, or a bilingual stranger.
      Children should not be used as interpreters. Physicians and other health care
      professionals must be fluent to communicate with patients in another language.
      Use of electronic translation systems should be avoided. Cultural competence
      refers to the attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed to work well in cross
      cultural situations and effectively provide care to diverse populations.
      Stereotypes are perpetuated when members of a group are assumed to share cultural
      values, beliefs, or attitudes. Attempting to memorize a list of what to do and
      what to avoid when working with any particular group is ineffective. Every
      patient's culture is multidimensional and dynamic and is not defined by race or
      language group. 

PMID- 25127539
TI  - How do patients with severe mental diagnosis cope in everyday life - a
      qualitative study comparing patients' experiences of self-referral inpatient
      treatment with treatment as usual?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several hospitals in Norway provide short self-referral inpatient
      treatment to patients with severe mental diagnosis. No studies have compared the
      experiences of patients who have had the opportunity to self-refer to inpatient
      treatment with patients who have received treatment as usual. This qualitative
      study was nested within a randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of
      self-referral to inpatient treatment. The aim was to explore how patients with
      severe mental diagnosis coped four months after signing a contract for self
      referral, as compared to patients receiving treatment as usual. METHODS: Data was
      collected using qualitative individual interviews with patients with severe
      mental diagnosis, conducted four months after being randomised either to a
      contract for self-referral (intervention group) or to treatment as usual (control
      group). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients participated in interviews - 11 from the
      intervention group and 14 from the control group. Results four months after
      randomisation showed that patients with a contract for self-referral appeared to
      have more confidence in strategies to cope with mental illness and to apply more
      active cognitive strategies. Patients with a contract also expressed less
      resignation, hopelessness and powerlessness than patients without a contract. In
      addition, patients with a contract seemed to be closer to the ideal of living a
      "normal" life and being a "normal" person. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that
      the patients who had a contract for self-referral had come further in the
      recovery process and should possibly be better off during treatment.

PMID- 25127541
TI  - Dominant side in single-leg stance stability during floor oscillations at various
      frequencies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated lateral dominance in the postural stability of single
      leg stance with anteroposterior floor oscillations at various frequencies.
      METHODS: Thirty adults maintained a single-leg stance on a force platform for 20
      seconds per trial. Trials were performed with no oscillation (static condition)
      and with anteroposterior floor oscillations (2.5-cm amplitude) at six
      frequencies: 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5 Hz (dynamic condition). A set of
      three trials was performed on each leg in each oscillation frequency in random
      order. The mean speed of the center of pressure in the anteroposterior direction
      (CoPap) was calculated as an index of postural stability, and frequency analysis
      of CoPap sway was performed. Footedness for carrying out mobilizing activities
      was assessed with a questionnaire. RESULTS: CoPap speed exponentially increased
      as oscillation frequency increased in both legs. The frequency analysis of CoPap
      showed a peak <0.3 Hz at no oscillation. The frequency components at 0.25-Hz
      oscillation included common components with no oscillation and those at 1.5-Hz
      oscillation showed the maximum amplitude among all conditions. Postural stability
      showed no significant difference between left- and right-leg stance at no
      oscillation and oscillations <=1.25 Hz, but at 1.5-Hz oscillation was
      significantly higher in the right-leg stance than in the left-leg stance. For the
      lateral dominance of postural stability at individual levels, the lateral
      difference in postural stability at no oscillation was positively correlated with
      that at 0.25-Hz oscillation (r = 0.51) and negatively correlated with that at 1.5
      Hz oscillation (r = -0.53). For 70% of subjects, the dominant side of postural
      stability was different at no oscillation and 1.5-Hz oscillation. In the subjects
      with left- or right-side dominance at no oscillation, 94% or 38% changed their
      dominant side at 1.5-Hz oscillation, with a significant difference between these
      percentages. In the 1.5-Hz oscillation, 73% of subjects had concordance between
      the dominant side of postural stability and that of mobilizing footedness.
      CONCLUSION: In static conditions, there was no lateral dominance of stability
      during single-leg stance. At 1.5-Hz oscillation, the highest frequency, right
      side dominance of postural stability was recognized. Functional role in
      supporting leg may be divided between left and right legs according to the change
      of balance condition from static to dynamic.

PMID- 25127543
TI  - The laboratory diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis III (Sanfilippo syndrome): A
      changing landscape.
AB  - Mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III) is characterized by progressive
      neurological deterioration, behavioral abnormalities, a relatively mild somatic
      phenotype, and early mortality. Because of the paucity of somatic manifestations
      and the rarity of the disease, early diagnosis is often difficult. Therapy
      targeting the underlying disease pathophysiology may offer the greatest clinical
      benefit when started prior to the onset of significant neurologic sequelae. Here
      we review current practices in the laboratory diagnosis of MPS III in order to
      facilitate earlier patient identification and diagnosis. When clinical suspicion
      of MPS III arises, the first step is to order a quantitative assay that screens
      urine for the presence of glycosaminoglycan biomarkers using a spectrophotometric
      compound (e.g., dimethylmethylene blue). We recommend testing all patients with
      developmental delay and/or behavioral abnormalities as part of the diagnostic
      work-up because quantitative urine screening is inexpensive and non-invasive.
      Semi-quantitative urine screening assays using cationic dyes on filter paper
      (e.g., spot tests) have relatively high rates of false-positives and false
      negatives and are obsolete. Of note, a negative urinary glycosaminoglycan assay
      does not necessarily rule out MPS because, in some patients, an overlap in
      excretion levels with healthy controls may occur. All urine samples that test
      positive for glycosaminoglycans with a quantitative assay should be confirmed by
      electrophoresis, thin layer chromatography, or tandem mass spectrometry, which
      further improves the sensitivity and specificity. The gold standard for diagnosis
      remains the enzyme activity assay in cultured skin fibroblasts, leukocytes,
      plasma, or serum, which can be used as a first-line diagnostic test in some
      regions. Molecular genetic analysis should be offered to all families of patients
      to allow genetic counseling for informed family planning. For a small number of
      variants, genotype-phenotype correlations are available and can offer prognostic
      value. Prenatal testing via enzyme activity assay in chorionic villi or amniotic
      fluid cells is available at a limited number of centers worldwide, but whenever
      possible, a molecular genetic analysis is preferred for prenatal diagnosis. To
      conclude, we discuss the development of newborn screening assays in dried blood
      spots and high-throughput methods for sequencing the protein-coding regions of
      the genome (whole exome sequencing) and their relevance to future changes in the
      MPS III diagnostic landscape. 

PMID- 25127540
TI  - Lung transplantation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a systematic review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a distinct form of
      interstitial pneumonia with unknown origin and poor prognosis. Current
      pharmacologic treatments are limited and lung transplantation is a viable option
      for appropriate patients. The aim of this review was to summarize lung
      transplantation survival in IPF patients overall, between single (SLT) vs.
      bilateral lung transplantation (BLT), pre- and post Lung Allocation Score (LAS),
      and summarize wait-list survival. METHODS: A systematic review of English
      language studies published in Medline or Embase between 1990 and 2013 was
      performed. Eligible studies were those of observational design reporting survival
      post-lung transplantation or while on the wait list among IPF patients. RESULTS:
      Median survival post-transplantation among IPF patients is estimated at 4.5
      years. From ISHLT and OPTN data, one year survival ranged from 75% - 81%; 3-year:
      59% - 64%; and 5-year: 47% - 53%. Post-transplant survival is lower for IPF vs.
      other underlying pre-transplant diagnoses. The proportion of IPF patients
      receiving BLT has steadily increased over the last decade and a half. Unadjusted
      analyses suggest improved long-term survival for BLT vs. SLT; after adjustment
      for patient characteristics, the differences tend to disappear. IPF patients
      account for the largest proportion of patients on the wait list and while wait
      list time has decreased, the number of transplants for IPF patients has increased
      over time. OPTN data show that wait list mortality is higher for IPF patients vs.
      other diagnoses. The proportion of IPF patients who died while awaiting
      transplantation ranged from 14% to 67%. While later transplant year was
      associated with increased survival, no significant differences were noted pre vs.
      post LAS implementation; however a high LAS vs low LAS was associated with
      decreased one-year survival. CONCLUSIONS: IPF accounts for the largest proportion
      of patients awaiting lung transplants, and IPF is associated with higher wait
      list and post-transplant mortality vs. other diagnoses. Improved BLT vs. SLT
      survival may be the result of selection bias. Survival pre- vs. post LAS appears
      to be similar except for IPF patients with high LAS, who have lower survival
      compared to pre-LAS. Data on post-transplant morbidity outcomes are sparse.

PMID- 25127544
TI  - The need for a research and development strategy.

PMID- 25127542
TI  - Long term effects of enzyme replacement therapy in an Italian cohort of type 3
      Gaucher patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The chronic neuropathic form of Gaucher disease (GD3) is
      characterised by hepatosplenomegaly, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, bone alterations
      and central neurological involvement. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has been
      demonstrated to be effective in non neuropathic Gaucher disease, but long term
      results in patients with GD3 are still limited and contrasting. A possible role
      of genotype in determining the response to ERT has been hypothesised. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: All patients affected by GD3, treated with ERT, and followed-up in 4
      different Italian centres (Udine, Catanzaro, Sassari and Florence) were included.
      Data on clinical conditions, laboratory values, neurological and
      neuropsychological examinations, radiological and electrophysiological features
      were collected retrospectively from clinical records. RESULTS: Ten patients (6
      females, 4 males) with four different genotypes (L444P/L444P, L444P/F231I,
      P159T/unknown, C.115+1G>A/N188S) were identified. They received ERT infusions
      from 3 to 21years. Haematological parameters and organomegaly improved/normalised
      in all patients. Three patients showed severe progressive skeletal deformities.
      6/10 patients were neurologically asymptomatic when they started ERT for systemic
      symptoms. During the follow-up, 2/6 developed an important central nervous system
      disease; 2/6 developed mild central symptoms; and 2/6 did not show any
      neurological symptom after 5, and 20years of treatment respectively, despite the
      presence of epileptiform abnormalities at the electroencephalogram. Overall,
      neurological involvement worsened over time in 6/10 patients, 3 of whom developed
      progressive myoclonic encephalopathy and died. CONCLUSIONS: ERT improved the
      systemic manifestations in patients with GD3, but was not able to counteract the
      progression of neurological symptoms in the long term.

PMID- 25127545
TI  - Simplified follow-up after medical abortion using a low-sensitivity urinary
      pregnancy test and a pictorial instruction sheet in Rajasthan, India--study
      protocol and intervention adaptation of a randomised control trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The World Health Organisation suggests that simplification of the
      medical abortion regime will contribute to an increased acceptability of medical
      abortion, among women as well as providers. It is expected that a home-based
      follow-up after a medical abortion will increase the willingness to opt for
      medical abortion as well as decrease the workload and service costs in the
      clinic. METHODS/DESIGN: This study protocol describes a study that is a
      randomised, controlled, non-superiority trial. Women screened to participate in
      the study are those with unwanted pregnancies and gestational ages equal to or
      less than nine weeks. The randomisation list will be generated using a
      computerized random number generator and opaque sealed envelopes with group
      allocation will be prepared. Randomization of the study participants will occur
      after the first clinical encounter with the doctor. Eligible women randomised to
      the home-based assessment group will use a low-sensitivity pregnancy test and a
      pictorial instruction sheet at home, while the women in the clinic follow-up
      group will return to the clinic for routine follow-up carried out by a doctor.
      The primary objective of the study this study protocol describes is to evaluate
      the efficacy of home-based assessment using a low-sensitivity pregnancy test and
      a pictorial instruction sheet 10-14 days after an early medical abortion.
      Providers or research assistants will not be blinded during outcome assessment.
      To ensure feasibility of the self-assessment intervention an adaption phase took
      place at the selected study sites before study initiation. This resulted in an
      optimized, tailor-made intervention and in the development of the pictorial
      instruction sheet with a guide on how to use the low-sensitivity pregnancy test
      and the danger signs after a medical abortion. DISCUSSION: In this paper, we will
      describe the study protocol for a randomised control trial investigating the
      efficacy of simplified follow-up in terms of home-based assessment, 10-14 days
      after a medical abortion. Moreover, a description of the adaptation phase is
      included for a better understanding of the implementation of the intervention in
      a setting where literacy is low and the road-connections are poor. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01827995. Registered 04 May 2013.

PMID- 25127546
TI  - mRNA-based vaccines synergize with radiation therapy to eradicate established
      tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The eradication of large, established tumors by active immunotherapy
      is a major challenge because of the numerous cancer evasion mechanisms that
      exist. This study aimed to establish a novel combination therapy consisting of
      messenger RNA (mRNA)-based cancer vaccines and radiation, which would facilitate
      the effective treatment of established tumors with aggressive growth kinetics.
      METHODS: The combination of a tumor-specific mRNA-based vaccination with
      radiation was tested in two syngeneic tumor models, a highly immunogenic E.G7-OVA
      and a low immunogenic Lewis lung cancer (LLC). The molecular mechanism induced by
      the combination therapy was evaluated via gene expression arrays as well as flow
      cytometry analyses of tumor infiltrating cells. RESULTS: In both tumor models we
      demonstrated that a combination of mRNA-based immunotherapy with radiation
      results in a strong synergistic anti-tumor effect. This was manifested as either
      complete tumor eradication or delay in tumor growth. Gene expression analysis of
      mouse tumors revealed a variety of substantial changes at the tumor site
      following radiation. Genes associated with antigen presentation, infiltration of
      immune cells, adhesion, and activation of the innate immune system were
      upregulated. A combination of radiation and immunotherapy induced significant
      downregulation of tumor associated factors and upregulation of tumor suppressors.
      Moreover, combination therapy significantly increased CD4+, CD8+ and NKT cell
      infiltration of mouse tumors. CONCLUSION: Our data provide a scientific rationale
      for combining immunotherapy with radiation and provide a basis for the
      development of more potent anti-cancer therapies.

PMID- 25127547
TI  - Circulation of four Anaplasma phagocytophilum ecotypes in Europe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the etiological agent of granulocytic
      anaplasmosis in humans and animals. Wild animals and ticks play key roles in the
      enzootic cycles of the pathogen. Potential ecotypes of A. phagocytophilum have
      been characterized genetically, but their host range, zoonotic potential and
      transmission dynamics has only incompletely been resolved. METHODS: The presence
      of A. phagocytophilum DNA was determined in more than 6000 ixodid ticks collected
      from the vegetation and wildlife, in 289 tissue samples from wild and domestic
      animals, and 69 keds collected from deer, originating from various geographic
      locations in The Netherlands and Belgium. From the qPCR-positive lysates, a
      fragment of the groEL-gene was amplified and sequenced. Additional groEL
      sequences from ticks and animals from Europe were obtained from GenBank, and
      sequences from human cases were obtained through literature searches. Statistical
      analyses were performed to identify A. phagocytophilum ecotypes, to assess their
      host range and their zoonotic potential. The population dynamics of A.
      phagocytophilum ecotypes was investigated using population genetic analyses.
      RESULTS: DNA of A. phagocytophilum was present in all stages of questing and
      feeding Ixodes ricinus, feeding I. hexagonus, I. frontalis, I. trianguliceps, and
      deer keds, but was absent in questing I. arboricola and Dermacentor reticulatus.
      DNA of A. phagocytophilum was present in feeding ticks and tissues from many
      vertebrates, including roe deer, mouflon, red foxes, wild boar, sheep and
      hedgehogs but was rarely found in rodents and birds and was absent in badgers and
      lizards. Four geographically dispersed A. phagocytophilum ecotypes were
      identified, that had significantly different host ranges. All sequences from
      human cases belonged to only one of these ecotypes. Based on population genetic
      parameters, the potentially zoonotic ecotype showed significant expansion.
      CONCLUSION: Four ecotypes of A. phagocytophilum with differential enzootic cycles
      were identified. So far, all human cases clustered in only one of these ecotypes.
      The zoonotic ecotype has the broadest range of wildlife hosts. The expansion of
      the zoonotic A. phagocytophilum ecotype indicates a recent increase of the
      acarological risk of exposure of humans and animals.

PMID- 25127550
TI  - Association among duration of mechanical ventilation, cuff material of
      endotracheal tube, and postoperative nosocomial pneumonia in cardiac surgical
      patients: a prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Postoperative pulmonary complications are a burden for high-risk
      surgical patients with a risk of aspiration of subglottic secretions along the
      polyvinyl chloride cuff. The introduction of a polyurethane cuff diminishes
      secretion leakage with a decreased rate of pneumonia. The aim of the current
      analysis was to determine the time at which a polyurethane cuffed endotracheal
      tube might be advantageous to prevent aspiration in a setting of high-risk
      surgical patients. METHODS: The present investigation is based on published data
      obtained in postoperative cardiac surgical patients undergoing operation from
      2006 to 2007. Cuff pressure was kept between 20 and 26 cmH2O intraoperatively and
      in the intensive care unit. The current post hoc analysis determines (1) the
      discriminatory cutoff value of intubation duration for predicting postoperative
      pneumonia and (2) the potential factors associated with prolonged intubation.
      RESULTS: Forty-three patients (32%) were diagnosed with early postoperative
      pneumonia. Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed a cutoff value of
      16.6 hours for the duration of mechanical ventilation to discriminate patients
      with postoperative pneumonia. A stepwise binary logistic regression analysis
      revealed that a polyvinyl chloride cuff was associated with a 10-fold increased
      risk for prolonged intubation. CONCLUSIONS: The current analyses provide evidence
      that among cardiac surgical patients, mechanical ventilation more than 16.6 hours
      is associated with an increased likelihood of postoperative pneumonia.

PMID- 25127548
TI  - Primary transcriptome map of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus
      kodakarensis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prokaryotes have relatively small genomes, densely-packed with
      protein-encoding sequences. RNA sequencing has, however, revealed surprisingly
      complex transcriptomes and here we report the transcripts present in the model
      hyperthermophilic Archaeon, Thermococcus kodakarensis, under different
      physiological conditions. RESULTS: Sequencing cDNA libraries, generated from RNA
      isolated from cells under different growth and metabolic conditions has
      identified >2,700 sites of transcription initiation, established a genome-wide
      map of transcripts, and consensus sequences for transcription initiation and post
      transcription regulatory elements. The primary transcription start sites (TSS)
      upstream of 1,254 annotated genes, plus 644 primary TSS and their promoters
      within genes, are identified. Most mRNAs have a 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR)
      10 to 50 nt long (median = 16 nt), but ~20% have 5'-UTRs from 50 to 300 nt long
      and ~14% are leaderless. Approximately 50% of mRNAs contain a consensus ribosome
      binding sequence. The results identify TSS for 1,018 antisense transcripts, most
      with sequences complementary to either the 5'- or 3'-region of a sense mRNA, and
      confirm the presence of transcripts from all three CRISPR loci, the RNase P and
      7S RNAs, all tRNAs and rRNAs and 69 predicted snoRNAs. Two putative riboswitch
      RNAs were present in growing but not in stationary phase cells. The procedure
      used is designed to identify TSS but, assuming that the number of cDNA reads
      correlates with transcript abundance, the results also provide a semi
      quantitative documentation of the differences in T. kodakarensis genome
      expression under different growth conditions and confirm previous observations of
      substrate-dependent specific gene expression. Many previously unanticipated small
      RNAs have been identified, some with relative low GC contents (<= 50%) and
      sequences that do not fold readily into base-paired secondary structures,
      contrary to the classical expectations for non-coding RNAs in a hyperthermophile.
      CONCLUSION: The results identify >2,700 TSS, including almost all of the primary
      sites of transcription initiation upstream of annotated genes, plus many
      secondary sites, sites within genes and sites resulting in antisense transcripts.
      The T. kodakarensis genome is small (~2.1 Mbp) and tightly packed with protein
      encoding genes, but the transcriptomes established also contain many non-coding
      RNAs and predict extensive RNA-based regulation in this model Archaeon.

PMID- 25127549
TI  - Effectiveness of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm during echocardiography.
AB  - Screening patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is associated with
      reduced AAA-related mortality, but population screening is poorly implemented.
      Opportunistic screening during imaging for other indications might be efficient.
      Single-center series reported AAA rates of 0.8% to 6.5% in patients undergoing
      transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), with disparities due to selection bias. In
      this first multicenter study, we aimed to assess the feasibility and criteria for
      screening AAA during TTE in real-life practice. During a week of May 2011, 79
      centers participated in a nationwide survey. All patients aged >=65 years
      requiring TTE for any indication were eligible, except for those with operated
      abdominal aorta. We defined AAA by an anteroposterior diameter of the infrarenal
      aorta>=30 mm. Of 1,382 consecutive patients, abdominal aorta imaging was feasible
      in 96.7%, with a median delay of 1.7 minutes (>3 minutes in 3.6% of cases). We
      found AAA in 50 patients (3.7%). Unknown AAA (2.7%) was more frequent in men than
      women (3.7% vs 1.3%, respectively, p=0.007) and increased by age at 2.2%, 2.5%,
      and 5.8% in age bands of 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85+ years, respectively. None of
      the female participants aged <75 years had AAA. Smoking status and family history
      of AAA were significantly more frequent among patients with AAA. The ascending
      aorta was larger in those with AAA (36.2+/-4.7 vs 34.0+/-5.2 mm, p=0.006), and
      bicuspid aortic valve and/or major aortic regurgitation were also more frequent
      (8% vs 2.6%, p=0.017). In conclusion, rapid AAA screening during TTE is feasible
      and should be limited to men >=65 years and women>=75 years.

PMID- 25127551
TI  - Therapeutic potential of a non-steroidal bifunctional anti-inflammatory and anti
      cholinergic agent against skin injury induced by sulfur mustard.
AB  - Sulfur mustard (bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, SM) is a highly reactive bifunctional
      alkylating agent inducing edema, inflammation, and the formation of fluid-filled
      blisters in the skin. Medical countermeasures against SM-induced cutaneous injury
      have yet to be established. In the present studies, we tested a novel,
      bifunctional anti-inflammatory prodrug (NDH 4338) designed to target
      cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), an enzyme that generates inflammatory eicosanoids, and
      acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme mediating activation of cholinergic inflammatory
      pathways in a model of SM-induced skin injury. Adult SKH-1 hairless male mice
      were exposed to SM using a dorsal skin vapor cup model. NDH 4338 was applied
      topically to the skin 24, 48, and 72 h post-SM exposure. After 96 h, SM was found
      to induce skin injury characterized by edema, epidermal hyperplasia, loss of the
      differentiation marker, keratin 10 (K10), upregulation of the skin wound marker
      keratin 6 (K6), disruption of the basement membrane anchoring protein laminin
      322, and increased expression of epidermal COX2. NDH 4338 post-treatment reduced
      SM-induced dermal edema and enhanced skin re-epithelialization. This was
      associated with a reduction in COX2 expression, increased K10 expression in the
      suprabasal epidermis, and reduced expression of K6. NDH 4338 also restored
      basement membrane integrity, as evidenced by continuous expression of laminin 332
      at the dermal-epidermal junction. Taken together, these data indicate that a
      bifunctional anti-inflammatory prodrug stimulates repair of SM induced skin
      injury and may be useful as a medical countermeasure.

PMID- 25127552
TI  - Australian alcohol policy 2001-2013 and implications for public health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite a complex and multi-faceted alcohol policy environment in
      Australia, there are few comprehensive reviews of national and state alcohol
      policies that assess their effectiveness and research support. In mapping the
      Australian alcohol policy domain and evaluating policy interventions in each of
      the core policy areas, this article provides a useful resource for researchers.
      The implications for protecting public health emanating from this mapping and
      evaluation of alcohol policy are also discussed. METHODS: This review considered
      data from: published primary research; alcohol legislation, strategies and
      alcohol-related press releases for all levels and jurisdictions of Australian
      government; international publications by prominent non-governmental
      organisations; and relevant grey literature. These were organised and evaluated
      using the established framework offered by Thomas Babor and colleagues. RESULTS:
      Findings indicated great variability in alcohol initiatives across Australia,
      many of which do not reflect what is currently considered to be evidence-based
      best practice. CONCLUSIONS: Research showing increasing alcohol-related harms
      despite steady levels of consumption suggests a need to pursue alcohol policy
      initiatives that are supported by evidence of harm-reduction. Future initiatives
      should aim to increase existing alcohol controls in line with suggested best
      practice in order to protect public health in Australia.

PMID- 25127553
TI  - Risk factors for diarrhea hospitalization in Bangladesh, 2000-2008: a case-case
      study of cholera and shigellosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cholera and shigellosis are endemic on the Indian subcontinent. Our
      objective was to identify cholera-specific risk factors distinct from shigellosis
      risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a case-case study among hospitalized
      diarrheal patients, comparing those with cholera and shigellosis in International
      Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) hospitals in Matlab
      (rural) and Dhaka (urban) between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008. RESULTS:
      Multivariable Poisson regression models revealed that having more than nine years
      of education, compared to no education, was associated with a 39% (adjusted Risk
      Ratio [aRR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-0.93) decreased risk for
      cholera hospitalization in Matlab and a 16% (aRR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75-0.94)
      decreased risk in Dhaka. Having a family member with diarrhea in the past seven
      days increased cholera hospitalization risk by 17% (aRR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09
      1.26) in Matlab. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to elucidate the pathway
      through which education impacts cholera risk in order to create targeted
      interventions in cholera-endemic areas. Interventions seeking to reduce
      transmission and facilitate hygienic practices among family members of index
      cases with diarrhea should be considered, especially in rural cholera endemic
      settings.

PMID- 25127555
TI  - [Reply to authors].

PMID- 25127554
TI  - [Self-rated health and educational level in Spain: trends by autonomous
      communities and gender (2001-2012)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the trend in self-rated health in Spain by autonomous
      communities (AC) in the period 2001-2012, as well as differences by gender and
      age, and the influence of educational level. METHODS: A cross sectional study was
      carried out using data from the National Health Surveys from 2001 to 2011-12 and
      the 2009 European Survey. A descriptive analysis was conducted that included
      gender, age, educational level, and the AC of residence. Logistic regression
      analyses were developed to explore the temporal trend and the association between
      educational level and self-rated health. The predictive capacity of the model was
      calculated using the C statistic. RESULTS: The prevalence of low self-rated
      health was higher in women with low educational level. Self-rated health improved
      in women with high educational level (2001:18.6% vs. 2012:14.6%). The highest
      prevalence of low self-rated health was observed in Andalusia, the Canary
      Islands, Galicia and Murcia, with differences by gender. Low educational level
      was associated with low self-rated health in most AC, with good predictive
      capacity. In all AC except Asturias, low self-rated health was more frequent in
      women than in men. In Spain, the prevalence of self-rated health showed no
      variations in the period analyzed and improved in the Balearic Islands,
      Catalonia, and Madrid. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of self-rated health in Spain
      differed by AC. Although health was unchanged during the period considered,
      inequalities were found in its temporal trend by educational level and gender,
      which could lead to an increase in health inequalities in women according
      educational level.

PMID- 25127556
TI  - Debonding mechanisms of soft materials at short contact times.
AB  - A carefully controlled, custom-built adhesion testing device was developed which
      allows a precise, short dwell time on the order of milliseconds to be applied
      during a contact adhesion experiment. The dwell time dependence of the adhesive
      strength of crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) in contact with glass and
      uncrosslinked styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) in contact with glass and with
      itself was tested with a spherical probe in a confined Johnson-Kendall-Roberts
      (JKR) geometry. Analysis of the contact images revealed several unique separation
      mechanisms which are dependent on dwell time and interfacial properties. PDMS
      glass interfaces show essentially no dependence of adhesion on the dwell time
      while the adhesive strength and separation mechanisms of SBR interfaces are shown
      to vary drastically for dwell times ranging from 40 to 10,000 ms. This influence
      of dwell time is particularly pronounced for polymer-polymer (SBR-SBR)
      interfaces. Observations of cavitation due to trapped air pockets in the center
      of the contact at very short contact times illustrate a transition between a
      defect-controlled debonding and an interface-controlled debonding which has not
      been previously reported.

PMID- 25127557
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of a novel mesoporous silica functionalized with
      [1,5 bis(di-2-pyridyl)methylene thiocarbohydrazide] and its application as
      enrichment sorbent for determination of antimony by FI-HG-ETAAS.
AB  - A simple, sensitive, low-cost and rapid flow injection (FI) on-line sorption
      preconcentration/hydride generation system has been synchronously coupled to an
      electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer (ETAAS) for the determination of
      trace amounts of Sb in aqueous environmental samples (river and sea water
      samples). The system is based on retention of the analyte onto a micro-column
      filled with a novel mesoporous silica functionalised with [1,5 bis(di-2-pyridyl)
      methylene] thiocarbohydrazide placed in the injection valve of the FI manifold.
      The adsorption capacity of the resin for Sb was found to be 160.8 umol g(-1).
      Chemicals and flow variables affecting the continuous preconcentration of
      antimony, the direct generation of antimony hydride and the final determination
      of this element by ETAAS were evaluated. The optimized operating conditions
      selected were: sample pH 5.0, sample flow rate 2.5 ml min(-1), eluent flow rate
      5.4 ml min(-1), eluent 2.0% thiourea in 4.0% nitric acid. Under the optimum
      conditions, the calibration graph obtained was linear over the range 0.025-2.5
      MUg L(-1). At a sample frequency of 20 h(-1) and 120 s preconcentration time, the
      enrichment factor was 22. The detection limit of the method (3o) was 1 ng L(-1)
      for a 5.0 mL sample volume and the precision was 0.9% (RSD) for 11 replicate
      determinations at 1.0 MUg L(-1) Sb. The preconcentration factor and detection
      limit can be improved by increasing the preconcentration time, which can be
      increased at least up to 5 min. The accuracy of the proposed method was
      demonstrated by analyzing two certified reference materials and by determining
      the analyte content in spiked environmental water samples. The results obtained
      using this method were in good agreement with the certified values of the
      standard reference materials and the recoveries for the spiked river and sea
      water samples were 91.3-109.9%.

PMID- 25127558
TI  - Charge-based characterisation of high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits from
      common wheat by capillary isoelectric focusing.
AB  - In this study, the capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF) method for the
      separation and charge characterisation of the heterogeneity of high molecular
      weight-glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using
      linear polyacrylamide (LPA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coated capillaries was
      developed. Particularly good repeatability and well-resolved charge isoform
      profiles were obtained by introducing a mixture of carrier ampholytes (pH 3-10
      and pH 5-8), a high concentration of urea (6M) and SB3-12 as detergent in a
      sample solution during separation in a PVA-coated capillary. One major and one or
      two minor isoforms were observed for the individual HMW-GS. These isoforms were
      satisfactorily separated using a pH gradient into two groups: y-type isoforms and
      x-type isoforms encoded by the Glu-B1 locus with shorter migration times and
      remaining x-type isoforms with longer times. The method produced from eight to
      twelve isoforms of wheat HMW-GS with pI points in the range of 4.72-6.98.
      Generally, the minor isoforms were more acidic compared with the major isoform.
      The y-type subunits had an approximately neutral character (pI 6.70-6.98);
      however, x-types showed a weakly acidic character (pI 4.72-5.23), with the
      exception of subunits encoded by the Glu-B1 locus. The isoelectric point peak
      profiles were compared with capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE)
      electropherograms. Generally, the number of detected isoforms for the particular
      HMW-GS detected using both methods were similar. 

PMID- 25127559
TI  - Evaluation of immunoglobulins in bovine colostrum using laser induced
      fluorescence.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to exploit laser induced fluorescence
      (LIF) as a spectrochemical analytical technique for evaluation of immunoglobulin
      (IgG) in bovine colostrum. Colostrum samples were collected from different
      American Holstein cows at different times after calving. Four samples were
      gathered from each cow; the first three samples were obtained from the first
      three milkings (colostrum) and the fourth sample (milk) was obtained a week after
      calving. It has been demonstrated that LIF can be used as a simple, fast,
      sensitive and less costly spectrochemical analytical technique for qualitative
      estimation of IgG in colostrum. LIF results have been confirmed via the
      quantitative evaluation of IgG in the same samples adopting the single radial
      immunodiffusion conventional technique and a very good agreement has been
      obtained. Through LIF it was possible to evaluate bovine colostrum after
      different milking times and to differentiate qualitatively between colostrum from
      different animals which may reflect their general health status. A fluorescence
      linear calibration curve for IgG concentrations from 0 up to 120 g L(-1) has been
      obtained. In addition, it is feasible to adopt this technique for in situ
      measurements, i.e. in dairy cattle farms as a simple and fast method for
      evaluation of IgG in bovine colostrum instead of using lengthy and complicated
      conventional techniques in laboratories.

PMID- 25127560
TI  - Quantum dots and p-phenylenediamine based method for the sensitive determination
      of glucose.
AB  - By introducing p-phenylenediamine (PPD) to the hybrid system of Mn-doped CdS/ZnS
      quantum dots (QDs) and glucose oxidase (GOD), a sensitive label-free method was
      proposed for direct detection of glucose. With glucose and PPD as substrates, 2,5
      diamino-N,N'-di-(4-aminophenyl)-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-diimine (DDACD) that
      intensively quenches the fluorescence of QDs can be produced by the catalysis of
      GOD. A detection limit as low as 3.2 MUM was obtained with the high-efficient
      fluorescence quencher. Two linear ranges, from 5.0 MUM to 1000 MUM and from 1.0
      mM to 10.0 mM, were identified between time-gated fluorescence intensity and the
      concentration of glucose. It is shown that the newly proposed methods have high
      selectivity for glucose over other saccharides and coexisting biological species
      in serum. The method can be used directly to determine glucose in normal adult
      human serum without any complicated sample pretreatments. The recovery rate and
      repeatability of the method were also shown to be satisfactory.

PMID- 25127561
TI  - A novel electrochemiluminescence tetracyclines sensor based on a Ru(bpy)32+-doped
      silica nanoparticles/Nafion film modified electrode.
AB  - A novel method for the determination of tetracyclines (TCs) using
      electrochemiluminescence (ECL) based on a Ru(bpy)3(2+)-doped silica nanoparticles
      (RuSiNPs)/Nafion film modified electrode is presented in this paper. The RuSiNPs
      were prepared by a water-in-oil microemulsion method. The characterization
      results indicated that the thus-prepared RuSiNPs presented a uniform size of 45
      nm and retained the original electrochemical properties of Ru(bpy)3(2+).
      Importantly, the ECL response on RuSiNPs/Nafion film modified electrode was
      greatly enhanced by TCs. Under the optimum conditions, the ECL intensity versus
      the concentration of TCs was found to be linear over the range of 1-100 MUmol L(
      1) for tetracycline (TC), 0.1-100 MUmol L(-1) for oxytetracycline (OTC) and 1-100
      MUmol L(-1) for chlortetracycline (CTC). The detection limits (S/N=3) were 0.23
      MUmol L(-1) for TC, 0.10 MUmol L(-1) for OTC and 0.16 MUmol L(-1) for CTC.
      Moreover, due to the electrostatic interaction between Ru(bpy)3(2+) and silica
      matrix, the leaching of Ru(bpy)3(2+) was greatly reduced, therefore, the ECL
      sensor exhibited excellent repeatability and stability in the detection of TCs.
      Based on these investigations, the proposed ECL approach was successfully used to
      analyze the TCs content in drugs.

PMID- 25127562
TI  - Electronic nose and chiral-capillary electrophoresis in evaluation of the quality
      changes in commercial green tea leaves during a long-term storage.
AB  - Electronic nose and capillary electrophoresis were applied in quality control of
      green tea samples subjected to long-term storage. Twelve representative green
      teas were considered, available as an "aged" (tea leaves stored during a long
      term period of two years) and/or "not aged" (fresh products) samples. Their
      infusions were analyzed by an electronic nose, equipped with an array of six
      metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors to obtain olfactive fingerprints of the
      volatile compounds in the infusions headspace. Upon training and chemometric
      analysis of acquired data (linear discriminant analysis), the electronic nose was
      found to be able in correctly classifying unknown samples as "aged" or "not
      aged". Concomitantly, the infusion samples were analyzed by Cyclodextrin-modified
      Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography (CD-MEKC) for determination of catechins.
      The analysis of seven most represented catechins and the methylxanthines
      theobromine and caffeine revealed a general loss of the polyphenols in each of
      the considered aged samples (up to 45%, w/w). In addition, the applied
      enantioselective method based on (2-hydroxypropyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-betaCD)
      as chiral selector, was exploited for the estimation of (+)-Gallocatechin in the
      presence of (-)-Gallocatechin; the latter, as the non-native enantiomer, can be
      associated to the epimerisation of (-)-Epigallocatechin and was assumed as a
      marker occurring in case of uncorrected storage conditions of tea leaves.
      Interestingly, it was observed that epimerization did not significantly occur
      during aging. The application of CD-MEKC and electronic nose allowed for a fast
      characterization of green teas taking into account that the aroma is a decisive
      parameter for the acceptance of the product, whereas the catechins content is
      associated to the biological value. 

PMID- 25127563
TI  - Analytical methods for the determination of DEHP plasticizer alternatives present
      in medical devices: a review.
AB  - Until 2010, diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) was the plasticizer most commonly used
      to soften PVC medical devices (MDs), because of a good efficiency/cost ratio. In
      flexible plasticized PVC, phthalates are not chemically bound to PVC and they are
      released into the environment and thus may come into contact with patients. The
      European Directive 2007/47/CE, classified DEHP as a product with a toxicity risk
      and restricted its use in MDs. MD manufacturers were therefore forced to quickly
      find alternatives to DEHP to maintain the elasticity of PVC nutrition tubings,
      infusion sets and hemodialysis lines. Several replacement plasticizers, so-called
      "alternative to DEHP plasticizers" were incorporated into the MDs. Nowadays, the
      risk of exposure to these compounds for hospitalized patients, particularly in
      situations classified "at risk", has not yet been evaluated, because migrations
      studies, providing sufficient exposure and human toxicity data have not been
      performed. To assess the risk to patients of DEHP plasticizer alternatives,
      reliable analytical methods must be first developed in order to generate data
      that supports clinical studies being conducted in this area. After a brief
      introduction of the characteristics and toxicity of the selected plasticizers
      used currently in MDs, this review outlines recently analytical methods available
      to determine and quantify these plasticizers in several matrices, allowing the
      evaluation of potential risk and so risk management. 

PMID- 25127564
TI  - Metal organic frameworks/macroporous carbon composites with enhanced stability
      properties and good electrocatalytic ability for ascorbic acid and hemoglobin.
AB  - The thermal, water and electrochemical stability of Cu-based metal organic
      frameworks (Cu-MOFs) confined in macroporous carbon (MPC) hybrids has been
      investigated. Thermogravimetric analyses, X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron
      microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry were employed to confirm the stability of pure
      Cu-MOFs, MPC, and Cu-MOFs-MPC. As compared to pure Cu-MOFs, the porous composite
      materials of MPC and Cu-MOFs interact and seem to form new materials having
      homogenous structure and chemistry, which show structural stability in aqueous
      media and electrochemical stability in phosphate buffer solution (PBS pH 7.4).
      The detection of ascorbic acid and hemoglobin is performed as an electrochemical
      probe, indicating Cu-MOFs-MPC holds great promise for the design of
      electrochemical sensors. 

PMID- 25127565
TI  - Detection of copper, lead, cadmium and iron in wine using electronic tongue
      sensor system.
AB  - An array of 10 potentiometric chemical sensors has been applied to the detection
      of total Fe, Cu, Pb and Cd content in digested wine. As digestion of organic
      matter of wine is necessary prior to the trace metal detection using
      potentiometric sensors, sample preparation procedures have been optimized.
      Different variants of wet and microwave digestion and dry ashing, 14 conditions
      in total, have been tested. Decomposition of organic matter was assessed using
      Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy and total phenolic content. Dry
      ashing was found to be the most effective method of wine digestion. Measurements
      with sensors in individual solutions of Fe(III), Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II)
      prepared on different backgrounds have shown that their detection limits were
      below typical concentration levels of these metals in wines and, in the case of
      Cu, Pb and Cd below maximum allowed concentrations. Detection of Fe in digested
      wine samples was possible using discrete iron-sensitive sensors with chalcogenide
      glass membranes with RMSEP of 0.05 mmol L(-1) in the concentration range from
      0.0786 to 0.472 mmol L(-1). Low concentration levels of Cu, Pb and Cd in wine and
      cross-sensitivity of respective sensors resulted in the non-linearity of their
      responses, requiring back-propagation neural network for the calibration.
      Calibration models have been calculated using measurements in the model mixed
      solutions containing all three metals and a set of digested wine sample. RMSEP
      values for Cu, Pb and Cd were 3.9, 39 and 1.2 MUmol L(-1) in model solutions and
      2, 150 and 1 MUmol L(-1) in digested wine samples.

PMID- 25127566
TI  - A miniaturized capacitively coupled plasma microtorch optical emission
      spectrometer and a Rh coiled-filament as small-sized electrothermal vaporization
      device for simultaneous determination of volatile elements from liquid
      microsamples: spectral and analytical characterization.
AB  - A low power and low argon consumption (13.56 MHz, 15 W, 150 ml min(-1))
      capacitively coupled plasma microtorch interfaced with a low-resolution
      microspectrometer and a small-sized electrothermal vaporization Rh coiled
      filament as liquid microsample introduction device into the plasma was
      investigated for the simultaneous determination of several volatile elements of
      interest for environment. Constructive details, spectral and analytical
      characteristics, and optimum operating conditions of the laboratory equipment for
      the simultaneous determination of Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn requiring low
      vaporization power are provided. The method involves drying of 10 MUl sample at
      100 degrees C, vaporization at 1500 degrees C and emission measurement by capture
      of 20 successive spectral episodes each at an integration time of 500 ms.
      Experiments showed that emission of elements and plasma background were disturbed
      by the presence of complex matrix and hot Ar flow transporting the microsample
      into plasma. The emission spectrum of elements is simple, dominated by the
      resonance lines. The analytical system provided detection limits in the ng ml(-1)
      range: 0.5(Ag); 1.5(Cd); 5.6(Cu); 20(Pb) and 3(Zn) and absolute detection limits
      of the order of pg: 5(Ag); 15(Cd); 56(Cu); 200(Pb) and 30(Zn). It was
      demonstrated the utility and capability of the miniaturized analytical system in
      the simultaneous determination of elements in soil and water sediment using the
      standard addition method to compensate for the non-spectral effects of alkali and
      earth alkaline elements. The analysis of eight certified reference materials
      exhibited reliable results with recovery in the range of 95-108% and precision of
      0.5-9.0% for the five examined elements. The proposed miniaturized analytical
      system is attractive due to the simple construction of the electrothermal
      vaporization device and microtorch, low costs associated to plasma generation,
      high analytical sensitivity and easy-to-run for simultaneous multielemental
      analysis of liquid microsamples.

PMID- 25127567
TI  - Evaluation of surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection using a handheld and a
      bench-top Raman spectrometer: a comparative study.
AB  - Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection using a handheld Raman
      spectrometer and a bench-top Raman spectrometer was systemically evaluated and
      compared in this study. Silver dendrites were used as the SERS substrate, and two
      pesticides, maneb and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate-ammonium salt (PDCA) were used
      as the analytes. Capacity and performance were evaluated based on spectral
      resolution, signal variation, quantitative capacity, sensitivity, flexibility and
      intelligence for SERS detection. The results showed that the handheld Raman
      spectrometer had better data consistency, more accurate quantification capacity,
      as well as the capacity of on-site and intelligence for qualitative and semi
      quantitative analysis. On the other hand, the bench-top Raman spectrometer showed
      about 10 times higher sensitivity, as well as flexibility for optimization of the
      SERS measurements under different parameters such as laser power output,
      collective time, and objective magnification. The study on the optimization of
      SERS measurements on a bench-top spectrometer provides a useful guide for
      designing a handheld Raman spectrometer, specifically for SERS detection. This
      evaluation can advance the application of a handheld Raman spectrometer for the
      on-site measurement of trace amounts of pesticides or other chemicals. 

PMID- 25127568
TI  - Non-covalent conjugation of CdTe QDs with lysozyme binding DNA for fluorescent
      sensing of lysozyme in complex biological sample.
AB  - Water-soluble cysteamine (CA) capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) conjugated with
      lysozyme binding DNA (LBD) was constructed for luminescent sensing of lysozyme by
      forming a ternary self-assembly complex. Addition of negatively charged lysozyme
      binding DNA to the positively charged CA capped CdTe QDs buffer solution (Tris
      HCl pH 7.4) could lead to the formation of QDs-LBD complex through electrostatic
      interactions. Once lysozyme was introduced into the CdTe QDs-LBD system, it could
      bind specifically with the QDs-LBD complex, resulting in fluorescence emission
      enhancement of the QDs due to the surface inert of QDs. At a given amount of LBD
      and CdTe QDs (LBD: QDs=2: 1), the fluorescence intensity enhancement of QDs was
      linear with lysozyme concentration over the range of 8.9-71.2 nM, with a
      detection limit of 4.3 nM. Due to the specific binding of LBD with lysozyme, this
      approach displayed high selectivity for lysozyme recognition. The sensing
      mechanism was confirmed by DLS and zeta potential measurement, and agarose gel
      electrophoresis experiment. Furthermore, the proposed CA-capped CdTe QDs-LBD
      sensor was applied to lysozyme detection in mouse serum and human morning urine
      samples, which showed high sensitivity and selectivity in the complex biological
      sample.

PMID- 25127569
TI  - A sensitive flow-based procedure for spectrophotometric speciation analysis of
      inorganic bromine in waters.
AB  - A flow-based system with solenoid micro-pumps and long path-length
      spectrophotometry for bromate and bromide determination in drinking water is
      proposed. The method is based on the formation of an unstable dye from the
      reaction between bromate, 2-(5-dibromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (5-Br
      PADAP) and thiocyanate ions. A multivariate optimization was carried out. A
      linear response was observed between 5.0 and 100 ug L(-1) BrO3(-) and the
      detection limit was estimated as 2.0 ug L(-1) (99.7% confidence level). The
      coefficient of variation (n=20) and sampling rate were estimated as 1.0% and 40
      determinations per hour, respectively. Reagent consumption was estimated as 0.17
      ug of 5-Br-PADAP and 230 MUg of NaSCN per measurement, generating 6.0 mL of
      waste. Bromide determination was carried out after UV-assisted conversion with
      K2S2O8 using 300 uL of sample within the range 20-400 ug L(-1) Br(-). The
      generated bromate was then determined by the proposed flow system. The results
      for tap and commercial mineral water samples agreed with those obtained with the
      reference procedure at the 95% confidence level. The proposed procedure is
      therefore a sensitive, environmentally friendly and reliable alternative for
      inorganic bromine speciation.

PMID- 25127570
TI  - Construction of an electrochemical sensor based on amino-functionalized metal
      organic frameworks for differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric
      determination of lead.
AB  - Metal-organic frameworks composite materials have received tremendous attention
      because of their versatile structures and tunable porosity for various
      applications. Herein, amino-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (NH2
      Cu3(BTC)2; BTC=benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate) was prepared and used as a novel
      electrode modifier for the determination of trace levels of lead. NH2-Cu3(BTC)2
      shows quite a good capability for the efficient adsorption of lead from aqueous
      solutions. The parameters affecting the electrochemical process, such as
      electrolyte solution pH, the amount of NH2-Cu3(BTC)2 suspension, accumulation
      potential and accumulation time, were investigated in detail. Under the optimal
      conditions, the electrochemical sensor exhibited a linear response to the
      concentration of lead in the range of 1.0*10(-8)-5.0*10(-7) mol L(-1)
      (R(2)=0.9951) with a detection limit of 5.0*10(-9) mol L(-1). The relative
      standard deviation of 11 successive scans was 3.10% for 1.0*10(-8) mol L(-1)
      lead. The method was validated with certified reference material (stream sediment
      and milk powder) and the analytical results coincided well with the certified
      values. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to the determination of
      target analytes in tap and lake water samples and good recoveries were obtained
      from different spiked values.

PMID- 25127571
TI  - Rapid chemiluminescent sandwich enzyme immunoassay capable of consecutively
      quantifying multiple tumor markers in a sample.
AB  - Using the role of p-iodophenol in enzyme assay, enhanced 1,1'-oxalyldiimidazole
      chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassays (ODI-CLEIAs) were developed to consecutively
      quantify trace levels of triple tumor markers, such as alpha fetoprotein (AFP),
      carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in a sample.
      Due to the high sensitivity of enhanced ODI-CLEIAs, it was possible to fix the
      incubation times (1) to capture a tumor marker with two antibodies, which are
      primary antibody immobilized on the surface of polystyrene strip-well and
      detection antibody-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and (2) to form
      resorufin with the addition of substrates (e.g., Amplex Red, H2O2) in order to
      quantify triple markers in human serum. Enhanced ODI-CLEIAs capable of
      consecutively and rapidly quantifying triple markers with the same incubation
      time were more sensitive than conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) capable of separately and slowly quantifying them with different
      incubation times. In addition, accuracy, precision, and recovery of enhanced ODI
      CLEIAs in the presence of p-iodophenol were acceptable within statistical error
      range. 

PMID- 25127572
TI  - Coumarins as turn on/off fluorescent probes for detection of residual acetone in
      cosmetics following headspace single-drop microextraction.
AB  - In this work, a new method based on headspace-single drop microextraction for the
      determination of residual acetone in cosmetics by microfluorospectrometry is
      proposed. Acetone causes fluorescence changes in a 2.5 uL-ethanolic drop (40%
      v/v) containing 3.10(-4) mol L(-1) 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin ('turn off') or
      6.10(-6) mol L(-1) 7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin ('turn on'). Polarity and
      ability to form hydrogen bonds of short chain alcohols (polar protic solvents)
      were crucial in order to observe these changes in the presence of acetone (polar
      aprotic solvent). Parameters related with the HS-SDME procedure were studied,
      namely headspace volume, composition, volume and temperature of drop,
      microextraction time, stirring rate, mass and temperature of sample, as well as
      the effect of potential interferents (alcohols and fragrances). The high
      volatility of acetone allows its extraction from an untreated cosmetic sample
      within 3 min. A detection limit of 0.26 ug g(-1) and repeatability, expressed as
      relative standard deviation, around 5% were reached. Accuracy of the proposed
      methodology was evaluated by means of recovery studies. The method was
      successfully used to analyze different cosmetics. Simplicity and high sample
      throughput can be highlighted.

PMID- 25127573
TI  - Enzymatic tumour tissue digestion coupled to SPE-UPLC-Tandem Mass Spectrometry as
      a tool to explore paclitaxel tumour penetration.
AB  - Paclitaxel is a good compound for regional (intraperitoneal) chemotherapy of
      peritoneal carcinomatosis. During IPEC, a cytotoxic solution is circulated in the
      peritoneal cavity, thereby promoting close contact between the cytotoxic agent
      and the exposed (residual) tumour tissue. To further explore the role of PTX in
      this type of treatment and study the impact of treatment modalities on tumour
      tissue penetration, in-vivo animal experiments were set-up. In literature, PTX
      tumour uptake is frequently studied using autoradiography and/or fluorescence
      microscopy techniques. Owing to their semi-quantitative nature on one hand and
      the difficulty of incorporating imaging data within a pharmacokinetic
      pharmacodynamic modelling framework on the other hand, we set out to develop a
      validated assay for the quantification of PTX in tumour tissue samples.
      Furthermore, in order to maximise spatial resolution, care was taken to minimise
      the sample weight necessary for the analysis. Based on an enzymatic tumour tissue
      digestion protocol, an easy, less labour-intensive, when compared to mechanical
      tissue disruption techniques, method was developed. Through validation
      experiments we showed that our method reliably quantifies PTX in a working range
      of 30-8000 ng/g tumour tissue. Finally, using samples from the in-vivo
      experiments we demonstrated the suitability of the developed method.

PMID- 25127574
TI  - Organo-modified layered double hydroxide-catalyzed Fenton-like ultra-weak
      chemiluminescence for specific sensing of vitamin B12 in egg yolks.
AB  - In general, the chemiluminescence (CL) sensing of vitamin B12 is achieved by
      determining Co(II) liberated from acidified vitamin B12 by a luminol system.
      However, the luminol system for sensing vitamin B12 has poor selectivity due to
      serious interference from other metal ions. In this study, as a novel CL
      amplifier of the Co(II)+H2O2+OH(-) ultra-weak CL reaction (Fenton-like system),
      dodecylbenzene sulfonate (DBS)-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been applied
      to the specific determination of vitamin B12 by liberating Co(II). The CL
      intensity increased with increasing the concentration of vitamin B12 in a wide
      range from 1.0 ng mL(-1) to 5 MUg mL(-1) with a detection limit of 0.57 ng mL(-1)
      (S/N=3). The proposed method has been successfully applied to determine vitamin
      B12 in egg yolk with simple procedures, shorter time and higher selectivity.
      Recoveries from spiked real samples were 96-103%. The results of the proposed
      method for sensing vitamin B12 in real samples were agreed with those obtained by
      the standard inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the CL sensing of vitamin B12
      with high selectivity in the absence of luminol.

PMID- 25127575
TI  - Selective mixed-bed solid phase extraction of atrazine herbicide from
      environmental water samples using molecularly imprinted polymer.
AB  - A novel approach for the selective extraction of organic target compounds from
      water samples has been developed using a mixed-bed solid phase extraction (mixed
      bed SPE) technique. The molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles are
      embedded in a network of silica gel to form a stable uniform porous bed. The
      capabilities of this method are demonstrated using atrazine as a model compound.
      In comparison to conventional molecularly imprinted-solid phase extraction
      (MISPE), the proposed mixed-bed MISPE method in combination with gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis enables more reproducible and
      efficient extraction performance. After optimization of operational parameters
      (polymerization conditions, bed matrix ingredients, polymer to silica gel ratio,
      pH of the sample solution, breakthrough volume plus washing and elution
      conditions), improved LODs (1.34 ug L(-1) in comparison to 2.25 ug L(-1) obtained
      using MISPE) and limits of quantification (4.5 ug L(-1) for mixed-bed MISPE and
      7.5 ug L(-1) for MISPE) were observed for the analysis of atrazine. Furthermore,
      the relative standard deviations (RSDs) for atrazine at concentrations between 5
      and 200 ug L(-1) ranged between 1.8% and 6.3% compared to MISPE (3.5-12.1%).
      Additionally, the column-to-column reproducibility for the mixed-bed MISPE was
      significantly improved to 16.1%, compared with 53% that was observed for MISPE.
      Due to the reduced bed-mass sorbent and at optimized conditions, the total amount
      of organic solvents required for conditioning, washing and elution steps reduced
      from more than 25 mL for conventional MISPE to less than 2 mL for mixed-bed
      MISPE. Besides reduced organic solvent consumption, total sample preparation time
      of the mixed-bed MISPE method relative to the conventional MISPE was reduced from
      more than 20 min to less than 10 min. The amount of organic solvent required for
      complete elution diminished from 3 mL (conventional MISPE) to less than 0.4 mL
      with the mixed-bed technique shows its inherent potential for online operation
      with an analytical instrument. In order to evaluate the selectivity and matrix
      effects of the developed mixed-bed MISPE method, it was applied as an extraction
      technique for atrazine from environmental wastewater and river water samples.

PMID- 25127576
TI  - Reversible modulation of gold nanoclusters photoluminescence based on
      electrochromic poly(methylene blue).
AB  - Reversible photoluminescence (PL) switches based on a complex of gold
      nanoclusters and electrochromic poly(methylene blue) (PMB) were realized. The
      gold nanoclusters PL of hybrid device can be modulated reversibly under
      electrochemical stimulation. Such an electrochromic device presents several
      advantages, such as large fluorescence contrast under reduction and oxidation
      potentials, good reversibility and excellent long-time stability. This simple
      protocol is anticipated to offer important hints for other nanoclusters and
      electrochromic materials in the field of photoelectric devices. 

PMID- 25127577
TI  - Evaluation of transformer insulating oil quality using NIR, fluorescence, and NMR
      spectroscopic data fusion.
AB  - Power transformers are essential components in electrical energy distribution.
      One of their most important parts is the insulation system, consisting of Kraft
      paper immersed in insulating oil. Interfacial tension and color are major
      parameters used for assessing oil quality and the system's degradation. This work
      proposes the use of near infrared (NIR), molecular fluorescence, and (1)H nuclear
      magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy methods combined with chemometric
      multivariate calibration methods (Partial Least Squares - PLS) to predict
      interfacial tension and color in insulating mineral oil samples. Interfacial
      tension and color were also determined using tensiometry and colorimetry as
      standard reference methods, respectively. The best PLS model was obtained when
      NIR, fluorescence, and NMR data were combined (data fusion), demonstrating
      synergy among them. An optimal PLS model was calculated using the selected group
      of variables according to their importance on PLS projections (VIP). The root
      mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) values of 2.9 mN m(-1) and 0.3 were
      estimated for interfacial tension and color, respectively. Mean relative standard
      deviations of 1.5% for interfacial tension and 6% for color were registered,
      meeting quality control requirements set by electrical energy companies. The
      methods proposed in this work are rapid and simple, showing great advantages over
      traditional approaches, which are slow and environmentally unfriendly due to
      chemical waste generation.

PMID- 25127578
TI  - Electrochemiluminescence on-a-chip: towards a hand-held electrically powered
      optofluidic source.
AB  - We report a microfluidic platform that integrates several parallel optical
      sources based on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA)
      as luminophore agent. The annihilation of DPA radicals provides a low wavelength
      emission at lambda=430 nm in the blue-visible range. By varying the distance
      between electrodes for each ECL integrated source, this glass/PDMS/glass platform
      enabled a systematic investigation of the main electrochemical parameters
      involved in ECL. These parameters have been studied either in a static mode or in
      a dynamic one. Even at slow flow rate (~2 ul s(-1)), the renewal of electroactive
      species could be easily promoted inside the microfluidic channel which gives rise
      to a stable optical intensity for several minutes. Compared with traditional
      optically pumped dye sources, this microfluidic system demonstrates that ECL can
      be easily implemented on chip for producing much compact optofluidic sources.
      Such simply electrically powered system-on-chip would surely encourage the future
      of hand-held uTAS devices with integrated fast detection and embedded
      electronics.

PMID- 25127579
TI  - A separation of tyramine on a 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylamine imprinted polymer: an
      answer from theoretical and experimental studies.
AB  - A 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylamine imprinted polymer (MIP) was successfully applied
      for the selective separation of tyramine. A computational analysis was used to
      predict the affinity of the polymer matrix towards tyramine and a preliminary
      experimental evaluation was made for the target analyte. Then the experimental
      analysis of polymer towards tyramine was continued. The binding sites were
      characterized with employment of the Langmuir and Freudlich models. After the
      optimization of solid phase extraction towards tyramine, the most appropriate
      systems for the extraction steps were chosen: methanol-water 85:15 v/v for the
      loading and the washing as well as 0.04 M aq. ammonium acetate-methanol 30:70 v/v
      for the elution steps. The biogenic compounds as tryptamine, serotonin,
      octopamine, synephrine, and l-tyrosine were used for the selectivity study on the
      basis of binding capacities of the analytes on the imprinted and the non
      imprinted polymers. The theoretical approach to obtained results allowed to
      explain the adsorption selectivity of the tested polymer. Finally, the complex
      matrix of bovine serum albumin was used to show the usefulness of imprinted
      material for bioanalysis. The obtained recoveries showed the superiority of MIP
      over the commercial sorbent C18. Total recoveries of tyramine from spiked bovine
      serum albumin sample were determined as: 95+/-2%, 14+/-3%, and 1.9+/-0.4% for the
      imprinted, non-imprinted, and commercial C18 sorbents, respectively.

PMID- 25127580
TI  - Evaluation of internal standardization for the determination of semivolatile
      analytes in difficult matrices by simultaneous multielement atomic absorption
      spectrometry.
AB  - The aim of the present work is to investigate the use of the internal
      standardization technique combined with permanent chemical modification for the
      determination of two semivolatile analytes, such as As and Se, in difficult
      matrices by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Bismuth and tellurium
      have been evaluated as internal standards to minimize matrix effects on the
      direct determination of selenium and arsenic in sediments, by simultaneous
      electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using graphite tubes with
      integrated platform, pre-treated with different masses of Zr and Ir as permanent
      modifier. A Perkin-Elmer SIMAA 6000 simultaneous multielement spectrometer was
      used to study the correlation between two integrated absorbance signals. Matrix
      effects were evaluated by calculating the slope ratio between the analytical
      curve obtained from reference solutions prepared in 1.0% (v/v) HNO3 and
      analytical curve obtained from IS additions in matrix solutions. The results
      showed that Te was the optimal internal standard and 200 MUg Zr and 20 MUg Ir was
      the optimal permanent chemical modifier for both analytes. The instrumental
      limits of detection for As and Se were 1.48 and 1.96 MUg L(-1) without the use of
      an internal standard and 0.59 and 0.35 MUg L(-1) when Te was used as an internal
      standard, respectively. Relative standard deviations for a sample with matrix
      effect containing 100 MUg L(-1) As and 200 MUg L(-1) Se were 1.3% and 2.3% (n=20)
      using 100 MUg L(-1) Te, respectively, and for a standard solution sample
      containing 100 MUg L(-1) As and 200 MUg L(-1) Se were 3.0% and 1.2% (n=20) using
      100MUgL(-1) Te, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated
      by an addition-recovery experiment and by the analysis of different certified
      reference materials. The recovered values were in the 95-100% range for both
      analytes.

PMID- 25127581
TI  - GC-MS and FTIR evaluation of the six benzoyl-substituted-1-pentylindoles:
      isomeric synthetic cannabinoids.
AB  - This report compares the GC-MS and FTIR properties of all 6 regioisomeric benzoyl
      substituted-1-n-pentylindoles. These compounds have the benzoyl-group attached at
      each of the possible ring substituent positions of the indole ring. The six
      compounds have the same elemental composition C20H21NO yielding identical nominal
      and exact masses. Additionally, the substituents attached to the indole ring,
      benzoyl- and 1-n-pentyl-groups, are identical for all six isomers. The electron
      ionization mass spectra show equivalent regioisomeric major fragments resulting
      from cleavage of the groups attached to the central indole nucleus. Fragment ions
      occur at m/z 77 and 105 for the phenyl and benzoyl cations common to all six
      regioisomeric substances. Fragmentation of the benzoyl and/or pentyl groups
      yields the cations at m/z 234, 220, 214, 186 and 144. While the relative
      abundance of the ions varies among the six regioisomeric substances the 1-n
      pentyl-3-benzoylindole and 1-n-pentyl-5-benzoylindole share very similar relative
      abundances for the major fragment ions. Chromatographic separations on a
      capillary column containing a 0.5MUm film of 100% trifluoropropyl methyl
      polysiloxane (Rtx-200) provided excellent resolution of these six compounds. The
      elution order appears related to the relative distance between the two indole
      substituted groups. The latest eluting compounds (highest retention time) have
      the two substituents on opposite sides of the indole nucleus. Infrared absorption
      spectral data show the carbonyl absorption band for each of the benzoylindoles
      and provide distinguishing and characteristic information to individualize each
      of the regioisomers in this set of compounds. 

PMID- 25127582
TI  - Multiple headspace solid-phase microextraction for quantifying volatile free
      fatty acids in cheeses.
AB  - Multiple headspace solid-phase microextraction (MHS-SPME) has been utilized for
      the quantitative determination of 9 volatile free fatty acids (FFAs) in cheeses,
      in combination with gas-chromatography and flame-ionization detection (GC-FID).
      Variables affecting HS-SPME and MHS-SPME were optimized to attain adequate
      sensitivity while allowing correct application of the MHS method. Thus, the MHS
      SPME method was successfully performed when using 0.3g of cheese and 1 mL of NaCl
      (sat. solution), which is subjected to four consecutive extractions using the
      carboxen-polydimethylsyloxane (CAR-PDMS) as the commercial SPME coating, 40 min
      of HS extraction time at 45 degrees C, and 6 min of desorption time in the GC
      injector at 290 degrees C. The MHS-SPME permitted the calculation of beta values,
      which range from 0.72+/-0.01-0.95+/-0.02, depending on the cheese studied. Later,
      this beta parameter is used to perform quantitation for the 9 volatile FFAs after
      just a single HS-SPME extraction, using an external solvent calibration curve.
      The validity of the utilization of an external solvent calibration was tested
      with aqueous standards of volatile FFAs, getting average recoveries higher than
      81.2%. Quantitation by MHS-SPME was free of matrix interferences despite
      measuring a complex cheese sample. The optimized method was validated, presenting
      inter-day reproducibility values (as RSD in %) lower than 13%, and limits of
      detection down to 7 ug kg(-1). The method was also compared with a conventional
      extraction method such as solid-phase extraction for the studied cheeses
      elaborated with goat milk, generating comparable results. To our knowledge, this
      is the first time that MHS-SPME has been applied to volatiles in cheeses.

PMID- 25127583
TI  - Novel miniaturized sensors for potentiometric batch and flow-injection analysis
      (FIA) of perchlorate in fireworks and propellants.
AB  - Three planar miniaturized perchlorate membrane sensors (3*5 mm(2)) are prepared
      using a flexible Kaptan substrate coated with nitron-perchlorate (NT-ClO4)
      [sensor 1], methylene blue-perchlorate (MB-ClO4) [sensor II] and indium-porphyrin
      (In-Por) [sensor III] as electroactive materials in PVC membranes plasticized
      with 2-NPPE. Sensors I, II and III display near-Nernstian response for 1.0*10(-5)
      1.0*10(-2), 3.1*10(-5)-1.0*10(-2) and 3.1*10(-6)-1.0*10(-2) mol L(-1) ClO4(-)
      with lower detection limits of 6.1*10(-6), 6.9*10(-6) and 1.2*10(-6) mol L(-1),
      and anionic calibration slopes of 50.9+/-0.4, 48.4+/-0.4 and 57.7+/-0.3 mV
      decade(-1), respectively. Methods for determining perchlorate using these sensors
      offer many attractive advantages including simplicity, flexibility, cost
      effectiveness, wide linear dynamic response range (0.1-1000 ppm), low detection
      limit (<1.2*10(-6) mol L(-1)=0.1 ppm), small sample test volume (100 MUL),
      safety, short response time (<20 s), long life span (~8 weeks), and extended wide
      working pH range (4.5-8.0). The sensors show high selectivity in the presence of
      some inorganic ions (e.g., PO4(3-), SO4(2-), S2O3(2-), NO2(-), NO3(-), N3(-), CN(
      ), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-)) and automation feasibility. Indium-porphyrin based
      membrane sensor (sensor III) is used as a detector in a wall-jet flow injection
      set-up to enable accurate flow injection analysis (FIA) of perchlorate in some
      fireworks without interferences from the associated reducing agents (sulfur and
      charcoal), binders (dextrin, lactose), coloring agents (calcium, strontium,
      copper, iron, sodium), color brighten (linseed oil) and regulators (aluminum
      flakes) which are commonly used in the formulations. The sensor is also used for
      perchlorate assessment in some propellant powders. The results fairly agree with
      data obtained by ion-chromatography.

PMID- 25127584
TI  - Ratiometric fluorescent probe for biothiol in aqueous medium with fluorescent
      organic nanoparticles.
AB  - A dipodal rhodamine-based mercury complex have been designed and synthesized, for
      the selective detection of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA). To avoid the poor
      solubility of rhodamine-based ligand in pure water, the Hg(2+) complex of
      fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) of ligand have been developed using
      reprecipitation method and the formation of 1:1 complex has been confirmed with
      various spectroscopic techniques. The resultant chemosensor can detect MPA in a
      concentration range of 60 nM-1 MUM (in buffered aqueous medium) with detection
      limit of 60 nM.

PMID- 25127585
TI  - An in-needle extraction technique in determination of organic compounds released
      from dental tissue conditioners incubated in artificial saliva.
AB  - The use of an in-needle technique for direct isolation of analytes from real
      liquid samples is a new proposal. The in-needle technique has been relatively
      seldom used for direct sampling of liquid matrix through the needle. In this work
      the in-needle technique has been applied for the determination of compounds
      evolved to artificial saliva from dental prosthetic materials. It has been shown
      that results from the experiment with in-needle device were at least comparable
      with those obtained with using well known solid phase extraction (SPE). It is
      worth to mention that in-needle extraction offers some advantages: lower
      consumption of solvent, shorter step-preparation time and reduced costs. The
      compounds released from prosthetic materials may affect the stability of tissue
      conditioners and limit their long-term use in the oral cavity. Examined soft
      dental materials have been found to be stable as minor amount of various species
      have been emitted from them. Results of the stability tests of soft dental
      materials with the use of in-needle device on sample preparation step enable
      their quick evaluation and estimations of their quality. 

PMID- 25127586
TI  - A multiclass method for the analysis of endocrine disrupting chemicals in human
      urine samples. Sample treatment by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction.
AB  - The population is continuously exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
      This has influenced an increase in diseases and syndromes that are more frequent
      nowadays. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new analytical procedures to
      evaluate the exposure with the ultimate objective of establishing, in an accurate
      way, relationships between EDCs and harmful health effects. In the present work,
      a new method based on a sample treatment by dispersive liquid-liquid
      microextraction (DLLME) for the extraction of six parabens (methyl-, ethyl-,
      isopropyl-, propyl-, isobutyl and butylparaben), six benzophenones (benzophenone
      1, benzophenone-2, benzophenone-3, benzophenone-6, benzophenone-8 and 4
      hydroxybenzophenone) and two bisphenols (bisphenol A and bisphenol S) in human
      urine samples, followed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)
      analysis is proposed. An enzymatic treatment allows determining the total content
      of the target EDCs. The extraction parameters were accurately optimized using
      multivariate optimization strategies. Ethylparaben ring-(13)C6 and bisphenol A
      d16 were used as surrogates. Found limits of quantification ranging from 0.2 to
      0.5 ng mL(-1) and inter-day variability (evaluated as relative standard
      deviation) ranging from 2.0% to 14.9%. The method was validated using matrix
      matched standard calibration followed by a recovery assay with spiked samples.
      Recovery rates ranged from 94% to 105%. A good linearity, for concentrations up
      to 300 ng mL(-1) for parabens and 40 ng mL(-1) for benzophenones and bisphenols,
      respectively, was obtained. The method was satisfactorily applied for the
      determination of target compounds in human urine samples from 20 randomly
      selected individuals.

PMID- 25127587
TI  - Ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescent detection of cardiac troponin I based on a
      self-enhanced Ru(II) complex.
AB  - To promote the luminous efficiency of luminophore, traditional
      electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay usually adopts the adding of
      coreactant into testing solution. However, many adverse micro-environmental
      factors in the solution are a limiting factor in ECL analytical techniques and
      received extensive attention. In our work, a self-enhanced ECL luminophore was
      synthesized by combining the coreactant (l-cysteine) and the luminophor (tris
      (4,4'-dicarboxylicacid-2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) dichloride (Ru(dcbpy)3(2+)))
      to form one Ru(II) complex and was applied to fabricate a reagentless
      immunosensor for the detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) for the first time.
      Herein gold nanorods (AuNRs), due to their high specific surface area and good
      electrocatalytic ability, were used as carriers for the immobilization of Ru(II)
      complex and cTnI antibody to obtain the Ab2 bioconjugates as signal labels. The
      application of the self-enhanced Ru(II) complex not only avoided the addition of
      any coreactant into testing solution for simplifying the operation, but also
      achieved the intramolecular reaction for improving the ECL signal due to shorter
      electron transfer path and less energy loss. In view of these advantages, the
      proposed immunosensor achieved a wide linear range from 0.25 pg/mL to 0.1 ng/mL
      with an impressive detection limit of 0.083 pg/mL for cTnI (S/N=3).

PMID- 25127588
TI  - A sensitive and selective colorimetric method for detection of copper ions based
      on anti-aggregation of unmodified gold nanoparticles.
AB  - A highly sensitive and selective colorimetric method for detection of copper
      ions, based on anti-aggregation of D-penicillamine (D-PC) induced aggregated gold
      nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed. Copper ions can hinder the aggregation of
      AuNPs induced by D-PC, through formation of mixed-valence complex with D-PC that
      is a selective copper chelator. In the presence of a fixed amount of D-PC, the
      aggregation of AuNPs decreases with increasing concentrations of Cu(2+) along
      with a color change from blue to red in AuNPs solution and an increase in the
      absorption ratio (A520/A650). Under the optimum experimental conditions (pH 7,
      [AuNPs] =3.0 nmol L(-1) and [NaCl]=25 mmol L(-1)), a linear calibration curve for
      Cu(2+) was obtained within the range of 0.05-1.85 umol L(-1) with a limit of
      detection (3Sb) of 30 nmol L(-1). Excellent selectivity toward Cu(2+) was
      observed among various metal ions due to a specific complex formation between
      Cu(2+) and D-PC. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the
      detection of Cu(2+) in various real samples.

PMID- 25127589
TI  - Application of a fully integrated photodegradation-detection flow-batch analysis
      system with an on-line preconcentration step for the determination of metsulfuron
      methyl in water samples.
AB  - This work presents the development of a fully automated flow-batch analysis (FBA)
      system as a new approach for on-line preconcentration, photodegradation and
      fluorescence detection in a lab-constructed mixing chamber that was designed to
      perform these processes without sample dispersion. The system positions the
      mixing chamber into the detection system and varies the instrumental parameters
      according to the required photodegradation conditions. The developed FBA system
      is simple and easily coupled with any sample pretreatment without altering the
      configuration. This FBA system was implemented to photodegrade and determine the
      fluorescence of the degradation products of metsulfuron methyl (MSM), a naturally
      non-fluorescent herbicide of the sulfonylurea's family. An on-line solid phase
      extraction (SPE) and clean up procedure using a C18 minicolumn was coupled to the
      photodegradation-detection mixing chamber (PDMC) that was located in the
      spectrofluorometer. An enrichment factor of 27 was achieved. Photodegradation
      conditions have been optimized by considering the influence of the elution
      solvent on both the formation of the photoproduct and on the fluorescence signal.
      Under optimal conditions, the calibration for the MSM determination was linear
      over the range of 1.00-7.20 ug L(-1). The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.28 ug L(
      1); the relative standard deviation was 2.0% and the sample throughput for the
      entire process was 3h(-1). The proposed method was applied to real water samples
      from the Bahia Blanca's agricultural region (Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires,
      Argentina). This method obtained satisfactory recoveries with a range of 94.7
      109.8%.

PMID- 25127590
TI  - A two-photon ratiometric fluorescent probe enables spatial coordinates
      determination of intracellular pH.
AB  - We reported a two-photon ratiometric fluorescent probe for detecting
      intracellular pH. When excited with 800 nm laser, an optimal output of laser as
      the routine equipment of two-photon fluorescence microscopy, the two-photon
      excited fluorescence of this probe showed distinct emission peak shift as large
      as 109 nm upon the change of pH values in vitro. Very importantly, the experiment
      results show that this probe has large two-photon absorption cross-section at pH
      4.5 at 800 nm of 354 g, which ranks it as one of the best two-photon ratiometric
      fluorescent pH probes, and its working pH value is between 4.0 and 8.0 which
      could fit the intracellular pH range. Moreover, utilizing this probe, the two
      photon ratiometric fluorescent images in living cells have been obtained, and the
      spatial coordinates of intracellular pH can be mapped. At the same time, the
      probe also exhibited selectivity, photostability and membrane permeability. And
      the photophysical properties of this probe in various solvents indicated that
      these photophysical properties variations are due to an intramolecular charge
      transfer process. At last, the imaging depth of the probe in liver biopsy slices
      was investigated. The experimental results demonstrated the maximum imaging depth
      can arrive 66 um in living rat liver tissues.

PMID- 25127591
TI  - Highly sensitive fluorescence quantitative detection of specific DNA sequences
      with molecular beacons and nucleic acid dye SYBR Green I.
AB  - A highly sensitive fluorescence method of quantitative detection for specific DNA
      sequence is developed based on molecular beacon (MB) and nucleic acid dye SYBR
      Green I by synchronous fluorescence analysis. It is demonstrated by an
      oligonucleotide sequence of wild-type HBV (target DNA) as a model system. In this
      strategy, the fluorophore of MB is designed to be 6-carboxyfluorescein group
      (FAM), and the maximum excitation wavelength and maximum emission wavelength are
      both very close to that of SYBR Green I. In the presence of targets DNA, the MBs
      hybridize with the targets DNA and form double-strand DNA (dsDNA), the
      fluorophore FAM is separated from the quencher BHQ-1, thus the fluorophore emit
      fluorescence. At the same time, SYBR Green I binds to dsDNA, the fluorescence
      intensity of SYBR Green I is significantly enhanced. When targets DNA are
      detected by synchronous fluorescence analysis, the fluorescence peaks of FAM and
      SYBR Green I overlap completely, so the fluorescence signal of system will be
      significantly enhanced. Thus, highly sensitive fluorescence quantitative
      detection for DNA can be realized. Under the optimum conditions, the total
      fluorescence intensity of FAM and SYBR Green I exhibits good linear dependence on
      concentration of targets DNA in the range from 2*10(-11) to 2.5*10(-9)M. The
      detection limit of target DNA is estimated to be 9*10(-12)M (3sigma). Compared
      with previously reported methods of detection DNA with MB, the proposed method
      can significantly enhance the detection sensitivity. 

PMID- 25127592
TI  - Generation of volatile copper species after in situ ionic liquid formation
      dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction prior to atomic absorption spectrometric
      detection.
AB  - The new procedure using in situ synthesis of ionic liquid extractant for
      dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (in situ IL DLLME) combined with
      generation of volatile species prior to electrothermal atomic absorption
      spectrometry (ET AAS) for the determination of copper in soil samples was
      developed. Analytical signals were obtained without the back-extraction of copper
      from the IL phase prior to its determination. Under optimal conditions, the
      extraction in 10 mL of sample solution employing 8 MUL of 1-hexyl-3
      methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide (HmimNTf2) (as the
      extraction solvent) was conducted. The ionic liquid served as two-task reagent:
      the efficient extractant and enhancement substance for generation step. The
      chemical generation of volatile species was performed by reduction of acidified
      copper solution (HCl 0.8 mol L(-1)) with NaBH4 (1.5%). Some essential parameters
      of the chemical generation such as NaBH4 and HCl concentrations, the kind and
      concentration of ionic liquid, carrier gas (Ar) flow rate, reaction and trapping
      time as well as pyrolysis and atomization temperatures were studied. For
      photogeneration the effect of the parameters such as the kind and concentration
      of low molecular weight organic acids and ionic liquid, carrier gas (Ar) flow
      rate, UV irradiation and ultrasonication time on the analytical signals were
      studied. The detection limit was found as 1.8 ng mL(-1) and the relative standard
      deviation (RSD) for seven replicate measurements of 100 ug mL(-1) in sample
      solution was 7%. The accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated by analysis of
      the certified reference materials. The measured copper contents in the reference
      materials were in satisfactory agreement with the certified values. The method
      was successfully applied to analysis of the soil and sediment samples.

PMID- 25127593
TI  - Photochemical sample treatment: a greener approach to chlorobenzene determination
      in sediments.
AB  - Due to worker's exposure, solvent and stationary phases' consumption, sample
      purification is one of the most polluting steps in analytical procedures for
      determination of organic pollutants in real samples. The use of photochemical
      sample treatment represents a valid alternative methodology for extracts clean up
      allowing for a reduction of the used amount of organic solvents. In this paper we
      report the first application on the photolytic destruction of organic substances
      to eliminate some of the interferences in the analysis of Chlorobenzenes in
      sediment samples. The method's efficiency and robustness were compared with
      classic silica column purification process currently used in clean up procedures
      in sediment analysis. Quality parameters such as recovery, linearity and
      reproducibility were studied. The entire procedure was validated by three
      replicate analysis of spiked real sediment sample. The quantification limits
      (LOQ) obtained by us ranged from 1.0 to 2.3 ng g(-1), while the detection limits
      (LOD) were of 1.0 ng g(-1). The RSD for each congener was below 10% and
      recoveries were in the range 95-130%. Results based on the analysis of real
      samples showed similar or improved detection thresholds and pointed out the
      advantages of the photochemical methodology in terms of costs, use of chemical
      substances and operator's safety according to Green Analytical Chemistry
      principles.

PMID- 25127594
TI  - A novel sulfate-reducing bacteria detection method based on inhibition of
      cysteine protease activity.
AB  - Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) have been extensively studied in corrosion and
      environmental science. However, fast enumeration of SRB population is still a
      difficult task. This work presents a novel specific SRB detection method based on
      inhibition of cysteine protease activity. The hydrolytic activity of cysteine
      protease was inhibited by taking advantage of sulfide, the characteristic
      metabolic product of SRB, to attack active cysteine thiol group in cysteine
      protease catalytic sites. The active thiol S-sulfhydration process could be used
      for SRB detection, since the amount of sulfide accumulated in culture medium was
      highly related with initial bacterial concentration. The working conditions of
      cysteine protease have been optimized to obtain better detection capability, and
      the SRB detection performances have been evaluated in this work. The proposed SRB
      detection method based on inhibition of cysteine protease activity avoided the
      use of biological recognition elements. In addition, compared with the widely
      used most probable number (MPN) method which would take up to at least 15days to
      accomplish whole detection process, the method based on inhibition of papain
      activity could detect SRB in 2 days, with a detection limit of 5.21*10(2) cfu mL(
      1). The detection time for SRB population quantitative analysis was greatly
      shortened.

PMID- 25127595
TI  - Glucose biosensor based on multisegment nanowires exhibiting reversible magnetic
      control.
AB  - We describe the amperometric detection of glucose using oriented nanowires with
      magnetic switching of the bioelectrochemical process. The fabrication process of
      the nanowires was prepared through controlled nucleation and growth during a
      stepwise electrochemical deposition, and it was characterized using scanning
      electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometry were used to study the
      magnetoswitchable property; this control was accomplished by changing the surface
      orientation of nanowires. Under the optimal condition, the amperometric response
      was also linear up to a glucose concentration of 0.1-16.0 mmol L(-1) with a
      sensitivity of 81 MUA mM(-1). The detection limit was estimated for 4.8*10(-8)
      mol L(-1), defined from a signal/noise ratio of 3. It also exhibits good
      reproducibility and high selectivity with insignificant interference from
      ascorbic acid, acetoaminophen, and uric acid. The resulting biosensor was applied
      to detect the blood sugar in human serum samples without any pretreatment, and
      the results were comparatively in agreement with the clinical assay.

PMID- 25127596
TI  - Development of aptamer-conjugated magnetic graphene/gold nanoparticle hybrid
      nanocomposites for specific enrichment and rapid analysis of thrombin by MALDI
      TOF MS.
AB  - Simple, rapid and sensitive analysis of thrombin (a tumor biomarker) in complex
      samples is quite clinical relevant and essential for the development of disease
      diagnosis and pharmacotherapy. Herein, we developed a novel method based on
      aptamer-conjugated magnetic graphene/gold nanoparticles nanocomposites (MagG@Au)
      for specific enrichment and rapid analysis of thrombin in biological samples
      using MALDI-TOF-MS. At first, gold nanoparticles were compactly deposited on PDDA
      functionalized magnetic graphene through electrostatic interaction. Afterwards,
      aptamer was easily conjugated to gold nanoparticles via Au-S bond formation. The
      as-made aptamer-conjugated nanocomposites took advantage of the magnetism of
      magnetic graphene, the high affinity and specificity of aptamer, facilitating a
      high-efficient separation and enrichment of thrombin. More importantly, due to
      the large surface area of the hybrid substrate, the average coverage density of
      aptamer achieved 0.34 nmol/mg, which enhanced the thrombin binding capacity and
      the recovery of thrombin in real samples. In turn, the enriched thrombin
      attributed to the sensitive output of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry signal, 0.085
      ng MUL(-1) (2.36 nM) thrombin could be detected. This proposed method has a
      relatively wide linear relation ranging from 0.1 ng MUL(-1) to 10 ng MUL(-1), and
      satisfactory specificity. The proposed high-throughput method based on MALDI-TOF
      MS is expected to the application in the disease biomarker detection and clinical
      diagnosis.

PMID- 25127597
TI  - Development of microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis of proteins using a commercial
      microwave reactor and its combination with LC-MS for protein full-sequence
      analysis.
AB  - Microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis (MAAH) can be used to degrade a protein non
      specifically into many peptides with overlapping sequences which can be
      identified by mass spectrometry (MS) to produce a sequence map that covers the
      full sequence of a protein. The success of this method for protein sequence
      analysis depends on the proper control of the MAAH process, which is currently
      done using a household microwave oven. However, to meet the regulatory or good
      laboratory practice (GLP) requirement in a clinical or pharmaceutical laboratory,
      using a commercial microwave device is often required. In this paper, we report a
      method of performing MAAH using a CEM Discover single-mode microwave reactor. It
      is shown that, using an optimized protocol for MAAH, reproducible results
      comparable to those obtained using a household microwave oven can be generated
      using the commercial reactor. To illustrate the potential applications of MAAH MS
      for characterizing clinically relevant proteins, this method was applied, for the
      first time, to map the amino acid sequences of normal and sickle-cell human
      hemoglobin as well as bovine hemoglobin. Full sequence coverage was readily
      achieved from 294 and 266 unique peptides matched to the alpha and beta subunits
      of normal hemoglobin, respectively, 334 and 265 unique peptides matched to the
      alpha and beta submit units of sickle-cell hemoglobin, and 377 and 224 unique
      peptides matched to the alpha and beta subunits of bovine hemoglobin. This method
      opens the possibility for any laboratory to use a commercial laboratory equipment
      to perform MAAH MS for protein full-sequence analysis. 

PMID- 25127598
TI  - A cross-reactive sensor array for the fluorescence qualitative analysis of heavy
      metal ions.
AB  - A cross-reactive sensor array using mercaptopropionic acid modified cadmium
      telluride (CdTe), glutathione modified CdTe, poly(methacrylic acid) modified
      silver nanoclusters, bovine serum albumin modified gold nanoclusters, rhodamine
      derivative and calcein blue as fluorescent indicators has been designed for the
      detection of seven heavy metal ions (Ag(+), Hg(2+), Pb(2+), Cu(2+), Cr(3+),
      Mn(2+) and Cd(2+)). The discriminatory capacity of the sensor array to different
      heavy metal ions in different pH solutions has been tested and the results have
      been analyzed with linear discriminant analysis. Results showed that the sensor
      array could be used to qualitatively analyze the selected heavy metal ions. The
      array performance was also evaluated in the identification of known and unknown
      samples and the preliminary results suggested the promising practicability of the
      designed sensor assay. 

PMID- 25127599
TI  - Assessment of robustness on analysis using headspace solid-phase microextraction
      and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography through experimental
      designs.
AB  - Plackett-Burman experimental design was applied for the robustness assessment of
      GC*GC-qMS (Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography with Fast Quadrupolar
      Mass Spectrometric Detection) in quantitative and qualitative analysis of
      volatiles compounds from chocolate samples isolated by headspace solid-phase
      microextraction (HS-SPME). The influence of small changes around the nominal
      level of six factors deemed as important on peak areas (carrier gas flow rate,
      modulation period, temperature of ionic source, MS photomultiplier power,
      injector temperature and interface temperature) and of four factors considered as
      potentially influential on spectral quality (minimum and maximum limits of the
      scanned mass ranges, ions source temperature and photomultiplier power). The
      analytes selected for the study were 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 2-octanone,
      octanal, 2-pentyl-furan, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, and 2-nonanone e nonanal.
      The factors pointed out as important on the robustness of the system were
      photomultiplier power for quantitative analysis and lower limit of mass scanning
      range for qualitative analysis. 

PMID- 25127600
TI  - Continuous sample drop flow-based microextraction method as a microextraction
      technique for determination of organic compounds in water sample.
AB  - Continuous sample drop flow-based microextraction (CSDF-ME) is an improved
      version of continuous-flow microextraction (CFME) and a novel technique developed
      for extraction and preconcentration of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, m-xylene
      and o-xylene (BTEXs) from aqueous samples prior to gas chromatography-flame
      ionization detection (GC-FID). In this technique, a small amount (a few
      microliters) of organic solvent is transferred to the bottom of a conical bottom
      test tube and a few mL of aqueous solution is moved through the organic solvent
      at relatively slow flow rate. The aqueous solution transforms into fine droplets
      while passing through the organic solvent. After extraction, the enriched analyte
      in the extraction solvent is determined by GC-FID. The type of extraction
      solvent, its volume, needle diameter, and aqueous sample flow rate were
      investigated. The enrichment factor was 221-269 under optimum conditions and the
      recovery was 89-102%. The linear ranges and limits of detection for BTEXs were 2
      500 and 1.4-3.1 ug L(-1), respectively. The relative standard deviations for 10
      ug L(-1) of BTEXs in water were 1.8-6.2% (n=5). The advantages of CSDF-ME are its
      low cost, relatively short sample preparation time, low solvent consumption, high
      recovery, and high enrichment factor.

PMID- 25127601
TI  - Cytochrome P450 2D6 based electrochemical sensor for the determination of
      codeine.
AB  - Considering the enzymatic activity of the cytochrome P450 2D6 on substrates such
      as codeine, the current paper includes the development of an enzymatic biosensor
      for detection of this drug. Home-made screen-printed electrodes were used as
      electrochemical transducers of the biosensor, in which the enzyme was covalently
      attached to the carbon surface of the working electrode, this type of
      modification being the most suitable for the immobilization of the biological
      element. Chronoamperometric measurements were carried out under optimum
      conditions of pH and working potential, pH 7 and +200 mV vs. screen-printed
      Ag/AgCl electrode, giving a reduction signal related to the concentration of
      codeine in solution. Consecutive additions of a solution of codeine were
      performed to obtain calibration curves in order to validate the electrochemical
      method in terms of precision and calculate its capability of detection. These
      biosensors were used for the determination of codeine in urine and commercial
      pharmaceutical samples.

PMID- 25127602
TI  - Radical scavenging activity of antioxidants evaluated by means of
      electrogenerated HO radical.
AB  - A method is proposed and tested concerning the characterization of antioxidants
      by means of their reaction with electrogenerated HO radicals in galvanostatic
      assays with simultaneous O2 evolution, using a Pt anode fairly oxidized. The
      consumption of a set of species with antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid (AA),
      caffeic acid (CA), gallic acid (GA) and trolox (T), is described by a first order
      kinetics. The rate of the processes is limited by the kinetics of reaction with
      HO radicals and by the kinetics of charge transfer. Information regarding the
      scavenger activity of antioxidants is obtained by the relative value of the rate
      constant of the reaction between antioxidants and HO radicals, k(AO,HO)/k(O2).
      The number of HO radicals scavenged per molecule of antioxidant is also estimated
      and ranged from 260 (ascorbic acid) to 500 (gallic acid). The method is applied
      successfully in the characterization of the scavenger activity of ascorbic acid
      in a green-tea based beverage.

PMID- 25127604
TI  - Towards a non-invasive quantitative analysis of the organic components in museum
      objects varnishes by vibrational spectroscopies: methodological approach.
AB  - The compositions of ancient varnishes are mainly determined destructively by
      separation methods coupled to mass spectrometry. In this study, a methodology for
      non-invasive quantitative analyses of varnishes by vibrational spectroscopies is
      proposed. For that, experimental simplified varnishes of colophony and linseed
      oil were prepared according to 18th century traditional recipes with an
      increasing mass concentration ratio of colophony/linseed oil. FT-Raman and IR
      analyses using ATR and non-invasive reflectance modes were done on the "pure"
      materials and on the different mixtures. Then, a new approach involving spectral
      decomposition calculation was developed considering the mixture spectra as a
      linear combination of the pure materials ones, and giving a relative amount of
      each component. Specific spectral regions were treated and the obtained results
      show a good accuracy between the prepared and calculated amounts of the two
      compounds. We were thus able to detect and quantify from 10% to 50% of colophony
      in linseed oil using non-invasive techniques that can also be conducted in situ
      with portable instruments when it comes to museum varnished objects and
      artifacts. 

PMID- 25127603
TI  - Amplified electrochemical detection of protein kinase activity based on gold
      nanoparticles/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanohybrids.
AB  - A sensitive and simple electrochemical strategy has been developed for assay of
      protein kinase A (PKA) activity and inhibition using gold nanoparticles/multi
      walled carbon nanotubes (AuNPs/MWNTs) nanohybrids. Key features of this assay
      included intrinsic peroxidase-like activity of positively-charged gold
      nanoparticles (+AuNPs) and signal transduction and amplification of multi-walled
      carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). In this assay, an N-terminally cysteine-containing
      peptide was self-assembled onto the gold electrode via Au-S bonding and used as
      substrate for PKA, and adenosine-5'-(gamma-thio)-triphosphate was used as co
      substrate. Upon thiophosphorylation in the presence of PKA, the AuNPs/MWNTs
      nanohybrids would be fixed onto the peptides via Au-S bond. The conjugated
      AuNPs/MWNTs nanohybrids could catalyze the 3, 3', 5, 5'-Tetramethylbenzidine
      (TMB) oxidation by H2O2 to form TMB oxidation product, which was reduced at the
      electrode surface to generate an electrochemical current. It was eT on state. The
      current signal intensity is proportional to the activity of PKA. Here, the
      presence of MWNTs not only increased the surface area for accumulation of +AuNPs
      but also could promote electron-transfer reaction. It was found that the
      electrochemical strategy can be employed to assay PKA activity with a low
      detection limit of 0.09 U/mL. The linear range of the assay for PKA enzymatic
      unit/ml was 0.1-1 U/mL. Furthermore, the interferences experiments of T4
      polynucleotide kinase (T4 PNK) and Casein kinase II (CK2), and inhibition of PKA,
      have also been studied by using this strategy. The developed method would provide
      a diversified platform for kinase activity and inhibition monitoring.

PMID- 25127605
TI  - A new voltammetric sensor for sensitive and selective determination of xanthine
      based on DNA and polyaniline composite Langmuir-Blodgett film.
AB  - DNA-polyaniline (PAn) complex Langmuir-Blodgett film modified glassy carbon
      electrode (GCE) was used as a new voltammetric sensor (DNA/PAn-LB/GCE) for
      xanthine (XA) detection. The characteristic of DNA/PAn-LB film was studied by
      electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope.
      Electrochemical behaviors of XA at the sensor were studied in pH 7.0 phosphate
      buffer solutions by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse anodic voltammetry.
      The results showed that this new modified electrode exhibited an excellent
      immunity from uric acid and hypoxanthine interference and a new sensitive and
      selective electroanalytical method for XA was proposed with wider linear range.
      Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve for XA was obtained over the
      range of 7.0*10(-8)-1.0*10(-5) mol L(-1), with the detection limit of 3.0*10(-8)
      mol L(-1). The practicability of this method was demonstrated by determining the
      concentration of XA in human serum samples.

PMID- 25127606
TI  - Development, optimization and validation of a multimethod for the determination
      of 36 mycotoxins in wines by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A fast and efficient multimethod for the determination of 36 mycotoxins in wine,
      using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC
      MS/MS), was developed, optimized, validated and implemented in routine analysis.
      A simplified, quick extraction was performed with acetonitrile, derived from the
      QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) approach, which was
      traditionally developed for pesticides analysis. This study aimed at a single
      extraction and chromatographic separation for 36 mycotoxins. Optimization tests
      were performed to find the proper ratio of wine: water and extraction solvent and
      the need for an additional buffering step with ammonium formate/formic acid and a
      dispersive SPE cleanup with various sorbents. The dSPE steps did not show
      significant improvement in analysis results, therefore, it was not applied in the
      final method to be validated. The mycotoxins were separated and detected on a
      UPLC-MS/MS system, used in the ESI positive ionization mode. The various
      mycotoxins were divided in three different concentration level groups, according
      to their sensitivity in UPLC-MS/MS. The validation was performed by analyzing
      recovery samples at three different spike levels with six replicates (n=6) at
      each level. Linearity (r(2)) of calibration curves, accuracy (recovery %),
      instrument limits of detection and method limits of quantification (LOD and LOQ),
      precision (RSD%) and matrix effects (%) were determined for each individual
      mycotoxin. From the 36 mycotoxins analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS (ESI+), 35 showed
      average recoveries in the range 70-120%, and 86% of these with a RSD<=20% at the
      lowest spike level (for Group I, II and III, respectively, 1, 50 and 10 ug kg(
      1)). The higher spike levels showed even better results. Only nivalenol could not
      be quantified at any concentration level. The method LOQ for 86% of the
      mycotoxins studied was the lowest spike level tested. The matrix effect observed
      was low for most mycotoxins analyzed and had no significant influence on the
      analytical results obtained. The developed procedure was applied successfully in
      routine analysis in a survey of wine samples originating from different
      countries.

PMID- 25127607
TI  - The QuEChERS approach in a novel application for the identification of antifungal
      compounds produced by lactic acid bacteria cultures.
AB  - Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) play an important role as natural food preservatives
      in many fermented food systems. To-date, characterisation of their diverse range
      of metabolites has been limited. Improved quantitation of low, medium and high
      concentration antifungal compounds is required, ensuring that both known and
      unknowns compounds are identified. This manuscript reports the first application
      of QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) for the extraction
      of natural antifungal metabolites in LAB cultures. The method provides improved
      individual recoveries (>78%) for 15 known antifungal compounds, an improvement of
      26% compared to previously reported techniques (>52%). A protocol was developed
      that allowed LAB cultures to be easily assessed on a fully validated high
      performance liquid chromatography with ultra violet/diode array detection (HPLC
      UV/DAD) method. Previously reported methods involving direct injection of
      filtered extracts and SPE clean-up, suffered from a rise in chromatographic
      baseline due to interfering matrix components, limiting accurate quantitation.
      This QuEChERS method removed these interfering matrix components to deliver clean
      chromatograms with greater recoveries (78.2-127.4%) and lower RSD values (2.5
      10.8%) of all 15 antifungal compounds. The validated method was applied to LAB
      strains showing particularly strong antifungal activity and provided an increase
      in the number of compounds detected (both known and unknown) compared to previous
      techniques for the same strains, due to the improved recoveries now possible by
      this method. Confirmation of the compounds identified was performed by analysis
      on a liquid chromatography linear ion trap quadrupole Orbitrap hybrid Fourier
      transform mass spectrometer (LC-FTMS). This first application of QuEChERS to LAB
      cultures has significantly improved the analytical capabilities of antifungal
      compound profiling especially where the synergy of numerous compounds is
      suspected as producing the observed activity. LAB cultures can now be easily
      integrated into various food matrices, as natural food preservatives, now that a
      complete analyte profile is achievable. 

PMID- 25127609
TI  - Simultaneous voltammetric determination of paracetamol and ascorbic acid using a
      boron-doped diamond electrode modified with Nafion and lead films.
AB  - The paper describes the fabrication and application of a novel sensor (a boron
      doped diamond electrode modified with Nafion and lead films) for the simultaneous
      determination of paracetamol and ascorbic acid by differential pulse voltammetry.
      The main advantage of the lead film and polymer covered boron-doped diamond
      electrode is that the sensitivity of the stripping responses is increased and the
      separation of paracetamol and ascorbic acid signals is improved due to the
      modification of the boron-doped diamond surface by the lead layer. Additionally,
      the repeatability of paracetamol and ascorbic acid signals is improved by the
      application of the Nafion film coating. In the presence of oxygen, linear
      calibration curves were obtained in a wide concentration range from 5*10(-7) to
      2*10(-4) mol L(-1) for paracetamol and from 1*10(-6) to 5*10(-4) mol L(-1) for
      ascorbic acid. The analytical utility of the differential pulse voltammetric
      method elaborated was tested in the assay of paracetamol and ascorbic acid in
      commercially available pharmaceutical formulations and the method was validated
      by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector.

PMID- 25127610
TI  - Optimization of the in-needle extraction device for the direct flow of the liquid
      sample through the sorbent layer.
AB  - In-needle extraction was applied for preparation of aqueous samples. This
      technique was used for direct isolation of analytes from liquid samples which was
      achieved by forcing the flow of the sample through the sorbent layer: silica or
      polymer (styrene/divinylbenzene). Specially designed needle was packed with three
      different sorbents on which the analytes (phenol, p-benzoquinone, 4-chlorophenol,
      thymol and caffeine) were retained. Acceptable sampling conditions for direct
      analysis of liquid sample were selected. Experimental data collected from the
      series of liquid samples analysis made with use of in-needle device showed that
      the effectiveness of the system depends on various parameters such as
      breakthrough volume and the sorption capacity, effect of sampling flow rate,
      solvent effect on elution step, required volume of solvent for elution step. The
      optimal sampling flow rate was in range of 0.5-2 mL/min, the minimum volume of
      solvent was at 400 uL level.

PMID- 25127608
TI  - A simple, fast and cheap non-SPE screening method for antibacterial residue
      analysis in milk and liver using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - In routine laboratory work, screening methods for multiclass analysis can process
      a large number of samples in a short time. The main challenge is to develop a
      methodology to detect as many different classes of residues as possible, combined
      with speed and low cost. An efficient technique for the analysis of multiclass
      antibacterial residues (fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides and
      trimethoprim) was developed based on simple, environment-friendly extraction for
      bovine milk, cattle and poultry liver. Acidified ethanol was used as an
      extracting solvent for milk samples. Liver samples were treated using EDTA-washed
      sand for cell disruption, methanol:water and acidified acetonitrile as extracting
      solvent. A total of 24 antibacterial residues were detected and confirmed using
      liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), at levels
      between 10, 25 and 50% of the maximum residue limit (MRL). For liver samples a
      metabolite (sulfaquinoxaline-OH) was also monitored. A validation procedure was
      conducted for screening purposes in accordance with European Union requirements
      (2002/657/EC). The detection capability (CCbeta) false compliant rate was less
      than 5% at the lowest level for each residue. Specificity and ruggedness were
      also discussed. Incurred and routine samples were analyzed and the method was
      successfully applied. The results proved that this method can be an important
      tool in routine analysis, since it is very fast and reliable. 

PMID- 25127611
TI  - Dual hairpin-like molecular beacon based on coralyne-adenosine interaction for
      sensing melamine in dairy products.
AB  - This study presents a novel dual hairpin-like molecular beacon (MB) for the
      selective and sensitive detection of melamine (MA) based on the conjugation of MA
      and thymine. In this protocol, the coordination between coralyne and adenosine
      (A) leaded a dual hairpin-like MB and the fluorophore-quencher pair is close
      proximity resulting in the fluorescence quenching. With the addition of MA, it
      conjugated with thymine in the loop part of dual hairpin-like MB by triple H
      bonds, triggering the dissociation of the dual hairpin-like MB. The resulting
      spatial separation of the fluorophore from quencher induced the enhancement in
      fluorescence emission. Under the optimized conditions, the sensor exhibited a
      wide linear range of 8*10(-9)-1.6*10(-5) M (R(2)=0.9969) towards MA, with a low
      detection limit of 5 nM, approximately 4000 times lower than the Drug
      Administration and the US Food estimated MA safety limit. The real milk samples
      were also investigated with a satisfying result.

PMID- 25127612
TI  - Microwave assisted extraction-solid phase extraction for high-efficient and rapid
      analysis of monosaccharides in plants.
AB  - Monosaccharides are the fundamental composition units of saccharides which are a
      common source of energy for metabolism. An effective and simple method consisting
      of microwave assisted extraction (MAE), solid phase extraction (SPE) and high
      performance liquid chromatography-refractive index detector (HPLC-RID) was
      developed for rapid detection of monosaccharides in plants. The MAE was applied
      to break down the structure of the plant cells and release the monosaccharides,
      while the SPE procedure was adopted to purify the extract before analysis.
      Finally, the HPLC-RID was employed to separate and analyze the monosaccharides
      with amino column. As a result, the extraction time was reduced to 17 min, which
      was nearly 85 times faster than soxhlet extraction. The recoveries of arabinose,
      xylose, fructose and glucose were 85.01%, 87.79%, 103.17%, and 101.24%, with
      excellent relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.94%, 1.13%, 0.60% and 1.67%,
      respectively. The proposed method was demonstrated to be efficient and time
      saving, and had been applied to analyze monosaccharides in tobacco and tea
      successfully.

PMID- 25127613
TI  - Facile fabrication of an ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemical
      immunosensor for the quantitative detection of alpha fetoprotein using
      multifunctional mesoporous silica as platform and label for signal amplification.
AB  - A novel and ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor was
      designed for the quantitative detection of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) using
      multifunctional mesoporous silica (MCM-41) as platform and label for signal
      amplification. MCM-41 has high specific surface area, high pore volume, large
      density of surface silanol groups (SiOH) and good biocompatibility. MCM-41
      functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), gold nanoparticles (Au
      NPs) and toluidine blue (TB) could enhance electrochemical signals. Moreover,
      primary antibodies (Ab1) and secondary antibodies (Ab2) could be effectively
      immobilized onto the multifunctional MCM-41 by the interaction between Au NPs and
      amino groups (-NH2) on antibodies. Using multifunctional MCM-41 as a platform and
      label could greatly simplify the fabrication process and result in a high
      sensitivity of the designed immunosensor. Under optimal conditions, the designed
      immunosensor exhibited a wide liner range from 10(-4) ng/mL to 10(3) ng/mL with a
      low detection limit of 0.05 pg/mL for AFP. The designed immunosensor showed
      acceptable selectivity, reproducibility and stability, which could provide
      potential applications in clinical monitoring of AFP.

PMID- 25127614
TI  - Determination of mercury in river water by diffusive gradients in thin films
      using P81 membrane as binding layer.
AB  - In this work, a device based on diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) was
      evaluated for the determination of Hg(II) in river water. The DGT device was
      assembled with a cellulose phosphate ion exchange membrane (P81 Whatman) as a
      binding phase and agarose gel 1.5% (m/v) as a diffusive layer. Laboratory
      deployments showed that the binding of Hg(2+) ([Hg(DGT)]/[Hg(solution)]) by P81
      membrane was more effective (97%) than the Chelex 100 resin (80%).The effect of
      ionic strength, pH and potential interfering ions on Hg binding with DGT's was
      investigated. The results showed no significant effect on the binding of Hg(II)
      at pH range from 3.5 to 8.5 and at an ionic strength range from 0.0005 to 0.1 mol
      L(-1). Uptakes of 50 ug L(-1) Hg(II) by P81 membrane were not affected by Fe, Mn,
      Zn, Cu, Ca and Mg at the concentration range of 200-1800 ug L(-1). Finally, the
      DGT device using the P81 as the binding layer was applied for in situ
      measurements of Hg in river water. For in situ measurements, the labile Hg
      concentration (from <2 to 13 ng L(-1)) was lower than 10% of the dissolved
      fraction (from 155 to 446 ng L(-1)).

PMID- 25127616
TI  - Sulfonated polystyrene magnetic nanobeads coupled with immunochromatographic
      strip for clenbuterol determination in pork muscle.
AB  - A magnetic solid-phase extraction method (MSPE) was developed to pre-concentrate
      and cleanup clenbuterol (CLE) from pork muscle. Novel sulfonated polystyrene
      magnetic nanobeads (spMNBs) were synthesized via a one-pot emulsion
      copolymerization method by using divinylbenzene, styrene, and sodium styrene
      sulfonate in the presence of oleic acid-modified and 10-undecylenic acid-modified
      magnetic ferrofluid. The resulting spMNBs exhibited high adsorption efficiency
      for CLE and for 10 other common beta-adrenergic agonists, namely, brombuterol,
      ractopamine, tulobuterol, bambuterol, cimbuterol, mabuterol, clorprenaline,
      penbutolol, salbutamol, and cimaterol. The adsorption behavior of the spMNBs for
      CLE was described by the Langmuir equation with a maximum adsorption capacity of
      0.41 mg/g. Under the optimized parameters, the extraction of CLE from 0.5 g of
      pork muscle required 25mg of the spMNBs at a shortened adsorption time (0.5 min).
      The proposed MSPE was coupled with colloidal gold nanoparticle-based
      immunochromatographic assay (MSPE-AuNPIA) for the quantitative detection of CLE
      residue in pork muscle. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for
      the pork muscle were 0.10 and 0.24 ng/g, respectively. The intra-day and inter
      day assay recoveries at three CLE spiked concentrations ranged from 92.5% to
      98.1%, with relative standard deviations ranging from 3.2% to 13.0%. The results
      of MSPE-AuNPIA were confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
      (LC-MS/MS). The CLE values obtained with MSPE-AuNPIA agreed with those obtained
      with LC-MS/MS.

PMID- 25127617
TI  - Investigation on performance of zirconia and magnesia-zirconia stationary phases
      in hydrophilic interaction chromatography.
AB  - In the current study, zirconia (ZrO2) and its composite, magnesia-zirconia (MgO
      ZrO2), were prepared as the hydrophilic interaction chromatographic (HILIC)
      stationary phases (SPs). Different experimental variables including water
      content, pH and buffer concentration in the mobile phase (MP) as well as column
      temperature were systematically studied to permit an in-depth understanding of
      the chromatographic properties of the mentioned SPs and to explore the retention
      mechanism further on. The results were compared with a native SiO2 column.
      Adsorption was demonstrated as the main retention mechanism on the two ZrO2-based
      SPs. The transferring of the analytes from the MP to the ZrO2-based SPs was
      endothermic and high column temperature would facilitate the retention. In
      addition, the MgO-ZrO2 SP exhibited superior resolution, column efficiency as
      well as stronger retention in comparison to the bare ZrO2 SP, which demonstrated
      that the introduction of MgO could improve the structure and properties of the
      material. In conclusion, MgO-ZrO2 was a promising material for HILIC
      applications. 

PMID- 25127615
TI  - Detection of potato brown rot and ring rot by electronic nose: from laboratory to
      real scale.
AB  - A commercial electronic nose (e-nose) equipped with a metal oxide sensor array
      was trained to recognize volatile compounds emitted by potatoes experimentally
      infected with Ralstonia solanacearum or Clavibacter michiganensis subsp.
      sepedonicus, which are bacterial agents of potato brown and ring rot,
      respectively. Two sampling procedures for volatile compounds were tested on
      pooled tubers sealed in 0.5-1 L jars at room temperature (laboratory conditions):
      an enrichment unit containing different adsorbent materials (namely, Tenax((r))
      TA, Carbotrap, Tenax((r)) GR, and Carboxen 569) directly coupled with the e-nose
      (active sampling) and a Radiello(TM) cartridge (passive sampling) containing a
      generic Carbograph fiber. Tenax((r)) TA resulted the most suitable adsorbent
      material for active sampling. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) correctly
      classified 57.4 and 81.3% total samples as healthy or diseased, when using active
      and passive sampling, respectively. These results suggested the use of passive
      sampling to discriminate healthy from diseased tubers under intermediate and real
      scale conditions. 80 and 90% total samples were correctly classified by LDA under
      intermediate (100 tubers stored at 4 degrees C in net bag passively sampled) and
      real scale conditions (tubers stored at 4 degrees C in 1.25 t bags passively
      sampled). Principal component analysis (PCA) of sensorial analysis data under
      laboratory conditions highlighted a strict relationship between the disease
      severity and the responses of the e-nose sensors, whose sensitivity threshold was
      linked to the presence of at least one tuber per sample showing medium disease
      symptoms. At intermediate and real scale conditions, data distribution agreed
      with disease incidence (percentage of diseased tubers), owing to the low storage
      temperature and volatile compounds unconfinement conditions adopted.

PMID- 25127618
TI  - Analytical methods for the determination of personal care products in human
      samples: an overview.
AB  - Personal care products (PCPs) are organic chemicals widely used in everyday human
      life. Nowadays, preservatives, UV-filters, antimicrobials and musk fragrances are
      widely used PCPs. Different studies have shown that some of these compounds can
      cause adverse health effects, such as genotoxicity, which could even lead to
      mutagenic or carcinogenic effects, or estrogenicity because of their endocrine
      disruption activity. Due to the absence of official monitoring protocols, there
      is an increasing demand of analytical methods that allow the determination of
      those compounds in human samples in order to obtain more information regarding
      their behavior and fate in the human body. The complexity of the biological
      matrices and the low concentration levels of these compounds make necessary the
      use of advanced sample treatment procedures that afford both, sample clean-up, to
      remove potentially interfering matrix components, as well as the concentration of
      analytes. In the present work, a review of the more recent analytical methods
      published in the scientific literature for the determination of PCPs in human
      fluids and tissue samples, is presented. The work focused on sample preparation
      and the analytical techniques employed. 

PMID- 25127619
TI  - First use of portable system coupling X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence
      for in-situ analysis of prehistoric rock art.
AB  - Study of prehistoric art is playing a major role in the knowledge of human
      evolution. Many scientific methods are involved in this investigation including
      chemical analysis of pigments present on artefacts or applied to cave walls. In
      the past decades, the characterization of coloured materials was carried on by
      taking small samples. This procedure had two main disadvantages: slight but
      existing damage of the paintings and limitation of the number of samples. Thanks
      to the advanced development of portable systems, in-situ analysis of pigment in
      cave can be now undertaken without fear for this fragile Cultural Heritage. For
      the first time, a portable system combining XRD and XRF was used in an
      underground and archaeological environment for prehistoric rock art studies. In
      situ non-destructive analysis of black prehistoric drawings and determination of
      their composition and crystalline structure were successfully carried out.
      Original results on pigments used 13,000 years ago in the cave of Rouffignac
      (France) were obtained showing the use of two main manganese oxides: pyrolusite
      and romanechite. The capabilities of the portable XRD-XRF system have been
      demonstrated for the characterization of pigments as well as for the analysis of
      rock in a cave environment. This first in-situ experiment combining X-ray
      diffraction and X-ray fluorescence open up new horizons and can fundamentally
      change our approach of rock art studies. 

PMID- 25127620
TI  - A novel restricted access material combined to molecularly imprinted polymers for
      selective solid-phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography
      determination of 2-methoxyestradiol in plasma samples.
AB  - A feasibility study was performed in order to ensure the possibilities in using a
      restricted access material combined to molecularly imprinted polymers (RAM-MIP)
      as sorbent material in solid phase extraction (SPE) for clean-up of 2
      methoxyestradiol (2-ME) from plasma samples. The MIP with hydrophilic external
      layer was designed by precipitation polymerization. The polymer was characterized
      by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The
      use of analogs of 2-ME as templates, in combination with a chromatographic
      separation of the analytes in the sample, overcame the problem of the template
      bleeding. To demonstrate the property of the RAM-MIP obtained, a comparison of
      commercially available C18 SPE was performed. The results showed that the RAM
      MISPE recoveries were significantly higher than that of C18 SPE for 2-ME in trace
      concentration. During the extraction process, 2-ME was sufficiently cleaned for
      further chromatographic analysis with no interferences from template leakage and
      matrix. Good linearity was obtained from 0.06 to 20 MUg mL(-1) with the
      correlation coefficient r>0.9991. The coefficient of variation of the inter-assay
      precision was less than 11.9%. The recoveries of 2-ME in rat plasma at three
      spiked levels were in the range of 99.10-101.00%. Based on the analytical
      validation results, the proposed method (RAM-MIP off-line SPE/HPLC) can be a
      useful tool to determine 2-ME in rat plasma samples.

PMID- 25127621
TI  - Application of multivariate chemometric techniques for simultaneous determination
      of five parameters of cottonseed oil by single bounce attenuated total
      reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - Single bounce attenuated total reflectance (SB-ATR) Fourier transform infrared
      (FTIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with chemometrics was used for accurate
      determination of free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV), iodine value (IV),
      conjugated diene (CD) and conjugated triene (CT) of cottonseed oil (CSO) during
      potato chips frying. Partial least square (PLS), stepwise multiple linear
      regression (SMLR), principal component regression (PCR) and simple Beer's law
      (SBL) were applied to develop the calibrations for simultaneous evaluation of
      five stated parameters of cottonseed oil (CSO) during frying of French frozen
      potato chips at 170 degrees C. Good regression coefficients (R(2)) were achieved
      for FFA, PV, IV, CD and CT with value of >0.992 by PLS, SMLR, PCR, and SBL. Root
      mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) was found to be less than 1.95% for all
      determinations. Result of the study indicated that SB-ATR FTIR in combination
      with multivariate chemometrics could be used for accurate and simultaneous
      determination of different parameters during the frying process without using any
      toxic organic solvent. 

PMID- 25127622
TI  - Measurement of U and Pu isotope ratios in hair and nail samples using extraction
      chromatography and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
AB  - A bioassay capable of monitoring occupational or environmental exposure to
      special nuclear materials would be a useful tool for nuclear nonproliferation
      programs. Hair and nail are potential biomonitors of exposure to U and Pu. A
      method is described to measure isotope ratios of ultra-trace concentrations of U
      and Pu in hair and nail samples. The method uses multiple extraction
      chromatography resins to separate U and Pu fractions from the sample matrix. The
      U recovery was quantitative while the Pu recovery ranged from 81% to 109%, with a
      U decontamination factor of 5*10(4). Following the separation (234)U/(238)U,
      (235)U/(238)U and (240)Pu/(239)Pu were measured in human hair and hair and nail
      samples using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC
      ICPMS). The human hair and nail samples had elevated ratios of (234)U/(238)U
      which could reflect exposure to naturally fractionated U. 

PMID- 25127623
TI  - Comparison of different types of diffusive gradient in thin film samplers for
      measurement of dissolved methylmercury in freshwaters.
AB  - Determination of bioavailable concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg(+)) in
      freshwater is key to further understanding its potential risk and toxicity. In
      this work, two in-house-manufactured mercury-specific diffusive gradients in thin
      films (DGT) were used in laboratory to assess the lability of MeHg(+), and to
      develop a relationship between chemical lability and bioavailability. After
      diffusing through the diffusive gel, the MeHg(+) accumulated in a thiol
      functionalised resin gel was extracted using acidic thiourea that was analysed
      using aqueous-phase propylation followed by headspace solid-phase microextraction
      (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography (GC) coupled to pyrolysis-atomic fluorescence
      spectrometry (Py-AFS) detection. The diffusion coefficient (D) at 25 degrees C in
      agarose (A-DGT) in the absence and presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) was
      obtained. Moreover, these values were experimentally compared against
      polyacrylamide (P-DGT), which is the most frequently used DGT for mercury to
      date. Statistically significant differences were observed between D values for A
      DGT in the absence (3.15*10(-6) cm(2) s(-1)) and presence of DOM (2.68*10(-6)
      cm(2) s(-1)) and also for P-DGT (2.49*10(-6) and 1.69*10(-6) cm(2) s(-1)).
      Interestingly, our results show that diffusion of MeHg(+) was higher on agarose
      diffusive gel with and without DOM in comparison with those observed in
      polyacrylamide. Even with higher diffusion coefficients of MeHg(+) in the agarose
      diffusion layer, however, DGT based on polyacrylamide seems to be a better choice
      for eutrophic waters, when monitoring very low concentrations of MeHg(+),
      considering its slightly higher uptake capacity.

PMID- 25127624
TI  - Low cost microfluidic cell culture array using normally closed valves for
      cytotoxicity assay.
AB  - A reusable low cost microfluidic cell culture array device (MCCAD) integrated
      with a six output concentration gradient generator (cGG) and 4*6 arrays of
      microchamber elements, addressed by a series of row and columnar pneumatically
      actuated normally closed (NC) microvalves was fabricated for cell-based screening
      of chemotherapeutic compounds. The poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) device consists
      of three layers: fluidic, control and membrane which are held by surface contact
      and made leak-proof by clamping pressure. The NC valves are actuated by a thick
      PDMS membrane that was created by a novel method based on the self-assembly of
      PDMS pre-polymer molecules over a denser calcium chloride solution. The membrane
      actuated the valves reliably and particulates such as alumina particles (3 um)
      and MCF-7 cells (20-24 um) (2*10(5) cells/mL) were flowed through the valves
      without causing blockage or leakage and consequently avoiding contamination of
      the different cell culture elements. The MCCAD was cast and assembled in a
      standard laboratory without specialist equipment and demonstrated for performing
      quantitative cell-based cytotoxicity assays of pyocyanine on human breast cancer
      (MCF-7) cells and assessed for toxic effect on human hepatocyte carcinoma (HepG2)
      cells as an indicator for liver injury. Then, the MCCAD was demonstrated for
      sequential drug combinatorial screening involving gradient generation of
      paclitaxel doses followed by treatment with aspirin doses on the viability of MCF
      7 cells. The interaction between paclitaxel and aspirin was evaluated by using
      the Bliss independence predictive model and results showed reasonable agreement
      with the model. A robust, portable, easily fabricated and low cost device is
      therefore shown to conveniently carry out culturing of multiple cell lines for
      high throughput screening of anti-cancer compounds using minimal reagents.

PMID- 25127625
TI  - Application of neodymium isotope ratio measurements for the origin assessment of
      uranium ore concentrates.
AB  - A novel procedure has been developed for the measurement of (143)Nd/(144)Nd
      isotope ratio in various uranium-bearing materials, such as uranium ores and ore
      concentrates (UOC) in order to evaluate the usefulness and applicability of
      variations of (143)Nd/(144)Nd isotope ratio for provenance assessment in nuclear
      forensics. Neodymium was separated and pre-concentrated by extraction
      chromatography and then the isotope ratios were measured by multi-collector
      inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). The method was
      validated by the measurement of standard reference materials (La Jolla, JB-2 and
      BCR-2) and the applicability of the procedure was demonstrated by the analysis of
      uranium samples of world-wide origin. The investigated samples show distinct
      (143)Nd/(144)Nd ratio depending on the ore type, deposit age and Sm/Nd ratio.
      Together with other characteristics of the material in question, the Nd isotope
      ratio is a promising signature for nuclear forensics and suggests being
      indicative of the source material, the uranium ore. 

PMID- 25127626
TI  - Assessment of gas chromatography time-of-flight accurate mass spectrometry for
      identification of volatile and semi-volatile compounds in honey.
AB  - The performance of gas chromatography (GC) combined with a hybrid quadrupole time
      of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry (MS) system for the determination of volatile
      and semi-volatile compounds in honey samples is evaluated. After headspace (HS)
      solid-phase microextraction (SPME) of samples, the accurate mass capabilities of
      the above system were evaluated for compounds identification. Accurate scan
      electron impact (EI) MS spectra allowed discriminating compounds displaying the
      same nominal masses, but having different empirical formulae. Moreover, the use
      of a mass window with a width of 0.005 Da provided highly specific chromatograms
      for selected ions, avoiding the contribution of interferences to their peak
      areas. Additional information derived from positive chemical ionization (PCI) MS
      spectra and ion product scan MS/MS spectra permitted confirming the identity of
      novel compounds. The above possibilities are illustrated with examples of honey
      aroma compounds, belonging to different chemical classes and containing different
      elements in their molecules. Examples of compounds whose structures could not be
      described are also provided. Overall, 84 compounds, from a total of 89 species,
      could be identified in 19 honey samples from 3 different geographic areas in the
      world. The suitability of responses measured for selected ions, corresponding to
      above species, for authentication purposes is assessed through principal
      components analysis.

PMID- 25127627
TI  - Fluorescence method using on-line sodium cholate coacervate surfactant mediated
      extraction for the flow injections analysis of Rhodamine B.
AB  - An on-line surfactant mediated extraction method in a flow injection analysis
      format with fluorescence detection was developed for the determination of
      Rhodamine B (RhB) in food condiments. The sample was extracted using the phase
      separation behavior exhibited by the bile salt surfactant, sodium cholate (NaC),
      upon addition of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) in the presence of acid at room
      temperature. The RhB in the sample was incorporated into the NaC/SDS coacervate
      phase which was then collected on a glass-wool packed mini column from which it
      was subsequently eluted using a 1.00 mol L(-1) HCl solution. The inherent
      fluorescence (lambdaex=555 nm; lambdaem=575 nm) of RhB was employed for
      detection. Good linearity (r(2)=0.9933) was obtained over the concentration range
      0.4-4794-479.0 ug L(-1) RhB. The detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) limits
      were 0.12 and 0.40 ug L(-1), respectively. The method was successfully applied
      for analysis of RhB in food condiments and spiked samples. The average recoveries
      ranged from 95.3% to 118.9% at spiked concentration levels of 1.19 and 2.39 ug L(
      1). Under optimized conditions, a throughput of 50 samples per hour was achieved.
      The proposed method may be a valuable tool not only for quality control of food
      condiments and similar food confectioneries but for the analysis of a variety of
      other RhB-containing samples as well.

PMID- 25127628
TI  - Gr-Pt hybrid NP modified GCPE as label and indicator free electrochemical
      genosensor platform.
AB  - Glassy carbon paste electrode (GCPE) was modified with graphene platinum hybrid
      nanoparticle (Gr-Pt hybrid NP) and used as a transducer for label and indicator
      free electrochemical genosensor. 22 mer oligonucleotides representing Escherichia
      coli bacteria were used as a model case. As far as it is known, this study is the
      first study where Gr-Pt hybrid NP was incorporated into GCPE and used for
      genosensor transducer. The extent of hybridization was determined by using
      differential pulse voltammetric signals of guanin oxidation. After the
      optimization of experimental parameters, analytical characteristics were
      investigated. The linear range was found between 1.5*10(-7) and 2.25*10(-6) M
      with the equation of y=1.6566x-2.6161 and R(2) of 0.9959. RSD and LOD were
      calculated as 4.2% (n=6) and 1.12*10(-9) M respectively.

PMID- 25127629
TI  - High-performance liquid chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis of
      fluorescent carbon nanodots.
AB  - Amino/hydroxyl-functionalized fluorescent carbon nanodots (C-NanoD) are
      conveniently synthesized based on hydrothermal carbonization of chitosan at 180
      degrees C. Dialysis membranes with small cut-off masses (500-1000 Da) were found
      useful for removing the side-products and low molecular mass species to purify
      the C-NanoD product. Herein, reversed-phase high-performance liquid
      chromatography (RP-HPLC) has been successfully applied to fractionate the C-NanoD
      product. The elution order of the C-NanoD species present in the sample follows
      approximately their core sizes from small to large. The separated C-NanoD
      fractions are collected and characterized by UV absorption spectroscopy,
      photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM). All the C-NanoD fractions display a distinctive absorption band
      at 300 nm, attributing to the n->pi* transition of C=O bond. The PL spectra of
      the fractions display emission peaks at 400-415 nm which are slightly red-shifted
      with their increase in relative molecular masses. The C-NanoD fractions are fully
      anatomized by MALDI-TOF MS, displaying their fragmentation mass ion features. The
      core sizes of some selected C-NanoD are determined as 1.6, 1.8, 2.5, and 3.1 nm
      by TEM which are in consistent with their HPLC elution order. The findings
      highlight the virtues of RP-HPLC to fractionate and reveal the unique
      characteristics of individual C-NanoD species present in an as-synthesized C
      NanoD product which may have potential applications in the fields of bioanalysis,
      bioimaging, catalysis, chemosensing, energy storage, and optoelectronics device.

PMID- 25127630
TI  - A fluorescence glucose sensor based on pH induced conformational switch of i
      motif DNA.
AB  - A facile fluorescence biosensor for the detection of glucose is proposed based on
      the pH-induced conformational switch of i-motif DNA in this paper. Glucose can be
      oxidized by oxygen (O2) in the presence of glucose oxidase (GOD), and the
      generated gluconic acid can decrease the pH value of the solution and then induce
      the fluorophore- and quencher-labeled cytosine-rich single-stranded DNA to fold
      into a close-packed i-motif structure. As a result, the fluorescence quenching
      occurs because of the resonance energy transfer between fluorophore and quencher.
      Based on this working principle, the concentration of glucose can be detected by
      the decrease of fluorescence density. Under the optimal experimental conditions,
      the assay shows a linear response range of 5-100 uM for the glucose concentration
      with a detection limit of 4 uM. This glucose biosensor was applied to determine
      glucose in real samples successfully, suggesting its potential in the practical
      applicability.

PMID- 25127631
TI  - Impedimetric detection of alcohol vapours using nanostructured zinc ferrite.
AB  - A comparative study on the sensing characteristics of nanostructured zinc ferrite
      to three primary alcohols viz. methanol, ethanol and propanol has been carried
      out. The zinc ferrite has been prepared by a combustion method and characterized
      by XRD, FTIR, AFM and SEM. Impedance studies in the alcohol concentration range
      varying from 100 to 1000 ppm show definite variations in response to both the
      nature of the alcohol and its concentration. The nanostructured zinc ferrite
      shows the highest sensor response to methanol and least to propanol. Equivalent
      circuit modelling and calibration have been made for all the three alcohol
      sensors. The material shows a better selectivity to the alcohols compared to
      formaldehyde, ammonia and acetone vapours.

PMID- 25127632
TI  - A new analytical method to determine non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in
      surface water using in situ derivatization combined with ultrasound-assisted
      emulsification microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
AB  - Because of the high stability and potential toxic effects of non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it is important to closely monitor their
      concentrations in the environment using a sensitive analytical method. In this
      study, a simple, rapid, efficient, and sensitive analytical method based on gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed to determine the levels of
      seven common NSAIDs in various types of surface water. To simplify sample
      preparation, in situ derivatization using methyl chloroformate was combined with
      ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction. For selection and
      optimization of significant variables, experiments were statistically designed
      using Plackett-Burman design and central composite design. The resulting optimal
      conditions for derivatization and extraction were 100 MUL of chloroform
      (extraction solvent), 10.0 mL of sample, and 240 MUL of pyridine (catalyst as a
      base in derivatization). The optimized sample preparation coupled with optimized
      GC-MS analysis in selected ion monitoring mode provided good linearity from 0.010
      to 5.0 ng mL(-1), and a limit of detection between 0.0050 and 0.010 ng mL(-1),
      good intra-day and inter-day precision (0.30-6.3% and 5.1-9.5%, respectively),
      and good accuracy (relative recovery; 91-117% at 0.20 ng mL(-1) and 77-105% at
      2.5 ng mL(-1)). Compared with previously reported methods, the current method
      requires a small volume of sample and simple sample preparation steps for
      sensitive determination of NSAID levels using a conventional GC-MS system. The
      method was successfully applied to determine the levels of seven common NSAIDs in
      various types of surface water.

PMID- 25127633
TI  - The use of a polymer inclusion membrane as a sorbent for online preconcentration
      in the flow injection determination of thiocyanate impurity in ammonium sulfate
      fertilizer.
AB  - A polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) is used for the first time as a sorbent in the
      construction of a preconcentration column to enhance the sensitivity in flow
      injection analysis (FIA). The PIM-coated column is readily prepared by coating
      the PIM containing poly(vinyl chloride), Aliquat 336, and 1-tetradecanol onto
      glass beads packed in a glass tube. The determination of trace amounts of
      thiocyanate in ammonium sulfate fertilizer demonstrates the potential of the
      proposed PIM-coated column in FIA. Thiocyanate standards or samples of relatively
      large volume (e.g. up to 2000 uL) are injected into a nitrate carrier stream. The
      sample zone passes through the proposed preconcentration column where thiocyanate
      is concentrated in a smaller volume of a carrier solution thus resulting in up to
      7.4 fold increase in sensitivity. Thiocyanate is detected spectrophotometrically
      after its reaction with Fe(III) downstream of the preconcentration column. The
      limits of detection of thiocyanate in the absence and presence of 20 g L(-1)
      ammonium sulfate (S/N=2) are 0.014 and 0.024 mg L(-1), respectively. Thiocyanate
      was successfully determined in several samples of ammonium sulfate fertilizer.

PMID- 25127634
TI  - Facile preparation of octadecyl monoliths with incorporated carbon nanotubes and
      neutral monoliths with coated carbon nanotubes stationary phases for HPLC of
      small and large molecules by hydrophobic and pi-pi interactions.
AB  - Two approaches for incorporating carbon nanotubes into monolithic columns for
      HPLC are described in this report. They pertain to the investigation of carbon
      nanotubes either (i) as entities to modulate solute retention on monolithic
      columns bearing well defined retentive ligands or (ii) as entities that
      constitute the stationary phase responsible for solute retention and separation.
      Approach (i) involved the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into octadecyl
      monolithic columns while approach (ii) concerns the preparation and evaluation of
      an ideal monolithic support and coating it with carbon nanotubes to yield a real
      "carbon nanotube stationary phase" for the HPLC separation of a wide range of
      solutes. First, an octadecyl monolithic column based on the in situ
      polymerization of octadecyl acrylate and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate was
      optimized for use in HPLC separations of small and large solutes (e.g.,
      proteins). To further modulate the retention and separation of proteins, small
      amounts of carbon nanotubes were incorporated into the octadecyl monolith column.
      In approach (ii), an inert, relatively polar monolith based on the in situ
      polymerization of glyceryl monomethacrylate (GMM) and ethylene glycol
      dimethacrylate (EDMA) proved to be the most suitable support for the preparation
      of "carbon nanotube stationary phase". This carbon nanotube "coated" monolith
      proved useful in the HPLC separation of a wide range of small solutes including
      enantiomers. In approach (ii), a more homogeneous incorporation of carbon
      nanotubes into the diol monolithic columns (i.e., GMM/EDMA) was achieved when
      hydroxyl functionalized carbon nanotubes were incorporated into the GMM/EDMA
      monolithic support. In addition, high power sonication for a short time enhanced
      further the homogeneity of the monolith incorporated with nanotubes. In all
      cases, nonpolar and pi interactions were responsible for solute retention on the
      monolith incorporated carbon nanotubes. 

PMID- 25127635
TI  - Low gas flow inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for the
      analysis of food samples after microwave digestion.
AB  - In this work, the recently introduced low flow inductively coupled plasma optical
      emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) with a total argon consumption below 0.7 L/min is
      applied for the first time to the field of food analysis. One goal is the
      investigation of the performance of this low flow plasma compared to a
      conventional ICP-OES system when non-aqueous samples with a certain matrix are
      introduced into the system. For this purpose, arsenic is determined in three
      different kinds of fish samples. In addition several nutrients (K, Na, Mg, Ca)
      and trace metals (Co, Cu, Mn, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, and Ni) are determined in honey
      samples (acacia) after microwave digestion. The precision of the measurements is
      characterized by relative standard deviations (RSD) and compared to the
      corresponding precision values achieved using the conventional Fassel-type torch
      of the ICP. To prove the accuracy of the low flow ICP-OES method, the obtained
      data from honey samples are validated by a conventional ICP-OES. For the
      measurements concerning arsenic in fish, the low flow ICP-OES values are
      validated by conventional Fassel-type ICP-OES. Furthermore, a certified reference
      material was investigated with the low gas flow setup. Limits of detection (LOD),
      according to the 3sigma criterion, were determined to be in the low microgram per
      liter range for all analytes. Recovery rates in the range of 96-106% were
      observed for the determined trace metal elements. It was proven that the low gas
      flow ICP-OES leads to results that are comparable with those obtained with the
      Fassel-type torch for the analysis of food samples.

PMID- 25127636
TI  - New method for the determination of carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides in
      water samples using on-line SPE fused core column chromatography.
AB  - A new HPLC column-switching method using large volume sample injection and fused
      core columns for on-line solid phase extraction have been developed for the
      determination of the following carbamates and pyrethroids: aldicarb, carbaryl,
      pirimicarb, carbofuran, kadethrin, flumethrin, fenpropathrin, fenoxycarb, tau
      fluvalinate and fenvalerate, in surface water samples. Sudan I was used as
      internal standard. The proposed method was performed using 100 ul sample
      injection followed by an on-line solid phase extraction procedure and finally the
      compounds were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography with
      ultraviolet detection. The separation was carried out on C-18 reversed phase
      column based on fused-core particle technology. The influence of the injected
      sample volume, the variables affecting to SPE process and the conditions for the
      separation on an analytical column, were studied and optimized. The limits of
      detection ranged from 5.5 to 8.9 ug L(-1), and limits of quantification from 18.4
      to 29.7 ug L(-1), while inter- and intra-day variability was under 15%. This new
      analytical procedure was satisfactorily applied for the determination of these
      organic pollutants in surface water samples located in Czech Republic.
      Concentration levels were found for some of these pollutants up to 26.11 ug L(-1)
      in the river Elbe and up to 34.53 ug L(-1) in the closed lakes samples.

PMID- 25127637
TI  - Thermogravimetric study of vapor pressure of TATP synthesized without
      recrystallization.
AB  - This study aims at characterizing the vapor pressure signatures generated by
      triacetone triperoxide (TATP) that was synthesized without recrystallization by
      thermogravimmetric analysis (TGA) for exploitation by standoff detection
      technologies of explosive devices. The thermal behavior of the nonrecrystallized
      sample was compared with reported values. Any phase change, melting point and
      decomposition identification were studied by differential scanning calorimeter.
      Vapor pressures were estimated by the Langmuir method of evaporation from an open
      surface in a vacuum. Vapor pressures of TATP at different temperatures were
      calculated using the linear logarithmic relationship obtained from benzoic acid
      reference standard. Sublimation of TATP was found to follow apparent zero-order
      kinetics and sublimes at steady rates at 298 K and above. While the enthalpy of
      sublimation found, 71.7 kJ mol(-1), is in agreement with reported values the
      vapor pressures deviated significantly. The differences in the vapor pressures
      behavior are attributable to the synthesis pathway chosen in this study.

PMID- 25127638
TI  - Electrochemical immunosensor for the analysis of the breast cancer biomarker HER2
      ECD.
AB  - Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a breast cancer biomarker that
      plays a major role in promoting breast cancer cell proliferation and malignant
      growth. The extracellular domain (ECD) of HER2 can be shed into the blood stream
      and its concentration is measurable in the serum fraction of blood. In this work
      an electrochemical immunosensor for the analysis of HER2 ECD in human serum
      samples was developed. To achieve this goal a screen-printed carbon electrode,
      modified with gold nanoparticles, was used as transducer surface. A sandwich
      immunoassay, using two monoclonal antibodies, was employed and the detection of
      the antibody-antigen interaction was performed through the analysis of an
      enzymatic reaction product by linear sweep voltammetry. Using the optimized
      experimental conditions the calibration curve (ip vs. log[HER2 ECD]) was
      established between 15 and 100 ng/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.4 ng/mL
      was achieved. These results indicate that the developed immunosensor could be a
      promising tool in breast cancer diagnostics, patient follow-up and monitoring of
      metastatic breast cancer since it allows quantification in a useful concentration
      range and has an LOD below the established cut-off value (15 ng/mL).

PMID- 25127639
TI  - Polydimethylsiloxane/metal-organic frameworks coated fiber for solid-phase
      microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in river and lake water
      samples.
AB  - In this study, polydimethylsiloxane/metal-organic frameworks (PDMS/MOFs),
      including PDMS/MIL-101 and PDMS/MOF-199, were immobilized onto a stainless steel
      wire through sol-gel technique as solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber
      coating. The prepared fibers were used for the extraction of some polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from water samples prior to gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Under the optimized experiment conditions, the
      PDMS/MIL-101 coated fiber exhibited higher extraction efficiency towards PAHs
      than that of PDMS/MOF-199. Several parameters affecting the extraction of PAHs by
      SPME with PDMS/MIL-101 fiber, including the extraction temperature, extraction
      time, sample volume, salt addition and desorption conditions, were investigated.
      The limits of detection (LODs) were less than 4.0 ng L(-1) and the linearity was
      observed in the range from 0.01 to 2.0 ug L(-1) with the correlation coefficients
      (r) ranging from 0.9940 to 0.9986. The recoveries of the method for the PAHs from
      water samples at spiking levels of 0.05 and 0.2 ug L(-1) ranged from 78.2% to
      110.3%. Single fiber repeatability and fiber-to-fiber reproducibility were less
      than 9.3% and 13.8%, respectively.

PMID- 25127640
TI  - Over a century of detection and quantification capabilities in analytical
      chemistry--historical overview and trends.
AB  - The detection limit (LD) and the quantification limit (LQ) are important
      parameters in the validation process. Estimation of these parameters is
      especially important when trace and ultra-trace quantities of analyte are to be
      detected. When the apparatus response from the analyte is below the detection
      limit, it does not necessarily mean that the analyte is not present in the
      sample. It may be a message that the analyte concentration could be below the
      detection capabilities of the instrument or analytical method. By using a more
      sensitive detector or a different analytical method it is possible to
      quantitatively determine the analyte in a given sample. The terms associated with
      detection capabilities have been present in the scientific literature for at
      least the past 100 years. Numerous terms, definitions and approaches to
      calculations have been presented during that time period. This paper is an
      attempt to collect and summarize the principal approaches to the definition and
      calculation of detection and quantification abilities published from the
      beginning of 20th century up until the present. Some of the most important
      methods are described in detail. Furthermore, the authors would like to
      popularize the knowledge of metrology in chemistry, particularly that part of it
      which concerns validation of the analytical procedure.

PMID- 25127641
TI  - A portable DNAzyme-based optical biosensor for highly sensitive and selective
      detection of lead (II) in water sample.
AB  - A portable, rapid and cost-effective DNAzyme based sensor for lead ions detection
      in water samples has been developed using an optical fiber sensor platform. The
      presence of Pb(2+) cleaves the DNAzymes and releases the fluorescent labeled
      fragments, which further hybridize with the complementary strands immobilized on
      the optic fiber sensor surface. Subsequent fluorescent signals of the hybridized
      fluorescent labeled fragment provides quantitative information on the
      concentrations of Pb(2+) with a dynamic range from 2-75 nM with a detection limit
      of 1.03 nM (0.21 ng mL(-1)). The proposed sensor also shows good selectivity
      against other mono and divalent metal ions and thus holds great potential for the
      construction of general DNAzyme-based sensing platform for the monitoring of
      other heavy metal ions. The sensor can be regenerated with a 1% SDS solution (pH
      1.9) over 100 times without significant deterioration of the sensor performance.
      This portable sensor system can be potentially applied for on-site real-time
      inexpensive and easy-to-use monitoring of Pb(2+) in environmental samples such as
      wastewater effluents or water bodies.

PMID- 25127642
TI  - Development and characterisation of a new Sr selective resin for the rapid
      determination of 90Sr in environmental water samples.
AB  - A new resin selective for Sr has been developed and characterised for the direct
      binding of (90)Sr from environmental waters with minimal pre-treatment. The new
      selective resin comprises of a mixture of two extractants, 4,4'(5')-bis-t
      butylcyclohexano-18-crown-6 and di(2-ethyl-hexyl)phosphoric acid, sorbed onto
      Amberchrom CG-71. Sr uptake is shown to be high (the distribution weight
      coefficient Dw >100 mL g(-1)) across a range of environmentally realistic
      conditions (pH 2-8 and up to 11,500 mg L(-1) NaCl, 500 mg L(-1) Ca, 400 mg L(-1)
      K and 1300 mg L(-1) Mg). The Sr capacity of the resin is shown to be 7.7+/-0.4 mg
      g(-1), meaning that the resin has a sufficient capacity to quantitatively remove
      Sr from most environmental water samples. The reasonably fast uptake kinetics of
      the resin (95+/-4% of strontium bound within 30 min) results in a resin that is
      applicable to both batch- and column-type separation procedures. A range of
      potentially co-extracted radio-elements have been identified and an elution
      scheme has been developed to separate interferences, including (90)Y, from
      (90)Sr. The clean elution of (90)Sr permits immediate measurement by radiometric
      means, with no need for complicated spectral processing or waiting for secular
      equilibrium between (90)Sr and (90)Y. The characterised resin is applicable for
      use in rapid determination procedures, enabling the swift analysis of water
      samples required by monitoring schemes at contaminated nuclear sites and in the
      aftermath of nuclear accidents.

PMID- 25127643
TI  - Characterization of volatile components in four vegetable oils by headspace two
      dimensional comprehensive chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - Edible oil adulteration is the biggest source of food fraud all over the world.
      Since characteristic aroma is an important quality criterion for edible oils, we
      analyzed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in four edible vegetable oils
      (soybean, peanut, rapeseed, and sunflower seed oils) by headspace comprehensive
      two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Headspace
      GC*GC-TOFMS) in this study. After qualitative and quantitative analysis of VOCs,
      we used unsupervised (PCA) and supervised (Random forests) multivariate
      statistical methods to build a classification model for the four edible oils. The
      results indicated that the four edible oils had their own characteristic VOCs,
      which could be used as markers to completely classify these four edible oils into
      four groups. 

PMID- 25127645
TI  - Assessing oral bioaccessibility of trace elements in soils under worst-case
      scenarios by automated in-line dynamic extraction as a front end to inductively
      coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.
AB  - A novel biomimetic extraction procedure that allows for the in-line handing of
      >=400 mg solid substrates is herein proposed for automatic ascertainment of trace
      element (TE) bioaccessibility in soils under worst-case conditions as per
      recommendations of ISO norms. A unified bioaccessibility/BARGE method (UBM)-like
      physiological-based extraction test is evaluated for the first time in a dynamic
      format for accurate assessment of in-vitro bioaccessibility of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and
      Zn in forest and residential-garden soils by on-line coupling of a hybrid flow
      set-up to inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Three
      biologically relevant operational extraction modes mimicking: (i) gastric juice
      extraction alone; (ii) saliva and gastric juice composite in unidirectional flow
      extraction format and (iii) saliva and gastric juice composite in a recirculation
      mode were thoroughly investigated. The extraction profiles of the three
      configurations using digestive fluids were proven to fit a first order reaction
      kinetic model for estimating the maximum TE bioaccessibility, that is, the actual
      worst-case scenario in human risk assessment protocols. A full factorial design,
      in which the sample amount (400-800 mg), the extractant flow rate (0.5-1.5 mL
      min(-1)) and the extraction temperature (27-37 degrees C) were selected as
      variables for the multivariate optimization studies in order to obtain the
      maximum TE extractability. Two soils of varied physicochemical properties were
      analysed and no significant differences were found at the 0.05 significance level
      between the summation of leached concentrations of TE in gastric juice plus the
      residual fraction and the total concentration of the overall assayed metals
      determined by microwave digestion. These results showed the reliability and lack
      of bias (trueness) of the automatic biomimetic extraction approach using
      digestive juices.

PMID- 25127646
TI  - Chemometric processing of second-order liquid chromatographic data with UV-vis
      and fluorescence detection. A comparison of multivariate curve resolution and
      parallel factor analysis 2.
AB  - Second-order liquid chromatographic data with multivariate spectral (UV-vis or
      fluorescence) detection usually show changes in elution time profiles from sample
      to sample, causing a loss of trilinearity in the data. In order to analyze them
      with an appropriate model, the latter should permit a given component to have
      different time profiles in different samples. Two popular models in this regard
      are multivariate curve resolution-alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS) and
      parallel factor analysis 2 (PARAFAC2). The conditions to be fulfilled for
      successful application of the latter model are discussed on the basis of simple
      chromatographic concepts. An exhaustive analysis of the multivariate calibration
      models is carried out, employing both simulated and experimental chromatographic
      data sets. The latter involve the quantitation of benzimidazolic and carbamate
      pesticides in fruit and juice samples using liquid chromatography with diode
      array detection, and of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples, in
      both cases in the presence of potential interferents using liquid chromatography
      with fluorescence spectral detection, thereby achieving the second-order
      advantage. The overall results seem to favor MCR-ALS over PARAFAC2, especially in
      the presence of potential interferents. 

PMID- 25127647
TI  - Electrochemical monitoring of intracellular enzyme activity of single living
      mammalian cells by using a double-mediator system.
AB  - We evaluated the intracellular NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO) activity of
      single HeLa cells by using the menadione-ferrocyanide double-mediator system
      combined with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The double-mediator
      system was used to amplify the current response from the intracellular NQO
      activity and to reduce menadione-induced cell damage. The electron shuttle
      between the electrode and menadione was mediated by the ferrocyanide/ferricyanide
      redox couple. Generation of ferrocyanide was observed immediately after the
      addition of a lower concentration (10 MUM) of menadione. The ferrocyanide
      generation rate was constant for 120 min. At a higher menadione concentration
      (100 MUM), the ferrocyanide generation rate decreased within 30 min because of
      the cytotoxic effect of menadione. We also investigated the relationship between
      intracellular reactive oxygen species or glutathione levels and exposure to
      different menadione concentrations to determine the optimal condition for SECM
      with minimal invasiveness. The present study clearly demonstrates that SECM is
      useful for the analysis of intracellular enzymatic activities in single cells
      with a double-mediator system.

PMID- 25127648
TI  - Application of the diffusive gradients in thin films technique for available
      potassium measurement in agricultural soils: effects of competing cations on
      potassium uptake by the resin gel.
AB  - The utilization of Amberlite (IRP-69 ion-exchange resin, 100-500 wet mesh) as the
      binding phase in the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique has shown
      potential to improve the assessment of plant-available K in soils. The binding
      phase has recently been optimized by using a mixed Amberlite and ferrihydrite
      (MAF) gel which results in linear K uptake over extended deployment periods and
      in solutions with higher K concentrations. As restriction of K uptake by Ca on
      the Amberlite based resin gel has been previously proposed, potential competing
      effects of Ca(2+), Mg(2+) and NH(4+) on K uptake by the MAF gel were
      investigated. These cations had no effect on K elution efficiency which was 85%.
      However, K uptake by the MAF gel was restricted in the presence of competing
      cations in solution. Consequently, the diffusion coefficient of K decreased in
      the presence of cations compared to previous studies but was stable at 1.12*10(
      5)cm(2)s(-1) at 25 degrees C regardless of cation concentrations. Uptake of K by
      the DGT device was affected by the presence of excessive Ca in more than 30% of
      twenty typical Australian agricultural soils. However, this problem could be
      circumvented by using a shorter deployment time than the normal 24 h. Moderate
      correlation of concentrations of K extracted by DGT with Colwell K (extracted by
      NaHCO(3), R(2)=0.69) and NH4OAc K (R(2)=0.61) indicates that DGT measures a
      different pool of K in soils than that measured by the standard extractants used.
      In addition, the MAF gel has the ability to measure Ca and Mg simultaneously.

PMID- 25127644
TI  - Associations of sleep disturbance with ADHD: implications for treatment.
AB  - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with
      disordered or disturbed sleep. The relationships of ADHD with sleep problems,
      psychiatric comorbidities and medications are complex and multidirectional.
      Evidence from published studies comparing sleep in individuals with ADHD with
      typically developing controls is most concordant for associations of ADHD with:
      hypopnea/apnea and peripheral limb movements in sleep or nocturnal motricity in
      polysomnographic studies; increased sleep onset latency and shorter sleep time in
      actigraphic studies; and bedtime resistance, difficulty with morning awakenings,
      sleep onset difficulties, sleep-disordered breathing, night awakenings and
      daytime sleepiness in subjective studies. ADHD is also frequently coincident with
      sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral limb movement disorder,
      restless legs syndrome and circadian-rhythm sleep disorders). Psychostimulant
      medications are associated with disrupted or disturbed sleep, but also
      'paradoxically' calm some patients with ADHD for sleep by alleviating their
      symptoms. Long-acting formulations may have insufficient duration of action,
      leading to symptom rebound at bedtime. Current guidelines recommend assessment of
      sleep disturbance during evaluation of ADHD, and before initiation of
      pharmacotherapy, with healthy sleep practices the first-line option for
      addressing sleep problems. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview
      of the relationships between ADHD and sleep, and presents a conceptual model of
      the modes of interaction: ADHD may cause sleep problems as an intrinsic feature
      of the disorder; sleep problems may cause or mimic ADHD; ADHD and sleep problems
      may interact, with reciprocal causation and possible involvement of comorbidity;
      and ADHD and sleep problems may share a common underlying neurological etiology. 

PMID- 25127649
TI  - The importance of chain length for the polyphosphate enhancement of acidic
      potassium permanganate chemiluminescence.
AB  - Sodium polyphosphate is commonly used to enhance chemiluminescence reactions with
      acidic potassium permanganate through a dual enhancement mechanism, but
      commercially available polyphosphates vary greatly in composition. We have
      examined the influence of polyphosphate composition and concentration on both the
      dual enhancement mechanism of chemiluminescence intensity and the stability of
      the reagent under analytically useful conditions. The average chain length (n)
      provides a convenient characterisation, but materials with similar values can
      exhibit markedly different distributions of phosphate oligomers. There is a
      minimum polyphosphate chain length (~6) required for a large enhancement of the
      emission intensity, but no further advantage was obtained using polyphosphate
      materials with much longer average chain lengths. Providing there is a sufficient
      average chain length, the optimum concentration of polyphosphate is dependent on
      the analyte and in some cases, may be lower than the quantities previously used
      in routine detection. However, the concentration of polyphosphate should not be
      lowered in permanganate reagents that have been partially reduced to form high
      concentrations of the key manganese(III) co-reactant, as this intermediate needs
      to be stabilised to prevent formation of insoluble manganese(IV). 

PMID- 25127650
TI  - Absolute quantification of superoxide dismutase in cytosol and mitochondria of
      mice hepatic cells exposed to mercury by a novel metallomic approach.
AB  - In the last years, the development of new methods for analyzing accurate and
      precise individual metalloproteins is of increasing importance, since numerous
      metalloproteins are excellent biomarkers of oxidative stress and diseases. In
      that way, methods based on the use of post column isotopic dilution analysis
      (IDA) or enriched protein standards are required to obtain a sufficient degree of
      accuracy, precision and high limits of detection. This paper reports the
      identification and absolute quantification of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn
      SOD) in cytosol and mitochondria from mice hepatic cells using a innovative
      column switching analytical approach. The method consisted of orthogonal
      chromatographic systems coupled to inductively coupling plasma-mass spectrometry
      equipped with a octopole reaction systems (ICP-ORS-MS) and UV detectors: size
      exclusion fractionation (SEC) of the cytosolic and mitochondrial extracts
      followed by online anion exchange chromatographic (AEC) separation of Cu/Zn
      containing species. After purification, Cu,Zn-SOD was identified after tryptic
      digestion by molecular mass spectrometry (MS). The MS/MS spectrum of a doubly
      charged peptide was used to obtain the sequence of the protein using the MASCOT
      searching engine. This optimized methodology reduces the time of analysis and
      avoids the use of sample preconcentration and clean-up procedures, such as cut
      off centrifuged filters, solid phase extraction (SPE), precipitation procedures,
      off-line fractions insolates, etc. In this sense, the method is robust, reliable
      and fast with typical chromatographic run time less than 20 min. Precision in
      terms of relative standard deviation (n = 5) is of 3-5% and detection limits is
      0.21 ngCug(-1). The application of the methodology to hepatic cells from mice
      exposed to inorganic mercury reveals decreased levels of Cu,Zn-SOD in cytosolic
      and mitochondrial extracts, as a consequence of the oxidative stress caused by
      this toxic metal. Additionally, the quantification of mitochondrial Cu,Zn-SOD in
      hepatic cells from Mus musculus has been carried out for the first time.

PMID- 25127651
TI  - In-situ vibrational optical rotatory dispersion of molecular organic crystals at
      high pressures.
AB  - Organic structures respond to pressure with a variety of mechanisms including
      degradation, intramolecular transformation and intermolecular bonding. The
      effects of pressure on chiral organic structures are of particular interest
      because of the potential steric controls on the fate of pressurized molecules.
      Despite representing a range of opportunities, the simultaneous study of high
      pressures on different forms of chiral structures is poorly explored. We have
      combined synchrotron-source vibrational optical rotatory dispersion, micro
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the use of a diamond anvil cell to
      simultaneously monitor the effects of pressure on the two enantiomers of the
      simple amino acid, alanine. 

PMID- 25127652
TI  - Highly selective silver nanoparticles based label free colorimetric sensor for
      nitrite anions.
AB  - Highly selective label free colorimetric sensor based on AgNPs stabilized by
      phenolic chelating ligand, N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2-diaminobenzene (1), for
      NO(2-) anions has been developed. Addition of NO(2-) showed selective
      decolourisation of brownish yellow colour of 1-AgNPs with the detection limit of
      10(-7)M. Absorption studies showed the complete disappearance of 1-AgNPs peak at
      426 nm due to the conversion of AgNPs to silver ions. The presence silver ions
      were confirmed by white precipitates of AgCl formation with NaCl. The
      interference studies confirmed the high selectivity of NO(2-) sensing in presence
      of anions as well as cations by 1-AgNPs. A linear relationship was observed
      between the change of absorption and concentration of NO(2-). The present
      approach could be performed at room temperature and ambient conditions. The
      practical applications of 1-AgNPs for selective sensing of NO(2-) in different
      water samples such as ground, river, pond and tap water have also been
      demonstrated.

PMID- 25127653
TI  - Magnetically assisted solid phase extraction using Fe3O4 nanoparticles combined
      with enhanced spectrofluorimetric detection for aflatoxin M1 determination in
      milk samples.
AB  - A novel, facile and inexpensive solid phase extraction (SPE) method using
      ethylene glycol bis-mercaptoacetate modified 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-1-propanethiol
      grafted Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles coupled with spectrofluorimetric detection was
      proposed for determination of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in liquid milk samples. The
      method uses the advantage fluorescence enhancement by beta-cyclodexterin
      complexation of AFM1 in 12% (v/v) acetonitrile-water and the remarkable
      properties of Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles namely high surface area and strong
      magnetization were utilized to achieve high enrichment factor (57) and
      satisfactory extraction recoveries (91-102%) using only 100 mg of magnetic
      adsorbent. Furthermore, fast separation time of about 15 min avoids many time
      consuming column-passing procedures of conventional SPE. The main factors
      affecting extraction efficiency including pH value, desorption conditions,
      extraction/desorption time, sample volume, and adsorbent amount were evaluated
      and optimized. Under the optimal conditions, a wide linear range of 0.04-8 ng mL(
      1) with a low detection limit of 0.015 ng mL(-1) was obtained. The developed
      method was applied for extraction and preconcentration of AFM1 in three
      commercially available milk samples and the results were compared with the
      official AOAC method.

PMID- 25127654
TI  - Text recycling: acceptable or misconduct?
AB  - Text recycling, also referred to as self-plagiarism, is the reproduction of an
      author's own text from a previous publication in a new publication. Opinions on
      the acceptability of this practice vary, with some viewing it as acceptable and
      efficient, and others as misleading and unacceptable. In light of the lack of
      consensus, journal editors often have difficulty deciding how to act upon the
      discovery of text recycling. In response to these difficulties, we have created a
      set of guidelines for journal editors on how to deal with text recycling. In this
      editorial, we discuss some of the challenges of developing these guidelines, and
      how authors can avoid undisclosed text recycling. 

PMID- 25127655
TI  - Reduced-dose warfarin or interrupted warfarin with heparin bridging for pacemaker
      or defibrillator implantation: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perioperative management with reduced-dose warfarin is of potential
      interest by eliminating the need for bridging while still maintaining a degree of
      anticoagulation. The outcomes of this regimen have not been well determined.
      METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial we compared two regimens for management
      of anticoagulation with warfarin in patients with implantation of a pacemaker or
      defibrillator. Half dose of warfarin for 3-6 days, depending on the baseline
      international normalized ratio (INR), before surgery aiming at an INR of <= 1.7
      was compared with interrupted warfarin for 5 days with preoperative bridging with
      low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) at therapeutic dose for 2.5 days. Main safety
      outcome was pocket hematoma. Secondary outcomes were major bleeding,
      thromboembolism - all within 1 month, days of hospitalization and number of
      patients requiring correction of INR with vitamin K. RESULTS: The study was
      planned for 450 patients but it was discontinued prematurely due to a change in
      practice. Pocket hematoma occurred in 4 of 85 patients (5%) randomized to the
      bridged regimen and in 3 of 86 patients (3%) randomized to reduced-dose warfarin.
      One pocket hematoma in each group was severe. There were no major hemorrhages or
      thromboembolism within the 1-month window. Duration of hospitalization was
      similar in the two groups. Correction of INR the day before surgery with vitamin
      K had to be used for significantly more patients in the reduced-dose warfarin
      group (41%) than in the bridged regimen group (6%). CONCLUSION: The reduced-dose
      warfarin regimen appeared to have similar safety after device implantation as
      interrupted warfarin with preoperative LMWH bridging. Due to premature
      discontinuation no firm conclusion can be drawn. The reduced-dose warfarin
      regimen often failed to achieve the intended preoperative INR. ClinicalTrials.gov
      Identifier: NCT 02094157.

PMID- 25127656
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in critically ill patients undergoing continuous
      venovenous haemodialysis.

PMID- 25127658
TI  - The geostatistic-based spatial distribution variations of soil salts under long
      term wastewater irrigation.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine and evaluate the spatial changes in
      soil salinity by using geostatistical methods. The study focused on the suburb
      area of Beijing, where urban development led to water shortage and accelerated
      wastewater reuse to farm irrigation for more than 30 years. The data were then
      processed by GIS using three different interpolation techniques of ordinary
      kriging (OK), disjunctive kriging (DK), and universal kriging (UK). The normality
      test and overall trend analysis were applied for each interpolation technique to
      select the best fitted model for soil parameters. Results showed that OK was
      suitable for soil sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and Na(+) interpolation; UK was
      suitable for soil Cl(-) and pH; DK was suitable for soil Ca(2+). The nugget-to
      sill ratio was applied to evaluate the effects of structural and stochastic
      factors. The maps showed that the areas of non-saline soil and slight salinity
      soil accounted for 6.39 and 93.61%, respectively. The spatial distribution and
      accumulation of soil salt were significantly affected by the irrigation
      probabilities and drainage situation under long-term wastewater irrigation.

PMID- 25127659
TI  - Palonosetron versus ondansetron as rescue medication for postoperative nausea and
      vomiting: a randomized, multicenter, open-label study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study compared palonosetron and ondansetron as rescue
      medications for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients who received
      prophylactic ondansetron. Although guidelines recommend use of an agent from a
      different class when prophylaxis has failed, palonosetron has unique properties
      relative to other serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Prior trials assessing
      its use for rescue have had conflicting results. Although palonosetron has
      compared favorably with ondansetron for PONV prevention, the drugs have not been
      compared in the rescue setting of failure of 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
      prophylaxis. METHODS: This was a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial
      comparing the efficacy and safety of intravenous palonosetron 0.075 mg and
      intravenous ondansetron 4 mg in patients experiencing PONV following laparoscopic
      abdominal or gynecological surgery despite prophylactic ondansetron. RESULTS: Of
      239 patients screened, 220 were enrolled and 98 were treated for PONV: 48 and 50
      in the palonosetron and ondansetron arms, respectively. Complete control during
      72 hours after study drug administration was achieved in 25.0% of palonosetron
      recipients and 18.0% of ondansetron recipients (95% confidence interval [CI], 
      9.2, 23.3; p = 0.40). Corresponding incidences of vomiting were 29.2% for
      palonosetron and 48.0% for ondansetron (95% CI, -0.06, 37.7; p = 0.057), and
      62.5% and 56.0% required additional rescue treatment, respectively (95% CI, 
      25.9, 12.9; p = 0.52). Other than a similar incidence of procedural pain in the 2
      groups, the most common treatment-emergent adverse events, which were generally
      mild, were headache (14.6% vs 12.0%), constipation (8.3% vs 10.0%), and dizziness
      (6.3% vs 8.0%), for the palonosetron and ondansetron groups, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Palonosetron and ondansetron did not show differences in the primary
      efficacy endpoint of CC during the 72 hours after study drug administration.
      There was a trend toward less emesis in the 0-72 h time period favoring
      palonosetron. While larger studies are needed to fully assess any clinical
      benefits of palonosetron to rescue patients who have failed ondansetron
      prophylaxis for PONV, the benefit, if any, would be limited based on this study.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00967499 (Registered August 27, 2009).

PMID- 25127657
TI  - Novel self assembling nanoparticles for the oral administration of fondaparinux:
      synthesis, characterization and in vivo evaluation.
AB  - Fondaparinux (Fpx) is the anticoagulant of choice in the treatment of short- and
      medium-term thromboembolic disease. To overcome the low oral bioavailability of
      Fpx, a new nanoparticulate carrier has been developed. The nanoparticles (NPs)
      contain squalenyl derivatives, known for their excellent oral bioavailability.
      They spontaneously self-assemble upon both electrostatic and hydrophobic
      interactions between the polyanionic Fpx and cationic squalenyl (CSq)
      derivatives. The preparation conditions were optimized to obtain monodisperse,
      stable NPs with a mean diameter in the range of 150-200 nm. The encapsulation
      efficiencies were around 80%. Fpx loadings reached 39 wt.%. According to
      structural and morphological analysis, Fpx and CSq organized in spherical
      multilamellar ("onion-type") nanoparticles. Furthermore, in vivo studies in rats
      suggested that Fpx was well absorbed from the orally administered NPs, which
      totally dissociated when reaching the blood stream, leading to the release of
      free Fpx. The Fpx:CSq NPs improved the plasmatic concentration of Fpx in a dose
      dependent manner. However, the oral bioavailability of these new NPs remained low
      (around 0.3%) but of note, the Cmax obtained after oral administration of 50mg/kg
      NPs was close to the prophylactic plasma concentration needed to treat venous
      thromboembolism. Moreover, the oral bioavailability of Fpx could be dramatically
      increased up to 9% by including the nanoparticles into gastroresistant capsules.
      This study opens up new perspectives for the oral administration of Fpx and paves
      the way towards elaborating squalene-based NPs which self assemble without the
      need of covalently grafting the drug to Sq.

PMID- 25127660
TI  - Plasmalogens in the retina: from occurrence in retinal cell membranes to
      potential involvement in pathophysiology of retinal diseases.
AB  - Plasmalogens (Pls) represent a specific subclass of glycerophospholipids
      characterized by the presence of a vinyl-ether bond at the sn-1 position of
      glycerol. Pls are quantitatively important in membranes of neuronal tissues,
      including the brain and the retina, where they can represent until almost two
      third of ethanolamine glycerophospholipids. They are considered as reservoirs of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids as several studies have shown that arachidonic and
      docosahexaenoic acids are preferentially esterified on Pls when compared to other
      glycerophospholipids. Reduced levels of Pls were observed in a number of
      neurodegenerative disorders such as glaucoma, the second leading cause of
      blindness worldwide. In a mouse model of Pls deficiency, "glaucoma-like" optic
      nerve abnormalities were observed as well as developmental defects in the eye.
      These included microphthalmia, dysgenesis of the anterior segment of the eye, and
      abnormalities in retinal vessel architecture. Several data from animal and in
      vitro studies suggest that Pls may be involved in the regulation of retinal
      vascular development through the release of polyunsaturated fatty acids by a
      calcium-independent phospholipase A2. 

PMID- 25127661
TI  - Critical roles of DNase1l3l in lens nuclear degeneration in zebrafish.
AB  - The vertebrate lens undergoes organelle and nuclear degradation during lens
      development, allowing the lens to become transparent. DNase2b is an enzyme
      responsible for nuclear degradation in the mouse lens; however, dnase2b
      expression in zebrafish showed a distribution pattern that differed from that in
      mice. No zebrafish dnase2b was detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain
      reaction until around 120 h postfertilization (hpf), suggesting that dnase2b is
      not expressed in the critical period for lens nuclear degradation, which
      corresponds to 56-74 hpf. However, public database searches have indicated that
      dnase1l3l is strongly and specifically expressed in embryonic zebrafish lens.
      Whole mount in situ hybridization showed that dnase1l3l expression began around
      36 hpf and was found exclusively in the lens until the adult stage. Morpholino
      (MO)-dependent downregulation of dnase1l3l expression during early development in
      zebrafish led to the failure of nuclear degradation in the lens. Immunostaining
      of lens sections showed that expression of Pax6, Prox1 and beta-catenin was
      comparable to the control in the early stage of development in dnase1l3l-MO
      injected embryos. However, downregulation of expression of these genes in lens
      was not observed in dnase1l3l-MO-treated zebrafish at 72 hpf, suggesting that the
      lens development was halted. Taken together, we showed that dnase1l3l plays major
      roles in nuclear degradation in zebrafish lens development. No homologous gene
      was found in other species in public databases, suggesting that dnase1l3l
      developed and acquired its function specifically in zebrafish.

PMID- 25127662
TI  - Women's participation in breast cancer screening in France--an ethical approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a major public health challenge. Organized
      mammography screening (OS) is considered one way to reduce breast cancer
      mortality. EU recommendations prone mass deployment of OS, and back in 2004,
      France introduced a national OS programme for women aged 50-74 years. However, in
      2012, participation rate was still just 52.7%, well short of the targeted 70%
      objective. In an effort to re-address the (in) efficiency of the programme, the
      French National Cancer Institute has drafted an expert-group review of the
      ethical issues surrounding breast cancer mammography screening. DISCUSSION:
      Prompted by emerging debate over the efficiency of the screening scheme and its
      allied public information provision, we keynote the experts' report based on
      analysis of epidemiological data and participation rate from the public health
      authorities. The low coverage of the OS scheme may be partly explained by the
      fact that a significant number of women undergo mammography outside OS and thus
      outside OS criteria. These findings call for further thinking on (i) the ethical
      principles of beneficence and non-malfeasance underpinning this public health
      initiative, (ii) the reasons behind women's and professionals' behavior, and
      (iii) the need to analyze how information provision to women and the doctor
      patient relationship need to evolve in response to scientific controversy over
      the risks and benefits of conducting mammographic screening. SUMMARY: This work
      calls for a reappraisal of the provision of screening programme information. We
      advocate a move to integrate the points sparking debate over the efficiency of
      the screening scheme to guarantee full transparency. The perspective is to
      strengthen the respect for autonomy allowing women to make an informed choice in
      their decision on whether or not to participate.

PMID- 25127664
TI  - Estimating prevalence and burden of major disorders of the brain in Nepal:
      cultural, geographic, logistic and philosophical issues of methodology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Headache, anxiety and depression are major disorders of the brain in
      terms of their prevalence and the burdens and costs they impose on society.
      Nationwide population-based studies of these disorders are necessary to inform
      health policy but, in research-naive and resource-poor countries such as Nepal, a
      host of methodological problems are encountered: cultural, geographic, logistic
      and philosophical. METHODS: Expert consensus was sought among researchers from
      different professional and cultural backgrounds in planning and conceptualizing
      an epidemiological study and adapting established methods to the special
      situation and circumstances of Nepal. RESULTS: The methodological problems were
      sorted into different themes: study design; climate; geography, access and
      transport; sociocultural issues; safety of interviewers. Each of these was dealt
      with separately, and their inter-relationships explored, in finding solutions
      that were sometimes pragmatic. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, with
      teams of interviewers visiting households across the three physiographic
      divisions (with extremes in altitude) in each of the five development regions of
      the country, would enable national sampling with sociocultural
      representativeness. However, the study instruments and interviews would be in
      Nepali only. Transport and access challenges were considerable, and their
      solutions combined travel by air, bus, river and foot, with allowances for rain
      damaged roads, collapsed bridges and cancelled scheduled flights. The monsoon
      would render many routes impassable, and therefore set an absolute time
      limitation. Engaging participants willingly in the enquiry would be the key to
      success, and several tactics would be employed to enhance the success of this,
      most importantly enlisting the support of local community volunteers in each
      study site. CONCLUSION: Anticipating problems in advance of investing substantial
      resources in a large nationwide epidemiological study in Nepal was a sensible
      precaution. The difficulties could be resolved or circumvented without expected
      compromise in scientific quality. Expert consensus was an effective means of
      achieving this outcome.

PMID- 25127663
TI  - Phenethyl isothiocyanate upregulates death receptors 4 and 5 and inhibits
      proliferation in human cancer stem-like cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cytokine TRAIL (tumor necrotic factor-related apoptosis-inducing
      ligand) selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells, but cancer stem cells
      (CSCs) that contribute to cancer-recurrence are frequently TRAIL-resistant. Here
      we examined hitherto unknown effects of the dietary anti-carcinogenic compound
      phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) on attenuation of proliferation and
      tumorigenicity and on up regulation of death receptors and apoptosis in human
      cervical CSC. METHODS: Cancer stem-like cells were enriched from human cervical
      HeLa cell line by sphere-culture method and were characterized by CSC-specific
      markers' analyses (flow cytometry) and Hoechst staining. Cell proliferation
      assays, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry were used to assess anti-proliferative
      as well as pro-apoptotic effects of PEITC exposure in HeLa CSCs (hCSCs).
      Xenotransplantation study in a non-obese diabetic, severe combined
      immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mouse model, histopathology, and ELISA techniques were
      further utilized to validate our results in vivo. RESULTS: PEITC attenuated
      proliferation of CD44(high/+)/CD24(low/-), stem-like, sphere-forming
      subpopulations of hCSCs in a concentration- and time-dependent manner that was
      comparable to the CSC antagonist salinomycin. PEITC exposure-associated up
      regulation of cPARP (apoptosis-associated cleaved poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase)
      levels and induction of DR4 and DR5 (death receptor 4 and 5) of TRAIL signaling
      were observed. Xenotransplantation of hCSCs into mice resulted in greater
      tumorigenicity than HeLa cells, which was diminished along with serum hVEGF-A
      (human vascular endothelial growth factor A) levels in the PEITC-pretreated hCSC
      group. Lung metastasis was observed only in the hCSC-injected group that did not
      receive PEITC-pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-proliferative effects of PEITC
      in hCSCs may at least partially result from up regulation of DR4 and possibly DR5
      of TRAIL-mediated apoptotic pathways. PEITC may offer a novel approach for
      improving therapeutic outcomes in cancer patients.

PMID- 25127665
TI  - Plasma and platelet serotonin concentrations in healthy dogs and dogs with
      myxomatous mitral valve disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Serotonin has been implicated in canine myxomatous mitral valve
      disease (MMVD); however, the sources of serotonin have not been fully elucidated.
      This study compared the concentration of serotonin in plasma and platelets of
      normal healthy small breed dogs with predisposition to MMVD and dogs with
      naturally occurring MMVD. ANIMALS: 43 small-breed client-owned dogs with an
      approximate weight of <10 kg and age of 6 years or above were divided into 2
      groups: a healthy control group (n = 20) and a group with echocardiographic
      evidence of MMVD (n = 23). METHODS: 5 ml samples of blood were collected. Plasma
      and platelets were separated by centrifugation and assayed for serotonin measured
      by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Median plasma serotonin
      concentration was not significantly different (p = 0.3630) between normal healthy
      dogs (3.7 ng/ml) and dogs with MMVD (4.3 ng/ml). Males had higher plasma
      serotonin concentration than females (4.7 and 2.9 ng/ml respectively, p =
      0.0043). Platelet serotonin concentration was not different between healthy dogs
      and dogs with MMVD (128.6 ng/109 platelets and 176.6 ng/109 platelets
      respectively, p = 0.4575). Age, echocardiographic indices and platelet count
      showed no correlation with plasma or platelet serotonin concentration.
      CONCLUSIONS: Circulating plasma serotonin is unlikely a major source of serotonin
      signaling in canine MMVD. Platelets could be a source of serotonin in canine MMVD
      through platelet adhesion to the mitral valve; however, the amount of serotonin
      stored in platelets of healthy dogs and dogs with MMVD is not different.

PMID- 25127666
TI  - Echocardiographic and radiographic findings in a cohort of healthy adult green
      iguanas (Iguana iguana).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe characteristics of echocardiography and cranial coelomic
      radiography in a cohort of iguanas. ANIMALS: Twenty apparently healthy adult
      green iguanas (Iguana iguana) from a reptile sanctuary. METHODS: Physical
      examination, radiography, two-dimensional and color Doppler echocardiography were
      performed to assess cardiac structures and function, and any related normal or
      abnormal findings were recorded. RESULTS: Echocardiographic examination was
      possible without sedation and allowed visualization of the great vessels, atria,
      and ventricle. Some structures could not be evaluated in a minority of the
      iguanas due to individual differences in bony conformation and imaging quality.
      Suspected abnormal echocardiographic findings in 3 iguanas included pericardial
      effusion (n = 1) and enlarged caudal vena cava and/or sinus venosus (n = 2).
      Objective measurements were repeatable as assessed by within-subject coefficient
      of variation, and reliable as assessed by intra-observer intraclass correlation
      coefficient. Left atrial and ventricular measurements were significantly
      correlated with body weight. Valve regurgitation was common, with
      atrioventricular valve regurgitation present in 53% (9/17) and aortic or pulmonic
      valve regurgitation in 71% (12/17) of otherwise normal iguanas. A heart murmur
      was not appreciated during examination of any of the iguanas. Heart size cannot
      be measured radiographically due to superimposition and silhouetting of other
      coelomic structures. Echocardiographic or radiographic findings consistent with
      mineralization of the great vessels were present in 76% of iguanas (13/17).
      CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiography in iguanas is well tolerated without sedation and
      allowed both subjective evaluation and structural measurements. Valve
      regurgitation and great vessel mineralization were commonly observed in this
      cohort of apparently healthy adult iguanas.

PMID- 25127667
TI  - The effects of health coaching on adult patients with chronic diseases: a
      systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to describe the effects of
      health coaching on adult patients with chronic diseases. METHODS: The reviewers
      searched electronic databases and performed a manual search for studies published
      from 2009 to 2013. The inclusion criteria covered health coaching for adults with
      chronic diseases by health care professionals. The studies were original,
      randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental designs. RESULTS: Thirteen
      studies were selected using the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that
      health coaching produces positive effects on patients' physiological, behavioral
      and psychological conditions and on their social life. In particular,
      statistically significant results revealed better weight management, increased
      physical activity and improved physical and mental health status. CONCLUSION:
      Health coaching improves the management of chronic diseases. Further research
      into the cost-effectiveness of health coaching and its long-term effectiveness
      for chronic diseases is needed. Practice implications Health care professionals
      play key roles in promoting healthy behavior and motivating good care for adults
      with chronic diseases. Health coaching is an effective patient education method
      that can be used to motivate and take advantage of a patient's willingness to
      change their life style and to support the patient's home-based self-care.

PMID- 25127668
TI  - Delayed left ventricular apical thrombus formation following discontinuation of
      dual anti-platelet therapy.
AB  - Delayed de novo left ventricular apical thrombus following a distant antero
      apical myocardial infarction has to our knowledge not been previously reported.
      Herein we describe a patient who developed an apical thrombus 18 months after his
      initial infarct following cessation of dual anti-platelet therapy for a traumatic
      subdural haematoma requiring surgical evacuation.

PMID- 25127669
TI  - Cardiac vignette: isolated pulmonary regurgitation.
AB  - Isolated pulmonary regurgitation (PR) is a rare occurrence with only a handful of
      documented cases worldwide. Though usually well tolerated in childhood, chronic
      PR can eventually lead to RV dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias. In this
      cardiac vignette, we describe a case of isolated PR in a young female presenting
      with syncope and explore the natural history, different investigative modalities
      as well as issues in clinical management of this rare condition.

PMID- 25127670
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA has three major variations.

PMID- 25127671
TI  - Molecular cloning, characterization and tissue distribution of two ostrich beta
      defensins: AvBD2 and AvBD7.
AB  - Avian beta-defensins (AvBDs) are a family of small antimicrobial peptides that
      play important roles in the innate immunity of birds. Herein, we report on two
      new ostrich AvBD genes, AvBD2 and AvBD7, which were isolated from the bone marrow
      of ostriches (Struthio camelus). The coding regions of ostrich AvBD2 and AvBD7
      comprised 195 bp and 201bp, which encoded 64 and 66 amino acids, respectively.
      Homology analysis showed that ostrich AvBD2 had the highest similarity (up to
      86%) with the swan goose (Anser cygnoides) AvBD2, while ostrich AvBD7 shared the
      highest similarity (up to 81%) with chicken AvBD7. Analysis of the codon-usage
      bias showed that the two ostrich AvBDs had different codon-usage patterns from
      other AvBDs. The two synthetic AvBD peptides exhibited antibacterial activities
      against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and these activities
      decreased significantly in the presence of 100mM NaCl (P<0.01). Real-time reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that AvBD2 and AvBD7 were
      widely expressed at different levels in 17 different tissues. This is the first
      report of the nucleotide sequences of ostrich AvBDs. Further investigations of
      these two AvBDs may help us to gain new insights into the immune defense system
      of the ostrich and to make subsequent therapeutic use of ostrich defensins.

PMID- 25127672
TI  - Double incretin receptor knock-out (DIRKO) mice present with alterations of
      trabecular and cortical micromorphology and bone strength.
AB  - A role for gut hormone in bone physiology has been suspected. We evidenced
      alterations of microstructural morphology (trabecular and cortical) and bone
      strength (both at the whole-bone--and tissue-level) in double incretin receptor
      knock-out (DIRKO) mice as compared to wild-type littermates. These results
      support a role for gut hormones in bone physiology. INTRODUCTION: The two
      incretins, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like
      peptide-1 (GLP-1), have been shown to control bone remodeling and strength.
      However, lessons from single incretin receptor knock-out mice highlighted a
      compensatory mechanism induced by elevated sensitivity to the other gut hormone.
      As such, it is unclear whether the bone alterations observed in GIP or GLP-1
      receptor deficient animals resulted from the lack of a functional gut hormone
      receptor, or by higher sensitivity for the other gut hormone. The aims of the
      present study were to investigate the bone microstructural morphology, as well as
      bone tissue properties, in double incretin receptor knock-out (DIRKO) mice.
      METHODS: Twenty-six-week-old DIRKO mice were age- and sex-matched with wild-type
      (WT) littermates. Bone microstructural morphology was assessed at the femur by
      microCT and quantitative X-ray imaging, while tissue properties were investigated
      by quantitative backscattered electron imaging and Fourier-transformed infrared
      microscopy. Bone mechanical response was assessed at the whole-bone- and tissue
      level by 3-point bending and nanoindentation, respectively. RESULTS: As compared
      to WT animals, DIRKO mice presented significant augmentations in trabecular bone
      mass and trabecular number whereas bone outer diameter, cortical thickness, and
      cortical area were reduced. At the whole-bone-level, yield stress, ultimate
      stress, and post-yield work to fracture were significantly reduced in DIRKO
      animals. At the tissue-level, only collagen maturity was reduced by 9 % in DIRKO
      mice leading to reductions in maximum load, hardness, and dissipated energy.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the critical role of gut hormones in
      controlling bone microstructural morphology and tissue properties.

PMID- 25127673
TI  - A systematic review of complicated diverticulitis in post-transplant patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunosuppression could increase the complication rate in patients
      with acute diverticulitis. This would justify a low threshold for elective
      sigmoid resection in these patients after an episode of diverticulitis. Well
      documented groups of immunocompromised patients are transplant patients, in which
      many prospective studies have been conducted. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this
      systematic review is to assess the incidence of complicated diverticulitis in
      post-transplant patients. DATA SOURCE: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and
      Cochrane databases for papers published between January 1966 and January 2014.
      STUDY SELECTION AND INTERVENTION: Publications dealing with post-transplant
      patients and left-sided diverticulitis were eligible for inclusion. The following
      exclusion criteria were used for study selection: abstracts, case-series and non
      English articles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure was the
      incidence of complicated diverticulitis. Secondary outcome was the incidence of
      acute diverticulitis and the proportion of complicated diverticulitis. Pooling of
      data was only performed when more than five reported on the outcome of interest
      with comparable cohorts. Only studies describing proportion of complicated
      diverticulitis and renal transplant studies were eligible for pooling data.
      RESULTS: Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. Nine renal transplant
      cohorts, four mixed lung-heart-heart lung transplant cohorts, two heart
      transplant cohorts, and two lung cohorts. A total of 11,966 post-transplant
      patients were included in the present review. Overall incidence of complicated
      diverticulitis in all transplantation studies ranged from 0.1 to 3.5%. Nine
      studies only included renal transplant patients. Pooled incidence of complicated
      diverticulitis in these patients was 1.0% (95% CI 0.6 to 1.5%). Ten studies
      provided proportion of complicated diverticulitis. Pooled incidence of acute
      diverticulitis in these studies was 1.7% (95% CI 1.0 to 2.7%). Pooled proportion
      of complicated diverticulitis among these patients was 40.1% (95% CI 32.2 to
      49.7%). All studies were of moderate quality using the MINORS scoring scale.
      CONCLUSION: The incidence of complicated diverticulitis is about one in 100
      transplant patients. Additionally when a transplant patient develops an episode
      of acute diverticulitis, a high proportion of patients have a complicated disease
      course.

PMID- 25127674
TI  - Changes in the loading conditions induced by vagal stimulation modify the
      myocardial infarct size through sympathetic-parasympathetic interactions.
AB  - In a previous research, we described that vagal stimulation increases the infarct
      size by sympathetic co-activation. The aim of this study was to determine if
      hemodynamic changes secondary to the vagal stimulation are able to activate
      sympathetic compensatory neural reflexes, responsible for increasing the infarct
      size. A second goal was to determine if intermittent vagal stimulation avoids
      sympathetic activation and reduces infarct size by muscarinic activation of the
      Akt/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3beta) pathway. Rabbits were subjected
      to 30 min of regional myocardial ischemia and 3 h of reperfusion without vagal
      stimulation, or the following protocols of right vagus nerve stimulation for 10
      min before ischemia: (a) continuous vagal stimulation and (b) intermittent vagal
      stimulation (cycles of 10 s ON/50 s OFF). Continuous vagal stimulation increased
      the infarct size (70.7 +/- 4.3 %), even after right vagal section (68.6 +/- 4.1
      %) compared with control group (52.0 +/- 3.7 %, p < 0.05). Bilateral vagotomy,
      pacing, and esmolol abolished the deleterious effect, reaching an infarct size of
      43.3 +/- 5.1, 43.5 +/- 2.1, and 46.0 +/- 4.6 % (p < 0.05), respectively.
      Intermittent stimulation reduced the infarct size to 29.8 +/- 3.0 % (p < 0.05 vs
      I/R). This effect was blocked with atropine (50.2 +/- 3.6 %, p < 0.05).
      Continuous vagal stimulation induced bradycardia and increased the loading
      conditions and wall stretching of the atria. These changes provoked the co
      activation reflex of the sympathetic nervous system, observed by the rise in
      plasmatic catecholamine levels, which increased the infarct size. Sympathetic co
      activation was abolished by continuous vagal stimulation with constant heart rate
      or parasympathetic deafferentation. Intermittent vagal stimulation attenuated the
      sympathetic tone and reduced the infarct size by the muscarinic activation of the
      Akt pathway and GSK-3beta inhibition. Continuous stimulation only phosphorylated
      Akt and GSK-3beta when esmolol was administered.

PMID- 25127676
TI  - An effector gene hopA1 influences on virulence, host specificity, and lifestyles
      of Pseudomonas cichorii JBC1.
AB  - Pseudomonas cichorii is a devastating pathogen which infects a wide range of
      ornamental as well as agricultural crops worldwide. Characterization of virulence
      genes helps to understand pathogens' infection processes, which may lead to
      development of resistant crops. For functional validation of novel genes, we re
      constructed pUCP18 vector with lambda phage red operon and sacB gene
      (pUCP18_RedS), which simplified conventional marker exchange system. The effector
      gene hopA1 of P. cichorii JBC1 was marker exchanged with PCR product of kanamycin
      gene flanked by hopA1 flanking region using pUCP18_RedS. The virulence and
      internal growth of hopA1 defective mutant (DeltahopA1) in tomato seedlings was
      significantly reduced compared to wild type (WT) and hopA1 complemented strain
      (DeltahopA1::phopA1). The analysis on role of hopA1 in host range revealed that
      P. cichorii was hopA1-dependent to infect cabbage, tomato, soybean, hot pepper,
      and cucumber, but not melon and eggplant. Despite the similarity in growth
      pattern, the biofilm formation and swarming motility of DeltahopA1 were
      significantly reduced compared to WT and DeltahopA1::phopA1. The results of this
      study indicate that hopA1 plays a significant role not only in virulence and host
      specificity, but also motility and biofilm formation of P. cichorii which may
      influence the infection processes. 

PMID- 25127675
TI  - Kir1.1 (ROMK) and Kv7.1 (KCNQ1/KvLQT1) are essential for normal gastric acid
      secretion: importance of functional Kir1.1.
AB  - Potassium channels comprise the apical leak pathway supplying extracellular K(+)
      for exchange with protons by the gastric H(+), K(+)-ATPase and provide potential
      therapeutic targets for inhibiting gastric acid secretion. The Kir1.1 (ROMK)
      potassium channel mediates the high capacity K(+) recycling necessary for NaCl
      reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of the kidney, and this channel exhibits
      functional and regulatory characteristic well suited for K(+) recycling by
      gastric parietal cells. We report here that Kir1.1 channels are required for
      gastric acid secretion and that this channel participates with Kv7.1
      (KCNQ1/KvLQT1) in the potassium recycling process. We show that Kir1.1
      colocalizes with the beta-subunit of H(+), K(+)-ATPase in gastric parietal cells
      of Kir1.1 wild-type mice. In Kir1.1-deficient mice, gastric mucosal morphology,
      as well as parietal cell number, proliferation index, and ultrastructure were
      normal but secretagogue-stimulated gastric acid secretion in whole stomach and
      perfused gastric glands was absent. Luminal application of potassium-restored
      acid secretion in perfused gastric glands from Kir1.1-deficient as well as barium
      blocked wild-type mice. In wild-type mice, both luminal Tertiapin-Q, an inhibitor
      of Kir1.1, as well as XE991, an inhibitor of Kv7.1, reduced proton secretion. We
      propose that Kir1.1 and Kv7.1 channels collaborate in potassium and current
      recycling across the apical pole of parietal cells. 

PMID- 25127678
TI  - Converging goals of treatment of inflammatory bowel disease from clinical trials
      and practice.
AB  - It is important to have clear goals for treating inflammatory bowel disease in
      clinical practice and in research. Conventional end points for trials in
      ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have been based on composite indices, such
      as the Mayo Clinic Score and the Crohn's Disease Activity Index; these indices
      incorporate symptoms, signs, and findings from laboratory tests and sometimes
      endoscopic assessments. Although definitions of clinical response and remission
      have been based on these indices for regulatory purposes, they are difficult to
      apply to practice because they are complex and not intuitive to clinicians. This
      has caused a disconnect between clinical trials and practice. Recently, the use
      of composite indices in trials has been reevaluated in Food and Drug
      Administration-sponsored Gastroenterology Regulatory Endpoints and the
      Advancement of Therapeutics workshops due to concerns about the validity of the
      indices. Alternative measures of outcome and definitions of response are being
      developed. Patient-reported outcomes are psychometric instruments created and
      defined by patients to quantify symptoms. A combination of end points, comprising
      patient-reported outcomes and objective evaluation of inflammation by endoscopy,
      offers a clinically meaningful and scientifically valid alternative to existing
      composite indices. Unlike composite indices, response definitions based on
      endoscopy and patient-reported outcomes can be readily applied in practice. This
      convergence of outcome assessment in clinical trials and practice could expedite
      implementation of "treat-to-target" algorithms, in which therapy is progressively
      intensified until a specific treatment goal is reached. This approach could
      improve patient care by reducing rates of disease-related complications, surgery,
      and hospitalization.

PMID- 25127677
TI  - Nicotine promotes initiation and progression of KRAS-induced pancreatic cancer
      via Gata6-dependent dedifferentiation of acinar cells in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although smoking is a leading risk factor for pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), little is known about the mechanisms by which
      smoking promotes initiation or progression of PDAC. METHODS: We studied the
      effects of nicotine administration on pancreatic cancer development in
      Kras(+/LSLG12Vgeo);Elas-tTA/tetO-Cre (Ela-KRAS) mice,
      Kras(+/LSLG12D);Trp53+/LSLR172H;Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) mice (which express
      constitutively active forms of KRAS), and C57/B6 mice. Mice were given nicotine
      for up to 86 weeks to produce blood levels comparable with those of intermediate
      smokers. Pancreatic tissues were collected and analyzed by immunohistochemistry
      and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; cells were isolated and
      assayed for colony and sphere formation and gene expression. The effects of
      nicotine were also evaluated in primary pancreatic acinar cells isolated from
      wild-type, nAChR7a(-/-), Trp53(-/-), and Gata6(-/-);Trp53(-/-) mice. We also
      analyzed primary PDAC cells that overexpressed GATA6 from lentiviral expression
      vectors. RESULTS: Administration of nicotine accelerated transformation of
      pancreatic cells and tumor formation in Ela-KRAS and KPC mice. Nicotine induced
      dedifferentiation of acinar cells by activating AKT-ERK-MYC signaling; this led
      to inhibition of Gata6 promoter activity, loss of GATA6 protein, and subsequent
      loss of acinar differentiation and hyperactivation of oncogenic KRAS. Nicotine
      also promoted aggressiveness of established tumors as well as the epithelial
      mesenchymal transition, increasing numbers of circulating cancer cells and their
      dissemination to the liver, compared with mice not exposed to nicotine. Nicotine
      induced pancreatic cells to acquire gene expression patterns and functional
      characteristics of cancer stem cells. These effects were markedly attenuated in K
      Ras(+/LSL-G12D);Trp53(+/LSLR172H);Pdx-1-Cre mice given metformin. Metformin
      prevented nicotine-induced pancreatic carcinogenesis and tumor growth by up
      regulating GATA6 and promoting differentiation toward an acinar cell program.
      CONCLUSIONS: In mice, nicotine promotes pancreatic carcinogenesis and tumor
      development via down-regulation of Gata6 to induce acinar cell dedifferentiation.

PMID- 25127679
TI  - Equivalency of fecal immunochemical tests and colonoscopy in familial colorectal
      cancer screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Colonoscopy is the recommended screening procedure for first
      degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), but few studies have
      compared its efficacy for CRC detection with that of other screening strategies.
      We conducted a controlled randomized trial to compare the efficacy of repeated
      fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) and colonoscopy in detecting advanced neoplasia
      (advanced adenoma or CRC) in family members of patients with CRC. METHODS: In a
      prospective study, 1918 first-degree relatives of patients with CRC were randomly
      assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive a single colonoscopy examination or 3 FITs
      (1/year for 3 years; OC-Sensor; cutoff >=10 MUg hemoglobin/g feces, corresponding
      to 50 ng hemoglobin/mL buffer). The strategies were considered to be equivalent
      if the 95% confidence interval of the difference for the detection of advanced
      neoplasia was +/-3%. Follow-up analyses were performed to identify false-negative
      FIT results and interval CRCs. RESULTS: Of all eligible asymptomatic first-degree
      relatives, 782 were included in the colonoscopy group and 784 in the FIT group.
      In the intention-to-screen analysis, advanced neoplasia was detected in 33 (4.2%)
      and 44 (5.6%) first-degree relatives in the FIT and colonoscopy groups,
      respectively (odds ratio = 1.41; 95% confidence interval: 0.88-2.26; P = .14). In
      the per-protocol analysis, 28 first-degree relatives (3.9%) in the FIT group and
      43 (5.8%) in the colonoscopy group had advanced neoplasia (odds ratio = 1.56; 95%
      confidence interval: 0.95-2.56; P = .08). FIT missed 16 of 41 advanced adenomas
      but no CRCs. The FIT strategy required endoscopic evaluation of 4-fold fewer
      individuals to detect 1 advanced neoplasia than the colonoscopy strategy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Repeated FIT screening (1/year for 3 years) detected all CRCs and
      proved equivalent to colonoscopy in detecting advanced neoplasia in first-degree
      relatives of patients with CRC. This strategy should be considered for
      populations where compliance with FITs is higher than with colonoscopy.
      ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01075633 (COLONFAM Study).

PMID- 25127680
TI  - Increased intake of vegetables, but not fruit, reduces risk for hepatocellular
      carcinoma: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The anti-cancer effects of vegetables and fruit have been
      investigated extensively, but the association between vegetable and fruit
      consumption and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been quantified.
      We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to clarify the association.
      METHODS: We identified eligible studies, published from 1956 through May 31,
      2014, by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Random-effects models were
      used to calculate summary relative risks (RRs) and dose-response analyses were
      conducted to quantify associations. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated
      using Cochran's Q and I(2) statistics. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies involving
      1,290,045 participants and 3912 cases of HCC were included in the meta-analysis.
      The summary RR for HCC was 0.72 for individuals with high intake vs low intake of
      vegetables (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63-0.83) and 0.92 with a daily
      increase in vegetable intake (100 g/d) (95% CI: 0.88-0.95). Subgroup analyses
      showed that this inverse association did not change regardless of history of
      hepatitis, alcohol drinking, smoking, or energy intake. The summary RR for HCC
      among individuals with high vs low intake of fruit was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.80-1.09),
      and 0.99 with a daily increase in fruit intake (100 g/d) (95% CI: 0.94-1.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on a meta-analysis, increased intake of vegetables, but not
      fruit, is associated with lower risk for HCC. The risk of HCC decreases by 8% for
      every 100 g/d increase in vegetable intake. The findings should be confirmed by
      future studies with validated questionnaires and strict control of confounders.

PMID- 25127681
TI  - The effects of amphetamine, butorphanol, and their combination on cocaine self
      administration.
AB  - There have been recent calls to examine the efficacy of drug-combination
      therapies in the treatment of substance use disorders. The purpose of the present
      study was to examine the ability of a novel stimulant-opioid combination to
      reduce cocaine self-administration, and to compare these effects to those of each
      drug administered alone. To this end, male Long-Evans rats were implanted with
      intravenous catheters and trained to self-administer cocaine under positive
      reinforcement contingencies. Once self-administration was acquired, rats were
      divided into four different groups and treated chronically for 20 days with (1)
      saline, (2) the psychomotor stimulant and monoamine releaser amphetamine, (3) the
      mu/kappa opioid agonist butorphanol, or (4) a combination of amphetamine and
      butorphanol. During chronic treatment, cocaine self-administration was examined
      on both fixed ratio (FR) and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement.
      On the FR schedule, butorphanol significantly decreased cocaine self
      administration, but this effect was not enhanced by amphetamine. On the PR
      schedule, amphetamine and butorphanol non-significantly decreased cocaine self
      administration when administered alone but significantly decreased cocaine self
      administration when administered in combination. These data suggest that under
      some conditions (e.g., when the response requirement of cocaine is high), a dual
      stimulant-opioid pharmacotherapy may be more effective than a single-drug
      monotherapy. 

PMID- 25127682
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and
      gamma agonists in model of parkinsonism induced by intranigral 1-methyl-4-phenyl
      1,2,3,6-tetrahyropyridine.
AB  - A large body of evidence suggests that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      (PPAR) agonists may improve some of the pathological features of Parkinson's
      disease (PD). In the present study, we evaluated the effects of the PPAR-alpha
      agonist fenofibrate (100mg/kg) and PPAR-gamma agonist pioglitazone (30mg/kg) in a
      rat model of parkinsonism induced by intranigral 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6
      tetrahyropyridine (MPTP). Male Wistar rats were pretreated with both drugs for 5
      days and received an infusion of MPTP. The experiments were divided into two
      parts. First, 1, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery, the animals were submitted to
      the open field test. On days 21 and 22, the rats were subjected to the forced
      swim test and two-way active avoidance task. In the second part of the study, 24h
      after neurotoxin administration, immunohistochemistry was performed to assess
      tyrosine hydroxylase activity. The levels of dopamine and its metabolites in the
      striatum were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, and
      fluorescence detection was used to assess caspase-3 activation in the substantia
      nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Both fenofibrate as pioglitazone protected against
      hypolocomotion, depressive-like behavior, impairment of learning and memory, and
      dopaminergic neurodegeneration caused by MPTP, with dopaminergic neuron loss of
      approximately 33%. Fenofibrate and pioglitazone also protected against the
      increased activation of caspase-3, an effector enzyme of the apoptosis cascade
      that is considered one of the pathological features of PD. Thus, PPAR agonists
      may contribute to therapeutic strategies in PD. 

PMID- 25127683
TI  - Mice lacking TrkB in parvalbumin-positive cells exhibit sexually dimorphic
      behavioral phenotypes.
AB  - Activity-dependent brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling through
      receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) is required for cued fear memory consolidation
      and extinction. Although BDNF is primarily secreted from glutamatergic neurons,
      TrkB is expressed by other genetically defined cells whose contributions to the
      behavioral effects of BDNF remain poorly understood. Parvalbumin (PV)-positive
      interneurons, which are highly enriched in TrkB, are emerging as key regulators
      of fear memory expression. We therefore hypothesized that activity-dependent BDNF
      signaling in PV-interneurons may modulate emotional learning. To test this
      hypothesis, we utilized the LoxP/Cre system for conditional deletion of TrkB in
      PV-positive cells to examine the impact of cell-autonomous BDNF signaling on
      Pavlovian fear conditioning and extinction. However, behavioral abnormalities
      indicative of vestibular dysfunction precluded the use of homozygous conditional
      knockouts in tests of higher cognitive functioning. While vestibular dysfunction
      was apparent in both sexes, female conditional knockouts exhibited an exacerbated
      phenotype, including extreme motor hyperactivity and circling behavior, compared
      to their male littermates. Heterozygous conditional knockouts were spared of
      vestibular dysfunction. While fear memory consolidation was unaffected in
      heterozygotes of both sexes, males exhibited impaired extinction consolidation
      compared to their littermate controls. Our findings complement evidence from
      human and rodent studies suggesting that BDNF signaling promotes consolidation of
      extinction and point to PV-positive neurons as a discrete population that
      mediates these effects in a sex-specific manner. 

PMID- 25127685
TI  - Centrally-administered oxytocin promotes preference for familiar objects at a
      short delay in ovariectomized female rats.
AB  - Oxytocin has been previously associated with social attachment behaviors in
      various species, however, most studies focused on partner preference in the
      socially-monogamous prairie vole. In these, oxytocin treatment was shown to
      promote partner preference, such that females receiving either central or
      pulsatile peripheral administration would spend more time with a familiar male.
      This behavioral outcome was blocked by oxytocin receptor antagonist treatment.
      The aim of the current study was to further explore the preference-inducing
      properties of oxytocin by examining its effects on object preference on
      ovariectomized female rats. In other words, we assessed whether these effects
      would apply to objects and if they would be persistent across species. Eight rats
      were infused with oxytocin into the left ventricle and object preference was
      assessed at two delays: 30min and 4h. At the 30min delay, oxytocin-treated
      animals showed preference for the familiar object, whereas saline-treated
      controls exhibited preference for the novel object. At the 4h delay, both groups
      showed novel-object preference. Our findings show that oxytocin modulates object
      preference in the female rat at a shorter delay, similar to the findings from
      partner-preference studies in the prairie vole, suggesting that the mechanisms
      driving object preference might be in part similar to those responsible for
      partner preference. 

PMID- 25127684
TI  - Tolerance to the locomotor-activating effects of 3,4
      methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) predicts escalation of MDMA self
      administration and cue-induced reinstatement of MDMA seeking in rats.
AB  - Pre-clinical studies of individual differences in addiction vulnerability have
      been increasing over recent years, but the amphetamine derivative 3,4
      methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) has received relatively little
      attention in this regard. Previously, we reported large individual differences
      both in rats' initial behavioral response to experimenter-administered MDMA and
      their degree of behavioral sensitization to repeated administration. To determine
      whether these differences could predict subsequent patterns of MDMA-taking or 
      seeking behaviors we used the self-administration-extinction-reinstatement model
      to examine addiction-like behavior (i.e., escalation of MDMA self-administration
      and cue-induced reinstatement of MDMA seeking) in rats a priori characterized for
      either locomotor sensitization or tolerance to MDMA. Rats that developed
      tolerance to the locomotor-activating effects of MDMA had a significantly larger
      locomotor response to the first MDMA injection relative to rats that developed
      sensitization. Importantly, rats that developed tolerance subsequently displayed
      an escalation of MDMA self-administration over days, as well as clear cue-induced
      reinstatement of MDMA seeking following extinction. Conversely, rats that
      developed locomotor sensitization to MDMA subsequently maintained relatively
      stable levels of MDMA self-administration over days and showed no cue-induced
      reinstatement of MDMA seeking. These results show that differences in the level
      of psychomotor activation following acute and repeated MDMA administration can
      reliably predict two important addiction-like behaviors in rats, which may have
      implications in the prediction of compulsive MDMA use in humans. 

PMID- 25127686
TI  - Rapid bio-methanation of syngas in a reverse membrane bioreactor: membrane
      encased microorganisms.
AB  - The performance of a novel reverse membrane bioreactor (RMBR) with encased
      microorganisms for syngas bio-methanation as well as a co-digestion process of
      syngas and organic substances was examined. The sachets were placed in the
      reactors and examined in repeated batch mode. Different temperatures and short
      retention time were studied. The digesting sludge encased in the PVDF membranes
      was able to convert syngas into methane at a retention time of 1 day and
      displayed a similar performance as the free cells in batch fermentation. The co
      digestion of syngas and organic substances by the RMBR (the encased cells) showed
      a good performance without any observed negative effects. At thermophilic
      conditions, there was a higher conversion of pure syngas and co-digestion using
      the encased cells compared to at mesophilic conditions.

PMID- 25127687
TI  - In vivo anti-hyperlipidemic activity of the triterpene from the stem bark of
      Protorhus longifolia (Benrh) Engl.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia, a metabolic disorder of lipids, is a well known risk
      factor of cardiovascular events and metabolic syndrome. In this study, the in
      vivo lipid-lowering activity of the triterpene (Methyl-3beta-hydroxylanosta-9,24
      dien-21-oate), isolated from the stem bark of Protorhus longifolia, in high fat
      diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic rats was investigated. METHODS: Structure of
      the isolated compound was established and confirmed based on spectral (NMR, HRMS,
      IR) data analysis. Rats were divided into two groups; normal group (fed the
      normal commercial rats' chow) and the HFD group. After 21 days of experimental
      period on their respective diets, the HFD rats were sub-divided into 4 groups of
      six rats per group. Two of the HFD groups were orally treated with the triterpene
      (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 15 days. At the end of the experimental
      periods, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for
      biochemical assays. RESULTS: The results show that there were significant
      increases in total serum cholesterol (TC, 15.72 mmol/L) and low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c, 7.41 mmol/L) with a reduction in high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c, 14.75 mmol/L) in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats
      after 21 days. Oral administration of the triterpene (100 mg/kg.bw and 200
      mg/kg.bw) for a period of 15 days resulted in significant lowering of the levels
      of TC (7.51 mmol/L) and LDL-c (4.46 mmol/L) with an increase in HDL-c (47.3
      mmol/L) in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Significant decrease in atherogenic
      index and coronary risk index by the triterpene was observed in HFD-induced
      hyperlipidemic rats. CONCLUSIONS: The triterpene could effectively reduce or
      control the amount of serum cholesterol and LDL. It is apparent that the compound
      could contribute to new formulation with significant hypolipidemic effects.

PMID- 25127688
TI  - Spatial-explicit modeling of social vulnerability to malaria in East Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite efforts in eradication and control, malaria remains a global
      challenge, particularly affecting vulnerable groups. Despite the recession in
      malaria cases, previously malaria free areas are increasingly confronted with
      epidemics as a result of changing environmental and socioeconomic conditions.
      Next to modeling transmission intensities and probabilities, integrated spatial
      methods targeting the complex interplay of factors that contribute to social
      vulnerability are required to effectively reduce malaria burden. We propose an
      integrative method for mapping relative levels of social vulnerability in a
      spatially explicit manner to support the identification of intervention measures.
      METHODS: Based on a literature review, a holistic risk and vulnerability
      framework has been developed to guide the assessment of social vulnerability to
      water-related vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in the context of changing
      environmental and societal conditions. Building on the framework, this paper
      applies spatially explicit modeling for delineating homogeneous regions of social
      vulnerability to malaria in eastern Africa, while taking into account expert
      knowledge for weighting the single vulnerability indicators. To assess the
      influence of the selected indicators on the final index a local sensitivity
      analysis is carried out. RESULTS: Results indicate that high levels of malaria
      vulnerability are concentrated in the highlands, where immunity within the
      population is currently low. Additionally, regions with a lack of access to
      education and health services aggravate vulnerability. Lower values can be found
      in regions with relatively low poverty, low population pressure, low conflict
      density and reduced contributions from the biological susceptibility domain.
      Overall, the factors characterizing vulnerability vary spatially in the region.
      The vulnerability index reveals a high level of robustness in regard to the final
      choice of input datasets, with the exception of the immunity indicator which has
      a marked impact on the composite vulnerability index. CONCLUSIONS: We introduce a
      conceptual framework for modeling risk and vulnerability to VBDs. Drawing on the
      framework we modeled social vulnerability to malaria in the context of global
      change using a spatially explicit approach. The results provide decision makers
      with place-specific options for targeting interventions that aim at reducing the
      burden of the disease amongst the different vulnerable population groups.

PMID- 25127689
TI  - An improved recombinant Fab-immunotoxin targeting CD22 expressing malignancies.
AB  - Moxetumomab pasudotox (HA22) is a recombinant immunotoxin, now in clinical
      trials, that combines an anti-CD22-Fv with a 38-kDa fragment of Pseudomonas
      exotoxin A. To produce a less immunogenic molecule without reducing the half-life
      in circulation, we constructed LMB11 combining an anti-CD22 Fab with a less
      immunogenic version of PE38. We found that LMB11 retains full activity toward
      CD22-expressing cells. In mice, the half-life of LMB11 is 29 min and the
      antitumor activity of LMB11 is better than that of HA22. Because it can be safely
      given at much higher doses, LMB11 produced complete tumor remissions in 7/7 mice.

PMID- 25127691
TI  - A generic approach to post-column refocusing in liquid chromatography.
AB  - To increase detection sensitivity in liquid chromatography, a generic post-column
      refocusing strategy has been developed to enrich (target) analytes prior to
      detection. In this strategy, after separation on the analytical column, the
      analytes are led to a trap column preferably containing a stationary phase with
      strong retentive properties (e.g. silica C30). They are then eluted using a
      strong solvent in a backward-elution mode. A first key element of the proposed
      strategy is that the trapping time should be at least equal to the time the front
      of the remobilization solvent needs to cover the entire length of the trap
      column, divided by the ratio of the flow rates used for trapping and
      remobilization. This condition is independent of the retention properties of the
      analytes in the trapping and remobilization solvent. Another essential element is
      the addition of a third solvent (isopropanol in the present case) to the
      remobilization solvent to overcome viscous-fingering effects caused by the
      viscosity difference between the trap and the remobilization solvents. The
      potential of the proposed post-column refocusing strategy is demonstrated for an
      isocratic separation of KI (t0 marker), an antibiotic (sulfamethazine), and
      acetophenone as a case study. Using optimized remobilization conditions a maximum
      signal-enhancement factor of 8 was achieved. Higher enhancement factors using a
      remobilization solvent with slightly higher elution strength were prohibited by
      disturbances of the UV background signal. 

PMID- 25127690
TI  - The prognostic importance of polypharmacy in older adults treated for acute
      myelogenous leukemia (AML).
AB  - We retrospectively evaluated the prognostic significance of polypharmacy and
      inappropriate medication use among 150 patients >60 years of age receiving
      induction chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). After adjustment for
      age and comorbidity, increased number of medications at diagnosis (>= 4 versus <=
      1) was associated with increased 30-day mortality (OR=9.98, 95% CI=1.18-84.13),
      lower odds of complete remission status (OR=0.20, 95% CI=0.06-0.65), and higher
      overall mortality (HR=2.13, 95% CI=1.15-3.92). Inappropriate medication use
      (classified according to Beers criteria) was not significantly associated with
      clinical outcomes. Polypharmacy warrants further study as a modifiable marker of
      vulnerability among older adults with AML.

PMID- 25127692
TI  - Optimization of reactive simulated moving bed systems with modulation of feed
      concentration for production of glycol ether ester.
AB  - In this article, we extend the simulated moving bed reactor (SMBR) mode of
      operation to the production of propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (DOWANOLTM
      PMA glycol ether) through the esterification of 1-methoxy-2-propanol (DOWANOLTM
      PM glycol ether) and acetic acid using AMBERLYSTTM 15 as a catalyst and
      adsorbent. In addition, for the first time, we integrate the concept of
      modulation of the feed concentration (ModiCon) to SMBR operation. The performance
      of the conventional (constant feed) and ModiCon operation modes of SMBR are
      analyzed and compared. The SMBR processes are designed using a model based on a
      multi-objective optimization approach, where a transport dispersive model with a
      linear driving force for the adsorption rate has been used for modeling the SMBR
      system. The adsorption equilibrium and kinetics parameters are estimated from the
      batch and single column injection experiments by the inverse method. The multiple
      objectives are to maximize the production rate of DOWANOLTM PMA glycol ether,
      maximize the conversion of the esterification reaction and minimize the
      consumption of DOWANOLTM PM glycol ether which also acts as the desorbent in the
      chromatographic separation. It is shown that ModiCon achieves a higher
      productivity by 12-36% over the conventional operation with higher product purity
      and recovery. 

PMID- 25127693
TI  - A let-7 microRNA polymorphism in the KRAS 3'-UTR is prognostic in oropharyngeal
      cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the effect of genetic polymorphisms
      in miRNA sequences, miRNA target genes and miRNA processing genes as additional
      biomarkers to HPV for prognosis in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC)
      patients. Secondarily, the prevalence of HPV-associated OPSCC in a European
      cohort was mapped. METHODS: OPSCC patients (n=122) were genotyped for ten genetic
      polymorphisms in pre-miRNAs (pre-mir-146a, pre-mir-196a2), in miRNA biosynthesis
      genes (Drosha, XPO5) and in miRNA target genes (KRAS, SMC1B). HPV status was
      assessed by p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and high-risk HPV in situ
      hybridization (ISH) or by p16 IHC and PCR followed by enzyme-immunoassay (EIA).
      Overall and disease specific survival were analysed using Kaplan-Meier plots (log
      rank test). Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate hazard ratios
      (HR). RESULTS: The overall HPV prevalence rate in our Belgian/Dutch cohort was
      27.9%. Patients with HPV(+) tumours had a better 5-years overall survival (78%
      vs. 46%, p=0.001) and a better 5-years disease specific survival (90% vs. 70%,
      p=0.016) compared to patients with HPV(-) tumours. In multivariate Cox analysis
      including clinical, treatment and genetic parameters, HPV negativity (HR=3.89,
      p=0.005), advanced T-stage (HR=1.81, p=0.050), advanced N-stage (HR=5.86,
      p=0.001) and >10 pack-years of smoking (HR=3.45, p=0.012) were significantly
      associated with reduced overall survival. The variant G-allele of the KRAS-LCS6
      polymorphism was significantly associated with a better overall survival
      (HR=0.40, p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that OPSCC patients with
      the KRAS-LCS6 variant have a better outcome and suggest that this variant may be
      used as a prognostic biomarker for OPSCC.

PMID- 25127694
TI  - Aniseikonia following pneumatic retinopexy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics of aniseikonia in patients with
      rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) after pneumatic retinopexy. DESIGN:
      Prospective, interventional case series study. METHODS: Thirty patients who had
      undergone pneumatic retinopexy as the initial procedure for rhegmatogenous
      retinal detachment were selected for this study. The principal outcomes included
      visual acuity, postoperative aniseikonia measured by the New Aniseikonia Test,
      anatomical success, and measurement of central retinal thickness using optical
      coherence topography (OCT). These outcomes were measured postoperatively at 3, 6,
      and 12 months. RESULTS: The median patient age was 37 years (range, 13-57 years),
      with 17 cases of macula-off RD and 13 cases of macula-on RD. All of these
      patients achieved anatomical success, proven by OCT after surgical repair. Three
      months after pneumatic retinopexy, 18 patients (60.0%) developed micropsic
      aniseikonia and aniseikonia was diagnosed in 15 patients (88.2%) in the macula
      off RD group, leaving 2 patients (11.8%) unaffected. In the macula-on RD group, 3
      patients (23.1%) were found to have aniseikonia, while 10 patients (76.9%) were
      unaffected. The presence of aniseikonia was strongly linked to the difference in
      central retinal thickness, between the operated eye and the fellow eye, measured
      at 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Aniseikonia after pneumatic retinopexy
      for rhegmatogenous RD may be related to the preoperative macular status. Macula
      off RD patients had a higher incidence of aniseikonia, compared to macula-on RD
      patients, following retina reattachment. There was a moderate to high correlation
      between the grading of aniseikonia and the difference in central retinal
      thickness.

PMID- 25127695
TI  - Clinicopathological findings in abusive head trauma: analysis of 110 infant
      autopsy eyes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the histopathology in a large series of autopsy eyes from
      children with abusive head trauma. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control series.
      METHODS: One hundred and ten eyes from 55 autopsies examined at an academic
      tertiary referral center over 21 years were tabulated for histopathology:
      subdural hemorrhage in the optic nerve sheath, intrascleral hemorrhage, any
      retinal hemorrhage, ora-extended hemorrhage, cherry hemorrhage, perimacular
      ridge, and internal limiting membrane tear. Select tissues with cherry hemorrhage
      were further examined by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Sixty eyes
      were identified as "abusive head trauma" (cases), 46 as "alternative cause"
      (controls), and 4 as "abusive head trauma survivor". Cases were legally verified
      or confirmed by confession in all except 1 case. All ocular histopathologic
      observations from cases were similar or more frequent in infants younger than 16
      months of age. When present, a cherry hemorrhage and perimacular ridge were most
      often found together, and only with a torn internal limiting membrane. Both
      abusive head trauma survivor cases demonstrated severe optic nerve atrophy and
      macular ganglion cell loss. CONCLUSIONS: Younger infants may be even more
      susceptible to damage from vitreomacular traction by rotational and/or
      acceleration-deceleration forces. Identifying cherry hemorrhages may aid abusive
      head trauma diagnosis. Survivor abusive head trauma pathology demonstrates
      unique, irreversible macular and optic nerve damage.

PMID- 25127696
TI  - The subject-fixated coaxially sighted corneal light reflex: a clinical marker for
      centration of refractive treatments and devices.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the inconsistencies in definition, application, and usage of
      the ocular reference axes (optical axis, visual axis, line of sight, pupillary
      axis, and topographic axis) and angles (angle kappa, lambda, and alpha) and to
      propose a precise, reproducible, clinically defined reference marker and axis for
      centration of refractive treatments and devices. DESIGN: Perspective. METHODS:
      Literature review of papers dealing with ocular reference axes, angles, and
      centration. RESULTS: The inconsistent definitions and usage of the current ocular
      axes, as derived from eye models, limit their clinical utility. With a clear
      understanding of Purkinje images and a defined alignment of the observer, light
      source/fixation target, and subject eye, the subject-fixated coaxially sighted
      corneal light reflex can be a clinically useful reference marker. The axis formed
      by connecting the subject-fixated coaxially sighted corneal light reflex and the
      fixation point, the subject-fixated coaxially sighted corneal light reflex axis,
      is independent of pupillary dilation and phakic status of the eye. The
      relationship of the subject-fixated coaxially sighted corneal light reflex axis
      to a refined definition of the visual axis without reference to nodal points, the
      foveal-fixation axis, is discussed. The displacement between the subject-fixated
      coaxially sighted corneal light reflex and pupil center is described not by an
      angle, but by a chord, here termed chord mu. The application of the subject
      fixated coaxially sighted corneal light reflex to the surgical centration of
      refractive treatments and devices is discussed. CONCLUSION: As a clinically
      defined reference marker, the subject-fixated coaxially sighted corneal light
      reflex avoids the shortcomings of current ocular axes for clinical application
      and may contribute to better consensus in the literature and improved patient
      outcomes.

PMID- 25127698
TI  - Punctate hyperfluorescence spot as a common choroidopathy of central serous
      chorioretinopathy and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize punctate hyperfluorescence spot as common choroidopathy
      in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
      (PCV). DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective study. METHODS: A total of 150
      patients with 50 each allocated to CSC, PCV, and typical neovascular age-related
      macular degeneration (AMD) groups were included. Punctate hyperfluorescence spot
      was determined using mid-to late-phase indocyanine green angiography and
      subfoveal choroidal thickness by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence
      tomography. Each group was subcategorized based on concurrent punctate
      hyperfluorescence spot. RESULTS: The punctate hyperfluorescence spot incidence
      was higher in CSC (80.0%) and PCV (86.0%) than in AMD (40.0%, P < .001), with
      similar contralateral findings (86.1%, 86.7%, and 60%, respectively, P = .014).
      Punctate hyperfluorescence spot lesions comprised clustered polyps connected to
      vascular networks mimicking PCV. Choroidal thickness was 370.7 +/- 81.9 MUm,
      332.6 +/- 101.6 MUm, and 172.5 +/- 80.1 MUm in affected eyes (P < .001) and 323.0
      +/- 70.5 MUm, 306.4 +/- 94.4 MUm, and 180.2 +/- 83.6 MUm in contralateral eyes (P
      < .001) in CSC, PCV, and AMD groups, respectively. In the AMD group, choroidal
      thickness was greater in eyes with punctate hyperfluorescence spot (204.8 +/-
      92.3 MUm) than in those without punctate hyperfluorescence spot (150.2 +/- 62.9
      MUm, P = .028) in affected eyes; however, the difference was not observed in
      contralateral eyes in the AMD group and in both eyes in the CSC and PCV groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on angiography and OCT, punctate hyperfluorescence spot may be
      a form of PCV, and CSC and PCV may share common choroidopathy distinct from
      typical neovascular AMD. However, infrequent PHS lesions along with thickened
      choroids in AMD eyes suggest that AMD may encompass a wide choroidal pathologic
      spectrum shared in part with PCV.

PMID- 25127697
TI  - Three-dimensional automated choroidal volume assessment on standard spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography and correlation with the level of diabetic
      macular edema.
AB  - PURPOSE: To measure choroidal thickness on spectral-domain optical coherence
      tomography (SD OCT) images using automated algorithms and to correlate choroidal
      pathology with retinal changes attributable to diabetic macular edema (DME).
      DESIGN: Post hoc analysis of multicenter clinical trial baseline data. METHODS:
      SD OCT raster scans/fluorescein angiograms were obtained from 284 treatment-naive
      eyes of 142 patients with clinically significant DME and from 20 controls. Three
      dimensional (3D) SD OCT images were evaluated by a certified independent reading
      center analyzing retinal changes associated with diabetic retinopathy. Choroidal
      thicknesses were analyzed using a fully automated algorithm. Angiograms were
      assessed manually. Multiple endpoint correction according to Bonferroni-Holm was
      applied. Main outcome measures were average retinal/choroidal thickness on fovea
      centered or peak of edema (thickest point of edema)-centered Early Treatment
      Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid, maximum area of leakage, and the correlation
      between retinal and choroidal thicknesses. RESULTS: Total choroidal thickness is
      significantly reduced in DME (175 +/- 23 MUm; P = .0016) and nonedematous fellow
      eyes (177 +/- 20 MUm; P = .009) of patients compared with healthy control eyes
      (190 +/- 23 MUm). Retinal/choroidal thickness values showed no significant
      correlation (1-mm: P = .27, r(2) = 0.01; 3-mm: P = .96, r(2) < 0.0001; 6-mm: P =
      .42, r(2) = 0.006). No significant difference was found in the 1- or 3-mm circle
      of a retinal peak of edema-centered grid. All other measurements of
      choroidal/retinal thickness (DME vs healthy, DME vs peak of edema-centered, DME
      vs fellow, healthy vs fellow, peak of edema-centered vs healthy, peak of edema
      centered vs fellow eyes) were compared but no statistically significant
      correlation was found. By tendency a thinner choroid correlates with larger
      retinal leakage areas. CONCLUSIONS: Automated algorithms can be used to reliably
      assess choroidal thickness in eyes with DME. Choroidal thickness was generally
      reduced in patients with diabetes if DME is present in 1 eye; however, no
      correlation was found between choroidal/retinal pathologies, suggesting different
      pathogenetic pathways.

PMID- 25127699
TI  - Scleral-fixated capsular tension rings and segments for ectopia lentis in
      children.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the short-term outcomes and complications of implantation of
      scleral-fixated capsular tension rings and/or capsular tension segments with
      intraocular lenses (IOL) in pediatric patients with ectopia lentis. DESIGN:
      Retrospective, observational case series. METHODS: Thirteen consecutive pediatric
      patients (19 eyes) underwent placement of in-the-bag IOL with either a Cionni
      modified capsular tension ring or a capsular tension segment in conjunction with
      a conventional capsular tension ring between January 1, 2009 and March 30, 2013
      by 3 anterior segment surgeons at a single academic center. The scleral fixation
      suture was 9-0 polypropylene in 16 eyes and CV-8 Gore-Tex (expanded
      polytetrafluoroethylene) in 3 eyes. Outcome measures included change in corrected
      distance visual acuity (CDVA) and complications. RESULTS: The mean age was 10.2
      years +/- 4.8 (SD) and the median follow-up, 23.4 months. A Cionni modified
      capsular tension ring was implanted in 5 eyes and a capsular tension segment with
      an unsutured capsular tension ring was implanted in 12 eyes. In 2 eyes, capsular
      tension segment alone was placed. The mean CDVA at the final follow-up (0.10 +/-
      0.11 logMAR, 18 eyes) was significantly better than preoperatively (0.58 +/- 0.26
      logMAR, 15 eyes) (P < .001). The CDVA at the final follow-up was 20/40 or better
      in 18 eyes (94.7%). All IOLs were well centered. Posterior capsule opacification
      developed in 11 eyes (57.9%), 9 eyes (47.4%) required neodymium-yttrium-aluminum
      garnet capsulotomy, and 3 eyes (15.8%) required pars plana vitrectomy and
      posterior capsulotomy. Other complications included broken suture (5.3%) (9-0
      polypropylene at CTR eyelet, repaired with CV-8 Gore-Tex), conjunctival
      dehiscence (5.3%), suture exposure (5.3%) (trans-scleral 9-0 polypropylene), and
      vitreous strand at inferior paracentesis (5.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of in
      the-bag IOL with either a Cionni modified capsular tension ring or a capsular
      tension segment in conjunction with a conventional capsular tension ring appears
      to be a safe and effective technique for visual rehabilitation in pediatric
      ectopia lentis.

PMID- 25127700
TI  - Anterior segment optical coherence tomography measurement after neodymium-yttrium
      aluminum-garnet laser capsulotomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD) and angle width
      after neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. DESIGN:
      Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: In a single institution, 43 eyes
      of 43 consecutive pseudophakic patients with symptomatic posterior capsule
      opacification (PCO) underwent Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Anterior chamber depth
      and angle width in pseudophakic eyes with posterior capsule opacification were
      measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) before and 3
      days after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Preoperative and postoperative measurements
      of anterior chamber depth and angle width included the angle opening distance,
      measured as the perpendicular distance from the trabecular meshwork at 500 MUm
      and 750 MUm anterior to the scleral spur to the anterior iris surface (AOD500 and
      AOD750, respectively), and anterior chamber angle (ACA) in the nasal and temporal
      quadrants. Main outcome measures were the changes in ACD and angle width
      parameters. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 63.4 +/- 3.6 years. Before Nd:YAG
      laser capsulotomy, mean ACD, AOD500, AOD750, and ACA (nasal and temporal)
      measurements were 3.71 +/- 0.11 mm, 0.61 +/- 0.054 mm, 0.67 +/- 0.063 mm, and
      34.5 +/- 1.67 degrees and 34.8 +/- 1.55 degrees, respectively. Three days after
      Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, mean ACD, AOD500, AOD750, and ACA (nasal and temporal)
      measurements were 3.77 +/- 0.1 mm, 0.69 +/- 0.06 mm, 0.73 +/- 0.06 mm, and 35.51
      +/- 1.64 degrees and 36.17 +/- 1.51 degrees, respectively (P < .01 for all).
      CONCLUSIONS: The depth and width of the ACA in pseudophakic eyes with PCO
      increased significantly after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, as shown by AS-OCT, a
      reliable and noncontact method for measuring anterior ocular structures. Our
      study shows that the different angle parameters such as ACD, AOD500, AOD750, and
      ACA measurements seem highly correlated.

PMID- 25127701
TI  - Surgical outcomes of progressive tractional retinal detachment associated with
      familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate various surgeries for treating retinal detachment (RD)
      associated with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). DESIGN:
      Retrospective, interventional case series. METHODS: The charts of 22 patients who
      underwent surgery were reviewed. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed
      including wide-field fundus images with fluorescein angiography. The primary and
      secondary outcomes were fundus features (vascular activity of the fibrovascular
      proliferation and extent of tractional RD) and visual acuity (VA), respectively.
      RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes were included (12 eyes underwent scleral buckling, 1
      scleral buckling and vitrectomy, 7 vitrectomy alone, and 11 lensectomy and
      vitrectomy). Twenty-six eyes were reattached during 1 surgery. Scleral buckling
      resulted in cessation of fibrovascular proliferation and retinal reattachment;
      only 1 of these eyes required vitrectomy. Lens-sparing vitrectomy resulted in
      stabilized fibrovascular proliferation and retinal reattachment. Vitrectomy with
      lensectomy did not achieve retinal reattachment in 4 eyes. Fibrovascular
      proliferation has a rich vascular component in patients younger than 3 years, and
      collagen fibers were present mainly with more advanced age. The postoperative VA
      improved in 5 of 8 eyes examined, was unchanged in 1 eye, and decreased in 2 eyes
      with macular involvement. CONCLUSIONS: FEVR-induced RDs are highly variable and
      require careful preoperative evaluation to determine the best surgical procedure.
      Vitrectomy with release of posterior traction is essential in younger patients
      with vascularly active fibrovascular proliferation, whereas scleral buckling may
      be important for cases with peripheral traction anterior to the equator. In all
      cases, peripheral thermal treatment applied to all ischemic areas contributed to
      reduced peripheral neovascularization.

PMID- 25127702
TI  - [Evaluation of visual performance after implantation of a double C-Loop toric
      intraocular lens].
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to demonstrate the safety and the efficacy of the
      Ankoris posterior chamber intraocular lens to correct corneal astigmatism at the
      time of cataract surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 52
      eyes among the first 64 consecutive ones implanted with the Ankoris met the
      inclusion criteria. The retrospective analysis of these cases consisted mainly of
      the determination of the improvement in visual acuity and postoperative
      refraction. The analysis of the astigmatism correction itself was carried out by
      the Alpins method. The rotational stability of the implant was analyzed by the
      difference between the IOL orientation after one day and 3 months. RESULTS: The
      safety index, defined as the postoperative divided by preoperative best visual
      acuity, was greater than one in all cases, with a mean of 1.96. The ratio of the
      postoperative uncorrected visual acuity with the preoperative best-corrected
      acuity was 1.72. The final postoperative astigmatism was -0.40 +/- 0.28 D. The
      percentage of astigmatism corrected was 99.3%. The error vector amplitude was 0.1
      D with a nearly null orientation. The mean rotation was 2.16 +/- 1.95 degrees .
      CONCLUSION: The Ankoris IOL demonstrates, in this relatively large cohort, all
      necessary elements to establish that the IOL was able to correct corneal
      astigmatism at the same time as cataract surgery.

PMID- 25127703
TI  - Ocular tolerability and efficacy of a cationic emulsion in patients with mild to
      moderate dry eye disease - a randomised comparative study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of a
      new cationic emulsion (CE) with a formulation of polyvinyl alcohol and povidone
      (PVA-P) for the treatment of mild to moderate dry eye disease. METHODS: This was
      a multicenter, open-label, comparative study. Patients were randomised to receive
      CE (Cationorm) or PVA-P (Refresh) (1:1). The following objective criteria were
      assessed to compare the two eye drops: tear Break-up Time (TBUT), Schirmer's
      test, lissamine green staining (Van Bijsterveld score), corneal fluorescein
      staining (Oxford scale) and oculopalpebral examination, on D7 and D28 (end of
      study). At these visits, ocular symptoms and safety were also assessed. RESULTS:
      Seventy-nine patients were randomised: CE: 44 patients; PVA-P: 35 patients. At
      D28, improvement was significantly better for TBUT [CE: 1.7 +/- 2.4 s; PVA-P: 0.6
      +/- 1.8 s; P=0.015] and for the Van Bijsterveld score [CE: -1.4 +/- 1.2; PVA-P: 
      0.9 +/- 1.2; P=0.046] in the CE group. The same applied for the palpebral
      erythema score (P=0.023), overall efficacy assessed by the investigators
      (P<0.001), and symptoms not related to eye drop instillation (P=0.021).
      Improvement was observed from D7. No difference was observed between the two
      treatments with regard to ocular safety. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that
      in patients with mild to moderate dry eye, Cationorm, in addition to its
      moisturizing and lubricating properties, also helps stabilize the tear film due
      to its oily component. This study demonstrates the benefit of this new
      pharmaceutical form for the treatment of mild to moderate dry eye disease.

PMID- 25127704
TI  - Abstinence phenomena of chronic cannabis-addicts prospectively monitored during
      controlled inpatient detoxification: cannabis withdrawal syndrome and its
      correlation with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and -metabolites in serum.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the course of cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS) within
      a controlled inpatient detoxification setting and to correlate severity of CWS
      with the serum-levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its main
      metabolites 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-OH) and 11-nor-delta-9
      tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH). METHODS: Thirty-nine treatment
      seeking chronic cannabis dependents (ICD-10) were studied on admission and on
      abstinent days 2, 4, 8 and 16, using a CWS-checklist (MWC) and the Clinical
      Global Impression-Severity scale (CGI-S). Simultaneously obtained serum was
      analysed to its concentration of THC, THC-OH and THC-COOH. RESULTS: MWC peaked on
      day 4 (10.4 +/- 4.6 from 39 points) and declined to 2.9 +/- 2.4 points on day 16.
      Women had a significantly stronger CWS than men. The CWS was dominated by
      craving>restlessness>nervousness>sleeplessness. CGI-S peaked with 5 out of 7
      points. On admission, THC and its metabolites did negatively correlate with the
      severity of CWS. There was no significant correlation afterwards, no matter if
      CWS was medicated or not. THC-OH in serum declined most rapidly below detection
      limit, on median at day 4. At abstinence day 16, the THC-levels of 28.2% of the
      patients were still above 1g/ml (range: 1.3 to 6.4 ng/ml). CONCLUSIONS: CWS
      increased and then decreased without any correlation between its severity and the
      serum-levels of THC or its main metabolites after admission. According to the CGI
      S, most patients achieved the condition of 'markedly ill'. Serum THC-OH was most
      clearly associated with recent cannabis use. Residual THC was found in the serum
      of almost one-third of the patients at abstinence day 16.

PMID- 25127706
TI  - Early epileptiform discharges and the yield of prolonged EEG monitoring.

PMID- 25127705
TI  - Interactions among drinking identity, gender and decisional balance in predicting
      alcohol use and problems among college students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to test promising constructs
      (decisional balance and drinking identity) and their interaction with gender as
      predictors of risky college drinking. We expected that, consistent with previous
      work, drinking identity would be positively associated with alcohol consumption
      and problems. We further expected that drinking identity would be more strongly
      related to outcomes among individuals scoring low in decisional balance.
      Additionally, we expect the relationship between drinking identity and alcohol
      behavior to vary as a function of decisional balance. METHODS: Participants
      included 329 undergraduates (M=23.11; SD=5.63; 74.47% female) who met heavy
      drinking criteria (defined as women who consumed 4 or more drinks per occasion
      and men who consumed 5 or more drinks per occasion) and completed an online
      survey comprised of self-report measures. RESULTS: Decisional balance was
      negatively correlated with both drinking and problems, which partially supported
      expectations. As expected, drinking identity was positively correlated with
      drinking and problems. A two-way interaction emerged between drinking identity
      and decisional balance regarding problems, indicating that drinking identity was
      associated with more problems, especially among those lower in decisional
      balance. A three-way interaction between drinking identity, decisional balance,
      and gender emerged regarding problems such that drinking identity was associated
      with more problems for those lower in decisional balance and this effect was
      stronger among men. DISCUSSION: Findings lend support to the perspective that
      decisional balance, drinking identity, and gender are all influential factors
      that are associated with the experience of alcohol problems.

PMID- 25127707
TI  - Multiscale Lempel-Ziv complexity for EEG measures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the classical calculation of Lempel-Ziv complexity
      (LZC) has an important limitation when applied to EEGs with rapid rhythms, and to
      propose a multiscale approach that overcomes this limitation. METHODS: We have
      evaluated, both with simulated and real EEGs, whether LZC calculation neglects
      functional characteristics of rapid EEG rhythms. In addition, we have proposed a
      procedure to obtain multiple binarization sequences that yield a spectrum of LZC,
      and we have explored whether complexity would be better captured using this
      computation. RESULTS: In our simulated signals, classical LZC did not capture
      modulations of a rapid component when a slower component of more amplitude was
      included in the signal. In real EEGs from healthy participants with eyes closed
      and eyes open, classical LZC calculation failed to show any difference between
      these two conditions. However, a multiscale LZC showed that complexity was lower
      for eyes closed than for eyes open conditions. CONCLUSIONS: As hypothesized, our
      new approximation captures the complexity of series with fast components masked
      by slower rhythms. SIGNIFICANCE: The method we introduce significantly improves
      LZC calculation, and it allows a better characterization of complexity of EEG
      signals.

PMID- 25127708
TI  - Variation in charges for 10 common blood tests in California hospitals: a cross
      sectional analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the variation in charges for 10 common blood tests
      across California hospitals in 2011, and to analyse the hospital and market-level
      factors that may explain any observed variation. DESIGN, SETTING AND
      PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the degree of charge
      variation between hospitals for 10 common blood tests using charge data reported
      by all non-federal California hospitals to the California Office of Statewide
      Health Planning and Development in 2011. OUTCOME MEASURES: Charges for 10 common
      blood tests at California hospitals during 2011. RESULTS: We found that charges
      for blood tests varied significantly between California hospitals. For example,
      charges for a lipid panel ranged from US$10 to US$10,169, a thousand-fold
      difference. Although government hospitals and teaching hospitals were found to
      charge significantly less than their counterparts for many blood tests, few other
      hospital characteristics and no market-level predictors significantly predicted
      charges for blood tests. Our models explained, at most, 21% of the variation
      between hospitals in charges for the blood test in question. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings demonstrate the seemingly arbitrary nature of the charge setting
      process, making it difficult for patients to act as true consumers in this era of
      'consumer-directed healthcare.'

PMID- 25127709
TI  - Synergistic loss of prostate cancer cell viability by coinhibition of HDAC and
      PARP.
AB  - Tumors with BRCA germline mutations are defective in repairing DNA double-strand
      breaks (DSB) through homologous recombination (HR) pathways, making them
      sensitive to PARP inhibitors (PARPi). However, BRCA germline mutations are rare
      in prostate cancer limiting the ability to therapeutically target these pathways.
      This study investigates whether histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACi),
      reported to modulate DSB repair pathways in sporadic cancers, can downregulate
      DSB repair pathways and sensitize prostate cancer cells to PARPi. Prostate cancer
      cells cotreated with the HDAC inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA)
      and the PARPi, olaparib, demonstrated a synergistic decrease in cell viability
      compared with single-agent treatment (combination index < 0.9), whereas normal
      prostatic cells did not. Similarly, clonogenicity was significantly decreased
      after cotreatment. Flow cytometric cell-cycle analysis and Annexin-V staining
      revealed significant apoptosis upon treatment with SAHA+olaparib. This coincided
      with increased DNA damage observed by immunofluorescence microscopy analysis of
      gammaH2AX foci, a marker of DSBs. In addition, immunoblot analysis showed a
      significant and persistent increase in nuclear gammaH2AX levels. Both SAHA and
      olaparib downregulated the expression of HR-related proteins, BRCA1 and RAD51,
      whereas SAHA + olaparib had an additive effect on RAD51. Silencing RAD51
      sensitized prostate cancer cells to SAHA and olaparib alone. Collectively,
      cotreatment with HDACi and PARPi downregulated HR-related protein expression and
      concomitantly increased DNA damage, resulting in prostate cancer cell death.
      IMPLICATIONS: These findings provide a strong rationale for supporting the use of
      combined HDAC and PARP inhibition in treating advanced prostate cancer.

PMID- 25127711
TI  - EJE Prize 2012: Obesity: from genes to behaviour.
AB  - An increase in the consumption of highly palatable foods coupled with a reduction
      in the amount of voluntary exercise undertaken has contributed to the rising
      prevalence of obesity. However, despite the obvious environmental influences,
      there is considerable evidence to support a genetic component to weight gain. In
      some people, particularly those who are severely obese, genetic factors play a
      major role in the development of their obesity and associated complications.
      Studies into the genetic basis of obesity have yielded insights into the
      mechanisms involved in the regulation of weight. We now understand that weight is
      regulated by neural mechanisms that regulate appetite and energy expenditure and
      that disruption of these pathways can result in severe obesity in some patients.
      These studies provide a starting point for investigating patients with severe
      obesity and may ultimately guide the development of more rational targeted
      therapies. 

PMID- 25127710
TI  - Polymorphisms in the haemagglutinin gene influenced the viral shedding of
      pandemic 2009 influenza virus in swine.
AB  - Interactions between the viral surface glycoprotein haemagglutinin (HA) and the
      corresponding receptors on host cells is one important aspect of influenza virus
      infection. Mutations in HA have been described to affect pathogenicity,
      antigenicity and the transmission of influenza viruses. Here, we detected
      polymorphisms present in HA genes of two pandemic 2009 H1N1 (H1N1pdm09) isolates,
      A/California/04/2009 (Ca/09) and A/Mexico/4108/2009 (Mx/09), that resulted in
      amino acid changes at positions 186 (S to P) and 194 (L to I) of the mature HA1
      protein. Although not reported in the published H1N1pdm09 consensus sequence, the
      P186 genotype was more readily detected in primary infected and contact-naive
      pigs when inoculated with a heterogeneous mixed stock of Ca/09. Using reverse
      genetics, we engineered Ca/09 and Mx/09 genomes by introducing Ca/09 HA with two
      naturally occurring variants expressing S186/I194 (HA-S/I) and P186/L194 (HA
      P/L), respectively. The Ca/09 HA with the combination of P186/L194 with either
      the Ca/09 or Mx/09 backbone resulted in higher and prolonged viral shedding in
      naive pigs. This efficiency appeared to be more likely through an advantage in
      cell surface attachment rather than replication efficiency. Although these
      mutations occurred within the receptor-binding pocket and the Sb antigenic site,
      they did not affect serological cross-reactivity. Relative increases of P186 in
      publicly available sequences from swine H1N1pdm09 viruses supported the
      experimental data, indicating this amino acid substitution conferred an advantage
      in swine. 

PMID- 25127712
TI  - The relationship between glucocorticoid replacement and quality of life in 2737
      hypopituitary patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Quality of life (QoL) is impaired in hypopituitary patients and
      patients with primary adrenal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to analyse
      the impact of glucocorticoid (GC) replacement on QoL. The main hypothesis was
      that ACTH-insufficient patients experience a dose-dependent deterioration in QoL.
      DESIGN, PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of data from KIMS
      (Pfizer International Metabolic Database). Data from 2737 adult GH-deficient
      (GHD) hypopituitary patients were eligible for analysis. Thirty-six per cent were
      ACTH sufficient and 64% ACTH insufficient receiving a mean+/-s.d. hydrocortisone
      equivalent (HCeq) dose of 22.3+/-8.7 mg (median 20.0). QoL at baseline and 1 year
      after commencement of GH replacement was assessed by the QoL-assessment of GHD in
      adults. RESULTS: At baseline, no significant difference in QoL was observed
      between ACTH-sufficient and -insufficient patients. Increasing HCeq dose was
      associated with worse QoL. Patients on HCeq<=10 mg had the best and patients
      receiving >=25 mg demonstrated the poorest QoL. At 1 year of GH replacement, the
      improvement in QoL did not differ between ACTH-sufficient and -insufficient
      patients, and no association was observed between HCeq dose and QoL improvement.
      CONCLUSION: Adult hypopituitary patients with untreated GHD receiving GC
      replacement have similar QoL as ACTH-sufficient patients. Among ACTH-insufficient
      patients, there is a dose-dependent association between increasing dose and
      impaired QoL. This association may be explained by supraphysiological GC exposure
      although it remains plausible that clinicians may have increased GC doses in
      order to address otherwise unexplained QoL deficits.

PMID- 25127713
TI  - Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in laboratory medicine and an algorithm in renal
      disorders.
AB  - Over the past three decades, cancer antigen (CA) 125 has been utilized for
      monitoring women who were treated for ovarian cancer. However, this tumor marker
      showed several limitations such as false elevation in benign pelvic diseases and,
      in turn, no alterations in ovarian tumors at early stages with a relatively high
      ratio. For more than ten years, the human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) has become
      available for the routine laboratory repertoire, showing a higher sensitivity and
      specificity compared to that of CA125 in ovarian malignancies, but also in other
      types of tumors based on recently accumulated clinical data. Despite its
      remarkable diagnostic characteristics, in certain cases, the evaluation of HE4
      results may be problematic when patients suffer from additional conditions that
      may alter HE4 level. Besides the direct effects of age and smoking, menopause
      status and decreased renal function also show a substantial impact on HE4 values,
      which should be considered in each patient. For this purpose, we attempted to
      create a new formula and an algorithm that may be helpful to predict the
      probability of the presence of ovarian tumor by using the concentrations of HE4
      and CA125. 

PMID- 25127714
TI  - A qualitative synthesis of diabetes self-management strategies for long term
      medical outcomes and quality of life in the UK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Qualitative research on self-management for people with Type 2
      Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has typically reported one-off retrospective accounts of
      individuals' strategies. The aim of this research was to identify the ways in
      which self-management strategies are perceived by people with T2DM as being
      either supportive or unsupportive over time, by using qualitative findings from
      both longitudinal intervention studies and usual care. METHODS: A systematic
      review of qualitative literature, published between 2000 and 2013, was conducted
      using a range of searching techniques. 1374 prospective qualitative papers
      describing patients' experiences of self-management strategies for T2DM were
      identified and screened. Of the 98 papers describing qualitative research
      conducted in the UK, we identified 4 longitudinal studies (3 intervention
      studies, 1 study of usual care). Key concepts and themes were extracted, reviewed
      and synthesised using meta-ethnography techniques. RESULTS: Aspects of self
      management strategies in clinical trials (e.g. supported exercise regimens) can
      be perceived as enabling the control of biomarkers and facilitative of quality of
      life. In contrast, aspects of self-management strategies outwith trial conditions
      (e.g. self-monitoring) can be perceived of as negative influences on quality of
      life. For self-management strategies to be sustainable in the long term, patients
      require a sense of having a stake in their management that is appropriate for
      their beliefs and perceptions, timely information and support, and an overall
      sense of empowerment in managing their diabetes in relation to other aspects of
      their life. This enables participants to develop flexible diabetes management
      strategies that facilitate quality of life and long term medical outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: This synthesis has explored how patients give meaning to the
      experiences of interventions for T2DM and subsequent attempts to balance
      biomarkers with quality of life in the long term. People with T2DM both construct
      and draw upon causal accounts as a resource, and a means to counter their
      inability to balance medical outcomes and quality of life. These accounts can be
      mediated by the provision of timely and tailored information and support over
      time, which can allow people to develop a flexible regimen that can facilitate
      both quality of life and medical outcomes.

PMID- 25127715
TI  - Comparison of single and two-tunnel techniques during open treatment of
      acromioclavicular joint disruption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus
      tendon (ST) grafts has become more popular and has achieved relatively good
      results; however optimal reconstruction technique, single-tunnel or two-tunnel,
      still remains controversial. This paper is to compare the clinical and
      radiographic data of allogenous ST grafting with single- or two-tunnel
      reconstruction techniques of the AC joint. METHODS: The outcomes of 21
      consecutive patients who underwent anatomical reduction and ST grafting for AC
      joint separation were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two
      groups: single-tunnel group (11) and two-tunnel group (10). All patients were
      evaluated clinically and radiographically using a modified UCLA rating scale.
      RESULTS: The majority of separations (18 of 21) were Rockwood type V, with one
      each in type III, IV and VI categories. The overall mean follow-up time was 16
      months, and at the time of the latest follow-up, the overall mean UCLA rating
      score was 14.1 (range 8-20).The percentage of good-to-excellent outcomes was
      significantly higher for patients with the two-tunnel technique than for those
      with the one-tunnel technique (70% vs. 18%, respectively, p = 0.03). Within the
      single-tunnel group, there was no statistically significant difference in
      percentage of good-to-excellent outcomes between patients with vs. without
      tightrope augmentation (17% vs 20%, p > 0.99). Similarly, within the two-tunnel
      group, there was no significant difference in the percentage of good-to-excellent
      outcomes between the graft only and augment groups (67% vs. 75%, p > 0.99).
      CONCLUSION: Anatomical reduction of the AC joint and reconstruction CC ligaments
      are crucial for optimal joint stability and function. Two-tunnel CC
      reconstruction with an allogenous ST graft provides superior significantly better
      radiographic and clinical results compared to the single-tunnel reconstruction
      technique.

PMID- 25127716
TI  - Involvement of the chemokine CCL3 and the purinoceptor P2X7 in the spinal cord in
      paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel is an effective chemotherapeutic agent widely used for the
      treatment of solid tumors. The major dose-limiting toxicity of paclitaxel is
      peripheral neuropathy. The mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance
      of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy are still unclear, and there are no
      currently established effective treatments. Accumulating evidence in models of
      neuropathic pain in which peripheral nerves are lesioned has implicated spinal
      microglia and chemokines in pain hypersensitivity, but little is know about their
      roles in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. In the present study, we
      investigated the role of CC-chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) in the spinal cord in the
      development and maintenance of mechanical allodynia using a rat model of
      paclitaxel-induced neuropathy. FINDINGS: Repeated intravenous administration of
      paclitaxel induced a marked decrease in paw withdrawal threshold in response to
      mechanical stimulation (mechanical allodynia). In these rats, the number of
      microglia in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) was significantly increased. Paclitaxel
      treated rats showed a significant increase in the expression of mRNAs for CCL3
      and its receptor CCR5 in the SDH. Intrathecal administration of a CCL3
      neutralizing antibody not only attenuated the development of paclitaxel-induced
      mechanical allodynia but also reversed its maintenance. Paclitaxel also
      upregulated expression of purinoceptor P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs), which have been
      implicated in the release of CCL3 from microglia, in the SDH. The selective P2X7R
      antagonist A438079 had preventive and reversal effects on paclitaxel-induced
      allodynia. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a contribution of CCL3 and P2X7Rs in
      the SDH to paclitaxel-induced allodynia and may provide new therapeutic targets
      for paclitaxel-induced painful neuropathy.

PMID- 25127717
TI  - The efficacy-effectiveness distinction in trials of alcohol brief intervention.
AB  - Three recent sets of null findings from trials of alcohol brief intervention (BI)
      have been disappointing to those who wish to see a reduction in alcohol-related
      harm through the widespread dissemination of BI. Saitz (7) has suggested that
      these null findings result from a failure to translate the effects of BI seen in
      efficacy trials, which are thought to contribute mainly to the beneficial effects
      of BI shown in meta-analyses, to effectiveness trials conducted in real-world
      clinical practice. The present article aims to: (i) clarify the meaning of the
      terms "efficacy" and "effectiveness" and other related concepts; (ii) review the
      method and findings on efficacy-effectiveness measurement in the 2007 Cochrane
      Review by Kaner and colleagues; and (iii) make suggestions for further research
      in this area. Conclusions are: 1) to avoid further confusion, terms such as
      "efficacy trial", "effectiveness trial", "clinical representativeness", etc.
      should be clearly defined and carefully used; 2) applications of BI to novel
      settings should begin with foundational research and developmental studies,
      followed by efficacy trials, and political pressures for quick results from
      premature effectiveness trials should be resisted; 3) clear criteria are
      available in the literature to guide progress from efficacy research, through
      effectiveness research, to dissemination in practice; 4) to properly interpret
      null findings from effectiveness studies, it is necessary to ensure that
      interventions are delivered as intended; 5) in future meta-analyses of alcohol BI
      trials, more attention should be paid to the development and application of a
      psychometrically robust scale to measure efficacy-effectiveness or clinical
      representativeness; 6) the null findings under consideration cannot be firmly
      attributed to a failure to translate effects from efficacy trials to real-world
      practice, because it is possible that the majority of trials included in meta
      analyses on which the evidence for the beneficial effects of alcohol BI was based
      tended to be effectiveness rather than efficacy trials; and 7) a hypothesis to
      explain the null findings in question is that they are due to lack of fidelity in
      the implementation of BI in large, organizationally complex, cluster randomized
      trials. 

PMID- 25127718
TI  - Annona muricata leaves induced apoptosis in A549 cells through mitochondrial
      mediated pathway and involvement of NF-kappaB.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Annona muricata leaves have been reported to have antiproliferative
      effects against various cancer cell lines. However, the detailed mechanism has
      yet to be defined. The current study was designed to evaluate the molecular
      mechanisms of A. muricata leaves ethyl acetate extract (AMEAE) against lung
      cancer A549 cells. METHODS: The effect of AMEAE on cell proliferation of
      different cell lines was analyzed by MTT assay. High content screening (HCS) was
      applied to investigate the suppression of NF-kappaB translocation, cell membrane
      permeability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cytochrome c
      translocation from mitochondria to cytosol. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      formation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and activation of caspase-3/7, -8
      and -9 were measured while treatment. The western blot analysis also carried out
      to determine the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 and -9. Flow cytometry
      analysis was used to determine the cell cycle distribution and phosphatidylserine
      externalization. Quantitative PCR analysis was performed to measure the gene
      expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. RESULTS: Cell viability analysis revealed
      the selective cytotoxic effect of AMEAE towards lung cancer cells, A549, with an
      IC50 value of 5.09 +/- 0.41 MUg/mL after 72 h of treatment. Significant LDH
      leakage and phosphatidylserine externalization were observed in AMEAE treated
      cells by fluorescence analysis. Treatment of A549 cells with AMEAE significantly
      elevated ROS formation, followed by attenuation of MMP via upregulation of Bax
      and downregulation of Bcl-2, accompanied by cytochrome c release to the cytosol.
      The incubation of A549 cells with superoxide dismutase and catalase significantly
      attenuated the cytotoxicity caused by AMEAE, indicating that intracellular ROS
      plays a pivotal role in cell death. The released cytochrome c triggered the
      activation of caspase-9 followed by caspase-3. In addition, AMEAE-induced
      apoptosis was accompanied by cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. Moreover, AMEAE
      suppressed the induced translocation of NF-kappaB from cytoplasm to nucleus.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed for the first time that the ethyl acetate extract of
      Annona muricata inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells, leading to cell cycle
      arrest and programmed cell death through activation of the mitochondrial-mediated
      signaling pathway with the involvement of the NF-kB signalling pathway.

PMID- 25127719
TI  - Particle beam radiation therapy using carbon ions and protons for oligometastatic
      lung tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to analyze the efficacy and feasibility of
      particle beam radiation therapy (PBRT) using carbon ions and protons for the
      treatment of patients with oligometastatic lung tumors. METHODS: A total of 47
      patients with 59 lesions who underwent PBRT for oligometastatic lung tumors
      between 2003 and 2011 were included in this study. Patient median age was 66
      (range, 39-84) years. The primary tumor site was the colorectum in 11 patients
      (23.4%), lung in 10 patients (21.3%) and a variety of other sites in 26 patients
      (55.3%). Thirty-one patients (66%) received chemotherapy prior to PBRT. Thirty
      three lesions were treated with 320-MeV carbon ions and 26 were treated with 150-
      or 210-Mev protons in 1-4 portals. A median total dose of 60 (range, 52.8-70.2)
      GyE was delivered at the isocenter in 8 (range, 4-26) fractions. RESULTS: The
      median follow-up time was 17 months. The local control, overall survival and
      progression-free survival rates at 2 years were 79%, 54 and 27% respectively.
      PBRT-related toxicities were observed; six patients (13%) had grade 2 toxicity
      (including grade 2 radiation pneumonitis in 2) and six patients (13%) had grade 3
      toxicity. Univariate analysis indicated that patients treated with a biologically
      equivalent dose of 10 (BED10) <110 GyE10, had a significantly higher local
      recurrence rate. Local control rates were relatively lower in the subsets of
      patients with the colorectum as the primary tumor site. No local progression was
      observed in metastases from colorectal cancer irradiated with a BED10 >= 110
      GyE10. There was no difference in treatment results between proton and carbon ion
      therapy. CONCLUSIONS: PRBT is well tolerated and effective in the treatment of
      oligometastatic lung tumors. To further improve local control, high-dose PBRT
      with a BED10 >= 110 GyE10 may be promising. Further investigation of PBRT for
      lung oligometastases is warranted.

PMID- 25127720
TI  - The Namaqua rock mouse (Micaelamys namaquensis) as a potential reservoir and host
      of arthropod vectors of diseases of medical and veterinary importance in South
      Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of endemic murid rodents as hosts of arthropod vectors of
      diseases of medical and veterinary significance is well established in the
      northern hemisphere. In contrast, endemic murids are comparatively understudied
      as vector hosts in Africa, particularly in South Africa. Considering the great
      rodent diversity in South Africa, many of which may occur as human commensals,
      this is unwarranted. METHODS: In the current study we assessed the ectoparasite
      community of a widespread southern African endemic, the Namaqua rock mouse
      (Micaelamys namaquensis), that is known to carry Bartonella spp. and may attain
      pest status. We aimed to identify possible vectors of medical and/or veterinary
      importance which this species may harbour and explore the contributions of
      habitat type, season, host sex and body size on ectoparasite prevalence and
      abundance. RESULTS: Small mammal abundance was substantially lower in grasslands
      compared to rocky outcrops. Although the small mammal community comprised of
      different species in the two habitats, M. namaquensis was the most abundant
      species in both habitat types. From these 23 ectoparasite species from four taxa
      (fleas, ticks, mites and lice) were collected. However, only one flea (Xenopsylla
      brasiliensis) and one tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica) have a high zoonotic
      potential and have been implicated as vectors for Yersinia pestis and Bartonella
      spp. and Rickettsia conorii, respectively. The disease status of the most
      commonly collected tick (Rhipicephalus distinctus) is currently unknown. Only
      flea burdens differed markedly between habitat types and increased with body
      size. With the exception of lice, all parasite taxa exhibited seasonal peaks in
      abundance during spring and summer. CONCLUSION: M. namaquensis is the dominant
      small mammal species irrespective of habitat type. Despite the great ectoparasite
      diversity harboured by M. namaquensis, only a small number of these are known as
      vectors of diseases of medical and/or veterinary importance but occur at high
      prevalence and/or abundance. This raises concern regarding the potential of this
      host as an endemic reservoir for zoonotic diseases. Consequently, additional
      sampling throughout its distributional range and research addressing the role of
      M. namaquensis as a reservoir for zoonotic diseases in southern Africa is
      urgently needed.

PMID- 25127721
TI  - Visualization of the physical and functional interaction between hMYH and hRad9
      by Dronpa bimolecular fluorescence complementation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human MutY glycosylase homolog (hMYH), a component of the base
      excision repair pathway, is responsible for the generation of
      apurinic/apyrimidinic sites. Rad9-Rad1-Hus1 (9-1-1) is a heterotrimeric protein
      complex that plays a role in cell cycle checkpoint control and DNA repair. In
      humans, hMYH and 9-1-1 interact through Hus1 and to a lesser degree with Rad1 in
      the presence of DNA damage. In Saccharomyces pombe, each component of the 9-1-1
      complex interacts directly with SpMYH. The glycosylase activity of hMYH is
      stimulated by Hus1 and the 9-1-1 complex and enhanced by DNA damage treatment.
      Cells respond to different stress conditions in different manners. Therefore, we
      investigated whether Rad9 interacted with hMYH under different stresses. Here, we
      identified and visualized the interaction between hRad9 and hMYH and investigated
      the functional consequences of this interaction. RESULTS: Co-IP and BiFC
      indicates that hMYH interacts with hRad9. As shown by GST-pull down assay, this
      interaction is direct. Furthermore, BiFC with deletion mutants of hMYH showed
      that hRad9 interacts with N-terminal region of hMYH. The interaction was enhanced
      by hydroxyurea (HU) treatment. mRNA and protein levels of hMYH and hRad9 were
      increased following HU treatment. A marked increase in p-Chk1 (S345) and p-Cdk2
      (T14, Y15) was observed. But this phosphorylation decreased in siMYH- or siRad9
      transfected cells, and more pronounced decrease observed in co-transfected cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveal that hRad9 interacts directly with N-terminal region
      of hMYH. This interaction is enhanced by HU treatment. Knockdown of one or both
      protein result in decreasing Chk1 and Cdk2 phosphorylation. Since both protein
      functions in the early detection of DNA damage, we suggest that this interaction
      occurs early in DNA damage pathway.

PMID- 25127722
TI  - Assessment of retention force and bone apposition in two differently coated
      femoral stems after 6 months of loading in a goat model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of uncemented hip implants, there has been a
      search for the best surface coating to enhance bone apposition in order to
      improve retention. The surface coating of the different stems varies between
      products. The aim was to assess the retention force and bone adaption in two
      differently coated stems in a weight-bearing goat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Hydroxyapatite (HA) and electrochemically deposited calcium phosphate (CP; Bonit)
      on geometrically comparable titanium-based femoral stems were implanted into 12
      (CP group) and 35 (HA group) goats. The animal model included physiological
      loading of the implants for 6 months. The pull-out force of the stems was
      measured, and bone apposition was microscopically evaluated. RESULTS: After
      exclusion criteria were applied, the number of available goats was 4 in the CP
      group and 11 in the HA group. The CP-coated stems had significantly lower
      retention forces compared with the HA-coated ones after 6 months (CP median 47 N,
      HA median 1,696 N, p = 0.003). Bone sections revealed a lower degree of bone
      apposition in the CP-coated stems, with more connective tissue in the
      bone/implant interface compared with the HA group. CONCLUSION: In this study, HA
      had better bone apposition and needed greater pull-out force in loaded implants.
      The application of CP on the loaded titanium surface to enhance the apposition of
      bone is questioned.

PMID- 25127723
TI  - Proximal and distal determinants of stressful work: framework and analysis of
      retrospective European data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While robust evidence on associations of stressful work with health
      exists, less research is available on determinants of stressful work in terms of
      respondents' characteristics (proximal factors) and in terms of national labour
      market policies (distal factors). In this article we analyse proximal (childhood
      circumstances and labour market disadvantage) and distal determinants (national
      compensation and integration policies) of stressful work in a comprehensive
      framework. METHODS: We use data from the third wave of the Survey of Health,
      Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), with retrospective information on
      individual life courses collected among 11181 retired men and women in 13
      European countries (2008-2009). To test our hypotheses we estimate multilevel
      regression models. RESULTS: Results show that stressful work is related to
      disadvantaged circumstances during childhood. To some extent this association is
      explained by labour market disadvantage during adulthood. Additionally, well
      developed labour market integration policies are related to lower overall levels
      of stressful work at national level. CONCLUSION: This analysis provides first
      evidence of important determinants of stressful work, both in terms of pre
      employment conditions (childhood circumstances) and in terms of contextual macro
      social policies.

PMID- 25127724
TI  - miRNA expression profiles in cerebrospinal fluid and blood of patients with acute
      ischemic stroke.
AB  - The aims of the study were (1) to determine whether miRNAs (microRNAs) can be
      detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood of patients with ischemic
      stroke and (2) to compare these miRNA profiles with corresponding profiles from
      other neurological patients to address whether the miRNA profiles of CSF or blood
      have potential usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers of ischemic stroke. CSF from
      patients with acute ischemic stroke (n = 10) and patients with other neurological
      diseases (n = 10) was collected by lumbar puncture. Blood samples were taken
      immediately after. Expression profiles in the cell-free fractions of CSF and
      blood were analyzed by a microarray technique (miRCURY LNATM microRNA Array,
      Exiqon A/S, Denmark) using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) platform containing 378
      miRNA primers. In total, 183 different miRNAs were detected in the CSF, of which
      two miRNAs (let-7c and miR-221-3p) were found upregulated in relation to stroke.
      In the blood, 287 different miRNAs were detected of which two miRNAs (miR-151a-3p
      and miR-140-5p) were found upregulated and one miRNA (miR-18b-5p) was found
      downregulated in the stroke group. Some miRNAs occurred exclusively in the CSF
      including miR-523-3p which was detected in 50 % of the stroke patients, whereas
      it was completely absent in controls. Our preliminary results demonstrate that it
      is possible to detect and profile miRNAs in CSF and blood from patients with
      neurological diseases. Some miRNAs appear differentially expressed in the CSF and
      others in the blood of stroke patients. Currently, we are validating our results
      in larger groups of patients. 

PMID- 25127726
TI  - Mass effect from hepatomegaly in polycystic kidney disease.

PMID- 25127727
TI  - Capsule commentary on Larochelle et al., Reducing excess biomarker testing at an
      academic medical center.

PMID- 25127725
TI  - Intensive blood pressure control, falls, and fractures in patients with type 2
      diabetes: the ACCORD trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few rigorous studies to confirm or refute the commonly
      cited concern that control of blood pressure to lower thresholds may result in an
      increased risk of falls and fractures. OBJECTIVE: To compare falls and fractures
      in participants with type 2 diabetes in the intensive (targeting a systolic blood
      pressure of < 120 mmHg) and standard (targeting a systolic blood pressure of <
      140 mmHg) blood pressure control arms of the Action to Control Cardiovascular
      Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) randomized trial (N = 4,733). PARTICIPANTS: A subset of
      3,099 participants self-reported annually on the occurrence of falls and non
      spine fractures. Fractures were centrally adjudicated. MAIN MEASURES: The
      incidence of falls in the two treatment groups was compared using a random
      effects negative binomial model, and fracture risk was compared using Cox
      proportional hazards models. KEY RESULTS: At enrollment in both groups, the mean
      age was 62 years, 44% were women, 25% were Black, and mean blood pressure was
      138/75 mmHg. During follow-up, all classes of medications, particularly thiazide
      diuretics, were more commonly prescribed in the intensive group. After 1 year of
      follow-up, the mean systolic blood pressure was 133 +/- 15 mmHg in the standard
      group and 119 +/- 14 mmHg in the intensive group. The adjusted rate of falls did
      not differ in the intensive and standard groups (62.2/100 person-years vs.
      74.1/100 person-years, RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.54-1.29, p = 0.43). The risk of non
      spine fractures was nonsignificantly lower in the intensive than in the standard
      blood pressure group (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.62-1.01, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: We
      conclude that intensive antihypertensive treatment that lowered mean systolic
      blood pressure to below 120 mmHg was not associated with an increased risk of
      falls or non-spine fractures in patients age 40 to 79 years with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 25127729
TI  - Capsule commentary on Marc et al., Reliability and validity of the Haitian Creole
      PHQ-9.

PMID- 25127728
TI  - Geographic and racial/ethnic variations in patterns of multimorbidity burden in
      patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity presents a significant public health challenge, but
      regional, rural/urban, and racial/ethnic differences in patterns of
      multimorbidity in diabetes are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To describe patterns
      of multimorbidity in medical and mental health by regional, rural/urban, and
      racial/ethnic variation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. DESIGN:
      Retrospective cohort study from 2002 through 2006 PARTICIPANTS: A national cohort
      of 892,223 veterans with diabetes MAIN MEASURES: Multimorbidity was the main
      outcome defined as: the measure of multimorbidity and two categorical outcomes,
      with pattern of medical and mental health comorbidities combined and separately.
      KEY RESULTS: Among patients, 52% had 2+ comorbidities, 33% had a single
      comorbidity, and 14% had no comorbidity; 13.9% had both medical and mental health
      comorbidities, 70.3% had medical only, and 1.5% had mental health only. The odds
      of having 3+ comorbidities were nearly fourfold greater in patients 75 years and
      older relative to patients younger than 50 years (OR=3.95 [95% CI: 3.84, 4.06]).
      Compared to non-Hispanic whites, the odds of 3+ comorbidities among non-Hispanic
      blacks were 1.67 times greater (95% CI: 1.63, 1.71). Hispanics were more likely
      to have a mental health comorbidity alone (OR=1.20 [95% CI: 1.13, 1.28]) than non
      Hispanic whites. For patients living in rural areas, the odds were higher of
      having 3+ comorbidities (OR=1.21 [95% CI: 1.19, 1.23]) and of having both medical
      and mental health comorbidities (OR=1.15 [95% CI: 1.13, 1.17]) compared to urban
      dwellers. CONCLUSIONS: Among individuals with diabetes, traditionally
      disadvantaged groups, including non-Hispanic blacks and rural patients, appear to
      bear the greatest burden and risk of multimorbidity. Significantly greater odds
      with increasing number of comorbidities were seen by race/ethnicity, rural
      residence, and geographic region.

PMID- 25127730
TI  - Tackling disparities in influenza vaccination in primary care: it takes a team.

PMID- 25127732
TI  - Osteometric analysis for sexing of modern sternum - an autopsy study from South
      India.
AB  - Estimation of sex is considered as one of the essential parameters in forensic
      anthropology and requires foremost attention in the analysis of commingled and
      unidentified remains. In India, there is a paucity of population specific
      morphometric standards for identifying sex from unknown human remains in
      different population groups. The present research is an osteometric analysis to
      study the sexual dimorphism of the sternum of South Indian origin using
      statistical considerations. The study sample constituted of adult autopsied
      sternums of known age and sex. Five linear measurements (length of the manubrium,
      mesosternum, manubrium and mesosternum together, and width at 1st and at 3rd
      sternebra) were examined during the study. Three indices (manubrio-corpus Index,
      ratio of the length of the mesosternum and manubrium, and sternubrial-width
      index) were computed from the length and width measurements of the sternum.
      Statistical analysis was done using SPSS computer software and Student's t-test
      was applied to find the sex differences in these variables. While statistically
      significant sex differences were observed for all the five linear measurements of
      the sternum, none of the sternal indices showed statistically significant sex
      differences. Discriminant function and logistic regression analysis were
      performed to derive the predicting models for estimation of sex from the
      different variables. The predictability of sternal measurements in sexing using
      univariate models ranged between 67.5% for the width at 3rd sternebra and 74.4%
      for the combined length of manubrium and mesosternum. The classification accuracy
      rates of sternal measurements were observed to be higher when multivariate
      analysis was performed. Length of manubrium and mesosternum together along with
      width at 1st sternebra yielded maximum accuracy of 79.5% (discriminant function
      analysis) and 81.2% (logistic regression analysis) in sexing of male and female
      sternum. The present research concludes that the application of sternum in sex
      estimation should be restricted to cases when other more reliable bones for
      sexing are not available to the investigators. 

PMID- 25127733
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of antifouling poly(N-acryloylaminoethoxyethanol)
      with ultralow protein adsorption and cell attachment.
AB  - Rational design of effective antifouling polymers is challenging but important
      for many fundamental and applied applications. Herein we synthesize and
      characterize an N-acryloylaminoethoxyethanol (AAEE) monomer, which integrates
      three hydrophilic groups of hydroxyl, amide, and ethylene glycol in the same
      material. AAEE monomers were further grafted and polymerized on gold substrates
      to form polyAAEE brushes with well-controlled thickness via surface-initiated
      atomic transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP), with particular attention to a
      better understanding of the molecular structure-antifouling property relationship
      of hydroxyl-acrylic-based polymers. The surface hydrophilicity and antifouling
      properties of polyAAEE brushes as a function of film thickness are studied by
      combined experimental and computational methods including surface plasmon
      resonance (SPR) sensors, atomic force microscopy (AFM), cell adhesion assay, and
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. With the optimal polymer film thicknesses
      (~10-40 nm), polyAAEE-grafted surfaces can effectively resist protein adsorption
      from single-protein solutions and undiluted human blood plasma and serum to a
      nonfouling level (i.e., <0.3 ng/cm(2)). The polyAAEE brushes also highly resist
      mammalian cell attachment up to 3 days. MD simulations confirm that the
      integration of three hydrophilic groups induce a stronger and closer hydration
      layer around polyAAEE, revealing a positive relationship between surface
      hydration and antifouling properties. The molecular structure-antifouling
      properties relationship of a series of hydroxyl-acrylic-based polymers is also
      discussed. This work hopefully provides a promising structural motif for the
      design of new effective antifouling materials beyond traditional ethylene glycol
      based antifouling materials. 

PMID- 25127731
TI  - Interest in genetic testing in Ashkenazi Jewish Parkinson's disease patients and
      their unaffected relatives.
AB  - Our objective was to explore interest in genetic testing among Ashkenazi Jewish
      (AJ) Parkinson's Disease (PD) cases and first-degree relatives, as genetic
      testing for LRRK2 G2019S is widely available. Approximately 18 % of AJ PD cases
      carry G2019S mutations; penetrance estimations vary between 24 and 100 % by age
      80. A Genetic Attitude Questionnaire (GAQ) was administered at two New York sites
      to PD families unaware of LRRK2 G2019S mutation status. The association of
      G2019S, age, education, gender and family history of PD with desire for genetic
      testing (outcome) was modeled using logistic regression. One-hundred eleven PD
      cases and 77 relatives completed the GAQ. Both PD cases and relatives had
      excellent PD-specific genetic knowledge. Among PD, 32.6 % "definitely" and 41.1 %
      "probably" wanted testing, if offered "now." Among relatives, 23.6 % "definitely"
      and 36.1 % "probably" wanted testing "now." Desire for testing in relatives
      increased incrementally based on hypothetical risk of PD. The most important
      reasons for testing in probands and relatives were: if it influenced medication
      response, identifying no mutation, and early prevention and treatment. In
      logistic regression, older age was associated with less desire for testing in
      probands OR = 0.921 95%CI 0.868-0.977, p = 0.009. Both probands and relatives
      express interest in genetic testing, despite no link to current treatment or
      prevention. 

PMID- 25127734
TI  - Re-description of a genetically typed, single oocyst line of the turkey
      coccidium, Eimeria adenoeides Moore and Brown, 1951.
AB  - The Guelph strain of Eimeria adenoeides was obtained from a commercial turkey
      flock in Ontario, Canada, in 1985. Single oocyst derived lines of E. adenoeides
      were propagated, and one of them used to re-describe biological and morphological
      features of E. adenoeides in the turkey. Oocysts of this strain are within the
      lower size ranges in the original species description reported by Moore and Brown
      (1951); oocysts of the Guelph strain averaged 18.7 +/- 1.4 MUm (16.7-22.5) by
      14.3 +/- 0.9 MUm (13-16.2, n = 30) with a shape index (SI) of 1.3 +/- 0.1. It is
      possible that the original species description was based, at least in part, on a
      mixed culture of two or more Eimeria species. Immature first-generation meronts
      of E. adenoeides Guelph strain were observed histologically at 32 h post
      infection in the ileum and cecal neck. Early studies reported only two asexual
      generations suggested that first asexual cycle observed at 32 h post-infection
      was overlooked. In the present study, three asexual generations were observed
      before the start of gametogony. The Guelph strain is also characterized by a
      prepatent period of 112 h. The Guelph strain of E. adenoeides is a highly
      pathogenic coccidium that forms classic cecal lesions, including prominent
      caseous cecal cores, during moderate to severe infections. The maximum output of
      oocysts (1.77 * 10(7) per bird) was obtained from birds inoculated with 1 * 10(3)
      oocysts; maximum fecundity (1.55 * 10(5) oocyst shed per oocyst inoculated) was
      obtained with an inoculation of 1 * 10(2) oocysts, but fecundity dropped
      dramatically as the inoculation dose increased. To promote stability of the E.
      adenoeides species concept, neotype specimens (a parahapantotype slides series
      and phototype) have been designated and deposited for future reference. 

PMID- 25127735
TI  - Influence of environmental factors on Argulus japonicus occurrence of Guangdong
      province, China.
AB  - To assess the effects of abiotic factors on Argulus japonicus occurrence in
      freshwater ecosystem, we sampled fish, free-swimming parasites, and submerged
      objects from rivers, fish farms, and ponds (reservoirs and lakes) at 27 locations
      in Guangdong province, China, from July, 2010, to March, 2013. Friedman's test
      and Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) were used to investigate relationship
      between A. japonicus occurrence and abiotic factors in three aquatic systems.
      Correlation of monthly density, mean density, prevalence, abundance, and
      intensity of A. japonicus with water temperature, biochemical oxygen demand of 5
      days, chemical oxygen demand, and ammonia were very significant, but negative
      relation with pH, dissolved oxygen, and total phosphorus components.
      Nevertheless, total nitrogen components showed an insignificant impact on A.
      japonicus incidence. In addition, water temperature and stability were two key
      factors controlling A. japonicus infestation. Our study revealed the capability
      of A. japonicus to inhabit and prevail in heavily polluted freshwater. Results
      demonstrate that A. japonicus has good adaptability to the environmental factors'
      stress but cannot be used as a biological indicator of environmental pollution. 

PMID- 25127737
TI  - An analysis of historical Mussel Watch Programme data from the west coast of the
      Cape Peninsula, Cape Town.
AB  - The concentrations of metals in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck,
      1819) prevalent along the west coast of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town are
      presented. The mussels were sampled during the routine "Mussel Watch Programme"
      (MWP) between 1985 and 2008. Levels of Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Hg, Fe and Mn at Cape
      Point, Hout Bay, Sea Point, Milnerton and Bloubergstrand were analysed for autumn
      and spring and showed consistent similar mean values for the five sites. There
      was a highly significant temporal (annual and seasonal) difference between all
      metals as well as a significant difference in metal concentrations between the
      five sites. The concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cd and Pb were higher than previous
      investigations and possibly indicative of anthropogenic sources of metals. The
      results provide a strong motivation to increase efforts in marine pollution
      research in the area. 

PMID- 25127736
TI  - Identity of rumen fluke in deer.
AB  - As evidence is growing that in many temperate areas paramphistome infections are
      becoming more common and widespread, this study was undertaken to determine the
      role of deer as reservoirs for rumen fluke infections in livestock. A total of
      144 deer faecal samples (88 from fallow deer, 32 from red deer and 24 samples
      from sika, sika/red deer hybrids) were screened for the presence of fluke eggs.
      Based on the ITS-2 rDNA locus plus flanking 5.8S and 28S sequences (ITS-2+),
      fluke eggs were identified to species level. Our results indicate that, of the 3
      deer species, fallow deer had the highest fluke infection rates. Two rumen fluke
      species, Calicophoron daubneyi and Paramphistomum leydeni, with morphologically
      distinct eggs, were identified. Concurrent infections of the two paramphistome
      species and liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, were common. Considering the
      comparatively low egg burdens observed in this study, it is unlikely that deer
      represent a significant source of infection for Irish livestock. 

PMID- 25127738
TI  - Thyroid hormone regulation of hepatic lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
AB  - Thyroid hormone (TH) has important roles in regulating hepatic lipid,
      cholesterol, and glucose metabolism. Recent findings suggest that clinical
      conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes
      mellitus, which are associated with dysregulated hepatic metabolism, may involve
      altered intracellular TH action. In addition, TH has key roles in lipophagy in
      lipid metabolism, mitochondrial quality control, and the regulation of metabolic
      genes. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding the functions of TH
      in hepatic metabolism, the relationship between TH and metabolic disorders, and
      the potential therapeutic use of thyromimetics to treat metabolic dysfunction in
      the liver.

PMID- 25127740
TI  - Social class across the life course and physical activity at age 34 years in the
      1970 British birth cohort.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the associations between social class at ages 0, 5, 10, 30,
      and 34 years and physical activity at age 34 years using a novel approach to
      analysis of life course data. METHODS: We used structural equation modeling to
      compare three competing models in life course epidemiology: the accumulation of
      risk model with additive effects, the accumulation of risk model with trigger
      effect, and the critical period model. Data were from a nationally representative
      prospective cohort of 16,571 British men and women born in 1970. Outcomes were
      physical activity during leisure time, during transports, and at work. RESULTS:
      For all three domains of physical activity, for men and women, the accumulation
      of risk model with additive effects fit the data best. In this model, social
      class at ages 0, 5, 10, 30, and 34 years were associated with physical activity
      at age 34 years, although the magnitude and the direction of the associations for
      social class at each age varied by physical activity outcome and by sex.
      CONCLUSIONS: Structural equation modeling appears to be a helpful tool in
      selecting among competing models in life course epidemiology.

PMID- 25127739
TI  - First-trimester nonsystemic corticosteroid use and the risk of oral clefts in
      Norway.
AB  - PURPOSE: Exposure of pregnant mice to corticosteroids can produce oral clefts in
      offspring. Although data in humans are more mixed, recent reports have suggested
      that dermatologic steroids are associated with oral clefts. METHODS: We
      investigated maternal first-trimester exposure to corticosteroids (focusing on
      dermatologic uses) and oral clefts in offspring using two population-based
      studies. The Norway Cleft Study (1996-2001) is a national case-control study
      including 377 infants with cleft lip +/- palate (CLP), 196 infants with cleft
      palate only (CPO), and 763 controls. The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study
      (MoBa, 1998-2008) is a national birth cohort including 123 infants with CLP, 61
      infants with CPO, and 551 controls. RESULTS: In the case-control study, there was
      the suggestion of an association of dermatologic corticosteroids with both CLP
      (adjusted OR [aOR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-7.7) and CPO (aOR,
      3.4; CI, 0.87-13). There was no evidence of this association in the cohort data
      (odds ratio for CLP, 1.2; CI, 0.50-2.8 and odds ratio for CPO, 1.0; CI, 0.30
      3.4), although exposure to dermatologic steroids was less specifically
      ascertained. There were no associations with other types of corticosteroids.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data add to the suggestive but inconsistent findings for this
      association.

PMID- 25127742
TI  - In vivo hippocampal subfield volumes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hippocampal dysfunction and volume reductions have been reported in
      patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The hippocampus consists of
      anatomically distinct subfields. We investigated to determine whether in vivo
      volumes of hippocampal subfields differ between clinical groups and healthy
      control subjects. METHODS: Clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging
      were performed in 702 subjects (patients with schizophrenia spectrum [n = 210;
      mean age, 32.0 +/- 9.3 (SD) years; 59% male], patients with bipolar spectrum [n =
      192; mean age, 35.5 +/- 11.5 years; 40% male] and healthy control subjects [n =
      300; mean age, 35.3 +/- 9.9 years; 53% male]). Hippocampal subfield volumes were
      estimated with FreeSurfer. General linear models were used to explore diagnostic
      differences in hippocampal subfield volumes, covarying for age, intracranial
      volume, and medication. Post hoc analyses of associations to psychosis symptoms
      (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and cognitive function (verbal memory
      [California Verbal Learning Test, second edition] and IQ [Wechsler Abbreviated
      Scale of Intelligence]) were performed. RESULTS: Patient groups had smaller cornu
      ammonis (CA) subfields CA2/3 (left, p = 7.2 * 10(-6); right, p = 2.3 * 10(-6)),
      CA4/dentate gyrus (left, p = 1.4 * 10(-5); right, p = 2.3 * 10(-6)), subiculum
      (left, p = 3.7 * 10(-6); right, p = 2.8 * 10(-8)), and right CA1 (p = .006)
      volumes than healthy control subjects, but smaller presubiculum volumes were
      found only in patients with schizophrenia (left, p = 6.7 * 10(-5); right, p = 1.6
      * 10(-7)). Patients with schizophrenia had smaller subiculum (left, p = .035;
      right, p = .031) and right presubiculum (p = .002) volumes than patients with
      bipolar disorder. Smaller subiculum volumes were related to poorer verbal memory
      in patients with bipolar disorder and healthy control subjects and to negative
      symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS: Hippocampal subfield volume
      reductions are found in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The
      magnitude of reduction is greater in patients with schizophrenia, particularly in
      the hippocampal outflow regions presubiculum and subiculum.

PMID- 25127741
TI  - Neonatal maternal separation alters the capacity of adult neural precursor cells
      to differentiate into neurons via methylation of retinoic acid receptor gene
      promoter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early life stress is thought to contribute to psychiatric disorders,
      but the precise mechanisms underlying this link are poorly understood. As
      neonatal stress decreases adult hippocampal neurogenesis, which, in turn,
      functionally contributes to many behavioral phenotypes relevant to psychiatric
      disorders, we examined how in vivo neonatal maternal separation (NMS) impacts the
      capacity of adult hippocampal neural precursor cells via epigenetic alterations
      in vitro. METHODS: Rat pups were separated from their dams for 3 hours daily from
      postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 14 or were never separated from the dam (as control
      animals). We isolated adult neural precursor cells from the hippocampal dentate
      gyrus at PND 56 and assessed rates of proliferation, apoptosis, and
      differentiation in cell culture. We also evaluated the effect of DNA methylation
      at the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) promoter stemming from NMS on adult neural
      precursor cells. RESULTS: NMS attenuated neural differentiation of adult neural
      precursor cells but had no detectible effect on proliferation, apoptosis, or
      astroglial differentiation. The DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor, 5-aza-dC,
      reversed a reduction by NMS of neural differentiation of adult neural precursor
      cells. NMS increased DNMT1 expression and decreased expression of RARalpha. An
      RARalpha agonist increased neural differentiation and an antagonist reduced
      retinoic acid-induced neural differentiation. NMS increased the methylated
      portion of RARalpha promoter, and the DNMT inhibitor reversed a reduction by NMS
      of RARalpha messenger RNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: NMS attenuates the capacity of
      adult hippocampal neural precursor cells to differentiate into neurons by
      decreasing expression of RARalpha through DNMT1-mediated methylation of its
      promoter.

PMID- 25127744
TI  - NAD homeostasis in the bacterial response to DNA/RNA damage.
AB  - In mammals, NAD represents a nodal point for metabolic regulation, and its
      availability is critical to genome stability. Several NAD-consuming enzymes are
      induced in various stress conditions and the consequent NAD decline is generally
      accompanied by the activation of NAD biosynthetic pathways to guarantee NAD
      homeostasis. In the bacterial world a similar scenario has only recently begun to
      surface. Here we review the current knowledge on the involvement of NAD
      homeostasis in bacterial stress response mechanisms. In particular, we focus on
      the participation of both NAD-consuming enzymes (DNA ligase, mono(ADP-ribosyl)
      transferase, sirtuins, and RNA 2'-phosphotransferase) and NAD biosynthetic
      enzymes (both de novo, and recycling enzymes) in the response to DNA/RNA damage.
      As further supporting evidence for such a link, a genomic context analysis is
      presented showing several conserved associations between NAD homeostasis and
      stress responsive genes. 

PMID- 25127743
TI  - Disruption of the potassium channel regulatory subunit KCNE2 causes iron
      deficient anemia.
AB  - Iron homeostasis is a dynamic process that is tightly controlled to balance iron
      uptake, storage, and export. Reduction of dietary iron from the ferric to the
      ferrous form is required for uptake by solute carrier family 11 (proton-coupled
      divalent metal ion transporters), member 2 (Slc11a2) into the enterocytes. Both
      processes are proton dependent and have led to the suggestion of the importance
      of acidic gastric pH for the absorption of dietary iron. Potassium voltage-gated
      channel subfamily E, member 2 (KCNE2), in combination with potassium voltage
      gated channel, KQT-like subfamily, member 1 (KCNQ1), form a gastric potassium
      channel essential for gastric acidification. Deficiency of either Kcne2 or Kcnq1
      results in achlorhydia, gastric hyperplasia, and neoplasia, but the impact on
      iron absorption has not, to our knowledge, been investigated. Here we report that
      Kcne2-deficient mice, in addition to the previously reported phenotypes, also
      present with iron-deficient anemia. Interestingly, impaired function of KCNQ1
      results in iron-deficient anemia in Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome patients.
      We speculate that impaired function of KCNE2 could result in the same clinical
      phenotype.

PMID- 25127745
TI  - Bacterial colonization of the ovarian bursa in dogs with clinically suspected
      pyometra and in controls.
AB  - Septic peritonitis occurs relatively commonly in dogs. Secondary septic
      peritonitis is usually associated with perforation of intestines or infected
      viscera, such as the uterus in pyometra cases. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the bacterial flora in the ovarian bursae of intact bitches as a
      potential source of contamination. One hundred forty dogs, clinically suspected
      of pyometra, were prospectively enrolled. The control group consisted of 26 dogs
      that underwent elective ovariohysterectomies and 18 dogs with mammary gland
      tumors that were neutered at the time of mastectomy. Bacteriology samples were
      taken aseptically at the time of surgery from the bursae and the uterus in all
      dogs. Twenty-two dogs that were clinically suspected of pyometra had sterile
      uterine content ("mucometra" cases); the remaining 118 had positive uterine
      cultures ("pyometra" cases) and septic peritoneal fluid was present in 10% of
      these cases. Of the 118 pyometra cases, 9 had unilateral and 15 had bilateral
      bacterial colonization of their ovarian bursae. However, the bacteria from the
      ovarian bursa were similar to those recovered from the uterine pus in only half
      of the cases. Furthermore, positive bursae were also seen in one mucometra dog
      (unilateral) and in four control dogs (two unilateral and two bilateral). The
      data illustrate that the canine ovarian bursa can harbor bacteria. The biological
      importance of these isolations remains unclear. 

PMID- 25127746
TI  - [Alterations in arterial compliance of dyslipidemic patients].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We studied the alteration on the distensibility of the arterial
      walls caused by dyslipidemia LDLc dependent, along the decades of life, by means
      of a study of the radial artery pulse wave. METHODS: We made an analysis of the
      radial artery pulse wave records acquired by means a movement displacement
      sensor, placed on radial palpation area. We recruited 100 dyslipidemic men
      without other cardiovascular risk factors, between the 3rd and the 6th decade. We
      identified the reflected wave in the records and we computed the augmentation
      index in order to quantify its amplitude and position. This index is useful to
      assess the endothelial dysfunction. Besides, we defined a velocity coefficient as
      the ratio between the size of the individuals and the delay time between the peak
      of the systolic wave and the arrival of the reflected wave. Results were compared
      against those obtained in a group of 161 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: We found
      that dyslipidemic patients presented augmentation index values similar to
      controls until the fourth decade, increasing thereafter with significant
      differences only in the 6th decade. No significant differences were found in the
      velocity index in any of the ages studied. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that
      alterations produced by dyslipidemia take decades to manifest, and they begin
      affecting the mechanism of vasodilation of distal arteries with highest
      proportion of smooth muscle, without altering the proximal conduit arteries with
      more elastin content.

PMID- 25127747
TI  - [Impact of plasma pro-B-type natriuretic peptide amino-terminal and galectin-3
      levels on the predictive capacity of the LIPID Clinical Risk Scale in stable
      coronary disease].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: At present, there is no tool validated by scientific societies for
      risk stratification of patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). It
      has been shown that plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1),
      galectin-3 and pro-B-type natriuretic peptide amino-terminal (NT-proBNP) have
      prognostic value in this population. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prognostic value
      of a clinical risk scale published in Long-term Intervention with Pravastatin in
      Ischemic Disease (LIPID) study and determining its predictive capacity when
      combined with plasma levels of MCP-1, galectin-3 and NT-proBNP in patients with
      SCAD. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 706 patients with SCAD and a history of
      acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were analyzed over a follow up period of 2.2 +/-
      0.99 years. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of an ischemic event (any
      SCA, stroke or transient ischemic attack), heart failure, or death. A clinical
      risk scale derived from the LIPID study significantly predicted the development
      of the primary endpoint, with an area under the ROC curve (Receiver Operating
      Characteristic) of 0.642 (0.579 to 0.705); P<0.001. A composite score was
      developed by adding the scores of the LIPID and scale decile levels of MCP -1,
      galectin -3 and NT-proBNP. The predictive value improved with an area under the
      curve of 0.744 (0.684 to 0.805); P<0.001 (P=0.022 for comparison). A score
      greater than 21.5 had a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 61% for the
      development of the primary endpoint (P<0.001, log -rank test). CONCLUSION: Plasma
      levels of MCP-1, galectin -3 and NT-proBNP improve the ability of the LIPID
      clinical scale to predict the prognosis of patients with SCAD.

PMID- 25127749
TI  - Production of a value added compound from the H-acid waste water-Bioflocculants
      by Klebsiella pneumoniae.
AB  - A novel strain (designated as ZCY-7) which could convert H-acid into
      bioflocculants was isolated from H-acid wastewater sludge. Conditions for
      bioflocculants production were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM)
      and determined to be inoculum size 9.65%, initial pH 7.0, and CODCr of the H-acid
      wastewater 520mg/L. The highest flocculating efficiency achieved for kaolin
      suspension was 95.1%, after 60h cultivation. The yielded bioflocculant was mainly
      composed of polysaccharide (82.4%) and protein (14.2%), and maintained its
      flocculating activity in 0.4% (w/w) kaolin suspensions over pH 2-8 and 20-80
      degrees C. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed that amino, amide and
      hydroxyl groups were present in the bioflocculant molecules. A viable alternative
      treatment technology of H-acid wastewater using this novel strain is suggested,
      which could largely reduce bioflocculants costs. In addition, flocculating
      mechanism investigation reveals that the bioflocculant could cause kaolin
      suspension instability by means of charge neutralization firstly and then
      promoted the aggregation of suspension particles by adsorption and bridge. It is
      evident from the results that H-acid wastewater could be used as a source to
      manufacture bioflocculants. 

PMID- 25127750
TI  - The chloramphenicol acetyltransferase vector as a tool for stable tagging of
      Neospora caninum.
AB  - Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular Apicomplexa, a phylum where one of
      the current methods for functional studies relies on molecular genetic tools. For
      Toxoplasma gondii, the first method described, in 1993, was based on resistance
      against chloramphenicol. As in T. gondii, we developed a vector constituted of
      the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene (CAT) flanked by the N. caninum
      dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) 5' coding sequence
      flanking region. Five weeks after transfection and under the selection of
      chloramphenicol the expression of CAT increased compared to the wild type and the
      resistance was retained for more than one year. Between the stop codon of CAT and
      the 3' UTR of DHFR, a Lac-Z gene controlled by the N. caninum tubulin 5' coding
      sequence flanking region was ligated, resulting in a vector with a reporter gene
      (Ncdhfr-CAT/NcTub-tetO/Lac-Z). The stability was maintained through an episomal
      pattern for 14 months when the tachyzoites succumbed, which was an unexpected
      phenomenon compared to T. gondii. Stable parasites expressing the Lac-Z gene
      allowed the detection of tachyzoites after invasion by enzymatic reaction (CPRG)
      and were visualised macro- and microscopically by X-Gal precipitation and
      fluorescence. This work developed the first vector for stable expression of
      proteins based on chloramphenicol resistance and controlled exclusively by N.
      caninum promoters. 

PMID- 25127751
TI  - Degradation of the mechanical properties of orthodontic NiTi alloys in the oral
      environment: an in vitro study.
AB  - Appropriate characterization studies are needed to demonstrate the mechanical and
      biological effects of interaction between archwires and the oral environment. The
      aim of this study was to investigate, in vitro, the impact of this acidic and
      fluoridated environment on the electrochemical behavior and the mechanical
      properties of orthodontic alloys in nickel titanium and in stainless steel
      (controls) for the following parameters: Young's modulus (E), elastic limit
      (sigmae) and the maximum tensile load (sigmam). Six samples of each archwire
      alloy were used to assess these parameters. An Instron universal test apparatus
      (model - 88512) was used for the traction tests on the wires after immersion in
      solutions at different concentrations of fluoride and at various pH levels.
      Observations were made using an electron scanning microscope (ESM) to evaluate
      the surface and an ICP (inductively coupled plasma) mass spectroscopy analysis
      was made to quantify the substances released into the immersion solution. For the
      NiTi archwires, immersion in the fluoridated and acidic medium showed a
      statistically significant reduction of the Young's modulus (E), the elastic limit
      (sigmae) and the maximum tensile load (sigmam). Similarly, a higher level of
      released nickel proportionate to the increase in the fluoride concentration and
      acidity was observed in the immersion solutions. ESM observations revealed the
      status of the surface of the different alloys and the presence of corrosive
      pitting.

PMID- 25127753
TI  - Dental sequellae of alveolar clefts: utility of endosseous implants. Part II:
      clinical cases.
AB  - This second part follows on from part 1 published in the previous issue of this
      journal. The aim of this publication is to offer teams specializing in the
      primary and secondary treatment of labio-alveolar-palatal clefts a prosthetic
      evaluation for more rational management of the dental sequellae of clefts for
      patients who, when they reach adulthood, often wish to improve their facial
      esthetics, in which the dental element plays an important part. The
      reorganization and restoration of the maxillary anterior teeth and their esthetic
      integration with respect to the face and lips would then be less of a problem for
      plastic surgeons and orthodontists. In this regard, the installation in this
      sector of implants, following ambitious bone surgery involving the sacrifice of
      the teeth of the medial nasal process in bilateral forms, is a protocol that
      could usefully be taken into account. 

PMID- 25127755
TI  - ZnO nanoparticles induced adjuvant effect via toll-like receptors and Src
      signaling in Balb/c mice.
AB  - Our previous studies indicated that zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have
      adjuvant properties to a known allergen ovalbumin (OVA) in Balb/c mice.
      Therefore, in this study, we focused on the mechanisms involved in adjuvant
      responses induced by ZnO NPs. The eosinophil counts in the Peyers' patches of
      intestine and ICAM-1, Cox2 protein expressions were enhanced in the ZnO NPs/OVA
      group. Following screening of toll-like receptors (TLRs), TLR 2, 4 and 6 were
      found to be increased. Accordingly, we found that downstream proteins of TLRs
      such as myeloid differentiation primary response protein-88 (MyD88), IL-1
      receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK 1), and TNFR-associated factor 6 (TRAF 6) were
      also found to be enhanced in the ZnO NPs/OVA-induced group. These inflammatory
      responses underlined the critical roles of TLRs in the inflammatory response. ZnO
      NPs increased the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta and protein
      expression of several mediators, including Cox2, PGE2, MMP-9 and finally caspase
      1 in macrophages. Another pathway for adjuvant effect is Src which was found to
      be significantly affected by the activation of p-Lyn, p-Syk, IP3, p-PLC-gamma and
      cAMP. Ca(2+) influx was significantly increased as well in the ZnO NPs/OVA group.
      These findings demonstrated the differential role of TLRs in regulation of the
      ZnO NPs-induced adjuvant responses causing the inflammation. We therefore,
      conclude that ZnO NPs have significant adjuvant effect via following Src kinase
      and TLRs signaling that ascribed to inflammatory responses due to recruitment and
      activation of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cells. The adjuvant property of
      ZnO NPs may help in planning strategies for its therapeutic use. 

PMID- 25127756
TI  - Compensatory effects of hOGG1 for hMTH1 in oxidative DNA damage caused by
      hydrogen peroxide.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential compensatory effects of hOGG1 and hMTH1
      in the repair of oxidative DNA damage. METHODS: The hOGG1 and hMTH1 gene
      knockdown human embryonic pulmonary fibroblast cell lines were established by
      lentivirus-mediated RNA interference. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of hOGG1
      and hM1TH1 were analyzed by the real-time polymerase chain reaction, and 8
      hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) formation was analyzed in a high-performance
      liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection system. RESULTS: The hOGG1 and
      hMTH1 knockdown cells were obtained through blasticidin selection. After
      transfection of hOGG1 and hMTH1 small interfering RNA, the expression levels of
      the mRNA of hOGG1 and hMTH1 genes were decreased by 97.2% and 96.2%,
      respectively. The cells then were exposed to 100 MUmol/L of hydrogen peroxide
      (H2O2) for 12 h to induce oxidative DNA damage. After H2O2 exposure, hMTH1 mRNA
      levels were increased by 25% in hOGG1 gene knockdown cells, whereas hOGG1 mRNA
      levels were increased by 52% in hMTH1 gene knockdown cells. Following the
      treatment with H2O2, the 8-oxo-dG levels in the DNA of hOGG1 gene knockdown cells
      were 3.1-fold higher than those in untreated HFL cells, and 1.67-fold higher than
      those in H2O2-treated wild-type cells. The 8-oxo-dG levels in hMTH1 gene
      knockdown cells were 2.3-fold higher than those in untreated human embryonic
      pulmonary fibroblast cells, but did not differ significantly from those in H2O2
      treated wild-type cells. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that hOGG1 could
      compensate for hMTH1 during oxidative DNA damage caused by H2O2, whereas hMTH1
      could not compensate sufficiently for hOGG1 during the process.

PMID- 25127757
TI  - Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) mediates methamphetamine
      induced dopaminergic neuron apoptosis.
AB  - Overexposure to methamphetamine (METH), a psychoactive drug, induces a variety of
      adverse effects to the nervous system, including apoptosis of dopaminergic
      neurons. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5), a member of
      insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, is a pro-apoptotic factor that plays
      important roles in neuronal apoptosis. To test the hypothesis that IGFBP5 can
      mediate METH-induced neuronal apoptosis, we examined IGFBP5 mRNA and protein
      expression changes in PC12 cells exposed to METH (3.0mM) for 24h and in the
      striatum of rats following 15 mg/kg * 8 intraperitoneal injections of METH at 12h
      interval. We also checked the effect on neuronal apoptosis after silencing IGFBP5
      expression with TUNEL staining and flow cytometry; Western blot was used for
      detecting the expression of apoptotic markers active-caspase3 and PARP. To
      elucidate the mechanisms underlying IGFBP5-mediated neuronal apoptosis, we
      determined the release of cytochrome c (cyto c), an apoptogenic factor, from the
      mitochondria after METH treatment with or without IGFBP5 knockdown. Our results
      showed that IGFBP5 expression was increased significantly after METH exposure in
      PC12 cells and in the METH-treated rats' striatum. Further, METH-exposed PC12
      cells exhibited higher apoptosis-positive cell number and activity of caspase3
      and PARP compared with control cells, while these changes can be blocked by
      silencing IGFBP5 expression. In addition, a significant increase of cyto c
      release from mitochondria after METH exposure was observed and it was inhibited
      after silencing IGFBP5 expression in PC12 cells. These results indicate that
      IGFBP5 plays key roles in METH-induced neuronal apoptosis and may be a potential
      gene target for therapeutics in METH-caused neurotoxicity.

PMID- 25127748
TI  - Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in HIV-infected patients with recurrent
      hepatitis C after liver transplantation: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of treatment
      with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for the recurrence of hepatitis C after
      liver transplantation in HCV/HIV-coinfected patients. METHODS: This was a
      prospective, multicentre cohort study, including 78 HCV/HIV-coinfected liver
      transplant patients who received treatment for recurrent hepatitis C. For
      comparison, we included 176 matched HCV-monoinfected patients who underwent liver
      transplantation during the same period of time at the same centres and were
      treated for recurrent hepatitis C. RESULTS: Antiviral therapy was discontinued
      prematurely in 56% and 39% (p = 0.016), mainly because of toxicity (22% and 11%,
      respectively; p=0.034). Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 21%
      of the coinfected patients and in 36% of monoinfected patients (p = 0.013). For
      genotype 1, SVR rates were 10% and 33% (p = 0.002), respectively; no significant
      differences were observed for the other genotypes. A multivariate analysis based
      on the whole series identified HIV-coinfection as an independent predictor of
      lack of SVR (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06-0.42). Other predictors of SVR were donor
      age, pretreatment HCV viral load, HCV genotype, and early virological response.
      SVR was associated with a significant improvement in survival: 5-year survival
      after antiviral treatment was 79% for HCV/HIV-coinfected patients with SVR vs.
      43% for those without (p = 0.02) and 92% vs. 60% in HCV-monoinfected patients (p
      < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The response to pegylated interferon and
      ribavirin was poorer in HCV/HIV-coinfected liver recipients, particularly those
      with genotype 1. However, when SVR was achieved, survival of coinfected patients
      increased significantly.

PMID- 25127758
TI  - A human ether-a-go-go-related (hERG) ion channel atomistic model generated by
      long supercomputer molecular dynamics simulations and its use in predicting drug
      cardiotoxicity.
AB  - Acquired cardiac long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a frequent drug-induced toxic event
      that is often caused through blocking of the human ether-a-go-go-related (hERG)
      K(+) ion channel. This has led to the removal of several major drugs post
      approval and is a frequent cause of termination of clinical trials. We report
      here a computational atomistic model derived using long molecular dynamics that
      allows sensitive prediction of hERG blockage. It identified drug-mediated hERG
      blocking activity of a test panel of 18 compounds with high sensitivity and
      specificity and was experimentally validated using hERG binding assays and patch
      clamp electrophysiological assays. The model discriminates between potent, weak,
      and non-hERG blockers and is superior to previous computational methods. This
      computational model serves as a powerful new tool to predict hERG blocking thus
      rendering drug development safer and more efficient. As an example, we show that
      a drug that was halted recently in clinical development because of severe
      cardiotoxicity is a potent inhibitor of hERG in two different biological assays
      which could have been predicted using our new computational model. 

PMID- 25127759
TI  - The education of UK specialised neonatal nurses: reviewing the rationale for
      creating a standard competency framework.
AB  - This paper examines the influences surrounding formal education provision for
      specialised neonatal nurses in the UK and presents a standardised clinical
      competency framework in response. National drivers for quality neonatal care
      define links to the numbers and ratios of specialised neonatal nurses in
      practice. Historical changes to professional nursing governance have led to
      diversity in supporting education programmes, making achievement of a standard
      level of clinical competence for this element of the nursing workforce difficult.
      In addition responsibility for funding specialised education and training has
      moved from central to local hospital level. Evaluating these key influences on
      education provision rationalised the development, by a UK professional consensus
      group, of a criteria based framework to be utilised by both formal education and
      service providers. The process identified clinical competency (in terms of unique
      knowledge and skills), evidence of achievement, and quality education principles.
      Access to specialised education relies on the availability of programmes of study
      and clear funding strategies. Creating a core syllabus for education provides a
      tool to standardise course content, commission education and audit clinical
      competency. In addition partnerships between healthcare and education providers
      become successful in achieving standard specialised education for neonatal
      nurses. 

PMID- 25127845
TI  - How to evaluate appendices with borderline diameters on CT: proposal of a quick
      solution to overcome the limitations of the established CT criteria.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To propose a useful computed tomography (CT) criterion,
      the diameter with compression (DWC), especially in appendices with borderline
      diameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected 216 patients with
      visible appendices on CT after clinicopathologic confirmation of appendicitis.
      Each CT criterion of appendicitis was evaluated by an experienced abdominal
      radiologist: maximal outer diameter (MOD), DWC, mural thickness and enhancement,
      periappendiceal infiltration, and appendicolith. DWC is the expected diameter
      after deduction of the intraluminal compressible contents such as air and feces.
      All the CT criteria were compared in the appendicitis and nonappendicitis group.
      RESULTS: The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the
      MOD and the DWC were 0.967 and 0.973, respectively. The optimal cutoff value was
      8.2 mm for the MOD and 6.6 mm for the DWC. Twenty-five of the 80 appendicitis
      patients (31.2%) and 62 of the 136 nonappendicitis patients (45.6%) had MODs
      between 5.7 mm and 9.8 mm in the overlap between the two groups. In this overlap,
      the AUC of the MODs declined sharply to 0.767, whereas the AUC of the DWCs
      remained 0.923. Use of the criterion of DWC >6.6 mm yielded a sensitivity of
      84.0%, a specificity of 88.7%, and an accuracy of 87.4%. There were no other
      criteria with both sensitivity and specificity >80% in the range of overlap.
      CONCLUSIONS: The proposed CT criterion of the DWC is not affected by normal
      distension or periappendiceal inflammation but only by true appendicitis.
      Therefore, DWC can improve the diagnostic performance of appendicitis regardless
      of the MOD.

PMID- 25127846
TI  - Use of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography for intramammary cancer staging:
      preliminary results.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate and compare the accuracy of
      contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) and ultrasound (US) in size
      measurement of breast cancer with histologic tumor sizes as gold standard.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty women aged between 40-73 years (mean age, 57 +/- 10
      years) with histologically proven invasive ductal/lobular carcinomas were
      included in the study. Agreement between imaging tumor size (CESM and US) and
      histopathologic tumor size was evaluated with Bland-Altman analysis.
      Stereotactically guided vacuum biopsy was performed in four patients after CESM.
      Two independent reviewers described artifacts of CESM. RESULTS: Motion artifacts
      did not occur in the study. CESM-specific artifacts caused by scattered radiation
      mostly occurred in oblique view of CESM. Background enhancement of breast tissue
      was seen in four patients. Mean difference of tumor sizes was 0.3 mm (6.34%)
      between CESM and histology and -2.2 mm (-7.59%) between US and histology. Limits
      of agreement ranged from -18.9 to 19.48 mm for CESM and from -17.1 to 12.7 mm
      with US. Especially smaller tumors with a size <23 mm were measured more
      precisely with CESM. Enhancement of breast tissue around microcalcifications
      correlated with abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: CESM is accurate in size measurements
      of small breast tumors. On average CESM leads to a slight overestimation of tumor
      size, whereas US tends to underestimate tumor size. Assessment of the breast
      tissue can be limited by the scattered radiation artifact and background
      enhancement of breast tissue. CESM seems to be helpful in the characterization of
      breast tissue around microcalcifications.

PMID- 25127847
TI  - Simple and efficient method for region of interest value extraction from picture
      archiving and communication system viewer with optical character recognition
      software and macro program.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The objectives are: 1) to introduce a simple and
      efficient method for extracting region of interest (ROI) values from a Picture
      Archiving and Communication System (PACS) viewer using optical character
      recognition (OCR) software and a macro program, and 2) to evaluate the accuracy
      of this method with a PACS workstation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This module was
      designed to extract the ROI values on the images of the PACS, and created as a
      development tool by using open-source OCR software and an open-source macro
      program. The principal processes are as follows: (1) capture a region of the ROI
      values as a graphic file for OCR, (2) recognize the text from the captured image
      by OCR software, (3) perform error-correction, (4) extract the values including
      area, average, standard deviation, max, and min values from the text, (5)
      reformat the values into temporary strings with tabs, and (6) paste the temporary
      strings into the spreadsheet. This principal process was repeated for the number
      of ROIs. The accuracy of this module was evaluated on 1040 recognitions from 280
      randomly selected ROIs of the magnetic resonance images. The input times of ROIs
      were compared between conventional manual method and this extraction module
      assisted input method. RESULTS: The module for extracting ROI values operated
      successfully using the OCR and macro programs. The values of the area, average,
      standard deviation, maximum, and minimum could be recognized and error-corrected
      with AutoHotkey-coded module. The average input times using the conventional
      method and the proposed module-assisted method were 34.97 seconds and 7.87
      seconds, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A simple and efficient method for ROI value
      extraction was developed with open-source OCR and a macro program. Accurate
      inputs of various numbers from ROIs can be extracted with this module. The
      proposed module could be applied to the next generation of PACS or existing PACS
      that have not yet been upgraded.

PMID- 25127848
TI  - Effect of light and vigorous physical activity on balance and gait of older
      adults.
AB  - This study aims to quantitatively assess the effects of vigorous and light
      physical activity (VPA, LPA) on static balance, gait and sit-to-stand (STS) tasks
      in a cohort of healthy older adults. To this end, 34 individuals of age >65 years
      were divided into two groups (n=17 each) who underwent 36 sessions (3*12 weeks)
      of PA characterized by different levels of intensity, assessed through continuous
      heart rate monitoring during the training session. Their balance and mobility
      were objectively evaluated on the basis of postural sway and time of STS
      measurements performed using a force platform. The main spatiotemporal parameters
      of gait (i.e. speed, stride and gait cycle duration, stance, swing and double
      support phase duration) were also acquired using a wearable inertial measurement
      unit. The results show that most gait parameters and STS time significantly
      improve in the VPA group but not in the LPA one. For the latter group a reduction
      only of swing phase duration was detected. PA also induced a generalized
      reduction of postural sway in both groups in the case of absence of visual input.
      These findings suggest that PA programs characterized by superior levels of
      intensity might be more suitable in generally improving static and dynamic daily
      motor tasks, while in terms of static balance acceptable results can be achieved
      even when only light activity is performed. 

PMID- 25127850
TI  - Differential expression of estrogen receptor alpha in the embryonic adrenal
      kidney-gonadal complex of the oviparous lizard, Calotes versicolor (Daud.).
AB  - Estrogen signalling is critical for ovarian differentiation in reptiles with
      temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). To elucidate the involvement of
      estrogen in this process, adrenal-kidney-gonadal (AKG) expression of estrogen
      receptor (ERalpha) was studied at female-producing temperature (FPT) in the
      developing embryos of the lizard, Calotes versicolor which exhibits a distinct
      pattern of TSD. The eggs of this lizard were incubated at 31.5+/-0.5 degrees C
      (100% FPT). The torso of embryos containing adrenal-kidney-gonadal complex (AKG)
      was collected during different stages of development and subjected to Western
      blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis. The ERalpha antibody recognized two
      protein bands with apparent molecular weight ~55 and ~45kDa in the total protein
      extracts of embryonic AKG complex of C. versicolor. The observed results suggest
      the occurrence of isoforms of ERalpha. The differential expression of two
      different protein isoforms may reveal their distinct role in cell proliferation
      during gonadal differentiation. This is the first report to reveal two isoforms
      of the ERalpha in a reptile during development. Immunohistochemical studies
      reveal a weak, but specific, cytoplasmic ERalpha immunostaining exclusively in
      the AKG during late thermo-sensitive period suggesting the responsiveness of AKG
      to estrogens before gonadal differentiation at FPT. Further, cytoplasmic as well
      as nuclear expression of ERalpha in the medulla and in oogonia of the cortex
      (faint activity) at gonadal differentiation stage suggests that the onset of
      gonadal estrogen activity coincides with sexual differentiation of gonad.
      Intensity and pattern of the immunoreactions of ERalpha in the medullary region
      at FPT suggest endogenous production of estrogen which may act in a paracrine
      fashion to induce neighboring cells into ovarian differentiation pathway. 

PMID- 25127849
TI  - Bothrops jararacussu snake venom-induces a local inflammatory response in a
      prostanoid- and neutrophil-dependent manner.
AB  - Local tissue reactions provoked by Bothrops venoms are characterized by edema,
      hemorrhage, pain, and inflammation; however, the mechanisms of tissue damage vary
      depending upon the species of snake. Here, we investigated the mechanisms
      involved in the local inflammatory response induced by the Bothrops jararacussu
      venom (BjcuV). Female Swiss mice were injected with either saline, BjcuV (0.125-8
      MUg/paw) or loratadine (an H1 receptor antagonist), compound 48/80 (for mast cell
      depletion), capsaicin (for C-fiber desensitization), infliximab (an anti-TNF
      alpha antibody), indomethacin (a non-specific COX inhibitor), celecoxib (a
      selective COX-2 inhibitor) or fucoidan (a P- and L-selectins modulator) given
      before BjcuV injection. Paw edema was measured by plethysmography. In addition,
      paw tissues were collected for the measurement of myeloperoxidase activity, TNF
      alpha and IL-1 levels, and COX-2 immunoexpression. The direct chemotactic effect
      of BjcuV and the in vitro calcium dynamic in neutrophils were also investigated.
      BjcuV caused an edematogenic response with increased local production of TNF
      alpha and IL-1beta as well as COX-2 expression. Both edema and neutrophil
      migration were prevented by pretreatment with indomethacin, celecoxib or
      fucoidan. Furthermore, BjcuV induced a direct in vitro neutrophil chemotaxis by
      increasing intracellular calcium. Therefore, BjcuV induces an early onset edema
      dependent upon prostanoid production and neutrophil migration.

PMID- 25127851
TI  - Advanced diffusion MRI fiber tracking in neurosurgical and neurodegenerative
      disorders and neuroanatomical studies: A review.
AB  - Diffusion MRI enabled in vivo microstructural imaging of the fiber tracts in the
      brain resulting in its application in a wide range of settings, including in
      neurological and neurosurgical disorders. Conventional approaches such as
      diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have been shown to have limited applications due
      to the crossing fiber problem and the susceptibility of their quantitative
      indices to partial volume effects. To overcome these limitations, the recent
      focus has shifted to the advanced acquisition methods and their related
      analytical approaches. Advanced white matter imaging techniques provide superior
      qualitative data in terms of demonstration of multiple crossing fibers in their
      spatial orientation in a three dimensional manner in the brain. In this review
      paper, we discuss the advancements in diffusion MRI and introduce their roles.
      Using examples, we demonstrate the role of advanced diffusion MRI-based fiber
      tracking in neuroanatomical studies. Results from its preliminary application in
      the evaluation of intracranial space occupying lesions, including with respect to
      future directions for prognostication, are also presented. Building upon the
      previous DTI studies assessing white matter disease in Huntington's disease and
      Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; we also discuss approaches which have led to
      encouraging preliminary results towards developing an imaging biomarker for these
      conditions.

PMID- 25127852
TI  - [Meningitis to Candida albicans at the adult, use of the new diagnosis methods].
AB  - Candida albicans or non-albicans are a frequent source of infection but seldom
      displayed in cerebrospinal fluid although responsible of an important number of
      nosocomial meningitis. Diagnosis is difficult which often delays treatment, which
      in turn hinders prognostic. This clinical case shows a patient afflicted with a
      deadly C. albicans meningitis and allows us to focus on new diagnostic tools and
      advice against this infection.

PMID- 25127853
TI  - Intraoperative management of heart-lung interactions: "from hypothetical
      prediction to improved titration".
AB  - Extensive literature describes the suitability of dynamic parameters to predict
      responsiveness in fluid. However, based on heart-lung interactions, these
      parameters can have serious limitations, including the use of protective lung
      ventilation. Although the latter seems to be beneficial for healthy patients
      undergoing high-risk surgery, the intraoperative interpretation of dynamic
      parameters to predict fluid responsiveness can be hazardous. In this context, the
      attending physician could, alternatively, titrate the need of fluids with a small
      fluid challenge, which remains unaffected by low tidal volume, the presence of
      arrhythmia, or the presence of spontaneous ventilation. When intraoperative
      prediction of fluid responsiveness is required in mechanically ventilated
      patients, "improved" titration should be preferred to a hypothetical prediction.

PMID- 25127854
TI  - Auditory feedback perturbation in children with developmental speech sound
      disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Several studies indicate a close relation between auditory
      and speech motor functions in children with speech sound disorders (SSD). The aim
      of this study was to investigate the ability to compensate and adapt for
      perturbed auditory feedback in children with SSD compared to age-matched normally
      developing children. METHOD: 17 normally developing children aged 4.1-8.7 years
      (mean=5.5, SD=1.4), and 11 children with SSD aged 3.9-7.5 years (mean=5.1,
      SD=1.0) participated in the study. Auditory feedback was perturbed by real-time
      shifting the first and second formant of the vowel /e/ during the production of
      CVC words in a five-step paradigm (practice/familiarization; start/baseline;
      ramp; hold; end/release). RESULTS: At the group level, the normally developing
      children were better able to compensate and adapt, adjusting their formant
      frequencies in the direction opposite to the perturbation, while the group of
      children with SSD followed (amplifying) the perturbation. However, large
      individual differences lie underneath. Furthermore, strong correlations were
      found between the amount of compensation and performance on oral motor movement
      non-word repetition tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggested that while most
      children with SSD can detect incongruencies in auditory feedback and can adapt
      their target representations, they are unable to compensate for perturbed
      auditory feedback. These findings suggest that impaired auditory-motor
      integration may play a key role in SSD. LEARNING OUTCOMES: The reader will be
      able to: (1) describe the potential role of auditory feedback control in
      developmental speech disorders (SSD); (2) identify the neural control subsystems
      involved in feedback based speech motor control; (3) describe the differences
      between compensation and adaptation for perturbed auditory feedback; (4) explain
      why auditory-motor integration may play a key role in SSD.

PMID- 25127855
TI  - The ataxia telangiectasia mutated and cyclin D3 proteins cooperate to help
      enforce TCRbeta and IgH allelic exclusion.
AB  - Coordination of V rearrangements between loci on homologous chromosomes is
      critical for Ig and TCR allelic exclusion. The Ataxia Telangietasia mutated (ATM)
      protein kinase promotes DNA repair and activates checkpoints to suppress aberrant
      Ig and TCR rearrangements. In response to RAG cleavage of Igkappa loci, ATM
      inhibits RAG expression and suppresses further Vkappa-to-Jkappa rearrangements to
      enforce Igkappa allelic exclusion. Because V recombination between alleles is
      more strictly regulated for TCRbeta and IgH loci, we evaluated the ability of ATM
      to restrict biallelic expression and V-to-DJ recombination of TCRbeta and IgH
      genes. We detected greater frequencies of lymphocytes with biallelic expression
      or aberrant V-to-DJ rearrangement of TCRbeta or IgH loci in mice lacking ATM. A
      preassembled DJbeta complex that decreases the number of TCRbeta rearrangements
      needed for a productive TCRbeta gene further increased frequencies of ATM
      deficient cells with biallelic TCRbeta expression. IgH and TCRbeta proteins drive
      proliferation of prolymphocytes through cyclin D3 (Ccnd3), which also inhibits VH
      transcription. We show that inactivation of Ccnd3 leads to increased frequencies
      of lymphocytes with biallelic expression of IgH or TCRbeta genes. We also show
      that Ccnd3 inactivation cooperates with ATM deficiency to increase the
      frequencies of cells with biallelic TCRbeta or IgH expression while decreasing
      the frequency of ATM-deficient lymphocytes with aberrant V-to-DJ recombination.
      Our data demonstrate that core components of the DNA damage response and cell
      cycle machinery cooperate to help enforce IgH and TCRbeta allelic exclusion and
      indicate that control of V-to-DJ rearrangements between alleles is important to
      maintain genomic stability. 

PMID- 25127856
TI  - Idiotype-specific Th cells support oligoclonal expansion of anti-dsDNA B cells in
      mice with lupus.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is marked by a Th cell-dependent B cell
      hyperresponsiveness, with frequent germinal center reactions and
      hypergammaglobulinemia. The specificity of Th cells in lupus remains unclear, but
      B cell Ids have been suggested. A hallmark is the presence of anti-dsDNA, mutated
      IgG autoantibodies with a preponderance of arginines in CDR3 of the Ig variable H
      chain (IgVH). B cells can present V region-derived Id peptides on their MHC class
      II molecules to Id-specific Th cells. We show that Id-specific Th cells support
      the proliferation of anti-dsDNA Id(+) B cells in mice suffering from systemic
      autoimmune disease with SLE-like features. Mice developed marked clonal
      expansions of B cells; half of the IgVH sequences were clonally related. Anti
      dsDNA B cells made up 40% of B cells in end-stage disease. The B cells expressed
      mutated IgVH with multiple arginines in CDR3. Hence, Id-driven T cell-B cell
      collaboration supported the production of classical anti-dsDNA Abs,
      recapitulating the characteristics of such Abs in SLE. The results support the
      concept that Id-specific Th cells may trigger the development of SLE and suggest
      that manipulation of the Id-specific T cell repertoire could play a role in
      treatment. 

PMID- 25127857
TI  - Myeloid-specific disruption of tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 promotes alternative
      activation of macrophages and predisposes mice to pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - The alternative activation of M2 macrophages in the lungs has been implicated as
      a causative agent in pulmonary fibrosis; however, the mechanisms underlying M2
      polarization are poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated the role of
      the ubiquitously expressed Src homology domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase
      Shp2 in this process. Shp2 inactivation augmented IL-4-mediated M2 polarization
      in vitro, suggesting that Shp2 regulates macrophage skewing and prevents a bias
      toward the M2 phenotype. Conditional removal of Shp2 in monocytes/macrophages
      with lysozyme M promoter-driven Cre recombinase caused an IL-4-mediated shift
      toward M2 polarization. Additionally, an increase in arginase activity was
      detected in Shp2(?/?) mice after i.p. injection of chitin, whereas Shp2-deficient
      macrophages showed enhanced M2 polarization and protection against schistosome
      egg-induced schistosomiasis. Furthermore, mutants were more sensitive than
      control mice to bleomycin-induced inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. Shp2 was
      associated with IL-4Ralpha and inhibited JAK1/STAT6 signaling through its
      phosphatase activity; loss of Shp2 promoted the association of JAK1 with IL
      4Ralpha, which enhanced IL-4-mediated JAK1/STAT6 activation that resulted in M2
      skewing. Taken together, these findings define a role for Shp2 in alveolar
      macrophages and reveal that Shp2 is required to inhibit the progression of M2
      associated pulmonary fibrosis. 

PMID- 25127858
TI  - Role of TGF-beta signaling in generation of CD39+CD73+ myeloid cells in tumors.
AB  - There is growing evidence that generation of adenosine from ATP, which is
      mediated by the CD39/CD73 enzyme pair, predetermines immunosuppressive and
      proangiogenic properties of myeloid cells. We have previously shown that the
      deletion of the TGF-beta type II receptor gene (Tgfbr2) expression in myeloid
      cells is associated with decreased tumor growth, suggesting protumorigenic effect
      of TGF-beta signaling. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that TGF-beta
      drives differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells into protumorigenic
      terminally differentiated myeloid mononuclear cells (TDMMCs) characterized by
      high levels of cell-surface CD39/CD73 expression. We found that TDMMCs represent
      a major cell subpopulation expressing high levels of both CD39 and CD73 in the
      tumor microenvironment. In tumors isolated from mice with spontaneous tumor
      formation of mammary gland and conditional deletion of the type II TGF-beta
      receptor in mammary epithelium, an increased level of TGF-beta protein was
      associated with further increase in number of CD39(+)CD73(+) TDMMCs compared with
      MMTV-PyMT/TGFbetaRII(WT) control tumors with intact TGF-beta signaling. Using
      genetic and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrated that the TGF-beta
      signaling mediates maturation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells into TDMMCs
      with high levels of cell surface CD39/CD73 expression and adenosine-generating
      capacity. Disruption of TGF-beta signaling in myeloid cells resulted in decreased
      accumulation of TDMMCs, expressing CD39 and CD73, and was accompanied by
      increased infiltration of T lymphocytes, reduced density of blood vessels, and
      diminished progression of both Lewis lung carcinoma and spontaneous mammary
      carcinomas. We propose that TGF-beta signaling can directly induce the generation
      of CD39(+)CD73(+) TDMMCs, thus contributing to the immunosuppressive,
      proangiogenic, and tumor-promoting effects of this pleiotropic effector in the
      tumor microenvironment. 

PMID- 25127860
TI  - Differences in the transduction of canonical Wnt signals demarcate effector and
      memory CD8 T cells with distinct recall proliferation capacity.
AB  - Protection against reinfection is mediated by Ag-specific memory CD8 T cells,
      which display stem cell-like function. Because canonical Wnt (Wingless/Int1)
      signals critically regulate renewal versus differentiation of adult stem cells,
      we evaluated Wnt signal transduction in CD8 T cells during an immune response to
      acute infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Whereas naive CD8 T
      cells efficiently transduced Wnt signals, at the peak of the primary response to
      infection only a fraction of effector T cells retained signal transduction and
      the majority displayed strongly reduced Wnt activity. Reduced Wnt signaling was
      in part due to the downregulation of Tcf-1, one of the nuclear effectors of the
      pathway, and coincided with progress toward terminal differentiation. However,
      the correlation between low and high Wnt levels with short-lived and memory
      precursor effector cells, respectively, was incomplete. Adoptive transfer studies
      showed that low and high Wnt signaling did not influence cell survival but that
      Wnt high effectors yielded memory cells with enhanced proliferative potential and
      stronger protective capacity. Likewise, following adoptive transfer and
      rechallenge, memory cells with high Wnt levels displayed increased recall
      expansion, compared with memory cells with low Wnt signaling, which were
      preferentially effector-like memory cells, including tissue-resident memory
      cells. Thus, canonical Wnt signaling identifies CD8 T cells with enhanced
      proliferative potential in part independent of commonly used cell surface markers
      to discriminate effector and memory T cell subpopulations. Interventions that
      maintain Wnt signaling may thus improve the formation of functional CD8 T cell
      memory during vaccination. 

PMID- 25127859
TI  - Release of active TGF-beta1 from the latent TGF-beta1/GARP complex on T
      regulatory cells is mediated by integrin beta8.
AB  - Activated T regulatory cells (Tregs) express latent TGF-beta1 on their cell
      surface bound to GARP. Although integrins have been implicated in mediating the
      release of active TGF-beta1 from the complex of latent TGF-beta1 and latent TGF
      beta1 binding protein, their role in processing latent TGF-beta1 from the latent
      TGF-beta1/GARP complex is unclear. Mouse CD4(+)Foxp3(+) Treg, but not
      CD4(+)Foxp3(-) T cells, expressed integrin beta8 (Itgb8) as detected by
      quantitative RT-PCR. Itgb8 expression was a marker of thymically derived (t)Treg,
      because it could not be detected on Foxp3(+)Helios(-) Tregs or on Foxp3(+) T
      cells induced in vitro. Tregs from Itgb8 conditional knockouts exhibited normal
      suppressor function in vitro and in vivo in a model of colitis but failed to
      provide TGF-beta1 to drive Th17 or induced Treg differentiation in vitro. In
      addition, Itgb8 knockout Tregs expressed higher levels of latent TGF-beta1 on
      their cell surface consistent with defective processing. Thus, integrin
      alphavbeta8 is a marker of tTregs and functions in a cell intrinsic manner in
      mediating the processing of latent TGF-beta1 from the latent TGF-beta1/GARP
      complex on the surface of tTregs. 

PMID- 25127861
TI  - The N-terminal domain of NLRC5 confers transcriptional activity for MHC class I
      and II gene expression.
AB  - Ag presentation to CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells depends on MHC class II and MHC
      class I molecules, respectively. One important regulatory factor of this process
      is the transcriptional regulation of MHC gene expression. It is well established
      that MHC class II transcription relies on the NLR protein CIITA. Recently,
      another NLR protein, NLRC5, was shown to drive MHC class I expression. The
      molecular mechanisms of the function of NLRC5 however remain largely elusive. In
      this study, we present a detailed functional study of the domains of NLRC5
      revealing that the N-terminal domain of human NLRC5 has intrinsic transcriptional
      activity. Domain swapping experiments between NLRC5 and CIITA showed that this
      domain contributes to MHC class I and MHC class II gene expression with a bias
      for activation of MHC class I promoters. Delivery of this construct by adeno
      associated viral vectors upregulated MHC class I and MHC class II expression in
      human cells and enhanced lysis of melanoma cells by CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells in
      vitro. Taken together, this work provides novel insight into the function of
      NLRC5 and CIITA in MHC gene regulation. 

PMID- 25127862
TI  - The expression of sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor-1 in chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia cells is impaired by tumor microenvironmental signals and enhanced by
      piceatannol and R406.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the progressive
      accumulation of clonal B lymphocytes. Proliferation occurs in lymphoid tissues
      upon interaction of leukemic cells with a supportive microenvironment. Therefore,
      the mobilization of tissue-resident CLL cells into the circulation is a useful
      therapeutic strategy to minimize the reservoir of tumor cells within survival
      niches. Because the exit of normal lymphocytes from lymphoid tissues depends on
      the presence of sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) and the regulated expression of S1P
      receptor-1 (S1PR1), we investigated whether the expression and function of S1PR1
      can be modulated by key microenvironment signals. We found that activation of CLL
      cells with CXCL12, fibroblast CD40L(+), BCR cross-linking, or autologous nurse
      like cells reduces their S1PR1 expression and the migratory response toward S1P.
      Moreover, we found that S1PR1 expression was reduced in the
      proliferative/activated subset of leukemic cells compared with the quiescent
      subset from the same patient. Similarly, bone marrow-resident CLL cells
      expressing high levels of the activation marker CD38 showed a lower expression of
      S1PR1 compared with CD38(low) counterparts. Finally, given that treatment with
      BCR-associated kinase inhibitors induces a transient redistribution of leukemic
      cells from lymphoid tissues to circulation, we studied the effect of the Syk
      inhibitors piceatannol and R406 on S1PR1 expression and function. We found that
      they enhance S1PR1 expression in CLL cells and their migratory response toward
      S1P. Based on our results, we suggest that the regulated expression of S1PR1
      might modulate the egress of the leukemic clone from lymphoid tissues. 

PMID- 25127863
TI  - Concomitant TLR/RLH signaling of radioresistant and radiosensitive cells is
      essential for protection against vesicular stomatitis virus infection.
AB  - Several studies indicated that TLR as well as retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like
      helicase (RLH) signaling contribute to vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-mediated
      triggering of type I IFN (IFN-I) responses. Nevertheless, TLR-deficient MyD88(-/
      )Trif(-/-) mice and RLH-deficient caspase activation and recruitment domain
      adaptor inducing IFN-beta (Cardif)(-/-) mice showed only marginally enhanced
      susceptibility to lethal VSV i.v. infection. Therefore, we addressed whether
      concomitant TLR and RLH signaling, or some other additional mechanism, played a
      role. To this end, we generated MyD88(-/-)Trif(-/-)Cardif(-/-) (MyTrCa(-/-)) mice
      that succumbed to low-dose i.v. VSV infection with similar kinetics as IFN-I
      receptor-deficient mice. Three independent approaches (i.e., analysis of IFN
      alpha/beta serum levels, experiments with IFN-beta reporter mice, and
      investigation of local IFN-stimulated gene induction) revealed that MyTrCa(-/-)
      mice did not mount IFN-I responses following VSV infection. Of note, treatment
      with rIFN-alpha protected the animals, qualifying MyTrCa(-/-) mice as a model to
      study the contribution of different immune cell subsets to the production of
      antiviral IFN-I. Upon adoptive transfer of wild-type plasmacytoid dendritic cells
      and subsequent VSV infection, MyTrCa(-/-) mice displayed significantly reduced
      viral loads in peripheral organs and showed prolonged survival. On the contrary,
      adoptive transfer of wild-type myeloid dendritic cells did not have such effects.
      Analysis of bone marrow chimeric mice revealed that TLR and RLH signaling of
      radioresistant and radiosensitive cells was required for efficient protection.
      Thus, upon VSV infection, plasmacytoid dendritic cell-derived IFN-I primarily
      protects peripheral organs, whereas concomitant TLR and RLH signaling of
      radioresistant stroma cells as well as of radiosensitive immune cells is needed
      to effectively protect against lethal disease. 

PMID- 25127864
TI  - Dopamine inhibits the effector functions of activated NK cells via the
      upregulation of the D5 receptor.
AB  - Several lines of evidence indicate that dopamine (DA) plays a key role in the
      cross-talk between the nervous and immune systems. In this study, we disclose a
      novel immune-regulatory role for DA: inhibition of effector functions of
      activated NK lymphocytes via the selective upregulation of the D5 dopaminergic
      receptor in response to prolonged cell stimulation with rIL-2. Indeed, engagement
      of this D1-like inhibitory receptor following binding with DA suppresses NK cell
      proliferation and synthesis of IFN-gamma. The inhibition of IFN-gamma production
      occurs through blocking the repressor activity of the p50/c-REL dimer of the NF
      kappaB complex. Indeed, the stimulation of the D5 receptor on rIL-2-activated NK
      cells inhibits the binding of p50 to the microRNA 29a promoter, thus inducing a
      de novo synthesis of this miRNA. In turn, the increased levels of microRNA 29a
      were inversely correlated with the ability of NK cells to produce IFN-gamma.
      Taken together, our findings demonstrated that DA switches off activated NK
      cells, thus representing a checkpoint exerted by the nervous system to control
      the reactivity of these innate immune effectors in response to activation stimuli
      and to avoid the establishment of chronic and pathologic inflammatory processes. 

PMID- 25127865
TI  - The late endosomal transporter CD222 directs the spatial distribution and
      activity of Lck.
AB  - The spatial and temporal organization of T cell signaling molecules is
      increasingly accepted as a crucial step in controlling T cell activation. CD222,
      also known as the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth
      factor 2 receptor, is the central component of endosomal transport pathways. In
      this study, we show that CD222 is a key regulator of the early T cell signaling
      cascade. Knockdown of CD222 hampers the effective progression of TCR-induced
      signaling and subsequent effector functions, which can be rescued via
      reconstitution of CD222 expression. We decipher that Lck is retained in the
      cytosol of CD222-deficient cells, which obstructs the recruitment of Lck to CD45
      at the cell surface, resulting in an abundant inhibitory phosphorylation
      signature on Lck at the steady state. Hence, CD222 specifically controls the
      balance between active and inactive Lck in resting T cells, which guarantees
      operative T cell effector functions. 

PMID- 25127867
TI  - Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for direct quantitation
      of protein adsorption.
AB  - A simple method, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
      coupled with direct protein adsorption analysis (SDS-PAGE/DPA), is presented here
      for the quantitation of adsorption-caused protein loss. No complicated steps and
      expensive equipment are involved, and this method is capable of measuring
      proteins adsorbed on sample vials at extremely low concentrations (in pg/MUl). We
      used this method to characterize the effects of concentration, time, and volume
      on adsorption. We also applied this method to discover differential sample loss
      in protein mixtures and its utility in developing preventive strategies of
      adsorption. 

PMID- 25127868
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of novel alkannin and shikonin oxime derivatives as
      potent antitumor agents.
AB  - A set of forty alkannin and shikonin oxime derivatives were firstly designed and
      synthesized. Their cytotoxicities against three kinds of tumor cells and a normal
      cell line were tested and compared with alkannin and shikonin. The cell-based
      investigation demonstrated that some oxime derivatives were more or comparatively
      effective to the lead compounds, especially their selective and excellent
      antitumor activities towards K562 cells with no toxicity in normal cells. We may
      conclude that oximate modification to the mother nucleus of alkannin and shikonin
      is an available approach to acquire potent antitumor agents. 

PMID- 25127866
TI  - D-beta-hydroxybutyrate extends lifespan in C. elegans.
AB  - The ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate (betaHB) is a histone deacetylase (HDAC)
      inhibitor and has been shown to be protective in many disease models, but its
      effects on aging are not well studied. Therefore we determined the effect of
      betaHB supplementation on the lifespan ofC. elegans nematodes. betaHB
      supplementation extended mean lifespan by approximately 20%. RNAi knockdown of
      HDACs hda-2 or hda-3 also increased lifespan and further prevented betaHB
      mediated lifespan extension. betaHB-mediated lifespan extension required the DAF
      16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf longevity pathways, the sirtuin SIR-2.1, and the AMP kinase
      subunit AAK-2. betaHB did not extend lifespan in a genetic model of dietary
      restriction indicating that betaHB is likely functioning through a similar
      mechanism. betaHB addition also upregulated BetaHB dehydrogenase activity and
      increased oxygen consumption in the worms. RNAi knockdown of F55E10.6, a short
      chain dehydrogenase and SKN-1 target gene, prevented the increased lifespan and
      betaHB dehydrogenase activity induced by betaHB addition, suggesting that
      F55E10.6 functions as an inducible betaHB dehydrogenase. Furthermore, betaHB
      supplementation increased worm thermotolerance and partially prevented glucose
      toxicity. It also delayed Alzheimer's amyloid-beta toxicity and decreased
      Parkinson's alpha-synuclein aggregation. The results indicate that D-betaHB
      extends lifespan through inhibiting HDACs and through the activation of conserved
      stress response pathways. 

PMID- 25127869
TI  - Development of potential selective and reversible pyrazoline based MAO-B
      inhibitors as MAO-B PET tracer precursors and reference substances for the early
      detection of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Since high MAO-B levels are present in early stages of AD, the MAO-B system can
      be designated as an appropriate and prospective tracer target of molecular
      imaging biomarkers for the detection of early AD. According to the preceding
      investigations of Mishra et al. the aim of this work was the development of a
      compound library of selective and reversible MAO-B inhibitors by performing
      bioisosteric modifications of the core structure of 3-(anthracen-9-yl)-5-phenyl
      4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles. In conclusion, 13 new pyrazoline based derivatives have
      been prepared, which will serve as precursor substances for future radiolabeling
      as well as reference compounds for the investigation of increased MAO-B levels in
      AD. 

PMID- 25127870
TI  - Submonomer synthesis of azapeptide ligands of the Insulin Receptor Tyrosine
      Kinase domain.
AB  - Azapeptide ligands of the Insulin Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (IRTK) were developed
      by solid-phase submonomer azapeptide synthesis in sufficient isolated yields (36
      55%) and purities >95% for structure-activity relationship studies. The
      azapeptides adopted folded geometries with some proportion of random coil
      according to CD and NMR spectroscopy. In vitro phosphorylation of the IRTK domain
      in the presence of azapeptides produced a lead inhibitor, Ac-DIazaYET-NH2 (~50%
      at 400 MUM) whereas the [aza-DOPA(3)] and [aza-Glu(4)] analogs were found to
      stimulate IRTK phosphorylations. Thus, azapeptide ligands of the IRTK provide
      important modulatory activity of this important class of enzymes for anti-cancer
      and related applications in drug discovery.

PMID- 25127871
TI  - Synthesis and insecticidal activity of new deoxypodophyllotoxin derivatives
      modified in the D-ring.
AB  - In continuation of our program aimed at the discovery of new natural-product
      based insecticidal agents, twenty-six deoxypodophyllotoxin derivatives modified
      in the D-ring were synthesized and evaluated as insecticidal agents against the
      pre-third-instar larvae of oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker) in vivo
      at 1 mg/mL. The configuration of three compounds 3, 4, and IIIi was unambiguously
      determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It demonstrated that aminolysis
      of deoxypodophyllotoxin in the presence of pyrrolidine and piperidine could
      result in complete inversion of the configuration of the carbonyl group at its C
      2 position. Five compounds IIa, IIi-k, and IIIh showed the equal or higher
      insecticidal activity than toosendanin. Especially IIj displayed the most potent
      insecticidal activity with the final mortality rate of 65.5%.

PMID- 25127872
TI  - Cryopreservation of hepatocyte (HepG2) cell monolayers: impact of trehalose.
AB  - A simple method to cryogenically preserve hepatocyte monolayers is currently not
      available but such a technique would facilitate numerous applications in the
      field of biomedical engineering, cell line development, and drug screening. We
      investigated the effect of trehalose and dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) in
      cryopreservation of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells in suspension
      and monolayer formats. HepG2 cell monolayers were incubated for 24h at varying
      concentrations of trehalose (50-150 mM) prior to cryopreservation to identify the
      optimum concentration for such preincubation. When trehalose alone was used as
      the cryoprotective agent (CPA), cells in monolayer format did not survive
      freezing while cells in suspension demonstrated 14% viability 24h after thawing.
      Only 6-13% of cells in monolayers survived freezing in cell culture medium
      supplemented with 10% Me2SO, but 42% of cells were recovered successfully if
      monolayers were preincubated with 100 mM trehalose prior to freezing in the Me2SO
      supplemented medium. Interestingly, for cells frozen in suspension in presence of
      10% Me2SO, metabolic activity immediately following thawing did not change
      appreciably compared to unfrozen control cells. Finally, Raman spectroscopy
      techniques were employed to evaluate ice crystallization in the presence and
      absence of trehalose in freezing solutions without cells because crystallization
      may alter the extent of injury observed in cell monolayers. We speculate that
      biomimetic approaches of using protective sugars to preserve cells in monolayer
      format will facilitate the development of techniques for long-term preservation
      of human tissues and organs in the future.

PMID- 25127873
TI  - Influence of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on the viscosity of dimethyl sulfoxide
      H2O-NaCl and glycerol-H2O-NaCl ternary systems at subzero temperatures.
AB  - The viscosity, at subzero temperatures, of ternary solutions commonly used in
      cryopreservation is tremendously important for understanding ice formation and
      molecular diffusion in biopreservation. However, this information is scarce in
      the literature. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of
      nanoparticles on the viscosity of these solutions has not previously been
      reported. The objectives of this study were thus: (i) to systematically measure
      the subzero viscosity of two such systems, dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO)-H2O-NaCl
      and glycerol-H2O-NaCl; (ii) to explore the effect of hydroxyapatite (HA)
      nanoparticles on the viscosity; and (iii) to provide models that precisely
      predict viscosity at multiple concentrations of cryoprotective agent (CPA) in
      saline solutions at subzero temperatures. Our experiments were performed in two
      parts. We first measured the viscosity at multiple CPA concentrations [0.3-0.75
      (w/w)] in saline solution with and without nanoparticles at subzero temperatures
      (0 to -30 degrees C). The data exhibited a good fit to the Williams-Landel-Ferry
      (WLF) equation. We then measured the viscosity of residual unfrozen ternary
      solutions with and without nanoparticles during equilibrium freezing. HA
      nanoparticles made the solution more viscous, suggesting applications for these
      nanoparticles in preventing cell dehydration, ice nucleation, and ice growth
      during freezing and thawing in cryopreservation. 

PMID- 25127874
TI  - The effects of cryopreservation on cells isolated from adipose, bone marrow and
      dental pulp tissues.
AB  - The effects of cryopreservation on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) phenotype are not
      well documented; however this process is of increasing importance for
      regenerative therapies. This study examined the effect of cryopreservation (10%
      dimethyl-sulfoxide) on the morphology, viability, gene-expression and relative
      proportion of MSC surface-markers on cells derived from rat adipose, bone marrow
      and dental pulp. Cryopreservation significantly reduced the number of viable
      cells in bone marrow and dental pulp cell populations but had no observable
      effect on adipose cells. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated significant
      increases in the relative expression of MSC surface-markers, CD90 and CD29/CD90
      following cryopreservation. sqRT-PCR analysis of MSC gene-expression demonstrated
      increases in pluripotent markers for adipose and dental pulp, together with
      significant tissue-specific increases in CD44, CD73-CD105 following
      cryopreservation. Cells isolated from different tissue sources did not respond
      equally to cryopreservation with adipose tissue representing a more robust source
      of MSCs. 

PMID- 25127875
TI  - Cytotoxic T lymphocytes block tumor growth both by lytic activity and IFNgamma
      dependent cell-cycle arrest.
AB  - To understand global effector mechanisms of CTL therapy, we performed microarray
      gene expression analysis in a murine model using pmel-1 T-cell receptor (TCR)
      transgenic T cells as effectors and B16 melanoma cells as targets. In addition to
      upregulation of genes related to antigen presentation and the MHC class I
      pathway, and cytotoxic effector molecules, cell-cycle-promoting genes were
      downregulated in the tumor on days 3 and 5 after CTL transfer. To investigate the
      impact of CTL therapy on the cell cycle of tumor cells in situ, we generated B16
      cells expressing a fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell-cycle indicator (B16
      fucci) and performed CTL therapy in mice bearing B16-fucci tumors. Three days
      after CTL transfer, we observed diffuse infiltration of CTLs into the tumor with
      a large number of tumor cells arrested at the G1 phase of the cell cycle, and the
      presence of spotty apoptotic or necrotic areas. Thus, tumor growth suppression
      was largely dependent on G1 cell-cycle arrest rather than killing by CTLs.
      Neutralizing antibody to IFNgamma prevented both tumor growth inhibition and G1
      arrest. The mechanism of G1 arrest involved the downregulation of S-phase kinase
      associated protein 2 (Skp2) and the accumulation of its target cyclin-dependent
      kinase inhibitor p27 in the B16-fucci tumor cells. Because tumor-infiltrating
      CTLs are far fewer in number than the tumor cells, we propose that CTLs
      predominantly regulate tumor growth via IFNgamma-mediated profound cytostatic
      effects rather than via cytotoxicity. This dominance of G1 arrest over other
      mechanisms may be widespread but not universal because IFNgamma sensitivity
      varied among tumors.

PMID- 25127876
TI  - Combined submandibular gland flap and sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous flap
      for postoperative reconstruction in older aged patients with oral cavity and
      oropharyngeal cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The growth of aging populations in an increasing number of countries
      has led to a concomitant increase in the incidence of chronic diseases.
      Accordingly, the proportion of older aged patients with oral cavity and
      oropharyngeal cancers and comorbidities has also increased. Thus, improvements
      must be made in the tolerance and safety of surgical procedures for these
      patients with complex medical conditions. In this study, we investigated combined
      submandibular gland flap and sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous flap for
      postoperative reconstruction in older aged patients with oral cavity and
      oropharyngeal cancers in terms of surgical methods, safety, and clinical outcome.
      METHODS: Between January 2011 and May 2012, 8 patients over the age of 65 years
      (7 men, 1 woman; aged 66 to 75 years (median, 69.6)) with oral cavity and
      oropharyngeal cancers underwent combined submandibular gland and
      sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flaps for postoperative reconstruction at
      Ganzhou Tumor Hospital. All eight patients had comorbid cardiovascular,
      cerebrovascular, or chronic respiratory disease or diabetes. Clinical outcomes,
      complications, and tolerance to surgical treatment were observed. RESULTS:
      Surgical treatment was successful in all eight patients. All submandibular gland
      flaps survived with well-mucosalized surfaces and with no complications. During
      the postoperative follow-up period of 12 to 28 months, no patient developed local
      recurrence or distant metastasis, and all had good recovery of function and local
      contour. CONCLUSIONS: This combined reconstruction technique enables appropriate
      restoration of oral function, facial aesthetics and improved quality of life.
      Further, this technique has several advantages: it is easier to perform, reduces
      operation time and surgical risk, causes less surgical injury, and has minor
      impact on contour. The technique provides a new and safe reconstruction option
      for older aged patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.

PMID- 25127877
TI  - Molecular assembly of the period-cryptochrome circadian transcriptional repressor
      complex.
AB  - The mammalian circadian clock is driven by a transcriptional-translational
      feedback loop, which produces robust 24-hr rhythms. Proper oscillation of the
      clock depends on the complex formation and periodic turnover of the Period and
      Cryptochrome proteins, which together inhibit their own transcriptional activator
      complex, CLOCK-BMAL1. We determined the crystal structure of the CRY-binding
      domain (CBD) of PER2 in complex with CRY2 at 2.8 A resolution. PER2-CBD adopts a
      highly extended conformation, embracing CRY2 with a sinuous binding mode. Its N
      terminal end tucks into CRY adjacent to a large pocket critical for CLOCK-BMAL1
      binding, while its C-terminal half flanks the CRY2 C-terminal helix and
      sterically hinders the recognition of CRY2 by the FBXL3 ubiquitin ligase.
      Unexpectedly, a strictly conserved intermolecular zinc finger, whose integrity is
      important for clock rhythmicity, further stabilizes the complex. Our structure
      guided analyses show that these interspersed CRY-interacting regions represent
      multiple functional modules of PERs at the CRY-binding interface.

PMID- 25127879
TI  - Management of adrenal incidentaloma.
AB  - Improvements in medical imaging have resulted in the incidental discovery of many
      silent and unrecognized adrenal tumors. The term "adrenal incidentaloma" (AI) is
      applied to any adrenal mass>=1cm in its longest axis that is discovered
      incidentally during abdominal imaging that was not performed to specifically
      evaluate adrenal pathology. These incidentalomas may be either secretory or non
      secretory, benign or malignant. Distinctive characteristics of these lesions must
      be determined by the clinician to determine appropriate management. Such
      distinctions are based on laboratory findings and imaging, principally CT with
      and without contrast injection. Investigations must be carefully chosen to avoid
      ordering unnecessary and expensive tests for too many patients while, at the same
      time, avoiding the risk of failing to diagnose a secreting malignant or tumor.
      These examinations will determine patient care: surgery or surveillance. When
      simple surveillance is chosen, specific criteria must be met with regard to
      diagnostic modalities (clinical, imaging, laboratory testing) and its duration. 

PMID- 25127878
TI  - Effect of a qigong intervention program on telomerase activity and psychological
      stress in abused Chinese women: a randomized, wait-list controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abused women, who suffer from chronic psychological stress, have been
      shown to have shorter telomeres than never abused women. Telomere shortening is
      associated with increased risk of cell death, and it is believed that adopting
      health-promoting behaviors can help to increase the activity of telomerase, an
      enzyme that counters telomere shortening. Qigong is an ancient Chinese mind-body
      integration, health-oriented practice designed to enhance the function of qi, an
      energy that sustains well-being. Therefore, an assessor-blind, randomized, wait
      list controlled trial was developed to evaluate the effect of a qigong
      intervention on telomerase activity (primary objective) and proinflammatory
      cytokines, perceived stress, perceived coping, and depressive symptoms (secondary
      objectives) in abused Chinese women. METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 240 Chinese
      women, aged >= 18 years, who have been abused by an intimate partner within the
      past three years will be recruited from a community setting in Hong Kong and
      randomized to receive either a qigong intervention or wait-list control condition
      as follows: the qigong intervention will comprise (i) a 2-hour group qigong
      training session twice a week for 6 weeks, (ii) a 1-hour follow-up group qigong
      exercise session once a week for 4 months, and (iii) a 30-minute self-practice
      qigong exercise session once a day for 5.5 months. The wait-list control group
      will receive qigong training after the intervention group completes the program.
      Upon completion of the qigong intervention program, it is expected that abused
      Chinese women in the intervention group will have higher levels of telomerase
      activity and perceived coping and lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines,
      perceived stress, and depressive symptoms than will abused Chinese women in the
      wait-list control group. DISCUSSION: This study will provide information about
      the effect of qigong exercise on telomerase activity and chronic psychological
      stress in abused Chinese women. The findings will inform the design of
      interventions to relieve the effects of IPV-related psychological stress on
      health. Also, the concept that health-promoting behaviors could slow down
      cellular aging might even motivate abused women to change their lifestyles. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials NCT02060123. Registered February 6, 2014.

PMID- 25127880
TI  - An inevitable wave of prescription drug monitoring programs in the context of
      prescription opioids: pros, cons and tensions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In an effort to control non-medical use and/or medical abuse of
      prescription drugs, particularly prescription opioids, electronic prescription
      drug monitoring programs (PDMP) have been introduced in North-American countries,
      Australia and some parts of Europe. Paradoxically, there are simultaneous
      pressures to increase opioid prescribing for the benefit of individual patients
      and to reduce it for the sake of public health, and this pressure warrants a
      delicate balance of appropriate therapeutic uses of these drugs with the risk of
      developing dependence. This article discusses pros and cons of PDMP in reducing
      diversion of prescription opioids, without hampering access to those medications
      for those with genuine needs, and highlights tensions around PDMP implementation.
      DISCUSSION: PDMPs may help alleviate diversion, over-prescription and fraudulent
      prescribing/dispensing; prompt drug treatment referrals; avoid awkward drug urine
      test; and inform spatial changes in prescribing practices and help designing
      tailored interventions. Fear of legal retribution, privacy and data security,
      potential confusion about addiction and pseudo-addiction, and potential undue
      pressure of detecting misuse/diversion - are the major problems. There are
      tensions about unintended consequence of excessive regulatory enforcements,
      corresponding collateral damages particularly about inadequate prescribing for
      patients with genuine needs, and mandatory consultation requirements of PDMP.
      SUMMARY: In this era of information technology PDMP is likely to flourish and
      remain with us for a long time. A clear standard of practice against which
      physicians' care will be judged may expedite the utilisation of PDMP. In
      addition, adequate training on addiction and pain management along with public
      awareness, point-of-supply data entry from pharmacy, point-of-care real-time
      access to data, increasing access to addiction treatment and appropriate
      regulatory enforcement preferably through healthcare administration, together,
      may help remove barriers to PDMP use.

PMID- 25127881
TI  - Palmoplantar pustules and osteoarticular pain in a 42-year-old woman.
AB  - Key teaching points * Synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO)
      syndrome is characterized by distinctive osteoarticular manifestations and a
      spectrum of neutrophilic dermatoses. * The most common dermatologic
      manifestations include palmoplantar pustulosis, acne conglobata, and acne
      fulminans. * SAPHO syndrome should be considered in patients presenting
      osteoarticular pain, particularly involving the anterior chest wall and/or spine,
      and neutrophilic skin lesions. 

PMID- 25127883
TI  - Chronic pancreatitis of the pancreatic remnant is an independent risk factor for
      pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing debate about the best closure technique after
      distal pancreatectomy (DP). The aim of the closure is to prevent the formation of
      a clinically relevant post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Stapler technique
      seems to be equal compared with hand-sewn closure of the remnant. For both
      techniques, a fistula rate of approximately 30% has been reported. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed our DPs between 01/2000 and 12/2010. In all cases, the
      pancreatic duct was over sewn with a separately stitched ligation of the
      pancreatic duct (5*0 PDS) followed by a single-stitched hand-sewn closure of the
      residual pancreatic gland. The POPF was classified according to the criteria of
      the International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF). Univariate and
      multivariate analyses of potential risk factors for the formation of POPF were
      performed. Indications for operations included cystic tumors (n = 53),
      neuroendocrine tumors (n = 27), adenocarcinoma (n = 22), chronic pancreatitis (n
      = 9), metastasis (n = 6), and others (n = 7). RESULTS: During the period, we
      performed 124 DPs (? = 74, ? = 50). The mean age was 57.5 years (18-82). The POPF
      rates according to the ISGPF criteria were: no fistula, 54.8% (n = 68); grade A,
      24.2% (n = 30); grade B, 19.3% (n = 24); and grade C, 1.7% (n = 2). Therefore, in
      21.0% (n = 26) of the cases, a clinically relevant pancreatic fistula occurred.
      The mean postoperative stay was significantly higher after grade B/C fistula
      (26.3 days) compared with no fistula/grade A fistula (13.7 days) (p < 0.05). The
      uni- and multivariate analyses showed chronic pancreatitis of the pancreatic
      remnant to be an independent risk factor for the development of POPF (p = 0.004
      OR 7.09). CONCLUSION: By using a standardized hand-sewn closure technique of the
      pancreatic remnant after DP with separately stitched ligation of the pancreatic
      duct, a comparably low fistula rate can be achieved. Signs of chronic
      pancreatitis of the pancreatic remnant may represent a risk factor for the
      development of a pancreatic fistula after DP and therefore an anastomosis of the
      remnant to the intestine should be considered.

PMID- 25127884
TI  - Two transaldolase isogenes from Moniliella megachiliensis behave in a different
      way depending on the stress class.
AB  - We cloned and sequenced two transaldolase genes from Moniliella megachiliensis, a
      microorganism known to produce a significant amount of erythritol under hyper
      osmotic stress. The amino acid sequences encoded by these two genes (MmTAL1,
      MmTAL2) showed 72% homology to each other. An AP-1 (ap response element)
      associated with oxidative stress was found in the promoter region of MmTAL1,
      while four STREs (stress response element) associated with osmotic stress were
      found in the promoter region of MmTAL2. In early-stage cultivation (up to 2 h),
      MmTAL1 was specifically expressed in response to oxidative stress generated by
      the presence of 0.15 mM menadione; expression level 3-fold higher than before
      stress loading. MmTAL2 was expressed in response to osmotic stress caused by 1.2
      M NaCl; expression level was 21-fold higher than stress-free control. Erythritol
      accumulated intracellularly under osmotic and oxidative stress, approximately 30
      fold and 35-fold, respectively. We therefore concluded that M. megachiliensis
      selectively uses two isogenes and produces erythritol during early-stage response
      to stress, depending on the type of environmental stress. 

PMID- 25127882
TI  - High frequency of kdr L1014F is associated with pyrethroid resistance in
      Anopheles coluzzii in Sudan savannah of northern Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria burden is high in Nigeria, yet information on the major
      mosquito vectors is lacking especially in the Sudan savannah region of the
      country. In order to facilitate the design of future insecticide-based control
      interventions in the region, this study has established the resistance profile of
      An. gambiae s.l. populations in two northern Nigeria locations and assessed the
      contribution of target site resistance mutations. METHODS: Larval collection was
      conducted in two localities in Sudan savannah (Bunkure and Auyo) of northern
      Nigeria between 2009 and 2011, from which resulting adult, female mosquitoes were
      used for insecticides bioassays with deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, DDT and
      malathion. The mosquitoes were identified to species level and molecular forms
      and then genotyped for the presence of L1014F-kdr, L1014S-kdr and ace-1R
      mutations. RESULTS: WHO bioassays revealed that An. gambiae s.l. from both
      localities were highly resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin and DDT, but only
      moderately resistant to deltamethrin. Full susceptibility was observed to
      malathion. An. gambiae, M form (now An. coluzzii), was predominant over An.
      arabiensis in Auyo and was more resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin than An.
      arabiensis. No 'S' form (An. gambiae s.s.) was detected. A high frequency of 1014
      F mutation (80.1%) was found in An. coluzzii in contrast to An. arabiensis
      (13.5%). The presence of the 1014 F kdr allele was significantly associated with
      resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin in An. coluzzii (OR = 9.85; P < 0.001) but not
      in An. arabiensis. The L1014S-kdr mutation was detected in a single An.
      arabiensis mosquito while no ace-1R mutation was found in any of the mosquitoes
      analysed. CONCLUSIONS: The predominance of An. coluzzii and its resistance
      profile to main insecticides described in this study can guide the implementation
      of appropriate vector control interventions in this region of Nigeria where such
      information was previously lacking.

PMID- 25127885
TI  - Does vitamin A supplementation protect schoolchildren from acquiring soil
      transmitted helminthiasis? A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the intensive global efforts to control intestinal parasitic
      infections, the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections is still
      very high in many developing countries particularly among children in rural
      areas. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was
      conducted on 250 Aboriginal schoolchildren in Malaysia to investigate the effects
      of a single high-dose of vitamin A supplementation (200,000 IU) on STH
      reinfection. The effect of the supplement was assessed at 3 and 6 months after
      receiving interventions; after a complete 3-day deworming course of 400 mg/daily
      of albendazole tablets. RESULTS: Almost all children (98.6%) were infected with
      at least one STH species. The overall prevalence of ascariasis, trichuriasis and
      hookworm infection was 67.8%, 95.5% and 13.4%, respectively. Reinfection rates of
      Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm were high; at 6 months, assessment reached 80% of
      the prevalence reported before treatment. There were no significant differences
      in the reinfection rates and intensities of STH between vitamin A supplemented
      children and those who received placebo at 3 and 6 months (p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin A supplementation showed no protective effect against STH
      reinfection and this could be due to the high endemicity of STH in this
      community. Long-term interventions to reduce poverty will help significantly in
      reducing this continuing problem and there is no doubt that reducing intestinal
      parasitic infection would have a positive impact on the health, nutrition and
      education of these children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00936091.

PMID- 25127886
TI  - Estimates of adherence to treatment of vivax malaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relation between therapeutic failure and non-adherence to
      treatment of malaria has been clearly established. Several measures have been
      used to estimate adherence to Plasmodium vivax therapy, but few protocols have
      been validated to ensure reliability of the estimates of adherence. The objective
      of this study was to validate a five-item-reported-questionnaire derived from
      original Morisky four-item scale to estimate adherence to P. vivax malaria
      therapy. METHODS: A five-item-reported questionnaire was applied to patients
      after treatment of P. vivax malaria, considering behaviours regarding to
      forgetfulness, carelessness as to time of administration, cessation or
      discontinuation of use and replication of dose. Data were collected in
      dichotomous and Likert scales. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and
      by the contribution of each item to total. The concurrent validation was done
      with pill count and concordance between measures of adherence by coefficient of
      Kappa. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were also determined. RESULTS: A
      total of 135 patients were enrolled in the study. Adherence ranged from 63.8 to
      72.7% in both psychometric measures and pill count. The responses on the Likert
      scale showed higher proportion of non-adherence behaviour, greater variance and
      concordance with pill count, as well as more sensitive to characterize the
      behaviour of self-medication. The internal consistency of questionnaire was
      moderate. Significant correlations were seen with items regarding the forgiveness
      or careless in taking pills in all scales. The agreement between psychometric
      measures and pill count was considered satisfactory. The non-adherence to malaria
      therapy in an endemic area of Amazon basin was 33.3%. CONCLUSION: The five-item
      reported questionnaire with responses on Likert scale is a feasible option for
      reliable estimation of adherence to malaria therapy in endemic areas.

PMID- 25127887
TI  - A multicenter, randomized, open-labeled study to steer immunosuppressive and
      antiviral therapy by measurement of virus (CMV, ADV, HSV)-specific T cells in
      addition to determination of trough levels of immunosuppressants in pediatric
      kidney allograft recipients (IVIST01-trial): study protocol for a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After kidney transplantation, immunosuppressive therapy causes
      impaired cellular immune defense leading to an increased risk of viral
      complications. Trough level monitoring of immunosuppressants is insufficient to
      estimate the individual intensity of immunosuppression. We have already shown
      that virus-specific T cells (Tvis) correlate with control of virus replication as
      well as with the intensity of immunosuppression. The multicentre IVIST01-trial
      should prove that additional steering of immunosuppressive and antiviral therapy
      by Tvis levels leads to better graft function by avoidance of over
      immunosuppression (for example, viral infections) and drug toxicity (for example,
      nephrotoxicity). METHODS/DESIGN: The IVIST-trial starts 4 weeks after
      transplantation. Sixty-four pediatric kidney recipients are randomized either to
      a non-intervention group that is only treated conservatively or to an
      intervention group with additional monitoring by Tvis. The randomization is
      stratified by centre and cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis. In both groups the
      immunosuppressive medication (cyclosporine A and everolimus) is adopted in the
      same target range of trough levels. In the non-intervention group the
      immunosuppressive therapy (cyclosporine A and everolimus) is only steered by
      classical trough level monitoring and the antiviral therapy of a CMV infection is
      performed according to a standard protocol. In contrast, in the intervention
      group the dose of immunosuppressants is individually adopted according to Tvis
      levels as a direct measure of the intensity of immunosuppression in addition to
      classical trough level monitoring. In case of CMV infection or reactivation the
      antiviral management is based on the individual CMV-specific immune defense
      assessed by the CMV-Tvis level. Primary endpoint of the study is the glomerular
      filtration rate 2 years after transplantation; secondary endpoints are the number
      and severity of viral infections and the incidence of side effects of
      immunosuppressive and antiviral drugs. DISCUSSION: This IVIST01-trial will answer
      the question whether the new concept of steering immunosuppressive and antiviral
      therapy by Tvis levels leads to better future graft function. In terms of an
      effect-related drug monitoring, the study design aims to realize a
      personalization of immunosuppressive and antiviral management after
      transplantation. Based on the IVIST01-trial, immunomonitoring by Tvis might be
      incorporated into routine care after kidney transplantation. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      EudraCT No: 2009-012436-32, ISRCTN89806912 (17 June 2009).

PMID- 25127888
TI  - In silico analysis identifies novel restriction enzyme combinations that expand
      reduced representation bisulfite sequencing CpG coverage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epigenetics is the study of gene expression changes that are not
      caused by changes in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence. DNA methylation is
      an epigenetic mark occurring in C-phosphate-G sites (CpGs) that leads to local or
      regional gene expression changes. Reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing
      (RRBS) is a technique that is used to ascertain the DNA methylation of millions
      of CpGs at single-nucleotide resolution. The genomic coverage of RRBS is given by
      the restriction enzyme combination used during the library preparation and the
      throughput capacity of the next-generation sequencer, which is used to read the
      generated libraries. The four-nucleotide cutters, MspI and TaqalphaI, are
      restriction enzymes commonly used in RRBS that, when combined, achieve ~12%
      genomic coverage. The increase in throughput of next-generation sequencers allows
      for novel combinations of restriction enzymes that provide higher CpG coverage.
      RESULTS: We performed a near-neighbor analysis of the four nucleotide sequences
      most frequently found within 50 nt of all genomic CpGs. This resulted in the
      identification of seven methylation-insensitive restriction enzymes (AluI, BfaI,
      HaeIII, HpyCH4V, MluCI, MseI, and MspI) that shared similar restriction
      conditions suitable for RRBS library preparation. We report that the use of two
      or three enzyme combinations increases the theoretical epigenome coverage to
      almost half of the human genome. CONCLUSIONS: We provide the enzyme combinations
      that are more likely to increase the CpG coverage in human, rat, and mouse
      genomes.

PMID- 25127889
TI  - SPARQLGraph: a web-based platform for graphically querying biological Semantic
      Web databases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Semantic Web has established itself as a framework for using and
      sharing data across applications and database boundaries. Here, we present a web
      based platform for querying biological Semantic Web databases in a graphical way.
      RESULTS: SPARQLGraph offers an intuitive drag & drop query builder, which
      converts the visual graph into a query and executes it on a public endpoint. The
      tool integrates several publicly available Semantic Web databases, including the
      databases of the just recently released EBI RDF platform. Furthermore, it
      provides several predefined template queries for answering biological questions.
      Users can easily create and save new query graphs, which can also be shared with
      other researchers. CONCLUSIONS: This new graphical way of creating queries for
      biological Semantic Web databases considerably facilitates usability as it
      removes the requirement of knowing specific query languages and database
      structures. The system is freely available at http://sparqlgraph.i-med.ac.at.

PMID- 25127890
TI  - Immigrants' use of primary health care services for mental health problems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Equity in health care across all social groups is a major goal in
      health care policy. Immigrants may experience more mental health problems than
      natives, but we do not know the extent to which they seek help from primary
      health care services. This study aimed to determine a) the rate immigrants use
      primary health care services for mental health problems compared with Norwegians
      and b) the association between length of stay, reason for immigration and service
      use among immigrants. METHODS: National register data covering all residents in
      Norway and all consultations with primary health care services were used. We
      conducted logistic regression analyses to compare Norwegians' with Polish,
      Swedish, German, Pakistani and Iraqi immigrants' odds of having had a
      consultation for a mental health problem (P-consultation). RESULTS: After
      accounting for background variables, all immigrants groups, except Iraqi men had
      lower odds of a P-consultation than their Norwegian counterparts. A shorter
      length of stay was associated with lower odds of a P-consultation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Service use varies by country of origin and patterns are different for men and
      women. There was some evidence of a possible 'healthy migrant worker' effect
      among the European groups. Together with previous research, our findings however,
      suggest that Iraqi women and Pakistanis in particular, may experience barriers in
      accessing care for mental health problems.

PMID- 25127893
TI  - A novel sonochemical synthesis of antlerite nanorods.
AB  - Antlerite - Cu3(OH)4SO4 was prepared, for the first time, by the sonochemical
      method from an aqueous solution of CuSO4, without any additives. The source of
      OH(-) is a result of protonation of SO4(2-) forming HSO4(-) and OH(-). The
      extreme local conditions inside the cavity that are developed during the bubble
      collapse (pressure is above 1000atm and the temperature is higher than 5000K)
      lead to the formation of the crystalline mineral. A suggested mechanism for the
      mineral formation is proposed. Due to the collapse of the bubbles, the distances
      between the opposite charge Cu(2+) and SO4(2-) ions is shortened and a
      crystallization process is initiated. In addition, the reaction is a one-step
      process with short irradiation time of less than 30min. The chemo-physical
      analysis of the sonochemically obtained product has revealed the presence of
      single phase antlerite nanorods. 

PMID- 25127891
TI  - Comparative effectiveness of approved first-line anti-angiogenic and molecularly
      targeted therapeutic agents in the treatment of good and intermediate risk
      metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Based on improved clinical outcomes in randomized controlled clinical
      trials (RCTs) the FDA and EMA have approved bevacizumab with interferon,
      sunitinib, and pazopanib in the first-line treatment of low to intermediate risk
      metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, there is little
      comparative data to help in choosing the most effective drug among these agents.
      METHODS: We performed an indirect comparative effectiveness analysis of the
      pivotal RCTs of bevacizumab with interferon, sunitinib, or pazopanib compared to
      one another or interferon alone in first-line treatment of metastatic or advanced
      RCC. Endpoints of interest were overall survival (OS), progression free survival
      (PFS), and response rate (RR). Adverse events were also examined. RESULTS: The
      meta-estimate of the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for OS for
      bevacizumab with interferon vs. interferon alone was 0.86 (0.76-0.97), for
      sunitinib vs. interferon alone was 0.82 (0.67-1.00), for pazopanib vs. interferon
      alone was 0.74 (0.57-0.97), for sunitinib vs. bevacizumab with interferon was
      0.95 (0.75-1.20), for pazopanib vs. bevacizumab with interferon was 0.86 (0.64
      1.16), and for pazopanib vs. sunitinib was 0.91 (0.76-1.08). Similarly,
      bevacizumab with interferon, sunitinib, or pazopanib had better PFS and RR than
      interferon alone. Sunitinib and pazopanib had better RR than bevacizumab with
      interferon and there was suggestive evidence pazopanib may outperform sunitinib
      in terms of RR. CONCLUSIONS: Bevacizumab with interferon, sunitinib, and
      pazopanib are adequate first-line options in treatment of mRCC. Interferon alone
      should not be considered an optimal first-line treatment.

PMID- 25127894
TI  - [Schizophrenia and informed consent to research].
AB  - CONTEXT: Informed consent to research remains a complex issue, while sometimes
      staying difficult to obtain, even in the general population. This problem may be
      maximized with patients suffering from schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: This paper
      summarizes available data in the literature about informed consent for research
      involving patients suffering from schizophrenia. METHOD: Medline and Google
      Scholar searches were conducted using the following MESH terms: schizophrenia,
      informed consent and research. RESULTS: Studies using dedicated standardized
      scales (e.g. MacCAT-CR) revealed a decrease in the capacity to consent of
      patients with schizophrenia when compared with healthy individuals. Keeping in
      mind that schizophrenia is an heterogeneous disorder, patients with the lowest
      insight as well as those with the most severe cognitive symptoms appeared more
      impaired in their capacity to consent. Such a poor capacity to understand and
      consent to trials was shown linked with alterations in decision-making. For these
      specific patients, interventions may be set up to increase their capacity to
      consent. Various strategies were proposed: enhanced consent forms, extended
      discussion, test/feedback method or multimedia interventions. Among them,
      interventions relying on communication and the growing field of information
      technologies (e.g. web-based tools) seem promising. Finally, associations
      grouping families and patients (like the French Association UNAFAM) may
      facilitate the involvement of patients in research programs with safer
      conditions. CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from schizophrenia appear able to
      consent to research programs when suitable interventions are proposed. Further
      studies are now needed to optimize and individualize such interventions.

PMID- 25127892
TI  - Mercury in fish and adverse reproductive outcomes: results from South Carolina.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mercury is a metal with widespread distribution in aquatic ecosystems
      and significant neurodevelopmental toxicity in humans. Fish biomonitoring for
      total mercury has been conducted in South Carolina (SC) since 1976, and
      consumption advisories have been posted for many SC waterways. However, there is
      limited information on the potential reproductive impacts of mercury due to
      recreational or subsistence fish consumption. METHODS: To address this issue,
      geocoded residential locations for live births from the Vital Statistics Registry
      (1995-2005, N = 362,625) were linked with spatially interpolated total mercury
      concentrations in fish to estimate potential mercury exposure from consumption of
      locally caught fish. Generalized estimating equations were used to test the
      hypothesis that risk of low birth weight (LBW, <2,500 grams) or preterm birth
      (PTB, < 37 weeks clinical gestation) was greater among women living in areas with
      elevated total mercury in fish, after adjustment for confounding. Separate
      analyses estimated term LBW and PTB risks using residential proximity to rivers
      with fish consumption advisories to characterize exposure. RESULTS: Term LBW was
      more likely among women residing in areas in the upper quartile of predicted
      total mercury in fish (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00
      1.09) or within 8 kilometers of a river with a 'do not eat' fish advisory (1.05;
      1.00-1.11) compared to the lowest quartile, or rivers without fish consumption
      restrictions, respectively. When stratified by race, risks for term LBW or PTB
      were 10-18% more likely among African-American (AA) mothers living in areas with
      the highest total fish mercury concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge,
      this is the first study to examine the relationship between fish total mercury
      concentrations and adverse reproductive outcomes in a large population-based
      sample that included AA women. The ecologic nature of exposure assessment in this
      study precludes causal inference. However, the results suggest a need for more
      detailed investigations to characterize patterns of local fish consumption and
      potential dose-response relationships between mercury exposure and adverse
      reproductive outcomes, particularly among AA mothers.

PMID- 25127895
TI  - [Assessment of mental states at risk of psychotic transition: validation of the
      French version of the CAARMS].
AB  - This article aims to present the validation study of the French version of the
      Comprehensive Assessment of at risk mental states (CAARMS), an interview that
      seeks to determine whether young adults criteria for at-risk (AR) mental states,
      or psychosis. We assessed 40 young subjects, 15 were considered as "prodromal"
      (Prd) and 10 as experiencing a first episode of psychosis (PEP) by our expert
      clinician at the center - centre d'evaluation des jeunes adultes et adolescents,
      University Hospital Centre, Paris - and 15 were healthy controls matched for age
      and sex. When assessed with the CAARMS, 73 % (n=11) of the prodromal subjects
      reached the criteria for AR mental state, four subjects did not reach the
      criteria for AR, nor psychosis (P) and 100 % of the PEP reached the criteria for
      P. The three groups were significantly different on CAARMS total score (P<0.001)
      and subscores ; Prd subjects had intermediate scores between PEP (P<0.001) and
      controls (P<0.001) scores, PEP showing the highest scores. Post-hoc analysis
      showed that Prd significantly differed from Controls on each subscale (P<0.001)
      and that Prd differed from PEP on the "positive symptoms" subscale (P<0.001), as
      well as on "behavioural change" (P=0.021), owing to difference on the item
      "impaired role function". We used the brief psychiatric rating scale 24 items
      with anchor (BPRS24-EA) in addition to with the CAARMS, the AR group showed
      intermediate scores between controls and P subjects. Total scores of both scales
      were correlated (r=0.408 ; P=0.043) and the BPRS24-EA "positive symptoms" score
      was correlated with CAARMS' scores on the "Positive symptoms" subscale (r=0.456,
      P=0.022), "emotional disturbance" (r=0.506, P=0.01), and "behavioural change"
      (r=0.666 P=0.001). We found no correlation between BPRS negative and depression
      subscales and any of the CAARMS' subscales. When looking at its reliability,
      reliability coefficients (Cronbach's alpha) showed excellent reliability for
      "positive symptoms", "emotional disturbance", "behavioural change" and "general
      psychopathology" (respectively r=0.82, 0.75, 0.78, 0.84, 0.83) and moderate
      reliability for "cognitive change", "negative symptoms" and "motor/physical
      change" (respectively r=0.39, 0.59, 0.43). Overall, analysis of the results of
      construct validity, concurrent validity and reliability of the CAARMS indicates
      that the French version is valid and reliable. It is now available to develop and
      implement early detection programs in French speaking countries.

PMID- 25127896
TI  - [Clinical presentation of Moroccan cases with Alzheimer's disease].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The diagnostic approach for Alzheimer's disease is based on the
      presence of cerebral atrophy combined with the score of the mini-examination of
      the mental state. In this context, this study was conducted to assess the
      correlation between imaging and neuropsychological testing for cases of early
      onset and late-onset Alzheimer's disease. AIM OF THE STUDY: Analysis of the
      clinical and paraclinical aspects of Moroccan cases with Alzheimer's disease.
      METHODS: Seventeen sporadic cases and 8 family cases were seen at the memory
      clinic of the Neurology Department of the University of Casablanca Ibn Rochd
      Hospital. A family history was obtained through a clinical interview of the
      patient and a yes or no self-reporting questionnaire from the guardian or other
      family member. The disease was considered familial if at least one additional
      first degree relative suffered from early-onset AD-type dementia. All patients
      underwent standard somatic neurological examination, cognitive function
      assessment, brain imaging and laboratory tests. Written consent was obtained from
      the patients and their guardians prior to the study. RESULTS: In our study of 25
      individuals, the observed mean age of AD patients was 64.52 +/- 9.30 and we
      observed a slight female predominance (56% versus 44%). In addition, we found a
      prevalence of AD of approximately 20%, increasing with age, in the population
      below 60 years of age. Approximately half of our patients (48%) had a score lower
      than 10 and were affected by severe insanity, while 28% were affected by moderate
      severe insanity and 24% were light to moderately insane. Twenty-five patients
      underwent neuroimaging, 18 of whom were assessed by MRI, while 7 were assessed by
      CT. All patients had hippocampal atrophy, which progressed to affect others brain
      regions. The blood tests showed no abnormalities in the 25 enrolled AD cases.
      DISCUSSION: Age is undoubtedly the main risk factor for AD; this is also the true
      for our cases where advanced age was responsible for the exponential increase of
      the disease's frequency; it reached a peak in the age group of 60-69 years. The
      AD diagnosis approach is based on the presence of cerebral atrophy combined with
      the score of the mini-examination of the mental state (MMSE). In our study, in
      addition to the MMSE, depending on the level of education, the clinician used
      other tests that do not necessarily require a level of education such as the
      BEC96, visual short-term or digital memory assessment, work memory assessment,
      language assessment test (DO80) and apraxia. Neuropsychological examination of
      the cases with a score of less than 10 showed severe cognitive impairment. The
      cases presented memory and language impairments, aphasia, visual spatial
      disorientation, decreased autonomy, executive dysfunction and praxis deficits,
      all major causes of severe dementia. Neuroimaging revealed hippocampal and
      cortical atrophy. Correlated with the other studies that aimed to establish links
      between brain alterations and neuropsychological disorders, we can conclude that
      a higher level of atrophy reflects a decrease in neuropsychological performance.

PMID- 25127897
TI  - [Epigenetics of schizophrenia: a review].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a frequent and disabling disease associated with
      heterogeneous psychiatric phenotypes. It emerges during childhood, adolescence or
      young adulthood and has dramatic consequences for the affected individuals,
      causing considerable familial and social burden, as well as increasing health
      expenses. Although some progress has been made in the understanding of their
      physiopathology, many questions remain unsolved, and the disease is still poorly
      understood. The prevailing hypothesis regarding psychotic disorders proposes that
      a combination of genetic and/or environmental factors, during critical periods of
      brain development increases the risk for these illnesses. Epigenetic regulations,
      such as DNA methylation, can mediate gene x environment interactions at the level
      of the genome and may provide a potential substrate to explain the variability in
      symptom severity and family heritability. Initially, epigenetics was used to
      design mitotic and meiotic changes in gene transcription that could not be
      attributed to genetic mutations. It referred later to changes in the epigenome
      not transmitted through the germline. Thus, epigenetics refers to a wide range of
      molecular mechanisms including DNA methylation of cytosine residues in CpG
      dinucleotides and post-translational histone modifications. These mechanisms
      alter the way the transcriptional factors bind the DNA, modulating its
      expression. Prenatal and postnatal environmental factors may affect these
      epigenetics factors, having responsability in long-term DNA transcription, and
      influencing the development of psychiatric disorders. OBJECT: The object of this
      review is to present the state of knowledge in epigenetics of schizophrenia,
      outlining the most recent findings in the matter. METHODS: We did so using
      Pubmed, researching words such as 'epigenetics', 'epigenetic', 'schizophrenia',
      'psychosis', 'psychiatric'. This review summarizes evidences mostly for two
      epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation and post-translational histone
      modifications. RESULTS: First, in terms of epidemiology and transmission, the
      theoretical model of epigenetics applies to schizophrenia. Then, most
      environmental factors that have proved a link with this disease, may generate
      epigenetic mechanisms. Next, mutations have been found in regions implied in
      epigenetic mechanism among populations with schizophrenia. Some epigenetic
      alterations in DNA regions have been previously linked with neurodevelopmental
      abnormalities. In psychosis, some authors have found methylation differences in
      COMT gene, in reelin gene and in some genes implicated in dopaminergic,
      serotoninergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic pathways. Histone modifications have
      been described, in particular the H3L4 histone methylation. Finally, we tried to
      underline the difficulties in epigenetic research, notably in psychiatry, and the
      limits in this matter. CONCLUSION: The epigenetic field may explain a lot of
      questions around the physiopathology of the complex psychiatric disease that is
      schizophrenia. It may be a substratum to the prevailing hypothesis of gene x
      environment interaction. The research in the matter is definitely expanding. It
      justifies easily the need to improve the effort in the domain to overpass some
      limits inherent to the matter.

PMID- 25127898
TI  - [The link between aggressive behavior and depression in adolescence. A cross
      sectional study conducted in the psychiatric emergency unit at the Sainte-Anne
      hospital].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The link between depression and aggressive behavior in adults has
      been found in many studies. In adolescents, this relationship is still
      controversial. Several studies point out that irritability is a key symptom in
      adolescent depressed. Few studies have analyzed precisely the kind of aggressive
      behavior. This study sets out to assess the relationship between aggressive
      behavior and depressive affects in adolescents. We also pay attention in this
      population to hopelessness feelings, anxiety, global functioning and the type of
      aggressive behavior. METHOD: This is a descriptive and observational cross
      sectional study. Data was collected from 49 successive adolescents admitted for a
      24-hour evaluation in the emergency department of the Sainte-Anne psychiatric
      hospital. The inclusion period was from February to April 2012, with age limits
      between 15 and 18. For each patient, the clinician completed with the parents or
      other caregivers the Modified Overt Aggressive Scale (MOAS) searching for
      existence of aggressive behavior in the week prior to the consultation. The
      population was divided into two groups: P- group when the MOAS score was < 3 and
      the P+ group when the MOAS score was >= 3. The Global Assessment of Functioning
      Scale and Adolescent Depression Rating Scale for clinicians (ADRSc) were also
      completed. Each patient completed the self-report Buss-Perry Aggression
      Questionnaire (QA), the Beck Hopelessness scale and the Adolescent Depression
      Rating Scale for patients (ADRSp). RESULTS: Forty-nine adolescents with a median
      age of 16 years and 4 months participated. The first reason for consultation was
      depressive symptoms, followed by disruptive behavior. The analysis was conducted
      on 39 questionnaires. The demographic profile of the two groups was similar. We
      did not find any significant difference between the groups P+ and P- on ADRSc
      scores and secondary criteria. However, we found higher scores in the QA in the
      more depressed patient, especially a higher hostility score in this sample. In
      the subgroup analysis: as expected self-aggressive behavior was associated with a
      higher depression score, more hospitalization and a poor global functioning
      score. Surprisingly, the patients who showed physical aggression against others
      had a better prognosis and lower depression scores. DISCUSSION: The study did not
      conclude on the link between aggressive behavior and depression in this
      population. The adolescent hostility appears more characteristic of depression
      compared to other dimensions of aggressivity (anger, verbal aggression, physical
      aggression) in adolescents. Physical aggression against others appeared not only
      less typical in depression but was also associated with a better global
      functioning. Clinicians should pay particular attention to the kind of aggressive
      behavior in clinical evaluations of adolescents in an emergency context.

PMID- 25127899
TI  - Optimal beam arrangement for pulmonary ventilation image-guided intensity
      modulated radiotherapy for lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of
      incorporating four-dimensional (4D)-computed tomography (CT)-based functional
      information into treatment planning and to evaluate the potential benefits of
      individualized beam setups to better protect lung functionality in patients with
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Peak-exhale and peak-inhale CT scans
      were carried out in 16 patients with NSCLC treated with intensity-modulated
      radiotherapy (IMRT). 4D-CT-based ventilation information was generated from the
      two sets of CT images using deformable image registration. Four kinds of IMRT
      plans were generated for each patient: two anatomic plans without incorporation
      of ventilation information, and two functional plans with ventilation
      information, using either five equally spaced beams (FESB) or five manually
      optimized beams (FMOB). The dosimetric parameters of the plans were compared in
      terms of target and normal tissue structures, with special focus on dose
      delivered to total lung and functional lung. RESULTS: In both the anatomic and
      functional plans, the percentages of both the functional and total lung regions
      irradiated at V5, V10, and V20 (percentage volume irradiated to >5, >10 and >20
      Gy, respectively) were significantly lower for FMOB compared with FESB (P <
      0.05), but there was no significant difference for V30 (P > 0.05). Compared with
      FESB, a greater degree of sparing of the functional lung was achieved in
      functional IMRT plans with optimal beam arrangement, without compromising target
      volume coverage or the irradiated volume of organs at risk, such as the spinal
      cord, esophagus, and heart. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary ventilation image-guided IMRT
      planning with further optimization of beam arrangements improves the preservation
      of functional lung in patients with NSCLC.

PMID- 25127900
TI  - Therapeutic targeting of angiogenesis with a recombinant CTT peptide-endostatin
      mimic-kringle 5 protein.
AB  - Angiogenesis is required for tumor growth and metastasis, and targeting
      angiogenesis is a novel anticancer strategy. However, cancer development is a
      complex multistep process, and single antiangiogenic agents have limited
      therapeutic efficacy. Here, we report a triple fusion protein, namely CTT peptide
      endostatin mimic-kringle 5 (AARP), consisting of MMP-2/9-selective inhibitory
      peptide (CTT peptide) and well-known endogenous antiangiogenic agents (endostatin
      mimic and kringle 5), which can simultaneously target matrix metalloproteinases
      (MMP) and endothelial cells, blocking their actions. AARP was bacterially
      expressed, and biologic activity of purified AARP was assessed. AARP could
      significantly inhibit the enzymatic activity of MMP-2/9, proliferation,
      migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro. The antitumor
      activity of AARP was shown in a concentration-dependent manner when injected i.p.
      into immunodeficient mice bearing multidrug-resistant human epidermoid carcinomas
      (KB), and AARP is superior to clinical grade endostatin in inhibiting KB
      xenograft growth. In mouse models of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and hepatoma H22,
      when given as a single dose, AARP is highly effective for reducing tumor growth,
      angiogenesis, and metastasis, and increasing survival time. AARP possessed
      significantly greater antiangiogenic activity than endostatin mimic, CTT peptide
      kringle 5 (RK5) both in vitro and in vivo. Compared with conventional
      chemotherapeutic agents (cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel), AARP is also
      effective. More importantly, AARP is cytocompatible and no tissue toxicity could
      be observed after large dose administration. Taken together, our findings suggest
      AARP is a highly effective, safe, and more potent antiangiogenic agent for
      blocking tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, and warrants further testing for
      clinical applications.

PMID- 25127902
TI  - Over-testing for heparin induced thrombocytopenia in hospitalized patients.
AB  - Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a pro-thrombotic and potentially fatal
      complication of heparin therapy. Its diagnosis rests on high clinical probability
      and the laboratory demonstration of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies. The high
      prevalence of thrombocytopenia in hospitalized patients and the high sensitivity
      but low specificity of immunoassays for HIT antibodies can lead to over-testing
      and over-diagnosis. We conducted a study to review HIT screening practices in a
      tertiary care setting. We reviewed 63 consecutive patients undergoing testing for
      anti-PF4/heparin antibodies over 3 months. Pre-test probability for HIT was
      calculated using the 4T score. Sixty three patients underwent testing for anti
      PF4/heparin antibodies. Twenty one had been admitted for cardiovascular surgery,
      5 for other surgery and 35 for non-surgical indications. Twenty nine patients (46
      %) had low pre- test probability, twenty three (36.5 %) had intermediate
      probability, and eleven (17.4 %) had high pre-test probability of having HIT.
      Anti-PF4/heparin ELISA was positive in 8 of 63 patients. SRA was ordered for 16
      patients and was positive in 5. Only five patients were diagnosed and treated for
      HIT. Over-testing for HIT is highly prevalent in a tertiary care setting. This
      increases cost and exposes patients to expensive anti-coagulation with its
      attendant risk of hemorrhage. The 4Ts score has been shown to have high
      sensitivity and may be used to rule out HIT in most situations, although its
      utility depends on subjective analysis. Consistently applying this in practice
      could minimize over-testing and facilitate safer, cost-effective care.

PMID- 25127903
TI  - Thromboelastography defines late hypercoagulability after TBI: a pilot study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with a hypercoagulable
      state, the mechanism and duration of which remain unclear. We sought to determine
      whether thromboelastography (TEG) analysis could identify the hypercoagulable
      state after TBI, as defined by elevations in maximal amplitude (MA), thrombus
      generation (TG), G value (G), and alpha angle (alphaA). METHODS: Patients with
      moderate-severe TBI, defined primarily as a GCS <12, admitted between 1/2012 and
      8/2013 were eligible for enrolment in this prospective cohort study. TEG profiles
      were obtained between 0-24 h (T1), 24-48 h (T2), 48-72 h (T3), 72-96 h (T4), and
      96-120 h (T5) after admission. Early TEG was defined as 0-48 h, and late TEG was
      defined as >48 h. RESULTS: Twenty five patients (80 % men) and 7 age- and sex
      matched control subjects were studied. Median age was 38 years (range 18-85).
      Early MA was [63.6 mm (60.5, 67.4)] versus late MA [69.9 mm (65.2,73.9); p =
      0.02], early TG was [763.3 mm/min (712.8, 816.2)] versus late TG [835.9 mm/min
      (791.2,888.3); p = 0.02], and early G was [8.8 d/cm(2) (7.7,10.4)] versus late G
      [11.6 d/cm(2) (9.4,14.1); p = 0.02]. Study patients had higher MA (p = 0.02), TG
      (p = 0.03), and G (p = 0.02) values at T5 compared to controls. There was a
      linear increase per day of MA by 2.6 mm (p = 0.001), TG 31.9 mm/min (p <= 0.001),
      and G value by 1.3 d/cm(2) (p <= 0.001) when clustered by pairs in regression
      analysis. Lower MA values trended toward home discharge (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION:
      The data suggest a progressive and delayed hypercoagulable state observed days
      after initial TBI. The hypercoagulable state may reflect excess platelet
      activity.

PMID- 25127904
TI  - Risk of reintubation in neurosurgical patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reintubation among neurosurgical patients is poorly characterized.
      The aim of this study was to delineate the rate of reintubation among
      neurosurgical patients. In addition, we seek to characterize the patient
      demographic features, comorbidities, and surgical characteristics that may be
      associated with reintubation among neurosurgical patients. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective cohort study conducted in the setting of hospitals participating in
      the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
      between 2005 and 2010. All adult patients undergoing neurosurgery under general
      anesthesia were included. Exclusion criteria were preoperative mechanical
      ventilation or pneumonia prior to surgery. Reintubation was defined as placement
      of an endotracheal tube or mechanical ventilation within 48 h after surgery.
      RESULTS: Among 17,483 eligible patients, 74 (0.42 %; 95 % CI 0.33-0.52 %)
      required reintubation within 48 h of surgery. In multiple logistic regression,
      the following were associated with increased risk of reintubation: age >65 years
      (OR 2.1; 95 % CI 1.3-3.4), preoperative renal failure (OR 2.9; 95 % CI 1.0-8.5),
      quadriplegia (OR 8.2; 95 % CI 3.3-20.3), COPD (OR 2.1; 95 % CI 1.0-4.3),
      operative time >3 h (OR 2.9; 95 % CI 1.8-4.8), and higher ASA class (OR per
      point, 2.1; 95 % CI 1.4-3.1). Spinal surgery was found to be protective relative
      to cranial neurosurgery or endarterectomy (OR 0.3; 95 % CI 0.2-0.5). CONCLUSIONS:
      Reintubation after neurosurgery is associated with older patients with a greater
      number of comorbidities. In particular, renal, pulmonary, and severe neurologic
      comorbidities; longer operative duration; and cranial, rather than spinal,
      pathology were associated with increased risk for reintubation. These findings
      may be helpful in triage decisions regarding postoperative intensity of care and
      monitoring.

PMID- 25127905
TI  - Long-term outcome and quality of life after craniectomy in speech-dominant
      swollen middle cerebral artery infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decompressive craniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery
      infarction (MMCAI) reduces mortality. Whether speech-dominant side infarction
      results in less favorable outcome is unclear. This study compared functional
      outcome, quality of life, and mental health among patients with speech-dominant
      and non-dominant side infarction. METHODS: All patients undergoing decompressive
      craniectomy for MMCAI were included. Demographics, side of infarction, and speech
      dominant hemisphere were recorded. Outcome at follow-up was assessed by global
      functioning (modified Rankin Scale score), neurological impairment (National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score), dependency (Barthel Index), anxiety and
      depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale), and quality of life (Short
      Form-36). RESULTS: Twenty-nine out of 45 patients (mean age +/- SD, 48.1 +/- 11.6
      years; 58 % male) were alive at follow-up, and 26 were eligible for analysis
      [follow-up, median (interquartile range): 66 months (32-93)]. The speech-dominant
      hemisphere was affected in 13 patients. Outcome for patients with speech-dominant
      and non-dominant side MMCAI was similar regarding neurological impairment
      (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, mean +/- SD: 10.3 +/- 7.0 vs.
      8.9 +/- 2.7, respectively; p = 0.51), global functioning [modified Rankin Scale
      score, median (IQR): 3.0 [2-4] vs. 4.0 [3-4]; p = 0.34], dependence (Barthel
      Index, mean +/- SD: 16.2 +/- 5.0 vs. 13.1 +/- 4.8; p = 0.12), and anxiety and
      depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, mean +/- SD: anxiety, 5.0 +/-
      4.5 vs. 7.3 +/- 5.8; p = 0.30; depression, 5.0 +/- 5.2 vs. 5.9 +/- 3.9; p =
      0.62). The mean quality of life scores (Short Form-36) were not significantly
      different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistical or clinical
      difference in functional outcome and quality of life in patients with speech
      dominant compared to non-dominant side infarction. The side affected should not
      influence suitability for decompressive craniectomy.

PMID- 25127906
TI  - Characterizing Influenza surveillance systems performance: application of a
      Bayesian hierarchical statistical model to Hong Kong surveillance data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infectious disease surveillance is a process the product of which
      reflects both actual disease trends and public awareness of the disease.
      Decisions made by patients, health care providers, and public health
      professionals about seeking and providing health care and about reporting cases
      to health authorities are all influenced by the information environment, which
      changes constantly. Biases are therefore imbedded in surveillance systems; these
      biases need to be characterized to provide better situational awareness for
      decision-making purposes. Our goal is to develop a statistical framework to
      characterize influenza surveillance systems, particularly their correlation with
      the information environment. METHODS: We identified Hong Kong influenza
      surveillance data systems covering healthcare providers, laboratories, daycare
      centers and residential care homes for the elderly. A Bayesian hierarchical
      statistical model was developed to examine the statistical relationships between
      the influenza surveillance data and the information environment represented by
      alerts from HealthMap and web queries from Google. Different models were fitted
      for non-pandemic and pandemic periods and model goodness-of-fit was assessed
      using common model selection procedures. RESULTS: Some surveillance systems -
      especially ad hoc systems developed in response to the pandemic flu outbreak -
      are more correlated with the information environment than others. General
      practitioner (percentage of influenza-like-illness related patient visits among
      all patient visits) and laboratory (percentage of specimen tested positive) seem
      to proportionally reflect the actual disease trends and are less representative
      of the information environment. Surveillance systems using influenza-specific
      code for reporting tend to reflect biases of both healthcare seekers and
      providers. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows certain influenza surveillance systems
      are less correlated with the information environment than others, and therefore,
      might represent more reliable indicators of disease activity in future outbreaks.
      Although the patterns identified in this study might change in future outbreaks,
      the potential susceptibility of surveillance data is likely to persist in the
      future, and should be considered when interpreting surveillance data.

PMID- 25127907
TI  - The effect of transforming growth factor beta1 on the crosstalk between autophagy
      and apoptosis in the annulus fibrosus cells under serum deprivation.
AB  - Autophagy and apoptosis are important in maintaining the metabolic homeostasis of
      intervertebral disc cells, and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is
      able to delay intervertebral disc degeneration. This study determined the effect
      of TGF-beta1 on the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis in the disc cells,
      with the aim to provide molecular mechanism support for the prevention and
      treatment of disc degeneration. Annulus fibrosus (AF) cells were isolated and
      cultured under serum starvation. 10 ng/mL TGF-beta1 reduced the apoptosis
      incidence in the cells under serum starvation for 48 h, down-regulated the
      autophagy incidence in the cells pretreated with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or
      Bafilomycin A (Baf A), partly rescued the increased apoptosis incidence in the
      cells pretreated with 3-MA, while further reduced the decreased apoptosis
      incidence in the cells pretreated with Baf A. Meanwhile, TGF-beta1 down-regulated
      the expressions of autophagic and apoptotic markers in the cells under
      starvation, partly down-regulated the expressions of Beclin-1, LC3 II/I and
      cleaved caspase-3 in the cells pretreated with 3-MA or Baf A, while significantly
      decreased the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 in the cells pretreated with Baf A. 3-MA
      blocked the phosphorylation of both AKT and mTOR and partly reduced the
      inhibitory effect of TGF-beta1 on the expression of LC3 II/I and cleaved caspase
      3. TGF-beta1 enhanced the expression of p-ERK1/2 and down-regulated the
      expressions of LC3 II/I and cleaved caspase-3. U0126 partly reversed this
      inhibitory effect of TGF-beta1. In conclusion, TGF-beta1 protected against
      apoptosis of AF cells under starvation through down-regulating excessive
      autophagy. PI3K-AKT-mTOR and MAPK-ERK1/2 were the possible signaling pathways
      involved in this process.

PMID- 25127908
TI  - Delayed versus early motion after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized trials to compare delayed
      vs early motion therapy on function after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
      METHODS: We searched 4 electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and
      Physiotherapy Evidence Database [PEDro]). The methodologic quality of the
      included studies was assessed, and the relevant data were extracted. Data were
      pooled for functional outcomes, rotator cuff tear recurrence, and shoulder range
      of motion. Complications were reported descriptively. RESULTS: Three level I and
      1 level II randomized trials were eligible and included. Pooled analysis revealed
      no statistically significant differences in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons
      scores between delayed vs early motion rehabilitation (mean difference [MD], 1.4;
      95% confidence interval [CI], -1.8 to 4.7; P = .38, I(2) = 34%). The risk of
      retears after surgery did not differ statistically between treatment groups (risk
      ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.63-1.64; P = .95). Early passive motion led to a
      statistically significant, although clinically unimportant, improvement in
      forward elevation between groups (MD, -1 degrees ; 95% CI, -2 degrees  to 0
      degrees ; P = 0.04, I(2) = 0%). There was no difference in external rotation
      between treatment groups (MD, 1 degrees ; 95% CI, -2 degrees  to 4 degrees ; P =
      0.63, I(2) = 0%). None of the included studies identified any cases of
      postoperative shoulder stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis did not
      identify any significant differences in functional outcomes and relative risks of
      recurrent tears between delayed and early motion in patients undergoing
      arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. A statistically significant difference in
      forward elevation range of motion was identified; however, this difference is
      likely clinically unimportant.

PMID- 25127909
TI  - A preoperative scoring system to select patients for arthroscopic subacromial
      decompression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated the clinical and radiographic factors that
      influence outcome after arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASAD) for
      shoulder impingement syndrome. The goal was to develop a new preoperative scoring
      system to identify patients who would have a prompt and sustained benefit from
      ASAD. METHODS: We prospectively reviewed 112 consecutive patients with
      impingement syndrome who subsequently underwent ASAD. The Oxford Shoulder Score
      (OSS) was recorded preoperatively and 3 and 12 months postoperatively. A
      statistically significant improvement in OSS at 3 months after surgery was
      considered a good outcome. RESULTS: The variables associated with good outcome
      were shoulder pain with overhead activities, persistent symptoms for more than 6
      months, symptoms persistent despite a 3-month course of supervised physiotherapy,
      consistently positive Hawkins test result, radiologic changes of impingement on
      both acromion and humerus in the subacromial region, and improvement for more
      than 1 week after a steroid injection. These 6 criteria were combined into a
      single score for this study, termed the preoperative score (PrOS). Sixty-two
      patients who had been symptomatic for 1 year with a preoperative score of 5 to 6
      showed significant improvement in OSS at 3 months after surgery (P < .001).
      Thirty-eight patients with a score 3 to 4 had no statistically significant
      improvement in OSS at 3 months but had a further slight improvement at 1 year.
      Twelve patients with a score of <=2 had no significant improvement in OSS at 3
      months or 1 year. CONCLUSION: This scoring system can identify patients who would
      have a prompt benefit from ASAD. The impact of surgery in patients with a PrOS of
      <=4 points is questionable.

PMID- 25127910
TI  - Case report: misdiagnosed olecranon bursitis: pyoderma gangrenosum.

PMID- 25127911
TI  - Successful treatment of humeral giant aneurysmal bone cyst: value of the induced
      membrane reconstruction technique.

PMID- 25127912
TI  - Arthroscopic repair of an avulsed latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for massive,
      irreparable rotator cuff tear: a report of two cases.

PMID- 25127913
TI  - Regarding "meta-analysis comparing single-row and double-row repair techniques in
      the arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff tears".

PMID- 25127914
TI  - Response to "meta-analysis comparing single-row and double-row repair techniques
      in the arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff tears".

PMID- 25127915
TI  - Effect of a medical toxicology admitting service on length of stay, cost, and
      mortality among inpatients discharged with poisoning-related diagnoses.
AB  - There are no published studies that have compared quality outcomes of
      hospitalized poisoned patients primarily under the care of physician medical
      toxicologists to patients treated by non-toxicologists. We hypothesized that
      inpatients primarily cared for by medical toxicologists would exhibit shorter
      lengths of stay (LOS), lower costs, and decreased mortality. Patients discharged
      in 2010 and 2011 from seven hospitals within the same health care system and
      greater metropolitan area with Medicare severity diagnosis-related groups for
      "poisoning and toxic effects of drugs" with and without major comorbidities or
      complications (917 & 918, respectively) were identified from a Premier(r)
      database. The database contained severity-weighted comparisons between expected
      and observed outcomes for each patient. Outcome parameters were differences
      between expected and observed LOS, cost, and percent mortality. These were then
      compared among groups of patients primarily admitted and cared for by (1) medical
      toxicologists at one hospital (Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, BGS), (2)
      non-toxicologists at BGS, and (3) non-toxicologists at six other hospitals.
      Records of 3,581 patients contained complete data for assessment of at least one
      outcome measure. Patients cared for by medical toxicologists experienced
      favorable differences in LOS, costs, and mortality compared with other patient
      groups (p < 0.001). If patients cared for by non-toxicologists had experienced
      similar differences in observed over expected values for LOS, cost, and mortality
      as those cared for by medical toxicologists, there would have been a median
      savings of 1,483 hospital days, $4.269 million, and a significant decrease in
      mortality during the 2-year study period. Differences between observed and
      expected LOS, cost, and mortality in patients primarily cared for by medical
      toxicologists were significantly better than in patients cared for by non
      toxicologists, regardless of facility. These data suggest that significant
      reductions in patient hospital days, costs, and mortality are possible when
      medical toxicologists directly care for hospitalized patients.

PMID- 25127917
TI  - The diagnosis of febrile urinary tract infection in children may be facilitated
      by urinary biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We prospectively assessed the feasibility of two urinary markers of
      renal injury as potential diagnostic tests for acute febrile urinary tract
      infection (UTI) and subsequent renal scarring. METHODS: The patient cohort
      comprised children aged 0 to 4 years who visited the emergency room. The children
      were divided into three groups, namely, a febrile UTI (fUTI), febrile control
      (FC) and a non-febrile control (NFC) group, respectively, which were matched for
      sex and age. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for neutrophil gelatinase
      associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) was performed on
      urine collected from each child. The urine levels of both markers were compared
      between the three groups, and the diagnostic accuracy was determined based on the
      area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC). In the fUTI group,
      the predictability of subsequent renal scarring was assessed by associating
      urinary levels with dimercaptosuccinic acid findings 6 months after an UTI
      episode. RESULTS: Significantly elevated levels of urinary NGAL and KIM-1 were
      observed in the fUTI group, as well as with increased urine esterase, serum C
      reactive protein, and pyuria. The AUC was 72 % for KIM-1 and 96 % for NGAL. The
      AUC of KIM-1 for the prediction of scarring was 71 % (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      diagnosis of febrile UTI and the prediction of subsequent scarring may be
      facilitated by assaying urine biomarkers with acceptable accuracy.

PMID- 25127918
TI  - Salt intake in children and its consequences on blood pressure.
AB  - Sodium is the most abundant extracellular cation and therefore pivotal in
      determining fluid balance. At the beginning of life, a positive sodium balance is
      needed to grow. Newborns and preterm infants tend to lose sodium via their
      kidneys and therefore need adequate sodium intake. Among older children and
      adults, however, excessive salt intake leads to volume expansion and arterial
      hypertension. Children who are overweight, born preterm, or small for gestational
      age and African American children are at increased risk of developing high blood
      pressure due to a high salt intake because they are more likely to be salt
      sensitive. In the developed world, salt intake is generally above the recommended
      intake also among children. Although a positive sodium balance is needed for
      growth during the first year of life, in older children, a sodium-poor diet seems
      to have the same cardiovascular protective effects as among adults. This is
      relevant, since: (1) a blood pressure tracking phenomenon was recognized; (2) the
      development of taste preferences is important during childhood; and (3) salt
      intake is often associated with the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages
      (predisposing children to weight gain). 

PMID- 25127919
TI  - Disturbed skin barrier in children with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data on skin lesions in children with end-stage
      renal failure. The aim of the study was an evaluation of the skin barrier in
      children with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of
      xerosis, its severity, as well as its link selected demographic factors, were
      examined. METHODS: The study included 103 children: 72 with CKD stages 3-5 (38 on
      conservative treatment and 34 on dialysis) and 31 patients with primary
      monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis as a control group. Initially, the study
      subjects described the localisation and severity of dry skin by themselves. Next,
      clinical evaluation of xerosis, non-invasive corneometric assessment of epidermis
      moisturising and the measurement of transepidermal water loss were performed.
      RESULTS: Most CKD children reported dry skin. The problem of xerosis was
      identified more frequently in patients on dialysis (67.6 %) than on conservative
      treatment (42.1 %) (p = 0.01). CKD patients divided according to skin dryness did
      not differ with regards to age, sex, initial kidney disease and CKD duration.
      CONCLUSIONS: Disturbed skin barrier is an important concern of children with CKD,
      intensifying as the disease progresses. This symptom occurs on early stages of
      CKD and it should be taken into consideration in the CKD management.

PMID- 25127920
TI  - The paired box transcription factor Pax8 is essential for function and survival
      of adult thyroid cells.
AB  - The transcription factor Pax8 is already known to be essential at very early
      stages of mouse thyroid gland development, before the onset of thyroid hormone
      production. In this paper we show, using a conditional inactivation strategy,
      that the removal of the Pax8 protein late in gland development results in severe
      hypothyroidism, consequent to a reduced gland size and a deranged
      differentiation. These results demonstrate that Pax8 is also an essential player
      in controlling survival and differentiation of adult thyroid follicular cells. 

PMID- 25127916
TI  - Best practice guidelines for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: recommendations
      versus reality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal therapeutic regimen for managing childhood idiopathic
      nephrotic syndrome (INS) is still under debate. We have evaluated the choice of
      steroid regimen and of symptomatic treatment adopted by pediatricians and
      pediatric nephrologists in a large number of centers as the first step towards
      establishing a shared protocol METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective
      study. A total of 231 children (132 admitted to pediatric units) aged 6 months to
      <15 years who presented with onset of nephrotic syndrome to 54 pediatric units
      and six pediatric nephrology units in Italy between 2007 and 2009 were eligible
      for entry into the study. RESULTS: Median steroid dosing was 55 (range 27-75)
      mg/m(2)/day. The overall median cumulative dose regimen for the first episode was
      3,440 (1,904-6,035) mg/m(2), and the median duration of the therapeutic regimen
      was 21 (9-48) weeks. The total duration and cumulative steroid dose were
      significantly higher in patients treated by pediatricians than in those treated
      by pediatric nephrologists (p = 0.001 and p = 0.008). Among the patient cohort,
      55, 64 and 22 % received albumin infusions, diuretics and acetyl salicylic acid
      treatment, respectively, but the laboratory and clinical data did not differ
      between children treated or not treated with symptomatic drugs. Albumin and
      diuretic use did not vary between patients in pediatric units and those in
      pediatric nephrology units. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows major differences in
      steroid and symptomatic treatment of nephrotic syndrome by pediatricians and
      pediatric nephrologists. As these differences can influence the efficacy of the
      treatments and the appearance of side-effects, shared guidelines and their
      implementation through widespread educational activities are necessary.

PMID- 25127921
TI  - Indicators of pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis: A Delphi survey of
      patients and health professionals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty about the most important indicators of pulmonary
      exacerbations in CF. METHODS: Two parallel Delphi surveys in 13 CF centres (UK
      and Ireland). Delphi 1: 31 adults with CF, >= one exacerbation over 12 months.
      Delphi 2: 38 CF health professionals. Rounds 1 and 2 participants rated their
      level of agreement with statements relating to indicators of exacerbation; Round
      3 participants rated the importance of statements which were subsequently placed
      in rank order. RESULTS: Objective measurements were of higher importance to
      health professionals. Feelings of increased debility were rated most important by
      adults with CF. CONCLUSIONS: There were clear differences in perspectives between
      the two groups as to the most important indicators of an exacerbation. This
      highlights that CF health professionals should take more cognisance of specific
      signs and symptoms reported by adults with CF, especially since these may be a
      precursor to an exacerbation.

PMID- 25127923
TI  - Sub-aponeurotic fluid collection in a neonate associated with fetal scalp
      electrode monitoring: a brief communication.

PMID- 25127922
TI  - High-frequency audiometry reveals high prevalence of aminoglycoside ototoxicity
      in children with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intravenous aminoglycoside (IV AG) antibiotics, widely used in
      patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), are known to have ototoxic complications.
      Despite this, audiological monitoring is not commonly performed and if performed,
      uses only standard pure-tone audiometry (PTA). The aim of this study was to
      investigate ototoxicity in CF children, to determine the most appropriate
      audiological tests and to identify possible risk factors. METHODS: Auditory
      assessment was performed in CF children using standard pure tone audiometry
      (PTA), extended high-frequency (EHF) audiometry and distortion-product
      otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). RESULTS: 70 CF children, mean (SD) age 10.7 (3.5)
      years, were recruited. Of the 63 children who received IV AG, 15 (24%) children
      had ototoxicity detected by EHF audiometry and DPOAE. Standard PTA only detected
      ototoxicity in 13 children. Eleven of these children had received at least 10
      courses of IV AG courses. A 25 to 85 dBHL hearing loss (mean+/-SD: 57.5+/-25.7
      dBHL) across all EHF frequencies and a significant drop in DPOAE amplitudes at
      frequencies 4 to 8 kHz were detected. However, standard PTA detected a
      significant hearing loss (>20 dBHL) only at 8 kHz in 5 of these 15 children and
      none in 2 subjects who had significantly elevated EHF thresholds. The number of
      courses of IV AG received, age and lower lung function were shown to be risk
      factors for ototoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: CF children who had received at least 10
      courses of IV AG had a higher risk of ototoxicity. EHF audiometry identified 2
      more children with ototoxicity than standard PTA and depending on facilities
      available, should be the test of choice for detecting ototoxicity in children
      with CF receiving IV AG.

PMID- 25127924
TI  - Immunomodulation of antiretroviral drug-suppressed chronic HIV-1 infection in an
      oral probiotic double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - A putative source of inappropriate immune activation that drives human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 immunopathogenesis is the gastrointestinal tract.
      Even with effective antiretroviral treatment, residual activation persists. We
      hypothesized that an oral probiotic could improve the residual immune activation
      in chronic treated HIV-1 infection, and tested a Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086
      capsule probiotic in HIV-1-infected persons with suppressed viremia on stable
      antiretroviral therapy in a 3-month double-blind placebo-controlled trial (10
      probiotic, 7 placebo). The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) was
      administered monthly. Blood was tested at the start and end of placebo/probiotic
      administration for viremia, CD4(+) T cell percentage/concentration, soluble
      (s)CD14, soluble intestinal fatty acid binding protein, sCD163, D-dimer, C
      reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. All
      participants maintained viremia <40 RNA copies/ml. The probiotic was safe and
      well tolerated, and appeared to improve chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Its
      administration was associated with a significant increase in the percentage of
      blood CD4(+) T cells compared to placebo (+2.8% versus -1.8%, p=0.018) although
      CD4(+) T cell concentrations were generally unchanged in both groups. None of the
      biomarkers showed significant changes on probiotic treatment or between-group
      differences in change (although significance was borderline for a greater sCD163
      drop in the probiotic versus placebo group, p=0.05). Some biomarkers showed
      significant correlations to each other, particularly D-dimer with CRP and sCD14
      with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. These data demonstrate the safety and
      possible benefit of this probiotic for residual inflammation in treated HIV-1
      infection, although further study will be required to determine the immune
      pathways involved.

PMID- 25127925
TI  - Riluzole in the prelimbic medial prefrontal cortex attenuates veratrine-induced
      anxiety-like behaviors in mice.
AB  - RATIONALE: We previously demonstrated in mice that the activation of prelimbic
      medial prefrontal cortex (PL) with the sodium channel activator veratrine induces
      anxiety-like behaviors via NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic
      neurotransmission. Riluzole directly affects the glutamatergic system and has
      recently been suggested to have an anxiolytic-like effect in both experimental
      animals and patients with anxiety disorders. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the
      effects of co-perfusion of riluzole on veratrine-induced anxiety-like behaviors
      in mice. METHODS: Extracellular glutamate levels were measured in 7-week-old male
      C57BL6 mice by using an in vivo microdialysis-HPLC/ECD system, and behaviors were
      assessed simultaneously in an open field (OF) test. Basal levels of glutamate
      were measured by collecting samples every 10 min for 60 min. The medium
      containing drugs was perfused for 30 min, and the OF test was performed during
      the last 10 min of drug perfusion. After the drug treatments, the drug-containing
      medium was switched to perfusion of control medium lacking drugs, and then
      samples were collected for another 90 min. RESULTS: Riluzole co-perfusion
      attenuated veratrine-induced increase in extracellular glutamate levels in the PL
      and completely diminished veratrine-induced anxiety-like behaviors.
      Interestingly, riluzole perfusion alone in the PL did not affect the basal levels
      of glutamate and anxiety-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that
      compounds like riluzole that inhibit glutamatergic function in the PL are
      possible candidates for novel anxiolytics.

PMID- 25127926
TI  - ADRA2B genotype differentially modulates stress-induced neural activity in the
      amygdala and hippocampus during emotional memory retrieval.
AB  - RATIONALE: Noradrenaline interacts with stress hormones in the amygdala and
      hippocampus to enhance emotional memory consolidation, but the noradrenergic
      glucocorticoid interaction at retrieval, where stress impairs memory, is less
      understood. OBJECTIVES: We used a genetic neuroimaging approach to investigate
      whether a genetic variation of the noradrenergic system impacts stress-induced
      neural activity in amygdala and hippocampus during recognition of emotional
      memory. METHODS: This study is based on genotype-dependent reanalysis of data
      from our previous publication (Li et al. Brain Imaging Behav 2014). Twenty-two
      healthy male volunteers were genotyped for the ADRA2B gene encoding the alpha2B
      adrenergic receptor. Ten deletion carriers and 12 noncarriers performed an
      emotional face recognition task, while their brain activity was measured with
      fMRI. During encoding, 50 fearful and 50 neutral faces were presented. One hour
      later, they underwent either an acute stress (Trier Social Stress Test) or a
      control procedure which was followed immediately by the retrieval session, where
      participants had to discriminate between 100 old and 50 new faces. RESULTS: A
      genotype-dependent modulation of neural activity at retrieval was found in the
      bilateral amygdala and right hippocampus. Deletion carriers showed decreased
      neural activity in the amygdala when recognizing emotional faces in control
      condition and increased amygdala activity under stress. Noncarriers showed no
      differences in emotional modulated amygdala activation under stress or control.
      Instead, stress-induced increases during recognition of emotional faces were
      present in the right hippocampus. CONCLUSION: The genotype-dependent effects of
      acute stress on neural activity in amygdala and hippocampus provide evidence for
      noradrenergic-glucocorticoid interaction in emotional memory retrieval.

PMID- 25127928
TI  - Predictors of stress and coping strategies of US accelerated vs. generic
      Baccalaureate Nursing students: an embedded mixed methods study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress is an inevitable part of life and is especially pervasive in
      the lives of nursing students. Identifying the predictors of stress as well as
      coping strategies used can allow for the implementation of appropriate coping
      interventions to assist in the management of stress in nursing students. Mixed
      methods research that has been undertaken to gain an understanding about student
      stress, especially juxtaposing generic versus accelerated nursing students could
      not be identified. OBJECTIVES: (1) Identify predictors of stress between
      accelerated and generic Baccalaureate Nursing (BSN) students; and (2) Describe
      stressors and coping strategies used by accelerated students in comparison with
      generic students. DESIGN: Embedded mixed methods study. SETTING: Accelerated and
      generic BSN third- and fourth-year nursing students at two Midwestern
      universities. PARTICIPANTS: 210 participants: accelerated (n=75) and generic
      (n=135). METHODS: A questionnaire packet, including demographics, history of
      depression, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale,
      Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and open-ended questions were
      administered to students at the end of a class. Simultaneous multiple regression
      was used to examine predictors of stress. Content analysis was used to analyze
      qualitative data. RESULTS: Predictors of stress for both the accelerated and
      generic groups included history of depression, year in the program, emotional
      support, and self-esteem. Fear of failure and clinical incompetence, problematic
      relationships, and time management issues were identified as major stressors.
      Coping strategies used by both groups included positive thinking and social
      support. CONCLUSIONS: Senior students with a history of depression, low self
      esteem, and little social support were more likely to experience high levels of
      stress. This gives educators the potential to identify at risk students and
      establish stress reduction programs. Encouraging students to use individualized
      coping strategies will be beneficial.

PMID- 25127929
TI  - Refractive lens exchange.
AB  - Advances in small incision surgery have enabled cataract surgery to evolve from
      being concerned primarily with the safe removal of the opaque crystalline lens to
      a procedure refined to yield the best possible postoperative refractive result.
      As the outcomes of cataract surgery have improved, the use of lens surgery as a
      refractive modality in patients without cataracts (clear lens extraction) has
      increased in popularity. The removal of the crystalline lens for refractive
      purposes, or so-called refractive lens exchange (RLE), offers distinct advantages
      over corneal refractive surgery in selected cases. Nevertheless, in some middle
      aged patients with high refractive errors, corneal refractive surgery can be a
      safe and effective treatment. In addition, the use of multifocal lenses offers an
      alternative for the correction of presbyopia. A further advantage of RLE is that
      it simultaneously eliminates the need for cataract surgery in the future. The
      keys for success in RLE are effectiveness and consistency in the refractive
      outcome, providing at the same time surgical and postoperative safety. To achieve
      these goals, adequate indications following strict risk/benefit criteria and
      refractive precision based on accurate preoperative protocols for IOL calculation
      and selection are mandatory, together with an appropriate choice of surgical
      procedure based on the surgeon's skills, minimizing complications.

PMID- 25127927
TI  - Moderating effect of working memory capacity on acute alcohol effects on BOLD
      response during inhibition and error monitoring in male heavy drinkers.
AB  - RATIONALE: While alcohol intoxication is known to increase disinhibited behavior,
      the degree to which disinhibition occurs appears to depend on a number of factors
      including executive functioning ability. However, the neural mechanisms by which
      individual differences in executive functioning lead to variable degrees of
      disinhibition remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to
      examine the neural mechanisms by which individual differences in working memory
      (WM) capacity moderate alcohol-induced disinhibition. METHODS: Seventeen heavy
      drinking males participated in a within-subjects design in which two sessions
      were completed: an alcohol session (.82 g/kg) and a control session. Participants
      completed a go/no-go task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI) after ingestion of the control or alcohol beverage. WM capacity was
      measured using an operation span task. RESULTS: Significant interactions of
      session and WM capacity emerged in contrasts examining successful response
      inhibition within superior temporal gyrus and unsuccessful inhibition in regions
      within the default mode network. In all cases, individuals with low WM capacity
      demonstrated a relative decrease in blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response
      during the alcohol compared to control session, whereas the high-WM-capacity
      group demonstrated relative increases in BOLD response in the alcohol compared to
      control session. CONCLUSIONS: Low WM capacity appears to be associated with
      decreased neural response to signals indicating a need for behavioral control, an
      effect that may lead to increased difficulty with inhibiting responses and
      increased negative consequences from alcohol intoxication.

PMID- 25127930
TI  - Successful nonsurgical endodontic outcome of a severely affected permanent
      maxillary canine with dens invaginatus Oehlers type 3.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The morphogenic complexities of dens invaginatus (DI) Oehlers type
      3 in maxillary canines offer significant endodontic challenges. METHODS: A case
      report is provided of a 14-year-old female patient who presented with an
      anomalous-looking permanent maxillary canine associated with a sinus tract. Pulp
      testing revealed a normal response on the distal aspect of the tooth, whereas the
      mesial segment tested nonresponsive. A radiolucent lesion was seen on the
      mesiolateral radicular area adjacent to the severely distended pulp chamber. A
      gutta-percha point inserted into the sinus tract traced to this same region. The
      diagnosis was normal pulp coincident with DI Oehlers type 3 with pulp necrosis
      and chronic apical abscess. RESULTS: Despite a concerted effort to limit the root
      canal therapy to only the necrotic canal, its proximity to the normal canal
      obviated this possibility, entailing endodontic treatment of the entire root
      canal system. The necrotic pulp space was subjected to sustained irrigation with
      5.25% sodium hypochlorite and then completed with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic
      acid. A bolus of gutta-percha was used to create an apical barrier, and then the
      remainder of the enlarged pulp space was obturated with injectable
      thermoplasticized gutta-percha. At a 4.5-year recall, there was no clinical and
      radiographic evidence of infection. CONCLUSIONS: Endodontic success was
      accomplished with meticulous efforts of disinfection. Thermoplasticized gutta
      percha can offer utility for obturation of anatomically complicated pulp spaces.
      The use of the dental operating microscope is an invaluable aid for discernment
      of the intricacies of teeth affected with DI type 3 variant and can enhance
      clinical outcomes.

PMID- 25127931
TI  - Cell attachment properties of Portland cement-based endodontic materials:
      biological and methodological considerations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The attachment and spreading of mammalian cells on endodontic
      biomaterials are an area of active research. The purpose of this review is to
      discuss the cell attachment properties of Portland cement (PC)-based materials by
      using scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, methodological aspects and
      technical challenges are discussed. METHODS: A PubMed electronic search was
      conducted by using appropriate key words to identify the available investigations
      on the cell attachment properties of PC-based endodontic materials. After
      retrieving the full text of related articles, the cross citations were also
      identified. RESULTS: A total of 23 articles published between January 1993 and
      October 2013 were identified. This review summarizes the cell attachment
      properties of commercial and experimental PC-based materials on different cell
      cultures by using SEM. Methodological procedures, technical challenges, and
      relevance of SEM in determining the biological profile of PC-based materials are
      discussed. CONCLUSIONS: SEM observations demonstrate that commercial MTA
      formulations show favorable cell attachment properties, which is consistent with
      their successful clinical outcomes. The favorable cell attachment properties of
      PC and its modified formulations support its potential use as a substitute for
      mineral trioxide aggregate. However, researchers should carefully select cell
      types for their SEM investigations that would be in contact with the proposed PC
      based combinations in the clinical situation. Despite being a technical
      challenge, SEM provides useful information on the cell attachment properties of
      PC-based materials; however, other assays for cell proliferation and viability
      are essential to come up with an accurate in vitro biological profile of any
      given PC-based formulation.

PMID- 25127932
TI  - Effect of ProTaper Universal, Endoflare, Revo-S, HyFlex coronal flaring
      instruments, and Gates Glidden drills on crack formation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate crack formation after
      flaring root canals with Gates Glidden drills and ProTaper Universal (SX;
      Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Endoflare (MicroMega, Besancon,
      France), Revo-S (MicroMega), and HyFlex (Coltene-Whaledent, Allstetten,
      Switzerland) flaring instruments. METHODS: One-hundred eight mandibular molars
      were selected. Eighteen teeth were left unprepared to serve as negative controls;
      the experimental groups consisted of the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual root canals
      of the remaining 90 teeth, which were instrumented with the following coronal
      flaring instruments: Gates Glidden drills and ProTaper Universal SX, Endoflare,
      Revo-S SC1, and HyFlex 25.08 instruments. All roots were then sectioned
      perpendicular to the long axis at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 mm from the cementoenamel
      junction. The sections were inspected under a stereomicroscope, and any crack
      formations were recorded. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test (P =
      .05). RESULTS: The Gates Glidden drills resulted in a higher rate of crack
      formation than that noted in the control group (P < .05). Flaring of the root
      canals using the ProTaper Universal, Endoflare, Revo-S, and HyFlex instruments
      resulted in crack formation similar to that of the control group (P > .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Gates Glidden drills resulted in the formation of the
      most cracks. However, the results for the ProTaper Universal, Endoflare, Revo-S,
      and HyFlex flaring instruments were similar to those of the control group in
      terms of crack formation.

PMID- 25127933
TI  - Enterococcus faecalis activates caspase-1 leading to increased interleukin-1 beta
      secretion in macrophages.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent studies of inflammasome activation have focused on the
      pathogenesis of diverse inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Inflammasome
      activation results in caspase-1 activation, which is required for processing of
      prointerleukin (IL)-1 beta to its secreted form as well as a proinflammatory cell
      death (ie, pyroptosis). The purpose of this study was to analyze whether
      Enterococcus faecalis associated with endodontic infection induces inflammasome
      activation. METHODS: THP-1 macrophages were treated with E. faecalis in the
      presence or absence of caspase-1 inhibitors. Caspase-1 activation, pro-IL-1 beta
      expression, and IL-1 beta secretion were detected by immunoblotting, real-time
      reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay, respectively. Cell death was measured by lactate dehydrogenase release and
      propidium iodide staining. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release was measured by
      an ATP bioluminescence assay kit. RESULTS: E. faecalis induced caspase-1
      activation and pro-IL-1 beta expression, which resulted in IL-1 beta secretion in
      macrophages. E. faecalis significantly induced ATP release, which is a mechanism
      of Nod-like receptor family protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, whereas
      oxATP treatment inhibited E. faecalis-induced caspase-1 activation. E. faecalis
      significantly increased lactate dehydrogenase release and propidium iodide
      uptake, which are characteristics of pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show
      that E. faecalis may contribute to the progression of pulpal inflammation by
      stimulating excessive secretion of IL-1 beta and cell death.

PMID- 25127934
TI  - Evaluation of cone-beam computed tomography in the diagnosis of vertical root
      fractures: the influence of imaging modes and root canal materials.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of cone
      beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging modes in the diagnosis of vertical root
      fractures with different intracanal materials. METHODS: The sample consisted of
      30 single-rooted teeth divided into 3 groups (n = 10), control and complete and
      incomplete root fracture. In each tooth, different materials were used (gutta
      percha, metal post, and fiber post) as well as no filling material. Each
      tooth/root was scanned in a 3D Accuitomo 170 CBCT device by using 4 different
      imaging modes (high-resolution, high-fidelity, high-speed, and standard). In
      addition, the dose-area product was calculated for each CBCT imaging mode. The
      images were randomly evaluated by 5 dentomaxillofacial radiologists. RESULTS:
      Complete root fractures were visualized more easily than incomplete fractures.
      The presence of metal post and gutta-percha negatively influenced the diagnosis
      of root fracture. Regarding the CBCT imaging modes, there was no influence for
      complete root fracture diagnosis. In cases of incomplete root fractures, high
      fidelity, high-resolution, and standard had a higher diagnostic accuracy,
      especially in the fiber post and no filling groups. CONCLUSIONS: The CBCT imaging
      modes had little influence in the diagnosis of complete and incomplete root
      fractures, whereas the presence of intracanal material had greater impact on the
      diagnostic ability, demonstrating that CBCT is not beneficial for the diagnosis
      of root fractures when metal posts are present.

PMID- 25127935
TI  - The effect of larger apical preparations in the danger zone of lower molars
      prepared using the Mtwo and Reciproc systems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of large apical
      preparations in the danger zones of the mesial root canals of mandibular molars
      instrumented with the Mtwo and Reciproc systems (VDW, Munich, Germany) until
      reaching apical diameters of 0.25 and 0.40 mm. METHODS: Twelve mandibular molars,
      the mesial roots of which presented distinct foramens and similar anatomies, were
      selected using micro-computed tomographic scanning. Mtwo and Reciproc instruments
      were used to shape the mesiobuccal or mesiolingual canals. The mesial canals were
      scanned before and after the use of 0.25- and 0.40-mm Mtwo and Reciproc
      instruments. The analyzed parameters included the root canal volume and remaining
      dentin thickness at 5 different levels. The obtained data were subjected to
      paired analysis of variance and Tukey or Friedman and Dunn tests for intragroup
      analysis and the Mann-Whitney U test for comparison between the mesial and distal
      walls. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the mesial and
      distal dentin thickness for the points analyzed with both instrumentation
      techniques (P > .05). The volumetric analysis revealed a significant difference
      (P < .05) among the initial volume and after the use of the 0.25- and 0.40-mm
      instruments for both systems. The use of the 0.40-mm instrument increased the
      root canal volume in comparison to the 0.25-mm instrument (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Both systems performed similarly for the preparation of curved root canals with
      separate apical foramens. The increase of the root canal preparation with the
      0.40-mm instrument significantly increased the root canal volume at the apical
      third without significantly reducing the dentin thickness in the danger zone for
      both instrument systems.

PMID- 25127937
TI  - Associations between food consumption habits with meal intake behaviour in
      Spanish adults.
AB  - The aim of the present study is to explore the contribution of different types of
      meal intake behaviour on a healthy diet and seeks to find associations with food
      consumption habits. A cross-sectional survey with data from 1332 Spanish adults
      aged between 20 and 79 years was conducted. The survey was carried out during the
      cardiovascular health event 'Semanas del Corazon 2008' in four Spanish cities.
      Several food consumption habits such as the recommended intake of fruits,
      vegetables, milk and dairy products, as well as the regular consumption of fatty
      and salty food and ready-made meals, were used as dependent variables in logistic
      regression. We evaluated different meal intake behaviour such as the type of
      meals, snacking, and drinks taken with a meal. Our survey revealed that snacking
      is positively associated with the regular consumption of salty and fatty food,
      and having sugary drinks with meals was positively associated with the regular
      consumption of ready-made meals. Having a forenoon meal is positively associated
      with the consumption of two or more portions of milk and dairy products and
      vegetables, and taking an afternoon meal with the recommended intake of milk and
      dairy products and fruits. Drinking water during a meal increases the probability
      of consuming two or more portions of fruits and vegetables. Our results enhance
      the understanding of the contribution that meal intake behaviour makes to a
      healthy diet based on food consumption habits. This work provides an insight into
      eating behaviour and would make a useful contribution to interventions aimed at
      promoting healthier eating habits. 

PMID- 25127936
TI  - Hydrogen sulfide mitigates hyperglycemic remodeling via liver kinase B1-adenosine
      monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling.
AB  - Hyperglycemia (HG) reduces AMPK activation leading to impaired autophagy and
      matrix accumulation. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) treatment improves HG-induced
      renovascular remodeling however, its mechanism remains unclear. Activation of
      LKB1 by the formation of heterotrimeric complex with STRAD and MO25 is known to
      activate AMPK. We hypothesized that in HG; H2S induces autophagy and modulates
      matrix synthesis through AMPK-dependent LKB1/STRAD/MO25 complex formation. To
      address this hypothesis, mouse glomerular endothelial cells were treated with
      normal and high glucose in the absence or presence of sodium hydrogen sulfide
      (NaHS), an H2S donor. HG decreased the expression of H2S regulating enzymes CBS
      and CSE, and autophagy markers Atg5, Atg7, Atg3 and LC3B/A ratio. HG increased
      galectin-3 and periostin, markers of matrix accumulation. Treatment with NaHS to
      HG cells increased LKB1/STRAD/MO25 formation and AMPK phosphorylation. Silencing
      the encoded genes confirmed complex formation under normoglycemia. H2S-mediated
      AMPK activation in HG was associated with upregulation of autophagy and
      diminished matrix accumulation. We conclude that H2S mitigates adverse remodeling
      in HG by induction of autophagy and regulation of matrix metabolism through
      LKB1/STRAD/MO25 dependent pathway. 

PMID- 25127938
TI  - Esophageal diseases.

PMID- 25127939
TI  - Endoscopy innovations.

PMID- 25127940
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasound.

PMID- 25127941
TI  - Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

PMID- 25127942
TI  - Gastrointestinal bleeding.

PMID- 25127943
TI  - Capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy.

PMID- 25127944
TI  - Colonoscopy.

PMID- 25127945
TI  - Colon adenoma surveillance: it takes a program.

PMID- 25127946
TI  - Colonoscopy preparations: clearing things up.

PMID- 25127947
TI  - Optical biopsy approaches in Barrett's esophagus with next-generation optical
      coherence tomography.

PMID- 25127948
TI  - EUS-guided pancreatic duct rendezvous in a child with traumatic pancreatic duct
      disruption.

PMID- 25127949
TI  - Magnetic compression anastomosis through EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy to
      repair a disconnected bile duct in orthotopic liver transplantation.

PMID- 25127950
TI  - Acute duodenal diverticulitis treated with endoscopic therapy.

PMID- 25127951
TI  - Therapy of rectal carcinoids of 11 to 19 mm: a matter of debate.

PMID- 25127952
TI  - EUS-guided gold fiducial placement and migration rate.

PMID- 25127953
TI  - Response:.

PMID- 25127954
TI  - Repair of esophageal perforations using a novel endoscopic suturing system.

PMID- 25127955
TI  - Insulated-tip dissecting knife to treat Zenker's diverticulum: is insulation the
      key?

PMID- 25127956
TI  - Suction tenting for polypectomy.

PMID- 25127957
TI  - Set higher adenomas per colonoscopy benchmark.

PMID- 25127958
TI  - Response:.

PMID- 25127959
TI  - Premature atherosclerosis, extremely low HDL-cholesterol and concurrent defects
      in APOA1 and ABCA1 genes: a family case report.

PMID- 25127960
TI  - Adherence to guidelines and mortality in atrial fibrillation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determining the adherence to ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 guidelines and its
      influence on the survival of patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS:
      Prospective observational study of patients discharged during 2007 from an
      Internal Medicine department with a main or secondary diagnose of atrial
      fibrillation. The stroke risk was estimated with the CHADS2 score. The follow-up
      was carried out in outpatient medical office or via telephone. RESULTS: We
      included 259 patients (mean age 80.9 years); 73% of them had a high risk of
      stroke. Oral anticoagulants were administered to 134 (51.7%), and antiplatelet
      drugs to 71 (27%) patients. A rate control strategy was chosen for 155 (59.8%)
      patients and a rhythm control one for 28 (10.8%). In 100 (38.6%) patients,
      treatment was adherent to the guidelines. Adherence to the guidelines was
      associated with age (0.95 95%CI 0.92-0.99; p=0.03), contraindication to the use
      of oral anticoagulants (0.38 95%CI 0.18-0.81; p=0.01) and mitral valve heart
      disease/valvular prosthesis (2.10 95%CI 1.04-4.25; p=0.04). The median follow-up
      was 727 days, and 191 patients died. Patients treated according to the guidelines
      had a higher rate of survival during the first three years (0.47 vs. 0.36;
      p=0.049). The use of oral anticoagulants was associated with a higher probability
      of survival over a 5 year period (0.34 vs 0.21; p=0.001) and the rate control
      strategy during the first year (0.69 vs 0.57; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In the real
      world, the treatment of atrial fibrillation according to the guidelines is
      associated with improved survival for up to three years during follow-up.

PMID- 25127962
TI  - Response to the comment letter about adjustment.

PMID- 25127961
TI  - The association of asthma and atrial fibrillation--a nationwide population-based
      nested case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma and atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported to be related
      to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between
      asthma and AF has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to
      examine the association between asthma and AF risk. METHODS: We conducted a
      population-based nested case-control study including a total of 7439 newly
      diagnosed adult patients with AF and 10,075 age-, gender-, comorbidity-, and
      cohort entry date-matched subjects without AF from the Taiwan National Health
      Insurance database. Exposure to asthma as well as medications including
      bronchodilators and corticosteroid before the index date was evaluated to
      investigate the association between AF and asthma as well as concurrent
      medications. RESULTS: AF patients were 1.2 times (adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.109
      1.298) more likely to be associated with a future occurrence of asthma
      independent of comorbidities and treatment with corticosteroids and
      bronchodilator. In addition, the risks of new-onset AF were significantly higher
      among current users of inhaled corticosteroid, oral corticosteroids, and
      bronchodilators. Newly users (within 6 months) have the highest risk (inhaled
      corticosteroid: OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.226-3.701, P=0.007; oral corticosteroid: OR,
      1.932; 95% CI, 1.66-2.25, P<0.001; non-steroid bronchodilator: OR, 2.849; 95% CI,
      2.48-3.273, P<0.001). A graded association with AF risk was also observed among
      subjects treated with corticosteroid (inhaled and systemic administration) and
      bronchodilators. New users (within 6 months) of these medications had the highest
      risk of AF (ICS: OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.226-3.701, P=0.007; oral corticosteroid: OR,
      1.932; 95% CI, 1.66-2.25, P<0.001; non-steroid bronchodilator: OR, 2.849; 95% CI,
      2.48-3.273, P<0.001). A graded association with AF risk was also observed among
      subjects treated with ICS or bronchodilator. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma was associated
      with an increased risk of developing future AF.

PMID- 25127963
TI  - Association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and tako tsubo
      cardiomyopathy--a case report.

PMID- 25127964
TI  - Left ventricular rhabdomyoma in an adult patient: a rare disease successfully
      treated.

PMID- 25127965
TI  - Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction as a primary phenotypic expression of
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in mutation carriers without hypertrophy.

PMID- 25127966
TI  - Excess mortality in women compared to men after PCI in STEMI: an analysis of
      11,931 patients during 2000-2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ambiguity exists whether gender affects outcome in patients
      undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: To evaluate the
      relationship between gender and outcome in a large cohort of PCI patients, 11,931
      consecutive patients who underwent PCI for various indications during 2000-2009
      were studied using survival analyses and Cox regression models. RESULTS: Most
      patients (n=8588; 72%) were men. Women were older and more often had a history of
      hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Men smoked more frequently, had a more
      extensive cardiovascular history (previous MI, PCI and CABG), a higher prevalence
      of renal impairment and multi-vessel disease. In STEMI patients, women had higher
      31-day mortality rates than men (11.6% vs. 6.5%, respectively, p<0.001). This
      difference remained after adjustment for confounders (aHR at 30-days 1.54 and 95%
      CI 1.22-1.96). Likewise, higher mortality was observed at 1-year (15.1% vs. 9.3%)
      and 4-year follow-up (21.6% vs. 15.0%, aHR 1.30 and 95% CI 1.10-1.53). There were
      no differences in mortality between women and men in NSTE-ACS (aHR at 4-years
      1.05 and 95% CI 0.85-1.28) or stable angina (HR at 4-years 0.85 and 95% CI 0.68
      1.08). CONCLUSION: Women undergoing PCI for STEMI had higher mortality than men.
      The excess mortality in women appeared in the first month after PCI and could
      only partially be explained by a difference in baseline characteristics. No
      gender differences in outcome in patients undergoing PCI for NSTE-ACS and stable
      angina were observed.

PMID- 25127967
TI  - Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate and sodium danshensu open the placental barrier
      through down-regulation of placental P-glycoprotein in mice: implications in the
      transplacental digoxin treatment for fetal heart failure.

PMID- 25127968
TI  - Relationship of subcutaneous fat distributional pattern to blood pressure levels
      among children and adolescents in Shandong, China.

PMID- 25127969
TI  - Impact of single versus double vessel carotid disease on long-term survival in
      patients treated with carotid stenting.

PMID- 25127970
TI  - Warfarin-related nephropathy: prevalence, risk factors and prognosis.

PMID- 25127971
TI  - Urban-rural and regional disparities in the prevalence of elevated blood pressure
      among children and adolescents in Shandong, China.

PMID- 25127972
TI  - Electrocardiographic findings of secondary arrhythmogenic right ventricular
      cardiomyopathy in different right ventricular abnormalities: re.: Secondary
      arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy after decades of operative repair
      of tetralogy of Fallot.

PMID- 25127973
TI  - High-sensitivity cardiac troponin for risk prediction in patients with and
      without coronary heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In stable patients with unknown coronary anatomy, higher levels of
      cardiac troponin are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
      It was supposed that this association might be explained by the ability of
      cardiac troponin to detect minor myocardial necrosis which might be caused by
      subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. Thus, this analysis tested if the
      predictive value of high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) in stable patients is
      dependent of the presence or absence of angiographically documented coronary
      heart disease. METHODS: Stable patients undergoing elective coronary angiography
      were enrolled (n=2046). HsTnT was determined before diagnostic procedures. The
      patients were followed for up to seven years. Primary endpoint was all-cause
      mortality or non-fatal myocardial infarction. All endpoints were adjudicated by
      independent physicians. Results were adjusted to a clinical model including
      independent clinical predictors of the primary endpoint. RESULTS: Out of the 2046
      patients enrolled, 1236 (60%) had a diagnosis of obstructive coronary heart
      disease. HsTnT predicted independently the primary endpoint (adjusted HR 1.33,
      95%-CI 1.21-1.46, P<0.001). The use of hsTnT in addition to the clinical model
      significantly improved discrimination (c-statistic: 0.751 to 0.773, P<0.001) as
      well as reclassification of the primary endpoint (NRI=0.362, P<0.001). This
      significant improvement persisted across various subsets and was independent of
      the presence of clinically detectable coronary heart disease and other variables.
      CONCLUSION: The use of hsTnT in addition to clinical variables significantly
      improves discrimination and reclassification of patients with respect to all
      cause mortality or non-fatal myocardial infarction irrespective of the presence
      of clinically detectable coronary heart disease. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT00457236).

PMID- 25127974
TI  - Intramyocellular lipid is increased in the skeletal muscle of patients with
      dilated cardiomyopathy with lowered exercise capacity.

PMID- 25127975
TI  - Amplatzer vascular plug for patent ductus arteriosus migrated to pulmonary artery
      six months after closure in a 59 year old female.

PMID- 25127976
TI  - Prolonged effectiveness of coronary artery bypass surgery versus drug-eluting
      stents in diabetics with multi-vessel disease: an updated systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, the appropriateness of percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) using drug-eluting stents (DES) versus coronary artery bypass grafting
      (CABG) for patients with diabetes (DM) and multi-vessel disease (MVD) is
      uncertain due to limited evidence from few randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
      We aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of CABG versus PCI-DES in DM-MVD
      patients using an evidence-based approach. METHODS: A systematic review and meta
      analyses were conducted to compare the risk of all-cause mortality, myocardial
      infarction (MI), repeat revascularisation, cerebrovascular events (CVE), and
      major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE). RESULTS: A total of
      1,837 and 3,052 DM-MVD patients were pooled from four RCTs (FREEDOM, SYNTAX, VA
      CARDS, and CARDia) and five non-randomised studies. At mean follow-up of 3 years,
      CABG compared with PCI-DES was associated with a lower risk of all-cause
      mortality and MI in RCTs. By contrast, no significant differences were observed
      in the mean 3.5-year risk of all-cause mortality and MI in non-randomised trials.
      However, the risk of repeat revascularisations following PCI-DES compared with
      CABG was 2.3 (95% CI=1.8-2.8) and 3.0 (2.3-4.2)-folds higher in RCTs and non
      randomised trials, respectively. Accordingly, the risk of MACCE at 3 years
      following CABG compared with PCI-DES was lower in both RCTs and non-randomised
      trials [0.65 (: 0.55-0.77); and 0.77 (0.60-0.98), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS:
      Based on our pooled results, we recommend CABG compared with PCI-DES for patients
      with DM-MVD. Although non-randomised trials suggest no additional survival-, MI-,
      and CVE- benefit from CABG over PCI-DES, these results should be interpreted with
      care.

PMID- 25127977
TI  - Effect of repeat twice daily sessions of remote ischemic conditioning over the
      course of one week on blood pressure of a normotensive/prehypertensive subject.

PMID- 25127978
TI  - Acute coronary syndrome and coronary intervention in a patient with type 2M von
      Willebrand disease.

PMID- 25127979
TI  - Aborted sudden cardiac death due to intractable ventricular fibrillation caused
      by coronary spasm refractory to implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy.

PMID- 25127980
TI  - Chronic constrictive pericarditis in general adult population.

PMID- 25127981
TI  - Retracted: Significant variations in afferent conduction and axonal morphology of
      aortic depressive nerve imply broader spectrum of baroreflex function of
      myelinated Ah-type baroreceptor neurons in female rats.

PMID- 25127982
TI  - Active coping toward predatory stress is associated with lower corticosterone and
      progesterone plasma levels and decreased methylation in the medial amygdala
      vasopressin system.
AB  - An active coping style displayed under stress - which involves proactive
      investigatory responses toward environmental threats - has been associated with
      reduced vulnerability to psychiatric illness. However, the neurobiological
      determinants of coping styles are not well understood. When rats are exposed to a
      naturalistic stressor (cat fur) in a group, some individuals in the group show
      robust active investigation of the stimulus while others show a passive response
      involving retreat, immobility and close aggregation with conspecifics. Here we
      explored endocrine and epigenetic correlates of these contrasting coping styles.
      Male Wistar rats (n=48) were exposed to cat fur in groups of 4 and the passive
      and active responders were identified and assessed for endocrine and epigenetic
      differences. Three days after the final cat fur exposure, active responders had
      substantially lower plasma levels of corticosterone and progesterone than passive
      responders. Plasma and testicular testosterone levels did not differ between
      active and passive responders. Active responders had markedly less methylation of
      the AVP CGCG promoter region located at base 4970 in the posterodorsal region of
      the medial amygdala but did not differ in the methylation status of the CCGG
      sequence located at base 2243. This is in agreement with prior research
      suggesting that AVP and progesterone act in opposition within the medial amygdala
      to modulate stress-related behaviors. The present study reports striking
      endocrine and epigenetic differences between active and passive responders,
      providing insight into potential systems involved in the manifestation of
      differing coping styles. 

PMID- 25127983
TI  - Endurance training minimizes age-related changes of left ventricular twist
      untwist mechanics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to test the effect of endurance training on
      the age-related changes of left ventricular (LV) twist-untwist mechanics. Aging
      has been shown to induce a decline of diastolic function and more recently an
      impairment of twist-untwist mechanics, which constitutes an important factor for
      early diastolic suction and filling. On the other hand, endurance training has
      been shown to improve cardiac function. METHODS: Speckle-tracking
      echocardiography was performed in 106 endurance-trained male athletes and 75
      controls (age range 18-70 years), divided into three groups according to age.
      RESULTS: From the younger to older age groups, progressive increases in LV apical
      rotation and twist angle and a decrease in LV untwisting rate during isovolumic
      relaxation time were observed. Athletes had lower systolic twist angles (P < .01)
      but higher untwist/twist ratios and LV untwisting rate during isovolumic
      relaxation time compared with controls, with the largest difference between
      senior groups (51 +/- 24% vs 42 +/- 22% in the young and 42 +/- 29% vs 24 +/- 25%
      in seniors, P < .001, respectively). The normal timing of untwisting rate
      occurring before radial displacement was preserved in athletes with increasing
      age, whereas it was blunted in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Endurance training does not
      prevent but minimizes changes in LV twist-untwist mechanics from young subjects
      to seniors. Athletes showed smaller increases of twist angle with age and smaller
      declines of LV untwisting rate during isovolumic relaxation time and
      untwist/twist ratio compared with controls. This training-improved preservation
      of LV twist-untwist mechanics is likely to play a key role for systolic-diastolic
      coupling and diastolic filling, particularly during exercise.

PMID- 25127984
TI  - Effect of gadolinium injection on diffusion-weighted imaging with background body
      signal suppression (DWIBS) imaging of breast lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Diffusion-weighted imaging with background body signal suppression
      (DWIBS) provides both qualitative and quantitative imaging of breast lesions and
      are usually performed before contrast material injection (CMI). This study aims
      to assess whether the administration of gadolinium significantly affects DWIBS
      imaging. METHODS: 200 patients were prospectively evaluated by MRI with STIR, TSE
      T2, pre-CMI DWIBS, contrast enhanced THRIVE-T1 and post-CMI DWIBS sequences. Pre
      and post-CMI DWIBS were analyzed searching for the presence of breast lesions and
      calculating the ADC value. ADC values of <=1.44*10(-3) mm(2)/s were considered
      suspicious for malignancy. This analysis was then compared with the histological
      findings. Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy (DA), positive predictive
      value (PPV) and negative (NPV) were calculated for both sequences and represented
      by ROC analysis. Pre and post-CMI ADC values were compared by using the paired t
      test. RESULTS: In 150/200 (59%) patients, pre and post-CMI DWIBS indicated the
      presence of breast lesions, 53 (35%) with ADC values of >1.44*10(-3) mm(2)/s and
      97 (65%) with ADC<=1.44*10(-3) mm(2)/s. Pre-CMI and post-DWIBS sequences obtained
      the same sensitivity, specificity, DA, PPV and NPV values of 97%, 83%, 89%, 79%
      and 98%. The mean ADC value of benign lesions was 1.831+/-0.18*10(-3) mm(2)/s
      before and 1.828+/-0.18*10(-3) mm(2)/s after CMI. The mean ADC value of the
      malignant lesions was 1.146+/-0.16*10(-3) mm(2)/s before and 1.144+/-0.16*10(-3)
      mm(2)/s after CMI. No significant difference was found between pre and post CMI
      ADC values (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: DWIBS imaging is not influenced by CMI. Breast
      MR protocol could be modified by placing DWIBS after dynamic contrast enhanced
      sequences in order to maximize patient cooperation.

PMID- 25127985
TI  - [Pulmonary hypertension: definition, diagnostic and new classification].
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension (PH): mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) >= 25 mm Hg
      on right heart catheterization at rest. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH):
      mPAP >= 25 mm Hg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) <= 15 mm Hg and
      pulmonary vascular resistances (PVR) >3 Wood units. Patients with compatible
      symptoms (exertional dyspnea, syncopes, signes of right heart failure) can show
      signs of PH on cardiac echography and therefore need to be investigated in search
      of the cause of PH. After ruling out the frequent causes of PH (left heart and
      chronic respiratory diseases), the V/Q lung scan is used to screen for patients
      with post-embolic PH, that need to be further investigated hemodynamically and
      radiologically in order to decide operability. For the rest of the patients, only
      right heart catheterization can identify patients with precapillary PH and these
      patients must be further evaluated (clinically, by blood samples and by imaging
      techniques) in order to be classified in one the PH groups of the classification.
      For the future the discovery of novel risk factors and understanding the
      mechanism involved with the already known ones represent two major points of
      research.

PMID- 25127986
TI  - Accuracy of colposcopy in HIV seropositive and seronegative women with abnormal
      Pap tests.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare colposcopic findings and the
      accuracy of colposcopic impression in HIV seropositive and seronegative women
      with abnormal Pap tests. METHODS: HIV seropositive and seronegative women in a
      national cohort study had Pap tests collected every six months, with colposcopy
      for any abnormal result. Prospectively collected colposcopy and histology
      findings were analyzed retrospectively using Pearson Chi-square, t-test and
      Wilcoxon two-sample tests, logistic regression models, and Kappa coefficients.
      RESULTS: After adjusting for age and Pap result, 1618 eligible HIV seropositive
      women were more likely than 406 seronegative women to have inadequate colposcopic
      examinations, abnormal colposcopic findings, and large cervical lesions. However,
      among those with abnormal colposcopy, colposcopic characteristics and lesion size
      and number did not differ by HIV serostatus. Agreement between colposcopists'
      impressions and highest grade biopsy diagnoses was fair (kappa coefficient 0.35,
      95% C.I. 0.31, 0.38). Agreement did not differ by HIV serostatus and did not
      improve with multiple biopsies (weighted kappa coefficient 0.35, 95% C.I. 0.32,
      0.39) or after including all histology results over two years following
      colposcopy. CONCLUSION: Although HIV seropositive women with abnormal cytology
      are more likely to have colposcopic abnormality, the performance of colposcopy
      appears to be similar to that in HIV seronegative women. Biopsy is required to
      confirm colposcopic impression.

PMID- 25127987
TI  - Polymorphisms in immune mediators associate with risk of cervical cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The immune system is critical for controlling the progression of HPV
      cervical disease and the development of cancer. This study aimed to identify
      cervical cancer susceptibility alleles in candidate immune-modulating genes.
      METHODS: Our family-based study involved a cohort of 641 probands (women with
      ICC/CIN III) and their biologic parents or siblings (641 trios). In the discovery
      phase (stage 1), involving 288 of the trios, 80 tag single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in 11 immune-modulating genes (IFNG, IFNGR1, IFNGR2, JAK1,
      JAK2, STAT1, STAT6, IL12A, TNF, LTA and LTB) were evaluated on the GoldenGate
      platform. We used the combined dataset for a total of 641 trios (stage 2) and the
      Taqman platform to validate the SNPs that had proved significant in the discovery
      dataset. The transmission disequilibrium test was used to detect significant
      shifts in allelic transmissions in the datasets. RESULTS: Two SNPs in JAK2 and
      one SNP in STAT6 showed significant allelic association with cervical cancer in
      the stage 1 discovery dataset and were replicated in the larger joint analysis
      stage 2 dataset (JAK2 rs10815144, P=0.0029 and rs12349785, P=0.0058; and STAT6
      rs3024971, P=0.0127). An additional SNP in exon 19 of JAK2 (rs2230724) was also
      examined in the combined dataset due to its strong linkage disequilibrium (LD)
      with rs10815144. It was also significant (P=0.0335). CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggest an association of SNPs in JAK2 and STAT6 with cervical cancer. This
      association should be investigated in additional cervical cancer populations.

PMID- 25127988
TI  - Abnormal CA-125 levels in menopausal women without ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if an abnormal CA-125 level in a menopausal female
      without ovarian cancer is associated with an increase in mortality. METHODS: The
      Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Randomized Controlled
      (PLCO) Trial is a large multicenter prospective trial conducted by the National
      Cancer Institute (NCI). Over 78,000 healthy women aged 55-74 were randomized to a
      screening arm versus a usual medical care arm to evaluate the efficacy of
      screening in reducing mortality due to ovarian cancer. Women in the screening arm
      underwent annual screening for ovarian cancer with transvaginal ultrasound and CA
      125 levels. There were 38,818 patients without ovarian cancer that had at least
      one CA-125 level drawn; 1201 (3.09%) had at least one abnormal level. The current
      study compares mortality in patients that had one or more abnormal CA-125 levels
      without ovarian cancer versus those with all normal levels. RESULTS: Patients
      with one or more abnormal CA-125 levels, without ovarian cancer, had a
      significantly higher mortality than patients with all normal CA-125 levels in the
      PLCO screening trial (p<0.0001). This increased risk extended throughout the
      follow-up period. Analysis of cause of death listed on the death certificate
      showed an excess mortality attributable to lung cancer, digestive disease, and
      endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic disease. CONCLUSION: Menopausal females
      with an elevated CA-125 and without ovarian cancer are exposed to an increased
      risk of premature mortality.

PMID- 25127989
TI  - Formulation and photoirradiation parameters that influenced photoresponsive drug
      delivery using alkoxylphenacyl-based polycarbonates.
AB  - Recently, we reported the synthesis and biocompatibility of alkoxylphenacyl-based
      polycarbonates (APP); a promising new class of polymers that undergo photo
      induced chain scission. In the current study, nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared
      from the APP polymer (APP-NPs) and loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) (DOX-APP-NPs) in
      order to identify and evaluate formulation and photoirradiation parameters that
      influence photoresponsive efficacy. Stable and spherical APP-NPs were prepared
      with diameters between 70-80nm depending on APP concentration (10-40mg/mL). There
      was a direct relationship between APP concentration and resultant particle size.
      Drug release studies indicated that exposure to the photo-trigger was capable of
      altering the rate and extent of DOX released. Photoresponsive DOX release was
      markedly influenced by the frequency of photoirradiation while the effect of APP
      concentration was most likely propagated through NP size. DOX released by
      photoactivation retained its efficacy as assessed by cytotoxicity studies in
      human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. Studies in BALB/c mice indicated that DOX
      APP-NPs induce less cardiotoxicity than DOX alone and that DOX-APP-NPs are not
      susceptible to dose dumping after photoirradiation.

PMID- 25127990
TI  - Congenital myopathies with secondary neuromuscular transmission defects; a case
      report and review of the literature.
AB  - Congenital myopathies are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of
      disorders characterized by early onset hypotonia, weakness and characteristic,
      but not pathognomonic, structural abnormalities in muscle fibres. The clinical
      features overlap with muscular dystrophies, myofibrillar myopathies, neurogenic
      conditions and congenital myasthenic syndromes. We describe a case of cap
      myopathy with myasthenic features due to a mutation in the TPM2 gene that
      responded to anticholinesterase therapy. We also review other published cases of
      congenital myopathies with neuromuscular transmission abnormalities. This report
      expands the spectrum of congenital myopathies with secondary neuromuscular
      transmission defects. The recognition of these cases is important since these
      conditions can benefit from treatment with drugs enhancing neuromuscular
      transmission. 

PMID- 25127991
TI  - FAK is required for tension-dependent organization of collective cell movements
      in Xenopus mesendoderm.
AB  - Collective cell movements are integral to biological processes such as embryonic
      development and wound healing and also have a prominent role in some metastatic
      cancers. In migrating Xenopus mesendoderm, traction forces are generated by cells
      through integrin-based adhesions and tension transmitted across cadherin
      adhesions. This is accompanied by assembly of a mechanoresponsive cadherin
      adhesion complex containing keratin intermediate filaments and the catenin-family
      member plakoglobin. We demonstrate that focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a major
      component of integrin adhesion complexes, is required for normal morphogenesis at
      gastrulation, closure of the anterior neural tube, axial elongation and
      somitogenesis. Depletion of zygotically expressed FAK results in disruption of
      mesendoderm tissue polarity similar to that observed when expression of keratin
      or plakoglobin is inhibited. Both individual and collective migrations of
      mesendoderm cells from FAK depleted embryos are slowed, cell protrusions are
      disordered, and cell spreading and traction forces are decreased. Additionally,
      keratin filaments fail to organize at the rear of cells in the tissue and
      association of plakoglobin with cadherin is diminished. These findings suggest
      that FAK is required for the tension-dependent assembly of the cadherin adhesion
      complex that guides collective mesendoderm migration, perhaps by modulating the
      dynamic balance of substrate traction forces and cell cohesion needed to
      establish cell polarity. 

PMID- 25127992
TI  - The Fog signaling pathway: insights into signaling in morphogenesis.
AB  - Epithelia form the building blocks of many tissue and organ types. Epithelial
      cells often form a contiguous 2-dimensional sheet that is held together by strong
      adhesions. The mechanical properties conferred by these adhesions allow the cells
      to undergo dramatic three-dimensional morphogenetic movements while maintaining
      cell-cell contacts during embryogenesis and post-embryonic development. The
      Drosophila Folded gastrulation pathway triggers epithelial cell shape changes
      that drive gastrulation and tissue folding and is one of the most extensively
      studied examples of epithelial morphogenesis. This pathway has yielded key
      insights into the signaling mechanisms and cellular machinery involved in
      epithelial remodeling. In this review, we discuss principles of morphogenesis and
      signaling that have been discovered through genetic and cell biological
      examination of this pathway. We also consider various regulatory mechanisms and
      the system's relevance to mammalian development. We propose future directions
      that will continue to broaden our knowledge of morphogenesis across taxa.

PMID- 25127993
TI  - Retinoic acid plays an evolutionarily conserved and biphasic role in pancreas
      development.
AB  - As the developing zebrafish pancreas matures, hormone-producing endocrine cells
      differentiate from pancreatic Notch-responsive cells (PNCs) that reside within
      the ducts. These new endocrine cells form small clusters known as secondary (2
      degrees ) islets. We use the formation of 2 degrees  islets in the pancreatic
      tail of the larval zebrafish as a model of beta-cell neogenesis. Pharmacological
      inhibition of Notch signaling leads to precocious endocrine differentiation and
      the early appearance of 2 degrees  islets in the tail of the pancreas. Following
      a chemical screen, we discovered that blocking the retinoic acid (RA)-signaling
      pathway also leads to the induction of 2 degrees  islets. Conversely, the
      addition of exogenous RA blocks the differentiation caused by Notch inhibition.
      In this report we characterize the interaction of these two pathways. We first
      verified that signaling via both RA and Notch ligands act together to regulate
      pancreatic progenitor differentiation. We produced a transgenic RA reporter,
      which demonstrated that PNCs directly respond to RA signaling through the
      canonical transcriptional pathway. Next, using a genetic lineage tracing
      approach, we demonstrated these progenitors produce endocrine cells following
      inhibition of RA signaling. Lastly, inhibition of RA signaling using a cell-type
      specific inducible cre/lox system revealed that RA signaling acts cell
      autonomously in PNCs to regulate their differentiation. Importantly, the action
      of RA inhibition on endocrine formation is evolutionarily conserved, as shown by
      the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells in a model of human pancreas
      development. Together, these results revealed a biphasic function for RA in
      pancreatogenesis. As previously shown by others, RA initially plays an essential
      role during embryogenesis as it patterns the endoderm and specifies the
      pancreatic field. We reveal here that later in development RA is involved in
      negatively regulating the further differentiation of pancreatic progenitors and
      expands upon the developmental mechanisms by which this occurs.

PMID- 25127994
TI  - Sterol carrier protein 2 regulates proximal tubule size in the Xenopus pronephric
      kidney by modulating lipid rafts.
AB  - The kidney is a homeostatic organ required for waste excretion and reabsorption
      of water, salts and other macromolecules. To this end, a complex series of
      developmental steps ensures the formation of a correctly patterned and properly
      proportioned organ. While previous studies have mainly focused on the individual
      signaling pathways, the formation of higher order receptor complexes in lipid
      rafts is an equally important aspect. These membrane platforms are characterized
      by differences in local lipid and protein compositions. Indeed, the cells in the
      Xenopus pronephric kidney were positive for the lipid raft markers ganglioside
      GM1 and Caveolin-1. To specifically interfere with lipid raft function in vivo,
      we focused on the Sterol Carrier Protein 2 (scp2), a multifunctional protein that
      is an important player in remodeling lipid raft composition. In Xenopus, scp2
      mRNA was strongly expressed in differentiated epithelial structures of the
      pronephric kidney. Knockdown of scp2 did not interfere with the patterning of the
      kidney along its proximo-distal axis, but dramatically decreased the size of the
      kidney, in particular the proximal tubules. This phenotype was accompanied by a
      reduction of lipid rafts, but was independent of the peroxisomal or
      transcriptional activities of scp2. Finally, disrupting lipid micro-domains by
      inhibiting cholesterol synthesis using Mevinolin phenocopied the defects seen in
      scp2 morphants. Together these data underscore the importance for localized
      signaling platforms in the proper formation of the Xenopus kidney.

PMID- 25127996
TI  - Report of the National Institutes of Health task force on research standards for
      chronic low back pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Despite rapidly increasing intervention, functional disability due to
      chronic low back pain (cLBP) has increased in recent decades. We often cannot
      identify mechanisms to explain the major negative impact cLBP has on patients'
      lives. Such cLBP is often termed nonspecific and may be due to multiple biologic
      and behavioral etiologies. Researchers use varied inclusion criteria,
      definitions, baseline assessments, and outcome measures, which impede comparisons
      and consensus. The purpose of this article is to disseminate the report of the
      National Institutes of Health (NIH) task force on research standards for cLBP.
      METHODS: The NIH Pain Consortium charged a research task force (RTF) to draft
      standards for research on cLBP. The resulting multidisciplinary panel developed a
      3-stage process, each with a 2-day meeting. RESULTS: The panel recommended using
      2 questions to define cLBP; classifying cLBP by its impact (defined by pain
      intensity, pain interference, and physical function); use of a minimal data set
      to describe research subjects (drawing heavily on the Patient Reported Outcomes
      Measurement Information System methodology); reporting "responder analyses" in
      addition to mean outcome scores; and suggestions for future research and
      dissemination. The Pain Consortium has approved these recommendations, which
      investigators should incorporate into NIH grant proposals. CONCLUSIONS: The RTF
      believes that these recommendations will advance the field, help to resolve
      controversies, and facilitate future research addressing the genomic, neurologic,
      and other mechanistic substrates of cLBP. Greater consistency in reporting should
      facilitate comparisons among studies and the development of phenotypes. We expect
      the RTF recommendations will become a dynamic document and undergo continual
      improvement.

PMID- 25127997
TI  - Development of a neck pain risk score for predicting nonspecific neck pain with
      disability in office workers: a 1-year prospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a neck pain risk score for
      office workers (NROW) to identify office workers at risk for developing
      nonspecific neck pain with disability. METHODS: A 1-year prospective cohort study
      of 559 healthy office workers was conducted. At baseline, risk factors were
      assessed using questionnaires and standardized physical examination. The
      incidence of neck pain was collected every month thereafter. Disability level was
      evaluated using the neck disability index. Logistic regression was used to select
      significant factors to build a risk score. The coefficients from the logistic
      regression model were transformed into the components of a risk score. RESULTS:
      Among 535 (96%) participants who were followed up for 1 year, 23% reported
      incident neck pain with disability (>=5). After adjusting for confounders, the
      onset of neck pain with disability was significantly associated with history of
      neck pain, chair adjustability, and perceived muscular tension. Thus, the NROW
      comprises 3 questions about history of neck pain, chair adjustability, and
      perceived muscular tension. The NROW had scores ranging from 0 to 4. A cut-off
      score of at least 2 had a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 48%. The positive
      and negative predictive values were 29% and 91%, respectively. The area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.75. CONCLUSION: The risk score for
      nonspecific neck pain with disability in office workers was developed, and it
      contained 3 items with scores ranging from 0 to 4. This study shows that the
      score appears to have reasonable sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive
      value, and negative predictive values for the cut-off point of at least 2.

PMID- 25127998
TI  - Can functional capacity tests predict future work capacity in patients with
      whiplash-associated disorders?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether functional capacity evaluation (FCE) tests
      predict future work capacity (WC) of patients with whiplash-associated disorders
      (WADs) grades I and II who did not regain full WC 6 to 12 weeks after injury.
      DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS:
      Workers (N=267) listed on workers' compensation with grade I or II WADs 6 to 12
      weeks after injury. INTERVENTIONS: Patients performed 8 work-related FCE tests.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: WC (0-100%) measured at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12
      months after testing. Correlation coefficients between FCE tests and WC were
      calculated. A linear mixed-model analysis was used to assess the association
      between FCE and future WC. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD WC increased over time from
      20.8%+/-27.6% at baseline to 32.3%+/-38.4%, 51.3%+/-42.8%, 65.6%+/-42.2%, and
      83.2%+/-35.0% at the 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups, respectively.
      Correlation coefficients between FCE tests and WC ranged from r=.06 (lifting low
      at 12-mo follow-up) to r=.39 (walking speed at 3mo). Strength of the correlations
      decreased over time. FCE tests did not predict WC at follow-up. The predictors of
      WC were ln (time) (beta=23.74), mother language (beta=5.49), WC at baseline
      (beta=1.01), and self-reported disability (beta=-.20). Two interaction terms, ln
      (time) * WC (beta=-.19) and ln (time) * self-reported disability (beta=-.21),
      were significant predictors of WC. CONCLUSIONS: FCE tests performed within 6 to
      12 weeks after WADs injury grades I and II are associated with WC at baseline but
      do not predict future WC, whereas time course, mother language, WC at baseline,
      and self-reported disability do predict future WC. Additionally, the interaction
      between time course WC at baseline and self-reported disability predicted future
      WC.

PMID- 25127995
TI  - In vivo analysis of hyaloid vasculature morphogenesis in zebrafish: A role for
      the lens in maturation and maintenance of the hyaloid.
AB  - Two vascular networks nourish the embryonic eye as it develops - the hyaloid
      vasculature, located at the anterior of the eye between the retina and lens, and
      the choroidal vasculature, located at the posterior of the eye, surrounding the
      optic cup. Little is known about hyaloid development and morphogenesis, however.
      To begin to identify the morphogenetic underpinnings of hyaloid formation, we
      utilized in vivo time-lapse confocal imaging to characterize morphogenesis of the
      zebrafish hyaloid through 5 days post fertilization (dpf). Our data segregate
      hyaloid formation into three distinct morphogenetic stages: Stage I: arrival of
      hyaloid cells at the lens and formation of the hyaloid loop; Stage II: formation
      of a branched hyaloid network; Stage III: refinement of the hyaloid network.
      Utilizing fixed and dissected tissues, distinct Stage II and Stage III aspects of
      hyaloid formation were quantified over time. Combining in vivo imaging with
      microangiography, we demonstrate that the hyaloid system becomes fully enclosed
      by 5dpf. To begin to identify the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying
      hyaloid morphogenesis, we identified a recessive mutation in the mab21l2 gene,
      and in a subset of mab21l2 mutants the lens does not form. Utilizing these "lens
      less" mutants, we determined whether the lens was required for hyaloid
      morphogenesis. Our data demonstrate that the lens is not required for Stage I of
      hyaloid formation; however, Stages II and III of hyaloid formation are disrupted
      in the absence of a lens, supporting a role for the lens in hyaloid maturation
      and maintenance. Taken together, this study provides a foundation on which the
      cellular, molecular and embryologic mechanisms underlying hyaloid morphogenesis
      can be elucidated. 

PMID- 25128000
TI  - Effects of an anterior ankle-foot orthosis on walking mobility in stroke
      patients: get up and go and stair walking.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of an anterior ankle-foot orthosis (AAFO) on
      walking mobility in stroke patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and repeated
      measures study design. SETTING: A university's neurologic rehabilitation
      department. PARTICIPANTS: Ambulant stroke patients (N=21). INTERVENTIONS: Not
      applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Walking mobility was measured by the Timed Up
      and Go (TUG) test and the Timed Up and Down Stairs (TUDS) test. The paired t test
      was used to determine the difference between the mobility performances measured
      with and without the AAFO. RESULTS: There were significant differences between
      mobility performances with and without an AAFO in the TUG test (P=.038) and the
      TUDS test (P=.000). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the effect of an AAFO on
      walking mobility in stroke patients. The findings demonstrate that stroke
      patients wearing an AAFO may ambulate with greater speed and safety on level
      surfaces and stairs.

PMID- 25127999
TI  - Carpal tunnel syndrome: hand surgeons, hand therapists, and physical medicine and
      rehabilitation physicians agree on a multidisciplinary treatment guideline
      results from the European HANDGUIDE Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To achieve consensus on a multidisciplinary treatment guideline for
      carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). DESIGN: Delphi consensus strategy. SETTING:
      Systematic reviews reporting on the effectiveness of surgical and nonsurgical
      interventions were conducted and used as an evidence-based starting point for a
      European Delphi consensus strategy. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 35 experts (hand
      surgeons selected from the Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the
      Hand, hand therapists selected from the European Federation of Societies for Hand
      Therapy, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians) participated in the
      Delphi consensus strategy. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Each Delphi round consisted of a questionnaire, analysis, and feedback report.
      RESULTS: After 3 Delphi rounds, consensus was achieved on the description,
      symptoms, and diagnosis of CTS. The experts agreed that patients with CTS should
      always be instructed, and instructions combined with splinting, corticosteroid
      injection, corticosteroid injections plus splinting, and surgery are suitable
      treatments for CTS. Relevant details for the use of instructions, splinting,
      corticosteroid injections, and surgery were described. Main factors for selecting
      one of the aforementioned treatment options were identified as follows: severity
      and duration of the disorder and previous treatments received. A relation between
      the severity/duration and choice of therapy was found by the experts and reported
      in the guideline. CONCLUSIONS: This multidisciplinary treatment guideline may
      help physicians and allied health care professionals to provide patients with CTS
      with the most effective and efficient treatment available.

PMID- 25128001
TI  - Polymorphisms in estrogen receptors predict the risk of male infertility: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estrogen receptors play an important role in mediating estrogen
      action on target tissues, and the estrogen is relevant to male infertility.
      Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in estrogen receptors may be associated
      with the risk of male infertility. A variety of case control studies have been
      published evaluating this association. However, the accumulated studies have
      shown inconsistent conclusions. METHODS: To further determine the potential
      association between the four common SNPs (rs2234693, rs9340799, rs1256049 and
      rs4986938) in estrogen receptors gene and male infertility, this meta-analysis
      was performed according to the 10 published case control studies. The odds ratio
      (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the strength of the
      associations. RESULTS: It was revealed that the sub-group analysis by the
      ethnicity, for the rs2234693, a significant association in the comparison of CC
      vs. TT (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.40-0.93), CT vs. TT (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.93)
      and CC + CT vs. TT (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49-0.89) in the Asian population with
      male infertility. For rs9340799 polymorphism, increased risks were observed for
      the comparison of AA vs. GG (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.15-2.68) and AA vs. GA + GG (OR
      = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.02-1.88). For rs1256049 polymorphism, the comparison of the GA
      vs. GG (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.00-2.31) and AA + GA vs. GG (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.03
      2.94), also increased risks present in Asian and Caucasian population,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The rs2234693C allele was associated with the
      decreased risk for male infertility; however, the rs9340799AA genotype and the
      rs1256049GA genotype were associated with an increased risk for male infertility.

PMID- 25128002
TI  - Effect of electroacupuncture versus pelvic floor muscle training plus solifenacin
      for moderate and severe mixed urinary incontinence in women: a study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In women with mixed urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle
      training and solifenacin is the recommended conservative treatment, while
      electroacupuncture is a safe, economical and effective option. METHODS/DESIGN: In
      this prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial, five hundred women
      with mixed urinary incontinence, from 10 centers will be randomized to receive
      either electroacupuncture or pelvic floor muscle training plus solifenacin. Women
      in the acupuncture group will receive electroacupuncture for 3 sessions per week,
      over 12 weeks, while women in the control group will receive pelvic floor muscle
      training plus solifenacin (5 mg once daily) for 36 weeks. The primary outcome
      measure is the proportion of change in 72-hour incontinence episode frequency
      from baseline to week 12. The secondary outcome measures include eleven items,
      including proportion of participants with >=50% decrease in average 72-h
      incontinence episode frequency, change from baseline in the amount of urine
      leakage and proportion of change from baseline in 72-h incontinence episode
      frequency in week 25-36, and so forth. Statistical analysis will include
      covariance analysis, nonparametric tests and t tests. DISCUSSION: The objective
      of this trial is to compare the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture versus
      pelvic floor muscle training plus solifenacin in women with moderate and severe
      mixed urinary incontinence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
      NCT02047032.

PMID- 25128004
TI  - Relating therapy for voices (the R2V study): study protocol for a pilot
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence exists for the effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy
      for psychosis with moderate effect sizes, but the evidence for cognitive
      behaviour therapy specifically for distressing voices is less convincing. An
      alternative symptom-based approach may be warranted and a body of literature has
      explored distressing voices from an interpersonal perspective. This literature
      has informed the development of relating therapy and findings from a case series
      suggested that this intervention was acceptable to hearers and therapists.
      METHODS/DESIGN: An external pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing
      outcomes for 15 patients receiving 16 hours (weekly sessions of one hour) of
      relating therapy and their usual treatment with 15 patients receiving only their
      usual treatment. Participants will be assessed using questionnaires at baseline,
      16 weeks (post-intervention), and 36 weeks (follow-up). DISCUSSION: Expected
      outcomes will include a refined study protocol and an estimate of the effect size
      to inform the sample size of a definitive RCT. If evidence from a fully powered
      RCT suggests that relating therapy is effective, the therapy will extend the
      range of evidence-based psychological therapies available to people who hear
      distressing voices. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN
      registration number 44114663. Registered on 13 June 2013.

PMID- 25128003
TI  - Urine YKL-40 is associated with progressive acute kidney injury or death in
      hospitalized patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A translational study in renal transplantation suggested YKL-40, a
      chitinase 3-like-1 gene product, plays an important role in acute kidney injury
      (AKI) and repair, but data are lacking about this protein in urine from native
      human kidneys. METHODS: This is an ancillary study to a single-center,
      prospective observational cohort of patients with clinically-defined AKI
      according to AKI Network serum creatinine criteria. We determined the association
      of YKL -40 >= 5 ng/ml, alone or combined with neutrophil gelatinase-associated
      lipocalin (NGAL), in urine collected on the first day of AKI with a clinically
      important composite outcome (progression to higher AKI stage and/or in-hospital
      death). RESULTS: YKL-40 was detectable in all 249 patients, but urinary
      concentrations were considerably lower than in previously measured deceased-donor
      kidney transplant recipients. Seventy-two patients (29%) progressed or died in
      hospital, and YKL-40 >= 5 ng/ml had an adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence
      interval) for the outcome of 3.4 (1.5-7.7). The addition of YKL-40 to a clinical
      model for predicting the outcome resulted in a continuous net reclassification
      improvement of 29% (P = 0.04). In patients at high risk for the outcome based on
      NGAL concentrations in the upper quartile, YKL-40 further partitioned the cohort
      into moderate-risk and very high-risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: Urine YKL-40 is
      associated with AKI progression and/or death in hospitalized patients and
      improves clinically determined risk reclassification. Combining YKL-40 with other
      AKI biomarkers like NGAL may further delineate progression risk, though
      additional studies are needed to determine whether YKL-40 has general
      applicability and to define its association with longer-term outcomes in AKI.

PMID- 25128005
TI  - The effects of immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulins versus no
      intervention, placebo, or usual care in patients with recurrent miscarriages: a
      protocol for a systematic review with meta-analyses, trial sequential analyses,
      and individual patient data meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recurrent miscarriage is generally defined as three or more
      miscarriages before gestational week 20. Recurrent miscarriage affects 1% of all
      women and the condition can only be explained by parental chromosome
      abnormalities, uterine malformations, or endocrine or thrombophilic disturbances
      to a limited extent. Immunological disturbances are hypothesised to play an
      important role in recurrent miscarriage and, therefore, various types of
      immunologically-based therapies have been tested in recurrent miscarriage
      patients including intravenous immunoglobulins. So far, at least eight randomised
      placebo-controlled trials, with opposing results, investigating intravenous
      immunoglobulins with a total of 324 recurrent miscarriage patients have been
      published. METHODS/DESIGN: We will include randomised clinical trials
      irrespective of publication date, publication type, publication language, and
      publication status investigating infusions with immunoglobulins in relation to
      pregnancy compared to placebo, no intervention, or treatment as usual for
      assessments of benefits and harms. The relevant published literature will be
      searched using the following databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials, Medline, Embase, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and
      Ovid Medline In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations databases. Two review
      authors will independently extract data and assess risk of bias. We will
      undertake meta-analyses according to the recommendations stated in the Cochrane
      Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Further, we will conduct trial
      sequential analyses and individual patient data meta-analyses. DISCUSSION: A
      miscarriage results in great sorrow, loss of life quality, and personal concern.
      In particular, recurrent miscarriage is extremely stressful and burdensome. It
      is, therefore, very important to conduct research in this area. There is
      currently no evidence-based treatment for women with recurrent miscarriage which
      significantly improves their ability to give live birth. Therefore, a
      comprehensive up-to-date systematic review is needed. By using individual patient
      data, it will be possible to provide new knowledge about the benefits and harms
      of intravenous immunoglobulins and try to identify the subgroup in which the
      treatment will have the highest impact.This systematic review protocol was
      registered within the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews
      (PROSPERO) as number CRD42014007112.

PMID- 25128007
TI  - Does intravenous magnesium reduce the need for hospital admission among adult
      patients with acute asthma exacerbations?

PMID- 25128006
TI  - [Sudden cardiac death in individuals with normal hearts: an update].
AB  - Sudden death (SD) is a tragic event and a world-wide health problem. Every year,
      near 4-5 million people experience SD. SD is defined as the death occurred in 1h
      after the onset of symptoms in a person without previous signs of fatality. It
      can be named "recovered SD" when the case received medical attention, cardiac
      reanimation effective defibrillation or both, surviving the fatal arrhythmia.
      Cardiac channelopathies are a group of diseases characterized by abnormal ion
      channel function due to genetic mutations in ion channel genes, providing
      increased susceptibility to develop cardiac arrhythmias and SD. Usually the death
      occurs before 40 years of age and in the autopsy the heart is normal. In this
      review we discuss the main cardiac channelopathies involved in sudden cardiac
      death along with current management of cases and family members that have
      experienced such tragic event.

PMID- 25128008
TI  - Emergency care and the national quality strategy: highlights from the Centers for
      Medicare & Medicaid Services.
AB  - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the US Department of Health
      and Human Services seeks to optimize health outcomes by leading clinical quality
      improvement and health system transformation through a variety of activities,
      including quality measure alignment, prioritization, and implementation. CMS
      manages more than 20 federal quality measurement and public reporting programs
      that cover the gamut of health care providers and facilities, including both
      hospital-based emergency departments (EDs) and individual emergency physicians.
      With more than 130 million annual visits, and as the primary portal of hospital
      admission, US hospital-based EDs deliver a substantial portion of acute care to
      Medicare beneficiaries. Given the position of emergency care across clinical
      conditions and between multiple settings of care, the ED plays a critical role in
      fulfilling all 6 priorities of the National Quality Strategy. We outline current
      CMS initiatives and future opportunities for emergency physicians and EDs to
      effect each of these priorities and help CMS achieve the triple aim of better
      health, better health care, and lower costs. 

PMID- 25128009
TI  - Advancing regulatory science to bring novel medical devices for use in emergency
      care to market: the role of the Food and Drug Administration.
AB  - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) performs regulatory science to provide
      science-based medical product regulatory decisions. This article describes the
      types of scientific research the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health
      performs and highlights specific projects related to medical devices for
      emergency medicine. In addition, this article discusses how results from
      regulatory science are used by the FDA to support the regulatory process as well
      as how the results are communicated to the public. Regulatory science supports
      the FDA's mission to assure safe, effective, and high-quality medical products
      are available to patients. 

PMID- 25128010
TI  - Acute HIV infection and implications of fourth-generation HIV screening in
      emergency departments.

PMID- 25128011
TI  - A cross-sectional retrospective analysis of the regionalization of complex
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system has assigned a
      surgical complexity level to each of its medical centers by specifying
      requirements to perform standard, intermediate or complex surgical procedures. No
      study to similarly describe the patterns of relative surgical complexity among a
      population of United States (U.S) civilian hospitals has been completed. METHODS:
      DESIGN: single year, retrospective, cross-sectional. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: the
      study used Florida Inpatient Discharge Data from short-term acute hospitals for
      calendar year 2009. Two hundred hospitals with 2,542,920 discharges were
      organized into four quartiles (Q 1, 2, 3, 4) based on the number of complex
      procedures per hospital. The VHA surgical complexity matrix was applied to assign
      relative complexity to each procedure. The Clinical Classification Software (CCS)
      system assigned complex procedures to clinically meaningful groups. For outcome
      comparisons, propensity score matching methods adjusted for the surgical
      procedure, age, gender, race, comorbidities, mechanical ventilator use and type
      of admission. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: in-hospital mortality and length-of-stay
      (LOS). RESULTS: Only 5.2% of all inpatient discharges involve a complex
      procedure. The highest volume complex procedure hospitals (Q4) have 49.8% of all
      discharges but 70.1% of all complex procedures. In the 133,436 discharges with a
      primary complex procedure, 374 separate specific procedures are identified, only
      about one third of which are performed in the lowest volume complex procedure
      (Q1) hospitals. Complex operations of the digestive, respiratory, integumentary
      and musculoskeletal systems are the least concentrated and proportionately more
      likely to occur in the lower volume hospitals. Operations of the cardiovascular
      system and certain technology dependent miscellaneous diagnostic and therapeutic
      procedures are the most concentrated in high volume hospitals. Organ transplants
      are only done in Q4 hospitals. There were no significant differences in in
      hospital mortality rates and the longest lengths of stay were found in higher
      volume hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Complex surgery in Florida is effectively
      regionalized so that small volume hospitals operating within the range of complex
      procedures appropriate to their capabilities provide no increased risk of post
      surgical mortality.

PMID- 25128013
TI  - Denosumab for the management of hypercalcemia of malignancy in patients with
      multiple myeloma and renal dysfunction.

PMID- 25128012
TI  - Pumping iron.
AB  - The primary role of the ZIP13 metal transporter in flies is to move iron ions out
      of cells, rather than moving zinc ions into cells, as is the case in human cells.

PMID- 25128014
TI  - The impact of preoperative patient characteristics on the cost-effectiveness of
      total hip replacement: a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To facilitate the discussion on the increasing number of total hip
      replacements (THR) and their effectiveness, we apply a joint evaluation of
      hospital case costs and health outcomes at the patient level to enable
      comparative effectiveness research (CER) based on the preoperative health state.
      METHODS: In 2012, 292 patients from a German orthopedic hospital participated in
      health state evaluation before and 6 months after THR, where health-related
      quality of life (HRQoL) and disease specific pain and dysfunction were analyzed
      using EQ-5D and WOMAC scores. Costs were measured with a patient-based DRG
      costing scheme in a prospective observation of a cohort. Costs per quality
      adjusted life year (QALY) were calculated based on the preoperative WOMAC score,
      as preoperative health states were found to be the best predictors of QALY gains
      in multivariate linear regressions. RESULTS: Mean inpatient costs of THR were
      6,310 Euros for primary replacement and 7,730 Euros for inpatient lifetime costs
      including revisions. QALYs gained using the U.K. population preference-weighted
      index were 5.95. Lifetime costs per QALY were 1,300 Euros. CONCLUSIONS: The WOMAC
      score and the EQ-5D score before operation were the most important predictors of
      QALY gains. The poorer the WOMAC score or the EQ-5D score before operation, the
      higher the patient benefit. Costs per QALY were far below common thresholds in
      all preoperative utility score groups and with all underlying calculation
      methodologies.

PMID- 25128015
TI  - Transcriptome sequencing and analysis of the zoonotic parasite Spirometra
      erinacei spargana (plerocercoids).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although spargana, which are the plerocercoids of Spirometra
      erinacei, are of biological and clinical importance, expressed sequence tags
      (ESTs) from this parasite have not been explored. To understand molecular and
      biological features of this parasite, sparganum ESTs were examined by large-scale
      EST sequencing and multiple bioinformatics tools. METHODS: Total RNA was isolated
      from spargana and then ESTs were generated, assembled and sequenced. Many
      biological aspects of spargana were investigated using multi-step bioinformatics
      tools. RESULTS: A total of 5,634 ESTs were collected from spargana. After
      clustering and assembly, the functions of 1,794 Sparganum Assembled ESTs (SpAEs)
      including 934 contigs and 860 singletons were analyzed. A total of 1,351 (75%)
      SpAEs were annotated using a hybrid of BLASTX and InterProScan. Of these genes,
      1,041 (58%) SpAEs had high similarity to tapeworms. In the context of the biology
      of sparganum, our analyses reveal: (i) a highly expressed fibronectin 1, a
      ubiquitous and abundant glycoprotein; (ii) up-regulation of enzymes related with
      glycolysis pathway; (iii) most frequent domains of protein kinase and RNA
      recognition motif domain; (iv) a set of helminth-parasitic and spargana-specific
      genes that may offer a number of antigen candidates. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      transcriptomic analysis of S. erinacei spargana demonstrates biological aspects
      of a parasite that invades and travels through subcutaneous tissue in
      intermediate hosts. Future studies should include comparative analyses using
      combinations of transcriptome and proteome data collected from the entire life
      cycle of S. erinacei.

PMID- 25128016
TI  - Recombinant activated factor VIIa to treat refractory lower gastrointestinal
      hemorrhage in a patient with recently implanted mechanical valve: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bleeding is a common complication after cardiac surgery. However,
      lower gastrointestinal bleeding is not usually associated with this type of
      surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old man with a history of aortic
      regurgitation underwent elective mechanical valve replacement under
      cardiopulmonary bypass. He experienced a complicated intraoperative course
      involving unexplained cardiac arrest following induction of anesthesia. He also
      developed two episodes of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to
      mucosal ischemia while convalescing in the cardiothoracic surgery intensive care
      unit. After unsuccessful attempts to control the bleeding, exhaustion of blood
      products, and consideration of the high risk of mortality associated with surgery
      and the possibility of early- and long-term surgical complications, the decision
      was made to administer two successive doses of recombinant activated factor VII
      at 60 mcg/kg. Hemostasis was achieved without adverse systemic or valvular
      effects. CONCLUSIONS: A favorable outcome was achieved after administration of
      recombinant activated factor VII, which controlled the patient's severe lower
      gastrointestinal bleeding. This outcome suggests the need to raise awareness
      about the use of this drug in dire circumstances when other conventional measures
      fail or are unsuitable.

PMID- 25128018
TI  - Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in an 86 year old woman.

PMID- 25128017
TI  - HiChIP: a high-throughput pipeline for integrative analysis of ChIP-Seq data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by next-generation
      sequencing (ChIP-Seq) has been widely used to identify genomic loci of
      transcription factor (TF) binding and histone modifications. ChIP-Seq data
      analysis involves multiple steps from read mapping and peak calling to data
      integration and interpretation. It remains challenging and time-consuming to
      process large amounts of ChIP-Seq data derived from different antibodies or
      experimental designs using the same approach. To address this challenge, there is
      a need for a comprehensive analysis pipeline with flexible settings to accelerate
      the utilization of this powerful technology in epigenetics research. RESULTS: We
      have developed a highly integrative pipeline, termed HiChIP for systematic
      analysis of ChIP-Seq data. HiChIP incorporates several open source software
      packages selected based on internal assessments and published comparisons. It
      also includes a set of tools developed in-house. This workflow enables the
      analysis of both paired-end and single-end ChIP-Seq reads, with or without
      replicates for the characterization and annotation of both punctate and diffuse
      binding sites. The main functionality of HiChIP includes: (a) read quality
      checking; (b) read mapping and filtering; (c) peak calling and peak consistency
      analysis; and (d) result visualization. In addition, this pipeline contains
      modules for generating binding profiles over selected genomic features, de novo
      motif finding from transcription factor (TF) binding sites and functional
      annotation of peak associated genes. CONCLUSIONS: HiChIP is a comprehensive
      analysis pipeline that can be configured to analyze ChIP-Seq data derived from
      varying antibodies and experiment designs. Using public ChIP-Seq data we
      demonstrate that HiChIP is a fast and reliable pipeline for processing large
      amounts of ChIP-Seq data.

PMID- 25128020
TI  - Monolithic superelastic rods with variable flexural stiffness for spinal fusion:
      modeling of the processing-properties relationship.
AB  - The concept of a monolithic Ti-Ni spinal rod with variable flexural stiffness is
      proposed to reduce the risks associated with spinal fusion. The variable
      stiffness is conferred to the rod using the Joule-heating local annealing
      technique. The annealing temperature and the mechanical properties' distributions
      resulted from this thermal treatment are numerically modeled and experimentally
      measured. To illustrate the possible applications of such a modeling approach,
      two case studies are presented: (a) optimization of the Joule-heating strategy to
      reduce annealing time, and (b) modulation of the rod's overall flexural stiffness
      using partial annealing. A numerical model of a human spine coupled with the
      model of the variable flexural stiffness spinal rod developed in this work can
      ultimately be used to maximize the stabilization capability of spinal
      instrumentation, while simultaneously decreasing the risks associated with spinal
      fusion. 

PMID- 25128019
TI  - The cytokines within the carotid plaque in symptomatic patients with internal
      carotid artery stenosis.
AB  - The aim of the study was the evaluation of the inflammatory cytokines within
      atheromatic carotid plaque. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiment was carried out
      on 100 symptomatic patients with internal carotid artery stenosis that underwent
      carotid endarterectomy. Every patient had the wall of the carotid artery resected
      during organ harvesting surgery in order to evaluate some cytokines (TGF-beta,
      VEGF, FGF, TNF-alpha) and to perform the immunohistochemistry (IHC). An
      immunoreactive score (IRS) was calculated based on the staining intensity and the
      number of cells stained. Over a 3-year period, 7 patients died, and 2 patients
      were lost to follow-up. The study group consisted of 91 patients. The control
      group comprised 20 young organ donors with confirmed death brain, who had their
      normal carotid artery sampled. RESULTS: In all healthy donors (control group)
      with normal carotid arteries the three cytokines (TGF-beta, VEGF, TNF-alpha) were
      not discovered. The presence of FGF was confirmed in 25% of healthy donors,
      probably due to an intima fibroblasts activity, responsible for the synthesis of
      elastin and collagen to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Only three cytokines (TGF
      beta, FGF, TNF-alpha) were found within atheromatous plaques (study group).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our research confirmed that these factors may accelerate the
      development of atheromatic plaque and its destabilisation.

PMID- 25128021
TI  - "You need to take care of it like you take care of your soul": perceptions and
      behaviours related to mosquito net damage, care, and repair in Senegal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Net care and repair behaviours are essential for prolonging the
      durability of long-lasting insecticidal nets. Increased net durability has
      implications for protection against malaria as well as cost savings from less
      frequent net distributions. This study investigated behaviours and motivations
      for net care and repair behaviours in Senegal with the aim of informing social
      and behaviour change communication (SBCC) programmes, using the Health Belief
      Model as a framework. METHODS: Data were collected from 114 participants in eight
      regions of Senegal. Participants were eligible for the study if they were at
      least 18 years old and if their household owned at least one net. These
      respondents included 56 in-depth interview respondents and eight focus groups
      with 58 participants. In addition, the qualitative data were supplemented with
      observational questionnaire data from a total of 556 sleeping spaces. Of these
      spaces, 394 had an associated net. RESULTS: Reported net care and repair
      behaviours and motivations varied substantially within this sample. Children and
      improper handling were seen as major sources of net damage and respondents often
      tried to prevent damage by storing nets when not in use. Washing was seen as an
      additional method of care, but practices for washing varied and may have been
      damaging to nets in some cases. Participants mentioned a sense of pride of having
      a net in good condition and the uncertainty around when they could expect another
      net distribution as motivations for net care. Net repair appeared to be a less
      common behaviour and was limited by the perspective that net degradation was
      inevitable and that repairs themselves could weaken nets. CONCLUSION: These
      findings can be understood using the Health Belief Model framework of perceived
      severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, perceived benefits, self
      efficacy, and cues to action. This model can guide SBCC messages surrounding net
      care and repair to promote practices associated with net longevity. Such messages
      should promote the benefits of intact nets and provide tools for overcoming
      barriers to care and repair.

PMID- 25128022
TI  - Citrate anticoagulation versus systemic heparinisation in continuous venovenous
      hemofiltration in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a multi
      center randomized clinical trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Because of ongoing controversy, renal and vital outcomes are
      compared between systemically administered unfractionated heparin and regional
      anticoagulation with citrate-buffered replacement solution in predilution mode,
      during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) in critically ill patients
      with acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: In this multi-center randomized
      controlled trial, patients admitted to the intensive care unit requiring CVVH and
      meeting inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to citrate or heparin. Primary
      endpoints were mortality and renal outcome in intention-to-treat analysis.
      Secondary endpoints were safety and efficacy. Safety was defined as absence of
      any adverse event necessitating discontinuation of the assigned anticoagulant.
      For efficacy, among other parameters, survival times of the first hemofilter were
      studied. RESULTS: Of the 139 patients enrolled, 66 were randomized to citrate and
      73 to heparin. Mortality rates at 28 and 90 days did not differ between groups:
      22/66 (33%) of citrate-treated patients died versus 25/72 (35%) of heparin
      treated patients at 28 days, and 27/65 (42%) of citrate-treated patients died
      versus 29/69 (42%) of heparin-treated patients at 90 days (P = 1.00 for both).
      Renal outcome, i.e. independency of renal replacement therapy 28 days after
      initiation of CVVH in surviving patients, did not differ between groups: 29/43
      (67%) in the citrate-treated patients versus 33/47 (70%) in heparin-treated
      patients (P = 0.82). Heparin was discontinued in 24/73 (33%) of patients whereas
      citrate was discontinued in 5/66 (8%) of patients (P < 0.001). Filter survival
      times were superior for citrate (median 46 versus 32 hours, P = 0.02), as were
      the number of filters used (P = 0.002) and the off time within 72 hours (P =
      0.002). The costs during the first 72 hours of prescribed CVVH were lower in
      citrate-based CVVH. CONCLUSIONS: Renal outcome and patient mortality were similar
      for citrate and heparin anticoagulation during CVVH in the critically ill patient
      with AKI. However, citrate was superior in terms of safety, efficacy and costs.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00209378. Registered 13th September
      2005.

PMID- 25128023
TI  - A longitudinal study investigating quality of life and nutritional outcomes in
      advanced cancer patients receiving home parenteral nutrition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In cancer patients where gastrointestinal function is marginal and
      malnutrition significant enough to result in the requirement for intensive
      nutrition support, parenteral nutrition (PN) is indicated. This longitudinal
      study examined the quality of life (QoL) and nutritional outcomes in advanced
      cancer patients receiving home PN (HPN). METHODS: Fifty-two adult cancer patients
      (21 males, 31 females, average age 53 years) treated at a specialized cancer
      facility between April 2009 and November 2011 met criteria. QoL and nutritional
      status were measured at baseline and every month while on HPN using EORTC-QLQ
      C30, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA).
      Repeated measures ANOVA and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to
      evaluate longitudinal changes in QoL and SGA. RESULTS: Cancer diagnoses included
      pancreatic (n = 14), colorectal (n = 11), ovarian (n = 6), appendix (n = 5),
      stomach (n = 4) and others (n = 12). Average weight loss 6-months prior to HPN
      was 13.2 kg (16.9%). Average weight at initiation of HPN was 62.2 kg. In patients
      with available follow-up data after 1 month (n = 39), there was a significant
      improvement in SGA, weight (61.5 to 63.1 kg; p = 0.03) and KPS (61.6 to 67.3; p =
      0.01) from baseline. Similarly, after 2 months (n = 22), there was an improvement
      in global QoL (37.1 to 49.2; p = 0.02), SGA, weight (57.6 to 60 kg; p = 0.04) and
      KPS (63.2 to 73.2; p = 0.01) from baseline. Finally, after 3 months (n = 15),
      there was an improvement in global QoL (30.6 to 54.4; p = 0.02), SGA, weight
      (61.1 to 65.9 kg; p = 0.04) and KPS (64.0 to 78.7; p = 0.002) from baseline. Upon
      GEE analysis, every 1 month of HPN was associated with an increase of 6.3 points
      in global QoL (p<0.001), 1.3 kg in weight (p = 0.009) and 5.8 points in KPS
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HPN is associated with an improvement in QoL, KPS and
      nutritional status in advanced cancer patients, irrespective of their tumor type,
      who have compromised enteral intake and malnutrition. The greatest benefit was
      seen in patients with 3 months of HPN, although patients receiving HPN for 1 or 2
      months also demonstrated significant improvements.

PMID- 25128024
TI  - The association between air pollutants and morbidity for diabetes and liver
      diseases modified by sexes, ages, and seasons in Tianjin, China.
AB  - With the generalized linear model and natural splines (ns), we examined the
      association between outdoor air pollutants and daily morbidity for diabetes and
      liver disease stratified by sexes and ages based on 4 years of daily data (2008
      2011) in Tianjin, China. Season effects of air pollutants including particulate
      matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were also
      investigated. An increase of 10 MUg/m(3) in a 2-day average concentrations of
      particulate matter with diameters of 10 MUm or less (PM10), SO2, and NO2
      corresponds to increases in diabetes morbidity of 0.39 % (95 % confidence
      interval (CI), -0.42-1.12), 0.15 % (95 % CI, -0.25-0.54), and 1.22 % (95 % CI,
      0.51-2.96), respectively. As for liver morbidity, the increases were -0.84 % (95
      % CI, -2.33-0.62), 0.90 % (95 % CI, 0.50-1.74), and 1.10 % (95 % CI, -2.58-4.78),
      respectively. The effects were stronger in the cool season than those in the warm
      season; females and the elderly were generally more vulnerable to outdoor air
      pollution. This study possesses scientific implications and instructional
      significance for local environmental standards and medical policymaking.

PMID- 25128025
TI  - Enhanced amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein and cell death
      under prolonged endoplasmic reticulum stress in brain endothelial cells.
AB  - Cerebral amyloid angiopathy resulting from the deposition of misfolded amyloid
      beta (Abeta) peptide in the walls of brain's blood vessels is exhibited by the
      majority of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, suggesting that alterations in
      protein quality control contribute to AD-associated vascular dysfunction. The
      present work addressed the role of ER stress in the amyloidogenic amyloid
      precursor protein (APP) processing and subsequent Abeta generation in brain
      endothelial cells (ECs). For that purpose, the RBE4 cell line was exposed to the
      classical ER stressors thapsigargin or brefeldin A to mimic the altered ER
      homeostasis observed in AD. In treated cells, an increase in the levels of
      markers of ER stress (XBP1 and GRP78) and of the ER stress-induced apoptotic
      pathway (caspase-12, JNK, and CHOP) was observed concomitantly with the
      accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Under these conditions, a significant ER
      to-mitochondria Ca(2+) transfer was also found, which culminated in mitochondrial
      Ca(2+) overload and activation of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, it
      was showed that prolonged ER stress induces intracellular APP accumulation, which
      colocalizes with the ER chaperone GRP78, and activation of beta-secretase,
      leading to increased intracellular Abeta levels, together with a decrease in
      secreted Abeta. Finally, it was demonstrated that ER stress-induced changes in
      Abeta levels and apoptotic cell death can be ameliorated by a blocker of the
      mitochondrial Bax channel. These observations suggest that chronic ER stress
      triggers APP accumulation in early comportments along the secretory pathway in
      brain ECs and increases its amyloidogenic processing and Abeta generation leading
      to apoptotic cell death.

PMID- 25128026
TI  - Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Deficiency or Inhibition Attenuates MPTP-Induced
      Parkinsonism.
AB  - Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibition has been demonstrated to have
      beneficial effects on various diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and brain
      ischemia. However, whether sEH inhibition has therapeutic potential in
      Parkinson's disease is still unknown. In this paper, we found that sEH expression
      is increased in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro pyridine (MPTP)-treated
      mice, and sEH deficiency and inhibition significantly attenuated tyrosine
      hydroxylase (TH)-positive cell loss and improved rotarod performance. The
      substrate of sEH, 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET), protected TH
      positive cells and alleviated the rotarod performance deficits of wild-type mice
      but not sEH-knockout mice. Moreover, the 14,15-EET antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa
      5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE) abolished the neuronal protective effects of sEH
      deficiency. In primary cultured cortical neurons, MPP(+) induced significant Akt
      inactivation in neurons from sEH wild-type mice, and this effect was not observed
      in neurons from knockout mice. Our data indicate that sEH deficiency and
      inhibition increased 14,15-EET in MPTP-treated mice, which activated the Akt
      mediated protection of TH-positive neurons and behavioral functioning. We also
      found that sEH deficiency attenuated TH-positive cell loss in a paraquat-induced
      mouse model of Parkinson's. Our data suggest that sEH inhibition might be a
      powerful tool to protect dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. 

PMID- 25128027
TI  - Attenuated Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction by XQ-1H Following Ischemic Stroke in
      Hyperlipidemic Rats.
AB  - Following ischemic stroke, blood-brain barrier (BBB) is disrupted and is further
      aggravated with the corresponding incidence of hyperlipidemia. BBB breakdown
      promotes inflammation infiltration into the brain, which exacerbates cerebral
      ischemic injury as a result. Here, we report that 10-O-(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)
      ginkgolide B methanesulfonate (XQ-1H), a novel analog of ginkgolide B, alleviates
      BBB breakdown in hyperlipidemic rats and protects endothelial cells against
      inflammatory response. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) modeled ischemic
      stroke in rats. Before surgery, these rats were fed a cholesterol-rich diet to
      induce an experimental hyperlipidemic condition. Additionally, lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) incubation with rat brain microvessel endothelial cells (rBMECs) was
      applied to mimic hyperlipidemia-induced inflammatory injury of BBB. The results
      indicated more severe infarct size, increased BBB permeability, excessive
      secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and exaggerated inflammation
      infiltration of the brain in hyperlipidemic rats following MCAO when compared to
      rats fed with normal diet. XQ-1H protected BBB integrity, lessoned brain edema
      and inflammation penetration, downregulated MMP-9 and VCMA-1 expressions, and
      extenuated ischemic infarction. XQ-1H alleviated LPS-induced inflammatory
      response in rBMECs, characterized by promoting cell viability, inhibiting TNF
      alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 releasing, and downregulating NF-kappaB inflammatory
      signal and downstream proteins, such as VCAM-1 and iNOS. In conclusion, the
      present study shows that XQ-1H stabilizes BBB function following ischemic stroke
      in hyperlipidemic rats, and the possible mechanisms may be related to
      inflammation inhibition. 

PMID- 25128028
TI  - AP-1/sigma1B-Dependent SV Protein Recycling Is Regulated in Early Endosomes and
      Is Coupled to AP-2 Endocytosis.
AB  - Adaptor protein (AP)-1/sigma1B(-/-) mice have reduced synaptic-vesicle (SV)
      recycling and increased endosomes. Mutant mice have impaired spatial memory, and
      sigma1B-deficient humans have a severe mental retardation. In order to define
      these sigma1B(-/-) 'bulk' endosomes and to determine their functions in SV
      recycling, we developed a protocol to separate them from the majority of the
      neuronal endosomes. The sigma1B(-/-) 'bulk' endosomes proved to be classic early
      endosomes with an increase in the phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate
      (PI-3-P), which recruits proteins mediating protein sorting out of early
      endosomes into different routes. sigma1B deficiency induced alterations in the
      endosomal proteome reveals two major functions: SV protein storage and sorting
      into endolysosomes. Alternative endosomal recycling pathways are not up
      regulated, but certain SV proteins are misrouted. Tetraspanins are enriched in
      sigma1B(-/-) synaptosomes, but not in their endosomes or in their clathrin-coated
      vesicles (CCVs), indicating AP-1/sigma1B-dependent sorting. Synapses contain also
      more AP-2 CCV, although it is expected that they contain less due to reduced SV
      recycling. Coat composition of these AP-2 CCVs is altered, and thus, they
      represent a subpopulation of AP-2 CCVs. Association of calmodulin-dependent
      protein kinase (CaMK)-IIalpha, -delta and casein kinase (CK)-IIalpha with the
      endosome/SV pool is altered, as well as 14-3-3eta, indicating changes in specific
      signalling pathways regulating synaptic plasticity. The accumulation of early
      endosomes and endocytotic AP-2 CCV indicates the regulation of SV recycling via
      early endosomes by the interdependent regulation of AP-2-mediated endocytosis and
      AP-1/sigma1B-mediated SV reformation. 

PMID- 25128029
TI  - Memory Impairment in Estrogen Receptor alpha Knockout Mice Through Accumulation
      of Amyloid-beta Peptides.
AB  - Estrogen has been known to reduce the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      However, exact mechanisms are not clear. We investigated whether estrogen can
      increase amyloid-beta (Abeta) degradation and affects Abeta-induced memory
      impairment in an estrogen deficiency model. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)
      knockout mice and wild-type mice were intracerebroventricular (ICV) infused with
      Abeta (300 pmol) for 2 weeks. Cognitive function was then assessed by the Morris
      water maze test and passive avoidance test. In addition, Western blot analysis,
      immunostaining, immunofluorescence staining, ELISA, and enzyme activity assays
      were used to examine the degree of Abeta deposition in the brains of ERalpha
      knockout mice. In our present study, Abeta was accumulated more in the ERalpha
      knockout mice brain and greatly worsened memory impairment and glial activation
      as well as neurogenic inflammation. These results suggest that estrogen may
      protect memory impairment by stimulating the degradation of Abeta and down
      regulate neurogenic inflammation as well as amyloidogenesis.

PMID- 25128032
TI  - Re: risk factors for umbilical trocar site incisional hernia in laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy: a prospective 3-year follow-up study.

PMID- 25128031
TI  - Plants and microbes assisted selenium nanoparticles: characterization and
      application.
AB  - Selenium is an essential trace element and is an essential component of many
      enzymes without which they become inactive. The Se nanoparticles of varying shape
      and size may be synthesized from Se salts especially selenite and selenates in
      presence of reducing agents such as proteins, phenols, alcohols and amines. These
      biomolecules can be used to reduce Se salts in vitro but the byproducts released
      in the environment may be hazardous to flora and fauna. In this review,
      therefore, we analysed in depth, the biogenic synthesis of Se nanoparticles,
      their characterization and transformation into t- Se, m-Se, Se-nanoballs, Se
      nanowires and Se-hollow spheres in an innocuous way preventing the environment
      from pollution. Their shape, size, FTIR, UV-vis, Raman spectra, SEM, TEM images
      and XRD pattern have been analysed. The weak forces involved in aggregation and
      transformation of one nano structure into the other have been carefully resolved.

PMID- 25128033
TI  - Difference of the associations between self-rated health and demographic
      characteristics, lifestyle, and psychosocial work environment between two types
      of Chinese worksite.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although studies of self-rated health (SRH) are conducted widely in
      developed countries, comprehensive assessments of the determinants of SRH in
      Chinese are scarce, particularly for working Chinese individuals. Determinants of
      SRH might differ among worksites based on differences in the nature and stress
      associated with different jobs, work intensity, and the lifestyles of employees.
      METHODS: Two thousand and forty questionnaires that addressed SRH, demographic
      characteristics, lifestyle, and the psychosocial work environment were
      administered to employees at two worksites. A total of 1644 subjects provided
      complete data for analysis (80.6% response rate). RESULTS: Participants from
      government departments had significantly better SRH than did those from high-tech
      enterprises (61.1% vs. 67.5%, respectively). Lifestyles were significantly less
      healthy at government departments compared with high-tech enterprises, whereas
      the psychosocial work environment was better. The results of unadjusted and
      adjusted models revealed differences between the potential health-influencing
      factors of participants based on their type of worksite. In logistic regression
      models, gender was strongly associated with SRH in all participants, whereas
      length of service was correlated with SRH only in participants from high-tech
      enterprises. In high-tech enterprises, good SRH was less common in physically
      inactive subjects vs. physically active participants (OR = 0.561). In government
      departments, passive smoking was negatively associated with SRH significantly.
      Social capital (OR = 1.073) and job control (OR = 1.550) were positively
      correlated with SRH in high-tech enterprises. Job control was the only
      psychosocial factor significantly associated with SRH in government departments.
      CONCLUSIONS: Participants from different types of worksite reported different
      SRH, healthy lifestyles, and psychosocial work environments. Moreover, the
      association between SRH and demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and the
      psychosocial work environment significantly differed by type of worksite.

PMID- 25128030
TI  - Protective Effect of a cAMP Analogue on Behavioral Deficits and Neuropathological
      Changes in Cuprizone Model of Demyelination.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease that leads to
      neuronal cell loss. Cyclic AMP and its analogs are well known to decrease
      inflammation and apoptosis. In the present study, we examined the effects of
      bucladesine, a cell-permeable analogue of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP),
      on myelin proteins (PLP, PMP-22), inflammation, and apoptotic, as well as anti
      apoptotic factors in cuprizone model of demyelination. C57BL/6J mice were fed
      with chow containing 0.2% copper chelator cuprizone or vehicle by daily oral
      gavage for 5 weeks to induce reversible demyelination predominantly of the corpus
      callosum. Bucladesine was administered intraperitoneally at different doses
      (0.24, 0.48, or 0.7 MUg/kg body weight) during the last 7 days of 5-week
      cuprizone treatment. Bucladesine exhibited a protective effect on myelination.
      Furthermore, bucladesine significantly decreased the production of interleukin-6
      pro-inflammatory mediator as well as nuclear factor-kappaB activation and reduced
      the mean number of apoptotic cells compared to cuprizone-treated mice.
      Bucladesine also decreased production of caspase-3 as well as Bax and increased
      Bcl-2 levels. Our data revealed that enhancement of intracellular cAMP prevents
      demyelination and plays anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in mice
      cuprizone model of demyelination. This suggests the modulation of intracellular
      cAMP as a potential target for treatment of MS.

PMID- 25128034
TI  - Spatial epidemiology of dry eye disease: findings from South Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DED rate maps from diverse regions may allow us to understand world
      wide spreading pattern of the disease. Only few studies compared the prevalence
      of DED between geographical regions in non-spatial context. Therefore, we
      examined the spatial epidemiological pattern of DED prevalence in South Korea
      using a nationally representative sample. METHODS: We analyzed 16,431 Korean
      adults aged 30 years or older of the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey. DED was defined as previously diagnosed by an ophthalmologist
      as well as symptoms experienced. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used
      to assess the spatial pattern in the prevalence of DED, and effects of
      environmental factors. RESULTS: Among seven metropolitan cities and nine
      provinces, three metropolitan cities located in the southeast of Korea revealed
      the highest prevalence of DED. After adjusting for sex, age and survey year,
      people living in urban areas had higher risk of having DED. Adjusted odds ratio
      for having previously diagnosed DED was 1.677 (95% CI 1.299-2.166) for
      metropolitan cities and 1.580 (95% CI 1.215-2.055) for other cities compared to
      rural areas. Corresponding odds ratio for presenting DED symptoms was 1.388 (95%
      CI 1.090-1.766) for metropolitan cities and 1.271 (95% CI 0.999-1.617) for other
      cities. Lower humidity and longer sunshine duration were significantly associated
      with DED. Among air pollutants, SO2 was associated with DED, while NO2, O3, CO,
      and PM10 were not. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that prevalence of DED can be
      affected by the degree of urbanization and environmental factors such as humidity
      and sunshine duration.

PMID- 25128036
TI  - Use of FRAX as a determinant for risk-based osteoporosis screening may decrease
      unnecessary testing while improving the odds of identifying treatment candidates.
AB  - PURPOSE: We have assessed the hypothetical impact of guideline-concordant
      osteoporosis screening on baseline behaviors utilizing two different guidelines
      and determined the relative ability of each to identify osteoporosis treatment
      candidates. METHODS: We conducted secondary analyses from the Fracture Risk
      Perception Study, which enrolled patients aged 50 to 75 years to complete
      questionnaires about their bone health. We determined our baseline screening
      rates and detection of treatment candidates and then assessed the hypothetical
      impact of adherence to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and National
      Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) criteria, particularly for women aged 50 to 64.
      RESULTS: Of 144 women aged 50 to 64 years screened, 14 (9.7%) were treatment
      candidates. Screening based on identification of one or more risks (NOF) would
      lead to testing of 102 of the 144 patients (71%) to identify 12 of 14 treatment
      candidates (86%). Applying USPSTF criteria (9.3% FRAX threshold) would test 45 of
      the same 144 women (31%) to identify 11 of 14 treatment candidates (79%). NOF
      risk-based criteria would result in a moderate absolute screening rate reduction
      (16%, p = .0011; 95% CI, 7%-25%), but only marginal improvement in identifying
      treatment candidates (odds ratio, 2.67; 95% CI, 0.57-12.47). Applying the more
      selective USPSTF criteria greatly reduced unnecessary testing (56% absolute
      screening rate reduction; p < .0001; 95% CI, 47%-64%) while further improving the
      odds of identifying treatment candidates (odds ratio, 10.35; 95% CI, 2.72-39.35).
      CONCLUSIONS: When contemplating screening younger patients, systematic
      calculation of FRAX and ordering only when the 9.3% fracture risk threshold is
      reached may decrease unnecessary screening for many women while still identifying
      appropriate osteoporosis treatment candidates.

PMID- 25128037
TI  - Making the most of the Affordable Care Act's contraceptive coverage mandate for
      privately-insured women.

PMID- 25128035
TI  - "When you get old like this ... you don't run those risks anymore": influence of
      age on sexual risk behaviors and condom use attitudes among methamphetamine-using
      heterosexual women with a history of partner violence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug use and partner violence affect older women, yet few studies
      highlight age-specific HIV risks and prevention strategies. This study compares
      sexual risk behaviors, condom use attitudes, and HIV knowledge between
      midlife/older women (ages 45+) and younger women (ages 18-44) reporting
      methamphetamine use and partner violence in San Diego, California. METHODS: Our
      mixed methods study used themes from a qualitative substudy (n = 18) to inform
      logistic regression analysis of baseline data from an HIV behavioral intervention
      trial (n = 154). FINDINGS: Age-related qualitative themes included physiologic
      determinants, HIV knowledge, and "dodging the bullet," referring to a lifetime of
      uncertainty surrounding HIV serostatus after engaging in unsafe drug and sex
      practices. Midlife/older age was associated with never being married (24.2% vs.
      51.2; p = .03), having less than a high school education/GED (12.1% vs. 34.7%; p
      = .04), lower condom use self-efficacy (2.87 vs. 3.19; p = .03), lower positive
      outcome expectancies (1.9 vs. 2.1; p = .04), and lower HIV knowledge (85.3% vs.
      89.7%; p = .04); however, sexual risk behaviors were not associated with age
      group. In the multivariate analysis, midlife/older age remained independently
      associated with lower condom use self-efficacy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.49; 95%
      CI, 0.27-0.87) and lower HIV knowledge (adjusted odds ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93
      0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Midlife/older methamphetamine-using women with experiences of
      partner violence present similar sexual risk profiles, but possess different HIV
      related knowledge and attitudes toward prevention methods compared with their
      younger counterparts. Clinicians and public health practitioners can have a
      positive impact on this overlooked population by assessing HIV risks during
      routine screenings, encouraging HIV testing, and providing age-appropriate HIV
      prevention education.

PMID- 25128039
TI  - Guidelines, training, audit, and quality standards in children's epilepsy
      services: closing the loop.
AB  - There has been considerable evolution in epilepsy healthcare for children over
      the last decade in the United Kingdom. There has been no single explanation for
      this. The development of national clinical guidelines, locally delivered but
      nationally designed educational programmes, nation-wide clinical audit, clinical
      networks and development of designated services have all had complimentary roles
      in enabling the implementation of national recommendations for the development of
      epilepsy care. These models may be applicable to other healthcare settings
      outside the UK. 

PMID- 25128040
TI  - Review of the Task Force Report on PRO data collection in clinical trials using
      mixed modes.

PMID- 25128038
TI  - Racial/Ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities of cervical cancer
      advanced-stage diagnosis in Texas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advanced-stage diagnosis is among the primary causes of mortality
      among cervical cancer patients. With the wide use of Pap smear screening,
      cervical cancer advanced-stage diagnosis rates have decreased. However,
      disparities of advanced-stage diagnosis persist among different population
      groups. A challenging task in cervical cancer disparity reduction is to identify
      where underserved population groups are. METHODS: Based on cervical cancer
      incidence data between 1995 and 2008, this study investigated advanced-stage
      cervical cancer disparities in Texas from three social domains: Race/ethnicity,
      socioeconomic status (SES), and geographic location. Effects of individual and
      contextual factors, including age, tumor grade, race/ethnicity, as well as
      contextual SES, spatial access to health care, sociocultural factors, percentage
      of African Americans, and insurance expenditures, on these disparities were
      examined using multilevel logistic regressions. FINDINGS: Significant variations
      by race/ethnicity and SES were found in cervical cancer advanced-stage diagnosis.
      We also found a decline in racial/ethnic disparities of advanced cervical cancer
      diagnosis rate from 1995 to 2008. However, the progress was slower among African
      Americans than Hispanics. Geographic disparities could be explained by age,
      race/ethnicity, SES, and the percentage of African Americans in a census tract.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings have important implications for developing effective
      cervical cancer screening and control programs. We identified the location of
      underserved populations who need the most assistance with cervical cancer
      screening. Cervical cancer intervention programs should target Hispanics and
      African Americans, as well as individuals from communities with lower SES in
      geographic areas where higher advanced-stage diagnosis rates were identified in
      this study.

PMID- 25128041
TI  - NICE's selective application of differential discounting: ambiguous,
      inconsistent, and unjustified.
AB  - The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recently
      recommended differential discounting of costs and health effects in the economic
      appraisal of health care interventions in certain circumstances. The
      recommendation was published in an amendment to NICE's Guide to the Methods of
      Technology Appraisal. The amendment states that differential discounting should
      be applied where "treatment effects are both substantial in restoring health and
      sustained over a very long period (normally at least 30 years)." Renewed interest
      in differential discounting from NICE is welcome; however, the recommendation's
      selective application of differential discounting raises a number of concerns.
      The stated criteria for applying differential discounting are ambiguous. The
      rationale for the selective application of differential discounting has not been
      articulated by NICE and is questionable. The selective application of
      differential discounting leads to several inconsistencies, the most concerning of
      which is the lower valuation of health gains for those with less than 30 years
      remaining life expectancy, which can be interpreted as age discrimination.
      Furthermore, the discount rates chosen by NICE do not appear to be informed by
      recent advances in the theoretical understanding of differential discounting.
      NICE's apparent motivation for recommending differential discounting was to
      ensure a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio for a pediatric oncology drug. While
      flexibility may be appropriate to allow some interventions that exceed
      conventional cost-effectiveness thresholds to be adopted, the selective
      adjustment of appraisal methods is problematic and without justification. 

PMID- 25128042
TI  - The role of economic evaluation in meeting IOM's recommendations on delivering
      high-quality cancer care.

PMID- 25128043
TI  - PRO data collection in clinical trials using mixed modes: report of the ISPOR PRO
      mixed modes good research practices task force.
AB  - The objective of this report was to address the use and mixing of data collection
      modes within and between trials in which patient-reported outcome (PRO) end
      points are intended to be used to support medical product labeling. The report
      first addresses the factors that should be considered when selecting a mode or
      modes of PRO data collection in a clinical trial, which is often when mixing is
      first considered. Next, a summary of how to "faithfully" migrate instruments is
      presented followed by a section on qualitative and quantitative study designs
      used to evaluate measurement equivalence of the new and original modes of data
      collection. Finally, the report discusses a number of issues that must be taken
      into account when mixing modes is deemed necessary or unavoidable within or
      between trials, including considerations of the risk of mixing at different
      levels within a clinical trial program and mixing between different types of
      platforms. In the absence of documented evidence of measurement equivalence, it
      is strongly recommended that a quantitative equivalence study be conducted before
      mixing modes in a trial to ensure that sufficient equivalence can be demonstrated
      to have confidence in pooling PRO data collected by the different modes. However,
      we also strongly discourage the mixing of paper and electronic field-based
      instruments and suggest that mixing of electronic modes be considered for
      clinical trials and only after equivalence has been established. If proceeding
      with mixing modes, it is important to implement data collection carefully in the
      trial itself in a planned manner at the country level or higher and minimize ad
      hoc mixing by sites or individual subjects. Finally, when mixing occurs, it must
      be addressed in the statistical analysis plan for the trial and the ability to
      pool the data must be evaluated to then evaluate treatment effects with mixed
      modes data. A successful mixed modes trial requires a "faithful migration,"
      measurement equivalence established between modes, and carefully planned
      implementation to minimize the risk of increased measurement error impacting the
      power of the trial to detect a treatment effect. 

PMID- 25128044
TI  - An economic evaluation of salt reduction policies to reduce coronary heart
      disease in England: a policy modeling study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Dietary salt intake has been causally linked to high blood pressure
      and increased risk of cardiovascular events. Cardiovascular disease causes
      approximately 35% of total UK deaths, at an estimated annual cost of L30 billion.
      The World Health Organization and the National Institute for Health and Care
      Excellence have recommended a reduction in the intake of salt in people's diets.
      This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of four population health policies to
      reduce dietary salt intake on an English population to prevent coronary heart
      disease (CHD). METHODS: The validated IMPACT CHD model was used to quantify and
      compare four policies: 1) Change4Life health promotion campaign, 2) front-of-pack
      traffic light labeling to display salt content, 3) Food Standards Agency working
      with the food industry to reduce salt (voluntary), and 4) mandatory reformulation
      to reduce salt in processed foods. The effectiveness of these policies in
      reducing salt intake, and hence blood pressure, was determined by systematic
      literature review. The model calculated the reduction in mortality associated
      with each policy, quantified as life-years gained over 10 years. Policy costs
      were calculated using evidence from published sources. Health care costs for
      specific CHD patient groups were estimated. Costs were compared against a "do
      nothing" baseline. RESULTS: All policies resulted in a life-year gain over the
      baseline. Change4life and labeling each gained approximately 1960 life-years,
      voluntary reformulation 14,560 life-years, and mandatory reformulation 19,320
      life-years. Each policy appeared cost saving, with mandatory reformulation
      offering the largest cost saving, more than L660 million. CONCLUSIONS: All
      policies to reduce dietary salt intake could gain life-years and reduce health
      care expenditure on coronary heart disease.

PMID- 25128045
TI  - Cost-effectiveness models for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: cross-model
      comparison of hypothetical treatment scenarios.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare different chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      cost-effectiveness models with respect to structure and input parameters and to
      cross-validate the models by running the same hypothetical treatment scenarios.
      METHODS: COPD modeling groups simulated four hypothetical interventions with
      their model and compared the results with a reference scenario of no
      intervention. The four interventions modeled assumed 1) 20% reduction in decline
      in lung function, 2) 25% reduction in exacerbation frequency, 3) 10% reduction in
      all-cause mortality, and 4) all these effects combined. The interventions were
      simulated for a 5-year and lifetime horizon with standardization, if possible,
      for sex, age, COPD severity, smoking status, exacerbation frequencies, mortality
      due to other causes, utilities, costs, and discount rates. Furthermore,
      uncertainty around the outcomes of intervention four was compared. RESULTS: Seven
      out of nine contacted COPD modeling groups agreed to participate. The 5-year
      incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for the most comprehensive
      intervention, intervention four, was ?17,000/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY)
      for two models, ?25,000 to ?28,000/QALY for three models, and ?47,000/QALY for
      the remaining two models. Differences in the ICERs could mainly be explained by
      differences in input values for disease progression, exacerbation-related
      mortality, and all-cause mortality, with high input values resulting in low ICERs
      and vice versa. Lifetime results were mainly affected by the input values for
      mortality. The probability of intervention four to be cost-effective at a
      willingness-to-pay value of ?50,000/QALY was 90% to 100% for five models and
      about 70% and 50% for the other two models, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality
      was the most important factor determining the differences in cost-effectiveness
      outcomes between models.

PMID- 25128046
TI  - Treating to target with etanercept in rheumatoid arthritis: cost-effectiveness of
      dose reductions when remission is achieved.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) focuses on inducing
      remission as early as possible to avoid lasting joint damage, and maintenance of
      remission has become important. A 12-month clinical trial in 834 patients with
      moderate RA investigated whether etanercept 50 mg/wk could be reduced to half
      dose or discontinued in patients who achieved low disease activity after 36
      weeks. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to estimate the cost
      effectiveness of the three maintenance strategies. METHODS: A Markov model
      integrated the three strategies from the clinical trial and extrapolated to 10
      years using data from the Swedish RA registry. Assumed treatment strategies after
      the trial were similar in all three arms, with patients failing to maintain
      remission on half-dose etanercept or methotrexate alone switching to the full
      dose of etanercept and patients maintaining remission on full-dose etanercept
      allowed switching to half dose. Resource use and utilities were taken from an
      observational study. Results are presented as cost/quality-adjusted life-year
      (QALY) (both discounted 3%) in the societal perspective. RESULTS: The cost/QALY
      gained with half-dose etanercept versus methotrexate ranged from ?14,000 to
      ?29,000: Longer simulations result in a higher cost/QALY, as the acquisition cost
      of etanercept increases. Half-dose etanercept technically dominates the full dose
      (lower costs [?-3000 to 6300] and similar effectiveness [0.007-0.011]).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although ultimately all three strategies explored achieve a similar
      outcome as all three continuously manage patients to maintain remission, it
      appears that a dose reduction is the most advantageous strategy in patients with
      moderate disease activity.

PMID- 25128047
TI  - A framework to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the NADiA ProsVue slope to
      guide adjuvant radiotherapy among men with high-risk characteristics following
      prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The NADiA ProsVue is a prognostic system that measures prostate
      specific antigen slope to identify men at lower risk of clinical recurrence of
      prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. We developed a decision-modeling
      framework to evaluate its cost-effectiveness to guide the use of adjuvant
      radiotherapy (ART). METHODS: We populated the model using patient-level data and
      external sources. Patients were classified as intermediate risk or high risk on
      the basis of Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment-Postsurgical (CAPRA-S)
      nomogram and then stratified by the ProsVue slope (<=2 pg/mL/mo; >2 pg/mL/mo) and
      receipt of ART. In sensitivity analyses, we varied the effect of the ProsVue
      slope on the use of ART and other model parameters. RESULTS: The cost
      effectiveness of the ProsVue-guided strategy varied widely because of small
      differences in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) at 10 years. In the
      intermediate-risk group, when the use of ART decreased from 20% (standard care)
      to 7.5% among patients with a ProsVue slope value of 2 pg/mL/mo or less, the
      incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $25,160/QALY. In the high-risk group,
      the use of ART would have to decrease from 40% (standard care) to 11.5% among
      those with a ProsVue slope value of 2 pg/mL/mo or less to obtain a ratio of
      $50,000/QALY. The cost-effectiveness ratios were sensitive to varying benefits of
      salvage therapy, quality of life, and costs of ART and ProsVue testing.
      CONCLUSIONS: The effect of the ProsVue system on costs will be dependent on the
      extent to which ART decreases among men identified as having a low risk of
      recurrence. Its effect on QALYs will remain conditional on uncertain clinical and
      quality-of-life benefits associated with ART.

PMID- 25128048
TI  - Time is money, but how much? The monetary value of response time for Thai
      ambulance emergency services.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To calculate the monetary value of the time factor per minute and per
      year for emergency services. METHODS: The monetary values for ambulance emergency
      services were calculated for two different time factors, response time, which is
      the time from when a call is received by the emergency medical service call
      taking center until the response team arrives at the emergency scene, and
      operational time, which includes the time to the hospital. The study was
      performed in two steps. First, marginal effects of reduced fatalities and
      injuries for a 1-minute change in the time factors were calculated. Second, the
      marginal effects and the monetary values were put together to find a value per
      minute. RESULTS: The values were found to be 5.5 million Thai bath/min for
      fatality and 326,000 baht/min for severe injury. The total monetary value for a 1
      minute improvement for each dispatch, summarized over 1 year, was 1.6 billion
      Thai baht using response time. CONCLUSIONS: The calculated values could be used
      in a cost-benefit analysis of an investment reducing the response time. The
      results from similar studies could for example be compared to the cost of moving
      an ambulance station or investing in a new alarm system.

PMID- 25128049
TI  - A cost-effectiveness analysis of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy and
      automated insulin suspension versus standard pump therapy for hypoglycemic
      unaware patients with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of sensor-augmented insulin pump
      therapy with "Low Glucose Suspend" (LGS) functionality versus standard pump
      therapy with self-monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 1 diabetes
      who have impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. METHODS: A clinical trial-based
      economic evaluation was performed in which the net costs and effectiveness of the
      two treatment modalities were calculated and expressed as an incremental cost
      effectiveness ratio (ICER). The clinical outcome of interest for the evaluation
      was the rate of severe hypoglycemia in each arm of the LGS study. Quality-of-life
      utility scores were calculated using the three-level EuroQol five-dimensional
      questionnaire. Resource use costs were estimated using public sources. RESULTS:
      After 6 months, the use of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy with LGS
      significantly reduced the incidence of severe hypoglycemia compared with standard
      pump therapy (incident rate difference 1.85 [0.17-3.53]; P = 0.037). Based on a
      primary randomized study, the ICER per severe hypoglycemic event avoided was
      $18,257 for all patients and $14,944 for those aged 12 years and older. Including
      all major medical resource costs (e.g., hospital admissions), the ICERs were
      $17,602 and $14,289, respectively. Over the 6-month period, the cost per quality
      adjusted life-year gained was $40,803 for patients aged 12 years and older.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on the Australian experience evaluating new interventions
      across a broad range of therapeutic areas, sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy
      with LGS may be considered a cost-effective alternative to standard pump therapy
      with self-monitoring of blood glucose in hypoglycemia unaware patients with type
      1 diabetes.

PMID- 25128050
TI  - Comparison of contemporaneous EQ-5D and SF-6D responses using scoring algorithms
      derived from similar valuation exercises.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Poor agreement between preference-based health-related quality-of
      life instruments has been widely reported across patient and community-based
      samples. This study compares index scores generated from contemporaneous EQ-5D (3
      level version) and SF-6D (SF-36 version) responses using scoring algorithms
      derived from independently-conducted Australian population-representative
      discrete choice experiments (DCEs), providing the first comparative analysis of
      health state valuations using the same method of valuation across the full value
      sets. METHODS: EQ-5D and SF-6D responses from seven patient data sets were
      transformed into health state valuations using published DCE-derived scoring
      algorithms. The empirical comparative evaluation consisted of graphical
      illustration of the location and spread of index scores, reporting of basic
      descriptive statistics, exploration of between-measure differences in mean index
      scores, and analysis of agreement. RESULTS: Compared with previously published
      findings regarding the comparability of "conventional" EQ-5D and SF-6D index
      scores, health state valuations from the DCE-derived scoring procedures showed
      that agreement between scores remained "fair" (intraclass correlation coefficient
      values across the seven data sets ranged from 0.375 to 0.615). Mean SF-6D scores
      were significantly lower than the respective mean EQ-5D score across all patient
      groups (mean difference for the whole sample = 0.253). CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude
      of disagreement previously reported between EQ-5D and SF-6D index scores is not
      ameliorated through the application of DCE-derived value sets; sizeable
      discrepancies remain. These findings suggest that differences between EQ-5D and
      SF-6D index scores persist because of their respective descriptive systems.
      Further research is required to explore the implications of variations in the
      descriptive systems of preference-based instruments.

PMID- 25128051
TI  - The effect of presenting information about invasive follow-up testing on
      individuals' noninvasive colorectal cancer screening participation decision:
      results from a discrete choice experiment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Many national colorectal cancer screening campaigns have a similar
      structure. First, individuals are invited to take a noninvasive screening test,
      and, second, in the case of a positive screening test result, they are advised to
      undergo a more invasive follow-up test. The objective of this study was to
      investigate how much individuals' participation decision in noninvasive screening
      is affected by the presence or absence of detailed information about invasive
      follow-up testing and how this effect varies over screening tests. METHODS: We
      used a labeled discrete choice experiment of three noninvasive colorectal cancer
      screening types with two versions that did or did not present respondents with
      detailed information about the possible invasive follow-up test (i.e.,
      colonoscopy) and its procedure. We used data from 631 Dutch respondents aged 55
      to 75 years. Each respondent received only one of the two versions (N = 310 for
      the invasive follow-up test information specification version, and N = 321 for
      the no-information specification version). RESULTS: Mixed logit model results
      show that detailed information about the invasive follow-up test negatively
      affects screening participation decisions. This effect can be explained mainly by
      a decrease in choice shares for the most preferred screening test (a combined
      stool and blood sample test). Choice share simulations based on the discrete
      choice experiment indicated that presenting invasive follow-up test information
      decreases screening participation by 4.79%. CONCLUSIONS: Detailed information
      about the invasive follow-up test has a negative effect on individuals' screening
      participation decisions in noninvasive colorectal cancer screening campaigns.
      This result poses new challenges for policymakers who aim not only to increase
      uptake but also to provide full disclosure to potential screening participants.

PMID- 25128052
TI  - Should I stay or should I go home? A latent class analysis of a discrete choice
      experiment on hospital-at-home.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed 1) to quantify the strength of patient preferences
      for different aspects of early assisted discharge in The Netherlands for patients
      who were admitted with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation and
      2) to illustrate the benefits of latent class modeling of discrete choice data.
      This technique is rarely used in health economics. METHODS: Respondents made
      multiple choices between hospital treatment as usual (7 days) and two
      combinations of hospital admission (3 days) followed by treatment at home. The
      latter was described by a set of attributes. Hospital treatment was constant
      across choice sets. Respondents were patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease in a randomized controlled trial investigating the cost-effectiveness of
      early assisted discharge and their informal caregivers. The data were analyzed
      using mixed logit, generalized multinomial logit, and latent-class conditional
      logit regression. These methods allow for heterogeneous preferences across
      groups, but in different ways. RESULTS: Twenty-five percent of the respondents
      opted for hospital treatment regardless of the description of the early assisted
      discharge program, and 46% never opted for the hospital. The best model contained
      four latent classes of respondents, defined by different preferences for the
      hospital and caregiver burden. Preferences for other attributes were constant
      across classes. Attributes with the strongest effect on choices were the burden
      on informal caregivers and co-payments. Except for the number of visits, all
      attributes had a significant effect on choices in the expected direction.
      CONCLUSIONS: Considerable segments of respondents had fixed preferences for
      either treatment option. Applying latent class analysis was essential in
      quantifying preferences for attributes of early assisted discharge.

PMID- 25128053
TI  - Chinese time trade-off values for EQ-5D health states.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To generate a Chinese general population-based three-level EuroQol
      five-dimensios (EQ-5D-3L) social value set using the time trade-off method.
      METHODS: The study sample was drawn from five cities in China: Beijing,
      Guangzhou, Shenyang, Chengdu, and Nanjing, using a quota sampling method. Utility
      values for a subset of 97 health states defined by the EQ-5D-3L descriptive
      system were directly elicited from the study sample using a modified Measurement
      and Valuation of Health protocol, with each respondent valuing 13 of the health
      states. The utility values for all 243 EQ-5D-3L health states were estimated on
      the basis of econometric models at both individual and aggregate levels. Various
      linear regression models using different model specifications were examined to
      determine the best model using predefined model selection criteria. RESULTS: The
      N3 model based on ordinary least square regression at the aggregate level yielded
      the best model fit, with a mean absolute error of 0.020, 7 and 0 states for which
      prediction errors were greater than 0.05 and 0.10, respectively, in absolute
      magnitude. This model passed tests for model misspecification (F = 2.7; P =
      0.0509, Ramsey Regression Equation Specification Error Test), heteroskedasticity
      (chi(2) = 0.97; P = 0.3254, Breusch-Pagan/Cook-Weisberg test), and normality of
      the residuals (chi(2) = 1.285; P = 0.5259, Jarque-Bera test). The range of the
      predicted values (-0.149 to 0.887) was similar to those estimated in other
      countries. CONCLUSIONS: The study successfully developed Chinese utility values
      for EQ-5D-3L health states using the time trade-off method. It is the first
      attempt ever to develop a standardized instrument for quantifying quality
      adjusted life-years in China.

PMID- 25128054
TI  - The effects of total knee arthroplasty on physical functioning and health among
      the under age 65 population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effects of total knee arthroplasty on six
      measures of physical functioning, self-rated health, pain, earnings, and
      employment status among US adults aged 51 to 63 years at baseline. METHODS: Data
      came from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative
      longitudinal study conducted biannually. The analysis sample consisted of
      individuals aged 51 to 63 years at baseline with arthritis who were resurveyed at
      2-year intervals from 1996 to 2010. Propensity score matching was used to compare
      outcomes of persons receiving total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with those of matched
      controls. Six measures of physical functioning were examined: lower-body mobility
      problems, instrumental activities of daily living limitations, activities of
      daily living limitations, and large muscle, fine motor, and gross motor
      limitations. Self-rated health and pain were also examined. The two employment
      related outcomes were earnings and employment status. RESULTS: Receipt of TKA was
      associated with better outcomes for several measures of physical functioning,
      especially mobility limitations, pain, and self-rated health. Receipt of TKA was
      not associated with increased earnings or employment. CONCLUSIONS: Receipt of TKA
      yields important improvements in physical function among persons with an
      arthritis diagnosis who received the procedure before reaching the age of 65
      years. This study contributes to knowledge about the benefits of TKA in a
      community setting among nonelderly recipients of TKA.

PMID- 25128056
TI  - Two approaches to incorporate clinical data uncertainty into multiple criteria
      decision analysis for benefit-risk assessment of medicinal products.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Problem formulation, Objectives, Alternatives, Consequences,
      Trade-offs, Uncertainties, Risk attitude, and Linked decisions (PrOACT-URL)
      framework and multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) have been recommended by
      the European Medicines Agency for structured benefit-risk assessment of medicinal
      products undergoing regulatory review. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article
      was to provide solutions to incorporate the uncertainty from clinical data into
      the MCDA model when evaluating the overall benefit-risk profiles among different
      treatment options. METHODS: Two statistical approaches, the delta-method approach
      and the Monte-Carlo approach, were proposed to construct the confidence interval
      of the overall benefit-risk score from the MCDA model as well as other
      probabilistic measures for comparing the benefit-risk profiles between treatment
      options. Both approaches can incorporate the correlation structure between
      clinical parameters (criteria) in the MCDA model and are straightforward to
      implement. RESULTS: The two proposed approaches were applied to a case study to
      evaluate the benefit-risk profile of an add-on therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
      (drug X) relative to placebo. It demonstrated a straightforward way to quantify
      the impact of the uncertainty from clinical data to the benefit-risk assessment
      and enabled statistical inference on evaluating the overall benefit-risk profiles
      among different treatment options. CONCLUSIONS: The delta-method approach
      provides a closed form to quantify the variability of the overall benefit-risk
      score in the MCDA model, whereas the Monte-Carlo approach is more computationally
      intensive but can yield its true sampling distribution for statistical inference.
      The obtained confidence intervals and other probabilistic measures from the two
      approaches enhance the benefit-risk decision making of medicinal products.

PMID- 25128057
TI  - An updated method for risk adjustment in outcomes research.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate why meta-analytic methods need modification before they
      can be used to aggregate rates or effect sizes in outcomes research, under the
      constraint of no common underlying effect or rate. METHODS: Studies are presented
      that require different types of risk adjustment. First, we demonstrate using
      rates that external risk adjustment through standardization can be achieved using
      modified meta-analytic methods, but only with a model that allows input of user
      defined weights. Next, we extend these observations to internal risk adjustment
      of comparative effect sizes. RESULTS: We show that this procedure produces
      identical results to conventional age standardization if a rate is being
      standardized for age. We also demonstrate that risk adjustment of effect sizes
      can be achieved with this modified method but cannot be done using standard meta
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that this method allows risk adjustment to be
      performed in situations in which currently the fixed- or random-effects methods
      of meta-analysis are inappropriately used. The latter should be avoided when the
      underlying aim is risk adjustment rather than meta-analysis.

PMID- 25128055
TI  - Physician social networks and variation in rates of complications after radical
      prostatectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Variation in care within and across geographic areas remains poorly
      understood. The goal of this article was to examine whether physician social
      networks-as defined by shared patients-are associated with rates of complications
      after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: In five cities, we constructed networks of
      physicians on the basis of their shared patients in 2004-2005 Surveillance,
      Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data. From these networks, we identified
      subgroups of urologists who most frequently shared patients with one another.
      Among men with localized prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy, we
      used multilevel analysis with generalized linear mixed-effect models to examine
      whether physician network structure-along with specific characteristics of the
      network subgroups-was associated with rates of 30-day and late urinary
      complications, and long-term incontinence after accounting for patient-level
      sociodemographic, clinical factors, and urologist patient volume. RESULTS:
      Networks included 2677 men in five cities who underwent radical prostatectomy.
      The unadjusted rate of 30-day surgical complications varied across network
      subgroups from an 18.8 percentage-point difference in the rate of complications
      across network subgroups in city 1 to a 26.9 percentage-point difference in city
      5. Large differences in unadjusted rates of late urinary complications and long
      term incontinence across subgroups were similarly found. Network subgroup
      characteristics-average urologist centrality and patient racial composition-were
      significantly associated with rates of surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS:
      Analysis of physician networks using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results
      Medicare data provides insight into observed variation in rates of complications
      for localized prostate cancer. If validated, such approaches may be used to
      target future quality improvement interventions.

PMID- 25128058
TI  - Improving the contribution of regulatory assessment reports to health technology
      assessments--a collaboration between the European Medicines Agency and the
      European network for Health Technology Assessment.
AB  - In response to a recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Forum, the European
      Medicines Agency and the European network for Health Technology Assessment
      initiated a collaboration with the aim to improve the contribution regulatory
      assessment reports can make to the assessment of relative effectiveness of
      medicinal products by health technology assessment bodies. This collaboration on
      improving European Public Assessment Reports (EPARs) started in February 2010 and
      was performed over 2 years. As a result, the templates for preparing EPARs were
      revised to better address the needs of heath technology organizations. The better
      understanding of information needs was a key outcome of the collaboration. To
      ascertain whether these template changes led to the inclusion of relevant
      information, a review of a small set of EPARs for recently approved medicinal
      products was carried out in parallel by both the European network for Health
      Technology Assessment and the European Medicines Agency. This report provides an
      account of this project on improving EPARs, which is part of the ongoing dialogue
      between regulators and health technology assessment bodies on a European level to
      support policymaker decisions in the future. 

PMID- 25128059
TI  - A comparison of national guidelines for network meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Within technology appraisals, it is necessary to compare the complete
      set of treatments that may be used in the patient group under consideration.
      Randomized controlled trials are a key source of evidence for these comparisons.
      The techniques of network meta-analysis allow the networks of trial evidence to
      be evaluated to obtain estimates of comparative efficacy between sets of
      treatments. These techniques may be the only source of estimates of comparative
      effectiveness if trials directly comparing the treatments of interest have not
      been conducted, and may provide useful additional evidence if both direct and
      indirect comparisons exist. METHODS: We examined both published and draft
      guidelines from reimbursement and health technology appraisal bodies, and
      considered their recommendations using appropriate methodology for the conduct of
      indirect comparisons and the assessments of their validity. RESULTS: Guidelines
      from 33 countries were reviewed. Of these, guidelines from 9 countries-Australia,
      Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Scotland, Spain, South Africa, and the United
      Kingdom (England and Wales)-included detailed recommendations on the conduct of
      network meta-analysis. The recommendations were summarized. CONCLUSIONS: No two
      recommendations from the multiple national guidelines are mutually exclusive. It
      is possible to perform one network meta-analysis for submission to multiple
      national jurisdictions.

PMID- 25128060
TI  - Cognitive overload? An exploration of the potential impact of cognitive
      functioning in discrete choice experiments with older people in health care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This exploratory study sought to investigate the effect of cognitive
      functioning on the consistency of individual responses to a discrete choice
      experiment (DCE) study conducted exclusively with older people. METHODS: A DCE to
      investigate preferences for multidisciplinary rehabilitation was administered to
      a consenting sample of older patients (aged 65 years and older) after surgery to
      repair a fractured hip (N = 84). Conditional logit, mixed logit, heteroscedastic
      conditional logit, and generalized multinomial logit regression models were used
      to analyze the DCE data and to explore the relationship between the level of
      cognitive functioning (specifically the absence or presence of mild cognitive
      impairment as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination) and preference and
      scale heterogeneity. RESULTS: Both the heteroscedastic conditional logit and
      generalized multinomial logit models indicated that the presence of mild
      cognitive impairment did not have a significant effect on the consistency of
      responses to the DCE. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important preliminary
      evidence relating to the effect of mild cognitive impairment on DCE responses for
      older people. It is important that further research be conducted in larger
      samples and more diverse populations to further substantiate the findings from
      this exploratory study and to assess the practicality and validity of the DCE
      approach with populations of older people.

PMID- 25128061
TI  - LEF1 regulates glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cancer
      stem-like cell self-renewal.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM; WHO grade IV) is one of the most common primary
      tumors of the central nervous system. This disease remains one of the incurable
      human malignancies because the molecular mechanism driving the GBM development
      and recurrence is still largely unknown. Here, we show that knockdown of
      lymphocyte enhancer factor-1 (LEF1), a major transcription factor of Wnt pathway,
      inhibits U251 cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Furthermore,
      downregulation of LEF1 expression inhibits the self-renewal capacity of U251 GBM
      stem-like cells and decreases the expression level of the GBM stem-like cell
      (GSC) markers such as CD133 and nestin. Our findings reveal that LEF1 maintains
      the GBM cell proliferation, migration, and GBM stem-like cell self-renewal. Taken
      together, these results suggest that LEF1 may be a novel therapeutic target for
      GBM suppression. 

PMID- 25128062
TI  - Over-expression of TRPM8 is associated with poor prognosis in urothelial
      carcinoma of bladder.
AB  - Transient receptor protein (TRP) channels are frequently associated with tumors
      and are correlated to patient's outcome. We firstly investigated TRP channel
      melastatin 8 (TRPM8) expression in urothelial carcinoma of bladder (UCB) and its
      correlation with UCB clinicopathological features and additionally evaluated the
      association between TRPM8 expression and patients' survival rate to elucidate its
      role in bladder oncogenesis. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to examine TRPM8 messenger RNA
      (mRNA) expression in 36 pairs of freshly frozen UCB tissues and matched
      noncancerous tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed in 156 archived
      paraffin-embedded UCB samples to explore the correlation between TRPM8 protein
      and clinicopathological features. The association between TRPM8 expression and
      patient's survival rate was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and
      multivariate Cox regression analysis, respectively. The expression levels of
      TRPM8 mRNA in UCB tissues were significantly higher than those in matched
      noncancerous tissues (P=0.016). Expression of TRPM8 protein in UCB was
      significantly and positively associated with histological grade (P=0.039) and
      tumor stage (P=0.037). Significant correlation between high TRPM8 expression and
      poor cumulative survival of UCB patients was shown using the Kaplan-Meier
      survival curve (P=0.039). TRPM8 was represented as an independent prognostic
      biomarker for UCB patients by multivariate Cox regression analysis (P=0.047). The
      present study provide the convincing evidence for the first time that over
      expression of TRPM8 may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of UCB,
      and TRPM8 may serve as an independent prognostic biomarker for UCB patients.

PMID- 25128063
TI  - Lin28 promotes Her2 expression and Lin28/Her2 predicts poorer survival in gastric
      cancer.
AB  - The main purpose of this study is to investigate the interactions between Lin28
      and Her2 in gastric cancer. Lin28 and Her2 expression were evaluated in
      surgically resected samples of 298 gastric cancer patients using
      immunohistochemical staining. The correlations between Lin28/Her2 expression and
      clinical variables were retrospectively analyzed. The mRNA level of LIN28 and
      HER2 was detected by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Among all
      gastric cancer patients, 33.9% (101/298) were determined as Her2-positive, and
      43.0% (128/298) were defined as Lin28-positive. Lin28 was significantly
      associated with Her2, advanced tumor stage, lesion size, and Ki67 level (p<0.05
      for each). Kaplan-Meier analysis illustrated that both Lin28 and Her2 are poor
      prognostic factors in gastric cancer; Lin28(+)/Her2(+) patients have the poorest
      survival (median survival = 17 months, p<0.01). Multivariate Cox analysis showed
      that Lin28 is a significant prognostic factor (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.79, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.23-2.62). Further stratification analysis indicated
      that Lin28 may be a prognostic factor in chemotherapy. In vitro data on MKN-28
      and MKN-45 cells showed that Lin28 can upregulate Her2 expression at
      translational level. Both Lin28 and Her2 are poor prognostic factors in gastric
      cancer. Lin28 may regulate Her2 post-transcriptionally in gastric cancer cells,
      which indicates it might be a potential target in the treatment of gastric
      cancer.

PMID- 25128064
TI  - Designing a recombinant chimeric construct contain MUC1 and HER2 extracellular
      domain for prediagnostic breast cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the world. One of the
      approaches for diagnosis of breast cancer is detection of its tumor-associated
      markers. Mucin 1 (MUC1), a tumor-associated antigen, is a transmembrane
      glycoprotein expressed by normal epithelial cells and overexpressed by carcinomas
      of epithelial origin. Also, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2/erbB
      2) belongs to the one of four members of tyrosin kinase type 1 family in which
      overexpression of HER2 is associated with malignancy in breast cancer. This study
      was aimed to bioinformatics analysis and designing a recombinant chimeric protein
      containing MUC1 and HER2 antigens to express in prokaryotic host (Escherichia
      coli) as breast cancer diagnosis tools. The immunogenic sequences of MUC1 and
      HER2 were extracted and fused together by a linker. The chimeric construct was
      analyzed by bioinformatics softwares. The optimization and purification,
      evaluation of the expression of chimeric protein was performed using Western
      blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the chimeric
      construct was stable and immunogenic domains were exposed. The pET-28a vector
      containing chimeric gene had high level of protein expression. The recombinant
      chimeric protein was confirmed using Western blotting, and it was investigated
      using ELISA and IHC. Then, the MUC1 and HER2 combined peptides can be used as
      coating antigens in ELISA for detection of antibodies against MUC1 or HER2 in
      human serum. 

PMID- 25128065
TI  - Apoptotic effect of genistein on human colon cancer cells via inhibiting the
      nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) pathway.
AB  - Genistein possesses a wide variety of biological activities, and it is best known
      for its ability to inhibit cancer progression. Its cancer-preventive effect has
      been attributed to various mechanisms, including the induction of cell cycle
      arrest and apoptosis as well as the antioxidant functions. Nuclear factor kappa-B
      (NF-kappaB) is a signaling pathway that controls transcriptional activation of
      genes important for the tight regulation of many cellular processes and is
      aberrantly expressed in many types of cancer. Inhibitors of NF-kappaB pathway
      have shown potential anti-tumor activities. However, it is not fully elucidated
      in colon cancer. In the present study, we demonstrated that genistein could
      induce apoptosis in human colon cancer LoVo and HT-29 cells through inhibiting NF
      kappaB pathway, as well as downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax, thus
      providing basis for clinical application of genistein in colon cancer cases. 

PMID- 25128068
TI  - A randomized controlled clinical trial of formalin for treatment of chronic
      hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy in cervical carcinoma patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy is not uncommon after
      radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma. The outcomes of several treatments have been
      variable. Many studies demonstrate that topical treatment with 4 % formalin is
      effective and safe. However, a nonrandomized control study showed a high response
      rate and good tolerance in chronic radiation proctopathy patients treated with 10
      % formalin. The optimal concentration of formalin therefore remains unclear.
      METHODS: To compare the effectiveness and safety of 4 and 10 % formalin for the
      treatment of chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy, a prospective trial was
      conducted at the Department of Gynecology of the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou
      Medical College from January 2009 to December 2012. One hundred and twenty
      patients with chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy following radiotherapy
      for cervical carcinoma were recruited and randomized to receive 4 or 10 %
      formalin. A standard protocol was followed for formalin application. Symptom and
      rectoscopy scores were evaluated before and at 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS:
      In the 4 % formalin group, 49 (86.0 %) and 53 (91.4 %) patients showed an
      improvement in symptom score and rectoscopy score, respectively (P = 0.36).
      Symptom and rectoscopy scores decreased significantly after treatment in both the
      4 % formalin group and the 10 % formalin group (P < 0.001). Symptom score was
      correlated with rectoscopy score (P < 0.001). More patients in the 10 % group
      suffered treatment-related complications than did those in the 4 % group (P =
      0.03). CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of chronic hemorrhagic radiation
      proctopathy, 4 % should be the preferred formalin concentration.

PMID- 25128067
TI  - Musculoskeletal pain and health-related quality of life among breast cancer
      patients treated with aromatase inhibitors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the associations between musculoskeletal
      pain and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) among breast cancer patients on
      aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and women without a history of breast cancer. METHODS:
      A cross-sectional study was conducted among 68 breast cancer patients on AIs for
      an average of 3.5 years and 137 postmenopausal women without a history of cancer.
      Musculoskeletal pain was assessed using a 10-cm visual analog scale; HR-QOL was
      examined using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36) health survey.
      Linear regression was used to estimate the associations between pain and HR-QOL
      in both groups. RESULTS: Approximately 64 % of the breast cancer patients and
      women in the comparison group reported musculoskeletal pain. Among women with
      breast cancer, those with pain had significantly lower HR-QOL scores in the
      physical (52.2 vs. 42.6; p < 0.001) and mental (52.7 vs. 45.5; p = 0.01)
      component summary scores compared with those without pain. In the comparison
      group, pain was associated with significantly lower scores in the physical (55.4
      vs. 46.0; p < 0.001), but not the mental, component summary score (52.1 vs. 52.4;
      p = 0.82). The significant associations between pain and HR-QOL persisted after
      confounder adjustment in both groups. Among women with similar severity of pain,
      breast cancer patients reported significantly lower HR-QOL in the mental summary
      component compared with the women in the comparison group. CONCLUSIONS: Among
      breast cancer patients, musculoskeletal pain adversely affects both mental and
      physical components of HR-QOL. Preventing or treating AI-associated
      musculoskeletal pain may improve overall HR-QOL among breast cancer patients
      treated with AIs.

PMID- 25128070
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells in lung cancer tumor microenvironment: their biological
      properties, influence on tumor growth and therapeutic implications.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment (TME) of lung cancer has been documented to play an
      important role in participating in tumor disease progression. As the precursor of
      most stroma in TME, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) draw great attention since
      evidence has suggested that MSCs derived from lung cancer patients present a
      different phenotype compared to their normal counterparts. Furthermore, MSCs
      could be recruited towards tumor sites and influence tumor survival, although the
      effect remains contradictory. Our review will summarize the current advance of
      the role MSCs in lung cancer and explore the possible treatment strategies by
      blocking their crosstalk. 

PMID- 25128069
TI  - Transcription factor OCT4 promotes cell cycle progression by regulating CCND1
      expression in esophageal carcinoma.
AB  - The CCND1 gene is overexpressed in esophageal cancer and accelerates cell cycle
      progression. However, the mechanism whereby the upstream genes or factors
      directly regulate CCND1 expression remains unknown. By analyzing the 5'-UTR
      region of the CCND1 gene, we found that this region contains an octamer motif
      (ATTTTGCAT), which suggests that the expression of CCND1 might be directly
      associated with octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4). In this study, the
      wild-type and the octamer motif-mutanted CCND1 promoters were cloned, and their
      corresponding luciferase reporter vectors were then constructed to study the
      molecular mechanism by which OCT4 regulates the expression of CCND1 and
      influences the biological behaviors of esophageal cancer cells. The results
      indicated that suppressing the expression of CCND1 and OCT4 in esophageal cancer
      cells reduced cell proliferative and invasive abilities, induced cell cycle G1
      phase arrest, and slowed the growth of xenografts in nude mice. Suppression of
      OCT4 expression significantly decreased the wild-type CCND1 promoter activity and
      down-regulated the expression of CCND1, but did not affect the activity of the
      mutant promoter. Whereas, suppression of CCND1 did not affect OCT4 expression,
      suggesting that OCT4 regulates CCND1 expression by activating the CCND1 promoter
      and subsequently promoting cell cycle progression. The results revealed and
      confirmed that OCT4 is the upstream factor that directly binds to the CCND1
      promoter to regulate CCND1 expression, then to promote cell cycle progression and
      accelerate the proliferation and invasion of esophageal cancer cells. This
      finding may significantly contribute to elucidating the regulatory mechanism
      involved in the cell cycle progression of esophageal cancer cells and may aid in
      screening potential gene targets for the biological therapy of esophageal cancer.

PMID- 25128071
TI  - The p38 MAPK-regulated PKD1/CREB/Bcl-2 pathway contributes to selenite-induced
      colorectal cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Supranutritional selenite has anti-cancer therapeutic effects in vivo; however,
      the detailed mechanisms underlying these effects are not clearly understood.
      Further studies would broaden our understanding of the anti-cancer effects of
      this compound and provide a theoretical basis for its clinical application. In
      this study, we primarily found that selenite exposure inhibited phosphorylation
      of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-response element binding protein (CREB),
      leading to suppression of Bcl-2 in HCT116 and SW480 colorectal cancer (CRC)
      cells. Moreover, the selenite-induced inhibitory effect on PKD1 activation was
      involved in suppression of the CREB signalling pathway. Additionally, we
      discovered that selenite treatment can upregulate p38 MAPK phosphorylation, which
      results in inhibition of the PKD1/CREB/Bcl-2 survival pathway and triggers
      apoptosis. Finally, we established a colorectal cancer xenograft model and found
      that selenite treatment markedly inhibits tumour growth through the
      MAPK/PKD1/CREB/Bcl-2 pathway in vivo. Our results demonstrated that a
      supranutritional dose of selenite induced CRC cell apoptosis through inhibition
      of the PKD1/CREB/Bcl-2 axis both in vitro and in vivo. 

PMID- 25128072
TI  - Increased cardiovascular disease mortality associated with excessive exercise in
      heart attack survivors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test whether greater exercise is associated with progressively
      lower mortality after a cardiac event. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used Cox
      proportional hazard analyses to examine mortality vs estimated energy expended by
      running or walking measured as metabolic equivalents (3.5 mL O2/kg per min per
      day or metabolic equivalent of task-h/d [MET-h/d]) in 2377 self-identified heart
      attack survivors, where 1 MET-h/d is the energy equivalent of running 1 km/d.
      Mortality surveillance via the National Death Index included January 1991 through
      December 2008. RESULTS: A total of 526 deaths occurred during an average
      prospective follow-up of 10.4 years, 376 (71.5%) of which were related to
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) (International Statistical Classification of
      Diseases, 10th Revision codes I00-I99). CVD-related mortality compared with the
      lowest exercise group decreased by 21% for 1.07 to 1.8 MET-h/d of running or
      walking (P=.11), 24% for 1.8 to 3.6 MET-h/d (P=.04), 50% for 3.6 to 5.4 MET-h/d
      (P=.001), and 63% for 5.4 to 7.2 MET-h/d (P<.001) but decreased only 12% for
      >=7.2 MET-h/d (P=.68). These data represent a 15% average risk reduction per MET
      h/d for CVD-related mortality through 7.2 MET-h/d (P<.001) and a 2.6-fold risk
      increase above 7.2 MET-h/d (P=.009). Relative to the risk reduction at 7.2 MET
      h/d, the risk for >=7.2 MET-h/d increased 3.2-fold (P=.006) for all ischemic
      heart disease (IHD)-related mortalities but was not significantly increased for
      non-IHD-CVD, arrhythmia-related CVD, or non-CVD-related mortalities. CONCLUSION:
      Running or walking decreases CVD mortality risk progressively at most levels of
      exercise in patients after a cardiac event, but the benefit of exercise on CVD
      mortality and IHD deaths is attenuated at the highest levels of exercise
      (running: above 7.1 km/d or walking briskly: 10.7 km/d).

PMID- 25128073
TI  - Exercising for health and longevity vs peak performance: different regimens for
      different goals.

PMID- 25128074
TI  - Elite athletes live longer than the general population: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform a meta-analysis of cohort studies aimed at providing an
      accurate overview of mortality in elite athletes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      reviewed English-language scientific articles available in Medline and Web of
      Science databases following the recommendations of the Meta-analyses Of
      Observational Studies in Epidemiology group. We searched for publications on
      longevity and professional or elite athletes (with no restriction on the starting
      date and up to March 31, 2014). RESULTS: Ten studies, including data from a total
      of 42,807 athletes (707 women), met all inclusion criteria. The all-cause pooled
      standard mortality ratio (SMR) was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.55-0.81; P<.001) with no
      evidence of publication bias (P=.24) but with significant heterogeneity among
      studies (I(2)=96%; Q=224.46; P<.001). Six studies provided data on cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) and 5 on cancer (in a total of 35,920 and 12,119 athletes,
      respectively). When only CVD was considered as a cause of mortality, the pooled
      SMR was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.65-0.82; P<.001) with no evidence of bias (P=.68) or
      heterogenity among studies (I(2)=38%; Q=8.07; P=.15). The SMR for cancer was 0.60
      (95% CI, 0.38-0.94; P=.03) with no evidence of bias (P=.20) despite a significant
      heterogeneity (I(2)=91%; Q=44.21; P<.001). CONCLUSION: The evidence available
      indicates that top-level athletes live longer than the general population and
      have a lower risk of 2 major causes of mortality, namely, CVD and cancer.

PMID- 25128075
TI  - Strategy to address innovative off-label medication use in China: grading
      management.

PMID- 25128076
TI  - Effects of "Fit fOR The Aged" (FORTA) on pharmacotherapy and clinical endpoints-
      a pilot randomized controlled study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The feasibility of applying the Fit fOR The Aged (FORTA) list, a drug
      classification combining positive and negative labeling of drugs, should be
      studied in geriatric patients and medication quality and clinical endpoints
      measured. FORTA labels range from A (indispensable), B (beneficial), C
      (questionable) to D (avoid). METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled pilot
      trial was performed in hospitalized geriatric patients in whom the FORTA
      instrument or standard care was applied. Patients were randomly admitted to an
      intervention and a control ward. Changes of FORTA label distributions between
      admission and discharge, over- and under-prescription rates, clinical endpoints
      including the number of falls during the hospitalization, and Barthel Index (BI)
      at admission and discharge were measured. RESULTS: Polypharmacy persisted in both
      groups. At discharge, a higher rate of A drugs was prescribed in the intervention
      group (58 patients, median age 84 years) vs. standard care (56 patients, median
      age 83 years, p < 0.02), and both over- and under-prescriptions were
      significantly lower in the FORTA than in the control group (p < 0.03). Two (3.4%)
      intervention, but 12 (21.4%) control, patients fell at least once (p < 0.001).
      The fall rate per 1,000 patient years was 1.5 +/- 8.3 in the intervention and
      10.6 +/- 25.4 in the control group (p < 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study
      shows that the application of the FORTA list is feasible in geriatric patients.
      In this small study, the medication quality improved in the intervention group,
      but polypharmacy persisted in both groups. The fall rate was significantly lower
      in the intervention group. These encouraging results must be interpreted
      carefully.

PMID- 25128077
TI  - Coexistence of neurofibroma and meningioma at exactly the same level of the
      cervical spine.
AB  - We report a case of the coexistence of different spinal tumors at the same level
      of the cervical spine, without neurofibromatosis (NF), which was successfully
      treated with surgery. A 72-year-old female presented with right upper-limb
      clumsiness and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural,
      extramedullary tumor mass at the right C3-4 level with extradural extension into
      the intervertebral foramen. The extradural tumor was removed, and the pathology
      showed neurofibroma. After incision of the dura, the intradural tumor was
      removed, and was identified as meningioma in the pathological report. The patient
      did not meet the criteria of NF. Coexistence of neurofibroma and meningioma at
      exactly the same level of the spine without NF is extremely rare. Exploration of
      the intradural space may be necessary after resection of an extradural tumor if
      the surgical finding does not correlate well with the preoperative images. 

PMID- 25128078
TI  - Stents in paediatric and adult congenital interventional cardiac catheterization.
AB  - A 'stent' is a tubular meshed endoprosthesis that has contributed to the
      development of interventional catheterization over the past 30 years. In
      congenital heart diseases, stents have offered new solutions to the treatment of
      congenital vessel stenosis or postsurgical lesions, to maintain or close shunt
      patency, and to allow transcatheter valve replacement. First, stents were made of
      bare metal. Then, stent frameworks evolved to achieve a better compromise between
      radial strength and flexibility. However, almost all stents used currently in
      children have not been approved for vascular lesions in children and are
      therefore used 'off-label'. Furthermore, the inability of stents to follow
      natural vessel growth still limits their use in low-weight children and infants.
      Recently, bioresorbable stents have been manufactured and may overcome this
      issue; they are made from materials that may dissolve or be absorbed in the body.
      In this review, we aim to describe the history of stent development, the
      technical characteristics of stents used currently, the clinical applications and
      results, and the latest technological developments and perspectives in paediatric
      and adult congenital cardiac catheterization.

PMID- 25128079
TI  - First report on intraoperative vector flow imaging of the heart among patients
      with healthy and diseased aortic valves.
AB  - The vector velocity method Transverse Oscillation (TO) implemented on a
      conventional ultrasound (US) scanner (ProFocus, BK Medical, Herlev, Denmark) can
      provide real-time, angle-independent estimates of the cardiac blood flow. During
      cardiac surgery, epicardial US examination using TO was performed on (A) 3
      patients with healthy aortic valve and (B) 3 patients with aortic valve stenosis.
      In group B, the systolic flow of the ascending aorta had higher velocities, was
      more aliased and chaotic. The jet narrowed to 44% of the lumen compared to 75% in
      group A and with a vector concentration, a measure of flow complexity, of 0.41
      compared to 0.87 in group A. The two groups had similar secondary flow of the
      ascending aorta with an average rotation frequency of 4.8 Hz. Simultaneous
      measurements were obtained with spectral Doppler (SD) and a thermodilution
      technique (TD). The mean difference in peak systolic velocity compared to SD in
      group A was 22% and 45% in B, while the mean difference in volume flow compared
      to TD in group A was 30% and 32% in B. TO can potentially reveal new information
      of cardiac blood flow, and may become a valuable diagnostic tool in the
      evaluation of patients with cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 25128080
TI  - Dentin-smear remains at self-etch adhesive interface.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The bonding potential of 'mild' self-etch adhesives may be compromised
      due to smear interference, as they may not dissolve/penetrate the smear layer
      effectively due to their relatively low acidity. We observed that the thickness
      of the dentin smear layer differed depending on the surface-preparation
      methodology used. METHODS: The interaction of an (ultra-)mild self-etch adhesive
      (Clearfil S3 Bond, Kuraray Noritake) with human dentin, prepared either using a
      medium-grit diamond bur ('thick', clinically relevant smear layer) or 600-grit
      SiC-paper ('thin' smear layer), or just fractured (smear-free), was evaluated
      using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Non
      demineralized/demineralized 30-100nm interfacial cross-sections were prepared
      following common TEM-specimen processing and diamond-knife ultra-microtomy.
      RESULTS: The adhesive did not dissolve the bur-cut, nor the SiC-ground smear
      layer, but impregnated it. Within this 'resin-smear complex', hydroxyapatite was
      abundantly present. At fractured dentin, this complex was not present, while the
      actual layer of interaction of the adhesive was limited to about 100nm. Non
      demineralized 'ultra-thin' (30-50nm) sections confirmed the interfacial ultra
      structure to differ for the three surface-preparation methods. An electron dense
      band was consistently disclosed at the adhesive interface, most likely
      representing the documented chemical interaction of the functional monomer 10-MDP
      with Ca. SIGNIFICANCE: The dentin surface-preparation method significantly
      affects the nature of the smear layer and the interaction with the ultra-mild
      self-etch adhesive.

PMID- 25128081
TI  - Detection of the Helicobacter pylori dupA gene is strongly affected by the PCR
      design.
AB  - The Helicobacter pylori virulence gene dupA is usually detected by PCR, but the
      primer binding sites used are highly variable. Our newly designed qPCR against a
      conserved region of dupA was positive in 64.2% of 394 clinical isolates while the
      positivity rate of the commonly used PCRs ranged from 29.9% to 37.8%. 

PMID- 25128082
TI  - A tagged parathyroid hormone derivative as a carrier of antibody cargoes
      transported by the G protein coupled PTH1 receptor.
AB  - Based on the known fact that the parathyroid hormone (PTH) might be extended at
      its C-terminus with biotechnological protein cargoes, a vector directing the
      secretion of PTH1-84 C-terminally fused with the antigenic epitope myc (PTH-myc)
      was exploited. The functional properties and potential of this analog for imaging
      PTH1R-expressing cells were examined. The PTH-myc construct was recombinantly
      produced as a conditioned medium (CM) of transfected HEK 293a cells (typical
      concentrations of 187nM estimated with ELISAs for PTH). PTH-myc CM induced cyclic
      AMP formations (10min), with a minor loss of potency relative to authentic PTH1
      84, and c-Fos expression (1-3h). Treatment of recipient HEK 293a cells
      transiently expressing PTH1R with PTH-myc CM (supplemented with a fluorescent
      monoclonal anti-myc tag antibody, either 4A6 or 9E10) allowed the labeling of
      endosomal structures positive for Rab5 and/or for beta-arrestin1 (microscopy,
      cytofluorometry). Authentic PTH was inactive in this respect, ruling out a non
      specific form of endocytosis like pinocytosis. Using a horseradish peroxidase
      conjugated secondary antibody, the endocytosis of the PTH-myc-based antibody
      complex by endogenous PTH1R was evidenced in MG-63 osteoblastoid cells. The
      secreted construct PTH-myc represents a bona fide agonist that supports the
      feasibility of transporting cargoes of considerable molecular weight inside cells
      using arrestin and Rab5-mediated PTH1R endocytosis. PTH-myc is also transported
      into cells that express PTH1R at a physiological level. Such tagged peptide
      hormones may be part of a cancer chemotherapy scheme exploiting a modular
      cytotoxic secondary antibody and the receptor repertoire expressed in a given
      tumor. 

PMID- 25128083
TI  - DEK oncogene expression during normal hematopoiesis and in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
      (AML).
AB  - DEK is important in regulating cellular processes including proliferation,
      differentiation and maintenance of stem cell phenotype. The translocation t(6;9)
      in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), which fuses DEK with NUP214, confers a poor
      prognosis and a higher risk of relapse. The over-expression of DEK in AML has
      been reported, but different studies have shown diminished levels in pediatric
      and promyelocytic leukemias. This study has characterized DEK expression, in
      silico, using a large multi-center cohort of leukemic and normal control cases.
      Overall, DEK was under-expressed in AML compared to normal bone marrow (NBM).
      Studying specific subtypes of AML confirmed either no significant change or a
      significant reduction in DEK expression compared to NBM. Importantly, the
      similarity of DEK expression between AML and NBM was confirmed using
      immunohistochemistry analysis of tissue mircorarrays. In addition, stratification
      of AML patients based on median DEK expression levels indicated that DEK showed
      no effect on the overall survival of patients. DEK expression during normal
      hematopoiesis did reveal a relationship with specific cell types implicating a
      distinct function during myeloid differentiation. Whilst DEK may play a potential
      role in hematopoiesis, it remains to be established whether it is important for
      leukemagenesis, except when involved in the t(6;9) translocation.

PMID- 25128085
TI  - Nonlinear behaviour of conduction and block in cardiac tissue with heterogeneous
      expression of connexin 43.
AB  - Altered gap junctional coupling potentiates slow conduction and arrhythmias. To
      better understand how heterogeneous connexin expression affects conduction at the
      cellular scale, we investigated conduction in tissue consisting of two
      cardiomyocyte populations expressing different connexin levels. Conduction was
      mapped using microelectrode arrays in cultured strands of foetal murine
      ventricular myocytes with predefined contents of connexin 43 knockout (Cx43KO)
      cells. Corresponding computer simulations were run in randomly generated two
      dimensional tissues mimicking the cellular architecture of the strands. In the
      cultures, the relationship between conduction velocity (CV) and Cx43KO cell
      content was nonlinear. CV first decreased significantly when Cx43KO content was
      increased from 0 to 50%. When the Cx43KO content was >=60%, CV became comparable
      to that in 100% Cx43KO strands. Co-culturing Cx43KO and wild-type cells also
      resulted in significantly more heterogeneous conduction patterns and in frequent
      conduction blocks. The simulations replicated this behaviour of conduction. For
      Cx43KO contents of 10-50%, conduction was slowed due to wavefront meandering
      between Cx43KO cells. For Cx43KO contents >=60%, clusters of remaining wild-type
      cells acted as electrical loads that impaired conduction. For Cx43KO contents of
      40-60%, conduction exhibited fractal characteristics, was prone to block, and was
      more sensitive to changes in ion currents compared to homogeneous tissue. In
      conclusion, conduction velocity and stability behave in a nonlinear manner when
      cardiomyocytes expressing different connexin amounts are combined. This behaviour
      results from heterogeneous current-to-load relationships at the cellular level.
      Such behaviour is likely to be arrhythmogenic in various clinical contexts in
      which gap junctional coupling is heterogeneous. 

PMID- 25128084
TI  - A comparative study on the risks of radiogenic second cancers and cardiac
      mortality in a set of pediatric medulloblastoma patients treated with photon or
      proton craniospinal irradiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the risks of radiogenic second cancers and cardiac mortality
      in 17 pediatric medulloblastoma patients treated with passively scattered proton
      or field-in-field photon craniospinal irradiation (CSI). MATERIAL/METHODS:
      Standard of care photon or proton CSI treatment plans were created for all 17
      patients in a commercial treatment planning system (TPS) (Eclipse version 8.9;
      Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) and prescription dose was 23.4 or 23.4 Gy
      (RBE) to the age specific target volume at 1.8 Gy/fraction. The therapeutic doses
      from proton and photon CSI plans were estimated from TPS. Stray radiation doses
      were determined from Monte Carlo simulations for proton CSI and from measurements
      and TPS for photon CSI. The Biological Effects of Ionization Radiation VII report
      and a linear model based on childhood cancer survivor data were used for risk
      predictions of second cancer and cardiac mortality, respectively. RESULTS: The
      ratios of lifetime attributable risk (RLARs) (proton/photon) ranged from 0.10 to
      0.22 for second cancer incidence and ranged from 0.20 to 0.53 for second cancer
      mortality, respectively. The ratio of relative risk (RRR) (proton/photon) of
      cardiac mortality ranged from 0.12 to 0.24. The RLARs of both cancer incidence
      and mortality decreased with patient's age at exposure (e), while the RRRs of
      cardiac mortality increased with e. Girls had a significantly higher RLAR of
      cancer mortality than boys. CONCLUSION: Passively scattered proton CSI provides
      superior predicted outcomes by conferring lower predicted risks of second cancer
      and cardiac mortality than field-in-field photon CSI for all medulloblastoma
      patients in a large clinically representative sample in the United States, but
      the magnitude of superiority depends strongly on the patients' anatomical
      development status.

PMID- 25128086
TI  - Caveolin-1 deletion exacerbates cardiac interstitial fibrosis by promoting M2
      macrophage activation in mice after myocardial infarction.
AB  - Adverse remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) leading to heart failure
      is driven by an imbalanced resolution of inflammation. The macrophage cell is an
      important control of post-MI inflammation, as macrophage subtypes secrete
      mediators to either promote inflammation and extend injury (M1 phenotype) or
      suppress inflammation and promote scar formation (M2 phenotype). We have
      previously shown that the absence of caveolin-1 (Cav1), a membrane scaffolding
      protein, is associated with adverse cardiac remodeling in mice, but the
      mechanisms responsible remain to be elucidated. We explore here the role of Cav1
      in the activation of macrophages using wild type C57BL6/J (WT) and Cav1(tm1Mls/J)
      (Cav1(-/-)) mice. By echocardiography, cardiac function was comparable between WT
      and Cav1(-/-) mice at 3days post-MI. In the absence of Cav1, there were a
      surprisingly higher percentage of M2 macrophages (arginase-1 positive) detected
      in the infarcted zone. Conversely, restoring Cav1 function after MI in WT mice by
      adding back the Cav1 scaffolding domain reduced the M2 activation profile.
      Further, adoptive transfer of Cav1 null macrophages into WT mice on d3 post-MI
      exacerbated adverse cardiac remodeling at d14 post-MI. In vitro studies revealed
      that Cav1 null macrophages had a more pronounced M2 profile activation in
      response to IL-4 stimulation. In conclusion, Cav1 deletion promotes an array of
      maladaptive repair processes after MI, including increased TGF-beta signaling,
      increased M2 macrophage infiltration and dysregulation of the M1/M2 balance. Our
      data also suggest that cardiac remodeling can be improved by therapeutic
      intervention regulating Cav1 function during the inflammatory response phase. 

PMID- 25128087
TI  - SENP5, a SUMO isopeptidase, induces apoptosis and cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Cardiomyopathy presents a major health issue and is a leading cause of heart
      failure. Although a subset of familial cardiomyopathy is associated with genetic
      mutations, over 50% of cardiomyopathy is defined as idiopathic, the mechanisms
      underlying which are under intensive investigation. SUMO conjugation is a dynamic
      posttranslational modification that can be readily reversed by the activity of
      sentrin-specific proteases (SENPs). However, whether SENPs are implicated in
      heart disease pathophysiology remains unexplored. We observed a significant
      increase in the level of SENP5, a SUMO isopeptidase, in human idiopathic failing
      hearts. To reveal whether it plays a role in the pathogenesis of cardiac muscle
      disorders, we used a gain-of-function approach to overexpress SENP5 in murine
      cardiomyocytes (SENP5 transgenic, SENP5-Tg). Overexpression of SENP5 led to
      cardiac dysfunction, accompanied by decreased cardiomyocyte proliferation and
      elevated apoptosis. The increase in apoptosis preceded other detectable
      pathological changes, suggesting its causal link to cardiomyopathy. Further
      examination of SENP5-Tg hearts unveiled a decrease in SUMO attachment to dynamin
      related protein (Drp1), a factor critical for mitochondrial fission.
      Correspondingly, the mitochondria of SENP5-Tg hearts at an early developmental
      stage were significantly larger compared with those in the control hearts,
      suggesting that desumoylation of Drp1 at least partially accounts for the cardiac
      phenotypes observed in the SENP5-Tg mice. Finally, overexpression of Bcl2 in
      SENP5-Tg hearts improved cardiac function of SENP5-Tg mice, further supporting
      the notion that SENP5 mainly targets mitochondrial function in vivo. Our findings
      demonstrate an important role of the desumoylation enzyme SENP5 in the
      development of cardiac muscle disorders, and point to the SUMO conjugation
      pathway as a potential target in the prevention/treatment of cardiomyopathy. This
      article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Mitochondria: From Basic
      Mitochondrial Biology to Cardiovascular Disease".

PMID- 25128088
TI  - Effects of chronic administration of arachidonic acid on lipid profiles and
      morphology in the skeletal muscles of aged rats.
AB  - Arachidonic acid (20:4n-6, ARA) is a major component of the cell membrane,
      whereas ARA-derived eicosanoids are formed when cells are damaged. Aging is
      associated with an accretion of oxidative stress in skeletal muscles. In this
      study, we examined the effects of chronic administration (13 weeks) of ARA (240
      mg/kg/day) on fatty acid composition, antioxidative status, and morphology of
      slow (soleus muscles) and fast (extensor digitorum longus muscles; EDL)-twitch
      muscles in aged rats (21 months old). The level of reactive oxygen species was
      higher in the EDL of ARA-administered rats than in that of control rats. ARA
      administration decreased the muscle cell volumes and increased the number of slow
      myosin heavy chain (MHC)-positive cells in the EDL. The relative content of MHC2X
      was increased whereas the relative content of MHC2B was decreased in the EDL of
      ARA-administered rats. These results suggest that ARA deposition in the fast
      twitch muscle of aged rats reduced cell volume with an increase in oxidative
      stress.

PMID- 25128089
TI  - Central venous occlusion mimics carotid cavernous fistula: a case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - A patient presented with signs and symptoms of a left carotid cavernous fistula
      (CCF). Computed tomography angiography confirmed filling of the cavernous sinus
      in the arterial phase. Cerebral digital subtraction angiography demonstrated no
      evidence of CCF. The workup, diagnosis, and treatment of this patient are
      discussed, and the literature is reviewed. 

PMID- 25128090
TI  - Cosmetic fat augmentation following breast reconstruction: sonographic appearance
      with cytopathologic correlation.
AB  - This series presents the history and imaging of patients who had cosmetic fat
      augmentation following mastectomy and reconstruction. The cases provide the
      useful reminder that a complete surgical history is essential when assessing the
      imaging of a post-operative breast patient and that speaking directly with
      patients can be a critical step in putting together a complete clinical picture
      and adding value to their care. 

PMID- 25128091
TI  - Cellular immune response in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
AB  - Hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma caused by hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) infection has threatening human health seriously. As HBV is a kind of non
      cytotoxic virus, host immune response plays a vital role in pathogenesis and
      clinical outcomes of hepatitis B. Multiple immune cells (e.g., including
      cytotoxic T lymphocytes, regulatory T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic
      cells) are important in the immune regulation of HBV infection. Therefore,
      focusing on the activation states of immune cells may provide new evidences and
      strategies for determining immune status of HBV infectors, monitoring progression
      of diseases and predicting efficacy of antiviral treatment. 

PMID- 25128092
TI  - Apoptotic activity and Treg cells in tissue lesions of patients with leprosy.
AB  - In order to understand the apoptotic response and the participation of Treg cells
      in the spectral clinical evolution of leprosy, this study evaluated the
      immunohistochemical expression of caspase-3 and FoxP3 in skin lesions of leprosy
      patients with the polar forms of the disease. Forty-nine patients with a
      confirmed diagnosis of the disease were selected, including 27 with the TT form
      and 22 with the LL form. Quantitative analysis of caspase-3 immunostaining showed
      a higher expression of this mediator in the LL form (3.409 +/- 0.6517
      cells/mm(2); p = 0.0001). Immunostaining for the transcription factor FoxP3 was
      higher in the LL form (3.891 +/- 0.9294 cells/mm(2); p = 0.0001). A moderate
      correlation between the two markers was observed in the TT form (r = 0.5214; p =
      0.005). It can be concluded that Treg cells and apoptosis play an effective role
      for the host defense response, inducing mechanisms involved in the activation of
      cascades that interfere with the control of the immune response and cell
      homeostasis. 

PMID- 25128093
TI  - Dynamic computed tomography angiography in suspected brain death: a noninvasive
      biomarker.
AB  - PURPOSE: Neurologic determination of death or brain death is primarily a clinical
      diagnosis. This must respect all guarantees required by law and should be
      determined early to avoid unnecessary treatment and allow organ harvesting for
      transplantation. Ancillary testing is used in situations in which clinical
      assessment is impossible or confounded by other factors. Our purpose is to
      determine the utility of dynamic computed tomographic angiography (dCTA) as an
      ancillary test for diagnosis of brain death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed 13 consecutive patients with suspected brain death in
      the intensive care unit who had dCTA. Contrast appearance timings recorded from
      the dCTA data were compared to findings from 15 controls selected from patients
      who presented with symptoms of acute stroke but showed no stroke in follow-up
      imaging. RESULTS: The dCTA allows us to reliably assess cerebral blood flow and
      to record time of individual cerebral vessels opacification. It also helps us to
      assess the intracranial flow qualitatively against the flow in extracranial
      vessels as a reference. We compared the time difference between enhancement of
      the external and internal carotid arteries and branches. In all patients who were
      brain dead, internal carotid artery enhancement was delayed, which occurred after
      external carotid artery branches were opacified. CONCLUSION: In patients with
      suspected brain death, dCTA reliably demonstrated the lack of cerebral blood
      flow, with extracranial circulation as an internal reference. Our initial results
      suggest that inversion of time of contrast appearance between internal carotid
      artery and external carotid artery branches at the skull base could predict a
      lack of distal intracranial flow.

PMID- 25128094
TI  - Looking back, moving forward: an analysis of complaints submitted to a Canadian
      tertiary care radiology department and lessons learned.
AB  - PURPOSE: We present an analysis of various types and strata of complaints
      received in a geographically isolated tertiary care center over a 2.5-year
      period. METHODS: Research ethics board approval was obtained. The institution
      described is a closed system with formalized procedures for submitting
      complaints. All complaints submitted between November 2010 and March 2013 were
      collected retrospectively. The following data were extracted: type of
      complainant, nature of the complaint, site or modality of concern, dates in
      question, and the response. The data were analysed in multiple subgroups and
      compared with patient and study volume data. RESULTS: The frequency of complaints
      equalled 0.01% (100/1,050,000). The largest group of those who submitted
      complaints were patients (69% [69/100]), followed by referring physicians (16%).
      Examination scheduling and interpersonal conflicts were equally of greatest
      frequency of concern (21% [21/100]), followed by issues with study reporting
      (16%). The average time interval between complaint submission and formal address
      was 15 days. CONCLUSIONS: We present a low frequency of complaints, with the
      majority of these complaints submitted by patients; scheduling and personal
      interactions were most often involved. Effective communication, both with
      patients and referring physicians, was identified as a particular focus for
      improving satisfaction.

PMID- 25128095
TI  - The crosslinking of polysaccharides with polyamines and dextran-polyallylamine
      antibacterial hydrogels.
AB  - A facile modular approach to rapidly prepare pH-responsive hydrogels by
      crosslinking polysaccharides with polyamines is demonstrated. Hydrogels are
      prepared by first reacting the less reactive polysaccharides with the cross
      linker epichlorohydrin and completed by the addition of polyamines. The
      crosslinking of polysaccharides with polyamines provides a facile method for
      incorporating functionality into polysaccharide based hydrogels. This process is
      demonstrated with the polysaccharides dextran, pullulan and carboxymethyl
      cellulose and with the polyamines polyallylamine and polyethylene imine. The
      hydrogels were characterized by FTIR and swelling studies, which showed pH
      dependent swelling due to the presence of the polyamine. The hydrogels can also
      be tailored by varying the mass ratio between the polysaccharide and polyamine.
      Absorption studies of organic analytes showed the polyamine content affecting the
      uptake of a charged substrate (methylene blue) and no effect on a neutral
      substrate (6-methyl coumarin). This synthetic method was also used to prepare
      hydrogels with antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus by utilizing
      an amphiphilic polyallylamine. 

PMID- 25128096
TI  - Free-radical scavenging properties and antioxidant activities of botryosphaeran
      and some other beta-D-glucans.
AB  - beta-D-Glucans are known to present antitumor, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory
      activities that are influenced by their own antioxidant capacity. The antioxidant
      activity of botryosphaeran, an exopolysaccharide of the (1 -> 3;1 -> 6)-beta-D
      glucan type produced by the Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05 was evaluated and
      compared to some other beta-D-glucans (lasiodiplodan an exocellular (1 -> 6)-beta
      D-glucan from Lasiodiplodia theobromae, laminarin and curdlan), and
      oligosaccharides, disaccharides, and monosaccharides in a study of scavenging
      activities of free radicals in-vitro. Botryosphaeran displayed high total
      antioxidant activity (80%) as well as good scavenging activity against hydroxyl
      radical (90.6%), superoxide anion (37%), hydrogen peroxide (38%), and nitric
      oxide radical (90%). No reducing power, metal-chelating capacity or inhibition of
      lipid peroxidation was observed for these beta-D-glucans. The results
      demonstrated that botryosphaeran exhibited effective antioxidant activity as
      supported by many different assays, suggesting that this beta-D-glucan may serve
      as a source of a new bioactive compound with effective antioxidant activity.

PMID- 25128097
TI  - Production of alpha-amylase for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using
      Streptomyces sp. MBRC-82.
AB  - Marine actinobacterial synthesis of gold nanoparticles has good potential to
      develop simple, cost-effective and eco-friendly methods for production of
      important biomaterials. In this context, gold nanoparticles have attracted
      considerable attention in recent years, owing to their various applications. In
      this paper, we report on the production of alpha-amylase for the extracellular
      synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Streptomyces sp. MBRC-82. Medium
      composition and culture conditions for alpha-amylase production were
      statistically optimized. Plackett-Burman design was employed to find out the
      optimal medium constituents and culture conditions to enhance alpha-amylase
      production. Box-Behnken design revealed that three independent variables namely
      soluble starch (5.8484 g), peptone (3.5191 g), and NaCl (0.3829) significantly
      influenced alpha-amylase production. The gold nanoparticles were characterized by
      ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
      energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), and transmission electron microscopy
      (TEM). The particles synthesized using the optimized enzyme activity ranged from
      20 to 80 nm with an average particle size of 40 nm and therefore can be extended
      to various medicinal applications.

PMID- 25128098
TI  - New heterocycle modified chitosan adsorbent for metal ions (II) removal from
      aqueous systems.
AB  - A new hydrogel based on a modified chitosan CS-B was synthesized and evaluated
      for its metal ion removal from aqueous systems. The CS-B hydrogel was prepared
      through modification of chitosan with 4-((1, 3-dioxoisoindolin-2-ylimino) methyl)
      benzaldehyde as a heterocyclic component. The new hydrogel was analyzed by
      diverse techniques such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and swelling tests. The
      adsorption capacity of CS-B for metal ions Co(2+), Hg(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), and
      Pb(2+) from aqueous systems at different pH values showed various levels of
      efficiency. The metal ion uptake data over a range of pH values for Co(2+) and
      Hg(2+) showed the highest adsorption capacity while Cu(2+), Zn(2+), and Pb(2+)
      showed moderate adsorption capacity. Selective metal ion efficiency was highest
      for Co(2+) and lowest for Hg(2+) in their binary mixture. 

PMID- 25128099
TI  - Identification, characterization, immobilization of a novel type hydrolase (LmH)
      from Listeria monocytogenes.
AB  - A novel type of hydrolase (LmH) from Listeria monocytogenes was identified,
      characterized, and immobilized for biotechnological applications. Primary
      sequence analysis indicated that LmH had a catalytic triad (Ser(91)-Asp(192)
      His(222)) with a molecular weight of 27.8 kDa. Homologs of this enzyme are
      produced by many Gram-positive bacteria including Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and
      Enterococcus. Biochemical properties of LmH were investigated by performing mass
      spectrometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), enzyme assays, enantioselective
      analysis, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, fluorescence analysis, and
      macroscopic hydrogel formations. Interestingly, cross-linked enzyme aggregates
      (CLEAs) of LmH exhibited enhanced stability and good recycling abilities compared
      to free LmH. These molecular characteristics of LmH highlight its great potential
      for the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and chemical industries.

PMID- 25128100
TI  - Comments on: "Quantitative evaluation of mechanical properties in tissue
      engineered auricular cartilage".

PMID- 25128101
TI  - A woman with warts, leg swelling, and deafness.
AB  - KEY TEACHING POINTS * We describe a 45-year-old woman with GATA2 deficiency
      associated with verrucae, lymphedema, immunodeficiency, and a history of
      infections and skin cancer. * GATA2 deficiency has variable clinical expressivity
      with differing presentations, including infection, hematopoietic abnormalities,
      immunodeficiency, lymphedema, and cancer. * Cutaneous manifestations include
      verruca vulgaris, soft tissue infections, lymphedema, and panniculitis. *
      Patients may have verrucae that can progress to squamous cell carcinomas;
      dermatologists therefore play an important role in managing these patients as
      members of a multidisciplinary team. 

PMID- 25128102
TI  - Topical antimicrobial acne treatment tolerability: a meaningful factor in
      treatment adherence?

PMID- 25128103
TI  - The impact of obesity on the folliculosebaceous unit.

PMID- 25128104
TI  - Reply to 'what is the effect of obesity on the folliculosebaceous unit?'.

PMID- 25128105
TI  - Skin cancer, photoprotection, and skin of color.

PMID- 25128106
TI  - Reply to 'skin cancer, photoprotection, and skin of color'.

PMID- 25128107
TI  - Surgical margins for possibly malignant melanocytic lesions.

PMID- 25128108
TI  - Psoriasis or obesity is a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PMID- 25128109
TI  - Reply to 'surgical margins for possibly malignant melanocytic lesions'.

PMID- 25128110
TI  - Reply: surgical margins for possibly malignant melanocytic lesions and the
      overdiagnosis of melanoma.

PMID- 25128111
TI  - Complementary data for long-term infliximab use in psoriasis.

PMID- 25128112
TI  - Reply to 'complementary data for long-term infliximab use in psoriasis'.

PMID- 25128113
TI  - Filaggrin mutations as an archetype for understanding the pathophysiology of
      atopic dermatitis.

PMID- 25128114
TI  - Frontal fibrosing alopecia.

PMID- 25128115
TI  - Reply to 'frontal fibrosing alopecia'.

PMID- 25128116
TI  - Clinical efficacy of diphenylcyclopropenone in alopecia areata: retrospective
      data analysis of 50 patients.

PMID- 25128117
TI  - Early-onset mycosis fungoides among African American women: a single-institution
      study.

PMID- 25128118
TI  - Evaluation and diagnosis of the hair loss patient: part I. History and clinical
      examination.
AB  - Hair loss (alopecia) is a common problem and is often a major source of distress
      for patients. The differential diagnosis of alopecia includes both scarring and
      nonscarring alopecias. In addition, many hair shaft disorders can produce hair
      shaft fragility, resulting in different patterns of alopecia. Therefore, an
      organized and systematic approach is needed to accurately address patients'
      complaints to achieve the correct diagnosis. Part 1 of this 2-part continuing
      medical education article on alopecia describes history taking and the clinical
      examination of different hair loss disorders. It also provides an algorithmic
      diagnostic approach based on the most recent knowledge about different types of
      alopecia. 

PMID- 25128119
TI  - Evaluation and diagnosis of the hair loss patient: part II. Trichoscopic and
      laboratory evaluations.
AB  - The use of trichoscopy for evaluating a number of hair and scalp disorders is
      gaining popularity. It is a simple and noninvasive in vivo tool for visualizing
      hair shafts and the scalp. Recently, alopecias have been classified according to
      their trichoscopic findings. The second part of this 2-part continuing medical
      education article reviews recent advances in this field and describes a
      systematic approach for using the differential diagnostic findings of trichoscopy
      in alopecia. 

PMID- 25128120
TI  - Papular eruption associated with palifermin.

PMID- 25128121
TI  - A 52-year-old man with bullous pemphigoid and bullous cystitis.

PMID- 25128122
TI  - Successful topical adapalene treatment for the facial lesions of an adolescent
      case of epidermolytic ichthyosis.

PMID- 25128125
TI  - Trichoblastoma with dermoscopic features of a malignant tumor: three cases.

PMID- 25128126
TI  - Periungual Bowen disease mimicking chronic paronychia and diagnosed by
      dermoscopy.

PMID- 25128127
TI  - Optimizing the efficacy of targeted phototherapy by marking early vitiligo
      lesions after visualizing under a Wood's lamp.

PMID- 25128128
TI  - Use of the Unna sleeve for severe, treatment-resistant idiopathic pruritus.

PMID- 25128129
TI  - Extraosseous extension of multiple myeloma: a cutaneous herald to systemic
      disease.

PMID- 25128130
TI  - Solar urticaria to visible light triggered by light-emitting diode therapy.

PMID- 25128131
TI  - Cheilitis and urticaria associated with stannous fluoride in toothpaste.

PMID- 25128132
TI  - Distinctive cutaneous findings due to a rare complication from a warming device.

PMID- 25128133
TI  - Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome in a patient with adult-onset Still disease.

PMID- 25128134
TI  - Umbilical endometriosis elucidates cause of recurrent pneumothorax.

PMID- 25128135
TI  - Generalized granuloma annulare after varicella infection: Wolf isotopic response?

PMID- 25128136
TI  - Photo-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

PMID- 25128137
TI  - Pili multigemini/trichofolliculoma-like organoid nevus.

PMID- 25128138
TI  - Subcorneal pustular dermatosis associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

PMID- 25128139
TI  - Rapid deterioration in a patient with primary aggressive cutaneous epidermotropic
      CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell ('Berti') lymphoma after administration of adalimumab.

PMID- 25128140
TI  - Rickettsia parkeri: eschar diagnosis.

PMID- 25128141
TI  - A rapidly progressive and fatal case of atypical acute generalized exanthematous
      pustulosis.

PMID- 25128142
TI  - Peripheral facial palsy after topical photodynamic therapy for facial actinic
      keratoses.

PMID- 25128143
TI  - Demodicidosis on the arms of a patient with pemphigus foliaceus.

PMID- 25128144
TI  - Primary cutaneous nocardiosis in an immunocompetent host following laser
      resurfacing.

PMID- 25128145
TI  - Giant cellulitis-like Sweet syndrome in the setting of autoimmune disease.

PMID- 25128146
TI  - Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa presenting as a solitary blue toe.

PMID- 25128147
TI  - Major response to vemurafenib in patient with severe cutaneous Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis harboring BRAF V600E mutation.

PMID- 25128148
TI  - Extensive scleredema adultorum with loss of eccrine glands.

PMID- 25128149
TI  - Downregulation of microRNA-498 in colorectal cancers and its cellular effects.
AB  - miR-498 is a non-coding RNA located intergenically in 19q13.41. Due to its
      predicted targeting of several genes involved in control of cellular growth, we
      examined the expression of miR-498 in colon cancer cell lines and a large cohort
      of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. Two colon cancer cancer cell lines
      (SW480 and SW48) and one normal colonic epithelial cell line (FHC) were
      recruited. The expression of miR-498 was tested in these cell lines by using
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Tissues from 80
      patients with surgical resection of colorectum (60 adenocarcinomas and 20 non
      neoplastic tissues) were tested for miR-498 expression by qRT-PCR. In addition,
      an exogenous miR-498 (mimic) was used to detect the miRNA's effects on cell
      proliferation and cell cycle events in SW480 using MTT calorimetric assay and
      flow cytometry respectively. The colon cancer cell lines showed reduced
      expression of miR-498 compared to a normal colonic epithelial cell line. Mimic
      driven over expression of miR-498 in the SW480 cell line resulted in reduced cell
      proliferation and increased proportions of G2-M phase cells. In tissues, miR-498
      expression was too low to be detected in all colorectal adenocarcinoma compared
      to non-neoplastic tissues. This suggests that the down regulation of miR-498 in
      colorectal cancer tissues and the direct suppressive cellular effect noted in
      cancer cell lines implies that miR-498 has some direct or indirect role in the
      pathogenesis of colorectal adenocarcinomas. 

PMID- 25128151
TI  - Effect of cholesterol and ergosterol on the antibiotic amphotericin B
      interactions with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine monolayers: X-ray reflectivity
      study.
AB  - Amphotericin B is a Streptomyces nodosus metabolite and one of the oldest polyene
      antibiotics used in the treatment of invasive systemic fungal infections. Despite
      its over 50-year existence in clinical practice and the recognition of
      amphotericin B as the gold standard in the treatment of serious systemic mycosis,
      it still remains one of the most toxic pharmaceuticals. Understanding of the
      processes at the molecular levels and the interactions between amphotericin B
      with lipid membranes containing sterols should elucidate the mechanisms of the
      action and toxicity of this widely used antibiotic. In this work, we use X-ray
      reflectivity to study the structural changes on a molecular scale after
      amphotericin B incorporation. These changes are accompanied by an increase in
      monolayer surface pressure which is more pronounced for ergosterol - rather than
      cholesterol-rich membranes. The data indicate that this difference is not due to
      the higher affinity of amphotericin B towards ergosterol-containing membranes but
      is rather due to a ~3Angstrom corrugation of the monolayer. Furthermore, the
      total quantity of amphotericin B incorporated into lipid monolayers containing
      cholesterol and ergosterol is the same. 

PMID- 25128152
TI  - Characterization of 3-methoxy flavones for their interaction with ABCG2 as
      suggested by ATPase activity.
AB  - Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP/ABCG2) belongs to the superfamily of ATP
      binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Characteristic of some of these transporter
      proteins is the transport of a variety of structurally unrelated substances
      against a concentration gradient by using the energy of ATP hydrolysis. ABCG2 has
      been found to confer multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells. Several
      anticancer drugs have been identified as ABCG2 substrates including mitoxantrone,
      etoposide and topotecan. As inhibition of the transporter is one of the
      strategies to overcome MDR, we have synthesized and tested several 3-methoxy
      flavones and investigated them for their ABCG2 inhibition. Among these,
      pentamethyl quercetin (compound 4) and pentamethyl morin (compound 5) were found
      to be fluorescent and hence screened for their possible transport by ABCG2 using
      confocal microscopy. This study showed that pentamethyl quercetin was far less
      accumulated in ABCG2 overexpressing MDCK BCRP cells as compared to MDCK sensitive
      cells, suggesting possible efflux of this compound by ABCG2. Pentamethyl morin
      showed no visible difference in both cell lines. Based on this observation, we
      studied several other fluorescent 3-methoxy flavones for their accumulation in
      ABCG2 overexpressing cells. To confirm the substrate or inhibitor nature of the
      tested compounds, these compounds were further investigated by ATPase assay. If
      stimulation of the transporter ATPase activity is detected, one can conclude that
      the compound is probably a transported substrate. All compounds except
      pentamethyl morin (compound 5) and tetramethyl quercetin (compound 6) were found
      to stimulate ATPase activity pointing to possible substrates despite being potent
      inhibitors of ABCG2. 

PMID- 25128153
TI  - Labeling phospholipid membranes with lipid mimetic luminescent metal complexes.
AB  - Lipid-mimetic metallosurfactant based luminophores are promising candidates for
      labeling phospholipid membranes without altering their biophysical
      characteristics. The metallosurfactants studied exhibit high structural and
      physicochemical similarity to phospholipid molecules, designed to incorporate
      into the membrane structure without the need for covalent attachment to a lipid
      molecule. In this work, two lipid-mimetic phosphorescent metal complexes are
      described: [Ru(bpy)2(dn-bpy)](2+) and [Ir(ppy)2(dn-bpy)](+) where bpy is 2,2'
      bipyridine, dn-bpy is 4,4'-dinonyl-2,2'-bipyridine and ppy is 2-phenylpyridine.
      Apart from being lipid-mimetic in size, shape and physical properties, both
      complexes exhibit intense photoluminescence and enhanced photostability compared
      with conventional organic fluorophores, allowing for prolonged observation.
      Moreover, the large Stokes shift and long luminescence lifetime associated with
      these complexes make them more suitable for spectroscopic studies. The complexes
      are easily incorporated into dimyristoil-phosphatidyl-choline (DMPC) liposomes by
      mixing in the organic solvent phase. DLS reveals the labeled membranes form
      liposomes of similar size to that of neat DMPC membrane. Synchrotron Small-Angle
      X-ray Scattering (SAXS) measurements confirmed that up to 5% of either complex
      could be incorporated into DMPC membranes without producing any structural
      changes in the membrane. Fluorescence microscopy reveals that 0.5% label content
      is sufficient for imaging. Atomic Force Microscopic imaging confirms that
      liposomes of the labeled bilayers on a mica surface can fuse into a flat lamellar
      membrane that is morphologically identical to neat lipid membranes. These results
      demonstrate the potential of such lipid-mimetic luminescent metal complexes as a
      new class of labels for imaging lipid membranes. 

PMID- 25128150
TI  - A syndecan-4 binding peptide derived from laminin 5 uses a novel PKCepsilon
      pathway to induce cross-linked actin network (CLAN) formation in human trabecular
      meshwork (HTM) cells.
AB  - In this study, we examined the role(s) of syndecan-4 in regulating the formation
      of an actin geodesic dome structure called a cross-linked actin network (CLAN) in
      which syndecan-4 has previously been localized. CLANs have been described in
      several different cell types, but they have been most widely studied in human
      trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells where they may play a key role in controlling
      intraocular pressure by regulating aqueous humor outflow from the eye. In this
      study we show that a loss of cell surface synedcan-4 significantly reduces CLAN
      formation in HTM cells. Analysis of HTM cultures treated with or without
      dexamethasone shows that laminin 5 deposition within the extracellular matrix is
      increased by glucocorticoid treatment and that a laminin 5-derived, syndecan-4
      binding peptide (PEP75), induces CLAN formation in TM cells. This PEP75-induced
      CLAN formation was inhibited by heparin and the broad spectrum PKC inhibitor Ro
      31-7549. In contrast, the more specific PKCalpha inhibitor Go 6976 had no effect,
      thus excluding PKCalpha as a downstream effector of syndecan-4 signaling.
      Analysis of PKC isozyme expression showed that HTM cells also expressed both
      PKCgamma and PKCepsilon. Cells treated with a PKCepsilon agonist formed CLANs
      while a PKCalpha/gamma agonist had no effect. These data suggest that syndecan-4
      is essential for CLAN formation in HTM cells and that a novel PKCepsilon-mediated
      signaling pathway can regulate formation of this unique actin structure.

PMID- 25128154
TI  - Structural dynamics of the cell wall precursor lipid II in the presence and
      absence of the lantibiotic nisin.
AB  - Representing a physiological "Achilles' heel", the cell wall precursor lipid II
      (LII) is a prime target for various classes of antibiotics. Over the years LII
      binding agents have been recognized as promising candidates and templates in the
      search for new antibacterial compounds to complement or replace existing drugs.
      To elucidate the molecular structural basis underlying LII functional mechanism
      and to better understand if and how lantibiotic binding alters the molecular
      behavior of LII, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of phospholipid
      membrane-embedded LII in the absence and presence of the LII-binding lantibiotic
      nisin. In a series of 2*4 independent, unbiased 100ns MD simulations we sampled
      the conformational dynamics of nine LII as well as nine LII-nisin complexes
      embedded in an aqueous 150mM NaCl/POPC phospholipid membrane environment. We
      found that nisin binding to LII induces a reduction of LII mobility and
      flexibility, an outward shift of the LII pentapeptide, an inward movement of the
      LII disaccharide section, and an overall deeper insertion of the LII tail group
      into the membrane. The latter effect might indicate an initial step in adopting a
      stabilizing, scaffold-like structure in the process of nisin-induced membrane
      leakage. At the same time nisin conformation and LII interaction remain similar
      to the 1WCO LII-nisin NMR solution structure. 

PMID- 25128155
TI  - Towards the importance of minimum toe clearance in level ground walking in a
      healthy elderly population.
AB  - Tripping is presumed to be the principal cause for falls during walking. At
      minimum toe clearance, the potential for trip-related falls is considered to be
      highest. Thus, controlling minimum toe clearance is essential for walking without
      tripping. In theory, the central nervous system should therefore give priority to
      accurate control of the variability in minimum toe clearance, as compared to
      other gait parameters, since people tend to only modify variability in any given
      task if it interferes with the task performance. The aim of this study was to
      determine whether elderly individuals show less increase in variability of
      minimum toe clearance during a dual-task condition (where an increase of gait
      variability is provoked), while allowing a larger range of variability in the
      other gait parameters. Forty elderly participants walked back and forth on a 25 m
      long track for five minutes. They then walked a second time performing an
      additional cognitive task. The variability in stride time, stride length and
      minimum toe clearance as well as dual-task costs of each gait parameter were
      calculated for each walk. The variability in minimum toe clearance did not change
      during dual task-walking, whereas the variability of stride length and stride
      time increased, showing dual-task costs of about 66% and 84%, respectively. To
      avoid additional detrimental load on the central nervous system, the modification
      of task-irrelevant variability may be tolerated during dual-task conditions,
      whereas minimum toe clearance is controlled with high priority.

PMID- 25128156
TI  - Clinimetric properties of the Tinetti Mobility Test, Four Square Step Test,
      Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and spatiotemporal gait measures in
      individuals with Huntington's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) experience
      balance and gait problems that lead to falls. Clinicians currently have very
      little information about the reliability and validity of outcome measures to
      determine the efficacy of interventions that aim to reduce balance and gait
      impairments in HD. This study examined the reliability and concurrent validity of
      spatiotemporal gait measures, the Tinetti Mobility Test (TMT), Four Square Step
      Test (FSST), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale in
      individuals with HD. METHODS: Participants with HD [n = 20; mean age +/- SD=50.9
      +/- 13.7; 7 male] were tested on spatiotemporal gait measures and the TMT, FSST,
      and ABC Scale before and after a six week period to determine test-retest
      reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) values. Linear relationships
      between gait and clinical measures were estimated using Pearson's correlation
      coefficients. RESULTS: Spatiotemporal gait measures, the TMT total and the FSST
      showed good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.75). MDC values were
      0.30 m/s and 0.17 m/s for velocity in forward and backward walking respectively,
      four points for the TMT, and 3s for the FSST. The TMT and FSST were highly
      correlated with most spatiotemporal measures. The ABC Scale demonstrated lower
      reliability and less concurrent validity than other measures. CONCLUSIONS: The
      high test-retest reliability over a six week period and concurrent validity
      between the TMT, FSST, and spatiotemporal gait measures suggest that the TMT and
      FSST may be useful outcome measures for future intervention studies in ambulatory
      individuals with HD.

PMID- 25128157
TI  - An anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) from Channa striatus: Sequence
      analysis and delayed and advanced gene expression in response to fungal,
      bacterial and poly I:C induction.
AB  - B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) is a suppressor of apoptosis and inhibits the caspase
      dependent apoptosis pathway. In this study, we report molecular characterization
      of a cDNA sequence encoded of BCL-2 from striped murrel, Channa striatus. A
      partial cDNA sequence of CsBCL-2 was identified from the striped murrel cDNA
      library during annotation. Subsequently, the full length CsBCL-2 cDNA sequence
      was obtained by an internal sequencing method using a forward primer. The
      sequence contains 699 nucleotide base pairs which encode 232 amino acid residues.
      The domain and motif analysis revealed that the CsBCL-2 polypeptide consists of
      BCL-2 homologous domain BH4 at the N-terminal region between 4 and 21 and the BCL
      2 homologous domains BH1, BH2 and BH3 between 87 and 187. The CsBCL-2 polypeptide
      sequence does not have a signal peptide region, but it consists of two novel
      transmembrane regions at 134-152 and 209-226. The sequence analysis showed that
      the CsBCL-2 has highest sequence identity (70%) with BCL-2 like protein 1 (BCL-2
      L1) from pufferfish Takifugu rubripes. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the
      CsBCL-2 was situated in the BCL-2 L1 fish clade. The secondary analysis showed
      that the CsBCL-2 protein consists of 132 amino acid residues in the alpha-helical
      region and 100 amino acid residues in the random coil region. The validated 3D
      structure of CsBCL-2 showed the active residues Gly(135) and Arg(136) in the 7th
      alpha-helical position, whereas Trp(178) is in the 9th alpha-helical region.
      CsBCL-2 mRNA transcription is predominately present in spleen and is upregulated
      upon being induced with fungus Aphanomyces invadans, bacteria Aeromonas
      hydrophila, Escherichia coli LPS, Laminaria digitata beta-1,3-glucan and poly
      I:C. Overall, the CsBCL-2 mRNA transcription results indicate the potential
      involvement of CsBCL-2 in immune system of C. striatus. However, further research
      at proteomic level is necessary to examine these predictions. 

PMID- 25128158
TI  - Porcine NOD1 polymorphisms with impaired ligand recognition and their
      distribution in pig populations.
AB  - Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) is a cytosolic pattern
      recognition receptor that recognizes gamma-d-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid
      (iE-DAP), a component of bacterial peptidoglycan. NOD1 is thought to be involved
      in the immune homeostasis mediated by intestinal microbiota as well as the host
      defense against infection. In this study, we identified 12 synonymous and nine
      nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding sequence of
      porcine NOD1 within major commercial breeds in the swine industry. Among the
      nonsynonymous SNPs, two amino-acid alterations located in the leucine-rich
      repeats region, glycine to glutamic acid at position 641 (G641E) and aspartic
      acid to asparagine at position 918 (D918N), impaired iE-DAP-induced activation of
      nuclear factor-kappaB. These alleles showed the recessive mode of inheritance and
      therefore are likely to be maintained in pig populations at high frequencies.
      These results suggest the possibility for improvement in disease resistance by
      eliminating the G641E and D918N alleles of NOD1 from commercial pig populations. 

PMID- 25128159
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24529621.

PMID- 25128160
TI  - Pulsatile airway obstruction found on ventilator pulmonary graphics.

PMID- 25128161
TI  - Constipation: a Brown Herring.

PMID- 25128162
TI  - Intimate partner violence increases adverse outcomes at birth and in early
      infancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of intimate partner violence (IPV) on birth
      outcomes and infant hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN: Hospitalization records for
      the first 4 months of life for infants born in the Military Health System in 2006
      2007 were linked to Family Advocacy Program-substantiated cases of IPV among
      military parents. Adverse outcomes were identified using International
      Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Logistic regression modeling
      calculated the OR of children exposed to IPV experiencing adverse outcomes.
      RESULTS: A total of 204,546 infants were born during the study period. Among
      these, 173,026 infants (85%) were linked to active duty military parents. 31,603
      infants (18%) experienced adverse outcomes, and 3059 infants (1.8%) were born
      into families with IPV. The infants exposed to IPV had a 31% increased odds of
      experiencing adverse outcomes compared with infants without known IPV exposure.
      IPV exposure increased the odds of the following outcomes: prematurity (OR, 1.45;
      95% CI, 1.29-1.62), low birth weight (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.25-1.97), respiratory
      problems (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04-1.32), neonatal hospitalization (OR, 1.39; 95%
      CI, 1.20-1.61), and postneonatal hospitalization (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.29-1.81).
      After controlling for prematurity and demographic variables, IPV exposure was
      associated with low birth weight (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.16-1.99), neonatal
      hospitalization (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02-1.49), and postneonatal hospitalization
      (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.03-1.56). CONCLUSION: Infants exposed to IPV are more likely
      to experience adverse birth outcomes and infant hospitalization. Routinely
      addressing IPV during prenatal and early pediatric visits may potentially prevent
      these adverse outcomes.

PMID- 25128163
TI  - Mapping human resources for eye health in 21 countries of sub-Saharan Africa:
      current progress towards VISION 2020.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Development of human resources for eye health (HReH) is a major focus
      of the Global Action Plan 2014 to 2019 to reduce the prevalence of avoidable
      visual impairment by 25% by the year 2019. The eye health workforce is thought to
      be much smaller in sub-Saharan Africa than in other regions of the world but data
      to support this for policy-making is scarce. We collected HReH and cataract
      surgeries data from 21 countries in sub-Sahara to estimate progress towards key
      suggested population-based VISION 2020 HReH indicators and cataract surgery rates
      (CSR) in 2011. METHODS: Routinely collected data on practitioner and surgery
      numbers in 2011 was requested from national eye care coordinators via electronic
      questionnaires. Telephone and e-mail discussions were used to determine data
      collection strategies that fit the national context and to verify reported data
      quality. Information was collected on six practitioner cadres: ophthalmologists,
      cataract surgeons, ophthalmic clinical officers, ophthalmic nurses, optometrists
      and 'mid-level refractionists' and combined with publicly available population
      data to calculate practitioner to population ratios and CSRs. Associations with
      development characteristics were conducted using Wilcoxon rank sum tests and
      Spearman rank correlations. RESULTS: HReH data was not easily available. A
      minority of countries had achieved the suggested VISION 2020 targets in 2011;
      five countries for ophthalmologists/cataract surgeons, four for ophthalmic
      nurses/clinical officers and two for CSR. All countries were below target for
      optometrists, even when other cadres who perform refractions as a primary duty
      were considered. The regional (sample) ratio for surgeons (ophthalmologists and
      cataract surgeons) was 2.9 per million population, 5.5 for ophthalmic clinical
      officers and nurses, 3.7 for optometrists and other refractionists, and 515 for
      CSR. A positive correlation between GDP and CSR as well as many practitioner
      ratios was observed (CSR P = 0.0042, ophthalmologists P = 0.0034, cataract
      surgeons, ophthalmic nurses and optometrists 0.1 > P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: With
      only a minority of countries in our sample having reached suggested ophthalmic
      cadre targets and none having reached targets for refractionists in 2011,
      substantially more targeted investment in HReH may be needed for VISION 2020 aims
      to be achieved in sub-Saharan Africa.

PMID- 25128164
TI  - Aldosterone augments Na+-induced reduction of cardiac norepinephrine reuptake.
AB  - Impairment of the cardiac norepinephrine (NE) reuptake by the neuronal NE
      transporter contributes to enhanced cardiac NE net release in congestive heart
      failure. Elevated plasma levels of aldosterone (AL) promote sympathetic
      overstimulation in failing hearts by unclear mechanisms. Our aim was to evaluate
      if elevated AL and/or alterations in Na(+) intake regulate cardiac NE reuptake.
      To test the effects of AL and Na(+) on cardiac NE reuptake, Wistar rats were fed
      a normal-salt (NS) diet (0.2% NaCl), a low-salt (LS) diet (0.015% NaCl), or a
      high-salt (HS) diet (8% NaCl). Another group of animals received AL infusion
      alone (0.75 MUg/h) or AL infusion plus HS diet. Specific cardiac [(3)H]NE uptake
      via the NE transporter in a Langendorff preparation and AL plasma levels were
      measured at different time points between 5 and 42 days of treatment. To compare
      these findings from healthy animals with a disease model, Dahl salt-sensitive
      rats were investigated as a model of congestive heart failure with endogenously
      elevated AL. In summary, neither exogenous nor endogenous elevations of AL alone
      were sufficient to reduce cardiac NE reuptake. Only the HS diet induced a
      reduction of NE reuptake by 26%; additional infusion of AL augmented this effect
      to a further reduction of NE reuptake by 36%. In concordance, Dahl salt-sensitive
      rats treated with a HS diet displayed elevated AL and a marked reduction of NE
      reuptake. We conclude that exogenous or endogenous AL elevations alone do not
      reduce cardiac NE reuptake, but AL serves as an additional factor that negatively
      regulates cardiac NE reuptake in concert with HS intake. 

PMID- 25128165
TI  - Slow and deep respiration suppresses steady-state sympathetic nerve activity in
      patients with chronic heart failure: from modeling to clinical application.
AB  - Influences of slow and deep respiration on steady-state sympathetic nerve
      activity remain controversial in humans and could vary depending on disease
      conditions and basal sympathetic nerve activity. To elucidate the respiratory
      modulation of steady-state sympathetic nerve activity, we modeled the dynamic
      nature of the relationship between lung inflation and muscle sympathetic nerve
      activity (MSNA) in 11 heart failure patients with exaggerated sympathetic outflow
      at rest. An autoregressive exogenous input model was utilized to simulate entire
      responses of MSNA to variable respiratory patterns. In another 18 patients, we
      determined the influence of increasing tidal volume and slowing respiratory
      frequency on MSNA; 10 patients underwent a 15-min device-guided slow respiration
      and the remaining 8 had no respiratory modification. The model predicted that a 1
      liter, step increase of lung volume decreased MSNA dynamically; its nadir (-33 +/
      22%) occurred at 2.4 s; and steady-state decrease (-15 +/- 5%), at 6 s.
      Actually, in patients with the device-guided slow and deep respiration,
      respiratory frequency effectively fell from 16.4 +/- 3.9 to 6.7 +/- 2.8/min (P <
      0.0001) with a concomitant increase in tidal volume from 499 +/- 206 to 1,177 +/-
      497 ml (P < 0.001). Consequently, steady-state MSNA was decreased by 31% (P <
      0.005). In patients without respiratory modulation, there were no significant
      changes in respiratory frequency, tidal volume, and steady-state MSNA. Thus slow
      and deep respiration suppresses steady-state sympathetic nerve activity in
      patients with high levels of resting sympathetic tone as in heart failure. 

PMID- 25128166
TI  - AMPK activation by glucagon-like peptide-1 prevents NADPH oxidase activation
      induced by hyperglycemia in adult cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Exposure of cardiomyocytes to high glucose concentrations (HG) stimulates
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by NADPH oxidase (NOX2). NOX2 activation
      is triggered by enhanced glucose transport through a sodium-glucose cotransporter
      (SGLT) but not by a stimulation of glucose metabolism. The aim of this work was
      to identify potential therapeutic approaches to counteract this glucotoxicity. In
      cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes incubated with 21 mM glucose (HG), AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation by A769662 or phenformin nearly
      suppressed ROS production. Interestingly, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a new
      antidiabetic drug, concomitantly induced AMPK activation and prevented the HG
      mediated ROS production (maximal effect at 100 nM). alpha2-AMPK, the major
      isoform expressed in cardiomyocytes (but not alpha1-AMPK), was activated in
      response to GLP-1. Anti-ROS properties of AMPK activators were not related to
      changes in glucose uptake or glycolysis. Using in situ proximity ligation assay,
      we demonstrated that AMPK activation prevented the HG-induced p47phox
      translocation to caveolae, whatever the AMPK activators used. NOX2 activation by
      either alpha-methyl-d-glucopyranoside, a glucose analog transported through SGLT,
      or angiotensin II was also counteracted by GLP-1. The crucial role of AMPK in
      limiting HG-mediated NOX2 activation was demonstrated by overexpressing a
      constitutively active form of alpha2-AMPK using adenoviral infection. This
      overexpression prevented NOX2 activation in response to HG, whereas GLP-1 lost
      its protective action in alpha2-AMPK-deficient mouse cardiomyocytes. Under HG,
      the GLP-1/AMPK pathway inhibited PKC-beta2 phosphorylation, a key element
      mediating p47phox translocation. In conclusion, GLP-1 induces alpha2-AMPK
      activation and blocks HG-induced p47phox translocation to the plasma membrane,
      thereby preventing glucotoxicity. 

PMID- 25128167
TI  - Regulatory T cells are recruited in the infarcted mouse myocardium and may
      modulate fibroblast phenotype and function.
AB  - Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in suppressing immune responses
      regulating behavior and gene expression in effector T cells, macrophages, and
      dendritic cells. Tregs infiltrate the infarcted myocardium; however, their role
      the inflammatory and reparative response after myocardial infarction remains
      poorly understood. We used FoxP3(EGFP) reporter mice to study Treg trafficking in
      the infarcted heart and examined the effects of Treg depletion on postinfarction
      remodeling using an anti-CD25 antibody. Moreover, we investigated the in vitro
      effects of Tregs on cardiac fibroblast phenotype and function. Low numbers of
      Tregs infiltrated the infarcted myocardium after 24-72 h of reperfusion. Treg
      depletion had no significant effects on cardiac dysfunction and scar size after
      reperfused myocardial infarction but accelerated ventricular dilation and
      accentuated apical remodeling. Enhanced myocardial dilation in Treg-depleted
      animals was associated with increased expression of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand
      2 and accentuated macrophage infiltration. In vitro, Tregs modulated the cardiac
      fibroblast phenotype, reducing expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin,
      decreasing expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3, and attenuating contraction
      of fibroblast-populated collagen pads. Our findings suggest that endogenous Tregs
      have modest effects on the inflammatory and reparative response after myocardial
      infarction. However, the anti-inflammatory and matrix-preserving properties of
      Tregs may suggest a role for Treg-based cell therapy in the attenuation of
      adverse postinfarction remodeling. 

PMID- 25128168
TI  - Aging impairs smooth muscle-mediated regulation of aortic stiffness: a defect in
      shock absorption function?
AB  - Increased aortic stiffness is an early and independent biomarker of
      cardiovascular disease. Here we tested the hypothesis that vascular smooth muscle
      cells (VSMCs) contribute significantly to aortic stiffness and investigated the
      mechanisms involved. The relative contributions of VSMCs, focal adhesions (FAs),
      and matrix to stiffness in mouse aorta preparations at optimal length and with
      confirmed VSMC viability were separated by the use of small-molecule inhibitors
      and activators. Using biomechanical methods designed for minimal perturbation of
      cellular function, we directly quantified changes with aging in aortic material
      stiffness. An alpha adrenoceptor agonist, in the presence of N(G)-nitro-l
      arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) to remove interference of endothelial nitric
      oxide, increases stiffness by 90-200% from baseline in both young and old mice.
      Interestingly, increases are robustly suppressed by the Src kinase inhibitor PP2
      in young but not old mice. Phosphotyrosine screening revealed, with aging, a
      biochemical signature of markedly impaired agonist-induced FA remodeling
      previously associated with Src signaling. Protein expression measurement
      confirmed a decrease in Src expression with aging. Thus we report here an
      additive model for the in vitro biomechanical components of the mouse aortic wall
      in which 1) VSMCs are a surprisingly large component of aortic stiffness at
      physiological lengths and 2) regulation of the VSMC component through FA
      signaling and hence plasticity is impaired with aging, diminishing the aorta's
      normal shock absorption function in response to stressors. 

PMID- 25128169
TI  - Prolonged uterine artery nitric oxide synthase inhibition modestly alters basal
      uteroplacental vasodilation in the last third of ovine pregnancy.
AB  - Mechanisms regulating uteroplacental blood flow (UPBF) in pregnancy remain
      unclear, but they likely involve several integrated signaling systems.
      Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) is considered an important contributor, but
      the extent of its involvement is unclear. Bolus intra-arterial infusions of nitro
      l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) modestly decrease ovine basal UPBF; however, the
      doses and duration of infusion may have been insufficient. We, therefore,
      examined prolonged uterine artery (UA) NO synthase inhibition with l-NAME
      throughout the last third of ovine pregnancy by performing either continuous 30
      min UA infusion dose responses (n = 4) or 72-h UA infusions (0.01 mg/ml) at 104
      108, 118-125, and 131-137 days of gestation (n = 7) while monitoring mean
      arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and UPBF. Uteroplacental vascular
      resistance (UPVR) was calculated, and uterine cGMP synthesis was measured. Thirty
      minute UA l-NAME infusions did not dose dependently decrease UPBF, increase UPVR,
      or decrease uterine cGMP synthesis (P > 0.1); however, MAP rose and HR fell
      modestly. Prolonged continuous 72-h UA l-NAME infusions decreased UPBF ~32%,
      increased UPVR ~68% (P <= 0.001), and decreased uterine cGMP synthesis 70% at 54
      72 h (P <= 0.004); the noninfused uterine horn was unaffected. These findings
      were associated with ~10% increases in MAP and decreases in HR that were greater
      at 104-108 than 118-125 and 131-137 days of gestation (P = 0.006). Although
      uterine and UA NO and cGMP synthesis increase severalfold during ovine pregnancy,
      they contribute modestly to the maintenance and rise in UPBF in the last third of
      gestation. Thus, local UA NO may primarily modulate vasoconstrictor responses.
      Notably, the systemic vasculature appears more sensitive than the uterine
      vasculature to NO synthase inhibition. 

PMID- 25128170
TI  - Resveratrol modulates the angiogenic response to exercise training in skeletal
      muscles of aged men.
AB  - In animal studies, the polyphenol resveratrol has been shown to influence several
      pathways of importance for angiogenesis in skeletal muscle. The aim of the
      present study was to examine the angiogenic effect of resveratrol supplementation
      with parallel exercise training in aged men. Forty-three healthy physically
      inactive aged men (65 +/- 1 yr) were divided into 1) a training group that
      conducted 8 wk of intense exercise training where half of the subjects received a
      daily intake of either 250 mg trans-resveratrol (n = 14) and the other half
      received placebo (n = 13) and 2) a nontraining group that received either 250 mg
      trans-resveratrol (n = 9) or placebo (n = 7). The group that trained with placebo
      showed a ~20% increase in the capillary-to-fiber ratio, an increase in muscle
      protein expression of VEGF, VEGF receptor-2, and tissue inhibitor of matrix
      metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) but unaltered thrombospodin-1 levels. Muscle
      interstitial VEGF and thrombospodin-1 protein levels were unchanged after the
      training period. The group that trained with resveratrol supplementation did not
      show an increase in the capillary-to-fiber ratio or an increase in muscle VEGF
      protein. Muscle TIMP-1 protein levels were lower in the training and resveratrol
      group than in the training and placebo group. Both training groups showed an
      increase in forkhead box O1 protein. In nontraining groups, TIMP-1 protein was
      lower in the resveratrol-treated group than the placebo-treated group after 8 wk.
      In conclusion, these data show that exercise training has a strong angiogenic
      effect, whereas resveratrol supplementation may limit basal and training-induced
      angiogenesis.

PMID- 25128172
TI  - Hyperbilirubinemia modulates myocardial function, aortic ejection, and ischemic
      stress resistance in the Gunn rat.
AB  - Mildly elevated circulating unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) is associated with
      protection against hypertension and ischemic heart disease. We assessed whether
      endogenously elevated bilirubin in Gunn rats modifies cardiovascular function and
      resistance to ischemic insult. Hearts were assessed ex vivo (Langendorff
      perfusion) and in vivo (Millar catheterization and echocardiography), and left
      ventricular myocardial gene expression was measured via quantitative real-time
      PCR. Ex vivo analysis revealed reduced intrinsic contractility in the Gunn
      myocardium (+dP/dt: 1,976 +/- 622 vs. 2,907 +/- 334 mmHg/s, P < 0.01; -dP/dt: 
      1,435 +/- 372 vs. -2,234 +/- 478 mmHg/s, P < 0.01), which correlated positively
      with myocardial UCB concentration (P < 0.05). In vivo analyses showed no changes
      in left ventricular contractile parameters and ejection (fractional shortening
      and ejection fraction). However, Gunn rats exhibited reductions in the rate of
      aortic pressure development (3,008 +/- 461 vs. 4,452 +/- 644 mmHg/s, P < 0.02),
      mean aortic velocity (439 +/- 64 vs. 644 +/- 62 mm/s, P < 0.01), and aortic
      volume time integral pressure gradient (2.32 +/- 0.65 vs. 5.72 +/- 0.74 mmHg, P <
      0.01), in association with significant aortic dilatation (12-24% increase in
      aortic diameter, P < 0.05). Ex vivo Gunn hearts exhibited improved ventricular
      function after 35 min of ischemia and 90 min of reperfusion (63 +/- 14 vs. 35 +/-
      12%, P < 0.01). These effects were accompanied by increased glutathione
      peroxidase and reduced superoxide dismutase and phospholamban gene expression in
      Gunn rat myocardium (P < 0.05). These data collectively indicate that
      hyperbilirubinemia in Gunn rats 1) reduces intrinsic cardiac contractility, which
      is compensated for in vivo; 2) induces aortic dilatation, which may beneficially
      influence aortic ejection velocities and pressures; and 3) may improve myocardial
      stress resistance in association with beneficial transcriptional changes. These
      effects may contribute to protection from cardiovascular disease with elevated
      bilirubin. 

PMID- 25128171
TI  - Myofilament dysfunction contributes to impaired myocardial contraction in the
      infarct border zone.
AB  - After myocardial infarction, a poorly contracting nonischemic border zone forms
      adjacent to the infarct. The cause of border zone dysfunction is unclear. The
      goal of this study was to determine the myofilament mechanisms involved in
      postinfarction border zone dysfunction. Two weeks after anteroapical infarction
      of sheep hearts, we studied in vitro isometric and isotonic contractions of
      demembranated myocardium from the infarct border zone and a zone remote from the
      infarct. Maximal force development (Fmax) of the border zone myocardium was
      reduced by 31 +/- 2% versus the remote zone myocardium (n = 6/group, P < 0.0001).
      Decreased border zone Fmax was not due to a reduced content of contractile
      material, as assessed histologically, and from myosin content. Furthermore,
      decreased border zone Fmax did not involve altered cross-bridge kinetics, as
      assessed by muscle shortening velocity and force development kinetics. Decreased
      border zone Fmax was associated with decreased cross-bridge formation, as
      assessed from muscle stiffness in the absence of ATP where cross-bridge formation
      should be maximized (rigor stiffness was reduced 34 +/- 6%, n = 5, P = 0.011 vs.
      the remote zone). Furthermore, the border zone myocardium had significantly
      reduced phosphorylation of myosin essential light chain (ELC; 41 +/- 10%, n = 4,
      P < 0.05). However, for animals treated with doxycycline, an inhibitor of matrix
      metalloproteinases, rigor stiffness and ELC phosphorylation were not reduced in
      the border zone myocardium, suggesting that doxycycline had a protective effect.
      In conclusion, myofilament dysfunction contributes to postinfarction border zone
      dysfunction, myofilament dysfunction involves impaired cross-bridge formation and
      decreased ELC phosphorylation, and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition may be
      beneficial for limiting postinfarct border zone dysfunction. 

PMID- 25128173
TI  - Type 2 diabetes: increased expression and contribution of IKCa channels to
      vasodilation in small mesenteric arteries of ZDF rats.
AB  - Impaired endothelial function, which is dysregulated in diabetes, also precedes
      hypertension. We hypothesized that in Type 2 diabetes, the impaired endothelium
      dependent relaxation is due to a loss of endothelium-derived hyperpolarization
      (EDH) that is regulated by impaired ion channel function. Zucker diabetic fatty
      (ZDF), Zucker heterozygote, and homozygote lean control rats were used as the
      experimental models in our study. Third-order mesenteric arteries were dissected
      and mounted on a pressure myograph; mRNA was quantified by RT-PCR and channel
      proteins by Western blotting. Under nitric oxide (NO) synthase and cyclooxygenase
      inhibition, endothelial stimulation with ACh fully relaxes control but not
      diabetic arteries. In contrast, when small-conductance calcium-activated
      potassium (KCa) channels and intermediate- and large-conductance KCa (I/BKCa) are
      inhibited with apamin and charybdotoxin, NO is able to compensate for ACh-induced
      relaxation in control but not in diabetic vessels. After replacement of
      charybdotoxin with 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-(1)H-pyrazole (TRAM-34;
      IKCa inhibitor), ACh-induced relaxation in diabetic animals is attenuated.
      Specific inhibition with TRAM-34 or charybdotoxin attenuates ACh relaxation in
      diabetes. Stimulation with 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (IKCa activator) shows a
      reduced relaxation in diabetes. Activation of BKCa with 1,3-dihydro-1-[2-hydroxy
      5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-(trifluoromethyl)-(2)H-benzimidazol-2-one NS619
      leads to similar relaxations of control and diabetic arteries. RT-PCR and Western
      blot analysis demonstrate elevated mRNA and protein expression levels of IKCa in
      diabetes. Our results suggest that the compensatory effect of NO and EDH
      associated, endothelium-dependent relaxation is reduced in ZDF rats. Specific
      blockade of IKCa with TRAM-34 reduces NO and EDH-type relaxation in diabetic
      rats, indicating an elevated contribution of IKCa in diabetic small mesenteric
      artery relaxation. This finding correlates with increased IKCa mRNA and protein
      expression in this vessel. 

PMID- 25128174
TI  - Unexpected maturation of PI3K and MAPK-ERK signaling in fetal ovine
      cardiomyocytes.
AB  - In the first two-thirds of gestation, ovine fetal cardiomyocytes undergo mitosis
      to increase cardiac mass and accommodate fetal growth. Thereafter, some myocytes
      continue to proliferate while others mature and terminally differentiate into
      binucleated cells. At term (145 days gestational age; dGA) about 60% of
      cardiomyocytes become binucleated and exit the cell cycle under hormonal control.
      Rising thyroid hormone (T3) levels near term (135 dGA) inhibit proliferation and
      stimulate maturation. However, the degree to which intracellular signaling
      patterns change with age in response to T3 is unknown. We hypothesized that in
      vitro activation of ERK, Akt, and p70(S6K) by two regulators of cardiomyocyte
      cell cycle activity, T3 and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), would be
      similar in cardiomyocytes at gestational ages 100 and 135 dGA. IGF-1 and T3 each
      independently stimulated phosphorylation of ERK, Akt, and p70(S6K) in cells at
      both ages. In the younger mononucleated myocytes, the phosphorylation of ERK and
      Akt was reduced in the presence of IGF-1 and T3. However, the same hormone
      combination led to a dramatic twofold increase in the phosphorylation of these
      signaling proteins in the 135 dGA cardiomyocytes-even in cells that were not
      proliferating. In the older cells, both mono- and binucleated cells were
      affected. In conclusion, fetal ovine cardiomyocytes undergo profound maturation
      related changes in signaling in response to T3 and IGF-1, but not to either
      factor alone. Differences in age-related response are likely to be related to
      milestones in fetal cardiac development as the myocardium prepares for ex utero
      life. 

PMID- 25128175
TI  - Mitochondrial depolarization and electrophysiological changes during ischemia in
      the rabbit and human heart.
AB  - Instability of the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) has been
      implicated in electrical dysfunction, including arrhythmogenesis during ischemia
      reperfusion. Monitoring DeltaPsim has led to conflicting results, where
      depolarization has been reported as sporadic and as a propagating wave. The
      present study was designed to resolve the aforementioned difference and determine
      the unknown relationship between DeltaPsim and electrophysiology. We developed a
      novel imaging modality for simultaneous optical mapping of DeltaPsim and
      transmembrane potential (Vm). Optical mapping was performed using potentiometric
      dyes on preparations from 4 mouse hearts, 14 rabbit hearts, and 7 human hearts.
      Our data showed that during ischemia, DeltaPsim depolarization is sporadic and
      changes asynchronously with electrophysiological changes. Spatially, DeltaPsim
      depolarization was associated with action potential duration shortening but not
      conduction slowing. Analysis of focal activity indicated that DeltaPsim is not
      different within the myocardium where the focus originates compared with normal
      ventricular tissue. Overall, our data suggest that during ischemia, mitochondria
      maintain their function at the expense of sarcolemmal electrophysiology, but
      DeltaPsim depolarization does not have a direct association to ischemia-induced
      arrhythmias. 

PMID- 25128176
TI  - Calibrated delivery drape versus indirect gravimetric technique for the
      measurement of blood loss after delivery: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trials of interventions for PPH prevention and treatment rely on
      different measurement methods for the quantification of blood loss and
      identification of PPH. This study's objective was to compare measures of blood
      loss obtained from two different measurement protocols frequently used in
      studies. METHODS: Nine hundred women presenting for vaginal delivery were
      randomized to a direct method (a calibrated delivery drape) or an indirect method
      (a shallow bedpan placed below the buttocks and weighing the collected blood and
      blood-soaked gauze/pads). Blood loss was measured from immediately after delivery
      for at least one hour or until active bleeding stopped. RESULTS: Significantly
      greater mean blood loss was recorded by the direct than by the indirect
      measurement technique (253.9 mL and 195.3 mL, respectively; difference = 58.6 mL
      (95% CI: 31-86); p < 0.001). Almost twice as many women in the direct than in the
      indirect group measured blood loss > 500 mL (8.7% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.02).
      CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests a real and significant difference in blood loss
      measurement between these methods. Research using blood loss measurement as an
      endpoint needs to be interpreted taking measurement technique into consideration.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov as
      NCT01885845.

PMID- 25128177
TI  - Long-term increased risk of unemployment after young stroke: a long-term follow
      up study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence, excess risk, and risk factors of
      unemployment in patients after a TIA, ischemic stroke, or intracerebral
      hemorrhage at ages 18 through 50 years, compared with nationwide controls.
      METHODS: We performed a hospital-based cohort study among 694 patients, aged 18
      50 years, with a first-ever TIA, ischemic stroke, or intracerebral hemorrhage.
      After a mean follow-up duration of 8.1 (SD 7.7) years, we used logistic
      regression analysis to calculate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval
      (CI) for being unemployed as a young stroke patient, compared with the Dutch
      population of vocational age (n = 7,803,000), with subsequent assessment of risk
      factors of unemployment. RESULTS: Young stroke patients had a higher risk of
      being unemployed than their peers in the Dutch population: women OR 2.3 (1.8
      2.9), men OR 3.2 (2.5-4.0). A higher NIH Stroke Scale score at admission (OR 1.1
      [95% CI 1.0-1.1]) and a longer follow-up duration (middle tertile OR 2.8 [95% CI
      1.7-4.7], upper tertile OR 3.4 [95% CI 1.9-6.1]) were associated with a higher
      risk of being unemployed. CONCLUSION: Young stroke patients had a 2-3 times
      higher risk of unemployment after 8 years of follow-up. Return-to-work programs
      should be developed, adjusted, and evaluated in order to diminish the negative
      effects that unemployment can have on patients' life satisfaction and to limit
      the socioeconomic consequences.

PMID- 25128178
TI  - Studying the brain: Complexities at every level.

PMID- 25128179
TI  - Predictions, perception, and a sense of self.
AB  - In recent years there has been a paradigm shift in theoretical neuroscience in
      which the brain-as a passive processor of sensory information-is now considered
      an active organ of inference, generating predictions and hypotheses about the
      causes of its sensations. In this commentary, we try to convey the basic ideas
      behind this perspective, describe their neurophysiologic underpinnings, and
      highlight the potential importance of this formulation for clinical neuroscience.
      The formalism it provides-and the implementation of active inference in the brain
      may have the potential to reveal aspects of functional neuroanatomy that are
      compromised in conditions ranging from Parkinson disease to schizophrenia. In
      particular, many neurologic and neuropsychiatric conditions may be understandable
      in terms of a failure to modulate the postsynaptic gain of neuronal populations
      reporting prediction errors during action and perception. From the perspective of
      the predictive brain, this represents a failure to encode the precision of-or
      confidence in-sensory information. We propose that the predictive or inferential
      perspective on brain function offers novel insights into brain diseases. 

PMID- 25128180
TI  - Subclinical leukodystrophy and infertility in a man with a novel homozygous CLCN2
      mutation.

PMID- 25128181
TI  - Life after stroke: Beyond medications.

PMID- 25128182
TI  - Central poststroke pain in young ischemic stroke survivors in the Helsinki Young
      Stroke Registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We describe the frequency, duration, clinical characteristics, and
      radiologic correlates of central poststroke pain (CPSP) in young ischemic stroke
      survivors in a prospective study setting. METHODS: A questionnaire of pain and
      sensory abnormalities and EQ-5D quality-of-life questionnaire were sent to all
      824 surviving and eligible patients of the Helsinki Young Stroke Registry.
      Patients (n = 58) with suspected CPSP were invited to a clinical visit and filled
      in the PainDETECT, Brief Pain Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory
      questionnaires. RESULTS: Of the included 824 patients, 49 had CPSP (5.9%), 246
      patients (29.9%) had sensory abnormality without CPSP, and 529 patients (64.2%)
      had neither sensory abnormality nor CPSP. The median follow-up time from stroke
      was 8.5 years (interquartile range 5.0-12.1). Patients with CPSP had low quality
      of life compared to those with sensory abnormality without CPSP (p = 0.007) as
      well as to those with no sensory abnormality and no CPSP (p < 0.001). Forty (82%)
      of the patients with CPSP had concomitant other pain. CPSP was associated with
      moderate (p < 0.001) and severe (p < 0.001) stroke symptoms, but there was no
      difference in age at stroke onset or subtype of stroke according to the TOAST
      classification between the groups. Stroke localization was not correlated with
      CPSP. CONCLUSIONS: Late persistent CPSP was found in 5.9% of young stroke
      survivors and was associated with concomitant other pain, impaired quality of
      life, and moderate or severe stroke symptoms.

PMID- 25128183
TI  - Course of psychiatric symptoms and global cognition in early Parkinson disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the course and predictors of neuropsychiatric symptoms
      (NPS) and cognition in patients with de novo Parkinson disease (PD). METHODS:
      Cross-sectional study of the cohort of de novo, untreated (at enrollment)
      patients with PD and healthy controls (HCs) from the Parkinson's Progression
      Markers Initiative. Participants have serial assessments of global cognition and
      symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychosis, impulse control disorders (ICDs),
      sleep and wakefulness, apathy, and fatigue. Available data up to 24 months of
      follow-up were included. RESULTS: The available sample size was as follows:
      baseline (PD = 423, HCs = 196), 12 months (PD = 261, HCs = 145), and 24 months
      (PD = 96, HCs = 83). Patients with PD experienced more depression, fatigue,
      apathy, and anxiety than HCs at all time points, and apathy (p = 0.001) and
      psychosis (p = 0.003) increased over time in patients with PD. Approximately two
      thirds of patients with PD who screened positive for depression at any given
      visit were not taking an antidepressant. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment score
      decreased significantly over time in patients with PD (p < 0.001), but the change
      was comparable to that in HCs. At the 24-month visit, 44% of patients had been on
      dopamine replacement therapy (DRT) for at least 1 year, and this group reported
      more incident ICDs (p = 0.009) and excessive daytime sleepiness (p = 0.03).
      CONCLUSION: Multiple NPS are more common in de novo, untreated patients with PD
      compared with the general population, but they also remain relatively stable in
      early disease, while global cognition slightly deteriorates. In contrast,
      initiation of DRT is associated with increasing frequency of several other NPS.

PMID- 25128184
TI  - Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole?time-of- flight mass
      spectrometry with multivariate statistical analysis for exploring potential
      chemical markers to distinguish between raw and processed Rheum palmatum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The long term use of Rheum palmatum for the treatment of diseases
      associated with chronic hepatitis and renal failure can lead to liver and kidney
      damage. To reduce the toxicity of R. palmatum and alleviate any symptoms of
      decanta and celialgia, the raw material has been subjected to a specific process
      prior to its use for hundreds of years. Despite its extensive use in medicine,
      very little is currently known about the nature of the components present in this
      material in terms of their efficacy and overall toxicity, and the effect that
      processing has on the levels of these components in the processed material. The
      aim of this investigation was to explore potential differences in the chemical
      markers between batches of raw and processed R. palmatum and to develop a deeper
      understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the enhanced efficacy
      and reduced toxicity of the processed material. METHODS: Raw and processed R.
      palmatum samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography
      quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) coupled with
      multivariate statistical analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) and
      orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). RESULTS: The
      emodin-8-O-glucoside, emodin-O-glucoside, catechin-glucopyranoside, gallic acid-3
      O-glucoside, torachrysone, and chrysophanol dimethyl ether were rapidly explored
      as representative markers to distinguish for the first time between the raw and
      processed R. palmatum material. Among the potential chemical markers, Emodin-8-O
      glucoside and gallic acid-3-O-glucoside were determined to be the best markers
      for the raw and processed R. palmatum. CONCLUSION: UPLC/Q-TOF-MS with
      multivariate statistical analysis represents an efficient method for exploring
      the chemical markers in the raw and processed R. palmatum material, as well as
      investigating the mechanisms associated with the processing, quality control, and
      safe application of R. palmatum.

PMID- 25128186
TI  - Family-based interventions for substance misuse: a systematic review of
      systematic reviews--protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide, there are an estimated 15 million individuals with drug
      use disorders and over five times as many with alcohol use disorders (WHO 1:2,
      2005). Most individuals with substance misuse have families who are affected.
      Initial scoping searches identified an expanse of broad and disparate studies and
      reviews on the family interventions for substance misuse. This systematic review
      of systematic reviews aims to bring together the expanse of research on the
      effectiveness of family-based interventions in substance misuse.Initial scoping
      searches identified an expanse of broad and disparate studies and reviews on the
      family interventions for substance misuse. This systematic review of systematic
      reviews aims to bring together the expanse of research on the effectiveness of
      family-based interventions in substance misuse. METHODS: Extensive electronic and
      manual searches will be undertaken. Screening, data extraction and quality
      assessment will be undertaken by two reviewers with disagreements resolved
      through discussion.The inclusion criteria will be that the study is a
      systematically undertaken review, the population is individuals with substance
      misuse problems and the interventions include a family-focused component. Reviews
      that focus on prevention rather than treatment will be excluded. The reviews will
      be assessed for quality and relevance. The evidence from included systematic
      reviews will be mapped by focus of intervention (promoting engagement of user
      into treatment/joint involvement in treatment of user/treating family member in
      own right) for both adults and adolescents for drug and/or alcohol misusers to
      allow assessment of the density of available evidence. The higher-quality, up-to
      date evidence for each domain will be identified and described, and conclusions
      will be drawn with limitations of the evidence highlighted. DISCUSSION: This
      systematic review of systematic reviews will be an efficient and robust way of
      looking at the current state of the evidence in the field of family-based
      interventions for substance misuse. It will evaluate all the available systematic
      review-level literature to report on the effectiveness of family-based
      psychological interventions in improving substance-related outcomes and improving
      health and wellbeing of substance misusers and/or their families. This will
      inform future treatment policies and commissioning decisions.In addition, it will
      identify areas of poor quality, inconsistency and gaps in the evidence base for
      family-based psychological interventions in substance misuse with respect to
      secondary evidence in order to inform future research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
      REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42014006834.

PMID- 25128185
TI  - Recruitment of young adults into a randomized controlled trial of weight gain
      prevention: message development, methods, and cost.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Young adulthood (age 18 to 35) is a high-risk period for unhealthy
      weight gain. Few studies have recruited for prevention of weight gain,
      particularly in young adults. This paper describes the recruitment protocol used
      in the Study of Novel Approaches to Prevention (SNAP). METHODS: We conducted
      extensive formative work to inform recruitment methods and message development.
      We worked with a professional marketing firm to synthesize major themes and
      subsequently develop age-appropriate messages for recruitment. A variety of
      approaches and channels were used across two clinical centers to recruit young
      adults who were normal or overweight (body mass index (BMI) 21 to 30 kg/m2) for a
      3-year intervention designed to prevent weight gain. We tracked recruitment
      methods, yields, and costs by method. Logistic regression was used to identify
      recruitment methods that had the highest relative yield for subgroups of interest
      with covariate adjustments for clinic. RESULTS: The final sample of 599
      participants (27% minority, 22% male) was recruited over a 19-month period of
      sustained efforts. About 10% of those who initially expressed interest via a
      screening website were randomized. The most common reason for ineligibility was
      already being obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). The top two methods for recruitment were
      mass mailing followed by email; together they were cited by 62% of those
      recruited. Television, radio, paid print advertising, flyers and community events
      each yielded fewer than 10% of study participants. Email was the most cost
      effective method per study participant recruited. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can
      guide future efforts to recruit young adults and for trials targeting weight gain
      prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01183689 (registered 13
      August 2010).

PMID- 25128187
TI  - Rare embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of external acoustic canal: a case report and
      literature review.
AB  - Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of external ear canal is very rare, even in the
      pediatric population. We report an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of external
      acoustic canal, occurring in a 12-year-old Chinese girl who presented with left
      ear canal mass. Wide local excision of the mass was done under local anesthesia.
      Histopathological examination revealed the diagnosis. She then underwent 20
      cycles of radiotherapy. CECT scan post treatment showed clearance of tumor cell.
      Now, patient is disease free for 5 years. We believe that early diagnosis
      followed by complete resection of the tumor with clear margin and radiotherapy
      improves the prognosis of the disease.

PMID- 25128188
TI  - Prediction of clinical manifestations of transurethral resection syndrome by
      preoperative ultrasonographic estimation of prostate weight.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative
      estimated prostate weight on ultrasonography and clinical manifestations of
      transurethral resection (TUR) syndrome. METHODS: The records of patients who
      underwent TUR of the prostate under regional anesthesia over a 6-year period were
      retrospectively reviewed. TUR syndrome is usually defined as a serum sodium level
      of < 125 mmol/l combined with clinical cardiovascular or neurological
      manifestations. This study focused on the clinical manifestations only, and
      recorded specific central nervous system and cardiovascular abnormalities
      according to the checklist proposed by Hahn. Patients with and without clinical
      manifestations of TUR syndrome were compared to determine the factors associated
      with TUR syndrome. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to
      determine the optimal cutoff value of estimated prostate weight for the
      prediction of clinical manifestations of TUR syndrome. RESULTS: This study
      included 167 patients, of which 42 developed clinical manifestations of TUR
      syndrome. There were significant differences in preoperative estimated prostate
      weight, operation time, resected prostate weight, intravenous fluid infusion
      volume, blood transfusion volume, and drainage of the suprapubic irrigation fluid
      between patients with and without clinical manifestations of TUR syndrome. The
      preoperative estimated prostate weight was correlated with the resected prostate
      weight (Spearman's correlation coefficient, 0.749). Receiver operator
      characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value of estimated
      prostate weight for the prediction of clinical manifestations of TUR syndrome was
      75 g (sensitivity, 0.70; specificity, 0.69; area under the curve, 0.73).
      CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative estimation of prostate weight by ultrasonography can
      predict the development of clinical manifestations of TUR syndrome. Particular
      care should be taken when the estimated prostate weight is > 75 g.

PMID- 25128189
TI  - Physical and genetic interaction between ammonium transporters and the signaling
      protein Rho1 in the plant pathogen Ustilago maydis.
AB  - Dimorphic transitions between yeast-like and filamentous forms occur in many
      fungi and are often associated with pathogenesis. One of the cues for such a
      dimorphic switch is the availability of nutrients. Under conditions of nitrogen
      limitation, fungal cells (such as those of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Ustilago
      maydis) switch from budding to pseudohyphal or filamentous growth. Ammonium
      transporters (AMTs) are responsible for uptake and, in some cases, for sensing
      the availability of ammonium, a preferred nitrogen source. Homodimer and/or
      heterodimer formation may be required for regulating the activity of the AMTs. To
      investigate the potential interactions of Ump1 and Ump2, the AMTs of the maize
      pathogen U. maydis, we first used the split-ubiquitin system, followed by a
      modified split-YFP (yellow fluorescent protein) system, to validate the
      interactions in vivo. This analysis showed the formation of homo- and hetero
      oligomers by Ump1 and Ump2. We also demonstrated the interaction of the high
      affinity ammonium transporter, Ump2, with the Rho1 GTPase, a central protein in
      signaling, with roles in controlling polarized growth. This is the first
      demonstration in eukaryotes of the physical interaction in vivo of an ammonium
      transporter with the signaling protein Rho1. Moreover, the Ump proteins interact
      with Rho1 during the growth of cells in low ammonium concentrations, a condition
      required for the expression of the Umps. Based on these results and the genetic
      evidence for the interaction of Ump2 with both Rho1 and Rac1, another small
      GTPase, we propose a model for the role of these interactions in controlling
      filamentation, a fundamental aspect of development and pathogenesis in U. maydis.

PMID- 25128190
TI  - Distribution and trends in outpatient utilization of generic versus brand name
      psychopharmaceuticals during a ten-year period in Croatia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug costs increasingly pose a burden upon the otherwise inadequate
      health care resources and rational drug utilization is an important segment of
      every national health policy. Optimal patient care should be the goal of rational
      pharmacotherapy, whereby the economic burden of treatment is just one of the
      elements to be considered on choosing appropriate therapy.The aim of this study
      was to determine distribution and trends in the outpatient utilization of generic
      versus brand name psychopharmaceuticals and to evaluate the rationality of
      prescribing psychopharmaceuticals during a ten-year period. METHODS: Using the
      World Health Organization Anatomical-Therapeutic-Chemical classification/Defined
      Daily Doses (ATC/DDD) methodology, the number of DDD was calculated from data
      collected from pharmacies on the number and size of drug packages. The ratio of
      generic and brand name drug costs served as an indicator on assessing the
      rationality of drug utilization. RESULTS: Total cost for psychopharmaceuticals
      increased by 20.1%, more for brand name than for generic agents (32.7% vs. 7.4%).
      The highest share of generic psychopharmaceuticals as compared with brand name
      drugs according to DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day (DDD/1000/day) was in the
      group of psycholeptics (83.6% in 2001 vs. 82.2% in 2010), most in hypnotics and
      sedatives, and least in antipsychotics. The share of generic
      psychopharmaceuticals in total drug utilization according to financial indicators
      decreased by 9.6% and according to DDD/1000/day by 12%. The greatest decrease was
      in antidepressants, i.e. by 33.8% according to financial indicators and by 46%
      according to DDD/1000/day; and in antipsychotics by 30.9% according to
      DDD/1000/day, while showing an increase by 8.5% according to financial
      indicators. In the therapeutic subgroup of mood stabilizers, the share of generic
      drugs in total drug utilization declined by 32% according to DDD/1000/day, but
      increased by 25.1% according to financial indicators. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of
      uniform national guidelines and the still strong impact of pharmaceutical
      industry marketing continue favoring the rise in prescribing brand name
      antidepressants and antipsychotics. Depression, schizophrenia and bipolar
      diseases are complex diseases. As a result, specific measures are needed to
      encourage the prescribing of generic psychopharmaceuticals.

PMID- 25128191
TI  - Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine the diagnostic
      performance of serum haptoglobin concentration for the diagnosis of acute
      puerperal metritis in dairy cows.
AB  - Acute puerperal metritis (APM) in dairy cows is characterized by fever and fetid
      vaginal discharge within 21 days in milk (DIM). Increased serum haptoglobin
      concentration (Hp) can support the diagnosis of APM. However, there is a dearth
      of information of the test performance of Hp as a measure for APM with a
      consistent definition and considering parity. The objective of this trial was to
      study the test performance of Hp to distinguish healthy cows from cows with APM.
      A total of 33 of 60 (55.0%) primiparous cows and 43 of 133 (32.3%) multiparous
      cows developed APM. Primiparous cows with APM had the greatest Hp. However, in
      primiparous cows Hp did not significantly differ between healthy cows (DIM 2:
      1.49 +/- 0.64 mg/mL; DIM 5: 2.13 +/- 0.66 mg/mL; DIM 10: 1.46 +/- 0.85 mg/mL) and
      cows with APM (DIM 2: 1.78 +/- 0.62 mg/mL; DIM 5: 2.48 +/- 0.64 mg/mL; DIM 10:
      1.60 +/- 0.81 mg/mL). In multiparous cows, Hp was greater in cows with APM (DIM
      2: 1.27 +/- 0.68 mg/mL; DIM 5: 1.89 +/- 0.94 mg/mL; DIM 10: 1.23 +/- 0.78 mg/mL)
      than in healthy cows (DIM 2: 0.99 +/- 0.68 mg/mL; DIM 5: 1.10 +/- 0.80 mg/mL; DIM
      10: 0.83 +/- 0.68 mg/mL). Sensitivity and specificity of Hp to diagnose APM in
      multiparous cows ranged from 72% to 79% and 54% to 71% on DIM 2, 5 and 10,
      respectively.

PMID- 25128192
TI  - Novel approaches to target NF-kappaB and other signaling pathways in cancer stem
      cells.
AB  - Recently cancer tissue is considered to consist of large number of balk cancer
      cells and a small number of cancer stem cells. After surgery, radiotherapy, or
      chemotherapy, most cancer cells are removed, but if there are still very small
      number of cancer stem cells left. They may form the similar tumor again. So
      removal of cancer stem cells is considered to be important for future cancer
      therapy. In one hand, NF-kappaB is the transcription factor that promotes
      expressions of various inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis inhibitory proteins.
      Cancer cells often possess constitutively activated NF-kappaB that often provides
      excess survival and therapeutic resistance in cancer cells. We have discovered
      DHMEQ as a specific inhibitor of NF-kappaB. This compound was found to be more
      active in cancer stem cells than in balk cancer cells. In breast cancer cells
      both PI3K-Akt and NF-kappaB pathways appear in the survival of cancer stem cells.

PMID- 25128193
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency and lower TGF-beta/IL-17 ratio in a North Indian cohort of
      pemphigus vulgaris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune bullous disease caused by
      acantholysis of keratinocytes due to pathogenic desmoglein-3 autoantibodies. Role
      of vitamin D has been recently implicated in various autoimmune conditions due to
      its immunomodulatory effects on innate and adaptive immune responses. One of the
      key mechanisms of the immune regulation by vitamin D is through its anti
      inflammatory effects by suppression of Th17 functions. Thus, vitamin D may be
      involved in pathogenesis of PV. In this study, the serum vitamin D, IL-17 and TGF
      beta levels in PV patients as well as healthy controls were estimated in order to
      understand the underlying immune mechanism involved in disease pathogenesis.
      RESULTS: This retrospective study included 30 biopsy proven PV patients' sera.
      Ten age matched volunteers without any cutaneous or autoimmune conditions were
      recruited as healthy control (HC). Serum Vitamin D levels were measured using
      chemiluminescence, whereas IL-17 and TGF-beta levels were determined using ELISA.
      All patients showed deficient vitamin D levels (11.1 +/- 5.8 ng/ml). Moreover,
      all the PV patients had elevated serum IL-17 levels (210.7 +/- 105.3), whereas it
      was not detectable in any (n = 10) of the healthy controls sera (ELISA
      sensitivity >= 8 pg/ml). The mean serum TGF-beta concentration was also lower in
      patient sera as compared to healthy control, and the TGF-beta/IL-17 ratio was
      drastically reduced in patients (30.30 +/- 28), as compared to healthy controls
      (1363.34 +/- 559.52). CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis is common in North India, as
      ascertained by deficient levels in healthy controls, and was also consistently
      observed in PV patient. These low levels were not related to age or gender. The
      increased serum IL-17 and dramatic reduction in TGF-beta/IL-17 ratio in diseased
      patients further indicate that dysregulation of the Treg/Th-17 axis of T effector
      cells may be of significance in pathogenesis of PV. Thus, the study indicates
      that vitamin D insufficiency may be a predisposing factor in PV, contributing
      through its role in any of the various adaptive immune mechanisms that regulate T
      cell functions in vivo. Thus, there is a need to further evaluate the Treg/Th-17
      axis, as it may have an important role in disease progression.

PMID- 25128194
TI  - Morphisms of reaction networks that couple structure to function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms underlying complex biological systems are routinely
      represented as networks. Network kinetics is widely studied, and so is the
      connection between network structure and behavior. However, similarity of
      mechanism is better revealed by relationships between network structures.
      RESULTS: We define morphisms (mappings) between reaction networks that establish
      structural connections between them. Some morphisms imply kinetic similarity, and
      yet their properties can be checked statically on the structure of the networks.
      In particular we can determine statically that a complex network will emulate a
      simpler network: it will reproduce its kinetics for all corresponding choices of
      reaction rates and initial conditions. We use this property to relate the
      kinetics of many common biological networks of different sizes, also relating
      them to a fundamental population algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: Structural similarity
      between reaction networks can be revealed by network morphisms, elucidating
      mechanistic and functional aspects of complex networks in terms of simpler
      networks.

PMID- 25128195
TI  - Prokineticin 1 and leukemia inhibitory factor mRNA expression in the endometrium
      of women with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression patterns of prokineticin 1 (PROK1) and
      leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) mRNA differ in peri-implantation endometrial
      tissue of women with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) from normal
      fertile women. DESIGN: A case-control study. SETTING: University-based tertiary
      care center. PATIENT(S): 30 women with idiopathic RPL and 30 fertile controls.
      INTERVENTION(S): Endometrial biopsies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Real-time
      polymerase chain reaction analysis for expression of PROK1 and LIF mRNA.
      RESULT(S): The expression of PROK1 and LIF was statistically significantly
      increased in the endometrium of the women with idiopathic RPL compared with the
      controls. Furthermore, increased LIF expression was observed in the endometrium
      of women with idiopathic RPL compared with controls. CONCLUSION(S): An increased
      mRNA expression of PROK1 and LIF could be one of the several abnormalities
      characterizing the endometrium in women with RPL.

PMID- 25128196
TI  - BESST--efficient scaffolding of large fragmented assemblies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of short reads from High Throughput Sequencing (HTS)
      techniques is now commonplace in de novo assembly. Yet, obtaining contiguous
      assemblies from short reads is challenging, thus making scaffolding an important
      step in the assembly pipeline. Different algorithms have been proposed but many
      of them use the number of read pairs supporting a linking of two contigs as an
      indicator of reliability. This reasoning is intuitive, but fails to account for
      variation in link count due to contig features.We have also noted that published
      scaffolders are only evaluated on small datasets using output from only one
      assembler. Two issues arise from this. Firstly, some of the available tools are
      not well suited for complex genomes. Secondly, these evaluations provide little
      support for inferring a software's general performance. RESULTS: We propose a new
      algorithm, implemented in a tool called BESST, which can scaffold genomes of all
      sizes and complexities and was used to scaffold the genome of P. abies (20 Gbp).
      We performed a comprehensive comparison of BESST against the most popular stand
      alone scaffolders on a large variety of datasets. Our results confirm that some
      of the popular scaffolders are not practical to run on complex datasets.
      Furthermore, no single stand-alone scaffolder outperforms the others on all
      datasets. However, BESST fares favorably to the other tested scaffolders on GAGE
      datasets and, moreover, outperforms the other methods when library insert size
      distribution is wide. CONCLUSION: We conclude from our results that information
      sources other than the quantity of links, as is commonly used, can provide useful
      information about genome structure when scaffolding.

PMID- 25128197
TI  - Shaping zoonosis risk: landscape ecology vs. landscape attractiveness for people,
      the case of tick-borne encephalitis in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this paper, the hazard and exposure concepts from risk assessment
      are applied in an innovative approach to understand zoonotic disease risk. Hazard
      is here related to the landscape ecology determining where the hosts, vectors and
      pathogens are and, exposure is defined as the attractiveness and accessibility to
      hazardous areas. Tick-borne encephalitis in Sweden was used as a case study.
      METHODS: Three boosted regression tree models are compared: a hazard model, an
      exposure model and a global model which combines the two approaches. RESULTS: The
      global model offers the best predictive power and the most accurate modelling.
      The highest probabilities were found in easy-to-reach places with high landscape
      diversity, holiday houses, waterbodies and, well-connected forests of oak, birch
      or pine, with open-area in their ecotones, a complex shape, numerous clear-cuts
      and, a variation in tree height. CONCLUSION: While conditions for access and use
      of hazardous areas are quite specific to Scandinavia, this study offers promising
      perspectives to improve our understanding of the distribution of zoonotic and
      vector-borne diseases in diverse contexts.

PMID- 25128198
TI  - Evaluation of anterior segment parameters during and after pregnancy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the anterior segment parameters during pregnancy and post
      pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four healthy pregnant women in their
      third trimester with ages ranging from 18 to 38 years were included in the study.
      All of the patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations,
      including refraction, anterior segment, and fundus examinations, intraocular
      pressure, and axial length measurements. In addition, anterior chamber angle,
      anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, corneal volume, central corneal
      thickness, and keratometry values were measured by Pentacam Scheimpflug camera.
      All measurements were measured again 3 months after delivery. RESULTS: The mean
      intraocular pressure, anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, anterior
      chamber volume, corneal volume, central corneal thickness, and keratometry
      measurements were significantly different during pregnancy and post-pregnancy
      (p<0.05 for all); however, the mean spherical refraction, cylindrical refraction,
      and axial length were not statistically significantly different during pregnancy
      and post-pregnancy (p>0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: We found that there is an
      increase in the anterior chamber parameters, corneal volume, corneal thickness,
      and corneal curvature and a decrease in intraocular pressure in the third
      trimester.

PMID- 25128199
TI  - Tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 are possibly involved in
      Plasmodium vivax-associated thrombocytopaenia in southern Pakistani population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Pakistan, Plasmodium vivax is endemic causing approximately 70% of
      the malaria cases. A number of haematological changes, especially
      thrombocytopaenia have been reported for P. vivax. Several host factors including
      cell-mediated immune cells, such as IL-1, IL-6 and IL-10 have been documented for
      P. vivax-induced thrombocytopaenia. However, study on correlation of cytokines
      and thrombocytopaenia in P. vivax, particularly in patients with severe signs and
      symptoms has not been reported from Pakistan. METHODS: A case control study to
      correlate TNF, IL-6 and IL-10 in healthy controls and thrombocytopaenic P. vivax
      infected patients (both uncomplicated and complicated cases) from southern
      Pakistan was carried out during January 2009 to December 2011. One Hundred and
      eighty two patients presenting with microscopy-confirmed asexual P. vivax mono
      infection and 100 healthy controls were enrolled in the study at Aga Khan
      University Hospital, Karachi. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was
      performed for determination of TNF, IL-6 and IL-10 levels. RESULTS: Out of 182
      cases, mild thrombocytopaenia (platelet count 100,000-150,000 mm3) was observed
      in ten (5.5%), moderate (50,000-100,000 mm3) in 93 (51.1%), and profound
      thrombocytopaenia (<50,000 mm3) was detected in 79 (43.4%) patients. IL-6 and IL
      10 levels were found approximately three-fold higher in the mild cases compared
      to healthy controls. Two-fold increase in TNF and IL-10 (p < 0.0001) was observed
      in profound thrombocytopaenic when compared with moderate cases, while IL-6 was
      not found to be significantly elevated. CONCLUSION: Cytokines may have a possible
      role in P. vivax-induced thrombocytopaenia in Pakistani population. Findings from
      this study give first insight from Pakistan on the role of cytokines in P.vivax
      associated thrombocytopaenia. However, further studies are required to understand
      the relevance of cytokines in manifestations of thrombocytopaenia in P. vivax
      malaria.

PMID- 25128200
TI  - Sequence analysis of porothramycin biosynthetic gene cluster.
AB  - The biosynthetic gene cluster of porothramycin, a sequence-selective DNA
      alkylating compound, was identified in the genome of producing strain
      Streptomyces albus subsp. albus (ATCC 39897) and sequentially characterized. A
      39.7 kb long DNA region contains 27 putative genes, 18 of them revealing high
      similarity with homologous genes from biosynthetic gene cluster of closely
      related pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) compound anthramycin. However, considering
      the structures of both compounds, the number of differences in the gene
      composition of compared biosynthetic gene clusters was unexpectedly high,
      indicating participation of alternative enzymes in biosynthesis of both
      porothramycin precursors, anthranilate, and branched L-proline derivative. Based
      on the sequence analysis of putative NRPS modules Por20 and Por21, we suppose
      that in porothramycin biosynthesis, the methylation of anthranilate unit occurs
      prior to the condensation reaction, while modifications of branched proline
      derivative, oxidation, and dimethylation of the side chain occur on already
      condensed PBD core. Corresponding two specific methyltransferase encoding genes
      por26 and por25 were identified in the porothramycin gene cluster. Surprisingly,
      also methyltransferase gene por18 homologous to orf19 from anthramycin
      biosynthesis was detected in porothramycin gene cluster even though the
      appropriate biosynthetic step is missing, as suggested by ultra high-performance
      liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-MS)
      analysis of the product in the S. albus culture broth. 

PMID- 25128201
TI  - A cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between uric acid and coronary
      atherosclerosis in patients with suspected coronary artery disease in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although many studies have examined the relationship between uric
      acid (UA) and coronary artery disease (CAD), whether UA is an independent risk
      factor contributing to progression of CAD is still controversial. Whether UA
      plays a different role in different sexes is also unclear. METHODS: A total of
      1116 individuals with suspected CAD were stratified into four groups according to
      their serum UA quartiles in total (men and women combined), in men, and in women.
      The association of UA with coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by univariable
      and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: In total and in women, the
      prevalence of any plaques and significant/severe stenosis was significantly
      increased with an increase in quartiles of UA (all P < 0.05). The proportion of
      triple-vessel disease and left main artery lesion was highest in the fourth
      quartile (both p < 0.05). Increasing quartiles of UA were significantly
      associated with a coronary artery calcium score (CACS) >10 (all P < 0.01). As UA
      levels increased in women, the incidence of double-vessel lesions (p = 0.017) and
      the proportion of mixed plaques (p = 0.022) were significantly increased. The
      proportion of a CACS of 0 in total, in men and women was highest in the first
      quartile (all P < 0.01). UA was the strongest predictor of significant stenosis,
      multivessel disease, and mixed plaques in women (all p < 0.05). UA was the only
      risk factor for mixed plaques in total (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: The level of UA
      was significantly associated with coronary atherosclerosis in women, but not men.

PMID- 25128202
TI  - The radiosensitising effect of gemcitabine and its main metabolite dFdU under low
      oxygen conditions is in vitro not dependent on functional HIF-1 protein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regions within solid tumours often experience oxygen deprivation,
      which is associated with resistance to chemotherapy and irradiation. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the radiosensitising effect of gemcitabine and its
      main metabolite dFdU under normoxia versus hypoxia and to determine whether
      hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is involved in the radiosensitising mechanism.
      METHODS: Stable expression of dominant negative HIF-1alpha (dnHIF) in MDA-MB-231
      breast cancer cells, that ablated endogenous HIF-1 transcriptional activity, was
      validated by western blot and functionality was assessed by HIF-1alpha activity
      assay. Cells were exposed to varying oxygen environments and treated with
      gemcitabine or dFdU for 24 h, followed by irradiation. Clonogenicity was then
      assessed. Using radiosensitising conditions, cells were collected for cell cycle
      analysis. RESULTS: HIF-1 activity was significantly inhibited in cells stably
      expressing dnHIF. A clear radiosensitising effect under normoxia and hypoxia was
      observed for both gemcitabine and dFdU. No significant difference in
      radiobiological parameters between HIF-1 proficient and HIF-1 deficient MDA-MB
      231 cells was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, radiosensitisation
      by dFdU, the main metabolite of gemcitabine, was demonstrated under low oxygen
      conditions. No major role for functional HIF-1 protein in radiosensitisation by
      gemcitabine or dFdU could be shown.

PMID- 25128204
TI  - Identifying factors of bicycle comfort: An online survey with enthusiast
      cyclists.
AB  - Racing bicycles have evolved significantly over the past decades as technology
      and cyclists' comfort have become a critical design issue. Although ample
      research has been conducted on comfort for other means of transportation,
      cyclists' perception of dynamic comfort has received scant attention in the
      scientific literature. The present study investigates how enthusiast cyclists
      conceptualize comfort using an online survey with 244 respondents. The purpose is
      to determine which factors contribute to comfort when riding a bicycle, to
      identify situations in which comfort is relevant and to determine the extent to
      which vibrations play a role in comfort evaluations. We found that comfort is
      influenced by factors related to bicycle components (specifically the frame,
      saddle and handlebar), as well as environmental factors (type or road, weather
      conditions) and factors related to the cyclist (position, adjustments, body
      parts). Respondents indicated that comfort is a concern when riding a bicycle in
      most situations and they believed that comfort is compatible with performance.
      The PCA analysis shows that for the perception "human factor-body parts" are put
      in evidence, and the "cyclist's comfort" evaluation is mainly based on certain
      qualities related to the bicycle components, then the road and external
      conditions (e.g. weather, temperature). 

PMID- 25128203
TI  - Strength training reduces circulating interleukin-6 but not brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor in community-dwelling elderly individuals.
AB  - Ageing is associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory profile (CLIP).
      Physical exercise could circumvent the deleterious effects of CLIP by influencing
      circulating inflammatory mediators and neurotrophic growth factors. This study
      aimed at assessing whether 12 weeks of progressive strength training (PST)
      influences circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin (IL)
      6 and IL-10 in elderly individuals. Forty community-dwelling persons aged 62-72
      years participated. Twenty participants were assigned to 12-week PST (70-80 % of
      maximal strength, three times per week). Matched control individuals (n = 20)
      maintained daily activity levels. Serum was collected for BDNF, IL-6 and IL-10
      assay from all participants before and after 12 weeks (for PST subjects 24-48 h
      after the last training). In PST, muscle strength was significantly improved (+49
      % for leg extension, p = 0.039), and basal IL-6 levels significantly reduced (p =
      0.001), which remained unchanged in control (p = 0.117). No significant change in
      BDNF was observed in PST subjects (p = 0.147) or control (p = 0.563). IL-10 was
      below the detection limit in most subjects. Gender and health status did not
      influence the results. Our results show that after 12-week PST, muscle
      performance improved significantly, and basal levels of IL-6 were significantly
      decreased in older subjects. However, serum BDNF was not altered. The lack of an
      observable change in BDNF might be due to a short-lived BDNF response, occurring
      acutely following exercise, which might have been washed out when sampling.
      Furthermore, blood levels of BDNF may not reflect parallel increases that occur
      locally in the brain and muscle. These hypotheses need confirmation by further
      studies. 

PMID- 25128205
TI  - The WERCAP Screen and the WERC Stress Screen: psychometrics of self-rated
      instruments for assessing bipolar and psychotic disorder risk and perceived
      stress burden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of individuals in the prodromal phase of bipolar
      disorder and schizophrenia facilitates early intervention and promises an
      improved prognosis. There are no current assessment tools for clinical risk
      symptoms of bipolar disorder, and psychosis-risk assessment generally involves
      semi-structured interviews, which are time consuming and rater dependent. We
      present psychometric data on two novel quantitative questionnaires: the
      Washington Early Recognition Center Affectivity and Psychosis (WERCAP) Screen for
      assessing bipolar and psychotic disorder risk traits, and the accompanying WERC
      Stress Screen for assessing individual and total psychosocial stressor
      severities. METHODS: Prevalence rates of the WERCAP Screen were evaluated among
      171 community youth (aged 13-24 years); internal consistency was assessed and k
      means cluster analysis was used to identify symptom groups. In 33 participants,
      test-retest reliability coefficients were assessed, and ROC curve analysis was
      used to determine the validity of the psychosis section of the WERCAP Screen
      (pWERCAP) against the Structured Interview of Psychosis-Risk Symptoms (SIPS).
      Correlations of the pWERCAP, the affectivity section of the WERCAP Screen
      (aWERCAP) and the WERC Stress Screen were examined to determine the relatedness
      of scores with cognition and clinical measures. RESULTS: Cluster analysis
      identified three groups of participants: a normative (47%), a psychosis
      affectivity (18%) and an affectivity only (35%) group. Internal consistency of
      the aWERCAP and pWERCAP resulted in alphas of 0.87 and 0.92, and test-retest
      reliabilities resulted in intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.76 and 0.86
      respectively. ROC curve analysis showed the optimal cut-point on the pWERCAP as a
      score of >30 (sensitivity: 0.89; specificity: 1.0). There was a significant
      negative correlation between aWERCAP scores and total cognition (R=-0.42), and
      between pWERCAP scores and sensorimotor processing speed. Total stress scores
      correlated significantly with scores on the aWERCAP (R=0.88), pWERCAP (R=0.62)
      and total cognition (R=-0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the WERCAP
      Screen and the WERC Stress Screen are easy to administer and derived scores are
      related to cognitive and clinical traits. This suggests that their use could have
      particular benefits for epidemiologic studies and in busy clinical settings.
      Longitudinal studies would be required to evaluate clinical outcomes with high
      questionnaire scores.

PMID- 25128206
TI  - The reliability of biomechanical variables collected during single leg squat and
      landing tasks.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the within- and between-day
      reliability of lower limb biomechanical variables collected during single leg
      squat (SLS) and single leg landing (SLL) tasks. METHODS: 15 recreational athletes
      took part in three testing sessions, two sessions on the same day and another
      session one week later. Kinematic and kinetic data was gathered using a ten
      camera movement analysis system (Qualisys) and a force platform (AMTI) embedded
      into the floor. RESULTS: The combined averages of within-day ICC values
      (ICCSLS=0.87; ICCSLL=0.90) were higher than between-days (ICCSLS=0.81;
      ICCSLL=0.78). Vertical GRF values (ICCSLS=0.90; ICCSLL=0.98) were more reliable
      than joint angles (ICCSLS=0.85; ICCSLL=0.82) and moments (ICCSLS=0.83;
      ICCSLL=0.87). DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that all joint angles, moments,
      and vertical ground reaction force (GRF) variables obtained during both tasks
      showed good to excellent consistency with relatively low standard error of
      measurement values. These findings would be of relevance to practitioners who are
      using such measures for screening and prospective studies of rehabilitative
      techniques.

PMID- 25128208
TI  - Item-properties may influence item-item associations in serial recall.
AB  - Attributes of words, such as frequency and imageability, can influence memory for
      order. In serial recall, Hulme, Stuart, Brown, and Morin (Journal of Memory and
      Language, 49(4), 500-518, 2003) found that high-frequency words were recalled
      worse, and low-frequency words better, when embedded in alternating lists than
      pure lists. This is predicted by associative chaining, wherein each recalled list
      item becomes a recall-cue for the next item. However, Hulme, Stuart, Brown, and
      Morin (Journal of Memory and Language, 49(4), 500-518, 2003) argued their
      findings supported positional-coding models, wherein items are linked to a
      representation of position, with no direct associations between items. They
      suggested their serial-position effects were due to pre-experimental semantic
      similarity between pairs of items, which depended on frequency, or a complex
      tradeoff between item- and order-coding (Morin, Poirier, Fortin, & Hulme,
      Psychonomic Bulletin Review, 13(4), 724-729, 2006). We replicated the smooth
      serial-position effects, but accounts based on pre-existing similarity or item
      order tradeoffs were untenable. Alternative accounts based, on imageability,
      phonological and lexical neighbourhood sizes were also ruled out. The standard
      chaining account predicts that if accuracy is conditionalized on whether the
      prior item was correct, the word-frequency effect should reappear in alternating
      lists; however, this prediction was not borne out, challenging this retrieval
      based chaining account. We describe a new account, whereby frequency influences
      the strengths of item-item associations, symmetrically, during study. A
      manipulation of word-imageability also produced a pattern consistent with item
      item cueing at study, but left room for effects of imageability at the final
      stage of recall. These findings provide further support for the contribution of
      associative chaining to serial-recall behaviour and show that item-properties may
      influence serial-recall in multiple ways.

PMID- 25128209
TI  - Effects of difficulty, specificity, and variability on training to follow
      navigation instructions.
AB  - To study the relative merits of three training principles - difficulty of
      training, specificity of training, and variability of training - subjects were
      trained to follow navigation instructions to move in a grid on a computer screen.
      Subjects repeated and then followed the instructions by mouse clicking on the
      grid. They were trained, given a short distractor task, and then tested. There
      were three groups, each receiving different message lengths during training: easy
      (short lengths), hard (long lengths), and mixed (all lengths), with all subjects
      given all lengths at test. At test, the mixed group was best on most lengths, the
      easy group was better than the hard group on short lengths, and the hard group
      was better than the easy group on long lengths. The results support the
      advantages of both specificity and variability of training but do not support the
      hypothesis that difficult training of the form used here would lead to overall
      best performance at test. 

PMID- 25128210
TI  - Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of preventive zinc supplementation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Even though the WHO currently recommends zinc for diarrhea
      management, no consensus has been reached with respect to routine distribution of
      zinc for preventive reasons. We reviewed the health impact of preventive zinc
      interventions, and evaluated the relative cost effectiveness of currently
      feasible interventions. METHODS: Using the latest relative risk estimates
      reported in the literature, we parameterized a health impact model, and
      calculated the expected benefits of zinc supplementation in a representative low
      income country. We then computed the cost and cost-effectiveness for three
      delivery mechanisms: the direct distribution of zinc supplements, the
      distribution of micronutrient biscuits including zinc, and the distribution of
      zinc through water filtration systems. RESULTS: Combining all health outcomes and
      impact estimates, we find that systematic zinc supplementation among children of
      ages one to five would avert 1.423 DALYs per 100 households and year in least
      developed countries. The estimated cost per DALY is US$ 606 for pill
      supplementation, US$ 1211 for micronutrient biscuits, and US$ 879 per DALY saved
      for water filtration systems. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive zinc supplementation to
      children of ages 1-5 appears to be a highly cost-effective intervention in
      typical developing country settings. More research will be needed to determine
      the most effective mechanism to deliver zinc to this target population.

PMID- 25128211
TI  - Evaluation of the impact of a school gardening intervention on children's fruit
      and vegetable intake: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current academic literature suggests that school gardening programmes
      can provide an interactive environment with the potential to change children's
      fruit and vegetable intake. This is the first cluster randomised controlled trial
      (RCT) designed to evaluate whether a school gardening programme can have an
      effect on children's fruit and vegetable intake. METHODS: The trial included
      children from 23 schools; these schools were randomised into two groups, one to
      receive the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)-led intervention and the other to
      receive the less involved Teacher-led intervention. A 24-hour food diary (CADET)
      was used to collect baseline and follow-up dietary intake 18 months apart.
      Questionnaires were also administered to evaluate the intervention
      implementation. RESULTS: A total of 641 children completed the trial with a mean
      age of 8.1 years (95% CI: 8.0, 8.4). The unadjusted results from multilevel
      regression analysis revealed that for combined daily fruit and vegetable intake
      the Teacher-led group had a higher daily mean change of 8 g (95% CI: -19, 36)
      compared to the RHS-led group -32 g (95% CI: -60, -3). However, after adjusting
      for possible confounders this difference was not significant (intervention
      effect: -40 g, 95% CI: -88, 1; p = 0.06). The adjusted analysis of process
      measures identified that if schools improved their gardening score by 3 levels (a
      measure of school gardening involvement - the scale has 6 levels from 0 'no
      garden' to 5 'community involvement'), irrespective of group allocation, children
      had, on average, a daily increase of 81 g of fruit and vegetable intake (95% CI:
      0, 163; p = 0.05) compared to schools that had no change in gardening score.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first cluster randomised controlled trial designed
      to evaluate a school gardening intervention. The results have found very little
      evidence to support the claims that school gardening alone can improve children's
      daily fruit and vegetable intake. However, when a gardening intervention is
      implemented at a high level within the school it may improve children's daily
      fruit and vegetable intake by a portion. Improving children's fruit and vegetable
      intake remains a challenging task. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN11396528.

PMID- 25128212
TI  - Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal insufficiency in the adult.
AB  - Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a disease characterized by a deficient production
      or action of glucocorticoids, with or without deficiency in mineral corticoids
      and/or adrenal androgens. It can result from disease intrinsic to the adrenal
      cortex (primary AI), from pituitary diseases that hamper the release of
      corticotropin (secondary AI) or from hypothalamic disorders that impair the
      secretion of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (tertiary AI). It is a disease
      with a low prevalence but its impact on the affected individual is very high as
      it can be life-threathening if not treated or lead to health problems if
      inadequately treated. However, currently there are no specific guidelines for the
      management of this disease. Therefore, at the proposal of the Spanish Society of
      Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN) board, a task-force under the
      Neuroendocrinology Knowledge Area of the SEEN was established, with the mandate
      of updating the diagnosis and treatment of AI. In fulfilment of this mandate the
      task-force has elaborated the present guide that, based on a comprehensive review
      of literature, is intended to provide an answer to questions related to the
      management of this disease. It is, therefore, an essentially practical document,
      mainly aimed at guiding the health professionals involved in the care of IA
      patients.

PMID- 25128213
TI  - Is there still a role for bilobed/bipaddled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap
      for single-stage immediate reconstruction of post ablative oncologic full
      thickness defects of the cheek?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the head and neck is a
      challenge. In this clinical study, we assessed the role of the bilobed/bipaddled
      pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) for the reconstruction of large full
      thickness defects of the cheek, after resection of oral cancer. MATERIALS AND
      METHOD: After resection of oral cancer, 62 cases of through-and-through defects
      of the oral cavity were reconstructed using folded/bipaddled/bilobed PMMF flap.
      All were males and presented with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma
      (SCC), which involved the buccal mucosa and gingivo buccal sulcus (n = 53) and
      gingivo buccal sulcus + lip (n = 9). RESULTS: All the flaps survived, and no
      patient developed a major complication. The most common complication in the
      current series was wound dehiscence. In 8% of cases, wound dehiscence was found
      at the donor site; in 6.45% of cases, dehiscence was present at the recipient
      site; and in 4.83% of cases, dehiscence was present at the neck. All the wounds
      healed secondarily with regular dressings. CONCLUSION: The bilobed/bipaddled PMMF
      is a straightforward and reliable flap that provides an effective mechanism to
      reconstruct full-thickness cheek defects while avoiding the complexity of
      microvascular free flaps. The bilobed/bipaddled PMMF has become our preferred
      reconstruction option for large full-thickness defects after resection of oral
      carcinoma.

PMID- 25128214
TI  - Fluoroscopic findings post-peroral esophageal myotomy.
AB  - Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a surgical technique
      that has been evolving rapidly. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was initiated in
      1999, in Japan, for en-bloc resection of large lesions of the stomach (Zhou et
      al., World J Gastroenterol 19:6962-6968, 2013, ; Kobara et al., Clin Exp
      Gastroenterol 7:67-74, 2014). Since then, many additional therapies utilizing
      natural transluminal endoscopic approach have evolved. Peroral endoscopic myotomy
      (POEM) is a minimally invasive type of transluminal endoscopic surgery that was
      recently developed for the treatment of achalasia and esophageal motility
      disorders. The peroral endoscopic myotomy is a less invasive surgical treatment
      that is suitable for all types of achalasia and used as an alternate to the
      Heller myotomy. The radiographic findings of achalasia and surgical changes after
      Heller myotomy have been described, however, very little is available on the post
      POEM esophagram appearance. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the
      anatomy, surgical procedure, and normal and abnormal findings seen on esophagrams
      in patients who have undergone a POEM. 

PMID- 25128215
TI  - Pediatric sialadenitis.
AB  - Sialadenitis in the pediatric population accounts for up to 10% of all salivary
      gland disease. Viral parotitis and juvenile recurrent parotitis are the two most
      common causes. Multiple factors, independently or in combination, can result in
      acute, chronic, or recurrent acute salivary gland inflammation. Sialendoscopy has
      emerged as the leading diagnostic technique and intervention for pediatric
      sialadenitis. Sialendoscopy is a safe and effective gland-preserving treatment of
      pediatric sialadenitis. Investigational studies are needed to address the impact
      of steroid instillation, postoperative stenting, and long-term outcomes of
      pediatric sialendoscopy. This article presents a comprehensive review of
      pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric
      sialadenitis. 

PMID- 25128216
TI  - ABT-724 alleviated hyperactivity and spatial learning impairment in the
      spontaneously hypertensive rat model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - Dysfunction of dopamine D4 receptor (D4R) is linked to attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as ADHD associated cognitive
      impairment. Here, we tested the possible therapeutic benefit of the D4R-selective
      agonist ABT-724 in adolescent spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). ABT-724
      treated SHRs were administered ABT-724 (0.04mg/kg, 0.16mg/kg or 0.64mg/kg) from
      postnatal day (P) 28 to P32. Control SHRs and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were
      injected with saline. Then two cohorts of rats were tested in the open field and
      Lat maze that measured locomotion and non-selective attention (NSA),
      respectively. Another cohort of rats was subjected to water maze task for
      evaluation of spatial learning and memory. We found that control SHRs displayed
      hyperactivity as well as impaired NSA and spatial learning compared with
      normotensive SD rats. ABT-724 (0.16 and 0.64mg/kg) treatment alleviated
      hyperactivity and spatial learning impairment in SHRs. No dose of ABT-724 tested
      altered NSA in SHRs. Our results raise the possibility that ABT-724 may be used
      as a therapeutic intervention for ADHD patients during adolescence. 

PMID- 25128217
TI  - Trigemino-cervical reflex in spinal cord injury.
AB  - Abnormal enhancement of polysynaptic brainstem reflexes has been previously
      reported in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). We aimed to investigate
      trigemino-cervical reflex (TCR) in SCI since it may reflect alterations in the
      connections of trigeminal proprioceptive system and cervical motoneurons.
      Consecutive 14 patients with SCI and 16 healthy subjects were included in this
      study. All patients were in the chronic phase. TCR was recorded over
      sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and splenius capitis (SC) muscles by stimulation of
      infraorbital nerve. We measured onset latency, amplitudes and durations of
      responses and compared between groups. We obtained stable responses over both
      muscles after one sided stimulation in healthy volunteers whereas probability of
      TCR was decreased in patients over both SCM (78.6% vs. 100%, p=0.050) and SC
      (71.4% vs. 100%, p=0.022). The absence of TCR was related to use of oral baclofen
      (>=50mg/day). However, when present, responses of SCI group had higher amplitudes
      and were more persistent. We demonstrated that TCR probability was similar to
      healthy subjects in SCI patients who used no or low dose oral baclofen. But it
      had higher amplitudes and longer durations. It was not obtained in only two
      patients who used oral baclofen more than 50mg/day. 

PMID- 25128218
TI  - Morphine and oxycodone, but not fentanyl, exhibit antinociceptive effects
      mediated by G-protein inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels in an
      oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy rat model.
AB  - It has begun to be understood that MU-opioid receptor (MOR) produces ligand
      biased agonism, which contributes to differential physiological functions of MOR
      agonists. We previously demonstrated that in oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in
      rats, morphine and oxycodone exhibited antinociceptive effects while
      antinociception of fentanyl was partial, and such different efficacies might
      result from the different level of Gi/o protein activation. Based on our
      background, to reveal further mechanism, we focused on the role of Gi/o protein
      related downstream signaling, the G-protein inwardly rectifying K(+)1 (GIRK1)
      channel. The GIRK1 channel blocker tertiapin-Q (30pmol) was
      intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) or intrathecally (i.t.) administered to rats
      with oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. The antinociception of systemic morphine
      (3mg/kg, subcutaneously (s.c.)) was suppressed only by pretreatment of i.t.
      tertiapin-Q, while supraspinal tertiapin-Q suppressed only the antinociception of
      systemic oxycodone (0.56mg/kg, s.c.). Partial antinocicpetion of fentanyl
      (0.017mg/kg, s.c.) was neither affected by i.c.v nor i.t. tertiapin-Q. These
      results demonstrated that GIRK1 channels differentially contribute to
      antinociceptive effects of MOR agonists, and that action site of GIRK1 channels
      is also different between morphine and oxycodone in oxaliplatin model. This study
      suggests the possibility that GIRK1 channels have a crucial role for
      antinociception of MOR agonists in oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. 

PMID- 25128219
TI  - Neural activity analysis of pure chito-oligomer components separated from a
      mixture of chitooligosaccharides.
AB  - Chitooligosaccharides (COSs) are obtained from the in vivo and in vitro
      degradation of chitosan, which is a natural biomaterial used successfully for
      peripheral nerve repair. Also, COSs have been reported to be beneficial for the
      nervous system and especially able to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. To
      determine which component in a mixture of COSs was really responsible for the
      neurotrophic action of COSs, this study was performed to separate the active
      components of COSs and compare the neural activity of different pure components.
      Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) was used to separate 5
      chito-oligomers with single degrees of polymerization (DPs) from a mixture of
      COSs. They were chitobiose, chitotriose, chitotetraose, chitopentaose, and
      chitohexaose with DPs of 2-6, respectively. MTT assay indicated that chitotriose
      induced the greatest increase in Schwann cell survival among 5 chito-oligomers.
      Immunocytochemistry with anti-NF-200 showed that chitotriose significantly
      encouraged neurite outgrowth from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explants with the
      greatest effect among 5 chito-oligomers. Our results suggest that chitotriose may
      be a key component in COSs mixture.

PMID- 25128220
TI  - In-flight rupture of breast implant pocket.

PMID- 25128221
TI  - Blepharoplasty techniques in the management of orbito-temporal neurofibromatosis.
AB  - We aimed to present blepharoplasty techniques we used for severe orbito-temporal
      neurofibromatosis (NF). A retrospective noncomparative single-center case study
      was undertaken on patients with orbito-temporal NF. Twenty-two patients with
      orbito-temporal NF treated at the Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Ninth
      People's Hospital between 2007 and 2011 participated in the study. They underwent
      a standard ophthalmologic assessment for orbito-temporal NF involving both the
      orbito-temporal soft tissue and bony orbits. The orbits were examined with three
      dimensional computed tomography (CT) and all 22 patients underwent tumor
      debulking, blepharoplasty, and orbital reconstruction. We modified the
      conventional procedures. Our reconstructive techniques included eyelid reduction;
      lateral canthal reattachment; for patients with collapse of the lateral orbital
      margin, reconstruction of the orbital margin to be performed before reattaching
      the lateral canthus to the implanted titanium mesh; anterior levator resection;
      and frontalis suspension according to preoperative levator muscle function.
      Visual acuity, tumor recurrence, and postoperative palpebral fissure and orbital
      appearance were evaluated to assess outcomes. Acceptable cosmetic results were
      obtained in 22 patients after debulking of the orbito-temporal NF and surgical
      reconstruction. There was no loss of vision or visual impairment postoperatively.
      All patients did not display recrudescence after a follow-up period of >1 year.
      Three patients with residual ptosis were successfully treated with a second
      ptosis repair. We believe that the blepharoplasty techniques described in the
      treatment of orbito-palpebral NF may provide both functional and esthetic
      benefits. 

PMID- 25128222
TI  - The effect of deployment to a combat zone on testosterone levels and the
      association with the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms: A longitudinal
      prospective Dutch military cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is limited evidence on the association of the activity of HPG
      axis with stress and symptoms of stress-related disorders. The aim of the current
      study was to assess the effect of deployment to a combat zone on plasma
      testosterone levels, and the possible association with the development of
      symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS: A total of 918 males
      were included in the study before deployment to a combat zone in Afghanistan. The
      effect of deployment on testosterone was longitudinally assessed; starting prior
      to deployment and follow-up assessments were preformed at 1 and 6 months after
      return. Furthermore, the association with PTSD symptoms reported at 1 and 2 years
      post-deployment was assessed. RESULTS: Plasma testosterone levels were
      significantly increased after deployment compared with pre-deployment levels.
      Although no difference was found between individuals reporting high or low levels
      of PTSD symptoms, pre-deployment testosterone levels predicted the development of
      PTSD symptoms at 1 and 2 years post-deployment. CONCLUSION: This study provides
      evidence that not the alterations in testosterone levels shortly after
      deployment, but the pre-deployment testosterone levels are associated with PTSD
      symptoms, which is of value in the identification of biological vulnerability
      factors for the development of PTSD.

PMID- 25128223
TI  - Growth, bone health, and later outcomes in infants born preterm.

PMID- 25128224
TI  - Taking care of the caretakers to enhance antiretroviral adherence in HIV-infected
      children and adolescents.

PMID- 25128225
TI  - The relationships between insomnia, sleep apnoea and depression: findings from
      the American National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between insomnia, obstructive sleep
      apnoea (OSA), and comorbid insomnia-OSA and depression, while controlling for
      relevant lifestyle and health factors, among a large population-based sample of
      US adults. METHOD: We examined a sample of 11,329 adults (>=18 years) who
      participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
      during the years 2005-2008. Insomnia was classified via a combination of self
      reported positive physician diagnosis and high-frequency 'trouble falling
      asleep', 'waking during the night', 'waking too early', and 'feeling unrested
      during the day'. OSA was classified as a combination of a positive response to a
      physician-diagnosed condition, in addition to a high frequency of self-reported
      nocturnal 'snoring', 'snorting/stopping breathing' and 'feeling overly sleepy
      during the day'. Comorbid insomnia-OSA was further assessed by combining a
      positive response to either insomnia (all), or sleep apnoea (all), as classified
      above. Depressive symptomology was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9
      (PHQ-9), with scores of >9 used to indicate depression. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) for sleep disorders and depression were attained from
      logistic regression modelling adjusted for sex, age, poverty level, smoking
      status and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Those who reported insomnia, OSA or
      comorbid insomnia-OSA symptoms reported higher rates of depression (33.6%, 22.2%,
      27.1%, respectively), and consistently reported poorer physical health outcomes
      than those who did not report sleep disorders. After adjusting for sex, age,
      poverty level, smoking status and BMI (kg/m(2)), insomnia (OR 6.57, 95% CI 3.89
      11.11), OSA (OR 5.14, 95% CI 3.14-8.41) and comorbid insomnia-OSA (OR 6.67, 95%
      CI 4.44-10.00) were associated with an increased likelihood of reporting
      depression. CONCLUSIONS: Insomnia, OSA and comorbid insomnia-OSA are associated
      with significant depressive symptomology among this large population-based sample
      of adults.

PMID- 25128226
TI  - Progress towards parity: improving the physical health of long-term psychiatric
      inpatients.

PMID- 25128227
TI  - Identification of putative pathogenic microRNA and its downstream targets in
      anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
AB  - Anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) are tumors of T/null-cell lineage
      characterized by uniform CD30 expression. The 2008 World Health Organization
      classification subdivided ALCLs into 2 groups: anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)
      positive (established entity) and ALK-negative (proposed new entity) ALCL. The
      genetic basis for the pathogenesis of newly categorized ALK- ALCL is poorly
      understood. In this study, we used microRNA microarray analysis to identify
      differentially expressed microRNAs in ALK+ and ALK- ALCL. ALK- ALCL showed
      significantly higher expression of miR-155 (0.888 +/- 0.228) compared with ALK+
      ALCL (0.0565 +/- 0.009) on microarray and by quantitative real-time polymerase
      chain reaction in ALK- ALCL compared with ALK+ ALCL (P < .05) with a strong
      correlation between the 2 platforms (R = 0.9, P < .0003). A novel in situ
      hybridization method allows direct visualization of expression patterns and
      relative quantitation of miR-155 (mean score, 2.3 versus 1.3; P = .01) for the
      first time in tissue sections of ALCL. Among computationally predicted targets of
      miR-155, we identified ZNF652 (r = -0.57, P = .05), BACH1 (r = 0.88, P = .02),
      RBAK (r = 0.81, P = .05), TRIM32 (r = 0.92, P = .01), E2F2 (r = 0.81, P = .05),
      and TP53INP1 (r = -0.31, P = .03) as genes whose expression by quantitative real
      time polymerase chain reaction correlated significantly with the level of miR-155
      in ALCL tumor tissue. 

PMID- 25128229
TI  - Diagnosis of major cancer resection specimens with virtual slides: impact of a
      novel digital pathology workstation.
AB  - Digital pathology promises a number of benefits in efficiency in surgical
      pathology, yet the longer time required to review a virtual slide than a glass
      slide currently represents a significant barrier to the routine use of digital
      pathology. We aimed to create a novel workstation that enables pathologists to
      view a case as quickly as on the conventional microscope. The Leeds Virtual
      Microscope (LVM) was evaluated using a mixed factorial experimental design.
      Twelve consultant pathologists took part, each viewing one long cancer case (12
      25 slides) on the LVM and one on a conventional microscope. Total time taken and
      diagnostic confidence were similar for the microscope and LVM, as was the mean
      slide viewing time. On the LVM, participants spent a significantly greater
      proportion of the total task time viewing slides and revisited slides more often.
      The unique design of the LVM, enabling real-time rendering of virtual slides
      while providing users with a quick and intuitive way to navigate within and
      between slides, makes use of digital pathology in routine practice a realistic
      possibility. With further practice with the system, diagnostic efficiency on the
      LVM is likely to increase yet more. 

PMID- 25128228
TI  - Prostate cancer with Paneth cell-like neuroendocrine differentiation has
      recognizable histomorphology and harbors AURKA gene amplification.
AB  - Aurora kinase A (AURKA) gene amplification has been documented in 67% of hormone
      naive prostate cancer cases that progress to a highly aggressive variant of
      castrate-resistant disease, clinically referred to as "neuroendocrine" prostate
      cancer, "small cell" prostate carcinoma, or "anaplastic" prostate cancer.
      Therefore, AURKA amplification is a potential prognostic biomarker that may help
      to identify patients with prostate cancer who are at high risk for developing
      castrate-resistant disease with clinical features of small cell carcinoma.
      Furthermore, AURKA inhibitors are currently being tested in clinical trials. In a
      previous study, we found AURKA amplification in 6 cases of prostate cancer with
      Paneth cell-like cells. This morphologic pattern has been suggested to represent
      low-grade neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) with generally favorable
      prognosis. We sought to investigate the frequency of AURKA amplification and the
      histologic characteristics of prostate cancer with Paneth cell-like NED. Twenty
      five cases from 172 prostatectomies were evaluated for the presence of 18
      morphologic features and AURKA amplification. Most prostate cancers with Paneth
      cell-like NED had macronucleoli (92%), basophilic appearance (88%), perineural
      invasion (72%), and nuclear stratification (76%). The frequency of AURKA
      amplification was 45%, present throughout the examined tumor nodule including
      areas without Paneth cell-like cells. When histologically similar cases with and
      without AURKA amplification were compared, this gene alteration was associated
      with larger extent of Paneth cell-like NED identified at magnification *20 (P =
      .015), higher percentage of Paneth cell-like NED throughout the tumor nodule (P =
      .033), ductal features (P = .02), and higher overall Gleason grade (P = .039).
      AURKA amplification was not associated with age, serum prostate specific antigen,
      or tumor stage. The high frequency of AURKA amplification (45%) in localized
      prostate cancer with Paneth cell-like NED and its potential prognostic
      significance warrant further investigation. 

PMID- 25128230
TI  - How neuronal computations depend on network state: another piece in the puzzle.

PMID- 25128231
TI  - Dissecting mechanisms behind force control in humans by a mixture of
      experimentation, mathematical analysis and computer simulations of neuronal
      models.

PMID- 25128232
TI  - Calcium channels for endocytosis.

PMID- 25128235
TI  - A study on stability and medical implications for a complex delay model for CML
      with cell competition and treatment.
AB  - We study a mathematical model describing the dynamics of leukemic and normal cell
      populations (stem-like and differentiated) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
      This model is a system of four delay differential equations incorporating three
      types of cell division. The competition between normal and leukemic stem cell
      populations for the common microenvironment is taken into consideration. The
      stability of one steady state is investigated. The results are discussed via
      their medical interpretation. 

PMID- 25128236
TI  - Economic principles in communication: an experimental study.
AB  - This paper experimentally investigates how economic principles affect
      communication. In a simple sender-receiver game with common interests over
      payoffs, the sender can send a signal without a pre-given meaning in an
      infrequent or frequent state of the world. When the signal is costly, several
      theories (focal point theory, the intuitive criterion, evolutionary game theory)
      predict an efficient separating equilibrium, where the signal is sent in the
      infrequent state of the world (also referred to as Horn's rule). To analyze
      whether Horn's rule applies, and if so, which theory best explains it, we develop
      and test variants of the sender-receiver game where the theories generate
      discriminatory hypotheses. In costly signaling variants, our participants follow
      Horn's rule most of the time, in a manner that is best explained by focal point
      theory. In costless signaling variants, evolutionary game theory best explains
      our results. Here participants coordinate significantly more (less) often on a
      separating equilibrium where the signal is sent in the frequent state if they are
      primed to associate the absence of a signal with the infrequent (frequent) state
      of the world. We also find indications that a similar priming effect applies to
      costly signals. Thus, while the frequency with which participants follow Horn's
      rule in costly signaling variants is best explained by Horn's rule, the priming
      effect shows that some of our participants' behavior is best explained by
      evolutionary game theory even when signals are costly. 

PMID- 25128234
TI  - Fluoroscopic guidance for placing a double lumen endotracheal tube in adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the right placement of the double
      lumen endotracheal tube with fluoroscopic guidance, which is used in first
      intention prior to the fiberscope in our institution. METHODS: This was a
      prospective observational study. The study was conducted in vascular and thoracic
      operating rooms. We enrolled 205 patients scheduled for thoracic surgery, with
      ASA physical statuses of I (n = 37), II (n = 84), III (n = 80), and IV (n = 4).
      Thoracic procedures were biopsy (n = 20), wedge (n = 34), culminectomy (n = 6),
      lobectomy (n = 82), pneumonectomy (n = 4), sympathectomy (n = 9), symphysis (n =
      47), and thymectomy (n = 3). The intubation with a double lumen tube was
      performed with the help of a laryngoscope. Tracheal and bronchial balloons were
      inflated and auscultation was performed after right and left exclusions. One shot
      was performed to locate the position of the bronchial tube and the hook.
      Fluoroscopic guidance was used to relocate the tube in case of a wrong position.
      When the fluoroscopic guidance failed to position the tube, a fiberscope was
      used. Perioperative collapse of the lung was assessed by the surgeon during the
      surgery. RESULTS: Correct fluoroscopic image was obtained after the first attempt
      in 58.5% of patients therefore a misplaced position was encountered in 41.5%. The
      fluoroscopic guidance allowed an exact repositioning in 99.5% of cases, and the
      mean duration of the procedure was 8 minutes. A fiberscope was required to move
      the hook for one patient. We did not notice a moving of the double lumen
      endotracheal tube during the surgery. The surgeon satisfaction was 100%.
      CONCLUSION: The fluoroscopy evidenced the right position of the double lumen tube
      and allowed a right repositioning in 99.5% of patients with a very simple
      implementation.

PMID- 25128237
TI  - Wing motion transformation to evaluate aerodynamic coupling in flapping wing
      flight.
AB  - Whether the remarkable flight performance of insects is because the animals
      leverage inherent physics at this scale or because they employ specialized neural
      feedback mechanisms is an active research question. In this study, an empirically
      derived aerodynamics model is used with a transformation involving a delay and a
      rotation to identify a class of kinematics that provide favorable roll-yaw
      coupling. The transformation is also used to transform both synthetic and
      experimentally measured wing motions onto the manifold representing proverse yaw
      and to quantify the degree to which freely flying insects make use of passive
      aerodynamic mechanisms to provide proverse roll-yaw turn coordination. The
      transformation indicates that recorded insect kinematics do act to provide
      proverse yaw for a variety of maneuvers. This finding suggests that passive
      aerodynamic mechanisms can act to reduce the neural feedback demands of an
      insect's flight control strategy. 

PMID- 25128238
TI  - Effect of treatment on the global dynamics of delayed pathological angiogenesis
      models.
AB  - For three different types of angiogenesis models with variable delays, we
      consider either continuous or impulse therapy that eradicates tumor cells and
      suppresses angiogenesis. For the cancer-free solution, explicit conditions of
      global stability for the continuous and impulsive systems are obtained, together
      with delay-dependent estimates for the rates of decay for the tumor volume and
      pathological angiogenesis. 

PMID- 25128241
TI  - Antiphospholipid syndrome and acute myocardial infarction: treatment with
      thrombectomy and abciximab.
AB  - Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune coagulation disorder that
      manifests clinically as venous and arterial thrombosis, and may affect any tissue
      or organ. Coronary artery involvement, however, is very rare. Case reports in the
      literature describing patients with coronary acute syndrome and APS treated with
      coronary angioplasty show conflicting results. We report an adult male patient
      with APS who presented with an acute myocardial infarction. Given the high risk
      of thrombosis in these patients, he was treated percutaneously with thrombectomy
      and abciximab. We review the few cases of coronary angioplasty in patients with
      APS reported to date. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which acute
      myocardial infarction due to thrombotic coronary occlusion was treated with
      thrombectomy and abciximab without stenting the artery. 

PMID- 25128247
TI  - [Clinical analysis and surgical results of 58 paranasal sinus mucoceles].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mucoceles are slow-growing, benign lesions found in the paranasal
      sinuses that are locally destructive, causing bony resorption an displacement of
      adjacent structures. We present our experience in the surgical treatment of these
      lesions. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 58 paranasal sinus mucoceles
      in 54 patients between 1989 and 2012. We describe patient age and sex, mucocele
      location, clinical features, surgical approaches employed, recurrence and
      complications. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in this series was 59 years;
      there were 31 males (57%) and 23 females (43%). Thirty-two cases (55%) were
      located in the frontal or ethmoid-frontal system, 8 (14%) in the ethmoid sinus,
      14 (24%) in the maxillary sinus and 4 (7%) in sphenoid sinus. Predisposing
      factors were present in 55% of the patients and 45% cases were primary.
      Endoscopic treatment was given to 71% of mucocele patients, while 29% were
      treated with external or combined approaches. Recurrence appeared in 4 patients
      (7%), 2 in the endoscopic surgery group and 2 in the external surgery group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The procedure of choice for management of paranasal sinus mucoceles
      is endoscopic drainage. It is a safe approach that gives good results.

PMID- 25128240
TI  - Analysis of natural and induced variation in tomato glandular trichome flavonoids
      identifies a gene not present in the reference genome.
AB  - Flavonoids are ubiquitous plant aromatic specialized metabolites found in a
      variety of cell types and organs. Methylated flavonoids are detected in secreting
      glandular trichomes of various Solanum species, including the cultivated tomato
      (Solanum lycopersicum). Inspection of the sequenced S. lycopersicum Heinz 1706
      reference genome revealed a close homolog of Solanum habrochaites MOMT1 3'/5'
      myricetin O-methyltransferase gene, but this gene (Solyc06g083450) is missing the
      first exon, raising the question of whether cultivated tomato has a distinct 3'
      or 3'/5' O-methyltransferase. A combination of mining genome and cDNA sequences
      from wild tomato species and S. lycopersicum cultivar M82 led to the
      identification of Sl-MOMT4 as a 3' O-methyltransferase. In parallel, three
      independent ethyl methanesulfonate mutants in the S. lycopersicum cultivar M82
      background were identified as having reduced amounts of di- and trimethylated
      myricetins and increased monomethylated myricetin. Consistent with the hypothesis
      that Sl-MOMT4 is a 3' O-methyltransferase gene, all three myricetin methylation
      defective mutants were found to have defects in MOMT4 sequence, transcript
      accumulation, or 3'-O-methyltransferase enzyme activity. Surprisingly, no MOMT4
      sequence is found in the Heinz 1706 reference genome sequence, and this cultivar
      accumulates 3-methyl myricetin and is deficient in 3'-methyl myricetins,
      demonstrating variation in this gene among cultivated tomato varieties. 

PMID- 25128239
TI  - Role of transcription factor yin yang 1 in manganese-induced reduction of
      astrocytic glutamate transporters: Putative mechanism for manganese-induced
      neurotoxicity.
AB  - Astrocytes are the most abundant non-neuronal glial cells in the brain. Once
      relegated to a mere supportive role for neurons, contemporary dogmas ascribe
      multiple active roles for these cells in central nervous system (CNS) function,
      including maintenance of optimal glutamate levels in synapses. Regulation of
      glutamate levels in the synaptic cleft is crucial for preventing excitotoxic
      neuronal injury. Glutamate levels are regulated predominantly by two astrocytic
      glutamate transporters, glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) and glutamate aspartate
      transporter (GLAST). Indeed, the dysregulation of these transporters has been
      linked to several neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), as well
      as manganism, which is caused by overexposure to the trace metal, manganese (Mn).
      Although Mn is an essential trace element, its excessive accumulation in the
      brain as a result of chronic occupational or environmental exposures induces a
      neurological disorder referred to as manganism, which shares common pathological
      features with Parkinsonism. Mn decreases the expression and function of both
      GLAST and GLT-1. Astrocytes are commonly targeted by Mn, and thus reduction in
      astrocytic glutamate transporter function represents a critical mechanism of Mn
      induced neurotoxicity. In this review, we will discuss the role of astrocytic
      glutamate transporters in neurodegenerative diseases and Mn-induced
      neurotoxicity. 

PMID- 25128248
TI  - Relative contributions of negative symptoms, insight, and coping strategies to
      quality of life in stable schizophrenia.
AB  - The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relative
      contributions of negative symptomatology, insight, and coping to quality of life
      (QOL) in a sample of 92 consecutive outpatients with stable schizophrenia
      referring to the Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatric Section, University of
      Turin, Struttura Semplice di Coordinamento a Valenza Dipartimentale (SSCVD),
      Department of Mental Health ASL TO1, Molinette, Italy, in the period between July
      2009 and July 2011. In order to assess the specific effect of negative symptoms
      on QOL and the possible mediating role of insight and coping, two mediation
      hypotheses were tested, using multiple regression analyses specified by Baron and
      Kenny (1986). Our findings suggest that (a) higher negative symptoms predict a
      worse Quality of Life Scale (QLS) intrapsychic foundations (IF) subscale score;
      (b) attribution of symptoms and coping-social diversion have a direct and
      positive association with QLS-IF; (c) patients high in negative symptoms are less
      likely to use attribution of symptoms and coping-social diversion; and (d)
      attribution of symptoms and coping-social diversion act as partial mediators in
      the negative symptoms-QOL relationship. The prediction model accounts for 45.3%
      of the variance of the QLS-IF subscale score in our sample. In conclusion, our
      results suggest that insight and coping-social diversion substantially contribute
      to QOL in patients with higher negative symptoms. These factors are potentially
      modifiable from specific therapeutic interventions, which can produce
      considerable improvements in the QOL of this population. 

PMID- 25128249
TI  - An investigation into reasoning biases, mood and cognitive state, and subclinical
      delusional ideation.
AB  - Following research on reasoning and the continuum of delusional ideation, the
      present study attempted to investigate the impact of different experimentally
      induced states (stress, paranoia, and neutral) on the jumping-to-conclusions
      reasoning bias in individuals with varying levels of subclinical delusional
      ideation (SDI). Participants (N=117) completed a measure of subclinical
      delusional ideation (the Peters et al. Delusions Inventory or PDI; Peters et al.,
      1999); and were randomly assigned to receive one of two experimental inductions
      (stress or paranoia), or no experimental induction; their performance on two
      probabilistic reasoning tasks--one easy and one challenging--was assessed.
      Although no differences were found between individuals with high vs. low
      subclinical delusional ideation in the no induction condition or following the
      paranoia induction, in the stress-induction condition, individuals with high
      levels of subclinical delusional ideation were significantly less likely to jump
      to conclusions on the easy reasoning task. No significant effects emerged on the
      more challenging task. Assessment of post-test paranoid thinking indicated our
      paranoia induction did not have its intended effect. Importantly, because there
      was no pre-test of anxiety, paranoid thinking, or reasoning to determine if they
      shifted after the inductions, results need to be interpreted with caution.

PMID- 25128250
TI  - Post-traumatic psychological changes among survivors of the Lushan earthquake
      living in the most affected areas.
AB  - The primary objective of our study was to investigate both the negative and
      positive psychological changes following the Lushan earthquake, and to explore
      the factors associated with psychological changes. Multi-stage random sampling
      was used to select respondents from Lushan County, Sichuan Province, China. A
      simplified Chinese version of the short form of Changes in Outlook Questionnaire
      (CiOQ-S) was used to assess psychological changes in earthquake survivors.
      Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA and stepwise linear regression analysis
      were used for data analysis. A total of 4972 respondents were investigated in the
      cross-sectional study. The mean scores of the positive and negative psychological
      changes were 26.61 and 8.12, respectively. The factors associated with positive
      psychological changes included ethnic minority, high level of education, high
      household income, not injured in the earthquake, not trapped during the
      earthquake, and having experienced the Wenchuan earthquake. The factors
      associated with negative psychological changes included female gender, ethnic
      minority, low household income, history of diseases, injured during the
      earthquake, and trapped during the earthquake. The current analysis helps expand
      our knowledge of the negative and positive psychological changes that may occur
      following an earthquake experience. 

PMID- 25128251
TI  - Differences in the developmental patterns of depression with and without
      additional somatic symptoms.
AB  - Depression accompanied by somatic symptoms ("somatic" depression) has been found
      to differ from depression without the additional symptoms ("pure" depression) in
      their gender ratio, their association with measures of perceived gender
      inequality taken from both respondents and their parents, and in their response
      to pharmacological treatment. Further evidence of the distinction between the two
      syndromes might come from differential patterns of development. Data on the
      annual incidence of new cases of depression exhibited by a representative sample
      of respondents aged 12-19 came from the National household survey on drug use and
      health. Between early adolescence (ages 12-14) and late adolescence (ages 15-19),
      female respondents exhibited a much larger increase in somatic depression than in
      pure depression. Males did not exhibit the same pattern. These results further
      support the hypothesis that somatic and pure depressions are two distinct
      disorders. 

PMID- 25128252
TI  - Still in the closet: the invisible minority in medical education.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the relationship between sexual orientation and gender
      identity in regard to levels of depression; levels of perceived social support;
      comfort with disclosure of orientation; and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
      transgender (LGBT) campus climate. METHODS: E-mail invitations to participate in
      the current cross-sectional questionnaire-based study were sent to all thirty US
      osteopathic medical schools in August 2012; six schools responded and
      disseminated the survey to their students. Participating students completed an
      anonymous web-based survey, and informed consent was obtained when they accessed
      the survey. The survey was designed specifically for the current study but
      contained scales used with permission from previously published research.
      Analysis procedures included nonparametric tests, one-way analysis of variance
      and Pearson's correlations. RESULTS: Of the 4112 students invited to participate
      in the survey, 1334 (32.4%) completed it. Approximately 85% of respondents self
      identified as heterosexual only. No respondents identified as transgender. In
      general, LGB students indicated higher levels of depression (P < .001), slightly
      lower levels of perceived social support (P < .001), and more discomfort with
      disclosure of sexual orientation (P < .001). A majority of students rated their
      campus climate as noninclusive. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study
      indicated a relationship between sexual orientation and depression, perceived
      social support, comfort with disclosure of orientation, and the LGBT campus
      climate in osteopathic medical students. In the future, osteopathic medical
      schools should consider closely examining their campus culture in order to create
      a more positive and inclusive environment for all its students.

PMID- 25128253
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24561105.

PMID- 25128254
TI  - Intraoperative hyperkalemia induced by administration of trimethoprim
      sulfamethoxazole in a patient receiving angiotensin receptor blockers.

PMID- 25128255
TI  - Cluster-based computational methods for mass univariate analyses of event-related
      brain potentials/fields: A simulation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, analyses of event related potentials/fields have
      moved from the selection of a few components and peaks to a mass-univariate
      approach in which the whole data space is analyzed. Such extensive testing
      increases the number of false positives and correction for multiple comparisons
      is needed. METHOD: Here we review all cluster-based correction for multiple
      comparison methods (cluster-height, cluster-size, cluster-mass, and threshold
      free cluster enhancement - TFCE), in conjunction with two computational
      approaches (permutation and bootstrap). RESULTS: Data driven Monte-Carlo
      simulations comparing two conditions within subjects (two sample Student's t
      test) showed that, on average, all cluster-based methods using permutation or
      bootstrap alike control well the family-wise error rate (FWER), with a few
      caveats. CONCLUSIONS: (i) A minimum of 800 iterations are necessary to obtain
      stable results; (ii) below 50 trials, bootstrap methods are too conservative;
      (iii) for low critical family-wise error rates (e.g. p=1%), permutations can be
      too liberal; (iv) TFCE controls best the type 1 error rate with an attenuated
      extent parameter (i.e. power<1).

PMID- 25128257
TI  - Digital filter design for electrophysiological data--a practical approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Filtering is a ubiquitous step in the preprocessing of
      electroencephalographic (EEG) and magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data. Besides the
      intended effect of the attenuation of signal components considered as noise,
      filtering can also result in various unintended adverse filter effects
      (distortions such as smoothing) and filter artifacts. METHOD: We give some
      practical guidelines for the evaluation of filter responses (impulse and
      frequency response) and the selection of filter types (high-pass/low-pass/band
      pass/band-stop; finite/infinite impulse response, FIR/IIR) and filter parameters
      (cutoff frequencies, filter order and roll-off, ripple, delay and causality) to
      optimize signal-to-noise ratio and avoid or reduce signal distortions for
      selected electrophysiological applications. RESULTS: Various filter
      implementations in common electrophysiology software packages are introduced and
      discussed. Resulting filter responses are compared and evaluated. CONCLUSION: We
      present strategies for recognizing common adverse filter effects and filter
      artifacts and demonstrate them in practical examples. Best practices and
      recommendations for the selection and reporting of filter parameters,
      limitations, and alternatives to filtering are discussed.

PMID- 25128258
TI  - Radical resection of a Shamblin type III carotid body tumour without cerebro
      neurological deficit: Improved technique with preoperative embolization and
      carotid stenting.
AB  - The surgical resection of a large unfavourable Shamblin type III carotid body
      tumour (CBT) can be very challenging technically, with many potential significant
      complications. Preoperative embolization aids in shrinking the lesion, reducing
      intraoperative blood loss, and improving visualization of the surgical field.
      Preoperative internal carotid artery (ICA) stenting aids in reinforcing the
      arterial wall, thereby providing a better dissection plane. A woman presented to
      our institution with a large right-sided CBT. Failure of the preoperative
      temporary balloon occlusion (TBO) test emphasized the importance of
      intraoperative preservation of the ipsilateral ICA. A combination of both
      preoperative embolization and carotid stenting allowed a less hazardous radical
      resection of the CBT. An almost bloodless surgical field permitted meticulous
      dissection, hence reducing the risk of intraoperative vascular and nerve injury.
      Embolization and carotid stenting prior to surgical resection should be
      considered in cases with bilateral CBT or a skull base orientated high CBT, and
      for those with intracranial extension and patients who have failed the TBO test. 

PMID- 25128256
TI  - Non-causal spike filtering improves decoding of movement intention for
      intracortical BCIs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple types of neural signals are available for controlling
      assistive devices through brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Intracortically
      recorded spiking neural signals are attractive for BCIs because they can in
      principle provide greater fidelity of encoded information compared to
      electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals and electroencephalograms (EEGs). Recent
      reports show that the information content of these spiking neural signals can be
      reliably extracted simply by causally band-pass filtering the recorded
      extracellular voltage signals and then applying a spike detection threshold,
      without relying on "sorting" action potentials. NEW METHOD: We show that
      replacing the causal filter with an equivalent non-causal filter increases the
      information content extracted from the extracellular spiking signal and improves
      decoding of intended movement direction. This method can be used for real-time
      BCI applications by using a 4ms lag between recording and filtering neural
      signals. RESULTS: Across 18 sessions from two people with tetraplegia enrolled in
      the BrainGate2 pilot clinical trial, we found that threshold crossing events
      extracted using this non-causal filtering method were significantly more
      informative of each participant's intended cursor kinematics compared to
      threshold crossing events derived from causally filtered signals. This new method
      decreased the mean angular error between the intended and decoded cursor
      direction by 9.7 degrees  for participant S3, who was implanted 5.4 years prior
      to this study, and by 3.5 degrees  for participant T2, who was implanted 3 months
      prior to this study. CONCLUSIONS: Non-causally filtering neural signals prior to
      extracting threshold crossing events may be a simple yet effective way to
      condition intracortically recorded neural activity for direct control of external
      devices through BCIs.

PMID- 25128259
TI  - Wound ballistics of firearm-related injuries--part 1: missile characteristics and
      mechanisms of soft tissue wounding.
AB  - Firearm-related injuries are caused by a wide variety of weapons and projectiles.
      The kinetic energy of the penetrating projectile defines its ability to disrupt
      and displace tissue, whereas the actual tissue damage is determined by the mode
      of energy release during the projectile-tissue interaction and the particular
      characteristics of the tissues and organs involved. Certain projectile factors,
      namely shape, construction, and stability, greatly influence the rate of energy
      transfer to the tissues along the wound track. Two zones of tissue damage can be
      identified, the permanent cavity created by the passage of the bullet and a
      potential area of contused tissue surrounding it, produced mainly by temporary
      cavitation which is a manifestation of effective high-energy transfer to tissue.
      Due to the complex nature of these injuries, wound assessment and the type and
      extent of treatment required should be based on an understanding of the various
      mechanisms contributing to tissue damage. 

PMID- 25128260
TI  - Auto-fluorescence of the bone and its use for delineation of bone necrosis.
AB  - Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a challenging
      complication of long-term bisphosphonate treatment. Currently, the drawback in
      the surgical management of BRONJ is the difficulty distinguishing between viable
      and necrotic bone. Intraoperative bone fluorescence induced by tetracyclines has
      been shown to be a valuable aid to overcome this problem. In this technical note
      we report the finding that viable bone is auto-fluorescent using the VELscope Vx
      fluorescence lamp. Necrotic bone shows an altered fluorescence pattern (pale or
      no fluorescence). Thus it is suggested that auto-fluorescence of bone might be of
      similar use during the surgical therapy of BRONJ. 

PMID- 25128261
TI  - Complications associated with inferior alveolar nerve repositioning for dental
      implant placement: a systematic review.
AB  - Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) repositioning has been used widely in recent years
      as an alternative approach for dental implant placement in the atrophic posterior
      mandible. The aim of this study was to answer the question: What are the
      complications associated with IAN repositioning? A systematic literature review
      performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement, using the PubMed (MEDLINE),
      Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases, identified a total of 116 articles
      related to this technique. Of those articles, 24 were included in the final
      review. Lateralization was the chosen technique in seven studies, transposition
      in 15 studies, and two studies reported both techniques. The longest follow-up
      period was 49.1 months and the shortest 6 months. Of the patients who underwent
      lateralization, 95.9% initially showed a neurosensory disturbance, and the
      condition remained at the end of the study for 3.4% of those patients. With
      regard to the patients who underwent transposition, neurosensory alterations were
      observed in 58.9% of patients initially, and the condition remained for 22.1% of
      those affected at the end of the study. Only one study found no neurosensory
      disturbance at any time. More data consolidation is necessary to determine
      scientifically if, which, and when the IAN repositioning technique can be
      recommended. 

PMID- 25128262
TI  - Comparison of related complications: sentinel node biopsy versus elective neck
      dissection.
AB  - Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is considered a feasible neck staging tool in early
      oral squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative
      morbidity in patients who had undergone SNB and elective neck dissection (END).
      Seventy-three consecutive patients were included between the years 2005 and 2009.
      The patients were divided into two groups according to neck management: SNB and
      END groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare disease-free
      survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between the groups. Shoulder function,
      length of the surgical scar, and the degree of cervical lymphoedema were
      assessed. Neck haematoma and the presence of oro-cervical communication were also
      analyzed. Thirty-two patients underwent SNB and 41 underwent an END (levels I
      III). Seven regional recurrences were recorded in the END group. Three neck
      recurrences occurred in the SNB group. No significant differences were found in
      DFS or OS between the groups. There were statistically significant differences
      between the groups in shoulder function and average scar length. However,
      differences in degree of lymphoedema were not statistically significant. Neck
      hematomas and oro-cervical communications occurred only in the END group. From
      this study, it can be concluded that SNB presents less postoperative morbidity
      than END. 

PMID- 25128263
TI  - Wound ballistics of firearm-related injuries--part 2: mechanisms of skeletal
      injury and characteristics of maxillofacial ballistic trauma.
AB  - Maxillofacial firearm-related injuries vary in extent and severity because of the
      characteristics and behaviour of the projectile(s), and the complexity of the
      anatomical structures involved, whereas the degree of tissue disruption is also
      affected by the distance of the shot. In low-energy injuries there is limited
      damage to the underlying skeleton, which usually dominates the clinical picture,
      dictating a more straightforward therapeutic approach. High-energy injuries are
      associated with extensive hard and soft tissue disruption, and are characterized
      by a surrounding zone of damaged tissue that is prone to progressive necrosis as
      a result of compromised blood supply and wound sepsis. Current treatment
      protocols for these injuries emphasize the importance of serial debridement for
      effective wound control while favouring early definitive reconstruction. 

PMID- 25128264
TI  - MicroRNAs: Small molecules with big roles in neurodevelopment and diseases.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that play
      important roles in the development and functions of the brain. Extensive studies
      have revealed critical roles for miRNAs in brain development and function.
      Dysregulation or altered expression of miRNAs is associated with abnormal brain
      development and pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental diseases. This review serves
      to highlight the versatile roles of these small RNA molecules in normal brain
      development and their association with neurodevelopmental disorders, in
      particular, two closely related neuropsychiatric disorders of neurodevelopmental
      origin, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. 

PMID- 25128266
TI  - Poorer glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes is associated with reduced self
      management and poorer perceived health: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - AIMS: Many people with type 1 diabetes do not achieve optimal treatment targets
      despite high patient and professional input. To investigate the reasons
      underlying suboptimal control we have studied clinical characteristics and self
      management behaviours in adults with type 1 diabetes attending a large treatment
      centre. METHODS: A questionnaire-based enquiry into self-care behaviours of 380
      patients with type 1 diabetes (mean age: 48 (+/-15) years and mean duration of
      diabetes: 26 (+/-15) years), linked with validated measures of impact of
      treatment on perceived health and hypoglycaemia recognition (Insulin Treatment
      Satisfaction Questionnaire; and EuroQoL EQ-5D, Gold score) and retrospective case
      note review of biomedical parameters. The data were analysed using chi-square
      test, ANOVA, ANCOVA and post-hoc procedures (Tukey's-b) in SPSS-version 18. The
      minimum significance level was accepted as 0.05. RESULTS: Sixty three percent of
      participants used multiple daily injections; 36% continuous subcutaneous insulin
      infusion. Mean HbA1c was 7.7% (+/-1.2) [61+/--10mmol/mol]; 30% had impaired
      hypoglycaemia awareness (IHA). Factors significantly related to poor glycaemic
      control with IHA were longer duration of diabetes (p=0.01); less frequent glucose
      self-monitoring (p=0.05); and low level of patient-set glucose targets (p<0.001).
      Patients with IHA and poorer control had significantly lower insulin treatment
      satisfaction (p<0.001); and perceived health (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Suboptimal
      biomedical outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes attending a specialist
      intensified insulin therapy clinic are associated with longer duration of
      diabetes, fewer self-management behaviours and a trend towards poorer perceived
      health. These data suggest a need for greater emphasis on integration of
      psychological and self-management support with intensive medical management of
      type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 25128267
TI  - Focusing on potential sources of glucose fluctuations in type 1 and type 2
      diabetes: which kind of patient, what kind of glycemic variability and which
      confounding factors?

PMID- 25128265
TI  - A comparative morphological, electrophysiological and functional analysis of axon
      regeneration through peripheral nerve autografts genetically modified to
      overexpress BDNF, CNTF, GDNF, NGF, NT3 or VEGF.
AB  - The clinical outcome of microsurgical repair of an injured peripheral nerve with
      an autograft is suboptimal. A key question addressed here is: can axon
      regeneration through an autograft be further improved? In this article the impact
      of six neurotrophic factors (BDNF, CNTF, GDNF, NGF, NT3 or VEGF) on axon
      regeneration was compared after delivery to a 1cm long nerve autograft by gene
      therapy. To distinguish between early and late effects, regeneration was assessed
      at 2 and 20weeks post-surgery by histological, electrophysiological and
      functional analysis. BDNF, GDNF and NGF exhibited a spectrum of effects,
      including early stimulatory effects on axons entering the autograft and excessive
      axon growth and Schwann cell proliferation at 20weeks post-surgery. Persistent
      expression of these factors in autografts interfered with target cell
      reinnervation and functional recovery in a modality specific way. Autografts
      overexpressing VEGF displayed hypervascularization, while grafts transduced with
      CNTF and NT3 were indistinguishable from control grafts. These three factors did
      not have detectable pro-regenerative effects. In conclusion, autograft-based
      repair combined with gene therapy for three of the six growth factors
      investigated (BDNF, GDNF, NGF) showed considerable promise since these factors
      enhanced modality specific axon outgrowth in autografts. The remarkable and
      selective effects of BDNF, GDNF and NGF on motor or sensory regeneration will be
      exploited in future experiments that aim to carefully regulate their temporal and
      spatial expression since this has the potential to overcome the adverse effects
      on long-distance regeneration observed after uncontrolled delivery. 

PMID- 25128268
TI  - Treatment costs of psoriasis in a tertiary-level clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The costs of psoriasis to a tertiary-level clinic vary considerably
      depending on the country of study and methods used. Hospitalisation and
      phototherapy have been significant cost components. This study was performed to
      estimate the distribution and relative magnitude of the costs of psoriasis to a
      tertiary-level clinic. METHODS: Based on 233 patients, outpatient and
      phototherapy visits and the days hospitalised were collected from the treatment
      provider's records. The visit costs represented true costs, used to charge the
      final payers. Patients were analysed according to their treatment modalities.
      RESULTS: On average, hospitalised patients (3.4%) had 31-fold higher total costs
      than non-hospitalised patients (p < 0.0001). The costs of hospitalisations formed
      45% of all the treatment costs to the entire study population. Phototherapy
      accumulated 19% of the overall treatment costs. Patients receiving biological
      drugs or both phototherapy and traditional systemic therapy had the highest costs
      of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The current study indicates that a small percentage of
      all psoriasis patients generate a large proportion of the overall costs to a
      tertiary-level hospital. Treatment modality has a significant effect on the costs
      to a tertiary-level hospital.

PMID- 25128269
TI  - Airbrushed composite polymer Zr-ACP nanofiber scaffolds with improved cell
      penetration for bone tissue regeneration.
AB  - Electrospun polymer nanofibers have multiple applications in the tissue
      engineering field despite limited cell penetration within the scaffolds and slow
      synthesis rates. Airbrushing, a proposed alternative to traditional
      electrospinning, is a technique capable of synthesizing open structure nanofiber
      scaffolds at high rates. In this study, three biocompatible polymers-poly-D,L
      lactic acid (P-DL-LA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and poly(methyl methacrylate)
      (PMMA), were airbrushed to form networks for bone tissue regeneration. All three
      polymers were loaded with up to 20% (w/w) zirconium-modified amorphous calcium
      phosphate (Zr-ACP). A simple one-step mix and straightforward material deposition
      yielded open structure networks with well-distributed Zr-ACP. Cell penetration
      within the airbrushed scaffolds was found to be more than twice the cell
      penetration within conventional electrospun networks. The airbrushed polymer
      network supported cell growth and differentiation. Cells grown on the Zr-ACP in P
      DL-LA fibers exhibited improved levels of osteocalcin protein with an increase in
      the Zr-ACP content by day 16. This airbrushing method promises to be a viable and
      attractive alternative to currently used electrospinning techniques in the
      formation of composite 3D nanofiber scaffolds for tissue engineering
      applications. 

PMID- 25128270
TI  - Timing of enteral nutrition in acute pancreatitis: meta-analysis of individuals
      using a single-arm of randomised trials.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In acute pancreatitis, enteral nutrition (EN) reduces the rate of
      complications, such as infected pancreatic necrosis, organ failure, and
      mortality, as compared to parenteral nutrition (PN). Starting EN within 24 h of
      admission might further reduce complications. METHODS: A literature search for
      trials of EN in acute pancreatitis was performed. Authors of eligible trials were
      requested to provide the data of all patients in the EN-arm of their trials. A
      meta-analysis of individual patient data was performed. The cohort of patients
      with EN was divided into patients receiving EN within 24 h or after 24 h of
      admission. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for predicted disease
      severity and trial, was used to study the effect of timing of EN on a composite
      endpoint of infected pancreatic necrosis, organ failure, or mortality. RESULTS:
      Observational data from 165 individuals from 8 randomised trials were obtained;
      100 patients with EN within 24 h and 65 patients with EN after 24 h of admission.
      In the multivariable model, EN started within 24 h of admission compared to EN
      started after 24 h of admission, reduced the composite endpoint from 45% to 19%
      (adjusted odds ratio [OR] of 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20-0.96).
      Within the composite endpoint, organ failure was reduced from 42% to 16%
      (adjusted OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.19-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: In this meta-analysis of
      observational data from individuals with acute pancreatitis, starting EN within
      24 h after hospital admission, compared with after 24 h, was associated with a
      reduction in complications.

PMID- 25128272
TI  - Antenatal corticosteroids 40 years on: we can do better.

PMID- 25128271
TI  - Use of antenatal corticosteroids and tocolytic drugs in preterm births in 29
      countries: an analysis of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn
      Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the global burden of morbidity and mortality associated with
      preterm birth, little evidence is available for use of antenatal corticosteroids
      and tocolytic drugs in preterm births in low-income and middle-income countries.
      We analysed data from the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health
      (WHOMCS) to assess coverage for these interventions in preterm deliveries.
      METHODS: WHOMCS is a facility-based, cross-sectional survey database of birth
      outcomes in 359 facilities in 29 countries, with data collected prospectively
      from May 1, 2010, to Dec 31, 2011. For this analysis, we included deliveries
      after 22 weeks' gestation and we excluded births that occurred outside a facility
      or quicker than 3 h after arrival. We calculated use of antenatal corticosteroids
      in women who gave birth between 26 and 34 weeks' gestation, when antenatal
      corticosteroids are known to be most beneficial. We also calculated use in women
      at 22-25 weeks' and 34-36 weeks' gestation. We assessed tocolytic drug use, with
      and without antenatal corticosteroids, in spontaneous, uncomplicated preterm
      deliveries at 26-34 weeks' gestation. FINDINGS: Of 303,842 recorded deliveries
      after 22 weeks' gestation, 17,705 (6%) were preterm. 3900 (52%) of 7547 women who
      gave birth at 26-34 weeks' gestation, 94 (19%) of 497 women who gave birth at 22
      25 weeks' gestation, and 2276 (24%) of 9661 women who gave birth at 35-36 weeks'
      gestation received antenatal corticosteroids. Rates of antenatal corticosteroid
      use varied between countries (median 54%, range 16-91%; IQR 30-68%). Of 4677
      women who were potentially eligible for tocolysis drugs, 1276 (27%) were treated
      with bed rest or hydration and 2248 (48%) received no treatment. beta-agonists
      alone (n=346, 7%) were the most frequently used tocolytic drug. Only 848 (18%) of
      potentially eligible women received both a tocolytic drug and antenatal
      corticosteroids. INTERPRETATION: Use of interventions was generally poor, despite
      evidence for their benefit for newborn babies. A substantial proportion of
      antenatal corticosteroid use occurred at gestational ages at which benefit is
      controversial, and use of less effective or potentially harmful tocolytic drugs
      was common. Implementation research and contextualised health policies are needed
      to improve drug availability and increase compliance with best obstetric
      practice. FUNDING: UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of
      Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP); WHO;
      USAID; Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan; Gynuity Health Projects.

PMID- 25128273
TI  - The US diabetes epidemic: tip of the iceberg.

PMID- 25128274
TI  - Trends in lifetime risk and years of life lost due to diabetes in the USA, 1985
      2011: a modelling study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes incidence has increased and mortality has decreased greatly
      in the USA, potentially leading to substantial changes in the lifetime risk of
      diabetes. We aimed to provide updated estimates for the lifetime risk of
      development of diabetes and to assess the effect of changes in incidence and
      mortality on lifetime risk and life-years lost to diabetes in the USA. METHODS:
      We incorporated data about diabetes incidence from the National Health Interview
      Survey, and linked data about mortality from 1985 to 2011 for 598 216 adults,
      into a Markov chain model to estimate remaining lifetime diabetes risk, years
      spent with and without diagnosed diabetes, and life-years lost due to diabetes in
      three cohorts: 1985-89, 1990-99, and 2000-11. Diabetes was determined by self
      report and was classified as any diabetes, excluding gestational diabetes. We
      used logistic regression to estimate the incidence of diabetes and Poisson
      regression to estimate mortality. FINDINGS: On the basis of 2000-11 data,
      lifetime risk of diagnosed diabetes from age 20 years was 40.2% (95% CI 39.2
      41.3) for men and 39.6% (38.6-40.5) for women, representing increases of 20
      percentage points and 13 percentage points, respectively, since 1985-89. The
      highest lifetime risks were in Hispanic men and women, and non-Hispanic black
      women, for whom lifetime risk now exceeds 50%. The number of life-years lost to
      diabetes when diagnosed at age 40 years decreased from 7.7 years (95% CI 6.5-9.0)
      in 1990-99 to 5.8 years (4.6-7.1) in 2000-11 in men, and from 8.7 years (8.4-8.9)
      to 6.8 years (6.7-7.0) in women over the same period. Because of the increasing
      diabetes prevalence, the average number of years lost due to diabetes for the
      population as a whole increased by 46% in men and 44% in women. Years spent with
      diabetes increased by 156% in men and 70% in women. INTERPRETATION: Continued
      increases in the incidence of diagnosed diabetes combined with declining
      mortality have led to an acceleration of lifetime risk and more years spent with
      diabetes, but fewer years lost to the disease for the average individual with
      diabetes. These findings mean that there will be a continued need for health
      services and extensive costs to manage the disease, and emphasise the need for
      effective interventions to reduce incidence. FUNDING: None.

PMID- 25128275
TI  - Tricyclic antidepressants exhibit variable pharmacological profiles at the
      alpha(2A) adrenergic receptor.
AB  - Antidepressant mechanisms of action remain shrouded in mystery, greatly hindering
      our ability to develop therapeutics which can fully treat patients suffering from
      depressive disorders. In an attempt to shed new light on this topic, we have
      undertaken a series of studies investigating actions of tricyclic antidepressant
      drugs (TCAs) at the alpha2A adrenergic receptor (AR), a centrally important
      receptor, dysregulation of which has been linked to depression. Our previous work
      established a particular TCA, desipramine, as an arrestin-biased alpha2AAR ligand
      driving receptor endocytosis and downregulation but not canonical heterotrimeric
      G protein-mediated signaling. The present work is aimed at broadening our
      understanding of how members of the TCA drug class act at the alpha2AAR, as we
      have selected the closely related but subtly different TCAs imipramine and
      amitriptyline for evaluation. Our data demonstrate that these drugs do also
      function as direct arrestin-biased alpha2AAR ligands. However, these data reveal
      differences in receptor affinity and in the extent/nature of arrestin recruitment
      to and endocytosis of alpha2AARs. Specifically, amitriptyline exhibits an
      approximately 14-fold stronger interaction with the receptor, is a weaker driver
      of arrestin recruitment, and preferentially recruits a different arrestin
      subtype. Extent of endocytosis is similar for all TCAs studied so far, and occurs
      in an arrestin-dependent manner, although imipramine uniquely retains a slight
      ability to drive alpha2AAR endocytosis in arrestin-null cells. These findings
      signify an important expansion of our mechanistic understanding of antidepressant
      pharmacology, and provide useful insights for future medicinal chemistry efforts.

PMID- 25128276
TI  - Aloperine attenuated neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury via
      anti-oxidation activity and suppression of the nuclear factor kappa B pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether aloperine (ALO) has antinociceptive effects on
      neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury, whether ALO reduces ROS
      against neuropathic pain, and what are the mechanisms involved in ALO attenuated
      neuropathic pain. METHODS: Mechanical and cold allodynia, thermal and mechanical
      hyperalgesia and spinal thermal hyperalgesia were estimated by behavior methods
      such as Von Frey filaments, cold-plate, radiant heat, paw pressure and tail
      immersion on one day before surgery and days 7, 8, 10, 12 and 14 after surgery,
      respectively. In addition, T-AOC, GSH-PX, T-AOC and MDA in the spinal cord (L4/5)
      were measured to evaluate anti-oxidation activity of ALO on neuropathic pain.
      Expressions of NF-kappaB and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL
      1beta) in the spinal cord (L4/5) were analyzed by using Western blot. RESULTS:
      Administration of ALO (80mg/kg and 40mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased paw
      withdrawal threshold, paw pressure, paw withdrawal latencies, tail-curling
      latencies, T-AOC, GSH-PX and T-SOD concentration, reduced the numbers of paw
      lifts and MDA concentration compared to CCI group. ALO attenuated CCI induced up
      regulation of expressions of NF-kappaB, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta at the dose of
      80mg/kg (i.p.). Pregabalin produced similar effects serving as positive control
      at the dose of 10mg/kg (i.p.). CONCLUSION: ALO has antinociceptive effects on
      neuropathic pain induced by CCI. The antinociceptive effects of ALO against
      neuropathic pain is related to reduction of ROS, via suppression of NF-kappaB
      pathway.

PMID- 25128277
TI  - Comparison of the efficacy of nickel-titanium rotary systems with or without the
      retreatment instruments in the removal of gutta-percha in the apical third.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of nickel
      titanium rotary systems with or without the retreatment instruments in the
      removal of gutta-percha from the apical third. METHODS: The systems compared were
      as follows: ProTaper Universal (PT), ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTr), Mtwo
      (M2) and Mtwo Retreatment (M2r). Sixty extracted mandibular incisors were treated
      with a crown-down technique and filled with gutta-percha and sealer. The apical
      diameter was standardized in 0.30 mm, 1 mm from the apex. The teeth were
      distributed into 4 experimental groups: PT, PTr, M2 and M2r. In PTr and M2r
      groups, filling materials were removed by PTr/M2r followed by root canals
      preparation up to a PT F4/M2 40; in groups PT/M2, the filling materials were
      removed and the root canals were prepared by PT up to a PT F4/M2 up to a M2 40.
      The roots were split and photomicrographing. The percentage of clean area in the
      apical 5 mm was calculated using software. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal
      Wallis test. RESULTS: Remaining material was found in all hemisections and there
      was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.09).
      Considering the surface of the canal walls of all teeth, the mean of the
      percentage of clean area was 54%. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the applied
      methodology, remaining filling material was found in all hemisections, regardless
      of the retreatment technique and PT or M2 were as effective as PTr/PT or M2r/M2.

PMID- 25128278
TI  - Comparison between rapid and slow palatal expansion: evaluation of selected
      periodontal indices.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the periodontal effects
      during rapid palatal expansion (RPE) or slow palatal expansion (SPE) and to
      compare them by means of some clinical indices, in order to establish the
      possible differences and advantages of one of these treatments in periodontal
      terms. METHODS: 10 patients (aged 6 to 7 years; average age 6.3 years) were
      submitted to RPE treatment and other 10 patients (aged 6 to 8 years, average age
      6.3 years) to SPE treatment. They were treated with the Haas expander. The
      selected clinical indices (plaque index, PI; papillary bleeding index, PBI;
      probing pocket depth, PPD) were collected three times during the treatment (t0,
      detected 7 days after the periodontal prophylaxis, at the beginning of the active
      orthodontic therapy; t1, detected during the active therapy; t2, detected after
      retention). All measurements were performed by the same examiner. The protocol
      was approved by the ethics committee. RESULTS: The effects of the prophylaxis
      were excellent to control inflammation and dental plaque before the beginning of
      the orthodontic-orthopaedic treatment, as in both the two groups, the PI and the
      PBI values were equal to 0.In the group receiving slow expansion, the PPD
      remained unchanged from t0 to t1, while it significantly increased from t0 to t1
      in the group of rapid expansion. At t2 the values of the two groups returned to
      be overlapping. CONCLUSIONS: Both rapid and slow expansion treatments present
      potential irritation effect (increase of PI index and PBI index) on the
      periodontium, suggested by the significant increase of PI and PBI from t0 to t1
      in both the two groups; therefore prophylaxis and periodic controls are very
      important. There are no long-term benefits that might be referred unequivocally
      to one of the two treatments in terms of periodontal consequences, as
      demonstrated by the lack of significant differences between the two groups at t2.

PMID- 25128279
TI  - Functional genetic variation in the serotonin 5-HTTLPR modulates brain damage in
      frontotemporal dementia.
AB  - In frontotemporal dementia (FTD), nonmodifiable (genetic background) and
      modifiable (cognitive reserve [CR]) factors might interact in affecting
      frontotemporal damage. Serotoninergic dysfunction has been suggested as a key
      factor in FTD pathogenesis. 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on SCLA4 gene modulates the
      serotoninergic transmission. To evaluate the impact of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on
      regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and its possible interaction with CR, 76 FTD
      patients with a 5-HTTLPR genotyping were recruited. All subjects underwent
      neuropsychological assessment and single-photon emission computed tomography
      imaging. Reserve index (RI) was computed from educational and occupational
      attainments, as proxy measure of CR. 5-HTTLPR analysis evidenced 14 S/S, 24 L/L,
      and 38 S/L carriers. No neuropsychological/behavioral differences were present.
      At the same disease stage, L/L carriers have a greater bilateral frontal rCBF
      decrease. Patients with higher RI had greater damage in right frontal and
      temporal regions. The additive effect of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and RI was
      characterized by greater frontal rCBF deficit. 5-HTTLPR and CR act together to
      counteract brain pathology in FTD. Further studies are warranted to test the
      serotonin role in monogenic forms of FTD. 

PMID- 25128281
TI  - Iatrogenic traumatic intracranial aneurysm after endoscopic sinus surgery.
AB  - Iatrogenic traumatic intracranial aneurysms are rare, but their clinical impact
      is significant secondary to their risk of intracranial hemorrhage and in their
      frequent complexity in management. We report an adult patient with a history of
      chronic sinusitis who, while undergoing elective endoscopic polypectomy, suffered
      an iatrogenic injury to an A2 segment branch of the left anterior cerebral
      artery, resulting in a pseudoaneurysm. Management included endovascular coiling
      and a bicoronal craniotomy approach, using a split-thickness cranial graft and
      abdominal fat graft to repair the associated left cribriform plate defect. 

PMID- 25128282
TI  - Vasodilatation of multiple cerebral arteries in early stage of stroke-like
      episode with MELAS.
AB  - We describe a patient with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic
      acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), with multiple cerebral
      vasodilatations in a stroke-like episode visualised by using magnetic resonance
      angiography (MRA) and CT angiography (CTA). In the acute stroke-like episode
      stage, T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI showed high
      intensity areas in the left occipital area. In addition, MRA and CTA revealed
      prominent dilatation of the left posterior cerebral artery and temporal branches
      of the middle cerebral artery with focal hyperperfusions using CT perfusion (CTP)
      that corresponded to the MRI. After 10 days, with the development of aphasia, MRI
      indicated the lesions had spread to the temporal and parietal regions, and this
      distribution was not confined to major vascular territories. The patient's
      symptoms gradually improved, accompanied by the attenuation of MRI, CTA, and CTP
      findings. These characteristic features along with the MRI changes that spread
      beyond vascular boundaries and the multiple cerebral vasodilatations prior to the
      development of clinical symptoms are not fully explained by the mitochondrial
      angiopathy or cytopathy theories. These findings provide further evidence
      supporting neuronal hyperexcitability in stroke-like episodes of MELAS.

PMID- 25128283
TI  - The impact of prior knowledge from participant instructions in a mock crime P300
      Concealed Information Test.
AB  - In P300-Concealed Information Tests used with mock crime scenarios, the amount of
      detail revealed to a participant prior to the commission of the mock crime can
      have a serious impact on a study's validity. We predicted that exposure to crime
      details through instructions would bias detection rates toward enhanced
      sensitivity. In a 2 * 2 factorial design, participants were either informed
      (through mock crime instructions) or naive as to the identity of a to-be-stolen
      item, and then either committed (guilty) or did not commit (innocent) the crime.
      Results showed that prior knowledge of the stolen item was sufficient to cause
      69% of innocent-informed participants to be incorrectly classified as guilty.
      Further, we found a trend toward enhanced detection rate for guilty-informed
      participants over guilty-naive participants. Results suggest that revealing
      details to participants through instructions biases detection rates in the P300
      CIT toward enhanced sensitivity.

PMID- 25128280
TI  - Pattern of brain atrophy rates in autopsy-confirmed dementia with Lewy bodies.
AB  - Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is characterized by preserved whole brain and
      medial temporal lobe volumes compared with Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD) on
      magnetic resonance imaging. However, frequently coexistent AD-type pathology may
      influence the pattern of regional brain atrophy rates in DLB patients. We
      investigated the pattern and magnitude of the atrophy rates from 2 serial MRIs in
      autopsy-confirmed DLB patients (n = 20) and mixed DLB/AD patients (n = 22),
      compared with AD (n = 30) and elderly nondemented control subjects (n = 15),
      followed antemortem. DLB patients without significant AD-type pathology were
      characterized by lower global and regional rates of atrophy, similar to control
      subjects. The mixed DLB/AD patients displayed greater atrophy rates in the whole
      brain, temporoparietal cortices, hippocampus and amygdala, and ventricle
      expansion, similar to AD patients. In the DLB and DLB/AD patients, the atrophy
      rates correlated with Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage, cognitive decline, and
      progression of motor symptoms. Global and regional atrophy rates are associated
      with AD-type pathology in DLB, and these rates can be used as biomarkers of AD
      progression in patients with LB pathology.

PMID- 25128284
TI  - Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH): a real clinical problem or just an
      experimental phenomenon?
AB  - Although opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is mentioned as a potential cause of
      opioid dose escalation without adequate analgesia, true evidence in support of
      this notion is relatively limited. Most studies conducted in the context of acute
      and experimental pain, which seemingly demonstrated evidence for OIH, actually
      might have measured other phenomena such as acute opioid withdrawal or tolerance.
      OIH studies in patients with chronic pain have used various experimental pain
      models (such as cold pain tolerance or heat pain intensity). Therefore, the fact
      that they have yielded inconsistent results is hard to interpret. Thus far, with
      the exception of a few clinical case reports on OIH in patients with cancer pain
      and one prospective study in patients with chronic neuropathic pain, evidence for
      OIH in patients with chronic or cancer-related pain is lacking. Whether
      experimental pain models are necessary for establishing the clinical diagnosis of
      OIH, and which specific model is preferred, are yet to be determined. 

PMID- 25128285
TI  - C-reactive protein, depressive symptoms, and risk of diabetes: results from the
      English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Raised levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker,
      and depressive symptoms are both independently linked to risk of diabetes. The
      purpose of this study was to assess the joint association of CRP and depressive
      symptomatology with diabetes incidence in a representative sample of English
      people >=50 years old. METHOD: Data were from the English Longitudinal Study of
      Ageing, a prospective study of community-dwelling older adults. The sample was
      comprised of 4955 participants without self-reported doctor-diagnosed diabetes at
      baseline. High CRP level was dichotomized as >3 mg/L. Elevated depressive
      symptomatology was defined as >=4 using the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic
      Studies Depression Scale. Incident diabetes was determined based on newly self
      reported doctor-diagnosed diabetes. Cox proportional hazard regressions were used
      to examine the association between CRP and depressive symptoms with incidence of
      type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: During approximately 63.2 months of follow-up, 194
      participants reported diabetes diagnosis. After adjustment for socio
      demographics, lifestyle behaviors, clinical factors, and BMI, the hazard ratio
      for diabetes was 1.63 (95% CI 0.88-3.01) for people with elevated depressive
      symptoms only, 1.43 (95% CI 0.99-2.07) for people with high CRP only, and 2.03
      (95% CI 1.14-3.61) for people with both high CRP and elevated depressive
      symptoms. CONCLUSION: The presence of both high CRP levels and elevated
      depressive symptoms was associated with risk of diabetes. Further investigation
      into this relationship could aid in understanding the mechanisms underlying
      inflammation, depression, and diabetes.

PMID- 25128286
TI  - Understanding the impact of visual arts interventions for people living with
      dementia: a realist review protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arts-based activities are being increasingly suggested as a valuable
      activity for people living with dementia in terms of countering the negative
      aspects of their condition. The potential for such programmes to improve a broad
      range of psychosocial outcomes is suggested in some studies. However, there is
      largely an absence of rigorous methodology to demonstrate the benefits, and
      research results are mixed. Practice variability in terms of the content,
      contexts and implementation of such interventions raises challenges in terms of
      identifying an optimal arts programme model that could be adopted by other
      service providers. Understanding how interventions may have the best chance at
      broad implementation success and uptake is limited. METHODS/DESIGN: A realist
      review will be undertaken. This aims to understand how visual arts interventions
      influence outcomes in people living with dementia. The review will explore how
      the context, that is the circumstances which enable or constrain, affect outcomes
      through the activation of mechanisms. An early scoping search and a stakeholder
      survey formulated the preliminary programme theory. A systematic literature
      search across a broad range of disciplines (arts, humanities, social sciences,
      health) will be undertaken to identify journal articles and grey literature. Data
      will be extracted in relation to the programme theory, contextual factors,
      mechanisms and outcomes and their configurations, background information about
      the study design and participant characteristics, detail about the quantity
      ('dose') of an intervention, theoretical perspectives proposed by the authors of
      the paper and further theorising by the reviewer. Thematic connections/patterns
      will be sought across the extracted data, identifying patterns amongst contextual
      factors, the mechanisms they trigger and the associated outcomes. DISCUSSION:
      Along with stakeholder engagement and validation, this review will help inform
      the development of an optimal, replicable arts intervention for people with
      dementia as part of our broader research programme, titled 'Dementia and
      Imagination' (funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council). Forthcoming
      work under this programme of research will test this theoretically informed
      intervention in three different geographical areas of the UK. The production of
      freely available practice guidance is a key aspect of dissemination. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42014008702.

PMID- 25128287
TI  - Trends and implications for achieving VISION 2020 human resources for eye health
      targets in 16 countries of sub-Saharan Africa by the year 2020.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Development of human resources for eye health (HReH) is a major
      global eye health strategy to reduce the prevalence of avoidable visual
      impairment by the year 2020. Building on our previous analysis of current
      progress towards key HReH indicators and cataract surgery rates (CSRs), we
      predicted future indicator achievement among 16 countries of sub-Saharan Africa
      by 2020. METHODS: Surgical and HReH data were collected from national eye care
      programme coordinators on six practitioner cadres: ophthalmologists, cataract
      surgeons, ophthalmic clinical officers, ophthalmic nurses, optometrists and 'mid
      level refractionists' and combined them with publicly available population data
      to calculate practitioner-to-population ratios and CSRs. Data on workforce entry
      and exit (2008 to 2010) was used to project practitioner population and CSR
      growth between 2011 and 2020 in relation to projected growth in the general
      population. Associations between indicator progress and the presence of a non
      physician cataract surgeon cadre were also explored using Wilcoxon rank sum tests
      and Spearman rank correlations. RESULTS: In our 16-country sample, practitioner
      per million population ratios are predicted to increase slightly for surgeons
      (ophthalmologists/cataract surgeons, from 3.1 in 2011 to 3.4 in 2020) and
      ophthalmic nurses/clinical officers (5.8 to 6.8) but remain low for
      refractionists (including optometrists, at 3.6 in 2011 and 2020). Among countries
      that have not already achieved target indicators, however, practitioner growth
      will be insufficient for any additional countries to reach the surgeon and
      refractionist targets by year 2020. Without further strategy change and
      investment, even after 2020, surgeon growth is only expected to sufficiently
      outpace general population growth to reach the target in one country. For nurses,
      two additional countries will achieve the target while one will fall below it. In
      2011, high surgeon practitioner ratios were associated with high CSR, regardless
      of the type of surgeon employed. The cataract surgeon workforce is growing
      proportionately faster than the ophthalmologist. CONCLUSIONS: The HReH workforce
      is not growing fast enough to achieve global eye health targets in most of the
      sub-Saharan countries we surveyed by 2020. Countries seeking to make rapid
      progress to improve CSR could prioritise investment in training new cataract
      surgeons over ophthalmologists and improving surgical output efficiency.

PMID- 25128288
TI  - Vitamin B12 deficiency with combined hematological and neuropsychiatric
      derangements: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although vitamin B12 deficiency is a well-known cause of
      hematological and neuropsychiatric illness, the presentation of combined severe
      pancytopenia, demyelination and prominent psychiatric impairment is rare. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We present a case of a previously healthy 55-year-old East African
      man with severe vitamin B12 deficiency (serum vitamin B12 22pmol/L) secondary to
      pernicious anemia. He had a severe hypoproliferative megaloblastic anemia with
      hemolysis (hemoglobin 61g/L, mean corpuscular volume 99fL, reticulocytes 0.8%,
      haptoglobin undetectable), leukopenia (2.7*109/L), thrombocytopenia (96*109/L),
      ataxia with central demyelination, and megaloblastic madness. The patient's
      anemia, myelopathy and psychiatric condition responded well to parenteral vitamin
      B12 replacement therapy, with significant improvement seen within weeks.
      CONCLUSION: Hematological manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency are typically
      inversely correlated with the presence and severity of neuropsychiatric
      impairment. Although uncommon, a presentation with severe hematological and
      neuropsychiatric disease can occur, as illustrated by this case. Its presence may
      help guide diagnosis as well as provide clinically important prognostic
      information.

PMID- 25128289
TI  - Patch-testing for the management of hypersensitivity reactions to second-line
      anti-tuberculosis drugs: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs used in the treatment of
      multidrug-resistant tuberculosis often cause adverse events, especially in
      patients co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Severe
      hypersensitivity reactions due to these drugs are rare and there is little
      published experience to guide their management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 17-year old
      Indian female multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patient co-infected with human
      immunodeficiency virus developed a hypersensitivity reaction after starting
      second-line anti-tuberculosis treatment in Mumbai, India. The patient was being
      treated with kanamycin, moxifloxacin, para-aminosalicylic acid, cycloserine,
      clofazimine, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Twenty-four hours later, the
      patient developed generalized urticaria, morbilliform rash and fever. All drugs
      were suspended and the patient was hospitalised for acute management. Skin patch
      testing was used to identify drugs that potentially caused the hypersensitivity
      reaction; results showed a strong reaction to clofazimine, moderate reaction to
      kanamycin and mild reaction to cycloserine. An interim second-line anti
      tuberculosis regimen was prescribed; cycloserine and kanamycin were then re
      challenged one-by-one using incremental dosing, an approach that allowed
      clinicians to re-introduce these drugs promptly and safely. The patient is
      currently doing well. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case-report of a multidrug
      resistant tuberculosis patient co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus
      with hypersensitivity reaction to multiple second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs.
      Skin patch-testing and controlled re-challenge can be a useful management
      strategy in such patients. There is an urgent need for second-line anti
      tuberculosis regimens that are more effective, safe and better tolerated.

PMID- 25128290
TI  - Cultural differences in postnatal quality of life among German-speaking women - a
      prospective survey in two countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessment of quality of life after childbirth is an important health
      outcome measurement for new mothers and is of special interest in midwifery. The
      Mother-Generated Index (MGI) is a validated instrument to assess postnatal
      quality of life. The tool has not been applied for making a cross-cultural
      comparison before. This study investigated (a) responses to the MGI in German
      speaking women in Germany and Switzerland; and (b) associations between MGI
      scores on the one hand and maternity and midwifery care on the other. METHODS: A
      two-stage survey was conducted in two rural hospitals 10 km apart, on opposite
      sides of the German-Swiss border. The questionnaires included the MGI and
      questions on socio-demographics, physical and mental health and maternity care,
      and were distributed during the first days after birth and six weeks postpartum.
      Parametric and non-parametric tests were computed with the statistical programme
      SPSS. RESULTS: A total of 129 questionnaires were returned an average of three
      days after birth and 83 in the follow-up after seven weeks. There were no
      statistically significant differences in the MGI scores between the German and
      the Swiss women (p = 0.22). Significantly more favourable MGI scores were found
      associated with more adequate information during pregnancy (p = 0.02), a more
      satisfactory birth experience (p < .01), epidural anaesthesia (p < 0.01), more
      information (p = 0.01) and better support (p = 0.02) during the time in hospital
      and less disturbed sleep (p < 0.01). Significantly lower MGI scores were
      associated with the presence of a private doctor during birth (p = 0.01) and with
      exclusive breastfeeding during the first postnatal days (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION:
      The MGI scores of these German-speaking women were higher than those in other
      studies reported previously. Thus the tool may be able to detect differences in
      postnatal quality of life among women with substantially divergent cultural
      backgrounds. Shortcomings in maternity and midwifery care were detected, as for
      example the inadequate provision of information during pregnancy, a lack of
      individualised postpartum care during the hospital stay and insufficient support
      for exclusively breastfeeding mothers. The MGI is an appropriate instrument for
      maternity care outcome measurement in cross-cultural comparison research.

PMID- 25128291
TI  - Nitrogen limitation and high density responses in rice suggest a role for
      ethylene under high density stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High density stress, also known as intraspecies competition, causes
      significant yield losses in a wide variety of crop plants. At the same time,
      increases in density tolerance through selective breeding and the concomitant
      ability to plant crops at a higher population density has been one of the most
      important factors in the development of high yielding modern cultivars. RESULTS:
      Physiological changes underlying high density stress were examined in Oryza
      sativa plants over the course of a life cycle by assessing differences in gene
      expression and metabolism. Moreover, the nitrogen limitation was examined in
      parallel with high density stress to gain a better understanding of physiological
      responses specific to high density stress. While both nitrogen limitation and
      high density resulted in decreased shoot fresh weight, tiller number, plant
      height and chlorophyll content, high density stress alone had a greater impact on
      physiological factors. Decreases in aspartate and glutamate concentration were
      found in plants grown under both stress conditions; however, high density stress
      had a more significant effect on the concentration of these amino acids. Global
      transcriptome analysis revealed a large proportion of genes with altered
      expression in response to both stresses. The presence of ethylene-associated
      genes in a majority of density responsive genes was investigated further.
      Expression of ethylene biosynthesis genes ACC synthase 1, ACC synthase 2 and ACC
      oxidase 7 were found to be upregulated in plants under high density stress.
      Plants at high density were also found to up regulate ethylene-associated genes
      and senescence genes, while cytokinin response and biosynthesis genes were down
      regulated, consistent with higher ethylene production. CONCLUSIONS: High density
      stress has similar but greater impact on plant growth and development compared to
      nitrogen limitation. Global transcriptome changes implicate ethylene as a
      volatile signal used to communicate proximity in under dense population growth
      condition and suggest a role for phytohormones in high density stress response in
      rice plants.

PMID- 25128293
TI  - Role of statherin in oral carcinogenesis.

PMID- 25128292
TI  - A biomechanical cause of low power production during FES cycling of subjects with
      SCI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) cycling is to
      provide the health benefits of exercise to persons with paralysis. To achieve the
      greatest health advantages, patients should produce the highest possible
      mechanical power. However, the mechanical power output (PO) produced during FES
      cycling is very low. Unfavorable biomechanics is one of the important factors
      reducing PO. The purpose of this study was to investigate the primary joints and
      muscles responsible for power generation and the role of antagonistic co
      contraction in FES cycling. METHODS: Sixteen subjects with complete spinal cord
      injury (SCI) pedaled a stationary recumbent FES tricycle at 60 rpm and a workload
      of 15 W per leg, while pedal forces and crank angle were recorded. The joint
      muscle moments, power and work were calculated using inverse dynamics equations.
      RESULTS: Two characteristic patterns were found; in 12 subjects most work was
      generated by the knee extensors in the propulsion phase (83% of total work),
      while in 4 subjects most work was shared between by the knee extensors (42%) and
      flexors (44%), respectively during propulsive and recovery phases. Hip extensors
      produced only low net work (12 & 7%). For both patterns, extra concentric work
      was necessary to overcome considerable eccentric work (-82 & -96%). CONCLUSIONS:
      The primary power sources were the knee extensors of the quadriceps and the knee
      flexors of the hamstrings. The antagonistic activity was generally low in
      subjects with SCI because of the weakness of the hamstrings (compared to
      quadriceps) and the superficial and insufficient hamstring mass activation with
      FES.

PMID- 25128294
TI  - Incorporation of salivary metabolomics in oral cancer diagnostics.

PMID- 25128295
TI  - RAGE, inflammation and oral cancer: recreating the connexion.

PMID- 25128296
TI  - Influence of a prudent diet on circulating cathepsin S in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased circulating cathepsin S levels have been linked to
      increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases and cancer. However, whether cathepsin
      S is a modifiable risk factor is unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of
      a prudent diet on plasma cathepsin S levels in healthy individuals. FINDINGS:
      Explorative analyses of a randomized study were performed in 88 normal to
      slightly overweight and hyperlipidemic men and women (aged 25 to 65) that were
      randomly assigned to ad libitum prudent diet, i.e. healthy Nordic diet (ND) or a
      control group (habitual Western diet) for 6 weeks. Whereas all foods in the ND
      were provided, the control group was advised to consume their habitual diet
      throughout the study. The ND was in line with dietary recommendations, e.g. low
      in saturated fats, sugars and salt, but high in plant-based foods rich in fibre
      and unsaturated fats.The ND significantly decreased cathepsin S levels (from 20.1
      (+/-4.0 SD) to 19.7 MUg/L (+/-4.3 SD)) compared with control group (from 18.2 (+/
      2.9 SD) to 19.1 MUg/L (+/-3.8 SD)). This difference remained after adjusting for
      sex and change in insulin sensitivity (P = 0.03), and near significant after
      adjusting for baseline cathepsin S levels (P = 0.06), but not for change in
      weight or LDL-C. Changes in cathepsin S levels were directly correlated with
      change in LDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with a habitual control diet, a provided
      ad libitum healthy Nordic diet decreased cathepsin S levels in healthy
      individuals, possibly mediated by weight loss or lowered LDL-C. These differences
      between groups in cathepsin S were however not robust and therefore need further
      investigation.

PMID- 25128297
TI  - Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis against malaria mosquitoes in
      northwestern Burkina Faso.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Sub Saharan Africa malaria remains one of the major health
      problems and its control represents an important public health measure.
      Integrated malaria control comprises the use of impregnated mosquito nets and
      indoor residual spraying. The use of drugs to treat patients can create
      additional pressure on the equation of malaria transmission. Vector control may
      target the adult mosquitoes or their aquatic larval stages. Biological larvicides
      such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) represent a promising approach
      to support malaria control programs by creating additional pressure on the
      equation of malaria transmission. METHODS: In this study we examined the efficacy
      of a water-dispersible granule formulation (WDG) of the biological larvicide Bti
      (VectoBac(r)) against wild Anopheles spp. larvae. Different concentrations of the
      larvicide were tested in standardized plastic tubs in the field against untreated
      controls. In weekly intervals tubs were treated with fixed concentrations of
      larvicide and the percentage reduction of larvae and pupae was calculated.
      RESULTS: All used concentrations successfully killed 100 percent of the larvae
      within 24 hours, while the higher concentrations showed a slightly prolonged
      residual effect. Natural reconolization of larvae took place after two and three
      days respectively, late instar larvae were not found before 5 days after
      treatment. For the higher concentrations, up to three days no new larvae were
      found, implicating that the residual effect of WDG in tropical conditions is
      approximately one to two days. The overall pupae reduction in treated tubs was
      98.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Biological larviciding with Bti can be a promising,
      additional tool in the fight against malaria in Africa. Environmental
      particularities in tropical Africa, first and foremost the rapid development of
      mosquitoes from oviposition to imago have to be taken into account before
      implementing such counter measures in national or international vector control
      programs. Nonetheless biological larviciding seems to be an appropriate measure
      for selected conditions, offering a significant contribution to the future of
      malaria control.

PMID- 25128298
TI  - Comparative study on the suitability of two techniques for measuring the transfer
      of lipophilic drug models from lipid nanoparticles to lipophilic acceptors.
AB  - Due to their particle size in the submicrometer range, lipid nanoparticles are
      suitable for parenteral administration. In order to obtain information on their
      potential in vivo performance, a simple and effective in vitro assay to evaluate
      the drug release behavior of such particles is required. This study compares the
      use of different experimental setups for this purpose. Lipid nanoparticles from
      trimyristin which were loaded with fluorescent lipophilic drug models (a
      temoporfin and Nile red) were used as donor particles. The transfer of the two
      drug models to multilamellar vesicles (MLV) and emulsion droplets as lipophilic
      acceptor compartments was examined. The determination of the transferred
      substance was performed either after separation by centrifugation or by an in
      situ flow cytometric technique. The transfer of temoporfin was slow to the
      acceptor MLV and very rapid to the acceptor emulsion. With both acceptors, the
      transfer of temoporfin stopped at a concentration much lower than the theoretical
      equilibrium values. The transfer of the less lipophilic drug Nile red was very
      rapid to both acceptors with equilibrium concentrations close to the expected
      values. The transfer results of temoporfin especially to the acceptor MLV
      obtained with the two detection techniques were comparable while the
      centrifugation technique indicated an apparently higher Nile red transfer rate
      than the flow cytometric technique. Both techniques are equally suitable to study
      the transfer of temoporfin, while the flow cytometric technique is advantageous
      to measure the very rapid transfer of Nile red.

PMID- 25128299
TI  - Alpha-fetoprotein level as a biomarker of liver fibrosis status: a cross
      sectional study of 619 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem
      worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum alpha
      fetoprotein (AFP) levels and pathological stages of liver biopsy in patients with
      chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: The study included 619 patients who were
      diagnosed with CHB from March 2005 to December 2011. AFP levels were measured by
      electrochemiluminescence. Liver biopsy samples were classified into five levels
      of inflammation (G) and fibrosis (S) stages, according to the Chinese guidelines
      for prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis. Two multivariable ordinal
      regression models were performed to determine associations between AFP, GGT, and
      APRI (AST/PLT ratio) and stages of inflammation and fibrosis. RESULTS:
      Significant positive and moderate correlations were shown between AFP levels and
      inflammation stages and between AFP levels and fibrosis stages (rho = 0.436 and
      0.404, p < 0.001). Median values of AFP at liver fibrosis stages S0-1, S2, S3,
      and S4 were 3.0, 3.4, 5.4, and 11.3 ng/ml, respectively, and median APRI (AST/PLT
      ratio) was 0.41. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed
      that the areas under the curves (AUCs) were 0.685, 0.727, and 0.755 (all p
      <0.001) for judging inflammation stages of G >= 2, G >= 3, G = 4 by AFP; and
      0.691, 0.717, and 0.718 (all p <0.001) for judging fibrosis stages of S >= 2, S
      >= 3, and S = 4 by AFP. APRI levels showed significant positive and moderate
      correlations with inflammation stages (rho = 0.445, p < 0.001). AST, GGT, and
      APRI levels showed significant positive but very weak to weak correlations with
      fibrosis stages (rho = 0.137, 0.237, 0.281, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum AFP
      levels increased as pathological levels of inflammation and fibrosis increased in
      CHB patients. Our data showed the clinical significance of serum AFP levels in
      diagnosing liver inflammation and fibrosis. Assessment of liver pathology may be
      improved by creating a predictive mathematical model by which AFP levels with
      other biomarkers.

PMID- 25128302
TI  - An Indian eye to personalized medicine.
AB  - Acknowledging the successful sequencing of the human genome and the valuable
      insights it has rendered, genetic drafting of non-human organisms can further
      enhance the understanding of modern biology. The price of sequencing technology
      has plummeted with time, and there is a noticeable enhancement in its
      implementation and recurrent usage. Sequenced genome information can be contained
      in a microarray chip, and then processed by a computer system for inferring
      analytics and predictions. Specifically, smart cards have been significantly
      applicable to assimilate and retrieve complex data, with ease and implicit
      mobility. Herein, we propose "The G-Card", a development with respect to the
      prevalent smart card, and an extension to the Electronic Health Record (EHR),
      that will hold the genome sequence of an individual, so that the medical
      practitioner can better investigate irregularities in a patient's health and
      hence recommend a precise prognosis.

PMID- 25128301
TI  - Evaluation of respondent-driven sampling in a study of urban young men who have
      sex with men.
AB  - Evidence suggests that respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is an efficient approach
      to sampling among varied populations of adult men who have sex with men (MSM)
      both in the USA and abroad, although no studies have yet evaluated its
      performance among younger MSM, a population with a steep rise in HIV infection in
      recent years. Young MSM (YMSM) may differ in terms of their connectedness to
      other YMSM (e.g., due to evolving sexual identity, internalization of sexual
      minority stigma, and lack of disclosure to others) and mobility (e.g., due to
      parental monitoring) which may inhibit the sampling process. The aims of this
      study were to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of RDS-based sampling
      among young urban MSM and to identify factors associated with recruitment
      success. We hypothesized that demographic, social, behavioral, and network
      factors, including racial/ethnic minority status, homelessness (i.e., as an
      indicator of socioeconomic marginalization), HIV-positive status, substance use
      problems, gay community connectedness, and network size would be positively
      related to recruitment productivity, while sexual minority stigmatization,
      environmental barriers (e.g., parental monitoring), and meeting sex partners on
      the internet (i.e., virtual venue) would be negatively related to recruitment
      productivity. Between December 2009 and February 2013, we used RDS to recruit a
      sample of 450 YMSM, ages 16-20. Findings suggest that the use of RDS for sampling
      among YMSM is challenging and may not be feasible based on the slow pace of
      recruitment and low recruitment productivity. A large number of seeds (38 % of
      the sample, n = 172) had to be added to the sample to maintain a reasonable pace
      of recruitment, which makes use of the sample for RDS-based population estimates
      questionable. In addition, the prevalence of short recruitment chains and
      segmentation in patterns of recruitment by race/ethnicity further hamper the
      network recruitment process. Thus, RDS was not particularly efficient in terms of
      the rate of recruitment or effective in generating a representative sample.
      Hypotheses regarding factors associated with recruitment success were supported
      for network size and internalized stigma (but not other factors), suggesting that
      participants with larger network sizes or high levels of internalized stigma may
      have more and less success recruiting others, respectively. 

PMID- 25128300
TI  - The biography of the immune system and the control of cancer: from St Peregrine
      to contemporary vaccination strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The historical basis and contemporary evidence for the use of immune
      strategies for prevention of malignancies are reviewed. Emphasis is focussed on
      the Febrile Infections and Melanoma (FEBIM) study on melanoma and on malignancies
      that seem to be related to an overexpression of human endogenous retrovirus K
      (HERV-K). DISCUSSION: It is claimed that, as a result of recent observational
      studies, measures for prevention of some malignancies such as melanoma and
      certain forms of leukaemia are already at hand: vaccination with Bacille Calmette
      Guerin (BCG) of new-borns and vaccination with the yellow fever 17D (YFV) vaccine
      of adults. While the evidence of their benefit for prevention of malignancies
      requires substantiation, the observations that vaccinations with BCG and/or
      vaccinia early in life improved the outcome of patients after surgical therapy of
      melanoma are of practical relevance as the survival advantage conferred by prior
      vaccination is greater than any contemporary adjuvant therapy. SUMMARY: The
      reviewed findings open a debate as to whether controlled vaccination studies
      should be conducted in patients and/or regions for whom/where they are needed
      most urgently. A study proposal is made and discussed. If protection is
      confirmed, the development of novel recombinant vaccines with wider ranges of
      protection based, most likely, on BCG, YFV or vaccinia, could be attempted.

PMID- 25128303
TI  - Management of Composite Tissue Defect of the Midfoot With a Free Anterolateral
      Thigh Flap and Iliac Bone Graft: A Case Report.
AB  - Composite tissue defects of the midfoot with extensive bone and soft tissue loss
      represent a unique challenge because they can lead to primary amputation if not
      reconstructed. One should repair both the bone structure and the soft tissue to
      obtain satisfactory foot function for basic daily activities. In the present
      study, we report on a case in which we successfully reconstructed an extensive
      midfoot defect with iliac bone grafts for metatarsal reconstruction and an
      anterolateral thigh flap for soft tissue coverage. This technique is a safe,
      reliable, and functional method, offering single-stage reconstruction compared
      with other microsurgical techniques used for such defects. 

PMID- 25128304
TI  - A Meta-Analysis for Postoperative Complications in Tibial Plafond Fracture: Open
      Reduction and Internal Fixation Versus Limited Internal Fixation Combined With
      External Fixator.
AB  - The treatment of tibial plafond fractures is challenging to foot and ankle
      surgeons. Open reduction and internal fixation and limited internal fixation
      combined with an external fixator are 2 of the most commonly used methods of
      tibial plafond fracture repair. However, conclusions regarding the superior
      choice remain controversial. The present meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively
      compare the postoperative complications between open reduction and internal
      fixation and limited internal fixation combined with an external fixator for
      tibial plafond fractures. Nine studies with 498 fractures in 494 patients were
      included in the present study. The meta-analysis found no significant differences
      in bone healing complications (risk ratio [RR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      0.68 to 2.01, p = .58], nonunion (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.51 to 2.36, p = .82),
      malunion or delayed union (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.69, p = .59), superficial
      (RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.43 to 5.61, p = .50) and deep (RR 1.89, 95% CI 0.62 to 5.80)
      infections, arthritis symptoms (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.58, p = .18), or
      chronic osteomyelitis (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.84, p = .20) between the 2
      groups.

PMID- 25128305
TI  - Self-reported quality of life and diabetic foot infections.
AB  - Foot infections in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are serious complications
      that can result in hospitalization, the need for amputation, and premature
      mortality. To the best of our knowledge, no published studies have specifically
      investigated the effect of diabetic foot infection (DFI) on patient quality of
      life. The aim of the present study was to compare the self-reported assessments
      of quality of life in patients hospitalized with DFIs with those from a group of
      patients without foot infections. We evaluated a study group of 47 patients who
      had been hospitalized with DFIs and a control group of 47 patients with DM who
      did not have any complaints referable to their foot or ankle. The self-reported
      outcomes were assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study short form 36-item health
      survey (SF-36) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measurement. Patients hospitalized
      with DFIs had significantly reduced self-reported SF-36 scores in all 8 subscales
      compared with the cohort of patients with DM without foot complaints. The SF-36
      physical component and mental component scores were significantly reduced in
      patients with DFIs, indicating a negative effect on overall health. Self-reported
      lower extremity function was also negatively affected with significantly lower
      Foot and Ankle Measurement activity of daily living and sports scores for
      patients with DFI. The present study has demonstrated the profoundly negative
      affect that moderate and severe DFIs have on self-reported quality of life,
      affecting both physical and mental well-being and lower extremity function. 

PMID- 25128306
TI  - Bilateral Ankle and Subtalar Joint Fusion Secondary to Guillain Barre-Induced
      Foot Drop.
AB  - Guillain-Barre syndrome is a serious disorder that occurs when the body's immune
      system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. This leads to nerve
      inflammation and damage that can cause muscle weakness and/or paralysis,
      including foot drop. Therapy ranges from supportive measures, such as physical
      therapy, to surgical intervention. It appears from the published data that these
      patients, generally, have been left to their own devices, because no known cure
      is available, necessitating reliance on others for their daily activities and
      ambulation. We present a unique surgical option, with a follow-up period of 24
      months, in which bilateral subtalar and ankle fusion allowed unassisted
      ambulation to a patient who might otherwise have never walked again.

PMID- 25128307
TI  - Comparison of postinjection protocols after intratendinous Achilles platelet-rich
      plasma injections: a cadaveric study.
AB  - The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the distribution of
      intratendinous injected platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after 15 minutes of prone
      resting versus immediate manipulation simulating weightbearing. Ten cadaveric
      lower limbs were injected under ultrasound guidance with PRP dyed with India blue
      ink. The dyed PRP was injected into the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon, after
      which 5 specimens were placed in the prone position for 15 minutes (simulating
      rest) and the remaining 5 specimens were manipulated through 100 cycles of ankle
      dorsiflexion and plantarflexion (simulating walking). Thereafter, the specimens
      were dissected, and the distribution of the India blue dye was ascertained. In
      the simulated rest group, every specimen showed dyed PRP in the Achilles tendon
      and in the space between the paratenon and tendon. The median craniocaudal spread
      of the PRP was 140 (range 125 to 190) mm. In 4 of the simulated rest tendons
      (80%), the distribution of PRP extended across the entire transverse plane width
      of the tendon. In the simulated motion group, every specimen showed dyed PRP
      extending across the entire transverse plane width of the tendon and in the space
      between the paratenon and tendon. The median craniocaudal spread was 135 (range
      115 to 117) mm. No statistically significant difference was found in the amount
      of craniocaudal spread between the simulated motion and rest groups. In
      conclusion, it does not appear to matter whether the ankle has been moved through
      its range of motion or maintained stationary during the first 15 minutes after
      PRP injection into the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon. The precise meaning of
      this information in the clinical realm remains to be discerned.

PMID- 25128308
TI  - A retrospective study of two Lapidus groups, each with a different method of rail
      application.
AB  - To date, few studies discussing the use of rail external fixation for the Lapidus
      procedure have presented acceptable complication rates. At least 1 study has
      suggested the technique is not recommended for routine use with this procedure.
      We present 2 methods of external fixation application and 2 protocols of early
      postoperative weightbearing in 25 patients, with a marked decrease in
      complication rates from previously published studies. A retrospective study of 25
      patients (within 2 patient groups) was performed, with a mean follow-up of 20
      (range 12 to 38) months. Age, sex, incidence of fusion, interval to fusion,
      weightbearing status, and complication rates were evaluated. All subjects
      underwent Lapidus bunionectomy with joint preparation using sagittal planning.
      The fusion sites for group A fixation included a medially placed external
      fixation rail. Group B fixation included an interfragmentary screw and dorsal
      rail placement. Weightbearing was allowed in group A on day 1 and in group B on
      day 14. Our patient population consisted of 19 females (76%) and 6 males (24%).
      The mean patient age was 45.6 (range 28 to 63) years. The overall incidence of
      fusion was 96% (24 of 25), with complete union, although 1 patient's union was
      delayed. The mean interval to union for group A was 7.6 (range 6 to 8) weeks and
      for group B, was 9 (range 8 to 13) weeks. The primary complication encountered
      was pin tract infection in 11 patients (44%). The use of rail external fixation
      for Lapidus bunionectomy using either of the outlined techniques resulted in
      significant reduction of previously reported complication rates and allowed for
      early weightbearing. 

PMID- 25128309
TI  - Infectious Spondylodiscitis, Epidural Phlegmon, and Psoas Abscess Complicating
      Diabetic Foot Infection: A Case Report.
AB  - Few published case reports have cited vertebral osteomyelitis as a sequela of a
      diabetic foot infection. The purpose of the present report is to increase
      awareness of a potentially severe complication of diabetic foot ulceration:
      vertebral osteomyelitis and associated pathologic features. We present the case
      of a 63-year-old male with right calcaneal osteomyelitis who developed acute
      onset lower back pain with concomitant fever and chills. Magnetic resonance
      imaging revealed L4-L5 vertebral osteomyelitis, a T9-L1 epidural abscess, and a
      right psoas muscle abscess secondary to hematogenous seeding from the calcaneus.
      The patient underwent right partial calcanectomy, spinal and right psoas abscess
      incision and drainage, and direct lumbar interbody fusion of L4-L5 with a right
      iliac crest allograft. All bone, blood, and abscess cultures were positive for
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. After the surgery, the patient's
      pain resolved in his back and hip and he regained full right lower extremity
      function. The 1-year follow-up examination revealed that the patient had
      vertebral arthritis but was able to perform his activities of daily living with a
      walker and cane. It is important to recognize the potential complications of
      diabetic foot ulcerations and be aware of the identifying symptoms and treatment
      options for this condition to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. 

PMID- 25128310
TI  - Two different treatment options for intramuscular plantar hemangioma: surgery
      versus percutaneous sclerotherapy.
AB  - Intramuscular hemangiomas are benign neoplasms usually seen in children and
      adolescents. They tend to occur in the deep fascia and muscle and more often in
      the lower extremity, although they are rarely encountered in the plantar
      musculature. Surgical excision, ultrasound- or fluoroscopic-guided percutaneous
      sclerotherapy, and angiographic embolization are all treatment options. Surgical
      excision is the most prevalent form of therapy, although this can be difficult in
      the hands and feet. For this reason, ultrasound- and fluoroscopic-guided
      percutaneous sclerotherapy is a useful treatment option for pedal intramuscular
      hemangioma. In the present report, we describe 2 cases of intramuscular
      hemangioma in children, 1 treated by excision and 1 by percutaneous sclerosis. 

PMID- 25128311
TI  - Management of Idiopathic Clubfoot by Ponseti Technique in Children Presenting
      After One Year of Age.
AB  - We conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of the Ponseti technique in
      the management of idiopathic congenital clubfoot in patients older than 1 year of
      age. A total of 19 patients with 28 clubfeet (16 males [84.2%], 3 females
      [15.8%]) were included in the present study. The mean age at presentation was 2.7
      (range 1 to 3.5) years. The results of treatment using the Ponseti technique were
      evaluated using the Pirani and Dimeglio scoring systems. The mean precorrection
      total Pirani score was 4.84 (range 3.5 to 5.5) and the mean precorrection
      Dimeglio score was 12.96 (range 10 to 14). The mean postcorrection total Pirani
      score was 0.55 (range 0 to 1), and the mean postcorrection Dimeglio score was
      2.32 (range 2 to 3). These differences were statistically significant (p < .001
      and p < .001, respectively). In 92.8% of the feet, satisfactory correction of the
      deformity was achieved. The mean number of casts applied was 8 (range 5 to 12).
      All but 1 (3.6%) of the clubfeet required tenotomy to achieve correction. The
      mean follow-up duration was 2.7 (range 1.5 to 3.5) years. We have concluded that
      the Ponseti technique is an effective method for the management of idiopathic
      congenital clubfoot, even in toddlers. 

PMID- 25128312
TI  - Tillaux fracture of the ankle in an adult: a rare injury.
AB  - The Tillaux fracture of the ankle is an external rotation ankle injury resulting
      in an avulsion fracture of the anterolateral tibial plafond. This injury is known
      to occur in adolescents, although it has rarely been reported in adults. We
      report a case of a Tillaux fracture in an adult. A brief description of the
      history, mechanism of injury, required imaging, and treatment and other
      management options are provided in the present report. Anatomic reduction, rigid
      fixation, and early mobilization are emphasized to obtain a satisfactory
      functional outcome, shown by the long-term follow-up findings. 

PMID- 25128313
TI  - Treatment of Calcaneal Fracture With Severe Soft Tissue Injury and Osteomyelitis:
      A Case Report.
AB  - Advancements in surgical technique have resulted in the ability to reconstruct
      lower extremity injuries that would have previously been treated by amputation.
      Currently, a paucity of data is available specifically addressing limb amputation
      versus reconstruction for calcaneal fractures with severe soft tissue compromise.
      Reconstruction leaves the patient with their native limb; however, multiple
      surgeries, infections, chronic pain, and a poor functional outcome are very real
      possibilities. We present the case of a complex calcaneal fracture complicated by
      soft tissue injury and osteomyelitis that highlights the importance of shared
      decision-making between patient and surgeon when considering reconstruction
      versus amputation. This case exemplifies the need for open communication
      concerning the risks and benefits of treatment modalities while simultaneously
      considering the patient's expectations and desired outcomes. 

PMID- 25128314
TI  - Application of the five stages of grief to diabetic limb loss and amputation.
AB  - A potentially underappreciated member of the multidisciplinary approach to
      diabetic limb salvage is that of psychiatry. Diabetic patients are more likely to
      experience depression, and diabetic patients with depression are more likely to
      undergo an amputation. Also, both diabetes and depression independently increase
      the healthcare costs in the United States. The objective of the present
      investigation was to increase knowledge among diabetic foot practitioners with
      respect to psychiatric and other mental health patient-care issues, specifically
      the potential application of the 5 stages of grief to diabetic limb loss and
      amputation. We enlisted the assistance of a clinical professor from the
      psychiatry department at our institution to review the 5 stages of grief, provide
      context specific for application to diabetic limb loss, and offer clinically
      relevant guidelines for surgeons to better understand and communicate with their
      patients at each stage. The 5 stages reviewed were denial, anger, bargaining,
      depression, and acceptance. We hope that the present review will increase the
      body of knowledge with respect to relevant psychiatric issues and the diabetic
      foot and provide a starting point for increased awareness with respect to this
      important, yet underappreciated, aspect of patient care. 

PMID- 25128315
TI  - Symptomatic Osseous Abnormalities at the Posteromedial Tubercle of the Talus:
      Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features.
AB  - Osseous alterations adjacent to the posteromedial tubercle of the talus that lead
      to posterior ankle impingement and their imaging findings have been much less
      well described than alterations of the posterolateral tubercle. We present 5
      cases of osseous abnormalities at the posteromedial tubercle of the talus
      depicted on magnetic resonance imaging in subjects with chronic symptoms at this
      location, with no history of local trauma, who had presented with posteromedial
      mechanical pain and/or tarsal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms were related to
      mechanical changes of the bony and soft tissue structures, leading to posterior
      impingement, and to neurovascular bundle entrapment at the tarsal tunnel, leading
      to tarsal tunnel syndrome. 

PMID- 25128316
TI  - Multiple interdigital neuromas: a retrospective study of 279 feet with 462
      neuromas.
AB  - Morton's neuroma is a common pathologic entity that, traditionally, was
      considered to be an isolated tumor that rarely affected more than 1 interdigital
      space. However, in recent years, multiple neuromas have become more common in our
      day-to-day practice. The objective of the present study was to assess the
      frequency with which Morton's neuroma appears in the different interdigital
      spaces. A retrospective study was performed of 279 feet that had been surgically
      treated for Morton's neuroma using a dorsal approach during a 9-year period (from
      January 2003 to December 2011), with an ultrasound scan taken preoperatively and
      histopathologic analysis performed afterward. From the 279 treated feet, 462
      interdigital neuromas were surgically removed. Of the 279 feet, 97 (34.8%)
      displayed isolated neuromas, and 182 (65.2%) were treated for multiple neuromas.
      Regarding the neuromas that were treated as isolated lesions, 74.2% were located
      in the third space. For the feet affected by multiple interdigital neuromas, 100%
      had a neuroma in the third space and 98.9% in the second. The incidence of
      multiple interdigital neuromas can be considered frequent. The assessment,
      therefore, of interdigital neuromas of the foot should include, at a minimum, the
      second and third interdigital spaces. 

PMID- 25128317
TI  - Effective connectivity at synaptic level in humans: a review and future
      prospects.
AB  - Correct knowledge of the effective connectivity at the synaptic level in humans
      is a key prerequisite for increasing our understanding of the operation of the
      human central nervous system. Unfortunately, none of the current ambitious
      collaborative neuroscience projects pay enough attention to this topic and are
      thus unable to completely relate the microlevel properties of the system to its
      emergent macrolevel behaviors. In this review article, the problem of effective
      connectivity at the synaptic level in humans is explained, existing and possible
      computational approaches to fill explanatory gaps are reviewed, and the requisite
      characteristics of these approaches are considered. 

PMID- 25128319
TI  - Crista egregia: a geometrical model of the crista ampullaris, a sensory surface
      that detects head rotations.
AB  - The crista ampullaris is the epithelium at the end of the semicircular canals in
      the inner ear of vertebrates, which contains the sensory cells involved in the
      transduction of the rotational head movements into neuronal activity. The crista
      surface has the form of a saddle, or a pair of saddles separated by a crux,
      depending on the species and the canal considered. In birds, it was described as
      a catenoid by Landolt et al. (J Comp Neurol 159(2):257-287, doi:
      10.1002/cne.901590207 , 1972). In the present work, we establish that this
      particular form results from principles of invariance maximization and energy
      minimization. The formulation of the invariance principle was inspired by
      Takumida (Biol Sci Space 15(4):356-358, 2001). More precisely, we suppose that in
      functional conditions, the equations of linear elasticity are valid, and we
      assume that in a certain domain of the cupula, in proximity of the crista
      surface, (1) the stress tensor of the deformed cupula is invariant under the
      gradient of the pressure, (2) the dissipation of energy is minimum. Then, we
      deduce that in this domain the crista surface is a minimal surface and that it
      must be either a planar, or helicoidal Scherk surface, or a piece of catenoid,
      which is the unique minimal surface of revolution. If we add the hypothesis that
      the direction of invariance of the stress tensor is unique and that a bilateral
      symmetry of the crista exists, only the catenoid subsists. This finding has
      important consequences for further functional modeling of the role of the
      vestibular system in head motion detection and spatial orientation. 

PMID- 25128320
TI  - Torque-stiffness-controlled dynamic walking with central pattern generators.
AB  - Walking behavior is modulated by controlling joint torques in most existing
      passivity-based bipeds. Controlled Passive Walking with adaptable stiffness
      exhibits controllable natural motions and energy efficient gaits. In this paper,
      we propose torque-stiffness-controlled dynamic bipedal walking, which extends the
      concept of Controlled Passive Walking by introducing structured control
      parameters and a bio-inspired control method with central pattern generators. The
      proposed walking paradigm is beneficial in clarifying the respective effects of
      the external actuation and the internal natural dynamics. We present a seven-link
      biped model to validate the presented walking. Effects of joint torque and joint
      stiffness on gait selection, walking performance and walking pattern transitions
      are studied in simulations. The work in this paper develops a new solution of
      motion control of bipedal robots with adaptable stiffness and provides insights
      of efficient and sophisticated walking gaits of humans. 

PMID- 25128318
TI  - Active inference, eye movements and oculomotor delays.
AB  - This paper considers the problem of sensorimotor delays in the optimal control of
      (smooth) eye movements under uncertainty. Specifically, we consider delays in the
      visuo-oculomotor loop and their implications for active inference. Active
      inference uses a generalisation of Kalman filtering to provide Bayes optimal
      estimates of hidden states and action in generalised coordinates of motion.
      Representing hidden states in generalised coordinates provides a simple way of
      compensating for both sensory and oculomotor delays. The efficacy of this scheme
      is illustrated using neuronal simulations of pursuit initiation responses, with
      and without compensation. We then consider an extension of the generative model
      to simulate smooth pursuit eye movements-in which the visuo-oculomotor system
      believes both the target and its centre of gaze are attracted to a (hidden) point
      moving in the visual field. Finally, the generative model is equipped with a
      hierarchical structure, so that it can recognise and remember unseen (occluded)
      trajectories and emit anticipatory responses. These simulations speak to a
      straightforward and neurobiologically plausible solution to the generic problem
      of integrating information from different sources with different temporal delays
      and the particular difficulties encountered when a system-like the oculomotor
      system-tries to control its environment with delayed signals. 

PMID- 25128321
TI  - Effect of display resolution on time to diagnosis with virtual pathology slides
      in a systematic search task.
AB  - Performing diagnoses using virtual slides can take pathologists significantly
      longer than with glass slides, presenting a significant barrier to the use of
      virtual slides in routine practice. Given the benefits in pathology workflow
      efficiency and safety that virtual slides promise, it is important to understand
      reasons for this difference and identify opportunities for improvement. The
      effect of display resolution on time to diagnosis with virtual slides has not
      previously been explored. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of
      display resolution on time to diagnosis with virtual slides. Nine pathologists
      participated in a counterbalanced crossover study, viewing axillary lymph node
      slides on a microscope, a 23-in 2.3-megapixel single-screen display and a three
      screen 11-megapixel display consisting of three 27-in displays. Time to diagnosis
      and time to first target were faster on the microscope than on the single and
      three-screen displays. There was no significant difference between the microscope
      and the three-screen display in time to first target, while the time taken on the
      single-screen display was significantly higher than that on the microscope. The
      results suggest that a digital pathology workstation with an increased number of
      pixels may make it easier to identify where cancer is located in the initial
      slide overview, enabling quick location of diagnostically relevant regions of
      interest. However, when a comprehensive, detailed search of a slide has to be
      made, increased resolution may not offer any additional benefit. 

PMID- 25128323
TI  - Health needs and neighbourhood concerns of low income households vulnerable to
      food insecurity.

PMID- 25128322
TI  - Infusion of Gabralpha6 siRNA into the trigeminal ganglia increased the myogenic
      orofacial nociceptive response of ovariectomized rats treated with 17beta
      estradiol.
AB  - High levels of 17beta-estradiol (E2) have been found to reduce inflammatory
      temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. A search for genes effected by a high
      concentration of estradiol showed an increase in GABAA receptor subunit alpha 6
      (Gabralpha6) in the trigeminal ganglia (TG). Blockade of Gabralpha6 expression in
      the TG increases masseter muscle nociception in male rats, but the relationship
      between estradiol's effect on nociception and Gabralpha6 expression remains
      unclear in females. To address this knowledge gap we hypothesized that reducing
      Gabralpha6 expression in the TG will increase the orofacial nociceptive response
      of ovariectomized female rats treated with estradiol. To administer hormone
      osmotic pumps were placed in rats that dispensed a low diestrus plasma
      concentration of 17beta-estradiol, in addition, 17beta-estradiol was injected to
      produce a high proestrus plasma concentration of estradiol. A ligature was then
      placed around the masseter tendon to induce a nociceptive response; a model for
      TMJ muscle pain. Gabralpha6 small interfering RNA (siRNA) was later infused into
      the TG and the nociceptive response was measured using von Frey filaments and a
      meal duration assay. GABAA receptor expression was measured in the TG and
      trigeminal nucleus caudalis and upper cervical region (Vc-C1). Ligature
      significantly increased the nociceptive response but a high proestrus
      concentration of 17beta-estradiol attenuated this response. Gabralpha6 siRNA
      infusion decreased Gabralpha6 expression in the TG and Vc-C1 but increased the
      nociceptive response after 17beta-estradiol treatment. The results suggest
      estradiol decreased the orofacial nociceptive response, in part, by causing an
      increase in Gabralpha6 expression. 

PMID- 25128325
TI  - Calcium in the heart: from physiology to disease.
AB  - Contraction of the heart results from an increase of cytoplasmic Ca(2+)
      concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), the so-called systolic Ca(2+) transient. Most of this
      results from the release of Ca(2+) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) through
      the ryanodine receptor (RyR). In turn, the amplitude of this Ca(2+) transient
      determines the contractility of the heart. In this lecture, I consider the
      factors which govern the size and stability of this Ca(2+) release. The amplitude
      of the Ca(2+) transient is a steep function of SR Ca, resulting in a requirement
      for very precise beat-to-beat regulation of SR Ca content. This is achieved by a
      simple negative feedback mechanism, in which an increase of SR Ca content
      increases the size of the Ca(2+) transient, resulting in a decrease of Ca(2+)
      influx on the L-type Ca(2+) current and an increase of efflux through Na(+)
      Ca(2+) exchange. Changing the activity of any of the Ca(2+)-cycling proteins will
      change the steady-state SR Ca content. This feedback mechanism has many
      consequences, including the fact that a change of RyR open probability has a only
      a temporary effect on the amplitude of the Ca(2+) transient due to a compensating
      change of SR Ca content. The remainder of the article considers the link between
      intracellular Ca(2+) waves and arrhythmias. This is done in the context of
      catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, which is an inherited
      arrhythmia syndrome, in many cases due to a RyR mutation, where arrhythmias occur
      during exercise as a result of beta-adrenergic stimulation. Calcium waves occur
      only when the SR Ca content exceeds a threshold level. Our data show that the
      threshold is reduced by the RyR mutation and that the adrenergic stimulation
      increases SR Ca content. 

PMID- 25128324
TI  - Prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in occupational health care:
      feasibility and effectiveness.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of lifestyle counseling in
      occupational setting on decreasing risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
      METHODS: A health check-up including physical examination, blood tests,
      questionnaires and health advice was completed on 2312 employees of an airline
      company. Participants with elevated risk for type 2 diabetes based on FINDRISC
      score and/or blood glucose measurement (n=657) were offered 1-3 additional
      lifestyle counseling sessions and 53% of them agreed to participate. After 2.5
      years, 1347 employees of 2199 invited participated in a follow-up study. RESULTS:
      Among women and men with low baseline diabetes risk, cardiovascular risk factors
      increased slightly during follow-up. Larger proportion of the men who attended
      interventions lost weight at least 5% compared with the non-attendees (18.4% vs.
      8.4%, p=0.031) and their FINDRISC score increased less (0.6 vs. 1.5, p=0.037).
      Older age associated with participation in follow-up and higher baseline FINDRISC
      score and presence of clinical and lifestyle risk factors and problems in sleep
      and mood increased attendance in interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of
      employees with cardiovascular and diabetes risk, and the low intensity lifestyle
      intervention were feasible in occupational health-care setting. However, the
      health benefits were modest and observed only for men with increased risk.

PMID- 25128326
TI  - Mitochondrial function/dysfunction in white adipose tissue.
AB  - The role of mitochondria in white adipocytes has long been neglected due in part
      to their lower abundance in these cells. However, accumulating evidence suggests
      that mitochondria are vital for maintaining metabolic homeostasis in white
      adipocytes because of their involvement in adipogenesis, fatty acid synthesis and
      esterification, branched-chain amino acid catabolism and lipolysis. It is
      therefore not surprising that white adipose tissue function can be perturbed by
      altering mitochondrial components or oxidative capacity. Moreover, studies in
      humans and animals with significantly altered fat mass, such as in obesity or
      lipoatrophy, indicate that impaired mitochondrial function in adipocytes may be
      linked directly to the development of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and
      insulin resistance. However, recent studies that specifically targeted
      mitochondrial function in adipocytes indicated dissociation between impaired
      mitochondrial oxidative capacity and systemic insulin sensitivity. 

PMID- 25128327
TI  - Erythropoietin administration alone or in combination with endurance training
      affects neither skeletal muscle morphology nor angiogenesis in healthy young men.
AB  - The aim was to investigate the ability of an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent
      (ESA), alone or in combination with endurance training, to induce changes in
      human skeletal muscle fibre and vascular morphology. In a comparative study, 36
      healthy untrained men were randomly dispersed into the following four groups:
      sedentary-placebo (SP, n = 9); sedentary-ESA (SE, n = 9); training-placebo (TP, n
      = 10); or training-ESA (TE, n = 8). The ESA or placebo was injected once weekly.
      Training consisted of progressive bicycling three times per week for 10 weeks.
      Before and after the intervention period, muscle biopsies and magnetic resonance
      images were collected from the thigh muscles, blood was collected, body
      composition measured and endurance exercise performance evaluated. The ESA
      treatment (SE and TE) led to elevated haematocrit, and both ESA treatment and
      training (SE, TP and TE) increased maximal O2 uptake. With regard to skeletal
      muscle morphology, TP alone exhibited increases in whole-muscle cross-sectional
      area and fibre diameter of all fibre types. Also exclusively for TP was an
      increase in type IIa fibres and a corresponding decrease in type IIx fibres.
      Furthermore, an overall training effect (TP and TE) was statistically
      demonstrated in whole-muscle cross-sectional area, muscle fibre diameter and type
      IIa and type IIx fibre distribution. With regard to muscle vascular morphology,
      TP and TE both promoted a rise in capillary to muscle fibre ratio, with no
      differences between the two groups. There were no effects of ESA treatment on any
      of the muscle morphological parameters. Despite the haematopoietic effects of
      ESA, we provide novel evidence that endurance training rather than ESA treatment
      induces adaptational changes in angiogenesis and muscle morphology.

PMID- 25128328
TI  - Desire thinking: what is it and what drives it?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the construct
      of desire thinking and test a metacognitive model of desire thinking and craving,
      based on the work of Spada, Caselli and Wells (2012; 2013), which aims to explain
      the perseveration of desire thinking. METHOD: We conducted two studies involving
      four clinical samples (total N = 493) and a community sample (N = 494) presenting
      with different addictive behaviors. The relationships among variables were
      examined by testing the fit of path models within each sample. RESULTS: In the
      model presented it was proposed that positive metacognitions about desire
      thinking are associated with, in turn, imaginal prefiguration and verbal
      perseveration, marking the activation of desire thinking. Verbal perseveration is
      then associated to negative metacognitions about desire thinking and craving
      denoting the pathological escalation of desire thinking. Finally, a direct
      association between positive metacognitions about desire thinking and negative
      metacognitions about desire thinking would mark those occasions where target
      achieving behaviour runs as an automatized schemata without the experience of
      craving. Results indicated a good model fit in the clinical sample and a
      variation in the model structure in the community sample. CONCLUSION: These
      findings provide further support for the application of metacognitive theory to
      desire thinking and craving in addictive behaviors.

PMID- 25128329
TI  - OX26/CTX-conjugated PEGylated liposome as a dual-targeting gene delivery system
      for brain glioma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The successful gene delivery into the brain is a major challenge due
      to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In order to transport plasmid
      DNA across the BBB and target the brain glioma, the PEGylated liposomes (PLs)
      modified with OX26 and chlorotoxin (CTX) were developed as a dual-targeting gene
      delivery system, and the therapeutic efficacy of OX26/CTX-PL/pC27 against glioma
      was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. METHODS: The
      PEGylated liposome complexes were prepared by the reverse phase evaporation
      method, and their physicochemical properties were examined. The transfection
      efficiency, intracellular distribution, in vitro effects of OX26/CTX-PL/pC27 were
      determined on C6, F98 and HEK293T cell lines. The dual-targeting therapeutic
      efficacy of OX26/CTX-PL/pC27 against glioma were assessed using the BMVECs/C6
      cells co-culture model and the rat orthotopic glioma model. RESULTS: The OX26/CTX
      PL/pDNA complexes exhibited a subglobose shape, and possessed notably low
      toxicities to HEK293T and C6 cells post 4 h incubation. In the in vitro
      transfection experiment, gene expressions of hTERTC27 from C6 and F98 cells were
      significantly improved by OX26 and CTX modification. Our in vitro results also
      showed that OX26 endowed the PLs with the transport ability across the BBB. Using
      the BMVECs/C6 cells co-culture model, the viability of C6 cells was decreased to
      46.0% after OX26/CTX-PL/pC27 transfection. The OX26/CTX-PL/pC27 complexes
      exhibited enhanced therapeutic effects on C6 cells. Moreover, the dual-targeting
      therapeutic effects were further conformed with diminished tumor volumes (18.81
      +/- 6.15 mm3) and extended median survival time (46 days) in C6 glioma-bearing
      rats. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the therapeutic effects derived from
      enhanced hTERTC27 expression in the tumor site. CONCLUSIONS: The PEGylated
      liposomes modified with OX26 and CTX are able to significantly promote cell
      transfection, increase the transport of plasmid DNA across the BBB and afterwards
      target the brain glioma cells in vitro and in vivo, exhibit the most significant
      therapeutic efficacy. The ligand OX26 plays a critical role in transporting the
      lipoplexes across the BBB, and CTX acts as a major role in targeting brain glioma
      cells. The results would encourage further developments for non-invasive
      targeting therapy of brain gliomas by intravenous injection.

PMID- 25128330
TI  - Examining the use of evidence-based and social media supported tools in freely
      accessible physical activity intervention websites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been shown that physical activity is more likely to increase
      if web-based interventions apply evidence-based components (e.g. self-monitoring)
      and incorporate interactive social media applications (e.g. social networking),
      but it is unclear to what extent these are being utilized in the publicly
      available web-based physical activity interventions. The purpose of this study
      was to evaluate whether freely accessible websites delivering physical activity
      interventions use evidence-based behavior change techniques and provide social
      media applications. METHODS: In 2013, a systematic search strategy examined 750
      websites. Data was extracted on a wide range of variables (e.g. self-monitoring,
      goal setting, and social media applications). To evaluate website quality a new
      tool, comprising three sub-scores (Behavioral Components, Interactivity and User
      Generated Content), was developed to assess implementation of behavior change
      techniques and social media applications. An overall website quality scored was
      obtained by summing the three sub-scores. RESULTS: Forty-six publicly available
      websites were included in the study. The use of self-monitoring (54.3%), goal
      setting (41.3%) and provision of feedback (46%) was relatively low given the
      amount of evidence supporting these features. Whereas the presence of features
      allowing users to generate content (73.9%), and social media components (Facebook
      (65.2%), Twitter (47.8%), YouTube (48.7%), smartphone applications (34.8%)) was
      relatively high considering their innovative and untested nature. Nearly all
      websites applied some behavioral and social media applications. The average
      Behavioral Components score was 3.45 (+/-2.53) out of 10. The average
      Interactivity score was 3.57 (+/-2.16) out of 10. The average User Generated
      Content Score was 4.02 (+/-2.77) out of 10. The average overall website quality
      score was 11.04 (+/-6.92) out of 30. Four websites (8.7%) were classified as high
      quality, 12 websites (26.1%) were classified as moderate quality, and 30 websites
      (65.2%) were classified as low quality. CONCLUSIONS: Despite large developments
      in Internet technology and growth in the knowledge of how to develop more
      effective web-based interventions, overall website quality was low and the
      majority of freely available physical activity websites lack the components
      associated with behavior change. However, the results show that website quality
      can be improved by taking a number of simple steps, and the presence of social
      media applications in most websites is encouraging.

PMID- 25128331
TI  - Open drug scenes: responses of five European cities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Open drug scenes are gatherings of drug users who publicly consume
      and deal drugs. The authors conducted a study of five European cities that have
      met such scenes constructively. The aim was to investigate shared and non-shared
      interventions and strategies in order to increase the understanding of this type
      of problem. METHODS: First a description was made for the cities of Amsterdam,
      Frankfurt, Vienna, Zurich and Lisbon. These descriptions were sent to contact
      persons in each city prior to visit by the researchers. The methods and
      strategies in each city were discussed and core choices and efforts extracted. A
      report was sent to the contact group for corrections and clarifications. The
      paper analyses shared and non-shared traits and strategies. RESULTS: All of the
      cities had initially a period with conflict between liberal and restrictive
      policies. A political consensus seems to be a prerequisite for effective action.
      A core shared characteristic was that drug dependence was met as a health problem
      and drug use behaviour as a public nuisance problem. Low threshold health
      services including opioid maintenance treatment were combined with outreach
      social work and effective policing. CONCLUSION: Prevention, harm reduction and
      treatment should be combined with law enforcement based on cooperation between
      police, health care and social services. The aim should be "coexistence" between
      society and users of illegal substances and the strategy based on several years
      planning and conjoint efforts. The solutions are found in appropriate
      combinations of harm reduction and restrictive measures.

PMID- 25128332
TI  - Community engagement and knowledge translation: progress and challenge in autism
      research.
AB  - The last decade has seen significant growth in scientific understanding and
      public awareness of autism. There is still a long road ahead before this
      awareness can be matched with parallel improvements in evidence-based practice.
      The process of translating evidence into community care has been hampered by the
      seeming disconnect between the mainstream scientific research agenda and the
      immediate priorities of many communities. The need for community engagement in
      the process of translating knowledge into impact has been recognized. However,
      there remains little consensus or empirical data regarding the process of such
      engagement and how to measure its impact. We shed light on a number of engagement
      models and tools, previously advocated in health research, as they apply to
      autism research. Furthermore, we illustrate the utility of such tools in
      supporting identification of knowledge gaps and priorities, using two community
      based case studies. The case studies illustrate that information generated from
      research is indeed relevant and critical for knowledge users in the community.
      Simple and systematic methods can support the translation and uptake of knowledge
      in diverse communities, therefore enhancing engagement with research and bridging
      research findings with immediate community needs. 

PMID- 25128333
TI  - The pattern of hominin postcranial evolution reconsidered in light of size
      related shape variation of the distal humerus.
AB  - Previous research suggests that some hominin postcranial features do not follow a
      linear path of increasing modernization through geological time. With respect to
      the distal humerus, in particular, the earliest known hominin specimens are
      reportedly among the most modern in morphology, while some later humeri appear
      further removed from the average modern human shape. Although Plio-Pleistocene
      humeri vary widely in size, previous studies have failed to account for size
      related shape variation when making morphometric comparisons. This study
      reexamines hominin postcranial evolution in light of distal humeral allometry.
      Using two-dimensional landmark data, the relationship between specimen size and
      shape among modern humans is quantified using multivariate regression and
      principal components analysis of size-shape space. Fossils are compared with
      modern human shapes expected at a given size, as well as with the overall average
      human shape. The null hypothesis of humeral isometry in modern humans is
      rejected. Subsequently, if one takes allometry into account, the apparent pattern
      of hominin humeral evolution does not resemble the pattern described above. All
      14 of the Plio-Pleistocene hominin fossils examined here share a similar pattern
      of shape differences from equivalently-sized modern humans, though they vary in
      the extent to which these differences are expressed. The oldest specimen in the
      sample (KNM-KP 271; Australopithecus anamensis) exhibits the least human-like
      elbow morphology. Similarly primitive morphology characterizes all younger
      species of Australopithecus as well as Paranthropus robustus. After 2 Ma, a
      subtly more human-like elbow morphology is apparent among specimens attributed to
      early Homo, as well as among isolated specimens that may represent either Homo or
      Paranthropus boisei. This study emphasizes the need to consider size-related
      shape variation when individual fossil specimens are compared with the average
      shape of a comparative group, particularly when specimens fall near an extreme of
      the comparative size distribution. 

PMID- 25128334
TI  - A Leslie matrix model for Sicyopterus lagocephalus in La Reunion: sensitivity,
      uncertainty and research prioritization.
AB  - We propose a Leslie matrix model for the population dynamics of Sicyopterus
      lagocephalus in La Reunion. In order to capture both the amphidromous and the
      seasonal natures of the species' life history the model has four stages
      (sea+three river sites) and is cyclical with a 12 month period. Baseline
      parameters (age-specific fecundity, spatial dispersion patterns and survival
      rates) were chosen in such a way that the dominant eigenvalue of the year-on-year
      projection matrix is 1. Large uncertainties on the parameter values preclude the
      use of the model for management purpose. A sensitivity/uncertainty analysis sheds
      light on the parameters that cause much of the output to vary and that are poorly
      known: the life expectancy in rivers and the mortality both at river mouths and
      during the drift of larvae to sea. The aim is to help policymakers and
      researchers prioritize data acquisition efforts. The ultimate goal is a
      sustainable management of Sicyopterus lagocephalus in La Reunion.

PMID- 25128335
TI  - Services for Enhanced Recovery with Intensive and Continued Engagement (SERWICE):
      an outpatient psychiatric rehabilitation model from India.

PMID- 25128336
TI  - Global Summit on Regulatory Science 2013.
AB  - Regulatory science has been defined as the science that is used to develop
      regulatory decisions by government bodies. Regulatory science encompasses many
      scientific disciplines that oversee many studies producing a wide array of data.
      These may include fundamental research into the cellular interaction or response
      to a particular chemical or substance, hazard-assessment and dose-response
      studies in animal species, neurophysiological or neurobehavioral studies, best
      practices for the generation and analysis of genomics data, bioinformatics
      approaches, and mathematical modeling of risk. The Global Summit on Regulatory
      Science is an international conference with a mission to explore emerging and
      innovative technologies, and provide a platform to enhance translation of basic
      science into regulatory applications. The Third Global Summit on Regulatory
      Science which focused on nanotechnology is discussed. 

PMID- 25128337
TI  - Site-directed mutagenesis of the heterotrimeric killer toxin zymocin identifies
      residues required for early steps in toxin action.
AB  - Zymocin is a Kluyveromyces lactis protein toxin composed of alphabetagamma
      subunits encoded by the cytoplasmic virus-like element k1 and functions by
      alphabeta-assisted delivery of the anticodon nuclease (ACNase) gamma into target
      cells. The toxin binds to cells' chitin and exhibits chitinase activity in vitro
      that might be important during gamma import. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains
      carrying k1-derived hybrid elements deficient in either alphabeta (k1ORF2) or
      gamma (k1ORF4) were generated. Loss of either gene abrogates toxicity, and
      unexpectedly, Orf2 secretion depends on Orf4 cosecretion. Functional zymocin
      assembly can be restored by nuclear expression of k1ORF2 or k1ORF4, providing an
      opportunity to conduct site-directed mutagenesis of holozymocin. Complementation
      required active site residues of alpha's chitinase domain and the sole cysteine
      residue of beta (Cys250). Since betagamma are reportedly disulfide linked, the
      requirement for the conserved gamma C231 was probed. Toxicity of intracellularly
      expressed gamma C231A indicated no major defect in ACNase activity, while
      complementation of k1DeltaORF4 by gamma C231A was lost, consistent with a role of
      beta C250 and gamma C231 in zymocin assembly. To test the capability of alphabeta
      to carry alternative cargos, the heterologous ACNase from Pichia acaciae (P.
      acaciae Orf2 [PaOrf2]) was expressed, along with its immunity gene, in
      k1DeltaORF4. While efficient secretion of PaOrf2 was detected, suppression of the
      k1DeltaORF4-derived k1Orf2 secretion defect was not observed. Thus, the
      dependency of k1Orf2 on k1Orf4 cosecretion needs to be overcome prior to studying
      alphabeta's capability to deliver other cargo proteins into target cells. 

PMID- 25128338
TI  - Engineering of Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120 for constitutive solvent tolerance
      and increased specific styrene epoxidation activity.
AB  - The application of whole cells as biocatalysts is often limited by the toxicity
      of organic solvents, which constitute interesting substrates/products or can be
      used as a second phase for in situ product removal and as tools to control
      multistep biocatalysis. Solvent-tolerant bacteria, especially Pseudomonas
      strains, are proposed as promising hosts to overcome such limitations due to
      their inherent solvent tolerance mechanisms. However, potential industrial
      applications suffer from tedious, unproductive adaptation processes, phenotypic
      variability, and instable solvent-tolerant phenotypes. In this study, genes
      described to be involved in solvent tolerance were identified in Pseudomonas
      taiwanensis VLB120, and adaptive solvent tolerance was proven by cultivation in
      the presence of 1% (vol/vol) toluene. Deletion of ttgV, coding for the specific
      transcriptional repressor of solvent efflux pump TtgGHI gene expression, led to
      constitutively solvent-tolerant mutants of P. taiwanensis VLB120 and
      VLB120DeltaC. Interestingly, the increased amount of solvent efflux pumps
      enhanced not only growth in the presence of toluene and styrene but also the
      biocatalytic performance in terms of stereospecific styrene epoxidation, although
      proton-driven solvent efflux is expected to compete with the styrene
      monooxygenase for metabolic energy. Compared to that of the P. taiwanensis
      VLB120DeltaC parent strain, the maximum specific epoxidation activity of P.
      taiwanensis VLB120DeltaCDeltattgV doubled to 67 U/g of cells (dry weight). This
      study shows that solvent tolerance mechanisms, e.g., the solvent efflux pump
      TtgGHI, not only allow for growth in the presence of organic compounds but can
      also be used as tools to improve redox biocatalysis involving organic solvents. 

PMID- 25128339
TI  - Silver resistance genes are overrepresented among Escherichia coli isolates with
      CTX-M production.
AB  - Members of the Enterobacteriaceae with extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)
      of the CTX-M type have disseminated rapidly in recent years and have become a
      threat to public health. In parallel with the CTX-M type expansion, the
      consumption and widespread use of silver-containing products has increased. To
      determine the carriage rates of silver resistance genes in different Escherichia
      coli populations, the presence of three silver resistance genes (silE, silP, and
      silS) and genes encoding CTX-M-, TEM-, and SHV-type enzymes were explored in E.
      coli isolates of human (n = 105) and avian (n = 111) origin. The antibiotic
      profiles were also determined. Isolates harboring CTX-M genes were further
      characterized, and phenotypic silver resistance was examined. The silE gene was
      present in 13 of the isolates. All of them were of human origin. Eleven of these
      isolates harbored ESBLs of the CTX-M type (P = 0.007), and eight of them were
      typed as CTX-M-15 and three as CTX-M-14. None of the silE-positive isolates was
      related to the O25b-ST131 clone, but 10 out of 13 belonged to the ST10 or ST58
      complexes. Phenotypic silver resistance (silver nitrate MIC > 512 mg/liter) was
      observed after silver exposure in 12 of them, and a concomitant reduced
      susceptibility to piperacillin-tazobactam developed in three. In conclusion, 12%
      of the human E. coli isolates but none of the avian isolates harbored silver
      resistance genes. This indicates another route for or level of silver exposure
      for humans than that caused by common environmental contamination. Since silE
      positive isolates were significantly more often found in CTX-M-positive isolates,
      it is possible that silver may exert a selective pressure on CTX-M-producing E.
      coli isolates. 

PMID- 25128340
TI  - Characterization of novel polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon dioxygenases from the
      bacterial metagenomic DNA of a contaminated soil.
AB  - Ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases (RHDs) play a crucial role in the biodegradation
      of a range of aromatic hydrocarbons found on polluted sites, including polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Current knowledge on RHDs comes essentially from
      studies on culturable bacterial strains, while compelling evidence indicates that
      pollutant removal is mostly achieved by uncultured species. In this study, a
      combination of DNA-SIP labeling and metagenomic sequence analysis was implemented
      to investigate the metabolic potential of main PAH degraders on a polluted site.
      Following in situ labeling using [(13)C]phenanthrene, the labeled metagenomic DNA
      was isolated from soil and subjected to shotgun sequencing. Most annotated
      sequences were predicted to belong to Betaproteobacteria, especially
      Rhodocyclaceae and Burkholderiales, which is consistent with previous findings
      showing that main PAH degraders on this site were affiliated to these taxa. Based
      on metagenomic data, four RHD gene sets were amplified and cloned from soil DNA.
      For each set, PCR yielded multiple amplicons with sequences differing by up to
      321 nucleotides (17%), reflecting the great genetic diversity prevailing in soil.
      RHDs were successfully overexpressed in Escherichia coli, but full activity
      required the coexpression of two electron carrier genes, also cloned from soil
      DNA. Remarkably, two RHDs exhibited much higher activity when associated with
      electron carriers from a sphingomonad. The four RHDs showed markedly different
      preferences for two- and three-ring PAHs but were poorly active on four-ring
      PAHs. Three RHDs preferentially hydroxylated phenanthrene on the C-1 and C-2
      positions rather than on the C-3 and C-4 positions, suggesting that degradation
      occurred through an alternate pathway. 

PMID- 25128341
TI  - Surveillance of viruses in wild fish populations in areas around the Gulf of
      Cadiz (South Atlantic Iberian Peninsula).
AB  - This report describes a viral epidemiological study of wild fish around the Gulf
      of Cadiz (southwestern Iberian Peninsula) and is focused on infectious pancreatic
      necrosis virus (IPNV), viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), and viral
      nervous necrosis virus (VNNV). One fish species (Chelon labrosus) was sampled
      inside the gulf, at the mouth of the San Pedro River. Another 29 were sampled, in
      three oceanographic campaigns, at sites around the Bay of Cadiz. The fish were
      processed individually and subjected to isolation in cell culture and molecular
      diagnosis. VHSV was not isolated from any species. Thirteen IPNV-type isolates
      were obtained from barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena), axillary seabream (Pagellus
      acarne), common two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris), common pandora (P.
      erythrinus), Senegal seabream (D. bellottii), and surmullet (Mullus surmuletus).
      Six VNNV isolates were obtained from axillary seabream, common pandora, black
      seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus), red mullet (Mullet barbatus), Lusitanian
      toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus), and tub gurnard (Chelidonichtys lucerna). In
      the river mouth, viruses were detected only after reamplification, obtaining
      prevalence percentages of IPNV and VNNV (44.4 and 63.0%, respectively) much
      higher than those observed in the oceanographic campaigns (25.7 and 19.6%,
      respectively). The opposite results were obtained in the case of VHSV after
      reamplification: 11.1% in the river mouth and 43.6% in the oceanic locations.
      Analyzing the results with respect to the proximity of the sampling sites to the
      coast, an anthropogenic influence on wild fish is suggested and discussed. The
      type of viruses and the presence of natural reassortants are also discussed. 

PMID- 25128342
TI  - Incorporation of exogenous fatty acids protects Enterococcus faecalis from
      membrane-damaging agents.
AB  - Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal bacterium of the mammalian intestine that
      can persist in soil and aquatic systems and can be a nosocomial pathogen to
      humans. It employs multiple stress adaptation strategies in order to survive such
      a wide range of environments. Within this study, we sought to elucidate whether
      membrane fatty acid composition changes are an important component for stress
      adaptation. We noted that E. faecalis OG1RF was capable of changing its membrane
      composition depending upon growth phase and temperature. The organism also
      readily incorporated fatty acids from bile, serum, and medium supplemented with
      individual fatty acids, often dramatically changing the membrane composition such
      that a single fatty acid was predominant. Growth in either low levels of bile or
      specific individual fatty acids was found to protect the organism from membrane
      challenges such as high bile exposure. In particular, we observed that when grown
      in low levels of bile, serum, or the host-derived fatty acids oleic acid and
      linoleic acid, E. faecalis was better able to survive the antibiotic daptomycin.
      Interestingly, the degree of membrane saturation did not appear to be important
      for protection from the stressors examined here; instead, it appears that a
      specific fatty acid or combination of fatty acids is critical for stress
      resistance. 

PMID- 25128343
TI  - Analysis of the xplAB-containing gene cluster involved in the bacterial
      degradation of the explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine.
AB  - Repeated use of the explosive compound hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine
      (RDX) on military land has resulted in significant soil and groundwater
      pollution. Rates of degradation of RDX in the environment are low, and
      accumulated RDX, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined is
      a possible human carcinogen, is now threatening drinking water supplies. RDX
      degrading microorganisms have been isolated from RDX-contaminated land; however,
      despite the presence of these species in contaminated soils, RDX pollution
      persists. To further understand this problem, we studied RDX-degrading species
      belonging to four different genera (Rhodococcus, Microbacterium, Gordonia, and
      Williamsia) isolated from geographically distinct locations and established that
      the xplA and xplB (xplAB) genes, which encode a cytochrome P450 and a flavodoxin
      redox partner, respectively, are nearly identical in all these species. Together,
      the xplAB system catalyzes the reductive denitration of RDX and subsequent ring
      cleavage under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In addition to xplAB, the
      Rhodococcus species studied here share a 14-kb region flanking xplAB; thus, it
      appears likely that the RDX-metabolizing ability was transferred as a genomic
      island within a transposable element. The conservation and transfer of xplAB
      flanking genes suggest a role in RDX metabolism. We therefore independently
      knocked out genes within this cluster in the RDX-degrading species Rhodococcus
      rhodochrous 11Y. Analysis of the resulting mutants revealed that XplA is
      essential for RDX degradation and that XplB is not the sole contributor of
      reducing equivalents to XplA. While XplA expression is induced under nitrogen
      limiting conditions and further enhanced by the presence of RDX, MarR is not
      regulated by RDX. 

PMID- 25128344
TI  - Strain diversity of CTX-M-producing Enterobacteriaceae in individual pigs:
      insights into the dynamics of shedding during the production cycle.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the population dynamics of CTX-M-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae in individual pigs on a farm positive for CTX-M-14-producing
      Escherichia coli. Fecal samples were collected once around the farrowing time
      from five sows and four times along the production cycle from two of their
      respective offspring. Multiple colonies per sample were isolated on cefotaxime
      supplemented MacConkey agar with or without prior enrichment, resulting in 98
      isolates identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight
      mass spectrometry and tested for blaCTX-M. CTX-M-positive isolates (n = 86) were
      typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Plasmids harboring blaCTX-M
      were characterized in 22 representative isolates by replicon typing and
      restriction fragment length polymorphism. Based on the PFGE results, all
      individuals shed unrelated CTX-M-14-producing E. coli strains during the course
      of life. Concomitant shedding of CTX-M-2/97-producing Proteus mirabilis or
      Providencia rettgeri was observed in two sows and two offspring. At least two
      genetically unrelated CTX-M-producing E. coli strains were isolated from
      approximately one-fourth of the samples, with remarkable differences between
      isolates obtained by enrichment and direct plating. A clear decrease in strain
      diversity was observed after weaning. Dissemination of blaCTX-M-14 within the
      farm was attributed to horizontal transfer of an IncK plasmid that did not carry
      additional resistance genes and persisted in the absence of antimicrobial
      selective pressure. Assessment of strain diversity was shown to be influenced by
      the production stage from which samples were collected, as well as by the
      isolation method, providing useful information for the design and interpretation
      of future epidemiological studies of CTX-M-producing Enterobacteriaceae in pig
      farms. 

PMID- 25128345
TI  - The two-component GacS-GacA system activates lipA translation by RsmE but not
      RsmA in Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5.
AB  - In Pseudomonas spp., the Gac-Rsm signal transduction system is required for the
      production of lipases. The current model assumes that the system induces lipase
      gene transcription mediated through the quorum-sensing (QS) system. However,
      there are no reports of a QS system based upon N-acyl homoserine lactones or the
      regulation of lipase gene expression in Pseudomonas protegens. In this study, we
      investigated the regulatory mechanism acting on lipA expression activated by the
      Gac-Rsm system in P. protegens Pf-5 through deletion and overexpression of gacA,
      overexpression of rsmA or rsmE, expression of various lacZ fusions, reverse
      transcription-PCR analysis, and determination of whole-cell lipase activity. The
      results demonstrated that the GacS-GacA (GacS/A) system activates lipA expression
      at both the transcriptional and the translational levels but that the
      translational level is the key regulatory pathway. Further results showed that
      the activation of lipA translation by the GacS/A system is mediated through RsmE,
      which inhibits lipA translation by binding to the ACAAGGAUGU sequence overlapping
      the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence of lipA mRNA to hinder the access of the 30S
      ribosomal subunit to the SD sequence. Moreover, the GacS/A system promotes lipA
      transcription through the mediation of RsmA inhibiting lipA transcription via an
      unknown pathway. Besides the transcriptional repression, RsmA mainly activates
      lipA translation by negatively regulating rsmE translation. In summary, in P.
      protegens Pf-5, the Gac-RsmE system mainly and directly activates lipA
      translation and the Gac-RsmA system indirectly enhances lipA transcription. 

PMID- 25128346
TI  - Microbial odor profile of polyester and cotton clothes after a fitness session.
AB  - Clothing textiles protect our human body against external factors. These textiles
      are not sterile and can harbor high bacterial counts as sweat and bacteria are
      transmitted from the skin. We investigated the microbial growth and odor
      development in cotton and synthetic clothing fabrics. T-shirts were collected
      from 26 healthy individuals after an intensive bicycle spinning session and
      incubated for 28 h before analysis. A trained odor panel determined significant
      differences between polyester versus cotton fabrics for the hedonic value, the
      intensity, and five qualitative odor characteristics. The polyester T-shirts
      smelled significantly less pleasant and more intense, compared to the cotton T
      shirts. A dissimilar bacterial growth was found in cotton versus synthetic
      clothing textiles. Micrococci were isolated in almost all synthetic shirts and
      were detected almost solely on synthetic shirts by means of denaturing gradient
      gel electrophoresis fingerprinting. A selective enrichment of micrococci in an in
      vitro growth experiment confirmed the presence of these species on polyester.
      Staphylococci were abundant on both cotton and synthetic fabrics. Corynebacteria
      were not enriched on any textile type. This research found that the composition
      of clothing fibers promotes differential growth of textile microbes and, as such,
      determines possible malodor generation. 

PMID- 25128348
TI  - Is society being reshaped on a microbiological and epigenetic level by the way
      women give birth?

PMID- 25128347
TI  - Enhanced uranium immobilization and reduction by Geobacter sulfurreducens
      biofilms.
AB  - Biofilms formed by dissimilatory metal reducers are of interest to develop
      permeable biobarriers for the immobilization of soluble contaminants such as
      uranium. Here we show that biofilms of the model uranium-reducing bacterium
      Geobacter sulfurreducens immobilized substantially more U(VI) than planktonic
      cells and did so for longer periods of time, reductively precipitating it to a
      mononuclear U(IV) phase involving carbon ligands. The biofilms also tolerated
      high and otherwise toxic concentrations (up to 5 mM) of uranium, consistent with
      a respiratory strategy that also protected the cells from uranium toxicity. The
      enhanced ability of the biofilms to immobilize uranium correlated only partially
      with the biofilm biomass and thickness and depended greatly on the area of the
      biofilm exposed to the soluble contaminant. In contrast, uranium reduction
      depended on the expression of Geobacter conductive pili and, to a lesser extent,
      on the presence of the c cytochrome OmcZ in the biofilm matrix. The results
      support a model in which the electroactive biofilm matrix immobilizes and reduces
      the uranium in the top stratum. This mechanism prevents the permeation and
      mineralization of uranium in the cell envelope, thereby preserving essential
      cellular functions and enhancing the catalytic capacity of Geobacter cells to
      reduce uranium. Hence, the biofilms provide cells with a physically and
      chemically protected environment for the sustained immobilization and reduction
      of uranium that is of interest for the development of improved strategies for the
      in situ bioremediation of environments impacted by uranium contamination. 

PMID- 25128350
TI  - Safety and tolerability of zonisamide in paediatric patients with epilepsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zonisamide has recently been approved in Europe for the adjunctive
      treatment of partial seizures (with or without secondary generalisation) in
      adolescents and children aged >=6 years. AIM: To further assess the safety of
      adjunctive zonisamide in paediatric epilepsy patients. METHODS: A pooled analysis
      of data from 17 studies (including four randomised, double-blind trials) was
      conducted. The safety population comprised patients aged <=16 years receiving at
      least one dose of study drug. Assessments included treatment-emergent adverse
      events (TEAEs), clinical laboratory parameters, vital signs and
      electrocardiography. RESULTS: The analysis included 398 patients treated with
      zonisamide (<12 years, n = 191; 12-16 years, n = 207). All but seven patients
      received zonisamide as adjunctive therapy. Mean duration of exposure was 318.7
      days (mean dose, 253.1 mg/day). Most TEAEs were of mild or moderate intensity.
      The most frequently reported treatment-related TEAEs were decreased appetite
      (15.6%), somnolence (12.1%), fatigue (9.3%), dizziness (6.0%), decreased weight
      (5.8%), irritability (5.8%) and headache (5.3%). Incidence of serious zonisamide
      related TEAEs was low (3.5% overall). TEAEs most commonly leading to
      discontinuation were lethargy (1.0%) and fatigue (1.0%). TEAEs of decreased
      weight and decreased appetite occurred in 28 (7.0%) and 78 (19.6%) patients,
      respectively. Twenty-eight patients had decreased bicarbonate levels, but there
      were no reports of respiratory alkalosis or metabolic acidosis. No changes in
      vital signs of clinical concern were observed and there were no reports of
      clinically significant electrocardiogram abnormalities with zonisamide treatment.
      CONCLUSION: Zonisamide demonstrated an acceptable safety profile when used as
      adjunctive treatment in paediatric patients.

PMID- 25128349
TI  - Comparison of NaF and FDG PET/CT for assessment of treatment response in
      castration-resistant prostate cancers with osseous metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessment of skeletal metastases' response to therapy is a highly
      relevant but unresolved clinical problem. The main goal of this work was to
      compare pharmacodynamic responses to therapy assessed with positron emission
      tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) using fluorine-18 sodium fluoride (NaF)
      and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) as the tracers. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Patients with prostate cancer with known osseous metastases were treated with
      zibotentan (ZD4054) and imaged with combined dynamic NaF/FDG PET/CT before
      therapy (baseline), after 4 weeks of therapy (week 4), and after 2 weeks of
      treatment break (week 6). Kinetic analysis allowed comparison of the voxel-based
      tracer uptake rate parameter Ki, the vasculature parameters K1 (measuring
      perfusion/permeability) and Vb (measuring vasculature fraction in the tissue),
      and the standardized uptake values (SUVs). RESULTS: Correlations were high for
      the NaF and FDG peak uptake parameters (Ki and SUV correlations ranged from 0.57
      to 0.88) and for vasculature parameters (K1 and Vb correlations ranged from 0.61
      to 0.81). Correlation was low between the NaF and FDG week 4 Ki responses (rho =
      0.35; P = .084) but was higher for NaF and FDG week 6 Ki responses (rho = 0.72; P
      < .0001). Correlations for vasculature responses were always low (rho < 0.35).
      NaF and FDG uptakes in the osseous metastases were spatially dislocated, with
      overlap in the range from 0% to 80%. CONCLUSION: This study found that late NaF
      and FDG uptake responses are consistently correlated but that earlier uptake
      responses and all vasculature responses can be unrelated. This study also
      confirmed that FDG and NaF uptakes are spatially dislocated. Although treatment
      responses assessed with NaF and FDG may be correlated, using both tracers
      provides additional information.

PMID- 25128351
TI  - Association of ICAM-1 K469E polymorphism with neurocysticercosis.
AB  - Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a central nervous system (CNS) disease is caused by the
      larval stage of Taenia solium. The disease is heterogeneous in clinical
      presentation; some infected individuals develop symptoms and others may remain
      symptom free. Impaired blood brain barrier allows recruitment of immune cells in
      the CNS during infection and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)
      plays an important role in the recruitment of immune cells. We studied ICAM-1
      K469E polymorphism among symptomatic and asymptomatic NCC patients. The study
      revealed that individuals with variant (EE) genotype were more susceptible to
      symptomatic NCC and also had an elevated level of sICAM-1. 

PMID- 25128352
TI  - [Vision and evolution of patient safety in Catalonia].

PMID- 25128353
TI  - [Epidemiology of the hospital adverse events in Catalonia, Spain: a first step
      for the patient safety improvement].
AB  - It has been published that hospital adverse events are an important source of
      morbidity and mortality in different countries and settings. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the frequency, magnitude, distribution and degree of
      preventability of adverse events in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia
      (Spain). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 4,790 hospital discharges
      that were selected by simple random sampling after stratified multistage sampling
      in 15 hospitals in Catalonia. 38.25% of patients had positive risk criteria
      (screening phase). We identified 356 cases of adverse events, which represent a
      7.4% (95%CI: 6.7% to 8.1%). Of these, 43.5% (155 cases) were considered
      preventable. This study confirms that adverse events in hospitals in Catalonia
      are frequent, and generate a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. As in
      other studies, corroborated that a high proportion of these adverse events are
      considered preventable. It was possible to identify priority areas to focus
      improvement efforts. 

PMID- 25128354
TI  - [Results of the implementation of the Bacteremia Zero project in Catalonia,
      Spain].
AB  - The nationwide Bacteremia Zero (BZ) Project consists in the simultaneous
      implementation of measures to prevent central venous catheter-related bacteremia
      (CVC-B) in critically ill patients and in the development of an integral safety
      plan. The objective is to present the results obtained after the implementation
      of the BZ project in the ICUs of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, Spain.
      All patients admitted to ICUs in Catalonia participating in the ENVIN-HELICS
      registry between January 2009 and June 2010 were included. Information was
      provided by 36 (92.3%) of the total possible 39 ICUs. A total of 281 episodes of
      CVC-B were diagnosed (overall rate of 2.53 episodes per 1000 days of CVC). The
      rates have varied significantly between ICUs that participated in the project for
      more or less than 12 months (2.17 vs. 4.27 episodes per 1000 days of CVC,
      respectively; p<.0001). The implementation of the BZ Project in Catalonia has
      been associated with a decrease greater than 40% in the CVC-B rates in the ICUs
      of this community, which is much higher than the initial objective of 4 episodes
      per 1000 days of CVC).

PMID- 25128355
TI  - [A surgical safety checklist implementation: experience of a start-up phase of a
      collaborative project in hospitals of Catalonia, Spain].
AB  - Surgical patient safety is a priority in the national and international quality
      healthcare improvement strategies. The objective of the study was to implement a
      collaborative intervention with multiple components and to evaluate the impact of
      the patient surgical safety checklist (SSC) application. This is a prospective,
      longitudinal multicenter study with a 7-month follow-up period in 2009 based on a
      collaborative intervention for the implementation of a 24 item-SSC distributed in
      3 different stages (sign in, time out, sign out) for its application to the
      surgical patient. A total number of 27 hospitals participated in the strategy.
      The global implementation rate was 48% (95%CI, 47.6%-48.4%) during the evaluation
      period. The overall compliance with all the items of the SSC included in each
      stage (sign in, time out, sign out) was 75,1% (95%CI, 73.5%-76.7%) for the sign
      in, 77.1% (95%CI, 75.5%-78.6%) for the time out and 88.3% (95%CI, 87.2%-89.5%)
      for the sign out respectively. The individual compliance with each item of the
      SSC has remained above 85%, except for the surgical site marking with an
      adherence of 67.4% (95%CI, 65.7%-69.1%)] and 71.2% (95%CI, 69.6%-72.9%)] in the
      sign in and time out respectively. The SSC was successfully implemented to 48% of
      the surgeries performed to the participating hospitals. The global compliance
      with the SSC was elevated and the intervention trend was stable during the
      evaluation period. Strategies were identified to allow of a higher number of
      surgeries with application of the SSC and more professional involvement in
      measures compliance such as surgical site marking. 

PMID- 25128356
TI  - [Study on the improvement of trauma patient care: TRAUMACAT project].
AB  - Multiple injuries are a major source of morbidity and mortality in young people.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a collaborative strategy to
      improve the implementation of six clinical indicators, recognized
      internationally, for the treatment of trauma patient. Prospective, multicentre,
      pre-and post-intervention study, in ten referral hospitals, offering polytrauma
      care in Catalonia. 378 patients were recruited for the pre-intervention study and
      501 for the post-intervention study. All patients had a history of high-energy
      trauma requiring admission to critical or semi-critical care unit. INTERVENTION:
      collaborative strategy aimed at participating professionals, involving the
      creation of a panel of experts, appointment of monitors to encourage improvements
      at each centre, training, distribution of information, material and meetings, to
      exchange impressions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: frequency and characteristics of
      trauma and percentage of compliance with clinical indicators. Study of 879 trauma
      patients. The injury mechanism was overall blunt trauma, in both pre and post
      intervention phases. The medium ISS (injury severity score) was 21 +/- 12,8 and
      the medium TRISS (trauma and injury severity score) was 26,4 +/- 11,4. We didn't
      find differences between both study phases, in relation to the severity of
      injury. The mortality rate was 11.5%. We observed significant improvement in the
      performance of chest X-rays (45% vs. 62%) and pelvis X-rays (27% vs. 62%) in the
      trauma box and in the fixation of the pelvis in patients with a fracture at this
      site (24% vs. 49%). The use of diagnostic radiology in hemodynamically unstable
      patients remained low (33%). The collaborative strategy was effective in
      improving certain indicators of clinical management.

PMID- 25128357
TI  - [Patient safety in primary care: PREFASEG project].
AB  - The Institut Catala de la Salut (ICS) has designed and integrated in electronic
      clinical station of primary care a new software tool to support the prescription
      of drugs, which can detect on-line certain medication errors. The software called
      PREFASEG (stands for Secure drug prescriptions) aims to prevent adverse events
      related to medication use in the field of primary health care (PHC). This study
      was made on the computerized medical record called CPT, which is used by all PHC
      physicians in our institution -3,750- and prescribing physicians through it.
      PREFASEG integrated in eCAP in July 2010 and six months later we performed a
      cross-sectional study to evaluate their usefulness and refine their design. The
      software alerts on-line in 5 dimensions: drug interactions, redundant treatments,
      allergies, contraindications of drugs with disease, and advises against drugs in
      over 75 years. PREFASEG generated 1,162,765 alerts (1 per 10 high treatment),
      with the detection of therapeutic duplication (62%) the most alerted. The overall
      acceptance rate is 35%, redundancies pharmacological (43%) and allergies (26%)
      are the most accepted. A total of 10,808 professionals (doctors and nurses) have
      accepted some of the recommendations of the program. PREFASEG is a feasible and
      highly efficient strategy to achieve an objective of Quality Plan for the NHS.

PMID- 25128358
TI  - [Intervention to improve hand hygiene compliance in Catalonia, Spain].
AB  - Hand hygiene (HM) is the single most important measure and effective in reducing
      the risk of Healthcare acquired infections (IRAS). Although HM is an effective,
      simple and cheap measure, it is usual to find results of low compliance among
      health professionals. The main objective of this strategy has been to give new
      force to the promotion of HM in hospitals and educate professionals about the
      importance of this single action. The strategy was planned as a multicenter
      intervention study to promote HM in health centers of Catalonia in 2009-2010. The
      intervention is based on 4 main areas: a survey of barriers and facilitators,
      distribution of graphic material, training at different levels and measure of
      quality indicators. With this strategy a total of 57% of the number of acute beds
      in the concerted public and private network of hospitals were reached. The survey
      revealed that training was perceived as the main facilitator of the HM action.
      15,376 professionals registered to the on-line training. The overall compliance
      with HM indications (based on "five moments for HM") was 56.45% in the acute
      areas. The campaigns and programs to promote HM carried out in the last four
      years in Catalonia has helped to achieve an increasing number of hospitals
      associated to the strategy of the Alliance for Patient Safety in Catalonia. The
      on-line curse acceptance was very high and seems a powerful tool to improve hand
      hygiene knowledge and compliance among health professionals. The compliance of HM
      seems to increase in the hospitals of Catalonia evaluated. 

PMID- 25128359
TI  - [Validation of the structure and resources of nosocomial infection control team
      in hospitals ascribed to VINCat program in Catalonia, Spain].
AB  - The main objective of this study was to validate the structure of the infection
      control team (ICT) in the hospitals adhered to VINCat program and secondary
      objective was to establish the consistency of resources of each center with the
      requirements established by the program. Qualitative research consisting of an
      ethnographic study using participant observation during the years 2008-2010. The
      centers were stratified in three groups by complexity and beds. The instrument
      was a semistructured interview to members of the ICT. The transcription of the
      interview was sent to informants for validation. In November 2010 a questionnaire
      regarding human resources and number hours dedicated to the ICT was sent. During
      2008-2010, 65 centers had been adhered to VINCat program. In 2010, the ICT of
      Group I hospitals had a mean of two physician, one in full-time and one nurse for
      every 230 beds. In Group II, one physician part-time and one nurse per 180 beds
      and in Group III a physician and a nurse for every 98 beds, both part-time. In
      2010, all hospitals had a structured ICT, an operative infection committee, and a
      hospital member representing the center at the program as well as enough
      electronic resources. The hospitals participating in the program have now VINCat
      an adequate surveillance structure and meet the minimum technical and human
      resources required to provide high-quality data. However human resources are not
      guaranteed. 

PMID- 25128360
TI  - [Design, implementation and evaluation of a management model of patient safety in
      hospitals in Catalonia, Spain].
AB  - Since its inception in 2006, the Alliance for Patient Safety in Catalonia has
      played a major role in promoting and shaping a series of projects related to the
      strategy of the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, for improving
      patient safety. One such project was the creation of functional units or
      committees of safety in hospitals in order to facilitate the management of
      patient safety. The strategy has been implemented in hospitals in Catalonia which
      were selected based on criteria of representativeness. The intervention was based
      on two lines of action, one to develop the model framework and the other for its
      development. Firstly the strategy for safety management based on EFQM (European
      Foundation for Quality Management) was defined with the development of standards,
      targets and indicators to implement security while the second part involved the
      introduction of tools, methodologies and knowledge to the management support of
      patient safety and risk prevention. The project was developed in four hospital
      areas considered higher risk, each assuming six goals for safety management. Some
      of these targets such as the security control panel or system of adverse event
      reporting were shared. 23 hospitals joined the project in Catalonia. Despite the
      different situations in each centre, high compliance was achieved in the
      development of the objectives. In each of the participating areas the security
      control panel was developed. Stable structures for safety management were
      established or strengthened. Training in patient safety played and important
      role, 1415 professionals participated. Through these kind of projects not only
      have been introduced programs of proven effectiveness in reducing risks, but they
      also provide to the facilities a work system that allows autonomy in diagnosis
      and analysis of the different risk situations or centre specific safety issues. 

PMID- 25128361
TI  - [Notification of incidents related to patient safety in hospitals in Catalonia,
      Spain during the period 2010-2013].
AB  - The aim of this paper is to discover the aggregated results of a general
      notification system for incidents related to patient safety implemented in
      Catalan hospitals from 2010 to 2013. Observational study describing the incidents
      notified from January 2010 to December 2013 from all hospitals in Catalonia
      forming part of the project to create operational patient safety management
      units. The Patient Safety Notification and Learning System (SiNASP) was used.
      This makes it possible to classify incidents depending on the area where they
      occur, the type of incident notified, the consequences, the seriousness according
      to the Severity Assessment Code (SAC) and the profession of the notifying party,
      as the principal variables. The system was accessed via the Internet (SiNASP
      portal). Access was voluntary and anonymous or with a name given and later
      removed. During the study period, notification of a total of 5,948 incidents came
      from 22-29 hospitals. 5,244 of the incidents were handled by the centres and
      these are the ones analysed in the study. 64% (3,380) affected patients, 18%
      (950) created a situation capable of causing an incident and 18% (914) did not
      affect patients. 26% of incidents that affected patients (864) caused some kind
      of harm. Most incidents occurred during hospitalisation (54%) and in casualty
      (15%), followed by the ICU (9%) and the surgical block (8%). The most frequent
      notifying parties were nurses (71%) followed by doctors (15%) and pharmacists
      (9%). In terms of severity, most incidents were classified as low-risk (37%) or
      incidents that did not affect the patient (36%). However, 40 cases (0.76%) of
      extreme risk should be highlighted. In terms of the types of incident notified,
      most were due to a medication error (26.8%), followed by falls (16.3%) and
      patient identification (10.6%). The majority of notifications were incidents that
      affected patients and, of these, 26% caused harm. In general, they occurred in
      hospitalisation units and notification was mostly given by nurses. The incident
      notification system is a tool that complements others for promoting a patient
      safety culture and defining the risk profile of a health organisation. The
      opportunity for learning from experience is the reason for the existence of the
      notification system. 

PMID- 25128362
TI  - [Optimization of radiological scoliosis assessment].
AB  - Most scoliosis are idiopathic (80%) and occur more frequently in adolescent
      girls. Plain radiography is the imaging method of choice, both for the initial
      study and follow-up studies but has the disadvantage of using ionizing radiation.
      The breasts are exposed to x-ray along these repeated examinations. The authors
      present a range of recommendations in order to optimize radiographic exam
      technique for both conventional and digital x-ray settings to prevent unnecessary
      patients' radiation exposure and to reduce the risk of breast cancer in patients
      with scoliosis. With analogue systems, leaded breast protectors should always be
      used, and with any radiographic equipment, analog or digital radiography, the
      examination should be performed in postero-anterior projection and optimized low
      dose techniques. The ALARA (as low as reasonable achievable) rule should always
      be followed to achieve diagnostic quality images with the lowest feasible dose. 

PMID- 25128363
TI  - [Accreditation model for acute hospital care in Catalonia, Spain].
AB  - The implementation of an accreditation model for healthcare centres in Catalonia
      which was launched for acute care hospitals, leaving open the possibility of
      implementing it in the rest of lines of service (mental health and addiction,
      social health, and primary healthcare centres) is described. The model is based
      on the experience acquired over more tan 31 years of hospital accreditation and
      quality assessment linked to management. In January 2006 a model with
      accreditation methodology adapted to the European Foundation for Quality
      Management (EFQM) model was launched. 83 hospitals are accredited, with an
      average of 82.6% compliance with the standards required for accreditation. The
      number of active assessment bodies is 5, and the accreditation period is 3 years.
      A higher degree of compliance of the so-called "agent" criteria with respect to
      "outcome" criteria is obtained. Qualitative aspects for implementation to be
      stressed are: a strong commitment both from managers and staff in the centres, as
      well as a direct and fluent communication between the accreditation body
      (Ministry of Health of the Government of Catalonia) and accredited centres.
      Professionalism of audit bodies and an optimal communication between audit bodies
      and accredited centres is also added. 

PMID- 25128364
TI  - [Catalonia's primary healthcare accreditation model: a valid model].
AB  - There are few experiences of accreditation models validated by primary care teams
      (EAP). The aim of this study was to detail the process of design, development,
      and subsequent validation of the consensus EAP accreditation model of Catalonia.
      An Operating Committee of the Health Department of Catalonia revised models
      proposed by the European Foundation for Quality Management, the Joint Commission
      International and the Institut Catala de la Salut and proposed 628 essential
      standards to the technical group (25 experts in primary care and quality of
      care), to establish consensus standards. The consensus document was piloted in 30
      EAP for the purpose of validating the contents, testing standards and identifying
      evidence. Finally, we did a survey to assess acceptance and validation of the
      document. The Technical Group agreed on a total of 414 essential standards. The
      pilot selected a total of 379. Mean compliance with the standards of the final
      document in the 30 EAP was 70.4%. The standards results were the worst fulfilment
      percentage. The survey target that 83% of the EAP found it useful and 78% found
      the content of the accreditation manual suitable as a tool to assess the quality
      of the EAP, and identify opportunities for improvement. On the downside they
      highlighted its complexity and laboriousness. We have a model that fits the
      reality of the EAP, and covers all relevant issues for the functioning of an
      excellent EAP. The model developed in Catalonia is a model for easy
      understanding. 

PMID- 25128365
TI  - Should we advise patients with lupus to quit smoking?

PMID- 25128366
TI  - Quantification of V(D)J recombination by real-time quantitative PCR.
AB  - B and T lymphocytes have the unique capacity to somatically rearrange their
      antigen receptor loci through V(D)J recombination. D-JH and VH-DJH recombination
      events are usually visualized by semi-quantitative PCR followed by detection of
      end products, which is time consuming and requires the use of hazardous elements.
      Additionally, it necessitates relatively large amounts of genomic DNA which could
      be limiting when the cell populations of interest are rare. Here, we describe a
      real-time quantitative PCR assay for a fast quantification of V(D)J recombination
      events at the IgH locus. 

PMID- 25128367
TI  - Electrochemical performance and detection of 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine at
      single-stranded DNA functionalized graphene modified glassy carbon electrode.
AB  - 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) is the most abundant oxidative product of
      DNA and it is also considered to be a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage. In this
      work, a novel biosensor was fabricated by combining the biocompatibility of
      single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) and the excellent conductivity of graphene
      nanosheets (GNs). The biosensor showed high electrocatalytic activity to the
      oxidation of 8-OH-dG. The sensitivities were 13.23 (+/-0.03)MUA MUM(-1), 5.827
      (+/-0.008) MUA MUM(-1) and 3.086 (+/-0.005) MUA MUM(-1) in the concentration
      ranges of 0.0056-1.155 MUM, 1.155-11.655 MUM and 11.655-36.155 MUM, respectively.
      The detection limit was 0.875 nM (S/N=3). Furthermore, the electrochemical
      behavior of 8-OH-dG was also investigated in detail in the presence of uric acid.
      And the results showed that uric acid had interference with the trace detection
      of 8-OH-dG. But it can be eliminated completely by uricase. The as-prepared ss
      DNA/GNs/GCE will be promising for the detection of 8-OH-dG in real samples.

PMID- 25128368
TI  - Associations between different types of hypoglycemic agents and the clinical
      outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention in diabetic patients-From the FU
      Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is not clear whether it is reasonable to use particular drugs for
      glycemic control in preference to other hypoglycemic agents in terms of the
      clinical outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with
      diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 2148 patients (2568 lesions)
      in the FU-Registry, DM patients who underwent PCI (n=758; 922 lesions) were
      investigated to clarify the effects of various drugs for glycemic control on the
      clinical outcome [major adverse cardiac events (MACEs): death, myocardial
      infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR)] over approximately
      300 days of follow-up (UMIN000005679). The MACEs(+) group (n=165) had a higher
      usage of insulin (p<0.001) and a lower usage of biguanides (BG, p<0.05) and
      dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors (p<0.05) at PCI, compared to the MACEs(-)
      group (n=593). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin use, atherosclerosis obliterans, and
      lesion reference might be significantly associated with MACEs, while BG use was
      negatively correlated with MACEs (p=0.04). The cumulative frequency of MACEs in
      the insulin-treated group was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in the non
      insulin group, and the strongest association between insulin with MACEs was seen
      in the hemoglobin (Hb) A1c 6.5-7.5% group. There tended to be a negative
      correlation between the use of insulin and MACEs, with risk ratios of <1, for the
      HbA1c >8.5% groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among different hypoglycemic agents, treatment
      with insulin was associated with poor mid-term clinical outcomes in DM patients
      who underwent PCI, while BG use was negatively correlated with MACEs. It may be
      reasonable for patients with HbA1c >8.5% to avoid hyperglycemia and
      glucotoxicity, even through the use of insulin.

PMID- 25128369
TI  - Expression of Caenorhabditis elegans-expressed Trans-HPS, partial aminopeptidase
      H11 from Haemonchus contortus.
AB  - Aminopeptidase H11 present in the surface of intestine microvilli in Haemonchus
      contortus was identified as the most effective antigen candidate. However, its
      recombinant forms produced in Escherichiacoli, insect cells and yeast could not
      provide promising protection against H. contortus challenge, probably due to the
      inappropriate glycosylation and/or conformational folding. Herein, partial H11
      containing the potential zinc-binding domain and two predicted glycosylation
      sites (nt 1 bp-1710 bp, Trans-HPS) was subcloned downstream of 5' flanking region
      of Caenorhabditis elegans cpr-1 gene in pPD95.77 vector, with the deletion of GFP
      gene. The recombinant was expressed in C. elegans and verified by blotting with
      anti-H11 and anti-Trans-HPS rabbit polyclonal antibodies and anti-His monoclonal
      antibody. Stably inherited Trans-HPS in worm descendants was achieved by
      integration using UV irradiation. Immunization with the crude Trans-HPS extracted
      from transgenic worms resulted in 37.71% reduction in faecal egg counts (FEC)
      (P<0.05) and 24.91% reduction in worm burden, but an upward curve with moderate
      rate of daily FEC in goats. These results suggested an apparent delay against H.
      contortus egg-laying in goats, which differed from that with bacteria-origin form
      of partial H11 (nt 670 bp-1710 bp, HPS) (26.04% reduction in FEC and 18.46%
      reduction in worm burden). These findings indicate the feasibility of sufficient
      C. elegans-expressed H11 for the immunological research and vaccine development.

PMID- 25128370
TI  - Facts, myths and hypotheses on the zoonotic nature of Mycobacterium avium
      subspecies paratuberculosis.
AB  - Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of
      paratuberculosis (Johne's disease [JD]), a chronic granulomatous enteritis in
      ruminants. JD is one of the most widespread bacterial diseases of domestic
      animals with significant economic impact. The histopathological picture of JD
      resembles that of Crohn's disease (CD), a human chronic inflammatory bowel
      disease of still unresolved aetiology. An aetiological relevance of MAP for CD
      has been proposed. This and the ambiguity of other published epidemiological
      findings raise the question whether MAP represents a zoonotic agent. In this
      review, we will discuss evidence that MAP has zoonotic capacity. 

PMID- 25128371
TI  - Implementation and monitoring of oral rabies vaccination of foxes in Kosovo
      between 2010 and 2013--an international and intersectorial effort.
AB  - The European Union has used instrument for pre-accession (IPA) funds to provide
      technical assistance and supplies for the eradication, monitoring and control of
      rabies in several pre-accession countries. As a result, since 2010, multi-annual
      oral rabies vaccination (ORV) programmes for eliminating fox rabies have been
      launched in six Western Balkan countries. Here the implementation of the ORV
      programme in Kosovo, the smallest of the West Balkan countries, is described.
      Associated challenges under difficult political conditions, potential biases, and
      the results of rabies surveillance and monitoring of ORV campaigns (bait uptake
      and immunisation rates) since 2010 are reported. 

PMID- 25128372
TI  - Joint issues--conflicts of interest, the ASR hip and suggestions for managing
      surgical conflicts of interest.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Financial and nonfinancial conflicts of interest in medicine and
      surgery are troubling because they have the capacity to skew decision making in
      ways that might be detrimental to patient care and well-being. The recent case of
      the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) hip provides a vivid illustration of the
      harmful effects of conflicts of interest in surgery. DISCUSSION: We identify
      financial and nonfinancial conflicts of interest experienced by surgeons,
      hospitals and regulators in the ASR case. These conflicts may have impacted
      surgical advice, decision-making and evidence gathering with respect to the ASR
      prosthesis, and contributed to the significant harms experienced by patients in
      whom the hip was implanted. Drawing on this case we explore shortcomings in the
      standard responses to conflicts of interest--disclosure and recusal. We argue
      disclosure is necessary but by no means sufficient to address conflicts of
      interest. Using the concept of recusal we develop remedies including second
      opinions and third party consent which may be effective in mitigating conflicts,
      but their implementation introduces new challenges. SUMMARY: Deployment of the
      ASR hip is a case of surgical innovation gone wrong. As we show, there were
      multiple conflicts of interest involved in the introduction of the ASR hip into
      practice and subsequent attempts to gloss over the mounting body of evidence
      about its lack of safety and effectiveness. Conflicts of interest in surgery are
      often not well managed. We suggest strategies in this paper which can minimise
      the conflicts of interest associated with surgical innovation.

PMID- 25128373
TI  - Application and assessment of optical clearing methods for imaging of tissue
      engineered neural stem cell spheres.
AB  - Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture is an important tool that facilitates
      biological discoveries by bridging the divide between standard two-dimensional
      cell culture and the complex, high-cell-density in vivo environment. Typically,
      the internal structures of 3D tissue-engineered samples are visualized through an
      involved process of physical sectioning, immunostaining, imaging, and
      computational reconstruction. However, recent progress in tissue-clearing methods
      has improved optical-imaging-depth capabilities in whole embryos and brains by
      reducing tissue opacity and light scattering, thus decreasing the need for
      physical sectioning. In this study, we assessed the application of the recently
      published clearing techniques Clear(T2), Scale, and SeeDB to tissue-engineered
      neural spheres. We found that scaffold-free self-assembled adult hippocampal
      neural stem cell spheres of 100-MUm diameter could be optically cleared and
      imaged using either Clear(T2) or Scale, while SeeDB only marginally improved
      imaging depth. The Clear(T2) protocol maintained sphere size, while Scale led to
      sample expansion, and SeeDB led to sample shrinkage. Additionally, using
      Clear(T2) we cleared and successfully imaged spheres of C6 glioma cells and
      spheres of primary cortical neurons. We conclude that Clear(T2) is the most
      effective protocol of those tested at clearing neural spheres of various cell
      types and could be applied to better understand neural cell interactions in 3D
      tissue-engineered samples. 

PMID- 25128374
TI  - siRNA therapy in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cells using polymeric carriers.
AB  - Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) arise from specific molecular aberrations that
      lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. RNA interference (RNAi) with short
      interfering RNAs (siRNAs) is a feasible approach to interrupt aberrant signal
      processing in CTCL cells, but functional biomaterial carriers are needed to
      effectively deliver siRNAs intracellularly. Towards this goal, we explored the
      utility of lipid-substituted polyethylenimines (PEI) carriers in a cell model of
      CTCL. Using caprylic and linoleic acid substituted 2 kDa PEI (PEI-CA and PEI-LA,
      respectively), we showed effective delivery of siRNA to T-lymphocyte Hut78 and
      Jurkat cells, but silencing of a model protein (Green Fluorescent Protein, GFP)
      was possible only in the Hut78 cells. To enhance siRNA delivery to Hut78 cells, a
      high siRNA: carrier ratio used to assemble the complexes and centrifugation of
      cells in the presence of complexes were found effective. The toxicities of PEI-CA
      and PEI-LA were significantly lower than other commercial carriers, 25 kDa PEI
      and Lipofectamine((r)) RNAiMAX. This might have contributed to reduced siRNA
      delivery efficiency of the latter carriers. Screening several endogenous targets
      led us to identify phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) and
      cyclin-dependent kinase 18 (CDK18) as viable targets to induce siRNA-mediated
      cell growth inhibition. The results of this study identified promising polymeric
      carriers and molecular targets that could control proliferation of CTCL cells
      based on RNAi therapy.

PMID- 25128375
TI  - Chronic tissue response to carboxymethyl cellulose based dissolvable insertion
      needle for ultra-small neural probes.
AB  - Implantable neural electrodes must drastically improve chronic recording
      stability before they can be translated into long-term human clinical
      prosthetics. Previous studies suggest that sub-cellular sized and mechanically
      compliant probes may result in improved tissue integration and recording
      longevity. However, currently these design features are restricted by the
      opposing mechanical requirements needed for minimally damaging insertions. We
      designed a non-cytotoxic, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) based dissolvable delivery
      vehicle (shuttle) to provide the mechanical support for insertion of ultra-small,
      ultra-compliant microfabricated neural probes. Stiff CMC-based shuttles rapidly
      soften immediately after being placed ~1 mm above an open craniotomy as they
      absorb vapors from the brain. To address this, we developed a sophisticated
      targeting, high speed insertion (~80 mm/s), and release system to implant these
      shuttles. After implantation, the goal is for the shuttle to dissolve away
      leaving only the electrodes behind. Here we show the histology of chronically
      implanted shuttles of large (300 MUm * 125 MUm) and small (100 MUm * 125 MUm)
      size at discrete time points over 12 weeks. Early time points show the CMC
      shuttle expanded after insertion as it absorbed moisture from the brain and
      slowly dissolved. At later time points neuronal cell bodies populate regions
      within the original shuttle tract. The large CMC shuttles show that the CMC
      expansion can cause extended secondary damage. On the other hand, the smaller CMC
      shuttles show limited secondary damage, wound closure by 4 weeks, absence of
      activated microglia at 12 weeks, as well as evidence suggesting neural
      regeneration at the implant site. This shuttle, therefore, shows great promise
      facilitating the implantation of nontraditional ultra-small, and ultra-compliant
      probes.

PMID- 25128376
TI  - The influence of age on adaptive bone formation and bone resorption.
AB  - Bone is a tissue with enormous adaptive capacity, balancing resorption and
      formation processes. It is known that mechanical loading shifts this balance
      towards an increased formation, leading to enhanced bone mass and mechanical
      performance. What is not known is how this adaptive response to mechanical
      loading changes with age. Using dynamic micro-tomography, we show that structural
      adaptive changes of trabecular bone within the tibia of living mice subjected to
      two weeks of in vivo cyclic loading are altered by aging. Comparisons of 10, 26
      and 78 weeks old animals reveal that the adaptive capacity diminishes.
      Strikingly, adaptation was asymmetric in that loading increases formation more
      than it reduces resorption. This asymmetry further shifts the (re)modeling
      balance towards a net bone loss with age. Loading results in a major increase in
      the surface area of mineralizing bone. Interestingly, the resorption thickness is
      independent of loading in trabecular bone in all age groups. This data suggests
      that during youth, mechanical stimulation induces the recruitment of bone
      modeling cells whereas in old age, only bone forming cells are affected. These
      findings provide mechanistic insights into the processes that guide skeletal
      aging in mice as well as in other mammals.

PMID- 25128379
TI  - Lippes Loop intrauterine device left in the uterus for 50 years: case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first Lippes Loop intrauterine device (IUD) was introduced in
      1962. It was a plastic double "S" loop, a trapezoid shaped IUD that closely fit
      around the contours of the uterine cavity, reducing the incidence of expulsion.
      This IUD was commonly used from the 1960's to the 1980's. Some authors state that
      the IUD can be left in the uterine cavity for an indefinite amount of time.
      Prolonged use of this device was common, however, it was associated with some
      complications like uterine bleeding during post-menopausal period and
      inflammatory pelvic diseases. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 74-years-old
      woman who was admitted to a university hospital due to urinary incontinence
      stress. The patient's history included 2 deliveries and 20 years of menopause.
      During ultrasonography a normally sized and shaped uterus was found. The uterine
      cavity was expanded by 14 mm with some fluid. A "Lippes" loop was also seen in
      the uterine cavity. Both ovaries were atrophic without any abnormalities. The
      patient had her IUD inserted 50 years ago. Patient underwent TOT (tension
      obturator tape ) surgery for urinary incontinence. Evacuation of IUD and uterine
      curettage was also done. CONCLUSIONS: Fifty years of prolonged usage of LIPPES
      IUD had no influence on the woman's health during our case.

PMID- 25128377
TI  - Ischemic preconditioning affects long-term cell fate through DNA damage-related
      molecular signaling and altered proliferation.
AB  - Despite the potential of ischemic preconditioning for organ protection, long-term
      effects in terms of molecular processes and cell fates are ill defined. We
      determined consequences of hepatic ischemic preconditioning in rats, including
      cell transplantation assays. Ischemic preconditioning induced persistent
      alterations; for example, after 5 days liver histology was normal, but gamma
      glutamyl transpeptidase expression was observed, with altered antioxidant enzyme
      content, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative DNA adducts. Nonetheless, ischemic
      preconditioning partially protected from toxic liver injury. Similarly, primary
      hepatocytes from donor livers preconditioned with ischemia exhibited undesirably
      altered antioxidant enzyme content and lipid peroxidation, but better withstood
      insults. However, donor hepatocytes from livers preconditioned with ischemia did
      not engraft better than hepatocytes from control livers. Moreover, proliferation
      of hepatocytes from donor livers preconditioned with ischemia decreased under
      liver repopulation conditions. Hepatocytes from donor livers preconditioned with
      ischemia showed oxidative DNA damage with expression of genes involved in MAPK
      signaling that impose G1/S and G2/M checkpoint restrictions, including p38 MAPK
      regulated or ERK-1/2-regulated cell-cycle genes such as FOS, MAPK8, MYC, various
      cyclins, CDKN2A, CDKN2B, TP53, and RB1. Thus, although ischemic preconditioning
      allowed hepatocytes to better withstand secondary insults, accompanying DNA
      damage and molecular events simultaneously impaired their proliferation capacity
      over the long term. Mitigation of ischemic preconditioning-induced DNA damage and
      deleterious molecular perturbations holds promise for advancing clinical
      applications. 

PMID- 25128378
TI  - Psycho-social impact of visual impairment on health-related quality of life among
      nursing home residents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visual impairment (VI) affects physical, psychological, and emotional
      well-being, and social life as well. The purpose of this exploratory study was to
      assess the psycho-social impact of VI on health-related quality of life (HRQoL)
      among nursing home residents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 272
      residents of 60 years or older residing in seven nursing homes of the Kathmandu
      Valley, Nepal. Comprehensive ocular examinations, including near and distance
      vision assessment and refractions were carried out. VI was defined as visual
      acuity (VA) less than 6/18 in the better eye. Residents were divided into two
      groups: one group did not have VI (in whom VA was greater than or equal to 6/18
      in the better eye), and the other had VI (in whom VA was worse than 6/18 in the
      better eye).Face-to-face interviews were conducted filling out a 36-item The
      Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form (SF-36) questionnaire. The SF-36 questionnaire
      was scored according to the scoring algorithm SF-36 subscales. RESULTS: The mean
      age of residents was 74.68 +/- 8.19 years (range, 60-99 years) and the majority
      were female (78.68%). The mean composite score of SF-36 was 46.98 +/- 13.08. VI
      detrimentally affected scores of both the physical and the mental components, but
      the impact of VI was slightly greater for the physical component than that for
      the mental component. There was a trend towards a lower composite score as well
      as each subscale score of the SF-36 in participants with VI than in those without
      VI. CONCLUSION: VI has a negative effect on HRQoL. HRQoL is reduced among nursing
      home residents and the reduction in the HRQoL bears a positive association with
      VI.

PMID- 25128380
TI  - [Some points on the diagnosis of microscopic colitis].

PMID- 25128381
TI  - Doxycycline exerts multiple anti-allergy effects to attenuate murine allergic
      conjunctivitis and systemic anaphylaxis.
AB  - Allergic diseases, which affect up to 20-30% of the world population, are still
      therapeutic challenge for allergists. Tetracyclines, which belong to an
      antibiotic drug family that possesses a striking variety of non-antibiotic
      properties, have been successfully applied to a wide range of diseases. However,
      their roles in allergic conjunctivitis and anaphylaxis and their underlying anti
      allergy mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we reported that treatment with
      doxycycline significantly reduced IgE release from mouse B cells and the
      degranulation and inflammatory cytokines production of mouse mast cells (MCs)
      activated by IgE-dependent way. Furthermore, doxycycline treatment significantly
      inhibited histamine-induced vascular hyperpermeability in vitro. Mechanistically,
      the doxycycline-mediated inhibition of B cells, MCs and histamine may occur via
      modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. In vivo, our results demonstrated that
      treatment with doxycycline significantly attenuated clinical symptoms of mouse
      models of experimental allergic conjunctivitis (EAC) with a significant decrease
      in inflammatory cell frequency, IgE production, histamine release, and a decrease
      in TNF-alpha and IL-4 production. Using mouse models of MCs-dependent passive
      systemic anaphylaxis (PSA), we further confirmed anti-allergy effects of
      doxycycline and doxycycline-mediated inhibitory effects on MCs. Furthermore, our
      results showed that doxycycline significantly attenuate histamine-induced
      systemic anaphylaxis-like reaction (HISA) with a significantly downregulation of
      PI3K/Akt/eNOS/VE-cadherin pathway. The doxycycline-mediated anti-allergy effects
      during EAC, PSA and HISA were abrogated when an Akt activator, SC79, was
      administered. These findings suggest that doxycycline inhibits B cell, MC and
      histamine function and attenuates experimental allergic conjunctivitis and
      systemic anaphylaxis by possible modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. 

PMID- 25128382
TI  - Paris saponin VII suppressed the growth of human cervical cancer Hela cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Saponins of several herbs are known to induce apoptosis in many
      cancer cells. The present study aimed to investigate the growth inhibitory effect
      of Paris saponin VII (PS VII), a kind of steroidal saponins from Chonglou
      (Rhizoma Paridis Chonglou), on the human cervical cancer cell line Hela and the
      relative molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Hela cells were exposed to different
      concentrations of PS VII (1 to 100 MUM). Inhibition of cell proliferation was
      measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)
      and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. The amount of apoptotic cells was
      evaluated by flow cytometric analysis. And the protein level of cleaved caspase
      3, cleaved caspase-9, Bax, and Bcl-2 was evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: The
      half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of PS VII for the growth
      inhibition of Hela cells was 2.62 +/- 0.11 MUM. PS VII increased the expression
      of caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax while decreased that of Bcl-2, suggesting that
      PS VII may induce apoptosis through intrinsic apoptotic ways. CONCLUSIONS: These
      data indicate that PS VII has the potential for the treatment of cervical cancer.

PMID- 25128383
TI  - Radiodense ligament markers for radiographic evaluation of anterior cruciate
      ligament reconstruction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Early clinical and radiographic diagnosis of failed or loosened
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions can be challenging. The aim of
      the present study is to retrospectively evaluate the use of radiologically
      visible markers in the ACL graft, serving as a potential diagnostic tool in ACL
      graft rupture and insufficiency. METHODS: Twenty patients were included in the
      study. ACL reconstruction was performed with use of a hamstring autograft in
      hybrid fixation technique. The graft was marked with two radiodense suture knots,
      one at the tibial and femoral tunnel openings. Radiographs were performed
      postoperatively, after 6 weeks and 12 months. Four distances between markers and
      landmarks were measured in anteroposterior and three in lateral radiographic
      views and the positional change between the timepoints of measurement was
      calculated. RESULTS: Measurements of the marker distances on radiographs showed
      an excellent interobserver reliability (kappa=0.97). In two measured distal
      anteroposterior distances statistically significant changes could be detected
      between 6 weeks and 12 months postoperatively in one patient with MRI-documented
      ACL rerupture and in five patients with ACL elongation defined as anteroposterior
      translation with side-to-side difference of >=3 mm measured with a Rolimeter
      device. On lateral radiographs, marker distances were highly variable and did not
      correlate with clinical ACL elongation. CONCLUSION: The application of radiodense
      ACL graft markers is a straight-forward, non-expensive and potentially useful
      diagnostic tool to identify the position of the transplant and for diagnosis of
      graft elongation or failure. However, the method is sensitive to the radiological
      projection, which should be further studied and optimized.

PMID- 25128384
TI  - Coronal tibiofemoral subluxation: a new measurement method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronal tibiofemoral (CTF) subluxation is a common finding in knee
      osteoarthritis (OA) which can be related to poor pain scores and tibial spine
      impingement. In this study we describe a new method for measuring CTF subluxation
      and present validation of the method using cadaveric knees. METHODS: A prototype
      software code based on the ICP mathematical algorithm was developed to measure
      CTF subluxation; the code finds the rigid transformation that best aligns the
      articular surfaces, measures CTF subluxation and the angle between articular
      surfaces. For validation, three stripped fresh frozen cadaveric knee specimens
      were transfixed to a specially designed knee fixation device where tibiofemoral
      angle and CTF subluxation can be measured directly. Fluoroscopic images were
      obtained with the tibiofemoral joint in neutral alignment and with 5, 10 and 15
      (mm) of medial and lateral subluxation. This procedure was repeated with a
      neutral tibiofemoral angle, 10 degrees  of varus and 10 degrees  of valgus. All
      images were analyzed independently by two investigators using the prototype
      software. RESULTS: The interclass correlation coefficient between the two
      investigators for CTF subluxation and tibiofemoral angle was 0.93 and 0.99
      respectively. The CTF subluxation and tibiofemoral angle measured by the software
      correlated to the CTF subluxation and tibiofemoral angle were defined using the
      knee fixation device, with Pearson product moments of 0.86 and 0.94 respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Our suggested prototype software is precise, repeatable and reliable
      at measuring CTF subluxation and tibiofemoral angle. It may prove to be a useful
      tool to evaluate CTF subluxation in a clinical setting.

PMID- 25128385
TI  - National health policy-makers' views on the clarity and utility of Countdown to
      2015 country profiles and reports: findings from two exploratory qualitative
      studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of sets of indicators to assess progress has become
      commonplace in the global health arena. Exploratory research has suggested that
      indicators used for global monitoring purposes can play a role in national policy
      making, however, the mechanisms through which this occurs are poorly understood.
      This article reports findings from two qualitative studies that aimed to explore
      national policy-makers' interpretation and use of indicators from country
      profiles and reports developed by Countdown to 2015. METHODS: An initial study
      aimed at exploring comprehension of Countdown data was conducted at the 2010
      joint Women Deliver/Countdown conference. A second study was conducted at the
      64th World Health Assembly in 2011, specifically targeting national policy
      makers. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 29 and 22 participants,
      respectively, at each event. Participants were asked about their understanding of
      specific graphs and indicators used or proposed for use in Countdown country
      profiles, and their perception of how such data can inform national policy
      making. Responses were categorised using a framework analysis. RESULTS:
      Respondents in both studies acknowledged the importance of the profiles for
      tracking progress on key health indicators in and across countries, noting that
      they could be used to highlight changes in coverage, possible directions for
      future policy, for lobbying finance ministers to increase resources for health,
      and to stimulate competition between neighbouring or socioeconomically similar
      countries. However, some respondents raised questions about discrepancies between
      global estimates and data produced by national governments, and some struggled to
      understand the profile graphs shown in the absence of explanatory text. Some
      respondents reported that use of Countdown data in national policy-making was
      constrained by limited awareness of the initiative, insufficient detail in the
      country profiles to inform policy, and the absence of indicators felt to be more
      appropriate to their own country contexts. CONCLUSIONS: The two studies emphasise
      the need for country consultations to ensure that national policy-makers
      understand how to interpret and use tools like the Countdown profile for planning
      purposes. They make clear the value of qualitative research for refining tools
      used to promote accountability, and the need for country level Countdown-like
      processes.

PMID- 25128386
TI  - The histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A induces neurite outgrowth in
      PC12 cells via the epigenetically regulated expression of the nur77 gene.
AB  - Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors induce histone acetylation and gene
      expression by changing local chromatin structures. They can thereby influence
      various cells to proliferate or differentiate. It has been reported that
      trichostatin A (TSA) or valproic acid (VPA) can induce the neuronal
      differentiation of mouse embryonic neural stem cells and rat cerebellar granule
      cells. It is unclear however which gene is responsible for the neuronal
      differentiation induced by HDAC inhibitors. In this study, we investigated the
      contribution of immediate early gene (IEG) nur77 to the neuronal differentiation
      induced by TSA. We report that TSA induces neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, and
      C646, an inhibitor of HAT (histone acetyl transferase) (p300), prevents TSA
      induced neurite formation. The acetylation of the Lys14 residue of histone H3,
      and mRNA and protein expression of nur77 gene were found to be stimulated after
      treatment with TSA, but not in the presence of C646. A knock-down of nur77
      inhibits the neurite outgrowth induced by TSA. Furthermore, the ectopic
      expression of nur77 significantly elicits neurite formation in PC12 cells. These
      results suggest that the expression of nur77, which is up-regulated via the TSA
      induced acetylation of Lys14 on histone H3, is essential for the neuronal
      differentiation in TSA-induced PC12 cells. 

PMID- 25128389
TI  - Mesenchymal change and drug resistance in neuroblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metastatic initiation has many phenotypic similarities to epithelial
      to-mesenchymal transition, including loss of cell-cell adhesion, increased
      invasiveness, and increased cell mobility. We have previously demonstrated that
      drug resistance is associated with a metastatic phenotype in neuroblastoma (NB).
      The purpose of this project was to determine if the development of doxorubicin
      resistance is associated with characteristics of mesenchymal change in human NB
      cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total RNA was isolated from wild type (WT) and
      doxorubicin-resistant (DoxR) human NB cell lines (SK-N-SH and SK-N-BE(2)C) and
      analyzed using the Illumina Human HT-12 version 4 Expression BeadChip.
      Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Volcano plots and heat
      maps were generated. Genes of interest with a fold change in expression >1.5 and
      an adjusted P < 0.1 were analyzed. Immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot
      analysis confirmed microarray results of interest. Matrigel invasion assay and
      migration wounding assays were performed. RESULTS: Volcano plots and heat maps
      visually demonstrated a similar pattern of DEGs in the SK-N-SH and SK-N-BE(2)C
      DoxR cell lines relative to their parental WT lines. Venn diagramming revealed
      1594 DEGs common to both DoxR cell lines relative to their parental cell lines.
      Network analysis pointed to several significantly upregulated epithelial-to
      mesenchymal transition pathways, through TGF-beta pathways via RhoA, PI3K, and
      ILK and via SMADs, as well as via notch signaling pathways. DoxR cell lines
      displayed a more invasive phenotype than respective WT cell lines. CONCLUSIONS:
      Human SK-N-SH and SK-N-BE(2)C NB cells display characteristics of mesenchymal
      change via multiple pathways in the transition to a drug-resistant state.

PMID- 25128387
TI  - Vagal nerve stimulation blocks interleukin 6-dependent synaptic hyperexcitability
      induced by lipopolysaccharide-induced acute stress in the rodent prefrontal
      cortex.
AB  - The ratio between synaptic inhibition and excitation (sI/E) is a critical factor
      in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disease. We recently described a
      stress-induced interleukin-6 dependent mechanism leading to a decrease in sI/E in
      the rodent temporal cortex. The aim of the present study was to determine whether
      a similar mechanism takes place in the prefrontal cortex, and to elaborate
      strategies to prevent or attenuate it. We used aseptic inflammation (single acute
      injections of lipopolysaccharide, LPS, 10mg/kg) as stress model, and patch-clamp
      recording on a prefrontal cortical slice preparation from wild-type rat and mice,
      as well as from transgenic mice in which the inhibitor of IL-6 trans-signaling
      sgp130Fc was produced in a brain-specific fashion (sgp130Fc mice). The anti
      inflammatory reflex was activated either by vagal nerve stimulation or peripheral
      administration of the nicotinic alpha7 receptor agonist PHA543613. We found that
      the IL-6-dependent reduction in prefrontal cortex synaptic inhibition was blocked
      in sgp130Fc mice, or - in wild-type animals - upon application sgp130Fc. Similar
      results were obtained by activating the "anti-inflammatory reflex" - a neural
      circuit regulating peripheral immune response - by stimulation of the vagal nerve
      or through peripheral administration of the alpha7 nicotinic receptor agonist
      PHA543613. Our results indicate that the prefrontal cortex is an important
      potential target of IL-6 mediated trans-signaling, and suggest a potential new
      avenue in the treatment of a large class of hyperexcitable neuropsychiatric
      conditions, including epilepsy, schizophrenic psychoses, anxiety disorders,
      autism spectrum disorders, and depression. 

PMID- 25128390
TI  - The first report of Telomerina flavipes (Meigen, 1830) (Diptera, Sphaeroceridae)
      in a forensic case, with redescription of its pupa.
AB  - This paper presents a forensic investigation that took place in the city of
      Murcia (SE Spain) and shows how the entomological specimens collected at the
      scene were extremely helpful for estimating the minimum post-mortem interval
      (PMImin). The occurrence of Telomerina flavipes (Meigen, 1830) (Diptera:
      Sphaeroceridae) is reported here for the first time in a forensic case.
      Additionally, the importance of other entomological evidence in this case is
      discussed. The first known images of the puparium are provided, as well as its
      redescription and that of the cephalopharyngeal skeleton recovered from the
      puparium. 

PMID- 25128388
TI  - Structural insights into +1 frameshifting promoted by expanded or modification
      deficient anticodon stem loops.
AB  - Maintenance of the correct reading frame on the ribosome is essential for
      accurate protein synthesis. Here, we report structures of the 70S ribosome bound
      to frameshift suppressor tRNA(SufA6) and N1-methylguanosine at position 37
      (m(1)G37) modification-deficient anticodon stem loop(Pro), both of which cause
      the ribosome to decode 4 rather than 3 nucleotides, resulting in a +1 reading
      frame. Our results reveal that decoding at +1 suppressible codons causes
      suppressor tRNA(SufA6) to undergo a rearrangement of its 5' stem that
      destabilizes U32, thereby disrupting the conserved U32-A38 base pair.
      Unexpectedly, the removal of the m(1)G37 modification of tRNA(Pro) also disrupts
      U32-A38 pairing in a structurally analogous manner. The lack of U32-A38 pairing
      provides a structural correlation between the transition from canonical
      translation and a +1 reading of the mRNA. Our structures clarify the molecular
      mechanism behind suppressor tRNA-induced +1 frameshifting and advance our
      understanding of the role played by the ribosome in maintaining the correct
      translational reading frame. 

PMID- 25128391
TI  - Antiviral efficacy analysis of telbivudine concurrent with the first cycle of
      chemotherapy in HBsAg-positive lymphoma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HBV reactivation is a common complication in HBsAg-positive lymphoma
      patients with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. There is no standard antiviral
      treatment for these patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The
      initial time, the agent and the duration time are confused at present. OBJECTIVE:
      This study aimed to investigate the antiviral efficacy of telbivudine concurrent
      with initiation of chemotherapy in HBsAg-positive patients with lymphoma. STUDY
      DESIGN: Between April 2008 and October 2012, 359 patients with pathological
      diagnoses of lymphoma were admitted to the hospital. Among those, a cohort of 60
      HBsAg-positive cases were included in this retrospective study, and telbivudine
      was taken at the same day or one day prior to the first cycle of chemotherapy.
      The rates of HBV reactivation, virological response, undetectable HBV DNA, the
      relationship between HBV reactivation and its clinical characteristics were
      investigated. RESULTS: The rate of HBV reactivation was 11.7% (7/60), while it
      was 17.5% (7/40) and 75% (3/4) in patients treated with rituximab based
      chemotherapy and rituximab maintenance therapy, respectively. The fulminant
      hepatitis rate was 6.6%. The rates of virological response, undetectable HBV DNA
      and ALT normalization were 88.3%, 61.7% and 83.3%, respectively. HBV reactivation
      was associated with rituximab (P = 0.013), and HBeAg-negativity (P = 0.016), but
      not correlated with age, gender, clinical stages, extranodal disease, bone marrow
      involvement, B symptoms, HBV viral loads or serum LDH level. CONCLUSION:
      Concurrent telbivudine treatment with initial chemotherapy can effectively reduce
      HBV reactivation in HBsAg-positive lymphoma patients, and the efficacy is
      independent of the baseline HBV viral loads.

PMID- 25128392
TI  - Vibration transmission to lower extremity soft tissues during whole-body
      vibration.
AB  - In order to evaluate potential risks of whole-body vibration (WBV) training, it
      is important to understand the transfer of vibrations from the WBV platform to
      the muscles. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify the
      transmissibility of vibrations from the WBV platform to the triceps surae and
      quadriceps soft tissue compartments. Sixteen healthy, male participants were
      exposed to side-altering WBV at 2.5mm amplitude and frequencies of 10, 17 and 28
      Hz. Acceleration signals were measured at the platform and at the soft tissue
      compartments using tri-axial accelerometers. Transmissibility of peak
      acceleration and peak amplitude for both tested soft tissue compartments was high
      at 10 Hz (2.1-2.3), moderate at 17 Hz (1.1-1.9) and low at 28 Hz (0.5-1.2). The
      average peak acceleration was 125.4 ms(-2) and 46.5 ms(-2) for the triceps surae
      and quadriceps at 28 Hz, respectively. The muscles' vibration frequency was equal
      to the input frequency of the WBV platform (p<0.05). The transfer of vibrations
      to the muscles is strongly dependent on the platform frequency and the particular
      muscle of interest. The acceleration measured at the triceps surae was higher
      than the corresponding accelerations related to soft tissue injury in animal
      studies but neither existing regulations nor the comparison to available animal
      studies seem appropriate to make inferences on injury risk. More realistic animal
      or computational muscle models may use the current data to evaluate potentially
      unwanted side effects of WBV training.

PMID- 25128394
TI  - [Professional politics - for our patients?].

PMID- 25128393
TI  - Pulmonary artery relative area change is inversely related to ex vivo measured
      arterial elastic modulus in the canine model of acute pulmonary embolization.
AB  - A low relative area change (RAC) of the proximal pulmonary artery (PA) over the
      cardiac cycle is a good predictor of mortality from right ventricular failure in
      patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). The relationship between RAC and local
      mechanical properties of arteries, which are known to stiffen in acute and
      chronic PH, is not clear, however. In this study, we estimated elastic moduli of
      three PAs (MPA, LPA and RPA: main, left and right PAs) at the physiological state
      using mechanical testing data and correlated these estimated elastic moduli to
      RAC measured in vivo with both phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI)
      and M-mode echocardiography (on RPA only). We did so using data from a canine
      model of acute PH due to embolization to assess the sensitivity of RAC to changes
      in elastic modulus in the absence of chronic PH-induced arterial remodeling. We
      found that elastic modulus increased with embolization-induced PH, presumably a
      consequence of increased collagen engagement, which corresponds well to decreased
      RAC. Furthermore, RAC was inversely related to elastic modulus. Finally, we found
      MRI and echocardiography yielded comparable estimates of RAC. We conclude that
      RAC of proximal PAs can be obtained from either MRI or echocardiography and a
      change in RAC indicates a change in elastic modulus of proximal PAs detectable
      even in the absence of chronic PH-induced arterial remodeling. The correlation
      between RAC and elastic modulus of proximal PAs may be useful for prognoses and
      to monitor the effects of therapeutic interventions in patients with PH. 

PMID- 25128399
TI  - [Differential diagnosis of hematuria].
AB  - Hematuria is the main symptom of many urological and nephrological diseases. In
      the differential diagnostics a distinction is made between painful and pain-free
      and between macrohematuria which is visible to the naked eye and microhematuria
      which is not visible. The reasons for hematuria are basically renal (glomerular)
      and non-renal (non-glomerular) causes. In order not to overlook early symptoms of
      malignant and relevant benign diseases and also to avoid excessive diagnostic
      tests, a differentiated approach is necessary. 

PMID- 25128395
TI  - [Certification system in urological healthcare : a professional political
      evaluation].
AB  - There have been function and organ-related certification systems in urology for a
      long time. The aim of such certificates is the optimization of patient care above
      the defined minimum standards and intensification of interdisciplinary
      cooperation. Whether such certificates have led to better patient care has not
      been proven. The obligatory documentation in epidemiological cancer registries,
      which has been taken up by legislature, will in future lead to so-called clinical
      cancer registries in which the complete course of treatment must be entered. With
      these registries the quality of healthcare can be compared between individual
      institutions. Until now, quality of care data outside oncology are lacking.
      Urology would also benefit from a registry with quality of care data for these
      patients. 

PMID- 25128400
TI  - National trends and disparities in cervical cancer screening among commercially
      insured Women, 2001-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous surveys reported declining cervical cancer screening rates
      from 2000 to 2010, but trends by key demographic and age groups are less clear.
      METHODS: We examined 3-year Papanicolaou (Pap) test rates among 4.2 million women
      enrolled in a large national health plan during 2001 to 2010. We calculated and
      plotted adjusted 3-year rates stratified by age and key neighborhood-level
      socioeconomic characteristics including poverty level and race/ethnicity (white,
      black, Hispanic, and mixed ethnicity neighborhood). We fitted trends in 2001-2010
      screening rates and socioeconomic disparities as annual percentage changes (APC)
      using joinpoint analysis. RESULTS: Women ages 21 to 29 years had estimated 3-year
      Pap testing rates of 81.3% to 81.4% over the decade. Estimated disparities by low
      high poverty level were 3.1% and 2.0% in 2001-2003 and 2008-2010, respectively, a
      nonsignificant decline. Initial white-black disparities were 4.0% and declined
      significantly from 2005-2007 to 2008-2010 to 2.8% at an APC of -0.65% (P =
      0.021). White-Hispanic disparities declined from 4.3% to 0.8% over the decade, a 
      0.50% APC (P = 0.024). Among women ages 30 to 64 years, estimated 3-year Pap
      testing rates trended down from 76.1% to 71.8% over the decade [-0.94% APC (P <
      0.001) until 2005-2007]. This pattern was similar among women from most
      categories of poverty and race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Among commercially insured
      women ages 21 to 29 years, 3-year Pap testing rates remained stable at 81% over
      the decade; disparities were small and improved for Hispanic women to a greater
      degree than for black women. Among women ages 30 to 64 years, 3-year Pap testing
      rates declined from 2001 to 2010. IMPACT: Cervical cancer screening should be
      promoted to achieve Healthy People 2020 goals.

PMID- 25128401
TI  - Smoking at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific
      survival in head and neck cancer: findings from a large, population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some studies suggest smoking may result in poorer clinical outcomes
      in head and neck cancer, but the evidence is heterogeneous and some of it is poor
      quality. In a large, population-based, study we investigated: (i) whether smoking
      at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival in
      head and neck cancer; and (ii) whether the association varies by site and
      treatment. METHODS: Head and neck cancers (ICD10 C01-C14, and C30-32) diagnosed
      from 1994 to 2009 were abstracted from the National Cancer Registry Ireland, and
      classified by smoking status at diagnosis. Follow-up was for 5 years or until
      December 31, 2010. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to
      compare cancer-specific death rates in current, ex-, and never smokers. Subgroup
      analyses by site and treatment were conducted. RESULTS: In total, 5,652 head and
      neck cancers were included. At diagnosis, 24% were never smokers, 20% ex-smokers,
      and 56% current smokers. Compared with never smokers, current smokers had a
      significantly raised death rate from cancer [multivariate HR, 1.36; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 1.21-1.53]. The association was similar after
      restriction to squamous cell tumors. A significantly increased cancer-related
      death rate was seen for current smokers with oral cavity, pharyngeal, and
      laryngeal cancers. The association was stronger in surgically treated patients
      [HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.25-1.79; P(interaction) = 0.01]. Neither radiotherapy nor
      chemotherapy modified the effect of smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with head and
      neck cancer who smoke at diagnosis have a significantly increased cancer death
      rate. IMPACT: Greater efforts are needed to encourage and support smoking
      cessation in those at risk of, and diagnosed with, head and neck cancer.

PMID- 25128402
TI  - Improved stool DNA integrity method for early colorectal cancer diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA integrity analysis could represent an alternative approach to the
      early detection of colorectal cancer. Previously, fluorescence long DNA (FL-DNA)
      in stools was extracted using a manual approach and analyzed by capillary
      electrophoresis assay (CE FL-DNA). We aimed to improve diagnostic accuracy using
      a simpler and more standardized method [Real Time PCR FL-DNA (RT FL-DNA)] for the
      detection of early malignant lesions in a population undergoing colorectal cancer
      screening. METHODS: From 241 stool samples, DNA was extracted using manual and
      semiautomatic extraction systems and analyzed using FL-DNA tests by CE and RT
      assays. The RT FL-DNA approach showed slightly higher sensitivity and specificity
      compared with the CE FL-DNA method. Furthermore, we compared the RT FL-DNA
      approach with the iFOBT report. RESULTS: Nonparametric ranking statistics were
      used to analyze the relationship between the median values of RT FL-DNA and the
      clinicohistopathologic characteristics. The median values of both variables were
      significantly higher in patients with cancer than in patients with noncancerous
      lesions. According to the Fagan nomogram results, the iFOBT and FL-DNA methods
      provided more accurate diagnostic information and were able to identify subgroups
      at varying risks of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of the semiautomatic
      extraction system and RT FL-DNA analysis improved the quality of DNA extracted
      from stool samples. IMPACT: RT FL-DNA shows great potential for colorectal cancer
      diagnosis as it is a reliable and relatively easy analysis to perform on
      routinely processed stool samples in combination with iFOBT.

PMID- 25128403
TI  - Prospective study of seroreactivity to JC virus T-antigen and risk of colorectal
      cancers and adenomas.
AB  - John Cunningham virus (JCV) is a common polyomavirus classified as a possible
      carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. JCV may play a
      role in colorectal carcinogenesis, although we previously reported no association
      between JCV capsid antibodies and colorectal cancer. No studies have examined the
      role of seroreactivity to JCV T-antigen (T-Ag) oncoprotein in colorectal cancer.
      A case-control study nested within a community-based prospective cohort (CLUE II)
      was conducted. In 1989, 25,080 residents of Washington County, Maryland, were
      enrolled in CLUE II, completing baseline questionnaires and providing blood
      samples. At follow-up, 257 incident colorectal cancer cases were identified by
      linkage to population-based cancer registries through 2006 and matched to
      controls on age, sex, race, and date of blood draw. One hundred and twenty-three
      colorectal adenoma cases were identified through self-report during follow-up and
      matched to controls on age, sex, race, date of blood draw, and colorectal cancer
      screening. Baseline serum samples were tested for seroreactivity to JCV T-Ag.
      Associations between JCV T-Ag seroreactivity and colorectal cancer/adenomas were
      evaluated using conditional logistic regression models. Overall, seroreactivity
      to JCV T-Ag was not statistically significantly associated with the risk of
      either colorectal cancer [OR, 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.89-2.01] or
      adenoma (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.70-2.42), while a borderline association with
      colorectal cancer was observed among women (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.00-3.31). Our
      past evaluation of JCV capsid seropositivity, combined with current findings,
      does not support a notable etiologic role for JCV infection in colorectal cancer.

PMID- 25128404
TI  - Increased intrathoracic and hepatic visceral adipose tissue independently
      correlates with coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with cardiac events, but
      it is not clear which, if any of the various measures of VAT independently
      correlate with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: We studied 400 patients
      undergoing computed tomography to determine coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.
      VAT was measured in the form of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and
      thickness, intrathoracic adipose tissue volume (ITAV), and hepatic steatosis.
      RESULTS: Of the 400 subjects, the average CAC score was 112.2 +/- 389.3. When
      each measure of VAT (EAT volume and thickness, ITAV, hepatic steatosis) was added
      to the traditional model (they were independently associated with greater risk of
      CAC score >=100 AU as measured by IDI/NRI (P < .05). On univariable logistic
      regression analysis, each of the 4 measures of VAT showed association with
      greater risk of a CAC score of >=100 AU (OR > 1). CONCLUSIONS: Each measure of
      VAT is a strong correlate of CAC score >=100 AU in asymptomatic subjects-these
      VAT assessments correlate more significantly than do traditional CAD risk
      factors. This incremental power in the predictive models is likely the result of
      measurement of a fundamental expression of the metabolic syndrome and consequent
      proatherogenic derangements.

PMID- 25128405
TI  - Characterisation of novel microRNAs in the Black flying fox (Pteropus alecto) by
      deep sequencing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bats are a major source of new and emerging viral diseases. Despite
      the fact that bats carry and shed highly pathogenic viruses including Ebola,
      Nipah and SARS, they rarely display clinical symptoms of infection. Host factors
      influencing viral replication are poorly understood in bats and are likely to
      include both pre- and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. MicroRNAs are a
      major mechanism of post-transcriptional gene regulation, however very little is
      known about them in bats. RESULTS: This study describes 399 microRNAs identified
      by deep sequencing of small RNA isolated from tissues of the Black flying fox,
      Pteropus alecto, a confirmed natural reservoir of the human pathogens Hendra
      virus and Australian bat lyssavirus. Of the microRNAs identified, more than 100
      are unique amongst vertebrates, including a subset containing mutations in
      critical seed regions. Clusters of rapidly-evolving microRNAs were identified, as
      well as microRNAs predicted to target genes involved in antiviral immunity, the
      DNA damage response, apoptosis and autophagy. Closer inspection of the predicted
      targets for several highly supported novel miRNA candidates suggests putative
      roles in host-virus interaction. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNAs are likely to play major
      roles in regulating virus-host interaction in bats, via dampening of inflammatory
      responses (limiting the effects of immunopathology), and directly limiting the
      extent of viral replication, either through restricting the availability of
      essential factors or by controlling apoptosis. Characterisation of the bat
      microRNA repertoire is an essential step towards understanding transcriptional
      regulation during viral infection, and will assist in the identification of
      mechanisms that enable bats to act as natural virus reservoirs. This in turn will
      facilitate the development of antiviral strategies for use in humans and other
      species.

PMID- 25128406
TI  - The role of VEGF-A165b in trophoblast survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia remains a dominant cause of maternal and fetal
      mortality in developed countries. In a previous prospective study we identified a
      fall in the VEGF-A isoform VEGF-A165b in the plasma of patients in the first
      trimester to be a predictor of later pre-eclampsia. VEGF-A165b has been shown to
      have potent cytoprotective properties in many cell types. We therefore tested the
      hypothesis that VEGF-A165b may be cytoprotective for placental trophoblasts.
      METHODS: We used an immortalised first trimester trophoblast cell line exposed to
      chemical toxicity, and physiological (<2% O2) and atmospheric oxygen (21% O2) in
      the presence or absence of VEGF-A165b, angiogenic VEGF-A165a, a non-specific anti
      VEGF-A blocking antibody (bevacizumab), or a specific anti-VEGF-A165b antibody.
      Cell viability and cytotoxicity were measured by trypan blue and LDH assay
      respectively. RESULTS: Under high (21%) levels of oxygen, trophoblast viability
      was increased, and cytotoxicity reduced by exogenous recombinant VEGF-A165b (p <
      0.05, n = 10) or VEGF-A165a. The cytoprotective effect was not seen under lower
      (<2%) oxygen conditions, where VEGF-A165b was upregulated. However inhibition of
      VEGF-A with blocking antibodies (bevacizumab or anti-VEGF-A165b) had marked
      cytotoxic effects under low oxygen conditions presumably through the blockade of
      autocrine survival pathways. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that when
      trophoblasts are exposed to lower oxygen tensions (as they are early in the 1st
      trimester) endogenous VEGF-A165b contributes to their survival through an
      autocrine pathway. In contrast in high oxygen conditions exogenous VEGF-A
      isoforms have a greater effect on trophoblast survival.

PMID- 25128407
TI  - Quantitation of substitutions at amino acid 70 in hepatitis C virus genotype 1b.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Substitutions of amino acid (aa) 70 in the core region of hepatitis C
      virus genotype 1b (HCV 1b) are a predictor of the non-virological response to
      pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) therapy. The aim of our study
      was to develop quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction (qPCR) assays to quantify wild-type (70 W) and mutant (70 M) strains of
      HCV 1b. METHODS: We used the TaqMan system to quantify strains 70 W and 70 M.
      Codon 70 in the HCV 1b core region can be either CGN or CAN, therefore degenerate
      TaqMan minor groove binder (MGB) probes with inosine were used. We determined
      detection limits, sensitivity and specificity of the methods developed. Direct
      sequencing and cloning of the HCV core region were used to confirm the
      reliability of our new system. Serum samples from 138 Chinese patients infected
      with HCV 1b were examined with the system we developed and compared with results
      obtained from the Roche TaqMan RT-PCR HCV RNA quantitation system. RESULTS:
      Degenerate MGB probes were able to clearly distinguish 70 W from 70 M. The
      detection limit was 103 copies/mL. Cross-reactivity tests confirmed the
      specificity of our method. Our system can effectively quantify 70 W and 70 M for
      99.6% of patients with HCV 1b. Further tests involving cloning and sequencing
      confirmed the reliability of our system. CONCLUSIONS: We developed an assay
      system using degenerate TaqMan MGB probes with inosine to quantify wild-type and
      mutant viral RNAs of the HCV 1b core region at aa 70. Our developed assay system
      had high levels of sensitivity and accuracy, and could prove useful in
      investigating dynamic changes during PEG-IFN/RBV therapy to assess virological
      responses.

PMID- 25128408
TI  - Multidimensional complexities of filariasis control in an era of large-scale mass
      drug administration programmes: a can of worms.
AB  - The impact of control and elimination programmes by mass drug administration
      (MDA) targeting onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) in sub-Saharan
      Africa over the last two decades has resulted in significantly reduced prevalence
      and intensity of infection, with some areas interrupting transmission. However,
      given that these infections are often co-endemic and the drugs (either ivermectin
      alone or combined with albendazole) also impact on soil transmitted helminths
      (STH), the importance of this, in terms of reaching the global goals has not been
      assessed. The additional problem posed by Loa loa, where ivermectin cannot be
      safely administered due to the risk of serious adverse events compounds this
      situation and has left populations drug naive and an alternative strategy to
      eliminate LF is yet to be initiated at scale. Here, we present a series of
      operational research questions, which must be addressed if the effectiveness of
      integrated control of filarial and helminth infections is to be understood for
      the endgame. This is particularly important in the diverse and dynamic
      epidemiological landscape, which has emerged as a result of the long-term large
      scale mass drug administration (or not). There is a need for a more holistic
      approach to address these questions. Different programmes should examine this
      increased complexity, given that MDA has multiple impacts, drugs are given over
      different periods, and programmes have different individual targets. 

PMID- 25128409
TI  - Unconstrained snoring detection using a smartphone during ordinary sleep.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Snoring can be a representative symptom of a sleep disorder, and thus
      snoring detection is quite important to improving the quality of an individual's
      daily life. The purpose of this research is to develop an unconstrained snoring
      detection technique that can be integrated into a smartphone application. In
      contrast with previous studies, we developed a practical technique for snoring
      detection during ordinary sleep by using the built-in sound recording system of a
      smartphone, and the recording was carried out in a standard private bedroom.
      METHOD: The experimental protocol was designed to include a variety of actions
      that frequently produce noise (including coughing, playing music, talking, rining
      an alarm, opening/closing doors, running a fan, playing the radio, and walking)
      in order to accurately recreate the actual circumstances during sleep. The sound
      data were recorded for 10 individuals during actual sleep. In total, 44 snoring
      data sets and 75 noise datasets were acquired. The algorithm uses formant
      analysis to examine sound features according to the frequency and magnitude.
      Then, a quadratic classifier is used to distinguish snoring from non-snoring
      noises. Ten-fold cross validation was used to evaluate the developed snoring
      detection methods, and validation was repeated 100 times randomly to improve
      statistical effectiveness. RESULTS: The overall results showed that the proposed
      method is competitive with those from previous research. The proposed method
      presented 95.07% accuracy, 98.58% sensitivity, 94.62% specificity, and 70.38%
      positive predictivity. CONCLUSION: Though there was a relatively high false
      positive rate, the results show the possibility for ubiquitous personal snoring
      detection through a smartphone application that takes into account data from
      normally occurring noises without training using preexisting data.

PMID- 25128411
TI  - Can a tailored exercise and home hazard reduction program reduce the rate of
      falls in community dwelling older people with cognitive impairment: protocol
      paper for the i-FOCIS randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rate of falls in community dwelling older people with cognitive
      impairment (CI) is twice that of a cognitively intact population, with almost two
      thirds of people with CI falling annually. Studies indicate that exercise
      involving balance and/or a home hazard reduction program are effective in
      preventing falls in cognitively intact older people. However the potential
      benefit of these interventions in reducing falls in people with CI has not been
      established.This randomised controlled trial will determine whether a tailored
      exercise and home hazard reduction program can reduce the rate of falls in
      community dwelling older people with CI. We will determine whether the
      intervention has beneficial effects on a range of physical and psychological
      outcome measures as well as quality of life of participants and their carers. A
      health economic analysis examining the cost and potential benefits of the program
      will also be undertaken. METHODS AND DESIGN: Three hundred and sixty people aged
      65 years or older living in the community with CI will be recruited to
      participate in the trial. Each will have an identifiable carer with a minimum of
      3.5 hours of face to face contact each week.Participants will undergo an
      assessment at baseline with retests at 6 and 12 months. Participants allocated to
      the intervention group will participate in an exercise and home hazard reduction
      program tailored to their cognitive and physical abilities.The primary outcome
      measure will be the rate of falls which will be measured using monthly falls
      calendars. Secondary outcome measures will include the risk of falling, quality
      of life, measures of physical and cognitive function, fear of falling and planned
      and unplanned use of health services. Carers will be followed up to determine
      carer burden, coping strategies and quality of life. DISCUSSION: The study will
      determine the impact of this tailored intervention in reducing the rate of falls
      in community dwelling older people with CI as well as the cost-effectiveness and
      adherence to the program. The results will have direct implications for the
      design and implementation of interventions for this high-risk group of older
      people. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for this study is registered with the
      Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry - ACTRN12614000603617.

PMID- 25128410
TI  - Activated microglia contribute to neuronal apoptosis in Toxoplasmic encephalitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A plethora of evidence shows that activated microglia play a critical
      role in the pathogenesis of the central nervous system (CNS). Toxoplasmic
      encephalitis (TE) frequently occurs in HIV/AIDS patients. However, knowledge
      remains limited on the contributions of activated microglia to the pathogenesis
      of TE. METHODS: A murine model of reactivated encephalitis was generated in a
      latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii induced by cyclophosphamide. The neuronal
      apoptosis in the CNS and the profile of pro-inflammatory cytokines were assayed
      in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS: Microglial cells were found to
      be activated in the cortex and hippocampus in the brain tissues of mice. The in
      vivo expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)
      were up-regulated in TE mice, and accordingly, the neuronal apoptosis was
      significantly increased. The results were positively correlated with those of the
      in vitro experiments. Additionally,apoptosis of the mouse neuroblastoma type
      Neuro2a (N2a) remarkably increased when the N2a was co-cultured in transwell with
      microglial cells and Toxoplasma tachyzoites. Both in vivo and in vitro
      experiments showed that minocycline (a microglia inhibitor) treatment notably
      reduced microglial activation and neuronal apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Activated
      microglia contribute to neuronal apoptosis in TE and inhibition of microglia
      activation might represent a novel therapeutic strategy of TE.

PMID- 25128412
TI  - Barriers to sight impairment certification in the UK: the example of a population
      with diabetes in East London.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed the barriers to sight impairment certification in
      the East London Borough of Tower Hamlets amongst patients attending the Diabetic
      Retinopathy Screening Service (DRSS). METHODS: All patients who attended DRSS
      between 1stApril 2009 and 31st of March 2010 and whose recorded best corrected
      visual acuity (BCVA) at DRSS fulfilled the requirements for sight impairment in
      the UK were included. An additional 24 patients whose general practitioners (GPs)
      reported them to be certified blind due to no perception of light (NPL) vision
      were re-examined to ascertain the reason for certification, and their potential
      social and visual aids needs. RESULTS: 78 patients were identified with
      certifiable vision and were reviewed: 10 deceased in the preceding 12 months; 60
      were not known to be certified. Of these, 57 attended further assessment, 27 were
      found to have non-certifiable vision, 9 were referred for further interventions,
      9 were certified and 9 were found to be eligible, but declined certification.
      Five patients were registered due to diabetic eye disease.Of those 24 reported by
      the GP of NPL vision, only 4 had true NPL, the rest had usable vision. Only two
      of them were certified blind due to diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data shows that
      sight certification in patients with diabetes might be underestimated and these
      patients often have non-diabetes related visual loss. We propose that data on
      certifiable visual impairment could serve, along with existing certification
      databases, as a resource for quality of care standards assessment and service
      provision for patients with diabetes.

PMID- 25128413
TI  - Change in abortion services after implementation of a restrictive law in Texas.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In 2013, Texas passed omnibus legislation restricting abortion
      services. Provisions restricting medical abortion, banning most procedures after
      20 weeks and requiring physicians to have hospital-admitting privileges were
      enforced in November 2013; by September 2014, abortion facilities must meet the
      requirements of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). We aimed to rapidly assess
      the change in abortion services after the first three provisions went into
      effect. STUDY DESIGN: We requested information from all licensed Texas abortion
      facilities on abortions performed between November 2012 and April 2014, including
      the abortion method and gestational age (< 12 weeks vs. >= 12 weeks). RESULTS: In
      May 2013, there were 41 facilities providing abortion in Texas; this decreased to
      22 in November 2013. Both clinics closed in the Rio Grande Valley, and all but
      one closed in West Texas. Comparing November 2012-April 2013 to November 2013
      April 2014, there was a 13% decrease in the abortion rate (from 12.9 to 11.2
      abortions/1000 women age 15-44). Medical abortion decreased by 70%, from 28.1% of
      all abortions in the earlier period to 9.7% after November 2013 (p<0.001). Second
      trimester abortion increased from 13.5% to 13.9% of all abortions (p<0.001). Only
      22% of abortions were performed in the state's six ASCs. CONCLUSIONS: The closure
      of clinics and restrictions on medical abortion in Texas appear to be associated
      with a decline in the in-state abortion rate and a marked decrease in the number
      of medical abortions. IMPLICATIONS: Supply-side restrictions on abortion -
      especially restrictions on medical abortion - can have a profound impact on
      access to services. Access to abortion care will become even further restricted
      in Texas when the ASC requirement goes into effect in 2014.

PMID- 25128414
TI  - Management of the open abdomen using vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh
      mediated fascial traction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The open abdomen has become an accepted treatment option of
      critically ill patients with severe intra-abdominal conditions. Fascial closure
      is a particular challenge in patients with peritonitis. This study investigates
      whether fascial closure rates can be increased in peritonitis patients by using
      an algorithm that combines vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated
      fascial traction. Moreover, fascial closure rates for patients with peritonitis,
      trauma or abdominal compartment system (ACS) are compared. METHODS: Data were
      collected prospectively from all patients who underwent open abdomen management
      at our institution from 2006 to 2012. All patients were treated under a
      standardised algorithm that combines vacuum-assisted closure and mesh placement
      at the fascial level. RESULTS: During the study period, 53 patients (mean age 53
      years) underwent open abdomen management for a mean duration of 15 days.
      Indications for leaving the abdomen open were peritonitis (51 %), trauma (26 %),
      and ACS or abdominal wall dehiscence (23 %). The fascial closure rate was 79 % in
      an intention-to-treat analysis and 89 % in a per-protocol analysis. Mortality was
      13 %. No patient developed an enteroatmospheric fistula or abdominal wall
      dehiscence after closure. The mean duration of treatment was significantly longer
      in peritonitis patients (20 days) than in patients without peritonitis (10 days)
      (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in fascial closure rates
      between patients with peritonitis (87 %), trauma (85 %), and ACS or abdominal
      wall dehiscence (100 %) (p = 0.647). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the underlying
      pathology, high fascial closure rates can be achieved using a combination of
      vacuum-assisted closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction.

PMID- 25128415
TI  - Heteronormativity and sexual partnering among bisexual Latino men.
AB  - Our analyses address the question of how bisexual Latino men organize their
      sexual partnerships. Heteronormativity can be understood as the set of social
      norms and normative structures that guide sexual partnering among men and women.
      We provide descriptive statistics to describe bisexual Latino men's sexual
      partnerships. Logistic and linear regression modeling were used to explore
      bivariate and multivariate relationships. Of our total sample (N = 142), 41.6 %
      had unprotected vaginal intercourse 2 months prior to the interview; 21.8 % had
      unprotected anal intercourse with female partners; 37.5 % had unprotected
      insertive anal intercourse with male partners; and 22.5 % had unprotected
      receptive anal intercourse with male partners. In our multivariate model,
      machismo was directly associated with meeting female partners through formal
      spaces (workplace, school, and/or church), but inversely associated with meeting
      male partners in formal spaces. Machismo was positively associated with meeting
      male sex partners through social networks (i.e., friendship and kinship
      networks). The more comfortable men were with homosexuality the less likely they
      were to meet men online and the more likely they were to meet men through social
      networks of friends and kinship. Interventions to reduce sexually transmitted
      diseases that target bisexual behavior as an epidemiological "bridge" of
      transmission from homosexual to heterosexual networks might very well benefit
      from a more complex understanding of how Latino bisexuality is patterned. Thus,
      this exploratory analysis might lead to a rethinking of how to address risk and
      vulnerability among Latino bisexual men and their sexual networks.

PMID- 25128417
TI  - Mutations in the 3c and 7b genes of feline coronavirus in spontaneously affected
      FIP cats.
AB  - Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most frequent lethal infectious
      disease in cats. However, understanding of FIP pathogenesis is still incomplete.
      Mutations in the ORF 3c/ORF 7b genes are proposed to play a role in the
      occurrence of the fatal FIPV biotype. Here, we investigated 282 tissue specimens
      from 28 cats that succumbed to FIP. Within one cat, viral sequences from
      different organs were similar or identical, whereas greater discrepancies were
      found comparing sequences from various cats. Eleven of the cats exhibited
      deletions in the 3c gene, resulting in truncated amino acid sequences. The 7b
      gene was affected by deletions only in one cat. In three of the FIP cats,
      coronavirus isolates with both intact 3c genes as well as 7b genes of full length
      could also be detected. Thus, deletions or stop codons in the 3c sequence seem to
      be a frequent but not compelling feature of FIPVs. 

PMID- 25128416
TI  - Effect of human leukocyte antigen-C and -DQ matching on pediatric heart
      transplant graft survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A higher degree of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching at the A,
      B, and DR loci has been associated with improved long-term survival after
      pediatric heart transplantation in multiple International Society for Heart and
      Lung Transplantation registry reports. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the association of HLA matching at the C and DQ loci with pediatric graft
      survival. METHODS: The United Network of Organ Sharing database was queried for
      isolated heart transplants that occurred from 1988 to 2012 with a recipient age
      of 17 or younger and at least 1 postoperative follow-up encounter. When HLA
      matching at the C or DQ loci were analyzed, only transplants with complete typing
      of donor and recipient at the respective loci were included. Transplants were
      divided into patients with at least 1 match at the C locus (C-match) vs no match
      (C-no), and at least 1 match at the DQ (DQ-match) locus vs no match (DQ-no).
      Primary outcome was graft loss. Univariate analysis was performed with the log
      rank test. Cox regression analysis was performed with the following patient
      factors included in the model: recipient age, ischemic time; recipient on
      ventilator, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ventricular assist device, or
      inotropes at transplant; recipient serum bilirubin and creatinine closest to
      transplant, ratio of donor weight to recipient weight, underlying cardiac
      diagnosis, crossmatch results, transplant year, and HLA matching at the A, B, and
      DR loci. RESULTS: Complete typing at the C locus occurred in 2,429 of 4,731
      transplants (51%), and complete typing at the DQ locus occurred in 3,498 of 4,731
      transplants (74%). Patient factors were similar in C-match and C-no, except for
      year of transplant (median year, 2007 [interquartile range, 1997-2010] vs year
      2005 [interquartile range, 1996-2009], respectively; p = 0.03) and the degree of
      HLA matching at the A, B, and DR loci (high level of HLA matching in 11.9% vs 3%,
      respectively; p < 0.01). Matching at the C locus was not associated with a
      decreased risk of graft loss (median graft survival: 13.1 years [95% confidence
      interval {CI}, 11.5-14.8] in C-no vs 15.1 years [95% CI, 13.5-16.6) in C-match, p
      = 0.44 log-rank; hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.76-1.15; p = 0.52). DQ-match did
      not differ from DQ-no in any of the analyzed patient factors, except DQ-match was
      more likely to have high degree of matching at the A, B, and DR loci vs DQ-no
      (9.8% vs 3.2%, p < 0.01). Matching at the DQ locus was not associated with
      decreased risk of graft loss (median graft survival: DQ-no, 13.1 years [95% CI,
      11.7-14.6) vs DQ-match, 13.0 years [95% CI, 11.4-14.6], p = 0.80, log-rank;
      hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.81-1.1; p = 0.51. CONCLUSIONS: Complete typing at
      the C locus of both donor and recipient occurs less often then typing at the DQ
      locus. A higher degree of donor-recipient HLA matching at the C locus or the DQ
      locus appears not to confer any graft survival advantage.

PMID- 25128418
TI  - Involvement of glucagon-like peptide 1 in the glucose homeostasis regulation in
      obese and pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism affected dogs.
AB  - The incretin glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) enhances insulin secretion. The aim
      of this study was to assess GLP-1, glucose and insulin concentrations,
      Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA insulin sensitivity and HOMA beta-cell
      function) in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH), and
      compare these values with those in normal and obese dogs. The Oral Glucose
      Tolerance Test was performed and the glucose, GLP-1 and insulin concentrations
      were evaluated at baseline, and after 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes. Both basal
      concentration and those corresponding to the subsequent times, for glucose, GLP-1
      and insulin, were statistically elevated in PDH dogs compared to the other
      groups. Insulin followed a similar behaviour together with variations of GLP-1.
      HOMA insulin sensitivity was statistically decreased and HOMA beta-cell function
      increased in dogs with PDH. The higher concentrations of GLP-1 in PDH could play
      an important role in the impairment of pancreatic beta-cells thus predisposing to
      diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 25128419
TI  - Increase of multidrug efflux pump expression in fluoroquinolone-resistant
      Salmonella mutants induced by ciprofloxacin selective pressure.
AB  - Multidrug-resistant foodborne pathogens are a leading public health concern, as
      antimicrobial resistance can lead to therapeutic failure. In this study, a
      ciprofloxacin-susceptible Salmonella Istanbul (Sal10-FC-KU12) was isolated from
      chicken meat obtained from a market in Korea to induce ciprofloxacin-resistant
      mutants (SalML, SalMM, and SalMH). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 12
      antibiotics were measured in the presence or absence of an efflux pump inhibitor.
      Expression levels of efflux pump-related genes (acrB, acrF, marA, ramA, rob, and
      soxS) were determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction (qRT-PCR). Elevated MICs for the derived mutants were shown to result
      from the action of the efflux pump, with increased expression of marA, ramA, and
      acrB compared with the wild-type strain. The results of this study suggest that
      continued use of ciprofloxacin might induce the emergence of Salmonella mutants
      resistant not only to fluoroquinolones, but also to several other classes of
      antimicrobials. 

PMID- 25128420
TI  - Darpp-32 and t-Darpp are differentially expressed in normal and malignant mouse
      mammary tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Darpp-32 and t-Darpp are expressed in several forms of breast cancer.
      Both are transcribed from the gene PPP1R1B via alternative promoters. In humans,
      Darpp-32 is expressed in both normal and malignant breast tissue, whereas t-Darpp
      has only been found in malignant breast tissue. The exact biological functions of
      these proteins in the breast are not known. Although Darpp-32 is a well known
      regulator of neurotransmission, its role in other tissues and in cancer is less
      well understood. t-Darpp is known to increase cellular growth, inhibit apoptosis
      and contribute to acquired drug resistance. The use of transgenic mouse mammary
      tumor models to study Darpp-32 and t-Darpp in breast cancer in vivo has been
      limited by a lack of knowledge regarding t-Darpp expression in mice, in both
      normal and malignant tissue. METHODS: We used RT-PCR and Western analysis to
      investigate Darpp-32 and t-Darpp levels in normal and malignant mouse mammary
      tissue. To determine if Darpp-32 and t-Darpp play a direct role in mammary tumor
      development, Ppp1r1b gene knockout mice and wild-type mice were crossed with a
      mouse mammary tumor model. Tumor growth and metastasis were examined. Differences
      between groups were determined by the two-tailed Student's t-test. RESULTS: We
      found that Darpp-32 was expressed in normal mouse mammary tissue and in some
      breast tumors, whereas t-Darpp was found exclusively in tumors, with t-Darpp
      usually expressed at equal or higher levels than Darpp-32. Ppp1r1b knockout in
      MMTV-PyMT transgenic tumor mice resulted in a decrease in tumor growth.
      CONCLUSIONS: The shift in expression from Darpp-32 to t-Darpp during mouse
      mammary tumorigenesis is reminiscent of the expression patterns observed in
      humans and is consistent with a role for t-Darpp in promoting cell growth and
      Darpp-32 in inhibiting cell growth. Decreased tumor growth in Ppp1r1b knockout
      mice also suggests that t-Darpp plays a direct role, predominant to Darpp-32, in
      mammary tumor development. These results indicate that transgenic mouse mammary
      tumor models might be valuable tools for future investigation of Darpp-32 and t
      Darpp in breast cancer.

PMID- 25128421
TI  - Danish emergency nurses' attitudes towards self-harm - a cross-sectional study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to examine Danish emergency nurses' attitudes
      toward people hospitalized after an acetaminophen poisoning. Furthermore, the
      study examined the relationship between attitudes and factors such as age,
      gender, and education on self-harm. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was
      applied. Nurses from seven emergency departments (EDs) in a region in Denmark
      were asked to complete the Danish version of Attitudes towards Deliberate Self
      Harm Questionnaire (ADSHQ). RESULTS: Of the 254 eligible nurses working in the
      ED, 122 returned the questionnaires, leaving the response rate at 48%. Results
      show that the emergency nurses generally held positive attitudes toward patients
      with acetaminophen poisoning. Nurses with longer ED experience held more positive
      attitudes, and women scored significantly higher than men on the whole scale.
      Only 19% of the respondents had received education on self-harm, and this
      education seems to produce more positive attitudes and a greater self-efficacy in
      relation to managing the patient group. CONCLUSION: Nurses working in the ED
      generally hold positive attitudes toward patients with acetaminophen poisoning.
      It is suggested that education on self-harm is a worthwhile endeavor with the
      potential to strengthen and improve attitudes, for the benefit of both the nurses
      and the patients.

PMID- 25128422
TI  - Coptis chinensis alkaloids exert anti-adipogenic activity on 3T3-L1 adipocytes by
      downregulating C/EBP-alpha and PPAR-gamma.
AB  - Obesity is a complex, multifactorial, and chronic disease that increases the risk
      for type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and hypertension, and has become a
      major worldwide health problem. Developing novel anti-obesity drugs from natural
      products is a promising solution to the global health problem of obesity. While
      screening anti-obesity potentials of natural products, the methanol extract of
      the rhizome of Coptis chinensis (Coptidis Rhizoma) was found to significantly
      inhibit adipocyte differentiation and lipid contents in 3T3-L1 cells, as assessed
      by Oil-Red O staining. Five known alkaloids, berberine, epiberberine, coptisine,
      palmatine, and magnoflorine, were isolated from the n-BuOH fraction of the
      methanol extract of Coptidis Rhizoma. We determined the chemical structure of
      these alkaloids through comparisons of published nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
      spectral data. Furthermore, we screened these alkaloids for their ability to
      inhibit adipogenesis over a range of concentrations (12.5-50 MUM). All five
      Coptidis Rhizoma alkaloids significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1
      cells without affecting cell viability in a concentration dependent manner. In
      addition, the five alkaloids significantly reduced the expression levels of
      several adipocyte marker genes including proliferator activated receptor-gamma
      (PPAR-gamma) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha (C/EBP-alpha). In the
      present study, we found that the isolated alkaloids inhibited adipogenesis in a
      dose-dependent manner in 3T3-L1 cells; this inhibition was attributed to their
      abilities to downregulate the protein levels of the adipocyte marker proteins
      PPAR-gamma and C/EBP-alpha. Thus, these results suggest that Coptidis Rhizoma
      extract and its isolated alkaloids may be of therapeutic interest with respect to
      the treatment of obesity.

PMID- 25128423
TI  - Cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory ent-kaurane diterpenoids from Isodon
      wikstroemioides.
AB  - Seven new ent-kaurane diterpenoids, isowikstroemins A-G (1-7), were isolated from
      EtOAc extracts of the aerial parts of Isodon wikstroemioides. Their structures
      were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. The isolates were evaluated
      for their cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines, and compounds 1-4
      exhibited significant activity with IC50 values ranging from 0.9 to 7.0 MUM. In
      addition, compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 exhibited inhibitory activity against
      nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages.

PMID- 25128424
TI  - The cytotoxic activities of cardiac glycosides from Streptocaulon juventas and
      the structure-activity relationships.
AB  - A series of cardiac glycosides were isolated and identified from the anti-tumor
      fraction of the root of Streptocaulon juventas in previous studies. In the
      present research, the cytotoxic activities of the 43 cardiac glycosides on three
      cell lines, human lung A549 adenocarcinoma cell, large cell lung cancer NCI-H460
      cell and normal human fetal lung fibroblast MRC-5 cell, were evaluated in vitro.
      Most of the tested compounds showed potent inhibitory activities toward the three
      cell lines. Then, the structure-activity relationships were discussed in detail.
      It was indicated that hydroxyl and acetyl groups at C-16 increased the activity,
      whereas hydroxyl group at C-1 and C-5 can both increase and decrease the
      activity. Two glucosyl groups which were connected by C1'->C6' showed better
      inhibitory activity against cancer cell lines, while the C1'->C4' connection
      showed stronger inhibitory activity against the normal cell line. Also, this is
      the first report that the activities of these compounds exhibited different
      variation trends between A549 and NCI-H460 cell lines, which indicated that these
      compounds could selectively inhibit the cell growth. The results would lay a
      foundation for further research on new anti-tumor drug development.

PMID- 25128425
TI  - The therapeutic effects of EGCG on vitiligo.
AB  - Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the main chemical constituents of
      green tea, which has been used as an important traditional Chinese medicine.
      Green tea has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.
      However, the effects of EGCG on vitiligo are not known. We assessed the role of
      EGCG in vitiligo induced by monobenzone in mice. We demonstrated that EGCG:
      delayed the time of depigmentation; reduced the prevalence of depigmentation; and
      decreased the area of depigmentation. Examination of depigmented skin treated
      with EGCG by reflectance confocal microscopy suggested increased numbers of
      epidermal melanocytes and histologic examination showed decreased perilesional
      accumulation of CD8(+) T cells. To further investigate the mechanism of the anti
      inflammatory effects of EGCG, levels of inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha, interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-6 were tested by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum cytokine levels were significantly
      decreased after administration of EGCG compared with the model group. These
      results suggested that EGCG may have protective effects against vitiligo, and
      that it could contribute to suppression of activation of CD8(+) T cells and
      inflammatory mediators. Based on these results, 5% EGCG was considered to be the
      most suitable concentration for treating vitiligo, and was used for further
      study. In addition, we investigated the gene-expression profile of this model in
      relation to EGCG. Using a 4*44K whole genome oligo microarray assay, 1264 down
      regulated genes and 1332 up-regulated genes were recorded in the 5% EGCG group
      compared with the model group, and selected genes were validated by real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. Our study demonstrated that EGCG administration was
      significantly associated with a decreased risk of vitiligo. EGCG could be a new
      preventive agent against vitiligo in the clinical setting. 

PMID- 25128426
TI  - Chemical constituents of Morus alba L. and their inhibitory effect on 3T3-L1
      preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation.
AB  - Mulberry leaf, an important traditional Chinese medicine, possesses many
      biological activities, including effects of anti-obesity. However, which
      constituents of mulberry leaf are responsible for its anti-adipogenic action is
      unclear. This study primarily investigated the chemical constituents from
      mulberry leaf and their bioactivity on the proliferation and differentiation of
      3T3-L1 preadipocytes. A new flavane derivative, (2S)-4'-hydroxy-7-methoxy-8
      prenylflavan (1), together with twelve known compounds including three flavanes
      (2-4), three chalcones (5-7), two flavones (8-9), two benzofurans (10-11) and two
      coumarin (12-13) was isolated from mulberry leaf. The structure of the new
      compound was elucidated by various spectroscopic methods including UV, HR-ESI-MS,
      (1)H and (13)C NMR and CD. The results of activity screening showed that compound
      2, 6 and 7 inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1
      preadipocytes.

PMID- 25128427
TI  - Penialidins A-C with strong antibacterial activities from Penicillium sp., an
      endophytic fungus harboring leaves of Garcinia nobilis.
AB  - Three new polyketides named penialidins A-C (1-3), along with one known compound,
      citromycetin (4), were isolated from an endophytic fungus, Penicillium sp.,
      harbored in the leaves of the Cameroonian medicinal plant Garcinia nobilis. Their
      structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic and spectrometric methods
      (NMR and HRMS(n)). The antibacterial efficacies of the new compounds (1-3) were
      tested against the clinically-important risk group 2 (RG2) bacterial strains of
      Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The ecologically imposing strains of
      E. coli (RG1), Bacillus subtilis and Acinetobacter sp. BD4 were also included in
      the assay. Compound 3 exhibited pronounced activity against the clinically
      relevant S. aureus as well as against B. subtilis comparable to that of the
      reference standard (streptomycin). Compound 2 was also highly-active against S.
      aureus. By comparing the structures of the three new compounds (1-3), it was
      revealed that altering the substitutions at C-10 and C-2 can significantly
      increase the antibacterial activity of 1. 

PMID- 25128428
TI  - Sesterterpenoids and other constituents from Salvia lachnocalyx Hedge.
AB  - Three new sesterterpene lactones, lachnocalyxolide A-C [1, 2, and 3 (as epimeric
      pair)] together with nine known compounds, including two sesterterpenoids, three
      flavonoids, two steroidal compounds, one nor diterpenoid and one triterpenoid,
      were isolated from the acetone extract of the aerial parts of Salvia lachnocalyx
      Hedge. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic
      data, including 1D and 2D NMR spectra, as well as HR-ESI-MS. Compounds 1, 2, 4
      and 5 were also tested for their inhibitory activity toward MCF-7 and HeLa cell
      lines.

PMID- 25128429
TI  - Association between parental guilt and oral health problems in preschool
      children: a hierarchical approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dental caries and traumatic dental injury (TDI) can play an important
      role in the emergence of parental guilt, since parents feel responsible for their
      child's health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of
      oral health problems among preschool children on parental guilt. METHODS: A
      preschool-based, cross-sectional study was carried out with 832 preschool
      children between three and five years of age in the city of Campina Grande,
      Brazil. Parents/caregivers answered the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood
      Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS). The item "parental guilt" was the dependent
      variable. Questionnaires addressing socio-demographic variables (child's sex,
      child's age, parent's/caregiver's age, mother's schooling, type of preschool and
      household income), history of toothache and health perceptions (general and oral)
      were also administered. Clinical exams for dental caries and TDI were performed
      by three dentists who had undergone a training and calibration exercise (Kappa:
      0.85-0.90). Poisson hierarchical regression was used to determine the
      significance of associations between parental guilt and oral health problems
      (alpha = 5%). The multivariate model was carried out on three levels using a
      hierarchical approach from distal to proximal determinants: 1) socio-demographic
      aspects; 2) health perceptions; and 3) oral health problems. RESULTS: The
      frequency of parental guilt was 22.8%. The following variables were significantly
      associated with parental guilt: parental perception of child's oral health as
      poor (PR = 2.010; 95% CI: 1.502-2.688), history of toothache (PR = 2.344; 95% CI:
      1.755-3.130), cavitated lesions (PR = 2.002; 95% CI: 1.388-2.887),
      avulsion/luxation (PR = 2.029; 95% CI: 1.141-3.610) and tooth discoloration (PR =
      1.540; 95% CI: 1.169-2.028). CONCLUSION: Based on the present findings, parental
      guilt increases with the occurrence of oral health problems that require
      treatment, such as dental caries and TDI of greater severity. Parental
      perceptions of poor oral health in their children and history of toothache were
      predictors of greater feelings of parental guilt.

PMID- 25128430
TI  - Absence of an association between anti-Ro antibodies and prolonged QTc interval
      in systemic sclerosis: a multicenter study of 689 patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between anti-Ro antibodies, namely anti
      Ro60/SS-A and anti-Ro52/TRIM21, together and separately, and a prolonged QT
      interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.
      METHODS: A total of 689 SSc patients enrolled in a multicenter cohort study
      underwent a 12-lead resting EKG at baseline. The QTc interval was measured, and a
      QTc >= 440ms was considered prolonged. Detailed clinical data and sera of these
      patients were collected and positivity for anti-Ro60/SS-A and anti-Ro52/TRIM21
      antibodies was determined using an addressable laser bead immunoassay (ALBIA).
      RESULTS: QTc prolongation was common in this SSc cohort (25%). In a univariate
      analysis, Ro antibodies, together or separately, were not associated with
      prolongation of the QTc interval [mean difference in QTc in anti-Ro antibody
      positive versus negative subjects was -2.2ms (p = 0.5748), in anti-Ro60/SS-A
      antibody positive versus negative subjects was 1.3ms (p = 0.8616), and in anti
      Ro52/TRIM21 antibody positive versus negative subjects was -3.3ms (p = 0.4106)].
      In a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for possible
      confounders, there was no association between prolonged QTc and anti-Ro
      antibodies [odds ratio (OR) = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45, 1.22],
      anti-Ro60/SS-A antibodies (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 0.72, 3.41), and anti-Ro52/TRIM21
      antibodies (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.46, 1.26). However, in both univariate and
      multivariate analyses, QTc prolongation was associated with longer disease
      duration, greater disease severity, and the presence of anti-RNA polymerase III
      antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: QTc prolongation is common in SSc, although anti-Ro
      antibodies do not seem to be associated with it as is the case in systemic lupus
      erythematosus. The reasons for this difference as well as the cause of
      abnormalities in cardiac repolarization in SSc will require additional studies.

PMID- 25128431
TI  - Dissociating the influence of response selection and task anticipation on
      corticospinal suppression during response preparation.
AB  - Motor behavior requires selecting between potential actions. The role of
      inhibition in response selection has frequently been examined in tasks in which
      participants are engaged in some advance preparation prior to the presentation of
      an imperative signal. Under such conditions, inhibition could be related to
      processes associated with response selection, or to more general inhibitory
      processes that are engaged in high states of anticipation. In Experiment 1, we
      manipulated the degree of anticipatory preparation. Participants performed a
      choice reaction time task that required choosing between a movement of the left
      or right index finger, and used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to elicit
      motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the left hand agonist. In high anticipation
      blocks, a non-informative cue (e.g., fixation marker) preceded the imperative; in
      low anticipation blocks, there was no cue and participants were required to
      divide their attention between two tasks to further reduce anticipation. MEPs
      were substantially reduced before the imperative signal in high anticipation
      blocks. In contrast, in low anticipation blocks, MEPs remained unchanged before
      the imperative signal but showed a marked suppression right after the onset of
      the imperative. This effect occurred regardless of whether the imperative had
      signalled a left or right hand response. After this initial inhibition, left MEPs
      increased when the left hand was selected and remained suppressed when the right
      hand was selected. We obtained similar results in Experiment 2 except that the
      persistent left MEP suppression when the left hand was not selected was
      attenuated when the alternative response involved a non-homologous effector
      (right foot). These results indicate that, even in the absence of an anticipatory
      period, inhibitory mechanisms are engaged during response selection, possibly to
      prevent the occurrence of premature and inappropriate responses during a
      competitive selection process. 

PMID- 25128434
TI  - Pilot randomized evaluation of publically available concussion education
      materials: evidence of a possible negative effect.
AB  - Many states and sports leagues are instituting concussion policies aimed at
      reducing risk of morbidity and mortality; many include mandates about the
      provision of concussion education to youth athletes. However, there is limited
      evidence if educational materials provided under these typically vague mandates
      are in fact effective in changing concussion risk-related behavior or any
      cognition predictive of risk-related behavior. The purpose of this pilot
      randomized controlled study was to conduct a theory-driven evaluation of three
      publically available concussion education materials: two videos and one
      informational handout. Participants were 256 late adolescent males from 12 teams
      in a single league of ice hockey competition in the United States. Randomization
      of educational condition occurred at the team level. Written surveys assessing
      postimpact symptom reporting behavior, concussion knowledge, and concussion
      reporting cognitions were completed by participants immediately before receiving
      their educational intervention, 1 day after, and 1 month after. Results indicated
      no change in any measure over any time interval, with the exception of perceived
      underreporting norms. In one of the video conditions, perceived underreporting
      norms increased significantly 1 day after viewing the video. Possible content and
      viewing environment-related reasons for this increase are discussed. Across all
      conditions, perceived underreporting norms increased 1 month after intervention
      receipt, raising the possibility that late in the competitive season
      underreporting may be perceived as normative. The need for the development of
      theory-driven concussion education materials, drawing on best practices from
      health behavior scholars, is discussed. 

PMID- 25128433
TI  - Genetic and molecular identification of three human TPP1 functions in telomerase
      action: recruitment, activation, and homeostasis set point regulation.
AB  - Telomere length homeostasis is essential for the long-term survival of stem
      cells, and its set point determines the proliferative capacity of differentiated
      cell lineages by restricting the reservoir of telomeric repeats. Knockdown and
      overexpression studies in human tumor cells showed that the shelterin subunit
      TPP1 recruits telomerase to telomeres through a region termed the TEL patch.
      However, these studies do not resolve whether the TPP1 TEL patch is the only
      mechanism for telomerase recruitment and whether telomerase regulation studied in
      tumor cells is representative of nontransformed cells such as stem cells. Using
      genome engineering of human embryonic stem cells, which have physiological
      telomere length homeostasis, we establish that the TPP1 TEL patch is genetically
      essential for telomere elongation and thus long-term cell viability. Furthermore,
      genetic bypass, protein fusion, and intragenic complementation assays define two
      distinct additional mechanisms of TPP1 involvement in telomerase action at
      telomeres. We demonstrate that TPP1 provides an essential step of telomerase
      activation as well as feedback regulation of telomerase by telomere length, which
      is necessary to determine the appropriate telomere length set point in human
      embryonic stem cells. These studies reveal and resolve multiple TPP1 roles in
      telomere elongation and stem cell telomere length homeostasis. 

PMID- 25128435
TI  - Resolution of genetic map expansion caused by excess heterozygosity in plant
      recombinant inbred populations.
AB  - Recombinant inbred populations of many plant species exhibit more heterozygosity
      than expected under the Mendelian model of segregation. This segregation
      distortion causes the overestimation of recombination frequencies and consequent
      genetic map expansion. Here we build upon existing genetic models of differential
      zygotic viability to model a heterozygote fitness term and calculate expected
      genotypic proportions in recombinant inbred populations propagated by selfing. We
      implement this model using the existing open-source genetic map construction code
      base for R/qtl to estimate recombination fractions. Finally, we show that
      accounting for excess heterozygosity in a sorghum recombinant inbred mapping
      population shrinks the genetic map by 213 cM (a 13% decrease corresponding to
      4.26 fewer recombinations per meiosis). More accurate estimates of linkage
      benefit linkage-based analyses used in the identification and utilization of
      causal genetic variation. 

PMID- 25128436
TI  - QTug.sau-3B is a major quantitative trait locus for wheat hexaploidization.
AB  - Meiotic nonreduction resulting in unreduced gametes is thought to be the
      predominant mechanism underlying allopolyploid formation in plants. Until now,
      however, its genetic base was largely unknown. The allohexaploid crop common
      wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), which originated from hybrids of T. turgidum L.
      with Aegilops tauschii Cosson, provides a model to address this issue. Our
      observations of meiosis in pollen mother cells from T. turgidum*Ae. tauschii
      hybrids indicated that first division restitution, which exhibited prolonged cell
      division during meiosis I, was responsible for unreduced gamete formation. A
      major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for this trait, named QTug.sau-3B, was
      detected on chromosome 3B in two T. turgidum*Ae. tauschii haploid populations.
      This QTL is situated between markers Xgwm285 and Xcfp1012 and covered a genetic
      distance of 1 cM in one population. QTug.sau-3B is a haploid-dependent QTL
      because it was not detected in doubled haploid populations. Comparative genome
      analysis indicated that this QTL was close to Ttam-3B, a collinear homolog of tam
      in wheat. Although the relationship between QTug.sau-3B and Ttam requires further
      study, high frequencies of unreduced gametes may be related to reduced expression
      of Ttam in wheat. 

PMID- 25128437
TI  - Performance of the Cas9 nickase system in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Recent studies of the Cas9/sgRNA system in Drosophila melanogaster genome editing
      have opened new opportunities to generate site-specific mutant collections in a
      high-throughput manner. However, off-target effects of the system are still a
      major concern when analyzing mutant phenotypes. Mutations converting Cas9 to a
      DNA nickase have great potential for reducing off-target effects in vitro. Here,
      we demonstrated that injection of two plasmids encoding neighboring offset sgRNAs
      into transgenic Cas9(D10A) nickase flies efficiently produces heritable indel
      mutants. We then determined the effective distance between the two sgRNA targets
      and their orientations that affected the ability of the sgRNA pairs to generate
      mutations when expressed in the transgenic nickase flies. Interestingly, Cas9
      nickase greatly reduces the ability to generate mutants with one sgRNA,
      suggesting that the application of Cas9 nickase and sgRNA pairs can almost avoid
      off-target effects when generating indel mutants. Finally, a defined piwi mutant
      allele is generated with this system through homology-directed repair. However,
      Cas9(D10A) is not as effective as Cas9 in replacing the entire coding sequence of
      piwi with two sgRNAs. 

PMID- 25128432
TI  - The construct of the multisensory temporal binding window and its dysregulation
      in developmental disabilities.
AB  - Behavior, perception and cognition are strongly shaped by the synthesis of
      information across the different sensory modalities. Such multisensory
      integration often results in performance and perceptual benefits that reflect the
      additional information conferred by having cues from multiple senses providing
      redundant or complementary information. The spatial and temporal relationships of
      these cues provide powerful statistical information about how these cues should
      be integrated or "bound" in order to create a unified perceptual representation.
      Much recent work has examined the temporal factors that are integral in
      multisensory processing, with many focused on the construct of the multisensory
      temporal binding window - the epoch of time within which stimuli from different
      modalities is likely to be integrated and perceptually bound. Emerging evidence
      suggests that this temporal window is altered in a series of neurodevelopmental
      disorders, including autism, dyslexia and schizophrenia. In addition to their
      role in sensory processing, these deficits in multisensory temporal function may
      play an important role in the perceptual and cognitive weaknesses that
      characterize these clinical disorders. Within this context, focus on improving
      the acuity of multisensory temporal function may have important implications for
      the amelioration of the "higher-order" deficits that serve as the defining
      features of these disorders.

PMID- 25128439
TI  - Uncovering zoonoses awareness in an emerging disease 'hotspot'.
AB  - Emerging infectious diseases from animals pose significant and increasing threats
      to human health; places of risk are simultaneously viewed as conservation and
      emerging disease 'hotspots'. The One World/One Health paradigm is an 'assemblage'
      discipline. Extensive research from the natural and social sciences, as well as
      public health have contributed to designing surveillance and response policy
      within the One World/One Health framework. However, little research has been
      undertaken that considers the lives of those who experience risk in hotspots on a
      daily basis. As a result, policymakers and practitioners are unable to fully
      comprehend the social and ecological processes that catalyze cross-species
      pathogen exchange. This study examined local populations' comprehension of
      zoonotic disease. From October 2008-May 2009 we collected data from people living
      on the periphery of Kibale National Park, in western Uganda. We administered a
      survey to 72 individuals and conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with
      14 individuals. Results from the survey showed respondents had statistically
      significant awareness that transmission of diseases from animals was possible
      compared to those who did not think such transmission was possible (x(2) = 30.68,
      df = 1, p < 0.05). However, individual characteristics such as gender,
      occupation, location, and age were not significantly predictive of awareness.
      Both quantitative and qualitative data show local people are aware of zoonoses
      and provided biomedically accurate examples of possible infections and
      corresponding animal sources (e.g., worm infection from pigs and Ebola from
      primates). Qualitative data also revealed expectations about the role of the
      State in managing the prevention of zoonoses from wildlife. As a result of this
      research, we recommend meaningful discourse with people living at the frontlines
      of animal contact in emerging disease and conservation hotspots in order to
      develop informed and relevant zoonoses prevention practices that take into
      account local knowledge and perceptions. 

PMID- 25128438
TI  - Widespread genomic incompatibilities in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - In the Bateson-Dobzhansky-Muller (BDM) model of speciation, incompatibilities
      emerge from the deleterious interactions between alleles that are neutral or
      advantageous in the original genetic backgrounds, i.e., negative epistatic
      effects. Within species such interactions are responsible for outbreeding
      depression and F2 (hybrid) breakdown. We sought to identify BDM incompatibilities
      in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans by looking for genomic regions that
      disrupt egg laying; a complex, highly regulated, and coordinated phenotype.
      Investigation of introgression lines and recombinant inbred lines derived from
      the isolates CB4856 and N2 uncovered multiple incompatibility quantitative trait
      loci (QTL). These QTL produce a synthetic egg-laying defective phenotype not seen
      in CB4856 and N2 nor in other wild isolates. For two of the QTL regions, results
      are inconsistent with a model of pairwise interaction between two loci,
      suggesting that the incompatibilities are a consequence of complex interactions
      between multiple loci. Analysis of additional life history traits indicates that
      the QTL regions identified in these screens are associated with effects on other
      traits such as lifespan and reproduction, suggesting that the incompatibilities
      are likely to be deleterious. Taken together, these results indicate that
      numerous BDM incompatibilities that could contribute to reproductive isolation
      can be detected and mapped within C. elegans. 

PMID- 25128440
TI  - Direct costs associated with the management of progressive early onset scoliosis:
      estimations based on gold standard technique or with magnetically controlled
      growing rods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main disadvantage of the surgical management of early onset
      scoliosis (EOS) using conventional growing rods is the need for iterative
      surgical procedures during childhood. The emergence of an innovative device using
      distraction-based magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) provides the
      opportunity to avoid such surgeries and therefore to improve the patient's
      quality of life. HYPOTHESIS: Despite the high cost of MCGR and considering its
      potential impact in reducing hospital stays, the use of MCGR could reduce medical
      resource consumption in a long-term view in comparison to traditional growing rod
      (TGR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cost-simulation model was constructed to assess
      the incremental cost between the two strategies. The cost for each strategy was
      estimated based on probability of medical resource consumption determined from
      literature search as well as data from EOS patients treated in our centre. Some
      medical expenses were also estimated from expert interviews. The time horizon
      chosen was 4 years as from first surgical implantation. Costs were calculated in
      the perspective of the French sickness fund (using rates from year 2013) and were
      discounted by an annual rate of 4%. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test
      model strength to various parameters. RESULTS: With a time horizon of 4 years,
      the estimated direct costs of TGR and MCGR strategies were 49,067 ? and 42,752 ?,
      respectively leading to an incremental costs of 6135 ? in favour of MCGR
      strategy. In the first case, costs were mainly represented by hospital stays
      expenses (83.9%) whereas in the other the cost of MCGR contributed to 59.5% of
      the total amount. In the univariate sensitivity analysis, the tariffs of hospital
      stays, the tariffs of the MCG, and the frequency of distraction surgeries were
      the parameters with the most important impact on incremental cost. DISCUSSION:
      MCGR is a recent and promising innovation in the management of severe EOS.
      Besides improving the quality of life, its use in the treatment of severe EOS is
      likely to be offset by lower costs of hospital stays. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE (WITH
      STUDY DESIGN): Level IV, economic and decision analyses, retrospective study.

PMID- 25128441
TI  - Epidemiology and outcomes in patients with severe sepsis admitted to the hospital
      wards.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to detail the trajectory and outcomes of
      patients with severe sepsis admitted from the emergency department to a non
      intensive care unit (ICU) setting and identify risk factors associated with
      adverse outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective
      cohort study conducted at a tertiary, academic hospital in the United States
      between 2005 and 2009. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of ICU
      transfer within 48 hours of admission and/or 28-day mortality. RESULTS: Of 1853
      patients admitted with severe sepsis, 841 (45%) were admitted to a non-ICU
      setting, the rate increased over time (P < .001), and 12.5% of these patients
      were transferred to the ICU within 48 hours and/or died within 28 days. In
      multivariable models, age (P < .001), an oncology diagnosis (P < .001), and
      illness severity as measured by Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation
      II (P = .04) and high (>=4 mmol/L) initial serum lactate levels (P = .005) were
      associated with the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting to the
      emergency department with severe sepsis were frequently admitted to a non-ICU
      setting, and the rate increased over time. Of 8 patients admitted to the hospital
      ward, one was transferred to the ICU within 48 hours and/or died within 28 days
      of admission. Factors present at admission were identified that were associated
      with adverse outcomes.

PMID- 25128443
TI  - Prostate pointers and pitfalls: the 10 most prevalent problems in prostate biopsy
      interpretation.
AB  - As small volumes of prostate cancer are being detected with ever-increasing
      frequency, the pathologist is challenged to make more diagnostically out of less.
      This photoessay explores ten diagnostic problems that are noted with regularity
      by a provider of second opinions in prostate biopsy interpretation. These
      include: suboptimal submission of prostate cores, atypia with small size of the
      focus of concern, cytologic ambiguity of the focus of concern, issues with
      ordering and interpreting immunostains, atypia arising with high-grade prostatic
      intraepithelial neoplasia, benign mimics of cancer, omitting mention of
      extraprostatic tumor extension or of Gleason pattern 5, not recognizing
      intraductal carcinoma, and the differential diagnosis of cancer of urothelial
      versus prostatic origin. 

PMID- 25128442
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA neutrophil extracellular traps are formed after trauma and
      subsequent surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have not been demonstrated
      after trauma and subsequent surgery. Neutrophil extracellular traps are formed
      from pure mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) under certain conditions, which is potently
      proinflammatory. We hypothesized that injury and orthopedic trauma surgery would
      induce NET production with mtDNA as a structural component. METHODS: Neutrophils
      were isolated 8 trauma patients requiring orthopedic surgery postinjury and up to
      5 days postoperatively. Four healthy volunteers provided positive and negative
      controls. Total hip replacement patients acted as an uninjured surgical control
      group. Neutrophil extracellular traps were visualized with DNA (Hoechst
      33342TM/Sytox Green/MitoSox/MitoTracker) stains using live cell fluorescence
      microscopy with downstream quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of DNA
      composition. RESULTS: Neutrophil extracellular traps were present after injury in
      all 8 trauma patients. They persisted for 5 days postoperatively. Delayed surgery
      resulted in NET resolution, but they reformed postoperatively. Total hip
      replacement patients developed NETs postoperatively, which resolved by day 5.
      Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of NET-DNA composition revealed
      that NETs formed after injury and surgery were made of mtDNA with no detectable
      nuclear DNA component. CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophil extracellular traps formed after
      major trauma and subsequent surgery contain mtDNA and represent a novel marker of
      heightened innate immune activation. They could be considered when timing surgery
      after trauma to prevent systemic NET-induced inflammatory complications.

PMID- 25128445
TI  - Endogenous allergens in the regulatory assessment of genetically engineered
      crops.
AB  - A scientific approach to the assessment of foods derived from genetically
      engineered (GE) crops is critical to maintaining objectivity and public
      confidence in regulatory decisions. Principles developed at the international
      level support regulators and enable robust and transparent safety assessments. A
      comparison of key constituents in the GE crop with a suitable comparator is an
      important element of an assessment. In Europe, endogenous allergens would be
      included in the comparative analysis, however this approach has been hindered by
      technical limitations on the ability to accurately measure identified allergenic
      proteins. Over recent years, improved proteomic methods have enabled researchers
      to focus on major allergenic proteins in conventional food crops, as information
      on natural variability is largely lacking. Emerging data for soybean indicate
      that variability in levels of major allergens already in the food supply is
      broad. This raises questions about the biological interpretation of differences
      between a GE plant and its conventional counterpart, in particular, whether any
      conclusions about altered allergenicity could be inferred. This paper discusses
      the scientific justification for requiring proteomic analysis of endogenous
      allergens as part of the evaluation. Ongoing scientific review and corresponding
      international discussion are integral to ensuring that data requirements address
      legitimate risk assessment questions. 

PMID- 25128444
TI  - Impact of prolapse meshes on the metabolism of vaginal extracellular matrix in
      rhesus macaque.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The impact of polypropylene mesh implantation on vaginal collagen and
      elastin metabolism was analyzed using a nonhuman primate model to further
      delineate the mechanism of mesh induced complications. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-nine
      middle-aged parous rhesus macaques underwent surgical implantation of 3 synthetic
      meshes via sacrocolpopexy. Gynemesh PS (n = 12) (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) and 2
      lower-weight, higher-porosity, lower-stiffness meshes (UltraPro [n = 19]
      [Ethicon] and Restorelle [n = 8] [Coloplast, Minneapolis, MN]) were implanted, in
      which UltraPro was implanted with its blue orientation lines perpendicular (low
      stiffness direction, n = 11) and parallel (high stiffness direction, n = 8) to
      the longitudinal axis of the vagina. Sham-operated animals were used as controls
      (n = 10). Twelve weeks after surgery, the mesh-tissue complex was excised and
      analyzed. RESULTS: Relative to sham, Gynemesh PS had a negative impact on the
      metabolism of both collagen and elastin-favoring catabolic reactions, whereas
      UltraPro induced an increase only in elastin degradation. Restorelle had the
      least impact. As compared with sham, the degradation of collagen and elastin in
      the vagina implanted with Gynemesh PS was increased with a simultaneous increase
      in active matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -8, -13, and total MMP-2 and -9 (all
      P < .05). The degradation of elastin (tropoelastin and mature elastin) was
      increased in the UltraPro-implanted vagina with a concomitant increase of MMP-2,
      and -9 (all P < .05). Collagen subtype ratio III/I was increased in Gynemesh PS
      and UltraPro perpendicular groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Following implantation
      with the heavier, less porous, and stiffer mesh, Gynemesh PS, the degradation of
      vaginal collagen and elastin exceeded synthesis, most likely as a result of
      increased activity of MMPs, resulting in a structurally compromised tissue.

PMID- 25128446
TI  - Pediatric cochlear implant revision surgery and reimplantation: an analysis of
      957 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study causes, risk factors, prevention strategies,
      diffuculties encountered during revision cochlear implant surgery, reimplantation
      in pediatric age group were evaluated. METHODS: Charts of 957 CI patients younger
      than 18 years of age implanted at Izmir Bozyaka Teaching and Research Hospital
      between 1998 and July 2012 and 18 referred CI complications at same age group
      were retrospectively evaluated. Revision and reimplantation surgeries were
      systematically reviewed. RESULTS: We encountered 26 surgical complications in 24
      patients and 36 device related problems in 36 patients. Eighteen referred cases
      including 7 surgical complications and 11 device related problems were also
      evaluated. A total number of 80 complications were evaluated. In 11 cases
      conservative management was successful, 19 revision surgery was performed but we
      failed in 4 cases. We reimplanted 48 cases and 4 additional cases were implanted
      after failed revision surgery. Implant was extracted in one case. In one case we
      could implant the other side. Forty-six of reimplantations were done in one stage
      surgery, 5 cases required second stage surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical
      complications and device related problems of cochlear implantation may be
      different in children and majority of them require revision surgery or
      reimplantation. Although surgical problems leading to revision surgery and
      reimplantation are expected to diminish by experience every center has to deal
      with device failures. Both revision surgery and reimplantation require extra care
      and it should be better carried out by experienced surgeons. Implant performances
      are expected to be comparable with primary implantations.

PMID- 25128447
TI  - Aided cortical response, speech intelligibility, consonant perception and
      functional performance of young children using conventional amplification or
      nonlinear frequency compression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare conventional processing with
      nonlinear frequency compression (NLFC) in hearing aids for young children with
      bilateral hearing loss. METHODS: Sixty-four children aged between 2 and 7 years
      with bilateral hearing aids were recruited. Evaluations of cortical responses,
      speech intelligibility rating, consonant perception and functional performance
      were completed with the children wearing their personal hearing aids with
      conventional processing. The children were then refitted with new hearing aids
      with NLFC processing. Following a six-week familiarization period, they were
      evaluated again while using their hearing aids with NLFC activated. RESULTS: The
      mean speech intelligibility rating and the number of cortical responses present
      for /s/were significantly higher when children were using NLFC processing than
      conventional processing in their hearing aids (p<0.05). Parents judged the
      children's functional real life performance with the NLFC hearing aids to be
      similar or better than that with the children's own hearing aids in both quiet
      and noisy situations. The mean percent consonant score was higher with NLFC
      processing compared to conventional processing, but the difference did not reach
      the 5% significance level (p=0.056). An overall figure of merit (FOM) was
      calculated by averaging the standardized difference scores between processing
      schemes for all measures. Regression analysis revealed that, on average, greater
      advantage for NLFC processing was associated with poorer hearing at 4 kHz.
      CONCLUSIONS: Compared to conventional processing, the use of NLFC was, on
      average, effective in increasing audibility of /s/as measured by cortical
      evaluations, and higher ratings on speech intelligibility and functional
      performance in real life by parents. On average, greater benefits from NLFC
      processing was associated with poorer hearing at 4 kHz.

PMID- 25128448
TI  - Respiratory viruses are continuously detected in children with chronic
      tonsillitis throughout the year.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the oscillations on the viral detection in adenotonsillar
      tissues from patients with chronic adenotonsillar diseases as an indicia of the
      presence of persistent viral infections or acute subclinical infections. STUDY
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional prospective study. SETTING: Tertiary hospital. METHODS:
      The fluctuations of respiratory virus detection were compared to the major
      climatic variables during a two-year period using adenoids and palatine tonsils
      from 172 children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and clinical evidence of
      obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome or recurrent adenotonsillitis, without symptoms
      of acute respiratory infection (ARI), by TaqMan real-time PCR. RESULTS: The rate
      of detection of at least one respiratory virus in adenotonsillar tissue was 87%.
      The most frequently detected viruses were human adenovirus in 52.8%, human
      enterovirus in 47.2%, human rhinovirus in 33.8%, human bocavirus in 31.1%, human
      metapneumovirus in 18.3% and human respiratory syncytial virus in 17.2%. Although
      increased detection of human enterovirus occurred in summer/autumn months, and
      there were summer nadirs of human respiratory syncytial virus in both years of
      the study, there was no obvious viral seasonality in contrast to reports with ARI
      patients in many regions of the world. CONCLUSION: Respiratory viruses are
      continuously highly detected during whole year, and without any clinical
      symptomatology, indicating that viral genome of some virus can persist in
      lymphoepithelial tissues of the upper respiratory tract.

PMID- 25128449
TI  - Prevalence and types of articulation errors in Saudi Arabic-speaking children
      with repaired cleft lip and palate.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess prevalence and types of
      consonant production errors and phonological processes in Saudi Arabic-speaking
      children with repaired cleft lip and palate, and to determine the relationship
      between frequency of errors on one hand and the type of the cleft. Possible
      relationship between age, gender and frequency of errors was also investigated.
      METHODS: Eighty Saudi children with repaired cleft lip and palate aged 6-15 years
      (mean 6.7 years), underwent speech, language, and hearing evaluation. The
      diagnosis of articulation deficits was based on the results of an Arabic
      articulation test. Phonological processes were reported based on the productivity
      scale of a minimum 20% of occurrence. Diagnosis of nasality was based on a 5
      point scale that reflects severity from 0 through 4. All participants underwent
      intraoral examination, informal language assessment, and hearing evaluation to
      assess their speech and language abilities. The Chi-Square test for independence
      was used to analyze the results of consonant production as a function of type of
      CLP and age. RESULTS: Out of 80 participants with CLP, 21 participants had normal
      articulation and resonance, 59 of participants (74%) showed speech abnormalities.
      Twenty-one of these 59 participants showed only articulation errors; 17 showed
      only hypernasality; and 21 showed both articulation and resonance deficits. CAs
      were observed in 20 participant. The productive phonological processes were
      consonant backing, final consonant deletion, gliding, and stopping. At age 6 and
      older, 37% of participants had persisting hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: Despite
      early age at time of surgery (mean 6.7 months) for the studied CLP participants
      in this study, a substantial number of them demonstrated articulation errors and
      hypernasality. The results showed desirable findings for diverse languages. It is
      especially interesting to consider the prevalence of glottal stops and pharyngeal
      fricatives in a population for whom these sound are phonemic.

PMID- 25128450
TI  - Acetaminophen plus ibuprofen versus opioids for treatment of post-tonsillectomy
      pain in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen plus ibuprofen
      in treatment of post-tonsillectomy pain compared to acetaminophen plus opioids in
      children. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective medical record review. SETTING: Tertiary
      care children's hospital between September 2012 and March 2013. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: All children undergoing total tonsillectomy (n=1065). Analysis included
      descriptive analysis, chi-square testing, and logistic regression controlling for
      age, diagnosis, trainee involvement, concurrent surgical procedures, and Coblator
      use for differences of outcomes: (1) post-operative bleeding, (2) emergency
      department (ED) visits for pain, dehydration, or bleeding, and (3) nurse phone
      calls from families. RESULTS: All patients received acetaminophen. Seventy-four
      percent received ibuprofen (n=783) and 26.5% did not receive ibuprofen (n=282).
      In the ibuprofen group, 32.2% received opioids (n=252). Over eight percent of
      children had post-operative hemorrhage of any amount reported (n=89). Forty-eight
      percent of these required operative intervention (n=43). Ibuprofen prescription
      did not impact post-operative bleeding; operative intervention for bleeding, ED
      visits, or nurse phone calls either on chi-squared or logistic regression
      testing. Increasing age was found to increase bleeding risk as well as the
      likelihood of visiting the ED or calling the clinic nurses. All patients with
      multiple bleeding episodes were in the ibuprofen group. CONCLUSION: Prescription
      of ibuprofen did not increase the risk of bleeding and did not increase the
      likelihood of a post-operative ED visit or nurse phone call. Ibuprofen
      prescription may possibly increase the risk of multiple bleeding episodes, but
      further prospective studies are needed. Increased age increases the risk of
      bleeding, ED visits, and nurse phone calls.

PMID- 25128451
TI  - Specificity of coliphages in evaluating marker efficacy: a new insight for water
      quality indicators.
AB  - Conventional procedures for qualitative assessment of coliphage are time
      consuming multiple step approach for achieving results. A modified and rapid
      technique has been introduced for determination of coliphage contamination among
      potable water sources during water borne outbreaks. During December 2013, 40
      water samples from different potable water sources, were received for water
      quality analyses, from a jaundice affected Municipality of West Bengal, India.
      Altogether, 30% water samples were contaminated with coliform (1-20 cfu/ml) and
      5% with E. coli (2-5 cfu/ml). Among post-outbreak samples, preponderance of
      coliform has decreased (1-4 cfu/ml) with total absence of E. coli. While standard
      technique has detected 55% outbreak samples with coliphage contamination,
      modified technique revealed that 80%, double than that of bacteriological
      identification rate, were contaminated with coliphages (4-20 pfu/10 ml). However,
      post-outbreak samples were detected with 1-5 pfu/10 ml coliphages among 20%
      samples. Coliphage detection rate through modified technique was nearly double
      (50%) than that of standard technique (27.5%). In few samples (with coliform load
      of 10-100 cfu/ml), while modified technique could detect coliphages among six
      samples (10-20 pfu/10 ml), standard protocol failed to detect coliphage in any of
      them. An easy, rapid and accurate modified technique has thereby been implemented
      for coliphage assessment from water samples. Coliform free water does not always
      signify pathogen free potable water and it is demonstrated that coliphage is a
      more reliable 'biomarker' to ascertain contamination level in potable water.

PMID- 25128452
TI  - Wetting of nanophases: Nanobubbles, nanodroplets and micropancakes on hydrophobic
      surfaces.
AB  - The observation by Atomic Force Microscopy of a range of nanophases on
      hydrophobic surfaces poses some challenging questions, not only related to the
      stability of these objects but also regarding their wetting properties. Spherical
      capped nanobubbles are observed to exhibit contact angles that far exceed the
      macroscopic contact angle measured for the same materials, whereas nanodroplets
      exhibit contact angles that are much the same as the macroscopic contact angle.
      Micropancakes are reported to consist of gas, in which case their wetting
      properties are mysterious. They should only be stable when the van der Waals
      forces act to thicken the film whereas for a gas, the van der Waals forces will
      always act to thin the film. Here we examine the available evidence and
      contribute some additional experiments in order to review our understanding of
      the wetting properties of these nanophases. We demonstrate that if in fact
      micropancakes consist of a contaminant their wetting properties can be explained,
      though the very high contact angles of nanobubbles remain unexplained. 

PMID- 25128453
TI  - Serum levels of BDNF, folate and homocysteine: in relation to hippocampal volume
      and psychopathology in drug naive, first episode schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study was to examine serum levels of brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF), folate, homocysteine (Hcy), and their relationships
      with hippocampal volume and psychopathology in drug naive, first episode
      schizophrenia. METHOD: Drug naive, first episode schizophrenia patients and
      healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum levels of BDNF, folate and Hcy
      were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),
      electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), and enzymatic cycling method
      respectively. Hippocampus was parcellated and bilateral hippocampal volumes were
      measured using FreeSurfer. RESULTS: Forty-six patients with drug naive, first
      episode schizophrenia (SZ group) and 30 healthy controls (control group) were
      enrolled. The SZ group had significantly lower serum levels of BDNF and folate,
      and significantly higher serum levels of Hcy compared with the control group
      (p=0.013, p<0.001, p=0.003 respectively). There were no significant differences
      in hippocampal volumes between the two groups (ps>0.2). Within the SZ group,
      there were significant positive relationships between serum levels of BDNF and
      both left and right hippocampal volumes (r=0.327, p=0.026; r=0.338, p=0.022
      respectively). In contrast, such relationships did not exist in the control
      group. Within the SZ group, there were significant negative relationships between
      serum levels of folate and PANSS-total scores and PANSS-negative symptom scores
      (r=0.319, p=0.031; r=0.321, p=0.030 respectively); and there was a positive
      relationship between serum levels of Hcy and PANSS-total scores (r=0.312,
      p=0.035). Controlling for potential confounding variables resulted in similar
      findings. CONCLUSIONS: Drug naive, first episode schizophrenia presents decreased
      serum levels of BDNF, folate and increased serum levels of Hcy, which may play an
      important role in the neurodevelopmental process and clinical manifestation of
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 25128454
TI  - Standard cardiovascular disease risk algorithms underestimate the risk of
      cardiovascular disease in schizophrenia: evidence from a national primary care
      database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality.
      Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction algorithms are widely in
      the general population, their utility for patients with schizophrenia is unknown.
      METHODS: A primary care dataset was used to compare CVD risk scores (Joint
      British Societies (JBS) score), cardiovascular risk factors, rates of pre
      existing CVD and age of first diagnosis of CVD for schizophrenia (n=1997)
      relative to population controls (n=215,165). RESULTS: Pre-existing rates of CVD
      and the recording of risk factors for those without CVD were higher in the
      schizophrenia cohort in the younger age groups, for both genders. Those with
      schizophrenia were more likely to have a first diagnosis of CVD at a younger age,
      with nearly half of men with schizophrenia plus CVD diagnosed under the age of 55
      (schizophrenia men 46.1% vs. control men 34.8%, p<0.001; schizophrenia women
      28.9% vs. control women 23.8%, p<0.001). However, despite high rates of CVD risk
      factors within the schizophrenia group, only a very small percentage (3.2% of men
      and 7.5% of women) of those with schizophrenia under age 55 were correctly
      identified as high risk for CVD according to the JBS risk algorithm. CONCLUSION:
      The JBS2 risk score identified only a small proportion of individuals with
      schizophrenia under the age of 55 as being at high risk of CVD, despite high
      rates of risk factors and high rates of first diagnosis of CVD within this age
      group. The validity of CVD risk prediction algorithms for schizophrenia needs
      further research.

PMID- 25128456
TI  - Discovery of a novel HIV-1 integrase inhibitor from natural compounds through
      structure based virtual screening and cell imaging.
AB  - The interaction between HIV-1 integrase and LEDGF/P75 has been validated as a
      target for anti-HIV drug development. Based on the crystal structure of integrase
      in complex with LEDGF/P75, a library containing 80 thousand natural compounds was
      filtered with virtual screening. 11 hits were selected for cell based assays. One
      compound, 3-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-8-{[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]methyl}-7
      hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (D719) inhibited integrase nuclear translocation in cell
      imaging. The binding mode of D719 was analyzed with molecular simulation. The
      anti-HIV activity of D719 was assayed by measuring the p24 antigen production in
      acute infection. The structure characteristics of D719 may provide valuable
      information for integrase inhibitor design.

PMID- 25128455
TI  - Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition enhances trastuzumab antitumour activity
      in HER2 overexpressing breast cancer.
AB  - AIM: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have shown promising results
      in Breast Cancer (BRCA) deficient breast cancer, but not in molecularly
      unselected patient populations. Two lines of research in this field are needed:
      the identification of novel subsets of patients that could potentially benefit
      from PARP inhibitors and the discovery of suitable targeted therapies for
      combination strategies. METHODS: We tested PARP inhibition, alone or combined
      with the anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab on HER2+ breast cancer. We used two PARP
      inhibitors in clinical development, olaparib and rucaparib, as well as genetic
      downmodulation of PARP-1 for in vitro studies. DNA damage was studied by the
      formation of gammaH2AX foci and comet assay. Finally, the in vivo anti-tumour
      effect of olaparib and trastuzumab was examined in nude mice subcutaneously
      implanted with BT474 cells. RESULTS: In a panel of four HER2 overexpressing
      breast cancer cell lines, both olaparib and rucaparib significantly decreased
      cell growth and enhanced anti-tumour effects of trastuzumab. Cells exposed to
      olaparib and trastuzumab had greater DNA damage than cells exposed to each agent
      alone. Mechanistic exploratory assays showed that trastuzumab downmodulated the
      homologous recombination protein proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).
      Combination treatment in the BT474 xenograft model resulted in enhanced growth
      inhibition, reduced tumour cell proliferation, and increased DNA damage and
      apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results show that PARP inhibition has
      antitumour effects and increases trastuzumab activity in HER2 overexpressing
      breast cancer. These findings make this novel combination a promising strategy
      for clinical development.

PMID- 25128457
TI  - Red chlorophyll excitation dynamics in Arthrospira platensis photosystem I
      trimeric complexes as studied by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy.
AB  - Femtosecond absorption spectroscopy was applied to study for the first time
      excitation dynamics in isolated photosystem I trimers from Arthrospira platensis,
      which display extremely long-wavelength absorption peaks. Pump-probe spectra
      observed at 77K in the timescale of dozens of picoseconds upon 70-fs excitation
      revealed two maxima near 710 and 730 nm, which correspond to red chlorophyll
      forms. Bleaching at 680 nm developed in ~ 200 fs, whereas the bleaching kinetics
      at 710 and 730 nm exhibited two components with time constants of 1 and 5.5 ps.
      Comparison of the kinetics of bleaching development at 710 nm and 730 nm with
      that of bleaching decay at 680 nm indicated that both long-wavelength forms of
      trimers are populated mainly via direct energy transfer from bulk chlorophyll.

PMID- 25128458
TI  - mTOR regulates the nucleoplasmic diffusion of Xrn2 under conditions of heat
      stress.
AB  - Stress induces various responses, including translational suppression and tRNA
      degradation in mammals. Previously, we showed that heat stress induces
      degradation of initiator tRNA(Met) (iMet) through 5'-3' exoribonuclease Xrn1 and
      Xrn2, respectively. In addition, we found that rapamycin inhibits the degradation
      of iMet under heat stress conditions. Here, we report that the mammalian target
      of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates the diffusion of Xrn2 from the nucleolus to the
      nucleoplasm, facilitating the degradation of iMet under conditions of heat
      stress. Our results suggest a mechanism of translational suppression through mTOR
      regulated iMet degradation in mammalian cells.

PMID- 25128459
TI  - MicroRNAs in the interaction between host and bacterial pathogens.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with a central role in the post
      transcriptional control of gene expression, that have been implicated in a wide
      range of biological processes. Regulation of miRNA expression is increasingly
      recognized as a crucial part of the host response to infection by bacterial
      pathogens, as well as a novel molecular strategy exploited by bacteria to
      manipulate host cell pathways. Here, we review the current knowledge of bacterial
      pathogens that modulate host miRNA expression, focusing on mammalian host cells,
      and the implications of miRNA regulation on the outcome of infection. The
      emerging role of commensal bacteria, as part of the gut microbiota, on host miRNA
      expression in the presence or absence of bacterial pathogens is also discussed. 

PMID- 25128460
TI  - Vitamin D reduces the differentiation and expansion of Th17 cells in young
      asthmatic children.
AB  - Vitamin D [25(OH)D3] deficiency has been associated with asthma as in many
      inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies; however, there is still a lack of data
      about the effects of administration of vitamin D in immune regulation in young
      asthmatic patients. In this study, we investigated its inhibitory effect on the
      immune response in young asthmatic patients and the possible mechanisms involved.
      Peripheral blood CD4(+) T cells from 10 asthmatic patients and 10 healthy
      controls were cultured under Th17 polarizing conditions in the presence or
      absence of [25(OH)D3], IL-17 cytokine production was determined by ELISA and flow
      cytometry. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of several factors related to Th17
      cell function was determined by real-time PCR. The effect of [25(OH)D3]-treated
      dendritic cells (DCs) on CD4(+) T cell response was determined by ELISA and flow
      cytometry. Stimulation of naive CD4(+) T cells under Th17 polarizing conditions
      showed a higher Th17 cell differentiation in asthmatic patients than healthy
      controls. The addition of [25(OH)D3] significantly inhibited Th17 cell
      differentiation both in patients [P<0.001] and in normal controls [P=0.001] in a
      dose-dependent way. [25(OH)D3] was able to inhibit the gene expression of RORC,
      IL-17, IL-23R, and CCR6. [25(OH)D3]-treated DCs significantly inhibited IL-17
      production [P=0.002] and decreased the percentage of CD4(+)IL-17(+) [P=0.007] in
      young asthmatics. The findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of [25(OH)D3]
      on the Th17 response was mediated via both T cells and DCs. DCs pathway is
      involved in the direct inhibition of 25(OH)D3 on Th17 cell differentiation in
      young asthmatics. 

PMID- 25128461
TI  - Measures of outdoor play and independent mobility in children and youth: A
      methodological review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Declines in children's outdoor play have been documented globally,
      which are partly due to heightened restrictions around children's independent
      mobility. Literature on outdoor play and children's independent mobility is
      increasing, yet no paper has summarized the various methodological approaches
      used. A methodological review could highlight most commonly used measures and
      comprehensive research designs that could result in more standardized
      methodological approaches. DESIGN: Methodological review. METHODS: A standardized
      protocol guided a methodological review of published research on measures of
      outdoor play and children's independent mobility in children and youth (0-18
      years). Online searches of 8 electronic databases were conducted and studies
      included if they contained a subjective/objective measure of outdoor play or
      children's independent mobility. References of included articles were scanned to
      identify additional articles. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included on
      outdoor play, and twenty-three on children's independent mobility. Study designs
      were diverse. Common objective measures included accelerometry, global
      positioning systems and direct observation; questionnaires, surveys and
      interviews were common subjective measures. Focus groups, activity logs,
      monitoring sheets, travel/activity diaries, behavioral maps and guided tours were
      also utilized. Questionnaires were used most frequently, yet few studies used the
      same questionnaire. Five studies employed comprehensive, mixed-methods designs.
      CONCLUSIONS: Outdoor play and children's independent mobility have been measured
      using a wide variety of techniques, with only a few studies using similar
      methodologies. A standardized methodological approach does not exist. Future
      researchers should consider including both objective measures (accelerometry and
      global positioning systems) and subjective measures (questionnaires, activity
      logs, interviews), as more comprehensive designs will enhance understanding of
      each multidimensional construct. Creating a standardized methodological approach
      would improve study comparisons.

PMID- 25128462
TI  - [Incidence, management and costs of adverse effects in chronic hepatitis C
      patients on triple therapy with telaprevir or boceprevir: first 12 weeks of
      treatment].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence, management and
      cost associated to hematological and dermatological adverse effects (AE) in
      chronic hepatitis C patients on triple therapy (TT) with telaprevir (TVR) or
      boceprevir (BOC). METHODS: An analysis was made on the data recorded on patients
      who started treatment with TVR or BOC associated with peginterferon alfa and
      ribavirin in a 12-week follow-up period. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were
      included (TVR n=36; BOC n=17). Thrombocytopenia (83% TVR vs. 88% BOC) followed by
      neutropenia (89% TVR vs. 82% BOC) were the most common AE. Dermatological AE were
      observed in 32% of patients. Eleven patients required treatment discontinuation
      (all of them received TVR), and toxicity was the main reason for discontinuation
      (64%). The percentage of patients who required supportive treatment for
      management of AE was 66%. The most used supportive treatment was erythropoietin.
      Eight patients required emergency health care, and 2 were hospitalized due to AE.
      Total cost of additional supportive resources was 32,522? (625 [SD=876]?/patient)
      (TVR 759 [SD=1,022]?/patient vs. BOC 349 [SD=327]?/patient; P>.05). Patients with
      gradeiii-iv toxicity required greater supportive care with higher costs, compared
      to patients with gradei-ii toxicity (849 [SD=1,143]?/patient vs. 387
      [SD=397]?/patient; P=.053). CONCLUSION: The addition of new protease inhibitors
      to conventional treatment leads to a higher incidence of hematological AE in our
      study, compared to data described in clinical trials. The elevated incidence of
      AE involves the use of supportive care, increasing total costs of therapy.

PMID- 25128463
TI  - Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide increases mitochondrial
      respiratory chain complex II activity and protects against oxygen-glucose
      deprivation in neurons.
AB  - The mechanisms of ischemic stroke, a main cause of disability and death, are
      complicated. Ischemic stroke results from the interaction of various factors
      including oxidative stress, a key pathological mechanism that plays an important
      role during the acute stage of ischemic brain injury. This study demonstrated
      that cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide, specifically
      CART55-102, increased the survival rate, but decreased the mortality of neurons
      exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), in a dose-dependent manner. The
      above-mentioned effects of CART55-102 were most significant at 0.4nM. These
      results indicated that CART55-102 suppressed neurotoxicity and enhanced neuronal
      survival after oxygen-glucose deprivation. CART55-102 (0.4nM) significantly
      diminished reactive oxygen species levels and markedly increased the activity of
      mitochondrial respiratory chain complex II in oxygen-glucose deprived neurons. In
      summary, CART55-102 suppressed oxidative stress in oxygen-glucose deprived
      neurons, possibly through elevating the activity of mitochondrial respiratory
      chain complex II. This result provides evidence for the development of CART55-102
      as an antioxidant drug. 

PMID- 25128465
TI  - Function of duck RIG-I in induction of antiviral response against IBDV and avian
      influenza virus on chicken cells.
AB  - The avian influenza (AI) H9N2 virus and IBDV are two major problems in the
      poultry industry. They have been prevalent among domestic poultry in Asia for
      many years and have caused considerable economic losses. Retinoic-acid-induced
      gene I (RIG-I) is a cytoplasmic sensor of dsRNA and ssRNA. It can detect
      Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in human
      cells, influenza virus in duck leads to production of IFN-beta and IFN-stimulated
      antiviral genes and reductions in the replication of RNA virus. Chickens, which
      lack RIG-I, are more sensitive to influenza virus than ducks. However, little is
      known about the roles of duck RIG-I (dRIG-I) in the detection of IBDV and AI H9N2
      in chicken cells DF-1. The purpose of this study was to examine the function of
      dRIG-I in the recognition of IBDV Ts strain and H9N2
      A/Chicken/Shandong/ZB/2007(ZB07) and in the induction of antiviral gene
      expression to gain an understanding of antiviral ability of dRIG-I in chicken
      cells against dsRNA virus IBDV and ssRNA virus ZB07. After challenge with the
      IBDV Ts strain and ZB07 the expression levels of Type I IFN (IFN-beta and IFN
      alpha) and IFN-induced antiviral genes (Mx and PKR) were significantly up
      regulated in dRIG-I-transfected DF-1cells compared with the empty-vector
      transfected control. dRIG-I knockdown experiments further proved that dRIG-I is
      essential to sensing IBDV and ZB07 in duck embryo fibroblasts (DEF). Growth
      curves showed that dRIG-I repressed the replication of IBDV and almost blunted
      the growth of ZB07 in DF-1. Apoptosis analysis revealed that dRIG-I increase the
      number of the survival cells after IBDV Ts strain or ZB07 infection relative to
      the empty-vector-transfected control. These results indicate that dRIG-I can up
      regulates type I IFN and reduce viral gene expression and viral replication and
      protect chicken cells from virus-induced apoptosis during ZB07 and IBDV
      infection. 

PMID- 25128466
TI  - Egress of budded virions of Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus does not
      require activity of Spodoptera frugiperda HSP/HSC70 chaperones.
AB  - The induction of heat shock proteins in baculovirus infected cells is well
      documented. However a role of these chaperones in infection cycle remains
      unknown. The observation that HSP70s are associated with virions of different
      baculoviruses reported by several researchers suggests that HSPs might be
      structural components of viruses or involved in virion assembly. These hypotheses
      were examined by using a novel inhibitor of the ATPase and chaperoning activity
      of HSP/HSC70s, VER-155008. When VER-155008 was added early in infection, the
      synthesis of viral proteins, genome replication and the production of budded
      virions (BV) were markedly inhibited indicating the dependence of virus
      reproduction on host chaperones. However, BV production was unaffected when VER
      155008 was added in the mid-replication phase which is after accumulation of
      products required for completion of the viral DNA replication. These results
      suggest that the final stages in assembly of BV and their egress from cells do
      not depend on chaperone activity of host HSP/HSC70s. 

PMID- 25128464
TI  - Functional connectivity of dorsal and ventral frontoparietal seed regions during
      auditory orienting.
AB  - Our ability to refocus auditory attention is vital for even the most routine day
      to-day activities. Shifts in auditory attention can be initiated "voluntarily,"
      or triggered "involuntarily" by unexpected novel sound events. Here we employed
      psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analyses of auditory functional MRI data,
      to compare functional connectivity patterns of distinct frontoparietal cortex
      regions during cued voluntary vs. novelty-driven involuntary auditory attention
      shifting. Overall, our frontoparietal seed regions exhibited significant PPI
      increases with auditory cortex (AC) areas during both cued and novelty-driven
      orienting. However, significant positive PPI patterns associated with voluntary
      auditory attention (cue>novel task regressor), but mostly absent in analyses
      emphasizing involuntary orienting (novel>cue task regressor), were observed with
      seeds within the frontal eye fields (FEF), superior parietal lobule (SPL), and
      right supramarginal gyri (SMG). In contrast, significant positive PPIs associated
      selectively with involuntary orienting were observed between ACs and seeds within
      the bilateral anterior interior frontal gyri (IFG), left posterior IFG, SMG, and
      posterior cingulate cortices (PCC). We also found indices of lateralization of
      different attention networks: PPI increases selective to voluntary attention
      occurred primarily within right-hemispheric regions, whereas those related to
      involuntary orienting were more frequent with left-hemisphere seeds. In
      conclusion, despite certain similarities in PPI patterns across conditions, the
      more dorsal aspects of right frontoparietal cortex demonstrated wider
      connectivity during cued/voluntary attention shifting, whereas certain left
      ventral frontoparietal seeds were more widely connected during novelty
      triggered/involuntary orienting. Our findings provide partial support for
      distinct attention networks for voluntary and involuntary auditory attention. 

PMID- 25128467
TI  - FoxO proteins' nuclear retention and BH3-only protein Bim induction evoke
      mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated apoptosis in berberine-treated HepG2 cells.
AB  - Mammalian forkhead-box family members belonging to the 'O' category (FoxO)
      manipulate a plethora of genes modulating a wide array of cellular functions
      including cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, DNA damage repair, and energy
      metabolism. FoxO overexpression and nuclear accumulation have been reported to
      show correlation with hindered tumor growth in vitro and size in vivo, while
      FoxO's downregulation via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B
      (Akt) pathway has been linked with tumor promotion. In this study, we have
      explored for the first time intervention of berberine, a plant-derived
      isoquinoline alkaloid, with FoxO family proteins in hepatoma cells. We observed
      that berberine significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of both FoxO1 and
      FoxO3a. Their phosphorylation-mediated cytoplasmic sequestration followed by
      degradation was prevented by berberine-induced downmodulation of the
      PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway which promoted FoxO nuclear retention. PTEN, a tumor
      suppressor gene and negative regulator of the PI3K/Akt axis, was upregulated
      while phosphorylation of its Ser380 residue (possible mechanism of PTEN
      degradation) was significantly decreased in treated HepG2 cells. Exposure to
      berberine induced a significant increase in transcriptional activity of FoxO, as
      shown by GFP reporter assay. FoxO transcription factors effectively heightened
      BH3-only protein Bim expression, which in turn, being a direct activator of
      proapoptotic protein Bax, altered Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, culminating into mitochondrial
      dysfunction, caspases activation, and DNA fragmentation. The pivotal role of Bim
      in berberine-mediated cytotoxicity was further corroborated by knockdown
      experiments where Bim-silencing partially restored HepG2 cell viability during
      berberine exposure. In addition, a correlation between oxidative overload and
      FoxO's nuclear accumulation via JNK activation was evident as berberine treatment
      led to a pronounced increase in JNK phosphorylation together with enhanced ROS
      generation, lipid peroxidation, decreased activities of superoxide dismutase and
      catalase, and diminished glutathione levels. Thus, our findings suggest that the
      antiproliferative effect of berberine may in part be due to mitochondria-mediated
      apoptosis with Bim acting as a pivotal downstream factor of FoxO-induced
      transcriptional activation. 

PMID- 25128468
TI  - Quality care outcomes following transitional care interventions for older people
      from hospital to home: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Provision of high quality transitional care is a challenge for health
      care providers in many western countries. This systematic review was conducted to
      (1) identify and synthesise research, using randomised control trial designs, on
      the quality of transitional care interventions compared with standard hospital
      discharge for older people with chronic illnesses, and (2) make recommendations
      for research and practice. METHODS: Eight databases were searched; CINAHL,
      Psychinfo, Medline, Proquest, Academic Search Complete, Masterfile Premier,
      SocIndex, Humanities and Social Sciences Collection, in addition to the Cochrane
      Collaboration, Joanna Briggs Institute and Google Scholar. Results were screened
      to identify peer reviewed journal articles reporting analysis of quality
      indicator outcomes in relation to a transitional care intervention involving
      discharge care in hospital and follow-up support in the home. Studies were
      limited to those published between January 1990 and May 2013. Study participants
      included people 60 years of age or older living in their own homes who were
      undergoing care transitions from hospital to home. Data relating to study
      characteristics and research findings were extracted from the included articles.
      Two reviewers independently assessed studies for risk of bias. RESULTS: Twelve
      articles met the inclusion criteria. Transitional care interventions reported in
      most studies reduced re-hospitalizations, with the exception of general
      practitioner and primary care nurse models. All 12 studies included outcome
      measures of re-hospitalization and length of stay indicating a quality focus on
      effectiveness, efficiency, and safety/risk. Patient satisfaction was assessed in
      six of the 12 studies and was mostly found to be high. Other outcomes reflecting
      person and family centred care were limited including those pertaining to the
      patient and carer experience, carer burden and support, and emotional support for
      older people and their carers. Limited outcome measures were reported reflecting
      timeliness, equity, efficiencies for community providers, and symptom management.
      CONCLUSIONS: Gaps in the evidence base were apparent in the quality domains of
      timeliness, equity, efficiencies for community providers, effectiveness/symptom
      management, and domains of person and family centred care. Further research that
      involves the person and their family/caregiver in transitional care interventions
      is needed.

PMID- 25128469
TI  - Love-Hate ligands for high resolution analysis of strain in ultra-stable
      protein/small molecule interaction.
AB  - The pathway of ligand dissociation and how binding sites respond to force are not
      well understood for any macromolecule. Force effects on biological receptors have
      been studied through simulation or force spectroscopy, but not by high resolution
      structural experiments. To investigate this challenge, we took advantage of the
      extreme stability of the streptavidin-biotin interaction, a paradigm for
      understanding non-covalent binding as well as a ubiquitous research tool. We
      synthesized a series of biotin-conjugates having an unchanged strong-binding
      biotin moiety, along with pincer-like arms designed to clash with the protein
      surface: 'Love-Hate ligands'. The Love-Hate ligands contained various 2,6-di
      ortho aryl groups, installed using Suzuki coupling as the last synthetic step,
      making the steric repulsion highly modular. We determined binding affinity, as
      well as solving 1.1-1.6A resolution crystal structures of streptavidin bound to
      Love-Hate ligands. Striking distortion of streptavidin's binding contacts was
      found for these complexes. Hydrogen bonds to biotin's ureido and thiophene rings
      were preserved for all the ligands, but biotin's valeryl tail was distorted from
      the classic conformation. Streptavidin's L3/4 loop, normally forming multiple
      energetically-important hydrogen bonds to biotin, was forced away by clashes with
      Love-Hate ligands, but Ser45 from L3/4 could adapt to hydrogen-bond to a
      different part of the ligand. This approach of preparing conflicted ligands
      represents a direct way to visualize strained biological interactions and test
      protein plasticity. 

PMID- 25128470
TI  - Intranasal nerve growth factor attenuates tau phosphorylation in brain after
      traumatic brain injury in rats.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a considerable cause of mild cognitive impairment
      and dementia. Intranasal administration of nerve growth factor (NGF) has
      previously been found to improve cognitive function after TBI, but the mechanism
      remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intranasal NGF on
      the tau hyperphosphorylation following TBI. A modified Feeney's weight-drop model
      was used to induce TBI. Rats were randomly divided into control group, TBI group,
      TBI+NGF group, TBI+PDTC group and TBI+IL-1ra group. Rats in TBI+NGF group were
      administered with NGF (5 MUg/d) for 3d before surgery. Hyperphosphorylated tau
      protein was remarkable in the peri-contusional cortex area with TBI. Both western
      blotting and immunostaining results displayed intranasal pretreatment of NGF
      significantly reduced tau phosphorylation. To evaluate the underlying mechanism,
      the levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta), interleukin-1beta (IL
      1beta), and the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) were
      assayed. NGF markedly inhibited GSK-3beta. NGF also reduced TBI-induced elevation
      of IL-1beta and NF-kappaB DNA binding activity. Furthermore, PDTC and IL-1ra were
      injected to prove a potential signaling pathway among NF-kappaB, IL-1beta and GSK
      3beta. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that intranasal NGF could
      effectively attenuate the hyperphosphorylation of tau after TBI, which might
      involve an integrated signaling pathway related to NF-kappaB.

PMID- 25128471
TI  - Familial acute necrotizing encephalopathy due to mutation in the RANBP2 gene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare and severe
      parainfectious central nervous system disease in which previously healthy
      children develop rapidly progressive coma following viral illness. While most ANE
      are sporadic, familial autosomal dominant ANE due to mutations in the RANBP2 gene
      has been recently reported (ANE1 or infection-induced acute encephalopathy-3
      (IIAE3)). To date, only few IIAE3 families with ADANE episodes have been
      described. OBJECTIVE: To report a new family with ADANE, describe clinical and
      radiological features and discuss differential diagnosis including Leigh syndrome
      or multiple sclerosis. OBSERVATION: The family included 3 symptomatic individuals
      and one 59 year-old asymptomatic obligate carrier. Patients presented acute
      episodes of encephalopathy few days after common viral infection. Ages of onset
      ranged from 6 months to 5 years. Episodes not only occurred in childhood but also
      recurred in adulthood. Initial neurological signs included coma, focal
      neurological deficits and seizures. MRI showed typical necrotizing lesions
      primarily in the thalamus and brainstem, and in the temporal lobes and insula.
      CSF cell count and cultures were normal during episodes. RANBP2 gene screening
      identified pathogenic heterozygous c.1754C>T mutation (p.Thr585Met). Episodes led
      to cognitive or physical handicap in 2 patients and were fatal in one child.
      CONCLUSION: IIAE3 or ADANE due to RANBP2 mutations has a large clinical
      heterogeneity. Our family illustrates the associated phenotypes from asymptomatic
      carrier to severe episodes of encephalopathy. Based on MRI features, the genetic
      IIAE3 diagnosis is important since prophylaxis and symptomatic management of
      infections may be beneficial, possibly in association with steroid or
      gammaglobulins.

PMID- 25128472
TI  - Muscle and nerve inflammation in intensive care unit-acquired weakness: a
      systematic translational review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is an important
      complication of critical illness. The main risk factors, sepsis and the systemic
      inflammatory response syndrome, suggest an inflammatory pathogenesis. In this
      systematic translational review we summarize current knowledge on inflammation in
      muscle and nerve tissue in animal models of ICU-AW and in critically ill patients
      with ICU-AW. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search in the databases of
      MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science using predefined search and selection
      criteria. From the included studies we extracted data on study characteristics
      and on inflammation in muscle and nerve tissue. RESULTS: The literature search
      yielded 349 unique articles, of which 12 animal studies and 20 human studies
      fulfilled the in- and exclusion criteria. All studies had important shortcomings
      in methodological quality. In the animal studies, inflammation of muscle tissue
      was found, represented by cellular infiltration and increased local levels of
      various inflammatory mediators. In human studies, high levels of various
      inflammatory mediators were found in muscle and nerve tissue of ICU-AW patients.
      CONCLUSION: This systematic translational review suggests a role for local
      inflammation in ICU-AW, but the available evidence is limited and studies have
      severe methodological limitations.

PMID- 25128474
TI  - Lack of angiopoietin-like-2 expression limits the metabolic stress induced by a
      high-fat diet and maintains endothelial function in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiopoietin-like-2 (angptl2) is produced by several cell types
      including endothelial cells, adipocytes and macrophages, and contributes to the
      inflammatory process in cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that angptl2
      impairs endothelial function, and that lowering angptl2 levels protects the
      endothelium against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced fat accumulation and
      hypercholesterolemia. METHODS AND RESULTS: Acute recombinant angptl2 reduced
      (P<0.05) acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation of isolated wild-type (WT) mouse
      femoral artery, an effect reversed (P<0.05) by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine.
      Accordingly, in angptl2 knockdown (KD) mice, ACh-mediated endothelium-dependent
      vasodilation was greater (P<0.05) than in WT mice. In arteries from KD mice,
      prostacyclin contributed to the overall dilation unlike in WT mice. After a 3
      month HFD, overall vasodilation was not altered, but dissecting out the
      endothelial intrinsic pathways revealed that NO production was reduced in
      arteries isolated from HFD-fed WT mice (P<0.05), while NO release was maintained
      in KD mice. Similarly, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) was
      preserved in mesenteric arteries from HFD-fed KD mice but not in those from WT
      mice. Finally, the HFD increased (P<0.05) total cholesterol-to-high-density
      lipoprotein ratios, low-density lipoprotein-to-high-density lipoprotein ratios,
      and leptin levels in WT mice only, while glycemia remained similar in the 2
      strains. KD mice displayed less triglyceride accumulation in the liver (P<0.05
      versus WT), and adipocyte diameters in mesenteric and epididymal white adipose
      tissues were smaller (P<0.05) in KD than in WT fed an HFD, while inflammatory
      gene expression increased (P<0.05) in the fat of WT mice only. CONCLUSIONS: Lack
      of angptl2 expression limits the metabolic stress induced by an HFD and maintains
      endothelial function in mice.

PMID- 25128476
TI  - The impact of previous hospitalization in the preceding 90 days on the outcome in
      critically ill patients with gram-negative bloodstream infection.
AB  - We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the impact of previous
      hospitalization in the preceding 90 days on mortality in critically ill patients
      with gram-negative bloodstream infection (BSI) and to identify the risk factors
      for 30-day mortality in these patients. Of 89 critically ill patients with gram
      negative BSI, 42 patients had previous hospitalization in the preceding 90 days.
      Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed previous hospitalization in the
      preceding 90 days as a significant predictor for 30-day mortality (hazard ratio
      [HR], 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-3.94; P = 0.022), along with Acute
      Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score at BSI onset (HR, 1.08; 95% CI,
      1.04-1.12; P < 0.001), liver cirrhosis (HR, 3.61; 95% CI, 1.46-8.94; P = 0.006),
      and inappropriate definitive antimicrobial therapy (HR, 4.28; 95% CI, 2.17-8.45;
      P < 0.001). The effect of previous hospitalization in the preceding 90 days
      should be considered in evaluating the risk for 30-day mortality when treating
      such patients, and further study is required. 

PMID- 25128475
TI  - Transcriptomic analysis of Clostridium thermocellum Populus hydrolysate-tolerant
      mutant strain shows increased cellular efficiency in response to Populus
      hydrolysate compared to the wild type strain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The thermophilic, anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium thermocellum is a
      model organism for consolidated processing due to its efficient fermentation of
      cellulose. Constituents of dilute acid pretreatment hydrolysate are known to
      inhibit C. thermocellum and other microorganisms. To evaluate the biological
      impact of this type of hydrolysate, a transcriptomic analysis of growth in
      hydrolysate-containing medium was conducted on 17.5% v/v Populus hydrolysate
      tolerant mutant (PM) and wild type (WT) strains of C. thermocellum. RESULTS: In
      two levels of Populus hydrolysate medium (0% and 10% v/v), the PM showed both
      gene specific increases and decreases of gene expression compared to the wild
      type strain. The PM had increased expression of genes in energy production and
      conversion, and amino acid transport and metabolism in both standard and 10% v/v
      Populus hydrolysate media. In particular, expression of the histidine metabolism
      increased up to 100 fold. In contrast, the PM decreased gene expression in cell
      division and sporulation (standard medium only), cell defense mechanisms, cell
      envelope, cell motility, and cellulosome in both media. The PM downregulated
      inorganic ion transport and metabolism in standard medium but upregulated it in
      the hydrolysate media when compared to the WT. The WT differentially expressed
      1072 genes in response to the hydrolysate medium which included increased
      transcription of cell defense mechanisms, cell motility, and cellulosome, and
      decreased expression in cell envelope, amino acid transport and metabolism,
      inorganic ion transport and metabolism, and lipid metabolism, while the PM only
      differentially expressed 92 genes. The PM tolerates up to 17.5% v/v Populus
      hydrolysate and growth in it elicited 489 genes with differential expression,
      which included increased expression in energy production and conversion,
      cellulosome production, and inorganic ion transport and metabolism and decreased
      expression in transcription and cell defense mechanisms. CONCLUSION: These
      results suggest the mechanisms of tolerance for the Populus hydrolysate-tolerant
      mutant strain of C. thermocellum are based on increased cellular efficiency
      caused apparently by downregulation of non-critical genes and increasing the
      expression of genes in energy production and conversion rather than tolerance to
      specific hydrolysate components. The wild type, conversely, responds to
      hydrolysate media by down-regulating growth genes and up-regulating stress
      response genes.

PMID- 25128477
TI  - Ceftazidime-avibactam and comparator agents tested against urinary tract isolates
      from a global surveillance program (2011).
AB  - Ceftazidime-avibactam, a combination of ceftazidime and the non-beta-lactam beta
      lactamase inhibitor avibactam, is in advanced clinical development. In this
      study, we report results of in vitro testing of ceftazidime-avibactam and
      comparator agents against a collection of urinary tract infection (UTI) isolates
      from the United States (USA), Europe and Mediterranean region (EMR), Latin
      America (LATAM), and the Asia-Pacific/South Africa regions (APAC). Clinical
      isolates (1 per patient episode) were collected from patients with a UTI during
      2011. A total of 1797 isolates were collected from 159 medical centers. Isolates
      were processed at the medical centers and forwarded to a central monitoring
      laboratory for confirmatory identification and reference susceptibility testing.
      Ceftazidime-avibactam was highly active against Enterobacteriaceae and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The MIC90 values for ceftazidime-avibactam against
      Enterobacteriaceae in the USA, EMR, and LATAM regions ranged from 0.25 to
      0.5MUg/mL. The MIC90 in the APAC was slightly elevated at 1MUg/mL. A total of
      6.1% (8/131) of Escherichia coli in the USA, 23.5% (43/183) in the EMR, 61.2%
      (30/49) in LATAM, and 75.0% (9/12) in APAC exhibited an extended-spectrum beta
      lactamase (ESBL) screen-positive phenotype. A total of 1.6% (2/129) of Klebsiella
      pneumoniae isolates in the USA were meropenem-non-susceptible (MIC >=2MUg/mL),
      but a rate of 10.3% (10/97) was observed in the EMR. All ESBL screen-positive
      phenotype and meropenem-non-susceptible E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates
      exhibited a ceftazidime-avibactam MIC <=4MUg/mL. All isolates of P. aeruginosa in
      the USA and 80.9% (38/47) in the EMR were inhibited at a ceftazidime-avibactam
      MIC of <=8MUg/mL compared to 88.2% (15/17) and 61.7% (29/47) for ceftazidime
      alone. Ceftazidime-avibactam demonstrated wide in vitro activity against Gram
      negative bacteria from patients with UTI including high potencies against
      multidrug-resistant organisms. 

PMID- 25128478
TI  - Genome wide CNV analysis reveals additional variants associated with milk
      production traits in Holsteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Milk production is an economically important sector of global
      agriculture. Much attention has been paid to the identification of quantitative
      trait loci (QTL) associated with milk, fat, and protein yield and the genetic and
      molecular mechanisms underlying them. Copy number variation (CNV) is an emerging
      class of variants which may be associated with complex traits. RESULTS: In this
      study, we performed a genome-wide association between CNVs and milk production
      traits in 26,362 Holstein bulls and cows. A total of 99 candidate CNVs were
      identified using Illumina BovineSNP50 array data, and association tests for each
      production trait were performed using a linear regression analysis with PCA
      correlation. A total of 34 CNVs on 22 chromosomes were significantly associated
      with at least one milk production trait after false discovery rate (FDR)
      correction. Some of those CNVs were located within or near known QTL for milk
      production traits. We further investigated the relationship between associated
      CNVs with neighboring SNPs. For all 82 combinations of traits and CNVs (less than
      400 kb in length), we found 17 cases where CNVs directly overlapped with tag SNPs
      and 40 cases where CNVs were adjacent to tag SNPs. In 5 cases, CNVs located were
      in strong linkage disequilibrium with tag SNPs, either within or adjacent to the
      same haplotype block. There were an additional 20 cases where CNVs did not have a
      significant association with SNPs, suggesting that the effects of those CNVs were
      probably not captured by tag SNPs. CONCLUSION: We conclude that combining CNV
      with SNP analyses reveals more genetic variations underlying milk production
      traits than those revealed by SNPs alone.

PMID- 25128479
TI  - Opportunities and challenges in implementing community based skilled birth
      attendance strategy in Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Availability of skilled care at birth remains a major problem in most
      developing countries. In an effort to increase access to skilled birth
      attendance, the Kenyan government implemented the community midwifery programme
      in 2005. The aim of this programme was to increase women's access to skilled care
      during pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum within their communities. METHODS:
      Qualitative research involving in-depth interviews with 20 community midwives and
      six key informants. The key informants were funder, managers, coordinators and
      supervisors of the programme. Interviews were conducted between June to July,
      2011 in two districts in Western and Central provinces of Kenya. RESULTS:
      Findings showed major challenges and opportunities in implementing the community
      midwifery programme. Challenges of the programme were: socio-economic issues,
      unavailability of logistics, problems of transportation for referrals and
      insecurity. Participants also identified the advantages of having midwives in the
      community which were provision of individualised care; living in the same
      community with clients which made community midwives easily accessible; and
      flexible payment options. CONCLUSIONS: Although the community midwifery model is
      a culturally acceptable method to increase skilled birth attendance in Kenya, the
      use of skilled birth attendance however remains disproportionately lower among
      poor mothers. Despite several governmental efforts to increase access and
      coverage of delivery services to the poor, it is clear that the poor may still
      not access skilled care even with skilled birth attendants residing in the
      community due to several socio-economic barriers.

PMID- 25128480
TI  - Spatiotemporal analysis of sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) in an endemic
      area of visceral leishmaniasis at Pantanal, central South America.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Environmental changes caused by urbanization can cause alterations in
      the ecology and behavior of sandflies and in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis.
      Geotechnological tools allow the analysis and recognition of spatiotemporal
      patterns by monitoring and mapping risk areas of this vector-borne disease. This
      study aims to describe the sandfly fauna in the municipality of Corumba and to
      compare it with the data described in a three-year period from 1984 to 1986 by
      Galati. A further aim was to analyze the influence of environmental changes on
      the composition of the fauna. METHODS: Captures were conducted weekly from April
      2012 to March 2013, in intra and peridomicile areas with automatic light traps,
      from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am. The following indices were calculated for both periods
      analyzed: Standardized Index of Species Abundance (SISA), Shannon's diversity
      index (H) and Pielou's index (J). The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index
      (NDVI) was extracted from a remote sensing LANDSAT-5 image. RESULTS: In total,
      7,370 specimens (6,169 males and 1,201 females) were collected, distributed among
      12 species. Lutzomyia cruzi was the most frequent species (93,79%) and the first
      in the ranking of standardized species abundance index in both studies. The
      dominance of the species Lu. cruzi in the neighborhoods of Maria Leite and Centro
      was demonstrated by the low equitability index. The neighborhood of Cristo
      Redentor had the greatest diversity of sandflies in the present study and the
      second greatest in the study performed by Galati et al. (Rev Saude Publica 31:378
      390, 1997). Analyzing the satellite images and the NDVI from 1984 and 2010, the
      largest amount of dense vegetation was found in the neighborhood of Cristo
      Redentor. CONCLUSIONS: It was, therefore, possible to show how changes caused due
      to urbanization have affected the density and distribution of Lu. cruzi and other
      species over time. Moreover, the data suggest that different populations of
      sandflies adapt in different ways according to environmental conditions and the
      adaptation does not necessarily depends on the presence of high vegetation cover.

PMID- 25128481
TI  - Sleep and body mass index in adolescence: results from a large population-based
      study of Norwegian adolescents aged 16 to 19 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the association between body
      mass index (BMI) and sleep duration, insomnia and symptoms of obstructive sleep
      apnea (OSA) in adolescents. METHODS: Data were taken from a large population
      based study of 9,875 Norwegian adolescents aged 16-19. BMI was calculated from
      the self-reported body weight and categorized according to recommended age and
      gender specific cut offs for underweight, overweight and obesity. Detailed sleep
      parameters (sleep duration, insomnia, and OSA symptoms) were reported separately
      for weekdays and weekends. Data were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test
      and ANOVAs for simple categorical and continuous comparisons, and multinomial
      logistic regressions for analyses adjusting for known confounders. RESULTS: There
      was evidence for a curvilinear relationship between BMI and both sleep duration
      and insomnia for girls, whereas the relationship was linear for boys. Compared to
      the average weekday sleep duration among adolescents in the normal weight range
      (6 hrs 29 min), both underweight (5 hrs 48 min), overweight (6 hrs 13 min) and
      obese (5 hrs 57 min) adolescents had shorter sleep duration. OSA symptoms were
      linearly associated with BMI. Controlling for demographical factors as well as
      physical activity did not attenuate the associations. Additional adjustment for
      depression reduced the association between insomnia and obesity to a non
      significant level. The evidence for a link between both underweight and
      overweight/obesity, and short sleep duration and OSA symptoms remained in the
      fully adjusted analyses. The associations were generally stronger for girls.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first population-based studies to investigate the
      relationship between sleep and BMI in adolescents while simultaneously
      controlling for important confounding factors. These findings require further
      research to investigate the temporal association between weights and sleep
      problems.

PMID- 25128482
TI  - The effect of CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism on rheumatoid arthritis risk: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, a number of studies have been performed to explore the
      association between CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
      However, the results of previous works are still controversial and ambiguous.
      METHODS: In this work, we attempted to perform an updated meta-analysis of
      available case-control study in order to assess the association between CTLA-4
      A49G polymorphism and RA risk. We searched the various citation databases without
      limits on languages. Article searching was performed by screening the references
      of retrieved studies manually. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%
      CI) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the association. RESULTS: We
      totally compiled 27 studies in 24 articles (9805 RA patients and 10691 control
      subjects) into our meta-analysis work. We found significant association between
      CTL-A4 A49G polymorphism and RA risk (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.03-1.23;
      GA vs. AA: OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.07-1.33; GA + GG vs. AA: OR = 1.18, 95% CI =
      1.07-1.29). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, evidences of significantly
      increased risk was also found in both Asian (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.15
      1.55; GA + GG vs. AA: OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.08-1.41) and Caucasian population (GA
      vs. AA: OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.03-1.37; GA + GG vs. AA: OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.01
      1.29). No evidence of publication bias was found in this work. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      meta-analysis suggests that CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism was associated with RA risk.
      VIRTUAL SLIDES: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:
      http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/13000_2014_157.

PMID- 25128484
TI  - Overweight and obesity are linked to 10 common cancers and more than 12,000 UK
      cases.

PMID- 25128483
TI  - miR-27a regulates cisplatin resistance and metastasis by targeting RKIP in human
      lung adenocarcinoma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as important
      posttranscriptional regulators involved in various biological and pathological
      processes of cells, but their association with tumor chemoresistance has not been
      fully understood. METHODS: We detected miR-27a expression in two lung
      adenocarcinoma cell lines, A549 and A549/CDDP, and then investigated the effects
      of miR-27a on the metastasis and the chemosensitivity of cancer cells, using both
      gain- and loss-of-function studies. The correlation between miR-27a level and
      chemoresistance was further investigated in clinical lung adenocarcinoma
      specimens. RESULTS: miR-27a was significantly up-regulated in cisplatin-resistant
      lung adenocarcinoma A549/CDDP cells compared with parental A549 cells. miR-27a
      regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cisplatin resistance in
      vitro and modulates response of lung adenocarcinoma cells to cisplatin in vivo.
      Further studies identified Raf Kinase Inhibitory Protein (RKIP) as a direct and
      functional target of miR-27a. Small interfering RNA-mediated RKIP knockdown
      revealed similar effects as that of ectopic miR-27a expression, while
      overexpression of RKIP attenuated the function of miR-27a in lung adenocarcinoma
      cells. Increased miR-27a expression was also detected in tumor tissues sampled
      from lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy and
      was proved to be correlated with low expression of RKIP, decreased sensitivity to
      cisplatin, and poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that up-regulation
      of miR-27a could suppress RKIP expression and in turn contribute to
      chemoresistance of lung adenocarcinoma cells to cisplatin.

PMID- 25128485
TI  - Unfractionated heparin and placental pathology in high-risk pregnancies:
      secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Heparin is often prescribed during pregnancy with the intention of
      improving perinatal outcomes on the basis that it exerts an anticoagulant action
      in the inter-villous space. Accumulating in-vitro and in-vivo evidence indicates
      that heparin's beneficial effects in pregnancy may result from 'non
      anticoagulant' effects including the promotion of angiogenesis. METHODS: To study
      the effect of heparin within the placenta, we performed secondary analyses on a
      pilot trial where 32 women with negative thrombophilia screens and second
      trimester evidence of placental insufficiency were randomized to standard care or
      antenatal self-administration of unfractionated heparin (UFH) 7500 IU twice
      daily. Serial placental ultrasound images were reviewed and compared with histo
      pathologic findings following delivery. RESULTS: There were no differences
      between the two arms in either the evolution of abnormal placental lesions on
      ultrasound (p = 0.75) or evidence of maternal vascular under-perfusion on
      histopathology (p = 0.89). In pregnancies considered at increased risk for
      adverse pregnancy outcomes based on previous history or abnormal serum marker
      screen, early (second-trimester) placental ultrasound, reflecting developmental
      pathology had better test characteristics (sensitivity 77.8%; positive predictive
      value 80.8%) for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes than third-trimester
      ultrasound that is reflective of placental thrombotic injury. CONCLUSIONS:
      Administration of UFH did not prevent the development or evolution of abnormal
      placental lesions on placental ultrasound or evidence of maternal vascular
      underperfusion on placental histo-pathology. Second-trimester placental
      ultrasound may be of value in predicting those at greatest risk of adverse
      outcomes.

PMID- 25128486
TI  - Report of the independent panel considering the retraction of two articles in The
      BMJ.

PMID- 25128487
TI  - UK government may face legal challenge from Philip Morris over plain cigarette
      packaging.

PMID- 25128488
TI  - The fight is on: military metaphors for cancer may harm patients.

PMID- 25128493
TI  - How substrate specificity is imposed on a histone demethylase--lessons from
      KDM2A.
AB  - Histone lysine methylation and demethylation regulate histone methylation
      dynamics, which impacts chromatin structure and function. To read and erase the
      methylated histone residues, lysine demethylases must specifically recognize the
      histone sequences and methylated sites and discriminate the degree of these
      methylations. In this issue of Genes & Development, Cheng and colleagues (pp.
      1758-1771) determine a crystal structure of histone lysine demethylase KDM2A that
      specifically targets lower degrees of H3K36 methylation. The results reveal the
      structural basis for H3K36 substrate specificity and suggest mechanisms of Lys36
      demethylation. This KDM2A-H3K36 complex structure, coupled with functional
      studies, provides needed insight into the process and regulation of histone
      demethylation. 

PMID- 25128495
TI  - Small intestinal stem cell identity is maintained with functional Paneth cells in
      heterotopically grafted epithelium onto the colon.
AB  - To develop stem cell therapy for small intestinal (SI) diseases, it is essential
      to determine whether SI stem cells in culture retain their tissue regeneration
      capabilities. By using a heterotopic transplantation approach, we show that
      cultured murine SI epithelial organoids are able to reconstitute self-renewing
      epithelia in the colon. When stably integrated, the SI-derived grafts show many
      features unique only to the SI but distinct from the colonic epithelium. Our
      study provides evidence that cultured adult SI stem cells could be a source for
      cell therapy of intestinal diseases, maintaining their identity along the
      gastrointestinal tract through an epithelium-intrinsic mechanism. 

PMID- 25128494
TI  - Limiting the power of p53 through the ubiquitin proteasome pathway.
AB  - The ubiquitin proteasome pathway is critical in restraining the activities of the
      p53 tumor suppressor. Numerous E3 and E4 ligases regulate p53 levels.
      Additionally, deubquitinating enzymes that modify p53 directly or indirectly also
      impact p53 function. When alterations of these proteins result in increased p53
      activity, cells arrest in the cell cycle, senesce, or apoptose. On the other
      hand, alterations that result in decreased p53 levels yield tumor-prone
      phenotypes. This review focuses on the physiological relevance of these important
      regulators of p53 and their therapeutic implications. 

PMID- 25128496
TI  - A molecular threading mechanism underlies Jumonji lysine demethylase KDM2A
      regulation of methylated H3K36.
AB  - The dynamic reversible methylation of lysine residues on histone proteins is
      central to chromatin biology. Key components are demethylase enzymes, which
      remove methyl moieties from lysine residues. KDM2A, a member of the Jumonji C
      domain-containing histone lysine demethylase family, specifically targets lower
      methylation states of H3K36. Here, structural studies reveal that H3K36
      specificity for KDM2A is mediated by the U-shaped threading of the H3K36 peptide
      through a catalytic groove within KDM2A. The side chain of methylated K36 inserts
      into the catalytic pocket occupied by Ni(2+) and cofactor, where it is positioned
      and oriented for demethylation. Key residues contributing to K36me specificity on
      histone H3 are G33 and G34 (positioned within a narrow channel), P38 (a turn
      residue), and Y41 (inserts into its own pocket). Given that KDM2A was found to
      also bind the H3K36me3 peptide, we postulate that steric constraints could
      prevent alpha-ketoglutarate from undergoing an "off-line"-to-"in-line" transition
      necessary for the demethylation reaction. Furthermore, structure-guided
      substitutions of residues in the KDM2A catalytic pocket abrogate KDM2A-mediated
      functions important for suppression of cancer cell phenotypes. Together, our
      results deduce insights into the molecular basis underlying KDM2A regulation of
      the biologically important methylated H3K36 mark. 

PMID- 25128497
TI  - CDK9-mediated transcription elongation is required for MYC addiction in
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - One-year survival rates for newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are
      <50%, and unresectable HCC carries a dismal prognosis owing to its aggressiveness
      and the undruggable nature of its main genetic drivers. By screening a custom
      library of shRNAs directed toward known drug targets in a genetically defined Myc
      driven HCC model, we identified cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (Cdk9) as required for
      disease maintenance. Pharmacological or shRNA-mediated CDK9 inhibition led to
      robust anti-tumor effects that correlated with MYC expression levels and depended
      on the role that both CDK9 and MYC exert in transcription elongation. Our results
      establish CDK9 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for MYC-overexpressing liver
      tumors and highlight the relevance of transcription elongation in the addiction
      of cancer cells to MYC. 

PMID- 25128498
TI  - The FACT complex interacts with the E3 ubiquitin ligase Psh1 to prevent ectopic
      localization of CENP-A.
AB  - Centromere identity and its epigenetic maintenance require the incorporation of a
      histone H3 variant called CENP-A at centromeres. CENP-A mislocalization to
      ectopic sites may disrupt chromatin-based processes and chromosome segregation,
      so it is important to uncover the mechanisms by which this variant is exclusively
      localized to centromeres. Here, we identify a role for the conserved chromatin
      modifying complex FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription/transactions) in
      preventing budding yeast CENP-A(Cse4) mislocalization to euchromatin by mediating
      its proteolysis. The Spt16 subunit of the FACT complex binds to Psh1
      (Pob3/Spt16/histone), an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets CENP-A(Cse4) for
      degradation. The interaction between Psh1 and Spt16 is critical for both CENP
      A(Cse4) ubiquitylation and its exclusion from euchromatin. We found that Psh1
      cannot efficiently ubiquitylate CENP-A(Cse4) nucleosomes in vitro, suggesting
      that additional factors must facilitate CENP-A(Cse4) removal from chromatin in
      vivo. Consistent with this, a Psh1 mutant that cannot associate with FACT has a
      reduced interaction with CENP-A(Cse4) in vivo. Together, our data identify a
      previously unknown mechanism to maintain centromere identity and genomic
      stability through the FACT-mediated degradation of ectopically localized CENP
      A(Cse4). 

PMID- 25128501
TI  - Retraction.

PMID- 25128499
TI  - Active enhancers are delineated de novo during hematopoiesis, with limited
      lineage fidelity among specified primary blood cells.
AB  - Tissues may adopt diverse strategies to establish specific transcriptional
      programs in daughter lineages. In intestinal crypts, enhancers for genes
      expressed in both major cell types appear broadly permissive in stem and
      specified progenitor cells. In blood, another self-renewing tissue, it is unclear
      when chromatin becomes permissive for transcription of genes expressed in
      distinct terminal lineages. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) combined
      with deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) to profile activating histone marks, we studied
      enhancer dynamics in primary mouse blood stem, progenitor, and specified cells.
      Stem and multipotent progenitor cells show scant H3K4me2 marking at enhancers
      bound by specific transcription factors in their committed progeny. Rather,
      enhancers are modulated dynamically and serially, with substantial loss and gain
      of H3K4me2, at each cellular transition. Quantitative analysis of these dynamics
      accurately modeled hematopoiesis according to Waddington's notion of
      epigenotypes. Delineation of enhancers in terminal blood lineages coincides with
      cell specification, and enhancers active in single lineages show well-positioned
      H3K4me2- and H3K27ac-marked nucleosomes and DNaseI hypersensitivity in other cell
      types, revealing limited lineage fidelity. These findings demonstrate that
      enhancer chronology in blood cells differs markedly from that in intestinal
      crypts. Chromatin dynamics in hematopoiesis provide a useful foundation to
      consider classical observations such as cellular reprogramming and multilineage
      locus priming. 

PMID- 25128502
TI  - In silico prediction of major drug clearance pathways by support vector machines
      with feature-selected descriptors.
AB  - We have previously established an in silico classification method ("CPathPred")
      to predict the major clearance pathways of drugs based on an empirical decision
      with only four physicochemical descriptors-charge, molecular weight, octanol
      water distribution coefficient, and protein unbound fraction in plasma-using a
      rectangular method. In this study, we attempted to improve the prediction
      performance of the method by introducing a support vector machine (SVM) and
      increasing the number of descriptors. The data set consisted of 141 approved
      drugs whose major clearance pathways were classified into metabolism by CYP3A4,
      CYP2C9, or CYP2D6; organic anion transporting polypeptide-mediated hepatic
      uptake; or renal excretion. With the same four default descriptors as used in
      CPathPred, the SVM-based predictor (named "default descriptor SVM") resulted in
      higher prediction performance compared with a rectangular-based predictor judged
      by 10-fold cross-validation. Two SVM-based predictors were also established by
      adding some descriptors as follows: 1) 881 descriptors predicted in silico from
      the chemical structures of drugs in addition to 4 default descriptors ("885
      descriptor SVM"); and 2) selected descriptors extracted by a feature selection
      based on a greedy algorithm with default descriptors ("feature selection SVM").
      The prediction accuracies of the rectangular-based predictor, default descriptor
      SVM, 885 descriptor SVM, and feature selection SVM were 0.49, 0.60, 0.72, and
      0.91, respectively, and the overall precision values for these four methods were
      0.72, 0.77, 0.86, and 0.98, respectively. In conclusion, we successfully
      constructed SVM-based predictors with limited numbers of descriptors to classify
      the major clearance pathways of drugs in humans with high prediction performance.

PMID- 25128500
TI  - Incomplete replication generates somatic DNA alterations within Drosophila
      polytene salivary gland cells.
AB  - DNA replication remains unfinished in many Drosophila polyploid cells, which
      harbor disproportionately fewer copies of late-replicating chromosomal regions.
      By analyzing paired-end high-throughput sequence data from polytene larval
      salivary gland cells, we define 112 underreplicated (UR) euchromatic regions 60
      480 kb in size. To determine the effects of underreplication on genome integrity,
      we analyzed anomalous read pairs and breakpoint reads throughout the euchromatic
      genome. Each UR euchromatic region contains many different deletions 10-500 kb in
      size, while very few deletions are present in fully replicated chromosome regions
      or UR zones from embryo DNA. Thus, during endocycles, stalled forks within UR
      regions break and undergo local repair instead of remaining stable and generating
      nested forks. As a result, each salivary gland cell contains hundreds of unique
      deletions that account for their copy number reductions. Similar UR regions and
      deletions were observed in ovarian DNA, suggesting that incomplete replication,
      fork breakage, and repair occur widely in polytene cells. UR regions are enriched
      in genes encoding immunoglobulin superfamily proteins and contain many neurally
      expressed and homeotic genes. We suggest that the extensive somatic DNA
      instability described here underlies position effect variegation, molds the
      structure of polytene chromosomes, and should be investigated for possible
      functions. 

PMID- 25128503
TI  - Advance care planning: whose agenda is it anyway?

PMID- 25128505
TI  - Infections increase risk of arterial and venous thromboses in Danish patients
      with systemic lupus erythematosus: 5102 patient-years of followup.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Infections and thromboses are known complications of systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE). We investigated if infectious episodes in patients with SLE
      were followed by an increased risk of thrombotic events. METHODS: A cohort of 571
      patients with prevalent or incident SLE was followed for a mean of 8.9 +/- 7.6
      years. All episodes of hospitalized infections or episodes of cutaneous herpes
      zoster as well as arterial and venous thrombotic events were identified by
      retrospective chart review and prospective updating of a clinical database. For
      time-dependent analyses adjusted for age, sex, and ever-presence of
      antiphospholipid antibodies, thrombotic events were classified as occurring
      during the time at risk of 1 year after an infection or during the remaining
      control observation time. RESULTS: Of 271 infections identified, 104 were
      respiratory, 41 cutaneous herpes zoster, and 126 others. Of 159 thromboses
      identified, 98 were arterial. Incidence for arterial and venous thromboses within
      1 year after infection was 2.18% and 2.56%, respectively, compared to patients
      who never had an infection (0.58 and 0.67). The adjusted 1-year risk of arterial
      and venous thrombosis after any infection was increased [relative rate (RR) 2.5,
      95% CI 1.4-4.6, and RR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3-5.9, respectively]. Venous thromboses were
      in particular more prevalent after respiratory infections (RR 5.4, 95% CI 2.3
      13). CONCLUSION: The temporal associations observed in this study indicate that
      infections could be risk factors for arterial or venous thromboses in patients
      with SLE, although causality was not addressed by this study.

PMID- 25128504
TI  - Serum 14-3-3eta is a novel marker that complements current serological
      measurements to enhance detection of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Serum 14-3-3eta is a novel joint-derived proinflammatory mediator
      implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In our study, we
      assessed the diagnostic utility of 14-3-3eta and its association with standard
      clinical and serological measures. METHODS: A quantitative ELISA was used to
      assess 14-3-3eta levels. Early (n=99) and established patients with RA (n=135)
      were compared to all controls (n=385), including healthy subjects (n=189). The
      sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 14-3-3eta,
      and the likelihood ratios (LR) for RA were determined through receiver-operator
      curve analysis. The incremental value of adding 14-3-3eta to anticitrullinated
      protein antibody (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in diagnosing early and
      established RA was assessed. RESULTS: Serum 14-3-3eta differentiated established
      patients with RA from healthy individuals and all controls (p<0.0001). A serum 14
      3-3eta cutoff of >=0.19 ng/ml delivered a sensitivity and specificity of 77% and
      93%, respectively, with corresponding LR positivity of 10.4. At this cutoff in
      early RA, 64% of patients with early RA were positive for 14-3-3eta, with a
      corresponding specificity of 93% (LR+ of 8.6), while 59% and 57% were positive
      for ACPA or RF, respectively. When ACPA, RF, and 14-3-3eta positivity were used
      in combination, 77 of the 99 patients (78%) with early RA were positive for any 1
      of the 3 markers. Serum 14-3-3eta did not correlate with C-reactive protein,
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or Disease Activity Score, but patients who were
      14-3-3eta-positive had significantly worse disease. CONCLUSION: Serum 14-3-3eta
      is a novel RA mechanistic marker that is highly specific, associated with worse
      disease, and complements current markers, enabling a more accurate diagnosis of
      RA.

PMID- 25128507
TI  - Is HLA-B27 increased in patients diagnosed with undifferentiated arthritis?
      Results from the Leiden early arthritis cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Undifferentiated arthritis (UA) is a common form of arthritis.
      According to the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society (ASAS)
      criteria for peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA), HLA-B27 can be used to help
      classify patients with pSpA. We tested whether HLA-B27 is increased in patients
      diagnosed with UA. METHODS: Prevalence of HLA-B27 was compared between healthy
      controls and patients with UA. SpA features were compared between HLA-B27
      positive and -negative UA, and SpA. RESULTS: We found 10.1% of UA (38/375) versus
      7.2% (403/5584) of controls were HLA-B27-positive (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.1; p =
      0.037). HLA-B27-positive patients with UA had more SpA features than HLA-B27
      negative patients (mean 1.6, SD 1.0, and 0.9 SD 0.6; p < 0.001), but patients
      with SpA had significantly more SpA features (mean 4.5, SD 1.5; p < 0.001).
      Family history and preceding infection were features more common in HLA-B27
      positive than in HLA-B27-negative UA (15.8% vs 1.3%, p = 0.04 and 15.8% vs 2.6%,
      p = 0.04). After HLA-B27 testing, 21 additional patients (5.6%) with UA could
      potentially have been classified with pSpA according to the ASAS criteria.
      CONCLUSION: HLA-B27 is more common in patients with UA than in controls. However,
      the yield of HLA-B27 testing in UA is low. Our results suggest that HLA-B27
      testing should be reserved for patients with additional SpA features.

PMID- 25128506
TI  - Longterm followup of rituximab therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis:
      results from the Belgian MabThera in Rheumatoid Arthritis registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our study reports the results of the MIRA (MabThera In Rheumatoid
      Arthritis) registry, set up to collect data about clinical usage, patient
      profile, and retention of rituximab (RTX) treatment in daily clinical practice in
      Belgium. METHODS: Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who failed at
      least 1 anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment were included in our
      study between November 2006 and October 2011. At baseline, demographics,
      medication, disease history, disease activity, rheumatoid factor (RF), and
      anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) status were recorded.
      Evolution of the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28)-erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate, retreatments, and reasons for therapy stop were followed
      prospectively. RESULTS: The MIRA registry included 649 patients, with mean
      disease duration of 12.8 +/- 0.4 years and DAS28 values at inclusion of 5.85 +/-
      0.48. Patients received on average 2.82 +/- 0.07 (range 1-9) RTX treatments, over
      a mean followup period of 93.1 +/- 2.6 weeks. At database lock, 433 patients
      (66.7%) were still under RTX treatment, 182 (28.0%) had stopped treatment, and 34
      (5.2%) were lost to followup. Ineffectiveness (n = 108, 59%) and safety concerns
      (n = 39, 22%) were the most frequent reasons for discontinuing RTX therapy. From
      2006 to 2011, RTX practice patterns clearly evolved toward RTX being started in
      patients with a lower number of previously failed anti-TNF drugs and lower
      baseline DAS28 values. A lower number of previous anti-TNF drugs, and positivity
      for RF and anti-CCP, predicted more successful longterm treatment. RTX treatment
      provided adequate longterm disease control. CONCLUSION: In our daily practice
      study, RTX provided good longterm disease control and treatment retention in
      refractory patients with RA. Over the years, rheumatologists tended to start this
      treatment in patients with fewer previous anti-TNF treatments and lower disease
      activity.

PMID- 25128508
TI  - Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for symptomatic pulmonary stenosis in
      Takayasu arteritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of
      percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for symptomatic pulmonary stenosis in
      Takayasu arteritis (TA). METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2012, clinical
      data of 14 patients [mean age 33.9 +/- 9.3 yrs; 11 patients female (78.6%)] with
      symptomatic pulmonary stenosis in TA underwent PTA and were analyzed
      prospectively. RESULTS: PTA was successfully performed in 22 lesions of 14
      patients. Among those lesions, 18 were treated by PTA alone while the others were
      treated with stent implantation. Three patients (21.4%) had reperfusion pulmonary
      injury; 2 patients recovered completely while the other died of respiratory
      failure 3 days after the procedure. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP)
      decreased from 53.4 +/- 15.8 mmHg to 38.4 +/- 12.7 mmHg immediately after
      intervention (p < 0.001). After an average of 29 months of followup, the New York
      Heart Association functional class and 6-min walking distances improved while
      mean PAP measured by echocardiography decreased significantly (compared with
      baseline, all p < 0.01). One patient died of severe pulmonary infection and
      cardiac shock at 28 months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: The study showed that
      PTA improved subjective symptoms and objective variables of the patients with
      symptomatic pulmonary stenosis in TA, with an acceptable mortality. PTA may be a
      promising therapeutic strategy for symptomatic pulmonary stenosis in TA.

PMID- 25128509
TI  - Current smoking is associated with incident ankylosing spondylitis -- the HUNT
      population-based Norwegian health study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Smoking contributes to progression of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
      Because smoking is also a risk factor for incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and
      psoriatic arthritis, our aim was to test whether smoking habits are associated
      with incident AS. METHODS: Using data from the HUNT health study of the entire
      adult population of Nord-Trondelag, Norway, participants in HUNT2 (1995-1997) and
      HUNT3 (2006-2008) were identified who reported a diagnosis of AS in HUNT3 but not
      in HUNT2 (n = 107). Incident AS cases were compared with AS-unaffected
      individuals (n = 35,278) in a case-control design. Participants with RA were
      excluded. RESULTS: Present smoking was significantly associated with incident
      self-reported AS in logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders (OR
      1.99, 95% CI 1.28-3.11, p = 0.002). Previous smoking (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.66-2.02,
      p = 0.62) or total pack-years at HUNT2 (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99-1.04, p = 0.21) were
      not significant. The association with present smoking remained significant in
      various sensitivity analyses: including only cases with high probability of true
      AS diagnosis (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.03-3.19, p = 0.04); including only cases with AS
      reported more than 3-5 years after HUNT2 (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.09-5.03, p = 0.029),
      or including only participants genotyped for HLA-B27 (94 cases and 859 controls)
      adjusting for genotype (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.04-2.85, p = 0.033). Hypertension was
      also significantly associated with incident AS (OR from 1.65 to 2.81).
      CONCLUSION: In the HUNT population-based study, incident AS was associated with
      current smoking and hypertension. If verified in further studies, this suggests
      that smoking should be discouraged in those at a higher AS risk, e.g., with a
      family history or carrying HLA-B27.

PMID- 25128510
TI  - The effect of exercise on sleep and fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized
      controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sleep disturbance and chronic fatigue are common in rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) and contribute to disability, symptomatology, and healthcare use.
      It has long been recognized in other populations that exercise can improve sleep
      and diminish fatigue. The effect of exercise on sleep quality and fatigue in RA
      has not been evaluated. METHODS: Ours is a randomized controlled study in RA to
      determine the effect of an exercise program on sleep quality and fatigue. These
      were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Fatigue Severity
      Scale. Patients were randomized to either a 12-week, home-based exercise
      intervention or usual care. The exercise program consisted of specific exercises
      to target individual deficiencies identified using the Health Assessment
      Questionnaire (HAQ) with cardiovascular work as per the guidelines. The
      intervention group was evaluated on a 3-week basis. Full evaluation was carried
      out at baseline and at 12 weeks. RESULTS: Forty patients were randomized to the
      intervention with 38 controls. In the exercise intervention group, there was a
      statistically significant improvement in HAQ (p = 0.00), pain (p = 0.05),
      stiffness (p = 0.05), sleep quality (p = 0.04), and fatigue (p = 0.04). In our
      control group, there was a statistically significant improvement demonstrated in
      their overall perceptions of the benefits of exercise, but none of the other
      variables. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that an exercise program resulted
      in significant improvement in sleep quality and fatigue. This is particularly
      interesting given the importance of fatigue as an outcome measure in RA and gives
      us yet another reason to prescribe exercise in this population.

PMID- 25128511
TI  - MicroRNA profiling in Chinese patients with primary Sjogren syndrome reveals
      elevated miRNA-181a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Characterized by chronic inflammation, dysfunction of exocrine glands,
      and systemic autoimmunity, primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS) is a common autoimmune
      disease in elderly women. Our study was performed to explore the potential
      involvement of microRNA (miRNA) in Chinese patients with pSS. METHODS: Using
      microarrays, miRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was
      profiled in 4 female patients with pSS and 3 healthy participants, followed by a
      large-scale study of 33 patients and 10 healthy individuals. Compared to the
      healthy participants, 202 miRNA were upregulated and 180 were downregulated in
      the patients with pSS. To confirm this finding, a set of regulated miRNA was
      further examined in a large patient group, using quantitative reverse
      transcriptase-PCR assays. RESULTS: MiR-181a was the miRNA that most profoundly
      differed between patients with pSS and healthy individuals; however, similar
      miRNA-181a expression profiles were found in groups with different disease
      phenotypes. Together, these observations suggested that an elevated miRNA-181a
      level is a general phenomenon in Chinese patients with pSS. CONCLUSION: In
      addition to the elevated miR-181a levels, our study led to the speculation that
      elevated miR-181a levels in the PBMC of these patients compromise the maturation
      of B cells, enabling them to recognize and attack autoantigens and resulting in
      disease phenotypes. In addition to the regulation of human miRNA, many virus
      derived miRNA were unexpectedly upregulated in the patients with pSS, suggesting
      that viral infection of PBMC plays a role in this disease.

PMID- 25128512
TI  - Predictors of incident depression in systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Findings from previous studies of predictors of depression among
      patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been inconsistent. The aim
      of our study was to identify risk factors that preceded incident depression based
      on a large, closely followed longitudinal cohort. METHODS: Data regarding 1609
      patients with SLE in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort who had no history of depression
      prior to cohort entry were analyzed. Demographic variables, SLE manifestations,
      laboratory tests, physician's global assessment, Safety of Estrogens in Lupus
      Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI),
      cumulative organ damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating
      Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index), and onset of depression
      were recorded at enrollment and each quarterly visit. Rates of incident
      depression were calculated overall, and in subgroups defined by demographic and
      clinical variables. Adjusted estimates of association were derived using pooled
      logistic regression. RESULTS: The incidence of depression was 29.7 episodes per
      1000 person-years. In the multivariable analysis, these variables remained as
      independent predictors of incident depression: recent SLE diagnosis, non-Asian
      ethnicity, disability, cutaneous activity, longitudinal myelitis, and current
      prednisone use of 20 mg/day or higher. Global disease activity (SELENA-SLEDAI)
      was not a significant predictor after controlling for prednisone use. CONCLUSION:
      Depression in SLE is multifactorial. Higher-dose prednisone (>= 20 mg daily) is 1
      important independent risk factor. Global disease activity is not a risk factor,
      but cutaneous activity and certain types of neurologic activity (myelitis) are
      predictive of depression. The independent effect of prednisone provides
      clinicians with an additional incentive to avoid and reduce high-dose prednisone
      exposure in SLE.

PMID- 25128513
TI  - Tocilizumab treatment increases left ventricular ejection fraction and decreases
      left ventricular mass index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without cardiac
      symptoms: assessed using 3.0 tesla cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of our pilot study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of
      inhibiting interleukin 6 on the left ventricular (LV) structure and function in
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without cardiac symptoms, using cardiac
      magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: Female patients with RA with active disease
      and healthy controls were enrolled. Cardiac symptoms were absent in all subjects.
      Tocilizumab (TCZ; 8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks) was prescribed for patients with RA
      with an inadequate clinical response to methotrexate. All subjects underwent
      baseline evaluation of LV function and structure measured by CMR. We compared
      measures of LV geometry and function between patients with RA and patients
      without RA controls at baseline, and changes in the same variables between
      baseline and after 52 weeks of treatment among the group with RA. RESULTS: Twenty
      women with RA were compared with 20 women without RA of similar mean age. In
      patients with RA at baseline, ejection fraction (EF) was significantly lower (
      3.7%) and LV mass index (LVMI) significantly higher (+9.2%) compared with
      controls. TCZ treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the Simplified
      Disease Activity Index (SDAI) after 52 weeks of treatment, paralleling a
      significant increase in EF (+8.2%) and a significant decrease in LVMI (-24.4%)
      over the same period. The percentage change in LVMI correlated strongly with the
      percentage change in SDAI (r = -0.63, p = 0.0028). LV geometry in the group with
      RA at baseline showed eccentric hyper-trophy compared with the group without RA,
      a condition that normalized after TCZ treatment. CONCLUSION: TCZ treatment
      significantly increased EF and decreased LVMI associated with disease activity.

PMID- 25128514
TI  - Responsiveness of magnetic resonance imaging-derived measures over 2.7 years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the responsiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      derived measures of knee osteoarthritis over 2.7 years. METHODS: There were 430
      community-based participants (mean age 63.0 yrs, range 51-79 yrs; 51% female)
      measured at baseline and 2.7 years later. MRI of the right knee at both
      timepoints was performed to assess cartilage volume, cartilage defects, bone
      marrow lesions (BML), meniscal pathology, and tibial bone area. Global
      measurements were calculated as the sum of tibial and femoral measures.
      Standardized response mean (SRM) was calculated as the mean of change divided by
      the SD of change. RESULTS: Global tibiofemoral cartilage volume and cartilage
      defects had the best SRM of -0.80 and 0.62, respectively. Site-specific
      measurements were lower (SRM range for cartilage volume -0.48 to -0.54 and
      cartilage defects 0.33 to 0.49). The SRM for BML was 0.12, meniscal pathology
      0.39, and tibial bone area -0.09. Cartilage volume and/or defects tended to be
      more responsive in those with knee pain, those who were obese, those who were
      older, and those with radiographic osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: Global cartilage
      volume demonstrated the best sensitivity to change, suggesting that if we relied
      solely on SRM to optimize clinical trial design, then cartilage volume would be
      the best outcome measure. However, clinical trials have shown that cartilage
      volume may be less responsive to treatment compared to other measures that have
      lower SRM (such as BML). Therefore, although one can optimize trial efficiency by
      finding more responsive endpoints, both sensitivity to change and magnitude of
      benefit should be considered.

PMID- 25128515
TI  - Reduced ovarian reserve in patients with Takayasu arteritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess ovarian reserve markers in patients with Takayasu arteritis
      (TA). METHODS: Twenty patients with TA and 24 healthy controls were evaluated for
      ovarian reserve by follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and
      estradiol, and antral follicle count (AFC). Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was
      measured by ELISA using 2 different kits. Demographical data, menstrual
      abnormalities, disease variables, and treatment were also analyzed. RESULTS: The
      median current age was similar in patients with TA and controls (31.2 +/- 6.1 vs
      30.4 +/- 6.9 yrs, p = 0.69). The frequencies of decreased levels of AMH in
      patients with TA were identical using both kits and higher when compared to
      controls (50% vs 17%, p = 0.02; 50% vs 19%, p = 0.048). A positive correlation
      was observed between the 2 kits in patients with TA (r = +0.93, p < 0.0001) and
      in healthy controls (r = +0.93, p < 0.0001). The apparent lower AFC (11 vs 16, p
      = 0.13) and the higher frequency of low AFC (41% vs 22%, p = 0.29) in TA compared
      to controls did not reach statistical significance. Other hormones were similar
      in both groups (p > 0.05). Further evaluation of patients with TA with low AMH
      levels (< 1.0 ng/ml) versus normal AMH levels (> 1.0 ng/ml) revealed that the
      frequency of current disease activity (p = 1.0) and the median of erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (p = 0.6), C-reactive protein (p = 0.4), prednisone cumulative
      dose (p = 0.8), and methotrexate cumulative dose (p = 0.8) were comparable in
      both groups. Cyclophosphamide use was reported in only 1 patient with reduced
      ovarian reserve, whereas none of the remaining patients received gonadotoxic
      drugs. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, our present study was the first
      to suggest that patients with TA may have diminished ovarian reserve.

PMID- 25128516
TI  - Persistence and dose escalation of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in US
      veterans with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Limited evidence exists comparing the persistence, effectiveness, and
      costs of biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis in clinical practice.
      Comparative effectiveness studies are needed to understand real-world experience
      with these agents. We evaluated treatment patterns, costs, and effectiveness of
      tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) agents in patients enrolled in the
      Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry. METHODS: Observational
      data from the VARA registry and linked administrative databases were analyzed.
      Longitudinal data from VARA patients initiating adalimumab (ADA), etanercept
      (ETN), or infliximab (IFX) from 2003 (the date all agents were available within
      the Veteran Affairs) to 2010 were analyzed. Outcomes included Disease Activity
      Score using 28 joints (DAS28), treatment persistence, dose escalation, and direct
      costs of drugs and drug administration. RESULTS: For 563 eligible patients,
      baseline DAS28, DAS28 improvements, and persistence on initial treatment were
      similar across agents. Fewer patients receiving ETN (n = 5/290; 2%) underwent
      dose escalation than did patients taking ADA (n = 32/204; 16%) or IFX (n = 44/69;
      64%). Annual costs for first course of TNFi therapy were lower for injectable ADA
      ($13,100 US) and ETN ($13,500 US) than for intravenously administered IFX
      ($16,900 US). CONCLUSION: Despite similar persistence and clinical disease
      activity for these TNFi agents, rates of dose escalation were highest with ADA
      and IFX. Higher overall costs were noted for IFX without increases in
      effectiveness.

PMID- 25128517
TI  - Mortality, recurrence, and hospital course of patients with systemic sclerosis
      related acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare gastrointestinal
      manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with few data existing as to its
      demographics, clinical course, outcomes, and mortality. METHODS: We undertook a
      case-control study to describe 64 cases in 37 unique patients, of whom 70% had
      spontaneous resolution with conservative measures of intravenous hydration and
      bowel rest, 9% underwent surgical resection, and 25% required prolonged total
      parenteral nutrition (TPN). RESULTS: Hospital course was for a mean of 12 +/-
      12.5 days and there was a 16% patient mortality in our population. In a subgroup
      analysis, patients who had recurrent episodes of pseudo-obstruction were less
      likely to have esophageal involvement from SSc, and more likely to need prolonged
      TPN. Mortality tended to be higher in male patients and patients who did not have
      SSc-related esophageal involvement, and also in patients who had low hemoglobin
      and serum albumin at presentation. The need for a nasogastric tube for
      decompression and a surgical intervention correlated with a more prolonged
      hospital stay. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, ours is the largest
      study looking at this rare manifestation of SSc.

PMID- 25128518
TI  - A multibiomarker disease activity score for rheumatoid arthritis predicts
      radiographic joint damage in the BeSt study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a multibiomarker disease activity (MBDA) score
      predicts radiographic damage progression in the subsequent year in patients with
      early rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: There were 180 serum samples available in
      the BeSt study (trial numbers NTR262, NTR 265): 91 at baseline (84 with
      radiographs available) and 89 at 1-year followup (81 with radiographs available).
      Radiographs were assessed using the Sharp/van der Heijde Score (SvdH). Twelve
      serum biomarkers were measured to determine MBDA scores using a validated
      algorithm. Receiver-operating curves and Poisson regression analyses were
      performed, with Disease Activity Score (DAS) and MBDA score as independent
      variables, and radiographic progression as dependent variable. RESULTS: At
      baseline, MBDA scores discriminated more between patients who developed
      radiographic progression (increase in SvdH>=5 points) and patients who did not
      [area under the curve (AUC) 0.767, 95% CI 0.639-0.896] than did DAS (AUC 0.521,
      95% CI 0.358-0.684). At 1 year, MBDA score had an AUC of 0.691 (95% CI 0.453
      0.929) and DAS had an AUC of 0.649 (95% CI 0.417-0.880). Adjusted for
      anticitrullinated protein antibody status and DAS, higher MBDA scores were
      associated with an increased risk for SvdH progression [relative risk (RR) 1.039,
      95% CI 1.018-1.059 for baseline MBDA score; 1.037, 95% CI 1.009-1.065 for Year 1
      MBDA score]. Categorized high MBDA scores were also correlated with SvdH
      progression (RR for high MBDA score at baseline 3.7; low or moderate MBDA score
      as reference). At 1 year, high MBDA score gave a RR of 4.6 compared to low MBDA
      score. CONCLUSION: MBDA scores predict radiographic damage progression at
      baseline and during disease course.

PMID- 25128519
TI  - Tubular urate transporter gene polymorphisms differentiate patients with gout who
      have normal and decreased urinary uric acid excretion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Primary gout has been associated with single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNP) in several tubular urate transporter genes. No study has assessed the
      association of reabsorption and secretion urate transporter gene SNP with gout in
      a single cohort of documented primary patients with gout carefully subclassified
      as normoexcretors or underexcretors. METHODS: Three reabsorption SNP
      (SLC22A12/URAT1, SLC2A9/GLUT9, and SLC22A11/OAT4) and 2 secretion transporter SNP
      (SLC17A1/NPT1 and ABCG2/BRCP) were studied in 104 patients with primary gout and
      in 300 control subjects. The patients were subclassified into normoexcretors and
      underexcretors according to their serum and 24-h urinary uric acid levels under
      strict conditions of dietary control. RESULTS: Compared with control subjects,
      patients with gout showed different allele distributions of the 5 SNP analyzed.
      However, the diagnosis of underexcretor was only positively associated with the
      presence of the T allele of URAT1 rs11231825, the G allele of GLUT9 rs16890979,
      and the A allele of ABCG2 rs2231142. The association of the A allele of ABCG2
      rs2231142 in normoexcretors was 10 times higher than in underexcretors. The C
      allele of NPT1 rs1165196 was only significantly associated with gout in patients
      with normal uric acid excretion. CONCLUSION: Gout with uric acid underexcretion
      is associated with transporter gene SNP related mainly to tubular reabsorption,
      whereas uric acid normoexcretion is associated only with tubular secretion SNP.
      This finding supports the concept of distinctive mechanisms to account for
      hyperuricemia in patients with gout with reduced or normal uric acid excretion.

PMID- 25128520
TI  - When to adjust therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after initiation of
      etanercept plus methotrexate or methotrexate alone: findings from a randomized
      study (COMET).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of these posthoc analyses was to evaluate short-term
      clinical outcomes as predictors of poor response after 1 year of treatment with
      combination etanercept/methotrexate (ETN/MTX) therapy versus MTX monotherapy in
      patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Participants with
      moderate to severe RA [28-joint Disease Activity Score-Erythrocyte Sedimentation
      Rate (DAS28-ESR) >= 3.2] of 3-24 months' duration received ETN 50 mg weekly plus
      MTX or MTX monotherapy for 52 weeks. Regression analyses were performed to
      evaluate the likelihood of remission (DAS28-ESR < 2.6) after 1 year despite poor
      clinical short-term treatment effects (e.g., absolute or changes from baseline in
      DAS28-ESR after 4, 8, 12, 20, and 24 weeks of therapy). RESULTS: The magnitude of
      disease activity and its improvement and timing influenced remission probability
      in both treatment groups; remission rate was diminished with higher disease
      activity levels and lower response levels over time from weeks 4 to 24. The rate
      of DAS28-ESR remission at 1 year was generally greater with ETN/MTX than with MTX
      alone at most timepoints from weeks 4 to 24. Despite persistent high disease
      activity (DAS28-ESR > 5.1) after 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks of therapy, 35%, 27%,
      25%, and 22% of patients, respectively, in the ETN/MTX group achieved DAS28-ESR
      remission after 1 year of continuous treatment; the respective proportions were
      33%, 27%, 8%, and 13% in the MTX group. CONCLUSION: High disease activity and
      less improvement with treatment over time in the initial 24 weeks of treatment,
      particularly after 12 weeks, were predictive of a lower remission rate after 1
      year.

PMID- 25128521
TI  - Cigarette smoke-induced iBALT mediates macrophage activation in a B cell
      dependent manner in COPD.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a progressive
      decline in lung function, caused by exposure to exogenous particles, mainly
      cigarette smoke (CS). COPD is initiated and perpetuated by an abnormal CS-induced
      inflammatory response of the lungs, involving both innate and adaptive immunity.
      Specifically, B cells organized in iBALT structures and macrophages accumulate in
      the lungs and contribute to CS-induced emphysema, but the mechanisms thereof
      remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that B cell-deficient mice are significantly
      protected against CS-induced emphysema. Chronic CS exposure led to an increased
      size and number of iBALT structures, and increased lung compliance and mean
      linear chord length in wild-type (WT) but not in B cell-deficient mice. The
      increased accumulation of lung resident macrophages around iBALT and in
      emphysematous alveolar areas in CS-exposed WT mice coincided with upregulated
      MMP12 expression. In vitro coculture experiments using B cells and macrophages
      demonstrated that B cell-derived IL-10 drives macrophage activation and MMP12
      upregulation, which could be inhibited by an anti-IL-10 antibody. In summary, B
      cell function in iBALT formation seems necessary for macrophage activation and
      tissue destruction in CS-induced emphysema and possibly provides a new target for
      therapeutic intervention in COPD. 

PMID- 25128522
TI  - PKG-1alpha leucine zipper domain defect increases pulmonary vascular tone:
      implications in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic disease characterized by a progressive
      increase in vasomotor tone, narrowing of the vasculature with structural
      remodeling, and increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. Current treatment
      strategies include nitric oxide therapy and methods to increase cGMP-mediated
      vasodilatation. cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKG) are known mediators of
      nitric oxide- and cGMP-induced vasodilatation. Deletion of PKG-1 in mice has been
      shown to induce PH, however, the exact mechanisms by which loss of PKG-1 function
      leads to PH is not known. In a mouse model with a selective mutation in the NH2
      terminus leucine zipper protein interaction domain of PKG-1alpha [leucine zipper
      mutant (LZM)], we found a progressive increase in right ventricular systolic
      pressure and right heart hypertrophy compared with wild-type (WT) mice and
      increased RhoA-GTPase activity in the lungs. When exposed to chronic hypoxia, LZM
      mice developed modestly enhanced right ventricular remodeling compared with WT
      mice. Tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that increases cGMP levels,
      significantly attenuated hypoxia-induced cardiopulmonary remodeling in WT mice
      but had no effect in LZM mice. We conclude that a functional leucine zipper
      domain in PKG-1alpha is essential for maintenance of a low pulmonary vascular
      tone in normoxia and for cGMP-mediated beneficial effects of phosphodiesterase-5
      inhibition in hypoxic cardiopulmonary remodeling.

PMID- 25128523
TI  - Real-time monitoring of endogenous lipid peroxidation by exhaled ethylene in
      patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
AB  - Pulmonary and systemic organ injury produced by oxidative stress including lipid
      peroxidation is a fundamental tenet of ischemia-reperfusion injury, inflammatory
      response to cardiac surgery, and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) but is not
      routinely measured in a surgically relevant time frame. To initiate a paradigm
      shift toward noninvasive and real-time monitoring of endogenous lipid
      peroxidation, we have explored pulmonary excretion and dynamism of exhaled breath
      ethylene during cardiac surgery to test the hypothesis that surgical technique
      and ischemia-reperfusion triggers lipid peroxidation. We have employed laser
      photoacoustic spectroscopy to measure real-time trace concentrations of ethylene
      from the patient breath and from the CPB machine. Patients undergoing aortic or
      mitral valve surgery-requiring CPB (n = 15) or off-pump coronary artery bypass
      surgery (OPCAB) (n = 7) were studied. Skin and tissue incision by diathermy
      caused striking (> 30-fold) increases in exhaled ethylene resulting in elevated
      levels until CPB. Gaseous ethylene in the CPB circuit was raised upon the
      establishment of CPB (> 10-fold) and decreased over time. Reperfusion of
      myocardium and lungs did not appear to enhance ethylene levels significantly.
      During OPCAB surgery, we have observed increased ethylene in 16 of 30 documented
      reperfusion events associated with coronary and aortic anastomoses. Therefore,
      novel real-time monitoring of endogenous lipid peroxidation in the intraoperative
      setting provides unparalleled detail of endogenous and surgery-triggered
      production of ethylene. Diathermy and unprotected regional myocardial ischemia
      and reperfusion are the most significant contributors to increased ethylene.

PMID- 25128524
TI  - Role of hypoxia-induced transglutaminase 2 in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell
      proliferation.
AB  - We previously reported that transglutaminase 2 (TG2) activity is markedly
      elevated in lungs of hypoxia-exposed rodent models of pulmonary hypertension
      (PH). Since vascular remodeling of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs)
      is important in PH, we undertook the present study to determine whether TG2
      activity is altered in PASMCs with exposure to hypoxia and whether that
      alteration participates in their proliferative response to hypoxia. Cultured
      distal bovine (b) and proximal human (h) PASMCs were exposed to hypoxia (3% O2)
      or normoxia (21% O2). mRNA and protein expression were determined by PCR and
      Western blot analyses. TG2 activity and function were visualized and determined
      by fluorescent labeled 5-pentylamine biotin incorporation and immunoblotting of
      serotonylated fibronectin. Cell proliferation was assessed by [(3)H]thymidine
      incorporation assay. At 24 h, both TG2 expression and activity were stimulated by
      hypoxia in bPASMCs. Activation of TG2 by hypoxia was blocked by inhibition of the
      extracellular calcium-sensing receptor or the transient receptor potential
      channel V4. In contrast, TG2 expression was blocked by inhibition of the
      transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha, supporting the presence of
      separate mechanisms for stimulation of activity and expression of TG2. Pulmonary
      arterial hypertension patient-derived hPASMCs were found to proliferate
      significantly more rapidly and respond to hypoxia more strongly than control
      derived hPASMCs. Similar to bovine cells, hypoxia-induced proliferation of
      patient-derived cells was blocked by inhibition of TG2 activity. Our results
      suggest an important role for TG2, mediated by intracellular calcium fluxes and
      HIF-1alpha, in hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation and possibly in vascular
      remodeling in PH.

PMID- 25128525
TI  - Genetic interactions between planar cell polarity genes cause diverse neural tube
      defects in mice.
AB  - Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the commonest and most severe forms of
      developmental defect, characterized by disruption of the early embryonic events
      of central nervous system formation. NTDs have long been known to exhibit a
      strong genetic dependence, yet the identity of the genetic determinants remains
      largely undiscovered. Initiation of neural tube closure is disrupted in mice
      homozygous for mutations in planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway genes, providing a
      strong link between NTDs and PCP signaling. Recently, missense gene variants have
      been identified in PCP genes in humans with NTDs, although the range of
      phenotypes is greater than in the mouse mutants. In addition, the sequence
      variants detected in affected humans are heterozygous, and can often be detected
      in unaffected individuals. It has been suggested that interactions between
      multiple heterozygous gene mutations cause the NTDs in humans. To determine the
      phenotypes produced in double heterozygotes, we bred mice with all three pairwise
      combinations of Vangl2(Lp), Scrib(Crc) and Celsr1(Crsh) mutations, the most
      intensively studied PCP mutants. The majority of double-mutant embryos had open
      NTDs, with the range of phenotypes including anencephaly and spina bifida,
      therefore reflecting the defects observed in humans. Strikingly, even on a
      uniform genetic background, variability in the penetrance and severity of the
      mutant phenotypes was observed between the different double-heterozygote
      combinations. Phenotypically, Celsr1(Crsh);Vangl2(Lp);Scrib(Crc) triply
      heterozygous mutants were no more severe than doubly heterozygous or singly
      homozygous mutants. We propose that some of the variation between double-mutant
      phenotypes could be attributed to the nature of the protein disruption in each
      allele: whereas Scrib(Crc) is a null mutant and produces no Scrib protein,
      Celsr1(Crsh) and Vangl2(Lp) homozygotes both express mutant proteins, consistent
      with dominant effects. The variable outcomes of these genetic interactions are of
      direct relevance to human patients and emphasize the importance of performing
      comprehensive genetic screens in humans. 

PMID- 25128527
TI  - Subdomain II of alpha-isopropylmalate synthase is essential for activity:
      inferring a mechanism of feedback inhibition.
AB  - The committed step of leucine biosynthesis, converting acetyl-CoA and alpha
      ketoisovalerate into alpha-isopropylmalate, is catalyzed by alpha-isopropylmalate
      synthase (IPMS), an allosteric enzyme subjected to feedback inhibition by the end
      product L-leucine. We characterized the short form IPMS from Leptospira biflexa
      (LbIPMS2), which exhibits a catalytic activity comparable with that of the long
      form IPMS (LbIPMS1) and has a similar N-terminal domain followed by subdomain I
      and subdomain II but lacks the whole C-terminal regulatory domain. We found that
      partial deletion of the regulatory domain of LbIPMS1 resulted in a loss of about
      50% of the catalytic activity; however, when the regulatory domain was deleted up
      to Arg-385, producing a protein that is almost equivalent to the intact LbIPMS2,
      about 90% of the activity was maintained. Moreover, in LbIPMS2 or LbIPMS1,
      further deletion of several residues from the C terminus of subdomain II
      significantly impaired or completely abolished the catalytic activity,
      respectively. These results define a complete and independently functional
      catalytic module of IPMS consisting of both the N-terminal domain and the two
      subdomains. Structural comparison of LbIPMS2 and the Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      IPMS revealed two different conformations of subdomain II that likely represent
      two substrate-binding states related to cooperative catalysis. The biochemical
      and structural analyses together with the previously published hydrogen-deuterium
      exchange data led us to propose a conformation transition mechanism for feedback
      inhibition mediated by subdomains I and II that might associated with alteration
      of the binding affinity toward acetyl-CoA.

PMID- 25128526
TI  - Cytoplasmic retention of protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor 2 (I2PP2A) induces
      Alzheimer-like abnormal hyperphosphorylation of Tau.
AB  - Abnormal hyperphosphorylation of Tau leads to the formation of neurofibrillary
      tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD), and related tauopathies. The
      phosphorylation of Tau is regulated by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which in
      turn is modulated by endogenous inhibitor 2 (I2 (PP2A)). In AD brain, I2 (PP2A)
      is translocated from neuronal nucleus to cytoplasm, where it inhibits PP2A
      activity and promotes abnormal phosphorylation of Tau. Here we describe the
      identification of a potential nuclear localization signal (NLS) in the C-terminal
      region of I2 (PP2A) containing a conserved basic motif, (179)RKR(181), which is
      sufficient for directing its nuclear localization. The current study further
      presents an inducible cell model (Tet-Off system) of AD-type abnormal
      hyperphosphorylation of Tau by expressing I2 (PP2A) in which the NLS was
      inactivated by (179)RKR(181) -> AAA along with (168)KR(169) -> AA mutations. In
      this model, the mutant NLS (mNLS)-I2 (PP2A) (I2 (PP2A)AA-AAA) was retained in the
      cell cytoplasm, where it physically interacted with PP2A and inhibited its
      activity. Inhibition of PP2A was associated with the abnormal
      hyperphosphorylation of Tau, which resulted in microtubule network instability
      and neurite outgrowth impairment. Expression of mNLS-I2 (PP2A) activated CAMKII
      and GSK-3beta, which are Tau kinases regulated by PP2A. The immunoprecipitation
      experiments showed the direct interaction of I2 (PP2A) with PP2A and GSK-3beta
      but not with CAMKII. Thus, the cell model provides insights into the nature of
      the potential NLS and the mechanistic relationship between I2 (PP2A)-induced
      inhibition of PP2A and hyperphosphorylation of Tau that can be utilized to
      develop drugs preventing Tau pathology. 

PMID- 25128528
TI  - Structural and mechanistic insight into the Listeria monocytogenes two-enzyme
      lipoteichoic acid synthesis system.
AB  - Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is an important cell wall component required for proper
      cell growth in many Gram-positive bacteria. In Listeria monocytogenes, two
      enzymes are required for the synthesis of this polyglycerolphosphate polymer. The
      LTA primase LtaP(Lm) initiates LTA synthesis by transferring the first
      glycerolphosphate (GroP) subunit onto the glycolipid anchor and the LTA synthase
      LtaS(Lm) extends the polymer by the repeated addition of GroP subunits to the tip
      of the growing chain. Here, we present the crystal structures of the enzymatic
      domains of LtaP(Lm) and LtaS(Lm). Although the enzymes share the same fold,
      substantial differences in the cavity of the catalytic site and surface charge
      distribution contribute to enzyme specialization. The eLtaS(Lm) structure was
      also determined in complex with GroP revealing a second GroP binding site.
      Mutational analysis confirmed an essential function for this binding site and
      allowed us to propose a model for the binding of the growing chain.

PMID- 25128529
TI  - Dual role of the Trps1 transcription factor in dentin mineralization.
AB  - TRPS1 (tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome) is a unique GATA-type transcription
      factor that acts as a transcriptional repressor. TRPS1 deficiency and
      dysregulated TRPS1 expression result in skeletal and dental abnormalities
      implicating TRPS1 in endochondral bone formation and tooth development. Moreover,
      patients with tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome frequently present with low bone
      mass indicating TRPS1 involvement in bone homeostasis. In addition, our previous
      data demonstrated accelerated mineralization of the perichondrium in Trps1 mutant
      mice and impaired dentin mineralization in Col1a1-Trps1 transgenic mice,
      implicating Trps1 in the mineralization process. To understand the role of Trps1
      in the differentiation and function of cells producing mineralized matrix, we
      used a preodontoblastic cell line as a model of dentin mineralization. We
      generated both Trps1-deficient and Trps1-overexpressing stable cell lines and
      analyzed the progression of mineralization by alkaline phosphatase and alizarin
      red staining. As predicted, based on our previous in vivo data, delayed and
      decreased mineralization of Trps1-overexpressing odontoblastic cells was observed
      when compared with control cells. This was associated with down-regulation of
      genes regulating phosphate homeostasis. Interestingly, Trps1-deficient cells lost
      the ability to mineralize and demonstrated decreased expression of several genes
      critical for initiating the mineralization process, including Alpl and Phospho1.
      Based on these data, we have concluded that Trps1 serves two critical and context
      dependent functions in odontoblast-regulated mineralization as follows: 1) Trps1
      is required for odontoblast maturation by supporting expression of genes crucial
      for initiating the mineralization process, and 2) Trps1 represses the function of
      mature cells and, consequently, restricts the extent of extracellular matrix
      mineralization. 

PMID- 25128530
TI  - Phosphatase CD45 both positively and negatively regulates T cell receptor
      phosphorylation in reconstituted membrane protein clusters.
AB  - T cell receptor (TCR) phosphorylation requires the kinase Lck and phosphatase
      CD45. CD45 activates Lck by dephosphorylating an inhibitory tyrosine of Lck to
      relieve autoinhibition. However, CD45 also dephosphorylates the TCR, and the
      spatial exclusion of CD45 from TCR clustering in the plasma membrane appears to
      attenuate this negative effect of CD45. To further investigate the role of CD45
      in signal initiation, we reconstituted membrane TCR clusters in vitro on
      supported lipid bilayers. Fluorescence microscopy of single clusters showed that
      incorporation of CD45 enhanced phosphorylation of TCR clusters, but only when Lck
      co-clustered with TCR. We found that clustered Lck autophosphorylated the
      inhibitory tyrosine and thus could be activated by CD45, whereas diffusive Lck
      molecules did not. In the TCR-Lck clusters and at low CD45 density, we speculate
      that the effect of Lck activation may overcome dephosphorylation of TCR,
      resulting in a net positive regulation. The CD45 density in physiological TCR
      clusters is also low because of the exclusion of CD45. Thus, we propose that the
      spatial organization of TCR/Lck/CD45 in T cell membranes is important not only
      for modulating the negative role of CD45 but also for creating conditions in
      which CD45 has a positive role in signal initiation. 

PMID- 25128531
TI  - The crystal structure of the plant small GTPase OsRac1 reveals its mode of
      binding to NADPH oxidase.
AB  - Rac/Rop proteins are Rho-type small GTPases that act as molecular switches in
      plants. Recent studies have identified these proteins as key components in many
      major plant signaling pathways, such as innate immunity, pollen tube growth, and
      root hair formation. In rice, the Rac/Rop protein OsRac1 plays an important role
      in regulating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the NADPH
      oxidase OsRbohB during innate immunity. However, the molecular mechanism by which
      OsRac1 regulates OsRbohB remains unknown. Here, we report the crystal structure
      of OsRac1 complexed with the non-hydrolyzable GTP analog guanosine 5'-(beta,gamma
      imido)triphosphate at 1.9 A resolution; this represents the first active-form
      structure of a plant small GTPase. To elucidate the ROS production in rice cells,
      structural information was used to design OsRac1 mutants that displayed reduced
      binding to OsRbohB. Only mutations in the OsRac1 Switch I region showed
      attenuated interactions with OsRbohB in vitro. In particular, Tyr(39) and Asp(45)
      substitutions suppressed ROS production in rice cells, indicating that these
      residues are critical for interaction with and activation of OsRbohB. Structural
      comparison of active-form OsRac1 with AtRop9 in its GDP-bound inactive form
      showed a large conformational difference in the vicinity of these residues. Our
      results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of the immune response
      through OsRac1 and the various cellular responses associated with plant Rac/Rop
      proteins. 

PMID- 25128532
TI  - Reduced plasminogen binding and delayed activation render gamma'-fibrin more
      resistant to lysis than gammaA-fibrin.
AB  - Fibrin (Fn) clots formed from gamma'-fibrinogen (gamma'-Fg), a variant with an
      elongated gamma-chain, are resistant to lysis when compared with clots formed
      from the predominant gammaA-Fg, a finding previously attributed to differences in
      clot structure due to delayed thrombin-mediated fibrinopeptide (FP) B release or
      impaired cross-linking by factor XIIIa. We investigated whether slower lysis of
      gamma'-Fn reflects delayed plasminogen (Pg) binding and/or activation by tissue
      plasminogen activator (tPA), reduced plasmin-mediated proteolysis of gamma'-Fn,
      and/or altered cross-linking. Clots formed from gamma'-Fg lysed more slowly than
      those formed from gammaA-Fg when lysis was initiated with tPA/Pg when FPA and FPB
      were both released, but not when lysis was initiated with plasmin, or when only
      FPA was released. Pg bound to gamma'-Fn with an association rate constant 22%
      lower than that to gammaA-Fn, and the lag time for initiation of Pg activation by
      tPA was longer with gamma'-Fn than with gammaA-Fn. Once initiated, however, Pg
      activation kinetics were similar. Factor XIIIa had similar effects on clots
      formed from both Fg isoforms. Therefore, slower lysis of gamma'-Fn clots reflects
      delayed FPB release, which results in delayed binding and activation of Pg. When
      clots were formed from Fg mixtures containing more than 20% gamma'-Fg, the upper
      limit of the normal level, the delay in lysis was magnified. These data suggest
      that circulating levels of gamma'-Fg modulate the susceptibility of clots to
      lysis by slowing Pg activation by tPA and provide another example of the intimate
      connections between coagulation and fibrinolysis. 

PMID- 25128533
TI  - A review on human reinstatement studies: an overview and methodological
      challenges.
AB  - In human research, studies of return of fear (ROF) phenomena, and reinstatement
      in particular, began only a decade ago and recently are more widely used, e.g.,
      as outcome measures for fear/extinction memory manipulations (e.g.,
      reconsolidation). As reinstatement research in humans is still in its infancy,
      providing an overview of its stability and boundary conditions and summarizing
      methodological challenges is timely to foster fruitful future research. As a
      translational endeavor, clarifying the circumstances under which (experimental)
      reinstatement occurs may offer a first step toward understanding relapse as a
      clinical phenomenon and pave the way for the development of new pharmacological
      or behavioral ways to prevent ROF. The current state of research does not yet
      allow pinpointing these circumstances in detail and we hope this review will aid
      the research field to advance in this direction. As an introduction, we begin
      with a synopsis of rodent work on reinstatement and theories that have been
      proposed to explain the findings. The review however mainly focuses on
      reinstatement in humans. We first describe details and variations of the
      experimental setup in reinstatement studies in humans and give a general overview
      of results. We continue with a compilation of possible experimental boundary
      conditions and end with the role of individual differences and behavioral and/or
      pharmacological manipulations. Furthermore, we compile important methodological
      and design details on the published studies in humans and end with open research
      questions and some important methodological and design recommendations as a guide
      for future research. 

PMID- 25128535
TI  - Impact of conscious intent on chunking during motor learning.
AB  - Humans and other mammals learn sequences of movements by splitting them into
      smaller "chunks." Such chunks are defined by the faster speed of performance of
      groups of movements. The purpose of this report is to determine how conscious
      intent to learn impacts chunking, an issue that remains unknown. Here, we studied
      80 subjects who either with or without conscious intent learned a motor sequence.
      Performance was tested before and up to 1-wk post-training. Chunk formation,
      carryover of chunks, and concatenation of chunks into longer chunks, all measures
      of motor chunking success, were determined at each time-point. We found that
      formation, carryover, and concatenation of chunks were comparable across groups
      and did not improve over the training session and subsequent testing times. Thus,
      motor learning progressed in the absence of improvements in chunking irrespective
      of conscious intent. These data suggest that mechanisms other than chunking
      contribute to successful motor learning with and without conscious intent. 

PMID- 25128534
TI  - A unifying model of the role of the infralimbic cortex in extinction and habits.
AB  - The infralimbic prefrontal cortex (IL) has been shown to be critical for the
      regulation of flexible behavior, but its precise function remains unclear. This
      region has been shown to be critical for the acquisition, consolidation, and
      expression of extinction learning, leading many to hypothesize that IL suppresses
      behavior as part of a "stop" network. However, this framework is at odds with IL
      function in habitual behavior in which the IL has been shown to be required for
      the expression and acquisition of ongoing habitual behavior. Here, we will review
      the current state of knowledge of IL anatomy and function in behavioral
      flexibility and provide a testable framework for a single IL mechanism underlying
      its function in both extinction and habit learning. 

PMID- 25128536
TI  - Retrieval is not necessary to trigger reconsolidation of object recognition
      memory in the perirhinal cortex.
AB  - Memory retrieval has been considered as requisite to initiate memory
      reconsolidation; however, some studies indicate that blocking retrieval does not
      prevent memory from undergoing reconsolidation. Since N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
      and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate
      receptors in the perirhinal cortex have been involved in object recognition
      memory formation, the present study evaluated whether retrieval and
      reconsolidation are independent processes by manipulating these glutamate
      receptors. The results showed that AMPA receptor antagonist infusions in the
      perirhinal cortex blocked retrieval, but did not affect memory reconsolidation,
      although NMDA receptor antagonist infusions disrupted reconsolidation even if
      retrieval was blocked. Importantly, neither of these antagonists disrupted short
      term memory. These data suggest that memory underwent reconsolidation even in the
      absence of retrieval. 

PMID- 25128538
TI  - Exposure of airway smooth muscle cells to cigarette smoke extract.

PMID- 25128539
TI  - Response to letter by Dr. Marc Hershenson (exposure of airway smooth muscle cells
      to cigarette smoke extract).

PMID- 25128544
TI  - Ion chromatography for the precise analysis of chloride and sodium in sweat for
      the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurement of chloride in sweat is an essential part of the
      diagnostic algorithm for cystic fibrosis. The lack in sensitivity and
      reproducibility of current methods led us to develop an ion chromatography/high
      performance liquid chromatography (IC/HPLC) method, suitable for the analysis of
      both chloride and sodium in small volumes of sweat. METHODS: Precision, linearity
      and limit of detection of an in-house developed IC/HPLC method were established.
      Method comparison between the newly developed IC/HPLC method and the traditional
      Chlorocounter was performed, and trueness was determined using Passing Bablok
      method comparison with external quality assurance material (Royal College of
      Pathologists of Australasia). RESULTS: Precision and linearity fulfill criteria
      as established by UK guidelines are comparable with inductively coupled plasma
      mass spectrometry methods. Passing Bablok analysis demonstrated excellent
      correlation between IC/HPLC measurements and external quality assessment target
      values, for both chloride and sodium. With a limit of quantitation of 0.95
      mmol/L, our method is suitable for the analysis of small amounts of sweat and can
      thus be used in combination with the Macroduct collection system. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although a chromatographic application results in a somewhat more expensive test
      compared to a Chlorocounter test, more accurate measurements are achieved. In
      addition, simultaneous measurements of sodium concentrations will result in
      better detection of false positives, less test repeating and thus faster and more
      accurate and effective diagnosis. The described IC/HPLC method, therefore,
      provides a precise, relatively cheap and easy-to-handle application for the
      analysis of both chloride and sodium in sweat.

PMID- 25128545
TI  - David W. Talmage, M.D. (AAI '54) 1919-2014.

PMID- 25128537
TI  - 17beta-Estradiol regulates histone alterations associated with memory
      consolidation and increases Bdnf promoter acetylation in middle-aged female mice.
AB  - Histone acetylation is essential for hippocampal memory formation in young adult
      rodents. Although dysfunctional histone acetylation has been associated with age
      related memory decline in male rodents, little is known about whether histone
      acetylation is altered by aging in female rodents. In young female mice, the
      ability of 17beta-estradiol (E2) to enhance object recognition memory
      consolidation requires histone H3 acetylation in the dorsal hippocampus. However,
      the extent to which histone acetylation is regulated by E2 in middle-aged females
      is unknown. The mnemonic benefits of E2 in aging females appear to be greatest in
      middle age, and so pinpointing the molecular mechanisms through which E2 enhances
      memory at this age could lead to the development of safer and more effective
      treatments for maintaining memory function without the side effects of current
      therapies. Here, we show that dorsal hippocampal infusion of E2 rapidly enhanced
      object recognition and spatial memory, and increased histone H3 acetylation in
      the dorsal hippocampus, while also significantly reducing levels of histone
      deacetylase (HDAC2 and HDAC3) proteins. E2 specifically increased histone H3
      acetylation at Bdnf promoters pII and pIV in the dorsal hippocampus of both young
      and middle-aged mice, despite age-related decreases in pI and pIV acetylation.
      Furthermore, levels of mature BDNF and pro-BDNF proteins in the dorsal
      hippocampus were increased by E2 in middle-aged females. Together, these data
      suggest that the middle-aged female dorsal hippocampus remains epigenetically
      responsive to E2, and that E2 may enhance memory in middle-aged females via
      epigenetic regulation of Bdnf. 

PMID- 25128546
TI  - Comment on "aneurysmal lesions of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm contain
      clonally expanded T cells".

PMID- 25128547
TI  - Response to comment on "aneurysmal lesions of patients with abdominal aortic
      aneurysm contain clonally expanded T cells".

PMID- 25128548
TI  - Just the FACS.

PMID- 25128549
TI  - Pillars article: cell sorting: automated separation of Mammalian cells as a
      function of intracellular fluorescence. Science. 1969. 166: 747-749.

PMID- 25128550
TI  - Pillars article: demonstration that antigen-binding cells are precursors of
      antibody-producing cells after purification with a fluorescence-activated cell
      sorter. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1972. 69: 1934-1938.

PMID- 25128551
TI  - Hematopoiesis in steady-state versus stress: self-renewal, lineage fate choice,
      and the conversion of danger signals into cytokine signals in hematopoietic stem
      cells.
AB  - Long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) replenish the innate and adaptive
      immune compartments throughout life. Although significant progress has defined
      the major transcription factors that regulate lineage specification, the
      architectural proteins that globally coordinate DNA methylation, histone
      modification, and changes in gene expression are poorly defined. Provocative new
      studies establish the chromatin organizer special AT-rich binding protein 1
      (Satb1) as one such global regulator in LT-HSCs. Satb1 is a nuclear organizer
      that partitions chromatin through the formation of cage-like structures. By
      integrating epigenetic and transcriptional pathways, Satb1 coordinates LT-HSC
      division, self-renewal, and lymphoid potential. Unexpected among the assortment
      of genes under Satb1 control in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are cytokines, a
      finding that takes on additional importance with the provocative finding that
      short-term HSCs and downstream multipotent progenitors are potent and
      biologically relevant cytokine secretors during stress-mediated hematopoiesis.
      Together, these studies reveal a new mechanism of fate regulation and an
      unforeseen functional capability of HSCs. 

PMID- 25128557
TI  - 'The battle for life': Pasteur, anthrax, and the first probiotics.

PMID- 25128552
TI  - The multifaceted roles of Bcl11b in thymic and peripheral T cells: impact on
      immune diseases.
AB  - The transcription factor Bcl11b is expressed in all T cell subsets and
      progenitors, starting from the DN2 stage of T cell development, and it regulates
      critical processes implicated in the development, function, and survival of many
      of these cells. Among the common roles of Bcl11b in T cell progenitors and mature
      T cell subsets are the repression of the innate genetic program and, to some
      extent, expression maintenance of TCR-signaling components. However, Bcl11b also
      has unique roles in specific T cell populations, suggesting that its functions
      depend on cell type and activation state of the cell. In this article, we provide
      a comprehensive review of the roles of Bcl11b in progenitors, effector T cells,
      regulatory T cells, and invariant NKT cells, as well as its impact on immune
      diseases. While emphasizing common themes, including some that might be extended
      to skin and neurons, we also describe the control of specific functions in
      different T cell subsets. 

PMID- 25128559
TI  - Influence of optic flow on the control of heading and target egocentric direction
      during steering toward a goal.
AB  - Although previous studies have shown that people use both optic flow and target
      egocentric direction to walk or steer toward a goal, it remains in question how
      enriching the optic flow field affects the control of heading specified by optic
      flow and the control of target egocentric direction during goal-oriented
      locomotion. In the current study, we used a control-theoretic approach to
      separate the control response specific to these two cues in the visual control of
      steering toward a goal. The results showed that the addition of optic flow
      information (such as foreground motion and global flow) in the display improved
      the overall control precision, the amplitude, and the response delay of the
      control of heading. The amplitude and the response delay of the control of target
      egocentric direction were, however, not affected. The improvement in the control
      of heading with enriched optic flow displays was mirrored by an increase in the
      accuracy of heading perception. The findings provide direct support for the claim
      that people use the heading specified by optic flow as well as target egocentric
      direction to walk or steer toward a goal and suggest that the visual system does
      not internally weigh these two cues for goal-oriented locomotion control. 

PMID- 25128556
TI  - Global mass spectrometry and transcriptomics array based drug profiling provides
      novel insight into glucosamine induced endoplasmic reticulum stress.
AB  - We investigated the molecular effects of glucosamine supplements, a popular and
      safe alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for decreasing pain,
      inflammation, and maintaining healthy joints. Numerous studies have reported an
      array of molecular effects after glucosamine treatment. We questioned whether the
      differences in the effects observed in previous studies were associated with the
      focus on a specific subproteome or with the use of specific cell lines or
      tissues. To address this question, global mass spectrometry- and transcription
      array-based glucosamine drug profiling was performed on malignant cell lines from
      different stages of lymphocyte development. We combined global label-free MS
      based protein quantitation with an open search for modifications to obtain the
      best possible proteome coverage. Our data were largely consistent with previous
      studies in a variety of cellular models. We mainly observed glucosamine induced O
      GlcNAcylation/O-GalNAcylation (O-HexNAcylation); however, we also observed global
      and local changes in acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation. For example,
      our data provides two additional examples of "yin-yang" between phosphorylation
      and O-HexNAcylation. Furthermore, we mapped novel O-HexNAc sites on GLU2B and
      calnexin. GLU2B and calnexin are known to be located in the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) and involved in protein folding and quality control. The O-HexNAc sites were
      regulated by glucosamine treatment and correlated with the up-regulation of the
      ER stress marker GRP78. The occupancy of O-HexNAc on GLU2B and calnexin sites
      differed between the cytosolic and nuclear fractions with a higher occupancy in
      the cytosolic fraction. Based on our data we propose the hypothesis that O-HexNAc
      either inactivates calnexin and/or targets it to the cytosolic fraction. Further,
      we hypothesize that O-HexNAcylation induced by glucosamine treatment enhances
      protein trafficking. 

PMID- 25128561
TI  - Tetraspanins at a glance.
AB  - Tetraspanins are a family of proteins with four transmembrane domains that play a
      role in many aspects of cell biology and physiology; they are also used by
      several pathogens for infection and regulate cancer progression. Many
      tetraspanins associate specifically and directly with a limited number of
      proteins, and also with other tetraspanins, thereby generating a hierarchical
      network of interactions. Through these interactions, tetraspanins are believed to
      have a role in cell and membrane compartmentalization. In this Cell Science at a
      Glance article and the accompanying poster, we describe the basic principles
      underlying tetraspanin-based assemblies and highlight examples of how
      tetraspanins regulate the trafficking and function of their partner proteins that
      are required for the normal development and function of several organs,
      including, in humans, the eye, the kidney and the immune system. 

PMID- 25128560
TI  - Response features across the auditory midbrain reveal an organization consistent
      with a dual lemniscal pathway.
AB  - The central auditory system has traditionally been divided into lemniscal and
      nonlemniscal pathways leading from the midbrain through the thalamus to the
      cortex. This view has served as an organizing principle for studying, modeling,
      and understanding the encoding of sound within the brain. However, there is
      evidence that the lemniscal pathway could be further divided into at least two
      subpathways, each potentially coding for sound in different ways. We investigated
      whether such an interpretation is supported by the spatial distribution of
      response features in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC), the
      part of the auditory midbrain assigned to the lemniscal pathway. We recorded
      responses to pure tone stimuli in the ICC of ketamine-xylazine-anesthetized
      guinea pigs and used three-dimensional brain reconstruction techniques to map the
      location of the recording sites. Compared with neurons in caudal-and-medial
      regions within an isofrequency lamina of the ICC, neurons in rostral-and-lateral
      regions responded with shorter first-spike latencies with less spiking jitter,
      shorter durations of spiking responses, a higher proportion of spikes occurring
      near the onset of the stimulus, lower thresholds, and larger local field
      potentials with shorter latencies. Further analysis revealed two distinct
      clusters of response features located in either the caudal-and-medial or the
      rostral-and-lateral parts of the isofrequency laminae of the ICC. Thus we report
      substantial differences in coding properties in two regions of the ICC that are
      consistent with the hypothesis that the lemniscal pathway is made up of at least
      two distinct subpathways from the midbrain up to the cortex. 

PMID- 25128563
TI  - Distinct temporal hierarchies in membrane and cytoskeleton dynamics precede the
      morphological polarization of developing neurons.
AB  - Final morphological polarization of neurons, with the development of a distinct
      axon and several dendrites, is preceded by phases where they have a non-polarized
      architecture. The earliest of these phases is that of the round neuron arising
      from the last mitosis. A second non-polarized stage corresponds to the bipolar
      neuron, with two morphologically identical neurites. Both phases have their
      distinctive relevance in the establishment of neuronal polarity. During the round
      cell stage, a decision is made as to where from the cell periphery a first
      neurite will form, thus creating the first sign of asymmetry. At the bipolar
      stage a decision is made as to which of the two neurites becomes the axon in
      neurons polarizing in vitro, and the leading edge in neurons in situ. In this
      study, we analysed cytoskeletal and membrane dynamics in cells at these two 'pre
      polarity' stages. By means of time lapse imaging in dissociated hippocampal
      neurons and ex vivo cortical slices, we show that both stages are characterized
      by polarized intracellular arrangements. However, the stages have distinct
      temporal hierarchies: polarized actin dynamics marks the site of first
      polarization in round cells, whereas polarized membrane dynamics precedes
      asymmetric growth in the bipolar stage. 

PMID- 25128562
TI  - KIF13B regulates angiogenesis through Golgi to plasma membrane trafficking of
      VEGFR2.
AB  - Although the trafficking of newly synthesized VEGFR2 to the plasma membrane is a
      key determinant of angiogenesis, the molecular mechanisms of Golgi to plasma
      membrane trafficking are unknown. Here, we have identified a key role of the
      kinesin family plus-end molecular motor KIF13B in delivering VEGFR2 cargo from
      the Golgi to the endothelial cell surface. KIF13B is shown to interact directly
      with VEGFR2 on microtubules. We also observed that overexpression of truncated
      versions of KIF13B containing the binding domains that interact with VEGFR2
      inhibited VEGF-induced capillary tube formation. KIF13B depletion prevented VEGF
      mediated endothelial migration, capillary tube formation and neo-vascularization
      in mice. Impairment in trafficking induced by knockdown of KIF13B shunted VEGFR2
      towards the lysosomal degradation pathway. Thus, KIF13B is an essential molecular
      motor required for the trafficking of VEGFR2 from the Golgi, and its delivery to
      the endothelial cell surface mediates angiogenesis.

PMID- 25128564
TI  - The role of mitotic kinases in coupling the centrosome cycle with the assembly of
      the mitotic spindle.
AB  - The centrosome acts as the major microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) for
      cytoskeleton maintenance in interphase and mitotic spindle assembly in vertebrate
      cells. It duplicates only once per cell cycle in a highly spatiotemporally
      regulated manner. When the cell undergoes mitosis, the duplicated centrosomes
      separate to define spindle poles and monitor the assembly of the bipolar mitotic
      spindle for accurate chromosome separation and the maintenance of genomic
      stability. However, centrosome abnormalities occur frequently and often lead to
      monopolar or multipolar spindle formation, which results in chromosome
      instability and possibly tumorigenesis. A number of studies have begun to dissect
      the role of mitotic kinases, including NIMA-related kinases (Neks), cyclin
      dependent kinases (CDKs), Polo-like kinases (Plks) and Aurora kinases, in
      regulating centrosome duplication, separation and maturation and subsequent
      mitotic spindle assembly during cell cycle progression. In this Commentary, we
      review the recent research progress on how these mitotic kinases are coordinated
      to couple the centrosome cycle with the cell cycle, thus ensuring bipolar mitotic
      spindle fidelity. Understanding this process will help to delineate the
      relationship between centrosomal abnormalities and spindle defects. 

PMID- 25128566
TI  - Quantifying mRNA targeting to P-bodies in living human cells reveals their dual
      role in mRNA decay and storage.
AB  - The 5'-to-3' mRNA degradation machinery localizes to cytoplasmic processing
      bodies (P-bodies), which are non-membranous structures found in all eukaryotes.
      Although P-body function has been intensively studied in yeast, less is known
      about their role in mammalian cells, such as whether P-body enzymes are actively
      engaged in mRNA degradation or whether P-bodies serve as mRNA storage depots,
      particularly during cellular stress. We examined the fate of mammalian mRNAs in P
      bodies during translational stress, and show that mRNAs accumulate within P
      bodies during amino acid starvation. The 5' and 3' ends of the transcripts
      residing in P-bodies could be identified, but poly(A) tails were not detected.
      Using the MS2 mRNA-tagging system for mRNA visualization in living cells, we
      found that a stationary mRNA population formed in P-bodies during translational
      stress, which cleared gradually after the stress was relieved. Dcp2-knockdown
      experiments showed that there is constant degradation of part of the P-body
      associated mRNA population. This analysis demonstrates the dual role of P-bodies
      as decay sites and storage areas under regular and stress conditions. 

PMID- 25128565
TI  - Turning a new page on nucleostemin and self-renewal.
AB  - A quintessential trait of stem cells is embedded in their ability to self-renew
      without incurring DNA damage as a result of genome replication. One key self
      renewal factor is the nucleolar GTP-binding protein nucleostemin (also known as
      guanine-nucleotide-binding protein-like 3, GNL3, in invertebrate species).
      Several studies have recently pointed to an unexpected role of nucleostemin in
      safeguarding the genome integrity of stem and cancer cells. Since its discovery,
      the predominant presence of nucleostemin in the nucleolus has led to the notion
      that it might function in the card-carrying event of the nucleolus--the
      biogenesis of ribosomes. As tantalizing as this might be, a ribosomal role of
      nucleostemin is refuted by evidence from recent studies, which argues that
      nucleostemin depletion triggers a primary event of DNA damage in S phase cells
      that then leads to ribosomal perturbation. Furthermore, there have been
      conflicting reports regarding the p53 dependency of nucleostemin activity and the
      cell cycle arrest profile of nucleostemin-depleted cells. In this Commentary, I
      propose a model that explains how the many contradictory observations surrounding
      nucleostemin can be reconciled and suggest that this protein might not be as
      multi-tasking as has been previously perceived. The story of nucleostemin
      highlights the complexity of the underlying molecular events associated with the
      appearance of any cell biological phenotype and also signifies a new
      understanding of the genome maintenance program in stem cells.

PMID- 25128567
TI  - Histone acetylation in astrocytes suppresses GFAP and stimulates a reorganization
      of the intermediate filament network.
AB  - Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is the main intermediate filament in
      astrocytes and is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms during development. We
      demonstrate that histone acetylation also controls GFAP expression in mature
      astrocytes. Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) with trichostatin A or
      sodium butyrate reduced GFAP expression in primary human astrocytes and
      astrocytoma cells. Because splicing occurs co-transcriptionally, we investigated
      whether histone acetylation changes the ratio between the canonical isoform
      GFAPalpha and the alternative GFAPdelta splice variant. We observed that
      decreased transcription of GFAP enhanced alternative isoform expression, as HDAC
      inhibition increased the GFAPdelta?GFAPalpha ratio. Expression of GFAPdelta was
      dependent on the presence and binding of splicing factors of the SR protein
      family. Inhibition of HDAC activity also resulted in aggregation of the GFAP
      network, reminiscent of our previous findings of a GFAPdelta-induced network
      collapse. Taken together, our data demonstrate that HDAC inhibition results in
      changes in transcription, splicing and organization of GFAP. These data imply
      that a tight regulation of histone acetylation in astrocytes is essential,
      because dysregulation of gene expression causes the aggregation of GFAP, a
      hallmark of human diseases like Alexander's disease. 

PMID- 25128568
TI  - Thyroid hormone and the stunned myocardium.
AB  - Acute critically ill patients experience a rapid decline in plasma free thyroid
      hormone levels (free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free levothyroxine (FT4)), with a
      marked elevation of reverse T3, recognized as the euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS)
      or low-T3 syndrome. The ESS is also often associated with depressed myocardial
      function, sometimes referred to as the 'stunned myocardium'. Its clinical effects
      may vary from minimal hemodynamic impairment to cardiogenic shock. Medical
      management may range from aspirin alone to placement of a left ventricular assist
      device. With adequate supportive therapy, recovery usually occurs within days or
      weeks. The effect of T3/T4 therapy has been studied in three conditions in which
      the ESS and myocardial functional depression have been documented - i) transient
      regional myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, ii) transient global myocardial
      ischemia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass, and
      iii) transient inadequate global myocardial perfusion in brain-dead potential
      organ donors. Under all three conditions, myocardial ischemia leads to rapid loss
      of high-energy phosphates, accumulation of myocardial tissue lactate, and
      probably loss of homeostasis of cytosolic calcium, which may further increase
      cell injury. There is an inability to generate ATP through the Krebs cycle, which
      reduces the high-energy phosphate pool essential for all cell ATPases. Under all
      three conditions, following administration of T3/T4, the myocardial dysfunction
      was rapidly reversed. We, therefore, cautiously advocate the use of thyroid
      hormonal therapy to any patient with the ESS and/or a stunned myocardium. 

PMID- 25128569
TI  - Local edge statistics provide information regarding occlusion and nonocclusion
      edges in natural scenes.
AB  - Edges in natural scenes can result from a number of different causes. In this
      study, we investigated the statistical differences between edges arising from
      occlusions and nonocclusions (reflectance differences, surface change, and cast
      shadows). In the first experiment, edges in natural scenes were identified using
      the Canny edge detection algorithm. Observers then classified these edges as
      either an occlusion edge (one region of an image occluding another) or a
      nonocclusion edge. The nonocclusion edges were further subclassified as due to a
      reflectance difference, a surface change, or a cast shadow. We found that edges
      were equally likely to be classified as occlusion or nonocclusion edges. Of the
      nonocclusion edges, approximately 33% were classified as reflectance changes, 9%
      as cast shadows, and 58% as surface changes. We also analyzed local statistical
      properties like contrast, average edge profile, and slope of the edges. We found
      significant differences between the contrast values for each category. Based on
      the local contrast statistics, we developed a maximum likelihood classifier to
      label occlusion and nonocclusion edges. An 80%-20% cross validation demonstrated
      that the human classification could be predicted with 83% accuracy. Overall, our
      results suggest that for many edges in natural scenes, there exists local
      statistical information regarding the cause of the edge. We believe that this
      information can potentially be used by the early visual system to begin the
      process of segregating objects from their backgrounds. 

PMID- 25128571
TI  - Different fixational eye movements mediate the prevention and the reversal of
      visual fading.
AB  - Fixational eye movements (FEMs; including microsaccades, drift and tremor) are
      thought to improve visibility during fixation by thwarting neural adaptation to
      unchanging stimuli, but how the different FEM types influence this process is a
      matter of debate. Attempts to answer this question have been hampered by the
      failure to distinguish between the prevention of fading (where fading is blocked
      before it happens in the first place) and the reversal of fading (where vision is
      restored after fading has already occurred). Because fading during fixation is a
      detriment to clear vision, the prevention of fading, which avoids visual
      degradation before it happens, is a more desirable scenario than improving
      visibility after fading has occurred. Yet previous studies have not examined the
      role of FEMs in the prevention of fading, but have focused on visual restoration
      instead. Here we set out to determine the differential contributions and
      efficacies of microsaccades and drift to preventing fading in human vision. Our
      results indicate that both microsaccades and drift mediate the prevention of
      visual fading. We also found that drift is a potentially larger contributor to
      preventing fading than microsaccades, although microsaccades are more effective
      than drift. Microsaccades moreover prevented foveal and peripheral fading in an
      equivalent fashion, and their efficacy was independent of their size, number, and
      direction. Our data also suggest that faster drift may prevent fading better than
      slower drift. These findings may help to reconcile the long-standing controversy
      concerning the comparative roles of microsaccades and drift in visibility during
      fixation.

PMID- 25128570
TI  - Plasticity in the brainstem vagal circuits controlling gastric motor function
      triggered by corticotropin releasing factor.
AB  - Stress impairs gastric emptying, reduces stomach compliance and induces early
      satiety via vagal actions. We have shown recently that the ability of the anti
      stress neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) to modulate vagal brainstem circuits undergoes
      short-term plasticity via alterations in cAMP levels subsequent to vagal afferent
      fibre-dependent activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors. The aim of the
      present study was to test the hypothesis that the OXT-induced gastric response
      undergoes plastic changes in the presence of the prototypical stress hormone,
      corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). Whole cell patch clamp recordings showed
      that CRF increased inhibitory GABAergic synaptic transmission to identified
      corpus-projecting dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurones. In naive
      brainstem slices, OXT perfusion had no effect on inhibitory synaptic
      transmission; following exposure to CRF (and recovery from its actions), however,
      re-application of OXT inhibited GABAergic transmission in the majority of
      neurones tested. This uncovering of the OXT response was antagonized by
      pretreatment with protein kinase A or adenylate cyclase inhibitors, H89 and di
      deoxyadenosine, respectively, indicating a cAMP-mediated mechanism. In naive
      animals, OXT microinjection in the dorsal vagal complex induced a NO-mediated
      corpus relaxation. Following CRF pretreatment, however, microinjection of OXT
      attenuated or, at times reversed, the gastric relaxation which was insensitive to
      l-NAME but was antagonized by pretreatment with a VIP antagonist.
      Immunohistochemical analyses of vagal motoneurones showed an increased number of
      oxytocin receptors present on GABAergic terminals of CRF-treated or stressed vs.
      naive rats. These results indicate that CRF alters vagal inhibitory circuits that
      uncover the ability of OXT to modulate GABAergic currents and modifies the
      gastric corpus motility response to OXT. 

PMID- 25128573
TI  - Determination of cable parameters in skeletal muscle fibres during repetitive
      firing of action potentials.
AB  - Recent studies in rat muscle fibres show that repetitive firing of action
      potentials causes changes in fibre resting membrane conductance (Gm) that reflect
      regulation of ClC-1 Cl(-) and KATP K(+) ion channels. Methodologically, these
      findings were obtained by inserting two microelectrodes at close proximity in the
      same fibres enabling measurements of fibre input resistance (Rin) in between
      action potential trains. Since the fibre length constant (lambda) could not be
      determined, however, the calculation of Gm relied on the assumptions that the
      specific cytosolic resistivity (Ri) and muscle fibre volume remained constant
      during the repeated action potential firing. Here we present a three
      microelectrode technique that enables determinations of multiple cable parameters
      in action potential-firing fibres including Rin and lambda as well as waveform
      and conduction velocities of fully propagating action potentials. It is shown
      that in both rat and mouse extensor digitorum longus (EDL) fibres, action
      potential firing leads to substantial changes in both muscle fibre volume and Ri.
      The analysis also showed, however, that regardless of these changes, rat and
      mouse EDL fibres both exhibited initial decreases in Gm that were eventually
      followed by a ~3-fold, fully reversible increase in Gm after the firing of 1450
      1800 action potentials. Using this three-electrode method we further show that
      the latter rise in Gm was closely associated with excitation failures and loss of
      action potential signal above -20 mV. 

PMID- 25128575
TI  - Catecholamine exocytosis during low frequency stimulation in mouse adrenal
      chromaffin cells is primarily asynchronous and controlled by the novel mechanism
      of Ca2+ syntilla suppression.
AB  - Adrenal chromaffin cells (ACCs), stimulated by the splanchnic nerve, generate
      action potentials (APs) at a frequency near 0.5 Hz in the resting physiological
      state, at times described as 'rest and digest'. How such low frequency
      stimulation in turn elicits sufficient catecholamine exocytosis to set basal
      sympathetic tone is not readily explained by the classical mechanism of stimulus
      secretion coupling, where exocytosis is synchronized to AP-induced Ca(2+) influx.
      By using simulated action potentials (sAPs) at 0.5 Hz in isolated patch-clamped
      mouse ACCs, we show here that less than 10% of all catecholaminergic exocytosis,
      measured by carbon fibre amperometry, is synchronized to an AP. The asynchronous
      phase, the dominant phase, of exocytosis does not require Ca(2+) influx.
      Furthermore, increased asynchronous exocytosis is accompanied by an AP-dependent
      decrease in frequency of Ca(2+) syntillas (i.e. transient, focal Ca(2+) release
      from internal stores) and is ryanodine sensitive. We propose a mechanism of
      disinhibition, wherein APs suppress Ca(2+) syntillas, which themselves inhibit
      exocytosis as they do in the case of spontaneous catecholaminergic exocytosis. 

PMID- 25128574
TI  - PGC1-alpha over-expression prevents metabolic alterations and soleus muscle
      atrophy in hindlimb unloaded mice.
AB  - Prolonged skeletal muscle inactivity causes muscle fibre atrophy. Redox imbalance
      has been considered one of the major triggers of skeletal muscle disuse atrophy,
      but whether redox imbalance is actually the major cause or simply a consequence
      of muscle disuse remains of debate. Here we hypothesized that a metabolic stress
      mediated by PGC-1alpha down-regulation plays a major role in disuse atrophy.
      First we studied the adaptations of soleus to mice hindlimb unloading (HU) in the
      early phase of disuse (3 and 7 days of HU) with and without antioxidant treatment
      (trolox). HU caused a reduction in cross-sectional area, redox status alteration
      (NRF2, SOD1 and catalase up-regulation), and induction of the ubiquitin
      proteasome system (MuRF-1 and atrogin-1 mRNA up-regulation) and autophagy
      (Beclin1 and p62 mRNA up-regulation). Trolox completely prevented the induction
      of NRF2, SOD1 and catalase mRNAs, but not atrophy or induction of catabolic
      systems in unloaded muscles, suggesting that oxidative stress is not a major
      cause of disuse atrophy. HU mice showed a marked alteration of oxidative
      metabolism. PGC-1alpha and mitochondrial complexes were down-regulated and DRP1
      was up-regulated. To define the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and disuse
      muscle atrophy we unloaded mice overexpressing PGC-1alpha. Transgenic PGC-1alpha
      animals did not show metabolic alteration during unloading, preserving muscle
      size through the reduction of autophagy and proteasome degradation. Our results
      indicate that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a major role in disuse atrophy and
      that compounds inducing PGC-1alpha expression could be useful to treat/prevent
      muscle atrophy. 

PMID- 25128577
TI  - Mentoring practices benefiting pediatric nurses.
AB  - Previous studies examining predictors of pediatric nurse protege mentoring
      benefits demonstrated that protege perception of quality was the single best
      predictor of mentoring benefits. The ability to identify the mentoring practices
      that predict specific benefits for individual nurses provides a better
      understanding of how mentoring relationships can be leveraged within health care
      organizations promoting mutual mentoring benefits. This descriptive
      correlational, non-experimental study of nurses at a northeast Ohio, Magnet(r)
      recognized, free-standing pediatric hospital advances nursing science by
      demonstrating how mentoring practices benefit pediatric nurse proteges. 

PMID- 25128576
TI  - Activation of TRPC channels contributes to OA-NO2-induced responses in guinea-pig
      dorsal root ganglion neurons.
AB  - Effects of nitro-oleic acid (OA-NO2) on TRP channels were examined in guinea-pig
      dissociated dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons using calcium imaging and patch
      clamp techniques. OA-NO2 increased intracellular Ca(2+) in 60-80% DRG neurons. 1
      Oleoyl-2acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG), a TRPC agonist, elicited responses in 36% of OA
      NO2-sensitive neurons while capsaicin (TRPV1 agonist) or allyl-isothiocyanate
      (AITC, TRPA1 agonist) elicited responses in only 16% and 10%, respectively, of
      these neurons. A TRPV1 antagonist (diarylpiperazine, 5 MUm) in combination with a
      TRPA1 antagonist (HC-030031, 30 MUm) did not change the amplitude of the Ca(2+)
      transients or percentage of neurons responding to OA-NO2; however, a reducing
      agent DTT (50 mm) or La(3+) (50 MUm) completely abolished OA-NO2 responses. OA
      NO2 also induced a transient inward current associated with a membrane
      depolarization followed by a prolonged outward current and hyperpolarization in
      80% of neurons. The reversal potentials of inward and outward currents were
      approximately -20 mV and -60 mV, respectively. Inward current was reduced when
      extracellular Na(+) was absent, but unchanged by niflumic acid (100 MUm), a Cl(-)
      channel blocker. Outward current was abolished in the absence of extracellular
      Ca(2+) or a combination of two Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel blockers
      (iberiotoxin, 100 nm and apamin, 1 MUm). BTP2 (1 or 10 MUm), a broad spectrum
      TRPC antagonist, or La(3+) (50 MUm) completely abolished OA-NO2 currents. RT-PCR
      performed on mRNA extracted from DRGs revealed the expression of all seven
      subtypes of TRPC channels. These results support the hypothesis that OA-NO2
      activates TRPC channels other than the TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels already known to
      be targets in rat and mouse sensory neurons and challenge the prevailing view
      that electrophilic compounds act specifically on TRPA1 or TRPV1 channels. The
      modulation of sensory neuron excitability via actions on multiple TRP channels
      can contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect of OA-NO2.

PMID- 25128578
TI  - Enhanced survival of retinal ganglion cells is mediated by Muller glial cell
      derived PEDF.
AB  - The death of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) leads to visual impairment and
      blindness in ocular neurodegenerative diseases, primarily in glaucoma and
      diabetic retinopathy; hence, mechanisms that contribute to protecting RGC from
      ischemia/hypoxia are of great interest. We here address the role of retinal glial
      (Muller) cells and of pigment-epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), one of the main
      neuroprotectants released from the glial cells. We show that the hypoxia-induced
      loss in the viability of cultured purified RGC is due to apoptosis, but that the
      number of viable RGC increases when co-cultured with Muller glial cells
      suggesting that glial soluble mediators attenuate the death of RGC. When PEDF was
      ablated from Muller cells a significantly lower number of RGC survived in RGC
      Muller cell co-cultures indicating that PEDF is a major survival factor allowing
      RGC to escape cell death. We further found that RGC express a PEDF receptor known
      as patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 2 (PNPLA2) and that PEDF
      exposure, as well as the presence of Muller cells, leads to an activation of
      nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB in RGC. Furthermore, adding an NF-kappaB inhibitor
      (SN50) to PEDF-treated RGC cultures reduced the survival of RGC. These findings
      strongly suggest that NF-kappaB activation in RGC is critically involved in the
      pro-survival action of Muller-cell derived PEDF and plays an important role in
      maintaining neuronal survival. 

PMID- 25128580
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 25128579
TI  - Biomechanical strain as a trigger for pore formation in Schlemm's canal
      endothelial cells.
AB  - The bulk of aqueous humor passing through the conventional outflow pathway must
      cross the inner wall endothelium of Schlemm's canal (SC), likely through micron
      sized transendothelial pores. SC pore density is reduced in glaucoma, possibly
      contributing to obstructed aqueous humor outflow and elevated intraocular
      pressure (IOP). Little is known about the mechanisms of pore formation; however,
      pores are often observed near dome-like cellular outpouchings known as giant
      vacuoles (GVs) where significant biomechanical strain acts on SC cells. We
      hypothesize that biomechanical strain triggers pore formation in SC cells. To
      test this hypothesis, primary human SC cells were isolated from three non
      glaucomatous donors (aged 34, 44 and 68), and seeded on collagen-coated elastic
      membranes held within a membrane stretching device. Membranes were then exposed
      to 0%, 10% or 20% equibiaxial strain, and the cells were aldehyde-fixed 5 min
      after the onset of strain. Each membrane contained 3-4 separate monolayers of SC
      cells as replicates (N = 34 total monolayers), and pores were assessed by
      scanning electron microscopy in 12 randomly selected regions (~65,000 MUm(2) per
      monolayer). Pores were identified and counted by four independent masked
      observers. Pore density increased with strain in all three cell lines (p <
      0.010), increasing from 87 +/- 36 pores/mm(2) at 0% strain to 342 +/- 71 at 10%
      strain; two of the three cell lines showed no additional increase in pore density
      beyond 10% strain. Transcellular "I-pores" and paracellular "B-pores" both
      increased with strain (p < 0.038), however B-pores represented the majority (76%)
      of pores. Pore diameter, in contrast, appeared unaffected by strain (p = 0.25),
      having a mean diameter of 0.40 MUm for I-pores (N = 79 pores) and 0.67 MUm for B
      pores (N = 350 pores). Pore formation appears to be a mechanosensitive process
      that is triggered by biomechanical strain, suggesting that SC cells have the
      ability to modulate local pore density and filtration characteristics of the
      inner wall endothelium based on local biomechanical cues. The molecular
      mechanisms of pore formation and how they become altered in glaucoma may be
      studied in vitro using stretched SC cells. 

PMID- 25128581
TI  - Roles of the two type II NADH dehydrogenases in the survival of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis in vitro.
AB  - Most bacteria are able to generate sufficient amounts of ATP from substrate level
      phosphorylation, thus rendering the respiratory oxidative phosphorylation non
      critical. In mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, ATP generation
      by oxidative phosphorylation is an essential process. Of the two types of NADH
      dehydrogenases (type I and type II), the type II NADH dehydrogenase (Ndh) which
      is inhibited by phenothiazines has been thought to be essential. In M.
      tuberculosis there are two Ndh isozymes (Ndh and NdhA) coded by ndh and ndhA
      genes respectively. Ndh and NdhA share a high degree of amino acid similarity.
      Both the enzymes have been shown to be enzymatically active and are inhibited by
      phenothiazines, suggesting a functional similarity between the two. We attempted
      gene knockout of ndh and ndhA genes in wild type and merodiploid backgrounds. It
      was found that ndh gene cannot be inactivated in a wild type background, though
      it was possible to do so when an additional copy of ndh was provided. This showed
      that in spite of its apparent functional equivalence, NdhA cannot complement the
      loss of Ndh in M. tuberculosis. We also showed that NdhA is not essential in M.
      tuberculosis as the ndhA gene could be deleted in a wild type strain of M.
      tuberculosis without causing any adverse effects in vitro. RT-PCR analysis of in
      vitro grown M. tuberculosis showed that ndhA gene is actively transcribed. This
      study suggests that despite being biochemically similar, Ndh and NdhA play
      different roles in the physiology of M. tuberculosis. 

PMID- 25128582
TI  - Isolation, characterization and expression analysis of the BABY BOOM (BBM) gene
      from Larix kaempferi * L. olgensis during adventitious rooting.
AB  - The full-length cDNA and genomic sequences of the BABY BOOM (BBM) gene,
      designated LkBBM, were isolated from Larix kaempferi * Larix olgensis. The 3324
      bp cDNA was cloned and its open reading frame (ORF) consists of 2370 nucleotides.
      The deduced 789 amino acid protein contains two AP2 domains and a BBM specific
      motif. Four conserved motifs between BBM and PLT were identified, which may be
      conducive to the similar function of BBM and PLT. The three dimensional (3D)
      structure of LkBBM was predicted and beta-sheets in the AP2-R2 domain of LkBBM
      might recognize the specific base pairs in the major groove. Analysis of the
      LkBBM gene structure indicates that the gene has eight introns and nine exons. In
      the 5'-flanking promoter region of LkBBM, many important potential cis-acting
      elements were identified, such as the TATABOX5 element (a functional TATA
      element), ROOTMOTIFTAPOX1 element (element of root specificity), AUXREPSIAA4
      element (element involved in auxin responsiveness and gene expression in root
      meristem), MYB1AT element (element involved in MYB recognition), ARR1AT element
      (element involved in cytokinin responsiveness), GARE1OSREP1 element (element
      involved in gibberellin responsiveness) and PYRIMIDINEBOXHVEPB1 element (element
      involved in abscisic acid responsiveness), which all suggested that the
      expression of LkBBM is highly regulated. Compared with gene expression levels in
      the stem, stem tip and leaf, LkBBM shows a specific expression in the root, which
      indicates that LkBBM plays a key role in regulating the development and growth of
      root in larch. In the processing of larch adventitious root formation, LkBBM
      started to express on the eighth day after rooting treatment and its transcript
      level increased continuously afterwards. According to the gene characteristics,
      LkBBM is proposed as a molecular marker for root primordia of larch, and the
      initial period of LkBBM expression may be the formation period of root primordia
      in the processing of adventitious rooting of larch.

PMID- 25128583
TI  - Association of TLR and TREM-1 gene polymorphisms with risk of coronary artery
      disease in a Russian population.
AB  - Atherosclerosis, manifesting itself as acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and
      peripheral arterial diseases, is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease which
      is driven by responses of both innate and adaptive immunity. Toll-like receptors
      (TLRs) and Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 (TREM-1) are
      important effectors of the innate immune system, and polymorphisms within genes
      encoding them may increase risk of occurrence of various pathologies including
      cardiovascular disorders. Thus, we carried out a genetic association study on the
      sample of 702 consecutive Caucasian (Russian) patients with coronary artery
      disease (CAD) and 300 age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched healthy controls. We
      revealed that the C/C genotype of the TLR1 rs5743551 polymorphism was
      significantly associated with a reduced risk of CAD according to the recessive
      model (OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.20-0.84, P=0.017, adjusted by age and gender).
      Concerning TREM-1 gene polymorphisms, we found that A/A genotype of the rs2234237
      polymorphism, the G/G genotype of the rs6910730 polymorphism, the C/C genotype of
      the rs9471535 polymorphism, and the T/T genotype of the rs4711668 polymorphism
      were significantly associated with elevated CAD risk according to the recessive
      model (OR=5.52, 95% CI=1.17-25.98, P=0.011; OR=4.28, 95% CI=1.09-16.81, P=0.021;
      OR=5.55, 95% CI=1.18-26.09, P=0.011, and OR=1.66, 95% CI=1.10-2.52, P=0.014,
      respectively, adjusted by age and gender). Conversely, the G allele of the
      rs1817537 polymorphism, the T allele of the rs2234246 polymorphism, and the T
      allele of the rs3804277 polymorphism significantly correlated with similarly
      decreased risk of CAD according to the dominant model (OR=0.57, 95% CI=0.40-0.81,
      P=0.0013; OR=0.59, 95% CI=0.42-0.84, P=0.003, and OR=0.58, 95% CI=0.41-0.81,
      P=0.0014, respectively, adjusted by age and gender). We conclude that certain TLR
      and TREM-1 gene polymorphisms may be associated with CAD in Russian population;
      however, their significance as predictive and pathogenic markers of CAD should be
      interpreted with caution in other populations. 

PMID- 25128584
TI  - PDE7A1 hydrolyzes cCMP.
AB  - The degradation and biological role of the cyclic pyrimidine nucleotide cCMP is
      largely elusive. We investigated nucleoside 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cNMP)
      specificity of six different recombinant phosphodiesterases (PDEs) by using a
      highly-sensitive HPLC-MS/MS detection method. PDE7A1 was the only enzyme that
      hydrolyzed significant amounts of cCMP. Enzyme kinetic studies using purified GST
      tagged truncated PDE7A1 revealed a cCMP KM value of 135 +/- 19 MUM. The Vmax for
      cCMP hydrolysis reached 745 +/- 27 nmol/(minmg), which is about 6-fold higher
      than the corresponding velocity for adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)
      degradation. In summary, PDE7A is a high-speed and low-affinity PDE for cCMP.

PMID- 25128585
TI  - Ins-4 and daf-28 function redundantly to regulate C. elegans L1 arrest.
AB  - Caenorhabditis elegans larvae reversibly arrest development in the first larval
      stage in response to starvation (L1 arrest or L1 diapause). Insulin-like
      signaling is a critical regulator of L1 arrest. However, the C. elegans genome
      encodes 40 insulin-like peptides, and it is unknown which peptides participate in
      nutritional control of L1 development. Work in other contexts has revealed that
      insulin-like genes can promote development ("agonists") or developmental arrest
      ("antagonists"), suggesting that such agonists promote L1 development in response
      to feeding. We measured mRNA expression dynamics with high temporal resolution
      for all 40 insulin-like genes during entry into and recovery from L1 arrest.
      Nutrient availability influences expression of the majority of insulin-like
      genes, with variable dynamics suggesting complex regulation. We identified
      thirteen candidate agonists and eight candidate antagonists based on expression
      in response to nutrient availability. We selected ten candidate agonists (daf-28,
      ins-3, ins-4, ins-5, ins-6, ins-7, ins-9, ins-26, ins-33 and ins-35) for further
      characterization in L1 stage larvae. We used destabilized reporter genes to
      determine spatial expression patterns. Expression of candidate agonists is
      largely overlapping in L1 stage larvae, suggesting a role of the intestine,
      chemosensory neurons ASI and ASJ, and the interneuron PVT in control of L1
      development. Transcriptional regulation of candidate agonists is most significant
      in the intestine, as if internal nutrient status is a more important influence on
      transcription than sensory perception. Phenotypic analysis of single and compound
      deletion mutants did not reveal effects on L1 developmental dynamics, though
      simultaneous disruption of ins-4 and daf-28 increases survival of L1 arrest.
      Furthermore, overexpression of ins-4, ins-6 or daf-28 alone decreases survival
      and promotes cell division during starvation. These results suggest extensive
      functional overlap among insulin-like genes in nutritional control of L1
      development while highlighting the role of ins-4, daf-28 and to a lesser extent
      ins-6. 

PMID- 25128587
TI  - The neural correlates of tic inhibition in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.
AB  - Tics in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) resemble fragments of normal motor
      behaviour but appear in an intrusive, repetitive and context-inappropriate
      manner. Although tics can be voluntarily inhibited on demand, the neural
      correlates of this process remain unclear. 14 GTS adults without relevant
      comorbidities participated in this study. First, tic severity and voluntary tic
      inhibitory capacity were evaluated outside the scanner. Second, patients were
      examined with resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) in
      two states, free ticcing and voluntary tic inhibition. Local synchronization of
      spontaneous fMRI-signal was analysed with regional homogeneity (ReHo) and
      differences between both states (free ticcing<tic inhibition) were contrasted.
      Clinical correlations of the resulting differential ReHo parameters between both
      states and clinical measures of tic frequency, voluntary tic inhibition and
      premonitory urges were also performed. ReHo of the left inferior frontal gyrus
      (IFG) was increased during voluntary tic inhibition compared to free ticcing.
      ReHo increases were positively correlated with participants' ability to inhibit
      their tics during scanning sessions but also outside the scanner. There was no
      correlation with ratings of premonitory urges. Voluntary tic inhibition is
      associated with increased ReHo of the left IFG. Premonitory urges are unrelated
      to this process. 

PMID- 25128586
TI  - The small GTPases RhoA and Rac1 regulate cerebellar development by controlling
      cell morphogenesis, migration and foliation.
AB  - The small GTPases RhoA and Rac1 are key cytoskeletal regulators that function in
      a mutually antagonistic manner to control the migration and morphogenesis of a
      broad range of cell types. However, their role in shaping the cerebellum, a
      unique brain structure composed of an elaborate set of folia separated by
      fissures of different lengths, remains largely unexplored. Here we show that
      dysregulation of both RhoA and Rac1 signaling results in abnormal cerebellar
      ontogenesis. Ablation of RhoA from neuroprogenitor cells drastically alters the
      timing and placement of fissure formation, the migration and positioning of
      granule and Purkinje cells, the alignment of Bergmann glia, and the integrity of
      the basement membrane, primarily in the anterior lobules. Furthermore, in the
      absence of RhoA, granule cell precursors located at the base of fissures fail to
      undergo cell shape changes required for fissure initiation. Many of these
      abnormalities can be recapitulated by deleting RhoA specifically from granule
      cell precursors but not postnatal glia, indicating that RhoA functions in granule
      cell precursors to control cerebellar morphogenesis. Notably, mice with elevated
      Rac1 activity due to loss of the Rac1 inhibitors Bcr and Abr show similar
      anterior cerebellar deficits, including ectopic neurons and defects in fissure
      formation, Bergmann glia organization and basement membrane integrity. Together,
      our results suggest that RhoA and Rac1 play indispensable roles in patterning
      cerebellar morphology.

PMID- 25128588
TI  - Neurodevelopmental changes in the responsiveness of systems involved in top down
      attention and emotional responding.
AB  - In this study, we aimed to investigate age related changes in systems implicated
      in top down attention and the implications of this for amygdala responses to
      emotional distracters. Fifty-one healthy subjects including 18 children (aged 10
      14), 15 adolescents (aged 14-18), and 18 young adults (aged 18-25) completed the
      affective Stroop paradigm while undergoing functional MRI. While achieving
      comparable behavioral performance, children, relative to adolescents and adults,
      showed increased activation in areas including anterior cingulate gyrus and
      precentral gyrus in task relative to view trials. In addition, children showed
      increased activation within the amygdala and fusiform gyrus in response to
      emotional stimuli. Notably, the group difference within the amygdala was
      particularly pronounced during task trials. Also children showed increased
      connectivity between amygdala and superior frontal gyrus and bilateral
      postcentral gyrii in response to negative task trials. These data are consistent
      with previous work indicating less consolidated functional integrity in regions
      implicated in top down attention in children relative to older participants and
      extend this work by indicating that this less consolidated functional integrity
      leads to reduced automatic emotion regulation as a function of top down
      attention. Given that reduced automatic emotion regulation as a function of top
      down attention is considered a risk factor for the development of anxiety
      disorders, these data may contribute to an understanding of the increased risk
      for the development of these disorders at this age. 

PMID- 25128590
TI  - Inter- and intra-individual variation in urinary biomarker concentrations over a
      6-day sampling period. Part 1: metals.
AB  - The aim of the current HBM-study is to further the understanding of the impact of
      inter- and intra-individual variability in HBM surveys as it may have
      implications for the design and interpretation of the study outcomes. As spot
      samples only provide a snapshot in time of the concentrations of chemicals in an
      individual, it remains unclear to what extent intra-individual variability plays
      a role in the overall variability of population-wide HBM surveys. The current
      paper describes the results of an intensive biomonitoring study, in which all
      individual urine samples of 8 individuals were collected over a 6-day sampling
      period (a total of 352 unique samples). By analyzing different metals (As, Cd,
      Mn, Ni) in each individual sample, inter- and intra-individual variability for
      these four metals could be determined, and the relationships between exposure,
      internal dose, and sampling protocol assessed. Although the range of biomarker
      values for different metals was well within the normal range reported in large
      scale population surveys, large intra-individual differences over a 6-day period
      could also be observed. Typically, measured biomarker values span at least an
      order of magnitude within an individual, and more if specific exposure episodes
      could be identified. Fish consumption for example caused a twenty- to thirty-fold
      increase in urinary As-levels over a period of 2-6h. Intra-class correlation
      coefficients (ICC) were typically low for uncorrected biomarker values (between
      0.104 and 0.460 for the 4 metals), but improved when corrected for creatinine or
      specific gravity (SG). The results show that even though urine is a preferred
      matrix for HBM studies, there are certain methodological issues that need to be
      taken into account in the interpretation of urinary biomarker data, related to
      the intrinsic variability of the urination process itself, the relationship
      between exposure events and biomarker quantification, and the timing of sampling.
      When setting up HBM-projects, this expected relationship between individual
      exposure episode and urinary biomarker concentration needs to be taken into
      account. 

PMID- 25128589
TI  - Rhythmicity and cross-modal temporal cues facilitate detection.
AB  - Temporal structure in the environment often has predictive value for anticipating
      the occurrence of forthcoming events. In this study we investigated the influence
      of two types of predictive temporal information on the perception of near
      threshold auditory stimuli: 1) intrinsic temporal rhythmicity within an auditory
      stimulus stream and 2) temporally-predictive visual cues. We hypothesized that
      combining predictive temporal information within- and across-modality should
      decrease the threshold at which sounds are detected, beyond the advantage
      provided by each information source alone. Two experiments were conducted in
      which participants had to detect tones in noise. Tones were presented in either
      rhythmic or random sequences and were preceded by a temporally predictive visual
      signal in half of the trials. We show that detection intensities are lower for
      rhythmic (vs. random) and audiovisual (vs. auditory-only) presentation,
      independent from response bias, and that this effect is even greater for rhythmic
      audiovisual presentation. These results suggest that both types of temporal
      information are used to optimally process sounds that occur at expected points in
      time (resulting in enhanced detection), and that multiple temporal cues are
      combined to improve temporal estimates. Our findings underscore the flexibility
      and proactivity of the perceptual system which uses within- and across-modality
      temporal cues to anticipate upcoming events and process them optimally. 

PMID- 25128591
TI  - Acrylonitrile exposure assessment in the emergency responders of a major train
      accident in Belgium: a human biomonitoring study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: On May 4, 2013, a train transporting chemicals derailed in Wetteren,
      Belgium. Several tanks loaded with acrylonitrile (ACN) exploded, resulting in a
      fire and a leakage of ACN. OBJECTIVES: To determine exposure to ACN and to assess
      discriminating factors for ACN exposure in the emergency responders involved in
      the on-site management of the train accident. METHODS: The study population
      consisted of 841 emergency responders. Between May 21 and June 28, they gave
      blood for the determination of N-2-cyanoethylvaline (CEV) hemoglobin adducts and
      urine for the measurement of cotinine. They also filled in a short questionnaire.
      RESULTS: 163 (26%) non-smokers and 55 (27%) smokers showed CEV concentrations
      above the reference values of 10 and 200 pmol/g globin, respectively. The 95th
      percentile in the non-smokers was 73 pmol/g globin and the maximum was 452 pmol/g
      globin. ACN exposure among the non-smokers was predicted by (1) the distance to
      the accident, (2) the duration of exposure, and (3) the occupational function.
      DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Emergency responders involved in the on-site
      management of the train accident were clearly exposed to ACN from the accident.
      However, the extent of exposure remained relatively moderate with CEV
      concentrations staying within the ranges described in literature as background
      for a smoking population. Moreover, the exposure was less pronounced in the
      emergency responders as compared to that in the local population.

PMID- 25128592
TI  - Ionic osmolytes and intracellular calcium regulate tissue production in
      chondrocytes cultured in a 3D charged hydrogel.
AB  - The goal of this study was to investigate the role of fixed negative charges in
      regulating cartilage-like tissue production by chondrocytes under static and
      dynamic three-dimensional culture, and to determine whether intracellular calcium
      ([Ca(2+)]i) is involved in mediating this response. Initial experiments using the
      3D neutral hydrogel were conducted in static isotonic culture with ionic and non
      ionic osmolytes added to the culture medium. Tissue production by bovine
      chondrocytes with non-ionic osmolytes was 1.9-fold greater than with ionic
      osmolytes, suggesting that the ionic nature of the osmolyte is an important
      regulator of tissue production. To investigate fixed negative charges, a 3D
      culture system containing encapsulated chondrocytes was employed based on a
      synthetic and neutral hydrogel platform within which negatively charged
      chondroitin sulfate was incorporated in a controlled manner. Incorporation of
      negative charges did not affect the mechanical properties of the hydrogel;
      however, intracellular ion concentration was elevated from the culture medium
      (330 mOsm) and estimated to be similar to that in ~400 mOsm culture medium. With
      dynamic loading, GAG synthesis decreased by 26% in neutral hydrogels cultured in
      400mOsm medium, and increased by 26% in charged gels cultured in 330 mOsm.
      Treatment of chondrocyte-seeded hydrogels with the Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA-AM
      decreased GAG synthesis by 32-46% and was similar among all conditions,
      suggesting multiple roles for Ca(2+) mediated tissue production including with
      ionic osmolytes. In conclusion, findings from this study suggest that a dynamic
      ionic environment regulates tissue synthesis and points to [Ca(2+)]i signaling as
      a potential mediator.

PMID- 25128593
TI  - Isolation and activity of the promoters for STAT1 and 2 in Atlantic salmon Salmo
      salar.
AB  - Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) 1 and 2 molecules are
      part of the interferon (IFN) type I and type II (gammaIFN) signalling pathways,
      key pathways in the innate immune response. Genomic sequence regions upstream
      from the 5-prime Salmo salar ORFs were obtained and shown to have functional
      activity through their incorporation into luciferase reporter constructs and
      subsequent activation by salmonid alpha virus (SAV). The STAT1 and STAT2 putative
      promoter regions were also induced by co-transfected plasmids expressing gammaIFN
      and IFN type I respectively. Two IFN-induced gene regulatory motifs (GAAANN)
      associated in a complete Interferon Stimulating Response Element (ISRE) were
      identified in the STAT1 putative promoter sequence and several GAS elements
      conforming to Boehm's consensus TTNCNNNAA. Sixteen IFN-induced gene regulatory
      motifs (GAAANN) could be identified in the STAT2 putative promoter region but no
      Boehm's GAS element nor ISRE. A palindromic sequence that conforms to Decker's
      consensus GAS element TTCNNN(N)GAA was identified. The reporter constructs
      generated here may prove an additional tool for refining knowledge on interferon
      signalling in fish and the inhibition of such by some fish viral pathogens.

PMID- 25128594
TI  - Effects of topical loteprednol etabonate on tear cytokines and clinical outcomes
      in moderate and severe meibomian gland dysfunction: randomized clinical trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess tear cytokine levels and clinical outcomes in moderate and
      severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) after 2 months of treatment with topical
      loteprednol etabonate and eyelid scrubs with warm compresses vs eyelid scrubs
      with warm compresses alone. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS:
      Patients with moderate and severe MGD were randomized into 2 groups: topical
      loteprednol etabonate and eyelid scrubs with warm compresses (Group I, 34 eyes)
      or eyelid scrubs with warm compresses (Group II, 36 eyes). We evaluated cytokine
      levels, tear film break-up time (TBUT), corneal and conjunctival fluorescein
      staining, biomicroscopic examination of lid margins and meibomian glands, and the
      Ocular Surface Disease Index before initiating treatment and 1 month and 2 months
      after treatment. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in the levels of
      interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-1beta in Group I, and IL-6 and IL-8 in Group II.
      Moreover, the observed decreases of these cytokines in Group I were attributed to
      a remarkable decrease between treatment and 1 month after treatment. In Group I,
      there were improvements in all of the clinical outcomes, with prominent
      improvement in TBUT, corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, and meibum
      quality after 1 month of treatment, compared with Group II. An improvement in
      meibomian gland expressibility and MGD stage reduction were more remarkable in
      Group I. CONCLUSIONS: Topical loteprednol etabonate and eyelid scrubs with warm
      compresses were tolerated and efficacious for the treatment of moderate and
      severe MGD. We suggest that such beneficial effects could manifest after 1 month.

PMID- 25128595
TI  - The role of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing optic nerve hypoplasia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish objective lower limits of normal optic nerve (ON) size in
      children based on high-resolution orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      DESIGN: Case-control study of patients with ON hypoplasia vs normal controls.
      METHODS: A neuroradiologist made 4 measurements of each ON at 2 locations (5 mm
      posterior to the optic disc and just posterior to the optic canal) in patients
      with ON hypoplasia and controls aged 0-17 years from an academic eye center and
      children's hospital. Primary analyses were performed using mixed linear models.
      RESULTS: Measurements were made in 26 cases of clinically confirmed ON hypoplasia
      and 31 controls (median age: ON hypoplasia, 1 year; controls, 5.5 years). Nine of
      26 cases (35%) and 19 of 31 controls (61%) underwent high-resolution T2-weighted
      imaging of the orbits. Mean ON diameter was 1.36 mm (95% CI: 1.19-1.54; P < .001)
      smaller for clinically hypoplastic ONs than for controls. Optic nerve diameter
      increased by 0.05 mm per year of age (95% CI: 0.03-0.07; P < .001). A lower bound
      to the 95% prediction interval for normal optic nerves was (2.24 mm + 0.052 *
      [age in years]) mm and excluded all but 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: Age was
      independently associated with normal ON size by MRI and should be taken into
      consideration when evaluating ON hypoplasia, based on MRI criteria. We have
      provided a formula to assist clinicians in objectively determining if ON
      hypoplasia is present.

PMID- 25128596
TI  - Overview of the repeatability, reproducibility, and agreement of the biometry
      values provided by various ophthalmic devices.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present an overview of the measurement errors for various biometric
      devices, as well as a meta-analysis of the agreement between biometric devices
      using the Pentacam, Orbscan, and IOL Master as a reference. DESIGN: Meta-analysis
      of the literature. METHODS: The meta-analysis is based on data from 216 articles
      that compare a total of 24 different devices with the reference devices for the
      following 9 parameters: mean, steep and flat curvature of the anterior and
      posterior cornea; central corneal thickness; anterior chamber depth; and axial
      length. After the weighted average difference between devices has been
      determined, the "two one-sided t test" was used to test for equivalence between
      devices within certain thresholds defined by the measurement errors and the
      influence of these differences on the calculated refraction. RESULTS: In only 17
      of the 70 comparisons a device was equivalent with the reference device within
      the thresholds set by the measurement error. More lenient thresholds, based on a
      change in calculated refraction of +/-0.25 diopter, increased this number to a
      maximum of 25/50 comparisons (excluding pachymetry). High degrees of
      inconsistency were seen in the reported results, which could partially explain
      the low agreement between devices. CONCLUSION: As a rule, biometry measurements
      taken by different devices should not be considered equivalent, although several
      exceptions could be identified. We therefore recommend that clinical studies
      involving multiple device types treat this as a within-subject variable to avoid
      bias. The follow-up of individual patients using different devices should be
      avoided at all times.

PMID- 25128597
TI  - Proton beam therapy leads to excellent local control rates in choroidal melanoma
      in the intermediate fundus zone.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term outcomes of proton beam radiotherapy in the
      treatment of choroidal melanoma of the intermediate zone of the fundus. DESIGN:
      Retrospective interventional single-center study. METHODS: The study was a
      retrospective analysis with long-term follow-up of 62 patients with a minimum
      tumor-to-disc and tumor-to-fovea distance of 2 mm of choroidal melanoma in the
      intermediate zone of the fundus. Mean values of tumor prominence, largest basal
      diameter, and tumor distances to the optic disc and fovea were 7.6, 12.8, 5.2,
      and 4.6 mm, respectively. All patients were irradiated with a total proton dose
      of 60 cobalt gray equivalents. RESULTS: After proton beam radiotherapy, 71.0% of
      the patients received subsequent endoresection of the tumor. Only 18 patients
      (29.0%) did not require additional tumor resection and were analyzed as a
      separate group. For the total of patients, the median follow-up time was 70.3
      months. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier rates of local tumor relapse, enucleation, and
      distant metastasis were 3.9%, 3.7%, and 13.4%, respectively. Cataract surgery was
      the most frequent secondary treatment in our cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In this study
      we demonstrate the effectiveness of proton beam irradiation in tumor control and
      preservation of the globe in the analyzed patients. The rate of metastasis was
      not higher than previously described. Nevertheless, consecutive tumor surgery is
      frequently required to maintain the eye in patients with large-sized choroidal
      melanomas. In conclusion, proton beam radiotherapy allows preservation of the eye
      in mid-zone choroidal melanomas.

PMID- 25128598
TI  - Blood-brain barrier (BBB) toxicity and permeability assessment after L-(4
      10Boronophenyl)alanine, a conventional B-containing drug for boron neutron
      capture therapy, using an in vitro BBB model.
AB  - Since brain tumours are the primary candidates for treatment by Boron Neutron
      Capture Therapy, one major challenge in the selective drug delivery to CNS is the
      crossing of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The present pilot study investigated
      (i) the transport of a conventional B-containing product (i.e., L-(4
      (10)Boronophenyl)alanine, L-(10)BPA), already used in medicine but still not
      fully characterized regarding its CNS interactions, as well as (ii) the effects
      of the L-(10)BPA on the BBB integrity using an in vitro model, consisting of
      brain capillary endothelial cells co-cultured with glial cells, closely mimicking
      the in vivo conditions. The multi-step experimental strategy (i.e. Integrity
      test, Filter study, Transport assay) checked L-(10)BPA toxicity at 80 ug Boron
      equivalent/ml, and its ability to cross the BBB, additionally by characterizing
      the cytoskeletal and TJ's proteins by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. In
      conclusion, a lack of toxic effects of L-(10)BPA was demonstrated, nevertheless
      accompanied by cellular stress phenomena (e.g. vimentin expression modification),
      paralleled by a low permeability coefficient (0.39 +/- 0.01 * 10(-3)cm min(-1)),
      corroborating the scarce probability that L-(10)BPA would reach therapeutically
      effective cerebral concentration. These findings emphasized the need for novel
      strategies aimed at optimizing boron delivery to brain tumours, trying to
      ameliorate the compound uptake or developing new targeted products suitable to
      safely and effectively treat head cancer. Thus, the use of in vitro BBB model for
      screening studies may provide a useful early safety assessment for new effective
      compounds.

PMID- 25128599
TI  - Characterization of proton-induced currents in rat trigeminal mesencephalic
      nucleus neurons.
AB  - Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are widely expressed in central as well as
      peripheral neurons. Here we have characterized the proton-induced currents in
      acutely isolated rat trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus (Vmes) neurons using a
      whole cell patch-clamp technique. In a voltage-clamp condition, the application
      of acid extracellular solution (<= pH 6.5) induced the inward currents in a pH
      dependent manner. The proton-induced currents disappeared in the Na(+)-free
      external solution, and were concentration-dependently blocked by amiloride, a
      general ASIC blocker. The reversal potential of proton-induced currents was
      similar to the theoretical Na(+) equilibrium potential, suggesting that the
      proton-induced currents are mainly mediated by the activation of ASICs, which are
      highly selective to Na(+). The modulation of proton-induced currents by divalent
      cations and the expression patterns of ASIC transcripts using by the multi-cell
      RT-PCR assay suggest that Vmes neurons express functional ASIC2a and ASIC1b
      subunits. In a current-clamp condition, acidic pH directly depolarized the
      membrane potential and generated a burst of action potentials at Vmes neurons,
      which innervate the masseter muscle spindles. Considering that cell bodies of
      Vmes neurons are located within the central nervous system, ASICs expressed on
      Vmes neurons, by sensing peripheral and/or central acidosis, might play pivotal
      roles in the transduction of proprioceptive information from the masseter muscles
      and periodontal ligaments.

PMID- 25128600
TI  - Protective effect of stellate ganglion block on delayed cerebral vasospasm in an
      experimental rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a blockade of sympathetic ganglia innervating
      the head and neck, and is known to function through vasodilation of the target
      region. However, the effectiveness of SGB in relieving cerebral vasospasm (CVS)
      through dilation of intracerebral vessels has not been evaluated. The aim of the
      present study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of SGB in a rat model of
      subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) complicated by delayed CVS, and explore the
      underlying mechanisms. The SAH model was established by double injection of
      autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna. We simulated SGB by
      transection of the cervical sympathetic trunk (TCST), and measured changes in the
      diameter, perimeter and cross-sectional area of the basilar artery (BA) and
      middle cerebral artery (MCA) to evaluate its vasodilatory effect. To investigate
      the underlying mechanisms, we determined the expression level of vasoactive
      molecules endothelin-1 (ET-1) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the
      plasma, and apoptotic modulators Bcl-2 and Bax in the hippocampus. We found a
      significant increase in the diameter, perimeter and cross-sectional area of the
      BA and right MCA in SAH rats subjected to TCST. Application of SGB significantly
      reduced the expression of ET-1 while increasing that of CGRP in SAH rats. We also
      found a significant increase in the expression of Bcl-2 and decrease in the
      expression of Bax in the hippocampus of SAH rats subjected to TCST, when compared
      to untreated SAH rats. The mechanism of action of SGB is likely mediated through
      alterations in the ratio of ET-1 and CGRP, and Bax and Bcl-2. These results
      suggest that SGB can alleviate the severity of delayed CVS by inducing dilation
      of intracerebral blood vessels, and promoting anti-apoptotic signaling. Our
      findings provide evidence supporting the use of SGB as an effective and well
      tolerated approach to the treatment of CVS in various clinical settings. 

PMID- 25128601
TI  - Infarct volume prediction using apparent diffusion coefficient maps during middle
      cerebral artery occlusion and soon after reperfusion in the rat.
AB  - Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rodents causes brain infarctions of
      variable sizes that depend on multiple factors, particularly in models of
      ischemia/reperfusion. This is a major problem for infarct volume comparisons
      between different experimental groups since unavoidable variability can induce
      biases in the results and imposes the use of large number of subjects. MRI can
      help to minimize these difficulties by ensuring that the severity of ischemia is
      comparable between groups. Furthermore, several studies showed that infarct
      volumes can be predicted with MRI data obtained soon after ischemia onset.
      However, such predictive studies require multiparametric MRI acquisitions that
      cannot be routinely performed, and data processing using complex algorithms that
      are often not available. The aim here was to provide a simplified method for
      infarct volume prediction using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) data in a
      model of transient MCAO in rats. ADC images were obtained before, during MCAO and
      after 60 min of reperfusion. Probability histograms were generated using ADC data
      obtained either during MCAO, after reperfusion, or both combined. The results
      were compared to real infarct volumes, i.e.T2 maps obtained at day 7. Assessment
      of the performance of the estimations showed better results combining ADC data
      obtained during occlusion and at reperfusion. Therefore, ADC data alone can
      provide sufficient information for a reasonable prediction of infarct volume if
      the MRI information is obtained both during the occlusion and soon after
      reperfusion. This approach can be used to check whether drug administration after
      MRI acquisition can change infarct volume prediction.

PMID- 25128602
TI  - NR2B overexpression leads to the enhancement of specific protein phosphorylation
      in the brain.
AB  - n-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are highly expressed in the central
      nervous system (CNS) including the cerebral cortex, and it has been found that
      they contribute significantly to the processes of learning and memory.
      Dysfunctions of NMDARs are implicated in many neurological disorders. To further
      investigate the specific role of the NR2B subunit of NMDARs in brain functions,
      we have examined differences in gene expression in the cerebral cortex between
      NR2B transgenic mice and their wild-type littermates using the DNA microarray.
      Total of 179 differentially expressed genes were identified, including genes
      involved in ion channel activity and/or neurotransmission, signal transduction,
      structure/cytoskeleton, transcription, and hormone/growth factor activity. Signal
      pathway analysis has indicated that multiple pathways were involved in this
      process, especially the Mitogen-activated protein kinases/Extracellular signal
      regulated kinases (MAPK/ERK) pathway. The phosphorylation levels of ERK and cAMP
      response element-binding protein (CREB), and the mRNA levels of CREB target genes
      (C-Fos and Nr4a1) were significantly upregulated in the cerebral cortices of NR2B
      transgenic mice compared to their wild-type littermates. Our study suggested that
      a chronic increase of NMDARs activation by NR2B overexpression in the forebrain
      may enhance the protein serine/threonine phosphorylation levels of MAPK/ERK-CREB
      and thereby regulated their signaling pathway. 

PMID- 25128603
TI  - Trans-sodium crocetinate improves outcomes in rodent models of occlusive and
      hemorrhagic stroke.
AB  - Trans-sodium crocetinate (TSC) is a novel carotenoid compound capable of
      enhancing the diffusion of small molecules in aqueous solutions. TSC improves the
      diffusion of oxygen and glucose, and increases oxygenation in ischemic brain
      tissue. TSC also dampens the intensity of an ischemic challenge during an ongoing
      ischemic event. The current study examined the impact of TSC in rat models of
      ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Rat three vessel occlusion (3VO), and combined
      3VO and one vessel occlusion (3VO/1VO) models of ischemic stroke were evaluated
      for structural and behavioral outcomes. The effects of TSC were also tested in a
      rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Delayed treatment with TSC reduced
      infarct volume in a rodent model of transient focal ischemia involving either 2
      or 6h of ischemia. Neurological outcomes, based on a multi-scale assessment and
      automated gait analysis, also were improved by TSC treatment. Additionally, TSC
      reduced edema and hemorrhagic volume in a rat model of ICH. An optimal
      therapeutic candidate for early intervention in ischemic stroke should be
      effective when administered on a delayed basis and should not aggravate outcomes
      associated with hemorrhagic stroke. The current findings demonstrate that delayed
      TSC treatment improves outcomes in experimental models of both ischemic and
      hemorrhagic stroke. Together, these findings suggest that TSC may be a safe and
      beneficial therapeutic modality for early stroke intervention, irrespective of
      the type of stroke involved. 

PMID- 25128604
TI  - Brain apoptosis signaling pathways are regulated by methylphenidate treatment in
      young and adult rats.
AB  - Methylphenidate (MPH) is commonly prescribed for children who have been diagnosed
      with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, the action
      mechanisms of methylphenidate have not been fully elucidated. Studies have shown
      a relationship between apoptosis signaling pathways and psychiatric disorders, as
      well as in therapeutic targets for such disorders. So, we investigated if chronic
      treatment with MPH at doses of 1, 2 and 10mg/kg could alter the levels of pro
      apoptotic protein, Bax, anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and cytochrome c
      in the brain of young and adult Wistar rats. Our results showed that MPH at all
      doses increased Bax in the cortex; the Bcl-2 and caspase-3 were increased with
      MPH (1mg/kg) and were reduced with MPH (2 and 10mg/kg); the cytochrome c was
      reduced in the cortex after treatment with MPH at all doses; in the cerebellum
      there was an increase of Bax with MPH at all doses, however, there was a
      reduction of Bcl-2, caspase-3, and cytochrome c with MPH (2 and 10mg/kg); in the
      striatum the treatment with MPH (10mg/kg) decreased caspase-3 and cytochrome c;
      treatment with MPH (2 and 10mg/kg) increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 in the
      hippocampus; and the caspase-3 and cytochrome c were reduced in the hippocampus
      with MPH (10mg/kg). In conclusion, our results suggest that MPH influences
      plasticity in the brain of young and adult rats; however, the effects were
      dependent of age and brain area, on the one hand activating the initial cascade
      of apoptosis, increasing Bax and reducing Bcl-2, but otherwise inhibiting
      apoptosis by reduction of caspase-3 and cytochrome c. 

PMID- 25128606
TI  - Inguinal nodal region radiotherapy for vulvar cancer: are we missing the target
      again?

PMID- 25128605
TI  - Targeting of aquaporin 4 into lipid rafts and its biological significance.
AB  - Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the
      central nervous system and is considered to be caused by the binding of NMO-IgG
      to aquaporin 4 (AQP4) on astrocytes, which initiates complement-dependent
      cytotoxicity. AQP4 has two isoforms, i.e., M1 and M23. AQP4 is considered to form
      heterotetramers containing both isoforms in vivo. Most of the previous studies
      were performed using either one of the isoforms expressing cell lines. In this
      study, we generated a fluorescent epitope-tagged AQP4 M1 and M23 co-expressing
      astrocyte cell line and examined the subcellular targeting of AQP4. In this cell
      line, AQP4 was targeted mostly to membrane lipid rafts fraction evidenced by
      sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation followed by Western blotting with
      anti-AQP4 antibody. Cholesterol depletion with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin or
      simvastatin resulted in the dislocation (relocation) of AQP4 from lipid rafts to
      non-rafts fraction of the membrane and AQP4 was not internalized intracellularly.
      This change in the localization of AQP4 on membrane significantly reduced
      complement-dependent cytotoxic effects of NMO-IgG obtained from patients with NMO
      without affecting AQP4 orthogonal arrays. Thus, these data strongly suggest that
      the targeting of AQP4 in the lipid rafts is closely related to the pathogenic
      effects of NMO-IgG. 

PMID- 25128607
TI  - Re: recommendations for bowel obstruction with peritoneal carcinomatosis by laval
      et Al.

PMID- 25128608
TI  - Comparison of seven-day and repeated 24-hour recall of symptoms in the first 100
      days after hematopoietic cell transplantation.
AB  - CONTEXT: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide a way to understand the effects
      of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT)-related stress on patients' lives. We
      previously reported that weekly collection of PROs is feasible. OBJECTIVES: Here,
      we report on the feasibility of daily patient-reported symptom collection and
      examine the relationship between daily vs. weekly symptom reporting over time.
      METHODS: We analyzed data from 32 autologous and allogeneic HCT patients obtained
      until Day (D) +100. We used questions from the PRO version of the Common
      Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events to capture symptoms. RESULTS: We found
      that overall rates of daily survey completion were moderate to high (range 67%
      86%). The effect size of the difference between the maximum daily severity score
      and the weekly severity score ranged from 0.15 to 0.35, and the concordance
      correlation coefficient ranged from 0.513 to 0.834. Concordance of daily and
      weekly surveys was higher for maximum daily severity rating and mean daily
      severity rating than for minimum daily severity rating or most recent daily
      severity rating. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a seven-day recall period for
      symptom severity provides acceptable accuracy and precision in the first 100 days
      after HCT. Further studies to explore the utility of daily symptom reporting
      within specific clinical contexts may be warranted.

PMID- 25128610
TI  - Resistance to HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitors: in vitro findings and
      clinical consequences.
AB  - Three integrase strand transfer inhibitors have now been approved for the
      treatment of HIV infection, raltegravir, cobicistat-boosted elvitegravir, and
      dolutegravir. Each of these agents selects for unique signature mutations;
      however, there can be significant cross resistance among all three drugs when
      multiple mutations are present or are presented in the context of different
      genetic backgrounds such as non B-subtypes. Many of the mutations that are
      associated with integrase inhibitor resistance have a profound effect on
      integrase function and viral replication and thus, while only one or two
      mutations may be sufficient to impact susceptibility, virologic failure and
      treatment-associated resistance have been infrequent with all three drugs to
      date. 

PMID- 25128609
TI  - Adeno-associated virus: fit to serve.
AB  - Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a helper-dependent parvovirus which has not been
      linked with human disease. This aspect, in combination with its broad cell and
      tissue tropism, and limited viral host response has made it an attractive vector
      system for gene therapy. The viral protein capsid, the primary interface with the
      host, is the main determinant for these phenotypes, is highly variable, and is
      most subject to pressures during replication. Here, we explore the evolutionary
      path of AAV and other parvoviruses in respect to these phenotypes, as well as
      directed evolution and engineering strategies that have exploited the lessons
      learned from natural selection in order to address remaining limitations of AAV
      as a therapeutic gene transfer platform. 

PMID- 25128611
TI  - Quick and low cost immobilization of proteinases on polyesters: Comparison of
      lactobacilli cell-envelope proteinase and trypsin for protein degradation.
AB  - Cell-envelope proteinases (CEPs) are a class of proteolytic enzymes produced by
      lactic acid bacteria and have several industrially relevant applications.
      However, soluble CEPs are economically unfavorable for such applications due to
      their poor stability and lack of reusability. In a quest to prepare stable
      biocatalysts with improved performance, CEP from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp.
      lactis 313 and trypsin (as a model enzyme) were immobilized onto nonwoven
      polyester fabrics in a three-step protocol including ethylenediamine activation
      and glutaraldehyde crosslinking. Immobilization gave protein loading yields of
      21.9% (CEP) and 67.7% (trypsin) while residual activity yields were 85.6% (CEP)
      and 4.1% (trypsin). The activity of the immobilized enzymes was dependent on pH,
      but was retained at elevated temperatures (40-70  degrees C). An increase in Km
      values was observed for both enzymes after immobilization. After 70 days of
      storage, the immobilized CEP retained ca. 62% and 96% of initial activity when
      the samples were stored in a lyophilized form at -20  degrees C or in a buffer at
      4  degrees C, respectively. Both immobilized CEP and trypsin were able to
      hydrolyze proteins such as casein, skimmed milk proteins and bovine serum
      albumin. This immobilization protocol can be used to prepare immobilized
      biocatalyst for various protein degradation processes.

PMID- 25128612
TI  - Autotransporter mediated esterase display on Zymomonas mobilis and Zymobacter
      palmae.
AB  - Autodisplay, i.e. surface expression of recombinant proteins by virtue of the
      autotransporter secretion pathway, has been used predominantly with Escherichia
      coli as host organism, which often limits the applicability of this technique to
      laboratory purposes and scales. The aim of this study was to investigate if the
      fermentative bacteria Zymomonas mobilis and Zymobacter palmae, representing
      attractive candidates for industrial applications, can serve as host organisms
      for autodisplay. We therefore used the carboxylesterase EstA from Burkholderia
      gladioli as an autotransporter passenger to display it on the surfaces of Z.
      palmae and Z. mobilis. Expression and outer membrane localization of the EstA
      autotransporter fusion protein were verified by SDS-PAGE, and surface display of
      the enzyme was demonstrated by ELISA and flow cytometer analysis. Whole-cell
      activity assays revealed that EstA retained its activity on the cell surface.
      Recombinant Z. palmae cells exhibited significant higher esterase activity
      (294mU/mL/OD 1) in comparison to Z. mobilis (88mU/mL/OD 1) and the control E.
      coli (113mU/mL/OD 1). This appears even more noteworthy, as about 30% of EstA was
      released from the cell surface of Z. palmae. Nevertheless, our results indicate
      that both species are suitable autodisplay hosts, in particular Z. palmae for
      displaying esterase, opening up new horizons for biocatalytic applications. 

PMID- 25128614
TI  - Selection of Escherichia coli heat shock promoters toward their application as
      stress probes.
AB  - The mechanism of heat shock response of Escherichia coli can be explored to
      program novel biological functions. In this study, the strongest heat shock
      promoters were identified by microarray experiments conducted at different
      temperatures (37 degrees C and 45 degrees C, 5min). The promoters of the genes
      ibpA, dnaK and fxsA were selected and validated by RT-qPCR. These promoters were
      used to construct and characterize stress probes using green fluorescence protein
      (GFP). Cellular stress levels were evaluated in experiments conducted at
      different shock temperatures during several exposure times. It was concluded that
      the strength of the promoter is not the only relevant factor in the construction
      of an efficient stress probe. Furthermore, it was found to be crucial to test and
      optimize the ribosome binding site (RBS) in order to obtain translational
      efficiency that balances the transcription levels previously verified by
      microarrays and RT-qPCR. These heat shock promoters can be used to trigger in
      situ gene expression of newly constructed biosynthetic pathways. 

PMID- 25128613
TI  - A cyanobacterial light activated adenylyl cyclase partially restores development
      of a Dictyostelium discoideum, adenylyl cyclase a null mutant.
AB  - A light-regulated adenylyl cyclase, mPAC, was previously identified from the
      cyanobacterium Microcoleus chthonoplastes PCC7420. MPAC consists of a flavin
      based blue light-sensing LOV domain and a catalytic domain. In this work, we
      expressed mPAC in an adenylate cyclase A null mutant (aca-) of the eukaryote
      Dictyostelium discoideum and tested to what extent light activation of mPAC could
      restore the cAMP-dependent developmental programme of this organism. Amoebas of
      Dictyostelium, a well-established model organism, generate and respond to cAMP
      pulses, which cause them to aggregate and construct fruiting bodies. mPAC was
      expressed under control of a constitutive actin-15 promoter in D. discoideum and
      displayed low basal adenylyl cyclase activity in darkness that was about five
      fold stimulated by blue light. mPAC expression in aca- cells marginally restored
      aggregation and fruiting body formation in darkness. However, more and larger
      fruiting bodies were formed when mPAC expressing cells were incubated in light.
      Extending former applications of light-regulated AC, these results demonstrate
      that mPAC can be used to manipulate multicellular development in eukaryotes in a
      light dependent manner. 

PMID- 25128616
TI  - What do cytogenetic abnormalities after autotransplant really mean?

PMID- 25128615
TI  - Impaired interferon-alpha production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells after cord
      blood transplantation in children: implication for post-transplantation toll-like
      receptor ligand-based immunotherapy.
AB  - Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) initiate both innate and adaptive immune
      responses, making them attractive targets for post-transplantation immunotherapy,
      particularly after cord blood transplantation (CBT). Toll-like receptor (TLR)
      agonists are currently studied for pDC stimulation in various clinical settings.
      Their efficacy depends on pDC number and functionality, which are unknown after
      CBT. We performed a longitudinal study of pDC reconstitution in children who
      underwent bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and single-unit CBT. Both CBT and
      unrelated BMT patients received antithymocyte globulin as part of their graft
      versus-host disease prophylaxis regimen. pDC blood counts were higher in CBT
      patients than in healthy volunteers from 2 to 9 months after transplantation,
      whereas they remained lower in BMT patients. We showed that cord blood
      progenitors gave rise in vitro to a 500-fold increase in functional pDCs over
      bone marrow counterparts. Upon stimulation with a TLR agonist, pDCs from both CBT
      and BMT recipients upregulated T cell costimulatory molecules, whereas interferon
      alpha (IFN-alpha) production was impaired for 9 months after CBT. TLR agonist
      treatment is thus not expected to induce IFN-alpha production by pDCs after CBT,
      limiting its immunotherapeutic potential. Fortunately, in vitro production of
      large amounts of functional pDCs from cord blood progenitors paves the way for
      the post-transplantation adoptive transfer of pDCs. 

PMID- 25128617
TI  - An uncommon pattern of polyneuropathy induced by lifetime exposures to drift
      containing organophosphate pesticides.
AB  - The natural history of chronic peripheral polyneuropathy following lifetime low
      level organophosphate (OP) exposure was investigated. A pilot study (1984-1987)
      conducted in rural communities in Israel detected subtle reversible in-season
      changes in nerve conduction patterns of 17 field workers out of 214 residents
      exposed to seasonal drift containing OP's. We examined 60 individuals (males:
      50/60; 83.3%) from the original cohort still residing (more than 40 years) in the
      same communities. Exposure assessment was based on reports by Israeli
      institutions and the Bureau of Statistics. Information on personal status, work
      experience, exposures and symptoms was collected by questionnaires. The nervous
      system was systematically studied, evaluating cortical upper motor neurons,
      corticospinal tracts, lower motor neurons and peripheral nerves.
      Electrophysiological studies included conduction velocities, amplitudes and
      distal latencies of sensory and motor median, ulnar, tibial and sural nerves; F
      waves for proximal nerve functions; thermal and pain thresholds for small thinly
      myelinated and non-myelinated fibers; transcranial magnetic stimulation for large
      fibers. Clinical and electrophysiological features of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome were
      found in 18% of the subjects, atypically in males only. Fingertips' tingling
      correlated with both axonal and myelin-dependent parameters (lower wave
      amplitudes and prolonged latency periods, respectively) in the sensory median
      nerves bilaterally. OP exposure significantly correlated to prolonged distal
      latency in the right median sensory nerve (r=0.29; p=0.052; n=45) and lower wave
      amplitude in the right sural nerve (p=0.031). These findings attest to subtle,
      predominantly sensory peripheral polyneuropathy following lifetime low-level
      exposures to drifts containing OP. 

PMID- 25128618
TI  - (-)-alpha-Bisabolol inhibits preferentially electromechanical coupling on rat
      isolated arteries.
AB  - Previous findings enable us to hypothesize that (-)-alpha-bisabolol acts as
      inhibitor of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels in smooth muscle. The current
      study was aimed at consolidating such hypothesis through the recording of
      isometric tension, measurement of intracellular Ca(2+) as well as discovery of
      channel target using in silico analysis. In rat aortic rings, (-)-alpha-bisabolol
      (1-1000 uM) relaxed KCl- and phenylephrine-elicited contractions, but the IC50
      differed significantly (22.8 [17.6-27.7] and 200.7 [120.4-334.6] uM,
      respectively). The relaxation of phenylephrine contractions remained unaffected
      by l-NAME, indomethacin, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one,
      tetraethylammonium, glibenclamide or KT-5720. Under Ca(2+)-free conditions, (-)
      alpha-bisabolol did not alter the contractions evoked by phenylephrine or
      caffeine whereas it reduced those evoked by CaCl2 in KCl-, but not in PHE
      stimulated preparations. Furthermore, it did not significantly alter the
      contractions evoked by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate or induced by the extracellular
      Ca(2+) restoration in cyclopiazonic acid-treated preparations. In mesenteric
      rings loaded with Fluo-4 AM, (-)-alpha-bisabolol blunted the tension and the
      cytosolic levels of Ca(2+) in response to K(+) but not to norepinephrine. Silico
      docking analysis of the Cavbeta2a subunit of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel
      indicated putative docking sites for (-)-alpha-bisabolol. These findings
      reinforce the ability of (-)-alpha-bisabolol to inhibit preferentially
      contractile responses evoked by Ca(2+) influx through voltage-dependent Ca(2+)
      channels.

PMID- 25128620
TI  - Highly efficient electrogenerated chemiluminescence quenching of PEI enhanced
      Ru(bpy)32+ nanocomposite by hemin and Au@CeO2 nanoparticles.
AB  - In this work, a new signal amplified strategy based on the quenching effect of
      hemin and Au nanoparticles decorated CeO2 nanoparticles (Au@CeO2 NPs) for
      ultrasensitive detection of thrombin (TB) is reported for the first time. Herein,
      the poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) enhanced Ru(bpy)3(2+) nanocomposite was implemented
      by direct chemical polymerization, which could provide the desirable enhanced
      initial ECL signal. Furthermore, the detection aptamer of thrombin (TBA 2) was
      immobilized on Au@CeO2 NPs to form TBA 2/Au@CeO2 conjugates. Then, the G-rich DNA
      of TBA 2 sequence could fold into a G-quadruplex structure to embed hemin to
      obtain the quenching probe of hemin/TBA 2/Au@CeO2 conjugates. In the presence of
      target TB, the sandwiched structure could be formed between capture aptamer (TBA
      1), TB and hemin/TBA 2/Au@CeO2 conjugates, thereby resulting in a proportional
      quenching in ECL response with TB, due to the quenching of both hemin and Au@CeO2
      NPs. As a result, the signal-off aptasensor showed a wider linear range response
      from 10(-13) to 10(-8) M with lower detection limit of 0.03 pM.

PMID- 25128621
TI  - Accurate characterization of benign and cancerous breast tissues: aspecific
      patient studies using piezoresistive microcantilevers.
AB  - Breast cancer is the largest detected cancer amongst women in the US. In this
      work, our team reports on the development of piezoresistive microcantilevers
      (PMCs) to investigate their potential use in the accurate detection and
      characterization of benign and diseased breast tissues by performing indentations
      on the micro-scale tissue specimens. The PMCs used in these experiments have been
      fabricated using laboratory-made silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, which
      significantly reduces the fabrication costs. The PMCs are 260 MUm long, 35 MUm
      wide and 2 MUm thick with resistivity of order 1.316*10(-3) Omega cm obtained by
      using boron diffusion technique. For indenting the tissue, we utilized 8 MUm
      thick cylindrical SU-8 tip. The PMC was calibrated against a known AFM probe.
      Breast tissue cores from seven different specimens were indented using PMC to
      identify benign and cancerous tissue cores. Furthermore, field emission scanning
      electron microscopy (FE-SEM) of benign and cancerous specimens showed marked
      differences in the tissue morphology, which further validates our observed
      experimental data with the PMCs. While these patient aspecific feasibility
      studies clearly demonstrate the ability to discriminate between benign and
      cancerous breast tissues, further investigation is necessary to perform automated
      mechano-phenotyping (classification) of breast cancer: from onset to disease
      progression.

PMID- 25128622
TI  - Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of DNA based on Zn2+ assistant DNA
      recycling followed with hybridization chain reaction dual amplification.
AB  - A new strategy to combine Zn(2+) assistant DNA recycling followed with
      hybridization chain reaction dual amplification was designed for highly sensitive
      electrochemical detection of target DNA. A gold electrode was used to immobilize
      molecular beacon (MB) as the recognition probe and perform the amplification
      procedure. In the presence of the target DNA, the hairpin probe 1 was opened, and
      the DNAzyme was liberated from the caged structure. The activated DNAzyme
      hybridized with the MB and catalyzed its cleavage in the presence of Zn(2+)
      cofactor and resulting in a free DNAzyme strand. Finally, each target-induced
      activated DNAzyme underwent many cycles triggering the cleavage of MB, thus
      forming numerous MB fragments. The MB fragments triggered the HCR and formed a
      long double-helix DNA structure. Because both H1 and H2 were labeled by biotin, a
      lot of SA-ALP was captured on the electrode surface, thus catalyzing a silver
      deposition process for electrochemical stripping analysis. This novel cascade
      signal amplification strategy can detect target DNA down to the attomolar level
      with a dynamic range spanning 6 orders of magnitude. This highly sensitive and
      specific assay has a great potential to become a promising DNA quantification
      method in biomedical research and clinical diagnosis. 

PMID- 25128623
TI  - One-dimensional nanostructures based bio-detection.
AB  - This paper presents a review on recent developments of one-dimensional (1-D)
      nanostructures based label-free chemiresistive/chemFET biosensors and the various
      sensing mechanisms used for biomolecular detection. The sensor performance
      including sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability is compared in terms of
      material synthesis of the sensor's element, relating surface functionalization
      schemes to their properties with respect to selected bioreceptors, its method of
      fabrication, and its intended operation. As a final point, we outline the
      prospects of chemiresistive/chemFET biosensors and recommend specific
      advancements in this field. 

PMID- 25128619
TI  - Chromatin regulation of DNA damage repair and genome integrity in the central
      nervous system.
AB  - With the continued extension of lifespan, aging and age-related diseases have
      become a major medical challenge to our society. Aging is accompanied by changes
      in multiple systems. Among these, the aging process in the central nervous system
      is critically important but very poorly understood. Neurons, as post-mitotic
      cells, are devoid of replicative associated aging processes, such as senescence
      and telomere shortening. However, because of the inability to self-replenish,
      neurons have to withstand challenge from numerous stressors over their lifetime.
      Many of these stressors can lead to damage of the neurons' DNA. When the
      accumulation of DNA damage exceeds a neuron's capacity for repair, or when there
      are deficiencies in DNA repair machinery, genome instability can manifest. The
      increased mutation load associated with genome instability can lead to neuronal
      dysfunction and ultimately to neuron degeneration. In this review, we first
      briefly introduce the sources and types of DNA damage and the relevant repair
      pathways in the nervous system (summarized in Fig. 1). We then discuss the
      chromatin regulation of these processes and summarize our understanding of the
      contribution of genomic instability to neurodegenerative diseases. 

PMID- 25128624
TI  - Ultra-sensitive plasmonic nanometal scattering immunosensor based on optical
      control in the evanescent field layer.
AB  - Novel, fluorescence-free detection of biomolecules on nanobiochips was
      investigated based on plasmonic nanometal scattering in the evanescent field
      layer (EFL) using total internal reflection scattering (TIRS) microscopy. The
      plasmonic scattering of nanometals bonded to biomolecules was observed at
      different wavelengths by an electromagnetic field in the EFL. The changes in the
      scattering of nanometals on the gold-nanopatterned chip in response to the
      immunoreaction between silver nanoparticles and antibodies allowed fluorescence
      free detection of biomolecules on the nanobiochips. Under optimized conditions,
      the TIRS immunoassay chip detected different amounts of immobilized antigen,
      i.e., human cardiac troponin I. The sandwich immuno-reaction was quantitatively
      analyzed in the dynamic range of 720 zM-167 fM. The limit of detection (S/N=4)
      was 600 zM, which was ~140 times lower than limits obtained by previous total
      internal reflection fluorescence and dark field methods. These results
      demonstrate the possibility for a fluorescence-free biochip nanoimmunoassay based
      on the scattering of nanometals in the EFL.

PMID- 25128625
TI  - Paper-based electrochemiluminescence origami cyto-device for multiple cancer
      cells detection using porous AuPd alloy as catalytically promoted nanolabels.
AB  - The detection of cancer cells is important and fundamental for cancer diagnosis
      and therapy, which has attracted considerable interest recently. Although
      traditional cyto-sensors have been widely explored due to their high sensitivity
      and selectivity, it is still a challenge to develop a low-cost, portable,
      disposable, fast, and easy-to-use cancer cell detection method for applying in
      the field of cancer diagnosis and therapy. Herein, to address these challenges,
      we developed a microfluidic paper-based electrochemiluminescence origami cyto
      device (MU-PECLOC), in which aptamers modified 3D macroporous Au-paper electrodes
      were employed as the working electrodes and efficient platforms for the specific
      cancer cells capture. Owing to the effective disproportionation of hydrogen
      peroxide and specific recognition of mannose on cell surface, concanavalin-A
      conjugated porous AuPd alloy nanoparticles were introduced into this MU-PECLOC as
      the catalytically promoted nanolabels for peroxydisulfate ECL system. Under the
      optimal conditions, the proposed MU-PECLOC exhibited excellent analytical
      performance with good stability, reproducibility, and accuracy, towards the cyto
      sensing of four types of cancer cells indicating the potential applications to
      facilitate effective and multiple early cancer diagnosis and clinical treatment. 

PMID- 25128627
TI  - Cyclic expression of Lhx2 is involved in secondary hair follicle development in
      cashmere goat.
AB  - Lhx2, a member of LIM homeobox transcription factors, plays a key role in normal
      tissue development. However, the molecular mechanism of Lhx2 gene in the
      regulation of the secondary hair follicle cycling in cashmere goat remains
      largely unknown. In the present study, the Lhx2 gene was cloned and characterized
      in cashmere goat. The cloned cDNA of Lhx2 was 1233 bp in length, encoding for
      proteins of 406 amino acids which contained all functionally important domains
      conserved among vertebrate Lhx2 gene. Tissue distribution analysis showed that
      Lhx2 mRNA was highly expressed in the skin and low expressed in all other
      tissues. Immunohistochemical localization revealed that Lhx2 was expressed in
      secondary hair follicles. Analysis of expression profiles of Lhx2 mRNA during
      different development stages in secondary hair follicles showed that the highest
      expression was observed at the anagen stage, while the lowest expression was
      detected at the telogen stage. The expression tendency during the development
      stages was that it increased from telogen to anagen, decreased from anagen to
      catagen, and decreased from catagen to telogen. The expression pattern of Lhx2
      protein and mRNA was similar. The mRNA and protein expression of Lhx2 were
      consistent throughout the development cycle in secondary hair follicles. These
      findings provided a better understanding of the function of Lhx2 and suggested
      that the cyclic expression of Lhx2 might play important roles during secondary
      hair follicle development in cashmere goat. 

PMID- 25128626
TI  - Factors associated with hearing loss in a normal-hearing guinea pig model of
      Hybrid cochlear implants.
AB  - The Hybrid cochlear implant (CI), also known as Electro-Acoustic Stimulation
      (EAS), is a new type of CI that preserves residual acoustic hearing and enables
      combined cochlear implant and hearing aid use in the same ear. However, 30-55% of
      patients experience acoustic hearing loss within days to months after activation,
      suggesting that both surgical trauma and electrical stimulation may cause hearing
      loss. The goals of this study were to: 1) determine the contributions of both
      implantation surgery and EAS to hearing loss in a normal-hearing guinea pig
      model; 2) determine which cochlear structural changes are associated with hearing
      loss after surgery and EAS. Two groups of animals were implanted (n = 6 per
      group), with one group receiving chronic acoustic and electric stimulation for 10
      weeks, and the other group receiving no direct acoustic or electric stimulation
      during this time frame. A third group (n = 6) was not implanted, but received
      chronic acoustic stimulation. Auditory brainstem response thresholds were
      followed over time at 1, 2, 6, and 16 kHz. At the end of the study, the following
      cochlear measures were quantified: hair cells, spiral ganglion neuron density,
      fibrous tissue density, and stria vascularis blood vessel density; the presence
      or absence of ossification around the electrode entry was also noted. After
      surgery, implanted animals experienced a range of 0-55 dB of threshold shifts in
      the vicinity of the electrode at 6 and 16 kHz. The degree of hearing loss was
      significantly correlated with reduced stria vascularis vessel density and with
      the presence of ossification, but not with hair cell counts, spiral ganglion
      neuron density, or fibrosis area. After 10 weeks of stimulation, 67% of
      implanted, stimulated animals had more than 10 dB of additional threshold shift
      at 1 kHz, compared to 17% of implanted, non-stimulated animals and 0% of non
      implanted animals. This 1-kHz hearing loss was not associated with changes in any
      of the cochlear measures quantified in this study. The variation in hearing loss
      after surgery and electrical stimulation in this animal model is consistent with
      the variation in human patients. Further, these findings illustrate an advantage
      of a normal-hearing animal model for quantification of hearing loss and damage to
      cochlear structures without the confounding effects of chemical- or noise-induced
      hearing loss. Finally, this study is the first to suggest a role of the stria
      vascularis and damage to the lateral wall in implantation-induced hearing loss.
      Further work is needed to determine the mechanisms of implantation- and
      electrical-stimulation-induced hearing loss.

PMID- 25128628
TI  - Combination of ADMSCs and chondrocytes reduces hypertrophy and improves the
      functional properties of osteoarthritic cartilage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Adipose derived MSCs (ADMSCs)
      in combination with chondrocytes in counteracting oxidative stress in
      chondrocytes in vitro and in rat model of osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD: Cultured
      chondrocytes were exposed to oxidative stress with 200 MUM Hydrogen peroxide
      (H2O2), followed by co-culture with ADMSCs or chondrocytes or combination of both
      cell types in a transwell culture system for 36 h. The cytoprotective effect was
      assessed by immunocytochemistry and gene expression analysis. In vivo study
      evaluated therapeutic effect of the above mentioned three treatments after
      transplantation in OA rats. RESULTS: The Combination of ADMSCs + Chondrocytes
      decreased the extent of oxidative stress-induced damage of chondrocytes. Enhanced
      expression level of Acan and Collagen type-II alpha (Col2a1) with a
      correspondingly decreased expression of Collagen type-I alpha (Col1a1) and Matrix
      metallopeptidase 13 (Mmp13) was maximally observed in this group. Moreover,
      reduced count of annexin-V positive cells, Caspase (Casp3) gene expression and
      Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release with concomitantly enhanced viability and
      expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene was observed. In
      vivo study showed that homing of cells and proteoglycan contents of knee joints
      were significantly better in ADMSCs + Chondrocytes transplanted rats. Increased
      expression of Acan and Col2a1 along with decreased expression of Col1a1 and Mmp13
      indicated formation of hyaline cartilage in this group. These rats also
      demonstrated significantly reduced expression of Casp3 while increased expression
      of PCNA genes than the other cell transplanted groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      demonstrated that a combination of ADMSCs and chondrocytes may be a more
      effective therapeutic strategy against OA than the use of ADMSCs or chondrocytes
      separately.

PMID- 25128629
TI  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor immunoreactive vagal sensory neurons
      innervating the gastrointestinal tract of the rat.
AB  - We have determined whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor immunoreactive (BDNF
      ir) neurons in the vagal ganglia innervate the gastrointestinal tract. Many BDNF
      ir neurons were medium in size and located throughout the jugular and nodose
      ganglia. When Fluorogold was injected into the wall of the cervical esophagus,
      many retrogradely Fluorogold-labeled neurons were found in both the jugular
      ganglion and the nodose ganglion. When Fluorogold was injected into the body of
      the stomach or applied to the cut end of the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve,
      numerous Fluorogold-labeled neurons were found mostly in the nodose ganglion.
      Double-labeling combining immunohistochemistry for BDNF and retrograde tracing
      with Fluorogold showed that more than 90% of the neurons in the jugular ganglion
      and the nodose ganglion projecting to the cervical esophagus contained BDNF-like
      immunoreactivity. In the cases of both Fluorogold injection into the stomach and
      Fluorogold application to the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve, almost all Fluorogold
      labeled neurons in the nodose ganglion contained BDNF-like immunoreactivity.
      These results indicated that almost all vagal sensory neurons located in either
      the jugular ganglion or the nodose ganglion that innervate the gastrointestinal
      tract are BDNF-ir neurons. 

PMID- 25128630
TI  - A functional involvement of ABCE1, eukaryotic ribosome recycling factor, in
      nonstop mRNA decay in Drosophila melanogaster cells.
AB  - When ribosomes encounter mRNAs lacking stop codons, two quality-control
      machineries, NSD for nonstop mRNA decay and ribosome quality control (RQC) for co
      translational degradation of the nonstop protein by the proteasome, are triggered
      to eliminate aberrant molecules. In yeast, it is known that Dom34 (a homolog of
      eRF1) and Ltn1 (an E3 ubiquitin ligase) play crucial roles in NSD and RQC,
      respectively, by triggering ribosome rescue at the 3' end of nonstop mRNAs and
      proteasome-dependent polypeptide degradation. Here we confirmed the essential
      role of Ltn1 in RQC for nonstop products in Drosophila cells, and further
      uncovered a functional role of ABCE1, a eukaryotic ribosome recycling factor, in
      NSD in Drosophila cells. 

PMID- 25128631
TI  - Sex dimorphism in the onset of the white adipose tissue insulin sensitivity
      impairment associated with age.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the time-course response of
      retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (WAT) insulin and adiponectin signaling
      pathway intermediates in relation to the systemic age-associated impairment of
      insulin sensitivity in male and female rats. The main markers of the insulin and
      adiponectin signaling pathways of the retroperitoneal WAT, as well as of the
      systemic insulin sensitivity profile of 3-, 9- and 18-month old Wistar rats of
      both sexes were determined. Our results indicate that age leads to a decrease in
      the insulin sensitivity in both sexes that agrees with the decline in the levels
      of the WAT insulin signaling pathway intermediates, the increase in the adiposity
      index and the rise in the serum insulin resistance markers. This is accompanied
      by a sex-dimorphism that involves a gradual insulin signaling pathway decrease in
      female rats and an earlier and acute decrease in males and suggests a better
      insulin responsiveness in female rats at any age group. Our results confirm the
      idea that in rats, the insulin signaling pathway of WAT is altered at earlier
      ages than that of skeletal muscle and also provides further evidence of the
      impairment of the WAT adiponectin signaling pathway. 

PMID- 25128632
TI  - Sensitivity and response time of three common Antarctic marine copepods to metal
      exposure.
AB  - Understanding the sensitivity of Antarctic marine organisms to metals is
      essential in order to manage environmental contamination risks. To date toxicity
      studies conducted on Antarctic marine species are limited. This study is the
      first to examine the acute effects of copper and cadmium on three common coastal
      Antarctic copepods: the calanoids Paralabidocera antarctica and Stephos longipes,
      and the cyclopoid Oncaea curvata. These copepods responded slowly to metal
      exposure (4-7d) emphasising that the exposure period of 48-96 h commonly used in
      toxicity tests with temperate and tropical species is not appropriate for polar
      organisms. We found that a longer 7 d exposure period was the minimum duration
      appropriate for Antarctic copepods. Although sensitivity to metal exposure varied
      between species, copper was more toxic than cadmium in all three species.
      P.antarctica was the most sensitive with 7d LC50 values for copper and cadmium of
      20 MUg L(-1) and 237 MUg L(-1) respectively. Sensitivities to copper were similar
      for both O. curvata (LC50=64 MUg L(-1)) and S. longipes (LC50=56 MUg L(-1)),
      while O. curvata was more sensitive to cadmium (LC50=901 MUg L(-1)) than S.
      longipes (LC50=1250 MUg L(-1)). In comparison to copepods from lower latitudes,
      Antarctic copepods were more sensitive to copper and of similar sensitivity or
      less sensitive to cadmium. This study highlights the need for longer exposure
      periods in toxicity tests with slow responding Antarctic biota in order to
      generate relevant sensitivity data for inclusion in site-specific environmental
      quality guidelines for Antarctica.

PMID- 25128633
TI  - Assessment of endosulfan induced genotoxicity and mutagenicity manifested by
      oxidative stress pathways in freshwater cyprinid fish crucian carp (Carassius
      carassius L.).
AB  - Over the past few decades, endosulfan, one of the polychlorinated pesticides
      still in use, has received considerable attention of a number of international
      regulations and restriction action plans worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate
      the cytogenetic effects of endosulfan using robust genotoxicity assays, along
      with the oxidative stress pathways in order to understand biochemical mechanism,
      in Carassius carassius L. The LC50-96 h (95% confidence limits) value of
      endosulfan was 0.070 (0.046-0.093) ppm; and on its basis three test
      concentrations (sub-lethal I: 0.052, II: 0.035 and III: 0.017 ppm) were selected
      for 35 d in vivo exposure. The mean concentration of endosulfan in aquaria was
      always constant, when analyzed by dispersive liquid-liquid micro extraction
      (DLLME) followed by GC-MS. Autopsy was done on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and
      35 of endosulfan exposure; the micronucleus formation (MN), authenticated by
      scanning electron microscopy, and chromosomal aberrations (CA), were induced
      significantly (p<0.05) in all the treated groups, including positive control
      cyclophosphamide (4 ppm), when compared to negative control. Similarly lipid
      peroxidation (LPO) was induced significantly with the maximal at higher
      concentration (SL-I) on 4th day (722.45%; p<0.01). Antioxidant biomarkers like
      glutathione reduced, superoxide dismutase and catalase also fluctuated
      significantly (p<0.01) in all treatment groups. Collective findings demonstrated
      that genotoxic effects were invariably accompanied and correlated with increased
      oxidative stress and disturbance of antioxidant enzymes; and the MN and CA assays
      are useful tools in determining potential genotoxicity of aquatic xenobiotics and
      might be appropriate as a part of monitoring program.

PMID- 25128634
TI  - Microbial toxicity of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) determined with fluorescent
      and luminescent bioassays.
AB  - The inhibitory effects of the fuel additive methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and
      potential degradation products tert-butanol (TBA) and formaldehyde was examined
      using mixed microbial biomass, and six strains of bioluminescent bacteria and
      yeast. The purpose was to assess microbial toxicity with quantitative
      bioluminescent and fluorescent endpoints, and to identify sensitive proxies
      suitable for monitoring MTBE contamination. Bioluminescent Aliivibrio fischeri
      DSM 7151 (formerly Vibrio fischeri) appeared highly sensitive to MTBE exposure,
      and was a superior test organisms compared to lux-tagged Escherichia coli
      DH5alpha, Pseudomonas fluorescens DF57-40E7 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae BLYR.
      EC10 and EC50 for acute MTBE toxicity in A. fischeri were 1.1 and 10.9 mg L(-1),
      respectively. Long term (24h) MTBE exposure resulted in EC10 values of 0.01 mg L(
      1). TBA was significantly less toxic with EC10 and EC50 for acute and chronic
      toxicity >1000 mg L(-1). Inhibition of bioluminescence was generally a more
      sensitive endpoint for MTBE toxicity than measuring intracellular ATP levels and
      heterotrophic CO2 assimilation. A weak estrogenic response was detected for MTBE
      at concentrations ? 3.7 g L(-1) using an estrogen inducible bioluminescent yeast
      strain (S. cerevisiae BLYES). Microbial hydrolytic enzyme activity in groundwater
      was affected by MTBE with EC10 values of 0.5-787 mg L(-1), and EC50 values of 59
      3073 for alkaline phosphatase, arylsulfatase, beta-1,4-glucanase, N-acetyl-beta-d
      glucosaminidase, and leucine-aminopeptidase. Microbial alkaline phosphatase and
      beta-1,4-glucanase activity were most sensitive to MTBE exposure with EC50 ? 64.8
      mg L(-1). The study suggests that bioassays with luminescent A. fischeri, and
      fluorescent assays targeting hydrolytic enzyme activity are good candidates for
      monitoring microbial MTBE toxicity in contaminated water.

PMID- 25128635
TI  - Characteristics of online compulsive buying in Parisian students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Online compulsive buying is a little-studied behavioral disorder.
      AIMS: To better understand its clinical aspects by focusing on (i) prevalence
      rate, (ii) correlation with other addictions, (iii) influence of means of access,
      (iv) motivations to shop to the internet and (v) financial and time-consuming
      consequences. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 200
      students in two different centers of Paris Diderot University - Paris VII.
      MEASUREMENTS: Brief self-questionnaires, to screen online compulsive buying,
      internet addiction, alcohol and tobacco use disorders, to rate frequency of
      online purchase by private-sale websites, by advertising banners, by mobile phone
      or to avoid stores, to rate motivations like "more discreet", "lonelier", "larger
      variety of products", "more immediate positive feelings", and "cheaper" and to
      assess the largest amount of online purchasing and the average proportion of
      monthly earnings, and time spent, both day and night. FINDINGS: Prevalence of
      online compulsive buying was 16.0%, while prevalence of internet addiction was
      26.0%. We found no significant relationship with cyberdependence, alcohol or
      tobacco use disorders. Online compulsive buyers accessed more often shopping
      online by private-sale websites (56.2% vs 30.5%, p<0.0001) or by mobile phone
      (22.5% vs 7.9%, p=0.005) and preferred online shopping because of exhaustive
      offer (p<0.0001) and immediate positive feelings (p<0.0001). Online compulsive
      buyers spent significantly more money and more time in online shopping.
      CONCLUSION: Online compulsive buying seems to be a distinctive behavioral
      disorder with specific factors of loss of control and motivations, and overall
      financial and time-consuming impacts. More research is needed to better
      characterize it.

PMID- 25128636
TI  - Indirect effects of smoking motives on adolescent anger dysregulation and
      smoking.
AB  - Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of disease and death in the United
      States, and smoking typically begins in adolescence. It is therefore important to
      understand factors that relate to increased risk for cigarette smoking during
      this stage of development. Adolescence is a period when emotion regulatory
      capacities are still emerging and a common affective state to be regulated is
      anger, which adult research has linked to nicotine use. Drawing from work
      suggesting that negative affect reduction motives are one of the most common
      reasons for cigarette smoking, the current study was designed to evaluate the
      indirect effects of negative affect reduction motives on the relation between
      anger dysregulation and nicotine use within a sample of 119 treatment-seeking
      adolescents enrolled in group-based residential therapy. Results were generally
      consistent with hypotheses, suggesting significant indirect effects of negative
      affect reduction smoking motives on the relation between anger dysregulation and
      smoking outcomes. Findings are discussed in terms of negative affect reduction
      motives for cigarette use in the context of anger regulation among youths. 

PMID- 25128637
TI  - Technology-based support via telephone or web: a systematic review of the effects
      on smoking, alcohol use and gambling.
AB  - A systematic review of the literature on telephone or internet-based support for
      smoking, alcohol use or gambling was performed. Studies were included if they met
      the following criteria: The design being a randomized control trail (RCT),
      focused on effects of telephone or web based interventions, focused on pure
      telephone or internet-based self-help, provided information on alcohol or tobacco
      consumption, or gambling behavior, as an outcome, had a follow-up period of at
      least 3months, and included adults. Seventy-four relevant studies were found; 36
      addressed the effect of internet interventions on alcohol consumption, 21 on
      smoking and 1 on gambling, 12 the effect of helplines on smoking, 2 on alcohol
      consumption, and 2 on gambling. Telephone helplines can have an effect on tobacco
      smoking, but there is no evidence of the effects for alcohol use or gambling.
      There are some positive findings regarding internet-based support for heavy
      alcohol use among U.S. college students. However, evidence on the effects of
      internet-based support for smoking, alcohol use or gambling are to a large extent
      inconsistent.

PMID- 25128639
TI  - Mass gathering medicine: 2014 Hajj and Umra preparation as a leading example.
AB  - The importation of infectious diseases during a mass gathering may result in
      outbreaks. Infectious diseases associated with mass gatherings vary depending on
      the type and location of the mass gathering. The annual Hajj to Makkah in Saudi
      Arabia is one of the largest annual religious mass gatherings in the world.
      Preparation for the Hajj encompasses multiple sectors to develop comprehensive
      plans. These plans include risk assessment, utilizing existing medical
      infrastructure, developing electronic and paper-based surveillance activity, and
      the use of information technology. In this review, we describe key features of
      the preparedness for the 2014 Hajj and Umra, review the recent impact of emerging
      viruses such as Ebola in West Africa and the Middle East respiratory syndrome
      coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in affected countries, and highlight the updated
      requirements and the required vaccines. 

PMID- 25128638
TI  - A comparison of Cambodian-American adolescent substance use behavior to national
      and local norms.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to compare rates of alcohol, marijuana, and
      cigarette use in Cambodian-American adolescents with norms from nationally- and
      regionally-representative peers. METHODS: Substance use data from 439 10th grade
      Cambodian-American adolescents in Long Beach, California were compared to grade-
      and gender-matched nationally representative data from the Monitoring the Future
      study and data from the California Healthy Kids Survey of students within the
      same school district. RESULTS: Overall, the Cambodian-American youth were less
      likely than nationally- and regionally-representative youth to use alcohol,
      marijuana, and cigarettes. Specifically, relative to estimates obtained for the
      general population and students attending school in the same school district,
      Cambodian-American youth were significantly less likely to use alcohol and
      marijuana. Cambodian-American youth were also less likely than youth in the
      general population to smoke cigarettes, but did not differ statistically from
      youth within their same school district. CONCLUSIONS: As a group, Cambodian
      American youth may not be at especially high risk for substance use. As is the
      case with virtually all populations, some individuals within the Cambodian
      American group are likely to have more difficulty than others with substance use
      concerns. Thus, additional research is needed to identify factors that might help
      to identify high users with potential service needs.

PMID- 25128640
TI  - Lubricating recovery of damaged pleural mesothelium: effect of time and of
      phosphatidylcholines.
AB  - Effect of time and phosphatidylcholines (PCs) on lubrication of damaged
      mesothelium has been investigated. Marked increase in coefficient of kinetic
      friction (MU) of pleural specimens after mesothelial blotting and rewetting
      decreased by 23.4+/-3.5%, 41.8+/-3.8%, and 40.5+/-2.7% after 30min, 1h, and 2h.
      Hence, damaged mesothelium is able to partially reset lubricating molecules on
      its surface. Increase in MU of post-blotting Ringer 2h after addition of
      unsaturated PCs (3mg/ml) decreased a little more than after 2h Ringer. Effects of
      unsaturated and saturated PCs were similar, contrary to expectation raised by
      their different percentage in pleural and alveolar lavage. Effect of PCs did not
      increase at 6mg/ml, and was nil at 0.4mg/ml. Increase of MU after short
      phospholipase treatment decreased by 45.9+/-2.0% after 2h Ringer, and a little
      more after addition of unsaturated or saturated PCs. Hence, PCs, as other
      phospholipids, have a small effect, likely because of difficulty in resetting
      their relationships with main lubricating molecules. 

PMID- 25128641
TI  - Influence of lung volume, fluid and capillary recruitment during positional
      changes and exercise on thoracic impedance in heart failure.
AB  - It is unclear how dynamic changes in pulmonary-capillary blood volume (Vc),
      alveolar lung volume (derived from end-inspiratory lung volume, EILV) and
      interstitial fluid (ratio of alveolar capillary membrane conductance and
      pulmonary capillary blood volume, Dm/Vc) influence lung impedance (Z(T)). The
      purpose of this study was to investigate if positional change and exercise result
      in increased EILV, Vc and/or lung interstitial fluid, and if Z(T) tracks these
      variables. METHODS: 12 heart failure (HF) patients underwent measurements (Z(T),
      EILV, Vc/Dm) at rest in the upright and supine positions, during exercise and
      into recovery. Inspiratory capacity was obtained to provide consistent measures
      of EILV while assessing Z(T). RESULTS: Z(T) increased with lung volume during
      slow vital capacity maneuvers (p<0.05). Positional change (upright->supine)
      resulted in an increased Z(T) (p<0.01), while Vc increased and EILV and Dm/Vc
      decreased (p<0.05). Moreover, during exercise Vc and EILV increased and Dm/Vc
      decreased (p<0.05), whereas, Z(T) did not change significantly (p>0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Impedance appears sensitive to changes in lung volume and body
      position which appear to generally overwhelm small acute changes in lung fluid
      when assed dynamically at rest or during exercise.

PMID- 25128642
TI  - The effect of chronic low back pain on tactile suppression during back movements.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to examine whether tactile suppression, the
      phenomenon whereby tactile perception is suppressed during movement, would occur
      in the context of back movements. Of particular interest, it was investigated if
      tactile suppression in the back would be attenuated in those suffering from
      chronic low back pain. Individuals with chronic low back pain (N = 30) and a
      matched control group (N = 24) detected tactile stimuli on three possible
      locations (back, arm, chest) while performing a back or arm movement, or no
      movement. We hypothesized that the movements would induce tactile suppression,
      and that this effect would be largest for low-intense stimuli on the moving body
      part. We further hypothesized that, during back movements, tactile suppression on
      the back would be less pronounced in the chronic low back pain group than in the
      control group. The results showed the expected general tactile suppression
      effects. The hypothesis of back-specific attenuation of tactile suppression in
      the chronic low back pain group was not supported. However, back-specific tactile
      suppression in the chronic low back pain group was less pronounced in those who
      performed the back movements more slowly.

PMID- 25128643
TI  - Application of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to the
      pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion studies of sweroside in rats.
AB  - A sensitive, reliable and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography with
      tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the
      quantification of sweroside in rat plasma, tissue and excretion. A single-step
      protein precipitation by methanol was used to prepare samples. Sweroside and
      swertiamarin (internal standard, IS) were separated by using a C18 column and a
      mobile phase consisted of methanol and water containing 0.1% formic acid running
      at a flow rate of 0.8ml/min for 6min. Detection and quantification were performed
      using a mass spectrometer by the multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive
      electrospray ionization mode. The optimized mass transition ion pairs (m/z) for
      quantitation were [M+H](+)359.1->197.2 for sweroside and [M+Na](+)397.4->165.3
      for swertiamarin (IS), respectively. The inter-day precision (RSD %) was less
      than 11.20% and intra-day precision (RSD %) was less than 10.90%, while the inter
      day accuracy (RE %) was ranged from -9.69 to 9.17% and intra-day accuracy (RE %)
      was ranged from -10.56 to 13.47%. The mean elimination half-life (t1/2) of
      sweroside for 5, 10 and 15mg/kg dose were 78.8, 67.6 and 77.2min, respectively.
      And sweroside follows linear plasma pharmacokinetics across the investigated
      dosage range in rats (5-15mg/kg). The absolute bioavailability (F %) of sweroside
      was 11.90% on average. The results of tissue distribution showed the higher
      sweroside concentrations were found in kidney, liver, spleen and lung, and the
      small amount of drug was distributed into the brain tissue. The high distribution
      in liver confirms the reports that sweroside has hepatoprotective activity and
      promoted liver regeneration, and there was no long-term accumulation of sweroside
      in rat tissues. Total recoveries of sweroside within 48h were 0.67% in bile,
      1.55% in urine and 0.46% in feces, which might be resulted from liver first-pass
      effect. The above results suggested that sweroside was mainly excreted as the
      metabolites. 

PMID- 25128644
TI  - Trace elements in major marketed marine bivalves from six northern coastal cities
      of China: concentrations and risk assessment for human health.
AB  - One hundred and fifty nine samples of nine edible bivalve species (Argopecten
      irradians, Chlamys farreri, Crassostrea virginica, Lasaea nipponica, Meretrix
      meretrix, Mytilus edulis, Ruditapes philippinarum, Scapharca subcrenata and
      Sinonovacula constricta) were randomly collected from eight local seafood markets
      in six big cities (Dalian, Qingdao, Rizhao, Weifang, Weihai and Yantai) in the
      northern coastal areas of China for the investigation of trace element
      contamination. As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn were quantified. The risk of these
      trace elements to humans through bivalve consumption was then assessed. Results
      indicated that the concentrations of most of the studied trace element varied
      significantly with species: the average concentration of Cu in C. virginica was
      an order of magnitude higher than that in the remaining species; the average
      concentration of Zn was also highest in C. virginica; the average concentration
      of As, Cd and Pb was highest in R. philippinarum, C. farreri and A. irradians,
      respectively. Spatial differences in the concentrations of elements were
      generally less than those of interspecies, yet some elements such as Cr and Hg in
      the samples from different cities showed a significant difference in
      concentrations for some bivalve species. Trace element concentrations in edible
      tissues followed the order of Zn>Cu>As>Cd>Cr>Pb>Hg generally. Statistical
      analysis (one-way ANOVA) indicated that different species examined showed
      different bioaccumulation of trace elements. There were significant correlations
      between the concentrations of some elements. The calculated hazard quotients
      indicated in general that there was no obvious health risk from the intake of
      trace elements through bivalve consumption. But care must be taken considering
      the increasing amount of seafood consumption. 

PMID- 25128645
TI  - Overexpression of a tobacco J-domain protein enhances drought tolerance in
      transgenic Arabidopsis.
AB  - DnaJ proteins constitute a DnaJ/Hsp40 family and are important regulators
      involved in diverse cellular functions. To date, the molecular mechanisms of DnaJ
      proteins involved in response to drought stress in plants are largely unknown. In
      this study, a putative DnaJ ortholog from Nicotiana tabacum (NtDnaJ1), which
      encodes a putative type-I J-protein, was isolated. The transcript levels of
      NtDnaJ1 were higher in aerial tissues and were markedly up-regulated by drought
      stress. Over-expression of NtDnaJ1 in Arabidopsis plants enhanced their tolerance
      to osmotic or drought stress. Quantitative determination of H2O2 accumulation has
      shown that H2O2 content increased in wild-type and transgenic seedlings under
      osmotic stress, but was significantly lower in both transgenic lines compared
      with the wild-type. Expression analysis of stress-responsive genes in NtDnaJ1
      transgenic Arabidopsis revealed that there was significantly increased expression
      of genes involved in the ABA-dependent signaling pathway (AtRD20, AtRD22 and
      AtAREB2) and antioxidant genes (AtSOD1, AtSOD2, and AtCAT1). Collectively, these
      data demonstrate that NtDnaJ1 could be involved in drought stress response and
      its over-expression enhances drought tolerance possibly through regulating
      expression of stress-responsive genes. This study may facilitate our
      understandings of the biological roles of DnaJ protein-mediated abiotic stress in
      higher plants and accelerate genetic improvement of crop plants tolerant to
      environmental stresses. 

PMID- 25128646
TI  - Characterization of two highly similar CBF/DREB1-like genes, PhCBF4a and PhCBF4b,
      in Populus hopeiensis.
AB  - The C-repeat binding factors (CBFs)/dehydration-responsive element-binding
      protein (DREBs) are a group of conserved transcription factors that play an
      important role in the response and adaptation to environmental stress in many
      plants. Two highly similar CBF/DREB1-like genes, PhCBF4a and PhCBF4b, were
      previously identified in Populus hopeiensis. In this paper, we describe the
      function of these proteins in detail in terms of abiotic stress tolerance.
      Phylogenic analysis suggests that PhCBF4a and PhCBF4b are expressed as two
      distinct alleles. Expression of both genes is induced mainly by dehydration, low
      temperature, and high-salinity. Agroinfiltration experiments in tobacco leaves
      revealed differential transcriptional activation of the genes, likely driven by
      differences in their C-terminal regions. When constitutively expressed in
      Arabidopsis, PhCBF4a and PhCBF4b induced elevated expression of the CBF/DREB1
      regulons without prior stimulus, resulting in dwarfism, delayed flowering, and
      greater drought tolerance compared with vector controls. These results
      demonstrate that PhCBF4a and PhCBF4b are functional transcriptional regulators
      involved in the response of P. hopeiensis to abiotic stresses. 

PMID- 25128648
TI  - Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) from stromal fibroblasts stimulates the progression
      of gastric cancer.
AB  - The aim of this study was to clarify the role of fibroblast-derived Lysyl oxidase
      like 2 (LOXL2) in the development of gastric cancer. The correlation between the
      clinicopathological features of 548 primary gastric carcinomas and LOXL2
      expression in stromal cells was examined by immunohistochemistry. Two gastric
      cancer cell lines, OCUM-12 and NUGC-3, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)
      were used in this in vitro study. The effect of fibroblast-derived LOXL2 on the
      motility of gastric cancer cells was analyzed by using a wound-healing assay, a
      double-chamber invasion assay, and western blot. LOXL2 expression in stromal
      cells was significantly associated with tumor invasion depth, lymph node
      metastasis, lymphatic invasion, venous invasion, and peritoneal dissemination.
      Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that LOXL2 expression in
      stromal cells could be an independent predictive parameter for the overall
      survival of patients. CAFs significantly stimulated the migration and invasion of
      OCUM-12 and NUGC-3 cells. This motility-stimulating ability of CAFs was inhibited
      by LOXL2 siRNA. Western blot analysis indicated that phosphorylation of focal
      adhesion kinase (FAK) in cancer cells was increased by the conditioned medium
      from CAFs, and was decreased by the conditioned medium from LOXL2 siRNA-treated
      CAFs. LOXL2 expression in stromal cells may be a useful prognostic factor for
      patients with gastric cancer. Fibroblast-derived LOXL2 may stimulate the motility
      of gastric cancer cells. 

PMID- 25128647
TI  - Exploring therapeutic potentials of baicalin and its aglycone baicalein for
      hematological malignancies.
AB  - Despite tremendous advances in the targeted therapy for various types of
      hematological malignancies with successful improvements in the survival rates,
      emerging resistance issues are startlingly high and novel therapeutic strategies
      are urgently needed. In addition, chemoprevention is currently becoming an
      elusive goal. Plant-derived natural products have garnered considerable attention
      in recent years due to the potential dual functions as chemotherapeutics and
      dietary chemoprevention. One of the particularly ubiquitous families is the
      polyphenolic flavonoids. Among them, baicalin and its aglycone baicalein have
      been widely investigated in hematological malignancies because both of them
      exhibit remarkable pharmacological properties. This review focuses on the recent
      achievements in drug discovery research associated with baicalin and baicalein
      for hematological malignancy therapies. The promising anticancer activities of
      these two flavonoids targeting diverse signaling pathways and their potential
      biological mechanisms in different types of hematological malignancies, as well
      as the combination strategy with baicalin or baicalein as chemotherapeutic
      adjuvants for recent therapies in these intractable diseases are discussed.
      Meanwhile, the biotransformation of baicalin and baicalein and the relevant
      approaches to improve their bioavailability are also summarized. 

PMID- 25128649
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of endometrial stromal sarcoma and undifferentiated
      endometrial sarcoma as premises for new therapeutic strategies.
AB  - Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) and undifferentiated endometrial sarcoma (UES)
      are very rare gynecologic malignancies. Due to the rarity and heterogeneity of
      these tumors, little is known about their epidemiology, pathogenesis, and
      molecular pathology. Our previous studies have described deregulation of histone
      deacetylases expression in ESS/UES samples. Some of these enzymes can be
      inhibited by substances which are already approved for treatment of cutaneous T
      cell lymphoma. On the basis of published data, they may also provide a
      therapeutic option for ESS/UES patients. Our review focuses on molecular
      mechanisms of ESS/UES. It describes various aspects with special emphasis on
      alteration of histone deacetylation and its possible relevance for novel
      therapies. 

PMID- 25128650
TI  - Embelin inhibits pancreatic cancer progression by directly inducing cancer cell
      apoptosis and indirectly restricting IL-6 associated inflammatory and immune
      suppressive cells.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy and unresponsive to conventional
      chemotherapies. Here, the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects of embelin on
      pancreatic cancer were investigated. Embelin significantly attenuated cells
      invasion, proliferation and induced apoptosis through inhibition of STAT3 and
      activation of p53 signaling pathways. Embelin substantially reduced the
      tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells in vivo, which was associated with
      reduced inflammatory cells and immune suppressive cells, IL-17A(+) Th17, GM
      CSF(+) Th, MDSCs and Treg, through inhibition of IL-6 secretion. Moreover,
      embelin decrease IL-6-induced STAT3 phosphorylation. In summary, embelin
      represents a novel therapeutic drug candidate for the clinical treatment of
      pancreatic cancer. 

PMID- 25128651
TI  - An in vitro retinoblastoma human triple culture model of angiogenesis: a
      modulatory effect of TGF-beta.
AB  - Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular tumour in children. In view of
      understanding the molecular mechanisms through which angiogenic switch on happens
      in the early phases of reciprocal interaction between tumour and cells
      constituting retinal microvessel, Transwell co-cultures constituted by human
      retinal endothelial cells (HREC), pericytes (HRPC), and human retinoblastoma cell
      line Y-79 were performed. Y-79 enhanced HREC proliferation, reduced by the
      introduction of HRPC in triple culture. In HREC/HRPC cultures, TGF-beta in media
      increased, decreasing in triple cultures. High VEGF levels in triple cultures
      witnessed the establishment of a strongly in vitro angiogenic environment. Y-79
      induced in HREC an increase in c- and iPLA2, phospho-cPLA2, inducible COX-2
      protein expressions, PLA2 activities and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release. These
      effects were attenuated when HRPC were introduced in triple culture. Moreover,
      antibody silencing of TGF-beta demonstrated a strong correlation between the
      signalling pathway triggered by TGF-beta of pericytal origin and the
      phospholipase activation and the modulation of PGE2 release. Inhibiting VEGFA
      effect, the HRPC loss in triple culture decreased, showing its modulatory effect
      on their survival. Relying on the data here presented, sustaining the pericytal
      survival in a tumour retinal environment could ensure the integrity of
      microvessels and the TGF-beta supply, essential for controlling aberrant
      endothelial pruning and angiogenesis. 

PMID- 25128652
TI  - Betaglycan blocks metastatic behaviors in human granulosa cell tumors by
      suppressing NFkappaB-mediated induction of MMP2.
AB  - Metastatic ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCT) exhibit loss of betaglycan. Here
      we test the hypothesis that betaglycan blocks GCT metastasis by suppressing
      NFkappaB/TGFbeta2-induced matrix metalloprotinease-2 (MMP2). Human GCT and a
      human GCT cell model demonstrated prominent MMP2 expression, which was dependent
      on NFkappaB activity and stimulated by TGFbeta2 in an NFkappaB-dependent manner.
      Betaglycan suppressed both basal and TGFbeta2-induced MMP2 expression and
      countered metastatic behaviors of GCT cells in non-adherent spheroid culture and
      in vivo xenograft models of metastasis. These data suggest that NFkappaB/TGFbeta2
      promotes, and betaglycan impedes, the early stages of GCT metastasis, when tumor
      cells first invade the peritoneum. 

PMID- 25128653
TI  - Does lesioning surgery have a role in the management of multietiological tremor
      in the era of Deep Brain Stimulation?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Surgical management of tremor has evolved over the years with Deep
      Brain Stimulation (DBS) gradually supplanting lesioning as the mainstay in
      treatment. In this article, the largest of its kind from our country, we present
      our experience in the use of lesioning in the management of patients with
      multietiological tremors. These include not only common indications like
      Parkinson disease and essential tremor but also rare causes such as Pantothenate
      kinase associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), multiple sclerosis (MS) and Wilson
      disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with medically refractory tremor who
      underwent surgery were included in the analysis. A comprehensive clinical and
      radiological evaluation was performed which was repeated 3 months postoperatively
      and at successive visits. Video documentation of was obtained at all visits.
      RESULTS: A total of 21 patients (18 men, 3 women) with an average age 37.7 years
      (range 21-65 years) underwent stereotactic thalamotomy/subthalamotomy at our
      institute between 2008 and 2013, for the treatment of medically refractory tremor
      of varying etiologies. The mean preoperative duration of symptoms was 11 years
      (range 10 months to 34 years). The median time to onset of improvement was 2
      months (range 1 week to 8 months). Analyzing the improvement on the modified FTM
      scale, in part 1 the scores improved from 21.7 to 1.5, the part II subset
      improved from an average of 9.2 to 3.2 while the part III subset improved from an
      average of 14.1 to 4.1 postoperatively. This implied an excellent response in
      tremor while the other 2 components had a very good response. DISCUSSION: In this
      study we have for the first time objectively analyzed the tremor improvement with
      a modified FTM scale and have produced excellent results. We have also shown that
      tremor of various etiologies respond extremely well to lesioning surgery. While
      DBS continues to remain the treatment of choice in various types of bilateral
      tremor, lesioning is very successful in a carefully selected cohort of patients.
      We are of the opinion that in predominantly unilateral tremor or when the patient
      cannot afford DBS especially in a country like ours, lesioning surgery is an
      important tool in the armamentarium of the functional neurosurgeon.

PMID- 25128654
TI  - Octyl-cyanoacrylate skin adhesive is effective for wound closure in posterior
      spinal surgery without increased risk of wound complications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Few published studies have examined the complication profile after
      posterior spinal surgery wherein absorbable, subcuticular suture and
      cyanoacrylate skin adhesives (CSA) were used for incision closure. The purpose of
      this report is to compare the rate and profile of wound complications in a large
      number of patients who underwent posterior spinal surgery with CSA skin closure
      to rates of similar complications with standard nylon closure techniques.
      METHODS: The prospective database of all surgical cases maintained by the senior
      author was retrospectively reviewed. Three hundred eighty-two patients underwent
      posterior spinal surgery for degenerative, oncologic and traumatic pathology.
      Wound-related complications, including cerebrospinal fluid leak, wound infection
      and dehiscence were analyzed in all patients. RESULTS: These data establish that
      the incisions in patients who undergo posterior spinal surgery can be safely and
      successfully closed with subcuticular MonocrylTM and CSA without increased risk
      of CSF leak, wound infection or dehiscence. Rates of these complications were
      similar between the study population, a small subset of patients treated with
      traditional closure techniques and those in the established literature.
      CONCLUSIONS: CSA is a safe method to achieve ultimate skin closure in patients
      who undergo posterior spinal surgery without increased risk of wound-related
      complications, even in those patients undergoing intradural procedures.

PMID- 25128655
TI  - Epidemiology of a large telestroke cohort in the Delaware valley.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has
      recently endorsed telestroke. Telestroke has enhanced stroke diagnosis, increased
      tPA administration and improved long-term outcomes. However, many of the
      publication on telemedicine so far have been review articles. OBJECTIVES: We
      investigated the epidemiological features of telestroke patients and evaluated
      the difference between the transferred and non-transferred cohorts. METHODS: We
      collected data on telestroke consultation, between January 2012 and June 2013,
      regarding patient's age, gender, diagnosis, NIHSS, onset-to-spoke time (OTS), tPA
      administration and transfer status. Further data was obtained on transferred
      patients regarding discharge and endovascular interventions. RESULTS: The means
      of age, NIHSS and OTS time were the following: 67.59 years, 7.65 and 11.28h
      respectively. The proportion of transferred patients was 12.04% (280/2324); lower
      than what was previously reported. The overall rate of IV tPA administration was
      11.98%. Transferred patients had a significantly higher NIHSS mean (10.93 vs.
      6.73; P<0.001), and were more likely to have received IV-tPA at onset (25.57 vs.
      9.67; P<0.001). The age, gender proportion, stroke mimic proportion, and the mean
      of OTS did not differ between the two-groups (0.49 vs. 0.31; P=0.38). A logistic
      regression showed that NIHSS (OR=1.06, P<0.001) and tPA administration at onset
      (OR=2.78, P<0.001) predict the transfer. Of the transferred patients, 4.5%
      received endovascular intervention. The mortality rate of transferred patients
      was 12.9%. Other outcomes were the following: 52% discharge to rehabilitation
      facilities, 29% discharge to home, and 8% discharge to long-term nursing
      facilities. CONCLUSION: Telestroke network is increasing the frequency of tPA
      usage in acute ischemic stroke and may decrease the need for transfer. Our aim
      was to optimize the stroke therapy to shorten the hospital stay and to increase
      the discharge home. This allows a better functional outcome and an additional
      benefit of cost-saving for the hospitals.

PMID- 25128656
TI  - Hemiballism-hemidystonia after parietal lobe tumour resection.

PMID- 25128657
TI  - WITHDRAWN: The instability of Cdc42 network with graph-theoretic methods.
AB  - This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor due
      to some inconsistencies in the manuscript. The Publisher apologizes for any
      inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can
      be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

PMID- 25128658
TI  - A model for enhanced and selective transport through biological membranes with
      alternating pores.
AB  - We investigate the outflux of ions through the channels in a cell membrane. The
      channels undergo an open/close cycle according to a periodic schedule. Our study
      is based both on theoretical considerations relying on homogenization theory, and
      on Monte Carlo numerical simulations. We examine the onset of a limiting boundary
      behavior characterized by a constant ratio between the outflux and the local
      density, in the large volume limit. The focus here is on the issue of
      selectivity, that is on the different behavior of the ion currents through the
      channel in the cases of the selected and non-selected species. 

PMID- 25128659
TI  - Dynamic neural network-based robust observers for uncertain nonlinear systems.
AB  - A dynamic neural network (DNN) based robust observer for uncertain nonlinear
      systems is developed. The observer structure consists of a DNN to estimate the
      system dynamics on-line, a dynamic filter to estimate the unmeasurable state and
      a sliding mode feedback term to account for modeling errors and exogenous
      disturbances. The observed states are proven to asymptotically converge to the
      system states of high-order uncertain nonlinear systems through Lyapunov-based
      analysis. Simulations and experiments on a two-link robot manipulator are
      performed to show the effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison to
      several other state estimation methods. 

PMID- 25128660
TI  - Irreversible membrane fouling abatement through pre-deposited layer of
      hierarchical porous carbons.
AB  - In this work, dual-templated hierarchical porous carbons (HPCs), produced from a
      coupled ice-hard templating approach, are shown to be a highly effective solution
      to the commonly occurring problem of irreversible fouling of low-pressure
      membranes used for pre-treatment in wastewater reuse. For the first time, dual
      templated HPCs, along with their respective counterparts - single-templated meso
      porous carbon (MPCs) (without macropores) - are tested in terms of their fouling
      reduction capacity and ability to remove different effluent organic matter
      fractions present in wastewater and compared with a commercially available
      powdered activated carbon (PAC). The synthesized HPCs provided exceptional
      fouling abatement, a 4-fold higher fouling reduction as compared to the
      previously reported best performing commercial PAC and ~2.5-fold better fouling
      reduction than their respective mesoporous counterpart. Thus, it is shown that
      not only mesoporosity, but macroporosity is also necessary to achieve high
      fouling reduction, thus emphasizing the need for dual templating. In the case of
      HPCs, the pre-deposition technique is also found to outperform the traditional
      sorbent-feed mixing approach, mainly in terms of removal of fouling components.
      Based on their superior performance, a high permeability (ultra-low-pressure)
      membrane consisting of the synthesized HPC pre-deposited on a large pore size
      membrane support (0.45 MUm membrane), is shown to give excellent pre-treatment
      performance for wastewater reuse application.

PMID- 25128661
TI  - Mode of membrane insertion of individual transmembrane segments in Mdl1 and Mdl2,
      multi-spanning mitochondrial ABC transporters.
AB  - The sorting of an individual transmembrane (TM) segment of multi-spanning
      membrane proteins by the TIM23 complex in the mitochondrial inner membrane is
      poorly understood. Using the Mgm1 fusion approach, we attempted to assess the
      membrane insertion of individual TM segments of Mdl1p and Mdl2p, mitochondrial
      ABC transporters. Although these transporters share high sequence similarity, our
      results show that their membrane sorting patterns differ and that specific
      residues in TM domains strongly influence membrane insertion or translocation.
      These data imply that TIM23-mediated membrane insertion highly depends on the TM
      domain sequence context. 

PMID- 25128662
TI  - I want to quit education: a longitudinal study of stress and optimism as
      predictors of school dropout intention.
AB  - Prior research on school dropout has often focused on stable person- and
      institution-level variables. In this research, we investigate longitudinally
      perceived stress and optimism as predictors of dropout intentions over a period
      of four years, and distinguish between stable and temporary predictors of dropout
      intentions. Findings based on a nationally representative sample of 16-20 year
      olds in Switzerland (N = 4312) show that both average levels of stress and
      optimism as well as annually varying levels of stress and optimism affect dropout
      intentions. Additionally, results show that optimism buffers the negative impact
      of annually varying stress (i.e., years with more stress than usual), but not of
      stable levels of stress (i.e., stress over four years). The implications of the
      results are discussed according to a dynamic and preventive approach of school
      dropout.

PMID- 25128663
TI  - Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in goat abortions from
      Argentina.
AB  - The aims of this study were to identify the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and
      Neospora caninum abortions in goats from Argentina by serological, macroscopical
      and microscopical examination and bioassay, and to characterize the obtained
      isolates by molecular techniques. For this purpose, 25 caprine fetal fluids, 18
      caprine fetal brains and 10 caprine placentas from 8 dairy/meat goat farms from
      Argentina were analyzed. Gestational age of the aborted fetuses was determined in
      18 cases. Protozoal infections were detected by at least one of the applied
      diagnostic techniques in 44% (11/25) of examined fetuses; specifically, 24%
      (6/25) were positive to T. gondii, 8% (2/25) were positive to N. caninum and 12%
      (3/25) were positive to both parasites. In this study IFAT titers were similarly
      distributed in younger and older fetuses. Macroscopical and microscopical
      examination of one placenta revealed chalky nodules in the fetal cotyledons and
      normal intercotyledonary areas, as well as necrosis and calcification of
      mesenchymal cells in villi. Tachyzoites were observed in peritoneal wash from 2
      mice inoculated with brain and a pool of brain and placenta of two fetuses. Cell
      culture growth of tachyzoites was achieved from one inoculated mouse, and
      confirmed as T. gondii by PCR. The T. gondii isolate was identified as atypical
      or non-canonical by nested-PCR-RFLP. This is the first study that investigated
      the involvement of N. caninum and T. gondii in cases of goat abortion in
      Argentina. 

PMID- 25128665
TI  - Synthesis of natural-like acylphloroglucinols with anti-proliferative, anti
      oxidative and tube-formation inhibitory activity.
AB  - Two series of natural and natural-like mono- and bicyclic acylphloroglucinols
      derived from secondary metabolites in the genus Hypericum (Hypericaceae) were
      synthesised and tested in vitro for anti-proliferative and tube-formation
      inhibitory activity in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). In
      addition, their anti-oxidative activity was determined via an ORAC-assay. The
      first series of compounds (4a-e) consisted of geranylated monocyclic
      acylphloroglucinols with varying aliphatic acyl substitution patterns, which were
      subsequently cyclised to the corresponding 2-methyl-2-prenylchromane derivatives
      (5a and 5d). The second series involved compounds containing a 2,2
      dimethylchromane skeleton with differing aromatic acyl substitution (6a-d and 7a
      e). Compound 7a, (5,7-dihydroxy-2,2-dimethylchroman-6-yl)-(3,4
      dihydroxyphenyl)methanone), showed the highest in vitro anti-proliferative
      activity with an IC50 of 0.88 +/- 0.08 MUM and a remarkable anti-oxidative
      activity of 2.8 +/- 0.1 TE from the ORAC test. Interestingly, the high anti
      proliferative activity of these acylphloroglucinols was not associated with tube
      formation inhibition. Compounds (E)-1-(3-(3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl)-2,4,6
      trihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylbutan-1-one (4d) and (5,7-dihydroxy-2,2-dimethylchroman
      6-yl)(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methanone (6a) exhibited moderate to weak anti
      proliferative effects (IC50 11.0 +/- 1 MUM and 48.0 +/- 4.3 MUM, respectively)
      and inhibited the capillary-like tube formation of HMEC-1 in vitro, whereas 7a
      was inactive. The most active compound in the ORAC assay was 7c, which exhibited
      an anti-oxidative effect of 6.6 +/- 1.0 TE. However, this compound showed only
      weak activity during the proliferation assay (IC50 53.8 +/- 0.3) and did not
      inhibit tube-formation. 

PMID- 25128664
TI  - Identification of anxiety sensitivity classes and clinical cut-scores in a sample
      of adult smokers: results from a factor mixture model.
AB  - Anxiety sensitivity (AS), a multidimensional construct, has been implicated in
      the development and maintenance of anxiety and related disorders. Recent evidence
      suggests that AS is a dimensional-categorical construct within individuals.
      Factor mixture modeling was conducted in a sample of 579 adult smokers (M
      age=36.87 years, SD=13.47) to examine the underlying structure. Participants
      completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 and were also given a Structured
      Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR. Three classes of individuals emerged, a high AS
      (5.2% of the sample), a moderate AS (19.0%), and a normative AS class (75.8%). A
      cut-score of 23 to identify high AS individuals, and a cut-score of 17 to
      identify moderate-to-high AS individuals were supported in this study. In
      addition, the odds of having a concurrent anxiety disorder (controlling for other
      Axis I disorders) were the highest in the high AS class and the lowest in the
      normative AS class.

PMID- 25128666
TI  - Novel alkylphospholipid-DTC hybrids as promising agents against endocrine related
      cancers acting via modulation of Akt-pathway.
AB  - A new series of 2-(alkoxy(hydroxy)phosphoryloxy)ethyl dialkylcarbodithioate
      derivatives was synthesized and evaluated against endocrine related cancers,
      acting via modulation of Akt-pathway. Eighteen compounds were active at 7.24-100
      MUM against MDA-MB-231 or MCF-7 cell lines of breast cancer. Three compounds (14,
      18 and 22) were active against MCF-7 cells at IC50 significantly better than
      miltefosine and most of the compounds were less toxic towards non-cancer cell
      lines, HEK-293. On the other hand, twelve compounds exhibited cell growth
      inhibiting activity against prostate cancer cell lines, either PC-3 or DU-145 at
      14.69-95.20 MUM. While nine of these were active against both cell lines. The
      most promising compounds 14 and 18 were about two and five fold more active than
      miltefosine against DU-145 and MCF-7 cell lines respectively and significantly
      down regulated phospho-Akt. Possibly anti-cancer and pro-apoptotic activity was
      mostly due to blockade of Akt-pathway. 

PMID- 25128667
TI  - Chalcone based azacarboline analogues as novel antitubulin agents: design,
      synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modelling studies.
AB  - The present study involves the design of a series of 3-aryl-9-acetyl
      pyridazino[3,4-b]indoles as constrained chalcone analogues. A retrosynthetic
      route was proposed for the synthesis of target compounds. All the synthesized
      compounds were evaluated for in-vitro cytotoxicity against THP-1, COLO-205, HCT
      116 and A-549 human cancer cell lines. The results indicated that 2a, 3a, 5a and
      6a possessed significant cytotoxic potential with an IC50 value ranging from 1.13
      to 5.76 MUM. Structure activity relationship revealed that the nature of both
      Ring A and Ring B influences the activity. Substitution of methoxy groups on the
      phenyl ring (Ring A) and unsubstituted phenyl ring (Ring B) were found to be the
      preferred structural features. The most potent compound 2a was further tested for
      tubulin inhibition. Compound 2a was found to significantly inhibit the tubulin
      polymerization (IC50 value - 2.41 MUM against THP-1). Compound 2a also caused
      disruption of microtubule assembly as evidenced by Immunoflourescence technique.
      The significant cytotoxicity and tubulin inhibition by 2a was rationalized by
      molecular modelling studies. The most potent structure was docked at colchicine
      binding site (PDB ID-1SA0) and was found to be stabilized in the cavity via
      various hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions. 

PMID- 25128668
TI  - Statins in therapy: understanding their hydrophilicity, lipophilicity, binding to
      3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, ability to cross the blood brain
      barrier and metabolic stability based on electrostatic molecular orbital studies.
AB  - The atomic electrostatic potentials calculated by the CHELPG method have been
      shown to be sensitive indicators of the gas phase and solution properties of the
      statins. Solvation free energies in water, n-octanol and n-octane have been
      determined using the SMD solvent model. The percentage hydrophilicity and
      hydrophobicity (or lipophilicity) of the statins in solution have been determined
      using (a) the differences in solvation free energies between n-octanol and n
      octane as a measure of hydrophilicity, and the solvation energy in octane as a
      measure of hydrophobicity (b) the sum of the atomic electrostatic charges on the
      hydrogen bonding and polar bonding nuclei of the common pharmacophore combined
      with a solvent measure of hydrophobicity, and (c) using the buried surface areas
      after statin binding to HMGCR to calculate the hydrophobicity of the bound
      statins. The data suggests that clinical definitions of statins as either
      "hydrophilic" or "lipophilic" based on experimental partition coefficients are
      misleading. An estimate of the binding energy between rosuvastatin and HMGCR has
      been made using: (a) a coulombic electrostatic interaction model, (b) the
      calculated desolvation and resolvation of the statin in water, and (c) the first
      shell transfer solvation energy as a proxy for the restructuring of the water
      molecules immediately adjacent to the active binding site of HMGCR prior to
      binding. Desolvation and resolvation of the statins before and after binding to
      HMGCR are major determinants of the energetics of the binding process. An
      analysis of the amphiphilic nature of lovastatin anion, acid and lactone and
      fluvastatin anion and their abilities to cross the blood brain barrier has
      indicated that this process may be dominated by desolvation and resolvation
      effects, rather than the statin molecular size or statin-lipid interactions
      within the bilayer. The ionization energy and electron affinity of the statins
      are sensitive physical indicators of the ease that the various statins can
      undergo endogenous oxidative metabolism. The absolute chemical hardness is also
      an indicator of the stability of the statins, and may be a useful indicator for
      drug design. 

PMID- 25128669
TI  - Investigation of in vitro anticancer and DNA strap interactions in live cells
      using carboplatin type Cu(II) and Zn(II) metalloinsertors.
AB  - A series of carboplatin type Cu(II) and Zn(II) metalloinsertors (1-8) having beta
      diketone analogues and biologically significant cyclobutane-1,1-dicarboxylic acid
      have been synthesized and characterized by spectral and analytical methods. The
      binding and cleavage propensity of these metalloinsertors on DNA and their
      cytotoxic effects in live cells have been explored. From the gel electrophoresis
      study, it is observed that the complexes 1-8 cleave pBR322 DNA via a hydrolytic
      mechanism induced by hydroxyl radical scavengers, DMSO and EtOH as the reactive
      oxygen species (ROS). In vivo antitumor efficacy has been studied on EAC tumor
      bearing mice which is assessed by mean survival time, effect on hematological
      parameters and solid tumor volume. The results strongly support that complex 1
      shows potent antitumor effect against EAC and higher than the standard drug
      carboplatin. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the complexes, screened on a panel of
      human cancerous cell lines viz., human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), human breast
      adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7), human laryngeal epithelial carcinoma cells (HEp-2),
      human liver carcinoma cells (Hep G2) and non-cancerous NIH 3T3 mouse embryonic
      fibroblasts cell lines, reveals that complex 1 exhibits a better anticancer
      activity than other complexes and standards. 

PMID- 25128670
TI  - Present status of quinoxaline motifs: excellent pathfinders in therapeutic
      medicine.
AB  - Quinoxalines belong to a class of excellent heterocyclic scaffolds owing to their
      wide biological properties and diverse therapeutic applications in medicinal
      research. They are complementary in shapes and charges to numerous biomolecules
      they interact with, thereby resulting in increased binding affinity. The
      pharmacokinetic properties of drugs bearing quinoxaline cores have shown them to
      be relatively easy to administer either as intramuscular solutions, oral capsules
      or rectal suppositories. This work deals with recent advances in the synthesis
      and pharmacological diversities of quinoxaline motifs which might pave ways for
      novel drugs development. 

PMID- 25128671
TI  - Structure-activity relationships and molecular modeling studies of novel
      arylpiperazinylalkyl 2-benzoxazolones and 2-benzothiazolones as 5-HT(7) and 5
      HT(1A) receptor ligands.
AB  - A novel series of arylpiperazinylalkyl 2-benzoxazolones and 2-benzothiazolones 18
      38 was designed, synthesized and tested to evaluate their affinity for the 5-HT7
      and 5-HT1A receptors. Compounds with a 2-benzothiazolone nucleus generally had
      affinity values higher than the corresponding 2-benzoxazolone compounds. In
      particular, derivatives possessing a six or seven carbon chain linker between 2
      benzothiazolone and arylpiperazine had Ki values in the subnanomolar range for
      the 5-HT1A receptor and in the low nanomolar range for the 5-HT7 receptor,
      indicating that they may be interesting dual ligands. Molecular modeling studies
      revealed different docking poses for the investigated compounds in homology
      models of 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors, which explained their experimentally
      determined affinities and general low selectivity. Additionally, structural
      interaction fingerprints analysis identified the important amino acid residues
      for the specific interactions of long-chain arylpiperazines within the binding
      pockets of both serotonin receptors. 

PMID- 25128672
TI  - The impact of REACH on classification for human health hazards.
AB  - The REACH Regulation represents a major piece of chemical legislation in the EU
      and requires manufacturers and importers of chemicals to assess the safety of
      their substances. The classification of substances for their hazards is one of
      the crucial elements in this process. We analysed the effect of REACH on
      classification for human health endpoints by comparing information from REACH
      registration dossiers with legally binding, harmonised classifications. The
      analysis included 142 chemicals produced at very high tonnages in the EU, the
      majority of which have already been assessed in the past. Of 20 substances
      lacking a harmonised classification, 12 chemicals were classified in REACH
      registration dossiers. More importantly, 37 substances with harmonised
      classifications for human health endpoints had stricter classifications in
      registration dossiers and 29 of these were classified for at least one additional
      endpoint not covered by the harmonised classification. Substance-specific
      analyses suggest that one third of these additional endpoints emerged from
      experimental studies performed to fulfil information requirements under REACH,
      while two thirds resulted from a new assessment of pre-REACH studies. We conclude
      that REACH leads to an improved hazard characterisation even for substances with
      a potentially good data basis. 

PMID- 25128673
TI  - Reducing the number of fish in bioconcentration studies with general chemicals by
      reducing the number of test concentrations.
AB  - Fish bioconcentration test guidelines generally require that bioconcentration
      factors (BCFs) are determined at two exposure concentrations. However, recent
      revisions to the OECD test guideline for bioconcentration testing (TG 305)
      provide the option to use only one exposure concentration, when justification is
      provided, although two concentrations may still be required for some regulatory
      purposes. Recently, this justification has been demonstrated for plant protection
      product active ingredients. To determine whether this justification has a broader
      validity for general chemicals, an analysis of 236 BCF studies on general
      chemicals was conducted. The results presented here again demonstrate that BCF
      values do not significantly differ between concentrations when more than one
      concentration is used. This relationship is particularly strong for BCFs
      ?1000L/kg, which is beneficial, since only chemicals with BCFs >2000L/kg may
      require regulatory action. This analysis therefore provides a data-driven
      rationale for using the one test concentration approach for general chemical
      substances and thus could contribute to a substantial reduction in the use of
      fish in bioconcentration tests. 

PMID- 25128674
TI  - Spectroscopic, crystal structural and electrochemical studies of zinc(II)-Schiff
      base complex obtained from 2,3-diaminobenzene and 2-hydroxy naphthaldehyde.
AB  - Mononuclear zinc(II) complex, [Zn(II)L], where L is a dianionic ligand, has been
      synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electronic, IR and NMR
      [(1)H, (13)C, DEPT, (1)H-(1)H COSY, ROESY, HSQC and HMBC] spectroscopic
      techniques. Structural analysis of the complex by single crystal X-ray
      crystallography shows the presence of a distorted square planar coordination
      geometry (NNOO) of the metal center. The crystal of the title complex
      C28H18N2O2Zn belongs to the orthorhombic system with space group Pmn21.
      Electrochemical behavior of the Zn(II)L complex has been investigated by cyclic
      voltammetry on glassy carbon and platinum electrodes in DMF at 100 mV/s scan
      rate.

PMID- 25128675
TI  - Degradation of environment pollutant dyes using phytosynthesized metal
      nanocatalysts.
AB  - We present for the first time biogenic reduction and stabilization of gold and
      silver ions at room temperature using fruit juice of Punica granatum. The
      formation, morphology and crystalline structure of the synthesized nanoparticles
      are determined using UV-Visible, XRD and TEM. An attempt to reveal the partial
      role of phenolic hydroxyls in the reduction of Au(3+) and Ag(+) is done through
      FTIR analysis. The synthesized nanoparticles are used as potential catalysts in
      the degradation of a cationic phenothiazine dye, an anionic mono azo dye and a
      cationic fluorescent dye. The calculated values of percentage removal of dyes and
      the rate constants from pseudo first order kinetic data fit give a comparative
      study on degradation of organic dyes in presence of prepared gold and silver
      nanoparticles. 

PMID- 25128676
TI  - Activity study of biogenic spherical silver nanoparticles towards microbes and
      oxidants.
AB  - The eco-friendly approach for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNP)
      using Terminalia bellirica (T. bellirica) fruit extract is reported herein.
      Initially formation of SNP was noticed through visual color change from yellow to
      reddish brown and further analyzed by surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) band at
      429 nm using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Identification of different polyphenols present
      in T. bellirica extract was done using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography
      (HPLC). Aqueous T. bellirica extract contains high amount of gallic acid which is
      major secondary metabolite responsible for the reduction and stabilization
      process. It was established by analyses of extracts before and after reduction
      using HPLC. Formation of spherical SNP was characterized by Transmission Electron
      Microscopy (TEM) analysis. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) study revealed crystalline
      nature of SNP. Presence of different functional groups on the surface of SNP was
      evidenced by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) study. A plausible
      mechanism of reduction and stabilization processes involved in the synthesis of
      stable SNP was also explained based on HPLC and FTIR data. In addition, the
      synthesized SNP was tested for antibacterial and antioxidant activities. SNP
      showed good antimicrobial activity against both gram positive (S. aureus) and
      gram negative (E. coli) bacteria. It also showed good antioxidant activity
      compared to ascorbic acid as standard antioxidant by using standard DPPH method.

PMID- 25128677
TI  - Corona discharge ionization of paracetamol molecule: peak assignment.
AB  - Ionization of paracetamol was investigated using ion mobility spectrometry
      equipped with a corona discharge ionization source. The measurements were
      performed in the positive ion mode and three peaks were observed in the ion
      mobility spectrum. Experimental evidence and theoretical calculations were used
      to correlate the peaks to related ionic species of paracetamol. Two peaks were
      attributed to protonated isomers of paracetamol and the other peak was attributed
      to paracetamol fragment ions formed by dissociation of the N-C bond after
      protonation of the nitrogen atom. It was observed that three sites of paracetamol
      compete for protonation and their relative intensities, depending on the sample
      concentration. The ratio of ion products could be predicted from the internal
      proton affinity of the protonation sites at each concentration. 

PMID- 25128678
TI  - Vibrational spectroscopic studies and molecular docking of 10,10
      Dimethylanthrone.
AB  - FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 10,10-Dimethylanthrone were recorded and analyzed.
      The vibrational wavenumbers were computed using DFT quantum chemical
      calculations. The data obtained from wavenumber calculations are used to assign
      vibrational bands obtained experimentally. In its most stable form, the title
      compound maintains C2v symmetry as determined by XRD results, where both methyl
      groups are staggered with respect to the corresponding C23-C24 and C23-C28 bonds.
      The geometrical parameters (B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)(5D,7F)) of the title compound are
      in agreement with the XRD results. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies allow
      the calculations of atomic and molecular properties and they also showed that
      charge transfer occurs in the molecule. A detailed molecular picture of the title
      compound and its interactions were obtained from NBO analysis. As seen from the
      MEP map, negative potential regions are localized over the carbonyl group and are
      possible sites for electrophilic attack. The title compound, 10,10
      Dimethylanthrone forms a stable complex with human topoisomerase-II as is evident
      from the ligand-receptor interactions and show appreciable antineoplastic
      activity.

PMID- 25128679
TI  - CuO nanostructures: optical properties and morphology control by pyridinium-based
      ionic liquids.
AB  - Copper oxide nanostructures have been synthesized by a simple reflux method in
      aqueous medium of pyridinium based ionic liquids. The structural and optical
      properties of CuO nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD),
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and UV
      visible. The morphologies of the nanostructures can be controlled by changing the
      amount of NaOH and ionic liquids. The results show that the use identical
      pyridinium based ionic liquids in ratio of 4:1 NaOH/Cu(OAc)2?H2O yield minor
      differences in morphology of CuO nanostructures. Different morphologies of CuO
      nanostructures were obtained by changing the ratio NaOH/Cu(OAc)2?H2O to 2:1.
      Ionic liquids play an important role on optical properties of CuO nanostructures.
      The results of optical measurements of the CuO nanostructures illustrate that
      band gaps are estimated to be 1.67-1.85 eV. PL patterns studies show that the
      ionic liquids can be effect on PL patterns of the samples. The reasons of these
      phenomena are discussed.

PMID- 25128680
TI  - Investigation on the interaction between an antimicrobial in aquaculture,
      malachite green and hemocyanin from mud crab Scylla paramamosain.
AB  - Interaction between malachite green and hemocyanin of crab plays a crucial role
      in the metabolism, distribution, and efficacy of toxic dyes in aquaculture. The
      mechanism of interaction between malachite green and Hc from mud crab was studied
      by using multi-spectral methods and molecular modeling in this work. The
      spectroscopic and thermodynamic data show that the interaction is a spontaneous
      process with the estimated enthalpy and entropy changes of -14.85(+/-1.86) kJ
      mol(-1) and 30.38(+/-5.21) J mol(-1) K(-1), respectively. The binding sites of
      malachite green in hemocyanin mainly locate in the interface of protein. The
      hydrophobic and electrostatic forces are the primary contributors to the
      interaction between hemocyanin and malachite green. The results of ultraviolet
      vis absorbance, circular dichroism, and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy
      suggest that the binding of malachite green to hemocyanin induces some
      conformational changes of protein.

PMID- 25128681
TI  - Synthesis of zinc chlorophyll materials for dye-sensitized solar cell
      applications.
AB  - To design sensitizers for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), a series of zinc
      chlorins with different substituents were synthesized. Novel zinc methyl 3
      devinyl-3-hydroxymethyl-20-phenylacetylenylpyropheophorbide-a (ZnChl-1), zinc
      methyl 20-bromo-3-devinyl-3-hydroxymethylpyropheophorbide-a (ZnChl-2), zinc
      methyl 3-devinyl-3-hydroxymethyl-pyropheophorbide-a (ZnChl-3), zinc propyl 3
      devinyl-3-hydroxymethyl-pyropheophorbide-a (ZnChl-4) were synthesized and their
      photovoltaic performances were evaluated in dye-sensitized solar cells.
      Photoelectrodes with a 7 MUm thick nanoporous layer and a 5 MUm thick light
      scattering layer were used to fabricate dye sensitized solar cells. The best
      efficiency was obtained with ZnChl-2 sensitizer. ZnChl-2 gave a Jsc of 3.5
      mA/cm(2), Voc of 412 mV, FF of 0.56 and an overall conversion efficiency of 0.81
      at full sun (1000 W m(-2)).

PMID- 25128682
TI  - Synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical performance of pasted beta-nickel
      hydroxide electrode in alkaline electrolyte.
AB  - beta-Nickel hydroxide (beta-Ni(OH)2) was successfully synthesized using
      precipitation method. The structure and property of the beta-Ni(OH)2 were
      characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infra-red (FT-IR),
      Raman spectra and thermal gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The
      results of the FTIR spectroscopy and TG-DTA studies indicate that the beta
      Ni(OH)2 contains water molecules and anions. The microstructural and composition
      studies have been performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy
      Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. A pasted-type electrode is prepared using beta
      Ni(OH)2 powder as the active material on a nickel sheet as a current collector.
      Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies
      were performed to evaluate the electrochemical performance of the beta-Ni(OH)2
      electrode in 6M KOH electrolyte. CV curves showed a pair of strong redox peaks as
      a result of the Faradaic redox reactions of beta-Ni(OH)2. The proton diffusion
      coefficient (D) for the present beta-Ni(OH)2 electrode material is found to be
      1.44*10(-12) cm(2) s(-1). Further, electrochemical impedance studies confirmed
      that the beta-Ni(OH)2 electrode reaction processes are diffusion controlled.

PMID- 25128684
TI  - Fusion of multi-tracer PET images for dose painting.
AB  - PET imaging with FluoroDesoxyGlucose (FDG) tracer is clinically used for the
      definition of Biological Target Volumes (BTVs) for radiotherapy. Recently, new
      tracers, such as FLuoroThymidine (FLT) or FluoroMisonidazol (FMiso), have been
      proposed. They provide complementary information for the definition of BTVs. Our
      work is to fuse multi-tracer PET images to obtain a good BTV definition and to
      help the radiation oncologist in dose painting. Due to the noise and the partial
      volume effect leading, respectively, to the presence of uncertainty and
      imprecision in PET images, the segmentation and the fusion of PET images is
      difficult. In this paper, a framework based on Belief Function Theory (BFT) is
      proposed for the segmentation of BTV from multi-tracer PET images. The first step
      is based on an extension of the Evidential C-Means (ECM) algorithm, taking
      advantage of neighboring voxels for dealing with uncertainty and imprecision in
      each mono-tracer PET image. Then, imprecision and uncertainty are, respectively,
      reduced using prior knowledge related to defects in the acquisition system and
      neighborhood information. Finally, a multi-tracer PET image fusion is performed.
      The results are represented by a set of parametric maps that provide important
      information for dose painting. The performances are evaluated on PET phantoms and
      patient data with lung cancer. Quantitative results show good performance of our
      method compared with other methods. 

PMID- 25128683
TI  - Automatic atlas-based three-label cartilage segmentation from MR knee images.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease and often
      characterized by cartilage changes. Accurate quantitative methods are needed to
      rapidly screen large image databases to assess changes in cartilage morphology.
      We therefore propose a new automatic atlas-based cartilage segmentation method
      for future automatic OA studies. Atlas-based segmentation methods have been
      demonstrated to be robust and accurate in brain imaging and therefore also hold
      high promise to allow for reliable and high-quality segmentations of cartilage.
      Nevertheless, atlas-based methods have not been well explored for cartilage
      segmentation. A particular challenge is the thinness of cartilage, its relatively
      small volume in comparison to surrounding tissue and the difficulty to locate
      cartilage interfaces - for example the interface between femoral and tibial
      cartilage. This paper focuses on the segmentation of femoral and tibial
      cartilage, proposing a multi-atlas segmentation strategy with non-local patch
      based label fusion which can robustly identify candidate regions of cartilage.
      This method is combined with a novel three-label segmentation method which
      guarantees the spatial separation of femoral and tibial cartilage, and ensures
      spatial regularity while preserving the thin cartilage shape through anisotropic
      regularization. Our segmentation energy is convex and therefore guarantees
      globally optimal solutions. We perform an extensive validation of the proposed
      method on 706 images of the Pfizer Longitudinal Study. Our validation includes
      comparisons of different atlas segmentation strategies, different local
      classifiers, and different types of regularizers. To compare to other cartilage
      segmentation approaches we validate based on the 50 images of the SKI10 dataset. 

PMID- 25128685
TI  - Providers' perspectives on treating psychogenic nonepileptic seizures:
      frustration and hope.
AB  - Recent diagnostic and treatment advances in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
      (PNES) have the potential to improve care for patients, but little is known about
      the current state of PNES care delivery in the Veterans Health Administration
      (VA). We conducted semistructured interviews with 74 health-care clinicians and
      workers in the VA, eliciting provider perceptions of PNES care. Data were
      analyzed according to principles of Grounded Theory. The results revealed
      variation in care and two emergent domain themes of frustration and hope.
      Frustration was manifest in subthemes including Complexity, Patient Acceptance,
      Uncertainty About Treatment, Need for Evidence-based Treatment, and Failure of
      Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration between neurologists and mental health
      providers. Hope encompassed subthemes of Positive Attitudes, Developing Cross
      Disciplinary Treatment, and Specific PNES Care. Increased resources for
      diagnosing, treating, and researching PNES have improved awareness of the
      disorder. More research is needed to understand patients' and caregivers'
      perceptions of PNES care. 

PMID- 25128686
TI  - A predictive risk model for medical intractability in epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate early predictors (6 months after
      diagnosis) of medical intractability in epilepsy. METHODS: All children <12 years
      of age having two or more unprovoked seizures 24 h apart at Xinhua Hospital
      between 1992 and 2006 were included. Medical intractability was defined as
      failure, due to lack of seizure control, of more than 2 antiepileptic drugs at
      maximum tolerated doses, with an average of more than 1 seizure per month for 24
      months and no more than 3 consecutive months of seizure freedom during this
      interval. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed
      to determine the risk factors for developing medical intractability. Receiver
      operating characteristic curve was applied to fit the best compounded predictive
      model. RESULTS: A total of 649 patients were identified, out of which 119 (18%)
      met the study definition of intractable epilepsy at 2 years after diagnosis, and
      the rate of intractable epilepsy in patients with idiopathic syndromes was 12%.
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that neurodevelopmental delay,
      symptomatic etiology, partial seizures, and more than 10 seizures before
      diagnosis were significant and independent risk factors for intractable epilepsy.
      The best model to predict medical intractability in epilepsy comprised
      neurological physical abnormality, age at onset of epilepsy under 1 year, more
      than 10 seizures before diagnosis, and partial epilepsy, and the area under
      receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.7797. This model also fitted best
      in patients with idiopathic syndromes. CONCLUSION: A predictive model of
      medically intractable epilepsy composed of only four characteristics is
      established. This model is comparatively accurate and simple to apply clinically.

PMID- 25128687
TI  - Constitutional chromoanasynthesis: description of a rare chromosomal event in a
      patient.
AB  - Structural alterations in chromosomes are a frequent cause of cancers and
      congenital diseases. Recently, the phenomenon of chromosome crisis, consisting of
      a set of tens to hundreds of clustered genomic rearrangements, localized in one
      or a few chromosomes, was described in cancer cells under the term
      chromothripsis. Better knowledge and recognition of this catastrophic chromosome
      event has brought to light two distinct entities, chromothripsis and
      chromoanasynthesis. The complexity of these rearrangements and the original
      descriptions in tumor cells initially led to the thought that it was an acquired
      anomaly. In fact, a few patients have been reported with constitutional
      chromothripsis or chromoanasynthesis. Using microarray we identified a very
      complex chromosomal rearrangement in a patient who had a cytogenetically visible
      rearrangement of chromosome 18. The rearrangement contained more than 15
      breakpoints localized on a single chromosome. Our patient displayed intellectual
      disability, behavioral troubles and craniofacial dysmorphism. Interestingly, the
      succession of duplications and triplications identified in our patient was not
      clustered on a single chromosomal region but spread over the entire chromosome
      18. In the light of this new spectrum of chromosomal rearrangements, this report
      outlines the main features of these catastrophic events and discusses the
      underlying mechanism of the complex chromosomal rearrangement identified in our
      patient, which is strongly evocative of a chromoanasynthesis. 

PMID- 25128689
TI  - Population data of 17 Y-STR loci in Nanyang Han population from Henan Province,
      Central China.

PMID- 25128688
TI  - Co-administration of the broad-spectrum antiviral, brincidofovir (CMX001), with
      smallpox vaccine does not compromise vaccine protection in mice challenged with
      ectromelia virus.
AB  - Natural orthopoxvirus outbreaks such as vaccinia, cowpox, cattlepox and
      buffalopox continue to cause morbidity in the human population. Monkeypox virus
      remains a significant agent of morbidity and mortality in Africa. Furthermore,
      monkeypox virus's broad host-range and expanding environs make it of particular
      concern as an emerging human pathogen. Monkeypox virus and variola virus (the
      etiological agent of smallpox) are both potential agents of bioterrorism. The
      first line response to orthopoxvirus disease is through vaccination with first
      generation and second-generation vaccines, such as Dryvax and ACAM2000. Although
      these vaccines provide excellent protection, their widespread use is impeded by
      the high level of adverse events associated with vaccination using live,
      attenuated virus. It is possible that vaccines could be used in combination with
      antiviral drugs to reduce the incidence and severity of vaccine-associated
      adverse events, or as a preventive in individuals with uncertain exposure status
      or contraindication to vaccination. We have used the intranasal mousepox
      (ectromelia) model to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination with Dryvax or
      ACAM2000 in conjunction with treatment using the broad spectrum antiviral,
      brincidofovir (BCV, CMX001). We found that co-treatment with BCV reduced the
      severity of vaccination-associated lesion development. Although the immune
      response to vaccination was quantifiably attenuated, vaccination combined with
      BCV treatment did not alter the development of full protective immunity, even
      when administered two days following ectromelia challenge. Studies with a non
      replicating vaccine, ACAM3000 (MVA), confirmed that BCV's mechanism of
      attenuating the immune response following vaccination with live virus was, as
      expected, by limiting viral replication and not through inhibition of the immune
      system. These studies suggest that, in the setting of post-exposure prophylaxis,
      co-administration of BCV with vaccination should be considered a first response
      to a smallpox emergency in subjects of uncertain exposure status or as a means of
      reduction of the incidence and severity of vaccine-associated adverse events. 

PMID- 25128690
TI  - Identification of body fluid-specific DNA methylation markers for use in forensic
      science.
AB  - DNA methylation, which occurs at the 5'-position of the cytosine in CpG
      dinucleotides, has great potential for forensic identification of body fluids,
      because tissue-specific patterns of DNA methylation have been demonstrated, and
      DNA is less prone to degradation than proteins or RNA. Previous studies have
      reported several body fluid-specific DNA methylation markers, but DNA methylation
      differences are sometimes low in saliva and vaginal secretions. Moreover,
      specific DNA methylation markers in four types of body fluids (blood, saliva,
      semen, and vaginal secretions) have not been investigated with genome-wide
      profiling. Here, we investigated novel DNA methylation markers for identification
      of body fluids for use in forensic science using the Illumina HumanMethylation
      450K bead array, which contains over 450,000 CpG sites. Using methylome data from
      16 samples of blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions, we first selected
      2986 hypermethylated or hypomethylated regions that were specific for each type
      of body fluid. We then selected eight CpG sites as novel, forensically relevant
      DNA methylation markers: cg06379435 and cg08792630 for blood, cg26107890 and
      cg20691722 for saliva, cg23521140 and cg17610929 for semen, and cg01774894 and
      cg14991487 for vaginal secretions. These eight selected markers were evaluated in
      80 body fluid samples using pyrosequencing, and all showed high sensitivity and
      specificity for identification of the target body fluid. We suggest that these
      eight DNA methylation markers may be good candidates for developing an effective
      molecular assay for identification of body fluids in forensic science. 

PMID- 25128691
TI  - High isolation rates of multidrug-resistant bacteria from water and carpets of
      mosques.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is little information regarding the isolation of antimicrobial
      resistant potentially pathogenic bacteria from water and carpets of mosques
      worldwide. The objective of the present investigation is to determine the
      bacteriological quality of water and carpets of mosques in Elkhomes city in
      Libya. METHODS: Potentially pathogenic bacteria were isolated from water samples
      (n=44) and dust samples from carpets (n=50) of 50 mosques in Elkhomes city,
      Libya, using standard bacteriological procedures. Susceptibility of isolated
      bacteria to antimicrobial agents was determined by the disc-diffusion method.
      RESULTS: Of the water samples examined, 12 (27.3%) were positive for Escherichia
      coli, 10 (22.7%) for Klebsiella spp., and 15 (34.1%) for other enteric bacteria.
      Of the dust samples of carpets examined, 6 (12%) were positive for E. coli, 33
      (66%) for Klebsiella spp., and 30 (60%) for Staphylococcus spp. Multidrug
      resistance (MDR, resistance to three or more antimicrobial groups) was found
      among 48.7% (19/37) and 46.9% (30/64) of the examined enterobacteria from water
      and carpets, respectively, and among 66.7% (20/30) of Staphylococcus spp. from
      carpets. In addition, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was
      isolated from a carpet of one mosque. CONCLUSION: Presence of multidrug-resistant
      potentially pathogenic bacteria in examined water and carpets indicate that
      mosques as communal environments may play a role in the spread of multidrug
      resistant bacteria in the community and pose a serious health risk to worshipers.

PMID- 25128692
TI  - NAD-dependent ADP-ribosylation of the human antimicrobial and immune-modulatory
      peptide LL-37 by ADP-ribosyltransferase-1.
AB  - LL-37 is a cationic peptide belonging to the cathelicidin family that has
      antimicrobial and immune-modulatory properties. Here we show that the mammalian
      mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase-1 (ART1), which selectively transfers the ADP-ribose
      moiety from NAD to arginine residues, ADP-ribosylates LL-37 in vitro. The
      incorporation of ADP-ribose was first observed by Western blot analysis and then
      confirmed by MALDI-TOF. Mass-spectrometry showed that up to four of the five
      arginine residues present in LL-37 could be ADP-ribosylated on the same peptide
      when incubated at a high NAD concentration in the presence of ART1. The
      attachment of negatively charged ADP-ribose moieties considerably alters the
      positive charge of the arginine residues thus reducing the cationicity of LL-37.
      The cationic nature of LL-37 is key for its ability to interact with cell
      membranes or negatively charged biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, F-actin and
      glycosaminoglycans. Thus, the ADP-ribosylation of LL-37 is expected to have the
      potential to modulate LL-37 biological activities in several physiological and
      pathological settings. 

PMID- 25128693
TI  - Vascular endothelial function and blood pressure regulation in afferent autonomic
      failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a rare hereditary disease characterized
      by loss of afferent autonomic neural fiber signaling and consequent profound
      impairment of arterial baroreflex function and blood pressure regulation. Whether
      vascular endothelial dysfunction contributes to defective vasomotor control in
      this form of afferent autonomic failure is not known. METHODS: We assessed blood
      pressure response to orthostatic stress and vascular endothelial function with
      brachial artery reactivity testing in 34 FD subjects with afferent autonomic
      failure and 34 healthy control subjects. RESULTS: Forty-four percent of the
      afferent autonomic failure subjects had uncontrolled hypertension at supine rest
      (median systolic blood pressure = 148mm Hg, interquartile range (IQR) = 144-155mm
      Hg; median diastolic blood pressure = 83mm Hg, IQR = 78-105mm Hg), and 88% had
      abnormal response to orthostatic stress (median decrease in systolic blood
      pressure after upright tilt = 48mm Hg, IQR = 29-61mm Hg). Flow-mediated brachial
      artery reactivity did not differ in subjects with afferent autonomic failure vs.
      healthy control subjects (median = 6.00%, IQR = 1.86-11.77%; vs. median = 6.27%,
      IQR = 4.65-9.34%; P = 0.75). In afferent autonomic failure subjects, brachial
      artery reactivity was not associated with resting blood pressure or the magnitude
      of orthostatic hypotension but was decreased in association with reduced
      glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.62; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Brachial artery
      reactivity was preserved in subjects with afferent autonomic failure despite the
      presence of marked blood pressure dysregulation. Comorbid renal dysfunction was
      associated with reduced brachial artery reactivity.

PMID- 25128694
TI  - Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality after treatment for ductal carcinoma in
      situ of the breast.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent concerns about potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment of
      ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS) render evaluation of late effects
      of treatment, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), of great importance. We
      studied cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a large population-based cohort
      of DCIS patients. METHODS: Data on all incident DCIS case patients in the
      Netherlands between 1989 and 2004 who were diagnosed before the age of 75 years
      were obtained (n = 10468). CVD data was acquired through linkage with population
      based registries. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated by comparing
      mortality in our cohort with that in the Dutch female population, taking into
      account person-years of observation. Within-cohort comparisons were based on
      multivariable competing-risk regression. RESULTS: Compared with the general
      population, 5-year survivors of DCIS had a similar risk of dying due to any cause
      (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.97
      to 1.11) but a lower risk of dying of CVD (SMR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.67 to 0.89). No
      difference in CVD risk was found when comparing 5-year survivors treated with
      radiotherapy with those treated with surgery only. Left-sided vs right-sided
      radiotherapy also did not increase this risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.94; 95% CI =
      0.67 to 1.32). In a subgroup analysis of all DCIS patients diagnosed between 1997
      and 2005, we were able to account for history of CVD and did not observe a risk
      difference between treatment groups (left-sided vs right-sided radiotherapy: HR =
      0.94; 95% CI = 0.68 to 1.29). CONCLUSIONS: After a median follow-up of 10 years,
      we did not find an increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity or mortality after
      radiotherapy for DCIS when comparing surgery and radiotherapy vs surgery only,
      nor when comparing radiotherapy for left-sided vs right-sided DCIS. Compared with
      the general population, DCIS patients have a decreased risk of cardiovascular
      death, independent of treatment.

PMID- 25128696
TI  - Getting to the heart of the matter.

PMID- 25128697
TI  - Natural populations of Spodoptera exigua are infected by multiple viruses that
      are transmitted to their offspring.
AB  - Sublethal infections by baculoviruses (Baculoviridae) are believed to be common
      in Lepidoptera, including Spodoptera exigua. In addition, novel RNA viruses of
      the family Iflaviridae have been recently identified in a laboratory population
      of S. exigua (S. exigua iflavirus-1: SeIV-1; S. exigua iflavirus-2: SeIV-2) that
      showed no overt signs of disease. We determined the prevalence of these viruses
      in wild populations and the prevalence of co-infection by the different viruses
      in shared hosts. Infection by S. exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV)
      and iflaviruses in S. exigua adults (N=130) from horticultural greenhouses in
      southern Spain was determined using qPCR and RT-PCR based techniques
      respectively. The offspring of these insects (N=200) was reared under laboratory
      conditions and analyzed to determine virus transmission. Overall, 54% of field
      caught adults were infected by SeMNPV, 13.1% were infected by SeIV-1 and 7.7%
      were infected by SeIV-2. Multiple infections were also detected, with 8.4% of
      individuals harboring SeMNPV and one of the iflaviruses, whereas 2.3% of adults
      were infected by all three viruses. All the viruses were transmitted to offspring
      independently of whether the parental female harbored covert infections or not.
      Analysis of laboratory-reared insects in the adult stage revealed that SeIV-1 was
      significantly more prevalent than SeMNPV or SeIV-2, suggesting high
      transmissibility of SeIV-1. Mixed infection involving three viruses was
      identified in 6.5% of laboratory-reared offspring. We conclude that interspecific
      interactions between these viruses in co-infected individuals are to be likely
      frequent, both in the field, following applications of SeMNPV-based insecticides,
      or in laboratory colonies used for SeMNPV mass production. 

PMID- 25128695
TI  - Hyperthermia inhibits recombination repair of gemcitabine-stalled replication
      forks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gemcitabine is a potent nucleoside analogue against solid tumors, but
      development of drug resistance is a substantial problem. Removal of gemcitabine
      incorporated into DNA by repair mechanisms may contribute to resistance in chemo
      refractory solid tumors. Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is usually very
      chemoresistant to gemcitabine. METHODS: We treated HCC in vitro and in vivo
      (orthotopic murine model with human Hep3B or HepG2 xenografts, 7-10 CB17SCID mice
      per group) with gemcitabine. The role of homologous recombination repair proteins
      in repairing stalled replication forks was evaluated with hyperthermia exposure
      and cell-cycle analysis. The Student t-test was used for two-sample comparisons.
      Multiple group data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. All
      statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: We demonstrated that Mre11-mediated
      homologous recombination repair of gemcitabine-stalled replication forks is
      crucial to survival of HCC cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated inhibition of
      Mre11 by an exonuclease inhibitor or concomitant hyperthermia. In orthotopic
      murine models of chemoresistant HCC, the Hep3B tumor mass with radiofrequency
      plus gemcitabine treatment (mean +/- SD, 180+/-91mg) was statistically
      significantly smaller compared with gemcitabine alone (661+/-419mg, P = .0063).
      CONCLUSIONS: This study provides mechanistic understanding of homologous
      recombination inhibiting-strategies, such as noninvasive radiofrequency field
      induced hyperthermia, to overcome resistance to gemcitabine in refractory human
      solid tumors.

PMID- 25128698
TI  - Effect of gamma-cyclodextrin on solubilization and complexation of irbesartan:
      influence of pH and excipients.
AB  - In effort to prepare an eye drop formulation of irbesartan, the effect of gamma
      cyclodextrin complexation on irbesartan solubilization in aqueous solutions was
      investigated. The optimum cyclodextrin concentration for formation of
      irbesartan/cyclodextrin inclusion complex was found to be 10% (w/v) and the
      solubility of ionized irbesartan/gamma-cyclodextrin complex (at pH 7.2) was shown
      to be three fold greater than that of the unionized complex (at pH 4.3). The
      irbesartan flux through semipermeable membranes increased with increasing gamma
      cyclodextrin concentration at both pH values. However, the ionized complex
      displayed decrease in the drug permeation coefficient with increasing
      cyclodextrin concentration. The effect of four pharmaceutical excipients on the
      cyclodextrin solubilization was investigated. EDTA, hydroxypropyl
      methylcellulose, and tyloxapol increased complexation efficiency of gamma
      cyclodextrin while benzalkonium chloride had negligible effect. The largest
      solubilization was observed in the eye drop vehicle that contained all four
      excipients in addition to gamma-cyclodextrin. Dynamic light scattering
      measurements disclosed that excipients had impact on size of complex aggregates
      and consequently on the drug flux through the semipermeable membranes. Complex of
      irbesartan/gamma-cyclodextrin was characterized by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, XRPD, and TEM
      techniques.

PMID- 25128699
TI  - Impaired Src signaling and post-synaptic actin polymerization in Alzheimer's
      disease mice hippocampus--linking NMDA receptors and the reelin pathway.
AB  - Early cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been related to
      deregulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and synaptic dysfunction
      in response to amyloid-beta peptide. NMDAR anchorage to post-synaptic membrane
      depends in part on Src kinase, which is also implicated in NMDAR activation and
      actin cytoskeleton stabilization, two processes relevant for normal synaptic
      function. In this study we analyzed the changes in GluN2B subunit phosphorylation
      and the levels of proteins involved in Src related signaling pathways linking the
      Tyr kinase to actin cytoskeleton polymerization, namely reelin, disabled-1 (Dab1)
      and cortactin, in hippocampal and cortical homogenates obtained from the triple
      transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD) that shows progression of pathology as a
      function of age versus age-matched wild-type mice. Moreover, we evaluated
      regional post-synaptic actin polymerization using phalloidin labeling in
      hippocampal slices. Young (3month-old) 3xTg-AD male mice hippocampus exhibited
      decreased GluN2B Tyr1472 phosphorylation and reduced Src activity. In the cortex,
      decreased Src activity correlated with reduced levels of reelin and Dab1,
      implicating changes in the reelin pathway. We also observed diminished
      phosphorylated Dab1 and cortactin protein levels in the hippocampus and cortex of
      young 3xTg-AD male mice. Concordantly with the recognized role of these proteins
      in actin stabilization, we detected a significant decrease in post-synaptic F
      actin in 3month-old 3xTg-AD male CA1 and CA3 hippocampal regions. These data
      suggest deregulated Src-dependent signaling pathways involving GluN2B-composed
      NMDARs and post-synaptic actin cytoskeleton depolymerization in the hippocampus
      in early stages of AD. 

PMID- 25128700
TI  - Methoxetamine--a novel recreational drug with potent hallucinogenic properties.
AB  - Methoxetamine is one of the constantly growing group of novel psychoactive
      substances that has emerged in recent years. The compound belongs to the
      arylcyclohexylamine class, which is used for its recreational and psychedelic
      effects. Methoxetamine is a structural analogue of ketamine, with a much longer
      duration of action and intensity of effects, and has been extensively advertised
      as its 'legal' and 'bladder friendly' alternative. This review surveys the
      current state of knowledge regarding the metabolism, pharmacology, prevalence and
      pattern of methoxetamine use, and analytical methods of its detection.
      Consumption of methoxetamine bears a significant health risk and may even lead to
      fatal intoxication. A significant amount of research is still needed in order to
      fully quantify the short- and long-term effects of methoxetamine and its
      interaction with other drugs of abuse. 

PMID- 25128701
TI  - Actions of methyl-, propyl- and butylparaben on estrogen receptor-alpha and -beta
      and the progesterone receptor in MCF-7 cancer cells and non-cancerous MCF-10A
      cells.
AB  - Numerous studies have shown that widely used parabens possess estrogenic
      properties. In the present study, we examined the effects of methyl-, propyl- and
      butylparaben on the mRNA and protein expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha
      (ESR1) and -beta (ESR2) and the progesterone receptor (PGR). Human MCF-7 breast
      cancer cells and MCF-10A non-transformed breast epithelial cells were exposed to
      parabens at a concentration of 20nM; 17beta-estradiol at a concentration of 10nM,
      was used as a positive control. Both propyl- and butylparaben stimulated PGR mRNA
      expression in MCF-7 cells, whereas methyl- and propylparaben PGR protein
      expression. In MCF-10A cells, butyl- and propylparaben increased only PGR mRNA
      expression. All parabens increased ESR1 gene and protein expression in MCF-7 and
      with the exception of butylparaben in MCF-10A cells. All parabens significantly
      increased ESR2 mRNA and protein expression in MCF-7 cells, but in MCF-10A cells
      only ESR2 protein expression. In summary, by virtue of their stimulatory action
      on the expression of ESR1, ESR2 and PGR in cancer cells, parabens can be viewed
      as potential contributors to breast cancer progression. Extension, the actions of
      these parabens on the expression of ERs and PGR in non-cancerous cells point to
      possible actions on breast cancer initiation. 

PMID- 25128702
TI  - Long-term effect of mass chemotherapy, transmission and risk factors for
      Schistosoma mansoni infection in very low endemic communities of Venezuela.
AB  - The prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection in Venezuela has changed from
      high to low due mostly to successful control activities, including mass
      chemotherapy and molluscicide applications. This study examined the impact of
      mass chemotherapy on S. mansoni transmission and risk factors for infection 12
      years after administration of praziquantel in Venezuela. Two relatively isolated
      rural communities were studied, one with snail control (Manuare) and the second
      without (Los Naranjos). A cross-sectional survey of randomly selected households
      included 226 (Manuare) and 192 (Los Naranjos) consenting participants. S. mansoni
      prevalence was determined using a combination of coprological (Kato-Katz) and
      serological (circumoval precipitin test, alkaline phosphatase immunoassay and
      Western blot) tests. Data on epidemiological and socioeconomic risk factors were
      obtained through individual structured interviews. Univariate analysis and
      multivariate logistic regression models identified independent risk factors for
      infection. Water sites were examined for the presence of Biomphalaria glabrata
      snails. Only one participant was positive by coprology. The overall prevalences
      according to the combined tests were 32.7% in Manuare and 26.6% in Los Naranjos.
      Lower prevalences (12.7% in Manuare and 13.2% in Los Naranjos) were found in
      children <12 years of age representing those born after mass chemotherapy. Social
      demographic variables associated with infection in both communities were older
      age (>25 years), contact with specific water sites, and being a farmer/non
      specialised worker. Mass treatment with praziquantel applied once to endemic
      communities led to an important and long-lasting sustained reduction of S.
      mansoni infections independent of the application of snail control. A degree of
      low active transmission of S. mansoni persisted in the treated areas which was
      associated with similar factors in both communities. 

PMID- 25128703
TI  - An ultra-sensitive assay targeting the circulating anodic antigen for the
      diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum in a low-endemic area, People's Republic of
      China.
AB  - The downward trend in prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma japonicum infection
      in the People's Republic of China (P.R. China) has reached a level where accurate
      methods are required for monitoring the national schistosomiasis control
      programme and to verify whether transmission has been interrupted. We have
      assessed the prevalence of active S. japonicum infection by use of an up
      converting phosphor lateral-flow (UCP-LF) assay for determination of circulating
      anodic antigens (CAA) in urine and serum, and compared the findings with those of
      the Kato-Katz technique for egg detection in stool and an immunohaemagglutination
      assay (IHA) for specific antibodies in serum. The study was carried out in three
      villages located in a remaining S. japonicum-endemic area in P.R. China. Overall,
      423 individuals were investigated by Kato-Katz, 395 by IHA, 371 with the UCP-LF
      CAA assay adapted for urine and 178 with the UCP-LF CAA assay applied on serum.
      The IHA showed the highest number of positive results (n=107, 27.1%). The UCP-LF
      CAA urine assay detected 36 CAA positives (9.7%) and the serum-based CAA assay 21
      positives (11.8%). The Kato-Katz technique revealed only six positive stool
      samples (1.4%). Among those 166 individuals with complete data records,
      sensitivities of the different assays were determined versus a combined 'gold'
      standard, showing the highest sensitivity for the urine CAA assay (93%), followed
      by the serum CAA (73%) and IHA (53%), whilst triplicate Kato-Katz thick smears
      had a very low sensitivity (13%). Serum CAA concentrations were about 10-fold
      higher than in urine and were significantly correlated. Highest prevalences as
      determined by CAA were found in older age groups (>40 years). Half of the CAA- or
      egg-positive cases were negative for antibodies by IHA, thereby revealing an
      important obstacle for the effectiveness of the current schistosomiasis control
      and elimination efforts. The significantly higher prevalence of active
      schistosome infections as shown by the urine and serum UCP-LF CAA assays has
      implications for the national control and elimination programme in P.R. China,
      particularly in respect to case-finding and intervention strategies. 

PMID- 25128704
TI  - Concomitant inhibition of primary equine bronchial fibroblast proliferation and
      differentiation by selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonists and dexamethasone.
AB  - Altered airway cell proliferation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of
      human bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well
      as the equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) with consistent changes, i.e.
      narrowing the airway wall, explained by proliferation and differentiation of
      fibroblasts. In permanent cell lines, it has been suggested that beta2
      adrenoceptor agonists and glucocorticoids regulate cell proliferation via the
      beta2-adrenoceptor pathway; indeed, no study was carried out in fresh isolated
      primary equine bronchial fibroblasts (EBF). We characterized the beta
      adrenoceptors in EBF, and compared effects of long-acting (clenbuterol) and short
      acting (salbutamol and isoproterenol) beta2-agonists and dexamethasone on
      proliferation, differentiation and collagen synthesis. High density (Bmax; 5037+/
      494 sites/cell) of beta2-adrenoceptor subtype was expressed in EBF. beta2
      agonists inhibited concentration-dependently EBF proliferation with potency of
      clenbuterol>salbutamol "isoproterenol which was inhibited by ICI 118.551 and
      propranolol but not by CGP 20712A. In contrast, dexamethasone alone inhibited
      less EBF proliferation, but the effect was high when dexamethasone was combined
      with beta2-agonists. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) increased
      transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which was inhibited by
      clenbuterol and dexamethasone alone and drug combination resulted in high
      inhibition rate. Collagen synthesis in EBF was rather hampered by dexamethasone
      than by beta-agonists. Collectively, the expression of beta2-adrenoceptor subtype
      in EBF and the anti-proliferative effect of clenbuterol suggest that beta2
      adrenoceptors are growth inhibitory and anti-fibrotic in EBF. These beta2-agonist
      effects in EBF were synergistically enhanced by dexamethasone, providing the
      additive effects of glucocorticoids to counteract airway remodelling and
      morbidity of asthma and RAO. 

PMID- 25128706
TI  - Regulation of oxidative stress-induced cytotoxic processes of citrinin in the
      fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - In this study, the citrinin (CTN)-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) and the regulation of the activities of antioxidant enzymes were
      investigated in acute toxicity tests in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. 30% of the CTN
      was accumulated by the cells in 1000 MUM CTN solution. In comparison with the
      control, exposure of 10(7) cells ml(-1) to 1000 MUM CTN for 60 min at pH = 4.5
      induced significantly (p < 1%) elevated levels of peroxides and total ROS, but
      not of superoxide or hydroxyl radicals, while there was a 3-fold increase in the
      concentration of glutathione. ROS-induced adaptation processes at cell and
      molecular levels via activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factors Pap1
      and (in part) Atf1 resulted in significantly increased specific activities of
      glutathione peroxidases, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione S
      transferase and in decreased levels of catalase and glutathione reductase, but no
      changes were detected in the activities of superoxide dismutases. This treatment
      caused a G2/M cell cycle arrest and elevated the number of fragmented nuclei,
      which is one of the markers of apoptosis. Comparison of these results with those
      for the positive control, 200 MUM H2O2, suggested that CTN induced a medium level
      of oxidative stress.

PMID- 25128705
TI  - Effects of interfering RNA of alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase and nuclear factor
      kappa B on cardiac xenotransplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase (alpha1,3GT) and nuclear factor
      kappa B (NF-kappaB) play an important role in the immune response of
      xenotransplantation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of
      RNAi of alpha1,3GT and NF-kappaB on xenotransplantation. METHODS: Lentiviral
      vectors with shRNA focusing on alpha1, 3GT and RelA were constructed. The effect
      of RNAi on alpha1, 3GT and RelA was examined in vitro and in vivo. Additionally,
      we established a mouse-to-rat heterotopic cardiac xenotransplantatic model (donor
      hearts transplanted to the right side of the neck in rat) using a modified cuff
      technique. The survival time of donor hearts in each group was monitored. The
      expressions of alpha1, 3GT and RelA mRNA, Galalpha1,3Gal antigen, and RelA
      protein were detected by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blot
      respectively. The expressions of C3, IgM, IgG, NK, macrophages, ICAM-1 on donor
      hearts were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: High titer lentiviral
      vectors carrying alpha1, 3GT and RelA shRNA plasmids had a high and stable
      transfection rate on EOMA in vitro. In vivo, heart tissue showed a much stronger
      GFP expression and significant decrease in target gene mRNA expression and
      protein expression in shRNA interfering groups (p < 0.01). The survival time of
      alpha1,3GTi-3 and dual lentiviral vector groups was significantly longer than
      other groups. The mRNA expression levels of alpha1,3GT and RelA, as well as
      Galalpha(1,3)Gal and RelA proteins, in alpha1,3GTi-3, RelAi-3, and dual
      lentiviral vector groups were downregulated and compared to other groups (p <
      0.01). The depositions of C3, IgM, IgG in alpha1,3GTi-3 group and dual lentiviral
      vector group were less than other groups (p < 0.01). The infiltration of NK,
      macrophages and ICAM-1 in alpha1,3GTi-3 group and dual lentiviral vector group
      was more than other groups (p < 0.01), but the infiltration of NK, macrophages
      and ICAM-1 in dual lentiviral vector group was less than alpha1,3GTi-3 group (p <
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that RNAi technology with lentiviral
      vectors is an effective method to transmit exogenous genes into living bodies and
      stably inhibit the expression of target genes. Moreover, siRNA targeting the
      alpha1,3GT gene was found to control the immune process and obviously prolong the
      survival time of donors, whereas knocking down NF-kappaB alone showed no
      differences. However, the RNAi of NF-kappaB can make the infiltration of
      macrophages and natural killer cells decrease, and the expression of ICAM-1 in
      the xenografts also decreases, contributing to the restraining of AVR.

PMID- 25128707
TI  - Differential activation of MAPKs by individual and combined ochratoxin A and
      citrinin treatments in porcine kidney PK15 cells.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of OTA and CTN
      individual and combined toxicity in porcine kidney PK15 cells of proximal tubule
      origin. Activation and expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)
      ERK, JNK and p38 were determined by Western blot analysis. MAPKs were
      differentially activated by single or dual OTA and CTN treatments. Single OTA and
      CTN stimulated transient ERK and prolonged JNK activation, while phospho-p38
      signal was more persistent after OTA treatment. Mycotoxin mixture provoked
      significant down-regulation of ERK activation, more prolonged phospho-p38 signal,
      and two-stage JNK phosphorylation pattern. In order to define the role of
      particular MAPKs in mycotoxin(s) cytotoxicity, we performed MTT assay with
      specific MAPKs inhibitors. In both individual and combined treatments JNK and p38
      inhibition significantly induced cell survival. When cells were exposed to toxin
      mixture, inhibition of ERK also promoted cell survival, although to a lesser
      extent that JNK and p38 inhibition. Next we investigated the association between
      calcium (Ca(2+)) and MAPKs after OTA and/or CTN treatments, and we employed
      Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA-AM. We demonstrated that p38 activation was significantly
      down-regulated in cells treated with CTN alone or OTA + CTN suggesting the role
      of Ca(2+) in mycotoxin-induced cell death.

PMID- 25128708
TI  - An alternative micromethod to access the procoagulant activity of Bothrops
      jararaca venom and the efficacy of antivenom.
AB  - The assessment of the capacity of antivenoms to neutralize the lethal activity of
      snake venoms still relies largely on traditional rodent lethality assay (LD50).
      However, adequately validated in vitro tests should be introduced for assessing
      antivenom neutralizing capacity in plasma of immunized horses as well as for in
      process quality control. The dynamic of fibrin formation in recalcified avian
      plasma samples is extremely slow, when compared to that presented by mammalian
      plasmas. In this study, we present one new coagulant assay, by performing dose
      response curve after plotting the clotting time (CT) parameter of the ROTEM
      profile of recalcified chicken plasma samples (target) against semi-logarithmic
      doses of Bothrops jararaca venom (agonist), either in absence or in presence of
      the semi-logarithmic doses of anti-bothropic serum (ABS) (antagonist). The mean
      coagulant dose 50% (CD50) was defined as the quantity of venom (in MUg) which
      reduces CT to 900 s, between minimum and maximum responses. The CT induced by
      5CD50 of the venom was used as the control for calculating the effective dose
      (ED) of each batch of ABS. ED was defined as the ABS dose (nanoliters, nL) at
      which CT induced by one amount of venom corresponding to 5CD50 is displaced to
      the maximum threshold (1800 s). Five batches of the ABS, previously assayed for
      their lethality neutralizing activity (ED50) were assayed. The correlation
      coefficient (r) between both in vitro (ED) and in vivo (ED50) values was 0.87 (p
      value < 0.05). We propose this micro method as highly sensitive for
      characterization and quantification of possible procoagulant activity of small
      doses of snake venoms (nanograms) and for detecting small doses (nanoliters) of
      specific antibodies against this effect in little volume samples of biological
      fluids.

PMID- 25128709
TI  - Improving diffusion-weighted imaging of post-mortem human brains: SSFP at 7 T.
AB  - Post-mortem diffusion imaging of whole, human brains has potential to provide
      data for validation or high-resolution anatomical investigations. Previous work
      has demonstrated improvements in data acquired with diffusion-weighted steady
      state free precession (DW-SSFP) compared with conventional diffusion-weighted
      spin echo at 3T. This is due to the ability of DW-SSFP to overcome signal-to
      noise and diffusion contrast losses brought about by tissue fixation related
      decreases in T2 and ADC. In this work, data of four post-mortem human brains were
      acquired at 3T and 7 T, using DW-SSFP with similar effective b-values
      (b(eff)~5150 s/mm(2)) for inter-field strength comparisons; in addition, DW-SSFP
      data were acquired at 7 T with higher b(eff) (~8550 s/mm(2)) for intra-field
      strength comparisons. Results demonstrate that both datasets acquired at 7 T had
      higher SNR and diffusion contrast than data acquired at 3T, and data acquired at
      higher b(eff) had improved diffusion contrast than at lower b(eff) at 7 T. These
      results translate to improved estimates of secondary fiber orientations leading
      to higher fidelity tractography results compared with data acquired at 3T.
      Specifically, tractography streamlines of cortical projections originating from
      the corpus callosum, corticospinal tract, and superior longitudinal fasciculus
      were more successful at crossing the centrum semiovale and projected closer to
      the cortex. Results suggest that DW-SSFP at 7 T is a preferential method for
      acquiring diffusion-weighted data of post-mortem human brain, specifically where
      the primary region of interest involves crossing white matter tracts.

PMID- 25128710
TI  - The influence of stimulus format on drawing--a functional imaging study of
      decision making in portrait drawing.
AB  - To copy a natural visual image as a line drawing, visual identification and
      extraction of features in the image must be guided by top-down decisions, and is
      usually influenced by prior knowledge. In parallel with other behavioral studies
      testing the relationship between eye and hand movements when drawing, we report
      here a functional brain imaging study in which we compared drawing of faces and
      abstract objects: the former can be strongly guided by prior knowledge, the
      latter less so. To manipulate the difficulty in extracting features to be drawn,
      each original image was presented in four formats including high contrast line
      drawings and silhouettes, and as high and low contrast photographic images. We
      confirmed the detailed eye-hand interaction measures reported in our other
      behavioral studies by using in-scanner eye-tracking and recording of pen
      movements with a touch screen. We also show that the brain activation pattern
      reflects the changes in presentation formats. In particular, by identifying the
      ventral and lateral occipital areas that were more highly activated during
      drawing of faces than abstract objects, we found a systematic increase in
      differential activation for the face-drawing condition, as the presentation
      format made the decisions more challenging. This study therefore supports
      theoretical models of how prior knowledge may influence perception in untrained
      participants, and lead to experience-driven perceptual modulation by trained
      artists. 

PMID- 25128711
TI  - Emotional speech synchronizes brains across listeners and engages large-scale
      dynamic brain networks.
AB  - Speech provides a powerful means for sharing emotions. Here we implement novel
      intersubject phase synchronization and whole-brain dynamic connectivity measures
      to show that networks of brain areas become synchronized across participants who
      are listening to emotional episodes in spoken narratives. Twenty participants'
      hemodynamic brain activity was measured with functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) while they listened to 45-s narratives describing unpleasant,
      neutral, and pleasant events spoken in neutral voice. After scanning,
      participants listened to the narratives again and rated continuously their
      feelings of pleasantness-unpleasantness (valence) and of arousal-calmness.
      Instantaneous intersubject phase synchronization (ISPS) measures were computed to
      derive both multi-subject voxel-wise similarity measures of hemodynamic activity
      and inter-area functional dynamic connectivity (seed-based phase synchronization,
      SBPS). Valence and arousal time series were subsequently used to predict the ISPS
      and SBPS time series. High arousal was associated with increased ISPS in the
      auditory cortices and in Broca's area, and negative valence was associated with
      enhanced ISPS in the thalamus, anterior cingulate, lateral prefrontal, and
      orbitofrontal cortices. Negative valence affected functional connectivity of
      fronto-parietal, limbic (insula, cingulum) and fronto-opercular circuitries, and
      positive arousal affected the connectivity of the striatum, amygdala, thalamus,
      cerebellum, and dorsal frontal cortex. Positive valence and negative arousal had
      markedly smaller effects. We propose that high arousal synchronizes the
      listeners' sound-processing and speech-comprehension networks, whereas negative
      valence synchronizes circuitries supporting emotional and self-referential
      processing. 

PMID- 25128712
TI  - Circadian modulation of motor-related beta oscillatory responses.
AB  - Previous electrophysiological investigations have evaluated movement-related beta
      (14-28 Hz) oscillatory activity in healthy participants. These studies have
      described an abrupt decrease in beta activity that starts before movement onset,
      and a sharp increase in beta power that peaks after movement termination. These
      neural responses have been respectively termed the event-related beta
      desynchronization or pre-movement beta ERD, and the post-movement beta rebound
      (PMBR). Previous studies have shown that a variety of movement parameters and
      demographic factors (e.g., age) modulate the amplitude of these oscillatory
      responses, and in the current study we evaluated whether the amplitudes follow a
      biological temporal rhythm (e.g., circadian), as it is known that spontaneous
      beta levels increase from morning to afternoon in some brain areas. To this end,
      we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to evaluate oscillatory activity during a
      right hand finger-tapping task in four participants who were recorded at three
      different times (09:00, 12:00, 16:00) on three consecutive days (i.e., 36 total
      MEG sessions). All MEG data were corrected for head motion and examined in the
      time-frequency domain using beamforming methods. We found a significant linear
      increase in beta ERD amplitude from 09:00 to 16:00 h in the left precentral
      gyrus, left premotor cortices, left supplementary motor area (SMA), and right
      precentral and postcentral gyri. In contrast, the amplitude of the PMBR was very
      steady across the day in all brain regions except the left SMA, which exhibited a
      linear increase from morning to afternoon. Finally, beta levels during the
      baseline period also increased from 09:00 to 16:00 in most regions of the
      cortical sensorimotor network. These data show that both the pre-movement beta
      ERD and spontaneous beta levels strongly increase from morning to afternoon in
      the motor cortices, which may indicate that the amplitude of the beta ERD
      response is determined by the spontaneous beta level during the motor planning
      period.

PMID- 25128714
TI  - New cholesterol guidelines and the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease
      - a commentary on epistemic aspects.
AB  - The recommendations contained in the 2013 cholesterol guidelines may be described
      as either with or without a direct empirical clinical trial basis.
      Recommendations without a direct empirical clinical trial basis tend to be
      controversial. Recommendations with and without a direct empirical clinical trial
      basis are mixed in the same text - while at the same time (rightfully) rejecting
      previous recommendations, also without a direct empirical clinical trial basis. 

PMID- 25128713
TI  - Age-associated changes in rat immune system: lessons learned from experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
AB  - Aging is associated with the decline in immune response to infectious agents and
      tumors and increasing risk of autoimmunity, but the incidence of autoimmune
      diseases does not increase in the elderly. To elucidate the cellular and
      molecular mechanisms influencing clinical expression of autoimmunity in aged
      animals, the phenotypic and functional characteristics of mononuclear cells
      isolated from the spinal cords of 3-month-old (young) and 26-month-old (aged)
      Dark Agouti rats immunized to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
      (EAE) - the model of multiple sclerosis, the most common autoimmune disease of
      the central nervous system, were examined. Aged rats were less susceptible to EAE
      induction, and the neurological and histological picture was milder in those rats
      which developed the clinically manifested disease. At the peak of the disease,
      several times fewer mononuclear cells and T lymphocytes were isolated from the
      spinal cords of aged rats compared with the young ones. The frequency of CD4+
      cells among TCRalphabeta+ lymphocytes, as well as that of reactivated
      CD134(OX40)+ cells within its CD4+ T-lymphocyte subpopulation, was less in spinal
      cords of aged compared with young rats. Additionally, CD134 surface density on
      CD4+ lymphocytes was decreased in the spinal cord of aged rats. The changes in
      CD134 expression most likely reflected in part age-related intrinsic changes in
      CD4+ lymphocytes as the expression of this molecule was also impaired on in vitro
      stimulated naive CD4+ splenocytes from aged rats compared with young animals. In
      addition, greater frequency of CD8+ lymphocytes with regulatory phenotypes could
      also contribute to impaired CD4+ cell reactivation in aged rats. The increased
      apoptosis of CD4+ cells from aged rats was consistent with their impaired
      reactivation and it was accompanied by the greater frequency of
      CD4+CD11b+CD45(int/high) cells, which are supposed to be actively engaged in
      apoptotic cell phagocytosis and to have immunoregulatory properties. Compared
      with young rats, following short-term PMA and ionomycin stimulation in vitro, the
      frequency of IL-17+ and IFN-gamma+CD4+ T lymphocytes among the spinal cord
      mononuclear cells from aged rats and the cytokine expression density on a per
      lymphocyte basis were reduced. Additionally, the increase in the proportion of
      autoregulatory IL-17+IL-10+ cells on the account of proinflammatory IL-17+IFN
      gamma+ cells within IL-17+ lymphocytes suggested their lower pathogenic capacity
      in aged rats. This most likely reflected alterations in the aged rat spinal cord
      cytokine milieu, which were mirrored in a diminished expression of IL-1beta mRNA
      followed by an enhanced expression of IL-6 and TGF-beta mRNA. Overall, the study
      points to age-related changes in T lymphocytes and other cells from the spinal
      cord infiltrate which could contribute to the decreased susceptibility of aged
      rats to the induction of EAE. 

PMID- 25128715
TI  - Racial/ethnic disparities in mental health over the first 2 years after traumatic
      brain injury: a model systems study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether racial/ethnic disparities occur in depression,
      anxiety, and satisfaction with life at 1 and 2 years postdischarge. DESIGN: A
      prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study of individuals with traumatic brain
      injury (TBI) participating in the National Institute on Disability and
      Rehabilitation Research Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems project. Medical,
      demographic, and outcome data were obtained from the Model Systems database at
      baseline, as well as 1 and 2 years postdischarge. SETTING: A total of 16 TBI
      Model Systems hospitals in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with
      moderate or severe TBI (N=1662) aged 16 years or older consecutively discharged
      between January 2008 and June 2011 from acute care and comprehensive inpatient
      rehabilitation at a Model Systems hospital. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety
      Disorder 7-item scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale assessed depression,
      anxiety, and satisfaction with life at 1 and 2-year follow-ups. RESULTS: After
      controlling for all possible covariates, hierarchal linear models found that
      black individuals had elevated depression across the 2 time points relative to
      white individuals. Asian/Pacific Islanders' depression increased over time in
      comparison to the decreasing depression in those of Hispanic origin, which was a
      greater decrease than in white individuals. Black individuals had lower life
      satisfaction than did white and Hispanic individuals, but only marginally greater
      anxiety over time than did white individuals and similar levels of anxiety as did
      Asian/Pacific Islanders and Hispanic individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health
      trajectories of individuals with TBI differed as a function of race/ethnicity
      across the first 2 years postdischarge, providing the first longitudinal evidence
      of racial/ethnic disparities in mental health after TBI during this time period.
      Further research will be required to understand the complex factors underlying
      these differences.

PMID- 25128716
TI  - Development and initial psychometric evaluation of the Mobility Activities
      Measure for Inpatient Rehabilitation Settings (Mobam-in).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and the initial psychometric evaluation of
      a mobility measure for inpatient postacute rehabilitation settings-the Mobility
      Activities Measure for Inpatient Rehabilitation Settings (Mobam-in). DESIGN: Self
      report-based psychometric study. SETTING: Postacute rehabilitation unit of a
      public hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A consecutive sample of inpatients (N=239)
      receiving postacute rehabilitation care. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: We developed a 30-item mobility measure, using the Mobility
      Activities Measure (Mobam) framework, to assess functioning across 5 mobility
      activity domains classified within the International Classification of
      Functioning, Disability and Health. These were (1) changing and maintaining body
      position involving only sitting and/or lying (4 items); (2) changing and
      maintaining body position involving standing up (6 items); (3) carrying and
      moving objects using the hand and shoulder (6 items); (4) handling objects using
      only the hand and/or forearm (7 items); and (5) walking and moving (7 items).
      Psychometric analyses were conducted to test assumptions underlying the scaling
      and scoring of Mobam-in scales, and to test both the reliability and validity.
      RESULTS: Multitrait scaling and confirmatory factor analyses (with Tucker-Lewis
      Index median, .99; root mean square error of approximation median, .025)
      supported the assumption of unidimensionality concerning each domain. Five
      dimensions appeared to be stable across diverse diagnostic groups (the percentage
      of items with discriminant validity ranged from 93% to 100%, Cronbach coefficient
      ranged from .859 to .966). Rasch model (Masters' partial credit) showed that all
      items could be located along a continuum in each dimension, with goodness-of-fit
      criteria of infit and outfit mean-square values between 0.6 and 1.4. Test-retest
      reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients median, .98).
      Groups with more severe conditions and lower functional independence scored lower
      on Mobam-in scales, as hypothesized. CONCLUSIONS: Mobam-in covers 5 dimensions of
      mobility activities. The Mobam framework is an effective reference for building
      outcome instruments.

PMID- 25128717
TI  - Nanoparticle multivalency counterbalances the ligand affinity loss upon
      PEGylation.
AB  - The conjugation of receptor ligands to shielded nanoparticles is a widely used
      strategy to precisely control nanoparticle-cell interactions. However, it is
      often overlooked that a ligand's affinity can be severely impaired by its
      attachment to the polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains that are frequently used to
      protect colloids from serum protein adsorption. Using the model ligand EXP3174, a
      small-molecule antagonist for the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R), we
      investigated the ligand's affinity before and after its PEGylation and when
      attached to PEGylated nanoparticles. The PEGylated ligand displayed a 580-fold
      decreased receptor affinity compared to the native ligand. Due to their
      multivalency, the nanoparticles regained a low nanomolar receptor affinity, which
      is in the range of the affinity of the native ligand. Moreover, a four orders of
      magnitude higher concentration of free ligand was required to displace PEGylated
      nanoparticles carrying EXP3174 from the receptor. On average, one nanoparticle
      was decorated with 11.2 ligand molecules, which led to a multivalent enhancement
      factor of 22.5 compared to the monovalent PEGylated ligand. The targeted
      nanoparticles specifically bound the AT1R and showed no interaction to receptor
      negative cells. Our study shows that the attachment of a small-molecule ligand to
      a PEG chain can severely affect its receptor affinity. Concomitantly, when the
      ligand is tethered to nanoparticles, the immense avidity greatly increases the
      ligand-receptor interaction. Based on our results, we highly recommend the
      affinity testing of receptor ligands before and after PEGylation to identify
      potent molecules for active nanoparticle targeting. 

PMID- 25128718
TI  - Pre-systemic metabolism of orally administered drugs and strategies to overcome
      it.
AB  - The oral bioavailability of numerous drugs is not only limited by poor solubility
      and/or poor membrane permeability as addressed by the biopharmaceutical
      classification system (BCS) but also by a pre-systemic metabolism taking place to
      a high extent in the intestine. Enzymes responsible for metabolic reactions in
      the intestine include cytochromes P450 (CYP450), transferases, peptidases and
      proteases. Furthermore, in the gut nucleases, lipases as well as glycosidases
      influence the metabolic pathway of drugs and nutrients. A crucial role is also
      played by the intestinal microflora able to metabolize a wide broad of
      pharmaceutical compounds. Strategies to provide a protective effect towards an
      intestinal pre-systemic metabolism are based on the co-administration of enzyme
      inhibitor being optimally immobilized on unabsorbable and undegradable polymeric
      excipients in order to keep them concentrated there where an inhibitory effect is
      needed. Furthermore, certain polymeric excipients such as polyacrylates exhibit
      per se enzyme inhibitory properties. In addition, by incorporating drugs in
      cyclodextrines, in self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) or liposomes a
      protective effect towards an intestinal enzymatic attack can be achieved. Being
      aware of the important role of this pre-systemic metabolism by integrating it in
      the BCS as third dimension and keeping strategies to overcome this enzymatic
      barrier in mind, the therapeutic efficacy of many orally given drugs can
      certainly be substantially improved. 

PMID- 25128719
TI  - Resistin: insulin resistance to malignancy.
AB  - Adipose tissue is recognized as an endocrine organ that secretes bioactive
      substances known as adipokines. Excess adipose tissue and adipose tissue
      dysfunction lead to dysregulated adipokine production that can contribute to the
      development of obesity-related co-morbidities. Among the various adipokines,
      resistin, which was initially considered as a determinant of the emergence of
      insulin resistance in obesity, has appeared as an important link between obesity
      and inflammatory processes. Several experimental and clinical studies have
      suggested an association between increased resistin levels and severe conditions
      associated with obesity such as cardiovascular disease and malignancies. In this
      review, we present the growing body of evidence that human resistin is an
      inflammatory biomarker and potential mediator of obesity-associated diseases. A
      common pathway seems to involve the combined alteration of immune and
      inflammatory processes that favor metabolic disturbances, atherosclerosis and
      carcinogenesis. The mode of action and the signaling pathways utilized by
      resistin in its interactions with target cells could involve oxidative and
      nitrosative stress. Therefore, resistin could function as a key molecule in the
      complications of obesity development and could potentially be used as a
      diagnostic and prognostic marker. 

PMID- 25128720
TI  - Effect of interference from hemolysis, icterus and lipemia on routine pediatric
      clinical chemistry assays.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical laboratory assays can be affected by interferents like
      hemoglobin (Hb), lipids and bilirubin. We evaluated the effect of these
      interferences on pediatric samples for different chemistry assays. Further we
      established cut-off indices above which these interferences confound sample
      results. METHODS: Three separate serum pools were spiked with increasing
      concentrations of hemolysate or intralipid or bilirubin and different analytes
      were analyzed. The Hemolysis-(H), Lipemia-(T) and Icterus-(I) indices were
      measured on Vitros 5600. Analytes affected by lipemia were treated with LipoClear
      (r) and re-analyzed. All the measured analytes were compromised by gross
      hemolysis (H-Index >1000). RESULTS: Except lipase and magnesium (Mg(++)), all
      other analytes were affected by moderate (H-Index >250) and significant hemolysis
      (H-Index >500). Low estradiol levels showed a significant effect at severe
      icterus (I-Index >20.0). C3, C4, Ceruloplasmin, Haptoglobin, Immunoglobulins (Ig)
      and Vitamin D were significantly affected by moderate (T-Index >100) and severe
      (T-Index >500) lipemia. LipoClear (r) treatment significantly attenuated the
      lipemic interference on the above analytes except for C3, C4, and IgG.
      CONCLUSIONS: Accurate reporting of pediatric samples for the analytes affected by
      common interferences will lead to better clinical interpretation.

PMID- 25128721
TI  - A computational model for exploratory activity of rats with different anxiety
      levels in elevated plus-maze.
AB  - The elevated plus-maze is an apparatus widely used to study the level of anxiety
      in rodents. The maze is plus-shaped, with two enclosed arms and two open arms,
      and elevated 50cm from the floor. During a test, which usually lasts for 5min,
      the animal is initially put at the center and is free to move and explore the
      entire maze. The level of anxiety is measured by variables such as the percentage
      of time spent and the number of entries in the enclosed arms. High percentage of
      time spent at and number of entries in the enclosed arms indicate anxiety. Here
      we propose a computational model of rat behavior in the elevated plus-maze based
      on an artificial neural network trained by a genetic algorithm. The fitness
      function of the genetic algorithm is composed of reward (positive) and punishment
      (negative) terms, which are incremented as the computational agent (virtual rat)
      moves in the maze. The punishment term is modulated by a parameter that simulates
      the effects of different drugs. Unlike other computational models, the virtual
      rat is built independently of prior known experimental data. The exploratory
      behaviors generated by the model for different simulated pharmacological
      conditions are in good agreement with data from real rats. 

PMID- 25128722
TI  - Pixel timing correction in time-lapsed calcium imaging using point scanning
      microscopy.
AB  - In point scanning imaging, data are acquired by sequentially scanning each pixel
      of a predetermined area. This way of scanning leads to time delays between
      pixels, especially for lower scanning speed or large scanned areas. Therefore,
      experiments are often performed at lower framerates in order to ensure a
      sufficient signal-to-noise ratio, even though framerates above 30 frames per
      second are technically feasible. For these framerates, we suggest that it becomes
      crucial to correct the time delay between image pixels prior to analyses. In this
      paper, we apply temporal interpolation (or pixel timing correction) for calcium
      imaging in two-photon microscopy as an example of fluorescence imaging. We
      present and compare three interpolation methods (linear, Lanczos and cubic B
      spline). We test these methods on a simulated network of coupled bursting neurons
      at different framerates. In this network, we introduce a time delay to simulate a
      scanning by point scanning microscopy. We also assess these methods on actual
      microscopic calcium imaging movies recorded at usual framerates. Our numerical
      results suggest that point scanning microscopy imaging introduces statistically
      significant time delays between image pixels at low frequency. However, we
      demonstrate that pixel timing correction compensates for these time delays,
      regardless of the used interpolation method.

PMID- 25128723
TI  - A technique to measure cold adaptation in freely behaving mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adaptation to environmental temperature is essential for survival in
      seasonal areas. The mechanisms of adaptation have been studied in vitro, but it
      has not been quantified in vivo. NEW METHOD: The extended Cold Plantar Assay
      (eCPA) cools the entire testing environment. Once the desired environmental
      temperature has been reached, a separate focal cold stimulus is applied to the
      hindpaw and the latency to withdrawal is recorded as a proxy for cold
      sensitivity. RESULTS: Using this technique, we can test the cold responsiveness
      of freely behaving mice at ambient temperatures ranging from 5 degrees C to 30
      degrees C. The responses are consistent and unambiguous, and the environmental
      temperatures generated are reproducible. We are also able to measure cold
      responsiveness as animals are in the process of adapting to cold environments.
      COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S): Existing methods, such as the dynamic cold
      plate and the 2-plate preference assay test how mice respond to cold
      environments, but cannot assess how the thresholds for response are changed by
      acclimation in cold environments. Additionally, the eCPA requires very little
      specialized equipment, can test many mice at the same time on one apparatus, and
      has an objective readout. CONCLUSIONS: The extended Cold Plantar assay is a
      significant methodological improvement, allowing the assessment of cold
      responsiveness in freely behaving mice at a wide range of environmental
      temperature conditions and during cold adaptation.

PMID- 25128725
TI  - The mitochondrial genome of Frankliniella intonsa: insights into the evolution of
      mitochondrial genomes at lower taxonomic levels in Thysanoptera.
AB  - Thrips is an ideal group for studying the evolution of mitochondrial (mt) genomes
      in the genus and family due to independent rearrangements within this order. The
      complete sequence of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the flower thrips
      Frankliniella intonsa has been completed and annotated in this study. The
      circular genome is 15,215bp in length with an A+T content of 75.9% and contains
      the typical 37 genes and it has triplicate putative control regions. Nucleotide
      composition is A+T biased, and the majority of the protein-coding genes present
      opposite CG skew which is reflected by the nucleotide composition, codon and
      amino acid usage. Although the known thrips have massive gene rearrangements, it
      showed no reversal of strand asymmetry. Gene rearrangements have been found in
      the lower taxonomic levels of thrips. Three tRNA genes were translocated in the
      genus Frankliniella and eight tRNA genes in the family Thripidae. Although the
      gene arrangements of mt genomes of all three thrips species differ massively from
      the ancestral insect, they are all very similar to each other, indicating that
      there was a large rearrangement somewhere before the most recent common ancestor
      of these three species and very little genomic evolution or rearrangements after
      then. The extremely similar sequences among the CRs suggest that they are ongoing
      concerted evolution. Analyses of the up and downstream sequence of CRs reveal
      that the CR2 is actually the ancestral CR. The three CRs are in the same spot in
      each of the three thrips mt genomes which have the identical inverted genes.
      These characteristics might be obtained from the most recent common ancestor of
      this three thrips. Above observations suggest that the mt genomes of the three
      thrips keep a single massive rearrangement from the common ancestor and have low
      evolutionary rates among them.

PMID- 25128724
TI  - Automated detection of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations using template matching in
      XBAT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) have been utilized to infer animals'
      affective states in multiple research paradigms including animal models of drug
      abuse, depression, fear or anxiety disorders, Parkinson's disease, and in
      studying neural substrates of reward processing. Currently, the analysis of USV
      data is performed manually, and thus is time consuming. NEW METHOD: The goal of
      the present study was to develop a method for automated USV recognition using a
      'template detection' procedure for vocalizations in the 50-kHz range (35-80kHz).
      The detector is designed to run within XBAT, a MATLAB graphical user interface
      and extensible bioacoustics tool developed at Cornell University. RESULTS:
      Results show that this method is capable of detecting >90% of emitted USVs and
      that time spent analyzing data by experimenters is greatly reduced. COMPARISON
      WITH EXISTING METHODS: Currently, no viable and publicly available methods exist
      for the automated detection of USVs. The present method, in combination with the
      XBAT environment is ideal for the USV community as it allows others to (1) detect
      USVs within a user-friendly environment, (2) make improvements to the detector
      and disseminate and (3) develop new tools for analysis within the MATLAB
      environment. CONCLUSIONS: The present detector provides an open-source, accurate
      method for the detection of 50-kHz USVs. Ongoing research will extend the current
      method for use in the 22-kHz frequency range of ultrasonic vocalizations.
      Moreover, collaborative efforts among USV researchers may enhance the
      capabilities of the current detector via changes to the templates and the
      development of new programs for analysis.

PMID- 25128726
TI  - Analysis of the transcriptome of Marsdenia tenacissima discovers putative
      polyoxypregnane glycoside biosynthetic genes and genetic markers.
AB  - Marsdenia tenacissima is a well-known anti-cancer medicinal plant used in
      traditional Chinese medicine due to bioactive constituents of polyoxypregnane
      glycosides, such as tenacissosides, marsdenosides and tenacigenosides. Genomic
      information regarding this plant is very limited, and rare information is
      available about the biosynthesis of polyoxypregnane glycosides. To facilitate the
      basic understanding about the polyoxypregnane glycoside biosynthetic pathways, de
      novo assembling was performed to generate a total of 73,336 contigs and 65,796
      unigenes, which represent the first transcriptome of this species. These included
      27 unigenes that were involved in steroid biosynthesis and could be related to
      pregnane backbone biosynthesis. The expression patterns of six unigenes involved
      in polyoxypregnane biosynthesis were analyzed in leaf and stem tissues by
      quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) to explore their putative function.
      Furthermore, a total of 15,295 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified
      from 11,911 unigenes, of which di-nucleotide motifs were the most abundant. 

PMID- 25128727
TI  - External air compression: A rare cause of blunt esophageal injury, managed by a
      stent.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Blunt esophageal injuries secondary to external air compression of
      anterior chest and abdomen complicated with esophageal perforation are uncommon
      events associated with worse outcomes. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We reported a rare
      case of esophageal perforation following an external air-compression injury along
      with the relevant review of literatures. The patient presented with chest pain
      and shortness of breath and was managed with tube thoracostomy, followed by
      thoracotomy and eventually with temporary endoscopic stenting. DISCUSSION: In
      such trauma case, the external pressurized air forms a shock wave which usually
      directed to the hollow viscus. Patients with external air-compression injury
      presented with chest pain and pneumothorax should be suspected for esophageal
      perforation. CONCLUSION: High index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis of
      esophageal perforation after blunt trauma. Appropriate drainage, antibiotic and
      temporary endoscopic esophageal stenting may be an optimal approach in selected
      patients, especially with delayed diagnosis.

PMID- 25128728
TI  - Idiopathic bilateral antral exostoses: A rare case in maxillary sinus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Exostoses in paranasal sinuses have been reported in the
      otolaryngology literature, but they have not been described in the dental
      literature to our knowledge. The aim of this article is to describe an idiopathic
      and rare case of bilateral exostosis obtained by cone-beam computed tomography.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: The case shows a healthy and asymptomatic patient with a
      different size and form of exostoses in both maxillary sinuses. DISCUSSION: It is
      difficult to clinically diagnose the antral exostosis due the asymptomatic nature
      of this condition, unless the approach would be through endoscope. Sometimes this
      condition is related with nasal irrigants, however in this case the patient
      asserted not having used nasal irrigation ever; thus, it is impossible to relate
      this kind of treatment as a principal cause. CONCLUSION: The published data of
      exostoses in maxillary sinus seem to be limited in the dental literature, and
      this condition is important to consider in an implant treatment planning. Also,
      it is important to perform a follow-up of the cases in trying to find the
      possible causes of exostosis.

PMID- 25128729
TI  - Recurrent respiratory distress and cardiopulmonary arrest caused by
      megaoesophagus secondary to achalasia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Respiratory distress and arrest from tracheal compression secondary
      to megaoesophagus are rare complications of achalasia. We present the case of a
      man with end-stage achalasia who required oesophagectomy to prevent recurrent
      life-threatening tracheal compression and respiratory arrest. A literature review
      is also presented. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 40-year old man presented with post
      prandial stridor which resolved spontaneously, later being diagnosed with
      achalasia. He underwent pneumatic dilatation year later, intended as definitive
      treatment. Despite intervention, the patient had developed megaoesophagus. One
      month later he presented with tracheal compression and cardiorespiratory arrest
      but was successfully resuscitated. He subsequently underwent elective
      oesophagectomy. DISCUSSION: Over 40 case reports of achalasia presenting with
      stridor have been published. However, only three cases (all female, age range, 35
      79 years old) of cardiac, respiratory or cardiorespiratory arrest have been
      published. The definitive treatments received by these patients were botulinum
      toxin injections, open Heller cardiomyotomy with Dor fundoplication and pneumatic
      dilatation. None of these patients suffered recurrent respiratory distress
      following definitive treatment. The patient currently reported was unique as he
      suffered cardiorespiratory arrest following an intended definitive treatment,
      pneumatic dilatation. As such oesophagectomy was considered the greatest risk
      reduction intervention. CONCLUSION: Oesophagectomy should be considered for
      patients with end-stage achalasia and mega-oesophagus causing respiratory
      compromise to avoid potential fatal complications such as tracheal compression
      and subsequent respiratory arrest.

PMID- 25128730
TI  - Can pelvic tilting be ignored in total hip arthroplasty?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The orientation of acetabular component is influenced by pelvic
      tilt, body position and individual variation in pelvic parameters. Most post
      operative adverse events may be attributed to malposition of the component in the
      functional position. There is evidence that orientation of the pelvis changes
      from the supine to standing position. Authors report a case of recurrent
      dislocation after total hip arthroplasty due to excessive pelvic tilting.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE A 69-year old female with coxarthrosis had undergone total
      hip replacement with recurrent dislocation of the hip on bearing weight in spite
      of using constrained acetabular component. DISCUSSION: Our case report
      substantiates the influence of pelvic tilt, incurred by a sagittal deformity of
      spine, on dynamic orientation of the acetabular cup which was positioned in
      accordance with the anatomic landmarks alone. If the reference is only bony
      architecture and dynamic positions of the pelvis are not taken into account,
      improper functional orientation of the acetabular cup can result in sitting and
      standing positions. These can induce instability even in anatomically
      appropriately oriented acetabular component. CONCLUSION: The sagittal position of
      pelvis is a key factor in impingement and dislocation after total hip
      arthroplasty. Pelvic tilting affects the position of acetabular component in the
      sagittal plane of the body as compared with its anatomic position in the pelvis.
      We suggest a preoperative lateral view of spine-pelvis, in upright and supine
      position for evaluation of a corrective adaptation of the acetabular cup
      accordingly with pelvic balance.

PMID- 25128731
TI  - Kidney stem cells in development, regeneration and cancer.
AB  - The generation of nephrons during development depends on differentiation via a
      mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) of self-renewing, tissue-specific stem
      cells confined to a specific anatomic niche of the nephrogenic cortex. These
      cells may transform to generate oncogenic stem cells and drive pediatric renal
      cancer. Once nephron epithelia are formed the view of post-MET tissue renal
      growth and maintenance by adult tissue-specific epithelial stem cells becomes
      controversial. Recently, genetic lineage tracing that followed clonal evolution
      of single kidney cells showed that the need for new cells is constantly driven by
      fate-restricted unipotent clonal expansions in varying kidney segments arguing
      against a multipotent adult stem cell model. Lineage-restriction was similarly
      maintained in kidney organoids grown in culture. Importantly, kidney cells in
      which Wnt was activated were traced to give significant clonal progeny indicating
      a clonogenic hierarchy. In vivo nephron epithelia may be endowed with the
      capacity akin to that of unipotent epithelial stem/progenitor such that under
      specific stimuli can clonally expand/self renew by local proliferation of mature
      differentiated cells. Finding ways to ex vivo preserve and expand the observed in
      vivo kidney-forming capacity inherent to both the fetal and adult kidneys is
      crucial for taking renal regenerative medicine forward. Some of the strategies
      used to achieve this are sorting human fetal nephron stem/progenitor cells,
      growing adult nephrospheres or reprogramming differentiated kidney cells toward
      expandable renal progenitors. 

PMID- 25128732
TI  - Patterning the renal vascular bed.
AB  - The renal vascular bed has a stereotypic architecture that is essential for the
      kidney's role in excreting metabolic waste and regulating the volume and
      composition of body fluids. The kidney's excretory functions are dependent on the
      delivery of the majority of renal blood flow to the glomerular capillaries, which
      filter plasma removing from it metabolic waste, as well as vast quantities of
      solutes and fluids. The renal tubules reabsorb from the glomerular filtrate
      solutes and fluids required for homeostasis, while the post-glomerular capillary
      beds return these essential substances back into the systemic circulation. Thus,
      the kidney's regulatory functions are dependent on the close proximity or
      alignment of the post-glomerular capillary beds with the renal tubules. This
      review will focus on our current knowledge of the mechanisms controlling the
      embryonic development of the renal vasculature. An understanding of this process
      is critical for developing novel therapies to prevent vessel rarefaction and will
      be essential for engineering renal tissues suitable for restoring kidney function
      to the ever-increasing population of patients with end stage renal disease. 

PMID- 25128734
TI  - Use of maternal flecainide concentration in management of fetal supraventricular
      tachycardia: a step in the right direction.

PMID- 25128733
TI  - Left atrial appendage morphology and thromboembolic risk after catheter ablation
      for atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), left atrial appendage
      (LAA) morphology has been suggested to modify risk of thromboembolic events
      (TEs). OBJECTIVE: In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a TE after AF
      catheter ablation is associated with LAA characteristics. METHODS: Of 2069
      patients included in the Leipzig Heart Center AF Ablation Registry, 15 (0.7%)
      suffered a TE (excluding events within 30 days) during follow-up (ie, 3.078
      patient-years). Those patients were matched for CHA2DS2-VASc criteria with 115
      patients without TE, and computed tomography (n = 120) or magnetic resonance
      imaging (n = 10) data were also compared. LAA volume, morphology (cactus, chicken
      wing, windsock, and cauliflower), and takeoff (higher/lower) in relation to the
      adjacent pulmonary vein were determined. RESULTS: After patients were followed
      for a median period of 24 months, 67% of the patients remained in sinus rhythm.
      Patients with TE had a higher AF recurrence rate (73% vs 28%; P = .001) and a
      higher incidence of superior LAA takeoff (ie, higher than that of the left
      superior pulmonary vein; 80% vs 37%; P = .002), while LAA morphologies and other
      LAA characteristics were similar between groups. Multivariate Cox regression
      analysis revealed AF recurrence (hazard ratio 6.2; 95% confidence interval 2.0
      19.6; P = .002) and superior LAA takeoff (hazard ratio 4.9; 95% confidence
      interval 1.4-17.4; P = .014) as TE predictors. There was a negative correlation
      between heart rate and LAA flow (r = -.22 cm/s per beat/min; P = .016), which was
      even more pronounced for the superior LAA takeoff (r = -.28 cm/s; P = .045).
      CONCLUSION: AF recurrence and higher LAA takeoff are associated with
      thromboembolism after AF ablation, while LAA morphology is not. These results may
      have an implication for improved postablation management.

PMID- 25128735
TI  - Generation of physiological and pathological high frequency oscillations: the
      role of perisomatic inhibition in sharp-wave ripple and interictal spike
      generation.
AB  - Sharp-wave-ripple complexes (SWRs) and interictal-spikes are physiological and
      pathological forms of irregularly occurring transient high activity events in the
      hippocampal EEG. They share similar features and carry high-frequency
      oscillations with different spectral features. Recent results reveal similarities
      and differences in the generation of the two types of transients, and argue that
      parvalbumin containing basket cells (PVBCs) are crucial in synchronizing neuronal
      activity in both cases. SWRs are generated in the reciprocally connected network
      of inhibitory PVBCs, while in the pathological case, synchronous failure of
      perisomatic inhibition triggers massive pyramidal cell burst firing. While
      physiological ripple oscillation is primarily the result of phasic perisomatic
      inhibitory currents, pathological high-frequency ripples are population spikes of
      partially synchronous, massively bursting, uninhibited pyramidal cells. 

PMID- 25128736
TI  - Knowledge base and neural network approach for protein secondary structure
      prediction.
AB  - Protein structure prediction is of great relevance given the abundant genomic and
      proteomic data generated by the genome sequencing projects. Protein secondary
      structure prediction is addressed as a sub task in determining the protein
      tertiary structure and function. In this paper, a novel algorithm, KB-PROSSP-NN,
      which is a combination of knowledge base and modeling of the exceptions in the
      knowledge base using neural networks for protein secondary structure prediction
      (PSSP), is proposed. The knowledge base is derived from a proteomic sequence
      structure database and consists of the statistics of association between the 5
      residue words and corresponding secondary structure. The predicted results
      obtained using knowledge base are refined with a Backpropogation neural network
      algorithm. Neural net models the exceptions of the knowledge base. The Q3
      accuracy of 90% and 82% is achieved on the RS126 and CB396 test sets respectively
      which suggest improvement over existing state of art methods. 

PMID- 25128737
TI  - Interactome analyses of Salmonella pathogenicity islands reveal SicA
      indispensable for virulence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serovars of Salmonella enterica, namely Typhi and Typhimurium,
      reportedly, are the bacterial pathogens causing systemic infections like
      gastroenteritis and typhoid fever. To elucidate the role and importance in such
      infection, the proteins of the Type III secretion system of Salmonella
      pathogenicity islands and two component signal transduction systems, have been
      mainly focused. However, the most indispensable of these virulent ones and their
      hierarchical role has not yet been studied extensively. RESULTS: We have adopted
      a theoretical approach to build an interactome comprising the proteins from the
      Salmonella pathogeneicity islands (SPI) and two component signal transduction
      systems. This interactome was then analyzed by using network parameters like
      centrality and k-core measures. An initial step to capture the fingerprint of the
      core network resulted in a set of proteins which are involved in the process of
      invasion and colonization, thereby becoming more important in the process of
      infection. These proteins pertained to the Inv, Org, Prg, Sip, Spa, Ssa and Sse
      operons along with chaperone protein SicA. Amongst them, SicA was figured out to
      be the most indispensable protein from different network parametric analyses.
      Subsequently, the gene expression levels of all these theoretically identified
      important proteins were confirmed by microarray data analysis. Finally, we have
      proposed a hierarchy of the proteins involved in the total infection process.
      This theoretical approach is the first of its kind to figure out potential
      virulence determinants encoded by SPI for therapeutic targets for enteric
      infection. CONCLUSIONS: A set of responsible virulent proteins was identified and
      the expression level of their genes was validated by using independent, published
      microarray data. The result was a targeted set of proteins that could serve as
      sensitive predictors and form the foundation for a series of trials in the wet
      lab setting. Understanding these regulatory and virulent proteins would provide
      insight into conditions which are encountered by this intracellular enteric
      pathogen during the course of infection. This would further contribute in
      identifying novel targets for antimicrobial agents.

PMID- 25128738
TI  - Quantification and geometric analysis of coiling patterns in gastropod shells
      based on 3D and 2D image data.
AB  - The morphology of gastropod shells has been a focus of analyses in ecology and
      evolution. It has recently emerged as an important issue in developmental
      biology, thanks to recent advancements in molecular biological techniques. The
      growing tube model is a theoretical morphological model for describing various
      coiling patterns of molluscan shells, and it is a useful theoretical tool to
      relate local tissue growth with global shell morphology. However, the growing
      tube model has rarely been adopted in empirical research owing to the difficulty
      in estimating the parameters of the model from morphological data. In this
      article, I solve this problem by developing methods of parameter estimation when
      (1) 3D Computed Tomography (CT) data are available and (2) only 2D image data
      (such as photographs) are available. When 3D CT data are available, the
      parameters can be estimated by fitting an analytical solution of the growing tube
      model to the data. When only 2D image data are available, we first fit Raup's
      model to the 2D image data and then convert the parameters of Raup's model to
      those of the growing tube model. To illustrate the use of these methods, I apply
      them to data generated by a computer simulation of the model. Both methods work
      well, except when shells grow without coiling. I also demonstrate the
      effectiveness of the methods by applying the model to actual 3D CT data and 2D
      image data of land snails. I conclude that the method proposed in this article
      can reconstruct the coiling pattern from observed data. 

PMID- 25128739
TI  - Hispolon inhibition of inflammatory apoptosis through reduction of iNOS/NO
      production via HO-1 induction in macrophages.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Phellinus linteus (Berkeley & Curtis), a well
      known medical fungus, has long been used as a traditional medicine in Oriental
      countries to treat various diseases, and hispolon (HIS) is one of its bioactive
      components. HIS is known to possess potent antineoplastic and antiviral
      properties; however, its effect on inflammatory apoptosis is still undefined.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: RAW264.7 macrophages were incubated with HIS for 30 min
      followed by LPS, LTA, or PGN stimulation for 12h. The expression of indicated
      proteins AP-1 and NF-kappaB transcriptional activities was examined by Western
      blotting using specific antibodies. Levels of NO and ROS were examined by Griess
      reaction, and DCHF-DA staining via flow cytometric analysis, respectively. AP-1
      and NF-kappaB transcriptional activities were detected by luciferase reporter
      assay. Knockdown of HO-1 protein expression was performed by transfection of
      macrophages with HO-1 siRNA. Pharmacological inhibitors including ROS scavenger
      NAC, JNK inhibitor SP600125, NF-kappaB inhibitor BAY117082 were applied for
      mechanism study. RESULTS: HIS showed concentration-dependent inhibition of LPS,
      LTA, and PGN-induced iNOS protein expressions and NO production by RAW264.7
      macrophages. Accordingly, HIS protected RAW264.7 cells from LPS-, LTA-, and PGN
      induced apoptosis. Increased HO-1 by HIS was detected at both protein and mRNA
      levels along with an increase in intracellular peroxide, and this was inhibited
      by the translational inhibitor, cycloheximide (CHX), the transcriptional
      inhibitor, actinomycin D (Act D), and the reactive oxygen species scavenger, N
      acetylcysteine (NAC). A mechanistic study indicated that inhibition of c-Jun N
      terminal kinase (JNK) protein phosphorylation, and activator protein (AP)-1 and
      nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation were involved in the anti-inflammatory
      actions of HIS in macrophages. A structure-activity relationship analysis showed
      that HIS expressed the most potent effect of inhibiting iNOS and apoptosis
      elicited by LPS, LTA, and PGN with a significant increase in HO-1 protein in
      macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence supporting HIS prevention of inflammatory
      apoptosis via blocking NO production and inducing HO-1 protein expression in
      macrophages is provided, and the hydroxyl at position C3 is a critical
      substitution for the anti-inflammatory actions of HIS.

PMID- 25128740
TI  - Unraveling novel broad-spectrum antibacterial targets in food and waterborne
      pathogens using comparative genomics and protein interaction network analysis.
AB  - Food and waterborne diseases are a growing concern in terms of human morbidity
      and mortality worldwide, even in the 21st century, emphasizing the need for new
      therapeutic interventions for these diseases. The current study aims at
      prioritizing broad-spectrum antibacterial targets, present in multiple food and
      waterborne bacterial pathogens, through a comparative genomics strategy coupled
      with a protein interaction network analysis. The pathways unique and common to
      all the pathogens under study (viz., methane metabolism, d-alanine metabolism,
      peptidoglycan biosynthesis, bacterial secretion system, two-component system, C5
      branched dibasic acid metabolism), identified by comparative metabolic pathway
      analysis, were considered for the analysis. The proteins/enzymes involved in
      these pathways were prioritized following host non-homology analysis,
      essentiality analysis, gut flora non-homology analysis and protein interaction
      network analysis. The analyses revealed a set of promising broad-spectrum
      antibacterial targets, present in multiple food and waterborne pathogens, which
      are essential for bacterial survival, non-homologous to host and gut flora, and
      functionally important in the metabolic network. The identified broad-spectrum
      candidates, namely, integral membrane protein/virulence factor (MviN), preprotein
      translocase subunits SecB and SecG, carbon storage regulator (CsrA), and nitrogen
      regulatory protein P-II 1 (GlnB), contributed by the peptidoglycan pathway,
      bacterial secretion systems and two-component systems, were also found to be
      present in a wide range of other disease-causing bacteria. Cytoplasmic proteins
      SecG, CsrA and GlnB were considered as drug targets, while membrane proteins MviN
      and SecB were classified as vaccine targets. The identified broad-spectrum
      targets can aid in the design and development of antibacterial agents not only
      against food and waterborne pathogens but also against other pathogens. 

PMID- 25128741
TI  - Role of microRNAs in the modulation of diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss in the working-age
      adults. It affects a third of diabetics. Diabetic macular edema, an advanced
      complication of DR, develops in nearly 7% of diabetic patients. MicroRNAs
      (miRNAs) are a novel group of non-coding small RNAs that post-transcriptionally
      control gene expression by promoting either degradation or translational
      repression of target messenger RNA. They are implicated in a large variety of
      physiological and pathophysiological processes, including glucose homeostasis,
      angiogenesis and modulation of inflammatory response. MiRNAs also play a critical
      role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and the related micro- and macrovascular
      complications. The purpose of this review is to describe the potential role of
      miRNAs in diabetes and evaluate their implication in DR. MiRNAs involved in the
      modulation of glucose metabolism (insulin secretion and sensitivity) and MiRNAs
      playing a role in the pathogenesis of DR with their potential target genes are
      reviewed. Understanding MiRNAs implication in DR could be helpful for developing
      new gain- or loss- of -function strategies in order to establish effective
      treatments and reduce the rate of visual disability due to progression of
      retinopathy. 

PMID- 25128743
TI  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A main driver of insulin resistance or a
      dangerous liaison?
AB  - Insulin resistance is one of the key components of the metabolic syndrome and it
      eventually leads to the development of type 2 diabetes, making it one of the
      biggest medical problems of modern society. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are tightly associated with
      insulin resistance. While it is fairly clear that insulin resistance causes
      hepatic steatosis, it is not known if NAFLD causes insulin resistance. Hepatic
      inflammation and lipid accumulation are believed to be the main drivers of
      hepatic insulin resistance in NAFLD. Here we give an overview of the evidence
      linking hepatic lipid accumulation to the development of insulin resistance,
      including the accumulation of triacylglycerol and lipid metabolites, such as
      diacylglycerol and ceramides. In particular, we discuss the role of obesity in
      this relation by reviewing the current evidence in terms of the reported changes
      in body weight and/or adipose tissue mass. We further discuss whether the
      activation or inhibition of inflammatory pathways, Kupffer cells and other immune
      cells influences the development of insulin resistance. We show that, in contrast
      to what is commonly believed, neither hepatic steatosis nor hepatic inflammation
      is sufficient to cause insulin resistance. Many studies show that obesity cannot
      be ignored as an underlying factor in this relationship and NAFLD is therefore
      less likely to be one of the main drivers of insulin resistance.

PMID- 25128742
TI  - Novel role of silent information regulator 1 in acute endothelial cell oxidative
      stress injury.
AB  - Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), a class III histone deacetylase, retards
      aging and plays roles in cellular oxidative stress injury (OSI). However, the
      biological context in which SIRT1 promotes oxidative injury is not fully
      understood. Here, we show that SIRT1 essentially mediates hydrogen peroxide
      (H2O2)-induced cytotoxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). In
      HUVECs, SIRT1 protein expression was significantly increased in a dose-dependent
      manner after H2O2 treatment, whereas the acetylation levels of the NF-kappaB p65
      subunit and p53 were decreased. EX527 (a specific SIRT1 inhibitor) conferred
      protection to the HUVECs against H2O2, as indicated by an improved cell
      viability, adhesion, an enhanced migratory ability, a decreased apoptotic index,
      decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reductions in several
      biochemical parameters. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses demonstrated
      that H2O2 treatment up-regulated SIRT1, phosphorylated-JNK (p-JNK), p-p38MAPK,
      and p-ERK expression. EX527 pretreatment reversed these effects on SIRT1, p-JNK,
      and p-p38MAPK but further increased the p-ERK levels. Similar results were
      confirmed in SIRT1 siRNA experiments. In summary, SIRT1 signaling pathway
      inhibition imparts protection against acute endothelial OSI, and modulation of
      MAPKs (JNK, p38MAPK, and ERK) may be involved in the protective effect of SIRT1
      inhibition. 

PMID- 25128744
TI  - Prognostic value of glomerular filtration changes versus natriuretic response in
      decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and natriuretic response to
      diuretics represent important treatment targets in acute decompensated heart
      failure (ADHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive ADHF patients (n = 50) with
      ejection fraction <= 45% and clinical signs of volume overload received protocol
      driven decongestive therapy. Serum creatinine (Cr), cystatin C (CysC), and beta
      trace protein (betaTP) were measured on admission and three subsequent days of
      treatment. Worsening renal function (WRF) was defined as a >= 0.3 increase in
      absolute biomarker levels or >= 20% decrease in estimated GFR. Consecutive 24
      hour urinary collections were simultaneously performed to measure Cr clearance
      and natriuresis. Serum Cr, CysC, and betaTP were strongly correlated at admission
      (rho = 0.788-0.909) and during decongestive treatment (rho = 0.884-888).
      Moreover, derived GFR estimates correlated well with Cr clearance (rho = 0.820
      0.908). Nevertheless, WRF incidence differed markedly according to Cr- (26%-30%),
      CysC- (46%-54%), or betaTP-based definitions (31%-48%). WRF by any definition was
      not associated with all-cause mortality or ADHF readmission, in contrast to
      stronger natriuresis per loop diuretic dose [hazard ratio 0.20 (95% confidence
      interval 0.06-0.64); P = .007]. CONCLUSIONS: Serial measurements of CysC/betaTP,
      compared with serum Cr, more frequently indicate WRF during decongestive
      treatment in ADHF. However, adverse clinical outcome in such patients might be
      better predicted by the natriuretic response to diuretic therapy.

PMID- 25128746
TI  - Survival rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients transported without
      prehospital return of spontaneous circulation: an observational cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some Emergency Medical Services currently use just one component of
      the Universal Termination of Resuscitation (TOR) Guideline, the absence of
      prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), as the single criteria to
      terminate resuscitation, which may deny transport to potential survivors.
      OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the survival to hospital discharge rate in
      non-traumatic, adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients transported
      to hospital without a prehospital ROSC. METHODS: An observational study of OHCA
      patients without a prehospital ROSC who met the Universal TOR Guideline for
      transport to hospital with ongoing resuscitation. Multivariable logistic
      regression was used to determine the association of each variable with survival
      to hospital discharge. RESULTS: Of 20,207 OHCA treated by EMS, 3374 (16.4%) did
      not have a prehospital ROSC but met the Universal TOR guideline for transport to
      hospital with ongoing resuscitation. Of these patients, 122 (3.6%) survived to
      hospital discharge. Survival to discharge was associated with initial shockable
      VF/VT rhythms (OR 5.07; 95% CI 2.77-9.30), EMS-witnessed arrests (OR 3.51; 95% CI
      1.73-7.15), bystander-witnessed arrests (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.18-3.77), and public
      locations (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.02-2.40). CONCLUSION: In OHCA patients without a
      prehospital ROSC who met the Universal TOR Guideline for transport with ongoing
      resuscitation survival rates were above the 1% futility rate. Employing only the
      lack of ROSC as criteria for termination of resuscitation may miss survivors
      after OHCA.

PMID- 25128745
TI  - Prognostic value of elevated serum ceruloplasmin levels in patients with heart
      failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ceruloplasmin (Cp) is a copper-binding acute-phase protein that is
      increased in inflammatory states and deficient in Wilson's disease. Recent
      studies demonstrate that increased levels of Cp are associated with increased
      risk of developing heart failure. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that
      serum Cp provides incremental and independent prediction of survival in stable
      patients with heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured serum Cp levels in
      890 patients with stable heart failure undergoing elective cardiac evaluation
      that included coronary angiography. We examined the role of Cp levels in
      predicting survival over 5 years of follow-up. Mean Cp level was 26.6 +/- 6.9
      mg/dL and demonstrated relatively weak correlation with B-type natriuretic
      peptide (BNP; r = 0.187; P < .001). Increased Cp levels were associated with
      increased 5-year all-cause mortality (quartile [Q] 4 vs Q1 hazard ratio [HR] 1.9,
      95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-2.8; P < .001). When controlled for coronary
      disease traditional risk factors, creatinine clearance, dialysis, body mass
      index, medications, history of myocardial infarction, BNP, left ventricular
      ejection fraction (LVEF), heart rate, QRS duration, left bundle branch blockage,
      and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement, higher Cp remained an
      independent predictor of increased mortality (Q4 vs Q1 HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6; P
      < .05). Model quality was improved with addition of Cp to the aforementioned
      covariables (net reclassification improvement of 9.3%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Ceruloplasmin is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with
      heart failure. Measurement of Cp may help to identify patients at heightened
      mortality risk.

PMID- 25128747
TI  - Occurrence of the three major Vibrio species pathogenic for human in seafood
      products consumed in France using real-time PCR.
AB  - Vibrio spp. have emerged as a serious threat to human health worldwide. Vibrio
      parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus are of particular concern
      as they have been linked to gastrointestinal infections and septicemia associated
      with the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. We developed hydrolysis probe
      based real-time PCR systems with an internal amplification control for the
      detection of these species. We applied these systems to a total of 167 fresh or
      frozen crustacean, fish and shellfish samples consumed in France. Of them, 34.7%
      (n=58) were positive for Vibrio. V. parahaemolyticus was the most common, in
      31.1% of samples, followed by V. vulnificus in 12.6% and V. cholerae in 0.6%.
      Furthermore, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus were present simultaneously in
      9.6% of samples. Virulence genes (tdh and trh sequences) were present in 25% of
      the V. parahaemolyticus-positive samples. The V. cholerae strain detected was non
      toxigenic. The densities of V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae ranged from
      <10(2) to 10(4)bacteria/g of seafood. All samples positive for V. vulnificus
      displayed low-level contamination with fewer than 10(2)bacteria/g. Our findings
      indicate that seafood consumption presents a potential risk to human health in
      France and highlight the importance of tools for a preventive consumer protection
      policy. 

PMID- 25128749
TI  - Impaired coronary microvascular and left ventricular diastolic function in
      patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Increased incidence of coronary vascular events in patients
      with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is known. However, the association between
      coronary microvascular function and IBD has not been fully defined. We aimed to
      investigate whether coronary flow reserve (CFR) and left ventricular diastolic
      function were impaired in IBD patients. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with IBD
      (36 patients with ulcerative colitis [UC] and 36 Crohn's disease [CD]) were
      registered. Each subject was evaluated after a minimum 15-day attack-free period.
      For the control group, 36 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included
      into the study. IBD clinical disease activity in UC was assessed by the Truelove
      Witts Index (TWAS) and in CD by the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI). In
      each subject, CFR was measured through transthoracic Doppler echocardiography.
      RESULTS: Compared to the controls, the CD group and UC group had significantly
      higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation
      rate. Baseline diastolic peak flow velocity (DPFV) of the left anterior
      descending artery (LAD) was significantly higher in the IBD group (24.1+/-3.9 vs.
      22. 4+/-2.9, p<0.05), and hyperemic DPFV (56.1+/-12.5 vs. 70.6+/-15.3, p<0.05)
      and CFR (2.34+/-0.44 vs. 3.14+/-0.54, p<0.05) were significantly lower in the IBD
      group than in the control group. In stepwise linear regression analysis, hs-CRP
      and lateral Em/Am ratio were independently correlated with CFR. CONCLUSION: CFR,
      reflecting coronary microvascular function, is impaired in patients with IBD. CFR
      and left ventricular diastolic function parameters are well correlated with hs
      CRP.

PMID- 25128748
TI  - Effects of intracerebroventricular injections of 5-HT on systemic vascular
      resistances of conscious rats.
AB  - The aims of this study were to determine (i) the effects of
      intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 10MUg)
      on mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and mesenteric (MR), renal
      (RR) and hindquarter (HQR) vascular resistances of conscious rats, (ii) the
      central 5-HT receptor subtype which mediates these effects, and (iii) the role of
      nitric oxide (NO) in the expression of these responses. The i.c.v. injection of 5
      HT had minor effects on MAP but produced a decrease in HR (-18+/-4%), which
      lasted for 20min. The i.c.v. injection of 5-HT elicited marked increases in MR
      (+50+/-7%) and reductions in HQR (-31+/-3%). These responses occurred promptly
      and lasted for 25-35min. 5-HT also produced a transient decrease in RR (-26+/-8%
      at 10min). All of these responses were prevented by the prior i.c.v. injection of
      the 5-HT1/5-HT2-receptor antagonist, methysergide (10MUg). The intravenous
      injection of the NO synthesis inhibitor, L-NAME (25MUmol/kg), produced a
      sustained pressor response, bradycardia and increases in MR, RR and HQR.
      Subsequent i.c.v. injection of 5-HT produced a minor pressor response (+7+/-2%),
      bradycardia (-18+/-3%), an increase in MR (+52+/-8%) but no decreases in RR or
      HQR. This study demonstrates that i.c.v. 5-HT differentially affects peripheral
      vascular resistances by activation of central 5-HT1/5-HT2-receptors. It appears
      that L-NAME did not interfere with the central actions of 5-HT as it did not
      prevent the 5-HT-induced bradycardia or mesenteric vasoconstriction. Since the 5
      HT-induced falls in RR and HQR were abolished by L-NAME, it is possible that
      these responses are mediated by an active neurogenic process involving the
      release of NO within the vasculature. 

PMID- 25128751
TI  - Assessment of presentation methods for ReFace computerized facial approximations.
AB  - Facial approximations (whether clay sculptures, sketches, or computer-generated)
      can be presented to the public in a variety of layouts, but there are currently
      no clear indicators as to what style of presentation is most effective at
      eliciting recognition. The primary purpose of this study is to determine which of
      five presentation methods produces the most favorable recognition results. A
      secondary goal of the research is to evaluate a new method for assessing the
      accuracy of facial approximations. Previous studies have evaluated facial
      approximation effectiveness using standards similar to studies of eyewitness
      identification in which a single, definitive choice must be made by the research
      participant. These criteria seem inappropriate given that facial approximation is
      strictly an investigative tool to help narrow the search for potential matching
      candidates in the process of identification. Results from the study showed a
      higher performance for methods utilizing more than one image of the
      approximation, but which specific method performed best varied among
      approximation subjects. Also, results for all five presentation methods showed
      that, when given the opportunity to select more than one approximation,
      participants were consistently better at identifying the correct approximation as
      one of a few possible matches to the missing person than they were at singling
      out the correct approximation. This suggests that facial approximations have
      perhaps been undervalued as investigative tools in previous research. 

PMID- 25128752
TI  - Cortical modulation of pain: comments on "exacerbation of tonic but not phasic
      pain by entorhinal cortex lesions".

PMID- 25128750
TI  - Engineering in vivo gradients of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor ligands for
      localized microvascular remodeling and inflammatory cell positioning.
AB  - Biomaterial-mediated controlled release of soluble signaling molecules is a
      tissue engineering approach to spatially control processes of inflammation,
      microvascular remodeling and host cell recruitment, and to generate biochemical
      gradients in vivo. Lipid mediators, such as sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), are
      recognized for their essential roles in spatial guidance, signaling and highly
      regulated endogenous gradients. S1P and pharmacological analogs such as FTY720
      are therapeutically attractive targets for their critical roles in the
      trafficking of cells between blood and tissue spaces, both physiologically and
      pathophysiologically. However, the interaction of locally delivered sphingolipids
      with the complex metabolic networks controlling the flux of lipid species in
      inflamed tissue has yet to be elucidated. In this study, complementary in vitro
      and in vivo approaches are investigated to identify relationships between polymer
      composition, drug release kinetics, S1P metabolic activity, signaling gradients
      and spatial positioning of circulating cells around poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)
      biomaterials. Results demonstrate that biomaterial-based gradients of S1P are
      short-lived in the tissue due to degradation by S1P lyase, an enzyme that
      irreversibly degrades intracellular S1P. On the other hand, in vivo gradients of
      the more stable compound, FTY720, enhance microvascular remodeling by selectively
      recruiting an anti-inflammatory subset of monocytes (S1P3(high)) to the
      biomaterial. Results highlight the need to better understand the endogenous
      balance of lipid import/export machinery and lipid kinase/phosphatase activity in
      order to design biomaterial products that spatially control the innate immune
      environment to maximize regenerative potential. 

PMID- 25128753
TI  - Behavioral characteristics of subthreshold depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examines differences in behavioral characteristics among
      individuals who are not depressed and individuals with subthreshold depression,
      and depression. METHODS: We conducted structured interviews with 111
      undergraduate students, who also completed self-report scales. The participants
      were divided into a non-depression group, a subthreshold depression group, and a
      depression group based on results of the structured interview and the BDI-II.
      RESULTS: There were significant differences in avoidance between depression group
      and other two groups. Also, for the environmental rewards, there were significant
      difference between the non-depressed group and the other two groups. LIMITATIONS:
      The sample of depressed participants was small. The overall sample consisted only
      undergraduate students. CONCLUSIONS: This study reported that there are different
      behavioral characteristics among non-depression, subthreshold depression, and
      depression groups. Whereas depression group is characterized by high frequency of
      avoidance and low environmental rewards, subthreshold depression group is
      characterized by only low environmental rewards.

PMID- 25128754
TI  - Hospital management of self-harm patients and risk of repetition: systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-harm is a common reason for hospital presentation; however,
      evidence to guide clinical management of these patients to reduce their risk of
      repeat self-harm and suicide is lacking. METHODS: We undertook a systematic
      review to investigate whether between study differences in reported clinical
      management of self-harm patients were associated with the risk of repeat self
      harm and suicide. RESULTS: Altogether 64 prospective studies were identified that
      described the clinical care of self-harm patients and the incidence of repeat
      self-harm and suicide. The proportion of a cohort psychosocially assessed was not
      associated with the recorded incidence of repeat self-harm or suicide; the
      incidence of repeat self-harm was 16.7% (95% CI 13.8-20.1) in studies in the
      lowest tertile of assessment levels and 19.0% (95% CI 15.7-23.0) in the highest
      tertile. There was no association of repeat self-harm with differing levels of
      hospital admission (n=47 studies) or receiving specialist follow-up (n=12
      studies). In studies reporting on levels of hospital admission and suicide (n=5),
      cohorts where a higher proportion of patients were admitted to a hospital bed
      reported a lower incidence of subsequent suicide (0.6%, 95% CI 0.5-0.8) compared
      to cohorts with lower levels of admission (1.9%, 95% CI 1.1-3.2). LIMITATIONS: In
      some analyses power was limited due to the small number of studies reporting the
      exposures of interest. Case mix and aspects of care are likely to vary between
      studies. DISCUSSION: There is little clear evidence to suggest routine aspects of
      self-harm patient care, including psychosocial assessment, reduce the risk of
      subsequent suicide and repeat self-harm.

PMID- 25128755
TI  - A framework for monitoring social process and outcomes in environmental programs.
AB  - When environmental programs frame their activities as being in the service of
      human wellbeing, social variables need to be integrated into monitoring and
      evaluation (M&E) frameworks. This article draws upon ecosystem services theory to
      develop a framework to guide the M&E of collaborative environmental programs with
      anticipated social benefits. The framework has six components: program need,
      program activities, pathway process variables, moderating process variables,
      outcomes, and program value. Needs are defined in terms of ecosystem services, as
      well as other human needs that must be addressed to achieve outcomes. The pathway
      variable relates to the development of natural resource governance capacity in
      the target community. Moderating processes can be externalities such as the
      inherent capacity of the natural system to service ecosystem needs, local demand
      for natural resources, policy or socio-economic drivers. Internal program
      specific processes relate to program service delivery, targeting and participant
      responsiveness. Ecological outcomes are expressed in terms of changes in
      landscape structure and function, which in turn influence ecosystem service
      provision. Social benefits derived from the program are expressed in terms of the
      value of the eco-social service to user-specified goals. The article provides
      suggestions from the literature for identifying indicators and measures for
      components and component variables, and concludes with an example of how the
      framework was used to inform the M&E of an adaptive co-management program in
      western Kenya. 

PMID- 25128756
TI  - Enhanced contrast separation in scanning electron microscopes via a suspended
      thin sample approach.
AB  - A suspended-thin-sample (STS) approach for signal selection and contrast
      separation is developed in scanning electron microscopes with commonly used
      primary beam energies and traditional detectors. Topography contrast, electron
      channeling contrast and composition contrast are separated and largely enhanced
      from suspended thin samples of several hundred nanometers in thickness, which is
      less than the escape depth of backscattered electrons. This imaging technique
      enables to detect relatively pure secondary electron and elastic backscattered
      electron singles, whereas suppress multiple inelastic scattering effects. The
      provided contrast features are different from those of bulk samples, which are
      largely mixed with inelastic scattering effects. The STS imaging concept and
      method could be expected to have more applications in distinguishing materials of
      nanostructures, multilayers, compounds and composites, as well as in SEM-based
      electron backscatter diffraction, cathodoluminesence, and x-ray microanalysis. 

PMID- 25128757
TI  - PCSK9 levels in abdominally obese men: association with cardiometabolic risk
      profile and effects of a one-year lifestyle modification program.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Studies performed in rodents have suggested a role for proprotein
      convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in insulin resistance and impaired
      body fat distribution. Our objective was to examine the relationships between
      markers of adiposity and insulin resistance and plasma PCSK9 levels in humans. In
      addition, we explored the effect of a one-year lifestyle modification program on
      plasma PCSK9 levels in abdominally obese, dyslipidemic men. METHODS: Plasma PCSK9
      levels were measured by ELISA in 175 abdominally obese, dyslipidemic sedentary
      men. Of these abdominally obese men, 117 non-diabetic individuals completed a one
      year lifestyle modification program aiming at increasing cardiorespiratory
      fitness levels and improving nutritional quality. RESULTS: We found no
      association between plasma PCSK9 levels and body mass index, waist circumference,
      fat and fat-free mass, or visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue measured by
      computed tomography. Compared to men with the lowest PCSK9 levels (bottom
      tertile), those with the highest PCSK9 levels (top tertile) had the most
      detrimental lipoprotein-lipid profile including lower LDL particle size (253.6 +/
      4.0 vs. 251.6 +/- 4.0 A, p < 0.05) and higher apolipoprotein C-III levels (36.8
      +/- 10.6 vs. 32.3 +/- 32.3, p < 0.05). These men were also characterized by
      higher HOMA-IR indices (6.78 +/- 3.01 vs. 5.54 +/- 2.91, p < 0.05). After one
      year, study participants lost on average 6.7 +/- 4.6 kg (p < 0.0001). Plasma
      PCSK9 decreased by 9.2 +/- 53.7 ng/ml (3.8%, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma PCSK9
      levels are not associated with body fat distribution indices, modestly associated
      with markers of insulin resistance and LDL particle size and are slightly
      affected by a lifestyle modification program in abdominally obese men.

PMID- 25128758
TI  - Osteopontin - a multi-modal marker and mediator in atherosclerotic vascular
      disease.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process of the vessel wall with
      systemic correlates. It is now well established that patients' outcome is tightly
      linked to atherosclerotic plaque stability, potentially more so than to the mere
      plaque size. Osteopontin (OPN) is an integrin-binding ligand, N-linked
      glycoprotein, which was recognized as a significant participant in the
      atherosclerotic inflammatory milieu. Evidence from several genetic mouse models
      suggests that OPN is an enhancer of atherosclerosis. This may be mediated by its
      capacity to enhance inflammation in the atherosclerotic plaque. Interestingly,
      OPN may also possess potentially protective vascular effects, such as attenuation
      of vascular calcification. In humans circulating levels of OPN were found to be
      independently associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Moreover,
      several studies report that high plasma OPN levels were associated with increased
      risk for major adverse cardiac events. This review aims to critically assess
      current understanding of the role of OPN in the atherosclerotic process, from
      animal models to clinical practice. Specific focus is given to evaluating whether
      OPN could serve as a marker for monitoring coronary atherosclerosis severity, and
      in parallel, assess the evidence for its role as a mediator in the pathogenic
      pathways leading to atherosclerotic vascular disease. 

PMID- 25128759
TI  - Activated macrophages create lineage-specific microenvironments for pancreatic
      acinar- and beta-cell regeneration in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although the cells that contribute to pancreatic regeneration
      have been widely studied, little is known about the mediators of this process.
      During tissue regeneration, infiltrating macrophages debride the site of injury
      and coordinate the repair response. We investigated the role of macrophages in
      pancreatic regeneration in mice. METHODS: We used a saporin-conjugated antibody
      against CD11b to reduce the number of macrophages in mice following diphtheria
      toxin receptor-mediated cell ablation of pancreatic cells, and evaluated the
      effects on pancreatic regeneration. We analyzed expression patterns of
      infiltrating macrophages after cell-specific injury or from the pancreas of
      nonobese diabetic mice. We developed an in vitro culture system to study the
      ability of macrophages to induce cell-specific regeneration. RESULTS: Depletion
      of macrophages impaired pancreatic regeneration. Macrophage polarization, as
      assessed by expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, interleukin
      10, and CD206, depended on the type of injury. The signals provided by polarized
      macrophages promoted lineage-specific generation of acinar or endocrine cells.
      Macrophage from nonobese diabetic mice failed to provide signals necessary for
      beta-cell generation. CONCLUSIONS: Macrophages produce cell type-specific signals
      required for pancreatic regeneration in mice. Additional study of these processes
      and signals might lead to new approaches for treating type 1 diabetes or
      pancreatitis.

PMID- 25128760
TI  - Dual DNA-binding domains shape the interaction of Brh2 with DNA.
AB  - Brh2, the BRCA2 ortholog in the fungus Ustilago maydis, harbors two different DNA
      binding domains, one located in the N-terminal region and the other located in
      the C-terminal region. Here we were interested in comparing the biochemical
      properties of Brh2 fragments, Brh2(NT) and Brh2(CT), respectively, harboring the
      two different DNA-binding regions to understand the mechanistic purpose of dual
      DNA-interaction domains. With oligonucleotide substrates to model different DNA
      conformations, it was found that the substrate specificity of Brh2(NT) and
      Brh2(CT) was almost indistinguishable although avidity was different depending on
      salt concentration. DNA annealing activity inherent in Brh2 was found to be
      attributable to Brh2(NT). Likewise, activity responsible for a second-end capture
      reaction modeling a later step in repair of DNA double-strand breaks was found
      attributable to Brh2(NT). Efficient annealing of DNA strands coated with RPA
      required full length Brh2 rather than Brh2(NT) suggesting Brh2(CT) contributes to
      the activity when RPA is present. Brh2(NT) and Brh2(CT) were both found capable
      of physically interacting with RPA. The results suggest that while the two DNA
      binding regions of Brh2 appear functionally redundant in certain aspects of DNA
      repair, they differ in fundamental properties, and likely contribute in different
      ways to repair processes involving or arising from stalled DNA replication forks.

PMID- 25128761
TI  - Remarkable induction of UV-signature mutations at the 3'-cytosine of dipyrimidine
      sites except at 5'-TCG-3' in the UVB-exposed skin epidermis of xeroderma
      pigmentosum variant model mice.
AB  - The human POLH gene is responsible for the variant form of xeroderma pigmentosum
      (XP-V), a genetic disease highly susceptible to cancer on sun-exposed skin areas,
      and encodes DNA polymerase eta (poleta), which is specialized for translesion DNA
      synthesis (TLS) of UV-induced DNA photolesions. We constructed poleta-deficient
      mice transgenic with lacZ mutational reporter genes to study the effect of Polh
      null mutation (Polh(-/-)) on mutagenesis in the skin after UVB irradiation. UVB
      induced lacZ mutations with remarkably higher frequency in the Polh(-/-)
      epidermis and dermis than in the wild-type (Polh(+/+)) and heterozygote. DNA
      sequences of a hundred lacZ mutants isolated from the epidermis of four UVB
      exposed Polh(-/-) mice were determined and compared with mutant sequences from
      irradiated Polh(+)(/)(+) mice. The spectra of the mutations in the two genotypes
      were both highly UV-specific and dominated by C->T transitions at dipyrimidines,
      namely UV-signature mutations. However, sequence preferences of the occurrence of
      UV-signature mutations were quite different between the two genotypes: the
      mutations occurred at a higher frequency preferentially at the 5'-TCG-3' sequence
      context than at the other dipyrimidine contexts in the Polh(+/+) epidermis,
      whereas the mutations were induced remarkably and exclusively at the 3'-cytosine
      of almost all dipyrimidine contexts with no preference for 5'-TCG-3' in the Polh(
      /-) epidermis. In addition, in Polh(-/-) mice, a small but remarkable fraction of
      G->T transversions was also observed exclusively at the 3'-cytosine of
      dipyrimidine sites, strongly suggesting that these transversions resulted not
      from oxidative damage but from UV photolesions. These results would reflect the
      characteristics of the error-prone TLS functioning in the bypass of UV
      photolesions in the absence of poleta, which would be mediated by mechanisms
      based on the two-step model of TLS. On the other hand, the deamination model
      would explain well the mutation spectrum in the Polh(+/+) genotype. 

PMID- 25128763
TI  - Isolation and characterization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and their
      effects on phytoremediation of petroleum-contaminated saline-alkali soil.
AB  - This study aimed to isolate promising halotolerant and alkalotolerant plant
      growth-promoting rhizobacteria and to study their effects on the growth of tall
      fescue and phytodegradation efficiency in a petroleum-contaminated saline
      alkaline soil. A total of 115 PGPR strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of
      tall fescue grown in petroleum-contaminated saline-alkaline soils. Of these, 5
      strains indicating 1-aminocyclopropane-l-carboxylic acid deaminase activity>1.0M
      alpha-KB mg(-1)h(-1) were selected for further studies. The isolate D5A presented
      the highest plant-growth-promoting activity and was identified as Klebsiella sp.
      It grew well on the Luria-Bertani medium containing 9% NaCl and at a pH range of
      4-10. A pot experiment was then conducted to study the effect of isolates on
      phytoremediation. The results showed that inoculation of D5A promoted tall fescue
      growth and enhanced remediation efficiency in petroleum-contaminated saline
      alkaline soil.

PMID- 25128762
TI  - Virus-host mucosal interactions during early SIV rectal transmission.
AB  - To deepen our understanding of early rectal transmission of HIV-1, we studied
      virus-host interactions in the rectal mucosa using simian immunodeficiency virus
      (SIV)-Indian rhesus macaque model and mRNA deep sequencing. We found that rectal
      mucosa actively responded to SIV as early as 3 days post-rectal inoculation (dpi)
      and mobilized more robust responses at 6 and 10 dpi. Our results suggest that the
      failure of the host to contain virus replication at the portal of entry is
      attributable to both a high-level expression of lymphocyte chemoattractant,
      proinflammatory and immune activation genes, which can recruit and activate viral
      susceptible target cells into mucosa; and a high-level expression of SIV
      accessory genes, which are known to be able to counter and evade host restriction
      factors and innate immune responses. This study provides new insights into the
      mechanism of rectal transmission.

PMID- 25128764
TI  - Removal of CdTe in acidic media by magnetic ion-exchange resin: a potential
      recycling methodology for cadmium telluride photovoltaic waste.
AB  - Sulfonated magnetic microspheres (PSt-DVB-SNa MPs) have been successfully
      prepared as adsorbents via an aqueous suspension polymerization of styrene
      divinylbenzene and a sulfonation reaction successively. The resulting adsorbents
      were confirmed by means of Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron
      microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) and
      vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The leaching process of CdTe was optimized,
      and the removal efficiency of Cd and Te from the leaching solution was
      investigated. The adsorbents could directly remove all cations of Cd and Te from
      a highly acidic leaching solution of CdTe. The adsorption process for Cd and Te
      reached equilibrium in a few minutes and this process highly depended on the
      dosage of adsorbents and the affinity of sulfonate groups with cations. Because
      of its good adsorption capacity in strong acidic media, high adsorbing rate, and
      efficient magnetic separation from the solution, PSt-DVB-SNa MPs is expected to
      be an ideal material for the recycling of CdTe photovoltaic waste. 

PMID- 25128765
TI  - The lipid profile of brown adipose tissue is sex-specific in mice.
AB  - Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a thermogenic organ with a vital function in small
      mammals and potential as metabolic drug target in humans. By using high
      resolution LC-tandem-mass spectrometry, we quantified 329 lipid species from 17
      (sub)classes and identified the fatty acid composition of all phospholipids from
      BAT and subcutaneous and gonadal white adipose tissue (WAT) from female and male
      mice. Phospholipids and free fatty acids were higher in BAT, while DAG and TAG
      levels were higher in WAT. A set of phospholipids dominated by the residue
      docosahexaenoic acid, which influences membrane fluidity, showed the highest
      specificity for BAT. We additionally detected major sex-specific differences
      between the BAT lipid profiles, while samples from the different WAT depots were
      comparatively similar. Female BAT contained less triacylglycerol and more
      phospholipids rich in arachidonic and stearic acid whereas another set of fatty
      acid residues that included linoleic and palmitic acid prevailed in males. These
      differences in phospholipid fatty acid composition could greatly affect
      mitochondrial membranes and other cellular organelles and thereby regulate the
      function of BAT in a sex-specific manner. 

PMID- 25128766
TI  - Increased oxidative DNA damage and decreased expression of base excision repair
      proteins in airway epithelial cells of women who cook with biomass fuels.
AB  - To investigate whether biomass burning causes oxidative DNA damage and alters the
      expression of DNA base excision repair (BER) proteins in airway cells, sputum
      samples were collected from 80 premenopausal rural biomass-users and 70 age
      matched control women who cooked with liquefied petroleum gas. Compared with
      control the airway cells of biomass-users showed increased DNA damage in alkaline
      comet assay. Biomass-users showed higher percentage of cells expressing oxidative
      DNA damage marker 8-oxoguanine and lower percentages of BER proteins OGG1 and
      APE1 by immunocytochemical staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was
      doubled and level of superoxide dismutase was depleted significantly among
      biomass-users. The concentrations of particulate matters were higher in biomass
      using households which positively correlated with ROS generation and negatively
      with BER proteins expressions. ROS generation was positively correlated with 8
      oxoguanine and negatively with BER proteins suggesting cooking with biomass is a
      risk for genotoxicity among rural women in their child-bearing age. 

PMID- 25128767
TI  - Increased expression and activation of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase
      1 (SGK1) by cadmium in HK-2 renal proximal tubular epithelial cells.
AB  - In HK-2 cells exposed to cadmium chloride (CdCl2), the level of serum- and
      glucocorticoid-inducible kinase-1 (SGK1) protein is increased, but the levels of
      SGK2 and SGK3 proteins are not. Phosphorylation of SGK1 protein is also observed.
      Treatment with actinomycin D abolished CdCl2-induced elevation of SGK1 mRNA
      level. Treatment with actinomycin D or cycloheximide suppressed SGK1 protein
      levels in cells exposed to CdCl2. Treatment with SGK1 inhibitor EMD638683 or
      knockdown of SGK1 with siRNA suppressed CdCl2-induced phosphorylation of N-Myc
      downstream-regulated kinase 1 (NDRG1). These results indicate that cadmium
      induces the transcriptional upregulation of SGK1 expression and regulates NDRG1
      in HK-2 cells. 

PMID- 25128768
TI  - Morpho-physiological effects of ibuprofen on Scenedesmus rubescens.
AB  - The pollution of aquatic bodies by drugs is an emerging environmental problem,
      because of their extensive use in animal and human context. Ibuprofen, 2-[4-(2
      methylpropyl)phenyl]propanoic acid, is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
      mainly present both in wastewater and in rivers and lakes in Europe. Since in
      literature there is little information about the effects of ibuprofen on
      microalgae, in this paper we presented the results on the effects of this
      molecule at different concentrations (62.5MUgL(-1), 250MUgL(-1) and 1000MUgL(-1))
      on cultures of the freshwater microalga Scenedesmus rubescens (P.J.L. Dangeard)
      E. Kesslet et al. Ibuprofen effects on the alga were assayed at first through
      analyses of the growth curve. Moreover, analyses of cell morphology,
      ultrastructure, and photosynthetic pigments were additionally performed. The
      first negative effect of the drug was on the microalga growth, suggesting a drug
      action dose-dependent mechanism type, more evident at the concentration of
      1000MUgL(-1) ibuprofen and in the last phase of the growth curve. In support of
      this, following ibuprofen exposure, the cells exhibited morphological and
      ultrastructural alterations, mainly consisting in large cytoplasmic inclusions,
      probably of lipids and/or carotenoids. The decrease of chlorophyll amounts and,
      on the contrary, the increase of carotenoids were correlated with a stressful
      condition induced by drug. 

PMID- 25128769
TI  - Arsenic decreases antinociceptive activity of paracetamol: possible involvement
      of serotonergic and endocannabinoid receptors.
AB  - We assessed whether repeated arsenic exposure can decrease paracetamol-mediated
      antinociception by modulating serotonergic and endocannabinoid pathways. Rats
      were preexposed to elemental arsenic (4ppm) as sodium arsenite through drinking
      water for 28 days. Next day paracetamol's (400mg/kg, oral) antinociceptive
      activity was assessed through formalin-induced nociception. Serotonin content and
      gene expression of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and CB1 receptors were evaluated in brainstem
      and frontal cortex. Arsenic decreased paracetamol-mediated analgesia.
      Paracetamol, but not arsenic, increased serotonin content in these regions.
      Arsenic attenuated paracetamol-mediated increase in serotonin level. Paracetamol
      did not alter 5-HT1A expression, but caused down-regulation of 5-HT2A and up
      regulation of CB1 receptors. Arsenic down-regulated these receptors. However,
      paracetamol-mediated down-regulation of 5-HT2A was more pronounced. Arsenic did
      not modify paracetamol's effect on 5-HT1A expression, but reduced paracetamol
      mediated down-regulation of 5-HT2A and reversed up-regulation of CB1 receptors.
      Results suggest arsenic reduced paracetamol-induced analgesia possibly by
      interfering with pronociceptive 5-HT2A and antinociceptive CB1 receptors. 

PMID- 25128770
TI  - Chemical composition, anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxic activity of the
      liposoluble constituents from different parts of Acanthopanax evodiaefolius by
      the Herbal Blitzkrieg Extractor.
AB  - The liposoluble constituents of leaves (LCL) and stem barks (LCSB) from
      Acanthopanax evodiaefolius Franch were extracted by Herbal Blitzkrieg Extractor
      (HBE), and their chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS. 18 compounds were
      identified, representing 71.98% of LCL, while 35 compounds were identified,
      accounting for 98.28% of the LCSB. Their cytotoxic activity and inhibitory effect
      on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were tested and
      the LCL showed significant NO, IL-6 and TNF-alpha inhibition activity. These
      results provide the scientific basis for looking for new natural anti
      inflammatory substances and exploiting and developing resources of A.
      evodiaefolius Franch. 

PMID- 25128771
TI  - Arsenic trioxide exerts a double effect on osteoblast growth in vitro.
AB  - Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a promising antitumor agent used to treat acute
      promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and, recently solid tumor. The present study was
      designed to evaluate the effect of ATO proliferation of osteoblast that plays
      very important roles in maintaining the structure integrity and function of bone.
      Cell survives, apoptosis, collagen, and molecular targets were identified by
      multiple detecting techniques, including MTT assay, electron microscopy, collagen
      detecting kit, TUNEL kit, and western blot in hFOB1.19 human osteoblasts cell
      line. The results showed that low dose of ATO (0.25, 0.5, and 1MUM) remarkably
      enhanced the viability of cultured osteoblasts in a concentration- and time
      dependent manner. Intriguingly, a dual effect of high dose of ATO (5, 10, and
      20MUM) was also observed showing significant reduction in viability of culture
      osteoblasts at concentration- and time-dependent fashion. Moreover, low dose of
      ATO promoted secretion and synthesis of collagen, whereas high dose of ATO
      induced typical morphological characteristics of apoptosis in osteoblasts.
      Mechanically, western blot results demonstrated that low dose of ATO dramatically
      up-regulated TGF-beta1 protein and activated p-AKT proliferative signaling. And,
      high dose of ATO increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in a time-dependent fashion and
      activated caspase-3 apoptotic signaling. These results demonstrate at the first
      time that ATO exerts a double effect on osteoblast function depending upon the
      concentration and provide a clue to rationally use ATO for clinicians to pay more
      attention to protect bone from the adverse effects of therapeutic dose of ATO
      during tumor therapy. 

PMID- 25128772
TI  - Protective effect of naringenin against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in
      rats.
AB  - The protective effect of naringenin, a flavonoid compound isolated from citrus
      fruits, was investigated against nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin (80mgkg(
      1)/day, i.p., for eight days) in rats. Naringenin treatment (50mgkg(-1)/day,
      p.o.) was administered for eight days, starting on the same day of gentamicin
      administration. Gentamicin caused significant elevations of serum creatinine, and
      kidney tissue levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and interleukin-8, and a
      significant decrease in renal glutathione peroxidase activity. Naringenin
      treatment significantly ameliorated the changes in the measured biochemical
      parameters resulted from gentamicin administration. Also, naringenin markedly
      attenuated the histopathological renal tissue injury observed with gentamicin.
      Immunohistochemical examinations showed that naringenin significantly reduced the
      gentamicin-induced expression of kidney injury molecule-1, vascular endothelial
      growth factor, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and caspase-9, and increased
      survivin expression in the kidney tissue. It was concluded that naringenin,
      through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, may represent a
      therapeutic option to protect against gentamicin nephrotoxicity. 

PMID- 25128773
TI  - Geochemical and grain-size distribution of radioactive and stable cesium in
      Fukushima soils: implications for their long-term behavior.
AB  - Availability and mobility of radioactive cesium, (137)Cs, in soils are crucial
      for recovery from the accident in the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plants. In
      this study we investigated the geochemical and grain-size distribution of (137)Cs
      in 11 soil samples collected in the eastern area of Fukushima Prefecture after
      the accident. Sequential extractions were performed to evaluate the distribution
      of (137)Cs having different geochemical interactions with soil components. The
      result was further compared with that of the stable cesium, (133)Cs, which had
      occurred in the soils before the accident. The distribution of (137)Cs in
      different grain-size fractions was also determined. Radioactive cesium was
      predominantly found in the extract obtained by strong-acid dissolution and the
      extraction residue and was more concentrated in silt and clay grains. X-ray
      diffraction analyses revealed that micaceous minerals as well as kaolin minerals
      were predominantly dissolved by the strong-acid treatment. Correlation between
      the fraction of (137)Cs and the content of micaceous minerals in different grain
      size fractions of soil minerals suggests that micaceous minerals are responsible
      for the fixation of (137)Cs in the soils. The isotopic ratio of (137)Cs and
      (133)Cs in the extract by strong-acid dissolution was more than three times
      smaller than those in the extracts by water, ion exchange, and reductive
      dissolution. This indicates that the distribution of (137)Cs was not in the
      steady state in 2 y after the accident due to relatively slow fixation by the
      soil clay minerals. 

PMID- 25128774
TI  - High (36)Cl/Cl ratios in Chernobyl groundwater.
AB  - After the explosion of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in April 1986,
      contaminated material was buried in shallow trenches within the exclusion zone. A
      (90)Sr plume was evidenced downgradient of one of these trenches, trench T22. Due
      to its conservative properties, (36)Cl is investigated here as a potential tracer
      to determine the maximal extent of the contamination plume from the trench in
      groundwater. (36)Cl/Cl ratios measured in groundwater, trench soil water and leaf
      leachates are 1-5 orders of magnitude higher than the theoretical natural
      (36)Cl/Cl ratio. This contamination occurred after the Chernobyl explosion and
      currently persists. Trench T22 acts as an obvious modern point source of (36)Cl,
      however other sources have to be involved to explain such contamination. (36)Cl
      contamination of groundwater can be explained by dilution of trench soil water by
      uncontaminated water (rainwater or deep groundwater). With a plume extending
      further than that of (90)Sr, radionuclide which is impacted by retention and
      decay processes, (36)Cl can be considered as a suitable tracer of contamination
      from the trench in groundwater provided that modern release processes of (36)Cl
      from trench soil are better characterized. 

PMID- 25128775
TI  - Development of a model using the MATLAB System identification toolbox to estimate
      (222)Rn equilibrium factor from CR-39 based passive measurements.
AB  - Can and Bare method is a widely used passive method for measuring the equilibrium
      factor F through the determination of the track density ratio between bare (D)
      and filtered (Do) detectors. The dimensions of the used diffusion chamber are
      altering the deposition ratios of Po-isotopes on the chamber walls as well as the
      ratios of the existing alpha emitters in air. Then the measured filtered track
      density and therefore the resultant equilibrium factor is changed according to
      the diffusion chamber dimensions. For this reason, high uncertainty was expected
      in the measured F using different diffusion chambers. In the present work, F is
      derived as a function of both track density ratio (D/Do) and the dimensions of
      the used diffusion chambers (its volume to the total internal surface area; V/A).
      The accuracy of the derived formula was verified using the black-box modeling
      technique via the MATLAB System identification toolbox. The results show that the
      uncertainty of the calculated F by using the derived formula of F (D/Do, V/A) is
      only 5%. The obtained uncertainty ensures the quality of the derived function to
      calculate F using diffusion chambers with wide range of dimensions. 

PMID- 25128776
TI  - Total contents of arsenic and associated health risks in edible mushrooms,
      mushroom supplements and growth substrates from Galicia (NW Spain).
AB  - The levels of arsenic (As) in the main commercial species of mushrooms present in
      Galicia, in their growth substrates, and mushroom supplements have been analysed
      by ICP-MS, with the intention of assessing potential health risks involved with
      their consumption. The mean concentrations of As in wild and cultivated mushrooms
      was 0.27mg/kg dw, in mushroom supplements 0.40mg/kg dw, in soils 5.10mg/kg dw,
      and in growth substrate 0.51mg/kg dw. No significant differences were observed
      between species, although the species Lactarius deliciosus possessed a slightly
      more elevated mean concentration (at 0.49mg/kg dw) than the other species
      investigated. In soils, statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were
      observed according to geographic origin. Levels in mushroom supplements, although
      low, were higher than in wild or cultivated mushrooms. Measured arsenic levels
      were within the normal range in samples analysed in unpolluted areas. Because of
      the low As concentrations found in fungi and mushroom supplements from Galicia,
      and considering the relatively small inclusion of these foods in people's diet,
      it can be concluded that there is no toxicological risk of arsenic associated
      with the consumption of the species of mushrooms analysed or at the dosages
      indicated for mushroom supplements. 

PMID- 25128777
TI  - Outcome and surgical management for geriatric traumatic brain injury: analysis of
      888 cases registered in the Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: As the aged population is rapidly growing globally, geriatric
      traumatic brain injury (TBI) becomes an increasing problem. There are higher
      mortality and poorer functional outcome in the geriatric TBI population (>=65
      years) compared with younger groups despite neurosurgical interventions.
      Therefore, current treatment priorities and cost-effectiveness should be
      critically examined. We evaluated the benefit of surgical management in the
      elderly (>=65 years) after TBI. METHODS: A total of 3194 patients with confirmed
      TBI were enrolled from 1998 to 2011, in the Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank.
      Retrospective analysis was conducted from the Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank on 888
      (28%) patients (>=65 years) who did and did not undergo surgery. In particular,
      the effect of low Glasgow coma scale (GCS) (3-5) was compared with outcome with
      and without surgery. RESULTS: Of all the patients 65 years of age and over, 478
      (54%) were given surgical management (craniectomy, craniotomy, or burr-hole
      evacuation). This group of patients had significantly more favorable outcome at 6
      months (18% vs. 7%) and less mortality (62% vs. 81%). However, within this
      surgical group, patients with initial GCS scores of 3-5 had significantly more
      unfavorable outcome (96% vs. 79%) and more mortality (87% vs. 57%) compared with
      those with GCS scores of 6-15. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that age is a major
      determinant of outcome after TBI. In addition, we found that neurosurgical
      management is associated with the improvement of the prognosis and a decrease in
      the rate of mortality in geriatric TBI. However, surgical management was not
      shown to be an effective treatment in elderly patients with GCS scores of 3-5.

PMID- 25128778
TI  - Evidence for the light hole in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells from optically-pumped
      NMR and Hanle curve measurements.
AB  - Optically-pumped (69)Ga NMR (OPNMR) and optically-detected measurements of
      polarized photoluminescence (Hanle curves) show a characteristic feature at the
      light hole-to-conduction band transition in a GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs multiple quantum
      well sample. OPNMR data are often depicted as a "profile" of the OPNMR integrated
      signal intensity plotted versus optical pumping photon energy. What is notable is
      the inversion of the sign of the measured (69)Ga OPNMR signals when optically
      pumping this light hole-to-conduction band energy in OPNMR profiles at multiple
      external magnetic fields (B0=4.7T and 3T) for both sigma(+) and sigma(-)
      irradiation. Measurements of Hanle curves at B0=0.5T of the same sample exhibit
      similar phase inversion behavior of the Hanle curves at the photon energy for
      light hole excitation. The zero-field value of the light-hole state in the
      quantum well can be predicted for the quantum well structure using the positions
      of each of these signal-inversion features, and the spin splitting term in the
      equation for the transition energy yields consistent values at 3 magnetic fields
      for the excitonic g-factor (g(ex)). This study demonstrates the application of
      OPNMR and optical measurements of the photoluminescence to detect the light hole
      transition in semiconductors. 

PMID- 25128779
TI  - Heteronuclear transverse and longitudinal relaxation in AX4 spin systems:
      application to (15)N relaxations in (15)NH4(+).
AB  - The equations that describe the time-evolution of transverse and longitudinal
      (15)N magnetisations in tetrahedral ammonium ions, (15)NH4(+), are derived from
      the Bloch-Wangsness-Redfield density operator relaxation theory. It is assumed
      that the relaxation of the spin-states is dominated by (1) the intra-molecular
      (15)N-(1)H and (1)H-(1)H dipole-dipole interactions and (2) interactions of the
      ammonium protons with remote spins, which also include the contribution to the
      relaxations that arise from the exchange of the ammonium protons with the bulk
      solvent. The dipole-dipole cross-correlated relaxation mechanisms between each of
      the (15)N-(1)H and (1)H-(1)H interactions are explicitly taken into account in
      the derivations. An application to (15)N-ammonium bound to a 41kDa domain of the
      protein DnaK is presented, where a comparison between experiments and simulations
      show that the ammonium ion rotates rapidly within its binding site with a local
      correlation time shorter than approximately 1ns. The theoretical framework
      provided here forms the basis for further investigations of dynamics of AX4 spin
      systems, with ammonium ions in solution and bound to proteins of particular
      interest. 

PMID- 25128780
TI  - Neighbourhood availability of alcohol outlets and hazardous alcohol consumption
      in New Zealand.
AB  - The socio-spatial arrangement of alcohol retailers is potentially important in
      understanding the relationship between neighbourhood context and 'excessive'
      alcohol consumption. This New Zealand study examines whether the availability of
      alcohol products is associated with individual-level alcohol consumption.
      Measures capturing the availability of alcohol retailers were calculated for
      neighbourhoods across the country and then appended to a national health survey.
      At the national level there was no evidence for an association between hazardous
      consumption and alcohol outlet access. However, there was evidence of
      associations with neighbourhood retailing for younger Maori and Pacific peoples
      males; younger European females; middle-aged European men; and older men. The
      findings provide evidence that 'alcogenic' environments are associated with
      excessive drinking in New Zealand, albeit that the associations are restricted to
      particular vulnerable groups. 

PMID- 25128781
TI  - Modulation of dendritic cell antigen presentation by pathogens, tissue damage and
      secondary inflammatory signals.
AB  - Antigen presentation by dendritic cells (DC) is regulated directly by pathogen
      associated or cell death-associated cues, or indirectly by immunomodulatory
      molecules produced during infection or tissue damage. DC modulation by direct
      encounter of pathogen-associated compounds has been thoroughly studied; the
      effects of molecules associated with cell death are less well characterized;
      modulation by secondary signals remain poorly understood. In this review we
      describe recent studies on the role of these three categories of immunomodulatory
      compounds on DC. We conclude that characterization of the role of secondary
      immunomodulators is an area in dare need of further study. The outcomes of this
      endeavor will be new opportunities for the development of better vaccines and
      compounds applicable to the therapeutic immunomodulation of DC function. 

PMID- 25128782
TI  - Eosinophils as a pharmacological target for the treatment of allergic diseases.
AB  - Eosinophils are innate immune cells and active players in inflammatory responses.
      Their activation and increased levels in the blood and at specific sites are
      associated with parasitic infections and several inflammatory conditions, notably
      allergic diseases in which eosinophils are considered to be damaging cells.
      Intervention targeting eosinophils is thought to prevent and/or limit
      irreversible organ damage and other eosinophil-associated disorders like
      hypereosinophilic syndromes, some cancers and autoimmune diseases. Several
      eosinophil-targeted therapeutic agents which block specific steps in eosinophil
      differentiation, migration and activation have recently been developed, showing
      encouraging results and new insights into their specific role in allergy. Here,
      we review some potentially effective drug compounds, their drawbacks and future
      prospective focusing on allergic diseases. 

PMID- 25128784
TI  - Carvedilol protects the infarcted heart by upregulating miR-133: first evidence
      that disease state affects beta-adrenergic arrestin-biased signaling?

PMID- 25128783
TI  - Upregulation of functional Kv11.1 isoform expression by inhibition of intronic
      polyadenylation with antisense morpholino oligonucleotides.
AB  - The KCNH2 gene encodes the Kv11.1 potassium channel that conducts the rapidly
      activating delayed rectifier current in the heart. KCNH2 pre-mRNA undergoes
      alternative processing; intron 9 splicing leads to the formation of a functional,
      full-length Kv11.1a isoform, while polyadenylation within intron 9 generates a
      non-functional, C-terminally truncated Kv11.1a-USO isoform. The relative
      expression of Kv11.1 isoforms plays an important role in the regulation of Kv11.1
      channel function and the pathogenesis of long QT syndrome. In this study, we
      identified cis-acting elements that are required for KCNH2 intron 9 poly(A)
      signal activity. Mutation of these elements decreased Kv11.1a-USO expression and
      increased the expression of Kv11.1a mRNA, protein and channel current. More
      importantly, blocking these elements by antisense morpholino oligonucleotides
      shifted the alternative processing of KCNH2 intron 9 from the polyadenylation to
      the splicing pathway, leading to the predominant production of Kv11.1a and a
      significant increase in Kv11.1 current. Our findings indicate that the expression
      of the Kv11.1a isoform can be upregulated by an antisense approach. Antisense
      inhibition of KCNH2 intronic polyadenylation represents a novel approach to
      increase Kv11.1 channel function. 

PMID- 25128785
TI  - Different tobacco retrotransposons are specifically modulated by the elicitor
      cryptogein and reactive oxygen species.
AB  - Interactions of plant retrotransposons with different steps of biotic and abiotic
      stress-associated signaling cascades are still poorly understood. We perform here
      a finely tuned comparison of four tobacco retrotransposons (Tnt1, Tnt2, Queenti,
      and Tto1) responses to the plant elicitor cryptogein. We demonstrate that basal
      transcript levels in cell suspensions and plant leaves as well as the activation
      during the steps of defense signaling events are specific to each
      retrotransposon. Using antisense NtrbohD lines, we show that NtrbohD-dependent
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) production might act as negative regulator of
      retrotransposon activation. 

PMID- 25128786
TI  - Assessment of candidate reference genes for the expression studies with
      brassinosteroids in Lolium perenne and Triticum aestivum.
AB  - Quantitative PCR studies need proper reference genes with expression stability
      exclusively validated under certain experimental conditions. The expression
      stability of several genes commonly used as references was tested under 24
      epibrassinolide (EBR) and temperature treatment. Different statistical approaches
      (qBase(PLUS), BestKeeper, NormFinder) were used to prepare rankings of expression
      stability in two species of an economic importance: common wheat (Triticum
      aestivum) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Candidate reference genes were
      shown to be regulated differentially in these two plant species. The maximum
      stability values indicated that the expression stability was higher in T.
      aestivum. Taking into account of all ranks it seems that TBP-1 and UBI in
      ryegrass and ACT, ADP and EF1A in wheat should be used as reference genes in the
      brassinosteroids and temperature involving studies. 

PMID- 25128787
TI  - Responses of a rice-field cyanobacterium Anabaena siamensis TISTR-8012 upon
      exposure to PAR and UV radiation.
AB  - The effects of PAR and UV radiation and subsequent responses of certain
      antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense systems were studied in a rice
      field cyanobacterium Anabaena siamensis TISTR 8012. UV radiation resulted in a
      decline in growth accompanied by a decrease in chlorophyll a and photosynthetic
      efficiency. Exposure of cells to UV radiation significantly affected the
      differentiation of vegetative cells into heterocysts or akinetes. UV-B radiation
      caused the fragmentation of the cyanobacterial filaments conceivably due to the
      observed oxidative stress. A significant increase of reactive oxygen species in
      vivo and DNA strand breaks were observed in UV-B exposed cells followed by those
      under UV-A and PAR radiation, respectively. The UV-induced oxidative damage was
      alleviated due to an induction of antioxidant enzymatic/non-enzymatic defense
      systems. In response to UV irradiation, the studied cyanobacterium exhibited a
      significant increase in antioxidative enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase,
      catalase and peroxidase. Moreover, the cyanobacterium also synthesized some UV
      absorbing/screening substances. HPLC coupled with a PDA detector revealed the
      presence of three compounds with UV-absorption maxima at 326, 331 and 345 nm. The
      induction of the biosynthesis of these UV-absorbing compounds was found under
      both PAR and UV radiation, thus suggesting their possible function as an active
      photoprotectant.

PMID- 25128788
TI  - Phonological, temporal and spectral processing in vowel length discrimination is
      impaired in German primary school children with developmental dyslexia.
AB  - It is still unclear whether phonological processing deficits are the underlying
      cause of developmental dyslexia, or rather a consequence of basic auditory
      processing impairments. To avoid methodological confounds, in the current study
      the same task and stimuli of comparable complexity were used to investigate both
      phonological and basic auditory (temporal and spectral) processing in dyslexia.
      German dyslexic children (Grades 3 and 4) were compared to age- and grade-matched
      controls in a vowel length discrimination task with three experimental
      conditions: In a phonological condition, natural vowels were used, differing both
      with respect to temporal and spectral information (in German, vowel length is
      phonemic, and vowel length differences are characterized by both temporal and
      spectral information). In a temporal condition, spectral information
      differentiating between the two vowels of a pair was eliminated, whereas in a
      spectral condition, temporal differences were removed. As performance measure,
      the sensitivity index d' was computed. At the group level, dyslexic children's
      performance was inferior to that of controls for phonological as well as temporal
      and spectral vowel length discrimination. At an individual level, nearly half of
      the dyslexic sample was characterized by deficits in all three conditions, but
      there were also some children showing no deficits at all. These results reveal on
      the one hand that phonological processing deficits in dyslexia may stem from
      impairments in processing temporal and spectral information in the speech signal.
      On the other hand they indicate, however, that not all dyslexic children might be
      characterized by phonological or auditory processing deficits. 

PMID- 25128789
TI  - Contrasting deficits on executive functions in Chinese delinquent adolescents
      with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder symptoms and/or reading
      disability.
AB  - Many studies reported high prevalence of reading disability (RD) and attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among delinquent adolescents. Very few have
      examined their cognitive profile. The present study compared the executive
      functions (EFs) and severity of delinquency in delinquent adolescents with RD
      and/or ADHD symptoms (AS). Delinquents with AS (n=29), RD (n=24), comorbidity
      AS+RD (n=35) were recruited from juvenile institutions along with typically
      developing controls (n=29) from local schools; all completed EF assessments and
      self-report questionnaires on delinquency. Results showed that pure AS group
      exhibited impaired inhibition while the pure RD group was weak in processing
      speed and visual memory. The comorbidity group showed unique impairments in
      interference control and significantly higher delinquency severity. The present
      findings suggest that comorbidity AS+RD may influence delinquency severity. It
      also provides a more comprehensive picture of the unique EF deficits associated
      with different groups, allowing for better matching for future identification and
      intervention programme. 

PMID- 25128790
TI  - Memory failures for everyday tasks in caregivers of children with autism.
AB  - The stress of caring for a loved one with chronic illness has been linked with
      impairments in cognitive processes such as attention and problem solving, though
      few studies have examined the impact on memory. Compromised cognition, in
      particular, aspects of everyday functioning such as remembering medical
      instructions and appointments, might affect caregivers' ability to maintain the
      consistency and quality of care needed by the child. A sample of 31 caregivers of
      children with autism and 51 parents of neuro-typical children completed an
      electronic survey assessing their levels of psychological distress and everyday
      memory. Perceived stress scores were higher in the caregiver group, as were self
      reported memory failures for everyday tasks. The negative impact of caregiver
      stress on everyday memory was particularly salient among caregivers experiencing
      higher perceived levels of stress. These findings have implications for
      interventions that aim to improve caregivers' cognitive well being through
      targeting the psychological sequelae associated with the caregiving experience. 

PMID- 25128793
TI  - Explaining prompts children to privilege inductively rich properties.
AB  - Four experiments with preschool-aged children test the hypothesis that engaging
      in explanation promotes inductive reasoning on the basis of shared causal
      properties as opposed to salient (but superficial) perceptual properties. In
      Experiments 1a and 1b, 3- to 5-year-old children prompted to explain during a
      causal learning task were more likely to override a tendency to generalize
      according to perceptual similarity and instead extend an internal feature to an
      object that shared a causal property. Experiment 2 replicated this effect of
      explanation in a case of label extension (i.e., categorization). Experiment 3
      demonstrated that explanation improves memory for clusters of causally relevant
      (non-perceptual) features, but impairs memory for superficial (perceptual)
      features, providing evidence that effects of explanation are selective in scope
      and apply to memory as well as inference. In sum, our data support the proposal
      that engaging in explanation influences children's reasoning by privileging
      inductively rich, causal properties. 

PMID- 25128792
TI  - Is it or isn't it: listeners make rapid use of prosody to infer speaker meanings.
AB  - A visual world experiment examined the time course for pragmatic inferences
      derived from visual context and contrastive intonation contours. We used the
      construction It looks like an X pronounced with either (a) a H(*) pitch accent on
      the final noun and a low boundary tone, or (b) a contrastive L+H(*) pitch accent
      and a rising boundary tone, a contour that can support contrastive inference
      (e.g., It LOOKSL+H*like a zebraL-H%... (but it is not)). When the visual display
      contained a single related set of contrasting pictures (e.g. a zebra vs. a zebra
      like animal), effects of LOOKSL+H* emerged prior to the processing of phonemic
      information from the target noun. The results indicate that the prosodic
      processing is incremental and guided by contextually-supported expectations.
      Additional analyses ruled out explanations based on context-independent
      heuristics that might substitute for online computation of contrast. 

PMID- 25128791
TI  - Administration of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists ABT-089 and ABT
      107 attenuates the reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior in rats.
AB  - Current smoking cessation pharmacotherapies have modest efficacy, and most
      smokers relapse within the first few days after a quit attempt. Nicotine
      withdrawal-induced craving and cognitive impairments predict smoking relapse
      during abstinence and suggest that cognitive-enhancing drugs may prevent relapse.
      ABT-089 and ABT-107 are subtype-selective nAChR agonists that improve cognitive
      performance in laboratory animals. However, there are no studies examining the
      effects of ABT-089 and ABT-107 on nicotine self-administration and the
      reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior, an animal model of relapse in human
      smokers. The goal of the present study was to determine the effects of the
      alpha4beta2*/alpha6beta2* nAChR agonist ABT-089 and the alpha7 nAChR agonist ABT
      107 on nicotine taking and seeking in rats. The effects of acute ABT-089 and ABT
      107 pretreatment on nicotine self-administration and reinstatement were tested in
      male Sprague Dawley rats. Parallel studies of ABT-089 and ABT-107 on sucrose self
      administration and reinstatement were tested in separate groups of rats to
      determine if the effects of these drug treatments generalized to other reinforced
      behaviors. Nicotine and sucrose self-administration behaviors were not altered
      following acute administration of ABT-089 (0, 0.12, 1.2 and 12.0mg/kg) or ABT-107
      (0, 0.03 and 0.3mg/kg). In contrast, both ABT-089 and ABT-107 pretreatment dose
      dependently attenuated nicotine reinstatement. These effects were reinforcer
      specific as no effects of ABT-089 or ABT-107 pretreatment on sucrose seeking were
      noted. Taken together, these findings suggest that ABT-089 and ABT-107 do not
      affect nicotine consumption, but may reduce the likelihood that a smoking lapse
      will lead to relapse. 

PMID- 25128794
TI  - Examining the costs and benefits of inhibition in memory retrieval.
AB  - Inhibitory control is thought to serve an adaptive function in controlling
      behavior, with individual differences predicting variation in numerous cognitive
      functions. However, inhibition is more properly construed as inducing both
      benefits and costs to performance. Benefits arise at the point when inhibition
      prevents expression of an unwanted or contextually inappropriate response; costs
      arise later, when access to the inhibited representation is required by other
      processes. Here we illustrate how failure to consider both the costs and benefits
      of inhibition has generated confusion in the literature on individual differences
      in cognitive control. Using retrieval-induced forgetting as a model case, we
      illustrate this by showing that changing the way that retrieval-induced
      forgetting is measured to allow greater expression of the benefits of inhibition
      together with the costs can reduce and even reverse the theoretically predicted
      correlation between motor and memory inhibition. Specifically, we show that when
      the final test in a retrieval-induced forgetting procedure employs item-specific
      cues (i.e., category-plus-stem cued recall and item-recognition) that better
      isolate the lingering costs of inhibition, better motor response inhibition
      (faster stop-signal reaction times) predicts greater retrieval-induced
      forgetting. In striking contrast, when the final test is less well controlled,
      allowing both the costs and benefits of inhibition to contribute, motor response
      inhibition has the opposite relationship with retrieval-induced forgetting. These
      findings underscore the importance of considering the correlated costs and
      benefits problem when studying individual differences in inhibitory control. More
      generally, they suggest that a shared inhibition mechanism may underlie people's
      ability to control memories and actions. 

PMID- 25128795
TI  - Building phrases in language production: an MEG study of simple composition.
AB  - Although research on language production has developed detailed maps of the brain
      basis of single word production in both time and space, little is known about the
      spatiotemporal dynamics of the processes that combine individual words into
      larger representations during production. Studying composition in production is
      challenging due to difficulties both in controlling produced utterances and in
      measuring the associated brain responses. Here, we circumvent both problems using
      a minimal composition paradigm combined with the high temporal resolution of
      magnetoencephalography (MEG). With MEG, we measured the planning stages of simple
      adjective-noun phrases ('red tree'), matched list controls ('red, blue'), and
      individual nouns ('tree') and adjectives ('red'), with results indicating
      combinatorial processing in the ventro-medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and left
      anterior temporal lobe (LATL), two regions previously implicated for the
      comprehension of similar phrases. These effects began relatively quickly (~180
      ms) after the presentation of a production prompt, suggesting that combination
      commences with initial lexical access. Further, while in comprehension, vmPFC
      effects have followed LATL effects, in this production paradigm vmPFC effects
      occurred mostly in parallel with LATL effects, suggesting that a late process in
      comprehension is an early process in production. Thus, our results provide a
      novel neural bridge between psycholinguistic models of comprehension and
      production that posit functionally similar combinatorial mechanisms operating in
      reversed order.

PMID- 25128796
TI  - Perception of tones by infants learning a non-tone language.
AB  - This article examines the perception of tones by non-tone-language-learning (non
      tone-learning) infants between 5 and 18 months in a study that reveals infants'
      initial sensitivity to tonal contrasts, deterioration yet plasticity of tonal
      sensitivity at the end of the first year, and a perceptual rebound in the second
      year. Dutch infants in five age groups were tested on their ability to
      discriminate a tonal contrast of Mandarin Chinese as well as a contracted tonal
      contrast. Infants are able to discriminate tonal contrasts at 5-6 months, and
      their tonal sensitivity deteriorates at around 9 months. However, the sensitivity
      rebound sat 17-18 months. Non-tone-learning infants' tonal perception is elastic,
      as is shown by the influence of acoustic salience and distributional learning:
      (1) a salient contrast may remain discriminable throughout infancy whereas a less
      salient one does not; (2) a bimodal distribution in tonal exposure increases non
      tone-learning infants' discrimination ability during the trough in sensitivity to
      tonal contrasts at 11-12 months. These novel findings reveal non-tone-learning
      infants' U-shaped pattern in tone perception, and display their perceptual
      flexibility.

PMID- 25128797
TI  - On predicting others' words: electrophysiological evidence of prediction in
      speech production.
AB  - The present study investigated whether lexical processes that occur when we name
      objects can also be observed when an interaction partner is naming objects. We
      compared the behavioral and electrophysiological responses of participants
      performing a conditional go/no-go picture naming task in two different
      conditions: individually and jointly with a confederate participant. To obtain an
      index of lexical processing, we manipulated lexical frequency, so that half of
      the pictures had corresponding names of high-frequency and the remaining half had
      names of low-frequency. Color cues determined whether participants should
      respond, whether their task-partner should respond, or whether nobody should
      respond. Behavioral and ERP results showed that participants engaged in lexical
      processing when it was their turn to respond. Crucially, ERP results on no-go
      trials revealed that participants also engaged in lexical processing when it was
      their partner's turn to act. In addition, ERP results showed increased response
      inhibition selectively when it was the partner's turn to act. These findings
      provide evidence for the claim that listeners generate predictions about
      speakers' utterances by relying on their own action production system. 

PMID- 25128798
TI  - Distributional learning has immediate and long-lasting effects.
AB  - Evidence of distributional learning, a statistical learning mechanism centered on
      relative frequency of exposure to different tokens, has mainly come from short
      term learning and therefore does not ostensibly address the development of
      important learning processes. The present longitudinal study examines both short-
      and long-term effects of distributional learning of phonetic categories on non
      native sound discrimination over a 12-month period. Two groups of listeners were
      exposed to a two-minute distribution of auditory stimuli in which the most
      frequently presented tokens either approximated or exaggerated the natural
      production of the speech sounds, whereas a control group listened to a piece of
      classical music for the same length of time. Discrimination by listeners in the
      two distribution groups improved immediately after the short exposure,
      replicating previous results. Crucially, this improvement was maintained after
      six and 12 months, demonstrating that distributional learning has long-lasting
      effects.

PMID- 25128799
TI  - Alerting enhances attentional bias for salient stimuli: evidence from a
      global/local processing task.
AB  - The present study examined the role of alerting in modulating attentional bias to
      salient events. In a global/local processing task, participants were presented
      with a large arrow (global level) comprised of smaller arrows (local level)
      pointing in the same or opposite directions and had to indicate the direction of
      the large or small arrows in different blocks. Saliency of the global and local
      levels was manipulated, creating global-salient and local-salient conditions.
      Alerting signals were presented in half of the trials prior to the target.
      Results revealed a double dissociation in the effects of alerting on global/local
      interference effects. In a global salient condition, alerting increased global
      interference and decreased local interference. In a local salient condition,
      alerting reduced global interference and increased local interference. We
      demonstrate that within a single task, alerting can increase and reduce conflict
      based on perceptual saliency. These findings help to better understand disorders
      like hemispatial neglect in which both arousal and attention to salient events
      are impaired. These results also challenge previous theories suggesting that
      alerting acts to increase conflict interference. We argue that alerting is an
      adaptive mechanism that diverts attention to salient events, but comes at a cost
      when selective attention to less salient details is required. 

PMID- 25128800
TI  - In vitro anti-leishmanial efficacy of potato tuber extract (PTEx): leishmanial
      serine protease(s) as putative target.
AB  - Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) causes major health problems in
      the tropical and subtropical world. Most of the antileishmanial modern therapies
      with different formulations of pentavalent antimonials, Miltefosine, Amphotericin
      B etc. are not satisfactory in recent times due to high toxicity to the host and
      present rising strain resistance issues. So there is an urgent need to develop
      new, safe and cost-effective drugs against leishmaniasis. In this regard,
      bioactive phytocomponents may lead to the discovery of new medicines with
      appropriate efficiency. The prominent roles played by Leishmania proteases in the
      virulence of this parasite make them very promising targets for the development
      of current therapeutics of leishmaniasis. As part of a search for novel drugs, we
      have evaluated in vitro anti-leishmanial activity of serine protease inhibitor
      rich fraction (PTEx) obtained from potato tuber. The extract (PTEx) was prepared
      by sodium bisulfite fractionation and inhibitors were identified by reverse
      zymography. Inhibition study of PTEx in gelatin-zymogram and spectrophotometric
      assay using BApNA and BTpNA as substrate reveal its strong inhibitory activity
      against trypsin as well as serine proteases present in cell lysate of Leishmania
      donovani infective strain. The in vitro MTT based colorimetric assay as well as
      ex vivo L. donovani infected macrophages showed reduced parasite viability and
      intracellular parasite load with IC50 = 312.5 +/- 0.1 MUg/ml and IC50 82.3 +/-
      0.2 MUg/ml of PTEx respectively in a concentration dependent manner. This anti
      leishmanial effect was also preceded by PTEx induced acute formation of ROS and
      prolonged NO generation. The PTEx has no significant cytotoxic effect on host
      macrophages. So taken together, these findings indicate that PTEx has promising
      leishmanicidal effect and thus this study provides a new perspective of natural
      serine protease inhibitor from potato tuber on the development of new drug
      against leishmaniasis.

PMID- 25128801
TI  - The potential of quinoline derivatives for the treatment of Toxoplasma gondii
      infection.
AB  - Here we reported our investigation, as part of our drug repositioning effort, on
      anti-Toxoplasma properties of newly synthesized quinoline compounds. A collection
      of 4-aminoquinoline and 4-piperazinylquinoline analogs have recently been
      synthesized for use in cancer chemotherapy. Some analogs were able to outperform
      chloroquine, a quinoline derivative drug which is commonly used in the treatment
      of malaria and other parasitic infections. Herein 58 compounds containing one or
      two quinoline rings were examined for their effectiveness as potential anti
      Toxoplasma compounds. Of these 58 compounds, 32 were efficient at inhibiting
      Toxoplasma growth (IC50<100 MUM). Five compounds with single and simple quinoline
      rings exhibited similar cLogP values of ~2 and IC50 values between 5 and 6 MUM,
      with one exception of 8-hydroxyquinoline whose IC50 value was 213 nM. The
      addition of one hydroxyl group at position 8 caused a 40-fold increase in the
      inhibitory effect of quinoline. A significant improvement in anti-Toxoplasma
      effect among quinoline derivatives was detected in B11, B12, B23, and B24, whose
      structures carry two quinoline rings, and their resultant cLogP values are ?7.
      Among these compounds, B23 was the most effective compound with IC50 value of
      425+/-35 nM, and TI value of 4.9. It was also noted that compounds with at least
      one quinoline ring, displaying anti-Toxoplasma effects were capable of causing
      the disappearance of the apicoplast, a plastid-like organelle. When treated with
      quinoline, 8-hydroxyquinoline or B23, 40-45% of the parasites lost their
      apicoplasts. Our findings recapitulate the properties of quinoline derivatives in
      diminishing apicoplast. This could aid further investigations of anti-parasitic
      treatments specific to Apicomplexan. More importantly, B12 and B23 which harbor
      superior anti-cancer properties than chloroquine, have effective anti-Toxoplasma
      activity. These compounds therefore have significant potential for future
      development of chemotherapeutic agents for patients suffering from breast cancers
      and parasitic infection.

PMID- 25128802
TI  - Intranasal seasonal influenza vaccine and a TLR-3 agonist, rintatolimod, induced
      cross-reactive IgA antibody formation against avian H5N1 and H7N9 influenza HA in
      humans.
AB  - The intranasal use of rintatolimod, a specific TLR-3 agonist, combined with
      trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine generated cross-protection against highly
      pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in mice. The purpose of this clinical trial is to
      assess the safety and impact of rintatolimod on intranasal influenza vaccine in
      healthy adults. During Stage I of this Phase I/II clinical trial, 12 volunteers
      were immunized intranasally with 3 doses of FluMist seasonal influenza vaccine on
      Days 0, 28, and 56 followed by intranasal rintatolimod (50 MUg, 200 MUg, or 500
      MUg) 3 days later. Parotid saliva and nasal wash samples were collected at
      baseline and on Days 25, 53, 84, and 417. The samples were tested for IgA and IgG
      specific antibodies (Ab) directed against the homologous FluMist viral
      hemagglutinins (HAs). In addition, viral specific responses against influenza A
      HAs were tested for IgA Ab cross-reactivity against 3 H5 clades: HA (H5N1)
      A/Indonesia/5/2005, HA (H5N1) A/Hong Kong/483/97 and HA (H5N1)
      A/Vietnam/1194/2004, as well as, two H7 strains, HA (H7N9) A/Shanghai/2/2013 and
      HA (H7N3) A/chicken/Jalisco/CPA1. The combination of the intranasal FluMist along
      with the rintatolimod generated specific secretory IgA responses of at least 4
      fold over baseline against at least one of the homologous vaccine strains
      included in the vaccine in 92% of the vaccinees. Additionally, this vaccination
      strategy induced cross-reactive secretory IgA against highly pathogenic avian
      influenza virus strains H5N1, H7N9, and H7N3 with pandemic potential for humans.
      The combination of rintatolimod and FluMist was well-tolerated.

PMID- 25128803
TI  - Pneumococcal vaccination in people living with HIV.
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading bacterial opportunistic infection (OI) in
      HIV positive individuals. Anti-retroviral treatment (ART) reduces their risk of
      Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD), however, it remains 20- to 40-fold greater
      than that of the general population. In HIV-infected adults, pneumococcal
      vaccination (PCV) induces more durable and functional antibody responses in
      individuals on ART at the time of vaccination than in ART-naive adults,
      independently of the baseline CD4+ cell count. National guidelines in the UK
      recommend vaccination in HIV-infected adults with CD4 count >200cells/mL and
      advise that it be considered for those with CD4 count <200cells/mL(3). We report
      data on IPD from a London HIV cohort of 3500 north-east London patients from 2009
      to 2012. IPD was defined as a positive pneumococcal culture from blood, CSF,
      joint aspirate or pericardial fluid. HIV positive cases were identified by cross
      referencing hospital identifiers with a positive HIV Ab/Ag test result or HIV
      viral load test result on the virology database. There were a total 189 cases of
      Invasive Pneumococcal Disease identified over the three years. 4.8% (n=9) were
      known to be HIV positive at the time of their Invasive Pneumococcal infection.
      The serotypes of S. pneumoniae in the HIV positive cases included 3, 7F, 10F, 19A
      (n=2), 19F and 31. The estimated incidence of IPD in our HIV cohort was 85.7 per
      100,000, (based on an overall HIV cohort size of 3500) which is significantly
      higher when compared to the general population in London (local epidemiological
      data reported the incidence rate for IPD at 7.5 per 100,000 in London). Given the
      higher burden of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in this cohort, low levels of
      vaccination, and the predominance of vaccine sensitive strains in our cases,
      vaccination and strategies to improve vaccine uptake is a priority in this at
      risk group. 

PMID- 25128804
TI  - Characteristics of test anxiety among medical students and congruence of
      strategies to address it.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Medical students may experience test anxiety associated with 'high
      stakes' exams, such as Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination.
      METHODS: We collected qualitative responses about test anxiety at three points in
      time from 93 second-year medical students engaged in studying for and taking Step
      1. RESULTS: Causes of test anxiety as reported by students were related to
      negative self-talk during preparation for the exam. Effects of anxiety had to do
      with emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, and physical well-being.
      Strategies included socializing with others and a variety of cognitive and
      physical approaches. Comparison of individuals' strategies with causes and
      effects showed some congruence, but substantial incongruence between the types of
      strategies chosen and the reported causes and effects of test anxiety.
      DISCUSSION: Students' adoption of a 'menu' of strategies rather than one or two
      carefully selected strategies suggest inefficiencies that might be addressed by
      interventions, such as advisor-directed conversations with students and
      incorporating student self-assessment and strategies for managing anxiety within
      courses on test-taking. Such interventions are in need of further study. An
      annotated list of evidence-based strategies would be helpful to students and
      educators. Most important, test anxiety should be viewed by medical educators as
      a 'real' experience, and students would benefit from educator support.

PMID- 25128805
TI  - CD31(+) cell transplantation promotes recovery from peripheral neuropathy.
AB  - Recently, we reported that human peripheral blood (PB)-derived CD31(+) cells are
      highly angiogenic. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of
      CD31(+) cells on peripheral neuropathy in mice. CD31(+) cells were collected from
      the peripheral blood using magnetic activated cell sorting. CD31(+) cells
      exhibited higher levels of expression of angiogenic genes on real-time reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Peripheral neuropathy was induced by
      crushing the sciatic nerve with a hemostat, and CD31(+) cells were then injected
      intramuscularly along the sciatic nerve. CD31(+) cell transplantation restored
      motor nerve conduction velocity and voltage amplitude and improved motor
      coordination. In addition, CD31(+) cell transplantation significantly improved
      blood perfusion and increased intraneural vascularity in the sciatic nerve. Whole
      mount fluorescent imaging and dot blot analysis showed that CD31(+) cells in the
      nerve possessed high engraftment and anti-apoptotic properties. Additionally,
      injected CD31(+) cells displayed neurovascular tropism and are highly
      incorporated with vasculature. Angiogenic cytokines were augmented in CD31(+)
      injected nerve tissue, suggesting increased neovascularization. Taken together,
      these results indicate that CD31(+) cells might be a novel therapeutic strategy
      in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

PMID- 25128808
TI  - Disruptive innovation: value-based health plans.
AB  - VALUE AND A COMPLEX HEALTHCARE MARKET: "Worth in usefulness or importance to the
      possessor; utility or merit." American Heritage Dictionary "A principle,
      standard, or quality considered worthwhile or desirable." American Heritage
      Stedman's Medical Dictionary "A fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or
      money for something exchanged." Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law.

PMID- 25128807
TI  - Building public health capacity in Madhya Pradesh through academic partnership.
AB  - Engaging in partnerships is a strategic means of achieving objectives common to
      each partner. The Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health Management (PGDPHM)
      partners in consultation with the government and aims to strengthen the public
      health managerial capacity. This case study examines the PGDPHM program conducted
      jointly by the Public Health Foundation of India and the Government of Madhya
      Pradesh (GoMP) at the State Institute of Health Management and Communication,
      Gwalior, which is the apex training and research institute of the state
      government for health professionals. This is an example of collaborative
      partnership between an academic institution and the Department of Public Health
      and Family Welfare, GoMP. PGDPHM is a 1-year, fully residential course with a
      strong component of field-based project work, and aims to bridge the gap in
      public health managerial capacity of the health system through training of health
      professionals. The program is uniquely designed in the context of the National
      Rural Health Mission and uses a multidisciplinary approach with a focus on inter
      professional education. The curriculum is competency driven and health systems
      connected and the pedagogy uses a problem-solving approach with multidisciplinary
      faculty from different programs and practice backgrounds that bring rich field
      experience to the classroom. This case study presents the successful example of
      the interface between academia and the health system and of common goals achieved
      through this partnership for building capacity of health professionals in the
      state of Madhya Pradesh over the past 3 years. 

PMID- 25128806
TI  - Tropical influenza and weather variability among children in an urban low-income
      population in Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza seasonality in the tropics is poorly understood and not as
      well documented as in temperate regions. In addition, low-income populations are
      considered highly vulnerable to such acute respiratory disease, owing to limited
      resources and overcrowding. Nonetheless, little is known about their actual
      disease burden for lack of data. We therefore investigated associations between
      tropical influenza incidence and weather variability among children under five in
      a poor urban area of Dhaka, Bangladesh. DESIGN: Acute respiratory illness data
      were obtained from a population-based respiratory and febrile illness
      surveillance dataset of Kamalapur, a low-income urban area in southeast Dhaka.
      Analyzed data were from January 2005 through December 2008. Nasopharyngeal wash
      specimens were collected from every fifth eligible surveillance participant
      during clinic visits to identify influenza virus infection with viral culture and
      reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Time series analysis was
      conducted to determine associations between the number of influenza cases per
      week and weather factors. Zero-inflated Poisson and generalized linear Poisson
      models were used in the analysis for influenza A and B, respectively. RESULTS:
      Influenza A had associations with minimum temperature, relative humidity (RH),
      sunlight duration, and rainfall, whereas only RH was associated with influenza B.
      Although associations of the other weather factors varied between the two
      subtypes, RH shared a similar positive association when humidity was
      approximately 50-70%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings of a positive RH association is
      consistent with prior studies, and may suggest the viral response in the tropics.
      The characteristics of settlement areas, population demographics, and typical
      overcrowding of urban poverty may also contribute to different impacts of
      rainfall from higher economic population. Further investigations of associations
      between tropical influenza and weather variability for urban low-income
      populations are required for better understanding.

PMID- 25128809
TI  - PAR polarity: from complexity to design principles.
AB  - The par-titioning-defective or PAR proteins comprise the core of an essential
      cell polarity network that underlies polarization in a wide variety of cell types
      and developmental contexts. The output of this network in nearly every case is
      the establishment of opposing and complementary membrane domains that define a
      cell's polarity axis. Yet, behind this simple pattern is a complex system of
      interactions, regulation and dynamic behaviors. How these various parts combine
      to generate polarized patterns of protein localization in cells is only beginning
      to become clear. This review, part of the Special Issue on Cell Polarity, aims to
      highlight several emerging themes and design principles that underlie the process
      of cell polarization by components of the PAR network.

PMID- 25128810
TI  - The protective effect of hispidin against hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in
      H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells through Akt/GSK-3beta and ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
AB  - Hispidin, a phenolic compound from Phellinus linteus (a medicinal mushroom), has
      been shown to possess strong anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti
      dementia properties. However, the cardioprotective efficacy of hispidin has not
      yet been investigated. In the present study, we investigated the protective
      effect of hispidin against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in H9c2
      cardiomyoblast cells and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. While the treatment
      of H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells with hydrogen peroxide caused a loss of cell
      viability and an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, hispidin
      significantly protected the cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death
      without any cytotoxicity as determined by XTT assay, LDH release assay, Hoechst
      33342 assay, and Western blotting of apoptosis proteins such as caspase-3, Bax,
      and Bcl-2. Our data also shows that hispidin significantly scavenged
      intracellular ROS, and markedly enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzymes
      such as heme oxygenase-1 and catalase, which was accompanied by the concomitant
      activation of Akt/GSK-3beta and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in H9c2 cardiomyoblast
      cells. The effects of hispidin on Akt and ERK phosphorylation were abrogated by
      LY294002 (a PI3K/Akt inhibitor) and U0126 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor). The effect of
      hispidin on GSK-3b activities was also blocked by LY294002. Furthermore,
      inhibiting the Akt/GSK-3beta and ERK1/2 pathway by these inhibitors significantly
      reversed the hispidin-induced Bax and Bcl-2 expression, apoptosis induction, and
      ROS production. These findings indicate that hispidin protects against apoptosis
      in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide through reducing
      intracellular ROS production, regulating apoptosis-related proteins, and the
      activation of the Akt/GSK-3beta and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

PMID- 25128811
TI  - Histopathological and in vivo evidence of regucalcin as a protective molecule in
      mammary gland carcinogenesis.
AB  - Regucalcin (RGN) is a calcium-binding protein, which has been shown to be
      underexpressed in cancer cases. This study aimed to determine the association of
      RGN expression with clinicopathological parameters of human breast cancer. In
      addition, the role of RGN in malignancy of mammary gland using transgenic rats
      overexpressing the protein (Tg-RGN) was investigated. Wild-type (Wt) and Tg-RGN
      rats were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene (DMBA). Carcinogen
      induced tumors were histologically classified and the Ki67 proliferation index
      was estimated. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that RGN immunoreactivity was
      negatively correlated with the histological grade of breast infiltrating ductal
      carcinoma suggesting that progression of breast cancer is associated with loss of
      RGN. Tg-RGN rats displayed lower incidence of carcinogen-induced mammary gland
      tumors, as well as lower incidence of invasive forms. Moreover, higher
      proliferation was observed in non-invasive tumors of Wt animals comparatively
      with Tg-RGN. Overexpression of RGN was associated with diminished expression of
      cell-cycle inhibitors and increased expression of apoptosis inducers. Augmented
      activity of apoptosis effector caspase-3 was found in the mammary gland of Tg
      RGN. RGN overexpression protected from carcinogen-induced mammary gland tumor
      development and was linked with reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis.
      These findings indicated the protective role of RGN in the carcinogenesis of
      mammary gland. 

PMID- 25128812
TI  - Src inhibition potentiates antitumoral effect of paclitaxel by blocking tumor
      induced angiogenesis.
AB  - The protein kinase Src is frequently over-activated in advanced cancers where it
      modulates the signaling transduction cascade of several growth factors. The
      feasibility of combination treatment of Src inhibitors with chemotherapy is
      currently under investigation. We evaluated the anti-tumoral effect of paclitaxel
      (PTX) in combination with S13, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with a prevalent
      specificity for Src, in a hormone-insensible prostate cancer (PCa) cell model. In
      vivo, combination treatment with PTX and S13 reduced dramatically PCa tumor
      growth with a relevant difference in the density of new blood vessels with
      respect to control and single treatments. This reduction was determined by a
      concomitant impairment of endothelial cell migration and of VEGF release by
      cancer cells. In fact, S13, when used alone, was sufficient to reduce tubule
      formation in vivo, and to inhibit VEGFR2 activation and FAK expression in
      endothelial cells. In addition, the combination treatment determined a
      significant reduction in ROS production and HIF-1 stabilization in PCa cells
      respect to single treatments with S13 or PTX. In conclusion, Src-inhibition could
      be an effective therapeutic strategy aimed at supporting the anti-angiogenic
      action of PTX in aggressive PCa.

PMID- 25128813
TI  - Mammalian aPKC/Par polarity complex mediated regulation of epithelial division
      orientation and cell fate.
AB  - Oriented cell division is a key regulator of tissue architecture and crucial for
      morphogenesis and homeostasis. Balanced regulation of proliferation and
      differentiation is an essential property of tissues not only to drive
      morphogenesis but also to maintain and restore homeostasis. In many tissues
      orientation of cell division is coupled to the regulation of differentiation
      producing daughters with similar (symmetric cell division, SCD) or differential
      fate (asymmetric cell division, ACD). This allows the organism to generate cell
      lineage diversity from a small pool of stem and progenitor cells. Division
      orientation and/or the ratio of ACD/SCD need to be tightly controlled. Loss of
      orientation or an altered ratio can promote overgrowth, alter tissue architecture
      and induce aberrant differentiation, and have been linked to morphogenetic
      diseases, cancer and aging. A key requirement for oriented division is the
      presence of a polarity axis, which can be established through cell intrinsic
      and/or extrinsic signals. Polarity proteins translate such internal and external
      cues to drive polarization. In this review we will focus on the role of the
      polarity complex aPKC/Par3/Par6 in the regulation of division orientation and
      cell fate in different mammalian epithelia. We will compare the conserved
      function of this complex in mitotic spindle orientation and distribution of cell
      fate determinants and highlight common and differential mechanisms in which this
      complex is used by tissues to adapt division orientation and cell fate to the
      specific properties of the epithelium.

PMID- 25128815
TI  - Hierarchical organization of fetal and adult hematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - Mammalian hematopoiesis is a hierarchically organized process in which all types
      of mature blood cells are continuously generated from more primitive cells that
      lack any morphological evidence of differentiation. However, it is now accepted
      that this morphologically homogeneous precursor population consists of multiple
      distinct subsets of cells. The most primitive of these are defined by their
      ability to produce similarly undifferentiated progeny through many cell
      divisions, in addition to generating cells with activated differentiation
      programs. The term hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) is now conventionally restricted
      to cells with this long-term self-sustaining ability. Nevertheless, clonal
      tracking studies have revealed significant heterogeneity in the behavior of such
      stringently defined HSCs. Moreover, superimposed on the heterogeneous behavior
      that can be elicited from the HSCs present at any given time during development
      are additional differences that distinguish HSCs at different times both before
      and after birth. The latter include changes in the representation of HSCs that
      display specific differentiation programs, as well as changes in their turnover
      and self-renewal control. Here, we summarize recent studies characterizing these
      developmental changes, some of the mechanisms that control them, and their
      potential relevance to understanding age-associated differences in leukemia as
      well as normal hematopoiesis. 

PMID- 25128816
TI  - Insight in the multilevel regulation of NER.
AB  - Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is a key component of the DNA damage response
      (DDR) and it is essential to safeguard genome integrity against genotoxic
      insults. The regulation of NER is primarily mediated by protein post
      translational modifications (PTMs). The NER machinery removes a wide spectrum of
      DNA helix distorting lesions, including those induced by solar radiation, through
      two sub-pathways: global genome nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER) and
      transcription coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER). Severe clinical
      consequences associated with inherited NER defects, including premature ageing,
      neurodegeneration and extreme cancer-susceptibility, underscore the biological
      relevance of NER. In the last two decades most of the core NER machinery has been
      elaborately described, shifting attention to molecular mechanisms that either
      facilitate NER in the context of chromatin or promote the timely and accurate
      interplay between NER factors and various post-translational modifications. In
      this review, we summarize and discuss the latest findings in NER. In particular,
      we focus on emerging factors and novel molecular mechanisms by which NER is
      regulated. 

PMID- 25128814
TI  - Raf/MEK/ERK can regulate cellular levels of LC3B and SQSTM1/p62 at expression
      levels.
AB  - While cellular LC3B and SQSTM1 levels serve as key autophagy markers, their
      regulation by different signaling pathways requires better understanding. Here,
      we report the mechanisms by which the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway regulates cellular LC3B
      and SQSTM1 levels. In different cell types, DeltaRaf-1:ER- or B-Raf(V600E)
      mediated MEK/ERK activation increased LC3B-I, LC3B-II, and SQSTM1/p62 levels,
      which was accompanied by increased BiP/GRP78 expression. Use of the autophagy
      inhibitors chloroquine and bafilomycin A1, or RNA interference of ATG7, suggested
      that these increases in LC3B and SQSTM1 levels were in part attributed to altered
      autophagic flux. However, intriguingly, these increases were also attributed to
      their increased expression. Upon Raf/MEK/ERK activation, mRNA levels of LC3B and
      SQSTM1 were also increased, and subsequent luciferase reporter analyses suggested
      that SQSTM1 upregulation was mediated at transcription level. Under this
      condition, transcription of BiP/GRP78 was also increased, which was necessary for
      Raf/MEK/ERK to regulate LC3B at the protein, but not mRNA, level. This suggests
      that BiP has a role in regulating autophagy machinery when Raf/MEK/ERK is
      activated. In conclusion, these results suggest that, under a Raf/MEK/ERK
      activated condition, the steady-state cellular levels of LC3B and SQSTM1 can also
      be determined by their altered expression wherein BiP is utilized as an effector
      of the signaling.

PMID- 25128817
TI  - The Cdk5 activator P39 specifically links muskelin to myosin II and regulates
      stress fiber formation and actin organization in lens.
AB  - Cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), a proline-directed serine/threonine kinase,
      requires p39 for its enzymatic activity, and is implicated in cytoskeletal
      organization and contraction in numerous cell types. The C-terminus of p39 binds
      muskelin, a multi-domain scaffolding protein known to affect cytoskeletal
      organization, but the mechanisms by which muskelin affects cytoskeletal
      organization remain unclear. The present study sought to determine whether p39
      might serve as an adaptor protein that links muskelin to stress fibers and to
      investigate the possible biological relevance of such an interaction. Double
      immunoprecipitation showed that muskelin, p39, and myosin II are components of a
      single intracellular complex, and suppressing p39 abrogated the interaction
      between muskelin and the myosin subunits, demonstrating that p39 is required to
      link muskelin to myosin II. Muskelin is colocalized with myosin regulatory light
      chain (MRLC) and on stress fibers. The suppression of muskelin reduced Rho-GTP,
      MRLC phosphorylation, disrupted stress fiber organization, and promoted cell
      migration, all of which closely mimic the effect of Cdk5 inhibition. Moreover,
      suppressing muskelin and inhibiting Cdk5 together have no additional effect,
      indicating that muskelin plays an important role in Cdk5-dependent signaling. p39
      is necessary and sufficient for Cdk5-dependent regulation of MRLC
      phosphorylation, as suppression of p39, but not p35, reduces MRLC
      phosphorylation. Together, these results demonstrate that p39 specifically links
      muskelin to myosin II and consequently, to stress fibers and reveal a novel role
      for muskelin in regulating myosin phosphorylation and cytoskeletal organization. 

PMID- 25128818
TI  - Dose-dependent clearance kinetics of intratracheally administered titanium
      dioxide nanoparticles in rat lung.
AB  - AEROSIL((r)) P25 titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles dispersed in 0.2% disodium
      phosphate solution were intratracheally administered to male F344 rats at doses
      of 0 (control), 0.375, 0.75, 1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 mg/kg. The rats were sacrificed
      under anesthesia at 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 4 weeks, 13 weeks, and 26 weeks after
      administration. Ti levels in various pulmonary and extrapulmonary organs were
      determined using sensitive inductively coupled plasma sector field mass
      spectrometry. One day after administration, the lungs contained 62-83% of TiO2
      administered dose. Twenty-six weeks after administration, the lungs retained 6.6
      8.9% of the TiO2 administered at the 0.375, 0.75, and 1.5 mg/kg doses, and 13%
      and 31% of the TiO2 administered at the 3.0 and 6.0 mg/kg doses, respectively.
      The pulmonary clearance rate constants from compartment 1, k1, were estimated
      using a 2-compartment model and were found to be higher for the 0.375 and 0.75
      mg/kg doses of TiO2 (0.030/day for both) than for TiO2 doses of 1.5-6.0 mg/kg
      (0.014-0.022/day). The translocation rate constants from compartment 1 to 2, k12,
      were estimated to be 0.015 and 0.018/day for the 0.375 and 0.75 mg/kg doses, and
      0.0025-0.0092/day for doses of 1.5-6.0mg/kg. The pulmonary clearance rate
      constants from compartment 2, k2, were estimated to be 0.0086 and 0.0093/day for
      doses of 0.375 and 0.75 mg/kg, and 0-0.00082/day for 1.5-6.0 mg/kg doses.
      Translocation of TiO2 from the lungs to the thoracic lymph nodes increased in a
      time- and dose-dependent manner, accounting for 0.10-3.4% of the administered
      dose at 26 weeks. The measured thoracic lymph node burdens were a much better fit
      to the thoracic lymph node burdens estimated assuming translocation from
      compartment 1 to the thoracic lymph nodes, rather than those estimated assuming
      translocation from compartment 2 to the thoracic lymph nodes. The translocation
      rate constants from the lungs to the thoracic lymph nodes, kLung->Lym, were
      0.000037-0.00081/day, and these also increased with increasing doses of TiO2.
      Although a small amount of TiO2 had translocated to the liver by 3 days after the
      administration (0.0023-0.012% of the highest dose administered, 6.0 mg/kg),
      translocation to the other extrapulmonary organs was not detected.

PMID- 25128819
TI  - Tactual perception of liquid material properties.
AB  - In this paper, studies into the tactual perception of two liquid material
      properties, viscosity and wetness, are reviewed. These properties are very
      relevant in the context of interaction with liquids, both real, such as cosmetics
      or food products, and simulated, as in virtual reality or teleoperation. Both
      properties have been the subject of psychophysical characterisation in terms of
      magnitude estimation experiments and discrimination experiments, which are
      discussed. For viscosity, both oral and manual perception is discussed, as well
      as the perception of the viscosity of a mechanical system. For wetness, the
      relevant cues are identified and factors affecting perception are discussed.
      Finally, some conclusions are drawn pertaining to both properties. 

PMID- 25128820
TI  - Safety pharmacology in 2014: new focus on non-cardiac methods and models.
AB  - "What do you know about Safety Pharmacology?" This is the question that was asked
      in 2000 with the inception of the Safety Pharmacology Society (SPS). There is now
      a widespread awareness of the role of safety pharmacology in drug discovery and
      increasing awareness among the wider community of methods and models used in the
      assessment of the core battery required set of safety studies. However, safety
      pharmacology does not stop with core battery studies. New methods are intensively
      sought in order to achieve a swifter and more reliable assessment of adverse
      effect liability. The dynamics of the discipline and method expansion are
      reflected in the content of this issue of the Journal of Pharmacological and
      Toxicological Methods (JPTM). We are into the second decade of publishing on
      safety pharmacology methods and models, reflected by the annual themed issue in
      JPTM, and on willingness of investigators to embrace new technologies and
      methodologies. This years' themed issue is derived from the annual Safety
      Pharmacology Society (SPS) meeting, held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in 2013. 

PMID- 25128821
TI  - Redesigning acute care for cognitively impaired older adults: Optimizing health
      care services.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Cognitive impairment (CI) is one of several factors known
      to influence hospitalization, hospital length of stay, and rehospitalization
      among older adults. Redesigning care delivery systems sensitive to the influence
      of CI may reduce acute care utilization while improving care quality. To develop
      a foundation of fundamental needs for health care redesign, we conducted focus
      groups with inpatient and outpatient providers to identify barriers,
      facilitators, and suggestions for improvements in care delivery for patients with
      CI. DESIGN AND METHODS: Focus group sessions were conducted with providers to
      identify their approach to caring for cognitively impaired hospitalized adults;
      obstacles and facilitators to providing this care; and suggestions for improving
      the care process. Using a thematic analysis, two reviewers analyzed these
      transcripts to develop codes and themes. RESULTS: Seven themes emerged from the
      focus group transcripts. These were: (1) reflections on serving the cognitively
      impaired population; (2) descriptions of perceived barriers to care; (3)
      strategies that improve or facilitate caring for hospitalized older adults; (4)
      the importance of fostering a hospital friendly to the needs of older adults; (5)
      the need for educating staff, patients, and caregivers; (6) the central role of
      good communication; and (7) steps needed to provide more effective care.
      IMPLICATIONS: Providing effective acute care services to older adults with CI is
      an important challenge in health care reform. An understanding derived from the
      perspective of multiple professional disciplines is an important first step.
      Future research will build on this preliminary study in developing new acute care
      models for patients with CI.

PMID- 25128823
TI  - Mutational analysis of critical residues of FAD-independent catabolic
      acetolactate synthase from Enterococcus faecalis V583.
AB  - Catabolic acetolactate synthase (cALS) from Enterococcus faecalis is a FAD
      independent enzyme, which catalyzes the condensation of two molecules of pyruvate
      to produce acetolactate. Mutational and kinetic analyses of variants suggested
      the importance of H111, Q112, and Q411 residues for catalysis in cALS. The wild
      type and variants were expressed as equally soluble proteins and co-migrated to a
      size of 60 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Importantly, H111 in cALS, which is widely present as
      phenylalanine in many other ThDP-dependent enzymes, plays a crucial role in
      substrate binding. Interestingly, the H111 variants, H111R and H111F,
      demonstrated altered specific activity of H111 variants with 17- and 26-fold
      increases in Km, respectively, compared to wild-type cALS. Furthermore, Q112
      variants, Q112E, Q112N, and Q112V, exhibited significantly lower specific
      activity with 70-, 15-, and 10-fold higher Ks for ThDP, respectively. In the case
      of Q411, the variant Q411E showed a 10-fold rise in Km and a 20-fold increase in
      Ks for ThDP. Further, the molecular docking results indicated that the binding
      mode of ThDP was slightly affected in the variants of cALS. Based on these
      results, we suggest that H111 plays a role in substrate binding, and further
      suggest that Q112 and Q411 might be involved in ThDP binding of cALS.

PMID- 25128822
TI  - Differentiating the Influences of Aging and Adiposity on Brain Weights, Levels of
      Serum and Brain Cytokines, Gastrointestinal Hormones, and Amyloid Precursor
      Protein.
AB  - Aging and obesity exert important effects on disease. Differentiating these
      effects is difficult, however, because weight gain often accompanies aging. Here,
      we used a nested design of aged, calorically restricted, and refed rats to
      measure changes in brain and blood levels of cytokines and gastrointestinal
      hormones, brain amyloid precursor protein levels, and brain and body weights. By
      comparing groups and using path analysis, we found divergent influences of
      chronological aging versus body weight, our main findings being (i) changes in
      whole brain weight and serum macrophage colony-stimulating factor levels
      correlated better with body weight than with chronological aging, (ii) a decrease
      in brain cytokines and brain plasminogen activator inhibitor levels correlated
      better with chronological aging than with body weight, (iii) serum erythropoietin
      levels were influenced by both body weight and aging, (iv) serum plasminogen
      activator inhibitor, serum cytokines, and brain tumor necrosis factor were not
      influenced by aging or body weight, and (v) brain amyloid precursor protein more
      closely related to body weight and serum levels of gastrointestinal hormones than
      to brain weight, chronological aging, or cytokines. These findings show that
      although aging and body weight interact, their influences are distinct not only
      among various cytokines and hormones but also between the central nervous system
      and the peripheral tissue compartments. 

PMID- 25128824
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of water soluble O-carboxymethyl chitosan Schiff
      bases and Cu(II) complexes.
AB  - In this study, mono-imine was synthesized (3a and 4a) via a condensation reaction
      between 2,4-pentadion and aminobenzoic acid (meta or para) in alcohol (1:1). The
      second-imine (CS-3a and CS-4a) was obtained as a result of the reaction of the
      free oxo groups of mono-imine (3a and 4a) with the amino groups on the chitosan
      (CS). Their structures were characterized with FTIR and (13)C CP-MAS. Then, the
      water soluble forms of CS-3a and CS-4a were obtained through oxidation of the
      hydroxide groups on the chitosan to carboxymethyl groups using monochloracetic
      acid ([O-CMCS-3a] . 2H2O and [O-CMCS-4a] . 2H2O). Thus, the solubility problem of
      chitosan in an aqueous media was overcome and Cu(II) complexes could be
      synthesized more easily. Characterization of the synthesized O-carboxymethyl
      chitosan Schiff base derivatives and their metal complexes, [O-CMCS-3a-Cu(OAc)2]
      . 2H2O and [O-CMCS-4a-Cu(OAc)2] . 2H2O, was conducted using FTIR, UV-Vis, TG/DTA,
      XRD, SEM, elemental analysis, conductivities and magnetic susceptibility
      measurements.

PMID- 25128825
TI  - Modulation of cytokine expression in human macrophages by endocrine-disrupting
      chemical Bisphenol-A.
AB  - Exposure to environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) is
      often associated with dysregulated immune homeostasis, but the mechanisms remain
      unclear. In the present study, the effects of BPA on the cytokines responses of
      human macrophages were investigated. Treatment with BPA increased pro
      inflammation cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6
      (IL-6) production, but decreased anti-inflammation cytokines interleukin-10 (IL
      10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) production in THP1
      macrophages, as well as in primary human macrophages. BPA effected cytokines
      expression through estrogen receptor alpha/beta (ERalpha/beta)-dependent
      mechanism with the evidence of ERalpha/beta antagonist reversed the expression of
      cytokines. We also identified that activation of extracellular regulated protein
      kinases (ERK)/nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) signal cascade marked the effects
      of BPA on cytokines expression. Our results indicated that BPA effected
      inflammatory responses of macrophages via modulating of cytokines expression, and
      provided a new insight into the link between exposure to BPA and human health. 

PMID- 25128826
TI  - Identification of a telomeric DNA-binding protein in Eimeria tenella.
AB  - Coccidiosis is considered to be a major problem for the poultry industry, and
      coccidiosis control is yet urgent. Due to the roles in telomere length regulation
      and end protection, telomere-binding proteins have been considered as a good
      target for drug design. In this work, a putative Gbp1p that is similar to
      telomeric DNA-binding protein Gbp (G-strand binding protein) of Cryptosporidium
      parvum, was searched in the database of Eimeria tenella. Sequence analysis
      indicated E.tenella Gbp1p (EtGbp1p) has significant sequence similarity to other
      eukaryotic Gbps in their RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains. Electrophoretic
      mobility shift assays (EMSAs) demonstrated recombinant EtGbp1p bound G-rich
      telomeric DNA, but not C-rich or double-stranded telomeric DNA sequences.
      Competition and antibody supershift assays confirmed the interaction of DNA
      protein complex. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that EtGbp1p
      interacted with telomeric DNA in vivo. Collectively, these evidences suggest that
      EtGbp1p represents a G-rich single-stranded telomeric DNA-binding protein in
      E.tenella. 

PMID- 25128827
TI  - PGE2-induced colon cancer growth is mediated by mTORC1.
AB  - The inflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) cytokine plays a key role in the
      development of colon cancer. Several studies have shown that PGE2 directly
      induces the growth of colon cancer cells and furthermore promotes tumor
      angiogenesis by increasing the production of the vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF). The signaling intermediaries implicated in these processes have
      however not been fully characterized. In this report, we show that the
      mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) plays an important role in
      PGE2-induced colon cancer cell responses. Indeed, stimulation of LS174T cells
      with PGE2 increased mTORC1 activity as observed by the augmentation of S6
      ribosomal protein phosphorylation, a downstream effector of mTORC1. The PGE2 EP4
      receptor was responsible for transducing the signal to mTORC1. Moreover, PGE2
      increased colon cancer cell proliferation as well as the growth of colon cancer
      cell colonies grown in matrigel and blocking mTORC1 by rapamycin or ATP
      competitive inhibitors of mTOR abrogated these effects. Similarly, the inhibition
      of mTORC1 by downregulation of its component raptor using RNA interference
      blocked PGE2-induced LS174T cell growth. Finally, stimulation of LS174T cells
      with PGE2 increased VEGF production which was also prevented by mTORC1
      inhibition. Taken together, these results show that mTORC1 is an important
      signaling intermediary in PGE2 mediated colon cancer cell growth and VEGF
      production. They further support a role for mTORC1 in inflammation induced tumor
      growth. 

PMID- 25128829
TI  - Structure based modification of Bluetongue virus helicase protein VP6 to produce
      a viable VP6-truncated BTV.
AB  - Bluetongue virus core protein VP6 is an ATP hydrolysis dependent RNA helicase.
      However, despite much study, the precise role of VP6 within the viral capsid and
      its structure remain unclear. To investigate the requirement of VP6 in BTV
      replication, we initiated a structural and biological study. Multinuclear nuclear
      magnetic resonance spectra were assigned on his-tagged full-length VP6 (329 amino
      acid residues) as well as several truncated VP6 variants. The analysis revealed a
      large structured domain with two large loop regions that exhibit significant
      conformational exchange. One of the loops (amino acid position 34-130) could be
      removed without affecting the overall fold of the protein. Moreover, using a BTV
      reverse genetics system, it was possible to demonstrate that the VP6-truncated
      BTV was viable in BHK cells in the absence of any helper VP6 protein, suggesting
      that a large portion of this loop region is not absolutely required for BTV
      replication. 

PMID- 25128830
TI  - Identification of borrelidin binding site on threonyl-tRNA synthetase.
AB  - Borrelidin exhibits a wide spectrum of biological activities and has been
      considered as a non-competitive inhibitor of threonyl-tRNA synthetase (ThrRS).
      However, the detailed mechanisms of borrelidin against ThrRS, especially
      borrelidin binding site on ThrRS, are still unclear, which limits the development
      of novel borrelidin derivatives and rational design of structure-based ThrRS
      inhibitors. In this study, the binding site of borrelidin on Escherichia coli
      ThrRS was predicted by molecular docking. To validate our speculations, the ThrRS
      mutants of E. coli (P424K, E458Delta, and G459Delta) were constructed and their
      sensitivity to borrelidin was compared to that of the wild-type ThrRS by enzyme
      kinetics and stopped-flow fluorescence analysis. The docking results showed that
      borrelidin binds the pocket outside but adjacent to the active site of ThrRS,
      consisting of residue Y313, R363, R375, P424, E458, G459, and K465. Site-directed
      mutagenesis results showed that sensitivities of P424K, E458Delta, and G459Delta
      ThrRSs to borrelidin were reduced markedly. All the results showed that residue
      Y313, P424, E458, and G459 play vital roles in the binding of borrelidin to
      ThrRS. It indicated that borrelidin may induce the cleft closure, which blocks
      the release of Thr-AMP and PPi, to inhibit activity of ThrRS rather than inhibit
      the binding of ATP and threonine. This study provides new insight into inhibitory
      mechanisms of borrelidin against ThrRS. 

PMID- 25128831
TI  - Experimental in vitro infection of rat osteoblasts with measles virus stimulates
      osteogenic differentiation.
AB  - In this work we characterized the infection of a primary culture of rat
      osteoblastic lineage cells (OBCs) with measles virus (MeV) and the effect of
      infection on cell differentiation and maturation. Infection of OBCs with MeV led
      to high titers of infectivity released early after infection. Also, analysis of
      mRNAs corresponding to osteogenic differentiation markers like alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP), bone sialo-protein (BSP) and bone morphogenetic proteins
      (BMPs) 1-4-5-7 in OBCs revealed higher values (2-75-fold of increment) for
      infected cells in comparison with uninfected controls. Differentiation of OBCs in
      osteogenic medium prior to infection influenced the level of stimulation induced
      by MeV. Furthermore, treatment of OBCs with Ly294002, a PI3K/AKT inhibitor,
      increased viral titers, whereas treatment with 10MUM or 100MUM ATPgammaS
      diminished MeV multiplication. In addition, increments of osteogenic
      differentiation markers induced by MeV infection were not modified either by
      treatment with Ly294002 or ATPgammaS. These data provide the first evidence
      demonstrating that MeV can infect osteoblasts in vitro leading to osteoblastic
      differentiation, a key feature in bone pathogenic processes like otosclerosis. 

PMID- 25128832
TI  - Attitudes and beliefs of health risks associated with sodium intake in diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND:   Despite good evidence that reducing sodium intake can reduce blood
      pressure (BP), salt intake in people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) or type 2
      diabetes (T2DM) remains high. The purpose of this study was to describe the
      knowledge and beliefs of health risks associated with a high salt diet in adults
      with diabetes. METHODS: Men and women with T1DM (n = 27; age 38 +/- 16 years) or
      T2DM (n = 124; age 60 +/- 11 years) were recruited. RESULTS: Nine (6.0%)
      respondents knew the correct maximum daily recommended upper limit for salt
      intake. Thirty-six (23.9%) participants were not concerned with the amount of
      salt in their diet. Most participants knew that a diet high in salt was related
      to high BP (88.1%) and stroke (78.1%) and that foods such as pizza (80.8%) and
      bacon (84.8%) were high in salt. Fewer than 30% of people knew that foods such as
      white bread, cheese and breakfast cereals are high in salt (white bread 28.5%,
      cheese 29.1%, breakfast cereals 19.9%) and 51.0% correctly ranked three different
      nutrition information panels based on the sodium content. Label reading and
      purchase of low salt products was used by 60-80% of the group. Estimated average
      24 hour urinary sodium excretion was 169 +/- 32 mmol/24 h in men and 115 +/- 27
      mmol/24 h in women. CONCLUSION: Label reading and purchase of low salt products
      was used by the majority of the group but their salt excretion was still high.
      Men who used label reading had a lower salt intake. Other strategies to promote a
      lower sodium intake such as reducing sodium in staple foods such as bread need
      investigation.

PMID- 25128833
TI  - "She got more than me". Social comparison and the social context of eating.
AB  - Eating is a social activity for most people. Other people influence what and how
      much an individual chooses and eats. Such social influence on eating has long
      been recognized and studied, but we contend here that one important social
      influence factor, social comparison, has been largely overlooked by researchers.
      We review the literature on comparing oneself to others on eating and weight
      related dimensions, which appears to have an effect not only on eating per se,
      but also on self-image, body dissatisfaction, and emotions. Social comparison
      processes may well underlie many of the social influence findings discussed in
      this special issue. 

PMID- 25128828
TI  - DNA methylation and microRNA biomarkers for noninvasive detection of gastric and
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - Cancer initiation and progression is controlled by both genetic and epigenetic
      events. Epigenetics refers to the study of mechanisms that alter gene expression
      without permanently altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic alterations are
      reversible and heritable, and include changes in histone modifications, DNA
      methylation, and non-coding RNA-mediated gene silencing. Disruption of epigenetic
      processes can lead to altered gene function and malignant cellular
      transformation. Aberrant epigenetic modifications occur at the earliest stages of
      neoplastic transformation and are now believed to be essential players in cancer
      initiation and progression. Recent advances in epigenetics have not only offered
      a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanism(s) of carcinogenesis, but have
      also allowed identification of clinically relevant putative biomarkers for the
      early detection, disease monitoring, prognosis and risk assessment of cancer
      patients. At this moment, DNA methylation and non-coding RNA including with
      microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent the largest body
      of available literature on epigenetic biomarkers with the highest potential for
      cancer diagnosis. Following identification of cell-free nucleic acids in
      systematic circulation, increasing evidence has demonstrated the potential of
      cell-free epigenetic biomarkers in the blood or other body fluids for cancer
      detection. In this article, we summarize the current state of knowledge on
      epigenetic biomarkers - primarily DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs - as
      potential substrates for cancer detection in gastric and colorectal cancer, the
      two most frequent cancers within the gastrointestinal tract. We also discuss the
      obstacles that have limited the routine use of epigenetic biomarkers in the
      clinical settings and provide our perspective on approaches that might help
      overcome these hurdles, so that these biomarkers can be readily developed for
      clinical management of cancer patients. 

PMID- 25128834
TI  - Food references and marketing in popular magazines for children and adolescents
      in New Zealand: a content analysis.
AB  - Food marketing is recognized as an important factor influencing children's food
      preferences and consumption. The purpose of this study was to examine the nature
      and extent of unhealthy food marketing and non-branded food references in
      magazines targeted at and popular among children and adolescents 10-17 years old
      in New Zealand. A content analysis was conducted of all food references (branded
      and non-branded) found in the five magazines with the highest readership among 10
      17 year olds, and the three magazines (of which two were already included among
      the five most popular magazines) targeted to 10-17 year olds. For each of the six
      magazines, one issue per month (n = 72 issues in total) over a one-year period
      (December 2012-January 2014) was included. All foods referenced were classified
      into healthy/unhealthy according to the food-based Ministry of Health
      classification system. Branded food references (30% of total) were more frequent
      for unhealthy (43%) compared to healthy (25%) foods. Magazines specifically
      targeted to children and adolescents contained a significantly higher proportion
      of unhealthy branded food references (n = 51/71, 72%) compared to the most
      popular magazines among children and adolescents (n = 133/317, 42%), of which
      most were targeted to women. 'Snack items' such as chocolates and ice creams were
      marketed most frequently (n = 104; 36%), while 'vegetables and fruits' were
      marketed the least frequently (n = 9; 3%). Direct advertisements accounted for
      27% of branded food references and 25% of those featured health or nutrition
      claims. Both branded and non-branded food references were common within magazines
      targeted at and popular among children and adolescents, and skewed toward
      unhealthy foods. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of self-regulation
      in marketing and emphasizes that government regulations are needed in order to
      curb children's current potential high exposures to unhealthy food marketing. In
      addition, magazine editors could take socially responsible editorial positions in
      regard to healthy eating. 

PMID- 25128835
TI  - The effect of non-caloric sweeteners on cognition, choice, and post-consumption
      satisfaction.
AB  - Consumers often turn to non-caloric sweeteners (NCS) as a means of promoting a
      healthy body weight. However, several studies have now linked their long-term use
      to increased weight gain, raising the question of whether these products produce
      unintended psychological, physiological, or behavioral changes that have
      implications for weight management goals. In the following, we present the
      results of three experiments bearing on this issue, testing whether NCS
      consumption influences how individuals think about and respond to food.
      Participants in each of our three experiments were randomly assigned to consume a
      sugar-sweetened beverage, an unsweetened beverage, or a beverage sweetened with
      NCS. We then measured their cognition (Experiment 1), product choice (Experiment
      2), and subjective responses to a sugar-sweetened food (Experiment 3). Results
      revealed that consuming NCS-sweetened beverages influences psychological
      processes in ways that - over time - may increase calorie intake. 

PMID- 25128836
TI  - Transcranial direct current stimulation modulates ERP-indexed inhibitory control
      and reduces food consumption.
AB  - Food craving can be defined as the "urge to eat a specific food". Previous
      findings suggest impairment of inhibitory control, specifically a regulatory
      deficit in the lateral prefrontal circuitry that is associated with a compulsion
      for food. As demonstrated by three previous studies, bilateral transcranial
      direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)
      (anode right/cathode left) reduces food craving and caloric intake. We designed
      the present study to evaluate the neural mechanisms that underlie these effects.
      We replicated the design of one of these previous studies but included
      electroencephalographic assessments to register evoked potentials in a Go/No-go
      task that contained pictures of food and furniture (a control visual stimulus).
      We collected data from nine women (mean age = 23.4 +/- 2 years) in a crossover
      experiment. We observed that active DLPFC tDCS (anode right/cathode left),
      compared with sham stimulation, reduced the frontal N2 component and enhanced the
      P3a component of responses to No-go stimuli, regardless of the stimulus condition
      (food or furniture). Active tDCS was also associated with a reduction in caloric
      intake. We discuss our findings in the context of cortico-subcortical processing
      of craving and tDCS effects on inhibitory control neural circuitry. 

PMID- 25128837
TI  - Shoppers' perceived embeddedness and its impact on purchasing behavior at an
      organic farmers' market.
AB  - This study explores the concept of perceived embeddedness (PE) and its impact on
      purchasing behavior at an organic farmers' market. Based on a review of the prior
      literature, the study refines the conceptualization and measurement of PE as a
      second-order factor construct reflected in its three dimensions: perceived social
      embeddedness, perceived spatial embeddedness, and perceived natural embeddedness.
      The study also suggests that organic farmers' market shoppers' PE is positively
      related to the two measures of purchasing behavior: expenditure per visit and
      repurchase intention. In a sample of 492 organic farmers' market shoppers in
      Beijing municipality, China, the study find support for the second-order factor
      structure of PE and the theorized relationship between the shoppers' PE and their
      purchasing behavior. The study also discusses theoretical and managerial
      implications of the findings. 

PMID- 25128838
TI  - Minor association of kinase insert domain-containing receptor gene polymorphism
      (rs2071559) with myocardial infarction in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus: case-control cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) and its receptor KDR play
      central roles in angiogenesis and vascular repair, which occur in diabetic
      vascular complications, such as MI. The aim of our study was to investigate if
      polymorphisms rs2071559 and rs2305948 in the kinase insert domain-containing
      receptor (KDR) gene are associated with myocardial infarction (MI) in Caucasians
      with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). DESIGN AND METHODS: The association of KDR -604T>C
      (rs2071559) and 1192G>A (rs2305948) polymorphisms was tested in a case-control
      cross-sectional study including 171 subjects with T2DM and MI compared to 855
      subjects with T2DM without coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition, VEGF serum
      levels were analyzed in 98 subjects with type 2 diabetes without CAD. RESULTS: A
      significantly higher frequency of the CC genotype of the KDR -604T>C (rs2071559)
      polymorphism was found in diabetic patients with MI compared to diabetic patients
      without CAD (27.5% vs. 21.1%, p=0.04). On the other hand, the 1192G>A (rs2305948)
      polymorphism was not associated with MI in subjects with type 2 diabetes.
      Significantly higher VEGF serum levels were found in subjects with the -604CC
      genotype compared to those with other (CT+TT) genotypes (73.8 +/- 22.1 ng/l vs.
      58.1 +/- 18.5 ng/l; p<0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for
      age, arterial hypertension, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and hsCRP revealed
      that carriers of the -604CC genotype (rs2071559) had a 1.6-fold higher risk for
      MI (OR=1.6; 95% CI=1.1-2.1; p=0.022). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates
      that the CC genotype of the KDR -604T>C polymorphism (rs2071559) is a possible
      risk factor for MI in Caucasians with T2DM.

PMID- 25128839
TI  - Development and validation of a UHPLC diode array detector method for meropenem
      quantification in human plasma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Meropenem is a beta-lactam antibiotic frequently used to treat
      serious infections in intensive care unit patients. The main objective was to
      develop and validate a sensitive and specific ultra high performance liquid
      chromatography method with photodiode array detection for the quantitation of
      meropenem in human plasma. The applicability of the method for meropenem
      monitoring was also examined. DESIGN AND METHODS: The validation of the method
      was performed following the FDA's guidelines for bioanalytical methods. In
      parallel, the method was applied for monitoring meropenem in forty plasma samples
      from ten critically ill patients treated intravenously at a total dose of 1 g.
      Drug levels were measured in each patient at 0 h, 2 h, 4 h and 8 h after
      meropenem infusion. RESULTS: With this method, intraday and day-to-day variation
      was below 10%; intraday and day-to-day accuracy was between 94% and 114%; the
      limit of quantification was 0.5 MUg/mL and recovery was above 70%. The method was
      successfully applied to quantitate meropenem concentrations and the results
      showed significant pharmacokinetic interindividual variability. Of special
      interest is that 50% of treated patients had meropenem plasma levels below the
      minimum inhibitory concentration at 8h after the start of infusion, which was
      strongly related to creatinine clearance >60 mL/min. CONCLUSIONS: The method
      meets the requirements to be applied for meropenem concentration measurements in
      pharmacokinetics studies and clinical routine. The results suggest the need for
      therapeutic drug monitoring of meropenem in treated critically-ill patients.

PMID- 25128840
TI  - Variable effects of the co-administration of a GM-CSF-expressing plasmid on the
      immune response to flavivirus DNA vaccines in mice.
AB  - As a cytokine adjuvant, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)
      has been demonstrated to play central roles in the enhancement of the immune
      response and protection elicited by experimental vaccines. However, in our
      previous work, the co-administration of GM-CSF produced untoward effects on the
      immune response induced by a Japanese encephalitis virus DNA vaccine candidate.
      This study aimed to elucidate the adjuvant roles of GM-CSF in several
      Flaviviridae virus DNA vaccine candidates. Our results showed that the effects of
      GM-CSF were diverse: co-inoculated GM-CSF caused significant suppression to the
      dengue virus type 1 and type 2 prM-E DNA vaccinations and influenced protective
      efficiency against virus challenge. In contrast, GM-CSF showed little effect or
      an enhancement on the immune response elicited by hepatitis C virus C or E1 DNA
      vaccine candidates. Notably, these effects of GM-CSF were highly durable. Our
      results suggested that the adjuvant roles of the GM-CSF plasmid were complex and
      diverse, ranging from enhancement to suppression, depending on the immunogen of
      Flaviviridae virus DNA vaccine candidates. Therefore, the application of GM-CSF
      as a vaccine adjuvant or a therapeutic agent should be evaluated carefully. 

PMID- 25128841
TI  - Murine carcinoma expressing carcinoembryonic antigen-like protein is restricted
      by antibody against neem leaf glycoprotein.
AB  - We have generated a polyclonal antibody against a novel immunomodulator, neem
      leaf glycoprotein (NLGP) that can react to a specific 47 kDa subunit of NLGP.
      Generated anti-NLGP antibody (primarily IgG2a) was tested for its anti-tumor
      activity in murine carcinoma (EC, CT-26), sarcoma (S180) and melanoma (B16Mel)
      tumor models. Surprisingly, tumor growth restriction was only observed in CT-26
      carcinoma models, without any alteration in other tumor systems. Comparative
      examination of antigenicity between four different tumor models revealed high
      expression of CEA-like protein on the surface of CT-26 tumors. Subsequent
      examination of the cross-reactivity of anti-NLGP antibody with purified or cell
      bound CEA revealed prominent recognition of CEA by anti-NLGP antibody, as
      detected by ELISA, Western Blotting and immunohistochemistry. This recognition
      seems to be responsible for anti-tumor function of anti-NLGP antibody only on CEA
      like protein expressing CT-26 tumor models, as confirmed by ADCC reaction in
      CEA(+) tumor systems where dependency to anti-NLGP antibody is equivalent to anti
      CEA antibody. Obtained result with enormous therapeutic potential for CEA(+)
      tumors may be explained in view of the epitope spreading concept, however,
      further investigation is crucial.

PMID- 25128842
TI  - And the BBI 2014 award for lead actor in "neuroinflammation and depression" goes
      to....

PMID- 25128843
TI  - Fractal microstructure characterization of wet microalgal cells disrupted with
      ultrasonic cavitation for lipid extraction.
AB  - The effects of ultrasonic treatment on fractal microstructures of wet microalgal
      cells were investigated for lipid extraction. Fractal dimension of cells with
      distorted surfaces increased with power and ultrasonication time. Microalgal
      cells shrank owing to dehydration and cytomembranes were reduced to debris, but
      cell walls were not fragmented. When ultrasonication power increased from 0 to
      500W for 30min, the fractal dimension of cells increased from 1.21 to 1.51, cell
      sizes decreased from 2.78 to 1.68MUm and cell wall thickness decreased from 0.08
      to 0.05MUm. When ultrasonication time increased from 5 to 30min with a power of
      150W, the fractal dimension of cells increased from 1.24 to 1.37, cell sizes
      decreased from 2.72 to 2.38MUm and cell wall thickness first increased to a peak
      of 0.22MUm and then decreased. Long-chain and unsaturated lipids were degraded
      into short-chain and saturated lipids with ultrasonic cavitation. 

PMID- 25128844
TI  - Recycling of food waste as nutrients in Chlorella vulgaris cultivation.
AB  - Heterotrophic cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris was investigated in food waste
      hydrolysate. The highest exponential growth rate in terms of biomass of 0.8day(
      1) was obtained in a hydrolysate consisting of 17.9gL(-1) glucose, 0.1gL(-1) free
      amino nitrogen, 0.3gL(-1) phosphate and 4.8mgL(-1) nitrate, while the growth rate
      was reduced in higher concentrated hydrolysates. C. vulgaris utilized the
      nutrients recovered from food waste for the formation of biomass and 0.9g biomass
      was produced per gram glucose consumed. The microalgal biomass produced in
      nutrient sufficient batch cultures consisted of around 400mgg(-1) carbohydrates,
      200mgg(-1) proteins and 200mgg(-1) lipids. The conversion of nutrients derived
      from food waste and the balanced biomass composition make C. vulgaris a promising
      strain for the recycling of food waste in food, feed and fuel productions. 

PMID- 25128845
TI  - OmGOGAT-disruption in the ericoid mycorrhizal fungus Oidiodendron maius induces
      reorganization of the N pathway and reduces tolerance to heavy-metals.
AB  - Mycorrhizal fungi are key mediators of soil-to-plant movement of mineral
      nutrients, including essential and non-essential metals. In soil conditions that
      facilitate mobilization of metal ions, potentially toxic metals can interfere
      with nitrogen metabolism in both plants and microorganisms. Less is known about
      possible relationships between nitrogen metabolism and responses to heavy metals.
      Aim of this study was to investigate this aspect in the ericoid mycorrhizal
      fungus Oidiodendron maius strain Zn, a metal tolerant ascomycete. Growth of O.
      maius Zn on zinc and cadmium containing media was significantly affected by the
      nitrogen source. Screening of a library of O. maius Zn random genetic
      transformants for sensitivity to heavy metals (zinc and cadmium) and oxidative
      stress (menadione) yielded a mutant strain that carried a partial deletion of the
      glutamate synthase (NADH-GOGAT EC 1.4.1.14) gene and its adjacent gene, the APC15
      subunit of the anaphase promoting complex. Comparison of WT and OmGOGAT-OmAPC15
      mutant strains indicated an impaired N-metabolism and altered stress tolerance,
      and assays on the OmAPC15-recomplemented strains ascribed the observed phenotypes
      to the deletion in the OmGOGAT gene. OmGOGAT disruption modified the nitrogen
      pathway, with a strong reduction of the associated glutamine synthetase (GS, EC
      6.3.1.2) activity and an up-regulation of the alternative NADP-glutamate
      dehydrogenase (NADP-GDH, EC 1.4.1.4) pathway for glutamate biosynthesis. Unless
      they were supplemented with glutamine, O. maius Zn transformants lacking OmGOGAT
      were very sensitive to zinc. These results highlight the importance of nitrogen
      metabolism not only for nitrogen assimilation and transformation, but also for
      stress tolerance. For mycorrhizal fungi, such as O. maius, this may bear
      consequences not only to the fungus, but also to the host plant. 

PMID- 25128846
TI  - Sperm glucose transport and metabolism in diabetic individuals.
AB  - Individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) present marked reduction in sperm quality
      and higher DNA damage in spermatozoa, evidencing that this metabolic disorder
      impairs male fertility. These effects are related to defective testicular
      metabolic pathways and signaling, resulting in altered sperm metabolism.
      Spermatozoa metabolize several substrates to ensure energy supplies and any
      alteration in this feature compromise sperm quality. For ATP production,
      spermatozoa require substrate availability and the involvement of specific hexose
      membrane carriers. DM is known to modulate the spermatozoa substrate consumption
      and/or production due to altered glycolytic behavior. In fact, glucose uptake and
      metabolism is highly deregulated in diabetic individuals. Herein, we present an
      overview of the implications of DM in sperm glucose uptake and metabolism. The
      understanding of these processes is essential to identify key mechanisms
      associated with DM-related male (in)fertility. Moreover, it may contribute to the
      development of therapeutics to counteract the dysfunction induced by DM in sperm
      metabolism. 

PMID- 25128847
TI  - Glutamine synthetase plays a role in D-galactose-induced astrocyte aging in vitro
      and in vivo.
AB  - Astrocytes play multiple roles in physiological and pathological conditions in
      brain. However, little is known about the alterations of astrocytes in age
      related changes, and few aging models of the astrocytes in vitro have been
      established. Therefore, in the present study, we used d-galactose (D-Gal) to
      establish astrocyte aging model to explore the alterations of astrocytes in brain
      aging. We also used (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectra to verify
      the metabolic changes in the cerebral cortex of mice injected with D-gal. The
      results showed that D-gal (55mM) treatment for 1 week induced senescence
      characteristics in cultured cortical astrocytes. Real-time PCR and western blot
      analysis showed that the levels of glutamine synthetase (GS) mRNA and protein
      were strikingly decreased in the cultured senescent astrocytes, and the senescent
      astrocytes showed less resistance to the glutamate-induced gliotoxicity. The
      impairments of glutamate-glutamine cycle and astrocytes were also found in the
      cerebral cortex of mice treatment with D-gal (100mg/kg) for 6 weeks, and the
      level of GS mRNA was also found to be reduced markedly, being consistent with the
      result obtained from the senescent astrocytes in vitro. These results indicate
      that astrocyte may be the predominant contributor to the pathogenic mechanisms of
      D-gal-induced brain aging in mice, and GS might be one of the potential
      therapeutic targets of the aged brain induced by D-gal.

PMID- 25128849
TI  - Spinal administration of mGluR5 antagonist prevents the onset of bortezomib
      induced neuropathic pain in rat.
AB  - Peripheral neuropathy is a common adverse effect of bortezomib-based
      chemotherapy. In this study we have investigated the role played by subtype 5 of
      metabotropic receptors in bortezomib induced peripheral neuropathy. Rats were
      administered with bortezomib three times weekly at 0.20 mg/kg for a total of 4
      weeks in presence or absence of mGluR5 antagonist MPEP. The animals were
      submitted to paw-pressure test and tail sensory nerve conduction measurement more
      times during the treatment and follow-up. Bortezomib treatment induced a
      progressively increasing hyperalgesia in rat which was accompanied by a
      significant reduction in sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV). MPEP prevented
      the emergence of bortezomib-induced pain and counteracted SNCV reduction when co
      administered with bortezomib treatment. Spinal extracellular glutamate levels
      increased in rats treated with bortezomib. Bortezomib-induced onset of the
      hyperalgesia and SNCV decrease could be prevented by agents that promote the
      reuptake of glutamate maintaining spinal glutamate at basal level. Our data
      support the manipulation of the glutamatergic system through the mGluR5 receptor
      in bortezomib induced peripheral neuropathy. The use of antagonists at the
      mGluR5, initiated at the same time as bortezomib-chemotherapy, might reduce the
      number of patients who develop painful peripheral chemo-neuropathy. 

PMID- 25128850
TI  - Altered expression of deltaGABAA receptors in health and disease.
AB  - gamma-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors that contain the delta subunit
      (deltaGABAA receptors) are expressed in multiple types of neurons throughout the
      central nervous system, where they generate a tonic conductance that shapes
      neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. These receptors regulate a variety
      of important behavioral functions, including memory, nociception and anxiety, and
      may also modulate neurogenesis. Given their functional significance, deltaGABAA
      receptors are considered to be novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of
      memory dysfunction, pain, insomnia and mood disorders. These receptors are highly
      responsive to sedative-hypnotic drugs, general anesthetics and neuroactive
      steroids. A further remarkable feature of deltaGABAA receptors is that their
      expression levels are highly dynamic and fluctuate substantially during
      development and in response to physiological changes including stress and the
      reproductive cycle. Furthermore, the expression of these receptors varies in
      pathological conditions such as alcoholism, fragile X syndrome, epilepsy,
      depression, schizophrenia, mood disorders and traumatic brain injury. Such
      fluctuations in receptor expression have significant consequences for behavior
      and may alter responsiveness to therapeutic drugs. This review considers the
      alterations in the expression of deltaGABAA receptors associated with various
      states of health and disease and the implications of these changes.

PMID- 25128848
TI  - Metaplastic effects of subanesthetic ketamine on CA1 hippocampal function.
AB  - Ketamine is a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist of
      interest in neuropsychiatry. In the present studies, we examined the effects of
      subanesthetic, low micromolar ketamine on excitatory postsynaptic potentials
      (EPSPs), population spikes (PSs) and synaptic plasticity in the CA1 region of rat
      hippocampal slices. Ketamine acutely inhibited NMDAR-mediated synaptic responses
      with half-maximal effects near 10 MUM. When administered for 15-30 min at 1-10
      MUM, ketamine had no effect on baseline dendritic AMPA receptor-mediated EPSPs,
      but persistently enhanced somatic EPSPs in the pyramidal cell body layer and
      augmented PS firing. Acute low micromolar ketamine also had no effect on the
      induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) but blocked long-term depression (LTD).
      Following 30 min administration of 1-10 MUM ketamine, however, a slowly
      developing and persistent form of LTP inhibition was observed that took two hours
      following ketamine washout to become manifest. This LTP inhibition did not result
      from prolonged or enhanced NMDAR inhibition during drug washout. Effects of low
      ketamine on somatic EPSPs and LTP were not mimicked by a high ketamine
      concentration that completely inhibited NMDARs, and both of these effects were
      blocked by co-administration of low ketamine with a low concentration of the
      competitive NMDAR antagonist, 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate or inhibitors of nitric
      oxide synthase. These results indicate that concentrations of ketamine relevant
      to psychotropic and psychotomimetic effects have complex metaplastic effects on
      hippocampal function that involve activation of unblocked NMDARs during ketamine
      exposure. 

PMID- 25128851
TI  - Hysteroscopic morcellation: review of the manufacturer and user facility device
      experience (MAUDE) database.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the number and type of adverse events associated
      with hysteroscopic morcellation of intrauterine disease. DESIGN: Systematic
      review of Manufacturer and User Device Experience (MAUDE) database from 2005 to
      June 2014 (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING N/A PATIENTS: Women
      undergoing hysteroscopic surgery for removal of intrauterine polyps or myomas
      with use of a reciprocating morcellator. INTERVENTIONS: The MAUDE database was
      searched for the key words "Hysteroscope," "Hysteroscopic reciprocating
      morcellator," "Interlace," "MyoSure," "Smith & Nephew," and "TRUCLEAR," to
      identify reported incidences of device malfunction, injury, or death. A total of
      119 adverse events were analyzed. Reports were reviewed individually and
      categorized by date of occurrence, type of morcellation device, type of
      complication, and a brief description. Each company was contacted to provide an
      estimate of the number of procedures performed or units sold to date.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: From 2005 to June 2014, 119 adverse events were
      reported to the MAUDE database. On the basis of severity, adverse events were
      categorized as major or minor complications. Major events included
      intubation/admission to an intensive care unit (n = 14), bowel damage (n = 12),
      hysterectomy (n = 6), and death (n = 2). Minor events included uterine
      perforation requiring no other treatment (n = 29), device failure (n = 25),
      uncomplicated fluid overload (n = 19), postoperative bleeding controlled using
      noninvasive measures (n = 6), and pelvic infection (n = 4). These events were
      then categorized according to manufacturer. The number of adverse events reported
      to the MAUDE database was divided by the total units sold as a surrogate for the
      estimated number of procedures performed. Understanding the limitation of the
      numbers used as a numerator and denominator, we concluded that adverse events
      complicated hysteroscopic morcellation in <0.1% cases. CONCLUSIONS: The suction
      based, mechanical energy, rotating tubular cutting system was developed to
      overcome adverse events that occur during traditional resectoscopy. On the basis
      of acknowledged limited information from the MAUDE database, it seems that life
      threatening complications such as fluid overload, uterine perforation, and
      bleeding do occur with hysteroscopic morcellation but less frequently than with
      traditional electrocautery.

PMID- 25128852
TI  - Development of chitosan oleate ionic micelles loaded with silver sulfadiazine to
      be associated with platelet lysate for application in wound healing.
AB  - In the treatment of chronic wounds, topical application of anti-infective drugs
      such as silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) is of primary importance to avoid infections
      and accelerate wound repair. AgSD is used in burns and chronic wounds for its
      wide antibacterial spectrum, but presents limitations due to poor solubility and
      cytotoxicity. In the present work polymeric micelles obtained by self-assembling
      of chitosan ionically modified by interaction with oleic acid were developed as
      carriers for AgSD to overcome the drawbacks of the drug. The AgSD loaded micelles
      were intended to be associated in wound healing with platelet lysate (PL), a
      hemoderivative rich in growth factors. Unloaded micelles demonstrated good
      compatibility with both fibroblasts and PL. The relevance of chitosan
      concentration and of the ratio between chitosan and oleic acid to the drug
      loading and the particle size of nanoparticles was studied. A marked increase (up
      to 100 times with respect to saturated solution) of AgSD concentration in micelle
      dispersion was obtained. Moreover, the encapsulation reduced the cytotoxic effect
      of the drug towards fibroblasts and the drug incompatibility with PDGF-AB
      (platelet derived growth factor), chosen as representative of platelet growth
      factors.

PMID- 25128853
TI  - Study of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35(r) properties after compression and
      proposition of a model to predict tablet stability.
AB  - The beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on human health are now widely
      acknowledged, and this has prompted growing interest in research and development
      in the pharmaceutical field. However, to be viable when they reach their target,
      the bacteria must be able to survive during the manufacturing process and the
      biological pathway. Tablet form best meets the requirements for protecting acid
      labile drugs, but the tableting process could be an additional stress for the
      bacteria. This study evaluated the initial effect of compression pressure on the
      Lcr35(r) strain in a vaginal (Lcr regenerans(r)) and an intestinal (Lcr
      restituo(r)) formulation. A stability study was also performed on the tablets and
      revealed a beneficial effect of this form. The obtained destruction rates (k)
      demonstrated that the bacterial stability was greater in tablets than in powders
      (kpowders>ktablets). A new mathematical model was developed combining compression
      and temperature parameters to predict the bacterial viability at any pressure and
      time. Moreover, the genetic profile of Lcr35(r) (Rep-PCR, microarrays), its
      resistance to acidity and its ability to inhibit Candidaalbicans growth, after
      compression, were determined to evaluate the target product profile (TPP) in a
      Quality by Design (QbD) approach. The Rep-PCR analysis validated the strain
      identity and the microarrays demonstrated the genetic stability of Lcr35(r)
      strain after compaction. Additionally, ability to inhibit the C. albicans growth
      was maintained and the resistance to gastric conditions of Lcr35(r) was even
      improved by tableting. As a dosage form, tablets containing probiotic can
      guarantee that an adequate amount of bacteria reaches the therapeutic target
      (intestinal or vaginal) and that the product remains stable until the time of
      consumption.

PMID- 25128854
TI  - Development of disulfiram-loaded vaginal rings for the localised treatment of
      cervical cancer.
AB  - Cervical cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in women and
      disproportionately affects those in low resource settings due to limited programs
      for screening and prevention. In the developed world treatment for the disease in
      the non-metastasised state usually takes the form of surgical intervention and/or
      radiotherapy. In the developing world such techniques are less widely available.
      This paper describes the development of an intravaginal ring for the localised
      delivery of a chemotherapeutic drug to the cervix that has the potential to
      reduce the need for surgical intervention and will also provide a novel anti
      cancer therapy for women in low resource settings. Disulfiram has demonstrated
      antineoplastic action against prostate, breast and lung cancer. Both PEVA and
      silicone elastomer were investigated for suitability as materials in the
      manufacture of DSF eluting intravaginal rings. DSF inhibited the curing process
      of the silicone elastomer, therefore PEVA was chosen as the material to
      manufacture the DSF-loaded vaginal rings. The vaginal rings had an excellent
      content uniformity while the DSF remained stable throughout the manufacturing
      process. Furthermore, the rings provided diffusion controlled release of DSF at
      levels well in excess of the IC50 value for the HeLa cervical cancer cell line.

PMID- 25128855
TI  - Expression of biologically active TAT-fused recombinant islet transcription
      factors.
AB  - AIMS: Differentiation of pancreatic endocrine cells depends upon the activation
      of genes that are regulated by islet transcription factors (ITFs). Evidence
      suggests that ITFs contribute to the development of the pancreas. These studies
      are focused on developing a system to deliver individual ITF from different
      stages of islet cell development to promote precursors or other cell types to
      trans-differentiate into islet-like insulin-positive cells. MAIN METHODS: Protein
      transduction domains (PTDs) derived from the HIV-TAT peptide (YGRKKRRQRRR) were
      fused with three ITFs, Ngn3, Pdx1, and NeuroD/beta2, to facilitate the uptake of
      ITF recombinant proteins into various cell types. The three TAT-fused ITFs, Ngn3,
      Pdx1, and NeuroD/beta2 were constructed in a bacterial 6*His affinity tag-TAT
      recombinant protein expression system. The recombinant proteins were expressed
      using IPTG induction and purified to homogeneity using a nickel affinity column.
      KEY FINDINGS: The biological activity of each TAT-fused ITF was demonstrated by
      nuclear translocation, induction of target gene promoter activity, and the trans
      differentiation of pancreatic acinar cells, AR42J, into insulin-positive cells.
      SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides advanced information for developing strategies
      using recombinant TAT-fused ITF proteins in place of adenoviral vectors for the
      conversion of pancreatic exocrine cells into insulin-positive cells for the
      treatment of diabetes.

PMID- 25128856
TI  - Epigenetics, the missing link in hypertension.
AB  - Epigenetics refers to functional alterations in gene expression or phenotype
      without any change of the underlying DNA sequence. It is the study of the
      potential of a cell or organism to express different traits through functional
      regulation of its gene transcription. Though it is met as a necessary process in
      biology, epigenetics may often play a crucial part in the development of specific
      pathologic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. 

PMID- 25128857
TI  - Structure and biological perspectives of Cu(II)-indomethacin complexes.
AB  - The copper(II) complexes with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
      indomethacin (Hindo) in the presence of the nitrogen-donor heterocyclic ligands
      2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2'-bipyridylamine
      (bipyam) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of
      [Cu(indo)2(bipy)]?1.5MeOH?0.5H2O and [Cu(indo)2(phen)] ?1.85MeOH?0.15H2O have
      been determined by X-ray crystallography. All compounds have been tested for
      their antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity as well as for their in
      vitro inhibitory activity against soybean lipoxygenase showing significant
      activity with the previously reported complex [Cu2(indo)4(H2O)2] being the most
      active. The complexes exhibit good binding affinity to human or bovine serum
      albumin protein with high binding constant values. UV study of the interaction of
      the complexes with calf-thymus (CT) DNA has shown that the complexes can bind to
      CT DNA with [Cu(indo)2(bipyam)] showing the highest binding constant to CT DNA
      (Kb=1.56(+/-0.19)*10(6)M(-1)). The complexes can bind to CT DNA via intercalation
      as concluded by cyclic voltammetry, DNA viscosity measurements and competitive
      studies with ethidium bromide (EB) which revealed the ability of the complexes to
      displace the DNA-bound EB. 

PMID- 25128858
TI  - How well do patient activation scores predict depression outcomes one year later?
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examines the relationship between patient activation, a
      measure of individuals' knowledge, skill, and confidence for managing their
      health, and rates of depression remission and response among patients with
      depression. METHODS: Patients from Fairview Health Services in Minnesota with
      moderate to severe depression in 2011 and a PHQ-9 score in 2012 were included in
      the analysis (n=5253). Patient activation in 2011 and other health and
      demographic features were extracted from the electronic health record. We
      examined how patient activation predicted depression remission and response rates
      and changes in depression severity over one year using regression models. We also
      explored how activation predicted healthy behaviors among depressed patients.
      RESULTS: Higher baseline patient activation predicted lower depression severity
      and higher depression remission and response rates a year later. The most
      activated patients had PHQ-9 scores in 2012 two points lower than the lowest
      activated patients, and they had twice the odds of remission. Activation also
      predicted increase in healthy behaviors. LIMITATIONS: We were unable to examine
      the use of mental health services or control for the number of prior depressive
      episodes and duration of the current depressive episode in the analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found that higher patient activation predicted better depression
      outcomes. While we are unable to explore the mechanism of this association, we
      observed that more activated patients are also engaged in more healthy behaviors,
      suggesting that the mechanism may be behavioral. Support of patient activation
      may be an effective approach for providers to reduce patients' depression
      severity.

PMID- 25128859
TI  - Cyberbullying, psychological distress and self-esteem among youth in Quebec
      schools.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The advent of new technologies and social media offers a host of
      possibilities for teenagers to consolidate social networks. Unfortunately, new
      technologies also represent a potential setting for experiences of victimization.
      METHODS: The present study explores the prevalence of cyberbullying victimization
      in a representative sample of 8 194 teenagers in Quebec and the adverse
      associated consequences. RESULTS: Results indicate that 18% of boys and close to
      1 out of 4 girls report at least one incident of cyberbullying in the past 12
      months. Cyberbullying victimization contributes to the prediction of low
      selfesteem and psychological distress over and above other experiences of
      bullying in schools or other settings. CONCLUSIONS: Cyberbullying appear as one
      important target for the design of prevention and intervention services designed
      for youth.

PMID- 25128860
TI  - Factors associated with depression and suicide attempts in patients undergoing
      rehabilitation for substance abuse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comorbidity of major depression with substance abuse increases the
      risk of committing suicide. The objective of this work was to determine the
      psychological and socio-demographic factors associated with depression and
      suicide attempts in patients rehabilitating for drug consumption. METHOD: 57
      Patients attending a center for drug abuse treatment answered the following
      instruments: the Mini-international neuropsychiatric interview, a questionnaire
      of general information and background data on consumption of substances,
      depression and suicide attempts, and the Spanish adaptation of the Holmes and
      Rahe scale for the assessment of life events. Chi-square and logistic regression
      tests were used to establish associations between variables. RESULTS: 68.4% of
      the Patients had current major depression, of these, 75.4% experienced it before
      the onset of substance abuse. Patients attempting suicide before drug use
      corresponded to 26%, whilst 28.1% attempted suicide within the last year. Current
      depression-related variables were receiving a diagnosis of depression prior to
      the consumption of drugs and the first used drugs, which were alcohol or
      marijuana. The adverse life event "Familial drug abuse history", was also
      significantly related to depression (p=0.02). Variables associated with current
      suicide attempts were: receiving a diagnosis of depression prior to the
      consumption of drugs (p=0.02), and suicide attempts previous to drug use
      (p<0.003). LIMITATION: A limitation of this study was the small size of the
      sample. CONCLUSION: Patients with depression who attempted suicide prior to the
      use of drugs also experienced these conditions during the rehabilitation process.
      Substance use in the family was a risk factor for both, underscoring the need of
      actions aimed at preventing addictions in the household environment.

PMID- 25128861
TI  - A review of the relationship between proinflammatory cytokines and major
      depressive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Determining etiological factors and reviewing advances in diagnostic
      modalities sensitive and specific to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is of
      importance in its evaluation and treatment. The inflammatory hypothesis is one of
      the most prevalent topics concerning MDD and may provide insight into the
      pathogenesis of depression, development of biomarkers, and ultimately production
      of more effective depression therapies. METHOD: We reviewed several studies to
      evaluate contemporary concepts concerning proinflammatory cytokines and their
      relationship to various depressive disorders, the use of anti-inflammatory
      therapies in MDD treatment, and the application of neuroimaging in conjunction
      with cytokine profiles from both plasma and CSF as possible diagnostic tools.
      RESULTS: Proinflammatory cytokines in both plasma and CSF have been found to
      influence the progression and severity of depressive disorders in different
      populations. Studies have shown elevated serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha,
      CRP, and MCP-1 in depressed patients, but have presented mixed results with IL-8
      serum levels, and with IL-6 and MCP-1 CSF levels. Anti-inflammatory treatment of
      MDD may have adjuvant properties with current depression medications. MRI and
      NIRS neuroimaging confirm neurological abnormalities in the presence of elevated
      proinflammatory cytokines in depressed or stressed patients. LIMITATIONS:
      Heterogeneity of MDD and limited CSF cytokine research complicate the study of
      MDD pathogenesis. CONCLUSION: There is significant evidence that inflammatory
      processes influence the development and progression of MDD. Future studies with
      larger arrays of cytokine profiles aided by neuroimaging may provide more
      sensitive and specific modes of diagnostics in determining MDD etiology and
      provide guidance in individual therapies.

PMID- 25128862
TI  - Endogenous neurogenesis following ischaemic brain injury: insights for
      therapeutic strategies.
AB  - Ischaemic stroke is among the most common yet most intractable types of central
      nervous system (CNS) injury in the adult human population. In the acute stages of
      disease, neurons in the ischaemic lesion rapidly die and other neuronal
      populations in the ischaemic penumbra are vulnerable to secondary injury.
      Multiple parallel approaches are being investigated to develop neuroprotective,
      reparative and regenerative strategies for the treatment of stroke. Accumulating
      evidence indicates that cerebral ischaemia initiates an endogenous regenerative
      response within the adult brain that potentiates adult neurogenesis from
      populations of neural stem and progenitor cells. A major research focus has been
      to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the
      potentiation of adult neurogenesis and to appreciate how interventions designed
      to modulate these processes could enhance neural regeneration in the post
      ischaemic brain. In this review, we highlight recent advances over the last 5
      years that help unravel the cellular and molecular mechanisms that potentiate
      endogenous neurogenesis following cerebral ischaemia and are dissecting the
      functional importance of this regenerative mechanism following brain injury. This
      article is part of a Directed Issue entitled: Regenerative Medicine: the
      challenge of translation. 

PMID- 25128863
TI  - Simultaneous patterning of two different types of nanoparticles into alternating
      domains of a striped array of a polymer blend in a single spin-casting step.
AB  - A fast and convenient method is developed for simultaneously patterning inorganic
      nanoparticles with different optical, electronic or magnetic functionality to
      specific surface regions, by spin-casting onto microcontact printed substrates
      blend solutions in which the two nanoparticle types are functionalized with
      surface polymer brush layers of different surface energies. The process is based
      on phase separation of different nanoparticles based on their immiscible brush
      layers during spin-casting, with the underlying surface energy heterogeneity of
      the patterned substrate directing the different NP types to domains of different
      surface energies. Here, we specifically demonstrate the simultaneous localization
      of cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs), addressed with a surface layer of
      polystyrene (PS), and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), addressed with a surface
      layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), onto the non-polar and polar surface
      domains, respectively, of hydrophilic glass patterned with hydrophobic
      octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) stripe arrays with micron-scale periodicities. In
      order to prevent gelation of solvent-swollen polymer-brush coated NPs during spin
      casting, which effects strong kinetic constraints on phase separation and
      localization, PS, PMMA or PS/PMMA homopolymer blends of sufficiently high Mw were
      added to the NP blends to increase the free volume between approaching NPs. The
      process parameters were fine-tuned to obtain control over defects in the obtained
      patterns. 

PMID- 25128865
TI  - Phase transition of silica in the TMB-P123-H2O-TEOS quadru-component system: a
      feasible route to different mesostructured materials.
AB  - Various siliceous structures were obtained using a nonionic block copolymer
      (Pluronic P123) surfactant and trimethylbenzene (TMB) as a hydrophobic additive
      by hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in a sol-gel process.
      The resultant materials were characterized by small-angle X-ray diffraction
      (SAXRD), nitrogen adsorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results revealed the structure
      transformation from hexagonal structure (HEX) to multilamellar vesicles (MLVs)
      and then to mesocellular foams (MCFs) in the TMB-P123-H2O-TEOS quadru-component
      system. The morphology of the mesoporous silica was mainly controlled by the mass
      ratio of TMB/P123 resulted from the increasing volume of the hydrophobic chain of
      micelle of P123 that caused by more amount of TMB dissolved in the PPO segment of
      polymer. The fact that the occurrence of rod-like particles with curved ends and
      the coexistence of the MLVs and the HEX structure indicates that the MLVs are
      developed from the ends of HEX structures, rather than formed by a direct
      cooperative self-assembly mechanism. Further increasing of packing parameter of
      surfactant resulted from TMB addition transforms lamellar micelles to reversed
      micelles, leading to the formation of MCFs. 

PMID- 25128864
TI  - (99m)Tc-labeled aminosilane-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for molecular imaging
      of alphanubeta3-mediated tumor expression and feasibility for hyperthermia
      treatment.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Dual-modality imaging agents, such as radiolabeled iron oxide
      nanoparticles (IO-NPs), are promising candidates for cancer diagnosis and
      therapy. We developed and evaluated aminosilane coated Fe3O4 (10+/-2nm) as a
      tumor imaging agent in nuclear medicine through 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane
      (APTES) functionalization. We evaluated this multimeric system of targeted
      (99m)Tc-labeled nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated with a new RGD derivate (cRGDfK
      Orn3-CGG), characterized as NPs-RGD as a potential thermal therapy delivery
      vehicle. EXPERIMENTS: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopy
      techniques were used to characterize the IO-NPs indicating their
      functionalization with peptides. Radiolabeled IO-NPs (targeted, non-targeted)
      were evaluated with regard to their radiochemical, radiobiological and imaging
      characteristics. In vivo studies were performed in normal and alphanubeta3
      positive tumor (U87MG glioblastoma) bearing mice. We also demonstrated that this
      system could reach ablative temperatures in vivo. FINDINGS: Both radiolabeled IO
      NPs were obtained in high radiochemical yield (>98%) and proved stable in vitro.
      The in vivo studies for both IO-NPs have shown significant liver and spleen
      uptake at all examined time points in normal and U87MG glioblastoma tumor-bearing
      mice, due to their colloidal nature. We have confirmed through in vivo
      biodistribution studies that the non-targeted (99m)Tc-NPs poorly internalized in
      the tumor, while the targeted (99m)Tc-NPs-RGD, present 9-fold higher tumor
      accumulation at 1h p.i. Accumulation of both IO-NPs in other organs was
      negligible. Blocking experiments indicated target specificity for integrin
      receptors in U87MG glioblastoma cells. The preliminary in vivo study of applied
      alternating magnetic field showed that the induced hyperthermia is feasible due
      to the aid of IO-NPs.

PMID- 25128866
TI  - The prevalence of cognitive impairment in emergency general surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Rates of all surgical procedures are increasing at a faster rate than
      the population is ageing. However, this encouraging statistic, necessitates a
      robust evidence base. The epidemiological evidence base in acute general surgery
      in the older person is sparse. This is the first assessment of the prevalence of
      cognitive impairment measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool (MoCA)
      in acute general surgery. METHODS: In three sites in Wales, England and Scotland
      comprising rural and urban populations, we studied consecutive patients aged over
      65 years. We considered any older person admitted to the acute general surgical
      unit. We assessed them for baseline demographic data. They each underwent a MoCA
      assessment. RESULTS: We collected data on 245 people, mean age 76.9 years (8.1,
      standard deviation), 136 (55.5%) were women. Of these 201 completed the MoCA
      test, mean score of 18.9 and median score 20 (range 0-30). There were 37 (15.1%)
      MoCA scores in the normal range (>=26) and 44 (18%) people were unable to attempt
      (or complete) the MoCA. Increasing age (p < 0.01) but not sex (p = 0.14)
      predicted an abnormal MoCA. Considering only the 44 people who were unable to
      attempt the MoCA assessment, 11 (25%) were known to have a diagnosis of dementia,
      9 (20.5%) were too unwell and the remainder unable to complete the assessment to
      due pre-existing disability. CONCLUSIONS: In a representative UK wide population,
      a high proportion of older people admitted with an acute general surgical problem
      had cognitive impairment when assessed using the MoCA.

PMID- 25128867
TI  - Association of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase gene polymorphisms and
      unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions in Han Chinese couples.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of tissue inhibitor of
      metalloproteinase (TIMP) gene polymorphisms with unexplained recurrent
      spontaneous abortions (URSA) in a well-defined group of Han Chinese couples.
      STUDY DESIGN: This is a case-control association study. Genomic DNA was extracted
      from peripheral blood samples from 84 couples with histories of three or more
      pregnancy losses and 69 age-matched healthy couples with at least one live birth
      and no histories of pregnancy loss. Polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and
      sequencing with the fluorescent dye dideoxy-termination method were used to
      detect the rs4898 in TIMP-1, rs2277698 in TIMP-2, rs2234921 and rs5749511 in TIMP
      3 and rs17035945 in TIMP-4 genotypes and allele frequencies. RESULTS: Neither the
      allele frequencies nor any of the genetic model of the five TIMP gene SNPs (i.e.,
      TIMP-1-rs4898, TIMP-2-rs2277698, TIMP-3-rs5749511 and rs2234921, and TIMP-4
      rs7035945) were significantly differences between the URSA couples and the
      control group. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was found for any associations between
      the TIMP-1,-2,-3, or -4 genes SNPs with URSA in this Han Chinese Han.

PMID- 25128868
TI  - Evaluation of carbon nanotubes and graphene as reinforcements for UHMWPE-based
      composites in arthroplastic applications: A review.
AB  - In this review we have evaluated the state of the art of CNT/UHMWPE and
      graphene/UHMWPE composites from four different points of view: mechanical
      properties, chemical stability, wear resistance and biocompatibility. The
      performance of these new carbonaceous composites allows us to conclude that these
      materials have overcome a first step on the way to developing into an alternative
      to the current HXLPEs used in orthopedic applications. 

PMID- 25128869
TI  - From single fiber to macro-level mechanics: A structural finite-element model for
      elastomeric fibrous biomaterials.
AB  - In the present work, we demonstrate that the mesoscopic in-plane mechanical
      behavior of membrane elastomeric scaffolds can be simulated by replication of
      actual quantified fibrous geometries. Elastomeric electrospun polyurethane (ES
      PEUU) scaffolds, with and without particulate inclusions, were utilized.
      Simulations were developed from experimentally-derived fiber network geometries,
      based on a range of scaffold isotropic and anisotropic behaviors. These were
      chosen to evaluate the effects on macro-mechanics based on measurable geometric
      parameters such as fiber intersections, connectivity, orientation, and diameter.
      Simulations were conducted with only the fiber material model parameters adjusted
      to match the macro-level mechanical test data. Fiber model validation was
      performed at the microscopic level by individual fiber mechanical tests using
      AFM. Results demonstrated very good agreement to the experimental data, and
      revealed the formation of extended preferential fiber orientations spanning the
      entire model space. We speculate that these emergent structures may be
      responsible for the tissue-like macroscale behaviors observed in electrospun
      scaffolds. To conclude, the modeling approach has implications for (1) gaining
      insight on the intricate relationship between fabrication variables, structure,
      and mechanics to manufacture more functional devices/materials, (2) elucidating
      the effects of cell or particulate inclusions on global construct mechanics, and
      (3) fabricating better performing tissue surrogates that could recapitulate
      native tissue mechanics. 

PMID- 25128870
TI  - Elastic softening of beta-type Ti-Nb alloys by indium (In) additions.
AB  - Recent developments showed that beta-type Ti-Nb alloys are good candidates for
      hard tissue replacement and repair. However, their elastic moduli are still to be
      further reduced to match Young's modulus values of human bone, in order to avoid
      stress shielding. In the present study, the effect of indium (In) additions on
      the structural characteristics and elastic modulus of Ti-40 Nb was investigated
      by experimental and theoretical (ab initio) methods. Several beta-type (Ti-40 Nb)
      xIn alloys (with x <= 5.2 wt%) were produced by cold-crucible casting and
      subsequent heat treatments (solid solutioning in the beta-field followed by water
      quenching). All studied alloys completely retain the beta-phase in the quenched
      condition. Room temperature mechanical tests revealed ultimate compressive
      strengths exceeding 770 MPa, large plastic strains (>20%) and a remarkable strain
      hardening. The addition of up to 5.2 wt% indium leads to a noticeable decrease of
      the elastic modulus from 69 GPa to 49 GPa, which is closer to that of cortical
      bone (<30 GPa). Young's modulus is closely related to the bcc lattice stability
      and bonding characteristics. The presence of In atoms softens the parent bcc
      crystal lattice, as reflected by a lower elastic modulus and reduced yield
      strength. Ab initio and XRD data agree that upon In substitution the bcc unit
      cell volume increases almost linearly. The bonding characteristics of In were
      studied in detail, focusing on the energies that appeared from the EDOSs
      significant for possible hybridizations. It came out that minor In additions
      introduce low energy states with s character that present antibonding features
      with the Ti first neighboring atoms as well as with the Ti-Nb second neighboring
      atoms thus weakening the chemical bonds and leading to elastic softening. These
      results could be of use in the design of low rigidity beta-type Ti-alloys with
      non-toxic additions, suitable for orthopedic applications.

PMID- 25128872
TI  - Sirtuin 3 interacts with Lon protease and regulates its acetylation status.
AB  - Lon is a mitochondrial protease that degrades oxidized damaged proteins, assists
      protein folding and participates in maintaining mitochondrial DNA levels. Changes
      in Lon mRNA levels, protein levels and activity are not always directly
      correlated, suggesting that Lon could be regulated at post translational level.
      We found that Lon and SIRT3, the most important mitochondrial sirtuin, colocalize
      and coimmunoprecipitate in breast cancer cells, and silencing or inhibition of
      Lon did not alter SIRT3 levels. Silencing of SIRT3 increased the levels of Lon
      protein and of its acetylation, suggesting that Lon is a target of SIRT3, likely
      at K917. 

PMID- 25128871
TI  - Maternal emotional availability at bedtime and infant cortisol at 1 and 3 months.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous work has shown that early experience influences infant
      cortisol secretion. Few studies, however, have examined associations between
      parenting quality and cortisol levels and patterning in very young infants. AIMS:
      This study examined linkages between maternal emotional availability (EA) during
      a routine caregiving task, bedtime, and infant cortisol in the first 3 months of
      life. Concurrent and longitudinal associations between maternal EA and infant
      cortisol were examined. STUDY DESIGN: Families were visited when their infants
      were 1 and 3 months old. Video equipment was set up in order to record the
      infant's bedtime routine. Parents were provided with materials with which to take
      saliva samples from their infants at late afternoon, bedtime, and the following
      morning. SUBJECTS: At 1 month, participants were 96 mothers and infants living in
      a rural U.S. state. Data were available for 88 mothers and infants at 3 months.
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal EA was scored from videotapes of bedtime at each age
      point. Infant cortisol was assessed from the saliva samples taken by parents.
      RESULTS: Regression analyses indicated that at 1 and 3 months of age, infants of
      more emotionally available mothers showed lower levels of cortisol secretion
      across the night than infants of less emotionally available mothers.
      Additionally, multilevel model analyses indicated that infants of more
      emotionally available mothers showed greater evidence of a decline in their
      cortisol levels across the evening, followed by an increase across the nighttime
      into the morning in their cortisol at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest
      that maternal care in the context of a routine caregiving task is associated with
      lower stress reactivity and with earlier circadian patterning in very young
      infants.

PMID- 25128873
TI  - Analysis of (all-E)-lutein and its (Z)-isomers during illumination in a model
      system.
AB  - Light induced-isomerization of (all-E)-lutein in organic solvent and starch model
      systems was investigated. Lutein and its (Z)-isomers were separated by HPLC using
      a C30 column and gradient mobile phase based on methanol-methyl-tert-butyl ether
      water in 24min. (All-E)-lutein and twelve (Z)-isomers of lutein, in addition a
      small amount of (all-E)-zeaxanthin and (9Z, 9'Z)-zeaxanthin were identified by
      HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS. Five di-(Z)-luteins were identified for the first time, namely,
      (9Z, 9'Z)-, (9Z, 13Z)/(9 Z, 13'Z)-, (13Z, 15Z)- and (9Z, 15Z)-lutein and (9Z,
      9'Z)-zeaxanthin. A mixture of (9Z)-lutein and of (9'Z)-lutein was the main
      product of the iodine-catalyzed photo-isomerization. (9Z, 13Z)/(9Z, 13'Z)-lutein
      were the major di-(Z)-isomers of lutein formed. The susceptibility of lutein to
      degradation was much less under dark storage than under lighted storage in starch
      model system. Isomerization and degradation of lutein and its (Z)-isomers
      proceeded simultaneously in all the model systems. 

PMID- 25128874
TI  - Analysis of powder phenomena inside a Fette 3090 feed frame using in-line NIR
      spectroscopy.
AB  - New analytical methods are needed to understand and optimize the processes by
      which tablets are produced. Fette 3090 tablet presses are commonly used in the
      pharmaceutical industry. A near-infrared (NIR) probe was installed into a Fette
      3090 feed frame to understand and monitor the die filling process. The second
      objective was to analyze in detail the different factors that could affect the
      prediction of the developed NIR calibration models. Two monitoring positions for
      NIR spectrometers were evaluated; one at each side of the feed frame. A powder
      wave behavior caused by the paddle motion was observed inside the feed frame. The
      study also revealed that NIR spectra can help in the understanding of powder flow
      inside the feed frame. It was demonstrated that NIR spectra baselines can also be
      used to determine changes in mass inside the feed frame. The new NIR method
      showed that the paddle wheel speed has a significant impact in the powder
      dynamics inside the feed frame. The baselines of the NIR spectra depended on the
      mass hold-up inside the feed frame and paddle wheel speed. Studies using blends
      were performed to develop a NIR calibration model based on the feed frame system
      dynamics to determine acetaminophen drug concentration variability during the die
      filling process. The study found that variation in the distance from the powder
      to the probe due to paddle wheel speed has a significant effect on the NIR
      prediction. This study found that with NIR spectroscopy, blend uniformity can be
      assessed with high accuracy during the die filling process using the
      corresponding paddle wheel speed in-line calibration model. NIR was demonstrated
      to be a good development tool for the in-line monitoring of powder during the die
      filling process. 

PMID- 25128875
TI  - UHPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of the cyclic depsipeptide mycotoxins
      beauvericin and enniatins in in vitro transdermal experiments.
AB  - Currently, dermal exposure data of cyclic depsipeptide mycotoxins beauvericin and
      enniatins are completely absent with a lack of local skin and systemic kinetics,
      despite their widespread skin contact and intrinsic hazard. Therefore a sensitive
      and specific bioanalytical high-throughput UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed for
      the quantitative and simultaneous determination of cyclic depsipeptide mycotoxins
      beauvericin and enniatins (A, A1, B, B1, D, E, C/F) in human skin Franz diffusion
      cell samples. The limits of detection ranged between 10 and 17pg/ml, while the
      total run time was only 4.5min. There was no significant effect of endogenous
      skin compounds on the mycotoxin MS signal observed, and the accuracy (0.68-24.68%
      bias) and precision (0.57-10.70% RSD) were considered acceptable for our
      purposes. Moreover, it was demonstrated that these cyclic depsipeptides are
      stable for at least 7 days when formulated in different organic or aqueous
      mixtures. Finally, adsorption to glass did occur: at least 50% ethanol or
      acetonitrile is required to prevent significant adsorption effects, which could
      be as high as 45%. 

PMID- 25128876
TI  - Identification and quantification of antitumor thioproline and methylthioproline
      in Korean traditional foods by a liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure
      chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass
      spectrometric method (LC-APCI-MS/MS) has been developed for the sensitive
      determination of antitumor thioproline and methylthioproline from fermented
      foods. Thioproline and methylthioproline were derivatized in one step with ethyl
      chloroformate at room temperature. These compounds were identified and quantified
      in various traditional Korean fermented foods by LC-APCI-MS/MS. The concentration
      range of thioproline of each food was found for doenjang (0.011-0.032mg/kg),
      gochujang (0.010-0.038mg/kg), and ganjang (0.010-0.038mg/kg). Those of
      methylthioproline of each food was found for doenjang (0.098-0.632mg/kg),
      gochujang (0.015-0.112mg/kg), and ganjang (0.023-1.468mg/kg). A prolonged aging
      time leads to an increase in both the thioproline and methylthioproline contents,
      suggesting that the storage time plays a key role in the formation of thioproline
      and methylthioproline in Korean traditional foods. The results here suggest that
      thioproline and methylthioproline are related to the biological activities of
      traditional Korean fermented foods. 

PMID- 25128877
TI  - Acute exercise improves motor memory: exploring potential biomarkers.
AB  - We have recently shown that a single bout of acute cardiovascular exercise
      improves motor skill learning through an optimization of long-term motor memory.
      Here we expand this previous finding, to explore potential exercise-related
      biomarkers and their association with measures of motor memory and skill
      acquisition. Thirty-two healthy young male subjects were randomly allocated into
      either an exercise or control group. Following either an intense bout of cycling
      or rest subjects practiced a visuomotor tracking task. Motor skill acquisition
      was assessed during practice and retention 1 h, 24 h and 7 days after practice.
      Plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), epinephrine,
      norepinephrine, dopamine and lactate were analyzed at baseline, immediately after
      exercise or rest and during motor practice. The exercise group showed
      significantly better skill retention 24h and 7 days after acquisition. The
      concentration of all blood compounds increased significantly immediately after
      exercise and remained significantly elevated for 15 min following exercise except
      for BDNF and VEGF. Higher concentrations of norepinephrine and lactate
      immediately after exercise were associated with better acquisition. Higher
      concentrations of BDNF correlated with better retention 1 h and 7 days after
      practice. Similarly, higher concentrations of norepinephrine were associated with
      better retention 7 days after practice whereas lactate correlated with better
      retention 1h as well as 24 h and 7 days after practice. Thus, improvements in
      motor skill acquisition and retention induced by acute cardiovascular exercise
      are associated with increased concentrations of biomarkers involved in memory and
      learning processes. More mechanistic studies are required to elucidate the
      specific role of each biomarker in the formation of motor memory.

PMID- 25128878
TI  - Learning pain-related fear: neural mechanisms mediating rapid differential
      conditioning, extinction and reinstatement processes in human visceral pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There exists converging evidence to support a role of pain
      related fear in the pathophysiology and treatment of chronic pain conditions.
      Pain-related fear is shaped by associative learning and memory processes, which
      remain poorly characterized especially in the context of abdominal pain such as
      in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, using event-related functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we assessed the neural mechanisms mediating
      the formation, extinction and reinstatement of abdominal pain-related fear in
      healthy humans. Employing painful rectal distensions as clinically-relevant
      unconditioned stimuli (US), in this fear conditioning study we tested if
      differential excitatory and inhibitory learning is evocable after very few CS-US
      learning trials ("rapid conditioning"), and explored the underlying neural
      substrates of these learning and memory processes. METHODS: In N=24 healthy men
      and women, "rapid" fear acquisition was accomplished by pairing visual
      conditioned stimuli (CS(+)) with painful rectal distensions as unconditioned
      stimuli (US), while different visual stimuli (CS(-)) were presented without US
      (differential delay conditioning with five CS(+) and five CS(-) presentations and
      a 80% reinforcement ratio). During extinction, all CS were presented without US.
      Subsequently, a reinstatement procedure was implemented, defined as the retrieval
      of an extinguished memory after unexpected and unpaired exposure to the US,
      followed by CS presentations. For each phase, changes in perceived CS-US
      contingency and CS unpleasantness were assessed with visual analogue scales and
      compared with analyses of variance. fMRI data were analyzed using whole-brain
      analyses (at p<.001 uncorrected) and in regions-of-interest analyses with
      familywise error correction of alpha (pFWE<.05). Differential neural activation
      in response to the CS during each experimental phase (i.e., CS(+)>CS(-);
      CS(+)<CS(-)) was analyzed without and subsequently also with a linear parametric
      modulation including trial number as a regressor. RESULTS: A significant valence
      change (i.e. increased CS(+) unpleasantness) was observed following acquisition,
      indicating successful differential aversive learning. On the other hand, CS-US
      contingency awareness was not fully established. These behavioral results were
      paralleled by differential activation of the putamen (pFWE<.05), insula
      (pFWE<.05) and secondary somatosensory cortex (S2, p<.001 uncorrected) in
      response to the CS(+) during acquisition. The same analysis with a linear
      parametric modulation confirmed but also strengthened the resulting activations,
      which were all highly significant in ROI analyses at pFWE<.05. Extinction and
      reinstatement involved differential activation in response to the CS(-),
      involving the cingulate cortex and primary motor cortex (M1) during extinction
      and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) during reinstatement (all p<.001
      uncorrected), without obvious effects upon linear parametric modulation analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal pain stimuli are effective US that elicit conditioned pain
      related fear even after very few learning experiences without full contingency
      awareness. These findings extend similar evidence of "rapid learning" in response
      to interoceptive US (e.g., conditioned taste aversion, conditioned nausea), and
      have implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of chronic abdominal pain
      such as in IBS.

PMID- 25128880
TI  - A simple LC-MS/MS method for determination of sitafloxacin in human urine.
AB  - Sitafloxacin is a new fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent with high activity. In
      this article, we reported a simple, rapid and specific LC-MS/MS method for
      accurate determination of sitafloxacin concentrations in human urine from healthy
      volunteers in detail. A two-step dilution method for the analysis of sitafloxacin
      in human urine using LC coupled to positive MS/MS has been developed and
      validated according to US FDA guidelines and Chinese State Food and Drug
      Administration (CFDA) guidelines for the validation of bioanalytical methods. The
      method uses 50 MUL of urine and covers a working range from 0.025 to 20 MUg/mL
      with a LLOQ of 0.025 MUg/mL. This new LC-MS/MS assay is sensitive and specific.

PMID- 25128879
TI  - Geographical distribution of human Schistosoma japonicum infection in The
      Philippines: tools to support disease control and further elimination.
AB  - Schistosoma japonicum infection is believed to be endemic in 28 of the 80
      provinces of The Philippines and the most recent data on schistosomiasis
      prevalence have shown considerable variability between provinces. In order to
      increase the efficient allocation of parasitic disease control resources in the
      country, we aimed to describe the small-scale spatial variation in S. japonicum
      prevalence across The Philippines, quantify the role of the physical environment
      in driving the spatial variation of S. japonicum, and develop a predictive risk
      map of S. japonicum infection. Data on S. japonicum infection from 35,754
      individuals across the country were geo-located at the barangay level and
      included in the analysis. The analysis was then stratified geographically for the
      regions of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Zero-inflated binomial Bayesian
      geostatistical models of S. japonicum prevalence were developed and diagnostic
      uncertainty was incorporated. Results of the analysis show that in the three
      regions, males and individuals aged ?20years had significantly higher prevalence
      of S. japonicum compared with females and children <5years. The role of the
      environmental variables differed between regions of The Philippines. Schistosoma
      japonicum infection was widespread in the Visayas whereas it was much more focal
      in Luzon and Mindanao. This analysis revealed significant spatial variation in
      the prevalence of S. japonicum infection in The Philippines. This suggests that a
      spatially targeted approach to schistosomiasis interventions, including mass drug
      administration, is warranted. When financially possible, additional
      schistosomiasis surveys should be prioritised for areas identified to be at high
      risk but which were under-represented in our dataset. 

PMID- 25128881
TI  - Simultaneous determination of bambuterol and its two major metabolites in human
      plasma by hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry.
AB  - In this study, a rapid and sensitive hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-UPLC-MS/MS) method was
      developed for simultaneous determination of bambuterol and its two major
      metabolites monocarbamate bambuterol and terbutaline in human plasma. All samples
      were simply precipitated using acetonitrile and separated on a UPLC-HILIC column
      under gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water
      with the addition of 10mm ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid at 0.4 mL/min.
      The analytes were detected by a Xevo TQ-S tandem mass spectrometer with positive
      electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The established
      method was highly sensitive with the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of
      10.00 pg/mL for each analyte, and the intra- and inter-day precisions were
      <12.8%. The analytical runtime within 4.0 min per sample made this method
      suitable for high throughput determination. The validated method was successfully
      applied to a clinical pharmacokinetic study of bambuterol in eight healthy
      volunteers. Furthermore, the effects of the chromatographic conditions on the
      retention of the analytes on HILIC were investigated, and the benefits of HILIC
      were evaluated by comparing with a C18 column. The results indicated that liquid
      liquid partition and the electrostatic interactions played an important role in
      the retention of the analytes on HILIC in this study. And HILIC offered
      particular advantages over RPLC approach in the aspects of the peak symmetry, the
      column efficiency, and the column pressure.

PMID- 25128882
TI  - Degradation in urban air quality from construction activity and increased traffic
      arising from a road widening scheme.
AB  - Road widening schemes in urban areas are often proposed as a solution to traffic
      congestion and as a means of stimulating economic growth. There is however clear
      evidence that new or expanded roads rapidly fill with either displaced or induced
      traffic, offsetting any short-term gains in eased traffic flows. What has not
      been addressed in any great detail is the impact of such schemes on air quality,
      with modelled impact predictions seldom validated by measurements after the
      expansion of road capacity. In this study we made use of a road widening project
      in London to investigate the impact on ambient air quality (particulate matter,
      NOX, NO2) during and after the completion of the road works. PM10 increased
      during the construction period up to 15 MUg m(-3) during working hours compared
      to concentrations before the road works. A box modelling approach was used to
      determine a median emission factor of 0.0022 kg PM10 m(-2) month(-1), three times
      larger than that used in the UK emission inventory (0.0007 kg PM10 m(-2) month(
      1)). Peaks of activity released 0.0130 kg PM10 m(-2) month(-1), three and eight
      times smaller than the peak values used in the European and US inventories. After
      the completion of the widening there was an increase in all pollutants from the
      road during rush hour: 2-4 MUg m(-3) for PM10; 1 MUg m(-3) for PM2.5; 40 and 8
      MUg m(-3) for NOX and NO2, respectively. NO2 EU Limit Value was breached after
      the road development illustrating a notable deterioration in residential air
      quality. Additionally, PM10, but not PM2.5, glutathione dependent oxidative
      potential increased after the road was widened consistent with an increase in pro
      oxidant components in the coarse particle mode, related to vehicle abrasion
      processes. These increased air pollution indices were associated with an increase
      in the number of cars, taxis and LGVs.

PMID- 25128883
TI  - Sorption behavior of carbon nanotubes: changes induced by functionalization,
      sonication and natural organic matter.
AB  - The effect of functionalization on the sorption behavior of carbon nanotubes
      (CNTs) remains poorly understood, especially when combined with other factors
      affecting dispersion. The sorption behavior of a series of functionalized CNTs
      towards pyrene has therefore been systematically evaluated over a wide range of
      concentrations and dispersion scenarios. When studied as purchased (in the
      absence of humic acids and sonication treatment), sorption isotherms showed that
      OH-, COOH- and NH2-CNTs exhibited significantly different sorption affinity for
      pyrene. Sonication greatly increased both the sorption affinity and the maximum
      capacity of all types of functionalized CNTs, to an extent that overwhelmed the
      differences initially observed (increase of up to 1.5 orders of magnitude lead to
      log Kd values close to 9 L/kg). Results demonstrate that a significant proportion
      of the CNT surface was unavailable to pyrene prior to sonication. The presence of
      humic acids enhanced dispersion but decreased sorption, especially when combined
      with sonication. Sorption affinity, however, remained very high in all cases (log
      Kd>7.5 L/kg), suggesting that CNTs can act as strong sorbents under a wide range
      of conditions.

PMID- 25128884
TI  - Accuracy of mixing models in predicting sediment source contributions.
AB  - Determining the source of sediment using geochemical properties is now a widely
      used approach in catchment management. However the outcome of these studies often
      depends on the type of model used to determine the relative contribution from
      difference sources. Here we test the accuracy and robustness of four widely used
      sediment mixing models using artificial mixtures of three well-distinguished
      geologic sources. Sub-samples from these three sources were mixed to create four
      groups of samples, each consisting of five samples, with known source
      contributions, 20 samples in total. The source contributions to the individual
      and groups of artificial sediment mixtures were calculated using each of the four
      mixing models: Modified Hughes, Modified Collins, Landwehr and Distribution
      models. Unlike Modified Collins and Landwehr models which use calculated values
      from each tracer property of individual sources (e.g. mean and standard
      deviation), Hughes model uses the measured fingerprint property of replicated
      samples from each source and Distribution model incorporate distribution of
      tracers and correlation between tracer properties for sediment samples and
      sources. For the 20 individual sample mixtures the Distribution model provided
      the closest estimates to the known sediment source contribution values (Mean
      Absolute Error (MAE)=10.8%, and standard error (SE)=0.9%). The Modified Hughes
      (MAE=13.5%, SE=1.1%), Landwehr (MAE=19%, SE=1.7) and Collins models (MAE=29%,
      SE=2.1%) were the next accurate models, respectively. For the groups of the
      samples the Modified Hughes was the most robust source contribution predictor
      with 5.4% error. The Distribution model (MAE=6.1%) and Landwehr model (MAE=7.8%)
      were the second and third accurate models. Collins model with MAE of 28.3% was a
      significantly weaker source contribution predictor than the three other models.
      This study demonstrates the dependence of source attribution on model selection.
      The study highlight the need to test mixing model using known source and mixture
      samples prior to applying them to field samples. The results indicate that the
      Distribution and Modified Hughes models provided the most accurate source
      attributions using geochemical fingerprint properties. 

PMID- 25128885
TI  - Evaluation of the transfer of soil arsenic to maize crops in suburban areas of
      San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
AB  - The presence of arsenic (As) in agricultural food products is a matter of concern
      because it can cause adverse health effects at low concentrations. Agricultural
      product intake constitutes a principal source for As exposure in humans. In this
      study, the contribution of the chemical-soil parameters in As accumulation and
      translocation in the maize crop from a mining area of San Luis Potosi was
      evaluated. The total arsenic concentration and arsenic speciation were determined
      by HG-AFS and IC-HG-AFS, respectively. The data analysis was conducted by cluster
      analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA). The soil pH presented a
      negative correlation with the accumulated As in each maize plant part, and
      parameters such as iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) presented a higher correlation
      with the As translocation in maize. Thus, the metabolic stress in maize may
      induce organic acid exudation leading a higher As bioavailability. A high As
      inorganic/organic ratio in edible maize plant tissues suggests a substantial risk
      of poisoning by this metalloid. Careful attention to the chemical changes in the
      rhizosphere of the agricultural zones that can affect As transfer through the
      food chain could reduce the As-intoxication risk of maize consumers. 

PMID- 25128886
TI  - Estimation of uncertainty in the sampling and analysis of polychlorinated
      biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated soil in
      Brighton, UK.
AB  - The heterogeneity of environmental samples is increasingly recognised, yet rarely
      examined in organic contamination investigations. In this study soil samples from
      an ex-landfill site in Brighton, UK were analysed for polychlorinated biphenyl
      (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination by using a balanced
      sampling protocol. The analytical technique of gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry was found to be fit for purpose by the use of duplicate samples and
      the statistical analysis of variances, as well as of certified reference
      materials. The sampling uncertainty was found to significantly overweigh the
      analytical uncertainty, by a factor of 3 and 6 for PCBs and PAHs, respectively.
      The soil samples showed a general trend of PCB concentration that was under the
      recommended target level of 20 ng/g dry weight. It is possible that one site
      alongside the main road may exceed the 20 ng/g target level, after taking into
      consideration the overall measurement uncertainty (70.8%). The PAH contamination
      was more severe, with seven sites potentially exceeding the effect-range medium
      concentrations. The soil samples with relatively high PCB and PAH concentrations
      were all taken from the grass verge, which also had the highest soil organic
      carbon content. The measurement uncertainty which was largely due to sampling can
      be reduced by sampling at a high resolution spacing of 17 m, which is recommended
      in future field investigations of soil organic contamination.

PMID- 25128887
TI  - Farmer and retailer knowledge and awareness of the risks from pesticide use: a
      case study in the Wei River catchment, China.
AB  - Monitoring the educational level of farmers and retailers on pesticide use would
      be useful to assess the appropriateness of information for reducing or/and
      avoiding the risks from pesticides in rural regions. The levels of knowledge and
      awareness of the dangers to the environment and human health were investigated by
      questionnaires for farmers (209) and retailers (20) in two rural regions
      (Qianyang County (S1) and Chencang County (S2)) of the Wei River catchment in
      China where the modes of farming and the state of erosion are very different. The
      results showed that farmers learned the use and dangers of pesticides mainly by
      oral communication (p<0.01). Protective measures were inadequate; 65% (S1) and
      55% (S2) of farmers never used any protective measures during spraying (p<0.05).
      Washing hands (>70%) was the most common mode of personal hygiene, relative to
      wearing masks, showering, and changing clothes, but no significant differences
      were observed between the selected regions. Most pesticide wastes were dumped
      directly onto the land or into water, suggesting that educational measures should
      be taken to address the potential risks from the residues in the wastes. Over 85%
      of farmers (S1 and S2) claimed to use illegal pesticides, but the reasons for
      their use varied (p<0.01). Retailers were well-informed and highly conscious of
      their responsibility for the safe use of pesticides, especially in S2 (p<0.01). A
      canonical correspondence analysis indicated that educational level and age
      differed between the two regions and contributed greatly to the risks from
      pesticide use (p<0.01). Educational programmes targeted to age groups, proper
      disposal of pesticide waste, and sufficient supervision from authorities should
      consequently be considered for improving the levels of knowledge and awareness of
      the dangers of pesticides to human health and environmental pollution in the Wei
      River catchment, China. 

PMID- 25128888
TI  - Occurrence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment of Jianghan Plain, central
      China.
AB  - The occurrence of 19 antibiotics (sulfonamide, fluoroquinolone, tetracycline and
      macrolide) was studied in surface water and groundwater samples collected from
      Shahu County of Jianghan Plain, central China, in autumn (dry season) and spring
      (wet season). In autumn, chlorotetracycline, doxycycline and enrofloxacin were
      the three antibiotics with the highest concentrations and high relevance ratios
      in all of the water samples. The concentration of chlorotetracycline was greatest
      in surface water at 122.3 n gL(-1) and was as high as 86.6 ng L(-1) in
      groundwater, which are among the highest values reported worldwide. In spring,
      tetracycline was found to be more than 100 ng L(-1) in groundwater and surface
      water, which also contained high concentrations of ofloxacin (135.1 ng L(-1)),
      norfloxacin (134.2 ng L(-1)) and erythromycin dehydrate (381.5 ng L(-1)). Most of
      the SMs were observed at higher detection frequencies in spring than in autumn,
      which can be ascribed to surface runoff by rain water during the wet season
      (spring). The average concentrations of compounds in the fluoroquinolone and
      tetracycline categories were far higher than those in the sulfonamide and
      macrolide categories, which had concentrations of less than 16 ng L(-1) in
      groundwater (except erythromycin dehydrate), while macrolides were found in all
      samples, except erythromycin dehydrate. The main antibiotics present in
      groundwater were also the dominant compounds found in surface water, with
      correlation coefficients of 0.93 and 0.97 in autumn and spring, respectively,
      indicating the potential contamination of groundwater by the infiltration of
      contaminated surface water.

PMID- 25128889
TI  - Fluorine distribution in soil in the vicinity of an accidental spillage of
      hydrofluoric acid in Korea.
AB  - This study assessed the status of fluorine (F) in soil in the vicinity of a
      spillage of anhydrous hydrofluoric acid in Korea. Gaseous hydrogen fluoride
      dispersed was suspected to have contaminated the surrounding soil environment.
      Total and water soluble F concentrations in soil within a 1 km radius of the
      spillage were determined. Total F concentrations (mean=222+/-70.1 mg kg(-1)) were
      lower than the Korean limit value (i.e., 400 mg kg(-1)) and several reported
      measurements of background F concentrations in soils except for a single outlying
      case. Soluble F concentrations ranged from 0.111 to 6.40 mg kg(-1) (mean=2.20+/
      1.80 mg kg(-1)). A negative correlation between the soluble F concentration of
      soil and distance from the spillage was observed. This indicates that the soluble
      F concentration has a crucial role in fractionating the F concentration arising
      from a 'non natural input' i.e., the spillage. The F content of rice samples
      seemed to be significantly influenced by the soluble F concentrations of soils.
      Rice samples collected from the control and affected areas contained 41 mg kg(-1)
      and 578 mg kg(-1) of total F, respectively.

PMID- 25128890
TI  - Stereoselective quantitation of haloxyfop in environment samples and
      enantioselective degradation in soils.
AB  - The chiral separation of haloxyfop enantiomers was first performed on (R, R)
      Whelk-O1 chiral column (pirkle type) by high-performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC). Chromatographic conditions such as mobile phase composition and column
      temperature were optimized, and the best resolution was obtained using hexane/n
      propanol (98/2) with Rs value of 3.43. Chiral residue analysis methods for
      haloxyfop enantiomers in environmental matrices, such as soil and water, were
      developed with recoveries ranging from 85.95% to 104.25%. The results showed that
      these methods were effective enough for detecting the residual enantiomers
      environmental matrices. The behavior of haloxyfop in four soils was studied and
      the enantioselective degradation was found with enantiomer fraction values
      ranging from 0.058 to 0.61. The research work was extremely useful for
      investigating the fate of individual enantiomers in environment, the mechanism of
      the stereoselective behaviors, and the risk assessment of chiral pesticide. 

PMID- 25128891
TI  - Interaction mechanisms between organic UV filters and bovine serum albumin as
      determined by comprehensive spectroscopy exploration and molecular docking.
AB  - Organic UV filters are a group of emerging PPCP (pharmaceuticals and personal
      care products) contaminants. Current information is insufficient to understand
      the in vivo processes and health risks of organic UV filters in humans. The
      interaction mechanism of UV filters with serum albumin provides critical
      information for the health risk assessment of these active ingredients in
      sunscreen products. This study investigates the interaction mechanisms of five
      commonly used UV filters (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, BP-3; 2-ethylhexyl 4
      methoxycinnamate, EHMC; 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, 4-MBC;
      methoxydibenzoylmethane, BDM; homosalate, HMS) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) by
      spectroscopic measurements of fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), competitive
      binding experiments and molecular docking. Our results indicated that the
      fluorescence of BSA was quenched by these UV filters through a static quenching
      mechanism. The values of the binding constant (Ka) ranged from (0.78+/
      0.02)*10(3) to (1.29+/-0.01)*10(5) L mol(-1). Further exploration by synchronous
      fluorescence and CD showed that the conformation of BSA was demonstrably changed
      in the presence of these organic UV filters. It was confirmed that the UV filters
      can disrupt the alpha-helical stability of BSA. Moreover, the results of
      molecular docking revealed that the UV filter molecule is located in site II (sub
      domain IIIA) of BSA, which was further confirmed by the results of competitive
      binding experiments. In addition, binding occurred mainly through hydrogen
      bonding and hydrophobic interaction. This study raises critical concerns
      regarding the transportation, distribution and toxicity effects of organic UV
      filters in human body.

PMID- 25128892
TI  - Photochemical transformation of phenylurea herbicides in surface waters: a model
      assessment of persistence, and implications for the possible generation of
      hazardous intermediates.
AB  - This work models the phototransformation kinetics in surface waters of five
      phenylurea herbicides (diuron, fenuron, isoproturon, metoxuron and chlortoluron),
      for which important photochemical parameters are available in the literature
      (direct photolysis quantum yields and reaction rate constants with .OH, CO3(-.)
      and the triplet states of chromophoric dissolved organic matter, (3)CDOM*). Model
      calculations suggest that isoproturon and metoxuron would be the least
      photochemically persistent and diuron the most persistent compound. Reactions
      with .OH and (3)CDOM* would be the main phototransformation pathways for all
      compounds in the majority of environmental conditions. Reaction with CO3(-) could
      be important in waters with low dissolved organic carbon (DOC), while direct
      photolysis would be negligible for fenuron, quite important for chlortoluron, and
      somewhat significant for the other compounds. The direct photolysis of metoxuron
      and diuron is known to increase toxicity, and such a photoreaction pathway would
      be enhanced at intermediate DOC values (1-4 mg C L(1)). The reaction between
      phenylureas and .OH is known to produce toxic intermediates, differently from
      (3)CDOM*. Therefore, the shift of reactivity from .OH to (3)CDOM* with increasing
      DOC could reduce the environmental impact of photochemical transformation.

PMID- 25128893
TI  - Engineered nanoparticles and organic matter: a review of the state-of-the-art.
AB  - Growth in the development and production of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in
      recent years has increased the potential for interactions of these nanomaterials
      with aquatic and terrestrial environments. Carefully designed studies are
      therefore required in order to understand the fate, transport, stability, and
      toxicity of nanoparticles. Natural organic matter (NOM), such as the humic
      substances found in water, sediment, and soil, is one of the substances capable
      of interacting with ENPs. This review presents the findings of studies of the
      interaction of ENPs and NOM, and the possible effects on nanoparticle stability
      and the toxicity of these materials in the environment. In addition, ENPs and NOM
      are utilized for many different purposes, including the removal of metals and
      organic compounds from effluents, and the development of new electronic sensors
      and other devices for the detection of active substances. Discussion is therefore
      provided of some of the ways in which NOM can be used in the production of
      nanoparticles. Although there has been an increase in the number of studies in
      this area, further progress is needed to improve understanding of the dynamic
      interactions between ENPs and NOM. 

PMID- 25128894
TI  - Sensitive amperometric determination of methimazole based on the electrocatalytic
      effect of rutin/multi-walled carbon nanotube film.
AB  - Electrochemical deposition was used to prepare a glassy carbon electrode modified
      with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and the glycosidic compound, rutin
      (R/MWCNTs/GCE). Cyclic voltammetry of the modified electrode in aqueous solution
      (pH8) showed a pair of well-defined, stable and reversible redox peaks with
      surface confined characteristics. The catechol moiety of rutin produced the
      voltammetric peaks via a 2 electron, 2 proton mechanism in the range of 0.0-0.4V
      (vs. Ag/AgCl). The transfer coefficient (alpha), heterogeneous electron transfer
      rate constant (ks), and surface concentration (Gamma) for R/MWCNTs/GCE were
      calculated by using the cyclic voltammetric data. The modified electrode showed
      excellent catalytic activity toward oxidation of methimazole. Fixed-potential
      amperometry was used for sub-micromolar determination of methimazole at pH8.
      Linear dependence of anodic current to methimazole concentration was obtained in
      the range of 0.1-26MUM of the drug with a limit of detection at 18nM. The
      modified electrode retained its initial response for at least 2weeks if stored in
      dry ambient conditions. The electrode was used for the amperometric determination
      of methimazole in formulations and spiked blood serum samples, successfully. 

PMID- 25128895
TI  - Nano-cerium vanadate: a novel inorganic ion exchanger for removal of americium
      and uranium from simulated aqueous nuclear waste.
AB  - Cerium vanadate nanopowders were synthesized by a facile low temperature co
      precipitation method. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction and
      transmission electron microscopy and found to consist of ~25 nm spherical
      nanoparticles. The efficiency of these nanopowders for uptake of alpha-emitting
      radionuclides (233)U (4.82 MeV alpha) and (241)Am (5.49 MeV alpha, 60 keV gamma)
      has been investigated. Thermodynamically and kinetically favorable uptake of
      these radionuclides resulted in their complete removal within 3h from aqueous
      acidic feed solutions. The uptake capacity was observed to increase with increase
      in pH as the zeta potential value decreased with the increase in pH but effect of
      ionic strength was insignificant. Little influence of the ions like Sr(2+),
      Ru(3+), Fe(3+), etc., in the uptake process indicated CeVO4 nanopowders to be
      amenable for practical applications. The isotherms indicated predominant uptake
      of the radioactive metal ions in the solid phase of the exchanger at lower feed
      concentrations and linear Kielland plots with positive slopes indicated favorable
      exchange of the metal ions with the nanopowder. Performance comparison with the
      other sorbents reported indicated excellent potential of nano-cerium vanadate for
      removing americium and uranium from large volumes of aqueous acidic solutions.

PMID- 25128896
TI  - Removal of trace mercury(II) from aqueous solution by in situ formed Mn-Fe
      (hydr)oxides.
AB  - The efficiency and mechanism of trace mercury (Hg(II)) removal by in situ formed
      manganese-ferric (hydr)oxides (in situ Mn-Fe) were investigated by reacting KMnO4
      with Fe(II) in simulated solutions and natural water. In the simulated solutions,
      the impact of coagulant dosage, pH, and temperature on mercury removal was
      studied. Experimental results showed that in situ Mn-Fe more effectively removed
      mercury compared with polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and iron(III) chloride (FeCl3),
      and that mercury existed in the form of uncharged species, namely Hg(OH)2,
      HgClOH(aq), and HgCl2(aq). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated
      that in situ Mn-Fe contained hydroxyl groups as the surface active sites, while X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements revealed that MnO2 or MnOOH and
      FeOOH were the dominant species in the precipitates. XPS analysis indicated that
      an Hg-Mn-Fe mixture was formed in the precipitates, suggesting that mercury was
      removed from solutions via transfer from the liquid phase to solid phase. These
      results indicated that the primary mercury removal mechanisms in in situ Mn-Fe
      were surface complexation and flocculation-precipitation processes. Satisfactory
      removal efficiency of mercury was also observed following in situ Mn-Fe in
      natural waters. 

PMID- 25128897
TI  - Influenza virus-like particle vaccines made in Nicotiana benthamiana elicit
      durable, poly-functional and cross-reactive T cell responses to influenza HA
      antigens.
AB  - Cell-mediated immunity plays a major role in long-lived, cross-reactive
      protection against influenza virus. We measured long-term poly-functional and
      cross-reactive T cell responses to influenza hemagglutinin (HA) elicited by a new
      plant-made Virus-Like Particle (VLP) vaccine targeting either H1N1
      A/California/7/09 (H1) or H5N1 A/Indonesia/5/05 (H5). In two independent clinical
      trials, we characterized the CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell homotypic and heterotypic
      responses 6 months after different vaccination regimens. Responses of VLP
      vaccinated subjects were compared with placebo and/or a commercial trivalent
      inactivated vaccine (TIV:FluzoneTM) recipients. Both H1 and H5 VLP vaccines
      elicited significantly greater poly-functional CD4(+) T cell responses than
      placebo and TIV. Poly-functional CD8(+) T cell responses were also observed after
      H1 VLP vaccination. Our results show that plant-made HA VLP vaccines elicit both
      strong antibody responses and poly-functional, cross-reactive memory T cells that
      persist for at least 6 months after vaccination.

PMID- 25128898
TI  - A dorsal-pathway account of aphasic language production: the WEAVER++/ARC model.
AB  - It has long been assumed that a dorsal pathway running from temporal to inferior
      frontal cortex underpinned by the left arcuate fasciculus (AF) underlies both
      repetition and spoken language production. However, according to a recent
      proposal, a ventral pathway underpinned by extreme capsule (EmC) and uncinate
      fasciculus (UF) fiber tracts is primarily responsible for language production,
      whereas the AF primarily underlies repetition. Here, a computational
      implementation of the dorsal-pathway account of language production is presented,
      called WEAVER++/ARC (for WEAVER++ Arcuate Repetition and Conversation), which
      synthesizes behavioral psycholinguistic, functional neuroimaging, and
      tractographic evidence. The results of computer simulations revealed that the
      model accounts for the typical patterns of impaired and spared language
      performance associated with classic acute-onset and progressive aphasias.
      Moreover, the model accounts for recent evidence that damage to the AF but not
      the EmC/UF pathway predicts impaired production performance. It is concluded that
      the results demonstrate the viability of a dorsal-pathway account of language
      production. 

PMID- 25128900
TI  - Mangostanaxanthones I and II, new xanthones from the pericarp of Garcinia
      mangostana.
AB  - Two new xanthones: mangostanaxanthones I (3) and II (5) were isolated from the
      pericarp of Garcinia mangostana, along with four known xanthones: 9
      hydroxycalabaxanthone (1), parvifolixanthone C (2), alpha-mangostin (4), and
      rubraxanthone (6). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of IR, UV, 1D,
      2D NMR, and MS spectroscopic data, in addition to comparison with literature
      data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial,
      and quorum-sensing inhibitory activities. Compounds 3 and 5 displayed promising
      antioxidant activity with IC50 12.07 and 14.12 MUM, respectively using DPPH
      assay. Compounds 4-6 had weak to moderate activity against Escherichia coli and
      Staphylococcus aureus, while demonstrated promising action against Bacillus
      cereus with MICs 0.25, 1.0, and 1.0mg/mL, respectively. The tested compounds were
      inactive against Candida albicans. However, they showed selective antifungal
      potential toward Aspergillus fumigatus. Compounds 3 and 4 possessed quorum
      sensing inhibitory activity against Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472.

PMID- 25128899
TI  - Molecular aspects of tight junction barrier function.
AB  - In complex multicellular organisms, epithelia lining body cavities regulate
      absorption and secretion of ions, organic molecules, and water. Proper function
      of epithelia depends on apically and basolaterally situated ion channels as well
      as tight junctions which seal the apical intercellular space. Without tight
      junctions, transepithelial concentration gradients of ions and nutrients would be
      dissipated through the paracellular space. Elevated tight junction permeability
      is a feature of many diseases of multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal
      tract [1,2,3(*),4(*)], kidney [5,6], and lungs [7,8]. In the intestines,
      epithelial barrier dysfunction is a major contributor to diarrhea and
      malnutrition and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality
      worldwide. 

PMID- 25128901
TI  - Biphenyls from Nicotiana tabacum and their anti-tobacco mosaic virus.
AB  - Five new biphenyls, tababiphenyls A-E (1-5), together with five known ones (5
      10), were isolated from the leaves of Nicotiana tabacum, of which compound 1
      possessed a seldom reported 6-carbons unit in biphenyls. Their structures were
      established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. All compounds were
      tested for their anti-tobacco mosaic virus (anti-TMV) activities. The results
      showed that compounds 3 and 5 exhibited high anti-TMV activities with inhibition
      rate of 48.4% and 32.1%, respectively, which were higher than that of positive
      control (ningnanmycin). The other compounds also showed potential anti-TMV
      activities with inhibition rates in the range of 18.6-28.7%, respectively. 

PMID- 25128902
TI  - Investigating driver willingness to drive through flooded waterways.
AB  - Approximately 40% of all drowning deaths involve a motor vehicle. Regardless of
      its significance as a cause of flood-related mortality, there is continued
      prevalence of driving through flooded waterways in Australia and worldwide. We
      aimed to understand the motivational determinates of driving through flooded
      waterways in low and high-risk scenarios by utilizing an augmented theory of
      planned behaviour (TPB) with behavioural willingness as the outcome variable as
      well as the influence of additional predictors; namely perceived risk and past
      behaviour. Participants (n=174; Mage=27.43, SD=10.76) answered standard TPB-based
      questions in regards to attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural
      control (PBC), as well as additional variables of perceived risk (i.e., perceived
      susceptibility and perceived severity) and past behaviour. Support was found for
      the augmented TPB as attitude, subjective norm, and PBC predicted behavioural
      willingness. Support was also found for perceived severity in the high-risk but
      not the low-risk scenario. No support was found for perceived susceptibility.
      Past behaviour emerged as a significant predictor of willingness in the low and
      high-risk scenario. The findings provide support for an augmented TPB in
      understanding individuals' willingness to drive through flooded waterways,
      suggesting that a multi-strategy approach may be critical in attempts to reduce
      the incidence of such risky driving behaviour. 

PMID- 25128903
TI  - A human experimental model of episodic pain.
AB  - An experimental model of daily episodic pain was developed to investigate
      peripheral sensitization and cortical reorganization in healthy individuals. Two
      experiments (A and B) were conducted. Experiments A and B consisted of one and
      five consecutive days, respectively, in which the participants were subjected to
      45 min of intense painful cutaneous electrical stimulation (episodic pain
      session), using a stimulus paradigm that in animals has been shown to induce long
      term potentiation. These electrical stimulations produced a verbal pain rating of
      approximately 85 on a 0-100 verbal rating scale (VRS). Physiological (blood flow
      and axon flare reflex), psychophysical (perception threshold and verbal pain
      ratings) and electrophysiological (128 channels recorded somatosensory evoked
      potential (SEP)) measurements were recorded. The stimulation evoked a visible
      axon flare reflex and caused significantly increased cutaneous blood flow around
      the site of the stimulation. Axon flare reflex and blood flow reached a plateau
      on day one in all the subjects and no significant changes between the days were
      observed. The results showed that the effect of the electrical stimulations
      changed over the five days; pain potentiation was induced on the first day
      (significant increase in the verbal pain ratings during the 45 min stimulation)
      but not on any of the subsequent days. After five days of subsequent pain
      induction, the global field power showed a significant reduction in P2 amplitude
      in the late stage (200-370 ms, in the central-parietal area). In conclusion, the
      results suggest that in healthy individuals this model of episodic pain produces
      a rapid adaptation after day one and that generates significant SEP changes at
      day five.

PMID- 25128905
TI  - Fusing transcriptomics to progressive prostate cancer.
AB  - This commentary highlights the article by Yu et al, describing a set of novel
      fusion transcripts strongly associated with prostate cancer prognosis. 

PMID- 25128904
TI  - Phoneme-free prosodic representations are involved in pre-lexical and lexical
      neurobiological mechanisms underlying spoken word processing.
AB  - Recently we reported that spoken stressed and unstressed primes differently
      modulate Event Related Potentials (ERPs) of spoken initially stressed targets.
      ERP stress priming was independent of prime-target phoneme overlap. Here we test
      whether phoneme-free ERP stress priming involves the lexicon. We used German
      target words with the same onset phonemes but different onset stress, such as
      MANdel ("almond") and manDAT ("mandate"; capital letters indicate stress). First
      syllables of those words served as primes. We orthogonally varied prime-target
      overlap in stress and phonemes. ERP stress priming did neither interact with
      phoneme priming nor with the stress pattern of the targets. However, polarity of
      ERP stress priming was reversed to that previously obtained. The present results
      are evidence for phoneme-free prosodic processing at the lexical level. Together
      with the previous results they reveal that phoneme-free prosodic representations
      at the pre-lexical and lexical level are recruited by neurobiological spoken word
      recognition. 

PMID- 25128908
TI  - MRI criteria for the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma: a validation study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To validate an MRI algorithm characteristic of pleomorphic adenoma
      (PA). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: Academic tertiary-care
      medical center. METHODS: A radiologic algorithm for the MRI diagnosis of PA was
      developed on the basis of five "high probability" criteria that all must be
      fulfilled for the MRI to qualify as a positive test result: bright T2-signal,
      sharp margins, heterogeneous nodular enhancement, lobulated contours, T2-dark
      rim. We then identified MRI images from our institutional database to test the
      diagnostic accuracy of the proposed algorithm. RESULTS: A total of 103
      parotidectomy cases with adequate MRI studies were identified (pleomorphic
      adenoma n=41, mucoepidermoid carcinoma n=11, Warthin's tumor n=8, adenoid cystic
      carcinoma n=6, oncocytoma n=6, acinic cell carcinoma n=5, salivary duct carcinoma
      n=5, and other n=21). Eighteen of 21 cases that met all five "high probability"
      MRI criteria were consistent with PA on final histopathology; 3 were consistent
      with carcinoma. MRI had a specificity of 95.1% [95% confidence interval: 85.6
      98.7%] and sensitivity of 43.9% [95% C.I.: 28.8-60.1%] for PA. The positive
      predictive value was 85.7% [95% C.I.: 70.4-100%] and the negative predictive
      value was 71.9% [95% C. I.: 62.0-81.9%]. The overall diagnostic accuracy was
      74.8% [95% C.I.: 66.2-83.3%]. CONCLUSION: A "high probability" MRI is about 95%
      specific for pleomorphic adenoma. A subset of patients with MRI imaging that is
      highly suggestive of PA may reliably avoid further workup. The value of MRI in
      this setting is especially useful if preoperative fine needle aspiration is not
      readily available. A significant proportion of PAs, however, have indeterminate
      imaging features that overlap considerably with other benign and malignant
      lesions.

PMID- 25128906
TI  - Lung cancer transcriptomes refined with laser capture microdissection.
AB  - We evaluated the importance of tumor cell selection for generating gene
      signatures in non-small cell lung cancer. Tumor and nontumor tissue from
      macroscopically dissected (Macro) surgical specimens (31 pairs from 32 subjects)
      was homogenized, extracted, amplified, and hybridized to microarrays. Adjacent
      scout sections were histologically mapped; sets of approximately 1000 tumor cells
      and nontumor cells (alveolar or bronchial) were procured by laser capture
      microdissection (LCM). Within histological strata, LCM and Macro specimens
      exhibited approximately 67% to 80% nonoverlap in differentially expressed (DE)
      genes. In a representative subset, LCM uniquely identified 300 DE genes in tumor
      versus nontumor specimens, largely attributable to cell selection; 382 DE genes
      were common to Macro, Macro with preamplification, and LCM platforms. RT-qPCR
      validation in a 33-gene subset was confirmatory (rho = 0.789 to 0.964, P = 0.0013
      to 0.0028). Pathway analysis of LCM data suggested alterations in known cancer
      pathways (cell growth, death, movement, cycle, and signaling components), among
      others (eg, immune, inflammatory). A unique nine-gene LCM signature had higher
      tumor-nontumor discriminatory accuracy (100%) than the corresponding Macro
      signature (87%). Comparison with Cancer Genome Atlas data sets (based on
      homogenized Macro tissue) revealed both substantial overlap and important
      differences from LCM specimen results. Thus, cell selection via LCM enhances
      expression profiling precision, and confirms both known and under-appreciated
      lung cancer genes and pathways. 

PMID- 25128907
TI  - Re-testing and misclassification of HIV-2 and HIV-1&2 dually reactive patients
      among the HIV-2 cohort of the West African Database to evaluate AIDS
      collaboration.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: West Africa is characterized by the circulation of HIV-1 and HIV-2.
      The laboratory diagnosis of these two infections as well as the choice of a first
      line antiretroviral therapy (ART) is challenging, considering the limited access
      to second-line regimens. This study aimed at confirming the classification of HIV
      2 and HIV-1&2 dually reactive patients followed up in the HIV-2 cohort of the
      West African Database to evaluate AIDS collaboration. METHOD: A cross-sectional
      survey was conducted from March to December 2012 in Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire
      and Mali among patients classified as HIV-2 or HIV-1&2 dually reactive according
      to the national HIV testing algorithms. A 5-ml blood sample was collected from
      each patient and tested in a single reference laboratory in Cote d'Ivoire
      (CeDReS, Abidjan) with two immuno-enzymatic tests: ImmunoCombII(r) (HIV-1&2
      ImmunoComb BiSpot - Alere) and an in-house ELISA test, approved by the French
      National AIDS and hepatitis Research Agency (ANRS). RESULTS: A total of 547
      patients were included; 57% of them were initially classified as HIV-2 and 43% as
      HIV-1&2 dually reactive. Half of the patients had CD4>=500 cells/mm(3) and 68.6%
      were on ART. Of the 312 patients initially classified as HIV-2, 267 (85.7%) were
      confirmed as HIV-2 with ImmunoCombII(r) and in-house ELISA while 16 (5.1%) and 9
      (2.9%) were reclassified as HIV-1 and HIV-1&2, respectively (Kappa=0.69;
      p<0.001). Among the 235 patients initially classified as HIV-1&2 dually reactive,
      only 54 (23.0%) were confirmed as dually reactive with ImmunoCombII(r) and in
      house ELISA, while 103 (43.8%) and 33 (14.0%) were reclassified as HIV-1 and HIV
      2 mono-infected, respectively (kappa= 0.70; p<0.001). Overall, 300 samples
      (54.8%) were concordantly classified as HIV-2, 63 (11.5%) as HIV-1&2 dually
      reactive and 119 (21.8%) as HIV-1 (kappa=0.79; p<0.001). The two tests gave
      discordant results for 65 samples (11.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HIV-2 mono
      infection are correctly discriminated by the national algorithms used in West
      African countries. HIV-1&2 dually reactive patients should be systematically
      investigated, with a standardized algorithm using more accurate tests, before
      initiating ART as at least 4 out of 10 of them could initiate an effective first
      line ART for HIV-1 and optimize their second-line treatment options.

PMID- 25128909
TI  - Incidental papillary thyroid carcinoma: clinical characteristics and prognostic
      factors among patients with Graves' disease and euthyroid goiter, Cleveland
      Clinic experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The prevalence and clinical significance of incidental differentiated
      thyroid cancer (DTC) in patients with Graves' disease (GD) remain uncertain.
      Thyroid stimulating antibody (TSI Ab)-titers were thought to be responsible for
      the potentially increased incidence or aggressiveness of PTC in that setting. The
      aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of incidental DTC among patients
      with GD and euthyroid goiter (EG), to assess the ability of TSI to predict DTC in
      GD and to investigate the clinical features that may predict incidental DTC in GD
      and EG. METHODS: Two hundred and forty eight patients with EG and 245 patients
      with GD patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy at our institution between
      2005 and 2013 were retrospectively selected from our data base. An analysis of
      incidentally discovered DTC was conducted comparing GD group with EG group.
      RESULTS: Incidental micro-papillary thyroid cancer (MPTC) was found in 28% in EG
      group, as compared to 26% in GD group. PTC Patients with GD were significantly
      younger (44 vs 59) and less likely to have compressive symptoms than with EG
      before surgery (p<0.001). In GD group, patients with MPTC were also significantly
      older (p=0.009) than those without, were more likely to have symptomatic goiter
      (p<0.001), and to have a nodular disease (p<0.001). TSI ab titer did not predict
      MPTC in GD group (The AUC curve was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.64). Among patients
      with GD and incidental MPTC, 58% of patients had at least one nodule. CONCLUSION:
      The prevalence of incidental DTC in GD is comparable to EG. Each is increased
      compared to general population. Age of presentation of PTC was significantly
      lower in GD suggesting an increased risk for MPTC in GD. Nodule size greater than
      1cm predicted incidental DTC whereas TSI ab titers and disease duration did not.

PMID- 25128910
TI  - Elective single versus double embryo transfer: live birth outcome and patient
      acceptance in a prospective randomised trial.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine which strategy of embryo transfer has
      a better trade-off in live birth delivery rate versus multiple pregnancy
      considering patient acceptance: elective single embryo transfer (eSET) or
      elective double embryo transfer (eDET). In all, 199 women <38 years of age
      undergoing their first IVF treatment in a private centre were included in a
      prospective open-label randomised controlled trial. Patients were randomised into
      four groups: (1) eSET on Day 3; (2) eSET on Day 5; (3) eDET on Day 3; and (4)
      eDET on Day 5. Per patient, main analysis included acceptance of assigned group,
      as well as multiple and live birth delivery rates of the fresh cycle. Secondary
      analysis included the rates of subsequent cryotransfers and the theoretical
      cumulative success rate. Of 98 patients selected for eSET, 40% refused and
      preferred eDET. The live birth delivery rate after eDET was significantly higher
      after eDET versus eSET (65% vs 42%, respectively; odds ratio=1.6, 95% confidence
      interval 1.1-2.1). No multiple births were observed after eSET, compared with 35%
      after eDET. Although live birth delivery is higher with eDET, the increased risk
      of multiple births is avoided with eSET. Nearly half the patients refused eSET
      even after having been well informed about its benefits. 

PMID- 25128911
TI  - Preparing for human papillomavirus vaccine introduction in Kenya: implications
      from focus-group and interview discussions with caregivers and opinion leaders in
      Western Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer claims the lives of 275,000 women each year; most of
      these deaths occur in low-or middle-income countries. In Kenya, cervical cancer
      is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women of reproductive age.
      Kenya's Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation has developed a comprehensive
      strategy to prevent cervical cancer, which includes plans for vaccinating preteen
      girls against human papillomavirus (HPV) by 2015. To identify HPV vaccine
      communication and mobilization needs, this research sought to understand HPV
      vaccine-related perceptions and concerns of male and female caregivers and
      community leaders in four rural communities of western Kenya. METHODS: We
      conducted five focus groups with caregivers (n = 56) and 12 key-informant
      interviews with opinion leaders to explore cervical cancer-related knowledge,
      attitudes and beliefs, as well as acceptability of HPV vaccination for 9-12 year
      old girls. Four researchers independently reviewed the data and developed codes
      based on questions in interview guides and topics that emerged organically,
      before comparing and reconciling results through a group consensus process.
      RESULTS: Cervical cancer was not commonly recognized, though it was understood
      generally in terms of its symptoms. By association with cancer and
      genital/reproductive organs, cervical cancer was feared and stigmatized. Overall
      acceptability of a vaccine that prevents cervical cancer was high, so long as it
      was endorsed by trusted agencies and communities were sensitized first. Some
      concerns emerged related to vaccine safety (e.g., impact on fertility), program
      intent, and health equity. CONCLUSION: For successful vaccine introduction in
      Kenya, there is a need for communication and mobilization efforts to raise
      cervical cancer awareness; prompt demand for vaccination; address health equity
      concerns and stigma; and minimize potential resistance. Visible endorsement by
      government leaders and community influencers can provide reassurance of the
      vaccine's safety, efficacy and benefits for girls and communities. Involvement of
      community leadership, parents and champions may also be critical for combatting
      stigma and making cervical cancer relevant to Kenyan communities. These findings
      underscore the need for adequate planning and resources for information,
      education and communication prior to vaccine introduction. Specific
      recommendations for communication and social-marketing strategies are made.

PMID- 25128912
TI  - Neurolysis for failed tarsal tunnel surgery.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to investigate the causes of failure after
      tarsal tunnel release and the operative findings in the secondary interventions
      and the outcomes. The data from 8 patients who had undergone revision surgery for
      failed tarsal tunnel release at least 12 months earlier were evaluated
      retrospectively. Only the patients with idiopathic tarsal tunnel syndrome were
      included, and all had unilateral symptoms. Neurophysiologic tests confirmed the
      clinical diagnosis of failed tarsal tunnel release in all patients. Magnetic
      resonance imaging revealed varicose veins within the tarsal tunnel in 1 patient
      (12.5%) and tenosynovitis in another (12.5%). Open tarsal tunnel release was
      performed in all patients, and the tibialis posterior nerve, medial and lateral
      plantar nerves (including the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve), and
      medial calcaneal nerve were released in their respective tunnels, and the septum
      between the tunnels was resected. The outcomes were assessed according to
      subjective patient satisfaction as excellent, good, fair, or poor. During
      revision surgery, insufficient release of the tarsal tunnel, especially distally,
      was observed in all the patients, and fibrosis of the tibialis posterior nerve
      was present in 1 (12.5%). The outcomes according to subjective patient
      satisfaction were excellent in 5 (62.5%), good in 2 (25%), and fair in 1 (12.5%).
      The fair outcome was obtained in the patient with fibrosis of the nerve.
      Insufficient release of the tarsal tunnel was the main cause of failed tarsal
      tunnel release. Releasing the 4 distinct tunnels and permitting immediate
      mobilization provided satisfactory results in patients with failed tarsal tunnel
      release.

PMID- 25128913
TI  - A minimally invasive "overwrapping" technique for repairing neglected ruptures of
      the Achilles tendon.
AB  - About 10% to 25% of acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon go undiagnosed for some
      time beyond what would be optimal for repair and a return to optimal function.
      Managing these chronic or neglected ruptures is a surgical challenge, because the
      tendon ends retract and atrophy and could develop a short, fibrous distal stump.
      In the present report, a patient with a ruptured right Achilles tendon, neglected
      for approximately 10 years, is described. The chronically injured tendon was
      successfully treated by overwrapping the interposed scar at the rupture site.
      This minimally invasive technique restored tension to the tendon, a prerequisite
      for which was the presence of functional triceps surae, confirmed by
      identification of gross contraction of the muscle during tiptoeing. The procedure
      is contraindicated when the scar tissue is not intact and does not have
      sufficient laxity to allow adequate dorsiflexion of the ankle after overwrapping
      the tendon or when the triceps surae are nonfunctional.

PMID- 25128914
TI  - Use of a flexible implant and bioabsorbable anchor for deltoid rupture repair in
      bimalleolar equivalent Weber B ankle fractures.
AB  - Supination external rotation ankle fractures are the most common ankle fracture
      subtype. Deltoid ligament injuries have often been associated with this type of
      injury pattern. A missed injury can lead to post-traumatic arthritis and
      persistent pain. The current data do not support acute deltoid rupture repair.
      This has been based primarily on level III and IV studies in which less than
      satisfactory results were reported. We believe that acute deltoid rupture repair
      could be indicated in select cases. We have outlined a new deltoid repair
      technique for use with bimalleolar, equivalent supination external rotation ankle
      fractures using a flexible implant and bioabsorbable anchor. 

PMID- 25128915
TI  - Multiple locations of nerve compression: an unusual cause of persistent lower
      limb paresthesia.
AB  - A paucity of appreciation exists that the "double crush" phenomenon can account
      for persistent leg symptoms even after spinal neural decompression surgery. We
      present an unusual case of multiple locations of nerve compression causing
      persistent lower limb paresthesia in a 40-year old male patient. The patient's
      lower limb paresthesia was persistent after an initial spinal surgery to treat
      spinal lateral recess stenosis thought to be responsible for the symptoms. It was
      later discovered that he had peroneal muscle herniations that had caused
      superficial peroneal nerve entrapments at 2 separate locations. The patient
      obtained much symptomatic relief after decompression of the peripheral nerve. The
      "double crush" phenomenon and multiple levels of nerve compression should be
      considered when evaluating lower limb neurogenic symptoms, especially after
      spinal nerve root surgery. 

PMID- 25128916
TI  - Evaluation of cold ischemia for preservation of testicular function during
      partial orchiectomy in the rat model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that cold ischemia during partial orchiectomy would
      lead to higher serum testosterone levels and preservation of testicular
      architecture than warm ischemia in a prepubescent rat model. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eighteen prepubescent male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to three
      different surgical groups: sham surgery, bilateral partial orchiectomy with 30
      min of cord compression with cold ischemia, or bilateral partial orchiectomy with
      30 min of cord compression with warm ischemia. Animals were killed at puberty,
      and serum, sperm, and testicles were collected. Histological tissue injury was
      graded by standardized methodology. RESULTS: Mean serum testosterone levels were
      1445 +/- 590 pg/mL for the sham group, 449 +/- 268 pg/mL for the cold ischemia
      group and 879 +/- 631 pg/mL for the warm ischemia group (p = 0.12). Mean sperm
      counts were 2.1 * 10(7) for sham, 4.4 * 10(6) for cold ischemia, and 9.9 * 10(6)
      for the warm ischemia groups (p = 0.48). Histological evaluation revealed
      significant difference in tissue injury grading with more injury in the cold
      ischemia than in the warm ischemia group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In our
      preclinical rat model, we found no benefit for cold ischemia over warm ischemia
      at 30 min.

PMID- 25128917
TI  - Conversion of calcium sulphide to calcium carbonate during the process of
      recovery of elemental sulphur from gypsum waste.
AB  - The production of elemental sulphur and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from gypsum
      waste can be achieved by thermally reducing the waste into calcium sulphide
      (CaS), which is then subjected to a direct aqueous carbonation step for the
      generation of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and CaCO3. H2S can subsequently be
      converted to elemental sulphur via the commercially available chemical catalytic
      Claus process. This study investigated the carbonation of CaS by examining both
      the solution chemistry of the process and the properties of the formed carbonated
      product. CaS was successfully converted into CaCO3; however, the reaction yielded
      low-grade carbonate products (i.e. <90 mass% as CaCO3) which comprised a mixture
      of two CaCO3 polymorphs (calcite and vaterite), as well as trace minerals
      originating from the starting material. These products could replace the Sappi
      Enstra CaCO3 (69 mass% CaCO3), a by-product from the paper industry which is used
      in many full-scale AMD neutralisation plants but is becoming insufficient. The
      insight gained is now also being used to develop and optimize an indirect aqueous
      CaS carbonation process for the production of high-grade CaCO3 (i.e. >99 mass% as
      CaCO3) or precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC).

PMID- 25128918
TI  - Heavy metal and nutrient changes during vermicomposting animal manure spiked with
      mushroom residues.
AB  - A pilot-scale trial of four months was conducted to investigate the responses of
      heavy metal and nutrient to composting animal manure spiked with mushroom
      residues with and without earthworms. Results showed that earthworm activities
      accelerated organic matter mineralization (e.g. reduction in C/N ratio, increase
      in total concentrations of N, P, K) and humification (e.g. increase in humic acid
      concentration, humification ratio and humification index). Despite composting
      increased total heavy metal (i.e. As, Pb, Cu, Zn) concentrations irrespective of
      earthworm, the availability of heavy metals extracted by DTPA significantly
      (P<0.05) decreased particularly in treatments with earthworms introduced. The
      shift from available to unavailable fractions of heavy metals was either due to
      earthworm bioaccumulation, as indicated by total heavy metal concentrations being
      higher in earthworm tissues, or due to the formation of stable metal-humus
      complexes as indicated by the promotion of humification. Our results suggest that
      vermicomposting process could magnify the nutrient quality but relieve the heavy
      metals risk of agricultural organic wastes. 

PMID- 25128920
TI  - A lower content of de-methylesterified homogalacturonan improves enzymatic cell
      separation and isolation of mesophyll protoplasts in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Cell adhesion occurs primarily at the level of middle lamella which is mainly
      composed by pectin polysaccharides. These can be degraded by cell wall degrading
      enzymes (CWDEs) during developmental processes to allow a controlled separation
      of plant cells. Extensive cell wall degradation by CWDEs with consequent cell
      separation is performed when protoplasts are isolated from plant tissues by using
      mixtures of CWDEs. We have evaluated whether modification of pectin affects cell
      separation and protoplast isolation. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing the pectin
      methylesterase inhibitors AtPMEI-1 or AtPMEI-2, and Arabidopsis pme3 plants,
      mutated in the gene encoding pectin methylesterase 3, showed an increased
      efficiency of isolation of viable mesophyll protoplasts as compared with Wild
      Type Columbia-0 plants. The release of protoplasts was correlated with the
      reduced level of long stretches of de-methylesterified homogalacturonan (HGA)
      present in these plants. Response to elicitation, cell wall regeneration and
      efficiency of transfection in protoplasts from transgenic plants was comparable
      to those of wild type protoplasts. 

PMID- 25128921
TI  - Identifying primary Sjogren syndrome in children: case report.
AB  - Primary Sjogren syndrome (PSS) rarely occurs in children. In addition, because
      the objective and subjective diagnostic criteria for juvenile PSS differ from
      those seen in adults, identification of its presence can be difficult to
      establish. This case report illustrates the accepted benchmarks for diagnosing
      pediatric PSS. 

PMID- 25128919
TI  - Determinants of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus native bone and
      joint infection treatment failure: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) native
      bone and joint infection (BJI) constitutes the more frequent clinical entity of
      BJI, prognostic studies mostly focused on methicillin-resistant S. aureus
      prosthetic joint infection. We aimed to assess the determinants of native MSSA
      BJI outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study (2001-2011) of patients
      admitted in a reference hospital centre for native MSSA BJI. Treatment failure
      determinants were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and binary logistic
      regression. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients (42 males [63.6%]; median age 61.2 years;
      interquartile range [IQR] 45.9-71.9) presented an acute (n = 38; 57.6%) or
      chronic (n = 28; 42.4%) native MSSA arthritis (n = 15; 22.7%), osteomyelitis (n =
      19; 28.8%) or spondylodiscitis (n = 32; 48.5%), considered as "difficult-to
      treat" in 61 cases (92.4%). All received a prolonged (27.1 weeks; IQR, 16.9-36.1)
      combined antimicrobial therapy, after surgical management in 37 cases (56.1%).
      Sixteen treatment failures (24.2%) were observed during a median follow-up period
      of 63.3 weeks (IQR, 44.7-103.1), including 13 persisting infections, 1 relapse
      after treatment disruption, and 2 super-infections. Independent determinants of
      treatment failure were the existence of a sinus tract (odds ratio [OR], 5.300;
      95% confidence interval [CI], 1.166-24.103) and a prolonged delay to infectious
      disease specialist referral (OR, 1.134; 95% CI 1.013-1.271). CONCLUSIONS: The
      important treatment failure rate pinpointed the difficulty of cure encountered in
      complicated native MSSA BJI. An early infectious disease specialist referral is
      essential, especially in debilitated patients or in presence of sinus tract.

PMID- 25128922
TI  - Does alveolar corticotomy accelerate orthodontic tooth movement when retracting
      upper canines? A split-mouth design randomized controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of alveolar corticotomy on orthodontic tooth
      movement when retracting upper canines compared with the conventional technique
      and to evaluate patients' pain and discomfort levels after corticotomy. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A split-mouth design randomized controlled trial at the Department
      of Orthodontics (University Al-Baath Dental School) was performed. A total of 30
      patients whose orthodontic treatment required canine retraction were included.
      The predictor variable was the use of corticotomy to facilitate tooth movement.
      The velocity of space closure was evaluated as the primary outcome variable by
      measuring the distance between the canine and first molar on each side of the
      mouth immediately after corticotomy and at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after
      corticotomy. The levels of pain and discomfort were evaluated as the secondary
      outcome variables using a questionnaire administered 4 times during the first
      week after corticotomy. Paired t tests or Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank
      tests were used to detect significant differences. RESULTS: A total of 30
      patients (15 males and 15 females) were recruited with a mean age of 20.04 +/-
      3.63 years (range 15 to 24). The space closure velocity after corticotomy was
      significantly faster on the experimental side than on the control side (mean =
      0.74 mm/week vs 0.20 mm/week between 1 week after and immediately after
      corticotomy, respectively; P < .001). The pain encountered during eating was
      high, with 50% and 30% of patients reporting severe pain at 1 and 3 days
      postoperatively, respectively. No significant differences were detected between
      the male and female patients regarding the tooth movement velocity on the
      experimental side. CONCLUSIONS: Alveolar corticotomy increased orthodontic tooth
      movement and was accompanied by moderate degrees of pain and discomfort.

PMID- 25128923
TI  - Sleeve gastrectomy and mesenteric venous thrombosis: report of 3 patients and
      review of the literature.

PMID- 25128924
TI  - Bipolar impedance-controlled sealing of the pulmonary artery with SealSafe G3
      electric current: determination of bursting pressures in an ex vivo model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In every anatomic lung resection operation, the pulmonary artery
      itself or its branches must be sealed. This involves either stapling or ligating
      the vessels. Based on the positive results with the bipolar vessel sealing <=7 mm
      in abdominal surgery the present study aimed to evaluate burst pressures of the
      pulmonary artery after sealing with the sealing instrument SealSafe G3 (Gebruder
      Martin & CoKG, Tuttlingen, Germany). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The whole pulmonary
      artery above the pulmonary valve was exposed up to the periphery of the left lung
      in freshly removed pig heart-lung blocks. A pressure-measuring cylinder was then
      implanted in the prepared vessel on the side at the main trunk of the pulmonary
      artery to determine the pressure in the vessel. After either ligation or bipolar
      sealing of the pulmonary artery, the pneumatic burst pressure (millimeters of
      mercury) was determined in a water bath. Three groups (n = 12 for each seal type)
      with different vessel diameters were examined: group 1: 0-6 mm, group 2: 7-12 mm,
      and group 3: >12 mm. In all cases, vessel sealing was performed with a MARSEAL 5
      instrument (Gebruder Martin & Co KG, Tuttlingen, Germany) and the SealSafe G3
      current. The mean burst pressures of the individual groups (ligature and bipolar
      sealing) were compared using two-tailed, nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test.
      Significance was defined as P < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean burst pressures in group
      1 were measured by 340 +/- 13.4 mm Hg with ligature and 205 +/- 44.4 mm Hg with
      bipolar sealing (P < 0.001). In group 2, the mean values obtained were 270 +/-
      28.2 mm Hg for ligature and 162 +/- 36.0 mm Hg for bipolar sealing (P < 0.001).
      In group 3, the mean burst pressures for bipolar sealing were only 52.1 +/- 15.1
      mm Hg, whereas those for ligated vessels were 253 +/- 46.9 mm Hg (P < 0.001). For
      this size of vessel the burst pressure was also determined after stapling. The
      mean value in this case was 230 +/- 21.8 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: In all groups, the
      mean burst pressures after bipolar sealing were significantly lower than those
      achieved with ligation, but they were sufficient for a save closure of the
      pulmonary artery with diameters up to 12 mm.

PMID- 25128925
TI  - Impact of occult hepatitis B virus infection on outcome after resection for non-B
      non-C hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with
      both hepatitis B virus-surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibody negative
      hepatocellular carcinoma (non-B non-C HCC [NBNC-HCC]) and examine the impact of
      occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) on patients' survival. METHODS: All
      patients with OBI were identified from a database of patients with NBNC-HCC who
      underwent surgical resection between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2008.
      Their clinicopathologic and survival characteristics were compared with NBNC-HCC
      patients without OBI. RESULTS: Out of the 86 NBNC-HCC patients, 59 patients
      (68.6%) with OBI. A higher prevalence of hepatitis B core antigen positive rate,
      low platelet count, portal hypertension, and liver cirrhosis were observed in
      NBNC-HCC patients with OBI. The 1- and 3-y recurrence free survival rates were
      66% and 25% in OBI group and 89% and 70% in the no OBI group, respectively (P <
      0.001). The 1-, 3-, and 5-y overall survival rates were 86%, 55%, and 51% in OBI
      group and 93%, 85%, and 66% in no OBI group, respectively (P = 0.112).
      Multivariate analysis revealed that OBI (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.122; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.086-4.149; P = 0.028), liver cirrhosis (HR = 2.411;
      95% CI, 1.337-4.345; P = 0.003), and vascular invasion (HR = 5.858; 95% CI, 2.799
      12.261; P < 0.001) were independent poor prognostic factors for recurrence free
      survival of patients with NBNC-HCC. CONCLUSIONS: NBNC-HCC patients with OBI had a
      poorer prognosis. OBI can be a useful predictor for recurrence in patients with
      NBNC-HCC after surgery.

PMID- 25128926
TI  - Comparative metabolic flux analysis of an Ashbya gossypii wild type strain and a
      high riboflavin-producing mutant strain.
AB  - In the present study, we analyzed the central metabolic pathway of an Ashbya
      gossypii wild type strain and a riboflavin over-producing mutant strain developed
      in a previous study in order to characterize the riboflavin over-production
      pathway. (13)C-Metabolic flux analysis ((13)C-MFA) was carried out in both
      strains, and the resulting data were fit to a steady-state flux isotopomer model
      using OpenFLUX. Flux to pentose-5-phosphate (P5P) via the pentose phosphate
      pathway (PPP) was 9% higher in the mutant strain compared to the wild type
      strain. The flux from purine synthesis to riboflavin in the mutant strain was
      1.6%, while that of the wild type strain was only 0.1%, a 16-fold difference. In
      addition, the flux from the cytoplasmic pyruvate pool to the extracellular
      metabolites, pyruvate, lactate, and alanine, was 2-fold higher in the mutant
      strain compared to the wild type strain. This result demonstrates that increased
      guanosine triphosphate (GTP) flux through the PPP and purine synthesis pathway
      (PSP) increased riboflavin production in the mutant strain. The present study
      provides the first insight into metabolic flux through the central carbon pathway
      in A. gossypii and sets the foundation for development of a quantitative and
      functional model of the A. gossypii metabolic network. 

PMID- 25128927
TI  - Role of vitamin C and selenium in attenuation of nicotine induced oxidative
      stress, P53 and Bcl2 expression in adult rat spleen.
AB  - Forty adult female rats were randomly divided into four groups: control,
      nicotine, nicotine+vitamin C and nicotine+selenium group. Splenic tissues
      concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide,
      superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured. The P53
      and Bcl2 proteins were detected by Western blot and their expression in splenic
      tissues were measured by quantitative real time PCR in all groups. Compared to
      control group, nicotine increased the concentrations of TBARS and nitric oxide
      significantly. However, Vit. C or Se supplementation with nicotine caused a
      significant decrease in these concentrations. SOD and CAT activities of nicotine
      group decreased significantly compared to control group. Treatment with Vit. C or
      Se plays a significant role in elevation of SOD and CAT activities. In splenic
      tissues, nicotine significantly decreases the protein levels and the mRNA
      expression of P53 and increases the protein levels of Bcl2 and its expression.
      Administration of Vit. C. to nicotine-treated rats completely reversed the
      decrease in P53 levels and its mRNA expression and the increase in Bcl2 levels
      and its mRNA expression to the control values. In contrast, Se administration did
      not induce any significant changes in these genes levels or expressions compared
      to nicotine group. CONCLUSION: Vit. C supplementation to nicotine treated rats
      was more effective than selenium in attenuation of nicotine-induced oxidative
      stress, p53 and Bcl2 expression in rat spleen tissues.

PMID- 25128928
TI  - A systematic review of the effect of daily panty liner use on the vulvovaginal
      environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether panty liners predispose to vulvovaginitis is unclear.
      OBJECTIVES: To clarify the effects of the use of panty liners on the female
      genital tract. SEARCH STRATEGY: Several electronic databases (including PubMed
      and Embase) were searched to identify studies published in English before May 3,
      2012. SELECTION CRITERIA: Case-control studies, randomized controlled trials, and
      cohort studies comparing young women who did and did not use panty liners in the
      intermenstrual period were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The quality of
      the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or the Jadad Scale.
      Data from suitable studies were extracted for analysis. MAIN RESULTS: Five
      articles met the inclusion criteria. Four studies-all of which included only
      healthy women-found no significant clinical implications arising from the use of
      panty liners. The fifth study was of women with recurrent candidiasis and showed
      that use of panty liners was associated with new candidiasis episodes.
      CONCLUSIONS: The intermenstrual use of panty liners does not seem to have a
      negative effect on the vulvovaginal area.

PMID- 25128929
TI  - Pilot community-mobilization program reduces maternal and perinatal mortality and
      prevents obstetric fistula in Niger.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a pilot community-mobilization program on
      maternal and perinatal mortality and obstetric fistula in Niger. METHODS: In the
      program, village volunteers identify and evacuate women with protracted labor,
      provide education, and collect data on pregnancies, births, and deaths. These
      data were used to calculate the reduction in maternal mortality, perinatal
      mortality, and obstetric fistula in the program area from July 2008 to June 2011.
      RESULTS: The birth-related maternal mortality fell by 73.0% between years 1 and 3
      (P<0.001), from 630 (95% confidence interval [CI] 448-861) to 170 (95% CI 85-305)
      deaths per 100 000 births. Early perinatal mortality fell by 61.5% (P<0.001),
      from 35 (95% CI 31-40) to 13 (95% CI 10-16) deaths per 1000 births. No deaths due
      to obstructed labor were reported after the lead-in period (February to June
      2008). Seven cases of community-acquired fistula were reported between February
      2008 and July 2009; from August 2009 to June 2011 (23 months; 12 254 births), no
      cases were recorded. CONCLUSION: Community mobilization helped to prevent
      obstetric fistula and birth-related deaths of women and infants in a large,
      remote, resource-poor area.

PMID- 25128930
TI  - Emerging lessons from the FIGO LOGIC initiative on maternal death and near-miss
      reviews.
AB  - This short paper describes some early findings from an overview of the maternal
      death or severe morbidity "near-miss" reviews that have been undertaken to
      improve clinical care by the eight societies participating in the FIGO Leadership
      in Obstetrics and Gynecology for Impact and Change (LOGIC) Initiative in Maternal
      and Newborn Health aimed at strengthening the role of professional obstetric
      associations. While it is expected that each will publish its own report,
      generalizable lessons emerged and valuable solutions were implemented that will
      help others planning such reviews and audits in future. 

PMID- 25128931
TI  - Norepinephrine infusion with and without alpha-adrenergic blockade by
      phentolamine increases salivary alpha amylase in healthy men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mental stress reliably induces increases in salivary alpha amylase
      (sAA), a suggested surrogate marker for sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
      reactivity. While stress-induced sAA increases correlate with norepinephrine (NE)
      secretion, a potential mediating role of noradrenergic mechanisms remains
      unclear. In this study, we investigated for the first time in humans whether a NE
      stress-reactivity mimicking NE-infusion with and without alpha-adrenergic
      blockade by phentolamine would induce changes in sAA. METHODS: In a single-blind
      placebo-controlled within-subjects design, 21 healthy men (29-66 years) took part
      in three different experimental trials varying in terms of substance infusion
      with a 1-min first infusion followed by a 15-min second infusion: saline-infusion
      (trial-1), NE-infusion (5 MUg/min) without alpha-adrenergic blockade (trial-2),
      and with phentolamine-induced non-selective blockade of alpha1- and alpha2
      adrenergic receptors (trial-3). Saliva samples were collected immediately before,
      during, and several times after substance infusion in addition to blood pressure
      and heart rate readings. RESULTS: Experimental trials significantly differed in
      sAA reactivity to substance-infusion (p=.001) with higher sAA reactivity
      following NE-infusion with (trial-3; p=.001) and without alpha-adrenergic
      blockade (trial-2; p=.004) as compared to placebo-infusion (trial-1); sAA
      infusion reactivity did not differ between trial-2 and trial-3 (p=.29). Effective
      phentolamine application was verified by blood pressure and heart rate infusion
      reactivity. Salivary cortisol was not affected by NE, either with or without
      alpha-adrenergic-blockade. CONCLUSIONS: We found that NE-infusion stimulates sAA
      secretion, regardless of co-administered non-selective alpha-adrenergic blockade
      by phentolamine, suggesting that the mechanism underlying stress-induced sAA
      increases may involve NE.

PMID- 25128932
TI  - A new Brucella canis species-specific PCR assay for the diagnosis of canine
      brucellosis.
AB  - Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is transmitted from animals to humans, and
      the development of a rapid, accurate, and widely available identification method
      is essential for diagnosing this disease. In this study, we developed a new
      Brucella canis species-specific (BcSS) PCR assay and evaluated its specificity
      and sensitivity. A specific PCR primer set was designed based on the BCAN_B0548
      0549 region in chromosome II of B. canis. The PCR detection for B. canis included
      amplification of a 300-bp product that is, not found on other Brucella species
      or, genetically or serologically related bacteria. The detection limit of BcSS
      PCR assay was 6pg/MUl by DNA dilution, or 3*10(3) colony-forming units (CFU) in
      the buffy coats separated from whole blood experimentally inoculated with B.
      canis. Using the buffy coat in this PCR assay resulted in approximately 100-times
      higher sensitivity for B. canis as compared to detect directly from whole blood.
      This is the first report of a species-specific PCR assay to detect B. canis, and
      the new assay will provide a valuable tool for the diagnosis of B. canis
      infection.

PMID- 25128933
TI  - Repair of a radial tear in the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There have been no studies evaluating the clinical results after
      repair of a radial tear in the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM)
      using the FasT-Fix system. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical
      outcomes after repair of a radial tear in the PHLM using the FasT-Fix system in
      conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS:
      Between September 2008 and August 2011, 15 radial tears in the PHLM identified
      during 132 consecutive ACL reconstructions were repaired using the FasT-Fix
      meniscal repair system. We classified the radial tears into three types according
      to the tear patterns: simple radial tear, complex radial tear, and radial tear
      involving the popliteal hiatus. Postoperative evaluation was performed using the
      Lysholm knee score and Tegner activity level. Second-look arthroscopy was
      performed in all cases. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 24 months. None of
      the patients had a history of recurrent effusion, joint line tenderness or a
      positive McMurray test. The meniscal repair was considered to have a 100%
      clinical success rate. At the final follow-up, the Lysholm knee score and Tegner
      activity level were significantly improved compared to the preoperative values.
      On the second-look arthroscopy, repair of radial tears in the PHLM in conjunction
      with ACL reconstruction using the FasT-Fix device resulted in complete or partial
      healing in 86.6% of cases. CONCLUSION: Clinical results after meniscal repair of
      a radial tear in the PHLM by using the FasT-Fix system were satisfactory. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

PMID- 25128935
TI  - Renal denervation in hypertension: simplicity, or complexity?

PMID- 25128934
TI  - Management of outpatients in France with stable coronary artery disease. Findings
      from the prospeCtive observational LongitudinAl RegIstry oF patients with stable
      coronary arterY disease (CLARIFY) registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improvements in the treatment of coronary artery disease mean that an
      increasing number of patients survive acute cardiovascular events and live as
      outpatients with or without anginal symptoms. AIM: To determine the
      characteristics and management of contemporary outpatients with stable coronary
      artery disease in Western Europe, and to compare France with the other Western
      European countries. METHODS: CLARIFY (prospeCtive observational LongitudinAl
      RegIstry oF patients with stable coronary arterY disease) is an international,
      prospective, observational, longitudinal study. Between November 2009 and July
      2010, 32,954 adult outpatients with stable coronary artery disease (defined as a
      history of documented myocardial infarction [of >3 months], prior coronary
      revascularization, chest pain with myocardial ischaemia, or coronary stenosis
      of>50% proven by angiography) were enrolled in 45 countries. The demographics and
      management of CLARIFY patients enrolled in France were compared with those
      enrolled in other Western European countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany,
      Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UK).
      RESULTS: Of the 14,726 patients enrolled in Western Europe (mean age 66.2 [10.2]
      years; 79.6% male), 2432 (16.5%) were from France. The use of aspirin was lower
      in France than in other Western European countries (74.5% vs. 86.9%,
      respectively), whereas use of thienopyridines (48.5% vs. 21.7%), oral
      anticoagulants (12.3% vs. 9.0%) and lipid-lowering drugs (95.8% vs. 92.5%) was
      higher. Beta-blockers were used in 73% of both groups. Angina was less prevalent
      in France (6.3% vs. 15.5%) and French patients showed higher levels of physical
      activity than their counterparts in Western Europe. CONCLUSIONS: The management
      of patients with stable CAD in France appears favourable, with good adherence to
      guideline-based therapies, but there remains room for improvement in terms of
      symptom and risk factor control.

PMID- 25128937
TI  - Close to the heart.

PMID- 25128938
TI  - The promise of high-sensitivity troponin testing.

PMID- 25128939
TI  - Data needs in child maltreatment response.

PMID- 25128940
TI  - Ocular biomarkers for neurodegenerative and systemic disease.

PMID- 25128942
TI  - AIDS, loss and renewal.

PMID- 25128943
TI  - Problem-based learning in medical education: one of many learning paradigms.

PMID- 25128944
TI  - Excessive occupational sitting is not a "safe system of work": time for doctors
      to get chatting with patients.

PMID- 25128945
TI  - Role of the medical community in detecting and managing child abuse.

PMID- 25128946
TI  - Removing the interview for medical school selection is associated with gender
      bias among enrolled students.

PMID- 25128947
TI  - Removing the interview for medical school selection is associated with gender
      bias among enrolled students.

PMID- 25128949
TI  - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation--time for a change in the paradigm?
AB  - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the default treatment in hospital unless
      there is a decision to the contrary and this is documented in the patient record.
      The outcome of CPR in older chronically ill patients is very poor and discharge
      home is unlikely. Fewer not-for-resuscitation (NFR) orders are written than there
      are patients who would not benefit from CPR. NFR orders appear to be a marker of
      death, rather than the result of informed discussion about end-of-life care.
      There is a legal and ethical framework for the consideration of the suitability
      of CPR. Discussions about CPR are challenging, and uncertainty is introduced
      because of the lack of consensus around futility, the emotionally charged nature
      of the topic, misconceptions about the success of CPR and the failure to
      recognise that not offering CPR will allow a peaceful and supported death.
      Discussion around CPR can be misconstrued as a need for consent. A focus on
      patient and family involvement may result in an expectation that CPR is an
      entitlement. As part of evidence-based patient-centred care, CPR should only be
      offered to those for whom it is beneficial. CPR should no longer be the universal
      default. We propose an opt-in model, which will drive discussion and evaluation
      of the efficacy and suitability of CPR for the individual. A CPR discussion
      should occur on admission for all elderly hospital inpatients.

PMID- 25128948
TI  - A systematic approach to chronic heart failure care: a consensus statement.
AB  - The National Heart Foundation of Australia assembled an expert panel to provide
      guidance on policy and system changes to improve the quality of care for people
      with chronic heart failure (CHF). The recommendations have the potential to
      reduce emergency presentations, hospitalisations and premature death among
      patients with CHF. Best-practice management of CHF involves evidence-based,
      multidisciplinary, patient-centred care, which leads to better health outcomes. A
      CHF care model is required to achieve this. Although CHF management programs
      exist, ensuring access for everyone remains a challenge. This is particularly so
      for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those from non-metropolitan
      areas and lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and culturally and linguistically
      diverse populations. Lack of data and inadequate identification of people with
      CHF prevents efficient patient monitoring, limiting information to improve or
      optimise care. This leads to ineffectiveness in measuring outcomes and evaluating
      the CHF care provided. Expanding current cardiac registries to include patients
      with CHF and developing mechanisms to promote data linkage across care
      transitions are essential. As the prevalence of CHF rises, the demand for
      multidisciplinary workforce support will increase. Workforce planning should
      provide access to services outside of large cities, one of the main challenges it
      is currently facing. To enhance community-based management of CHF, general
      practitioners should be empowered to lead care. Incentive arrangements should
      favour provision of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those
      from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and rural areas, and culturally and
      linguistically diverse populations. Ongoing research is vital to improving
      systems of care for people with CHF. Future research activity needs to ensure the
      translation of valuable knowledge and high-quality evidence into practice.

PMID- 25128950
TI  - Should general practitioners order troponin tests?
AB  - Cardiac troponin I and T are the preferred biomarkers for assessing myocardial
      injury, and the timing of troponin testing is fundamental to its clinical
      utility. There are arguments for and against the use of troponin testing in the
      community, and the stance that general practitioners should never order a
      troponin test can be considered an oversimplification. GPs have a generally
      sufficient understanding of the test for use in primary care, and have a better
      understanding of false-negative troponin test results than false-positive
      results. We suggest that hospitalisation, rather than troponin testing, should be
      the default option for patients with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary
      syndrome. A single troponin test is reasonable in primary care to exclude the
      possibility of acute myocardial infarction in asymptomatic low-risk patients
      whose symptoms resolved at least 12 hours prior. GPs should factor in the complex
      logistics of troponin testing in the community before ordering a troponin test:
      results need to be accurate and timely, and might be obtained at a time of day
      when it is difficult to contact the doctor or the patient.

PMID- 25128951
TI  - Impact of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assays on patients presenting to an
      emergency department with suspected acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether introduction of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin
      I (hscTn-I) assays affected management of patients presenting with suspected
      acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary
      referral hospital. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND SETTING: A retrospective analysis of all
      patients presenting to the Geelong Hospital ED with suspected ACS from 23 April
      2010 to 22 April 2013 -2 years before and 1 year after the changeover to hscTn-I
      assays on 23 April 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hospital admission rates, time
      spent in the ED, rates of coronary angiography, rates of percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS), rates of
      discharge with a diagnosis of ACS, and rates of inhospital mortality. RESULTS: 12
      360 consecutive patients presented with suspected ACS during the study period;
      1897 were admitted to Geelong Hospital in the 2 years before and 944 in the 1
      year after the changeover to hscTn-I assays. Comparing the two patient groups,
      there was no statistically significant difference in all-hospital admission rates
      (95% CI for the difference, - 3.1% to 0.3%; P = 0.10) or proportion of patients
      subsequently discharged with a diagnosis of ACS (95% CI for the difference, -
      2.3% to 5.4%; P = 0.43). After the changeover, the median time patients spent in
      the ED was 11.5% shorter (3.85 h v 4.35 h; 95% CI for the difference, - 0.59 to -
      0.43; P < 0.001) and the proportion of admitted patients undergoing coronary
      angiography was higher (53.4% v 45.2%; 95% CI for the difference, 4.3 to 12.0
      percentage points; P < 0.001), but there was no statistically significant rise in
      the proportion of patients who had invasive treatment (PCI and/or CABGS) (95% CI
      for the difference, - 0.4% to 6.3%; P = 0.08). Inhospital mortality rates from
      ACS did not change significantly (95% CI for the difference, - 1.5% to 0.8%; P =
      0.43). CONCLUSION: The introduction of hscTn-I assays appeared to be associated
      with more rapid diagnosis, resulting in less time spent in the ED, without a
      change in hospital admission rates. A higher proportion of patients had coronary
      angiographies after the changeover, but there was no significant change in rates
      of invasive treatment or inhospital mortality.

PMID- 25128952
TI  - Trends in hospital admissions for conditions associated with child maltreatment,
      Northern Territory, 1999-2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To use hospital admissions data to investigate trends in maltreatment
      among Northern Territory Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. DESIGN, SETTING
      AND PARTICIPANTS: A historical cohort study using diagnosis and external cause
      codes from hospital admissions among children aged 0-17 years. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Annual rates of admission with either a definitive or indicative code
      for child maltreatment. RESULTS: From 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2010, the
      average annual rates of hospital admission of NT Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
      children with a definitive code of maltreatment were 8.8 (95% CI, 7.4-10.2) and
      0.91 (95% CI, 0.59-1.22) per 10 000 children, respectively. There was no evidence
      for change over time in either population. The corresponding rates of admission
      with a code indicative of maltreatment were 28.4 (95% CI, 25.8-31.1) and 5.2 (95%
      CI, 4.4-6.0) per 10 000 children, with average annual increases of 3% (incidence
      rate ratio [IRR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07) and 4% (IRR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.96-1.11).
      Physical abuse was the prominent type of maltreatment-related admission in both
      populations. There were increases in rates of admission for older Aboriginal
      children (13-17 years) and older non-Aboriginal boys. Most perpetrators in the
      assault of younger children were family members, while among older children most
      were not specified. CONCLUSION: Our study shows the utility of hospital
      admissions for population surveillance of child maltreatment. The relatively
      stable rate of maltreatment-related hospital admissions among NT Aboriginal
      children shown here is in contrast to substantial increases reported from child
      protection data. The results also highlight the overlap between violence within
      families and in the wider community, particularly for older children, and lends
      support for population-level interventions to protect vulnerable children.

PMID- 25128954
TI  - All that is irregular is not AF!

PMID- 25128953
TI  - Cardiopulmonary arrest and mortality trends, and their association with rapid
      response system expansion.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To understand the changes in the population incidence of inhospital
      cardiopulmonary arrest (IHCA) and mortality associated with the introduction of
      rapid response systems (RRSs). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Population-based
      study of 9 221 138 hospital admissions in 82 public acute hospitals in New South
      Wales, using data linked to a death registry, from 1 Jan 2002 to 31 Dec 2009.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in IHCA, IHCA-related mortality, hospital
      mortality and proportion of IHCA patients surviving to hospital discharge.
      RESULTS: RRS uptake increased from 32% in 2002 to 74% in 2009. This increase was
      associated with a 52% decrease in IHCA rate, a 55% decrease in IHCA-related
      mortality rate, a 23% decrease in hospital mortality rate and a 15% increase in
      survival to discharge after an IHCA (all P < 0.01). The adjusted absolute
      reductions in IHCA-related mortality and hospital mortality were 1.49 (95% CI,
      1.30-1.68) and 4.05 (95% CI, 3.17-4.76) patients per 1000 admissions,
      respectively. The decrease in IHCA incidence rate accounted for 95% of the
      reduction in IHCA-related mortality. In contrast, the increase in IHCA survival
      accounted for only 5% of the reduction in IHCA-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS:
      During nearly a decade, as RRSs were progressively introduced, there was a
      coincidental reduction in IHCA, IHCA-related deaths and hospital mortality and an
      increased survival to hospital discharge after an IHCA. Reduced IHCA incidence,
      rather than improved postcardiac arrest survival, was the main contributor to the
      reduction in IHCA mortality.

PMID- 25128955
TI  - Health care--the secular Leviathan.

PMID- 25128958
TI  - Targeting death receptors for TRAIL by agents designed by Mother Nature.
AB  - Selective killing of cancer cells is one of the major goals of cancer therapy.
      Although chemotherapeutic agents are being used for cancer treatment, they lack
      selectivity toward tumor cells. Among the six different death receptors (DRs)
      identified to date, DR4 and DR5 are selectively expressed on cancer cells.
      Therefore, unlike chemotherapeutic agents, these receptors can potentially
      mediate selective killing of tumor cells. In this review we outline various
      nutraceuticals derived from 'Mother Nature' that can upregulate DRs and thus
      potentiate apoptosis. These nutraceuticals increase tumor necrosis factor (TNF)
      related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis of cancer cells
      through different mechanisms. First, nutraceuticals have been found to induce DRs
      through the upregulation of various signaling molecules. Second, nutraceuticals
      can downregulate tumor cell-survival pathways. Third, nutraceuticals alone have
      been found to activate cell-death pathways. Although both TRAIL and agonistic
      antibodies against DR4 and DR5 are in clinical trials, combination with
      nutraceuticals is likely to boost their anticancer potential. 

PMID- 25128959
TI  - Comprehensive evaluation of PCA-based finite element modelling of the human
      femur.
AB  - Computed tomography (CT)-based finite element (FE) reconstructions describe shape
      and density distribution of bones. Both shape and density distribution, however,
      can vary a lot between individuals. Shape/density indexation (usually achieved by
      principal component analysis--PCA) can be used to synthesize realistic models,
      thus overcoming the shortage of CT-based models, and helping e.g. to study
      fracture determinants, or steer prostheses design. The aim of this study was to
      describe a PCA-based statistical modelling algorithm, and test it on a large CT
      based population of femora, to see if it can accurately describe and reproduce
      bone shape, density distribution, and biomechanics. To this aim, 115 CT-datasets
      showing normal femoral anatomy were collected and characterized. Isotopological
      FE meshes were built. Shape and density indexation procedures were performed on
      the mesh database. The completeness of the database was evaluated through a
      convergence study. The accuracy in reconstructing bones not belonging to the
      indexation database was evaluated through (i) leave-one-out tests (ii) comparison
      of calculated vs. in-vitro measured strains. Fifty indexation modes for shape and
      40 for density were necessary to achieve reconstruction errors below pixel size
      for shape, and below 10% for density. Similar errors for density, and slightly
      higher errors for shape were obtained when reconstructing bones not belonging to
      the database. The in-vitro strain prediction accuracy of the reconstructed FE
      models was comparable to state-of-the-art studies. In summary, the results
      indicate that the proposed statistical modelling tools are able to accurately
      describe a population of femora through finite element models.

PMID- 25128957
TI  - Respondent driven sampling is an effective method for engaging methamphetamine
      users in HIV prevention research in South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: South Africa, in the midst of the world's largest HIV epidemic, has a
      growing methamphetamine problem. Respondent driven sampling (RDS) is a useful
      tool for recruiting hard-to-reach populations in HIV prevention research, but its
      use with methamphetamine smokers in South Africa has not been described. This
      study examined the effectiveness of RDS as a method for engaging methamphetamine
      users in a Cape Town township into HIV behavioral research. METHODS: Standard RDS
      procedures were used to recruit active methamphetamine smokers from a racially
      diverse peri-urban township in Cape Town. Effectiveness of RDS was determined by
      examining social network characteristics (network size, homophily, and
      equilibrium) of recruited participants. RESULTS: Beginning with eight seeds, 345
      methamphetamine users were enrolled over 6 months, with a coupon return rate of
      67%. The sample included 197 men and 148 women who were racially diverse (73%
      Coloured, 27% Black African) and had a mean age of 28.8 years (SD=7.2). Social
      networks were adequate (mean network size >5) and mainly comprised of close
      social ties. Equilibrium on race was reached after 11 waves of recruitment, and
      after <=3 waves for all other variables of interest. There was little to moderate
      preference for either in- or out-group recruiting in all subgroups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results suggest that RDS is an effective method for engaging methamphetamine
      users into HIV prevention research in South Africa. Additionally, RDS may be a
      useful strategy for seeking high-risk methamphetamine users for HIV testing and
      linkage to HIV care in this and other low resource settings.

PMID- 25128960
TI  - Retinal vessel diameter measurements by spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a spectral domain optical coherence (OCT)-assisted method of
      measuring retinal vessel diameters. METHODS: All Patients with an OCT circle scan
      centered at the optic nerve head using a Spectralis OCT (Heidelberg Engineering,
      Heidelberg, Germany) were retrospectively reviewed. Individual retinal vessels
      were identified on infrared reflectance (IR) images and given unique labels both
      on IR and spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT). Vessel width and vessel types obtained by
      IR were documented as ground truth. From OCT, measurements of each vessel,
      including horizontal vessel contour diameter, vertical vessel contour diameter,
      horizontal hyperreflective core diameter, and reflectance shadowing width, were
      assessed. RESULTS: A total of 220 vessels from 13 eyes of 12 patients were
      labeled, among which, 194 vessels (88 arteries and 65 veins confirmed from IR)
      larger than 40 microns were included in the study. The mean vessel width obtained
      from IR was 107.9 +/- 36.1 microns. A mean vertical vessel contour diameter of
      119.6 +/- 29.9 microns and a mean horizontal vessel contour diameter of 124.1 +/-
      31.1 microns were measured by SD-OCT. Vertical vessel contour diameter did not
      differ from vessel width in all subgroup analysis. Horizontal vessel contour
      diameter was not significantly different from vessel width for arteries and had
      strong or very strong correlation with vessel width for veins. CONCLUSION: In our
      study, vertical vessel contour diameter measured by current commercially
      available SD-OCT was consistent with vessel width obtained by IR with good
      reproducibility. This SD-OCT based method could potentially be used as a standard
      measurement procedure to evaluate retinal vessel diameters and their changes in
      ocular and systemic disorders.

PMID- 25128961
TI  - Results of long-term monitoring of normal-tension glaucoma patients receiving
      medical therapy: results of an 18-year follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: To conduct a >=15-year follow-up assessment of the visual field (VF) in
      normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients receiving medical therapy and to identify
      risk factors for VF progression. DESIGN: A retrospective clinical study. METHODS:
      Medical records of 78 eyes of 78 NTG patients monitored for >=15 years were
      reviewed. VF progression was defined by a mean deviation (MD) deteriorated twice
      by 3.00 dB from baseline (MD criterion) and an annual decrease in the MD slope
      exceeding -0.5 dB/year (MD slope criterion). Logistic regression analysis was
      employed to identify risk factors for VF progression. RESULTS: The mean follow-up
      period was 18.3 years. The average intraocular pressure (IOP) before treatment
      was 15.1 +/-1.9 mmHg and the average treated IOP was 13.5 +/-1.5 mmHg with 2.0
      medications. Forty-two eyes (53.8%) showed VF progression using the MD criterion
      and 15 eyes (19.2%) showed a negative MD slope less than -0.5 dB/year. Disc
      hemorrhage (DH) was observed in 30 eyes (38.5%). The mean VF progression rate was
      -0.38 +/-0.30 dB/year in the DH group and -0.24 +/-0.28 dB/year in the non-DH
      group (P = 0.012). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified DH [relative
      risk (RR) 4.28; P = 0.028] as a risk factor for VF progression using the MD
      criterion. DH (RR 8.77; P = 0.007) and IOP fluctuation during follow-up (RR 5.03;
      P = 0.048) were detected as risk factors using the MD slope criterion.
      CONCLUSIONS: DH and IOP fluctuation were associated with VF progression in NTG
      during long-term therapy.

PMID- 25128963
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 25128962
TI  - Measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer and macular ganglion cell-inner
      plexiform layer with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in patients
      with optic nerve head drusen.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of optic nerve head drusen (ONHD) on the retinal
      nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL)
      using Cirrus optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Fifty-seven eyes of
      thirty patients with ONHD and thirty-eight eyes of twenty age-matched and sex
      matched control subjects underwent circumpapillary and macular scanning using
      Cirrus OCT. The percentages of eyes with abnormal GCIPL and RNFL values according
      to the Cirrus normative data were analysed and compared. RESULTS: Overall, eyes
      with ONHD showed abnormally reduced values for average and minimum GCIPL
      thicknesses in 35 % and 45 % of cases compared to 2 % for both values in control
      eyes (P < 0.001). Average RNFL thickness comparison between eyes with ONHD and
      normal eyes revealed abnormal thinning in 33 % vs. 0 %, respectively (p = 0.002).
      The percentage of abnormal thinning increased with higher grades of ONHD for all
      the parameters evaluated, so that in grade III drusen, values were abnormally
      reduced in 80 % of eyes in all three analyses. Regarding buried ONHD, 30 % and 4
      % of eyes had an abnormally reduced minimum GCIPL and average RNFL thickness,
      respectively. Furthermore, 26 % of these eyes had abnormal GCIPL exams with a
      normal or increased RNFL thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Both RNFL and GCIPL analysis
      reveal significant thinning in eyes with ONHD directly correlated with drusen
      severity. In buried ONHD, the abnormality rate was significantly higher with
      GCIPL compared to RNFL evaluation, suggesting that GCIPL analysis might be an
      early structural indicator of neuronal loss in the setting of thickened RNFL.

PMID- 25128964
TI  - Twist 1 regulates the expression of PPARgamma during hormone-induced 3T3-L1
      preadipocyte differentiation: a possible role in obesity and associated diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Twist 1 is highly expressed in adipose tissue and has been associated
      with obesity and related disorders. However, the molecular function of Twist 1 in
      adipose tissue is unclear. Twist 1 has been implicated in cell lineage
      determination and differentiation. Therefore, we investigated both the role of
      Twist 1 in adipocyte precursor mobilization and the relationship of Twist 1 with
      other molecular determinants of adipocyte differentiation. METHODS: We examined
      Twist 1 mRNA and protein expression in subcutaneous adipose tissues from diet
      induced obese C57/BL6 mice and Wistar rats and in obese patients undergoing
      liposuction or adipose transplant surgeries. Twist 1 expression was measured on
      days 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 of 3T3-L1 differentiation in vitro. The role of Twist 1
      in adipogenesis was explored using retroviral interference of Twist 1 expression.
      Adipokine secretion was evaluated using a RayBio(r) Biotin Label-based Adipokine
      Array. RESULTS: Twist 1 mRNA and protein levels were reduced in diet-induced
      obese mice and rats and in obese humans. Twist 1 was upregulated during 3T3-L1
      preadipocyte differentiation in vitro, beginning from the fourth day of
      differentiation induction. Retroviral interference of Twist 1 expression did not
      significantly impair lipid formation; however, retroviral interference induced
      PPARgamma mRNA and protein expression on day 4 of differentiation induction.
      Adipokine array analyses revealed increased secretion of CXCR4 (19.55-fold),
      VEGFR1 (92.13-fold), L-21 R (63.55-fold), and IL-12 R beta 1 (59.66-fold) and
      decreased secretion of VEGFR3 (0.01-fold), TSLP R (0.071-fold), MIP-1 gamma
      (0.069-fold), TNF RI/TNFRSF1A (0.09-fold), and MFG-E8 (0.06-fold). CONCLUSIONS:
      Twist 1 is a regulator of adipocyte gene expression although it is not likely to
      regulate differentiation. We identified PPARgamma as a potential target of Twist
      1 and found variation in the secretion of multiple adipokines, which might
      indicate a prospective mechanism linking Twist 1 expression with obesity or
      associated diseases.

PMID- 25128965
TI  - Extent of physeal involvement in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: The growth plate involvement (GPI) index is reportedly a reliable
      predictor of final radiographic outcome in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD). We
      determined whether (1) the GPI index was associated with the lateral pillar
      classification, (2) the GPI index could predict the final radiographic outcome,
      and (3) the geometry of proximal femur was affected by presence of physeal
      involvement. METHODS: We reviewed 47 patients with unilateral LCPD who were
      treated conservatively. The mean duration of follow-up was 9.5 years (range, five
      to 13 years). The affected hips were categorized into those with and without
      physeal involvement. Herring classifications were determined and the GPI indices
      were estimated at the stage of maximum fragmentation. The Stulberg
      classification, leg length discrepancy (LLD), articulotrochanteric distance (ATD)
      index, neck-shaft angle (NSA), neck width and height were determined at skeletal
      maturity. RESULTS: The GPI indices were lower in Herring groups A and B (p <
      0.001) and Stulberg classes I and II (p = 0.002), and these values were increased
      in the Herring group B/C and C and Stulberg classes III, IV and V. However, the
      age of onset, LLD and ATD index at skeletal maturity were not associated with the
      GPI index. The NSA of the affected hips with physeal involvement was
      significantly different compared to that of unaffected hips (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The GPI index could be used to determine the extent of physeal
      involvement in LCPD, and might be considered one of the prognostic values of
      radiographic development in patients with LCPD who are treated conservatively.

PMID- 25128966
TI  - Primary cementless hip arthroplasty as a potential risk factor for non-union
      after long-stem revision arthroplasty in periprosthetic femoral fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: In case of stem loosening in periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFF),
      revision arthroplasty should be performed. The first hypothesis of this study was
      that advanced patient age and female gender shows higher non-union rates. The
      second hypothesis was that primary cementless arthroplasty is associated with a
      higher non-union rate compared to cemented primary hip arthroplasty. METHODS: All
      PPFF occurring between January 2000 and June 2010 treated by revision
      arthroplasty were included. Multiple regression analysis was performed to
      identify independent variables leading to fracture non-union. RESULTS: Eighty one
      patients (78 % female) met the inclusion criteria. In 20/81 patients (24.7 %) no
      adequate fracture healing could be determined on radiographs 12 months after
      revision surgery. Although age and female gender showed a positive correlation
      with bony non-union after PPFF as expected, the p-values were not statistically
      significant. Multiple regression analysis revealed primary cementless prosthesis
      (p = 0.001) to be the only independent variable associated with non-union.
      CONCLUSION: Non-cemented primary prosthesis might be a negative predicting factor
      for the development of non-union after long-stem revision arthroplasty in PPFF.
      We therefore recommend the thorough debridement of pannus tissue thus inducing
      bone healing before the implantation of revision prostheses.

PMID- 25128967
TI  - Pre-operative scoring system to determine the surgical strategy for
      periprosthetic hip infection.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of one- and two-stage
      revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and to determine a rational surgical
      treatment strategy for periprosthetic hip infections. METHODS: We constructed a
      12-point preoperative scoring system to suggest either one- or two-stage revision
      THAs, based on a retrospective analysis of 55 operative procedures. Prosthesis
      survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the validity of the
      scoring system was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic curves.
      RESULTS: At the end point of implant removal due to recurrent infection, the ten
      year survival rates were 94 and 87% for one- and two-stage revision THAs,
      respectively. One-stage revision THA was recommended for patients scoring >9
      points. The risk of recurrent infection in patients scoring 4 points was 83%. The
      sensitivity and specificity of a cut-off value of 4 points, determined by the
      scoring system, were 83 and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The novel pre
      operative scoring system was useful for the management of periprosthetic hip
      infections.

PMID- 25128968
TI  - A comparison of ACL reconstruction using patellar tendon versus hamstring
      autograft in female patients: a prospective randomised study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The incidence of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is highest in
      female patients; however, it is not apparent whether graft choice affects
      clinical results. The aim of this prospective randomised study was to evaluate
      clinical results of an ACL reconstruction using patellar tendon [bone-patellar
      tendon-bone (BTB)] or hamstring graft (HS) in female patients. METHODS: Inclusion
      criteria were traumatic instability, no signs of osteoarthritis, no previous
      instability and no contralateral knee instability. Inclusion criteria were met in
      150 patients, mean age 26 (17-47) years. Patients were randomised into two groups
      of 75 patients according to graft type; all had the same rehabilitation protocol.
      Tegner Lysholm knee score and stability were evaluated pre-operatively and one
      and two years postoperatively. The difference between groups was statistically
      evaluated using unpaired t test. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients, all completed one
      year follow-up; three were lost to follow-up at two years. There was no
      significant difference in functional scores and knee stability between groups.
      The HS group had significantly less anterior knee pain in the first six months
      postoperatively. CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction significantly improves clinical
      results and stability of the knee. Difference in Lysholm score and stability
      between groups was not significant. Neither group showed higher tendency to graft
      failure within two years. Graft choice for reconstruction in female patients
      should be surgeon specific and individualised, as both grafts studied achieved
      comparable results.

PMID- 25128969
TI  - Third-generation minimally invasive correction of hallux valgus: technique and
      early outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is growing evidence supporting minimally invasive surgical (MIS)
      techniques for correction of symptomatic hallux valgus. The aim of this study was
      to present a hybrid third-generation technique and assess the safety and efficacy
      from the first 45 procedures. METHODS: Forty-five consecutive feet underwent a
      third-generation MIS distal chevron osteotomy with a minimum six month follow-up
      (range six to 17 months). This technique uses both first- and second-generation
      techniques plus a distal chevron osteotomy and screw for improved control and
      stabilisation of the metatarsal head. All patients were clinically assessed using
      the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). Radiographic measures included
      hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), first metatarsal length
      and overall toe length. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in all three
      domains of the MOXFQ (p <0.001). There was also significant improvement in all
      radiographic parameters (p < 0.001). Mean HVA decreased from 30.54 degrees  to
      10.41 degrees , and the mean IMA decreased from 14.55 degrees  to 7.11 degrees .
      Shortening of the first metatarsal had no effect on clinical outcomes. There was
      a very low rate of complications. CONCLUSION: The short-term results of this
      third-generation technique show that it is a safe procedure with good clinical
      outcomes and compares favourably with earlier techniques.

PMID- 25128970
TI  - Editorial overview: virus-glycan interactions and pathogenesis.

PMID- 25128971
TI  - The effects of coronary artery calcium screening on behavioral modification, risk
      perception, and medication adherence among asymptomatic adults: a systematic
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform systematic review of the effects of screening for coronary
      artery calcium (CAC), a subclinical marker of coronary artery disease (CAD), on
      behavioral or lifestyle modification, risk perception, and medication adherence.
      METHODS: We searched through CINAHL, PsychInfo, Web of Science, Cochrane Central
      Register of Control Trials, and PubMed (Medline) for studies on the effects of
      CAC screening in asymptomatic individuals across three major domains: behavioral
      modification, risk perception for CAD, and medication adherence. We extracted
      data from the retrieved studies, assessed and synthesized the information.
      RESULTS: Of the 15 retrieved studies, three were randomized control trials and 12
      were observational studies. CAC score was ascertained either as total score,
      quartiles, or standardized Agatston's ordinal scale. While all the 15 studies
      involved issues related to behavioral and medication adherence, four involved
      risk perception of CAD. Although no standardized approach was used in these
      studies, CAC screening enhanced medication adherence in 13 of the 15 studies,
      while the others were mixed. CONCLUSION: CAC screening improved medication
      adherence and could likely motivated individuals for beneficial behavioral or
      lifestyle changes to improve CAD. The mixed results suggest the need for further
      research because screening for subclinical atherosclerosis has significant
      implications for early detection and prevention of future cardiovascular events
      by aggressive risk factors modification.

PMID- 25128972
TI  - Vulnerable plaque: the biomechanics of matter.

PMID- 25128973
TI  - Distinct phenotypes of cardiac allograft vasculopathy after heart
      transplantation: a histopathological study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Long-term survival after heart transplantation (HTx) is hampered by
      cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Better understanding of the
      pathophysiological mechanisms of CAV might have considerable consequences for
      therapeutic approaches in the future. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the histological phenotypes of CAV in relation with clinical patient
      characteristics. METHODS AND RESULTS: Coronary cross-sections from 51 HTx
      patients were obtained at autopsy. CAV was observed in 42 patients (82%). Three
      histological CAV phenotypes were identified (H-CAV 1-3). No CAV (H-CAV 0) is as
      seen in normal coronary arteries; intimal thickening consisting of a layer of
      longitudinal oriented smooth muscle cells. In H-CAV 1 to 3 a second intimal layer
      is formed, on top of the longitudinal oriented smooth muscle cell layer, with
      predominantly mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate in loose connective tissue (H
      CAV 1), smooth muscle cells in different orientation (H-CAV 2), or a fibrotic
      intimal lesion (H-CAV 3). H-CAV type was significantly related with time after
      transplantation, age at transplantation, the amount of atherosclerotic disease
      and the occurrence of infection. In addition, morphometric analysis revealed that
      higher H-CAV types have a relatively larger intimal area, that is compensated for
      by expansive arterial remodeling of the artery. CONCLUSION: CAV in an ongoing
      process that can be classified into three different phenotypes; inflammatory
      lesions, lesions rich of smooth muscle cells and fibrotic lesions. Our results
      suggest that these phenotypes are related to time after transplantation, age at
      transplantation, the amount of atherosclerotic disease and the occurrence of
      infection.

PMID- 25128975
TI  - The use of pneumatic tourniquet in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumatic tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is always a
      controversial issue. The aim of the present study is to assess the effectiveness
      and safety of its use in patients receiving primary unilateral TKA, and to
      explore the most safe and effective protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review
      was based on cochrane methodology for conducting meta-analysis. Only randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for this study. The participants were
      adults who had undergone primary unilateral TKA. The Review Manager Database
      (RevMan version 5.0, The Cochrane Collaboration 2008) was used to analyze the
      dates of the selected studies. RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs involving 859 patients were
      included in this analysis. The use of tourniquet could significantly reduce
      operation time (mean difference -5.01 min, P = 0.003), intraoperative blood loss
      (mean difference -201.85 ml, P < 0.00001) and total blood loss volumes (mean
      difference -125.03 ml, P = 0.61). But postoperative (mean difference 45.99 ml, P
      = 0.68) were slightly increased in that situation. With respect to surgical
      complications, a tendency of increasing risk ratio was observed for tourniquet
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that tourniquet application could reduce
      surgical time, intraoperative blood loss and total blood loss, but increases
      postoperative total blood loss. With respect to postoperative complications, DVT
      and surgical site infection rates are relatively augmented in the tourniquet
      group.

PMID- 25128974
TI  - Association of vascular endothelial factors with cardiovascular outcome and
      mortality in chronic kidney disease patients: a 4-year cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiogenic cytokines fms-like tyrosine kinase-1(sFlt-1) and placental
      growth factor (PlGF) are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) in the general population. In this study we examine the association
      between these vascular endothelial factors and atherosclerosis, cardiovascular
      outcome, and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. METHODS: Serum
      level of PlGF and sFlt-1 were measured in 301 patients with CKD, who were
      followed for up to 4 years. Primary outcomes were CV events and all-cause
      mortality. Carotid-intima media thickness (CIMT) was used as marker of
      atherosclerosis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the Cox proportional hazard
      model were used to assess the association of biomarkers and clinical outcomes.
      RESULTS: Mean (SD) PlGF and sFlt-1 were 5.45 ng/ml (3.76) and 68.6 (28.0) pg/ml,
      respectively. During the follow up time, 60 patients (19.9%) experienced CV
      events and 22 patients (7.3%) died. Compared with low PlGF, patients with PlGF
      above median level had higher CV events (12.7% vs. 27.2%, p = 0.002) and
      mortality (2.0% vs. 12.6%, p < 0.001). The associations of PlGF and sFlt-1 with
      CV events were not statistically significant in the fully adjusted model. Higher
      PlGF was associated with greater death risk (HR = 5.22, 95% CI: 1.49-18.33, p =
      0.01), which was robust to adjustment for sFlt-1 and other risk factors. Elevated
      sFlt-1 level was also an independent predictor of mortality (HR 3.41, 95% CI:
      1.49-9.51, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: In CKD patients not yet on dialysis, higher
      serum level of PlGF and sFlt-1 are associated with increased mortality, but not
      CV events.

PMID- 25128976
TI  - Multiplexed aberration measurement for deep tissue imaging in vivo.
AB  - We describe an adaptive optics method that modulates the intensity or phase of
      light rays at multiple pupil segments in parallel to determine the sample-induced
      aberration. Applicable to fluorescent protein-labeled structures of arbitrary
      complexity, it allowed us to obtain diffraction-limited resolution in various
      samples in vivo. For the strongly scattering mouse brain, a single aberration
      correction improved structural and functional imaging of fine neuronal processes
      over a large imaging volume. 

PMID- 25128978
TI  - Pathobiology of Mycoplasma suis.
AB  - Mycoplasma suis is an uncultivable bacterium lacking a cell wall that attaches to
      and may invade the red blood cells of pigs. M. suis infections occur worldwide
      and cause the pig industry serious economic losses due to the disease known as
      infectious anaemia of pigs or, historically, porcine eperythrozoonosis.
      Infectious anaemia of pigs is characterised predominantly by acute haemolytic or
      chronic anaemia, along with non-specific manifestations, such as growth
      retardation in feeder pigs and poor reproductive performance in sows. The
      fastidious nature of M. suis, as well as the lack of an in vitro cultivation
      system, has hampered the understanding of the biology and pathogenicity of this
      organism. Pathogenetic mechanisms of M. suis include direct destruction of red
      blood cells by adhesion, invasion, nutrient scavenging, immune-mediated lysis and
      eryptosis, as well as endothelial targeting. Recently published genome sequences,
      in combination with proteome analyses, have generated new insights into the
      pathogenicity of M. suis. The present review combines these data with the
      knowledge provided by experimental M. suis infections.

PMID- 25128977
TI  - Accurate de novo and transmitted indel detection in exome-capture data using
      microassembly.
AB  - We present an open-source algorithm, Scalpel (http://scalpel.sourceforge.net/),
      which combines mapping and assembly for sensitive and specific discovery of
      insertions and deletions (indels) in exome-capture data. A detailed repeat
      analysis coupled with a self-tuning k-mer strategy allows Scalpel to outperform
      other state-of-the-art approaches for indel discovery, particularly in regions
      containing near-perfect repeats. We analyzed 593 families from the Simons Simplex
      Collection and demonstrated Scalpel's power to detect long (>=30 bp) transmitted
      events and enrichment for de novo likely gene-disrupting indels in autistic
      children. 

PMID- 25128979
TI  - Accumulation of artificial radionuclides in agricultural plants in the area used
      for surface nuclear tests.
AB  - The paper reports on the study of artificial radionuclide accumulation in
      agricultural crops grown at the territory with high concentration of
      radionuclides, and first of all - with high concentration of transuranium
      elements. As a result of this work, peculiarities of accumulation and
      distribution of artificial radionuclides in the vegetative and generative organs
      of the studied plants have been revealed. Basic accumulation factors have been
      found for (137)Cs, (90)Sr, (239+240)Pu, and (241)Am in agricultural products.
      Accumulation factor dependence on type of planting was found for the investigated
      types of plants. It has been found that the vegetative organs accumulate
      radionuclides most of all. 

PMID- 25128980
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults for severe acute respiratory
      failure.
AB  - The purpose of this review is to examine the indications of extracorporeal
      membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome
      (ARDS). This technique of oxygenation has significantly increased worldwide with
      the H1N1 flu pandemic. The goal of ECMO is to maintain a safe level of
      oxygenation and controlled respiratory acidosis under protective ventilation. The
      enthusiasm for ECMO should not obscure the consideration for potential associated
      complications. Before widespread diffusion of ECMO, new trials should test the
      efficacy of early initiation or CO2 removal in addition to, or even as an
      alternative to mechanical ventilation for severe ARDS.

PMID- 25128983
TI  - China seeks creative ways to combat smog.

PMID- 25128981
TI  - The molecular symplesiomorphies shared by the stem groups of metazoan evolution:
      can sites as few as 1% have a significant impact on recognizing the phylogenetic
      position of myzostomida?
AB  - Although it is clear that taxon sampling, alignments, gene sampling, tree
      reconstruction methods and the total length of the sequences used are critical to
      the reconstruction of evolutionary history, weakly supported or misleading nodes
      exist in phylogenetic studies with no obvious flaw in those aspects. The
      phylogenetic studies focusing on the basal part of bilaterian evolution are such
      a case. During the past decade, Myzostomida has appeared in the basal part of
      Bilateria in several phylogenetic studies of Metazoa. However, most researchers
      have entertained only two competing hypotheses about the position of Myzostomida
      an affinity with Annelida and an affinity with Platyhelminthes. In this study,
      dozens of symplesiomorphies were discovered by means of ancestral state
      reconstruction in the complete 18S and 28S rDNAs shared by the stem groups of
      Metazoa. By contrastive analysis on the datasets with or without such
      symplesiomorphic sites, we discovered that Myzostomida and other basal groups are
      basal lineages of Bilateria due to the corresponding symplesiomorphies shared
      with earlier lineages. As such, symplesiomorphies account for approximately 1-2%
      of the whole dataset have an essential impact on phylogenetic inference, and this
      study reminds molecular systematists of the importance of carrying out ancestral
      state reconstruction at each site in sequence-based phylogenetic studies. In
      addition, reasons should be explored for the low support of the hypothesis that
      Myzostomida belongs to Annelida in the results of phylogenomic studies. Future
      phylogenetic studies concerning Myzostomida should include all of the basal
      lineages of Bilateria to avoid directly neglecting the stand-alone basal position
      of Myzostomida as a potential hypothesis.

PMID- 25128984
TI  - Human melanocytes form a PAX3-expressing melanocyte cluster on Matrigel by the
      cell migration process.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The interactions between human epidermal melanocytes and their
      cellular microenvironment are important in the regulation of human melanocyte
      functions or in their malignant transformation into melanoma. Although the
      basement membrane extracellular matrix (BM-ECM) is one of major melanocyte
      microenvironments, the effects of BM-ECM on the human melanocyte functions are
      not fully explained at a molecular level. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to
      characterize the molecular and cellular interactions between normal human
      melanocytes (NHMs) and BM-ECM. METHODS: We investigated cell culture models of
      normal human melanocytes or melanoma cells on three-dimensional (3D) Matrigel to
      understand the roles of the basement membrane microenvironment in human
      melanocyte functions. Melanogenesis and melanobast biomarker expression in both
      primary human melanocytes and melanoma cells on 3D Matrigel were evaluated.
      RESULTS: We found that NHMs migrated and formed reversible paired box 3 (PAX3)
      expressing cell clusters on three-dimensional (3D) Matrigel. The melanogenesis
      was significantly decreased in the PAX3 expressing cell cluster. The expression
      profile of PAX3, SOX10, and MITF in the melanocyte cluster on 3D Matrigel was
      similar to that of melanoblasts. Interestingly, PAX3 and SOX10 showed an inverse
      expression profile in NHMs, whereas the inverse expression pattern of PAX3 and
      SOX10 was disrupted in melanoma MNT1 and WM266-4 cells. CONCLUSION: The human
      melanocyte culture on 3D Matrigel provides an alternative model system to study
      functions of human melanoblasts. In addition, this system will contribute to the
      elucidation of PAX3-related tumorigenic mechanisms to understand human melanoma.

PMID- 25128985
TI  - Development and clinical evaluation of a novel fully automated qualitative PCR
      assay for the diagnosis of anogenital herpes simplex virus infection.
AB  - Molecular detection of viral infections has the potential to improve microbial
      diagnostics, particularly with the emergence of rapid automated systems. We
      describe the design of the IDbox fully automated cassette-based system for
      nucleic acid extraction and real-time PCR amplification and perform a clinical
      evaluation for the diagnosis of genital herpes simplex infections. At optimal
      cutoff values determined by receiver-operator curves, the IDbox showed
      sensitivities of 94.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 84.9-98.7%) and 97.0% (95%
      CI 88.5-99.5%) and specificities of 96.7% (95% CI 91.2-98.9%) and 97.3% (95% CI
      91.9-99.3%) relative to herpes simplex virus culture and PCR, respectively. We
      discuss relevant design characteristics and approaches used for each step of the
      analytical process to enhance assay sensitivity and provide accurate results in
      the presence of potential cross-reactive organisms and interfering substances. 

PMID- 25128982
TI  - A tree of cellular life inferred from a genomic census of molecular functions.
AB  - Phylogenomics aims to describe evolutionary relatedness between organisms by
      analyzing genomic data. The common practice is to produce phylogenomic trees from
      molecular information in the sequence, order, and content of genes in genomes.
      These phylogenies describe the evolution of life and become valuable tools for
      taxonomy. The recent availability of structural and functional data for hundreds
      of genomes now offers the opportunity to study evolution using more deep,
      conserved, and reliable sets of molecular features. Here, we reconstruct trees of
      life from the functions of proteins. We start by inferring rooted phylogenomic
      trees and networks of organisms directly from Gene Ontology annotations.
      Phylogenies and networks yield novel insights into the emergence and evolution of
      cellular life. The ancestor of Archaea originated earlier than the ancestors of
      Bacteria and Eukarya and was thermophilic. In contrast, basal bacterial lineages
      were non-thermophilic. A close relationship between Plants and Metazoa was also
      identified that disagrees with the traditional Fungi-Metazoa grouping. While
      measures of evolutionary reticulation were minimum in Eukarya and maximum in
      Bacteria, the massive role of horizontal gene transfer in microbes did not
      materialize in phylogenomic networks. Phylogenies and networks also showed that
      the best reconstructions were recovered when problematic taxa (i.e.,
      parasitic/symbiotic organisms) and horizontally transferred characters were
      excluded from analysis. Our results indicate that functionomic data represent a
      useful addition to the set of molecular characters used for tree reconstruction
      and that trees of cellular life carry in deep branches considerable predictive
      power to explain the evolution of living organisms. 

PMID- 25128987
TI  - Resistance to nucleotide analogue inhibitors of hepatitis C virus NS5B:
      mechanisms and clinical relevance.
AB  - The high barrier to the development of resistance to nucleotide analogue
      inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is an
      intriguing property of this class of drugs. The S282T substitution in the viral
      polymerase confers resistance to 2'-C-methylated nucleotide analogues. Although
      this mutation can be selected in HCV replicons, it has only been identified in
      very few cases in the clinic. Alternative resistance pathways are likewise rarely
      seen in vivo. Possible underlying mechanisms that are associated with the
      selection and establishment of a resistant genotype are discussed in this review.

PMID- 25128989
TI  - Misery of mystery of Muzaffarpur.

PMID- 25128988
TI  - Sodium channel point mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance in Chinese
      strains of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pesticide resistance due to sodium channel point mutations has been
      well documented in many mosquito species. METHODS: We tested the resistance of
      six, wild, Chinese populations of the mosquito Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus to
      deltamethrin and cyhalothrin. The full length of the sodium channel gene was
      cloned and sequenced from a pooled sample of mosquitoes from each population.
      RESULTS: Seven amino acid alterations were found (V250M, R436K, M943V, I973T,
      L1035F, L1035S and E1901D). Correlation between the frequencies of these
      mutations and the level of pesticide resistance (LC50) associated with them
      indicates that those at position L1035 (corresponding to position L1014F in the
      house fly, Musca domestica; GenBank Accession No.: X96668) are associated with
      resistance to deltamethrin and cyhalothrin. The frequency of the L1035F mutation
      was significantly correlated with resistance to deltamethrin (R2 = 0.536, P =
      0.049) and cyhalothrin (R2 = 0.626, P = 0.030), and the combined frequency of the
      L1035F and L1035S mutations was significantly correlated with resistance to both
      deltamethrin (R2 = 0.661, P = 0.025), and cyhalothrin (R2 = 0.803, P = 0.008).
      None of the other mutations were correlated with either deltamethrin or
      cyhalothrin resistance. Interestingly, an HWE test indicated significant linkage
      between the M943V and I973T mutations (P < 0.01), but further research is
      required to determine the biological significance of this linkage. CONCLUSIONS:
      Identifying these mutations may be of practical benefit to the development of
      pesticide resistance management programs.

PMID- 25128990
TI  - Diagnostic tool for neuromotor impairment for primary care physician.

PMID- 25128991
TI  - Indigenous diagnostic tool for neuromotor impairments for primary care physician.

PMID- 25128992
TI  - Predictors of mortality in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome.

PMID- 25128994
TI  - Effects of elevated blood lead levels in preschool children in urban Vellore.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the burden and associated risk factors for elevated blood
      lead levels among pre-school children (15-24 months) in urban Vellore, and to
      study its effects on child cognition and anemia. DESIGN: An investigative study
      through Mal-ED cohort. SETTING: Eight adjacent urban slums in Vellore, Tamil
      Nadu. PARTICIPANTS: 251 babies recruited through Mal-ED Network. OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Blood lead levels using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption
      Spectrophotometry method at 15 and 24 mo; hemoglobin estimation by
      azidemethemoglobin method; cognitive levels using Bayley Scales of Infant
      Development III. RESULTS: Around 45% of children at 15 months and 46.4% at 24
      months had elevated blood lead levels (>10 ug/dL). Among children who had
      elevated blood lead levels at 15 months, 69.2% (45/65) continued to have elevated
      levels at 24 months. After adjusting for potential confounders, children from
      houses having a piped drinking water supply and houses with mud or clay floors
      were at significantly higher risk of having elevated blood lead levels at 15
      months. Thirty one percent (21/67) of the children with elevated blood lead
      levels had poor cognitive scores. Children with elevated blood lead levels at 15
      months had higher risk (Adjusted OR 1.80; 95% CI 0.80 - 3.99) of having poorer
      cognitive scores at 24 months. More than half of the children (57%) were anemic
      at 15 months of age, and elevated blood lead levels were not significantly
      associated with anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated blood lead levels are common among
      preschool children living in urban slums of Vellore. Poorer conditions of the
      living environment are associated with elevated lead levels.

PMID- 25128993
TI  - INCLEN Diagnostic Tool for Neuromotor Impairments (INDT-NMI) for primary care
      physician: development and validation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a diagnostic tool for use by primary care
      physicians for diagnosing neuro-motor impairment among 2-9 year old children in
      primary care settings. STUDY DESIGN: Modified Delphi technique involving national
      (n=49) and international (n=6) experts was used for development of INDT-NMI. The
      tool was then validated through a cross sectional study. SETTING: Neurology
      specialty clinics of three tertiary care pediatric centers in New Delhi, India.
      PARTICIPANTS: 454 children aged 2-9 years [mean (SD) age: 60.4 (23.7) mo],
      selected through systematic random sampling, underwent assessment for
      identification and classification of neuromotor impairments (NMI). INTERVENTION:
      All study subjects were first administered INDT-NMI (candidate test) by a trained
      physician followed by expert assessment for NMI and other neurodevelopment
      disorders (NDD) by team of two pediatric neurologists (Gold standard). RESULTS:
      According to expert evaluation, 171 (37.8%) children had neuromotor impairments.
      There were four categories of subjects: NMI alone (n=66); NMI+other NDDs (n=105);
      Other NDDs without NMI (n=225) and 'Normal' group (n=58). Using expert evaluation
      as gold standard, overall sensitivity of the INDT-NMI was 75.4% and specificity
      was 86.8%. INDT-NMI helped graduate physicians to correctly classify 86.6%
      (112/129) children with NMI into different types (cerebral palsy, neuromotor
      diseases and other NMI). Graduate physicians assigned 40 children (8.8%) as
      'indeterminate', 38 (95%) of whom had either NDD and/or NMI and thus merited
      referral. Misclassification of NMI occurred in those with mild changes in muscle
      tone, dystonia, or ataxia and associated NDDs. CONCLUSIONS: Graduate primary care
      physicians with a structured short training can administer the new tool and
      diagnose NMI in 2-9 year old children with high validity. INDT-NMI requires
      further evaluation in actual primary care settings.

PMID- 25128995
TI  - Incorporating developmental screening and surveillance of young children in
      office practice.
AB  - CONTEXT: Developmental concerns voiced by parents need to be responded to by
      structured developmental screening. Screening is the use of validated
      developmental screening tools to identify children with high risk of
      developmental delay out of an apparently normal population, while surveillance is
      the process of monitoring children identified as high risk by screening. Absence
      of routine screening can be attributed to problems at the level of parents,
      pediatricians or National policies. Hence vulnerable children are not detected
      early, and are denied benefit from appropriate developmental interventions. There
      are no definite guidelines for screening or for suitable tools for screening and
      surveillance. OBJECTIVES: To review existing developmental screening and
      monitoring tools for children validated in Indian under-five children, and
      provide a proposed practice paradigm for developmental screening in office
      practice. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Scientific papers were retrieved by an electronic
      database search using MeSH terms 'screening tool', 'developmental delay', and
      filter of 'children under 5 years'. Those relevant to office practice and
      validated internationally or in Indian children were reviewed. RESULTS: Screening
      tools applicable to Indian office practice have been compared and certain tools
      have been recommended according to the level of risk of developmental delay. An
      algorithmic approach to screening has been given along with strategies for
      incorporation. CONCLUSIONS: Screening and surveillance for high risk of
      developmental delay are essential components of child health care. It is possible
      to incorporate both into routine practice.

PMID- 25128996
TI  - Predictors of mortality in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for mortality in neonates with meconium
      aspiration syndrome. METHODS: All neonates (2004-2010) with meconium aspiration
      syndrome, irrespective of gestation were included. Risk factors were compared
      between those who died and survived. RESULTS: Out of 172 included neonates, 44
      (26%) died. Mean (SD) gestation and birth weight were 37.9 (2.3) weeks and 2545
      (646g), respectively. Myocardial dysfunction [aOR 28.4; 95% CI (8.0-101);
      P<0.001] and higher initial oxygen requirement [aOR 1.04; 95% CI (1.02-1.07);
      P<0.001] increased odds of dying while a higher birth weight [aOR 0.998; 95% CI
      (0.997-1.00); P=0.005] reduced the odds of dying. CONCLUSIONS: Meconium
      aspiration syndrome is associated with significant mortality. Myocardial
      dysfunction, birth weight, and initial oxygen requirement are independent
      predictors of mortality.

PMID- 25128997
TI  - Multicystic dysplastic kidney: a retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the renal structural and functional anomalies in children
      with multicystic dysplastic kidneys. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive analysis
      of 47 children with multicystic dysplastic kidney seen in a pediatric nephrology
      unit over a period of 6 years. RESULTS: Antenatal diagnosis of multicystic
      dysplastic kidney was made in 34 (72.3%) patients. On follow up of 31 children
      for more than 12 months, 21 (68%) had involution, 4 [13%] had non-regression, and
      4 (13%) were nephrectomized. Vesico-ureteric reflux (n=13; 28%) was the commonest
      renal abnormality. The serum creatinine values were higher (P=0.006) in children
      with contralateral reflux. Sub-nephrotic proteinuria was noted in 9 (29%) and was
      significantly associated with complete involution (P=<0.023). None of the
      patients developed hypertension and 2 (6.4%) had renal failure. CONCLUSIONS:
      Close nephrological follow-up is needed in children with multicystic dysplasia of
      kidneys.

PMID- 25128998
TI  - Off-label use of drugs in neonatal intensive care units.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate proportion of off-label medication use in neonates and to
      evaluate evidence of efficacy and safety of these medications. METHODS: Chart
      audit in neonatal intensive care units of two institutions in Chandigarh, India.
      RESULTS: Among 568 prescriptions in 156 neonates, 286 (50%) were off-label. Of
      these, 56% drugs were not approved for use in neonatal age group and 26%
      prescriptions were off-label for frequency, dose, indication, route or rate. Most
      common off-label drugs were anti-infective and antiepileptic. Despite lack of
      regulatory approval, one-third off-label drugs had level I-II evidence of safety
      and efficacy for use in neonates. CONCLUSION: Use of off-label drugs is common in
      sick neonates.

PMID- 25128999
TI  - A mathematical algorithm for detection of late-onset sepsis in very-low birth
      weight infants: a preliminary diagnostic test evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the diagnostic ability of RALIS (computerized mathematical
      algorithm and continuous monitoring device) to detect late onset sepsis among
      very low birth weight preterm neonates. METHODS: Randomly chosen 24 very low
      birth weight infants with proven sepsis were compared to 22 infants without
      sepsis. The clinical parameters were retrospectively collected from the medical
      records. The ability of RALIS to detect late onset sepsis was calculated.
      RESULTS: RALIS positively identified 23 of the 24 infants with sepsis
      (sensitivity 95.8%). It indicated sepsis alert median 2.0 days earlier than
      clinical suspicion. A false positive alert was indicated in 23% (5/22) infants.
      The specificity, and positive and negative predictive ability of RALIS were
      77.3%. 82.1% and 94.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: RALIS may aid in the early
      diagnosis of late onset sepsis in very low birth weight preterm infants.

PMID- 25129000
TI  - Clinical profile of scrub typhus in children and its association with
      hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical profile of children with scrub typhus and its
      association with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. METHODS: Children presenting
      with unexplained fever and multi-systemic involvement between May to December
      2011 were tested for scrub typhus using IgM ELISA kits. Occurrence of
      Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in IgM positive cases of scrub typhus was
      studied. RESULTS: Of the 35 children with unexplained fever and multi-systemic
      involvement, 15 children (9 boys) tested positive for scrub typhus.
      Thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia and raised hepatic transaminases were observed
      in all children. Out of seven children evaluated for hemophagocytic
      lymphohistiocytosis. 3 met the criteria for hemophagocytosis. Two children (one
      with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis) died. CONCLUSIONS: Scrub typhus is a
      common cause of unexplained fever in children in northern India. Hemophagocytic
      lymphohistiocytosis can occasionally complicate scrub typhus in children.

PMID- 25129001
TI  - Educating fathers to improve breastfeeding rates and paternal-infant attachment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of breastfeeding education provided to fathers
      on breastfeeding rates and paternal-infant attachment. METHODS: 117 couples with
      their infants with the inclusion criteria: knowledge of reading, writing and
      speaking Turkish; living in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus until their
      infants were six months old; and infants having no health problems preventing the
      early initiation of breastfeeding. Participants were divided into 3 groups (2
      experimental and 1 control). Breastfeeding education was provided to the mothers
      (20 min/d) in the first group (n=38) and to the mothers and fathers in the second
      group (n=39) (20 min/d/parent) until they were discharged from the hospital. This
      education was supplemented by a training booklet. The parents and their infants
      were followed until the infants were six months old. Exclusive breastfeeding
      rates and Paternal-Infant Attachment Scale scores at six months were main outcome
      measures. RESULTS: Exclusive breastfeeding rates (56.4%, 33.3% and 12.8%;
      P<0.001) and mean (SD) Paternal-Infant Attachment Scale scores [89.51(7.05),
      82.37 (12.80) and 73.38 (18.67); P<0.001] were highest in the group where
      education was provided to both mother and father. CONCLUSIONS: Providing
      breastfeeding education to fathers increases exclusive breastfeeding rates and
      strengthens paternal attachment.

PMID- 25129005
TI  - An atypical case of parotid gland swelling and arthritis in a child.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early onset sarcoidosis is a rarely reported disease in children.
      CASE CHARACTERISTICS: 21/2-year-old girl with chronic enlargement of bilateral
      parotid glands and polyarthritis. OBSERVATION: Biopsy of salivary gland revealed
      non-caseating granuloma. OUTCOME: Polyarthritis and salivary gland swelling
      resolved completely after starting oral corticosteroids. MESSAGE: Sarcoidosis is
      an important differential diagnosis in young children with joint and salivary
      gland involvement.

PMID- 25129006
TI  - Successful conversion of post-cardiac surgery electric storm in a child.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of ventricular electrical storm can prove to be a
      challenge for the clinician given its complexity and life threatening
      consequences. CASE CHARACTERISTICS: 8-year-old boy with repeated life-threatening
      polymorphic ventricular tachycardia following aortic valve replacement surgery.
      INTERVENTION: Defibrillated 45 times in addition to multiple antiarrhythmic
      drugs. OUTCOME: Conversion to stable sinus rhythm with normal neurological
      outcome. MESSAGE: Electric storm can be controlled by combination of multiple
      intravenous antiarrhythmic drugs.

PMID- 25129007
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome causing liver failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes are disorders of Mitochondrial
      DNA maintenance causing varied manifestations, including fulminant liver failure.
      CASE CHARACTERISTICS: Two infants, presenting with severe fatal hepatopathy.
      OBSERVATION: Raised serum lactate, positive family history (in first case), and
      absence of other causes of acute liver failure. OUTCOME: Case 1 with homozygous
      mutation, c.3286C>T (p.Arg1096Cys) in POLG gene and case 2 with compound
      heterozygous mutations, novel c.408T>G (p.Tyr136X) and previously reported
      c.293C>T (p.Pro98Leu), in MPV17 gene. MESSAGE: Mitochondrial DNA depletion
      syndrome is a rare cause of severe acute liver failure in children.

PMID- 25129008
TI  - Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in CNS tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS), an exaggerated
      inflammatory response with clinical worsening due to immune recovery during
      treatment, is rare in the immune-competent population. CASE CHARACTERISTICS: A 5
      1/2-year old immune-competent girl with CNS tuberculosis without HIV who
      developed paradoxical IRIS. OUTCOME: Response to supportive care along with Anti
      tuberculosis treatment. MESSAGE: IRIS can occur in tuberculosis, even in the
      immuno-competent.

PMID- 25129009
TI  - Supplementary suckling technique for relactation in infants with severe acute
      malnutrition.
AB  - We report on use of supplementary suckling technique in 62 infants [mean (SD) age
      2.5 (1.3) mo] with severe acute malnutrition admitted at our Nutritional
      rehabilitation Center. It was successful in 34 (55.7%) infants. 

PMID- 25129010
TI  - A modified technique for umbilical arterial catheterization.
AB  - A modified technique for umbilical artery catheterization was assessed in babies
      in whom conventional method failed or if the cord was dry. Success rate attained
      with the modified technique was 90% (19/21). This modified technique could
      provide an easier and faster method for successful umbilical arterial
      catheterization. 

PMID- 25129011
TI  - Transient bulging fontanelle after measles vaccination.

PMID- 25129012
TI  - Onychomadesis.

PMID- 25129013
TI  - Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy.

PMID- 25129014
TI  - X-linked ichthyosis.

PMID- 25129015
TI  - Atrophoderma vermiculatum.

PMID- 25129016
TI  - Non-bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma.

PMID- 25129017
TI  - Crusted scabies.

PMID- 25129019
TI  - An automatic tool to facilitate the statistical group analysis of DTI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Users may have difficulty calculating DTI group statistics since they
      need to master several complex tools that require high user intervention. A tool
      called DTIStatistics for the automatic and easy calculation of DTI group
      statistics was developed to reduce analysis times and possible errors. METHODS:
      The proposed software was designed by using a user-centred methodology in which
      we performed an iterative usability evaluation with an expert committee. Once the
      experts' requirements were fulfilled, we performed a validation of the final
      version of DTIStatistics with target users, comparing the execution time of this
      tool and the standard pipeline normally used. RESULTS: Target users needed
      significantly less time to complete the tasks with DTIStatistics, reducing the
      analysis time from 1383.78 to 57.2s. They were able to complete all the tasks and
      barely made errors. Moreover, target users were not able to display the analysis
      results with the standard pipeline, but when using our tool they only needed 34s.
      Target users found DTIStatistics easy to learn, use and interact with, and they
      concluded that they could effectively complete the tasks with it. Additionally,
      we present example results in the study of depression to demonstrate the validity
      of DTIStatistics for clinical research. CONCLUSIONS: DTIStatistics facilitates
      and significantly automates the calculation of DTI group statistics by reducing
      the analysis times, which implies lower costs. DTIStatistics is highly applicable
      in clinical research, as demonstrated by the fact that it is currently being used
      at the University Hospital, University of Navarra (Spain).

PMID- 25129020
TI  - Visualizing in vivo brain neural structures using volume rendered feature spaces.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dendrites of cortical neurons are widely spread across several layers
      of the cortex. Recently developed two-photon microscopy systems are capable of
      visualizing the morphology of neurons within deeper layers of the brain and
      generate large amounts of volumetric imaging data from living tissue. METHOD: For
      visual exploration of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of dendrites and the
      connectivity among neurons in the brain, we propose a visualization software and
      interface for 3D images based on a new transfer function design using volume
      rendered feature spaces. This software enables the visualization of
      multidimensional descriptors of shape and texture extracted from imaging data to
      characterize tissue. It also allows the efficient analysis and visualization of
      large data sets. RESULTS: We apply and demonstrate the software to two-photon
      microscopy images of a living mouse brain. By applying the developed
      visualization software and algorithms to two-photon microscope images of the
      mouse brain, we identified a set of feature values that distinguish
      characteristic structures such as soma, dendrites and apical dendrites in mouse
      brain. Also, the visualization interface was compared to conventional 1D/2D
      transfer function system. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a visualization tool and
      interface that can represent 3D feature values as textures and shapes. This
      visualization system allows the analysis and characterization of the higher
      dimensional feature values of living tissues at the micron level and will
      contribute to new discoveries in basic biology and clinical medicine.

PMID- 25129021
TI  - OvaSpec - A vision-based instrument for assessing concentration and developmental
      stage of Trichuris suis parasite egg suspensions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: OvaSpec is a new, fully automated, vision-based instrument for
      assessing the quantity (concentration) and quality (embryonation percentage) of
      Trichuris suis parasite eggs in liquid suspension. The eggs constitute the active
      pharmaceutical ingredient in a medicinal drug for the treatment of immune
      mediated diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and multiple
      sclerosis. METHODS: This paper describes the development of an automated
      microscopy technology, including methodological challenges and design decisions
      of relevance for the future development of comparable vision-based instruments.
      Morphological properties are used to distinguish eggs from impurities and two
      features of the egg contents under brightfield and darkfield illumination are
      used in a statistical classification to distinguish eggs with undifferentiated
      contents (non-embryonated eggs) from eggs with fully developed larvae inside
      (embryonated eggs). RESULTS: For assessment of the instrument's performance, six
      egg suspensions of varying quality were used to generate a dataset of unseen
      images. Subsequently, annotation of the detected eggs and impurities revealed a
      high agreement with the manual, image-based assessments for both concentration
      and embryonation percentage (both error rates <1.0%). Similarly, a strong
      correlation was demonstrated in a final, blinded comparison with traditional
      microscopic assessments performed by an experienced laboratory technician.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates the applicability of computer vision
      in the production, analysis, and quality control of T. suis eggs used as an
      active pharmaceutical ingredient for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 25129018
TI  - A computational pipeline for quantification of mouse myocardial stiffness
      parameters.
AB  - The mouse is an important model for theoretical-experimental cardiac research,
      and biophysically based whole organ models of the mouse heart are now within
      reach. However, the passive material properties of mouse myocardium have not been
      much studied. We present an experimental setup and associated computational
      pipeline to quantify these stiffness properties. A mouse heart was excised and
      the left ventricle experimentally inflated from 0 to 1.44kPa in eleven steps, and
      the resulting deformation was estimated by echocardiography and speckle tracking.
      An in silico counterpart to this experiment was built using finite element
      methods and data on ventricular tissue microstructure from diffusion tensor MRI.
      This model assumed a hyperelastic, transversely isotropic material law to
      describe the force-deformation relationship, and was simulated for many parameter
      scenarios, covering the relevant range of parameter space. To identify well
      fitting parameter scenarios, we compared experimental and simulated outcomes
      across the whole range of pressures, based partly on gross phenotypes (volume,
      elastic energy, and short- and long-axis diameter), and partly on node positions
      in the geometrical mesh. This identified a narrow region of experimentally
      compatible values of the material parameters. Estimation turned out to be more
      precise when based on changes in gross phenotypes, compared to the prevailing
      practice of using displacements of the material points. We conclude that the
      presented experimental setup and computational pipeline is a viable method that
      deserves wider application. 

PMID- 25129022
TI  - Exploring the effects of intervention for those at high risk of developing type 2
      diabetes using a computer simulation.
AB  - A simulation based computational method was conducted to reflect the effect of
      intervention for those at high risk of type 2 diabetes. Hierarchy Support Vector
      Machines (H-SVMs) were used to classify high risk. The proportion transitioning
      from the high risk state to moderate state, low state or the normal state was
      calculated. When Body Mass Index (BMI) decreased by 5% (weight loss 3-5kg), the
      proportion of Class A transferring to a lower state was 15-25%, and risk also
      appeared reduced for Class B1. In Class C, when cholesterol (CHOL) was decreased
      by 2.5% (0.13-0.34mmol/L), 10-25% transitioned to a lower risk state. The method
      could help determine risk transition by the adjustment of sensitive risk factors.
      This might provide the basis for implementing intervention in cases in a high
      risk state. 

PMID- 25129023
TI  - Finding multivariate outliers in fMRI time-series data.
AB  - A fundamental challenge for researchers studying the brain is to explain how
      distributed patterns of brain activity relate to a specific representation or
      computation. Multivariate techniques are therefore becoming increasingly popular
      for pattern localization of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data.
      The increased power of these techniques can be offset by their susceptibility to
      multivariate outliers, a problem not directly encountered when fMRI data are
      analyzed in more common univariate analysis techniques. We test how two
      algorithms, High Dimensional Blocked Adaptive Computationally Efficient Outlier
      Nominators (HD BACON) and Principal Component based Outlier detection (PCOut),
      can detect multivariate outliers in high-dimensional fMRI data, in which the
      number of variables is larger than the number of observations. We show how these
      methods can be applied to individual, voxel time-series to identify outlying
      voxels within a region of interest. Finally, we compare these methods with
      simulated data to identify which aspects of the data each method is most
      sensitive to. Voxels identified by both algorithms were primarily on the edges of
      univariate activation clusters and near the boundaries between different tissue
      types. Simulation results showed the PCOut outperformed HD BACON, maintaining
      both high sensitivity and specificity across a wide range of outlier
      contamination percentages. Our results suggest that multivariate analysis of fMRI
      can benefit from including multivariate outlier detection as a routine data
      quality check prior to model fitting. 

PMID- 25129024
TI  - Proximity of premolar roots to maxillary sinus: a radiographic survey using cone
      beam computed tomography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The proximity of the roots of the posterior maxillary teeth to the
      maxillary sinus is a constant challenge to the dental practitioner. Because the
      majority of studies have assessed the relationship regarding molars, the present
      study focused on premolars. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomographic images of 192
      patients were reconstructed in sagittal, coronal, and axial planes to quantify
      the distances between the root apices of the maxillary premolars and the adjacent
      maxillary sinus. Measurements were taken for each root, and data were correlated
      with age, sex, side, and presence of both or absence of 1 of the 2 premolars.
      RESULTS: A total of 296 teeth (177 first and 119 second premolars) were
      evaluated. The mean distances from buccal roots of the first premolars to the
      border of the maxillary sinus in the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes ranged
      from 5.15 +/- 2.99 to 8.28 +/- 6.27 mm. From palatal roots, the mean distances
      ranged from 4.20 +/- 3.69 to 7.17 +/- 6.14 mm. The mean distances of second
      premolars were markedly shorter in buccal roots between 2.32 +/- 2.19 and 3.28 +/
      3.17 mm and in palatal roots between 2.68 +/- 3.58 and 3.80 +/- 3.71 mm,
      respectively. The frequency of a premolar root protrusion into the maxillary
      sinus was very low in first premolars (0%-7.2%) but higher in second premolars
      (2.5%-13.6%). Sex, age, side, and presence/absence of premolars failed to
      significantly influence the mean distances between premolar roots and the
      maxillary sinus. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the calculated mean distances of the
      present study, only few premolars (and if so second premolars) would present a
      risk of violating the border of the maxillary sinus during conventional or
      surgical endodontic treatment or in case of tooth extraction.

PMID- 25129026
TI  - Assessment of the mechanical properties of ProTaper Next Nickel-titanium rotary
      files.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the torsional resistance,
      flexibility, and surface microhardness of ProTaper Next files (PTN) with Twisted
      Files (TF) and RaCe (RC). METHODS: A metal block with a cubical hole was used to
      evaluate the torsional resistance. Five millimeters of the tip of each file was
      securely held in place by filling the mold with a resin composite, and the files
      were driven clockwise at 300 rpm. The number of load applications before fracture
      was recorded for each file. A scanning electron microscope was used to
      characterize the topographic features of the fracture surfaces of the broken
      files. The files were tested for bending resistance by using cantilever-bending
      test. Vickers microhardness was measured on the cross section of instruments with
      300-g load and 15-second dwell time. Torsional resistance data were analyzed by
      using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Bending
      resistance and microhardness data were analyzed by using analysis of variance and
      Tukey tests. RESULTS: PTN showed the highest torsional resistance and
      microhardness, followed by RC (P < .05). The fracture cross sections of all
      brands showed dimpling near the center of fracture surface. The ranking in the
      bending resistance values was as follows: RC > PTN > TF. CONCLUSIONS: PTN
      improved its resistance to torsional stresses and wear compared with TF and RC.
      TF showed improved flexibility compared with other tested brands.

PMID- 25129025
TI  - Zinc incorporation improves biological activity of beta-tricalcium silicate resin
      based cement.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition may improve endodontic
      treatment prognosis. The purpose of this study was to determine if zinc
      incorporation into experimental resin cements containing bioactive fillers may
      modulate MMP-mediated collagen degradation of dentin. METHODS: Human dentin
      samples untreated and demineralized using 10% phosphoric acid or 0.5 mol/L EDTA
      were infiltrated with the following experimental resins: (1) unfilled resin, (2)
      resin with Bioglass 45S5 particles (OSspray, London, UK), (3) resin with beta
      tricalcium silicate particles (betaTCS), (4) resin with zinc-doped Bioglass 45S5,
      and (5) resin with zinc-doped betaTCS particles. The specimens were stored in
      artificial saliva (for 24 hours, 1 week, and 4 weeks) and submitted to
      radioimmunoassay to quantify C-terminal telopeptide. Scanning electron microscopy
      analysis was also undertaken on dentin samples after 4 weeks of storage. RESULTS:
      Collagen degradation was prominent both in phosphoric acid and EDTA-treated
      dentin. Resin infiltration strongly reduced MMP activity in demineralized dentin.
      Resin containing Bioglass 45S5 particles exerted higher and stable protection of
      collagen. The presence of zinc in betaTCS particles increases MMP inhibition.
      Different mineral precipitation was attained in dentin infiltrated with the resin
      cements containing bioactive fillers. CONCLUSIONS: MMP degradation of dentin
      collagen is strongly reduced after resin infiltration of dentin. Zinc
      incorporation in betaTCS particles exerted an additional protection against MMP
      mediated collagen degradation. However, it did not occur in resin containing
      Bioglass 45S5 particles, probably because of the formation of phosphate-zinc
      compounds.

PMID- 25129027
TI  - Psychometric evaluation of the child PTSD symptom scale in Spanish and English.
AB  - Given the consistent growth of the Latino population in the United States, there
      is a critical need for validated Spanish measures to assess posttraumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children. The current study examines the psychometric
      properties of the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS). We examined 259 children (8-17
      years) who had experienced a recent traumatic event. Study measures were
      completed in Spanish (n = 106; boys = 58, girls = 48) or in English (n = 153;
      boys = 96, girls = 57). In addition to internal consistency, confirmatory factor
      analyses were conducted by testing four models to examine construct validity: (1)
      PTS single-factor, (2) DSM-IV three-factor, (3) Numbing four-factor, and (4)
      Dysphoria four-factor models. Findings demonstrated good internal consistency for
      both the English and Spanish versions of the CPSS. The English version revealed
      superior fit to the data for several models of PTS symptoms structure compared to
      the Spanish version. The current study demonstrated construct validity for the
      English CPSS, but not for the Spanish CPSS. Future studies will examine
      additional alternative models as well as convergent and discriminant validity of
      the Spanish CPSS.

PMID- 25129028
TI  - Discovery of a new ATP-binding motif involved in peptidic azoline biosynthesis.
AB  - Despite intensive research, the cyclodehydratase responsible for azoline
      biogenesis in thiazole/oxazole-modified microcin (TOMM) natural products remains
      enigmatic. The collaboration of two proteins, C and D, is required for
      cyclodehydration. The C protein is homologous to E1 ubiquitin-activating enzymes,
      whereas the D protein is within the YcaO superfamily. Recent studies have
      demonstrated that TOMM YcaOs phosphorylate amide carbonyl oxygens to facilitate
      azoline formation. Here we report the X-ray crystal structure of an
      uncharacterized YcaO from Escherichia coli (Ec-YcaO). Ec-YcaO harbors an
      unprecedented fold and ATP-binding motif. This motif is conserved among TOMM
      YcaOs and is required for cyclodehydration. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the
      C protein regulates substrate binding and catalysis and that the proline-rich C
      terminus of the D protein is involved in C protein recognition and catalysis.
      This study identifies the YcaO active site and paves the way for the
      characterization of the numerous YcaO domains not associated with TOMM
      biosynthesis. 

PMID- 25129029
TI  - Engineered oligosaccharyltransferases with greatly relaxed acceptor-site
      specificity.
AB  - The Campylobacter jejuni protein glycosylation locus (pgl) encodes machinery for
      asparagine-linked (N-linked) glycosylation and serves as the archetype for
      bacterial N-linked glycosylation. This machinery has been functionally
      transferred into Escherichia coli, enabling convenient mechanistic dissection of
      the N-linked glycosylation process in this genetically tractable host. Here we
      sought to identify sequence determinants in the oligosaccharyltransferase PglB
      that restrict its specificity to only those glycan acceptor sites containing a
      negatively charged residue at the -2 position relative to asparagine. This
      involved creation of a genetic assay, glycosylation of secreted N-linked acceptor
      proteins (glycoSNAP), that facilitates high-throughput screening of
      glycophenotypes in E. coli. Using this assay, we isolated several C. jejuni PglB
      variants that could glycosylate an array of noncanonical acceptor sequences,
      including one in a eukaryotic N-glycoprotein. These results underscore the
      utility of glycoSNAP for shedding light on poorly understood aspects of N-linked
      glycosylation and for engineering designer N-linked glycosylation biocatalysts. 

PMID- 25129031
TI  - Characteristics of MPO-ANCA-positive granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a
      retrospective multi-center study in Japan.
AB  - We studied the clinico-pathological differences among PR3-ANCA-positive
      granulomatosis with polyangiitis (PR3-GPA), MPO-ANCA-positive GPA (MPO-GPA) and
      microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) was classified
      using the European Medicines Agency classification. We retrospectively analyzed
      38 patients with GPA and 41 with MPA treated in eight hospitals in Japan. Of the
      patients with GPA, 17 were positive for MPO-ANCA, and 15 for PR3-ANCA. All
      patients with MPA were MPO-ANCA positive. The mean ages of those with MPO-GPA
      were 69.6 years old, 10 years older than those with PR3-GPA. The majority (82 %)
      of patients with MPO-GPA were woman, a significantly greater proportion than for
      PR3-GPA. We also found that ear, nose and throat (ENT), nervous system
      involvement were significantly more common in MPO-GPA, but renal function was
      less impaired than those with MPA. Both PR3-GPA and MPO-GPA relapsed more
      frequently than MPA, but overall survival was significantly better (P < 0.01 and
      P < 0.05, respectively). Univariate analysis identified the following factors as
      predictors of a poor prognosis: MPA (P < 0.01), pulmonary UIP pattern (P < 0.005)
      Cr >= 1.7 mg/dl (P < 0.01) and absence of ENT involvement (P < 0.05), which were
      characteristics of MPA. In our cohort, MPO-GPA was most likely to affect older
      women and was associated with otitis media, nervous system involvement, mild
      renal impairment and more favorable outcome. It is clinically useful to
      differentiate MPO-GPA from MPA and PR3-GPA in patients with AAV.

PMID- 25129030
TI  - A chemical inhibitor of jasmonate signaling targets JAR1 in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Jasmonates are lipid-derived plant hormones that regulate plant defenses and
      numerous developmental processes. Although the biosynthesis and molecular
      function of the most active form of the hormone, (+)-7-iso-jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine
      (JA-Ile), have been unraveled, it remains poorly understood how the diversity of
      bioactive jasmonates regulates such a multitude of plant responses. Bioactive
      analogs have been used as chemical tools to interrogate the diverse and dynamic
      processes of jasmonate action. By contrast, small molecules impairing jasmonate
      functions are currently unknown. Here, we report on jarin-1 as what is to our
      knowledge the first small-molecule inhibitor of jasmonate responses that was
      identified in a chemical screen using Arabidopsis thaliana. Jarin-1 impairs the
      activity of JA-Ile synthetase, thereby preventing the synthesis of the active
      hormone, JA-Ile, whereas closely related enzymes are not affected. Thus, jarin-1
      may serve as a useful chemical tool in search for missing regulatory components
      and further dissection of the complex jasmonate signaling networks. 

PMID- 25129032
TI  - Association of abuse history with symptom severity and quality of life in
      patients with fibromyalgia.
AB  - A high prevalence of abuse has been reported in patients with fibromyalgia. We
      aimed to examine the association between self-reported abuse history and symptom
      severity and quality of life (QOL) in 962 patients with fibromyalgia. All
      patients completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Short Form
      36 health survey (SF-36). Multivariate regression analyses were performed. In
      total, 289 patients (30%) reported a history of abuse. Of those who specified
      abuse types, 161 patients (59%) reported more than 1 type of abuse (36%
      emotional, 32% physical, 25% sexual, and 7% verbal). Patients in the abuse group
      were younger and more likely to be female, unemployed, unmarried, and current
      smokers compared with patients who reported no abuse. After adjusting for these
      differences, abuse history was associated with worse symptoms, as indicated by a
      higher FIQ total score (P < .001) and higher FIQ subscale scores in physical
      function (P = .001), work missed (P < .001), job ability (P < .001), pain (P =
      .02), depression (P < .001), and anxiety (P < .001). Similarly, abuse history was
      associated with worse QOL, with lower SF-36 scores in all domains except the
      physical component summary. In conclusion, abuse history in patients with
      fibromyalgia was associated with worse symptoms and QOL compared with those
      patients without abuse history. Future studies are needed to assess whether
      additional tailored interventions as part of fibromyalgia treatment are helpful
      for patients with a history of abuse.

PMID- 25129033
TI  - Ultrasound, anthropometry and bioimpedance: a comparison in predicting fat
      deposition in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of our study was the evaluation of anthropometric measurements
      [waist circumference and sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD)] and abdominal
      bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (ViScan, TANITA) in comparison to several
      abdominal ultrasonographic (US) measurements to estimate visceral fat deposition
      and liver steatosis in a population of 105 subjects. METHODS: All 105 patients
      underwent a complete anthropometric evaluation, blood sample for the
      determination of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose,
      insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, BIA and US measurements
      (peritoneal, pre-peritoneal, peri-renal, para-renal and peri-hepatic fat
      thickness). RESULTS: All the ultrasonographic markers considered in our study are
      related to the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and so is
      true for SAD. Comparing ROC curves, peritoneal fat tissue thickness, SAD and
      ViScan visceral index are significantly better than waist circumference in
      predicting the presence of NAFLD (AUC 0.79 +/- 0.04; 0.81 +/- 0.05; 0.82 +/- 0.04
      vs 0.76 +/- 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: According to our data, various
      methods may be useful in evaluating NAFLD, but only ViScan visceral index, US
      peritoneal fat thickness and SAD are better than waist circumference. Among them,
      SAD is the most promising, due to its small cost and time consumption.

PMID- 25129035
TI  - Anger superiority effect for change detection and change blindness.
AB  - In visual search, an angry face in a crowd "pops out" unlike a happy or a neutral
      face. This "anger superiority effect" conflicts with views of visual perception
      holding that complex stimulus contents cannot be detected without focused top
      down attention. Implicit visual processing of threatening changes was studied by
      recording event-related potentials (ERPs) using facial stimuli using the change
      blindness paradigm, in which conscious change detection is eliminated by
      presenting a blank screen before the changes. Already before their conscious
      detection, angry faces modulated relatively early emotion sensitive ERPs when
      appearing among happy and neutral faces, but happy faces only among neutral, not
      angry faces. Conscious change detection was more efficient for angry than happy
      faces regardless of background. These findings indicate that the brain can
      implicitly extract complex emotional information from facial stimuli, and the
      biological relevance of threatening contents can speed up their break up into
      visual consciousness. 

PMID- 25129036
TI  - Complex continuous wavelet coherence for EEG microstates detection in insight and
      calm meditation.
AB  - Complex continuous wavelet coherence (WTC) can be used for non-stationary
      signals, such as electroencephalograms. Areas of the WTC with a coherence higher
      than the calculated optimal threshold were obtained, and the sum of their areas
      was used as a criterion to differentiate between groups of experienced insight
      focused meditators, calm-focused meditators and a control group. This method
      demonstrated the highest accuracy for the real WTC parts in the frontal region,
      while for the imaginary parts, the highest accuracy was shown for the frontal
      occipital pairs of electrodes. In the frontal area, in the broadband frequency,
      both types of experienced meditators demonstrated an enlargement of the increased
      coherence areas for the real WTC parts. For the imaginary parts unaffected by the
      volume conduction and global artefacts, the most significant increase occurred
      for the frontal occipital pair of electrodes. 

PMID- 25129034
TI  - Apoptosis of Purkinje and granular cells of the cerebellum following chronic
      ethanol intake.
AB  - Ethanol alters motricity, learning, cognition, and cellular metabolism in the
      cerebellum. We evaluated the effect of ethanol on apoptosis in Golgi, Purkinje,
      and granule cells of the cerebellum in adult rats. There were two groups of 20
      rats: a control group that did not consume ethanol and an experimental group of
      UChA rats that consumed ethanol at 10% (<2 g ethanol/kg body weight/day). At 120
      days old, rats were anesthetized and decapitated, and their cerebella were
      collected and fixed. Cerebellar sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry
      for terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), caspase
      3, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), and insulin-like growth factor
      1-receptor (IGF-1R); real-time PCR (RT-PCR) to determine caspase-3, XIAP, and IGF
      1R gene expression; and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We identified
      fragmentation of DNA and an increase in caspase-3 protein and XIAP in Purkinje
      cells, whereas granule cells exhibited increased caspase-3 and XIAP. IGF-1R
      expression was unchanged. There was no significant difference in gene expression
      of caspase-3, XIAP, and IGF-1R. There were an increase in lipid droplets, a
      reduction in the cellular cytoplasm in electron-dense nuclei, and changes in the
      myelin sheath in the cerebellar cortex. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that
      ethanol induced apoptosis in the Purkinje and granule cells of the cerebellum of
      adult UChA rats.

PMID- 25129037
TI  - The cognitive antecedents and motivational consequences of the feeling of being
      in the zone.
AB  - The feeling of being in the zone (related to "flow") is marked by an elevated yet
      effortless sense of concentration. Prior research suggests that feelings of being
      in the zone are strongest when the demand posed by a task matches one's level of
      ability (i.e., the balance hypothesis). In the present article, we tested this
      hypothesis using a novel experimental paradigm. By collecting numerous zone
      judgments for each participant, we were able to examine intra-individual sources
      of variance that explain why people often feel more or less in-the-zone on the
      same task from one moment to the next. The results of two experiments provide
      support for what we have termed the balance-plus hypothesis, which posits that
      zone experiences are strongest (Experiments 1-2) and have the greatest
      motivational force (Experiment 2) when the balance between task demand and
      ability is accompanied by positive assessments of one's own performance. 

PMID- 25129039
TI  - Cellulolytic and xylanolytic potential of high beta-glucosidase-producing
      Trichoderma from decaying biomass.
AB  - Availability, cost, and efficiency of microbial enzymes for lignocellulose
      bioconversion are central to sustainable biomass ethanol technology. Fungi
      enriched from decaying biomass and surface soil mixture displayed an array of
      strong cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities. Strains SG2 and SG4 produced a
      promising array of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes including beta
      glucosidase, usually low in cultures of Trichoderma species. Nucleotide sequence
      analysis of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of rRNA gene revealed
      that strains SG2 and SG4 are closely related to Trichoderma inhamatum,
      Trichoderma piluliferum, and Trichoderma aureoviride. Trichoderma sp. SG2 crude
      culture supernatant correspondingly displayed as much as 9.84 +/- 1.12, 48.02 +/-
      2.53, and 30.10 +/- 1.11 units mL(-1) of cellulase, xylanase, and beta
      glucosidase in 30 min assay. Ten times dilution of culture supernatant of strain
      SG2 revealed that total activities were about 5.34, 8.45, and 2.05 orders of
      magnitude higher than observed in crude culture filtrate for cellulase, xylanase,
      and beta-glucosidase, respectively, indicating that more enzymes are present to
      contact with substrates in biomass saccharification. In parallel experiments,
      Trichoderma species SG2 and SG4 produced more beta-glucosidase than the
      industrial strain Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30. Results indicate that strains SG2
      and SG4 have potential for low cost in-house production of primary lignocellulose
      hydrolyzing enzymes for production of biomass saccharides and biofuel in the
      field. 

PMID- 25129040
TI  - Detergent-compatible bacterial amylases.
AB  - Proteases, lipases, amylases, and cellulases are enzymes used in detergent
      formulation to improve the detergency. The amylases are specifically supplemented
      to the detergent to digest starchy stains. Most of the solid and liquid
      detergents that are currently manufactured contain alkaline enzymes. The
      advantages of using alkaline enzymes in the detergent formulation are that they
      aid in removing tough stains and the process is environmentally friendly since
      they reduce the use of toxic detergent ingredients. Amylases active at low
      temperature are preferred as the energy consumption gets reduced, and the whole
      process becomes cost-effective. Most microbial alkaline amylases are used as
      detergent ingredients. Various reviews report on the production, purification,
      characterization, and application of amylases in different industry sectors, but
      there is no specific review on bacterial or fungal alkaline amylases or detergent
      compatible amylases. In this mini-review, an overview on the production and
      property studies of the detergent bacterial amylases is given, and the stability
      and compatibility of the alkaline bacterial amylases in the presence of the
      detergents and the detergent components are highlighted. 

PMID- 25129038
TI  - Using familial information for variant filtering in high-throughput sequencing
      studies.
AB  - High-throughput sequencing studies (HTS) have been highly successful in
      identifying the genetic causes of human disease, particularly those following
      Mendelian inheritance. Many HTS studies to date have been performed without
      utilizing available family relationships between samples. Here, we discuss the
      many merits and occasional pitfalls of using identity by descent information in
      conjunction with HTS studies. These methods are not only applicable to family
      studies but are also useful in cohorts of apparently unrelated, 'sporadic' cases
      and small families underpowered for linkage and allow inference of relationships
      between individuals. Incorporating familial/pedigree information not only
      provides powerful filtering options for the extensive variant lists that are
      usually produced by HTS but also allows valuable quality control checks, insights
      into the genetic model and the genotypic status of individuals of interest. In
      particular, these methods are valuable for challenging discovery scenarios in HTS
      analysis, such as in the study of populations poorly represented in variant
      databases typically used for filtering, and in the case of poor-quality HTS data.

PMID- 25129041
TI  - An anisakis larva attached to early gastric cancer: report of a case.
AB  - Gastrointestinal anisakidosis is a nematode infection caused by the ingestion of
      larvae-infected raw or undercooked fish. The Japanese like to eat raw or
      undercooked fish, so gastric anisakiasis is a common disease in Japan. However,
      reports of anisakiasis with gastrointestinal cancer are rare. A 63-year-old
      Japanese male was diagnosed with a small early gastric cancerous lesion
      associated with gastric anisakiasis. From our experience and based on a review of
      the literature, the attachment of an anisakis larva to early gastric cancer is
      not considered accidental.

PMID- 25129042
TI  - DPP6 gene disruption in a family with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.
AB  - Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder
      characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics, frequently associated with
      psychiatric co-morbidities. Despite the significant level of heritability, the
      genetic architecture of TS still remains elusive. Herein, we investigated an
      Italian family where an 8-year-old boy, his father, and paternal uncle have a
      diagnosis of TS. Array-CGH and high resolution SNP-array analyses revealed a
      heterozygous microdeletion of ~135 kb at the 7q36.2 locus in the proband and his
      father. Fluorescent in situ hybridization and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses
      confirmed the presence of the alteration also in the paternal uncle. The deletion
      selectively involves the first exon of the DPP6 gene, leading to a down
      regulation of its expression, as demonstrated by the reduced messenger RNA (mRNA)
      levels assessed by RT-qPCR. The DPP6 gene encodes for a type II membrane
      glycoprotein expressed predominantly in the central nervous system. To date, a de
      novo DPP6 exonic duplication, of uncertain significance, was reported in one
      patient with TS. Moreover, the DPP6 gene has been implicated in the pathogenesis
      of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and, notably, in haloperidol-induced
      dyskinesia. This first familial case provides evidence for association between
      DPP6 haploinsufficiency and TS, further suggesting a plausible molecular link
      between TS and ASD, and might shed some light on the efficacy and tolerability
      profiles of antidopaminergic agents used for tic management, thus prompting
      further studies on a larger cohort of patients. 

PMID- 25129043
TI  - Malignant dysphagia treated by esophageal sparing surgery with good prognosis.

PMID- 25129045
TI  - Microbial lipid production: screening with yeasts grown on Brazilian molasses.
AB  - Rhodotorula glutinis CCT 2182, Rhodosporidium toruloides CCT 0783, Rhodotorula
      minuta CCT 1751 and Lipomyces starkeyi DSM 70296 were evaluated for the
      conversion of sugars from Brazilian molasses into single-cell oil (SCO) feedstock
      for biodiesel. Pulsed fed-batch fermentations were performed in 1.65 l working
      volume bioreactors. The maximum specific growth rate (umax), lipid productivity
      (Pr) and cellular lipid content were, respectively, 0.23 h(-1), 0.41 g l(-1) h(
      1), and 41% for Rsp. toruloides; 0.20 h(-1), 0.27 g l(-1) h(-1), and 36% for Rta.
      glutinis; 0.115 h(-1), 0.135 g l(-1) h(-1), and 27 % for Rta. minuta; and 0.11 h(
      1), 0.13 g l(-1) h(-1), and 32% for L. starkeyi. Based on their microbial lipid
      productivity, content, and profile, Rsp. toruloides and Rta. glutinis are
      promising candidates for biodiesel production from Brazilian molasses. All the
      oils from the yeasts were similar to the composition of plant oils (rapeseed and
      soybean) and could be used as raw material for biofuels, as well as in food and
      nutraceutical products.

PMID- 25129046
TI  - Pretreatment with mechano-growth factor E peptide protects bone marrow
      mesenchymal cells against damage by fluid shear stress.
AB  - Improper fluid shear stress (FSS) can cause serious damages to bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Mechano-growth factor (MGF) E peptide pretreatment
      was proposed to protect MSCs against FSS damage in this study. MSCs were exposed
      to FSS for 30 min after they were pretreated with MGF E peptide for 24 h. Then,
      the effects of MGF E peptide on the viability, proliferation and cell apoptosis
      of MSCs were investigated. MGF E peptide pretreatment could recover the cellular
      metabolic activity of MSCs reduced by 72 dyne cm(-2) FSS and had a synergistic
      effect with FSS on the cellular metabolic viability of MSCs under 24 and 72 dyne
      cm(-2) FSS. These results suggested that MGF E peptide pretreatment could be an
      effective method for the protection of FSS damage in bone tissue engineering. 

PMID- 25129044
TI  - More than spikes: common oscillatory mechanisms for content specific neural
      representations during perception and memory.
AB  - Although previous research into the mechanisms underlying sensory and episodic
      representations has primarily focused on changes in neural firing rate, more
      recent evidence suggests that neural oscillations also contribute to these
      representations. Here, we argue that multiplexed oscillatory power and phase
      contribute to neural representations at the mesoscopic scale, complementary to
      neuronal firing. Reviewing recent studies which used oscillatory activity to
      decipher content-specific neural representations, we identify oscillatory
      mechanisms common to both sensory and episodic memory representations and
      incorporate these into a model of episodic encoding and retrieval. This model
      advances the idea that oscillations provide a reference frame for phase-coded
      item representations during memory encoding and that shifts in oscillatory
      frequency and phase coordinate ensemble activity during memory retrieval. 

PMID- 25129047
TI  - Regioselective hydroxylation of 17beta-estradiol by mutants of CYP102A1 from
      Bacillus megaterium.
AB  - A large set of mutants of CYP102A1 from Bacillus megaterium have human cytochrome
      P450-like activities and the ability to metabolize a number of marketed drugs and
      steroids. Here, we tested whether the CYP102A1 mutants could be used to produce
      hydroxylated human metabolites of 17beta-estradiol (E2). A set of the mutants,
      which were generated by site-directed and random mutagenesis, was used to produce
      hydroxylated human metabolites of E2 in this study. Some of the tested mutants
      could regioselectively generate 2-OH E2 as a major metabolite but not other
      hydroxylated products. These results suggest that CYP102A1 mutants would be
      useful for the bioconversion of steroid hormones to hydroxylated products, which
      can be used for industrial applications. 

PMID- 25129048
TI  - Probing the bioethanol production potential of Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis
      using validated genome-scale model.
AB  - A detailed in silico analysis of different strategies for enhancement of
      bioethanol production by Scheffersomyces stipitis, = Pichia stipitis, using
      validated genome-scale metabolic model is presented. Glucose inhibition on xylose
      uptake is dominant in S. stipitis which makes fed-batch fermentation more
      effective for higher sugar concentrations. Bioethanol production potential of S.
      stipitis can be improved by growth media modification by introducing certain
      amino acids in small quantities. Slower sugar uptake by S. stipitis can be
      overcome by community-culture with recombinant Escherichia coli strain ZSC113,
      which has a higher xylose uptake rate. Ethanol yield and productivity of
      community-culture can be further enhanced by genetic modification of E. coli
      strain ZSC113. 

PMID- 25129049
TI  - Secretory expression of a bispecific antibody targeting tumor necrosis factor and
      ED-B fibronectin in Pichia pastoris and its functional analysis.
AB  - Specific targeting of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antagonist to the
      inflamed site could increase its efficacy and reduce side-effects. Here, we
      constructed a bispecific diabody (BsDb) that targets TNF-alpha and ED-B
      containing fibronectin, a fibronectin isoform specifically expressed in the
      pannus of the inflamed synovium in rheumatoid arthritis. BsDb was secreted from
      Pichia pastoris as functional protein and was purified to homogeneity. BsDb could
      simultaneously bind to human TNF-alpha and B-FN and neutralize TNF-alpha action.
      Additionally, BsDb showed a significant gain both in the antigen-binding affinity
      and in TNF-alpha-neutralizing ability as compared to its original antibodies, L19
      and anti-TNF-alpha scFv, which were produced in E. coli. BsDb was constructed and
      was endowed with enhanced bioactivities and improved production processing.
      Therefore, it holds great potential for in vivo applications. 

PMID- 25129050
TI  - Structural analysis of cerebrosides from Aspergillus fungi: the existence of
      galactosylceramide in A. oryzae.
AB  - Glucosylceramide and galactosylceramide were detected in three Aspergillus
      species: Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus sojae and Aspergillus. awamori, using
      borate-coated TLC. The cerebrosides from A. oryzae were further purified by ion
      exchange and iatrobeads column chromatographies with or without borate, and
      determined the composition of sugar, fatty acid and sphingoid base by GC/MS,
      MALDI-TOF/MS and (1)H-NMR. We identified them as beta-glucosylceramide and beta
      galactosylceramide. The ceramide moiety of both cerebrosides consisted mainly of
      2-hydroxystearic acid and either 9-methyl-octadeca-4, 8-sphingadienine or
      octadeca-4, 8-sphingadienine. To our knowledge, this is the first study to
      provide evidence for the presence of beta-galactosylceramide in A. oryzae. 

PMID- 25129051
TI  - Comparative effects of technical-grade and a commercial formulation of glyphosate
      on the pigment content of periphytic algae.
AB  - We investigated the potentially different effects of one of the most commonly
      used glyphosate formulations in Argentina, Glifosato Atanor((r)), and the
      technical-grade glyphosate on the pigment content, as biomass indicators of the
      algal fraction in a freshwater periphytic community. A laboratory bioassay was
      carried out in 250-ml beakers. Two treatments were used: technical-grade
      glyphosate acid and Glifosato Atanor((r)) (isopropylamine salt of glyphosate 48 %
      w/v), which were at a concentration of 3 mg active ingredient per liter.
      Treatments and the control (without herbicide) were replicated in triplicate. The
      concentrations of chlorophyll a and b and carotenes were determined at 0, 2, 6,
      10, 24, 48, 96 and 192 h after herbicide addition. A significant increase in
      pigment content was observed for both herbicides after a 2-day exposure.
      Moreover, the formulation had little or no effect compared to the active
      ingredient, suggesting that the additives of Glifosato Atanor((r)) may not
      enhance glyphosate toxicity.

PMID- 25129053
TI  - Mechanistic modelling of toxicokinetic processes within Myriophyllum spicatum.
AB  - Effects of chemicals are, in most cases, caused by internal concentrations within
      organisms which rely on uptake and elimination kinetics. These processes might be
      key components for assessing the effects of time-variable exposure of chemicals
      which regularly occur in aquatic systems. However, the knowledge of toxicokinetic
      patterns caused by time-variable exposure is limited, and gaining such
      information is complex. In this work, a previously developed mechanistic growth
      model of Myriophyllum spicatum is coupled with a newly developed toxicokinetic
      part, providing a model that is able to predict uptake and elimination of
      chemicals, as well as distribution processes between plant compartments (leaves,
      stems, roots) of M. spicatum. It is shown, that toxicokinetic patterns, at least
      for most of the investigated chemicals, can be calculated in agreement with
      experimental observations, by only calibrating two chemical- specific parameters,
      the cuticular permeability and a plant/water partition coefficient. Through the
      model-based determination of the cuticular permeabilities of Isoproturon,
      Iofensulfuron, Fluridone, Imazamox and Penoxsulam, their toxicokinetic pattern
      can be described with the model approach. For the use of the model for predicting
      toxicokinetics of other chemicals, where experimental data is not available,
      equations are presented that are based on the log (P oct/wat) of a chemical and
      estimate parameters that are necessary to run the model. In general, a method is
      presented to analyze time-variable exposure of chemicals more in detail without
      conducting time and labour intensive experiments.

PMID- 25129052
TI  - Epidemiology of MPN: what do we know?
AB  - The myeloproliferative neoplasms, are characterised by overproduction of myeloid
      cells. Chronic myeloid leukaemia, polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia,
      myelofibrosis and the very rare disorders chronic neutrophilic leukaemia, chronic
      eosinophilic leukaemia not otherwise specified and mastocytosis are all included
      in the group. Incidence and prevalence rates reported in the worldwide literature
      are presented in this review. Survival data on each condition is described.
      Information on the aetiology of the disorders is discussed including body mass
      index, diet, smoking and alcohol, allergies, associated medical conditions,
      occupation and environmental exposures with focus on recent new studies. The
      aetiology of the myeloproliferative neoplasms remains unknown, and this review of
      the current state of knowledge highlights the need for further comprehensive
      research. 

PMID- 25129054
TI  - The use of the EQ-5D as a measure of health-related quality of life in people
      with dementia and their carers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the acceptability, validity and inter-rater agreement of self-
      and family carer proxy ratings of the EQ-5D as a generic health-related quality
      of life (HRQOL) measure, in people with mild to moderate dementia (PwD) living in
      the community. A secondary aim was to identify the most important factors
      influencing self- and family carer proxy ratings of HRQOL, distinguishing between
      spouse and adult child caregiver ratings. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 488
      dyads using the EQ-5D. Inter-rater agreement was examined using weighted kappa
      scores, and validity by investigating the association of self- and family carer
      ratings with clinical variables. Factors affecting HRQOL ratings were analysed
      using multivariate regression. RESULTS: The response rate of the EQ-5D was
      satisfactory; however, agreement between self- and family carer ratings was poor.
      The most important predictors of PwD and carer ratings of the PwD's HRQOL were
      family carer ratings of activities of daily living and mood. Anxiety experienced
      by the PwD was a significant predictor of self-rated HRQOL, whereas depressive
      symptoms independently predicted family carer ratings. The type of the caregiving
      relationship influenced carer ratings of HRQOL, whereby sons and daughters rated
      HRQOL lower for the PwD compared with spousal caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: People
      with mild to moderate dementia are able to rate their own HRQOL through a brief
      generic instrument; however, self-ratings consistently differ from family carer
      ratings, which should be acknowledged in cost-effectiveness analyses. Spouse
      caregivers rate HRQOL for the PwD more positively compared to adult children.

PMID- 25129055
TI  - Ligand-directed tosyl chemistry for in situ native protein labeling and
      engineering in living systems: from basic properties to applications.
AB  - The ability to introduce any chemical probe to any endogenous target protein in
      its native environment, that is in cells and in vivo, is anticipated to provide
      various new exciting tools for biological and biomedical research. Although still
      at the prototype stage, the ligand-directed tosyl (LDT) chemistry is a novel type
      of affinity labeling technique that we developed for such a dream. This chemistry
      allows for modifying native proteins by various chemical probes with high
      specificity in various biological settings ranging from in vitro (in test tubes)
      to in living cells and in vivo. Since the first report, the list of proteins that
      are successfully labeled by the LDT chemistry has been increasing. A growing
      number of studies have demonstrated its utility to create semisynthetic proteins
      directly in cellular contexts. The in situ generated semisynthetic proteins are
      applicable for various types of analysis and imaging of intracellular biological
      processes. In this review, we summarize the basic properties of the LDT chemistry
      and its applications toward in situ engineering and analysis of native proteins
      in living systems. Current limitations and future challenges of this area are
      also described. 

PMID- 25129056
TI  - Turning the spotlight on protein-lipid interactions in cells.
AB  - Protein function is largely dependent on coordinated and dynamic interactions of
      the protein with biomolecules including other proteins, nucleic acids and lipids.
      Although powerful methods for global profiling of protein-protein and protein
      nucleic acid interactions are available, proteome-wide mapping of protein-lipid
      interactions is still challenging and rarely performed. The emergence of
      bifunctional lipid probes with photoactivatable and clickable groups offers new
      chemical tools for globally profiling protein-lipid interactions under cellular
      contexts. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the development of
      bifunctional lipid probes for studying protein-lipid interactions. We also
      highlight how in vivo photocrosslinking reactions contribute to the
      characterization of lipid-binding proteins and lipidation-mediated protein
      protein interactions. 

PMID- 25129057
TI  - The role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in cartilage matrix
      destruction.
AB  - Upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a hallmark of osteoarthritis
      progression; along with the role reactive oxygen species (ROS) may play in this
      process. Moreover, mitochondrial DNA damage and dysfunction are also present in
      osteoarthritic chondrocytes. However, there are no studies published
      investigating the direct relationship between mitochondrial ROS, mitochondrial
      DNA damage, and MMP expression. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was
      to evaluate whether mitochondrial DNA damage and mitochondrial-originated
      oxidative stress modulates matrix destruction through the upregulation of MMP
      protein levels. MitoSox red was utilized to observe mitochondrial ROS production
      while a Quantitative Southern blot technique was conducted to analyze
      mitochondrial DNA damage. Additionally, Western blot analysis was used to
      determine MMP protein levels. The results of the present study show that
      menadione augmented mitochondrial-generated ROS and increased mitochondrial DNA
      damage. This increase in mitochondrial-generated ROS led to an increase in MMP
      levels. When a mitochondrial ROS scavenger was added, there was a subsequent
      reduction in MMP levels. These studies reveal that mitochondrial integrity is
      essential for maintaining the cartilage matrix by altering MMP levels. This
      provides new and important insights into the role of mitochondria in chondrocyte
      function and its potential importance in therapeutic approaches. 

PMID- 25129058
TI  - Pemetrexed ameliorates experimental arthritis in rats.
AB  - Pemetrexed (PMTX) is an anti-folate drug as methotrexate. The purpose of this
      study was to assess the efficacy of PMTX on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).
      Forty Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups. Arthritis was induced
      by intradermal injection of chicken type II collagen combined with incomplete
      Freund's adjuvant. Animals were sacrificed at the 15th day after the onset of
      arthritis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-17, and
      malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased, and superoxide dismutase (SOD),
      catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and the expressions
      of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)
      were decreased in the arthritis group. In the PMTX-treated (0.2 and 1 mg/kg/week
      i.p.) groups, the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-17, and MDA were decreased; the
      activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx and the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were
      restored, and perisynovial inflammation and cartilage-bone destruction were
      decreased. PMTX has anti-arthritic potential in the CIA model and may be a
      therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis. 

PMID- 25129059
TI  - Expression of CXCR1 (interleukin-8 receptor) in murine macrophages after
      staphylococcus aureus infection and its possible implication on intracellular
      survival correlating with cytokines and bacterial anti-oxidant enzymes.
AB  - Interaction with the live Staphylococcus aureus promotes secretion of interleukin
      8 (IL-8), although the expressions of functional CXCR1 (IL-8RA) in murine
      macrophages have not been identified. Expression of CXCR1 was induced in S.
      aureus-infected macrophages, whereas, CXCR1 was undetectable in control
      macrophages. CXCR1 blocking significantly reduced the phagocytosis of S. aureus
      and TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, IFN-gamma, IL-12, and IL-8 production and
      increased release of MIP-2 and soluble TNF-R1. Increased bacterial catalase and
      decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities by S. aureus with concomitant
      decrease in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion, and nitric oxide (NO)
      release were observed in case of prior CXCR1 blocking. In the presence of
      cytochalasin D, S. aureus-mediated induction of IL-8 was inhibited concomitant
      with decreased bacterial count suggesting that internalization of S. aureus was
      necessary for induction of IL-8. Shedding of TNF-R1 due to CXCR1 blocking after
      S. aureus inoculation was critical for neutralization of TNF-alpha signaling and
      arrests the inflammation. 

PMID- 25129061
TI  - Separation of cis- and trans-cypermethrin by reversed-phase high-performance
      liquid chromatography.
AB  - As a pyrethroid insecticide, cypermethrin (CP) possesses three chiral centers and
      thus consists of eight optical isomers. High-performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC) methods have been established for the separation and determination of
      pyrethroid insecticides. In this article, we report a new reversed-phase high
      performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method of separating the
      diastereomers of CP. Our method was performed on a C18 column with the following
      specifications: mobile phase, methanol/acetonitrile/water (58:18:24, v/v/v); flow
      rate, 1.0 mL/min; column temperature, 20 degrees C and UV-detection wavelength,
      235 nm. The results showed that the applied procedure was linear based on
      calibration curves with equation (y = 16.595x + 1.7892) within the CP
      concentration range of 5-100 mg/L. The limit of detection and limit of
      quantification of CP were 0.2 and 0.7 mg/L, respectively. CP or beta-CP extracted
      from the microbial degradation system was determined, and the method was proved
      to be accurate and applicable. Therefore, the proposed RP-HPLC method was simple,
      inexpensive and can be used to study stability and determine CP residues in
      pharmaceutical preparations or in the environment. 

PMID- 25129060
TI  - CD86 polymorphism affects pneumonia-induced sepsis by decreasing gene expression
      in monocytes.
AB  - Sepsis, a clinical syndrome occurring in patients following infection or injury,
      is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. CD86 (B7-2) is a
      costimulatory molecule on antigen-presenting cells and plays critical roles in
      immune responses. In the current study, we investigated the association of two
      CD86 polymorphisms, rs1129055G/A and rs17281995G/C, with susceptibility to
      pneumonia-induced sepsis and examined the effects of these two polymorphisms on
      gene expression in monocytes. CD86 rs1129055G/A and rs17281995G/C were identified
      in 192 pneumonia-induced septic patients and 201 healthy controls. Data showed
      that frequencies of the rs1129055GA and AA genotypes were significantly lower in
      patients than in controls (odds ratio [OR]=0.57, 95 % confidence interval [CI],
      0.35-0.93, p=0.023, and OR=0.40, 95 % CI, 0.23-0.71, p=0.002). Interestingly, the
      other polymorphism, rs17281995G/C, revealed significantly increased numbers in
      pneumonia-induced sepsis compared to controls (OR=1.85, 95 % CI, 1.07-3.20,
      p=0.025). Further analyses about CD86 gene expression revealed that both
      messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of CD86 were downregulated in monocytes
      from controls carrying rs17281995GC genotype than those carrying wild-type
      rs17281995GG genotype (p=0.022 and p=0013). These results suggest that
      polymorphisms in CD86 gene have diverse effects on the pathogenesis of pneumonia
      induced sepsis, in which rs17281995G/C may increase the risk of the disease by
      interfering gene expression of CD86 in monocytes.

PMID- 25129062
TI  - Validation of an HPLC-MS/MS and wipe procedure for mitomycin C contamination.
AB  - A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (HPLC-MS/MS)
      method was developed for the determination of mitomycin C, an anticancer drug,
      from contamination on various surfaces. Mitomycin C is often used in various
      forms of intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and operating room healthcare worker
      exposure to this drug is possible. The surface testing method consisted of a
      wiping procedure utilizing a solution of 20/45/35 (v/v/v) of acetonitrile
      isopropanol-water made 0.01 M in ammonium citrate (apparent pH 7.0). The wipe
      solutions were analyzed by means of HPLC-MS/MS using a reversed-phase gradient
      system and electrospray ionization in positive ion mode with a triple-quadrupole
      MS detector. Accuracy and precision of this method were demonstrated by a series
      of recovery studies of both spiked solutions and extracted wipes from various
      surfaces (stainless steel, vinyl and Formica((r))) spiked with known levels of
      mitomycin C. Recoveries of spiked solutions containing the analyte demonstrate
      mean recoveries (accuracy) ranged from 93 to 105%. Precision as measured by the
      relative standard deviation (% RSD) of multiple samples (n= 10) at each
      concentration level demonstrated values of 7.5% or less. The recoveries from
      spiked surfaces varied from 30 to 99%. The limit of detection for this
      methodology is ~2 ng/100 cm(2) equivalent surface area, and the limit of
      quantitation is ~6 ng/100 cm(2). 

PMID- 25129063
TI  - Discovery of common sequences absent in the human reference genome using pooled
      samples from next generation sequencing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sequences up to several megabases in length have been found to be
      present in individual genomes but absent in the human reference genome. These
      sequences may be common in populations, and their absence in the reference genome
      may indicate rare variants in the genomes of individuals who served as donors for
      the human genome project. As the reference genome is used in probe design for
      microarray technology and mapping short reads in next generation sequencing
      (NGS), this missing sequence could be a source of bias in functional genomic
      studies and variant analysis. One End Anchor (OEA) and/or orphan reads from
      paired-end sequencing have been used to identify novel sequences that are absent
      in reference genome. However, there is no study to investigate the distribution,
      evolution and functionality of those sequences in human populations. RESULTS: To
      systematically identify and study the missing common sequences (micSeqs), we
      extended the previous method by pooling OEA reads from large number of
      individuals and applying strict filtering methods to remove false sequences. The
      pipeline was applied to data from phase 1 of the 1000 Genomes Project. We
      identified 309 micSeqs that are present in at least 1% of the human population,
      but absent in the reference genome. We confirmed 76% of these 309 micSeqs by
      comparison to other primate genomes, individual human genomes, and gene
      expression data. Furthermore, we randomly selected fifteen micSeqs and confirmed
      their presence using PCR validation in 38 additional individuals. Functional
      analysis using published RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data showed that eleven micSeqs are
      highly expressed in human brain and three micSeqs contain transcription factor
      (TF) binding regions, suggesting they are functional elements. In addition, the
      identified micSeqs are absent in non-primates and show dynamic acquisition during
      primate evolution culminating with most micSeqs being present in Africans,
      suggesting some micSeqs may be important sources of human diversity. CONCLUSIONS:
      76% of micSeqs were confirmed by a comparative genomics approach. Fourteen
      micSeqs are expressed in human brain or contain TF binding regions. Some micSeqs
      are primate-specific, conserved and may play a role in the evolution of primates.

PMID- 25129064
TI  - Usefulness and safety of vorapaxar in patients with non-ST-segment elevation
      acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (from the
      TRACER Trial).
AB  - The therapeutic potential of vorapaxar in patients with non-ST-segment elevation
      acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is
      unknown. This prespecified analysis of a postrandomization subgroup evaluated the
      effects of vorapaxar compared with placebo among Thrombin Receptor Antagonist for
      Clinical Event Reduction in Acute Coronary Syndrome (TRACER) participants
      undergoing PCI, focusing on the implanted stent type (drug-eluting stent [DES] vs
      bare-metal stent [BMS]). Among 12,944 recruited patients, 7,479 (57.8%) underwent
      PCI during index hospitalization, and 3,060 (40.9%) of those patients received
      exclusively BMS, whereas 4,015 (53.7%) received DES. The median (twenty-fifth,
      seventy-fifth percentiles) duration of thienopyridine therapy was 133 days (47,
      246) with BMS and 221 days (88, 341) with DES. At 2 years among patients
      undergoing PCI, the primary (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke,
      recurrent ischemia with rehospitalization, or urgent coronary revascularization)
      and secondary (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) end points
      did not differ between vorapaxar and placebo groups, which was consistent with
      the treatment effect observed in the overall study population (p value for
      interaction = 0.540). However, the treatment effect trended greater (p value for
      interaction = 0.069) and the risk for bleeding in patients taking vorapaxar
      versus placebo appeared attenuated in BMS-only recipients. After adjustment for
      confounders, the interaction was no longer significant (p value = 0.301). The
      covariate that mostly explained the stent-type-by-treatment interaction was the
      duration of clopidogrel therapy. In conclusion, among patients with PCI, the
      effect of vorapaxar is consistent with the overall TRACER results. Patients who
      received a BMS underwent shorter courses of clopidogrel therapy and displayed
      trends toward greater ischemic benefit from vorapaxar and lesser bleeding risk,
      compared with patients who received a DES. 

PMID- 25129065
TI  - Comparison of safety of sotalol versus amiodarone in patients with atrial
      fibrillation and coronary artery disease.
AB  - Sotalol is a commonly prescribed antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) used for maintaining
      sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Although randomized
      studies have found that sotalol can significantly delay time to AF recurrence,
      its association with mortality is less clear, particularly among those with
      coronary artery disease. We examined outcomes of 2,838 patients with coronary
      artery disease and AF. Using Cox proportional hazards modeling, landmark
      analysis, and time-dependent covariates for drug therapy, we compared cumulative
      survival among patients treated with sotalol (n = 226), amiodarone (n = 856), or
      no AAD (n = 1,756). Median follow-up was 4.2 years (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0
      7.4). The median age was 68 years (IQR 60-75). Compared with those treated with
      amiodarone or no AAD, patients treated with sotalol were less likely to be black
      (6% vs 13% vs 13%) and have a previous myocardial infarction (35% vs 51% vs 48%)
      or a left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (13% vs 26% vs 21%). In follow-up,
      persistence of sotalol was limited; 97% of patients treated with sotalol were
      treated for <25% of the follow-up period. In adjusted analysis accounting for
      time on therapy, sotalol use was associated with an increased risk of all-cause
      death compared with no drug (hazard ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.19 to
      1.96, p = 0.0009), but a decreased risk of death compared with amiodarone (hazard
      ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.55 to 0.91, p = 0.0141). In conclusion,
      sotalol therapy was more frequently used in patients with fewer co-morbidities,
      often discontinued early in follow-up, and was associated with increased
      mortality compared with no AAD but decreased mortality relative to amiodarone. 

PMID- 25129066
TI  - Effect of spironolactone on 30-day death and heart failure rehospitalization
      (from the COACH Study).
AB  - The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of spironolactone on 30-day
      outcomes in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and the association between
      treatment and outcomes stratified by biomarkers. We conducted a secondary
      analysis of the biomarker substudy of the multicenter COACH (Co-ordinating Study
      Evaluating Outcomes of Advising and Counseling in Heart Failure) trial involving
      534 AHF patients for 30-day mortality and HF rehospitalizations. Spironolactone
      therapy was initiated and terminated at the discretion of the treating physician;
      30-day outcomes were compared between patients who were treated with
      spironolactone and those who were not. Outcomes with spironolactone therapy were
      explored based on N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, ST2, galectin-3, and
      creatinine levels. Spironolactone was prescribed to 297 (55.6%) patients at
      discharge (158 new and 139 continued). There were 19 deaths and 30 HF
      rehospitalizations among 46 patients by 30 days. Patients discharged on
      spironolactone had significantly less 30-day event (hazard ratio 0.538, p =
      0.039) after adjustment for multiple risk factors. Initiation of spironolactone
      in patients who were not on spironolactone before admission was associated with a
      significant reduction in event rate (hazard ratio 0.362, p = 0.027). The survival
      benefit of spironolactone was more prominent in patient groups with elevations of
      creatinine, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, ST2, or galectin-3. In
      conclusion, AHF patients who received spironolactone during hospitalization had
      significantly fewer 30-day mortality and HF rehospitalizations, especially in
      high-risk patients. 

PMID- 25129067
TI  - Prevalence, clinical correlates, and functional impact of subaortic ventricular
      septal bulge (from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging).
AB  - A localized hypertrophy of the subaortic segment of the ventricular septum
      ventricular septal bulge (VSB)-has been frequently described in series of elderly
      population, but its prevalence with age, clinical correlates, and impact on
      cardiac function and exercise capacity remain uncertain. We explored these
      associations in a cross-sectional sample without known cardiac disease from the
      Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. We randomly selected 700 participants (50%
      men, mean age 64 +/- 15, range 26 to 95 years) and reviewed their
      echocardiograms. We identified 28 men and 21 women with VSB (7% overall
      prevalence). The prevalence of VSB significantly increased with age in both
      genders (p <0.0001). In multivariate logistic regression including hypertension
      and other cardiovascular risk factors, only age displayed a significant
      independent association with VSB (OR 1.06 per year, 95% confidence interval 1.03
      to 1.10, p = 0.0001). After multiple adjustments, participants with VSB compared
      with those without had enhanced global left ventricular contractility (fractional
      shortening 41 +/- 1.3 vs 38 +/- 0.3%, p = 0.04; ejection fraction 71 +/- 1.6 vs
      67 +/- 0.4%, p = 0.06; systolic velocity of the mitral annulus 8.4 +/- 0.1 vs 8.9
      +/- 0.3, p = 0.06), and larger aortic root diameters (3.3 +/- 0.06 vs 3.1 +/-
      0.02 cm, p = 0.02). In subgroup of participants who completed a maximal treadmill
      test (177 women and 196 men), those with VSB (19, 5.1%) had significantly lower
      peak oxygen consumption than their counterparts (19.6 +/- 3.8 vs 22.9 +/- 6.6
      ml/kg/min, p = 0.03). However, this association was no longer significant after
      multiple adjustments. In conclusion, the presence of VSB is independently
      associated with older age and determines enhanced left ventricular contractility,
      without any evident impact on exercise capacity. 

PMID- 25129068
TI  - Polysaccharopeptide enhanced the anti-cancer effect of gamma-tocotrienol through
      activation of AMPK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) frequently relapses after hormone ablation
      therapy. Unfortunately, once progressed to the castration resistant stage, the
      disease is regarded as incurable as prostate cancer cells are highly resistant to
      conventional chemotherapy. METHOD: We recently reported that the two natural
      compounds polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and Gamma-tocotrienols (gamma-T3) possessed
      potent anti-cancer activities through targeting of CSCs. In the present study,
      using both prostate cancer cell line and xenograft models, we seek to investigate
      the therapeutic potential of combining gamma-T3 and PSP in the treatment of
      prostate cancer. RESULT: We showed that in the presence of PSP, gamma-T3
      treatment induce a drastic activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
      This was accompanied with inactivation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as
      evidenced by the increased phosphorylation levels at Ser 79. In addition, PSP
      treatment also sensitized cancer cells toward gamma-T3-induced cytotoxicity.
      Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that combination of PSP and gamma
      T3 treaments significantly reduced the growth of prostate tumor in vivo.
      CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that PSP and gamma-T3 treaments may have
      synergistic anti-cancer effect in vitro and in vivo, which warrants further
      investigation as a potential combination therapy for the treatment of cancer.

PMID- 25129069
TI  - Audit-identified avoidable factors in maternal and perinatal deaths in low
      resource settings: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Audits provide a rational framework for quality improvement by
      systematically assessing clinical practices against accepted standards with the
      aim to develop recommendations and interventions that target modifiable
      deficiencies in care. Most childbirth-associated mortality audits in developing
      countries are focused on a single facility and, up to now, the avoidable factors
      in maternal and perinatal deaths cataloged in these reports have not been pooled
      and analyzed. We sought to identity the most frequent avoidable factors in
      childbirth-related deaths globally through a systematic review of all published
      mortality audits in low and lower-middle income countries. METHODS: We performed
      a systematic review of published literature from 1965 to November 2011 in Pubmed,
      Embase, CINAHL, POPLINE, LILACS and African Index Medicus. Inclusion criteria
      were audits from low and lower-middle income countries that identified at least
      one avoidable factor in maternal or perinatal mortality. Each study included in
      the analysis was assigned a quality score using a previously published
      instrument. A meta-analysis was performed for each avoidable factor taking into
      account the sample sizes and quality score from each individual audit. The study
      was conducted and reported according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews.
      RESULTS: Thirty-nine studies comprising 44 datasets and a total of 6,205 audited
      deaths met inclusion criteria. The analysis yielded 42 different avoidable
      factors, which fell into four categories: health worker-oriented factors, patient
      oriented factors, transport/referral factors, and administrative/supply factors.
      The top three factors by attributable deaths were substandard care by a health
      worker, patient delay, and deficiencies in blood transfusion capacity (accounting
      for 688, 665, and 634 deaths attributable, respectively). Health worker-oriented
      factors accounted for two-thirds of the avoidable factors identified.
      CONCLUSIONS: Audits provide insight into where systematic deficiencies in
      clinical care occur and can therefore provide crucial direction for the targeting
      of interventions to mitigate or eliminate health system failures. Given that the
      main causes of maternal and perinatal deaths are generally consistent across low
      resource settings, the specific avoidable factors identified in this review can
      help to inform the rational design of health systems with the aim of achieving
      continued progress towards Millennium Development Goals Four and Five.

PMID- 25129070
TI  - The relationship between the cranial base and jaw base in a Chinese population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The cranial base plays an important role in determining how the
      mandible and maxilla relate to each other. This study assessed the relationship
      between the cranial base and jaw base in a Chinese population. METHODS: This
      study involved 83 subjects (male: 27; female: 56; age: 18.4+/-4.2 SD years) from
      Hong Kong, who were classified into 3 sagittal discrepancy groups on the basis of
      their ANB angle. A cephalometric analysis of the angular and linear measurements
      of their cranial and jaw bases was carried out. The morphological characteristics
      of the cranial and jaw bases in the three groups were compared and assessments
      were made as to whether a relationship existed between the cranial base and the
      jaw base discrepancy. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the cranial
      base angles of the three groups. Skeletal Class II cases presented with a larger
      NSBa, whereas skeletal Class III cases presented with a smaller NSBa (P<0.001).
      In the linear measurement, skeletal Class III cases presented with a shorter NBa
      than skeletal Class I and II cases (P<0.01). There was a correlation between the
      cranial base angle NSBa and the SNB for the whole sample, (r=-0.523, P<0.001).
      Furthermore, correlations between SBaFH and Wits (r=-0.594, P<0.001) and SBaFH
      and maxillary length (r=-0.616, P<0.001) were more obvious in the skeletal Class
      III cases. CONCLUSIONS: The cranial base appears to have a certain correlation
      with the jaw base relationship in a southern Chinese population. The correlation
      between cranial base and jaw base tends to be closer in skeletal Class III cases.

PMID- 25129071
TI  - Age-related change in sit-to-stand power in Japanese women aged 50 years or
      older.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined whether the age-related change in power,
      calculated from the score of a sit-to-stand (STS) test, corresponds to those in
      knee extension torque and leg lean tissue mass in Japanese women aged 50 years or
      older. FINDINGS: Time for a 10-times-repeated STS test and knee extension torque
      were determined in 556 Japanese women aged 50 to 94 years. STS power was
      calculated using an equation reported previously. In addition, leg lean tissue
      mass was estimated using muscle thicknesses determined at thigh and lower leg.
      STS power, knee extension torque, and lean tissue mass were negatively correlated
      to age. STS power and knee extension torque, expressed as the percentages of the
      mean value of the corresponding variable for the subjects aged 50 to 54 years
      were lower than that of lean tissue mass in the subjects aged 60 years or over,
      and were similar in those aged under 75 years. However, the relative value of STS
      power was lower than that of knee extension torque in the subjects aged over 75
      years. CONCLUSIONS: In Japanese women aged 50 to 74 years, STS power can be a
      convenient measure for assessing the age-related decline in knee extension
      torque, but not for leg lean tissue mass. At over 75 years old, the magnitude of
      the age-related decline in STS power does not parallel to that in the force
      generation capability of knee extensor muscles.

PMID- 25129072
TI  - Freezing and thawing of artificial ice by thermal switching of geometric
      frustration in magnetic flux lattices.
AB  - The problem of an ensemble of repulsive particles on a potential-energy landscape
      is common to many physical systems and has been studied in multiple artificial
      playgrounds. However, the latter usually involve fixed energy landscapes, thereby
      impeding in situ investigations of the particles' collective response to
      controlled changes in the landscape geometry. Here, we experimentally realize a
      system in which the geometry of the potential-energy landscape can be switched
      using temperature as the control knob. This realization is based on a high
      temperature superconductor in which we engineer a nanoscale spatial modulation of
      the superconducting condensate. Depending on the temperature, the flux quanta
      induced by an applied magnetic field see either a geometrically frustrated energy
      landscape that favours an ice-like flux ordering, or an unfrustrated landscape
      that yields a periodic flux distribution. This effect is reflected in a dramatic
      change in the superconductor's magneto-transport. The thermal switching of the
      energy landscape geometry opens new opportunities for the study of ordering and
      reorganization in repulsive particle manifolds. 

PMID- 25129073
TI  - Biocomputing based on particle disassembly.
AB  - Nanoparticles with biocomputing capabilities could potentially be used to create
      sophisticated robotic devices with a variety of biomedical applications,
      including intelligent sensors and theranostic agents. DNA/RNA-based computing
      techniques have already been developed that can offer a complete set of Boolean
      logic functions and have been used, for example, to analyse cells and deliver
      molecular payloads. However, the computing potential of particle-based systems
      remains relatively unexplored. Here, we show that almost any type of nanoparticle
      or microparticle can be transformed into autonomous biocomputing structures that
      are capable of implementing a functionally complete set of Boolean logic gates
      (YES, NOT, AND and OR) and binding to a target as result of a computation. The
      logic-gating functionality is incorporated into self-assembled
      particle/biomolecule interfaces (demonstrated here with proteins) and the logic
      gating is achieved through input-induced disassembly of the structures. To
      illustrate the capabilities of the approach, we show that the structures can be
      used for logic-gated cell targeting and advanced immunoassays. 

PMID- 25129074
TI  - Exposure to L-cycloserine incurs survival costs and behavioral alterations in
      Aedes aegypti females.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It was previously demonstrated that alanine aminotransferase (ALAT,
      EC 2.6.1.2) participates in maintaining the alanine-proline cycle between flight
      muscles and fat body during Aedes aegypti flight. ALAT is also actively involved
      in the metabolism of ammonia in A. aegypti. Here, we investigated the survival
      and behavioral costs of ALAT inhibition in A. aegypti females to better
      understand the role of ALAT in blood-fed mosquitoes. METHODS: We analyzed how A.
      aegypti female mosquitoes respond to blood meals supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5 and
      10 mM L-cycloserine, a well-known inhibitor of ALAT in animals. Mosquitoes were
      also exposed to blood meals supplemented with L-cycloserine and different
      concentrations of glucose (0, 10 and 100 mM). Additionally, the effects of ALAT
      inhibitor and glucose in mosquitoes starved for 24 or 48 h were investigated.
      Survival and behavioral phenotypes were analyzed during a time course (1, 2, 4,
      6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after feeding). RESULTS: L-cycloserine at 10 mM resulted
      in high mortality relative to control, with an acute effect during the first 6 h
      after treatment. A significant decrease in the number of active mosquitoes
      coinciding with an increase in futile wing fanning during the first 24 h was
      observed at all inhibitor concentrations. A high occurrence of knockdown
      phenotype was also recorded at this time for both 5 and 10 mM L-cycloserine. The
      supplementation of glucose in the blood meal amplified the effects of the ALAT
      inhibitor. In particular, we observed a higher mortality rate concomitant with an
      increase in the knockdown phenotype. Starvation prior to blood feeding also
      increased the effects of L-cycloserine with a rapid increase in mortality.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that exposure of high doses of L
      cycloserine during A. aegypti blood feeding affects mosquito survival and motor
      activity, suggesting an interference with carbohydrate and ammonia metabolism in
      a time-dependent manner.

PMID- 25129076
TI  - Hippocampal-neocortical functional reorganization underlies children's cognitive
      development.
AB  - The importance of the hippocampal system for rapid learning and memory is well
      recognized, but its contributions to a cardinal feature of children's cognitive
      development-the transition from procedure-based to memory-based problem-solving
      strategies-are unknown. Here we show that the hippocampal system is pivotal to
      this strategic transition. Longitudinal functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI) in 7-9-year-old children revealed that the transition from use of counting
      to memory-based retrieval parallels increased hippocampal and decreased
      prefrontal-parietal engagement during arithmetic problem solving. Longitudinal
      improvements in retrieval-strategy use were predicted by increased hippocampal
      neocortical functional connectivity. Beyond childhood, retrieval-strategy use
      continued to improve through adolescence into adulthood and was associated with
      decreased activation but more stable interproblem representations in the
      hippocampus. Our findings provide insights into the dynamic role of the
      hippocampus in the maturation of memory-based problem solving and establish a
      critical link between hippocampal-neocortical reorganization and children's
      cognitive development. 

PMID- 25129075
TI  - Alzheimer's disease: early alterations in brain DNA methylation at ANK1, BIN1,
      RHBDF2 and other loci.
AB  - We used a collection of 708 prospectively collected autopsied brains to assess
      the methylation state of the brain's DNA in relation to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      We found that the level of methylation at 71 of the 415,848 interrogated CpGs was
      significantly associated with the burden of AD pathology, including CpGs in the
      ABCA7 and BIN1 regions, which harbor known AD susceptibility variants. We
      validated 11 of the differentially methylated regions in an independent set of
      117 subjects. Furthermore, we functionally validated these CpG associations and
      identified the nearby genes whose RNA expression was altered in AD: ANK1, CDH23,
      DIP2A, RHBDF2, RPL13, SERPINF1 and SERPINF2. Our analyses suggest that these DNA
      methylation changes may have a role in the onset of AD given that we observed
      them in presymptomatic subjects and that six of the validated genes connect to a
      known AD susceptibility gene network. 

PMID- 25129079
TI  - [NCCN Asian consensus statement - can Asian patients with cancer accept treatment
      modalities from NCCN guidelines ?].
AB  - To spread the National Comprehensive Cancer Network(NCCN)guidelines widely in
      Asia, committee members from Asian countries have been preparing an Asia
      Consensus Statement(ACS)along the NCCN guidelines. The ACS for Kidney Cancer
      guidelines and Prostate Cancer guidelines were issued in 2009 and in 2011,
      respectively. In addition, second versions of both these guidelines were issued
      in 2011 and 2013, respectively. In this review, the process and contents of NCCN
      ACS have been described. 

PMID- 25129080
TI  - [Overview of guidelines for proper use of the G-CSF(2013 edition)].
AB  - Guidelines for proper use of the G-CSF(2001 edition)by the Japan Society of
      Clinical Oncology have been revised the first time in 12 years. The differences
      between the first edition and the new one are as follows: The new guidelines(2013
      edition) adopted the clinical question format, and used the level of evidence and
      recommendation grades, along with the Handbook of Clinical Guidelines of
      Minds(2007 edition). There are relatively few evidence-based randomized
      controlled trials(RCTs) that can inform G-CSF use in Japan at present. Thus, we
      had to select the evidence from RCTs conducted in Europe and the USA when setting
      the recommendation level. Guidelines from Europe and the USA were also referred
      to; however, because the incidence of febrile neutropenia(FN)is presumed to
      differ between Japan and the USA/Europe, the clinical trials conducted in Japan
      were investigated as much as possible. New chapters on topics such as
      biosimilars, pegfilgrastim(domestic non-release), and the dosage and method of G
      CSF administration(medical insurance in Japan)were added. The chemotherapy
      regimen-specific incidence of FN in Japan for primary prophylactic G-CSF
      administration and G-CSF use in hematological malignancy were described in
      detail. Nurses, pharmacists, and medical doctors participated in guideline
      steering committee, because the new guidelines are directed at a wide range of
      health care workers. 

PMID- 25129078
TI  - The GABAergic parafacial zone is a medullary slow wave sleep-promoting center.
AB  - Work in animals and humans has suggested the existence of a slow wave sleep (SWS)
      promoting/electroencephalogram (EEG)-synchronizing center in the mammalian lower
      brainstem. Although sleep-active GABAergic neurons in the medullary parafacial
      zone (PZ) are needed for normal SWS, it remains unclear whether these neurons can
      initiate and maintain SWS or EEG slow-wave activity (SWA) in behaving mice. We
      used genetically targeted activation and optogenetically based mapping to examine
      the downstream circuitry engaged by SWS-promoting PZ neurons, and we found that
      this circuit uniquely and potently initiated SWS and EEG SWA, regardless of the
      time of day. PZ neurons monosynaptically innervated and released synaptic GABA
      onto parabrachial neurons, which in turn projected to and released synaptic
      glutamate onto cortically projecting neurons of the magnocellular basal
      forebrain; thus, there is a circuit substrate through which GABAergic PZ neurons
      can potently trigger SWS and modulate the cortical EEG. 

PMID- 25129081
TI  - [Primary and secondary prophylactic administration of granulocyte-colony
      stimulating factor(G-CSF)for febrile neutropenia].
AB  - The Japanese guidelines for the proper use of granulocyte-colony stimulating
      factor(G-CSF)have been revised on the basis of the current international
      guidelines and latest evidence. The guidelines for primary and secondary
      prophylactic administration of G-CSF are clearly defined in the revised version.
      Primary prophylactic administration is recommended as per the incidence of
      febrile neutropenia(FN): it is highly recommended for patients with an FN
      rate>20%, but selectively recommended for patients with an FN rate<20%. Secondary
      prophylactic administration is recommended only for patients who should be
      maintained on a constant dose of G-CSF for curative purposes. The revised version
      aims to improve, not limit, the clinical use of G-CSF based on both patient- and
      evidence-oriented decisions in clinical practice. 

PMID- 25129082
TI  - [Appropriate use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the management of
      hematologic malignancies].
AB  - There are two main types of therapy for hematologic malignancies: intensive
      cytotoxic chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT). The
      roles of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF)in patients receiving HSCT
      are the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells/progenitor cells into peripheral
      blood and the enhancement of neutrophil recovery as therapy or prophylaxis for
      fatal complications following HSCT. In the treatment of acute leukemias, G-CSF is
      used as therapy or prophylaxis for febrile complications during remission
      induction and post-remission therapies. In the treatment of lymphomas, primary
      prophylactic G-CSF is recommended during all cycles of chemotherapy when the
      expected incidence of neutropenic fever is more than 20% or when the patient is
      treated with potentially curative regimens. G-CSF is used as secondary
      prophylaxis to maintain dose intensity in patients with lymphomas treated in
      settings where reductions in chemotherapy dose intensity or dose density are
      associated with poorer prognosis. In the treatment of multiple myelomas,
      prophylactic G-CSF can be used when there is a high estimated risk of neutropenic
      fever(e. g., in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy). For all cases, the
      appropriate use of G-CSF is recommended in accordance with the guidelines of the
      American Society of Clinical Oncology(ASCO), European Organisation for Research
      and Treatment of Cancer(EORTC), Infectious Diseases Society of America(IDSA),
      National Comprehensive Cancer Network(NCCN), and our JSCO-2013. 

PMID- 25129083
TI  - [Use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor(G-CSF)in patients with cancer at
      high risk of febrile neutropenia on the basis of high age and complications,
      recommendations for patients receiving radiotherapy, and adverse events because
      of G-CSF].
AB  - Neutropenic complications are the primary dose-limiting toxic effects observed in
      patients treated with systemic cancer chemotherapy. Broad-spectrum antibiotic
      therapy should be promptly administered to patients with febrile neutropenia(FN).
      The risk assessment of FN includes the disease characteristics, chemotherapy
      regimen, individual patient risk factors, and treatment intent. After considering
      such risk factors of FN, clinicians should appropriately consider the use of
      granulocytecolony stimulating factor(G-CSF)as a prophylactic or therapeutic
      measure. Some types of lymphoma can be cured with chemotherapy. The incidence of
      FN in patients receiving the standard rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin,
      vincristine, and prednisone(R-CHOP)regimen is approximately 20%. Primary
      prophylactic use of G-CSF is recommended for patients agedB 65 years having
      diffuse aggressive lymphoma and treated with curative chemotherapy in an effort
      to improve their quality of life(QOL). Primary prophylaxis is recommended for the
      prevention of FN in patients at high risk, on the basis of factors other than
      age. G-CSF should be avoided in patients receiving concomitant chemotherapy and
      radiation therapy, particularly in those with cancer involving the mediastinum.
      The adverse events of G-CSF are generally graded mild to moderate; however, rare
      life-threatening adverse effects have been published in the literature. A
      clinical practice guideline for the use of G-CSF was published by the Japan
      Society of Clinical Oncology in 2013. On the basis of this guideline, the above
      issues have been discussed in this paper. 

PMID- 25129077
TI  - Methylomic profiling implicates cortical deregulation of ANK1 in Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that is
      characterized by progressive neuropathology and cognitive decline. We performed a
      cross-tissue analysis of methylomic variation in AD using samples from four
      independent human post-mortem brain cohorts. We identified a differentially
      methylated region in the ankyrin 1 (ANK1) gene that was associated with
      neuropathology in the entorhinal cortex, a primary site of AD manifestation. This
      region was confirmed as being substantially hypermethylated in two other cortical
      regions (superior temporal gyrus and prefrontal cortex), but not in the
      cerebellum, a region largely protected from neurodegeneration in AD, or whole
      blood obtained pre-mortem from the same individuals. Neuropathology-associated
      ANK1 hypermethylation was subsequently confirmed in cortical samples from three
      independent brain cohorts. This study represents, to the best of our knowledge,
      the first epigenome-wide association study of AD employing a sequential
      replication design across multiple tissues and highlights the power of this
      approach for identifying methylomic variation associated with complex disease. 

PMID- 25129084
TI  - [Efficacy and safety of panitumumab for K-ras wild-type unresectable or recurrent
      colorectal cancer - a study focusing on first-line treatment].
AB  - Panitumumab was approved in June 2010 for use in the treatment of unresectable
      advanced/recurrent colorectal cancer. Here, we report outcomes and adverse events
      of panitumumab combination therapy or single-agent chemotherapy for K-ras wild
      type unresectable or recurrent colorectal cancers. Our study focused on first
      line treatments. The study involved 18 patients who started receiving panitumumab
      in October 2010. Nine patients received panitumumab as a first-line treatment; 4,
      as a second-line treatment; and 5, as a third-line or subsequent treatment. The
      overall response rate was 27.8%. Among the patients who received panitumumab as a
      first-line treatment, the response rate was 55.6%. Grade 1 and 2 skin disorders
      were common adverse events. Grade 2 interstitial pneumonia was observed in 1
      patient(5.6%). Grade 3 or higher events comprised peripheral neuropathy in 1
      patient(5.6%)and neutropenia in another patient(5.6%). The treatment was
      beneficial, and metastatic foci were resected in 3 patients. In this study, the
      only adverse events of Grade 3 or higher were 1 case each of peripheral
      neuropathy and neutropenia. Accordingly, adequate control seemed possible. The
      specific line of treatment that panitumumab should belong to remains
      controversial. However, active initiation as first-line treatment should be
      considered for cases in which resection of metastatic foci can be expected from
      tumor reductions due to panitumumab. 

PMID- 25129085
TI  - [Retrospective analysis of the bevacizumab and CapeOX combination in untreated
      metastatic/recurrent colorectal cancer].
AB  - In recent years, there has been significant progress in systemic chemotherapy for
      metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer. We investigated the clinical efficacy
      and feasibility of the bevacizumab and capecitabine
      /oxaliplatin(CapeOX)combination for untreated colorectal cancer. From October
      2009 to June 2012, 38 patients were included, 18 receiving CapeOX alone and 20
      receiving CapeOX plus bevacizumab. The response rate and disease-control rate
      were 16% and 5 0%, respectively, in the CapeOX arm, and 5 5% and 8 5%,
      respectively, in the CapeOX plus bevacizumab arm. Median progression-free
      survival was 8.0 months in the CapeOX arm and 1 2.8 months in CapeOX plus
      bevacizumab arm. The median overall survival was 21.6 months in the CapeOX arm
      and 3 4.0 months in CapeOX plus bevacizumab arm. Our results suggest that CapeOX
      treatment can be useful in the outpatient setting and more effective when
      combined with bevacizumab. Except in cases of bevacizumab intolerance, addition
      of bevacizumab to CapeOX treatment is considered useful as first-line therapy for
      metastatic or recur- rent colorectal cancer.

PMID- 25129086
TI  - [Tolerability of XELOX in postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal
      cancer].
AB  - A regimen of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin(XELOX)has become one of the standard
      postoperative adjuvant chemotherapies for colon cancer. However, few tolerability
      studies have been conducted in Japan. In this study, we retrospectively examined
      treatment continuation and the adverse events that occurred during 8 courses of
      postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with XELOX in 21 patients with colorectal
      cancer who had undergone curative resection. The completion rate for 8 courses of
      treatment with XELOX was 71.4%, while the median relative dose intensities of
      capecitabine and oxaliplatin were 85.0% and 75.0%, respectively. Although the
      incidence of subsequent Grade 3 or higher hand-foot syndrome was 14.3%, the rate
      of peripheral neuropathy was 0%. Our hospital had a high rate of XELOX treatment
      continuation, suggesting that XELOX adjuvant chemotherapy would be well tolerated
      in clinical practice as well.

PMID- 25129087
TI  - [Evaluation of breath alcohol concentration after the administration of alcohol
      based docetaxel].
AB  - In the present study, we measured breath alcohol concentration(BAC)after the
      administration of alcohol-containing docetaxel(OTX)in breast cancer patients, and
      examined the safety of OTX outpatient administration. Twenty breast cancer
      patients who received OTX chemotherapy at our outpatient facility were included.
      The administered doses were 100mg/m2 in 5 cases, 75mg/m / 2 in 13 cases, and 60
      mg/m2 in 2 cases. BAC was measured 3 times: immediately after infusion, 30
      minutes after infusion, and 60 minutes after infusion. No symptoms of hot flash
      or drunkenness due to alcohol were observed. BAC was detected in 10
      cases(50%)immediately after infusion, in 7 cases(35%)at 30 minutes after
      infusion, and in 1 case(5%) at 60 minutes after infusion. BAC was more than
      0.15mg/L in only 1 case(5%)and reduced to less than 0.15mg/L in all cases after
      30 minutes. Our results suggest that the effects of alcohol are alleviated 60
      minutes after infusion and that patients receiving OTX could return home safely. 

PMID- 25129088
TI  - Seasonal variations in breast cancer diagnosis in Osaka, Japan.
AB  - To date, seasonal variations in breast cancer diagnosis have been reported in
      Western countries. In the present study, we calculated the number of breast
      cancer diagnoses according to season between 1976 and 2005, using data from the
      Osaka Cancer Registry. In all time periods and all age groups, breast cancer
      diagnosis showed peaks in early summer and troughs in winter. The number of
      breast cancer diagnoses in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter were
      2,595(26%), 2,739(27%), 2,585(26%), and 2,120(21%)in 1976-1985; 4,219(26%),
      4,581(28%), 4,2 62(26%), and 3,466(21%)in 1986-1995; and 6,299(25%), 6,852(28%),
      6,368(26%), and 5,335(22%)in 1996-2005, respectively. Most cases were diagnosed
      because of an awareness of a breast mass. The trend in screening-detected cases
      differed from the overall trend. As screening becomes more widely adopted, these
      seasonal variations might change. Careful monitoring is needed to confirm these
      findings. 

PMID- 25129089
TI  - [A case of recurrent lung cancer with bone metastases treated with tegafur-uracil
      and zoledronic acid for long-term survival].
AB  - We present the case of an 84-year-old man with lumbago due to bone metastases
      from lung cancer that recurred three years after surgery. The patient received
      carboplatin-paclitaxel combination as first-line chemotherapy for the treatment
      of lung cancer, and palliative radiotherapy for the treatment of bone metastases.
      Gemcitabine was administered as second-line chemotherapy. However, disease
      progression was observed after three years, and he developed pulmonary
      metastases. The general condition of the patient worsened, and tegafur-uracil
      chemotherapy was initiated. Zoledronic acid was also administered. The tegafur
      uracil treatment resulted in the disappearance of pulmonary metastases, and a
      stabilization of the bone metastases. Disease progression was observed after 6
      years with a recurrence of pulmonary metastases; however, this did not have a
      negative impact on the patient's quality of life. Although slow progression may
      be inherent to lung cancers, it is also possible that the tegafur-uracil and
      zoledronic acid combination might have contributed to the patient's improved
      performance.

PMID- 25129090
TI  - [Analysis of factors associated with the quality of life in patients with non
      small cell lung cancer who received outpatient pemetrexed maintenance therapy].
AB  - Increasing number of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer are
      receiving outpatient maintenance chemotherapy. It is very important to maintain
      these patients' quality of life(QOL). Pemetrexed has been reported to be an
      effective maintenance chemotherapy. However, its effects on the QOL of patients
      with non-small cell lung cancer who are undergoing outpatient maintenance
      chemotherapy are unknown; therefore, we conducted this study. To investigate
      factors that influence the QOL of these patients, we provided a QOL
      questionnaire,"The QOL Questionnaire for Cancer Patients Treated with Anticancer
      Drugs(QOL-ACD)"to 7 patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The medical factors
      related to the overall QOL scores, as well as other categories
      indicating"activity","physical condition","psychological condition","social
      relationship", and"face scale", were analyzed. No significant reductions in any
      of the factors were observed in this study. 

PMID- 25129091
TI  - [Neuroendocrine gallbladder cancer treated with cisplatin plus irinotecan - a
      case report].
AB  - A 52-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of upper abdominal pain.
      A computed tomography(CT)scan revealed bulky gallbladder and liver tumors. We
      reached a tentative diagnosis of invasive adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder and
      performed needle biopsy of the tumor. Biopsied specimens showed the proliferation
      of small round to oval cells with scanty cytoplasm and high rates of mitosis.
      Immunohistochemical examination showed that many tumor cells were positive for
      chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD56. Our final diagnosis was neuroendocrine
      carcinoma of the gallbladder with multiple liver metastases. The patient received
      cisplatin plus irinotecan chemotherapy. Remarkable shrinkage was observed after 3
      cycles of chemotherapy, and a good response continued for more than 6 months.
      Gallbladder cancer patients generally have a poor response to chemotherapy, so we
      should be aware of the histopathological diagnosis of the cancer before starting
      treatment.

PMID- 25129092
TI  - [A patient with advanced breast cancer who developed bacterial meningitis after
      chemotherapy].
AB  - A 76-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of a right breast tumor
      and a skin ulcer. The patient was diagnosed as having advanced breast cancer
      T4bN2M1(lung), Stage IV. A regimen of 5-fluorouracil(500mg/m2)with
      epirubicin(100mg/m / 2)and cyclophosphamide(500mg/m2)(FEC100)was administered.
      However, the patient was hospitalized 12 days later because of febrile
      neutropenia. The patient experienced a stiff neck the next day, and bacterial
      meningitis was diagnosed on the basis of cerebrospinal fluid examination.
      Antibacterial agents were administered according to the clinical practice
      guidelines of bacterial meningitis. The patient recovered and was discharged from
      our hospital 24 days after admission. Bacterial meningitis after chemotherapy is
      rare, but this could be progress to a serious condition. Early diagnosis and
      treatment are paramount in such cases.

PMID- 25129093
TI  - [A case of a patient with gastric cancer and peritoneal dissemination who
      survived for more than 10 years after successful treatment with S-1].
AB  - A 50-year-old female patient underwent distal gastrectomy and intraperitoneal
      CDDP administration for advanced gastric cancer accompanied by severe peritoneal
      dissemination. She valued her quality of life and chose an oral anticancer drug,
      S-1, as a postoperative chemotherapy agent. S-1 was administered at a dose of
      100mg/body/day for 4 weeks, followed by a 2- week rest. There were no adverse
      events due to S-1 and no exacerbation of peritoneal dissemination in the 5 years
      following surgery. The S-1 administration schedule was then changed to alternate
      day administration. Eight years after the surgery, the patient discontinued S-1
      treatment and has since survived for 11 years with no obvious cancer recurrence. 

PMID- 25129094
TI  - [A case of pathologically complete response in a patient with locally advanced
      sigmoid colon cancer after chemotherapy including bevacizumab/FOLFOX4].
AB  - A 65-year-old man complaining of abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. A
      diagnosis of colon ileus due to sigmoidal colon cancer was made. A stoma was
      created at the transverse colon, and elective surgery was scheduled. During the
      operation, the tumor was found to have invaded the bladder and the pelvic wall,
      making curative resection impossible. Chemotherapy consisting of
      bevacizumab/oxaliplatin, Leucovorin, and 5-fluorouracil(FOLFOX4, intravenous drip
      infusion every 2 weeks)was started. After 12 courses of treatment, remarkable
      shrinkage of the tumor was noted, which led us to perform a sigmoidectomy and
      partial resection of the bladder wall. A histopathological study of the
      surgically resected specimen showed no cancer cells. Recovery was uneventful and
      the patient was discharged on the 17th postoperative day. In cases of advanced
      colon cancer, complete response of the primary tumor with preoperative
      chemotherapy is very unusual. We conclude that chemotherapy with
      bevacizumab/FOLFOX4 plays a role in the management of advanced/unresectable colon
      cancer. 

PMID- 25129095
TI  - [Effectiveness of azacitidine in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia harboring
      del(20q) - a case report].
AB  - A 7 1-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with leukocytosis and anemia.
      Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)harboring del(20q)was diagnosed by
      peripheral blood examination and bone marrow aspiration. The patient was
      subsequently treated with azacitidine, which resulted in rapid disappearance of
      monocytosis and resolved his dependency on red cell transfusion. With regard to
      the chromosomal abnormality, although del(20q)is estimated to be encountered in
      approximately 0.7-1.0% of all CMML cases, its significance in prognosis has not
      been fully analyzed. Hence, more such cases need to be evaluated to elucidate the
      therapeutic outcome of CMML involving del(20q). In addition, the Wilms tumor-1(WT
      1)level in the patient gradually decreased after the initiation of azacitidine
      therapy. This phenomenon of WT1 decrease synchronizing with the patient's
      clinical improvement might reflect therapeutic efficacy with regard to the
      clinical course, as had been observed in acute myeloid leukemia and
      myelodysplastic syndrome. 

PMID- 25129096
TI  - [A case of small intestinal cancer in the upper intestine after pylorus
      preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy].
AB  - We report a case of small intestinal cancer that arose in the upper intestine 16
      years after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy( PPPD). An 84-year-old
      man, who had undergone PPPD for benign biliary tract disease 16 years previously,
      was found to have a primary small intestinal tumor in the upper intestine by
      upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and primary intestinal cancer in the upper
      intestine was finally diagnosed. We performed partial resection of the upper
      small intestine and stomach and partial colectomy of the transverse colon to
      account for direct invasion. Histopathologically, the primary lesion was
      diagnosed as a moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Small
      intestinal cancer in the upper intestine after PPPD is extremely rare. 

PMID- 25129097
TI  - [A case report of primary adenocarcinoma of the small intestine with peritoneal
      dissemination treated with multidisciplinary therapy].
AB  - A 55-year-old woman consulted our hospital complaining of abdominal distention
      and vomiting. She was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in the small intestine and
      an ovarian tumor with an upper gastro-intestinal series based on a computerized
      tomography(CT)examination. Intra-operative findings showed that the primary tumor
      was located in the proximal jejunum, 10 cm on the anal side from Treitz's
      ligament. There were no liver metastases, but the tumor had spread into the
      peritoneal cavity(light ovary). The jejunum and light ovary were therefore
      resected. Pathological diagnosis of the resected specimen revealed adenocarcinoma
      with lymph node metastases(T4N1M1, UICC StageIV). The patient received systemic
      chemotherapy with oral S-1. A recurrent lesion on the right ovary was detected 6
      months after surgery. The patient subsequently underwent resection of the right
      ovary. For lung metastases and recurrent peritoneal dissemination, combination
      chemotherapy with XELOX or FOLFIRI, along with capecitabine plus bevacizumab, and
      cetuximab, was administered. The patient died 33 months after the first surgery.
      Primary small intestinal adenocarcinoma is a rare disease, and it is often
      diagnosed at an advanced stage because there are very few characteristic
      symptoms. This case may be an important case for the development of a standard
      chemotherapy regimen for advanced and recurrent adenocarcinoma of the small
      intestine. 

PMID- 25129098
TI  - Neurolysis for secondary sciatic nerve entrapment: evaluation of surgical
      feasibility and functional outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study included 11 patients; seven males and four females with
      mean age of 68.3 +/-11 years. All patients had sciatic nerve entrapment: three
      had a penetrating injury, three suffered postoperative trauma, two had a crush
      injury, two had inadvertent injections and one was trapped in a machine belt.
      Clinical examination included: an evaluation of the extent of motor and sensory
      impacts according to the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) scale and the
      Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test; assessment of pain sensation using the visual
      analogue scale (VAS); electromyography; and nerve conduction velocitiey
      determination. The applied operative procedure for sciatic neurolysis was
      modulated according to the suspected site of sciatic nerve entrapment. At 6 and
      12 months after surgery all patients were evaluated for recovery of motor and
      sensory function. RESULTS: All patients passed the smooth intraoperative course
      within a mean operative time of 77.7 +/-21 min. The mean duration of wound
      drainage and postoperative hospital stay was 2.6 +/-0.7 and 4.8 +/-0.8 days,
      respectively. Pain sensation showed progressive significant improvement in nine
      patients but decreased at time of discharge and remained stationary till 12-m
      post-operative (PO). Recovery of motor function showed progressive significant
      improvement at 6 and 12 months after sciatic nerve neurolysis. The frequency of
      patients having muscle power recovery and regained sensation was significantly
      higher at 6-m and 12-m PO as compared to preoperative grading with a
      significantly higher frequency at the 6-m grading compared to preoperative
      grading. Two patients showed no change of their muscle strength grade, while nine
      patients showed improvement for a total success rate of motor strength recovery
      of 81.8%. At 6- m PO five patients showed no change of their sensory group, while
      six patients showed improvement for a total success rate of sensation recovery of
      54.5%. At 12-m PO ten patients had fullly recovered protective sensation for a
      success rate of 90.9%. CONCLUSION: Surgical exploration and neurolysis of cases
      with sciatic nerve entrapment is a safe and effective therapeutic modality with
      significant improvement of both motor and sensory functions without risk of
      additional deficit secondary to neurolysis.

PMID- 25129099
TI  - Quercetin glycosides induced neuroprotection by changes in the gene expression in
      a cellular model of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Quercetin glycosides, rutin and isoquercitrin, are potent antioxidants that have
      been found to possess neuroprotective effect in diseases like Parkinson's and
      Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we have examined the gene expression
      changes with rutin and isoquercitrin pretreatment on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)
      treated toxicity in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. PC12 cells were pretreated
      with rutin or isoquercitrin and subsequently exposed to 6-OHDA. Rutin-pretreated
      PC12 attenuated the Park2, Park5, Park7, Casp3, and Casp7 genes which were
      expressed significantly in the 6-OHDA-treated PC12 cells. Rutin upregulated the
      TH gene which is important in dopamine biosynthesis, but isoquercitrin
      pretreatment did not affect the expression of this gene. Both rutin and
      isoquercitrin pretreatments upregulated the ion transport and antiapoptotic genes
      (NSF and Opa1). The qPCR array data were further validated by qRT-PCR using four
      primers, Park5, Park7, Casp3, and TH. This finding suggests that changes in the
      expression levels of transcripts encoded by genes that participate in ubiquitin
      pathway and dopamine biosynthesis may be involved in Parkinson's disease. 

PMID- 25129100
TI  - Microvascular lesions by estrogen-induced ID3: its implications in cerebral and
      cardiorenal vascular disease.
AB  - Severe symptoms of cerebral and cardiorenal vascular diseases can be triggered
      when cerebral, coronary, or glomerular arterioles grow inappropriately as a
      result of abnormal cell proliferation. The risk factor(s) and molecular
      mechanisms responsible for microvascular lesion formation are largely unknown.
      Although controversial, both animal and epidemiological studies have shown that
      estrogen increases the risk of stroke which may be due to microvascular lesions.
      Since microvascular diseases are characterized by excessive vessel growth, it is
      plausible that estrogen-induced neovascularization contributes to the growth of
      microvascular lesions. We present evidence for how ID3 overexpression in
      endothelial cells contributes to the development of an estrogen-induced
      neovascular phenotype with an additional focus on Pyk2 kinase. Our data showed
      that ID3 overexpression increased neovascularization, cell migration, and
      spheroid growth of human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, hCMEC/D3. ID3
      overexpressing cells showed significant estrogen-induced G2/M phase transition.
      Estrogen treatment increased both ID3 phosphorylation; total protein that was
      inhibited by tamoxifen, and Pyk2-mediated estrogen-induced ID3 mRNA expression.
      These findings suggest that Pyk2 signals ID3 expression and ID3 is necessary for
      estrogen-induced neovascularization in hCMEC/D3 cells. A better understanding of
      how microvascular lesions depend on ID3 may open new avenues for prevention and
      treatment of neurological diseases. 

PMID- 25129101
TI  - Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Hepatitis A Virus in Wastewaters in
      Tunisia.
AB  - Hepatitis A causes substantial morbidity in both industrialized and non
      industrialized countries and represents an important health problem in several
      southern Mediterranean countries. The objectives of the study were as follows:
      (a) to assess the occurrence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in Tunisia through the
      monitoring of urban wastewaters collected at wastewater treatment plants (WTPs);
      (b) to characterize environmental strains; and (c) to estimate the viral load in
      raw and treated sewages, in order to evaluate the potential impact on superficial
      waters receiving discharges. A total of 150 raw and treated wastewaters were
      collected from three WTPs and analyzed by both qualitative (RT-PCR/nested) and
      quantitative (qRT-PCR) methods. Of these, 100 (66%) were found to be positive for
      HAV by the qualitative assay: 68.3% in influents and 64.7% in effluents. The vast
      majority of HAV sequences belonged to sub-genotype IA, with 11 different strains
      detected found to be identical to clinical strains isolated from Tunisian
      patients with acute hepatitis. Five unique variants were also detected, not
      previously reported in clinical cases. Only two IB strains were found, confirming
      the rarity of this sub-genotype in this country. The results of the present study
      indicate a wide circulation of the pathogen in the population, most probably in
      the form of asymptomatic infections, a finding consistent with the classification
      of the country as having intermediate/high endemicity. Quantitative data showed
      high viral loads in influents (3.5E+05 genome copies/liter, mean value) as well
      as effluents (2.5E+05 genome copies/liter, mean value), suggesting that
      contaminated water could be a critical element in transmission.

PMID- 25129102
TI  - Antiviral Effects of Lactococcus lactis on Feline Calicivirus, A Human Norovirus
      Surrogate.
AB  - Foodborne viruses, particularly human norovirus (NV) and hepatitis virus type A,
      are a cause of concern for public health making it necessary to explore novel and
      effective techniques for prevention of foodborne viral contamination, especially
      in minimally processed and ready-to-eat foods. This study aimed to determine the
      antiviral activity of a probiotic lactic acid bacterium (LAB) against feline
      calicivirus (FCV), a surrogate of human NV. Bacterial growth medium filtrate
      (BGMF) of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LM0230 and its bacterial cell
      suspension (BCS) were evaluated separately for their antiviral activity against
      FCV grown in Crandell-Reese feline kidney (CRFK) cells. No significant antiviral
      effect was seen when CRFK cells were pre-treated with either BGMF (raw or pH 7
      adjusted BGMF) or BCS. However, pre-treatment of FCV with BGMF and BCS resulted
      in a reduction in virus titers of 1.3 log10 tissue culture infectious dose
      (TCID)50 and 1.8 log10 TCID50, respectively. The highest reductions in FCV
      infectivity were obtained when CRFK cells were co-treated with FCV and pH 7
      adjusted BGMF or with FCV and BCS (7.5 log10 TCID50 and 6.0 log10 TCID50,
      respectively). These preliminary results are encouraging and indicate the need
      for continued studies on the role of probiotics and LAB on inactivation of
      viruses in various types of foods. 

PMID- 25129103
TI  - Tachykinin Peptide, substance p, and its receptor have a significant role in
      tissue reactions induced by cytotoxic therapy.

PMID- 25129105
TI  - Does endoscopic assessment of mucosal healing affect IBD management?

PMID- 25129104
TI  - The transcription factor FOXA2 suppresses gastric tumorigenesis in vitro and in
      vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The transcription factor forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) plays a
      central role in the development of endoderm-derived organs. It has been reported
      that FOXA2 acts as a suppressor in many kinds of tumor. However, little is known
      about the role of FOXA2 in gastric cancer. METHODS: The expression of FOXA2 in
      gastric cancer tissue samples from 89 patients was assessed by
      immunohistochemistry, and the clinicopathological characteristics of the samples
      were analyzed. The human gastric cancer cell line, BGC-823, was used to
      investigate the effects of FOXA2 in gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo and the
      potential mechanism involved was explored. RESULTS: FOXA2 expression in human
      gastric cancer cell lines and human gastric cancer tissues was lower compared
      with the normal gastric epithelium cell line GES1 and normal adult gastric
      tissues, respectively. Patients with high FOXA2 expression level had longer 5
      year overall survival than those with low FOXA2 expression level. FOXA2 markedly
      inhibited growth of BGC-823 cells accompanied with the cell cycle arrest and
      apoptosis. Infection of BGC-823 cells by FOXA2 lentivirus resulted in reduced
      cell tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, expression of Mucin 5AC was up
      regulated along with increased expression of exogenous FOXA2 in BGC-823 cells; in
      contrast, dedifferentiation markers, BMI, CD54 and CD24, were down-regulated.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that FOXA2 induces the differentiation of
      gastric cancer and highlight FOXA2 as a novel therapeutic target and prognostic
      marker for human gastric cancer.

PMID- 25129106
TI  - Proton receptor GPR68 expression in dendritic-cell-like S100beta-positive cells
      of rat anterior pituitary gland: GPR68 induces interleukin-6 gene expression in
      extracellular acidification.
AB  - S100beta-positive cells, which do not express the classical pituitary hormones,
      appear to possess multifunctional properties and are assumed to be heterogeneous
      in the anterior pituitary gland. The presence of several protein markers has
      shown that S100beta-positive cells are composed of populations such as
      stem/progenitor cells, epithelial cells, astrocytes and dendritic cells.
      Recently, we succeeded in separating S100beta-positive cells into round-cell
      (dendritic-cell-like) and process-cell types. We also found the characteristic
      expression of anti-inflammatory factors (interleukin-6, Il-6) and membrane
      receptors (integrin beta-6) in the round type. Here, we further investigate the
      function of the subpopulation of S100beta-positive cells. Since IL-6 is also a
      paracrine factor that regulates hormone producing-cells, we examine whether a
      correlation exists among extracellular acid stress, IL-6 and hormone production
      by using primary cultures of anterior pituitary cells. Dendritic-cell-like
      S100beta-positive cells notably expressed Gpr68 (proton receptor) and Il-6.
      Furthermore, the expression of Il-6 and proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) was up
      regulated by extracellular acidification. The functional role of IL-6 and GPR68
      in the gene expression of Pomc during extracellular acidification was also
      examined. Small interfering RNA for Il-6 up-regulated Pomc expression and that
      for Gpr68 reversed the down-regulation of Il-6 and up-regulated Pomc expression
      by extracellular acidification. Thus, S100beta-positive dendritic-like cells can
      sense an increase in extracellular protons via GPR68 and respond by the
      production of IL-6 in order to suppress the up-regulation of Pomc expression. 

PMID- 25129107
TI  - Involvement of RhoA/ROCK in insulin secretion of pancreatic beta-cells in 3D
      culture.
AB  - Cell-cell contacts and interactions between pancreatic beta-cells and/or other
      cell populations within islets are essential for cell survival, insulin
      secretion, and functional synchronization. Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems
      supply the ideal microenvironment for islet-like cluster formation and functional
      maintenance. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study,
      mouse insulinoma 6 (MIN6) cells were cultured in a rotating 3D culture system to
      form islet-like aggregates. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and the
      RhoA/ROCK pathway were investigated. In the 3D-cultured MIN6 cells, more
      endocrine-specific genes were up-regulated, and GSIS was increased to a greater
      extent than in cells grown in monolayers. RhoA/ROCK inactivation led to F-actin
      remodeling in the MIN6 cell aggregates and greater insulin exocytosis. The gap
      junction protein, connexin 36 (Cx36), was up-regulated in MIN6 cell aggregates
      and RhoA/ROCK-inactivated monolayer cells. GSIS dramatically decreased when Cx36
      was knocked down by short interfering RNA and could not be reversed by RhoA/ROCK
      inactivation. Thus, the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway is involved in insulin
      release through the up-regulation of Cx36 expression in 3D-cultured MIN6 cells. 

PMID- 25129108
TI  - A new role of Klumpfuss in establishing cell fate during the GMC asymmetric cell
      division.
AB  - Studies in the Drosophila embryonic NB4-2 lineage have suggested that the
      transcription factor Klumpfuss (Klu) functions within embryonic neuroblast
      lineages to differentiate between the identities of two adjacent ganglion mother
      cells (GMCs). However, because of the limited lineage markers available, these
      observations have been made only for the NB4-2 lineage. Recent findings have
      placed this transcription factor in the vanguard of Drosophila neural stem cell
      biology by demonstrating that Klu is necessary for larval neuroblast growth and
      self-renewal. Here, we have studied the role of klu in an incipient model in
      order to address basic mechanisms of neural specification: the Va system. None of
      the previously reported roles of Klu satisfactorily explain our observations.
      Unexpectedly, in this lineage, klu is necessary for differentiating between the
      fates of the two neurons born from a unique GMC; klu mutants produce two B-type
      cells, rather than one B-type (Notch-OFF) and one A-type (Notch-ON) cell.
      Additionally, our results demonstrate that Klu operates in the GMC and/or in the
      newly born neuron, but not in the neuroblast. Unlike in larval neuroblasts in
      which Klu is an executor of Notch signaling, we have found that Klu does not lie
      downstream of the Notch pathway in this cell division context. 

PMID- 25129109
TI  - Xenogeneic transplantation of articular chondrocytes into full-thickness
      articular cartilage defects in minipigs: fate of cells and the role of
      macrophages.
AB  - Xenogeneic or allogeneic chondrocytes hold great potential to build up new
      cartilage in vivo. However, immune rejection is a major concern for the utility
      of universal donor-derived cells. In order to verify the reported immune
      privilege of chondrocytes in vivo, the aim of this study was to assess
      engraftment of human articular chondrocytes (HAC) in minipig knee cartilage
      defects and their contribution to cartilage regeneration. HAC were transplanted
      matrix-assisted within two hydrogels into full-thickness cartilage defects of
      minipigs or implanted ectopically into immune deficient mice to assess
      redifferentiation capacity. At 2 and 4 weeks after surgery, cell-persistence and
      host cell invasion were monitored by species-specific in situ hybridization and
      RT-PCR. Early tissue regeneration was evaluated by histomorphometry and a
      modified O'Driscoll score. HAC capable of successful in vivo chondrogenic
      redifferentiation persisted at ectopic sites for 4 weeks in both carrier
      materials. Early defect regeneration involved extensive host cell invasion and a
      decline of HAC to less than 5 % of initial cell numbers in 6/12 defects within 2
      weeks. Few clusters of persisting HAC within collagen type II-rich tissue were
      surrounded by porcine macrophages. Four weeks after cell transplantation, most of
      the defects contained well-integrated cell-rich tissue free of human cells with
      no apparent difference between hydrogel carriers. In summary, HAC failed to
      engraft in porcine articular cartilage defects despite their ability for
      successful in vivo redifferentiation. The co-localization of macrophages to
      hydrogel-implanted HAC suggests active graft rejection without evidence for an
      immune-privileged status of xenogeneic chondrocytes in a large animal joint.

PMID- 25129110
TI  - Changing healthcare capital-to-labor ratios: evidence and implications for
      bending the cost curve in Canada and beyond.
AB  - Healthcare capital-to-labor ratios are examined for the 10 provincial single
      payer health care plans across Canada. The data show an increasing trend
      particularly during the period 1997-2009 during which the ratio as much as
      doubled from 3 to 6 %. Multivariate analyses indicate that every percentage point
      uptick in the rate of increase in this ratio is associated with an uptick in the
      rate of increase of real per capita provincial government healthcare expenditures
      by approximately $31 ([Formula: see text] 0.01). While the magnitude of this
      relationship is not large, it is still substantial enough to warrant notice:
      every percentage point decrease in the upward trend of the capital-to-labor ratio
      might be associated with a one percentage point decrease in the upward trend of
      per capita government healthcare expenditures. An uptick since 1997 in the rate
      of increase in per capita prescription drug expenditures is also associated with
      a decline in the trend of increasing per capita healthcare costs. While there has
      been some recent evidence of a slowing in the rate of health care expenditure
      increase, it is still unclear whether this reflects just a pause, after which the
      rate of increase will return to its baseline level, or a long-term shift;
      therefore, it is important to continue to explore various policy avenues to
      affect the rate of change going forward.

PMID- 25129111
TI  - Drug compartmentalization as strategy to improve the physico-chemical properties
      of diclofenac sodium loaded niosomes for topical applications.
AB  - The objective of this research was to study the effect of diclofenac sodium
      compartmentalization on the physico-chemical properties (such as size, drug
      entrapment efficiency and percutaneous permeation across rabbit skin) of niosomal
      vesicles used as carriers. Niosomes were prepared starting from nonionic
      commercial surfactants belonging to the class of Polysorbates and Pluronics:
      mixtures of Span 60/F127 and Tween 60/F127 at different ratios were used to
      obtain vesicles and all formulations were compared in terms of dimensions,
      morphology, polydispersity index and entrapment efficiency. Moreover, the
      enhancing effect of niosomes on the ex vivo percutaneous penetration of
      diclofenac sodium was investigated using Franz-type diffusion chambers and
      compared to that obtained by using the corresponding drug solution. Results
      demonstrated that niosomes were spherical and homogeneous in shape. Their size
      was found to be dependent on the hydrophile-lipophile balance of the surfactant
      mixture: increasing hydrophobicity resulted in smaller vesicles. Drug
      incorporation led to a significant variation in vesicle size dependently from the
      compartment in which the drug was located. The permeation of diclofenac from free
      solution used as control was found to be lower respect to that obtained for all
      niosomal formulations, that can be considered as percutaneous permeation
      enhancers. In particular, the results indicated that the highest cumulative
      amounts of diclofenac permeated across rabbit skin after 24 h were obtained by
      formulations in which the drug was located in the aqueous core.

PMID- 25129112
TI  - A micro-drive hearing aid: a novel non-invasive hearing prosthesis actuator.
AB  - The direct hearing device (DHD) is a new auditory prosthesis that combines
      conventional hearing aid and middle ear implant technologies into a single
      device. The DHD is located deep in the ear canal and recreates sounds with
      mechanical movements of the tympanic membrane. A critical component of the DHD is
      the microactuator, which must be capable of moving the tympanic membrane at
      frequencies and magnitudes appropriate for normal hearing, with little
      distortion. The DHD actuator reported here utilized a voice coil actuator design
      and was 3.7 mm in diameter. The device has a smoothly varying frequency response
      and produces a precisely controllable force. The total harmonic distortion
      between 425 Hz and 10 kHz is below 0.5 % and acoustic noise generation is
      minimal. The device was tested as a tympanic membrane driver on cadaveric
      temporal bones where the device was coupled to the umbo of the tympanic membrane.
      The DHD successfully recreated ossicular chain movements across the frequencies
      of human hearing while demonstrating controllable magnitude. Moreover, the micro
      actuator was validated in a short-term human clinical performance study where
      sound matching and complex audio waveforms were evaluated by a healthy subject.

PMID- 25129113
TI  - Shape and size of the medial patellofemoral ligament for the best surgical
      reconstruction: a human cadaveric study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the shape and the attachments
      of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) in cadaver specimens to determine an
      anatomical basis for the best MPFL reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty fresh-frozen
      knees were used. Dissection protocol implied performing dissections from within
      the knee joint. We investigated the shape and the attachments between the MPFL
      and the quadriceps tendon, the patellar and femur insertions, and all the other
      relationships with the medial soft tissues of the knee. RESULTS: The distal
      fibers of MPFL were interdigitated with the deep layer of the medial retinaculum.
      All isolated ligament had a sail-like shape with the patellar side bigger than
      the femoral side. The femoral insertion, distinct both from medial epicondyle and
      adductor tubercle, was located at 9.5 mm (range 4-22) distal and anterior respect
      to adductor tubercle and proximal and posterior to epicondyle. The medial third
      of the thickness of patella was involved in the insertion. The proximal third of
      the patella is always involved in the MPFL attachment; in 45% of the cases, it
      was extended to the medial third and in one case, an extension at the distal
      third was found. Additionally in 35% (7 cases), it extended to the quadriceps
      tendon and it were inconstantly attached at the vastus medialis obliques (VMO)
      tendon and at the vastus intermedius (VI) tendon in an aponeurotic structure.
      CONCLUSIONS: The MPFL is a distinct structure that goes from patella to femur
      with a sail-like shape; its patellar insertion, that mostly occur via an
      aponeurosis tissue with VMO and VI, is at the proximal third of the patella but
      it may extend in some cases to the medial third patella or to the quadriceps
      tendon, or very rarely to the distal third of the patella. In the femoral side,
      the MPFL is inserted in its own site, in most cases distinct both from epicondyle
      and adductor tubercle, located on average at a 9.5 mm distance distally and
      anteriorly in respect to the adductor tubercle. Its lower margin was difficult to
      define. Given the importance of this structure, it must be reconstructed as
      anatomically as possible in its insertion and in its shape. Many attempts have
      been made to make functional reconstructions with less than excellent results.

PMID- 25129114
TI  - Cutaneous manifestations of infection in returning travelers.
AB  - Dermatologic problems are common in returning travelers who seek medical care.
      Some common illnesses such as cellulitis or abscesses occur in travelers but are
      not unique to this patient group. Additionally, dermatologic illnesses not due to
      infection such as drug eruptions or phototoxicity are seen. Skin manifestations
      occur in many tropical illnesses such as dengue, schistosomiasis, and
      leishmaniasis. This article reviews the common causes of cutaneous illnesses
      associated with travel including non-infectious causes, infections that are not
      limited to travelers, and infections that are almost exclusively seen in
      travelers. 

PMID- 25129115
TI  - Microbiology and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections in children.
AB  - Infections of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts remain a common surgical
      complication causing significant morbidity in children with hydrocephalus. As
      most of the literature regarding these infections includes only small cohorts
      from a single institution's experience, there remain large knowledge gaps and
      little support for the prevailing management strategies. Regarding the
      microbiology of shunt infections, little has changed in the past 10 years, other
      than the emergence of methicillin-resistant strains of coagulase-negative
      staphylococcus (CoNS) and Staphylococcus aureus, which remain the two predominant
      etiologic agents. Molecular diagnostics such as multiplex PCR have been used to
      identify the complex microflora of shunt infections and in the future could prove
      a useful adjunct for early diagnosis and targeting of antimicrobial therapy.
      Antibiotic-impregnated catheters for use in external ventricular drains and CSF
      shunts have been adopted into clinical practice and appear to reduce the risk of
      shunt infection by susceptible organisms. 

PMID- 25129116
TI  - Management of Intra-abdominal Infections due to Carbapenemase-Producing
      Organisms.
AB  - The prevalence of bacterial resistance to carbapenem antibiotics continues to
      increase because of bacteria producing metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL), called
      carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO). Enterobacteriaceae, which can be a
      common cause of intra-abdominal infections (IAIs), have become carbapenem
      resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Updated international guidelines for the
      treatment of both IAIs and IAIs due to CRE have been published. Given the
      multifaceted nature of these infections, these recommendations have been jointly
      reviewed and endorsed by the Surgical Society and the Association of Medical
      Microbiology and Infectious Disease. The aims of this review are to summarize the
      general and new generation of multimodal procedure to manage IAIs due to CRE and
      review the data available on the combination of interventions to reduce CRE.
      Future research should focus on the development of novel and safe antimicrobial
      therapies and the quantification of the incremental effect of infection control
      programmes and new methods to rapidly detect pathogens before patients enter the
      surgical setting. 

PMID- 25129117
TI  - Ventilator-associated conditions versus ventilator-associated pneumonia:
      different by design.
AB  - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new surveillance
      concept called ventilator-associated conditions (VACs) in early 2013. VAC was
      created to overcome some of the limitations of traditional ventilator-associated
      pneumonia (VAP) definitions, including their complexity, subjectivity, and
      insensitivity to complications other than pneumonia. VAC is defined by sustained
      increases in ventilator support after >=2 days of stable or decreasing settings.
      The VAC definition was designed to be objective, reproducible, and amenable to
      automated analysis. Moreover, VAC purposefully broadens the scope of surveillance
      to include physiologically significant complications of care in addition to
      pneumonia, most commonly pulmonary edema, atelectasis, and acute respiratory
      distress syndrome. VAC definitions offer an opportunity for hospital quality
      improvement programs to get a fuller picture of the breadth and burden of
      complications in their critically ill populations and to use these data to
      catalyze enhanced prevention and control programs to better prevent these
      conditions. 

PMID- 25129118
TI  - [Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue diseases].
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a classical complication of connective
      tissue diseases (CTD), particularly in systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus
      erythematous (SLE) or mixed connective tissue diseases (MCTD). The prevalence of
      PAH in SSc, as measured by right heart catheterization (RHC), is estimated
      between 7.85 to 13%. The detection of PAH in SSc is based on trans-thoracic
      echocardiography. Early detection in pulmonary hypertension is the best way to
      improve the survival in these diseases. In the DETECT study, 19% of high-risk PAH
      patients with SSc (SSc diagnosed less than 3 years before and DLco<60% predicted)
      have PAH as measured by RHC. Specific treatments for PAH are less efficient in
      PAH related to SSc than in idiopathic PAH. The main characteristic of PAH related
      to CTD other than SSc is a good response to immunosuppressive treatment, with an
      improvement in 50% of cases in SLE or MCTD. The prognosis of PAH associated with
      CTD seem to improve with the diversification of treatments available, but remains
      reserved. Therapeutic combinations and new molecules should allow to improve the
      prognosis. 

PMID- 25129119
TI  - Optic radiation damage in multiple sclerosis is associated with visual
      dysfunction and retinal thinning--an ultrahigh-field MR pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate posterior visual pathway damage in multiple sclerosis
      using ultrahigh-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 7 Tesla (7 T), and to
      determine its correlation with visual disability and retinal fibre layer (RNFL)
      damage detectable by optic coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: We studied 7 T
      MRI, OCT, functional acuity contrast testing (FACT), and visually evoked
      potentials (VEP, n = 16) in 30 patients (including 26 relapsing-remitting MS and
      four clinically isolated syndrome patients) and 12 healthy controls to quantify
      RNFL thickness, optic radiation lesion volume, and optic radiation thickness.
      RESULTS: Optic radiation lesion volume was associated with thinning of the optic
      radiation (p < 0.001), delayed VEP (p = 0.031), and visual disability indicated
      by FACT (p = 0.020). Furthermore, we observed an inverse correlation between
      optic radiation lesion volume and RNFL thickness (p < 0.001), including patients
      without previous optic neuritis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior visual pathway
      damage, but also (subclinical) optic radiation integrity loss detectable by 7 T
      MRI are common findings in MS that are mutually affected. Given the association
      between optic radiation damage, visual impairment, and increased VEP latency in
      this exploratory study of a limited sample size, clinicians should be aware of
      acute lesions within the optic radiation in patients with (bilateral) visual
      disturbances. KEY POINTS: * Focal destruction of the optic radiation is
      detectable by 7 T MRI. * Focal optic radiation damage is common in MS. * Optic
      radiation damage is associated with RNFL thinning, detectable by OCT. * Optic
      radiation damage is associated with delayed VEP and visual dysfunction. * RNFL
      thickness in non-optic neuritis eyes correlates with optic radiation
      demyelination.

PMID- 25129121
TI  - Sorptive capacity of membrane lipids, storage lipids, and proteins: a preliminary
      study of partitioning of organochlorines in lean fish from a PCB-contaminated
      freshwater lake.
AB  - Knowledge on the internal distribution of halogenated organic chemicals (HOCs)
      would improve our understanding of dose-effect relationships and subsequently
      improve risk assessment of contaminated sites. Herein, we determine the
      concentrations of HOCs based on equilibrium partitioning in storage lipids,
      membrane lipids, and proteins in field-contaminated fish using equilibrium
      sampling devices. The study shows the importance of protein as a sorptive phase
      in lean fish. Our results provide a basis for using species-specific equilibrium
      partitioning coefficients between sorptive tissues and fish internal water as a
      substitute for K(ow) in, for example, upgrading models that simulate food-chain
      accumulation of the chemical.

PMID- 25129120
TI  - Short- and long-term outcomes of LigaSure versus conventional surgery for
      curative gastric cancer resection: a matched pair analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The LigaSure vessel sealing system allows dissection and hemostasis
      in a safe and quick way, and it has been reported to be an effective tool to
      shorten operative time and reduce intraoperative blood loss for various
      surgeries. However, short- and long-term outcomes in comparison with conventional
      surgery for gastric cancer resection are limited. METHODS: Between January 2005
      and December 2009, 121 patients underwent curative resection for gastric cancer
      with LigaSure. Perioperative and long-term results were compared with those of
      242 matched patients who received curative resection for gastric cancer with the
      conventional technique. Immediate operation outcomes, operation morbidity,
      recurrence and survival were compared between groups. RESULTS: In the LigaSure
      group compared with the conventional group, operation time was 156 versus 183 min
      (P < 0.0001), intraoperative blood loss was 181 versus 236 ml (P = 0.042),
      intraoperative blood transfusion was 68 versus 161 ml (P = 0.014), and hospital
      stay was 11.9 versus 13.6 days (P = 0.001). There were no differences in
      operation morbidity, recurrence rates, overall and disease-free survival between
      the LigaSure and conventional groups. CONCLUSIONS: LigaSure is associated with
      shorter operation time and hospital stay, less blood loss and transfusion, and
      comparable operation morbidity and long-term outcomes in comparison with
      conventional surgery for curative gastric cancer resection.

PMID- 25129122
TI  - Role of thromboelastography and rapid thromboelastography to assess the
      pharmacodynamic effects of vitamin K antagonists.
AB  - Thromboelastography (TEG) measures the effects of antithrombotic agents by
      assessing global functional clotting status by evaluating the viscoelastic
      properties of in vitro clot formation. Recently, rapid TEG (r-TEG), which uses
      tissue factor in addition to standard kaolin to accelerate activation of the
      clotting cascade, has been proposed to obtain more immediate results. The
      correlation between results of TEG or r-TEG with international normalized ratio
      (INR) in patients on vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy has not been explored and
      represents the aim of this study. Patients on chronic therapy with VKAs (n = 100)
      were included in an observational prospective pharmacodynamic study. The
      correlation between TEG parameters, in particular markers of thrombus generation
      [Reaction time (R), maximum rate of thrombus generation (MRTG), and time to
      maximum rate of thrombus generation (TMRTG)], and INR values as well as the
      concordance between these parameters and therapeutic INR ranges were evaluated.
      In addition, in a subgroup of subjects (n = 17), the correlation of r-TEG
      parameters with TEG parameters and INR values was also assessed. No correlation
      was found between INR and TEG parameters of thrombus generation, in particular
      between INR and R (r = 0.189, p = 0.06), MRTG (r = -0.027, p = 0.79), and TMRTG
      (r = 0.188, p = 0.06). Further, no concordance was found between these parameters
      and recommended INR ranges. Significant Spearman correlations were found between
      INR and activated clotting time (rS = 0.546, p < 0.001), r-R (rS = 0.572, p =
      0.017), and r-TMRTG (rS = 0.510, p = 0.037), but not r-MRTG (rS = 0.131, p =
      0.617). Results were obtained in 24 +/- 6 versus 12 +/- 4 min with TEG and r-TEG,
      respectively (p < 0.001). In patients on chronic VKA therapy, TEG is not a useful
      tool to evaluate VKA anticoagulant effect, compared with standard INR
      measurements. However, r-TEG parameters of thrombus generation correlate with INR
      levels, suggesting a possible role of this assay for measuring more expeditiously
      anticoagulant treatment effects.

PMID- 25129123
TI  - A role for membrane shape and information processing in cardiac physiology.
AB  - While the heart is a dynamic organ and one of its major functions is to provide
      the organism with sufficient blood supply, the regulatory feedback systems, which
      allow adaptation to hemodynamic changes, remain not well understood. Our current
      description of mechanosensation focuses on stretch-sensitive ion channels,
      cytoskeletal components, structures such as the sarcomeric Z-disc, costameres,
      caveolae, or the concept of tensegrity, but these models appear incomplete as the
      remarkable plasticity of the myocardium in response to biomechanical stress and
      heart rate variations remains unexplained. Signaling activity at membranes
      depends on their geometric parameters such as surface area and curvature, which
      links shape to information processing. In the heart, continuous cycles of
      contraction and relaxation reshape membrane morphology and hence affect cardio
      mechanic signaling. This article provides a brief review on current models of
      mechanosensation and focuses on how signaling, cardiac myocyte dynamics, and
      membrane shape interact and potentially give rise to a self-organized system that
      uses shape to sense the extra- and intracellular environment. This novel concept
      may help to explain how changes in frequency, and thus membrane shape, affect
      cardiac plasticity. One of the conclusions is that hypertrophy and associated
      fibrosis, which have been considered as necessary to cope with increased wall
      stress, can also be seen as part of complex feedback systems which use local
      membrane inhomogeneity in different cardiac cell types to influence whole
      organphysiology and which are predicted to fine-tune and thus regulate membrane
      mediated signaling. 

PMID- 25129124
TI  - Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor delays tolerance to anxiolytic effect
      of ethanol and withdrawal-induced anxiety in rats.
AB  - Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of
      endogenous gut-derived hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). DPP-IV is known
      for its role in energy homeostasis and pharmacological blockade of this enzyme is
      a recently approved clinical strategy for the management of type II diabetes.
      Accumulating evidences suggest that enzyme DPP-IV can affect spectrum of central
      nervous system (CNS) functions. However, little is known about the role of this
      enzyme in ethanol-mediated neurobehavioral complications. The objective of the
      present study was to examine the impact of DPP-IV inhibitor, sitagliptin on the
      development of tolerance to anxiolytic effect of ethanol and anxiety associated
      with ethanol withdrawal in rats. A dose-response study revealed that sitaglitpin
      (20 mg/kg, p.o.) per se exhibit anxiolytic effect in the elevated plus maze (EPM)
      test in rats. Tolerance to anxiolytic effect of ethanol (2 g/kg, i.p.; 8 % w/v)
      was observed from 7(th) day of ethanol-diet (6 % v/v) consumption. In contrast,
      tolerance to anxiolytic effect of ethanol was delayed in rats that were treated
      daily with sitagliptin (20 mg/kg, p.o.) as tolerance was observed from 13(th)day
      since commencement of ethanol-diet consumption. Discontinuation of rats from
      ethanol-diet after 15-days of ethanol consumption resulted in withdrawal anxiety
      between 8 h and 12 h post-abstinence. However, rats on 15-day ethanol-diet with
      concomitant sitagliptin (20 mg/kg, p.o.) treatment exhibited delay in appearance
      (24 h post-withdrawal) of withdrawal anxiety. In summary, DPP-IV inhibitors may
      prove as an attractive research strategy against ethanol tolerance and
      dependence.

PMID- 25129125
TI  - CD44 expression in curettage and postoperative specimens of endometrial cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adhesive molecules like CD44 are well defined key players in the
      metastatic cascade in many cancers, including endometrial cancer. They could play
      a role of markers of invasion, metastasis and prognostic factors. AIM OF THE
      STUDY: The aim of the study is to assess a possible role of the CD44 as a marker
      of invasion in endometrial cancer, both at the moment of preoperative workup and
      final staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Available for analysis were archival
      specimens of 51 patients who had underwent curettage and surgery between 2002 and
      2007. An immunohistochemical study for CD44 expression was performed in curettage
      and postoperative specimens. Normal endometrium of 20 randomly chosen patients
      was used as a control group. RESULTS: In endometrial cancer the expression of
      CD44 was significantly more intensive than in normal endometrium. In
      postoperative specimens, the CD44 expression was weaker in serous than in
      endometrioid cancer. There was no significant correlation between the adhesion
      molecule expression and clinicopathological features: grade,depth of invasion,
      cervical involvement, serosal and adnexal involvement, lymph-vascular space
      involvement, lymph node and distant metastases nor FIGO stage. CONCLUSIONS: An
      increased expression of CD44 in endometrial cancer suggests its possible role in
      pathogenesis of this disease, however, it doesn't seem to be crucial. Different
      expression of the CD44 in endometrioid and papillary-serous type may reflect
      different pathogenesis of these types of cancer. No statistically proved relation
      between the investigated molecule expression and clinicopathological parameters
      suggests scepticism about its use in diagnostic process of endometrial cancer.

PMID- 25129126
TI  - Regional variation in breast cancer treatment in the Netherlands and the role of
      external peer review: a cohort study comprising 63,516 women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment variation is an important issue in health care provision.
      An external peer review programme for multidisciplinary cancer care was
      introduced in 1994 in the Netherlands to improve the multidisciplinary
      organisation of cancer care in hospitals.So far the clinical impact of external
      quality assessment programmes such as external peer review and accreditation
      remains unclear. Our objective was to examine the degree of variation in
      treatment patterns and the possible effect of external peer review for
      multidisciplinary cancer care for breast cancer patients. METHODS: Patients with
      breast cancer were included from 23 hospitals from two 'intervention regions'
      with the longest experience with the programme and 7 hospitals that never
      participated (control group). Data on tumour and treatment characteristics were
      retrieved from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Treatment modalities investigated
      were: the completeness of breast conserving therapy, introduction of the sentinel
      node biopsy, radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery for ductal carcinoma in
      situ (DCIS), adjuvant radiotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer (T3/M0 or
      any T,N2-3/M0), adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer (T1-2/N+/M0)
      and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for T4/M0 breast cancer. Hospitals from the two
      intervention regions were dichotomised based on their implementation proportion
      (IP) of recommendations from the final reports of each peer review (high IP vs.
      low IP). This was regarded as a measure of how well a hospital participated in
      the programme. RESULTS: 63,516 female breast cancer patients were included (1990
      2010). Variation in treatment patterns was observed between the intervention
      regions and control group. Multidisciplinary treatment patterns were not
      consistently better for patients from hospitals with a high IP. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is no relationship between the external peer review programme for
      multidisciplinary cancer care and multidisciplinary treatment patterns for breast
      cancer patients. Regional factors seem to exert a stronger effect on treatment
      patterns than hospital participation in external peer review.

PMID- 25129127
TI  - Utility of an initial adaptive bladder volume control with ultrasonography for
      proton-beam irradiation for prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our purpose was to evaluate the utility of time-fixed bladder volume
      control and adaptive bladder volume control with ultrasonography (US). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients with prostate cancer treated with proton-beam
      therapy were enrolled. Treatment plans were created using computed tomography
      (CT) images obtained 60 min after urination with usual water intake. Just before
      each irradiation, bladder volume was measured with US at the directed urine
      collection time. Bladder volume was calculated according to orthogonal diameters.
      A bladder volume of <50 ml was considered to reflect a collapsed bladder. The
      percentage of collapsed bladders was examined in total and from the first to
      fifth irradiations. RESULTS: In total, 1,439 US confirmations (51 %) in 2,821
      fractions were obtained and analyzed. A collapsed bladder was observed 152 of
      1,439 times (11 %) in total, and the percentages of collapsed bladders from the
      first to fifth irradiations were 32 %, 18 %, 16 %, 12 %, and 7 %, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Time-fixed bladder control is associated with a risk of bladder
      volume insufficiency. Adaptive bladder volume control with initial US feedback
      could decrease the risk of bladder volume insufficiency.

PMID- 25129128
TI  - High-density genetic linkage map construction and identification of fruit-related
      QTLs in pear using SNP and SSR markers.
AB  - Pear (Pyrus spp) is an important fruit crop, grown in all temperate regions of
      the world, with global production ranked after grape and apples among deciduous
      tree crops. A high-density linkage map is a valuable tool for fine mapping
      quantitative trait loci (QTL) and map-based gene cloning. In this study, we
      firstly constructed a high-density linkage map of pear using SNPs integrated with
      SSRs, developed by the rapid and robust technology of restriction-associated DNA
      sequencing (RADseq). The linkage map consists of 3143 SNP markers and 98 SSRs,
      3241 markers in total, spanning 2243.4 cM, with an average marker distance of
      0.70 cM. Anchoring SSRs were able to anchor seventeen linkage groups to their
      corresponding chromosomes. Based on this high-density integrated pear linkage map
      and two years of fruit phenotyping, a total of 32 potential QTLs for 11 traits,
      including length of pedicel (LFP), single fruit weight (SFW), soluble solid
      content (SSC), transverse diameter (TD), vertical diameter (VD), calyx status
      (CS), flesh colour (FC), juice content (JC), number of seeds (NS), skin colour
      (SC), and skin smooth (SS), were identified and positioned on the genetic map.
      Among them, some important fruit-related traits have for the first time been
      identified, such as calyx status, length of pedicel, and flesh colour, and
      reliable localization of QTLs were verified repeatable. This high-density linkage
      map of pear is a worthy reference for mapping important fruit traits, QTL
      identification, and comparison and combination of different genetic maps. 

PMID- 25129130
TI  - A network perspective on nitrogen metabolism from model to crop plants using
      integrated 'omics' approaches.
AB  - Nitrogen (N), as an essential element in amino acids, nucleotides, and proteins,
      is a key factor in plant growth and development. Omics approaches such as
      metabolomics and transcriptomics have become a promising way to inspect complex
      network interactions in N metabolism and can be used for monitoring the uptake
      and regulation, translocation, and remobilization of N. In this review, the
      authors highlight recent progress in omics approaches, including transcript
      profiling using microarrays and deep sequencing, and show recent technical
      developments in metabolite profiling for N studies. Further, network analysis
      studies including network inference methods with correlations, information
      theoretic measures, and a network concept to examine gene expression clusters in
      relation to N regulatory systems in plants are introduced, and integrating
      network inference methods and integrated networks using multiple omics data are
      discussed. Finally, this review summarizes recent omics application examples
      using metabolite and/or transcript profiling analysis to elucidate the regulation
      of N metabolism and signalling and the coordination of N and carbon metabolism in
      model plants (Arabidopsis and rice), crops (tomato, maize, and legumes), and
      trees (Populus). 

PMID- 25129129
TI  - SRR1 is essential to repress flowering in non-inductive conditions in Arabidopsis
      thaliana.
AB  - Timing of flowering is determined by environmental and developmental signals,
      leading to promotion or repression of key floral integrators. SENSITIVITY TO RED
      LIGHT REDUCED (SRR1) is a pioneer protein previously shown to be involved in
      regulation of the circadian clock and phytochrome B signalling in Arabidopsis
      thaliana. This report has examined the role of SRR1 in flowering time control.
      Loss-of-function srr1-1 plants flowered very early compared with the wild type
      under short-day conditions and had a weak flowering response to increasing
      daylength. Furthermore, FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) transcript levels were elevated
      already in short days in srr1-1 compared with the wild type. This correlated with
      elevated end of day levels of CONSTANS (CO), whereas levels of CYCLING DOF FACTOR
      1 (CDF1), a repressor of CO transcription, were reduced. srr1-1 gi-2 and srr1-1
      co-9 double mutants showed that SRR1 can also repress flowering independently of
      the photoperiodic pathway. srr1-1 flowered consistently early between 16  degrees
      C and 27  degrees C, showing that SRR1 prevents premature flowering over a wide
      temperature range. SRR1 also promotes expression of the repressors TEMPRANILLO 1
      (TEM1) and TEM2. Consequently their targets in the gibberellin biosynthesis
      pathway were elevated in srr1-1. SRR1 is thus an important focal point of both
      photoperiodic and photoperiod-independent regulation of flowering. By stimulating
      expression of the FT-binding repressors CDF1, TEM1 and TEM2, and FLC, flowering
      is inhibited in non-inductive conditions. 

PMID- 25129132
TI  - Nitrogen control of developmental phase transitions in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient and a key structural component of
      macromolecules in plants. N nutrients and metabolites can act as signals that
      impact on many aspects of plant biology. The plant life cycle involves a series
      of developmental phase transitions that must be tightly coordinated to external
      and internal cues in order to ensure plant survival and reproduction. N
      availability is one of the factors controlling phase changes. In this review, we
      integrate and summarize the known effects of N over different developmental
      stages in plants. Substantial advances have been made in our understanding of
      signalling and N-responsive gene regulatory networks. We focus on the molecular
      mechanisms underlying N regulation of developmental transitions and the role of
      putative new regulators that might link N availability to pathways controlling
      Arabidopsis growth and development from seed germination through the plant
      reproductive transition. 

PMID- 25129131
TI  - Insights into transcriptional regulation of beta-D-N-acetylhexosaminidase, an N
      glycan-processing enzyme involved in ripening-associated fruit softening.
AB  - Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit ripening-specific N-glycan processing enzyme,
      beta-D-N-acetylhexosaminidase (beta-Hex), plays an important role in the ripening
      associated fruit-softening process. However, the regulation of fruit ripening
      specific expression of beta-Hex is not well understood. We have identified and
      functionally characterized the fruit ripening-specific promoter of beta-Hex and
      provided insights into its transcriptional regulation during fruit ripening. Our
      results demonstrate that RIPENING INHIBITOR (RIN), a global fruit ripening
      regulator, and ABSCISIC ACID STRESS RIPENING 1 (SlASR1), a poorly characterized
      ripening-related protein, are the transcriptional regulators of beta-Hex. Both
      RIN and SlASR1 directly bound to the beta-Hex promoter fragments containing CArG
      and C2-3(C/G)A cis-acting elements, the binding sites for RIN and SlASR1,
      respectively. Moreover, beta-Hex expression/promoter activity in tomato fruits
      was downregulated once expression of either RIN or SlASR1 was suppressed;
      indicating that RIN and SlASR1 positively regulate the transcription of beta-Hex
      during fruit ripening. Interestingly, RIN could also bind to the SlASR1 promoter,
      which contains several CArG cis-acting elements, and SlASR1 expression was
      suppressed in rin mutant fruits, indicating that RIN also acts as a positive
      regulator of SlASR1 expression during fruit ripening. Taken together, these
      results suggest that RIN, both directly and indirectly, through SlASR1, regulates
      the transcription of beta-Hex during fruit ripening. The fruit ripening-specific
      promoter of beta-Hex could be a useful tool in regulating gene expression during
      fruit ripening.

PMID- 25129134
TI  - The development of differences in hospital costs accross income groups in Finland
      from 1998 to 2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantify differences in hospital costs between socioeconomic groups
      and the development over time. METHODS: Register data on somatic specialised
      hospital admissions for patients aged between 25 and 84 in Finland in 1998-2010
      were used with income data individually linked to them. The cost of an admission
      was calculated by multiplying the number of a patient's inpatient days by the
      inpatient day cost of the patient's DRG. We calculated age-standardised admission
      costs per resident and per user as well as costs per inpatient day and
      concentration indices separately for men and women. RESULTS: Hospital admission
      costs reduced with increasing income. The difference between the extreme income
      quintiles was more than 50% throughout the study period, and this difference
      widened. However, the cost per inpatient day was more than 20% higher in the
      highest income group. The differences between income groups were the most
      prominent in disease categories involving surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The growth
      between socioeconomic groups in hospital costs is presumably mainly due to
      increasing differences in morbidity. More attention needs to be paid to
      prevention of health inequalities and access to and content of primary care among
      low-income groups in order to decrease the need for hospitalisations.

PMID- 25129135
TI  - Perspectives of physicians practicing in low and middle income countries towards
      generic medicines: a narrative review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This review was conducted to document published literature related to
      physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of generic medicines in low-
      and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to compare the findings with high-income
      countries. METHODS: A systematic search of articles published in peer-reviewed
      journals from January 2001 to February 2013 was performed. The search comprised
      nine electronic databases. The search strategy involved using Boolean operators
      for combinations of the following terms: generic medicines, generic medications,
      generic drugs, generic, generic substitution, generic prescribing, international
      non-proprietary, prescribers, doctors, general practitioners, physicians, and
      specialists. RESULTS: Sixteen articles were included in this review. The majority
      (n=11) were from high income countries and five from LMICs. The main difference
      between high income countries and LMICs is that physicians from high income
      countries generally have positive views whereas those from LMICs tend to have
      mixed views regarding generic medicines. Few similarities were identified among
      different country income groups namely low level of physicians' knowledge of the
      basis of bioequivalence testing, cost of generic medicines as an encouraging
      factor for generic medicine prescribing, physicians' concerns towards safety and
      quality of generic medicines and effect of pharmaceutical sales representative on
      generic medicine prescribing. CONCLUSION: The present literature review revealed
      that physicians from LMICs tend to have mixed views regarding generic medicines.
      This may be due to differences in the health care system and pharmaceutical
      funding system, medicine policies, the level of educational interventions, and
      drug information sources in countries of different income levels.

PMID- 25129133
TI  - Small RNAs as important regulators for the hybrid vigour of super-hybrid rice.
AB  - Heterosis is an important biological phenomenon; however, the role of small RNA
      (sRNA) in heterosis of hybrid rice remains poorly described. Here, we performed
      sRNA profiling of F1 super-hybrid rice LYP9 and its parents using high-throughput
      sequencing technology, and identified 355 distinct mature microRNAs and trans
      acting small interfering RNAs, 69 of which were differentially expressed sRNAs
      (DES) between the hybrid and the mid-parental value. Among these, 34 DES were
      predicted to target 176 transcripts, of which 112 encoded 94 transcription
      factors. Further analysis showed that 67.6% of DES expression levels were
      negatively correlated with their target mRNAs either in flag leaves or panicles.
      The target genes of DES were significantly enriched in some important biological
      processes, including the auxin signalling pathway, in which existed a regulatory
      network mediated by DES and their targets, closely associated with plant growth
      and development. Overall, 20.8% of DES and their target genes were significantly
      enriched in quantitative trait loci of small intervals related to important rice
      agronomic traits including growth vigour, grain yield, and plant architecture,
      suggesting that the interaction between sRNAs and their targets contributes to
      the heterotic phenotypes of hybrid rice. Our findings revealed that sRNAs might
      play important roles in hybrid vigour of super-hybrid rice by regulating their
      target genes, especially in controlling the auxin signalling pathway. The above
      finding provides a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of heterosis. 

PMID- 25129136
TI  - Sodium pentaborate pentahydrate and pluronic containing hydrogel increases
      cutaneous wound healing in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - After a disruption of skin integrity, the body produces an immediate response
      followed by a functional and comparable regeneration period, referred to as wound
      healing. Although normal wounds do not need much attention during the healing
      period, chronic (non-healing) wounds are the major challenge of current
      dermatological applications. Therefore, developing new, safe, and effective wound
      healing drugs has always been an attractive area of international research. In
      the current study, sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (NaB), pluronics (Plu; F68 and
      F127), and their combinations were investigated for their wound healing
      activities, using in vitro and in vivo approaches. The results revealed that NaB
      significantly increased migration capacity and superoxide dismutase activity in
      primary human fibroblasts. Combinations of optimized concentrations for pluronic
      block co-polymers further increased cell migration, and the messenger RNA (mRNA)
      expression levels of important growth factor and cytokines (vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), and tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)). NaB containing hydrogel co-formulated with
      pluronics was also investigated for their wound healing activities using a full
      thickness wound model in rats. Macroscopic and histopathological analysis
      confirmed that wounds in combination gel-treated groups healed faster than those
      of control groups. NaB/Plu gel application was found to increase wound
      contraction and collagen deposition in the wound area. Therefore, our results
      suggest that NaB, and its pluronics combination, could be used in dermatological
      clinics and be a future solution for chronic wounds. However, further studies
      should be conducted to explore its exact action of mechanism and effects of this
      formulation on chronic wounds.

PMID- 25129137
TI  - Selenium deficiency inhibits the conversion of thyroidal thyroxine (T4) to
      triiodothyronine (T3) in chicken thyroids.
AB  - Selenium (Se) influences the metabolism of thyroid hormones in mammals. However,
      the role of Se deficiency in the regulation of thyroid hormones in chickens is
      not well known. In the present study, we examined the levels of thyroidal
      triiodothyronine (T3), thyroidal thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine, free
      thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the serum and the mRNA
      expression levels of 25 selenoproteins in chicken thyroids. Then, principal
      component analysis (PCA) was performed to analyze the relationships between the
      selenoproteins. The results indicated that Se deficiency influenced the
      conversion of T4 to T3 and induced the accumulation of T4 and FT4. In addition,
      the mRNA expression levels of the selenoproteins were generally decreased by Se
      deficiency. The PCA showed that eight selenoproteins (deiodinase 1 (Dio1), Dio2,
      Dio3, thioredoxin reductase 2 (Txnrd2), selenoprotein i (Seli), selenoprotein u
      (Selu), glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1), and Gpx2) have similar trends, which
      indicated that they may play similar roles in the metabolism of thyroid hormones.
      The results showed that Se deficiency inhibited the conversion of T4 to T3 and
      decreased the levels of the crucial metabolic enzymes of the thyroid hormones,
      Dio1, Dio2, and Dio3, in chickens. In addition, the decreased selenoproteins
      (Dio1, Dio2, Dio3, Txnrd2, Seli, Selu, Gpx1, and Gpx2) induced by Se deficiency
      may indirectly limit the conversion of T4 to T3 in chicken thyroids. The
      information presented in this study is helpful to understand the role of Se in
      the thyroid function of chickens. 

PMID- 25129138
TI  - Just like a circus: the public consumption of sex differences.
AB  - The study of sex differences is a rich, productive area of neuroscience, yielding
      findings that inform our understanding of basic biology and hold promise for
      clinical applications. There is a tremendous, problematic mismatch, however,
      between the actual implications of this research and what has generally been
      communicated to the public. The message communicated by the media, popular press,
      and in some cases researchers is often inaccurate with respect to what can and
      cannot be concluded from the data. This misrepresentation of findings has led to
      a crisis in public education and threatens to do the same in public health. Here,
      I suggest a number of ways that neuroscientists might address this growing
      problem. First, we should acknowledge that the term 'sex difference' is usually
      interpreted by the media and the public as evidence for dichotomous categories
      that do not actually exist. Because data rarely sort so cleanly into sex-specific
      categories, clearer presentation of the nature and size of sex differences is
      warranted. The term 'sex effect' may be preferable to 'sex difference' when the
      effect is not large. Second, factors that covary with sex, particularly
      experience, should be considered as causes of sex differences before the idea of
      "hardwiring" is invoked. Finally, we should be more vigilant about how our own
      findings are conveyed to policymakers and the public and speak out when they are
      misrepresented. 

PMID- 25129139
TI  - Physiological correlates of psychopathy, antisocial personality disorder,
      habitual aggression, and violence.
AB  - This chapter reviews the existing literature on physiological correlates of
      psychopathy, antisocial personality disorder, and persistent violence/aggression.
      Coverage is provided of findings from studies utilizing peripheral,
      electrocortical, and neuroimaging measures. The review begins with a discussion
      of how psychopathy and antisocial personality are defined, and how these
      conditions relate to one another and to violent behavior. A case is made that the
      relationships psychopathy and ASPD show with violent and aggressive behavior, and
      similarities and differences in associations of each with physiological measures
      of various types can be understood in terms of symptomatic features these
      conditions have in common versus features that distinguish them. Following this,
      an overview is provided of major lines of evidence emerging from
      psychophysiological and neuroimaging studies conducted to date on these
      conditions. The final section of the chapter summarizes what has been learned
      from these existing studies and discusses implications and directions for future
      research. 

PMID- 25129140
TI  - Connectivity measurements for network imaging.
AB  - Communication across the brain networks is dependent on neuronal oscillations.
      Detection of the synchronous activation of neurons can be used to determine the
      well-being of the connectivity in the human brain networks. Well-connected highly
      synchronous activity can be measured by MEG, EEG, fMRI, and PET and then analyzed
      with several types of mathematical algorithms. Coherence is one mathematical
      method that can detect how well 2 or more sensors or brain regions have similar
      oscillatory activity with each other. Phase synchrony can be used to determine if
      these oscillatory activities are in sync or out of sync with each other.
      Correlation is used to determine the strength of interaction between two
      locations or signals. Granger causality can be used to determine the direction of
      the information flow in the neuronal brain networks. Statistical analysis can be
      performed on the connectivity results to verify evidence of normal or abnormal
      network activity in a patient. 

PMID- 25129141
TI  - Results of a comparative study analyzing octogenarians with renal cell carcinoma
      in a competing risk analysis with patients in the seventh decade of life.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyze clinicopathological features and survival of surgically
      treated patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) >= 80 years of age in comparison
      with patients between the ages of 60 and 70 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      data for 2,516 patients with a median follow-up of 57 months were retrieved from
      a multinational database (Collaborative Research on Renal Neoplasms Association
      [CORONA]), including data for 6,234 consecutive patients with RCC after radical
      or partial nephrectomy. Comparative analysis of clinicopathological features of
      241 octogenarians (3.9% of the database) and 2,275 reference patients between the
      ages of 60 and 70 years (36.5%) was performed. Multivariable regression analysis
      adjusted for competing risks was applied to identify the effect of advanced age
      on cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and other-cause mortality (OCM). Furthermore,
      instrumental variable analysis was employed to reduce residual confounding by
      unmeasured parameters. RESULTS: Significantly more women were present (50% vs.
      40%, P = 0.004), and significantly less often nephron-sparing surgery was
      performed in octogenarians compared with the reference group (11% vs. 20%,
      P<0.001). Although median tumor size and stages did not significantly defer,
      older patients less often had advanced or metastatic disease (N+/M1) (4.6% vs.
      9.6%, P = 0.009). On multivariable analysis, higher CSM (hazard ratio = 1.48, P =
      0.042) and OCM rates (hazard ratio = 4.32, P<0.001) were detectable in
      octogenarians (c-indices = 0.85 and 0.72, respectively). Integration of the
      variable age group in multivariable models significantly increased the predictive
      accuracy regarding OCM (6%, P<0.001), but not for CSM. Limitations are based on
      the retrospective study design. CONCLUSIONS: Octogenarian patients with RCC
      significantly differ in clinical features and display significantly higher CSM
      and OCM rates in comparison with their younger counterparts.

PMID- 25129142
TI  - Predictors of 30-day acute kidney injury following radical and partial
      nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with renal cell carcinoma who were treated with radical
      nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (PN) are at risk of postoperative acute
      kidney injury (AKI), and in consequence, short- and long-term adverse outcomes.
      We sought to identify independent predictors of 30-day AKI in patients undergoing
      RN or PN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2011, patients who underwent RN
      or PN for renal cell carcinoma within the National Surgical Quality Improvement
      Program data set were identified. Patients with preexisting severe renal failure,
      defined as a preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate<30 ml/min/1.73
      m(2), were excluded from the analyses. AKI was defined as an elevation of serum
      creatinine>2mg/dl above baseline or the need for dialysis within 30 days of
      surgery. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to
      examine the association between preoperative factors and the risk of
      postoperative AKI. RESULTS: Overall, 1,944 (58.6%) and 1,376 (41.4%) patients
      underwent RN and PN, respectively. Overall, 1.8% of the patients included in the
      study experienced AKI within an average of 5.4 days after RN or PN. Independent
      predictors for AKI included obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.24, P = 0.04), history
      of neurovascular disease (OR = 5.29, P<0.001), and a preoperative chronic kidney
      disease stage II (OR = 10.00, P = 0.03) or stage III (OR = 26.49, P = 0.02).
      Furthermore, RN (OR = 2.87, P = 0.02) or the open approach (OR = 2.18, P = 0.04)
      was significantly associated with postoperative AKI. AKI was significantly
      associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, such as prolonged length of stay,
      occurrence of any complication, and mortality (all P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The
      assessment of preoperative kidney function and comorbidity status is essential to
      identify patients at risk of postoperative AKI. In addition to preoperative
      chronic kidney disease stages II and III, neurovascular disease, obesity, and
      surgical approach (RN or open) represent predictors of 30-day AKI. Careful
      patient selection as well as preoperative planning may help reduce this
      unfavorable postoperative outcome.

PMID- 25129143
TI  - Human somatic cell mutagenesis creates genetically tractable sarcomas.
AB  - Creating spontaneous yet genetically tractable human tumors from normal cells
      presents a fundamental challenge. Here we combined retroviral and transposon
      insertional mutagenesis to enable cancer gene discovery starting with human
      primary cells. We used lentiviruses to seed gain- and loss-of-function gene
      disruption elements, which were further deployed by Sleeping Beauty transposons
      throughout the genome of human bone explant mesenchymal cells. De novo tumors
      generated rapidly in this context were high-grade myxofibrosarcomas. Tumor
      insertion sites were enriched in recurrent somatic copy-number aberration regions
      from multiple cancer types and could be used to pinpoint new driver genes that
      sustain somatic alterations in patients. We identified HDLBP, which encodes the
      RNA-binding protein vigilin, as a candidate tumor suppressor deleted at 2q37.3 in
      greater than one out of ten tumors across multiple tissues of origin. Hybrid
      viral-transposon systems may accelerate the functional annotation of cancer
      genomes by enabling insertional mutagenesis screens in higher eukaryotes that are
      not amenable to germline transgenesis. 

PMID- 25129144
TI  - JAGN1 deficiency causes aberrant myeloid cell homeostasis and congenital
      neutropenia.
AB  - The analysis of individuals with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) may shed
      light on the delicate balance of factors controlling the differentiation,
      maintenance and decay of neutrophils. We identify 9 distinct homozygous mutations
      in the JAGN1 gene encoding Jagunal homolog 1 in 14 individuals with SCN. JAGN1
      mutant granulocytes are characterized by ultrastructural defects, a paucity of
      granules, aberrant N-glycosylation of multiple proteins and increased incidence
      of apoptosis. JAGN1 participates in the secretory pathway and is required for
      granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor-mediated signaling. JAGN1 emerges
      as a factor that is necessary in the differentiation and survival of neutrophils.

PMID- 25129145
TI  - Jagunal homolog 1 is a critical regulator of neutrophil function in fungal host
      defense.
AB  - Neutrophils are key innate immune effector cells that are essential to fighting
      bacterial and fungal pathogens. Here we report that mice carrying a hematopoietic
      lineage-specific deletion of Jagn1 (encoding Jagunal homolog 1) cannot mount an
      efficient neutrophil-dependent immune response to the human fungal pathogen
      Candida albicans. Global glycobiome analysis identified marked alterations in the
      glycosylation of proteins involved in cell adhesion and cytotoxicity in Jagn1
      deficient neutrophils. Functional analysis confirmed marked defects in neutrophil
      migration in response to Candida albicans infection and impaired formation of
      cytotoxic granules, as well as defective myeloperoxidase release and killing of
      Candida albicans. Treatment with granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor
      (GM-CSF) protected mutant mice from increased weight loss and accelerated
      mortality after Candida albicans challenge. Notably, GM-CSF also restored the
      defective fungicidal activity of bone marrow cells from humans with JAGN1
      mutations. These data directly identify Jagn1 (JAGN1 in humans) as a new
      regulator of neutrophil function in microbial pathogenesis and uncover a
      potential treatment option for humans. 

PMID- 25129148
TI  - Influence of transgenic rice expressing a fused Cry1Ab/1Ac protein on frogs in
      paddy fields.
AB  - As genetic engineering in plants is increasingly used to control agricultural
      pests, it is important to determine whether such transgenic plants adversely
      affect non-target organisms within and around cultivated fields. The cry1Ab/1Ac
      fusion gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has insecticidal activity and has
      been introduced into rice line Minghui 63 (MH63). We evaluated the effect of
      transgenic cry1Ab/1Ac rice (Huahui 1, HH1) on paddy frogs by comparing HH1 and
      MH63 rice paddies with and without pesticide treatment. The density of tadpoles
      in rice fields was surveyed at regular intervals, and Cry1Ab/1Ac protein levels
      were determined in tissues of tadpoles and froglets collected from the paddy
      fields. In addition, Rana nigromaculata froglets were raised in purse nets placed
      within these experimental plots. The survival, body weight, feeding habits, and
      histological characteristics of the digestive tract of these froglets were
      analyzed. We found that the tadpole density was significantly decreased
      immediately after pesticide application, and the weight of R. nigromaculata
      froglets of pesticide groups was significantly reduced compared with no pesticide
      treatment, but we found no differences between Bt and non-Bt rice groups.
      Moreover, no Cry1Ab/1Ac protein was detected in tissue samples collected from 192
      tadpoles and froglets representing all four experimental groups. In addition, R.
      nigromaculata froglets raised in purse seines fed primarily on stem borer and non
      target insects, and showed no obvious abnormality in the microstructure of their
      digestive tracts. Based on these results, we conclude that cultivation of
      transgenic cry1Ab/1Ac rice does not adversely affect paddy frogs. 

PMID- 25129147
TI  - A genetic mechanism for Tibetan high-altitude adaptation.
AB  - Tibetans do not exhibit increased hemoglobin concentration at high altitude. We
      describe a high-frequency missense mutation in the EGLN1 gene, which encodes
      prolyl hydroxylase 2 (PHD2), that contributes to this adaptive response. We show
      that a variant in EGLN1, c.[12C>G; 380G>C], contributes functionally to the
      Tibetan high-altitude phenotype. PHD2 triggers the degradation of hypoxia
      inducible factors (HIFs), which mediate many physiological responses to hypoxia,
      including erythropoiesis. The PHD2 p.[Asp4Glu; Cys127Ser] variant exhibits a
      lower K(m) value for oxygen, suggesting that it promotes increased HIF
      degradation under hypoxic conditions. Whereas hypoxia stimulates the
      proliferation of wild-type erythroid progenitors, the proliferation of
      progenitors with the c.[12C>G; 380G>C] mutation in EGLN1 is significantly
      impaired under hypoxic culture conditions. We show that the c.[12C>G; 380G>C]
      mutation originated ~8,000 years ago on the same haplotype previously associated
      with adaptation to high altitude. The c.[12C>G; 380G>C] mutation abrogates
      hypoxia-induced and HIF-mediated augmentation of erythropoiesis, which provides a
      molecular mechanism for the observed protection of Tibetans from polycythemia at
      high altitude.

PMID- 25129149
TI  - Soil surface colonization by phototrophic indigenous organisms, in two contrasted
      soils treated by formulated maize herbicide mixtures.
AB  - Soil phototrophic microorganisms, contributors to soil health and food webs,
      share their particular metabolism with plants. Current agricultural practices
      employ mixtures of pesticides to ensure the crops yields and can potentially
      impair these non-target organisms. However despite this environmental reality,
      studies dealing the susceptibility of phototrophic microorganisms to pesticide
      mixtures are scarce. We designed a 3 months microcosm study to assess the
      ecotoxicity of realistic herbicide mixtures of formulated S-metolachlor (Dual
      Gold Safeneur((r))), mesotrione (Callisto((r))) and nicosulfuron (Milagro((r)))
      on phototrophic communities of two soils (Limagne vertisol and Versailles
      luvisol). The soils presented different colonizing communities, with diatoms and
      chlorophyceae dominating communities in Limagne soil and cyanobacteria and
      bryophyta communities in Versailles soil. The results highlighted the strong
      impairment of Dual Gold Safeneur((r)) treated microcosms on the biomass and the
      composition of both soil phototrophic communities, with no resilience after a
      delay of 3 months. This study also excluded any significant mixture effect on
      these organisms for Callisto((r)) and Milagro((r)) herbicides. We strongly
      recommend carrying on extensive soil studies on S-metolachlor and its commercial
      formulations, in order to reconsider its use from an ecotoxicological point of
      view. 

PMID- 25129151
TI  - Management of pediatric and adolescent adnexal masses by gasless laparoendoscopic
      single-site surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of gasless transumbilical
      laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery for the management of adnexal masses
      in pediatric and adolescent girls aged 19 years or younger. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective study of 28 pediatric and adolescent girls each undergoing gasless
      LESS surgery and gasless multiport laparoscopic surgery for adnexal masses. In
      each case, laparoscopic surgery was performed by the abdominal-wall lift method
      under endotracheal general anesthesia. The two groups were compared for their
      patient demographics and surgical outcome measures. RESULTS: In the LESS surgery
      group, median age of the patients including three pre-menarcheal girls was 17.5
      years. The most common symptom was abdominal pain. Median tumor diameter in the
      LESS surgery group was 7.4cm. There were no statistical differences in clinical
      features between LESS surgery and multiport laparoscopic surgery groups. In the
      LESS surgery group, adnexal masses were managed by unilateral cystectomy (n=20),
      unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (n=5), bilateral cystectomy (n=2), and
      unilateral salpingectomy (n=1). Emergency LESS surgery was performed for seven
      cases due to adnexal torsion and one case due to cyst rupture. Preservation of
      affected ovary was not achieved in three emergency cases with adnexal torsion due
      to severe necrosis, and in one case each of recurrent mucinous cystadenoma and
      huge mucinous cystadenoma. In 24 adnexal masses from 22 girls who received
      adnexal cystectomy by LESS surgery, LESS-assisted extracorporeal cystectomy, was
      possible in 14 masses while intracorporeal cystectomy was required in other 10.
      In a case of dermoid cyst managed by LESS-assisted extracorporeal cystectomy,
      additional hemostasis was required by intracorporeal suturing due to laceration
      of utero-ovarian ligament. Median-excised tissue weight in the LESS surgery group
      was 111g. Significant differences between LESS surgery and multiport laparoscopic
      surgery groups were not noted in surgical outcomes and pathological diagnosis,
      except for significantly lower C-reactive protein value on postoperative day 3 in
      the LESS surgery group. CONCLUSION: Gasless LESS surgery for pediatric and
      adolescent adnexal masses is a safe and feasible alternative to multiport
      laparoscopic surgery.

PMID- 25129150
TI  - Evaluation of single-port laparoscopy for peritoneal carcinomatosis assessment in
      advanced ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ovarian cancers are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. The
      extent of the disease before surgery partly determines the ability to perform a
      complete cytoreduction. The peritoneal cancer index (PCI) is used to evaluate
      peritoneal carcinomatosis and has been validated in ovarian cancer and correlated
      with resectability. The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility of single
      port laparoscopy (SPL) for suspicion of advanced ovarian cancer and to describe
      the ability to calculate the PCI score at the time of laparoscopy. STUDY DESIGN:
      Between February 2011 and January 2013, 33 patients underwent SPL for suspected
      advanced ovarian cancer. Individual records for all patients were prospectively
      reviewed and analyzed. For each patient, we determined the PCI score. RESULTS: 33
      patients underwent initial SPL, 85% had increased carcinological markers and 67%
      a radiological suspicion of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The median operative time
      was 90min. During SPL, 76% of patients underwent ascites evacuation; all patients
      had peritoneal cytology and peritoneal biopsies. Only 3 patients experienced
      perioperative complications. Two open conversions were recorded. Quotation of the
      PCI score was possible for all patients. Eighteen patients (55%) had a PCI score
      below 10; one had a maximal PCI score of 39. The PCI score was null for 9
      patients. Non-browsing areas marked 8 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: SPL appeared to be
      feasible, with satisfying immediate results and postoperative outcome, compared
      to conventional laparoscopy. It allowed a satisfying exploration of the abdomino
      pelvic cavity and a good description of peritoneal carcinomatosis with only a few
      non-browsing PCI areas.

PMID- 25129152
TI  - Obstetric and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies conceived following IVF/ICSI
      treatment compared with spontaneously conceived twin pregnancies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Twin pregnancy is associated with increased obstetric and perinatal
      risk. There are conflicting reports on whether assisted conception (ART) further
      increases these risks. The aim of this study is to assess the obstetric and
      perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies according to mode of conception. STUDY
      DESIGN: A retrospective study of all viable dichorionic-diamniotic (DCDA) twin
      pregnancies (n=539) delivered at Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland
      between 2009 and 2012, divided according to spontaneous conception (SC) and ART
      conception, specifically IVF or ICSI. RESULTS: The ART conceived group were on
      average 4 years older (36.8+/-4.23 vs 32.3+/-4.93 years) and more frequently
      nulliparous (73.7%; n=126 vs 36.1%; n=133) than their SC counterparts (p<0.001).
      There was no significant difference in maternal antenatal complications. ART
      twins were twice as likely to be delivered by caesarean section (CS) (OR 2.35;
      95% CI 1.76-3.14). There was no significant difference in the rates of preterm
      birth or NICU admission according to mode of conception. ART conceived twins were
      almost twice as likely to be delivered moderately preterm (32-33(+6)) (OR 1.98,
      95% CI 1.21-3.23) and were more likely to have RDS and neonatal hypoglycaemia
      CONCLUSIONS: Twin pregnancy, irrespective of mode of conception, carries an
      increased risk of morbidity and mortality for both mother and babies and
      therefore couples should be counselled regarding the increased risk of iatrogenic
      twinning associated with double embryo transfer. However, for those that do
      conceive twins, they can be advised that assisted conception conveys no
      significant disadvantage over naturally conceived twin pregnancies.

PMID- 25129153
TI  - Predictive value of combined serum biomarkers for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if a combination of first and second trimester serum
      biomarkers (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), free betahCG, and
      maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (msAFP)) may be utilized to develop a predictive
      model for adverse pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective
      analysis including all women who delivered at our institution between 2007 and
      2010. We estimated the area under the ROC curve (AUC) to compare predictive
      abilities of PAPP-A, free betahCG, and msAFP singularly, and in combination for
      adverse pregnancy outcomes. We sought to predict the risks of preeclampsia,
      preterm delivery (PTD, <37 weeks gestational age) and low birth weight (LBW,
      <2500g). Using logistic regression analysis, we created models that controlled
      for maternal age, race, parity, body mass index, and histories of chronic
      hypertension and tobacco use. RESULTS: The final sample included 2199 women.
      Determining the AUC and optimal cutoff probability values for each of the
      biomarkers, we found that for PTD and LBW, the combination of all three
      biomarkers was most predictive, while for preeclampsia the combination of msAFP
      and PAPP-A was most predictive. The AUC of the three biomarker combination to
      detect adverse pregnancy outcomes are as follows: LBW 67%, PTD 72%, and
      preeclampsia 77%. We created race-specific logistic regression models to predict
      the risk probabilities. To illustrate, the predictive probability for a 33-year
      old African American, nullipara with a BMI of 50, chronic hypertension, tobacco
      use, PAPP-A 0.3, msAFP 2.0 and free betahCG 0.98 MOMs are: PTD 59%, LBW 61% and
      Preeclampsia 91%. CONCLUSION: The combination of biomarkers currently utilized in
      Down syndrome screening may also be used to predict additional adverse pregnancy
      outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine optimal maternal and fetal
      surveillance, if and when increased risks are identified.

PMID- 25129154
TI  - Personal birth preferences and actual mode of delivery outcomes of obstetricians
      and gynaecologists in South West England; with comparison to regional and
      national birth statistics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine personal birth preferences of obstetricians in various
      clinical scenarios, in particular elective caesarean section for maternal
      request. To determine actual rates of modes of deliveries amongst the same group.
      To compare the obstetrician's mode of delivery rates, to the general population.
      STUDY DESIGN: Following ethical approval, a piloted online survey link was sent
      via email to 242 current obstetricians and gynaecologists, (consultants and
      trainees) in South West England. Mode of delivery results were compared to
      regional and national population data, using Hospital Episode Statistics and
      subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The response rate was 68%. 90% would
      hypothetically plan a vaginal delivery, 10% would consider a caesarean section in
      an otherwise uncomplicated primiparous pregnancy. Of the 94/165 (60%) respondents
      with children (201 children), mode of delivery for the first born child; normal
      vaginal delivery 48%, caesarean section 26.5% (elective 8.5%, emergency 18%),
      instrumental 24.5% and vaginal breech 1%. Only one chose an elective caesarean
      for maternal request. During 2006-2011 obstetricians have the same overall actual
      modes of birth as the population (p=0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Ten percent of
      obstetricians report they would consider requesting caesarean section for
      themselves/their partner, which is the lowest rate reported within UK studies.
      However only 1% actually had a caesarean solely for maternal choice. When
      compared to regional/national statistics obstetricians currently have modes of
      delivery that are not significantly different than the population and suggests
      that they choose non interventional delivery if possible.

PMID- 25129146
TI  - Joint analysis of three genome-wide association studies of esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma in Chinese populations.
AB  - We conducted a joint (pooled) analysis of three genome-wide association studies
      (GWAS) of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in individuals of Chinese
      ancestry (5,337 ESCC cases and 5,787 controls) with 9,654 ESCC cases and 10,058
      controls for follow-up. In a logistic regression model adjusted for age, sex,
      study and two eigenvectors, two new loci achieved genome-wide significance,
      marked by rs7447927 at 5q31.2 (per-allele odds ratio (OR) = 0.85, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 0.82-0.88; P = 7.72 * 10(-20)) and rs1642764 at 17p13.1 (per
      allele OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.85-0.91; P = 3.10 * 10(-13)). rs7447927 is a
      synonymous SNP in TMEM173, and rs1642764 is an intronic SNP in ATP1B2, near TP53.
      Furthermore, a locus in the HLA class II region at 6p21.32 (rs35597309) achieved
      genome-wide significance in the two populations at highest risk for ESSC (OR =
      1.33, 95% CI = 1.22-1.46; P = 1.99 * 10(-10)). Our joint analysis identifies new
      ESCC susceptibility loci overall as well as a new locus unique to the population
      in the Taihang Mountain region at high risk of ESCC. 

PMID- 25129155
TI  - Atmospheric pollutants in fog and rain events at the northwestern mountains of
      the Iberian Peninsula.
AB  - Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls
      (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and exist in gas and particle
      phases, as well as dissolved or suspended in precipitation (fog or rain). While
      the hydrosphere is the main reservoir for PAHs, the atmosphere serves as the
      primary route for global transport of PCBs. In this study, fog and rain samples
      were collected during fourteen events from September 2011 to April 2012 in the
      Xistral Mountains, a remote range in the NW Iberian Peninsula. PAH compounds
      [especially of low molecular weight (LMW)] were universally found, but mainly in
      the fog-water samples. The total PAH concentration in fog-water ranged from non
      detected to 216 ng.L(-1) (mean of 45 ng.L(-1)), and was much higher in fall than
      in winter. Total PAH levels in the rain and fog events varied from non-detected
      to 1272 and 33 ng.L(-1) for, respectively, LMW and high molecular weight (HMW)
      PAHs. Diagnostic ratio analysis (LMW PAHs/HMW PAHs) suggested that petroleum
      combustion was the dominant contributor to PAHs in the area. Total PCB levels in
      the rain and fog events varied from non-detected to 305 and 91 ng.L(-1) for,
      respectively, PCBs with 2-3 Cl atoms and 5-10 Cl atoms. PCBs, especially those
      with 5-10 Cl atoms, were found linked to rain events. The occurrence of the most
      volatile PCBs, PCBs with 2-3 Cl atoms, is related to wind transport from far away
      sources, whereas the occurrence of PCBs with 5-10 Cl atoms seems to be related
      with the increase of its deposition during rainfall at the end of summer and
      fall. The movement of this fraction of PCBs is facilitated by its binding to air
      suspended particles, whose concentrations usually show an increase as the result
      of a prolonged period of drought in summer.

PMID- 25129156
TI  - Arsenic species in raw and cooked rice: implications for human health in rural
      Bengal.
AB  - This study compares the concentrations of total and different species of arsenic
      (As) in 29 pairs of raw and cooked rice samples collected from households in an
      area of West Bengal affected by endemic arsenicism. The aim is to investigate the
      effects of indigenous cooking practice of the rural villagers on As accumulation
      and speciation in cooked rice. It is found that inorganic As is the predominant
      species in both raw (93.8%) and cooked rice (88.1%). Cooking of rice with water
      low in As (<10 MUg L(-1)) significantly decreases the total and inorganic As
      content in cooked rice compared to raw rice. Arsenic concentration is mainly
      decreased during boiling of rice grains with excess water. Washing of rice grains
      with low As water has negligible effect on grain As concentration. The study
      suggests that rice cooking with low As water by the villagers is a beneficial
      risk reduction strategy. Despite reductions in As content in cooked rice because
      of cooking with low As water, the consumption of cooked rice represents a
      significant health threat (in terms of chronic As toxicity) to the study
      population.

PMID- 25129157
TI  - The sub-lethal effects and tissue concentration of the human pharmaceutical
      atenolol in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).
AB  - Atenolol is a highly prescribed anti-hypertensive pharmaceutical and a member of
      the group of beta-blockers. It has been detected at concentrations ranging from
      ng L(-1) to low MUg L(-1) in waste and surface waters. The present study aimed to
      assess the sub-lethal effects of atenolol on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
      and to determine its tissue-specific bioconcentration. Juvenile rainbow trout
      were exposed for 21 and 42 days to three concentration levels of atenolol (1 MUg
      L(-1) - environmentally relevant concentration, 10 MUg L(-1), and 1000 MUg L(
      1)). The fish exposed to 1 MUg L(-1) atenolol exhibited a higher lactate content
      in the blood plasma and a reduced haemoglobin content compared with the control.
      The results show that exposure to atenolol at concentrations greater than or
      equal to 10 MUg L(-1) significantly reduces both the haematocrit value and the
      glucose concentration in the blood plasma. The activities of the studied
      antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were not significantly
      affected by atenolol exposure, and only the highest tested concentration of
      atenolol significantly reduced the activity of glutathione reductase. The
      activities of selected CYP450 enzymes were not affected by atenolol exposure. The
      histological changes indicate that atenolol has an effect on the vascular system,
      as evidenced by the observed liver congestion and changes in the pericardium and
      myocardium. Atenolol was found to have a very low bioconcentration factor (the
      highest value found was 0.27). The bioconcentration levels followed the order
      liver>kidney>muscle. The concentration of atenolol in the blood plasma was below
      the limit of quantification (2.0 ng g(-1)). The bioconcentration factors and the
      activities of selected CYP450 enzymes suggest that atenolol is not metabolised in
      the liver and may be excreted unchanged.

PMID- 25129158
TI  - Mercury in organisms from the Northwestern Mediterranean slope: importance of
      food sources.
AB  - Mercury (Hg) is a global threat for marine ecosystems, especially within the
      Mediterranean Sea. The concern is higher for deep-sea organisms, as the Hg
      concentration in their tissues is commonly high. To assess the influence of food
      supply at two trophic levels, total Hg concentrations and carbon and nitrogen
      stable isotope ratios were determined in 7 species (4 teleosts, 2 sharks, and 1
      crustacean) sampled on the upper part of the continental slope of the Gulf of
      Lions (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea), at depths between 284 and 816 m. Mean Hg
      concentrations ranged from 1.30+/-0.61 to 7.13+/-7.09 MUg g(-1) dry mass, with
      maximum values observed for small-spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula. For all
      species except blue whiting Micromesistius poutassou, Hg concentrations were
      above the health safety limits for human consumption defined by the European
      Commission, with a variable proportion of the individuals exceeding limits (from
      23% for the Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus to 82% for the blackbelly rosefish
      Helicolenus dactylopterus). Measured concentrations increased with increasing
      trophic levels. Carbon isotopic ratios measured for these organisms demonstrated
      that settling phytoplanktonic organic matter is not only the main source fueling
      trophic webs but also the carrier of Hg to this habitat. Inter- and intraspecific
      variations of Hg concentrations revealed the importance of feeding patterns in Hg
      bioaccumulation. In addition, biological parameters, such as growth rate or
      bathymetric range explain the observed contamination trends.

PMID- 25129159
TI  - Defining fish community structure in Lake Winnipeg using stable isotopes
      (delta(13)C, delta(15)N, delta(34)S): implications for monitoring ecological
      responses and trophodynamics of mercury & other trace elements.
AB  - The ecological integrity of freshwater lakes is influenced by atmospheric and
      riverine deposition of contaminants, shoreline development, eutrophication, and
      the introduction of non-native species. Changes to the trophic structure of Lake
      Winnipeg, Canada, and consequently, the concentrations of contaminants and trace
      elements measured in tissues of native fishes, are likely attributed to
      agricultural runoff from the 977,800 km(2) watershed and the arrival of non
      native zooplankters and fishes. We measured delta(13)C, delta(15)N, and
      delta(34)S along with concentrations of 15 trace elements in 17 native fishes
      from the north and south basins of Lake Winnipeg in 2009 and 2010. After
      adjusting for differences in isotopic baseline values between the two basins,
      fishes in the south basin had consistently higher delta(13)C and delta(34)S, and
      lower delta(15)N. We found little evidence of biomagnification of trace elements
      at the community level, but walleye (Sander vitreus) and freshwater drum
      (Aplodinotus grunniens) had higher mercury and selenium concentrations with
      increased trophic position, coincident with increased piscivory. There was
      evidence of growth dilution of cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, thallium,
      and vanadium, and bioaccumulation of mercury, which could be explained by
      increases in algal (and consequently, lake and fish) productivity. We conclude
      that the north and south basins of Lake Winnipeg represent very different
      communities with different trophic structures and trace element concentrations.

PMID- 25129161
TI  - Accumulation and elimination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and
      dibenzofurans in mule ducks.
AB  - In Taiwan, a food safety crisis involving a presence of high concentrations of
      dioxin residues in duck eggs occurred in 2004. The dioxin content in duck meat
      sampled from supermarkets was also reported to be substantially higher than in
      products from other farm animals. Despite increased awareness of the potential
      for contamination and exposure to dioxins, the accumulation and elimination of
      dioxins in ducks have not been well characterized. In the present study, mule
      ducks were fed capsules containing polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and
      dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) for 14 days and the trial was continued for another 28
      days without PCDD/Fs supplementation. Ducks were sacrificed on the 14th, 28th,
      and 42nd days from the beginning of administration and samples of abdominal fat,
      breast, and liver tissue were obtained. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs were
      analyzed in the samples to investigate their distribution and elimination in
      various duck tissues. The bioaccumulation of PCDD/Fs in ducks was found to be
      tissue-dependent. In the abdominal fat, the bioconcentration factor was
      negatively correlated with the degree of chlorination. Conversely, more
      chlorinated PCDD/Fs (hexa- or hepta-congeners) were associated with higher
      bioconcentration in the liver and breast tissue. In terms of the efficiency of
      PCDD/Fs elimination, the liver was found to be the fastest, followed by the
      breast and the abdominal fat. The clearance rate positively correlated with the
      degree of chlorination, as determined by comparing the apparent elimination rate
      constant (k) of PCDD/Fs in various tissues. Overall, lower k values observed in
      this study imply that mule ducks have a reduced clearance of PCDD/Fs in
      comparison with layer and broiler chickens.

PMID- 25129160
TI  - Remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated sites by DNA diagnosis-based
      bioslurping technology.
AB  - The application of effective remediation technologies can benefit from adequate
      preliminary testing, such as in lab-scale and Pilot-scale systems. Bioremediation
      technologies have demonstrated tremendous potential with regards to cost, but
      they cannot be used for all contaminated sites due to limitations in biological
      activity. The purpose of this study was to develop a DNA diagnostic method that
      reduces the time to select contaminated sites that are good candidates for
      bioremediation. We applied an oligonucleotide microarray method to detect and
      monitor genes that lead to aliphatic and aromatic degradation. Further, the
      bioremediation of a contaminated site, selected based on the results of the
      genetic diagnostic method, was achieved successfully by applying bioslurping in
      field tests. This gene-based diagnostic technique is a powerful tool to evaluate
      the potential for bioremediation in petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil. 

PMID- 25129162
TI  - Distribution, sources and composition of antibiotics in sediment, overlying water
      and pore water from Taihu Lake, China.
AB  - The occurrence of 15 antibiotics classified as sulphonamides, fluoroquinolones,
      macrolides, tetracyclines and trimethoprim in sediment, overlying water, and pore
      water matrices in Taihu Lake, China was studied. The total concentrations were
      from 4.1 MUg/kg to 731 MUg/kg, from 127 ng/L to 1210 ng/L, and from 1.5 ng/L to
      216 ng/L in sediment, overlying water and pore water, respectively. Antibiotics
      in different locations originated from various sources, depending on human,
      agricultural and aquacultural activities. Composition analysis indicated that
      human-derived and animal-derived drugs significantly contributed to the total
      contamination of antibiotics in the lake, indicating the high complexity of
      contamination sources in Taihu Lake Basin. The in situ sediment-pore water
      partitioning coefficients were generally greater than sediment-overlying water
      partitioning coefficients, suggesting continuous inputs into the lake water. This
      study shows that antibiotics are ubiquitous in all compartments in Taihu Lake,
      and their potential hazards to the aquatic ecosystem need further investigation.

PMID- 25129163
TI  - Trends of ambient fine particles and major chemical components in the Pearl River
      Delta region: observation at a regional background site in fall and winter.
AB  - In the fall and winter of 2007 to 2011, 167 24-h quartz filter-based fine
      particle (PM2.5) samples were collected at a regional background site in the
      central Pearl River Delta. The PM2.5 showed an annual reduction trend with a rate
      of 8.58 MUg m(-3) (p<0.01). The OC component of the PM2.5 reduced by 1.10 MUg m(
      3) yr(-1) (p<0.01), while the reduction rates of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfate
      (SO4(2-)) were 10.2 MUg m(-3) yr(-1) (p<0.01) and 1.72 MUg m(-3) yr(-1) (p<0.01),
      respectively. In contrast, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and nitrate (NO(3-)) presented
      growth trends with rates of 6.73 MUg m(-3) yr(-1) (p<0.05) and 0.79 MUg m(-3) yr(
      1) (p<0.05), respectively. The PM2.5 reduction was mainly related to the decrease
      of primary OC and SO4(2-), and the enhanced conversion efficiency of SO2 to SO4(2
      ) was related to an increase in the atmospheric oxidizing capacity and a decrease
      in aerosol acidity. The discrepancy between the annual trends of NOx and NO3(-)
      was attributable to the small proportion of NO3(-) in the total nitrogen budget.
      CAPSULE ABSTRACT: Understanding annual variations of PM2.5 and its chemical
      composition is crucial in enabling policymakers to formulate and implement
      control strategies on particulate pollution.

PMID- 25129164
TI  - Intraluminal lesion of the pulmonary artery: A diagnostic challenge.

PMID- 25129165
TI  - Workplace accidents, absenteeism and productivity in patients with sleep apnea.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) has health
      related outcomes, but the impact of OSAHS on occupational health has been
      scarcely studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of OSAHS on
      workplace accidents, absenteeism and productivity. METHOD: One hundred eighty-two
      OSAHS patients and 71 healthy subjects completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale,
      the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Spanish IMPALA (Impact of Disease on
      Work Productivity) index and answered various questions on workplace accidents
      and sick leave. Participants were classified to an OSAHS group or a non-OSAHS
      group according to polysomnography results. RESULTS: Patients with OSAHS had more
      sick leave lasting longer than 30days (16.6% vs. 7%, P=.049) and lower
      productivity (63.80% vs. 83.20%, P=.000) than subjects without OSAHS, although
      the rate of workplace accidents was similar in both groups (27.4% vs 25.4%;
      P>.050). None of the OSAHS-related variables was associated with workplace
      accidents. A diagnosis of OSAHS was related with absenteeism. Psychological
      distress and OSAHS were related with productivity. CONCLUSIONS: OSAHS causes
      limitations in the working lives of patients and leads to a higher incidence of
      sick leave and lower productivity. A diagnosis of OSAHS was the variable with
      most influence on the working lives of patients.

PMID- 25129166
TI  - A comparison of optimisation methods and knee joint degrees of freedom on muscle
      force predictions during single-leg hop landings.
AB  - The aim of this paper was to compare the effect of different optimisation methods
      and different knee joint degrees of freedom (DOF) on muscle force predictions
      during a single legged hop. Nineteen subjects performed single-legged hopping
      manoeuvres and subject-specific musculoskeletal models were developed to predict
      muscle forces during the movement. Muscle forces were predicted using static
      optimisation (SO) and computed muscle control (CMC) methods using either 1 or 3
      DOF knee joint models. All sagittal and transverse plane joint angles calculated
      using inverse kinematics or CMC in a 1 DOF or 3 DOF knee were well-matched (RMS
      error<3 degrees ). Biarticular muscles (hamstrings, rectus femoris and
      gastrocnemius) showed more differences in muscle force profiles when comparing
      between the different muscle prediction approaches where these muscles showed
      larger time delays for many of the comparisons. The muscle force magnitudes of
      vasti, gluteus maximus and gluteus medius were not greatly influenced by the
      choice of muscle force prediction method with low normalised root mean squared
      errors (<48%) observed in most comparisons. We conclude that SO and CMC can be
      used to predict lower-limb muscle co-contraction during hopping movements.
      However, care must be taken in interpreting the magnitude of force predicted in
      the biarticular muscles and the soleus, especially when using a 1 DOF knee.
      Despite this limitation, given that SO is a more robust and computationally
      efficient method for predicting muscle forces than CMC, we suggest that SO can be
      used in conjunction with musculoskeletal models that have a 1 or 3 DOF knee joint
      to study the relative differences and the role of muscles during hopping
      activities in future studies.

PMID- 25129167
TI  - Investigation of impact loading rate effects on the ligamentous cervical spinal
      load-partitioning using finite element model of functional spinal unit C2-C3.
AB  - The cervical spine functions as a complex mechanism that responds to sudden
      loading in a unique manner, due to intricate structural features and kinematics.
      The spinal load-sharing under pure compression and sagittal flexion/extension at
      two different impact rates were compared using a bio-fidelic finite element (FE)
      model of the ligamentous cervical functional spinal unit (FSU) C2-C3. This model
      was developed using a comprehensive and realistic geometry of spinal components
      and material laws that include strain rate dependency, bone fracture, and
      ligament failure. The range of motion, contact pressure in facet joints, failure
      forces in ligaments were compared to experimental findings. The model
      demonstrated that resistance of spinal components to impact load is dependent on
      loading rate and direction. For the loads applied, stress increased with loading
      rate in all spinal components, and was concentrated in the outer intervertebral
      disc (IVD), regions of ligaments to bone attachment, and in the cancellous bone
      of the facet joints. The highest stress in ligaments was found in capsular
      ligament (CL) in all cases. Intradiscal pressure (IDP) in the nucleus was
      affected by loading rate change. It increased under compression/flexion but
      decreased under extension. Contact pressure in the facet joints showed less
      variation under compression, but increased significantly under flexion/extension
      particularly under extension. Cancellous bone of the facet joints region was the
      only component fractured and fracture occurred under extension at both rates. The
      cervical ligaments were the primary load-bearing component followed by the IVD,
      endplates and cancellous bone; however, the latter was the most vulnerable to
      extension as it fractured at low energy impact. 

PMID- 25129168
TI  - Challenges towards the elimination of Human African Trypanosomiasis in the
      sleeping sickness focus of Campo in southern Cameroon.
AB  - The sleeping sickness focus of Campo lies along the Atlantic coast and extends
      along the Ntem River, which constitutes the Cameroonian and Equatorial Guinean
      border. It is a hypo-endemic focus with the disease prevalence varying from 0.3
      to 0.86% during the last few decades. Investigations on animal reservoirs
      revealed a prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense of 0.6% in wild animals and
      4.83% in domestic animals of this focus. From 2001 to 2012, about 19 931 tsetse
      were collected in this focus and five tsetse species including Glossina palpalis
      palpalis, G. pallicera, G. nigrofusca, G. tabaniformis and G. caliginea were
      identified. The analysis of blood meals of these flies showed that they feed on
      human, pig, goat, sheep, and wild animals such as antelope, duiker, wild pig,
      turtle and snake. The percentage of blood meals taken on these hosts varies
      according to sampling periods. For instance, 6.8% of blood meals from pig were
      reported in 2004 and 22% in 2008. This variation is subjected to considerable
      evolutions because the Campo HAT focus is submitted to socio-economic mutations
      including the reopening of a new wood company, the construction of autonomous
      port at "Kribi" as well as the dam at "Memve ele". These activities will bring
      more that 3000 inhabitants around Campo and induce the deforestation for the
      implementation of farmlands as well as breeding of domestic animals. Such
      mutations have impacts on the transmission and the epidemiology of sleeping
      sickness due to the modification of the fauna composition, the nutritional
      behavior of tsetse, the zoophilic/anthropophilic index. To achieve the
      elimination goal in the sleeping sickness focus of Campo, we report in this paper
      the current epidemiological situation of the disease, the research findings of
      the last decades notably on the population genetics of trypanosomes, the
      modifications of nutritional behavior of tsetse, the prevalence of T. b.
      gambiense in humans, domestic and wild animals. An overview on the types of
      mutations occurring in the region has been raised and a discussion on the
      strategies that can be implemented to achieve the elimination of the disease has
      been made. 

PMID- 25129169
TI  - Sulfonamide inhibition study of the carbonic anhydrases from the bacterial
      pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis: the beta-class (PgiCAb) versus the gamma-class
      (PgiCA) enzymes.
AB  - The oral pathogenic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, encodes for two carbonic
      anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) one belonging to the gamma-class (PgiCA) and another
      one to the beta-class (PgiCAb). This last enzyme has been cloned and
      characterized here for its inhibition profile with the main class of CA
      inhibitors, the sulfonamides. Many of the clinically used sulfonamides as well as
      simple aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamides were ineffective as PgiCAb inhibitors
      whereas better inhibition was observed with simple derivatives such as
      sulfanilamide, metanilamide, 4-aminoalkylbenzenesulfonamides (KIs of 364-475nM).
      The halogenosulfanilamides incorporating heavy halogens, 4-hydroxy- and 4
      hydroxyalkyl-benzenesulfonamides, were also micromolar, ineffective PgiCAb
      inhibitors. The best inhibitors of the beta-class enzyme were acetazolamide and
      ethoxzolamide, with KIs of 214-280nM. Interestingly, the gamma-class enzyme was
      much more sensitive to sulfonamide inhibitors compared to the beta-class one,
      PgiCAb. Identification of potent and possibly selective inhibitors of
      PgiCAb/PgiCA may lead to pharmacological tools useful for understanding the
      physiological role(s) of these enzymes, since this bacterium is the main
      causative agent of periodontitis and few treatment options are presently
      available. 

PMID- 25129170
TI  - 'Carba'-carfentanil (trans isomer): a MU opioid receptor (MOR) partial agonist
      with a distinct binding mode.
AB  - There is strong evidence to indicate that a positively charged nitrogen of
      endogenous and exogenous opioid ligands forms a salt bridge with the Asp residue
      in the third transmembrane helix of opioid receptors. To further examine the role
      of this electrostatic interaction in opioid receptor binding and activation, we
      synthesized 'carba'-analogues of the highly potent MU opioid analgesic
      carfentanil (3), in which the piperidine nitrogen was replaced with a carbon. The
      resulting trans isomer (8b) showed reduced, but still significant MOR binding
      affinity (Ki(MU)=95.2nM) with no MOR versus DOR binding selectivity and was a MOR
      partial agonist. The cis isomer (8a) was essentially inactive. A MOR docking
      study indicated that 8b bound to the same binding pocket as parent 3, but its
      binding mode was somewhat different. A re-evaluation of the uncharged morphine
      derivative N-formylnormorphine (9) indicated that it was a weak MOR antagonist
      showing no preference for MOR over KOR. Taken together, the results indicate that
      deletion of the positively charged nitrogen in MU opioid analgesics reduces MOR
      binding affinity by 2-3 orders of magnitude and may have pronounced effects on
      the intrinsic efficacy and on the opioid receptor selectivity profile. 

PMID- 25129171
TI  - Design, synthesis, biological evaluation of substituted benzofurans as DNA
      gyraseB inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - DNA gyrase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a type II topoisomerase and is
      a well-established and validated target for the development of novel
      therapeutics. By adapting the medium throughput screening approach, we present
      the discovery and optimization of ethyl 5-(piperazin-1-yl) benzofuran-2
      carboxylate series of mycobacterial DNA gyraseB inhibitors, selected from Birla
      Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) database chemical library of about
      3000 molecules. These compounds were tested for their biological activity; the
      compound 22 emerged as the most active potent lead with an IC50 of 3.2+/-0.15MUM
      against Mycobacterium smegmatis DNA gyraseB enzyme and 0.81+/-0.24MUM in MTB
      supercoiling activity. Subsequently, the binding of the most active compound to
      the DNA gyraseB enzyme and its thermal stability was further characterized using
      differential scanning fluorimetry method. 

PMID- 25129172
TI  - Comorbidity of psychiatric disorders with Internet addiction in a clinical
      sample: the effect of personality, defense style and psychopathology.
AB  - This study aims to contribute to the understanding of underlying causes for the
      development of Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) and assess comorbidity with
      other mental disorders through the analysis of data from a clinical sample of
      college students who presented for treatment of IAD. The clinical sample of our
      study has demonstrated a high percentage of comorbidity with Axis I and II
      disorders, while the temporal precedence of the establishment of those disorders
      cannot lead to specific conclusions. Half of the sample (25/50) presented with
      comorbidity of another Axis I disorder and 38% (19/50) with a concurrent Axis II
      personality disorder. The majority of Axis I disorders (51.85%) were reported
      before the onset of IAD, 33.3% after the onset while it was unclear in 14.81% of
      cases. The examination of a path model demonstrated that important contributions
      to the understanding of this disorder can be made through concepts from the
      neurobiological, trait personality paradigm, as well as from the psychodynamic
      defense style paradigm. Comorbid psychopathology can further exacerbate the
      presentation of IAD through a direct link, regardless of the underlying
      personality structure. The clinician treating IAD patients should complete a
      clinical evaluation for comorbid Axis I and II diagnoses since their presence may
      signify a more serious presentation.

PMID- 25129174
TI  - Emergency department triage. Why and how?

PMID- 25129173
TI  - Correlates of use of electronic cigarettes versus nicotine replacement therapy
      for help with smoking cessation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Electronic- or e-cigarettes are nicotine-delivery devices commonly
      used by smokers to quit or reduce smoking. At present, not much is known about
      the characteristics of smokers who specifically try e-cigarettes to quit smoking
      compared to the nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products approved by the U.S.
      Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Determining the characteristics of smokers
      who are likely to choose e-cigarettes as cessation aids would help develop
      strategies to impart valid information about e-cigarettes to such smokers as
      facts regarding the safety and utility of e-cigarettes emerge. METHODS: This
      study is based on 834 daily smokers [mean age=45.8 (standard deviation=13)] from
      Hawaii. Demographic, smoking- and cessation-related variables were examined as
      correlates of ever use of e-cigarette only or any FDA-approved NRT product only
      or both as cessation aids. RESULTS: Results indicated that younger smokers, non
      White smokers, and smokers reporting higher income, lower nicotine dependence,
      shorter smoking history, and higher lifetime quit attempts were more likely to
      have tried e-cigarettes but not NRT products for help with smoking cessation.
      CONCLUSION: Smokers who are attracted to use e-cigarettes but not FDA-approved
      NRT products may differ from smokers who are likely to have used NRT products but
      not e-cigarettes in terms of demographic (e.g., age, ethnicity) and smoking- or
      cessation-related characteristics (e.g., nicotine dependence, quit attempts).
      Given the lack of knowledge regarding the health effects of e-cigarettes and
      their efficacy as cessation aids, future research needs to continue
      characterizing smokers who are likely to use e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.

PMID- 25129175
TI  - Update in the management of allergic fungal sinusitis.
AB  - Over the last 3 decades, allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS)  has been defined as a
      clinically and pathologically distinct form of chronic rhinosinusitis. The
      etiology, pathogenesis, and natural history of the disease has not been fully
      understood, and the appropriate treatment for AFS is also controversial. The
      management of AFS includes a combination of functional endoscopic sinus surgery
      and medical treatment in the form of pre- and post-operative systemic steroids,
      local steroids, and allergic immunotherapy. Close follow-up and coordination
      between the surgeon and physician is needed for optimum outcome. Despite
      aggressive medical and surgical treatment, high recurrence rates have been
      reported. In this review, we study the current literature and data regarding
      various surgical and non-surgical treatment options for AFS.  

PMID- 25129176
TI  - Microribonucleic acids and vascular restenosis.
AB  - Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, which control diverse
      cellular functions by either promoting degradation or inhibiting target messenger
      RNA translation. An aberrant expression profile of miRNAs has been linked to
      human diseases, including cardiovascular dysfunction. This review summarizes the
      latest insights in the identification of vascular-specific miRNAs and the
      underlying mechanisms for their roles in vascular restenosis mainly by
      influencing the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cell. Here,
      we discuss miRNA-based drug and gene therapy in vascular restenosis.  

PMID- 25129177
TI  - Systematic review of quality of care in Saudi Arabia. A forecast of a high
      quality health care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the current structure of the Saudi health care system, and
      assess the quality of health care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) based on
      the indicators provided by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and to provide
      recommendations for improvements. METHODS: This study explores the current
      structure of the Saudi health care system using a systematic review of studies
      published between 2009 and 2013. The IOM indicators of quality health care (safe,
      effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable) are used to
      determine the current quality of healthcare in KSA. Studies that examined the
      quality of health care were evaluated for methodological soundness by giving a
      quality score based on Russell and Gregory's criteria. RESULTS: The quality of
      healthcare in KSA has progressed significantly over the recent years at all
      levels of health services. Like many countries, KSA is investing money and
      efforts to improve quality of healthcare in the Kingdom. Although significant
      progress has been made, barriers affecting this quality are still apparent as the
      general population increases, patients' health care needs, and demands are also
      rising. Factors affecting the quality of healthcare can be categorized into
      patient factors (such as health literacy, access to care, and culture), and
      providers' factors (including medical care, workload, culture, and job
      satisfaction). CONCLUSION: As a result of these unaddressed issues, the quality
      of healthcare in the Kingdom may be degenerating. Additionally, as the population
      of KSA has increased and medical technology has become more sophisticated and
      costly, and patients' demands and expectations have also increased. Providing
      quality healthcare to all patients is a fundamental human right. Poor quality
      healthcare causes patient suffering, institutional waste, and misuse of community
      resources. 

PMID- 25129178
TI  - Cytotoxic effect of Salvadora persica extracts on human gingival fibroblast
      cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the cytotoxic potential of Salvadora persica (S. persica)
      extracts on human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells. METHODS: This study was
      conducted between January and May 2012 in collaboration with Dental Caries
      Research Chair, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
      Extracts of S. persica using hexane, ethylacetate, and ethanol as solvents at
      concentrations of 0.5 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml were evaluated for their cytotoxic
      activity against HGFs using the 3 cytotoxic assays: (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)
      2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, a tetrazole) (MTS), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH),
      and crystal violet (CV). International standards for the evaluation of medical
      materials recommended cut-off value of cell survival >70% was used for
      interpretation of the results. RESULTS: Ethanol extract of S. persica at 0.5
      mg/ml and 1 mg/ml and hexane extract of S. persica at 0.5 mg/ml were completely
      devoid of cytotoxic activity, hexane extract at 1 mg/ml in comparison with
      controls  demonstrated some cytotoxicity with cell survival of 88% (p=0.045) in
      MTS, 86% (p=0.01) in LDH, and 88% (p=0.002) in CV assays. Similarly, ethyl
      acetate extract of S. persica at 0.5 mg/ml maintained cell viability of 91% in
      MTS, 81% in LDH, and 80% in CV assays. Maximum cytotoxicity against HGFs was
      observed with ethyl acetate extract of S. persica at 1 mg/ml with cell survival
      of 60% in MTS, 40% in LDH, and 66% CV assays (p=0.0001).   CONCLUSION: The
      acceptable level of cytotoxicity associated with S. persica ethanol and hexane
      extracts requires further evaluation to be used as irrigation solutions in
      endodontic treatment. 

PMID- 25129179
TI  - Diagnostic clues for spondylitis in acute brucellosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic factors for brucellar spondylitis.
      METHODS: This retrospective study included 227 consecutive brucellosis patients
      admitted to the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology clinics of Adiyaman
      State Hospital and Adiyaman 82 nd Year State Hospital, Adiyaman, Turkey between
      January 2010 and December 2012. Acute brucellosis was diagnosed by standard tube
      agglutination test and/or growth of Brucella spp. in appropriately prepared
      culture media (Bactec). Brucellar spondylitis was diagnosed and followed-up with
      contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Among the 227 brucellosis
      patients included, 88 (38.8%) were male, and 139 (61.2%) were female. Brucellar
      spondylitis was detected in 54 patients (23.7%). Brucellar spondylitis patients
      had higher mean age, higher fever, and higher blood culture positivity rate when
      compared with brucellosis patients (p=0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.001). Logistical
      regression analysis determined that male gender (OR: 3.006), older age (OR:
      1.025), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (OR: 1.067), high fever at the time
      of admission (OR: 2.550), and positive blood cultures for Brucella spp. (OR:
      4.003) values were independently associated with brucellar spondylitis. However,
      high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (OR: 0.971) were not found as a risk factor
      for brucellar spondylitis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study shows that the
      risk of developing brucellar spondylitis is high in patients with acute
      brucellosis, who are at advanced age, who have high fever, that have Brucella
      spp. growth in their blood culture that has a high ESR value, and who are male.

PMID- 25129180
TI  - Ten-year review of invasive Candida infections in a tertiary care center in Saudi
      Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review the epidemiology of invasive Candida infections in a single
      center in Saudi Arabia over a subsequent 10-year period. METHODS: This
      retrospective study was carried out in a single center in Saudi Arabia over a 10
      year period. Records of all patients with invasive Candida infections (ICI) over
      the period from January 2003 to December 2012 were reviewed. Mann-Whitney U test
      was used for comparison of Candida albicans (C. albicans) versus non-albicans
      Candida species, and fluconazole resistance versus fluconazole susceptible in
      relation to crude mortality at 30 days and 90 days. RESULTS: Eight hundred
      positive sterile site cultures, associated with 652 ICI were identified. Median
      age was 52 years and 53% of patients were males. Candida albicans were the most
      common species (38.7%), followed by Candida tropicalis (18.9%), and Candida
      glabrata (C. glabrata) (16.3%). The proportion of ICI caused by C. albicans
      remained stable over time (p=0.07), but C. glabrata increased significantly
      (p<0.001). The median rate of ICI per 1,000 hospital discharges per year was
      1.65, with a significant trend towards higher rates over time (p=0.01). Most
      isolates were susceptible to fluconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B. Only
      66.7% of Candida krusei were susceptible to caspofungin. Overall 30-day crude
      mortality was 40.6%. There was no significant difference in crude mortality in
      association with C. albicans compared with non-albicans species, nor in
      association with fluconazole resistance. CONCLUSION: The rate of ICI increased
      significantly in the proportion of ICI caused by C. glabrata. Most isolates
      remain susceptible to caspofungin, voriconazole, and amphotericin B. The crude
      mortality remains high.

PMID- 25129181
TI  - Quality of life assessment using the World Health Organization quality
      questionnaire pre- and post- otolaryngological surgery among patients in western
      Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients'
      pre- and post- otolaryngological surgery. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional
      study of patients who underwent otolaryngological surgery in the western region
      of Saudi Arabia between March and October 2013. We administered the Arabic
      version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment instrument to
      all patients before surgery and 2-4 weeks after surgery. The demographic details
      such as age, gender, level of education, marital status, patients' incomes,
      otolaryngology diagnosis, and type of otolaryngology surgery were analyzed.
      RESULTS: A total of 99 patients (43 males and 52 females), ranging from 1-75
      years of age (mean: 21.6 years), were included in this study. The most frequently
      diagnosed conditions were chronic tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnea due to
      adenoid enlargement. Adenotonsillectomy was the most frequently performed
      surgery, followed by septoplasty and myringotomy with grommet tube insertion. For
      all domains, patients had significantly higher scores post-surgery. The highest
      score was obtained for the social relationship domain and the lowest for the
      physical health domain. However, the highest differences between the pre- and
      post- surgery scores were for physical health (7.9), psychological (5.1),
      environmental (2.5), and social health (2.3) domains. CONCLUSION: The HRQoL of
      patients improved significantly after otolaryngology surgery. 

PMID- 25129182
TI  - Risk factors for posterior to right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node
      metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify the risk factors for posterior right recurrent laryngeal
      nerve lymph node metastasis (PRRLN-LNM) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 389 patients with primary PTC who
      underwent right lobectomy or total thyroidectomy, and comprehensive right or
      bilateral central compartment dissection (CCD) with or without lateral neck
      dissection (LND) between January 2010 and May 2013 at the Department of Head and
      Neck Surgery, Institute of Micro-Invasive Surgery of Zhejiang University,
      Zhejiang, China. The clinicopathological findings were investigated, and relative
      risk factors for PRRLN-LNM were analyzed. RESULTS: Central compartment LNM were
      present in 50.9% (198/389), and PRRLN-LNM were present in 12.6% (49/389) of
      patients, wherein 3.1% (12/389) had PRRLN-LNM only. A multivariate analysis
      revealed that younger age (<= 35 years), extrathyroidal extension (ETE), lateral
      compartment LNM, prelaryngeal LNM, pretracheal, and right paratracheal LNM were
      independent predictors of PRRLN-LNM. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that younger
      age (<= 35 years), ETE, prelaryngeal LNM, lateral compartment LNM, and
      pretracheal and right paratracheal lymph nodes (anterior to the right recurrent
      laryngeal nerve [level VIa]), LNM were independent factors of PRRLN-LN (level
      VIb). Therefore, comprehensive right CCD should be routinely performed for such
      patients.

PMID- 25129183
TI  - Clinical outcomes of transradial unprotected left main coronary artery stenting
      in the elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term results in elderly patients undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents for unprotected
      left main coronary artery disease by transradial approach. METHODS: This study
      took place in Qinhuangdao First Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
      between October 2006 and December 2009. Seventy-nine elderly patients with
      unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) stenosis, aged >70 years, that
      underwent drug-eluting stent were evaluated. The occurrence of major adverse
      cardiac events (MACE) (death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke or target
      lesion revascularizations) was recorded after 3 years of follow-up. RESULTS:
      After 3 years follow-up, the MACE free survival rate was 72.2%. Cardiac deaths
      occurred in 7.6% of patients. Myocardial infarction occurred in 5.1%, and target
      lesion revascularization in 13.9% of patients. Age and left main distal
      bifurcation were favorable predictors of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous coronary
      intervention can be performed with good angiographic and clinical results through
      a transradial approach in the elderly. The long term survival suggests that PCI
      in ULMCA patients >= 70 years is safe and efficacious.

PMID- 25129184
TI  - External cephalic version for breech presentation at term. A prospective
      interventional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the external cephalic version (ECV) procedure for the
      management of at term breech presenting fetuses. METHODS: In this prospective,
      interventional study, 90 patients with uncomplicated breech presentations at or
      after 37 weeks' gestation were considered for ECV. This was performed in Al
      Batool Teaching Hospital, Mosul, Iraq, between January 2011 and March 2012. The
      main outcome measure was assessed as the success rate of ECV attempt and the rate
      of cesarean section following a successful procedure. Parity, type of breech,
      placental location, and birth weight were evaluated as predictors of success.
      Also, any fetal or maternal complications during the procedure were evaluated.
      Data were analyzed by x2 test. Statistical significance was determined at a level
      of p<0.05. RESULTS: The success rate was 80%. The rate of cesarean section
      following successful procedure was only 12.5%. Prognostic parameters associated
      with successful ECV were multiparity and flexed type of breech. There were no
      serious fetal or maternal complications associated with the attempt. CONCLUSIONS:
      With appropriate selection of patients, ECV is highly successful and is a safer
      alternative to vaginal breech delivery or cesarean delivery.

PMID- 25129185
TI  - Skeletal and dental characteristics of subjects with incompetent lips.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the cephalometric features of subjects with incompetent
      lips, and to find the most discriminant variables for lip incompetence among the
      following: dental protrusion and proclination, antero-posterior and vertical
      skeletal relationships, and lip dimensions. METHODS: This retrospective study was
      conducted at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between
      2011 and 2012. Cephalograms of 84 subjects (22 males and 62 females, aged 20.18+/
      3.65 years) diagnosed as having incompetent lips were collected (incompetent
      group [IG]) and compared with the control group (CG), matching in age and gender
      distribution. Thirty-five measurements were compared between the 2 groups using
      independent t-test. Stepwise discriminant analysis of lip incompetence was
      performed. RESULTS: Compared to the CG, subjects in the IG had thinner upper
      lips, shorter upper and lower lips, more retrognathic facial types, greater angle
      between nasion-point A and nasion-point B, shorter anterior and posterior cranial
      bases, shorter palatal length, shorter mandibular body length, shorter ramal
      length, steeper mandibular plane, less prominent chin, bimaxillary dental
      protrusion, and smaller inter-incisal angle. The significant discriminant
      variables, in order, were inter-incisor angle, inclination of upper incisors,
      ramal height, anterior cranial base,  palatal plane to Frankfort horizontal plane
      angle, lower and then upper anterior dental height, upper lip thickness, and
      length. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of incompetent lips can be attributed to more
      than one factor and not only bimaxillary protrusion. This should be considered
      during the treatment planning of such problem. 

PMID- 25129186
TI  - A cross sectional study on the acceptance of pre-hospital continuous positive
      airway pressure ventilation among ambulance paramedic in an urban emergency
      medical service system in a developing country.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the acceptance among the developing country urban
      paramedics towards pre-hospital continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
      ventilation. METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted among the
      ambulance paramedics working at the pre-hospital care unit of the Universiti
      Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from March 2012 to
      August 2012 on ambulance paramedics. Questionnaires were used to assess their
      experience, knowledge, and perception, while their competencies were assessed
      using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination by 2 independent-calibrated
      raters on the use of the Boussignac CPAP system. RESULTS: Twenty-six ambulance
      paramedics qualified for this study with an average work experience of 5.59+/
      3.53 years. A total of 76.9% had no formal training for CPAP during their study
      years. Knowledge of CPAP apparatus-arrangement sequence scored as 88.5% correct,
      while 96.2% scored 'Good' to 'Very-good' in the ability to diagnose conditions
      that warrant its use. A total of 76.9% were confident to monitor patients on
      CPAP, and 61.5% in applying the device. However, only 53.8% were confident to
      start the CPAP, and 38.5% to troubleshoot if any problem arose. For perceptions,
      96.2% felt it was easy to learn CPAP, while 88.5% felt that paramedics could use
      it without supervision, and 80.8% felt that it should not be confined to the
      Emergency Department setting. A total of 96.1% were competent in CPAP
      application. CONCLUSION: Developing country urban ambulance paramedics possessed
      adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and demonstrated good CPAP application
      skills. However, lack of confidence towards decision to initiate and troubleshoot
      of potential complications were the main obstacles hindering its use.

PMID- 25129187
TI  - Acute hemiplegia as a rare presentation of infantile Guillain-Barre syndrome.
AB  - Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) usually presents in a symmetrical ascending fashion
      of weakness. We present a 6-month-old male infant who presented to our emergency
      room with acute left-sided limb weakness and head lag 3 days after a febrile
      upper respiratory tract infection. A diagnosis of GBS was established by
      confirming high cerebrospinal fluid protein, motor nerve reduced amplitude, and
      prolonged conductions, and MRI T2 high signal intensity affecting the ventral
      roots of the spinal cord. He showed remarkable clinical and neurophysiological
      improvement after intravenous immunoglobulin and intensive physiotherapy. The
      occurrence of infantile acute hemiplegia as a presentation of GBS is rare. This
      report highlights the importance of considering GBS in the differential diagnosis
      so that early effective treatment may be started.

PMID- 25129188
TI  - Toe tourniquet syndrome.
AB  - Toe tourniquet syndrome refers to external, mechanical, circumferential
      constriction of the toes. We report a series of 4 infants with toe tourniquet
      syndrome from Saudi Arabia who presented during wintertime with very similar
      symptoms (approximately 48 hours of inconsolable crying and irritability),
      similar involved region (toes), and similar constricting agent (hairs). Immediate
      removal of the hair fibers was carried out in all patients, fortunately followed
      by fast healing with no signs of tissue necrosis. The prompt diagnosis and
      treatment of the condition were vital in attaining the good outcome and
      preventing ischemic complications.  

PMID- 25129189
TI  - Colon cancer metastasis to the thyroid gland.
AB  - Thyroid metastasis originating from colon cancer is an uncommon clinical entity.
      We present a case of a 40-year-old Saudi male patient that was known to have
      metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon, and who presented initially with
      hoarseness of voice. A left thyroid lesion was found and fine-needle aspiration
      biopsy showed that it was a colon cancer metastasis. His condition later
      deteriorated with development of stridor. Tracheostomy was performed and the
      diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy. A high index of suspicion is required to
      consider colorectal carcinoma metastatic to the thyroid.  

PMID- 25129190
TI  - Minimally invasive endoscopic removal of a massive trabecular juvenile ossifying
      fibroma of the paranasal sinuses.
AB  - An 11-year-old female patient presented with left-sided nasal obstruction and
      upward displacement of the left eye of 3 months duration. Clinical examination
      revealed a firm mass in the left nasal cavity. A CT scan showed a massive tumor
      involving the left maxillary sinus with extension into the ethmoid sinus, and
      encroaching on the left orbit. Histopathological examination revealed trabecular
      juvenile ossifying fibroma, which was removed via a transnasal endoscopic surgery
      by the Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck and the skull base team. She tolerated
      the lengthy procedure well, and there was no recurrence postoperatively as the
      tumor was resected completely. There was no external scarring and no
      psychological trauma discerned.  

PMID- 25129191
TI  - Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma in an adolescent with pleuropulmonary
      blastoma.
AB  - Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) is an extremely rare benign lesion
      arising in the sino-nasal tract. They usually affect children below one year of
      age. The pathogenesis of these lesions is poorly understood however, they have
      been associated with pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB). Although benign, malignant
      transformation has been reported in the literature. On literature review, we
      found 32 reported cases, most of them occurring in children below one year. We
      report a 14-year-old adolescent male with history of PPB at the age of 6,
      presenting with bilateral nasal obstruction and decreased sense of smell. In our
      case report we highlight the association between PPB and NCMH, and describe an
      unusual presentation.  

PMID- 25129192
TI  - Direct digital radiograph. Technicians role in obtaining good images.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the rejected rate of direct digital radiography (DRs) in
      our hospital, benchmark it with other institutes, and explore the causes of
      rejection. METHODS: Data were collected between June 2012 and May 2013 at King
      Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The rejected
      analysis was registered in the system, which is a built in software. Reasons for
      rejection could not be deleted, and no further imaging is allowed for the same
      patient without reporting the reason for rejection. Reasons for rejection are
      predefined by the machine. RESULTS: Of 89,797 images that were acquired, 13,371
      were rejected, with a rejection rate of 15%. Positioning errors were the main
      reason for rejection, followed by artifact 28.5%, and motion 17.1%. As for body
      parts pelvis, abdomen, spine, and knee were recorded as rejected with higher
      rates than the average. CONCLUSION: This study has shown a number of unnecessary
      repeated imaging of patients. In addition, reject analysis in DR is proven to be
      an indicator for quality in imaging, the reasons of rejection that have high
      percentage for occurrence should be given more focus during patients scan. 

PMID- 25129193
TI  - Quality of life among adults with beta-thalassemia major in western Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the quality of life in the thalassemia adult patients and
      clarify how effective the management is of these patients and whether a change in
      care is warranted. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, adult thalassemia
      patients (>18 years) of both genders, attending the day care unit in King
      Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeedah, Saudi Arabia were surveyed using SF-36
      questionnaire. Data were collected between October 2012 and December 2012. The
      questions highlighted 3 health status scales; physical functioning (PF),
      emotional functioning (EF), and social functioning (SF). Scores were analyzed
      using SPSS. RESULTS: Forty-eight adults were surveyed (mean+/-SD: 26.02+/-5.56).
      These were made up of 60.4% males and 41.7% were Saudis. The frequency of blood
      transfusion was every 3 weeks in 81.3% of patients, but 18.8% were having
      transfusions less frequently. Half of our sampled patients were splenectomized
      (54.2%). The PF score for the total sample was 61.4 (SD=22.7), the SF score was
      75 (SD=26.4) and the EF score was 69.7 (SD= 21.6); the SF and EF scores were
      lower in females and non-Saudis compared to male Saudis. CONCLUSION: The PF score
      in our sample was low compared to other regional studies; the SF and EF scores
      were low in females and non-Saudis. 

PMID- 25129194
TI  - Effects of hyperandrogenism and high body mass index on acne severity in women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between hyperandrogenism and obesity
      with acne, and correlation between the severity of acne with the clinical and
      laboratory parameters of hyperandrogenism. METHODS: One hundred and forty-one
      female with acne vulgaris and 73 healthy women were included in this study. The
      correlation of clinical and laboratory signs of hyperandrogenism and the severity
      of acne was examined. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obese individuals
      in the group with acne was determined significantly higher than the control
      group. There was a positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) value and
      the severity of acne. The frequency of hirsutism, menstrual irregularity,
      androgenetic alopecia, seborrhea and polycystic ovary in the group with acne were
      found significantly higher than the control group. The average levels of free
      testosterone (fT), total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosteron sulfate, and
      prolactine in the groups with acne were found significantly higher compared with
      the control group. There was a positive correlation between the fT and TT levels
      and the severity of acne. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hyperandrogenism and
      obesity was increased in women with acne. According to the results of our study,
      it can be said that circulating androgen levels and BMI play a key role in the
      severity of acne.

PMID- 25129195
TI  - Unconventional materials and substances used in water pipe (narghile) by smokers
      in central western region of Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use of unconventional substances and materials in
      water pipe among cafe water pipe smokers. METHODS: This was a questionnaire-based
      survey among subjects attending coffee shops in the region of Al Madinah, Saudi
      Arabia between February and March 2013. RESULTS: We invited 110 subjects, only 90
      consented to participate in the study. A percentage of 1.1% used fluids other
      than water in the water pipe tank, 18.9% added other soft drinks to the tank, and
      7.8% added flowers, spices or drugs to the tobacco mix placed in the head of the
      water pipe. A proportion of participants used fruits to replace the water pipe
      head (12.2%), or to replace water pipe tank (4.4%). Higher number of children the
      smokers had and cafe smoking were all significantly associated with
      unconventional practices. CONCLUSION: A substantial percentage of sample of water
      pipe smokers in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia use unusual materials and/or substances
      in the water pipe and this is probably encouraged by cafe smoking.

PMID- 25129196
TI  - Umbilical neoplasm as the first sign of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 25129197
TI  - Infection prevention and control guidelines for patients with Middle East
      Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

PMID- 25129198
TI  - Timing of dental development in Saudi cleft lip and palate patients.

PMID- 25129199
TI  - Asthma drugs suppress growth.

PMID- 25129200
TI  - Longitudinal trajectories of aberrant behavior in fragile X syndrome.
AB  - The Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C; Aman et al., 1995) has been
      increasingly adopted as a primary tool for measuring behavioral change in
      clinical trials for individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS). To our knowledge,
      however, no study has documented the longitudinal trajectory of aberrant
      behaviors in individuals with FXS using the ABC-C. As part of a larger
      longitudinal study, we examined scores obtained on the ABC-C subscales for 124
      children and adolescents (64 males, 60 females) with FXS who had two or more
      assessments (average interval between assessments was approximately 4 years).
      Concomitant changes in age-equivalent scores on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior
      Scales (VABS) were also examined. As expected for an X-linked genetic disorder,
      males with FXS obtained significantly higher scores on all subscales of the ABC-C
      and significantly lower age-equivalent scores on the VABS than females with FXS.
      In both males and females with FXS, scores on the Irritability/Agitation and
      Hyperactivity/Noncompliance subscales of the ABC-C decreased significantly with
      age, with little to no change occurring over time on the Lethargy/Social
      Withdrawal, Stereotypic Behavior, and Inappropriate Speech subscales. The
      decrease in scores on the Hyperactivity/Noncompliance domain was significantly
      greater for males than for females. In both males and females, age-equivalent
      scores on the VABS increased significantly over this developmental period. These
      results establish a basis upon which to evaluate long-term outcomes from
      intervention-based research. However, longitudinal direct observational studies
      are needed to establish whether the severity of problem behavior actually
      decreases over time in this population. 

PMID- 25129202
TI  - Patterns of habitual physical activity in youth with and without Prader-Willi
      Syndrome.
AB  - Children classified as overweight or obese and those with disabilities are at a
      greater risk of not meeting the minimum recommendation of 60 min a day of
      moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA). Youth with Prader-Willi Syndrome
      (PWS) appear to participate in less PA compared to nonsyndromal children, likely
      due to syndrome-related factors. However, description of PA patterns in youth
      with PWS is lacking. The purpose of this study was to characterize PA in youth
      with PWS and to compare it to PA in children with nonsyndromal obesity. Twenty
      four youth with PWS (ages 8-16 years) and 40 obese children without PWS (OB)
      (ages 8-11 years) wore accelerometers for eight consecutive days. Data were
      screened for compliance and classified into PA intensities: sedentary behavior
      (SED), light (LPA), moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA) and moderate plus vigorous
      (MVPA). Youth with PWS spent 19.4% less time in weekly LPA (p=0.007) and 29.8%
      less time in weekly VPA compared to OB controls (p=0.036). All other intensities
      were similar between groups. In addition, PWS participated in less LPA and VPA
      during the weekends compared to OB, and less LPA on weekdays when compared to OB.
      There was also a trend towards PWS participating in less MVPA during the weekends
      and less VPA during the weekends than OB controls. There was a trend towards PWS
      participating in less VPA on weekends compared to weekdays, while OB participated
      similarly in VPA on weekdays and weekend days. On average, neither PWS nor OB
      children met minimum MVPA recommendations. The results suggest there is a need to
      design exercise programs for PWS youth that focus on integrating vigorous
      intensity activities, especially during the weekends when structured PA may not
      be available.

PMID- 25129201
TI  - Prevalence and factors associated with polypharmacy in Victorian adults with
      intellectual disability.
AB  - Although polypharmacy is a medication safety concern leading to increased risk of
      non-adherence, adverse drug reaction and drug-drug interactions, polypharmacy and
      associated risk factors has rarely been investigated involving people with ID at
      a population level. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the prevalence of
      polypharmacy and to evaluate the role of different factors associated with
      polypharmacy in a state-wide representative population of adults with ID. In a
      population-based survey in Victoria, Australia, 897 people with ID 18 years of
      age or older were selected by simple random sampling. The data were collected
      from proxy respondents on behalf of people with ID. Polypharmacy was defined as
      the concomitant use of five or more medications. The data were weighted to
      reflect the age/sex/geographic distribution of the population. Results revealed
      that more than 76% of adults with ID had used prescribed medicine and about 21%
      were exposed to polypharmacy in the last two weeks. In both univariate and
      multivariate analyses, polypharmacy was significantly associated with older age,
      unemployment and inability to get help from family and friends if needed. After
      controlling for age, sex and severity of intellectual disability, polypharmacy
      was associated with having a blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood glucose
      level check. Polypharmacy was also associated with a greater number of visits to
      general practitioners, fair or poor reported health status and inability to walk
      unaided. Subjects with epilepsy, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis and cancer had a
      higher probability of polypharmacy. None of the disease inducing behaviors was
      associated with polypharmacy. This study highlights the need that medication
      should be regularly reviewed overall in ID population and particularly when
      polypharmacy exists. 

PMID- 25129203
TI  - Glomerular nestin expression: possible predictor of outcome of focal segmental
      glomerulosclerosis in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A high prevalence of chronic kidney disease among children with focal
      segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) leads to a permanent quest for good
      predictors of kidney dysfunction. Thus, we carried out a retrospective cohort
      study in order to examine known clinical and morphological predictors of adverse
      outcome, as well as to investigate glomerular nestin expression as a potential
      new early predictor of kidney dysfunction in children with FSGS. Relationships
      between nestin expression and clinical and morphological findings were also
      investigated. METHODS: Among 649 renal biopsy samples, obtained from two
      children's hospitals, FSGS was diagnosed in 60 children. Thirty-eight patients,
      who met the criteria for this study, were followed up for 9.0 +/- 5.2 years.
      Using Kaplan-Meier and Cox's regression analysis, potential clinical and
      morphological predictors were applied in two models of prediction: after disease
      onset and after the biopsy. RESULTS: The present study revealed the following
      significant predictors of kidney dysfunction: patients' ages at disease onset, as
      well as age at biopsy, resistance to corticosteroid treatment, serum creatinine
      level, urine protein/creatinine ratio, vascular involvement, tubular atrophy,
      interstitial fibrosis, and decreased glomerular nestin expression. CONCLUSIONS:
      The most important finding of our study is that nestin can be used as a potential
      new early morphological predictor of kidney dysfunction in childhood onset of
      FSGS, since nestin has been obviously decreased in both sclerotic and normal
      glomeruli seen by light microscopy.

PMID- 25129204
TI  - Serum suPAR levels are modulated by immunosuppressive therapy of minimal change
      nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) could
      be a causative factor in idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). It
      is currently unknown to what extent suPAR levels could be affected by treatment
      with immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporin A (CsA) and mycophenolate
      mofetil (MMF). Treatment with CsA, but not MMF, is accompanied by nephrotoxicity,
      and since suPAR levels correlate with glomerular filtration rate (GFR), treatment
      with these drugs could indirectly modulate suPAR levels by their effect on renal
      function. METHODS: We measured suPAR levels in a recent prospective multicenter
      crossover trial comparing the efficacy of MMF and CsA in pediatric patients with
      minimal change disease (MCD) and frequently relapsing steroid-sensitive nephrotic
      syndrome (FR-SSNS). All patients had biopsy-proven MCD and normal renal function;
      they were treated with each drug for 1 year in a crossover study design. Serum
      suPAR levels were measured before and after 1 year of therapy with MMF (n = 40)
      and CsA (n = 35). RESULTS: The suPAR levels decreased after 1 year of treatment
      with MMF (p < 0.05). Conversely, suPAR levels increased after 1 year of treatment
      with CsA in the same patients (p = 0.01). These changes in suPAR levels were not
      correlated to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or changes in the
      GFR. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this prospective randomized trial suggest that
      treatment with MMF and CsA is associated with different effects on suPAR levels
      in children with MCD and that these are independent of their effects on GFR.

PMID- 25129205
TI  - Central venous catheterization using a perfused human cadaveric model:
      application to surgical education.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to present a unique training model
      using a perfused human cadaver for central line placement training with the
      ultimate goal of reducing central venous catheter mechanical complications.
      DESIGN: The applicability of the fresh tissue cadaver model for central line
      placement was assessed using a 10-item questionnaire with a 5-point Likert-type
      scale. Respondents were asked to rate their opinions as strongly agree, agree,
      neutral, disagree, or strongly disagree. SETTING: All participants received a
      didactic lecture followed by supervised practice on a commercially available
      simulator. The students were then relocated to the Fresh Tissue Dissection
      Laboratory where they practiced central vein catheterization on a fresh perfused
      human cadaver. PARTICIPANTS: Course participants included 87 physicians from
      various medical specialties at different stages of training. RESULTS: Results of
      the survey demonstrated that 91% of the participating physicians found the
      perfused cadaveric model to be a true simulation of conditions that exist in live
      patients, and 98% reported that the use of this model promoted acquisition of
      technical skills. CONCLUSION: The integration of central line placement training
      on perfused cadavers into residency and fellowship training provides an
      unparalleled realistic simulation to participants. Further study is needed to
      assess whether realistic simulation translates into objective end points such as
      decreased mechanical complications.

PMID- 25129206
TI  - Post-mortem 7.0-tesla magnetic resonance study of cortical microinfarcts in
      neurodegenerative diseases and vascular dementia with neuropathological
      correlates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Until recently cortical microinfarcts (CMIs) were considered as the
      invisible lesions in clinical-radiological correlation studies that rely on
      conventional structural magnetic resonance imaging. The present study
      investigates the presence of CMIs on 7.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in
      post-mortem brains with different neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred-seventy five post-mortem brains, composed of
      37 with pure Alzheimer's disease (AD), 12 with AD associated to cerebral amyloid
      angiopathy (AD-CAA), 38 with frontotemporal lobar degeneration, 12 with
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 16 with Lewy body disease (LBD), 21 with
      progressive supranuclear palsy, 18 with vascular dementia (VaD) and 21 controls
      were examined. According to their size several types of CMIs were detected on 3
      coronal sections of a cerebral hemisphere with 7.0-T MRI and compared to the mean
      CMI load observed on histological examination of one standard separate coronal
      section of a cerebral hemisphere at the level of the mamillary body. RESULTS:
      Overall CMIs were significantly prevalent in those brains with neurodegenerative
      and cerebrovascular diseases associated to CAA compared to those without CAA.
      VaD, AD-CAA and LBD brains had significantly more CMIs compared to the controls.
      While all types of CMIs were increased in VaD and AD-CAA brains, a predominance
      of the smallest ones was observed in the LBD brains. CONCLUSIONS: The present
      study shows that 7.0-T MRI allows the detection of several types of MICs and
      their contribution to the cognitive decline in different neurodegenerative and
      cerebrovascular diseases.

PMID- 25129207
TI  - Extrathymic malignancies in a defined cohort of patients with myasthenia gravis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Myasthenia gravis (MG) may be associated with extrathymic
      malignancies, especially in patients with thymoma. AIM: To determine the
      frequency and type of extrathymic malignancies in MG patients from the Belgrade
      area, and to identify potential risk factors associated with tumors. PATIENTS AND
      METHOD: The study comprised 390 patients with MG. Different sociodemographic and
      clinical variables potentially associated with extrathymic neoplasms were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Extrathymic malignancies were present in 42 (10.8%) MG
      patients - 22 (52.4%) males and 20 (47.6%) females. The most frequently detected
      were breast (40%) and lung (40%) neoplasms. The tumors appeared with similar
      frequency before (45.2%) and after the onset of MG (42.9%). Significant
      predictors for the development of extrathymic malignancies were current age (p =
      0.001) and immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy (p = 0.021). On the other hand, current
      age (p=0.001), longer MG duration (p = 0.001) and generalized form of MG (p =
      0.002) were significant predictors of malignancy occurring after the MG onset.
      CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that older MG patients, as well as those with
      longer duration of the disease, and those who received IVIg therapy had a higher
      oncogenic risk for the development of extrathymic malignancies.

PMID- 25129209
TI  - Letter from the guest editors.

PMID- 25129210
TI  - Dose tracking and dose auditing in a comprehensive computed tomography dose
      reduction program.
AB  - Implementation of a comprehensive computed tomography (CT) radiation dose
      reduction program is a complex undertaking, requiring an assessment of baseline
      doses, an understanding of dose-saving techniques, and an ongoing appraisal of
      results. We describe the role of dose tracking in planning and executing a dose
      reduction program and discuss the use of the American College of Radiology CT
      Dose Index Registry at our institution. We review the basics of dose-related CT
      scan parameters, the components of the dose report, and the dose-reduction
      techniques, showing how an understanding of each technique is important in
      effective auditing of "outlier" doses identified by dose tracking. 

PMID- 25129208
TI  - Curcumin improves the integrity of blood-spinal cord barrier after compressive
      spinal cord injury in rats.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that curcumin (Cur) can produce potent
      neuroprotective effects against damage due to spinal cord injury (SCI). However,
      whether Cur can preserve the function of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is
      unclear. The present study was performed to investigate the mechanism underlying
      BSCB permeability changes, which were induced by treatment with Cur (75, 150, and
      300 mg/kg, i.p.) after compressive SCI in rats. BSCB permeability was evaluated
      by Evans blue leakage. Motor recovery of rats with SCI was assessed using the
      Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scoring system every day until the 21st days post
      injury. The protein levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), tight junction protein,
      and inflammatory factors were analyzed by western blots. The expression of the
      inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nuclear factor
      kappaB (NF-kappaB) mRNA was determined with reverse transcription-polymerase
      chain reactions. Treatment with Cur (150 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced
      Evans blue leakage into the spinal cord tissue at 24h after SCI. Cur (150 mg/kg)
      significantly increased HO-1 protein expression. The levels of TNF-alpha and NF
      kappaB mRNA and protein greatly increased at 24h after SCI, and this increase was
      significantly attenuated by Cur treatment. ZO-1 and occludin expression was
      upregulated by Cur (150 mg/kg) treatment after SCI, and this effect was blocked
      by the HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin. Long-term effects of Cur on motor
      recovery after SCI were observed. Our results indicated that Cur can improve
      motor function after SCI, which could correlate with improvements in BSCB
      integrity.

PMID- 25129211
TI  - Magnetic resonance enterography in evaluation and management of children with
      Crohn's disease.
AB  - The role of radiologic evaluation in Crohn's disease (CD) has undergone a recent
      paradigm shift in which the radiologist adds value to the multidisciplinary team
      by longitudinally assessing therapeutic response and identifying treatment
      modifying subtypes, such as fibrostenotic or fistulizing disease. Magnetic
      resonance enterography (MRE) has become the primary imaging modality used. The
      combination of multiplanar, multiparametric, and multiphasic contrast-enhanced
      imaging with the high spatial resolution and very high tissue contrast of MR
      imaging allows for detailed evaluation of intra-abdominal pathology, without the
      risk of cumulative radiation exposure. MRE provides the benefit of a complete
      evaluation of mural, extramural, and even extraintestinal manifestations and
      complications of CD in a single examination. Cine motility sequences and
      diffusion-weighted imaging may further increase sensitivity and specificity. MRE
      represents an ideal imaging modality for initial evaluation, assessment of
      therapeutic response, and evaluation of complications in patients with CD. 

PMID- 25129212
TI  - Neonatal neurosonography.
AB  - Neonatal neurosonography is used commonly to evaluate the central nervous system
      in the neonatal intensive care setting. The procedure can be performed at the
      bedside in these critically ill patients who may suffer from hemodynamic and
      thermoregulatory instability and often require mechanical ventilation. This
      article reviews current recommendations regarding neurosonography technique,
      pathophysiology, and imaging of intracranial insults including hemorrhage, white
      matter injury, infarction, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. 

PMID- 25129213
TI  - Techniques that decrease or eliminate ionizing radiation for evaluation of
      ventricular shunts in children with hydrocephalus.
AB  - Shunted hydrocephalus in children is a commonly seen diagnosis in hospitals
      throughout the world and is one of the most common chronic pediatric
      neurosurgical conditions. These children undergo numerous studies for routine
      surveillance as well as for evaluation of shunt malfunction, many of which are
      associated with significant radiation exposure over the child's lifetime. It is
      in the child's best interest to minimize the overall exposure to ionizing
      radiation so as to decrease the chance of the deleterious effects from occurring.
      The article outlines the epidemiology of ventricular shunt catheters, the typical
      indications and methods for shunt evaluation, and the preferred alternative
      imaging methods that eliminate or reduce radiation exposure. 

PMID- 25129214
TI  - Pectus excavatum: current imaging techniques and opportunities for dose
      reduction.
AB  - Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common congenital chest wall deformity in
      children. It affects 1 in every 300-1000 live births with a male to female ratio
      of 5:1. Most of the patients present in their first year of life. During the
      teenage years, patients may have exercise intolerance and psychological strain
      because of their chest wall deformity. The Nuss and Ravitch procedures are
      established methods of surgical correction of PE. An index of severity known best
      as the Haller index, typically evaluated with computed tomography scan, when
      measuring greater than 3.2 is considered to indicate moderate or severe PE and is
      a prerequisite for third-party insurance reimbursement for these corrective
      procedures. This article reviews the clinical features of PE, the role of
      imaging, and the opportunities for radiation dose reduction. 

PMID- 25129215
TI  - Primary liver tumors in pediatric patients: proper imaging technique for
      diagnosis and staging.
AB  - Liver tumors in children are rare and comprise a diverse set of both benign and
      malignant lesions, most of which are not clinically detected until they are large
      and often difficult to resect. Technological advances in diagnostic imaging have
      greatly influenced the surgical planning of these lesions and ultimately the
      clinical outcome. The intent of this article is to present an imaging algorithm
      for the effective and efficient workup of liver tumors in pediatric patients.
      This includes the appropriate timing and use of various imaging modalities, such
      as conventional radiographs, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic
      resonance imaging. This article also addresses the use of sedation, intravenous
      contrast agents, and the benefits and limitations of specific imaging modalities.
      An overview of the radiologic and pathologic findings in common liver lesions in
      pediatric patients, as well as individual case examples demonstrating the use of
      the proposed workup algorithm, is provided. 

PMID- 25129216
TI  - Imaging of nontraumatic acute hip pain in children: multimodality approach with
      attention to the reduction of medical radiation exposure.
AB  - Nontraumatic acute hip pain in children is common. However, the presentation and
      etiology is variable, including difficulty with weight bearing and abnormal gait.
      Barriers in communication, multiple possible etiologies, and age-specific
      anatomical variations of the pediatric hip make the evaluation of hip pain in
      children a difficult clinical diagnosis. Multimodality radiologic approach plays
      an important role for the evaluation of these children. However, owing to the
      complexity of pediatric hip disease, children sometimes undergo multiple
      radiologic examinations, resulting in delay in diagnosis and increased radiation
      dose. This article focuses on the illustration and discussion of common causes of
      acute hip pain or limp in children. Current recommendations for the imaging of
      these patients with specific attention to the ALARA (as low radiation as
      reasonably achievable) principle of radiation exposure are considered. Examples
      of the entities discussed are provided. 

PMID- 25129217
TI  - Pediatric interventional radiology and dose-reduction techniques.
AB  - The pediatric interventional radiology community has worked diligently in recent
      years through education and the use of technology to incorporate numerous dose
      reduction strategies. This article seeks to describe different strategies where
      we can significantly lower the dose to the pediatric patient undergoing a
      diagnostic or therapeutic image-guided procedure and, subsequently, lower the
      dose several fold to the staff and ourselves in the process. These strategies
      start with patient selection, dose awareness and monitoring, shielding,
      fluoroscopic techniques, and collimation. Advanced features such as cone-beam
      technology, dose-reduction image processing algorithms, overlay road mapping, and
      volumetric cross-sectional hybrid imaging are also discussed. 

PMID- 25129218
TI  - Imaging of lumps and bumps in pediatric patients: an algorithm for appropriate
      imaging and pictorial review.
AB  - Superficial lumps and bumps are a common presenting complaint in the pediatric
      patient population. Although encountered frequently, the path to a definitive
      diagnosis is not always a straightforward one. Imaging offers a valuable tool to
      aid in this diagnostic challenge. Radiologists must be familiar with pediatric
      lumps and bumps, their imaging characteristics, and the best way to further
      evaluate challenging clinical presentations. This will not only allow the
      radiologist to serve as a valuable asset to the treating physician in choosing
      the most appropriate imaging modality but also help in accurate diagnosis, all
      while ensuring the "image gently" principle. An algorithm for imaging in the
      pediatric patient with lumps and bumps has been presented in this article and a
      few example entities along with their imaging findings have also been reviewed. 

PMID- 25129219
TI  - Molecular responses in digestive tract of juvenile common carp after chronic
      exposure to sublethal tributyltin.
AB  - The effect of long-term exposure to tributyltin (TBT) on the intestine-related
      biochemical biomarkers in common carp was investigated in this study. Fish were
      exposed at sub-lethal concentrations of TBT (75 ng/L, 0.75 and 7.5 MUg/L) for 60
      days. Multiple biomarkers were measured, including digestive enzymes (trypsin,
      lipase and amylase), antioxidant responses (malondialdehyde (MDA) and total
      antioxidative capacity (T-AOC)), RNA/DNA ratio and the expression of digestive
      related genes (try, lipc and amy). TBT exposure at 0.75 and 7.5 MUg/L led to
      significantly inhibited activities of all digestive enzymes. At higher
      concentration of TBT, oxidative stress was apparent as reflected by the
      significant higher MDA content in the fish intestine, associated with an
      inhibition of T-AOC activities. After 60 days, the RNA/DNA ratio in fish
      intestine was significantly lower in groups exposed to TBT at higher
      concentrations (0.75 and 7.5 MUg/L). In addition, the expression levels of try,
      lipc and amy in intestine of all treated fish were inhibited, even at the
      environmental concentration (75 ng/L). Our results suggest that long-term
      exposure to TBT could result in different responses of intestine-related
      biochemical biomarkers in fish, which could be used as new potential indicators
      for monitoring residual TBT present in aquatic environment.

PMID- 25129220
TI  - A comprehensive insight into bacterial virulence in drinking water using 454
      pyrosequencing and Illumina high-throughput sequencing.
AB  - In order to comprehensively investigate bacterial virulence in drinking water,
      454 pyrosequencing and Illumina high-throughput sequencing were used to detect
      potential pathogenic bacteria and virulence factors (VFs) in a full-scale
      drinking water treatment and distribution system. 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing
      revealed high bacterial diversity in the drinking water (441-586 operational
      taxonomic units). Bacterial diversity decreased after chlorine disinfection, but
      increased after pipeline distribution. alpha-Proteobacteria was the most dominant
      taxonomic class. Alignment against the established pathogen database showed that
      several types of putative pathogens were present in the drinking water and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest abundance (over 110/00 of total sequencing
      reads). Many pathogens disappeared after chlorine disinfection, but P. aeruginosa
      and Leptospira interrogans were still detected in the tap water. High-throughput
      sequencing revealed prevalence of various pathogenicity islands and virulence
      proteins in the drinking water, and translocases, transposons, Clp proteases and
      flagellar motor switch proteins were the predominant VFs. Both diversity and
      abundance of the detectable VFs increased after the chlorination, and decreased
      after the pipeline distribution. This study indicates that joint use of 454
      pyrosequencing and Illumina sequencing can comprehensively characterize
      environmental pathogenesis, and several types of putative pathogens and various
      VFs are prevalent in drinking water. 

PMID- 25129221
TI  - Brewers' rice induces apoptosis in azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in
      rats via suppression of cell proliferation and the Wnt signaling pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brewers' rice is locally known as temukut, is a byproduct of the rice
      milling process, and consists of broken rice, rice bran, and rice germ. Unlike
      rice bran, the health benefit of brewers' rice has yet to be fully studied. Our
      present study aimed to identify the chemopreventive potential of brewers' rice
      with colonic tumor formation and to examine further the mechanistic action of
      brewers' rice during colon carcinogenesis. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were
      randomly divided into five groups: (G1) normal; (G2) azoxymethane (AOM) alone;
      and (G3), (G4), and (G5), which were AOM fed with 10%, 20%, and 40% (w/w) of
      brewers' rice, respectively. Rats in group 2 to 5 were injected intraperitoneally
      with AOM (15 mg/kg body weight) once weekly for two weeks. Colon tumor incidence
      and multiplicity was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The
      expression of beta-catenin, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and Ki-67 was evaluated by
      immunohistochemical staining. The apoptosis-inducing activity was analyzed using
      a TUNEL assay. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance
      (ANOVA) with P-value<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Overall analyses
      revealed that brewers' rice reduced colon tumor incidence and multiplicity. The
      results from immunohistochemistry analysis also showed that brewers' rice
      decreased the expression of beta-catenin, COX-2, and Ki-67 in a dose-dependent
      manner. Furthermore, TUNEL analysis demonstrated that administration of brewers'
      rice in AOM-induced rat colorectal cancer resulted in a dose-dependent increase
      in cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data suggested that brewers'
      rice can inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and suppress COX-2 and
      beta-catenin expression via the Wnt signaling pathway and holds great promise in
      the field of chemoprevention as a dietary agent.

PMID- 25129222
TI  - Quiet standing after carbohydrate ingestion induces sympathoexcitatory and
      pressor responses in young healthy males.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the
      cardiovascular response to quiet standing in the postprandial state. METHOD:
      Following a 30min pre-ingestion phase, 14 healthy young male subjects consumed a
      600kcal carbohydrate-rich meal. Arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR)
      were recorded for a further 120min. Measurements were obtained (Finometer) in
      both the supine (5min) and standing (5min) condition every 30min. Power spectral
      analysis of RR-interval and BP variability was calculated, and heart rate
      responses to the baroreceptor reflex were calculated to estimate spontaneous
      baroreflex sensitivity (sBRS). Derived stroke volume (SV) was measured to track
      changes to postural stress postprandially. RESULTS: Quiet standing increased RR
      interval low frequency power, ratio of RR-interval low frequency power/high
      frequency power (ratio of RR LF/HF), and systolic BP low frequency power (SBP LF
      power), and decreased RR HF power and sBRS before, and after eating. After meal
      ingestion, SBP LF power increased and sBRS decreased in lying and standing
      conditions. During quiet standing postprandially, DBP and the mean arterial
      pressure increased (P<0.01). The increased BP is associated with increased SV
      (P<0.05) early postprandially, and increased SBP LF power (P<0.01) in the later
      postprandial phase. SBP LF power is inversely correlated with SV postprandially
      (P<0.001, R(2)=0.96). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a sympathetic activation
      mediated by baroreflex resetting. Quiet standing in the postprandial state
      enhances sympathetic outflow to the vasculature, increasing BP. SV may be a
      compensatory factor stabilising BP during quiet standing early postprandially.

PMID- 25129223
TI  - Hepatitis B prevalence in a multi-ethnic community in South England: a 3 year
      retrospective study.

PMID- 25129224
TI  - Safety of street foods in Agartala, North East India.

PMID- 25129225
TI  - Assessing the relationship between medical residents' perceived barriers to SBIRT
      implementation and their documentation of SBIRT in clinical practice.

PMID- 25129226
TI  - Factors affecting preparedness and capacity to manage pandemic influenza:
      perceptions of healthcare managers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Numerous interventions seeking to increase preparedness for pandemic
      influenza have been implemented, but low compliance of healthcare providers has
      been reported in many instances. The aim of this study was to identify factors
      that affect preparedness for pandemic influenza by examining: hospital managers'
      perceptions of measures implemented to promote preparedness for pandemic
      influenza; hospital managers' assessments of the readiness and capability of
      their hospitals to manage pandemic influenza; and the effectiveness of a national
      pandemic preparedness programme in Israel over time. STUDY DESIGN: A quasi
      experiment was conducted following implementation of a national pandemic
      preparedness programme in Israel. A survey assessed hospital managers'
      perceptions of the effectiveness of the programme, and the preparedness and
      capacity of their hospitals to manage pandemic influenza. Two independent
      evaluations of preparedness for biological threats were conducted, based on a
      validated tool that included 60 objective parameters. METHODS: Correlations
      between perceived preparedness and capacity and components of the preparedness
      programme were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version
      17. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the components that
      influence preparedness and capability to manage pandemic influenza. RESULTS: All
      general hospital managers in Israel were approached twice (first and second
      evaluations). Ninety-one percent rated themselves as highly/very highly prepared
      for pandemic influenza, and 87% rated themselves as highly/very highly capable of
      dealing with pandemic influenza. Strong correlation was found between hospital
      managers' perceived preparedness and capacity to manage pandemic influenza (rho =
      0.761, P = 0.000), and between perceived preparedness and familiarity with the
      disease (rho = 0.605, P = 0.003). Familiarity with guidelines accounted for 35%
      of the variance in perceived capability (adjusted R(2) = 0.346, P = 0.002).
      Inclusion of preparedness evaluations explained an additional 15% of the variance
      (R(2) change = 0.146, P = 0.026). An increase in mean total score for emergency
      preparedness was found in the second evaluation compared with the first
      evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Familiarity with guidelines and preparedness evaluations
      affect the perceptions of healthcare managers regarding preparedness and
      capability to manage pandemic influenza.

PMID- 25129227
TI  - Socio-economic correlates of functional health literacy among patients of primary
      health care in Kosovo.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Functional health literacy (FHL) has been related to individual
      characteristics, ill-health and disease knowledge. However, the information about
      FHL in Kosovo is very limited and thus the aim of this study was to assess the
      demographic and socio-economic correlates of FHL among users of primary health
      care in Kosovo, a postconflict country in the Western Balkans. STUDY DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kosovo
      between November 2012-February 2013, including a representative sample of 1035
      consecutive primary care users aged >=18 years (60% females; overall mean age:
      44.3 +/- 16.9 years; overall response rate: 86%). Test of Functional Health
      Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) was used to assess FHL. General linear model and
      logistic regression were used to assess the association of TOFHLA score with
      demographic and socio-economic characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, four out of
      five participants exhibited inadequate or marginal FHL in this Kosovo sample. FHL
      score was independently and inversely related to age, but positively associated
      with educational attainment and being in a situation other than unemployed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Limited or marginal FHL was very common among primary care users in
      Kosovo and considerably higher than in the neighbouring Serbia. The low health
      literacy levels in Kosovo may provide an additional barrier towards achievement
      of health care goals. There is a need to design and implement suitable and
      effective educational and health system interventions in the Kosovo context.

PMID- 25129228
TI  - Amplitude-integrated EEG revealed nonconvulsive status epilepticus in children
      with non-accidental head injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We describe the clinical course and amplitude-integrated EEG findings
      in three children with non-accidental head injury and discuss on the importance
      of continuous aEEG monitoring in infants. METHODS: NCSE was defined as a
      continuous 30-min seizure or briefer seizures occurring consecutively comprising
      at least 30 min of any 1-h period. Non-accidental head injury was diagnosed on
      the basis of neuroimaging findings such as subdural hemorrhage. Antiepileptic
      treatment was performed with continuous amplitude-integrated EEG monitoring.
      RESULTS: The age of the patients ranged from 48 days to nine months. All of them
      had loss of consciousness and seizures on presentation. Nonconvulsive status
      epilepticus without clinical symptoms were recognized in all patients. Vigorous
      antiepileptic treatment against nonconvulsive status epilepticus was made in two
      patients, whereas nonconvulsive status epilepticus disappeared within one hour
      without additional treatment in one. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience indicates that
      nonconvulsive status epilepticus were not uncommon in children with non
      accidental head injury. Continuous amplitude-integrated EEG monitoring will be
      one of the useful methods in encephalopathic children in order to estimate
      seizure burden objectively and to treat seizures appropriately.

PMID- 25129229
TI  - Dietary effect on immunological energetics in mice.
AB  - Defense against natural aggressors, such as bacterial infections, requires both
      energy and an immune-cellular response. However, the question as to how these two
      components are interconnected in small endotherms by means of the host diet
      remains only poorly understood. Here, we tested in laboratory mice whether
      dietary proteins and carbohydrates can modulate the interplay between energy
      expenditure, food intake and the innate and adaptive immune response when
      confronting a bacterial challenge (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, BCG). We observed
      that mice fed with a high protein diet (HP) developed a better immune response
      associated to increased numbers of circulating monocytes. In addition, HP diet
      directly influenced the peripheral blood proportions of both T and B lymphocytes
      even before the BCG challenge. Interestingly, animals that developed this type of
      immune response after BCG challenge showed an increased rate of metabolism and
      food consumption before being challenged. Thus, HP diet induced in non-challenged
      animals a similar energy expenditure and food intake described by BCG-treated
      mice. These data suggest that a high amount of proteins in diet can modify the
      energetic and nutrient dynamic in the host causing a better immune reaction
      against a microbial challenge. 

PMID- 25129230
TI  - Modeling of rhythmic behavior in neutral lipid production due to continuous
      supply of limited nitrogen: mutual growth and lipid accumulation in microalgae.
AB  - The relative effects of three precise nitrogen limitation regimes on green micro
      algae were assessed using the Trebouxiophycean alga Coccomyxa subellipsoidea
      grown in a chemostatic bioreactor system. The data provides further evidence that
      growth and triglyceride (TAG) accumulation are concurrent and independently
      proportional to the degree of nitrogen limitation in algae. Additionally, TAG
      accumulation was observed to proceed via oscillations with respect to time and
      percent dry weight quantity. The predator-prey model was applied to fit the
      experimental data and to obtain the physiological significance of these
      oscillations. The results determine the conditions of maximum neutral lipid
      productivity with respect to nitrate stress and highlight an area of potential
      future research. 

PMID- 25129231
TI  - Effects of solubility properties of solvents and biomass on biomass pretreatment.
AB  - Hildebrand solubility parameters of biomasses and pretreatment solvents were
      examined by a method of intrinsic viscosity. This is to be used as basic
      information in selecting a suitable solvent for biomass pretreatment processes.
      The effects of mixing1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIM-AC) and different
      solvents, lignin content in a pretreatment solvent, and biomass type on the
      Hildebrand solubility parameter and thermodynamic properties were carried out and
      calculated in this work. The Hildebrand solubility parameters of the mixtures are
      according to those of organic solvents: deltaH[EMIM-AC/DMA]=25.07<deltaH[EMIM
      AC/DMF]=25.48<deltaH[EMIM-AC/DMSO]=26.10<deltaH[EMIM-AC/Ethanolamine]=26.95. The
      Hildebrand solubility parameters of biomass compositions (microcrystalline
      cellulose, xylan and alkali lignin) and biomasses (cassava pulp residue and rice
      straw) vary in the ranges of 25.14-26.13. The increases of lignin content in the
      pretreatment solvents lead to the Hildebrand solubility parameter becoming closer
      to that of lignin. 

PMID- 25129232
TI  - Disassembly and reassembly of polyhydroxyalkanoates: recycling through abiotic
      depolymerization and biotic repolymerization.
AB  - An abiotic-biotic strategy for recycling of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) is
      evaluated. Base-catalyzed PHA depolymerization yields hydroxyacids, such as 3
      hydroxybutyrate (3HB), and alkenoates, such as crotonate; catalytic thermal
      depolymerization yields alkenoates. Cyclic pulse addition of 3HB to triplicate
      bioreactors selected for an enrichment of Comamonas, Brachymonas and
      Acinetobacter. After each pulse, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) transiently
      appeared: accumulation of P3HB correlated with hydrolysis of polyphosphate;
      consumption of P3HB correlated with polyphosphate synthesis. Cells removed from
      the cyclic regime and incubated with 3HB under nitrogen-limited conditions
      produced P3HB (molecular weight>1,000,000Da) at 50% of the cell dry weight (<8h).
      P3HB also resulted from incubation with acetate, crotonate, or a mixture of
      hydrolytic depolymerization products. Poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-3
      hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) resulted from incubation with valerate or 2
      pentenoate. A recycling strategy where abiotic depolymerization of waste PHAs
      yields feedstock for customized PHA re-synthesis appears feasible, without the
      need for energy-intensive feedstock purification. 

PMID- 25129233
TI  - The effect of poly-beta-hydroxyalkanoates degradation rate on nitrous oxide
      production in a denitrifying phosphorus removal system.
AB  - Poly-beta-hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and free nitrous acid (FNA) have been revealed
      as significant factors causing nitrous oxide (N2O) production in denitrifying
      phosphorus removal systems. In this study, the effect of PHA degradation rate on
      N2O production was studied at low FNA levels. N2O production always maintained at
      approximately 40% of the amount of nitrite reduced independent of the PHA
      degradation rate. The electrons distributed to nitrite reduction were 1.6 times
      that to N2O reduction. This indicated that electron competition between these two
      steps was not affected by the PHA degradation rate. Continuous feed of nitrate
      was proposed, and demonstrated to reduce N2O accumulation by 75%. While being
      kept low, a possible compounding effect of a low-level FNA could not be ruled
      out. The sludge used likely contained both polyphosphate- and glycogen
      accumulating organisms, and the results could not be simply attributed to either
      group of organisms. 

PMID- 25129234
TI  - Diversity and dynamics of the microbial community on decomposing wheat straw
      during mushroom compost production.
AB  - The development of communities of three important composting players including
      actinobacteria, fungi and clostridia was explored during the composting of wheat
      straw for mushroom production. The results revealed the presence of highly
      diversified actinobacteria and fungal communities during the composting process.
      The diversity of the fungal community, however, sharply decreased in the mature
      compost. Furthermore, an apparent succession of both actinobacteria and fungi
      with intensive changes in the composition of communities was demonstrated during
      composting. Notably, cellulolytic actinomycetal and fungal genera represented by
      Thermopolyspora, Microbispora and Humicola were highly enriched in the mature
      compost. Analysis of the key cellulolytic genes revealed their prevalence at
      different composting stages including several novel glycoside hydrolase family 48
      exocellulase lineages. The community of cellulolytic microbiota also changed
      substantially over time. The prevalence of the diversified cellulolytic
      microorganisms holds the great potential of mining novel lignocellulose
      decomposing enzymes from this specific ecosystem. 

PMID- 25129236
TI  - Absolute and relative quantification of RNA modifications via biosynthetic
      isotopomers.
AB  - In the resurging field of RNA modifications, quantification is a bottleneck
      blocking many exciting avenues. With currently over 150 known nucleoside
      alterations, detection and quantification methods must encompass multiple
      modifications for a comprehensive profile. LC-MS/MS approaches offer a
      perspective for comprehensive parallel quantification of all the various
      modifications found in total RNA of a given organism. By feeding (13)C-glucose as
      sole carbon source, we have generated a stable isotope-labeled internal standard
      (SIL-IS) for bacterial RNA, which facilitates relative comparison of all
      modifications. While conventional SIL-IS approaches require the chemical
      synthesis of single modifications in weighable quantities, this SIL-IS consists
      of a nucleoside mixture covering all detectable RNA modifications of Escherichia
      coli, yet in small and initially unknown quantities. For absolute in addition to
      relative quantification, those quantities were determined by a combination of
      external calibration and sample spiking of the biosynthetic SIL-IS. For each
      nucleoside, we thus obtained a very robust relative response factor, which
      permits direct conversion of the MS signal to absolute amounts of substance. The
      application of the validated SIL-IS allowed highly precise quantification with
      standard deviations<2% during a 12-week period, and a linear dynamic range that
      was extended by two orders of magnitude.

PMID- 25129237
TI  - Generalization from episodic memories across time: a route for semantic knowledge
      acquisition.
AB  - The storage of input regularities, at all levels of processing complexity, is a
      fundamental property of the nervous system. At high levels of complexity, this
      may involve the extraction of associative regularities between higher order
      entities such as objects, concepts and environments across events that are
      separated in space and time. We propose that such a mechanism provides an
      important route towards the formation of higher order semantic knowledge. The
      present study assessed whether subjects were able to extract complex regularities
      from multiple associative memories and whether they could generalize this
      regularity knowledge to new items. We used a memory task in which subjects were
      required to learn face-location associations, but in which certain facial
      features were predictive of locations. We assessed generalization, as well as
      memory for arbitrary stimulus components, over a 4-h post-encoding consolidation
      period containing wakefulness or sleep. We also assessed the stability of
      regularity knowledge across a period of several weeks thereafter. We found that
      subjects were able to detect the regularity structure and use it in a
      generalization task. Interestingly, the performance on this task increased across
      the 4hr post-learning period. However, no differential effects of cerebral sleep
      and wake states during this interval were observed. Furthermore, it was found
      that regularity extraction hampered the storage of arbitrary facial features,
      resulting in an impoverished memory trace. Finally, across a period of several
      weeks, memory for the regularity structure appeared very robust whereas memory
      for arbitrary associations showed steep forgetting. The current findings improve
      our understanding of how regularities across memories impact memory
      (trans)formation. 

PMID- 25129235
TI  - Fetal exposure to maternal depressive symptoms is associated with cortical
      thickness in late childhood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal depression is one of the most common prenatal complications.
      The consequences of fetal exposure to maternal depression are poorly understood.
      The aim of this study is to examine the association between fetal exposure to
      maternal depressive symptoms and cortical thickness in children 6-9 years old.
      METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal study of maternal depressive symptoms at 19,
      25, and 31 weeks' gestation was followed by acquisition of a structural magnetic
      resonance imaging scan in 81 children (age, 86.1 +/- 9.9 months). RESULTS:
      Significant (p < .01) cortical thinning in children primarily in the right
      frontal lobes was associated with exposure to prenatal maternal depression. The
      strongest association was at 25 weeks' gestation; exposure to maternal depression
      at 25 gestational weeks was associated with cortical thinning in 19% of the whole
      cortex and 24% of the frontal lobes, primarily in the right superior, medial
      orbital, and frontal pole regions of the prefrontal cortex (p < .01). The
      significant association between prenatal maternal depression and child
      externalizing behavior (p < .05) was mediated by cortical thinning in prefrontal
      areas of the right hemisphere. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of cortical thinning in
      children exposed to prenatal maternal depression is similar to patterns in
      depressed patients and in individuals with risk for depression. Exposure to
      prenatal depression coupled with subsequent cortical thinning was associated with
      presence of externalizing behavior in preadolescent children and may be prodromal
      markers of risk for dysphoria. Vulnerability to prenatal influences at 25
      gestational weeks may result from the enormous growth and dramatic structural
      changes in the nervous system.

PMID- 25129238
TI  - Hypoxic signature of microRNAs in glioblastoma: insights from small RNA deep
      sequencing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypoxia is a critical aspect of the glioma microenvironment and has
      been associated with poor prognosis and resistance to various therapies. However,
      the mechanisms responsible for hypoxic survival of glioma cells remain unclear.
      Recent studies strongly suggest that microRNAs act as critical mediators of the
      hypoxic response. We thus hypothesized their prominent role in hypoxia resistance
      in glioblastoma (GBM) and aimed to identify those. RESULTS: With this study, we
      present the first detailed analysis of small RNA transcriptome of cell line
      U87MG, a grade IV glioma cell line, and its alteration under hypoxic condition.
      Based on deep sequencing and microarray data, we identify a set of hypoxia
      regulated microRNAs, with the miR-210-3p and its isomiRs showing highest
      induction in GBM cell lines U87MG and U251MG. We show miR-210-3p, miR-1275, miR
      376c-3p, miR-23b-3p, miR-193a-3p and miR-145-5p to be up-regulated, while miR-92b
      3p, miR-20a-5p, miR-10b-5p, miR-181a-2-3p and miR-185-5p are down-regulated by
      hypoxia. Interestingly, certain hypoxia-induced miRNAs are also known to be over
      expressed in GBM tumors, suggesting that hypoxia may be one of the factors
      involved in establishing the miRNA signature of GBM. Transcription factor binding
      sites for Hypoxia inducible factor 1 A (HIF1A) were identified in the promoter
      region (5 kb upstream) of 30 hypoxia-induced miRNAs. HIF-1A over-expression and
      silencing studies show regulation of specific miRNAs, including miR-210-3p, to be
      HIF1A dependent. On the other hand, miR-210-3p leads to an increase in
      transcriptional activity of HIF and its target genes vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) and carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9). MiR-210-3p levels were found to be
      high in GBM patient samples and showed good correlation with the known hypoxia
      markers CA9 and VEGF. We show that miR-210-3p promotes hypoxic survival and
      chemoresistance in GBM cells and targets a negative regulator of hypoxic
      response, HIF3A. Additionally, a total of 139 novel miRNAs were discovered by the
      analysis of deep sequencing data and three of these were found to be
      differentially expressed under hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study reveals a
      novel miRNA signature of hypoxia in GBM and suggests miR-210-3p to be an
      oncogenic player and a novel potential intrinsic marker of hypoxia in
      glioblastoma.

PMID- 25129239
TI  - Quantitative electroencephalogram utility in predicting conversion of mild
      cognitive impairment to dementia with Lewy bodies.
AB  - Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as a precursor of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
      is the focus of recent research, trying to explore the early mechanisms and
      possible biomarkers of DLB. Quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) methods are
      able to differentiate early DLB from Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of the
      present study was to assess whether QEEG abnormalities, characterized by dominant
      frequency <8 Hz and dominant frequency variability >1.5 Hz, typical of early DLB,
      are already present at the stage of MCI and to evaluate whether EEG abnormalities
      can predict the development of DLB. Forty-seven MCI subjects were followed for 3
      years. EEG recordings were obtained at admission and at the end of the study. At
      the end of follow-up, 20 subjects had developed probable DLB (MCI-DLB), 14 had
      probable AD (MCI-AD), 8 did not convert to dementia, 5 developed a non-AD/DLB
      dementia. One hundred percent of MCI-DLB showed EEG abnormalities at admission.
      Ninety three percent of MCI-AD maintained a normal EEG throughout the study. QEEG
      may represent a powerful tool to predict the progression from MCI to DLB with a
      sensitivity and specificity close to 100%.

PMID- 25129240
TI  - SNCA variants rs2736990 and rs356220 as risk factors for Parkinson's disease but
      not for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple system atrophy in a Chinese
      population.
AB  - Previous studies found that polymorphisms rs2736990 and rs356220 in the alpha
      synuclein (SNCA) gene increase the risk for Parkinson's disease (PD) in a
      Caucasian population. In consideration of the overlapping of clinical
      manifestations and pathologic characteristics among PD, amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS), and multiple system atrophy (MSA), the possible associations of
      these 2 polymorphisms and 3 neurodegenerative diseases were studied in the
      Chinese population. A total of 1011 PD, 778 sporadic ALS (SALS), 264 MSA
      patients, and 721 healthy controls (HCs) were studied. All subjects were
      genotyped for the 2 polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction and direct
      sequencing. Significant differences in the genotype frequencies (p = 0.0188 and
      0.0064, respectively) and minor allele frequencies (MAFs) (p = 0.0065 and 0.0095,
      respectively) of rs2736990 and rs356220 were observed between the PD patients and
      HCs. Moreover, significant differences were found between the early-onset PD
      patients (<50 years) and matched controls but not in the late-onset PD patients
      (>=50 years). However, no differences were observed between subgroups with regard
      to clinical features, such as sex, onset symptoms (tremor or rigidity), cognition
      (normal or abnormal), and anxiety and depression (presence or absence). No
      significant differences were found in the genotype frequencies and MAFs of these
      2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms between SALS patients and HCs and between MSA
      patients and HCs. No significant differences were found between subgroups with
      regard to the clinical presentation of SALS and MSA. Our results show that
      rs2736990 and rs356220 in SNCA decreased the risk for PD in a Chinese population.
      These candidate polymorphisms were unlikely to be the causes of SALS and MSA in
      this population. 

PMID- 25129241
TI  - Predictable dental rehabilitation in maxillomandibular reconstruction with free
      flaps. The role of implant guided surgery.
AB  - The reconstruction of maxillomandibular defects secondary to oral cancer surgery,
      represent a great challenge for Maxillofacial surgeons. During the last decades
      the reconstructive surgery has experimented a big advance due to the development
      of the microsurgical techniques. At present, we are able to reconstruct complex
      defects using free flaps that provide both soft and bone tissue. Fibula, iliac
      crest and scapula free flaps have been the three classic options for the
      maxillomandibular reconstruction owing to the amount of bone that this flaps
      provide, allowing the posterior dental rehabilitation with implants. Today, our
      objective it is not only the aesthetic reconstruction, but also the functional
      reconstruction of the patients enhancing their life quality. Guided implant
      surgery in free flap reconstructed patients has become an essential tool, helping
      to define the exact position of the dental implant in the flap. In this way it is
      possible to look for the areas with better bone conditions, avoiding the
      osteosynthesis material used to fixate the flap with the native bone and deciding
      the best biomechanical option, in terms of number and situation of the implants,
      for the future dental prostheses. In summary, using the guided implant surgery,
      it is possible to design an exact and predictable dental implant rehabilitation
      in patients with oral cancer who are reconstructed with free microvascular flap,
      resulting in an optimal aesthetic and functional result. 

PMID- 25129242
TI  - Morphological and topographical characteristics of posterior supernumerary molar
      teeth: an epidemiological study on 25,186 subjects.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence , gender difference , arch , morphology
      and position within the arch of supernumerary molar (SM) teeth in a referred
      Italian Caucasian population. STUDY DESIGN: Records of 25,186 young patients were
      evaluated. Only data related to supernumerary teeth in the posterior region of
      the jaws were analyzed. The diagnosis of hyperdontia was formulated during the
      clinical and radiological examinations based on panoramic radiographs.
      Statistical analysis was conducted at level of subjects in the assessment of
      prevalence of SMs and sex ratio. Statistical analysis was conducted at level of
      teeth according to their morphological and topographic characteristics. The
      analysis of association between supernumerary morphology and arch, between
      supernumerary position and arch and between morphology and position was performed
      using the chi2 test (P<= 0.05). RESULTS: 61 posterior supernumerary teeth were
      found in 45 patients. The male to female ratio was 2.5:1 ;the mean age was 21.23
      (IC:95%).The SMs were found more frequently in the maxilla (62.3%) than in the
      mandible; supernumerary teeth (60.7%) were more frequent than supplemental teeth.
      The SMs were mostly of tuberculate shape (56.8%) and paramolars teeth (64.9%)
      were more common than distomolars. 54% of teeth were erupted in the arch. No
      statistically significant relationship were found between the supernumerary teeth
      shape and the arch (P= 0.087) , between supernumerary teeth position and the arch
      (P=0.511) and between morphology and position (P=0.216). CONCLUSIONS:
      Epidemiological studies related to supernumerary teeth can be useful to
      clinicians in the early diagnosis of this anomaly. In this retrospective study
      the prevalence of SMs was 0.18%. SMs were more frequent in males and in the
      maxilla. Supernumerary were more frequent than supplemental; the conical
      morphology and paramolar position were the most common shape and position.

PMID- 25129243
TI  - Significant association of MTHFD1 1958G>A single nucleotide polymorphism with
      nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate in Indian population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) is genetically distinct from
      those with syndromic clefts, and accounts for ~70% of cases with Oral clefts.
      Folate, or vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient in our diet. Allelic variants in
      genes involved in the folate pathway might be expected to have an impact on risk
      of oral clefts. Given the key role of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1
      (MTHFD1) in folate metabolism, it would be of significant interest to assess its
      role in NSCLP etiology. STUDY DESIGN: The present study aims at examining the
      association between MTHFD1 1958G>A polymorphism and NSCLP risk by conducting a
      case-control study in south Indian population. Our sample comprised of 142 cases
      with nonsyndromic clefts and 141 controls without clefts or family history of
      clefting. The MTHFD1 1958G>A polymorphism was genotyped using PCR-RFLP. RESULTS:
      An increased risk was found for the heterozygous 1958GA (OR=2.44; P=0.020) and
      homozygous 1958AA (OR=2.45; P=0.012) genotypes in the children. When the dominant
      model (AG+AA vs GG) was applied the risk remained the same as co-dominant model,
      but the level of significance increased (OR=2.44; P=0.002). CONCLUSION: The
      results indicated the MTHFD1 1958G>A polymorphism to be one of the important
      genetic determinants of NSCLP risk in South Indian subjects.

PMID- 25129244
TI  - Ameloblastomas: clinicopathological features from 70 cases diagnosed in a single
      oral pathology service in an 8-year period.
AB  - Ameloblastomas are odontogenic tumors that can present some distinct
      clinicopathological profiles when comparing different populations and studies.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinicopathological
      features from a series of ameloblastomas diagnosed in a single Oral Pathology
      service in Brazil in an 8-year period. STUDY DESIGN: The files were revised and
      all cases diagnosed as ameloblastomas in the period were retrieved. All
      hematoxylin and eosin stained histological slides were reviewed and all clinical
      and radiological information were obtained through a review of the laboratory
      forms. Data were descriptively analyzed and a comparison was performed with the
      different ameloblastomas subtypes. RESULTS: Seventy ameloblastomas composed the
      final sample, including 57 (81%) solid/multicystic, 9 (13%) unicystic, 2 (3%)
      desmoplastic and 2 (3%) peripheral ameloblastomas. Mean age of the affected
      patients was in the forth decade of life and there was a slight male
      predominance. Most tumors presented as multilocular radiolucencies, were located
      in the posterior mandible and showed the follicular and plexiform histological
      patterns. There was no difference on the mean age of the patients affected by
      solid and unicystic ameloblastomas. CONCLUSIONS: The present results showed that
      the clinicopathological features of the ameloblastomas included in this Brazilian
      sample were similar to the features described in most other worldwide
      populations.

PMID- 25129245
TI  - Analysis of methylation and mRNA expression status of FADD and FAS genes in
      patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apoptosis is an important mechanism that is responsible for the
      physiological deletion of harmful, damaged, or unwanted cells. Changed expression
      of apoptosis-related genes may lead to abnormal cell proliferation and finally to
      tumor genesis. Our aims were to analyze the promoter methylation and gene
      expression profiles of FADD and FAS genes in risk of OSCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      we analyze the promoter methylation status of FADD and FAS genes using
      Methylation - Specific PCR (MSP) in 86 OSCC tissues were kept in paraffin and 68
      normal oral tissues applied as control. Also, FADD and FAS genes expression were
      analyzed in 19 cases and 20 normal specimens by Real-Time Reverse-Transcripts
      PCR. RESULTS: Aberrant promoter methylation of FADD and FAS genes were detected
      in 12.79 % (11 of 86) and 60.46 % (52 of 86) of the OSCC cases, respectively,
      with a significant difference between cases and healthy controls for both FADD
      and FAS genes (P < 0.001). The gene expression analysis showed statistically
      significant difference between cases and healthy controls for both FADD (p<0.02)
      and FAS (p<0.007) genes. CONCLUSIONS: To the best our knowledge, the data of this
      study are the first report regarding, the effect of promoter hypermethylation of
      the FADD and FAS genes in development of OSCC. To confirm the data, it is
      recommended doing further study in large sample sizes in various genetic
      populations.

PMID- 25129246
TI  - Association of -1082 interleukin-10 gene polymorphism in Peruvian adults with
      chronic periodontitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess association of the -1082 IL-10
      gene polymorphism with chronic periodontitis CP in a Peruvian population. STUDY
      DESIGN: Samples of venous blood and DNA were obtained from 106 Peruvian subjects:
      a) 53 periodontally healthy; and b) 53 with CP. The association of the -1082 IL
      10 promoter sequences was assessed by Polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Student's t test were used to assess the
      clinical parameters, as well as the chi2 test and the odds ratio (OR), with 95%
      confidence intervals (CI) used performed for estimates regarding genotype and
      allele frequencies. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences
      between groups regarding the mean bleeding on probing, mean attachment level and
      mean probing depth (p < 0.00001) indicating that the matching based on the
      evaluated groups was adequate. The chi2 test found a statistically significant
      imbalance of genotypes between groups (p = 0.0172). The prevalence of CP was
      significantly higher in subjects harboring at least one A allele at position 
      1082 (AA and GA genotypes) in comparison to patients with the GG genotype (OR =
      2.96; CI: 0.52; 5.41; p = 0.0099). Equally, subjects with the AA genotype were
      significantly associated to a diagnosis of CP (OR = 2.71; CI: 0.38; 5.04; p =
      0.0231). On the other hand, subjects presenting a healthy periodontal status
      presented at least one G allele in comparison with the AA genotype (OR = 0.37;
      CI: 0.05, 0.69; p = 0.0231). For subjects with the GG genotype, the same positive
      association was observed (OR = 0.34; CI: 0.06, 0.62; p = 0.0099). There were no
      significant differences between groups amongst subjects with the GA genotype (OR
      = 1.19; CI: 0.22, 2.16; p = 0.6774). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this
      study, IL-10 gene polymorphism at position -1082 does not appear to be associated
      to CP. Conversely, subjects with AA genotype seem to be at an increased risk of
      developing CP.

PMID- 25129247
TI  - Effect of low-dose dexketoprofen trometamol and paracetamol on postoperative
      complications after impacted third molar surgery on healthy volunteers: A pilot
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the analgesic and
      anti-inflammatory effects of dexketoprofen trometamol (DT) and paracetamol on
      deep acute somatic pain and inflammation in patients undergoing impacted third
      molar surgery. This study was planned to present benefits that we could obtain
      with low burden of drug. STUDY DESIGN: Effects of drugs, which were administered
      preemptively before the procedure, on pain, mouth-opening limitation, and
      swelling were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI), and mouth-opening measurement. Following surgery, time intervals when the
      patients first need to receive the drug were measured. RESULTS: The VAS scores of
      the patients were lower in the side treated with DT than that in the paracetamol
      treated side. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of
      mouth-opening limitation. MRI recordings revealed that swelling was lower in the
      side treated with paracetamol than DT treated side. CONCLUSIONS: Administration
      of the drugs before surgery contributed to the postoperative patient comfort. The
      analgesic activity of 12.5 mg dose of DT was similar to, even better than, the
      analgesic activity of 500 mg dose of paracetamol; however, DT had insufficient
      anti-inflammatory efficacy.

PMID- 25129248
TI  - The clinical significance of CDK1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical significance of cyclin-dependent kinase 1
      (CDK1) in 77 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) using immunohistochemical
      methods. STUDY DESIGN: Immunohistochemical expression of CDK1 was compared with
      various clinicopathological features in 77 OSCC and 60 controlled epithelia
      adjacent to the tumours. In addition, correlation of CDK1 expression and
      prognostic and the 5-year accumulative survival rate of OSCC were investigated.
      RESULTS: The CDK1 protein was expressed in 52 cases of 77 tumor tissues (67.5%),
      compared with 21 cases of 60 controlled (35.0%). The expression of CDK1 was
      significantly correlated with the histological grade of OSCC (P<0.05). The CDK1
      protein was over-expressed in recurrent tumors or in those with lymph node
      metastasis. Statistical analysis showed a significant reduction in the 5-year
      accumulative survival rate in CDK1 positive cases compared with CDK1 negative
      cases (P<0.05). Namely, the CDK1 positive patients had poor prognosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The expression of CDK1 might serve as malignant degree and
      prognostic markers for the survival of OSCC.

PMID- 25129249
TI  - Odontogenic myxofibroma: a concise review of the literature with emphasis on the
      surgical approach.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to report a review of the literature concerning
      epidemiology, clinical and radiographic features as well as treatment of
      odontogenic myxofibroma (MF). METHODS: The PubMed database was searched using the
      following keywords: "odontogenic myxofibroma", "odontogenic fibromyxoma",
      "myxofibroma of the jaw" and "fibromyxoma of the jaw". RESULTS: Fifteen articles
      reporting the experience with 24 patients were identified. Male/female ratio was
      1:1.4 and the average age 29.5 years. The most frequent location was the
      mandible. In 66.7% of the cases the radiographic appearance was a multilocular
      radiolucency. Swelling was observed in 13 patients (92.86%), varying degrees of
      pain in 5 (35.71%) and paresthesia in only one patient (7.14%). Six out of 24
      patients (26.09%) were treated with radical surgery and 17 out of 24 (73.91%)
      with a conservative approach. In two out of 21 cases (9.52%) a recurrence was
      reported. CONCLUSIONS: MF is an extremely rare tumour and no agreement exist on
      the causes of its development. According to the present review, the choice of
      treatment should depend on variables such as localization, presence of a primary
      or of a recurrent lesion, age, general medical conditions and aesthetic needs of
      the patient.

PMID- 25129250
TI  - Transition from glass to digital slide microscopy in the teaching of oral
      pathology in a Brazilian dental school.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Several medical and dental schools have described their experience in
      the transition from conventional to digital microscopy in the teaching of general
      pathology and histology disciplines; however, this transitional process has
      scarcely been reported in the teaching of oral pathology. Therefore, the
      objective of the current study is to report the transition from conventional
      glass slide to virtual microscopy in oral pathology teaching, a unique experience
      in Latin America. STUDY DESIGN: An Aperio ScanScope(r) scanner was used to
      digitalize histological slides used in practical lectures of oral pathology. The
      challenges and benefits observed by the group of Professors from the Piracicaba
      Dental School (Brazil) are described and a questionnaire to evaluate the
      students' compliance to this new methodology was applied. RESULTS: An improvement
      in the classes was described by the Professors who mainly dealt with questions
      related to pathological changes instead of technical problems; also, a higher
      interaction with the students was described. The simplicity of the software used
      and the high quality of the virtual slides, requiring a smaller time to identify
      microscopic structures, were considered important for a better teaching process.
      CONCLUSIONS: Virtual microscopy used to teach oral pathology represents a useful
      educational methodology, with an excellent compliance of the dental students.

PMID- 25129251
TI  - Influence of bone parameters on peri-implant bone strain distribution in the
      posterior mandible.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The success rate of dental implants depends on the type of bone at
      the implant site. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects
      of the bone parameters at the implant-placement site on peri-implant bone strain
      distributions. STUDY DESIGN: The morphologies and bone densities of seventy-five
      potential implant sites in the posterior mandible were measured using computed
      tomography (CT). Based on the CT data, we defined bone parameters (low and high
      in terms of cancellous-bone density and crestal-cortical bone density, and thin
      and thick in terms of crestal-cortical bone thickness), and we constructed finite
      element models simulating the various bone types. A buccolingual oblique load of
      200 N was applied to the top of the abutment. The von Mises equivalent (EQV)
      strains in the crestal-cortical bone and in the cancellous bone around the
      implant were calculated. RESULTS: Cancellous-bone density greatly affected the
      maximum EQV strain regardless of the density and thickness of the crestal
      cortical-bone. The maximum EQV strains in the crestal cortical-bone and the
      cancellous bone in the low-density cancellous-bone models (of 150 Hounsfield
      units (HU)) were 1.56 to 2.62-fold and 3.49 to 5.31-fold higher than those in the
      high-density cancellous-bone models (of 850 HU), respectively. The crestal
      cortical-bone density affected the maximum EQV strains in the crestal cortical
      bone and in the cancellous bone in the low-density cancellous-bone models. The
      crestal cortical-bone thickness affected the maximum EQV strains in the
      cancellous bone and in the crestal cortical-bone in the low-density cancellous
      bone models. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the importance of bone types for
      the peri-implant bone strain distribution. Cancellous-bone density may be a
      critical factor for peri-implant bone strain.

PMID- 25129252
TI  - In vitro preliminary study of osteoblast response to surface roughness of
      titanium discs and topical application of melatonin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To observe human osteoblast behavior cultured in vitro on titanium
      discs (Ti) in relation to surface roughness and melatonin application. STUDY
      DESIGN: Human osteoblasts (MG-63) were cultured on 60 Ti6Al4V discs divided into
      three groups: Group I: discs treated with dual acid etching; Group II dual acid
      etching and blasting with calcium phosphate particles; Group III (control)
      machined discs. Surface roughness and topography of the discs were examined with
      scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning electron
      microscope( CLSM). Osteoblast adhesion, proliferation and cell morphology were
      determined by means of fluorescence microscopy with Image-Pro Plus software and
      SEM. RESULTS: Group II presented the roughest discs, while the least rough were
      Group III. Cell adhesion was greatest in Group II. The addition of melatonin
      improved cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Surface treatments (dual acid
      etching, calcium phosphate impaction) increase surface roughness in comparison
      with machined titanium. 2. Greater surface roughness tends to favor cell adhesion
      after 24-hour cell culture. 3. The addition of melatonin tends to favor
      osteoblast proliferation.

PMID- 25129253
TI  - Mechanical behavior of provisional implant prosthetic abutments.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Implant-supported prostheses have to overcome a major difficulty
      presented by the morphology and esthetics of peri-implant tissues in the anterior
      sector. Diverse therapeutic techniques are used for managing the mucosa adjacent
      to the implant and the most noteworthy is immediate/deferred fixed
      provisionalization. OBJECTIVES: In vitro testing of strength and deformation of
      implant prosthetic abutments made from different materials
      (Titanium/PEEK/methacrylate). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty Sweden & Martina(r)
      implant prosthetic abutments (n=40) were divided into five groups: Group MP:
      methacrylate provisional abutments with machined titanium base; Group PP:
      Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) provisional abutments; Group TP: titanium
      provisional abutments; Group TAD: titanium anti-rotational definitive abutments;
      Group TRD: titanium rotational definitive abutments. Their mechanical behavior
      under static loading was analyzed. Samples were examined under a microscope to
      determine the type of fracture produced. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Definitive anti
      rotational titanium abutments and definitive rotational titanium abutments
      achieved the best mean compression strength, while PEEK resin provisional
      abutments obtained the lowest. The group that showed the greatest elastic
      deformation was the group of titanium provisional abutments.

PMID- 25129254
TI  - Pfeiffer syndrome: clinical and genetic findings in five Brazilian families.
AB  - Pfeiffer syndrome (PS) is mainly characterized by craniosysnostosis, midface
      hypoplasia, great toes with partial syndactyly of the digits, broad and medially
      deviated thumbs. It is caused by allelic mutations in the fibroblast growth
      factor receptor 1 and 2 (FGFR1 and 2) genes. This study describes the clinical
      and genetic features of five Brazilian families affected by PS. All patients
      exhibited the classical phenotypes related to PS. The genetic analysis was able
      to detect the mutations Cys278Phe, Cys342Arg, and Val359Leu in three of these
      families. Two mutations were de novo, with one familial. We identified pathogenic
      mutations in four PS cases in five Brazilian families by PCR sequencing of FGFR1
      exon 5 and FGFR2 exons 5, 8, 10, 11, 15, and 16. The clinical and genetic aspects
      of these families confirm that this syndrome can be clinically variable, with
      different mutations in the FGFR2 responsible for PS. 

PMID- 25129255
TI  - Genetic control of nerve conduction velocity may influence multiple sclerosis
      phenotype.
AB  - This commentary highlights the article by Lemcke et al that reports a
      polymorphism in the Inpp4b gene, which is associated with increased risk of
      developing multiple sclerosis. 

PMID- 25129256
TI  - Nerve conduction velocity is regulated by the inositol polyphosphate-4
      phosphatase II gene.
AB  - Impairment of nerve conduction is common in neurodegenerative and
      neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), and measurement of
      evoked potentials (visual, motor, or sensory) has been widely used for diagnosis
      and recently also as a prognostic marker for MS. We used a classical genetic
      approach to identify novel genes controlling nerve conduction. First, we used
      quantitative trait mapping in F2 progeny of B10/SJL mice to identify EAE31, a
      locus controlling latency of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and clinical onset of
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Then, by combining congenic mapping,
      in silico haplotype analyses, and comparative genomics we identified inositol
      polyphosphate-4-phosphatase, type II (Inpp4b) as the quantitative trait gene for
      EAE31. Sequence variants of Inpp4b (C/A, exon 13; A/C, exon 14) were identified
      as differing among multiple mouse strains and correlated with individual cortical
      MEP latency differences. To evaluate the functional relevance of the amino acid
      exchanges at positions S474R and H548P, we generated transgenic mice carrying the
      longer-latency allele (Inpp4b(474R/548P)) in the C57BL/6J background.
      Inpp4b(474R/548P) mice exhibited significantly longer cortical MEP latencies (4.5
      +/- 0.22 ms versus 3.7 +/- 0.13 ms; P = 1.04 * 10(-9)), indicating that INPP4B
      regulates nerve conduction velocity. An association of an INPP4B polymorphism
      (rs13102150) with MS was observed in German and Spanish MS cohorts (3676 controls
      and 911 cases) (P = 8.8 * 10(-3)). 

PMID- 25129257
TI  - A novel frameshift mutation in BLM gene associated with high sister chromatid
      exchanges (SCE) in heterozygous family members.
AB  - The Bloom syndrome (BS) is an autosomic recessive disorder comprising a wide
      range of abnormalities, including stunted growth, immunodeficiency, sun
      sensitivity and increased frequency of various types of cancer. Bloom syndrome
      cells display a high level of genetic instability, including a 10-fold increase
      in the sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) level. Bloom syndrome arises through
      mutations in both alleles of the BLM gene, which was identified as a member of
      the RecQ helicase family. In this study, we screened a Tunisian family with three
      BS patients. Cytogenetic analysis showed several chromosomal aberrations, and an
      approximately 14-fold elevated SCE frequency in BS cells. A significant increase
      in SCE frequency was observed in some family members but not reaching the BS
      patients values, leading to suggest that this could be due to the heterozygous
      profile. Microsatellite genotyping using four fluorescent dye-labeled
      microsatellite markers revealed evidence of linkage to BLM locus and the healthy
      members, sharing higher SCE frequency, showed heterozygous haplotypes as
      expected. Additionally, the direct BLM gene sequencing identified a novel
      homozygous frameshift mutation c.3617-3619delAA (p.K1207fsX9) in BS patients and
      a heterozygous BLM mutation in the family members with higher SCE frequency. Our
      findings suggest that this latter mutation likely leads to a reduced BLM activity
      explaining the homologous recombination repair defect and, therefore, the
      increase in SCE. Based on the present data, the screening of this mutation could
      contribute to the rapid diagnosis of BS. The genetic confirmation of the mutation
      in BLM gene provides crucial information for genetic counseling and prenatal
      diagnosis. 

PMID- 25129259
TI  - Invasive fungal disease in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review of
      disease characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a life-threatening complication of
      systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and/or its treatment. We conducted a
      systematic review to characterize IFD in SLE and identify risk factors and
      outcomes. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to June
      2013 using MeSH terms and keywords pertaining to SLE and IFD. Two independent
      reviewers selected adult cohort studies and case series/reports on IFD in SLE
      based on the established classification criteria for both diseases. RESULTS: In
      total, 393 cases from 182 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Cryptococcus
      spp., Aspergillus spp., and Candida spp. were the most common fungal pathogens.
      Cohorts described IFD in 0.6-3.2% of SLE inpatients and 0.28% of SLE outpatients.
      IFD occurred at a median of 2 years of disease duration (IQR: 0.5-7.1), and 39%
      of cases occurred within the first year of SLE. Disease activity and
      corticosteroid dose >60mg/day emerged as risk factors for IFD. IFD was associated
      with a mortality rate of 53% (161/316 cases), and worse in the absence of
      antifungal therapy (n = 43). Overall, 44 cases of IFD were only diagnosed on
      autopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review confirms the severe sequelae of IFD
      in SLE. Cases occurred in patients with active SLE, who were on high daily
      corticosteroids doses and at early stages of disease. This highlights the role of
      poor disease control and a high "net state of immunosuppression" in risk. IFD in
      SLE should be prospectively examined in the modern era.

PMID- 25129260
TI  - Osseous sarcoidosis: clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes-
      experience from a large, academic hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Osseous sarcoidosis has been infrequently reported. We aimed to
      characterize the distribution of lesions, clinical presentation, treatment, and
      outcomes for osseous sarcoidosis. METHODS: Cases of osseous sarcoidosis were
      identified by directed inquiry to clinicians and electronic query. Cases were
      defined as having pathologic evidence of non-caseating granulomas on bone biopsy
      or evidence of osseous lesions on imaging attributable to sarcoidosis in patients
      with known sarcoidosis. Detailed characteristics were obtained by medical record
      review. RESULTS: We identified a total of 20 cases of osseous sarcoidosis.
      Osseous lesions were detected by imaging during the initial sarcoidosis
      presentation in 60% of cases. In those who had a prior diagnosis of sarcoidosis,
      the median duration of sarcoidosis before detection of osseous involvement was
      4.3 years. Symptoms were present in 50% of cases. All cases had more than one
      bone involved. The axial skeleton was involved in the majority of cases (90%),
      primarily the pelvis and the lumbar spine. Most cases required no treatment
      (55%); a minority of cases (45%) were treated, most often with prednisone,
      methotrexate, or hydroxychloroquine. Two cases required multiple
      immunosuppressants, including tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, for refractory
      symptomatic osseous sarcoidosis. Treated cases were younger than those who were
      untreated. At last follow-up, most cases (85%) were asymptomatic from osseous
      lesions. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series of osseous sarcoidosis from a single
      center, most patients had multiple bones affected and had other systemic
      manifestations of sarcoidosis. A minority required treatment for relief of
      symptoms, and most cases were asymptomatic at last follow-up.

PMID- 25129258
TI  - Genetics of psychotropic medication induced side effects in two independent
      samples of bipolar patients.
AB  - The treatment of bipolar disorder (BD) usually requires combination therapies,
      with the critical issue of the emergence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and the
      possibility of low treatment adherence. Genetic polymorphisms are hypothesized to
      modulate the pharmacodynamics of psychotropic drugs, representing potential
      biological markers of ADRs. This study investigated genes involved in the
      regulation of neuroplasticity (BDNF, ST8SIA2), second messenger cascades (GSK3B,
      MAPK1, and CREB1), circadian rhythms (RORA), transcription (SP4, ZNF804A), and
      monoaminergic system (HTR2A and COMT) in the risk of neurological, psychic,
      autonomic, and other ADRs. Two independent samples of BD patients
      naturalistically treated were included (COPE-BD n = 147; STEP-BD n = 659). In the
      COPE-BD 34 SNPs were genotyped, while in the STEP-BD polymorphisms in the
      selected genes were extracted from the genome-wide dataset. Each ADRs group was
      categorized as absent-mild or moderate-severe and logistic regression with
      appropriate covariates was applied to identify possible risk genotypes/alleles.
      58.5 and 93.5 % of patients were treated with mood stabilizers, 44.2 and 50.7 %
      were treated with antipsychotics, and 69.4 and 46.1 % were treated with
      antidepressants in the COPE-BD and STEP-BD, respectively. Our findings suggested
      that ST8SIA2 may be associated with psychic ADRs, as shown in the COPE-BD
      (rs4777989 p = 0.0017) and STEP-BD (rs56027313, rs13379489 and rs10852173). A
      cluster of RORA SNPs around rs2083074 showed an effect on psychic ADRs in the
      STEP-BD. Trends supporting the association between HTR2A and autonomic ADRs were
      found in both samples. Confirmations are needed particularly for ST8SIA2 and RORA
      since the few available data regarding their role in relation to psychotropic
      ADRs. 

PMID- 25129261
TI  - Is there a polysomnographic signature of augmentation in restless legs syndrome?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Augmentation of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a potentially severe
      side-effect of dopaminergic treatment. Data on objective motor characteristics in
      augmentation are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate in detail
      different variables of leg movements (LM) in untreated, treated, and augmented
      RLS patients. METHODS: Forty-five patients with idiopathic RLS [15 untreated, 15
      treated (non-augmented), 15 augmented] underwent RLS severity assessment, one
      night of video-polysomnography with extended electromyographic montage, and a
      suggested immobilization test (SIT). RESULTS: Standard LM parameters as well as
      periodicity index (PI) and muscle recruitment pattern did not differ between the
      three groups. The ultradian distribution of periodic leg movements (PLM) in sleep
      during the night revealed significant differences only during the second hour of
      sleep (P <0.05). However, augmented patients scored highest on RLS severity
      scales (P <0.05) and were the only group with a substantial number of PLM during
      the SIT. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that polysomnography is of limited
      usefulness for the diagnosis and evaluation of RLS augmentation. In contrast, the
      SIT showed borderline differences in PLM, and differences on subjective scales
      were marked. According to these results, augmentation of RLS is a phenomenon that
      predominantly manifests in wakefulness.

PMID- 25129262
TI  - Restless legs syndrome and central nervous system gamma-aminobutyric acid:
      preliminary associations with periodic limb movements in sleep and restless leg
      syndrome symptom severity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research has demonstrated abnormalities in glutamate and N
      acetyl aspartate (NAA) in the thalamus in individuals with restless legs syndrome
      (RLS) compared with healthy matched controls. However, levels of these
      transmitters in other RLS-related brain areas and levels of the most common
      inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), have not been
      assessed. METHODS: This study examined GABA, glutamate, and NAA levels in the
      dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), thalamus and cerebellum with the use of
      proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) at 4 tesla (4 T) and Megapress
      difference-editing in 18 subjects with RLS and a matched control group without
      RLS. Actigraphy was performed on the nights before scans to assess periodic limb
      movements of sleep (PLMS). RESULTS: Levels of GABA, glutamate, and NAA were no
      different between RLS and control subjects in any of the three voxels of
      interest. However, GABA levels were positively correlated with both PLM indices
      and RLS severity in the thalamus and negatively with both of these measures in
      the cerebellum in RLS subjects. In addition, NAA levels were higher in the ACC in
      RLS than in controls. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data suggest that known
      cerebellar-thalamic interactions may modulate the intensity of RLS sensory and
      motor symptoms. In addition, anterior cingulate cortex may be associated with the
      affective components of the painful symptoms in this disorder.

PMID- 25129263
TI  - Coronary angioscopy and optical coherence tomography for confirmation of drug
      coated neointimal plaque after paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty for in-stent
      restenosis.

PMID- 25129264
TI  - BDNF expression of macrophages and angiogenesis after myocardial infarction.

PMID- 25129265
TI  - Coronary artery aneurysm formation within everolimus-eluting bioresorbable stent.

PMID- 25129267
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of Chagas' cardiomyopathy: early diagnosis and
      prevention should be the target for comparison.

PMID- 25129266
TI  - Meta-analysis of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and risk of
      cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in elderly population.

PMID- 25129268
TI  - The effects of thiamine treatment on pre-diabetic versus overt diabetic rat
      hearts: role of non-oxidative glucose pathways.

PMID- 25129269
TI  - Intrinsic bleeding risk in patients with uninterrupted oral anticoagulation
      undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device procedures: a pilot study.

PMID- 25129270
TI  - Delay to diagnosis amongst patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic
      ventricular tachycardia.

PMID- 25129271
TI  - Determinants and implications of elevated soluble ST2 levels in heart failure.

PMID- 25129272
TI  - Association of age and gender with anterior location of STEMI.

PMID- 25129273
TI  - Is IL-10 a predictor of in-stent restenosis in stable and unstable angina
      patients undergoing coronary interventions?

PMID- 25129274
TI  - Resolution of acquired von Willebrand syndrome after transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation through a left transcarotid approach.

PMID- 25129275
TI  - Residual platelet reactivity after clopidogrel loading in ST-elevation myocardial
      infarction patients undergoing a delayed catheterization. Impact on long term
      clinical events.

PMID- 25129276
TI  - Transthoracic echocardiographic backscatter-based assessment of left atrial
      remodeling involving left atrial and ventricular fibrosis in patients with atrial
      fibrillation.

PMID- 25129277
TI  - The Anp genetic variant Rs5068 and circulating levels of natriuretic peptides in
      patients with chronic heart failure.

PMID- 25129279
TI  - Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents is associated
      with urbanization in Shandong, China.

PMID- 25129278
TI  - Serum albumin changes and multivariate dynamic risk modelling in chronic heart
      failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined the prognostic utility of rate of change in serum albumin
      over time in chronic heart failure (CHF), as well as the utility of multivariate
      dynamic risk modelling. METHODS AND RESULTS: The survival implication of ?albumin
      was analysed in 232 systolic CHF patients and validated in 212 patients. A
      multivariate dynamic risk score predicated on the rate of change in 6 simple
      indices including albumin was calculated and related to mortality. In derivation
      patients, 50 (22%) deaths occurred over 13 months. Greater rates of decline in
      albumin related to higher mortality (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.73, P<0.0001)
      independently, incrementally and more accurately than other covariates including
      baseline albumin. A rate of attenuation >0.4 g/dL/month optimally forecasted
      death and was associated with a 5-fold escalated risk of mortality (HR 5.13, 95%
      CI 2.92-9.00, P<0.0001). Similar results were seen in the validation cohort. On
      multivariate dynamic risk modelling, survival at 1-year worsened with higher
      scores-a score >= 3 was associated with a 12-fold greater risk of death than a
      score of 0, a 6-fold higher risk of death than a score of 1, and a 4-fold
      enhanced risk of mortality than a score of 2. CONCLUSION: Attenuations in serum
      albumin over time relate to increased mortality in CHF, and a risk model
      predicated on the rate of change in 6 simple indices can identify patients at a
      12-fold enhanced risk of death over the coming year.

PMID- 25129280
TI  - Cardiovascular mortality and the financial crisis in Greece: trends and outlook.

PMID- 25129281
TI  - Characterisation of novel cytokines in human atherosclerotic plaque.

PMID- 25129282
TI  - Validation of rate of perceived exertion-based exercise training in patients with
      heart failure: insights from autonomic nervous system adaptations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercise prescription in cardiac patients is based on heart rate (HR)
      response to exercise. How to prescribe long-term exercise training outside
      medically-supervised settings also considering changes in individual physical
      capacity over time is unknown. In this study we hypothesized that in patients
      with chronic heart failure (CHF) the session-rate of perceived exertion (RPE), a
      subjective-based training methodology, provides autonomic and functional capacity
      changes superimposable to those observed with HR-based Training Impulses (TRIMPi)
      method. METHODS: Twenty patients with stable CHF were randomized to either
      aerobic continuous training (ACT) or aerobic interval training (AIT) for 12
      weeks. For each TRIMPi-guided exercise session, the session-RPE was recorded. By
      this method, internal training load (TL) is quantified by multiplying the RPE of
      the whole training session, using the Borg CR10-scale, by its duration. Heart
      rate variability (HRV), and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) were assessed at
      baseline and at 3 weeks intervals. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found
      between TRIMPi and individual session-RPE, for both ACT and AIT (r=0.63 to 0.81),
      (P<0.05). The same occurred when ACT and AIT groups were pooled together (r=0.72;
      P<0.01). R-R interval, HRV and BRS were significantly and very highly correlated
      with weekly RPE-session (r(2) ranged from 0.77 to 0.97; P<0.001). A significant
      relationship between session-RPE and performance at the 6MWT was also found.
      CONCLUSIONS: Session-RPE is an easy-to-use, inexpensive and valid method for
      exercise prescription and health maintenance, consistent with objective
      physiological indices of training, that could be used for long-term physical
      activity in patients with CHF.

PMID- 25129283
TI  - In case of strict application, the third universal definition of myocardial
      infarction will erase takotsubo syndrome as a diagnosis.

PMID- 25129284
TI  - One of the causes of secondary cardiyomyopathies: diabetic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 25129285
TI  - Left ventricular hypertrophy and QTc dispersion are predictors of long-term
      mortality in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 25129286
TI  - Coronary stent fracture mechanisms and clinical implications assessed by
      multimodality imaging.

PMID- 25129287
TI  - Electrical stimulation of the renal arterial nerves does not unmask the blindness
      of renal denervation procedure in swine.

PMID- 25129288
TI  - 6-year post-PCI follow-up of a 110-year myocardial infarction patient: a case
      report.

PMID- 25129289
TI  - Cardiotoxicity: anthracyclines and long term cancer survivors.

PMID- 25129290
TI  - Electrocardiographic changes in young men with left-sided spontaneous
      pneumothorax.

PMID- 25129292
TI  - Atrial septal defect occluder for the distal re-entry tear in type B aortic
      dissection.

PMID- 25129291
TI  - Hemodynamic effects of Ivabradine in addition to dobutamine in patients with
      severe systolic dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dobutamine induced tachycardia increases myocardial oxygen
      consumption and impairs ventricular filling. We hypothesized that Ivabradine may
      be efficient to control dobutamine induced tachycardia. METHODS: We assessed the
      effects of Ivabradine in addition to dobutamine in stable heart failure (HF)
      patients (LVEF < 35%, n = 22, test population) and validated its effects in
      refractory cardiogenic shock patients (n = 9, validation population) with
      contraindication to cardiac assistance or transplant. In the test population (62
      +/- 17 years, LVEF = 24 +/- 8%), systolic and diastolic function were assessed at
      rest and under dobutamine [10 gamma/min], before and after Ivabradine [5mg per
      os]. In the validation population (54 +/- 11 years, LVEF = 22 +/- 7%), Ivabradine
      [5mg twice a day] was added to the dobutamine infusion. RESULTS: In the test
      population, Ivabradine decreased heart rate [HR] at rest and during dobutamine
      echocardiography (-9 +/- 8 bpm, P = 0.0004). The decrease in HR was associated
      with a decrease in cardiac power output and an increase in diastolic duration at
      rest (+ 74 +/- 67 ms, P = 0.0002), and during dobutamine infusion (+ 75 +/- 67
      ms, P < 0.0001). Change in LVEF during dobutamine was greater after Ivabradine
      treatment than before (+ 7.2 +/- 4.7% vs. + 3.6 +/- 4.2%, P = 0.002). In the
      validation population, Ivabradine decreased HR (-18 +/- 11 bpm, P = 0.008) and
      improved diastolic filling time (+ 67 +/- 42 ms, P = 0.012) without decreasing
      cardiac output. At 24h, Ivabradine improved systolic blood pressure (+ 9 +/- 5
      mmHg, P = 0.007), daily urine output (+ 0.7 +/- 0.5L, P = 0.008), oxygen balance
      (DeltaScv02 = + 13 +/- 15%, P = 0.010), and NT-pro BNP (-2270 +/- 1912 pg/mL, P =
      0.017). Finally, only 2/9 (22%) patients died whereas expected mortality
      determined from a historical cohort was 78% (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: This pilot
      study demonstrates the safety and potential benefit of a HR lowering agent in
      cardiogenic shock.

PMID- 25129293
TI  - 10-year risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and coronary heart
      disease among Korean adults: findings from the Korean National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the distribution of the 10-year risk for
      development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and coronary heart
      disease (CHD), and the proportion of participants eligible for lipid management,
      in the Korean population. METHODS: The risk was estimated using the Pooled Cohort
      Equations for non-Hispanic Whites and the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III
      equations. Eligibility for lipid-lowering treatment was assessed using the
      American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Blood Cholesterol
      Guideline and the ATP III recommendation. Complex sampling design and area under
      the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) were used. RESULTS: Among 7594
      ASCVD-free Korean adults, aged 40-79 years, 31.3% (men, 44.1%; women, 19%) had a
      10-year risk for an ASCVD event of >= 7.5%, and 27.1% (men, 39.4%; women, 15.2%)
      had a 10-year risk for a CHD event of >= 10%. These proportions differed
      according to age groups, ranging from 6.1 to 91.9% and 8.7 to 58.7% for patients
      in their 40s-70s, using the ASCVD and CHD risk estimations, respectively.
      Overall, 78.7% of individuals remain in the same risk stratum. Those eligible for
      lipid management included 32.8% of the participants using the ACC/AHA Guideline
      and 11.9% of those using the ATP III recommendation. In discriminating ASCVD,
      AUCs for the ASCVD risk assessment method and the CHD risk assessment method were
      0.70 and 0.64, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of 10-year
      ASCVD and CHD risk was different according to the risk assessment methods.

PMID- 25129294
TI  - The electrocardiogram as a predictive tool for recovery from poor left
      ventricular function following coronary revascularization.

PMID- 25129295
TI  - Speckle tracking echocardiography in cardiac sarcoidosis.

PMID- 25129296
TI  - Electrical alternans due to large bilateral pleural effusion without pericardial
      effusion.

PMID- 25129297
TI  - Bosentan treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension due to patent ductus
      arteriosus and Down's syndrome in an infant.

PMID- 25129298
TI  - Effectiveness of switching 'low responders' to prasugrel to ticagrelor after
      acute coronary syndrome.

PMID- 25129299
TI  - Removal of an intracardiac lost port-A catheter utilizing a simple low-cost
      method.

PMID- 25129300
TI  - Obesity paradox in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

PMID- 25129301
TI  - Are late potentials and fractionated electrocardiograms in patients with non
      ischemic and ischemic cardiomyopathy wholly (or partially) due to repolarization
      abnormalities?

PMID- 25129302
TI  - Testosterone levels and heart failure in obese and non-obese men.

PMID- 25129303
TI  - Left ventricular fibroma: what cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may add?

PMID- 25129304
TI  - First report of stent thrombosis after a switch therapy resulting from ticagrelor
      related dyspnea.

PMID- 25129305
TI  - Utility of intra-aortic balloon pump support for multivessel coronary artery
      spasm and cardiac arrest.

PMID- 25129306
TI  - Intra-scar perfusion heterogeneity by cardiac magnetic resonance in a porcine
      model of non-reperfused myocardial infarction.

PMID- 25129307
TI  - Renal denervation: should we still hang in there?

PMID- 25129308
TI  - Effects of weather on neurally mediated syncope tests.

PMID- 25129309
TI  - Management of oral chronic pharmacotherapy in patients hospitalized for acute
      decompensated heart failure.
AB  - Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is the most common cause of
      cardiovascular hospitalization. The presentation is characterized by different
      clinical profiles due to various underlying causes, volume balance and tissue
      perfusion status. Currently, a variety of pharmacological therapies, including
      diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and
      digoxin, are usually prescribed in order to treat chronic heart failure (HF)
      syndromes caused by left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Despite the large
      number of HF patients with frequent hospitalizations for decompensation, only a
      few studies have evaluated the management of oral chronic therapies in the
      clinical setting of ADHF. This article summarizes the information derived from
      the few published trials on this subject and a therapeutic approach is suggested
      with respect to the continuation, dose modification or suspension of oral
      medications. 

PMID- 25129310
TI  - Circulating miR-222 in plasma and its potential diagnostic and prognostic value
      in gastric cancer.
AB  - Previous studies have revealed the significance of circulating microRNAs as
      biomarkers for cancers. The aim of this study was to detect the levels of
      circulating microRNA-222 (miR-222) in plasma of gastric cancer (GC) patients and
      evaluate its diagnostic and prognostic value. Levels of circulating miR-222 were
      detected by using qRT-PCR in plasma of 114 GC patients, 36 chronic atrophic
      gastritis (CAG) patients and 56 healthy controls. The result showed that the
      expression of circulating miR-222 in plasma was significantly upregulated in GC
      compared with CAG and healthy controls (all at P < 0.001). And its high level was
      significantly correlated with clinical stages (P < 0.001) and lymph nodes
      metastasis (P = 0.009). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve
      analyses revealed that miR-222 had considerable diagnostic accuracy, yielded an
      AUC (the areas under the ROC curve) of 0.850 with 66.1 % sensitivity and 88.3 %
      specificity in discriminating GC from healthy controls. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier
      analysis demonstrated a correlation between increased circulating miR-222 level
      and reduced disease-free survival (P = 0.016) and overall survival (P = 0.012).
      In multivariate analysis stratified for known prognostic variables, circulating
      miR-222 was identified as an independent prognostic marker. In conclusion, our
      findings suggested that circulating miR-222 in plasma might be a potential and
      useful noninvasive biomarker for the early detection and prognosis of GC.

PMID- 25129311
TI  - Expression of serum survivin protein in diagnosis and prognosis of gallbladder
      cancer: a comparative study.
AB  - The role of survivin in gallbladder cancer (GBC) has not been evaluated. We
      investigated survivin protein expression in serum of patients with gallbladder
      diseases (cholelithiasis, n = 30; GBC, n = 39) and compared with healthy controls
      (n = 25). Clinicopathological parameters, diagnosis and prognosis of patients
      with GBC were correlated with the expression of serum survivin by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. Significantly higher (P < 0.0001) expression of survivin
      protein was observed in GBC as compared to cholelithiasis and control. Increased
      survivin expression was significantly associated with higher tumor stage (stage
      III vs. stage II; P < 0.0001) and cellular differentiation (poor and moderate vs.
      well differentiated; P < 0.0001) in GBC. No significant correlation was observed
      with any of the other clinico-pathological parameters studied. The cutoff value
      of survivin protein of 79 pg/ml with sensitivity of 81.16 % and specificity of 80
      % differentiated the diseased group (cholelithiasis or GBC) from control group
      were as the cutoff value of 109 pg/ml differentiated GBC from cholelithiasis with
      a sensitivity of 82.05 % and specificity of 93.33 %. Though not significant,
      increased expression of survivin was associated with median overall survival (12
      vs. 18 months; P = 0.05) in GBC patients. Our study suggests that survivin
      protein in serum could be both a useful diagnostic marker and an important
      prognostic factor for GBC.

PMID- 25129312
TI  - Diagnostic and prognostic significance of serum miR-24-3p in HBV-related
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum
      microRNAs (miRNAs) in hepatitis B viral (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC). We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 84 consecutive patients with
      HBV-related HCC who underwent curative resection. Additionally, we enrolled 46
      healthy controls and 31 patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Serum levels
      of miR-155-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-490-3p, miR-210-3p, and miR-335-5p were measured.
      Associations of serum miRNAs with clinicopathological factors were evaluated.
      Receiver operating characteristic curves were established for discriminating HCC
      patients from CLD patients, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.
      Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were examined by the Kaplan
      Meier method. Prognostic factors were determined by multivariate Cox analysis.
      Consequently, serum miR-24-3p levels were significantly greater in HCC patients
      than healthy controls and CLD patients. Serum miR-24-3p was significantly
      associated with vascular invasion in HCC patients. Serum miR-24-3p discriminated
      HCC patients from CLD, with an AUC of 0.636 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.524
      0.748]. Combined serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and miR-24-3p had an increased AUC
      of 0.834 (95 % CI 0.745-0.923; P < 0.001). Elevated serum miR-24-3p was an
      independent poor prognostic factor for OS and DFS of HCC patients. In conclusion,
      the combination of serum miR-24-3p and AFP improves the diagnostic accuracy for
      HCC prediction compared to each biomarker alone. High serum miR-24-3p level is an
      independent predictor of poor OS and DFS in patients with HBV-related HCC.

PMID- 25129313
TI  - Overexpression of fibrinogen-like protein 2 induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transition and promotes tumor progression in colorectal carcinoma.
AB  - The main cause of death in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients is tumor
      metastasis; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. In
      the present study, a novel metastasis-related gene, fibrinogen-like protein 2
      (FGL2), was characterized for its role in CRC metastasis and underlying molecular
      mechanisms. The clinical significance of FGL2 was investigated using tissue
      microarray analysis of samples from 82 patients with CRC. The molecular effects
      of FGL2 in CRC cells were determined using RNA interference and ectopic
      expression of FGL2. The overexpression of FGL2 was examined by
      immunohistochemistry in 82 CRC patients, and it was determined to be an
      independent predictor of overall survival (P < 0.05). The depletion of FGL2
      expression inhibited tumor progression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) in vitro and in vivo, while ectopic overexpression of FGL2 enhanced cell
      invasion and induced EMT in vitro. Our results suggest that FGL2 plays an
      important oncogenic role in CRC aggressiveness by inducing EMT, and FGL2 could be
      employed as a novel prognostic marker and effective therapeutic target for CRC.

PMID- 25129314
TI  - Action of nitroheterocyclic drugs against Clostridium difficile.
AB  - The nitroheterocyclic classes of drugs have a long history of use in treating
      anaerobic infections, as exemplified by metronidazole as a first-line treatment
      for mild-to-moderate Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Since direct
      comparisons of the three major classes of nitroheterocyclic drugs (i.e.
      nitroimidazole, nitazoxanide and nitrofurans) and nitrosating agents against C.
      difficile are under-examined, in this study their actions against C. difficile
      were compared. Results show that whilst transient resistance occurs to
      metronidazole and nitazoxanide, stable resistance arises to nitrofurans upon
      serial passage. All compounds killed C. difficile at high concentrations in
      addition to the host defence nitrosating agent S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). This
      suggests that GSNO killing of C. difficile contributes to its efficacy in murine
      CDI. Although nitric oxide production could not be detected for the
      nitroheterocyclic drugs, the cellular response to metronidazole and nitrofurans
      has some overlap with the response to GSNO, causing significant upregulation of
      the hybrid-cluster protein Hcp that responds to nitrosative stress. These
      findings provide new insights into the action of nitroheterocyclic drugs against
      C. difficile. 

PMID- 25129316
TI  - Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter gergoviae harbouring blaKPC-2 in Brazil.

PMID- 25129317
TI  - Mutant prevention concentrations of pradofloxacin for susceptible and mutant
      strains of Escherichia coli with reduced fluoroquinolone susceptibility.
AB  - Pharmacodynamic and mutant prevention properties of the fluoroquinolone
      pradofloxacin (PRA) were measured against a set of 17 Escherichia coli strains
      carrying no, one or two known mutations conferring reduced fluoroquinolone
      susceptibility. The strains included susceptible wild-types, isogenic constructed
      mutants, isogenic selected mutants and clinical isolates. The effectiveness of
      PRA was determined with regard to preventing the selection of resistant mutants,
      using static and changing concentrations of drug. Ciprofloxacin was used as a
      reference drug. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and mutant prevention
      concentrations (MPCs) of PRA for the susceptible wild-type strains were in the
      range 0.012-0.016mg/L and 0.2-0.3mg/L, respectively, giving a mean+/-standard
      deviation mutant prevention index (MPI=MPC/MIC) of 17.7+/-1.1. The mean MPI PRA
      of the 14 mutant strains was 19.2+/-12, and the mean MPI across all 17 strains
      was 18.9+/-10.8. In an in vitro kinetic model in which PRA was diluted with a
      half-life of 7h to mimic in vivo conditions, an initial concentration of PRA of
      1.6-2.4mg/L (8-10* MPC), giving a PRA AUC/MPC ratio of 73-92, and a T>MPC of 21
      23h was sufficient to prevent the selection of resistant mutants from the three
      susceptible wild-type strains. Dosing to reduce selection for antibiotic
      resistance in veterinary therapy has a role in reducing the reservoir of
      resistant mutants. We conclude that a level of dosing that prevents the selection
      of resistant mutants during therapy should be achievable in vivo. 

PMID- 25129315
TI  - Activity of echinocandins and triazoles against a contemporary (2012) worldwide
      collection of yeast and moulds collected from invasive infections.
AB  - In this study, 1717 fungal clinical isolates causing invasive fungal infections
      were evaluated against nine antifungal agents using Clinical and Laboratory
      Standards Institute (CLSI) reference broth microdilution methods. The isolates
      comprised 1487 Candida spp., 109 Aspergillus spp., 86 non-Candida yeasts
      (including 52 isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans) and 35 rare moulds obtained
      during 2012 from 72 hospitals worldwide. Echinocandin resistance among Candida
      spp. was low, and resistance rates to anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin
      varied from 0.0% to 2.8% among different species. Echinocandin-resistant Candida
      glabrata were shown to have fks mutations (fks2 HS1 F659Y, F659del, S663F and
      S663P), and fluconazole resistance was also observed in those strains. One
      Candida krusei and one Candida dubliniensis had L701M or S645P fks1 mutations,
      respectively. Candida tropicalis and C. glabrata had higher fluconazole
      resistance rates of 6.1% and 6.9%, respectively, compared with other Candida spp.
      Fluconazole-resistant C. tropicalis were collected in five countries (USA, China,
      Germany, Belgium and Thailand). Voriconazole was active against all Candida spp.,
      inhibiting 91.2-99.7% of isolates using species-specific breakpoints. All agents
      except for the echinocandins and posaconazole were active against Cr. neoformans.
      Triazoles were active against other yeasts [MIC90 (minimum inhibitory
      concentration encompassing 90% of isolates tested), 2MUg/mL]. The echinocandins
      and the mould-active triazoles were active against Aspergillus [MIC/MEC90
      (minimum effective concentration encompassing 90% of isolates tested) range,
      0.015-2MUg/mL], but the activity of these agents was limited against uncommon
      mould species (MIC/MEC90 range, 4MUg/mL to >16MUg/mL). 

PMID- 25129318
TI  - Neonatal candidiasis: diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
AB  - Infection with Candida species is associated with significant morbidity and
      mortality in infants. The incidence of Candida infection varies widely across
      centers, likely due to differences in practice related to modifiable risk factors
      such as exposure to empiric antibiotics and length of parenteral nutrition. Early
      diagnosis of Candida and prompt treatment with appropriate antifungal agents,
      such as fluconazole, amphotericin B deoxycholate, and micafungin, are critical
      for improved outcomes. This paper reviews the current literature relating to the
      prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Candida infections in the neonatal
      intensive care unit. 

PMID- 25129319
TI  - [Practical management of neonatal sepsis risk in term or near-term infants].
AB  - Incidence of neonatal early-onset sepsis has dramatically declined in France from
      0.65 to 0.230/00 live births in 10 years since national guidelines to detect and
      treat intrapartum women with group B streptococcus colonization have been
      adopted. However, neonatal early-onset sepsis continues to be a common healthcare
      burden. Group B streptococcus (GBS) remains the leading cause of bacterial
      infection in term or near-term infants. As a result of prevention strategies,
      approximately 30% of pregnant women and more than 2% of newborns are treated with
      systemic antibiotics. Concerns have been expressed about the safety of wide use
      of antibiotics such as antibiotic resistance, emergence of Escherichia coli
      infections, and long-term side effects due to gut microbiota modifications. New
      recommendations from the Centers of Disease Control in the United States and from
      European countries aim at improving GBS detection methods, updating algorithms
      for GBS intrapartum chemoprophylaxis in pregnant women, defining high-risk
      newborns more efficiently, and limiting biological evaluation in low-risk
      newborns.

PMID- 25129321
TI  - The variation of HVL with focal spot to chamber distance as a function of beam
      quality for the Pantak Therapax 150 X-ray unit and the implications on dose to
      water determination using the IPEMB code of practice.
AB  - Using a Pantak Therapax SXT 150 system HVL values for clinical beams generated
      with filters 4-8, were determined as a function of FCD (30-130 cm). Aluminium
      absorbers were placed midway between the focus and chamber with collimation to
      define both narrow and broad beam geometries. For filters 4-7 with broad beam
      geometry the HVL initially decreases as the FCD is increased from 30 cm and then
      increases as the FCD approaches 130 cm. In contrast filter 8 exhibits a reduction
      in HVL with increasing FCD attributed to the decreasing influence of absorber
      scatter. With narrow beam geometry the HVL of filter 4 increases as the FCD is
      increased. For other filters the HVL variation is similar to that for the broader
      beam albeit that for a given FCD the HVL is smaller, a consequence of reduced
      absorber scatter. Monte Carlo BEAMnrc simulations of filter 4-8 beams
      demonstrated a quality dependent air attenuation effect associated with an
      increase in HVL for lower quality beams with increasing FCD. Thus for the beams
      investigated in this work the variation of HVL with FCD can be interpreted in
      terms of the competing influences of absorber scatter, which tends to decrease
      the measured HVL, and a quality dependent in air attenuation that tends to
      increase the HVL with increasing FCD. In terms of an absorbed dose determination
      it is shown that changes of HVL with FCD resulted in variations of D w,z = 0 < +/
      0.5 %. 

PMID- 25129320
TI  - [Overdose or hypersensitivity to vitamin D?].
AB  - Vitamin D intoxication with severe hypercalcemia is rare in the neonatal and
      infancy period. Through nine cases of hypercalcemia, secondary to taking 600,000
      units of vitamin D (Sterogyl((r))), a review of vitamin D requirements and
      possible mechanisms of toxicity including hypersensitivity to this vitamin will
      be discussed. We report nine cases of babies admitted to our department between
      the ages of 25 and 105 days for treatment of severe dehydration. The pregnancies
      were normal, with no incidents at delivery. Clinical signs were dominated by
      weight loss, vomiting, and fever. Examination on admission revealed dehydration
      whose degree ranged from 8 to 15% with preserved diuresis and loss weight between
      100 and 1100 g. Laboratory tests objectified hypercalcemia between 113 and
      235mg/L, hypercalciuria (urinary calcium/creatinine mmol/mmol >0.5), and a low
      level of parathyroid hormone. The vitamin D values in nine patients were toxic
      (344-749 nmol/L; normal >50 nmol/L; toxicity if >250 nmol/L). Abdominal
      ultrasound objectified renal nephrocalcinosis in seven patients. The DNA study,
      performed in eight patients, did not reveal a mutation of the vitamin D 24
      hydroxylase gene (CYP24A1). The treatment consisted of intravenous rehydration
      with treatment of hypercalcemia (diuretics and corticosteroids). Serum calcium
      returned to the normal range within 4-50 days, with weight gain progressively
      over the following weeks. The follow-up (2 years for the oldest case) showed the
      persistence of images of nephrocalcinosis. Genetic susceptibility and metabolic
      differences appear to modulate the threshold of vitamin D toxicity. However,
      respect for recommended doses, recognized as safe in a large study population,
      reduces the risk of toxicity. 

PMID- 25129322
TI  - [Acute stent thrombosis and reverse transient left ventricular dilatation after
      performing a single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion].
AB  - A 63-year-old male patient with a history of stent implantation in the left
      anterior descending three months before. Due to the presentation of vegetative
      symptoms, he was referred for gated-SPECT myocardial perfusion. During
      acquisition of the resting images he presented chest pain and ST segment
      elevation, so that urgent cardiac catheterization was performed, showing stent
      thrombosis. Rest perfusion imaging showed a defect in anterior and apical
      perfusion, more severe and extensive than in the stress images, with striking
      left ventricular dilatation and a fall in the ejection fraction related to the
      acute ischemia phenomenon. Intense exercise is associated with a transient
      activation of the coagulation system and hemodynamic changes that might induce
      thrombosis, especially in recently implanted coronary stents that probably still
      have not become completely endothelialized. 

PMID- 25129323
TI  - The structure and demographic correlates of cancer fear.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer is often described as the 'number one' health fear, but little
      is known about whether this affects quality of life by translating into high
      levels of worry or distress in everyday life, or which population groups are most
      affected. This study examined the prevalence of three components of cancer fear
      in a large community sample in the UK and explored associations with demographic
      characteristics. METHODS: Questions on cancer fear were included in a survey
      mailed to a community sample of adults (n = 13,351; 55-64 years). Three items
      from a standard measure of cancer fear assessed: i) whether cancer was feared
      more than other diseases, ii) whether thinking about cancer caused discomfort,
      and iii) whether cancer worry was experienced frequently. Gender, marital status,
      education, and ethnicity were assessed with simple questions. Anxiety was
      assessed with the brief STAI and a standard measure of self-rated health was
      included. RESULTS: Questionnaire return rate was 60% (7,971/13,351). The majority
      of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they feared cancer more than other
      diseases (59%), and felt uncomfortable thinking about it (52%), and a quarter
      (25%) worried a lot about cancer. All items were significantly inter-correlated
      (r = .35 to .42, p's < .001), and correlated with general anxiety (r = .16 to
      .28, p's < .001) and self-rated health (r = -.07 to -.16, p's < .001). In
      multivariable analyses including anxiety and general health, all cancer fear
      indicators were significantly higher in women (ORs between 1.15 and 1.48),
      respondents with lower education (ORs between 1.40 and 1.66), and those with
      higher general anxiety (ORs between 1.50 and 2.11). Ethnic minority respondents
      (n = 285; 4.4%) reported more worry (OR: 1.85). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of
      this older adult sample in the UK had cancer as greatest health fear and this was
      associated with feeling uncomfortable thinking about it and worrying more about
      it. Women and respondents with less education or from ethnic minority backgrounds
      were disproportionately affected by cancer fear. General anxiety and poor health
      were associated with cancer fear but did not explain the demographic differences.

PMID- 25129324
TI  - Radioactive and chemical contamination of the water resources in the former
      uranium mining and milling sites of Mailuu Suu (Kyrgyzstan).
AB  - An assessment of the radioactive and chemical contamination of the water
      resources at the former uranium mines and processing sites of Mailuu-Suu, in
      Kyrgyzstan, was carried out. A large number of water samples were collected from
      the drinking water distribution system (DWDS), rivers, shallow aquifers and
      drainage water from the mine tailings. Radionuclides and trace metal contents in
      water from the DWDS were low in general, but were extremely high for Fe, Al and
      Mn. These elements were associated with the particle fractions in the water and
      strongly correlated with high turbidity levels. Overall, these results suggest
      that water from the DWDS does not represent a serious radiological hazard to the
      Mailuu Suu population. However, due to the high turbidities and contents of some
      elements, this water is not good quality drinking water. Water from artesian and
      dug wells were characterized by elevated levels of U (up to 10 MUg/L) and some
      trace elements (e.g. As, Se, Cr, V and F) and anions (e.g. Cl(-), NO3(-), SO4(2
      )). In two artesian wells, the WHO guideline value of 10 MUg/L for As in water
      was exceeded. As the artesian wells are used as a source of drinking water by a
      large number of households, special care should be taken in order to stay within
      the WHO recommended guidelines. Drainage water from the mine tailings was as
      expected highly contaminated with many chemicals (e.g. As) and radioactive
      contaminants (e.g. U). The concentrations of U were more than 200 times the WHO
      guideline value of 30 MUg/L for U in drinking water. A large variation in
      (234)U/(238)U isotopic ratios in water was observed, with values near equilibrium
      at the mine tailings and far from equilibrium outside this area (reaching ratios
      of 2.3 in the artesian well). This result highlights the potential use of this
      ratio as an indicator of the origin of U contamination in Mailuu Suu. 

PMID- 25129326
TI  - Obesity: a certain and avoidable cause of cancer.

PMID- 25129325
TI  - Gastric residual evaluation in preterm neonates: a useful monitoring technique or
      a hindrance?
AB  - It is routine practice in most neonatal intensive care units to measure the
      volume and color of gastric residuals (GRs) prior to enteral bolus feedings in
      preterm very low birth weight infants. However, there is paucity of evidence
      supporting the routine use of this technique. Moreover, owing to the lack of
      uniform standards in the management of GRs, wide variations exist as to what
      constitutes significant GR volume, the importance of GR color and frequency of GR
      evaluation, and the color or volume standards that dictate discarding or
      returning GRs. The presence of large GR volumes or green-colored residuals prior
      to feeding often prompts subsequent feedings to be withheld or reduced because of
      possible necrotizing enterocolitis resulting in delays in enteral feeding.
      Cessation or delays in enteral feeding may result in extrauterine growth
      restriction, a known risk factor for poor neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes
      in preterm very low birth weight infants. Although some neonatal intensive care
      units are abandoning the practice of routine GR evaluation, little evidence
      exists to support the discontinuation or continuation of this practice. This
      review summarizes the current state of GR evaluation and underlines the need for
      a scientific basis to either support or refute the routine evaluation of GRs. 

PMID- 25129327
TI  - Africa's child demographics and the world's future.

PMID- 25129328
TI  - Body-mass index and risk of 22 specific cancers: a population-based cohort study
      of 5.24 million UK adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High body-mass index (BMI) predisposes to several site-specific
      cancers, but a large-scale systematic and detailed characterisation of patterns
      of risk across all common cancers adjusted for potential confounders has not
      previously been undertaken. We aimed to investigate the links between BMI and the
      most common site-specific cancers. METHODS: With primary care data from
      individuals in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink with BMI data, we fitted
      Cox models to investigate associations between BMI and 22 of the most common
      cancers, adjusting for potential confounders. We fitted linear then non-linear
      (spline) models; investigated effect modification by sex, menopausal status,
      smoking, and age; and calculated population effects. FINDINGS: 5.24 million
      individuals were included; 166,955 developed cancers of interest. BMI was
      associated with 17 of 22 cancers, but effects varied substantially by site. Each
      5 kg/m(2) increase in BMI was roughly linearly associated with cancers of the
      uterus (hazard ratio [HR] 1.62, 99% CI 1.56-1.69; p<0.0001), gallbladder (1.31,
      1.12-1.52; p<0.0001), kidney (1.25, 1.17-1.33; p<0.0001), cervix (1.10, 1.03
      1.17; p=0.00035), thyroid (1.09, 1.00-1.19; p=0.0088), and leukaemia (1.09, 1.05
      1.13; p<=0.0001). BMI was positively associated with liver (1.19, 1.12-1.27),
      colon (1.10, 1.07-1.13), ovarian (1.09, 1.04-1.14), and postmenopausal breast
      cancers (1.05, 1.03-1.07) overall (all p<0.0001), but these effects varied by
      underlying BMI or individual-level characteristics. We estimated inverse
      associations with prostate and premenopausal breast cancer risk, both overall
      (prostate 0.98, 0.95-1.00; premenopausal breast cancer 0.89, 0.86-0.92) and in
      never-smokers (prostate 0.96, 0.93-0.99; premenopausal breast cancer 0.89, 0.85
      0.94). By contrast, for lung and oral cavity cancer, we observed no association
      in never smokers (lung 0.99, 0.93-1.05; oral cavity 1.07, 0.91-1.26): inverse
      associations overall were driven by current smokers and ex-smokers, probably
      because of residual confounding by smoking amount. Assuming causality, 41% of
      uterine and 10% or more of gallbladder, kidney, liver, and colon cancers could be
      attributable to excess weight. We estimated that a 1 kg/m(2) population-wide
      increase in BMI would result in 3790 additional annual UK patients developing one
      of the ten cancers positively associated with BMI. INTERPRETATION: BMI is
      associated with cancer risk, with substantial population-level effects. The
      heterogeneity in the effects suggests that different mechanisms are associated
      with different cancer sites and different patient subgroups. FUNDING: National
      Institute for Health Research, Wellcome Trust, and Medical Research Council.

PMID- 25129330
TI  - Finding the Twitter users who stood with Wendy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: I examine Twitter discussion regarding the Texas omnibus abortion
      restriction bill before, during and after Wendy Davis' filibuster in summer 2013.
      This critical moment precipitated wide public discussion of abortion. Digital
      records allow me to characterize the spatial distribution of participants in
      Texas and the United States and estimate the proportion of participants who were
      Texans. STUDY DESIGN: Building a dataset based on all hashtags associated with
      the bill between June 19th and July 14th, 2013, I use GPS locations and text
      descriptions of locations to classify users by county of residence. Mapping
      tweets from accounts within the continental United States by day, I describe the
      residential composition of the conversation in total and over time. Using
      indirect estimation, I compute an estimate of the number of Texans who
      participated. RESULTS: About 1.66 million tweets were sent using hashtags
      associated with the bill from 399,081 user accounts. I estimate counties of
      residence for 160,954 participants (40.3%). An estimated 115,500 participants
      (29%) were Texans, and Texans sent an estimated 48.8% of all tweets. Tweets were
      sent from users estimated to live in every region of Texas, including 189 of
      Texas' 254 counties. Texans tweeted more than non-Texans on every day except the
      filibuster and the day after. CONCLUSION: The analysis measures real-life
      responses to proposed abortion restrictions from people across Texas and the
      United States. It demonstrates that Twitter users from across Texas counties
      opposed HB2 by describing the geographical range of US and Texan abortion rights
      supporters on Twitter. IMPLICATIONS: The Twitter discussion surrounding Wendy
      Davis' filibuster revealed a geographically diverse population of individuals who
      strongly oppose abortion restrictions. Texans from across the state were among
      those who actively voiced opposition. Identifying rights supporters through
      online behavior may present a new way of classifying individuals' orientations
      regarding abortion rights.

PMID- 25129329
TI  - Unmet demand for highly effective postpartum contraception in Texas.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess women's contraceptive preferences and use in the
      first 6 months after delivery. The postpartum period represents a key opportunity
      for women to learn about and obtain effective contraception, especially since 50%
      of unintended pregnancies to parous women occur within 2 years of a previous
      birth. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 800 postpartum women
      recruited from three hospitals in Austin and El Paso, TX. Women aged 18-44 who
      wanted to delay childbearing for at least 24 months were eligible for the study
      and completed interviews following delivery and at 3 and 6 months postpartum.
      Participants were asked about the contraceptive method they were currently using
      and the method they would prefer to use at 6 months after delivery. RESULTS: At 6
      months postpartum, 13% of women were using an intrauterine device or implant, and
      17% were sterilized or had a partner who had had a vasectomy. Twenty-four percent
      were using hormonal methods, and 45% relied on less effective methods, mainly
      condoms and withdrawal. Yet 44% reported that they would prefer to be using
      sterilization, and 34% would prefer to be using long-acting reversible
      contraception (LARC). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a considerable preference for
      LARC and permanent methods at 6 months postpartum. However, there is a marked
      discordance between women's method preference and actual use, indicating
      substantial unmet demand for highly effective methods of contraception.
      IMPLICATIONS: In two Texas cities, many more women preferred long-acting and
      permanent contraceptive methods (LAPM) than were able to access these methods at
      6 months postpartum. Women's contraceptive needs could be better met by
      counseling about all methods, by reducing cost barriers and by making LAPM
      available at more sites.

PMID- 25129332
TI  - Antibacterial activities of nemonoxacin against clinical isolates of
      Staphylococcus aureus: an in vitro comparison with three fluoroquinolones.
AB  - In comparison with ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin, antimicrobial
      activity of nemonoxacin against ciprofloxacin-susceptible/-resistant methicillin
      susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus (MRSA) was determined with the availability to select resistant mutants
      evaluated. Minimum inhibitory concentrations and mutant prevention concentrations
      of quinolones were determined by agar dilution method, that concentrated
      bacterial cells were spread onto Mueller-Hinton agar plates containing
      antibacterials at different concentrations. Selection index (SI) was calculated.
      Minimum inhibitory concentration and mutant prevention concentration of
      nemonoxacin were 0.063 and 0.25 MUg/mL for ciprofloxacin-susceptible MSSA and
      those were 0.5 and 4.0 MUg/mL for ciprofloxacin-resistant MSSA, lower than
      observations of three fluoroquinolones distinctly. SI of nemonoxacin and
      moxifloxacin were similar, with narrower mutant selective window than
      levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Minimum inhibitory concentration and mutant
      prevention concentration of nemonoxacin were 0.25 and 2.0 MUg/mL for
      ciprofloxacin-susceptible MRSA, which were 0.5 and 16.0 MUg/mL for ciprofloxacin
      resistant MRSA. Values were lower than those determined from fluoroquinolones.
      Nemonoxacin presents good antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates of S.
      aureus, especially for ciprofloxacin-resistant strains. But stepwise mutant
      accumulation of ciprofloxacin-resistant MRSA can be hardly inhibited by
      nemonoxacin with pharmacokinetic parameters considered.

PMID- 25129331
TI  - Colorectal cancer with potentially resectable hepatic metastases: optimizing
      treatment.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy and often presents with synchronous or
      metachronous distant spread. For patients with hepatic metastases, resection is
      the principal curative option. Liberalization of the indications for hepatic
      resection has introduced a number of challenges related to the size,
      distribution, and number of metastases as well as the condition of the future
      liver remnant. Advances in systemic therapy have solidified its role as both an
      important adjunct to surgery and also for many patients as a mechanism to
      facilitate resection. In patients whose disease is marginally resectable as a
      consequence of the distribution of hepatic lesions that precludes complete
      resection or out of concern for the future liver remnant, a number of strategies
      have been advocated, including prehepatectomy systemic therapy, staged surgical
      approaches, ablative technologies, and preoperative portal vein embolization. It
      is the purpose of this review to discuss ways in which to optimize the treatment
      of patients with potentially resectable disease, specifically those who are
      judged to have "borderline" resectable situations. 

PMID- 25129333
TI  - Providing Rapid Out of Hospital Acute Cardiovascular Treatment 3 (PROACT-3).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The outcomes of acute cardiovascular symptom presentations are
      potentially modifiable with the use of biomarkers to accelerate accurate
      diagnosis. This randomized trial tested troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide
      before hospital guidance in patients with acute cardiovascular symptoms. METHODS:
      Patients with either chest pain or shortness of breath were randomized to usual
      care or biomarkers analyzed using a point-of-care device in the ambulance. The
      primary end point was time to final disposition (discharge from the emergency
      department or admission to hospital). The trial was stopped prematurely because
      of less than expected enrollment of patients of interest and no difference in the
      primary end point. RESULTS: We randomized 491 patients; 480 formed the final
      cohort. Patients were 49% male; median age 70 years; 42% had previous acute
      coronary syndrome; and 28% diabetes. The B-type natriuretic peptide level before
      hospital arrival was >= 100 pg/mL in 36.4%. Troponin was > 0.03 ng/mL in 13.4%;
      3.6% had troponin > 0.1 ng/mL. After adjudication, 16% had acute coronary
      syndrome, 6.5% acute heart failure, 3.3% angina, and 74.2% another diagnosis. The
      primary end point was 9.2 (interquartile range, 7.3-11.1) hours in the biomarker
      group and 8.8 (interquartile range, 6.3-12.1) hours in the usual care group (P =
      0.6). None died in the ambulance or in the emergency department: all-cause 30-day
      mortality was 2.1% (usual care) and 1.7% (biomarker). CONCLUSIONS: To our
      knowledge, this is the first randomized trial of biomarkers before hospital
      arrival to guide emergency management of suspected acute cardiovascular disease
      which showed no benefit and was terminated early because of futility. The results
      have important implications for the use of biomarkers in emergency management of
      heart disease and for the design of future randomized trials on this important
      topic.

PMID- 25129334
TI  - Case report: protein-losing enteropathy caused by Mesocestoides vogae (syn. M.
      corti) in a dog.
AB  - An eight-year-old, neutered, female Shetland Sheepdog presented with a 6-week
      history of small intestinal diarrhea. Regenerative anemia, hypoproteinemia, and
      an increased plasma C-reactive protein concentration were detected on blood
      examination. Fecal examination and abdominal radiography were unremarkable.
      Abdominal ultrasonography showed diffusely hyperechoic mucosa in the small
      intestine. Gastroduodenoscopy, performed under general anesthesia, revealed
      mucosal edema and increased granularity in the duodenum and jejunum.
      Histopathological examination of the endoscopically biopsied small intestinal
      mucosa revealed tapeworm infection. A single administration of a combined
      anthelmintic drug (5mg/kg praziquantel, 14.4 mg/kg pyrantel pamoate, and 15 mg/kg
      febantel) was successful for deworming, and the dog fully recovered. The
      parasites were removed from stored frozen duodenal mucosa and morphologically
      identified as Mesocestoides sp. immature adult worms. Mitochondrial (mt) 12S rDNA
      and mt cytochrome c oxide subunit 1 genes were amplified from the parasites. DNA
      sequence analysis showed that the genes shared 100% identity with those of
      reported M. vogae (syn. M. corti). This is the first reported case of protein
      losing enteropathy caused by M. vogae in a dog.

PMID- 25129335
TI  - Evaluation of a novel dried blood spot collection device (HemaSpotTM) to test
      blood samples collected from dogs for antibodies to Leishmania infantum.
AB  - Collection of blood samples from veterinary and wildlife patients is often
      challenging because the samples have to be collected on farm or in the wild under
      various environmental conditions. This poses many technical problems associated
      with venipuncture materials, their safe use and disposal, transportation and
      processing of collected samples. Dried blood spot (DBS) sample collection
      techniques offer a simple and practical alternative to traditional blood
      collection methods to obtain blood samples from animals for parasite antibody
      evaluation. The DBS collection devices are compact, simple to use, and are
      particularly useful for large number of samples. Additionally, DBS samples take
      up less space and they are easier to transport than traditional venipuncture
      collected blood samples. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a potentially fatal
      parasitic disease of dogs and humans and it is frequently diagnosed by antibody
      tests. Immunochromatographic tests (ICT) for antibodies to Leishmania infantum
      are commercially available for dogs and they produce qualitative results in
      minutes. Measurement of canine antibodies to L. infantum with the ICT using
      traditional venipuncture has been validated previously, but the use of DBS
      samples has not been evaluated using this method. The purpose of the present
      study was to determine the ability of DBS samples to detect antibodies to L.
      infantum in dogs using a commercial ICT assay. One hundred plasma samples from
      dogs experimentally infected with the LIVT-1 strain of L. infantum were collected
      by venipuncture and frozen. Individual samples were thawed, and then 80 MUl
      plasma (2 drops) was aliquotted onto the 8-spoked disk pad on individual DBS
      sample collection devices (HemaSpotTM, Spot-On Sciences, Austin, TX), dried, and
      stored in the dark at room temperature. After one month and six months,
      respectively, 2 spokes of the 8 spokes of the disk pad of each DBS sample were
      removed and eluted in 200 MUl PBS. The eluate was used to test for antibodies in
      the ICT and compared to ICT results using thawed plasma (same initial source).
      Sensitivity and specificity of the ICT using DBS were determined by using ICT
      results from traditional blood collection samples for comparison. After 1 month,
      DBS samples showed 100% sensitivity and specificity when compared to ICT results
      on thawed plasma samples collected by traditional venipuncture. After six months
      storage at room temperature, DBS samples demonstrated 79% sensitivity and 100%
      specificity compared to traditional blood collection. Results from this study
      indicate that dried blood spot collection may be a useful tool for screening dogs
      for antibodies to L. infantum with the ICT assay.

PMID- 25129336
TI  - DNA fluorescence shift sensor: a rapid method for the detection of DNA
      hybridization using silver nanoclusters.
AB  - DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (AgNC) are a class of subnanometer sized
      fluorophores with good photostability and brightness. It has been applied as a
      diagnostic tool mainly for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) detection. Integration of
      DNA oligomers to generate AgNCs is interesting as varying DNA sequences can
      result in different fluorescence spectra. This allows a simple fluorescence
      shifting effect to occur upon DNA hybridization with the hybridization efficiency
      being a pronominal factor for successful shifting. The ability to shift the
      fluorescence spectra as a result of hybridization overcomes the issue of
      background intensities in most fluorescent based assays. Here we describe an
      optimized method for the detection of single-stranded and double-stranded
      synthetic forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) target by hybridization with the DNA
      fluorescence shift sensor. The system forms a three-way junction by successful
      hybridization of AgNC, G-rich strand (G-rich) to the target DNA, which generated
      a shift in fluorescence spectra with a marked increase in fluorescence intensity.
      The DNA fluorescence shift sensor presents a rapid and specific alternative to
      conventional DNA detection. 

PMID- 25129337
TI  - Electrodialytic remediation of polychlorinated biphenyls contaminated soil with
      iron nanoparticles and two different surfactants.
AB  - Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are persistent organic pollutants (POP) that
      strongly adsorb in soils and sediments. There is a need to develop new and cost
      effective solutions for the remediation of PCB contaminated soils. The suspended
      electrodialytic remediation combined with zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI)
      could be a competitive alternative to the commonly adapted solutions of
      incineration or landfilling. Surfactants can enhance the PCB desorption,
      dechlorination, and the contaminated soil cleanup. In this work, two different
      surfactants (saponin and Tween 80) were tested to enhance PCB desorption and
      removal from a soil sampled at a polluted site, in a two-compartment cell where
      the soil was stirred in a slurry with 1% surfactant, 10mL of nZVI commercial
      suspension, and a voltage gradient of 1Vcm(-1). The highest PCB removal was
      obtained with saponin. Higher chlorinated PCB congeners (penta, hexa, hepta and
      octachlorobiphenyl) showed removal percentages between 9% and 96%, and the
      congeners with highest removal were PCB138, PCB153 and PCB180. The use of low
      level direct current enhanced PCB removal, especially with saponin.
      Electrodechlorination of PCB with surfactants and nZVI showed encouraging
      tendencies and a base is thus formed for further optimization towards a new
      method for remediation of PCB polluted soils. 

PMID- 25129338
TI  - Impact of alcohols on the formation and stability of protein-stabilized
      nanoemulsions.
AB  - Nanoemulsions are increasingly being used for encapsulation, protection, and
      delivery of bioactive lipids, however, their formation from natural emulsifiers
      is still challenging. We investigated the impact of alcohol on the formation and
      stability of protein-stabilized oil-in-water nanoemulsions prepared by high
      pressure homogenization. The influence of different alcohols (ethanol, 1
      propanol, and 1-butanol) at various concentrations (0-25% w/w) on the formation
      and stability of emulsions stabilized by sodium caseinate, whey protein isolate,
      and fish gelatin was investigated. The mean particle diameter decreased with
      increasing alcohol concentrations from 0 to 10%w/w, but extensive droplet
      aggregation occurred at higher levels. This phenomenon was attributed to enhanced
      protein-protein interactions between the adsorbed emulsifier molecules in the
      presence of alcohol leading to droplet flocculation. The smallest droplets
      (d<100nm) were obtained when 10%w/w 1-butanol was added to sodium caseinate
      stabilized nanoemulsions, but relatively small droplets (d<150nm) could also be
      obtained in the presence of a food-grade alcohol (ethanol). This study
      demonstrated that alcohol addition might be a useful tool for producing protein
      stabilized nanoemulsions suitable for use as delivery systems of lipophilic
      bioactive agents. 

PMID- 25129339
TI  - Short-term impact of pictorial posters and a crash course on radiographic errors
      for improving the quality of paediatric chest radiographs in an unsupervised unit
      - a pilot study for quality-assurance outreach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chest radiography is the most commonly performed diagnostic X-ray
      examination. The radiation dose to the patient for this examination is relatively
      low but because of its frequent use, the contribution to the collective dose is
      considerable. Optimized image quality not only allows for more accurate diagnosis
      but also supports radiation protection, which is particularly important in
      children. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the introduction of a poster of
      technical errors in paediatric radiography accompanied by a short lecture (crash
      course) for radiographers on common errors can sustainably decrease the number
      and rate of these errors in an unsupervised radiology department (without a
      paediatric-trained radiologist or paediatric-trained radiography personnel).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a pilot study for quality-assurance outreach,
      with retrospective and prospective components, in the paediatric radiology
      department of a teaching hospital. The technical errors in frontal chest
      radiographs performed in the unit were assessed by quality-assurance analysis
      using a customized tick-sheet. The review was performed before and after an
      intervention that involved a half-hour crash course and poster displays in the
      department. We compared the rate of technical errors made before and after the
      intervention. RESULTS: There was statistically significant improvement in quality
      of radiographs (P < 0.0083) performed immediately after the intervention. There
      was a statistically significant decline in the quality of radiographs performed
      >2 months after the intervention. CONCLUSION: A simple intervention of a crash
      course and poster placement resulted in improved quality of paediatric chest
      radiographs. A decline in quality after 2 months suggests the need to repeat this
      or another type of intervention regularly.

PMID- 25129340
TI  - MR Imaging in a case of severe anorexia nervosa: the 'flip-flop' effect.
AB  - We report an MR imaging phenomenon that can lead to misinterpretation. The unique
      appearance of the soft tissues and bone marrow in a 19-year-old severely
      malnourished woman with anorexia nervosa raised concerns about technical failure
      or systemic pathology. Due to extreme fat depletion, the T1-weighted images
      appeared to be fat-suppressed and the fat-suppressed fluid-sensitive images
      appeared to be non-fat-suppressed ("flip-flopped"). Failure to recognize the
      influence of a patient's overall nutritional status on MR images may cause
      confusion and misdiagnosis. 

PMID- 25129341
TI  - Assessing response in breast cancer with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging: are signal intensity-time curves adequate?
AB  - Quantitative DCE-MRI parameters including K(trans) (transfer constant min(-1))
      can predict both response and outcome in breast cancer patients treated with
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Quantitative methods are time-consuming to
      calculate, requiring expensive software and interpretive expertise. For
      diagnostic purposes, signal intensity-time curves (SITCs) are used for tissue
      characterisation. In this study, we compare the ability of NAC-related changes in
      SITCs with K(trans) to predict response and outcomes. 73 women with primary
      breast cancer underwent DCE-MRI studies before and after two cycles of NAC.
      Patients received anthracycline and/or docetaxel-based chemotherapy. At
      completion of NAC, patients had local treatment with surgery & radiotherapy and
      further systemic treatments. SITCs for paired DCE-MRI studies were visually
      scored using a five-curve type classification schema encompassing wash-in and
      wash-out phases and correlated with K(trans) values and to the endpoints of
      pathological response, OS and DFS. 58 paired patients studies were evaluable. The
      median size by MRI measurement for 52 tumours was 38 mm (range 17-86 mm) at
      baseline and 26 mm (range 10-85 mm) after two cycles of NAC. Median baseline
      K(trans) (min(-1)) was 0.214 (range 0.085-0.469), and post-two cycles of NAC was
      0.128 (range 0.013-0.603). SITC shapes were significantly related to K(trans)
      values both before (chi (2) = 43.3, P = 0.000) and after two cycles of NAC (chi
      (2) = 60.5, P = 0.000). Changes in curve shapes were significantly related to
      changes in K(trans) (chi (2) = 53.5, P = 0.000). Changes in curve shape were
      significantly correlated with clinical (P = 0.005) and pathological response (P =
      0.005). Reductions in curve shape of >=1 point were significant for overall
      improved survival using Kaplan-Meier analysis with a 5-year OS of 80.9 versus
      68.6 % (P = 0.048). SITCs require no special software to generate and provide a
      useful method of assessing the effectiveness of NAC for primary breast cancer. 

PMID- 25129342
TI  - Transcriptional repression of ER through hMAPK dependent histone deacetylation by
      class I HDACs.
AB  - Anti-estrogen therapies are not effective in ER- breast cancers, thus identifying
      mechanisms underlying lack of ER expression in ER- breast cancers is imperative.
      We have previously demonstrated that hyperactivation of MAPK (hMAPK) downstream
      of overexpressed EGFR or overexpression/amplification of Her2 represses ER
      protein and mRNA expression. Abrogation of hMAPK in ER- breast cancer cell lines
      and primary cultures causes re-expression of ER and restoration of anti-estrogen
      responses. This study was performed to identify mechanisms of hMAPK-induced
      transcriptional repression of ER. We found that ER promoter activity is
      significantly reduced in the presence of hMAPK signaling, yet did not identify
      specific promoter sequences responsible for this repression. We performed an
      epigenetic compound screen in an ER- breast cancer cell line that expresses hMAPK
      yet does not exhibit ER promoter hypermethylation. A number of HDAC inhibitors
      were identified and confirmed to modulate ER expression and estrogen signaling in
      multiple ER- cell lines and tumor samples lacking ER promoter methylation. siRNA
      mediated knockdown of HDACs 1, 2, and 3 reversed the mRNA repression in multiple
      breast cancer cell lines and primary cultures and ER promoter-associated histone
      acetylation increased following MAPK inhibition. These data implicate histone
      deacetylation downstream of hMAPK in the observed ER mRNA repression associated
      with hMAPK. Importantly, histone deacetylation appears to be a common mechanism
      in the transcriptional repression of ER between ER- breast cancers with or
      without ER promoter hypermethylation. 

PMID- 25129343
TI  - High NR2F2 transcript level is associated with increased survival and its
      expression inhibits TGF-beta-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition in
      breast cancer.
AB  - NR2F2, a member of nuclear receptor subfamily 2, was shown to be associated with
      cancer, but its role in breast malignancy remains unclear. In this study, we
      aimed to explore the function of NR2F2 in breast cancer. We browsed GEO and TCGA
      databases and used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to explore the association
      between NR2F2 transcript level and patient survival in breast cancer. NR2F2
      expression in breast cancer tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry
      staining. NR2F2-related functions and its role in Epithelial-Mesenchymal
      Transition (EMT) were predicted by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and
      validated by in vitro assays with NR2F2 knockdown MDA-MB231 and MCF7 cells. We
      found high NR2F2 transcript level was correlated with favorable overall survival
      and distant metastasis-free survival. Positive rate of NR2F2 protein tended to be
      decreased with the progression of malignancy. Results of in vitro migration and
      invasion assays suggested NR2F2's potential in inhibiting invasiveness. NR2F2 was
      predicted to be negatively linked with EMT and TGF-beta-pathway related genes,
      which was supported by observation of EMT-like morphology and changes in EMT
      markers E-cadherin and Slug. Additionally, we found TGF-beta inhibited the
      expression of NR2F2. GSEA also predicted that NR2F2 could be inversely associated
      with chemoresistance, which was verified by results of in vitro growth inhibition
      assays using chemotherapeutic agents. Our results demonstrated high NR2F2
      transcript level was associated with favorable clinical outcome, which might be
      due to NR2F2's inhibitory effect on TGF-beta-dependent EMT and its role in
      inhibiting chemoresistance. 

PMID- 25129344
TI  - Ki67 measured in metastatic tissue and prognosis in patients with advanced breast
      cancer.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to determine the prognostic role of Ki67 evaluated
      in relapse biopsies from patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Two
      hundred and ten patients diagnosed with MBC in Stockholm, Sweden between 1998 and
      2009 and with Ki67 assessed at time of first systemic relapse (mKi67) were
      retrospectively identified and divided into two groups according to mKi67
      fraction (low <=20 %, high >20 %). Post-relapse survival was compared between the
      groups using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods. Death rate as function of
      continuous mKi67 was also evaluated. Furthermore, the prognostic role of intra
      individual change in Ki67 between primary tumor and matched metastasis was
      explored by Kaplan-Meier plots. One hundred and twenty-five patients had low and
      85 had high mKi67. Median survival was 25 and 17 months in low- and high-mKi67
      group, respectively [hazard ratio (HR) 0.69, 95 % confidence intervals (CI) 0.51
      0.92, P = 0.01]. In a multivariate model adjusted for prognostic confounders, low
      mKi67 showed a non-significant trend toward better survival (HR 0.85, 95 %CI 0.62
      1.16, P = 0.30). Nevertheless, mKi67 independently correlated with survival when
      compared with primary tumor proliferation (HR 0.56, 95 %CI 0.38-0.81, P = 0.002).
      The 2-year death rate steeply increased as mKi67 increased. Moreover, the change
      from high in primary tumor to low in metastasis significantly correlated with
      longer survival when compared with stable Ki67 levels (HR 0.48, 95 %CI 0.31-0.76,
      P = 0.002). In this cohort of MBC patients, mKi67 inversely but not independently
      correlated with survival. However, a significant association between mKi67 and
      survival was shown regardless of primary tumor proliferation. 

PMID- 25129345
TI  - Pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant cisplatin in BRCA1-positive breast
      cancer patients.
AB  - The aim of this study is to estimate the frequency of pathologic complete
      response (pCR) after neoadjuvant treatment with cisplatin chemotherapy in women
      with breast cancer and a BRCA1 mutation. One hundred and seven women with breast
      cancer and a BRCA1 mutation, who were diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancer
      between December 2006 and June 2014, were treated with cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) every
      3 weeks for four cycles, followed by mastectomy and conventional chemotherapy.
      Information was collected on clinical stage, grade, hormone receptor status, and
      Her2neu status prior to treatment. pCR was determined by review of surgical
      specimens. One hundred and seven patients were enrolled in the study, including
      93 patients who were treated for first primary breast cancer and 14 patients who
      had previously received treatment for a prior cancer. A pCR was observed in 65 of
      the 107 patients (61 %). Platinum-based chemotherapy is effective in a high
      proportion of patients with BRCA1-associated breast cancer. 

PMID- 25129347
TI  - The failed first metatarsophalangeal joint implant arthroplasty.
AB  - Chronic pain in a first metatarsophalangeal implant arthroplasty can be early or
      late, and may be due to infection or implant failure. Although excisional
      arthroplasty can be considered, the most predictable result will come from
      arthrodesis. Conversion of a failed implant arthroplasty to fusion will usually
      require structural bone graft, with slower healing times than primary fusion.

PMID- 25129346
TI  - Abrogating phosphorylation of eIF4B is required for EGFR and mTOR inhibitor
      synergy in triple-negative breast cancer.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients suffer from a highly malignant and
      aggressive disease. They have a high rate of relapse and often develop resistance
      to standard chemotherapy. Many TNBCs have elevated epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) but are resistant to EGFR inhibitors as monotherapy. In this
      study, we sought to find a combination therapy that could sensitize TNBC to EGFR
      inhibitors. Phospho-mass spectrometry was performed on the TNBC cell line, BT20,
      treated with 0.5 MUM gefitinib. Immunoblotting measured protein levels and
      phosphorylation. Colony formation and growth assays analyzed the treatment on
      cell proliferation, while MTT assays determined the synergistic effect of
      inhibitor combination. A Dual-Luciferase reporter gene plasmid measured
      translation. All statistical analysis was done on CalucuSyn and GraphPad Prism
      using ANOVAs. Phospho-proteomics identified the mTOR pathway to be of interest in
      EGFR inhibitor resistance. In our studies, combining gefitinib and temsirolimus
      decreased cell growth and survival in a synergistic manner. Our data identified
      eIF4B, as a potentially key fragile point in EGFR and mTOR inhibitor synergy.
      Decreased eIF4B phosphorylation correlated with drops in growth, viability,
      clonogenic survival, and cap-dependent translation. Taken together, these data
      suggest EGFR and mTOR inhibitors abrogate growth, viability, and survival via
      disruption of eIF4B phosphorylation leading to decreased translation in TNBC cell
      lines. Further, including an mTOR inhibitor along with an EGFR inhibitor in TNBC
      with increased EGFR expression should be further explored. Additionally,
      translational regulation may play an important role in regulating EGFR and mTOR
      inhibitor synergy and warrant further investigation. 

PMID- 25129348
TI  - Pain after cheilectomy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: diagnosis and
      management.
AB  - Cheilectomy is commonly performed for osteoarthritis of the first
      metatarsophalangeal joint and generally has a successful outcome and high rate of
      patient satisfaction over the short to medium term. Despite the relatively good
      results achieved in most cases, a proportion of patients have ongoing pain after
      cheilectomy. This article outlines the potential causes of ongoing pain,
      including progression of osteoarthritis, neuralgic symptoms, and transfer
      metatarsalgia. Management strategies for treating the ongoing symptoms are
      discussed.

PMID- 25129349
TI  - Deceptions in hallux valgus: what to look for to limit failures.
AB  - The treatment of hallux valgus depends on multiple factors, including clinical
      examination, patient considerations, clinical findings, radiographic assessment,
      and surgeon preference. Appropriate procedure selection and proper technique will
      usually result in good-to-excellent outcomes. Complications following hallux
      valgus correction include recurrence, transfer metatarsalgia, avascular necrosis,
      hallux varus, and nonunion and malunion of metatarsal osteotomies. In order to
      decrease the risks of complication, a precise and meticulous physical examination
      should be conducted preoperatively. In addition, a surgeon should select
      appropriate osteotomies to correct complex hallux valgus deformities. As a
      general principle, the severity of deformity dictates treatment options.

PMID- 25129350
TI  - Iatrogenic hallux varus treatment algorithm.
AB  - Iatrogenic hallux varus is a relatively rare complication of corrective hallux
      valgus surgery that has multiple pathologic facets. It requires a comprehensive
      assessment that focuses on joint flexibility, joint integrity, soft tissue
      balance, and bony deformity. A step-wise treatment approach is used to address
      all elements of the deformity. The literature on hallux varus treatments consists
      mainly of retrospective case series, with several proposed procedures addressing
      various degrees of deformity. Comparison of these procedures is a challenging
      endeavor and each case should be considered on an individual basis.

PMID- 25129351
TI  - Etiology and management of lesser toe metatarsophalangeal joint instability.
AB  - The terms crossover toe and lesser metatarsophalangeal joint instability both
      describe a deterioration of the soft tissue structures that give stability to the
      lesser MTP joints. Initial treatment regimens focused on indirect repair of the
      instability without addressing the primary pathology. A staging system of the
      clinical examination and a grading system of the surgical findings are now
      available to help surgeons classify and treat the plantar plate insufficiency.
      Improved imaging techniques and direct surgical repair techniques through a
      dorsal approach have changed the treatment and possibly the results of this
      difficult condition.

PMID- 25129352
TI  - Recurrent metatarsalgia.
AB  - Recurrent metatarsalgia has a multifactorial etiology. The analysis of the cause
      is critical in planning appropriate treatment. Understanding etiology helps
      understand the mechanism of prevention, which is the best treatment. Recurrent
      metatarsalgia is often due to poor technique or poor understanding of the
      underlying problem. In hallux valgus surgery, recurrent metatarsalgia can be a
      problem of position of the first metatarsal after an inappropriate or poorly done
      first metatarsal osteotomy or a problem of gastrocnemius tightness not previously
      recognized. The best treatment is to restore the normal anatomy but that is not
      always possible, and surgery on affected rays could be the solution.

PMID- 25129353
TI  - Problems associated with the excision of the hallux sesamoids.
AB  - Disorders of the hallux sesamoids can be a source of considerable pain and
      disability. Inappropriate or inept removal can lead to further disability and
      pain. Surgical intervention should only follow careful accurate assessment,
      appropriate investigation, and failure of conservative treatments.

PMID- 25129354
TI  - The recurrent Morton neuroma: what now?
AB  - Interdigital neuromas are a common cause of forefoot pain, and approximately 80%
      of patients require surgical excision for symptom relief. Although 50% to 85% of
      patients obtain relief after primary excision, symptoms may recur because of an
      incorrect diagnosis, inadequate resection, or adherence of pressure on a nerve
      stump neuroma. The symptom relief rate after reoperation is similar to that after
      primary excision. A plantar longitudinal incision provides optimal exposure, and
      transposition of the nerve stump into bone or muscle and avoids traction or
      pressure on the nerve ending that can result in a painful stump neuroma.
      Preoperative counseling is essential to align patient expectations with potential
      outcomes.

PMID- 25129355
TI  - Recurrent tarsal tunnel syndrome.
AB  - Recurrence of tarsal tunnel syndrome after surgery may be due to inadequate
      release, lack of understanding or appreciation of the actual anatomy involved,
      variations in the anatomy of the nerve(s), failure to execute the release
      properly, bleeding with subsequent scarring, damage to the nerve and branches,
      persistent hypersensitivity of the nerves, and preexisting intrinsic damage to
      the nerve. Approaches include more thorough release, use of barrier materials to
      decrease adherence of the nerve to surrounding tissues to avoid traction
      neuritis, excisions of neuromas using conduits, and consideration of nerve
      stimulators and systemic medications to deal with persistent neural pain.

PMID- 25129356
TI  - The midfoot is really deformed after hindfoot arthrodesis: how to salvage?
AB  - Concomitant hindfoot and midfoot deformity is common. Hindfoot fusion is
      associated with prolonged recovery and significant disability. Further surgery is
      often required to obtain a plantigrade foot. Understanding normal structural and
      kinematic relationships between the midfoot and hindfoot, as well as recognizing
      common combined patterns of midfoot and hindfoot deformity, can minimize the
      unanticipated consequences of hindfoot fusion. Treatment of residual or resultant
      midfoot deformity requires a thorough analysis of the deformity and familiarity
      with a variety of operative techniques for correction.

PMID- 25129357
TI  - Triple arthrodesis: tips and tricks to navigate trouble.
AB  - Triple arthrodesis is a powerful corrector of hindfoot deformity related to
      trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, and long-standing peritalar subluxation with
      posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. To avoid the common postoperative
      complications related to triple arthrodesis, one must be meticulous in
      preoperative evaluation as well as surgical technique. Presented are some tips
      and tricks to avoid the common complications and provide the patient with a
      plantigrade, stable foot, as well as some salvage options for triple arthrodesis
      in a malunited position.

PMID- 25129358
TI  - Nonunion of fifth metatarsal fractures.
AB  - Metatarsal fractures are those most frequently encountered in the foot. More than
      half of these are of the 5th metatarsal. The incidence is increasing, along with
      the activity levels of the general population. Fractures of the 5th metatarsal
      require careful evaluation and classification to ensure selection of the optimum
      treatment plan. Distal fractures rarely require fixation, even when displacement
      is wide. Cases of established nonunion or refracture require fixation.

PMID- 25129359
TI  - The treatment of calcaneal malunion.
AB  - The surgical treatment of calcaneal malunion is technically very demanding and
      requires a careful assessment of the exact cause of the problem. A number of
      different surgeries are available depending on the precise cause of symptoms. The
      results are reasonable and justify surgery in an otherwise disabled group of
      patients. Calcaneal malunion surgery should not be performed by the occasional
      surgeon, as the price of error is usually amputation.

PMID- 25129360
TI  - Ongoing pain and deformity after an excision of the accessory navicular.
AB  - Although a painful accessory navicula and a pes planus often coexist, they are
      not necessarily causally related, and each condition should be assessed and
      treated individually. A child or adolescent will notice the rubbing of an
      accessory navicula against footwear as the foot and boney swelling grows. The
      cause of persistent local pain such as inadequate bony resection, scar pain,
      irritation of the tibialis posterior tendon, and so forth should be sought and
      addressed; management will depend on the specific presentation and previous
      procedure performed. The cause of the ongoing pain should be investigated.

PMID- 25129361
TI  - Taking out the tarsal coalition was easy: but now the foot is even flatter. What
      now?
AB  - Patients with a preexisting hindfoot deformity, who undergo resection (with or
      without soft tissue interposition) of a tarsal coalition, may present with
      recurrent pain and worsening planovalgus deformity. This is due to the secondary
      effect of soft tissue contractures (lateral ligaments, peroneal tendons, calf
      muscles) "pulling" the foot into more valgus. Physiotherapy and insoles may help
      some patients. Depending on the flexibility of the hindfoot and the presence or
      otherwise of joint degeneration, joint-preserving corrective procedures or
      corrective joint fusions may be needed. Gastrocnemius, Achilles, and/or peroneal
      tendon releases may be required, to avoid equinus or further recurrence.

PMID- 25129362
TI  - Osteomyelitis of the foot and ankle: diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment.
AB  - Osteomyelitis of the foot and ankle is a common, potentially devastating
      condition with diagnostic and treatment challenges. Understanding the
      epidemiology and pathogenesis of osteomyelitis can raise clinical suspicion and
      guide testing and treatments. History and physical examination, laboratory
      studies, vascular studies, histologic and microbiologic analyses, and various
      imaging modalities contribute to diagnosis and treatment. Treatment including
      empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgery should take a multidisciplinary
      approach to optimize patient factors, ensure eradication of the infection, and
      restore function. Optimization of vascular status, soft tissues, limb
      biomechanics, and physiologic state of the patient must be considered to
      accelerate and ensure healing.

PMID- 25129363
TI  - Managing complications of foot and ankle surgery. Preface.

PMID- 25129364
TI  - Retrospective comparison of nucleic acid sequence-based amplification, real-time
      PCR, and galactomannan test for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis.
AB  - Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised
      patients, and treating these infections at an early stage is often crucial for a
      favorable outcome. Early diagnosis, however, remains challenging. We performed a
      retrospective comparison of three methods: real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR),
      nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), and galactomannan enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (GM-ELISA); these detect circulating Aspergillus DNA,
      RNA, and galactomannan, respectively. Blood samples from 80 patients at high risk
      for invasive aspergillosis were tested by each assay. The sensitivity of NASBA,
      qPCR, and GM-ELISA was 76.47% (95% CI, 58.4-88.6%), 67.65% (95% CI, 49.4-82.0%),
      and 52.94% (95% CI, 35.4-69.8%), respectively, and the specificity was 80.43%
      (95% CI, 65.6-90.1%), 89.13% (95% CI, 75.6-95.9%), and 80.43% (95% CI, 65.6
      90.1%), respectively. We also evaluated the efficiency of the three tests in
      various combinations. Perfect specificity (100%; 95% CI, 90.4-100%) and perfect
      positive predictive value (100%; 95% CI, 77.1-100%) were achieved by combining
      NASBA and qPCR testing in series. Testing with both NASBA and qPCR in parallel
      was the most sensitive and had the highest Youden index. Our data support the
      great potential of NASBA and qPCR, singly or in combination, for diagnosis of
      invasive aspergillosis in high-risk populations.

PMID- 25129365
TI  - Towards the targeted management of Chediak-Higashi syndrome.
AB  - Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare, autosomal recessive congenital
      immunodeficiency caused by mutations in CHS1, a gene encoding a putative
      lysosomal trafficking protein. In the majority of patients, this disorder is
      typically characterized by infantile-onset hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
      (HLH), which is lethal unless allogeneic transplantation is performed. A small
      number of individuals have the attenuated form of the disease and do not benefit
      from transplant. Improved outcomes of transplantation have been reported when
      performed before the development of HLH, thus it is important to quickly
      differentiate patients that present with the childhood form of disease and to
      prematurely enroll them into a transplantation protocol. In addition, this would
      also preclude those that exhibit clinical phenotypes of adolescent and adult CHS
      from this treatment. Patients with an absence of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)
      function have a high risk for developing HLH, and could therefore benefit the
      most from early hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, although
      normal CTL cytotoxicity or bi-allelic missense mutations do not exclude the
      occurrence of HLH in childhood, a more conservative approach is justified. This
      article summarizes recent advances in the clinical characterization of CHS
      patients, provides updates on promising new testing methods, and focuses on
      specific therapeutic approaches. 

PMID- 25129366
TI  - Factors influencing Oncotype DX use in the management of early breast cancer: a
      single centre experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oncotype DX recurrence score is a multi-gene assay which quantifies
      the risk of distant recurrence in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)
      early breast cancer (EBC) treated with tamoxifen, and predicts the magnitude of
      clinical benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy. This retrospective study examined
      factors that were associated with use of Oncotype DX assay at a tertiary care
      cancer centre in Ottawa, Canada. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients (pts)
      diagnosed with HR+, HER2/neu negative EBC (stage I-II), who underwent Oncotype DX
      testing (Test Group) between 1st April 2010, and 30th June 2011 were included in
      the study. A second cohort of 100 randomly selected patients with HR+, HER2/neu
      negative EBC diagnosed from the same time period who did not receive Oncotype DX
      testing were used as the control group (Control Group). Demographic and
      clinicopathologic data were obtained from review of charts. Logistic regression
      was performed to identify variables associated with Oncotype DX usage. FINDINGS:
      Median age was 58 years (r: 26-77) in Test Group and 63 years (r: 30-81) in
      Control Group. Sixty-two patients in the Test Group had T1 tumours, compared with
      71 in the Control Group. The median 10-year recurrence risks from Adjuvant!
      Online were 19% and 12% in the Test Group and Control Group, respectively.
      Factors significantly associated with the utilisation of Oncotype DX assay on
      multivariate analysis include age 50-64 (p=0.049), tumour size 10.1-20mm
      (p=0.008) and grade 2 histological grade (p=0.004). INTERPRETATION: Usage of
      Oncotype DX assay is associated with several clinicopathological factors. These
      factors reflect the clinical uncertainty of benefit from chemotherapy in these
      subpopulations of patients and suggest how Oncotype DX assay could complement
      clinicopathological factors in helping clinicians on treatment selection.

PMID- 25129367
TI  - Effectiveness of erlotinib treatment in advanced KRAS mutation-negative lung
      adenocarcinoma patients: Results of a multicenter observational cohort study
      (MOTIVATE).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Erlotinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine-kinase
      inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. As
      the clinical significance of KRAS mutational status has not yet been clearly
      determined in this setting, our aim was to investigate the efficacy of erlotinib
      in advanced KRAS mutation-negative lung adenocarcinoma patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: MOTIVATE is an open-label, multicenter, observational trial with
      Tarceva((r)) (erlotinib) monotherapy. Enrolled patients with advanced (stage
      IIIB/IV) KRAS wild type (WT) lung adenocarcinoma refractory to one or two courses
      of prior chemotherapy were treated with erlotinib at 150mg/day. The primary
      endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were overall
      survival (OS) and best tumor response rate (RR). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In
      total, 327 patients were included. Median PFS and OS were 3.3 and 14.4 months,
      respectively. Three patients (1.2%) had complete response, 51 patients (20.2%)
      had partial response and 123 patients (48.8%) had SD. Significantly longer median
      PFS and OS were observed in Eastern Oncology Cooperative Group Performance Status
      (ECOG PS) 0-1 patients, as compared to ECOG PS 2-3 patients. The longest median
      OS (20.5 months) was found in patients with ECOG PS 0-1 who received erlotinib as
      a second-line therapy. There was no difference in median OS in cohorts stratified
      to disease stage and smoking status. Female patients had both longer median PFS
      and OS. Disease control rate was 70.2%. Our results suggest that erlotinib
      represents a valid treatment option for patients with KRAS WT lung adenocarcinoma
      and, moreover, that KRAS mutation analysis could help to identify clinically
      relevant subgroups of NSCLC patients that may benefit from EGFR-TKI therapy.

PMID- 25129368
TI  - Retrospective evaluation of thromboembolic events in patients with non-small cell
      lung cancer treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Thromboembolic events (TE) are common in patients with cancer and are
      potentially life-threatening. In lung cancer, little is known about thrombosis
      during chemotherapy treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the
      incidence of TE in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), occurring
      during treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy. METHODS: We retrospectively
      selected patients with NSCLC treated with platinum-based chemotherapy at the VU
      University Medical Center Amsterdam between 2000 and 2012. Patients who underwent
      recent surgery were excluded. All TE were included that occurred from start of
      chemotherapy treatment until 30 days after last administration. RESULTS: Among
      784 included patients, 63 (8.0%) patients had 69 TE during treatment. Forty-five
      venous TE (VTE) and 24 arterial TE (ATE). Six patients had multiple events within
      treatment period, 3 of which had simultaneous ATE and VTE. In total, 613 patients
      were treated with cisplatin, 119 patients received carboplatin and 52 patients
      received both in first- or second-line treatment. In 8% (55/665) of the patients
      exposed to cisplatin a TE had occurred vs. 5% (8/171) in patients exposed to
      carboplatin (p=0.42). The majority of TE occurred in the first 2 cycles (70%).
      History of TE was related to occurrence of TE during chemotherapy (p<0.01).
      Median PFS was similar in patients with and without TE (6.2 vs. 7.2 months,
      respectively; p=0.10). Median OS was significantly shorter in patients with TE
      (9.5 vs. 12.9 months, respectively; p=0.03). CONCLUSION: In our series, both ATE
      and VTE were a common finding during chemotherapy. TE was a poor prognostic
      factor. No difference in TE incidence was found between patients treated with
      cisplatin or carboplatin.

PMID- 25129369
TI  - Optimal mediastinal staging in non-small cell lung cancer: what is the role of
      TEMLA and VAMLA?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review is to present the current role of two
      techniques of extensive mediastinal dissection, in the staging of lung cancer.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors performed a search for original papers
      published in English language, peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS: According to the
      published evidence, definitions of VAMLA and TEMLA are given and the main
      elements of the operative technique are briefly presented. Extensiveness and
      completeness of mediastinal lymph node dissection using these techniques, their
      diagnostic yield as well as complications and use of hospital resources are
      discussed. The role of VAMLA and TEMLA in the contemporary staging of lung cancer
      is presented in context of other staging techniques and the current clinical
      practice guidelines. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the evidence currently
      available, it may be concluded that VAMLA and TEMLA have no contemporarily use in
      the routine mediastinal staging of lung cancer. This is because of their
      invasiveness and - at least for TEMLA - high risk of complications and mortality,
      which renders it unacceptable as a diagnostic procedure, and also due to the
      development of equally accurate, but far less invasive techniques, i.e. EBUS-NA
      and EUS-NA.

PMID- 25129371
TI  - Maximum tumor diameter adjusted to the risk profile predicts biochemical
      recurrence after radical prostatectomy.
AB  - Currently, no consensus exists on the best method for tumor quantification in
      prostate cancer (PCA), and its prognostic value remains controversial. We
      evaluated how a newly defined maximum tumor diameter (MTD) might contribute to
      the prediction of biochemical recurrence (BCR) in a consecutive series of PCA
      patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients with PCA who underwent
      RP without neoadjuvant therapy at a single center were included for analysis. MTD
      was defined as the largest diameter of all identified tumors in all three
      dimensions (i.e., length, width, or depth) of the prostate ("Basel technique").
      Cox regression models addressed the association of MTD with BCR in three risk
      groups (low risk-prostate-specific antigen (PSA) < 10 ng/ml, pT2, and Gleason
      score (GS) <= 6; intermediate risk-PSA >= 10 and <20 ng/ml and/or pT2 and GS = 7;
      high risk-PSA > 20 ng/ml or pT3 or GS >= 8) and whole cohort. Within a median
      follow-up of 44 months (interquartile range (IQR) 23-66), 48 patients (9.4 %) in
      the intermediate-risk and high-risk groups experienced BCR. In multivariate Cox
      regression analysis, PSA, pathological stage (pT stage), GS, positive surgical
      margins (PSMs), and MTD > 19.5 mm were independent predictors for BCR (p < 0.05).
      In subgroup analysis, MTD as a nominal variable (<24.5 and >24.5 mm) was the only
      independent predictor of BCR in the intermediate-risk group (hazard ratio (HR)
      9.933, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.070-47.665; p < 0.05). MTD is an
      independent risk factor of BCR in PC patients after RP. The combination of the
      MTD with other well-known prognostic factors after RP may improve decision-making
      concerning follow-up intensity or adjuvant treatment.

PMID- 25129372
TI  - Caudal extension graft versus columellar strut with plumping graft for acute
      nasolabial angle correction in rhinoplasty surgery.
AB  - Nasal tip support is an important factor to be considered in rhinoplasty surgery.
      There are several techniques for improving tip support. Caudal extension graft
      (CEG) and columellar strut with plumping graft (CSPG) are two methods in
      rhinoplasty surgery. The final goal of this experimental study is to find the
      most effective method for tip correction among patients with tip ptosis. In this
      study, we compare two different methods which are used for the tip correction
      among patients who suffer from acute nasolabial angle (NLA) and columellar
      retraction. We performed a randomized clinical trial to compare correction ratio
      of NLA and columellar show obtained via CEG and CSPG methods. Standardized
      photographs were taken before the surgery and 12 months after the surgery to
      compare results between two groups. The mean post-operation NLA was 112.55
      degrees  in CEG and 104.17 degrees  in CSPG (p value < 0.001). Correction ratio
      of NLA was 22.26 degrees  in CEG and 13.77 degrees  in CSPG (p value < 0.001).
      The difference in the mean and the correction ratio of NLA were statistically
      significant in two groups. The mean post-operation columellar show was 3.75 mm in
      CEG and 3.44 mm in CSPG (p value < 0.083). The correction ratio of columellar
      show was 1.76 mm in CEG and 1.20 mm in CSPG (p value < 0.007). The difference in
      the correction ratio of the two groups was statistically significant. Our study
      reveals that both techniques properly improve NLA and columellar show, however,
      CEG is a more stable method in patients with tip ptosis.

PMID- 25129370
TI  - A ThPOK-LRF transcriptional node maintains the integrity and effector potential
      of post-thymic CD4+ T cells.
AB  - The transcription factor ThPOK promotes CD4(+) T cell differentiation in the
      thymus. Here, using a mouse strain that allows post-thymic gene deletion, we show
      that ThPOK maintains CD4(+) T lineage integrity and couples effector
      differentiation to environmental cues after antigenic stimulation. ThPOK
      preserved the integrity and amplitude of effector responses and was required for
      proper differentiation of types 1 and 2 helper T cells in vivo by restraining the
      expression and function of Runx3, a nuclear factor crucial for cytotoxic T cell
      differentiation. The transcription factor LRF acts redundantly with ThPOK to
      prevent the transdifferentiation of mature CD4(+) T cells into CD8(+) T cells. As
      such, the ThPOK-LRF transcriptional module was essential for CD4(+) T cell
      integrity and responses. 

PMID- 25129373
TI  - Reply to the comment to the article "Open partial horizontal laryngectomies: a
      proposal for classification by the working committee on nomenclature of the
      European Laryngological Society".

PMID- 25129374
TI  - Increased frequency of mitral valve prolapse in patients with deviated nasal
      septum.
AB  - Any abnormality of collagen may affect the tissues with higher collagen content,
      e.g., joints, heart valves, and great arteries. Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a
      characteristic of generalized collagen abnormality. Nasal septum (NS) is
      constituted by osseous and cartilaginous septums that are highly rich in
      collagen. We evaluated the co-existence of deviation of NS (DNS) in patients with
      MVP. We retrospectively evaluated the recordings of echocardiographic and nasal
      examinations of subjects with MVP and DNS. We analyzed the features of MVP and
      anatomical classification of DNS among subjects. Totally, 74 patients with DNS
      and 38 subjects with normal nasal passage were enrolled to the study. Presence of
      MVP was significantly higher in patients with DNS compared to normal subjects (63
      vs 26%, p < 0.001). Prolapse of anterior, posterior and both leaflets was higher
      in patients with DNS. Thickness of anterior mitral leaflet was significantly
      increased in patients with DNS (3.57 +/- 0.68 vs 4.59 +/- 1.1 mm, p < 0.001)
      compared to normal subjects. Type I, II, and III, IV DNS were higher in frequency
      in patients with MVP while type V and VI were higher in normal subjects. DNS is
      highly co-existent with MVP and increased thickness of mitral anterior leaflet.
      Generalized abnormality of collagen which is the main component of mitral valves
      and nasal septum may be accounted for co-existence of MVP and DNS. Also co
      existence of them may exaggerate the symptoms of patients with MVP due to limited
      airflow through the nasal passage.

PMID- 25129375
TI  - Inhibitory effect of naringin on microcystin-LR uptake in the freshwater snail
      Sinotaia histrica.
AB  - Gastropods are an important food source for aquatic animals, and have been
      demonstrated to transfer microcystin (MC) to higher trophic levels through the
      food web. In this study, we performed an oral administration experiment to
      evaluate whether naringin can inhibit MC-LR uptake in the freshwater snail
      Sinotaia histrica. We also observed the effect of MC-LR on the organizational
      pathology of the hepatopancreas in S. histrica. Following exposure to cells of
      Microcystis ichthyoblabe, S. histrica showed vacuolization and separation of the
      basal lamina from cells in the hepatopancreas. Initial treatment with 1mM
      naringin resulted in the prevention of MC-LR uptake rate by approximately 60%
      over 8days, whereas initial treatment with 10mM naringin suppressed microcystin
      uptake in 2days, despite an increase in MC-LR levels in the snail from days 5 to
      8. With continuous treatment of 10mM naringin, the uptake prevention rate was
      100%. Overall, we observed a strong inhibitory effect against MC-LR with naringin
      treatment. This study provides a potential mechanism to prevent the uptake of
      microcystin in the aquatic food web, thereby limiting its toxicity in
      cyanobacterial bloom-polluted areas where the environment can be controlled and
      may have further applications in the aquaculture of gastropods. 

PMID- 25129376
TI  - Trophectoderm DNA fingerprinting by quantitative real-time PCR successfully
      distinguishes sibling human embryos.
AB  - PURPOSE: To validate a novel and more practical system for trophectoderm DNA
      fingerprinting which reliably distinguishes sibling embryos from each other.
      METHODS: In this prospective and blinded study two-cell and 5-cell samples from
      commercially available sibling cell lines and excess DNA from trophectoderm
      biopsies of sibling human blastocysts were evaluated for accurate assignment of
      relationship using qPCR-based allelic discrimination from 40 single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) with low allele frequency variation and high heterozygosity.
      RESULTS: Cell samples with self relationships averaged 95.1 +/- 5.9 % similarity.
      Sibling relationships averaged 57.2 +/- 5.9 % similarity for all 40 SNPs, and
      40.8 +/- 8.2 % similarity for the 25 informative SNPs. Assignment of
      relationships was accomplished with 100 % accuracy for cell lines and embryos.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the first trophectoderm qPCR-based DNA
      fingerprinting technology capable of unequivocal discrimination of sibling human
      embryos. This methodology will empower research and development of new markers
      of, and interventions that influence embryonic reproductive potential.

PMID- 25129378
TI  - Lead isotope ratios for bullets, a descriptive approach for investigative
      purposes and a new method for sampling of bullet lead.
AB  - To establish a link between a bullet fired from a suspected firearm,
      investigation of striation marks are one of the corner stones in the forensic
      laboratory. Nevertheless, on some occasions, the bullet may be deformed to such
      extent that traditional investigation of striation marks will be impossible.
      Fragments of lead can be investigated by lead isotope ratio determination in
      order to distinguish between bullets with different origin. This approach
      initially seems reasonable, since the abundance of lead isotopes varies
      significantly in nature. To make a method valid for forensic purposes, it is
      important to have a fundamental understanding of the variation within a box of
      lead bullets and the expected variation between boxes. Studies of variability
      within and between boxes of ammunition are imperative to perform any type of
      forensic interpretation, both in an investigative and evaluative context. This
      work presents an extensive study of variability within and between boxes of
      ammunition by use of multicollector inductive coupled mass spectrometry. As a
      first approximation to classify bullets to any given source, a simple and robust
      graphical method is presented. In addition, an easy-to-use sampling procedure of
      lead is presented. 

PMID- 25129379
TI  - Ontological reconstruction of the clinical terminology of traditional Chinese
      medicine.
AB  - This study proposes the ontological reconstruction of the current clinical
      terminology of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It also provides an overview
      of preliminary work related to the said reconstruction, including the ontology
      based analysis of TCM clinical terminology. We conclude that the ontological
      reconstruction of TCM clinical terminology provides a proper translation from the
      idealized organizational model to real-world implementation and to a formalized,
      shared, and knowledge-based framework. 

PMID- 25129377
TI  - Pharmacologic overview of systemic chlorogenic acid therapy on experimental wound
      healing.
AB  - Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a well-known natural antioxidant in human diet. To
      understand the effects of CGA on wound healing by enhancing antioxidant defense
      in the body, the present study sought to investigate the potential role of
      systemic CGA therapy on wound healing and oxidative stress markers of the skin.
      We also aimed to understand whether chronic CGA treatment has side effects on
      pivotal organs or rat bone marrow during therapy. Full-thickness experimental
      wounds were created on the backs of rats. CGA (25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg) or vehicle
      was administered intraperitoneally for 15 days. All rats were sacrificed on the
      16th day. Biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations
      were performed. Possible side effects were also investigated. The results
      suggested that CGA accelerated wound healing in a dose-dependent manner. CGA
      enhanced hydroxyproline content, decreased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide
      levels. and elevated reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase
      levels in wound tissues. Epithelialization, angiogenesis, fibroblast
      proliferation, and collagen formation increased by CGA while polymorph nuclear
      leukocytes infiltration decreased. CGA modulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 and
      tissue inhibitor-2 expression in biopsies. Otherwise, high dose of CGA increased
      lipid peroxidation of liver and kidney without affecting the heart and muscle
      samples. Chronic CGA increased micronuclei formation and induced cytotoxicity in
      the bone marrow. In conclusion, systemic CGA has beneficial effects in improving
      wound repair. Antioxidant, free radical scavenger, angiogenesis, and anti
      inflammatory effects of CGA may ameliorate wound healing. High dose of CGA may
      induce side effects. In light of these observations, CGA supplementation or
      dietary CGA may have benefit on wound healing.

PMID- 25129380
TI  - Clinical data quality problems and countermeasure for real world study.
AB  - Real world study (RWS) has become a hotspot for clinical research. Data quality
      plays a vital role in research achievement and other clinical research fields. In
      this paper, the common quality problems in the RWS of traditional Chinese
      medicine are discussed, and a countermeasure is proposed. 

PMID- 25129382
TI  - Quantifying the sensitivity of ephemeral streams to land disturbance activities
      in arid ecosystems at the watershed scale.
AB  - Large areas of public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and
      located in arid regions of the southwestern United States are being considered
      for the development of utility-scale solar energy facilities. Land-disturbing
      activities in these desert, alluvium-filled valleys have the potential to
      adversely affect the hydrologic and ecologic functions of ephemeral streams.
      Regulation and management of ephemeral streams typically falls under a spectrum
      of federal, state, and local programs, but scientifically based guidelines for
      protecting ephemeral streams with respect to land-development activities are
      largely nonexistent. This study developed an assessment approach for quantifying
      the sensitivity to land disturbance of ephemeral stream reaches located in
      proposed solar energy zones (SEZs). The ephemeral stream assessment approach used
      publicly-available geospatial data on hydrology, topography, surficial geology,
      and soil characteristics, as well as high-resolution aerial imagery. These
      datasets were used to inform a professional judgment-based score index of
      potential land disturbance impacts on selected critical functions of ephemeral
      streams, including flow and sediment conveyance, ecological habitat value, and
      groundwater recharge. The total sensitivity scores (sum of scores for the
      critical stream functions of flow and sediment conveyance, ecological habitats,
      and groundwater recharge) were used to identify highly sensitive stream reaches
      to inform decisions on developable areas in SEZs. Total sensitivity scores
      typically reflected the scores of the individual stream functions; some
      exceptions pertain to groundwater recharge and ecological habitats. The primary
      limitations of this assessment approach were the lack of high-resolution
      identification of ephemeral stream channels in the existing National Hydrography
      Dataset, and the lack of mechanistic processes describing potential impacts on
      ephemeral stream functions at the watershed scale. The primary strength of this
      assessment approach is that it allows watershed-scale planning for low-impact
      development in arid ecosystems; the qualitative scoring of potential impacts can
      also be adjusted to accommodate new geospatial data, and to allow for expert and
      stakeholder input into decisions regarding the identification and potential
      avoidance of highly sensitive stream reaches. 

PMID- 25129381
TI  - Dioxin-induced thrombocyte aggregation in zebrafish.
AB  - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a canonical member of a group of
      dioxins which are byproducts of industrial combustion and are dangerous
      environmental pollutants. TCDD has been shown to cause several abnormalities in
      humans and wildlife, and recently, some dioxins have been found to activate
      platelets. However, TCDD-mediated platelet activation pathways are elusive and
      virtually nothing is known about TCDD activation of fish thrombocytes. To
      investigate TCDD effect on thrombocyte function, we tested zebrafish blood in
      presence of TCDD using a thrombocyte functional assay. We found that TCDD
      activated thrombocytes. Further experiments showed that thrombocytes of fish
      treated with TCDD formed both aggregates and filopodia. To investigate the
      mechanism of TCDD-mediated activation of thrombocytes we used inhibitors for Gq,
      cyclooxygenase-1, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), c-src, Akt, and ERK1/2. We
      found that TCDD induces AHR which activates c-src and signals the activation of
      Akt and ERK1/2 which are ultimately involved in generation of thromboxane A2.
      Furthermore, we found that ADP potentiates TCDD action, which led to the
      discovery that ADP itself activates AHR in the absence of TCDD. Taken together,
      these results resolved the pathway of TCDD activation of thrombocytes and led to
      the finding that ADP is an activator of AHR.

PMID- 25129383
TI  - Nickel(II) biosorption from aqueous solutions by shrimp head biomass.
AB  - The present study evaluates the capacity of shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) head
      to remove toxic Ni(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Relevant parameters that
      could affect the biosorption process, such as shrimp head pretreatment, solution
      pH level, contact time and initial Ni(II) concentration, were studied in batch
      systems. An increase in Ni(II) biosorption capacity and a reduction in the time
      required to reach Ni(II) biosorption equilibrium was manifested by shrimp head
      biomass pretreated by boiling in 0.5 N NaOH for 15 min; this biomass was
      thereafter denominated APSH. The optimum biosorption level of Ni(II) ions onto
      APSH was observed at pH 7.0. Biosorption increased significantly with rising
      initial Ni(II) concentration. In terms of biosorption dynamics, the pseudo-second
      order kinetic model described Ni(II) biosorption onto APSH best. The equilibrium
      data adequately fitted the Langmuir isotherm model within the studied Ni(II) ion
      concentration range. According to this isotherm model, the maximum Ni(II)
      biosorption capacity of APSH was 104.22 mg/g. Results indicate that APSH could be
      used as a low-cost, environmentally friendly, and promising biosorbent with high
      biosorption capacity to remove Ni(II) from aqueous solutions. 

PMID- 25129384
TI  - Detection of a pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) in an African hedgehog (Atelerix
      arbiventris) with suspected wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS).
AB  - A pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) from an African hedgehog (Atelerix arbiventris)
      with suspected wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) was detected and genetically
      characterized. The affected hedgehog had a nonsuppurative encephalitis with
      vacuolization of the white matter, and the brain samples yielded RNA reads highly
      homogeneous to PVM strain 15 (96.5% of full genomic sequence homology by analysis
      of next generation sequencing). PVM antigen was also detected in the brain and
      the lungs immunohistochemically. A PVM was strongly suggested as a causative
      agent of encephalitis of a hedgehog with suspected WHS. This is a first report of
      PVM infection in hedgehogs. 

PMID- 25129385
TI  - Minimally invasive surgery with spotlight work channel system in the treatment of
      lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective study of 21 cases.
AB  - A group of lumbar discherniation cases was treated with posterior discectomy and
      decompression with Spotlight working channel. We retrospectively studied these
      patients. To study and analyze the clinical efficacy and technical features of
      discectomy which is carried out with the Spotlight channel technology. The
      development of the minimally invasive spine surgery technology promotes new
      instruments and materials. For minimally invasive spine surgery in channel
      technology, the newly launched Depuy(Spine) working channel-Spotlight, which is a
      new generation of wide viewing angle, single-hole device for minimally invasive
      spine operations, has good prospects for clinical application. From March 2011 to
      March 2012, 21 patients who were diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation were
      treated with posterior discectomy and decompression with Spotlight working
      channel, then the lumbar and leg pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of
      before and after surgery and that of the follow-ups and the Oswestry Disability
      Index were analyzed. All patients were successfully operated, and also they
      received follow-ups for more than 1 year. The postoperative lumbar and leg pain
      VAS scores improved significantly compared with the preoperative ones (P < 0.05)
      and can effectively maintain (P > 0.05). The three time points of lumbar pain VAS
      were 7.80 +/- 0.49, 1.51 +/- 0.52 and 1.47 +/- 0.59. The leg pain VAS were 7.53
      +/- 0.50, 1.58 +/- 0.58 and 1.49 +/- 0.67. During the follow-ups of the cases in
      this group, no case of disc herniation relapsed. Patients were satisfied with
      that. The Spotlight channel system is one of the surgical approaches to
      "minimally invasive spine technology with direct vision". It has a good range of
      surgical indications. It can be carried out flexibly and used widely, which means
      it will be easier for the surgeons to master.

PMID- 25129386
TI  - A review of cavernous malformations with trigeminal neuralgia.
AB  - Cavernous malformation with trigeminal neuralgia is relatively rare; only 10
      cases have been reported. In deciding treatment strategies, it is helpful to
      classify cavernous malformation according to its origin, as follows: in the
      Gasserian ganglion (Type G); between the cisternal and intra-axial portions of
      the trigeminal nerve root (Type C); in the intra-axial trigeminal nerve root in
      the pons (Type P); or in the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve root (Type S).
      A 62-year-old male presented with left trigeminal neuralgia (V2 area) and left
      facial hypoesthesia. Imaging studies revealed a cerebellopontine angle mass
      lesion with characteristics of a cavernous malformation and evidence of
      hemorrhage. The lesion was completely removed via a left anterior transpetrosal
      approach. The mass was attached to the trigeminal nerve root; it was located
      between the cisternal and intra-axial portions of the nerve root, and feeding off
      microvessels from the trigeminal nerve vascular plexus. Histological examination
      confirmed a cavernous malformation. In this case, the cavernous malformation was
      Type C. We review cases of cavernous malformation with trigeminal neuralgia and
      discuss therapeutic strategies according to the area of origin. 

PMID- 25129387
TI  - The islands are different: human perceptions of game species in Hawaii.
AB  - Hawaii's game animals are all non-native species, which provokes human-wildlife
      conflict among stakeholders. The management of human-wildlife conflict in Hawaii
      is further complicated by the discrete nature of island communities. Our goal was
      to understand the desires and perceived values or impacts of game held by
      residents of Hawaii regarding six game species [pigs (Sus scrofa), goats (Capra
      hircus), mouflon (Ovis musimon), axis deer (Axis axis), turkeys (Melagris
      gallopavo), and doves (Geopelia striata)]. We measured the desired abundance of
      game on the six main Hawaiian Islands using the potential for conflict index and
      identified explanatory variables for those desires via recursive partitioning. In
      2011 we surveyed 5,407 residents (2,360 random residents and 3,047 pre-identified
      stakeholders). Overall 54.5 and 27.6 % of the emailed and mailed surveys were
      returned (n = 1,510). A non-respondent survey revealed that respondents and non
      respondents had similar interest in wildlife, and a similar education level. The
      desired abundance of game differed significantly among stakeholders, species, and
      islands. The desired abundance scores were higher for axis deer, mouflon, and
      turkeys compared to pigs, goats or doves. Enjoyment at seeing game and the
      cultural value of game were widespread explanatory variables for desired
      abundance. Models for Lanai emphasized the economic value of game, whereas models
      for Maui identified the potential for game to contaminate soil and water. Models
      for Oahu and Kauai revealed concern for human health and safety. Given our
      findings we recommend managers design separate management plans for each island
      taking into consideration the values of residents.

PMID- 25129388
TI  - A novel surface-confined glucaminium-based ionic liquid stationary phase for
      hydrophilic interaction/anion-exchange mixed-mode chromatography.
AB  - Glucaminium-based ionic liquids are a new class of recently developed ionic
      liquids and prepared by functionalizing the amine group of N-methyl-d-glucamine,
      which renders them good hydrophilicity due to the presence of the glucose
      structure and charged quaternary ammonium group. In the present study, a
      glucaminium-based ionic liquid N,N-diallyl-N-methyl-d-glucaminium bromide was
      synthesized and subsequently bonded to the surface of 3-mercaptopropyl modified
      silica materials through "thiol-ene" click chemistry. The obtained stationary
      phase was characterized by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy, and then
      packed as a HPLC column. A mixture of five nucleosides was used to characterize
      the separation performance of the obtained column under HILIC mode and the column
      efficiency was determined with cytidine as the test solute, reaching
      80,000plates/m. Then, the retention behavior was evaluated by investigating the
      effect of various chromatographic factors on retention of different types of
      solutes, and the results revealed that the developed surface-confined glucaminium
      based ionic liquid stationary phase exhibited a hydrophilic interaction/anion
      exchange mixed-mode retention mechanism. Finally, two mixtures of nucleotides and
      flavonoids were separated on the glucaminium-based ionic liquid column,
      respectively under hydrophilic interaction and hydrophilic interaction/anion
      exchange mixed-mode chromatography. In conclusion, the multimodal retention
      capabilities of the glucaminium-based ionic liquid column could offer a wider
      range of retention behavior and flexible selectivity toward polar and hydrophilic
      compounds. 

PMID- 25129389
TI  - Trace analysis of endocrine disrupting compounds in environmental water samples
      by use of solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry
      detection.
AB  - A novel analytical method using a continuous solid-phase extraction system in
      combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the simultaneous
      separation and determination of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) is
      reported. The method was applied to major EDCs of various types including
      parabens, alkylphenols, phenylphenols, bisphenol A and triclosan in water.
      Samples were preconcentrated by using an automatic solid-phase extraction module
      containing a sorbent column, and retained analytes eluted with acetonitrile for
      derivatization with a mixture of N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide and
      trimethylchlorosilane. A number of variables potentially influencing recovery of
      the target compounds such as the type of SPE sorbent (Silica gel, Florisil, RP
      C18, Amberlite XAD-2 and XAD-4, Oasis HLB and LiChrolut EN), eluent and
      properties of the water including pH and ionic strength, were examined. LiChrolut
      EN was found to be the most efficient sorbent for retaining the analytes, with
      ~100% efficiency. The ensuing method was validated with good analytical results
      including low limits of detection (0.01-0.08ng/L for 100mL of sample) and good
      linearity (r(2)>0.997) throughout the studied concentration ranges. The method
      exhibited good accuracy (recoveries of 90-101%) and precision (relative standard
      deviations less than 7%) in the determination of EDCs in drinking, river, pond,
      well, swimming pool and waste water. Waste water samples were found to contain
      the largest number and highest concentrations of analytes (3.2-390ng/L). 

PMID- 25129390
TI  - High performance characterization of triacylglycerols in milk and milk-related
      samples by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.
AB  - In this work, ultra high performance liquid chromatography was used for the
      characterization of non polar lipids (triacylglycerols) in milk samples of
      different origin, as well as milk-derivatives. For tackling such a task, three
      core-shell type octadecylsilica columns were serially coupled, reaching a total
      stationary phase length of 45cm, using acetonitrile-isopropanol gradient elution
      allowing triacylglicerol separation according to increasing partition number. The
      employment of an ion-trap-time-of-flight detection in conjunction with
      atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry was carried out to
      positively identify a number of 243 different triacylglycerols containing up to
      22 fatty acids, with 2-22 carbon atom alkyl chain length, and 0-3 double bonds.
      This work reports an extensive characterization of the triacylglycerol fraction
      in milk and milk-related samples of different sources. 

PMID- 25129391
TI  - Evaluation of stationary phases packed with superficially porous particles for
      the analysis of pharmaceutical compounds using supercritical fluid
      chromatography.
AB  - Superficially porous particles (SPP), or core shell particles, which consist of a
      non-porous silica core surrounded by a thin shell of porous silica, have gained
      popularity as a solid support for chromatography over the last decade. In the
      present study, five unbonded silica, one diol, and two ethylpyridine (2-ethyl and
      4-ethyl) SPP columns were evaluated under SFC conditions using two mixtures, one
      with 17 drug-like compounds and the other one with 7 drug-like basic compounds.
      Three of the SPP phases, SunShellTM 2-ethylpyridine (2-EP), PoroshellTM HILIC,
      and Ascentis((r)) Express HILIC, exhibited superior performances relative to the
      others (reduced theoretical plate height (hmin) values of 1.9-2.5 for neutral
      compounds). When accounting for both achievable plate count and permeability of
      the support using kinetic plot evaluation, the CortecsTM HILIC 1.6MUm and
      Ascentis((r)) Express HILIC 2.7MUm phases were found to be the best choices among
      tested SPPs to reach efficiencies up to 30,000 plates in the minimum amount of
      time. For desired efficiencies ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 plates, the
      SunShellTM 2-EP 2.6MUm column clearly outperformed all other SPPs. With the
      addition of a mobile phase additive such as 10mM ammonium formate, which was
      required to elute the basic components with sharp peaks, the PoroshellTM HILIC,
      SunShellTM Diol and SunShellTM 2-EP phases represent the most orthogonal SPP
      columns with the highest peak capacities. This study demonstrates the obvious
      benefits of using columns packed with SPP on current SFC instrumentation. 

PMID- 25129392
TI  - Identification of coding exon 3 duplication in the BMPR1A gene in a patient with
      juvenile polyposis syndrome.
AB  - Juvenile polyposis syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder
      characterized by multiple juvenile polyps arising in the gastrointestinal tract
      and an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers, specifically colon cancer.
      BMPR1A and SMAD4 germline mutations have been found in patients with juvenile
      polyposis syndrome. We identified a BMPR1A mutation, which involves a duplication
      of coding exon 3 (c.230+452_333+441dup1995), on multiple ligation dependent probe
      amplification in a patient with juvenile polyposis syndrome. The mutation causes
      a frameshift, producing a truncated protein (p.D112NfsX2). Therefore, the
      mutation is believed to be pathogenic. We also identified a duplication
      breakpoint in which Alu sequences are located. These results suggest that the
      duplication event resulted from recombination between Alu sequences. To our
      knowledge, partial duplication in the BMPR1A gene has not been reported
      previously. This is the first case report to document coding exon 3 duplication
      in the BMPR1A gene in a patient with juvenile polyposis syndrome.

PMID- 25129393
TI  - Impact of implantable transvenous device lead location on severity of tricuspid
      regurgitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implantable device leads can cause tricuspid regurgitation (TR) when
      they interfere with leaflet motion. The aim of this study was to determine
      whether lead-leaflet interference is associated with TR severity, independent of
      other causative factors of functional TR. METHODS: A total of 100 patients who
      underwent transthoracic two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D)
      echocardiography of the tricuspid valve before and after lead placement were
      studied. Lead position was classified on 3D echocardiography as leaflet
      interfering or noninterfering. TR severity was estimated by vena contracta (VC)
      width. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with
      postdevice TR, including predevice VC width, right ventricular end-diastolic and
      end-systolic areas, fractional area change, right atrial size, tricuspid annular
      diameter, TR gradient, device lead age, and presence or absence of lead
      interference. Odds ratios were used to describe the association with moderate (VC
      width >= 0.5 cm) or severe (VC width >= 0.7 cm) TR, separately, using bivariate
      and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Forty-five of
      100 patients showed device lead tricuspid valve leaflet interference. The septal
      leaflet was the most commonly affected (23 patients). On bivariate analysis,
      preimplantation VC width, right atrial size, tricuspid annular diameter, and lead
      leaflet interference were significantly associated with postdevice TR. On
      multivariate analysis, preimplantation VC width and the presence of an
      interfering lead were independently associated with postdevice TR. Furthermore,
      the presence of an interfering lead was the only factor associated with TR
      worsening, increasing the likelihood of developing moderate or severe TR by 15-
      and 11-fold, respectively. CONCLUSION: Lead-leaflet interference as seen on 3D
      echocardiography is associated with TR after device lead placement, suggesting
      that 3D echocardiography should be used to assess for lead interference in
      patients with significant TR.

PMID- 25129394
TI  - Assessment of left ventricular volumes with echocardiography and cardiac magnetic
      resonance imaging: real-life evaluation of standard versus new semiautomatic
      methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine quantitative assessment of left ventricular (LV) volumes with
      echocardiography is hindered by time-consuming methods requiring a manual trace
      of the LV cavity from two apical two-dimensional planes. Thus, the aim of this
      study was to evaluate faster new semiautomatic echocardiographic methods that
      could represent a feasible alternative for the assessment of LV volumes and
      ejection fraction (EF) in clinical practice. METHODS: Two semiautomatic methods,
      the automated EF (Auto-EF) for two-dimensional echocardiography and the 4D Auto
      LVQ tool for three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE), were compared with the
      biplane modified Simpson's method and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in
      47 patients. To evaluate the accuracy of volumetry, additional in vitro
      measurements using water-filled latex balloons were performed with both
      modalities. RESULTS: Results of balloon volumetry by echocardiography and CMR
      measurements were in good agreement with real balloon volumes. The mean LV EF was
      45 +/- 11% by Auto-EF, 45 +/- 11% by 3DE, 48 +/- 11% by Simpson's method, and 54
      +/- 12% by CMR. Linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses showed good
      associations for semiautomatic methods with Simpson's method (Auto-EF, r = 0.85,
      bias = 3%, limits of agreement [LOA] = 12%; 3DE, r = 0.79, bias = 3%, LOA = 14%),
      as well as with CMR (Auto-EF, r = 0.74, bias = 9%, LOA = 17%; 3DE, r = 0.73, bias
      = 9%, LOA = 17%). Intra- and interobserver variability were 6% and 12% with Auto
      EF and 8% and 11% with 3DE, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Good correlations between
      semiautomatic echocardiographic parameters for assessment of LV volumes and EF
      could be observed when compared with Simpson's method or CMR. However,
      intertechnique agreement analysis of absolute LV volumes revealed considerable
      differences, with significant underestimation of volumes and EF with respect to
      CMR.

PMID- 25129395
TI  - A randomized, blinded, controlled USA field study to assess the use of fluralaner
      tablets in controlling canine flea infestations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The novel isoxazoline molecule fluralaner provides 12 weeks activity
      against fleas and 8 to 12 weeks against tick infestations according to label
      claims. METHODS: This blinded, multi-center study in client-owned dogs evaluated
      the flea control provided by a single oral fluralaner treatment (25-56 mg/kg;
      BravectoTM, Merck Animal Health) compared to a control group administered three
      oral spinosad (30 - 60 mg/kg; Comfortis(r), Elanco) treatments at 4-week
      intervals together with an amitraz collar (9%, Preventic(r), Virbac). Households
      were randomized (3:1 ratio) to either fluralaner (224 dogs, 118 households) or
      control (70 dogs, 39 households). Within households, one primary dog with at
      least 10 live fleas at enrollment was randomly selected for whole body flea
      counts every 4 weeks through Week 12; all dogs were followed for safety until
      Week 12. Fluralaner dogs received two additional doses at Weeks 12 and 24 for
      further safety and palatability observations through Week 26. RESULTS: Geometric
      mean flea count reductions from baseline for the fluralaner group at Weeks 4, 8,
      and 12 were 99.7%, 99.8%, and 99.8%, respectively; and 96.1%, 99.5%, and 99.6%
      for the spinosad controls. Percentages of flea-free primary dogs at Weeks 4, 8,
      and 12 were 91.1%, 95.4%, and 95.3% for the fluralaner group; and 44.7%, 88.2%,
      and 84.4% for the controls; the differences were significant at Weeks 4 (P <
      0.0001) and 12 (P = 0.0370). Improvements in veterinarian assessed flea allergy
      dermatitis (FAD) were observed in both groups. Fluralaner tablets were accepted
      free choice in over 90% of doses. The most common adverse event was vomiting,
      occurring in 7.1% of the fluralaner group and 14.3% of the controls. No treatment
      related serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: A single treatment of
      dogs with the palatable fluralaner flavored chewable tablet provides a safe and
      effective option for 12 weeks of flea control at least equivalent to that of 3
      sequential treatments with spinosad tablets. Linked to the high level of flea
      control was a substantial alleviation of associated signs of FAD.

PMID- 25129396
TI  - Factors associated with gastrostomy tube dependence after concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy for hypopharyngeal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to identify tumor- and treatment-related factors predicting
      gastrostomy tube dependence after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for
      hypopharyngeal cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all
      patients with hypopharyngeal cancer treated with CCRT between 2002 and 2012
      except for those with residual or recurrent disease at evaluation. The incidence
      of gastrostomy tube dependence, defined as complete or almost complete dependence
      on tube feeding, at 6 months after the completion of treatment was the endpoint.
      A total of 75 patients were analyzed in this study. RESULTS: Twelve patients (16
      %) showed gastrostomy tube dependence. Among tumor-related factors, the subsite
      (posterior wall versus pyriform sinus plus postcricoid) was the most significant
      factor correlated with gastrostomy tube dependence (p < 0.01 by multivariate
      analysis). The T category of the primary tumor was also correlated with
      gastrostomy tube dependence on univariate analysis (p < 0.01). Among treatment
      related factors, the radiation dose was not associated with gastrostomy tube
      dependence. On the other hand, gastrostomy tube dependence was also correlated
      with the requirement of supportive nutrition with a nasogastric tube at the
      beginning of and during treatment (both p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Risk factors for
      gastrostomy tube dependence after the completion of CCRT for hypopharyngeal
      cancer were identified.

PMID- 25129397
TI  - Exploring the views of parents regarding dietary habits of their young cancer
      surviving children.
AB  - PURPOSE: Adult survivors of childhood cancer have a poor dietary intake. These
      habits may be manifesting themselves soon after treatment completion. This
      qualitative study aimed to assess parental views regarding the dietary habits of
      young child cancer survivors. METHODS: The parents/carers of 18 young child
      cancer patients (YCCP) treated at Sydney Children's Hospital, Australia (<5 years
      since treatment completion and <13 years of age), participated in this study.
      Eighteen age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited from Sydney-based
      community organizations. The interview schedule was semi-structured, and the
      interview was conducted over the telephone. Interviews were conducted until
      thematic saturation was reached. Coding and analysis was facilitated by
      qualitative analysis software. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged regarding
      parental perceptions of YCCP current intake as compared with their pre-diagnosis
      eating habits: (1) decreased fruit and vegetable intake, (2) increased
      consumption of "junk food," and (3) increased portion sizes. Parents also
      described a continuation of poor eating habits that were established during their
      cancer treatment. The eating habits of YCCP were substantively different to that
      described by parents of the control group. CONCLUSION: This exploratory project
      revealed parental concern regarding their child's dietary intake once the cancer
      treatment had been completed. The varying habits of YCCP are likely
      multifactorial and may be related to treatment-related side effects and food
      habits established during the cancer treatment.

PMID- 25129399
TI  - Handmade trileaflet valved stent graft for pulmonary valve implantation.

PMID- 25129398
TI  - Have "new" methods in medical education reached German-speaking Central Europe: a
      survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Simulation-based-training (SBT) in the education of health
      professionals is discussed as an effective alternative for knowledge and skills
      enhancement as well as for the establishment of a secure learning environment,
      for learners and patients. In the Anglo-American region, SBT and simulation and
      training centers (STC) are numbered as standard for medical training. In German
      speaking Central Europe, priority is still given to the establishment of SBT and
      STC. The purpose of this study was (i) to survey the status quo relating to the
      existence and facilities of simulation and training centers at medical
      universities in German-speaking Central Europe and (ii) the evaluation of
      training methods, especially in the area of emergency medicine skills. METHODS:
      All public and private medical universities or medical faculties in Germany (36),
      Austria (4) and German-speaking Switzerland (3) were interviewed. In the survey,
      information regarding the existence and facilities of STCs and information with
      regards to the use of SBT in the area of emergency medicine was requested. The
      questions were partly posed in a closed-ended-, in an open-ended- and in a
      multiple choice format (with the possibility of selecting more than one answer).
      RESULTS: Of a total of 43 contacted medical universities/medical faculties, 40
      ultimately participated in the survey. As decisive for the establishment of a STC
      the potential to improve the clinical-practical training and the demand by
      students were listed. Obligatory training in a STC during the first and sixth
      academic year was confirmed only by 12 institutions, before the first invasive
      procedure on patients by 17 institutions. 13 institutions confirmed the use of
      the STC for the further training of physicians and care-staff. Training for the
      acute care and emergency medicine skills in the field of pediatrics, for the most
      part, occurs decentralized. CONCLUSIONS: New methods in medical training have
      reached German-speaking Central Europe, but the simulation and training centers
      vary in size, equipment or regarding their integration into the obligatory
      curriculum as much as the number and variety of the offering to be trained
      voluntarily or on an obligatory basis.

PMID- 25129400
TI  - Targeting the parahippocampal area by auditory cortex stimulation in tinnitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The final common pathway in tinnitus generation is considered to be
      synchronized auditory oscillatory hyperactivity. Intracranial auditory cortex
      stimulation (iACS) via implanted electrodes has been developed to treat severe
      cases of intractable tinnitus targeting this final common pathway, in the hope of
      being a panacea for tinnitus. However, not everybody responds to this treatment.
      OBJECTIVE: The electrical brain activity and functional connectivity at rest
      might determine who is going to respond or not to iACS and might shed light on
      the pathophysiology of auditory phantom sound generation. METHOD: The resting
      state electrical brain activity of 5 patients who responded and 5 patients who
      did not respond to auditory cortex implantation are compared using source
      localized spectral activity (Z-score of log transformed current density) and
      lagged phase synchronization. RESULTS: sLORETA source localization reveals
      significant differences between responders vs non-responders for beta3 in left
      posterior parahippocampal, hippocampal and amygdala area extending into left
      insula. Gamma band differences exist in the posterior parahippocampal areas and
      BA10. Functional connectivity between the auditory cortex and the hippocampal
      area is increased for beta2, delta and theta2 in responders, as well as between
      the parahippocampal area and auditory cortex for beta3. CONCLUSION: The resting
      state functional connectivity and activity between the auditory cortex and
      parahippocampus might determine whether a tinnitus patient will respond to a
      cortical implant. The auditory cortex may only be a functional entrance into a
      larger parahippocampal based tinnitus network.

PMID- 25129401
TI  - The effects of anodal stimulation of the left prefrontal cortex on sentence
      production.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most studies in which Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
      (A-tDCS) has been used to improve language production have focused on single
      words. Yet sentence production requires more than lexical retrieval. For example,
      successful suppression of the past and careful planning of the future are two
      critical requirements for producing a correct sentence. Can A-tDCS improves
      those, and by extension, production at the sentence level? OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS:
      Given that many aspects of sentence production beyond word retrieval require
      frontally-mediated operations, we hypothesized that A-tDCS to the left prefrontal
      cortex should benefit various operation involved in producing sentences, two of
      which, suppression of the past and planning of the future, were targeted in this
      study. METHODS: We used a paradigm that elicited construction of sentences
      through event description, but was structured enough to allow for between-subject
      comparison, clear error identification, and implementation of experimental
      manipulations to probe certain aspects of production. RESULTS: We showed that A
      tDCS to the left PFC reliably decreased the number of incomplete and errorful
      sentences. When the origin of this improvement was probed, we found that A-tDCS
      significantly decreased errors due to premature commitment to the future word
      (insufficient internal monitoring), and had a marginal effect on errors of
      perseverations (insufficient suppression of the past). CONCLUSION: We conclude
      that A-tDCS is a promising tool for improving production at the sentence level,
      and that improvement can be expected when internal monitoring and control over
      verbal responses is impaired, or for certain cases of perseveratory errors.

PMID- 25129402
TI  - Endogenous cortical oscillations constrain neuromodulation by weak electric
      fields.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive
      brain stimulation modality that may modulate cognition by enhancing endogenous
      neocortical oscillations by application of sine-wave electric fields. Yet, the
      role of endogenous network activity in enabling and shaping the effects of tACS
      has remained unclear. OBJECTIVE: We combined optogenetic stimulation and
      multichannel slice electrophysiology to elucidate how the effect of a weak sine
      wave electric field depends on the ongoing cortical oscillatory activity. We
      hypothesized that endogenous cortical oscillations constrain neuromodulation by
      tACS. METHODS: We studied the effect of weak sine-wave electric fields on
      oscillatory activity in mouse neocortical slices. Optogenetic control of the
      network activity enabled the generation of in vivo-like cortical oscillations for
      studying the temporal relationship between network activity and sine-wave
      electric field stimulation. RESULTS: Weak electric fields enhanced endogenous
      oscillations but failed to induce a frequency shift of the ongoing oscillation
      for stimulation frequencies that were not matched to the endogenous oscillation.
      This constraint on the effect of electric field stimulation imposed by endogenous
      network dynamics was limited to the case of weak electric fields targeting in
      vivo-like network dynamics. Together, these results suggest that the key
      mechanism of tACS may be enhancing, but not overriding, intrinsic network
      dynamics. CONCLUSION: Our results contribute to understanding the inconsistent
      tACS results from human studies and propose that stimulation precisely adjusted
      in frequency to the endogenous oscillations is key to rational design of non
      invasive brain stimulation paradigms.

PMID- 25129403
TI  - Elevated levels of Th17 cells and Th17-related cytokines are associated with
      disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-17(IL-17)-producing T helper(Th)17 cells are considered as
      a new subset of cells critical to the development of inflammatory bowel disease
      (IBD). We aimed to investigate the distribution of Th17 cells, the expressions of
      Th17-related cytokines (IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22) and their association with
      disease activity in IBD patients. METHODS: We collected intestinal tissue
      biopsies from 40 patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC), 20 patients with
      active Crohn's disease (CD) and 20 healthy controls. The distribution of Th17
      cells and expressions of Th17-related cytokines in colonic tissues were evaluated
      by a standard immunohistochemical procedure. Serum IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 levels
      were determined by ELISA. Pearson's and Spearman's correlation analyses were
      performed to analyze the correlation between the number of Th17 cells, the
      expressions of Th17-related cytokines and disease activity index, endoscopic and
      histological grading, and CRP and PLT levels, respectively. RESULTS: Compared
      with healthy controls, the number of Th17 cells and the expressions of IL-17, IL
      21 and IL-22 were significantly increased in active IBD patients (P < 0.05). In
      addition, Pearson's and Spearman's correlation analyses showed that the number of
      Th17 cells and the expressions of Th17-related cytokines were correlated with
      disease activity index, endoscopic and histological grading, CRP and PLT levels
      (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Th17 cells and Th17-related cytokines (IL-17, IL-21 and
      IL-22) were increased in the intestinal mucosa in active IBD patients and may
      play an important role in disease activity and mucosal damage.

PMID- 25129404
TI  - A novel method for passing cerebrospinal fluid shunt tubing: a proof of principle
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Few innovations in the method of tunneling shunt tubing for
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt diversion have been made since this treatment of
      hydrocephalus was first developed. Therefore, this feasibility study was
      performed with the hope of identifying an improved technique that could
      potentially carry fewer complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On 10 cadaver sides
      and when placed in the supine position, small skin incisions were made at the
      clavicle and ipsilateral subcostal region, and magnets were used to pass standard
      shunt tubing between the two incisions. RESULTS: Nickel-plated magnets were less
      effective in pulling the shunt tubing below the skin compared with ceramic
      magnets. Of these, magnets with pull strengths of 150-200 lbs were the most
      effective in dragging the subcutaneous tubing between the two incisions. No
      obvious damage to the skin from the overlying magnet was seen in any specimen.
      CONCLUSIONS: Few options exist for tunneling distal shunt tubing for CSF shunt
      procedures. Future patient studies are needed to determine if the technique
      described herein is superior to current methods, particularly when examining
      patient groups that are at a greater risk for injury during tunneling shunt
      catheters.

PMID- 25129405
TI  - A trimodality comparison of volumetric bone imaging technologies. Part I: Short
      term precision and validity.
AB  - In vivo peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and peripheral
      magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) modalities can measure apparent bone
      microstructure at resolutions 200 MUm or higher. However, validity and in vivo
      test-retest reproducibility of apparent bone microstructure have yet to be
      determined on 1.0 T pMRI (196 MUm) and pQCT (200 MUm). This study examined 67
      women with a mean age of 74+/-9 yr and body mass index of 27.65+/-5.74 kg/m2,
      demonstrating validity for trabecular separation from pMRI, cortical thickness,
      and bone volume fraction from pQCT images compared with high-resolution pQCT (hr
      pQCT), with slopes close to unity. However, because of partial volume effects,
      cortical and trabecular thickness of bone derived from pMRI and pQCT images
      matched hr-pQCT more only when values were small. Short-term reproducibility of
      bone outcomes was highest for bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and densitometric
      variables and lowest for trabecular outcomes measuring microstructure.
      Measurements at the tibia for pQCT images were more precise than at the radius.
      In part I of this 3-part series focused on trimodality comparisons of precision
      and validity, it is shown that pQCT images can yield valid and reproducible
      apparent bone structural outcomes, but because of longer scan time and potential
      for more motion, the pMRI protocol examined here remains limited in achieving
      reliable values.

PMID- 25129406
TI  - A Trimodality Comparison of Volumetric Bone Imaging Technologies. Part II: 1-Yr
      Change, Long-Term Precision, and Least Significant Change.
AB  - The previous article in this 3-part series demonstrated short-term precision and
      validity for volumetric bone outcome quantification using in vivo peripheral (p)
      quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      modalities at resolutions 200 MUm or higher. However, 1-yr precision error and
      clinically significant references are yet to be reported for these modalities.
      This study examined 59 women with mean age of 75 +/- 9 yr and body mass index of
      26.84 +/- 4.77 kg/m2, demonstrating the lowest 1-yr precision error, standard
      errors of the estimate, and least significant change values for high-resolution
      (hr) pQCT followed by pQCT, and 1.0-T pMRI for all volumetric bone outcomes
      except trabecular number. Like short-term precision, 1-yr statistics for
      trabecular separation were similar across modalities. Excluding individuals with
      a previous history of fragility fractures, or who were current users of
      antiresorptives reduced 1-yr change for bone outcomes derived from pQCT and pMR
      images, but not hr-pQCT images. In Part II of this 3-part series focused on
      trimodality comparisons of 1-yr changes, hr-pQCT was recommended to be the prime
      candidate for quantifying change where smaller effect sizes are expected, but
      pQCT was identified as a feasible alternative for studies expecting larger
      changes.

PMID- 25129408
TI  - UPLC-MS/MS determination of thiamphenicol in human plasma and its application to
      a pharmacokinetic study.
AB  - A sensitive and rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to determine thiamphenicol (TAP)
      in human plasma using chlorzoxazone as the internal standard (IS). Sample
      preparation was accomplished through a liquid-liquid extraction procedure with
      ethyl acetate to precipitation of plasma protein, and to a 0.1 mL plasma sample.
      The analyte and IS were separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm * 50
      mm, 1.7 MUm) with the mobile phase of acetonitrile and 1% formic acid in water
      with gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.40 mL/min. The detection was performed
      on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer equipped with electrospray
      ionization (ESI) by multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) of the transitions at m/z
      354.3->185.1 for TAP and m/z 168.1->132.1 for IS. The linearity of this method
      was found to be within the concentration range of 10-8000 ng/mL with a lower
      limit of quantification of 10 ng/mL. Only 1.5 min was needed for an analytical
      run. The method herein described was superior to previous methods and was
      successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of TAP in healthy Chinese
      volunteers after oral administration.

PMID- 25129407
TI  - A Trimodality Comparison of Volumetric Bone Imaging Technologies. Part III: SD,
      SEE, LSC Association With Fragility Fractures.
AB  - Part II of this 3-part series demonstrated 1-yr precision, standard error of the
      estimate, and 1-yr least significant change for volumetric bone outcomes
      determined using peripheral (p) quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and
      peripheral magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) modalities in vivo. However, no
      clinically relevant outcomes have been linked to these measures of change. This
      study examined 97 women with mean age of 75 +/- 9 yr and body mass index of 26.84
      +/- 4.77 kg/m(2), demonstrating a lack of association between fragility fractures
      and standard deviation, least significant change and standard error of the
      estimate-based unit differences in volumetric bone outcomes derived from both
      pMRI and pQCT. Only cortical volumetric bone mineral density and cortical
      thickness derived from high-resolution pQCT images were associated with an
      increased odds for fractures. The same measures obtained by pQCT erred toward
      significance. Despite the smaller 1-yr and short-term precision error for
      measures at the tibia vs the radius, the associations with fractures observed at
      the radius were larger than at the tibia for high-resolution pQCT. Unit
      differences in cortical thickness and cortical volumetric bone mineral density
      able to yield a 50% increase in odds for fractures were quantified here and
      suggested as a reference for future power computations.

PMID- 25129409
TI  - Simultaneous determination of N(1)-methylnicotinamide, L-carnitine, and
      creatinine in human plasma and urine by liquid chromatography with mass
      spectrometry for assessing the activities of multiple renal cationic
      transporters.
AB  - Organic cation transporters are responsible for the disposition of various
      endogenous and therapeutic agents in humans; thus, there is a great need for the
      development of a simple assay for simultaneous assessment of the activities of
      multiple transporters. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS), we
      developed an assay that allows for simultaneous quantitation of plasma and
      urinary levels of N(1)-methylnicotinamide (a substrate of hOCT2/hMATEs), L
      carnitine (a substrate of hOCTN2), and creatinine (an indicator of glomerular
      filtration). Samples were diluted with ultrapure water, deproteinized with
      trichloroacetic acid, filtered, and then injected on a cation exchange column.
      The analytes were separated with a gradient LC technique and detected by MS. The
      total assay time was less than 8 min. The lower detection limits for N(1)
      methylnicotinamide, L-carnitine, and creatinine were 2, 10, and 24 ng/mL,
      respectively. Recovery of the analytes was almost complete. A preliminary
      clinical study conducted in 25 healthy subjects revealed that the mean+/-SD for
      the renal clearance (CLR) of N(1)-methylnicotinamide (272.7+/-81.0 mL/min) far
      exceeded the glomerular filtration rate (116.3+/-19.6 mL/min), indicating the
      involvement of active tubular secretion, while the mean CLR of clearance of L
      carnitine was close to nil (1.5+/-1.4 mL/min), indicating almost complete tubular
      reabsorption. The present method is potentially useful for clinical studies on
      the genetic control of cationic transporter activities and the transporter
      mediated drug interactions.

PMID- 25129410
TI  - Simultaneous multi-component quantitation of Chinese herbal injection Yin-zhi
      huang in rat plasma by using a single-tube extraction procedure for mass
      spectrometry-based pharmacokinetic measurement.
AB  - Ying-zhi-huang injection (YZH-I) is an injectable multi-herbal prescription
      derived from the ancient Chinese remedy "Yin-chen-hao-tang", which is widely used
      in the clinic for the treatment of jaundice and chronic liver diseases. To date,
      little information is available on the pharmacokinetic properties of this poly
      herbal formulation. Herein, we reported a simple, rapid and sensitive liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for quantitative
      multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) of eight major ingredients of YZH-I (including
      baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, geniposide, geniposidic acid, chlorogenic acid,
      neochlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid) in rat plasma. A fast single-tube multi
      impurity precipitation extraction ("SMIPE") procedure was introduced for
      straightforward plasma preparation, based on one-pot deproteinization
      precipitation with acidified methanol extraction and in-situ multifunction
      impurity removal by a solid sorbent mixture (anh. magnesium sulfate plus
      octadecylsilane). Particularly, the addition of ascorbic acid in methanol (10
      mg/mL) was found to exhibit a pronounced protective effect and significantly
      increase extraction effectiveness of the herbal phenolic components. Some
      pretreatment variables (protein precipitating solvent, acidifying agent and
      sorbent) were optimized with acceptable matrix effect (-18 to 7.7%), extraction
      recovery (65-88%) and process efficiency (62-91%) for the SMIPE-based LC-MRM
      multi-analyte quantitation using matrix-matched calibration (5-1000 ng/mL)
      without using internal standard. Mean accuracies were obtained in the range of 83
      114% at three different fortification levels, with intra- and inter-day
      variations within 13%. This validated method was successfully applied to the
      simultaneous measurement and pharmacokinetic investigation of the chemical
      constituents in rats following an intravenous administration of YZH-I.

PMID- 25129411
TI  - Simultaneous determination of seven bufadienolides in rat plasma after oral
      administration of Shexiang Baoxin Pill by liquid chromatography-electrospray
      ionization-tandem mass spectrometry: application to a pharmacokinetic study.
AB  - A liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method
      was described for the simultaneous determination of resibufogenin, bufalin,
      gamabufotalin, telibufagin, arenobufagin, cinobufagin and bufotalin in rat
      plasma. Plasma samples were pretreated by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl
      acetate. Chromatographic separation was carried out on an ACQUITY HSS T3 column
      with gradient elution using mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-0.1% formic
      acid in water at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. All analytes showed good linearity
      over a wide concentration range (r>0.99). The lower limit of quantification was
      in the range of 0.5-10 ng/mL for seven bufadienolides. The mean recovery of the
      analytes ranged from 94.36 to 104.18%. The intra- and inter-day precisions were
      in the range of 1.74-13.78% and the accuracies were between 89.37 and 101.38%.
      The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic (PK) study of
      the seven bufadienolides in rat plasma after oral administration of Shexiang
      Baoxin Pill (SBP). The selected PK marker compounds with typical
      efficacy/toxicity may provide a practical solution for marker compound selection
      and dosage design for the therapeutic drug monitoring and PK study of SBP in its
      clinical applications.

PMID- 25129412
TI  - Chromatographic fingerprint analysis of metabolites in natural and artificial
      agarwood using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with chemometric
      methods.
AB  - Agarwood is a resinous material formed in wounded Aquilaria sinensis in China,
      which is widely used as an effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This
      study is aimed to use gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with
      chemometric methods to create reliable criteria for accurate identification of
      natural agarwood and artificial agarwood, as well as for quality evaluation of
      artificial agarwood. Natural agarwood and artificial agarwood (stimulated by
      formic acid or formic acid plus fungal inoculation) were used as standards and
      controls for the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and multivariate
      analysis. The identification criteria developed were applied to commercial
      agarwood. A reliable criteria including correlation coefficient of GC-MS
      fingerprint of natural agarwood and 22 markers of metabolism in natural and
      artificial agarwood was constructed. Compared with chemically stimulated agarwood
      (formic acid) and in terms of the 22 markers, artificial agarwood obtained by
      formic acid stimulation and fungal inoculation were much closer to natural
      agarwood. The study demonstrates that the chemical components of artificial
      agarwood obtained by comprehensive stimulated method (formic acid plus fungal
      inoculation) are much closer to the natural agarwood than those obtained by
      chemically stimulated method (formic acid), as times goes by. A reliable criteria
      containing correlation coefficient of GC-MS fingerprint of natural agarwood and
      22 metabolism markers can be used to evaluate the quality of the agarwood. As an
      application case, three samples were identified as natural agarwood from the 25
      commercial agarwood by using the evaluation method. 

PMID- 25129413
TI  - Enhanced metabolic and redox activity of vascular aquatic plant Lemna valdiviana
      under polarization in Direct Photosynthetic Plant Fuel Cell.
AB  - In this study, duckweed species Lemna valdiviana was investigated as a
      photoautotrophycally grown biocatalyst in recently developed Direct
      Photosynthetic Plant Fuel Cell. Stable current outputs, reaching maximum of 226+/
      11 mA/m(2), were achieved during the operating period. The electricity production
      is associated with electrons generated through the light-dependent reactions in
      the chloroplasts as well as the respiratory processes in the mitochondria and
      transferred to the anode via endogenous electron shuttle, synthesized by the
      plants as a specific response to the polarization. In parallel, a considerable
      increase in the content of proteins (47%) and reserve carbohydrates (44%) of
      duckweeds grown under polarization conditions was established by means of
      biochemical analyses. This, combined with the electricity generation, makes the
      technology a feasible approach for the duckweed farming.

PMID- 25129414
TI  - Pollution profiles and health risk assessment of VOCs emitted during e-waste
      dismantling processes associated with different dismantling methods.
AB  - Pollution profiles of typical volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during
      dismantling of various printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) of e-wastes using
      different methods were comparatively investigated in the real e-waste dismantling
      workshops in South China in April 2013. Similar pollution profiles and
      concentrations of VOCs were observed between dismantling mobile phone and hard
      disk PCBAs by using electric blowers and between dismantling television and power
      supplier PCBAs using electric heating furnaces. Aromatic hydrocarbons (accounting
      for >60% of the sum of VOCs) were the dominant group during using electric
      blowers, while aromatic (accounting for >44% of the sum of VOCs) and halogenated
      hydrocarbons (accounting for >48% of the sum of VOCs) were the two dominant
      groups which contributed equally using electric heating furnaces. However, the
      distribution profiles of VOCs emitted during dismantling of televisions, hard
      disks and micro motors using rotary incinerators varied greatly, though aromatic
      hydrocarbons were still the dominant group. The combustion of e-wastes led to the
      most severe contamination of VOCs, with total VOCs (3.3*10(4) MUg m(-3)) using
      rotary incinerators about 190, 180, 139, and 40 times higher than those using
      mechanical cutting, electric soldering iron, electric blower, and electric
      heating furnace, respectively. Both cancer and non-cancer risks existed for
      workers due to exposure to on-site emitted VOCs in all workshops especially in
      those using rotary incinerators according to the USEPA methodology, whereas only
      cancer risks existed in rotary incinerator workshops according to the American
      Conference of Industrial Hygienists methodology.

PMID- 25129415
TI  - Influence of pharyngolaryngeal anomalies diagnosed through indirect laryngoscopy
      in the prediction of difficult intubation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharyngolaryngeal anomalies not usually included in
      the evaluation of difficult airway, in order to investigate the influence of
      these anomalies in the prediction of difficult intubation. To do this, indirect
      laryngoscopy with a 70 degrees  rigid laryngoscope was performed on all patients
      during the preoperative period. METHODS: This is an observational, prospective
      study on 300 consecutive patients who were scheduled for endotracheal intubation
      under general anesthesia. In addition to assessing the airway in the preoperative
      period by demographic and clinical predictors of difficult airway, rigid indirect
      laryngoscopy was performed to diagnose pharyngolaryngeal anomalies. Later, under
      general anesthesia and direct laryngoscopy it was checked to see if there was
      difficulty in intubating the larynx, and its association with all previous
      variables was investigated. A logistic regression model for prediction purposes
      was developed, and its power of discrimination was achieved by assessing the area
      under the curve. RESULTS: During the examination by indirect laryngoscopy 46
      anomalies were found, which were as follows: 31 abnormalities of the epiglottis
      (22 omega epiglottis, 9 flaccid or hypertrophic epiglottis); 6 findings of
      hypertrophic lingual tonsils, 3 cases of upper airway tumors, and 6 patients with
      tongue disorders. Intubation difficulty was found in 14 cases (4.66%). The
      regression model found, and its coefficients to develop it were:
      f(x)=1.322+(2.173 thyromental distance <6.5 cm)+(1.813 omega epiglottis)
      (1.310*cm opening mouth). Global power of discrimination was 0.83, with a 95%
      confidence interval from 0.709 to 0.952). CONCLUSION: Indirect laryngoscopy
      allowed pharyngolaryngeal anomalies to be diagnosed, including omega epiglottis,
      which was one of the variables included in the logistic regression model.

PMID- 25129416
TI  - Clinical decision rules and D-Dimer in venous thromboembolism: current
      controversies and future research priorities.
AB  - Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially lethal clinical condition that is
      suspected in patients with common clinical complaints, in many and varied,
      clinical care settings. Once VTE is diagnosed, optimal therapeutic management
      (thrombolysis, IVC filters, type and duration of anticoagulants) and ideal
      therapeutic management settings (outpatient, critical care) are also
      controversial. Clinical prediction tools, including clinical decision rules and D
      Dimer, have been developed, and some validated, to assist clinical decision
      making along the diagnostic and therapeutic management paths for VTE. Despite
      these developments, practice variation is high and there remain many
      controversies in the use of the clinical prediction tools. In this narrative
      review, we highlight challenges and controversies in VTE diagnostic and
      therapeutic management with a focus on clinical decision rules and D-Dimer.

PMID- 25129417
TI  - Communication in healthcare: lessons from diversity.

PMID- 25129418
TI  - Origin of plant auxin biosynthesis.
AB  - The recent finding of the tryptophan aminotransferase (TAA)/flavin monooxygenase
      (YUC) pathway as the principal route of auxin production in plants provides an
      opportunity to revisit the origin of plant auxin biosynthesis. Phylogenetic
      analyses of the TAA and YUC gene families provide very little evidence for the
      production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in algae. Instead, horizontal gene
      transfer of YUCs from bacteria to the ancestral land plant suggests that the
      TAA/YUC pathway is a land plant innovation. In this Opinion article we postulate
      that the origin of tryptophan-dependent IAA biosynthesis in land plants might
      have evolved in response to interactions with microbes, particularly bacteria,
      allowing plants to counteract bacterial activities and control their own auxin
      signaling. 

PMID- 25129419
TI  - [Paraneoplastic sensory neuropathy associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the
      larynx].

PMID- 25129420
TI  - Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma to parotid glands.
AB  - PATIENT: Male, 66. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Hepatocellular carcinoma. SYMPTOMS: Abdominal
      distension * painful right facial swelling * weight loss. MEDICATION: -. CLINICAL
      PROCEDURE: -. SPECIALTY: -. OBJECTIVE: Rare disease. BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular
      carcinoma is a common cancer, but it rarely metastasizes to the salivary glands.
      A review of the literature revealed only 5 reported cases of hepatocellular
      carcinoma metastatic to parotid glands. We here report an additional case of this
      rare association. CASE REPORT: A 66-year-old male with a background of type 2
      diabetes mellitus and post-alcoholic decompensated liver cirrhosis presented with
      a progressively enlarging painful right facial swelling for 2 months that was
      eventually found to be due to hepatocellular carcinoma metastatic to the right
      parotid gland. Fine needle aspiration from the right parotid showed sheets and
      single malignant cells that were interpreted as carcinoma not otherwise specific.
      However, biopsy showed metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma into the right parotid
      gland. CONCLUSIONS: We report an additional case of the rare metastasis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma to the parotid glands. It should therefore be considered
      in a patient with decompensated liver cirrhosis presenting with a parotid
      swelling. Furthermore, the present case demonstrates the importance of the tissue
      biopsy for obtaining an accurate final diagnosis.

PMID- 25129421
TI  - In vitro fungicidal photodynamic effect of hypericin on Trichophyton spp.
AB  - Hypericin is a natural photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy (PDT), which
      has shown in vitro antifungal effect against Candida spp. The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the in vitro fungicidal effect of hypericin-PDT on dermatophytes.
      Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes strains were incubated with
      different concentrations of hypericin for different times and exposed to light
      emitting diode lamp (602 +/- 10 nm, 10.3 mW cm(-2), and fluence 37 J cm(-2)).
      Using the optimal incubation time, 60 min, a 3-log fungicidal effect was achieved
      with hypericin concentration ranges of 10-20 MUM for T. rubrum and 20-50 MUM for
      T. mentagrophytes (p = 0.95). Confocal fluorescence microscopy showed the
      localization of hypericin inside the dermatophytes diffusely distributed in the
      cytoplasm of conidia and hyphae and outside the nucleus. In conclusion, hypericin
      PDT has a fungicidal effect in vitro on dermatophytes. Hypericin seems to be a
      promising photosensitizer to treat localized dermatophytic infections such as
      tinea pedis and onychomycosis.

PMID- 25129422
TI  - Magnetic resonance enterography in pregnant women with Crohn's disease: case
      series and literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evaluation of pregnant women with known or suspected Crohn's disease
      (CD) remains a challenge. Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE) is a promising
      diagnostic tool in these patients; however, the clinical data on MRE utilization
      in pregnancy is scarce. The aim of the study was to describe the experience with
      MRE in pregnant CD patients in a tertiary referral center. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed MRE studies performed in pregnant women with known or
      suspected CD that were performed between January 2007 and November 2012. Imaging
      findings, clinical management and outcome were extracted from patient's file and
      electronic records. Image quality was evaluated. RESULTS: Ten studies of 9
      patients were included. MRE protocol was modified to maximize maternal and fetal
      safety, and intravenous gadolinium was not used. In 7 patients, CD diagnosis was
      previously established; six were admitted with clinical symptoms consistent with
      CD exacerbation, and an additional patient with a recurrent groin abscess without
      apparent luminal symptoms. In all seven patients, imaging features consistent
      with active CD were detected; new penetrating complications were detected in 4
      patients. Two patients underwent MRE for suspected CD which was not comforted by
      study results. The clinical management was significantly impacted by MRE results
      in all positive cases. The image quality of the fast MRE sequences obtained
      without gadolinium was satisfactory and allowed meaningful interpretation.
      CONCLUSION: MRE with an adapted protocol for pregnancy is a reliable imaging
      modality to manage in pregnant women with known or suspected CD.

PMID- 25129423
TI  - The Postpartum Worry Scale-Revised: continuing validation with a sample of NICU
      mothers.
AB  - This study represents the second validation phase of the Postpartum Worry Scale
      Revised (PWS-R). As the PWS-R includes items tapping infant health and
      development concerns, we compare its psychometric properties with a sample of
      NICU mothers and the online sample used in the initial validation. We conduct a
      confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to fit the latent factor structure previously
      validated with the online sample to the NICU sample. We also examine the
      reliability and construct validity of the PWS-R when used with a NICU sample. The
      PWS-R's reliability remains good and moderate concurrent correlations with
      theoretically similar constructs are shown with the newly created PWS-R factors.
      Model testing with the NICU sample reveals a different three factor structure
      than the four factor structure previously revealed with the online sample. The
      psychometric findings for the PWS-R provide continuing support for its use as a
      measure of postpartum worry; however, the differences in factor structure suggest
      that the PWS-R scores of high risk samples such as NICU parents should not be
      compared to those of community samples. Next steps in the iterative validation
      process and recommendations for use are considered, particularly with regard to
      high-risk samples. 

PMID- 25129424
TI  - Austenite layer and precipitation in high Co-Ni maraging steel.
AB  - In high Co-Ni maraging steel, austenite has a great effect on the fracture
      toughness of the steel and the precipitated carbides are the main strengthening
      phase. In this study, both austenite layers and precipitation were observed and
      their formation theory was analyzed by Thermo-Calc simulation and several
      reported results. TEM and HRTEM observation results showed that the thickness of
      the austenite layers was about 5-10 nm and the length of the needle-like
      precipitated carbides was less than 10nm. The carbides maintained coherent or
      semi-coherent relation with the matrix.

PMID- 25129425
TI  - Looking forward to genetically edited fruit crops.
AB  - The availability of genome sequences for many fruit crops has redefined the
      boundaries of genetic engineering and genetically modified (GM) crop plants.
      However commercialization of GM crops is hindered by numerous regulatory and
      social hurdles. Here, we focus on recently developed genome-editing tools for
      fruit crop improvement and their importance from the consumer perspective.
      Challenges and opportunities for the deployment of new genome-editing tools for
      fruit plants are also discussed. 

PMID- 25129427
TI  - There is hope in Pandora's box.

PMID- 25129426
TI  - Effect of preinjury warfarin use on outcomes after head trauma in Medicare
      beneficiaries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elderly Americans are at increased risk of head trauma, particularly
      fall related. The effect of warfarin on head trauma outcomes remains
      controversial. METHODS: Medicare beneficiaries with head injuries from 2009 to
      2011 were identified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 code.
      Preinjury warfarin use was determined using Part D claims. Multiple logistic
      regression models determined the association of preinjury warfarin on need for
      hospitalization, intensive care unit care, and occurrence of intracranial
      hemorrhage. Association between warfarin and in-hospital mortality was assessed
      using a Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Of 11,078 head injured patients,
      5.2% were injured while on warfarin. Preinjury warfarin increased the odds of
      intracranial hemorrhage by 40% and doubled the risk of 30-day in-hospital
      mortality after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. CONCLUSIONS:
      Warfarin at the time of head injury increases the risk of adverse outcomes in
      Medicare beneficiaries with head injuries. Caution should be used when initiating
      anticoagulation in elderly Americans at risk for trauma.

PMID- 25129429
TI  - Female military medical school graduates entering surgical internships: are we
      keeping up with national trends?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ratios of women graduating from the only US military medical school
      and entering surgical internships were reviewed and compared with national
      trends. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Uniformed Services University of the
      Health Sciences graduation announcements from 2002 to 2012. RESULTS: There were
      1,771 graduates from 2002 to 2012, with 508 female (29%) and 1,263 male (71%)
      graduates. Female graduates increased over time (21% to 39%; P = .014). Female
      general surgery interns increased from 3.9% to 39% (P = .025). Female overall
      surgical subspecialty interns increased from 20% in 2002 to 36% in 2012 (P =
      .046). Women were represented well in obstetrics (57%), urology (44%), and
      otolaryngology (31%), but not in neurosurgery, orthopedics, and ophthalmology (0%
      to 20%). CONCLUSIONS: The sex disparity between military and civilian medical
      students occurs before entry. Once in medical school, women are just as likely to
      enter general surgery or surgical subspecialty as their male counterparts.
      Increased ratio of women in the class is unlikely to lead to a shortfall except
      in specific subspecialties.

PMID- 25129428
TI  - Influence of adrenal pathology on perioperative outcomes: a multi-institutional
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic or open adrenalectomies are performed for variable
      pathologies. We investigated if adrenal pathology affects perioperative outcomes
      independent of operative approach. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective
      review of 345 adrenalectomies was performed. A multivariate analysis was
      utilized. RESULTS: Pathology groups included benign non-pheochromocytoma tumors
      (50.4%), pheochromocytomas (41%), adrenocortical carcinomas (5.2%), and
      metastatic tumors (3.4%). Controlling for age, body mass index, tumor size,
      procedure type, and pathology, pheochromocytomas exhibited greater blood loss (92
      mL more, P = .007) and operative times (33 min more, P < .001) than benign non
      pheochromocytoma tumors. Metastatic tumors demonstrated longer operative times
      (53 min more, P = .013). Open adrenalectomy was associated with greater blood
      loss (396 mL more, P = .001), transfusion requirement (P = .021), operative times
      (79 min more, P < .001), hospital stay (6.6 days more, P < .001) and
      complications (P < .001) when compared with endoscopic adrenalectomy.
      CONCLUSIONS: The type of adrenal pathology appears to influence blood loss and
      operative time but not complications in patients undergoing adrenalectomy. Open
      adrenalectomy remains a major driver of adverse perioperative outcomes.

PMID- 25129430
TI  - Factors and outcomes associated with surgical treatment options of contralateral
      breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment for a contralateral breast cancer (CBC) presents a
      growing dilemma given the expanding number of long-term survivors. We hypothesize
      that there will be specific surgical treatment trends with demographic
      differences between the treatment groups. METHODS: The Surveillance,
      Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer database was queried to identify CBC
      patients from 1998 to 2010. Relevant data were compared among the surgical
      treatment groups of lumpectomy, mastectomy, and mastectomy/reconstruction.
      RESULTS: Of 1,534 patients, 31% underwent lumpectomy and 69% underwent mastectomy
      [201 (21%) mastectomy/reconstruction; 748 (69%) mastectomy alone]. Older patients
      (age >80 years) were more likely to undergo lumpectomy; those with larger tumors
      (T4) or node-positive disease more often underwent mastectomy. Overall survival
      was significantly higher in the mastectomy/reconstruction group (P = .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Younger age, larger tumor size, and positive nodal disease were
      independently associated with mastectomy. As the number of long-term breast
      cancer survivors increases, factors contributing to CBC treatments must be
      studied to maximize survival potential.

PMID- 25129431
TI  - Malnutrition, sex ratio, and selection: a study based on the great leap forward
      famine.
AB  - This study tests the evolutionary hypothesis that maternal nutritional condition
      can influence offspring sex ratio at birth in humans. Using the 1959-1961 Chinese
      Great Leap Forward famine as a natural experiment, this study combines two large
      scale national data sources and difference-in-differences method to identify the
      effect of famine-induced acute malnutrition on sex ratio at birth. The results
      show a significant famine-induced decrease in the proportion of male births in
      the 1958, 1961, and 1964 in the urban population but not in the rural population.
      Given that both the urban and rural populations suffered from the famine-induced
      malnutrition, and that the rural population experienced a drastic famine-induced
      mortality increase and fertility reduction, these results suggest the presence of
      a short-term famine effect, a long-term famine effect, and a selection effect.
      The timing of the estimated famine effects suggests that famine influences sex
      ratio at birth by differential implantation and differential fetal loss by fetal
      sex. 

PMID- 25129432
TI  - Psychomotor retardation is a scar of past depressive episodes, revealed by simple
      cognitive tests.
AB  - The cumulative duration of depressive episodes, and their repetition, has a
      detrimental effect on depression recurrence rates and the chances of
      antidepressant response, and even increases the risk of dementia, raising the
      possibility that depressive episodes could be neurotoxic. Psychomotor retardation
      could constitute a marker of this negative burden of past depressive episodes,
      with conflicting findings according to the use of clinical versus cognitive
      assessments. We assessed the role of the Retardation Depressive Scale (filled in
      by the clinician) and the time required to perform the neurocognitive d2
      attention test and the Trail Making Test (performed by patients) in a sample of
      2048 depressed outpatients, before and after 6 to 8 weeks of treatment with
      agomelatine. From this sample, 1140 patients performed the TMT-A and -B, and 508
      performed the d2 test, at baseline and after treatment. At baseline, we found
      that with more past depressive episodes patients had more severe clinical level
      of psychomotor retardation, and that they needed more time to perform both d2 and
      TMT. When the analyses were performed again after treatment, and especially when
      the analyses were restricted to patients with clinical remission, the cognitive
      tests were the only ones correlated with past depressive episodes. Psychomotor
      retardation tested at a cognitive level was therefore systematically revealing
      the burden of past depressive episodes, with an increased weight for patients
      with less remaining symptoms. If prospectively confirmed, interventions such as
      cognitive remediation therapy could benefit from a more specific focus on
      neurocognitive retardation. 

PMID- 25129433
TI  - Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection triggers HMGB1
      release to promote inflammatory cytokine production.
AB  - The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is an endogenous damage-associated
      molecular pattern (DAMP) molecule involved in the pathogenesis of various
      infectious agents. Based on meta-analysis of all publicly available microarray
      datasets, HMGB1 has recently been proposed as the most significant immune
      modulator during the porcine response to porcine reproductive and respiratory
      syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. However, the function of HMGB1 in PRRSV
      pathogenesis is unclear. In this study, we found that PRRSV infection triggers
      the translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the extracellular milieu in MARC
      145 cells and porcine alveolar macrophages. Although HMGB1 has no effect on PRRSV
      replication, HMGB1 promotes PRRSV-induced NF-kappaB activation and subsequent
      expression of inflammatory cytokines through receptors RAGE, TLR2 and TLR4. Our
      findings show that HMGB1 release, triggered by PRRSV infection, enhances the
      efficiency of virus-induced inflammatory responses, thereby providing new
      insights into the pathogenesis of PRRSV infection. 

PMID- 25129435
TI  - Kilham Rat Virus-induced type 1 diabetes involves beta cell infection and intra
      islet JAK-STAT activation prior to insulitis.
AB  - We used the LEW1.WR1 rat model of Kilham Rat Virus (KRV)-induced type 1 diabetes
      (T1D) to test the hypothesis that disease mechanisms are linked with beta cell
      infection and intra-islet immune activation prior to insulitis. KRV induces genes
      involved in type I and type II interferon pathways in islet cell lines in vitro
      and in islets from day-5-infected animals in vivo via mechanisms that do not
      involve insulitis, beta cell apoptosis, or impaired insulin expression.
      Immunohistochemistry studies indicated that KRV protein is expressed in beta
      cells 5 days following infection. KRV induces the phosphorylation of Janus Kinase
      1/2 (JAK1/2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1) in
      islet cells via a mechanism that could involve TLR9 and NF-kappaB pathways. These
      data demonstrate for the first time that KRV-induced islet destruction is
      associated with beta cell infection and intra-islet innate immune upregulation
      early in the disease process. 

PMID- 25129434
TI  - Regulation of human genome expression and RNA splicing by human papillomavirus 16
      E2 protein.
AB  - Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) is causative in human cancer. The E2 protein
      regulates transcription from and replication of the viral genome; the role of E2
      in regulating the host genome has been less well studied. We have expressed HPV16
      E2 (E2) stably in U2OS cells; these cells tolerate E2 expression well and gene
      expression analysis identified 74 genes showing differential expression specific
      to E2. Analysis of published gene expression data sets during cervical cancer
      progression identified 20 of the genes as being altered in a similar direction as
      the E2 specific genes. In addition, E2 altered the splicing of many genes
      implicated in cancer and cell motility. The E2 expressing cells showed no
      alteration in cell growth but were altered in cell motility, consistent with the
      E2 induced altered splicing predicted to affect this cellular function. The
      results present a model system for investigating E2 regulation of the host
      genome. 

PMID- 25129437
TI  - The Cucumber leaf spot virus p25 auxiliary replicase protein binds and modifies
      the endoplasmic reticulum via N-terminal transmembrane domains.
AB  - Cucumber leaf spot virus (CLSV) is a member of the Aureusvirus genus, family
      Tombusviridae. The auxiliary replicase of Tombusvirids has been found to localize
      to endoplasmic reticulum (ER), peroxisomes or mitochondria; however, localization
      of the auxiliary replicase of aureusviruses has not been determined. We have
      found that the auxiliary replicase of CLSV (p25) fused to GFP colocalizes with ER
      and that three predicted transmembrane domains (TMDs) at the N-terminus of p25
      are sufficient for targeting, although the second and third TMDs play the most
      prominent roles. Confocal analysis of CLSV infected 16C plants shows that the ER
      becomes modified including the formation of punctae at connections between ER
      tubules and in association with the nucleus. Ultrastructural analysis shows that
      the cytoplasm contains numerous vesicles which are also found between the
      perinuclear ER and nuclear membrane. It is proposed that these vesicles
      correspond to modified ER used as sites for CLSV replication. 

PMID- 25129436
TI  - Plasmid DNA initiates replication of yellow fever vaccine in vitro and elicits
      virus-specific immune response in mice.
AB  - Yellow fever (YF) causes an acute hemorrhagic fever disease in tropical Africa
      and Latin America. To develop a novel experimental YF vaccine, we applied iDNA
      infectious clone technology. The iDNA represents plasmid that encodes the full
      length RNA genome of 17D vaccine downstream from a cytomegalovirus (CMV)
      promoter. The vaccine was designed to transcribe the full-length viral RNA and to
      launch 17D vaccine virus in vitro and in vivo. Transfection with 10 ng of iDNA
      plasmid was sufficient to start replication of vaccine virus in vitro. Safety of
      the parental 17D and iDNA-derived 17D viruses was confirmed in AG129 mice
      deficient in receptors for IFN-alpha/beta/gamma. Finally, direct vaccination of
      BALB/c mice with a single 20 MUg dose of iDNA plasmid resulted in seroconversion
      and elicitation of virus-specific neutralizing antibodies in animals. We conclude
      that iDNA immunization approach combines characteristics of DNA and attenuated
      vaccines and represents a promising vaccination strategy for YF.

PMID- 25129438
TI  - Removal of a small C-terminal region of JCV and SV40 large T antigens has
      differential effects on transformation.
AB  - The large T antigen (LT) protein of JCV and SV40 polyomaviruses is required to
      induce tumors in rodents and transform cells in culture. When both LTs are
      compared side-by-side in cell culture assays, SV40 shows a more robust
      transformation phenotype even though the LT sequences are highly conserved. A
      complete understanding of SV40's enhanced transforming capabilities relative to
      JCV is lacking. When the least conserved region of the LT proteins, the variable
      linker and host range region (VHR), was removed, changes in T antigen expression
      and cellular p53 post-translational modifications occurred, but interaction with
      the pRB pathway was unaffected. Transformation assessed by growth in low serum
      was reduced after VHR truncation of the SV40, but not the JCV, T antigen.
      Conversely, anchorage independent transformation was enhanced only by truncation
      of the JCV VHR. This is the first report to link the SV40 or JCV VHR region to
      transformation potential. 

PMID- 25129439
TI  - Relationship between IL-10 expression and prognosis in patients with primary
      breast cancer.
AB  - This retrospective study was designed to investigate the relationship between the
      expression of IL-10, CD4, CD8, and FOXP3 and clinicopathological features and
      prognosis in breast cancer patients. The expression of IL-10, CD4, CD8, and FOXP3
      was detected by immunohistochemistry. Staining intensity of only IL-10 was
      associated with disease-free survival and distance disease-free survival
      (P<0.05). Staining density of IL-10 in stromal cells was associated with overall
      survival and distance disease-free survival (P<0.05). IL-10 expression levels
      might be used as a prognostic indicator for the recurrence, metastasis, and
      survival of breast cancer patients.

PMID- 25129440
TI  - Down-regulation of HDAC5 inhibits growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma by
      induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
AB  - Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a critical role in the proliferation,
      differentiation, and apoptosis of cancer cells. An obstacle for the application
      of HDAC inhibitors as effective anti-cancer therapeutics is that our current
      knowledge on the contributions of different HDACs in various cancer types remains
      scarce. The present study reported that the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC5 were
      up-regulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cells as shown
      by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. MTT assay and BrdU incorporation
      assay showed that the down-regulation of HDAC5 inhibited cell proliferation in
      HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7 cell lines. Data from in vivo xenograft tumorigenesis
      model also demonstrated the anti-proliferative effect of HDAC5 depletion on tumor
      cell growth. Furthermore, the suppression of HDAC5 promoted cell apoptosis and
      induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest in HCC cells. On the molecular level, we
      observed altered expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as p53, bax, bcl
      2, cyto C, and caspase 3 in HDAC5-shRNA-transfected cells. Knockdown of HDAC5 led
      to a significant up-regulation of p21 and down-regulation of cyclin D1 and
      CDK2/4/6. We also found that the down-regulation of HDAC5 substantially increased
      p53 stability and promoted its nuclear localization and transcriptional activity.
      Our study suggested that knockdown of HDAC5 could inhibit cancer cell
      proliferation by the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis; thus,
      suppression of HDAC5 may be a viable option for treating HCC patients. 

PMID- 25129441
TI  - Long non-coding RNA CARLo-5 is a negative prognostic factor and exhibits tumor
      pro-oncogenic activity in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Despite recent advances in the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC),
      the prognosis of NSCLC is still relatively poor. Thus, it is of great importance
      to identify novel effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of NSCLC. A
      growing volume of literature has demonstrated the vital roles of long non-coding
      RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer biology. Cancer-associated region long non-coding RNA
      (CARLo-5), a recently identified lncRNA, was initially characterized in colon
      cancer. However, little is known about its role in NSCLC. In the present study, a
      great upregulation of CARLo-5 was observed in cancer tissues compared to their
      adjacent normal tissues. Meanwhile, patients with high CARLo-5 expression have
      significantly poorer prognosis than those with low expression. Inhibition of
      CARLo-5 by siRNA suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion in NSCLC
      cell lines in vitro. In addition, silencing of CARLo-5 reversed the epithelial
      mesenchymal transition in NSCLC cell line. Our study suggests that CARLo-5 may
      represent a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target of NSCLC. 

PMID- 25129442
TI  - Outcome of gemcitabine plus molecular targeted agent for treatment of pancreatic
      cancer: a meta-analysis of prospective phase III studies.
AB  - The aim of this study is to assess the clinical outcome of gemcitabine (GEM) plus
      molecular targeted agents (MTAs) for treatment of pancreatic cancer, in the
      purpose of providing fundamental data for clinical practice. Databases like
      PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched to
      retrieve phase III clinical randomized controlled trials related to GEM plus MTAs
      for pancreatic cancer (up to Oct 2013). Literatures were independently screened
      by two researchers according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were
      extracted and analyzed by using Stata 11.0 software. Total, 11 studies were
      included, involving 5,451 participants who were divided into GEM plus MTAs group
      (n=2,729) and GEM plus placebo group (n=2,722). There was no significant
      difference in overall survival, progression-free survival, response rate,
      complete response, partial response, and clinical benefit rate between two
      groups. Compared with GEM plus placebo group, stable disease of GEM plus MTAs
      group was significantly increased (risk ratios (RRs) =1.14, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.04-1.21, P=0.003). Further subgroup analysis indicated that GEM
      plus epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor use induced higher
      response rate and clinical benefit rate than GEM plus placebo group (RRs=1.19,
      95% CI 1.09-1.31, P=0.000; RR=1.18, 95% CI 1.09-1.27, P=0.000). In addition, no
      significant difference in 3-4 grade adverse reactions (incidence, anemia rate,
      neutropenia rate, and thrombocytopenia rate) was identified between two groups.
      GEM plus MTAs may be effective and safe for stabilizing patients suffering
      advanced pancreatic cancer, especially EGFR inhibitor.

PMID- 25129443
TI  - Evaluation of squamous cell carcinoma antigen-immunoglobulin M complex (SCCA-IGM)
      and alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU) as novel diagnostic biomarkers for hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance lacks a reliable biomarker. Alpha
      fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely used. However, not all HCCs secrete AFP. AFP
      may be elevated with cirrhosis in the absence of HCC. Serum alpha-L-fucosidase
      (AFU) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen-immunoglobulin M complex (SCCA-IgM)
      were found to be useful markers in diagnosing HCC. SCCA-IgM and AFU were assessed
      by ELISA technique; AFP was measured by enzyme chemiluminescence in serum of 40
      patients with HCC, 30 patients with liver cirrhosis, and 20 healthy control
      participants to compare their accuracy in early diagnosis of HCC. Serum SCCA-IgM
      and AFU levels were significantly elevated in HCC group compared to cirrhotic
      group (P value<0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic
      curve showed the optimal cutoff value for SCCA-IgM was 233 AU/ml with sensitivity
      87.5% and specificity 66% and for AFU was 25 U/L with sensitivity 87.5% and
      specificity 98%. AFP cutoff value was 48 ng/mL with sensitivity of 70% and
      specificity of 53.3%. The simultaneous determination of AFP and SCCA-IgM activity
      increased the sensitivity to 92.5% and specificity to 62.1%. There were positive
      significant correlations between SCCA-IgM and each of AFU (r=0.296, P=0.005) and
      AFP (r=0.284, P=0.007) and no correlation between AFP and AFU. All markers did
      not correlate with the tumor size or affected by the Child score. The significant
      difference between SCCA-IgM and AFU levels among HCC and cirrhotic patients
      suggests their use as potential diagnostic tools and allows identifying a new
      group of HCC patients even in the absence of elevated AFP.

PMID- 25129444
TI  - Proteomic analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded glomeruli suggests
      depletion of glomerular filtration barrier proteins in two-kidney, one-clip
      hypertensive rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is well known that hypertension may cause glomerular damage, but
      the molecular mechanisms involved are still incompletely understood. METHODS: In
      the present study, we used formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue to
      investigate changes in the glomerular proteome in the non-clipped kidney of two
      kidney one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats, with special emphasis on the glomerular
      filtration barrier. 2K1C hypertension was induced in 6-week-old Wistar Hannover
      rats (n = 6) that were sacrificed 23 weeks later and compared with age-matched
      sham-operated controls (n = 6). Tissue was stored in FFPE tissue blocks and later
      prepared on tissue slides for laser microdissection. Glomeruli without severe
      morphological damage were isolated, and the proteomes were analysed using liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: 2K1C glomeruli showed reduced
      abundance of proteins important for slit diaphragm complex, such as nephrin,
      podocin and neph1. The podocyte foot process had a pattern of reduced abundance
      of transmembrane proteins but unchanged abundances of the podocyte cytoskeletal
      proteins synaptopodin and alpha-actinin-4. Lower abundance of important
      glomerular basement membrane proteins was seen. Possible glomerular markers of
      damage with increased abundance in 2K1C were transgelin, desmin and acyl-coenzyme
      A thioesterase 1. CONCLUSIONS: Microdissection and tandem mass spectrometry could
      be used to investigate the proteome of isolated glomeruli from FFPE tissue.
      Glomerular filtration barrier proteins had reduced abundance in the non-clipped
      kidney of 2K1C hypertensive rats.

PMID- 25129446
TI  - Transport priorities, risk perception and worry associated with mode use and
      preferences among Norwegian commuters.
AB  - There is currently scant research on the role of transport priorities, risk
      perception and worry for travel mode use and preferences. The present study aims
      to examine these factors in relation to mode use and preferences among Norwegian
      commuters. A web-based survey was conducted in a randomly obtained representative
      sample of daily commuters in the extended greater Oslo area (n=690). The results
      showed that those who prioritized efficiency and flexibility tended to commute by
      car, while those who prioritized safety and comfort used public (e.g. metro,
      tram, and train) or active (e.g. walking and cycling) transport. In a free choice
      scenario, the respondents who prioritized flexibility reported a preference for
      using a car, whereas those who prioritized safety and comfort preferred public
      and active transport for their commuter travels. Risk perception of high impact
      events, such as terrorism and major accidents, as well as risk perception related
      to personal impact risks (theft, violence etc.) were related to car use on
      commuter travels. Transport-related worry exerted weak influences on mode use and
      preferences. Increased speed on rail transport and more frequent departures may
      be effective in reducing car use on commuter travels. Risk communication should
      focus on highlighting the low risk of experiencing security and safety issues in
      the public transport sector, and this message should be complemented by efforts
      to reduce the probability of negative events affecting public transport. 

PMID- 25129445
TI  - Fluoxetine modulates breast cancer metastasis to the brain in a murine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite advances in the treatment of primary breast tumors, the
      outcome of metastatic breast cancer remains dismal. Brain metastases present a
      particularly difficult therapeutic target due to the "sanctuary" status of the
      brain, with resulting inability of most chemotherapeutic agents to effectively
      eliminate cancer cells in the brain parenchyma. A large number of breast cancer
      patients receive various neuroactive drugs to combat complications of systemic
      anti-tumor therapies and to treat concomitant diseases. One of the most
      prescribed groups of neuroactive medications is anti-depressants, in particular
      selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Since SSRIs have profound
      effects on the brain, it is possible that their use in breast cancer patients
      could affect the development of brain metastases. This would provide important
      insight into the mechanisms underlying brain metastasis. Surprisingly, this
      possibility has been poorly explored. METHODS: We studied the effect of
      fluoxetine, an SSRI, on the development of brain metastatic breast cancer using
      MDA-MB-231BR cells in a mouse model. RESULTS: The data demonstrate that
      fluoxetine treatment increases the number of brain metastases, an effect
      accompanied by elevated permeability of the blood-brain barrier, pro-inflammatory
      changes in the brain, and glial activation. This suggests a possible role of
      brain-resident immune cells and glia in promoting increased development of brain
      metastases. CONCLUSION: Our results offer experimental evidence that neuroactive
      substances may influence the pathogenesis of brain metastatic disease. This
      provides a starting point for further investigations into possible mechanisms of
      interaction between various neuroactive drugs, tumor cells, and the brain
      microenvironment, which may lead to the discovery of compounds that inhibit
      metastasis to the brain.

PMID- 25129447
TI  - Vaccination and malaria prophylaxis among Greek international travelers to Asian
      destinations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: International travel is rapidly increasing worldwide, and the
      greatest increases have occurred in tropical and subtropical areas. The aim of
      the survey was to investigate the pre-travel health-seeking practices of
      travelers to Asian destinations. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey was
      conducted at the Athens International Airport between the 1st of November 2011
      and the 30th of April 2013. RESULTS: A total of 1666 adult travelers participated
      in the study, and 69.7% were men. The mean age of the participants was 39 years.
      Previous travel to tropical countries was reported by 69% of the participants.
      The most frequent destination was the Indian subcontinent (45.0%). The main
      reasons for travel were visiting friends and relatives (VFRs; 36.5%) and business
      (32.4%). Most of the participants traveled for <1 month (51.4%). Only 24.5%
      pursued pre-travel consultations. Vaccinations were administered to 14.4% of the
      participants, and of those, 77%, 73%, and 32.5% received hepatitis A,
      tetanus/diphtheria, and typhoid vaccines, respectively. Malaria prophylaxis was
      given to 12.2% of the participants. Logistic regression analysis revealed that
      being male and unemployed, having an elementary level of education, traveling to
      visiting friends and relatives, and short durations of travel were significant
      determinants of not seeking pre-travel consultations. CONCLUSION: Significant
      gaps were revealed in the vaccinations and malaria prophylaxes of travelers
      departing to Asia. Specific educational tools should be developed to improve the
      awareness of travelers to high-risk destinations.

PMID- 25129448
TI  - A multicenter point-prevalence survey of antibiotic use in 13 Chinese hospitals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of antibiotics is considered a major determinant of the
      development of resistance in organisms. This study assessed current patterns of
      antibiotic prescription and provides background for quality improvement in
      general hospitals in Hubei, China. METHODS: A point-prevalence study was
      performed in November 2008. All inpatients on the day of the survey were included
      in the analysis. RESULTS: On the day of the study, 6904 patients (56%) were
      receiving antibiotic therapy; the highest rate occurred in the ICU (90%), and the
      lowest occurred in the medical wards (39%). The most commonly used antibiotics
      were beta-lactam antibiotics, including cephalosporins (40%) and piperacillin
      (19%), followed by fluoroquinolones (14%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated a high
      rate of antibiotic use in Chinese hospitals. These findings suggest important
      areas for intervention and the implementation of antibiotic stewardship policies
      in Chinese hospitals. A multi-faceted strategy should be implemented at the
      national level in China and should include education, regulation, and greater
      financial support from the government.

PMID- 25129449
TI  - Response of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica to different light environments:
      Insights from a combined molecular and photo-physiological study.
AB  - Here we investigated mechanisms underlying the acclimation to light in the marine
      angiosperm Posidonia oceanica, along its bathymetric distribution (at -5 m and 
      25 m), combining molecular and photo-physiological approaches. Analyses were
      performed during two seasons, summer and autumn, in a meadow located in the
      Island of Ischia (Gulf of Naples, Italy), where a genetic distinction between
      plants growing above and below the summer thermocline was previously revealed. At
      molecular level, analyses carried out using cDNA-microarray and RT-qPCR, revealed
      the up-regulation of genes involved in photoacclimation (RuBisCO, ferredoxin,
      chlorophyll binding proteins), and photoprotection (antioxidant enzymes,
      xanthophyll-cycle related genes, tocopherol biosynthesis) in the upper stand of
      the meadow, indicating that shallow plants are under stressful light conditions.
      However, the lack of photo-damage, indicates the successful activation of defense
      mechanisms. This conclusion is also supported by several responses at
      physiological level as the lower antenna size, the higher number of reaction
      centers and the higher xanthophyll cycle pigment pool, which are common plant
      responses to high-light adaptation/acclimation. Deep plants, despite the lower
      available light, seem to be not light-limited, thanks to some shade-adaptation
      strategies (e.g. higher antenna size, lower Ek values). Furthermore, also at the
      molecular level there were no signs of stress response, indicating that, although
      the lower energy available, low-light environments are more favorable for P.
      oceanica growth. Globally, results of whole transcriptome analysis displayed two
      distinct gene expression signatures related to depth distribution, reflecting the
      different light-adaptation strategies adopted by P. oceanica along the depth
      gradient. This observation, also taking into account the genetic disjunction of
      clones along the bathymetry, might have important implications for micro
      evolutionary processes happening at meadow scale. Further investigations in
      controlled conditions must be performed to respond to these questions. 

PMID- 25129450
TI  - How to minimize lymphoceles and treat clinically symptomatic lymphoceles after
      radical prostatectomy.
AB  - The development of a lymphocele after pelvic surgery is a well-documented
      complication, especially where pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is part of the
      operation. However, not all lymphoceles are symptomatic and require treatment.
      Most lymphoceles spontaneously resolve, and even lymphoceles that become
      symptomatic may resolve without any intervention. Robotic assisted radical
      prostatectomy (RARP) is a common operation in urology where PLND is likely to be
      performed in intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer patients. The rationale
      for performing a PLND in prostate cancer is for accurate staging and potential
      therapeutic benefits. However, due to potential intraoperative and postoperative
      complications there is still a debate regarding the value of PLND in prostate
      cancer. In this review, we will discuss the potential risk factors to be aware of
      in pelvic surgery in order to minimize the formation of a lymphocele, along with
      the management for clinically significant lymphoceles. 

PMID- 25129451
TI  - Effect of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (eN) in astrocytes on adenosine and inosine
      formation.
AB  - ATP is a gliotransmitter released from astrocytes. Extracellularly, ATP is
      metabolized by a series of enzymes, including ecto-5'-nucleotidase (eN; also
      known as CD73) which is encoded by the gene 5NTE and functions to form adenosine
      (ADO) from adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Under ischemic conditions, ADO levels
      in brain increase up to 100-fold. We used astrocytes cultured from 5NTE (+/+) or
      5NTE (-/-) mice to evaluate the role of eN expressed by astrocytes in the
      production of ADO and inosine (INO) in response to glucose deprivation (GD) or
      oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). We also used co-cultures of these astrocytes
      with wild-type neurons to evaluate the role of eN expressed by astrocytes in the
      production of ADO and INO in response to GD, OGD, or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
      treatment. As expected, astrocytes from 5NTE (+/+) mice produced adenosine from
      AMP; the eN inhibitor alpha,beta-methylene ADP (AOPCP) decreased ADO formation.
      In contrast, little ADO was formed by astrocytes from 5NTE (-/-) mice and AOPCP
      had no significant effect. GD and OGD treatment of 5NTE (+/+) astrocytes and 5NTE
      (+/+) astrocyte-neuron co-cultures produced extracellular ADO levels that were
      inhibited by AOPCP. In contrast, these conditions did not evoke ADO production in
      cultures containing 5NTE (-/-) astrocytes. NMDA treatment produced similar
      increases in ADO in both 5NTE (+/+) and 5NTE (-/-) astrocyte-neuron co-cultures;
      dipyridamole (DPR) but not AOPCP inhibited ADO production. These results indicate
      that eN is prominent in the formation of ADO from astrocytes but in astrocyte
      neuron co-cultures, other enzymes or pathways contribute to rising ADO levels in
      ischemia-like conditions. 

PMID- 25129452
TI  - Regional differences between US and Europe in radiological osteoarthritis and
      self assessed quality of life in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty
      surgery.
AB  - Precise indications for THA remain unclear and regional differences might exist
      in selecting patients for surgery. In this study we investigate radiological OA
      grade and self-reported quality of life in 909 patients undergoing THA in 16
      centers across US and Europe. Patients in US were younger and had higher BMI.
      More patients with mild Tonnis OA grade underwent surgery in the US compared to
      Europe. Patients in the US had significantly higher pain VAS and significantly
      lower SF-36 Physical, while having significantly higher EQ-VAS scores
      preoperatively. Patient demographics and disease severity according to
      radiological OA grade and self-reported survey scores vary between the United
      States and Europe. This knowledge can be used in the interpretation of US and
      European based studies on outcome following THA. 

PMID- 25129453
TI  - The impact of community support initiatives on the stigma experienced by people
      living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
AB  - In the current context of human resource shortages in South Africa, various
      community support interventions are being implemented to provide long-term
      psychosocial care to persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, it is
      important to analyze the unintended social side effects of such interventions in
      regards to the stigma felt by PLWHA, which might threaten the successful
      management of life-long treatment. Latent cross-lagged modeling was used to
      analyze longitudinal data on 294 PLWHA from a randomized controlled trial (1) to
      determine whether peer adherence support (PAS) and treatment buddying influence
      the stigma experienced by PLWHA; and (2) to analyze the interrelationships
      between each support form and stigma. Results indicate that having a treatment
      buddy decreases felt stigma scores, while receiving PAS increases levels of felt
      stigma at the second follow up. However, the PAS intervention was also found to
      have a positive influence on having a treatment buddy at this time. Furthermore,
      a treatment buddy mitigates the stigmatizing effect of PAS, resulting in a small
      negative indirect effect on stigma. The study indicates the importance of looking
      beyond the intended effects of an intervention, with the goal of minimizing any
      adverse consequences that might threaten the successful long-term management of
      HIV/AIDS and maximizing the opportunities created by such support. 

PMID- 25129455
TI  - Evaluation of TAZ expression and its effect on tumor invasion and metastasis in
      human glioma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the expression of TAZ and its role in tumor invasion and
      metastasis in human glioma. METHODS: The expression of TAZ protein was measured
      in 48 samples of surgically resected human glioma and 13 samples of normal brain
      tissues using immunohistochemistry. TAZ was knocked down by a retrovirus-mediated
      TAZ shRNA in a glioma cell line, SNB19. Transwell cell migration and invasion
      assays were used to determine migration and invasion of SNB19 cells. RESULTS: The
      positive expression rate of TAZ protein in glioma tissues was significantly
      higher than that in normal brain tissues (79.2% vs. 15.4%, P<0.001). Furthermore,
      clinical analysis suggested that the positive expression rate of TAZ protein in
      poorly differentiated tumor tissues was significantly higher as compared with
      that in well differentiated tissues (96.0% vs. 60.9%, P<0.01). TAZ was
      significantly knocked down by TAZ shRNA (P<0.001), and TAZ knockdown
      significantly reduced cell migration and invasion (P<0.01, respectively) in SNB19
      cells. CONCLUSIONS: TAZ protein overexpression is observed in human glioma and
      its elevated expression is significantly correlated with poor differentiation.
      TAZ knockdown prominently reduces cell migration and invasion in SNB19 cells,
      suggesting that TAZ may play a key role in the initiation and progression of
      human glioma.

PMID- 25129454
TI  - Looking Beyond Health-Related Quality of Life: Predictors of Subjective Well
      Being among People Living with HIV in the Netherlands.
AB  - Health care interventions are increasingly expected to improve subjective well
      being (SWB) rather than health-related quality of life (HRQOL) only. However,
      little is known about how HRQOL and other relevant quality of life (QOL) domains
      relate to SWB among people living with HIV. People living with HIV treated in
      Dutch HIV centers (n = 191) completed a cross-sectional survey on SWB, HRQOL, and
      other QOL domains (social, financial, sexual, and environmental well-being). In
      bivariate analyses, all QOL domains were significantly related to SWB (r = .17 to
      .42). In structural equation models, physical health (beta = .14; p < .05),
      mental health (beta = .27; p < .01), and environmental well-being (beta = .41; p
      < .01) directly predicted SWB, while financial and social well-being explained
      SWB indirectly. Thus, environmental well-being and mental health are the main
      predictors of SWB, and physical health, social well-being, and financial well
      being to a lesser extent. Given that most of HIV-care is directed at improving
      physical health, from the perspective of promoting SWB HIV care should also be
      directed at other life domains. 

PMID- 25129456
TI  - Expressions of oncogenes c-fos and c-myc in skin lesion of cutaneous squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the expressions of c-fos and c-myc in skin lesion of
      cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). METHODS: Using retrospective analysis,
      73 cases of CSCC were selected from Department of Dermatology, the Second
      Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, which were removed between
      January 2000 and January 2012. It was considered as experimental group.
      Meanwhile, 11 cases of normal skin specimens of non tumor patients were selected
      as control group. The expression level of c-fos and c-myc was compared in the two
      groups. RESULTS: The expressions of c-fos [72.60% (53/73)] and c-myc [83.56%
      (61/73)] in experimental group were statistically significant (P<=0.05) compared
      with control group (0%). Expression of c-myc protein was negatively related to
      differentiation of CSCC. The difference was statistically significant
      (chi(2)=7.26, P=0.001<0.05). While expression of c-fos protein was positively
      related to differentiation of CSCC, which was statistically significant
      (chi(2)=7.47, P=0.001 2<0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The expression level of c-fos and c
      myc can be used as an important indicator of CSCC differentiation, and it has
      closely connection with the differentiated degree, which can guide clinical
      prognosis.

PMID- 25129457
TI  - HTRA1 gene expression in gastric epithelial cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore HtrA1 gene expression and its regulation in human gastric
      cancers. METHODS: The HtrA1 mRNA levels were examined by QPCR analysis and
      confirmed its expression with Northern blot analysis. The HtrA1 protein levels in
      all six gastric epithelial cell lines were investigated by Western blot analysis.
      Gene copy number was accessed and then sequenced the coding region from each mRNA
      in all six cell lines. The HtrA1 promoter region DNA methylation status was
      detected by using bisulfite sequencing analysis. Effect of decitabine and TSA on
      HTRA1 expression in gastric cancer cell line was determined by RTPCR. RESULTS:
      HIC analysis indicated that HtrA1 was highly expressed in normal epithelium, but
      dramatically down-regulated in gastric carcinoma tissues and variably expressed
      in tumor-adjacent tissues. HtrA1 gene expression was dramatically decreased in
      gastric carcinoma cells compared to non-tumorigenic counterparts. The HtrA1 gene
      loss in any of the 4 breast cancer cell lines was not detected. Total 14 CpGs in
      this region were all methylated in gastric cancer cells, whereas two normal
      cells, GES-1 and HFI-145, were having several unmethylated cytosines in this
      region. HtrA1 showed as ~Mr 44,000, Expression of HtrA1 protein was not observed
      in any of the four gastric cancer cell lines, BGC-823, MKN-45, SGC-7901and MKN
      28. HtrA1 expression was observed in the HFI-145and GES-1 cell lines.
      CONCLUSIONS: The epigenetic silencing for HtrA1 gene expression could provide a
      possible strategy for re-activating HtrA1 gene expression in gastric cancer
      cells, thus facilitating further investigation of HtrA1's role in chemotherapy.

PMID- 25129458
TI  - Influence of As2O3 combined with ginsenosides Rg3 on inhibition of lung cancer
      NCI-H1299 cells and on subsistence of nude mice bearing hepatoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) combined with
      ginsenosides Rg3 on inhibiting the NCI-H1299 lung cancer cells and subsistence in
      nude mice bearing hepatoma. METHODS: MTT method was used to measure the
      inhibition effect of As2O3 combined Rg3 on NCI-H1299 cells, and the proliferation
      inhibiting effect was observed via establishing the transplanted tumor model in
      vitro. A total of 40 tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into normal
      saline group, As2O3, Rg3 and As2O3+Rg3 group. Transplantation tumor model of lung
      cancer in nude mice was constructed, followed by injection of certain
      concentrations of normal saline, As2O3, ginseng saponin Rg3 and As2O3+Rg3 every
      day. The survival duration and the tumors size of the mice were recorded and the
      Kaplan-Meier curve was made; microscopic observation of apoptosis of tumor cells
      in vivo was done using TUNEL staining. RESULTS: After 72 h of injection,
      inhibition rate of tumor cell in normal saline group, As2O3 group, Rg3 group and
      As2O3+Rg3 group was (5.66+/-0.31)%, (65.58+/-4.75)%, (44.69+/-3.32)% and (82.67+/
      5.43)%, respectively. Inhibition rate of tumor cell in As2O3 group, Rg3 group and
      As2O3+Rg3 group was significantly higher than that of normal saline group
      (P<0.01); inhibition rate of tumor cells of As2O3+Rg3 group was significantly
      higher than that of the two groups given As2O3 or Rg3 alone (P<0.01). The tumor
      volume of As2O3 group, Rg3 group and As2O3+Rg3 group shrank to (65.38+/-3.25)%,
      (77.68+/-3.43)% and (42.65+/-3.55)% of the original, tumor volume of saline group
      was 1.21 times of the original size (P<0.01); Median survival of saline group,
      Rg3 group, As2O3 group were significantly shorter than that of As2O3+Rg3 group
      (P<0.01); co-ordinated intervention ability of As2O3+Rg3 on NCI-H1299 cell was
      significantly higher than that of As2O3 or Rg3, separately. CONCLUSIONS: As2O3
      combined with Rg3 can significantly inhibit proliferation of NCI-H1299 cells in
      lung cancer, prolong survival of tumor-bearing nude mice, and promote tumor cell
      apoptosis, and have significant effect on lung cancer treatment.

PMID- 25129459
TI  - MicroRNA-184 promotes proliferation ability of glioma cells by regulating FOXO3.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of microRNA (miR-184) on regulating the
      genesis, development and proliferation of glioma cells. METHODS: Lipidosome was
      used to transfect miR-184 mimic and inhibitor to glioma cell line, and the cell
      proliferation ability changes were determined by MTT and plate cloning experiment
      after the transfection. WB test was used to measure the levels of cyclinD1, p27
      and FOXO3. Meanwhile, QPCR was used to detect miR-184 expression in glioma cell
      line, glioma tissues and adjacent tissues. Luciferase experiment was used to test
      3'UTR gene targeting regulation of miR-184 and FOXO3. RESULTS: QPCR results
      showed a significant lower miR-184 expression level in glioma cell line and
      glioma tissues than that in juxtacancerous tissue. MTT and plate cloning
      experiments have shown that after over-expressing of miR-184, the cell
      proliferation capacity of glioma U87 and T98G was significantly increased, which
      was significantly inhibited after the inhibition of miR-184. WB results showed a
      lower expression level of p27 in U87 and T98G cells, and a higher expression
      level of cyclinD1 after over-expressing of miR-184 was observed. However, a lower
      expression level of cyclinD1 and a higher expression level of p27 after the
      inhibition of miR-184. The luciferase activity was inhibited after the over
      expressing of miR-184. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-184 can affect the proliferation
      abilities of glioma cells and regulate the cell cycle related protein. It plays
      an important role in the occurrence and development of gliomas.

PMID- 25129460
TI  - Lentivirus vectors construction of SiRNA targeting interference GPC3 gene and its
      biological effects on liver cancer cell lines Huh-7.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To build GPC3 gene short hairpin interference RNA (shRNA) slow virus
      vector, observe expression of Huh-7 GPC3 gene in human liver cell line
      proliferation apoptosis and the effect of GPC3 gene influencing on liver cancer
      cell growth, and provide theoretical basis for gene therapy of liver cancer.
      METHODS: Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh-7 was transfected by a RNA
      interference technique. GPC3 gene expression in a variety of liver cancer cell
      lines was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Targeted GPC3 gene sequences
      of small interfering RNA (siRNA) PGC-shRNA-GPC3 were restructured. Stable
      expression cell lines of siRNA were screened and established with the help of
      liposomes (lipofectamine(TM2000)) as carrier transfection of human liver cell
      lines. In order to validate siRNA interference efficiency, GPC3 siRNA mRNA
      expression was detected after transfection by using RT-PCR and Western blot. The
      absorbance value of the cells of blank group, untransfection group and
      transfection group, the cell cycle and cell apoptosis were calculated, and
      effects of GPC3 gene on Huh-7 cell proliferation and apoptosis were observed.
      RESULTS: In the liver cancer cell lines Huh-7, GPC3 gene showed high expression.
      PGC-shRNA-GPC3 recombinant plasmid was constructed successfully via sequencing
      validation. Stable recombinant plasmid transfected into liver cancer cell lines
      Huh-7 can obviously inhibit GPC3 mRNA expression level. CONCLUSIONS: The targeted
      GPC3 siRNA can effectively inhibit the expression of GPC3.

PMID- 25129461
TI  - Effect of Fibulin-5 on cell proliferation and invasion in human gastric cancer
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect of Fibulin-5 expression on cell proliferation
      and invasion in human gastric cancer patients. METHODS: Fibulin-5 expression was
      detected in 56 samples of surgically resected gastric cancer and paired
      noncancerous tissues using qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. Fibulin-5 was knocked down
      by Fibulin-5 shRNA in MGC-803 cells, then BrdU cell proliferation and transwell
      invasion assays were used to determine cell proliferation and invasion. RESULTS:
      The level of Fibulin-5 mRNA in gastric cancer tissues was significantly higher as
      compared with that in normal tumor-adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Otherwise, the
      level of Fibulin-5 protein in cancer and noncancerous tissues was consistent with
      mRNA expression (P<0.05). Fibulin-5 protein expression in tumor tissues with
      poorly differentiated, lymph node metastasis and advanced TNM tumor stage was
      significantly higher (P<0.05, respectively). Fibulin-5 was obviously knocked down
      by Fibulin-5 shRNA (P<0.05), and Fibulin-5 knockdown significantly inhibited cell
      proliferation and invasion in MGC-803 cells (P<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      The high-expression of Fibulin-5 is associated with the malignant
      clinicopathologic parameters in gastric cancer and Fibulin-5 knockdown inhibits
      cell proliferation and invasion in MGC-803 cells, suggesting Fibulin-5 may act as
      a key factor in the progression of gastric cancer.

PMID- 25129462
TI  - Effect of simvastatin on expression of IL17, HMGB1 and TLR4 in LN kidney tissues
      of rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To observe the intervention influence and effect of simvastatin on
      the expression of interleukin 17 (LI17), high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1)
      and TLR4 path in Lupus nephritis (LN) rats. METHODS: A total of 28 BSXSB male
      mice with LN (16 weeks) were randomly divided into observation group and the
      comparison group, observation group was given 6 mg*kg(-1)*d(-1) simvastatin in
      0.1% PBS lavage for 4 weeks, the comparison group was not given any treatment.
      Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level and urine trace albumin (Scr) level of two groups
      were determined. The expression of IL17, HMGB1 and TLR4 protein was detected
      using immune histochemical method, and the kidney histological damage was
      observed. RESULTS: BNU, LI17, HMGB1, TLR4 protein and HMGB1 mRNA in observation
      group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05); There was no
      statistical difference of Scr level between two groups (P>0.05). Histological
      observation showed glomerular lesions integral of observation group was obviously
      lower than that of control group. CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin can reduce the
      expression of IL17, HMGB1 and TLR4 protein in LN mice, thereby can inhibit the
      autoimmune response as a potential treatment function of LN.

PMID- 25129463
TI  - To investigate the effect of osteoporosis and intervertebral disc degeneration on
      the endplate cartilage injury in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of osteoporosis and intervertebral disc
      degeneration on the endplate cartilage injury in rats. METHODS: A total of 48
      female Sprague Dawley rats (3 months) were randomly divided into Groups A, B, C
      and D with 12 rats in each group. Osteoporosis and intervertebral disc
      degeneration composite model, simple degeneration model and simple osteoporosis
      model were prepared in Groups A, B and C respectively. After modeling, four rats
      of each group at 12th, 18th and 24th week were sacrificed. Intervertebral height
      of cervical vertebra C6/C7 was measured. Micro-CT was used to image the endplate
      of cephalic and caudal cartilage at C6/C7 intervertebral disc. Abraded area rate
      of C6 caudal and C7 cephalic cartilage endplate was calculated, and then C6/C7
      intervertebral disc was routinely embedded and sectioned, stained with safranin O
      to observe histological changes microscopically. RESULTS: At 12, 18 and 24 weeks,
      intervertebral disc height of C6/C7 were (0.58+/-0.09) mm, (0.53+/-0.04) mm and
      (0.04+/-0.06) mm in Group A rats, (0.55+/-0.05) mm, (0.52+/-0.07) mm and (0.07+/
      0.05) mm in Group B rats. At 24th week, intervertebral disc height of Group A
      rats was significantly lower than that of Group B rats (P<0.05); intervertebral
      disc height of Groups A and B rats at each time point were significantly lower
      than that of Groups C and D (P<0.05). There was no significantly statistical
      difference of intervertebral disc height between Groups C and D (P>0.05). At 12
      and 18 weeks, the abraded rate of C6 caudal and C7 cephalic cartilage endplate in
      Group A rats were significantly higher than that in Groups B, C and D rats
      (P<0.05); the abraded rate in Group B was significantly higher than that in
      Groups C and D (P>0.05). Microscopic observation of CT showed that ventral
      defects in C6 caudal or C7 cephalic cartilage endplate in Groups A and B appeared
      after 12 weeks of modeling; obvious cracks were found in front of the C6 and C7
      vertebral body, and cartilage defect shown the trend of "repairing" at 18 and 24
      weeks after modeling. CONCLUSIONS: Intervertebral disc degeneration and
      osteoporosis can cause damage to the cartilage endplate. Co-existence of these
      two factors can induce more serious damage to the endplate, which has possitive
      correlation with intervertebral disc degeneration. Osteoporosis plays a certain
      role in intervertebral disc degeneration process, and accelerates the
      degeneration of intervertebral disc in a specific time window.

PMID- 25129464
TI  - Effects of aspirin on fracture healing in OPF rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of aspirin on healing process of osteoporotic
      fracture (OPF) in rats. METHODS: A total of 50 female Wistar rats aged 3 months
      were randomly divided into observation group and control group, castration method
      was adopted to establish the osteoporosis (OP) model. After artificial preparing
      fractures on the midpoint of left femur, fixing gram needle intramedullary, OPF
      modeling was complete. Aspirin lavage of 33 mg once a day was adopted in
      observation group after modeling, same amount of normal saline was used in the
      control as placebo. From each group, selected 5 rats at the 2nd, 4th, 8th and
      12th week after modeling to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) and
      histological examination of the fracture callus, radiology observation was
      conducted at the 8th and 12th week. Left femur biomechanical measurement was
      taken at the 12th week. RESULTS: BMD values of observation group at each time
      point were significantly higher than that of the control group after modeling
      (P<0.05); Histological observation showed that at the 8th week, the endochondral
      ossification process of observation group was faster than that of observation
      group, with fuzzy fracture line in observation group and clear fracture line in
      observation group; at the 12th week, fracture line disappeared in observation
      group, fracture line of the control group was fuzzy at the same time; three-point
      bending load of the left femur in observation group rats was significantly higher
      than that of control group after 12 weeks (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin can
      accelerate the healing of new callus in OPF rats, increase bone density and
      biomechanics strength, and promote fracture healing of osteoporotic rats.

PMID- 25129465
TI  - Nerve protective effect of Baicalin on newborn HIBD rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the nerve protective effect and mechanism of baicalin
      on newborn rats with hypoxic ischemic brain damage (HIBD). METHODS: A total of 64
      SD newborn rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, nerve
      growth factor group and baicalin group, with 16 in each group. Left carotid
      artery ligation method was adopted to establish the HIBD model except for in
      control group, which was treated with intraperitoneal injection of salin e10
      mL/kg for 3 d. After oxygen recovery on hypoxia ischemia rats, intraperitoneal
      injection of saline 10 mL/kg was adopted in model group for 3 d. Intraperitoneal
      injection of nerve growth factor injection 50 MUg/kg per day was adopted in nerve
      growth factor group for 3 d; intraperitoneal injection of radix scutellariae 16
      mg/kg per day was adopted in baicalin group for 3 d after modeling. Four rats of
      each group were sacrificed at Day 1, 2, 3, 7 for microscopic observation of
      pathological morphological changes in brain tissue after HE staining, S-P
      immunohistochemical method was used for observation of Fas and FasL expression in
      brain cells. RESULTS: Neat structure of cells was observed in control group;
      edema cells in disordered arrangement was observed in model group, with some
      cells necrosis and cavity change; tissue injury in nerve growth factor group and
      baicalin group was significantly lighter than that in model group; Fas and FasL
      expression in model group, nerve growth factor group and baicalin group were
      significantly higher than that in control group at different time points
      (P<0.05); Fas and FasL expression in nerve growth factor group and baicalin group
      were significantly lower than that in model group at different time points
      (P<0.05); There was no statistical difference of Fas, FasL expression at each
      time point between nerve growth factor group and baicalin group (P>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Baicalin can reduce expression of Fas and FasL in HIBD rats, inhibit
      apoptosis of nerve cells, thus achieve the protective effect on HIBD rat nerves.

PMID- 25129466
TI  - H nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics reveals sex-specific metabolic
      changes of gastrodin intervention in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics on sex
      specific metabolic changes of gastrodin intervention in rats. METHODS: In this
      research, (1)H NMR-based metabolomics was used for the first time to investigate
      metabolic changes following chronic intervention with gastrodin in rats. RESULTS:
      24 endogenous metabolites were identified. Body weight, daily diet and the total
      volume of urine in in each day of each rat were measured synchronously.
      Modifications in 12 metabolites were observed following gastrodin intervention,
      indicating gastrodin-induced alterations in carbohydrate and energy metabolism.
      Interestingly, these metabolic changes were not totally identical in female and
      male rats. Some metabolic changes arising from gastrodin intervention showed
      sexual dimorphism including LDL/VLDL and lactate which were on the decrease in
      the female but on the increase in the male, together with arginine/ornithine,
      creatine, and glycerol which were on the increase in the female but on the
      decrease in the male. While the decrease in pyruvate, succinate and glutamate was
      only shown in the male and the increase in valine, alpha-ketoglutarate, glycine
      and glucose was only in the female. CONCLUSIONS: This research shows the sex
      specific metabolic response to GAS intervention, weather GAS is a healthy dietary
      supplement for the male merits further investigation.

PMID- 25129467
TI  - Protective effect of pioglitazone on kidney injury in diabetic rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the protective effect of pioglitazone on kidney injury
      in diabetic rat model and its mechanisms. METHODS: Forty healthy Sprague Dawley
      rats were selected and randomly divided into five groups, with 8 rats in each
      group. Group A served as control group and were administered with sterile citrate
      buffer (i.p.) as placebo. Groups B, C, D and E rats were injected (i.p.) with
      streptozotocin to induce type I diabetes. Diabetic rats in Group B were
      intragastrically administered with sterile saline solution alone. Groups C, D and
      E rats were intragastrically given pioglitazone hydrochloride suspension at doses
      of 10, 20, 30 mg/kg per day, respectively. After eight weeks of treatment, all
      rats were anesthetized and blood was withdrawn from the abdominal aortic for
      detection of hemoglobin A1c, serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
      levels. Rats were then sacrificed and the left kidney was excised for calculation
      of kidney hypertrophy index (KHI), observation of renal pathological changes
      using light microscope and electron microscope. Mean glomerular cross-sectional
      areas (MGA), mean glomerular volume (MGV), glomerular basement membrane thickness
      and foot process fusion ratio were calculated. RT-PCR was employed for detection
      of podocalyxin (PCX) protein expression. RESULTS: Results showed that levels of
      hemoglobin A1c, BUN, SCr in Groups B, C, D and E rats were significantly higher
      than those in Group A (P<0.05), while BUN and SCr levels in rats of Groups C, D
      and E were significantly lower than those in Group B (P<0.05). KHI, MGA and MGV
      levels were significantly higher in Groups B, C, D and E rats than those in Group
      A (P<0.05); KHI and MGA levels in Group B rats were significantly higher than
      those in Groups C, D and E (P<0.05) and MGV in Groups D and E was significantly
      lower than that in Groups B and C (P<0.05). Histology study showed normal
      glomerulus structure, morphology, volume, endothelial cells and mesangial cells
      as well as clear glomerular capillary in Group A rats. Renal mesangial matrix
      proliferation and expansion of glomerulus cavities in Groups B, C, D and E were
      observed. However, damage degree in Groups C, D and E were more moderate than
      that in Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Pioglitazone can reduce kidney damage in diabetic
      rats, which may be attributed to its role in increasing glomerular PCX protein
      expression and inhibiting urinary excretion of PCX, and its effect is dose
      dependent.

PMID- 25129468
TI  - Role of immune dysfunction in pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus in
      children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the function of cytokines, chemokines, and regulatory
      T cells (Tregs) in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in
      children. METHODS: A total of 35 children with T1DM and 30 healthy controls were
      enrolled in this study. Levels of serum cytokines (IL-1alpha, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12,
      and TNF-alpha) and chemokines (MIP-1alpha, MIP-1alpha and MCP-1) were detected by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
      were isolated and culture supernatant of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated
      PBMCs was subjected to ELISA for levels of cytokines (IL-1alpha, IL-6, IL-10, IL
      12 and TNF-alpha) in T1DM and control group. Furthermore, flow cytometry was used
      to determine the percentage of Tregs in PBMCs of two groups. RESULTS: Levels of
      serum cytokines including IL-1alpha, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha as well as
      chemokines, such as MIP-1alpha and MIP-1alpha in children with T1DM children were
      significantly higher than those in healthy controls (P<0.05, respectively). PBMCs
      with PHA stimulation in T1DM group secreted more IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha (P<0.05,
      respectively), but less IL-10 (P<0.05), as compared with control group.
      Furthermore, the proportion of CD4(+), CD25(+), Foxp3(+), Tregs in PBMCs isolated
      from children with T1DM was obviously lower than those in healthy controls
      (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Immune dysfunction, with upregulation of inflammatory
      factors such as IL-1alpha, IL-6, TNF-alpha and MIP-1alpha, downregulation of IL
      10 and Tregs, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of T1DM in children.

PMID- 25129469
TI  - Role of NLRP3 and NLRP1 inflammasomes signaling pathways in pathogenesis of
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of NLRP3 and NLRP1 inflammasomes signaling
      pathways in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A total of 36 patients with RA
      were selected, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and granulocyte were
      separated from venous blood. RT-qPCR method was used to detect the expression
      level and diversity of NLRP3 and NLRP1 in PBMC and granulocyte mRNA in patients
      with RA, and detect the mRNA expression of downstream factor IL-1alpha. The
      correlation between RA and the expression of NLRP3 and NLRP1 was analyzed. Normal
      30 cases were set as control group. RESULTS: Expression levels of NLRP1, and
      caspase-1 mRNA in PBMC of RA group were significantly lower than those of control
      group (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in expression levels of
      NLRP3, ASC, IL-1alpha mRNA between these two groups (P>0.05); NLRP3, caspase-1,
      and ASC mRNA expression in granulocyte of RA patients were significantly lower
      than those in control group (P<0.05). There was no correlation between rheumatoid
      factor and expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 mRNA in RA group (P>0.05);
      NLRP1, IL-1alpha mRNA expression level had a negative correlation with anti
      rheumatoid factor antibody (P=0.033 2, 0.034 0). CONCLUSIONS: NLRP3 and NLRP1
      inflammasomes signaling pathways are involved in RA inflammatory reaction process
      as protective factors, and play an important role in RA inflammatory mechanisms.

PMID- 25129470
TI  - Conserved regions of Plasmodium vivax potential vaccine candidate antigens in Sri
      Lanka: conscious in silico analysis of prospective conformational epitope
      regions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To do mapping and modeling of conformational B cell epitope regions
      of highly conserved and protective regions of three merozoitecandidate vaccine
      proteins of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax), ie. merozoite purface protein-1 (PvMSP
      1), apical membrane antigen -1 domain ? (PvAMA1-D?) and region ? of the Duffy
      binding protein (PvDBP?), and to analyze the immunogenic properties of these
      predicted epitopes. METHODS: 3-D structures of amino acid haplotypes from Sri
      Lanka (available in GeneBank) of PvMSP-119 (n=27), PvAMA1-D? (n=21) and PvDBP?
      (n=33) were modeled. SEPPA, selected as the best online server was used for
      conformational epitope predictions, while prediction and modeling of protein
      structure and properties related to immunogenicity was carried out with Geno3D
      server, SCRATCH Protein Server, NetSurfP Server and standalonesoftware, Genious
      5.4.4. RESULTS: SEPPA revealed that regions of predicted conformational epitopes
      formed 4 clusters in PvMSP-I19, and 3 clusters each in PvAMA1-D? and PvDBP?, all
      of which displayed a high degree of hydrophilicity, contained solvent exposed
      residues, displayed high probability of antigenicity and showed positive
      antigenic propensity values, that indicated high degree of immunogenicity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study revealed and confirmed that different parts
      of the sequences of each of the conserved regions of the three selected potential
      vaccine candidate antigens of P. vivax are important with regard to
      conformational epitope prediction that warrants further laboratory experimental
      investigations in in vivo animal models.

PMID- 25129471
TI  - Identification and characterization of TCRgamma and TCRdelta chains in channel
      catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.
AB  - Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, T cell receptors (TCR) gamma and delta were
      identified by mining of expressed sequence tag databases, and full-length
      sequences were obtained by 5'-RACE and RT-PCR protocols. cDNAs for each of these
      TCR chains encode typical variable (V), diversity (D), joining (J), and constant
      (C) regions. Three TCRgamma V families, seven TCRgamma J sequences, and three
      TCRgamma C sequences were identified from sequencing of cDNA. Primer walking on
      bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) confirmed that the TRG locus contained
      seven TRGJ segments and indicated that the locus consists of (Vgamma3-Jgamma6
      Cgamma2)-(Vgamma1n-Jgamma7-Cgamma3)-(Vgamma2-Jgamma5-Jgamma4-Jgamma3-Jgamma2
      Jgamma1-Cgamma1). In comparison for TCRdelta, two V families, four TCRdelta D
      sequences, one TCRdelta J sequence, and one TCRdelta C sequence were identified
      by cDNA sequencing. Importantly, the finding that some catfish TCRdelta cDNAs
      contain TCR Valpha-D-Jdelta rearrangements and some TCRalpha cDNAs contain Vdelta
      Jalpha rearrangements strongly implies that the catfish TRA and TRD loci are
      linked. Finally, primer walking on BACs and Southern blotting suggest that
      catfish have four TRDD gene segments and a single TRDJ and TRDC gene. As in most
      vertebrates, all three reading frames of each of the catfish TRDD segments can be
      used in functional rearrangements, and more than one TRDD segment can be used in
      a single rearrangement. As expected, catfish TCRdelta CDR3 regions are longer and
      more diverse than TCRgamma CDR3 regions, and as a group they utilize more
      nucleotide additions and contain more nucleotide deletions than catfish TCRgamma
      rearrangements. 

PMID- 25129472
TI  - Survey of major histocompatibility complex class II diversity in pig-tailed
      macaques.
AB  - Pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) serve as important models for human
      infectious disease research. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II
      molecules are important to this research since they present peptides to CD4+ T
      cells. Despite the importance of characterizing the MHC-II alleles expressed in
      model species like pig-tailed macaques, to date, less than 150 MHC-II alleles
      have been named for the six most common classical class II loci (DRA, DRB, DQA,
      DQB, DPA, and DPB) in this population. Additionally, only a small percentage of
      these alleles are full-length, making it impossible to use the known sequence for
      reagent development. To address this, we developed a fast, high-throughput method
      to discover full-length MHC-II alleles and used it to characterize alleles in 32
      pig-tailed macaques. By this method, we identified 128 total alleles across all
      six loci. We also performed an exon 2-based genotyping assay to validate the full
      length sequencing results; this genotyping assay could be optimized for use in
      determining MHC-II allele frequencies in large cohorts of pig-tailed macaques. 

PMID- 25129473
TI  - Pericardial effusion following transcatheter aortic valve implantation:
      echocardiography and multi-detector row computed tomography evaluation.
AB  - Although pericardial effusion (PE) early after transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation (TAVI) has been reported in few registries, late PE at follow-up
      remains unexplored. Particularly, after transapical TAVI, diagnosis of PE with
      transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) may be challenging. The present evaluation
      assessed the incidence of PE early after TAVI and at 1 month follow-up using TTE
      and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). The agreement between TTE and MDCT
      to diagnose the presence and severity of PE at 1 month follow-up was evaluated.
      Overall 293 patients undergoing TAVI were included. Pre-discharge TTE was
      performed in all patients. At 1 month, repeat TTE was performed in 234 patients
      and additional MDCT evaluation in 143 patients. Pre-discharge small and moderate
      PE was observed in 74.1 and 4.1 % of patients, respectively, whereas significant
      PE was diagnosed in 8 (2.7 %) patients without differences between procedural
      access: 1.6 versus 3.6 % for transfemoral and transapical respectively, p =
      0.474. At 1 month new-onset moderate PE was noted in 6 (2.5 %) patients all of
      who underwent transapical TAVI. MDCT and TTE disagreed on the grade of PE in 38
      patients. Importantly, one patient with small PE on TTE was considered having
      moderate PE and two patients with small and moderate PE were considered having
      large PE. Also, two patients with moderate PE on echocardiography were considered
      small PE on MDCT. In conclusions, significant PE early after TAVI is infrequent.
      The prevalence of small and moderate PE remains stable at 1 month follow-up. MDCT
      refines the diagnosis of significant PE. 

PMID- 25129476
TI  - A light initiated chemiluminescent immunoassay for procalcitonin.

PMID- 25129474
TI  - Associated factors with antipsychotic use in long-term institutional care in
      eight European countries: Results from the RightTimePlaceCare study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine factors associated with the antipsychotic (AP)
      prescription for people with dementia (PwD) recently admitted to institutional
      long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and to ascertain differences in the use of this
      medication in 8 European countries. DESIGN: An exploratory cross-sectional study.
      SETTING: LTCFs from 8 European countries (Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, The
      Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and England). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 791 PwD
      recently admitted to an LTCF and their caregivers. MEASUREMENTS: Baseline data
      from RightTimePlaceCare survey was used. Patients' medical conditions,
      neuropsychiatric symptoms, physical and cognitive status, and medications were
      recorded. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess associations
      with the AP use. RESULTS: A group of 296 patients (37.4%) of 791 patients
      recently admitted received AP medication. The prevalence of the use of 1 or more
      APs varied between study countries, ranging from 12% in Sweden to 54% in Spain.
      Factors independently associated with the AP use were living in Sweden [odds
      ratio (OR) 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05-0.30], Finland (OR 0.26, 95%
      CI 0.14-0.48), Germany (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.55-4.86) and Estonia (OR 6.79, 95% CI
      3.84-12.0). The odds of AP use decreased with the presence of a dementia specific
      unit in the LTCF (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.39-0.92), but was higher among residents with
      a hyperactivity behavior (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.41-3.18). CONCLUSION: The current
      study shows that more than one-third of the residents recently admitted received
      APs and that prescription frequency across countries varied significantly. This
      study raises the possibility that the presence of a dementia-specific unit might
      play a role in the AP use. Further studies should investigate this association
      and seek better understanding of what will achieve optimal quality of AP use
      among newly admitted residents in LTCF.

PMID- 25129475
TI  - Perioperative changes in pro and anticoagulant factors in prostate cancer
      patients undergoing laparoscopic and robotic radical prostatectomy with different
      anaesthetic techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic prostatectomy (LRP) may activate clotting system
      influencing the risk of perioperative thrombosis in patients with prostate
      cancer. Moreover, different anaesthetic techniques can also modify coagulant
      factors. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects on pro- and
      anti-coagulant and fibrinolytic factors of two established types of anaesthesia
      in patients with prostate cancer undergoing elective LRP. METHODS: 102 patients
      with primary prostate cancer, who underwent conventional LRP or robot-assisted
      laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), were studied and divided into 2 groups to
      receive total intravenous anesthesia with target-controlled infusion (TIVA-TCI)
      or balanced inhalation anaesthesia (BAL) prior to surgery. Before the induction
      of anaesthesia (T0), 1 hr (T1) and 24 hrs post-surgery (T2), some pro-coagulant
      factors, fibronolysis markers, p-selectin and haemostatic system inhibitors were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Both TIVA-TCI and BAL patients showed a marked and
      significant increase in pro-coagulant factors and consequent reduction in
      haemostatic system inhibitors in the early post operative period (p <= 0.004 for
      each markers). Use of RALP showed a significant increase in prothrombotic markers
      as compared to LRP. In TIVA patients undergoing LRP, a significant reduction of p
      selectin levels between T0 and T2 (p = 0.001) was observed as compared to BAL,
      suggesting a better protective effect on platelet activation of anaesthetic
      agents used for TIVA. CONCLUSIONS: Both anaesthetic techniques significantly seem
      to increase the risk of thrombosis in prostate cancer patients undergoing LRP,
      mainly when the robotic device was utilized, encouraging the use of a peri
      operative thromboembolic prophylaxis in these patients.

PMID- 25129477
TI  - Role of Fas/FasL signaling in regulation of anti-viral response during HSV-2
      vaginal infection in mice.
AB  - Fas receptor-Fas ligand (FasL) signaling is involved in apoptosis of virus
      infected cells but increasing evidence accumulates on Fas receptor as a mediator
      of apoptosis-independent processes such as induction of activating and pro
      inflammatory signals. In this study, we examined the role of Fas/FasL pathway in
      regulation of anti-viral response to genital HSV-2 infection using a murine model
      of HSV-2 infection applied to C57BL6/J, B6. MRL-Faslpr/J and B6Smn.C3-Faslgld/J
      mice. HSV-2 infection of Fas- and FasL-deficient mice led to decreased migration
      of IFN-gamma expressing NK cells and CD4+ T cells, but not of gammadelta T cells,
      into the vaginal tissue. The vaginal tissues of HSV-2 infected Fas- and FasL
      deficient mice showed increased production of IL-10, followed by low expression
      of the early CD69 activation marker on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and increased
      numbers of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Experiments in co-cultures of CD4+ T cells
      and bone marrow derived dendritic cells showed that lack of bilateral Fas-FasL
      signaling led to expansion of Tregs and increased production of IL-10 and TGF
      beta1. Our results demonstrate that Fas/FasL can regulate development of
      tolerogenic dendritic cells and expansion of Tregs early during HSV-2 infection,
      which further influences effective anti-viral response. 

PMID- 25129478
TI  - Modulatory role of vitamin A on the Candida albicans-induced immune response in
      human monocytes.
AB  - Beyond its well-documented role in reproduction, embryogenesis and maintenance of
      body tissues, vitamin A has attracted considerable attention due to its
      immunomodulatory effects on both the innate and the adaptive immune responses. In
      infectious diseases, vitamin A has been shown to have a host-protective effect in
      infections of bacterial, viral or protozoan origin. Nevertheless, its impact in
      fungal infections remains unknown. Meanwhile, the frequency of invasive mycoses
      keeps on growing, with Candida albicans being the major opportunistic fungal
      pathogen and associated with high mortality. In the present work, we explored the
      impact of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), the most active metabolite of vitamin
      A, on the innate immune response against C. albicans in human monocytes. Our
      results show a strong immunomodulatory role for atRA, leading to a significant
      down-regulation of the fungi-induced expression and secretion of the pro
      inflammatory cytokines TNFalpha, IL6 and IL12. Moreover, atRA significantly
      suppressed the expression of Dectin-1, a major fungal pattern recognition
      receptor, as well as the Dectin-1-dependent cytokine production. Both RAR
      dependent and RAR-independent mechanisms seem to play a role in the atRA-mediated
      immunomodulation. Our findings open a new direction to elucidate the role of
      vitamin A on the immune function during fungal infections. 

PMID- 25129479
TI  - CAPON-nNOS coupling can serve as a target for developing new anxiolytics.
AB  - Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent psychiatric diseases. There is need for a
      deeper understanding of anxiety control mechanisms in the mammalian brain and for
      development of new anxiolytic agents. Here we report that the coupling between
      neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and its carboxy-terminal PDZ ligand (CAPON)
      can serve as a target for developing new anxiolytic agents. Augmenting nNOS-CAPON
      interaction in the hippocampus of mice by overexpressing full-length CAPON gave
      rise to anxiogenic-like behaviors, whereas dissociating CAPON from nNOS by
      overexpressing CAPON-125C or CAPON-20C (the C-terminal 125 or 20 amino acids of
      CAPON) or delivering Tat-CAPON-12C (a peptide comprising Tat and the 12 C
      terminal amino acids of CAPON) in the hippocampus of mice produced anxiolytic
      like effects. Mice subjected to chronic mild stress (CMS) displayed a substantial
      increase in nNOS-CAPON coupling in the hippocampus and a consequent anxiogenic
      like phenotype. Disrupting nNOS-CAPON coupling reversed the CMS-induced
      anxiogenic-like behaviors. Moreover, small-molecule blockers of nNOS-CAPON
      binding rapidly produced anxiolytic-like effects. Dexamethasone-induced ras
      protein 1 (Dexras1)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling was
      involved in the behavioral effects of nNOS-CAPON association. Thus, nNOS-CAPON
      association contributes to the modulation of anxiety-related behaviors via
      regulating Dexras1-ERK signaling and can serve as a target for developing
      potential anxiolytics. 

PMID- 25129480
TI  - In vivo proteomic imaging analysis of caveolae reveals pumping system to
      penetrate solid tumors.
AB  - Technologies are needed to map and image biological barriers in vivo that limit
      solid tumor delivery and, ultimately, the effectiveness of imaging and
      therapeutic agents. Here we integrate proteomic and imaging analyses of caveolae
      at the blood-tumor interface to discover an active transendothelial portal to
      infiltrate tumors. A post-translationally modified form of annexin A1 (AnnA1) is
      selectively concentrated in human and rodent tumor caveolae. To follow
      trafficking, we generated a specific AnnA1 antibody that targets caveolae in the
      tumor endothelium. Intravital microscopy of caveolae-immunotargeted fluorophores
      even at low intravenous doses showed rapid and robust pumping across the
      endothelium to enter mammary, prostate and lung tumors. Within 1 h, the
      fluorescence signal concentrated throughout tumors to exceed the peak levels in
      blood. This transvascular pumping required the expression of caveolin 1 and
      annexin A1. Tumor uptake with other antibodies were >100-fold less. This
      proteomic imaging strategy reveals a unique target, antibody and caveolae pumping
      system for solid tumor penetration. 

PMID- 25129482
TI  - IGRA as a predictive factor of silent pulmonary changes in individuals following
      exposure to tuberculosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We conducted a study on usefulness of the tuberculin skin test (TST)
      and the Quantiferon-TB Gold IT (QFT) tests as predictors of radiological changes
      after contact with tuberculosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted
      of TB-exposed HCWs working in the Military Institute of Medicine (Warsaw,
      Poland). The usefulness of TST, QFT, and a combination of both tests was assessed
      for prediction of silent radiological findings. RESULTS: 83 previously TB-exposed
      participants were recruited. None of the participants had a history of active
      tuberculosis. Positive TST results were reported in 72 (86.8 %) participants, and
      positive QFTs were observed in 27 (32.5 %) cases. Chest radiographs revealed 23
      findings specific for non-active tuberculosis in 18 (21.7 %) participants. The
      results of the QFTs were associated with the highest negative predictive value,
      positive predictive value, and positive likelihood ratio of silent chest X-ray
      findings suggestive of latent tuberculosis infection. Positive QFT was the only
      statistically significant variable that increases the odds ratio (OR-8.3) of the
      presence of typical of tuberculosis radiological changes in the lung. CONCLUSION:
      A positive QFT result in an individual with no TB history who was exposed to
      tuberculosis in the past is associated with a significantly higher risk of
      clinically silent parenchymal lesions in lungs suggestive of previous
      tuberculosis.

PMID- 25129481
TI  - Alopecia areata is driven by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and is reversed by JAK
      inhibition.
AB  - Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disease resulting from damage of the
      hair follicle by T cells. The immune pathways required for autoreactive T cell
      activation in AA are not defined limiting clinical development of rational
      targeted therapies. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) implicated ligands for
      the NKG2D receptor (product of the KLRK1 gene) in disease pathogenesis. Here, we
      show that cytotoxic CD8(+)NKG2D(+) T cells are both necessary and sufficient for
      the induction of AA in mouse models of disease. Global transcriptional profiling
      of mouse and human AA skin revealed gene expression signatures indicative of
      cytotoxic T cell infiltration, an interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) response and
      upregulation of several gamma-chain (gammac) cytokines known to promote the
      activation and survival of IFN-gamma-producing CD8(+)NKG2D(+) effector T cells.
      Therapeutically, antibody-mediated blockade of IFN-gamma, interleukin-2 (IL-2) or
      interleukin-15 receptor beta (IL-15Rbeta) prevented disease development, reducing
      the accumulation of CD8(+)NKG2D(+) T cells in the skin and the dermal IFN
      response in a mouse model of AA. Systemically administered pharmacological
      inhibitors of Janus kinase (JAK) family protein tyrosine kinases, downstream
      effectors of the IFN-gamma and gammac cytokine receptors, eliminated the IFN
      signature and prevented the development of AA, while topical administration
      promoted hair regrowth and reversed established disease. Notably, three patients
      treated with oral ruxolitinib, an inhibitor of JAK1 and JAK2, achieved near
      complete hair regrowth within 5 months of treatment, suggesting the potential
      clinical utility of JAK inhibition in human AA. 

PMID- 25129483
TI  - A QM/MM study of the associative mechanism for the phosphorylation reaction
      catalyzed by protein kinase A and its D166A mutant.
AB  - Here we analyze in detail the possible catalytic role of the associative
      mechanism in the gamma-phosphoryl transfer reaction in the catalytic subunit of
      the mammalian cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) enzyme and its D166A
      mutant. We have used a complete solvated model of the ATP-Mg2-Kemptide/PKA system
      and good levels of theory (B3LYP/MM and MP2/MM) to determine several potential
      energy paths from different MD snapshots, and we present a deep analysis of the
      interaction distances and energies between ligands, metals and enzyme residues.
      We have also tested the electrostatic stabilization of the transition state
      structures localized herein with the charge balance hypothesis. Overall, the
      results obtained in this work reopen the discussion about the plausibility of the
      associative reaction pathway and highlight the proposed role of the catalytic
      triad Asp166-Lys168-Thr201. 

PMID- 25129484
TI  - Exploring the dynamics and interaction of a full ErbB2 receptor and Trastuzumab
      Fab antibody in a lipid bilayer model using Martini coarse-grained force field.
AB  - Coarse grained (CG) modeling has been applied to study the influence of the
      Trastuzumab monoclonal antibody on the structure and dynamics of the full ErbB2
      receptor dimer, including the lipid bilayer. The usage of CG models to study such
      complexes is almost mandatory, at present, due to the large size of the whole
      system. We will show that the Martini model performs satisfactorily well, giving
      results well-matched with those obtained by atomistic models as well as with the
      experimental information existing on homolog receptors. For example, the extra
      and intracellular domains approach the bilayer surface in both the monomer and
      dimer cases. The Trastuzumab-Fab hinders the interaction of the receptors with
      the lipid bilayer. Another interesting effect of the antibody is the disruption
      of the antiparallel arrangement of the juxtamembrane segments in the dimer case.
      These findings might help to understand the effect of the antibody on the
      receptor bioactivity. 

PMID- 25129485
TI  - Buttressing the staple line: a randomized comparison between staple-line
      reinforcement versus no reinforcement during sleeve gastrectomy.
AB  - Bariatric surgery is recommended for Indian patients with body mass index (BMI)
      >32.5 kg/m(2) with at least one comorbidity and >37.5 kg/m(2) without a
      comorbidity. In laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, bleeding and leakage from the
      staple line are common post-operative events. Peri-Strips Dry(r) with Veritas(r)
      (PSD-V) is used in staple-line reinforcement. This was a single-investigator,
      multicenter, randomized study of 100 patients undergoing standard sleeve
      gastrectomy with a 34 or 36 French bougie. Patients were randomized 1:1 to PSD-V
      or control groups; no buttress material was used in the control group. The
      primary objective was to assess complication rates (any staple-line bleed or leak
      from the intra-operative visit through day 30) associated with sleeve
      gastrectomy. Surgical time (from first incision to closure of last incision) and
      the number of clips and/or sutures used to control bleeding were also assessed.
      Fewer staple-line bleeds were observed in the PSD-V group than the control group
      (23/51 [45.1 %] vs 39/49 [79.6 %] patients; p=0.0005), and the bleeding was of a
      lower severity (p=0.0002). No staple-line leaks were observed. Surgical time was
      shorter in patients who received PSD-V (58.8 vs 72.8 min; p=0.0153), and fewer
      patients required hemostatic clips and/or sutures (10/51 [19.6 %] vs 33/49 [67.3
      %] patients; p<0.0001). Fewer patients in the PSD-V than the control group
      experienced adverse events (2/51 [3.9 %] vs 5/49 [10.2 %] patients). The use of
      PSD-V reduced the incidence and severity of staple-line bleeding and was
      associated with a reduction in surgical time compared with no staple-line
      reinforcement.

PMID- 25129486
TI  - An update on United States asthma centers: 2013.

PMID- 25129487
TI  - Prevalence and determinants of atopy and allergic diseases among school-age
      children in rural Saskatchewan, Canada.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There have been few investigations of farming-related activities or
      specific characteristics resulting in the associations between those exposures
      and atopic disease. OBJECTIVE: To study the associations between farm-associated
      exposures and atopic diseases. METHODS: As part of a longitudinal study of lung
      health in rural residents, a cross-sectional baseline study was conducted in
      rural Saskatchewan, Canada. This included an initial survey phase followed by a
      clinical testing phase. A subsample of 584 children (grades 1-8) completed skin
      prick testing to assess atopic status. Atopy was defined as a positive reaction
      to any of 6 allergens (local grasses, wheat dust, cat dander, house dust mite,
      Alternaria species, or Cladosporium species) of at least 3 mm compared with the
      negative control. RESULTS: Of those who completed clinical testing, the
      prevalence of atopy was 19.4%, that of hay fever was 8.8%, and that of eczema was
      27.4%. Based on skin prick testing, sensitization was highest for cat dander
      (8.6%) followed by local grasses (8.2%) and house dust mite (5.1%). After
      adjustment for potential confounders, home location (farm vs non-farm) was not
      associated with atopic status. However, livestock farming was protective against
      atopy (adjusted odds ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.17-0.88). In contrast,
      current residence on a farm was associated with an increase in the likelihood of
      hay fever in these children (adjusted odds ratio 3.68, 95% confidence interval
      1.29-10.45). Also, regular farming activities in the past year were associated
      with an increased risk of hay fever. CONCLUSION: In children, livestock exposure
      has a protective effect on skin prick test positivity, whereas farm living and
      activities increase the risk of hay fever.

PMID- 25129488
TI  - Exploring the link between ceramide and ionizing radiation.
AB  - The aim of radiotherapy is to eradicate cancer cells with ionizing radiation;
      tumor cell death following irradiation can be induced by several signaling
      pathways, most of which are triggered as a consequence of DNA damage, the primary
      and major relevant cell response to radiation. Several lines of evidence
      demonstrated that ceramide, a crucial sensor and/or effector of different
      signalling pathways promoting cell cycle arrest, death and differentiation, is
      directly involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular response to
      irradiation. Most of the studies strongly support a direct relationship between
      ceramide accumulation and radiation-induced cell death, mainly apoptosis; for
      this reason, defining the contribution of the multiple metabolic pathways leading
      to ceramide formation and the causes of its dysregulated metabolism represent the
      main goal in order to elucidate the ceramide-mediated signaling in radiotherapy.
      In this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the different
      routes leading to ceramide accumulation in radiation-induced cell response with
      particular regard to the role of the enzymes involved in both ceramide neogenesis
      and catabolism. Emphasis is placed on sphingolipid breakdown as mechanism of
      ceramide generation activated following cell irradiation; the functional
      relevance of this pathway, and the role of glycosphingolipid glycohydrolases as
      direct targets of ionizing radiation are also discussed. These new findings add a
      further attractive point of investigation to better define the complex interplay
      between sphingolipid metabolism and radiation therapy. 

PMID- 25129489
TI  - Long term survival in a case of concurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma and renal
      cell carcinoma: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas found in
      adults. It has a predilection for retroperitoneal space. Renal cell carcinoma is
      the most common tumor of the kidney. CASE PRESENTATION: Concurrent
      retroperitoneal liposarcoma and renal cell carcinoma were found in a 34-year-old
      Japanese man. The renal tumor was first detected by ultrasonography, it was
      confirmed by computed tomography, which also identified a presumptive
      retroperitoneal liposarcoma, and the tumors were further assessed with magnetic
      resonance imaging. The patient was treated by surgical resection of
      retroperitoneal liposarcoma and left nephrectomy and has been disease-free for 10
      years. CONCLUSIONS: The concomitant occurrence of a renal tumor and a primary
      primary liposarcoma is rare. The major factors promoting a good prognosis in this
      case were the favorable histology and the small size of the tumors.

PMID- 25129491
TI  - A pilot study of S-1-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with biliary
      tract cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: S-1 chemotherapy is effective against advanced biliary tract cancer. The
      purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-1-based concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. METHODS:
      Patients with pathologically-proven advanced biliary tract cancer were eligible.
      S-1 was orally administered at a dose of 40 mg/m(2), twice daily from day 1 to 14
      and from day 22 to 35; concurrent radiotherapy of 180-200 cGy per fraction was
      delivered in 25-28 fractions. After treatment completion, tumor response was
      evaluated by computed tomography. In the first stage of the optimal two-stage
      phase II design, 18 patients were required. RESULTS: Twenty patients were
      enrolled between August 2006 and February 2009. The median age was 62.5 years
      (range 45-77 years). The median follow-up time was 11.6 months (range 1.9-49.1
      months). Fifteen patients (75%) had extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, two patients
      (10%) had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and three patients (15%) had
      gallbladder cancer. After treatment, a partial response was achieved in three
      patients (15%), and stable disease was achieved in 14 patients (70%). The overall
      response rate was 15%, and the disease stabilization rate was 85%. There was no
      grade 4 toxicity or treatment-related death. The common grade 3 toxicities were
      thrombocytopenia (15%), neutropenia (10%), and nausea (10%). The median
      progression-free survival and median overall survival were 5.9 months (range 2.2
      9.5 months) and 10.8 months (range 1.1-20.4 months), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study shows that S-1-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy is feasible and
      tolerable in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. It will be further
      confirmed in a following large-scale phase II study.

PMID- 25129492
TI  - Utilization of roughages and concentrates relative to that of milk replacer
      increases strongly with age in veal calves.
AB  - We aimed to investigate the feeding values of milk replacer (MR), roughage, and
      concentrates for veal calves in a paired-gain setting, thus avoiding any prior
      assumptions in feeding values and major differences in nutrient intakes. One
      hundred sixty male Holstein-Friesian calves at 2 wk of age and 45 +/- 0.2 kg of
      body weight (BW) were included in the experiment. Calves were allocated to pens
      (5 calves per pen) and pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 solid feed (SF)
      levels: SF1, SF2, SF3, or SF4, respectively, and to 1 of 2 roughage-to
      concentrate (R:C) ratios: 20:80 or 50:50. An adaptation period from wk 1 to 10
      preceded the experimental period (wk 11 to 27). Total dry matter (DM) intake from
      SF was targeted to reach 20, 100, 180, and 260 kg of DM for SF1 to SF4,
      respectively, during the 16-wk experimental period, and increased with
      preplanned, equal weekly increments. Roughage was composed of 50% corn silage and
      50% chopped wheat straw based on DM. The quantity of MR provided was adjusted
      every 2 wk based on BW to achieve similar targeted rates of carcass gain across
      treatments. The reduction in MR provided (in kg of DM) to realize equal rates of
      carcass gain with inclusion of SF (in kg of DM) differed between the R:C ratio of
      50:50 (0.41 kg of MR/kg of SF) and the R:C ratio of 20:80 (0.52 kg of MR/kg of
      SF). As carcass gain unintentionally increased with SF intake, the paired-gain
      objective was not fully achieved. When adjusted for realized rates of carcass
      gain, calves fed an R:C ratio of 20:80 still required 10% less MR than calves fed
      an R:C ratio of 50:50 for equal rates of carcass gain, indicating that the
      utilization of SF for gain increased with concentrate inclusion. Averaged for the
      16-wk experimental period, the feeding value of MR relative to that of
      concentrates and roughages was close to that predicted based on their respective
      digestible energy contents. Nevertheless, the feeding value of SF relative to
      that of MR increased substantially with age. Therefore, additivity in feeding
      values of these ration components cannot be assumed. The results of the current
      study may contribute to the development of new concepts for formulation of veal
      calf diets with substantial amounts of SF.

PMID- 25129493
TI  - Short communication: Added value of rumination time for the prediction of dry
      matter intake in lactating dairy cows.
AB  - The objective of the current study was to quantify the change in the prediction
      of dry matter intake (DMI) resulting from the inclusion of rumination time (RT)
      in the 2001 National Research Council (NRC) DMI prediction model. Forty-one
      Holstein cows fed the same total mixed ration were involved in a 10-wk study.
      Individual DMI were measured daily. The accuracy and precision of the original
      NRC prediction model, based on body weight, fat-corrected milk, and week of
      lactation as independent variables, was compared with the accuracy and precision
      of the same model with RT as an additional independent variable. The RT estimate
      was significant in the model developed but had a low value (0.031 kg/h). Root
      mean square prediction errors were very similar in the 2 models (1.70 and 1.68
      kg/d) as were the other indicators (R(2), linear bias, random error, and
      concordance correlation coefficient) selected to compare the models in this
      study. These results indicate no gain in DMI prediction precision or accuracy
      when RT is included in the NRC model.

PMID- 25129494
TI  - Factors affecting life cycle assessment of milk produced on 6 Mediterranean
      buffalo farms.
AB  - This study quantifies the environmental impact of milk production of Italian
      Mediterranean buffaloes and points out the farm characteristics that mainly
      affect their environmental performance. Life cycle assessment was applied in a
      sample of 6 farms. The functional unit was 1 kg of normalized buffalo milk (LBN),
      with a reference milk fat and protein content of 8.3 and 4.73%, respectively. The
      system boundaries included the agricultural phase of the buffalo milk chain from
      cradle to farm gate. An economic criterion was adopted to allocate the impacts on
      milk production. Impact categories investigated were global warming (GW), abiotic
      depletion (AD), photochemical ozone formation (PO), acidification (AC), and
      eutrophication (EU). The contribution to the total results of the following farm
      activities were investigated: (1) on-farm energy consumption, (2) manure
      management, (3) manure application, (4) on-farm feed production (comprising
      production and application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides), (5) purchased
      feed production, (6) enteric fermentation, and (7) transport of purchased feeds,
      chemical fertilizers, and pesticides from producers to farms. Global warming
      associated with 1 kg of LBN resulted in 5.07 kg of CO2 Eq [coefficient of
      variation (CV)=21.9%], AD was 3.5 * 10(-3) kg of Sb Eq (CV=51.7%), PO was 6.8 *
      10(-4) kg of C2H4 Eq (CV=28.8%), AC was 6.5 * 10(-2) kg of SO2 Eq (CV=30.3%), and
      EU was 3.3 * 10(-2) kg of PO4(3-) Eq (CV=36.5%). The contribution of enteric
      fermentation and manure application to GW is 37 and 20%, respectively; on-farm
      consumption, on-farm feed production, and purchased feed production are the main
      contributors to AD; about 70% of PO is due to enteric fermentation; manure
      management and manure application are responsible for 55 and 25% of AC and 25 and
      55% of EU, respectively. Methane and N2O are responsible for 44 and 43% of GW,
      respectively. Crude oil consumption is responsible for about 72% of AD;
      contribution of CH4 to PO is 77%; NH3 is the main contributor to AC (92%); NO3(-)
      and NH3 are responsible for 55 and 41% of EU, respectively; contribution of P to
      EU is only 3.2%. The main characteristics explaining the significant variability
      of life cycle assessment are milk productivity and amount of purchased feed per
      kilogram of LBN. Improvement of LBN production per buffalo cow is the main
      strategy for reducing GW and PO; improvement of the efficiency of feed use is the
      strategy proposed for mitigating AD, PO, AC, and EU.

PMID- 25129490
TI  - Biological Modulators in Eosinophilic Diseases.
AB  - Eosinophils can regulate local and systemic inflammation, and their presence in
      higher numbers appears to play an important role in the pathology of various
      atopic and inflammatory diseases. Eosinophil maturation, recruitment, and
      survival depend on several cytokine regulators, including interleukin (IL)-5, IL
      4, and IL-13 as well as growth factors such as GM-CSF. Over the last decade, the
      approach to treating eosinophilic diseases has changed greatly. A number of
      biologic modulators have been developed to target eosinophilic inflammatory
      pathways, and their usage has resulted in variable clinical improvement in the
      treatment of eosinophilic-associated conditions. Novel targeted therapies that
      are safe and effective for treating these disorders are being investigated. This
      review summarizes the clinical use of biologic agents that have been studied in
      clinical trials or approved for treating eosinophilic diseases. 

PMID- 25129495
TI  - Comparison of genomic predictions using genomic relationship matrices built with
      different weighting factors to account for locus-specific variances.
AB  - Various models have been used for genomic prediction. Bayesian variable selection
      models often predict more accurate genomic breeding values than genomic BLUP
      (GBLUP), but GBLUP is generally preferred for routine genomic evaluations because
      of low computational demand. The objective of this study was to achieve the
      benefits of both models using results from Bayesian models and genome-wide
      association studies as weights on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers
      when constructing the genomic matrix (G-matrix) for genomic prediction. The data
      comprised 5,221 progeny-tested bulls from the Nordic Holstein population. The
      animals were genotyped using the Illumina Bovine SNP50 BeadChip (Illumina Inc.,
      San Diego, CA). Weighting factors in this investigation were the posterior SNP
      variance, the square of the posterior SNP effect, and the corresponding minus
      base-10 logarithm of the marker association P-value [-log10(P)] of a t-test
      obtained from the analysis using a Bayesian mixture model with 4 normal
      distributions, the square of the estimated SNP effect, and the corresponding 
      log10(P) of a t-test obtained from the analysis using a classical genome-wide
      association study model (linear regression model). The weights were derived from
      the analysis based on data sets that were 0, 1, 3, or 5 yr before performing
      genomic prediction. In building a G-matrix, the weights were assigned either to
      each marker (single-marker weighting) or to each group of approximately 5 to 150
      markers (group-marker weighting). The analysis was carried out for milk yield,
      fat yield, protein yield, fertility, and mastitis. Deregressed proofs (DRP) were
      used as response variables to predict genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV).
      Averaging over the 5 traits, the Bayesian model led to 2.0% higher reliability of
      GEBV than the GBLUP model with an original unweighted G-matrix. The superiority
      of using a GBLUP with weighted G-matrix over GBLUP with an original unweighted G
      matrix was the largest when using a weighting factor of posterior variance,
      resulting in 1.7 percentage points higher reliability. The second best weighting
      factors were -log10 (P-value) of a t-test corresponding to the square of the
      posterior SNP effect from the Bayesian model and -log10 (P-value) of a t-test
      corresponding to the square of the estimated SNP effect from the linear
      regression model, followed by the square of estimated SNP effect and the square
      of the posterior SNP effect. In addition, group-marker weighting performed better
      than single-marker weighting in terms of reducing bias of GEBV, and also slightly
      increased prediction reliability. The differences between weighting factors and
      scenarios were larger in prediction bias than in prediction accuracy. Finally,
      weights derived from a data set having a lag up to 3 yr did not reduce
      reliability of GEBV. The results indicate that posterior SNP variance estimated
      from a Bayesian mixture model is a good alternative weighting factor, and common
      weights on group markers with a size of 30 markers is a good strategy when using
      markers of the 50,000-marker (50K) chip. In a population with gradually
      increasing reference data, the weights can be updated once every 3 yr. 

PMID- 25129497
TI  - In vitro susceptibility of bovine mastitis pathogens to a combination of
      penicillin and framycetin: development of interpretive criteria for testing by
      broth microdilution and disk diffusion.
AB  - Dry cow therapy is an important part of mastitis control. This therapy typically
      consists of an antibiotic or antibiotics administered at a single dose by
      intramammary infusion at dry off to treat or prevent infection by prevalent
      mastitis pathogens. A combination dry cow therapy consisting of the active
      components penicillin and framycetin is currently used in several countries.
      Despite its use, standardized methods for the susceptibility testing of this
      combination against mastitis pathogens have not been established. In this study,
      which used Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute methodology, preliminary
      interpretive criteria for the broth microdilution minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) testing of mastitis pathogens to penicillin combined with
      framycetin (2:1 wt/wt) were established based on the amount of drug achieved and
      maintained postadministration in the udder. Based on resulting MIC distributions
      of recent veterinary field isolates and a subset of isolates preselected for
      resistance to beta-lactams or aminoglycosides and concentrations achieved
      postadministration, criteria for broth microdilution testing of the combination
      (susceptible, intermediate, resistant in micrograms per milliliter) were set as
      follows: Escherichia coli <=8/4, 16/8, >=32/16; Staphylococcus spp. <=2/1, 4/2
      8/4, >16/8; Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus dysgalactiae <0.25/0.12,
      0.5/0.25-2/1, >4/2. A disk diffusion test using disks containing 100 MUg of
      framycetin and 10 IU of penicillin was also developed, and preliminary
      interpretive criteria (susceptible, intermediate, resistant in millimeters) were
      set based on correlation to broth MIC values and the minimization of interpretive
      errors between isolates tested concurrently by broth microdilution and disk
      diffusion as follows: E. coli >=18, 16-17, <=15; Staphylococcus spp. >=21, 18-20,
      <=17; Strep. uberis and Strep. dysgalactiae >=21, 19-20, <=18. In addition,
      ranges for the quality control of the testing of this combination by both broth
      microdilution and disk diffusion are provided. Based on these criteria and recent
      veterinary mastitis isolates, 96.0/96.8% of E. coli, 93.7/89.1% of Staph. aureus,
      94.6/96.4% coagulase-negative staphylococci, 94.5/97.0% of Strep. uberis, and
      96.7/100.0% Strep. dysgalactiae were susceptible to the combination by broth
      microdilution or disk diffusion, respectively. The availability of these methods
      will allow for the susceptibility testing of clinical isolates in the field and
      will also provide a way to monitor for resistance development as this combination
      is used going forward.

PMID- 25129496
TI  - Enumeration of clostridia in goat milk using an optimized membrane filtration
      technique.
AB  - A membrane filtration technique developed for counting butyric acid bacteria in
      cow milk was further developed for analysis of goat milk. Reduction of the sample
      volume, prolongation of incubation time after addition of proteolytic enzyme and
      detergent, and a novel step of ultrasonic treatment during incubation allowed
      filtration of goat milk even in the case of somatic cell counts (SCC) exceeding
      10(6)/mL. However, filterability was impaired in milk from goats in late
      lactation. In total, spore counts were assessed in 329 farm bulk goat milk
      samples. Membrane filtration technique counts were lower than numbers revealed by
      the classic most probable number technique. Thus, method-specific thresholds for
      milk to evaluate the risk of late blowing have to be set. As expected, the spore
      counts of milk samples from suppliers not feeding silage were significantly lower
      than the spore counts of milk samples from suppliers using silage feeds. Not only
      were counts different, the clostridial spore population also varied
      significantly. By using 16S rRNA gene PCR and gene sequencing, 342 strains from
      15 clostridial species were identified. The most common Clostridium species were
      Clostridium tyrobutyricum (40.4%), Clostridium sporogenes (38.3%), Clostridium
      bifermentans (7.6%), and Clostridium perfringens (5.3%). The 2 most frequently
      occurring species C. tyrobutyricum and C. sporogenes accounted for 84.7% of the
      isolates derived from samples of suppliers feeding silage (n=288). In contrast,
      in samples from suppliers without silage feeding (n=55), these species were
      detected in only 45.5% of the isolates. 

PMID- 25129498
TI  - Methane emissions among individual dairy cows during milking quantified by
      eructation peaks or ratio with carbon dioxide.
AB  - The aims of this study were to compare methods for examining measurements of CH4
      and CO2 emissions of dairy cows during milking and to assess repeatability and
      variation of CH4 emissions among individual dairy cows. Measurements of CH4 and
      CO2 emissions from 36 cows were collected in 3 consecutive feeding periods. In
      the first period, cows were fed a commercial partial mixed ration (PMR)
      containing 69% forage. In the second and third periods, the same 36 cows were fed
      a high-forage PMR ration containing 75% forage, with either a high grass silage
      or high maize silage content. Emissions of CH4 during each milking were examined
      using 2 methods. First, peaks in CH4 concentration due to eructations during
      milking were quantified. Second, ratios of CH4 and CO2 average concentrations
      during milking were calculated. A linear mixed model was used to assess
      differences between PMR. Variation in CH4 emissions was observed among cows after
      adjusting for effects of lactation number, week of lactation, diet, individual
      cow, and feeding period, with coefficients of variation estimated from variance
      components ranging from 11 to 14% across diets and methods of quantifying
      emissions. No significant difference was detected between the 3 PMR in CH4
      emissions estimated by either method. Emissions of CH4 calculated from eructation
      peaks or as CH4 to CO2 ratio were positively associated with forage dry matter
      intake. Ranking of cows according to CH4 emissions on different diets was
      correlated for both methods, although rank correlations and repeatability were
      greater for CH4 concentration from eructation peaks than for CH4-to-CO2 ratio. We
      conclude that quantifying enteric CH4 emissions either using eructation peaks in
      concentration or as CH4-to-CO2 ratio can provide highly repeatable phenotypes for
      ranking cows on CH4 output.

PMID- 25129499
TI  - A pregnancy detection assay using milk samples: evaluation and considerations.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to evaluate a pregnancy-detection assay based on
      the measurement of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) in milk samples. In
      experiment 1, milk samples were collected on the day of first pregnancy check (33
      52 d postinsemination; n=119) or second check (60-74 d postinsemination; n=60).
      The accuracy in identification of pregnant and nonpregnant cows was 99% at first
      check. Only 6% of samples were found to be within an intermediate range of PAG
      concentrations and classified as requiring recheck by the assay. At second check,
      the accuracy of the assay was 98%. Fifteen percent of these samples were
      classified as requiring recheck. In experiments 2a (n=17 cows) and 2b (n=16
      cows), milk and plasma samples were collected from cows at weekly intervals
      beginning 2 (experiment 2a) or 4 d (experiment 2b) after insemination. The
      earliest time point at which pregnant cows were accurately classified as pregnant
      by the assay was on d 30 postinsemination. A transient decline in PAG levels into
      the intermediate range was observed on d 46 to 72 postinsemination. This
      coincides with the time of recheck in experiment 1. Results obtained with the
      plasma samples were essentially the same. The accuracy of pregnancy
      identification based on milk samples from nonpregnant and pregnant cows was 99%.
      Levels of PAG in milk were useful in identifying 6 incidences of embryonic
      mortality. No consistent relationship was noted between the timing of the decline
      in PAG levels and the timing of luteal regression in this small number of cows. 

PMID- 25129500
TI  - Interaction between milk allowance and fat content of the starter feed on
      performance of Holstein calves.
AB  - Sixty-six Holstein male calves [42 +/- 6.0 kg of body weight (BW) and 12 +/- 3.1
      d of age] were housed individually and allocated to 1 of 4 treatments following a
      2 * 2 factorial complete randomized design to assess the potential interaction
      between milk replacer (MR) allowance and fat content in the starter feed. Thus, 4
      treatments were evaluated: a low-fat (4.1% fat; LF) starter feed offered along
      with 4 L/d of MR (4 LF), a high-fat (11.2% fat; HF) starter feed plus 4 L/d of MR
      (4 HF), a LF starter feed offered with 6 L/d of MR (6LF), and an HF starter feed
      offered with 6 L/d of MR (6 HF). Calves were fed either 4 or 6 L/d of MR (25%
      crude protein and 19.2% fat) in 2 offers (0800 and 1630 h) and had ad libitum
      access to either an LF or an HF starter feed (21.4 and 22.3% crude protein).
      Calves were weaned at wk 6 of study by halving the daily MR allowance for 1 wk.
      Individual MR and starter feed intakes were recorded daily and BW was determined
      weekly. A glucose tolerance test was performed on d 30 of study to evaluate the
      effects of increased energy provision on glucose metabolism. Apparent feed
      digestibility was measured for the last 5 d of study. Overall, fat content of
      starter feed had no effect on solid feed intake. However, during wk 8 of study
      (after weaning), calves in the LF treatment had greater starter feed intake than
      HF calves. Calves on 6 L/d of MR had greater BW than calves fed 4 L/d from the
      second week of study until weaning. After weaning, 6 LF calves had lesser BW than
      6 HF calves. Calves on 6 L/d of MR had greater average daily gain than calves fed
      4 L/d, and 6 HF calves tended to have the greatest average daily gain. Glucose
      clearance rate tended to be lesser for HF than for LF calves. In conclusion,
      offering 6 L/d of MR increased growth performance before weaning and, when
      offering 6 L/d of MR, feeding a high-fat starter feed resulted in the greatest BW
      after weaning.

PMID- 25129501
TI  - Effect of curd washing on the properties of reduced-calcium and standard-calcium
      Cheddar cheese.
AB  - Washed (W) and nonwashed (NW) variants of standard (SCa) and reduced-calcium
      (RCa) Cheddar cheeses were made in triplicate, ripened for a 270-d period, and
      analyzed for composition and changes during maturation. Curd washing was applied
      to cheeses to give a target level of lactose plus lactic acid in cheese moisture
      of 3.9 g/100 g in the W cheese, compared with a value of 5.3 g/100 g of lactose
      plus lactic acid in cheese moisture in the control NW cheeses. The 4 cheese types
      were denoted standard calcium nonwashed (SCaNW), standard calcium washed (SCaW),
      reduced-calcium nonwashed (RCaNW), and reduced-calcium washed (RCaW). The mean
      calcium level was 760 mg/100 g in the SCaNW and SCaW and 660 mg/100 g in the
      RCaNW and RCaW cheeses. Otherwise the gross composition of all cheeses was
      similar, each with protein, fat, and moisture levels of ~26, 32, and 36 g/100 g,
      respectively. Curd washing significantly reduced the mean level of lactic acid in
      the SCaW cheese and residual lactose in both SCaW and RCaW cheeses. The mean pH
      of the standard-calcium cheese over the 270-d ripening period increased
      significantly with curd washing and ripening time, in contrast to the reduced
      calcium cheese, which was not affected by the latter parameters. Otherwise curd
      washing had little effect on changes in populations of starter bacteria or
      nonstarter lactic acid bacteria, proteolysis, rheology, or color of the cheese
      during ripening. Descriptive sensory analysis at 270 d indicated that the SCaW
      cheese had a nuttier, sweeter, less fruity, and less rancid taste than the
      corresponding SCaNW cheese. In contrast, curd washing was not as effective in
      discriminating between the RCaW and RCaNW cheeses. The RCaW cheese had a more
      buttery, caramel odor and flavor, and a more bitter, less sweet, and nutty taste
      than the SCaW cheese, whereas the RCaNW had a more pungent and less fruity
      flavor, a less fruity odor, a saltier, more-bitter, and less acidic taste, and a
      more astringent mouthfeel than SCaNW. Washing of curd during manufacture provides
      a means of reducing the contents of lactic acid and residual lactose, increasing
      pH, and altering the sensory properties of Cheddar cheese, with the level of
      these effects being significantly less pronounced as the calcium content was
      reduced.

PMID- 25129502
TI  - Investigation of bacterial and fungal diversity in tarag using high-throughput
      sequencing.
AB  - This is the first study on the bacterial and fungal community diversity in 17
      tarag samples (naturally fermented dairy products) through a metagenomic approach
      involving high-throughput pyrosequencing. Our results revealed the presence of a
      total of 47 bacterial and 43 fungal genera in all tarag samples, in which
      Lactobacillus and Galactomyces were the predominant genera of bacteria and fungi,
      respectively. The number of some microbial genera, such as Lactococcus,
      Acetobacter, Saccharomyces, Trichosporon, and Kluyveromyces, among others, was
      found to vary between different samples. Altogether, our results showed that the
      microbial flora in different samples may be stratified by geographic region. 

PMID- 25129503
TI  - NMO spectrum of disorders: a paradigm for astrocyte-targeting autoimmunity and
      its implications for MS and other CNS inflammatory diseases.
AB  - When studying a rare or orphan disease, we hope to shed light on more prevalent
      syndromes. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic's disease, is a rare
      disease with a prevalence of about 4 in 100,000. Since 2005 when the anti
      Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) NMO autoantibody was discovered by Lennon's group at the Mayo
      clinic, an enormous amount of data have been acquired on the pathogenesis of the
      disease. A review of the literature showed 47 relevant publications in 2004,
      compared with 353 in 2013. The auto-antigen AQP4 is expressed on the astrocytic
      foot processes suggesting a role for astrocytes in the pathogenesis of the
      disease. However, the astrocytes might play a more active role than has
      previously been suggested in the immune cascade of NMO pathology. Here we will
      review epidemiological, clinical diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of NMO and
      highlight the possible role of astrocytes as major direct and indirect players in
      the pathogenesis of NMO and related CNS inflammatory diseases. 

PMID- 25129504
TI  - Thymic CCL2 influences induction of T-cell tolerance.
AB  - Thymic epithelial cells (TEC) and dendritic cells (DC) play a role in T cell
      development by controlling the selection of the T cell receptor repertoire. DC
      have been described to take up antigens in the periphery and migrate into the
      thymus where they mediate tolerance via deletion of autoreactive T cells, or by
      induction of natural regulatory T cells. Migration of DC to thymus is driven by
      chemokine receptors. CCL2, a major ligand for the chemokine receptor CCR2, is an
      inflammation-associated chemokine that induces the recruitment of immune cells in
      tissues. CCL2 and CCR2 are implicated in promoting experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model for multiple sclerosis. We here show that
      CCL2 is constitutively expressed by endothelial cells and TEC in the thymus.
      Transgenic mice overexpressing CCL2 in the thymus showed an increased number of
      thymic plasmacytoid DC and pronounced impairment of T cell development.
      Consequently, CCL2 transgenic mice were resistant to EAE. These findings
      demonstrate that expression of CCL2 in thymus regulates DC homeostasis and
      controls development of autoreactive T cells, thus preventing development of
      autoimmune diseases. 

PMID- 25129506
TI  - Invasive lobular breast cancer and its variants: how special are they for
      systemic therapy decisions?
AB  - The WHO classification of breast tumors distinguishes, besides invasive breast
      cancer 'of no special type' (former invasive ductal carcinoma, representing 60
      70% of all breast cancers), 30 special types, of which invasive lobular carcinoma
      (ILC) is the most common (5-15%). We review the literature on (i) the specificity
      and heterogeneity of ILC biology as documented by various analytical techniques,
      including the results of molecular testing for risk of recurrence; (ii) the
      impact of lobular histology on prediction of prognosis and effect of systemic
      therapies in patients. Though it is generally admitted that ILC has a better
      prognosis than IDC, is endocrine responsive, and responds poorly to chemotherapy,
      currently available data do not unanimously support these assumptions. This
      review demonstrates some lack of specific data and a need for improving clinical
      research design to allow oncologists to make informed systemic therapy decisions
      in patients with ILC. Importantly, future studies should compare various
      endpoints in ILC breast cancer patients among the group of hormonosensitive
      breast cancer. 

PMID- 25129505
TI  - Evaluation of textile substrates for dispensing synthetic attractants for malaria
      mosquitoes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The full-scale impact of odour-baited technology on the surveillance,
      sampling and control of vectors of infectious diseases is partly limited by the
      lack of methods for the efficient and sustainable dispensing of attractants. In
      this study we investigated whether locally-available and commonly used textiles
      are efficient substrates for the release of synthetic odorant blends attracting
      malaria mosquitoes. METHODS: The relative efficacy of (a) polyester, (b) cotton,
      (c) cellulose + polyacrylate, and (d) nylon textiles as substrates for dispensing
      a synthetic odour blend (Ifakara blend 1(IB1)) that attracts malaria mosquitoes
      was evaluated in western Kenya. The study was conducted through completely
      randomized Latin square experimental designs under semi-field and field
      conditions. RESULTS: Traps charged with IB1-impregnated polyester, cotton and
      cellulose + polyacrylate materials caught significantly more female Anopheles
      gambiae sensu stricto (semi-field conditions) and An. gambiae sensu lato (field
      conditions) mosquitoes than IB1-treated nylon (P = 0.001). The IB1-impregnated
      cellulose + polyacrylate material was the most attractive to female An. funestus
      mosquitoes compared to all other dispensing textile substrates (P < 0.001). The
      responses of female An. funestus mosquitoes to IB1-treated cotton and polyester
      were equal (P = 0.45). Significantly more female Culex mosquitoes were attracted
      to IB1-treated cotton than to the other treatments (P < 0.001). Whereas IB1
      impregnated cotton and cellulose + polyacrylate material attracted equal numbers
      of female Mansonia mosquitoes (P = 0.44), the catches due to these two substrates
      were significantly higher than those associated with the other substrates (P <
      0.001). CONCLUSION: The number and species of mosquitoes attracted to a synthetic
      odour blend is influenced by the type of odour-dispensing material used. Thus,
      surveillance and intervention programmes for malaria and other mosquito vectors
      using attractive odour baits should select an odour-release material that
      optimizes the odour blend.

PMID- 25129507
TI  - One-pot synthesis of GO/AgNPs/luminol composites with electrochemiluminescence
      activity for sensitive detection of DNA methyltransferase activity.
AB  - DNA methyltransferases catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S
      adenosylmethionine to the target adenine or cytosine, eventually inducing the DNA
      methylation in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Herein, we developed a novel
      electrochemiluminescence biosensor to quantify DNA adenine methylation (Dam)
      methyltransferase (MTase) employing signal amplification of GO/AgNPs/luminol
      composites to enhance the assay sensitivity. The method was developed by
      designing a capture probe DNA, which was immobilized on gold electrode surface,
      to hybridize with azide complementary DNA to form the azide-terminated dsDNA.
      Then, alkynyl functionalized GO/AgNPs/luminol composites as the signal probe were
      immobilized to azide-terminated dsDNA modified electrode via click chemistry,
      resulting in a high electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal. Once the DNA hybrid
      was methylated (under catalysis of Dam MTase) and further cleaved by Dpn I
      endonuclease (a site-specific endonuclease recognizing the duplex symmetrical
      sequence of 5'-G-Am-T-C-3'), GO/AgNPs/luminol composites release from the
      electrode surface to the solution, leading to significant reduction of the ECL
      signal. The change of the ECL intensity is related to the methylation status and
      MTase activity, which forms the basis of MTase activity assay and site-specific
      methylation determination. This novel strategy can be further used as a universal
      method for other transferase determination by designing various transferase
      specific DNA sequences. In addition, this method can be used for the screening of
      antimicrobial drugs and has a great potential to be further applied in early
      clinical diagnosis. 

PMID- 25129508
TI  - Ultrasensitive electrochemical immunoassay for CEA through host-guest interaction
      of beta-cyclodextrin functionalized graphene and Cu@Ag core-shell nanoparticles
      with adamantine-modified antibody.
AB  - A novel non-enzymatic immunoassay was designed for ultrasensitive electrochemical
      detection of carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) using beta-cyclodextrin
      functionalized Cu@Ag (Cu@Ag-CD) core-shell nanoparticles as labels and beta
      cyclodextrin functionalized graphene nanosheet (CD-GN) as sensor platform. CD-GN
      has excellent conductivity which promoted the electric transmission between base
      solution and electrode surface and enhanced sensitivity of immunosensor. In
      addition, owing to supramolecular recognition of CD-GN for the guest molecule,
      quite a few synthesized adamantine-modified primary antibodies (ADA-Ab1) were
      immobilized on the CD-GN by supramolecular host-guest interaction between CD and
      ADA. Cu@Ag-CD as a signal tag could be captured by ADA-modified secondary
      antibody (ADA-Ab2) through a host-guest interaction, leading to a large loading
      of Cu@Ag nanoparticles with high electrical conductivity and catalytic activity.
      The fabricated immunosensor exhibits excellent analytical performance for the
      measurement of CEA with wide range linear (0.0001-20 ng/mL), low detection limit
      (20 fg/mL), good sensitivity, reproducibility and stability, which provide an
      enormous application prospect in clinical diagnostics.

PMID- 25129510
TI  - Electrogenerated chemiluminescence behavior of peptide nanovesicle and its
      application in sensing dopamine.
AB  - The electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) behavior of the bioinspired peptide
      nanovesicles (PNVs) was reported for the first time. The PNVs modified glassy
      carbon electrodes have shown a stable and efficient cathodic ECL signal with
      K2S2O8 as coreactant in aqueous solution. The possible ECL reaction mechanism was
      proposed. Dopamine (DA) was chosen as a model analyte to study the potential of
      the PNVs in the ECL analytical application. It was found that the ECL intensity
      of the PNVs was effectively increased by trace amounts of DA. The limit of
      detection was estimated to be 3.15 pM (S/N=3). These results suggest that the
      PNVs could be a new class of promising materials for the ECL design and bioassays
      in the future due to their fascinating features, such as excellent
      biocompatibility, tunable composition as well as capability of molecular
      recognition.

PMID- 25129509
TI  - Engineering plasmonic nanorod arrays for colon cancer marker detection.
AB  - Engineering plasmonic nanomaterials or nanostructures towards ultrasensitive
      biosensing for disease markers or pathogens is of high importance. Here we
      demonstrate a systematic approach to tailor effective plasmonic nanorod arrays by
      combining both comprehensive numerical discrete dipole approximations (DDA)
      simulation and transmission spectroscopy experiments. The results indicate that
      200*50 nm nanorod arrays with 300*500 nm period provide the highest figure of
      merit (FOM) of 2.4 and a sensitivity of 310 nm/RIU. Furthermore, we demonstrate
      the use of nanorod arrays for the detection of single nucleotide polymorphism in
      codon 12 of the K-ras gene that are frequently occurring in early stages of colon
      cancer, with a sensitivity down to 10 nM in the presence of 100-fold higher
      concentration of the homozygous genotypes. Our work shows significant potential
      of nanorod arrays towards point-of-care applications in diagnosis and clinical
      studies.

PMID- 25129511
TI  - One-pot synthesis of 3-dimensional reduced graphene oxide-based hydrogel as
      support for microbe immobilization and BOD biosensor preparation.
AB  - We report a hydrothermal method to prepare reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based
      hydrogel (Gel(rGONR)), using neutral red (NR) to mediate the assembly of rGO
      sheets and tune the pore size of Gel(rGONR). A series of techniques including
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and BET were employed to characterize the
      physico-chemical properties of Gel(rGONR). A large pore size of up to 20 um and
      interconnected porous structure of Gel(rGONR) were obtained. Gel(rGONR) was used
      as a support for immobilizing microbe (denoted as Gel(rGONR-M)), which showed
      ~3.3 times more load mass of microbe than commonly used supports (i.e., activated
      carbon and carbon fiber felt) and 2.5 times higher biodegradation efficiency (BE)
      than carbon fiber felt. Further use of Gel(rGONR-M) as a biocatalyst for
      establishing a BOD biosensor exhibits a linear range of 2-64 mg O L(-1) and a
      detection limit 0.4 mg O L(-1) for glucose-glutamic acid (GGA). Moreover, our
      proposed BOD detection strategy shows a long-term viability over one year and
      stability up to 2 months with a relative standard deviation of 2.1%. Our results
      demonstrated the great potential of employing Gel(rGONR) as a microbe
      immobilization support for biosensor development.

PMID- 25129512
TI  - A novel modified electrode as GC/PPy-AuNPs-rGO/L-Cys/Ag@MUA nanostructure
      configuration for determination of CCP and CRP antibodies in human blood serum
      samples.
AB  - In this work, silver nanoparticles were synthesized and stabilized with 11
      mercaptoundecanoateanions to produce a new Ag@MUA core shell structure, and its
      utilizing for fabrication of a new sensing film. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were
      electrochemically produced and simultaneously immobilized into the
      electropolymerized polypyrrole (PPy) film with the reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
      The Ag@MUA was then grafted to the surface of GC/PPy-AuNPs-rGO film using L
      cysteine (L-Cys) linker agent and trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (TF2O), at
      ambient temperature and under the electrode stirring. The characterization of the
      sensor was studied by scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance
      spectroscopy, cyclic and square wave voltammetry techniques. The utility of the
      modified electrode for clinical diagnosis has been successfully demonstrated by
      the analysis of human blood serums with a certified CRP and CCP content. Thus,
      the proposed sensor shows simple preparation, accuracy and precision in the
      analysis of cytochrome c protein (CCP) and C-reactive protein (CRP (with less
      side interferences.

PMID- 25129513
TI  - Green synthesis and molecular recognition ability of patuletin coated gold
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Patuletin isolated from Tagetespatula was used as a capping and reducing agent to
      synthesize in one pot gold nanoparticles capped with patuletin. Conjugation of
      gold with patuletin was confirmed by FT-IR and UV-visible spectroscopy and amount
      of patuletin conjugated to gold nanoparticles was found to be 63.2% by weight.
      Particle sizes were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and were found to
      have a mean diameter of about 45 nm. Patuletin-coated gold nanoparticles were
      found to be highly fluorescent. To examine their potential as chemical sensors,
      they were contacted with fourteen different drugs. Of these drugs, only one,
      piroxicam, was found to quench luminescence. Quenching obeyed Beer's law in a
      concentration range of 20-260 uM. Important for molecular recognition
      applications, fluorescence quenching by piroxicam was not affected by pH
      variation, elevated temperatures, addition of other drugs and addition of blood
      plasma to the colloidal suspensions.

PMID- 25129514
TI  - Epithelial-derived nuclear IL-33 aggravates inflammation in the pathogenesis of
      reflux esophagitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: IL-33 is a new tissue-derived cytokine constitutively expressed in
      epithelial cells and plays a role in sensing damage caused by inflammatory
      diseases. The function of IL-33 in the esophageal mucosa has not been previously
      described. Accordingly, we examined the expression of IL-33 and its role in the
      pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis (RE). METHODS: IL-33 in the esophageal mucosa
      of RE patients and in an in vitro stratified normal esophageal squamous
      epithelial model was examined at the messenger RNA and protein levels. The
      correlation of the level of IL-33 and IL-8 or IL-6 was examined. Cell layers were
      stimulated with bile acids and cytokines. IL-33 was knocked down by small
      interfering RNA (siRNA). Pharmacological inhibitors and signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) siRNA were used. RESULTS: IL-33 was
      significantly upregulated in RE patients, and was located in the nuclei of basal
      and suprabasal layers. Upregulated IL-33 messenger RNA expression was correlated
      with IL-8 and IL-6 expression. In vitro, IL-33 was upregulated in the nuclei of
      basal and suprabasal layers by interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), and the upregulation
      was aggravated by the combination of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and IFNgamma. IL-33
      knockdown dampened IFNgamma- and DCA-induced IL-8 and IL-6 production. IFNgamma
      induced IL-33 was inhibited by a Janus kinase inhibitor, a p38 mitogen-activated
      protein kinase inhibitor, and STAT1 siRNA. CONCLUSIONS: Nuclear IL-33 is
      upregulated in erosive mucosa of RE patients and is correlated with IL-8 and IL-6
      levels. The normal esophageal epithelial model enables us to show for the first
      time that epithelial-cell-derived nuclear but not exogenous IL-33 is located
      upstream of the production of inflammatory cytokines and can aggravate the
      inflammation.

PMID- 25129515
TI  - A cluster-randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of using 15%
      DEET topical repellent with long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) compared to a
      placebo lotion on malaria transmission.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) have limited effect on malaria
      transmitted outside of sleeping hours. Topical repellents have demonstrated
      reduction in the incidence of malaria transmitted in the early evening. This
      study assessed whether 15% DEET topical repellent used in combination with LLINs
      can prevent greater malaria transmission than placebo and LLINs, in rural
      Tanzania. METHODS: A cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted
      between July 2009 and August 2010 in a rural Tanzanian village. Sample size
      calculation determined that 10 clusters of 47 households with five
      people/household were needed to observe a 24% treatment effect at the two-tailed
      5% significance level, with 90% power, assuming a baseline malaria incidence of
      one case/person/year. Ten clusters each were randomly assigned to repellent and
      control groups by lottery. A total of 4,426 individuals older than six months
      were enrolled. All households in the village were provided with an LLIN per
      sleeping space. Repellent and placebo lotion was replaced monthly. The main
      outcome was rapid diagnostic test (RDT)-confirmed malaria measured by passive
      case detection (PCD). Incidence rate ratios were estimated from a Poisson model,
      with adjustment for potential confounders, determined a priori. According-to
      protocol approach was used for all primary analyses. RESULTS: The placebo group
      comprised 1972.3 person-years with 68.29 (95% C.I 37.05-99.53) malaria
      cases/1,000 person-years. The repellent group comprised 1,952.8 person-years with
      60.45 (95% C.I 48.30-72.60) cases/1,000 person-years, demonstrating a non
      significant 11.44% reduction in malaria incidence rate in this group, (Wilcoxon
      rank sum z=0.529, p=0.596). Principal components analysis (PCA) of the socio
      economic status (SES) of the two groups demonstrated that the control group had a
      higher SES (Pearson's chi square=13.38, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of an
      intervention effect was likely a result of lack of statistical power, poor
      capture of malaria events or bias caused by imbalance in the SES of the two
      groups. Low malaria transmission during the study period could have masked the
      intervention effect and a larger study size was needed to increase discriminatory
      power. Alternatively, topical repellents may have no impact on malaria
      transmission in this scenario. Design and implementation of repellent
      intervention studies is discussed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered
      ISRCTN92202008--http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN92202008.

PMID- 25129516
TI  - Value of CMR for the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of CMR
      features for the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses. BACKGROUND:
      Differentiation of cardiac tumors and thrombi and differentiation of benign from
      malignant cardiac neoplasms is often challenging but important in clinical
      practice. Studies assessing the value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in this
      regard are scarce. METHODS: We reviewed the CMR scans of patients with a definite
      cardiac thrombus or tumor. Mass characteristics on cine, T1-weighted turbo spin
      echo (T1w-TSE) and T2-weighted turbo spin echo (T2w-TSE), contrast first-pass
      perfusion (FPP), post-contrast inversion time (TI) scout, and late gadolinium
      enhancement (LGE) sequences were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 84 thrombi, 17
      benign tumors, and 25 malignant tumors in 116 patients. Morphologically, thrombi
      were smaller (median area 1.6 vs. 8.5 cm(2); p < 0.0001), more homogeneous (99%
      vs. 46%; p < 0.0001), and less mobile (13% vs. 33%; p = 0.007) than tumors.
      Hyperintensity compared with normal myocardium on T2w-TSE, FPP, and LGE were more
      common in tumors than in thrombi (85% vs. 42%, 70% vs. 4%, and 71% vs. 5%,
      respectively; all p < 0.0001). A pattern of hyperintensity/isointensity (compared
      with normal myocardium) with short TI and hypointensity with long TI was very
      frequent in thrombi (94%), rare in tumors (2%), and had the highest accuracy
      (95%) for the differentiation of both entities. Regarding the characterization of
      neoplastic masses, malignant tumors were larger (median area 11.9 vs. 6.3 cm(2);
      p = 0.006) and more frequently exhibited FPP (84% vs. 47%; p = 0.03) and LGE (92%
      vs. 41%; p = 0.001). The ability of CMR features to distinguish benign from
      malignant neoplasms was moderate, with LGE showing the highest accuracy (79%).
      CONCLUSIONS: CMR features demonstrated excellent accuracy for the differentiation
      of cardiac thrombi from tumors and can be helpful for the distinction of benign
      versus malignant neoplasms.

PMID- 25129517
TI  - Compressed sensing single-breath-hold CMR for fast quantification of LV function,
      volumes, and mass.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare a novel compressed sensing
      (CS)-based single-breath-hold multislice magnetic resonance cine technique with
      the standard multi-breath-hold technique for the assessment of left ventricular
      (LV) volumes and function. BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance is generally
      accepted as the gold standard for LV volume and function assessment. LV function
      is 1 of the most important cardiac parameters for diagnosis and the monitoring of
      treatment effects. Recently, CS techniques have emerged as a means to accelerate
      data acquisition. METHODS: The prototype CS cine sequence acquires 3 long-axis
      and 4 short-axis cine loops in 1 single breath-hold (temporal/spatial resolution:
      30 ms/1.5 * 1.5 mm(2); acceleration factor 11.0) to measure left ventricular
      ejection fraction (LVEF(CS)) as well as LV volumes and LV mass using LV model
      based 4D software. For comparison, a conventional stack of multi-breath-hold cine
      images was acquired (temporal/spatial resolution 40 ms/1.2 * 1.6 mm(2)). As a
      reference for the left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV), aortic flow was measured
      by phase-contrast acquisition. RESULTS: In 94% of the 33 participants (12
      volunteers: mean age 33 +/- 7 years; 21 patients: mean age 63 +/- 13 years with
      different LV pathologies), the image quality of the CS acquisitions was
      excellent. LVEF(CS) and LVEF(standard) were similar (48.5 +/- 15.9% vs. 49.8 +/-
      15.8%; p = 0.11; r = 0.96; slope 0.97; p < 0.00001). Agreement of LVSV(CS) with
      aortic flow was superior to that of LVSV(standard) (overestimation vs. aortic
      flow: 5.6 +/- 6.5 ml vs. 16.2 +/- 11.7 ml, respectively; p = 0.012) with less
      variability (r = 0.91; p < 0.00001 for the CS technique vs. r = 0.71; p < 0.01
      for the standard technique). The intraobserver and interobserver agreement for
      all CS parameters was good (slopes 0.93 to 1.06; r = 0.90 to 0.99). CONCLUSIONS:
      The results demonstrated the feasibility of applying the CS strategy to evaluate
      LV function and volumes with high accuracy in patients. The single-breath-hold CS
      strategy has the potential to replace the multi-breath-hold standard cardiac
      magnetic resonance technique.

PMID- 25129519
TI  - Practical guidance in echocardiographic assessment of global longitudinal strain.

PMID- 25129518
TI  - The natural history of left ventricular geometry in the community: clinical
      correlates and prognostic significance of change in LV geometric pattern.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate pattern and clinical correlates of
      change in left ventricular (LV) geometry over a 4-year period in the community;
      it also assessed whether the pattern of change in LV geometry over 4 years
      predicts incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), including myocardial infarction,
      heart failure, and cardiovascular death, during an additional subsequent follow
      up period. BACKGROUND: It is unclear how LV geometric patterns change over time
      and whether changes in LV geometry have prognostic significance. METHODS: This
      study evaluated 4,492 observations (2,604 unique Framingham Heart Study
      participants attending consecutive examinations) to categorize LV geometry at
      baseline and after 4 years. Four groups were defined on the basis of the sex
      specific distributions of left ventricular mass (LVM) and relative wall thickness
      (RWT) (normal: LVM and RWT <80th percentile; concentric remodeling: LVM <80th
      percentile but RWT >=80th percentile; eccentric hypertrophy: LVM >=80th
      percentile but RWT <80th percentile; and concentric hypertrophy: LVM and RWT
      >=80th percentile). RESULTS: At baseline, 2,874 of 4,492 observations (64%) had
      normal LVM and RWT. Participants with normal geometry or concentric remodeling
      progressed infrequently (4% to 8%) to eccentric or concentric hypertrophy. Change
      from eccentric to concentric hypertrophy was uncommon (8%). Among participants
      with concentric hypertrophy, 19% developed eccentric hypertrophy within the 4
      year period. Among participants with abnormal LV geometry at baseline, a
      significant proportion (29% to 53%) reverted to normal geometry within 4 years.
      Higher blood pressure, greater body mass index (BMI), advancing age, and male sex
      were key correlates of developing an abnormal geometry. Development of an
      abnormal LV geometric pattern over 4 years was associated with increased CVD risk
      (140 events) during a subsequent median follow-up of 12 years (adjusted-hazards
      ratio: 1.59; 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 2.43). CONCLUSIONS: The
      longitudinal observations in the community suggest that dynamic changes in LV
      geometric pattern over time are common. Higher blood pressure and greater BMI are
      modifiable factors associated with the development of abnormal LV geometry, and
      such progression portends an adverse prognosis.

PMID- 25129520
TI  - Educational intervention to reduce outpatient inappropriate echocardiograms: a
      randomized control trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to prospectively study the impact of an appropriate
      use criteria (AUC)-based educational intervention on outpatient transthoracic
      echocardiography (TTE) ordering by physicians-in-training. BACKGROUND: AUC were
      developed in response to concerns about inappropriate utilization. It is unknown
      whether an educational intervention can reduce inappropriate outpatient TTE.
      METHODS: We conducted a randomized control trial in which physicians-in-training
      were randomized to an AUC-based educational intervention or a control group at an
      academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts. The primary endpoints were the
      rates of inappropriate and appropriate TTE. RESULTS: For the cardiology
      physicians-in-training, the proportion of inappropriate TTE was significantly
      lower in the intervention than in the control group (13% vs. 34%, p < 0.001). As
      a corollary, the proportion of appropriate TTE ordered by the intervention group
      was significantly higher than that of the control group (81% vs. 58%, p < 0.001).
      The odds of ordering an appropriate TTE in the cardiology intervention group was
      2.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5 to 5.1, p = 0.002) relative to the control
      group. The internal medicine physicians-in-training ordered a small number of TTE
      overall, and there was a trend toward significant odds of ordering an appropriate
      TTE in the intervention group relative to the control group (odds ratio [OR]:
      8.1, 95% CI: 0.95 to 69.0, p = 0.055). Six clinical scenarios accounted for 75%
      of all inappropriate TTE, with the 3 most common inappropriate indications being
      routine surveillance (<1 year) of known cardiomyopathy without a change in
      clinical status, routine surveillance of known small pericardial effusion, and
      routine surveillance of ventricular function with known coronary artery disease
      and no change in clinical status. CONCLUSIONS: In cardiology fellows with a high
      rate of ordering inappropriate TTE, an AUC-based educational and feedback
      intervention reduced the proportion of inappropriate outpatient TTE and increased
      the proportion of appropriate outpatient TTE. (Educational Intervention to Reduce
      Outpatient Inappropriate Transthoracic Echocardiograms; NCT01944202).

PMID- 25129522
TI  - Now you see me, now you don't: iridescence increases the efficacy of lizard
      chromatic signals.
AB  - The selective forces imposed by primary receivers and unintended eavesdroppers of
      animal signals often act in opposite directions, constraining the development of
      conspicuous coloration. Because iridescent colours change their chromatic
      properties with viewer angle, iridescence offers a potential mechanism to relax
      this trade-off when the relevant observers involved in the evolution of signal
      design adopt different viewer geometries. We used reflectance spectrophotometry
      and visual modelling to test if the striking blue head coloration of males of the
      lizard Lacerta schreibeiri (1) is iridescent and (2) is more conspicuous when
      viewed from the perspective of conspecifics than from that of the main predators
      of adult L. schreibeiri (raptors). We demonstrate that the blue heads of L.
      schreiberi show angle-dependent changes in their chromatic properties. This
      variation allows the blue heads to be relatively conspicuous to conspecific
      viewers located in the same horizontal plane as the sender, while simultaneously
      being relatively cryptic to birds that see it from above. This study is the first
      to suggest the use of angle-dependent chromatic signals in lizards, and provides
      the first evidence of the adaptive function of iridescent coloration based on its
      detectability to different observers. 

PMID- 25129521
TI  - Accumulation of fatty acids in Chlorella vulgaris under heterotrophic conditions
      in relation to activity of acetyl-CoAcarboxylase, temperature, and co
      immobilization with Azospirillum brasilense [corrected].
AB  - The relation between fatty acid accumulation, activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase
      (ACC), and consequently lipid accumulation was studied in the microalgae
      Chlorella vulgaris co-immobilized with the plant growth-promoting bacterium
      Azospirillum brasilense under dark heterotrophic conditions with Na acetate as a
      carbon source. In C. vulgaris immobilized alone, cultivation experiments for 6
      days showed that ACC activity is directly related to fatty acid accumulation,
      especially in the last 3 days. In co-immobilization experiments, A. brasilense
      exerted a significant positive effect over ACC activity, increased the quantity
      in all nine main fatty acids, increased total lipid accumulation in C. vulgaris,
      and mitigated negative effects of nonoptimal temperature for growth. No
      correlation between ACC activity and lipid accumulation in the cells was
      established for three different temperatures. This study demonstrated that the
      interaction between A. brasilense and C. vulgaris has a significant effect on
      fatty acid and lipid accumulation in the microalgae. 

PMID- 25129523
TI  - Staged seton fistulotomy after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal
      anastomosis accompanied by a decline in anal pressure during manometry.

PMID- 25129524
TI  - Cecal recurrence after one-stage resection of obstructive rectal cancer with
      intraoperative colonic lavage through the appendix: a curious coincidence.

PMID- 25129525
TI  - Massive colonic metastasis from breast cancer 23 years after mastectomy.

PMID- 25129526
TI  - [Out of hospital emergencies towards a safety culture].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to measure the degree of safety culture (CS)
      among healthcare professional workers of an out-of-hospital Emergency Medical
      Service. Most patient safety studies have been conducted in relation to the
      hospital rather than pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services. The objective is to
      analyze the dimensions with lower scores in order to plan futures strategies.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study using the AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare
      Research and Quality) questionnaire. The questionnaire was delivered to all
      healthcare professionals workers of 061 Advanced Life Support Units of Aragon,
      during the month of August 2013. RESULTS: The response rate was 55%. Main
      strengths detected: an adequate number of staff (96%), good working conditions
      (89%), tasks supported from immediate superior (77%), teamwork climate (74%), and
      non-punitive environment to report adverse events (68%). Areas for improvement:
      insufficient training in patient safety (53%) and lack of feedback of incidents
      reported (50%). CONCLUSIONS: The opportunities for improvement identified focus
      on the training of professionals in order to ensure safer care, while extending
      the safety culture. Also, the implementation of a system of notification and
      registration of adverse events in the service is deemed necessary.

PMID- 25129527
TI  - [Intervention in elderly patients with multiple morbidities and multiple
      medications: results of the prescription and the quality of life].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of an intervention using STOPP/START criteria
      and the Garfinkel algorithm on prescription and the health-related quality of
      life (HRQoL) in elderly patients with multimorbidity and prescribed multiple
      medications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A before-after intervention study on 381
      patients over 67 years old and prescribed multiple medications by 71 Primary Care
      doctors. INTERVENTION: The doctors were trained in the STOPP / START criteria and
      Garfinkel algorithm. Each doctor then reviewed all the drugs of their selected
      patients and then made appointments with them for an initial medical consultation
      and clinical assessment. Treatment was modified according to the criteria and the
      HRQoL measured using the SF-12 questionnaire. Two months later, in a second
      medical consultation, a new clinical assessment was made and the HRQoL was
      measured. The dimensions of the HRQoL between the first and the second
      consultation were compared using the paired Student-t test. RESULTS: The
      intervention involved the removal of a mean of 1.5 drugs per patient. The dose
      was modified in 4% of drugs, and 8.9% of patients were prescribed a new drug. Non
      Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), psychoactive drugs and proton pump
      inhibitors were the most modified. Social Function and Physical Component Summary
      of the HRQOL improved significantly (P<.05) after intervention. CONCLUSION: The
      intervention using the Garfinkel algorithm and STOPP -START criteria improved
      HRQoL and reduced the number of prescribed drugs.

PMID- 25129528
TI  - Beyond description: comment on "approaching human language with complex networks"
      by Cong and Liu.

PMID- 25129529
TI  - Fine structure of the midgut of Sinopanorpa tincta (Navas) (Mecoptera:
      Panorpidae).
AB  - Fine structure of the midgut and degeneration of the midgut epithelium of the
      scorpionfly Sinopanorpa tincta (Navas) adults were investigated using light
      microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results show
      that the tubular midgut lacks gastric caeca and is composed of an outer
      longitudinal and an inner circular muscle layer, a basal lamina, an epithelium
      and a lumen from the outside to inside. A peritrophic membrane was not found in
      the lumen. A mass of nodules was observed on the surface of the basal lamina.
      Three types of cells were recognized in the epithelium: digestive, secretory, and
      regenerative cells. The digestive cells contain irregular-shaped infoldings in
      the basal membrane and two types of microvilli in the apical membrane. The
      secretory cells are characterized by irregular shape and large quantities of
      secretory granules in the basal cytoplasm. The regenerative cells are triangular
      in shape and distributed only in the nodules. The epithelial cells are
      degenerated through programmed cell-death mechanisms (apoptosis and necrosis).
      The type, function, and degeneration of the epithelial cells of the midgut are
      briefly discussed.

PMID- 25129530
TI  - Effect of sporulation medium on wet-heat resistance and structure of
      Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris DSM 3922-type strain spores and modeling of the
      inactivation kinetics in apple juice.
AB  - Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is a spoilage bacterium in fruit juices leading
      to high economic losses. The present study evaluated the effect of sporulation
      medium on the thermal inactivation kinetics of A. acidoterrestris DSM 3922 spores
      in apple juice (pH3.82+/-0.01; 11.3+/-0.1  degrees Brix). Bacillus acidocaldarius
      agar (BAA), Bacillus acidoterrestris agar (BATA), malt extract agar (MEA), potato
      dextrose agar (PDA) and B. acidoterrestris broth (BATB) were used for
      sporulation. Inactivation kinetic parameters at 85, 87.5 and 90 degrees C were
      obtained using the log-linear model. The decimal reduction times at 85 degrees C
      (D85 degrees C) were 41.7, 57.6, 76.8, 76.8 and 67.2min; D87.5 degrees C-values
      were 22.4, 26.7, 32.9, 31.5, and 32.9min; and D90 degrees C-values were 11.6,
      9.9, 14.7, 11.9 and 14.1min for spores produced on PDA, MEA, BATA, BAA and BATB,
      respectively. The estimated z-values were 9.05, 6.60, 6.96, 6.15, and 7.46,
      respectively. The present study suggests that the sporulation medium affects the
      wet-heat resistance of A. acidoterrestris DSM 3922 spores. Also, the dipicolinic
      acid content (DPA) was found highest in heat resistant spores formed on mineral
      containing media. After wet-heat treatment, loss of internal volume due to the
      release of DPA from spore core was observed by scanning electron microscopy.
      Since, there is no standardized media for the sporulation of A. acidoterrestris,
      the results obtained from this study might be useful to determine and compare the
      thermal resistance characteristics of A. acidoterrestris spores in fruit juices. 

PMID- 25129531
TI  - A web-based self-management intervention for Bipolar Disorder 'living with
      bipolar': a feasibility randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a severe mental health problem.
      Psychological interventions are recommended by the National Institute for Health
      and Care Excellence (NICE) but patients experience severe inequalities in access.
      This study assessed the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a recovery
      informed web-based self-management intervention for people with BD. METHODS: An
      online randomised controlled trial (n=122) compared treatment as usual (TAU) plus
      the 'Living with Bipolar' (LWB) intervention with a waiting list control (WLC)
      group. RESULTS: The study recruited to target and the retention rates were high.
      Participants engaged with the approach. Compared with the WLC, those receiving
      LWB showed the most robust improvement in psychological and physical domains of
      quality of life, wellbeing and recovery at the end of the intervention.
      LIMITATIONS: The trial was not definitive and requires further investigation.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is preliminary evidence that a web-based treatment approach in
      BD is feasible and potentially effective. Such interventions could form part of
      the Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) initiative in severe mental
      health.

PMID- 25129532
TI  - Dysfunctional traits in obese women and underweight men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide, together
      with its comorbidities. Our aim was to assess the emotional traits and affective
      temperaments, according to various Body Mass Index (BMI) groups, in a large
      sample. METHODS: Data was collected by a web-survey on psychological and
      psychiatric measures (BRAINSTEP). The BMI was evaluated by self-reporting and
      temperament was evaluated by the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament
      Scale (AFECTS). The final sample consisted of 10,786 individuals (mean age 27.9
      +/- 7.8 years, 70% females). RESULTS: About 40% of the sample had a BMI score
      higher than normal. The overall BMI score was particularly associated with a
      higher Desire and a lower Control and Volition (p<0.001 for all), especially in
      women. Obese females also had significantly lower Coping, Stability, and Caution.
      In males only, underweight individuals were more fearful and sensitive, and they
      had a lower Coping and Volition character than normal weight subjects, suggesting
      a more fragile and immature profile. Linear regression with several adjustments
      confirmed these associations. Regarding affective temperaments, a Depressive type
      was more prevalent among underweight subjects, an Obsessive type was associated
      with a normal BMI, and a Hyperthymic type was apparent in overweight individuals
      of both genders. Underweight males and females were more prone to having an
      internalized temperament. LIMITATIONS: Only self-reporting measures were used in
      a cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: Obese women and underweight men have a
      more dysfunctional trait profile. Addressing these traits may be important for
      prevention strategies and, possibly, for weight reduction in women.

PMID- 25129534
TI  - PTSD prevalence and symptom structure of DSM-5 criteria in adolescents and young
      adults surviving the 2011 shooting in Norway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnostic criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have
      been revised for DSM-5. Two key changes include alteration of the clustering of
      PTSD symptoms and new PTSD symptom criteria related to negative alterations in
      cognition and mood. In this study, we empirically investigated these changes.
      METHODS: We interviewed 325 adolescents and young adults who survived the 2011
      youth camp shooting at Utoya Island, Norway. The UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM
      IV was used to assess symptoms of PTSD. In addition, 11 questions were added to
      assess the four new symptom criteria within the new DSM-5 symptom categories.
      RESULTS: PTSD prevalence did not differ significantly whether DSM-IV (11.1%) or
      DSM-5 (11.7%) criteria were used and the Cohen's Kappa for consistency between
      the diagnoses was 0.061. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the four-factor
      structure of the DSM-5 fit the data adequately according to the conceptual model
      outlined. LIMITATIONS: The homogeneity of this sample of highly exposed subjects
      may preclude generalization to less severely exposed groups. Also, we did not
      assess criterion G in regard to symptoms causing clinically significant distress
      and functional impairment. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PTSD was quite similar
      regardless of diagnostic system. The relatively low concordance between the
      diagnoses has implications for eligibility for a diagnosis of PTSD.

PMID- 25129533
TI  - Long-term Tai Chi training is related to depressive symptoms among Tai Chi
      practitioners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the close association with physical and psychological health
      and quality of life, mood disorders, especially depressive symptoms, are an
      important global public-health issue. It is hypothesized that long-term physical
      training and mood adjustment may have a beneficial effect on the prevention of
      the onset of depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      relationship between long-term Tai Chi training and depressive symptoms among Tai
      Chi practitioners. METHODS: This study analyzed a cross-sectional survey
      including 529 Japanese Tai Chi practitioners. Tai Chi training information,
      including total training time and a Tai Chi grade, was assessed using a
      structured questionnaire, and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the 15
      item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for subjects aged >=65 and the 20-item Self
      rating Depressive Scale (SDS) for subjects aged <65 with cut-off points: GDS >=5
      and SDS >=11. RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 15.9%. After
      adjustments for potential confounding factors, the odds ratios of having
      depressive symptoms by increasing levels of Tai Chi training time were 1.00, 0.64
      (0.37-1.11), 0.65 (0.37-1.13), 0.34 (0.18-0.65) (P for trend <0.01). LIMITATIONS:
      This is a cross-sectional study, and not for making a clinical diagnosis of
      depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that long-term Tai
      Chi training is independently related to a lower prevalence of depressive
      symptoms. These results suggest that long-term Tai Chi training may have a
      beneficial effect on the prevention of depressive symptoms. Further studies are
      needed to confirm these findings.

PMID- 25129535
TI  - Long-term outcomes of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for post
      LASIK ectasia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the long-term results of intrastromal corneal ring segments
      (ICRS) for postoperative LASIK ectasia. METHOD: In this retrospective
      interventional cases series, 8 eyes of 6 patients who underwent femtosecond laser
      assisted ICRS implantation for post-LASIK ectasia were enrolled. Main outcome
      measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance
      visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent refraction, and average keratometry
      (Kavg) values were assessed. RESULTS: Mean+/-SD follow-up was 67+/-21 months
      (range, 36-96 months). The mean UDVA, CDVA, spherical equivalent refraction, and
      Kavg values were significantly improved at all postoperative visits when compared
      to baseline values. No serious complications were observed during follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: Our long-term findings showed that ICRS yielded improvements in
      visual acuity, refractive status, and keratometric values without any progression
      in cases with post-LASIK corneal ectasia.

PMID- 25129536
TI  - Spectral transmittance of UV-blocking soft contact lenses: a comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three major parts of sunlight consist of visible, ultraviolet and
      infrared radiation. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can result in a
      spectrum of skin and ocular diseases. UV-blocking contact lenses help provide
      protection against harmful UV radiation. We studied the ultraviolet and visible
      light rays transmission in some soft UV-blocking contact lenses. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Four available tinted soft lenses (Acuvue Moist, Zeiss CONTACT Day 30
      Air spheric, Pretty Eyes and Sauflon 56 UV) have been evaluated for UV and
      visible transmission. One-way ANOVA testing was performed to establish is there a
      statistically significant difference between the UV regions and visible spectra
      means for the contact lenses (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Pretty Eyes, Zeiss CONTACT,
      Acuvue Moist and Sauflon 56 UV showed UV-B transmittance value of 0.65%, 10.69%,
      1.22%, and 5.78%, respectively. Pretty Eyes and Acuvue Moist had UV-A
      transmittance values of 32% and 34%, Sauflon 56 UV and Zeiss CONTACT had
      transmittance values of 48% and 43%, respectively. All of the studied lenses
      transmitted at least 94.6% on the visible spectrum. The results of the one-way
      ANOVA statistical analysis show that a statistically significant difference
      exists within the group of contact lenses tested for the visible (p<0.001), UV-B
      (p<0.001) and UV-A (p<0.001) portions of the spectrum (alpha=0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Acuvue Moist has the best UV-blocking property and also visible transmission
      between other tested contact lenses in this study.

PMID- 25129537
TI  - Revision urethroplasty success is comparable to primary urethroplasty: a
      comparative analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and complications of revision urethroplasty
      compared with urethroplasty-naive controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis was performed of 534 urethroplasties performed by a single
      surgeon from August 2003 to March 2011. Patient age, stricture length, location,
      etiology, comorbidities, and type of surgery were recorded. Statistical
      comparison between the revision cohort and urethroplasty-naive group were made
      using Fisher, chi(2), and unpaired t tests, with significance at P < .05 (2
      tailed). The primary outcome was urethral patency assessed by cystoscopy.
      Secondary (subjective) outcome measures included erectile dysfunction, pain,
      urinary tract infection, or chordee at 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 476 patients
      met inclusion criteria with completed cystoscopic follow-up. Previous
      urethroplasty had failed in 49 patients (10.3%). Patients undergoing revision
      urethroplasty were more likely to have stricture in the penile urethra (22.4%; P
      = .001), to have strictures exceeding 4 cm in length (71.4% vs 54.3%; P = .023),
      and to require tissue transfer (83.6% vs 65.1%; P = .010). Urethral patency rates
      did not differ significantly between naive and revision urethroplasty cohorts,
      with a mean follow-up of 49.9 months (94.6% vs 91.8%; P = .518). The revision
      group had a higher incidence of chordee (2.7% vs 14.3%; P = .001) and urinary
      tract infection (3.5% vs 10.2%; P = .04). The rates of erectile dysfunction,
      scrotal pain, lower urinary tract symptoms, and incontinence did not differ
      significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Revision urethroplasty is an
      effective treatment option for recurrent stricture after urethroplasty and is
      comparable to results in urethroplasty-naive patients. Patients undergoing
      revision urethroplasty are more likely to require tissue transfer and experience
      higher rates of chordee and urinary tract infection.

PMID- 25129538
TI  - Reply: To PMID 25129537.

PMID- 25129539
TI  - Impact of prostatic apical shape and protrusion on early recovery of continence
      after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of prostatic apical shape from preoperative
      magnetic resonance imaging on early recovery of urinary continence after robot
      assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the
      records of 1011 patients who underwent RARP at a tertiary center from October
      2007 to March 2013. Patients were stratified into 4 different groups by prostatic
      apical shapes as shown on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (groups A-D).
      The early recovery of urinary continence was defined as 0 or 1 security pad/d
      within 12 weeks after the surgery. The association between early recovery of
      continence and various factors was analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 807 patients
      (79.8%) showed early recovery of urinary continence. The numbers of patients in
      groups A, B, C, and D were 88 (8.7%), 478 (47.3%), 167 (16.5%), and 278 (27.5%),
      respectively. There were no significant differences in the rates of early
      recovery of urinary continence between different groups (P = .257). On
      multivariate analysis, the patient's age (odds ratio [OR], 0.960; P = .004),
      preoperative International Index of Erectile Function-5 score (OR, 1.029; P =
      .009), neurovascular bundle preservation (OR, 1.586; P = .013), and membranous
      urethral length (OR, 1.104; P = .001) were revealed as independent prognostic
      factors in the early recovery of urinary continence. CONCLUSION: The results of
      our study showed that the prostatic apical shape does not influence the early
      recovery of urinary continence. We believe this is another strong point of RARP
      compared with conventional open surgery, particularly for patients with complex
      type of apical shape.

PMID- 25129540
TI  - Clinical value of transurethral second resection of bladder tumor: systematic
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review prospective trials aimed at the role of
      restaging transurethral resection (reTUR) to define the group of patients with
      bladder cancer who would benefit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of
      the literature in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
      Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines was conducted. RESULTS: Of 120 trials, 7 met
      the inclusion criteria. Most studied populations were high-risk non-muscle
      invasive bladder cancer patients. Low-risk cancers as well as muscle-invasive
      disease were analyzed in only 1 trial. Consistently through the publications,
      reTUR improved staging with the rates of muscle-invasive disease mounting to
      17.6% when primary resection was deemed to be complete. Although all trials
      corroborated staging role of reTUR, only 4 provided recurrence and progression
      outcomes, the first being significantly lower in the group of second early
      resection. In 2 studies with the longest follow-up and the greatest number of
      patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, progression rates
      were found to be improved. In one trial, reTUR was associated with better
      response to bacille Calmette-Guerin. CONCLUSION: The data convincingly suggest
      that early second resection improves staging and reduces the recurrence as well
      as progression rates of high-risk bladder tumors. reTUR brings benefit to those
      subjected to bacille Calmette-Guerin. However, additional surgery would not
      modify treatment plan in those with low-risk disease.

PMID- 25129541
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 25129542
TI  - The association between testicular microlithiasis and semen parameters in Chinese
      adult men with fertility intention: experience of 226 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between testicular microlithiasis (TM)
      and semen parameters in Chinese adult men with fertility intention. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the ultrasonography results of the
      reproductive system of 16,204 consecutive adult male patients in our hospital
      with fertility intention from November 2012 to October 2013. TM was diagnosed by
      scrotal ultrasonography. Patients with TM were divided into classic testicular
      microlithiasis (CTM) or limited testicular microlithiasis (LTM). The clinical
      data of CTM, LTM, and non-TM groups, especially of patients in whom sperms were
      found in semen analysis, were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 226 men
      (1.39%) diagnosed with TM. The mean age was 28.96 +/- 5.12 years (range, 21-46
      years), whereas mean testicular volume was 15.38 +/- 4.90 mL (range, 1.62-31.23
      mL). CTM and LTM were detected in 141 (62.39%) and 85 patients (37.61%),
      respectively. Among 200 patients who underwent semen analysis, sperms were found
      in 159 men (79.5%; 97 men with CTM and 62 men with LTM). One hundred and twenty
      cases without TM (ie, non-TM group) were collected in the control group. Sperm
      concentration, total motility, and percentage of progressively motile of CTM,
      LTM, and non-TM groups was (38.01 +/- 31.58 million/mL vs 52.31 +/- 33.26
      million/mL vs 67.16 +/- 36.94 million/mL; P <.001), (46.03 +/- 23.69% vs 55.37 +/
      24.16% vs 62.08 +/- 20.45%; P <.001), and (35.88 +/- 20.17% vs 43.15 +/- 21.08%
      vs 47.10 +/- 17.84%; P <.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: TM is associated with
      worse semen parameters in adult men with fertility intention. The extent of
      microlithiasis correlates inversely with semen parameters.

PMID- 25129544
TI  - Gonadoblastoma and selected other aspects of gonadal pathology in young patients
      with disorders of sex development.
AB  - Some patients with disorders of sex development (DSDs), previously known as
      intersex disorders, have abnormal gonadal development and an increased risk of
      germ cell tumors. Because of their relative rarity, however, many pathologists
      are unfamiliar with the morphological findings in the gonads of DSD patients and
      their clinical significance. This review concentrates on some of the most common
      DSDs where gonadal specimens may come to the attention of pathologists. It
      highlights the findings in gonadal dysgenesis, a DSD with a spectrum of clinical,
      pathologic, and molecular features but with the shared attributes of having both
      Y chromosomal material (even if in very limited amounts) in the gonad and also
      having mutations or deletions in genes necessary for normal gonadal development,
      mostly in those upstream of the SOX9 gene. This situation results in testicular
      tissue lacking normal Sertoli cells, which are now considered an essential
      element for the normal maturation of the primordial germ cells that migrate to
      the gonad from the embryonic yolk sac. Germ cells with delayed maturation mimic
      neoplastic germ cells, but there are both morphological and immunohistochemical
      differences. If the gonad having germ cells with delayed maturation also harbors
      the TSPY gene on the GBY locus of the Y chromosome, the cells may undergo
      neoplastic transformation and result in the distinctive gonadoblastoma, whose
      pathologic features are explored at length herein, including its potential for
      variant morphologies, such as a "dissecting" pattern. Another important DSD, the
      androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), is discussed at length, including the
      varied appearances of the testis and its distinctive lesions-hamartomas and
      Sertoli cell adenomas. The potential for germ cell neoplasia in the partial AIS
      is also discussed and contrasted with that of the complete AIS. A third major
      topic is ovotesticular DSD (true hermaphroditism). The clinical features and
      morphology of this condition are reviewed, including the arrangements of the
      tissue components in an ovotestis. Several other DSDs with distinctive gonadal
      findings are also considered, including Klinefelter syndrome, 5alpha-reductase
      deficiency, 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency, and female
      adrenogenital syndrome. 

PMID- 25129543
TI  - Molecular pathways reflecting poor intrauterine growth are found in Wharton's
      jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Are molecular pathways reflecting the biology of small for
      gestational age (SGA) neonates preserved in umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER: MSCs from SGA newborns were found to express
      an altered EGR-1-dependent gene network involved in the regulation of cell
      proliferation and oxidative stress. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Individuals with
      suboptimal intrauterine development are at greater risk of metabolic diseases
      such as type II diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE,
      DURATION: Umbilical cords (n = 283) from the GUSTO (growing up in Singapore
      towards healthy outcomes) birth cohort study, and primary MSC isolates
      established from SGA and matched control cases (n = 6 per group), were subjected
      to gene expression analysis and candidate genes were studied for functional
      validation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Umbilical cord specimens
      were derived from babies born at the National University Hospital (NUH) in
      Singapore. Local ethical approval was obtained. MSC isolates were established in
      Wharton's jelly and molecular analysis was conducted by gene expression
      microarrays and RT-PCR. Cells from SGA and control groups were compared in the
      presence and absence of insulin and candidate gene function was studied via siRNA
      mediated gene knockdown and over-expression experiments in MSCs. MAIN RESULTS AND
      THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Using repeated measure ANOVAs, proliferation rates of MSCs
      isolated from SGA neonates were found to be significantly increased (P < 0.01).
      In the absence of insulin, EGR-1 levels were found to be significantly reduced in
      the group of SGA-derived MSCs, whereas EGR-1 expression was found to be up
      regulated in the same group in the presence of insulin (P < 0.01). EGR-1 was
      found to induce expression of COX-2 in the SGA group (P < 0.01) and both, EGR-1
      and COX-2 stimulated glucose uptake in MSCs (P < 0.01). EGR-1 and COX-2 levels
      were associated in whole umbilical cords (n = 283, P < 0.01) and EGR-1 positively
      correlated with abdominal circumference and birthweight (n = 91, P < 0.01 and n =
      91, P < 0.01). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Cell models may not entirely
      reflect the physiology of the host and patient follow-up studies will be
      necessary for further clinical validation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS:
      Our study suggests that Wharton's jelly-derived MSCs are useful in identifying
      pathways specific for fetal growth restriction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING
      INTERESTS: This work is supported by the Translational Clinical Research (TCR)
      Flagship Program on Developmental Pathways to Metabolic Disease funded by the
      National Research Foundation (NRF) and administered by the National Medical
      Research Council (NMRC), Singapore- NMRC/TCR/004-NUS/2008'. SICS Investigators
      are supported through the Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR)
      funding. No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were
      reported.

PMID- 25129545
TI  - The Santa Pola saltern as a model for studying the microbiota of hypersaline
      environments.
AB  - Multi-pond salterns constitute an excellent model for the study of the microbial
      diversity and ecology of hypersaline environments, showing a wide range of salt
      concentrations, from seawater to salt saturation. Accumulated studies on the
      Santa Pola (Alicante, Spain) multi-pond solar saltern during the last 35 years
      include culture-dependent and culture-independent molecular methods and
      metagenomics more recently. These approaches have permitted to determine in depth
      the microbial diversity of the ponds with intermediate salinities (from 10%
      salts) up to salt saturation, with haloarchaea and bacteria as the two main
      dominant groups. In this review, we describe the main results obtained using the
      different methodologies, the most relevant contributions for understanding the
      ecology of these extreme environments and the future perspectives for such
      studies.

PMID- 25129546
TI  - Gamma knife radiosurgery for the treatment of gynecologic malignancies
      metastasizing to the brain: clinical article.
AB  - Gynecologic malignancies represent some of the commonest causes of cancer in the
      female population. Despite their overall high prevalence, gynecologic
      malignancies have seldom been reported to metastasize to the brain. The incidence
      of gynecologic cancers spreading to the brain has been rising, and the optimal
      management of these patients is not well defined. A retrospective analysis of
      patients treated over the past ten years with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for
      metastatic gynecologic cancer to the brain was performed. Radiographic treatment
      response, tumor control, metastatic disease progression and survival data were
      analyzed. Eight patients with ovarian cancer, six patients with endometrial
      cancer and two separates who carried a diagnosis of cervical cancer or
      leiomyosarcoma harbored metastatic disease to the brain that was treated with
      GKRS. The median dose to the tumor margin was 20 Gy (range 10-22 Gy), and the
      median maximum radiosurgical dose was 31 Gy (range 16-52.9 Gy). Tumor control was
      achieved in all patients who had follow up imaging studies. Patients with ovarian
      cancer had prolonged median survival following GKRS compared to patients with
      endometrial cancer (22.3 vs 8.3 months, p = 0.02). The patient with cervical
      cancer survived 8 months following her GKRS in the setting of metastatic brain
      tumor progression, whereas the patient with leiomyosarcoma passed away within
      several weeks of treatment secondary to disseminated extracranial primary
      disease. GKRS is a safe and effective means of achieving intracranial tumor
      control for patients with gynecologic cancer that has spread to the brain. 

PMID- 25129547
TI  - Incidence of medulloblastoma in Canadian children.
AB  - Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. There was a
      perception of pediatric neuro-oncologists that the incidence had declined in
      Canada. An epidemiological survey was undertaken to determine the incidence of
      this tumor in Canada and if a change had indeed occurred. All patients 14 years
      and under diagnosed with medulloblastoma from 1990 to 2009 inclusive in Canada
      were included. Data collected included date of diagnosis, age at diagnosis,
      gender, stage, pathology, treatment, recurrence and current status. Data were
      analysed for change in incidence over time. Data were obtained on 574 eligible
      patients. The mean overall incidence per 1,000,000 persons was 4.82 (95 % CI 4.28
      5.35) for the study time period. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.8 years, and
      there was a male predominance. Although there was an increase in incidence over
      the first three time periods (24 % for 1990-1994, 27.5 % for 1995-1999, 27.7 %
      for 2000-2004), the most recent time period (2005-2009) showed a decrease (21 %).
      This was true for male children while the incidence was stable for females. The
      mean incidence rate was double for children under the age of 5 years (7.92 per
      million) compared to those over 5 years (3.64 per million).This study showed that
      from 1990 to 2009 the incidence of medulloblastoma was relatively stable, with a
      slight decrease in the last five-year time period. 

PMID- 25129548
TI  - Social vulnerability from a social ecology perspective: a cohort study of older
      adults from the National Population Health Survey of Canada.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous social factors, generally studied in isolation, have been
      associated with older adults' health. Even so, older people's social
      circumstances are complex and an approach which embraces this complexity is
      desirable. Here we investigate many social factors in relation to one another and
      to survival among older adults using a social ecology perspective to measure
      social vulnerability among older adults. METHODS: 2740 adults aged 65 and older
      were followed for ten years in the Canadian National Population Health Survey
      (NPHS). Twenty-three individual-level social variables were drawn from the 1994
      NPHS and five Enumeration Area (EA)-level variables were abstracted from the 1996
      Canadian Census using postal code linkage. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was
      used to identify dimensions of social vulnerability. All social variables were
      summed to create a social vulnerability index which was studied in relation to
      ten-year mortality. RESULTS: The PCA was limited by low variance (47%) explained
      by emergent factors. Seven dimensions of social vulnerability emerged in the most
      robust, yet limited, model: social support, engagement, living situation, self
      esteem, sense of control, relations with others and contextual socio-economic
      status. These dimensions showed complex inter-relationships and were situated
      within a social ecology framework, considering spheres of influence from the
      individual through to group, neighbourhood and broader societal levels. Adjusting
      for age, sex, and frailty, increasing social vulnerability measured using the
      cumulative social vulnerability index was associated with increased risk of
      mortality over ten years in a Cox regression model (HR 1.04, 95% CI:1.01-1.07, p
      = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Social vulnerability has important independent influence on
      older adults' health though relationships between contributing variables are
      complex and do not lend themselves well to fragmentation into a small number of
      discrete factors. A social ecology perspective provides a candidate framework for
      further study of social vulnerability among older adults.

PMID- 25129550
TI  - alpha-linolenic acid concentration and not wounding per se is the key regulator
      of octadecanoid (oxylipin) pathway activity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) leaves.
AB  - Using an in vitro system composed of crushed leaf tissues to simulate the
      wounding response in rice leaves, we established that synthesis of jasmonic acid
      (JA) and jasmonic acid-isoleucine (JA-Ile) can only occur in unwounded tissue
      and, in wounded tissue, that only the chloroplast-located section of the
      octadecanoid pathway is active, resulting in the accumulation of 12-oxo
      phytodienoic acid (OPDA). We further showed that OPDA accumulation in vitro was
      inhibited by 90% using the general lipase inhibitor, tetrahydrolipstatin,
      indicating that production of alpha-linolenic acid was the rate-limiting step in
      octadecanoid pathway activity in rice following wounding and the enzyme capacity
      for an active pathway was already present. We confirmed this result by showing
      that added alpha-linolenic acid stimulated OPDA synthesis in vitro and stimulated
      OPDA, JA and JA-Ile synthesis in vivo in unwounded tissue. Thus, the response to
      wounding can be mimicked by the provision of free alpha-linolenic acid. Our
      results draw attention to the key importance of lipase activity in initiation of
      JA and JA-Ile biosynthesis and our lack of knowledge of the cognate lipase(s),
      lipase substrate identity and mechanism(s) of activation in wounded and unwounded
      tissue. 

PMID- 25129549
TI  - Influence of carotid artery stenting on cognition of elderly patients with severe
      stenosis of the internal carotid artery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of carotid
      artery stenting (CAS) on the cognition and quality of life of elderly patients
      with severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery. MATERIAL/METHODS: 65 elderly
      patients with symptomatic severe stenosis of internal carotid artery were
      recruited into 2 groups: the pharmacotherapy group (n=29) and the CAS group
      (n=36). Before surgery and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, Montreal
      cognitive assessment (MoCA) was used for the evaluation of cognition and WHOQOL
      BREF was used for the assessment of quality of life. RESULTS: At 12 months after
      surgery, total MoCA score and WHOQOL-BREF score in the pharmacotherapy group was
      significantly reduced when compared with those before surgery (P<0.05). In the
      CAS group, the total MoCA score, scores of attention and delayed recall, and
      WHOQOL-BREF score increased significantly at different time points after surgery
      when compared with those before surgery (P<0.05). Moreover, in CAS group, the
      MoCA score and WHOQOL-BREF markedly increased gradually over time (P<0.05).
      Compared with the pharmacotherapy group, cognition and quality of life in the CAS
      group were improved dramatically during the follow-up period (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery is a cause of
      cognition impairment, and CAS may improve cognition and quality of life.

PMID- 25129551
TI  - Prospective, randomized, controlled, and open study in primarily inoperable,
      stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients given sequential
      radiochemotherapy with or without epoetin alfa.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Induction chemotherapy is associated with anemia in non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing radiotherapy. This randomized,
      open-label study compared the effect of sequential radiochemotherapy (RCHT)
      versus RCHT + epoetin alfa (RCHT + EPO), with respect to 2-year overall survival
      (OS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients ?18 years received sequential RCHT; one arm
      also received EPO (chemotherapy day 1, when Hb<12 g/dL). Kaplan-Meier analysis
      with log-rank test, and Cox-regression methods were performed. RESULTS: Of the
      385 patients randomized (RCHT + EPO: n = 195; RCHT: n = 190), 78 (RCTH + EPO: 46
      [23.6%]; RCHT: 32 [16.8%]) were anemic at baseline. Two-year OS was higher in
      RCHT + EPO-treated versus RCHT-treated (28.5% [95% CI: 22.2-35.1%] versus 20.6%
      [95% CI: 15.1-26.8%] [p = 0.2278]), and requirement for RBC transfusion was lower
      (24/195 [12.3%] versus 61/190 [32.1%]). In anemic (baseline) patients (post hoc
      analysis), median survival was shorter in RCTH-treated (212 days) versus RCHT +
      EPO-treated (343 days) (Hazard ratio = 1.62 [95% CI: 0.99-2.63], p = 0.0525).
      Adverse events were documented in 72.7% (RCHT + EPO: 75.0%; RCHT: 70.5%)
      patients, and thrombovascular events (TVEs) in 45 patients (RCHT + EPO: 16.7%;
      RCHT: 7.9%; p = 0.0099). CONCLUSIONS: A statistically non-significant trend for 2
      year OS was observed in a sub-group of EPO-treated NSCLC-patients with baseline
      anemia, although this trend was not maintained in the overall population with
      inoperable NSCLC.

PMID- 25129552
TI  - Laparoscopic repair for failed antireflux procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive procedures have become common, and more
      reoperations for failed antireflux procedures are performed laparoscopically. We
      wanted to study the outcomes of laparoscopic reoperations for reflux. METHODS:
      Medical records of all patients who underwent reoperation without esophageal
      resection after previous antireflux procedures between January 2000 and October
      2012 were reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were included in this report:
      56 (77%) women and 19 (23%) men. Median age was 58 years. The previous operation
      was laparoscopic antireflux procedures in 65 (87%) patients. The median interval
      between the last antireflux procedure and laparoscopic reoperation was 42 months.
      The median body mass index (BMI) was 28.7. All patients were symptomatic.
      Intraoperative findings included recurrent hiatal hernia in 47 (63%) patients,
      incompetent fundoplication in 14 (19%) patients, tight fundoplication in 8 (11%)
      patients, and tight crura in 2 (3%) patients. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication
      was performed in 57 (76%) patients, partial posterior fundoplication was
      performed in 12 (16%) patients, partial anterior fundoplication was performed in
      3 (4%) patients, removal of crural stitches was performed in 2 patients, and a
      combination of partial posterior fundoplication and removal of crural stiches was
      performed in 1 patient. Complications occurred in 13 (15%) patients. Improvement
      in symptoms was observed in 70 (93%) patients in early postoperative follow-up
      and in 59 (78%) patients in long-term follow-up. Functional results were
      classified as excellent in 59 (78%) patients, good in 6 (7%) patients, fair in 7
      (8%) patients, and poor in 3 (4%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic reoperation
      for failed antireflux operations is a complex procedure, but it is safe and
      effective in selected patients. Reoperation after a failed antireflux repair
      results in excellent or good functional status in a majority of patients, but
      these results may deteriorate over time.

PMID- 25129553
TI  - Pathogenic vibrios in environmental, seafood and clinical sources in Germany.
AB  - Bacteria of the family Vibrionaceae naturally occur in marine and estuarine
      environments. Only few species of Vibrionaceae are associated with human cases of
      gastroenteritis, ear and wound infections, caused by ingestion of seafood or
      contact with Vibrio containing water. Increasing consumption of seafood (fish,
      fishery products and shellfish) poses a possible source of Vibrio infections in
      Germany. Additionally, there is a growing concern that abundances of pathogenic
      vibrios may increase in German coastal waters as a result of e.g. climate change
      resulting in probably rising surface water temperatures. According to the One
      Health concept the VibrioNet consortium started in 2010 to investigate the
      occurrence and relevance of non-cholera vibrios of human concern in Germany.
      Vibrios from environmental, seafood and clinical sources were analyzed with the
      aim to find connections between different reservoirs or sources and to identify
      potential ways of transmission of these pathogens to assess the risk of
      infections associated with them. Potentially pathogenic strains mostly belong to
      the species Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio
      cholerae. Investigations on imported seafood and mussels from primary production
      areas confirmed the frequent occurrence of these species. Moreover, studies of
      German coastal waters and sediments showed the presence and seasonality of these
      marine bacteria. So far the incidence of clinical cases of vibriosis in Germany
      is low. Between 1994 and 2013 thirteen cases of Vibrio spp. associated wound
      infections and/or septicaemia have been reported. However, the high prevalence of
      vibrios in aquatic environments and aquatic organisms is of concern and demands
      continued control of food and surveillance for clinical infections with
      pathogenic vibrios. 

PMID- 25129555
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus isolates from chronic osteomyelitis are characterized by
      high host cell invasion and intracellular adaptation, but still induce
      inflammation.
AB  - Osteomyelitis is a severe inflammatory disease of the bone that is mainly caused
      by Staphylococcus aureus. Particularly, bone infections are difficult to treat
      and can develop into a chronic course with a high relapsing rate despite of
      antimicrobial treatments. The complex interaction of staphylococci with osseous
      tissue and the bacterial ability to invade host cells are thought to determine
      the severity of infection. Yet, defined bacterial virulence factors responsible
      for the pathogenesis of osteomyelitis have not been clearly identified. The aim
      of this study was to detect S. aureus virulence factors that are associated with
      osteomyelitis and contribute to a chronic course of infection. To this purpose,
      we collected 41 S. aureus isolates, each 11 from acute osteomyelitis (infection
      period less than 2 months), 10 from chronic osteomyelitis (infection period more
      than 12 months), 10 from sepsis and 10 from nasal colonization. All isolates were
      analyzed for gene expression and in functional in-vitro systems. Adhesion assays
      to bone matrix revealed that all isolates equally bound to matrix structures, but
      invasion assays in human osteoblasts showed a high invasive capacity of chronic
      osteomyelitis isolates. The high invasion rate could not be explained by defined
      adhesins, as all infecting strains expressed a multitude of adhesins that act
      together and determine the level of adhesion. Following host cell invasion
      isolates from chronic osteomyelitis induced less cytotoxicity than all other
      isolates and a higher percentage of Small-colony-variant (SCV)-formation, which
      represents an adaptation mechanism during long-term persistence. Isolates from
      acute and chronic osteomyelitis strongly produced biofilm and highly expressed
      agr and sarA that regulate secreted virulence factors and induced an inflammatory
      response in osteoblasts. In conclusion, chronic osteomyelitis isolates were
      characterized by a high host cell invasion rate, low cytotoxicity and the ability
      to persist and adapt within osteoblasts. Furthermore, isolates from both acute
      and chronic osteomyelitis strongly produced biofilm and induced high levels of
      host cell inflammation, which may explain tissue destruction and bone deformation
      observed as typical complications of long-lasting bone infections. 

PMID- 25129554
TI  - In vitro and in vivo cell invasion and systemic spreading of Mycoplasma
      agalactiae in the sheep infection model.
AB  - Generally regarded as extracellular pathogens, molecular mechanisms of mycoplasma
      persistence, chronicity and disease spread are largely unknown. Mycoplasma
      agalactiae, an economically important pathogen of small ruminants, causes chronic
      infections that are difficult to eradicate. Animals continue to shed the agent
      for several months and even years after the initial infection, in spite of long
      antibiotic treatment. However, little is known about the strategies that M.
      agalactiae employs to survive and spread within an immunocompetent host to cause
      chronic disease. Here, we demonstrate for the first time its ability to invade
      cultured human (HeLa) and ruminant (BEND and BLF) host cells. Presence of
      intracellular mycoplasmas is clearly substantiated using differential
      immunofluorescence technique and quantitative gentamicin invasion assays.
      Internalized M. agalactiae could survive and exit the cells in a viable state to
      repopulate the extracellular environment after complete removal of extracellular
      bacteria with gentamicin. Furthermore, an experimental sheep intramammary
      infection was carried out to evaluate its systemic spread to organs and host
      niches distant from the site of initial infection. Positive results obtained via
      PCR, culture and immunohistochemistry, especially the latter depicting the
      presence of M. agalactiae in the cytoplasm of mammary duct epithelium and
      macrophages, clearly provide the first formal proof of M. agalactiae's capability
      to translocate across the mammary epithelium and systemically disseminate to
      distant inner organs. Altogether, the findings of these in vitro and in vivo
      studies indicate that M. agalactiae is capable of entering host cells and this
      might be the strategy that it employs at a population level to ward off the host
      immune response and antibiotic action, and to disseminate to new and safer niches
      to later egress and once again proliferate upon the return of favorable
      conditions to cause persistent chronic infections. 

PMID- 25129556
TI  - A motion-compensated image filter for low-dose fluoroscopy in a real-time tumor
      tracking radiotherapy system.
AB  - In the real-time tumor-tracking radiotherapy system, a surrogate fiducial marker
      inserted in or near the tumor is detected by fluoroscopy to realize respiratory
      gated radiotherapy. The imaging dose caused by fluoroscopy should be minimized.
      In this work, an image processing technique is proposed for tracing a moving
      marker in low-dose imaging. The proposed tracking technique is a combination of a
      motion-compensated recursive filter and template pattern matching. The proposed
      image filter can reduce motion artifacts resulting from the recursive process
      based on the determination of the region of interest for the next frame according
      to the current marker position in the fluoroscopic images. The effectiveness of
      the proposed technique and the expected clinical benefit were examined by phantom
      experimental studies with actual tumor trajectories generated from clinical
      patient data. It was demonstrated that the marker motion could be traced in low
      dose imaging by applying the proposed algorithm with acceptable registration
      error and high pattern recognition score in all trajectories, although some
      trajectories were not able to be tracked with the conventional spatial filters or
      without image filters. The positional accuracy is expected to be kept within +/-2
      mm. The total computation time required to determine the marker position is a few
      milliseconds. The proposed image processing technique is applicable for imaging
      dose reduction. 

PMID- 25129558
TI  - No sliding, no pneumothorax: thoracic ultrasound is not an all-purpose tool.

PMID- 25129559
TI  - West Nile virus infection and postoperative neurological symptoms: a case report
      and review of the literature.
AB  - The incidence of West Nile virus, which may cause a range of clinical
      presentations including subclinical infections, mild febrile illness, meningitis,
      or encephalitis, has increased over recent years. Rare complications, including
      optic neuritis, also have been reported. A patient who presented with
      preoperative asymptomatic West Nile virus developed fever, altered mental status
      and temporary vision loss after elective multilevel spine fusion surgery. 

PMID- 25129560
TI  - Quality of life after housing first for adults with serious mental illness who
      have experienced chronic homelessness.
AB  - This 1-year longitudinal study of adults who have recently transitioned from
      homelessness to Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) focuses on quality of life as
      a primary outcome of interest. Eighty of 103 new tenants participated in
      structured interviews at the time of entry into their new home and at 12-months
      post-housing. t-tests assessed differences in community participation and quality
      of life measures at the 2 time points. Mixed effects models examined the impact
      of community participation on quality of life. Results show that time in
      independent housing was significantly associated with several domains of quality
      of life. Symptom severity was also significantly and negatively related to
      quality of life domains. Community participation was significantly related to
      frequency of social contacts only. These findings suggest that community
      participation is not critical to improving quality of life, and that despite
      concerns that individuals may feel isolated and lonely when living independently,
      satisfaction with one's living situation and family relationships nevertheless
      improves with housing tenure. 

PMID- 25129557
TI  - Neoadjuvant capecitabine, bevacizumab and radiotherapy for locally advanced
      rectal cancer: results of a single-institute Phase I study.
AB  - The aim of this Phase I clinical trial was to assess the feasibility and safety
      of capecitabine-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) combined with
      bevacizumab and to determine the optimal capecitabine dose for Japanese patients
      with locally advanced rectal cancer. Patients with cT3/T4 rectal cancer were
      eligible. Bevacizumab was administered at 5 mg/kg intravenously on Days 1, 15 and
      29. Capecitabine was administered on weekdays concurrently with pelvic
      radiotherapy at a daily dose of 1.8 Gy, totally to 50.4 Gy. Capecitabine was
      initiated at 825 mg/m(2) twice daily at Dose Level 1, with a planned escalation
      to 900 mg/m(2) twice daily at Dose Level 2. Within 6.1-10.3 (median, 9.4) weeks
      after the completion of the CRT, surgery was performed. Three patients were
      enrolled at each dose level. Regarding the CRT-related acute toxicities, all of
      the adverse events were limited to Grade 1. There was no Grade 2 or greater
      toxicity. No patient needed attenuation or interruption of bevacizumab,
      capecitabine or radiation. All of the patients received the scheduled dose of
      CRT. All of the patients underwent R0 resection. Two (33.3%) of the six patients
      had a pathological complete response, and five (83.3%) patients experienced
      downstaging. In total, three patients (50%) developed postoperative
      complications. One patient developed an intrapelvic abscess and healed with
      incisional drainage. The other two patients healed following conservative
      treatment. This regimen was safely performed as preoperative CRT for Japanese
      patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The recommended capecitabine dose
      is 900 mg/m(2) twice daily.

PMID- 25129561
TI  - Monitoring mood states in everyday life: a new device for patients with
      cerebellar ataxia.
AB  - Thirty patients with cerebellar ataxia and 40 healthy volunteers underwent 7 days
      of mood monitoring using a new device requiring a low motor load. Its convergent
      validity and compliance were tested. The measurements resulted consistent with
      validated scale scores. Patients' motor impairment did not affect the compliance.

PMID- 25129562
TI  - Effectiveness and clinical predictors of response to combined ECT and
      antipsychotic therapy in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and
      dominant negative symptoms.
AB  - The effectiveness and predictors of response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
      combined with antipsychotics (AP) in treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients
      with the dominance of negative symptoms (TRS-NS) have not been studied
      systematically so far. 29 patients aged 21-55 years diagnosed with TRS-NS
      underwent ECT combined with antipsychotics (ECT+AP). Prior to the ECT, the
      symptom profile and severity were evaluated using Positive and Negative Syndrome
      Scale (PANSS). Demographic and medical data was collected; ECT parameters and
      pharmacotherapy results were evaluated. After the combined ECT+AP therapy a
      significant decrease in symptom severity was found. A response to treatment was
      achieved by 60% of patients. The greatest reductions were obtained in general and
      positive PANSS subscale (median change: 11 and 7 pts.) and the smallest, but
      still significant, ones in negative symptoms subscale (median: 3.5 pts.).
      Patients who responded to ECT+AP demonstrated a significantly shorter duration of
      the current episode in comparison with patients who did not experience at least a
      25% reduction in symptom severity (median: 4 vs. 8 months). A combination of ECT
      and antipsychotic therapy can provide a useful treatment option for patients with
      TRS-NS. The only significant predictor of response to treatment was a shorter
      duration of the current episode. 

PMID- 25129563
TI  - Effects of mood state on divided attention in patients with bipolar disorder:
      evidence for beneficial effects of subclinical manic symptoms.
AB  - A relatively small number of studies have been dedicated to the differential
      effects of the current mood state on cognition in patients with a bipolar
      disorder (BD). The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of
      current mood state on divided attention (DA) performance, and specifically
      examine possible beneficial effects of the (hypo-) manic state. Over a maximum
      period of 24 months, medication use, divided attention test (a subtest of the
      Test for Attentional Performance (TAP)) was assessed every 6 months in 189
      outpatients with BD. Data were analyzed with multilevel regression analysis (i.e.
      linear mixed models). DA performance varied considerable over time within
      patients. Corrected for psychotropic medication a significant quadratic
      relationship between manic symptoms and DA performance was found, with mild
      hypomanic symptoms having a positive influence on divided attention scores and
      moderate to severe manic symptoms having a negative influence. No association
      between depressive symptoms and DA performance was found. In future research on
      mania and cognition as well as in the clinical practice both the beneficial and
      negative effects of mania should be taken into account. 

PMID- 25129564
TI  - Adult offspring perspectives on parental hoarding behaviors.
AB  - Hoarding disorder (HD) is characterized by difficulty discarding unneeded items
      and the accumulation of items within living spaces and is associated with
      significant functional impairment and distress. Along with the negative impact of
      hoarding on the individual, HD is substantially impairing for family members, and
      linked to disruptions in family functioning. The present study utilized a path
      model analysis to examine the associations between an array of hoarding variables
      hypothesized to impact family functioning and parent-offspring relationships in
      150 adult-aged children of hoarders who responded to online requests to
      participate in a research study. It was hypothesized that increased hoarding
      severity, decreased insight, and increased family accommodation (i.e., act of
      family members facilitating or assisting in hoarding behaviors) would be
      associated with decreased family functioning, decreased quality of parent
      offspring relationships, and increased offspring impairment. Results from the
      path model revealed that family functioning mediated the relationship between
      hoarding severity and parent-offspring relationship. Diminished insight in the
      hoarding parent (as reported by the offspring) was associated with increased
      familial conflict and family functioning partially mediated the relationship
      between insight and quality of parent-offspring relationship. Increased family
      accommodation was significantly associated with increased impairment (work,
      social, and family domains) in offspring of hoarders. 

PMID- 25129565
TI  - Concordance of the SHEA-IDSA severity classification for Clostridium difficile
      infection and the ATLAS bedside scoring system in hospitalized adult patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and Infectious
      Diseases Society of America (SHEA-IDSA) guidelines for the treatment of
      Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) recommend initial treatment of CDI based on
      disease severity. This severity definition has not been validated or evaluated
      based on clinical outcomes. The ATLAS scoring system is a validated tool useful
      in predicting treatment response and mortality in CDI. The main purpose of this
      study is to evaluate the concordance of the ATLAS scoring system and the SHEA
      IDSA staging for CDI severity. METHODS: This was a retrospective study which
      included hospitalized patients with confirmed CDI. Bivariate analyses compared
      baseline demographics and clinical information between patients with nonsevere
      and severe CDI based on the SHEA-IDSA criteria for CDI severity. Kappa scores
      were calculated to compare the concordance of the two scoring systems in defining
      CDI severity. Sensitivity and specificity of the ATLAS scoring system to
      determine CDI severity were calculated using the SHEA-IDSA criteria as the
      reference standard. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients met inclusion criteria. Of
      those, 62.5% were classified as mild to moderate CDI, 25% were severe,
      uncomplicated, and 12.5% were severe, complicated based on SHEA-IDSA criteria. In
      the bivariate analyses, ATLAS score breakpoints of >= 4, >= 5, and >= 6 revealed
      moderate agreement with the SHEA-IDSA classification for severity. The
      sensitivities and specificities for ATLAS scores in predicting CDI severity
      ranged from 58.3 to 87.5, and 67.5-87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ATLAS
      score may be useful in evaluating CDI severity and determining drug therapy
      selection.

PMID- 25129566
TI  - A case study of enteric virus removal and insights into the associated risk of
      water reuse for two wastewater treatment pond systems in Bolivia.
AB  - Wastewater treatment ponds (WTP) are one of the most widespread treatment
      technologies in the world; however, the mechanisms and extent of enteric virus
      removal in these systems are poorly understood. Two WTP systems in Bolivia, with
      similar overall hydraulic retention times but different first stages of
      treatment, were analyzed for enteric virus removal. One system consisted of a
      facultative pond followed by two maturation ponds (three-pond system) and the
      other consisted of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor followed by
      two maturation (polishing) ponds (UASB-pond system). Quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) was used to measure
      concentrations of norovirus, rotavirus, and pepper mild mottle virus, while cell
      culture methods were used to measure concentrations of culturable enteroviruses
      (EV). Limited virus removal was observed with RT-qPCR in either system; however,
      the three-pond system removed culturable EV with greater efficiency than the UASB
      pond system. The majority of viruses were not associated with particles and only
      a small proportion was associated with particles larger than 180 MUm; thus, it is
      unlikely that sedimentation is a major mechanism of virus removal. High
      concentrations of viruses were associated with particles between 0.45 and 180 MUm
      in the UASB reactor effluent, but not in the facultative pond effluent. The
      association of viruses with this size class of particles may explain why only
      minimal virus removal was observed in the UASB-pond system. Quantitative
      microbial risk assessment of the treated effluent for reuse for restricted
      irrigation indicated that the three-pond system effluent requires an additional 1
      to 2-log10 reduction of viruses to achieve the WHO health target of <10(-4)
      disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost per person per year; however, the
      UASB-pond system effluent may require an additional 2.5- to 4.5-log10 reduction
      of viruses.

PMID- 25129567
TI  - Screen-viewing among preschoolers in childcare: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Screen-viewing is one of the most common sedentary behaviors among
      preschoolers. Despite the high prevalence of sedentary behaviors in childcare,
      little research exists on the context and/or type of activities that account for
      these particular behaviors. Accordingly, if the amount of screen-viewing
      accumulated by preschoolers in childcare is not considered, researchers may be
      underestimating total screen time among this population, as only a portion of
      their day is being captured (i.e., the home environment). This systematic review
      provides a synthesis of research on the levels of screen-viewing among preschool
      aged children (2.5-5 years) attending childcare (i.e., centre- and home-based
      childcare). This review also examined the correlates of screen-viewing among
      preschoolers in this setting. To provide additional contextual information,
      availability of screen activities was used to help ameliorate the understanding
      of preschoolers' screen-viewing behaviors in childcare. METHODS: Twelve
      electronic databases were searched to retrieve relevant articles for inclusion
      (dating from 2000 onwards). Additional studies were identified via manual
      searching techniques (i.e., hand searching and citation tracking). Only English,
      published peer-reviewed articles that examined preschoolers' screen-viewing
      behaviors in childcare (i.e., rates of screen-viewing and access to/opportunities
      for related activities) were included. No restrictions to study design were
      applied. RESULTS: Seventeen international studies (4 experimental; 12 cross
      sectional; 1 mixed-methods) published between 2004 and 2014 were examined. Of
      those, eight studies reported rates of screen-viewing and found that preschoolers
      spent approximately 0.1 to 1.3 hrs/day and 1.8 to 2.4 hrs/day engaged in this
      behavior in center- and home-based childcare, respectively. High staff education
      (negative association) and type of childcare arrangement (notably, home-based
      childcare in comparison to center-based childcare; positive association) were
      identified as two correlates in relation to preschoolers' screen-viewing in
      childcare. Nine studies spoke to the availability of screen-viewing activities in
      childcare, and found the childcare environment to be conducive to this behavior.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite some variability, preschoolers appear to engage in somewhat
      high levels of screen-viewing while in childcare, particularly within home-based
      facilities. This paper also highlighted the conduciveness of the childcare
      environment with regard to screen-viewing among preschoolers. Additional
      exploration into the correlates of screen-viewing in childcare is required.
      (PROSPORO registration: CRD42013005552).

PMID- 25129568
TI  - What can providers learn from childhood body mass index trajectories: a study of
      a large, safety-net clinical population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe childhood weight gain using body mass index (BMI) z-score
      trajectories in a low-income urban safety-net population and identify among
      gender- and race/ethnicity-specific groups any trends for increased risk.
      METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 2- to 12-year-old
      patients (2006-2013) visiting a safety-net provider. BMI z-score trajectories
      were calculated overall, for gender- and race/ethnicity-specific groups, and for
      peak BMI percentile subgroups to describe weight gain longitudinally. RESULTS:
      From 2006 to 2013, a total of 26,234 eligible children were followed for an
      average of 3.7 years. At baseline (mean age, 4.2 years), 74% of patients were at
      a normal weight compared to 65% at most recent observation (mean age, 7.8 years).
      All gender and race/ethnicity subgroups showed increasing average BMI z-scores
      during childhood. Children consistently under the 50th percentile and those of
      white race had the most stable BMI z-score trajectories. BMI z-score increased
      with increasing age in all subgroups. Hispanic boys and black girls had the most
      significant increase in BMI z-score during this observation period. Children
      observed in early childhood and whose BMI exceeded the 95th percentile at any
      time were often already overweight (20%) or obese (36%) by 3 years of age.
      CONCLUSIONS: The entire population demonstrated an upward trend in BMI z-score
      trajectory. This trend was most notable among black girls and Hispanic boys. Many
      obese children were already overweight by age 3, and persistence of obesity after
      3 years of age was high, suggesting that intervention before age 3 may be
      essential to curbing unhealthy weight trajectories.

PMID- 25129569
TI  - The social construction of 'dowry deaths'.
AB  - The classification of cause of death is real in its consequences: for the
      reputation of the deceased, for her family, for those who may be implicated, and
      for epidemiological and social research and policies and practices that may
      follow from it. The study reported here refers specifically to the processes
      involved in classifying deaths of women from burns in India. In particular, it
      examines the determination of 'dowry death', a class used in India, but not in
      other jurisdictions. Classification of death is situated within a framework of
      special legal provisions intended to protect vulnerable women from dowry-related
      violence and abuse. The findings are based on 33 case studies tracked in hospital
      in real time, and interviews with 14 physicians and 14 police officers with
      experience of dealing with burns cases. The formal class into which any given
      death is allocated is shown to result from motivated accounting processes
      representing the interests and resources available to the doctors, victims,
      victim families, the victim's husband and his family, and ultimately, the police.
      These processes may lead to biases in research and to injustice in the treatment
      of victims and alleged offenders. Suggestions are made for methods of
      ameliorating the risks. 

PMID- 25129570
TI  - The role of low levels of fullerene C60 nanocrystals on enhanced learning and
      memory of rats through persistent CaMKII activation.
AB  - Engineered nanomaterials are known to exhibit diverse and sometimes unexpected
      biological effects. Fullerene nanoparticles have been reported to specifically
      bind to and elicit persistent activation of hippocampal Ca(2+)/calmodulin
      dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), a multimeric intracellular serine/threonine
      kinase central to Ca(2+) signal transduction and critical for synaptic
      plasticity, but the functional consequence of that modulation is unknown. Here we
      show that low doses of fullerene C60 nanocrystals (Nano C60), delivered through
      intrahippocampal infusion and without any obvious cytotoxicity in hippocampal
      neuronal cells, enhance the long-term potentiation (LTP) of rats. Intraperitoneal
      injection of 320 MUg/kg of Nano C60, once daily for 10 days, also enhanced
      spatial memory of rats in addition to an increase of LTP. In parallel, both the
      IH and IP administration of Nano C60 increased the autonomous activity and the
      level of threonine 286 (T286) autophosphorylation of CaMKII, enhanced post
      synaptic AMPA/NMDA ratio, and triggered time-dependent activation of ERK and
      CREB. Our results reveal a striking and highly unexpected ability of Nano C60 in
      positively modulating learning and memory, an effect that is most likely
      manifested through locking CaMKII in an active conformation, and may have
      significant implications for the potential therapeutic applications of fullerene
      C60, a classic engineered nanomaterial.

PMID- 25129571
TI  - The mechanism for keratinocyte detaching from pH-responsive chitosan.
AB  - In this study, we compared the detachment ratio of HaCaT and Hs68 cells from pH
      responsive chitosan surface by raising medium pH from 7.20 to 7.65 for 60 min.
      The detachment ratio of elongated Hs68 cells was over 75%, but that of round
      shaped HaCaT cells was less than 50%, even extending the incubation time to 6 h
      or enhancing the cytoskeletal contractile force with the Rho activator CN01.
      However, the addition of 2 mm of EDTA into the medium at pH 7.65 could
      effectively detach HaCaT cells (detachment ratio > 90%), indicating that the
      calcium ion played an important role in the detachment process. Therefore, the
      family of Ca(+2)-dependent integrin receptors was examined by RT-PCR, real-time
      PCR and immunocytochemistry. It was found the expression of integrin beta4
      (ITGb4) was HaCaT cell-specific and the mRNA level of ITGb4 in undetached HaCaT
      cells was significantly higher than that in detached ones. By modulating ITGb4
      activity with specific functional blocking antibody ASC-8, the detachment ratio
      of HaCaT cells could be increased to be greater than 85%. Conversely, the
      addition of the ligand of ITGb4 laminin into the culture system decreased the
      medium pH-induced detachment ratio for HaCaT cells, but not for Hs68 cells.
      Further addition of ASC-8 could rescue the effect of laminin on preventing the
      detachment of HaCaT cells from pH-sensitive chitosan surface. Therefore, this
      study demonstrated the interaction of ITGb4 and laminin played an important role
      in controlling the detachment of HaCaT cells on pH-responsive chitosan.

PMID- 25129572
TI  - Treatment of PTSD and Chronic Daily Headache.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often comorbid with
      chronic migraine (CM) and chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). Trauma-focused
      cognitive behavioral psychotherapies, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
      (SSRIs), and venlafaxine have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of PTSD.
      Amitriptyline, topiramate, sodium valproate, and botulinum toxin A are
      efficacious for treatment of chronic daily headache (CDH). Treatment studies on
      individuals with CDH and comorbid PTSD, however, are limited. As such, multiple
      therapeutic agents or modes of interventions typically are necessary, such that
      comprehensive treatment simultaneously utilizes approaches with established
      efficacy for each individual condition.

PMID- 25129573
TI  - Long-term wheel running changes on sensorimotor activity and skeletal muscle in
      male and female mice of accelerated senescence.
AB  - The senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) is considered a useful non
      transgenic model for studying aspects of aging. Using SAM resistant 1 (SAMR1) as
      controls, the long-term effects of wheel running on skeletal muscle adaptations
      and behavioral traits were evaluated in senescent (P8) and resistant (R1) male
      and female mice. Long-term wheel running (WR) led to increases in locomotor
      activity, benefits in sensorimotor function, and changes in body weight in a
      gender-dependent manner. WR increased body weight and baseline levels of
      locomotor activity in female mice and improved balance and strength in male mice,
      compared to sedentary-control mice. WR resulted in key metabolic adaptations in
      skeletal muscle, associated with an increased activity of the sirtuin 1-AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK)-PGC-1 alpha axis and changes in vascular
      endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa), glucose transporter type 4 (Glut4), and
      Cluster of Differentiation 36 (Cd36) gene expression. Overall, our data indicate
      that activity, balance, and strength decrease with age and that long-term WR may
      significantly improve the motor function in a mouse model of senescence in a
      gender-dependent manner. 

PMID- 25129574
TI  - Are the leukocyte telomere length attrition and telomerase activity alteration
      potential predictor biomarkers for sporadic TAA in aged individuals?
AB  - A large variability in occurrence, complications, and age/gender manifestations
      characterizes individual susceptibility of sporadic thoracic aortic aneurysms
      (TAA), even in subjects with the same risk factor profiles. The reasons are
      poorly understood. On the other hand, TAA pathophysiology mechanisms remain
      unclear than those involved in abdominal aorta aneurysms. However, recent
      evidence is suggesting a crucial role of biological ageing in inter-individual
      risk variation of cardiovascular diseases, including sporadic TAA. Biological age
      rather than chronological age is a better predictor of vascular risk. Relevant
      assumptions support this concept. In confirming this evidence and our preliminary
      data, the mean of blood leukocyte telomere length, through use of terminal
      restriction fragment assay and in blood samples from sporadic TAA patients and
      controls, was examined. Telomerase activity was also analyzed in two groups. In
      addition, we verified the weight of genetic inflammatory variants and the major
      TAA risk factors in telomere/telomerase impairment. Aorta histopathological
      abnormalities and systemic inflammatory mediators were ultimately correlated with
      telomere/telomerase impairment. Data obtained demonstrated shorter telomeres and
      a reduced telomerase activity in TAA patients significantly associated with a
      genetic inflammatory risk profile, age, gender, smoking, hypertension, a
      histopathological phenotype, and higher levels of systemic inflammatory mediators
      than controls. In conclusion, telomere and telomerase activity's detection might
      be used as predictor biomarkers of sporadic TAA. Their impairment also suggests a
      strong role of vascular ageing in sporadic TAA, evocated by both environmental
      and genetic inflammatory factors. 

PMID- 25129575
TI  - Experiences with capnography in acute care settings: a mixed-methods analysis of
      clinical staff.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although capnography is being incorporated into clinical guidelines, it
      is not used to its full potential. We investigated reasons for limited
      implementation of capnography in acute care areas and explored facilitators and
      barriers to its implementation. METHODS: A purposeful sample of physicians and
      nurses in emergency departments and intensive care units participated in
      semistructured interviews. Grounded theory, iterative data analysis, and the
      constant comparative method were used to analyze the data to inductively generate
      ideas and build theories. RESULTS: Nineteen providers were interviewed from 5
      hospitals. Six themes were identified: variability in use of capnography among
      acute care units, availability and accessibility of capnography equipment, the
      evidence behind capnography use, the impact of capnography on patient care,
      personal experiences impacting use of capnography, and variable knowledge about
      capnography. Barriers and facilitators to use were found within each theme.
      CONCLUSIONS: We observed varied responsiveness to capnography and identified
      factors that work to foster or discourage its use. These data can guide future
      implementation strategies. A deliberate strategy to foster utilization, mitigate
      barriers, and broadly accelerate implementation has the potential to profoundly
      impact use of capnography in acute care areas with the goal of improving patient
      care.

PMID- 25129576
TI  - Correlation of patient-reported outcomes of sedation and sedation assessment
      scores in critically ill patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are recommended as indicators of
      quality in the intensive care unit. We studied the correlation between PROs of
      sedation quality and a universal sedation assessment scale in critically ill
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine mechanically ventilated adults
      admitted to a surgical/trauma or medical intensive care unit requiring continuous
      infusion sedation for 24 hours or more were prospectively included. Patient
      reported outcomes were evaluated through sedation questionnaire 24 hours post
      continuous infusion sedation. The primary outcome was the correlation of PROs
      with Sedation-Agitation Scale (SAS) scores. RESULTS: Mean (SD) SAS scores per 12
      hour nursing shift for propofol (n=179), midazolam (n=42), and dexmedetomidine
      (n=8) were 3.78 (77), 3.31 (1.1), and 2.98 (0.76), respectively. The mean score
      for survey questions addressing perceptions of comfort was 5.3 (1, complete
      comfort; 10, not comfortable at all). Of the patients, 34%, 7%, and 52% would
      want more, less, or the same amount of sedation, respectively, if this situation
      were to arise again. Patient perception of comfort correlated with the percent
      time at goal SAS score; r=0.31 (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Patient-reported outcomes of
      sedation correlate with the percentage of time spent in the goal range of scores
      for a universal sedation assessment scale. These findings represent initial
      attempts to appreciate the patient's perspective in the management and monitoring
      of agitation.

PMID- 25129577
TI  - Aspiration pneumonia: a review of modern trends.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose was to describe aspiration pneumonia in the context of other
      lung infections and aspiration syndromes and to distinguish between the main
      scenarios commonly implied when the terms aspiration or aspiration pneumonia are
      used. Finally, we aim to summarize current evidence surrounding the diagnosis,
      microbiology, treatment, risks, and prevention of aspiration pneumonia. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Medline was searched from inception to November 2013. All
      descriptive or experimental studies that added to the understanding of aspiration
      pneumonia were reviewed. All studies that provided insight into the clinical
      aspiration syndromes, historical context, diagnosis, microbiology, risk factors,
      prevention, and treatment were summarized within the text. RESULTS: Despite the
      original teaching, aspiration pneumonia is difficult to distinguish from other
      pneumonia syndromes. The microbiology of pneumonia after a macroaspiration has
      changed over the last 60 years from an anaerobic infection to one of aerobic and
      nosocomial bacteria. Successful antibiotic therapy has been achieved with several
      antibiotics. Various risks for aspiration have been described leading to several
      proposed preventative measures. CONCLUSIONS: Aspiration pneumonia is a disease
      with a distinct pathophysiology. In the modern era, aspiration pneumonia is
      rarely solely an anaerobic infection. Antibiotic treatment is largely dependent
      on the clinical scenario. Several measures may help prevent aspiration pneumonia.

PMID- 25129578
TI  - Bacterial diversity assessment in soil of an active Brazilian copper mine using
      high-throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA amplicons.
AB  - Mining activities pose severe environmental risks worldwide, generating extreme
      pH conditions and high concentrations of heavy metals, which can have major
      impacts on the survival of organisms. In this work, pyrosequencing of the V3
      region of the 16S rDNA was used to analyze the bacterial communities in soil
      samples from a Brazilian copper mine. For the analysis, soil samples were
      collected from the slopes (geotechnical structures) and the surrounding drainage
      of the Sossego mine (comprising the Sossego and Sequeirinho deposits). The
      results revealed complex bacterial diversity, and there was no influence of
      deposit geographic location on the composition of the communities. However, the
      environment type played an important role in bacterial community divergence; the
      composition and frequency of OTUs in the slope samples were different from those
      of the surrounding drainage samples, and Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes,
      and Gammaproteobacteria were responsible for the observed difference. Chemical
      analysis indicated that both types of sample presented a high metal content,
      while the amounts of organic matter and water were higher in the surrounding
      drainage samples. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (N-MDS) analysis identified
      organic matter and water as important distinguishing factors between the
      bacterial communities from the two types of mine environment. Although habitat
      specific OTUs were found in both environments, they were more abundant in the
      surrounding drainage samples (around 50 %), and contributed to the higher
      bacterial diversity found in this habitat. The slope samples were dominated by a
      smaller number of phyla, especially Firmicutes. The bacterial communities from
      the slope and surrounding drainage samples were different in structure and
      composition, and the organic matter and water present in these environments
      contributed to the observed differences. 

PMID- 25129579
TI  - Longitudinal changes of telomere length and epigenetic age related to traumatic
      stress and post-traumatic stress disorder.
AB  - Several studies have reported an association between traumatic stress and
      telomere length suggesting that traumatic stress has an impact on ageing at the
      cellular level. A newly derived tool provides an additional means to investigate
      cellular ageing by estimating epigenetic age based on DNA methylation profiles.
      We therefore hypothesise that in a longitudinal study of traumatic stress both
      indicators of cellular ageing will show increased ageing. We expect that
      particularly in individuals that developed symptoms of post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) increases in these ageing parameters would stand out. From an
      existing longitudinal cohort study, ninety-six male soldiers were selected based
      on trauma exposure and the presence of symptoms of PTSD. All military personnel
      were deployed in a combat zone in Afghanistan and assessed before and 6 months
      after deployment. The Self-Rating Inventory for PTSD was used to measure the
      presence of PTSD symptoms, while exposure to combat trauma during deployment was
      measured with a 19-item deployment experiences checklist. These groups did not
      differ for age, gender, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, military rank,
      length, weight, or medication use. In DNA from whole blood telomere length was
      measured and DNA methylation levels were assessed using the Illumina 450K DNA
      methylation arrays. Epigenetic ageing was estimated using the DNAm age estimator
      procedure. The association of trauma with telomere length was in the expected
      direction but not significant (B=-10.2, p=0.52). However, contrary to our
      expectations, development of PTSD symptoms was associated with the reverse
      process, telomere lengthening (B=1.91, p=0.018). In concordance, trauma
      significantly accelerated epigenetic ageing (B=1.97, p=0.032) and similar to the
      findings in telomeres, development of PTSD symptoms was inversely associated with
      epigenetic ageing (B=-0.10, p=0.044). Blood cell count, medication and premorbid
      early life trauma exposure did not confound the results. Overall, in this
      longitudinal study of military personnel deployed to Afghanistan we show an
      acceleration of ageing by trauma. However, development of PTSD symptoms was
      associated with telomere lengthening and reversed epigenetic ageing. These
      findings warrant further study of a perhaps dysfunctional compensatory cellular
      ageing reversal in PTSD. 

PMID- 25129580
TI  - Darwinian medicine and psoriasis.
AB  - Darwinian medicine, or evolutionary medicine, regards some pathological
      conditions as attempts by the organism to solve a problem or develop defense
      mechanisms. At certain stages of human evolution, some diseases may have
      conferred a selective advantage. Psoriasis is a high-penetrance multigenic
      disorder with prevalence among whites of up to 3%. Psoriatic lesions have been
      linked with enhanced wound-healing qualities and greater capacity to fight
      infection. Leprosy, tuberculosis, and infections caused by viruses similar to
      human immunodeficiency virus have been postulated as environmental stressors that
      may have selected for psoriasis-promoting genes in some human populations. The
      tendency of patients with severe psoriasis to develop metabolic syndrome may
      reflect the body's attempt to react to environmental stresses and warning signs
      by triggering insulin resistance and fat storage.

PMID- 25129581
TI  - Editor's note.

PMID- 25129582
TI  - Clarity of purpose, focused attention: The essence of excellence.

PMID- 25129583
TI  - 2014 AATS guidelines for the prevention and management of perioperative atrial
      fibrillation and flutter for thoracic surgical procedures. Executive summary.

PMID- 25129584
TI  - Aspirin unresponsiveness predicts thrombosis in high-risk pediatric patients
      after cardiac surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Thrombosis occurs in up to 26% of patients with congenital heart
      disease after cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity and
      mortality. Aspirin is commonly administered to reduce the risk of thrombosis, yet
      aspirin responsiveness is rarely assessed. In this study, we hypothesize that
      inadequate response to aspirin is associated with increased risk of thrombosis
      after selected congenital cardiac procedures considered to be high risk for
      thrombosis. METHODS: Patients undergoing high-risk congenital cardiac surgery who
      received postoperative aspirin (N = 95) were studied. Response to aspirin was
      determined using the VerifyNow system several days after administration. Patients
      were monitored prospectively for 30 days for the development of a thrombosis
      event and the relationship between aspirin unresponsiveness and a thrombosis
      event was determined by the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Rate of aspirin
      unresponsiveness (>=550 aspirin reaction units [ARU]) was 10 of 95 (10.5%) and
      was highest in patients weighing less than 5 kg given 20.25 mg/d of aspirin.
      Thrombosis events occurred in 7 patients (7.4%). Thrombosis was observed in 6 of
      10 (60%) patients who were unresponsive to aspirin, compared with 1 of 85 (1.2%)
      patients who were responsive to aspirin (P < .001). In 2 patients who were
      unresponsive to the initial aspirin dose, an increase in dose resulted in an
      adequate therapeutic aspirin response (ARU < 550), suggesting insufficiency
      rather than true resistance in a subset of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative
      thrombosis is associated with aspirin unresponsiveness in this patient
      population. In high-risk patients, monitoring of aspirin therapy and
      consideration of dose adjustment or alternative agents for unresponsive patients
      may be justified and warrants further investigation in a prospective trial.

PMID- 25129586
TI  - Mechanisms of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with hypoplastic left heart
      syndrome undergoing tricuspid valvuloplasty.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) remains a risk factor for morbidity and
      mortality through staged palliation in patients with hypoplastic left heart
      syndrome (HLHS). Reports on the mechanisms associated with TR in patients with
      HLHS are limited. Thus, we sought to describe our experience with tricuspid valve
      (TV) repair in these patients, focusing on the mechanisms of TR and corresponding
      surgical techniques. METHODS: We performed a retrospective single-center review
      (January 2000 to December 2012) of patients with HLHS undergoing TV repair and
      completing Fontan circulation. We evaluated the pre- and postoperative
      echocardiograms, intraoperative findings, and surgical techniques used. RESULTS:
      A total of 53 TV repairs were performed in 35 patients with HLHS completing
      staged palliation. TV repairs were performed at stage II in 15, between stage II
      and III in 4, at stage III in 27, and after stage III in 7. The surgical
      techniques for valvuloplasty included annuloplasty (38%), anteroseptal (AS)
      commissuroplasty (66%), anterior papillary muscle repositioning (11%), multiple
      commissuroplasties (9%), septal-posterior commissuroplasty (9%), and fenestration
      closure (4%). The predominant jet of TR emanated along the AS commissure in 68%
      of the cases. All patients survived the procedure and were discharged.
      Preoperative echocardiography showed a dilated TV annulus on the lateral
      dimension, anteroposterior dimension, and area that was significantly reduced
      after TV repair (P < .0001). The preoperative mean TR, as assessed by lateral (P
      = .002) and anteroposterior (P = .005) vena contracta, was also significantly
      reduced after TV repair. TV repair did not significantly affect right ventricular
      systolic function immediately after surgery (P = .17) or at the most recent
      follow-up visit (P = .52). Patients with anterior leaflet prolapse were at
      increased risk of worse outcomes, including moderate or greater right ventricular
      dysfunction (P = .02). Patients requiring reoperation for TV repair were younger
      (6.3 vs 28.1 months, P < .0001) at the initial operation. One patient died of
      heart failure. Freedom from TV replacement and transplant-free survival were both
      97% at the most recent follow-up point. CONCLUSIONS: TR in patients with HLHS
      commonly emanates from the AS commissure. The associated mechanisms are often
      annular dilatation and anterior leaflet prolapse. Preoperative anterior leaflet
      prolapse was associated with worse outcomes. Annuloplasty, closure of the AS
      commissure, and repositioning of the anterior papillary muscle are effective in
      addressing TR in the short- and mid-term in this challenging population.

PMID- 25129589
TI  - Pulmonary endarterectomy for distal chronic thromboembolic pulmonary
      hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension can be cured by
      pulmonary endarterectomy. Operability assessment remains a major concern, because
      there are no well-defined criteria to discriminate proximal from distal
      obstructions, and surgical candidacy depends mostly on the surgeon's experience.
      The intraoperative classification of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary
      hypertension describes 4 types of lesions, based on anatomy and location. We
      describe our recent experience with the more distal (type 3) disease. METHODS:
      More than 500 pulmonary endarterectomies were performed at Foundation I.R.C.C.S.
      Policlinico San Matteo (Pavia, Italy). Because of recent changes in the patient
      population, 331 endarterectomies performed from January 2008 to December 2013
      were analyzed. Two groups of patients were identified according to the
      intraoperative classification: proximal (type 1 and type 2 lesions, 221 patients)
      and distal (type 3 lesions, 110 patients). RESULTS: The number of
      endarterectomies for distal chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
      increased significantly over time (currently ~37%). Deep venous thrombosis was
      confirmed as a risk factor for proximal disease, whereas patients with distal
      obstruction had a higher prevalence of indwelling intravascular devices. Overall
      hospital mortality was 6.9%, with no difference in the 2 groups. Postoperative
      survival was excellent. In all patients, surgery was followed by a significant
      and sustained improvement in hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and functional
      parameters, with no difference between proximal and distal cases. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although distal chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension represents the most
      challenging situation, the postoperative outcomes of both proximal and distal
      cases are excellent. The diagnosis of inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary
      hypertension should be achieved only in experienced centers, because many
      patients who have been deemed inoperable might benefit from favorable surgical
      outcomes.

PMID- 25129591
TI  - Long-term outcomes after immediate aortic repair for acute type A aortic
      dissection complicated by coma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The management of acute type A aortic dissection complicated by coma
      remains controversial. We previously reported an excellent rate of recovery of
      consciousness provided aortic repair was performed within 5 hours of the onset of
      symptoms. This study evaluates the early and long-term outcomes using this
      approach. METHODS: Between August 2003 and July 2013, of the 241 patients with
      acute type A aortic dissection brought to the Japanese Red Cross Kobe Hospital
      and Hyogo Emergency Medical Center, 30 (12.4%) presented with coma; Glasgow Coma
      Scale was less than 11 on arrival. Surgery was performed in 186 patients,
      including 27 (14.5%) who were comatose. Twenty-four comatose patients underwent
      successful aortic repair immediately (immediate group). Their mean age was 71.0
      +/- 11.1 years, Glasgow Coma Scale was 6.5 +/- 2.4, and prevalence of carotid
      dissection was 79%. For brain protection, deep hypothermia with antegrade
      cerebral perfusion was used, and postoperative induced hypothermia was performed.
      Neurologic evaluations were performed using the Glasgow Coma Scale, National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: In the
      immediate group, the time from the onset of symptoms to arrival in the operating
      theater was 222 +/- 86 minutes. Hospital mortality was 12.5%. Full recovery of
      consciousness was achieved in 79% of patients in up to 30 days. Postoperative
      Glasgow Coma Scale and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale improved
      significantly when compared with the preoperative score (P < .05), and
      postoperative activities of daily living independence (modified Rankin Scale <3)
      was achieved in 50% of patients. The mean follow-up period was 56.5 months, and
      the cumulative survival was 48.2% after 10 years. Cox proportional hazards
      regression analysis indicated that immediate repair (hazard ratio, 4.3; P = .007)
      was the only significant predictor of postoperative survival over a 5-year
      period. CONCLUSIONS: The early and long-term outcomes as a result of immediate
      aortic repair for acute type A aortic dissection complicated by coma were
      satisfactory.

PMID- 25129593
TI  - Management of mitral regurgitation in Marfan syndrome: Outcomes of valve repair
      versus replacement and comparison with myxomatous mitral valve disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study objective was to evaluate patients with Marfan syndrome and
      mitral valve regurgitation undergoing valve repair or replacement and to compare
      them with patients undergoing repair for myxomatous mitral valve disease.
      METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients with Marfan
      syndrome treated surgically between March 17, 1960, and September 12, 2011, for
      mitral regurgitation and performed a subanalysis of those with repairs compared
      with case-matched patients with myxomatous mitral valve disease who had repairs
      (March 14, 1995, to July 5, 2013). RESULTS: Of 61 consecutive patients, 40
      underwent mitral repair and 21 underwent mitral replacement (mean [standard
      deviation] age, 40 [18] vs 31 [19] years; P = .09). Concomitant aortic surgery
      was performed to a similar extent (repair, 45% [18/40] vs replacement, 43%
      [9/21]; P = .87). Ten-year survival was significantly better in patients with
      Marfan syndrome with mitral repair than in those with replacement (80% vs 41%; P
      = .01). Mitral reintervention did not differ between mitral repair and
      replacement (cumulative risk of reoperation, 27% vs 15%; P = .64). In the matched
      cohort, 10-year survival after repair was similar for patients with Marfan
      syndrome and myxomatous mitral disease (84% vs 78%; P = .63), as was cumulative
      risk of reoperation (17% vs 12%; P = .61). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Marfan
      syndrome and mitral regurgitation have better survival with repair than with
      replacement. Survival and risk of reoperation for patients with Marfan syndrome
      were similar to those for patients with myxomatous mitral disease. These results
      support the use of mitral valve repair in patients with Marfan syndrome and
      moderate or more mitral regurgitation, including those having composite
      replacement of the aortic root.

PMID- 25129595
TI  - Topical vancomycin in combination with perioperative antibiotics and tight
      glycemic control helps to eliminate sternal wound infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether topical vancomycin
      would further reduce the incidence of sternal infections in the presence of
      perioperative antibiotics and tight glycemic control. METHODS: A total of 1075
      consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery from December 2007 to August 2013
      receiving topical vancomycin (2.5 g in 2 mL of normal saline) applied as a slurry
      to the cut edges of the sternum were compared with 2190 patients from December
      2003 to November 2007 who did not receive topical vancomycin. All patients
      received perioperative antibiotics (cefazolin 2 g intravenously every 8 hours and
      vancomycin 1 g intravenously every 12 hours) on induction of anesthetic and
      continuing for 48 hours; and intravenous insulin infusions to maintain serum
      blood glucose level between 120 and 180 mg/dL. RESULTS: Patients receiving
      topical vancomycin had less superficial sternal infections (0% vs 1.6%; P <
      .0001), deep sternal infections (0% vs 0.7%; P = .005), any type of sternal
      infection (0% vs 2.2%; P < .0001) and significantly less sternal infections of
      any type in patients with diabetes mellitus (0% vs 3.3%; P = .0004). CONCLUSIONS:
      Topical vancomycin applied to the sternal edges, in conjunction with
      perioperative antibiotics and tight glycemic control, helps to eliminate wound
      infections in cardiac surgical patients.

PMID- 25129597
TI  - Circulating tumor cells from a 4-dimensional lung cancer model are resistant to
      cisplatin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of cisplatin on circulatory tumor cells (CTC)
      and tumor nodules in a four-dimensional (4D) lung cancer model. METHODS: CTCs
      from the 4D model seeded with H1299, A549, or H460 and respective cells that were
      grown under two-dimensional conditions in a Petri dish were treated with 50 MUM
      cisplatin for 24 and 48 hours and cell viability was determined. The lung nodules
      in the 4D model were then treated with different continuous or intermittent doses
      of cisplatin and the nodule size, the number of CTCs, and the level of matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP) were determined. RESULTS: Cisplatin led to a significant
      decrease in the viability of tumor cells grown under 2D conditions (P < .01) but
      not in CTCs from the 4D model after both 24 hours and 48 hours. Cisplatin led to
      regression of tumor nodules with both the continuous and intermittent treatments.
      Moreover, there was a significantly higher number of CTCs per tumor area (P <
      .05) and MMP-2 production per tumor area (P = .007) for all human lung cancer
      cell lines grown in the 4D model when treated with cisplatin. CONCLUSIONS: The 4D
      lung cancer model allows for the isolation of CTCs that are resistant to
      cisplatin treatment. The model may allow us to better understand the biology of
      cisplatin resistance.

PMID- 25129599
TI  - Quantitative analysis of exhaled carbonyl compounds distinguishes benign from
      malignant pulmonary disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The analysis of exhaled breath is a promising noninvasive tool for
      the diagnosis of lung cancer, but its clinical relevance has yet to be
      established. We report the analysis of exhaled volatile carbonyl compounds for
      the identification of specific carbonyl cancer markers to differentiate benign
      pulmonary disease from early-stage lung cancer and to compare its diagnostic
      accuracy with positron emission tomography (PET) scans. METHODS: Aminooxy-coated
      silicon microchips were used for the selective capture of exhaled carbonyls by an
      oximation reaction. Breath samples were collected then directed through the
      silicon chips by applying a vacuum. Carbonyl adducts were analyzed by Fourier
      transform mass spectrometry. Eighty-eight control subjects, 107 patients with
      lung cancer (64 stage 0, I, or II), 40 patients with benign pulmonary disease,
      and 7 patients with a solitary pulmonary metastasis participated. Analysis of
      cancer markers was performed blinded to the pathologic results. RESULTS: Four
      carbonyls were defined as cancer markers with significantly higher concentrations
      in patients with lung cancer. The number of increased cancer markers
      distinguished benign disease from both early and stage III and IV lung cancer.
      For early-stage disease, defining greater than 2 increased markers as diagnostic
      of lung cancer resulted in 83% sensitivity and 74% specificity. PET scans for
      this same cohort resulted in 90% sensitivity but only 39% specificity. Markers
      normalized for 3 of the 4 markers after resection of the lung cancer.
      CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of specific exhaled carbonyls can differentiate early lung
      cancer from benign pulmonary disease. Breath analysis was more specific than PET
      for a lung cancer diagnosis. Judicious use of these data may expedite the care of
      patients with lung cancer.

PMID- 25129601
TI  - Energy loss, a novel biomechanical parameter, correlates with aortic aneurysm
      size and histopathologic findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Energy loss is a biomechanical parameter that represents the relative
      amount of energy absorbed by the aorta during the cardiac cycle. We aimed to
      correlate energy loss with ascending aortic aneurysm size and histopathologic
      findings to elucidate the pathophysiology of aneurysm complications. METHODS:
      Aneurysmal ascending aortic specimens were obtained during surgery. Control
      specimens were obtained from autopsy and organ donors. Biaxial tensile tests were
      performed on the 4 quadrants of the aortic ring. Energy loss was calculated using
      the integral of the stress-strain curve during loading and unloading. It was
      compared with the size and the traditional biomechanical parameter, stiffness
      (apparent modulus of elasticity). Elastin, collagen, and mucopolysaccharide
      content were quantified using Movat pentachrome staining of histology slides.
      RESULTS: A total of 41 aortas were collected (34 aneurysmal, 7 control). The
      aneurysms exhibited increased stiffness (P < .0001) and energy loss (P < .0001)
      compared with the controls. Energy loss correlated significantly with aortic size
      (P < .0001, r(2) = .60). A hinge point was noted at a diameter of 5.5 cm, after
      which energy loss increased rapidly. The relationship between energy loss and
      size became strongly linear once the size was indexed to the body surface area (P
      < .0001, r(2) = .78). Energy loss correlated with the histopathologic findings,
      especially the collagen/elastin ratio (P = .0002, r(2) = .49). High energy loss
      distinguished patients with pathologic histologic findings from others with
      similar diameters. CONCLUSIONS: As ascending aortas dilate, they exhibit greater
      energy loss that rapidly increases after 5.5 cm. This mirrors the increase in
      complications at this size. Energy loss correlates with imbalances in elastin and
      collagen composition, suggesting a measurable link between the histopathologic
      features and mechanical function.

PMID- 25129605
TI  - Outcomes after implantation of partial-support left ventricular assist devices in
      inotropic-dependent patients: Do we still need full-support assist devices?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Partial-support left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) represent a
      novel strategy for heart failure treatment. The Synergy Pocket Micro-pump
      (HeartWare Inc, Framingham, Mass), the smallest surgically implanted long-term
      LVAD, provides partial flow up to 4.25 L/min and was primarily designed for "less
      sick" patients with severe heart failure. This device is implanted minimally
      invasively without sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. Early implantation in
      patients with Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support
      class 4 and higher was shown to be feasible and associated with significantly
      improved hemodynamics and quality of life. The aim of this study was to present
      our experience with implementation of long-term partial circulatory support as a
      bridge to transplantation in patients with more advanced heart failure who were
      dependent preoperatively on inotropic support or intra-aortic balloon pump.
      METHODS: In this observational study, only inotropic or intra-aortic balloon pump
      dependent patients with end-stage heart failure were included (n = 12). These
      patients underwent Synergy device implantation between February 2012 and August
      2013. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Interagency Registry for Mechanically
      Assisted Circulatory Support class was 2.17 +/- 0.84 (class 1, 25%; class 2, 33%;
      class 3, 42%). The mean age was 46 +/- 15 years, and 33% were female.
      Preoperatively, 4 patients (33%) had at least 1 previous sternotomy, 3 patients
      (25%) were supported with a balloon pump, 1 patient (8%) had a previous full
      support LVAD, and 4 patients (33%) had cerebrovascular events in the past. After
      device implantation, there were no right ventricular failures, device-related
      infections, hemorrhagic strokes, arterial or venous thromboembolisms, or
      worsenings of aortic and mitral regurgitation observed over the follow-up. The
      mean follow up was 174 +/- 171 days (range, 5-764 days; cumulative, 3199 days).
      One patient (8%) died, 3 patients (25%) successfully underwent transplantation, 1
      device (8%) was explanted after myocardial recovery, and 5 patients (42%) are
      still on ongoing support. Two patients (17%) were upgraded to a full-support LVAD
      after 65 days of mean support. A total of 11 of 12 patients (92%) were discharged
      from the hospital and are presently alive. Left ventricular end-diastolic
      diameter was significantly reduced 3 months after device implantation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Partial LVAD support may be clinically efficacious in inotropic and
      intra-aortic balloon pump-dependent patients. On the basis of our experience and
      evidence of previous research, such patients may benefit from minimally invasive
      access, no need for sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass, a short implantation
      time, an easy exchange if necessary, and a lower risk of subsequent heart
      transplantation. Because the implantation is performed without sternotomy, device
      upgrade is feasible with a comparatively low operative risk and good clinical
      outcome. Our preliminary results show that partial-support devices may have the
      potential to replace full-support LVADs in the near future.

PMID- 25129603
TI  - Tissue-engineered, hydrogel-based endothelial progenitor cell therapy robustly
      revascularizes ischemic myocardium and preserves ventricular function.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cell-based angiogenic therapy for ischemic heart failure has had
      limited clinical impact, likely related to low cell retention (<1%) and
      dispersion. We developed a novel, tissue-engineered, hydrogel-based cell-delivery
      strategy to overcome these limitations and provide prolonged regional retention
      of myocardial endothelial progenitor cells at high cell dosage. METHODS:
      Endothelial progenitor cells were isolated from Wistar rats and encapsulated in
      fibrin gels. In vitro viability was quantified using a fluorescent live-dead
      stain of transgenic enhanced green fluorescent protein(+) endothelial progenitor
      cells. Endothelial progenitor cell-laden constructs were implanted onto ischemic
      rat myocardium in a model of acute myocardial infarction (left anterior
      descending ligation) for 4 weeks. Intramyocardial cell injection (2 * 10(6)
      endothelial progenitor cells), empty fibrin, and isolated left anterior
      descending ligation groups served as controls. Hemodynamics were quantified using
      echocardiography, Doppler flow analysis, and intraventricular pressure-volume
      analysis. Vasculogenesis and ventricular geometry were quantified. Endothelial
      progenitor cell migration was analyzed by using endothelial progenitor cells from
      transgenic enhanced green fluorescent protein(+) rodents. RESULTS: Endothelial
      progenitor cells demonstrated an overall 88.7% viability for all matrix and cell
      conditions investigated after 48 hours. Histologic assessment of 1-week implants
      demonstrated significant migration of transgenic enhanced green fluorescent
      protein(+) endothelial progenitor cells from the fibrin matrix to the infarcted
      myocardium compared with intramyocardial cell injection (28 +/- 12.3 cells/high
      power field vs 2.4 +/- 2.1 cells/high power field, P = .0001). We also observed a
      marked increase in vasculogenesis at the implant site. Significant improvements
      in ventricular hemodynamics and geometry were present after endothelial
      progenitor cell-hydrogel therapy compared with control. CONCLUSIONS: We present a
      tissue-engineered, hydrogel-based endothelial progenitor cell-mediated therapy to
      enhance cell delivery, cell retention, vasculogenesis, and preservation of
      myocardial structure and function.

PMID- 25129607
TI  - Functional evaluation of human donation after cardiac death donor hearts using a
      continuous isolated myocardial perfusion technique: Potential for expansion of
      the cardiac donor population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the resuscitation potential and contractile function in
      adult human donation after cardiac death (DCD) hearts by ex vivo perfusion.
      METHODS: With institutional review board approval and under the DCD protocol at
      the University of Wisconsin (UW) Organ Procurement Organization, 5 brain dead
      (BD) and 5 DCD donor hearts were evaluated. All BD hearts were declined for
      clinical transplantation because of coronary artery disease, advanced age, or
      social history. All hearts were preserved by flushing and cold storage with UW
      solution. By using our ex vivo perfusion system, the left ventricular end
      systolic pressure-volume relationship (LV-ESPVR) was assessed for 2 hours of
      oxygenated blood reperfusion. RESULTS: All BD (n = 5) and 4 DCD hearts were
      successfully resuscitated. One DCD heart was unable to be resuscitated due to
      prolonged warm ischemic time (WIT; 174 minutes). Mean WIT for resuscitated DCD
      hearts (from extubation to flushing with cold UW solution) was 34 +/- 3 minutes
      (range, 26 to 40 minutes); mean cold ischemic time for BD donors was 211 +/- 31
      minutes compared with 177 +/- 64 minutes for DCD donors. The calculated LV-ESPVRs
      for BD hearts after 1 and 2 hours of reperfusion were 6.9 +/- 0.7 and 5.7 +/- 1.0
      mm Hg/mL, respectively; LV-ESPVRs for DCD hearts after 1 and 2 hours of
      reperfusion were 5.6 +/- 1.5 (P = .45) and 3.0 +/- 0.7 mm Hg/mL (P = .07),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully resuscitated and measured ex vivo
      cardiac function in human DCD and BD donor hearts. Resuscitation potential in DCD
      hearts was achieved when the WIT was less than 40 minutes. Contractile
      performance in DCD hearts tended to be lower compared with BD hearts. Further
      investigation with longer reperfusion periods seems warranted.

PMID- 25129610
TI  - Synergistic proteins for the enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose by
      cellulase.
AB  - Reducing the enzyme loadings for enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulose is
      required for economically feasible production of biofuels and biochemicals. One
      strategy is addition of small amounts of synergistic proteins to cellulase
      mixtures. Synergistic proteins increase the activity of cellulase without causing
      significant hydrolysis of cellulose. Synergistic proteins exert their activity by
      inducing structural modifications in cellulose. Recently, synergistic proteins
      from various biological sources, including bacteria, fungi, and plants, were
      identified based on genomic data, and their synergistic activities were
      investigated. Currently, an up-to-date overview of several aspects of synergistic
      proteins, such as their functions, action mechanisms and synergistic activity,
      are important for future industrial application. In this review, we summarize the
      current state of research on four synergistic proteins: carbohydrate-binding
      modules, plant expansins, expansin-like proteins, and Auxiliary Activity family 9
      (formerly GH61) proteins. This review provides critical information to aid in
      promoting research on the development of efficient and industrially feasible
      synergistic proteins. 

PMID- 25129611
TI  - Production of functional inclusion bodies in endotoxin-free Escherichia coli.
AB  - Escherichia coli is the workhorse for gene cloning and production of soluble
      recombinant proteins in both biotechnological and biomedical industries. The
      bacterium is also a good producer of several classes of protein-based self
      assembling materials such as inclusion bodies (IBs). Apart from being a
      relatively pure source of protein for in vitro refolding, IBs are under
      exploration as functional, protein-releasing materials in regenerative medicine
      and protein replacement therapies. Endotoxin removal is a critical step for
      downstream applications of therapeutic proteins. The same holds true for IBs as
      they are often highly contaminated with cell-wall components of the host cells.
      Here, we have investigated the production of IBs in a recently developed
      endotoxin-free E. coli strain. The characterization of IBs revealed this mutant
      as a very useful cell factory for the production of functional endotoxin-free IBs
      that are suitable for the use at biological interfaces without inducing endotoxic
      responses in human immune cells.

PMID- 25129612
TI  - Bis (aspirinato) zinc (II) complex successfully inhibits carotid arterial
      neointima formation after balloon-injury in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Neointima formation following angioplasty is a serious consequence of
      endothelial damage in arteries. Inflammatory mediators and lack of endothelial
      regulatory mechanisms lead to migration and proliferation of smooth-muscle cells
      and thus to restenosis. This study examines the effect of the novel bis
      (aspirinato) zinc (II) complex on neointima formation in a rat model of carotid
      balloon-injury. METHODS: Rats underwent balloon-injury of the right common
      carotid artery, then received PEG400 vehicle (untreated-group), acetylsalicylic
      acid (ASA-group), zinc-chloride (Zn-group) and bis (aspirinato) zinc (II) complex
      (Zn(ASA) 2-group) orally for 18 consecutive days. From harvested carotid
      arteries, histology, immunohistochemistry and mRNA expression analysis were
      performed. RESULTS: Compared to the untreated-group, Zn (ASA) 2-treatment
      significantly lowered stenosis ratio (54.0 +/- 5.8% to 25.5 +/- 3.9%) and reduced
      neointima/media ratio (1.5 +/- 0.2 to 0.5 +/- 0.1). Significantly higher alpha
      smooth muscle actin mRNA and protein expression were measured after Zn (ASA)2 and
      Zn-treatment in comparison with the untreated and ASA-groups while the expression
      of matrix-metalloproteinase-9 was significantly higher in these groups compared
      to Zn (ASA)2. The presence of collagen in media was significantly decreased in
      all treated groups. mRNA expressions of nuclear factor kappa-b, transforming
      growth-factor-beta and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were significantly down
      regulated, whereas a20 was up-regulated by Zn (ASA)2 treatment compared to the
      untreated and ASA-groups. CONCLUSION: This study proves the effectivity of the
      novel bis (aspirinato) zinc complex in reducing neointima formation and
      restenosis after balloon-injury and supports the hypothesis that inhibition of
      smooth-muscle transformation/proliferation plays a key role in the prevention of
      restenosis.

PMID- 25129613
TI  - Factors influencing eligibility for breast boost using noninvasive image-guided
      breast brachytherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Noninvasive image-guided breast brachytherapy (NIBB) allows for accurate
      targeting of the tumor bed (TB) for breast boost by using breast immobilization
      and image guidance. However, not all patients are candidates for this technique.
      METHODS: Consecutive patients treated for breast cancer were evaluated. Patients
      with very small breast size (cup <= A) for whom immobilization could not be
      achieved were treated with electrons. All others underwent simulation for NIBB
      boost. The rate of eligibility for NIBB, reasons for ineligibility, and related
      patient and anatomic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 52 patients evaluated, 6
      patients were ineligible for NIBB because of small breast size. Of the remaining
      patients who underwent simulation for NIBB boost, 33 patients (72%) were treated
      with NIBB. Reasons for ineligibility were the absence of identifiable TB (n = 5),
      inability to position patient/breast to adequately target the TB (n = 4),
      posterior TB location (n = 3), and discomfort during compression (n = 1). The
      likelihood of being eligible for NIBB boost was dependent on breast size: <=A
      (0%), B (50%), C (71%), D-DD (77%), and >DD (80%) (p = 0.002). The presence of
      surgical clips also predicted eligibility for NIBB: 79% clips vs. 45% without
      clips (p = 0.05). A posterior TB location was not associated with ineligibility
      (p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: NIBB boost is feasible in most patients. Patients with
      larger breast size are more likely to be good candidates. Posterior TB location
      can be challenging for NIBB, but most patients are still candidates. Surgical
      clips are very helpful in defining the TB and greatly increase the likelihood of
      eligibility for NIBB.

PMID- 25129615
TI  - Set-back versus buried vertical mattress suturing: results of a randomized
      blinded trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The set-back suture, an absorbable dermal suturing technique,
      purportedly improves wound eversion and cosmetic outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We sought
      to conduct a split-wound, prospective, randomized study to compare the cosmetic
      outcome and wound eversion achieved with the set-back suture and the buried
      vertical mattress suture (BVMS). METHODS: A total of 46 surgical elliptical
      wounds were randomized to subcuticular closure with the set-back suture on half
      and the BVMS on the other. Maximum eversion height and width were measured
      immediately postoperatively. At 3 months, 2 blinded observers evaluated each scar
      using a 7-point Likert physician global scar assessment scale. Subjects and
      observers also completed the validated Patient and Observer Scar Assessment
      Scale, where a score of 6 represents normal-appearing skin and 60 represents
      worst imaginable scar. RESULTS: In all, 42 subjects completed the study. The set
      back suture provided statistically significant wound eversion. On the Likert
      scale, observers rated the set-back suture side 1 point better than the BVMS
      side. Both patient and observer total Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale
      scores were significantly lower for the set-back suture side (subject mean 13.0
      +/- 8.7 vs 16.2 +/- 12.0 [P = .039]; observer mean 24.5 +/- 10.4 vs 27.7 +/- 13.6
      [P = .028], respectively). LIMITATIONS: Single institution experience and
      relatively short follow-up are limitations. CONCLUSION: The set-back suture
      provides superior wound eversion and better cosmetic outcomes than the BVMS.

PMID- 25129614
TI  - Soluble amyloid beta levels are elevated in the white matter of Alzheimer's
      patients, independent of cortical plaque severity.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the
      leading cause of dementia. In addition to grey matter pathology, white matter
      changes are now recognized as an important pathological feature in the emergence
      of the disease. Despite growing recognition of the importance of white matter
      abnormalities in the pathogenesis of AD, the causes of white matter degeneration
      are still unknown. While multiple studies propose Wallerian-like degeneration as
      the source of white matter change, others suggest that primary white matter
      pathology may be due, at least in part, to other mechanisms, including local
      effects of toxic Abeta peptides. In the current study, we investigated levels of
      soluble amyloid-beta (Abeta) in white matter of AD patients (n=12) compared with
      controls (n=10). Fresh frozen white matter samples were obtained from anterior
      (Brodmann area 9) and posterior (Brodmann area 1, 2 and 3) areas of post-mortem
      AD and control brains. ELISA was used to examine levels of soluble Abeta -42 and
      Abeta -40. Total cortical neuritic plaque severity rating was derived from
      individual ratings in the following areas of cortex: mid-frontal, superior
      temporal, pre-central, inferior parietal, hippocampus (CA1), subiculum,
      entorhinal cortex, transentorhinal cortex, inferior temporal, amygdala and basal
      forebrain. Compared with controls, AD samples had higher white matter levels of
      both soluble Abeta -42 and Abeta -40. While no regional white matter differences
      were found in Abeta -40, Abeta -42 levels were higher in anterior regions than in
      posterior regions across both groups. After statistically controlling for total
      cortical neuritic plaque severity, differences in both soluble Abeta -42 and
      Abeta -40 between the groups remained, suggesting that white matter Abeta
      peptides accumulate independent of overall grey matter fibrillar amyloid
      pathology and are not simply a reflection of overall amyloid burden. These
      results shed light on one potential mechanism through which white matter
      degeneration may occur in AD. Given that white matter degeneration may be an
      early marker of disease, preceding grey matter atrophy, understanding the
      mechanisms and risk factors that may lead to white matter loss could help to
      identify those at high risk and to intervene earlier in the pathogenic process. 

PMID- 25129609
TI  - 2014 AATS guidelines for the prevention and management of perioperative atrial
      fibrillation and flutter for thoracic surgical procedures.

PMID- 25129616
TI  - Substrate derived peptidic alpha-ketoamides as inhibitors of the malarial
      protease PfSUB1.
AB  - Peptidic alpha-ketoamides have been developed as inhibitors of the malarial
      protease PfSUB1. The design of inhibitors was based on the best known endogenous
      PfSUB1 substrate sequence, leading to compounds with low micromolar to
      submicromolar inhibitory activity. SAR studies were performed indicating the
      requirement of an aspartate mimicking the P1' substituent and optimal P1-P4
      length of the non-prime part. The importance of each of the P1-P4 amino acid side
      chains was investigated, revealing crucial interactions and size limitations. 

PMID- 25129617
TI  - New insights into the genetics of 5-oxoprolinase deficiency and further evidence
      that it is a benign biochemical condition.
AB  - Inherited 5-oxoprolinase (OPLAH) deficiency is a rare inborn condition
      characterised by 5-oxoprolinuria. To date, three OPLAH mutations have been
      described: p.H870Pfs in a homozygous state, which results in a truncated protein,
      was reported in two siblings, and two heterozygous missense changes, p.S323R and
      p.V1089I, were independently identified in two unrelated patients. We describe
      the clinical context of a young girl who manifested 5-oxoprolinuria together with
      dusky episodes and who is compound heterozygote for two novel OPLAH variations:
      p.G860R and p.D1241V. To gain insight into the aetiology of the 5-oxoprolinase
      deficiency, we investigated the pathogenicity of all the reported missense
      mutations in the OPLAH gene. A yeast in vivo growth assay revealed that only
      p.S323R, p.G860R and p.D1241V affected the activity of the enzyme. CONCLUSION:
      Taken together, this report further suggests that hereditary 5-oxoprolinase
      deficiency is a benign biochemical condition caused by mutations in the OPLAH
      gene, which are transmitted in an autosomal recessive manner, but 5-oxoprolinuria
      may be a chance association in other disorders.

PMID- 25129618
TI  - Direct observation of ferroelectric field effect and vacancy-controlled screening
      at the BiFeO3/LaxSr1-xMnO3 interface.
AB  - The development of interface-based magnetoelectric devices necessitates an
      understanding of polarization-mediated electronic phenomena and atomistic
      polarization screening mechanisms. In this work, the LSMO/BFO interface is
      studied on a single unit-cell level through a combination of direct order
      parameter mapping by scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron
      energy-loss spectroscopy. We demonstrate an unexpected ~5% lattice expansion for
      regions with negative polarization charge, with a concurrent anomalous decrease
      of the Mn valence and change in oxygen K-edge intensity. We interpret this
      behaviour as direct evidence for screening by oxygen vacancies. The vacancies are
      predominantly accumulated at the second atomic layer of BFO, reflecting the
      difference of ionic conductivity between the components. This vacancy exclusion
      from the interface leads to the formation of a tail-to-tail domain wall. At the
      same time, purely electronic screening is realized for positive polarization
      charge, with insignificant changes in lattice and electronic properties. These
      results underline the non-trivial role of electrochemical phenomena in
      determining the functional properties of oxide interfaces. Furthermore, these
      behaviours suggest that vacancy dynamics and exclusion play major roles in
      determining interface functionality in oxide multilayers, providing clear
      implications for novel functionalities in potential electronic devices. 

PMID- 25129620
TI  - Nanoelectrical analysis of single molecules and atomic-scale materials at the
      solid/liquid interface.
AB  - Evaluating the built-in functionality of nanomaterials under practical conditions
      is central for their proposed integration as active components in next-generation
      electronics. Low-dimensional materials from single atoms to molecules have been
      consistently resolved and manipulated under ultrahigh vacuum at low temperatures.
      At room temperature, atomic-scale imaging has also been performed by probing
      materials at the solid/liquid interface. We exploit this electrical interface to
      develop a robust electronic decoupling platform that provides precise information
      on molecular energy levels recorded using in situ scanning tunnelling
      microscopy/spectroscopy with high spatial and energy resolution in a high-density
      liquid environment. Our experimental findings, supported by ab initio electronic
      structure calculations and atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulations, reveal
      direct mapping of single-molecule structure and resonance states at the
      solid/liquid interface. We further extend this approach to resolve the electronic
      structure of graphene monolayers at atomic length scales under standard room
      temperature operating conditions. 

PMID- 25129619
TI  - Collective and individual migration following the epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition.
AB  - During cancer progression, malignant cells in the tumour invade surrounding
      tissues. This transformation of adherent cells to a motile phenotype has been
      associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we show that
      EMT-activated cells migrate through micropillar arrays as a collectively
      advancing front that scatters individual cells. Individual cells with few
      neighbours dispersed with fast, straight trajectories, whereas cells that
      encountered many neighbours migrated collectively with epithelial biomarkers. We
      modelled these emergent dynamics using a physical analogy to phase transitions
      during binary-mixture solidification, and validated it using drug perturbations,
      which revealed that individually migrating cells exhibit diminished
      chemosensitivity. Our measurements also indicate a degree of phenotypic
      plasticity as cells interconvert between individual and collective migration. The
      study of multicellular behaviours with single-cell resolution should enable
      further quantitative insights into heterogeneous tumour invasion.

PMID- 25129621
TI  - Absorbed doses in tissue-equivalent spheres above radioactive sources in soil.
AB  - Doses due to external exposure of terrestrial biota are assessed using
      differential air kerma from radioactive sources in soil and energy-dependent
      'absorbed dose-per-air kerma' conversion factors computed for spherical tissue
      equivalent bodies. The presented approach allows computing average whole body
      absorbed dose for terrestrial organisms with body masses from 1 mg to 1,000 kg
      located at heights from 10 cm to 500 m above ground. Radioactive sources in soil
      emitting photons with energies from 10 keV to 10 MeV have been considered.
      Interpolation of the computed quantities over source energy, body mass, and
      height above ground results in plausible estimates of whole body average absorbed
      doses for non-human terrestrial biota from gamma-radiation emitted by any
      radionuclides in contaminated terrain.

PMID- 25129622
TI  - 13Calpha decoupling during direct observation of carbonyl resonances in solution
      NMR of isotopically enriched proteins.
AB  - Direct detection of (13)C can be advantageous when studying uniformly enriched
      proteins, in particular for paramagnetic proteins or when hydrogen exchange with
      solvent is fast. A scheme recently introduced for long-observation-window band
      selective homonuclear decoupling in solid state NMR, LOW-BASHD (Struppe et al. in
      J Magn Reson 236:89-94, 2013) is shown to be effective for (13)C(alpha)
      decoupling during direct (13)C' observation in solution NMR experiments too. For
      this purpose, adjustment of the decoupling pulse parameters and delays is
      demonstrated to be important for increasing spectral resolution, to reduce three
      spin effects, and to decrease the intensity of decoupling side-bands. LOW-BASHD
      then yields (13)C' line widths comparable to those obtained with the popular IPAP
      method, while enhancing sensitivity by ca 35 %. As a practical application of LOW
      BASHD decoupling, requiring quantitative intensity measurement over a wide
      dynamic range, the impact of lipid binding on the (13)C'-detected NCO spectrum of
      the intrinsically disordered protein alpha-synuclein is compared with that on the
      (1)H-detected (1)H-(15)N HSQC spectrum. Results confirm that synuclein's "dark
      state" behavior is not caused by paramagnetic relaxation or rapid hydrogen
      exchange. 

PMID- 25129623
TI  - Effective strategy to assign 1H- 15N heteronuclear correlation NMR signals from
      lysine side-chain NH33+ groups of proteins at low temperature.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that lysine side-chain NH3(+) groups are excellent
      probes for NMR investigations of dynamics involving hydrogen bonds and ion pairs
      relevant to protein function. However, due to rapid hydrogen exchange,
      observation of (1)H-(15)N NMR cross peaks from lysine NH3(+) groups often
      requires use of a relatively low temperature, which renders difficulty in
      resonance assignment. Here we present an effective strategy to assign (1)H and
      (15)N resonances of NH3(+) groups at low temperatures. This strategy involves two
      new (1)H/(13)C/(15)N triple-resonance experiments for lysine side chains.
      Application to a protein-DNA complex is demonstrated.

PMID- 25129624
TI  - Synthesis, biological and comparative DFT studies on Ni(II) complexes of NO and
      NOS donor ligands.
AB  - Three new NOS donor ligands have been prepared by addition ethanolic suspension
      of 2-hydrazino-2-oxo-N-phenyl-acetamide to phenyl isocyanate (H2PAPS), phenyl
      isothiocyanate (H2PAPT) and benzoyl isothiocyanate (H2PABT). The Ni(II) complexes
      prepared from the chloride salt and characterized by conventional techniques. The
      isolated complexes were assigned the formulaes, [Ni2(PAPS)(H2O)2](H2O)2,
      [Ni(H2PAPT)Cl2(H2O)](H2O)2 and [(Ni)2(HPABT)2Cl2(H2O)2], respectively. The IR
      spectra of complexes shows that H2PAPS behaves as a binegative pentadentate via
      both CO of hydrazide moiety in keto and enol form, enolized CO of cyanate moiety
      and the CN (azomethine) groups of enolization. H2PAPT behaves as neutral
      tridentate via both CO of hydrazide moiety and CN (azomethine) group due to SH
      formation and finally H2PABT behaves as mononegative tetradentate via CO and
      enolized CO of hydrazide moiety, CO of benzoyl moiety and C=S groups. The
      experimental IR spectra of ligands are compared with those obtained theoretically
      from DFT calculations. Also, the bond lengths, bond angles, HOMO (Highest
      Occupied Molecular Orbitals), LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital) and
      dipole moments have been calculated. The calculated HOMO-LUMO energy gap reveals
      that charge transfer occurs within the molecule. The theoretical values of
      binding energies indicate the higher stability of complexes than of ligands.
      Also, the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the different thermal
      degradation steps of the complexes were determined by Coats-Redfern and Horowitz
      Metzger methods. The antibacterial activities were also tested against B.
      Subtilis and E. coli bacteria. The free ligands showed a higher antibacterial
      effect than their Ni(II) complexes. The antitumor activities of the Ligands and
      their Ni(II) complexes have been evaluated against liver (HePG2) and breast (MCF
      7) cancer cells. All ligands were found to display cytotoxicity that are better
      than that of Fluorouracil (5-FU), while Ni(II) complexes show low activity.

PMID- 25129625
TI  - On the spectroscopic analyses of 3-(4-Hydroxy-1-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-quinolin
      3-yl)-2-nitro-3-oxo-propionic acid (HMQNP).
AB  - In the present work, a combined experimental and theoretical study on molecular
      structure and vibrational frequencies of HMQNP were reported. The FT-IR spectrum
      of HMQNP is recorded in the solid phase. The equilibrium geometries, harmonic
      vibrational frequencies, thermo-chemical parameters, total dipole moment, nuclear
      repulsion energy and HOMO-LUMO energies are calculated by DFT/B3LYP utilizing 6
      311G(d,p) basis set. Results showed that HMQNP possesses a high dipole moment
      value of 9.3 Debye. HMQNP spin is doublet state which enhances frontier molecular
      orbitals to split into alpha (spin ?) and beta (spin ?) molecular orbitals with
      two different energy gaps 4.2 and 2.7 eV, respectively. HMQNP is highly
      recommended to be a more promising structure for many applications in
      optoelectronic devices such as solar cells.

PMID- 25129626
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activities of mixed ligand
      transition metal complexes with isatin monohydrazone Schiff base ligands and
      heterocyclic nitrogen base.
AB  - Mixed ligand complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with various
      uninegative tridentate ligands derived from isatin monohydrazone with 2
      hydroxynapthaldehyde/substituted salicylaldehyde and heterocyclic nitrogen base 8
      hydroxyquinoline have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis,
      conductometric studies, magnetic susceptibility and spectroscopic techniques (IR,
      UV-VIS, NMR, mass and ESR). On the basis of these characterizations, it was
      revealed that Schiff base ligands existed as monobasic tridentate ONO bonded to
      metal ion through oxygen of carbonyl group, azomethine nitrogen and deprotonated
      hydroxyl oxygen and heterocyclic nitrogen base 8-hydroxyquinoline existed as
      monobasic bidentate ON bonded through oxygen of hydroxyl group and nitrogen of
      quinoline ring with octahedral or distorted octahedral geometry around metal ion.
      All the compounds have been tested in vitro against various pathogenic Gram
      positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria and fungi using different
      concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200 MUg/mL) of ligands and their complexes.
      Comparative study of antimicrobial activity of ligands, and their mixed complexes
      indicated that complexes exhibit enhanced activity as compared to free ligands
      and copper(II) Cu(LIV)(Q)?H2O complex was found to be most potent antimicrobial
      agent.

PMID- 25129627
TI  - Monteggia type IV fracture in a child with radial head dislocation irreducible by
      closed means: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fractures of the proximal third of the ulna and radius with
      associated anterior radial head dislocation are uncommon in children. Early
      recognition and appropriate management are essential to prevent long-term
      consequences of loss of forearm rotation, cubitus valgus, elbow instability and
      chronic pain. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 3-year-old Caucasian
      boy who attended the emergency department following an un-witnessed fall,
      resulting in right elbow and forearm pain, swelling and deformity. Clinical and
      radiological examination revealed a Monteggia type IV fracture-dislocation.The
      patient was treated with closed manipulation and percutaneous fixation of both
      bone forearm fractures with intra-medullary wires. After failed attempts at
      closed reduction, open reduction of the radial head was required.The block to
      reduction was due to a buttonholing of the radial head through the anterior joint
      capsule, with interposition of the capsule in the radiocapitellar joint.
      Subsequently, alignment was maintained with fracture healing. Follow-up at five
      months showed a full range of elbow movement with no adverse symptoms.
      CONCLUSION: Monteggia lesions of the paediatric elbow, albeit uncommon, should be
      considered in all forearm fractures. Accurate reduction of the radiocapitellar
      joint is crucial to prevent significant long-term consequences and failed closed
      reduction requires open reduction. Here we have described the management of a
      rare type IV lesion in which there was buttonholing of the radial head through
      the anterior capsule, causing the radiocapitellar dislocation to be irreducible
      (even after fixation of the radial and ulnar fractures).

PMID- 25129628
TI  - Snowman sign: a possible predictor of catastrophic abnormal placentation.

PMID- 25129629
TI  - Autonomy as self-sovereignty.
AB  - The concept of autonomy as self-sovereignty is developed in this essay through an
      examination of the thought of American transcendentalist philosophers Emerson and
      Thoreau. It is conceived as the quality of living in accordance with one's inner
      nature or genius. This conception is grounded in a transcendentalist moral
      anthropology that values independence, self-reliance, spirituality, and the
      capacity to find beauty in the world. Though still exerting considerable popular
      and academic influence, both the concept of autonomy as self-sovereignty and the
      underlying anthropology diverge in important ways from counterparts that are
      prominent in contemporary bioethics. Autonomy as self-sovereignty calls into
      question the manifold ways that patients (and citizens) are brought to heel by
      institutional (and political) values they do not themselves affirm. It also
      emphasizes the inevitable deep plurality of moral visions of health and
      appropriate healthcare, rejecting tendencies (strong in mainstream bioethics) to
      regard "health" as a univocal concept or healthcare as a basic need, to attempt
      to conform "reasonable" clinical decision-making to a single model, and to
      appoint government as a guarantor of access to healthcare or a regulator of
      healthcare standards. Autonomy as self-sovereignty, like its competitors, can
      justify itself only in question-begging terms. Still, bioethics might do well to
      recognize it within the mix of moral visions. 

PMID- 25129630
TI  - Portions and sorts in Icelandic: an ERP study.
AB  - An ERP study investigated the processing of mass nouns used to convey 'portions'
      vs. 'sorts' interpretations in Icelandic. The sorts interpretation requires
      semantic Coercion to a count noun; the portions interpretation entails extra
      syntactic processing. Compared to a Neutral condition, Coercion escaped the
      expected penalty (N400), but the Extra Syntax condition incurred the anticipated
      costs (anterior negativity followed by P600). Furthermore, we examined the
      effects of having to revise an initial commitment to head-noun status. When
      another noun follows the mass noun (creating a compound), the second noun becomes
      the head-noun. We hypothesized, for Icelandic, there would be no effect for Extra
      Syntax because the compound should have been built before the second noun was
      encountered; by contrast, for the Coercion and Neutral conditions, processing
      costs would be incurred to detect and reconfigure the second noun as the head.
      These predictions were largely borne out (early and sustained anterior
      negativities). 

PMID- 25129631
TI  - Inflectional morphology in primary progressive aphasia: an elicited production
      study.
AB  - Inflectional morphology lies at the intersection of phonology, syntax and the
      lexicon, three language domains that are differentially impacted in the three
      main variants of primary progressive aphasia (PPA). To characterize spared and
      impaired aspects of inflectional morphology in PPA, we elicited inflectional
      morphemes in 48 individuals with PPA and 13 healthy age-matched controls. We
      varied the factors of regularity, frequency, word class, and lexicality, and used
      voxel-based morphometry to identify brain regions where atrophy was predictive of
      deficits on particular conditions. All three PPA variants showed deficits in
      inflectional morphology, with the specific nature of the deficits dependent on
      the anatomical and linguistic features of each variant. Deficits in inflecting
      low-frequency irregular words were associated with semantic PPA, with
      lexical/semantic deficits, and with left temporal atrophy. Deficits in inflecting
      pseudowords were associated with non-fluent/agrammatic and logopenic variants,
      with phonological deficits, and with left frontal and parietal atrophy. 

PMID- 25129632
TI  - Role of chloride ions in the promotion of auxin-induced growth of maize
      coleoptile segments.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The mechanism of auxin action on ion transport in growing
      cells has not been determined in detail. In particular, little is known about the
      role of chloride in the auxin-induced growth of coleoptile cells. Moreover, the
      data that do exist in the literature are controversial. This study describes
      experiments that were carried out with maize (Zea mays) coleoptile segments, this
      being a classical model system for studies of plant cell elongation growth.
      METHODS: Growth kinetics or growth and pH changes were recorded in maize
      coleoptiles using two independent measuring systems. The growth rate of the
      segments was measured simultaneously with medium pH changes. Membrane potential
      changes in parenchymal cells of the segments were also determined for chosen
      variants. The question of whether anion transport is involved in auxin-induced
      growth of maize coleoptile segments was primarily studied using anion channel
      blockers [anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (A-9-C) and 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene
      2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS)]. In addition, experiments in which KCl was replaced
      by KNO3 were also performed. KEY RESULTS: Both anion channel blockers, added at
      0.1 mm, diminished indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-induced elongation growth by ~30 %.
      Medium pH changes measured simultaneously with growth indicated that while DIDS
      stopped IAA-induced proton extrusion, A-9-C diminished it by only 50 %. Addition
      of A-9-C to medium containing 1 mm KCl did not affect the characteristic kinetics
      of IAA-induced membrane potential changes, while in the presence of 10 mm KCl the
      channel blocker stopped IAA-induced membrane hyperpolarization. Replacement of
      KCl with KNO3 significantly decreased IAA-induced growth and inhibited proton
      extrusion. In contrast to the KCl concentration, the concentration of KNO3 did
      not affect the growth-stimulatory effect of IAA. For comparison, the effects of
      the cation channel blocker tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA-Cl) on IAA-induced
      growth and proton extrusion were also determined. TEA-Cl, added 1 h before IAA,
      caused reduction of growth by 49.9 % and inhibition of proton extrusion.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Cl(-) plays a role in the IAA-induced
      growth of maize coleoptile segments. A possible mechanism for Cl(-) uptake during
      IAA-induced growth is proposed in which uptake of K(+) and Cl(-) ions in concert
      with IAA-induced plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase activity changes the membrane
      potential to a value needed for turgor adjustment during the growth of maize
      coleoptile cells.

PMID- 25129633
TI  - Developmental changes in guard cell wall structure and pectin composition in the
      moss Funaria: implications for function and evolution of stomata.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In seed plants, the ability of guard cell walls to move is
      imparted by pectins. Arabinan rhamnogalacturonan I (RG1) pectins confer
      flexibility while unesterified homogalacturonan (HG) pectins impart rigidity.
      Recognized as the first extant plants with stomata, mosses are key to
      understanding guard cell function and evolution. Moss stomata open and close for
      only a short period during capsule expansion. This study examines the
      ultrastructure and pectin composition of guard cell walls during development in
      Funaria hygrometrica and relates these features to the limited movement of
      stomata. METHODS: Developing stomata were examined and immunogold-labelled in
      transmission electron microscopy using monoclonal antibodies to five pectin
      epitopes: LM19 (unesterified HG), LM20 (esterified HG), LM5 (galactan RG1), LM6
      (arabinan RG1) and LM13 (linear arabinan RG1). Labels for pectin type were
      quantitated and compared across walls and stages on replicated, independent
      samples. KEY RESULTS: Walls were four times thinner before pore formation than in
      mature stomata. When stomata opened and closed, guard cell walls were thin and
      pectinaceous before the striated internal and thickest layer was deposited.
      Unesterified HG localized strongly in early layers but weakly in the thick
      internal layer. Labelling was weak for esterified HG, absent for galactan RG1 and
      strong for arabinan RG1. Linear arabinan RG1 is the only pectin that exclusively
      labelled guard cell walls. Pectin content decreased but the proportion of HG to
      arabinans changed only slightly. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to
      demonstrate changes in pectin composition during stomatal development in any
      plant. Movement of Funaria stomata coincides with capsule expansion before
      layering of guard cell walls is complete. Changes in wall architecture coupled
      with a decrease in total pectin may be responsible for the inability of mature
      stomata to move. Specialization of guard cells in mosses involves the addition of
      linear arabinans.

PMID- 25129635
TI  - Trends in analyzing emerging drugs of abuse--from seized samples to body samples.
AB  - This article summarizes the current status of and new trends of analytical
      approaches in the field of forensic/clinical toxicology for analyzing emerging
      drugs of abuse. Instruments and devices used for compound identification will be
      presented as well as types of biosample used to check for drug intake. Finally, a
      new and promising strategy will be presented, which allows to monitor the
      consumption of emerging drugs of abuse without using real body samples. 

PMID- 25129634
TI  - Quantification of cocaine and metabolites in exhaled breath by liquid
      chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry following controlled
      administration of intravenous cocaine.
AB  - Breath has been investigated as an alternative matrix for detecting recent
      cocaine intake; however, there are no controlled cocaine administration studies
      that investigated the drug's disposition into breath. Breath was collected from
      10 healthy adult cocaine users by asking them to breathe into a SensAbues device
      for 3 min before and up to 22 h following 25 mg intravenous (IV) cocaine dosing
      on days 1, 5, and 10, and assayed with a validated liquid chromatography-high
      resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method to quantify breath cocaine,
      benzoylecgonine (BE), ecgonine methyl ester (EME), and norcocaine. The assay was
      linear from 25 to 1,000 pg/filter, extraction efficiencies were 83.6-126%, intra-
      and inter-assay imprecision was <10.6%, and bias was between -8.5 and 16.8%. No
      endogenous or exogenous interferences were observed for more than 75 tested.
      Analytes were generally stable under short-term storage conditions. Ion
      suppression was less than 46%. Of breath specimens collected after controlled
      cocaine administration, 2.6% were positive for cocaine (26.1-66 pg/filter, 1-9.5
      h), 0.72% BE (83.3-151 pg/filter, 6.5-12.5 h), and 0.72% EME (50-69.1 pg/filter,
      6.5-12.5 h); norcocaine was not detected. Methanolic extraction of the devices
      themselves, after filters were removed, yielded 19.2% positive cocaine tests
      (25.2-36.4 pg/device, 10 min-22 h) and 4.3% positive BE tests (26.4-93.7
      pg/device, 10 min-22 h), explaining differences between the two extraction
      techniques. These results suggest that the device reflects the drug in oral fluid
      as well as lung microparticles, while the filter reflects only drug-laden
      microparticles. A sensitive and specific method for cocaine, BE, EME, and
      norcocaine quantification in breath was developed and validated. Cocaine in
      breath identifies recent cocaine ingestion, but its absence does not preclude
      recent use.

PMID- 25129636
TI  - Reduced oocyte and embryo quality in response to elevated non-esterified fatty
      acid concentrations: a possible pathway to subfertility?
AB  - Reproductive performance is increasingly considered as a 'barometer' of general
      well-being of the mother. A normal maternal 'metabolic health' status is
      essential to safeguard successful ovulation, conception and further embryo
      development. When alterations in serum metabolites are reflected in the oocyte
      and embryonic micro-environment, these metabolic changes can affect follicle
      health, oocyte development and even subsequent embryo physiology. The search
      continues for signals that may be critically affecting the early developmental
      stages in life. Years of expertise in animal in vitro embryo culture models
      contribute to the awareness on the influence of elevated non-esterified fatty
      acid (NEFA) concentrations on follicle cells, oocyte and embryo quality. High
      NEFA concentrations in the blood are known to alter the follicular micro
      environment. The latter alterations in NEFA concentrations have been associated
      with a disappointing fertility outcome through disabled ovarian cell function and
      reduced oocyte's developmental competence. Even more, elevated NEFA
      concentrations during bovine oocyte maturation influence the subsequent embryo
      characteristics. This review provides a cross-species overview on the
      consequences of elevated NEFA concentrations, originating from maternal lipolytic
      conditions, on female fertility, with particular focus on the early stages in
      life. Thereby, we will describe to what extent elevated serum NEFA concentrations
      are a potential threat around the period of conception. 

PMID- 25129637
TI  - Protein supplementation during a short-interval prostaglandin-based protocol for
      timed AI in sheep.
AB  - The aim of this experiment was to improve the reproductive performance of a short
      interval prostaglandin (PG)-based protocol for timed artificial insemination in
      sheep, using a short-term nutritional treatment. During the breeding season
      (March-April), 132 multiparous and 61 nulliparous Corriedale ewes grazing natural
      pastures (600 kg DM/ha, 8.5% CP), were allocated to two groups: 1, Control group
      (n=100) two injections of D-Cloprostenol (75 MUg per dose, 7d apart:
      Synchrovine((r)) protocol); and 2, Supplemented group (n=93) ewes in which stage
      of the oestrous cycle was synchronised with Synchrovine((r)) protocol plus focus
      feeding of a protein supplement (33.8% CP) between PG doses (Day -7 to -2).
      Cervical AI was performed at fixed time (Day 0), 46 +/- 1.0 h after the second PG
      injection using 150 million sperm per ewe. Ovulation rate (Day 10), pregnancy
      rate, prolificacy and fecundity at Day 69 were evaluated by ultrasonography.
      Ovulation rate at Day 10 (1.20 +/- 0.05 vs. 1.22 +/- 0.05), pregnancy (46 +/-
      0.05 vs. 56 +/- 0.05), prolificacy (1.09 +/- 0.04 vs. 1.06 +/- 0.05), and
      fecundity (0.49 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.59 +/- 0.06) at Day 69, were similar between
      groups (P>0.05; Control and Supplemented group respectively). It is concluded
      that focus feeding for 6d with protein supplementation during a short-interval PG
      based protocol (Synchrovine((r))) did not improve the reproductive outcome
      associated with this protocol.

PMID- 25129638
TI  - Starting Ovsynch protocol on day 6 of first postpartum estrous cycle increased
      fertility in dairy cows by affecting ovarian response during heat stress.
AB  - The objective was to compare fertility in cows using an Ovsynch protocol starting
      on day 6 of first postpartum estrous cycle with an Ovsynch protocol initiated at
      random stages of the estrous cycle during heat stress (temperature-humidity index
      (THI)=77-83). Cows (n=459) at the beginning of the lactation period were randomly
      assigned to time-of-ovulation synchronization treatments: (1) control, Ovsynch
      (first GnRH treatment, PGF2alpha treatment 7 days later, second GnRH treatment 56
      h later, and TAI 16 h later), initiated at random stages of the estrous cycle (40
      +/- 2 days postpartum, n=224) and (2) Ovsynch initiated on day 6 of first
      postpartum estrous cycle (estrus=day 0) based on detection of the first estrus
      after day 30 postpartum (O6, 35 +/- 2 postpartum, n=235). Statistical analyses
      were conducted using SAS. The percentage of cows responding to the initial GnRH
      injection using the Ovsynch protocol was greater with the O6 treatment compared
      to the control treatment (60.4% compared with 52.6%). The percentage of cows
      having a corpus luteum (CL) on the day of the PGF2alpha injection was not
      different among treatments (control=87.0% and O6=90.2%, respectively). Also more
      cows in the O6 treatment group responded to the second GnRH injection of the
      Ovsynch protocol compared with control treatments (82.5% compared with 75.8%).
      Treatment affected the percentage of cows diagnosed pregnant at 32 +/- 0.7 days
      and 60 +/- 3 days after the resynchronized timing of AI but pregnancy losses
      (5.3% compared with 6.8%) did not differ between treatment groups. It is
      concluded that initiating the Ovsynch protocol 6 days after estrus during the
      first 40 days postpartum resulted in a greater pregnancy rate at the synchronized
      estrus and increased fertility compared with control cows during heat stress.

PMID- 25129639
TI  - Impact of persistent smoking on long-term outcomes in patients with nonvalvular
      atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although smoking is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, little
      is known about the impact of smoking on long-term outcomes in patients with
      atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: In 426 consecutive patients with nonvalvular
      AF (mean age, 66 years; 307 men; mean follow-up, 5.8+/-3.2 years), clinical
      variables including smoking status, CHADS2, and CHA2DS2-VASc score, incidences of
      cardiovascular events (stroke, myocardial infarction, or admission for heart
      failure), bleeding, and mortality were determined. RESULTS: Incidences of
      intracranial bleeding (0.7% vs 0.1%/year, p<0.01), all-cause mortality (4.9% vs
      2.6%/year, p<0.01), and death from stroke (0.8% vs 0.2%/year, p<0.05) were higher
      in patients with history of smoking than in those without it. Incidence of
      intracranial bleeding was significantly higher in persistent smokers than in non
      persistent smokers (1.2% vs 0.2%/year, p<0.01). History of smoking predicted all
      cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR), 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.7-4.5;
      p<0.01] and death from stroke (HR 4.7; 95% CI 1.0-22.3; p<0.05) independent of
      age, antithrombotic treatment, CHADS2, and CHA2DS2-VASc score. Persistent smoking
      predicted intracranial bleeding (HR 4.4; 95% CI 1.1-17.6; p<0.05) independent of
      age and antithrombotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking status, independent of
      age, antithrombotic treatment, and clinical risk factors, predicted long-term
      adverse outcomes including bleeding events in patients with nonvalvular AF. There
      might be an obvious impact of persistent smoking on intracranial bleeding.

PMID- 25129640
TI  - Multi-pore carbon phase plate for phase-contrast transmission electron
      microscopy.
AB  - A new fabrication method of carbon based phase plates for phase-contrast
      transmission electron microscopy is presented. This method utilizes colloidal
      masks to produce pores as well as disks on thin carbon membranes for phase
      modulation. Since no serial process is involved, carbon phase plate membranes
      containing hundreds of pores can be mass-produced on a large scale, which allows
      "disposal" of contaminated or degraded phase modulating objects after use. Due to
      the spherical shape of the mask colloid particles, the produced pores are
      perfectly circular. The pore size and distribution can be easily tuned by the
      mask colloid size and deposition condition. By using the stencil method, disk
      type phase plates can also be fabricated on a pore type phase plate. Both pore
      and disk type phase plates were tested by measuring amorphous samples and
      confirmed to convert the sinus phase contrast transfer function to the cosine
      shape. 

PMID- 25129641
TI  - Variability of Bacillus thuringiensis strains by ERIC-PCR and biofilm formation.
AB  - Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a soil-dwelling bacterium of great interest for
      agronomical research because of its use as biological pesticide. There are some
      limitations regarding the subspecies classification. Phenotyping and genotyping
      studies are important to ascertain its variability. The diversity of 40
      environmental strains, isolated from different regions in Mexico, was analyzed by
      ERIC-PCR and the ability of biofilm formation. Thirty-nine different
      fingerprinting patterns revealed enough data to discriminate among the 40
      strains. A total of 24 polymorphic fragments with sizes between 139 and 1,468 bp
      were amplified. Almost all (95 %) strains showed biofilm formation after 96 h of
      incubation. At 96 h of incubation the biofilm-forming strains from the CINVESTAV
      collection showed a more heterogeneous ability as biofilms producers. Results
      showed a large intra-species genomic variability in Bt. However, some strains
      could be correlated as they were found within clusters depending on the location
      of isolation.

PMID- 25129642
TI  - An unusual presentation of dermatophytosis in a premature infant.

PMID- 25129643
TI  - Physical activity modifies the associations between genetic variants and blood
      pressure in European adolescents.
AB  - We hypothesized that physical activity and sedentary behavior could modify the
      associations between known genetic variants blood pressure-associated genes in
      European adolescents. Meeting current physical activity recommendations (>= 60
      minutes/day) was able attenuate the deleterious effect of the NOS3 rs3918227
      polymorphism on systolic blood pressure in European adolescents.

PMID- 25129644
TI  - A photoacoustic image reconstruction method using total variation and nonconvex
      optimization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In photoacoustic imaging (PAI), the reduction of scanning time is a
      major concern for PAI in practice. A popular strategy is to reconstruct the image
      from the sparse-view sampling data. However, the insufficient data leads to
      reconstruction quality deteriorating. Therefore, it is very important to enhance
      the quality of the sparse-view reconstructed images. METHOD: In this paper, we
      proposed a joint total variation and Lp-norm (TV-Lp) based image reconstruction
      algorithm for PAI. In this algorithm, the reconstructed image is updated by
      calculating its total variation value and Lp-norm value. Along with the
      iteration, an operator-splitting framework is utilized to reduce the
      computational cost and the Barzilai-Borwein step size selection method is adopted
      to obtain the faster convergence. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Through the numerical
      simulation, the proposed algorithm is validated and compared with other widely
      used PAI reconstruction algorithms. It is revealed in the simulation result that
      the proposed algorithm may be more accurate than the other algorithms. Moreover,
      the computational cost, the convergence, the robustness to noises and the tunable
      parameters of the algorithm are all discussed respectively. We also implement the
      TV-Lp algorithm in the in-vitro experiments to verify its performance in
      practice. Through the numerical simulations and in-vitro experiments, it is
      demonstrated that the proposed algorithm enhances the quality of the
      reconstructed images with faster calculation speed and convergence.

PMID- 25129645
TI  - Solubility and release modulation effect of sulfamerazine ternary complexes with
      cyclodextrins and meglumine.
AB  - This study investigated the effect on solubility and release of ternary complexes
      of sulfamerazine (SMR) with beta-(betaCD), methyl-(MbetaCD) and hydroxypropyl
      beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) using meglumine (MEG) as the ternary component. The
      combination of MEG with MbetaCD resulted the best approach, with an increased
      effect (29-fold) of the aqueous solubility of SMR. The mode of inclusion was
      supported by 2D NMR, which indicated that real ternary complexes were formed
      between SMR, MEG and MbetaCD or HPbetaCD. Solid state analysis was performed
      using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT IR), differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), which demonstrated that
      different interactions occurred among SMR, MEG and MbetaCD or HPbetaCD in the
      ternary lyophilized systems. The ternary complexes with betaCD and MbetaCD
      produced an additional retention effect on the release of SMR compared to the
      corresponding binary complexes, implying that they were clearly superior in terms
      of solubility and release modulation. 

PMID- 25129646
TI  - Localized Pulmonary Edema in the Middle and Inferior Lobes of the Right Lung
      after One-lung Ventilation for Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery.

PMID- 25129647
TI  - Pancreatic arteriovenous malformation.

PMID- 25129648
TI  - High throughput screening of enzyme activity with mass spectrometry imaging.
AB  - Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has found a diversity of applications ranging
      from localizing metabolites and proteins in tissues to investigating microbial
      interactions, and as a result is perhaps the fastest growing subfield of mass
      spectrometry. Advances in surface mass spectrometry technologies are equally
      applicable to the analysis of arrayed samples. One promising field in which this
      capacity has been leveraged is the high-throughput analysis of enzyme activity,
      an important step in the development of a wide range of biotechnologies. This
      review article describes several emerging approaches that seek to improve the
      quality and scope of this application of MSI. 

PMID- 25129649
TI  - Alpha linolenic acid and oleic acid additively down-regulate malignant potential
      and positively cross-regulate AMPK/S6 axis in OE19 and OE33 esophageal cancer
      cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Both oleic acid (OA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) have been proposed
      to down-regulate cell proliferation of prostate, breast, and bladder cancer
      cells. However, direct evidence that OA and/or ALA suppresses to the development
      of esophageal cancer has not been studied. Also, no previous studies have
      evaluated how OA and/or ALA regulates malignant potential (cell proliferation,
      migration, colony formation and adhesion) and intracellular signaling pathways,
      and whether their effects might be synergistic and/or additive in esophageal
      cancer cells has not yet been elucidated. MATERIALS/METHODS: We conducted in
      vitro studies and evaluated whether OA and ALA alone or in combination may
      regulate malignant potential in OE19 and OE33 esophageal cancer cell lines.
      RESULTS: Both OA and ALA significantly down-regulated cell proliferation,
      adhesion and/or migration. OA and/or ALA did not change the number of colonies
      but decrease colony sizes when compared to control. Also, we observed that OA
      and/or ALA positively cross-regulates the expression levels of AMPK/S6 axis.
      Moreover, OA and ALA up-regulated tumor suppressor genes (p53, p21, and p27) and
      these effects are abolished by AMPK siRNA administration. Importantly, we
      observed that these effects are additively regulated by OA and ALA in combination
      when compared to control in OE19 and OE33 esophageal cancer cell lines.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our novel mechanistic studies provide evidence for an important role
      for OA and ALA in esophageal cancer, and suggest that OA and/or ALA might be
      useful agents in the management or chemoprevention of esophageal cancer.

PMID- 25129650
TI  - Thyroid core needle biopsy: taking stock of the situation.
AB  - Recently, the microhistologic evaluation by core needle biopsy (CNB) has been
      reported as high accurate to diagnose thyroid nodules with previous indeterminate
      or not adequate fine-needle aspiration cytology. In addition, sparse data have
      been reported regarding the use of CNB in other conditions. Aim of this review
      was to furnish the state of the art of this topic by summarizing published data
      about the diagnostic performance of CNB in thyroid lesions, and provide an easy
      to use reference for clinical practice. Sources encompass studies published
      through May 2014. Original articles were investigated and following specific
      aspects were discussed: 1. The "large" needle biopsy in 90's; 2. Complications by
      and patient's comfort with thyroid CNB; 3. Advantages provided by examination of
      a microhistologic sample of thyroid nodule; 4. Use of CNB in thyroid nodules with
      previous not adequate (Thy 1/Class 1/Category I) cytology; 5. Use of CNB in
      thyroid neoplasms (Thy 3/Class 3/Category III-IV) cytology; 6. Use of CNB in
      specific ultrasonographic presentations of thyroid nodules or in patients with
      peculiar clinical contexts; 7. First-line approach by CNB in thyroid nodules; 8.
      Immunohistochemistry and molecular tests on CNB samples; and 9. Future
      perspective. 

PMID- 25129653
TI  - Complete band gaps in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) phononic plate with cross-like
      holes: numerical design and experimental verification.
AB  - In this work the existence of band gaps in a phononic polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
      plate with a square lattice of cross-like holes is numerically and experimentally
      investigated. First, a parametric analysis is carried out to find plate thickness
      and cross-like holes dimensions capable to nucleate complete band gaps. In this
      analysis the band structures of the unitary cell in the first Brillouin zone are
      computed by exploiting the Bloch-Floquet theorem. Next, time transient finite
      element analyses are performed to highlight the shielding effect of a finite
      dimension phononic region, formed by unitary cells arranged into four concentric
      square rings, on the propagation of guided waves. Finally, ultrasonic
      experimental tests in pitch-catch configuration across the phononic region,
      machined on a PVC plate, are executed and analyzed. Very good agreement between
      numerical and experimental results are found confirming the existence of the
      predicted band gaps. 

PMID- 25129651
TI  - Growth hormone tumor histological subtypes predict response to surgical and
      medical therapy.
AB  - Growth hormone (GH) pituitary tumors are associated with significant morbidity
      and mortality. Current treatments, including surgery and medical therapy with
      somatostatin analogs (SSA), dopamine agonists and/or a GH receptor antagonist,
      result in disease remission in approximately half of patients. Predictors of GH
      tumor response to different therapies have been incompletely defined based on
      histologic subtype, particularly densely (DG) versus sparsely (SG) granulated
      adenomas. The aim of this study was to examine our own institutional experience
      with GH adenomas and correlate how subtype related to clinical parameters as well
      as response to surgery and medical therapies. A retrospective chart review of 101
      acromegalic patients operated by a single neurosurgeon was performed. Clinical
      data were correlated with histologic subtype and disease control, as defined by
      IGF-1 levels, and random growth hormone levels in response to surgery and/or
      medical therapies. SG tumors, compared to DG, occurred in younger patients (p =
      0.0010), were 3-fold larger (p = 0.0030) but showed no differences in tumor
      invasion characteristics (p = 0.12). DG tumors had a higher rate of remission in
      response to surgery compared to SG, 65.7 vs. 14.3 % (p < 0.0001), as well as to
      medical therapy with SSAs (68.8 % for DG vs. 28.6 % for SG tumors; p = 0.028). SG
      tumors not controlled with SSAs consistently responded to a switch to, or
      addition of, a GH receptor antagonist. Histological GH tumor subtyping implicates
      a different clinical phenotype and biologic behavior, and provides prognostic
      significance for surgical success and response to medical therapies.

PMID- 25129654
TI  - Altered head orientation patterns in children with idiopathic scoliosis in
      conditions with sensory conflict.
AB  - PURPOSE: Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is the most common spinal deformity in
      adolescents. Defective postural equilibrium may be a contributing factor. The
      information of the three sensory systems combined enables the formation of a
      central representation of head position and body posture. Comparison of head
      angles of girls with and without scoliosis may result in a difference in head
      orientation. METHODS: 25 girls with IS and 16 girls without scoliosis (NS)
      between the age of 10-16 years stand in a special constructed box on a roll
      tilting platform (tilt -14 degrees  to +14 degrees ). RESULTS: NS and IS subjects
      behave quite similarly if there is no sensory conflict, but if there is conflict,
      the differences between the two groups are greater, especially within the 13- to
      14-year-old category. CONCLUSIONS: The differences between groups for different
      age categories suggest that the process of development of sensory integration for
      estimation of verticality appears to be different for girls with scoliosis.

PMID- 25129652
TI  - Steroid replacement in primary adrenal failure does not appear to affect
      circulating adipokines.
AB  - Despite continuous efforts for an optimal steroid replacement, recent
      observations suggest increased cardiometabolic risk and related mortality in
      primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI). Adipokines are peptides from the adipose
      tissue, markers of cardiometabolic dysfunction. This study was aimed to evaluate
      serum levels of adipokines: leptin, adiponectin, and resistin in PAI during
      conventional steroid substitution. The analysis comprised 63 patients (mean age
      42.7 +/- 14.1 years) and 63 healthy controls. Serum adipokines, lipid profile,
      and plasma glucose were assessed in both cohorts. ACTH, serum insulin, HOMA-IR,
      DHEA-S, cortisol and 24 h urinary free cortisol were determined in PAI. Body mass
      composition was analyzed by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Mean BMI in the
      control group was 24.1 +/- 3.9 kg/m(2) and 23.7 +/- 3.9 kg/m(2) in the PAI
      cohort. Serum leptin and adiponectin levels were similar in both groups, whereas
      resistin appeared significantly lower among affected subjects (p = 0.0002). Its
      levels were weakly correlated with HOMA-IR (p = 0.048). Leptin was independently
      correlated with fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, BMI, and body fat (p < 0.001). At the
      multiple regression analysis only weight (p = 0.017), total and HDL cholesterol
      (p < 0.001) appeared significant predictors of adiponectin level. No adipokine
      correlations with serum cortisol or daily hydrocortisone dose were found.
      Patients receiving DHEA substitution displayed lower leptin and adiponectin
      levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study did not provide evidence of an
      adverse adipokine profile in patients with PAI under conventional glucocorticoid
      replacement. Serum adipokines in treated PAI follow similar correlations to those
      reported in healthy subjects. Further prospective studies are warranted to verify
      and explain plausible excess of cardiovascular mortality in PAI.

PMID- 25129655
TI  - Volumetric three-dimensional computed tomographic evaluation of the upper airway
      in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome treated by maxillomandibular
      advancement.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is the periodic reduction or cessation of
      airflow during sleep together with daytime sleepiness. Its diagnosis requires
      polysomnographic evidence of 5 or more episodes of apnoea or hypopnoea/hour of
      sleep (apnoea/hypopnoea index, AHI). Volumetric 3-dimensional computed
      tomographic (CT) reconstruction enables the accurate measurement of the volume of
      the airway. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the conventional
      non-surgical treatment for patients with severe disease. Operations on the soft
      tissues that are currently available give success rates of only 40%-60%.
      Maxillomandibular advancement is currently the most effective craniofacial
      surgical technique for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea in adults.
      However, the appropriate distance for advancement has not been established.
      Expansion of the air-flow column volume did not result in an additional reduction
      in AHI, which raises the important issue of how much the maxillomandibular
      complex should be advanced to obtain an adequate reduction in AHI while avoiding
      the risks of overexpansion or underexpansion. We have shown that there is a
      significant linear relation between increased absolute upper airway volume after
      advancement and improvement in the AHI (p=0.013). However, increases in upper
      airway volume of 70% or more achieved no further reduction in the AHI, which
      suggests that the clinical improvement in AHI reaches a plateau, and renders
      further expansion unnecessary. This gives a new perspective to treatment based on
      the prediction of changes in volume, so the amount of sagittal advancement can be
      tailored in each case, which replaces the current standard of 1cm. 

PMID- 25129657
TI  - [Effects of air pollution on mortality. Comments].

PMID- 25129658
TI  - [Insulin treatment in patients over 80 years old and the risk of hypoglycemia].

PMID- 25129656
TI  - Dietary fiber intake and its association with indicators of adiposity and serum
      biomarkers in European adolescents: the HELENA study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate total, energy-adjusted dietary fiber (DF), water-soluble
      fiber (WSF), and water-insoluble fiber (WIF) intakes in European adolescents and
      to investigate their association with indicators of adiposity and serum
      biomarkers. METHODS: This study, conducted from 2006 to 2007, included 1804
      adolescents aged 12.5-17.5 years (47% males) from eight European cities
      completing two non-consecutive computerized 24-h dietary recalls. GLM
      multivariate analysis was used to investigate associations. RESULTS: Mean DF
      intake (20 g/day) of the sample met the European Food Safety Authority
      recommendation, but was below those of the World Health Organization and of the
      Institute of Medicine. Total DF, WSF and WIF intakes were higher in males (P <
      0.001), but following energy-adjustments significantly higher intakes were
      observed among females (P < 0.001). Bread and cereals contributed most to total
      DF, WSF and WIF intakes, followed by potatoes and grains, energy-dense but low
      nutritious foods, fruits and vegetables. Moreover, energy-adjusted WSF and WIF
      were positively associated with body fat percentage (BF%), waist to height ratio
      and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while energy-adjusted WSF was inversely
      associated with serum fasting glucose (beta = -0. 010, P = 0.020). CONCLUSION:
      Total DF intakes are rather low in European adolescents. An inverse association
      with serum fasting glucose might indicate a possible beneficial role of DF in
      preventing insulin resistance and its concomitant diseases, even though DF
      intakes were positively associated with adolescents' BF%. Therefore, further
      longitudinal studies should elaborate on these potential beneficial effects of DF
      intake in the prevention of obesity and related chronic diseases.

PMID- 25129659
TI  - Structural and dynamical properties of Li+-dibenzo-18-crown-6(DB18C6) complex in
      pure solvents and at the aqueous-organic interface.
AB  - Microstructure of dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) and DB18C6/Li(+) complex in
      different solvents (water, methanol, chloroform, and nitrobenzene) have been
      analyzed using radial distribution function (RDF), coordination number (CN), and
      orientation profiles, in order to identify the role of solvents on complexation
      of DB18C6 with Li(+), using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In contrast to
      aqueous solution of LiCl, no clear solvation pattern is found around Li(+) in the
      presence of DB18C6. The effect of DB18C6 has been visualized in terms of
      reduction in peak height and shift in peak positions of g(Li-Ow). The appearance
      of damped oscillations in velocity autocorrelation function (VACF) of complexed
      Li(+) described the high frequency motion to a "rattling" of the ion in the cage
      of DB18C6. The solvent-complex interaction is found to be higher for water and
      methanol due to hydrogen bond (HB) interactions with DB18C6. However, the
      stability of DB18C6/Li(+) complex is found to be almost similar for each solvent
      due to weak complex-solvent interactions. Further, Li(+) complex of DB18C6 at the
      liquid/liquid interface of two immiscible solvents confirm the high interfacial
      activity of DB18C6 and DB18C6/Li(+) complex. The complexed Li(+) shows higher
      affinity for water than organic solvents; still they remain at the interface
      rather than migrating toward water due to higher surface tension of water as
      compared to organic solvents. These simulation results shed light on the role of
      counter-ions and spatial orientation of species in pure and hybrid solvents in
      the complexation of DB18C6 with Li(+).

PMID- 25129660
TI  - Computational investigation of interaction of polypyrrole on the surface of
      single-walled carbon nanotube.
AB  - A density functional theory investigation of adsorption of monomer, dimer and
      trimer forms of pyrrole on the outer surface of zigzag (7,0) single-walled carbon
      nanotube (SWCNT) has been reported. Geometries of the complexes were optimized
      using the M06-2X functional and the 6-31G(d,p) basis set. Moreover, 6-311G(d,p),
      cc-pVDZ and cc-pVTZ basis sets were used for the adsorption energy calculation
      and such energies were corrected for the basis set superposition error. Vertical
      ionization potential and electron affinity of the investigated system were also
      computed. The interaction of polypyrrole on the SWCNT surface is characterized by
      the stacking interaction. Adsorption (binding) energy of pyrrole on the SWCNT
      surface is weak, but such energy increases with the number of monomer units in
      the pyrrole oligomer. In the SWCNT-pyrrole complexes, the oxidation and reduction
      processes will take place only at the SWCNT. The influence of larger unit on the
      electronic properties of the complex has been detailed. 

PMID- 25129661
TI  - Theoretical investigation of the mechanisms and dynamics of the reaction CHF2OCF
      2CHFCl+Cl.
AB  - The reaction of CHF2OCF2CHFCl with atomic chlorine was studied using B3LYP/6
      311G(d,p), BHandHLYP/6-311G(d,p), and M06-2X/6-311G(d,p) methods and further
      using CCSD(T) and QCISD(T) methods. Two hydrogen abstraction channels were found
      for the title reaction. Dynamics calculations were followed by means of canonical
      variational transition state with the small-curvature tunneling correction
      between 220 and 2,000 K. Our rate constant k = 2.90 * 10(-15) cm(3) molecule(-1)
      s(-1) is in reasonable agreement with the available data (3.20 +/- 0.32) * 10(
      15) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) at 296 K. The three-parameter Arrhenius expression
      (in the unit of cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)) for the title reaction is given as k
      (T) = 1.38 * 10 (-19)  T (2.57) exp (-2622.95/T).

PMID- 25129662
TI  - Evidence of a long C-C attractive interaction in cerussite mineral: QTAIM and ELF
      analyses.
AB  - Cerussite, an orthorhombic lead carbonate mineral, has a structure and physical
      properties that cannot be understood merely in terms of ionic anion-cation
      interactions. The nature of the chemical bonding in cerussite is analyzed by
      means of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and the analysis of the
      electron localization function (ELF). A long C-C attractive interaction (3.077 A)
      along the c axis of the cerussite structure is evidenced by the presence of bond
      critical points between the C atoms of the CO(3)(2-) molecular groups. It is
      proposed that the Pb-O interactions, which are mostly ionic in nature, disturb
      the structure of the CO(3)(2-) molecular groups and promote their interaction
      along the c axis. The importance of this long-range interaction in the high
      pressure crystal chemistry of carbonate minerals and in the explanation of some
      crystal growth features observed for orthorhombic carbonates is also discussed in
      this work.

PMID- 25129663
TI  - Transcaval retrograde transcatheter aortic valve replacement for patients with no
      other access: first-in-man experience with CoreValve.

PMID- 25129665
TI  - Fluoroscopic anatomy of left-sided heart structures for transcatheter
      interventions: insight from multislice computed tomography.
AB  - With the introduction of transcatheter structural heart therapies, cardiologists
      are increasingly aware of the importance of understanding anatomical details of
      left-sided heart structures. Understanding fluoroscopic cardiac anatomy can
      facilitate optimal positioning and deployment of prostheses during transcatheter
      valve repair/replacement, left atrial appendage occlusion, septal defect closure,
      and paravalvular leak closure. It is possible to use multislice computed
      tomography to determine optimal fluoroscopic viewing angles for such
      transcatheter therapies. The purpose of this paper is to describe how optimal
      fluoroscopic viewing angles of left-sided heart structures can be obtained using
      computed tomography. Two- and 3-chamber views are described and may become
      standard in the context of transcatheter structural heart interventions. 

PMID- 25129666
TI  - Real-time assessment of myocardial viability in the catheterization laboratory
      using the intracoronary electrograms recorded by the PTCA guidewire in patients
      with left ventricular dysfunction: comparison with delayed-enhancement magnetic
      resonance imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether the intracoronary electrograms
      (IC-EGMs) recorded using a standard percutaneous coronary intervention guidewire
      could provide myocardial viability information. BACKGROUND: The revascularization
      of dysfunctional but viable myocardium may confer prognostic benefits compared
      with medical therapy in patients with post-ischemic heart failure. However,
      knowledge of myocardial viability is often unavailable at the time of the
      procedure. METHODS: The peak-to-peak voltage of 317 IC-EGMs recordings from 25
      patients with a previous myocardial infarction and systolic dysfunction were
      matched with corresponding delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging sites
      using a 17-segment model of the left ventricle. RESULTS: Sixty-seven recordings
      were obtained from segments classified as complete scar on delayed-enhancement
      magnetic resonance imaging (group A), 162 from partially viable segments (group
      B), and 88 from fully viable segments (group C). Three high-pass (HP) filters
      (0.5, 30, and 100 Hz) were applied to the signals to modulate their spatial
      resolution. For all filters, the peak-to-peak voltage significantly decreased
      from group C to group B to group A (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). When receiver
      operating characteristic analysis was used to compare nonviable (group A) with
      viable (group B + C) segments, the optimal discriminating voltages were 4.6, 2.2,
      and 0.78 mV for, respectively, HP-0.5, HP-30, and HP-100 filters, with a
      sensitivity of 92%, 94%, and 99% and a specificity of 70%, 79%, and 69%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The amplitude of the IC-EGMs discriminates viable from nonviable
      left ventricular segments. Because this technique is simple and inexpensive and
      provides real-time results, it is potentially useful to aid decision making in
      the catheterization laboratory.

PMID- 25129664
TI  - Mechanisms of atherothrombosis and vascular response to primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention in women versus men with acute myocardial infarction:
      results of the OCTAVIA study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess in vivo sex differences in the
      pathophysiology of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and
      vascular response to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
      BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on whether differences in the pathophysiology
      of STEMI and response to primary PCI between women and men reflect biological
      factors as opposed to differences in age. METHODS: In this prospective,
      multicenter study, 140 age-matched men and women with STEMI undergoing primary
      PCI with everolimus-eluting stent were investigated with intravascular optical
      coherence tomography, histopathology-immunohistochemistry of thrombus aspirates,
      and serum biomarkers. Primary endpoints were the percentages of culprit plaque
      rupture at baseline and everolimus-eluting stent strut coverage at 9-month follow
      up as determined by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Men and women had
      similar rates of plaque rupture (50.0% vs. 48.4%; risk ratio [RR]: 1.03; 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 0.73 to 1.47; p = 0.56). Nonruptured/eroded plaques
      comprised 25% of all cases (p = 0.86 in men vs. women). There were no sex
      differences in composition of aspirated thrombus and immune and inflammatory
      serum biomarkers. At 9 months, women had similar strut coverage (90.9% vs. 92.5%;
      difference in medians: RR: 0.2%; 95% CI: -0.4% to 1.3%; p = 0.89) and amount of
      in-stent neointimal obstruction (10.3% vs. 10.6%; p = 0.76) as men did. There
      were no sex differences in clinical outcome either at 30-day or 1-year follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, no
      differences in culprit plaque morphology and factors associated with coronary
      thrombosis were observed between age-matched men and women. Women also showed
      similar vascular healing response to everolimus-eluting stents as men did.
      (Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment of Gender Diversity In Primary
      Angioplasty: The OCTAVIA Trial [OCTAVIA]; NCT01377207).

PMID- 25129667
TI  - Thrombus formation at the MitraClip system during percutaneous mitral valve
      repair.

PMID- 25129668
TI  - Transapical transcatheter aortic valve for severe aortic regurgitation: expanding
      the limits.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the self-expandable ACURATE TA device
      (Symetis SA, Ecublens, Switzerland) in a cohort of patients with pure aortic
      regurgitation (AR). BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has
      been initially considered as an alternative for high-risk patients with aortic
      stenosis. Although the current experience is limited, TAVR might be also an
      alternative to treat patients with pure, severe AR. METHODS: Between April 2012
      and December 2013, a total of 8 high-risk patients with pure, severe AR were
      enrolled (grade III+). Clinical and hemodynamic data as well as data on device
      and procedure parameters and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Patient mean was
      72.5 +/- 8.4 years, and 37.5% of patients were female. Logistic EuroSCORE was
      34.0 +/- 7.9% and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 7.3 +/- 3.3% on
      average. Two patients had undergone emergency aortic operation before due to
      acute type A aortic dissection, and both were treated by replacement of the
      ascending aorta (including root reconstruction) and the aortic arch combined with
      or without E-vita Open stent graft (Jotec GmbH, Hechingen, Germany) (January 2011
      and March 2012), whereas the other patients experienced primary AR. All patients
      underwent successful transapical TAVR with the transapical ACURATE TA device
      (size small, n = 1, size medium, n = 3, size large, n = 4) without any
      intraprocedural complications according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium
      2 criteria. Post-procedure AR grade I+ or lower, as revealed by transoesophageal
      echocardiography and angiography, was present in all 8 patients. At 30 days, the
      stroke incidence and all-cause mortality rate were 0%. CONCLUSIONS: This small
      single-center series demonstrates the feasibility of transapical TAVR with the
      self-expandable ACURATE TA device in high-risk patients with severe AR.

PMID- 25129669
TI  - Left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion during transcatheter pulmonary
      valve implantation: successful rescue percutaneous revascularization.

PMID- 25129670
TI  - Contralateral embolization of intima after transfemoral aortic valve replacement.

PMID- 25129671
TI  - Instant stent-accentuated 3-dimensional optical coherence tomography of a
      bifurcation lesion treated with reverse minimum overlapping culotte stenting.

PMID- 25129672
TI  - Initial German experience with transapical implantation of a second-generation
      transcatheter heart valve for the treatment of aortic regurgitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This analysis reports on the initial German multicenter experience
      with the JenaValve (JenaValve Technology GmbH, Munich, Germany) transcatheter
      heart valve for the treatment of pure aortic regurgitation. BACKGROUND:
      Experience with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe aortic
      regurgitation is limited due to the risk of insufficient anchoring of the valve
      stent within the noncalcified aortic annulus. METHODS: Transapical TAVI with a
      JenaValve for the treatment of severe aortic regurgitation was performed in 31
      patients (age 73.8 +/- 9.1 years) in 9 German centers. All patients were
      considered high risk for surgery (logistic EuroSCORE [European System for Cardiac
      Operative Risk Evaluation] 23.6 +/- 14.5%) according to a local heart team
      consensus. Procedural results and clinical outcomes up to 6 months were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Implantation was successful in 30 of 31 cases (aortic annulus diameter
      24.7 +/- 1.5 mm); transcatheter heart valve dislodgement necessitated valve-in
      valve implantation in 1 patient. Post-procedural aortic regurgitation was
      none/trace in 28 of 31 and mild in 3 of 31 patients. During follow-up, 2 patients
      underwent valvular reinterventions (surgical aortic valve replacement for
      endocarditis, valve-in-valve implantation for increasing paravalvular
      regurgitation). All-cause mortality was 12.9% and 19.3% at 30 days and 6 months,
      respectively. In the remaining patients, a significant improvement in New York
      Heart Association class was observed and persisted up to 6 months after TAVI.
      CONCLUSIONS: Aortic regurgitation remains a challenging pathology for TAVI. After
      initial demonstration of feasibility, this multicenter study revealed the
      JenaValve transcatheter heart valve as a reasonable option in this subset of
      patients. However, a significant early noncardiac mortality related to the high
      risk population emphasizes the need for careful patient selection.

PMID- 25129673
TI  - Impact of combined prenatal ethanol and prenatal stress exposures on markers of
      activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in rat dentate gyrus.
AB  - Prenatal ethanol exposure and prenatal stress can each cause long-lasting
      deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and disrupt learning and memory
      processes. However, the mechanisms underlying these perturbations following a
      learning event are still poorly understood. We examined the effects of prenatal
      ethanol exposure and prenatal stress exposure, either alone or in combination, on
      the cytosolic expression of activity-regulated cytoskeletal (ARC) protein and the
      synaptosomal expression of AMPA-glutamate receptor subunits (GluA1 and GluA2) in
      dentate gyrus of female adult offspring under baseline conditions and after 2
      trial trace conditioning (TTTC). Surprisingly, baseline cytoplasmic ARC
      expression was significantly elevated in both prenatal treatment groups. In
      contrast, synaptosomal GluA1 receptor subunit expression was decreased in both
      prenatal treatment groups. GluA2 subunit expression was elevated in the prenatal
      stress group. TTTC did not alter ARC levels compared to an unpaired behavioral
      control (UPC) group in any of the 4 prenatal treatment groups. In contrast, TTTC
      significantly elevated both synaptosomal GluA1 and GluA2 subunit expression
      relative to the UPC group in control offspring, an effect that was not observed
      in any of the other 3 prenatal treatment groups. Given ARC's role in regulating
      synaptosomal AMPA receptors, these results suggest that prenatal ethanol-induced
      or prenatal stress exposure-induced increases in baseline ARC levels could
      contribute to reductions in both baseline and activity-dependent changes in AMPA
      receptors in a manner that diminishes the role of AMPA receptors in dentate gyrus
      synaptic plasticity and hippocampal-sensitive learning. 

PMID- 25129675
TI  - Diminished reliability of tryptase as risk indicator of mastocytosis in older
      overweight subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, measurement of serum tryptase level is the most commonly
      used test to estimate the need for bone marrow biopsy in patients suspected to
      have indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM). Yet tryptase levels do not solely
      reflect the mast cell load and can be elevated by overweight, older age, and
      impaired renal function. The influence of these factors on urinary
      methylhistamine (MH) and methylimidazole acetic acid (MIMA) is still unknown.
      OBJECTIVE: We investigated the impact of age, body mass index (BMI), and kidney
      function on the diagnostic accuracy of tryptase, MH, and MIMA to select the most
      optimal test indicating the necessity of a bone marrow biopsy in ISM-suspected
      patients. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of all adults in whom bone marrow
      investigations were performed because of high clinical suspicion and/or elevated
      tryptase, MH, or MIMA. RESULTS: 194 subjects were included. ISM was present in
      112 and absent in 82 subjects (non-ISM). Tryptase was elevated by age and body
      weight in non-ISM subjects and by BMI in ISM subjects; however, these factors did
      not influence MH or MIMA. In the total study population, the diagnostic accuracy
      of tryptase, MH, and MIMA were comparable (area under the curve 0.80, 0.80, and
      0.83). In subjects >50 years with a BMI >25 kg/m(2), the diagnostic accuracy of
      MIMA was higher compared with that of tryptase (area under the curve 0.93 vs
      0.74; P = .011). CONCLUSION: In ISM-suspected patients >50 years with a BMI of
      >25 kg/m(2), MIMA has a greater value compared with tryptase in estimating the
      need for bone marrow biopsy.

PMID- 25129676
TI  - B-cell linear epitopes mapping of antigen-5 allergen from Polybia paulista wasp
      venom.

PMID- 25129674
TI  - Ethanol treatment of lymphoblastoid cell lines from alcoholics and non-alcoholics
      causes many subtle changes in gene expression.
AB  - To elucidate the effects of a controlled exposure to ethanol on gene expression,
      we studied lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from 21 alcoholics and 21 controls.
      We cultured each cell line for 24 h with and without 75 mM ethanol and measured
      gene expression using microarrays. Differences in expression between LCLs from
      alcoholics and controls included 13 genes previously identified as associated
      with alcoholism or related traits, including KCNA3, DICER1, ZNF415, CAT, SLC9A9,
      and PPARGC1B. The paired design allowed us to detect very small changes due to
      ethanol treatment: ethanol altered the expression of 37% of the probe sets (51%
      of the unique named genes) expressed in these LCLs, most by modest amounts.
      Ninety-nine percent of the named genes expressed in the LCLs were also expressed
      in brain. Key pathways affected by ethanol include cytokine, TNF, and NFkappaB
      signaling. Among the genes affected by ethanol were ANK3, EPHB1, SLC1A1, SLC9A9,
      NRD1, and SH3BP5, which were reported to be associated with alcoholism or related
      phenotypes in 2 genome-wide association studies. Genes that either differed in
      expression between alcoholics and controls or were affected by ethanol exposure
      are candidates for further study. 

PMID- 25129677
TI  - Influence of early-life exposures on food sensitization and food allergy in an
      inner-city birth cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous data suggest that food allergy (FA) might be more common in
      inner-city children; however, these studies have not collected data on both
      sensitization and clinical reactivity or early-life exposures. METHODS: Children
      in the Urban Environment and Childhood Asthma birth cohort were followed through
      age 5 years. Household exposures, diet, clinical history, and physical
      examinations were assessed yearly; levels of specific IgE to milk, egg, and
      peanut were measured at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years of age. On the basis of
      sensitization (IgE >=0.35 kU/L) and clinical history over the 5-year period,
      children were classified as having FA or being possibly allergic, sensitized but
      tolerant, or not allergic/not sensitized. RESULTS: Five hundred sixteen children
      were included. Overall, 55.4% were sensitized (milk, 46.7%; egg, 31.0%; and
      peanut, 20.9%), whereas 9.9% were categorized as having FA (peanut, 6.0%; egg,
      4.3%; and milk, 2.7%; 2.5% to >1 food). The remaining children were categorized
      as possibly allergic (17.0%), sensitized but tolerant (28.5%), and not sensitized
      (44.6%). Eighteen (3.5%) reported reactions to foods for which IgE levels were
      not measured. Food-specific IgE levels were similar in children with FA versus
      sensitized but tolerant children, except for egg, levels of which were higher in
      patients with FA at ages 1 and 2 years. FA was associated with recurrent wheeze,
      eczema, aeroallergen sensitization, male sex, breast-feeding, and lower endotoxin
      exposure in year 1 but not with race/ethnicity, income, tobacco exposure,
      maternal stress, or early introduction of solid foods. CONCLUSIONS: Even given
      that this was designed to be a high-risk cohort, the cumulative incidence of FA
      is extremely high, especially considering the strict definition of FA that was
      applied and that only 3 common allergens were included.

PMID- 25129678
TI  - Biological clustering supports both "Dutch" and "British" hypotheses of asthma
      and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are
      heterogeneous diseases. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine, in terms of their
      sputum cellular and mediator profiles, the extent to which they represent
      distinct or overlapping conditions supporting either the "British" or "Dutch"
      hypotheses of airway disease pathogenesis. METHODS: We compared the clinical and
      physiological characteristics and sputum mediators between 86 subjects with
      severe asthma and 75 with moderate-to-severe COPD. Biological subgroups were
      determined using factor and cluster analyses on 18 sputum cytokines. The
      subgroups were validated on independent severe asthma (n = 166) and COPD (n = 58)
      cohorts. Two techniques were used to assign the validation subjects to subgroups:
      linear discriminant analysis, or the best identified discriminator (single
      cytokine) in combination with subject disease status (asthma or COPD). RESULTS:
      Discriminant analysis distinguished severe asthma from COPD completely using a
      combination of clinical and biological variables. Factor and cluster analyses of
      the sputum cytokine profiles revealed 3 biological clusters: cluster 1: asthma
      predominant, eosinophilic, high TH2 cytokines; cluster 2: asthma and COPD
      overlap, neutrophilic; cluster 3: COPD predominant, mixed eosinophilic and
      neutrophilic. Validation subjects were classified into 3 subgroups using
      discriminant analysis, or disease status with a binary assessment of sputum IL
      1beta expression. Sputum cellular and cytokine profiles of the validation
      subgroups were similar to the subgroups from the test study. CONCLUSIONS: Sputum
      cytokine profiling can determine distinct and overlapping groups of subjects with
      asthma and COPD, supporting both the British and Dutch hypotheses. These findings
      may contribute to improved patient classification to enable stratified medicine.

PMID- 25129679
TI  - Total transcriptome, proteome, and allergome of Johnson grass pollen, which is
      important for allergic rhinitis in subtropical regions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genomic data are lacking for many allergen sources. To circumvent
      this limitation, we implemented a strategy to reveal the repertoire of pollen
      allergens of a grass with clinical importance in subtropical regions, where an
      increasing proportion of the world's population resides. OBJECTIVE: We sought to
      identify and immunologically characterize the allergenic components of the
      Panicoideae Johnson grass pollen (JGP; Sorghum halepense). METHODS: The total
      pollen transcriptome, proteome, and allergome of JGP were documented. Serum IgE
      reactivities with pollen and purified allergens were assessed in 64 patients with
      grass pollen allergy from a subtropical region. RESULTS: Purified Sor h 1 and Sor
      h 13 were identified as clinically important allergen components of JGP with
      serum IgE reactivity in 49 (76%) and 28 (43.8%), respectively, of patients with
      grass pollen allergy. Within whole JGP, multiple cDNA transcripts and peptide
      spectra belonging to grass pollen allergen families 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 12, 13, and
      25 were identified. Pollen allergens restricted to subtropical grasses (groups 22
      24) were also present within the JGP transcriptome and proteome. Mass
      spectrometry confirmed the IgE-reactive components of JGP included isoforms of
      Sor h 1, Sor h 2, Sor h 13, and Sor h 23. CONCLUSION: Our integrated molecular
      approach revealed qualitative differences between the allergenic components of
      JGP and temperate grass pollens. Knowledge of these newly identified allergens
      has the potential to improve specific diagnosis and allergen immunotherapy
      treatment for patients with grass pollen allergy in subtropical regions and
      reduce the burden of allergic respiratory disease globally.

PMID- 25129682
TI  - Sputum adiponectin as a marker for western red cedar asthma.

PMID- 25129681
TI  - Short- and long-term efficacy of prednisolone for first acute rhinovirus-induced
      wheezing episode.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rhinovirus-induced wheezing is an important risk factor for recurrent
      wheezing. There are no randomized controlled trials on the effect of systemic
      corticosteroids in patients with this disease. OBJECTIVE: We sought to study the
      short- and long-term effects of prednisolone treatment of the first acute,
      moderate-to-severe, rhinovirus-induced wheezing episode in young children.
      METHODS: After confirming rhinovirus from nasopharyngeal aspirate by using PCR,
      79 children with a first wheezing episode at age 3 to 23 months were randomized
      to receive oral prednisolone (first dose of 2 mg/kg, followed by 2 mg/kg/d in 2
      divided doses for 3 days) or placebo. The trial was double blind throughout the
      12-month follow-up. The primary outcomes were long term: new physician-confirmed
      wheezing episode within 2 months, number of physician-confirmed wheezing episodes
      within 12 months, and initiation of regular controller medication for asthma
      symptoms within 12 months. The primary interaction analysis examined rhinovirus
      load. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients completed the study (mean age, 13 months;
      28% atopic). Long-term outcomes did not differ between groups (all P >= .30). For
      short-term outcomes, the prednisolone group had less cough, rhinitis, noisy
      breathing, severe breathing difficulties, and nocturnal respiratory symptoms at
      home within 2 weeks (all P < .05). The 25 children with greater than 7000
      rhinovirus copies/mL (most sensitive cutoff) benefitted from prednisolone in
      terms of less risk of physician-confirmed recurrence within 2 and 12 months
      compared with placebo (both P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Prednisolone cannot be
      routinely recommended for all young children experiencing their first acute,
      moderate-to-severe, rhinovirus-induced wheezing episode. Prednisolone might be
      beneficial in a subgroup of children with high viral loads.

PMID- 25129680
TI  - Eosinophil-dependent skin innervation and itching following contact toxicant
      exposure in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Contact toxicant reactions are accompanied by localized skin
      inflammation and concomitant increases in site-specific itch responses. The
      role(s) of eosinophils in these reactions is poorly understood. However, previous
      studies have suggested that localized eosinophil-nerve interactions at sites of
      inflammation significantly alter tissue innervation. OBJECTIVE: To define a
      potential mechanistic link between eosinophils and neurosensory responses in the
      skin leading to itching. METHODS: BALB/cJ mice were exposed to different contact
      toxicants, identifying trimellitic anhydride (TMA) for further study on the basis
      of inducing a robust eosinophilia accompanied by degranulation. Subsequent
      studies using TMA were performed with wild type versus eosinophil-deficient PHIL
      mice, assessing edematous responses and remodeling events such as sensory nerve
      innervation of the skin and induced pathophysiological responses (ie, itching).
      RESULTS: Exposure to TMA, but not dinitrofluorobenzene, resulted in a robust
      eosinophil skin infiltrate accompanied by significant levels of degranulation.
      Follow-up studies using TMA with wild type versus eosinophil-deficient PHIL mice
      showed that the induced edematous responses and histopathology were, in part,
      causatively linked with the presence of eosinophils. Significantly, these data
      also demonstrated that eosinophil-mediated events correlated with a significant
      increase in substance P content of the cutaneous nerves and an accompanying
      increase in itching, both of which were abolished in the absence of eosinophils.
      CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophil-mediated events following TMA contact toxicant reactions
      increase skin sensory nerve substance P and, in turn, increase itching responses.
      Thus, eosinophil-nerve interactions provide a potential mechanistic link between
      eosinophil-mediated events and neurosensory responses following exposure to some
      contact toxicants.

PMID- 25129684
TI  - The structure and validity of directional measures of appearance social
      comparison among emerging adults in China.
AB  - We evaluated the structure and validity of the Upward Appearance Comparison Scale
      (UPACS) and Downward Appearance Comparison Scale (DACS) (O'Brien et al., 2009) in
      Chinese samples. In Study 1, principal component analysis on an initial sample
      (427 women, 123 men) and confirmatory factor analysis on another sample (447
      women, 121 men) found that a 15-item, two component model had the best overall
      fit. Derived components had moderate correlations with most conceptually related
      measures and low correlations with less conceptually related indices. Study 2
      participants (310 women, 201 men) completed the UPACS and DACS as well as
      measures of disordered eating, fatness concern, and negative affect; they were re
      assessed one year later. Baseline UPACS scores predicted changes in disordered
      eating for women and fatness concerns for men, independent of initial
      disturbances, but DACS responses were not related to outcomes. Findings
      highlighted the potential utility of derived UPACS and DACS within a Chinese
      context. 

PMID- 25129685
TI  - "Appearance potent"? A content analysis of UK gay and straight men's magazines.
AB  - With little actual appraisal, a more 'appearance potent' (i.e., a reverence for
      appearance ideals) subculture has been used to explain gay men's greater body
      dissatisfaction in comparison to straight men's. This study sought to assess the
      respective appearance potency of each subculture by a content analysis of 32
      issues of the most read gay (Attitude, Gay Times) and straight men's magazines
      (Men's Health, FHM) in the UK. Images of men and women were coded for their
      physical characteristics, objectification and nudity, as were the number of
      appearance adverts and articles. The gay men's magazines featured more images of
      men that were appearance ideal, nude and sexualized than the straight men's
      magazines. The converse was true for the images of women and appearance adverts.
      Although more research is needed to understand the effect of this content on the
      viewer, the findings are consistent with a more appearance potent gay male
      subculture. 

PMID- 25129683
TI  - Stress and asthma: novel insights on genetic, epigenetic, and immunologic
      mechanisms.
AB  - In the United States the economically disadvantaged and some ethnic minorities
      are often exposed to chronic psychosocial stressors and disproportionately
      affected by asthma. Current evidence suggests a causal association between
      chronic psychosocial stress and asthma or asthma morbidity. Recent findings
      suggest potential mechanisms underlying this association, including changes in
      the methylation and expression of genes that regulate behavioral, autonomic,
      neuroendocrine, and immunologic responses to stress. There is also evidence
      suggesting the existence of susceptibility genes that predispose chronically
      stressed youth to both post-traumatic stress disorder and asthma. In this review
      we critically examine published evidence and suggest future directions for
      research in this field. 

PMID- 25129687
TI  - Editorial overview: Mechanisms: Chemical and computational probes of biological
      mechanism.

PMID- 25129686
TI  - The role of media and peer influences in Australian women's attitudes towards
      cosmetic surgery.
AB  - The study aimed to examine the influence of media and peers on attitudes towards
      cosmetic surgery using a sociocultural framework. A sample of 351 Australian
      women aged 18-69 years completed measures of media exposure, friend
      conversations, internalisation of appearance ideals, appearance comparison, body
      dissatisfaction, and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery. Correlational analysis
      showed that almost all media and friend variables were significantly correlated
      with positive attitudes towards cosmetic surgery. A structural equation model
      based on the sociocultural model showed a good level of fit to the data. The
      effects of media exposure and friend conversations on body dissatisfaction and
      attitudes towards cosmetic surgery were mediated by internalisation. We concluded
      that media exposure and friend conversations affected attitudes towards cosmetic
      surgery both directly and indirectly. Our results contribute to the understanding
      of the sociocultural mechanisms underlying women's motivations for cosmetic
      surgery. 

PMID- 25129688
TI  - A pitfall in diagnosing Cushing's disease: ectopic ACTH-producing pituitary
      adenoma in the sphenoid sinus.
AB  - PURPOSE: To show a rare case of Cushing's disease and possible cause of failed
      transsphenoidal surgery. METHOD: We report on a 50-year-old woman suffering from
      ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Endocrinological work-up including low
      dose/high-dose dexamethasone test (Liddle-test) and CRH test were clearly
      compatible with pituitary origin. Although an MRI showed no pituitary tumor, CRH
      stimulated petrosal sinus sampling revealed a significant central-peripheral
      gradient in ACTH concentrations, rendering Cushing's disease very likely. The
      patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery with negative exploration of the
      pituitary gland. After intraoperative re-evaluation of the preoperative MRI, a
      "polyp" at the bottom of the sphenoid sinus was identified. The intraoperative
      microscopic aspect as well as instantaneous sections and cytology of a biopsy
      confirmed an adenoma, which was then removed. Histological analysis demonstrated
      an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma adjacent to respiratory mucous membrane
      consisting of ciliated epithelium with submucous connective tissue.
      Postoperatively, ACTH concentrations were decreased and intermittent
      hydrocortisone substitution treatment was initiated. At the 3-month follow up,
      Cushing's stigmata were found to be alleviated and the hydrocortisone dosage
      could be reduced. CONCLUSION: Ectopic pituitary adenoma tissue causing Cushing's
      disease is extremely rare but a potential cause for surgical failure or re
      evaluation.

PMID- 25129689
TI  - Effects of introducing Xpert MTB/RIF test on multi-drug resistant tuberculosis
      diagnosis in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An algorithm instituted following Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) introduction
      in South Africa advocates for treating all Xpert rifampicin resistant patients as
      MDR-TB cases while awaiting confirmation by phenotypic or genotypic drug
      susceptibility testing. This study evaluates how the Xpert has influenced the
      diagnosis and management of drug resistant TB in the highest burdened district of
      KwaZulu-Natal Province. METHODS: Data was retrospectively collected from all
      patients with rifampicin resistance on Xpert performed between March 2011 and
      April 2012. Xpert results were compared with those of phenotypic and/genotypic
      drug susceptibility testing. Patients' records were used to determine the time to
      treatment initiation. RESULTS: Out of 637 patients tested by Xpert, 50% had
      confirmatory results, of which a third were sent on the same day as Xpert test.
      The rate of rifampicin discordance and monoresistance was 8.8% and 13.4%
      respectively and there was no difference between phenotypic and genotypic
      confirmation. Among those who had been initiated on treatment, 28%, 40%, 21% and
      8% of patients commenced within 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months of Xpert
      testing respectively, while the remaining 3% were observed without treatment.
      CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of complying with the algorithm
      in confirming all Xpert rif resistant cases so as to ensure proper management of
      these patients. Despite the rapidity of the Xpert results, only about 70% of
      patients had been initiated treatment at one month. Therefore there is a definite
      need to improve the health systems in order to improve on these delays.

PMID- 25129691
TI  - Women's age and embryo developmental speed accurately predict clinical pregnancy
      after single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer.
AB  - The aim of this study was to establish a simple, objective blastocyst grading
      system using women's age and embryo developmental speed to predict clinical
      pregnancy after single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer. A 6-year
      retrospective cohort study was conducted in a private infertility centre. A total
      of 7341 single vitrified-armed blastocyst transfer cycles were included, divided
      into those carried out between 2006 and 2011 (6046 cycles) and 2012 (1295
      cycles). Clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate and delivery rates were
      stratified by women's age (<35, 35-37, 38-39, 40-41, 42-45 years) and time to
      blastocyst expansion (<120, 120-129, 130-139, 140-149, >149 h) as embryo
      developmental speed. In all the age groups, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing
      pregnancy rate and delivery rates decreased as the embryo developmental speed
      decreased (P < 0.0001). A simple five-grade score based on women's age and embryo
      developmental speed was determined by actual clinical pregnancy rates observed in
      the 2006-2011 cohort. Subsequently, the novel grading score was validated in the
      2012 cohort (1295 cycles), finding an excellent association. In conclusion, we
      established a novel blastocyst grading system using women's age and embryo
      developmental speed as objective parameters. 

PMID- 25129692
TI  - Cryobanking of human ovarian tissue: Do women still want their tissue stored
      beyond 5 years?
AB  - Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is one way of preserving fertility in young
      women with a malignant disease or other disorders that require gonadotoxic
      treatment. The purpose of the study was to explore how many women remained
      interested in continued cryostorage of their ovarian tissue beyond an initial 5
      year period. Between 1999 and 2006, a total of 201 girls and young women had one
      ovary cryopreserved for fertility preservation in Denmark. One hundred of these
      met our inclusion criteria, which included a follow-up period of at least 5
      years, and were mailed a questionnaire. The response rate was 95%. Sixteen of the
      patients (17%) stated that they wanted disposal of their tissue; the main reason
      was completion of family (63%). The mean age of those requesting disposal was
      36.6 years, whereas those still wanting their tissue stored were significantly
      younger, with a mean age of 33.0 years (P < 0.008). In conclusion, most women
      with ovarian tissue cryobanked requested continued cryostorage after an initial
      period of at least 5 years. The main reason for requesting disposal was
      successful completion of a family. 

PMID- 25129690
TI  - Targeted sequencing by proximity ligation for comprehensive variant detection and
      local haplotyping.
AB  - Despite developments in targeted gene sequencing and whole-genome analysis
      techniques, the robust detection of all genetic variation, including structural
      variants, in and around genes of interest and in an allele-specific manner
      remains a challenge. Here we present targeted locus amplification (TLA), a
      strategy to selectively amplify and sequence entire genes on the basis of the
      crosslinking of physically proximal sequences. We show that, unlike other
      targeted re-sequencing methods, TLA works without detailed prior locus
      information, as one or a few primer pairs are sufficient for sequencing tens to
      hundreds of kilobases of surrounding DNA. This enables robust detection of single
      nucleotide variants, structural variants and gene fusions in clinically relevant
      genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, and enables haplotyping. We show that TLA can
      also be used to uncover insertion sites and sequences of integrated transgenes
      and viruses. TLA therefore promises to be a useful method in genetic research and
      diagnostics when comprehensive or allele-specific genetic information is needed. 

PMID- 25129693
TI  - The social context for surrogates' motivations and satisfaction.
AB  - This Commentary takes up two of the main findings by Imrie and Jadva's study,
      namely surrogates' satisfaction with the post-surrogacy contact with intended
      parents and their motivation for surrogacy. It argues that the findings are in
      keeping with other qualitative research on surrogacy and that this similarity is
      not the result of the similarity of surrogates' psychological makeup. The
      Commentary highlights the centrality of social meanings and definitions, and
      following Howard Becker, insists on taking into account the collective doings
      that inform and shape individual feelings and behaviour. 

PMID- 25129695
TI  - Bayesian Proteoform Modeling Improves Protein Quantification of Global Proteomic
      Measurements.
AB  - As the capability of mass spectrometry-based proteomics has matured, tens of
      thousands of peptides can be measured simultaneously, which has the benefit of
      offering a systems view of protein expression. However, a major challenge is that
      with an increase in throughput, protein quantification estimation from the native
      measured peptides has become a computational task. A limitation to existing
      computationally-driven protein quantification methods is that most ignore protein
      variation, such as alternate splicing of the RNA transcript and post
      translational modifications or other possible proteoforms, which will affect a
      significant fraction of the proteome. The consequence of this assumption is that
      statistical inference at the protein level, and consequently downstream analyses,
      such as network and pathway modeling, have only limited power for biomarker
      discovery. Here, we describe a Bayesian model (BP-Quant) that uses statistically
      derived peptides signatures to identify peptides that are outside the dominant
      pattern, or the existence of multiple over-expressed patterns to improve relative
      protein abundance estimates. It is a research-driven approach that utilizes the
      objectives of the experiment, defined in the context of a standard statistical
      hypothesis, to identify a set of peptides exhibiting similar statistical behavior
      relating to a protein. This approach infers that changes in relative protein
      abundance can be used as a surrogate for changes in function, without necessarily
      taking into account the effect of differential post-translational modifications,
      processing, or splicing in altering protein function. We verify the approach
      using a dilution study from mouse plasma samples and demonstrate that BP-Quant
      achieves similar accuracy as the current state-of-the-art methods at proteoform
      identification with significantly better specificity. BP-Quant is available as a
      MatLab (r) and R packages at https://github.com/PNNL-Comp-Mass-Spec/BP-Quant.

PMID- 25129696
TI  - Multifunctional graphene quantum dots for simultaneous targeted cellular imaging
      and drug delivery.
AB  - This study demonstrates that ligand-modified graphene quantum dots (GQDs)
      facilitate the simultaneous operation of multiple tasks without the need for
      external dyes. These tasks include selective cell labeling, targeted drug
      delivery, and real-time monitoring of cellular uptake. Folic acid (FA)-conjugated
      GQDs are synthesized and utilized to load the antitumor drug doxorubicin (DOX).
      The fabricated nanoassembly can unambiguously discriminate cancer cells from
      normal cells and efficiently deliver the drug to targeted cells. The inherent
      stable fluorescence of GQDs enables real-time monitoring of the cellular uptake
      of the DOX-GQD-FA nanoassembly and the consequent release of drugs. The
      nanoassembly is specifically internalized rapidly by HeLa cells via receptor
      mediated endocytosis, whereas DOX release and accumulation are prolonged. In
      vitro toxicity data suggest that the DOX-GQD-FA nanoassembly can target HeLa
      cells differentially and efficiently while exhibiting significantly reduced
      cytotoxicity to non-target cells. 

PMID- 25129697
TI  - Adsorption at the biocompatible alpha-pinene-water interface and emulsifying
      properties of two eco-friendly surfactants.
AB  - In this contribution, we provide an accurate characterization at the alpha
      pinene/water interface of two commercial polyoxytheylene glycerol ester
      surfactants which differ in the number of ethylene oxide (EO) groups, comprising
      a systematic analysis of interfacial pressure isotherms, dynamic curves,
      interfacial rheology and emulsifying properties. Polyoxyethylene glycerol esters
      derived from cocoa oil are non-ionic surfactants obtained from a renewable source
      which fulfill the environmental and toxicological requirements to be used as eco
      friendly emulsifying agents. alpha-Pinene is a renewable biosolvent completely
      insoluble in water, which could find numerous applications. Interfacial rheology
      and equilibrium interfacial pressure data fitted a rigorous reorientation model
      that assumes that the surfactant molecules, when adsorbed at the interface, can
      acquire two orientations. The surfactant with the highest number of EO groups
      (Levenol C201) turned out to be more surface active at the alpha-pinene/water
      interface. In addition, the surfactant with the lowest number of EO groups
      (Levenol H&B) is solubilized into the adjacent oil phase. Slightly concentrated
      alpha-pinene emulsions were obtained using both surfactants. Nevertheless, more
      stable alpha-pinene emulsions with smaller droplet sizes and lower polidispersity
      were obtained when Levenol C201 was used as emulsifier instead of Levenol H&B.
      The systematic characterization presented in this work provides important new
      findings on the interfacial and emulsifying properties of polyoxytheylene
      glycerol ester surfactants, which can be applied in the rational development of
      new biocompatible products. 

PMID- 25129698
TI  - Exercise-based injury prevention in child and adolescent sport: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The promotion of sport and physical activity (PA) for children is
      widely recommended to support a healthy lifestyle, but being engaged in sport
      bears the risk of sustaining injuries. Injuries, in turn, can lead to a reduction
      in current and future involvement in PA and, therefore, may negatively affect
      future health as well as quality of life. Thus, sports injury prevention is of
      particular importance in youth. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was
      to quantify the effectiveness of exercise-based injury prevention programs in
      child and adolescent sport in general, and with respect to different
      characteristics of the target group, injury prevention program, and outcome
      variables. DATA SOURCES: An Internet-based literature search was conducted in six
      databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, SPORTDiscus)
      using the following search terms with Boolean conjunction: (sport injur* OR
      athletic injur* OR sport accident*) AND (prevent* OR prophylaxis OR avoidance)
      AND (child* OR adolescent OR youth). STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled
      trials and controlled intervention studies in organized sport, published in
      English in a peer-reviewed journal, analyzing the effects of an exercise-based
      injury prevention program in athletes younger than 19 years of age. DATA
      EXTRACTION: Two reviewers evaluated eligibility and methodological quality. Main
      outcome extracted was the rate ratio (RR). Statistical analyses were conducted
      using the inverse-variance random effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-one trials,
      conducted on a total of 27,561 athletes (median age 16.7 years [range 10.7
      17.8]), were included. The overall RR was 0.54 (95% CI 0.45-0.67) [p < 0.001].
      Girls profited more from injury prevention than boys (p = 0.05). Both prevention
      programs with a focus on specific injuries (RR 0.48 [95% CI 0.37-0.63]) and those
      aiming at all injuries (RR 0.62 [95% CI 0.48-0.81]) showed significant reduction
      effects. Pre-season and in-season interventions were similarly beneficial (p =
      0.93). Studies on programs that include jumping/plyometric exercises showed a
      significant better (p = 0.002) injury preventive effect (RR 0.45 [95% CI 0.35
      0.57], Z = 6.35, p < 0.001) than studies without such exercises (RR 0.74 [95% CI
      0.61-0.90], Z = 3.03, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The results provide good evidence
      and clearly demonstrate beneficial effects of exercise-based injury prevention
      programs in youth sports as they can result in statistically significant and
      practically relevant injury reduction. In particular, multimodal programs
      including jumping/plyometric exercises can be recommended. However, there is a
      considerable lack of data for children (under 14 years of age) and for individual
      sports in general. Future research should include these groups and focus on the
      effect of specific exercises and compliance.

PMID- 25129699
TI  - The impact of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction on athletic performance: a
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) describes the phenomenon
      of transient airway narrowing in association with physical activity. Although it
      may seem likely that EIB would have a detrimental impact on athletic performance,
      this has yet to be established. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review is to provide
      a systematic appraisal of the current status of knowledge regarding EIB and
      exercise performance and to highlight potential mechanisms by which performance
      may be compromised by EIB. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: PubMed/Medline and
      EBSCO databases were searched up to May 2014 using the search parameter:
      [('exercise' OR 'athlete') AND ('asthma' OR 'bronchoconstriction' OR
      'hypersensitivity') AND 'performance']. This search string returned 243
      citations. After systematically reviewing all of the abstracts, 101 duplicate
      papers were removed, with 132 papers excluded for not including an exercise
      performance outcome measure. RESULTS: The remaining ten studies that met the
      initial criteria were included in this review; six evaluated the performance of
      physically active individuals with asthma and/or EIB while four assessed the
      effects of medication on performance in a comparable population. CONCLUSION: The
      evidence concludes that whilst it is reasonable to suspect that EIB does impact
      athletic performance, there is currently insufficient evidence to provide a
      definitive answer.

PMID- 25129700
TI  - Antibacterial phototoxic effects of synthetic asymmetric and glycosylated
      curcuminoids in aqueous formulations: studies on curcumin and curcuminoids. LIV.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro phototoxic potential of
      synthetic asymmetric and glycosylated curcuminoids on planktonic model bacteria
      by counting the colony forming units. The Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis and
      the Gram-negative Escherichia coli were exposed to aqueous solutions of the
      curcuminoids (?2.5 MUM) in the presence or absence of selected pharmaceutical
      excipients (Pluronic F127, PEG 400 and HPgammaCD) in combination with a low
      irradiation dose (5 J/cm(2); lambdamax: 450 nm) of constant irradiance and time.
      All the asymmetric curcuminoids, but only one of the glycosylated curcuminoids
      demonstrated substantial phototoxic effect on E.faecalis (?4.7 log reduction).
      Only two of the asymmetric curcuminoids showed a moderate to low phototoxic
      effect on the more persistent E.coli. This study emphasized that aromatic
      hydroxyl substituents in the para-position are important to maintain the
      phototoxic potential of curcuminoids independent of molecular symmetry.
      Glycosylation of the aromatic substituents resulted in a substantial loss in
      phototoxicity towards planktonic bacteria, an apparent change in the non
      radiative S1-decay process and a weaker interaction with Pluronic F127 compared
      to the non-glycosylated curcuminoids. The selected excipients Pluronic F127, PEG
      400 and HPgammaCD strongly influenced the phototoxic potential of the
      unsymmetrical, non-glycosylated compounds.

PMID- 25129701
TI  - A simple and effective method to synthesize fluorescent nanoparticles using
      tryptophan and light and their lethal effect against bacteria.
AB  - A simple, environmentally friendly and cost-effective method was used to
      synthesize silver nanoparticles using tryptophan and light. To prepare the
      nanoparticles, the following components were used: deionized water, silver
      nitrate, light and tryptophan. The effects of the tryptophan concentration and
      light exposure time on the formation of tryptophan silver nanoparticles (Tnnps)
      were studied. The synthesized Tnnps were characterized using transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM), absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and zeta
      potential measurements. The synthesized Tnnps were nearly spherical, with sizes
      of approximately 17 nm. In addition, the antibacterial activity of Tnnps was
      determined by monitoring the growth curves of strains of Escherichia coli,
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Serratia marcescens, and
      Enterococcus faecalis using the microdilution test. The Minimum Inhibitory
      Concentration (MIC) for 4 of 5 tested bacteria was determined to be between 20.0
      and 17.5 MUg/mL for 48 h and between 22.5 and 20.0 MUg/mL for 72 h.

PMID- 25129703
TI  - A calculator for temporal artery biopsy result prediction in giant cell arteritis
      suspects.

PMID- 25129702
TI  - High tibial osteotomy.
AB  - High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a widely accepted and performed procedure to treat
      medial knee arthrosis. The aim of this review is to evaluate the different
      surgical options in medial knee arthrosis, focusing on indications, patient's
      selection, long-term follow-up and survival analysis of HTO. Comparison and
      pooling of results are challenging because of different evaluation systems, small
      cohort number, and different surgical techniques. No differences have been
      described between opening and closing wedged HTO in terms of outcomes. Excellent
      early survivorship and good clinical outcomes were reported also with concomitant
      procedures. Correct indications, preoperative workup/planning, and technique
      selection are essential in achieving good results. The choice between opening and
      closing wedge osteotomy, graft selection in opening wedge HTO, comparison between
      HTO and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, and the results of revised HTO to
      total knee replacement are currently under debate and will be discussed in the
      present review. 

PMID- 25129704
TI  - Adjacent segment disease after anterior cervical interbody fusion: a multicenter
      retrospective study of 288 patients with long-term follow-up.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cervical discectomy with interbody fusion is a common procedure in
      spinal surgery. The resultant biomechanical alterations accelerate degeneration
      of the adjacent segment, but the contribution of natural degeneration to adjacent
      segment disease is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term rate of surgery to
      discs adjacent to cervical interbody fusion; and to assess the associated
      incidence of cervico-brachial neuralgia and radiological degeneration of adjacent
      discs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A multicenter retrospective study included anterior
      cervical discectomy patients at a minimum of 10 years' follow-up. Clinical
      variables comprised pain, use of analgesics and surgical revision. Functional
      assessment was performed on the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Radiologic
      degeneration was assessed on the Goffin score based on cervical spine X-ray.
      RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-eight patients were contacted and filled out the
      clinical questionnaire. Among the patients, 153 underwent radiological
      reassessment. Mean age was 46 years (range, 16-73 years). Mean follow-up was 14.5
      years (12-18 years). The rate of surgical revision on a disc adjacent to the
      primary level was 5.9%. Frequent attacks of cervico-brachial neuralgia were
      reported in 20.5% of cases. Radiologic adjacent segment degeneration was found in
      81.3% of cases over follow-up. There was a significant correlation between degree
      of radiologic adjacent segment degeneration and NDI (P=0.02). DISCUSSION:
      Degeneration adjacent to discectomy/fusion is partly due to aging. The present
      findings, however, agree with the literature and indicate accelerated
      degeneration in adjacent segments. These findings should be taken into account in
      treatment decision-making and suggest a possible interest of more physiological
      surgery such as arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV - Multicenter retrospective
      study.

PMID- 25129705
TI  - The reliability of the anterior pelvic plane for computer navigated acetabular
      component placement during total hip arthroplasty: prospective study with the EOS
      imaging system.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Computer navigated total hip arthroplasty is mostly based on the
      use of the anterior pelvic plane (APP) as a reference. EOS is a new imaging
      system that provides three-dimensional analysis of the pelvis in a functional
      position with a low dose of radiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      reliability of the APP for placement of the cup during computer navigated THA
      using EOS. HYPOTHESIS: The reliability of the APP is limited for the placement of
      the acetabular cup during computer navigated THA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was
      a prospective monocentric study using the EOS imaging system evaluating 44
      patients in the standing position three months after computer navigated THA
      (Orthopilot). Reproducibility of EOS measurements were analyzed using SterEOS
      software and the reliability of the navigation data for the position of the cup
      were assessed. RESULTS: Intra and interobserver reproducibility of the
      measurements of the orientation of the cup by EOS were good with correlation
      coefficients above 93% and 95% and confidence intervals of less than +/-5 degrees
      . Mean cup inclination and anteversion were 41.3 degrees  and 20.9 degrees  and
      44.3 degrees  and 29.5 degrees  respectively in operatively and post-operatively.
      The differences between measurements of operative cup inclination using computer
      assisted navigation and the post-operative EOS measurements were significant
      (P<0.05) with a correlation coefficient of less than 40%. DISCUSSION: Our study
      confirms the lack of precision of the APP as a reference for positioning of the
      acetabular component, especially in relation to anteversion. Although for many
      years the APP was considered to be a global reference, in fact, it is subject to
      significant inter-individual variations and variations during changes in
      position. These factors, associated with the difficulty of determining the
      preoperative APP, explain the lack of reliability of this reference. Preoperative
      evaluation of the orientation of APP by EOS and its integration into the
      navigation system could help the operator position these components. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level III Prospective diagnostic case controlled study.

PMID- 25129706
TI  - Blade-plate fixation for distal femoral fractures: a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The blade-plate is the earliest of the contemporary internal fixation
      devices introduced for distal femoral fractures. The recent development of
      dedicated, fixation devices has considerably limited its use. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate outcomes after blade-plate fixation and after fixation
      using other devices. HYPOTHESIS: Outcomes after blade-plate fixation are similar
      to those after condylar screw-plate, distal femoral nail, or locking condylar
      plate fixation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed outcomes after 62 patients
      managed with blade-plate fixation and included in a multicentre retrospective
      study (n=57) or a multicentre prospective study (n=5) and we compared them to
      outcomes after fixation using condylar screw-plates (n=82), distal femoral nail
      (n=219), or locking condylar plates (n=301). The four groups were comparable for
      age, gender distribution, occupational status, prevalence of skin wounds, patient
      related factors, type of accident, and type of fracture. The evaluation relied on
      the clinical International Knee Society (IKS) score and on radiographs. RESULTS:
      No significant differences existed across the four groups for operative time,
      blood transfusion use, complications, need for bone grafting, non-union rate, or
      IKS score values. The early surgical revision rate for removal of the fixation
      material was 4% with the blade-plate and 16% with the other three fixation
      devices (P=0.02). Post-operative fracture deformity was similar in the four
      groups with, however, a higher proportion of residual malalignment in the screw
      fixation group. The final anatomic axis was 3.3+/-1.4 degrees  with the blade
      plate versus 2.3+/-3.7 degrees  with the other three fixation devices. The blade
      plate group had few patients with axial malalignment, and the degree of
      malalignment was limited to 3 degrees  of varus and 10 degrees  of valgus at the
      most, compared to 10 degrees  and 18 degrees  respectively, with the other three
      fixation devices. CONCLUSION: Despite the now extremely limited use and teaching
      of blade-plate fixation, as well as the undeniable technical challenges raised by
      the implantation of this device, the blade-plate is a simple, strong, and
      inexpensive fixation method. It remains reliable for the fixation of distal
      femoral fractures. The disfavour into which the blade-plate is currently falling
      is not warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, case-control study.

PMID- 25129707
TI  - Application of electrochemical technology for removing petroleum hydrocarbons
      from produced water using lead dioxide and boron-doped diamond electrodes.
AB  - Although diverse methods exist for treating polluted water, the most promising
      and innovating technology is the electrochemical remediation process. This paper
      presents the anodic oxidation of real produced water (PW), generated by the
      petroleum exploration of the Petrobras plant-Tunisia. Experiments were conducted
      at different current densities (30, 50 and 100 mA cm(-2)) using the lead dioxide
      supported on tantalum (Ta/PbO2) and boron-doped diamond (BDD) anodes in an
      electrolytic batch cell. The electrolytic process was monitored by the chemical
      oxygen demand (COD) and the residual total petroleum hydrocarbon [TPH] in order
      to know the feasibility of electrochemical treatment. The characterization and
      quantification of petroleum wastewater components were performed by gas
      chromatography mass spectrometry. The COD removal was approximately 85% and 96%
      using PbO2 and BDD reached after 11 and 7h, respectively. Compared with PbO2, the
      BDD anode showed a better performance to remove petroleum hydrocarbons compounds
      from produced water. It provided a higher oxidation rate and it consumed lower
      energy. However, the energy consumption and process time make useless anodic
      oxidation for the complete elimination of pollutants from PW. Cytotoxicity has
      shown that electrochemical oxidation using BDD could be efficiently used to
      reduce more than 90% of hydrocarbons compounds. All results suggest that
      electrochemical oxidation could be an effective approach to treat highly
      concentrated organic pollutants present in the industrial petrochemical
      wastewater and significantly reduce the cost and time of treatment.

PMID- 25129708
TI  - Effects of dietary wheat bran arabinoxylans on cholesterol metabolism of
      hypercholesterolemic hamsters.
AB  - The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of dietary wheat bran
      arabinoxylans (AXs) on cholesterol metabolism in hypercholesterolemic hamsters.
      The hamsters were divided into 3 groups and fed the experimental diets containing
      AXs or oat beta-glucan at a dose of 5 g/kg for 30 days. As the results, the AXs
      lowered plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, and
      increased excretions of total lipids, cholesterol and bile acids, as well as oat
      beta-glucan. The AXs reduced the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl-coenzyme
      A (HMG-CoA) reductase, and increased the activity of cholesterol 7-alpha
      hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in liver. Moreover, the AXs increased propionate and the
      total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations. These results indicated
      that dietary AXs reduced the plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol
      concentrations by promoting the excretion of fecal lipids, regulating the
      activities of HMG-CoA reductase and CYP7A1, and increasing colonic SCFAs in
      hamsters.

PMID- 25129709
TI  - A novel method to estimate the stiffness of carbohydrate polyelectrolyte polymers
      based on the ionic strength dependence of zeta potential.
AB  - Polysaccharides have received a great deal of attention from, for example, the
      food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Their conformations
      (flexibility/stiffness) span a wide range of conformational flexibilities with
      large hydrated volumes, these properties are important in relation to
      polysaccharide structure-function relationships. Perhaps the simplest parameter
      available to estimate the dilute solution conformation of polysaccharides is the
      Smidsrod-Haug stiffness parameter (B) where the stiffness of polyelectrolytes can
      be estimated by measuring the intrinsic viscosity at a number of different ionic
      strengths. In this paper we propose an alternative method for estimating the
      Smidsrod-Haug stiffness parameter (B) using the ionic strength dependency of zeta
      potential. For this purpose we have studied a number of different
      polysaccharides. 

PMID- 25129710
TI  - Synergistic effects of mixed salt on the gelation of kappa-carrageenan.
AB  - The effect of the addition of calcium or sodium ions on the potassium induced
      gelation of kappa-carrageenan (kappa-car) is investigated using oscillatory shear
      rheology and turbidimetry. Both the gelation kinetics and the steady state shear
      moduli are investigated. Gelation in mixed salt solutions is compared with that
      in pure potassium and calcium solutions. It is shown that the elastic shear
      modulus increases with increasing pure KCl concentration, but decreases with
      increasing pure CaCl2 concentration. In mixed salts, gelation of kappa-car is
      induced by potassium and addition of CaCl2 leads to an increase of the elastic
      modulus with increasing CaCl2 concentration. kappa-Car gelled at low mixed salt
      concentrations for which it remained liquid in pure salt. At equivalent ionic
      strengths, the effect of adding NaCl on potassium induced gelation is much
      weaker. In pure KCl solutions, kappa-car gels are transparent, but in pure CaCl2
      they become increasingly turbid with increasing CaCl2 concentration. The
      turbidity of gels formed in mixed salts is intermediate. 

PMID- 25129711
TI  - The excreted polysaccharide of Pleurotus eryngii inhibits the foam-cell formation
      via down-regulation of CD36.
AB  - Previous study has verified the polysaccharide from the fruiting body of
      Pleurotus eryngii (PEPE) is capable of decreasing the lipid content in both of
      cell-line and mouse model. However, little is known about underlying mechanisms
      and whether this bioactive polysaccharide exists in submerged culture. Here, we
      verified the excreted polysaccharides EP and EP-1 from submersion culture of P.
      eryngii have the remarkable inhibitory effects on lipid accumulation in
      macrophage-derived foam cells. Structure analysis indicates EP-1 consists of D
      types of glucose, galactose and mannose with the main beta(1 -> 3)-glucan
      glycosidic linkage branched at O-6 by alpha-D-glucose while EP digested by beta
      1,3-glucanase fails to decrease the lipid accumulation, suggesting that the
      special structure is essential for its function. Expression analysis suggests
      that EP is able to cause the down-regulation of the scavenger receptor-CD36 on
      both transcription and protein levels. Most importantly, EP can be obtained by
      fermentation in a mass-production.

PMID- 25129712
TI  - Thermo-mechanical and hydrophilic properties of polysaccharide/gluten-based
      bioplastics.
AB  - The influence of adding different polysaccharides (locust bean gum, LBG; methyl
      cellulose, MC; and carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) to gluten-based biodegradable
      polymeric materials was assessed in this work. Gluten/polysaccharide/plasticiser
      bioplastics were prepared at different polysaccharide concentrations (0-4.5%) and
      pH values by mixing in a two-blade counter-rotating batch mixer (at 25  degrees C
      under adiabatic conditions) and thermomoulding at 9MPa and 130  degrees C.
      Bioplastic probes were evaluated through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis,
      tensile strength and water absorption capacity tests. Results pointed out that a
      moderate enhancement of the network structure may be achieved by adding
      polysaccharide at a pH close to the protein isoelectric point (pH 6), which also
      conferred a further thermosetting capacity to the system. Moreover, the addition
      of MC and CMC was found to significantly enhance material elongation properties.
      However, the presence of charges induced by pH leaded to a higher incompatibility
      between the polysaccharide and protein domains forming the composite. The pH
      value played a relevant role in the material water absorption, which
      significantly increased under acidic or basic conditions (particularly at pH 3).

PMID- 25129713
TI  - Modification of carboxymethyl cellulose grafted with collagen peptide and its
      antioxidant activity.
AB  - Carboxymethyl cellulose used in wounds has little antioxidant capacity. The aim
      of the present study was to improve the scavenging ability of carboxymethyl
      cellulose by modified with collagen peptide. The reaction conditions have been
      optimized by varying mass ratio of collagen peptide to carboxymethyl cellulose,
      temperature and reaction time. Antioxidant activities of carboxymethyl cellulose
      derivatives (CMCC) were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH),
      hydroxyl, superoxide radicals and the reducing power. The effects of
      concentration, degree of substitution (DS) and molecular weight on three
      different radicals scavenging activity and reducing power were examined.
      Methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the fibroblasts cells
      cytotoxicity of CMCC. Results showed that the scavenging effects of CMCC
      increased with the increasing of DS and concentration. This product of CMCC
      possesses a distinct antioxidant capacity on radicals. 

PMID- 25129714
TI  - Synthesis and surface modification of polyurethanes with chitosan for
      antibacterial properties.
AB  - Surface modification and providing antibacterial properties to the materials or
      devices are getting great attention especially in the last decades. In this
      study, polyurethane (PU) films were prepared by synthesizing them in medical
      purity from toluene diisocyanate and polypropylene ethylene glycol without using
      any other ingredients and then the film surfaces were modified by covalent
      immobilization of chitosan (CH) which has antibacterial activity. CH immobilized
      PU films (PU-CH) were found to be more hydrophilic than control PU films.
      Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) and Atomic Force Microscopy
      (AFM) analyses showed higher nitrogen contents and rougher surface topography for
      PU-CH compared to PU films. Modification with CH significantly increased
      antibacterial activity against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram
      negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. It was observed that the number of
      bacteria colonies were less about 10(2)-10(5) CFU/mL and number of attached
      viable bacteria decreased significantly after CH modification of PU films.

PMID- 25129715
TI  - Transglycosylation reactions between galactomannans and arabinogalactans during
      dry thermal treatment.
AB  - Aiming to investigate the possible occurrence of transglycosylation reactions
      between galactomannans and side chains of arabinogalactans during coffee
      roasting, mixtures of beta-(1 -> 4)-D-mannotriose and alpha-(1 -> 5)-L
      arabinotriose were subjected to dry thermal treatments at 200  degrees C. Matrix
      assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) analysis
      allowed identifying polysaccharides composed by pentose and hexose residues with
      a degree of polymerization up to 18 residues. Methylation analysis showed the
      occurrence of new types of glycosidic linkages in all thermally treated mixtures,
      as well as the occurrence of terminally and 5-linked ribose, possibly formed from
      arabinose isomerization. Also, xylose and lyxose were identified and proposed to
      be formed from mannose. These results support the occurrence of
      transglycosylation reactions promoted by roasting involving both oligosaccharides
      in the starting mixtures, resulting in arabinan and mannan chimeric
      polysaccharides. These structural features were also found in roasted coffee
      polysaccharide samples.

PMID- 25129716
TI  - Xylan-cellulose films: improvement of hydrophobicity, thermal and mechanical
      properties.
AB  - Xylan-rich hemicellulose from corn cob has been used for new material
      elaboration. Commercial cellulose was used as reinforcement in different
      percentages to improve properties of the films. Two types of composites were
      elaborated by solvent casting. Hydrophilic films, composed by bleached
      hemicellulose (BH), unmodified cellulose and glycerol as plasticizer, and
      hydrophobic films formed by acetylated bleached hemicellulose (BAH) and
      acetylated cellulose. The degree of substitution of BAH was 1.8 and acetylated
      cellulose presented a degree of substitution of 0.54. Thermal and mechanical
      properties of films were analyzed. A significant improvement was observed in the
      thermal behavior of hydrophobic films (Tmax ~ 368  degrees C) respect to
      hydrophilic films (Tmax ~ 300  degrees C). Although the addition of cellulose
      clearly increase the properties of both type of films, hydrophobic films (Young's
      modulus ~ 2300 MPa, strength ~ 44.1MPa, strain at break ~ 5.7%) showed better
      mechanical properties than hydrophilic films (Young's modulus ~ 3 MPa, strength ~
      3.3 MPa, strain at break ~ 5.3%).

PMID- 25129717
TI  - Purification, characterization and immunomodulatory effects of Plantago depressa
      polysaccharides.
AB  - Four purified polysaccharide fractions from seeds of Plantago depressa (PDSP-1,
      PDSP-2, PDSP-3 and PDSP-4) were obtained by isolation and purification using DEAE
      52 cellulose and Sephacryl S-400 HR chromatography. Basic physicochemical
      properties including molecular weight, chemical composition, FT-IR and glycosidic
      linkage of these fractions were investigated. They seemed to be homogeneous
      acidic protein-bound heteropolysaccharides with high molecular weight of over
      1000 kDa and contained a lot more beta-type glycosidic linkages than alpha-type.
      PDSP-3 mainly contained mannose, arabinose and fucose, and the others were rich
      in arabinose, fucose and galacturonic acid. The immunomodulatory effects of them
      were assessed by splenocyte proliferation index and production of NO and TNF
      alpha from macrophages. They all showed significant immunomodulatory activities,
      and PDSP-3 presented the strongest effect. Their observed differences in
      biological activities were probably due to their structure differences. And
      monosaccharide compositions, linkage types and molecular weight may affect their
      immunomodulatory activities.

PMID- 25129718
TI  - (1 -> 3)-beta-D-Glucan nanofibers from paramylon via electrospinning.
AB  - (1 -> 3)-beta-D-Glucans of paramylon from Euglena gracilis were dissolved in
      concentrated formic acid and electrospinning was conducted using a newly designed
      setup. The diameter of the as-spun fibers ranged from 0.05 to 1 MUm, and most of
      the fibers were straight and aligned parallel to two arbitrary fins (electrodes).
      By polarized optical microscopy, we determined that the anisotropic texture of
      the fibers was indicative of parallel alignment of the molecular chains to the
      fiber axis. The wide-angle X-ray scattering curve for the fibers showed amorphous
      halo scattering in spite of the high crystallinity of starting paramylon powder.

PMID- 25129719
TI  - Physicochemical characteristics of polysaccharide conjugates prepared from fresh
      tea leaves and their improving impaired glucose tolerance.
AB  - Hot-water extracts were prepared from fresh tea leaves and fractionated by DEAE
      cellulose DE-52 column chromatography to yield one unexplored polysaccharide
      conjugate fraction TPC-L (tea polysaccharide conjugates). Chemical components,
      molecular weight and its distribution, water vapor sorption properties, zeta
      potentials and optical characteristics of TPC-L were investigated. As compared
      with injured cell group, the two dosages of TPC-L (150 and 300 MUg/mL) were
      discovered to possess remarkably protective effect on human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells against impairments induced by high glucose in a dose-dependent
      manner (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, respectively). Compared with group NC (normal
      control), the ingestion of 40 mg/kg of TPC-L could significantly reduce blood
      glucose levels of normal mice ingesting starch, and significant difference of AUC
      (area under the curve of blood glucose) and DeltaAUC (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) at the
      postprandial time point of 0.5 and 1.0 h were observed. The three dosages of TPC
      L (10, 40 and 160 mg/kg) did not significantly lower postprandial blood glucose
      levels of normal mice ingesting glucose. TPC-L could improve starch tolerance to
      prevent impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) from developing into diabetes as well as
      protective effects on HUVE cells against impairments induced by high glucose It
      was suggested that TPC-L improved IGT through its capability of inhibition on
      digestive enzymes.

PMID- 25129720
TI  - Structures of octenylsuccinylated starches: effects on emulsions containing beta
      carotene.
AB  - Starches with different amylopectin contents and different molecular sizes
      prepared using acid hydrolysis were hydrophobically modified using
      octenylsuccinic anhydride (OSA). The OSA-modified starches were used as
      surfactants to stabilize emulsions of beta-carotene and canola oil dispersed in
      water. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between
      starch molecular structure and the chemical stability of the emulsified beta
      carotene, as well as the colloidal stability of emulsion droplets during storage.
      The oil droplet size in emulsions was smaller when starch had (a) lower
      hydrodynamic volume (Vh) and (b) higher amylopectin content. The oxidative
      stability of beta-carotene was similar across samples, with higher results at
      increased amylopectin content but higher Vh. Steric hindrance to coalescence
      provided by adsorbed OSA-modified starches appears to be improved by more rigid
      molecules of higher degree of branching. 

PMID- 25129721
TI  - Assessment of the physical, mechanical, and moisture-retention properties of
      pullulan-based ternary co-blended films.
AB  - Multi-component substances made through direct blending or blending with co
      drying can form films on the surfaces of intermediate moisture foods (IMFs),
      which help retain moisture and protect food texture and flavor. An IMF film
      system based on pullulan, with glycerol serving as the plasticizer, was studied
      using alginate and four different types of polysaccharides (propyleneglycol
      alginate, pectin, carrageenan, and aloe polysaccharide) as the blend-modified
      substances. The physical, mechanical, color, transparency, and moisture-retention
      properties of the co-blended films with the polysaccharides were assessed. A new
      formula was established for the average moisture retention property, water
      barrier, tensile strength, elongation at break, and oxygen barrier property of
      the ternary co-blended films using the Design Expert software. The new model
      established for moisture content measurement used an indirect method of film
      formation on food surfaces by humectants, which should expedite model validation
      and allow a better comprehension of moisture transfer through edible films. 

PMID- 25129722
TI  - CTAB turbidimetric method for assaying hyaluronic acid in complex environments
      and under cross-linked form.
AB  - The cetyltrimethylammonium bromide turbidimetric method (CTM) has been developed
      to quantify the hyaluronic acid (HA) in complex media to overcome the lack of
      selectivity and specificity of the standard carbazole method. The objective of
      this work is to assess the potential application of CTM to determine HA
      concentration. Factors such as duration of incubation, linearity range, HA size
      and form (natural linear HA or cross linked HA), pH and ionic environment impact
      were investigated. The incubation time was set to 10 min and the calibration
      curve was linear up to 0.6 g L(-1). The quantitative method was relevant whatever
      the HA size and form, and also for a wide range of conditions. The robustness of
      the CTM added to its high specificity and simplicity demonstrated that the CTM is
      a valuable method that would be an interesting substitute to the carbazole assay
      for HA quantification.

PMID- 25129723
TI  - Immunomodulation of human macrophages and myeloid cells by 2-substituted (1-3)
      beta-D-glucan from P. parvulus 2.6.
AB  - beta-glucans produced by eukaryotic cells and by microorganisms are known to
      modulate immune responses by affecting macrophage activation. Here, we have
      investigated the effect of purified 2-substituted (1-3)-beta-D-glucan, produced
      by either Pediococcus parvulus 2.6 or Lactococcus lactis NZ9000[pNGTF], on the
      effector functions of human PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells and M1 pro
      inflammatory monocyte-derived macrophages. The results reveal that this kind of
      beta-D-glucan activates macrophages and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

PMID- 25129724
TI  - Antioxidant and immunological activities of polysaccharides from Gentiana scabra
      Bunge roots.
AB  - Two polysaccharide fractions, GSP I-a and GSP II-b, were isolated from Gentiana
      scabra Bunge roots. Both GSP I-a and GSP II-b comprised seven monosaccharides:
      fructose, mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and fucose.
      Ultraviolet and infrared analyses show that GSP I-a and GSP II-b are
      proteoglycans. In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activity suggests that GSP
      I-a and GSP II-b scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals. However, the
      scavenging activity of the latter is stronger than that of the former. GSP I-a
      and GSP II-b have relatively low reducing powers and scavenging activities toward
      superoxide anions and hydroxyls. GSP I-a and GSP II-b significantly increase
      lymphocyte proliferation when lipopolysaccharide is used as a mitogen for
      lymphocytes, but only GSP I-a can significantly increase lymphocyte proliferation
      within the test-dosage range when concanavalin A is used as a mitogen. 

PMID- 25129725
TI  - Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization from chitin nanofiber
      macroinitiator film.
AB  - This paper reports the preparation of chitin nanofiber-graft-poly(2-hydroxyethyl
      acrylate) (CNF-g-polyHEA) films by surface-initiated atom transfer radical
      polymerization (ATRP) of HEA monomer from a CNF macroinitiator film. First, a CNF
      film was prepared by regeneration from a chitin ion gel with an ionic liquid.
      Then, acylation of the CNF surface with alpha-bromoisobutyryl bromide was carried
      out to obtain the CNF macroinitiator film having the initiating moieties (alpha
      bromoisobutyrate group). The surface-initiated graft polymerization of HEA from
      the CNF macroinitiator film by ATRP was performed to produce the CNF-g-polyHEA
      film. The IR, XRD, and SEM measurements of the resulting film indicated the
      progress of the graft polymerization of HEA on surface of CNFs. The molecular
      weights of the grafted polyHEAs increased with prolonged polymerization times,
      which affected the mechanical properties of the films under tensile mode. 

PMID- 25129726
TI  - True molecular solutions of natural cellulose in the binary ionic liquid
      containing solvent mixtures.
AB  - Evidence is presented for the first time of true molecular dissolution of
      cellulose in binary mixtures of common polar organic solvents with ionic liquid.
      Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, small-angle neutron-, X-ray- and
      static light scattering were used to investigate the structure of cellulose
      solutions in mixture of dimethyl formamide and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium
      acetate. Structural information on the dissolved chains (average molecular weight
      ~ 5 * 10(4)g/mol; gyration radius ~ 36 nm, persistence length ~ 4.5 nm), indicate
      the absence of significant aggregation of the dissolved chains and the calculated
      value of the second virial coefficient ~ 2.45 * 10(-2)mol ml/g(2) indicates that
      this solvent system is a good solvent for cellulose. More facile dissolution of
      cellulose could be achieved in solvent mixtures that exhibit the highest
      electrical conductivity. Highly concentrated cellulose solution in pure ionic
      liquid (27 wt.%) prepared according to novel method, utilizing the rapid
      evaporation of a volatile co-solvent in binary solvent mixtures at superheated
      conditions, shows insignificant cellulose molecular aggregation.

PMID- 25129727
TI  - Radiolytically depolymerized sodium alginate improves physiological activities,
      yield attributes and composition of essential oil of Eucalyptus citriodora Hook.
AB  - Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. is highly valued for its citronellal-rich essential
      oil (EO) extracted from its leaves. Hence, escalated EO production of eucalyptus
      is the need of hour. Marine polysaccharides (sodium alginate) are processed
      through gamma radiation of particular intensity, to obtain the irradiated sodium
      alginate (ISA). A pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar
      application of ISA on growth, biochemical, physiological, EO yield and
      composition of E. citriodora. The treatments were applied as: foliar spray of
      deionized water only (control), seed soaked with ISA (90 mg L(-1)) and foliar
      spray of ISA with 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg L(-1). The treatment 6 (spray of ISA at
      120 mg L(-1)) showed the highest value for most of the parameters studied. It
      also enhanced the EO content (33.3%), EO yield (86.7%), citronellal content
      (63.4%) and citronellal yield (205.5%) as compared to the control.

PMID- 25129728
TI  - From algal polysaccharides to cyclodextrins to stabilize a urease inhibitor.
AB  - N-Butyl-phosphorotriamide (NBPT) is a fertilizer widely used for its urease
      inhibiting properties. Nevertheless, formulations currently commercialized are
      complex and do not avoid severe decrease of activity due to the low stability of
      the bioactive compound under acidic conditions. According to its structure, NPBT
      was thought to be able to interact with both polar additives, by its
      phosphoramide function, and hydrophobic ones, through its alkyl chain. In this
      context, and in order to simplify formulations of this bioactive compound, a
      panel of natural polysaccharides was studied, including starch, beta-(1,3)
      glucans, carraghenans and alginates. We also used cyclodextrins, characterized
      the most stable inclusion complex with alpha-cyclodextrin and evaluated the
      stability of NBPT thus protected against hydrolysis under acidic conditions. 

PMID- 25129729
TI  - Effects of chitosan on oxidative stress and related factors in hemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - In recent world-wide studies, chitosans were tested as a dietary supplement for
      inhibiting the absorption of certain lipids and bile acids. We previously
      demonstrated the antioxidative and renoprotective potential of chitosan
      supplementation in chronic renal failure using 5/6 nephrectomized rats. In this
      study, we report the effects of chitosan on oxidative stress and related factors
      in hemodialysis patients. The ingestion of chitosan over a 12-week period
      resulted in a significant decrease in serum indoxyl sulfate and phosphate levels,
      compared with the levels prior to the start of the study. The ingestion of
      chitosan also resulted in a lowered ratio of oxidized to reduced albumin and a
      decrease in the level of advanced oxidized protein products. In in vitro studies,
      chitosan solutions were found to bind 38.5% of the indoxyl sulfate and 17.8% of
      the phosphate, respectively. Further, the oxidized albumin ratio was correlated
      with serum indoxyl sulfate levels in vivo. These results suggest that the
      ingestion of chitosan results in a significant reduction in the levels of pro
      oxidants, which include uremic toxins, in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby
      inhibiting the subsequent development of oxidative stress in the systemic
      circulation. In addition, the long-term ingestion of chitosan has the potential
      for use in treating hyperphosphatemia in hemodialysis patients. 

PMID- 25129730
TI  - Light-induced surface graft polymerizations initiated by an anthraquinone dye on
      cotton fibers.
AB  - Anthraquinone and its derivatives could serve as photo-sensitizers and generate
      radicals and reactive oxygen species in polymers under exposure of UVA or day
      light. Such a property was utilized in development of novel light-induced surface
      radical graft polymerizations on cotton fibers that were dyed with an
      anthraquinone derivative, 2-ethylanthraquinone. Several functional monomers were
      directly grafted onto the dyed cotton fibers upon UVA exposure. The chemical and
      morphological structures and thermal properties of the grafted fibers were
      confirmed and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR),
      scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA).
      Reaction conditions including concentrations of the photosensitizer, the amount
      of monomers, as well as UVA irradiation time could influence grafting
      efficiencies. More interestingly, the surface graft polymerization did not
      significantly change the light active functions of the agent, evidenced by the
      light-active antimicrobial functions of the grafted fibers. 

PMID- 25129731
TI  - Improvement of polyvinyl alcohol properties by adding nanocrystalline cellulose
      isolated from banana pseudostems.
AB  - Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) isolated from banana pseudostems fibers (BPF) of
      the Pacovan variety were used as fillers in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) matrix to
      yield a nanocomposite. The fibers from the external fractions of the BPF were
      alkaline bleached and hydrolyzed under acidic conditions (H2SO4 62% w/w, 70 min,
      45  degrees C) to obtain CNCs with a length (L) of 135.0 +/- 12.0 nm and a
      diameter (D) of 7.2 +/- 1.9 nm to yield an aspect ratio (L/D) of 21.2. The CNCs
      were applied to PVOH films at different concentrations (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% w/w,
      dry basis). With higher concentrations of CNCs, the water-vapor barrier of the
      films increased, while the optical properties changed very little. Increasing the
      concentration of the CNCs up to 3% significantly improved the mechanical
      properties of the nanocomposite.

PMID- 25129732
TI  - Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate diversity in sea cucumbers: a review.
AB  - Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FucCS) is structurally distinct
      glycosaminoglycans found from the sea cucumber body wall consisted of chondroitin
      sulfate type backbone with attached sulfated or non-sulfated fucose side chain.
      Structurally this compound plays an important role in maintaining the body wall
      integrity and possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities. Recently
      several glycosaminoglycans' structures have been solved to elucidate its
      physicochemical activity. The purpose of this review paper is to elaborate
      existing structural properties and functions, reporting over 30 years and
      systematically discussion herein. 

PMID- 25129733
TI  - Validation of lignocellulosic biomass carbohydrates determination via acid
      hydrolysis.
AB  - This work studied the two-step acid hydrolysis for determining carbohydrates in
      lignocellulosic biomass. Estimation of sugar loss based on acid hydrolyzed sugar
      standards or analysis of sugar derivatives was investigated. Four model
      substrates (starch, holocellulose, filter paper and cotton) and three levels of
      acid/material ratios (7.8, 10.3 and 15.4, v/w) were studied to demonstrate the
      range of test artifacts. The method for carbohydrates estimation based on acid
      hydrolyzed sugar standards having the most satisfactory carbohydrate recovery and
      relative standard deviation. Raw material and the acid/material ratio both had
      significant effect on carbohydrate hydrolysis, suggesting the acid to have
      impacts beyond a catalyst in the hydrolysis. Following optimal procedures, we
      were able to reach a carbohydrate recovery of 96% with a relative standard
      deviation less than 3%. The carbohydrates recovery lower than 100% was likely due
      to the incomplete hydrolysis of substrates, which was supported by scanning
      electron microscope (SEM) images. 

PMID- 25129734
TI  - Crosslinking chitosan into H3PO4/HNO3-NANO2 oxidized cellulose fabrics as
      antibacterial-finished material.
AB  - The primary hydroxyl groups on C6 position in glucose units of cellulose with
      H3PO4/HNO3-NaNO2 mediated oxidation produced monocarboxy cellulose and binding
      sites, subsequent amide reaction with chitosan solution to obtain chitosan
      crosslinked cotton fabrics. Scanning electron microscope and FT-IR spectroscopy
      were used to detect the fiber morphology and chemical bonding between chitosan
      and oxidized cellulose, respectively. The influences of H3PO4/HNO3-NaNO2
      oxidation and chitosan treatment on physical properties of cotton fabrics were
      examined by determining carboxyl content, weight loss and mechanical properties
      of fabrics, as well as chitosan content in the composite fabrics. Antibacterial
      performance of chitosan-cellulose fabrics against Escherichia coli and
      Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated. As a result, chitosan was bonded into cotton
      fiber via the amido bond of CN formed between amino groups of chitosan and
      carboxyl groups on oxidized cellulose, and these resultant chitosan-cotton
      fabrics showed high antimicrobial activity and excellent antibacterial washing
      durability. 

PMID- 25129735
TI  - Green synthesis of silver and copper nanoparticles using ascorbic acid and
      chitosan for antimicrobial applications.
AB  - Silver and copper nanoparticles were produced by chemical reduction of their
      respective nitrates by ascorbic acid in the presence of chitosan using microwave
      heating. Particle size was shown to increase by increasing the concentration of
      nitrate and reducing the chitosan concentration. Surface zeta potentials were
      positive for all nanoparticles produced and these varied from 27.8 to 33.8 mV.
      Antibacterial activities of Ag, Cu, mixtures of Ag and Cu, and Ag/Cu bimetallic
      nanoparticles were tested using Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Of the
      two, B. subtilis proved more susceptible under all conditions investigated.
      Silver nanoparticles displayed higher activity than copper nanoparticles and
      mixtures of nanoparticles of the same mean particle size. However when compared
      on an equal concentration basis Cu nanoparticles proved more lethal to the
      bacteria due to a higher surface area. The highest antibacterial activity was
      obtained with bimetallic Ag/Cu nanoparticles with minimum inhibitory
      concentrations (MIC) of 0.054 and 0.076 mg/L against B. subtilis and E. coli,
      respectively.

PMID- 25129736
TI  - Amberlyst 15 as a new and reusable catalyst for the conversion of cellulose into
      cellulose acetate.
AB  - The acetylation of cellulose using sulfonated Amberlyst 15 as a new and reusable
      catalyst was investigated. Optimization of the acetylation process was carried
      out by variation in the amount of added catalyst, acetic acid, and acetic
      anhydride as well as the reaction conditions, which includes reaction time and
      reaction medium. Cellulose acetate, with a degree of substitution (DS) value of
      2.38 and yield of 54.1%, was obtained under the optimized conditions and
      characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy,
      thermogravimetric analysis-derivative thermogravimetry (TGA-DTG), and
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The sulfonated polymer catalyst could be
      easily recovered by centrifugation after acetylation. Both the fresh and
      recovered catalysts were characterized by means of FTIR, TGA-DTG, DSC, and
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the recovered catalyst could be
      successfully reused without further treatment. It was found that Amberlyst 15
      possessed excellent catalytic stability, no significant changes in the DS values,
      and consistent yields of cellulose acetate observed over four reaction cycles. 

PMID- 25129737
TI  - Starch granules as a vehicle for the oral administration of immobilized antigens.
AB  - Microparticles of diverse compositions are often used as carriers for interesting
      antigens. In this work, we propose the use of natural microparticulated starch as
      a vehicle for antigens. The proposed system is composed of raw starch
      microparticles and a starch-binding domain that when fused to another protein,
      allows for a stable protein immobilization onto the granule surface. To
      demonstrate the use of starch as an antigen carrier, a fusion combining fragment
      C of the tetanus toxin with the starch-binding domain was adsorbed to starch and
      administered orally to mice in two different doses and, importantly, without the
      use of any adjuvant. The results showed that the system allows the induction of
      specific antibodies; moreover mice given this immobilized protein presented a
      delay in the onset of tetanus symptoms compared to mice administered the non
      immobilized protein. The study outlines the viability of this immobilization
      system as an antigen and protein carrier. 

PMID- 25129738
TI  - Inducing PLA/starch compatibility through butyl-etherification of waxy and high
      amylose starch.
AB  - In this study, waxy and high amylose starches were modified through butyl
      etherification to facilitate compatibility with polylactide (PLA). Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
      and wettability tests showed that hydrophobic butyl-etherified waxy and high
      amylose starches were obtained with degree of substitution values of 2.0 and 2.1,
      respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry, tensile testing, and scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated improved PLA/starch compatibility for both
      waxy and high amylose starch after butyl-etherification. The PLA/butyl-etherified
      waxy and high amylose starch composite films had higher tensile strength and
      elongation at break compared to PLA/non-butyl-etherified composite films. The
      morphological study using SEM showed that PLA/butyl-etherified waxy starch
      composites had a more homogenous microstructure compared to PLA/butyl-etherified
      high amylose starch composites. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that PLA/starch
      composite thermal stability decreased with starch butyl-etherification for both
      waxy and high amylose starches. This study mainly demonstrates that PLA/starch
      compatibility can be improved through starch butyl-etherification. 

PMID- 25129739
TI  - Electrosprayed inulin microparticles for microbiota triggered targeting of colon.
AB  - Inulin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, was acetylated to make it
      processable by electrospraying, a facile and single step method for microparticle
      fabrication. Electrospraying process parameters were optimized for fabrication of
      spherical and monodisperse indomethacin (IDM) loaded inulin acetate (INA)
      microparticles. The apparent entrapment efficiency of IDM was determined to be
      100%, whereas working encapsulation efficiency was estimated to be 35.39 +/-
      1.63%. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed
      molecular dispersion of IDM in an amorphous state within the INA matrix. Finally,
      the results from in vitro release study performed in simulated gastro-intestinal
      fluids demonstrated that IDM was released only in simulated colonic fluid that
      contained inulinase. Therefore, this study demonstrates that acetylation of
      inulin does not alter its susceptibility to inulinase and that microparticles
      fabricated from INA can be developed as a colon targeting drug delivery system.

PMID- 25129741
TI  - Characterization of an amylose-graft-poly(n-butyl methacrylate) copolymer
      obtained by click chemistry by EPR and SS-NMR spectroscopies.
AB  - We present an investigation of the main chemical and physico-chemical properties
      of a graft copolymer of amylose and poly(n-butyl methacrylate), Am-g-PBMA,
      amphiphilic and able to self-assemble in water, prepared by coupling end azide
      functionalized PBMA and alkyne-functionalized amylose under convenient click
      conditions. A deep knowledge of these properties is necessary in the perspective
      of real applications of the copolymer. To this aim we combined a basic
      characterization through FT-IR, TGA, ICP-OES and SEM with an extensive EPR and
      Solid State NMR investigation. It was possible to characterize the main
      structural and dynamic properties of Am-g-PBMA and highlight the presence of
      residual copper (Cu(II)) from the catalyst, even after an extensive purification
      procedure. We could identify two main species of Cu(II): Cu(II) complexes
      coordinated to the N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) ligand
      from the catalyst and to the copolymer triazole nitrogens and multi-nuclear or
      clustered Cu(II) species likely coordinated to amylose hydroxyl groups. 

PMID- 25129740
TI  - Alginate based hybrid copolymer hydrogels--influence of pore morphology on cell
      material interaction.
AB  - Alginate based hybrid copolymer hydrogels with unidirectional pore morphology
      were prepared to achieve synergistic biological performance for cardiac tissue
      engineering applications. Alginate based hybrid copolymer (ALGP) were prepared
      using alginate and poly(propylene fumarate) (HT-PPF) units. Different hybrid
      bimodal hydrogels were prepared by covalent crosslinking using poly(ethylene
      glycol diacrylate) and vinyl monomer viz acrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, butyl
      methacrylate and N-N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide and ionic crosslinking with
      calcium. The morphologically modified hydrogels (MM-hydrogels) with
      unidirectional elongated pores and high aspect ratio were prepared. MM-hydrogels
      favour better mechanical properties; it also enhances cell viability and
      infiltration due to unidirectional pores. However, the crosslinkers influence the
      fibroblast infiltration of these hydrogels. Synthesis of collagen and fibroblast
      infiltration was greater for alginate copolymer crosslinked with poly(ethylene
      glycol diacrylate-acrylic acid (ALGP-PA) even after one month (288%). This hybrid
      MM-hydrogel promoted cardiomyoblast growth on to their interstices signifying its
      potent applications in cardiac tissue engineering. 

PMID- 25129742
TI  - Nanostructured membranes based on native chitin nanofibers prepared by mild
      process.
AB  - Procedures for chitin nanofiber or nanocrystal extraction from Crustaceans modify
      the chitin structure significantly, through surface deacetylation, surface
      oxidation and/or molar mass degradation. Here, very mild conditions were used to
      disintegrate chitin fibril bundles and isolate low protein content individualized
      chitin nanofibers, and prepare nanostructured high-strength chitin membranes.
      Most of the strongly 'bound' protein was removed. The degree of acetylation,
      crystal structure as well as length and width of the native chitin microfibrils
      in the organism were successfully preserved. Atomic force microscopy and scanning
      transmission electron microscopy, showed chitin nanofibers with width between 3
      and 4 nm. Chitin membranes were prepared by filtration of hydrocolloidal
      nanofiber suspensions. Mechanical and optical properties were measured. The
      highest data so far reported for nanostructured chitin membranes was obtained for
      ultimate tensile strength, strain to failure and work to fracture. Strong
      correlation was observed between low residual protein content and high tensile
      properties and the reasons for this are discussed.

PMID- 25129743
TI  - Bio-inspired Aloe vera sponges for biomedical applications.
AB  - Chemical composition and biological properties of Aloe vera (AV), a tropical
      plant, explain its potential use for cosmetic, nutritional and biomedical
      applications. AV gel present in AV leaves is rich in several compounds, nutrients
      and polysaccharides. This work proposes using AV gel complex structure and
      chemical composition, associated with freeze-drying, to produce sponges. To
      increase the structures stability in aqueous media, a thin coating of gellan gum
      (GG), was applied onto AV gel. AV-based sponges showed a heterogeneous porous
      formation, interconnected pores and good porosity (72-77%). The coating with a GG
      layer onto AV influenced the stability, swelling behavior and mechanical
      properties of the resulting sponges. Moreover, sponges provided the sustained
      release of BSA-FTIC, used as a model protein, over 3 weeks. Also, in vitro cell
      culture studies evidenced that sponges are not cytotoxic for a mouse fibroblast
      like cell line. Therefore, developed AV-based sponges have potential use in
      biomedical applications. 

PMID- 25129745
TI  - Preparation of aligned porous chitin nanowhisker foams by directional freeze
      casting technique.
AB  - Structured biofoams with aligned porous structures were fabricated from nanosized
      chitin by employing a directional freeze-casting technique. The effects of the
      freezing conditions and slurry formulation on nanochitin foam morphology were
      investigated. The morphology of obtained foams was characterized using scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the pore structure of the obtained
      foams was a likewise of the ice crystals formed during the directional freezing.
      The results indicate that directional freeze-casting protocol can significantly
      influence the morphological features and microstructures of the obtained biofoams
      which could have numerous applications, including engineered carriers, scaffolds,
      filters and specifically as a template for potential multi-layered composites
      after infusion with a second phase. 

PMID- 25129746
TI  - Aqueous counter collision using paired water jets as a novel means of preparing
      bio-nanofibers.
AB  - This study involved a detailed investigation of a novel approach to reducing
      naturally occurring cellulose fibers into nanofibers solely by the use of aqueous
      counter collision (ACC) without any chemical modification. In this process,
      equivalent aqueous suspensions of cellulose are ejected from dual nozzles and
      collide at high speed and pressure. Even a few repetitions of the collision
      process are sufficient to produce nano-sized fibers dispersed in water. This work
      compared the ACC nano-pulverization of stable Ibeta-rich and meta-stable Ialpha
      rich cellulose samples. The ACC method is applicable to various kinds of
      polymeric materials with hierarchical structures, either natural or synthetic, as
      a means of preparing aqueous dispersions of nano-sized structures. 

PMID- 25129744
TI  - Enhanced multiparametric hyaluronan degradation for production of molar-mass
      defined fragments.
AB  - Hyaluronic acid (HA) is known to serve as a dynamic mediator intervening in many
      physiological functions. Its specific effect has been repeatedly confirmed to be
      strongly influenced by the molecular size of hyaluronan fragments. However common
      technological approaches of HA fragments production have their limitations. In
      many cases, the final products do not meet the strict pharmaceutical
      requirements, specifically due to size polydispersity and reaction contaminants.
      We present novel methodology based on combination of unique incidental ability of
      the plant-derived protease papain to split the glycosidic bonds and an
      indispensable advantages of biocompatible macroporous material with incorporated
      ferrous ions serving as carrier for covalent papain fixation. This atypical and
      yet unpublished highly efficient multiparametric approach allows enhanced HA
      fragmentation for easily and safely producing molar-mass-defined HA fragments
      with narrow size distribution. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE)
      and size exclusion chromatography/multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS)
      confirmed the effectiveness of our multiparametric approach. 

PMID- 25129747
TI  - Durability and synergistic effects of KI on the acid corrosion inhibition of mild
      steel by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
AB  - The performance of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as safe corrosion
      inhibitor for mild steel in aerated 0.5M H2SO4 solution was appraised by weight
      loss, impedance and polarization measurements. Results indicate that HPMC
      functions as a good inhibitor in the studied environment and inhibition
      efficiency increased with increasing concentration of inhibitor and temperature.
      Time-dependent effect of the inhibition efficiency reveals that inhibition
      efficiency increased with time up to the fourth day after which it waned, but
      improved on addition of KI. The synergism parameter evaluated confirmed the
      synergistic effect of KI and HPMC. Impedance results clearly show that HPMC
      inhibited the corrosion reaction via adsorption onto the metal/solution interface
      following Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Polarization results indicate that HPMC
      acts as a mixed-type inhibitor with predominant cathodic effect. Theoretical
      study using density functional theory was employed to establish the correlation
      between the structure (molecular and electronic) and the inhibition efficiency. 

PMID- 25129748
TI  - Chemical studies on the polysaccharides of Salicornia brachiata.
AB  - A group of 12 polysaccharide extracts were prepared from the tips, stem and roots
      of an Indian halophyte Salicornia brachiata Roxb. obtained by sequential
      extractions with cold water (CW), hot water (HW), aqueous ammonium oxalate (OX)
      and aqueous sodium hydroxide (ALK) solutions. Monosaccharide composition analysis
      revealed that all the polysaccharide extract samples consisted primarily of
      rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, galactose, glucose, whereas ribose and xylose were
      present only in some of the extracts. All the extracts exhibited low apparent
      viscosity (1.47-2.02 cP) and sulphate and contained no prominent toxic metal
      ions. Fucose was detected only in OX extract of the roots. These polysaccharides
      were found to be heterogeneous and highly branched (glycoside linkage analysis,
      size-exclusion chromatography, (13)C-NMR, FT-IR, circular dichroism and optical
      rotation data). Physico-chemical analyses of these polysaccharides including
      uronic acid, sulphate and protein contents were also carried out. This
      constitutes the first report on the profiling of Salicornia polysaccharides.

PMID- 25129749
TI  - Modification of pine pulp during oxygen delignification by xylan self-assembly.
AB  - Self-assembly is a technique of preparing functional materials based on targeted
      intermolecular interactions involving different macromolecules. In this work,
      hardwood xylan was disassembled from wood and birch bleached kraft pulp using
      pressurized hot water extraction (HWX) and cold alkali extraction (CAX),
      respectively. The extracted biopolymers were characterized using gas
      chromatography (GC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and subsequently added into an oxygen
      delignification reactor containing pine kraft pulp. The assembly of xylan-pulp
      fiber was characterized using advanced time-of-flight secondary ion mass
      spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and imaging. The xylan-pine pulp assembly was not
      significantly removed during the whole elemental chlorine free bleaching sequence
      or during low consistency refining. Modified fibers had superior mechanical
      properties compared to the reference pulp. Our concept can be easily applied in
      the pulp and paper industry, and it opens new possibilities for the utilization
      of fully bio-based fibers in new materials. 

PMID- 25129750
TI  - Evolution of amylopectin structure in developing wheat endosperm starch.
AB  - In this study, starches extracted from wheat grains harvested at 7, 14, 28, and
      35 days after anthesis (DAA) were used as a means of examining the molecular
      structure of amylopectin (AP) from developing wheat grain. Scanning electron
      microscopy of wheat grain cross-sections revealed the presence of endosperm at 7
      DAA and contained lenticular-shaped developing large (A-type) granules. From 14
      DAA onward, spherical-shaped small (B-type) granules coexisted with large
      granules in the endosperm. During granule development, the fine structure of AP
      varied with maturity in both large and small granules. Towards the end of the pre
      physiological maturity stage (28 DAA), AP in small and large granules had
      shortest external chain length (ECL), longest internal chain length (ICL) and
      lowest amount of A-chains. At physiological maturity (35 DAA), these changes in
      ECL, ICL and amount of A-chains were reversed when compared to 28 DAA. In both
      large and small granules, the external AP structure was apparently more organized
      at physiological maturity than at pre-physiological maturity. 

PMID- 25129751
TI  - Structure of clusters and building blocks in amylopectin from developing wheat
      endosperm.
AB  - Changes in internal structure of amylopectin (AP) during wheat endosperm
      development were studied by isolating clusters and building blocks of AP from
      both large A-type and small B-type starch granules at different maturity stages
      up to harvest time at 49 days after anthesis (DAA). Clusters isolated from B-type
      granules had a degree of branching (DB) of 16.5-16.8% and were more tightly
      branched than those isolated from A-type granules (DB 15.7-16.2%). The degree of
      polymerization (DP) of the clusters increased in both types of granules during
      the pre-physiological maturity stage up to 28 DAA. Clusters at maturity were
      smaller with less branches and building blocks than at the end of the pre
      maturity stage. It is suggested that this was due to a continuous trimming of the
      cluster structure after the active period of starch synthesis. Differences were
      evident between A- and B-type granules with regards to glucan trimming and the
      type of new chains produced. 

PMID- 25129753
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of cellulose acetate from rice husk: eco-friendly
      condition.
AB  - Cellulose acetate was synthesized from rice husk by using a simple, efficient,
      cost-effective and solvent-free method. Cellulose was isolated from rice husk
      (RH) using standard pretreatment method with dilute alkaline and acid solutions
      and bleaching with 2% H2O2. Cellulose acetate (CA) was synthesized successfully
      with the yield of 66% in presence of acetic anhydride and iodine as a catalyst in
      eco-friendly solvent-free conditions. The reaction parameters were standardized
      at 80  degrees C for 300 min and the optimum results were taken for further
      study. The extent of acetylation was evaluated from % yield and the degree of
      substitution (DS), which was determined by (1)H NMR and titrimetrically. The
      synthesized products were characterized with the help modern analytical
      techniques like FT-IR, (1)H NMR, XRD, etc. and the thermal behavior was evaluated
      by TGA and DSC thermograms.

PMID- 25129752
TI  - Stretching properties of xanthan and hydroxypropyl guar in aqueous solutions and
      in cosmetic emulsions.
AB  - Filament stretchability of xanthan gum (XG) and hydroxypropyl guar (HPG) was
      investigated in aqueous solutions (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.2 and 1.5% w/w) and in
      O/W emulsions using a texture analyzer. Additionally, rheological
      characterizations were carried out on the systems and shear and oscillation
      parameters were used to interpret stretching properties. XG solutions exhibited a
      solid-like behavior with rheological parameters much higher than for HPG one
      whatever the concentration. Filament stretching values of XG solutions were
      superior to HPG for concentration below 1% w/w and then became comparable for
      higher concentrations. No meaningful relationship was found between rheological
      and stretching values. Synergy was observed for all XG/HPG mixtures at 0.125,
      0.25 and 0.5% influencing both the rheological and the filament stretching
      values. The 25/75 XG/HPG ratio showed the maximum synergistic effect at all
      concentrations while the filament stretchability was enhanced in a wider range of
      ratios. XG and HPG did not present the same behavior in emulsions. No clear
      synergistic effect was observed and XG markedly influenced the emulsion filament
      stretching. 

PMID- 25129754
TI  - Viscoelastic behavior of maize kernel studied by dynamic mechanical analyzer.
AB  - The creep recovery, stress relaxation, temperature-dependence and their frequency
      dependence of maize kernel were determined within a moisture content range of
      11.9% to 25.9% (w/w) by using a dynamic mechanical analyzer. The 4-element
      Burgers model was found to adequately represent the creep behavior of the maize
      seeds (R(2)>0.97). The 5-element Maxwell model was able to better predict the
      stress relaxation behavior of maize kernel than the 3-element Maxwell model. The
      Tg values for the maize kernels decreased with increased moisture content. For
      example, the Tg values were 114  degrees C and 65  degrees C at moisture content
      values of 11.9% (w/w) and 25.9% (w/w), respectively. The magnitude of the loss
      moduli and loss tangent and their rate of change with frequency were highest at
      20.7% and lowest at 11.9% moisture contents. The maize kernel structure exhibited
      A-type crystalline pattern and the microstructure was found to expand with
      increase in moisture content.

PMID- 25129755
TI  - Ginsenoside compound K-bearing glycol chitosan conjugates: synthesis,
      physicochemical characterization, and in vitro biological studies.
AB  - Ginsenosides are triterpenoids found in Panax ginseng and have a numerous
      structural, functional, and pharmacological properties. The purpose of this study
      was to develop hydrophilic polymer functionalized ginsenoside conjugates to
      enhance water solubility and targeted delivery. To this end, hydrophobic
      ginsenoside compound K (CK) was covalently conjugated to the backbone of
      hydrophilic glycol chitosan (GC) through an acid-labile linkage. The resulting GC
      CK conjugates formed self-assembled spherical nanoparticles in an aqueous
      solution, and their particles sizes were (296 nm and 255 nm) dependent on the
      degree of CK substitution. The nanoparticles were stable in the physiological
      buffer (pH 7.4) over a period of 8 days, whereas they were readily degraded under
      acidic conditions (pH 5.0) mimicking the intracellular pH-conditions. From in
      vitro release experiment, it was found that CK released slowly from the self
      assembled nanoparticles in the physiological buffer (pH 7.4). On the other hand,
      the release rate of CK was rapidly increased under the acidic condition (pH 5.0).
      In vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed that GC-CK conjugates exhibited higher
      cytotoxicity than CK in HT29, and similar cytotoxicity in HepG2, and HT22 cell
      lines. Moreover, RAW264.7 cells treated with GC-CK maintained good cell viability
      and exhibited decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production. Taken together,
      these results suggest that the GC-CK conjugate may be potentially useful as a
      tumor-specific delivery vehicle.

PMID- 25129756
TI  - Carboxymethylcellulose film for bacterial wound infection control and healing.
AB  - Infection control and wound healing profiles of sodium carboxymethylcellulose
      (SCMC) films were investigated as a function of their anti-bacterial action,
      physical structures, polymer molecular weights and carboxymethyl substitution
      degrees. The films were prepared with in vitro polymer/film and in vivo microbe
      colonized wound healing/systemic infection profiles examined. Adhesive high
      carboxymethyl substituted SCMC films aided healing via attaching to microbes and
      removing them from wound. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was removed via encapsulating in
      gelling low molecular weight SCMC film, whereas Staphylococcus aureus was trapped
      in tight folds of high molecular weight SCMC film. Incomplete microbe removal
      from wound did not necessary translate to inability to heal as microbe remnant at
      wound induced fibroblast migration and aided tissue reconstruction. Using no film
      nonetheless will cause systemic blood infection. SCMC films negate infection and
      promote wound healing via specific polymer-microbe adhesion, and removal of S.
      aureus and P. aeruginosa requires films of different polymer characteristics. 

PMID- 25129757
TI  - Transdermal delivery of 10,11-methylenedioxycamptothecin by hyaluronic acid based
      nanoemulsion for inhibition of keloid fibroblast.
AB  - This study designs an alternative transdermal delivery system for 10,11
      methylenedioxycamptothecin(MD-CPT) to inhibit keloid. Hyaluronic acid
      nanoemulsions (HANs) with nano size, negative charge and good stability were
      prepared as transdermal carriers. The MD-CPT loaded HANs performed desirable skin
      permeable capacity across human keloid skin and the drug was transferred directly
      to keloid lesion area. MD-CPT was delivered percutaneously higher than the
      control group. FITC-HANs could be successfully internalized by keloid fibroblast
      (KF) and deliver MD-CPT toward nucleus, inhibited the proliferation of KF, while
      there was no serious toxicity to normal skin fibroblasts. The growth-inhibitory
      effect was further clarified upon cell cycle regulation, which arrested cells at
      G1/S and prevented them entry into mitosis. KF gene expression demonstrated
      plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was significantly down-regulated and
      Smad7 up-regulated, which was beneficial to inhibit keloid. The study
      demonstrated that as transdermal delivery of MD-CPT by HANs has potential for
      inhibition of keloid fibroblast. 

PMID- 25129758
TI  - Biosynthesis of oligodextrans with different Mw by synergistic catalysis of
      dextransucrase and dextranase.
AB  - In this study, we have investigated various adding times of dextranase to the
      dextransucrase system to reveal the synergistic process of dextransucrase and
      dextranase. Dextranase added into the dextransucrase-sucrose system at different
      times gave rise to different main dextran products. The results showed that
      dextranase added into sucrose system at the same time with dextransucrase
      synthesized low molecular weight (Mw) dextran targeted to 5 kDa, while dextranase
      added during the reaction process of dextransucrase directionally prepared
      dextran with medium Mw of 10 kDa and 20 kDa. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR)
      spectroscopy and (1)H Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) exhibited that the
      synthesized oligodextrans were mainly composed of alpha-1,6-glycosidic linkages
      (dextran 6587 Da, 96.82%; dextran 22,521 Da, 96.03%) and low alpha-1,3-glycosidic
      branch. The research established the relationship between the synergistic
      catalysis of the double enzymatic system and the synthesis of oligodextrans with
      different Mw.

PMID- 25129759
TI  - Optimum extraction of polysaccharides from motherwort leaf and its antioxidant
      and antimicrobial activities.
AB  - Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the extraction conditions for
      polysaccharides from the leaves of motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.). Three
      independent variables including extraction temperature (60-100  degrees C),
      extraction time (60-120 min), and the ratio of water to raw material (20-60) were
      investigated. The results revealed that the quadratic and linear terms of three
      factors had strong effects on the extraction yield of polysaccharides from
      motherwort leaf. The best extraction conditions for the yield of polysaccharide
      (LCLP) was extraction temperature of 81.4  degrees C, time of 106.6 min and the
      ratio of water to raw material of 45.2. Under the optimal conditions, the
      extraction yield of LCLP was 9.17 +/- 0.39%, which was well matched with value
      predicted by the model 9.26%. The results indicated that the purified LCLP
      exerted obvious scavenging effects on free radicals in vitro. Furthermore,
      motherwort polysaccharides could be used as a novel antimicrobial additive.

PMID- 25129760
TI  - Purification and structural data of a highly substituted exopolysaccharide from
      Pseudomonas stutzeri AS22.
AB  - Pseudomonas stutzeri AS22, when grown on media containing starch and yeast
      extract and incubated at 30  degrees C and 200 rpm for 24h, was found to produce
      an acidic and high-molecular mass exopolysaccharide (EPS22). The EPS22 was
      purified and a yield of 1.3g/l was achieved. The average molecular mass of the
      EPS22 was determined by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC)
      and showed an average molecular mass of 9.9 * 10(5)Da and a polydispersity index
      Mw/Mn (Mw, weight-average and Mn, number-average) of 1.197 +/- 0.015. Structural
      data of this EPS22 were determined using a combination approach including
      monosaccharide composition (HPAEC-PAD and GLC), methylation analysis (GC-MS) and
      NMR spectroscopy analysis. EPS22 was found to be a complex heteropolysaccharide
      with a repeating unit mainly composed of glucose, mannose and lactyl rhamnose in
      a molar ratio of 1:1.1:0.7. The acidic nature of the polysaccharide is due to the
      presence of three non-osidic substituents consisting of a lactyl, acetyl, and
      pyruvyl groups.

PMID- 25129761
TI  - Hydroxyl radical-induced crosslinking and radiation-initiated hydrogel formation
      in dilute aqueous solutions of carboxymethylcellulose.
AB  - Ionizing radiation causes chain scission of polysaccharides in the absence of
      crosslinking agents. It has been demonstrated before that degradation of
      carboxyalkylated polysaccharides may be prevented, despite presence of strong
      electrostatic repulsing forces between chains, at very high polymer concentration
      in water (paste-like state) when physical proximity promotes recombination of
      radiation-generated polymer radicals. In such conditions, crosslinking dominates
      over chain scission and covalent, macroscopic gels can be formed. In an approach
      proposed in this work, neutralizing the charges on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)
      by lowering the pH results in retracting the electrostatic repulsion between
      chain segments and thus allows for substantial reduction of polymer concentration
      required to achieve gelation due to domination of crosslinking reactions.
      Electron-beam irradiation of aqueous solutions of low pH containing 0.5-2% CMC
      results in hydrogel formation with 70% yield, while both concentration and dose
      determine their swelling properties. Time-resolved studies by laser flash
      photolysis clearly indicate strong pH influence on decay kinetics of CMC
      radicals. 

PMID- 25129762
TI  - Removing polysaccharides-and saccharides-related coloring impurities in alkyl
      polyglycosides by bleaching with the H2O2/TAED/NaHCO3 system.
AB  - The effect of H2O2/TAED/NaHCO3 system, namely NaHCO3 as alkaline agent with the
      (tetra acetyl ethylene diamine (TAED)) TAED-activated peroxide system, bleaching
      of alkyl polyglycosides solution was studied by spectrophotometry. The results
      showed that the optimal bleaching conditions about H2O2/TAED/NaHCO3 system
      bleaching of alkyl polyglycosides solution were as follows: molar ratio of TAED
      to H2O2 was 0.06, addition of H2O2 was 8.6%, addition of NaHCO3 was 3.2%,
      bleaching temperature of 50-65  degrees C, addition of MgO was 0.13%, and
      bleaching time was 8h. If too much amount of NaHCO3 was added to the system and
      maintained alkaline pH, the bleaching effect would be greatly reduced. Fixing
      molar ratio of TAED to H2O2 and increasing the amount of H2O2 were beneficial to
      improve the whiteness of alkyl polyglycosides, but adding too much amount of H2O2
      would reduce the transparency. In the TAED-activated peroxide system, NaHCO3 as
      alkaline agent and buffer agent, could overcome the disadvantage of producing
      black precipitates when NaOH as alkaline agent.

PMID- 25129763
TI  - Correlation of chemical, structural and thermal properties of natural fibres for
      their sustainable exploitation.
AB  - The potential of lignocellulosic natural fibres as renewable resources for
      thermal conversion and material reinforcement is largely dependent on the
      correlation between their chemical composition, crystalline structure and thermal
      decomposition properties. Significant differences were observed in the chemical
      composition of cotton, flax, hemp, kenaf and jute natural fibres in terms of
      cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content, which influence their morphology,
      thermal properties and pyrolysis product distribution. A suitable methodology to
      study the kinetics of the thermal decomposition process of lignocellulosic fibres
      is proposed combining different models (Friedman, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, Criado and
      Coats-Redfern). Cellulose pyrolysis can be modelled with similar kinetic
      parameters for all the natural fibres whereas the kinetic parameters for
      hemicellulose pyrolysis show intrinsic differences that can be assigned to the
      heterogeneous hemicellulose sugar composition in each natural fibre. This study
      provides the ground to critically select the most promising fibres to be used
      either for biofuel or material applications. 

PMID- 25129764
TI  - Rheological properties of micro-/nanofibrillated cellulose suspensions: wall-slip
      and shear banding phenomena.
AB  - The rheological properties of enzymatically hydrolyzed and TEMPO-oxidized
      microfibrillated/nanofibrillated cellulose (MFC/NFC) aqueous suspensions were
      investigated in oscillation and steady-flow modes and were compared with the
      morphology of the studied materials. The flow instabilities, which introduce an
      error in the rheological measurements, were discovered during flow measurements.
      A wall-slip (interfacial slippage on the edge of geometry tools and suspension)
      was detected at low shear rates for two types of NFC suspensions while applying
      cone-plate geometry. A roughening of the tool surfaces was performed to overcome
      the aforementioned problem. Applying to TEMPO-oxidized NFC, a stronger suspension
      response was detected at low shear rates with higher values of measured shear
      stress. However, a shear banding (localization of shear within a sample volume)
      became more pronounced. The use of serrated tools for enzymatically hydrolyzed
      NFC produced lower shear stress at the moderate shear rates, which was influenced
      by water release from the suspension. 

PMID- 25129765
TI  - Molecular self assembly of mixed comb-like dextran surfactant polymers for SPR
      virus detection.
AB  - The synthesis of two comb-like dextran surfactant polymers, that are different in
      their dextran molecular weight (MW) distribution and the presence of carboxylic
      groups, and their characterization are reported. A bimodal carboxylic dextran
      surfactant polymer consists of poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) backbone with carboxyl
      higher MW dextran, non-functionalized lower MW dextran and hydrophobic hexyl
      branches; while a monomodal dextran surfactant polymer is PVAm grafted with non
      functionalized lower MW dextran and hexyl branches. Layer formation of non
      covalently attached dextran chains with bimodal MW distributions on a surface
      plasmon resonance (SPR) chip was investigated from the perspective of mixed
      physisorption of the bimodal and monomodal surfactant polymers. Separation
      distances between the carboxylic longer dextran side chains within the bimodal
      surfactant polymer and between the whole bimodal surfactant molecules on the chip
      surface could be well-controlled. SPR analysis of shrimp yellow head virus using
      our mixed surfactant chips showed dependence on synergetic adjustment of these
      separation distances. 

PMID- 25129766
TI  - Chemo-selective high yield microwave assisted reaction turns cellulose to green
      chemicals.
AB  - Exceptionally high cellulose liquefaction yields, up to 87% as calculated from
      the amount of solid residue, were obtained under mild conditions by utilizing the
      synergistic effect of microwave radiation and acid catalysis. The effect of
      processing conditions on degradation products was fingerprinted by rapid laser
      desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) method. The reaction was chemo
      tunable, enabling production of glucose (Glc) or levulinic acid (LeA) at
      significantly high selectivity and yields, the relative molar yields being up to
      50 and 69%, respectively. A turning point from pure depolymerization to glucose
      to further degradation to levulinic acid and formic acid was observed at
      approximately 50% liquefaction or above 140  degrees C. This was accompanied by
      the formation of small amounts of solid spherical carbonized residues. The
      reaction was monitored by multiple analytical techniques. The high yields were
      connected to the ability of the process to break the strong secondary
      interactions in cellulose. The developed method has great potential for future
      production of green platform chemicals.

PMID- 25129767
TI  - Analysis of isoamylase debranched starches with size exclusion chromatography
      utilizing PFG columns.
AB  - Debranched starches were tested with a previously developed method for size
      exclusion chromatography (SEC) with multi detection utilizing different columns
      than usually used for the separation of starch in DMSO. A number of debranched
      starches were analyzed. This system allows good separation of amylose and
      amylopectin after debranching of starch, and provides quantitative information on
      the amylose content. Additionally molar mass versus hydrodynamic radii (Rh)
      distributions of various debranched starches show that the debranching was not
      100% and that the differences in the structure of various starches can be
      followed. 

PMID- 25129768
TI  - Simple synthesis and chelation capacity of N-(2-sulfoethyl)chitosan, a taurine
      derivative.
AB  - This study presents a simple and effective synthesis method of N-(2
      sulfoethyl)chitosan (NSE-chitosan) via a reaction between sodium 2
      bromoethanesulfonate and chitosan that allows polymer transformation without
      using additional reagents and organic solvents. The chemical structure of the
      obtained NSE-chitosan was characterized by FT-IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopies.
      Thermogravimetric study of NSE-chitosan coupled with FT-IR analysis has shown
      stability of the polymer up to 200  degrees C, which almost does not change with
      the increase of degree of substitution (DS). The sorption of transition and
      alkaline earth metal ions from multicomponent solutions on NSE-chitosan was
      investigated. The synthesized sorbents showed the selective recovery of silver(I)
      and copper(II) ions from ammonium acetate buffer solution. The increase of DS
      enhanced the selectivity to silver(I) ions sorption in comparison with copper(II)
      ions. Selectivity coefficients K(Ag/Cu) increase from 1.3 to 10.9 with DS
      increasing up to 0.7 (ammonium acetate buffer solution, pH 6.5). Sorption
      isotherms of transition metal ions on NSE-chitosan with DS = 0.5 have been fitted
      using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson models. The maximum sorption
      capacities of sorbent in ammonium acetate buffer solution at pH 6.0 were 1.72
      mmol/g for Cu(II), 1.23 mmol/g for Ag(I) and below 0.5 mmol/g for Co(II), Zn(II),
      Cd(II), Pb(II), Mn(II) and Ni(II) ions.

PMID- 25129769
TI  - An antioxidative galactomannan-protein complex isolated from fermentation broth
      of a medicinal fungus Cs-HK1.
AB  - A protein-containing polysaccharide, EPS2BW, was fractionated from the
      exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by a medicinal fungus Cordyceps sinensis (Cs
      HK1). EPS2BW was mainly composed of galactomannan with about 16% (w/w) protein
      and 50 kDa average molecular weight. The galactomannan part consisted of mannose
      and galactose at 1.7:1.0 molar ratio, and the protein segments were composed of
      sixteen amino acids with 12.5% proline and 16.6% threonine (mol%) being the most
      abundant. Based on analytical results from NMR, methylation analysis, partial
      acid hydrolysis and GC-MS, the galactomannan structure was elucidated as a (1 ->
      2)-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl (Manp) backbone with O-6-linked galactopyranosyl (Galp)
      branches. EPS2BW exhibited a high antioxidant capacity in both chemical and cell
      culture assays, with a Trolox equivalent radical scavenging activity of 44.7
      MUmol Trolox/mg, a Fe(3+) reducing power of 38.9 MUmol Fe(2+)/mg, and significant
      cytoprotective effect against H2O2-induced PC12 cell death at 50-250 MUg/mL.

PMID- 25129770
TI  - Characterization of glucomannan from Amorphophallus oncophyllus and its prebiotic
      activity in vivo.
AB  - Porang (Amorphophallus oncophyllus) is local perennial plant rich in glucomannan.
      The aim of this study was to extract and characterize glucomannan from porang
      tuber and to evaluate its potency as prebiotic in vivo. The research consisted of
      the following steps, i.e. extraction of glucomannan, evaluation of its physico
      chemical properties, and in vivo study. Extraction was done by immersing porang
      fluor with water at 55  degrees C followed by coagulating glucomannan using
      ethanol. Solubility, water holding capacity, viscosity, degree of acetylation,
      degree of polymerization (DP), and purity of the glucomannan were evaluated. In
      vivo study was done using thirty-two Wistar rats which were divided into four
      groups. Each group was treated for 14 days with standard AIN 93 (standard),
      porang glucomannan, commercial konjac glucomannan, and inulin diet as source of
      fiber. Bacterial population and chemical properties of digesta were analyzed
      after intervention. The results of the study indicated that the yield of
      glucomannan from porang flour was 18.05% with 92.69% purity. Compared to
      commercial glucomannan, porang glucomannan showed higher solubility (86.4%) and
      degree of acetylation (13.7%), but lower viscosity (5400 cps), WHC (34.5 g/g),
      and DP (9.4). Diet supplemented with porang glucomannan inhibited the growth of
      Escherichia coli, enhanced the production of total SCFA, and reduced pH value of
      cecal content. The study indicated that glucomannan from porang may be used as
      functional food.

PMID- 25129771
TI  - Effect of hyaluronic acid on the thermogelation and biocompatibility of its
      blends with methyl cellulose.
AB  - Aim of this work was to investigate the influence of hyaluronic acid (HA)
      molecular weight on the thermogelation and biocompatibility of its blends with
      methyl cellulose in view of a possible application in drug delivery and/or wound
      healing. We found out that it was possible to obtain MC/HA blends showing a
      rheological behavior typical of a viscous solution at 20  degrees C and of a weak
      gel at 37  degrees C only when blending MC with low molecular weight HA.
      Moreover, the blends containing low molecular weight HA did not affect human
      foreskin fetal fibroblasts viability, proliferation and migration. On the
      contrary, the cell incubation with high molecular weight HA resulted in a marked
      and significant reduction of cell viability, compared to control cells. Finally,
      the optimized blends, in terms of rheological properties and biocompatibility,
      proved to be able to control and prolong bovine serum albumin release by a
      combined mechanism of platform dissolution and drug diffusion.

PMID- 25129772
TI  - The role of poly-M and poly-GM sequences in the metal-mediated assembly of
      alginate gels.
AB  - Whilst the involvement of poly-G sequences in the formation of metal-mediated
      alginate gels has been previously studied in some detail, investigations into the
      role of poly-M and poly-GM sequences has been relatively neglected. In this
      regard, the binding of sodium and calcium ions to poly-M and poly-GM decamers,
      and their influence on chain aggregation, has been modelled by conducting a
      series of molecular dynamics simulations. This work complements a previous
      analogous study carried out for the poly-G decamer, whereby up to three strands
      are systematically introduced into each simulation. As in the previous study,
      this method allows intrinsic binding modes and interchain structural motifs to be
      revealed, that are consistent with those observed in available AFM images of
      consolidated 3-D networks. It is apparent from these studies that different
      sequences have different structural implications for metal-mediated chain
      association. 

PMID- 25129773
TI  - Gas permeability and selectivity of cellulose nanocrystals films (layers)
      deposited by spin coating.
AB  - Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were extracted from a cellulose residue using two
      different acid hydrolysis procedures. CNC extracted with sulfuric acid (CNC(S))
      showed higher surface charge (339 MUmol/g) compared with crystals extracted with
      hydrochloric acid (CNC(HCl)). Spin-coated films with two different configurations
      were prepared; the first with alternate layers of poly(allylamine hydrochloride)
      (PAHCl) and CNC, and the second with a single layer of PAHCl coated with
      multilayers of CNC. Film characteristics such as roughness, thickness, contact
      angle, orientation, gas permeability and gas selectivity were studied. Optical
      microscopy showed more homogeneous films of CNC(S) compared to CNC(HCl). The
      surface charge of the crystals impacted the films' hydrophobicity, being highest
      for 25 alternate layers of PAHCl and CNC(HCl). The gas permeability coefficient
      was different for each film, depending primarily on the surface charge of the
      crystals and secondly on the film configuration. The films made with CNC(HCl)
      displayed gas barriers with nitrogen and oxygen, and gas selectivity with some
      gas combinations. CNC(S) films did not show gas selectivity. These results
      indicate that CNC with low surface charge can be further developed for gas
      separation and barrier applications.

PMID- 25129775
TI  - Hydroxypropyl cellulose stabilizes amorphous solid dispersions of the poorly
      water soluble drug felodipine.
AB  - Overcoming the low oral bioavailability of many drugs due to their poor aqueous
      solubility is one of the major challenges in the pharmaceutical industry. The
      production of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) of these drugs using hydrophilic
      polymers may significantly improve their solubility. However, their storage
      stability and the stability of their supersaturated solutions in the
      gastrointestinal tract upon administration are unsolved problems. We have
      investigated the potential of a low viscosity grade of a cellulosic polymer,
      hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC-SSL), and compared it with a commonly used vinyl
      polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone vinyl acetate (PVP-VA), for stabilizing the ASDs of
      a poorly water soluble drug, felodipine. The ASDs were produced using hot melt
      mixing and stored under standard and accelerated stability conditions. The ASDs
      were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray
      diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Drug dissolution and
      partitioning rates were evaluated using single- and biphasic dissolution studies.
      The ASDs displayed superior drug dissolution and partitioning as compared to the
      pure crystalline drug, which might be attributed to the formation of a drug
      polymer molecular dispersion, amorphous conversion of the drug, and drug-polymer
      hydrogen bonding interactions. Late phase separation and early re-crystallization
      occurred at lower and higher storage temperatures, respectively, for HPC-SSL
      ASDs, whereas early phase separation, even at low storage temperatures, was noted
      for PVP-VA ASDs. Consequently, the partitioning rates for ASDs dispersed in HPC
      SSL were greater than those of PVP-VA at lower and room temperature storage,
      whereas the performance of both of the ASDs was similar when stored at higher
      temperatures. 

PMID- 25129774
TI  - Preparation and characterization of galactosylated alginate-chitosan oligomer
      microcapsule for hepatocytes microencapsulation.
AB  - Galactosylated alginate (GA)-chitosan oligomer microcapsule was prepared to
      provide a sufficient mechanical stability, a selective permeability and an
      appropriate three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment for hepatocytes
      microencapsulation. The microcapsule has a unique asymmetric membrane structure,
      with a dense layer located in the inner surface and gradually decreasing toward
      the outside surface. The stable microcapsule was obtained when GA lower than 50%,
      while the permeability was increased with increasing of GA. A balance between
      mechanical stability and permeability was achieved through modulating membrane
      porosity and thickness. The optimal microcapsule displays a selective
      permeability allowing efficient transport of human serum albumin while
      effectively blocking immunoglobulin G. Hepatocytes exhibited high and long term
      viability (>92%), proliferability, multicellular spheroid morphology, and
      enhancement of liver-specific functions in the microcapsule wherein galactose
      moieties present chemical cues to support cell-matrix interactions while the 3D
      structure of the microcapsule behaves physical cues to facilitate cell-cell
      interactions. 

PMID- 25129776
TI  - Polyoxometalates acid treatment for preparing starch nanoparticles.
AB  - In this article, a new way of preparing starch-based nanoparticles (SNPs) with
      high yields by a polyoxometalates acid treatment is presented. The particle
      morphology, mean size and size distribution of the obtained SNPs are
      characterized using a dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron
      microscope (SEM). By changing parameters such as temperature, concentration of
      polyoxometalates and treating time the size of SNPs can be controlled. In
      addition, there are no changes in the structures of the starch granules as
      confirmed by IR or (1)H NMR. Freeze-dried SNPs are amorphous as characterized by
      wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WXRD). 

PMID- 25129777
TI  - Influence of both cation and alginate nature on the rheological behavior of
      transition metal alginate gels.
AB  - The rheological properties of several ionotropic alginate hydrogels were
      investigated according to the nature of the divalent cation (Mn(2+), Co(2+),
      Cu(2+)) and the guluronic fraction of the alginate (HG and LG for "high G
      content" and "low G-content"). Six hydrogels (Mn-LG, Mn-HG, Co-LG, Co-HG, Cu-LG
      and Cu-HG) were synthesized and studied by spectromechanical analyses. On one
      hand, Cu-HG, Cu-LG and Co-HG behaved as viscoelastic solids: the elastic
      contribution was higher than the dissipative component in all the frequency range
      studied (G'>G"). No flow zone (G">G') was detected even at very low values of the
      shearing frequency. On the other, Mn-HG, Mn-LG and Co-LG presented a
      spectromechanical behavior that resembled that observed classically for entangled
      polymers. Indeed, at high frequency, these latter materials could be compared to
      a viscoelastic solid but at low frequency, the flow zone was described and the
      viscous character became prevalent with finite relaxation time. Very good
      correlations with the microscopic structurations of the network were evidenced
      (rubbery vs. flow zone and fibrillar vs. complex morphology respectively).

PMID- 25129778
TI  - Novel polymer Li-ion binder carboxymethyl cellulose derivative enhanced
      electrochemical performance for Li-ion batteries.
AB  - Novel water-based binder lithium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Li) is synthesized
      by cotton as raw material. The mechanism of the CMC-Li as a binder is reported.
      Electrochemical properties of batteries' cathodes based on commercially available
      lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) and water-soluble binder are investigated.
      Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na, CMC) and CMC-Li are used as the binder.
      After 200 cycles, compared with conventional poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)
      binder, the CMC-Li binder significantly improves cycling performance of the LFP
      cathode 96.7% of initial reversible capacity achieved at 175 mA h g(-1). Constant
      current charge-discharge test results demonstrate that the LFP electrode using
      CMC-Li as the binder has the highest rate capability, followed closely by those
      using CMC and PVDF binders, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
      test results show that the electrode using CMC-Li as the binder has lower charge
      transfer resistance than the electrodes using CMC and PVDF as the binders.

PMID- 25129779
TI  - Green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles employing levan, a biopolymer
      from Acetobacter xylinum NCIM 2526, as a reducing agent and capping agent.
AB  - With a vision of finding greener materials to synthesize nanoparticles, we report
      the production and isolation of levan, a polysaccharide with repeating units of
      fructose, from Acetobacter xylinum NCIM2526. The isolated levan were
      characterized using potassium ferricyanide reducing power assay, Fourier
      transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy ((1)H NMR). To exploit levan in nanotechnology, we present a simple
      and greener method to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold
      nanoparticles (AuNPs) using biopolymer, levan as both reducing and stabilizing
      agents. The morphology and stability of the AgNPs and AuNPs were examined by
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis absorption (UV-vis)
      spectroscopy. The possible capping mechanism of the nanoparticles was postulated
      using FTIR studies. As synthesized biogenic nanoparticles showed excellent
      catalytic activity as evidenced from sodium borohydride mediated reduction of 4
      nitro phenol and methylene blue. 

PMID- 25129780
TI  - Inter vs. intraglycosidic acetal linkages control sulfation pattern in semi
      synthetic chondroitin sulfate.
AB  - Microbial-sourced unsulfated chondroitin could be converted into chondroitin
      sulfate (CS) polysaccharide by a multi-step strategy relying upon benzylidenation
      and acetylation reactions as key-steps for its regioselective protection. By
      conducting the two reactions one- or two-pots, CSs with different sulfation
      patterns could be obtained at the end of the semi-synthesis. In particular, a CS
      polysaccharide possessing sulfate groups randomly distributed between positions 4
      and 6 of N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc) units could be obtained through the two
      pots route, whereas the one-pot pathway allowed an additional sulfation at
      position 3 of some glucuronic acid (GlcA) units. This difference was ascribed to
      the stabilization of a labile interglycosidic benzylidene acetal involving
      positions O-3 and O-6 of some GlcA and GalNAc, respectively, when the benzylidene
      acetylation reactions were conducted in a one-pot fashion. Isolation and
      characterization of a polysaccharide intermediate showing interglycosidic acetal
      moieties was accomplished. 

PMID- 25129781
TI  - Dextran synthesized by Leuconostoc mesenteroides BD1710 in tomato juice
      supplemented with sucrose.
AB  - The characteristics of the growth of Leuconostoc mesenteroides BD1710 and the
      synthesis of dextran in tomato juice supplemented with 15% sucrose were assayed.
      L. mesenteroides BD1710 could synthesize approximately 32 g L(-1) dextran in the
      tomato-juice-sucrose medium when cultured at 28  degrees C for 48 h, which was on
      the same level as the dextran yield in a chemically defined medium. The viscosity
      of the cultured tomato-juice-sucrose medium with various dextran contents was
      also measured. The results of the monosaccharide composition, molecular-weight
      distribution, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic
      resonance spectra (NMR) showed that the polysaccharide synthesized by L.
      mesenteroides BD1710 in the tomato-juice-sucrose medium was dextran with a peak
      molecular weight of 6.35 * 10(5)Da, a linear backbone composed of consecutive
      alpha-(1 -> 6)-linked d-glucopyranosyl units and approximately 6% alpha-(1 -> 3)
      branches.

PMID- 25129782
TI  - In vitro fermentation of the polysaccharides from Cyclocarya paliurus leaves by
      human fecal inoculums.
AB  - In vitro fermentation of polysaccharide from Cyclocarya paliurus leaves by human
      fecal inoculums was investigated by determining the changes in contents of
      neutral and reducing sugar and pH value, consumption of monosaccharide and
      production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). During fermentation, the content
      of neutral sugar and reducing sugar decreased as fermentation time increased
      except that the content of reducing sugar increased within the fermentation time
      0.5h. The pH value significantly dropped from 7.2 to 6.04. Remarkably, the
      greatest yields and the fastest consumption of galacturonic acid were found and
      the yield of glucose and arabinose were relatively high. The dominant SCFAs,
      which were acetic acid, propionic acid and n-butyric acid, significantly
      increased. These results showed that polysaccharide was partly fermented,
      glycosidic bonds with galacturonic acid being more susceptible to be attacked by
      gut bacteria and galacturonic acid might be deemed as the main producer of acetic
      acid. 

PMID- 25129783
TI  - Hydration and the phase diagram of acid hydrolyzed potato starch.
AB  - We investigated hydration of acid hydrolyzed potato starch (maltodextrin)
      employing a multi-method approach. In particular, synchrotron radiation X-ray
      scattering and differential scanning calorimetry were used, and, for the first
      time, the material was investigated with sorption calorimetry and a newly
      developed quartz crystal microbalance with humidity scanning. The dry starch was
      found to be in an amorphous state. During hydration it exhibits a glass
      transition in both bulk and thin film samples, followed by an exothermic event
      where the starch crystallized. Recrystallized bulk samples displayed neither a
      pronounced glass transition nor crystallization upon hydration whereas both
      events occurred in thin film samples. The hydration-driven crystallization
      resulted in an X-ray pattern consistent with the coexistence of A and B type
      crystallites; however, at higher water concentrations only the B form occurred.
      The results were used to construct the first ever acid hydrolyzed starch-water
      phase diagram. 

PMID- 25129785
TI  - Preparation of oxidized agar and characterization of its properties.
AB  - A series of oxidized agars with different carboxyl content were prepared, and
      their properties were determined and analyzed. The results showed that the
      gelling temperature, the optical rotation and the apparent viscosity of the agar
      solution, and the melting temperature, the strength, the hardness, the
      fracturability, the springiness, the chewiness and the gumminess of agar gel all
      decreased except that the cohesiveness increased after oxidation. The gel
      skeleton structures of agar before and after oxidation were all of the porous
      network structures, but the pores of gel skeleton structure became smaller and
      denser after oxidation. 

PMID- 25129784
TI  - Free-radical degradation by Fe2+/Vc/H2O2 and antioxidant activity of
      polysaccharide from Tremella fuciformis.
AB  - The free-radical degradation and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide from
      Tremella fuciformis was investigated. In present study, the combination of
      Fe(2+), ascorbic acid and H2O2 was used as degradation regents in order to obtain
      the lower molecular weight product. The result ascertained oxidative-reduce
      degradation did not change the main structure of polysaccharides in the test
      conditions. Five degraded polysaccharides were selected to evaluate their
      antioxidant activities in vitro. It was found that the degraded sample with lower
      molecular weight possessed the higher antioxidant activities. It was possible
      that free-radical degradation is an effective way for enhancing antioxidant
      activity to decrease molecular weight of polysaccharides. 

PMID- 25129786
TI  - Probing the structural details of xylan degradation by real-time NMR
      spectroscopy.
AB  - The biodegradation of abundantly available cell wall polysaccharides has recently
      received much attention, not least because cell wall polysaccharides are
      substrates for the human gut microbiota and for environmentally sustainable
      processes of biomass conversion to value-added compounds. A major fraction of
      cereal cell wall polysaccharides consists of arabinoxylans. Arabinoxylan and its
      degradation products are therefore present in a variety of agro-industrial
      residues and products. Here, we undertook to track the structural details of
      wheat arabinoxylan degradation with high resolution NMR spectroscopy. More than
      15 carbohydrate residues were distinguished in the substrate and more than 20
      residues in partially degraded samples without any sample cleanup. The resolution
      of a plethora of structural motifs in situ permits the readout of persisting
      structures in degradation processes and in products. Reaction progress was
      visualized for the biodegradation of arabinoxylan by different crude microbial
      enzyme preparations. The direct observation of structural details in complex
      mixtures containing arabinoxylan fragments is significant, as such structural
      details reportedly modulate the health-promoting functions of arabinoxylan
      fragments. 

PMID- 25129787
TI  - Hydroxyethylcellulose used as an eco-friendly inhibitor for 1018 c-steel
      corrosion in 3.5% NaCl solution.
AB  - The inhibition effect of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) on 1018 c-steel corrosion in
      3.5% NaCl solution was investigated by using potentiodynamic polarization,
      electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) and electrochemical impedance
      spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The potentiodynamic polarization studies suggested
      that HEC acts as a mixed-type inhibitor. Data obtained from EIS were analyzed to
      model the corrosion inhibition process through equivalent circuit. Results
      obtained from EFM technique were shown to be in agreement with potentiodynamic
      and EIS techniques. The adsorption behavior of HEC on steel surface follows the
      Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic parameter (DeltaG degrees (ads)) and
      activation parameters (Ea(*), DeltaH(*) and DeltaS(*)) were calculated to
      investigate mechanism of inhibition. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and
      energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis system were performed to characterize the
      film formed on the metal surface. DMol(3) quantum chemical calculations were
      performed to support the adsorption mechanism with the structure of HEC molecule.

PMID- 25129788
TI  - Effect of carboxymethylation on antioxidant properties and radical degradation of
      mannans and glucans.
AB  - Carboxymethyl derivatives (CM-derivatives) of alpha,beta-mannans from yeasts,
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae beta-glucan and dextran (alpha-glucan) were found to
      possess strong antioxidant activities against reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH*)
      compared to underivatized polysaccharides. When CM-derivatives having similar DS
      (0.41-0.45) were compared, the antioxidant activity decreased in order CM
      mannan>CM-beta-glucan>CM-dextran. Moreover, the antioxidant activities against
      OH* increased with increasing degree of substitution (DS) of polysaccharides. The
      CM-mannan and CM-dextran with the highest DS (0.73 and 1.1, respectively) were
      the strongest antioxidants and their degradation by OH* decreased with increased
      carboxymethylation. The scavenging abilities of CM-polysaccharides against stable
      DPPH radical (DPPH) were lower than those of original underivatized ones. Also
      this scavenging property against DPPH was lower compared to antioxidant effect
      against OH*.

PMID- 25129789
TI  - Purification, characterisation and protective effects of polysaccharides from
      alfalfa on hepatocytes.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the preliminary characteristics and
      protective effects of alfalfa polysaccharides (APS) on hepatocytes in vitro. The
      crude APS was purified by DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 chromatography,
      resulting in the four purified fractions: APS-1, APS-2, APS-3 and APS-4. The
      results indicated that APS-3 had higher carbohydrate and uronic acid contents and
      that APS-4 had a more complicated monosaccharide composition compared to the
      other purified fractions. The average molecular weights of APS-1, APS-2, APS-3
      and APS-4 were 48,536, 6,221, 66,559 and 13,076 Da, respectively. Furthermore,
      APS (crude and its purified fractions) restored the activities of antioxidant
      enzymes and increased the total antioxidant capacity of hepatocytes subjected to
      H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, APS treatment counteracted the
      increases in lactic dehydrogenase and malonaldehyde in the culture supernatant.
      These results clearly demonstrate that APS possesses a protective effect against
      oxidative injury in hepatocytes.

PMID- 25129790
TI  - Effects of carbohydrate sources on biosorption properties of the novel
      exopolysaccharides produced by Arthrobacter ps-5.
AB  - The crude exopolysaccharides (EPSs) were obtained from Arthrobacter ps-5
      fermentation using various carbohydrate sources followed by centrifugation,
      ethanol precipitation, and the isolated EPSs were further deproteinized and
      lyophilized. Carbohydrates from various sources resulted in different yield of
      EPSs from the fermentation and different molecular weight of EPSs. A maximum
      yield of 0.27 mg/g was achieved by using the culture medium supplemented with
      sucrose. The EPS produced by glucose-supplemented medium had the maximum content
      of acidic polysaccharides, subsequently presented the highest biosorption
      capacity for Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) at 257.9 mg/g and 331.8 mg/g, respectively. The
      ratio of acidic to neutral polysaccharides presented in EPSs was a key factor to
      explicate the biosorption mechanism, the higher the ratio, the stronger the
      biosorption capacity.

PMID- 25129791
TI  - Process optimization and analysis of microwave assisted extraction of pectin from
      dragon fruit peel.
AB  - Microwave assisted extraction (MAE) technique was employed for the extraction of
      pectin from dragon fruit peel. The extracting parameters were optimized by using
      four-variable-three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) coupled with response surface
      methodology (RSM). RSM analysis indicated good correspondence between
      experimental and predicted values. 3D response surface plots were used to study
      the interactive effects of process variables on extraction of pectin. The optimum
      extraction conditions for the maximum yield of pectin were power of 400 W,
      temperature of 45  degrees C, extracting time of 20 min and solid-liquid ratio of
      24 g/mL. Under these conditions, 7.5% of pectin was extracted.

PMID- 25129792
TI  - pH sensitive N-succinyl chitosan grafted polyacrylamide hydrogel for oral insulin
      delivery.
AB  - pH sensitive PAA/S-chitosan hydrogel was prepared using ammonium persulfate (APS)
      as an initiator and methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker for oral
      insulin delivery. The synthesized copolymer was characterized by Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) study;
      morphology was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The PAA/S
      chitosan with ~ 38% of insulin loading efficiency (LE) and ~ 76% of insulin
      encapsulation efficiency (EE), showed excellent pH sensitivity, retaining ~ 26%
      of encapsulated insulin in acidic stomach pH 1.2 and releasing of ~ 98% of
      insulin in the intestine (pH 7.4), providing a prolonged attachment with the
      intestinal tissue. The oral administration of insulin loaded PAA/S-chitosan
      hydrogel was successful in lowering the blood glucose level of diabetic mice. The
      bioavailability of insulin was ~ 4.43%. Furthermore, no lethality or toxicity was
      documented after its peroral administration. Thus, PAA/S-chitosan hydrogel could
      serve as a promising oral insulin carrier in future.

PMID- 25129793
TI  - Molecular engineering of manipulated alginate-based polyurethanes.
AB  - The novel soluble alginate-based polyurethanes in organic solvents were
      synthesized by the reaction of NCO-terminated prepolymers and tributylammonium
      alginate (TBA-Alg) for the first time. The chemical structures of synthesized
      polyurethanes were characterized using FTIR, (1)H NMR and TGA. The reaction
      completion was confirmed by disappearing of NCO band in FTIR spectra.
      Furthermore, a peak at 4.71 ppm and some small peaks at a range of 4.12-4.37 ppm
      in the (1)H NMR of alginate-based polyurethanes were assigned to the backbone of
      alginate. The results of both FTIR and (1)H NMR were remarkably confirmed by TGA
      data. The ionic nature of polyurethane backbone not only affects on thermal
      properties of samples, but it also changes the chemically-bonded alginate
      morphology. Both polyether and polyester based non-ionic polyurethanes extended
      by TBA-Alg illustrated the distinct alginate, whereas those ionomers extended by
      alginate were appeared as the continuous systems at nanoscale.

PMID- 25129794
TI  - Enzymatic hydrolysis studies of arabinogalactan-protein structure from Acacia
      gum: the self-similarity hypothesis of assembly from a common building block.
AB  - Arabinogalactan (AG) and arabinogalactan-protein (AGP) fractions were treated
      enzymatically using several proteases in acidic (pH 4) and alkaline (pH 7)
      conditions in order to go deeper insight into the structure and conformations of
      the two main fractions of Acacia senegal gum. Endoproteinase Glu-C, pepsin and
      phosphatase acid were thus used in acidic conditions while subtilisin A, pronase,
      trypsin, papain and proteinase K were used in alkaline conditions to cleave
      protein moieties of the two fractions. Structures of AG and AGP were probed using
      HPSEC-MALLS, small angle neutron scattering and far-UV circular dichroism.
      Enzymes did not affect AG fraction structure whatever the pH conditions used,
      highlighting the inaccessibility of the peptide backbone and the remarkable
      stability of this fraction in acidic and alkaline conditions. This result was in
      agreement with the thin oblate ellipsoid model we previously identified for the
      AG fraction where the 43 amino-acid residues peptide sequence was supposed, based
      on spectroscopic methods, to be totally buried. Contrary to AG fraction, AGP
      protein component was therefore cleaved using enzymes in alkaline conditions, the
      absence of enzymatic efficiency in acidic conditions being probably ascribed to
      long range electrostatic repulsions occurring between negatively charged AGP and
      enzymes at pH 4. The decrease of AGP molecular weight after hydrolysis in
      alkaline conditions went from 1.79 * 10(6) g mol(-1) for control AGP to as low as
      1.68 * 10(5) g mol(-1) for papain-treated AGP. The overall structure of the
      enzyme-treated AGPs was found to be surprisingly quite similar whatever the
      enzyme used and close, with however some subtle differences, to AG unit. A tri
      axial ellipsoid conformation was found in enzyme-treated AGPs and the two main
      preferential distances identified in the pair distance distribution function
      would claim in favor of rod-like or elongated particles or alternatively would
      indicate the presence of two particles differing in dimensions. The secondary
      structures content of control and enzyme-treated AGPs were similar, highlighting
      both the high rigidity of the protein backbone and the overall symmetry of AGP.
      This conclusion was reinforced by the more compact structures found when AGP was
      intact compare to the more elongated structures found when AGP was enzymatically
      cleaved. Finally, the structural similarities found in enzyme-treated AGP
      together with the theoretical calculations to analytically probe the type of
      branching would suggest that AGP would be made of a self-similar assembly of two
      types of building blocks, the second being a five-fold repetition of the first
      one, for which palindromic amino acid sequence would ensure a self-ordering of
      carbohydrate moieties along the polypeptide chains. The cleavage would therefore
      lead to hydrolysed building blocks with similar secondary structures and
      conformations whatever the enzyme used.

PMID- 25129795
TI  - Synthesis of alginate bioencapsulated nano-hydroxyapatite composite for selective
      fluoride sorption.
AB  - This article focuses on the development of eco-friendly adsorbent by alginate
      (Alg) bioencapsulating nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) namely n-HApAlg composite for
      defluoridation studies in batch mode. n-HAp powder utilized as a promising
      defluoridating material, but it causes a significant pressure drop during field
      applications. To overcome such technological bottlenecks, n-HApAlg composite was
      synthesized. The defluoridation capacity (DC) of synthesized n-HApAlg composite
      possesses an enhanced DC of 3870 mg F(-)/kg when compared to n-HAp and calcium
      alginate (CaAlg) composite which possess DC of 1296 and 680 mg F(-)/kg,
      respectively. The biocomposite features were characterized using FTIR and SEM
      with EDAX analysis. The various adsorption influencing parameters like contact
      time, pH, co-anions, initial fluoride concentration and temperature were
      optimized. The adsorption process was enlightened by various isotherms and
      kinetic models. The suitability of the biocomposite at field conditions was also
      tested.

PMID- 25129796
TI  - Nanoporous membranes with cellulose nanocrystals as functional entity in
      chitosan: removal of dyes from water.
AB  - Fully biobased composite membranes for water purification were fabricated with
      cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as functional entities in chitosan matrix via
      freeze-drying process followed by compacting. The chitosan (10 wt%) bound the
      CNCs in a stable and nanoporous membrane structure with thickness of 250-270 MUm,
      which was further stabilized by cross-linking with gluteraldehyde vapors.
      Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed well-individualized CNCs
      embedded in a matrix of chitosan. Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) measurements
      showed that the membranes were nanoporous with pores in the range of 13-10nm. In
      spite of the low water flux (64 Lm(-2) h(-1)), the membranes successfully removed
      98%, 84% and 70% respectively of positively charged dyes like Victoria Blue 2B,
      Methyl Violet 2B and Rhodamine 6G, after a contact time of 24h. The removal of
      dyes was expected to be driven by the electrostatic attraction between negatively
      charged CNCs and the positively charged dyes.

PMID- 25129797
TI  - Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) starch: Basic physico-chemical
      characteristics and use as thermoplastic material.
AB  - Starch isolated from non-edible Aesculus hippocastanum seeds was characterized
      and used for preparing starch-based materials. The apparent amylose content of
      the isolated starch was 33.1%. The size of starch granules ranged from 0.7 to 35
      MUm, and correlated with the shape of granules (spherical, oval and irregular).
      The chain length distribution profile of amylopectin showed two peaks, at
      polymerization degree (DP) of 12 and 41-43. Around 53% of branch unit chains had
      DP in the range of 11-20. A. hippocastanum starch displayed a typical C-type
      pattern and the maximum decomposition temperature was 317  degrees C.
      Thermoplastic starch (TPS) prepared from A. hippocastanum with glycerol and
      processed by melt blending exhibited adequate mechanical and thermal properties.
      In contrast, plasticized TPS with glycerol:malic acid (1:1) showed lower thermal
      stability and a pasty and sticky behavior, indicating that malic acid accelerates
      degradation of starch during processing.

PMID- 25129798
TI  - Salt stress alters the cell wall polysaccharides and anatomy of coffee (Coffea
      arabica L.) leaf cells.
AB  - Coffea arabica is the most important agricultural commodity in the world, and
      salinity is a major threat to its sustainable irrigation. Coffee leaf
      polysaccharides from plants subjected to salt stress were extracted and the
      leaves visualized through optical and electron microscopy. Alterations were
      detected in the monosaccharide composition of the pectin and hemicelluloses, with
      increases in uronic acid in all fractions. Changes in the polysaccharides were
      confirmed by HPSEC and FTIR. Moreover, the monolignol content was increased in
      the final residue, which suggests increased lignin content. The cytoplasm was
      altered, and the chloroplasts appeared irregular in shape. The arrangement of the
      stroma lamellae was disordered, and no starch granules were present. It was
      concluded that leaves of C. arabica under salt stress showed alterations in cell
      wall polysaccharides, increased monolignol content and structural damage to the
      cells of the mesophyll. 

PMID- 25129799
TI  - Preparation and stabilization of D-limonene Pickering emulsions by cellulose
      nanocrystals.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate D-limonene Pickering emulsion stabilized
      by cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and factors that may affect its properties. CNCs
      were prepared by ammonium persulfate hydrolysis of corncob cellulose, and D
      limonene Pickering emulsions were generated by ultrasonic homogenizing method.
      The morphology and size of the prepared emulsions with different CNCs
      concentrations were studied by optical microscopy and laser light diffraction. In
      addition, factors that may affect the stability of emulsions such as ionic
      concentration, pH and temperature were also studied. As indicated by the
      experiment data, when temperature rose, the stability to of emulsions would be
      increased, and the stability of emulsions was reduced with low pH or high salt
      concentration due to electrostatic screening of the negatively charged CNC
      particles. In conclusion, high stability of D-limonene Pickering emulsions could
      be obtained by CNCs.

PMID- 25129800
TI  - Isolation, structural characterization, and potential applications of
      hemicelluloses from bamboo: a review.
AB  - Bamboo is one of the mostly fast growing natural resources and has great
      potential to be used as a valuable feedstock for biorefinery. The hemicelluloses,
      next to cellulose, represent a diverse group of polysaccharides in plant cell
      wall. Elucidation and understanding of the hemicelluloses from bamboo play an
      important role in the efficient conversion of bamboo into biofuels and
      bioproducts. This review summarized the recent reports on hemicelluloses from
      bamboo, including immunohistochemical localization, focused on extraction and
      purification methods, chemical components, characterization of structural
      features, as well as physicochemical properties. In addition, attention was also
      paid to derivatives prepared from bamboo hemicelluloses and to potential
      applications of bamboo hemicelluloses in a variety of areas such as biomaterials,
      biofuel, and food. 

PMID- 25129801
TI  - Thermal degradation and stability of cationic starches and their complexes with
      iodine.
AB  - Thermal degradation processes of cationic starch (CS) and CS-iodine complex were
      investigated by thermogravimetry (TG) in air and under nitrogen atmosphere at 10 
      degrees C min(-1) heating rate and compared. Moreover, the thermal stability of
      CS with different degree of substitution (DS) and their complexes with iodine was
      studied by TG under nitrogen atmosphere at different heating rates. The average
      E(a) values for CS were found to be slightly lower as compared to native starch,
      suggesting lower thermal stability of modified starches due to cationisation. The
      main thermodegradation event of native starch-iodine and CS-iodine complexes can
      be separated in two steps: the release of iodine in the range of 137-196  degrees
      C, followed by the subsequent iodine induced thermochemical degradation of
      polysaccharide macromolecules, which appears at lower temperatures than in the
      absence of iodine. "Blue" inclusion complex showed higher thermal stability than
      ionic CS-iodine complex.

PMID- 25129802
TI  - Impact of molecular and crystalline structures on in vitro digestibility of waxy
      rice starches.
AB  - The in vitro digestibility, molecular structure and crystalline structure of waxy
      rice starches isolated from six Korean cultivars (Shinsun, Dongjin, Baekok,
      Whasun, Chungbaek, and Bosuk) were investigated. The molecular weight (M(w)) of
      waxy rice starches ranged from 1.1 * 10(8)g/mol to 2.2 * 10(8)g/mol. Chungbaek
      waxy rice starch had the highest average chain length (24.3) and proportion
      (20.7%) of long branch chains (DP >= 37), and the lowest proportion (19.0%) of
      short branch chains (DP 6-12) among the tested six waxy rice starches. The
      relative crystallinity and intensity ratio of 1047/1022 ranged from 38.9% to
      41.1% and from 0.691 to 0.707, respectively. Chungbaek had the highest
      gelatinization temperature and enthalpy. Chungbaek had the highest pasting
      temperature (70.7  degrees C), setback (324 cP) and final viscosity (943 cP),
      whereas Baekok showed the highest peak viscosity (1576 cP) and breakdown (1031
      cP). Chungbaek had lower rapidly digestible starch (RDS) content and expected
      glycemic index (eGI), and higher resistant starch (RS) content, whereas Whasun
      exhibited higher RDS content and eGI. The slowly digestible starch (SDS) content
      of Shinsun (38.3%) and Bokok (32.0%) was significantly higher than that of other
      cultivars (11.3-22.0%).

PMID- 25129803
TI  - Synthesis of chitosan-PEO hydrogels via mesylation and regioselective Cu(I)
      catalyzed cycloaddition.
AB  - In this work, a well-defined hydrogel was developed by coupling chitosan with PEO
      through "click chemistry". Azide functionalities were introduced onto chitosan,
      through mesylation of C-6 hydroxyl groups, and reacted with a di-alkyne PEO by a
      regioselective Cu(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition. This synthetic approach allowed us
      to obtain a hydrogel with a controlled crosslinking degree. In fact, the extent
      of coupling is strictly dependent on the amount of azido groups on chitosan,
      which in turn can be easily modulated. The obtained hydrogel, with a crosslinking
      degree of around 90%, showed interesting swelling properties. With respect to
      chitosan hydrogels reported in literature, a considerably higher equilibrium
      uptake was reached (940%). The possibility to control the crosslinking degree of
      hydrogel and its capability to rapidly absorb high amounts of water make this
      material suitable for several applications, such as controlled drug release and
      wound healing. 

PMID- 25129804
TI  - Redox-stimuli responsive micelles from DOX-encapsulating polycaprolactone-g
      chitosan oligosaccharide.
AB  - Chitosan-based amphiphilic graft copolymers are commonly obtained by modification
      of chitosan backbones with synthetic polymers hampering both bioactivity and
      biodegradability. In this work, we report the preparation of a series of chitosan
      oligosaccharide-grafted copolymers (PCL-g-COs) from coupling reactions between
      azide-pendent polycaprolactones (PCL-N3) and reducing-end alkynyl-modified
      chitosan oligosaccharides (COs-alkynyl). The resulting PCL-g-COs self-organized
      in water into nanoscale micelles (Rh<20 nm) having a COs shell and a PCL core.
      Locking of the core-micelles structure employing a disulfide-containing bis
      alkyne cross-linker resulted in the formation of nano-vehicles which can be
      degraded in response to physiological (redox) stimuli. This feature was
      advantageously exploited to preferentially release an anticancer drug,
      doxororubicin, in response to the intracellular glutathione level.

PMID- 25129805
TI  - Rheological study of chitosan acetate solutions containing chitin nanofibrils.
AB  - Rheological properties of chitosan acetate solutions containing chitin
      nanofibrils (n-chitin) and biocompatible plasticizers intended for preparation of
      biodegradable films are reported in the steady, oscillatory and transient shear
      flow. The experiments were performed on slurries with an optimum proportion of
      65/35 wt.% between chitosan and n-chitin in the films which was determined from
      our results of mechanical properties and absorption of water vapor. The time
      dependent dynamic experiments revealed the chitin nanofibrils as an effective
      "gelling agent" of chitosan phase. The phenomenon is explained by a chitosan-like
      surface of n-chitin and by the interactions inducing orientational cooperativity
      of chitosan molecules dissolved in close neighborhood of the anisotropic chitin
      nanofibrils. Additions of glycerol or poly(ethylene glycol), improving mechanical
      properties of the films, delay significantly the onset of gelation of chitosan/n
      chitin slurries. The effect is induced by an increase in viscosity of the
      slurries and by their enhanced chaotropic character.

PMID- 25129806
TI  - Influence of feeding regimens on rat gut fluids and colonic metabolism of
      diclofenac-beta-cyclodextrin.
AB  - Feeding states may affect the performance of colonic prodrugs. The aim is to
      investigate the influence of feeding regimen in Wistar rats on: (i) distribution
      and pH contents along the gut and (ii) metabolism of two colonic prodrugs,
      diclofenac-beta-cyclodextrin and a commercially available control, sulfasalazine,
      within the caecal and colonic contents. Male Wistar rats were subject to four
      different feeding regimens, the gut contents characterized (mass and pH) and the
      metabolism of prodrugs investigated. The feeding regimen affects gut contents
      (mass and pH), more specifically in the stomach and lower intestine, and affects
      the rate of metabolism of diclofenac-beta-cyclodextrin, but not that of
      sulfasalazine. The latter's degradation is much faster than that of diclofenac
      beta-cyclodextrin while the metabolism of both prodrugs is faster in colonic
      (versus caecal) contents. Fasting results in most rapid degradation of diclofenac
      beta-cyclodextrin, possibly due to lack of competition (absence of food) for
      microbial enzymatic activity. 

PMID- 25129807
TI  - Desipramine and citalopram attenuate pretest swim-induced increases in
      prodynorphin immunoreactivity in the dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis
      and the lateral division of the central nucleus of the amygdala in the forced
      swimming test.
AB  - Dynorphin in the nucleus accumbens shell plays an important role in
      antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test (FST), but it is unclear
      whether desipramine and citalopram treatments alter prodynorphin levels in other
      brain areas. To explore this possibility, we injected mice with desipramine and
      citalopram 0.5, 19, and 23 h after a 15-min pretest swim and observed changes in
      prodynorphin expression before the test swim, which was conducted 24 h after the
      pretest swim. The pretest swim increased prodynorphin immunoreactivity in the
      dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dBNST) and lateral division of the
      central nucleus of the amygdala (CeL). This increase in prodynorphin
      immunoreactivity in the dBNST and CeL was blocked by desipramine and citalopram
      treatments. Similar changes in prodynorphin mRNA levels were observed in the
      dBNST and CeL, but these changes did not reach significance. To understand the
      underlying mechanism, we assessed changes in phosphorylated CREB at Ser(133)
      (pCREB) immunoreactivity in the dBNST and central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA).
      Treatment with citalopram but not desipramine after the pretest swim
      significantly increased pCREB immunoreactivity only in the dBNST. These results
      suggest that regulation of prodynorphin in the dBNST and CeL before the test swim
      may be involved in the antidepressant-like effect of desipramine and citalopram
      in the FST and suggest that changes in pCREB immunoreactivity in these areas may
      not play an important role in the regulation of prodynorphin in the dBNST and
      CeA.

PMID- 25129808
TI  - Enhancing the efficiency of direct reprogramming of human primary fibroblasts
      into dopaminergic neuron-like cells through p53 suppression.
AB  - Dopaminergic (DA) neuron-like cells obtained through direct reprogramming of
      primary human fibroblasts offer exciting opportunities for treatment of
      Parkinson's disease. A significant obstacle is the low efficiency of conversion
      during the reprogramming process. Here, we demonstrate that the suppression of
      p53 significantly enhances the efficiency of transcription factor-mediated
      conversion of human fibroblasts into functional dopaminergic neurons. In
      particular, blocking p53 activity using a dominant-negative p53 (p53-DN) in IMR90
      cells increases the conversion efficiency by 5-20 fold. The induced DA neuron
      like cells exhibit dopamine neuron-specific gene expression, significant dopamine
      uptake and production capacities, and enables symptomatic relief in a rat
      Parkinson's disease model. Taken together, our findings suggest that p53 is a
      critical barrier in direct reprogramming of fibroblast into dopaminergic neurons.

PMID- 25129809
TI  - No correlation between the diversity and productivity of assemblages: evidence
      from the phytophage and predator assemblages in various cotton agroecosystems.
AB  - Biodiversity research has shown that primary productivity increases with plant
      species number, especially in many experimental grassland systems. Here, we
      assessed the correlation between productivity and diversity of phytophages and
      natural enemy assemblages associated with planting date and intercropping in four
      cotton agroecosystems. Twenty-one pairs of data were used to determine Pearson
      correlations between species richness, total number of individuals, diversity
      indices and productivity for each assemblage every five days from 5 June to 15
      September 2012. At the same trophic level, the productivity exhibited a
      significant positive correlation with species richness of the phytophage or
      predator assemblage. A significant correlation was found between productivity and
      total number of individuals in most cotton fields. However, no significant
      correlations were observed between productivity and diversity indices (including
      indices of energy flow diversity and numerical diversity) in most cotton fields
      for either the phytophage or the predator assemblages. Species richness of
      phytophage assemblage and total individual numbers were significantly correlated
      with primary productivity. Also, species richness of natural enemy assemblage and
      total number of individuals correlated with phytophage assemblage productivity. A
      negative but not significant correlation occurred between the indices of
      numerical diversity and energy flow diversity and lower trophic-level
      productivity in the cotton-phytophage and phytophage-predator assemblages for
      most intercropped cotton agroecosystems. Our results clearly showed that there
      were no correlations between diversity indices and productivity within the same
      or lower trophic levels within the phytophage and predator assemblages in cotton
      agroecosystems, and inter-cropped cotton fields had a stronger ability to support
      the natural enemy assemblage and potentially to reduce phytophages. 

PMID- 25129810
TI  - False memories to emotional stimuli are not equally affected in right- and left
      brain-damaged stroke patients.
AB  - Previous research has attributed to the right hemisphere (RH) a key role in
      eliciting false memories to visual emotional stimuli. These results have been
      explained in terms of two right-hemisphere properties: (i) that emotional stimuli
      are preferentially processed in the RH and (ii) that visual stimuli are
      represented more coarsely in the RH. According to this account, false emotional
      memories are preferentially produced in the RH because emotional stimuli are both
      more strongly and more diffusely activated during encoding, leaving a memory
      trace that can be erroneously reactivated by similar but unstudied emotional
      items at test. If this right-hemisphere hypothesis is correct, then RH damage
      should result in a reduction in false memories to emotional stimuli relative to
      left-hemisphere lesions. To investigate this possibility, groups of right-brain
      damaged (RBD, N=15), left-brain-damaged (LBD, N=15) and healthy (HC, N=30)
      participants took part in a recognition memory experiment with emotional
      (negative and positive) and non-emotional pictures. False memories were
      operationalized as incorrect responses to unstudied pictures that were similar to
      studied ones. Both RBD and LBD participants showed similar reductions in false
      memories for negative pictures relative to controls. For positive pictures,
      however, false memories were reduced only in RBD patients. The results provide
      only partial support for the right-hemisphere hypothesis and suggest that inter
      hemispheric cooperation models may be necessary to fully account for false
      emotional memories. 

PMID- 25129811
TI  - Combination effects of baicalein with antibiotics against oral pathogens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Baicalein is one of the major flavonoids in Scutellaria baicalensis
      Georgi, which has long been used in Asia as herbal medicine. Several biological
      effects of baicalein, such as antiviral, anti-inflammatiom, anti-hepatotoxicity,
      and anti-tumour properties, have been reported. OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: In this
      study, the antibacterial activities of baicalein were investigated in combination
      with ampicillin and/or gentamicin against oral bacteria. RESULTS: Baicalein was
      determined with MIC and MBC values ranging from 80 to 320 and 160 to 640 MUg/mL
      against oral bacteria. The range of MIC50 and MIC90 were 20-160 MUg/mL and 80-320
      MUg/mL, respectively. The combination effects of baicalein with antibiotics were
      synergistic (FIC index <0.375-0.5 and FBCI <0.5) against oral bacteria.
      Furthermore, a time-kill study showed that the growth of the tested bacteria was
      completely attenuated after 1-6 h of treatment with the MIC50 of baicalein,
      regardless of whether it was administered alone or with ampicillin or gentamicin.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest that baicalein combined with other antibiotics
      may be microbiologically beneficial and not antagonistic.

PMID- 25129812
TI  - Effect of radiotherapy on the eruption rate and morphology of the odontogenic
      region of rat incisors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal in this study was to evaluate the results of doses of 5 and
      15 Gy of radiation in odontogenic region of the rats inferior mandibular-incisors
      by a histological analysis and the rate of eruptions. DESIGN: Animals were
      divided into three groups: control, radiotherapy 5 Gy and radiotherapy 15 Gy. In
      which tooth-eruption-rate was measured every two days. RESULTS: Animals in Group
      5 Gy presented values similar to those of the control group. Animals in Group 15
      Gy presented reduction in tooth-eruption-rate as of the sixth day of the
      experiment, vast disorganization of odontoblasts and ameloblasts, apparent
      reduction in cell population in the follicle region and alterations in cervical
      loop formation of the dental organ. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that there was
      a difference between the researched doses, and histological alteration at 15 Gy
      lead to statistical reduction in tooth-eruption-rate.

PMID- 25129813
TI  - Metal splinter ejected by circular saw into the left ventricle.
AB  - We report a case of a metal splinter ejected by a circular saw tooth from a
      wooden board into the left ventricle of the heart. A 35-year old man was admitted
      second day after accident attributed to work complaining about general weakness.
      Only a small non-bleeding wound was found near his sternum. CT scan showed a
      metal wire entrapped inside his heart. Successful removal was done during
      surgery. 

PMID- 25129814
TI  - What is the value of topical cooling as an adjunct to myocardial protection?
AB  - A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured
      protocol. The question addressed was 'What is the value of topical cooling as an
      adjunct to myocardial protection?' Using the reported search, 9 papers
      represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors,
      journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type,
      relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. The studies included
      four randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two RCTs demonstrated no
      cardioprotective effects of topical hypothermia as they found no statistically
      significant differences in myocardial markers between patients with or without
      topical cooling. In a randomized study of 249 patients undergoing elective
      cardiac surgery, phrenic nerve injury and failure of extubation occurred more
      frequently with the use of topical hypothermia with iced slush (P = 0.009 and P =
      0.034, respectively). One retrospective analysis found that patients who received
      iced topical hypothermia had longer postoperative hospitalization, higher
      incidence of atelectasis and higher left diaphragms on chest X-ray. Another study
      showed increased morbidity and mortality associated with postoperative
      diaphragmatic dysfunction resulting from the use of iced slush topical cooling of
      the heart. We conclude that topical cooling is an unnecessary adjunct to
      myocardial protection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. There is no
      evidence of any additional cardioprotective benefit. Several studies showed that
      the use of topical hypothermia is associated with phrenic nerve injury, leading
      to diaphragmatic paralysis and increased pulmonary complications. Moreover, long
      term follow-up data showed often incomplete regression of the phrenic nerve
      paralysis. However, few randomized studies exist on the value of topical cooling
      as an adjunct to myocardial protection. 

PMID- 25129815
TI  - Motivational interviewing in permanent supportive housing: the role of
      organizational culture.
AB  - This study evaluated motivational interviewing (MI) in a permanent supportive
      housing agency. The agency's contradictory social service and business missions
      resulted in an incompatible organizational culture theorized to diminish MI's
      effectiveness. A combination of observational, interview, and archival data
      collected over 3 years were used to examine MI implementation within an
      incompatible supportive housing agency. Two major themes arose: how MI is used to
      categorize and change clients in permanent supportive housing and how worker
      worker relationships affect MI implementation. The results suggest that within
      incompatible organizational environments, key elements of effective MI
      implementation are greatly weakened.

PMID- 25129816
TI  - Phases and phase transition in insoluble and adsorbed monolayers of amide
      amphiphiles: Specific characteristics of the condensed phases.
AB  - For understanding the role of amide containing amphiphiles in inherently complex
      biological processes, monolayers at the air-water interface are used as simple
      biomimetic model systems. The specific characteristics of the condensed phases
      and phase transition in insoluble and adsorbed monolayers of amide amphiphiles
      are surveyed to highlight the effect of the chemical structure of the amide
      amphiphiles on the interfacial interactions in model monolayers. The mesoscopic
      topography and/or two-dimensional lattice structures of selected amino acid
      amphiphiles, amphiphilic N-alkylaldonamide, amide amphiphiles with specific
      tailored headgroups, such as amide amphiphiles based on derivatized ethanolamine,
      e.g. acylethanolamines (NAEs) and N-,O-diacylethanolamines (DAEs) are presented.
      Special attention is devoted the dominance of N,O-diacylated ethanolamine in
      mixed amphiphilic acid amide monolayers. The evidence that a first order phase
      transition can occur in adsorption layers and that condensed phase domains of
      mesoscopic scale can be formed in adsorption layers was first obtained on the
      basis of the experimental characteristics of a tailored amide amphiphile. New
      thermodynamic and kinetic concepts for the theoretical description of the
      characteristics of amide amphiphile's monolayers were developed. In particular,
      the equation of state for Langmuir monolayers generalized for the case that one,
      two or more phase transitions occur, and the new theory for phase transition in
      adsorbed monolayers are experimentally confirmed at first by amide amphiphile
      monolayers. Despite the significant progress made towards the understanding the
      model systems, these model studies are still limited to transfer the gained
      knowledge to biological systems where the fundamental physical principles are
      operative in the same way. The study of biomimetic systems, as described in this
      review, is only a first step in this direction. 

PMID- 25129817
TI  - Hard scalp lump with headache.

PMID- 25129819
TI  - Malnutrition among cognitively intact, noncritically ill older adults in the
      emergency department.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: We estimate the prevalence of malnutrition among older patients
      presenting to an emergency department (ED) in the southeastern United States and
      identify subgroups at increased risk. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional
      study with random time block sampling of cognitively intact patients aged 65
      years and older. Nutrition was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment
      Short-Form (0 to 14 scale), with malnutrition defined as a score of 7 or less and
      at risk for malnutrition defined as a score of 8 to 11. The presence of
      depressive symptoms was defined as a Center for Epidemiological Studies
      Depression-10 score of 4 or more (0 to 10 scale). RESULTS: Among 138 older
      adults, 16% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11% to 23%) were malnourished and 60%
      (95% CI 52% to 68%) were either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition.
      Seventeen of the 22 malnourished patients (77%) denied previously receiving a
      diagnosis of malnutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition was not appreciably
      different between men and women, across levels of patient education, or between
      those living in urban and rural areas. However, the prevalence of malnutrition
      was higher among patients with depressive symptoms (52%), those residing in
      assisted living (44%), those with difficulty eating (38%), and those reporting
      difficulty buying groceries (33%). CONCLUSION: Among a random sample of
      cognitively intact older ED patients, more than half were malnourished or at risk
      for malnutrition, and the majority of malnourished patients had not previously
      received a diagnosis. Higher rates of malnutrition among individuals with
      depression, difficulty eating, and difficulty buying groceries suggest the need
      to explore multifaceted interventions.

PMID- 25129820
TI  - Efficacy and safety of out-of-hospital intravenous metoprolol administration in
      anterior ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction: insights from the
      METOCARD-CNIC trial.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: We seek to examine the efficacy and safety of prereperfusion
      emergency medical services (EMS)-administered intravenous metoprolol in anterior
      ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing eventual primary
      angioplasty. METHODS: This is a prespecified subgroup analysis of the Effect of
      Metoprolol in Cardioprotection During an Acute Myocardial Infarction trial
      population, who all eventually received oral metoprolol within 12 to 24 hours. We
      studied patients receiving intravenous metoprolol by EMS and compared them with
      others treated by EMS but not receiving intravenous metoprolol. Outcomes included
      infarct size and left ventricular ejection fraction on cardiac magnetic resonance
      imaging at 1 week, and safety by measuring the incidence of the predefined
      combined endpoint (composite of death, malignant ventricular arrhythmias,
      advanced atrioventricular block, cardiogenic shock, or reinfarction) within the
      first 24 hours. RESULTS: From the total population of the trial (N=270), 147
      patients (54%) were recruited during out-of-hospital assistance and transferred
      to the primary angioplasty center (74 intravenous metoprolol and 73 controls).
      Infarct size was smaller in patients receiving intravenous metoprolol compared
      with controls (23.4 [SD 15.0] versus 34.0 [SD 23.7] g; adjusted difference -11.4;
      95% confidence interval [CI] -18.6 to -4.3). Left ventricular ejection fraction
      was higher in the intravenous metoprolol group (48.1% [SD 8.4%] versus 43.1% [SD
      10.2%]; adjusted difference 5.0; 95% CI 1.6 to 8.4). Metoprolol administration
      did not increase the incidence of the prespecified safety combined endpoint: 6.8%
      versus 17.8% in controls (risk difference -11.1; 95% CI -21.5 to -0.6).
      CONCLUSION: Out-of-hospital administration of intravenous metoprolol by EMS
      within 4.5 hours of symptom onset in our subjects reduced infarct size and
      improved left ventricular ejection fraction with no excess of adverse events
      during the first 24 hours.

PMID- 25129822
TI  - Cellular domains and viral lineages.
AB  - It has been claimed that giant DNA viruses represent a separate, fourth domain of
      life in addition to the domains of Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Such
      classification disregards fundamental differences between the two types of living
      entities - viruses and cells - and results in confusion and controversies in
      evolutionary scenarios. We highlight these problems and emphasize the importance
      of restricting the term 'domain' to the descendants of the last universal
      cellular ancestor (LUCA), based on the shared ribosome structure. We suggest
      tracing phylogeny of viruses along evolutionary lineages primarily defined by
      virion architectures and the structures of the major capsid proteins. 

PMID- 25129821
TI  - DJ-1: a promising marker in metastatic uveal melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Overexpression of DJ-1 was associated with metastatic uveal melanoma
      (UM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of serum DJ-1 as a
      biomarker for metastasis of uveal melanoma. METHODS: Serum DJ-1 levels were
      determined by ELISA assays in 27 patients with metastatic UM metastatic uveal
      melanoma and in 76 patients who were disease free for at least 10 years and 30
      age- and sex-matched controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was
      used to evaluate the feasibility of DJ-1 in detection of metastatic uveal
      melanoma. RESULTS: Serum DJ-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with
      metastatic UM compared with patients who were disease free for at least 10 years
      (P < 0.001) or with controls (P < 0.001). ROC curve for DJ-1 revealed an area
      under the curve of 86.3%, and when 3.350 ng/mL was used as the cutoff value, a
      sensitivity of 74.1% and a specificity of 94.3% were achieved. Comparison of DJ-1
      and liver function tests (LFTs) ROC curves indicated that DJ-1 was superior to
      LFTs in detection of metastatic UM. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that DJ-1 might
      be a promising serum marker for monitoring metastatic uveal melanoma.

PMID- 25129823
TI  - Microbial communities associated with human decomposition and their potential use
      as postmortem clocks.
AB  - Most forensic research that is used to better understand how to estimate the
      postmortem interval (PMI) entails the study of the physiochemical characteristics
      of decomposition and the effects that environmental factors have on the
      decomposition process. Forensic entomology exploits the life cycles of arthropods
      like Diptera (blow flies or flesh flies) and Coleoptera (beetles) deposited on
      the decaying carcass to determine PMI. Forensic taphonomy, from the Greek word
      taphos meaning burial, studies the creation of the fossils of decomposed cadavers
      to ascertain information as to the nature and time of death. Compared to other
      areas of taphonomy, there have been relatively few forensic science studies that
      have investigated the impact of human decomposition on the microbial changes
      occurring on or in a corpse or in the soil communities underneath a body. Such
      research may facilitate the critical determination of PMI. Therefore, the scope
      of this review is to provide a concise summary of the current progress in the
      newly emerging field of microbial diversity and the next-generation metagenomic
      sequencing approaches for assessing these communities in humans and in the soil
      beneath decomposing human.

PMID- 25129824
TI  - Motivational Profiles of Gambling Behavior: Self-determination Theory, Gambling
      Motives, and Gambling Behavior.
AB  - Gambling among young adults occurs at a higher rate than in the general
      population and is associated with a host of negative consequences. Self
      determination theory (SDT) posits that individuals develop general motivational
      orientations which predict a range of behavioral outcomes. An autonomy
      orientation portrays a choiceful perspective facilitating personal growth,
      whereas a controlled orientation represents a chronic proclivity toward external
      pressures and a general lack of choice. Further, an impersonal orientation is
      characterized by alack of intention and feeling despondent and ineffective.
      Controlled orientation has previously been associated with more frequent and
      problematic gambling. This research was designed to examine gambling motives as
      mediators of associations between motivational orientations and gambling
      behaviors. Undergraduates (N = 252) who met 2+ criteria on the South Oaks
      Gambling Screen participated in a laboratory survey assessing their motivational
      orientations, gambling motives, and gambling behavior (quantity, frequency, and
      problems). Mediation analyses suggested that autonomy was negatively associated
      with gambling problems through lower levels of chasing and escape motives.
      Further, controlled orientation was associated with more problems through higher
      levels of chasing and interest motives. Finally, impersonal orientation was
      negatively associated with amount won through escape motives. Overall, results
      support exploring gambling behavior and motives using a SDT framework. 

PMID- 25129825
TI  - Magnetic resonance perfusion and diffusion imaging characteristics of transient
      bone marrow edema, avascular necrosis and subchondral insufficiency fractures of
      the proximal femur.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion and diffusion imaging
      characteristics in patients with transient bone marrow edema (TBME), avascular
      necrosis (AVN), or subchondral insufficiency fractures (SIF) of the proximal
      femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 29 patients with painful hip and bone marrow edema
      pattern of the proximal femur on non-contrast MR imaging were examined using
      diffusion-weighted and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced sequences. Apparent diffusion
      coefficients (ADCs) and perfusion parameters were calculated for different
      regions of the proximal femur. Regional distribution and differences in ADC
      values and perfusion parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Seven patients presented
      with TBME, 15 with AVN and seven with SIF of the proximal femur. Perfusion
      imaging showed significant differences for maximum enhancement values (Emax),
      slope (Eslope) and time to peak (TTP) between the three patient groups (p<0.05).
      In contrast, no significant differences for ADC values were calculated when
      comparing TBME, AVN, and SIF patients. CONCLUSION: Diffusion weighted imaging of
      bone marrow of the proximal femur did not show significant differences between
      patients with TBME, AVN or SIF. In contrast, MR perfusion imaging demonstrated
      significant differences for the different patient groups and may as a
      complementary imaging technique add information to the understanding of the
      pathophysiology of diseases associated with bone marrow edema.

PMID- 25129826
TI  - Involvement of threonine deaminase FgIlv1 in isoleucine biosynthesis and full
      virulence in Fusarium graminearum.
AB  - In this study we characterized FgIlv1, a homologue of the Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae threonine dehydratase (TD) from the important Fusarium head blight
      fungus Fusarium graminearum. TD catalyzes the first step in the biosynthesis
      pathway of isoleucine (Ile) for conversion of threonine (Thr) to 2-ketobutyrate
      (2-KB). The FgILV1 deletion mutant DeltaFgIlv1-3 was unable to grow on minimal
      medium or fructose gelatin agar which lacked Ile. Exogenous supplementation of
      Ile or 2-KB but not Thr rescued the mycelial growth defect of DeltaFgIlv1-3,
      indicating the involvement of FgIlv1 in the conversion of Thr to 2-KB in Ile
      biosynthesis. Additionally, exogenous supplementation of Methionine (Met) could
      also rescue the mycelial growth defect of DeltaFgIlv1-3, indicating a crosstalk
      between Ile biosynthesis and Met catabolism in F. graminearum. Deletion of FgILV1
      also caused defects in conidial formation and germination. In addition,
      DeltaFgIlv1-3 displayed decreased virulence on wheat heads and a low level of
      deoxynivalenol (DON) production in wheat kernels. Taken together, results of this
      study indicate that FgIlv1 is an essential component in Ile biosynthesis and is
      required for various cellular processes including mycelial and conidial
      morphogenesis, DON biosynthesis, and full virulence in F. graminearum. Our data
      indicate the potential of targeting Ile biosynthesis for anti-FHB management. 

PMID- 25129827
TI  - In vitro properties of apheresis platelet during extended storage in plasma
      treated with anandamide.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In China apheresis platelets (PLTs) are stored in plasma for only 5
      days, resulting in PLT inventory pressures. Anandamide (ANA) was reported to be a
      potential agent to inhibit PLT apoptosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the characteristics of extended storage PLTs in plasma treated with ANA in vitro.
      METHODS: Apheresis PLTs (n = 20) were prepared in plasma treated with ANA, and
      stored at 22  degrees C for up to 11 days. On day 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, PLTs were
      tested for PLT count, mean PLT volume (MPV), PLT distribution width (PDW), pH,
      pCO(2), pO(2), hypotonic shock response (HSR), phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure
      and soluble P-selectin content. RESULTS: PLTs stored in plasma with/without ANA
      didn't show significant differences during the first 5 days of storage. From the
      7(th) day on, PLTs stored in plasma with ANA displayed significantly lower PS
      expression, soluble P-selectin content and higher HSR scores than those stored in
      plasma without ANA (P <0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: The extended storage of
      PLTs in plasma treated with 0.5 umol/l ANA showed better characteristics of the
      PLTs, compared with the control group, which was suggested to potentially
      alleviate the PLT storage lesion.

PMID- 25129828
TI  - Treatment of steroid resistant ulcerative colitis with severe autoimmune
      haemolytic anaemia.

PMID- 25129829
TI  - Use of aprotinin to reduce blood loss and transfusion in major orthopedic
      surgery: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUD: Conflicting reports have been published regarding the effectiveness
      and safety of aprotinin in reducing blood loss and transfusion in patients
      undergoing orthopedic surgery. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the
      effectiveness and safety of aprotinin in reducing blood loss and transfusion in
      major orthopedic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and
      Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies. Only randomized controlled
      trials were eligible for this study. The weighted mean difference in blood loss,
      and number of transfusions per patient and the summary risk ratio of transfusion
      requirements, and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) were calculated in the aprotinin
      treated group and the control group. RESULTS: Eighteen randomized controlled
      trials involving 1276 patients were included. The use of aprotinin reduced total
      blood loss by a mean of 498.88 ml (95% confidence interval [CI]; -735.03 to 
      262.72), intra-operative blood loss by a mean of 246.11 ml (95% CI; -352.11 to 
      140.11), post-operative blood loss by a mean of 169.11 ml (95% CI; -234.06 to 
      105.55), the number of blood transfusions per patient by 0.93 units (95% CI; 
      1.36 to -0.51). Aprotinin led to a signficant reduction in transfusion
      requirements (RR 0.59; 95% CI; 0.51 to 0.69) and no increase in the risk of DVT
      (RR 0.58; 95% CI; 0.38 to 1.08). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis shows that
      aprotinin could significantly reduce blood loss and blood transfusion
      requirements in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, and it did not appear to
      increase the risk of DVT.

PMID- 25129830
TI  - Response to Al-Khabori M. et al.'s "validation of a non-invasive pulse CO
      oximetry based hemoglobin estimation in normal blood donors," Transfusion and
      Apheresis Science 2013 Nov 4. Accurate enough for blood donors? Not so fast.

PMID- 25129832
TI  - Relationship between protozoan and metazoan communities and operation and
      performance parameters in a textile sewage activated sludge system.
AB  - The present study aims at investigating the possibility of assessing performance
      and depuration conditions of an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant
      through an exploration of the microfauna. The plant, receiving textile industrial
      (70%) and domestic (30%) sewage, consists of a two-step biological depurating
      plant, with activated sludge followed by a percolating system. A total of 35
      samples were analyzed during five months, and 30 taxa of protozoa and small
      metazoa were found. Epistylis rotans, Vorticella microstoma, Aspidisca cicada and
      Arcella sp. were the most frequent protozoa identified. Several significant
      correlations between biological, physical-chemical and operational parameters
      were determined, but no significant correlations could be established between
      biological parameters and removal efficiencies. The Sludge Biotic Index (SBI)
      reflected the overall state of the community but only presented statistically
      significant correlations with the influent total suspended solids (TSS), total
      suspended solids in mixed-liquor (MLTSS) and dissolved oxygen (DO). The
      determination of key groups and taxa along with general community parameters
      showed to have potential value as indicators of the depuration conditions.
      Despite the impossibility of correlating biological parameters and the removal
      efficiencies, the present study attests the value of the microfauna to assess the
      operation of the activated sludge systems even in the case of non-conventional
      plants and/or plants receiving industrial sewage. 

PMID- 25129833
TI  - Multivariate morphometric analyses of the predatory ciliate genus Semispathidium
      (Ciliophora: Litostomatea), with description of S. longiarmatum nov. spec.
AB  - We studied morphometrical variation, species boundaries, and importance of
      morphometric features for a reliable separation of five African Semispathidium
      taxa. Altogether, 20 features traditionally used in alpha-taxonomy of the
      predatory genus Semispathidium were measured or scored on 85 protargol
      impregnated interphase specimens, and were analyzed using hierarchical clustering
      as well as principal component and canonical discriminant analyses. This
      multivariate approach confirmed that a population found in Botswanan floodplain
      soil represents a distinct taxon. The new species is described here as S.
      longiarmatum, using live observation, protargol impregnation, and scanning
      electron microscopy. Semispathidium longiarmatum strongly resembles S. armatum
      and S. breviarmatum but it is clearly distinguished from these species by the
      extrusome pattern. The reliability of S. longiarmatum is also strengthened,
      according to the canonical discriminant analysis, by several quantitative
      features, viz., the number of ciliary rows, the length:width ratio of the
      macronucleus, and the number of dikinetids in brush row 1. Moreover, the present
      study documents the distinctness of all African Semispathidium species which can
      be separated by a combination of both qualitative and quantitative (morphometric)
      features. Consequently, Semispathidium species do not form a continuous complex
      but fairly discrete clusters in the phenotypic space. 

PMID- 25129831
TI  - Childhood infections and trauma as risk factors for stroke.
AB  - Stroke is as common as brain tumor in children. The etiology of childhood
      arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) appears to be multifactorial, resulting from the
      interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. The risk
      factors for AIS in children are markedly different from the atherosclerotic risk
      factors in adults. Trauma and infections have been identified as associations in
      previous studies and are exposures of particular interest because of their
      increased prevalence in the children. The aim of this review article is to
      provide an overview of the research studies that have addressed the role of
      infections and trauma in pediatric AIS. 

PMID- 25129834
TI  - Colonization dynamics of ciliate morphotypes modified by shifting sandy
      sediments.
AB  - Sandy stream-bed sediments colonized by a diverse ciliate community are subject
      to various disturbance regimes. In microcosms, we investigated the effect of
      sediment shifting on the colonization dynamics of 3 ciliate morphotypes differing
      in morphology, behavior and feeding strategy. The dynamics of the ciliate
      morphotypes inhabiting sediment pore water and overlying water were observed at 3
      sediment shifting frequencies: (1) stable sediments, (2) periodically shifting
      sediments such as migrating ripples, and (3) continuously shifting sediments as
      occurring during scour events of the uppermost sediment. Sediment shifting
      significantly affected the abundance and growth rate of the ciliate morphotypes.
      The free-swimming filter feeder Dexiostoma campylum was vulnerable to washout by
      sediment shifting since significantly higher numbers occurred in the overlying
      water than in pore water. Abundance of D. campylum only increased in pore water
      of stable sediments. On the contrary, the vagile grasper feeder Chilodonella
      uncinata and the sessile filter feeder Vorticella convallaria had positive growth
      rates and successfully colonized sediments that shifted periodically and
      continuously. Thus, the spatio-temporal pattern of sediment dynamics acts as an
      essential factor of impact on the structure, distribution and function of ciliate
      communities in sand-bed streams. 

PMID- 25129835
TI  - Redescription of Atopospira galeata (Kahl, 1927) nov. comb. and A. violacea
      (Kahl, 1926) nov. comb. with redefinition of Atopospira Jankowski, 1964 nov.
      stat. and Brachonella Jankowski, 1964 (Ciliophora, Armophorida).
AB  - The taxonomy of the Metopidae (Ciliophora, Armophorida) remains poorly understood
      since most of its members have not been studied by modern morphologic and
      molecular methods. Recent molecular investigations have indicated that the two
      most species-rich genera, Metopus and Brachonella, are likely nonmonophyletic
      with at least one well-supported 18S rDNA clade comprised of a species from each
      of these genera (Brachonella galeata and Metopus violaceus). We investigated
      these two species with silver impregnation and scanning electron microscopy. Both
      taxa share important morphologic characteristics not described in other species
      of Metopus or Brachonella. These synapomorphies include: (1) a diplostichomonad
      paroral membrane, (2) a bipartite adoral zone with a short buccal part composed
      of ordinary membranelles and a longer distal part composed of much smaller
      membranelles bearing a single cilium or none and extending the same length as the
      perzonal ciliary stripe. We transfer Brachonella galeata (Kahl, 1927) Jankowski,
      1964 and Metopus violaceus Kahl, 1926 to genus Atopospira Jankowski, 1964 nov.
      stat. Pending detailed morphologic and molecular characterization, Brachonella
      campanula, B. cydonia and B. pyriforma, B. intercedens, and B. lemani remain in
      Brachonella Jankowski 1964. 

PMID- 25129836
TI  - Morphology of Clapsiella magnifica gen. n., sp. n., a new hypotrichous ciliate
      with a curious dorsal ciliary pattern.
AB  - The present work describes the morphology and infraciliature of a new
      hypotrichous ciliate, Clapsiella magnifica gen. n., sp. n., found in rewetted
      soil from a temporal pond in Argentina. It was studied by means of live
      observation and protargol impregnation. Its main diagnostic features are:
      Flexible hypotrich measuring 250-320 MUm * 70-140 MUm in vivo; two macronuclear
      nodules and 4-6 micronuclei. Single contractile vacuole. Cytoplasm transparent,
      cortical granules absent. Somatic ciliature composed of a tricorona of cirri,
      three buccal(?) cirri, 6-9 ventral rows, 3-5 right marginal(?) rows, one left
      marginal row, and 12-17 transverse cirri. Dorsal pattern rather complicated, with
      about 14 kineties and kinety fragments, with scattered kinetids among them; 17-28
      caudal cirri arranged in three rows on dorsal kineties 1, 3, and 7. Remarkably,
      dorsal kinetids have two or four basal bodies, bearing a stiff bristle arising
      from left anterior basal body. Adoral zone composed of 70-92 membranelles,
      occupying about 40% of body length in protargol preparations; paroral and endoral
      curved, resembling a cyrtohymenid pattern. The peculiar dorsal ciliary
      arrangement and the unique combination of other characters require the
      establishment of a new genus for this new species, which is considered incertae
      sedis in the Hypotricha but possibly related to the oxytrichids.

PMID- 25129837
TI  - Ciliate communities of a large shallow lake: association with macrophyte beds.
AB  - We investigated the influence of macrophyte composition on ciliate community
      structure in a large, shallow, eutrophic Lake Vortsjarv. We hypothesized that
      macrophyte composition must have strong influence on the dispersal of
      ecologically different ciliate groups in a shallow lake and that more diverse
      macrophyte stands cause also a greater diversity in the ciliate community. In
      Vortsjarv macrophyte distribution is spatially strongly polarized both in east
      west and north-south directions in relation to abiotic factors. Phragmites
      australis and Myriophyllum spicatum were the most widespread species occurring in
      most parts of the lake. Correlation of environmental, macrophyte and planktonic
      ciliate variables confirmed the suggested spatial gradients. More diverse
      macrophyte stands supported a high species richness and abundance of
      epiplanktonic community but showed negative influence on the number and abundance
      of euplanktonic ciliate taxa. Opposite trends were found relative to the
      abundance of P. australis. Benthic ciliates showed a similar distribution pattern
      to euplanktonic taxa being most abundant in sites were the Shannon-Weaver index
      for macrophytes was low. Strong polarizing effect of the lake's vegetation on
      planktonic ciliate diversity was reflected in correlations of the number of
      ciliate taxa as well as the numbers of eu- and epiplanktonic taxa with geographic
      co-ordinates. 

PMID- 25129838
TI  - Diurnal and twenty-four hour patterning of human diseases: cardiac, vascular, and
      respiratory diseases, conditions, and syndromes.
AB  - Various medical conditions, disorders, and syndromes exhibit predictable-in-time
      diurnal and 24 h patterning in the signs, symptoms, and grave nonfatal and fatal
      events, e.g., respiratory ones of viral and allergic rhinorrhea, reversible
      (asthma) and non-reversible (bronchitis and emphysema) chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, high altitude pulmonary edema, and
      decompression sickness; cardiac ones of atrial premature beats and tachycardia,
      paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, 3rd degree atrial-ventricular block, paroxysmal
      supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular premature beats, ventricular
      tachyarrhythmia, symptomatic and non-symptomatic angina pectoris, Prinzmetal
      vasospastic variant angina, acute (non-fatal and fatal) incidents of myocardial
      infarction, sudden cardiac arrest, in-bed sudden death syndrome of type-1
      diabetes, acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and heart failure; vascular and
      circulatory system ones of hypertension, acute orthostatic postprandial,
      micturition, and defecation hypotension/syncope, intermittent claudication,
      venous insufficiency, standing occupation leg edema, arterial and venous branch
      occlusion of the eye, menopausal hot flash, sickle cell syndrome, abdominal,
      aortic, and thoracic dissections, pulmonary thromboembolism, and deep venous
      thrombosis, and cerebrovascular transient ischemic attack and hemorrhagic and
      ischemic stroke. Knowledge of these temporal patterns not only helps guide
      patient care but research of their underlying endogenous mechanisms, i.e.,
      circadian and others, and external triggers plus informs the development and
      application of effective chronopreventive and chronotherapeutic strategies. 

PMID- 25129839
TI  - Diurnal and twenty-four hour patterning of human diseases: acute and chronic
      common and uncommon medical conditions.
AB  - The symptom intensity and mortality of human diseases, conditions, and syndromes
      exhibit diurnal or 24 h patterning, e.g., skin: atopic dermatitis, urticaria,
      psoriasis, and palmar hyperhidrosis; gastrointestinal: esophageal reflux, peptic
      ulcer (including perforation and hemorrhage), cyclic vomiting syndrome, biliary
      colic, hepatic variceal hemorrhage, and proctalgia fugax; infection:
      susceptibility, fever, and mortality; neural: frontal, parietal, temporal, and
      occipital lobe seizures, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, hereditary
      progressive dystonia, and pain (cancer, post-surgical, diabetic neuropathic and
      foot ulcer, tooth caries, burning mouth and temporomandibular syndromes,
      fibromyalgia, sciatica, intervertebral vacuum phenomenon, multiple sclerosis
      muscle spasm, and migraine, tension, cluster, hypnic, and paroxysmal hemicranial
      headache); renal: colic and nocturnal enuresis and polyuria; ocular: bulbar
      conjunctival redness, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, intraocular pressure and
      anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and recurrent corneal erosion syndrome;
      psychiatric/behavioral: major and seasonal affective depressive disorders,
      bipolar disorder, parasuicide and suicide, dementia-associated agitation, and
      addictive alcohol, tobacco, and heroin cravings and withdrawal phenomena; plus
      autoimmune and musculoskeletal: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, axial
      spondylarthritis, gout, Sjogren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
      Knowledge of these and other 24 h patterns of human pathophysiology informs
      research of their underlying circadian and other endogenous mechanisms, external
      temporal triggers, and more effective patient care entailing clinical
      chronopreventive and chronotherapeutic strategies. 

PMID- 25129840
TI  - [Crystalluria in ethylene glycol intoxication].
AB  - When seen, some habits of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals (whewellite) are
      so typical of ethylene glycol intoxication that they may be helpful for its
      diagnosis when circumstances are not clearly established. 

PMID- 25129841
TI  - IT Infrastructure to support the secondary use of routinely acquired clinical
      imaging data for research.
AB  - We propose an infrastructure for the automated anonymization, extraction and
      processing of image data stored in clinical data repositories to make routinely
      acquired imaging data available for research purposes. The automated system,
      which was tested in the context of analyzing routinely acquired MR brain imaging
      data, consists of four modules: subject selection using PACS query, anonymization
      of privacy sensitive information and removal of facial features, quality
      assurance on DICOM header and image information, and quantitative imaging
      biomarker extraction. In total, 1,616 examinations were selected based on the
      following MRI scanning protocols: dementia protocol (246), multiple sclerosis
      protocol (446) and open question protocol (924). We evaluated the effectiveness
      of the infrastructure in accessing and successfully extracting biomarkers from
      routinely acquired clinical imaging data. To examine the validity, we compared
      brain volumes between patient groups with positive and negative diagnosis,
      according to the patient reports. Overall, success rates of image data retrieval
      and automatic processing were 82.5 %, 82.3 % and 66.2 % for the three protocol
      groups respectively, indicating that a large percentage of routinely acquired
      clinical imaging data can be used for brain volumetry research, despite image
      heterogeneity. In line with the literature, brain volumes were found to be
      significantly smaller (p-value <0.001) in patients with a positive diagnosis of
      dementia (915 ml) compared to patients with a negative diagnosis (939 ml). This
      study demonstrates that quantitative image biomarkers such as intracranial and
      brain volume can be extracted from routinely acquired clinical imaging data. This
      enables secondary use of clinical images for research into quantitative
      biomarkers at a hitherto unprecedented scale.

PMID- 25129842
TI  - Shwachman-Diamond syndrome with autoimmune-like liver disease and enteropathy
      mimicking celiac disease.
AB  - Liver abnormalities that normalize during infancy as well an enteropathy are
      reported in Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). The pathogenesis of both conditions
      is unknown. We report two SDS cases with autoimmune-like (antismooth muscle
      and/or antinuclear antibody positivity) liver disease and antigliadin antibody
      positive inflammatory enteropathy. Hypertransaminasemia did not resolve after
      immunosuppressive therapy and/or a gluten-free diet. These transient autoimmune
      phenomena and gut-liver axis perturbations may have played a role in transient
      SDS hepatopathy and enteropathy. Our report may stimulate other studies to define
      the relationship between the SDS genetic defect and intestinal permeability as
      the pathogenic mechanism underlying SDS related liver and intestinal
      inflammation. 

PMID- 25129843
TI  - Ertapenem induced hyperbilirubinemia.

PMID- 25129845
TI  - Is guava phenolic metabolism influenced by elevated atmospheric CO2?
AB  - Seedlings of Psidium guajava cv. Pedro Sato were distributed into four open-top
      chambers: two with ambient CO(2) (~390 ppm) and two with elevated CO(2) (~780
      ppm). Monthly, five individuals of each chamber were collected, separated into
      root, stem and leaves and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. Chemical
      parameters were analyzed to investigate how guava invests the surplus carbon. For
      all classes of phenolic compounds analyzed only tannins showed significant
      increase in plants at elevated CO(2) after 90 days. There was no significant
      difference in dry biomass, but the leaves showed high accumulation of starch
      under elevated CO(2). Results suggest that elevated CO(2) seems to be favorable
      to seedlings of P. guajava, due to accumulation of starch and tannins, the latter
      being an important anti-herbivore substance.

PMID- 25129846
TI  - Resolution of airflow obstruction on polysomnography after laryngotracheal
      reconstruction with anterior tracheal wall suspension in a patient with DiGeorge
      Syndrome.
AB  - DiGeorge Syndrome (DGS) may be associated with airway abnormalities including
      laryngomalacia and suprastomal collapse of the trachea (SCT), which may lead to
      sleep disordered breathing (SDB). We present a 4-year-old boy with DGS, SCT, and
      SDB by polysomnography (PSG) while the tracheostomy tube was capped. The patient
      underwent anterior tracheal wall suspension (ATWS) with concurrent tracheostomy
      decannulation. Following the repair, the patient experienced improved airway
      patency visually and by PSG with resolution of obstructive sleep apnea and
      hypoventilation. ATWS is an effective method to repair SCT in selected patients
      and may lead to early decannulation and improvement of SDB. 

PMID- 25129844
TI  - Adaptations to local environments in modern human populations.
AB  - After leaving sub-Saharan Africa around 50000-100000 years ago, anatomically
      modern humans have quickly occupied extremely diverse environments. Human
      populations were exposed to further environmental changes resulting from cultural
      innovations, such as the spread of farming, which gave rise to new selective
      pressures related to pathogen exposures and dietary shifts. In addition to
      changing the frequency of individual adaptive alleles, natural selection may also
      shape the overall genetic architecture of adaptive traits. Here, we review recent
      advances in understanding the genetic architecture of adaptive human phenotypes
      based on insights from the studies of lactase persistence, skin pigmentation and
      high-altitude adaptation. These adaptations evolved in parallel in multiple human
      populations, providing a chance to investigate independent realizations of the
      evolutionary process. We suggest that the outcome of adaptive evolution is often
      highly variable even under similar selective pressures. Finally, we highlight a
      growing need for detecting adaptations that did not follow the classical sweep
      model and for incorporating new sources of genetic evidence such as information
      from ancient DNA. 

PMID- 25129848
TI  - A new method of real-time skin dose visualization. Clinical evaluation of
      fluoroscopically guided interventions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We have conducted a prospective study to clinically evaluate a new
      radiation dose observing tool that displays patient's peak skin dose (PSD) map in
      real time. METHODS: The skin dose map (SDM) prototype quantifies the air kerma
      based on exposure parameters from the X-ray system. The accuracy of this
      prototype was evaluated with radiochromic films, which were used as a mean for
      PSD measurement. RESULTS: The SDM is a reliable tool that provides an accurate
      PSD estimation and location. CONCLUSION: SDM also has many advantages over the
      radiochromic films, such as real-time dose evaluation and easy access to critical
      operational parameters for physicians and technicians.

PMID- 25129847
TI  - Acute airway obstruction by Ascaris lumbricoides in a 14-month-old boy.
AB  - We describe the case of a 14-month-old child with airway obstruction caused by a
      mature Ascaris lumbricoides worm. The child had been admitted to the paediatric
      intensive care unit due to overwhelming sepsis, and during the course of his
      illness developed acute airway obstruction that resolved once the worm was
      removed from the airway. The Ascaris life-cycle is detailed, and a literature
      review of patients with airway obstruction due to Ascaris worms is presented. 

PMID- 25129849
TI  - Severe depressive symptoms are associated with elevated endothelin-1 in younger
      patients with acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of depressive symptom severity to
      circulating endothelin (ET)-1 in younger patients with acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS). Younger patients report greater depressive symptom severity, which
      predicts poorer post-ACS prognosis. The pathways linking depression to post-ACS
      prognosis require further elucidation. ET-1 is a potent endogenous
      vasoconstrictor which has been previously linked to adverse post-ACS outcomes.
      METHODS: The sample (n=153) included males <= 50 years of age and females <= 55
      years of age who participated in a larger study. Blood samples for ET-1
      assessment were collected within 2-3h of ACS admission. Depressive symptoms were
      assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) II within 2-5 days of
      admission. ET-1 was treated as a transformed continuous variable (ET-1T). BDI-II
      scores were classified into four categories using conventional thresholds
      demarcating mild, moderate, and severe levels of depressive symptoms. The
      relationship of classified BDI-II score to ET-1T was examined in simple and
      multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: Classified BDI-II score was
      related to ET-1T in both unadjusted (chi(2)=9.469, p=0.024) and multivariable
      (chi(2)=8.430, p=0.038) models, with ET-1T being significantly higher in patients
      with severe depressive symptoms than in those with mild and moderate depressive
      symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of younger post-ACS patients, severe
      depressive symptoms were associated with elevated ET-1. We acknowledge that the
      observed association could be eliminated by the inclusion of some unmeasured
      variable(s). Longitudinal research should examine whether ET-1 mediates the
      relationship of depressive symptoms to long-term post-ACS outcomes.

PMID- 25129850
TI  - Optimism measured pre-operatively is associated with reduced pain intensity and
      physical symptom reporting after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Optimism is thought to be associated with long-term favourable
      outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Our
      objective was to examine the association between optimism and post-operative pain
      and physical symptoms in CABG patients. METHODS: We assessed optimism pre
      operatively in 197 adults undergoing CABG surgery, and then followed them up 6-8
      weeks after the procedure to measure affective pain, pain intensity, and physical
      symptom reporting directly pertaining to CABG surgery. RESULTS: Greater optimism
      measured pre-operatively was significantly associated with lower pain intensity
      (beta=-0.150, CI=-0.196 to -0.004, p=.042) and fewer physical symptoms following
      surgery (beta=-0.287, CI=-0.537 to -0.036, p=.025), but not with affective pain,
      after controlling for demographic, clinical and behavioural covariates, including
      negative affectivity. CONCLUSIONS: Optimism is a modest, yet significant,
      predictor of pain intensity and physical symptom reporting after CABG surgery.
      Having positive expectations may promote better recovery.

PMID- 25129852
TI  - Efficacy and safety of fronto-temporal transcranial random noise stimulation
      (tRNS) in drug-free patients with schizophrenia: a case study.

PMID- 25129851
TI  - Pithomyces species (Montagnulaceae) from clinical specimens: identification and
      antifungal susceptibility profiles.
AB  - The fungal genus Pithomyces comprises numerous dematiaceous saprobic species
      commonly found on dead leaves and stems of a great variety of plants.
      Occasionally, they have been recovered from clinical specimens. We
      morphologically and molecularly (rDNA sequences) investigated a set of 42
      isolates tentatively identified as Pithomyces recovered from clinical specimens
      in the United States. The predominant species were P. chartarum and P. sacchari
      (33.3% each), followed by Pithomyces sp. I (28.6%) and P. maydicus (4.8%). Most
      of the isolates were obtained from samples of superficial tissue (50%), the
      respiratory tract (21.4%), and the nasal region (19%). In general, these fungi
      were highly susceptible in vitro to the eight antifungal agents tested. 

PMID- 25129853
TI  - Mere extension of the field of resection cannot be the answer to surgery for
      metastatic spread: we need individualized approaches based on modern imaging
      techniques.

PMID- 25129855
TI  - Medical and molecular perspectives into a forgotten epidemic: encephalitis
      lethargica, viruses, and high-throughput sequencing.
AB  - The emergence of encephalitis lethargica (EL), an acute-onset polioencephalitis
      of unknown etiology as an epidemic in the years 1917-1925 is still unexplainable
      today. Questioned by the first descriptor of EL himself, Constantin von Economo,
      there has been much debate shrouding a possible role of the "Spanish" H1N1
      influenza A pandemic virus in the development of EL. Previous molecular studies
      employing conventional PCR for the detection of influenza A virus RNA in archived
      human brain samples from patients who died of acute EL were negative. However,
      the clinical and laboratory characteristics of EL and its epidemiology are
      consistent with an infectious disease, and recently a possible enterovirus cause
      was investigated. With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing, new
      information about a possible viral etiology can be obtained if sufficient
      specimens for analysis were still available today. Here, we discuss the
      implications of these technologies for the investigation of a possible infectious
      cause of EL from archived material, as well as a prospectus for future work for
      acquiring viral nucleic acids from these sources. 

PMID- 25129856
TI  - A psoas abscess caused by Propionibacterium propionicum.
AB  - Pelvic actinomycosis-like disease due to Propionibacterium propionicum has been
      very rare and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. We herein
      report a probable first case of a psoas abscess caused by P. propionicum. Since
      P. propionicum is indistinguishable from Actinomyces israelii by morphological
      features or routine biochemical tests, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was useful to
      discriminate these two species in this case. 

PMID- 25129854
TI  - Exosomal miR-1290 and miR-375 as prognostic markers in castration-resistant
      prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) embedded in circulating exosomes may
      serves as prognostic biomarkers in cancer. OBJECTIVE: To identify and evaluate
      plasma exosomal miRNAs for prognosis in castration-resistant prostate cancer
      (CRPC). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: RNA sequencing was performed to
      identify candidate exosomal miRNAs associated with overall survival in a
      screening cohort of 23 CRPC patients. Candidate miRNAs were further evaluated for
      prognosis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in a follow-up
      cohort of 100 CRPC patients. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Cox
      regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to evaluate survival
      association using candidate miRNAs along with clinical prognostic factors.
      RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: RNA sequencing in screening cohort generated
      approximately 6.80 million mappable reads per patient. Of those with normalized
      read counts >= 5, 43% were mapped to miRNAs for a total of 375 known and 57 novel
      miRNAs. Cox regression analysis identified an association of miR-1290, -1246, and
      -375 with overall survival (false discover rate < 0.05). Of those, higher levels
      of miR-1290 and -375 were significantly associated with poor overall survival (p
      < 0.004) in the follow-up cohort. Incorporation of miR-1290/-375 into putative
      clinical prognostic factors-based models in CRPC stage significantly improved
      predictive performance with a time-dependent area under the curve increase from
      0.66 to 0.73 (p = 6.57 * 10(-6)). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma exosomal miR-1290 and miR
      375 are promising prognostic biomarkers for CRPC patients. Prospective validation
      is needed for further evaluation of these candidate miRNAs. PATIENT SUMMARY: In
      this study, we evaluated whether small RNAs circulating in blood could be used to
      predict clinical outcomes in late-stage prostate cancer patients. We identified
      two blood-based small RNAs whose levels showed significant association with
      survival. Our results warrant further investigation because the noninvasive blood
      based test has great potential in the management of late-stage prostate cancer.

PMID- 25129857
TI  - Urethral polyp-like lesions on prostatic urethra caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
      infection: a case report.
AB  - Urethral polyp is one of differential diagnoses for the male patients complain of
      gross-hematuria and/or hematospermia. However, there have been limited numbers of
      case reports including infectious etiology. Here we reported clinical course and
      pathological findings of one rare case who was diagnosed and treated as urethral
      polyp-like lesions on the prostatic urethra caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
      infection. A 25 year-old man who had a past history of frequent sexual
      intercourse with unspecified female sexual partner visited the clinic. His chief
      complaint was gross-hematuria and hematospermia. Endoscopic findings showed that
      non-specific hemorrhagic polyp-like lesions. To determine the pathological
      findings including malignant diseases and diagnosis, transurethral resection was
      performed. Because the pathological findings were similar to those of chlamydial
      proctitis, additional examination was done. As the results, nucleic acid
      amplification test of C. trachomatis in urine specimen was positive and
      immunohistochemical staining of specific chlamydia antigen in resected specimen
      was also positive. Treatment by orally minocyline 100 mg twice daily for 4 weeks
      was introduced. After the treatment, symptom was disappeared and nucleic acid
      amplification test of C. trachomatis in urine specimen turned to be negative. No
      recurrence was reported 2 years posttreatment.

PMID- 25129858
TI  - Normalization of nano-sized TiO2-induced clastogenicity, genotoxicity and
      mutagenicity by chlorophyllin administration in mice brain, liver, and bone
      marrow cells.
AB  - The intensive uses of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in sunscreens,
      toothpaste, sweats, medications, etc. making humans exposed to it daily by not
      little amounts and also increased its risks including genotoxicity. Thus, the
      present study was designed as one way to reduce nano-titanium-induced
      clastogenicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity in mice by co-administration of
      the free radical scavenger chlorophyllin (CHL). In addition, markers of oxidative
      stress were detected to shed more light on mechanism(s) underlying nano-sized
      TiO2 genotoxicity. Male mice were exposed to multiple injection into the
      abdominal cavity for five consecutive days with either CHL (40 mg/kg bw/day), or
      each of three dose levels of nano-sized TiO2 (500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg bw/day)
      alone, or both simultaneously and sacrificed by cervical dislocation 24 h after
      the last treatment. After CHL co-administration, the observed dose-dependent
      genotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles indicated by the significant elevations in
      frequencies of both micronuclei and DNA damage induction was significantly
      decreased and returned to the negative control level. The observed induced
      mutations in p53 exons 5, 7, & 8 and 5 & 8 in the liver and brain, respectively,
      were declined in most cases. Moreover, CHL significantly decreased hepatic
      malondialdehyde level and significantly increased glutathione level and
      superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities that were
      significantly disrupted in animal groups treated with nano-TiO2 alone. In
      conclusion, the evidenced in vivo genotoxicity of nano-TiO2 in the present study
      was normalized after CHL co-administration which supports the previously
      suggested oxidative stress as the possible mechanism for titanium toxicity. 

PMID- 25129859
TI  - Remarkable diversity of tick or mammalian-associated Borreliae in the
      metropolitan San Francisco Bay Area, California.
AB  - The diversity of Lyme disease (LD) and relapsing fever (RF)-group spirochetes in
      the metropolitan San Francisco Bay area in northern California is poorly
      understood. We tested Ixodes pacificus, I. spinipalpis, and small mammals for
      presence of borreliae in Alameda County in the eastern portion of San Francisco
      Bay between 2009 and 2012. Analyses of 218 Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bb
      sl) culture or DNA isolates recovered from host-seeking I. pacificus ticks
      revealed that the human pathogen Bb sensu stricto (hereinafter, B. burgdorferi)
      had the broadest habitat distribution followed by B. bissettii. Three other North
      American Bb sl spirochetes, B. americana, B. californiensis and B. genomospecies
      2, also were detected at lower prevalence. OspC genotyping of the resultant 167
      B. burgdorferi isolates revealed six ospC alleles (A, D, E3, F, H and K) in I.
      pacificus. A novel spirochete belonging to the Eurasian Bb sl complex, designated
      CA690, was found in a questing I. spinipalpis nymph. Borrelia miyamotoi, a
      relapsing-fever (RF) group spirochete recently implicated as a human pathogen,
      was detected in 24 I. pacificus. Three rodent species were infected with Bb sl:
      the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) with B. burgdorferi, and the dusky-footed wood
      rat (Neotoma fuscipes) and roof rat (Rattus rattus) with B. bissettii. Another
      spirochete that clustered phylogenetically with the Spanish R57 Borrelia sp. in a
      clade distinct from both the LD and RF groups infected some of the roof rats.
      Together, eight borrelial genospecies were detected in ticks or small mammals
      from a single Californian county, two of which were related phylogenetically to
      European spirochetes. 

PMID- 25129860
TI  - Distinct Anaplasma phagocytophilum genotypes associated with Ixodes trianguliceps
      ticks and rodents in Central Europe.
AB  - Rodents are important reservoir hosts of tick-borne pathogens. Anaplasma
      phagocytophilum is the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis of both
      medical and veterinary importance. In Europe, this pathogen is primarily
      transmitted by the Ixodes ricinus tick among a wide range of vertebrate hosts.
      However, to what degree A. phagocytophilum exhibits host specificity and vector
      association is poorly understood. To assess the extent of vector association of
      this pathogen and to clarify its ecology in Central Europe we have analyzed and
      compared the genetic variability of A. phagocytophilum strains from questing and
      feeding I. ricinus and Ixodes trianguliceps ticks, as well as from rodent' tissue
      samples. Tick collection and rodent trapping were performed during a 2-year study
      (2011-2012) in ecologically contrasting setting at four sites in Eastern
      Slovakia. Genetic variability of this pathogen was studied from the collected
      samples by DNA amplification and sequencing of four loci followed by Bayesian
      phylogenetic analyses. A. phagocytophilum was detected in questing I. ricinus
      ticks (0.7%) from all studied sites and in host feeding I. trianguliceps ticks
      (15.2%), as well as in rodent biopsies (ear - 1.6%, spleen - 2.2%), whereas A.
      phagocytophilum was not detected in rodents from those sites where I.
      trianguliceps ticks were absent. Moreover, Bayesian phylogenetic analyses have
      shown the presence of two distinct clades, and tree topologies were concordant
      for all four investigated loci. Importantly, the first clade contained A.
      phagocytophilum genotypes from questing I. ricinus and feeding I. ricinus from a
      broad array of hosts (i.e.,: humans, ungulates, birds and dogs). The second clade
      comprised solely genotypes found in rodents and feeding I. trianguliceps. In this
      study we have confirmed that A. phagocytophilum strains display specific host and
      vector associations also in Central Europe similarly to A. phagocytophilum'
      molecular ecology in United Kingdom. This study suggests that A. phagocytophilum
      genotypes associated with rodents are probably transmitted solely by I.
      trianguliceps ticks, thus implying that rodent-associated A. phagocytophilum
      strains may not pose a risk for humans. 

PMID- 25129861
TI  - Dynamic loading of electrospun yarns guides mesenchymal stem cells towards a
      tendon lineage.
AB  - Alternative strategies are required when autograft tissue is not sufficient or
      available to reconstruct damaged tendons. Electrospun fibre yarns could provide
      such an alternative. This study investigates the seeding of human mesenchymal
      stem cells (hMSC) on electrospun yarns and their response when subjected to
      dynamic tensile loading. Cell seeded yarns sustained 3600 cycles per day for 21
      days. Loaded yarns demonstrated a thickened cell layer around the scaffold's
      exterior compared to statically cultured yarns, which would suggest an increased
      rate of cell proliferation and/or matrix deposition, whilst maintaining a
      predominant uniaxial cell orientation. Tensile properties of cell-seeded yarns
      increased with time compared to acellular yarns. Loaded scaffolds demonstrated an
      up-regulation in several key tendon genes, including collagen Type I. This study
      demonstrates the support of hMSCs on electrospun yarns and their differentiation
      towards a tendon lineage when mechanically stimulated. 

PMID- 25129862
TI  - Ligamentum teres injury is associated with the articular damage pattern in
      patients with femoroacetabular impingement.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between
      ligamentum teres injury and the hip joint cartilage damage pattern in patients
      with femoroacetabular impingement. METHODS: We compared articular cartilage
      damage between ligamentum teres-intact and-ruptured hips. Data were collected for
      77 consecutive patients with femoroacetabular impingement who underwent hip
      arthroscopy. The locations of the chondral lesions were recorded on anatomic
      articular maps using the geographic zone method. The patients were divided into 2
      groups (ligamentum teres-intact and-injured groups), and the incidence and degree
      of cartilage injury were compared between the 2 groups by use of the Mann-Whitney
      U test. RESULTS: In patients with ligamentum teres injury, chondral damage
      extended to the middle-inferior area of the acetabulum (7.6% [grade 1] in
      ligamentum teres-intact group and 66.6% [grade 1, 12.1%; grade 2, 42.4%; grade 3,
      12.1%] in ligamentum teres-injured group, P < .01) and the apex of the femoral
      head (anterior apex: 7.1% [grade 1, 3.8%; grade 2, 3.3%] in intact group and
      42.4% [grade 1, 30.3%; grade 2, 12.1%] in injured group, P < .01; middle apex:
      7.6% [grade 1, 3.8%; grade 2, 3.8%] in intact group and 63.5% [grade 1, 42.4%;
      grade 2, 18.1%; grade 3, 3.0%] in injured group, P = .04; posterior apex: 7.6%
      [grade 1, 3.8%; grade 2, 3.8%] in intact group and 42.4% [grade 1, 30.3%; grade
      2, 12.1%] in injured group, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the
      association between ligamentum teres injury and articular cartilage damage in the
      inferior middle part of the acetabulum and the apex of the femoral head in
      patients treated for femoroacetabular impingement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV,
      case-control study.

PMID- 25129863
TI  - Effects of varying locations for biceps tendon tenotomy and superior labral
      integrity on shoulder stability in a cadaveric concavity-compression model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the location of biceps tenotomy
      and the integrity of the superior labrum as they relate to superior glenohumeral
      joint stability in a cadaveric concavity-compression model. METHODS: Eight
      cadaveric glenoid labrums were mounted individually onto a load cell with the
      corresponding humerus fixed to the loading arm in the hanging-arm position. All
      surrounding soft tissue was removed except the labrum and proximal stump of the
      long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon, simulating a biceps tenotomy. A compressive
      load of 22 N was applied across the glenohumeral joint. The humerus was then
      translated superiorly until it subluxated over the glenoid labrum. The force
      resisting superior translation was characterized for each of 50 cycles. Each
      specimen was tested under the following conditions: (1) with a 4 cm biceps stump
      after tenotomy, (2) with a 0 cm biceps stump, (3) after full detachment of the
      superior labrum, and (4) after repair of the labrum. RESULTS: Biceps tenotomy
      performed at the biceps-labral junction resulted in an average decrease in force
      required to superiorly subluxate the humeral head by 8.6% (P = .01) when compared
      with leaving 4 cm of biceps stump. Resection of the entire superior labrum
      resulted in a future decrease to 15.2% (P < .001) from baseline. Repair of the
      labrum resulted in restoration of stability with a mean of 101.1% (P = .82) and
      was not statistically different from baseline. The kinematics of the glenohumeral
      joint was affected by labral repair, with an earlier upslope on the force-to
      displacement curve and alteration in the total energy required to cause
      subluxation of the humeral head noted. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, location of
      the biceps tenotomy and integrity of the superior labrum affected glenohumeral
      stability during axial loading in the hanging-arm position. Repair of the labrum
      restored stability for superior subluxation but also changed the kinematics of
      the subluxation event. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preservation of superior labrum after
      biceps tenotomy provides increased resistive force to superior translation in a
      unidirectional biomechanical model.

PMID- 25129864
TI  - Preliminary development of a clinical prediction rule for treatment of patients
      with suspected SLAP tears.
AB  - PURPOSE: To use the clinical prediction rule process to identify patient
      variables, measured on initial clinical presentation, that would be predictive of
      failure to achieve satisfactory improvement, while following a rehabilitation
      program, in the modification of SLAP injury symptoms and dysfunction. METHODS: A
      cohort of patients received the clinical diagnosis of a SLAP lesion based on
      specific history and examination findings and/or magnetic resonance imaging. They
      underwent a physical examination of the kinetic chain and shoulder, including
      tests for labral injury. Patients followed a standardized physical therapy
      program emphasizing restoration of demonstrated strength, flexibility, and
      strength-balance deficits. At 6 weeks' follow-up, patients were re-evaluated and
      divided into those recommended for surgery (RS) and those not recommended for
      surgery (NRS). Bivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the best
      combination of predictive factors. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (aged 39 +/- 11
      years, 45 men) were included. Of these, 31 (53%) were categorized as NRS and 27
      (47%) as RS. The presence of a painful arc of motion (odds ratio, 3.95; P = .024)
      and the presence of increased forward scapular posture (odds ratio, 1.27; P =
      .094) on the injured side were predictive of being in the RS group. This finding
      indicates that the odds of being in the RS group increased 4 times when a
      positive painful arc was present and increased 27% with every 1-cm increase in
      involved anterior shoulder posture. CONCLUSIONS: A structured rehabilitation
      program resulted in modification of symptoms and improved function at 6 weeks'
      follow-up in over half of patients in the study group. On initial evaluation, the
      presence of a painful arc of overhead motion, indicating loss of normal
      glenohumeral kinematics, and the presence of forward shoulder posture, indicating
      an altered scapular position, represent negative predictive factors for success
      of rehabilitation. Future validation of the model in a larger population is
      necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

PMID- 25129865
TI  - The role of arthroscopy in the management of glenohumeral osteoarthritis: a
      Markov decision model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were (1) to construct a theoretical Markov
      decision model to compare the total remaining quality-adjusted life-years
      following either arthroscopic management (AM) or total shoulder arthroplasty
      (TSA) for the treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis and (2) to determine the
      possible effects of age on the preferred treatment strategy. METHODS: A Markov
      decision model was constructed to compare AM and TSA in patients with
      glenohumeral osteoarthritis. The rates of surgical complications, revision
      surgery, and death were derived from the literature and analyzed. The principal
      outcome measure was the mean total remaining quality-adjusted life-years after
      each treatment strategy. Sensitivity analyses were performed for age at the
      initial procedure, utilities, and transition probabilities. RESULTS: This
      theoretical decision model showed that AM was the preferred strategy for patients
      younger than 47 years, TSA was the preferred strategy for patients older than 66
      years, and both treatment strategies were reasonable for patients aged between 47
      and 66 years. The model was highly sensitive to age at the index surgery,
      utilities of wellness states, survivorship, and the probability of failure after
      either AM or TSA. CONCLUSIONS: According to this theoretical decision model, AM
      was the preferred treatment strategy for patients younger than 47 years, primary
      TSA was the preferred treatment strategy for patients older than 66 years, and
      both treatment options were reasonable for patients aged between 47 and 66 years.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, economic and decision analysis.

PMID- 25129866
TI  - Gait and lower extremity kinematic analysis as an outcome measure after
      femoroacetabular impingement surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lower extremity and pelvis kinematics have been shown to be abnormal in
      patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We conducted this systematic
      review to evaluate the current status of gait and lower extremity kinematics as
      an outcome measure in patients treated surgically for FAI. METHODS: We searched
      the Embase, Medline, and PubMed databases for all reports of studies published
      through February 22, 2014, evaluating kinematic assessment of patients undergoing
      FAI surgery. A review of eligible studies was conducted, and the references were
      searched. Methodologic quality was evaluated for all studies that met the
      inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted regarding methods of
      kinematic assessment and clinical and kinematic outcomes. RESULTS: We identified
      633 reports, of which 5 met our eligibility criteria. These studies included a
      total of 58 patients with symptomatic FAI (age range, 18 to 50 years). All
      included studies were of moderate methodologic quality. Kinematic assessments
      were completed preoperatively and postoperatively with variable methodology and
      follow-up (range, 3 to 32 months). Most studies used high-speed motion-capture
      camera systems with reflective tracking markers to evaluate in vivo kinematic
      function. Of the 5 included studies, 3 documented kinematic improvements
      postoperatively particularly regarding sagittal hip range of motion primarily
      with flexion (weighted mean, 35.1 degrees  +/- 5.4 degrees  preoperatively and
      37.8 degrees  +/- 6.3 degrees  postoperatively). CONCLUSIONS: Gait and lower
      extremity kinematics can be used as an outcome measure after FAI surgery.
      However, the lack of uniformity in the methodology used and underpowered case
      series limit the ability to identify clear and predictable differences after
      corrective surgery for FAI. Though statistically significant, functional outcome
      improvements were often conflicting and not necessarily of clinical significance.
      A uniform outcome measure and technique to reliably assess in vivo hip motion are
      required for future comparative studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic
      review of Level IV studies.

PMID- 25129867
TI  - Synthesis of heteroaryl/aryl kojic acid conjugates as stimulators of glucose
      uptake by GLUT4 translocation.
AB  - Insulin exerts its metabolic actions through the insulin receptor (IR) and plays
      an essential role in treatment of diabetes. The inconvenience of daily injections
      and the undesirable side-effects associated with insulin injections demand novel
      drugs for the disease. To search for bioactive insulin mimetic, we synthesized a
      chemical library of small molecules (2a-3f) based on the indolylkojic acid
      scaffold (B). An In vitro screening assay was performed to stimulate glucose
      transport in rat L6 skeletal muscle cells, post treatment of the compounds (2a
      3f) for the time period incubation of 16 h. Compounds 2f, 2g, 2l, 3a, 3b, 3c and
      3d have shown significant glucose uptake stimulation as compared to the controls
      at micromolar concentrations. In mechanistic studies, we observed that these
      compounds exert their biological action by enhancing GLUT4 translocation to cell
      surface via PI3K-dependent signalling pathway in agreement to the insulin mode of
      action. Hence, these promising conjugates should be useful for further drug
      development in diabetes treatment. 

PMID- 25129868
TI  - Sequential synthesis of amino-1,4-naphthoquinone-appended triazoles and triazole
      chromene hybrids and their antimycobacterial evaluation.
AB  - A general method for the synthesis of a library of hitherto unreported amino-1,4
      naphthoquinone-appended triazoles was accomplished via a sequential three
      component reaction of substituted N-propargylaminonaphthoquinones with variously
      substituted alkyl bromides/2-bromonaphthalene-1,4-dione and sodium azide in the
      presence of Et3N/CuI in water. Aminonaphthoquinone-appended iminochromene
      triazole hybrid heterocycles were also synthesized from the amino-1,4
      naphthoquinone-appended-1,2,3-triazolylacetonitriles. All the triazole hybrids
      were screened for their in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      H37Rv (MTB). Among the triazoles, 2-(((1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)(4
      (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)amino)naphthalene-1,4-dione (7d) emerged as the most
      active one with IC50 = 1.87 MUM, being more potent than the anti-TB drugs,
      cycloserine (6 times), pyrimethamine (20 times) and equipotent as the drug
      ethambutol (IC50 < 1.56 MUM). 

PMID- 25129869
TI  - Capsaicin cough threshold test in diagnostics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among patients with chronic unexplained cough, there is a recognized
      subgroup with respiratory symptoms induced by environmental irritants like
      chemicals and odours. The diagnosis of sensory hyperreactivity (SHR) has been
      suggested for this group of patients and can be made using a tidal breathing
      capsaicin inhalation test. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
      ability of a single-breath, dose-response capsaicin threshold test to
      discriminate such patients from control subjects. METHODS: A total of 46 patients
      with chronic cough and SHR who had previously shown a positive reaction in
      accordance with limits set for a tidal breathing capsaicin test were tested once
      with a single-breath, dose-response capsaicin cough threshold test, assessing
      capsaicin concentrations to evoke 2 (C2), 5 (C5) or 10 (C10) coughs. Twenty-nine
      subjectively healthy control subjects were also included and tested with the
      threshold method. RESULTS: Patients had significantly lower C2, C5 and C10 in
      comparison to controls. From the results among patients and controls, sensitivity
      and specificity were calculated, and a receiver operating characteristic curve
      was constructed, showing excellent ability for C5 and C10 to discriminate
      patients from control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with SHR and chronic
      cough, capsaicin cough sensitivity was once again confirmed to be increased, in
      this case, using the single-breath dose-response method. Limits set for cough
      reactions regarded as more sensitive than normal can be useful in diagnostics and
      further research. C5 seems to be the best measure to use in research and
      differential diagnostics.

PMID- 25129870
TI  - Expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 in the porcine
      uterus, conceptus, and trophoblast during early pregnancy.
AB  - Adiponectin, one of the several adipocytokines secreted mainly by the adipose
      tissue, plays an important role in regulating energy homeostasis and controls
      female fertility. Female reproductive functions are closely associated with
      nutritional status, and adiponectin seems to be an important factor linking the
      regulation of metabolic homeostasis with reproductive processes. The biological
      activity of adiponectin is mediated by two distinct receptors, adiponectin
      receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2). The objective of this
      study was to determine the presence of and changes in the gene and protein
      expression pattern of adiponectin and its receptors in the porcine uterus during
      early pregnancy and on Days 10 to 11 of the estrous cycle and in the conceptus
      and trophoblast. The highest level of adiponectin transcript was observed on Days
      15 to 16 of gestation, Days 10 to 11 of the cycle in the endometrium, and Days 15
      to 16 of gestation in the myometrium. The highest expression of AdipoR1 and
      AdipoR2 genes was detected on Days 10 to 11 of gestation in the endometrium, and
      Days 12 to 13 in the myometrium. The highest content of adiponectin protein was
      noted on Days 12 to 13 and 30 to 32 of gestation in the endometrium and Days 10
      to 11 of the cycle in the myometrium. The expression of adiponectin protein was
      higher on Days 27 to 28 and 30 to 32 in the conceptuses. AdipoR1 protein content
      in the myometrium was highest on Days 12 to 13 and 30 to 32. In contrast, in the
      endometrium, it was more constant. The highest content of AdipoR2 protein was
      detected on Days 15 to 16 and 30 to 32 of gestation, Days 10 to 11 of the cycle
      in the endometrium, and Days 10 to 11 of gestation in the myometrium. In the
      conceptuses, the highest AdipoR1 protein content was observed on Days 15 to 16,
      and the highest AdipoR2 protein expression was determined on Days 15 to 16 and 27
      to 28. In the trophoblasts, AdipoR1 protein content was higher on Days 27 to 28
      than on Days 30 to 32, whereas the expression of AdipoR2 was higher on Days 30 to
      32. This study demonstrated the presence of adiponectin and its receptors in the
      uteri, conceptuses, and trophoblasts of pregnant pigs and that the local
      adiponectin system is dependent on the stage of pregnancy. 

PMID- 25129871
TI  - Hydroxyflutamide alters the characteristics of live boar spermatozoa.
AB  - Our previous study revealed that in vitro incubation of boar ejaculates with
      hydroxyflutamide (OH-Flu) causes changes in sperm plasma membrane integrity and
      its stability and sperm mitochondrial oxidative capability. To broaden the
      knowledge of cellular physiology of spermatozoa, we investigated direct effects
      of OH-Flu administered for 2 and 24 hours at concentrations of 5, 50, and 100
      MUg/mL, on sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial superoxide
      anion production using JC-1 dye and MitoSOX Red fluorescent probe, respectively.
      We further measured phosphatidylserine membrane translocation (PST) from the
      inner to the outer layer of the sperm plasma membrane using an annexin-V binding
      assay. To provide new information of direct effects of OH-Flu on cell signaling
      pathway, we measured sperm intracellular calcium ion dynamics using Fluo-3.
      Finally, we assessed sperm motility using a computer-assisted spermatozoa
      analysis system. Motile sperm were highlighted using the "C-Ruch" computer
      program for detailed analysis of the straight line velocity distribution. For
      each functional test, boar spermatozoa were examined and analyzed by flow
      cytometry and/or confocal microscopy. The results revealed a significant decrease
      (P<0.05) in sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and a concomitant increase
      (P<0.05) in mitochondrial superoxide anion production after a 2-hour incubation
      with 50 MUg OH-Flu compared with the respective controls and other doses used
      (P<0.05). The adverse effects of OH-Flu become strengthened over time (P<0.05).
      Notably, 50 and 100 MUg OH-Flu appeared to be effective in decreasing sperm
      motility. Hydroxyflutamide significantly decreased (P<0.05) the fast sperm
      subpopulation percentage after 15 minutes and reduced the straight line velocity
      distribution (P<0.05). An assessment of PST revealed an increase in the
      percentage of PST-positive spermatozoa (P<0.05) only after exposure to OH-Flu for
      24 hours. Moreover, OH-Flu at all concentrations induced a rapid increase in
      sperm intracellular calcium ion concentration. Altogether, the altered in vitro
      characteristics of live boar spermatozoa provide new insight into direct effects
      of OH-Flu on sperm mitochondrial membrane potential, superoxide anion production,
      translocation of membrane phosphatidylserine, free calcium ion dynamics, and
      sperm motility.

PMID- 25129872
TI  - DNA fragmentation and sperm head morphometry in cat epididymal spermatozoa.
AB  - Sperm DNA fragmentation is an important parameter to assess sperm quality and can
      be a putative fertility predictor. Because the sperm head consists almost
      entirely of DNA, subtle differences in sperm head morphometry might be related to
      DNA status. Several techniques are available to analyze sperm DNA fragmentation,
      but they are labor-intensive and require expensive instrumentations. Recently, a
      kit (Sperm-Halomax) based on the sperm chromatin dispersion test and developed
      for spermatozoa of different species, but not for cat spermatozoa, became
      commercially available. The first aim of the present study was to verify the
      suitability of Sperm-Halomax assay, specifically developed for canine semen, for
      the evaluation of DNA fragmentation of epididymal cat spermatozoa. For this
      purpose, DNA fragmentation indexes (DFIs) obtained with Sperm-Halomax and
      terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) were
      compared. The second aim was to investigate whether a correlation between DNA
      status, sperm head morphology, and morphometry assessed by computer-assisted
      semen analysis exists in cat epididymal spermatozoa. No differences were observed
      in DFIs obtained with Sperm-Halomax and TUNEL. This result indicates that Sperm
      Halomax assay provides a reliable evaluation of DNA fragmentation of epididymal
      feline spermatozoa. The DFI seems to be independent from all the measured
      variables of sperm head morphology and morphometry. Thus, the evaluation of the
      DNA status of spermatozoa could effectively contribute to the completion of the
      standard analysis of fresh or frozen semen used in assisted reproductive
      technologies. 

PMID- 25129873
TI  - Neuroimaging findings in primary insomnia.
AB  - State-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques have accelerated progress in the study
      and understanding of sleep in humans. Neuroimaging studies in primary insomnia
      remain relatively few, considering the important prevalence of this disorder in
      the general population. This review examines the contribution of functional and
      structural neuroimaging to our current understanding of primary insomnia.
      Functional studies during sleep provided support for the hyperarousal theory of
      insomnia. Functional neuroimaging also revealed abnormalities in cognitive and
      emotional processing in primary insomnia. Results from structural studies suggest
      neuroanatomical alterations in primary insomnia, mostly in the hippocampus,
      anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex. However, these results are
      not well replicated across studies. A few magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies
      revealed abnormalities in neurotransmitter concentrations and bioenergetics in
      primary insomnia. The inconsistencies among neuroimaging findings on insomnia are
      likely due to clinical heterogeneity, differences in imaging and overall
      diversity of techniques and designs employed. Larger samples, replication, as
      well as innovative methodologies are necessary for the progression of this
      perplexing, yet promising area of research. 

PMID- 25129874
TI  - Emotional maltreatment and disordered eating in adolescents: testing the
      mediating role of emotion regulation.
AB  - The present study aimed to determine if emotion regulation mediates the
      relationship between emotional maltreatment and disordered eating behavior in
      adolescents. Participants were 222 secondary school pupils (aged 14-18 years)
      from a state high school in the UK. Standardized questionnaire measures were used
      to gather self-report data on emotional abuse and emotional neglect, functional
      and dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies and disordered eating behavior.
      Results showed that disordered eating was associated with emotional abuse,
      dysfunctional emotion regulation and being female. Multiple mediation analysis
      found an indirect relationship between emotional abuse and disordered eating
      through dysfunctional emotion regulation. Interestingly, emotional neglect
      predicted lower levels of functional emotion regulation. The findings support
      previous research showing emotion regulation to mediate the relationship between
      childhood abuse and disordered eating in adults and a differential effect of
      abuse and neglect on emotion regulation. Longitudinal studies are required to
      confirm the direction of relationships; however these data suggest that
      dysfunctional emotion regulation is a significant variable in the development of
      disordered eating and may be a useful target for intervention. 

PMID- 25129875
TI  - Cadmium concentrations and their implications in Mallard and Coot from fish pond
      areas.
AB  - During the studies in 2003, high concentrations of cadmium (Cd) were noted among
      Mallards and Coots in Poland. Further research, five years later, showed the
      histopathological alterations in birds from the same area which were probably
      stimulated by Cd. This paper presents the analysis of Cd in ten different
      materials collected from these species (n=180) in years 2006-2009 in two areas,
      including southern - Zator and western Poland - Milicz. Similarly high
      concentrations to those from 2003 were noted only in kidneys of Mallards from the
      Zator area (up to 56.49 MUg g(-1) d.w.). Other comparable materials accumulated
      significantly lower concentration of Cd. Generally, lower concentrations occurred
      in birds from Milicz. Concentrations varied also between species and age groups.
      They correlated between liver and kidneys, brain and muscle and brain and spleen.
      Potential in vivo bioindicators (blood, feathers and excrements) did not seem to
      be useful as biomarkers in both areas.

PMID- 25129876
TI  - Comparison of accuracy of two different methods to determine ankle-brachial index
      to predict peripheral arterial disease severity confirmed by angiography.
AB  - Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is conventionally derived as the ratio of higher of
      the 2 systolic ankle blood pressures to the higher brachial pressure (HABI
      method). Alternatively, ABI may be derived using the lower of the 2 systolic
      ankle pressures (LABI method). The objective of this study was to assess the
      utility and difference between 2 techniques in predicting peripheral artery
      disease (PAD). Participants who underwent both ABI measurement and arteriography
      from July 2005 to June 2010 were reviewed. Angiographic disease burden was scored
      semiquantitatively (0=<50%, 1=50% to 75%, and 2=>75% stenosis of any lower
      extremity arterial segment), and PAD by angiography was defined as >50% stenosis
      of any 1 lower extremity arterial segment. A combined PAD disease score was
      calculated for each leg. A total of 130 patients were enrolled (260 limbs). The
      ABI was <0.9 (abnormal) in 68% of patients by HABI method and in 84% by LABI.
      LABI method had higher sensitivity and overall accuracy to detect PAD compared
      with the HABI method. Regression analysis showed that an abnormal ABI detected by
      LABI method is more likely to predict angiographic PAD and total PAD burden
      compared with HABI. Moreover, abnormal ABI by LABI method had higher sensitivity
      and accuracy to detect PAD in patients with diabetes and below knee PAD compared
      with the HABI method. In conclusion, ABI determined by the LABI method has higher
      sensitivity and is a better predictor of PAD compared with the conventional
      (HABI) method.

PMID- 25129877
TI  - Alcohol consumption and risk of death in male physicians with heart failure.
AB  - The 5-year risk of death after onset of heart failure (HF) is about 50%. Although
      previous studies have shown beneficial effects of light-to-moderate alcohol
      consumption and risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality, it is unclear
      whether moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of death in
      subjects with HF. We investigated whether alcohol consumption and type of alcohol
      preference are associated with the risk of total mortality in 449 US male
      physicians with prevalent HF. Alcohol consumption was assessed through food
      frequency questionnaire, and mortality was ascertained through annual follow-up
      questionnaires and adjudicated by an Endpoint Committee. The mean age of subjects
      was 75.7+/-8.2 years with an average follow-up of 7 years. We found evidence of a
      J-shaped relation between alcohol consumption and mortality (hazard ratio [95%
      confidence interval] 1.00 [reference], 0.85 [0.61 to 1.20], 0.60 [0.40 to 0.88],
      and 0.71 [0.42 to 1.21] for alcohol intake of none, <1 drink/day, 1 to 2
      drinks/day, and 3+ drinks/day, respectively [p for quadratic trend=0.058]). There
      was no relation between beverage preference (beer, wine, or liquor) and
      mortality. In conclusion, our data showed a J-shaped association between alcohol
      intake and mortality in patients with HF.

PMID- 25129878
TI  - Subclinical myocardial injury identified by cardiac infarction/injury score and
      the risk of mortality in men and women free of cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Previous studies have explored the ability of the Cardiac Infarction/Injury Score
      (CIIS) to identify individuals who are high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      mortality. However, its prognostic significance among those without CVD in the
      United States general population has not been established. This analysis included
      6,298 participants (mean age 59+/-13 years, 53% women, 51% nonwhites) from the
      Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, excluding participants
      with a history of CVD or electrocardiographic evidence of old myocardial
      infarction or ischemic ST depression at baseline. Subclinical myocardial injury
      was defined as CIIS>=10. Mortality data were ascertained using the National Death
      Index. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compute hazard ratios
      (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between
      subclinical myocardial injury and CVD and all-cause mortalities. Subclinical
      myocardial injury was detected in 1,376 participants (22%). A total of 1,928
      deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 14 years of which 765 (40%) were due
      to CVD. In a multivariate model adjusted for demographics, traditional CVD risk
      factors, and other medical co-morbidities, subclinical myocardial injury was
      associated with an increased risk of CVD (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.56) and all
      cause (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.63) mortalities. In conclusion, subclinical
      myocardial injury in those without manifestations of CVD is associated with an
      increased risk of CVD and all-cause mortalities. These findings highlight the
      important role of CIIS to identify subclinical myocardial injury and its
      association with mortality among men and women in the United States.

PMID- 25129879
TI  - Determination of organophosphorus pesticides in stomach contents of postmortem
      animals by QuEChERS and gas chromatography.
AB  - The quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method for sample
      preparation was applied to determine seven organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in
      stomach contents of poisoned postmortem animals. The pesticides consisted of
      diazinon, edifenphos, ethyl p-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate, fenitrothion,
      monocrotophos, parathion and phosphamindon, and tested samples included stomach
      contents from postmortem animals of cattle, goat, dog, cat, birds, deer and
      rabbit. The pesticides were spiked into the samples which were found to be
      negative through previous pesticide poisoning analysis, and the pesticides were
      extracted and cleaned up based on the QuEChERS process and then they were
      analyzed using gas chromatography (GC)-flame photometric detector (FPD) or GC
      nitrogen-phosphorus detector (NPD) with a DB-5 column. Limits of detection ranged
      from 0.27 to 0.41 mg/kg for the seven pesticides. The mean recoveries ranged from
      80 to 99% in GC-FPD and 83 to 90% in GC-NPD. The coefficients of variation were
      <10% for all analytes and sample matrix combinations except for phosphamidon and
      edifenphos in dog stomach contents. This study demonstrated that the method using
      QuEChERS and GC-FPD and/or GC-NPD is very effective to analyze the OPs in the
      stomach contents of postmortem animals.

PMID- 25129880
TI  - Cardiac autonomic responses induced by mental tasks and the influence of musical
      auditory stimulation.
AB  - We investigated the acute effects of musical auditory stimulation on cardiac
      autonomic responses to a mental task in 28 healthy men (18-22 years old). In the
      control protocol (no music), the volunteers remained at seated rest for 10 min
      and the test was applied for five minutes. After the end of test the subjects
      remained seated for five more minutes. In the music protocol, the volunteers
      remained at seated rest for 10 min, then were exposed to music for 10 min; the
      test was then applied over five minutes, and the subjects remained seated for
      five more minutes after the test. In the control and music protocols the time
      domain and frequency domain indices of heart rate variability remained unchanged
      before, during and after the test. We found that musical auditory stimulation
      with baroque music did not influence cardiac autonomic responses to the mental
      task.

PMID- 25129881
TI  - Additional effects of homeopathy on chronic periodontitis: a 1-year follow-up
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was test the hypothesis that
      homeopathy (H) enhances the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients
      with chronic periodontitis (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 patients with CP were
      randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups: SRP (C-G) or SRP + H (H-G).
      Assessments were made at baseline and after 3 and 12 months of treatments. The
      local and systemic responses to the treatments were evaluated by clinical and
      serologic parameters, respectively. RESULTS: Both groups displayed significant
      improvements, however, using clinical attachment gain and reductions in HDL, LDL
      and Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Glucose and Uric acid, from baseline to 1
      year, as criteria for treatment success, H-G performed significantly better than
      C-G. CONCLUSION: The findings of this 1-year follow-up randomized clinical trial
      suggest that homeopathic medicines, as an adjunctive to SRP, can provide
      significant local and systemic improvements for CP patients.

PMID- 25129882
TI  - The effects of family-friend visits on anxiety, physiological indices and well
      being of MI patients admitted to a coronary care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of family-friend visits on anxiety,
      physiological indices and well-being of patients with acute myocardial
      infarction. METHODS: A checklist was used to gather socio-demographic data and
      physiologic indices including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and
      arterial oxygen saturation. The short-form of the Spielberger state anxiety
      inventory, a visual analog scale well-being and cardiac monitoring devices were
      used for collecting data. RESULTS: Patients exhibited a lower heart rate and
      respiratory rate in the normal range during the 10-min visiting period and within
      10 and 30 min after the visiting period. The arterial oxygen saturation increased
      in this period. After the visiting period, patients exhibited an increase in the
      sense of well-being and a decrease in the level of anxiety. CONCLUSION: Family
      friend visits can improve MI patients' sense of well-being and decrease their
      anxiety. Moreover, the visits can help to keep the physiological indices within
      normal limits.

PMID- 25129884
TI  - Effect of Rosa damascene aromatherapy on sleep quality in cardiac patients: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sleep disorders are common among patients hospitalized in coronary
      care unit (CCU). This study aimed to investigate the effect of Rosa damascene
      aromatherapy on sleep quality of patients hospitalized in CCU. METHODS: In this
      randomized controlled trial, 60 patients who met the inclusion criteria were
      conveniently sampled and randomly allocated to the experimental and control
      groups. Patients in the control group received routine care. In the experimental
      group, patients received routine care and Rosa damascene aromatherapy for three
      subsequent nights. In the both groups the sleep quality was assessed using the
      Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. RESULTS: After the study, the mean scores of five
      domains of Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index as well as the mean of total score of
      the index in the experimental group were significantly lower than the control
      group. CONCLUSION: Rosa damascene aromatherapy can significantly improve the
      sleep quality of patients hospitalized in CCUs.

PMID- 25129885
TI  - Report on a membership audit of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in
      Reflex Therapy (ACPIRT).
AB  - Reflex Therapy (RT), akin to reflexology, is a non-invasive physiotherapy
      modality approved by the UK Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. One hundred
      members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Reflex Therapy
      (ACPIRT) participated in an audit to establish a baseline of practice. Findings
      indicate that experienced therapists use RT in conjunction with their
      professional skills to induce relaxation (95%) and reduce pain (86%) for patients
      with conditions including whiplash injury and chronic pain. According to 68% of
      respondents, RT is "very good," "good" or "as good as" orthodox physiotherapy
      practices. Requiring minimal equipment, RT may be as cost effective as orthodox
      physiotherapy with regards to duration and frequency of treatment. 

PMID- 25129883
TI  - Trauma-sensitive yoga as an adjunct mental health treatment in group therapy for
      survivors of domestic violence: a feasibility study.
AB  - This study is a feasibility test of whether incorporating trauma-sensitive yoga
      into group therapy for female victims of partner violence improves symptoms of
      anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) beyond that
      achieved with group therapy alone. Seventeen (9 control, 8 intervention) adult
      female clients seeking group psychotherapy were enrolled. A 12-week trauma
      sensitive yoga protocol was administered once weekly for 30-40 min at the end of
      each group therapy session. The control group received typical group
      psychotherapy. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment and retention rates
      as well as participants' self-reported perceptions of the safety and utility of
      the study. The study enrolled 85% (17/20) of those screened eligible. Loss to
      follow-up was 30% (5/17). No one reported emotional or physical harm. All of the
      respondents reported that the study was personally meaningful and that the
      results would be useful to others.

PMID- 25129886
TI  - Reprogramming the genetic code in vitro.
AB  - The site-specific introduction of non-canonical amino acids into polypeptides
      through genetic code reprogramming has become a powerful tool for biochemical
      studies and bioorganic synthesis. Although a variety of such techniques have been
      developed, all are based on the 'mis-acylation' of tRNA molecules with non
      canonical amino acids. Multiple strategies have been devised to synthesize such
      non-canonical aminoacyl-tRNAs; for example, those based on protein or ribozyme
      aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase enzymes are particularly useful. Such techniques have
      enabled the incorporation of hundreds of different non-canonical amino acids into
      polypeptides in vitro. This review discusses the development and application of
      in vitro genetic code reprogramming techniques, especially enzymatic mis
      acylation, and examines recent efforts to engineer the translational machinery to
      increase the range of translatable non-canonical amino acids. 

PMID- 25129888
TI  - Disgust as a unique affective predictor of mental contamination following sexual
      trauma.
AB  - Mental contamination has been described as an internal experience of dirtiness
      that can arise and persist in the absence of contact with observable physical
      contaminants. Recent research has examined mental contamination specifically
      related to unwanted physical contact and sexual trauma. This study evaluated the
      degree to which disgust propensity and both self-focused and perpetrator-focused
      peritraumatic disgust were associated with mental contamination in a sample of
      women who experienced sexual trauma (n=72). Results showed that peritraumatic
      self-focused disgust, but not peritraumatic perpetrator-focused disgust or fear,
      was significantly associated with mental contamination. Additionally, disgust
      propensity contributed significantly to the incremental validity of the model.
      These findings support the nascent literature showing that disgust plays a
      significant role in mental contamination, particularly following sexual trauma.
      Future research directions, and clinical/theoretical implications of these
      results are discussed. 

PMID- 25129889
TI  - The Cortical Signature of Central Poststroke Pain: Gray Matter Decreases in
      Somatosensory, Insular, and Prefrontal Cortices.
AB  - It has been proposed that cortical structural plasticity plays a crucial role in
      the emergence and maintenance of chronic pain. Various distinct pain syndromes
      have accordingly been linked to specific patterns of decreases in regional gray
      matter volume (GMV). However, it is not known whether central poststroke pain
      (CPSP) is also associated with cortical structural plasticity. To determine this,
      we employed T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T and voxel-based
      morphometry in 45 patients suffering from chronic subcortical sensory stroke with
      (n = 23) and without CPSP (n = 22), and healthy matched controls (n = 31). CPSP
      patients showed decreases in GMV in comparison to healthy controls, involving
      secondary somatosensory cortex (S2), anterior as well as posterior insular
      cortex, ventrolateral prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex, temporal cortex, and
      nucleus accumbens. Comparing CPSP patients to nonpain patients revealed a similar
      but more restricted pattern of atrophy comprising S2, ventrolateral prefrontal
      and temporal cortex. Additionally, GMV in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex
      negatively correlated to pain intensity ratings. This shows for the first time
      that CPSP is accompanied by a unique pattern of widespread structural plasticity,
      which involves the sensory-discriminative areas of insular/somatosensory cortex,
      but also expands into prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum, where emotional
      aspects of pain are processed. 

PMID- 25129890
TI  - Factors contributing to home-based acceptability of rapid testing for HIV
      infection among the inner city commuter population in Johannesburg, South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to determine factors contributing to the
      acceptability of home-based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) among commuters
      in Johannesburg inner city. METHODS: Simple random sampling was used to select
      participants in a venue based intercept survey at Noord Street taxi rank in
      Johannesburg central business district. A total of 1146 individuals were
      interviewed and logistic regression analysis assessed factors associated with
      HBHCT acceptability. RESULTS: HBHCT acceptability was 64%. Home testing was
      preferred as an alternative to testing at a health facility. High school
      education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.61, CI: 0.46-0.85), inner city residence
      aOR 0.70, CI: 0.52-0.94), previous HIV testing in the hospital (aOR 0.22, CI:
      0.15-0.32) and at home (aOR 0.18, CI: 0.11-0.27) were significantly less likely
      associated with HBHCT acceptability. Being married (aOR 1.64, CI: 1.15-2.32),
      recent HIV testing (aOR 1.85, CI: 1.15-2.99) and having experienced negative
      health worker attitude (aOR 2.41, CI: 1.66-3.48) were significantly more likely
      associated with HBHCT acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: High acceptability of HBHCT
      among urban-based commuters plus factors that would deter HBHCT acceptability
      were identified. Further research to identify strategies to improve HBHCT
      acceptability among commuter populations is needed.

PMID- 25129891
TI  - Childhood mortality and its association with household wealth in rural and semi
      urban Burkina Faso.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between household
      wealth and under-5 year mortality in rural and semi-urban Burkina Faso. METHODS:
      The study included 15 543 children born between 2005 and 2010 in the Nouna Health
      and Demographic Surveillance System. Information on household wealth was
      collected in 2009. Two separate wealth indicators were calculated by principal
      components analysis for the rural and the semi-urban households, which were then
      divided into quintiles accordingly. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards
      regression was used to study the effect of the respective wealth measure on under
      5 mortality. RESULTS: We observed 1201 childhood deaths, corresponding to 5-year
      survival probability of 93.6% and 88% in the semi-urban and rural area,
      respectively. In the semi-urban area, household wealth was significantly related
      to under-5 mortality after adjustment for confounding. There was a similar but
      non-significant effect of household wealth on infant mortality, too. There was no
      effect of household wealth on under-5 mortality in rural children. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results from this study indicate that the more privileged children from the semi
      urban area with access to piped water and electricity have an advantage in under
      5 survival, while under-5 mortality in the rural area is rather homogeneous and
      still relatively high.

PMID- 25129892
TI  - Prediction of postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: light at
      the end of the tunnel?

PMID- 25129893
TI  - Phenylephrine in cardiac surgery: will it have a place?

PMID- 25129894
TI  - Authors' reply: How much evidence is the evidence for a case report?

PMID- 25129887
TI  - Absence of a simple code: how transcription factors read the genome.
AB  - Transcription factors (TFs) influence cell fate by interpreting the regulatory
      DNA within a genome. TFs recognize DNA in a specific manner; the mechanisms
      underlying this specificity have been identified for many TFs based on 3D
      structures of protein-DNA complexes. More recently, structural views have been
      complemented with data from high-throughput in vitro and in vivo explorations of
      the DNA-binding preferences of many TFs. Together, these approaches have greatly
      expanded our understanding of TF-DNA interactions. However, the mechanisms by
      which TFs select in vivo binding sites and alter gene expression remain unclear.
      Recent work has highlighted the many variables that influence TF-DNA binding,
      while demonstrating that a biophysical understanding of these many factors will
      be central to understanding TF function. 

PMID- 25129895
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 25129896
TI  - US court invalidates Pfizer's Celebrex(r) patent.

PMID- 25129897
TI  - Idenix files three patent infringement lawsuits in  Europe.

PMID- 25129898
TI  - Iroko pharmaeuticals announces patent for ZorvolexTM.

PMID- 25129899
TI  - The evolution of the rubber endotracheal tube.

PMID- 25129900
TI  - Jeanette Thirlwell: three decades of service to the Journal.

PMID- 25129901
TI  - Education and training in ultrasound-guided neuraxial anaesthesia.

PMID- 25129902
TI  - Screening for colorectal cancer and prostate cancer: challenges for New Zealand.
      Richardson and Potter's reply.

PMID- 25129903
TI  - Without rewards, the cycle of innovation would stop.

PMID- 25129904
TI  - Charging what the market will bear is inappropriate.

PMID- 25129905
TI  - Greater effectiveness for the same cost.

PMID- 25129906
TI  - The system over-rewards incremental gains.

PMID- 25129907
TI  - Impressive gains with innovative medicines.

PMID- 25129908
TI  - Waste and missed opportunities drive costs upward.

PMID- 25129909
TI  - Short-term costs can lead to long-term gain.

PMID- 25129910
TI  - Eliminate cost-plus reimbursement for drugs.

PMID- 25129911
TI  - [No methodological data? No comparable laboratory results].

PMID- 25129912
TI  - [New antibiotics with activity against multidrug-resistant enterobacteriaceae.
      Combination preparations are now being tested clinically].

PMID- 25129913
TI  - [Point of care analyses are not used uniformly in primary health care. Equalis
      survey shows that volume and the type of tests performed varies between different
      health care centers].

PMID- 25129914
TI  - [Swedish cooperation for genomic analyses of breast cancer tissue. Basis for
      future individualized cancer treatment].

PMID- 25129915
TI  - [Register studies measure the effectiveness of drugs in clinical practice. The
      example PsoReg - redistribution of systemic treatment can increase the
      efficiency].

PMID- 25129917
TI  - [Freeze-dried plasma should be available for use in Swedish health care].

PMID- 25129916
TI  - [Bleeding and surgery in the treatment with new oral anticoagulants. The
      management can be complicated by the lack of specific antidotes].

PMID- 25129918
TI  - [The GUCH example: A challenge to educate future "super specialists"].

PMID- 25129919
TI  - ["There is no educational culture of in health care"].

PMID- 25129920
TI  - [Statistical analysis improves medicine history research].

PMID- 25129921
TI  - [Woody plant species composition and community structure in residual fragments of
      broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forests in Changbai Mountains area].
AB  - The broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest represents the typical vegetation type
      of the eastern mountain area in Northeast China. However, due to the interference
      of human activities, the natural broad-leaved Korean pine forest only distributes
      in some residual fragments with unequal areas in Changbai Mountains and Small
      Hinggan Mountains. To compare and analyze the similarities and differences of
      broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forests in the different areas, we established six
      forest plots following the field protocol of the 50 hm2 forest plot in Panama
      (Barro Colorado Island, BCI) in 2012 in Changbai Mountain National Nature Reserve
      in Jilin Province and the eastern mountain area in Liaoning Province. All free
      standing plant species with DBH (diameter at breast height) > or = 1 cm were
      mapped, tagged and identified to species. The results showed that there were 69
      woody species in the six plots, comprising 42 genera and24 families. Aceraceae
      was the most species-rich family in all six plots. Most species belonged to the
      plant type of North Temperate Zone, with a minor subtropical plant species
      component. The statistics of species abundance, basal area, mean DBH, and
      importance value showed that there were obviously dominant species in each
      community. The DBH distribution of all individuals showed a reversed "J" type.
      However, the percentage of individuals in small size-class and large size-class
      varied in the six communities, which indicated that these communities were at
      different successional stages. Ranked by the importance value, the DBH
      distribution of the top three species in the six plots showed four distribution
      types: reversed "J" distribution, reversed "L" distribution, unimodal
      distribution, and partial peak distribution. Spatial distribution patterns of the
      main species in the six plots changed differently with species and size-class,
      and the distribution patterns of the same species varied in the different plots.

PMID- 25129922
TI  - [Ecologically critical areas of broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest in Changbai
      Mountains, China].
AB  - In order to improve the protection system to reduce the damage of biodiversity
      and protect broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest, 64 forest farms from 6
      Forestry Bureaus around Changbai Mountains Nature Reserve were investigated and
      analyzed. A total of 41 plants were selected as key protected plants, and felling
      area, cropland, mining area, highway, railway and residential area were
      considered as the disturbance factors. GAP and GIS spatial analysis were used to
      draw the indicator plant and disturbance intensity distribution maps. The results
      showed that the indicator species distribution was uneven. The indicator plant
      enrichment regions were located on the north western and southern slopes centered
      with Shengli and Lenggouzi forest farms of Quanyang County, respectively, and
      single distributions of the endemic plants were found in Baoshan, Henshan,
      Lenggouzi and Heishan forest farms. The different disturbance severities were
      observed in the different forest farms, among which the north part in Lushuihe
      and Baihe forest farms were severely disrupted. Two ecologically critical areas,
      Quanyang-Lushuihe-Baihe on the north slope of Changbai Mountains and the east
      part of Changbai County on the south slope, were determined based on the
      comprehensive analysis.

PMID- 25129923
TI  - [Variation of forest vegetation carbon storage and carbon sequestration rate in
      Liaoning Province, Northeast China].
AB  - The forest vegetation carbon stock and carbon sequestration rate in Liaoning
      Province, Northeast China, were predicted by using Canadian carbon balance model
      (CBM-CFS3) combining with the forest resource data. The future spatio-temporal
      distribution and trends of vegetation carbon storage, carbon density and carbon
      sequestration rate were projected, based on the two scenarios, i. e. with or
      without afforestation. The result suggested that the total forest vegetation
      carbon storage and carbon density in Liaoning Province in 2005 were 133.94 Tg and
      25.08 t x hm(-2), respectively. The vegetation carbon storage in Quercus was the
      biggest, while in Robinia pseudoacacia was the least. Both Larix olgensis and
      broad-leaved forests had higher vegetation carbon densities than others, and the
      vegetation carbon densities of Pinus tabuliformis, Quercus and Robinia
      pseudoacacia were close to each other. The spatial distribution of forest
      vegetation carbon density in Liaoning Province showed a decrease trend from east
      to west. In the eastern forest area, the future increase of vegetation carbon
      density would be smaller than those in the northern forest area, because most of
      the forests in the former part were matured or over matured, while most of the
      forests in the later part were young. Under the scenario of no afforestation, the
      future increment of total forest vegetation carbon stock in Liaoning Province
      would increase gradually, and the total carbon sequestration rate would decrease,
      while they would both increase significantly under the afforestation scenario.
      Therefore, afforestation plays an important role in increasing vegetation carbon
      storage, carbon density and carbon sequestration rate.

PMID- 25129924
TI  - [Estimating leaf area index of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) plantations
      based on texture parameters of quickbird imagery].
AB  - The black locust plantations located in Weibei area were chosen as research
      objects and the texture parameters of different window sizes from high resolution
      imagery were measured. Four different techniques, including simple linear
      regression model, quadratic regression model, power model and exponential model,
      were developed to describe the relationship between the texture parameters and
      field measurements of LAI and to select the most effective texture parameters and
      window size. The results showed that the texture parameters influenced the
      accuracy of LAI estimation. Angular second moment and entropy index yielded
      better adjust r2 than the other parameters. The r2 changed with the window size.
      Dissimilarity and contrast index gained the largest r2 when the window size was
      9x9. The r2 of the other texture parameters reduced as the window size increased
      and a window size of 3 x 3 was more successful than any of the others. Power
      equation performed poorest than the other three techniques for estimation of LAI.

PMID- 25129925
TI  - [Effects of simulated nitrogen deposition on growth and phosphorus efficiency of
      Pinus massoniana under low phosphorus stress].
AB  - Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition dramatically raised in recent decades,
      resulting in increases of soil N availability and N/P ratio, which would impact
      plant growth and P efficiency under low P stress. Taking breeding population of
      Pinus massoniana as test materials, a pot experiment was conducted to simulate
      two P conditions, i. e., homogeneous low P availability vs. heterogeneous low P
      among soil layers, in combination with two N deposition levels on growth traits
      and P absorption and utilization efficiency of P. massoniana. Under the
      homogeneous low phosphorus condition, growth traits and P efficiency of P.
      massoniana were not significantly improved by simulated nitrogen deposition, but
      significant nitrogen x family interaction effect was detected, with the biomass
      of family 40x44 and 71x20 being increased, 36x29 and 73x23 being decreased. Under
      the heterogeneous low P condition, significant N effects on the seedling height,
      biomass and P absorption efficiency were observed, due to promoted root length
      and root distribution ratio of topsoil. In addition, the effects of simulated N
      deposition on growth and P efficiency of P. massoniana were relevant to the N/P
      ratio. Under the homogeneous low P condition, the N/P ratio of P. massoniana
      plant was 13.8, plants exhibited a low sensitivity to simulated N deposition,
      root secreted APase activity was increased but the plant growth was not promoted.
      In comparison, the plant N/P ratio was 9.7 under the heterogeneous low P
      condition, and the plant growth and P efficiency were significantly promoted,
      while no obvious change occurred in root secreted APase activity.

PMID- 25129926
TI  - [Changes in vegetation and soil characteristics under tourism disturbance in
      lakeside wetland of northwest Yunnan Plateau, Southwest China].
AB  - The characteristics of vegetation and soil were investigated in Bita Lake and
      Shudu Lake wetlands in northwest Yunnan Plateau under tourism disturbance. The 22
      typical plots in the wetlands were classified into 4 types by TWINSPAN, including
      primary wetland, light degradation, moderate degradation, and severe degradation.
      Along the degradation gradient, the plant community density, coverage, species
      number and Shannon diversity index increased and the plant height decreased in
      Bita Lake and Shudu Lake wetlands, and Whittaker diversity index increased in
      Bita Lake wetland. Plant species number, soil organic matter, total nitrogen,
      porosity, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium
      contents were higher in Shudu Lake wetland than in Bita Lake wetland, but the
      plant density, height, soil total potassium and pH were opposite. Canonical
      correspondence analysis (CCA) by importance values of 42 plants and 11 soil
      variables showed that soil organic matter, total nitrogen and total potassium
      were the key factors on plant species distribution in Bita Lake and Shudu Lake
      wetlands under tourism disturbance. TWINSPAN classification and analysis of
      vegetation-soil characteristics indicated the effects of tourism disturbance in
      Bita Lake wetland were larger than in Shudu Lake wetland.

PMID- 25129927
TI  - [Effects of snow pack on soil nitrogen transformation enzyme activities in a
      subalpine Abies faxioniana forest of western Sichuan, China].
AB  - This study characterized the dynamics of the activities of urease, nitrate
      reductase and nitrite reductase in both soil organic layer and mineral soil layer
      under three depths of snow pack (deep snowpack, moderate snowpack and shallow
      snowpack) over the three critical periods (snow formed period, snow stable
      period, and snow melt period) in the subalpine Abies faxoniana forest of western
      Sichuan in the winter of 2012 and 2013. Throughout the winter, soil temperature
      under deep snowpack increased by 46.2% and 26.2%, respectively in comparison with
      moderate snowpack and shallow snowpack. In general, the three nitrogen-related
      soil enzyme activities under shallow snowpack were 0.8 to 3.9 times of those
      under deep snowpack during the winter. In the beginning and thawing periods of
      seasonal snow pack, shallow snowpack significantly increased the activities of
      urease, nitrate and nitrite reductase enzyme in both soil organic layer and
      mineral soil layer. Although the activities of the studied enzymes in soil
      organic layer and mineral soil layer were observed to be higher than those under
      deep- and moderate snowpacks in deep winter, no significant difference was found
      under the three snow packs. Meanwhile, the effects of snowpack on the activities
      of the measured enzymes were related with season, soil layer and enzyme type.
      Significant variations of the activities of nitrogen-related enzymes were found
      in three critical periods over the winter, and the three measured soil enzymes
      were significantly higher in organic layer than in mineral layer. In addition,
      the activities of the three measured soil enzymes were closely related with
      temperature and moisture in soils. In conclusion, the decrease of snow pack
      induced by winter warming might increase the activities of soil enzymes related
      with nitrogen transformation and further stimulate the process of wintertime
      nitrogen transformation in soils of the subalpine forest.

PMID- 25129928
TI  - [Effects of drought stress on growth and water use efficiency of two medicinal
      plants].
AB  - Growth characteristics, stable carbon isotope discrimination (Delta13C), water
      use efficiency (WUE), and their correlation of Cassia obtusifolia and Isatis
      indigotica were measured at three soil water levels, i. e., 30%, 50% and 75% of
      field water holding capacity (FWHC), and at three growth stages. The growth
      indices of the two medicinal plants at 75% of FWHC were higher than those at 30%
      and 50% of FWHC, suggesting that the two medicinal plants could obtain high
      production under sufficient moisture condition. The Delta13C(A) (aboveground
      biomass-based Delta13C) and Delta13C(T) (total biomass-based Delta13C) decreased,
      and the WUE(A) (aboveground biomass-based WUE) and WUE(T) (total biomass-based
      WUE) of C. obtusifolia and I. indigotica increased with the increasing degree of
      drought stress. The growth indices of the two medicinal plants had little
      difference in the different water treatments, which indicated that the two
      medicinal plants were insensitive to drought stress. Water use efficiency of I.
      indigotica had significant negative relationships with aboveground biomass and
      total biomass, while that of C. obtusifolia had a significant positive
      correlation with the root/shoot ratio.

PMID- 25129929
TI  - [Effects of stand structure regulation on soil labile organic carbon in Pinus
      elliottii plantation].
AB  - Taking 21-year-old Pinus elliottii pure plantation as the control, effects of
      enrichment planting with broadleaf trees (Liquidambar fornosana) after thinning
      the conifer trees (P. elliottii) on soil labile organic carbon of different
      plantations, including 3-year-old, 6-year-old, 9-year-old P. elliottii and 21
      year-old P. elliottii-L. fornosana mixed plantations, were investigated. The
      results showed that the contents of soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC), readily
      oxidizable organic carbon (ROC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) significantly
      increased in the 6-year-old and 9-year-old plantations compared with those in the
      21-year-old P. elliottii pure plantation. Soil labile organic carbon contents in
      the 21-year-old P. elliottii-L. fornosana mixed plantation increased
      significantly than those in 3-year-old, 6-year-old, 9-year-old stands, and the
      DOC, ROC and MBC contents increased by 113.1%, 53.3% and 54.6%, respectively,
      compared with those in the 21-year-old P. elliottii pure plantation. The results
      suggested that replanting with broadleaf trees are an effective measure to
      improve the soil ecological function in pure P. elliottii plantation.

PMID- 25129930
TI  - [Community structure and distribution of riparian Bambusa rigida along lower
      Gongjiang River, China].
AB  - The community structure and distribution of secondary riparian Bambusa rigida in
      lower Gongjiang River were studied by the transect sampling method and reverse
      age-class addition. The species in tree and shrub layers in the riparian B.
      rigida community had the strong native trait. Along the river gradient, the
      associated species in tree and shrub layers were fragmented, and associated with
      shore highland plants, suggesting that their distribution did not meet the RCC
      theory of continuous riparian law. Plant species in herb layer was in accordance
      with the RCC law, and the species abundance in lower reach was the greatest with
      29 families, 55 genera, and 70 species. B. rigida was absolutely dominant in the
      riparian communities and adapted to the regulation of tree density and
      physiological integration. The proliferation ratio of B. rigida rapidly decreased
      to become stabilized, and the degree of its clump dispersion pattern gradually
      increased. The average density of secondary riparian B. rigida was 114-141 bamboo
      trees per clump, and the community was in the mid- and late succession stage.

PMID- 25129931
TI  - [Root system distribution and biomechanical characteristics of Bambusa oldhami].
AB  - To determine the mechanism of soil stabilizing through Bambusa oldhami root
      system, the vertical distribution of B. oldhami root system in soil was
      investigated, and the tensile strength of individual root and soil shear strength
      were measured in B. oldhami forest. The dry mass, length, surface area and volume
      of the B. oldhami root system decreased with the increasing soil depth, with more
      than 90% of the root system occurring in the 0-40 cm soil layer. The root class
      with D 1 mm occupied the highest percentage of the total in terms of root length,
      accounting for 79.6%, but the lowest percentage of the total in terms of root
      volume, accounting for 8.2%. The root class with D >2 mm was the opposite, and
      the root class with D= 1-2 mm stayed in between. The maximum tensile resistance
      of B. oldhami root, either with 12% moisture content or a saturated moisture
      content, increased with the increasing root diameter, while the tensile strength
      decreased with the increasing root diameter in accordance with power function.
      Tensile strength of the root, with either of the two moisture contents, was
      significantly different among the diameter classes, with the highest tensile
      strength occurring in the root with D < or = 1 mm and the lowest in the root with
      D > or = 2 mm. The tensile strength of root with 12% moisture content was
      significantly higher than that with the saturated moisture content, and less
      effect of moisture content on root tensile strength would occur in thicker roots.
      The shear strengths of B. oldhami forest soil and of bare soil both increased
      with the increasing soil depth. The shear strength of B. oldhami forest soil had
      a linear positive correlation with the root content in soil, and was
      significantly higher than that of bare soil. The shear strength increment in B.
      oldhami forest was positively correlated with the root content in soil according
      to an exponential function, but not related significantly with soil depth.

PMID- 25129932
TI  - [Adaptability analysis of FAO Penman-Monteith model over typical underlying
      surfaces in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China].
AB  - It is very important for studying surface energy and water balance to improve the
      accuracy of evapotranspiration (ET) estimation. Based on eddy covariance
      measurements and microclimate observational data available, comparisons were done
      in accuracy of simulating ET with the FAO Penman-Monteith model from the
      marshland, rice paddy and soybean field in the Sanjiang Plain. The results showed
      that the values of ET simulated with the model over marshland was significantly
      higher than the measured one (averagely 81.8% higher) when the crop coefficients
      recommend by FAO were adopted, and its modeling efficiency was negative, which
      indicated that the ET from the marshland couldn' t be simulated by the model.
      While the seasonal variation of ET over rice paddy and soybean field could be
      simulated by the model and the accuracy in simulating ET from rice paddy was
      better than that from soybean field. Crop coefficients (Kc) of marshland, rice
      paddy and soybean field were all significantly positively related to leaf area
      index, and crop coefficient of soybean field was also significantly negatively
      related to vapor pressure deficit. With Kc modified through linear regression,
      the FAO Penman-Monteith model markedly improved the estimation accuracy for
      marshland, rice paddy and soybean field, with the mean bias error ranging from 
      0.1 to 0.3 mm x d(-1), root mean square error ranging from 0.50 to 0.67 mm x d(
      1) and modeling efficiency ranging from 0.69 to 0.85. Still, the accuracy in
      simulating ET from rice paddy was superior to that from the other two underlying
      surfaces. The FAO Penman-Monteith model was suitable to simulate the ET from rice
      paddy whether the crop coefficient was modified or not. However, the crop
      coefficient must be modified if the model was used to simulate the ET from
      marshland and soybean field.

PMID- 25129933
TI  - [Effects of irrigation amount on morphological characteristics and water use of
      Jatropha curcas].
AB  - Jatropha curcas is the most promising energy tree, and soil moisture is the key
      factor which affects the seedling quality and water use efficiency of J. curcas.
      With aims to evaluate the effect of different irrigation amount on growth,
      morphological characteristics and water use of J. curcas, a pot experiment was
      conducted with four irrigation amounts, i. e., W1:472.49 mm, W2: 228.79 mm,
      W3:154.18 mm and W4:106.93 mm, respectively. Compared with W1 treatment, the leaf
      area and stem cross-section area of base significantly decreased in W2, W3 and W4
      treatments, but Huber value significantly increased, which could improve the
      efficiency of water transfer from root to shoot, thus enhance the capability of
      resistance to drought stress. Compared with W, treatment, the healthy index of J.
      curcas seedlings decreased slightly in W2 treatment but significantly decreased
      in W3 and W4 treatments. Hence, the irrigation amount from 228.79 to 472.49 mm
      was beneficial to increase the healthy index of J. curcas seedlings. Compared
      with W1 treatment, irrigation water was saved by 67.4% in W3 treatment, and the
      total dry mass and evapotranspiration significantly decreased by 17.4% and 68.6%,
      and the irrigation water use efficiency and total water use efficiency increased
      by 153.2% and 163.2%, respectively. In the condition of this study, the
      irrigation amount of 154.18 mm was beneficial to increase water use efficiency.

PMID- 25129934
TI  - [Characteristics of soil organic carbon mineralization at different temperatures
      in paddy soils under long-term fertilization].
AB  - Dynamics of soil organic carbon mineralization affected by long-term
      fertilizations and temperature in relation to different soil carbon fractions
      were investigated in paddy soils. Soil samples were collected from the plough
      layer of 3 long-term national experimental sites in Xinhua, Ningxiang and
      Taojiang counties of Hunan Province. Mineralization of soil organic C was
      estimated by 33-day aerobic incubation at different temperatures of 10, 20 and 30
      degrees C. The results showed that the rates of CO2 production were higher during
      the earlier phase (0-13 d) in all treatments, and then decreased according to a
      logarithm function. Higher incubation temperature strengthened C mineralization
      in the different treatments. The quantities of cumulative CO2 production in NPK
      with manure or straw treatments were greater than in inorganic fertilizers
      treatments. The Q10 values in the different soil treatments ranged from 1.01
      1.53. There were significantly positive correlations between the Q10 values and
      soil total organic carbon (TOC), easy oxidation organic carbon (EOOC), humic acid
      carbon (C(HA)), fulvic acid carbon (CFA). The cumulative amount of mineralized C
      was significantly positively correlated with microbial biomass carbon (MBC) at 10
      and 20 degrees C, but not significantly at 30 degrees C. Significant correlations
      were found between the cumulative amount of mineralized C and different soil
      carbon fractions and C(HA)/C(FA). The correlations of differ- ent soil carbon
      fractions with the ratio of cumulative mineralized C to TOC were negatively
      correlated at 10 degrees C, but not significantly at 20 and 30 degrees C. These
      results suggested that the application of NPK with manure or straw would be
      helpful to increase the sequestration of C in paddy soils and reduce its
      contribution of CO2 release in the atmosphere.

PMID- 25129935
TI  - [Impacts of nighttime warming on rice growth stage and grain yield of leading
      varieties released in different periods in Jiangsu Province, China].
AB  - A field experiment was conducted to investigate the actual impacts of nighttime
      warming on rice growth stage and grain yield in Danyang, Jiangsu Province, with 8
      leading varieties approved and released during 1970s-2000s. The field was warmed
      at nighttime for an entire growth stage (i. e. sown date to harvest) with a Free
      Air Temperature Increase (FATI) facility. The results showed that there were
      significant differences in the extents of warming impact on rice growth stage and
      grain yield among the leading varieties, though the impact trends were similar.
      An increase of 0.9 degrees C in nighttime mean temperature in rice canopy could
      shorten the length of rice entire growth stage by 1.3 d. Nighttime warming tended
      to decrease post-anthesis green leaves area and the flag leaf area, and to
      decline rice aboveground biomass production and grain yield by 3.5% and 5.1%,
      respectively. Meanwhile, nighttime warming decreased the plant nitrogen
      concentration at maturity. Nighttime warming reduced the grain yield mainly
      through decreasing the effective panicles and grain numbers per panicle. There
      was no stable changing trend in the differences in warming impacts on the
      varieties released in the different periods.

PMID- 25129936
TI  - [Effects of all-day warming on growth, development and yield of winter wheat
      cultivars bred in different periods].
AB  - A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of all-day warming on the
      growth, development and yield of winter wheat cultivars bred in different periods
      under free air temperature increase (FATI) in Xuzhou and Danyang, Jiangsu
      Province. Warming decreased the effective tillers by 5.2% and 9.6%, and the
      ineffective tillers by 15.6% and 9.7% in Xuzhou and Danyang, respectively. Plant
      height under FATI was higher in Xuzhou, but lower in Danyang than that of the
      control. Plant heights of the late cultivars were lower than that of the early
      cultivars. Warming increased the leaf area index for all cultivars. Warming
      increased the net photosynthetic rates of the winter wheat cultivars except for
      those bred in 1950-1960s and 1980s in Xuzhou and 1950-1960s and 1990s in Danyang.
      There were different changing tendencies of the night respiration rate among the
      winter wheat cultivars bred in different periods. Aboveground biomass and harvest
      index of all cultivars increased under FATI. Harvest index of late cultivars was
      higher than that of early cultivars in Xuzhou and Danyang. Growth period of
      different cultivars under FATI was all shortened, av- eragely by 3.2 and 4.1 d in
      Xuzhou and Danyang, respectively, mainly due to shortening the preheading stage
      (averagely by 7.5 and 8.5 d in Xuzhou and Danyang, respectively) and prolonging
      the filling stage (by average 4.3 d). Except for 1950-1960s cultivars in Xuzhou,
      the grain yields increased under FATI, averagely by 21.0% and 14.1% in Xuzhou and
      Danyang, respectively. Statistical analysis of variance showed that the warming
      induced wheat yield changes were due to the changes in grain number per spike and
      effective spikes in Xuzhou and the change in 1000-grain mass in Danyang,
      respectively.

PMID- 25129937
TI  - [Effects of N and S application on grain filling characteristics and yield of
      winter wheat].
AB  - A field experiment was conducted on the Guanzhong Plain, China, to evaluate the
      effects of N and S application on characteristics of winter wheat (cv. Xiaoyan
      22) grain filling and yield, using a central composite rotatable design with two
      factors nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S). The results showed that, with the combined
      application of N and S, grain filling followed a "S" curve which increased slowly
      at first, then quickly, and then slowly again. With 108 and 267 kg N x hm(-2),
      the grain fill duration, theoretical maximum grain yield, and average filling
      rate decreased as the S application rate increased. With 97.5 and 202.5 kg S x
      hm(-2), N application improved grain filling parameter values. With 187.5 kg N x
      hm(-2) or 150 kg S x hm(-2), the parameters firstly increased, reached a maximum,
      and then decreased as the S or N input increased. Grain filling rate increased
      for 25 days following anthesis, and then declined at a rate that varied among
      treatments. When the N input was > 187.5 kg x hm(-2) or the S input was > 150 kg
      x hm(-2), the grain filling rate decreased with increasing the S or N input. The
      results also indicated that combined application of N and S fertilizers at
      appropriate rates could increase the head density and grain yield. Using the
      regression equations, highest grain yields estimates (> or = 3753 kg x hm(-2))
      were achieved with the combination of a high N rate (178.31-256.36 kg x hm(-2))
      and a moderate S rate (131.95-167.65 kg x hm(-2)).

PMID- 25129938
TI  - [Effects of shading on endogenous hormones regulation in kernel development of
      summer maize in the field].
AB  - Taking 3 maize hybrids, Zhenjie 2 (ZJ2), Denghai 605 (DH605) and Zhengdan 958
      (ZD958) as test materials, the effects of shading on the physiological function
      of endogenous hormones during grain formation of summer maize were investigated
      in the field. The ambient sunshine treatment was used as the control (CK) and 3
      shading treatments with a shading degree of 60% were designed in growth periods
      ranging from tasseling to maturity (S1), from jointing to tasseling stage (S2)
      and whole growing period (S3), respectively. Results showed that the total floret
      number, filament number and pollination floret number decreased after shading in
      comparison with CK, and aborted seeds increased accordingly. The kernels per ear
      showed an order of CK > S2 > S > S3, and those of S1, S2 and S3 were 18.9%, 43.7%
      and 80.8% lower than that of CK. The IAA, GA and ZR contents of normal grain in
      the shading treatments were lower than in CK, while the ABA content was opposite.
      The same hormone change with grain growth in all treatments presented a similar
      trend. Compared to normal grains, the maximum value of IAA content in aborted
      grains shifted from the 20th day to the 10th day after pollination, with less IAA
      accumulation and rapid reduction, and the contents of GA and ZR decreased
      significantly, while that of ABA was still high at the 20th day after
      pollination. Therefore, the effects of shading on hormone contents in grains
      might lead to grain abortion and yield reduction.

PMID- 25129939
TI  - [Effects of high temperature and humidity stress at the physiological maturity
      stage on seed vigor, main nutrients and coat structure of spring soybean].
AB  - A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of high temperature and
      humidity stress [(40 +/- 2) degrees C/(30 +/- 2) degrees C, RH (95 +/- 5)%/(70 +/
      5)%, 10 h/14 h (day/night)] at the physiological maturity stage of two spring
      soybean cultivars (Xiangdou No. 3 and Ningzhen No. 1) on seed vigor indices, main
      nutritional components and coat anatomical structure. High temperature and
      humidity stress were found to cause the decrease of seed viability, germination
      potential, and germination percentage as well as the dehydrogenase and acid
      phosphatase activities, but increased the seed cell membrane permeability as well
      as H+, soluble sugar and leucine levels in the seed soaking liquid of each
      cultivar. Moreover, the stress led to irregular changes of seed oil and protein
      contents and alteration of anatomical structure of episperm and hilum in the two
      cultivars. A shortterm stress (less than 5 h) had no significant impact on seed
      vigor, but a long-term one (more than 48 h) caused rapid decrease of seed vigor
      indices. Xiangdou No. 3 showed less decreases in seed germination potential and
      enzyme activities, and less increase in extravasation content in the seed soaking
      liquid, had compact seed coat and intact hilum, suggesting it was more resistant
      to high temperature and humidity stress.

PMID- 25129940
TI  - [Effects of root cutting under different seedling conditions on root system
      distribution and senescence character of peanut].
AB  - The effects of root cutting on root system distribution and senescence character
      of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) under different seedling conditions were
      investigated by using the box culture method. The results showed that, with three
      types of peanut seedlings, including overgrowing, strong and week seedlings, root
      cutting all first restricted and then promoted the root system growth, especially
      promoted the root growth to deep soil. This effect was stronger on the
      overgrowing and strong seedlings, while relatively weaker on the weak seedlings.
      After root cutting, root activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase
      (POD) activity all reduced at first, and then increased, compared with each
      control. The extents of decrease in root activity, SOD and POD activity were
      highest in the weak seedlings, lowest in the overgrowing seedlings, and moderate
      in the strong seedlings. However, in the later stage after root cutting, the
      extents of increase in root activity, SOD and POD activity were higher in the
      overgrowing and strong seedlings, than in the weak seedlings. Generally, root
      cutting could promote the root activity of peanut and delay the senescence.

PMID- 25129941
TI  - [Effects of exogenous silicon on physiological characteristics of cucumber
      seedlings under ammonium stress].
AB  - The present study evaluated the effects of exogenous silicon on growth and
      physiological characteristics of hydroponically cultured cucumber seedlings under
      ammonium stress. The results showed that the growth, especially the aerial part
      growth of cucumber seedlings cultured with ammonium were significantly inhibited
      than those with nitrate, especially after treatment for 10 d, the aerial part
      fresh mass of cucumber seedlings were reduced 6.17 g per plant. The accumulation
      of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also promoted in cucumber seedlings under
      ammonium, and the contents of O2*- and H2O2 were significantly increased in
      cucumber leaves. With the exogenous silicon treatment, the activities of
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate
      peroxidase (APX) were significantly improved, the ability to remove reactive
      oxygen species was enhanced, the contents of O2*- and H2O2 were significantly
      reduced in cucumber leaves, decreasing the reactive oxygen damage to the cell
      membrane, and the ratio of electrolyte leakage and the content of MDA in cucumber
      leaves. Also, with exogenous silicon treatment, the plasma membrane and activity
      of vacuolar membrane H(+)-ATP was significantly increased, transport capacity of
      intracellular proton was improved, and the level of ammonium in cucumber body was
      significantly reduced, thereby reducing the toxicity of ammonium. In conclusion,
      exogenous silicon could relieve ammonium stress, by increasing the antioxidant
      enzyme activity, H(+)-ATP activity, and decreasing the ammonium content in
      cucumber seedlings.

PMID- 25129942
TI  - [Effects of nutrition medium on cucumber growth and soil microenvironment in
      greenhouse under continuous cropping].
AB  - An experiment of continuous cropping of cucumber in nutrition medium (composted
      with straw, rural soil and puffed chicken manure) or soil was conducted in
      greenhouse in order to study the effects of medium type on the cucumber growth
      and soil microenvironment, respectively. The results showed that the two
      treatments both displayed different levels of obstacles resulted from continuous
      cropping. In the same cropping season, the nutrient content, soil invertase and
      urease activities and B/F (bacteria/fungi) ratio in the nutrition medium were
      obviously higher but fungi quantity was lower than in the soil medium, suggesting
      the use of nutrition medium changed the bacterial population structure as to
      improve the cucumber growth and yield. Under continuous cropping, correlation
      analysis showed that the bacterial quantity was significantly positively related
      with plant height and root dry mass, and markedly significantly positive
      correlation exited between the aboveground dry mass and yield of cucumber. The
      urease activity was also significantly positively related with the cucumber
      yield. Compared with the soil medium, the nutrition medium could greatly improve
      soil microenvironment and alleviate the continuous cropping obstacle.

PMID- 25129943
TI  - [Optimal nighttime temperature for tomato plant in greenhouse in autumn and
      winter].
AB  - In order to investigate the effect of nighttime temperature (NT) on adult stage
      tomato plants in greenhouse, an experiment was conducted by using natural light
      growth chamber. Tomato plants were treated with 4 nighttime temperature as
      natural NT (CK), 14, 16, and 18 degrees C, on condition of the same daytime
      temperature (DT). Actual NT of CK, 14, 16, and 18 degrees C treatments were 13.1,
      13.4, 14.7, and 16.3 degrees C, respectively. Physiological response,
      photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and production of tomato plant under
      different NT treatments were determined. The results showed that, tomato plants
      under CK treatment suffered lower temperature press periodically, and the
      membrane system was damaged to some extent, resulting in the lowest dry matter
      accumulation and nearly no early yield (28 g mature fruit per plant). Compared
      with CK, dry matter accumulation of tomato plant under 14 degrees C treatment was
      increased significantly, early yield was 304 g per plant, and total production
      was increased by 58% (immature fruit included). As for the 18 degrees C
      treatment, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of tomato plant was significantly
      increased by 10.6%-12.5%, dry matter accumulation was increased by 26%, flower
      time was advanced by 4-12 days, fruit number per plant was 3.8, fresh matter per
      fruit was increased by 42.7 g, early yield per plant was 476 g, and the total
      production per plant was increased by 101%. All the items under 16 degrees C
      treatment were between those under 14 degrees C and 18 degrees C treatments.
      Therefore, at DT of 22 degrees C, the low NT limit was 13.4 degrees C and the
      optimal NT should be above 16.3 degrees C for greenhouse tomato plants in autumn
      and winter in North China.

PMID- 25129944
TI  - [Effect of shifting sand burial on evaporation reduction and salt restraint under
      saline water irrigation in extremely arid region].
AB  - The Taklimakan Desert Highway Shelterbelt is drip-irrigated with high saline
      groundwater (2.58-29.70 g x L(-1)), and shifting sand burial and water-salt
      stress are most common and serious problems in this region. So it is of great
      importance to study the effect of shifting sand burial on soil moisture
      evaporation, salt accumulation and their distribution for water saving, salinity
      restraint, and suitable utilization of local land and water resources. In this
      study, Micro-Lysimeters (MLS) were used to investigate dynamics of soil moisture
      and salt under different thicknesses of sand burial (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 cm), and
      field control experiments of drip-irrigation were also carried out to investigate
      soil moisture and salt distribution under different thicknesses of shifting sand
      burial (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 cm). The soil daily and cumulative
      evaporation decreased with the increase of sand burial thickness in MLS,
      cumulative evaporation decreased by 2.5%-13.7% compared with control. And
      evaporative inhibiting efficiency increased with sand burial thickness,
      evaporative inhibiting efficiency of 1-5 cm sand burial was 16.7%-79.0%. Final
      soil moisture content beneath the interface of sand burial increased with sand
      burial thickness, and it increased by 2.5%-13.7% than control. The topsoil EC of
      shifting sand in MLS decreased by 1.19-6.00 mS x cm(-1) with the increasing sand
      burial thickness, whereas soil salt content beneath the interface in MLS
      increased and amplitude of the topsoil salt content was higher than that of the
      subsoil. Under drip-irrigation with saline groundwater, average soil moisture
      beneath the interface of shifting sand burial increased by 0.4% -2.0% compare
      with control, and the highest value of EC was 7.77 mS x cm(-1) when the sand
      burial thickness was 10 cm. The trend of salt accumulation content at shifting
      sand surface increased firstly, and then decreased with the increasing sand
      burial thickness. Soil salt contents beneath the interface of shifting sand
      burial were much lower than that of shifting sand surface. 35 cm was the critical
      sand burial thickness for water-saving and salt restraint. In summary, sand
      burial had obvious inhibition effects on soil evaporation and salt accumulation,
      so maybe it could be used to save water and reduce salt accumulation in arid
      shifting desert areas.

PMID- 25129945
TI  - [Quantitative analysis of the built-up area expansion in Su-Xi-Chang region,
      China].
AB  - Based on RS-derived maps and socio-economic statistics, this paper analyzed the
      spatiotemporal dynamic pattern and driving mechanism of built-up area expansion
      in Su-Xi-Chang region from 1990 to 2010. 3S-based spatial analysis techniques
      were used, landscape expansion indices were calculated, and multiple stepwise
      regression models were also used. In the past 20 years, the built-up area had
      experienced rapid-moderate-accelerating expansion stages, which was strongly
      affected by the national development strategies and policies regarding land use.
      During the study period, the built-up area had increased by 2218.9 km2 mainly due
      to the encroaching from paddy field, dryland and artificial ponds. From 1990
      1995, the pattern of built-up area expansion was dominated by the infilling and
      edge-expansion type; from 1995-2000, the outlying-type had overplayed infilling
      and edge-expansion types due to policy restrictions on the latter; after 2000,
      the outlying-type growth had decreased by a large extent, whereas the infilling
      mode had increased dramatically, which resulted in the spatially compact pattern
      of the newly built-up area. The increase of urban population and the boom of
      regional economy were the major driving forces of built-up area expansion. The
      study implied that improvements were urgently needed in land management system
      and high-efficiency use of cropland. Promoting the compact development of built
      up area was also crucial for striving toward regional sustainability.

PMID- 25129946
TI  - [Evaluation of ecosystem service values of the forests of Shennongjia Nature
      Reserve].
AB  - As an ecological protected area for rare animals and plants in a subtropical
      forest zone, Shennongjia National Reserve plays an important role in the study of
      biodiversity in China. By using the market value, shade-price and opportunity
      cost methods, the forest ecosystem service values of Shennongjia National Nature
      Reserve were evaluated, including forest production, recreation and culture,
      water conservation, soil conservation, gas regulation, environment purification,
      nutrient circulation and biodiversity conservation. The total value of the
      Shennongjia Nature Reserve was approximately 204.33 x 10(8) yuan RMB x a(-1). The
      values of the different functions were in order of biodiversity conservation
      (68.5%) > soil conservation (12.7%) > recreation and culture (4.9%) > gas
      regulation (4.8%) > forest production (4.2%) > water conservation (3.9%) >
      environment purification (0.7%) > nutrient circulation (0.3%). The values with
      respect to utility were in sequence of unused value (68.5%) > indirect value in
      use (22.4% ) > direct value in use (9.1%).

PMID- 25129947
TI  - [Responses of ecosystem services value to land use change in national nature
      reserves in Xinjiang, China].
AB  - With GIS and RS technology, characteristics of land use change and ecosystem
      services value of different years in six national nature reserves in Xinjiang,
      China were analyzed with remote sensing image of the year 2000-2010. Results
      showed that the area of water body and grassland decreased while the area of
      forest, farmland, wetland, unused land and construction land increased in 2000
      2010. Variation rate of land use change in 2000-2005 was faster, as 2.4-6.3 times
      as that in 2005-2010. The total ecosystem services value mostly consisted of that
      of water body, grassland and forest, accounting for 93% approximately. During the
      study, the values of all kinds of the ecosystem services increased except for
      grassland and water body, the total ecosystem services value increased firstly
      and then decreased, and overall emerged as a reducing trend with the rate of
      1.2%. In the process of the development of the west regions, it is necessary to
      pay more attention to the protection of natural resources and ecosystem
      restoration, so as to achieve sustainable development of resources, environment
      and social economy in the western regions.

PMID- 25129948
TI  - [Evaluation of wetland ecological benefit and restoration in the natural reserves
      of western Jilin Province, China].
AB  - In order to correctly evaluate wetland ecological benefit and restoration in the
      natural reserves of western Jilin Province, an index system of wetland ecological
      benefit assessment for nature reserves was established based on ecosystem service
      theory and catastrophe theory. Considering the diversity characteristics of
      ecological benefit, and consulting the research results of ecological benefit in
      study area in 2001, the analytic hierarchy process and entropy method were
      introduced to analyze the ecological benefit and restoration in 2005 and 2012.
      The results showed that the ecological benefit level was very high in Momoge
      Nature Reserve since 2005, high in Chaganhu and Xianghai nature reserves, and
      moderate in Dabusu Nature Reserve. This study showed that the assessment
      combining the catastrophe progression method with the analytic hierarchy process
      and entropy method could reveal the dynamics and the integrality of wetland
      ecological benefit, and accurately reflect the reality of the ecological
      restoration in study area. In recent years, some achievements in ecological
      protection and environmental remediation had been obtained in the west of Jilin
      Province, and the whole ecological benefit of the wetlands had been improved and
      enhanced by means of man-made effective interference.

PMID- 25129949
TI  - [System construction of early warning for ecological security at cultural and
      natural heritage mixed sites and its application: a case study of Wuyishan
      Scenery District].
AB  - This paper proposed a new concept of ecological security for protection by a
      comprehensive analysis of the contents and standards of world heritage sites. A
      frame concept model named "Pressure-State-Control" for early warning of
      ecological security at world heritage mixed sites was constructed and evaluation
      indicators of this frame were also selected. Wuyishan Scenery District was chosen
      for a case study, which has been severely disturbed by natural and artificial
      factors. Based on the frame model of "Pressure-State-Control" and by employing
      extension analysis, the matter-element model was established to assess the
      ecological security status of this cultural and natural world heritage mixed
      site. The results showed that the accuracy of ecological security early warning
      reached 84%. Early warning rank was I level (no alert status) in 1997 and 2009,
      but that in 2009 had a higher possibility to convert into II level. Likewise, the
      early-warning indices of sensitive ranks were different between 1997 and 2009.
      Population density, population growth rate, area index for tea garden, cultivated
      land owned per capita, level of drought, and investment for ecological and
      environmental construction were the main limiting factors to hinder the
      development of ecological security from 2009 to future. In general, the status of
      Wuyishan Scenery District ecological security was relatively good and considered
      as no alert level, while risk conditions also existed in terms of a few early
      warning indicators. We still need to pay more attention to serious alert
      indicators and adopt effective prevention and control measures to maintain a good
      ecological security status of this heritage site.

PMID- 25129950
TI  - [Effects of bacterial consortium EG03 on control of pepper bacterial wilt and
      rhizosphere microbial community characteristics in fields].
AB  - Bacterial consortium EG03, consisted of several different antagonistic bacteria
      against Ralstonia solanacearum, was demonstrated to efficiently control bacterial
      wilt of pepper in field with a biocontrol efficacy of 85.8%. The traditional
      dilution plate method, the most probable number (MPN) method and Biolog system
      were adopted to determine effects of EG03 on characteristics of microbial
      community in pepper rhizosphere. It's shown that EGO3's effects on microbial
      community in pepper rhizospheric soil varied with time. There were an increase in
      the number of fungus and Bacillus spp. to some extent and a significant increase
      in that of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Biolog analysis showed that the curve
      between average well color development (AWCD) and incubation time was S-shaped
      for all the treatments and that the AWCD of pepper rhizospheric soil at the early
      stage was higher than at the late stage. The analysis of carbon source
      utilization showed that EG03 decreased microbial utilization of carbon source in
      short-term, and the microbial community of pepper rhizospheric soil at the late
      stage composed mainly of microbes depended on sugars as carbon resource. EG03
      treatment could decrease the five microbial diversity indices of rhizospheric
      microbes in short term, then increased those indices instead, especially with
      significant (P < 0.05) increases in Simpson index and McIntosh evenness.

PMID- 25129951
TI  - [Effects of inoculating plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the biological
      characteristics of walnut (Juglans regia) rhizosphere soil under drought
      condition].
AB  - Effects of four plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) , namely Pseudomonas
      sp. YT3, Bacillus subtilis DZ1, B. cereus L90 and B. fusiformis L13 on the
      biological characteristics of walnut (Juglans regia) rhizosphere soil under
      drought stress were investigated. Results showed that drought stress had little
      effect on available nutrients of walnut rhizosphere soil, but significantly
      decreased the activity of organic carbon by 18.4% and increased the pH from 7.34
      to 7.79. Under drought stress condition, the inoculation of Bacillus cereus L90
      significantly increased high-labile organic carbon in walnut rhizosphere by 14.5%
      relative to the un-inoculated control, and decreased the pH to 7.41. Compared
      with the irrigated control, the total microbial populations, root exudates,
      microbial biomass carbon, and microbial biomass nitrogen in walnut rhizosphere
      soil were significantly decreased by 36.0%, 20.7%, 33.5% and 30.7%, respectively,
      because of drought stress. However, L90 inoculation decreased these deficits to
      14.1%, 10.3%, 12.1% and 12.7%, respectively. Some terminal restriction fragments
      (T-RFs) disappeared under the drought condition and PGPR inoculation had great
      influence on T-RFs according to Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism
      profiles. The Margalef index and the Shannon index of walnut rhizosphere soil
      significantly decreased, but the Simpson index increased relative to the
      irrigated control. Compared with the un-inoculated control, the Margalef index
      significantly increased from 0.42 to 0.99, as well as the Shannon index increased
      from 0.52 to 0.98. However, the Simpson index de- creased from 0.60 to 0.39.
      Inoculating YT3, DZ1 and L13 had weaker effects on the biological characteristics
      of walnut rhizosphere soil compared to inoculating L90, suggesting L90
      inoculation could interfere with the suppression of drought stress to the
      biological characteristics of walnut rhizosphere soil.

PMID- 25129952
TI  - [Nest habitat quality evaluation for the oriental great reed warbler
      (Acrocephalus orientalis) in Baiyangdian Wetland].
AB  - The Baiyangdian Wetland Natural Reserve is an important breeding habitat for
      oriental great reed warbler (OGRWs), Acrocephalus orientalis, in North China
      Plain. We investigated the nesting sites of OGRWs by line transect method during
      June-July, 2011, and 112 nests were found out in total. The ecological-niche
      factor analysis (ENFA) was applied in nesting habitat suitability assessment for
      OGRWs in Baiyangdian. The results showed that OGRWs in this reserve preferred
      nesting in dry land reed landscapes, which located at relatively high altitudes
      and away from anthropocentric disturbance. In 2011, the suitable and the most
      suitable nesting habitats of OGRWs in this reserve were 2474.69 hm2 and 1131.19
      hm2, accounting 7.6% and 3.5% of the total reserve area, respectively. The most
      suitable nesting habitats shaped a circle-like structure, and they all clustered
      together around Damai and Shaoche core area, which located in the east part of
      the reserve. In order to protect the nesting habitats for OGRWs within
      Baiyangdian wetland reserve, it was suggested that the functional zone should be
      reorganized, and that the Damai and Shaoche core area should be integrated into
      one. This new core area would be bigger and more concentrated, at the same time
      the buffer zone should also be established appropriately, so as to protect the
      natural landscapes in this reserve as much as possible.

PMID- 25129953
TI  - [Photosynthetic activity of Gloiopeltis furcata (intertidal red macroalga) in
      response to desiccation].
AB  - In this study, the diurnal change of photosynthesis activity in response to
      various tidal patterns, the relationship between photosynthetic activity and
      tissue water content, and the interactive effect of desiccation and irradiance on
      photosynthetic activity in Gloiopeltis furcata were investigated by using
      portable pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometer. Results showed that Fv/Fm
      decreased more rapidly during the noon low tide than during the morning- or
      evening low tide. F/Fm decreased slowly at the beginning of desiccation during
      the morning low tide, but decreased rapidly throughout the evening low tide.
      Fv/Fm recovered to the initial values on the same day no matter when the low tide
      occurred, suggesting the occurrence of dynamic photoinhibition. These features
      endowed G. furcata with an ability to adapt to the periodic desiccation on high
      intertidal rocks. The maximum (Fv/Fm) and effective (Phi(PSII)) quantum yield
      declined with the decrease of tissue water content (TWC). However, photosynthetic
      activity could recover completely when TWC exceeded 6%, showing a strong ability
      of G. furcata to tolerate desiccation. The relationships between TWC and Fv/Fm
      and Phi (PS II) as were as follows: F/Fm = 0.68 + (0.44-0.68)/[1 +(TWC/ 66.96)]5
      , R2 = 0.99; Phi(PSII) = 0.585 + (0.004-0.585)/[1+(TWC/73)10], R2 = 0.99. ANOVA
      result further showed that the interactive effect of irradiance and desiccation
      on photosynthetic activity was significant, and that the photoinhibition degree
      increased with elevation of irradiation and duration of desiccation. The extreme
      condition (6 h desiccation at 1000 micromol photons x m(-2) x s(-1)) resulted in
      a serious photoinhibition, with the longest period of complete recovery for
      photosynthesis activity.

PMID- 25129954
TI  - [Seasonal variation of functional diversity of aquatic microbial community in
      Apostichopus japonicus cultural pond].
AB  - The functional diversity of aquatic microbial communities in sea cucumber
      (Apostichopus japonicus) cultural ponds was examined in this paper. The Biolog
      plate technique and redundancy analysis (RDA) method were used to evaluate
      seasonal changes and their relationships with environmental factors. The results
      showed that both total amount and types of carbon sources utilized by microbes in
      the sea cucumber cultural ponds varied seasonally, and were the highest in summer
      and lowest in winter, with polymers being the main type of carbon sources.
      Principal component analysis revealed that the carbon utilization diversity of
      the microbial communities varied significantly over the seasonal courses. A total
      of 10 categories of carbon sources were significantly related to the principal
      component 1, among which were polymers, carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, amino
      acids, and amines. Significant seasonal changes were detected for all carbon
      utilization diversity indices of the microbial communities, including Shannon,
      McIntosh, Simpson, and S-E. However, seasonal variations were different among the
      microbial diversity indices. RDA analysis revealed that TP, NO(3-)-N, TN, and
      PO4(3-)-P were the critical environmental factors influencing the seasonal
      changes in functional diversity of aquatic microbial community in sea cucumber
      cultural ponds.

PMID- 25129955
TI  - [Estimation of biological parameters and yield per recruitment for Coilia
      nasustaihuensis in Dianshan Lake, Shanghai, China].
AB  - Coilia nasustaihuensis is the most abundant species in Dianshan Lake and plays an
      important role in the lake ecosystem. From July 2010 to August 2011, a total of
      3107 samples of C. nasustaihuensis were collected from Dianshan Lake. Based on
      length data of these samples, ELEFAN I technique was employed to estimate growth
      and mortality parameters, and the Beverton-Holt dynamic model was used to
      evaluate the population dynamics trend for C. nasustaihuensis. Growth of this
      species was described using avon Bertalanffy model, and the estimated parameters
      were Linfinity = 35.70 cm, k = 0.54, and t0 = -0.48 a. The turning point for body
      mass growth curve of the stock was situated at t = 1.37 a. Natural mortality
      coefficient M was then estimated using Pauly's empirical equation and found to be
      0. 872. Length-converted catch curves were used to estimate the total mortality
      coefficient Z, which was found to be 2.121. Accordingly, the fishing mortality
      coefficient (F) was equal to 1.249, and the current exploitation rate was 0. 589,
      suggesting the stock was over-exploited. According to the Beverton-Holt dynamic
      model, the minimum capture size for C. nasustaihuensis should be 21.42 cm (age
      1.22 years).

PMID- 25129956
TI  - [Effects of different host plants on the cold-resistant substances in
      overwintering larvae of Carposina sasakii Matsumura (Lepidoptera: Carposinidae)].
AB  - To evaluate the influence of different host plants including apple, wild jujube,
      jujube, pear and hawthorn on the cold-tolerance substances in overwintering
      larvae of the peach fruit moth Carposina sasakii Matsumura, we measured the
      larvae super-cooling capacity, the water content (W), total fat content (TFC),
      total protein content (TPC) and total glycogen content (TGC) in the body. Results
      showed that the mean super-cooling point (SCPs) and freezing point (FPs) of
      overwintering larvae from the 5 host plant fruits differed significantly, ranging
      from -15.53 to -8.50 degrees C and -11.31 to -4.04 degrees C, respectively. The
      overwintering larvae fed on hawthorn owned the highest SCP, FP, TGC and the
      lowest W, while those fed on apple had the lowest SCP, FP, TFC and TGC but the
      highest W and TPC. The fresh mass (FM) of the overwintering larvae fed on pear
      was the highest, while those fed on jujube was very low. Those fed on jujube
      accumulated the highest TFC but the lowest TPC.

PMID- 25129957
TI  - [Accuracy of predicting in vitro ruminal methane production in goats using
      volatile fatty acids stoichiometric models].
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the accuracy of predicting in vitro
      ruminal methane (CH4) production using volatile fatty acids (VFA) stoichiometric
      models [CH4 = 0.5Ace-0.25Pro + 0.5But-0.25Val] (model 1), where CH4, Ace, Pro,
      But and Val are the production amounts of CH4, acetate, propionate, butyrate and
      valerate, respectively. Ten common feedstuffs, including four concentrates and
      six roughages with a wide range of chemical composition were incubated in serum
      bottles, and VFAs and CH4 production at 72 h were determined. The differences
      between the predicted and measured CH4 production were quantified using the model
      accuracy analysis. The results showed that the predicted CH4 production amounts
      were generally greater than the measured values obtained using the model 1, and
      the bias, slope and random error were 62.6%, 11.7% and 25.7%, respectively,
      indicating that fixed error exceeded 70%. By assuming 80% of total hydrogen being
      used for CH4 synthesis, the VFA stoichiometric model could be re-expressed as
      [CH4 = 0.8 (0.5Ace-0.25Pro + 0.5But-0.25Val)] (model 2). The root mean square
      prediction error (rMSPE = 0.18) for model 2 was less than for model 1 (rMSPE =
      0.60). In addition, the bias, slope and random error of the model 2 were 2.1%,
      5.7%, 92.3%, respectively, indicating that fixed error was less than 10%. In
      model 1, hydrogen formation resulting from VFA production were assumed to be
      totally consumed by methanogens for CH4 synthesis, without considering other
      pathways of hydrogen metabolism, which was the main factor resulting in the
      higher predicted values than the measured values.

PMID- 25129958
TI  - [Effects of plant viruses on vector and non-vector herbivorous arthropods and
      their natural enemies: a mini review].
AB  - Plant viruses transmitted by arthropods, as an important biotic factor, may not
      only directly affect the yield and quality of host plants, and development,
      physiological characteristics and ecological performances of their vector
      arthropods, but also directly or indirectly affect the non-vector herbivorous
      arthropods and their natural enemies in the same ecosystem, thereby causing
      influences to the whole agro-ecosystem. This paper reviewed the progress on the
      effects of plant viruses on herbivorous arthropods, including vector and non
      vector, and their natural enemies, and on their ecological mechanisms to provide
      a reference for optimizing the management of vector and non-vector arthropod
      populations and sustainable control of plant viruses in agro-ecosystem.

PMID- 25129959
TI  - [Effects of iron on the algae growth and microcystin synthesis: a review].
AB  - Iron, as one of the essential mineral elements for algae growth, plays an
      extremely important role in the physiological processes such as plant
      photosynthesis, respiration, nitrogen fixation, protein and nucleic acid
      synthesis. In view of the fact that iron in different forms could be absorbed and
      utilized by algae, the existing forms and circulation approaches in the aquatic
      environment, the absorption mechanism by algae, and the effects on algae growth
      and microcystin synthesis were reviewed in this paper. The relevant microcystin
      synthesis genes and their expression under iron restricted conditions were
      summarized, and the research directions for harmful algal blooms regulation and
      control by ferritin genes were suggested. It was hoped to provide the reference
      for eutrophication remediation technology.

PMID- 25129960
TI  - [Applications of stable isotope analysis in the trophic ecology studies of
      cephalopods].
AB  - Cephalopods play an important role in marine food webs, however, knowledge about
      their complex life history, especially their feeding ecology, remains limited.
      With the rapidly increasing use of stable isotope analysis (SIA) in ecology, it
      becomes a powerful tool and complement of traditional methods for investigating
      the trophic ecology and migration patterns of invertebrates. Here, after
      summarizing the current methods for trophic ecology investigation of cephalopods,
      applications of SIA in studying the trophic ecology of cephalopods were reviewed,
      including the key issues such as standardization of available tissues for SIA
      analyzing, diet shift and migration patterns of cephalopods, with the aim of
      advancing its application in the biology of cephalopods in the future.

PMID- 25129961
TI  - [Control study on risk factors of children with secretory otitis media nested
      case].

PMID- 25129962
TI  - [Mutation screening in taperin gene in Chinese with prelingual nonsyndromic
      hearing impairment].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To screen and identify the frequency and characteristic of mutation in
      stereocilium-related gene Taperin of Chinese prelingual nonsyndromic hearing
      impairment with DNA microarray combined with PCR. METHOD: One hundred and thirty
      four patients of prelingual nonsyndromic deafness and one hundred health
      individuals in China were investigated in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted
      from the patients and was subjected to DNA microarray to screen mutations in 4
      most common genes. The samples that carried none of the common mutant alleles
      were subjected to PCR and sequenced to detect mutations in Taperin gene. RESULT:
      Ninteen out of one hundred and thirty-four patients of prelingual nonsyndromic
      deafness were detected carring common deafness gene with DNA microarray. Taperin
      gene were detected in one hundred and fifteen patients with PCR. A187S was
      detected in Taperin as hetrozygous state in 2 patients and their unaffected
      members of their family. It occurred at the evolutionary conservation of the
      amino acids of taperin according to alignment analysis. Two polymorphism, 157C>T
      and 318C>T, were found in the patients and the control group. CONCLUSION: A novel
      Taperin mutation, A187S was detected in Chinese patients with prelingual
      nonsyndromic hearing loss, which may be relevant to hearing loss. Two
      polymorphism, 157C>T and 318C>T, were found in Chinese in our research. The
      carrier frequency for Taperin mutation is about 1.74% of prelingual nonsyndromic
      deafness in Chinese patients.

PMID- 25129963
TI  - [Analysis on GJB2 gene mutations with nonsyndromic hearing impairment in Kazak
      patients of Xinjiang].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study mutations in the GJB2 gene in Kazak patients with
      nonsyndromic hearing impairment from Xinjiang. METHOD: One hundred and ninety
      three cases of Kazak from the Xinjiang region, including 97 cases of hearing loss
      and 96 cases of normal people, were performed mutational analysis of the GJB2
      coding region by PCR-direct sequencing. RESULT: Eight kinds of mutation were
      found in the encoding region of hearing impairment group:12 cases of 35 delG
      homozygous, 5 cases of 79G>A homozygous, 8 cases of 79G>A heterozygous, 1 case of
      79G>A heterozygous and 608T>C heterozygous, 5 cases of 79G>A heterozygous and
      341A>G heterozygous, 4 cases of 235 delC heterozygous, 2 cases of 341A>G
      heterozygous, 1 case of 439T>G heterozygous, 1 cases of 457G> A heterozygous, 2
      cases of 521G>A homozygous. Four kinds of mutations found in the normal group
      were confirmed as common polymorphic mutation. CONCLUSION: The study suggests
      that the GJB2 gene mutation of the Kazak deaf population in Xinjiang has ethnic
      and regional characteristics. There is a rather high carrier frequency of GJB2
      mutation of Kazak patients in Xinjiang. In this study the 35 delG mutation is a
      common mutation of Kazak patients.

PMID- 25129965
TI  - [Clinic significance of CT scan in diagnosis and management unsudden unilateral
      sensorineural hearing loss].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinic significance of the temporal bone high
      resolution CT in discovering unilateral sensorineural hearing loss of
      adolescents, and to provide the basis for the rational using of medical
      resources. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted on 28 outpatients with
      unilateral sensorineural hearing loss at unsure time. Their medical history and
      CT examine were reevaluated,combined with associated articles in this report.
      RESULT: All of the 28 patients with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss had the
      normal external ear and middle ear and received CT scan. Nine out of twenty-eight
      cases had inner ear malformation. Among the nine cases, 1 cases was Mondini
      malformation and 1 cases was common cavity, 5 cases were single stenosis of IAC,
      and 2 cases were semicircular canal and vestibular malformation. 19 cases were
      not found abnormal by CT, and 4 cases had had suffered from mumps. CONCLUSION: CT
      scan was available in diagnosis of unsudden unilateral sensorineural hearing
      loss, which would help us to use medical resource more rationally.

PMID- 25129964
TI  - [DNA microarray screening analysis in children with profound hearing impairment
      in Hubei province].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate characteristics of molecular etiology of children with
      profound sensorineural hearing loss in Hubei province, and to provide reference
      for deafness treatment and genetic counseling. METHOD: Three hundred and six
      children with profound sensorineural hearing loss in Hubei province were
      enrolled, their genomic DNA were extracted from peripheral blood and a deafness
      gene test chip was used to screen nine hot spot mutation in the GJB2, GJB3,
      SLC26A4, and mitochondria 12SrRNA gene. All patients with SLC26A4 gene mutation
      were given temporal bone CT scan. RESULT: One hundred and thirty-two (43.14%) out
      of 306 children were found carrying at least one pathogenic gene mutation. The
      mutation rates of GJB2, SLC26A4 and mitochondria DNA 12SrRNA gene were 29.41%
      (90/306), 13.72% (42/306) and 0.65% (2/306), respectively. None out of 306
      children was detected GJB3 gene mutation. Thirty-six patients carrying SLC26A4
      gene mutation were detected enlarged vestibular aqueduct by CT scan. CONCLUSION:
      Mutations of GJB2 and SLC26A4 gene are two major pathogenic gene for genetic
      hearing loss in children. 235delC mutation is the main mutation type, followed by
      IVS7-2A> G mutation type. The screening of SLC26A4 gene common mutations
      contribute to the diagnosis of enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome.

PMID- 25129966
TI  - [Cochlear implantation in patients with cochlear ossification].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate cochlear implantation surgical techniques and
      postoperative results in patients with cochlear ossification. METHOD: Twenty-nine
      cochlear ossification patients with cochlear implantation in our department were
      retrospectively studied during 1997-2011. Preoperative imaging and
      electrophysiological assessment were done to classify the cochlear ossification
      of all the patients. Categories of auditory performance and speech
      intelligibility rating were detected to assess the outcome of cochlear implant
      postoperatively. RESULT: Among 29 cases with cochlear ossification, 19 cases were
      grade II, 4 cases were grade I, 4 cases were grade III, and 2 cases were apical
      turn ossification. Among 23 patients with cochlear ossification grade I and II,
      17 cases were totally cochlear array insertion, and 6 cases were partial cochlear
      array insertion. Patients with cochlear ossification grade III were all partial
      cochlear array insertion. Most patients achieved good hearing and language
      ability after cochlear implantation. CONCLUSION: Cochlear implantation can be
      successfully performed on the basis of systematic preoperative assessment and
      some patients can achieve good postoperative results in patients with cochlear
      ossification. Intraoperative electrical stimulation of the auditory evoked
      response provides a good method to assess the residual spiral nerve function.

PMID- 25129967
TI  - [Complementary self-treatment for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional
      vertigo].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the value of self-treatment for Posterior canal benign
      paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV). The treatment effect was compared
      between patients treated with modified Epley in outpatient clinic combined with
      self treatment at home and patients treated by modified Epley alone. METHOD: A
      randomized controlled trial were carried out in the Department of Otolaryngology
      Head and Neck Surgery, the Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao
      Tong University from December 2012 to May 2013. 147 out of 150 patients with
      unilateral idiopathic BPPV-PSC were enrolled in follow-up. Among which, 73
      patients were allocated in modified Epley-alone group and 74 were allocated in
      slef-treatment group. RESULT: The success rate was 53.4% in modified Epley-alone
      group vs 83.8% in self-treatment group (P < 0.01) after 1 week treatment. In the
      modified Epley-alone group,the success rate of hand repositioning group and chair
      assisted repositioning group was 45.9% vs 61.1% (P > 0.05), the risk rate was
      0.752, 95% CI (0.486 - 1.163). In the self-treatment group, the success rate of
      hand repositioning group and chair-assisted repositioning group was 87.5% vs
      81.0% (P > 0.05), the risk rate was 1.081, 95% CI (0.888-1.316). Incidence rate
      of serious complications was 0% in the modified Epley-alone group and 1.3% in the
      self-treatment group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Complementary self-treatment with
      modified Epley maneuver treated PC-BPPV sooner and more effectively, Compared
      with modified Epley maneuver alone. And its incidence rate of serious
      complications didn't increase. Chair-assisted repositioning showed better result
      than hand repositioning alone, and self-treatment at home can reduce the effect
      of the gap. We found that complementary self-treatment with modified Epley
      maneuver had more benefits for patients with PC-BPPV.

PMID- 25129968
TI  - [Research of cochlear coiling pattern and orientation in general population by CT
      3D reconstruction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform morphometric analysis of bilateral cochleae in all subjects
      based on computed 3-dimensional reconstruction tomographic data and assist the
      surgeon in diagnosing the inner ear abnormality or surgical strategies. METHOD:
      Two hundred normal developed cochleae from 100 patients were divided into 5
      groups according to age. Morphometric analysis of bilateral cochleae was
      performed in all subjects by 3D reconstructions and 2D multiplanar reformation.
      The length and width of the cochlear base, the length within the cochlear base,
      the height of the cochlea, the angle between the first and second turn of the
      cochlea, and the cochlear orientation within the cranial base were measured and
      compared in different age, sex and bilateral groups. RESULT: The length of the
      cochlear base was (8.56 +/- 0.52)mm, the width was (6.63 +/- 0.56)mm, the length
      within the cochlear base was (7.33 +/- 10.56)mm, the height of the cochlea was
      (3.76 +/- 0.28)mm, and the angle between the first and second turn of the cochlea
      was (15.82 +/- 2.78)degrees. All index above did not change significantly in
      different aging, sex or side (P > 0. 05). Variability in the angle between the
      first and second turn of the cochlea was considerable, and a smaller angle (from
      the midsagittal line) was showed in the older age groups than the younger groups
      (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: 3D and 2D volume rendering enables us to evaluate the
      features of cochlear morphology and orientation that may assist the surgeon in
      diagnosing the inner ear abnormality or surgical strategies.

PMID- 25129969
TI  - [A comparison of 226 Hz and 1 000 Hz tympanometry in diagnosis of infants otitis
      media effusion].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide a clinical reference by comparing the conventional 226 Hz
      tympanometry with 1000 Hz tympanometry in two groups of young children with
      otitis media effusion evidenced by CT scan. METHOD: One hundred and seventy-seven
      young children (226 ears), from 1 to 60 months, with otitis media effusion were
      involved in this study. They were divided into six groups by age: 0-6 months
      group, 6-12 months group, 12-18 months group, 18-24 months group, 24-36 months
      group, 36-60 months group. They were tested with tympanometry of 2 probe-tones of
      226 and 1 000 Hz. Type A tympanogram was defined as a normal middle ear function
      in 226 Hz and single-or double-peak in 1 000 Hz tympanometry. One hundred and
      fifty-eight normal young children (266 ears) were selected as control group. The
      results were analysed with Chi square test. Receiver operator characteristic
      (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the two methods. RESULT: In the young
      children with otitis media effusion, the detection rate of 226 Hz tympanogram in
      six groups was 21.1%, 35.2%, 46.9%, 42%, 62.5% and 68% respectively, while 94.7%,
      98.1%, 96.9%, 91.2%, 95.8% and 88% respectively in 1 000 Hz tympanogram. In the
      young children with normal middle ear function, the detection rate of 226 Hz
      tympanogram in six groups was 95.1%, 88.6%, 85.1%, 93.3%, 88.5% and 93.5%, while
      87.8%, 94.3%, 89.4%, 95.6%, 94.2% and 97.8% respectively in 1 000 Hz tympanogram.
      The detection rate was significantly different between 226 and 1 000 Hz
      tympanogram in the young children under 36-month old. CONCLUSION: A single-or
      double-peak 1000 Hz tympanometric patterns as normal criteria was a simple way to
      evaluate young children s' middle ear function. 1 000 Hz tympanometry should be
      given priority to the children within 36-month old in detection middle ear
      function,the 226 and 1 000 Hz tympanometry should be done at the same time within
      36-60 months old.

PMID- 25129970
TI  - [Analysis of TEOAE and AABR hearing screening and follow-up in NICU].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the results of TEOAE and AABR hearing screening and follow-up
      in NICU. METHOD: Total 574 cases in NICU were included in this study, all cases
      received both TEOAE and AABR hearing screening while admission and rescreening
      when one-month-old. The cases that were abnormal on either test in rescreening
      were asked to return for diagnostic tests at 3 moths old. The patients who didn't
      return as required in 3 months were surveyed by call and analyzed. RESULT: Among
      574 cases, 472 cases passed both TEOAE and AABR hearing screening while
      admission. While 102 cases had abnormal test results in either screening test.
      Thirty-three cases returned for follow-up, 13 of which passed rescreening test
      one month after discharge, the other 20 cases had ABR diagnostic tests after 3
      months. Among them, 8 cases had normal hearing, 12 cases had various degree of
      hearing loss. Sixty-nine cases lost follow-up. The reason of lost follow-up was
      as follows, parents changed phone number/contact information, parents didn't
      understand the screening results, parents believe that their children having no
      need for further testing; parents had retest in other hospitals, parents didn't
      pay attention to hearing loss because of other severe complicated comorbidities.
      CONCLUSION: The passing rate (normal) of TEOAE and AABR hearing screening in NICU
      was 82.2%, non- passing rate wass 17.8%, and the prevalence of hearing loss was
      high in those followed cases. Hyperbilirubinemia was the main risk factors of
      hearing loss in our NICU patients. We reviewed the reason for high rate (67.6%)
      of losing follow-up.

PMID- 25129971
TI  - [Effect of ossicular chain reconstruction with titanium ossicular replacement
      prosthesis in mastoidectomy with synchronous ossiculoplasty].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess hearing effect of ossicular chain reconstruction with
      titanium ossicular replacement prosthesis during mastoidectomy with synchronous
      ossiculoplasty in chronic middle ear disease. METHOD: Retrospective reviews were
      performed for 139 patients who had underwent mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty with
      titanium ossicular replacement prostheses at the same time between 2008 and 2011.
      The partial ossicular replacement prostheses (PORP) were used in 91 patients and
      the total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORP) were used in 48 patients
      respectively. All patients had follow-up for 2 to 5 years. The preoperative and
      postoperative mean air conduction and air-bone gaps(ABG) for the four frequencies
      (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz) were evaluated. The improvement of mean air
      conduction and ABG over the same frequencies were measured. A postoperative ABG
      less than or equal to 20 dB was considered a successful operation. The hearing
      results of titanium PORP and TORP were compared. RESULT: The mean air conductions
      were (53.97 +/- 11.32)dB and (36.80 +/- 11.68) dB preoperatively and
      postoperatively in PORP group. The mean improvement in air conduction was (17.17
      +/- 5.79)dB. The mean ABG was (31.84 +/- 6.17)dB and (15.13 +/- 7.22)dB
      preoperatively and postoperatively in PORP group. The mean improvement in ABG was
      (17.71 +/- 5.5)dB. The difference of hearing threshold between preoperative and
      postoperative had statistical significance (P < 0.01). The mean air conduction
      were (58.05 +/- 11.35)dB and (44.53 +/- 13.15)dB preoperatively and
      postoperatively in TORP group. The mean improvement in air conduction was (13.52
      +/- 7.81)dB. The mean ABG; were (35.67 +/- 5.73)dB and (21.48 +/- 7.01)dB
      preoperatively and postoperatively for TORP group. The mean improvement of
      hearing threshold in ABG was (14.18 +/- 7.53)dB. The difference of hearing
      threshold between preoperative and postoperative had statistical significance (P
      < 0.01). ABG less than 20 dB after operationwas happened in 68.63% of the
      patients (74.73% for PORP and 54.17% for TORP). There was statistically
      significant difference between PORP and TORP (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude
      that titanium ossicular reconstruction during mastoidectomy with synchronous
      ossiculoplasty give stable and excellent hearing results. We obtained better
      results with PORP than with TORP.

PMID- 25129972
TI  - [Paraglottic space primary paraganglioma: a case report and review].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical feature, diagnose and therapeutic methods
      of paraglottic space primary paraganglioma. METHOD: One case of paraglottic space
      primary paraganglioma was reported and the relevant literatures were reviewed.
      RESULT: One case showed a hoarse voice, who was cured after the surgery of neck
      incision. NSE and CgA were positively expressed. CONCLUSION: Paraganglioma of the
      paraglottic space is very rare. The diagnosis of paraglottic space primary
      paraganglioma bases on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The
      immunohistochemistry and clinical character must be comprehensively analyzed to
      increase the diagnosis accuracy.

PMID- 25129973
TI  - [Comparison of application of several psychophysical olfactory test methods in
      clinic].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the consistency of four olfactory psychophysical test
      methods. METHOD: Twenty out-patients were done with olfactory psychophysical test
      and the results were analyzed. The four olfactory psychophysical test methods
      include simple test method, UPSIT, Sniffin Sticks test and the T&T olfactometer
      test. RESULT: The consistency of four test methods reached 85%, and UPSIT test
      can identify pseudo smell obstacles. CONCLUSION: There is reliable and stable
      outcome of the four psychophysical olfactory test methods.

PMID- 25129974
TI  - [Investigation of skin prick test on patients with allergic rhinitis in Urumqi
      area].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the geographic distribution of air-borne allergens
      which caused allergic rhinitis in Urumqi, and offer guide for prevention and
      treatment of the patients with allergic rhinitis. METHOD: Skin prick tests were
      performed on 350 patients with allergic rhinitis by assay of Novo-helisen depot
      (NHD) fluid. RESULT: The total positive rate of inhaled allergens among 350
      patients was 78.86%. The most frequent of allergen was chenopodium 78.86% (255
      cases). The other frequent allergens were ragweed 36.86% (128 cases), artemisir
      28% (98 cases), timothy 27.14% (95 cases), elm 5.71% (90 cases), willow 25.14%
      (88 cases), poplar 18.86% (66 cases), cockroach 18.86% (66 cases), dust-mite
      14.86% (62 cases), flour mite 14.86% (52 cases), alternaria spp 2.86% (10 cases).
      Allergen were multiple in most AR patients. There was not statistically
      significant difference between the sexes. There was statistically significant
      difference between the tribes. CONCLUSION: Chenopodium, ragweed and artemisir
      were the main allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis in Urumqi.

PMID- 25129975
TI  - [Effect of ambroxol on biofilm of Haemophilus influenzae and bactericidal
      action].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a biofilm model of Haemophilus influenzae and observe the
      effect of ambroxol on biofilm of Haemophilus influenzae and bactericidal action.
      METHOD: Thirty strains of Haemophilus influenzae were isolated from adenoids of
      children with adenoidal hypertrophy. Two strains which could build stronger
      biofilms was selected in a 96-well plate. The effect of ambroxol on biofilms were
      determined by crystal violet, and the structure of biofilms were observed by
      scanning electron microscope (SEM). The numbers of viable bacterial in biofilm
      after ambroxol treatmented determined by plate culture count. RESULT: Through
      crystal violet assay, significant difference (P < 0.01) between the two group
      after treatment was found when ambroxol concentration reached at 0.25 mg/ml and
      0.49 mg/ml. The biofilms was destroyed by SEM. Ambroxol had the positive effect
      on bacterial killing by plate culture count,and the effect was in a dose
      dependent. CONCLUSION: Ambroxol could destroy the biofilm of Haemophilus
      influenzae, and had bactericidal function in vitro.

PMID- 25129976
TI  - [Multiple factors quantitative analysis on middle ear function in primarily
      diagnosed patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the ways of quantitative and objective evaluation for
      analyzing the multiple influence factors on middle ear function in the patients
      with primarily diagnosed NPC, and to analyze the influence factors of middle ear
      function in the patients with primarily diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
      METHOD: Three hundred and twenty cases (320 ears) of primarily diagnosed NPC
      patients were examinated with electric otoscope, acoustic immittance measurement,
      pure tone audiometry, nasopharynx and middle ear CT or MRI scanning, eustachian
      tube function examination, and electronic nasopharyngoscope. A series of
      quantitative methods, as the influence factors including T stage, clinical stage,
      location, diffusion type and form of tumor, eustachian tube function, pharynx
      mouth shape, imaging extension (nasal, skull base, pharyngeal recess,
      parapharyngeal space, tensor veli palatini muscle, levator veli palatini and so
      on), were used to evaluate the middle ear function. SPSS 13.0 was used to anlyze
      the single and multiple factors in statistics. RESULT: T stage, clinical stage,
      location, diffusion type, and form of tumor, pharynx mouth shape, imaging
      extension (nasal, skull base, pharyngeal recess, parapharyngeal space, tensor
      veli palatini muscle, levator veli palatini) were the single influence factors on
      the function of middle ear in primarily diagnosed NPC patients. The gender, age,
      pathological types, N staging and M staging of NPC patients primarily diagnosed
      had no effect on middle ear function. The multple factors analysis showed that T
      stage, tumor location, the function of eustachian tube, tensor veli palatini
      muscle invasion, and skull base invasion were independent factor of affecting the
      middle ear function on primarily diagnosed NPC patients. CONCLUSION: In this
      study, the influence factors of middle ear function with primarily diagnosed NPC
      were related to T stage, location of tumor, the function of eustachian tube,
      tensor veli palatini muscle invasion, skull base invasion, otitis media and
      quantitative criteria. The way of quantitative analysis could be used to evaluate
      objectively the middle ear function in patients with primarily diagnosed NPC.

PMID- 25129977
TI  - [Silenced NgR gene expression by RNA interference to promote rats facial nerve
      regeneration in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To suppress NgR gene expression in neural stem cells and observe
      differentiation of neural stem cells in vitro after interfered which provide
      nutritional support for the facial nerve repair in vivo. METHOD: PCR
      amplification, restriction endonuclease digestion, T4DNA ligase connections were
      used to connected NgR with rector pGCsi, and constructed recombinant vector (NgR
      shRNA). Lipofectamine 2000 were used to transfect the NSC. The expression of NgR
      was examined by Western Blot. The proportion of neural stem cells transformed
      into neurons after transfection was tested by Immunocytochemistry. Neural stem
      cells were planted in PLGA tubes after transfected, and were scanned by electron
      microscopy. RESULT: NgR shRNA plasmid was constructed and infected neural stem
      cells successfully. Western Blot showed that the expression of NgR decreased in
      neural stem cells after interference. Immunocytochemistry showed that the rate of
      the neural stem cells transformed into neurons after interfered was significantly
      higher (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Neural stem cells were transformed into neurons
      after NgR shRNA plasmid infected neural stem cells, which promoted axonal
      regeneration more effectively and provided a efficient and stable gene platform
      for facial nerve repair.

PMID- 25129978
TI  - [The effect of forsythiaside on the expression of c-jun induced by cisplatin in
      the cochlea of guinea pig].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of forsythiaside on the expression of c-jun
      induced by cisplatin in the cochlea of guinea pig. METHOD: Thirty guinea pigs
      were randomly divided into control group (10), cisplatin group (10) and
      forsythiaside group (10). The ototoxicity model was done with intraperitoneal
      injection of cisplatin solution (8 mg/kg per day) for 7 days. Forsythiaside (25
      mg/kg per day) was injected 30 min before cisplatin solution treated in guinea
      pigs of forsythiaside group for 7 consecutive days. The saline instead of
      cisplatin was injected in normal control group. The distortion product
      otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) was detected before animals were killed. The
      expression of c-jun in cochlea of guinea pigs was detected by western blotting.
      The expression of c-jun mRNA in cochlea of guinea pigs was detected by reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULT: DPOAE amplitudes in
      cisplatin group was significantly lower than in control group (P < 0.01).
      Compared with cisplatin group, DPOAE amplitudes in forsythiaside group was
      increased significantly (P < 0.05). The expression of c-jun protein and mRNA were
      significantly increased in cisplatin group than in control group (P < 0.01).
      Compared with cisplatin group, the expression of c-jun protein and mRNA were
      significantly decreased in forsythiaside group. CONCLUSION: Forsythiaside can
      significantly reduce the side effects induced by cisplatin through down
      regulating the expression of c-jun.

PMID- 25129979
TI  - [Clinical efficacy of mouse nerve growth factor in the treatment of sudden
      deafness].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical efficacy of mouse nerve growth factor (NGF) in
      the treatment of sudden deafness. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was performed
      on 115 cases of hospitalized patients who were suffered from sudden deafness.
      Patients were divided into two groups according to treatment medicine. Control
      group: patients were treated with intravenous vasodilators, energy mixture,
      steroid pulse therapy, and methylcobalamin neurotrophic therapy. NGF group:
      intramuscular NGF treatment was added on the basis of conventional therapy
      mentioned above. Both treatments lasted 14 days, the total efficiency were
      compared. Patients were further divided into sub-groups according to age,
      duration and the level of pre-treatment PTA, and the treatment efficiency was
      further compared. By SPSS 11.0 statistical analysis, a P < 0.05 was considered as
      statistical significant difference. RESULT: (1) The total efficiency of NGF group
      was significantly higher than control group. (2) Regard of age, the efficiency of
      NGF treatment group was significantly higher than control group. (3) For the
      patients whose duration were less than 7 d, or the PTA < or = 60 dBHL, the
      efficiency of NGF group were significantly higher. For the patients whose
      duration were more than 7 d, or the PTA>60 dBHL, the efficiency of NGF therapy
      was not superior to the traditional treatment. CONCLUSION: NGF can significantly
      improve the symptom of patients with short duration or low PTA. For this kind of
      patients, NGF adjuvant therapy should be recommended. For the patients with
      longer duration and higher level of PTA, NGF therapy is not advocated. NGF
      treatment should not be in consideration of the age.

PMID- 25129980
TI  - [The clinical application of modified rhytidectomy incision in superficial
      parotid tumor surgery].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the modified rhytidectomy incision in superficial
      parotidectomy. METHOD: Thirty-five patients with superficial parotid tumor were
      included in this study. A modified rhytidectomy incision often used in facial
      plastic surgery was used for superficial parotidectomy and subtotal superficial
      parotidectomy with preservation of facial nerve and great auricular nerve. The
      follow-up study included the exposed region, the cosmetic effect of this approach
      and the rate of complication. RESULT: All patients healed without salivary
      fistula, and were satisfied with this modified approach. Temporary paralysis of
      the marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve were found in five patients, and
      six patients felt insensible around earlobe after operation. They all recovered
      in 1 to 3 months after surgery, no recurrence was happened during follow-up in 36
      to 60 months (median follow-up period was 48 months). CONCLUSION: The modified
      rhytidectomy incision provided good exposure, had less complication and better
      cosmetic outcome.

PMID- 25129981
TI  - [Microsurgical efficacy of cholesteatoma of external auditory canal combined with
      filling drugs by ear endoscopy].

PMID- 25129982
TI  - [Perioperative treatments of congenital microtia with auricular reconstruction].

PMID- 25129983
TI  - [The position and protection of the vertical facial nerve during cochlear
      implantation guided by HRCT].

PMID- 25129984
TI  - [The development and application of MRI of the inner ear after gadolinium
      injections in the diagnosis of Meniere's disease].
AB  - Due to the lack of objective examination method, the diagnosis of Meniere's
      disease mainly relies on subjective symptoms. MRI of the inner ear after
      gadolinium injections had become a new technology in otology in recent years. The
      image can clearly distinguish perilymph from endolymph in the labyrinth and can
      be applied to the imaging diagnosis, evaluation of treatment and the pathogenesis
      research of Meniere's disease. This article is a review of the development and
      the application in clinical research of this new technology.

PMID- 25129985
TI  - [The giant mucous cyst of frontoethmomaxillary sinus: one case report].
AB  - One case of rare giant mucous cyst of nasal sinus that implicated frontal,
      ethmoid and maxillary sinus was in our hospital. The patient manifested mainly
      slowly developing swelling and pain of cheek, exophthalmos and visual impairment.
      The image studies indicated cyst of nasal sinus, including frontal, ethmoid, and
      maxillary sinuses. The clinical diagnosis was cyst of frontoethmomaxillary sinus.

PMID- 25129986
TI  - Carboplatin dosing for adult Japanese patients.
AB  - Carboplatin is a platinum-based anticancer drug that has been long used to treat
      many types of solid cancer. Because the clearance of carboplatin strongly
      correlates with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), its dosage is calculated
      with the Calvert formula on the basis of the patient's GFR to achieve the target
      area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC) for each patient.
      However, many lines of evidence from previous clinical studies should be
      interpreted with caution because different methods were used to estimate drug
      clearance and derive the dosage of carboplatin. There is a particularly high risk
      of carboplatin overdosing when the dosage is determined on the basis of
      standardized serum creatinine values. When deciding the dose of carboplatin for
      adult Japanese patients, preferred methods to assess renal function instead of
      directly measuring GFR include (1) 24-h urinary collection-based creatinine
      clearance adjusted by adding 0.2 mg/dl to the serum creatinine concentration
      measured by standardized methods, and (2) equation-based GFR (eGFR) with a back
      calculation to units of ml/min per subject. Given the limitations of serum
      creatinine-based GFR estimations, the GFR or creatinine clearance should be
      directly measured in each patient whenever possible. To ensure patient safety and
      facilitate a medical-team approach, the single most appropriate method available
      at each institute or medical team should be consistently used to calculate the
      dose of carboplatin with the Calvert formula.

PMID- 25129987
TI  - Retrospective case series of 15 patients treated with chemoradiation using 5-FU
      and nedaplatin for gynecological malignancy: with regard to hemotoxicity.
AB  - We conducted a retrospective comparison of the hemotoxicity of the sequential
      administration of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) prior to Nedaplatin (NDP) (FN therapy)
      and that of its reverse sequence (NF therapy) for gynecological malignancy. From
      February 2002 to November 2004, a total of 15 gynecological malignancy patients
      were treated with radiation therapy combined with NDP and 5-FU. Of these 15
      patients, 5 were treated with NF therapy, and 10 were treated with FN therapy. No
      significant differences were detected between the FN and NF groups with regard to
      white blood cell count (WBC), hemoglobin level (Hb), and platelet count. The
      results of this study do not show that the FN group has a lesser degree of
      hemotoxicity than the NF group.

PMID- 25129988
TI  - Family support for women's health-seeking behavior: a qualitative study in rural
      southern Egypt (Upper Egypt).
AB  - This qualitative study investigated the influence of family support on women's
      health-seeking behavior in rural southern Egypt (Upper Egypt). We carried out
      separate focus group discussions (FGDs) with 3 groups (6 women with children
      under 5 years old, 6 men, and 4 elderly women, respectively) in a village in
      Assiut Governorate, an underprivileged region in Upper Egypt. The FGDs aimed to
      identify how different types of family support affected women's health-seeking
      behavior in areas including maternal health and common illnesses of women and
      children. Our results showed that maternal health issues were often discussed by
      husbands and wives, while mothers-in-law had little apparent influence. We also
      found that women could access support resources more easily than expected through
      their extended families. Our study showed that husbands had an important role in
      encouraging women's health in the family, while the effect of mothers-in-law on
      women's health-seeking behavior was not substantial. The study indicated that
      women received considerable support from co-resident family members, their natal
      family, and their neighbors, which helped women in seeking health services.

PMID- 25129989
TI  - Useful base plate to support the head during Leksell skull frame placement in
      gamma knife perfexion radiosurgery.
AB  - We developed an original base plate to support both the patient's head and a
      Leksell stereotactic skull frame during frame placement in the supine position.
      The base plate is made of transparent acrylic board with holes at the posterior
      posts for injection of local anesthetics and maneuver of fixation screws through
      them. A stable and comfortable position of the patient's head in a supine
      position is obtained and maintained on this base plate with an air-pressure cuff
      beneath the patient's head. The patient is able to keep a stable, relaxed and
      comfortable posture during the procedures of skull frame placement.

PMID- 25129991
TI  - A learning curve in aortic dissection surgery with the use of cumulative sum
      analysis.
AB  - This study demonstrates the risk adjusted cumulative sum analysis of an
      individual surgical learning curve for acute type A aortic dissection surgery.
      Thirty consecutive patients were operated by a single surgeon for acute type A
      aortic dissection from April 2001 to March 2008. Operative variables, mortality,
      and major morbidities were analyzed. The learning curve was calculated by
      cumulative sum analysis. The anticipated 30-day operative mortality rate was 20.2
      +/- 12.7% (range, 3.3-56.7%) and the expected 30-day mortality and morbidity rate
      was 47.0 +/- 13.3% (range, 21.7-70.6%) according to the Japan SCORE calculator.
      The observed operative and in-hospital mortality rate was 6.67% (two patients),
      and the observed major postoperative morbidity rate was 10.0% (three patients).
      Risk-adjusted cumulative sum analysis revealed that no excess deaths occurred
      beginning at the seventh case and thereafter. The surgeries for acute type A
      aortic dissection could be performed at the professionally permissive level from
      the beginning. Risk-adjusted cumulative sum analysis was a useful tool to monitor
      the performance of the surgical procedure.

PMID- 25129990
TI  - Premature cardiac senescence in DahlS.Z-Lepr(fa)/Lepr(fa) rats as a new animal
      model of metabolic syndrome.
AB  - Aging is accelerated by metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, and the risk of
      these diseases increases with age. Obesity is an important risk factor for many
      age-related diseases and is linked to reduced telomere length in white blood
      cells. We investigated whether cardiac senescence might be enhanced in DahlS.Z
      Lepr(fa)/Lepr(fa) (DS/obese) rats, which we recently established as a new animal
      model of metabolic syndrome. The heart of DS/obese rats was compared with that of
      homozygous lean littermates (DahlS.Z-Lepr+/Lepr+, or DS/lean, rats). DS/obese
      rats manifested hypertension as well as left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis,
      and diastolic dysfunction at 18 weeks of age. Myocardial oxidative stress and
      inflammation were increased in DS/obese rats compared with DS/lean rats. Telomere
      length in myocardial cells did not differ between the two rat strains, whereas
      telomerase activity and expression of the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene
      were increased in DS/obese rats. Expression of the senescence-associated genes
      for checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2), p53, and p21 as well as that of genes related to
      the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system were also up-regulated in the DS/obese
      rat heart. Our results indicate that DS/obese rats undergo premature cardiac
      senescence as well as cardiac remodeling in association with the development of
      diastolic dysfunction in these animals.

PMID- 25129993
TI  - A novel method for managing water and electrolyte balance after transsphenoidal
      surgery: preliminary study of moderate water intake restriction.
AB  - Hyponatremia is a common and potentially serious complication of transsphenoidal
      surgery (TSS). Since September 2009, we have implemented moderate water intake
      restriction (< 2500 mL/day) after TSS in an attempt to prevent this complication.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a combination of
      moderate restriction of water intake plus antidiuretic hormone (arginine
      vasopressin [AVP]) replacement therapy in patients with diabetes insipidus (DI)
      for reducing the incidence of delayed hyponatremia after TSS. Patients treated
      from September 2005 to August 2009 were allowed to drink water freely after
      surgery (the control group), while patients treated from September 2009 to June
      2012 were restricted to less than 2500 mL water per day (the water restriction
      group). To reduce the occurrence of hypernatremia, AVP replacement therapy was
      provided immediately after the development of DI. We retrospectively analyzed the
      incidence of hyponatremia, DI, and hypernatremia in patients following TSS.
      Hyponatremia incidence was significantly lower in the water restriction group (P
      = 0.017); however, there were no significant differences in DI incidence and
      hypernatremia incidence between the 2 groups. Under DI control with AVP
      replacement therapy, the water restriction group showed no significant difference
      in the daily self-rated thirst level for the patients with and without DI.
      Moderate water intake restriction in addition to AVP replacement therapy
      significantly decreases the incidence of hyponatremia without patient discomfort
      (extreme thirst) and other complications. However, further studies are required
      to determine the most effective amount of water and the optimal duration of
      postoperative water restriction.

PMID- 25129992
TI  - Glucocorticoids activate cardiac mineralocorticoid receptors in adrenalectomized
      Dahl salt-sensitive rats.
AB  - We previously showed that selective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blockade by
      eplerenone is cardioprotective in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats. To clarify the
      consequences of glucocorticoid-mediated MR activation in these animals, we
      investigated the effects of exogenous corticosterone on blood pressure as well as
      cardiac remodeling and function after adrenalectomy. DS rats were subjected to
      adrenalectomy at 6 weeks of age and thereafter fed a high-salt diet and
      administered corticosterone (20 mg/kg per day) or vehicle. Systolic blood
      pressure was higher in the corticosterone group than in the vehicle group at 7
      weeks and thereafter. By 11 weeks, corticosterone had reduced left ventricular
      (LV) mass and induced LV diastolic dysfunction. The ratio of collagen type I to
      type III mRNA levels in the left ventricle was increased in the corticosterone
      group compared with the vehicle group. Administration of a non-antihypertensive
      dose of the MR antagonist spironolactone (20 mg/kg per day) from 6 weeks
      inhibited the effects of corticosterone on both the collagen type I to type III
      mRNA ratio and diastolic function without affecting the decrease in LV mass.
      Spironolactone attenuated both the increase in NADPH oxidase activity in the left
      ventricle and coronary vascular inflammatory responses apparent in the
      corticosterone group. These results indicate that exogenous glucocorticoids
      induce hypertension, cardiac remodeling, and diastolic dysfunction in
      adrenalectomized DS rats fed a high-salt diet. The cardiac effects of exogenous
      glucocorticoids are likely attributable, at least in part, to myocardial
      oxidative stress and coronary vascular inflammation induced by glucocorticoid
      activated MRs.

PMID- 25129994
TI  - Unexpected ovarian malignancy found after laparoscopic surgery in patients with
      adnexal masses--a single institutional experience.
AB  - Laparoscopy has become the standard surgery for the treatment of benign ovarian
      tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of laparoscopy
      for ovarian tumors, including those with malignant potential. A total of 487
      patients with adnexal masses underwent laparoscopic surgery in Social Insurance
      Chukyo Hospital from January 2000 to December 2012. We reviewed 471 cases that
      fulfilled the criteria set for this study, and examined 10 cases with unexpected
      ovarian malignancy to analyze their preoperative diagnosis, second surgery,
      postoperative chemotherapy, and prognosis. The ages of the 471 patients ranged
      from 13 to 50 years, with a median of 31. Nulliparous patients numbered
      321(68.1%). Of all, 436 patients mostly consisted of those with endometrioma,
      benign ovarian neoplasm or functional cyst. In all, we histologically identified
      10 women with malignancy: 6 with borderline ovarian tumors (BOT), 2 with ovarian
      cancer, and 2 with histologically rare tumors (immature teratoma and granulosa
      cell tumor). All patients with BOT were diagnosed with a mucinous histology. Two
      patients underwent both second radical surgery (hysterectomy and contra- or
      bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) and chemotherapies that consisted of CBDCA and
      PTX or DTX. Thus, 2 patients underwent staging procedures, but the remaining 8
      cases did not. None of them had evidence of recurrences. With accurate staging
      and careful postoperative follow-up, laparoscopic surgery could be a feasible
      initial operation for patients with adnexal masses including early-stage ovarian
      malignancy.

PMID- 25129995
TI  - External beam radiotherapy for painful bone metastases from hepatocellular
      carcinoma: multiple fractions compared with an 8-Gy single fraction.
AB  - External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) bone
      metastases has not been popular in palliative therapy, and optimum dose schedules
      have not been decided because of limited published reports. We here evaluated the
      palliative effect of EBRT for HCC bone metastases and compared the dose-response
      relationship between multiple fractions (MFs) and an 8-Gy single fraction (SF).
      Twenty-eight patients (42 sites) with painful bone metastases who received EBRT
      and were analyzed retrospectively. Eight patients (12 sites) received SF. Of the
      remaining 20 patients (30 sites), 10 received MFs at moderate doses (20-30 Gy; 17
      sites) and 10 received MFs at high doses (36-52 Gy; 13 sites). Overall response
      was achieved at 83% (35) of all sites; 75% (9) and 87% (26) for the SF and MF
      patients (88%, moderate dose; 85%, high dose), respectively. No significant
      differences in overall response were observed between each fraction schedule.
      Response duration was significantly longer for the high-dose MF patients than for
      the SF patients and moderate-dose MF patients (P < 0.05). SF was as effective as
      MF radiotherapy in terms of pain relief, but high-dose MF delivery relieved pain
      for a significantly longer duration.

PMID- 25129996
TI  - The results of volar locking plate fixation for the fragility fracture population
      with distal radius fracture in Japanese women.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine whether volar locking plate fixation
      for distal radius fracture benefits the fragility fracture population as much as
      it benefits the non-fragility fracture population. This matched case-control
      study was conducted based on a multi-center clinical prospective cohort. A
      comparison of treatment outcomes after volar locking plate fixation was made
      between females 55 years of age and older (fragility fracture population) and
      males less than 75 years of age (non-fragility fracture population) by evaluating
      clinical, radiological, and subjective outcomes using Hand20, a validated patient
      rated disability instrument. A total of 170 patients were enrolled in this study.
      The two cohorts were matched in terms of AO fracture type. The fragility fracture
      population group and the non-fragility fracture population group each consisted
      of 50 patients. All objective measurements including wrist range of motion and
      radiological evaluations, but excluding grip strength, were not significantly
      different between the two groups. However, the Hand20 at 18 months after surgery
      was worse in the fragility fracture population group than in the non-fragility
      fracture population group. Carpal tunnel syndrome was the most frequently
      encountered complication in the fragility fracture population group, with one
      case (2%) in the non-fragility fracture population group and six cases (12%) in
      the fragility fracture population group, but the difference was not significant.
      In conclusion, there was a significant deficit in the improvement in disability
      despite favorable radiological and functional outcomes in fragility fracture
      population patients. Therefore, the fragility fracture population, especially
      middle-aged or older women, needs to be informed about prolonged disability and
      the higher risk of upper extremity disorders prior to surgery.

PMID- 25129997
TI  - Polymorphisms of Nrf2, an antioxidative gene, are associated with blood pressure
      in Japanese.
AB  - Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription
      factor that regulates the expression of antioxidant genes by activating Nrf2
      antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. This study aimed to investigate
      association of Nrf2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs35652124 (A -
      > G) and rs6721961 (C --> A), with various laboratory data in 464 health
      evaluation examinees. The genotyping of these SNPs was performed using polymerase
      chain reaction with confronting two-pair primers (PCR-CTPP) assay. The genotype
      frequencies of rs35652124 SNP were 21.1% for AA, 44.0% for AG, and 34.9% for GG.
      The frequency of A allele was 0.431. In male subjects, cholinesterase was
      significantly high, and HDL cholesterol was significantly low in (AG+GG)
      carriers. In female subjects, diastolic blood pressure (BP) was significantly low
      in (AG+GG) carriers. The genotype frequencies of rs6721961 SNP were 55.2% for CC,
      34.7% for CA, and 10.1% for AA. The frequency of A allele was 0.275. In male
      subjects, systolic BP, diastolic BP and cholinesterase were significantly low,
      and iron was significantly high in (CA+AA) carriers. In female subjects,
      cholinesterase was significantly high in (CA+AA) carriers, and diastolic BP was
      significantly high in AA carriers. In conclusion, Nrf2 polymorphisms are
      associated with BP in Japanese.

PMID- 25129998
TI  - A long-term follow-up of patients with retinopathy of prematurity treated with
      photocoagulation and cryotherapy.
AB  - To evaluate the refractive characteristics of adults diagnosed with retinopathy
      of prematurity (ROP) treated with ablation treatment as children, we measured
      best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), spherical equivalent refraction
      (SER), axial length (AL), lens thickness (LT), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and
      the corneal curvature radius (CCR) from 46 eyes, 24 patients (15-30 years old)
      that were diagnosed with ROP. Patients were divided into two groups dependent on
      the size of the treated retina at the time of ablation treatment; i.e., 360
      degrees group (treatment over the whole circumference of the retina; n = 18) and
      partial group (treatment over part of the retina; n = 28). The study showed that
      LT was significantly larger (P < 1x10(-4)) and ACD was significantly shorter (P <
      1 x 10(-3)) in 360 degrees group (4.26 +/- 0.40 mm and 2.92 +/- 0.48 mm,
      respectively) than those in partial group (3.71 +/- 0.34 mm and 3.42 +/- 0.26 mm,
      respectively). However, there were no differences in SER (-6.52 +/- 3.54 diopter
      vs. -5.95 +/- 4.12 diopter, P = 0.31), AL (23.9 +/- 1.42 mm vs. 25.0 +/- 21.48
      mm, P = 0.08) and CCR (7.59 +/- 0.37 mm vs. 7.59 +/- 0.19 mm, P = 0.86). These
      results indicated that the eyes in the 360 degrees group had larger LTs but did
      not have extended ALs compared with the partial group.

PMID- 25129999
TI  - Factors associated with early postpartum maternity blues and depression tendency
      among Japanese mothers with full-term healthy infants.
AB  - Maternity blues and postpartum depression are common mental health problems
      during the early postpartum period. However, few studies have examined the
      factors associated with maternity blues and postpartum depression in healthy
      mothers with spontaneous births of healthy full-term infants. This study aimed to
      determine the demographic and obstetric factors, various feelings during
      pregnancy, and psychological factors by using the Maternity Blues Scale (MBS) and
      Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale (EPDS) among healthy Japanese mothers. We
      distributed the MBS and EPDS self-administered questionnaires to 100 Japanese
      mothers during their 4-5 day hospitalization and at a health check-up 1-month
      after delivery, respectively. Multiple regression analyses were performed
      including the above-mentioned variables as independent variables and the maximum
      MBS or EPDS scores as dependent variables. The answers "Having a friend I can
      talk to about maternity life or child rearing" [beta (95% confidence interval) = 
      1.53 (-2.68 - -0.378)] and "Satogaeri bunben", a Japanese traditional support
      system wherein a postnatal woman lives with her husband/parents [-2.82 (-4.73 - 
      0.898)] were significantly associated with MBS scores. The answer "Having a
      friend I can talk to about maternity life or child rearing" [-2.83 (-4.76 - 
      0.903)] was also significantly associated with EPDS scores, although the
      association between the partner's age and these scores was marginally significant
      [-0.106 (-0.008 - 0.221)]. This study shows that it is important to provide
      support for healthy women without delivery complications, both at home and in the
      community.

PMID- 25130000
TI  - Biochemical staging of the chronic hepatic lesions of Wilson disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Copper toxicity steadily affects the livers of patients with Wilson
      disease. However, the toxic effect of copper on serum aspartate and alanine
      aminotransferase levels remains to be clarified as a prerequisite for diagnostic
      tests. The clinical records of 33 cases were analyzed to clarify the natural
      history of Wilson disease. Phenotypes were simplified into hepatic, acute, and
      neurologic. The bio-low stage of both enzymes was less than 40 IU/L, the bio
      moderate stage was intermediate between 40 and 200 IU/L, and the bio-high stage
      was more than 200 IU/L of either or both enzymes. Rebounded enzyme levels at the
      recovery period from anemia were presumed to be the chronic baselines when pre
      anemic enzyme levels were not available in the acute phenotype. We investigated
      whether these enzyme levels may provide information useful for screening
      patients. The natural history of chronic Wilson disease consisted of the first
      increasing and second decreasing phases. The clinical courses of a 4-year-old boy
      and 12-year-old girl were representative of the 2 phases, respectively. All but
      one patient were in the decreasing phase. Negative correlations were obtained
      between age and enzyme level in the decreasing phase. The hepatic phenotype may
      be a prototype found throughout the 2 phases, and acute and neurologic phenotypes
      may be major complications in the bio-moderate and bio-low stages of the
      decreasing phase, respectively. Biochemical staging may provide a better
      understanding of Wilson disease when combined with phenotypes. Bio-high stage
      patients should be referred to a medical center for diagnosis.

PMID- 25130001
TI  - Rat model demonstrates a high risk of tremolite but a low risk of anthophyllite
      for mesothelial carcinogenesis.
AB  - Asbestos was abundantly used in industry during the last century. Currently,
      asbestos confers a heavy social burden due to an increasing number of patients
      with malignant mesothelioma (MM), which develops after a long incubation period.
      Many studies have been conducted on the effects of the asbestos types that were
      most commonly used for commercial applications. However, there are few studies
      describing the effects of the less common types, or minor asbestos. We performed
      a rat carcinogenesis study using Japanese tremolite and Afghan anthophyllite.
      Whereas more than 50% of tremolite fibers had a diameter of < 500 nm, only a
      small fraction of anthophyllite fibers had a diameter of < 500 nm. We
      intraperitoneally injected 1 or 10 mg of asbestos into F1 Fischer-344/Brown
      Norway rats. In half of the animals, repeated intraperitoneal injections of
      nitrilotriacetate (NTA), an iron chelator to promote Fenton reaction, were
      performed to evaluate the potential involvement of iron overload. Tremolite
      induced MM with a high incidence (96% with 10 mg; 52% with 1 mg), and males were
      more susceptible than females. Histology was confirmed using
      immunohistochemistry, and most MMs were characterized as the sarcomatoid or
      biphasic subtype. Unexpectedly NTA showed an inhibitory effect in females. In
      contrast, anthophyllite induced no MM after an observation period of 550 days.
      The results suggest that the carcinogenicity of anthophyllite is weaker than
      formerly reported, whereas that of tremolite is as potent as major asbestos as
      compared with our previous data.

PMID- 25130002
TI  - Dimensions of women's empowerment and their influence on the utilization of
      maternal health services in an Egyptian village: a multivariate analysis.
AB  - This study investigated the association between women's empowerment and the
      utilization of maternal health services by women in Egypt and analyzed the
      dimensions of women's empowerment that are associated with increased health
      service utilization. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a village in Egypt
      in November 2007. A total of 189 women, who had ever been married and had at
      least one child, were interviewed to collect data on the utilization of maternal
      health services, such as the number of antenatal care (ANC) visits during their
      pregnancies and whether delivery of their child was attended by skilled health
      personnel. Proxy variables on five different dimensions of women's empowerment
      were obtained by principal component analysis, and were tested for an association
      with the utilization of maternal health services, using logistic regression
      models. The five dimensions extracted from the data were freedom of movement,
      economic security and stability, support by family and freedom from domination,
      decision-making in daily life, and relationship with the community/participation
      in society. Among these dimensions, support by family and freedom from domination
      was the only factor that was positively associated with maternal health service
      utilization (regular ANC: OR = 1.38, P = 0.05; deliveries assisted by skilled
      health personnel: OR = 1.71, P = 0.01). Current age was also associated with the
      latter, possibly influenced by the recent rapid increase in the provision of
      health services in the village studied. Furthermore, this study revealed that a
      relatively high proportion of younger women still only limited access to maternal
      health services in Egypt.

PMID- 25130004
TI  - Human laryngitis caused by Clinostomum complanatum.
AB  - A 64-year-old Japanese man visited our outpatient department complaining of an
      irritable sensation in the throat, occurring two days after eating raw freshwater
      fish (carp sashimi) at a Japanese-style inn. During laryngeal endoscopy, a slow
      moving worm (fluke) was found attached to the surface of the right aryepiglottic
      fold. After inhalation of 4% lidocaine, the fluke was removed using endoscopic
      forceps. Patient's throat symptoms immediately improved. The worm was
      microscopically identified as Clinostomum complanatum. C. complanatum is a
      digenetic trematode that usually infects fish-eating water birds. Clinostomum
      infections in humans are rare, and only 21 cases have been described in Japan and
      Korea. C. complanatum infection is known to occur after eating raw freshwater
      fish, which is a secondary intermediate host. In humans, the metacercariae are
      released into the stomach and migrate through the esophagus before lodging in the
      throat. Primary therapy involves endoscopic removal of the worm.

PMID- 25130003
TI  - Multidisciplinary management of small cell carcinoma of the breast: a case
      report.
AB  - We report a case of primary small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the breast in a 59-year
      old female. To the best of our knowledge, there are only 44 cases of this disease
      reported in the English literature. The patient also had regional nodal
      metastases, but no distant metastases. She underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      according to a regimen of pulmonary SCC, and combination of cisplatin and
      etoposide (CDDP+VP16). The tumor partially responded to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
      The treatment was followed by modified radical mastectomy and adjuvant
      chemotherapy, i.e., EC therapy (epirubicin and cyclophosphamide). She was also
      administered in total 50 Gy of radiation treatment to the chest wall. At this
      writing, the patient has evidenced no recurrence 36 months after her diagnosis.

PMID- 25130006
TI  - Chronic spontaneous lumbar epidural hematoma simulating extradural spinal tumor:
      a case report.
AB  - Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is an uncommon disorder, and chronic SEHs are
      rarer than acute SEHs. However, there is few reported involving the bone change
      of the vertebral body in chronic SEHs. We present a case report of lumbar
      epidural hematoma that required differentiation from extramedullary spinal tumors
      by a long process because the CT scan revealed scalloping of the vertebral body
      and review the relevant literature. A 78-year-old man had experienced a gradual
      onset of low back pain and excruciating pain in both legs. Lumbar MRI on T1
      weighted images revealed a space-occupying lesion with a hyperintense signal
      relative to the spinal cord with no enhancement on gadolinium adminisration.
      Meanwhile, T2-weighted images revealed a heterogeneous intensity change,
      accompanying a central area of hyperintense signals with a hypointense peripheral
      border at the L4 vertebra. Moreover, the CT scan demonstrated scalloping of the
      posterior wall of the L4 vertebral body which is generally suspected as the CT
      finding of spainal tumor. During the epidural space exploration, we found a dark
      red-colored mass surrounded by a capsular layer, which was fibrous and adhered to
      the flavum and dura mater. Microscopic histological examination of the resected
      mass revealed a mixture of the relatively new hematoma and the hematoma that was
      moving into the connective tissue. Accordingly, the hematoma was diagnosed as
      chronic SEH. The particular MRI findings of chronic SEHs are helpful for making
      accurate preoperative diagnoses of this pathology.

PMID- 25130005
TI  - Gamma knife radiosurgery of brain metastasis from malignant pleural mesothelioma-
      report of three cases with autopsy study in a case.
AB  - The median survival time of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has been 9
      months. Given the short survival, there have been only few cases in which brain
      metastases have been diagnosed and treated before death. Three cases of brain
      metastases treated by gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) are reported. Case I showed
      a metastatic lesion in the right frontal lobe which was treated by GKR two years
      after diagnosis of MPM. The lesion markedly reduced and the symptoms were
      improved, But the patient died of progression of pleural tumor four months after
      GKR. A year and three months after the diagnosis, asymptomatic bifrontal lesions
      were treated with GKR. However, Case 2 died of abdominal mass a month after. Case
      3 showed headache one and half year after the diagnosis. Three brain lesions were
      treated by GKR, which disappeared in 4 months. The patient died of new multiple
      brain metastases and periventricular dissemination seven months after. The
      autopsy revealed a MPM occupying the left pleural cavity. No neoplastic lesion
      was found in gamma knife-treated sites. The cause of death was the mass effect by
      new metastatic lesions. GKR was found effective also for the treatment of brain
      metastasis of MPM.

PMID- 25130007
TI  - Intraoperative migration of the trial femoral head into the pelvis during total
      hip arthroplasty--report of two cases.
AB  - Various complications occur during total hip arthroplasty (THA). It is common to
      implement trial treatments of various implants during THA. Here we report on 2
      cases in which the trial femoral head fell into the pelvis and migrated during
      THA. The trial head was not retrieved but left inside in one case, while the
      other presented the opportunity for a possible retrieval. It is important to
      recognize the existence of such rare complications.

PMID- 25130008
TI  - Partial necrosis of the lunate after a translunate palmar perilunate fracture
      dislocation.
AB  - We present an extreme rare case of traumatic partial avascular necrosis of the
      lunate after palmar perilunate dislocation with lunate fracture. A 32-year-old
      female was injured by motorcycle accident with palmar perilunate fracture
      dislocation and lunate fracture. Scapholunate and lunotriquetrum dislocations
      were reduced and fixed temporarily. The torn dorsal ligament was repaired.
      Considering close observation with both arthroscopy and fluoroscopy, we decided
      not to conduct open reduction and internal fixation for the lunate. Partial
      avascular necrosis of the lunate appeared gradually in follow-up.

PMID- 25130009
TI  - Recurrence of solitary fibrous tumor of the cervical spinal cord.
AB  - Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) mostly originates from the pleura because of
      proliferation of fibroblast cells. It is extremely rare for the tumor to
      originate from the spinal cord. Here, we report a rare case of SFT in the spinal
      cord that recurred repeatedly and progressed from intramedullary to
      extramedullary. A 40-year-old man underwent C4-5 intramedullary and
      extramedullary tumor resection in another hospital. Eighteen years later, he
      experienced symptoms of myelopathy because of tumor recurrence; therefore, he
      consulted with our hospital and underwent tumor resection again. During surgery,
      we found that the tumor had an intramedullary and extramedullary location. Only
      partial resection was possible because of intraoperative deterioration in the
      compound motor action potential (CMAP). After resection, the pathological
      diagnosis was SFT. The postoperative course was good. However, two years later, a
      third tumor resection was required because of dysuria and tumor growth. In this
      surgery, total resection of the tumor was possible without intraoperative
      deterioration of the CMAP. The tumor has not subsequently recurred. However, SFT
      recurrence is relatively common and careful follow-up is required for early
      detection of recurrence, even after successful removal of the tumor.

PMID- 25130011
TI  - Medical identity theft: prevention and reconciliation initiatives at
      Massachusetts General Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical identity theft refers to the misuse of another individual's
      identifying medical information to receive medical care. Beyond the financial
      burden on patients, hospitals, health insurance companies, and government
      insurance programs, undetected cases pose major patient safety challenges.
      Inaccuracies in the medical record may persist even after the theft has been
      identified because of restrictions imposed by patient privacy laws. Massachusetts
      General Hospital (MGH; Boston) has conducted initiatives to prevent medical
      identity theft and to better identify and respond to cases when they occur.
      METHODS: Since 2007, MGH has used a notification tree to standardize reporting of
      red flag incidents (warning signs of identity theft, such as suspicious personal
      identifiers or account activity). A Data Integrity Dashboard allows for tracking
      and reviewing of all potential incidents of medical identity theft to detect
      trends and targets for mitigation. An identity-checking policy, VERI-(Verify
      Everyone's Identity) Safe Patient Care, requires photo identification at every
      visit and follow-up if it is not provided. RESULTS: Data from MGH suggest that an
      estimated 120 duplicate medical records are created each month, 25 patient
      encounters are likely tied to identity theft or fraud each quarter, and 14
      patients are treated under the wrong medical record number each year. As of
      December 2013, 80%-85% of patients were showing photo identification at
      appointments. CONCLUSION: Although an organization's policy changes and
      educational campaigns can improve detection and reconciliation of medical
      identity theft cases, national policies should be implemented to streamline the
      process of correcting errors in medical records, reduce the financial
      disincentive for hospitals to detect and report cases, and create a single point
      of entry to reduce the burden on individuals and providers to reconcile cases.

PMID- 25130010
TI  - A case of mediastinal embryonal carcinoma successfully treated by integrative
      therapy.
AB  - Mediastinal embryonal carcinoma is rare, and the life prognosis of this disease
      is assumed to be relatively short. We encountered a case of mediastinal embryonal
      carcinoma for which we could perform radical surgical resection. The patient was
      male, aged 16 years, and acutely aware of back pain. Because the pain increased
      during the same year, he visited a local doctor, and an expanding neoplastic
      lesion was detected in the right thoracic wall by computed tomography (CT). Then
      he was referred to our institution. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a
      dumbbell type tumor (Eden type 3) at the Th7/8 level. Malignant disease was
      suspected, so the authors planned and performed CT-guided biopsy. The result
      showed that this tumor pathologically corresponded to malignant peripheral nerve
      sheath tumor (MPNST). Therefore, chemotherapy was considered the main treatment.
      After 2 courses of chemotherapy, the tumor size decreased dramatically. The
      authors thought that radical resection is possible if there is no intrathoracic
      tumor dissemination as a result of a favorable response to chemotherapy. We thus
      perfomed surgical resection after we confirmed by a thoracoscopic exploratory
      thoracotomy that there was no intrathoracic tumor dissemination. Pathological
      findings were consistent with an embryonal carcinoma. Both the cutting ends of
      the thoracic wall and the epidural lateral sides of the excised lesion were
      negative for tumor cells. There is no image finding from the MRI and PET-CT
      suggesting metastasis or recurrence in the MRI and PET-CT 18 months after
      surgical resection. Therefore, the long-term vital prognosis can be expected in
      this patient.

PMID- 25130012
TI  - A clinical practice agreement between pharmacists and surgeons streamlines
      medication management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Collaborative practice agreements (CPAs), which have been widely used
      in ambulatory care, were applied to hospital surgical teams in a postsurgical
      colorectal surgery unit at Mayo Clinic Rochester (Minnesota). METHODS: The CPA
      allowed pharmacists the decision rights to initiate, modify, or discontinue
      medications in accordance with the surgical teams' practice standards, evidence
      based medicine, and/or institutional policies without specific request and
      response from the surgeon/provider. Interventions for CPA and non-CPA groups were
      captured from a prospectively maintained database. Admission medication
      reconciliation (patient medication list compared with hospital orders) was
      compared between CPA patients and non-CPA patients. Time-to-decision and surgical
      service interruptions were measured by an audit of 50 CPA interventions versus 50
      non-CPA interventions. RESULTS: For the 135 CPA-eligible colorectal and general
      surgery patients in January-March 2011, there were 417 pharmacist interventions
      (3.1 per patient episode), compared with 537 for 305 non-CPA patients on a
      comparable surgical unit (1.8 per patient episode) (p < or = .0200). Admission
      medication reconciliation was completed for 135/135 (100%) of CPA patients versus
      220/305 (72%) of non-CPA patients (p < or = .001). Rules-based interventions with
      CPA totaled 21/417 (5%) versus 221/537 (41%) without CPA (p < or = .0001). The
      time-to-decision (CPA versus non-CPA) was within 1 minute versus 0 to 4,320
      minutes (mean, 314.2 minutes; median, 138 minutes), respectively (p = .0063).
      CONCLUSION: The CPA increased pharmacist interventions and increased both
      accuracy and efficiency in resolving medication-related problems. The CPA
      streamlined and improved medication management of hospitalized surgical patients.

PMID- 25130013
TI  - Walkrounds in practice: corrupting or enhancing a quality improvement
      intervention? A qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Walkrounds, introduced as Leadership (or Executive) WalkRounds, are a
      widely advocated model for increasing leadership engagement in patient safety to
      improve safety culture, but evidence for their effectiveness is mixed. In the
      English National Health Service (NHS), hospitals have been strongly encouraged to
      make use of methods closely based on the walkrounds approach. A study was
      conducted to explore how walkrounds are used in practice and to identify
      variations in implementation that might mediate their impact on safety and
      culture. METHODS: The data, collected from 82 semistructured interviews in the
      English NHS, were drawn from two components of a wider study of culture and
      behavior around quality and safety in the English system. Analysis was based on
      the constant comparative method. FINDINGS: Our analysis highlights how local,
      pragmatic adjustments to the walkrounds approach could radically alter its
      character and the way in which it is received by those at the front line. The
      modification and expansion of walkrounds to increase the scope of knowledge
      produced could increase the value that executives draw from them. However, it
      risks replacing the main objectives of walkrounds--specific, actionable knowledge
      about safety issues, and a more positive safety culture and relationship between
      ward and board--with a form of surveillance that could alienate frontline staff
      and produce fallible insights. CONCLUSION: The studys findings suggest some
      plausible explanations for the mixed evidence for walkrounds' effectiveness in
      creating a safety culture. On a practical level, they point to critical questions
      that executives must ask themselves in practicing interventions of this nature to
      ensure that adaptations align rather than conflict with the intervention's model
      of change.

PMID- 25130014
TI  - Barriers and facilitators for taking action after classroom-based crew resource
      management training at three ICUs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given growing awareness of the crucial role of nontechnical skills in
      providing safe patient care, crew resource management (CRM) training is being
      increasingly used to improve them. Implementing the plans of action that are
      formulated during CRM training may constitute an important first step in the
      successful uptake of skills. Accordingly, understanding the factors that
      determine why participants do or do not carry out those plans should help improve
      CRM training and enhance its impact. A study was conducted to examine the impact
      of pretraining readiness factors and posttraining barriers and facilitators on
      follow-up on plans of action. METHODS: Three ICUs, each at a different
      nonacademic teaching hospital in The Netherlands, received two-day classroom
      based CRM training in 2010. During the training, new ideas for safety initiatives
      were documented as concrete plans of action. All plans were categorized as
      individual (for example, "Always ask a colleague to double-check your
      medication"), team, or organizational. Two months before and three months after
      the CRM training, all ICU employees were asked to fill out a set of
      questionnaires. RESULTS: Management support for patient safety before the
      training was a positive determinant of the number of perceived facilitators. A
      significant relationship was found between the perceived barriers and
      facilitators after CRM training and Taking Action. More barriers were negatively
      associated, while more facilitators were positively associated, with Taking
      Action. When assessed separately, none of the readiness factors were
      significantly associated with taking action, while when assessed together, the
      readiness factors were positive related to Taking Action. DISCUSSION: To overcome
      the barriers and profit from the facilitators, they should be considered during
      the training and in regular CRM meetings afterward.

PMID- 25130015
TI  - Improving the quality of care and communication during patient transitions: best
      practices for urgent care centers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although high-quality care transitions require timely and accurate
      communication of clinical information between providers, such communication is
      inconsistent, and there are few established guidelines outside the hospital
      setting. METHODS: Using a systematic, collaborative quality improvement process,
      Healthcentric Advisors (Providence, Rhode Island) undertook a multistage approach
      to define best practices for care transitions in the urgent care setting. This
      approach entailed review of the medical literature to identify processes that
      improve care transitions outcomes, gathering of information about clinicians'
      preferences, and a statewide community meeting with urgent care clinicians and
      other stakeholders to vet draft guidelines and obtain consensus on the concepts.
      RESULTS: Because of an inability to identify any guidelines or research that
      globally addressed care transitions from the urgent care setting, information was
      gathered from studies on patient discharge instructions and extrapolated from the
      evidence base available for related settings. The resulting set of eight best
      practices for urgent care center transitions focuses on clinician-to-clinician
      communication and patient activation, which can be implemented to establish
      measurable, communitywide expectations for communication. CONCLUSION: This set of
      best practices constitutes the first known guidelines to establish expectations
      and measures tailored specifically to transitions from the urgent care setting to
      the emergency department or primary care office. They can serve as a resource and
      a framework for urgent care clinicians expanding their collaboration with
      community partners, such as emergency departments and primary care providers,
      particularly in the context of emerging payment models.

PMID- 25130016
TI  - A medication-based trigger tool to identify adverse events in pediatric
      anesthesiology.

PMID- 25130017
TI  - A situational analysis of priority disaster hazards in Uganda: findings from a
      hazard and vulnerability analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most countries in sub-Saharan Africa have not conducted a disaster
      risk analysis. Hazards and vulnerability analyses provide vital information that
      can be used for development of risk reduction and disaster response plans. The
      purpose of this study was to rank disaster hazards for Uganda, as a basis for
      identifying the priority hazards to guide disaster management planning. METHODS:
      The study as conducted in Uganda, as part of a multi-country assessment. A
      hazard, vulnerability and capacity analysis was conducted in a focus group
      discussion of 7 experts representing key stakeholder agencies in disaster
      management in Uganda. A simple ranking method was used to rank the probability of
      occurance of 11 top hazards, their potential impact and the level vulnerability
      of people and infrastructure. RESULTS: In-terms of likelihood of occurance and
      potential impact, the top ranked disaster hazards in Uganda are: 1) Epidemics of
      infectious diseases, 2) Drought/famine, 3) Conflict and environmental degradation
      in that order. In terms of vulnerability, the top priority hazards to which
      people and infrastructure were vulnerable were: 1) Conflicts, 2) Epidemics, 3)
      Drought/famine and, 4) Environmental degradation in that order. Poverty, gender,
      lack of information, and lack of resilience measures were some of the factors
      promoting vulnerability to disasters. CONCLUSION: As Uganda develops a disaster
      risk reduction and response plan, it ought to prioritize epidemics of infectious
      diseases, drought/famine, conflics and environmental degradation as the priority
      disaster hazards.

PMID- 25130018
TI  - Institutional frameworks for management of epizoonotic emergencies in six
      countries in the Eastern Africa region: a situational analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Eastern Africa region is a hot-spot for epidemics of emerging
      zoonotic diseases ('epizoonotics'). However, the region's capacity for response
      to epidemics of zoonotic origin has not been documented. This paper presents a
      multi-country situational analysis on the institutional frameworks for management
      of zoonotic epidemics in the Eastern Africa region. METHODS: A multi-country
      assessment of 6 country teams was conducted (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia,
      DRC and Rwanda). It involved a review of records and interviews with key
      informants from agencies with a stake in the management of zoonotic and disasters
      in general in the respective countries. Qualitative data were analyzed for key
      emerging themes. FINDINGS: There are many socio-cultural risk factors to epidemic
      prone zoonotic diseases in the region. Countries have varying levels of
      preparedness for zoonotic emergencies. All 6 countries have a framework for
      disaster management. However, technical response to epidemics is managed by the
      line sectors, with limited Inter-sectoral collaboration. Some sectors were
      disproportionately more prepared than others. Surveillance systems are mostly
      passive and inadequate for early detection. All 6 countries have built reasonable
      capacity to respond to avian influenza, but not other zoonotic emergencies. Most
      countries lack personnel at the operational levels, and veterinary public health
      services are ill-facilitated. CONCLUSION: There is need to strengthen veterinary
      public health services at all levels, but with a 'one health' approach. There is
      also need to establish 'risk-based surveillance' hot spots for zoonotic epidemics
      and to build community resilience 'epizoonotic' diseases.

PMID- 25130019
TI  - A descriptive overview of the burden, distribution and characteristics of
      epidemics in Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although Uganda is a high burden country for epidemics of infectious
      diseases, the pattern of epidemics has not yet been adequately documented. The
      purpose of this study was to describe the distribution, magnitude and
      characteristics of recent epidemics in Uganda, as a basis for informing policy on
      priorities for targeted prevention of epidemics. METHODS: Qualitative and
      quantitative data was collected from the Epidemiological Surveillance Division of
      the Ministry of Health and the African Field Epidemiology Network through key
      informant interviews and a documents review. RESULTS: Acute outbreaks that have
      occurred since 2002 are: Cholera, Meningitis, Malaria, Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
      (Ebola, Marburg), arboviruses (yellow-fever), Anthrax, Hepatitis E, Measles,
      Polio, Influenza A viruses, dysentery and other diarrheal diseases. Chronic
      outbreaks include: Propagated epidemics of cholera, head nodding disease,
      Hepatitis B, Hepatitis E, HIV and Typhoid Fever. Thirty-one districts had a high
      incidence of cholera. Most of the epidemic prone diseases are preventable through
      appropriate behavior change and sanitation measures. However, current focus is
      mainly on prevention, low focus on prevention. Community involvement in
      resilience and early detection is inadequate. CONCLUSION: Uganda has a high
      burden of preventable epidemic prone diseases. There is need to invest in
      surveillance, early detection and sustainable prevention through appropriate
      technology and behavior change involving individuals, families, communities and
      policy makers.

PMID- 25130020
TI  - Opportunities for strategic use of e-learning in scaling up disaster management
      capacity in Eastern Africa: a descriptive analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The growing need for disaster management skills at all levels in
      Eastern Africa requires innovative approaches to training planners at all levels.
      While information technology tools provide a viable option, few studies have
      assessed the capacity for training institutions to use technology for cascading
      disaster management skills. METHODS: The design was an explorative survey. A pre
      training survey was conducted among 16 faculty members (9 academic staff and 7
      information technology (IT) staff) from 7 schools of public health in Eastern
      Africa. Key informant interviews with 4 students and 4 staff members were
      conducted at the school of public health in Makerere. IT staff also conducted
      observations on trends of use of information technology infrastructure. RESULTS:
      Current levels of use of ICT among teaching and IT staff is variable. On-site use
      of the internet is high, but off-site access is low. Personal computers, e-mail,
      discussion forums and other web-based learning management platforms and open
      education resources (OERs) have been variably used by faculty and students to
      facilitate learning. On the other hand, videos, web-conferencing, social media,
      web-based document management tools, and mobile telephone applications were much
      less frequently used. A disaster management short course produced by the Health
      Emergencies Management Project (HEMP) has been adapted to a web-based open
      education resource and an interactive CD-ROM. Challenges included low levels of
      awareness and skills in technology options among students and faculty and access
      to reliable internet. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the existing challenges, technology
      tools are a viable platform for cascading disaster management skills in Eastern
      Africa.

PMID- 25130022
TI  - Achievements and challenges of resource allocation for health in a decentralized
      system in Tanzania: perspectives of national and district level officers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to identify the achievements and challenges
      of a resource allocation process in a decentralized health system in Tanzania as
      they are perceived by national and district level officers. METHODOLOGY: This
      study was conducted between May 2011 and July 2012 in two districts of Dodoma
      region: Kongwa and Bahi. Data were collected from 25 key people involved in
      policy, planning and management aspects for the allocation of financial resources
      from the central government to local government districts. Thus, the recruitment
      of the study participants was purposive, as it took account of their positions
      and experience in health resource allocation and management. The data were
      collected through conversation in face-to-face in-depth interviews with the
      officers concerned. The data were analysed manually using qualitative content
      analysis. RESULTS: The study has identified the achievements and challenges of
      resource allocation in a decentralized health system of Tanzania. The
      achievements include: the design and use of a needs-based resource allocation
      formula; reduced resource allocation inequalities between rural and urban
      districts; and a wide discretion by the district council to mobilize and utilize
      health insurance funds and user fees. On the other hand, the challenges are: the
      disbursed funds fall far short of centrally determined budget ceilings, and the
      funds are sent late; Council Health Management Teams (CHMT) develop budgets but
      are restricted on the percentage they can allocate to different areas--so there
      is severe under-funding of disease prevention and health promotion initiatives at
      the community level. CONCLUSION: This study has identified achievements that
      should be further nurtured and challenges that should be worked on for the
      improvement of the decentralized health system. Thus, as a way forward, it is
      recommended that the equitable allocation of resources should go beyond the
      recurrent costs for the delivery of health services.

PMID- 25130021
TI  - Hazard analysis of Arid and semi-Arid (ASAL) regions of Kenya.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This paper describes a situationanalysis on hazards in the Arid and
      semi-Arid lands of Kenya. The leading hazards affecting the Arid and semi-arid
      lands are mainly natural and include among others drought, floods, and
      landslides. Other hazards of importance were found to be war and conflict,
      HIV/AIDS and fires. Over 80% of these are weather related. OBJECTIVES: The
      overall objective of this study was to prioritize hazards in the ASAL region.
      Specifically, the study identified the top ten hazards in the ASAL Districts of
      Kenya, determined Probability of occurrence; Analyzed the potential impact of the
      hazard and utilizing multiplier effect prioritized the Hazards using a
      hypothetical model. METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive study conducted in over
      half of the Kenya's ASAL Districts in four regions of Lower and Upper Eastern,
      North Eastern and part of the Coast region. Six Districts were purposively
      selected per region with six officers from each District all totaling one hundred
      and forty four. The sectors where respondents were sourced from were Agriculture,
      Health, local Government, and Provincial Administration, Environment and NGO. The
      members through a consensus process analyzed hazards in groups of their
      respective districts using a tool that had been developed and respondents trained
      on its use. RESULTS: One hundred and forty four (144) officers from Twenty four
      Districts in the four regions were recruited. One hundred twenty seven (81%) were
      male and only 27 (19% ) were female The representation of participants per sector
      was Governance 25% followed by Civil society organizations 21%, Health 16%,
      Agriculture and arid lands 15%, Research and scientific institutions 13%. The top
      Priority Hazards identified using the mean score were Drought and famine (5.4)
      Epidemics and epizootics (3.8), HIV/AIDS (3.6), War and conflict (2.5), Floods
      (2.5) CONCLUSIONS: The exercise confirmed the priority hazards in the Arid and
      semi-arid regions of Kenya and described vulnerability factors that included
      water scarcity, poverty and low educational levels. The region suffers from a
      variety of hazards in particular Drought and famine, Epidemics including HIV/AIDS
      and War and conflict. Environmental degradation though given a low score may be
      more of a perception. There is need to undertake a comprehensive hazard and
      Vulnerability analysis at regional and country level to inform interventions and
      other developmental activities. Women should be targeted at the community and
      leadership level, and efforts to empower them should be stepped up.

PMID- 25130023
TI  - Prioritization of disasters and their management in Rwanda.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rwanda has been experiencing quite a significant number of
      disastrous events of both natural and man-made origin in the last 2 decades. Many
      cases of disasters are particularly linked to the geographic, historical and
      socio-cultural aspects of the country. The overall objective of the present
      article is to perform a situation analysis of disasters in Rwanda and to
      highlight the institutional and legal framework of disaster management. METHODS:
      An assessment questionnaire focused on the current capacity, institutional
      frameworks and on-going initiatives for disaster management at country level and
      operational level was administered. The assessment was descriptive and used
      mainly qualitative methods. These included review of records (country policies
      and policy briefs, programme documents), interviews with key informants from line
      ministries, and interviews with key informants from stakeholder agencies.
      RESULTS: The Rwandan hazard profile, its vulnerability and capacity assessment
      shows top seven disasters which are related to epidemics, hails storms/floods;
      roads accidents; environmental degradation and earthquakes/volcanic eruption.
      Currently, the Institutional framework for disaster management and response is
      coordinated by Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs through the
      Rwanda National Disasters Operation Center. Although disaster risk reduction has
      been integrated into sustainable policies and plans, most districts do not have
      adequate capacity to plan for disasters and the majority of districts disaster
      committees have not yet been trained. CONCLUSION: Rwanda has established a legal
      and institutional framework for disasters management. There is a need to build
      capacity in disaster management at operational level (District).

PMID- 25130024
TI  - Use of the Automated Disaster and Emergency Planning Tool in developing district
      level public health emergency operating procedures in three East African
      countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africa is vulnerable to several natural and man-made
      disasters. We used the CDC Automated Disaster and Emergency Planning Tool (ADEPT)
      to develop all-hazards disaster management plans at district level in three
      eastern African countries. METHODS: During July 2008-February 2011, we used the
      automated disaster and emergency planning tool to conduct training on disaster
      planning and management in the three east African countries namely Kenya,
      Tanzania and Uganda. We trained district disaster teams per country. We held 7
      trainings in Tanzania, 8 in Uganda and 10 in Kenya respectively. The district
      disaster management teams trained comprised five district administrative
      personnel and a national Red Cross officer. The training took 5 days. RESULTS: A
      total of 100 districts teams (40 in Uganda and 35 in Kenya and Tanzania
      respectively) were trained using the ADEPT and consequently 100 district disaster
      response plans were developed during 2008-2011. A total 814 district disaster
      team members from these districts were trained. Our experience has shown that the
      Automated Disaster Emergency Planning Tool is a relatively quick, easy,
      practical, participatory and inexpensive approach to developing emergency
      operating plans at the sub-national (district) level. CONCLUSIONS: The ADEPT can
      be used relatively easily, quickly and inexpensively at the sub-national levels
      to develop emergency operating procedures to improve disaster management.
      Although the ADEPT enables district disaster response teams to generate their
      disaster response plans, the use of the ADEPT may be hampered by lack of computer
      skills and knowledge of MS computer programme by district personnel in resource
      limited settings.

PMID- 25130025
TI  - Regional approach to building operational level capacity for disaster planning:
      the case of the Eastern Africa region.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Eastern Africa region is regularly affected by a variety of
      disasters ranging from drought, to human conflict and population displacement.
      The magnitude of emergencies and response capacities is similar across the
      region. In order to strengthen public health disaster management capacities at
      the operational level in six countries of the Eastern Africa region, the USAID
      funded leadership project worked through the HEALTH Alliance, a network of seven
      schools of public health from six countries in the region to train district-level
      teams. OBJECTIVES: To develop a sustainable regional approach to building
      operational level capacity for disaster planning. METHODS: This project was
      implemented through a higher education leadership initiative. Project activities
      were spear-headed by a network of Deans and Directors of public health schools
      within local universities in the Eastern Africa region. The leadership team
      envisioned a district-oriented systems change strategy. Pre-service and in
      service curricula were developed regionally and district teams were formed to
      attend short training courses. Project activities began with a situational
      analysis of the disaster management capacity at national and operational levels.
      The next steps were chronologically the formation of country training teams and
      training of trainers, the development of a regional disaster management training
      curriculum and training materials, the cascading of training activities in the
      region, and the incorporation of emerging issues into the training curriculum. An
      evaluation model included the analysis of preparedness impact of the training
      program. RESULTS: The output from the district teams was the creation of
      individual district-level disaster plans and their implementation. This 4-year
      project focused on building operational level public health emergency response
      capacity, which had not previously been part of any national program. Use of the
      all-hazard approach rather than a scenario-based contingency planning led to the
      development of a standardized curriculum for training both in-service and pre
      service personnel. Materials developed during the implementation phases of the
      project have been incorporated into public health graduate curricula in the seven
      schools. This systems-based strategy resulted in demonstrable outcomes related to
      district preparedness and university engagement in disaster management.
      CONCLUSION: University partnerships are an effective method to build district
      level disaster planning capacity. Use of a regional network created a
      standardized approach across six countries.

PMID- 25130026
TI  - Performance of district disaster management teams after undergoing an operational
      level planners' training in Uganda.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Uganda is vulnerable to several natural, man-made and a hybrid of
      disasters including drought, famine, floods, warfare, and disease outbreaks. We
      assessed the district disaster team's performance, roles and experiences
      following the training. FINDINGS: The disasters most commonly experienced by the
      district teams were epidemics of diseases in humans (7 of 12), animals
      (epizoonotics) (3 of 12) and crops (3 of 12); hailstorms and floods (3 of 12).
      The capabilities viewed most useful for management of disasters were provision of
      health care services (9/12) and response management (8 of 12). The capability
      domains most often consulted during the disasters were general response
      management (31%), health services (29%) and water and sanitation (17%). The
      skills areas perceived to be vital following the training were response to
      epidemics 10/12, disaster management planning 8/12, hazards and vulnerability
      analysis 7/12 and principles of disaster planning 7/12 respectively. Main
      challenges mentioned by district teams were inadequacy of finance and logistics,
      lack of commitment by key partners towards disaster preparedness and response.
      CONCLUSIONS: The most common disaster experienced disasters related to outbreaks
      of diseases in man, animals and crops. The most frequently applied capabilities
      were response management and provision of emergency health services. The
      activities most frequently implemented following disaster management teams
      training were conducting planning meetings, refinement of plans and dissemination
      of skills gained. The main challenges were related to limited budget allocations
      and legal frameworks for disaster management that should be addressed by both
      central and local governments.

PMID- 25130027
TI  - A descriptive analysis of the institutional frameworks for disaster management in
      Uganda: structures, functions and gaps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is insufficient documentation of the institutional frameworks
      for disaster management and resilience at different levels in sub-Saharan Africa.
      The objective of this study was to describe the institutional framework for
      disaster management in Uganda, and to identify actionable gaps at the different
      levels. METHODS: This was part of a multi-country assessment in which 6 countries
      in Eastern Africa developed and applied a common tool. The assessment was
      qualitative in nature employing a mixed methods approach including review of
      documents, interviews with key informants from agencies involved in disaster
      management in Uganda, group discussions with stakeholder and synthesis meetings
      of the assessment team. FINDINGS: The Office of the Prime Minister is the lead
      agency for disaster management, but management of disasters of a technical nature
      is devolved to line ministries (e.g. epidemics by the Health Ministry and
      Epizootics by the Agriculture Ministry). A new policy spells out disaster
      management structures at national, district, sub-county, and village levels. Key
      challenges included coordination, more focus on prevention than risk reduction,
      differences in capacity between sectors and inadequate inter-sectoral
      collaboration. The new policy and structures have not yet been rolled out to
      districts and sub-district levels, and districts lack a line item budget for
      disaster capacity building. CONCLUSIONS: The institutional framework for disaster
      management in Uganda needs to be strengthened at all levels through initiation of
      the relevant structures, training, and resource allocation so that they develop
      disaster management plans.

PMID- 25130028
TI  - Challenges towards realization of health care sector goals of Tanzania
      development vision 2025: training and deployment of graduate human resource for
      health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human resource for health (HRH) is an essential building block for
      effective and efficient health care system. In Tanzania this component is faced
      by many challenges which in synergy with others make the health care system
      inefficient. In vision 2025 the country recognizes the importance of the health
      care sector in attaining quality livelihood for its citizens. The vision is in
      its 13th year since its launch. Given the central role of HRH in attainment of
      this vision, how the HRH is trained and deployed deserves a deeper understanding.
      OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors affecting training and deployment process of
      graduate level HRH of three core cadres; Medical Doctors, Doctor of Dental
      Surgery and Bachelor of Pharmacy towards realization of development vision 2025.
      METHODS: Explorative study design in five training institutions for health and
      Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) headquarters utilizing in-depth
      interviews, observations and review of available documents methodology. RESULTS:
      The training Institutions which are cornerstone for HRH training are
      understaffed, underfunded (donor dependent), have low admitting capacities and
      lack co-ordination with other key stakeholders dealing with health. The
      deployment of graduate level HRH is affected by; limited budget, decision on
      deployment handled by another ministry rather than MoHSW, competition between
      health care sector and other sectors and lack of co-ordination between employer,
      trainers and other key health care sector stakeholders. Awareness on vision 2025
      is low in the training institutions. CONCLUSIONS: For the vision 2025 health care
      sector goals to be realized well devised strategies on raising its awareness in
      the training institutions is recommended. Quality livelihood as stated in vision
      2025 will be a forgotten dream if the challenges facing the training and
      deployment of graduate level HRH will not be addressed timely. It is the authors'
      view that reduction of donor dependency syndrome, extension of retirement age for
      academic Staffs in the training institutions for health and synergizing the
      training and deployment of the graduate level HRH can be among the initial
      strategies towards addressing these challenges.

PMID- 25130029
TI  - A retrospective study on the unseen epidemic of road traffic injuries and deaths
      due to accidents in Mwanza City - Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: Sixty percent of the global deaths and injuries occur in the
      developing world and mostly are due to Road traffic accidents (RTAs. looking at
      the etiological related factors which include, carelessness of the driver,
      condition of the vehicle or motorcycle, poor condition of roads, risky behavior
      of the driver, most of these factors can be prevented to some extent. This study
      therefore, determined the pattern of cases and deaths due to traffic road
      accidents in Mwanza City Tanzania. METHODS: In this retrospective study, records,
      registers and case notes In the surgical ward and causality, medical records and
      central police station from 2008 to 2011 were used. The study focused on the two
      referral hospitals (Sekouture regional hospital and Bugando Medical Center).
      RESULTS: There were 3450 cases due to accidents reported at both centers
      (Sekouture regional hospital and Bugando Medical Center of which 3224 (93.4%) had
      complete information for analysis.2225 (69%) were male and 999 (31%) were female,
      and the most affected group were male. Among the RTAs2809 cases (87%) were due to
      motor cycle accidents which were the leading cause of RTAs with case fatality
      rate of 5% while motor vehicle has case fatality rate of 24% which is 5 times
      that of motor cycle. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Among all RTAs the leading
      cause of injuries is Motor cycle traffic accidents followed by motor vehicle.
      RTAs are on increase particularly the motor cycle traffic accidents and has
      claimed a good number of innocent people's lives however most of them are
      preventable, therefore driving course to be introduced to motor cycle drivers
      with emphasize on the road posters signal, rules and regular checkup of their
      motor cycles especially commercial motor cycle.

PMID- 25130031
TI  - [Dietary recommendations for chronic kidney disease, 2014].

PMID- 25130030
TI  - [Classification of Diabetic Nephropathy 2014].
AB  - The Committee on Diabetic Nephropathy revised the classification of diabetic
      nephropathy in view of the current status of eGFR and CKD in Japan. To make
      revisions for the classification of diabetic nephropathy 2014, the Committee
      carefully evaluated the report of the Research Group on Diabetic Nephropathy,
      Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan. The major revisions made were
      as follows: 1. eGFR can be used for the evaluation of GFR; 2. In stage 3 (overt
      nephropathy), A and B were combined; 3. Stage 4 (renal failure) was defined as
      GFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, regardless of albuminuria; and 4. The importance
      of differential diagnosis was stressed in all stages.

PMID- 25130032
TI  - [A case of glomerulopathy associated with the vascular endothelial growth factor
      inhibitor bevacizumab].
AB  - The patient was a 73-year-old Japanese female diagnosed with stage IIIc primary
      peritoneal cancer. After undergoing total hysterectomy and bilateral
      oophorectomy, she received regimens consisting of paclitaxel (PTX) and
      carboplatin (CBDCA). She subsequently developed recurrence four years after the
      disease onset and was treated with PTX, CBDCA and the vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) inhibitor bevacizumab (Bev). Although clinical remission was
      maintained with the administration of Bev monotherapy every three weeks,
      proteinuria was detected six months later, and gradually increased. The findings
      of a renal biopsy showed diffuse wrinkling and double contouring of the
      glomerular tufts under light microscopy, although no immune complex deposition
      was observed on immunostaining. Additionally, electron microscopy showed
      hypertrophy of glomerular endothelial cells and widening of the subendothelial
      spaces. These histopathological findings were fully consistent with those of
      reported patients treated with VEGF inhibitors. The proteinuria attenuated
      following the initiation of treatment with losartan. Therefore, the
      administration of renoprotective therapy contributed to the patient's ability to
      continue the anticancer regimen with Bev in this case.

PMID- 25130033
TI  - [A case of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome successfully weaned from plasma
      exchange by treatment with eculizumab].
AB  - The patient was a 48-year-old man hospitalized for jaundice and anemia after a 6
      day history of diarrhea. Examination demonstrated hemolytic anemia, renal
      dysfunction, and thrombocytopenia. Typical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) was
      suspected based on the preceding colitis; however, plasma exchange (PE) was
      performed because the possibility of atypical HUS (aHUS) could not be ignored,
      given that the patient was an adult male. After 4 days of PE, his laboratory
      results improved. Stool culture on admission yielded negative results for
      Escherichia coli serotype O157 and ADAMTS13 activity. Antinuclear antibodies were
      normal, and no other drugs or infections indicating HUS were detected. Four
      months after onset, he suffered recurrence of aHUS after colitis. As a result,
      aHUS was suspected and therefore, PE was performed on the day of hospitalization.
      We diagnosed aHUS due to a result indicating complement dysregulation on
      hemolytic assay testing, which detected a complement factor H abnormality. After
      undergoing PE and maintaining a stable condition, the interval between PEs was
      extended; however, on day 17 after the last PE, he suffered a recurrent aHUS
      attack again. He could not be weaned from PE and started showing an allergic
      reaction to PE treatment, thereby leading to a switch from PE to eculizumab.
      Since switching to eculizumab treatment, the patient has not experienced another
      aHUS attack and his condition remains stable.

PMID- 25130034
TI  - [A case of thrombotic microangiopathy with glomerular subendothelial IgA
      deposition due to bevacizumab].
AB  - Bevacizumab, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor, is approved for
      the treatment of various cancers, but the incidence of proteinuria as a side
      effect has been reported to be 2-64%. We report a case of renal impairment due to
      thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) accompanied with glomerular subendothelial
      deposition of IgA resulting from bevacizumab administration. A 57-year-old female
      with advanced breast cancer, to whom bevacizumab had been administered from
      October 2012, developed proteinuria and epithelial casts in her urine about a
      month later. Serum creatinine remained at 0.7-0.8 mg/dL until June 2013, but
      gradually increased to 1.3 mg/dL in September. She was referred to our hospital
      because her renal function had not improved despite termination of bevacizumab,
      and a renal biopsy was performed in October. At that time, the levels of
      proteinuria, serum creatinine and serum IgA were high at 1.3 g/g x Cr, 1.6 mg/dL
      and 430 mg/dL, respectively. Histological examinations showed prominent IgA
      deposits in the subendothelial area and glomerular infiltration of CD68 positive
      cells in addition to features of TMA, such as narrowed glomerular capillary
      lumina and double contours of the basement membranes. In consideration of her
      clinical history, a diagnosis of bevacizumab-induced TMA was made. Through follow
      up care without readministration of bevacizumab, epithelial casts in her urine
      disappeared, and proteinuria decreased to 0.62 g/g x Cr in November. Serum
      creatinine remains high at around 1.3 mg/dL, but has not elevated further. Serum
      IgA gradually decreased and reached 289 mg/dL in April 2014. TMA due to
      bevacizumab described in several other reports was also accompanied by glomerular
      IgA deposition, thus a differential diagnosis of IgA nephropathy is required. TMA
      was recently added to a section of "significant adverse effects" in the package
      insert of bevacizumab. Nephrologists should be fully aware of this drug-induced
      nephropathy.

PMID- 25130035
TI  - Foreword. Recent developments in the regulation of kinins.

PMID- 25130036
TI  - Preface. Recent developments in the regulation of kinins.

PMID- 25130037
TI  - Basic and clinical aspects of bradykinin receptor antagonists.
AB  - Bradykinin and related kinins may act on two types of receptors designated as B1
      and B2. It seems that the B2 receptors are most commonly found in various
      vascular and non-vascular smooth muscles, whereas B1 receptors are formed in
      vitro during trauma, and injury, and are found in bone tissues. These bradykinin
      (BK) receptors are involved in the regulation of various physiological and
      pathological processes. The mode of kinin actions are based upon the interactions
      between the kinin and their specific receptors, which can lead to activation of
      several second-messenger systems. Recently, numerous BK receptor antagonists have
      been synthesized with prime aim to treat diseases caused by excessive kinin
      production. These diseases are rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory diseases
      of the bowel, asthma, rhinitis and sore throat, allergic reactions, pain,
      inflammatory skin disorders, endotoxic and anaphylactic shock and coronary heart
      diseases. On the other hand, BK receptor antagonists could be contraindicated in
      hypertension, since these drugs may antagonize the antihypertensive therapy and/
      or may trigger the hypertensive crisis. It is worth suggesting that the BK
      receptor agonists might be useful antihypertensive drugs.

PMID- 25130038
TI  - The kallikrein-kinin pathways in hypertension and diabetes.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of mortality worldwide.
      Hypertension and diabetes are the two major risk factors in the development of
      cardiac hypertrophy, ischemic heart disease, and cardiac failure. In Kuwait, high
      rate of prevalence of hypertension and diabetes has been documented. Previous
      studies have indicated altered activities of the BK-generating components in
      hypertension and diabetes. Bradykinin is pharmacologically active polypeptide
      that can promote both cardiovascular and renal function, for example,
      vasodilation, natriuresis, diuresis, and release of nitric oxide (NO). In
      addition, B2 kinin receptors are present in the cardiac endothelial cells which
      may enhance the biosynthesis and release of NO. It has been demonstrated that
      reduced urinary (renal) kallikrein levels may be associated with the development
      of high blood pressure in humans and spontaneously hypertensive and diabetic
      rats. The BK may produce its pharmacological effects via NO and cyclic GMP
      release. Furthermore, it is established that the BK has cardioprotective actions
      in myocardial ischemia and can prevent left ventricular hypertrophy. Also,
      transgenic mice carrying tissue kallikrein gene and overexpressing tissue
      kallikrein had reduced blood pressure. NO synthase and renal tissue kallikrein
      are both involved in blood pressure regulation. The ability of kallikrein gene
      delivery and the use of kinin B2 receptor agonists to produce a wide spectrum of
      beneficial effects make it a powerful candidate in treating hypertension,
      cardiovascular, and renal diseases. Strategies that activate kinin receptors
      might be applicable to the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Increased plasma
      prekallikrein levels in diabetic patients may serve as an indicator of developing
      hypertension and renal damage. Also high plasma and urine concentrations of
      tissue kallikrein may cause higher glucose levels in the blood.

PMID- 25130039
TI  - Tissue kallikrein-kinin therapy in hypertension and organ damage.
AB  - Tissue kallikrein is a serine proteinase that cleaves low molecular weight
      kininogen to produce kinin peptides, which in turn activate kinin receptors to
      trigger multiple biological functions. In addition to its kinin-releasing
      activity, tissue kallikrein directly interacts with the kinin B2 receptor,
      protease-activated receptor-1, and gamma-epithelial Na channel. The tissue
      kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) elicits a wide spectrum of biological activities,
      including reducing hypertension, cardiac and renal damage, restenosis, ischemic
      stroke, and skin wound injury. Both loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies
      have shown that the KKS plays an important endogenous role in the protection
      against health pathologies. Tissue kallikrein/kinin treatment attenuates
      cardiovascular, renal, and brain injury by inhibiting oxidative stress,
      apoptosis, inflammation, hypertrophy, and fibrosis and promoting angiogenesis and
      neurogenesis. Approaches that augment tissue kallikrein-kinin activity might
      provide an effective strategy for the treatment of hypertension and associated
      organ damage.

PMID- 25130041
TI  - The kallikrein-kinin system in diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major microvascular complication associated with
      type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which can lead to visual impairment and
      blindness. Current treatment strategies for DR are mostly limited to laser
      therapies, steroids, and anti-VEGF agents, which are often associated with
      unwanted side effects leading to further complications. Recent evidence suggests
      that kinins play a primary role in the development of DR through enhanced
      vascular permeability, leukocytes infiltration, and other inflammatory
      mechanisms. These deleterious effects are mediated by kinin B1 and B2 receptors,
      which are expressed in diabetic human and rodent retina. Importantly, kinin B1
      receptor is virtually absent in sane tissue, yet it is induced and upregulated in
      diabetic retina. These peptides belong to the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS),
      which contains two separate and independent pathways of regulated serine
      proteases, namely plasma kallikrein (PK) and tissue kallikrein (TK) that are
      involved in the biosynthesis of bradykinin (BK) and kallidin (Lys-BK),
      respectively. Hence, ocular inhibition of kallikreins or antagonism of kinin
      receptors offers new therapeutic avenues in the treatment and management of DR.
      Herein, we present an overview of the principal features and known inflammatory
      mechanisms associated with DR along with the current therapeutic approaches and
      put special emphasis on the KKS as a new and promising therapeutic target due to
      its link with key pathways directly associated with the development of DR.

PMID- 25130040
TI  - Renal (tissue) kallikrein-kinin system in the kidney and novel potential drugs
      for salt-sensitive hypertension.
AB  - A large variety of antihypertensive drugs, such as angiotensin converting enzyme
      inhibitors, diuretics, and others, are prescribed to hypertensive patients, with
      good control of the condition. In addition, all individuals are generally
      believed to be salt sensitive and, thus, severe restriction of salt intake is
      recommended to all. Nevertheless, the physiological defense mechanisms in the
      kidney against excess salt intake have not been well clarified. The present
      review article demonstrated that the renal (tissue) kallikrein-kinin system (KKS)
      is ideally situated within the nephrons of the kidney, where it functions to
      inhibit the reabsorption of NaCl through the activation of bradykinin (BK)-B2
      receptors localized along the epithelial cells of the collecting ducts (CD).
      Kinins generated in the CD are immediately inactivated by two kidney-specific
      kinin-inactivating enzymes (kininases), carboxypeptidase Y-like exopeptidase
      (CPY), and neutral endopeptidase (NEP). Our work demonstrated that ebelactone B
      and poststatin are selective inhibitors of these kininases. The reduced secretion
      of the urinary kallikrein is linked to the development of salt-sensitive
      hypertension, whereas potassium ions and ATP-sensitive potassium channel blockers
      ameliorate salt-sensitive hypertension by accelerating the release of renal
      kallikrein. On the other hand, ebelactone B and poststatin prolong the life of
      kinins in the CD after excess salt intake, thereby leading to the augmentation of
      natriuresis and diuresis, and the ensuing suppression of salt-sensitive
      hypertension. In conclusion, accelerators of the renal kallikrein release and
      selective renal kininase inhibitors are both novel types of antihypertensive
      agents that may be useful for treatment of salt-sensitive hypertension.

PMID- 25130042
TI  - Genetic manipulation and genetic variation of the kallikrein-kinin system: impact
      on cardiovascular and renal diseases.
AB  - Genetic manipulation of the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) in mice, with either
      gain or loss of function, and study of human genetic variability in KKS
      components which has been well documented at the phenotypic and genomic level,
      have allowed recognizing the physiological role of KKS in health and in disease.
      This role has been especially documented in the cardiovascular system and the
      kidney. Kinins are produced at slow rate in most organs in resting condition
      and/or inactivated quickly. Yet the KKS is involved in arterial function and in
      renal tubular function. In several pathological situations, kinin production
      increases, kinin receptor synthesis is upregulated, and kinins play an important
      role, whether beneficial or detrimental, in disease outcome. In the setting of
      ischemic, diabetic or hemodynamic aggression, kinin release by tissue kallikrein
      protects against organ damage, through B2 and/or B1 bradykinin receptor
      activation, depending on organ and disease. This has been well documented for the
      ischemic or diabetic heart, kidney and skeletal muscle, where KKS activity
      reduces oxidative stress, limits necrosis or fibrosis and promotes angiogenesis.
      On the other hand, in some pathological situations where plasma prekallikrein is
      inappropriately activated, excess kinin release in local or systemic circulation
      is detrimental, through oedema or hypotension. Putative therapeutic application
      of these clinical and experimental findings through current pharmacological
      development is discussed in the chapter.

PMID- 25130043
TI  - Increased transfusion-free survival following auxiliary pig liver
      xenotransplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pig to baboon liver xenotransplantation typically results in severe
      thrombocytopenia and coagulation disturbances, culminating in death from
      hemorrhage within 9 days, in spite of continuous transfusions. We studied the
      contribution of anticoagulant production and clotting pathway deficiencies to
      fatal bleeding in baboon recipients of porcine livers. METHODS: By transplanting
      liver xenografts from alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GalT-KO)
      miniature swine donors into baboons as auxiliary organs, leaving the native liver
      in place, we provided the full spectrum of primate clotting factors and allowed
      in vivo mixing of porcine and primate coagulation systems. RESULTS: Recipients of
      auxiliary liver xenografts develop severe thrombocytopenia, comparable to
      recipients of conventional orthotopic liver xenografts and consistent with
      hepatic xenograft sequestration. However, baboons with both pig and native livers
      do not exhibit clinical signs of bleeding and maintain stable blood counts
      without transfusion for up to 8 consecutive days post-transplantation. Instead,
      recipients of auxiliary liver xenografts undergo graft failure or die of sepsis,
      associated with thrombotic microangiopathy in the xenograft, but not the native
      liver. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that massive hemorrhage in the setting of
      liver xenotransplantation might be avoided by supplementation with primate
      clotting components. However, coagulation competent hepatic xenograft recipients
      may be predisposed to graft loss related to small vessel thrombosis and ischemic
      necrosis.

PMID- 25130044
TI  - Altered expression of 3beta-HSD, CYP17 and 17beta-HSD in the foetal porcine
      gonads in response to anti-androgen flutamide exposure.
AB  - We investigated whether the limited access to androgens during late prenatal
      period alters expression of steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgen
      production: 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta5-Delta4 isomerase (3beta
      HSD), cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17) and 17beta
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17beta-HSD1) or type 3 (17beta-HSD3) in the
      foetal porcine gonads. Pregnant gilts were injected with anti-androgen flutamide
      (for seven days, 50 mg/day/kg bw) or corn oil (control) starting at 83 (GD90) or
      101 (GD108) gestational day. To assess 3beta-HSD, CYP17 and 17beta-HSD1 or 17beta
      HSD3 expression, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed. In testes
      from flutamide-treated foetuses, increased 3beta-HSD and CYP17 mRNA expression
      was observed in the GD90 group, while decreased 3beta-HSD and 17beta-HSD3 mRNA
      expression and increased CYP17 mRNA expression were found in the GD108 group.
      CYP17 and 17beta-HSD3 were localized in Leydig cells. Following flutamide
      administration, the intensity of CYP17 immunostaining was higher in both treated
      groups, while 17beta-HSD3 intensity was lower in the GD108 group. In ovaries from
      flutamide-treated foetuses in the GD90 group, mRNA level for 3beta-HSD was
      elevated, but it was diminished for CYP17 and 17beta-HSD1. In the GD108 group,
      flutamide treatment led to lower mRNA level for 3beta-HSD but higher for CYP17.
      3beta-HSD was found in granulosa cells, while CYP17 was localized within egg
      nests and oocytes of forming follicles. Following flutamide treatment, the
      intensity of 3beta-HSD and CYP17 immunostaining was higher in the GD90 and GD108
      groups, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining for 3beta-HSD was restricted
      to the ovary. Concluding, diminished androgen action in the porcine foetal gonads
      during late gestation induces changes in steroidogenic enzymes expression, which
      may led to changes in gonadal function. However, it seems that androgens exert
      diverse biological effects depending on the gestational period. 

PMID- 25130045
TI  - Comparison of the results of intradermal test reactivity and serum allergen
      specific IgE measurement for Malassezia pachydermatis in atopic dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malassezia pachydermatis is part of the normal flora of canine skin.
      Malassezia hypersensitivity is recognized as a trigger for clinical signs of
      atopic dermatitis (AD) in some dogs. Determinations of Malassezia
      hypersensitivity are often made with intradermal testing (IDT), which may have
      limited availability in a first-opinion veterinary practice.
      HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare immediate IDT
      reactivity to M. pachydermatis with results of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) designed to detect anti-Malassezia IgE. ANIMALS: Eighty-four dogs
      with a clinical diagnosis of AD. METHODS: Multi-allergen IDT was performed on all
      dogs. Serum testing for allergen-specific IgE against a panel of common
      environmental allergens and M. pachydermatis was performed by ELISA using the
      FcepsilonRIalpha receptor fragment as a detection reagent, with results reported
      as adjusted optical density (OD). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      was used to analyse the results of the two tests. RESULTS: The median adjusted OD
      of the anti-Malassezia IgE ELISA for dogs reactive and nonreactive to M.
      pachydermatis on IDT was 0.137 and 0.024, respectively. Analysis of the ROC curve
      suggested a cut-off point for the anti-Malassezia ELISA that yielded a
      sensitivity of 77.0% and a specificity of 89% relative to IDT results.
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Substantial agreement was demonstrated
      between IDT reactivity and anti-Malassezia IgE as detected by the
      FcepsilonRIalpha receptor reagent. Although correlation with a clinical diagnosis
      of Malassezia dermatitis was not attempted in this study, the results indicate
      that the ELISA may be used to demonstrate the presence of immediate-type
      Malassezia hypersensitivity in dogs with AD.

PMID- 25130046
TI  - Practitioner Review: Diagnosing childhood resilience--a systemic approach to the
      diagnosis of adaptation in adverse social and physical ecologies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With growing interest in resilience among mental health care
      providers globally, there is a need for a simple way to consider the complex
      interactions that predict adaptive coping when there is exposure to high levels
      of adversity such as family violence, mental illness of a child or caregiver,
      natural disasters, social marginalization, or political conflict. METHODS: This
      article presents diagnostic criteria for assessing childhood resilience in a way
      that is sensitive to the systemic factors that influence a child's wellbeing. The
      most important characteristics of children who cope well under adversity and
      avoid problems like depression, PTSD, and delinquency are highlighted. RESULTS: A
      multidimensional assessment of resilience is presented that examines, first, the
      severity, chronicity, ecological level, children's attributions of causality, and
      cultural and contextual relevance of experiences of adversity. Second, promotive
      and protective factors related to resilience are assessed with sensitivity to the
      differential impact these have on outcomes depending on a child's level of
      exposure to adversity. These factors include individual qualities like
      temperament, personality, and cognitions, as well as contextual dimensions of
      positive functioning related to the available and accessibility of resources,
      their strategic use, positive reinforcement by a child's significant others, and
      the adaptive capacity of the environment itself. Third, an assessment of
      resilience includes temporal and cultural factors that increase or decrease the
      influence of protective factors. A decision tree for the diagnosis of resilience
      is presented, followed by a case study and diagnosis of a 15-year-old boy who
      required treatment for a number of mental health challenges. CONCLUSIONS: The
      diagnostic criteria for assessing resilience and its application to clinical
      practice demonstrate the potential usefulness of a systemic approach to
      understanding resilience among child populations.

PMID- 25130047
TI  - Management of children with possible appendicitis: a survey of emergency
      physicians in Australia and New Zealand.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe current practice in managing children with possible acute
      appendicitis in EDs in Australia and New Zealand as the basis for a clinical
      practice guideline (CPG). METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed to
      consultant emergency physicians working at PREDICT (Paediatric Research in
      Emergency Departments International Collaborative) sites in Australia and New
      Zealand in April 2013. A second, site-based survey was distributed to the PREDICT
      representatives at each of the 13 sites. RESULTS: The response rate was 100%
      (13/13) for the site-based survey and 82% (145/176) for the physician survey.
      Most respondents agreed that right lower quadrant (RLQ) tenderness (94%),
      anorexia (92%), migration of abdominal pain to the RLQ (86%), rebound tenderness
      in the RLQ (60%) and RLQ tenderness produced on coughing, hopping or percussion
      (63%) were valuable symptoms and signs in diagnosing appendicitis. The responses
      regarding nausea and vomiting and fever were less consistent. Less than 50%
      regarded blood tests (C-reactive protein, white cell count) as relevant for the
      diagnosis of appendicitis. Most physicians (61%) agreed there was a role for a
      validated CPG for possible appendicitis in children, although only 3/13 sites
      reported use of such a CPG. CONCLUSIONS: This survey of senior emergency
      physicians across Australia and New Zealand demonstrated congruence in several
      clinical markers and disagreements in others in the approach to diagnosing
      children with possible appendicitis. Whereas emergency physicians would like a
      validated CPG, this survey has highlighted some critical issues. Particularly,
      the low regard for blood tests, integral to published diagnostic scoring systems,
      will be a challenge for the development and introduction of such a CPG in
      Australia and New Zealand.

PMID- 25130048
TI  - The effect of trait type and strength of selection on heritability and
      evolvability in an island bird population.
AB  - The heritability (h(2) ) of fitness traits is often low. Although this has been
      attributed to directional selection having eroded genetic variation in direct
      proportion to the strength of selection, heritability does not necessarily
      reflect a trait's additive genetic variance and evolutionary potential
      ("evolvability"). Recent studies suggest that the low h(2) of fitness traits in
      wild populations is caused not by a paucity of additive genetic variance (VA )
      but by greater environmental or nonadditive genetic variance (VR ). We examined
      the relationship between h(2) and variance-standardized selection intensities (i
      or betasigma ), and between evolvability (IA :VA divided by squared phenotypic
      trait mean) and mean-standardized selection gradients (betaMU ). Using 24 years
      of data from an island population of Savannah sparrows, we show that, across
      diverse traits, h(2) declines with the strength of selection, whereas IA and IR
      (VR divided by squared trait mean) are independent of the strength of selection.
      Within trait types (morphological, reproductive, life-history), h(2) , IA , and
      IR are all independent of the strength of selection. This indicates that certain
      traits have low heritability because of increased residual variance due to the
      age at which they are expressed or the multiple factors influencing their
      expression, rather than their association with fitness. 

PMID- 25130049
TI  - Evidence-based guidelines for laboratory screening for infectious diseases before
      initiation of systemic immunosuppressive agents in patients with autoimmune
      bullous dermatoses.
AB  - Autoimmune bullous dermatoses (ABD) compromise the skin's innate barrier function
      for preventing infection. Treating patients with ABD frequently requires systemic
      immunosuppressive therapy, often with multiple agents. Currently, no pretreatment
      infection testing guidelines are available for clinicians caring for patients
      with ABD. We performed a systematic literature review in other medical
      disciplines that use similar iatrogenic immunosuppressive medications to treat
      various diseases and conditions and developed infection-testing recommendations
      for patients with ABD before initiating immunosuppressive therapy. Assessing
      individual patient risk factors for latent infection and preventable communicable
      diseases can direct testing for select infections before starting
      immunosuppressive therapy. Testing patients for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C
      virus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is recommended before initiating
      rituximab treatment. 

PMID- 25130050
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for isolation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      in dogs with keratitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) isolation in dogs with naturally acquired
      bacterial keratitis. PROCEDURES: All Staphylococcus spp. isolated from corneal
      samples of dogs with keratitis during a 2-year period were evaluated for
      methicillin resistance by bacteriologic methods. Each MRS isolate was subjected
      to in vitro susceptibility testing for systemic and ocular antimicrobials. Nasal
      swabs for culture were collected from all dogs with MRS corneal isolation to
      evaluate for nasal carrier status. Potential risk factors for MRS isolation were
      investigated by medical record review and administration of an epidemiological
      survey to dog owners. Collected information characterizing animal, client, and
      environmental variables was analyzed for association with MRS isolation. RESULTS:
      Seventy-one Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from seventy individual dogs with
      keratitis during the study period. Seventeen of the Staphylococcus isolates
      (23.9%) were methicillin resistant. The MRS isolates included Staphylococcus
      epidermidis (n = 10), Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 6), and Staphylococcus
      aureus (n = 1). The MRS corneal isolates displayed extensive antimicrobial
      resistance. Four dogs (23.5%) with MRS corneal isolates had positive nasal
      cultures for MRS. Client occupation was significantly (P = 0.01) associated with
      MRS isolation, and dogs belonging to owners employed in veterinary or human
      healthcare fields were four times more likely to have MRS keratitis than dogs
      owned by clients with different professions. There were no significant
      associations between the other evaluated animal, client, and environmental
      factors. CONCLUSIONS: Methicillin resistance is relatively common in
      Staphylococcus isolates from dogs with corneal infections, particularly among
      dogs belonging to healthcare workers.

PMID- 25130051
TI  - Portal blood - a new source of dendritic cells for pancreatic cancer vaccine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cohort study evaluated dendritic cells (DCs) subsets in portal and
      peripheral blood of patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) and chronic pancreatitis
      (CHP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Myeloid type 1 (mDCs1) and 2 (mDCs2), plasmocytoid
      (pDCs) and SLAN + DCs were assessed in PC (n = 20) and CHP (n = 6) patients.
      RESULTS: Percentage of mDCs1 was significantly lower in PC patients when compared
      to CHP (0.48 +/- 0.26 vs 0.76 +/- 0.3; p = 0.038) only in portal, but not
      peripheral blood. DISCUSSION: Further studies to assess the functional properties
      of portal blood DCs and their applicability in anticancer vaccination are needed.

PMID- 25130053
TI  - Upper limb joint kinetics of three sitting pivot wheelchair transfer techniques
      in individuals with spinal cord injury.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Repeated measures design. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the upper
      extremity (UE) joint kinetics between three transfer techniques. SETTING:
      Research laboratory. METHODS: Twenty individuals with spinal cord injury
      performed three transfer techniques from their wheelchair to a level tub bench.
      Two of the techniques involved a head-hips method with leading hand position
      close (HH-I) and far (HH-A) from the body, and the third technique with the trunk
      upright (TU) and hand far from body. Motion analysis equipment recorded upper
      body movements and force sensors recorded their hand and feet reaction forces
      during the transfers. RESULTS: Several significant differences were found between
      HH-A and HH-I and TU and HH-I transfers indicating that hand placement was a key
      factor influencing the UE joint kinetics. Peak resultant hand, elbow, and
      shoulder joint forces were significantly higher for the HH-A and TU techniques at
      the trailing arm (P < 0.036) and lower at the leading arm (P < 0.021), compared
      to the HH-I technique. CONCLUSION: Always trailing with the same arm if using HH
      A or TU could predispose that arm to overuse related pain and injuries. Technique
      training should focus on initial hand placement close to the body followed by the
      amount of trunk flexion needed to facilitate movement.

PMID- 25130052
TI  - Pharmacodynamic effects of oral oxymorphone: abuse liability, analgesic profile
      and direct physiologic effects in humans.
AB  - Oxymorphone is a semisynthetic MU-opioid agonist, marketed as a prescription
      analgesic purported to be twice as potent as oxycodone for pain relief. Oral
      formulations of oxymorphone were reintroduced in the United States in 2006 and
      reports of abuse ensued; however, there are limited data available on its
      pharmacodynamic effects. The current study aimed to examine the direct
      physiologic effects, relative abuse liability, analgesic profile and overall
      pharmacodynamic potency of oxymorphone in comparison with identical doses of
      oxycodone. Healthy, non-dependent opioid abusers (n = 9) were enrolled in this
      within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-week inpatient study. Seven
      experimental sessions (6.5 hours) were conducted, during which an oral dose of
      immediate-release formulations of oxymorphone (10, 20 and 40 mg), oxycodone (10,
      20 and 40 mg) or placebo was administered. An array of physiologic, abuse
      liability and experimental pain measures was collected. At identical doses,
      oxymorphone produced approximately twofold less potent effects on miosis,
      compared with oxycodone. Oxymorphone also produced lesser magnitude effects on
      measures of respiratory depression, two experimental pain models and observer
      rated agonist effects. However, 40 mg of oxymorphone was similar to 40 mg of
      oxycodone on several abuse-related subjective ratings. Formal relative potency
      analyses were largely invalid because of the substantially greater effects of
      oxycodone. Overall, oxymorphone is less potent on most pharmacodynamic measures,
      although at higher doses, its abuse liability is similar to oxycodone. These data
      suggest that the published clinical equianalgesic estimates may not be consistent
      with the observed direct physiologic effects of opioids, results of experimental
      pain models or abuse liability measures, as assessed in the human laboratory. 

PMID- 25130056
TI  - Necessary stem cell transplantation using myeloablative therapy for
      myelodysplastic syndrome with progression of genotypic abnormalities and TP53
      dysfunction in a young adult.
AB  - A 14-yr-old male was admitted to our hospital with MDS and the chromosomal
      abnormality 45,XY,der(5;17)(p10;q10). He rapidly developed karyotype
      abnormalities, accompanied by the loss of tumor suppressor gene TP53 function. He
      suffered an early relapse after reduced-intensity-conditioning SCT and ultimately
      required myeloablative therapy before a second SCT. We consider that the analysis
      of TP53 mutations is essential when planning the treatment of patients with MDS. 

PMID- 25130054
TI  - Assessment of respiration-induced displacement of canine abdominal organs in
      dorsal and ventral recumbency using multislice computed tomography.
AB  - Respiratory-induced organ displacement during image acquisition can produce
      motion artifacts and variation in spatial localization of an organ in diagnostic
      computed tomography (CT) examinations. The purpose of this prospective study was
      to quantify respiratory-induced abdominal organ displacement in dorsal and
      ventral recumbency using five normal dogs. All dogs underwent CT examinations
      using 64 multidetector row CT (64-MDCT). A "3-dimensional (3D) apneic CT exam" of
      the abdomen was acquired followed by a "4-dimensional (4D) ventilated CT exam."
      The liver, pancreas, both kidneys, both medial iliac lymph nodes, and urinary
      bladder were delineated on the 3D-apneic examination and the organ outlines were
      compared to the maximum alteration in organ position in the 4D-ventilated
      examination. Displacement was measured in dorsal-to-ventral (DV), right-to-left
      (RL), and cranial-to-caudal (CC) directions. Respiratory-induced displacement of
      canine abdominal organs was not predictable and showed large variability in the
      three directions evaluated. For most canine abdominal organs, dorsal recumbency
      provided overall the least amount of displacement among all directions evaluated
      except for liver and urinary bladder. For liver, a large variability was found
      for all directions and a statistically significant difference was found only in
      the RL direction with ventral recumbency exhibiting less displacement (P =
      0.0099). For the urinary bladder, ventral recumbency also provided less
      displacement but this was statistically significant only in the RL direction (P <
      0.0001). Findings from this study indicated that dorsal recumbency may be
      preferred for minimizing respiratory motion artifacts in whole abdomen studies,
      but ventral recumbency may be preferred for liver and urinary bladder studies
      when respiration cannot be controlled. 

PMID- 25130057
TI  - Targeted proteomics analysis of protein degradation in plant signaling on an LTQ
      Orbitrap mass spectrometer.
AB  - Targeted proteomics has become increasingly popular recently because of its
      ability to precisely quantify selected proteins in complex cellular backgrounds.
      Here, we demonstrated the utility of an LTQ-Orbitrap Velos Pro mass spectrometer
      in targeted parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) despite its unconventional dual
      ion trap configuration. We evaluated absolute specificity (>99%) and sensitivity
      (100 amol on column in 1 MUg of total cellular extract) using full and mass range
      scans as survey scans together with data-dependent (DDA) and targeted MS/MS
      acquisition. The instrument duty cycle was a critical parameter limiting
      sensitivity, necessitating peptide retention time scheduling. We assessed
      synthetic peptide and recombinant peptide standards to predict or experimentally
      determine target peptide retention times. We applied optimized PRM to protein
      degradation in signaling regulation, an area that is receiving increased
      attention in plant physiology. We quantified relative abundance of selected
      proteins in plants that are mutant for enzymatic components of the N-end rule
      degradation (NERD) pathway such as the two tRNA-arginyl-transferases ATE1 and
      ATE2 and the two E3 ubiquitin ligases PROTEOLYSIS1 and 6. We found a number of
      upregulated proteins, which might represent degradation targets. We also targeted
      FLAGELLIN SENSITIVE2 (FLS2), a pattern recognition receptor responsible for
      pathogen sensing, in ubiquitin ligase mutants to assay the attenuation of plant
      immunity by degradation of the receptor. 

PMID- 25130058
TI  - Human tyrosinase is able to oxidize both enantiomers of rhododendrol.
AB  - Racemic RS-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol (rhododendrol, RD) was used as a topical
      skin-whitening agent until it was recently reported to induce leukoderma. We then
      showed that oxidation of RD with mushroom tyrosinase rapidly produces RD-quinone,
      which is quickly converted to RD-cyclic quinone and RD-hydroxy-p-quinone. In this
      study, we examined whether either or both of the enantiomers of RD can be
      oxidized by human tyrosinase. Using a chiral HPLC column, racemic RD was resolved
      optically to R(-)-RD and S(+)-RD enantiomers. In the presence of a catalytic
      amount of l-dopa, human tyrosinase, which can oxidize l-tyrosine but not d
      tyrosine, was found to oxidize both R(-)- and S(+)-RD to give RD-catechol and its
      oxidation products. S(+)-RD was more effectively oxidized than l-tyrosine, while
      R(-)-RD was less effective. These results support the notion that the melanocyte
      toxicity of RD depends on its tyrosinase-catalyzed conversion to toxic quinones
      and the concomitant production of reactive oxygen species. 

PMID- 25130059
TI  - Drowned, buried and carried away: effects of plant traits on the distribution of
      native and alien species in riparian ecosystems.
AB  - Riparian vegetation is exposed to stress from inundation and hydraulic
      disturbance, and is often rich in native and alien plant species. We describe 35
      traits that enable plants to cope with riparian conditions. These include traits
      for tolerating or avoiding anoxia and enabling underwater photosynthesis, traits
      that confer resistance and resilience to hydraulic disturbance, and attributes
      that facilitate dispersal, such as floating propagules. This diversity of life
      history strategies illustrates that there are many ways of sustaining life in
      riparian zones, which helps to explain high riparian biodiversity. Using
      community assembly theory, we examine how adaptations to inundation, disturbance
      and dispersal shape plant community composition along key environmental
      gradients, and how human actions have modified communities. Dispersal-related
      processes seem to explain many patterns, highlighting the influence of regional
      processes on local species assemblages. Using alien plant invasions like an
      (uncontrolled) experiment in community assembly, we use an Australian and a
      global dataset to examine possible causes of high degrees of riparian invasion.
      We found that high proportions of alien species in the regional species pools
      have invaded riparian zones, despite not being riparian specialists, and that
      riparian invaders disperse in more ways, including by water and humans, than
      species invading other ecosystems.

PMID- 25130060
TI  - Intraoperative changes in blood pressure, heart rate, plasma vasopressin, and
      urinary noradrenalin during elective ovariohysterectomy in dogs: repeatability at
      removal of the 1st and 2nd ovary.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the physiologic reactions after removal of 1st ovary
      and whether this is repeated during removal of the 2nd ovary in elective
      ovariohysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 10).
      METHODS: Dogs were premedicated with acepromazine, carprofen, and methadone and
      anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane. Blood pressure, heart rate, and end
      tidal isoflurane concentration were measured every minute. The effects of various
      events during surgery on physiologic variables were analyzed using mixed linear
      models. Blood and urine samples were collected before anesthesia, before
      incision, before and after removal of ovaries with a 15 minute pause between
      ovary removal, and after abdominal closure. Plasma vasopressin and urinary
      noradrenalin and creatinine concentrations were analyzed. RESULTS: The magnitude
      of blood pressure increase at removal of the 1st ovary was greater than for the
      2nd ovary because of an elevation in baseline. Similarly, the heart rate
      increased at the removal of the 1st ovary but not at removal of the 2nd ovary.
      Plasma vasopressin concentration increased at removal of both ovaries. Urinary
      noradrenalin/creatinine ratio increased at anesthesia, removal of both ovaries,
      and was elevated at closure of the abdomen. End-tidal isoflurane concentration
      did not change. Blood pressure and vasopressin concentrations changed in parallel
      using z-scores for comparison. CONCLUSIONS: Peak values for blood pressure, heart
      rate, plasma vasopressin concentration, and urinary noradrenalin/creatinine ratio
      did not differ between removals of the ovaries. Relative changes differed between
      repeated noxious stimuli, which should be considered in evaluation of methods at
      ovary removal.

PMID- 25130062
TI  - Lithium for bipolar disorder: a review of the recent literature.
AB  - Lithium is a commonly prescribed treatment for bipolar disorder. Many early
      studies on which its use has been historically based no longer meet current
      research standards. A large number of studies with more modern designs have been
      recently published warranting a review. New research adds to the evidence for
      lithium's efficacy in mania and maintenance. There is also additional evidence,
      albeit less robust, to support its benefit in bipolar depression and mixed
      episodes. Meta-analyses of mainly observational data have found reduced suicidal
      behavior in bipolar patients taking lithium. Careful monitoring and prescribing
      can reduce the risk of adverse effects. 

PMID- 25130061
TI  - Effects of lifestyle modification and metformin on irisin and FGF21 among HIV
      infected subjects with the metabolic syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Few studies have investigated irisin and FGF21 to elucidate the role
      of these hormones to regulate 'beiging' in HIV-infected patients. DESIGN: Fifty
      HIV-infected subjects with the metabolic syndrome were previously recruited and
      randomized to receive lifestyle modification (LSM) and/or metformin over 12
      months. In the current study, we assessed FGF21 and irisin at baseline and after
      intervention. In addition, we assessed circulating FGF21 and irisin in
      relationship to brown adipose tissue (BAT) gene expression in dorsocervical
      subcutaneous fat biopsies from 13 HIV-infected subjects. RESULTS: At baseline,
      prior to intervention, HIV-infected subjects demonstrated increased log FGF21
      (2.13 +/- 0.06 vs 1.98 +/- 0.05 pg/ml, P = 0.05) and log irisin (0.33 +/- 0.02 vs
      0.17 +/- 0.04 MUg/ml, P = 0.003) compared with healthy controls well matched
      based on waist circumference. After 12 months, HIV-infected subjects randomized
      to LSM demonstrated a relative reduction in FGF21 compared with those not
      randomized to LSM (-10 [-35,22] vs 40 [0,94] %change, P = 0.01). Changes in FGF21
      were inversely associated with improved parameters of energy homoeostasis,
      including increased REE (rho = -0.34, P = 0.046) and max VO2 (rho = -0.38, P =
      0.02), and reduced RQ (rho = 0.40, P = 0.02) among all HIV-infected subjects.
      Increased UCP-1 (r = 0.75, P = 0.003), DIO2 (r = 0.58, P = 0.04) and CideA (r =
      0.73, P = 0.01) gene expression in dorsocervical fat was significantly associated
      with FGF21 in HIV-infected subjects. CONCLUSION: HIV-infected subjects with
      metabolic complications demonstrate increases in FGF21 in relationship to BAT
      gene expression. Relative reductions in FGF21 in those receiving long-term LSM
      relate to overall improvements in energy expenditure parameters. In contrast,
      irisin levels are elevated in HIV-infected subjects, but are not influenced by
      LSM nor associated with BAT gene expression.

PMID- 25130063
TI  - Acylation of ghrelin is increased in heart failure and decreases post heart
      transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ghrelin is an anabolic hormone that is elevated in heart failure
      (HF), with resistance to its anabolic effects. This resolves after heart
      transplantation (HTx). Ghrelin exists in acylated and des-acyl forms, with the
      acylated form being primarily responsible for endocrine actions. We tested the
      hypothesis that ghrelin derangements in HF are due to inadequate acylation and
      that this resolves post transplantation. DESIGN: Plasma levels of des-acyl and
      acylated ghrelin and acylated/total ratios were assessed in HF (n = 20), post-HTx
      (n = 35), and healthy controls (n = 4), and correlated with each other and with
      clinical parameters. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) of des-acyl ghrelin
      level, was 167 (121-195) pg/ml in HF versus 149 (130-223) pg/ml in post-HTx, p =
      NS. Acylated ghrelin level was 76 (51-99) pg/ml versus 13 (0-30) pg/ml, p <
      0.001. Acylated/total ratios were 0.33 (0.20-0.47) versus 0.08 (0-0.13), p <
      0.001. The correlation between acylated and total ghrelin levels was greater in
      HF than that in HTx. Acyl ghrelin correlated inversely with body mass index in
      HF, but not in HTx. CONCLUSION: Acylated ghrelin and the acylated/total ratio
      were dramatically higher in HF compared with those in HTx. Acylation rather than
      secretion of ghrelin is upregulated in HF and the resistance to ghrelin's
      anabolic and appetite-stimulating effects is not at the level of acylation, but
      downstream at the ghrelin-receptor level.

PMID- 25130064
TI  - Cost analysis of the development and implementation of a spatial decision support
      system for malaria elimination in Solomon Islands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of malaria elimination faces numerous challenges. New tools
      are required to support the scale up of interventions and improve national
      malaria programme capacity to conduct detailed surveillance. This study
      investigates the cost factors influencing the development and implementation of a
      spatial decision support system (SDSS) for malaria elimination in the two
      elimination provinces of Isabel and Temotu, Solomon Islands. METHOD: Financial
      and economic costs to develop and implement a SDSS were estimated using the
      Solomon Islands programme's financial records. Using an ingredients approach,
      verified by stakeholders and operational reports, total costs for each province
      were quantified. A budget impact sensitivity analysis was conducted to
      investigate the influence of variations in standard budgetary components on the
      costs and to identify potential cost savings. RESULTS: A total investment of US$
      96,046 (2012 constant dollars) was required to develop and implement the SDSS in
      two provinces (Temotu Province US$ 49,806 and Isabel Province US$ 46,240). The
      single largest expense category was for computerized equipment totalling
      approximately US$ 30,085. Geographical reconnaissance was the most expensive
      phase of development and implementation, accounting for approximately 62% of
      total costs. Sensitivity analysis identified different cost factors between the
      provinces. Reduced equipment costs would deliver a budget saving of approximately
      10% in Isabel Province. Combined travel costs represented the greatest influence
      on the total budget in the more remote Temotu Province. CONCLUSION: This study
      provides the first cost analysis of an operational surveillance tool used
      specifically for malaria elimination in the South-West Pacific. It is
      demonstrated that the costs of such a decision support system are driven by
      specialized equipment and travel expenses. Such factors should be closely
      scrutinized in future programme budgets to ensure maximum efficiencies are gained
      and available resources are allocated effectively.

PMID- 25130065
TI  - The mental health of unaccompanied refugee minors on arrival in the host country.
AB  - Despite increasing numbers of unaccompanied refugee minors (UM) in Europe and
      heightened concerns for this group, research on their mental health has seldom
      included the factor "time since arrival." As a result, our knowledge of the
      mental health statuses of UM at specific points in time and over periods in their
      resettlement trajectories in European host countries is limited. This study
      therefore examined the mental health of UM shortly after their arrival in Norway
      (n = 204) and Belgium (n = 103) through the use of self-report questionnaires
      (HSCL-37A, SLE, RATS, HTQ). High prevalence scores of anxiety, depression and
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were found. In addition, particular
      associations were found with the number of traumatic events the UM reported. The
      results indicate that all UM have high support needs on arrival in the host
      country. Longitudinal studies following up patterns of continuity and change in
      their mental health during their trajectories in the host country are necessary.

PMID- 25130066
TI  - Study on accommodation by autorefraction and dynamic refraction in children.
AB  - PURPOSE: Childhood accommodation interferes with accurate diagnosis of the latent
      refractive errors. Dynamic retinoscopy offers accurate measurements of
      accommodative response, while an autorefractometer can predict the accommodative
      system activation in children. A correlation of the accommodative effort with the
      dynamic refraction has been investigated in emmetropic children, before and after
      cycloplegia. METHODS: A prospective clinical study of accommodative effort in 149
      emmetropic children, in the age group 3-16 years, has been conducted using TOPCON
      AR RM-8000B autorefractor. Dynamic refraction was performed by monocular
      estimation method before and after cycloplegia, using the retinoscope mirror
      light as target. Retinoscopic reflex produced 'with the motion' was corrected
      with positive spherical lenses, and that 'against the motion' was corrected with
      negative spherical lenses, to achieve neutralization. RESULTS: Mean accommodative
      effort measured for 149 children included in the study was -0.63+/-0.69D and
      dynamic refraction was -0.07+/-0.44D before cycloplegia, while the mean was+0.52D
      after cycloplegia, irrespective of the method used. Autorefractor measured -0.17D
      of accommodative effort per unit change in dynamic refraction before cycloplegia
      and +0.90D after cycloplegia. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of TOPCON AR RM-8000B
      autorefractor was comparable to dynamic retinoscopy. Presence of many children,
      and in turn, large number of accommodative response data in 11-13 and 14-15 years
      group is probably linked to prolonged reading/writing. The accuracy and the
      agreement of the actual accommodative measurements revealed after cycloplegia.

PMID- 25130067
TI  - Bowman strip complications during routine LASIK: Two cases demonstrating the
      clinical advantage of using Mitomicyn C in such cases.

PMID- 25130068
TI  - Does organizational justice predict empowerment? Nurses assess their work
      environment.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore how nurses assess their
      empowerment and clarify organizational justice compared to other work-related
      factors. In addition, we examined the major variables pertinent to empowerment.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey data were used. METHODS: A total of 2,152 nurses
      returned the completed questionnaire. The instruments consisted of nurse
      empowerment, organizational justice, job control, and possibilities for
      developing work. The data analysis was based on descriptive statistics and
      further statistical tests. FINDINGS: Organizational justice and empowerment had a
      clear correlation. Job control, possibilities for developing work and
      organizational justice were statistically significant predictors of nurse
      empowerment. CONCLUSIONS: Organizational justice and the possibility to use one's
      individual skills at work are significant factors in staff activity and its
      development in nursing. They increase the level of empowerment and commitment as
      well as motivation to work. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study confirm
      that nurses regard organizational justice as highly important. We can facilitate
      both work-related empowerment and organizational justice by creating and
      maintaining a culture of fairness and justice. Employees should be heard and
      involved more in the planning and decision making of work.

PMID- 25130069
TI  - High preoperative C-reactive protein values predict poor survival in patients on
      chronic hemodialysis undergoing nephrectomy for renal cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have reported that elevated pretreatment C-reactive
      protein (CRP) levels are associated with poor outcome in various malignancies,
      including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), in the general population. However, there
      is no evidence of such an association in dialysis patients. Therefore, the aim of
      this study is to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative serum CRP
      levels in patients with RCC related to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring
      hemodialysis (HD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 315 patients with ESRD
      requiring HD who underwent nephrectomy for RCC as the first-line treatment at our
      hospital from 1982 to 2013. Complete patient- and tumor-specific characteristics
      as well as preoperative CRP levels were assessed. We defined a serum CRP level
      >0.5mg/dl as elevated and divided these patients into 2 groups according to their
      preoperative CRP levels (CRP<=0.5 and >0.5mg/dl). The median follow-up was 51
      months. RESULTS: Preoperative CRP levels were elevated in 75 patients (23.8%).
      The Kaplan-Meier 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 95.2% and 69.9% in
      patients with CRP levels<=0.5 and>0.5mg/dl, respectively (P<0.0001). Multivariate
      analysis identified preoperative CRP level as an independent predictor for cancer
      specific survival, along with a pathological TNM stage and tumor grade (CRP>0.5:
      hazard ratio = 3.47; 95% CI: 1.35-9.18; P = 0.0098). The concordance index of
      multivariable base models increased after including the preoperative CRP levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative serum CRP level might be an independent predictor of
      postoperative survival in patients with RCC related to ESRD requiring HD. Its
      routine use, together with the TNM classification and tumor grade, could allow
      better risk stratification and risk-adjusted follow-up of these patients.

PMID- 25130070
TI  - PEG mediated synthesis and biological evaluation of asymmetrical pyrazole
      curcumin analogues as potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
      agents.
AB  - The new series of asymmetrical pyrazole curcumin analogues 4a-g were synthesized
      by using polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) as a green reaction medium and evaluated
      for their in vivo analgesic and in vitro antioxidant (H2 O2 , DPPH, Ferrous
      reducing power and Nitric oxide scavenging activity) and anti-inflammatory
      activities. All the compounds synthesized 4a-g showed the potential to
      demonstrate analgesic activity as compared to the standard ibuprofen. Among the
      tested series, compounds 4e and 4b exhibited good hydrogen peroxide scavenging
      activity as compared to the standard butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT). Compounds
      4b, 4d, 4f, and 4g showed good DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Compounds
      4b, 4c, 4d, 4e and 4g showed excellent ferrous-reducing power activity, whereas
      all the compounds showed better nitric oxide scavenging activity than standard
      ascorbic acid. Additionally, all the synthesized compounds were also screened for
      their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 4b, 4d, 4f and 4g showed
      good anti-inflammatory activity as compared to standard diclofenac sodium. 

PMID- 25130071
TI  - Isolation of Enterococcus faecium NM113, Enterococcus faecium NM213 and
      Lactobacillus casei NM512 as novel probiotics with immunomodulatory properties.
AB  - Probiotics, defined as living bacteria that are beneficial for human health,
      mainly function through their immunomodulatory abilities. Hence, these
      microorganisms have proven successful for treating diseases resulting from immune
      deregulation. The aim of this study was to find novel candidates to improve on
      and complement current probiotic treatment strategies. Of 60 lactic acid
      bacterial strains that were isolated from fecal samples of healthy, full-term,
      breast-fed infants, three were chosen because of their ability to activate human
      immune cells. These candidates were then tested with regard to immunomodulatory
      properties, antimicrobial effects on pathogens, required pharmacological
      properties and their safety profiles. To identify the immunomodulatory structures
      of the selected isolates, activation of specific innate immune receptors was
      studied. The three candidates for probiotic treatment were assigned Enterococcus
      faecium NM113, Enterococcus faecium NM213 and Lactobacillus casei NM512. Compared
      with the established allergy-protective strain Lactococcus lactis G121, these
      isolates induced release of similar amounts of IL-12, a potent inducer of T
      helper 1 cells. In addition, all three neonatal isolates had antimicrobial
      activity against pathogens. Analysis of pharmacological suitability showed high
      tolerance of low pH, bile salts and pancreatic enzymes. In terms of safe
      application in humans, the isolates were sensitive to three antibiotics
      (chloramphenicol, tetracycline and erythromycin). In addition, the Enterococcus
      isolates were free from the four major virulence genes (cylA, agg, efaAfs and
      ccf). Moreover, the isolates strongly activated Toll-like receptor 2, which
      suggests lipopeptides as their active immunomodulatory structure. Thus, three
      novel bacterial strains with great potential as probiotic candidates and
      promising immunomodulatory properties have here been identified and
      characterized. 

PMID- 25130073
TI  - Relationship between oral bacteria count and pneumonia onset in elderly nursing
      home residents.
AB  - AIM: Oral bacteria, which are a source of infection for aspiration pneumonia,
      were examined in frail older adults with the aim of establishing a standard
      bacteria count that indicates the risk of pneumonia onset in this group. METHODS:
      A survey of bacteria count in the saliva using a simple instrument for
      measurement of the number of oral bacteria, along with factors including
      swallowing function and nutritional status, was carried out in 691 elderly
      individuals requiring care (137 men; mean age 82.6 +/- 8.3 years; 554 women; mean
      age 88.0 +/- 7.1 years; total mean age 86.7 +/- 7.8 years) at 16 nursing homes in
      Japan. All participants gave their consent for inclusion in the present study.
      During a 6-month follow-up period, participants who developed pneumonia were
      identified, and relationships between the factors measured at the start of the
      period and pneumonia onset were examined. RESULTS: During the 6-month follow-up
      period, 33 participants (4.8%; 5 men, 28 women; mean age 88.3 +/- 7.4 years)
      developed pneumonia. Pneumonia onset was significantly associated with reduced
      activities of daily living, swallowing dysfunction and undernourishment. Logistic
      regression analysis identified a saliva bacteria count of 10(8.5)  colony-forming
      units/mL as an independent explanatory factor for pneumonia onset (P = 0.012, RR
      = 3.759). CONCLUSIONS: Oral bacteria count of 10(8.5)  colony-forming units/mL
      saliva in an elderly person requiring care was identified as a risk factor for
      pneumonia onset.

PMID- 25130072
TI  - Immune response of gammadeltaT cells in Schistosome japonicum-infected C57BL/6
      mouse liver.
AB  - Systematic evaluation of the role of gammadeltaT cells during the Schistosoma
      japonicum infection has not been reported, despite the fact that gammadeltaT
      cells contribute to many infectious diseases in innate immunity. Therefore, the
      aim of this study was to observe the properties of gammadeltaT cells in the liver
      of C57BL/6 mice infected by S. japonicum. In this report, using immuno
      fluorescent histological analysis, gammadeltaT cells were found around hepatic
      granulomatous. Moreover, the flow cytometry results revealed that the percentage
      of hepatic gammadeltaT cells increased significantly after S. japonicum
      infection. More interestingly, a subset of CD3(-)gammadeltaTCR(+) cells were
      found and markedly increased after infection. Furthermore, expression of
      activation markers (CD25 and CD69) and cytokine profiles were detected in these
      hepatic CD3(+)gammadeltaTCR(+) and CD3(-)gammadeltaTCR(+) cells. The
      significantly higher level of CD69, IL-4 and IL-17 were observed in
      CD3(+)gammadeltaTCR(+) cells after infection, suggesting that
      CD3(+)gammadeltaTCR(+) cells instead of CD3(-)gammadeltaTCR(+) cells might play a
      predominant role during the infection. Finally, our results indicated that the
      expression of NKG2D on CD3(+)gammadeltaTCR(+) cells was higher than that on CD3(
      )gammadeltaTCR(+) cells. Collectively, gammadeltaT cells could play an important
      role in the liver of C57BL/6 mouse during japonicum infection.

PMID- 25130074
TI  - Modalities of fetal evaluation to detect fetal compromise prior to the
      development of significant neurological damage.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to clarify the developmental mechanism underlying
      fetal heart rate (FHR) long-term variability (LTV) and acceleration with respect
      to fetal brain damage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The fetal state was deduced from the
      developmental mechanism of FHR variability analyzed by actocardiogram, animal
      experiments, and simulations. RESULTS: LTV develops due to minor fetal movements
      in the fetal midbrain, moderate LTV by fetal periodic movements and triangular
      accelerations by large fetal movement bursts. Stimulation of the fetal midbrain
      by sound and light produces fetal movements that lead to FHR acceleration. Severe
      hypoxia can result in the loss of LTV and neuronal necrosis that may damage the
      fetal brain. Therefore, a cesarean section is recommended prior to the loss of
      LTV, rather than after its loss. The vagal center of the fetal medulla oblongata
      is excited by hypoxia and produces FHR bradycardia. The heart rate of hypoxic
      rabbits was found to be closely correlated with the PaO2, thus the impact of
      hypoxia could be estimated by the hypoxia index, which is calculated from the
      reciprocal of nadir FHR and bradycardia duration. CONCLUSIONS: Analyzing the
      development of FHR signs could help to diagnose fetal state. An early cesarean
      section is recommended before the loss of LTV as indicated by the hypoxia index,
      which will contribute to prevent fetal brain damage and neurological sequels.

PMID- 25130076
TI  - Causes of readmission after operation for congenital heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Readmission after operations for congenital heart conditions has
      significant implications for patient care. Readmission rates vary between 8.7%
      and 15%. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, causes, and risk
      factors associated with readmission. METHODS: 811 consecutive patients undergoing
      operations for congenital heart conditions were analyzed. Readmission was defined
      as admission to any hospital within 30 days of discharge for any cause.
      Demographic, preoperative, operative, and postoperative variables were evaluated.
      Univariate comparisons were made between the nonreadmission and readmission
      groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was made to determine
      independent risk factors for readmission. RESULTS: There were a total of 92
      readmissions in 79 patients (9.7%). The reasons included cardiac (36, 39%),
      pulmonary (20, 22%), gastrointestinal (13, 14%), infectious (20, 22%), and other
      adverse events (2, 2%). Patients with either single-ventricle palliation or
      nasogastric feeding accounted for 40 (50%) readmissions. On univariate analysis,
      there were significant differences between readmitted and nonreadmitted patients
      in relation to patient age, chromosomal abnormality, mortality risk score,
      duration of mechanical ventilation, postoperative length of stay, single
      ventricle physiology, and nasogastric feeding at discharge (p < 0.05). On
      multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for readmission were single
      ventricle physiology (odds ratio [OR] 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28 to
      4.47; p=0.005), preoperative arrhythmia (OR 2.59; 95% CI 1.02 to 6.59; p=0.04),
      longer postoperative length of stay (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.22 to 3.99; p=0.008), and
      nasogastric tube feeding at discharge (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.15 to 4.19; p=0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of readmission after operations for congenital cardiac
      conditions remains high. Efforts focusing on patients with single-ventricle
      palliation and those with preoperative arrhythmia, prolonged postoperative length
      of stay and nasogastric tube feeding at discharge may be particularly beneficial.

PMID- 25130075
TI  - Posterior papillary muscle anchoring affects remote myofiber stress and pump
      function: finite element analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of posterior papillary muscle anchoring (PPMA) in the
      management of chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation (CIMR) is controversial. We
      studied the effect of anchoring point direction and relocation displacement on
      left ventricular (LV) regional myofiber stress and pump function. METHODS:
      Previously described finite element models of sheep 16 weeks after posterolateral
      myocardial infarction (MI) were used. True-sized mitral annuloplasty (MA) ring
      insertion plus different PPM anchoring techniques were simulated. Anchoring
      points tested included both commissures and the central anterior mitral annulus;
      relocation displacement varied from 10% to 40% of baseline diastolic distance
      from the PPM to the anchor points on the annulus. For each reconstruction
      scenario, myofiber stress in the MI, border zone, and remote myocardium as well
      as pump function were calculated. RESULTS: PPMA caused reductions in myofiber
      stress at end-diastole and end-systole in all regions of the left ventricle that
      were proportional to the relocation displacement. Although stress reduction was
      greatest in the MI region, it also occurred in the remote region. The maximum 40%
      displacement caused a slight reduction in LV pump function. However, with the
      correction of regurgitation by MA plus PPMA, there was an overall increase in
      forward stroke volume. Finally, anchoring point direction had no effect on
      myofiber stress or pump function. CONCLUSIONS: PPMA reduces remote myofiber
      stress, which is proportional to the absolute distance of relocation and
      independent of anchoring point. Aggressive use of PPMA techniques to reduce
      remote myofiber stress may accelerate reverse LV remodeling without impairing LV
      function.

PMID- 25130077
TI  - Myocardial perfusion, scarring, and function in anomalous left coronary artery
      from the pulmonary artery syndrome: a long-term analysis using magnetic resonance
      imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is
      a rare congenital heart defect. We aimed to examine the role of cardiac magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) in the long-term surveillance of repaired ALCAPA with
      regard to myocardial scarring, wall motion abnormalities, perfusion deficits, and
      myocardial function. METHODS: Twenty-one patients after direct reimplantation of
      ALCAPA (median age at operation, 2.8 years) were examined after a median 10.6
      years by MRI at rest and under dobutamine stress conditions, echocardiography,
      and ergometry. Results were compared with preoperative, immediately postoperative
      (5 days), and intermediate-term (5.8 years) echocardiography. RESULTS: No early
      or late deaths occurred. Improvements in indexed left ventricular end-diastolic
      dimension, ejection fraction, and mitral valve function were observed in all
      patients. However, MRI at rest showed wall motion abnormalities in 67% and
      perfusion deficits in 28%. Myocardial scars were seen in 67%. Dobutamine stress
      MRI detected wall motion abnormalities in 19% and perfusion deficits in 14%,
      which were not seen on MRI at rest. Exercise testing did not reflect cardiac
      dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Although long-term follow-up showed global left
      ventricular function had improved after ALCAPA repair, MRI showed left
      ventricular wall motion abnormalities, perfusion deficits, and myocardial
      scarring were seen in many patients. Dobutamine stress MRI identified deficits
      that were not evident on MRI at rest, and can therefore be considered a valuable
      surveillance tool. These results suggest the need for lifelong surveillance of
      repaired ALCAPA.

PMID- 25130078
TI  - Congenital cardiac lesions involving systolic flow abnormalities are associated
      with platelet dysfunction in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shear stress-induced platelet dysfunction (PD) is prevalent among
      adults with aortic stenosis. Our aim was to determine whether abnormal platelet
      function was associated with specific congenital cardiac lesions in children.
      METHODS: The charts of 407 children who had undergone cardiopulmonary bypass and
      had preoperative platelet function analysis were evaluated. Patients were
      assigned to 1 of 11 different lesion categories. Platelet dysfunction (PD) was
      defined as prolonged closure time (CT) as measured with a platelet function
      analyzer. Odds ratio (OR) estimates for prolonged CT were calculated for each
      lesion category. Mean CTs were compared with Tukey-Kramer separated means
      testing. Analysis of variance modeling was used to determine association between
      hematocrit value and CT. RESULTS: CT in patients with ventricular septal defects
      (VSD) and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) lesions was
      prolonged. OR analysis found that patients with VSDs (OR, 2.46) or RVOTO (OR,
      2.88) had at least a 95% probability of an abnormal CT. In contrast, patients
      with atrial septal defect (ASD), bidirectional Glenn procedure (BDG), and
      pulmonary insufficiency (PI) had a reduced probability of a prolonged CT (p <
      0.05). A similar pattern was seen in parametric analysis comparing mean CTs
      across lesion categories. A lower preoperative hematocrit value was associated
      with prolonged CTs across all lesion types (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PD was common
      in children with congenital cardiac lesions involving systolic flow abnormalities
      and was uncommon among children with lesions having diastolic abnormalities.
      Lower preoperative hematocrit values were associated with prolonged CTs,
      suggesting subclinical bleeding secondary to excessive platelet shearing.

PMID- 25130079
TI  - Impact of neonatal versus nonneonatal total repair of tetralogy of fallot on
      growth in the first year of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal timing for total repair in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is
      controversial. We aimed to determine if weight at 1 year differs between patients
      who undergo neonatal total repair versus those who undergo nonneonatal total
      repair later in the first year of life. METHODS: A retrospective review of
      infants admitted with TOF between January 2004 and June 2011 was conducted.
      Patient data, including weight, were collected throughout the first year of life,
      and neonatal total repair versus nonneonatal total repair groups were compared.
      RESULTS: Of 163 infants, neonatal total repair was undertaken in 36 (22%) of
      them, whereas 127 (78%) infants had nonneonatal total repair at greater than 28
      days of life. The median neonatal intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) was
      longer for the neonatal total repair group than for the nonneonatal total repair
      group (17.5 [11-24] versus 7 [0-15] days; p < 0.001). Patients in the neonatal
      total repair group were more likely to have a transannular patch (TAP) (p <
      0.001) than were those in the nonneonatal total repair group, whereas patients in
      the nonneonatal total repair group were more likely to have undergone a valve
      sparing operation (p = 0.002). The mean weight-for-age z score was 0.7 higher in
      the neonatal total repair group compared with the nonneonatal total repair group
      (p = 0.03) controlling for birth weight (BW), diagnostic subgroup, and
      gestational age (GA). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with TOF who underwent neonatal total
      repair were more likely to receive a TAP but had higher weight-for-age scores at
      1 year compared with patients who underwent full repair later in the first year
      of life.

PMID- 25130080
TI  - A half-sandwich organometallic single-ion magnet with hexamethylbenzene
      coordinated to the Dy(III) ion.
AB  - A half-sandwich organolanthanide complex, [(C6Me6)Dy(AlCl4)3], in which Dy(III)
      is coordinated with a pi-bonded arene was synthesized and magnetically
      characterized. This complex displays slow magnetic relaxation and a hysteresis
      loop associated with single-ion magnet behavior. The orientation of the magnetic
      anisotropy axis is analyzed using ab initio calculations.

PMID- 25130081
TI  - Prognostic role of hyponatremia in 564 small cell lung cancer patients treated
      with topotecan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hyponatremia is reported in about 15% of small cell lung cancer
      (SCLC). Variable results of the prognostic significance of low plasmatic sodium
      (Napl) have been reported. Our study was performed to investigate the prognostic
      role of hyponatremia in SCLC patients treated in second-line with topotecan
      chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from a
      database including clinical data from 631 patients enrolled in 6 prospective
      topotecan iv studies. Final data were obtained from 564 patients in which data on
      baseline Napl were available. Univariate and multivariate analysis were carried
      out to study the possible correlation between Napl and second-line clinical
      outcomes. RESULTS: Hyponatremia (Napl<135mequiv./l) was present in 101 cases
      (17.9%). Napl was <125mequiv./l in 16 patients (2.8%), 126-130mequiv./l in 11
      (2%), 130-134mequiv./l in 74 (13.1%), while 463 patients (82.1%) showed normal
      values. The median survival was 28.7 weeks in patients with normal Napl, and 21.1
      weeks in patients with hyponatremia (p<0.0001, HR=1.67, 95%CI=1.32-2.10). By Cox
      multivariate analysis, hyponatremia was associated with poorer prognosis
      (p=0.0024, HR=1.44, 95%CI=1.13-1.82). A not statistically significant trend of
      correlation between hyponatremia and progression-free survival (p=0.085, HR=1.23,
      95%CI 0.97-1.55) and response rate (p=0.5037, OR=0.81, 95%CI 0.44-1.49) was
      observed. CONCLUSION: Hyponatremia is an independent prognostic factor for
      patients with SCLC treated with topotecan in second-line setting. Further studies
      are needed to prospectically confirm these results and to develop an optimal
      therapy for hyponatremic patients.

PMID- 25130082
TI  - Lung cancer in the era of Greek economic crisis.

PMID- 25130083
TI  - Metastatic sites and survival in lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Population-based data on metastatic sites and survival in site
      specific metastases are lacking for lung cancer and for any cancer because most
      cancer registries do not record metastases. This study uses a novel population
      based approach to identify metastases from both death certificates and national
      inpatient data to describe metastatic pathways in lung cancer patients. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: 17,431 deceased lung cancer patients diagnosed 2002-2010 were
      identified from the nationwide Swedish Cancer Registry, which is based on
      compulsory reports. The influence of age at diagnosis, sex, and histological
      subtype on metastatic spread was investigated. Survival in metastatic lung cancer
      was assessed by histology and metastatic site. RESULTS: The most frequent
      metastatic sites were the nervous system, bone, liver, respiratory system, and
      adrenal gland. Liver (35%) and nervous system (47%) metastases were common in
      patients with metastases from small cell lung cancer, and bone (39%) and
      respiratory system (22%) metastases in adenocarcinoma. Women (43% vs. 35%) and
      younger patients had more metastases to the nervous system. Median survival after
      diagnosis was 13 months for non-metastatic and five months for metastatic lung
      cancer. In this novel data, liver metastases conferred the worst prognosis (three
      months), especially for large cell histology. Bone metastases also featured poor
      survival, whereas survival in respiratory and nervous system metastases was
      better. CONCLUSION: Metastatic sites and survival in metastatic lung cancer is
      influenced by sex, histological subtype, and age at diagnosis. Liver and bone
      metastases signal poor survival, compared with nervous system metastases.

PMID- 25130085
TI  - Chiral speciation of selenoamino acids in biological samples.
AB  - In this paper, the "state of the art" of chiral speciation of selenoamino acids
      (SeAAs) in biological samples is critically reviewed. The significance and the
      features of such studies are highlighted. A special focus lies on chiral
      speciation of SeAAs by hyphenation techniques in which a chiral separation method
      (such as gas chromatography (GC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
      and capillary electrophoresis (CE)) is on-line coupled with an elemental specific
      detector, especially inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The
      advances in the development and application of hyphenation techniques in chiral
      speciation of SeAAs in biological samples are summarized and a perspective for
      future developments including sophisticated and innovative applications is
      discussed. Overall, HPLC-ICP-MS is more applicable than GC/CE-ICP-MS for chiral
      speciation of SeAAs. In the future, more novel chiral HPLC methods with high
      enantio-resolution, low cost and robustness, and their more applications in real
      biological samples analysis are expected. 

PMID- 25130084
TI  - A phase II trial evaluating the clinical and immunologic response of HLA-A2(+)
      non-small cell lung cancer patients vaccinated with an hTERT cryptic peptide.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The immunological and clinical responses of patients with NSCLC
      treated, in the context of an expanded action program, with the cryptic hTERT
      targeting Vx-001 vaccine are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six HLA
      A*0201-positive patients with advanced NSCLC and residual (n=27) or progressive
      (n=19) disease following front-line treatment received two subcutaneous
      injections of the optimized TERT572Y peptide followed by four injections of the
      native TERT572 peptide, every 3 weeks. Peptide-specific immune responses were
      monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay at baseline, and after the
      2nd and the 6th vaccinations. Thirty-eight HLA-A*0201-positive matched patients
      were used as historical controls. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (50%) completed
      the vaccination protocol and 87% received at least two administrations. Twelve
      patients (26%) without disease progression after the 6th vaccination received
      boost vaccinations. Three (7%) patients achieved a partial response and 13 (28%)
      disease stabilization. The disease control rate was significantly higher in
      patients with non-squamous histology compared to those with squamous-cell
      histology [n=14 (45%) versus n=2 (13%); p=0.03]. The median progression-free
      survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was 3.8 (range, 0.7-99.4) and 19.8
      months (range, 0.7-99.4), respectively. Patients who developed immune response
      had a numerically higher PFS compared to those who failed to mount any (6.7
      versus 2.7 months; p=0.090). However, the median OS for the immune-responders was
      significantly prolonged compared to non-responders (40.0 versus 9.2 months,
      respectively; p=0.02). Toxicity was <grade 2. CONCLUSION: Vx-001 vaccine is well
      tolerated and induced a TERT-specific immunological response, which was
      significantly correlated with improved clinical outcome.

PMID- 25130086
TI  - Separation of PEGylated variants of ribonuclease A and apo-alpha-lactalbumin via
      reversed phase chromatography.
AB  - The covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules to pharmaceutical
      proteins, "PEGylation", often results in a population of conjugate species that
      includes differing numbers and locations of attached PEG chains. As some portion
      of this population may be biologically inactive, a challenging separation problem
      arises. An interesting alternative to the size-based resolution of these
      conjugates involves the use of reversed phase chromatography (RPC), treating the
      PEG moieties as hydrophobic purification tags. The use of RPC raises concerns
      about protein denaturation in the mobile and on the stationary phase. Here, the
      potential dual role of conjugated PEG chains as both group-specific separation
      tags and as steric or structural stabilizers in RPC was explored. In this work,
      RPC with C18-based media was used to resolve PEGylation number variants of
      ribonuclease A (RNase A) and apo-alpha-lactalbumin (apo-alphaLac) in a neutral pH
      mobile phase. While the attachment of 20kDa PEG molecules did not modify the
      structures of RNase A and apo-alphaLac, as confirmed by structural analysis using
      circular dichroism, exposure to the mobile phase modifier, acetonitrile, and to
      the C18 media during separation resulted in perturbations to both the secondary
      and tertiary structures of all species studied. RNase A experienced small
      perturbations that were mediated to some extent by PEGylation; these results were
      consistent with activity assays which showed that PEGylated RNase A species
      retained native-like activity after RPC separation. Apo-alphaLac, a more
      hydrophobic and less stable protein than RNase A, experienced extensive
      structural perturbations regardless of PEGylation state. The temperature of the
      mobile phase was found to strongly influence chromatographic separation of PEG
      conjugates with conjugate species becoming more strongly retained with increasing
      temperature. This work shows that it is feasible to employ RPC with neutral pH
      mobile phases to resolve PEG conjugate number heterogeneity. 

PMID- 25130087
TI  - Single-walled carbon nanotube-based polymer monoliths for the enantioselective
      nano-liquid chromatographic separation of racemic pharmaceuticals.
AB  - Single-walled carbon nanotubes were encapsulated into different polymer-based
      monolithic backbones. The polymer monoliths were prepared via the
      copolymerization of 20% monomers, glycidyl methacrylate, 20% ethylene glycol
      dimethacrylate and 60% porogens (36% 1-propanol, 18% 1,4-butanediol) or 16.4%
      monomers (16% butyl methacrylate, 0.4% sulfopropyl methacrylate), 23.6% ethylene
      glycol dimethacrylate and 60% porogens (36% 1-propanol, 18% 1,4-butanediol) along
      with 6% single-walled carbon nanotubes aqueous suspension. The effect of single
      walled carbon nanotubes on the chiral separation of twelve classes of
      pharmaceutical racemates namely; alpha- and beta-blockers, antiinflammatory
      drugs, antifungal drugs, dopamine antagonists, norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake
      inhibitors, catecholamines, sedative hypnotics, diuretics, antihistaminics,
      anticancer drugs and antiarrhythmic drugs was investigated. The enantioselective
      separation was carried out under multimodal elution to explore the chiral
      recognition capabilities of single-walled carbon nanotubes using reversed phase,
      polar organic and normal phase chromatographic conditions using nano-liquid
      chromatography. Baseline separation was achieved for celiprolol,
      chlorpheniramine, etozoline, nomifensine and sulconazole under multimodal elution
      conditions. Satisfactory repeatability was achieved through run-to-run, column-to
      column and batch-to-batch investigations. Our findings demonstrate that single
      walled carbon nanotubes represent a promising stationary phase for the chiral
      separation and may open the field for a new class of chiral selectors. 

PMID- 25130088
TI  - Combined use of chiral ionic liquid surfactants and neutral cyclodextrins:
      evaluation of ionic liquid head groups for enantioseparation of neutral compounds
      in capillary electrophoresis.
AB  - Cyclodextrins (CDs) are most commonly used chiral selectors in capillary
      electrophoresis (CE). Although the use of neutral CDs and its derivatives have
      shown to resolve plethora of charged enantiomers, they cannot resolve neutral
      enantiomers. The use of ionic liquids (ILs) surfactants forming successful
      complex with CDs present itself an opportunity to resolve neutral enantiomers. In
      this work, the effect of IL head groups and their complexation ability with
      heptakis (2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (TM-beta-CD) was studied for the
      separation of neutral enantiomers by CE. First, cationic IL type surfactants with
      different chiral head groups were synthesized. Physicochemical properties such as
      critical micelle concentration were determined by surface tension, whereas
      aggregation and polarity were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The
      complexation ability of ILs with TM-beta-CD was characterized in the gas phase by
      CE-mass spectrometry. The influence of the type of ILs head group and its
      concentration on chiral resolution, resolution per unit time and selectivity were
      investigated for four structurally diverse neutral compounds. The binding
      constants of the neutral analytes to the IL-CD complex were estimated by y
      reciprocal method. The hydrophobicity of the side chain of the IL head group
      displayed significant effect on the binding constants and enantioseparations. 

PMID- 25130089
TI  - Ionic liquid intercalated clay sorbents for micro solid phase extraction of
      steroid hormones from water samples with analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry.
AB  - Clay material plays an important role in the transport and retention of many
      compounds in the soil, therefore, clay based sorbents are promising alternatives
      for selective sorption of organic pollutants. In the present work, different
      chain length ionic liquids (ILs) namely, 1-methyl-3-octyl-imidazolium bromide, 1
      methyl-3-undecyl-imidazolium bromide and 1-methyl-3-octadecyl-imidazolium bromide
      were intercalated in the galleries of montmorillonite (MMT) clay. Then, this
      novel nanofiller surface was utilized in micro extraction of estrogenic hormones
      for the first time. A fast procedure where sonication-assisted emulsification
      microextraction combined with vortex assisted micro-solid phase extraction (MU
      SPE) was developed for the LC-MS/MS analysis of estrone (E1), 17beta-estradiol
      (E2), estriol (E3) and ethynylestradiol (EE2). The parameters related to the MU
      SPE procedure namely; pH, sorbent amount, extraction solvent type and volume,
      sonication and vortex time, sample volume and salt effect on the extraction
      efficiency were screened by applying Plackett-Burmann design. The selected
      parameters were then optimized by using Box-Behnken design. The method was
      validated for the determination of estrogenic hormone residues in river water
      samples. Linear calibration plots were obtained for all hormones whose regression
      coefficients were larger than 0.98. RSD values were found less than 10% for three
      levels of concentration. LOD levels were calculated as; 0.012, 0.062, 0.018 and
      0.693 ng L(-1) for E1, E2, E3 and EE2, respectively. Recovery values were
      calculated in the range of 86.9-97.7%. Considering large sample volumes required
      for attaining low limits of these hormones, present method provides an ease for
      analyst as 10 mL of the sample is adequate for achieving the same sensitivity.

PMID- 25130090
TI  - A new derivatization approach with D-cysteine for the sensitive and simple
      analysis of acrylamide in foods by liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS) was developed
      in order to determine the amount of acrylamide in foods after derivatization with
      d-cysteine. The sulfhydryl group of d-cysteine was added at the beta-site double
      bond of acrylamide to form 2-amino-3-(3-amino-3-oxo-propyl)sulfanyl-propanoic
      acid. Deuterated acrylamide (acrylamide-d3) was chosen as the internal standard
      (IS) for analyzing the food samples. Acrylamide was extracted from 2.0 g of food
      sample with 6 mL of methylene chloride, and the organic extract was diluted with
      3 mL of hexane, and then the analyte was back-extracted with 0.5 mL of pure
      water. The derivatization of acrylamide was performed in the water extract. The
      best reaction conditions (3.0mg of d-cysteine, a pH 6.5, a reaction temperature
      of 90 degrees C, and a heating time of 50 min) were established by the variation
      of parameters. The formed derivative was injected into the LC-MS/MS without
      further extraction or purification procedures. Separation and detection were
      improved with the use of an ion-pairing reagent of perfluorooctanoic acid. Under
      the established conditions, the limits of detection and the limits of
      quantification were 0.04 MUg/kg and 0.14 MUg/kg, respectively, and the inter-day
      relative standard deviation was less than 8% at concentrations of 20 and 100
      MUg/kg. The method was successfully applied to determine the amount of acrylamide
      in potato chips, French fries, and coffee.

PMID- 25130091
TI  - Matrix solid-phase dispersion of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and their
      hydroxylated and methoxylated analogues in lettuce, carrot and soil.
AB  - In the present work, a novel analytical method for the simultaneous determination
      of ten polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), eight methoxylated PBDEs (MeO
      PBDEs) and seven hydroxylated PBDEs (OH-PBDEs) in soil, lettuce and carrot
      samples was developed. The procedure was based on matrix solid-phase dispersion
      (MSPD) followed by gas chromatography coupled to negative chemical ionization
      mass spectrometry (GC-NCI-MS). Under optimum conditions, 0.5g of sample (freeze
      dried in the case of lettuce and carrot samples) was dispersed with 0.5g of
      octadecyl-functionalized silica (C18) and 1.75g of acidified silica (10% H2SO4,
      w/w) was used as clean-up sorbent. A two-step fractionated elution was carried
      out. First, PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs were eluted in 75:25% (v/v) n
      hexane/dichloromethane mixture and, then, the retained OH-PBDEs were eluted in
      pure dichloromethane. Both extracts were analyzed by GC-NCI-MS separately, in the
      case of OH-PBDEs after derivatization with N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)
      trifluoroacetamide. The developed method was validated in terms of accuracy for
      soil, lettuce and carrot matrices, spiked at two fortification levels (5 and
      25ngg(-1)). After correction with the corresponding surrogate, apparent recovery
      values (defined as the recovery obtained after correction with the corresponding
      surrogate) were in the 80-129% range. Precision (as relative standard deviation)
      in the 1-21% range and method detection limits (MDLs) in the 0.003 and 0.3ngg(-1)
      range for soil and in the 0.003-0.4ngg(-1) range (dry weight) for lettuce and
      carrot samples were obtained. For PBDEs the method was also validated with a
      standard reference material (SRM-2585) of house dust. Finally, the method was
      applied for the determination of target analytes in soil, lettuce and carrot. 

PMID- 25130092
TI  - Highly class-selective solid-phase extraction of bisphenols in milk, sediment and
      human urine samples using well-designed dummy molecularly imprinted polymers.
AB  - Dummy molecularly imprinted polymers (DMIPs) towards bisphenols (BPs) were
      prepared employing 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane (THPE) and phenolphthalein
      (PP) as dummy templates. The selectivity of the resulting DMIPs was evaluated by
      high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Both PP-DMIP and THPE-DMIP showed
      excellent class selectivity towards bisphenols. THPE-DMIP prepared using the
      template molecule with three hydroxyphenyl functionalities achieved higher
      imprinting factors (IF) for the bisphenols over a range of 7.9-19.8. An efficient
      approach based on dummy molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (DMISPE)
      coupled with HPLC-DAD was developed for selective extraction of eight bisphenols
      in sediment, milk and human urine samples using THPE-DMIP as sorbents. The method
      showed good recoveries (82-102%) and precision (RSD 0.2-4%, n=3) for these
      samples spiked at two concentration levels (25 and 250ngg(-1) or ngmL(-1)). The
      detection limits ranged between 0.6 and 1.1ngg(-1) or ngmL(-1). Efficient removal
      of sample matrix and interferences was also achieved for these samples after
      DMISPE process. The results demonstrated great potential of the optimized methods
      for sample preparation in the routine analysis of trace BPs in complex samples. 

PMID- 25130093
TI  - A novel approach to the quantitative detection of anabolic steroids in bovine
      muscle tissue by means of a hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry
      instrument.
AB  - In recent years, the analysis of veterinary drugs and growth-promoting agents has
      shifted from target-oriented procedures, mainly based on liquid chromatography
      coupled to triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ-MS), towards accurate mass
      full scan MS (such as Time-of-Flight (ToF) and Fourier Transform (FT)-MS). In
      this study, the performance of a hybrid analysis instrument (i.e. UHPLC
      QuadrupoleTime-of-Flight-MS (QqToF-MS)), able to exploit both full scan HR and
      MS/MS capabilities within a single analytical platform, was evaluated for
      confirmatory analysis of anabolic steroids (gestagens, estrogens including
      stilbenes and androgens) in meat. The validation data was compared to previously
      obtained results (CD 2002/657/EC) for QqQ-MS and single stage Orbitrap-MS.
      Additionally, a fractional factorial design was used to shorten and optimize the
      sample extraction. Validation according to CD 2002/657/EC demonstrated that
      steroid analysis using QqToF has a higher competing value towards QqQ-MS in terms
      of selectivity/specificity, compared to single stage Orbitrap-MS. While providing
      excellent linearity, based on lack-of-fit calculations (F-test, alpha=0.05 for
      all steroids except 17beta-ethinylestradiol: alpha=0.01), the sensitivity of
      QqToF-MS proved for 61.8% and 85.3% of the compounds more sensitive compared to
      QqQ-MS and Orbitrap-MS, respectively. Indeed, the CCalpha values, obtained upon
      ToF-MS/MS detection, ranged from 0.02 to 1.74MUgkg(-1) for the 34 anabolic
      steroids, while for QqQ-MS and Orbitrap-MS values ranged from 0.04 to 0.88MUgkg(
      1) and from 0.07 to 2.50MUgkg(-1), respectively. Using QqToF-MS and QqQ-MS,
      adequate precision was obtained as relative standard deviations for repeatability
      and within-laboratory reproducibility, were below 20%. In case of Orbitrap-MS,
      some compounds (i.e. some estrogens) displayed poor precision, which was possibly
      caused by some lack of sensitivity at lower concentrations and the absence of MRM
      like experiments. Overall, it can be concluded that QqToF-MS offers good
      quantitative and confirmatory performance using the ToF-MS/MS mode whereas the
      full scan HR-ToF-MS allows screening for potential new designer drugs. 

PMID- 25130094
TI  - Parallel dual secondary column-dual detection: a further way of enhancing the
      informative potential of two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography.
AB  - Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC*GC) coupled with Mass
      Spectrometry (MS) is one of today's most powerful analytical platforms for
      detailed analysis of medium-to-high complexity samples. The column set usually
      consists of a long, conventional-inner-diameter first dimension ((1)D) (typically
      15-30m long, 0.32-0.25mm dc), and a short, narrow-bore second dimension ((2)D)
      column (typically 0.5-2m, 0.1mm dc) where separation is run in a few seconds.
      However, when thermal modulation is used, since the columns of a set are coupled
      in series, a flow mismatch occurs between the two dimensions, making it
      impossible to operate simultaneously at optimized flow conditions. Further, short
      narrow-bore capillaries can easily be overloaded, because of their lower
      loadability, limiting the effectiveness of (2)D separation. In this study,
      improved gas linear velocities in both chromatographic dimensions were achieved
      by coupling the (1)D column with two parallel (2)D columns, having identical
      inner diameter, stationary phase chemistry, and film thickness. In turn, these
      were connected to two detectors: a fast quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (MS) and a
      Flame Ionization Detector (FID). Different configurations were tested and
      performances compared to a conventional set-up; experimental results on two model
      mixtures (n-alkanes and fourteen medium-to-high polarity volatiles of interest in
      the flavor and fragrance field) and on the essential oil of Artemisia
      umbelliformis Lam., show the system provides consistent results, in terms of
      analyte identification (reliability of spectra and MS matching) and quantitation,
      also affording an internal cross-validation of quantitation accuracy. 

PMID- 25130095
TI  - Systolic blood pressure and fatty acid-binding protein 4 predict pregnancy
      induced hypertension in overweight nulliparous women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The insulin-sensitivity regulator adipocyte fatty acid-binding
      protein 4 (FABP4) integrates metabolic and inflammatory responses. We hypothesize
      that there is relationship between FABP4 and factors related to metabolic
      syndrome in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). METHODS: In this prospective
      observational study, among the 72 relatively overweight (BMI >=24 kg/m2)
      nulliparous women, 14 developed non-proteinuric PIH and 12 developed proteinuric
      PIH (preeclampsia), whereas 46 had normotensive pregnancies. Insulin sensitivity
      was assessed via the whole-body insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and the
      homeostatic model of assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at 24 weeks of
      gestation. Maternal serum levels of FABP4, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs
      CRP), total testosterone, and non-protein-bound calculated free testosterone
      (cfT) were determined at 24 and 32 weeks. RESULTS: Measures of ISI, HOMA-IR, hs
      CRP, testosterone and lipids did not differ at 24 and/or at 32 weeks in women who
      were subsequently hypertensive. SBP was higher at all time points and FABP4
      levels tended to be higher at 24 and 32 weeks in patients compared to controls.
      In logistic regression analysis, baseline FABP4 (OR [95% CI] 1.069 [1.020-1.121],
      P = 0.006) and SBP after 10 min standing (OR [95% CI] 1.087 [1.029-1.149], P =
      0.003) were associated with the development of PIH. FABP4 levels at 24 weeks did
      not correlate with insulin sensitivity. Neither was correlation seen between
      FABP4 levels at 24 and 32 weeks, vs. those of hs-CRP and testosterone. DISCUSSION
      AND CONCLUSIONS: Serum FABP4 concentration and SBP after 10 min standing in an
      orthostatic test at 24 weeks are associated with subsequent development of PIH.

PMID- 25130096
TI  - Alkaloids: an overview of their antibacterial, antibiotic-enhancing and
      antivirulence activities.
AB  - With reports of pandrug-resistant bacteria causing untreatable infections, the
      need for new antibacterial therapies is more pressing than ever. Alkaloids are a
      large and structurally diverse group of compounds that have served as scaffolds
      for important antibacterial drugs such as metronidazole and the quinolones. In
      this review, we highlight other alkaloids with development potential. Natural,
      semisynthetic and synthetic alkaloids of all classes are considered, looking
      first at those with direct antibacterial activity and those with antibiotic
      enhancing activity. Potent examples include CJ-13,136, a novel actinomycete
      derived quinolone alkaloid with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.1 ng/mL
      against Helicobacter pylori, and squalamine, a polyamine alkaloid from the
      dogfish shark that renders Gram-negative pathogens 16- to >32-fold more
      susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Where available, information on toxicity, structure
      activity relationships, mechanisms of action and in vivo activity is presented.
      The effects of alkaloids on virulence gene regulatory systems such as quorum
      sensing and virulence factors such as sortases, adhesins and secretion systems
      are also described. The synthetic isoquinoline alkaloid virstatin, for example,
      inhibits the transcriptional regulator ToxT in Vibrio cholerae, preventing
      expression of cholera toxin and fimbriae and conferring in vivo protection
      against intestinal colonisation. The review concludes with implications and
      limitations of the described research and directions for future research.

PMID- 25130097
TI  - Human, food and animal Campylobacter spp. isolated in Portugal: high genetic
      diversity and antibiotic resistance rates.
AB  - Infections by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are considered the
      major cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans, with food being the main
      source of infection. In this study, a total of 196 Campylobacter strains (125
      isolates from humans, 39 from retail food and 32 from food animal sources)
      isolated in Portugal between 2009 and 2012 were characterised by multilocus
      sequence typing (MLST) and flaA short variable region (SVR) typing.
      Susceptibility to six antibiotics as well as the mechanisms underlying antibiotic
      resistance phenotypes was also studied. Based on MLST typing, C. coli strains
      were genetically more conserved, with a predominant clonal complex (CC828), than
      C. jejuni strains. In contrast, C. coli isolates were genetically more variable
      than C. jejuni with regard to flaA-SVR typing. A high rate of resistance was
      observed for quinolones (100% to nalidixic acid, >90% to ciprofloxacin) and, in
      general, resistance was more common among C. coli, especially for erythromycin
      (40.2% vs. 6.7%). In addition, most isolates (86%) were resistant to multiple
      antimicrobial families. Besides the expected point mutations associated with
      antibiotic resistance, detected polymorphisms in the cmeABC locus likely play a
      role in the multiresistant phenotype. This study provides for the first time an
      overview of the genetic diversity of Campylobacter strains from Portugal. It also
      shows a worrying antibiotic multiresistance rate and the emergence of
      Campylobacter strains resistant to antibiotics of human use. 

PMID- 25130099
TI  - Value of integron detection for predicting antibiotic resistance in patients with
      Gram-negative septicaemia.
AB  - Multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are a major public health threat and
      complicate the choice of drugs for empirical antibiotic therapy, especially in
      sepsis patients who require rapid, appropriate treatment. The objective of this
      study was to examine the value of integrons as a global predictive marker of
      acquired antibiotic resistance in septicaemia-causing Enterobacteriaceae by
      direct detection in positive blood cultures. The integron genetic marker can be
      detected in a single test, whereas multiple PCRs are needed to detect the
      hundreds of known antibiotic resistance genes. A total of 166 positive blood
      cultures were included in the study, and integrons were detected with a
      quantitative PCR method both in positive blood cultures and isolated
      Enterobacteriaceae. The results of integron detection directly on positive blood
      cultures were consistent in 98.8% of cases with integron detection in isolated
      Enterobacteriaceae. Negative predictive values (NPVs) were >90% for resistance to
      third-generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, ciprofloxacin and
      trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. In the current context of antibiotic stewardship,
      these good NPVs indicate that this method might be useful for preserving broad
      spectrum antibiotics. The results of this proof-of-concept study must be
      confirmed in order to demonstrate the clinical relevance of integron detection,
      not only in positive blood cultures but also, to gain time, in raw biological
      samples. 

PMID- 25130100
TI  - Background activities, induction, and behavioral allocation in operant
      performance.
AB  - In experiments on operant behavior, other activities, called "background"
      activities, compete with the operant activities. Herrnstein's (1970) formulation
      of the matching law included background reinforcers in the form of a parameter
      rO, but remained vague about the activities (BO) that produce rO. To gain more
      understanding, we analyzed data from three studies of performance with pairs of
      variable-interval schedules that changed frequently in the relative rate at which
      they produced food: Baum and Davison (2014), Belke and Heyman (1994), and Soto,
      McDowell, and Dallery (2005). Results sometimes deviated from the matching law,
      suggesting variation in rO. When rO was calculated from the matching equation,
      two results emerged: (a) rO is directly proportional to BO, as in a ratio
      schedule; and (b) rO and BO depend on the food rate, which is to say that BO
      consists of activities induced by food, as a phylogenetically important event.
      Other activities unrelated to food (BN ) correspond to Herrnstein's original
      conception of rO and may be included in the matching equation. A model based on
      Baum's (Baum, 2012) concepts of allocation, induction, and contingency explained
      the deviations from the matching law. In the model, operant activity B, BO, and
      BN competed unequally in the time allocation: B and BO both replaced BN , BO
      replaced lever pressing (Soto et al.), and key pecking replaced BO (Baum &
      Davison). Although the dependence of rO and BO on food rate changes Herrnstein's
      (1970) formulation, the model preserved the generalized matching law for operant
      activities by incorporating power-function induction.

PMID- 25130098
TI  - Surveillance study of Treponema pallidum harbouring tetracycline resistance
      mutations in patients with syphilis.

PMID- 25130102
TI  - Superficial siderosis and spinal intradural extramedullary cavernous angioma.

PMID- 25130101
TI  - The anthropometry of children and adolescents may be influenced by the prenatal
      smoking habits of their grandmothers: a longitudinal cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previously, in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children
      (ALSPAC), we have shown different sex-specific birth anthropometric measurements
      contingent upon whether or not prenatal smoking was undertaken by paternal
      grandmother (PGM+/-), maternal grandmother (MGM+/-), and the study mother (M+/-).
      The findings raised the question as to whether there were long-term associations
      on the growth of the study children over time. METHODS: Measures of weight,
      height, body mass index, waist circumference, lean mass, and fat mass of children
      in the ALSPAC study from 7 to 17 years of age were used. We compared growth in
      four categories at each age: PGM+M- with PGM-M-; MGM+M- with MGM-M-; PGM+M+ with
      PGM-M+; MGM+M+ with MGM-M+; and adjusted for housing tenure, maternal education,
      parity, and paternal smoking at the start of the study pregnancy. RESULTS: We
      found that if the PGM had, but the study mother had not, smoked in pregnancy, the
      girls were taller and both genders had greater bone and lean mass. However, if
      the MGM had smoked prenatally but the mother had not (MGM+M-), the boys became
      heavier than expected with increasing age-an association that was particularly
      due to lean rather than fat mass, reflected in increased strength and fitness.
      When both the maternal grandmother and the mother had smoked (MGM+M+) girls had
      reduced height, weight, and fat/lean/bone mass when compared with girls born to
      smoking mothers whose own mothers had not smoked (MGM-M+). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study indicates that smoking in humans can have sex-specific transgenerational
      effects.

PMID- 25130103
TI  - Spasm provocation tests performed under medical therapy: a new approach for
      treating patients with refractory coronary spastic angina on emergency admission.
AB  - Objective There are no objective methods for evaluating the severity of
      vasospasms in patients with refractory coronary spastic angina (R-CSA) under
      adequate medical therapy. We examined whether spasm provocation tests performed
      under adequate medication are useful for evaluating the severity of disease in R
      CSA patients on emergency admission. Methods and Results We performed spasm
      provocation tests before and after the administration of medical therapy in eight
      R-CSA patients, including one ventricular fibrillation survivor (VF-S) and seven
      patients with unstable angina (UAP) on emergency readmission. We also performed
      these tests only after medical therapy on urgent admission in four R-CSA
      patients, including two patients with UAP, one patient with VF-S and one patient
      with acute coronary syndrome. All 12 R-CSA patients had been medicated with >= 2
      vasodilator drugs. Positive coronary spasms were defined as >99% transient
      narrowing. The coronary artery spasms disappeared in three patients under
      medication, and mitigation of vasospasticity was observed in three patients. In
      these six cases we continued the same medications. Meanwhile in two patients, we
      recommended a consultation for psychosomatic medicine. In contrast, the remaining
      six R-CSA patients exhibited higher levels of vasospasticity, irrespective of the
      administration of aggressive medical therapy, in which the doses of vasoactive
      drugs were increased in order to suppress coronary artery spasms. Conclusion In
      some R-CSA patients on emergency admission, performing spasm provocation tests
      under medical therapy is useful for determining the subsequent treatment
      strategy. Therefore, this test may become a new tool in the treatment of R-CSA.

PMID- 25130104
TI  - A pilot study to examine the management of asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism in
      Japanese patients in accordance with the guidelines for asymptomatic PHPT
      proposed at the Third International Workshop in 2008.
AB  - Objective The treatment for asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)
      remains controversial. In 2008, the Third International Workshop on the
      Management of Asymptomatic PHPT proposed a set of guidelines for the management
      of asymptomatic PHPT. We therefore evaluated the application of the Workshop
      recommendations in Japanese patients with asymptomatic PHPT. Methods We analyzed
      each parameter of the guidelines in 87 Japanese patients with asymptomatic PHPT
      who underwent methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy. Results Fewer than
      10% of the patients were less than 50 years of age. The bone mineral density T
      score was below -2.5 SD in 20 women (46.5% of all women analyzed) and in none of
      the men. The eGFR was <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) in 17 patients. A majority of patients
      (43) satisfied only one parameter, while 25 patients satisfied none of the
      parameters. Furthermore, the MIBI-positive and surgically treated patients tended
      to satisfy a larger number of the parameters. The Workshop criteria and levels of
      PTH, daily Ca excretion, serum ALP and 1,25(OH)2 Vitamin D were further analyzed
      in relation to the findings of MIBI scans, and almost all of the parameters were
      found to be significantly correlated with the results of the MIBI studies.
      Conclusion Our results suggest the need to reassess the Workshop guidelines for
      the treatment of hyperparathyroidism in Japanese patients. It is desirable that
      MIBI scintigraphy be performed whenever possible, as this modality is anticipated
      to play an important role in determining whether or not surgery is appropriate. 

PMID- 25130105
TI  - Oral tacrolimus for megacolon in patients with severe ulcerative colitis.
AB  - Toxic megacolon is an infrequent but life-threatening complication that occurs
      most commonly in patients with severe ulcerative colitis. Intravenous steroids
      are often recommended for patients with toxic megacolon secondary to ulcerative
      colitis. However, steroid dependency may mask the presence of intra-abdominal
      sepsis and is associated with refractoriness, during which cytomegalovirus
      reactivation may occur. In this report, we present two rare cases of megacolon
      accompanying pancolonic severe ulcerative colitis that were successfully treated
      with oral tacrolimus, including one steroid-naive patient. In cases of ulcerative
      colitis with megacolon, treatment with oral tacrolimus is recommended, thereby
      avoiding steroid dependency and improving the long-term prognosis. 

PMID- 25130106
TI  - Successful treatment with entecavir for reactivation of hepatitis B virus
      following systemic chemotherapy in a hepatitis B surface antigen-negative patient
      with colorectal cancer.
AB  - Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) has recently been reported as a fatal
      complication in patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy. We herein describe a
      case of reactivation in a 76-year-old man who had undergone pelvic exenteration
      for colorectal cancer (CRC). He was treated with a modified FOLFOX6 chemotherapy
      regimen after the operation. Thirteen months later, his laboratory data showed
      severe liver dysfunction. His hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test was
      positive, and his HBV-DNA level was elevated. We diagnosed the patient with HBV
      reactivation as his HBsAg test was negative before starting chemotherapy. His
      liver dysfunction improved after administration of entecavir. This is the first
      report describing HBV reactivation following chemotherapy for an HBsAg-negative
      CRC patient. 

PMID- 25130107
TI  - Alcoholic liver disease complicated by deep bleeding into the muscles or
      retroperitoneum: report of three cases and a review of the literature.
AB  - We herein report three cases of alcoholic cirrhosis complicated by deep bleeding.
      In two of the three cases, intramuscular or retroperitoneal hematomas developed
      spontaneously. In contrast, in the remaining case, an intramuscular hematoma
      developed after trauma. In the former two patients, the intramuscular hematomas
      recurred at other sites during hospitalization. All three patients received
      conservative therapy, and one patient with a retroperitoneal hematoma underwent
      transcatheter arterial embolization. All of the patients eventually died of liver
      failure. The occurrence of severe alcoholic liver disease with deep bleeding has
      recently been reported with increasing frequency, and clinicians should bear this
      condition in mind as a life-threatening complication of alcoholic liver disease. 

PMID- 25130109
TI  - Life-threatening acute heart failure due to primary cardiac undifferentiated
      pleomorphic sarcoma.
AB  - A 41-year-old man was admitted with acute heart failure and shock status. An
      echocardiogram showed a mobile tumor obstructing blood flow through the mitral
      valve with a stalk on the posterior left atrium (LA) wall. Emergent open-heart
      surgery was performed to resect the tumor (77*36*30 mm). Histological examination
      confirmed that it was an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Unfortunately,
      positron emission tomography performed five months after surgery demonstrated a
      local recurrence around the right pulmonary vein and LA. We performed proton beam
      radiotherapy to treat the local recurrence, and it was effective. The patient has
      survived more than one year since the first life-threatening heart failure
      episode. 

PMID- 25130108
TI  - Double-valve replacement for mitral and aortic regurgitation in a Patient with
      Libman-Sacks endocarditis.
AB  - A 53-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid
      syndrome presented with central nervous system (CNS) lupus and vegetation of the
      mitral and aortic valves. Her CNS lupus was relieved with methylprednisolone
      pulse therapy; however, her mitral regurgitation worsened, and she developed
      acute decompensated heart failure. The mitral and aortic valves were replaced
      with mechanical heart valves. Microscopic examination of the excised valves
      showed no bacterial invasion, and Libman-Sacks (LS) endocarditis of both valves
      was confirmed. This was a case of LS endocarditis with clear vegetation that
      spread over the mitral and aortic valves. 

PMID- 25130110
TI  - A rare presentation of subclinical Cushing's syndrome as a pubic fracture.
AB  - Osteoporosis and bone fractures are commonly seen in patients with Cushing's
      syndrome (CS). Fractures usually occur in the vertebrae and ribs whereas pubic
      fractures are less common. Similar to obvious hypercortisolemia, subclinical
      hypercortisolemia can increase the risk of fractures. However, in subclinical
      cases, bone fractures are very rarely seen as the presenting symptom. We herein
      report the case of a 62-year-old postmenopausal woman who was presented with a
      pubic fracture. During the evaluation of the fracture, thoracoabdominal magnetic
      resonance imaging of the patient demonstrated an adrenal mass. Although the
      patient did not show any signs of overt hypercortisolism, an endocrinologic
      evaluation revealed hypercortisolism due to an adrenal tumor. Adrenalectomy was
      performed, which resulted in a cure of the disease. During the orthopedic follow
      up, the patient's pubic area pain gradually improved, and the pubic fracture
      healed without any accompanying new bone fractures. One year after the surgery, a
      remarkable improvement was detected in the patient's bone density in spite of the
      lack of administration of any medications for osteoporosis. Subclinical CS can
      present as a pubic fracture, and awareness of this relationship can help
      physicians to diagnose the disease. 

PMID- 25130111
TI  - Coexistence of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and pheochromocytoma in
      three cases of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) with a review of the literature.
AB  - It is well known that neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is uncommonly associated
      with pheochromocytoma development and also, to a larger extent, with
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). We herein document three cases with the
      rare condition of NF1 coexisting with GIST and pheochromocytoma, while one of
      them also has a composite tumor and another has papillary thyroid carcinoma. 

PMID- 25130113
TI  - A rare case of acquired methemoglobinemia associated with alkaptonuria.
AB  - We herein present a rare case of acquired methemoglobinemia associated with
      alkaptonuria. Alkaptonuria is a congenital error of metabolism caused by the
      deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase, which subsequently results in the
      accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA) in body tissues. As renal dysfunction
      progresses, the level of HGA excretion in the urine decreases and the blood
      concentration of HGA increases. HGA oxidizes oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin,
      which can induce multiple organ failure accompanied by tissue hypoxia,
      intravascular hemolysis and metabolic acidosis. The mortality of this disease is
      high when alkaptonuria is associated with the presence of methemoglobinemia;
      therefore, treatment should be carefully planned in such cases. 

PMID- 25130112
TI  - Liraglutide as a potentially useful agent for regulating appetite in diabetic
      patients with hypothalamic hyperphagia and obesity.
AB  - Hypothalamic hyperphagia and obesity are characterized by a lack of satiety and
      an abnormally high appetite that is difficult to control. We herein report the
      cases of two patients with hypothalamic hyperphagia and obesity with MRI
      detectable hypothalamic lesions. These patients suffered from diabetes mellitus
      associated with an abnormal eating behavior and weight gain. Liraglutide was
      successfully used to treat their diabetes mellitus and suppress their abnormal
      appetites. Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues, including liraglutide, are
      promising treatment options in patients with hypothalamic hyperphagia and
      obesity, as these agents enhance the hypothalamic input of the satiety signal,
      which is lacking in such patients. 

PMID- 25130114
TI  - Marked elevation of serum hyaluronan levels in collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy.
AB  - Collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy is a rare glomerular disease characterized by
      the massive deposition of type III collagen in mesangial and subendothelial
      spaces. We observed markedly increased serum hyaluronan levels in patients with
      collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy; levels in three patients were more than 1,000
      times greater than the normal upper limit. However, one kidney transplant patient
      had normal serum hyaluronan levels. We found that serum levels and activities of
      the enzyme hyaluronidase were normal, and hyaluronan was not markedly deposited
      in the mesangial or subendothelial spaces. Our findings suggest that serum
      hyaluronan levels may be a specific diagnostic marker of collagenofibrotic
      glomerulopathy, and kidney transplantation may alleviate marked increases in
      serum hyaluronan. 

PMID- 25130115
TI  - Severe hypokalemia and thyrotoxic paralysis from painless thyroiditis complicated
      by life-threatening polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and rhabdomyolysis.
AB  - A 61-year-old man presented with lower extremity paralysis and severe
      hypokalemia. His thyroid function test showed thyrotoxicosis. Despite attempts to
      correct his hypokalemia, he developed pulseless polymorphic ventricular
      tachycardia two hours later. He was successfully resuscitated after
      defibrillation. We performed continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration for 10 days
      due to acute kidney injury and rhabdomyolysis. We observed life-threatening
      polymorphic ventricular tachycardia requiring urgent defibrillation, as well as
      rhabdomyolysis requiring dialysis during the transient thyrotoxic phase of
      painless thyroiditis. Pay attention to the possibility of the development of life
      threatening ventricular tachycardia associated with hypokalemia in the setting of
      thyroiditis and thyrotoxic paralysis. 

PMID- 25130116
TI  - Diffuse parenchymal pulmonary amyloidosis showing an objective response to
      bortezomib-based chemotherapy.
AB  - A 77-year-old woman was admitted because of bilateral hand numbness and dyspnea
      on exertion. Her serum IgG was increased, and a bone marrow aspiration analysis
      supported a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Additionally, computed tomography
      scans of the chest showed bilateral ground glass attenuations, linear opacities,
      and consolidations. Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed Congo Red-positive
      amorphous eosinophilic deposits. She was therefore diagnosed with diffuse
      parenchymal pulmonary amyloidosis accompanied by multiple myeloma. Following
      combination chemotherapy including bortezomib, her serum monoclonal protein
      levels were normalized, and pulmonary function and oxygenation improved. 

PMID- 25130117
TI  - Bevacizumab for critical brain metastases in a patient with pulmonary pleomorphic
      carcinoma.
AB  - Bevacizumab was initially contraindicated in patients with brain metastases, but
      several reports have shown the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab for brain
      metastases. We herein report the case of a patient with pulmonary pleomorphic
      carcinoma for which bevacizumab plus weekly paclitaxel following whole-brain
      radiotherapy (WBRT) was effectively and safely administered for critical and
      refractory brain metastases. Although the 50-year-old male patient received WBRT
      with anti-edema therapies for progressive brain metastases, his clinical symptoms
      deteriorated rapidly. After the completion of WBRT, we administered bevacizumab
      plus weekly paclitaxel, and his neurological symptoms improved dramatically.
      Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a marked response by the brain
      metastases and improved brain edema. This case suggested both synergism between
      WBRT and bevacizumab, and an anti-edema effect of bevacizumab. Bevacizumab may be
      therefore a potent therapeutic option for patients with refractory brain
      metastases. 

PMID- 25130118
TI  - Esophagomediastinal fistula secondary to multidrug-resistant tuberculous
      mediastinal lymphadenitis.
AB  - Esophagomediastinal fistula secondary to mediastinal tuberculosis (TB)
      lymphadenitis is a rare and unusual complication. A 32-year-old woman visited our
      clinic because of chest pain. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an
      esophagomediastinal fistula with subcarinal lymphadenopathy and no remarkable
      parenchymal lung lesions. The esophagomediastinal fistula was confirmed by
      esophagoscopy; however, the patient's bronchoscopy findings were unremarkable.
      The endobronchial ultrasound-guided lymph node aspiration did not confirm a
      diagnosis of TB. Finally, the patient was diagnosed via a lymph node biopsy. A
      drug-sensitivity test revealed the presence of a multidrug-resistant pathogen. To
      the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of esophagomediastinal fistula
      secondary to multidrug-resistant (MDR-) TB mediastinal lymphadenitis. 

PMID- 25130119
TI  - Wandering pneumonia caused by dabigatran.
AB  - We herein describe the case of a 74-year-old man who experienced pulmonary
      consolidation and chest pain following administration of dabigatran, a novel oral
      anticoagulant. The consolidation settled spontaneously in another lung area, a
      condition sometimes referred to as "wandering pneumonia." Although we did not
      find specific pathological evidence of interstitial lung disease on
      transbronchial lung biopsy, a lung opacity spontaneously disappeared following
      discontinuance of dabigatran, and there was no recurrence. There are no other
      reports of dabigatran-induced lung injury, except alveolar hemorrhage and
      eosinophilic pneumonia. We should consider that any novel drug could cause
      various types of pulmonary injuries. 

PMID- 25130120
TI  - Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension complicated by a cavitating lung
      infection caused by Mycobacterium intracellulare.
AB  - A 35-year-old man with a six-month history of progressive exertional dyspnea was
      referred to our institution. He had been diagnosed with Mycobacterium
      intracellulare pulmonary infection with lung cavitation two years earlier, and
      was being followed up without any medications. After being referred to our
      hospital, he underwent computed tomographic pulmonary angiography, which
      indicated a pulmonary thrombus and lung cavitation. Furthermore, right heart
      catheterization confirmed pulmonary hypertension, and we made a diagnosis of
      chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Following successful
      pulmonary endarterectomy, the patient's symptoms and hemodynamics were
      significantly improved, with the disappearance of lung cavitation. It is
      important to suspect CTEPH in patients with unaccountable infectious lung
      cavities. 

PMID- 25130121
TI  - Lung adenocarcinoma complicated by Trousseau's syndrome successfully treated by a
      combination of anticoagulant therapy and chemotherapy.
AB  - A 63-year-old woman was diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma complicated
      by Trousseau's syndrome characterized by non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis,
      asymptomatic brain infarction, deep venous thrombosis, and low-grade disseminated
      intravascular coagulation (DIC). The patient's DIC rapidly became widespread, and
      multiple micropulmonary embolisms led to severe respiratory failure. She received
      a blood transfusion and anticoagulant treatment with heparin and recombinant
      human soluble thrombomodulin, which modestly ameliorated her symptoms, and
      additional chemotherapy led to tumor shrinkage with concomitant resolution of
      Trousseau's syndrome. Although there are no established medical approaches for
      managing Trousseau's syndrome, intensive anticoagulant treatment may be effective
      for improving the patients' general condition in order for them to be able to
      undergo subsequent combination chemotherapy. 

PMID- 25130122
TI  - Acquired factor X deficiency associated with atypical AL-amyloidosis.
AB  - We herein describe the case of a 77-year-old woman with acquired factor X
      deficiency that was likely caused by atypical amyloidosis. The patient developed
      severe gastrointestinal bleeding as a result of a significant decrease of factor
      X activity. Neither proteinuria nor diarrhea was observed as an initial
      manifestation. Although a bone marrow examination revealed direct fast scarlet
      positive extracellular deposits, they did not exhibit red-to-green dichroism
      under polarized light. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that the fibrillar
      proteins were positive for CD138 but negative for beta2-microglobulin or amyloid
      A antibodies. These atypical pathological features of immunoglobulin light chain
      amyloidosis in this patient might be related to its unique clinical presentation.

PMID- 25130123
TI  - Crystalglobulinemia with fulminant course with cylinder-like bodies on peripheral
      blood smear.
AB  - A 63-year-old woman presented to our hospital with fever, purpura and pain in
      both legs and died 4 days after admission. Her blood smear and skin biopsy showed
      cylinder-like bodies (20*120 MUm). She was diagnosed to have monoclonal
      gammopathy (IgG, lambda type). An autopsy revealed cylinder-like bodies in the
      vasculature of various organs. We noted a proliferation of atypical plasma cells
      in her bone marrow, suggesting pre-existing myeloma. Crystalglobulinemia is a
      rare manifestation of hypergammaglobulinemia that can cause multiple embolisms of
      the small vessels, and this resulted in the patient's fulminant course. The
      identification of cylinder-like bodies in the peripheral blood may help in
      reaching a diagnosis in such cases. 

PMID- 25130124
TI  - Bortezomib-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: clinical and
      imaging features.
AB  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare and potentially
      harmful complication in patients receiving targeted chemotherapy. We herein
      present a case of PRES that occurred after 33 days of high-dose bortezomib
      treatment and propose both overwhelmed cerebral autoregulation and toxin-mediated
      blood-brain barrier damage as the underlying mechanisms based on the imaging
      findings. A favorable recovery was observed two days after achieving stringent
      hypertension control and withholding bortezomib. Follow-up images obtained two
      weeks later unveiled a dramatic remission, with faint areas of subcortical
      hyperintensity in the bilateral parieto-occipital regions. With explicit clinical
      and imaging features, this case highlights the need for early recognition of PRES
      during the clinical course of bortezomib therapy. 

PMID- 25130125
TI  - An aberrant subclavian artery exhibiting the partial steal phenomenon in a
      patient with VACTERL association.
AB  - We herein report the case of a 22-year-old Caucasian man with known vertebral
      defects, anal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia, cardiac
      defects, renal and limb anomalies (VACTERL) association who presented with a
      headache and vertigo following the sudden and temporary loss of consciousness
      while attending a concert four days before admission to the hospital. On a
      physical examination, the following findings were found: a low body height, low
      set ears, thoracic scoliosis and a mild holosystolic heart murmur. A
      neurosonological examination revealed a partial subclavian steal phenomenon. CT
      angiography of the neck vessels and aortic arch confirmed an anomalous right
      subclavian artery -known as the lusorian artery. Further studies are warranted in
      patients with VACTERL in order to identify possible links between the prevalence
      of an aberrant right subclavian artery (lusorian artery) and possible congenital
      subclavian steal syndrome or dysphagia lusoria. In addition, duplex ultrasound of
      the carotid and vertebral arteries may be performed as part of screening
      examinations in patients with congenital syndromes. 

PMID- 25130126
TI  - Spinal intradural extramedullary cavernous angioma presenting with superficial
      siderosis and hydrocephalus: a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - A 36-year-old man with progressive hearing impairment visited our hospital
      complaining of a severe headache. A neurological examination revealed bilateral
      sensorineural hearing impairment, mild ataxia, hyperreflexia and mild cognitive
      dysfunction. Brain MRI demonstrated hydrocephalus and typical hypointensity
      rimming the brain surface on T2(*)-weighted images. The patient was diagnosed as
      having superficial siderosis. Spinal MRI disclosed the presence of a lumbar
      intradural extramedullary mass. The surgically resected tumor was histologically
      found to be a cavernous angioma. Superficial siderosis is an important cause of
      hearing loss. With respect to the detection of disorders underlying this
      pathological condition, MRI examinations, including those of the brain and whole
      spinal cord, are recommended. 

PMID- 25130127
TI  - A rare case of diffuse pulmonary nodules in a patient with adult-onset Still's
      disease.
AB  - Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder, but
      pulmonary involvement is rare. We herein describe the case of a woman diagnosed
      with AOSD; treatment resolved her symptoms, but nine days later she was admitted
      with pyrexia and a productive cough. A chest X-ray revealed diffuse pulmonary
      nodules and patchy shadows. A high-resolution chest computed tomography scan
      confirmed diffuse infiltration in the pulmonary parenchyma, signs of alveolar
      nodules, distribution along the lobule center, several areas of tree-in-bud
      patterns, and bilateral pleural effusion. The patient was treated with high doses
      of corticosteroids, which rapidly reduced the size of her diffuse pulmonary
      nodules and dramatically improved her pleural effusion. 

PMID- 25130128
TI  - Grade 3 lymphomatoid granulomatosis in a patient receiving methotrexate therapy
      for rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LyG) is a rare, B-cell derived, lymphoproliferative
      disorder that often presents as pulmonary nodular lesions with a histopathology
      of lymphatic invasion of the vascular wall. The development of LyG may be
      associated with reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus under an immunosuppressive
      state. We herein report a case of Grade 3 LyG that developed during methotrexate
      therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and regressed following the withdrawal of the
      drug. 

PMID- 25130129
TI  - Elizabethkingia meningoseptica as an unusual pathogen causing healthcare
      associated bacteriuria.
AB  - Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is recovered from urine samples in very unusual
      cases, although the clinical significance of its detection remains unclear. Four
      cases of E. meningoseptica bacteriuria were analyzed, and E. meningoseptica was
      found to be the causative agent of healthcare-associated bacteriuria, including
      urinary tract infections, asymptomatic bacteriuria and transient bacteriuria,
      primarily in elderly patients with diabetes. Although E. meningoseptica cultured
      from urine was found to be resistant to most antimicrobial agents, bacteriuria
      caused by E. meningoseptica resolved in all four cases. However, instances of
      death have also been previously reported. 

PMID- 25130130
TI  - Prevotella brain abscesses and stroke following dental extraction in a young
      patient: a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - A brain abscess is a life-threatening infection. There are few reports describing
      Prevotella bacteremia with middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion and brain
      abscess following dental extraction in the literature. We herein describe a 32
      year-old healthy man who experienced headache after tooth extraction. He was not
      correctly diagnosed until he experienced a stroke and a blood culture revealed
      Prevotella denticola weeks later. This case and our detailed review of related
      cases highlight the importance of thorough medical history-taking and clinical
      evaluations. Brain abscess formation should be considered in previously healthy
      patients with fever, stroke, and a recent history of tooth extraction. 

PMID- 25130131
TI  - Spontaneous esophageal perforation with a posterior mediastinal hematoma.

PMID- 25130132
TI  - Localized infarction of the lateral geniculate body.

PMID- 25130134
TI  - Reducing radiation, revising reference levels.

PMID- 25130133
TI  - Exploring arrays of vertical one-dimensional nanostructures for cellular
      investigations.
AB  - The endeavor of exploiting arrays of vertical one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures
      (NSs) for cellular applications has recently been experiencing a pronounced surge
      of activity. The interest is rooted in the intrinsic properties of high-aspect
      ratio NSs. With a height comparable to a mammalian cell, and a diameter 100-1000
      times smaller, NSs should intuitively reach far into a cell and, due to their
      small diameter, do so without compromising cell health. Single NSs would thus be
      expedient for measuring and modifying cell response. Further organization of
      these structures into arrays can provide up-scaled and detailed spatiotemporal
      information on cell activity, an achievement that would entail a massive leap
      forward in disease understanding and drug discovery. Numerous proofs-of-principle
      published recently have expanded the large toolbox that is currently being
      established in this rapidly advancing field of research. Encouragingly, despite
      the diversity of NS platforms and experimental conditions used thus far, general
      trends and conclusions from combining cells with NSs are beginning to
      crystallize. This review covers the broad spectrum of NS materials and dimensions
      used; the observed cellular responses with specific focus on adhesion,
      morphology, viability, proliferation, and migration; compares the different
      approaches used in the field to provide NSs with the often crucial cytosolic
      access; covers the progress toward biological applications; and finally,
      envisions the future of this technology. By maintaining the impressive rate and
      quality of recent progress, it is conceivable that the use of vertical 1D NSs may
      soon be established as a superior choice over other current techniques, with all
      the further benefits that may entail. 

PMID- 25130135
TI  - Temporal effect of inertial cavitation with and without microbubbles on surface
      deformation of agarose S gel in the presence of 1-MHz focused ultrasound.
AB  - Sonoporation has the potential to deliver extraneous molecules into a target
      tissue non-invasively. There have been numerous investigations of cell membrane
      permeabilization induced by microbubbles, but very few studies have been carried
      out to investigate sonoporation by inertial cavitation, especially from a
      temporal perspective. In the present paper, we show the temporal variations in
      nano/micro-pit formations following the collapse of inertial cavitation bubbles,
      with and without Sonazoid(r) microbubbles. Using agarose S gel as a target
      material, erosion experiments were conducted in the presence of 1-MHz focused
      ultrasound applied for various exposure times, Tex (0.002-60 s). Conventional
      microscopy was used to measure temporal variations in micrometer-scale pit
      numbers, and atomic force microscopy utilized to detect surface roughness on a
      nanometer scale. The results demonstrated that nanometer-scale erosion was
      predominantly caused by Sonazoid(r) microbubbles and C4F10 gas bubbles for 0.002
      s<Tex<1 s, while the number of micrometer-scale pits, caused mainly by inertial
      cavitation bubbles such as C4F10 gas bubbles and vapor bubbles, increased
      exponentially with increasing Tex in the range 0.1 s<Tex<10 s. The results of the
      present study suggest that cavitation-induced sonoporation can produce various
      pore sizes in membranes, enabling the delivery of external molecules of differing
      sizes into cells or tissues.

PMID- 25130136
TI  - Improvements in phenotype studies of hemoglobin disorders brought by advances in
      reversed-phase chromatography of globin chains.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Phenotype studies still occupy a key position in the diagnosis of
      hemoglobin (Hb) disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In addition to the conventional
      methods for diagnosis of Hb disorders which are mostly based on differences in
      charge of the Hb molecules, some progresses have been brought by studying other
      properties of the globin chains. Among those, difference in hydrophobicity that
      may be investigated by reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) discriminates between
      variants displaying identical charges. RESULTS: In this study, we show how an
      update of this method allows to recognize an alpha-chain variant from a gamma
      chain variant, a problem frequently during neonatal screening. We illustrate that
      RP-HPLC may also unravel unclear phenotypes which are modified by the presence of
      an additional variant not detected by the conventional methods, and help to
      characterize rare mutants. Also we show that it allows a clear distinction
      between variants with identical electrophoretical charges as exemplified by Hb
      Lepore Boston-Washington and Lepore Baltimore. CONCLUSIONS: In view of our
      results, RP-HPLC is a technique that needs to be used as a second step in the
      general strategy for a correct characterization of Hb variants.

PMID- 25130137
TI  - Study of the trapezius muscle region pressure pain threshold and latency time in
      young people with and without depressed scapula.
AB  - The scapula is stabilized in or moved to a certain position to coordinate
      shoulder function and achieve shoulder and arm movement during the athletic and
      daily activities. An alteration in the scapular position both at rest and during
      arm movements is commonly associated with shoulder injury or dysfunction. The
      purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the depressed scapular
      position using pressure pain threshold (PPT) and delayed muscle activation of the
      upper and middle trapezius muscles. The study included 20 subjects who were
      divided into normal shoulder (n = 12) and depressed shoulder (n = 8) group. PPT
      was measured in a relaxed position. Muscle activity was recorded using surface
      electromyography and by calculating each shrug's muscle latency time (MLT). The
      results revealed that the healthy young subjects with depressed scapular position
      had significantly lower PPT levels than those with normal scapular position both
      in the upper and middle trapezius muscle (P < 0.05). MLT of the upper trapezius
      was significantly delayed in both sides during the shoulder shrugs (P < 0.05).

PMID- 25130138
TI  - Physiotherapy in asthma using the new Lotorp method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy in bronchial asthma has given various results. AIM: To
      test a new method focusing on breathing exercise and massage of the thoracic
      muscles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight adult patients with a physician
      diagnosed asthma were studied during 6 weeks. All patients were prescribed asthma
      medication. The new method [active group, n = 17) was compared with physical
      training (control group, n = 12). RESULTS: PEF was significantly improved (p =
      0.001) in the active group, however, FEV1 showed no significant change. The
      symptoms "tightness of the chest", "difficult breathing in", "air hunger", and
      the individually dominating symptom (p = 0.001) were significantly reduced in the
      active group. Exercise-induced breathing troubles and chest expansion were also
      significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapy including breathing exercise and
      massage of the thoracic muscles (the Lotorp method) in patients with physician
      diagnosed asthma resulted in significantly reduced respiratory symptoms during
      rest and exercise and increased chest expansion. The improvements may be due to
      an increased mobility of the chest and diaphragm.

PMID- 25130139
TI  - Barriers and facilitators to yoga use in a population of individuals with self
      reported chronic low back pain: a qualitative approach.
AB  - Yoga has been found to be efficacious in treating chronic low back pain, yet
      biomedical treatments are most commonly used for pain. Promoting yoga as part of
      integrative care would reduce exclusive reliance on high-cost, higher-risk
      biomedical treatments. Attitudes toward yoga play a role in consideration of it
      as a treatment. The current study examined attitudes toward yoga in adults with
      chronic low back pain and compared these results to those found in a 2009 general
      population study. Participants completed a semi-structured interview where they
      responded to items about perceptions of potential barriers and facilitators to
      trying yoga. Participant responses were analyzed qualitatively and several common
      themes emerged. Themes identified by participants indicated there is mixed
      information about yoga in the public domain and that clarification of what yoga
      is, how it can be beneficial, and what it requires one to do physically may help
      promote its use. 

PMID- 25130140
TI  - Double homeobox gene, Duxbl, promotes myoblast proliferation and abolishes
      myoblast differentiation by blocking MyoD transactivation.
AB  - Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that regulate embryonic development
      programs including organogenesis, axis formation and limb development.
      Previously, we identified and cloned a mouse double homeobox gene, Duxbl, whose
      homeodomain exhibits the highest identity (67 %) to human DUX4, a candidate gene
      of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Duxbl proteins have been shown
      to be expressed in elongated myocytes and myotubes of trunk and limb muscles
      during embryogenesis. In this study, we found that Duxbl maintained low
      expression levels in various adult muscles. Duxbl proteins were induced to
      express in activated satellite cells and colocalized with MyoG, a myogenic
      differentiating marker. Furthermore, Duxbl proteins were not detected in
      quiescent satellite cells but detected in regenerated myocytes and colocalized
      with MyoD and MyoG following cardiotoxin-induced muscle injury. Ectopic Duxbl
      overexpressions in C2C12 myoblast cells promoted cell proliferation through
      mainly enhancing cyclin D1 and hyper-phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein but
      reducing p21 expression. However, Duxbl overexpression in C2C12 cells inhibited
      myogenic differentiation by decreasing MyoD downstream gene expressions,
      including M-cadherin, MyoG, p21 and cyclin D3 but not MyoD itself. Duxbl
      overexpressions also promoted cell proliferation but blocked MyoD-induced
      myogenic conversion in multipotent mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells. In addition,
      results of a luciferase reporter assay suggest that Duxbl negatively regulated
      MyoG promoter activity through the proximal two E boxes. In conclusion, these
      results indicate that Duxbl may play a crucial role in myogenesis and postnatal
      muscle regeneration by activating and proliferating satellite and myoblast cells.

PMID- 25130142
TI  - Evidence of adult neurogenesis in non-human primates and human.
AB  - Adult neurogenesis in rodents has been extensively studied. Here, we briefly
      summarize the studies of adult neurogenesis based on non-human primate brains and
      human postmortem brain samples in recent decades. The differences between rodent,
      primate and human neurogenesis are discussed. We conclude that these differences
      may contribute to distinct physiological roles and the self-repair mechanisms in
      the brain across species. 

PMID- 25130143
TI  - The vertebrate homologue of sulfide-quinone reductase in mammalian mitochondria.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the first inorganic compound identified as both a
      substrate for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and a transmitter in
      mammalian cells. H2S seems to mediate effects that are correlated with those of
      nitric oxide (NO) by a reciprocal regulation. Moreover, H2S is consumed by
      mitochondrial oxidation mediated by sulfide-quinone reductase-like protein
      (SQRDL)-the vertebrate homolog of sulfide-quinone oxidoreductase (SQR). There is
      evidence that SQR plays an essential role in regulating H2S levels in fission
      yeast. To start understanding the role of SQRDL in the mammalian metabolism of
      H2S, we examine rat tissues. Our results show that SQRDL protein is present in
      all tissues tested, albeit restricted to specific mitochondrial populations at
      the cellular level. We demonstrate a developmental regulation of Sqrdl
      transcription in the kidney, where SQRDL protein is detectable in glomerular
      podocytes and in tubular cells of the renal medulla. We also show that Sqrdl
      transcription in T cells is responsive to external H2S. Taken together, our
      results suggest that Sqrdl transcription is adaptively regulated, probably to
      meet the need of H2S oxidation. Thus far, SQRDL has only been studied in a
      limited set of tissues. The present report demonstrates the presence and specific
      localization of SQRDL in various mammalian tissues.

PMID- 25130141
TI  - beta-Adrenergic receptor antagonists inhibit vasculogenesis of embryonic stem
      cells by downregulation of nitric oxide generation and interference with VEGF
      signalling.
AB  - The beta-adrenoceptor antagonist Propranolol has been successfully used to treat
      infantile hemangioma. However, its mechanism of action is so far unknown. The
      hypothesis of this research was that beta-adrenoceptor antagonists may interfere
      with endothelial cell differentiation of stem cells. Specifically, the effects of
      the non-specific beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-adrenoceptor) antagonist
      Propranolol, the beta1-adrenoceptor-specific antagonist Atenolol and the beta2
      adrenoceptor-specific antagonist ICI118,551 on vasculogenesis of mouse embryonic
      stem (ES) cells were investigated. All three beta-blockers dose-dependently
      downregulated formation of capillary structures in ES cell-derived embryoid
      bodies and decreased the expression of the vascular cell markers CD31 and VE
      cadherin. Furthermore, beta-blockers downregulated the expression of fibroblast
      growth factor-2 (FGF-2), hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), vascular
      endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) and phospho
      VEGF-R2, as well as neuropilin 1 (NRP1) and plexin-B1 which are essential
      modulators of embryonic angiogenesis with additional roles in vessel remodelling
      and arteriogenesis. Under conditions of beta-adrenoceptor inhibition, the
      endogenous generation of nitric oxide (NO) as well as the phosphorylation of
      endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was decreased in embryoid bodies,
      whereas an increase in NO generation was observed with the NO donor S-nitroso-N
      acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP). Consequently, vasculogenesis of ES cells was
      restored upon treatment of differentiating ES cells with beta-adrenoceptor
      antagonists in the presence of NO donor. In summary, our data suggest that beta
      blockers impair vasculogenesis of ES cells by interfering with NO generation
      which could be the explanation for their anti-angiogenic effects in infantile
      hemangioma. 

PMID- 25130144
TI  - The effects of temperature and body size on immunological development and
      responsiveness in juvenile shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum).
AB  - Sturgeon are an important evolutionary taxa of which little is known regarding
      their responses to environmental factors. Water temperature strongly influences
      growth in fish; however, its effect on sturgeon immune responses is unknown. The
      objective of this study was to assess how 2 different temperatures affect immune
      responses in shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) relevant immune organs
      such as the meningeal myeloid tissue, spleen, thymus and skin. These responses
      were studied in 2 different sizes of same age juvenile sturgeon kept at either 11
      degrees C or 20  degrees C (4 treatment groups), before and after exposure to an
      ectoparasitic copepod (Dichelesthium oblongum). Based on a differential cell
      count, temperature was found to strongly influence immune cell production in the
      meningeal myeloid tissue, regardless of the fish sizes considered. Morphometric
      analysis of splenic white pulp showed a transient response to temperature. There
      were no differences between the groups in the morphometric analysis of thymus
      size. Splenic IRF-1 and IRF-2 had similar expression profiles, significantly
      higher in fish kept at 20  degrees C for the first 6 weeks of the study but not
      by 14 weeks. In the skin, IRF-1 was significantly higher in the fish kept at 11 
      degrees C over the first 6 weeks of the study. IRF-2 had a similar profile but
      there were no differences between the groups by the end of the trial. In
      conclusion, higher water temperatures (up to 20  degrees C) may have beneficial
      effects in maximizing growth and improving immunological capacity, regardless of
      the fish sizes considered in this study.

PMID- 25130146
TI  - Mapping the affinity of aluminum(III) for biophosphates: interaction mode and
      binding affinity in 1 : 1 complexes.
AB  - The interaction of aluminum with biomolecular building blocks is a topic of
      interest as a first step to understand the potential toxic effects of aluminum in
      biosystems. Among the different molecules that aluminum can bind in a biological
      environment, phosphates are the most likely ones, due to their negatively charged
      nature. In the present paper, we combined DFT quantum mechanical calculations
      with the implicit solvent effect in order to characterize the interaction of
      Al(III) with these molecules. An extended set composed of a total of 59
      structures was investigated, which includes various types of phosphates
      (monoester, diester, triester-phosphates) and various phosphate units (mono-, di-
      and tri-phosphate), considering various charge and protonation states, and
      different binding modes. The goal is to unveil the preferential interaction mode
      of Al(III) with phosphates in 1 : 1 complexes. Our results reveal that Al(III)
      prefers to form dicoordinated complexes with two phosphates, in which the
      interaction with each of the phosphates is of monodentate character. Our results
      also suggest a high affinity for binding basic phosphate groups, pointing to ATP,
      phosphorylated peptides, and basic diphosphates (such as 2,3-DPG) as strong
      aluminum chelators.

PMID- 25130145
TI  - Immune gene expressions in grouper larvae (Epinephelus coioides) induced by bath
      and oral vaccinations with inactivated betanodavirus.
AB  - Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) has caused mass mortality in many mariculture fish
      species. Bath vaccination of inactivated NNV and oral immunization of recombinant
      NNV coat protein are reported to protect grouper larvae against NNV infection.
      However, the information of immune gene expression in grouper larvae (Epinephelus
      coioides) after bath and oral immunizations is still limited. In this study,
      grouper larvae were respectively bath- and orally immunized with binary
      ethylenimine (BEI)-inactivated NNV, and the expression levels of immune genes
      were analyzed. Significant gene expressions of IL-1beta, Mx, MHC-I, MHC-II,
      CD8alpha, IgM and IgT were observed in bath- and orally immunized fish 1-4 weeks
      post immunization (wpi). Particularly, the up-regulation of IL-1beta and Mx gene
      expression lasted for 4 weeks. The IgT gene expression in gill was only induced
      by bath immunization, while that in gut was only stimulated by oral immunization.
      Both immunizations elicited MHC-I and CD8alpha gene expression relative to
      cellular immunity. Furthermore, NNV RNA genome, which was detected in inactivated
      NNV, could induce Mx gene expression in grouper brain (GB) cells, indicating that
      NNV RNA genome could be recognized by pathogen-recognition receptors (PRRs). In
      summary, bath and oral vaccinations with BEI-inactivated NNV triggered the gene
      expression of not only humoral immunity but also cellular immunity.

PMID- 25130147
TI  - The influence of combined genotypes of the HLADRB1*1501 and CD24 single
      nucleotide polymorphism on disease severity of Iranian multiple sclerosis
      patients.
AB  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central
      nervous system. It is a clinically heterogeneous disorder especially in terms of
      disease severity. Current investigations suggest that genes and gene-gene
      interactions not only influence on susceptibility to MS but also affect the
      disease severity. In this study, we investigated the contribution of the
      HLADRB1*1501 allele and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in CD24 gene and
      also combined genotypes of the HLADRB1*1501 and CD24 SNP to disease severity in
      Iranian MS patients. We have reported previously that the HLA- DRB1*1501 allele
      and the CD24v/v genotype associated with disease susceptibility and some other
      studies proposed that HLA-DRB1*1501 allele be associated with MS severity. In
      this study, the results showed a significant difference in the Multiple Sclerosis
      Severity Score (MSSS) of the nine different genotypes (F=2.838, P=0.007).
      Subsequent analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the MSSS
      between the MS patients who were carriers of HLA-DRB1*1501/1501 and those who
      were not carriers of HLA-DRB1*1501/1501 genotypes (P=0.04). Moreover, the MS
      patients carrying combined genotypes of the HLA- DRB1*1501/x-CD24 v/v had
      statistically severe disease than the patients who did not carry the HLA-
      DRB1*1501- CD24 v/v (P=0.047). In conclusion, our findings suggest that, HLA
      DRB1*1501/1501 and bigenic genotypes of the HLA- DRB1*1501/x- CD24 v/v may
      influence on disease severity in Iranian MS patients. 

PMID- 25130148
TI  - Evaluation of expression of NorA efflux pump in ciprofloxacin resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus against hexahydroquinoline derivative by real-time PCR.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus causes a wide variety of infections worldwide. Methicillin
      resistant S. aureus is one of most common causes of nosocomial and community
      acquired infections. The fluoroquinolones are an important class of antibiotics
      that used to treat infections caused by S. aureus. Today, a significant increase
      in the rate of ciprofloxacin resistance in methicillin-resistant S. aureus
      strains is concerning. The norA efflux pump is considered as contributors to
      antibiotic resistance. Here, we aimed to evaluate the expression of norA efflux
      pump in the presence of hexahydroquinoline derivative in methicillin and
      ciprofloxacin resistant S. aureus. We were determined minimum inhibitory
      concentration of ciprofloxacin and hexahydroquinoline derivative and their
      combination by broth microdilution method against ciprofloxacin resistant S.
      aureus. The expression of the norA efflux pump gene was evaluated by quantitative
      Real-time PCR. This study showed that minimum inhibitory concentrations of
      ciprofloxacin in the presence of hexahydroquinoline derivative in comparison to
      ciprofloxacin were decreased. Quantitative Real-time PCR identified the increased
      expression of norA efflux pump gene in methicillin and ciprofloxacin resistant S.
      aureus strain. The increased expression of norA efflux pump gene may have
      resulted in the effort of S. aureus to survive. The results showed that the
      hexahydroquinoline derivative enhanced the antibacterial effect of ciprofloxacin
      against methicillin and ciprofloxacin resistant S. aureus. Therefore, the
      derivatives may be used as inhibitors of antibiotic resistance for combination
      therapy. 

PMID- 25130149
TI  - Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin adjunct to an antagonist protocol in
      assisted reproductive technology: a randomized trial study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of adding low-dose hCG (human
      chorionic gonadotropin), as an LH active supplement, to a GnRH antagonist
      protocol in patients undergoing assisted reproduction techniques. In this
      parallel-group randomized clinical trial, 137 infertile female outpatients aged
      20 - 39 years were randomized into two groups: hCG group and non-hCG group. All
      patients received r-FSH (150-300 IU) and then a GnRH-antagonist, Cetrorelix (0.25
      mg/day). Concomitantly with Cetrorelix, patients in the hCG group received low
      dose hCG (200 IU daily), but the patients in the non-hCG group did not. 10,000 IU
      Urinary hCG (10,000 IU) was injected to all patients, and ICSI was performed
      after oocyte retrieval. The primary outcome of this study was comparing the
      pregnancy rates between two study groups. Other differences between two groups
      such as serum estradiol concentration, fertilization rate, etc. were considered
      as secondary outcomes. A total of 130 patients completed this trial. No
      significant difference was detected between pregnancy rates of the two groups
      (P=0.52) as well as the fertilization, implantation and ongoing pregnancy rates
      (P=0.11, P=0.75 and P=0.06 respectively). The only significant difference between
      two groups was a higher concentration of estradiol in the hCG-treated patients
      (P<0.05). HCG-treated patients experienced a shorter treatment duration and a
      lower r-FSH required dose than the non-hCG group, but none of these differences
      were statistically significant (P=0.19 and P=0.10, respectively). The findings of
      the current study did not support advantages of adding low-dose hCG to GnRH
      antagonist plus r-FSH protocol in an unselected population of patients. Well
      designed trials with a larger sample size for specific patients' subgroups are
      warranted. 

PMID- 25130150
TI  - Serum inflammatory markers in the elderly: are they useful in differentiating
      sepsis from SIRS?
AB  - Differentiating sepsis from other noninfectious causes of systemic inflammation
      is often difficult in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      ability of C-reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR),
      procalcitonin (PCT), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) to identify elderly patients with
      sepsis. In this single center prospective observational study, we included all
      consecutive elderly patients admitted with suspected sepsis and systemic
      inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in an emergency department. Blood samples
      for measuring CRP, PCT, IL-6, ESR and white blood cells (WBC) count were taken at
      first day of admission. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative
      predictive values were calculated for each inflammatory markers being studied. A
      total of 150 elderly patients aged 65 and older, 50 with sepsis and 50 with SIRS,
      and fifty individuals in a normal health status were included. CRP exhibited the
      greatest sensitivity (98%) and negative predictive value (98.6%) and performed
      best in differentiating patients with sepsis from those with SIRS. In a receiver
      operating characteristic curve analysis, IL-6 performed best in distinguishing
      between SIRS and the control group (AUC 0.75, 95% CI). On the other hand, both
      CRP and ESR appeared to be a more accurate diagnostic parameter for
      differentiating sepsis from SIRS among elderly patients. 

PMID- 25130151
TI  - Operative management of Hoffa fracture of the femoral condyle.
AB  - Hoffa fracture is a rare injury consisting of unicondylar tangential posterior
      fracture of the distal femur and only very few cases have been reported in the
      literature. These fractures are due to high energy trauma and conservative
      treatment generally yields poor results, but rigid internal fixation allows early
      functional rehabilitation and decreases the incidence of complications. The
      purpose of the study was to prospectively analyse the clinico-radiological and
      functional outcome following open surgical treatment. From July 2005 to July
      2010, 22 patients (14 males and 8 females) were recruited from Emergency and
      outpatient department having closed and open Hoffa fracture of the femoral
      condyle. All patients were operated under general or spinal anesthesia. Post
      operatively, all the patients were followed for 12 months. Fractures were united
      in a mean time of 10 weeks (range from 6 - 16 weeks) depending on the type of
      fracture pattern. Fractures were reduced anatomically in all except in one
      patient. During follow-up, there were no losses of reduction or fixation. Full
      weight bearing were started in the mean time of 8.8 weeks. Mean duration of
      hospital stay were 9.8 days. Complications were stiffness and pain in one
      patient, collateral laxity in one patient and progression of arthritis in one
      patient. The results were excellent in 90.90% and good in 9.09% patients.
      Finally, we conclude that the early anatomical reduction and rigid fixation with
      screws provide best results and minimal complications.

PMID- 25130152
TI  - Quality of life of multi drug resistant tuberculosis patients: a study of north
      India.
AB  - Tuberculosis is still one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity.
      Besides clinical impact, the disease affects the quality of life (QOL) too. With
      the rise of 21st century, multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR TB) has risen as a
      significant public health problem due to emergence of resistance to anti
      tuberculosis therapy (ATT) drugs. This study was planned to analyze the impact of
      MDRTB on QOL. It was a six month analysis, with a sample size of 60 cases each of
      MDRTB and PTB. It was based on a pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire using
      WHOQOL BREF scale.  Out of each group, 38 (63.33%) and 36 (60.0%) were in the 21
      40 years of age groups, more than 60% married and were residing in the
      urban/urban slums. It was found that QoL of MDRTB patients was worse than PTB
      counterparts. The psychological and environmental domains (MDRTB vs. PTB 17.46
      vs. 15.23 and 22.00 vs 18.91) were more affected as compared to physical and
      social domains (19.03 vs 20.05 and 7.88 vs 9.61) in MDRTB and PTB. Financially,
      MDRTB patients were worst suffers as compared to PTB as former were not being
      covered under any program, while both groups are affected socially due to social
      stigma attached with the disease. Thus, there is a need to design an applicable,
      reliable measure to better address the quality issues methodologically. This
      would further enable the health care professionals and management to devise
      relevant interventions to improve the quality of the patients, as well as the
      programme. 

PMID- 25130153
TI  - Body dysmorphic disorder in Iranian orthodontic patients.
AB  - Patient's preoccupations with perceived defect in appearance or excessive concern
      about minimal flaws are among diagnostic criteria of body dysmorphic disorder
      (BDD). Sufferers usually seek cosmetic procedures such as orthodontic treatment.
      This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of BDD among a sample of
      Iranian orthodontic patients. A total of 270 orthodontic patients were evaluated
      with BDD-YBOCS questionnaire for the diagnosis of BDD. Fifteen patients (5.5%)
      were screened positive for BDD. BDD was more frequent among females, singles and
      in younger patients. Most of the BDD patients experienced multiple previous
      orthodontic evaluations. The relative high prevalence of BDD among orthodontic
      patients in Iran offers that orthodontists should take psychologically based
      problems such as BDD into account while evaluating patient's orthodontic
      problems. 

PMID- 25130154
TI  - Is ACOG guideline helpful for encouraging pregnant women to do exercise during
      pregnancy?
AB  - To evaluate physical activity of pregnant women before and after ACOG guideline
      study. Four hundred and eighty-five pregnant women enrolled in this before-after
      study. They were asked to study ACOG guideline. A structured questionnaire filled
      by women at first visit and the last visit in the prenatal clinic.Type,
      frequency, duration and anxiety about doing exercises during pregnancy period.
      Before education, 411 did exercises before pregnancy onset, among them, 346 were
      walking out and 65 did light exercises such as aerobics. After studying the
      protocol, 434 (89.4%) did walking during pregnancy period in comparison to 71%
      who did walking before pregnancy (P<0.001). Forty two (56.7%) out of 74 who had
      not done sport before, went for walking after the protocol reading, and nine
      continued not doing exercise. Among 74 participants who had not done exercise
      before the protocol reading, 16 (21%) were doing exercise three times a week and
      11 (14%) changed their habit to daily exercise practice (P<0.001). Forty percent
      (195 women) were anxious about doing exercise during pregnancy before guideline
      study, while 116 reported that after the protocol reading, they had no anxiety
      about doing exercises during pregnancy (P<0.001). Guidelines providing
      information about physical activity during pregnancy will help pregnant women to
      do exercise during pregnancy with convenience and less anxiety. 

PMID- 25130155
TI  - Asymptomatic atlantoaxial subluxation in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - This cross-sectional study is conducted to determine the prevalence of
      asymptomatic cervical spine subluxation in rheumatoid arthritis patients by plain
      radiographs and its relation to demographic and clinical characteristics, disease
      activity measures and medications. 100 rheumatoid arthritis patients (18 male and
      82 female) were selected randomly, according to the American college of
      Rheumatology Criteria, who were under follow up in the rheumatology clinic. A
      complete history was taken, and physical examination has been done with focus on
      the cervical spine to determine their demographic data, disease duration, age of
      disease onset, drug history, swollen and tender joint counts, and ESR, Hb, CRP,
      RF levels. The disease activity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis was
      measured using the disease activity score 28. Radiographs of the cervical spine
      included lateral views taken in flexion, extension, neutral position of the neck
      and anterioposterior and odontoid projection view. Asymptomatic cervical spine
      subluxation was found in 17 of the 100 patients (17%). The prevalence of,
      anterior atlantoaxial subluxation, atlantoaxial impaction and subaxial
      subluxation was 10(10%), 5(5%) and 6(6%), respectively. Posterior subluxation was
      not detected. The only characteristic that showed meaningful relationship with
      cervical spine subluxation was CRP (P=0.036). Our results showed that patients
      with RA, who have cervical spine subluxation cannot be distinguished on the basis
      of symptoms. Cervical spine involvement is common and may be asymptomatic,
      indicating routine cervical spine imaging is needed in patients with RA. 

PMID- 25130156
TI  - Internet addiction among Iranian adolescents: a nationwide study.
AB  - Problematic use of the Internet by children and adolescents is a newly emerging
      disorder that has alerted health authorities throughout the world. In Iran,
      despite the very high speed rate of Internet spread, there is not enough data on
      the rate of Internet addiction among the adolescents. This study is the first
      nationwide study that addresses this issue. Overall 4500 students of high school
      or pre-college schools were recruited from 13/31 provinces of Iran by a cluster
      sampling method and 4342 (96%) participated. Two self-rated questionnaires (one
      demographics and one Young's Internet addiction scale) were filled b the
      participants. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. 962 (22.2%) of the study
      participants were labeled as having "internet addiction." Males were
      significantly more likely to be an internet addict (P<0.001). Students whose
      father and/or mother had a doctorate degree were most likely to have Internet
      addiction (P<0.001 for both). Job engagement of mothers was significantly
      associated with students' internet addiction, and the least rate of addiction was
      observed when the mother was a housewife (P<0.001); having no exercise was
      associated with the highest rate of Internet addiction (P<0.001). Stepwise
      logistic regression models showed gender (male), older age, mother's occupation,
      family's financial status (either very high or very low), low quality of family
      relationship, and students' lower levels of religious devotion were significantly
      associated with having Internet addiction. This study showed that Internet
      addiction in Iranian adolescents is prevalent, and has several independent
      factors, from which, family relations is most likely to be modifiable.
      Improvements in family relations and more strict parental supervision, especially
      when mothers have active job employment, are recommended. 

PMID- 25130157
TI  - Action research to promote medical students' motivation in an English for
      Specific Purposes class.
AB  - Action research is an attempt to seek immediate solutions to the problems
      experienced in educational settings. In this type of research, teachers are the
      researchers who intend to make instant reforms to develop, and improve their
      teaching styles and reflect on pedagogical practices. The purpose of this study
      was to conduct an action research to tackle the problem of students' low
      motivation in English classes at the medical school of Iran University of Medical
      Sciences in fall 2010. Participants of this study were 98 third-semester ESP
      students of medicine. To reform the situation and promote students' motivation to
      participate in classes more actively and eagerly, the researchers changed the
      syllabus by applying Kemmis and McTaggart's (1988) cyclical model of action
      research, and adopting task-based teaching. Data was collected by means of
      interviews with both teachers and students to determine the changes to be made in
      the syllabus, classroom observations to monitor students' behavioral changes, and
      a questionnaire to assess students' attitudes towards the changes. This research
      study had a number of valuable outcomes the most important of which was a change
      in classroom behavior of the students. 

PMID- 25130158
TI  - Be careful of lies: a six-year-old boy with respiratory distress and decreased
      level of consciousness.
AB  - We reports a six-year-old child with autistic disorder and methadone
      intoxication. Developmental disorders may mislead the caretakers and doctors to
      interpret the clinical manifestation and behavioral changes of these patients.
      Methadone indigestion can be fatal in children even in a tiny amount and cardiac
      monitoring should be performed at least for the first 24 hours. The pervasive
      prescription of methadone for detoxification programs and its extensive
      availability at homes of the addicted parents should point parents, doctors and
      media to pay more attention to provide safe-home environment for children.  

PMID- 25130159
TI  - Brown tumor of lumbar spine in chronic renal failure: a case report.
AB  - Brown tumors may occur secondary to hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic
      renal failure (CKD). They are increasingly rare because hyperparathyroidism in
      now diagnosed and treated at an early stage. We report 67-year-old man who had
      been on hemodialysis for CRF for over 3 years, who presented with back pain over
      the thoracolumbar junction from 2 years ago and because of pain he could not
      stand or walk in the last 3 months before surgery. Ambulation was regained after
      surgical decompression and stabilization. In conclusion, when brown tumor arises
      in the spine, surgery may be needed to preserve neurologic function. 

PMID- 25130160
TI  - Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease: a case report.
AB  - Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease is a prion disease which has a wide range of clinical
      presentations. Its diagnosis is not simple and clinical manifestation along with
      EEG, MR imaging findings and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis should be
      considered for a definite diagnosis. A-50-year-old woman referred with cognitive
      impairment, myoclonic jerks, mutism and difficulty in swallowing to our clinic.
      EEG (Electroencephalography) results showed bilaterally periodic sharp and slow
      wave discharges. Protein 14-3-3 in CSF was detected. Magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) findings revealed hyperintensity of the caudate and putamen in diffusion
      weighted imaging (DWI), T2 Weighted (T2W) sequences and Fluid-attenuated
      inversion-recovery (FLAIR) images. Patients who have progressive dementia should
      be evaluated by means of MR imaging and CSF analysis for CJD specific proteins
      should be considered. 

PMID- 25130161
TI  - Multiple giant succular and fusiform right and left coronary artery aneurysms
      after early and adequate treatment of atypical kawasaki disease with unusual
      presentation.
AB  - The major complication of Kawasaki disease is coronary artery dilatation and
      aneurysm. It occurs in approximately 15-25% of untreated children with Kawasaki
      Disease. Early diagnosis and treatment with Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)
      and aspirin (ASA) can reduce the incidence of coronary artery abnormality to 2%
      5%. We report one case of Atypical Kawasaki Disease with Multiple giant coronary
      artery aneurysms despite early adequate treatment with IVIG and ASA. 

PMID- 25130162
TI  - A novel role of the ferric reductase Cfl1 in cell wall integrity, mitochondrial
      function, and invasion to host cells in Candida albicans.
AB  - Candida albicans is an important opportunistic pathogen, causing both superficial
      mucosal infections and life-threatening systemic diseases. Iron acquisition is an
      important factor for pathogen-host interaction and also a significant element for
      the pathogenicity of this organism. Ferric reductases, which convert ferric iron
      into ferrous iron, are important components of the high-affinity iron uptake
      system. Sequence analyses have identified at least 17 putative ferric reductase
      genes in C. albicans genome. CFL1 was the first ferric reductase identified in C.
      albicans. However, little is known about its roles in C. albicans physiology and
      pathogenicity. In this study, we found that disruption of CFL1 led to
      hypersensitivity to chemical and physical cell wall stresses, activation of the
      cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway, abnormal cell wall composition, and enhanced
      secretion, indicating a defect in CWI in this mutant. Moreover, this mutant
      showed abnormal mitochondrial activity and morphology, suggesting a link between
      ferric reductases and mitochondrial function. In addition, this mutant displayed
      decreased ability of adhesion to both the polystyrene microplates and buccal
      epithelial cells and invasion of host epithelial cells. These findings revealed a
      novel role of C. albicans Cfl1 in maintenance of CWI, mitochondrial function, and
      interaction between this pathogen and the host. 

PMID- 25130163
TI  - Sleep and cognitive performance: the role of income and respiratory sinus
      arrhythmia reactivity.
AB  - A health disparities view suggests that low family income status acts as a risk
      factor for poor cognitive functioning. A biosystems view suggests that poor sleep
      and poor stress response system functioning are also risk factors. These views
      are rarely integrated to test multiplicative risk or protective effects from
      social-cultural and biological variables. We investigated interactions among
      familial income, children's sleep and respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity
      (RSA reactivity, indexing parasympathetic nervous system reactivity) in the
      prediction of cognitive performance of school-aged children. Participants were
      282 children (146 boys; 35% African American and 65% European American; M age =
      9.42 years, SD = .71). Mothers reported on family income. Children's sleep
      quality (efficiency) and duration (minutes) were assessed via a week of
      actigraphy. Children's RSA reactivity to an attention demanding and frustrating
      star tracing challenge was assessed in the lab. Children completed standardized
      cognitive assessments examining attention, processing speed, and crystallized
      cognitive functioning. Findings show that more optimal sleep efficiency and RSA
      reactivity interact to confer protection against poor cognitive performance,
      particularly for children from lower income homes. Results build on the
      literature and suggest that interactions between biological systems and
      socioeconomic variables are key for understanding children's cognitive
      performance.

PMID- 25130164
TI  - Adapting brain metabolism to myelination and long-range signal transduction.
AB  - In the mammalian brain, the subcortical white matter comprises long-range axonal
      projections and their associated glial cells. Here, astrocytes and
      oligodendrocytes serve specific functions during development and throughout adult
      life, when they meet the metabolic needs of long fiber tracts. Within a short
      period of time, oligodendrocytes generate large amount of lipids, such as
      cholesterol, and membrane proteins for building the myelin sheaths. After
      myelination has been completed, a remaining function of glial metabolism is the
      energetic support of axonal transport and impulse propagation. Astrocytes can
      support axonal energy metabolism under low glucose conditions by the degradation
      of stored glycogen. Recently it has been recognized that the ability of
      glycolytic oligodendrocytes to deliver pyruvate and lactate is critical for
      axonal functions in vivo. In this review, we discuss the specific demands of
      oligodendrocytes during myelination and potential routes of metabolites between
      glial cells and myelinated axons. As examples, four specific metabolites are
      highlighted (cholesterol, glycogen, lactate, and N-acetyl-aspartate) that
      contribute to the specific functions of white matter glia. Regulatory processes
      are discussed that could be involved in coordinating metabolic adaptations and in
      providing feedback information about metabolic states.

PMID- 25130166
TI  - Stress urinary incontinence and ectopic ureteral orifice unmasked by the renal
      colic after transobturator tape procedure.

PMID- 25130168
TI  - Enriched CD44(+)/CD24(-) population drives the aggressive phenotypes presented in
      triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
AB  - The mechanism underlying the aggressive behaviors of triple negative breast
      cancer (TNBC) is not well characterized yet. The association between cancer stem
      cell (CSC) population and the aggressive behaviors of TNBC has not been
      established. We found the CD44(+)/CD24(-) cell population was enriched in TNBC
      tissues and cell lines, with a higher capacity of proliferation, migration,
      invasion and tumorigenicity as well as lower adhesion ability. The CD44(+)/CD24(
      ) cell population with cancer stem cell-like properties may play an important
      role in the aggressive behaviors of TNBC. This discovery may lead to new
      therapeutic strategies targeting CD44(+)/CD24(-) cell population in TNBC. 

PMID- 25130167
TI  - Effect of vaginal spheres and pelvic floor muscle training in women with urinary
      incontinence: a randomized, controlled trial.
AB  - AIMS: To compare the efficacy and safety of Kegel exercises performed with or
      without, vaginal spheres as treatment for women with urinary incontinence.
      METHODS: Multicentre parallel-group, open, randomized controlled trial. Women
      were allocated to either a pelvic floor muscle-training program consisting of
      Kegel exercises performed twice daily, 5 days/week at home, over 6 months with
      vaginal spheres, or to the same program without spheres. The primary endpoint was
      women's report of urinary incontinence at 6 months using the International
      Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF). Secondary
      outcome measures were the 1 hr pad-test, King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and a
      five-point Likert scale for subjective evaluation. Adherence was measured with
      the Morisky-Green test. RESULTS: Thirty-seven women were randomized to the
      spheres group and 33 to the control group. The primary endpoint was evaluated in
      65 women (35 in the spheres group vs. 30 controls). ICIQ-UI-SF results improved
      significantly at 1-month follow-up in the spheres group (P < 0.01) and at 6
      months in the controls. The 1 hr pad-test improved in the spheres group but not
      in the control group. No significant differences were found in the KHQ results or
      in the subjective evaluation of efficacy and safety. Adherence was higher in the
      spheres group but differences were not significant. Mild transient side effects
      were reported in four patients in the spheres group and one in the control group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments improved urinary incontinence but women who
      performed the exercises with vaginal spheres showed an earlier improvement.
      Vaginal spheres were well tolerated and safe.

PMID- 25130165
TI  - Comparative nutritional and chemical phenome of Clostridium difficile isolates
      determined using phenotype microarrays.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of
      infectious diarrhea in North America and Europe. The risk of CDI increases
      significantly in the case where antimicrobial treatment reduces the number of
      competing bacteria in the gut, thus leading to the increased availability of
      nutrients and loss of colonization resistance. The objective of this study was to
      determine comprehensive nutritional utilization and the chemical sensitivity
      profile of historic and newer C. difficile isolates and to examine the possible
      role of the phenotype diversity in C. difficile virulence. METHODS: Phenotype
      microarrays (PMs) were used to elucidate the complete nutritional and chemical
      sensitivity profile of six C. difficile isolates. RESULTS: Of the 760 nutrient
      sources tested, 285 compounds were utilized by at least one strain. Among the C.
      difficile isolates compared, R20291, a recent hypervirulent outbreak-associated
      strain, appears to have an expanded nutrient utilization profile when compared to
      all other strains. CONCLUSIONS: The expanded nutritional utilization profile of
      some newer C. difficile strains could be one of the reasons for infections in
      patients who are not exposed to the hospital environment or not undergoing
      antibiotic treatment. This nutritional profile could be used to design tube
      feeding formulas that reduce the risk of CDI.

PMID- 25130169
TI  - Bergamottin, a natural furanocoumarin obtained from grapefruit juice induces
      chemosensitization and apoptosis through the inhibition of STAT3 signaling
      pathway in tumor cells.
AB  - Persistent activation of signal transducers and activator of transcription 3
      (STAT3) has been closely related to growth, survival, proliferation, metastasis,
      and angiogenesis of various cancer cells, and thus its inhibition can be
      considered a potential therapeutic strategy. In this study, we investigated the
      role of bergamottin (BGM) obtained from grapefruit juice in abrogating the
      constitutive STAT3 activation in multiple myeloma (MM) cells. This suppression
      was mediated through the inhibition of phosphorylation of Janus-activated kinase
      (JAK) 1/2 and c-Src. Pervanadate reversed the BGM induced down-regulation of
      STAT3 activation, suggesting the involvement of a protein tyrosine phosphatase
      (PTP). Furthermore, BGM induced the expression of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1,
      and gene silencing of the SHP-1 by small interfering RNA abolished the ability of
      BGM to inhibit STAT3 activation, suggesting a critical role for SHP-1 in the
      action of BGM. BGM also downregulated the expression of STAT3-regulated gene
      products such as COX-2, VEGF, cyclin D1, survivin, IAP-1, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xl in MM
      cells. This correlated with induction of substantial apoptosis as indicated by an
      increase in the sub-G1 cell population and caspase-3 induced PARP cleavage. Also,
      this agent significantly potentiated the apoptotic effects of bortezomib and
      thalidomide in MM cells. Overall, these results suggest that BGM is a novel
      blocker of STAT3 activation pathway thus may have a potential in therapy of MM
      and other cancers. 

PMID- 25130170
TI  - The actin-bundling protein TRIOBP-4 and -5 promotes the motility of pancreatic
      cancer cells.
AB  - TRIOBP isoforms 4 and 5 (TRIOBP-4/-5) are an actin-bundling protein associated
      with hearing loss. Here, we showed that TRIOBP-4/-5 was up-regulated in human
      pancreatic carcinoma cells. Knockdown of TRIOBP-4/-5 led to a loss of filopodia
      and a decrease in cell motility. Confocal microscopy showed that re-expression of
      GFP-TRIOBP-4 or -5 restored the filopodial formation in TRIOBP-4/-5-deficient
      PANC-1 cells. Finally, TRIOBP-4/-5 was shown to be overexpressed in human
      pancreatic cancer tissues. These results demonstrate a novel role of TRIOBP-4/-5
      that promotes the motility of pancreatic cancer cells via regulating actin
      cytoskeleton reorganization in the filopodia of the cells.

PMID- 25130171
TI  - Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha directly activates leptin receptor (Ob-R)
      in pancreatic cancer cells.
AB  - The aim of this study is to investigate the regulatory mechanism of leptin
      receptors (Ob-R) in pancreatic cancer. We found that the over-expression of
      hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1)alpha and hypoxia up-regulated the expression of
      Ob-R in pancreatic cancer cells. When HIF-1alpha gene was silenced in vitro, the
      expression of Ob-R was significantly decreased. Xenograft mouse models showed
      that the inhibition of HIF-1alpha resulted in the concomitant decrease of Ob-R in
      vivo. In addition, HIF-1alpha expression was correlated with Ob-R in pancreatic
      cancer tissues by immunohistochemical staining. Clinical data showed that over
      expression of HIF-1 was associated with pathological tumor node metastasis stage,
      lymph node metastasis and overall survival. HIF-1alpha directly bound to the
      hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) located in Ob-R gene promoter (-828/-832) and
      activated the transcription. Finally, we demonstrated that the silence of HIF
      1alpha gene reversed the inhibitory effect of leptin/Ob-R in pancreatic cancer
      cells. Taken together, our results indicate that HIF-1alpha directly regulated Ob
      R expression in pancreatic cancer, which might be a valuable therapeutic target
      for pancreatic cancer. 

PMID- 25130172
TI  - Activating transcription factor 4 mediates a multidrug resistance phenotype of
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells through transactivation of STAT3
      expression.
AB  - Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major challenge to the clinical treatment of
      esophageal cancer. The stress response gene activating transcription factor 4
      (ATF4) is involved in homeostasis and cellular protection. However, relatively
      little is known about the expression and function of ATF4 in esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma (ESCC) MDR. In this study, we investigate the potential role and
      mechanisms of ATF4 in ESCC MDR. We demonstrated that overexpression of ATF4
      promotes the MDR phenotype in ESCC cells, while depletion of ATF4 in the MDR ESCC
      cell line induces drug re-sensitization. We also demonstrated that ATF4
      transactivates STAT3 expression by directly binding to the signal transducers and
      activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) promoter, resulting in MDR in ESCC cells.
      Significantly, inhibition of STAT3 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) or a
      selective inhibitor (JSI-124) reintroduces therapeutic sensitivity. In addition,
      increased Bcl-2, survivin, and MRP1 expression levels were observed in ATF4
      overexpressing cells. In conclusion, ATF4 may promote MDR in ESCC cells through
      the up-regulation of STAT3 expression, and thus is an attractive therapeutic
      target to combat therapeutic resistance in ESCC. 

PMID- 25130173
TI  - Decitabine, a new star in epigenetic therapy: the clinical application and
      biological mechanism in solid tumors.
AB  - Epigenetic alterations are strongly associated with cancer development and drug
      resistance. The use of the DNA methylation inhibitor decitabine (Dacogen(r)) has
      been approved in the treatment of hematological malignancies, and its clinical
      effects on solid tumors have gained attention. Here, we present a review of the
      molecular regulation mechanisms, clinical experiences and biological evaluation
      for novel decitabine-based therapies in solid tumors. We also discuss the
      following questions: What is the best administration schedule of decitabine in
      solid tumors? Is there tumor type specificity for decitabine-based epigenetic
      therapy? What are the biological function and mechanism of decitabine in
      suppressing tumor development? Is there a correlation between DNA demethylation
      and clinical response? Importantly, low-dose decitabine and combined therapy show
      significant improvement in solid tumor treatment. However, the correlation
      studies are preliminary, and key biomarkers for prognosis need further
      investigation. 

PMID- 25130174
TI  - Switching between humoral and cellular immune responses in Drosophila is guided
      by the cytokine GBP.
AB  - Insects combat infection through carefully measured cellular (for example,
      phagocytosis) and humoral (for example, secretion of antimicrobial peptides
      (AMPs)) innate immune responses. Little is known concerning how these different
      defense mechanisms are coordinated. Here, we use insect plasmatocytes and
      hemocyte-like Drosophila S2 cells to characterize mechanisms of immunity that
      operate in the haemocoel. We demonstrate that a Drosophila cytokine, growth
      blocking peptides (GBP), acts through the phospholipase C (PLC)/Ca(2+) signalling
      cascade to mediate the secretion of Pvf, a ligand for platelet-derived growth
      factor- and vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor (Pvr) homologue.
      Activated Pvr recruits extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase to inhibit
      humoral immune responses, while stimulating cell 'spreading', an initiating event
      in cellular immunity. The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-targeted knockdown of
      either Pvf2 or Pvr inhibits GBP-mediated cell spreading and activates AMP
      expression. Conversely, Pvf2 overexpression enhances cell spreading but inhibits
      AMP expression. Thus, we describe mechanisms to initiate immune programs that are
      either humoral or cellular in nature, but not both; such immunophysiological
      polarization may minimize homeostatic imbalance during infection. 

PMID- 25130176
TI  - Comment on: Asociacion de Hemato-Oncologia Pediatrica de Centro America (AHOPCA):
      a model for sustainable development in Pediatric Oncology.

PMID- 25130175
TI  - Multifunctional quantum dot-polypeptide hybrid nanogel for targeted imaging and
      drug delivery.
AB  - A new type of multifunctional quantum dot (QD)-polypeptide hybrid nanogel with
      targeted imaging and drug delivery properties has been developed by metal
      affinity driven self-assembly between artificial polypeptides and CdSe-ZnS core
      shell QDs. On the surface of QDs, a tunable sandwich-like microstructure
      consisting of two hydrophobic layers and one hydrophilic layer between them was
      verified by capillary electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy, and
      dynamic light scattering measurements. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs can be
      simultaneously loaded in a QD-polypeptide nanogel. In vitro drug release of drug
      loaded QD-polypeptide nanogels varies strongly with temperature, pH, and
      competitors. A drug-loaded QD-polypeptide nanogel with an arginine-glycine
      aspartic acid (RGD) motif exhibited efficient receptor-mediated endocytosis in
      alphavbeta3 overexpressing HeLa cells but not in the control MCF-7 cells as
      analyzed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. In contrast, non-targeted QD
      polypeptide nanogels revealed minimal binding and uptake in HeLa cells. Compared
      with the original QDs, the QD-polypeptide nanogels showed lower in vitro
      cytotoxicity for both HeLa cells and NIH 3T3 cells. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity
      of the targeted QD-polypeptide nanogel was lower for normal NIH 3T3 cells than
      that for HeLa cancer cells. These results demonstrate that the integration of
      imaging and drug delivery functions in a single QD-polypeptide nanogel has the
      potential for application in cancer diagnosis, imaging, and therapy. 

PMID- 25130177
TI  - Estimation of effective dose and lifetime attributable risk from multiple head CT
      scans in ventriculoperitoneal shunted children.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this review is to determine the averaged effective dose
      and lifetime attributable risk factor from multiple head computed tomography (CT)
      dose data on children with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS). METHOD AND
      MATERIALS: A total of 422 paediatric head CT exams were found between October
      2008 and January 2011 and retrospectively reviewed. The CT dose data was weighted
      with the latest IRCP 103 conversion factor to obtain the effective dose per study
      and the averaged effective dose was calculated. Estimates of the lifetime
      attributable risk were also calculated from the averaged effective dose using a
      conversion factor from the latest BEIR VII report. RESULTS: Our study found the
      highest effective doses in neonates and the lowest effective doses were observed
      in the 10-18 years age group. We estimated a 0.007% potential increase risk in
      neonates and 0.001% potential increased risk in teenagers over the base risk.
      CONCLUSION: Multiple head CTs in children equates to a slight potential increase
      risk in lifetime attributable risk over the baseline risk for cancer, slightly
      higher in neonates relative to teenagers. The potential risks versus clinical
      benefit must be assessed.

PMID- 25130179
TI  - How do supply-side factors influence informal payments for healthcare? The case
      of HIV patients in Cameroon.
AB  - Direct out-of-pocket payments for healthcare continue to be a major source of
      health financing in low-income and middle-income countries. Some of these direct
      payments take the form of informal charges paid by patients to access the needed
      healthcare services. Remarkably, however, little is known about the extent to
      which these payments are exercised and their determinants in the context of Sub
      Saharan Africa. This study attempts therefore to shed light on the role of supply
      side factors in the occurrence of informal payments while accounting for the
      demand-side factors. The study relies on data taken from a nationally
      representative survey conducted among people living with HIV/AIDS in Cameroon. A
      multilevel mixed-effect logistic model is employed to identify the factors
      associated with the incidence of informal payments. Results reveal that circa
      3.05% of the surveyed patients incurred informal payments for the consultations
      made on the day of the survey. The amount paid informally represents up to four
      times the official tariff. Factors related to the following: (i) human resource
      management of the health facilities (e.g., task shifting); (ii) health
      professionals' perceptions vis-a-vis the remunerations of HIV care provision; and
      (iii) reception of patients (e.g., waiting time) significantly influence the
      probability of incurring informal payments. Also of note, the type of healthcare
      facilities is found to play a role: informal payments appear to be significantly
      lower in private non-profit facilities compared with those belonging to public
      sector. Our findings allude to some policy recommendations that can help reduce
      the incidence of informal payments.

PMID- 25130178
TI  - In vivo vastus lateralis force-velocity relationship at the fascicle and muscle
      tendon unit level.
AB  - The force velocity relationship of in vivo human muscle fibers has often been
      derived from the torque-angular speed relationship during maximal voluntary
      isokinetic contractions. However, the assumption of a close association between
      joint performance and muscle mechanics is questionable. We aimed to determine the
      relationship between knee extension angular speeds, vastus lateralis fascicle and
      muscle tendon unit (MTU) shortening speeds, and maximal knee extensor force for
      the entire range of knee joint movement, for the isokinetic range, and for the
      ranges before, after and at peak torque occurrence, with different commonly used
      pre-loading conditions. Higher peak forces were observed when knee extensions
      were preceded by a pre-load, despite the similarity in fascicle shortening
      speeds. For the entire and the isokinetic range, MTU always shortened faster than
      fascicles, and this difference increased as joint speed increased. Interestingly,
      fascicle shortening velocities were greater before compared to after peak torque
      occurrence while the opposite happened at the MTU level. Assuming a close
      relationship between joint and fascicle dynamics results in an overestimation of
      muscle contractile component shortening velocity or force production at peak
      torque. The force velocity relationships obtained in vivo depend crucially on the
      test conditions, and the movement range used for analysis. 

PMID- 25130180
TI  - Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Aortic Intima-Media Thickness in Patients
      Without Clinical Manifestation of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Existing evidence suggests that impaired vitamin D metabolism
      contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Aortic intima-media thickness
      (IMT) is an earlier marker than carotid IMT of preclinical atherosclerosis.
      However, there is a lack of researches on direct investigation of relevance
      between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and thoracic aortic IMT. In this
      study, we aimed to assess the relationship between thoracic aortic IMT and
      25(OH)D. METHODS: We studied 117 patients (mean age: 45.5 +/- 8.4 years) who
      underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for various indications. Serum
      25(OH)D was measured using a direct competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. The
      patients were divided into three groups according to the their serum 25(OH)D
      levels (VitDdeficiency , VitDinsufficient and VitDnormal groups). TEE was
      performed in all subjects. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and other
      biochemical markers were measured using an automated chemistry analyzer. RESULTS:
      Only 24.8% (29 patients) of patients had normal levels of 25(OH)D. The highest
      aortic IMT values were observed in VitDdeficiency group compared with
      VitDinsufficient and VitDnormal groups (P < 0.05, for all). Also aortic IMT
      values of VitDinsufficient group were higher than VitDnormal group (P < 0.05).
      25(OH)D was independently associated with hs-CRP (beta = -0.442, P < 0.001) and
      aortic IMT (beta = -0.499, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The lower 25(OH)D level was
      independently associated with higher aortic IMT values. Therefore,
      hypovitaminosis D may have a role on pathogenesis of subclinical thoracic
      atherosclerosis.

PMID- 25130182
TI  - Qualities of a good Singaporean psychiatrist: Qualitative differences between
      psychiatrists and patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pilot studies in Singapore established four themes (personal
      values, professional, relationship, academic-executive) relating to the qualities
      of a good psychiatrist, and suggested potential differences of opinion between
      patients and psychiatrists. We sought to explore differences between patients and
      psychiatrists regarding the qualities of a good psychiatrist. METHODS:
      Qualitative analysis of interviews using a modified grounded theory approach with
      21 voluntary psychiatric inpatients and 18 psychiatrists. RESULTS: One hundred
      thirty-one separate qualities emerged from the data. The qualities of a good
      psychiatrist were viewed in the context of motivations, functions, methods, and
      results obtained, mirroring the themes established in the pilot studies. Patients
      and psychiatrists mostly concurred on the qualities of a good psychiatrist, with
      62.6% of the qualities emerging from both groups. However significant differences
      existed. Patient-specific qualities included proof of altruistic motives,
      diligence, clinical competence, and positive results. What the psychiatrist
      represented to patients in relation to gender, culture, and clinical prestige
      also mattered to patients. Psychiatrist-specific qualities related to societal
      (e.g. public protection) and professional concerns (e.g. boundary issues).
      DISCUSSION: The results of this study demonstrate that patients and psychiatrists
      have different views about the qualities of a good psychiatrist. Patients may
      expect proof of care, diligence, and competence from the psychiatrist, along with
      positive results. In addition, psychiatrists should be mindful of what they
      represent to patients and how that can impact the doctor-patient relationship.

PMID- 25130181
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum stress and endothelial dysfunction.
AB  - Prolonged perturbation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leads to ER stress and
      unfolded protein response (UPR) and contributes to the pathogenesis of various
      chronic disorders. This review focuses on the role of ER stress and UPR in
      endothelial cells and the relevance of these processes to vascular diseases.
      Chronic activation of ER stress and UPR pathways in endothelial cells leads to
      increased oxidative stress and inflammation and often results in cell death.
      Because endothelial cells play a pivotal role in maintaining vascular
      homeostasis, various pathological conditions interfering with this homeostasis
      including homocysteinemia, hyperlipidemia, high glucose, insulin resistance,
      disturbed blood flow, and oxidative stress can lead to endothelial dysfunction in
      part through the activation of ER stress. We discuss recently discovered aspects
      of the role of ER stress/UPR in those pathological conditions. We also summarize
      recent findings implicating ER stress and UPR in systemic hypertension as well as
      pulmonary arterial hypertension. Finally, this review will highlight a novel role
      of UPR mediators in the process of angiogenesis.

PMID- 25130183
TI  - Pard3 regulates contact between neural crest cells and the timing of Schwann cell
      differentiation but is not essential for neural crest migration or myelination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schwann cells, which arise from the neural crest, are the myelinating
      glia of the peripheral nervous system. During development neural crest and their
      Schwann cell derivatives engage in a sequence of events that comprise
      delamination from the neuroepithelium, directed migration, axon ensheathment, and
      myelin membrane synthesis. At each step neural crest and Schwann cells are
      polarized, suggesting important roles for molecules that create cellular
      asymmetries. In this work we investigated the possibility that one polarity
      protein, Pard3, contributes to the polarized features of neural crest and Schwann
      cells that are associated with directed migration and myelination. RESULTS: We
      analyzed mutant zebrafish embryos deficient for maternal and zygotic pard3
      function. Time-lapse imaging revealed that neural crest delamination was normal
      but that migrating cells were disorganized with substantial amounts of
      overlapping membrane. Nevertheless, neural crest cells migrated to appropriate
      peripheral targets. Schwann cells wrapped motor axons and, although myelin gene
      expression was delayed, myelination proceeded to completion. CONCLUSIONS: Pard3
      mediates contact inhibition between neural crest cells and promotes timely myelin
      gene expression but is not essential for neural crest migration or myelination.

PMID- 25130185
TI  - Health-related rehabilitation and human rights: analyzing states' obligations
      under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
AB  - Globally, disability represents a major challenge for health systems and
      contributes to the rising demand for rehabilitation care. An extensive body of
      evidence testifies to the barriers that people with disabilities confront in
      accessing rehabilitation services and to the enormous impact this has on their
      lives. The international legal dimension of rehabilitation is underexplored,
      although access to rehabilitation is a human right enshrined in numerous legal
      documents, specifically the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
      Disabilities. However, to date, no study has analyzed the implications of the
      Convention for Rehabilitation Policy and Organization. This article clarifies
      states' obligations with respect to health-related rehabilitation for persons
      with disabilities under the Convention. These obligations relate to the provision
      of rehabilitation but extend across several key human right commitment areas such
      as equality and nondiscrimination; progressive realization; international
      cooperation; participation in policymaking processes; the accessibility,
      availability, acceptability, and quality of rehabilitation services; privacy and
      confidentiality; and informed decision making and accountability. To support
      effective implementation of the Convention, governments need to focus their
      efforts on all these areas and devise appropriate measures to monitor compliance
      with human rights principles and standards in rehabilitation policy, service
      delivery, and organization. This article lays the foundations for a rights-based
      approach to rehabilitation and offers a framework that may assist in the
      evaluation of national rehabilitation strategies and the identification of gaps
      in the implementation of the Convention. 

PMID- 25130184
TI  - Ethnic- and gender-specific differences in the prevalence of HIV among patients
      in opioid maintenance treatment-a case register analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have sought to identify ethnic- and gender-specific differences in
      HIV prevalence among heroin users receiving opioid maintenance treatment in the
      canton of Zurich, Switzerland. METHODS: We used a generalized linear model (GEE)
      to analyze data from the anonymized case register for all opioid maintenance
      treatments in the canton of Zurich. Patients who received either methadone or
      buprenorphine between 1991 and 2012 (n=11,422) were evaluated for gender (male
      vs. female), ethnic background (Swiss vs. non-Swiss), and lifetime method of drug
      use (ever injector vs. non-injector). We addressed missing data by multiple
      imputation. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HIV among patients declined
      substantially from 33.7% in 1991 to 10.6% in 2012 in the complete dataset. In the
      imputed datasets, the respective prevalence dropped from 32.8% in 1991 to 9.7% in
      2012. Non-injectors had a four to five times lower risk ratio (RR) compared to
      the reference group, 'Swiss males who ever injected'. In addition, we found a
      significantly higher risk ratio of HIV prevalence among females who had ever
      injected; this was true both for the complete dataset and the imputed dataset
      (Swiss RR 1.18 CI 95% 1.04-1.34, non-Swiss RR 1.58 CI 95% 1.18-2.12). CONCLUSION:
      In this population, gender, ethnic background, and lifetime method of drug use
      influenced the risk of being HIV positive. Different access to treatment and
      different characteristics of risk exposure among certain subgroups might explain
      these findings. In particular, the higher risk for women who inject drugs
      especially for those with an immigrant background-warrants additional research.
      Further exploration should identify what factors deter women from using available
      HIV-prevention measures and whether and how these measures can be better adapted
      to high-risk groups.

PMID- 25130186
TI  - Family meals and disordered eating in adolescents: are the benefits the same for
      everyone?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between family meals and disordered eating
      behaviors within a diverse sample of adolescents and further investigate whether
      family-level variables moderate this association. METHOD: Data from adolescents
      (EAT 2010: Eating and Activity in Teens) and their parents (Project F-EAT:
      Families and Eating and Activity among Teens) were collected in 2009-2010.
      Surveys were completed by 2,382 middle and high school students (53.2% girls,
      mean age = 14.4 years) from Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, public schools.
      Parents/guardians (n = 2,792) completed surveys by mail or phone. RESULTS:
      Greater frequency of family meals was associated with decreased odds of engaging
      in unhealthy weight control behaviors in boys, and dieting, unhealthy and extreme
      weight control behaviors in girls. Results indicate that the protective effects
      of family meals are, in general, robust to family-level variables; 64
      interactions were examined and only seven were statistically significant. For
      example, among girls, the protective nature of family meals against dieting and
      unhealthy weight control behaviors was diminished if they also reported family
      weight-related teasing (both p < .01). DISCUSSION: The results confirmed previous
      research indicating that participation in family meals is protective against
      disordered eating for youth, particularly girls. However, results suggest that in
      some cases, the protection offered by family meals may be modified by family
      level variables.

PMID- 25130188
TI  - A first-cycle coulombic efficiency higher than 100% observed for a Li2MO3 (M = Mo
      or Ru) electrode.
AB  - The lithiation/de-lithiation behavior of a ternary oxide (Li2MO3, where M = Mo or
      Ru) is examined. In the first lithiation, the metal oxide (MO2) component in
      Li2MO3 is lithiated by a conversion reaction to generate nano-sized metal (M)
      particles and two equivalents of Li2O. As a result, one idling Li2O equivalent is
      generated from Li2MO3. In the de-lithiation period, three equivalents of Li2O
      react with M to generate MO3. The first-cycle Coulombic efficiency is
      theoretically 150% since the initial Li2MO3 takes four Li(+) ions and four
      electrons per formula unit, whereas the M component is oxidized to MO3 by
      releasing six Li(+) ions and six electrons. In practice, the first-cycle
      Coulombic efficiency is less than 150% owing to an irreversible charge
      consumption for electrolyte decomposition. The as-generated MO3 is lithiated/de
      lithiated from the second cycle with excellent cycle performance and rate
      capability.

PMID- 25130187
TI  - A protective role of murine langerin+ cells in immune responses to cutaneous
      vaccination with microneedle patches.
AB  - Cutaneous vaccination with microneedle patches offers several advantages over
      more frequently used approaches for vaccine delivery, including improved
      protective immunity. However, the involvement of specific APC subsets and their
      contribution to the induction of immunity following cutaneous vaccine delivery is
      not well understood. A better understanding of the functions of individual APC
      subsets in the skin will allow us to target specific skin cell populations in
      order to further enhance vaccine efficacy. Here we use a Langerin-EGFP-DTR knock
      in mouse model to determine the contribution of langerin(+) subsets of skin APCs
      in the induction of adaptive immune responses following cutaneous microneedle
      delivery of influenza vaccine. Depletion of langerin(+) cells prior to
      vaccination resulted in substantial impairment of both Th1 and Th2 responses, and
      decreased post-challenge survival rates, in mice vaccinated cutaneously but not
      in those vaccinated via the intramuscular route or in non-depleted control mice.
      Our results indicate that langerin(+) cells contribute significantly to the
      induction of protective immune responses following cutaneous vaccination with a
      subunit influenza vaccine. 

PMID- 25130189
TI  - Flow cytometry in cerebrospinal fluid-rational use of laboratory services.

PMID- 25130190
TI  - Impact of SLCO1B1 521T > C variant on leucovorin rescue and risk of relapse in
      childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with high-dose methotrexate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that SLCO1B1 c.521T > C variant decreases the
      clearance of methotrexate (MTX) and elevates its plasma concentration, hence
      leucovorin doses may need to be adjusted. However, high leucovorin doses may
      affect the cure rate in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Hitherto
      neither the appropriate dose of leucovorin in carriers of SLCO1B1 c.521T > C
      variant nor the impact of SLCO1B1 polymorphism on the risk of ALL relapse has
      been clarified. PROCEDURE: A double-blind and controlled study was conducted in
      136 children with ALL. They were genotyped for rs4149056 single nucleotide
      polymorphism into wild-type group and variant group, and received MTX at 3-5
      g/m(2) . Plasma concentration MTX and its metabolite were determined by HPLC. The
      toxicity of MTX, dose of leucovorin and 5-year relapse rate of ALL were recorded.
      RESULTS: Compared with wild-type group, area under the concentration time curve
      of MTX increased by 4.2-fold and peripheral clearance rate decreased
      significantly in variant group. Patients carrying rs4149056 C allele endured a
      remarkable longer time above the MTX safety threshold and suffered from a higher
      frequency of toxicity, so 2.2-fold leucovorin was given. However, no association
      was found between SLCO1B1 c.521T > C variant and the relapse risk in five years.
      CONCLUSIONS: The SLCO1B1 c.521T > C variant was an important determinant of MTX
      disposition and their carriers were exposed to increased intensity and time of
      MTX. An appropriate leucovorin dose raise in variant group was beneficial to
      reducing the serious toxicity. The c.521T > C variant wasn't associated with the
      risk of ALL relapse.

PMID- 25130191
TI  - Investigation of the effects of some phenolic compounds on the activities of
      glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase from human
      erythrocytes.
AB  - Polyphenols are the important compounds that have various bioactivities. They
      constitute vital active agents of not only daily diet but also natural medicines
      that are used traditionally. It is generally considered that they are safe
      because they are natural. In some conducted studies, different negative effects
      of these compounds were mentioned. Twelve phenolic compounds have been assayed to
      determine the effect of inhibition on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)
      and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) enzymes activity. For in vitro
      studies, the enzymes were purified from human erythrocytes using 2',5'-ADP
      Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography. Naringenin, caffeic acid, ellagic acid,
      ferulic acid, and sinapic acid against two enzymes, hesperidin and polydatin,
      only on G6PD activity and chrysin solely against 6PGD showed inhibitory effect.
      Chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, and syringic acid did not exhibit an effect on
      the activity of the two enzymes. 

PMID- 25130194
TI  - A pilot study to develop an objective clinical score for canine otitis externa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lack of an accepted clinical scoring system in canine otitis
      externa makes it difficult to compare clinical trials. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To
      develop a score that is clinically relevant, reliable and sensitive to change.
      ANIMALS: Client-owned healthy dogs (n = 55) and dogs with otitis externa (n =
      60). METHODS: We compared 0-3 and 0-5 assessments of erythema, oedema/swelling,
      erosion/ulceration, exudate and pain of the ear canals with a reference 0-2
      scale. Additional data included odour, pruritus scores, tympanic membrane
      condition, treatment outcome and neutrophil, bacterial and Malassezia counts.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the vertical and
      horizontal canal scores (correlation coefficients >0.93). Correlation
      coefficients for the 0-3 and 0-5 scales were also >0.9 for all parameters, but
      the 0-2 scale was more variable. Pain and pruritus did not correlate well with
      the lesion scores and were associated with suppurative and erythroceruminous
      otitis, respectively. Neutrophil and microbial counts were variable and could not
      be used to generate cut-off values to differentiate healthy and affected ears or
      determine the response to therapy. Total scores >=4 differentiated affected from
      healthy ears with 91.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity; scores <=3 were 100%
      sensitive and 91.9% specific for clinical success. The intra- and interobserver
      reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.95 and Cohen's kappa
      coefficients >0.65). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This pilot study showed
      that the 0-3 Otitis Index Score (OTIS3) for erythema, oedema/swelling,
      erosion/ulceration and exudate is suitable for further validation by a larger
      group of clinicians.

PMID- 25130192
TI  - Chronic activity-based therapy does not improve body composition, insulin-like
      growth factor-I, adiponectin, or myostatin in persons with spinal cord injury.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces dramatic changes in body composition including
      reductions in fat-free mass (FFM) and increases in fat mass (FM). OBJECTIVE: To
      examine changes in body composition in response to chronic activity-based therapy
      (ABT) in persons with SCI. DESIGN: Longitudinal exercise intervention. METHODS:
      Seventeen men and women with SCI (mean age=36.1+/-11.5 years) completed 6 months
      of supervised ABT consisting of load bearing, resistance training, locomotor
      training, and functional electrical stimulation. At baseline and after 3 and 6
      months of ABT, body weight, body fat, and FFM were assessed using dual-energy X
      ray absorptiometry, and fasting blood samples were obtained to assess changes in
      insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), adiponectin, and myostatin. RESULTS: Across
      all subjects, there was no change (P>0.05) in body weight, percent body fat, or
      FFM of the leg, arm, or trunk, whereas whole-body FFM declined (P=0.02, 50.4+/
      8.4 to 49.2+/-7.4 kg). No changes (P=0.21-0.41) were demonstrated in IGF-I,
      adiponectin, or myostatin during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic ABT focusing on
      the lower extremity does not slow muscle atrophy or alter body fat, body mass, or
      regional depots of FFM in persons with SCI. Further, it does not induce
      beneficial changes in adiponectin, myostatin, or IGF-I. Alternative exercise
      based therapies are needed in SCI to reverse muscle atrophy and minimize the
      onset of related health risks.

PMID- 25130193
TI  - Polymorphisms in melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 link protein function
      to clearance of hepatitis C virus.
AB  - Among patients newly infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), only 20-30% clear the
      infection spontaneously. In the remaining 70% the infection persists, causing
      chronic liver inflammation and disease. It is well established that polymorphisms
      in host genes, especially in components of the innate immune response, contribute
      to the phenomenon of spontaneous HCV clearance. Retinoic acid inducible gene-I
      (RIG-I)-like helicases such as melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5)
      are cytoplasmic sensors of viral RNA that are critical for triggering innate
      immune responses after infection with RNA viruses. We analyzed 14 nonsynonymous
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms in RIG-I-like helicase-pathway-genes comparing
      European patients who spontaneously cleared HCV (n = 285) or had persistent
      infection (n = 509). We found that polymorphic haplotypes in the MDA-5 gene IFIH1
      encoding histidine at position 843 and threonine at position 946 strongly
      correlate with the resolution of HCV infection (odds ratio [OR]: 16.23; 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 3.67-71.87; P = 1.1 * 10(-6) ). Overexpression of MDA-5
      genetic variants in HEK 293 cells and in a tissue culture model of HCV infection
      revealed that the histidine 843/threonine 946 variant leads to increased baseline
      and ligand-induced expression of interferon-induced genes and confers an
      increased ability to suppress HCV replication. CONCLUSION: These data suggest
      that MDA-5 plays a significant role in the defense against HCV and that
      polymorphisms in MDA-5 can influence the outcome of HCV infection.

PMID- 25130195
TI  - Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in fresh and frozen semen from rams in Brazil.
AB  - The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of genomic DNA of Toxoplasma
      gondii in semen samples from commercial rams in artificial insemination centres
      in Brazil, as well as in fresh semen from rams in the northeast of Brazil. In
      total, 108 semen samples were obtained from artificial insemination centres, and
      genomic DNA of T. gondii was detected in 24 of 108 (22.2%). The prevalence of
      antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii among sheep on rural properties was 9.2%
      (10/109), and 100% of the semen samples of these animals were positive in the PCR
      for T. gondii DNA. The molecular identity was confirmed through sequencing, which
      indicated 99.9% similarity with the T. gondii DNA sequences stored in the
      GenBank. This study reports the first occurrence of T. gondii DNA in the semen of
      rams, which came from artificial insemination centres in Brazil, as well as the
      occurrence of T. gondii DNA in the fresh semen of naturally infected rams in the
      northeast of Brazil. 

PMID- 25130196
TI  - Islet xenotransplantation: what is the optimal age of the islet-source pig?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The need for pig islet xenotransplantation in patients with type 1
      diabetes is compelling; however, the ideal age at which islets should be isolated
      from the donor pig remains uncertain. Pig islet transplantation in primates, as a
      valuable pre-clinical model, has been explored using adult, neonatal, fetal pig
      islets, and also pancreatic primordia from pig embryos as beta cell donors.
      Neonatal pig islets have some advantages over adult and fetal islets, but the
      optimal age within the first month of life at which neonatal islets should be
      isolated and transplanted is as yet unclear. METHODS: In an attempt to answer
      this question, we carried out a literature search, but limited the search
      primarily to evidence in the clinically-relevant pig-to-non-human primate model.
      RESULTS: We identified surprisingly few studies in this model directed to this
      topic. Even in pig-to-rodent models, there were few definitive data. CONCLUSION:
      From the few data available to us, we conclude that pancreatectomy and islet
      isolation from neonatal pigs may have advantages over adult pigs and that
      isolation during the first week of life may have minor advantages over later
      weeks.

PMID- 25130197
TI  - Effects of exposure to mixed volatile organic compounds on the neurobehavioral
      test performance in a cross-sectional study of US adults.
AB  - While the environmental exposure to multiple volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is
      ubiquitous, its neurobehavioral effects are not well understood. We assessed the
      associations between short-term exposure to VOC mixtures and neurobehavioral test
      performances on 497 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey, using quantile and ordinary least squares regression models.
      We grouped 10 blood VOCs into 3 mixtures based on the principal component
      analysis, where Mix1 included benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m-/p-xylene, o
      xylene, and styrene; Mix2 included chloroform and tetrachloroethene; and Mix3
      included 1,1,1-trichloroethane and 1,4-dichlorobenzene. We found a general lack
      of significant adverse effects with exceptions limited to those with the worst
      performance (i.e. the top 10 percent) in the simple reaction time test,
      suggesting that these people were potentially more susceptible to impacts of VOC
      mixtures. However, further research is needed to clarify the neurobehavioral
      effects of chronic low-level exposure to VOC mixtures among the general
      population. 

PMID- 25130198
TI  - The association of chemotherapy versus hormonal therapy and health outcomes among
      patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer:
      experience from the patient perspective.
AB  - This study aimed to characterize the impact of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and
      cancer treatments on health-related quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and
      daily productivity from the patient perspective. This was a cross-sectional
      survey of patients with MBC (USA, n = 200; EU, n = 160). Post-menopausal women
      aged >=50 years with hormone receptor positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2-) MBC,
      currently using hormonal therapy (HT) or using chemotherapy (CT) for <=1 year
      were recruited. Fifty three percent (n = 191) reported CT and 47% (n = 169)
      reported HT use. Adjusting for covariates, HT users reported greater health
      related quality of life (p < 0.05), greater satisfaction with treatment and
      better feelings about side-effects (p < 0.001). HT users reported less bother
      with treatment side-effects (0-5 scale, p < 0.001) and less activity impairment
      than CT users (p < 0.001). HT was associated with better patient-reported
      outcomes than CT in first-line MBC management. These findings should be taken
      into consideration while making treatment decisions for HR+/HER2- MBC. 

PMID- 25130199
TI  - Yeast synthetic biology for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins.
AB  - The production of recombinant therapeutic proteins is one of the fast-growing
      areas of molecular medicine and currently plays an important role in treatment of
      several diseases. Yeasts are unicellular eukaryotic microbial host cells that
      offer unique advantages in producing biopharmaceutical proteins. Yeasts are
      capable of robust growth on simple media, readily accommodate genetic
      modifications, and incorporate typical eukaryotic post-translational
      modifications. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a traditional baker's yeast that has
      been used as a major host for the production of biopharmaceuticals; however,
      several nonconventional yeast species including Hansenula polymorpha, Pichia
      pastoris, and Yarrowia lipolytica have gained increasing attention as alternative
      hosts for the industrial production of recombinant proteins. In this review, we
      address the established and emerging genetic tools and host strains suitable for
      recombinant protein production in various yeast expression systems, particularly
      focusing on current efforts toward synthetic biology approaches in developing
      yeast cell factories for the production of therapeutic recombinant proteins.

PMID- 25130201
TI  - Quantitative developmental data in a phylogenetic framework.
AB  - Following the embryonic period of organogenesis, most development is allometric
      growth, which is thought to produce most of the evolutionary morphological
      divergence between related species. Bivariate or multivariate coefficients of
      allometry are used to describe quantitative developmental data and are comparable
      across taxa; as such, these coefficients are amenable to direct treatment in a
      phylogenetic framework. Mapping of actual allometric coefficients onto
      phylogenetic trees is supported on the basis of the evolving nature of growth
      programs and the type of character (continuous) that they represent. This
      procedure depicts evolutionary allometry accurately and allows for the generation
      of reliable reconstructions of ancestral allometry, as shown here with a
      previously published case study on rodent cranial ontogeny. Results reconstructed
      the signature allometric patterns of rodents to the root of the phylogeny, which
      could be traced back into a (minimum) Paleocene age. Both character and
      statistical dependence need to be addressed, so this approach can be integrated
      with phylogenetic comparative methods that deal with those issues. It is shown
      that, in this particular sample of rodents, common ancestry explains little
      allometric variation given the level of divergence present within, and
      convergence between, major rodent lineages. Furthermore, all that variation is
      independent of body mass. Thus, from an evolutionary perspective, allometry
      appears to have a strong functional and likely adaptive basis.

PMID- 25130200
TI  - Natural selection acts in opposite ways on correlated hormonal mediators of
      prenatal maternal effects in a wild bird population.
AB  - Maternal hormones are important mediators of prenatal maternal effects. Although
      many experimental studies have demonstrated their potency in shaping offspring
      phenotypes, we know remarkably little about their adaptive value. Using long-term
      data on a wild collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) population, we show that
      natural selection acts in opposite ways on two maternally derived androgens, yolk
      androstenedione (A4) and yolk testosterone (T). High yolk A4 concentrations are
      associated with higher fitness, whereas high yolk T concentrations are associated
      with lower fitness. Natural selection thus favours females that produce eggs with
      high A4 and low T concentrations. Importantly, however, there exists a positive
      (non-genetic) correlation between A4 and T, which suggests that females are
      limited in their ability to reach this adaptive optimum. Thereby, these results
      provide strong evidence for an adaptive value of differential maternal androgen
      deposition, and a mechanistic explanation for the maintenance of variation in
      maternal investment in the wild. 

PMID- 25130202
TI  - Protective effects of myricitrin against osteoporosis via reducing reactive
      oxygen species and bone-resorbing cytokines.
AB  - Oxidative stress is a crucial pathogenic factor in the development of
      osteoporosis. Myricitrin, isolated from Myrica cerifera, is a potent antioxidant.
      We hypothesized that myricitrin possessed protective effects against osteoporosis
      by partially reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bone-resorbing cytokines
      in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs). We
      investigated myricitrin on osteogenic differentiation under oxidative stress.
      Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to establish an oxidative cell injury model.
      Our results revealed that myricitrin significantly improved some osteogenic
      markers in these cells. Myricitrin decreased lipid production and reduced
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-2 (PPARgamma2) expression in
      hBMSCs. Moreover, myricitrin reduced the expression of receptor activator of
      nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and IL-6 and partially suppressed ROS
      production. In vivo, we established a murine ovariectomized (OVX) osteoporosis
      model. Our results demonstrated that myricitrin supplementation reduced serum
      malondialdehyde (MDA) activity and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) activity.
      Importantly, it ameliorated the micro-architecture of trabecular bones in the 4th
      lumbar vertebrae (L4) and distal femur. Taken together, these results indicated
      that the protective effects of myricitrin against osteoporosis are linked to a
      reduction in ROS and bone-resorbing cytokines, suggesting that myricitrin may be
      useful in bone metabolism diseases, particularly osteoporosis.

PMID- 25130203
TI  - Clinical risk factors for central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid
      carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prophylactic central lymph node dissection (CLND) in clinically node
      negative patients remains controversial, and predictive factors for central lymph
      node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are not
      well defined. Herein, we conducted a systematic review to quantify the
      clinicopathologic factors predictive for CLNM in patients with PTC. METHODS: A
      systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL,
      Scopus and Wanfang Database) for studies published until July 2014 was performed.
      Cohort, case-control studies and randomized controlled trials that examined
      clinical risk factors of CLNM were included. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies (4
      prospective and 21 retrospective studies) involving 7,719 patients met final
      inclusion criteria. From the pooled analyses, male gender (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.40
      to 2.64), tumour multifocality (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.30), tumour size >0.5
      cm (OR 3.48, 95% CI 2.24 to 5.41), capsular invasion (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.36 to
      2.67), extrathyroidal extension (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.58 to 3.71), lymphovascular
      invasion (OR 13.29, 95% CI 5.61 to 31.48) and lateral lymph node metastasis (OR
      14.33, 95% CI 5.34 to 38.50) were significantly associated with increased risk of
      CLNM, while age >45 years (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.83) and lymphocytic
      thyroiditis (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.92) resulted in decreased risk of CLNM.
      Bilaterality and tumour location were not significantly associated with CLNM
      development (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis identified several
      clinicopathologic factors associated with CLNM. These findings may guide the
      necessity and extent of prophylactic CLND and ultimately improve the outcomes of
      patients with PTC.

PMID- 25130204
TI  - Direct observation of coherent oscillations in solution due to microheterogeneous
      environment.
AB  - We report, for the first time, direct observation of coherent oscillations in the
      ground-state of IR775 dye due to microheterogeneous environment. Using ultrafast
      near-infrared degenerate pump-probe technique centered at 800 nm, we present the
      dynamics of IR775 in a binary mixture of methanol and chloroform at ultra-short
      time resolution of 30 fs. The dynamics of the dye in binary mixtures, in a time
      scale of a few fs to ~740 ps, strongly varies as a function of solvent
      composition (volume fraction). Multi-oscillation behavior of the coherent
      vibration was observed, which increased with decreasing percentage of methanol in
      the dye mixture. Maximum number of damped oscillations were observed in 20%
      methanol. The observed vibrational wavepacket motion in the ground-state is
      periodic in nature. We needed two cosine functions to fit the coherent
      oscillation data as two different solvents were used. Dynamics of the dye
      molecule in binary mixtures can be explained by wavepacket motion in the ground
      potential energy surface. More is the confinement of the dye molecule in binary
      mixtures, more is the number of damped oscillations. The vibrational cooling
      time, tau2, increases with increase in the confinement of the system. The
      observed wavepacket oscillations in ground-state dynamics continued until 1.6 ps.

PMID- 25130205
TI  - Prospective comparison treatment of 595-nm pulsed-dye lasers for virgin port-wine
      stain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vbeam((r)) and Cynergy((r)) are 595-nm pulsed-dye laser (PDL)
      equipment options, both extensively used in the clinical treatment of port-wine
      stains (PWS). However, there has been no study conducted of the differences in
      PWS therapeutic outcomes across both devices. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy
      and safety of Vbeam and Cynergy equipment in the treatment of PWS. METHODS:
      Twenty-two patients with PWS were included in this study and were treated with
      both Vbeam and Cynergy. Patients underwent three treatment sessions. Treatment
      parameters used were as follows: (i) Cynergy((r)) , Cynosure Corp., 595-nm
      wavelength, radiant exposure of 11 J cm(-2) , 2-ms pulse duration, 7-mm spot
      size, cold-air cooling system of level 3. (ii) Vbeam((r)) , Candela Corp., 595-nm
      wavelength, radiant exposure of 11 J cm(-2) , 1.5-ms pulse duration, 7-mm spot
      size, cryogen spray cooling (30 ms of cooling with a 20-ms delay). Clinical
      efficacy outcomes were evaluated by chromameter and visual assessment 2 months
      post-treatment. RESULTS: All patients were treated by both Vbeam and Cynergy on
      adjacent sites. Chromameter evaluation showed that the average blanching rate was
      21.24% for Cynergy sites and 36.42% for Vbeam sites. This difference was
      statistically significant (P = 0.05), which suggests that PWS respond better to
      Vbeam than to Cynergy at the settings used in this study. No patients developed
      scarring or permanent pigmentation change. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with Cynergy,
      Vbeam may be more effective in the treatment of PWS. Despite using supposedly
      equivalent fluences in 595-nm PDLs, equivalent clinical results cannot be
      guaranteed.

PMID- 25130207
TI  - Developing Clinical Research Relationship: Views from Within.
AB  - The nature of the relationship between clinical investigator and research
      participant continues to be contested. The related discussions have largely
      focused on the doctor-researcher dichotomy thought to permeate the work of a
      clinical investigator with research participants, whom in turn occupy two
      corresponding roles: patient and subject. This paper contributes to current
      debates on the topic by providing a voice to research participants, whose
      perspectives have been largely invisible. It draws on 42 in-depth interviews
      conducted in Ghana and South Africa with respondents at different stages of
      involvement in clinical research, ranging from no experience in clinical research
      to enrollment in several clinical trials. The perspectives of all respondents
      were largely congruent and rooted in the common view that clinical research
      contributed to the improvement of local health. They went beyond the
      researcher/participant versus doctor/patient dichotomy, long established in
      research ethics, and preferred to view participants and investigators as partners
      working together to find ways to address local health needs. The
      conceptualization of investigator-participant relations as a partnership
      reinforced expectations of care, transparency and accountability, which were
      viewed as necessary expressions of mutuality and respect within equal
      collaborations. It is important to engage with these views in order to avoid
      antagonizing societal expectations and to build up long-term public trust,
      crucial for the continuous operation of clinical research. 

PMID- 25130206
TI  - Parent-of-origin growth effects and the evolution of hybrid inviability in dwarf
      hamsters.
AB  - Mammalian hybrids often show abnormal growth, indicating that developmental
      inviability may play an important role in mammalian speciation. Yet, it is
      unclear if this recurrent phenotype reflects a common genetic basis. Here, we
      describe extreme parent-of-origin-dependent growth in hybrids from crosses
      between two species of dwarf hamsters, Phodopus campbelli and Phodopus sungorus.
      One cross type resulted in massive placental and embryonic overgrowth, severe
      developmental defects, and maternal death. Embryos from the reciprocal cross were
      viable and normal sized, but adult hybrid males were relatively small. These
      effects are strikingly similar to patterns from several other mammalian hybrids.
      Using comparative sequence data from dwarf hamsters and several other hybridizing
      mammals, we argue that extreme hybrid growth can contribute to reproductive
      isolation during the early stages of species divergence. Next, we tested if
      abnormal growth in hybrid hamsters was associated with disrupted genomic
      imprinting. We found no association between imprinting status at several
      candidate genes and hybrid growth, though two interacting genes involved in
      embryonic growth did show reduced expression in overgrown hybrids. Collectively,
      our study indicates that growth-related hybrid inviability may play an important
      role in mammalian speciation but that the genetic underpinnings of these
      phenotypes remain unresolved. 

PMID- 25130209
TI  - Participant comprehension of research for which they volunteer: a systematic
      review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evidence indicates that research participants often do not fully
      understand the studies for which they have volunteered. The aim of this
      systematic review was to examine the relationship between the process of
      obtaining informed consent for research and participant comprehension and
      satisfaction with the research. DESIGN: Systematic review of published research
      on informed consent and participant comprehension of research for which they
      volunteer using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta
      Analysis (PRISMA) Statement as a guide. METHODS: PubMed, Cumulative Index for
      Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trails, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were used to search the
      literature for studies meeting the following inclusion criteria: (a) published
      between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2013, (b) interventional or descriptive
      quantitative design, (c) published in a peer-reviewed journal, (d) written in
      English, and (e) assessed participant comprehension or satisfaction with the
      research process. Studies were assessed for quality using seven indicators:
      sampling method, use of controls or comparison groups, response rate, description
      of intervention, description of outcome, statistical method, and health literacy
      assessment. FINDINGS: Of 176 studies identified, 27 met inclusion criteria: 13
      (48%) were randomized interventional designs and 14 (52%) were descriptive. Three
      categories of studies included projects assessing (a) enhanced consent process or
      form, (b) multimedia methods, and (c) education to improve participant
      understanding. Most (78%) used investigator-developed tools to assess participant
      comprehension, did not assess participant health literacy (74%), or did not
      assess the readability level of the consent form (89%). Researchers found
      participants lacked basic understanding of research elements: randomization,
      placebo, risks, and therapeutic misconception. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate (a)
      inconsistent assessment of participant reading or health literacy level, (b)
      measurement variation associated with use of nonstandardized tools, and (c)
      continued therapeutic misconception and lack of understanding among research
      participants of randomization, placebo, benefit, and risk. While the Agency for
      Healthcare and Quality and National Quality Forum have published informed consent
      and authorization toolkits, previously published validated tools are
      underutilized. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Informed consent requires the assessment of
      health literacy, reading level, and comprehension of research participants using
      validated assessment tools and methods.

PMID- 25130210
TI  - Maternal unresponsiveness and child disruptive problems: the interplay of
      uninhibited temperament and dopamine transporter genes.
AB  - This study examined how and why dopamine transporter (DAT1) susceptibility
      alleles moderate the relation between maternal unresponsiveness and young
      children's behavior problems in a disadvantaged, predominantly minority sample of
      201 two-year-old children and their mothers. Using a multimethod, multisource
      design, the findings indicated that a genetic composite of DAT1 susceptibility
      alleles (rs27072, rs40184) potentiated associations between maternal unresponsive
      caregiving and increases in children's behavior problems 2 years later. Moderator
      mediated-moderation analyses further revealed that the DAT1 diathesis was more
      proximally mediated by the potentiating effects of children's uninhibited
      temperament in the pathway between maternal unresponsiveness and disruptive
      behavior problems. Results are interpreted in the context of supporting and
      advancing the biosocial developmental model (Beauchaine & Gatzke-Kopp, 2012).

PMID- 25130208
TI  - Assessing the effectiveness of the 'Incredible Years((r)) parent training' to
      parents of young children with ADHD symptoms - a preliminary report.
AB  - This study examined the effectiveness of an evidence-based parent training
      program in a real-world Scandinavian setting. Parents of 36 young children with
      or at risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) self-referred to
      participate in the Incredible Years((r)) Parent Training Program (IYPT) through a
      Danish early intervention clinic. Using a benchmarking approach, we compared self
      report data with data from a recent efficacy study. Eight out of nine outcome
      measures showed comparable or higher magnitude of effect from pretest to
      posttest. Effects were maintained or improved across six months. The methodology
      of this study exemplifies a rigorous but feasible approach to assessing
      effectiveness when evidence-based US protocols are transferred into the existing
      Scandinavian service delivery. Findings suggest that IYPT can be implemented
      successfully as an easy-access early intervention to families of children with or
      at risk of ADHD. 

PMID- 25130211
TI  - Persistent inflammation and its relationship to leptin and insulin in phases of
      bipolar disorder from acute depression to full remission.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A proinflammatory phase with various immunomodulatory mechanisms has
      been noted in bipolar mania and major depression. Weight gain and increased
      production of leptin may be associated with immunomodulation and insulin
      resistance in bipolar disorder. However, immunomodulation and its linkage with
      leptin and insulin in the depressive episode of bipolar disorder remain unclear.
      We investigated alterations in inflammatory markers and their relationship with
      leptin and insulin levels in patients with phases of bipolar disorder from acute
      depression to full remission. METHODS: Thirty-two physically healthy bipolar I
      depressed patients aged <45 years and age- and sex-matched healthy controls
      participated in this study. We measured their circulating levels of leptin,
      insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble interleukin-2
      receptor (sIL-2R), soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R), soluble tumor
      necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNF-R1), and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL
      1Ra) in three phases, i.e., acute depression, subsequent partial remission, and
      full remission. RESULTS: In acute depression, subsequent partial remission, and
      full remission, patients with bipolar disorder had significantly higher mean
      levels of hs-CRP, IL-1Ra, sTNF-R1, and sIL-2R compared with control subjects. The
      IL-1Ra and sTNF-R1 levels in various affective phases were significantly
      correlated to body mass index, leptin level, circulating lipids, and medication
      status. The sIL-2R levels in the three affective phases were all independent of
      other inflammatory markers and clinical and laboratory variables. Patients showed
      no alteration of sIL-6R levels through the depressive episode. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with bipolar disorder in depressive episodes may exhibit persistent
      inflammation with elevated levels of hs-CRP, IL-1Ra, sTNF-R1, and sIL-2R but not
      sIL-6R from the acute phases to full remission. Only sIL-2R production seems to
      be tightly linked with the pathophysiology of bipolar depression and is
      independent of insulin and leptin levels.

PMID- 25130213
TI  - IMAGING DIAGNOSIS--ACUTE MESENTERIC ISCHEMIA ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERTROPHIC
      CARDIOMYOPATHY IN A CAT.
AB  - A middle-aged cat was presented with vomiting, diarrhea, and pelvic limb paresis.
      Radiography showed cardiomegaly, interstitial pulmonary infiltration, distended
      intestinal loops, and portal venous gas. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was
      confirmed. On CT, thrombi were identified at the abdominal aorta, superior
      mesenteric artery, bilateral renal arteries, and cauda vena cava at the level of
      the iliac vein bifurcation. Dilated and gas-filled loops of bowel with a "paper
      thin wall" were observed on CT images and were considered indicative of necrotic
      bowel. This case report describes the CT findings of acute mesenteric ischemia
      associated with HCM in a cat. 

PMID- 25130212
TI  - A comprehensive analysis of the cellular and EBV-specific microRNAome in primary
      CNS PTLD identifies different patterns among EBV-associated tumors.
AB  - Primary central nervous system (pCNS) posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder
      (PTLD) is a complication of solid organ transplantation characterized by poor
      outcome. In contrast to systemic PTLD, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-association of
      pCNS PTLD is almost universal, yet viral and cellular data are limited. To
      identify differences in the pattern of EBV-association of pCNS and systemic PTLD,
      we analyzed the expression of latent and lytic EBV transcripts and the viral and
      cellular microRNAome in nine pCNS (eight EBV-associated) and in 16 systemic PTLD
      samples (eight EBV-associated). Notably although 15/16 EBV-associated samples
      exhibited a viral type III latency pattern, lytic transcripts were also strongly
      expressed. Members of the ebv-miR-BHRF1 and ebv-miR-BART clusters were expressed
      in virtually all EBV-associated PTLD samples. There were 28 cellular microRNAs
      differentially expressed between systemic and pCNS PTLD. pCNS PTLD expressed
      lower hsa-miR-199a-5p/3p and hsa-miR-143/145 (implicated in nuclear factor kappa
      beta and c-myc signaling) as compared to systemic PTLD. Unsupervised
      nonhierarchical clustering of the viral and cellular microRNAome distinguished
      non-EBV-associated from EBV-associated samples and identified a separate group of
      EBV-associated pCNS PTLD that displayed reduced levels of B cell lymphoma
      associated oncomiRs such as hsa-miR-155, -21, -221 and the hsa-miR-17-92 cluster.
      EBV has a major impact on viral and cellular microRNA expression in EBV
      associated pCNS PTLD. 

PMID- 25130215
TI  - Plasmon modes in graphene: status and prospect.
AB  - Plasmons in graphene have unusual properties and offer promising prospects for
      plasmonic applications covering a wide frequency range, ranging from terahertz up
      to the visible. Plasmon modes have been recently studied in both free-standing
      and supported graphene. Here, we review plasmons in graphene with particular
      emphasis on plasmonic excitations in epitaxial graphene and on the influence of
      the underlying substrate on the screening processes. Although the theoretical
      comprehension of plasmons in supported graphene is still incomplete, several
      experimental results provide clues regarding the nature of plasmonic excitations
      in graphene on metals and semiconductors. Plasmon in graphene can be tuned by
      chemical doping and gating potentials. We show through selected examples that the
      adsorbates can be used to tune the plasmon frequency, while the intercalation of
      chemical species allows the decoupling of the graphene sheet from the substrate
      to recover the plasmon dispersion of pristine graphene. Finally, we also report
      intriguing effects due to many-body interaction, such as the excitations
      generated by electron-electron coupling (magnetoplasmons) and the composite modes
      arising from the coupling of plasmons with phonons and with charge carriers. 

PMID- 25130216
TI  - Addressing asthma disparities using clinical decision support in the electronic
      health record.

PMID- 25130217
TI  - From underrepresented minority high school student to medical school faculty
      member: how an outreach program changed my life.

PMID- 25130214
TI  - Homotopic connectivity in drug-naive, first-episode, early-onset schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The disconnection hypothesis of schizophrenia has been extensively
      tested in adults. Recent studies have reported the presence of brain
      disconnection in younger patients, adding evidence to support the
      neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. Because of drug confounds in
      chronic and medicated patients, it has been extremely challenging for researchers
      to directly investigate abnormalities in the development of connectivity and
      their role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The present study aimed to
      examine functional homotopy - a measure of interhemispheric connection - and its
      relevance to clinical symptoms in first-episode drug-naive early-onset
      schizophrenia (EOS) patients. METHODS: Resting-state functional magnetic
      resonance imaging was performed in 26 first-episode drug-naive EOS patients (age:
      14.5 +/- 1.94, 13 males) and 25 matched typically developing controls (TDCs)
      (age: 14.4 +/- 2.97, 13 males). We were mainly concerned with the functional
      connectivity between any pair of symmetric interhemispheric voxels (i.e.,
      functional homotopy) measured by voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC).
      RESULTS: Early-onset schizophrenia patients exhibited both global and regional
      VMHC reductions in comparison with TDCs. Reduced VMHC values were observed within
      the superior temporal cortex and postcentral gyrus. These interhemispheric
      synchronization deficits were negatively correlated with negative symptom of the
      Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Moreover, regions of interest analyses
      based on left and right clusters of temporal cortex and postcentral gyrus
      revealed abnormal heterotopic connectivity in EOS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings provide novel neurodevelopmental evidence for the disconnection
      hypothesis of schizophrenia and suggest that these alterations occur early in the
      course of the disease and are independent of medication status.

PMID- 25130218
TI  - Ability to deliver services in Spanish: a survey of Michigan home health
      agencies, 2012.
AB  - The capacity of home health agencies to serve children from families with low
      English proficiency is not well understood. We conducted an exploratory survey of
      home health agencies in Michigan in 2012 to document whether they can provide
      services in Spanish, serve children, and accept Medicaid.

PMID- 25130219
TI  - Influence of education on HIV infection among pregnant women attending their
      antenatal care in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, Ghana.
AB  - This study investigated the influence of the level of education on HIV infection
      among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana. A cross
      sectional study was conducted at four hospitals in the Sekondi-Takoradi
      metropolis. The study group comprised 885 consenting pregnant women attending
      antenatal care clinics. Questionnaires were administered and venous blood samples
      were screened for HIV and other parameters. Multivariable logistic regression
      analyses were performed to determine the association between the level of
      education attained by the pregnant women and their HIV statuses. The data showed
      that 9.83% (87/885) of the pregnant women were HIV seropositive while 90.17%
      (798/885) were HIV seronegative. There were significant differences in mean age
      (years) between the HIV seropositive women (27.45 +/- 5.5) and their HIV
      seronegative (26.02 +/- 5.6) counterparts (p = .026) but the inference
      disappeared after adjustment (p = .22). Multivariable logistic regression
      analysis revealed that pregnant women with secondary/tertiary education were less
      likely to have HIV infection compared with those with none/primary education
      (adjusted OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.30-0.91; p = .022). Our data showed an association
      with higher level of education and HIV statuses of the pregnant women. It is
      imperative to encourage formal education among pregnant women in this region. 

PMID- 25130220
TI  - Post-traumatic stress symptoms among juvenile offenders in nigeria: implications
      for holistic service provisioning in juvenile justice administration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is hardly any study examining exposure to traumatic events and
      post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among juvenile justice populations in
      Nigeria or any part of sub-Saharan Africa. METHOD: We examined the prevalence and
      trauma determinants of PTSD among a cohort of juvenile justice inmates in
      Nigeria, compared with a cohort of school-going adolescents. RESULTS: Ninety
      percent (90%) of the juvenile justice inmates reported exposure to at least one
      lifetime traumatic event with higher mean incident events, compared with 60%
      among the comparison group (p=.001). Juvenile justice inmates had significantly
      higher prevalence rate of current and lifetime PTSD than the comparison group
      (current: 5.8% vs. 1.4%; lifetime: 9.7% vs. 2.8%, p<.05). Mean incident traumatic
      event was statistically significantly higher among juvenile justice inmates who
      had PTSD. CONCLUSION: Posttraumatic stress symptoms are common among adolescents
      coming in contact with the juvenile justice system. Implications for holistic
      service provisioning in juvenile justice administration are discussed.

PMID- 25130221
TI  - Gendered inequalities within Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme: are poor
      women being penalized with a late renewal policy?
AB  - This article addresses the implications of the mandatory delay in coverage for
      individuals residing in the Upper West Region (UWR) of Ghana who have dropped out
      of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) but later attempt to reenroll.
      Using data collected in 2011 in Ghana's UWR, we use a negative log-log model
      (n=1,584) to compare those who remain enrolled in the scheme with those who have
      dropped out. Women with unreliable incomes, who reported being food-insecure and
      those living with young children were more likely to drop out (OR range: 1.22
      1.79, p<.05). Men, in contrast, were 50% more likely to drop out of the NHIS for
      being unsatisfied with services provided (OR range: 1.25-1.62, p<.01). Contrary
      to the original mandate of the NHIS, our study reveals clear gender differences
      in the factors contributing to dropouts, pointing to a bias in the impact of the
      block-out policy that is penalizing women for being poor. 

PMID- 25130222
TI  - End-of-life treatment preference among low-income older adults: a race/ethnicity
      comparison study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Racial/ethnic minority older adults in low-income status might be
      at a greater risk than others of developing chronic illness. We sought to examine
      the effects of race/ethnicity on end-of-life (EOL) treatment preference among low
      income older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study surveyed 256 low-income
      older adults (90 Whites, 82 Hispanics, 84 Blacks) in a California city. RESULTS:
      Hierarchical multiple regression results showed that participants with greater
      religiosity (p < .01) or more frequent doctors' visits (p < .05) had greater
      preference for life-sustaining treatments during the final phase of life.
      Conversely, those with greater comfort about death (p < .01) or a belief that
      life and death are predestined (p < .05) preferred life-sustaining treatments
      less often. Race/ethnicity had no significant relationship with EOL treatment
      preference after accounting for other factors. CONCLUSION: Race/ethnicity
      encompasses multiple life contexts. Understanding the influences of both cultural
      beliefs and individual circumstances on EOL treatment preference is imperative.

PMID- 25130223
TI  - Unmet medical care and sexual health counseling needs-: a cross-sectional study
      among university students in Uganda.
AB  - In 2010, unmet medical care and sexual health counseling needs were assessed
      among students at a Ugandan University. Unmet medical care need was associated
      with poor mental health, experience of sexual coercion, and poor self-rated
      health. Unmet sexual health counseling need was significantly associated with
      being female, coming from an urban area, low social participation, poor mental
      health status, experience of sexual coercion, poor self-rated health,
      inconsistent condom use, and having multiple sexual partners. Gender differences,
      poor mental health, sexual coercion, poor self-rated health, and risky sexual
      behavior must be considered when designing intervention models to reduce unmet
      health care needs among young people in this setting. 

PMID- 25130225
TI  - Definition and management of hypertension among Haitian immigrants: a qualitative
      study.
AB  - Hypertension is a major health concern among Haitian immigrants, one of the
      largest Caribbean immigrant groups in the United States. Yet, little is known
      about how Hatian immigrants define and manage hypertension. For this qualitative
      study, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 Haitian
      immigrants in Miami Dade County, Florida. Results indicated that most Haitian
      immigrants used the Haitian Creole word tansyon to represent hypertension.
      Tansyon was considered as either a normal condition of the human body or a maladi
      (illness). Both traditional biomedical and alternative approaches were used to
      manage hypertension. The findings show that how Haitian immigrants defined
      hypertension shaped their beliefs about its occurrence and the resulting
      management strategies used. Those who believed tansyon was a normal body
      condition did not take any management measures. Awareness and understanding of
      Haitian immigrants' beliefs about and approaches to hypertension management can
      enhance culturally sensitive care and improve health outcomes. 

PMID- 25130224
TI  - Barriers to HIV Testing in Black Immigrants to the U.S.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Late HIV testing is common among immigrants from sub Saharan Africa
      and the Caribbean. Since 2010, HIV testing is no longer a required component of
      immigrant screening examinations or mandatory for immigrants seeking long term
      residence in the US. Thus, barriers to HIV testing must be addressed. METHODS:
      Five hundred and fifty-five (555) immigrants completed a barriers-to-HIV testing
      scale. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were performed to examine
      predictors of barriers. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, primary language other
      than English (beta=2.9, p=.04), lower education (beta=5.8, p=.03), low income [=
      below $20K/year] (beta=4.6, p=.01), no regular provider (beta=5.2, p=.002) and
      recent immigration (beta=5.7, p=.0008) were independently associated with greater
      barriers. Barriers due to health care access, privacy, fatalism, and anticipated
      stigma were greater for recent versus longer term immigrants. DISCUSSION:
      Immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean face significant barriers to
      HIV testing. Interventions to improve access and timely entry into care are
      needed.

PMID- 25130227
TI  - Family gym: a model to promote physical activity for families with young
      children.
AB  - This report describes Family Gym, a family-centered model that (1) provides free
      access to physical activity for low-income families in the inner city; (2)
      targets young children (3-8 years) and their families; (3) engages families
      together in physical activity; and (4) stimulates social interaction among
      families.

PMID- 25130226
TI  - Promoting Chinese-speaking primary care physicians' communication with immigrant
      patients about colorectal cancer screening: a cluster randomized trial design.
AB  - Chinese Americans underutilize colorectal cancer screening. This study evaluated
      a physician-based intervention guided by social cognitive theory (SCT) to inform
      future research involving minority physicians and patients. Twenty-five Chinese
      speaking primary care physicians were randomized into intervention or usual care
      arms. The intervention included two 45-minute in-office training sessions paired
      with a dual-language communication guide detailing strategies in addressing
      Chinese patients' screening barriers. Physicians' feedback on the intervention,
      their performance data during training, and pre-post intervention survey data
      were collected and analyzed. Most physicians (~85%) liked the intervention
      materials but ~84% spent less than 20 minutes reading the guide and only 46%
      found the length of time for in-office training acceptable. Despite this, the
      intervention increased physicians' perceived communication self-efficacy with
      patients (p<.01). This study demonstrated the feasibility of enrolling and
      intervening with minority physicians. Time constraints in primary care practice
      should be considered in the design and implementation of interventions. 

PMID- 25130228
TI  - Patching the safety net: establishing a free specialty care clinic in an academic
      medical center.
AB  - We describe the collaboration between an academic medical center and a free
      primary care clinic that provides multi-specialty services to indigent community
      members. Complementary components of both institutions have engendered a system
      in which they broaden the array of available services, providing a prototype for
      other institutions to consider.

PMID- 25130229
TI  - Exploring Protective factors among homeless youth: the role of natural mentors.
AB  - This study explored the presence and characteristics of natural mentors among 197
      homeless youth and the association between natural mentoring relationships and
      youth functioning. Few studies have explored protective factors in the lives of
      homeless youth and how these may buffer against poor health outcomes.
      Relationships with natural mentors have been shown to have protective effects on
      adolescent functioning among the general adolescent population, and, thus,
      warrant further investigation with homeless youth. Results from this study
      revealed that 73.6% of homeless youth have natural mentoring relationships, split
      between kin and non-kin relationships. Having a natural mentor was associated
      with higher satisfaction with social support and fewer risky sexual behaviors.
      Findings suggest that natural mentors may play a protective role in the lives of
      homeless youth and should be considered an important source of social support
      that may enhance youth resilience. 

PMID- 25130230
TI  - Health outcomes and retention in care following release from prison for patients
      of an urban post-incarceration transitions clinic.
AB  - Chronic health conditions are overrepresented among prisoners who often face
      barriers to medical care following release. Transitions clinics seek to provide
      timely access to medical care following release. This retrospective cohort study
      investigated care delivery and health outcomes for recently released prisoners
      receiving care at the Bronx Transitions Clinic. Among 135 recently released
      prisoners, median time from release to initial medical visit was 10 days (IQ
      Range: 5-31). Six-month retention in care was high for HIV-infection (86%), but
      lower for opioid dependence (33%), hypertension (45%) and diabetes (43%). At six
      months, 54% of HIV-patients had a suppressed viral load, but fewer buprenorphine
      treated patients reduced opioid use (19%), and fewer hypertensive and diabetic
      patients reached respective blood pressure (35%) and hemoglobin A1c (14%) goals.
      Access to medical care is necessary but not sufficient to control chronic health
      conditions. Additional interventions are necessary for formerly incarcerated
      people to achieve optimal health outcomes. 

PMID- 25130231
TI  - Do our patients have enough to eat?: Food insecurity among urban low-income
      cancer patients.
AB  - This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity among a
      cohort of underserved oncology patients at New York City cancer clinics. A
      demographic survey and the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module were
      administered. A multivariate General Linear Model Analysis of Covariance was used
      to evaluate predictors of food insecurity. Four hundred and four (404) completed
      the surveys. Nearly one-fifth (18%) had very low, 38% low, 17% marginal, and 27%
      high food security. The Analysis of Covariance was statistically significant
      (F[7, 370] = 19.08; p < .0001; R-Square = 0.26). Younger age, Spanish language,
      poor health care access, and having less money for food since beginning cancer
      treatment were significantly associated with greater food insecurity. This cohort
      of underserved cancer patients had rates of food insecurity nearly five times
      those of the state average. More research is needed to understand better the
      causes and impact of food insecurity among cancer and chronic disease patients. 

PMID- 25130232
TI  - Adverse childhood events: incarceration of household members and health-related
      quality of life in adulthood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Incarceration of a household member has been associated with adverse
      outcomes for child well-being. METHODS: We assessed the association between
      childhood exposure to the incarceration of a household member and adult health
      related quality of life (HRQOL) in the 2009/2010 Behavioral Risk Factor
      Surveillance System controlling for age, race/ethnicity, education, and
      additional adverse childhood experiences. RESULTS: Adults who lived in childhood
      with an incarcerated household member had higher risk of poor HRQOL compared with
      adults who had not (adjusted relative risk [ARR] 1.18; 95% CI 1.07, 1.31). Among
      Black adults the association was strongest with the physical health component of
      HRQOL (ARR 1.58 [95% CI 1.18, 2.12]); among White adults, the association was
      strongest with the mental health component of HRQOL (ARR 1.29, [95% CI 1.07
      1.54]). CONCLUSIONS: Living with an incarcerated household member during
      childhood is associated with higher risk of poor HRQOL during adulthood,
      suggesting that the collateral damages of incarceration for children are long
      term.

PMID- 25130233
TI  - "The stress will kill you": prisoner reentry as experienced by family members and
      the urgent need for support services.
AB  - The role of incarceration and community reentry after incarceration has been
      studied extensively for individual and community health; however, little
      attention has been given to the experiences of individuals who provide support to
      those in reentry. Through a community-academic partnership, seven focus groups
      were conducted with 39 individuals supporting a family member in reentry in the
      summer of 2012. The primary objectives of the focus groups were to explore
      community experiences and perspectives regarding providing support during a
      family member's reentry from a period of incarceration and any desired support
      for themselves during this time. Five themes emerged under a metatheme of stress,
      indicating that family members experience acute stress as a result of family
      reentry that adds to the chronic stress they already endure. Programs that
      acknowledge the difficult role of family members as supporters during an
      individual's reentry and provide support to them are desperately needed. 

PMID- 25130234
TI  - Psychiatric disorders, high-risk behaviors, and chronicity of episodes among
      predominantly African American homeless Chicago youth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationships between
      psychiatric and substance-related disorders, high-risk behaviors, and the onset,
      duration, and frequency of homelessness among homeless youth in Chicago. METHODS:
      Sixty-six homeless youth were recruited from two shelters in Chicago. Demographic
      characteristics, psycho-pathology, substance use, and risk behaviors were
      assessed for each participant. RESULTS: Increased frequency and duration of
      homeless episodes were positively correlated with higher rates of psychiatric
      diagnoses. Increased number of psychiatric diagnoses was positively correlated
      with increased high-risk behaviors. Participants with diagnoses of Current
      Suicidality, Manic Episodes, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Substance Abuse, and
      Psychotic Disorder had a higher chronicity of homelessness than those without
      diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were evident between the three
      time parameters, suggesting that stratification of data by different time
      variables may benefit homelessness research by identifying meaningful subgroups
      who may benefit from individualized interventions.

PMID- 25130235
TI  - Substance use, risk of dependence, counseling and treatment among adult health
      center patients.
AB  - Health centers provide primary care to 20 million underserved patients. We
      examined the prevalence of substance use and risk of dependence among health
      center patients, and identified factors associated with desire for
      counseling/treatment and discussions about substance use with a doctor. National
      data on 3,949 adults came from the 2009 Health Center Patient Survey. Forty
      percent of patients reported past-year binge drinking, 14% of patients had used
      any drug in the past three months, and 13% of these recent users were at high
      risk of dependence. Eighty-four percent of patients who desired substance use
      counseling or treatment reported receiving it. Several factors were associated
      with patients discussing substance use with their doctors (e.g., younger age,
      being male, severe mental illness, current smoking). Patients most likely to
      desire substance use counseling or treatment were male, unmarried, insured,
      current smokers, and indicated mental health problems. 

PMID- 25130236
TI  - Homelessness and risk of end-stage renal disease.
AB  - To identify homeless people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who were at highest
      risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), we studied 982 homeless and 15,674
      domiciled people with CKD receiving public health care. We developed four risk
      prediction models for the primary outcome of ESRD. Overall, 71 homeless and 888
      domiciled people progressed to ESRD during follow-up (median: 6.6 years).
      Homeless people with CKD experienced significantly higher incidence rates of ESRD
      than poor but domiciled peers. Most homeless people who developed progressive CKD
      were readily identifiable well before ESRD using a prediction model with five
      common variables. We estimated that program following homeless people in the
      highest decile of ESRD risk would have captured 64-85% of those who eventually
      progressed to ESRD within five years. Thus, an approach targeting homeless people
      at high risk for ESRD appears feasible and could reduce substantial morbidity and
      costs incurred by this highly vulnerable group. 

PMID- 25130237
TI  - The impact of obesity on medication use and expenditures among nonelderly adults
      with asthma.
AB  - Obesity contributes substantially to health resource use and costs. This study
      examines the impact of obesity on medication use and expenditures among
      nonelderly adults with asthma using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Obese
      classes II/III individuals were more likely to have current asthma, seek
      treatment for asthma, use more medications, and have higher medication and health
      care expenditures compared with normal weight individuals. Multivariate results
      indicate that if obese classes II/III were normal weight the probability of
      asthma treatment would decrease by 8.0 percentage points. Conditional on any
      asthma treatment, if obese classes II/III were normal weight the mean number of
      total prescribed medications would decrease by 19.42 fills, and expected
      expenditures on total prescribed medications and health care would decrease by
      $1,738.68 and $3,682.58, respectively. These results suggest that, all else
      equal, reduction in body weight may help reduce health resource use and
      expenditures for nonelderly adults with asthma. 

PMID- 25130238
TI  - Affecting African American men's prostate cancer screening decision-making
      through a mobile tablet-mediated intervention.
AB  - African American men experience a 60% higher incidence of prostate cancer and are
      more than twice as likely to die from it than White men. Evidence is insufficient
      to conclude that definitively screening for prostate cancer reduces the
      likelihood of morbidity or death. Patients are encouraged to discuss screening
      alternatives with health care providers for informed decision-making (IDM). The
      extent of IDM in clinical or community setting is not known. This study uses data
      from a community-based, computer-mediated, IDM intervention that targeted 152
      African American aged 40 to 70. Pretest-posttest differences in means for
      prostate cancer knowledge, screening decisional conflict, and screening
      decisional self-efficacy were examined by two-tailed t-tests. Overall, the
      intervention significantly improved respondents' prostate cancer knowledge
      (p<.0001), significantly improved decisional self-efficacy (p<.0001) and
      significantly reduced decisional conflict (p<.0001). Specifically, the
      intervention significantly promoted IDM among men who reported more education,
      being married, having financial resources, and younger age. 

PMID- 25130240
TI  - Structural vulnerability and problem drinking among Latino migrant day laborers
      in the San Francisco Bay Area.
AB  - Latino migrant day laborers (LMDLs) live under challenging conditions in the San
      Francisco Bay Area. This study explored day laborer alcohol use guided by a
      structural vulnerability framework, specifically problem vs. non-problem drinking
      as perceived by LMDLs and how they cope with or try to avoid problem drinking
      given their broader environment. The study utilized ethnographic methods
      including in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews with 51 LMDLs. Findings
      revealed the considerable challenge of avoiding problem drinking given socio
      environmental factors that influence drinking: impoverished living and working
      conditions, prolonged separation from home and family, lack of work
      authorization, consequent distress and negative mood states, and peer pressure to
      drink. While participants shared strategies to avoid problem drinking, the
      success of individual-level efforts is limited given the harsh structural
      environmental factors that define day laborers' daily lives. Discussed are
      implications for prevention and intervention strategies at the individual,
      community, national and international levels. 

PMID- 25130239
TI  - Trust in health care providers: factors predicting trust among homeless veterans
      over time.
AB  - We examined whether a combination of predisposing, enabling, need, and primary
      care experience variables would predict trust in medical health care providers
      for homeless veterans over 18 months. Linear mixed model analysis indicated that,
      among these variables, race, social support, service-connected disability status,
      and satisfaction and continuity with providers predicted trust in provider over
      time. Trust in providers improved during the initial stages of the relationship
      between patient and provider and then declined to slightly below baseline levels
      over time. Further research is needed to determine generalizability and effects
      of provider trust on patient health care status over longer periods of time. 

PMID- 25130242
TI  - Injectable Contraceptive Continuation among Female Exotic Dancers Seeking Mobile
      Reproductive Health Services.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We describe depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) continuation
      patterns among female exotic dancers receiving reproductive health services at a
      mobile syringe exchange. METHODS: Clients initiating DMPA between November 2009
      and August 2012 were identified retrospectively via chart review. Life table
      analysis measured continuation. Client characteristics were compared using chi
      square tests. RESULTS: Sixty nine clients were identified; 72% were African
      American and 63% were younger than 25. At three months, 36% of the study sample
      continued DMPA; those continuing were more likely to be White (p=0.01) and
      receive other services (p=.01). The 12-month cumulative continuation probability
      was 0.09. Considering those who had received an injection, continuation
      proportions were higher (46% at 6; 71% at 12 months). CONCLUSIONS: A subset of
      female exotic dancers may favor DMPA as a long term contraceptive. Integrating
      mobile reproductive health services into public health programs can help fulfill
      the unique health needs of this high-risk population.

PMID- 25130241
TI  - Contraceptive implant knowledge and practices of providers serving an urban, low
      income community.
AB  - Contraceptive implants are highly effective but infrequently used by low-income
      women, who are at high risk of unintended pregnancy. Provider factors that may
      affect implant acceptance merit further exploration. We surveyed 66 clinicians
      serving an urban, low-income community from adult primary care, women's health,
      and adolescent practices. We assessed implant education, knowledge, perceptions
      of accessibility and cost, and patient selection practices. Education about
      implants varied from 15% in adult primary care to 30% in adolescent practice and
      75% in women's health. Among women's health providers, 54% were trained to insert
      implants. Despite having eligible candidates, some providers were unlikely to
      recommend implants to patients who are nulliparous (8%), teens (22%), depressed
      (24%) or obese (22%). Forty-one percent of providers reported insertion wait
      times of at least three weeks. Among low-income women, deficits in provider
      education, restrictive practice patterns, and long insertion wait times may
      affect contraceptive implant use. 

PMID- 25130243
TI  - African American male and female student perceptions of Pulvers Body Images:
      implications for obesity, health care, and prevention.
AB  - Differences in male and female perception response to the Pulvers Body Image
      Scale (PBIS) were examined among 356 freshmen African American students attending
      an urban historically Black college/university (HBCU). Participants completed a
      questionnaire identifying images that best represented their current, healthy,
      and ideal body image. Compared with males, more females selected the normal body
      image as their ideal (63.3% vs. 15.3%) and healthy body shape (59.3% vs. 15.3%)
      (p<.001). Compared with females, more males selected the overweight body image as
      their ideal (44.6% vs. 30.2%) and healthy body shape (52.2% vs. 36.2%) (p<.01).
      Similarly, more males selected the obese body image as their ideal (40.1% vs.
      6.5%) and healthy body shape (32.5% vs. 4.5%) compared with females (p<.001).
      Male freshmen at an HBCU perceive a larger body image as healthy and ideal more
      often than their female counterparts, thereby increasing the potential for their
      weight-related health risks. 

PMID- 25130244
TI  - Are female college students who are diagnosed with depression at greater risk of
      experiencing sexual violence on college campus?
AB  - We examined the association between depression and sexual violence among 18-24
      year-old female college students using National College Health Assessment survey.
      Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 10,541 female
      students on 33 college campuses. Results showed that female students who were
      reportedly ever diagnosed with depression were 1.56 times more likely than those
      who had never been diagnosed with depression to have experienced sexual violence.
      Female students who had one or more sexual partners currently were found 3.17
      times more likely than those who had no sexual partner to have experienced sexual
      violence; similarly, female students who engaged in binge drinking in the
      previous two weeks were found about two times more likely than their counterparts
      to have experienced sexual violence. Depression is a public health issue and must
      be addressed sooner rather than later in order to reduce and prevent sexual
      violence on college campuses. 

PMID- 25130246
TI  - Medicare eligibility age, health disparities, and medicare reform.
AB  - Medicare eligibility age is a major focus of health policy discussions about how
      to tackle increasing health care costs and reduce the national debt. Raising the
      Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67 would presumably reduce the cost of
      Medicare, but the opponents caution it could exacerbate health disparities by
      race and/or income. We compared the mortality rate, hospitalization rate, and
      annual Medicare expenditures of current White and Black Medicare beneficiaries at
      age 65-66 years using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. We found Blacks
      have higher health care demand reimbursed by Medicare than Whites at these ages.
      To raise the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67 would likely have more
      negative health and economic effects among Blacks than among Whites, and would
      likely exacerbate health disparities by race. We suggest great caution when
      considering this policy option. 

PMID- 25130247
TI  - Hospital practices in the collection of patient race, ethnicity, and language
      data: a statewide survey, California, 2011.
AB  - California mandates hospitals to collect and report patient race, ethnicity, and
      primary spoken language (REL). A lack of specific guidelines and standardized
      practices on how data should be collected has contributed to inconsistent and
      incomplete data.General acute care hospitals in California completed a survey to
      elucidate practices regarding collection and auditing of patient REL. Nearly all
      hospitals reported collecting race and/or ethnicity (97%). The majority of
      hospitals used standardized forms for collection, and 75% audited patient
      information for completeness. Popular accepted strategies to improve the quality
      and completeness of REL included collecting data at the first encounter, routine
      staff training, incorporating REL questions into existing admissions forms, and
      developing and enforcing hospital policies regarding data collection.California
      hospitals are collecting information on patient REL as mandated, but variation in
      data collection exists. Hospitals endorse many reasonable approaches for
      standardization, and may benefit from standardized data collection and auditing
      practices. 

PMID- 25130245
TI  - HIV testing and engagement in care among highly vulnerable female sex workers:
      implications for treatment as prevention models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although emerging Treatment as Prevention models can be effective in
      reducing HIV incidence among high-risk populations, many HIV infected individuals
      remain undiagnosed or fail to engage in HIV care. METHODS: This study examined
      the factors associated with HIV testing and care among a population of substance
      using female sex workers. RESULTS: Recent HIV testing was associated with higher
      education level, having a regular health care provider or clinic, recent crack
      use, and higher sexual risk behaviors; HIV treatment utilization was associated
      with higher levels of social support, having a regular health care provider or
      clinic, housing stability and insurance coverage. Qualitative data revealed HIV
      related stigma, denial, social isolation, and substance use as barriers to HIV
      testing and treatment; social support and accessibility of services were key
      enablers. CONCLUSIONS: Improving HIV testing and linkage to treatment among
      female sex workers will require structural initiatives to reduce stigma and
      increase service seeking support.

PMID- 25130249
TI  - Race/ethnicity and other social determinants of psychological well-being and
      functioning in mental health clinics.
AB  - Significant racial and ethnic differences exist in the receipt of psychiatric
      care and help-seeking. We examined the relationship between race/ethnicity and
      psychological well-being and functioning in psychiatric outpatients. We analyzed
      intake data for 8,697 adult patients in psychiatry clinics in New England between
      2008 and 2010. Patients rated psychological wellbeing using the Schwartz Outcome
      Scale (SOS-10); clinicians rated the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). In
      an analysis of variance with covariates, race/ethnicity exhibited a small but
      statistically significant association with GAF (F(4,8481)=17.902, p<.001) and SOS
      10 scores (F(4,8165)=7.271, p<.001). However, after adjustment for physical
      health and socioeconomic variables, these differences became insignificant or
      were reversed. Our findings suggest that the relationship between race/ethnicity
      and mental health may be confounded by other socioeconomic or health differences
      and may be small compared with the effect of those variables. Future studies on
      race and psychological well-being should take social determinants of health into
      consideration. 

PMID- 25130248
TI  - The development of the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview-Fidelity Instrument
      (CFI-FI): a pilot study.
AB  - This paper reports on the development of the Cultural Formulation Interview
      Fidelity Instrument (CFI-FI) which assesses clinician fidelity to the DSM-5
      Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI). The CFI consists of a manualized set of
      standard questions that can precede every psychiatric evaluation. It is based on
      the DSM-IV Outline for Cultural Formulation, the cross-cultural assessment with
      the most evidence in psychiatric training. Using the New York sample of the DSM-5
      CFI field trial, two independent raters created and finalized items for the CFI
      FI based on six audio-taped and transcribed interviews. The raters then used the
      final CFI-FI to rate the remaining 23 interviews. Inter-rater reliability ranged
      from .73 to 1 for adherence items and .52 to 1 for competence items. The
      development of the CFI-FI can help researchers and administrators determine
      whether the CFI has been implemented with fidelity, permitting future
      intervention research. 

PMID- 25130251
TI  - Opting to opt-in: policy choice, program expectations and results in West
      Virginia's Medicaid reform initiative.
AB  - Following the passage of the Federal Deficit Reduction Act in 2005, a few states,
      including West Virginia, redesigned their Medicaid programs to emphasize personal
      responsibility and consumer-driven health decisions. The West Virginia program
      was implemented in 2006 and was subsequently abandoned in 2010 due to changes in
      Federal laws and continuing criticism by advocacy groups whose expectations for
      enrollment in a wellness-based plan were not met. Using the results of a survey
      of the West Virginia members, the authors explore the public policy and
      implementation factors of this program. We argue that initial policy design
      relied on existing implementation mechanisms, while it needed specific tactics to
      address the novelty of the choice members were facing. With the passage of the
      Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the West Virginia results provide
      valuable insights for future health reform policy implementation, especially as
      they relate to consumer-directed health decision-making and the role of
      intermediaries who can play a role in assisting consumers in their choices. 

PMID- 25130250
TI  - The pattern of association between U.S. economic indicators and infant mortality
      rates at the state level.
AB  - This cross-sectional ecological study examines the pattern of association of
      state income and income inequality (measured by Gini coefficient) with state
      infant mortality rates (IMRs) in the U.S. Scatter plots and correlation
      coefficients were used to examine bivariate associations and bubble plots to
      examine three-way relationships. Infant mortality rate was positively associated
      with Gini (R=0.397, p=.004) and negatively with income (R=-0.482, p <.001).
      However using Black and White IMRs, the associations with Gini were non
      significant, but with income remained significant. The bubble plot of Gini versus
      White IMR (income represented by bubble size) showed increasing IMR as Gini
      increases and income decreases, except for a subgroup of high-gini, high-income
      states with low IMRs. State income appears to be a stronger and more consistent
      predictor of U.S. IMRs for both Black and White races and can explain the pattern
      of association of White IMR with state Gini coefficient. 

PMID- 25130254
TI  - Ag2S-hollow Fe2O3 nanocomposites with NIR photoluminescence.
AB  - A facile synthesis of Ag2S-hollow Fe2O3 nanocomposites with NIR photoluminescence
      was firstly demonstrated by the sulfidation of Ag-Fe2O3 core-shell nanoparticles.
      Characteristic morphology transformations along with color changes were recorded
      and a mechanism was proposed for the sulfidation process, which can provide new
      possibilities to fabricate other complex nanostructures. 

PMID- 25130255
TI  - Case of radioactive iodine exposure during pregnancy.
AB  - A 43-year-old woman (gravida 0, para 0) was diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma and
      had been receiving radioactive iodine for remnant ablation. Eventually, her
      pregnant status became apparent; during radiation, she was at 5 gestational
      weeks. She decided to continue the pregnancy and delivered a boy of 2362 g at 37
      gestational weeks. The infant did not present thyroid dysfunction or
      developmental abnormalities at 2 months of age. The patient was in the early
      pregnancy stage during radiation, so the fetus did not develop radiation-related
      damage of the thyroid gland because at this stage, the fetal thyroid does not
      concentrate iodine. Although the mother had received radioactive iodine during
      the critical organogenesis period, the fetus did not develop teratogenicity
      because the radiation was administered at the borderline threshold for
      teratogenicity. This case suggests the importance of iodine thyroid absorption
      when considering radiation-related damage to the fetal thyroid gland during early
      pregnancy. 

PMID- 25130257
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Laparoscopic surgery for pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.

PMID- 25130256
TI  - Vertical inhibition of the MAPK pathway enhances therapeutic responses in NRAS
      mutant melanoma.
AB  - The MEK inhibitor MEK162 is the first targeted therapy agent with clinical
      activity in patients whose melanomas harbor NRAS mutations; however, median PFS
      is 3.7 months, suggesting the rapid onset of resistance in the majority of
      patients. Here, we show that treatment of NRAS-mutant melanoma cell lines with
      the MEK inhibitors AZD6244 or trametinib resulted in a rebound activation of
      phospho-ERK (pERK). Functionally, the recovery of signaling was associated with
      the maintenance of cyclin-D1 expression and therapeutic escape. The combination
      of a MEK inhibitor with an ERK inhibitor suppressed the recovery of cyclin-D1
      expression and was associated with a significant enhancement of apoptosis and the
      abrogation of clonal outgrowth. The MEK/ERK combination strategy induced greater
      levels of apoptosis compared with dual MEK/CDK4 or MEK/PI3K inhibition across a
      panel of cell lines. These data provide the rationale for further investigation
      of vertically co-targeting the MAPK pathway as a potential treatment option for
      NRAS-mutant melanoma patients. 

PMID- 25130258
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Laparoscopic surgery for subfertility associated with endometriosis.

PMID- 25130260
TI  - Mechanistic aspects of thioflavin-T self-aggregation and DNA binding: evidence
      for dimer attack on DNA grooves.
AB  - Thioflavin-T (TFT) is a fluorescent marker widely employed in biomedical research
      but the mechanism of its binding to polynucleotides has been poorly understood.
      This paper presents a study of the mechanisms of TFT self-aggregation and binding
      to DNA. Relaxation kinetics of TFT solutions show that the cyanine undergoes
      dimerization followed by dimer isomerisation. The interaction of TFT with DNA has
      been investigated using static methods, such as spectrophotometric and
      spectrofluorometric titrations under different conditions (salt content,
      temperature), fluorescence quenching, viscometric experiments and the T-jump
      relaxation method. The combined use of these techniques enabled us to show that
      the TFT monomer undergoes intercalation between the DNA base pairs and external
      binding according to a branched mechanism. Moreover, it has also been observed
      that, under dye excess conditions, the TFT dimer binds to the DNA grooves. The
      molecular structures of intercalated TFT and the groove-bound TFT dimer are
      obtained by performing QM/MM MD simulations. 

PMID- 25130261
TI  - Reactivity of cosmetic UV filters towards skin proteins: model studies with Boc
      lysine, Boc-Gly-Phe-Gly-Lys-OH, BSA and gelatin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Organic UV filters are used as active ingredients in most sunscreens
      and also in a variety of daily care products. Their good (photo) stability is of
      special interest to guarantee protective function and to prevent interactions
      with the human skin. Due to the mostly electrophilic character of the UV filters,
      reactions with nucleophilic protein moieties like lysine side chains are
      conceivable. Prior studies showed that the UV filters octocrylene (OCR), butyl
      methoxydibenzoylmethane (BM-DBM), ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS), ethylhexyl
      methoxycinnamate (EHMC), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), ethylhexyl triazone (EHT) and
      dibenzoylmethane (DBM) were able to covalently bind to an HPTLC amino phase and
      the amino acid models ethanolamine and butylamine after slightly heating and/or
      radiation. METHODS: Boc-protected lysine, the tetrapeptide Boc-Gly-Phe-Gly-Lys
      OH, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and porcine gelatin were used as more complex
      models to determine the reactivity of the mentioned UV filters towards skin
      proteins under thermal or UV irradiation conditions. RESULTS: After gentle
      heating at 37 degrees C, benzophenone imines were identified as reaction products
      of BP-3 and OCR with Boc-lysine and the tetrapeptide, whereas DBM and BM-DBM
      yielded enamines. For EHMC, a Michael-type reaction occurred, which resulted in
      addition of Boc-lysine or the tetrapeptide to the conjugated double bond. Ester
      aminolysis of EHS and EHT mainly afforded the corresponding amides. Reactions of
      the UV filters with BSA changed the UV spectrum of BSA, generally associated with
      an increase of the absorption strength in the UVA or UVB range. For all protein
      models, the UV filters showed an increasing reactivity in the order EHT < EHMC <
      EHS < BP-3 < OCR < DBM < BM-DBM. CONCLUSION: Especially the UV absorbers BM-DBM,
      OCR and BP-3, which are seen as common allergens or photoallergens, showed a high
      reactivity towards the different skin protein models. As the formation of protein
      adducts is recognized as important key element in the induction of skin
      sensitization, the results of this study can contribute to a better understanding
      of the underlying chemical mechanisms of such reactions.

PMID- 25130259
TI  - Myc inhibition is effective against glioma and reveals a role for Myc in
      proficient mitosis.
AB  - Gliomas are the most common primary tumours affecting the adult central nervous
      system and respond poorly to standard therapy. Myc is causally implicated in most
      human tumours and the majority of glioblastomas have elevated Myc levels. Using
      the Myc dominant negative Omomyc, we previously showed that Myc inhibition is a
      promising strategy for cancer therapy. Here, we preclinically validate Myc
      inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in mouse and human glioma, using a mouse
      model of spontaneous multifocal invasive astrocytoma and its derived
      neuroprogenitors, human glioblastoma cell lines, and patient-derived tumours both
      in vitro and in orthotopic xenografts. Across all these experimental models we
      find that Myc inhibition reduces proliferation, increases apoptosis and
      remarkably, elicits the formation of multinucleated cells that then arrest or die
      by mitotic catastrophe, revealing a new role for Myc in the proficient division
      of glioma cells. 

PMID- 25130263
TI  - Drought effect on plant nitrogen and phosphorus: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Climate change scenarios forecast increased aridity in large areas worldwide with
      potentially important effects on nutrient availability and plant growth. Plant
      nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations (plant [N] and [P]) have been used to
      assess nutrient limitation, but a comprehensive understanding of drought stress
      on plant [N] and [P] remains elusive. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine
      responses of plant [N] and [P] to drought manipulation treatments and duration of
      drought stress. Drought stress showed negative effects on plant [N] (-3.73%) and
      plant [P] (-9.18%), and a positive effect on plant N:P (+ 6.98%). Drought stress
      had stronger negative effects on plant [N] and [P] in the short term (< 90 d)
      than in the long term (> 90 d). Drought treatments that included drying-rewetting
      cycles showed no effect on plant [N] and [P], while constant, prolonged, or
      intermittent drought stress had a negative effect on plant [P]. Our results
      suggest that negative effects on plant [N] and [P] are alleviated with extended
      duration of drought treatments and with drying-rewetting cycles. Availability of
      water, rather than of N and P, may be the main driver for reduced plant growth
      with increased long-term drought stress.

PMID- 25130262
TI  - Youth depression alleviation: the Fish Oil Youth Depression Study (YoDA-F): A
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment trial.
AB  - AIM: US authorities have recommended 'black-box' warnings for antidepressants
      because of the increased risk of suicidality for individuals up to age 25. There
      is thus a clinical and ethical imperative to provide effective treatment for
      youth depression with an acceptable risk-benefit balance. Long-chain omega-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play an important role in a range of
      physiological processes in living organisms. Supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs
      has been shown to have a range of beneficial effects on both physical and mental
      health, and results of previous trials suggest that omega-3 PUFAs may be a safe
      and effective treatment for depression. However, conclusions from these trials
      have been limited by their relatively small sample sizes. METHODS: This trial
      will test the effectiveness of a 12-week parallel group, double-blind,
      randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 1.4 g day(-1) omega-3 PUFAs in help
      seeking 15- to 25-year-olds (N = 400) presenting with major depressive disorder.
      The primary hypothesis is that young people will show greater improvement of
      depressive symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment with omega-3 PUFAs plus cognitive
      behavioural case management compared with treatment with placebo plus cognitive
      behavioural case management. CONCLUSION: Because of using a large sample, results
      from this study will provide the strongest evidence to date to inform the use of
      omega-3 PUFAs as first-line therapy in young people presenting with major
      depressive disorder. The study also heralds an important step towards indicated
      prevention of persistent depression, which may reduce the burden, stigmatization,
      disability and economic consequences of this disorder.

PMID- 25130264
TI  - Use of porcine luteinizing hormone at oestrous onset in a protocol for fixed-time
      artificial insemination in gilts.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of porcine luteinizing hormone
      (pLH) given at oestrous onset in gilts, by different routes and doses, on the
      interval between onset of oestrus and ovulation (IOEO) and reproductive
      performance using a single fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). A total of
      153 gilts were submitted to oestrous detection at 8-h intervals and assigned to
      three groups: control - without hormone application and inseminated at 0, 24 and
      48 h after oestrous onset; VS2.5FTAI - 2.5 mg pLH by the vulvar submucosal route
      at oestrous onset and a single FTAI 16 h later; IM5FTAI - 5 mg pLH by the
      intramuscular route at oestrous onset and a single FTAI 16 h later. More
      VS2.5FTAI gilts (47.1%; p < 0.05) ovulated within 24 h after oestrous onset than
      control gilts (25.5%) whereas IM5FTAI gilts had an intermediate percentage
      (31.4%; p > 0.05). The IOEO tended to be shorter (p = 0.06) in VS2.5FTAI (30.2 +/
      1.4 h) than in control (34.7 +/- 1.4 h) gilts, but there was no difference (p >
      0.05) between control and IM5FTAI (32.8 +/- 1.4 h) gilts. Farrowing rate was not
      different (p > 0.05) among treatments. Total born piglets (TB) was lower (p <
      0.05) in VS2.5FTAI (12.3 +/- 0.4) than in control gilts (14.1 +/- 0.4), whereas
      intermediate TB was observed in IM5FTAI gilts (13.3 +/- 0.4). Due to the
      advancement of ovulation, reduction of the hormonal dose and the ease of
      application, the vulvar submucosal route would be the best option for FTAI
      protocols, but their negative impact on litter size remains to be elucidated.
      Taking into account the good fertility results obtained in IM5FTAI gilts whose
      ovulation was not advanced, the possibility of a single FTAI without any hormonal
      treatment should be further investigated, to establish reliable FTAI protocols
      for gilts. 

PMID- 25130266
TI  - Sublingual immunotherapy alters expression of IL-4 and its soluble and membrane
      bound receptors.
AB  - Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is a disease of increasing prevalence, which
      results from an inappropriate T helper cell, type 2 (Th2) response to pollen.
      Specific immunotherapy (SIT) involves repeated treatment with small doses of
      pollen and can result in complete and lasting reversal of SAR. Here, we assayed
      the key Th2 cytokine, IL-4, and its soluble and membrane-bound receptor in
      patients with SAR before and after SIT. Using allergen-challenge assays, we found
      that SIT treatment decreased IL-4 cytokine levels, as previously reported. We
      also observed a significant decrease in the IL-4 membrane-bound receptor (mIL4R)
      at the level of both mRNA and protein. SIT treatment resulted in a significant
      increase in the inhibitory soluble IL-4 receptor (sIL4R). Reciprocal changes in
      mIL4R and sIL4R were also observed in patient serum. Altered mIL4R and sIL4R is a
      novel explanation for the positive effects of immunotherapy with potential basic
      and clinical research implications. 

PMID- 25130265
TI  - The association between depressive symptoms from early to late adolescence and
      later use and harmful use of alcohol.
AB  - Depressive symptoms and alcohol misuse contribute substantially to the global
      health burden. These phenotypes often manifest, and frequently co-occur, during
      adolescence. However, few studies have examined whether both baseline levels of
      depressive symptoms and change in symptoms are associated with alcohol outcomes.
      In addition, inconsistent findings could be due to sex differences or the use of
      different alcohol outcomes. Using data from a prospective population-based cohort
      in the UK, we estimated trajectories of depressive symptoms from 12 years 10
      months to 17 years 10 months, separately for male and female participants. We
      assessed whether baseline and change in depressive symptoms were associated with
      use and harmful use of alcohol at 18 years 8 months. Among females, increasing
      depressive symptoms were associated with increased alcohol use; whilst for males,
      there was little evidence of this. When examining harmful levels of alcohol use,
      baseline levels of depressive symptoms in males were weakly related to later
      harmful alcohol use but this association was attenuated substantially through
      adjustment for confounders. In contrast, both baseline symptoms and increase in
      symptoms were associated with later harmful alcohol use in females and these
      associations were not diminished by confounder adjustment. Elevated depressive
      symptoms during adolescence are positively associated with increases in both use
      and harmful use of alcohol at 18 years 8 months. These findings differ between
      the sexes. Further research is needed to examine the mechanisms underlying the
      link between depressive symptoms and harmful alcohol use to identify potentially
      modifiable factors for intervention.

PMID- 25130268
TI  - Bone loss and fractures in limbs paralyzed by spinal cord injury: Prevention,
      diagnosis, and treatment.

PMID- 25130269
TI  - Reflections on the enduring value of critical scholarship.

PMID- 25130267
TI  - Quantitative relations between the eyeball, the optic nerve, and the optic canal
      important for intracranial pressure monitoring.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To find correlations between diameters of the optic nerve sheath
      (ONSD), the eyeball, and the optic canal that might be important for intracranial
      pressure monitoring. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, the CT data of
      consecutive 400 adults (18+) with healthy eyes and optic nerves and absence of
      neurological diseases were collected and analyzed. When the CT scans were
      obtained, the diameters of the optic nerve sheath, the eyeball, and the optic
      canal were measured and statistically analyzed. The data obtained from the left
      and from the right eyeballs and optic nerves were compared. The correlation
      analysis was performed within these variables, with the gender, and the age.
      RESULTS: In healthy persons, the ONSD varies from 3.65 mm to 5.17 mm in different
      locations within the intraorbital space with no significant difference between
      sexes and age groups. There is a strong correlation between the eyeball
      transverse diameter (ETD) and ONSD that can be presented as ONSD/ETD index. In
      healthy subjects, the ONSD/ETD index equals 0.19. CONCLUSION: The calculation of
      an index when ONSD is divided by the ETD of the eyeball presents precise
      normative database for ONSD intracranial pressure measurement technique. When the
      ONSD is measured for intracranial pressure monitoring, the most stable results
      can be obtained if the diameter is measured 10 mm from the globe. These data
      might serve as a normative database at emergency departments and in general
      neurological practice.

PMID- 25130270
TI  - Image analysis of skin color heterogeneity focusing on skin chromophores and the
      age-related changes in facial skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Heterogeneity with respect to skin color tone is one of the
      key factors in visual perception of facial attractiveness and age. However, there
      have been few studies on quantitative analyses of the color heterogeneity of
      facial skin. The purpose of this study was to develop image evaluation methods
      for skin color heterogeneity focusing on skin chromophores and then characterize
      ethnic differences and age-related changes. METHODS: A facial imaging system
      equipped with an illumination unit and a high-resolution digital camera was used
      to develop image evaluation methods for skin color heterogeneity. First, melanin
      and/or hemoglobin images were obtained using pigment-specific image-processing
      techniques, which involved conversion from Commission Internationale de
      l'Eclairage XYZ color values to melanin and/or hemoglobin indexes as measures of
      their contents. Second, a spatial frequency analysis with threshold settings was
      applied to the individual images. Cheek skin images of 194 healthy Asian and
      Caucasian female subjects were acquired using the imaging system. Applying this
      methodology, the skin color heterogeneity of Asian and Caucasian faces was
      characterized. RESULTS: The proposed pigment-specific image-processing techniques
      allowed visual discrimination of skin redness from skin pigmentation. In the
      heterogeneity analyses of cheek skin color, age-related changes in melanin were
      clearly detected in Asian and Caucasian skin. Furthermore, it was found that the
      heterogeneity indexes of hemoglobin were significantly higher in Caucasian skin
      than in Asian skin. CONCLUSION: We have developed evaluation methods for skin
      color heterogeneity by image analyses based on the major chromophores, melanin
      and hemoglobin, with special reference to their size. This methodology focusing
      on skin color heterogeneity should be useful for better understanding of aging
      and ethnic differences.

PMID- 25130271
TI  - Hsp27 regulates EGF/beta-catenin mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition in
      prostate cancer.
AB  - Increased expression of the molecular chaperone Hsp27 is associated with the
      progression of prostate cancer (PCa) to castration-resistant disease, which is
      lethal due to metastatic spread of the prostate tumor. Metastasis requires
      epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which endows cancer cells with the
      ability to disseminate from the primary tumor and colonize new tissue sites. A
      wide variety of secreted factors promote EMT, and while overexpression and
      constitutive activation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling is associated
      with poor prognosis of PCa, a precise role of EGF in PCa progression to
      metastasis remains unclear. Here, we show that Hsp27 is required for EGF-induced
      cell migration, invasion and MMPs activity as well as the expression of EMT
      markers including Fibronectin, Vimentin and Slug with concomitant decrease of E
      cadherin. Mechanistically, we found that Hsp27 is required for EGF-induced AKT
      and GSK3beta phosphorylation and beta-catenin nuclear translocation. Moreover,
      silencing Hsp27 decreases EGF dependent phosphorylation of beta-catenin on
      tyrosine 142 and 654, enhances beta-catenin ubiquitination and degradation,
      prevents beta-catenin nuclear translocation and binding to the Slug promoter.
      These data suggest that Hsp27 is required for EGF-mediated EMT via modulation of
      the beta-catenin/Slug signaling pathway. Together, our findings underscore the
      importance of Hsp27 in EGF induced EMT in PCa and highlight the use of Hsp27
      knockdown as a useful strategy for patients with advanced disease.

PMID- 25130272
TI  - Cochlear implantation in children with bacterial meningitic deafness: The
      influence of the degree of ossification and obliteration on impedance and charge
      of the implant.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine impedance values and charge consumption following
      cochlear implantation post-meningitic deaf children depending on the grade of
      cochlear ossification and obliteration. METHODS: Post-meningitic deaf (n=49) and
      control (n=43) children treated with cochlear implants were included in the
      study. Impedance and charge values were calculated for each group. The degree of
      ossification of the cochlea was evaluated from a high-resolution computed
      tomography (HRCT) scan whereas the degree of obliteration was determined
      intraoperatively by the surgeon. RESULTS: Pneumococci were the principal pathogen
      responsible for bacterial meningitis, followed by meningococci. In HRCT scans,
      the degree of ossification was 1 and 2 in 29% of patients. The results of the
      intraoperative assessment of the cochlea showed obliteration grade 1 in 38% and
      grade 2 in 23% of cases. Children in the meningitis group showed significant
      higher impedances comparing to the control group. A significantly increased
      charge consumption was observed in patients with a grade 2 ossification when
      compared to those without ossification (P=0.02). Discussion Cochlea implanted
      children with meningitis-related deafness exhibit higher impedances, especially
      in the region of the basal and middle turn, however, not depending on the degree
      of cochlear ossification. High impedances and charge in the meningitis group may
      be explained by alterations in the central auditory pathway or on the electrode
      surface. CONCLUSION: To optimize the outcome in post-meningitic deaf children,
      surgery is advisable at an early stage prior to the onset of cochlear
      ossification.

PMID- 25130273
TI  - The yeast oligopeptide transporter Opt2 is localized to peroxisomes and affects
      glutathione redox homeostasis.
AB  - Glutathione, the most abundant small-molecule thiol in eukaryotic cells, is
      synthesized de novo solely in the cytosol and must subsequently be transported to
      other cellular compartments. The mechanisms of glutathione transport into and out
      of organelles remain largely unclear. We show that budding yeast Opt2, a close
      homolog of the plasma membrane glutathione transporter Opt1, localizes to
      peroxisomes. We demonstrate that deletion of OPT2 leads to major defects in
      maintaining peroxisomal, mitochondrial, and cytosolic glutathione redox
      homeostasis. Furthermore, ?opt2 strains display synthetic lethality with
      deletions of genes central to iron homeostasis that require mitochondrial
      glutathione redox homeostasis. Our results shed new light on the importance of
      peroxisomes in cellular glutathione homeostasis. 

PMID- 25130275
TI  - Continuous eclogite melting and variable refertilisation in upwelling
      heterogeneous mantle.
AB  - Large-scale tectonic processes introduce a range of crustal lithologies into the
      Earth's mantle. These lithologies have been implicated as sources of
      compositional heterogeneity in mantle-derived magmas. The model being explored
      here assumes the presence of widely dispersed fragments of residual eclogite
      (derived from recycled oceanic crust), stretched and stirred by convection in the
      mantle. Here we show with an experimental study that these residual eclogites
      continuously melt during upwelling of such heterogeneous mantle and we
      characterize the melting reactions and compositional changes in the residue
      minerals. The chemical exchange between these partial melts and more refractory
      peridotite leads to a variably metasomatised mantle. Re-melting of these
      metasomatised peridotite lithologies at given pressures and temperatures results
      in diverse melt compositions, which may contribute to the observed heterogeneity
      of oceanic basalt suites. We also show that heterogeneous upwelling mantle is
      subject to diverse local freezing, hybridization and carbonate-carbon-silicate
      redox reactions along a mantle adiabat. 

PMID- 25130274
TI  - Microglial regulation of immunological and neuroprotective functions of
      astroglia.
AB  - Microglia and astroglia play critical roles in the development, function, and
      survival of neurons in the CNS. However, under inflammatory conditions the role
      of astrogliosis in the inflammatory process and its effects on neurons remains
      unclear. Here, we used several types of cell cultures treated with the bacterial
      inflammogen LPS to address these questions. We found that the presence of
      astroglia reduced inflammation-driven neurotoxicity, suggesting that astrogliosis
      is principally neuroprotective. Neutralization of supernatant glial cell line
      derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) released from astroglia significantly reduced
      this neuroprotective effect during inflammation. To determine the immunological
      role of astroglia, we optimized a highly-enriched astroglial culture protocol and
      demonstrated that LPS failed to induce the synthesis and release of TNF-alpha and
      iNOS/NO. Instead we found significant enhancement of TNF-alpha and iNOS
      expression in highly-enriched astroglial cultures required the presence of 0.5-1%
      microglia, respectively. Thus suggesting that microglial-astroglial interactions
      are required for LPS to induce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and
      GDNF from astroglia. Specifically, we found that microglia-derived TNF-alpha
      plays a pivotal role as a paracrine signal to regulate the neuroprotective
      functions of astrogliosis. Taken together, these findings suggest that astroglia
      may not possess the ability to directly recognize the innate immune stimuli LPS,
      but rather depend on crosstalk with microglia to elicit release of neurotrophic
      factors as a counterbalance to support neuronal survival from the collateral
      damage generated by activated microglia during neuroinflammation.

PMID- 25130276
TI  - Prenatal testosterone of progenitors could be involved in the etiology of both
      anorexia nervosa and autism spectrum disorders of their offspring.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: High intrauterine testosterone (T) levels seem to play a role in the
      development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), but their role in anorexia
      nervosa (AN) is controversial. Parents with masculinized 2D:4D ratios, a marker
      of the organizational effects of T, may have other relevant biological
      characteristics, in particular exposing their offspring to high T levels in the
      prenatal environment. This would increase the likelihood of their offspring
      developing these disorders. METHODS: The present study examined whether parents
      of offspring with AN (n=34; mean age= 51) and ASD (n=36; mean age=45) differ from
      control parents (n=40; mean age=43) in 2D:4D ratio, as well as by salivary T
      levels and its relationships. RESULTS: Our results revealed that AN and ASD
      parents (fathers and mothers) have masculinized 2D:4D ratios of the right hand
      compared to control parents. However, the difference compared to controls was
      larger in the ASD than the AN group. Furthermore, current salivary T levels were
      negatively related to the 2D:4D ratio in ASD and AN parents only. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our data partially support the view of high prenatal masculinization as a
      potential intermediate phenotype to the development of these disorders in their
      offspring.

PMID- 25130277
TI  - Abiotic stress tolerance and competition-related traits underlie phylogenetic
      clustering in soil bacterial communities.
AB  - Soil bacteria typically coexist with close relatives generating widespread
      phylogenetic clustering. This has been ascribed to the abiotic filtering of
      organisms with shared ecological tolerances. Recent theoretical developments
      suggest that competition can also explain the phylogenetic similarity of
      coexisting organisms by excluding large low-competitive clades. We propose that
      combining the environmental patterns of traits associated with abiotic stress
      tolerances or competitive abilities with phylogeny and abundance data, can help
      discern between abiotic and biotic mechanisms underlying the coexistence of
      phylogenetically related bacteria. We applied this framework in a model system
      composed of interspersed habitats of highly contrasted productivity and
      comparatively dominated by biotic and abiotic processes, i.e. the plant patch-gap
      mosaic typical of drylands. We examined the distribution of 15 traits and 3290
      bacterial taxa in 28 plots. Communities showed a marked functional response to
      the environment. Conserved traits related to environmental stress tolerance (e.g.
      desiccation, formation of resistant structures) were differentially selected in
      either habitat, while competition related traits (e.g. organic C consumption,
      formation of nutrient-scavenging structures) prevailed under high resource
      availability. Phylogenetic clustering was stronger in habitats dominated by
      biotic filtering, suggesting that competitive exclusion of large clades might
      underlie the ecological similarity of co-occurring soil bacteria. 

PMID- 25130278
TI  - Association between binge eating and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in
      two pediatric community mental health clinics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been linked with
      obesity; however its relationship with binge eating (BE) is less clear. We aimed
      to explore the associations among ADHD, weight, and BE in pediatric mental health
      clinics. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive intakes in two pediatric
      mental health clinics (N = 252). BE was assessed using the C-BEDS scale.
      Associations between ADHD, BE, and BMI-z score were assessed via regression.
      RESULTS: Mean age was 10.8 (3.7 SD) years. Twelve percent (n = 31) had BE. The
      association between ADHD and BE was statistically significant (OR 16.1, p <
      .001), and persisted after adjusting for comorbid diagnoses, medications,
      demographic variables, and clinic. There was a statistically significant
      association between ADHD and BMI z-scores (beta = 0.54, p < .001). After
      adjusting for BE, the relationship between ADHD and BMI z-scores was attenuated
      (beta = 0.35, p = .025), and the coefficient for BE was decreased (beta = 0.75, p
      = .001). Although stimulant use was associated with a three-fold increase in odds
      of BE (OR 3.16, p = .006), stimulants were not associated with greater BMI-z
      scores (beta = 0.18, p = .32). DISCUSSION: There was a significant association
      between ADHD and BE in two pediatric mental health clinics. Although these data
      are cross-sectional, and cannot be used to make causal inferences, these findings
      are compatible with the hypothesis that BE partially mediates the association
      between ADHD and BMI z-scores. In mental health clinics, children with ADHD may
      present as overweight or obese. Further, children with ADHD may exhibit BE.
      Future prospective studies should elucidate the complex relationships among ADHD,
      weight, stimulants, and BE.

PMID- 25130279
TI  - Appropriateness of the definition of 'sedentary' in young children: Whole-room
      calorimetry study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to measure the energy cost of three common
      sedentary activities in young children to test whether energy expended was
      consistent with the recent consensus definition of 'sedentary' as 'any behaviour
      conducted in a sitting or reclining posture and with an energy cost <= 1.5
      metabolic equivalents (METs)' (Sedentary Behaviour Research Network, 2012).
      DESIGN: Observational study. METHODS: Whole-room calorimetry measures of
      television viewing, sitting at a table drawing and reading, and sitting on the
      floor playing with toys were made in 40 young children (mean age 5.3 years, SD
      1.0). RESULTS: The energy cost of each sedentary activity was consistent with the
      recent consensus definition of sedentary: 1.17 METs (95% CI 1.07-1.27) for TV
      viewing; 1.38 METs (95% CI 1.30-1.46) for sitting at a table; and 1.35 METs (95%
      CI 1.28-1.43) for floor-based play. CONCLUSIONS: Common sedentary activities in
      young children have energy costs which are consistent with the recent consensus
      definition of 'sedentary', and the present study is supportive of this
      definition.

PMID- 25130280
TI  - The relationship between clinically measured hip rotational motion and shoulder
      biomechanics during the pitching motion.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine how clinically measured hip motion is related to shoulder
      biomechanics during the pitching motion. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS:
      Bilateral hip rotational range of motion was measured clinically among 34
      collegiate baseball pitchers. External rotation torque and maximum horizontal
      adduction range of motion of the throwing shoulder were measured using a three
      dimensional, high speed video capture system. RESULTS: Separate standard multiple
      regression analyses showed that the total hip rotational range of motion of the
      lead leg had a significant relationship with shoulder external rotation torque
      during the throwing motion (r=0.56, P=0.003). Both lead leg hip external rotation
      range of motion (r=-0.39, P=0.02) and internal rotation range of motion (r=0.42,
      P=0.009) made significant contributions to this dependent variable. Lead leg
      external rotation range of motion also had a significant negative relationship
      with shoulder horizontal adduction range of motion (r=-0.36, P=0.04). The total
      rotational range of motion of the trail leg had a significant relationship with
      shoulder horizontal adduction range of motion (r=0.43, P=0.04). However, trail
      leg external rotation range of motion was the only significant contributor to
      this relationship (r=-0.35, P=0.04). No other significant relationships were
      noted (r<0.37, P>0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that altered hip
      rotational range of motion, measured clinically, has a direct effect on the
      amount of external rotation torque and horizontal adduction range of motion of
      the shoulder during the throwing motion.

PMID- 25130282
TI  - The effects of serotonin1A receptor on female mice body weight and food intake
      are associated with the differential expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides and
      the GABAA receptor.
AB  - Both common eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are
      characteristically diseases of women. To characterize the role of the 5-HT1A
      receptor (5-HT1A-R) in these eating disorders in females, we investigated the
      effect of saline or 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) treatment
      on feeding behavior and body weight in adult WT female mice and in adult 5-HT1A-R
      knockout (KO) female mice. Our results showed that KO female mice have lower food
      intake and body weight than WT female mice. Administration of 8-OH-DPAT decreased
      food intake but not body weight in WT female mice. Furthermore, qRT-PCR was
      employed to analyze the expression levels of neuropeptides, gamma-aminobutyric
      acid A receptor subunit beta (GABAA beta subunits) and glutamic acid
      decarboxylase in the hypothalamic area. The results showed the difference in food
      intake between WT and KO mice was accompanied by differential expression of POMC,
      CART and GABAA beta2, and the difference in body weight between WT and KO mice
      was associated with significantly different expression levels of CART and GABAA
      beta2. As such, our data provide new insight into the role of 5-HT1A-R in both
      feeding behavior and the associated expression of neuropeptides and the GABAA
      receptor.

PMID- 25130283
TI  - Phenylboronate chromatography selectively separates glycoproteins through the
      manipulation of electrostatic, charge transfer, and cis-diol interactions.
AB  - Phenylboronate chromatography (PBC) has been applied for several years, however
      details regarding the mechanisms of interactions between the ligand and
      biomolecules are still scarce. The goal of this work is to investigate the
      various chemical interactions between proteins and their ligands, using a protein
      library containing both glycosylated and nonglycosylated proteins. Differences in
      the adsorption of these proteins over a pH range from 4 to 9 were related to two
      main properties: charge and presence of glycans. Acidic or neutral proteins were
      strongly adsorbed below pH 8 although the uncharged trigonal form of
      phenylboronate (PB) is less susceptible to forming electrostatic and cis-diol
      interactions with proteins. The glycosylated proteins were only adsorbed above pH
      8 when the electrostatic repulsion between the boronate anion and the protein
      surface was mitigated (at 200 mM NaCl). All basic proteins were highly adsorbed
      above pH 8 with PB also acting as a cation-exchanger with binding occurring
      through electrostatic interactions. Batch adsorption performed at acidic
      conditions in the presence of Lewis base showed that charge-transfer interactions
      are critical for protein retention. This study demonstrates the multimodal
      interaction of PBC, which can be a selective tool for separation of different
      classes of proteins. 

PMID- 25130284
TI  - Authors' response to letter by Ritzen et al. (Published online 25 July 2014, DOI:
      10.1111/cen.12531).

PMID- 25130281
TI  - Results of a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo- and active
      controlled, multicenter study of mirabegron, a beta3-adrenoceptor agonist, in
      patients with overactive bladder in Asia.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the efficacy and safety of mirabegron 50 mg once daily compared
      with placebo and the active control, tolterodine extended-release (ER) 4 mg once
      daily, in patients with symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) in Taiwan, Korea,
      China, and India. METHODS: A 12-week multinational, randomized, double-blind,
      parallel-group placebo- and active-controlled trial. The primary efficacy
      endpoint was change from baseline to final visit in mean number of
      micturitions/24 hr. Secondary endpoints were: mean number of urgency episodes,
      incontinence episodes and urge incontinence episodes/24 hr, mean number of
      nocturia episodes per night, mean volume voided per micturition, and quality-of
      life (QoL) scores as assessed by the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ). RESULTS:
      Of 1,126 patients who were randomized to receive double-blind study drug, 921
      patients (300, 311, and 310 in the placebo, mirabegron 50 mg, and tolterodine ER
      4 mg groups, respectively) completed the treatment period. Demographic
      characteristics were similar across treatment groups. A statistically significant
      improvement versus placebo in mean number of micturitions/24 hr was seen with
      mirabegron 50 mg at all timepoints (P < 0.05) as well as final visit (-0.57 with
      95% confidence intervals [CIs] of [-1.04, -0.09], P = 0.019). There was no
      significant difference between treatment groups in improvement from baseline to
      final visit in any of the secondary outcome measures except volume voided per
      micturition. The overall incidence of drug-related adverse events was 17.2%,
      15.8%, and 21.3%, in the placebo, mirabegron 50 mg, and tolterodine ER 4 mg
      groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mirabegron 50 mg once daily for 12 weeks was
      superior to placebo in reducing the frequency of micturitions in patients with
      symptoms of OAB in Taiwan, Korea, China, and India.

PMID- 25130285
TI  - Inability of Turbidimetry Method in Detecting Glycated Hemoglobin to Select
      Diabetes Mellitus Patients According to Their Concentrations of Blood Glucose
      Levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronicle illness in which there is a high
      blood glucose level defined as hyperglycemia, resulted by a deficiency in insulin
      secretion and/or in its action. Nowadays, it is being seen as a public health
      problem and is reaching increasing proportions with regard to the appearance of
      new cases. For diagnosis, sensible and accurate methods should be used to avoid
      complications of the sickness. The measure of glycated hemoglobin may not be used
      for diagnosis, but is the reference method to evaluate the grade of glycemic
      control in the long term, reflecting the blood glucose level in the latest 2-3
      months. The aim of this study was to evaluate the grade of concordance between
      turbidimetry and liquid chromatography methods in the glycated hemoglobin
      determination and to estimate the sensibility and specificity values of
      turbidimetry. METHODS: This study included 133 blood samples obtained from
      patients and healthy donors, ageing between 18 and 80 years with glycemic values
      between 58 and 473 mg/dl. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Turbidimetry is a useful method
      for determining glycemic levels above 100 and over 200 mg/dl, but does not have
      the ability to select samples with intermediary blood glucose concentrations.

PMID- 25130286
TI  - Ontogenetic cell death and phagocytosis in the visual system of vertebrates.
AB  - Programmed cell death (PCD), together with cell proliferation, cell migration,
      and cell differentiation, is an essential process during development of the
      vertebrate nervous system. The visual system has been an excellent model on which
      to investigate the mechanisms involved in ontogenetic cell death. Several phases
      of PCD have been reported to occur during visual system ontogeny. During these
      phases, comparative analyses demonstrate that dying cells show similar but not
      identical spatiotemporally restricted patterns in different vertebrates.
      Additionally, the chronotopographical coincidence of PCD with the entry of
      specialized phagocytes in some regions of the developing vertebrate visual system
      suggests that factors released from degenerating cells are involved in the cell
      migration of macrophages and microglial cells. Contradicting this hypothesis
      however, in many cases the cell corpses generated during degeneration are rapidly
      phagocytosed by neighboring cells, such as neuroepithelial cells or Muller cells.
      In this review, we describe the occurrence and the sites of PCD during the
      morphogenesis and differentiation of the retina and optic pathways of different
      vertebrates, and discuss the possible relationship between PCD and phagocytes
      during ontogeny.

PMID- 25130288
TI  - Morphological properties of the last primaries, the tail feathers, and the alulae
      of Accipiter nisus, Columba livia, Falco peregrinus, and Falco tinnunculus.
AB  - We investigated the mechanical properties (Young's modulus, bending stiffness,
      barb separation forces) of the tenth primary of the wings, of the alulae and of
      the middle tail feathers of Falco peregrinus. For comparison, we also
      investigated the corresponding feathers in pigeons (Columba livia), kestrels
      (Falco tinnunculus), and sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus). In all four species, the
      Young's moduli of the feathers ranged from 5.9 to 8.4 GPa. The feather shafts of
      F. peregrinus had the largest cross-sections and the highest specific bending
      stiffness. When normalized with respect to body mass, the specific bending
      stiffness of primary number 10 was highest in F. tinnunculus, while that of the
      alula was highest in A. nisus. In comparison, the specific bending stiffness,
      measured at the base of the tail feathers and in dorso-ventral bending direction,
      was much higher in F. peregrinus than in the other three species. This seems to
      correlate with the flight styles of the birds: F. tinnunculus hovers and its
      primaries might therefore withstand large mechanical forces. A. nisus has often
      to change its flight directions during hunting and perhaps needs its alulae for
      this maneuvers, and in F. peregrinus, the base of the tail feathers might need a
      high stiffness during breaking after diving.

PMID- 25130287
TI  - Diagnosing and following adult patients with acute myeloid leukaemia in the
      genomic age.
AB  - The diagnosis and follow-up process of adult patients with acute myeloid
      leukaemia (AML) is challenging to clinicians and laboratory staff alike. While
      several sets of recommendations have been published over the years, the
      development of high throughput screening and characterization for both genetic
      and epigenetic events have evolved with astonishing speed. Here we attempt to
      provide a practical guide to diagnose and follow adult AML patients with a focus
      on how to balance the wealth of information on the one hand, with the restriction
      put on these processes in terms of time, feasibility and economy when caring for
      these patients, on the other. 

PMID- 25130289
TI  - A randomized trial of cefozopran versus cefepime as empirical antibiotic
      treatment of febrile neutropenia in pediatric cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common and serious complication of
      cancer chemotherapy associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
      Cefozopran (CZOP) is a potential candidate for empirical monotherapy in FN.
      However, studies on the use of CZOP as empirical treatment for pediatric patients
      with FN are quite limited. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy
      and safety of CZOP with cefepime (CFPM) empirical monotherapy in pediatric cancer
      patients with FN. PROCEDURES: A total of 64 patients with 224 episodes of FN were
      randomly assigned to receive antibiotic therapy with either CZOP (100 mg/kg/day)
      or CFPM (100 mg/kg/day). Of these episodes, 223 were considered eligible for the
      study. Success was defined as resolution of febrile episodes and clinical signs
      of infection within 120 hr following the start of antibiotic therapy. RESULTS:
      The success rate was not significantly different between the CZOP (64.0%) and
      CFPM (56.3%) groups (P = 0.275). Duration of fever, duration of antibiotic
      therapy, and the success rate in patients with blood stream infection did not
      differ between the two groups. There was no infection-related mortality in the
      study period. CONCLUSION: Both CZOP and CFPM as monotherapy appear to be
      effective and safe in pediatric patients. This study suggests that CZOP has
      satisfactory efficacy and is well tolerated as initial empirical therapy for
      pediatric cancer patients with FN.

PMID- 25130290
TI  - Screening for obstructive sleep apnea in children with syndromic cleft lip and/or
      palate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Craniofacial malformations including cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P)
      increase risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While 30% of CL/P occurs in the
      context of underlying genetic syndromes, few studies have investigated the
      prevalence of OSA in this high-risk group. This study aims to determine the
      incidence and risk factors of positive screening for OSA in this complex patient
      population. METHODS: The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) was prospectively
      administered to all patients cared for by the cleft lip and palate clinic at the
      Children's Hospital of Philadelphia between January 2011 and August 2013. The PSQ
      is a 22-item, validated screening tool for OSA with a sensitivity and specificity
      of 0.83 and 0.87 in detecting an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >5/hour in healthy
      children. The Fisher exact and Chi-square tests were used for purposes of
      comparison. RESULTS: 178 patients with syndromic CL/P completed the PSQ. Mean
      cohort age was 8.1 +/- 4.4 years. Patients were predominately female (53.9%),
      Caucasian (78.1%), and had Veau Class II cleft (50.6%). Craniofacial syndromes
      included isolated Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) (29.8%), 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
      (14.6%), Van der Woude syndrome (6.7%), and other rare genetic abnormalities
      (28.8%). The overall incidence of positive OSA screening was 32.0%. Males were at
      increased risk for positive OSA screening (P = 0.030), as were non-Caucasians (P
      = 0.044). Symptoms with the highest positive predictive value for OSA were
      "others comment on child appearing sleepy" (76.2%) and "stops breathing during
      the night" (75.0%). Notably, patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome were at
      highest risk for positive screens (50.0%, P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly a third
      of our patients with syndromic CL/P screened positively for OSA (32.0%),
      highlighting the importance of screening in this at-risk population. Future work
      will correlate screening results with polysomnograms to help validate these
      findings. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, III.

PMID- 25130291
TI  - Customized negative pressure wound therapy for intractable auricular defects
      using alginate dressings and feeding tubes.

PMID- 25130292
TI  - Variations in 30-day hospital readmission rates across primary care clinics
      within a tertiary referral center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reducing hospital readmissions is a national healthcare priority.
      Little is known about how readmission rates vary across unique primary care
      practices. OBJECTIVE: To calculate all-cause 30-day hospital readmission rates at
      the level of individual primary care practices and identify factors associated
      with variations in these rates. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis SETTING: Seven
      primary care clinics affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco
      (UCSF). PATIENTS: Adults >=18 years old with a primary care provider (PCP) at
      UCSF MEASUREMENTS: All-cause 30-day readmission rates were calculated for primary
      care clinics for discharges between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2012. We built a
      model to identify demographic, clinical, and hospital factors associated with
      variation in rates. RESULTS: There were 12,564 discharges for patients belonging
      to the 7 clinics, with 8685 index discharges and 1032 readmissions. Readmission
      rates varied across practices, from 14.9% in Human Immunodeficiency Virus primary
      care and 7.7% in women's health. In multivariable analyses, factors associated
      with variation in readmission rates included: male gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.21,
      95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.40), Medicare insurance (OR: 1.31, 95% CI:
      1.05, 1.64; Ref = private), Medicare-Medicaid dual eligible (OR: 1.26, 95% CI:
      1.01-1.56), multiple comorbidities, and admitting services. Patients with a
      departed PCP awaiting transfer assignment to a new PCP had an OR of 1.59 (95% CI:
      1.16-2.17) compared with having a current faculty PCP. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care
      practices are important partners in improving care transitions and reducing
      hospital readmissions, and this study introduces a new way to view readmission
      rates. PCP turnover may be an important risk factor for hospital readmissions.

PMID- 25130293
TI  - Long-term efficacy, safety, and side effect profile of botulinum toxin in
      dystonia: a 20-year follow-up.
AB  - Most long-term studies of the efficacy and safety profile of botulinum toxin
      (BoNT) in the treatment of dystonia are limited by lack of objective assessments,
      relatively small sample size, or short follow-up periods. We present one of the
      longest follow-up studies of BoNT treatment. This is a retrospective,
      longitudinal study that analyzes data on 89 patients treated with BoNT for
      dystonia at our Movement Disorders Clinic for up to 26 years (mean follow-up
      period of 18.5 years). The mean ages at the time of the first and last injections
      were 49 and 68 years old, respectively. The most common diagnoses were cervical
      dystonia (N = 51), blepharospasm (N = 34), and oromandibular dystonia (N = 26).
      The total number of onabotulinumtoxinA units received during the first injection
      was 140.3 as compared to 224.5 at the last injection (p < 0.0001). The global
      response effect was 3.18 after the first injection session and 3.57 after the
      last injection (p < 0.0001). The duration of response after the initial injection
      session and at the last injection was 16.33 weeks versus 19.42 weeks (p 0.0037),
      respectively. Adverse events, typically related to injection site, were reported
      in 19% of the visits. This series of dystonia patients with the longest reported
      treatment with BoNT provide evidence that in selected patients repeated
      chemodenervation is associated with sustained symptomatic benefit, decreased
      latency effect, and prolonged duration of therapeutic response. Despite the
      higher requirement of mean units per visit over time, only 19% of all treatment
      cycles are associated with adverse, but tolerable, side effects.

PMID- 25130294
TI  - Qualitative and spatial metabolite profiling of lichens by a LC-MS approach
      combined with optimised extraction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lichens are self-sustaining partnerships comprising fungi as shape
      forming partners for their enclosed symbiotic algae. They produce a tremendous
      diversity of metabolites (1050 metabolites described so far). OBJECTIVES: A
      comparison of metabolic profiles in nine lichen species belonging to three genera
      (Lichina, Collema and Roccella) by using an optimised extraction protocol,
      determination of the fragmentation pathway and the in situ localisation for major
      compounds in Roccella species. METHODS: Chemical analysis was performed using a
      complementary study combining a Taguchi experimental design with qualitative
      analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry
      techniques. RESULTS: Optimal conditions to obtain the best total extraction yield
      were determined as follows: mortar grinding to a fine powder, two successive
      extractions, solid:liquid ratio (2:60) and 700 rpm stirring. Qualitative analysis
      of the metabolite profiling of these nine species extracted with the optimised
      method was corroborated using MS and MS/MS approaches. Nine main compounds were
      identified: 1 beta-orcinol, 2 orsellinic acid, 3 putative choline sulphate, 4
      roccellic acid, 5 montagnetol, 6 lecanoric acid, 7 erythrin, 8 lepraric acid and
      9 acetylportentol, and several other compounds were reported. Identification was
      performed using the m/z ratio, fragmentation pathway and/or after isolation by
      NMR analysis. The variation of the metabolite profile in differently organised
      parts of two Roccella species suggests a specific role of major compounds in
      developmental stages of this symbiotic association. CONCLUSION: Metabolic
      profiles represent specific chemical species and depend on the extraction
      conditions, the kind of the photobiont partner and the in situ localisation of
      major compounds.

PMID- 25130295
TI  - IL-12-and IL-23 in health and disease.
AB  - Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 play important roles in the development of
      experimental autoimmune disease models and numerous afflictions affecting humans.
      Preclinical data over the last 20 years combined with successful clinical trials
      has identified a clear relationship between IL-12, IL-23 and the generation of
      pathogenic T helper cells capable of orchestrating tissue inflammation.
      Observations made in the clinic have shown that IL-12p40, a common subunit shared
      by IL-12 and IL-23, is critical to pathologies associated with psoriasis,
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and tumor growth. These advancements have set in
      motion the development of a number of potential therapeutics aimed at
      manipulating IL-12/23 signaling pathways in both mice and humans. This review
      will discuss a brief history of the understanding and expansion of the IL-12
      cytokine family, some difficulties associated with preclinical data
      interpretation and finally the medicinal interventions that have been developed
      to combat IL-12/23-driven autoimmune disorders. 

PMID- 25130296
TI  - Exploiting differential expression of the IL-7 receptor on memory T cells to
      modulate immune responses.
AB  - Interleukin-7 is a non-redundant growth, differentiation and survival factor for
      human T lymphocytes. Most circulating, mature T cells express the receptor for IL
      7, but not all. Importantly, CD4 Tregs express greatly reduced levels of IL-7R
      compared to conventional CD4 T cells, presenting an opportunity to selectively
      target the latter cells with either more IL-7 to boost responses, or to block IL
      7 signalling to limit responses. This article reviews what is known about
      regulation of IL-7R expression, and recent progress in therapeutic approaches
      related to IL-7 and its receptor. 

PMID- 25130298
TI  - AFM images of the dark biocidal action of cationic conjugated polyelectrolytes
      and oligomers on Escherichia coli.
AB  - Polymers and oligomers with conjugated phenylene ethynylene or thiophene
      ethynylene backbones have been shown to be potent antimicrobials. The mechanisms
      by which they act have been unclear, though AFM imaging of Escherichia coli cells
      before and after exposure to two such biocides, PPE-Th polymer and EO-OPE-1(C3),
      shows their effects on cell surface structure. Dried, unexposed E. coli cells
      could be imaged at resolution high enough to discern the physical structure of
      the cell surfaces, including individual porin proteins and their distribution on
      the cell. Exposure to 30 MUg/mL PPE-Th polymer caused major cell surface
      disruption due to either emulsification of the outer membrane or the formation of
      polymer aggregates or both. In contrast, exposure to 30 MUg/mL EO-OPE-1(C3)
      oligomer did not cause large-scale membrane disruption but did cause apparent
      reorganization of the surface proteins into linear arrays or protein-lipid-OPE
      complexes that dominate on a small scale. E. coli cells were also successfully
      imaged underwater, allowing a real-time AFM image series as cells were exposed to
      30 MUg/mL EO-OPE-1(C3). Solution exposure caused the cell surfaces to noticeably
      increase their roughness over time. These results agree with proposed mechanisms
      for cell killing by PPE-Th and EO-OPE-1(C3) put forth by Wang et al.1 in which
      PPE-Th kills by large-scale disruption of the outer membrane and EO-OPE-1(C3)
      kills by membrane reorganization with possible pore formation. 

PMID- 25130297
TI  - A randomized controlled clinical trial of levofloxacin 750 mg versus 500 mg
      intravenous infusion in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of
      levofloxacin 750 mg for 5 days versus 500 mg for 7-14 days intravenous (IV) in
      the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This clinical trial was the
      first of its kind conducted in Chinese people and also in Asian population. A
      total of 241 were enrolled and randomized to 750 mg group (n = 121) or 500 mg (n
      = 120) group from 10 study centers. The median treatment duration was 5.0 days in
      750 mg and 9.0 days in 500 mg group. The median total dose was 3750 mg in 750 mg
      and 4500 mg in 500 mg group. The bacterial eradication rate was 100% in both
      groups. The overall efficacy rate in 750 mg group was 86.2% (94/109), and 84.7%
      (94/111), in 500 mg group of full analysis set visit 4, 95% confidence interval
      of 1.6% (-7.8-10.9%); the statistical results showed that 750 mg group was non
      inferior to 500 mg group. The most common clinical adverse drug reactions were
      injection site adverse reactions in both 750 mg group and 500 mg group; the other
      common adverse drug reactions were insomnia, nausea, skin rash, etc. The most
      common drug-related laboratory abnormalities were neutrophil percentage
      decreased, decreased white blood cell count, alanine aminotransferase, and
      aspartate aminotransferase elevation in both 750 mg group and 500 mg group. Most
      of adverse drug reactions were mild in severity and well-tolerated. In summary,
      the regimen of levofloxacin 750 mg IV for 5 days was at least as effective and
      well tolerated as 500 mg IV for 7-14 days for the treatment of CAP. 

PMID- 25130299
TI  - Rats' choices with token stimuli in concurrent variable-interval schedules.
AB  - Four rats responded on concurrent variable-interval schedules that delivered
      token stimuli (stimulus lights arranged vertically above each of two side
      levers). During exchange periods, each token could be exchanged for one food
      pellet by responding on a center lever, with one response required for each
      pellet delivery. In different conditions, the exchange requirements (number of
      tokens that had to be earned before they could be exchanged for food) varied
      between one and four for the two response levers. The experiments were closely
      patterned after research with pigeons by Mazur and Biondi (2013), and the results
      from the rats in the present experiment were similar. Response percentages on the
      two levers changed as each additional token was earned, and these patterns
      indicated that choice was controlled by both the time to the exchange periods and
      the number of food pellets that were delivered in the exchange period. In some
      conditions, the exchange requirement was three tokens for each lever, but the
      token lights were not turned on as they were earned for one of the two keys. The
      rats showed a slight preference for the lever without the token lights, which may
      indicate that the token lights were not serving as conditioned reinforcers (a
      result also found by Mazur and Biondi with pigeons). Overall, these results
      suggest that, in this choice procedure, the token stimuli served primarily as
      discriminative stimuli that signaled the temporal proximity and quantity of the
      primary reinforcer, food.

PMID- 25130300
TI  - The association between secondhand smoke and sleep-disordered breathing in
      children: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review existing literature on the association
      between secondhand smoke and sleep-disordered breathing in children. DATA
      SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus. REVIEW
      METHODS: Inclusion criteria included English-language papers containing original
      human data, with seven or more subjects and age <18 years. Data were
      systematically collected on study design, patient demographics, clinical
      characteristics/outcomes, and level of evidence. Two investigators independently
      reviewed all manuscripts. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 72 abstracts; 18
      articles were ultimately included with a total study population of 47,462
      patients. Fifteen (83%) articles found a statistically significant association
      between secondhand smoke and sleep-disordered breathing. All were case-control
      studies. Quality of articles based on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale averaged 5.8/9
      stars. Secondhand smoke was characterized by serum cotinine testing in only two
      (11%) studies. Sleep-disordered breathing was quantified by polysomnography in
      only four (22%) of the studies and only one (6%) classified subject using
      polysomnography exclusively. Habitual snoring was the most common form of sleep
      disordered breathing studied in 14/18 (78%) studies, whereas obstructive sleep
      apnea was reported in one (6%) study and sleep-related hypoxia in another (6%)
      study. CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of studies included in this review
      found a significant association between secondhand smoke and sleep-disordered
      breathing, all of them were evidence level 3b, for an overall grade of B (Oxford
      Centre for Evidence-based Medicine). Further higher-quality studies should be
      performed in the future to better evaluate the relationship between second- smoke
      and sleep-disordered breathing in children.

PMID- 25130302
TI  - Identification of a developmentally-regulated and psychostimulant-inducible novel
      rat gene mrt3 in the neocortex.
AB  - The psychotomimetic effects of stimulant drugs including amphetamines and cocaine
      are known to change during the postnatal development in humans and experimental
      animals. To obtain an insight into the molecular basis of the onset of stimulant
      induced psychosis, we have explored the gene transcripts that differentially
      respond to methamphetamine (MAP) in the developing rat brains using a
      differential cloning technique, the RNA arbitrarily-primed PCR. We identified
      from the rat neocortex a novel and developmentally regulated MAP-inducible gene
      mrt3 (MAP responsive transcript 3) that is transcribed to a presumable non-coding
      RNA of 3.8kb and is located on the reverse strand of the F-box/LRR-repeat protein
      17-like gene mapped on the rat chromosome Xq12. The mrt3 mRNAs are predominantly
      expressed in the brain and lung. Acute MAP injection upregulated the mrt3
      expression in the neocortex at postnatal day 50, but not days 8, 15 and 23, in a
      D1 receptor antagonist-sensitive manner. This upregulation was mimicked by
      another stimulant, cocaine, whereas pentobarbital and D1 antagonist failed to
      alter the mrt3 expression. Moreover, repeated treatment with MAP for 5 days
      inhibited the ability of the challenge dose of MAP or cocaine to increase the
      neocortical mrt3 expression without affecting the basal mrt3 mRNA levels on day
      14 of withdrawal. These late-developing, cocaine-cross reactive, D1 antagonist
      sensitive and long-term regulations of mrt3 by MAP are similar to those of
      stimulant-induced behavioral sensitization, a model of the onset and relapse of
      stimulant-induced psychosis and schizophrenia, and therefore may be associated
      with the pathophysiology of the model. 

PMID- 25130303
TI  - N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) as a correlate of pharmacological treatment in
      psychiatric disorders: a systematic review.
AB  - The amino-acid N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) is located in neurons and the
      concentration of NAA correlates with neuronal mitochondrial function. The signal
      of NAA, as measured with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), is
      considered to reflect both, neuronal density and integrity of neuronal
      mitochondria. A reduction of the NAA concentrations has been found in several
      psychiatric disorders. Newer studies report reversal of decreased NAA
      concentration with treatment. The objective of this review is to summarize the
      literature on NAA changes in association with psychopharmacological treatment in
      psychiatric disorders (affective disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
      schizophrenia and dementia). The majority of studies identified increased NAA
      concentrations in response to treatment, while a smaller number of studies did
      not find this effect. The NAA increase seems to be neither specific for a certain
      disorder nor for a specific intervention. This suggests that the reduction of NAA
      may represent an altered functional (metabolic) state of neurons common to
      different psychiatric disorders and the increase after treatment to indicate
      functional restoration as one general effect of interventions. 

PMID- 25130301
TI  - Transcranial electrical brain stimulation modulates neuronal tuning curves in
      perception of numerosity and duration.
AB  - Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain
      stimulation method with many putative applications and reported to effectively
      modulate behaviour. However, its effects have yet to be considered at a
      computational level. To address this we modelled the tuning curves underlying the
      behavioural effects of stimulation in a perceptual task. Participants judged
      which of the two serially presented images contained more items (numerosity
      judgement task) or was presented longer (duration judgement task). During
      presentation of the second image their posterior parietal cortices (PPCs) were
      stimulated bilaterally with opposite polarities for 1.6s. We also examined the
      impact of three stimulation conditions on behaviour: anodal right-PPC and
      cathodal left-PPC (rA-lC), reverse order (lA-rC) and no-stimulation condition.
      Behavioural results showed that participants were more accurate in numerosity and
      duration judgement tasks when they were stimulated with lA-rC and rA-lC
      stimulation conditions respectively. Simultaneously, a decrease in performance on
      numerosity and duration judgement tasks was observed when the stimulation
      condition favoured the other task. Thus, our results revealed a double
      dissociation of laterality and task. Importantly, we were able to model the
      effects of stimulation on behaviour. Our computational modelling showed that
      participants' superior performance was attributable to a narrower tuning curve-
      smaller standard deviation of detection noise. We believe that this approach may
      prove useful in understanding the impact of brain stimulation on other cognitive
      domains.

PMID- 25130304
TI  - SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in Tie2-lineage cells including endothelial progenitor cells
      contributes to bone fracture healing.
AB  - CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a specific receptor for stromal-derived
      factor 1 (SDF-1). SDF-1/CXCR4 interaction is reported to play an important role
      in vascular development. On the other hand, the therapeutic potential of
      endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in fracture healing has been demonstrated
      with mechanistic insight of vasculogenesis/angiogenesis and osteogenesis
      enhancement at sites of fracture. The purpose of this study was to investigate
      the influence of the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway in Tie2-lineage cells (including EPCs)
      in bone formation. We created CXCR4 gene conditional knockout mice using the
      Cre/loxP system and set two groups of mice: Tie2-Cre(ER) CXCR4 knockout mice
      (CXCR4(-/-) ) and wild-type mice (WT). We report here that in vitro, EPCs derived
      from of CXCR4(-/-) mouse bone marrow demonstrated severe reduction of migration
      activity and EPC colony-forming activity when compared with those derived from WT
      mouse bone marrow. In vivo, radiological and morphological examinations showed
      fracture healing delayed in the CXCR4(-/-) group and the relative callus area at
      weeks 2 and 3 was significantly smaller in CXCR4(-/-) group mice. Quantitative
      analysis of capillary density at perifracture sites also showed a significant
      decrease in the CXCR4(-/-) group. Especially, CXCR4(-/-) group mice demonstrated
      significant early reduction of blood flow recovery at fracture sites compared
      with the WT group in laser Doppler perfusion imaging analysis. Real-time RT-PCR
      analysis showed that the gene expressions of angiogenic markers (CD31, VE
      cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) and osteogenic markers
      (osteocalcin, collagen 1A1, bone morphogenetic protein 2 [BMP2]) were lower in
      the CXCR4(-/-) group. In the gain-of-function study, the fracture in the SDF-1
      intraperitoneally injected WT group healed significantly faster with enough
      callus formation compared with the SDF-1 injected CXCR4(-/-) group. We
      demonstrated that an EPC SDF-1/CXCR4 axis plays an important role in bone
      fracture healing using Tie2-Cre(ER) CXCR4 conditional knockout mice.

PMID- 25130305
TI  - What is a paternal effect?
AB  - Maternal effects are now universally recognised as a form of nongenetic parental
      influence on offspring but, until recently, paternal effects were regarded as an
      anomaly. Although it is now clear that paternal effects are both widespread and
      important, their proximate basis and evolutionary consequences have received
      little attention and remain poorly understood. In particular, because many
      paternal effects are mediated by maternal responses such as differential
      allocation, the boundary between paternal and maternal effects is sometimes
      blurred. We distinguish here three basic types of paternal effect and clarify the
      role of maternal responses in these effects. We also outline key questions that
      can serve as a road map for research on the proximate basis and evolutionary
      implications of paternal effects. 

PMID- 25130306
TI  - Failure mode analysis in adrenal vein sampling: a single-center experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze failure modes in a high-volume adrenal vein sampling (AVS)
      practice in an effort to identify preventable causes of nondiagnostic sampling.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective database was constructed containing 343
      AVS procedures performed over a 10-year period. Each nondiagnostic AVS procedure
      was reviewed for failure mode and correlated with results of any repeat AVS. Data
      collected included selectivity index, lateralization index, adrenalectomy
      outcomes if performed, and details of AVS procedure. All AVS procedures were
      performed after cosyntropin stimulation, using sequential technique. RESULTS: AVS
      was nondiagnostic in 12 of 343 (3.5%) primary procedures and 2 secondary
      procedures. Failure was right-sided in 8 (57%) procedures, left-sided in 4 (29%)
      procedures, bilateral in 1 procedure, and neither in 1 procedure (laboratory
      error). Failure modes included diluted sample from correctly identified vein (n =
      7 [50%]; 3 right and 4 left), vessel misidentified as adrenal vein (n = 3 [21%];
      all right), failure to locate an adrenal vein (n = 2 [14%]; both right),
      cosyntropin stimulation failure (n = 1 [7%]; diagnostic by nonstimulated
      criteria), and laboratory error (n = 1 [7%]; specimen loss). A second AVS
      procedure was diagnostic in three of five cases (60%), and a third AVS procedure
      was diagnostic in one of one case (100%). Among the eight patients in whom AVS
      ultimately was not diagnostic, four underwent adrenalectomy based on diluted AVS
      samples, and one underwent adrenalectomy based on imaging; all five experienced
      improvement in aldosteronism. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial percentage of AVS
      failures occur on the left, all related to dilution. Even when technically
      nondiagnostic per strict criteria, some "failed" AVS procedures may be sufficient
      to guide therapy. Repeat AVS has a good yield.

PMID- 25130307
TI  - Contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis of early outcomes with
      percutaneous treatment for infrapopliteal atherosclerotic disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: The need for specialty devices to improve the technical outcome of
      endovascular interventions is dependent on the rate of early failure in such
      procedures. This meta-analysis assessed procedural outcomes of such interventions
      to elucidate the rate of early procedural failures and the need for such
      specialty devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for
      contemporary studies (2000-2012) reporting procedural or short-term outcomes for
      revascularization of infrapopliteal atherosclerotic lesions. A random-effects
      metaanalysis was performed, which included post hoc comparisons among treatment
      groups. RESULTS: A total of 42 studies with 52 treatment arms representing 3,660
      unique patients were included. Technical success rates were higher with bare
      metal stents (BMSs; 98.6%) than with atherectomy (92.2%; P < .05) or percutaneous
      transluminal angioplasty (PTA; 91.2%; P = .01), and higher with drug-eluting
      stents (DESs) than with PTA (P < .001). DES use had higher primary patency rates
      than atherectomy (P < .05), BMS use (P < .001), and PTA (P < .01). The 30-day
      rate of target lesion revascularization was significantly higher with PTA (8.1%)
      than with BMSs (2.2%; P < .05) and DESs (1.1%; P < .05). Thirty-day rates of
      major unplanned amputation (range, 1.5%-4.4%) and mortality (range, 0.9%-3.3%)
      were comparable among treatment groups. Significant heterogeneity among studies
      was noted for most PTA outcomes. Publication bias was evident for most PTA and
      DES outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Early failure of percutaneous therapies in patients
      with infrapopliteal atherosclerotic lesions is device- and technique-dependent.
      Specialty devices designed to reduce technical failure rates may therefore be of
      benefit in this selected group of patients. Study results are confounded by
      inconsistent data reporting, heterogeneity of treatment effects, and publication
      bias.

PMID- 25130308
TI  - An economic analysis of sublobar resection versus thermal ablation for early
      stage non-small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare medical costs for a matched-pair cohort of Medicare patients
      with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent treatment with
      sublobar resection or thermal ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients at least
      65 years of age with stage IA/IB NSCLC treated with sublobar resection or thermal
      ablation from 2007 to 2009 were identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and
      End Results/Medicare-linked data and matched by propensity scores. The primary
      outcome of interest, cost from the payer's perspective, was derived from Medicare
      claims data. A partitioned inverse probability-weighted estimator was used to
      calculate mean and median treatment-related costs and costs at 1, 3, 12, 18, and
      24 months after treatment. Baseline characteristics, Kaplan-Meier survival
      curves, and calculated cost variables were compared between the two groups.
      RESULTS: The final matched cohort of 128 patients had similar baseline
      characteristics and overall survival (P = .52). Patients who underwent ablation
      had significantly lower treatment-related costs than those who underwent sublobar
      resection (P < .001). The difference in median treatment-related cost was
      $16,105. At 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months after treatment, cumulative costs
      remained significantly different (P <= .011). Lower cost associated with
      ablations performed in the outpatient setting was a major contributor to the
      differences between the two treatment modalities, although inpatient ablations
      maintained a small cost advantage over sublobar resections. CONCLUSIONS: Among
      matched Medicare patients with stage I NSCLC, thermal ablation resulted in
      significantly lower treatment-related costs and cumulative medical costs 1 month,
      3 months, and 12 months after treatment compared with sublobar resection.

PMID- 25130309
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24913549.

PMID- 25130310
TI  - Understanding the complex needs of automotive training at final assembly lines.
AB  - Automobile final assembly operators must be highly skilled to succeed in a low
      automation environment where multiple variants must be assembled in quick
      succession. This paper presents formal user studies conducted at OPEL and VOLVO
      Group to identify assembly training needs and a subset of requirements; and to
      explore potential features of a hypothetical game-based virtual training system.
      Stakeholder analysis, timeline analysis, link analysis, Hierarchical Task
      Analysis and thematic content analysis were used to analyse the results of
      interviews with various stakeholders (17 and 28 participants at OPEL and VOLVO,
      respectively). The results show that there is a strong case for the
      implementation of virtual training for assembly tasks. However, it was also
      revealed that stakeholders would prefer to use a virtual training to complement,
      rather than replace, training on pre-series vehicles. 

PMID- 25130311
TI  - Assessment model for perceived visual complexity of automotive instrument
      cluster.
AB  - This research proposes an assessment model for quantifying the perceived visual
      complexity (PVC) of an in-vehicle instrument cluster. An initial study was
      conducted to investigate the possibility of evaluating the PVC of an in-vehicle
      instrument cluster by estimating and analyzing the complexity of its individual
      components. However, this approach was only partially successful, because it did
      not take into account the combination of the different components with random
      levels of complexity to form one visual display. Therefore, a second study was
      conducted focusing on the effect of combining the different components. The
      results from the overall research enabled us to suggest a basis for quantifying
      the PVC of an in-vehicle instrument cluster based both on the PVCs of its
      components and on the integration effect. 

PMID- 25130312
TI  - Cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in rats: the protective effect of arjunolic
      acid.
AB  - In the present study, the effect of arjunolic acid on testicular damage induced
      by intraperitoneal injection of rats with 7 mg/kg cisplatin was studied.
      Cisplatin induced a significant reduction in testicular weights, plasma
      testosterone, and testicular reduced glutathione levels in addition to a
      significant elevation of testicular malondialdehyde levels and testicular gene
      expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) when compared
      with the control group (p < 0.05). Lower tubular diameters and depletion of germ
      cells and irregular small seminiferous tubules with Sertoli cells only were
      observed in the cisplatin group. Arjunolic acid administration significantly
      corrected the changes in both biochemical and histopathological parameters.
      Arjunolic acid plays a significant protective role against cisplatin-induced
      testicular injury by attenuating oxidative stress parameters along with
      downregulation of iNOS, TNF-alpha, and p38-MAPK testicular expressions. 

PMID- 25130313
TI  - Sensory modality-specific spatio-temporal dynamics in response to counting tasks.
AB  - From perception to behavior, the human brain processes information in a flexible
      and abstract manner independent of an input sensory modality. However, the
      mechanism of such multisensory neural information processing in the brain remains
      under debate. Relatedly, studies often aim to investigate whether certain brain
      regions behave in a modality-specific manner or invariantly. Previous studies
      regarding multisensory information processing have commonly reported only on the
      activation of brain regions in response to unimodal or multimodal sensory
      stimuli. However, less attention has been given to the modality effect on the
      dynamics of such regions, which could advance our understanding of neuronal
      information processing. In this study, we investigated whether brain regions show
      modality-specific or invariant high-temporal dynamics. Electrocardiogram (EEG)
      was recorded from healthy, normal subjects during beep-, flash- and click
      counting tasks, which corresponded to auditory, visual and tactile modalities,
      respectively. EEG dynamics regarding event-related spectral perturbations (ERSP)
      in ICA time-series data were compared across the sensory modalities using a
      multivariate pattern analysis. We found modality-specific EEG dynamics in the
      prefrontal cortex, whereas we found modality-specific and cross-modal dynamics in
      the early visual cortex.

PMID- 25130314
TI  - Nursing grand rounds: a strategy for promoting evidence-based learning among
      pediatric nurses.
AB  - This paper describes the collaboration of nurses from five specialty units within
      a large tertiary care pediatric hospital in the development and presentation of
      Nursing Grand Rounds (NGR). NGR was generated, prepared, and presented quarterly
      by bedside nurses to their peers in a professional format. NGR lasted 2hours,
      were simultaneously offered via Webinar, and incorporated literature reviews,
      guest/expert speakers, and case studies. In addition, attendees were eligible for
      continuing education credits (CEUs). Based on favorable evaluations, NGR is
      purported as a creative method for nurses to be kept up-to-date about evidence
      and knowledge unique to their patient population. 

PMID- 25130315
TI  - Adipocyte transdifferentiation and its molecular targets.
AB  - According to the World Health Organization obesity is defined as the excessive
      accumulation of fat, which increases risk of other metabolic disorders such as
      insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
      There are two types of adipose tissue, white and brown adipose tissue (BAT) and
      the latter has recently gathered interest of the scientific community. Discovery
      of BAT has opened avenues for a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of
      obesity and related metabolic syndrome. BAT utilizes accumulated fatty acids for
      energy expenditure; hence it is seen as one of the possible alternates to the
      current treatment. Moreover, browning of white adipocyte on exposure to cold, as
      well as with some of the pharmacological agents presents exciting outcomes and
      indicates the feasibility of transdifferentiation. A better understanding of
      molecular pathways and differentiation factors, those that play a key role in
      transdifferentiation are of extreme importance in designing novel strategies for
      the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. 

PMID- 25130317
TI  - Commentary on "biochemical and immunomorphological evaluation of hepatocyte
      growth factor and c-Met pathway in patients with critical limb ischemia":
      regenerative therapy of chronically ischaemic wounds: land in sight?

PMID- 25130318
TI  - Rafting through traffic: Membrane domains in cellular logistics.
AB  - The intricate and tightly regulated organization of eukaryotic cells into
      spatially and functionally distinct membrane-bound compartments is a defining
      feature of complex organisms. These compartments are defined by their lipid and
      protein compositions, with their limiting membrane as the functional interface to
      the rest of the cell. Thus, proper segregation of membrane proteins and lipids is
      necessary for the maintenance of organelle identity, and this segregation must be
      maintained despite extensive, rapid membrane exchange between compartments.
      Sorting processes of high efficiency and fidelity are required to avoid
      potentially deleterious mis-targeting and maintain cellular function. Although
      much molecular machinery associated with membrane traffic (i.e. membrane
      budding/fusion/fission) has been characterized both structurally and
      biochemically, the mechanistic details underlying the tightly regulated
      distribution of membranes between subcellular locations remain to be elucidated.
      This review presents evidence for the role of ordered lateral membrane domains
      known as lipid rafts in both biosynthetic sorting in the late secretory pathway,
      as well as endocytosis and recycling to/from the plasma membrane. Although such
      evidence is extensive and the involvement of membrane domains in sorting is
      definitive, specific mechanistic details for raft-dependent sorting processes
      remain elusive.

PMID- 25130319
TI  - Dual effect of thiol addition on fluorescent polymeric micelles: ON-to-OFF
      emissive switch and morphology transition.
AB  - The morphology transition from micelles to vesicles of a solution-state self
      assembled block copolymer, containing a fluorescent dye at the core-shell
      interface, has been induced by an addition-elimination reaction using a thiol,
      and has been shown to be coupled to a simultaneous ON-to-OFF switch in particle
      fluorescence. 

PMID- 25130316
TI  - Effects of soluble extracts from Leishmania infantum promastigotes, Toxoplasma
      gondii tachyzoites on TGF-beta mediated pathways in activated CD4+ T lymphocytes.
AB  - Interference with transforming growth factor-beta-mediated pathways helps several
      parasites to survive for long periods in immunocompetent hosts. Macrophages and
      dendritic cells infected by Toxoplasma, Leishmania and Plasmodium spp. produce
      large amounts of transforming growth factor-beta and induce the differentiation
      of antigen-specific T-regulatory cells. Mechanisms not mediated by antigen
      presentation could also account for the expansion of T-regulatory cells in
      parasitic diseases and they also might be mediated through transforming growth
      factor-beta-receptor activated pathways. We explored the properties of soluble
      extracts from Leishmania infantum promastigotes, Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites,
      Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae to expand the pool of T-regulatory cells in a
      population of polyclonally activated T cells in the absence of accessory cells,
      and compared their effects to those induced by Plasmodium falciparum extracts.
      Similarly to P. falciparum, L. infantum extracts activate the latent soluble form
      of transforming growth factor-beta and that bound to the membrane of activated T
      lymphocytes. The interaction of the active cytokine with transforming growth
      factor-beta receptor induces Foxp3 expression by activated lymphocytes, favoring
      their conversion through the T-regulatory phenotype. Both Toxoplasma gondii and
      L. infantum extracts are able to induce transforming growth factor-beta
      production by activated T cells in the absence of accessory cells. 

PMID- 25130320
TI  - Survival of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts through a hydropower complex.
AB  - This study evaluated Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolt survival through the lower
      Penobscot River, Maine, U.S.A., and characterized relative differences in
      proportional use and survival through the main-stem of the river and an
      alternative migration route, the Stillwater Branch. The work was conducted prior
      to removal of two main-stem dams and operational changes in hydropower facilities
      in the Stillwater Branch. Survival and proportional use of migration routes in
      the lower Penobscot were estimated from multistate (MS) models based on 6 years
      of acoustic telemetry data from 1669 smolts and 2 years of radio-telemetry data
      from 190 fish. A small proportion (0.12, 95% c.i. = 0.06-0.25) of smolts used the
      Stillwater Branch, and mean survival through the two operational dams in this
      part of the river was relatively high (1.00 and 0.97). Survival at Milford Dam,
      the dam that will remain in the main-stem of the Penobscot River, was relatively
      low (0.91), whereas survival through two dams that were removed was relatively
      high (0.99 and 0.98). Smolt survival could decrease in the Stillwater Branch with
      the addition of two new powerhouses while continuing to meet fish passage
      standards. The effects of removing two dams in the main-stem are expected to be
      negligible for smolt survival based on high survival observed from 2005 to 2012
      at those locations. Survival through Milford Dam was been well below current
      regulatory standards, and thus improvement of passage at this location offers the
      best opportunity for improving overall smolt survival in the lower river.

PMID- 25130321
TI  - Medical burden in bipolar disorder: findings from the Clinical and Health
      Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness for Bipolar Disorder study
      (Bipolar CHOICE).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Individuals with bipolar disorder have high rates of other medical
      comorbidity, which is associated with higher mortality rates and worse course of
      illness. The present study examined common predictors of medical comorbidity.
      METHODS: The Clinical and Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness
      for Bipolar Disorder study (Bipolar CHOICE) enrolled 482 participants with
      bipolar I or bipolar II disorder in a six-month, randomized comparative
      effectiveness trial. Baseline assessments included current and lifetime DSM-IV-TR
      diagnoses, demographic information, psychiatric and medical history, severity of
      psychiatric symptoms, level of functioning, and a fasting blood draw. Medical
      comorbidities were categorized into two groups: cardiometabolic (e.g., diabetes,
      hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome) and non-cardiovascular (e.g., seizures,
      asthma, and cancer). Additionally, we looked at comorbid substance use (e.g.,
      smoking and drug dependence). RESULTS: We found that 96.3% of participants had at
      least one other medical comorbidity. Older age predicted a greater likelihood of
      having a cardiometabolic condition. Early age of onset of bipolar symptoms was
      associated with a lower chance of having a cardiometabolic condition, but a
      greater chance of having other types of medical comorbidity. Additional
      predictors of other medical comorbidities in bipolar disorder included more time
      spent depressed, less time spent manic/hypomanic, and longer duration of illness.
      Medications associated with weight gain were associated with low high-density
      lipoprotein and abnormal triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a
      substantial medical burden associated with bipolar disorder, highlighting the
      need for collaborative care among psychiatric and general medical providers to
      address both psychiatric and other medical needs concomitantly in this group of
      patients.

PMID- 25130322
TI  - Shape-shift: semicircular canal morphology responds to selective breeding for
      increased locomotor activity.
AB  - Variation in semicircular canal morphology correlates with locomotor agility
      among species of mammals. An experimental evolutionary mouse model was used to
      test the hypotheses that semicircular canal morphology (1) evolves in response to
      selective breeding for increased locomotor activity, (2) exhibits phenotypic
      plasticity in response to early-onset chronic exercise, and (3) is unique in
      individuals possessing the minimuscle phenotype. We examined responses in canal
      morphology to prolonged wheel access and selection in laboratory mice from four
      replicate lines bred for high voluntary wheel-running (HR) and four nonselected
      control (C) lines. Linear measurements and a suite of 3D landmarks were obtained
      from 3D reconstructions of MUCT-scanned mouse crania (MUCT is microcomputed
      tomography). Body mass was smaller in HR than C mice and was a significant
      predictor of both radius of curvature and 3D canal shape. Controlling for body
      mass, radius of curvature did not differ statistically between HR and C mice, but
      semicircular canal shape did. Neither chronic wheel access nor minimuscle
      affected radius of curvature or canal shape These findings suggest that
      semicircular canal morphology is responsive to evolutionary changes in locomotor
      behavior, but the pattern of response is potentially different in small- versus
      large-bodied species. 

PMID- 25130323
TI  - Barriers to evidence-based medicine: a systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) has emerged as an effective strategy
      to improve health care quality. The aim of this study was to systematically
      review and carry out an analysis on the barriers to EBM. METHODS: Different
      database searching methods and also manual search were employed in this study
      using the search words ('evidence-based' or 'evidence-based medicine' or
      'evidence-based practice' or 'evidence-based guidelines' or 'research
      utilization') and (barrier* or challenge or hinder) in the following databases:
      PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane library, Pro Quest, Magiran, SID.
      RESULTS: Out of 2592 articles, 106 articles were finally identified for study.
      Research barriers, lack of resources, lack of time, inadequate skills, and
      inadequate access, lack of knowledge and financial barriers were found to be the
      most common barriers to EBM. Examples of these barriers were found in primary
      care, hospital/specialist care, rehabilitation care, medical education,
      management and decision making. The most common barriers to research utilization
      were research barriers, cooperation barriers and changing barriers. Lack of
      resources was the most common barrier to implementation of guidelines.
      CONCLUSION: The result of this study shows that there are many barriers to the
      implementation and use of EBM. Identifying barriers is just the first step to
      removing barriers to the use of EBM. Extra resources will be needed if these
      barriers are to be tackled.

PMID- 25130324
TI  - A genome-wide search for quantitative trait loci affecting the cortical surface
      area and thickness of Heschl's gyrus.
AB  - Heschl's gyrus (HG) is a core region of the auditory cortex whose morphology is
      highly variable across individuals. This variability has been linked to sound
      perception ability in both speech and music domains. Previous studies show that
      variations in morphological features of HG, such as cortical surface area and
      thickness, are heritable. To identify genetic variants that affect HG morphology,
      we conducted a genome-wide association scan (GWAS) meta-analysis in 3054 healthy
      individuals using HG surface area and thickness as quantitative traits. None of
      the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed association P values that would
      survive correction for multiple testing over the genome. The most significant
      association was found between right HG area and SNP rs72932726 close to gene
      DCBLD2 (3q12.1; P=2.77 * 10(-7) ). This SNP was also associated with other
      regions involved in speech processing. The SNP rs333332 within gene KALRN
      (3q21.2; P=2.27 * 10(-6) ) and rs143000161 near gene COBLL1 (2q24.3; P=2.40 * 10(
      6) ) were associated with the area and thickness of left HG, respectively. Both
      genes are involved in the development of the nervous system. The SNP rs7062395
      close to the X-linked deafness gene POU3F4 was associated with right HG thickness
      (Xq21.1; P=2.38 * 10(-6) ). This is the first molecular genetic analysis of
      variability in HG morphology.

PMID- 25130325
TI  - Systematic review: internet-based program for youth smoking prevention and
      cessation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the characteristics and effects Internet-based youth smoking
      prevention and cessation programs. DESIGN: Systematic review of published
      articles in peer-reviewed journals in the past 10 years, focused on Internet
      based youth smoking prevention and cessation programs. METHODS: Twelve articles
      were selected based on the following criteria: studies reporting the outcomes of
      Internet-based smoking cessation or prevention intervention programs for
      adolescents who are younger than 24 years. FINDINGS: The components of youth
      Internet-based smoking intervention programs are analyzed based on study features
      (i.e., sample, design, theoretical basis, analysis, outcome measures) and program
      characteristics (i.e., focus, setting, frequency, duration, intensity, and
      different components) that make the programs effective. The most common
      components of effective Internet-based programs are identified as the following:
      the use of multimedia, tailored approaches, personalized feedback, and
      interactive features. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics and effects of the
      programs vary, but most programs show positive results in youth smoking
      prevention and cessation in spite of the studies' limitations. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: The evidence from this review provides useful information of recent
      efforts related to Internet-based youth smoking prevention and cessation
      programs, which can have significant clinical implications in developing future
      innovative youth smoking prevention and intervention programs.

PMID- 25130326
TI  - Graft rejection and failure following endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and
      penetrating keratoplasty for secondary endothelial failure.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the frequency of rejection and graft failure after Descemet's
      stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and penetrating keratoplasty
      (PK) for secondary endothelial failure. METHODS: Seventy-eight eyes undergoing
      DSAEK from 2006 to 2013 and 80 eyes undergoing PK from 1998 to 2013 were
      included. Indications were endothelial failure due to pseudophakic bullous
      keratopathy (82%), previous eye trauma (8%), uveitis (4%) or other causes (6%).
      Rejection episodes and graft failure were recorded, together with preoperative
      risk factors (glaucoma, neovascularization and active inflammation). Kaplan-Meier
      survival curves with up to 4 years follow-up were used to compare DSAEK with PK,
      as well as low-risk with high-risk eyes. RESULTS: During follow-up, 15% of the PK
      treated eyes and 4% of the DSAEK-treated eyes experienced rejection. Graft
      failure occurred in 8% of the PK-treated eyes and in 7% of the DSAEK-treated
      eyes. No significant differences were found in the rate of rejection (p=0.11),
      graft failure (p=0.29) or rejection-related graft failure (p=0.30) between DSAEK
      and PK in low-risk eyes. In DSAEK, high-risk eyes (mainly with glaucoma)
      experienced significantly more rejection episodes (p=0.01), graft failures
      (p=0.04) and rejection-related graft failures (p=0.04) compared with low-risk
      eyes. No differences were seen between high-risk and low-risk PK-treated eyes
      (p>0.40). CONCLUSION: In the present, relatively small study, no differences in
      rejection rate or graft failure were found between DSAEK and PK in low-risk eyes.
      However, glaucoma seems to increase the risk of graft complications after DSAEK
      for secondary endothelial failure. Long-term studies of larger samples sizes are
      needed to confirm this.

PMID- 25130327
TI  - Can platelet count and mean platelet volume during the first trimester of
      pregnancy predict preterm premature rupture of membranes?
AB  - AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the values of platelet count and mean
      platelet volume (MPV) obtained from maternal serum during the first trimester to
      predict subsequent preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The records of 318 women with PPROM and 384 healthy controls in a single
      center between 2009 and 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Platelet count and
      MPV values between 7 and 14 weeks of gestation were compared. Receiver-operator
      curve analysis was performed to identify the optimal platelet count and MPV cut
      off levels predicting PPROM. RESULTS: Compared with controls, women with PPROM
      had significantly increased levels of platelet count and significantly decreased
      levels of MPV in the first trimester (P < 0.001). The area under the receiver
      operator curve was 0.642 for MPV and 0.579 for platelet count. The cut-off values
      of MPV <= 8.6 fL and platelet count >=216 * 10(3) /MUL predicted PPROM with a
      sensitivity of 58% and 65% and specificity of 62% and 44%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: MPV can be used as a more efficient predictor for an early diagnosis
      of PPROM than platelet count. However, further research combining other markers
      is needed to increase the efficiency of prediction.

PMID- 25130329
TI  - NIR photoregulated chemo- and photodynamic cancer therapy based on conjugated
      polyelectrolyte-drug conjugate encapsulated upconversion nanoparticles.
AB  - The design of nanoplatforms with target recognition and near-infrared (NIR) laser
      photoregulated chemo- and photodynamic therapy is highly desirable but remains
      challenging. In this work, we have developed such a system by taking advantage of
      a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE)-drug conjugate and upconversion nanoparticles
      (UCNPs). The poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted CPE not only serves as a polymer
      matrix for UCNP encapsulation, but also as a fluorescent imaging agent, a
      photosensitizer as well as a carrier for chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX)
      through a UV-cleavable ortho-nitrobenzyl (NB) linker. Upon 980 nm laser
      irradiation, the UCNPs emit UV and visible light. The up-converted UV light is
      utilized for controlled drug release through the photocleavage of the ortho
      nitrobenzyl linker, while the up-converted visible light is used to initiate the
      polymer photosensitizer to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) for photodynamic
      therapy. The NIR photo-regulated UCNP@CPE-DOX showed high efficiency of ROS
      generation and controlled drug release in cancer cells upon single laser
      irradiation. In addition, the combination therapy showed enhanced inhibition of
      U87-MG cell growth as compared to sole treatments. As two light sources with
      different wavelengths are always needed for traditional photodynamic therapy and
      photoregulated drug release, the adoption of UCNPs as an NIR light switch is
      highly beneficial to combined chemo- and photodynamic therapy with enhanced
      therapeutic effects. 

PMID- 25130328
TI  - Interferon regulatory factor 3 as key element of the interferon signature in
      plasmacytoid dendritic cells from systemic lupus erythematosus patients: novel
      genetic associations in the Mexican mestizo population.
AB  - Many genetic studies have found an association between interferon regulatory
      factors (IRF) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE); however, specific dendritic cell (DC) alterations have not
      been assessed. The aim of the present study was to address the expression of IRF3
      and IRF5 on different DC subsets from SLE patients, as well as their association
      with interferon (IFN)-alpha production and novel SNPs. For the genetic
      association analyses, 156 SLE patients and 272 healthy controls from the Mexican
      mestizo population were included. From these, 36 patients and 36 controls were
      included for functional analysis. Two IRF3 SNPs - rs2304206 and rs2304204 - were
      determined. We found an increased percentage of circulating pDC in SLE patients
      in comparison to controls (8.04 +/- 1.48 versus 3.35 +/- 0.8, P = 0.032). We also
      observed enhanced expression of IRF3 (64 +/- 6.36 versus 36.1 +/- 5.57, P =
      0.004) and IRF5 (40 +/- 5.25 versus 22.5 +/- 2.6%, P = 0.010) restricted to this
      circulating pDC subset from SLE patients versus healthy controls. This finding
      was associated with higher IFN-alpha serum levels in SLE (160.2 +/- 21 versus
      106.1 +/- 14 pg/ml, P = 0.036). Moreover, the IRF3 rs2304206 polymorphism was
      associated with increased susceptibility to SLE [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 2.401 (1.187-4.858), P = 0.021] as well as enhanced levels of
      serum type I IFN in SLE patients who were positive for dsDNA autoantibodies. The
      IRF3 rs2304204 GG and AG genotypes conferred decreased risk for SLE. Our findings
      suggest that the predominant IRF3 expression on circulating pDC is a key element
      for the increased IFN-alpha activation based on the interplay between the
      rs2304206 gene variant and the presence of dsDNA autoantibodies in Mexican
      mestizo SLE patients.

PMID- 25130330
TI  - Cryopreserved platelets: frozen in a logjam?

PMID- 25130331
TI  - Chikungunya virus: new risk to transfusion safety in the Americas.

PMID- 25130332
TI  - Transfusion medicine illustrated. An allergic transfusion reaction with
      angioedema.

PMID- 25130333
TI  - Apples, oranges, and autotransfusion techniques.

PMID- 25130334
TI  - In reply.

PMID- 25130336
TI  - Coagulation values in extreme premature infants.

PMID- 25130335
TI  - Safety measures to prevent hepatitis E virus transmission by blood transfusion.

PMID- 25130337
TI  - Obesity.
AB  - This narrative symposium was inspired by the American Medical Associations (AMA)
      decision to label obesity a disease. How do people who have been classified as
      obese feel this decision impacts on their lives? Personal narrative authors offer
      their experiences with obesity and healthcare. The symposium also hosts five
      commentary articles from scholars and stakeholders with a wide range of
      perspectives. These articles pull from themes in the personal narratives and
      bring them into dialogue with the current scholarly literature on this topic. 

PMID- 25130338
TI  - I am not obese. I am just fat.

PMID- 25130339
TI  - Experiences of an obese patient.

PMID- 25130340
TI  - Shame is not an effective diet plan.

PMID- 25130341
TI  - Little body hidden within.

PMID- 25130342
TI  - My story: evolving obesities.

PMID- 25130343
TI  - Explode and die! A fat woman's perspective on prenatal care and the fat panic
      epidemic.

PMID- 25130344
TI  - Fitness, fatness, and aesthetic judgments of the female body: what the AMA
      decision to medicalize obesity means for other non-normal female bodies.

PMID- 25130345
TI  - Obesity treatment: one size does not fit all.

PMID- 25130346
TI  - Stepping off the edge of the earth: a bariatric patient's journey out of obesity.

PMID- 25130347
TI  - I'm Your Patient, Not a Problem.

PMID- 25130348
TI  - Journey to wellness.

PMID- 25130349
TI  - Obesity as disease: definition by desperation.

PMID- 25130350
TI  - Fatness, medicalization, and stigma: on the need to do better.
AB  - This article comments on a collection of remarkable narratives authored by fat
      writers addressing the American Medical Association's decision to label obesity a
      disease. Endeavoring to avoid what has been termed "thinsplaining," the
      commentary examines the voices of the writers in the hopes of identifying key
      themes and points that emerge from these fat narratives. The commentary canvasses
      the writers' perspectives on topics such as the medicalization and
      pathologization of fat, the Western and especially American tendency to emphasize
      individual culpability for fatness, and, of course, the horrific commonality and
      intensity of fat stigma. Stigma is a particular focus for the commentary, both
      because it is a principal theme in the collection, and also because it is
      important to understand precisely what stigma is and its deep connections to
      larger macrosocial structures. The commentary concludes with a simple admonition,
      gleaned from the narratives: we should strive to do better. 

PMID- 25130351
TI  - When one size does not fit all: a commentary.
AB  - This commentary explores a few of the common threads in a symposium of obesity
      narratives in light of the American Medical Association's classification of
      obesity as a disease. While the narratives illustrate the breadth of experiences,
      they each highlight the absence of a clear approach for the treatment of obesity,
      as well as the lack of conversation and compassion in the most basic of
      interactions with medical professionals. This could be cause for despair, yet we
      learn through these shared experiences that we can take control of our care and
      plot a course for real and lasting assistance with this condition. 

PMID- 25130352
TI  - The burden of obesity: personal stories, professional insights.
AB  - The word obesity invokes multiple connotations that contain a realm of disparate
      descriptions ranging from disease to disdain. There are also few other human
      conditions that cause increased morbidity and mortality and affect millions of
      individuals worldwide yet is still viewed by many as a character fault or moral
      failure. Herein we have the opportunity to read the personal reflections of
      individuals with obesity who have struggled with their weight over a lifetime.
      Through a series of 12 narratives, the authors collectively share their shame,
      humiliation, dignity, inner strength and advice for health professionals who they
      entrust. 

PMID- 25130353
TI  - Die another day: the obstacles facing fat people in accessing quality healthcare.
AB  - In this issue of Narrative Inquiries in Bioethics, fat individuals share their
      healthcare experiences. Through reading the narratives, it becomes clear that
      access to proper healthcare is often blocked for fat patients by a variety of
      things, including shame and fat stigma. From physical spaces in which they do not
      fit, to doctors who diagnose all of their problems as 'fat', similar themes are
      echoed across the stories. And common are the refrains for better treatment, less
      shame, and access to evidenced based care from educated providers. In this
      manuscript, I highlight common themes from the stories and integrate them with
      themes from the literature. I allow the two dissenting narratives to suggest
      other ways of thinking about fatness and well-being. And I conclude by suggesting
      ways to provide better access to quality healthcare for fat individuals. 

PMID- 25130354
TI  - Risk factor medicalization, hubris, and the obesity disease.
AB  - The essays on obesity in this issue frequently refer to the recent American
      Medical Association (AMA) declaration of obesity as a disease. In response to
      these essays, I describe and explore the significance of 'risk-factor
      medicalization' and how negative unintended consequences with this approach to
      disease modeling are exemplified in many of the essays. I also relate the essays'
      content to the issue of physician hubris in the face of their own helplessness in
      aiding the obese patient. 

PMID- 25130355
TI  - Stories worth telling: moral experiences of suicidal behavior.
AB  - Moral constructions of suicide are deliberately avoided in contemporary
      suicidology, yet morality persists, little or imperfectly acknowledged, in its
      practices and in the policies, discourses, and instruments that it underpins.
      This study used narrative methodologies to examine the normative force of
      suicidology and its implications for persons who had engaged in an act of
      nonfatal suicidal behavior. I interviewed a convenience sample of twelve persons
      from two inner-urban community mental health centers who were receiving crisis
      and case management services after a recent act of nonfatal suicidal behavior.
      Interviews focused on events leading up to and after participants' suicidal
      behavior; the responses their suicidal behavior generated in others, including
      family, friends, and the health professionals caring for them; and cultural views
      of suicide more broadly. Analysis of these interviews revealed that, although
      participants' narratives were broadly consistent with a number of recognizable,
      canonical story formats common to our cultural repertoire of stories of suicide,
      they also revealed important tensions, divisions, conflicts, and challenges to
      contemporary suicidological discourse and practice. Despite evidence to suggest
      that biomedical understandings of suicide provided some therapeutic benefit to
      participants, they did not address important social and moral dimensions of human
      life or explore their connection to suicidal behavior-aspects of the suicidal
      event that were critical to its causation and to its retelling and "resolution."
      The results of this study provide important insights into the moral features of
      suicidal behavior, the moral and ethical implications of suicide research, and
      the limitations of moral and ethical discourse in suicidology. 

PMID- 25130356
TI  - Desperately seeking a surrogate - for a patient lacking decision-making capacity.
AB  - Our hospital's policy and procedures for "Patients Without Surrogates" provides
      for gradated safeguards for managing patients' treatment and care when they lack
      decision-making capacity, have no advance directives, and no surrogate decision
      makers are available. The safeguards increase as clinical decisions become more
      significant and have greater consequences for the patient. The policy also
      directs social workers to engage in "rigorous efforts" to search for surrogates
      who can potentially provide substituted judgments for such patients. We describe
      and illustrate the policy, procedures, and kinds of expected rigorous efforts
      through our narration of an actual but disguised case for which we provided
      clinical ethics guidance and social work expertise. Our experience with and
      reflection on this case resulted in four recommendations we make for health care
      facilities and organizations that aim to provide quality care for their own
      patients without surrogates. 

PMID- 25130357
TI  - Dax's case redux: when comes the end of the day?
AB  - Forty years after Dax Cowart fought to have his voice heard regarding his medical
      treatment, patient autonomy and rights are at the heart of patient care today.
      Yet, despite its centrality in patient care, the tension between a severely
      burned patient's right to stop treatment and the physician's role in saving a
      life has not abated. As this case study explores, barriers remain to hearing and
      respecting a patient's treatment decisions. Dismantling these barriers involves
      dispelling the myths that burn patients must grin and bear intense pain to
      recover and that a patient's choice to discontinue treatment equals physician
      failure. Moreover, in these situations, sustained, direct engagement between
      physician and patient can reduce the moral distress of all involved and enable
      physicians to hear and better accept when a patient is calling for the end of the
      day. 

PMID- 25130358
TI  - Undocumented and at the end of life.
AB  - Three of the most contentious issues in contemporary American society-allocation
      of medical resources, end of life care, and immigration-converge when
      undocumented immigrant patients are facing the terminal phase of chronic illness.
      The lack of consistent, pragmatic policy in each of these spheres leaves us with
      little guidance for how to advocate for undocumented patients at the end of life.
      Limited resources and growing need compound the problem. Care for patients in
      this unfortunate situation should be grounded in clinical and economic reality as
      well as respect for the dignity of the individual to avoid exacerbating
      inequalities. 

PMID- 25130359
TI  - Calling obesity a disease is a terrible decision.

PMID- 25130360
TI  - The weight I just can't lose.

PMID- 25130361
TI  - You mean it's not my fault: learning about lipedema, a fat disorder.

PMID- 25130362
TI  - Editors' note.

PMID- 25130363
TI  - The ZnSn(OH)6 nanocube-graphene composite as an anode material for Li-ion
      batteries.
AB  - ZnSn(OH)6 (ZSH) nanocubes with a uniform size of 40-80 nm were synthesized by
      using a simple hydrothermal route and then combined with graphene sheets (rGO)
      via the electrostatic interaction. The formed composite of ZnSn(OH)6 nanocube
      graphene (ZSH-rGO) was used as an anode material for Li-ion batteries and it
      exhibited significantly enhanced electrochemical performance. For instance, a
      capacity of 540 mA h g(-1) at 500 mA g(-1) was retained after 40 cycles. 

PMID- 25130364
TI  - A comparison of four gutta-percha filling techniques in simulated C-shaped
      canals.
AB  - AIM: To compare four gutta-percha filling techniques in simulated C-shaped canals
      based on filling quality at three cross-sectional levels, filling time and the
      apical extrusion of gutta-percha. METHODOLOGY: Forty resin simulated C-shaped
      canals were constructed and filled using one of four techniques: cold lateral
      compaction (LC), ultrasonic compaction (UC), single cone with injectable gutta
      percha (Obtura II(TM) ) (IT) and core-carrier (Thermafil((r)) ) (CC). Cross
      sections were made at 1 (L1), 3 (L3) and 6 (L6) mm from the canal terminus. Areas
      of gutta-percha, sealer and voids in each cross section were measured using an
      image analysis system. Data were analysed using a univariate general linear model
      and post hoc test (Dunnett's T3). Data on time taken to fill canals was evaluated
      using the Bonferroni post hoc test. RESULTS: CC had more gutta-percha and less
      sealer compared with IT at L1 (P < 0.05). LC had marginally significantly less
      gutta-percha than CC at this level (P = 0.049). At level 3 mm, significantly more
      gutta-percha and less sealer were present in IT compared with LC (P < 0.05). The
      techniques showed no difference in quality at L6. The time for LC (20.72 min) was
      three times longer than for both IT (6.11 min) and CC (6.67 min), whereas for UC
      (26.92 min), it was four times longer (P < 0.001). Finally, the four techniques
      were not different in the occurrence of apical extrusion of gutta-percha.
      CONCLUSIONS: The core-carrier technique was the most effective technique when
      assessed by gutta-percha area in this simulated C-shaped canal.

PMID- 25130365
TI  - M2(m-dobdc) (M = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) metal-organic frameworks exhibiting
      increased charge density and enhanced H2 binding at the open metal sites.
AB  - The well-known frameworks of the type M2(dobdc) (dobdc(4-) = 2,5-dioxido-1,4
      benzenedicarboxylate) have numerous potential applications in gas storage and
      separations, owing to their exceptionally high concentration of coordinatively
      unsaturated metal surface sites, which can interact strongly with small gas
      molecules such as H2. Employing a related meta-functionalized linker that is
      readily obtained from resorcinol, we now report a family of structural isomers of
      this framework, M2(m-dobdc) (M = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni; m-dobdc(4-) = 4,6-dioxido
      1,3-benzenedicarboxylate), featuring exposed M(2+) cation sites with a higher
      apparent charge density. The regioisomeric linker alters the symmetry of the
      ligand field at the metal sites, leading to increases of 0.4-1.5 kJ/mol in the H2
      binding enthalpies relative to M2(dobdc). A variety of techniques, including
      powder X-ray and neutron diffraction, inelastic neutron scattering, infrared
      spectroscopy, and first-principles electronic structure calculations, are applied
      in elucidating how these subtle structural and electronic differences give rise
      to such increases. Importantly, similar enhancements can be anticipated for the
      gas storage and separation properties of this new family of robust and
      potentially inexpensive metal-organic frameworks. 

PMID- 25130367
TI  - Edge effects in the primate community of the biological dynamics of Forest
      Fragments Project, Amazonas, Brazil.
AB  - While much is known about abiotic and vegetative edge effects in tropical
      forests, considerably less is known about the impact of forest edges on large
      mammals. In this study, we examine edge effects in a primate community to
      determine: 1) the distance from the edge over which edge effects in primate
      density are detectable, 2) whether individual species exhibit edge effects in
      their density, and 3) whether biological characteristics can be used to predict
      primate presence in edge habitats. Given their importance to many primate
      species, we also examine the influence of the number of large trees. We found
      edge penetration distances of 150 m for the five species that experienced edge
      effects, suggesting that primates respond to edge-related changes in the plant
      community that are known to be strongest over the first 150 m. Four species had
      higher edge densities: Alouatta macconnelli (folivore-frugivore), Chiropotes
      chiropotes (frugivorous seed predator), Saguinus midas (frugivore-faunivore), and
      Sapajus apella apella (frugivore-faunivore); one species' density was lower:
      Ateles paniscus (frugivore); and the final species, Pithecia chrysocephala
      (frugivorous seed predator), did not show an edge-related pattern. The lone
      significant relationship between the biological characteristics examined (body
      weight, diet, group size, and home range size) and primate presence in edge
      habitats was a negative relationship with the amount of fruit consumed. Though we
      did not examine primate responses to edges that border a denuded matrix, we have
      shown that edges influence primate distribution even following decades of
      secondary forest regeneration at habitat edges.

PMID- 25130366
TI  - Quantitative super-resolution imaging of Bruchpilot distinguishes active zone
      states.
AB  - The precise molecular architecture of synaptic active zones (AZs) gives rise to
      different structural and functional AZ states that fundamentally shape chemical
      neurotransmission. However, elucidating the nanoscopic protein arrangement at AZs
      is impeded by the diffraction-limited resolution of conventional light
      microscopy. Here we introduce new approaches to quantify endogenous protein
      organization at single-molecule resolution in situ with super-resolution imaging
      by direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). Focusing on the
      Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ), we find that the AZ cytomatrix (CAZ) is
      composed of units containing ~137 Bruchpilot (Brp) proteins, three quarters of
      which are organized into about 15 heptameric clusters. We test for a quantitative
      relationship between CAZ ultrastructure and neurotransmitter release properties
      by engaging Drosophila mutants and electrophysiology. Our results indicate that
      the precise nanoscopic organization of Brp distinguishes different physiological
      AZ states and link functional diversification to a heretofore unrecognized
      neuronal gradient of the CAZ ultrastructure. 

PMID- 25130369
TI  - Decline in self-reported health (EQ-5D) over time after surgical reconstruction
      of the right ventricular outflow tract: a longitudinal cohort study of 103
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with congenital heart disease may be operated with surgical
      reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Reintervention is
      common in this group of patients. The aim of this study was to examine
      longitudinal self-reported health measured by the EQ-5D questionnaire. DESIGN:
      Data were collected from the Swedish Registry of Congenital Heart Disease. EQ-5D,
      which measures health outcome, was introduced into the registry in 2005. All
      adult patients with previous surgical reconstruction of the RVOT who had EQ-5D
      data from their first and latest visit were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 103 patients
      (65 male and 38 female), mean age 31 (range 19-78 years), the diagnoses were:
      tetralogy of Fallot (n = 66); truncus, transpositions, and double outlet right
      ventricle (n = 23); and Ross-operated congenital aortic valve disease (n = 14).
      Time from first to latest visit was 3 years (range 1-7 years). Eighteen patients
      underwent 26 reinterventions in the observational period from the first to latest
      visit, including operations, percutaneous interventions, pacemaker implantations,
      and ablations. Health perception, mean EQ-5D visual analog scale, VAS, declined
      from 84.4 (standard deviation (SD) = 14.6) to 78.6 (SD = 18.3) at the latest
      visit, P = .001. The decline is almost exclusively seen in patients without
      reinterventions. Low EQ-VAS was associated with symptoms and New York Heart
      Association class II-IV. Patient-reported problems in the EQ-5D dimension usual
      activities were more common in the patients having reinterventions (25%) than
      those without reintervention (7%), P = .04. CONCLUSION: In this longitudinal
      cohort study of patients with previous surgical reconstruction of the RVOT,
      health perception declined over time. The decline was not observed in patients
      undergoing any additional interventions.

PMID- 25130368
TI  - Examining gender difference in adult-onset psychosis in Hong Kong.
AB  - AIM: Gender-specific treatment strategies for psychosis have been suggested in
      recent years. Data on gender difference were largely consistent regarding
      premorbid functioning, age of onset and negative symptoms; however, results
      regarding neurocognitive function and duration of untreated psychosis were mixed
      and inconclusive. In this study, we aimed at a thorough examination on the gender
      differences in 360 Chinese patients with first-episode psychosis in Hong Kong.
      METHODS: From June 2009 to August 2011, participants were consecutively recruited
      from a population-based territory-wide study of early psychosis targeting first
      episode psychosis in Hong Kong. Comprehensive data on basic demographics,
      premorbid functioning and schizoid and schizotypal traits, clinical, functioning,
      medication side effects and a battery of neurocognitive measures were collected
      upon entry into the service. RESULTS: In 360 patients with first-episode
      psychosis aged between 26 and 55 years, 43.6% (n = 157) were male and 56.4% (n =
      203) were female. Males had poorer premorbid functioning and adjustment, earlier
      age of onset, more negative symptoms and poorer functioning in terms of work
      productivity, independent living and immediate social network relationships at
      presentation of first-episode psychosis. Interestingly, our data indicate that
      males tend to be more educated, and also characterized by higher IQ, better
      neurocognitive performance on visual domain compared with females. Duration of
      untreated psychosis was not different between the two genders. CONCLUSION: Data
      from this homogeneous cohort of Chinese populations enabled tailored and
      culturally sensitive recommendation on gender-specific treatment strategies,
      hence improving patients' care and facilitate better diagnostic and
      interventional decisions for patients with psychosis.

PMID- 25130370
TI  - Validation of a field based chromatin dispersion assay to assess sperm DNA
      fragmentation in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).
AB  - Over the last two decades, there have been significant advances in the use of
      assisted reproductive technology for genetic and reproductive management of
      captive dolphin populations, including evaluation of sperm DNA quality. This
      study validated a customized sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCDt) for the
      bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) as a means of assessing sperm DNA damage
      both in the field and in the laboratory. After performing the SCDt, two different
      sperm morphotypes were identified: (i) sperm with fragmented DNA showed large
      haloes of dispersed DNA fragments emerging from a compact sperm nucleoid core and
      (ii) sperm containing non-fragmented DNA displayed small compact haloes
      surrounded by a dense core of non-dispersed DNA and protein complex. Estimates of
      sperm DNA fragmentation by means of SCDt were directly comparable to results
      obtained following a two-tailed comet assay and showed a significant degree of
      correlation (r = 0.961; p < 0.001). This investigation also revealed that the
      SCDt, with minor modifications to the standard protocol, can be successfully
      conducted in the field using a LED florescence microscopy obtaining a high
      correlation (r = 0.993; p = 0.01) between the data obtained in the laboratory and
      in the field. 

PMID- 25130372
TI  - Extracellular DNA traps in bronchoalveolar fluid from a murine eosinophilic
      pulmonary response.
AB  - Asthma is associated with a loss of the structural integrity of airway epithelium
      and dysfunction of the physical barrier, which protects airways from external
      harmful factors. Granulocyte activation causes the formation of extracellular
      traps, releasing web-like structures of DNA and proteins, being important to kill
      pathogens extracellularly. We investigated whether eosinophils infiltrating
      airways in an experimental model of asthma would induce eosinophil extracellular
      traps (EETs) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue. We showed that an
      ovalbumin (OVA) asthma protocol presented a significant increase in eosinophil
      counts with increased extracellular DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well
      as in lung tissue, confirming the presence of DNA traps colocalized with
      eosinophil peroxidase. EETs formation was reversed by DNase treatment. With these
      approaches, we demonstrated for the first time that OVA-challenged mice release
      extracellular DNA traps, which could aggravate pulmonary dysfunction. 

PMID- 25130371
TI  - miR-338-3p is over-expressed in blood, CFS, serum and spinal cord from sporadic
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and seriously disabling
      adult-onset neurological disease. Ninety percent of ALS patients are sporadic
      cases (sALS) with no clear genetic linkage. Accumulating evidence indicates that
      various microRNAs (miRNAs), expressed in a spatially and temporally controlled
      manner in the brain, play a key role in neuronal development. In addition,
      microRNA dysregulation contributes to some mental disorders and neurodegeneration
      diseases. In our research, the expression of one selected miRNA, miR-338-3p,
      which previously we have found over-expressed in blood leukocytes, was studied in
      several different tissues from sALS patients. For the first time, we detected a
      specific microRNA disease-related upregulation, miR-338-3p, in blood leukocytes
      as well in cerebrospinal fluid, serum, and spinal cord from sALS patients.
      Besides, staining of in situ hybridization showed that the signals of miR-338-3p
      were localized in the grey matter of spinal cord tissues from sALS autopsied
      patients. We propose that miRNA profiles found in tissue samples from sALS
      patients can be relevant to understand sALS pathogenesis and lead to set up
      effective biomarkers for sALS early diagnosis. 

PMID- 25130373
TI  - Resource loss, self-efficacy, and family support predict posttraumatic stress
      symptoms: a 3-year study of earthquake survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Social support and self-efficacy are regarded as
      coping resources that may facilitate readjustment after traumatic events. The
      2009 Cinchona earthquake in Costa Rica serves as an example for such an event to
      study resources to prevent subsequent severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms.
      DESIGN: At Time 1 (1-6 months after the earthquake in 2009), N=200 survivors were
      interviewed, assessing resource loss, received family support, and posttraumatic
      stress response. At Time 2 in 2012, severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms and
      general self-efficacy beliefs were assessed. METHODS: Regression analyses
      estimated the severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms accounted for by all
      variables. Moderator and mediator models were examined to understand the
      interplay of received family support and self-efficacy with posttraumatic stress
      symptoms. RESULTS: Baseline posttraumatic stress symptoms and resource loss (T1)
      accounted for significant but small amounts of the variance in the severity of
      posttraumatic stress symptoms (T2). The main effects of self-efficacy (T2) and
      social support (T1) were negligible, but social support buffered resource loss,
      indicating that only less supported survivors were affected by resource loss.
      Self-efficacy at T2 moderated the support-stress relationship, indicating that
      low levels of self-efficacy could be compensated by higher levels of family
      support. Receiving family support at T1 enabled survivors to feel self
      efficacious, underlining the enabling hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS: Receiving social
      support from relatives shortly after an earthquake was found to be an important
      coping resource, as it alleviated the association between resource loss and the
      severity of posttraumatic stress response, compensated for deficits of self
      efficacy, and enabled self-efficacy, which was in turn associated with more
      adaptive adjustment 3 years after the earthquake.

PMID- 25130375
TI  - A quantitative evaluation method using processed optical images and analysis of
      age-dependent changes on nasolabial lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Nasolabial lines (NL) and wrinkles of the face are major
      features of aging. Wrinkles have been studied widely by morphological methods
      using 3-dimensional (3D) photographic analysis instrument, but NL were evaluated
      by visual scoring usually. To evaluate NL quantitatively, another method is
      needed. This study is purposed to find out quantitative method for evaluation of
      NL. METHOD: One hundred Korean female subjects aged 20 to 60 were recruited in
      this study. Facial image was taken using light source adjusted VISIA-CR((r)) and
      3-dimensional wrinkle depth on the NL area was evaluated by Phase shift rapid in
      vivo measuring of human skin (PRIMOS((r))). The pixel number of NL area and the
      angle were obtained using processed images. The severity of NL was assessed by
      visual score. Skin elasticity was measured by Cutometer((r)) MPA580. Statistical
      significance was determined at P < 0.05. RESULT: The optical images obtained by
      light source adjusted VISIA-CR((r)) were easy to distinguish NL and significantly
      increased age-dependently. And three parameters of elasticity (R2, R5, and R7) on
      NL area were gradually decreased with age. The Pearson correlation coefficient
      was -0.756 (P < 0.01) between R7 parameter and ages. Also the pixel number of NL
      area, angle, wrinkle depth on the NL area (Ra), and visual score were decreased
      elasticity-dependently. The pixel number of NL area was highly related to Ra (r =
      0.567, P < 0.01) and visual score (r = 0.647, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study
      has shown that NL severity is related to decrease of dermal elasticity and age
      using quantitative new method by processing optical images.

PMID- 25130376
TI  - TGFbeta1 increases microglia-mediated engulfment of apoptotic cells via
      upregulation of the milk fat globule-EGF factor 8.
AB  - Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (Mfge8) has been described as
      an essential molecule during microglia-mediated clearance of apoptotic cells via
      binding to phosphatidylserine residues and subsequent phagocytosis. Impaired
      uptake of apoptotic cells by microglia results in prolonged inflammatory
      responses and damage of healthy cells. Although the mechanisms of Mfge8-mediated
      engulfment of apoptotic cells are well understood, endogenous or exogenous
      factors that regulate Mfge8 expression remain elusive. Here, we describe that
      TGFbeta1 increases the expression of Mfge8 and enhances the engulfment of
      apoptotic cells by primary mouse microglia in a Mfge8-dependent manner. Further,
      apoptotic cells are capable of increasing microglial TGFbeta expression and
      release and shift the microglia phenotype toward alternative activation.
      Moreover, we provide evidence that Mfge8 expression is differentially regulated
      in microglia after classical and alternative activation and that Mfge8 is not
      able to exert direct antiinflammatory effects on LPS-treated primary microglia.
      Together, these results underline the importance of TGFbeta1 as a regulatory
      factor for microglia and suggest that increased TGFbeta1 expression in models of
      neurodegeneration might be involved in clearance of apoptotic cells via
      regulation of Mfge8 expression.

PMID- 25130374
TI  - Bacteriology of pressure ulcers in individuals with spinal cord injury: What we
      know and what we should know.
AB  - Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at increased risk for the
      development of pressure ulcers. These chronic wounds are debilitating and
      contribute to prolonged hospitalization and worse medical outcome. However, the
      species of bacteria and the role that specific species may play in delaying the
      healing of chronic pressure ulcers in the SCI population has not been well
      characterized. This study will review the literature regarding what is known
      currently about the bacteriology of pressure ulcers in individuals with SCI. An
      electronic literature search of MEDLINE (1966 to February 2014) was performed.
      Eleven studies detailing bacterial cultures of pressure ulcers in the SCI
      population met inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Among these
      studies, bacterial cultures were often polymicrobial with both aerobic and
      anaerobic bacteria identified with culture techniques that varied significantly.
      The most common organisms identified in pressure ulcers were Staphylococcus
      aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. In
      general, wounds were poorly characterized with minimal to no physical description
      and/or location provided. Our present understanding of factors that may alter the
      microbiome of pressure ulcers in individuals with SCI is quite rudimentary, at
      best. Well-designed studies are needed to assess appropriate wound culture
      technique, the impact of bacterial composition on wound healing, development of
      infection, and the optimum medical and surgical approaches to wound care. 

PMID- 25130377
TI  - The significance of p40 expression in sclerosing hemangioma of lung.
AB  - To explore the histogenesis of cuboidal and polygonal tumor cells in the
      sclerosing hemangioma of lung (SHL), eighteen cases of SHL were retrospectively
      studied. SPB, p40, TTF-1,EMA,CKpan, vimentin,SMA, CgA,Syn and CD34 were
      immunohistochemically labeled by the EnVisionmethod. It was found that the four
      main types of structure in SHL were solid,papillary, hemorrhagic and sclerotic
      patterns. The tumor cells were composed mainly of two types of cells: cuboidal
      tumor cells and polygonal tumor cells. The immunohistochemistry showed that p40
      was expressed only in cuboidal tumor cells. TTF-1 and EMA were expressed in both
      polygonal cells and cuboidal cells. SPB was also expressed in cuboidal tumor
      cells; vimentin was expressed in all polygonal tumor cells and some cuboidal
      cells. The findings suggest that the p40-positive cuboidal tumor cells may be
      pluripotent original respiratory epithelial cells, with multi-directional
      differentiation capacity. 

PMID- 25130378
TI  - Evidence of inbreeding depression on height, weight, and body mass index: a
      population-based child cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed to estimate the effect of inbreeding on height,
      weight, and body mass index (BMI) in comparison with non-inbred children.
      METHODS: A cohort study was conducted during April 2013 through July 2013 in
      Jammu (North India) and a total of 1,270 children (5-15 years of age) were
      selected in a random way both from inbred and non-inbred families of five Muslim
      populations. The height and weight was measured using standard methods and the
      BMI categories were employed as adapted by World Health Organization (WHO).
      Family pedigrees were drawn to access the family history and children's inbred
      status in terms of coefficient of inbreeding (F). RESULTS: Children of inbred
      families showed decline in mean value for height, weight, and BMI (P < 0.0001).
      The mean difference (95% confidence interval) in height -7.318 (5.827-8.809),
      weight -6.590 (5.100-8.081) and BMI -2.133 (0.6419-3.624) for inbred as compared
      with non-inbred children were found to be significant (P < 0.001). We observed an
      increase in the difference in mean values for height, weight and BMI with the
      increase of inbreeding coefficient and these were statistically significant (P <
      0.05, using post hoc tests). The frequency of underweight children was found to
      be higher among individuals in the inbred category (<18.5 kg/m(2)  = 47.31%) as
      compared with the non-inbred category (<18.5 kg/m(2)  = 13.41%) and subsequent
      depression was found among the inbred children due to an increase of inbreeding
      coefficient. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide the evidence of inbreeding
      depression on height, weight, and BMI being important in context of child health.

PMID- 25130379
TI  - Mononuclear and terminal zirconium and hafnium methylidenes.
AB  - The dimethyl aryloxide complexes [(PNP)M(CH3)2(OAr)] (M=Zr or Hf; PNP(-)=N[2
      P(CHMe2)2-4-methylphenyl]2); Ar=2,6-iPr2C6H3), which were readily prepared from
      [(PNP)M(CH3)3] by alcoholysis with HOAr, undergo photolytically induced alpha
      hydrogen abstraction to cleanly produce complexes [(PNP)M=CH2(OAr)] with terminal
      methylidene ligands. These unique systems have been fully characterized,
      including the determination of a solid-state structure in the case of M=Zr.

PMID- 25130380
TI  - Restrictive food intake as a choice--a paradigm for study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Inadequate intake and preference for low-calorie foods are salient
      behavioral features of Anorexia Nervosa (AN). The neurocognitive mechanisms
      underlying pathological food choice have not been characterized. This study aimed
      to develop a new paradigm for experimentally modeling maladaptive food choice in
      AN. METHOD: Individuals with AN (n = 22) and healthy controls (HC, n = 20)
      participated in a computer-based Food Choice Task, adapted for individuals with
      eating disorders. Participants first rated 43 food images (including high-fat and
      low-fat items) for Healthiness and Tastiness; an item rated neutral on both
      blocks was then selected as the Reference item. On each of 42 subsequent trials
      participants were asked to choose between the food item presented and the
      Reference item. RESULTS: The AN group was less likely to choose high-fat foods
      relative to HC, as evidenced both in multilevel logistic regression (z = 2.59, p
      = .009) and ANOVA (F(1,39) = 7.80, p = .008) analyses. Health ratings influenced
      choice significantly more in AN relative to HC (z = 2.7, p = .006), and were more
      related to Taste among AN (chi(2) = 4.10, p = .04). Additionally, taste ratings
      declined with duration of illness (r = -.50, p = .02). DISCUSSION: The Food
      Choice Task captures the preference for low-fat foods among individuals with AN.
      The findings suggest that the experience of tastiness changes over time and may
      contribute to perpetuation of illness. By providing an experimental quantitative
      measure of food restriction, this task opens the door to new experimental
      investigations into the cognitive, affective, and neural factors contributing to
      maladaptive food choices characteristic of AN.

PMID- 25130384
TI  - Surgery for non-small cell lung cancer in younger patients: what are the
      differences?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in young adults is uncommon. The
      objective of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics,
      outcomes and prognosis of people younger than 50 years old treated surgically for
      NSCLC. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using the institutional
      database of four thoracic surgery units to collect patients with NSCLC younger
      than 50 years who had undergone surgery. These patients were compared with older
      patients (>75-years) operated in the same institutions and in the same period.
      RESULTS: We identified 113 young patients and 347 older patients. Younger
      patients were more likely to be female, non-smokers, with fewer comorbidities.
      Younger patients were more likely to be symptomatic at the time of diagnosis.
      Risk factors for poor prognosis in younger patients were T-stage, and disease
      free-interval less than 548 days. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower five-year
      survival in older patients compared with the younger ones (66% vs 38%, p=0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion NSCLC in younger patients has some distinct
      clinicopathological characteristics. The overall-survival of young patients is
      better than in older patients. Young patients receive more complete and
      aggressive treatment that could explain better survival. Further prospective
      studies with larger patient populations are required, to clarify the biological
      and genetic variance of NSCLC in younger patients.

PMID- 25130383
TI  - Left ventricular geometry and all-cause mortality in advanced age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormalities of cardiac structure and function are common in a wide
      range of populations including those with and without established clinical
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study reports the prevalence of left
      ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), the four patterns of LV geometry and establishes
      clinical characteristics and five-year outcomes of each group in people of
      advanced age. METHOD: A study conducted in general practices and Maori Health
      Services in three New Zealand North Island locations. One hundred participants
      had a full clinical echocardiogram performed and analysed in 2008 by one
      experienced cardiologist blinded to the participant's clinical history. RESULTS:
      Two-thirds of the participants had CVD. Thirty-two participants had
      echocardiographic LVH. Those with LVH had higher left atrial area [median (IQR)
      26.4cm(2) (10.9) vs. 22.0cm(2) (7.0), p<0.01] and E/e' [median (IQR) 13 (6.8)
      vs.10.8 (4.1), p=0.01] than those without LVH. Of those with LVH, 10 demonstrated
      concentric hypertrophy (CH) and 22 eccentric hypertrophy (EH); 12 concentric
      remodelling (CR) and 40 normal geometry (NG). Both CR and EH were independently
      associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (p<0.01) and hospital
      admissions (p<0.05) than those with NG. Those with EH also had a higher risk of
      CVD events (p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high prevalence of CVD and
      hypertension in this sample, half had normal LV geometry. Concentric remodelling
      and eccentric hypertrophy were associated with higher mortality and adverse CVD
      outcomes in people of advanced age.

PMID- 25130385
TI  - Simulation-based ureteroscopy training: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Simulation is a common adjunct to operative training and various
      modalities exist for ureteroscopy. This systematic review aims the following: (1)
      to identify available ureteroscopy simulators, (2) to explore evidence for their
      effectiveness using characteristic criterion, and (3) to provide recommendations
      for simulation-based ureteroscopy training. DESIGN: The preferred reporting items
      for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement guidelines were used. A
      literature search was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library
      databases. RESULTS: In total, 20 articles concerning ureteroscopy simulators were
      included. Overall, 3 high-fidelity bench models are available. The Uro-Scopic
      Trainer has demonstrated face, construct, and concurrent validity, whereas the
      Scope Trainer has undergone content, construct, and predictive validation. The
      adult ureteroscopy trainer has demonstrated face, content, and construct
      validity. The URO Mentor is the only available ureteroscopy virtual-reality
      system; 10 studies were identified demonstrating its face, content, construct,
      concurrent, and predictive validity. The Uro-Scopic Trainer, the Scope Trainer,
      and the URO Mentor have demonstrated high educational impact. A noncommercially
      available, low-fidelity model has demonstrated effectiveness comparable to its
      high-fidelity counterpart at 185 times lesser than the price of the Uro-Scopic
      Trainer. The use of porcine models has also been described in 3 studies but
      require further study. CONCLUSIONS: Valid models are available for simulation
      based ureteroscopy training. However, there is a lack of many high-level studies
      conducted, and further investigation is required in this area. Furthermore,
      current research focuses on the technical skills acquisition with little research
      conducted on nontechnical skills acquisition within ureteroscopy. The next step
      for ureteroscopy training is a formalized and validated curriculum, incorporating
      simulation, training models, development of nontechnical skills, and real-life
      practice.

PMID- 25130386
TI  - Research productivity of residents and surgeons with formal research training.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The spectrum of the surgeon-scientist ranges from a clinician who
      participates in the occasional research collaboration to the predominantly
      academic scientist with no involvement in clinical work. Training surgeon
      scientists can involve resource-intense and lengthy training programs, including
      Masters and PhD degrees. Despite high enrollment rates in such programs, limited
      data exist regarding their outcome. The aim of the study was to investigate the
      scientific productivity of general surgeons who completed Masters or PhD graduate
      training compared with those who completed clinical residency training only.
      DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of graduates of general surgery residency
      was conducted over 2 decades. Data regarding graduation year, dedicated research
      training type, as well as publication volume, authorship role, and publication
      impact of surgeons during and after training, were analyzed. SETTING: The study
      was conducted in 2 general surgery residency training programs in Canada
      (University of Alberta and University of Toronto). PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of 323
      surgeons who completed general surgery residency between 1998 and 2012. RESULTS:
      Overall, 25% of surgeons obtained graduate-level research degrees. Surgeons with
      graduate degrees were proportionately more likely to participate in research
      publications both during training (100% of PhD, 82% of Masters, and 38% of
      clinical-only graduates, p < 0.05) and after training (91% of PhD, 81% of
      Masters, and 44% of clinical-only graduates, p < 0.05). Among surgeons involved
      in publication, the individual publication volume and impact of publication were
      highest among those with PhD degrees, as compared with clinical-only or Masters
      training. CONCLUSIONS: The volume and impact of research publication of PhD
      trained surgeon-scientists are significantly higher than those having clinical
      only and Masters training. The additional 1 or 2 years of training to obtain a
      PhD over a Masters degree significantly nurtures trainees to hone research skills
      within a supervised environment and should be encouraged for research-inclined
      residents.

PMID- 25130387
TI  - The right posterior sector graft in living donor liver transplantation revisited.

PMID- 25130388
TI  - Suboptimal duration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor use and chemotherapy
      induced neutropenia in women diagnosed with breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prophylactic use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is
      recommended for cancer patients who are at high risk of neutropenic events.
      However, whether the clinical effectiveness of G-CSF from randomized controlled
      trials translates into "real-world" clinical practice is questionable. The goal
      of this retrospective cohort study was to examine the impact of G-CSF prophylaxis
      and other potential risk factors of severe neutropenia in women with breast
      cancer. METHODS: Our study subjects were women who were diagnosed with breast
      cancer and who received a new course of chemotherapy between January 1, 2010, and
      December 31, 2010, at a cancer center in Taiwan. Generalized estimating equations
      were applied to examine the association between G-CSF prophylaxis and neutropenic
      events. FINDINGS: We identified 353 women with breast cancer who received a total
      of 2776 cycles of chemotherapy. G-CSF was used as primary prophylaxis in 7% (n =
      202) of cycles and as secondary prophylaxis in 11% (n = 319) of cycles. The mean
      duration of G-CSF for primary and secondary prophylaxis was 4.9 and 3.7 days,
      respectively. A chemotherapy regimen with high risk of febrile neutropenia was
      found to be a risk factor for severe neutropenic events (odds ratio, 3.22 [95%
      CI, 1.97-5.27]). Prophylactic use of G-CSF was not statistically significantly
      associated with febrile neutropenia. IMPLICATIONS: The major determinants of
      neutropenic events among patients with breast cancer were the content and
      intensity of chemotherapy regimens. Suboptimal use of G-CSF may not be effective
      in preventing neutropenic events among women with breast cancer.

PMID- 25130390
TI  - Bioactive nanoparticles stimulate bone tissue formation in bioprinted three
      dimensional scaffold and human mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Bioprinting based on thermal inkjet printing is a promising but unexplored
      approach in bone tissue engineering. Appropriate cell types and suitable
      biomaterial scaffolds are two critical factors to generate successful bioprinted
      tissue. This study was undertaken in order to evaluate bioactive ceramic
      nanoparticles in stimulating osteogenesis of printed bone marrow-derived human
      mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate (PEGDMA)
      scaffold. hMSCs suspended in PEGDMA were co-printed with nanoparticles of
      bioactive glass (BG) and hydroxyapatite (HA) under simultaneous polymerization so
      the printed substrates were delivered with highly accurate placement in three
      dimensional (3D) locations. hMSCs interacted with HA showed the highest cell
      viability (86.62 +/- 6.02%) and increased compressive modulus (358.91 +/- 48.05
      kPa) after 21 days in culture among all groups. Biochemical analysis showed the
      most collagen production and highest alkaline phosphatase activity in PEG-HA
      group, which is consistent with gene expression determined by quantitative PCR.
      Masson's trichrome staining also showed the most collagen deposition in PEG-HA
      scaffold. Therefore, HA is more effective comparing to BG for hMSCs osteogenesis
      in bioprinted bone constructs. Combining with our previous experience in
      vasculature, cartilage, and muscle bioprinting, this technology demonstrates the
      capacity for both soft and hard tissue engineering with biomimetic structures. 

PMID- 25130391
TI  - Can a baseline morning cortisol predict outcome of short Synacthen test in an
      endocrine unit in an outpatient setting.

PMID- 25130389
TI  - Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) promotes breast cancer cell metastasis and the
      mechanism implicates epithelial-mesenchymal transition programme under hypoxia.
AB  - A wide range of genes involved in breast cancer metastasis have been reported to
      be related to the microenvironment. We studied the role of discoidin domain
      receptor 2 (DDR2), a collagen-binding receptor, in breast cancer progression
      under hypoxic conditions. We showed that DDR2 protein expression closely
      correlated with the expression of hypoxic marker HIF-1alpha in clinical breast
      cancer specimens. The in vitro data demonstrated that hypoxia treatment increased
      the levels of both expression and phosphorylation of DDR2 in human breast cancer
      cell lines. In vivo, orthotopic breast tumour xenografts with DDR2 knockdown
      displayed reduced dissemination and significant prevention in pulmonary and
      lymphatic metastasis; conversely, these processes were significantly facilitated
      by the enforced expression of the activated form of DDR2. Further mechanism
      studies indicated that DDR2 plays an indispensable role in a series of hypoxia
      induced behaviours of breast cancer cells, including migration, invasion, and
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The transcription factor Snail was found
      to mediate DDR2-induced down-regulation of the cell-cell adhesion molecule E
      cadherin. It was also documented that there is a correlation between DDR2 and E
      cadherin expression with the presence of lymph node metastases in 160 cases of
      invasive human breast carcinoma. In addition, we provided evidence that DDR2
      silencing in breast cancer cells prevents the hypoxia-induced activation of ERK
      MAPK, suggesting its potential involvement in mediating the effect of DDR2 on
      hypoxia-induced signalling. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that
      DDR2 participates in hypoxia-induced breast cancer metastasis through the
      regulation of cell migration, invasion, and EMT, and thus may serve as an
      accessible therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer.

PMID- 25130392
TI  - Serum Cytokine Levels in Behcet's Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the serum levels
      of various cytokines in patients with Behcet's Disease and healthy controls.
      METHODS: Thirty-five patients with Behcet's disease and 29 age and sex-matched
      healthy controls were included in the study. The patients were separated into
      groups with active and inactive disease. Serum IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A,
      and IFN-gamma levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      method. Cytokine levels of the two patient groups and healthy controls were
      compared using SPSS 15.0. RESULTS: Ten patients with active disease and 25
      patients with inactive disease were present. Serum IL-8 levels of active BD
      patients were higher compared to inactive patients (P = 0.048) and healthy
      controls (P = 0.02). IL-8 levels were correlated with the duration of symptoms (r
      = 0.490, P = 0.003) and time passed since diagnosis (r = 0.579, P ? 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Behcet's disease involves complex interactions of cells of the immune
      system, mainly T lymphocytes and neutrophils. Further studies on the cytokine
      profile in Behcet's disease will aid in elucidation of its pathogenesis.

PMID- 25130393
TI  - Identification of binding sites for C-terminal pro-gastrin-releasing peptide
      (GRP)-derived peptides in renal cell carcinoma: a potential target for future
      therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression and biology of the neuroendocrine growth
      factor gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and other proGRP-derived peptides in renal
      cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Receptor binding studies, enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay, were used to quantitate the
      presence of proGRP-derived peptide receptors and their ligands in renal cancer
      cell lines and human renal cancers. Biological activity of proGRP peptides was
      confirmed with proliferation, migration, and extracellular-signal-regulated
      kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation assays in vitro. In vivo, ACHN renal cancer
      xenografts were treated with proGRP-derived peptides to assess tumour size and
      necrosis. hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF1alpha) and vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) expression were investigated with Western blotting and ELISA
      respectively, to determine the possible contribution of the proGRP peptides to
      tumour viability. RESULTS: In ACHN cells that expressed both proGRP- and GRP
      receptors, the expression of proGRP binding sites was 80-fold greater than the
      GRP-receptor (GRPR). C-terminal proGRP-derived peptides stimulated the activation
      of ERK1/2, but with a different time course to GRP, consistent with the
      suggestion that these peptides may have unique cellular functions. Both GRP and
      proGRP47-68 stimulated proliferation and migration of ACHN cells in vitro, but
      only GRP reduced the extent of tumour necrosis in ACHN xenografts. GRP, but not
      proGRP47-68, was able to induce HIF1alpha and VEGF expression in ACHN cells. This
      may account in part for the reduction in necrosis after GRP treatment. C-terminal
      proGRP-derived peptides were present in all three renal cancer cell lines and a
      panel of human renal cancers, but mature amidated GRP was absent. CONCLUSION: C
      terminal proGRP peptides are more abundant in renal cancers and their cell lines
      than the more extensively studied amidated peptide, GRP. These results suggest
      that C-terminal proGRP-derived peptides may be a better target for novel renal
      cancer treatments.

PMID- 25130394
TI  - Histone H1.5, a novel prostatic cancer marker: an immunohistochemical study.
AB  - Histone H1.5 (HH1.5) is a somatic subtype of the histone H1 family of linker
      proteins that are located in the nucleus and play a role in stabilizing higher
      order chromatin structure, gene expression, DNA repair, and cell proliferation.
      Recently, differential immunohistochemical expression of HH1.5 has been found in
      various neuroendocrine neoplasms. This study aimed to investigate the
      immunohistochemical expression of HH1.5 in prostatic adenocarcinomas. Sixty-three
      prostate needle core biopsies, 9 radical prostatectomy specimens, and 3
      metastatic prostate cancer cases were evaluated. HH1.5 immunohistochemistry
      revealed strong nuclear reactivity in 68 (93%) of 73 cases of prostate
      adenocarcinomas, compared to only 7 (9%) of 75 cases of benign prostatic glands
      (P <= .0001). In all positive benign prostate epithelium, HH1.5 was limited to
      focal and weak reactivity. Similarly, all 23 foci of high-grade prostatic
      intraepithelial neoplasia exhibited focal staining, with the vast majority having
      only weak nuclear reactivity. Increased HH1.5 reactivity was observed in Gleason
      patterns 4 and 5 as compared to Gleason pattern 3, 72% and 56%, respectively (P
      <= .02). All 3 metastatic prostate cancer cases showed strong nuclear reactivity.
      HH1.5 may be a useful diagnostic tool in evaluating prostatic biopsies,
      particularly with small foci of cancer. Further studies are needed to support
      these findings and investigate the possible prognostic significance of HH1.5 in
      prostatic adenocarcinomas. 

PMID- 25130395
TI  - Protein expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 in
      primary cutaneous melanoma--biomarkers of potential utility?
AB  - Dysregulation of the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis, relevant in melanoma progression,
      activates cell cycle progression and migration via stimulation of the MAPK
      pathway. We sought to ascertain the cooperativity of the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis with
      established prognosticators and BRAF status in melanoma. Samples (n = 107) of
      primary cutaneous melanoma were assessed for protein expression of CXCR4 and
      CXCL12, and molecular analyses were performed to ascertain BRAF status.
      Univariate analyses of CXCR4 protein showed that the proportion of CXCR4
      positives was greater in melanomas with absence of mitoses (P < .0001), absence
      of ulceration (P = .0008), and absence of regression (P = .02). Patients
      presenting at shallower stages (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] 1-2)
      exhibited a larger proportion of CXCR4 positives (76.9%, P < .0001 and 69.0%, P =
      .008), whereas those at deeper stages (AJCC 3-4) exhibited a larger proportion of
      negatives (75.0%, P = .004 and 66.7%, P = .22). In a multivariate analysis, lower
      odds of CXCR4 protein expression were associated with AJCC stage 3 (odds ratio
      [OR]=0.16, P = .01), AJCC stage 4 (OR=0.17, P = .04), and mitoses (OR=0.21, P =
      .01). Univariate analyses of CXCL12 protein showed that the proportion of CXCL12
      negatives was significantly smaller in melanomas with depth of at least 1 mm,
      absence of ulceration, and absence of vascular invasion (P < .0001 for all).
      CXCR4 and CXCL12 appear to be biomarkers associated with established
      prognosticators of good and poor clinical outcome, respectively, in primary
      cutaneous melanoma. A BRAF mutation does not appear to be associated with
      CXCR4/CXCL12 axis upregulation in primary cutaneous melanoma. 

PMID- 25130396
TI  - Multiple metastases from histologically benign intraarticular diffuse-type
      tenosynovial giant cell tumor: a case report.
AB  - Diffuse-type tenosynovial giant cell tumor (D-TGCT) is a relatively rare
      mesenchymal tumor. It is a locally aggressive but virtually nonmetastasizing
      neoplasm and thus regarded as benign. Only a few D-TGCTs with benign histology
      have been reported to metastasize. We report an extremely rare case of benign D
      TGCT in which multiple metastases developed 9 years after surgery for the primary
      tumor. The present case suggests that conventional D-TGCT has the potential to
      form distant metastases, albeit exceptionally rarely, and that this probable
      implantation phenomenon can be managed conservatively. 

PMID- 25130397
TI  - Recent progress in analytical capillary isotachophoresis.
AB  - This paper brings a survey of papers on analytical capillary ITP published since
      2012 until the first quarter of 2014. These papers are ranged according to their
      nature, the techniques used, and the instrumentation employed. The sequence of
      the related chapter titles is as follows: Theory and simulations, techniques and
      instrumentation, single-column and column-switching applications of ITP, ITP in
      microfluidic systems, on-line ITP-CZE and transient ITP (tITP) techniques and
      applications. The review shows the position of analytical capillary ITP among
      contemporary separation techniques and implies the potential future trends. 

PMID- 25130398
TI  - Nonreproductive role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the control of ascidian
      metamorphosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs) are neuropeptides that play
      central roles in the reproduction of vertebrates. In the ascidian Ciona
      intestinalis, GnRHs and their receptors are expressed in the nervous systems at
      the larval stage, when animals are not yet capable of reproduction, suggesting
      that the hormones have non-reproductive roles. RESULTS: We showed that GnRHs in
      Ciona are involved in the animal's metamorphosis by regulating tail absorption
      and adult organ growth. Absorption of the larval tail and growth of the adult
      organs are two major events in the metamorphosis of ascidians. When larvae were
      treated with GnRHs, they completed tail absorption more frequently than control
      larvae. cAMP was suggested to be a second messenger for the induction of tail
      absorption by GnRHs. tGnRH-3 and tGnRH-5 (the "t" indicates "tunicate") inhibited
      the growth of adult organs by arresting cell cycle progression in parallel with
      the promotion of tail absorption. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new insights
      into the molecular mechanisms of ascidian metamorphosis conducted by non
      reproductive GnRHs.

PMID- 25130399
TI  - Mitochondrial complex I activity suppresses inflammation and enhances bone
      resorption by shifting macrophage-osteoclast polarization.
AB  - Mitochondrial complex I (CI) deficiency is associated with multiple neurological
      and metabolic disorders. However, its effect on innate immunity and bone
      remodeling is unclear. Using deletion of the essential CI subunit Ndufs4 as a
      model for mitochondrial dysfunction, we report that mitochondria suppress
      macrophage activation and inflammation while promoting osteoclast differentiation
      and bone resorption via both cell-autonomous and systemic regulation. Global
      Ndufs4 deletion causes systemic inflammation and osteopetrosis. Hematopoietic
      Ndufs4 deletion causes an intrinsic lineage shift from osteoclast to macrophage.
      Liver Ndufs4 deletion causes a metabolic shift from fatty acid oxidation to
      glycolysis, accumulating fatty acids and lactate (FA/LAC) in the circulation.
      FA/LAC further activates Ndufs4(-/-) macrophages via reactive oxygen species
      induction and diminishes osteoclast lineage commitment in Ndufs4(-/-)
      progenitors; both inflammation and osteopetrosis in Ndufs4(-/-) mice are
      attenuated by TLR4/2 deletion. Together, these findings reveal mitochondrial CI
      as a critical rheostat of innate immunity and skeletal homeostasis. 

PMID- 25130400
TI  - FGF21 acts centrally to induce sympathetic nerve activity, energy expenditure,
      and weight loss.
AB  - The mechanism by which pharmacologic administration of the hormone FGF21
      increases energy expenditure to cause weight loss in obese animals is unknown.
      Here we report that FGF21 acts centrally to exert its effects on energy
      expenditure and body weight in obese mice. Using tissue-specific knockout mice,
      we show that betaKlotho, the obligate coreceptor for FGF21, is required in the
      nervous system for these effects. FGF21 stimulates sympathetic nerve activity to
      brown adipose tissue through a mechanism that depends on the neuropeptide
      corticotropin-releasing factor. Our findings provide an unexpected mechanistic
      explanation for the strong pharmacologic effects of FGF21 on energy expenditure
      and weight loss in obese animals. 

PMID- 25130402
TI  - The structure of the gas bladder of the spotted gar, Lepisosteus oculatus.
AB  - We report here on the macroscopic, light microscopic, and electron microscopic
      structure of the gas bladder (GB) of the spotted gar, Lepisosteus oculatus. The
      GB opens into the pharynx, dorsal to the opening of the oesophagus, through a
      longitudinal slit bordered by two glottal ridges. Caudal to the ridges, the GB is
      an elongated sac divided into a central duct and right and left lobes. The lobes
      are formed by a cranio-caudal sequence of large air spaces that open into the
      central duct. The structure of the GB is that of a membranous sac supported by a
      system of septa arising from the walls of a central duct. The septa contain
      variable amounts of striated and smooth muscle might function to maintain the
      bladder shape and in providing contractile capabilities. The presence of muscle
      cells, nerves, and neuroepithelial cells in the wall of the GB strongly suggests
      that GB function is tightly regulated. The central duct and the apical surface of
      the thickest septa are covered by mucociliated epithelium. Most of the rest of
      the inner bladder surface is covered by a respiratory epithelium which contains
      goblet cells and a single type of pneumocyte. These two cell types produce
      surfactant. The respiratory barrier contains thick areas with fibrillar material
      and cell prolongations, and thin areas that only contain basement membrane
      material between the capillary wall and the respiratory epithelium. Lungs and GBs
      share many anatomical and histological features. There appears to be no clear
      criterion for structural distinction between these two types of respiratory
      organs.

PMID- 25130404
TI  - Bedside interprofessional rounds: perceptions of benefits and barriers by
      internal medicine nursing staff, attending physicians, and housestaff physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interprofessional collaboration improves the quality of care, but
      integration into workflow is challenging. Although a shared conceptualization
      regarding bedside interprofessional rounds may enhance implementation, little
      work has investigated providers' perceptions of this activity. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the perceptions of nurses, attending physicians, and housestaff
      physicians regarding the benefits/barriers to bedside interprofessional rounds.
      DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Observational, cross-sectional survey of hospital-based
      medicine nurses, attending physicians, and housestaff physicians. Descriptive,
      nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum and nonparametric correlation were used. MAIN
      MEASURES: Bedside interprofessional rounds were defined as "encounters including
      2 physicians plus a nurse or other care provider discussing the case at the
      patient's bedside." Eighteen items related to "benefits" and 21 items related to
      "barriers" associated with bedside interprofessional rounds. RESULTS: Of 171
      surveys sent, 149 were completed (87%). Highest-ranked benefits were related to
      communication/coordination, including "improves communication between nurses
      physicians;" lowest-ranked benefits were related to efficiency, process, and
      outcomes, including "decreases length-of-stay" and "improves timeliness of
      consultations." Nurses reported most favorable ratings for all items (P < 0.05).
      Rank order for 3 provider groups showed high correlation (r = 0.92, P < 0.001).
      Highest-ranked barriers were related to time, including "nursing staff have
      limited time;" lowest-ranked barriers were related to provider- and patient
      related factors, including "patient lack of comfort." Rank order of barriers
      among all groups showed moderate correlation (r = 0.62-0.82). CONCLUSIONS:
      Although nurses perceived greater benefit for bedside interprofessional rounds
      than physicians, all providers perceived coordination/teamwork benefits higher
      than outcomes. To the extent the results are generalizable, these findings lay
      the foundation for facilitating meaningful patient-centered interprofessional
      collaboration.

PMID- 25130403
TI  - Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST): a SEER analysis of incidence
      across the age spectrum and therapeutic interventions in the pediatric
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are very rare in the
      general population and challenging to treat. A paucity of data exists regarding
      the incidence of MPNST across all age groups and treatment outcomes in the
      pediatric population. We aimed to characterize both using the Survival,
      Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. PROCEDURE: The SEER-18 database
      with information on the United States population from 1973 to 2009 was queried
      for cases of MPNST. For incidence data, 1,182 cases were found among the general
      population. Of those, 165 cases were in individuals aged 0-19. After exclusions,
      139 cases from the SEER-18 database met study criteria for outcomes analysis. For
      each patient, variables including gender, age, race, stage (localized, regional,
      or distant), surgical treatment, and radiotherapy were obtained. RESULTS: The
      overall incidence of MPNST was 1.46 per million person-years, with increased
      incidence among the elderly. In the pediatric population, the incidence was 0.56
      per million person-years, and was higher among post-pubertal children aged 10-19.
      Median overall survival in the pediatric population was 30 months, with only
      localized disease and treatment with surgery being positive prognostic factors on
      multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: MPNST is a rare disease and, among children,
      is most frequent seen in adolescents. Surgery is crucial as first-line treatment
      for MPNST, especially if the tumor is localized at diagnosis. In patients with
      non-localized MPNST, the disease remains extremely difficult to manage, and both
      surgery and radiotherapy are interventions that should be considered.

PMID- 25130405
TI  - Increased NT-proANP predicts risk of congestive heart failure in Cavalier King
      Charles spaniels with mitral regurgitation caused by myxomatous valve disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the predictive value of plasma N-terminal pro-atrial
      natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) and nitric oxide end-products (NOx) as markers
      for progression of mitral regurgitation caused by myxomatous mitral valve
      disease. ANIMALS: Seventy-eight privately owned Cavalier King Charles spaniels
      with naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease. METHODS: Prospective
      longitudinal study comprising 312 measurements over a 4.5 year period. Clinical
      values were recorded, NT-proANP concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay,
      and NOx were analyzed colorimetrically. To predict congestive heart failure
      (CHF), Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates were
      constructed. RESULTS: The hazard ratio for NT-proANP (per 1000 pmol/l increase)
      to predict future CHF was 6.7 (95% confidence interval, 3.6-12.5; p < 0.001). The
      median time to CHF for dogs with NT-proANP levels >1000 pmol/l was 11 months (95%
      confidence interval, 5.6-12.6 months), compared to 54 months (46 - infinity) for
      dogs with concentrations <= 1000 pmol/l (p < 0.001). Due to intra- and inter
      individual variability, most corresponding analyses for NOx were insignificant
      but dogs reaching CHF had a lower mean NOx concentration than dogs not reaching
      CHF (23 vs. 28 MUmol/l, p = 0.016). Risk of CHF increased with increase in heart
      rate (>130 beats per minute) and grade of murmur (>= 3/6). CONCLUSIONS: The risk
      of CHF due to mitral regurgitation is increased in dogs with blood NT-proANP
      concentrations above 1000 pmol/l. Measurement of NT-proANP can be a valuable tool
      to identify dogs that may develop CHF within months.

PMID- 25130406
TI  - Atrial septal pacing in small dogs: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of atrial septal pacing via a delivery
      catheter-guided small non-retracting helix pacing lead. ANIMALS: Six healthy
      beagles (8.3-12.9 kg). METHODS: Using single plane fluoroscopic guidance,
      Medtronic((r)) 3830 SelectSecure leads were connected to the atrial septum via
      Medtronic(r) Attain Select(r) II standard 90 Left Heart delivery catheter. Pacing
      threshold and lead impedance were measured at implantation. The Wenckebach point
      was tested via atrial pacing up to 220 paced pulses per minute (ppm). Thoracic
      radiographs were performed following implantation to identify the lead position,
      and repeated at 24 h, 1 month, and 3 months post-operatively. RESULTS: Macro-lead
      dislodgement occurred in two dogs at 24 h and in three dogs at one-month post
      implantation. Lead impedance, measured at the time of implantation, ranged from
      583 to 1421 Omega. The Wenckebach point was >220 ppm in four of the six dogs. The
      remaining two dogs had Wenckebach points of 120 and 190 ppm. CONCLUSIONS: This
      pilot study suggests the selected implantation technique and lead system were
      inadequate for secure placement in the atrial septum of these dogs. The possible
      reasons for inadequate stability include unsuitable lead design for this
      location, inadequate lead slack at the time of implantation and inadequate
      seating of the lead as evidenced by low impedance at the time of implantation.
      Other implantation techniques and/or pacing leads should be investigated to
      determine the optimal way of pacing the atria in small breed dogs that are prone
      to sinus node dysfunction.

PMID- 25130401
TI  - A randomized, open-label, multicentre, phase 2/3 study to evaluate the safety and
      efficacy of lumiliximab in combination with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and
      rituximab versus fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab alone in subjects
      with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
AB  - Lumiliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets CD23 on the surface of
      chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) B-cells. Early phase clinical studies with
      lumiliximab alone and in combination with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and
      rituximab (FCR) established its potential efficacy and tolerability. The 152CL201
      trial [Lumiliximab with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) versus
      FCR alone in subjects with relapsed CLL; LUCID] was a phase 2/3, randomized
      (1:1), open-label, multicentre study of lumiliximab in combination with FCR
      versus FCR alone in patients with relapsed CLL. Six hundred and twenty-seven
      patients were randomized to either arm. Overall the combination of lumiliximab
      with FCR was not significantly better than FCR alone (overall response rate 71%
      vs. 72%, complete response rate 16% vs. 15%, median progression-free survival
      24.6 vs. 23.9 months respectively, for FCR with and without lumiliximab). There
      was a slightly increased incidence of adverse events with lumiliximab but these
      increases did not appear to lead to differences in eventual outcomes. An interim
      analysis failed to show sufficient efficacy of the combination of lumiliximab
      with FCR. The study was therefore stopped early for lack of efficacy. Despite the
      eventual outcome, the LUCID trial is one of the largest studies that provides
      valuable insight into the efficacy and tolerability of FCR as a therapeutic
      option for patients with relapsed CLL.

PMID- 25130408
TI  - A quantitative geometric mechanics lens model: insights into the mechanisms of
      accommodation and presbyopia.
AB  - This study expands on a geometric model of ocular accommodation (Reilly and Ravi,
      Vision Res. 50:330-336; 2010) by relaxing assumptions regarding lens symmetry
      about the equator. A method for predicting stretching force was derived. Two
      models were then developed: Model 1 held the equatorial geometry constant at all
      stages of accommodation, while Model 2 allowed localized deformation at the
      equator. Both models were compared to recent data for axial thickness, anterior
      and posterior radii of curvature, surface area, cross-sectional area, volume, and
      stretching force for the 29-year-old lens. Age-related changes in accommodation
      were also simulated. Model 1 gave predictions which agreed with the Helmholtz
      theory of accommodation, while Model 2's predictions agreed with the Schachar
      mechanism of accommodation. Trends predicted by Model 1 agreed with all available
      experimental data, while Model 2 disagreed with recent surface area measurements.
      Further analysis indicated that Model 1 was fundamentally more efficient in that
      it required less force per diopter change in optical power than Model 2. Model 1
      more accurately predicted age-related changes in accommodation amplitude. This
      implies that the zero-force (fully accommodated) state geometry changes with age
      due to a shifting balance in residual stresses between the lens and capsule. 

PMID- 25130407
TI  - How shape from contours affects shape from shading.
AB  - The spatial pattern of reflected light carries detailed but ambiguous information
      about 3D shapes of illuminated objects. A little studied factor that affects the
      perceived 3D relief of 2D shaded figures is the shape of their contours. An
      experiment is reported in which 102 subjects matched twelve contoured grating
      displays (horizontal three-cycle gratings with variously shaped top and bottom
      contours) with perspective line drawings of different 3D shapes, and also judged
      their depth extent and direction of illumination. The results showed that contour
      shapes can have surprisingly strong and salient effects on perceived relief. For
      each display there was a dominant matching drawing, chosen by the largest
      percentage of subjects, which varied from 95% to 26% across the set of displays.
      The luminance distribution of contoured gratings is essentially 1D, so that,
      compared to the general 2D case, their mathematical analysis is considerably
      simplified, and shape can in certain cases be recovered from shading in
      analytical form, yielding a three-parameter family of solutions. An analysis of
      subject responses showed that most reported reliefs had shapes which were closely
      related to members of the solution family. Furthermore, the particular perceived
      shapes of contoured gratings could with some success be predicted from the shapes
      of their contours, based on a simple shape-from-contours rule. However, the data
      also indicated the presence of a convexity tendency, independent from contour
      shape. 

PMID- 25130409
TI  - Efficiency of electronically monitored amblyopia treatment between 5 and 16 years
      of age: new insight into declining susceptibility of the visual system.
AB  - The notion of a limited, early period of plasticity of the visual system has been
      challenged by more recent research demonstrating functional enhancement even into
      adulthood. In amblyopia ("lazy eye") it is still unclear to what extent the
      reduced effect of treatment after early childhood is due to declining plasticity
      or lower compliance with prescribed patching. The aim of this study was to
      determine the dose-response relationship and treatment efficiency from acuity
      gain and electronically recorded patching dose rates, and to infer from these
      parameters on a facet of age dependence of functional plasticity related to
      occlusion for amblyopia. The Occlusion Dose Monitor was used to record occlusion
      in 27 participants with previously untreated strabismic and/or anisometropic
      amblyopia aged between 5.4 and 15.8 (mean 9.2) years during 4months of
      conventional treatment. Group data showed improvement of acuity throughout the
      age span, but significantly more in patients younger than 7years despite
      comparable patching dosages. Treatment efficiency declined with age, with the
      most pronounced effects before the age of 7years. Thus, electronic recording
      allowed this first quantitative insight into occlusion treatment spanning the age
      range from within to beyond the conventional age for patching. Though
      demonstrating improvement in over 7year old patients, it confirmed the importance
      of early detection and treatment of amblyopia. Treatment efficiency is presented
      as a tool extending insight into age-dependent functional plasticity of the
      visual system, and providing a basis for comparisons of effects of patching vs.
      emerging alternative treatment approaches for amblyopia. 

PMID- 25130410
TI  - Bias corrected double judgment accuracy during spatial attention cueing: unmasked
      stimuli with non-predictive and semi-predictive cues.
AB  - The present experiments indicate that in a 7-AFC double judgment accuracy task
      with unmasked stimuli, cue location response bias can be quantified and removed,
      revealing unbiased improvements in response accuracy for valid cues compared to
      invalid cues. By testing for cueing effects over a range of contrast levels with
      unmasked stimuli, changes in the psychometric function were examined and provide
      insight into the mechanisms of involuntary attention which might account for the
      observed cueing effects. Cue validity was varied between two separate experiments
      showing that non-predictive (14.3%) and moderately-predictive cues (50%) equally
      facilitate stimulus identification and localization during transient involuntary
      attention capture. Observers had improved accuracy at identifying both the
      location and the feature identity of target letters throughout a range of
      contrast levels, without any dependence on backward masking. There was a leftward
      shift of the psychometric function threshold with valid cued data and no slope
      reduction suggesting that any additive hypothesis based on spatial uncertainty
      reduction or perceptual enhancement is not a sufficient explanation for the
      observed cueing effects. The interdependence of the perceptual processes of
      stimulus discrimination and localization were also investigated by analyzing
      response contingencies, showing that observers were equally skilled at making
      identification and localization accuracy judgments with unmasked stimuli. 

PMID- 25130411
TI  - Identification of phenanthrene derivatives in Aerides rosea (Orchidaceae) using
      the combined systems HPLC-ESI-HRMS/MS and HPLC-DAD-MS-SPE-UV-NMR.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In our continued efforts to contribute to the general knowledge on
      the chemical diversity of orchids, we have decided to focus our investigations on
      the Aeridinae subtribe. Following our previous phytochemical study of Vanda
      coerulea, which has led to the identification of phenanthrene derivatives, a
      closely related species, Aerides rosea Lodd. ex Lindl. & Paxton, was chosen for
      investigation. OBJECTIVE: To identify new secondary metabolites, and to avoid
      isolation of those already known, by means of the combined systems HPLC-DAD(diode
      array detector) with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) and HPLC
      DAD-MS-SPE(solid-phase extraction)-UV-NMR. METHODS: A dereplication strategy was
      developed using a HPLC-DAD-HRMS/MS targeted method and applied to fractions from
      A. rosea stem extract. Characterisation of unknown minor compounds was then
      performed using the combined HPLC-DAD-MS-SPE-UV-NMR system. RESULTS: The
      dereplication method allowed the characterisation of four compounds (gigantol,
      imbricatin, methoxycoelonin and coelonin), previously isolated from Vanda
      coerulea stem extract. The analyses of two fractions permitted the identification
      of five additional minor constituents including one phenanthropyran, two
      phenanthrene and two dihydrophenanthrene derivatives. The full set of NMR data of
      each compound was obtained from microgram quantities. CONCLUSION: Nine secondary
      metabolites were characterised in A. rosea stems, utilising HPLC systems combined
      with high-resolution analytical systems. Two of them are newly described
      phenanthrene derivatives: aerosanthrene (5-methoxyphenanthrene-2,3,7-triol) and
      aerosin (3-methoxy-9,10-dihydro-2,5,7-phenanthrenetriol).

PMID- 25130412
TI  - Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery in very locally advanced technically
      unresectable oral cavity cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The median survival of technically unresectable oral-cavity cancers
      (T4a and T4b) with non surgical therapy is 2-12 months. We hypothesized that
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) could reduce the tumour size and result in
      successful resection and ultimately improved outcomes. We present a retrospective
      analysis of consecutive patients who received NACT at our centre between January
      2008 and August 2012. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with technically
      unresectable oral cancers were assessed in a multidisciplinary clinic and
      received 2 cycles of NACT. After 2 cycles, patients were reassessed and planned
      for either surgery with subsequent CTRT or nonsurgical therapy including CT-RT,
      RT or palliation. SPSS version 16 was used for analysis of locoregional control
      and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analysis was done for
      factors affecting the OS. RESULTS: 721 patients with stage IV oral-cavity cancer
      received NACT. 310 patients (43%) had sufficient reduction in tumour size and
      underwent surgical resection. Of the remaining patients, 167 received
      chemoradiation, 3 radical radiation and 241 palliative treatment alone The
      locoregional control rate at 24 months was 20.6% for the overall cohort, 32% in
      patients undergoing surgery and 15% in patients undergoing non surgical treatment
      (p=0.0001). The median estimated OS in patients undergoing surgery was 19.6
      months (95% CI, 9.59-25.21 months) and 8.16 months (95%, CI 7.57-8.76) in
      patients treated with non surgical treatment (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: In our
      analysis, NACT led to successful resection and improved overall survival in a
      significant proportion of technically unresectable oral-cancer patients.

PMID- 25130413
TI  - Oral health, dental care and mouthwash associated with upper aerodigestive tract
      cancer risk in Europe: the ARCAGE study.

PMID- 25130414
TI  - Correlation between chronic inflammation and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

PMID- 25130415
TI  - Labeled protein recognition at a membrane bilayer interface by embedded synthetic
      receptors.
AB  - Self-folding deep cavitands embedded in a supported lipid bilayer are capable of
      recognizing suitably labeled proteins at the bilayer interface. The addition of a
      choline derived binding "handle" to a number of different proteins allows their
      selective noncovalent recognition, with association constants on the order of
      10(5) M(-1). The proteins are displayed at the water:bilayer interface, and a
      single binding handle allows recognition of the large, charged protein by a small
      molecule synthetic receptor via complementary shape and charge interactions. 

PMID- 25130417
TI  - Polysomnography: assessment of decannulation readiness in chronic upper airway
      obstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the clinical value of polysomnography in
      patients with a tracheotomy due to chronic upper airway obstruction prior to
      attempting decannulation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS:
      Subjects with chronic upper airway obstruction were identified using a clinical
      database between 2000 and 2014. All subjects had a tracheotomy, were assessed by
      the senior author in a tertiary care academic center, and underwent
      polysomnography prior to attempting decannulation. Patients were excluded if they
      did not undergo polysomnography or had severe obstructive sleep apnea as the
      primary indication for tracheotomy. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were identified.
      The majority (87.5%) of patients were successfully decannulated after their first
      polysomnography showed acceptable results when carried out with the tracheotomy
      occluded. Obstructive sleep apnea was identified in four of the nine patients who
      tolerated overnight tracheotomy occlusion, and continuous positive airway
      pressure (CPAP) was initiated. An additional four of the remaining six patients
      were decannulated after subsequent polysomnography demonstrated improvement with
      CPAP, and two required an additional airway procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic upper
      airway obstruction requiring tracheotomy can be challenging to treat and
      successfully decannulate. Indirect laryngoscopy is essential to evaluate the
      anatomy of the larynx; however, it cannot assess potential increased obstruction
      during sleep. The study indicates that polysomnography can assist with the
      evaluation of decannulation readiness in patients with chronic upper airway
      obstruction as an adjunct measure in addition to imaging and laryngoscopy. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 25130418
TI  - Ultrathin core-sheath fibers for liposome stabilization.
AB  - Ultrathin core-sheath fibers with small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) in the core
      were prepared by coaxial electrospinning. SUVs/sodium hyaluranate (HA-Na)/water
      and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/ethanol solutions were used as core and sheath
      fluid in electrospinning, respectively. The ultrathin fibers were characterized
      by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and laser scanning
      confocal microscopy (LSCM). The SUVs were successfully encapsulated in the core
      HA-Na matrix of the ultrathin fibers and are in the elliptic shape. The SUVs
      encapsulated in the core matrix of the ultrathin fibers have an excellent
      stability. The SUVs embedded in the ultrathin fibers are stable. When the
      ultrathin fibers were re-dissolved in water after one-month storage at room
      temperature, the rehydrated SUVs have the similar size and size distribution as
      the as-prepared SUVs. The liposome-loaded ultrathin fiber mats have the promising
      applications in wound healing materials. 

PMID- 25130416
TI  - Modeling the effects of sensory reinforcers on behavioral persistence with
      alternative reinforcement.
AB  - Problem behavior often has sensory consequences that cannot be separated from the
      target response, even if external, social reinforcers are removed during
      treatment. Because sensory reinforcers that accompany socially mediated problem
      behavior may contribute to persistence and relapse, research must develop analog
      sensory reinforcers that can be experimentally manipulated. In this research, we
      devised analogs to sensory reinforcers in order to control for their presence and
      determine how sensory reinforcers may impact treatment efficacy. Experiments 1
      and 2 compared the efficacy of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior
      (DRA) versus noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) with and without analog sensory
      reinforcers in a multiple schedule. Experiment 1 measured the persistence of key
      pecking in pigeons, whereas Experiment 2 measured the persistence of touchscreen
      responses in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Across
      both experiments, the presence of analog sensory reinforcers increased the
      levels, persistence, and variability of responding relative to when analog
      sensory reinforcers were absent. Also in both experiments, target responding was
      less persistent under conditions of DRA compared to NCR regardless of the
      presence or absence of analog sensory reinforcers. 

PMID- 25130419
TI  - Delphinid systematics and biogeography with a focus on the current genus
      Lagenorhynchus: multiple pathways for antitropical and trans-oceanic radiation.
AB  - The six species currently classified within the genus Lagenorhynchus exhibit a
      pattern of antitropical distribution common among marine taxa. In spite of their
      morphological similarities they are now considered an artificial grouping, and
      include both recent and the oldest representatives of the Delphinidae radiation.
      They are, therefore, a good model for studying questions about the evolutionary
      processes that have driven dolphin speciation, dispersion and distribution. Here
      we used two different approaches. First we constructed a multigenic phylogeny
      with a minimum amount of missing data (based on 9 genes, 11,030bp, using the 6
      species of the genus and their closest relatives) to infer their relationships.
      Second, we built a supermatrix phylogeny (based on 33 species and 27 genes) to
      test the effect of taxon sampling on the phylogeny of the genus, to provide
      inference on biogeographic history, and provide inference on the main events
      shaping the dispersion and radiation of delphinids. Our analyses suggested an
      early evolutionary history of marine dolphins in the North Atlantic Ocean and
      revealed multiple pathways of migration and radiation, probably guided by
      paleoceanographic changes during the Miocene and Pliocene. L. acutus and L.
      albirostris likely shared a common ancestor that arose in the North Atlantic
      around the Middle Miocene, predating the radiation of subfamilies Delphininae,
      Globicephalinae and Lissodelphininae. 

PMID- 25130420
TI  - Highly sensitive assay for acetylcholinesterase activity and inhibition based on
      a specifically reactive photonic nanostructure.
AB  - Assays for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with high sensitivity and high selectivity
      as well as facile manipulation have been urgently required in various fields. In
      this work, a reaction-based photonic strategy was developed for the efficient
      assay of AChE activity and inhibition based on the synergetic combination of the
      specific thiol-maleimide addition reaction with photonic porous structure. It was
      found that various applications including detection of AChE activity, measurement
      of the related enzymatic kinetics, and screening of inhibitors could be
      efficiently implemented using such strategy. Remarkably, the unique photonic
      nanostructure endows the constructed sensing platform with high sensitivity with
      a limit of detection (LOD) of 5 mU/mL for AChE activity, high selectivity, and
      self-reporting signaling. Moreover, the label-free solid film-based sensing
      approach described here has advantages of facile manipulation and bare-eye
      readout, compared with conventional liquid-phase methods, exhibiting promising
      potential in practical application for the AChE assay. 

PMID- 25130422
TI  - A dogma-breaking concept: glutamate oxidation in astrocytes is the source of
      lactate during aerobic glycolysis in resting subjects.

PMID- 25130421
TI  - The longitudinal effects of physical activity and dietary calcium on bone mass
      accrual across stages of pubertal development.
AB  - Childhood and adolescence are critical periods of bone mineral content (BMC)
      accrual that may have long-term consequences for osteoporosis in adulthood.
      Adequate dietary calcium intake and weight-bearing physical activity are
      important for maximizing BMC accrual. However, the relative effects of physical
      activity and dietary calcium on BMC accrual throughout the continuum of pubertal
      development in childhood remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to
      determine the effects of self-reported dietary calcium intake and weight-bearing
      physical activity on bone mass accrual across the five stages of pubertal
      development in a large, diverse cohort of US children and adolescents. The Bone
      Mineral Density in Childhood study was a mixed longitudinal study with 7393
      observations on 1743 subjects. Annually, we measured BMC by dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DXA), physical activity and calcium intake by questionnaire, and
      pubertal development (Tanner stage) by examination for up to 7 years. Mixed
      effects regression models were used to assess physical activity and calcium
      intake effects on BMC accrual at each Tanner stage. We found that self-reported
      weight-bearing physical activity contributed to significantly greater BMC accrual
      in both sexes and racial subgroups (black and nonblack). In nonblack males, the
      magnitude of the activity effect on total body BMC accrual varied among Tanner
      stages after adjustment for calcium intake; the greatest difference between high-
      and low-activity boys was in Tanner stage 3. Calcium intake had a significant
      effect on bone accrual only in nonblack girls. This effect was not significantly
      different among Tanner stages. Our findings do not support differential effects
      of physical activity or calcium intake on bone mass accrual according to
      maturational stage. The study demonstrated significant longitudinal effects of
      weight-bearing physical activity on bone mass accrual through all stages of
      pubertal development.

PMID- 25130424
TI  - Residual left atrial mass after myxoma resection.

PMID- 25130423
TI  - Response: Does perioperative dexmedetomidine improve mortality after coronary
      artery bypass surgery?

PMID- 25130425
TI  - Dynamism of the mitral annulus: a spatial and temporal analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study, the authors sought to investigate the extent and timing
      of changes in mitral annular area during the cardiac cycle. Particularly, the
      authors assessed whether these changes were limited to the posterior part of the
      annulus or were more global in nature. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study
      SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital PARTICIPANTS: Twenty three patients
      undergoing non-valvular cardiac surgery and 3 patients undergoing vascular
      procedures. INTERVENTIONS: Intraoperative 3-dimensional transesophageal
      echocardiographic data obtained from patients with normal mitral valves
      undergoing non-valvular cardiac surgery were analyzed geometrically. Annular
      areas and diameters were measured during various stages of the cardiac cycle.
      Intertrigonal distance also was measured using 3D data. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Both anterior and posterior portions of the mitral annulus demonstrated
      dynamism throughout the cardiac cycle. The expansion phase ranged from mid
      systole to early-diastole, whereas mid-diastole to early-systole was
      characterized by an annular contraction phase. Area changes were contributed
      equally by anterior and posterior parts of the annulus. Annular dimensions
      increased in accordance with mitral annular area (p<0.05). Echocardiographically
      identified intertrigonal distance showed the least delta change. CONCLUSIONS:
      Both the anterior and posterior parts of the annulus contribute to changes in
      mitral annular area, which undergoes discrete expansion and contraction phases
      that extend into both systole and diastole. Compared to other annular dimensions,
      the echocardiographically-identified intertrigonal distance does not change
      significantly during the cardiac cycle.

PMID- 25130426
TI  - Does perioperative dexmedetomidine improve mortality after coronary artery bypass
      surgery?

PMID- 25130427
TI  - Genetic ablation of solute carrier family 7a3a leads to hepatic steatosis in
      zebrafish during fasting.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver
      disorder caused by abnormal lipid metabolisms, such as reduced hepatic fatty acid
      oxidation (FAO), but intracellular control of FAO under physio- and pathological
      conditions remains largely undefined. Here, we demonstrate that deprivation of
      Slc7a3a leads to hepatic steatosis in fasted zebrafish as a result of defects in
      arginine-dependent nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Fast-induced hepatic steatosis in
      slc7a3a-null mutants can be rescued by treatments with NO donor, cyclic guanosine
      monophosphate analog, adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
      activator, or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha)
      agonist. In contrast, inhibitors of NO synthases, AMPK, or soluble guanylate
      cyclase and liver-specifically expressed dominant negatives of peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha and PPAR-alpha are
      sufficient to induce hepatic steatosis in fasted wild-type larvae. Moreover,
      knockdown of Slc7a3 in mice or SLC7A3 in human liver cells impaired AMPK-PPAR
      alpha signaling and resulted in lipid accumulation under fasting or glucose
      starvation, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings have revealed a NO-AMPK-PPAR
      alpha-signaling pathway that is crucial for the control of hepatic FAO in
      vertebrates.

PMID- 25130428
TI  - Pressure pain thresholds fluctuate with, but do not usefully predict, the
      clinical course of painful temporomandibular disorder.
AB  - Central sensitization elicits pain hypersensitivity and is thought to be causally
      implicated in painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This causal inference is
      based on cross-sectional evidence that people with TMD have greater sensitivity
      than controls to noxious stimuli. We tested this inference in the Orofacial Pain:
      Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment (OPPERA) prospective cohort study of
      3258 adults with no lifetime history of TMD when enrolled (visit 1). During 5
      years of follow-up, 1 group labeled "persistent TMD cases" (n=72) developed first
      onset TMD by visit 2 that persisted ? 6 months until visit 3. Another group
      labeled "transient TMD cases" (n=75) developed first-onset TMD at visit 2, which
      resolved by visit 3. Randomly sampled "controls" (n=126) remained TMD-free
      throughout all 3 visits. At each visit, pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were
      measured by algometry at 10 cranial and bodily sites. In persistent TMD case
      patients, mean PPTs reduced 43 kPa (P<.0001) between visits 1 and 2 and
      thereafter did not change significantly. In transient TMD case patients, mean
      PPTs reduced 41 kPa (P<.001) between visits 1 and 2, and then increased 20 kPa
      (P<.001) by visit 3. These patterns were similar after excluding cranial sites
      symptomatic for TMD. Importantly, visit 1 PPTs had no clinically useful
      prognostic value in predicting first-onset TMD (odds ratio [OR]=1.07, P=.15).
      Among first-onset case patients, visit 2 PPTs were modest predictors of
      persistent TMD (OR=1.36, P=.002). In this longitudinal study, PPTs reduced when
      TMD developed then rebounded when TMD resolved. However, premorbid PPTs poorly
      predicted TMD incidence, countering the hypothesis that PPTs signify mechanisms
      causing first-onset TMD.

PMID- 25130430
TI  - Cytokines and disability in interferon-beta-1b treated and untreated women with
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: T-helper (Th) cells involved in the pathogenesis of multiple
      sclerosis (MS) represent a functionally heterogeneous population defined by their
      cytokine secretion profile. The effects of immunotherapeutic drugs on the
      cytokine network are still not fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate
      serum levels of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-10 in interferon-beta-1b-treated
      and untreated women with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) in comparison with healthy
      controls and the relationship between cytokine concentrations and the degree of
      disability. METHODS: The study included 35 women with RRMS and 35 age-matched
      healthy controls. The patients were divided in two groups: Group A-without
      disease modifying treatment; Group B-treated with interferon-beta-1b. Degree of
      disability was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Serum
      cytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA during relapse and remission.
      RESULTS: Group A showed higher IFN-gamma in remission (p = 0.0239) than the
      controls; Group B had lower IFN-gamma during relapse (p = 0.0226) than controls.
      EDSS in relapse correlated with the levels of IL-10 for Group A (p = 0.015) and
      with the concentration of IFN-gamma for Group B (p = 0.039). Nontreated patients
      showed higher EDSS in relapse compared to the interferon-beta-1b-treated group (p
      = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: We found an imbalance in the patients' cytokine profile,
      which may be seen as supportive of the hypothesis that demyelination in the
      central nervous system is mediated by Th1 lymphocytes. IFN-gamma is probably one
      of the important indicators for intensity of the immune reaction and shows
      promise as a potential biomarker for the therapeutic effect of interferon-beta
      1b. The role of IL-10 in the autoimmune process needs further investigation.

PMID- 25130431
TI  - The effects of Gremlin1 on human umbilical cord blood hematopoietic progenitors.
AB  - Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) support malignant hematopoiesis in CML.
      Conversely, the multi-functional BMP antagonist Gremlin1 supports self-renewing
      cancer stem cells of other malignancies. Inhibition of BMP signaling in CML, or
      of Gremlin1 in solid tumors, may therefore have therapeutic potential. However,
      since BMPs regulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) decisions in the stem cell
      niche, it is necessary to determine how Gremlin1 influences normal HSC. We
      examined the effects of Gremlin1 on long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-IC)
      and transplantable hematopoietic stem cells (SCID-repopulating cells: SRC) in
      human umbilical cord blood. Gremlin1 inhibited BMP signaling, downregulated BMP-6
      and cyclin E2 expression and upregulated hairy and enhancer of split-1 (HES-1; a
      Notch transcriptional target) and Hedgehog interacting protein-1 (HHIP-1; an
      inhibitor of Hedgehog signaling). The functional effects of Gremlin1 on SRC, i.e.
      skewing of their myelopoietic:lymphopoietic potential towards B lymphopoiesis
      without affecting long-term engraftment potential, were entirely consistent with
      changes in gene expression induced by Gremlin1. Since both BMPs and Gremlin1 are
      secreted by osteoblasts in vivo, our studies provide potential insights into the
      molecular regulation of hematopoiesis in the stem cell niche. These results also
      suggest that Gremlin1 (and possibly its mimetics that may be developed for
      therapeutic use) may not adversely affect normal human hematopoietic stem cell
      survival, though they may reduce their myelopoietic potential.

PMID- 25130429
TI  - Natural antioxidants exhibit chemopreventive characteristics through the
      regulation of CNC b-Zip transcription factors in estrogen-induced breast
      carcinogenesis.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to characterize the role of resveratrol
      (Res) and vitamin C (VC) in prevention of estrogen-induced breast cancer through
      regulation of cap "n"collar (CNC) b-zip transcription factors. Human breast
      epithelial cell line MCF-10A was treated with 17beta-estradiol (E2) and VC or Res
      with or without E2. mRNA and protein expression levels of CNC b-zip transcription
      factors nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (Nrf1), nuclear factor
      erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 3
      (Nrf3), and Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) and
      NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were quantified. The treatment with E2
      suppressed, whereas VC and Res prevented E2-mediated decrease in the expression
      levels of SOD3, NQO1, Nrf2 mRNA, and protein in MCF-10A cells. The treatment with
      E2, Res, or VC significantly increased mRNA and protein expression levels of
      Nrf1. 17beta-Estradiol treatment significantly increased but VC or Res decreased
      Nrf3 mRNA and protein expression levels. Our studies demonstrate that estrogen
      induced breast cancer might be prevented through upregulation of antioxidant
      enzymes via Nrf-dependent pathways.

PMID- 25130432
TI  - Cellular proteolytic modification of tumor-suppressor CYLD is critical for the
      initiation of human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - There exists a general recognition of the fact that post translational
      modification of CYLD protein through proteolytic cleavage by MALT-1 results in
      sustained cellular NF-kB activity which is conspicuously found to be associated
      with cancer in general and hematological malignancies in particular. The present
      study was directed to understand the contribution of MALT-1 and deubiquitinase
      CYLD to the initiation of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Such a
      study revealed for the first time that the 35kDa CYLD cleaved factor generated by
      MALT-1 mediated proteolytic cleavage was conspicuously present in human T- ALL
      subjects of pediatric age group. Further, over-expression of this 35kDa CYLD
      factor within normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells had the inherent
      capacity to program the genome of these cells resulting in T-cell lineage ALL.
      Based upon these results, we propose that MALT1 inhibitors may be of crucial
      importance in the treatment of T-ALL subjects of pediatric age group.

PMID- 25130433
TI  - IFN-gamma CA microsatellite polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to
      respiratory syncytial virus Infection and severity.
AB  - AIM: IFN-gamma, an essential cytokine in the viral cell-mediated immune response,
      has been associated with the pathogenesis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
      bronchiolitis and to the severity of the infection. The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether IFN-gamma CA microsatellite (rs3138557) polymorphism was
      associated with susceptibility to RSV in Chinese Han children and with the
      severity of the infection. METHODS: The IFN-gamma CA microsatellite was tested in
      218 RSV bronchiolitis inpatients and 303 healthy controls, and the severity of
      the RSV bronchiolitis was evaluated using a standardised respiratory scoring
      system. RESULTS: The frequencies of CA12+/CA12+, CA12+/CA12- and CA12-/CA12- in
      the 218 RSV bronchiolitis patients and 303 controls were approximately 11% versus
      19%, 55% versus 53% and 34% versus 28%, respectively. The gene polymorphism of
      IFN-gamma CA repeats between the two groups was statistically different. The
      clinical respiratory scores of RSV bronchiolitis cases with CA12+/CA12+ and
      CA12+/CA12- were 2.84 +/- 0.40 (SD) and 2.95 +/- 0.44 (SD), respectively, and
      these were significantly lower than the 3.1 +/- 0.36 (SD) score for those with
      CA12-/CA12-. CONCLUSION: IFN-gamma CA microsatellite polymorphism was associated
      with the susceptibility of Chinese Han children to RSV and the severity of the
      infection.

PMID- 25130434
TI  - Photocatalytic CO2 conversion over alkali modified TiO2 without loading noble
      metal cocatalyst.
AB  - Surface modification of TiO2 with NaOH promoted the chemisorption, activation and
      photocatalytic CO2 reduction. An optimized loading amount of NaOH kept a good
      balance between CO2 chemisorption quantity and BET surface area of TiO2. This
      noble metal free method provides a simple pathway for effective multiple H(+)/e(
      ) CO2 photoreduction. 

PMID- 25130435
TI  - Phylogeny suggests nondirectional and isometric evolution of sexual size
      dimorphism in argiopine spiders.
AB  - Sexual dimorphism describes substantial differences between male and female
      phenotypes. In spiders, sexual dimorphism research almost exclusively focuses on
      size, and recent studies have recovered steady evolutionary size increases in
      females, and independent evolutionary size changes in males. Their discordance is
      due to negative allometric size patterns caused by different selection pressures
      on male and female sizes (converse Rensch's rule). Here, we investigated
      macroevolutionary patterns of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in Argiopinae, a
      global lineage of orb-weaving spiders with varying degrees of SSD. We devised a
      Bayesian and maximum-likelihood molecular species-level phylogeny, and then used
      it to reconstruct sex-specific size evolution, to examine general hypotheses and
      different models of size evolution, to test for sexual size coevolution, and to
      examine allometric patterns of SSD. Our results, revealing ancestral moderate
      sizes and SSD, failed to reject the Brownian motion model, which suggests a
      nondirectional size evolution. Contrary to predictions, male and female sizes
      were phylogenetically correlated, and SSD evolution was isometric. We interpret
      these results to question the classical explanations of female-biased SSD via
      fecundity, gravity, and differential mortality. In argiopines, SSD evolution may
      be driven by these or additional selection mechanisms, but perhaps at different
      phylogenetic scales. 

PMID- 25130436
TI  - In search of the "Holy Grail": will we ever prove the efficacy of Rapid Response
      Systems (RRS)?

PMID- 25130437
TI  - Non-coding RNAs: a novel level of genome complexity.

PMID- 25130438
TI  - Lumisterol is metabolized by CYP11A1: discovery of a new pathway.
AB  - Lumisterol3 (L3) is produced by photochemical transformation of 7
      dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) during exposure to high doses of ultraviolet B
      radiation. It has been assumed that L3 is biologically inactive and is not
      metabolized in the body. However, some synthetic derivatives of L3 display
      biological activity. The aim of this study was to test the ability of CYP11A1 to
      metabolize L3. Incubation of L3 with bovine or human CYP11A1 resulted in the
      formation of three major and a number of minor products. The catalytic efficiency
      of bovine CYP11A1 for metabolism of L3 dissolved in 2-hydroxypropyl-beta
      cyclodextrin was approximately 20% of that reported for vitamin D3 and
      cholesterol. The structures of the three major products were identified as 24
      hydroxy-L3, 22-hydroxy-L3 and 20,22-dihydroxy-L3 by NMR. 22-Hydroxy-L3 was
      further metabolized by bovine CYP11A1 to 20,22-dihydroxy-L3. Both 22-hydroxy-L3
      and 20,22-dihydroxy-L3 gave rise to a minor metabolite identified from authentic
      standard and mass spectrometry as pregnalumisterol (pL) (product of C20-C22 side
      chain cleavage of L3) and two trihydroxy-L3 products. The capability of tissues
      expressing CYP11A1 to metabolize L3 was demonstrated using pig adrenal fragments
      where 20,22-dihydroxy-L3, 22-hydroxy-L3, 24-hydroxy-L3 and pL were detected by
      LC/MS. Thus, we have established that L3 is metabolized by CYP11A1 to 22- and 24
      hydroxy-L3 and 20,22-dihydroxy-L3 as major products, as well as to pL and other
      minor products. The previously reported biological activity of pL and the
      presence of CYP11A1 in skin suggest that this pathway may serve to produce
      biologically active products from L3, emphasizing a novel role of CYP11A1 in
      sterol metabolism. 

PMID- 25130439
TI  - Endotoxin-induced vascular endothelial cell migration is dependent on TLR4/NF
      kappaB pathway, NAD(P)H oxidase activation, and transient receptor potential
      melastatin 7 calcium channel activity.
AB  - Endothelial dysfunction is decisive and leads to the development of several
      inflammatory diseases. Endotoxemia-derived sepsis syndrome exhibits a broad
      inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction. We reported previously that the
      endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), induces the conversion of endothelial cells
      (ECs) into activated fibroblasts, showing a myofibroblast-like protein expression
      profile. Enhanced migration is a hallmark of myofibroblast function. However, the
      mechanism involved in LPS-induced EC migration is no totally understood. Some
      studies have shown that the transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) ion
      channel is involved in fibroblast and tumor cell migration through the regulation
      of calcium influx. Furthermore, LPS modulates TRPM7 expression. However, whether
      TRPM7 is involved in LPS-induced EC migration remains unknown. Here, we study the
      participation of LPS as an inducer of EC migration and study the mechanism
      underlying evaluating the participation of the TRPM7 ion channel. Our results
      demonstrate that LPS induced EC migration in a dose-dependent manner.
      Furthermore, this migratory process was mediated by the TLR-4/NF-kappaB pathway
      and the generation of ROS through the PKC-activated NAD(P)H oxidase. In addition,
      LPS increased the intracellular calcium level and the number of focal adhesion
      kinase (FAK)-positive focal adhesions in EC. Finally, we demonstrate that using
      TRPM7 blockers or suppressing TRPM7 expression through siRNA successfully
      inhibits the calcium influx and the LPS-induced EC migration. These results point
      out TRPM7 as a new target in the drug design for several inflammatory diseases
      that impair vascular endothelium function. 

PMID- 25130441
TI  - Lack of association of LOXL1 gene variants in Japanese patients with central
      retinal vein occlusion without clinically detectable pseudoexfoliation material
      deposits.
AB  - PURPOSE: A possible association has been reported between exfoliation syndrome
      (EX) and various ocular and systemic vascular disorders; however, it is unclear
      if there is an association between EX and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
      Because latent deposits of exfoliation materials might not be recognized during
      slit-lamp examination, an ocular biopsy is required to establish a precise
      diagnosis. We evaluated a possible association between EX and CRVO using lysyl
      oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) gene variants as alternative markers for EX. METHODS: The
      allelic and genotypic frequencies of three LOXL1 variants (rs1048661, rs3825942,
      and rs2165241) were determined in 68 consecutive Japanese patients with CRVO [15
      with exfoliation syndrome (EX+) and 53 without exfoliation syndrome (EX-)] and 90
      control patients with cataract without EX (CT). RESULTS: The frequencies of the
      rs1048661 and rs3825942 variants showed borderline difference between the CRVO
      and CT groups (p = 0.04085 and p = 0.06088, respectively, for allelic
      frequencies, and p = 0.06838 and p = 0.03482, respectively, for genotypic
      frequencies). Compared with the CT group, subgroup analysis showed that the CRVO
      EX+ group had significant differences in the allelic and genotypic frequencies of
      rs1048661 (p = 0.0006447 and p = 0.0001392, respectively) and had borderline
      differences in the allelic and genotypic frequencies of rs3825942 (p = 0.03403
      and p = 0.07341, respectively), while the CRVO EX- group did not (p = 0.1324
      0.6306). Subgroup analysis showed that the frequencies of rs2165241 did not
      differ between the CRVO and CT groups. CONCLUSIONS: When the LOXL1 variants were
      used as disease markers for clinically undetectable EX, there was no association
      between CRVO and EX. The results suggested that the LOXL1 variants, which are
      well-established markers for EX, are not likely genetic markers for CRVO in
      Japanese subjects.

PMID- 25130440
TI  - Mouse monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) functions as a monomer.
AB  - Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) is an important chemoattractant for
      microglia. Rodent MCP1 carries a heavily glycosylated C-terminus, which has been
      predicted to increase local MCP1 concentration, promote MCP1
      dimerization/oligomerization, and facilitate receptor engagement. Previous
      studies have shown that MCP1 mutant lacking the glycosylated C-terminus cannot
      dimerize/oligomerize, but has higher chemotactic potency than the wild-type (full
      length) MCP1, suggesting that rodent MCP1 may function as a monomer. Although
      many groups support this hypothesis, there is no direct evidence on whether
      rodent MCP1 dimer is functional. In this paper, using forced recombinant dimeric
      MCP1 proteins we show that mouse MCP1 dimer is unable to activate Rac1, promote
      protrusion of lamellipodia, or induce microglial migration, although it can bind
      to CCR2 and mediate its internalization. These results support the idea that
      signaling events mediated by MCP1 require the presence of the monomeric form of
      this chemokine. 

PMID- 25130442
TI  - How resistant is 'treatment-resistant' obsessive-compulsive disorder in youth?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often perceived as being
      difficult to treat. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that treatment non
      response in routine clinical practice is often due to failures in the delivery of
      treatment, and that most patients who are apparently treatment-resistant will
      respond to treatment if adequately delivered. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort data
      analysis. METHODS: Forty-three young people with severe, treatment-resistant OCD
      (defined as Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale [CY-BOCS] scores >=
      30 and non-response to previous cognitive behaviour therapy [CBT] and selective
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors) were referred to a specialist clinic and completed
      a course of manualized CBT, with (N = 21) or without (N = 22) optimization of
      medication. A sub-sample (N = 15) completed a semi-structured interview to
      determine characteristics of their previous CBT; quality was assessed according
      to pre-determined criteria. RESULTS: Specialist treatment was associated with
      significant reductions in OCD symptoms at post-treatment with gains maintained at
      3-month follow-up. At the 3-month follow-up, 58% of patients showed a meaningful
      clinical response (>= 35% drop on the CY-BOCS) and 22% were in remission (<= 12
      on the CY-BOCS). Patients whose medication was optimized tended (non
      significantly) to have better responses. The quality of previous CBT was assessed
      in a sub-group of participants and rated as inadequate in 95.5% of cases. The
      most common inadequacy was insufficient focus on exposure techniques.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide support for the notion that treatment non
      response in routine practice may be due to technical treatment failures and
      highlight the need to disseminate good quality evidence-based treatment among
      this population. Research is also needed to understand factors that impede
      outcome to further improve response and remission rates. PRACTITIONER POINTS:
      Among young people with OCD, failure to respond to treatment in routine clinical
      practice may often reflect the nature of the treatment received. Exposure
      techniques may often be overlooked in CBT for OCD, potentially resulting in poor
      therapeutic response. Most young people with severe and apparent treatment
      resistant OCD respond to outpatient CBT incorporating E/RP. Further research is
      needed to establish effective methods for disseminating good quality CBT for OCD.

PMID- 25130443
TI  - Preliminary characterisation of nanotubes connecting T-cells and their use by HIV
      1.
AB  - BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Cells, especially those of the immune system, can form
      long and thin connections termed tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs). These structures
      can reach >100 um in length and, in T-cells, contain actin but no tubulin and are
      not open ended. T-cell TNTs were found to form following cell contact and to
      enable the transfer of HIV-1 from an infected- to a connected-T-cell. TNTs are
      poorly characterised at molecular level. RESULTS: We found Rab11 and
      tetraspanins, especially CD81, all along T-cells TNTs, whereas Rab4 and Rab35
      were absent from these structures. Regarding actin cytoskeleton regulators,
      Exo70, N-WASP and especially ezrin accumulated at the level of the TNT tip that
      contacts the connected cell. Phosphoinositides such as PI(4,5)P2 were also
      concentrated at this level together with HIV-1 Gag. Gag spots on cells and TNTs
      were essentially immobile, and likely correspond to area of Gag multimerisation
      for budding to form virus-like particles. Mobility of PHPLCdelta , a specific
      probe for PI(4,5)P2 , was reduced > threefold at the level of TNT basis or tip
      compared with the cell body. CONCLUSION: Our study identified the TNT tip as an
      active zone of actin cytoskeleton reorganisation with the presence of ezrin,
      Exo70, N-WASP and PI(4,5)P2 . The latter is also known to enable HIV-1 Gag
      recruitment for viral budding, and the presence of Gag at this level, contacting
      the connected cell, indicates that the TNT tip is also a favourite place for HIV
      1 assembly and budding.

PMID- 25130445
TI  - Improved tracking performance of Lagrangian block-matching methodologies using
      block expansion in the time domain: in silico, phantom and in vivo evaluations.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate tracking performance when an extra
      reference block is added to a basic block-matching method, where the two
      reference blocks originate from two consecutive ultrasound frames. The use of an
      extra reference block was evaluated for two putative benefits: (i) an increase in
      tracking performance while maintaining the size of the reference blocks,
      evaluated using in silico and phantom cine loops; (ii) a reduction in the size of
      the reference blocks while maintaining the tracking performance, evaluated using
      in vivo cine loops of the common carotid artery where the longitudinal movement
      of the wall was estimated. The results indicated that tracking accuracy improved
      (mean = 48%, p < 0.005 [in silico]; mean = 43%, p < 0.01 [phantom]), and there
      was a reduction in size of the reference blocks while maintaining tracking
      performance (mean = 19%, p < 0.01 [in vivo]). This novel method will facilitate
      further exploration of the longitudinal movement of the arterial wall.

PMID- 25130444
TI  - Comparison of strain and shear wave elastography for the differentiation of
      benign from malignant breast lesions, combined with B-mode ultrasonography:
      qualitative and quantitative assessments.
AB  - Our aim was to compare the diagnostic performance of strain elastography (SE) and
      shear-wave elastography (SWE), combined with B-mode ultrasonography (US), in
      breast cancer. For 79 breast lesions that underwent SE and SWE, two radiologists
      reviewed five data sets (B-mode US, SWE, SE and two combined sets). Qualitative
      and quantitative elastographic data and Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System
      (BI-RADS) categories were recorded. The area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve (AUC) was evaluated. No significant difference in the AUC
      between the two elastography methods was noted. After subjective assessment by
      reviewers, the AUC for the combined sets was improved (SWE, 0.987; SE, 0.982; B
      mode US, 0.970; p < 0.05). When SE and SWE were added, 38% and 56% of benign BI
      RADS category 4a lesions with a low suspicion of cancer were downgraded without
      false-negative results, respectively. SE and SWE performed similarly. Therefore,
      addition of SE or SWE improved the diagnostic performance of B-mode US,
      potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies.

PMID- 25130447
TI  - Computation of the temperature rise at the corneal endothelium during cataract
      surgery by modeling of heat generation inside the anterior chamber.
AB  - The corneal endothelium sustaining the transparency of the cornea is a vulnerable
      cell layer. Thermal exposure during phacoemulsification is considered to be a
      potential cause of post-operative cell loss. Knowledge of the temperature rise
      and particularly of its dependence on region and system settings could deliver
      useful information about a potential correlation with cell damage. However, there
      exists a lack of understanding of the process and location of heat generation.
      Analytical calculations and experiments enabled the quantification of different
      mechanisms acting as heat sources during phacoemulsification. Heat generation
      caused by viscous friction was estimated using both an analytical approach and a
      numerical simulation. In contrast to absorption of sound and self-heating of the
      probe, this effect was ascertained to be the main heat source. Calorimetric
      measurement of the power input verified this modeling. On the basis of these
      results, the local temperature distribution inside a porcine eye was computed
      time dependently using the finite-element method. Two different amplitude
      settings were compared with respect to the temperature increase at the corneal
      endothelium. Various conclusions on the mitigation of thermal exposure during
      treatment can be drawn from this finite-element simulation.

PMID- 25130446
TI  - Monitoring and staging abdominal aortic aneurysm disease with pulse wave imaging.
AB  - The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a silent and often deadly vascular disease
      caused by the localized weakening of the arterial wall. Previous work has
      indicated that local changes in wall stiffness can be detected with pulse wave
      imaging (PWI), which is a non-invasive technique for tracking the propagation of
      pulse waves along the aorta at high spatial and temporal resolutions. The aim of
      this study was to assess the capability of PWI to monitor and stage AAA
      progression in a murine model of the disease. ApoE/TIMP-1 knockout mice (N = 18)
      were given angiotensin II for 30 days via subcutaneously implanted osmotic pumps.
      The suprarenal sections of the abdominal aortas were imaged every 2-3 d after
      implantation using a 30-MHz VisualSonics Vevo 770 with 15-MUm lateral resolution.
      Pulse wave propagation was monitored at an effective frame rate of 8 kHz by using
      retrospective electrocardiogram gating and by performing 1-D cross-correlation on
      the radiofrequency signals to obtain the displacements induced by the waves. In
      normal aortas, the pulse waves propagated at constant velocities (2.8 +/- 0.9
      m/s, r(2) = 0.89 +/- 0.11), indicating that the composition of these vessels was
      relatively homogeneous. In the mice that developed AAAs (N = 10), the wave speeds
      in the aneurysm sac were 45% lower (1.6 +/- 0.6 m/s) and were more variable (r(2)
      = 0.66 +/- 0.23). Moreover, the wave-induced wall displacements were at least 80%
      lower within the sacs compared with the surrounding vessel. Finally, in mice that
      developed fissures (N = 5) or ruptures (N = 3) at the sites of their AAA, higher
      displacements directed out of the lumen and with no discernible wave pattern
      (r(2) < 0.20) were observed throughout the cardiac cycle. These findings indicate
      that PWI can be used to distinguish normal murine aortas from aneurysmal,
      fissured and ruptured ones. Hence, PWI could potentially be used to monitor and
      stage human aneurysms by providing information complementary to standard B-mode
      ultrasound.

PMID- 25130448
TI  - A new method for measuring the speed of sound in rat liver ex vivo using an
      ultrasound system: correlation of sound speed with fat deposition.
AB  - The speed of sound correlates well with the fat content of the liver. Therefore,
      non-invasive quantification of sound speed in the liver might be of diagnostic
      value. Here we describe a new non-invasive method that would be clinically
      applicable for measurement of sound speed in the liver. Sprague-Dawley rats were
      divided into two groups: a control group and a fatty liver group prepared by
      keeping the rats on a choline-deficient diet for 6 wk. The livers were subjected
      to pathologic and biochemical analysis; the speed of sound through the liver
      tissue was measured using our proposed method and a pulser-receiver as standard.
      Our results indicated that use of the proposed method makes it feasible to
      diagnose fatty liver with good accuracy on the basis of sound speed. This
      approach would have considerable potential for non-invasive diagnosis of fatty
      liver and would be a valuable adjunct to conventional liver diagnostic
      procedures.

PMID- 25130449
TI  - Localized in vivo model drug delivery with intravascular ultrasound and
      microbubbles.
AB  - An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and microbubble drug delivery system was
      evaluated in both ex vivo and in vivo swine vessel models. Microbubbles with the
      fluorophore DiI embedded in the shell as a model drug were infused into ex vivo
      swine arteries at a physiologic flow rate (105 mL/min) while a 5-MHz IVUS
      transducer applied ultrasound. Ultrasound pulse sequences consisted of acoustic
      radiation force pulses to displace DiI-loaded microbubbles from the vessel lumen
      to the wall, followed by higher-intensity delivery pulses to release DiI into the
      vessel wall. Insonation with both the acoustic radiation force pulse and the
      delivery pulse increased DiI deposition 10-fold compared with deposition with the
      delivery pulse alone. Localized delivery of DiI was then demonstrated in an in
      vivo swine model. The theoretical transducer beam width predicted the measured
      angular extent of delivery to within 11%. These results indicate that low
      frequency IVUS catheters are a viable method for achieving localized drug
      delivery with microbubbles.

PMID- 25130450
TI  - Teles-operated echocardiography using a robotic arm and an internet connection.
AB  - The objective was to design and validate a method of tele-operated
      echocardiography. The method was tested in a hospital facility with an expert
      sonographer located in a room 10 m away from the patient. An ultrasound probe,
      fixed to a motorized probe holder, was located on the patient by a non
      sonographer and was remotely controlled by the expert sonographer via an Internet
      connection. Scans were performed on 41 cardiac patients. The quality of the
      cardiac views obtained using tele-echocardiography was lower than that of
      reference echocardiography, but generated similar measurements in 93%-100% of the
      cases. Bland-Altman plots and statistical comparison of tele- and reference
      echocardiography measures revealed no differences (p > 0.05). Of the 71 valve
      leaks or aortic stenoses present, 61 (86%) were detected using tele
      echocardiography. These results indicate that tele-echocardiography provided
      reliable diagnoses and acceptable measurements in 86% and 93% of cases,
      respectively, with no false-positive diagnoses being reported.

PMID- 25130451
TI  - High-intensity focused ultrasound leads to histopathologic changes of the
      inferior turbinate mucosa with allergic inflammation.
AB  - This study was aimed at understanding the histopathologic changes that occur in
      the nasal mucosa of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis after high
      intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment. Biopsy specimens of the inferior
      turbinate mucosa were taken from 11 PAR patients before, immediately after and 1
      y after HIFU treatment. Morphometric analysis revealed that the density of
      eosinophils and other inflammatory cells increased immediately after treatment
      and then were decreased significantly 1 y post-treatment. Submucosal glands were
      swollen and venous sinusoids were dilated, but there was no statistically
      significant change in their density, immediately after treatment. However, both
      glands and venous sinusoids significantly decreased in number 1 y after HIFU
      treatment. The ciliated epithelium or basement membrane of the nasal mucosa was
      well preserved at all stages. In conclusion, HIFU is a tolerable and effective
      treatment to reduce inflammation of the inferior turbinate mucosa in patients
      with perennial allergic rhinitis.

PMID- 25130452
TI  - Reliability of automatic vibratory equipment for ultrasonic strain measurement of
      the median nerve.
AB  - The objective of this study was to test the reliability of ultrasonic median
      nerve strain measurements using automatic vibratory equipment. Strain ratios of
      the median nerve in the carpal tunnel model and the reference coupler were
      measured at three different settings of the transducer: 0, +2 and +4 mm (+ =
      compressing the model down 2-4 mm initially). After measurement of the carpal
      tunnel model, a +4-mm setting was chosen for in vivo measurement. The median
      nerve strains of 30 wrists were measured by two examiners using the equipment.
      Intra- and inter-examiner correlation coefficients (CCs) for the strain ratios
      were calculated. The closest ratio was found in the +4-mm placement (strain
      ratio: 0.73, Young's modulus ratio: 0.79). The intra-examiner CC was 0.91 (p <
      0.01), and the inter-examiner CCs were 0.72-0.78 (p < 0.01). The automatic
      vibratory equipment was useful in quantifying median nerve strain at the wrist.

PMID- 25130453
TI  - Is the frequent sonographic anechoic area distally in metacarpophalangeal joints
      a sign of arthritis?
AB  - In clinical practice, ultrasonography (US) often reveals, in the dorsal scan, a
      small anechoic area distally in both inflamed and clinically non-inflamed
      metacarpophalangeal joints. This "distal anechogenicity in the
      metacarpophalangeal joint" (DAEM) might thus be scored false positively as
      arthritis. We aimed to investigate whether the DAEM is a sign of arthritis. We
      evaluated the prevalence of DAEMs in 24 non-arthritic subjects. We then compared
      the dimensions of the DAEM in 10 non-arthritic subjects with a DAEM and 7
      consecutive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) outpatients, using 2-D and 3-D ultrasound.
      Furthermore, we dissected two fresh-frozen postmortem hand specimens after US. A
      DAEM was observed in the metacarpophalangeal 2 (MCP2) joints of 54% of the 24 non
      selected non-arthritic individuals; in none of those did the joint exhibit a
      power Doppler signal. A DAEM was observed in 86% of the 7 RA patients. Dimensions
      of DAEMs did not statistically significantly differ between these groups. At 3-D
      imaging and dissection, the DAEM was found to be an extension of the
      metacarpophalangeal joint capsule. In conclusion, DAEMs occur frequently and are
      not a sign of arthritis, but are distal joint recesses. This should be taken into
      account when using current sensitive ultrasonographic scoring systems grading
      arthritis.

PMID- 25130454
TI  - A new metric for measuring condition in large predatory sharks.
AB  - A simple metric (span condition analysis; SCA) is presented for quantifying the
      condition of sharks based on four measurements of body girth relative to body
      length. Data on 104 live sharks from four species that vary in body form,
      behaviour and habitat use (Carcharhinus leucas, Carcharhinus limbatus,
      Ginglymostoma cirratum and Galeocerdo cuvier) are given. Condition shows similar
      levels of variability among individuals within each species. Carcharhinus leucas
      showed a positive relationship between condition and body size, whereas the other
      three species showed no relationship. There was little evidence for strong
      differences in condition between males and females, although more male sharks are
      needed for some species (e.g. G. cuvier) to verify this finding. SCA is
      potentially viable for other large marine or terrestrial animals that are
      captured live and then released. 

PMID- 25130455
TI  - Friends interventions in psychosis: a narrative review and call to action.
AB  - AIMS: To highlight the importance of friendships to young people with psychosis,
      and the need for clinical interventions to help maintain peer relationships
      during illness. To structure a research agenda for developing evidence-based
      interventions with friends. METHOD: An argument is developed through a narrative
      review of (i) the proven efficacy of family interventions, and (by comparison) a
      relative absence of friend-based interventions; (ii) the particular primacy of
      friendships and dating for young people, and typical effects of exclusion; and
      (iii) reduced friendship networks and dating experiences in psychosis, in pre-,
      during and post-psychosis phases, also links between exclusion and psychosis.
      RESULTS: We put forward a model of how poor friendships can potentially be a
      causal and/or maintenance factor for psychotic symptoms. Given this model, our
      thesis is that interventions aiming to maintain social networks can be hugely
      beneficial clinically for young people with psychosis. We give a case study to
      show how such an intervention can work. CONCLUSIONS: We call for 'friends
      interventions' for young people with psychosis to be developed, where
      professionals directly work with a young person's authentic social group to
      support key friendships and maintain social continuity. An agenda for future
      research is presented that will develop and test theoretically driven
      interventions.

PMID- 25130457
TI  - Effect of truncated neurokinin-1 receptor expression changes on the interaction
      between human breast cancer and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Previous studies in breast cancer cell lines showed that truncated neurokinin
      receptor-1 (NK1R-Tr) was able to promote malignant transformation of breast
      cells, and NK1R-Tr may contribute to tumor progression and promote distant
      metastasis in human breast cancer. A co-culture model of breast cancer and bone
      marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem (HMSC-bm) cells showed that HMSC-bm
      inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells and entered the bone marrow at early
      stages. Down-regulation of NK1R-Tr may be a key factor in maintaining the
      quiescent phenotype of breast cancer cells among bone marrow stroma. Stromal
      derived factor (SDF)-1alpha expression was negatively correlated with NK1R-Tr
      expression in breast cancer cells. Secretion of SDF-1alpha by HMSC-bm may
      maintain the quiescent phenotype of breast cancer cells among bone marrow stroma
      by down-regulating NK1R-Tr expression. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1
      expression was positively associated with NK1R-Tr expression in breast cancer
      cells. In a co-culture system, MDA-MB-231-TGF-beta1I (TGF-beta genes were
      suppressed using specific shRNA) cells were able to attach to HMSC-bm quickly,
      indicating that TGF-beta1 was also a key factor for maintaining the quiescent
      phenotype of breast cancer cells in bone marrow stroma. However, the detailed
      mechanism still remained unclear and could involve other molecules, in addition
      to NK1R-Tr. 

PMID- 25130456
TI  - Differential partial activation phenotype and production of tumour necrosis
      factor-alpha by conventional dendritic cells in response to lipopolysaccharide in
      HIV+ viraemic subjects and HIV+ controllers.
AB  - HIV(+) subjects are reported to have increased soluble CD14 (sCD14) in plasma, an
      indicator of microbial translocation. We evaluated if microbial translocation has
      a differential impact on the activation and function of conventional dendritic
      cells (cDC) from viraemic HIV(+) subjects and HIV(+) controllers (CTs). The
      HIV(+) subjects were classified into two groups according to their plasma viral
      load (pVL): CT and viraemic. Subjects without HIV were included as controls (HIV(
      ) ). The frequencies and phenotypes of cDC from these subjects were evaluated by
      multi-parameter flow cytometry. In addition, peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or single-stranded RNA40
      (ssRNA40), the phenotype of the cDC and the intracellular production of tumour
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha by the cDC were evaluated by flow cytometry. We
      observed a partial activation phenotype for the cDC in the viraemic subjects and
      CTs ex vivo and after LPS activation, which showed differences in the expression
      of CD40 and CD86. Furthermore, in response to LPS the cDC from the viraemic
      subjects produced more TNF-alpha compared to the cDC from CTs. Interestingly, the
      percentage of TNF-alpha(+) cDC was found to be correlated positively with the
      pVL. The partial activation of cDC and the over-production of TNF-alpha in
      response to LPS in viraemic HIV(+) subjects might be related to the increased
      chronic activation observed in these subjects. In contrast, cDC from CTs seem to
      have a regulated response to LPS, indicating that they respond differently to
      chronic immune activation. These results may have implications in the development
      of HIV therapies and vaccines using DC. 

PMID- 25130459
TI  - An update on red blood cell storage lesions, as gleaned through biochemistry and
      omics technologies.
AB  - Red blood cell (RBC) aging in the blood bank is characterized by the accumulation
      of a significant number of biochemical and morphologic alterations. Recent mass
      spectrometry and electron microscopy studies have provided novel insights into
      the molecular changes underpinning the accumulation of storage lesions to RBCs in
      the blood bank. Biochemical lesions include altered cation homeostasis,
      reprogrammed energy, and redox metabolism, which result in the impairment of
      enzymatic activity and progressive depletion of high-energy phosphate compounds.
      These factors contribute to the progressive accumulation of oxidative stress,
      which in turn promotes oxidative lesions to proteins (carbonylation,
      fragmentation, hemoglobin glycation) and lipids (peroxidation). Biochemical
      lesions negatively affect RBC morphology, which is marked by progressive membrane
      blebbing and vesiculation. These storage lesions contribute to the altered
      physiology of long-stored RBCs and promote the rapid clearance of up to one
      fourth of long-stored RBCs from the recipient's bloodstream after 24 hours from
      administration. While prospective clinical evidence is accumulating, from the
      present review it emerges that biochemical, morphologic, and omics profiles of
      stored RBCs have observable changes after approximately 14 days of storage.
      Future studies will assess whether these in vitro observations might have
      clinically meaningful effects. 

PMID- 25130460
TI  - Cecropin A-melittin mutant with improved proteolytic stability and enhanced
      antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi associated with gastroenteritis
      in vitro.
AB  - Cecropin A-melittin (CAM), a chimeric antimicrobial peptide with potent
      antimicrobial activity, is threatened by some special extracellular proteases
      when used to deal with certain drug-resistant pathogenic microbes in the
      gastrointestinal tract. Thus, a four-tryptophan-substitution mutant (CAM-W) from
      CAM was developed via the replacement of special amino acid residues to enhance
      the antimicrobial potency and to improve the proteolytic stability of this agent.
      The pharmaceutical index of CAM-W was investigated, with a focus on biological
      potency, cytotoxicity, and proteolytic stability, as well as pH and thermal
      resistance. CAM-W exhibited potent antimicrobial activity and was approximately 3
      12 times higher than that of CAM. CAM-W also exhibited a strong antifungal
      activity against a series of common pathogenic fungi, in a lower IC50 range
      between 2.1mg/L and 3.3mg/L than that of its reference CAM ranging from 9.8mg/L
      to 14.2mg/L. Besides, CAM-W showed moderate cytotoxicity (IC50>300mg/L) in
      erythrocyte lysis test. In addition, CAM-W overcame challenges under various
      conditions, including specific temperatures (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90
      degrees C), pH values (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0), and proteases
      (trypsin, pepsin, human neutrophil elastase, Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase, and
      Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease) that are commonly present in human
      gastrointestinal tract. These results suggest that the four-tryptophan
      substitution can confer CAM-W with a high pharmaceutical index, which is
      important for CAM-W to become a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics
      against bacteria and fungi associated with gastroenteritis. 

PMID- 25130458
TI  - Sex-specific behavioral traits in the Brd2 mouse model of juvenile myoclonic
      epilepsy.
AB  - Idiopathic generalized epilepsy represents about 30-35% of all epilepsies in
      humans. The bromodomain BRD2 gene has been repeatedly associated with the
      subsyndrome of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). Our previous work determined
      that mice haploinsufficient in Brd2 (Brd2+/-) have increased susceptibility to
      provoked seizures, develop spontaneous seizures and have significantly decreased
      gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) markers in the direct basal ganglia pathway as
      well as in the neocortex and superior colliculus. Here, we tested male and female
      Brd2+/- and wild-type littermate mice in a battery of behavioral tests (open
      field, tube dominance test, elevated plus maze, Morris water maze and Barnes
      maze) to identify whether Brd2 haploinsufficiency is associated with the human
      behavioral patterns, the so-called JME personality. Brd2+/- females but not males
      consistently displayed decreased anxiety. Furthermore, we found a highly
      significant dominance trait (aggression) in the Brd2+/- mice compared with the
      wild type, more pronounced in females. Brd2+/- mice of either sex did not differ
      from wild-type mice in spatial learning and memory tests. Compared with wild-type
      littermates, we found decreased numbers of GABA neurons in the basolateral
      amygdala, which is consistent with the increase in aggressive behavior. Our
      results indicate that Brd2+/- haploinsufficient mice show no cognitive impairment
      but have behavioral traits similar to those found in patients with JME
      (recklessness, aggression). This suggests that either the BRD2 gene is directly
      responsible for influencing many traits of JME or it controls upstream regulators
      of individual phenotypes. 

PMID- 25130461
TI  - Cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophages is impaired by the fatty acid component
      from lipoprotein hydrolysis by lipoprotein lipase.
AB  - Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is an extracellular lipase that primarily hydrolyzes
      triglycerides within circulating lipoproteins. Macrophage LPL contributes to
      atherogenesis, but the mechanisms behind it are poorly understood. We
      hypothesized that the products of lipoprotein hydrolysis generated by LPL promote
      atherogenesis by inhibiting the cholesterol efflux ability by macrophages. To
      test this hypothesis, we treated human THP-1 macrophages with total lipoproteins
      that were hydrolyzed by LPL and we found significantly reduced transcript levels
      for the cholesterol transporters ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1),
      ABCG1, and scavenger receptor BI. These decreases were likely due to significant
      reductions for the nuclear receptors liver-X-receptor-alpha, peroxisome
      proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha, and PPAR-gamma. We prepared a
      mixture of free fatty acids (FFA) that represented the ratios of FFA species
      within lipoprotein hydrolysis products, and we found that the FFA mixture also
      significantly reduced cholesterol transporters and nuclear receptors. Finally, we
      tested the efflux of cholesterol from THP-1 macrophages to apolipoprotein A-I,
      and we found that the treatment of THP-1 macrophages with the FFA mixture
      significantly attenuated cholesterol efflux. Overall, these data show that the
      FFA component of lipoprotein hydrolysis products generated by LPL may promote
      atherogenesis by inhibiting cholesterol efflux, which partially explains the pro
      atherogenic role of macrophage LPL. 

PMID- 25130462
TI  - Testosterone treatment increases androgen receptor and aromatase gene expression
      in myotubes from patients with PCOS and controls, but does not induce insulin
      resistance.
AB  - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance and
      increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Skeletal muscle is the major site of insulin
      mediated glucose disposal and the skeletal muscle tissue is capable to
      synthesize, convert and degrade androgens. Insulin sensitivity is conserved in
      cultured myotubes (in vitro) from patients with PCOS, but the effect of
      testosterone on this insulin sensitivity is unknown. We investigated the effect
      of 7days testosterone treatment (100nmol/l) on glucose transport and gene
      expression levels of hormone receptors and enzymes involved in the synthesis and
      conversion of testosterone (HSD17B1, HSD17B2, CYP19A1, SRD5A1-2, AR, ER-alpha,
      HSD17B6 and AKR1-3) in myotubes from ten patients with PCOS and ten matched
      controls. Testosterone treatment significantly increased aromatase and androgen
      receptor gene expression levels in patients and controls. Glucose transport in
      myotubes was comparable in patients with PCOS vs. controls and was unchanged by
      testosterone treatment (p=0.21 PCOS vs. controls). These results suggest that
      testosterone treatment of myotubes increases the aromatase and androgen receptor
      gene expression without affecting insulin sensitivity and if testosterone is
      implicated in muscular insulin resistance in PCOS, this is by and indirect
      mechanism. 

PMID- 25130463
TI  - PDI family protein ERp29 forms 1:1 complex with lectin chaperone calreticulin.
AB  - Lectin chaperone calreticulin is well known to interact with ERp57 which is one
      of PDI family proteins. The interaction of ERp57 with calreticulin is believed to
      assist disulfide bond formation of nascent glycoprotein in the ER. Various kinds
      of PDI family proteins are present in the ER, however, their precise roles have
      been unclear. In this study, interaction assay between PDI family proteins and
      calreticulin by SPR analysis was performed. Our analysis revealed for the first
      time formation of a 1:1 complex between ERp29 and calreticulin. The dissociation
      constant of interaction between ERp29 and calreticulin was shown to be almost
      identical to ERp57-calreticulin interaction. We speculate that the recognition
      site of ERp29 within calreticulin is different from that of ERp57. 

PMID- 25130464
TI  - Leucine methylation of protein phosphatase PP4C at C-terminal is critical for its
      cellular functions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) has been known to have critical functions
      in DNA double strand break (DSB) repair and cell cycle by the regulation of
      phosphorylation of its target proteins, such as H2AX, RPA2, KAP-1, 53BP1.
      However, it is largely unknown how PP4 itself is regulated. METHODS: We examined
      the PP4C methylation on L307 at C-terminal by using methylated-leucine specific
      antibody. Then with PP4C L307A mutant, we explored that how nonmethylated form of
      PP4C affects its known cellular functions by immunoprecipitation,
      immunofluorescence, and DNA DSB repair assays. RESULTS: Here we show that PP4C is
      methylated on its C-terminal leucine residue in vivo and this methylation is
      important for cellular functions mediated by PP4. In the cells PP4C L307A mutant
      has significantly low activity of dephosphorylation against its known target
      proteins, and the loss of interaction between L307A PP4 mutant and regulatory
      subunits, R1, R2, or R3alpha/beta causes the dissociation from its target
      proteins. Moreover, PP4C L307A mutant loses its role in both DSB repair pathways,
      HR (homologous recombination) and NHEJ (non-homologous end joining), which
      phenocopies PP4C depletion. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the key site of
      PP4C methylation and establish the physiological importance of this regulation.

PMID- 25130465
TI  - Differential impact of glucose levels and advanced glycation end-products on
      tubular cell viability and pro-inflammatory/profibrotic functions.
AB  - High glucose (HG) or synthetic advanced glycation end-products (AGE) conditions
      are generally used to mimic diabetes in cellular models. Both models have shown
      an increase of apoptosis, oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine
      production in tubular cells. However, the impact of the two conditions combined
      has rarely been studied. In addition, the impact of glucose level variation due
      to cellular consumption is not clearly characterized in such experiments.
      Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of HG and AGE
      separately and of both on tubular cell phenotype changes in the HK2 cell line.
      Moreover, glucose consumption was monitored every hour to maintain the glucose
      level by supplementation throughout the experiments. We thus observed a
      significant decrease of apoptosis and H2O2 production in the HK2 cell. HG or AGE
      treatment induced an increase of total and mitochondrial apoptosis as well as TGF
      beta release compared to control conditions; however, AGE or HG led to apoptosis
      preferentially involving the mitochondria pathway. No cumulative effect of HG and
      AGE treatment was observed on apoptosis. However, a pretreatment with RAGE
      antibodies partially abolished the apoptotic effect of HG and completely
      abolished the apoptotic effect of AGE. In conclusion, tubular cells are sensitive
      to the lack of glucose as well as to the HG and AGE treatments, the AGE effect
      being more deleterious than the HG effect. Absence of a potential synergistic
      effect of HG and AGE could indicate that they act through a common pathway,
      possibly via the activation of the RAGE receptors. 

PMID- 25130466
TI  - LOX-1 - dependent mitochondrial DNA damage and NLRP3 activation during systemic
      inflammation in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein scavenger receptor-1
      (LOX-1) is known to be involved in many pathophysiological events, such as
      inflammation. METHODS: To clarify the role of LOX-1 in mtDNA damage and NLRP3
      inflammasome activation, we studied wild-type (WT) and LOX-1 knockout (KO) mice
      given thioglycollate, an inflammatory stimulus. RESULTS: We observed intense
      inflammatory response (CD45 and CD68 expression) and mtDNA damage in spleen and
      kidneys of WT mice given thioglycollate. The abrogation of LOX-1 (use of LOX-1
      knockout mice) reduced the inflammatory response as well as mtDNA damage (P<0.05
      vs. WT mice). We also observed that mice with LOX-1 deletion had markedly reduced
      expression of caspase-1 (P10 and P20 subunits) as well as cleaved IL-1beta and IL
      18. These mice also had much less mtDNA damage and only limited NLRP3
      inflammasome expression. CONCLUSIONS: These in vivo observations indicate that
      LOX-1 plays a key role in mtDNA damage which then leads to NLRP3 inflammasome
      activation during inflammation.

PMID- 25130468
TI  - Biophysical and biological meanings of healthspan from C. elegans cohort.
AB  - Lifespan among individuals ranges widely in organisms from yeast to mammals, even
      in an isogenic cohort born in a nearly uniform environment. Needless to say,
      genetic and environmental factors are essential for aging and lifespan, but in
      addition, a third factor or the existence of a stochastic element must be
      reflected in aging and lifespan. An essential point is that lifespan or aging is
      an unpredictable phenomenon. The present study focuses on elucidating the
      biophysical and biological meanings of healthspan that latently indwells a
      stochastic nature. To perform this purpose, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
      served as a model animal. C. elegans fed a healthy food had an extended
      healthspan as compared to those fed a conventional diet. Then, utilizing this
      phenomenon, we clarified a mechanism of healthspan extension by measuring the
      single-worm ATP and estimating the ATP noise (or the variability of the ATP
      content) among individual worms and by quantitatively analyzing biodemographic
      data with the lifespan equation that was derived from a fluctuation theory. 

PMID- 25130467
TI  - Chemical rescue of DeltaF508-CFTR in C127 epithelial cells reverses aberrant
      extracellular pH acidification to wild-type alkalization as monitored by
      microphysiometry.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene for CFTR, a cAMP
      activated anion channel expressed in apical membranes of wet epithelia. Since
      CFTR is permeable to HCO3(-), and may regulate bicarbonate exchangers, it is not
      surprising evidence of changes in extracellular pH (pHo) have been found in CF.
      Previously we have shown that tracking pHo can be used to differentiate cells
      expressing wild-type CFTR from controls in mouse mammary epithelial (C127) and
      fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cell lines. In this study we characterized forskolin
      stimulated extracellular acidification rates in epithelia where chemical
      correction of mutant DeltaF508-CFTR converted an aberrant response in
      acidification (10%+ increase) to wild-type (25%+ decrease). Thus treatment with
      corrector (10% glycerol) and the resulting increased expression of DeltaF508-CFTR
      at the surface was detected by microphysiometry as a significant reversal from
      acidification to alkalization of pHo. These results suggest that CFTR activation
      as well as correction can be detected by carefully monitoring pHo and support
      findings in the field that extracellular pH acidification may impact the function
      of airway surface liquid in CF. 

PMID- 25130469
TI  - NFkappaB activation is essential for miR-21 induction by TGFbeta1 in high glucose
      conditions.
AB  - Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) is a pleiotropic growth factor with a
      very broad spectrum of effects on wound healing. Chronic non-healing wounds such
      as diabetic foot ulcers express reduced levels of TGFbeta1. On the other hand,
      our previous studies have shown that the microRNA miR-21 is differentially
      regulated in diabetic wounds and that it promotes migration of fibroblast cells.
      Although interplay between TGFbeta1 and miR-21 are studied in relation to cancer,
      their interaction in the context of chronic wounds has not yet been investigated.
      In this study, we examined if TGFbeta1 could stimulate miR-21 in fibroblasts that
      are subjected to high glucose environment. MiR-21 was, in fact, induced by
      TGFbeta1 in high glucose conditions. The induction by TGFbeta1 was dependent on
      NFkappaB activation and subsequent ROS generation. TGFbeta1 was instrumental in
      degrading the NFkappaB inhibitor IkappaBalpha and facilitating the nuclear
      translocation of NFkappaB p65 subunit. EMSA studies showed enhanced DNA binding
      activity of NFkappaB in the presence of TGFbeta1. ChIP assay revealed binding of
      p65 to miR-21 promoter. NFkappaB activation was also required for the nuclear
      translocation of Smad 4 protein and subsequent direct interaction of Smad
      proteins with primary miR-21 as revealed by RNA-IP studies. Our results show that
      manipulation of TGFbeta1-NFkappaB-miR-21 pathway could serve as an innovative
      approach towards therapeutics to heal diabetic ulcers. 

PMID- 25130470
TI  - Fasting times in serum PSA assay.

PMID- 25130471
TI  - Prospects for clinically relevant epigenetic tests in the andrology laboratory.

PMID- 25130472
TI  - Risk prediction models for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
      using prostate-specific antigen and Gleason score.
AB  - Many computer models for predicting the risk of prostate cancer have been
      developed including for prediction of biochemical recurrence (BCR). However,
      models for individual BCR free probability at individual time-points after a BCR
      free period are rare. Follow-up data from 1656 patients who underwent
      laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) were used to develop an artificial
      neural network (ANN) to predict BCR and to compare it with a logistic regression
      (LR) model using clinical and pathologic parameters, prostate-specific antigen
      (PSA), margin status (R0/1), pathological stage (pT), and Gleason Score (GS). For
      individual BCR prediction at any given time after operation, additional ANN, and
      LR models were calculated every 6 months for up to 7.5 years of follow-up. The
      areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for the ANN
      (0.754) and LR models (0.755) calculated immediately following LRP, were larger
      than that for GS (AUC: 0.715; P = 0.0015 and 0.001), pT or PSA (AUC: 0.619; P
      always <0.0001) alone. The GS predicted the BCR better than PSA (P = 0.0001), but
      there was no difference between the ANN and LR models (P = 0.39). Our ANN and LR
      models predicted individual BCR risk from radical prostatectomy for up to 10
      years postoperative. ANN and LR models equally and significantly improved the
      prediction of BCR compared with PSA and GS alone. When the GS and ANN output
      values are combined, a more accurate BCR prediction is possible, especially in
      high-risk patients with GS >=7. 

PMID- 25130474
TI  - Hiccups and gastroesophageal reflux disease as seen on high resolution esophageal
      manometry.

PMID- 25130473
TI  - Correlates of adolescent and young adult sexual initiation patterns.
AB  - CONTEXT: Identifying adolescent characteristics associated with different
      patterns of sexual initiation is critical to promoting healthy sexual
      development. METHODS: Patterns of sexual initiation were examined among 12,378
      respondents to Waves 1 (1994-1995) and 4 (2008) of the National Longitudinal
      Study of Adolescent Health. Multinomial logistic regression explored associations
      between adolescent characteristics and membership in five latent classes
      capturing the timing, sequence, pace and variety of sexual initiation patterns.
      RESULTS: Age and indicators of greater psychosocial conventionality were
      associated with membership in the atypical "postponers" class (characterized by
      postponement of oral, vaginal and anal sexual activity until early adulthood),
      although patterns of associations varied by gender. For example, compared with
      males who attended religious services at least once a week, males who never
      attended religious services were more likely to appear in the vaginal
      initiators/multiple behaviors class (characterized by initiation of vaginal sex
      first and then initiation of another behavior after at least one year), rather
      than in the postponers class (relative risk ratio, 2.5). Compared with women who
      prayed at least once a day, those who never prayed were more likely to be in the
      vaginal initiators/single behavior class (whose members typically engaged in only
      one type of behavior), rather than in the postponers class (2.0). CONCLUSIONS:
      Individuals who are more adherent, and presumably more committed, to the
      attitudes, values and expectations of conventional society are more likely than
      others to delay multiple types of sexual activity until well beyond the norm for
      their peers.

PMID- 25130475
TI  - Validation of mechanical, electrical and thermal nociceptive stimulation methods
      in horses.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: To validate a model for investigating the effects
      of analgesic drugs on mechanical, thermal and electrical stimulation testing.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate repeatability, sensitivity and specificity of
      nociceptive tests. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised experiment with 2 observers in 2
      phases. METHODS: Mechanical (M), thermal (TL) and electrical (E) stimuli were
      applied to the dorsal metacarpus (M-left and TL-right) and coronary band of the
      left thoracic limb (E) and a thoracic thermal stimulus (TT) was applied caudal to
      the withers in 8 horses (405 +/- 43 kg). Stimuli intensities were increased until
      a clear avoidance response was detected without exceeding 20 N (M), 60 degrees C
      (TL and TT) and 15 V (E). For each set of tests, 3 real stimuli and one sham
      stimulus were applied (32 per animal) using a blinded, randomised, crossover
      design repeated after 6 months. A distribution frequency and, for each stimulus,
      Chi-square and McNemar tests compared both the proportion of positive responses
      detected by 2 observers and the 2 study phases. The kappa coefficients estimated
      interobserver agreement in determining endpoints. Sensitivity (384 tests) and
      specificity (128 tests) were evaluated for each nociceptive stimulus to assess
      the evaluators' accuracy in detecting real and sham stimuli. RESULTS: Nociceptive
      thresholds were 3.1 +/- 2 N (M), 8.1 +/- 3.8 V (E), 51.4 +/- 5.5 degrees C (TL)
      and 55.2 +/- 5.3 degrees C (TT). The level of agreement after all tests, M, E, TL
      and TT, was 90, 100, 84, 98 and 75%, respectively. Sensitivity was 89, 100, 89,
      98 and 70% and specificity 92, 97, 88, 91 and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The
      high interobserver agreement, sensitivity and specificity suggest that M, E and
      TL tests are valid for pain studies in horses and are suitable tools for
      investigating antinociceptive effects of analgesics in horses.

PMID- 25130476
TI  - Sequential ofatumumab and lenalidomide for the treatment of relapsed and
      refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma.
AB  - Ofatumumab is a fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody with enhanced antibody
      dependent and complement dependent cytotoxicity. Lenalidomide induces T cell and
      natural killer (NK) cell activation and in vitro enhances clearance of chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells by monoclonal antibodies. We performed a multi
      center, phase 2 trial of sequential treatment with ofatumumab and lenalidomide in
      patients with advanced, relapsed and refractory (R/R) CLL, consisting of
      ofatumumab 2000 mg intravenously on day 1 and lenalidomide 10 mg on days 8-28,
      for up to six cycles. Twenty-one subjects were included with median age of 63
      years and two prior lines of therapy. The overall response rate was 47.6% and
      23.8% had stable disease. Median overall survival was 21.5 months. Neutropenia
      and thrombocytopenia were the most frequent adverse events. Tumor flare reaction
      occurred in 43% of subjects. Intracycle sequential ofatumumab plus lenalidomide
      is active in high-risk R/R CLL and well tolerated except for frequent cytopenias.

PMID- 25130477
TI  - Activating somatic mutations in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas: lessons from next
      generation sequencing and key elements in the precision medicine era.
AB  - Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of lymphoma,
      accounting for 30-40% of newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Historically,
      DLBCL has been thought to involve recurrent translocations of the immunoglobulin
      heavy (IGH) locus and the deregulation of rearranged oncogenes. Whole exome
      sequencing (WES) of more than 200 DLBCLs has completely redefined the genetic
      landscape of the disease by identifying recurrent single nucleotide variants and
      providing new therapeutic opportunities in DLBCL molecular subtypes. Some of
      these somatic mutations target genes that play a crucial role in B-cell function
      (B cell receptor [BCR] signaling, nuclear factor kappaB [NF-kappaB] pathway, Toll
      like receptor [TLR] signaling and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase [PI3K] pathway),
      immunity, cell cycle/apoptosis or chromatin modification. In this review,
      following an overview of the somatic mutations reported in DLBCL, we focus on
      activating and clustered mutations targeting genes including MYD88, CD79A/B, EZH2
      and CARD11 and discuss their clinical and therapeutic relevance in the precision
      medicine era. 

PMID- 25130480
TI  - Interface control of the magnetic chirality in CoFeB/MgO heterostructures with
      heavy-metal underlayers.
AB  - Recent advances in the understanding of spin orbital effects in ultrathin
      magnetic heterostructures have opened new paradigms to control magnetic moments
      electrically. The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) is said to play a key
      role in forming a Neel-type domain wall that can be driven by the spin Hall
      torque. Here we show that the strength and sign of the DMI can be changed by
      modifying the adjacent heavy-metal underlayer (X) in perpendicularly magnetized
      X/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures. The sense of rotation of a domain wall spiral is
      reversed when the underlayer is changed from Hf, Ta to W and the strength of DMI
      varies as the filling of 5d orbitals, or the electronegativity, of the heavy
      metal layer changes. The DMI can even be tuned by adding nitrogen to the
      underlayer, thus allowing interface engineering of the magnetic texture in
      ultrathin magnetic heterostructures. 

PMID- 25130479
TI  - Estradiol induces gene proximity and MLL-MLLT3 fusion in an activation-induced
      cytidine deaminase-mediated pathway.
AB  - Epidemiological data have linked birth control formulations to an increased risk
      of infant acute leukemia involving MLL rearrangements. Reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies showed that 10 nM estradiol enhanced
      MLL transcription in addition to its common translocation partners, MLLT2 (AF4)
      and MLLT3 (AF9). The same concentration of estradiol triggered MLL and MLLT3 co
      localization without affecting the interaction of genes located on the same
      chromosomes. Estradiol also stimulated the generation of MLL-MLLT3 fusion
      transcripts as seen by RT-PCR. RNAi knockdown of activation-induced cytidine
      deaminase (AICDA) suppressed the induction of MLL-MLLT3 fusion transcript
      formation observed with estradiol. Additionally, chromatin immunoprecipitation
      (ChIP) analysis showed estradiol dependent localization of AICDA in MLL intron
      11, upstream of a hotspot for both DNA cleavage and rearrangement, but not
      downstream within intron 12. Combined, these studies show that levels of
      estradiol consistent with that observed during pregnancy have the potential to
      initiate MLL fusions through an AICDA-mediated mechanism. 

PMID- 25130478
TI  - Assessment of carbonic anhydrase IX expression and extracellular pH in B-cell
      lymphoma cell line models.
AB  - The expression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) and its relationship to acidosis
      in lymphomas has not been widely studied. We investigated the protein expression
      of CA IX in a human B-cell lymphoma tissue microarray, and in Raji, Ramos and
      Granta 519 lymphoma cell lines and tumor models, while also investigating the
      relationship with hypoxia. An imaging method, acidoCEST magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI), was used to estimate lymphoma xenograft extracellular pH (pHe).
      Our results showed that clinical lymphoma tissues and cell line models in vitro
      and in vivo had moderate CA IX expression. Although in vitro studies showed that
      CA IX expression was induced by hypoxia, in vivo studies did not show this
      correlation. Untreated lymphoma xenograft tumor pHe had acidic fractions, and an
      acidity score was qualitatively correlated with CA IX expression. Therefore, CA
      IX is expressed in B-cell lymphomas and is qualitatively correlated with
      extracellular acidosis in xenograft tumor models. 

PMID- 25130481
TI  - Aqueous route to facile, efficient and functional silica coating of metal
      nanoparticles at room temperature.
AB  - Various metal (Ag, Au, and Pt)@thiol-functionalized silica (SiO2-SH)
      nanoparticles (NPs) are successfully prepared at room temperature by a facile,
      efficient, functional, universal and scalable coating process in alcohol-free
      aqueous solution using pre-hydrolyzed 3-(mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS).
      The controlled pre-hydrolysis of the silane precursor in water and the
      consecutive condensation processes are the key to achieve the effective and
      uniform silica coating on metal NPs in aqueous solution. The thickness of the
      silica shell is tuned by simply varying the coating time. The silica shell can
      act as an effective protecting layer for Ag NPs in Ag@SiO2-SH NPs under
      conditions for silica coating in aqueous solution; however, it leads to a
      directional dissolution of Ag NPs in a more strongly basic ammonia solution. The
      environmentally friendly silica coating process in water is also applied to
      prepare highly surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active Ag@SiO2-SH NPs
      with different types of Raman molecules for highly sensitive SERS-based
      applications in various fields. 

PMID- 25130482
TI  - Spectroscopic analysis of catalytic water oxidation by [Ru(II)(bpy)(tpy)H2O]2+
      suggests that Ru(V)?O is not a rate-limiting intermediate.
AB  - Modern chemistry's grand challenge is to significantly improve catalysts for
      water splitting. Further progress requires detailed spectroscopic and
      computational characterization of catalytic mechanisms. We analyzed one of the
      most studied homogeneous single-site Ru catalysts, [Ru(II)(bpy)(tpy)H2O](2+)
      (where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, tpy = 2,2';6',2"-terpyridine). Our results reveal
      that the [Ru(V)(bpy)(tpy)?O](3+) intermediate, reportedly detected in catalytic
      mixtures as a rate-limiting intermediate in water activation, is not present as
      such. Using a combination of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray
      absorption spectroscopy, we demonstrate that 95% of the Ru complex in the
      catalytic steady state is of the form [Ru(IV)(bpy)(tpy)?O](2+).
      [Ru(V)(bpy)(tpy)?O](3+) was not observed, and according to density functional
      theory (DFT) analysis, it might be thermodynamically inaccessible at our
      experimental conditions. A reaction product with unique EPR spectrum was detected
      in reaction mixtures at about 5% and assigned to Ru(III)-peroxo species with (
      OOH or -OO- ligands). We also analyzed the [Ru(II)(bpy)(tpy)Cl](+) catalyst
      precursor and confirmed that this molecule is not a catalyst and its oxidation
      past Ru(III) state is impeded by a lack of proton-coupled electron transfer. Ru
      Cl exchange with water is required to form active catalysts with the Ru-H2O
      fragment. [Ru(II)(bpy)(tpy)H2O](2+) is the simplest representative of a larger
      class of water oxidation catalysts with neutral, nitrogen containing
      heterocycles. We expect this class of catalysts to work mechanistically in a
      similar fashion via [Ru(IV)(bpy)(tpy)?O](2+) intermediate unless more
      electronegative (oxygen containing) ligands are introduced in the Ru coordination
      sphere, allowing the formation of more oxidized Ru(V) intermediate. 

PMID- 25130483
TI  - The Mirror Program: Preparing Women for the Postoperative Mastectomy Mirror
      Viewing Experience.
AB  - PROBLEM: Preparing women for the experiences they will endure during the breast
      cancer trajectory improves psychological outcomes and quality of life. Women have
      found that it may be difficult to view themselves in a mirror after having a
      mastectomy. Supporting women who have had a mastectomy in mirror-viewing and body
      image is a relatively new yet important intervention in oncology nursing.
      METHODS: The feasibility of a preoperative mirror program given by oncology nurse
      navigators to women who were scheduled for a mastectomy was examined in this
      randomized control study. FINDINGS: Pre- and postoperative data on anxiety, body
      image, depression, emotional well-being, and mirror use were collected from
      intervention participants (n = 10) and control subjects (n = 9). CONCLUSION: This
      article illustrates the development of the mirror program and the results of the
      feasibility trial, and provides a discussion with implications for future
      research.

PMID- 25130484
TI  - Let-7a is differentially expressed in bronchial biopsies of patients with severe
      asthma.
AB  - Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease. Around 5 to 10% of patients classified
      as having severe asthma can-not be adequately controlled despite the use of all
      currently available therapeutic approaches. Previous studies have revealed the
      potential important role of miRNAs in the regulation of a variety of inflammatory
      processes, including asthma. Expression of selected miRNAs, specifically let-7a,
      miR-21 and miR-223, that were shown to have important roles in asthma
      pathogenesis, were analyzed in bronchial biopsies of 24 patients with asthma, 12
      mild and 12 severe, and 10 controls with no chronic disease. We found
      significantly reduced expression of let-7a in bronchial biopsies from patients
      with severe asthma in comparison to patients with mild asthma as well as in
      comparison to the non-asthmatic controls. On the other hand, no significant
      differences in miR-21 and miR-223 expression were found between the different
      groups analyzed. Reduced let-7a levels in bronchial biopsies of patients with
      severe therapy-resistant asthma could not only be used as a potential biomarker
      to discriminate between different asthma phenotypes, but also might be a target
      for modulation of treatment at the inflammatory site for a group of patients that
      are most affected and still lack effective treatment. 

PMID- 25130485
TI  - Interfacial molecular restructuring of plasticized polymers in water.
AB  - Upon water contact, phthalate-plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) surfaces are
      highly unstable because the plasticizer molecules are not covalently bound to the
      polymer network. As a result, it is difficult to predict how the surface polymer
      chains and plasticizers may interact with water without directly probing the
      plastic/water interface in situ. We successfully studied the molecular surface
      restructuring of 10 wt% and 25 wt% bis 2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)-plasticized
      and pure PVC films (deposited on solid substrates) in situ due to water contact
      using sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. SFG spectral
      signals from both the top and the bottom of the plastic film were obtained
      simultaneously, so a thin-film model spectral analysis was applied to separately
      identify the molecular changes of plastics at the surface and the
      plastic/substrate interface in water. It was found that in water both the
      structures of the plastic surface and the buried plastic/substrate interface
      changed. After removing the samples from the water and exposing them to air
      again, the surface structures did not completely recover. Further SFG experiments
      confirmed that small amounts of DEHP were transferred into the water. The leached
      DEHP molecules could reorder and permanently transfer to new surfaces through
      water contact. Our studies indicate that small amounts of phthalates can transfer
      from surface to surface through water contact in an overall scope of minutes.
      This study yields vital new information on the molecular surface structures of
      DEHP plasticized PVC in water, and the transfer behaviors and environmental fate
      of plasticizers in polymers. 

PMID- 25130486
TI  - Effect of LEPR, ABCG2 and SCD1 gene polymorphisms on reproductive traits in the
      Iranian Holstein cattle.
AB  - During the last decades, genetic selection for milk production traits has led to
      increased fertility and health problems in dairy cattle. The aim of this study
      was to investigate the impact of three polymorphisms located in the ATP-binding
      cassette superfamily G member 2 transporter (ABCG2), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1
      (SCD1) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes on reproductive traits and somatic cell
      count (SCC). The analysis was conducted on 408 randomly selected cows. The SNPs
      within the genes (LEPR, ABCG2 and SCD1) were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP method.
      All three possible genotypes were observed for SCD1-T878C and LEPR-T945M SNPs,
      but not for ABCG2-Y581S SNP. LEPR-T945M and ABCG2-Y581S SNPs had no statistically
      significant effect on the studied reproductive traits and SCC. However, SCD1
      T878C SNP were negatively and significantly related to pregnancy length, dry days
      and open days (p < 0.05), which lead to decreased profitability in dairy herds.
      The results suggest that the T878C SNP of SCD1 might be useful as a DNA marker to
      decrease reproductive problems and improve production traits in Iranian Holstein
      dairy cows. 

PMID- 25130487
TI  - Identifying predictors of hospital readmission following congenital heart surgery
      through analysis of a multiinstitutional administrative Database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite resource burdens associated with hospital readmission, there
      remains little multiinstitutional data available to identify children at risk for
      readmission following congenital heart surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: Children
      undergoing congenital heart surgery and discharged home between January of 2011
      and December 2012 were identified within the Pediatric Health Information System
      database, a multiinstitutional collection of clinical and administrative data.
      Patient discharges were assigned to derivation and validation cohorts for the
      purposes of predictive model design, with 17 871 discharges meeting inclusion
      criteria. Readmission within 30 days was noted following 956 (11%) of discharges
      within the derivation cohort (n = 9104), with a median time to readmission of 9
      days (interquartile range [IQR] 5-18 days). Readmissions resulted in a
      rehospitalization length of stay of 4 days (IQR 2-8 days) and were associated
      with an intensive care unit (ICU) admission in 36% of cases. Independent
      perioperative predictors of readmission included Risk Adjustment in Congenital
      Heart Surgery score of 6 (odds ratio [OR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8
      3.7, P < .001) and ICU length of stay of at least 7 days (OR 1.9 95% CI 1.6-2.2,
      P < .001). Demographic predictors included Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1
      1.4, P = .014) and government payor status (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4, P = .007).
      Predictive model performance was modest among validation cohort (c statistic
      0.68, 95% CI 0.66-0.69, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Readmissions following congenital
      heart surgery are common and associated with significant resource consumption.
      While we describe independent predictors that may identify patients at risk for
      readmission prior to hospital discharge, there likely remains other unreported
      factors that may contribute to readmission following congenital heart surgery.

PMID- 25130488
TI  - A prognosis based classification of undifferentiated uterine sarcomas:
      identification of mitotic index, hormone receptors and YWHAE-FAM22 translocation
      status as predictors of survival.
AB  - Undifferentiated uterine sarcomas (UUS) are rare tumors with a heterologous
      biology and a poor prognosis. The goal of this study was to examine
      clinicopathology, biomarkers and YWHAE-FAM22 translocation status, in the
      prognosis of these tumors. Twenty-six cases of UUS were included. All original
      slides were rereviewed and age at diagnosis, tumor stage, "Kurihara" diagnosis,
      mitotic index, presence of necrosis and grade of nuclear atypia were recorded.
      Additionally, a tissue microarray was constructed from 22 of the cases, and the
      protein biomarkers P53, P16, Ki-67, Cyclin-D1, ER, PR and ANLN were evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry. All tumors were evaluated for the presence of a YWHAE-FAM
      translocation; the translocation was demonstrated in the three Cyclin-D1 positive
      tumors. Follow-up data in the form of overall survival were available on all
      patients. These tumors could be divided into two prognostic groups, a high
      mitotic index group (10 cases, M = 36.8, SD = 5.4) and a low mitotic index group
      (16 cases, M = 8.7, SD = 5.8). These two groups showed a statistically
      significant difference in prognosis. The expression of ER, PR or presence of the
      YWHAE-FAM22 translocation correlated with low mitotic index and an additionally
      improved prognosis, although the number of cases was small. These results
      indicate that UUS can be divided into two prognostic groups using mitotic index
      as a primary criteria, followed by expression of either ER, PR or the presence of
      a YWHAE-FAM22 translocation as a secondary criteria. This study demonstrates the
      presence of statistically significant prognostic subgroups within UUS, and
      provides treatment insights. 

PMID- 25130490
TI  - Electron confurcation in anaerobic lactate oxidation.

PMID- 25130489
TI  - Characterizing methyl-bearing side chain contacts and dynamics mediating amyloid
      beta protofibril interactions using 13C(methyl)-DEST and lifetime line
      broadening.
AB  - Many details pertaining to the formation and interactions of protein aggregates
      associated with neurodegenerative diseases are invisible to conventional
      biophysical techniques. We recently introduced (15)N dark-state exchange
      saturation transfer (DEST) and (15)N lifetime line-broadening to study solution
      backbone dynamics and position-specific binding probabilities for amyloid beta
      (Abeta) monomers in exchange with large (2-80 MDa) protofibrillar Abeta
      aggregates. Here we use (13)C(methyl)DEST and lifetime line-broadening to probe
      the interactions and dynamics of methyl-bearing side chains in the Abeta
      protofibril-bound state. We show that all methyl groups of Abeta40 populate
      direct-contact bound states with a very fast effective transverse relaxation
      rate, indicative of side-chain-mediated direct binding to the protofibril
      surface. The data are consistent with position-specific enhancements of
      (13)C(methyl)-R2(tethered) values in tethered states, providing further insights
      into the structural ensemble of the protofibril-bound state.

PMID- 25130491
TI  - Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b have overlapping and distinct functions in hematopoietic stem
      cells.
AB  - Epigenetic regulation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) ensures lifelong
      production of blood and bone marrow. Recently, we reported that loss of de novo
      DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a results in HSC expansion and impaired
      differentiation. Here, we report conditional inactivation of Dnmt3b in HSCs
      either alone or combined with Dnmt3a deletion. Combined loss of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b
      was synergistic, resulting in enhanced HSC self-renewal and a more severe block
      in differentiation than in Dnmt3a-null cells, whereas loss of Dnmt3b resulted in
      a mild phenotype. Although the predominant Dnmt3b isoform in adult HSCs is
      catalytically inactive, its residual activity in Dnmt3a-null HSCs can drive some
      differentiation and generates paradoxical hypermethylation of CpG islands.
      Dnmt3a/Dnmt3b-null HSCs displayed activated beta-catenin signaling, partly
      accounting for the differentiation block. These data demonstrate distinct roles
      for Dnmt3b in HSC differentiation and provide insights into complementary de novo
      methylation patterns governing regulation of HSC fate decisions. 

PMID- 25130493
TI  - Individual patient data from registrational trials of silodosin in the treatment
      of non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign
      prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): subgroup analyses of efficacy and safety data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of silodosin in a pooled analysis of
      individual patient data from three registrational randomised controlled trials
      (RCTs) comparing silodosin and placebo in patients with lower urinary tract
      symptoms (LUTS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A pooled analysis of 1494 patients from
      three 12-week, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III RCTs was
      performed. Efficacy and safety data were assessed across patients with different
      baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Silodosin was significantly more effective
      than placebo in improving all International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)-related
      parameters, and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax ) regardless of patients age (P <
      0.041). Comparing the efficacy of silodosin in the different age groups, there
      were no differences for all the IPSS-related parameters, whereas Qmax improvement
      was slightly higher in patients aged <65 years (P = 0.009). Silodosin was
      significantly more effective than placebo in reducing all IPSS-related parameters
      regardless of baseline IPSS (P <= 0.001). Similarly, silodosin was more effective
      than placebo in improving IPSS-related parameters regardless of baseline Qmax (P
      <= 0.02). Silodosin was associated with significantly higher adverse event (AE)
      rates, compared with placebo, in all patient subgroups, with retrograde
      ejaculation being the most common. Prevalence of dizziness, orthostatic
      hypotension, and discontinuation rate was similar with silodosin and placebo in
      most patient subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: We analysed the efficacy and safety of
      silodosin in several patient subgroups, showing that silodosin was more effective
      than placebo in improving all IPSS-related parameters in all patient subgroups,
      whereas AEs were similar. Notably, cardiovascular AEs were not higher in patients
      taking antihypertensive drugs or with mild renal function impairment.
      Discontinuation rates due to AEs were lower in elderly patients.

PMID- 25130492
TI  - Adult hepatocytes are generated by self-duplication rather than stem cell
      differentiation.
AB  - The liver is thought to utilize facultative stem cells, also known as "oval
      cells" or "atypical ductal cells" (ADCs), for regeneration following various
      types of injury. However, this notion has been based largely on in vitro studies
      and transplantation models; where lineage tracing has been used, results have
      been conflicting and effect sizes have been small. Here, we used genetic and
      nucleoside analog-based tools to mark and track the origin and contribution of
      various cell populations to liver regeneration in vivo following several ADC
      inducing insults. We report that, contrary to prevailing stem-cell-based models
      of regeneration, virtually all new hepatocytes come from preexisting hepatocytes.

PMID- 25130495
TI  - Investigation of pediatric neck response and muscle activation in low-speed
      frontal impacts.
AB  - Pediatric necks present different responses and injury patterns compared with
      those of adults in motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). To evaluate the effect of
      different muscle modeling methodologies, three muscle models were developed and
      simulated under low-speed frontal impact conditions with an average peak
      acceleration of 3g's. The muscle activation curve for the curve-guided model, the
      muscle segment was curved using guiding nodes, was further optimized based on
      experimental data. The pediatric neck model was also simulated under more severe
      frontal impact conditions with an average peak acceleration of 8g's. Simulation
      results revealed that the curve-guided model needed more muscle force than the
      straight-guided model, in which the muscle segment was straight with guiding
      nodes, and the curve-constrained model, in which the muscle segment was curved
      without guiding nodes and which imposes more constraints on the head and neck
      than the curve-guided model. The predicted head responses for the child finite
      element neck model were within or close to the experimental corridors of 3- and 8
      g's frontal impacts. The neck injuries for a 10-year-old child commonly occurred
      at the interspinous ligament in the C7-T1 segment. The model could be used to
      analyze the responses and injuries of pediatric neck and head in low-speed
      frontal impacts. 

PMID- 25130494
TI  - Comparison of therapeutic results from radiofrequency ablation and stereotactic
      body radiotherapy in solitary lung tumors measuring 5 cm or smaller.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: This retrospective study was conducted to compare the clinical
      outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with those of stereotactic body
      radiotherapy (SBRT) in patients with lung tumors. METHODS: Local tumor
      progression, adverse events, and overall survival were compared in patients who
      underwent either RFA or SBRT for a single lung tumor measuring 5 cm or smaller.
      This study was approved by the institutional review boards of two institutions.
      Informed consent was waived. RESULTS: During September 2009 to June 2012, 48
      patients [30 males and 18 females, with a mean age +/- standard deviation (SD) of
      75.0 +/- 7.5 years] underwent RFA at one institution and 47 patients (21 males
      and 26 females, with a mean age +/- SD of 77.0 +/- 7.5 years) underwent SBRT in
      another. The mean maximum tumor diameter +/- SD was 2.0 +/- 0.8 cm (range 0.6-3.9
      cm) in the RFA group, and 2.1 +/- 0.9 cm (range 0.8-4.7 cm, p = 0.539) in the
      SBRT group. The RFA and SBRT groups showed similar 3-year local tumor progression
      [9.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6-23.9% vs. 7.0%, 95% CI 0.2-20.2%, p =
      0.746] and overall survival rates (86.4%, 95% CI 69.2-94.3% vs. 79.6%, 95% CI
      60.6-90.1%, p = 0.738). No factor significantly affected local tumor progression.
      A maximum tumor size of 2 cm was identified as a prognostic factor in both
      univariate and multivariate analyses. No death was related to treatment
      procedures. Major complication rates (Grade 3 adverse events) of the RFA (10.4%,
      5/48) and SBRT (8.5%, 4/47, p > 0.999) groups were similar. CONCLUSION: For lung
      tumor patients, lung RFA provided local tumor control and survival that were
      similar to those achieved using SBRT, with equal safety.

PMID- 25130496
TI  - Effectiveness of a stress management program to enhance perimenopausal women's
      ability to cope with stress.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of a stress management program to enhance the
      ability to cope with stress in perimenopausal women. METHODS: In this quasi
      experimental design, a stress management program was provided to an experimental
      group (n = 55), while a control group (n = 42) was given an informational
      pamphlet. The stress management program included a short lecture, group
      discussion, and hands-on training in 2 h sessions once a week for 3 weeks.
      Participants were recruited through a public announcement. Data were collected
      before and after the intervention, and 1 month following the intervention. The
      ability to cope with stress was the primary outcome, while psychological well
      being and relief of symptoms were the secondary outcomes. The primary purpose of
      this program is to enhance the ability to cope with stress. Therefore, the
      aspects of knowledge, coping flexibility, and manageability were measured in the
      resultant ability to cope with stress. RESULTS: Compared to the control group,
      knowledge in the experimental group improved positively as the primary outcome (P
      < 0.01). Changes in coping flexibility were demonstrated within the experimental
      group (P < 0.05). A comparison between groups for the secondary outcome of
      psychological well-being showed that personal growth (P < 0.05) and happiness (P
      < 0.01) significantly improved in the experimental group. In addition, the
      secondary outcome of relief of symptoms indicated not improved. CONCLUSION:
      Results suggest that the stress management program has the potential to boost
      perimenopausal women's ability to cope with stress and improve their
      psychological well-being.

PMID- 25130497
TI  - Isoform-selective regulation of glycogen phosphorylase by energy deprivation and
      phosphorylation in astrocytes.
AB  - Glycogen phosphorylase (GP) is activated to degrade glycogen in response to
      different stimuli, to support both the astrocyte's own metabolic demand and the
      metabolic needs of neurons. The regulatory mechanism allowing such a
      glycogenolytic response to distinct triggers remains incompletely understood. In
      the present study, we used siRNA-mediated differential knockdown of the two
      isoforms of GP expressed in astrocytes, muscle isoform (GPMM), and brain isoform
      (GPBB), to analyze isoform-specific regulatory characteristics in a cellular
      setting. Subsequently, we tested the response of each isoform to phosphorylation,
      triggered by incubation with norepinephrine (NE), and to AMP, increased by
      glucose deprivation in cells in which expression of one GP isoform had been
      silenced. Successful knockdown was demonstrated on the protein level by Western
      blot, and on a functional level by determination of glycogen content showing an
      increase in glycogen levels following knockdown of either GPMM or GPBB. NE
      triggered glycogenolysis within 15 min in control cells and after GPBB knockdown.
      However, astrocytes in which expression of GPMM had been silenced showed a delay
      in response to NE, with glycogen levels significantly reduced only after 60 min.
      In contrast, allosteric activation of GP by AMP, induced by glucose deprivation,
      seemed to mainly affect GPBB, as only knockdown of GPBB, but not of GPMM, delayed
      the glycogenolytic response to glucose deprivation. Our results indicate that the
      two GP isoforms expressed in astrocytes respond to different physiological
      triggers, therefore conferring distinct metabolic functions of brain glycogen.

PMID- 25130498
TI  - Robustness to noise of arterial blood flow estimation methods in CT perfusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perfusion CT is a technology which allows functional evaluation of
      tissue vascularity. Due to this potential, it is finding increasing utility in
      oncology. Although since its introduction continuous advances have interested CT
      technique, some issues have to be still defined, concerning both clinical and
      technical aspects. In this study, we dealt with the comparison of two widely
      employed mathematical models (dual input one compartment model - DOCM - and
      maximum slope - SM -) analyzing their robustness to the noise. METHODS: We
      carried out a computer simulation process to quantify effect of noise on the
      evaluation of an important perfusion parameter (Arterial Blood Flow - BFa) in
      liver tumours. A total of 4500 liver TAC, corresponding to 3 fixed BFa values,
      were simulated using different arterial and portal TAC (computed from 5 real CT
      images) at 10 values of signal to noise ratio (SNR). BFa values were calculated
      by applying four different algorithms, specifically developed, to these noisy
      simulated curves. Three algorithms were developed to implement SM (one
      semiautomatic, one automatic and one automatic with filtering) and the last for
      the DOCM method. RESULTS: In all the simulations, DOCM provided the best results,
      i.e., those with the lowest percentage error compared to the reference value of
      BFa. Concerning SM, the results are variable. Results obtained with the automatic
      algorithm with filtering are close to the reference value, but only if SNR is
      higher than 50. Vice versa, results obtained by means of the semiautomatic
      algorithm gave, in all simulations, the lowest results with the lowest standard
      deviation of the percentage error. CONCLUSIONS: Since the use of DOCM is limited
      by the necessity that portal vein is visible in CT scans, significant restriction
      for patients' follow-up, we concluded that SM can be reliably employed. However,
      a proper software has to be used and an estimation of SNR would be carried out.

PMID- 25130499
TI  - Rapid one-step purification of single-cells encapsulated in alginate
      microcapsules from oil to aqueous phase using a hydrophobic filter paper:
      implications for single-cell experiments.
AB  - By virtue of the biocompatibility and physical properties of hydrogel, picoliter
      sized hydrogel microcapsules have been considered to be a biometric signature
      containing several features similar to that of encapsulated single cells,
      including phenotype, viability, and intracellular content. To maximize the
      experimental potential of encapsulating cells in hydrogel microcapsules, a method
      that enables efficient hydrogel microcapsule purification from oil is necessary.
      Current methods based on centrifugation for the conventional stepwise rinsing of
      oil, are slow and laborious and decrease the monodispersity and yield of the
      recovered hydrogel microcapsules. To remedy these shortcomings we have developed
      a simple one-step method to purify alginate microcapsules, containing a single
      live cell, from oil to aqueous phase. This method employs oil impregnation using
      a commercially available hydrophobic filter paper without multistep centrifugal
      purification and complicated microchannel networks. The oil-suspended alginate
      microcapsules encapsulating single cells from mammalian cancer cell lines (MCF-7,
      HepG2, and U937) and microorganisms (Chlorella vulgaris) were successfully
      exchanged to cell culture media by quick (~10 min) depletion of the surrounding
      oil phase without coalescence of neighboring microcapsules. Cell proliferation
      and high integrity of the microcapsules were also demonstrated by long-term
      incubation of microcapsules containing a single live cell. We expect that this
      method for the simple and rapid purification of encapsulated single-cell
      microcapsules will attain widespread adoption, assisting cell biologists and
      clinicians in the development of single-cell experiments.

PMID- 25130500
TI  - A Comparison of mucosal surface area and villous histology in small intestines of
      the Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) and the mouse (Mus
      musculus).
AB  - Studies on birds have led to the hypothesis that increased intestinal absorption
      between enterocytes (paracellular) evolved as a compensation for smaller
      intestinal size in fliers, which was perhaps selected to minimize the mass of
      digesta carried. This hypothesis predicts that bats will also exhibit relatively
      reduced intestinal size and high paracellular absorption, compared with nonflying
      mammals. Published studies on three bat species indicate relatively high
      paracellular absorption. One mechanism for increasing paracellular absorption per
      cm2 small intestine (SI) is increased number of tight junctions (TJs) across
      which paracellular absorption occurs. To our knowledge, we provide the first
      comparative analysis of enterocyte size and number in flying and nonflying
      mammals. Intestines of insectivorous bats Tadarida brasiliensis were compared
      with Mus musculus using hematoxylin and eosin staining method. Bats had shorter
      and narrower SIs than mice, and after correction for body size difference by
      normalizing to mass3/4, the bats had 40% less nominal surface area than the
      mouse, as predicted. Villous enhancement of surface area was 90% greater in the
      bat than in the mouse, mainly because of longer villi and a greater density of
      villi in bat intestines. Bat and mouse were similar in enterocyte diameter. Bats
      exceeded mice by 54.4% in villous area per cm length SI and by 95% in number of
      enterocytes per cm2 of the nominal surface area of the SI. Therefore, an
      increased density of TJs per cm2 SI may be a mechanistic explanation that helps
      to understand the high paracellular absorption observed in bats compared to
      nonflying mammals.

PMID- 25130501
TI  - Non-local atomic manipulation on semiconductor surfaces in the STM: the case of
      chlorobenzene on Si(111)-7*7.
AB  - Control over individual atoms with the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) holds
      the tantalising prospect of atomic-scale construction, but is limited by its "one
      atom at a time" serial nature. "Remote control" through non-local STM
      manipulation-as we have demonstrated in the case of chlorobenzene on Si(111)-7*7
      offers a new avenue for future "bottom-up" nanofabrication, since hundreds of
      chemical reactions may be carried out in parallel. Thus a good understanding of
      the non-local manipulation process, as provided by recent experiments, is
      important. Comparison of scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) measurements of
      the bare Si(111)-7*7 surface and chemisorbed chlorobenzene molecules with the
      voltage dependence of the non-local STM-induced desorption of chlorobenzene
      proves particularly instructive. For example, the chlorobenzene LUMO appears at
      +0.9 V with respect to the Fermi level, whereas non-local manipulation thresholds
      are found at +2.1 V and +2.7 V. This difference supports a picture in which the
      voltage thresholds for non-local electron-induced desorption depend principally
      on the energies of the electronic states of the surface. Furthermore, the
      demonstration that the non-local process is largely insensitive to surface steps
      up to five layers in height suggests that either the electron transport in this
      process is subsurface in character or surface charge transport is responsible but
      is in some way unaffected by the steps. 

PMID- 25130502
TI  - Purification of active myrosinase from plants by aqueous two-phase counter
      current chromatography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Myrosinase (thioglucoside glucohydrolase; E.C. 3.2.1.147), is a
      plant enzyme of increasing interest and importance to the biomedical community.
      Myrosinase catalyses the formation of isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane (from
      broccoli) and 4-(alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate (from moringa),
      which are potent inducers of the cytoprotective phase-2 response in humans, by
      hydrolysis of their abundant glucosinolate (beta-thioglucoside N-hydroxysulphate)
      precursors. OBJECTIVE: To develop an aqueous two-phase counter-current
      chromatography (CCC) system for the rapid, three-step purification of
      catalytically active myrosinase. METHODS: A high-concentration potassium
      phosphate and polyethylene glycol biphasic aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is
      used with a newly developed CCC configuration that utilises spiral-wound, flat
      twisted tubing (with an ovoid cross-section). RESULTS: Making the initial crude
      plant extract directly in the ATPS and injecting only the lower phase permitted
      highly selective partitioning of the myrosinase complex before a short
      chromatography on a spiral disk CCC. Optimum phase retention and separation of
      myrosinase from other plant proteins afforded a 60-fold purification. CONCLUSION:
      Catalytically active myrosinase is purified from 3-day broccoli sprouts, 7-day
      daikon sprouts, mustard seeds and the leaves of field-grown moringa trees, in a
      CCC system that is predictably scalable.

PMID- 25130504
TI  - Are cytokeratin-positive cells in sentinel lymph nodes of patients with invasive
      breast carcinomas up to 5 mm usually insignificant?
AB  - AIMS: It is known that sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) may be falsely positive due to
      displaced epithelial cells, particularly in cases with an underlying intraductal
      papilloma. Given the low metastatic rate in pT1a carcinomas, we aimed to
      investigate the effect of this phenomenon on staging. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using
      morphology and immunohistochemistry, we classified the epithelial cells in the
      SLN in 39 cases of pT1a carcinoma as positive for carcinoma in six, negative in
      26 and undetermined in seven. Comparative morphology and immunohistochemistry
      (using oestrogen receptor, ER) showed complete concordance between the primary
      carcinoma and SLN in the positive cases, and discordance in the negative cases.
      The primary tumours in the negative cases were ER-positive except one, in
      contrast to the SLN cytokeratin-positive (CK(+) ) cells, which were ER-negative.
      The exception was a case with a Her2-positive primary, in which the SLN CK(+)
      cells did not stain for Her2. In these cases considered SLN-negative, either
      displacement (19 cases) or an intraductal papilloma (20 cases) was identified.
      Two cases showed displacement of benign and malignant cells in the biopsy. Seven
      cases were indeterminate due to the small number of SLN CK(+) cells, precluding
      comparison with the primary. CONCLUSION: Given the low rate of metastases in pT1a
      carcinomas, the significance of SLN CK(+) cells should be resolved by comparative
      morphology and immunohistochemistry to prevent erroneous upstaging.

PMID- 25130503
TI  - A high polymerized grass pollen extract is efficacious and safe in a randomized
      double-blind, placebo-controlled study using a novel up-dosing cluster-protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cluster immunotherapy represents an interesting alternative to
      conventional up-dosing schedules because it allows achieving the maintenance dose
      within a shorter time interval. In this study, the efficacy and safety of cluster
      immunotherapy with a high polymerized allergen extract of a grass/rye pollen
      mixture have been evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      multicenter study. METHODS: In total, 121 patients with allergic
      rhinoconjunctivitis due to grass pollen were randomized 1 : 1 to verum or placebo
      group. A short cluster up-dosing schedule of only 1 week was applied to achieve
      the maintenance dose which was administered monthly during the study period of 1
      year. Total combined symptom and medication score (TCS) was defined as primary
      outcome parameter. Secondary outcome parameters were individual symptom and
      medication scores, 'well days,' global improvement as well as immunological
      effects and nasal allergen challenge. The safety profile was evaluated based on
      the European academy of allergy and clinical immunology grading system. RESULTS:
      Significant reduction in the verum compared to the placebo group (intention-to
      treat, population, verum: n = 55; placebo: n = 47) was found regarding TCS (P =
      0.005), rhinoconjunctivitis total symptom score (RTSS, P = 0.006), and total
      rescue medication score (TRMS, P = 0.002). Additionally, secondary outcomes such
      as 'well days,' nasal challenge results, and increase of specific IgG4 were in
      favor of the active treatment. All systemic adverse reactions (0.8% of all
      injections in the verum group) were of mild intensity. No severe reactions
      related to the study medication were observed. CONCLUSION: Cluster immunotherapy
      with high polymerized grass pollen extracts resulted in significant clinical
      efficacy and has been shown to be a safe treatment for grass pollen-allergic
      patients.

PMID- 25130505
TI  - High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in adolescent
      inpatients diagnosed with eating disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies assessing vitamin D status in adolescents with eating
      disorders showed inconsistent results. The aim of the current study was to assess
      vitamin D status in a large cohort of adolescent inpatients with eating disorders
      and its relation to bone mineral density (BMD) and depression. METHOD: 25
      Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels as
      well as BMD and depression were assessed on admission in 87 inpatients (aged 16
      +/- 2 years, females = 81) with eating disorders [anorexia nervosa (AN) = 64;
      bulimia nervosa (BN) = 5; eating disorders not otherwise specified-binge/purge
      type (EDNOS-B/P) = 18]. RESULTS: Mean 25OHD levels were 24.1 +/- 7.5 ng/ml (25.0
      +/- 7.6, 25.4 +/- 9.9, and 22.0 +/- 9.9 ng/ml in patients with AB, BN, and EDNOS
      B/P, respectively). Vitamin D deficiency (<15 ng/ml) was found in 7.8% of the
      patients, and insufficiency (15-20 ng/ml) in 22.2%. Only 16.7% had levels >32
      ng/ml, considered optimal by some experts. No associations were found between
      25OHD levels and BMD or comorbid depression. 25OHD levels during winter were
      significantly lower than summer levels (p < .001). Mean lumbar spine BMD z-score
      in patients with AN and EDNOS-B/P type was low (-1.5 +/- 1.1) and correlated with
      body mass index standard deviation score (p = .03). DISCUSSION: Adolescents with
      eating disorders show a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and
      insufficiency. Given the risk of osteoporosis in this population, 25OHD levels
      found in this group may not offer optimal bone protection. Vitamin D levels
      should be routinely checked and supplementation should be administered as
      required.

PMID- 25130506
TI  - Rethinking nasal tip support: a finite element analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We employ a nasal tip finite element model (FEM) to evaluate
      contributions of two of the three major tip support mechanisms: attachments
      between the upper and lower lateral cartilages and attachment of the medial crura
      to the caudal septum. STUDY DESIGN: The nasal tip FEM computed stress
      distribution and strain energy density (SED) during nasal tip compression. We
      examined the impact of attachments between the upper and lower lateral cartilages
      and the attachment of the medial crura to the caudal septum on nasal tip support.
      METHODS: The FEM consisted of three tissue components: bone, cartilage, and skin.
      Four models were created: A) control model with attachments present at the scroll
      and caudal septum; B) simulated disruption of scroll; C) simulated disruption of
      medial crura attachments to caudal septum; and D) simulated disruption of scroll
      and medial crura attachments to caudal septum. Spatial distribution of stress and
      SED were calculated. RESULTS: The keystone, intermediate crura, caudal septum,
      and nasal spine demonstrated high concentration of stress distribution. Across
      all models, there was no difference in stress distribution. Disruption of the
      scroll resulted in 1% decrease in SED. Disruption of the medial crura attachments
      to the caudal septum resulted in 4.2% reduction in SED. Disruption of both scroll
      and medial crural attachments resulted in 9.1% reduction in SED. CONCLUSION: The
      nasal tip FEM is an evolving tool to study structural nasal tip dynamics and
      demonstrates the loss of nasal tip support with disruption of attachments at the
      scroll and nasal base. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID- 25130507
TI  - Ivermectin: panacea for resource-poor communities?
AB  - The 2014 Gairdner Global Health Award was conferred for discovery of the unique
      microorganism that is the sole source of the endectocidal avermectins, and the
      Public sector/Private sector Partnership that developed innovative
      biopharmaceuticals with immeasurably beneficial impact on public health
      worldwide. Ivermectin is already labelled a 'wonder drug', essential for
      campaigns to eliminate two disfiguring and devastating tropical diseases. New
      uses for it are identified regularly, including possible antibacterial,
      antiviral, and anticancer potential. Hundreds of millions of people are taking
      ivermectin to combat various diseases and afflictions, and mass administration of
      ivermectin in polyparasitised poor communities around the world is increasingly
      recognised as a mechanism to easily and cost-effectively improve overall health
      and quality of life for everyone. 

PMID- 25130508
TI  - Impact of body mass index on outcomes of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with
      long-term follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of body mass index
      (BMI) on the functional and oncological results of patients who had undergone
      laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 1224
      patients with follow-up data (>24 months) were enrolled. Patients were divided
      into three groups according to BMI (kg/m(2)) as: group 1 (normal, BMI <25, n =
      425), group 2 (overweight, 25 <= BMI <30, n = 594) and group 3 (obese, BMI >= 30,
      n = 205). Demographic, intraoperative and postoperative data with oncological
      outcomes were recorded. The impact of obesity on those parameters was evaluated
      and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Mean age was 63.8 +/- 6.1 years
      and mean follow-up was 43.1 +/- 25.1 months (mean +/- SD). There were 425 (34.7%)
      patients in group 1, 594 (48.5%) in group 2 and 205 (16.8%) in group 3. Operation
      time, clinical stage and estimated blood loss were significantly higher in group
      3 than in the other groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively).
      Bilateral nerve-sparing rate and bladder neck-sparing rate were significantly
      decreased in group 3 compared with the other groups (p = 0.001 and p < 0.038,
      respectively). Statistically significantly higher pathological stage, tumour
      volume, positive surgical margin and Gleason scores were determined in group 3
      compared with the other groups (p = 0.023, p = 0.018, p = 0.009 and p = 0.028,
      respectively). There were similar urinary continence rates among the groups. The
      rate of penetration with or without medication was significantly lower in group 3
      than in the other groups (p = 0.593 and p = 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      LRP seemed safe and effective in obese patients, with similar mean overall
      survival, cancer-specific survival, complication rates and continence rates to
      normal weight patients in the long term.

PMID- 25130510
TI  - Diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation: an overview.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been defined as the new cardiovascular "epidemic".
      Its prevalence is rising in developed countries, and the associated social and
      economic costs are high. In the last few years, there has been an increasing
      interest in understanding the mechanisms of AF and its management. New
      pharmacotherapies together with novel techniques for surgical and catheter
      treatment of AF have been developed, allowing the maintenance of sinus rhythm and
      the alleviation of symptoms in a large number of patients with AF. However, there
      are still some challenges that need to be addressed. This article gives an
      overview of the current state of the art on novel techniques for diagnosis and
      management of AF. 

PMID- 25130511
TI  - Detecting human cytomegalovirus drug resistant mutations and monitoring the
      emergence of resistant strains using real-time PCR.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antiviral resistance development is a serious complication of human
      cytomegalovirus virostatic therapy caused by mutations in UL 97 and/or UL54
      genes. OBJECTIVES: To determinate the presence of sensitive and resistant strains
      in patients developing antiviral resistance. STUDY DESIGN: We used three
      different molecular biological methods for mutation analysis-restriction fragment
      length polymorphism, sequencing and real-time PCR approach. RESULTS: We describe
      three allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients developing the GCV
      resistant HCMV strains manifested by virostatic treatment failure. In these
      patients we identified UL97 mutations L595S, A594V and A594T and monitored the
      dynamics of coexisted sensitive/resistant strains. We confirmed the presence of
      mixed HCMV populations and in two patients a phenomenon of sensitive strain
      repopulation which occurred after 6.5 months and 1 month after removing GCV
      pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show changes in proportions of
      sensitive/resistant subpopulations over time but other studies would be required
      to demonstrate the beneficial impact of their monitoring on clinical outcome.

PMID- 25130509
TI  - CHARMM-GUI Membrane Builder toward realistic biological membrane simulations.
AB  - CHARMM-GUI Membrane Builder, http://www.charmm-gui.org/input/membrane, is a web
      based user interface designed to interactively build all-atom protein/membrane or
      membrane-only systems for molecular dynamics simulations through an automated
      optimized process. In this work, we describe the new features and major
      improvements in Membrane Builder that allow users to robustly build realistic
      biological membrane systems, including (1) addition of new lipid types, such as
      phosphoinositides, cardiolipin (CL), sphingolipids, bacterial lipids, and
      ergosterol, yielding more than 180 lipid types, (2) enhanced building procedure
      for lipid packing around protein, (3) reliable algorithm to detect lipid tail
      penetration to ring structures and protein surface, (4) distance-based algorithm
      for faster initial ion displacement, (5) CHARMM inputs for P21 image
      transformation, and (6) NAMD equilibration and production inputs. The robustness
      of these new features is illustrated by building and simulating a membrane model
      of the polar and septal regions of E. coli membrane, which contains five lipid
      types: CL lipids with two types of acyl chains and phosphatidylethanolamine
      lipids with three types of acyl chains. It is our hope that CHARMM-GUI Membrane
      Builder becomes a useful tool for simulation studies to better understand the
      structure and dynamics of proteins and lipids in realistic biological membrane
      environments.

PMID- 25130513
TI  - Urodynamic testing: physiological background, setting-up, calibration and
      artefacts.
AB  - Urodynamics (UDS) is an interactive diagnostic study of lower urinary tract
      function. It is composed of several tests that can be used to obtain functional
      information about urine storage and expulsion. Its main goal is to reproduce the
      patients' symptoms and determine their cause. The present article is a review of
      the physiological concepts behind UDS, and explains the various normal and
      abnormal forces and parameters that are measured and used during the tests to
      assist the physician in making a diagnosis. It outlines the importance and
      methods of the calibration of UDS equipment to optimise diagnostic accuracy and
      reliability, which would have a crucial impact over the treatment's decision, and
      consequently the patient's outcome. 

PMID- 25130512
TI  - IFNL4 polymorphism predicts response to hepatitis C treatment after liver
      transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies in chronic hepatitis C patients have shown that
      rs368234815 polymorphism nearby IL28B is a better predictor of response to
      antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin than IL28B
      polymorphisms (rs12979860 and rs8099917). Its effect could be related to
      interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4), a protein which seems to confer some paradoxical
      disadvantages in hepatitis C virus (HCV) immune response. OBJECTIVES: To assess
      the role of IFNL4 rs368234815 polymorphism on the response to antiviral treatment
      after liver transplantation (LT). STUDY DESIGN: IFNL4 and IL28B polymorphisms
      were genotyped in 86 HCV-infected LT recipients and in their donors; all patients
      had undergone antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin after
      LT. RESULTS: IFNL4 polymorphism strongly correlated with IL28B ones (p < 0.001).
      The favorable IFNL4 genotype (TT/TT) was significantly more frequent among donors
      than recipients (60% donors vs. 22% recipients, p <0.001). Recipient TT/TT
      genotype was associated with a higher sustained virological response rate after
      LT (p = 0.024). Nevertheless, the highest sustained virological response
      frequency was found when both donors and recipients had favorable genotypes (73%
      vs. 25%, p = 0.002), suggesting a role for donor genotype. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      demonstrates that IFNL4 rs368234815 polymorphism is an important predictor of
      response to antiviral treatment in the LT setting. These findings warrant further
      studies on IFNL4 role in immune response against HCV.

PMID- 25130515
TI  - Bariatric surgery in the elderly: 2009-2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ample evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of bariatric
      surgery in the general adult population but more information is needed in
      patients age 60 years and older (elderly). We previously examined the outcome of
      bariatric surgery performed in the elderly between 1999 and 2005 using the
      University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) Clinical Database. The aim of this study
      was to analyze contemporary outcomes of bariatric surgery in the elderly and to
      compare them to previous data from 1999-2005. METHODS: Using International
      Classification of Diseases, 9(th) Revision diagnosis and procedure codes, we
      obtained data from the UHC database for all elderly (age >60 yr) and adult
      nonelderly (age 19-60 yr) patients who underwent bariatric surgery for the
      treatment of morbid obesity between 2009 and 2013. Outcome measures, such as
      patient characteristics, LOS, morbidity, and observed-to-expected (risk-adjusted)
      mortality ratio were compared between elderly and nonelderly patients. RESULTS:
      Bariatric surgery in the elderly made up 2.7% of all bariatric operations in 1999
      2005. This represents an increase to 10.1% of all bariatric operations in 2009
      2013. In-hospital mortality was .30% for the nonelderly and .70% for the elderly
      in 1999-2005, whereas contemporary in-hospital mortality has decreased to .11%
      for the nonelderly and .05% for the elderly. CONCLUSION: Our results show that
      the number of bariatric procedures performed in the elderly is increasing and now
      represents 10% of all bariatric operations performed at academic centers. In
      hospital mortality in bariatric surgery in the elderly has improved so much that
      it is now even better than in-hospital mortality in the nonelderly in 1999-2005.

PMID- 25130514
TI  - TNF-alpha-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis contributes to cardiac dysfunction
      after coronary microembolization in mini-pigs.
AB  - This experimental study was designed to clarify the relationship between
      cardiomyocyte apoptosis and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression,
      and confirm the effect of TNF-alpha on cardiac dysfunction after coronary
      microembolization (CME) in mini-pigs. Nineteen mini-pigs were divided into three
      groups: sham-operation group (n = 5), CME group (n = 7) and adalimumab pre
      treatment group (n = 7; TNF-alpha antibody, 2 mg/kg intracoronary injection
      before CME). Magnetic resonance imaging (3.0-T) was performed at baseline, 6th
      hour and 1 week after procedure. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected by cardiac
      TUNEL staining, and caspase-3 and caspase-8 were detected by RT-PCR and
      immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, serum TNF-alpha, IL-6 and troponin T were
      analysed, while myocardial expressions of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were detected. Both
      TNF-alpha expression (serum level and myocardial expression) and average number
      of apoptotic cardiomyocyte nuclei were significantly increased in CME group
      compared with the sham-operation group. Six hours after CME, left ventricular end
      systolic volume (LVESV) was increased and the left ventricular ejection fraction
      (LVEF) was decreased in CME group. Pre-treatment with adalimumab not only
      significantly improved LVEF after CME (6th hour: 54.9 +/- 2.3% versus 50.4 +/-
      3.9%, P = 0.036; 1 week: 56.7 +/- 4.2% versus 52.7 +/- 2.9%, P = 0.041), but also
      suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-8.
      Meanwhile, the average number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes nuclei was inversely
      correlated with LVEF (r = -0.535, P = 0.022). TNF-alpha-induced cardiomyocyte
      apoptosis is likely involved in cardiac dysfunction after CME. TNF-alpha antibody
      therapy suppresses cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improves early cardiac function
      after CME.

PMID- 25130516
TI  - Mesenteric venous thrombosis following vertical sleeve gastrectomy in an
      adolescent.

PMID- 25130517
TI  - Comment on: POSSUM and p-POSSUM overestimate morbidity and mortality in
      laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

PMID- 25130519
TI  - CD8+ tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and COX2 expression may predict relapse in
      differentiated thyroid cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: There is an increasing rate of papillary thyroid carcinomas
      that may never progress to cause symptoms or death. Predicting outcome and
      determining tumour aggressiveness could help diminish the number of patients
      submitted to aggressive treatments. We aimed to evaluate whether markers of the
      immune system response and of tumour-associated inflammation could predict
      outcome of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients. DESIGN: Retrospective
      cohort study. PATIENTS: We studied 399 consecutive patients, including 325
      papillary and 74 follicular thyroid carcinomas. MEASUREMENTS: Immune cell markers
      were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, including tumour-associated
      macrophages (CD68) and subsets of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), such as
      CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD20, CD45RO, GRANZYME B, CD69 and CD25. We also
      investigated the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in tumour cells and the
      presence of concurrent lymphocytic infiltration characterizing chronic
      thyroiditis. RESULTS: Concurrent lymphocytic infiltration characterizing chronic
      thyroiditis was observed in 29% of the cases. Among all the immunological
      parameters evaluated, only the enrichment of CD8+ lymphocytes (P = 0.001) and
      expression of COX2 (P =0.01) were associated with recurrence. A multivariate
      model analysis identified CD8+ TIL/COX2 as independent risk factor for
      recurrence. A multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional-hazards model
      adjusted for the presence of concurrent chronic thyroiditis demonstrated that the
      presence of concurrent chronic thyroiditis had no effect on prognostic prediction
      mediated by CD8+ TIL and COX2. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we suggest the use of a
      relatively simple pathology tool to help select cases that may benefit of a more
      aggressive approach sparing the majority of patients from unnecessary procedures.

PMID- 25130520
TI  - Impulsivity, risk-taking, and distractibility in rats exhibiting robust
      conditioned orienting behaviors.
AB  - When a neutral cue is followed by a significant event such as food delivery, some
      animals become engaged with the cue itself and acquire cue-directed behaviors.
      One type of cue-directed behavior is observed following insertion of a lever used
      as a conditioned stimulus (CS). Rats showing robust approach behavior to the
      lever also display impulsivity and altered attention, as compared to rats showing
      behavior directed toward the reward delivery location. The current study used a
      light CS to categorize rats' propensity for cue-directed behavior, and assessed
      whether individual differences in impulsivity and related behaviors still
      emerged. During the light-food pairings, some rats displayed enhanced rearing or
      orienting to the light (Orienters) prior to showing food cup approach behavior,
      while other rats only showed food cup approach behavior (Nonorienters). Our
      results showed that Orienters made more impulsive and risky decisions in two
      different choice tasks, and were quicker to leave a familiar dark environment to
      enter a novel bright field. Orienters also showed less accurate target detection
      when a visual distractor was introduced during an attentional challenge. Our
      current study suggests that light CS-induced rearing/orienting behavior might not
      necessarily share an identical mechanism with lever CS-approach behavior in
      predicting impulsivity-related behaviors. 

PMID- 25130518
TI  - Cost effectiveness of telecare management for pain and depression in patients
      with cancer: results from a randomized trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pain and depression are prevalent and treatable symptoms among
      patients with cancer, yet they are often undetected and undertreated. The Indiana
      Cancer Pain and Depression (INCPAD) trial demonstrated that telecare management
      can improve pain and depression outcomes. This article investigates the
      incremental cost effectiveness of the INCPAD intervention. METHODS: The INCPAD
      trial was conducted in 16 community-based urban and rural oncology practices in
      Indiana. Of the 405 participants, 202 were randomized to the intervention group
      and 203 to the usual-care group. Intervention costs were determined, and
      effectiveness outcomes were depression-free days and quality-adjusted life years.
      RESULTS: The intervention group was associated with a yearly increase of 60.3
      depression-free days (S.E. = 15.4; P < 0.01) and an increase of between 0.033 and
      0.066 quality-adjusted life years compared to the usual care group. Total cost of
      the intervention per patient was US$1189, which included physician, nurse care
      manager and automated monitoring set-up and maintenance costs. Incremental cost
      per depression-free day was US$19.72, which yields a range of US$18,018 to
      US$36,035 per quality-adjusted life year when converted to that metric. When
      measured directly, the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year ranged
      from US$10,826 based on the modified EQ-5D to US$73,286.92 based on the SF-12.
      CONCLUSION: Centralized telecare management, coupled with automated symptom
      monitoring, appears to be a cost effective intervention for managing pain and
      depression in cancer patients.

PMID- 25130522
TI  - Anterior guidance--movement and stability.
AB  - Instability of our orthodontic treatment is not uncommon, in particular in the
      anterior teeth. Given that the mandible is constantly in movement and that the
      lower and upper teeth regularly meet head-on during normal functioning, one might
      ask: are the static and normative end of treatment objectives we generally target
      sufficient to ensure treatment stability? 

PMID- 25130524
TI  - Between a rock and a hard place: getting families to change behaviors to reduce
      pediatric stone disease recurrence.

PMID- 25130525
TI  - Transobturator versus retropubic approach for a mid urethral sling.

PMID- 25130523
TI  - A lower intensity of treatment may underlie the increased risk of thrombosis in
      young patients with masked polycythaemia vera.
AB  - In patients who do not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for
      overt polycythaemia vera (PV), a diagnosis of masked PV (mPV) can be determined.
      A fraction of mPV patients may display thrombocytosis, thus mimicking essential
      thrombocythaemia (ET). No previous studies have examined clinical outcomes of mPV
      among young JAK2-mutated patients. We analysed a retrospective cohort of 538 JAK2
      mutated patients younger than 40 years, after a re-assessment of the diagnosis
      according to the haemoglobin threshold for mPV. In this cohort of patients, 97
      (18%) met the WHO criteria for PV, 66 patients (12%) were classified as mPV and
      375 (70%) as JAK2-mutated ET. Surprisingly, a significant difference in the
      incidence of thrombosis was found when comparing mPV versus overt PV patients (P
      = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, the only factor accounting for the difference
      in the risk of thrombosis was the less frequent use of phlebotomies and
      cytoreduction in mPV patients compared to those with overt PV. Thus, we emphasize
      the need for the identification of mPV in young JAK2-mutated patients in order to
      optimize their treatments.

PMID- 25130528
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 25130529
TI  - Outcomes of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for the most challenging cases.

PMID- 25130530
TI  - Epigenetic factors affect tumor initiation, progression and recurrence.

PMID- 25130531
TI  - Complications of stone disease in the 21st century--can noninvasive and minimally
      invasive treatment modalities improve the overall renal health of stone formers?

PMID- 25130532
TI  - Water nanodroplets make a greater contribution to facial skin moisture levels in
      air-conditioned rooms during winter than in summer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: By performing experiments in air-conditioned chamber, we
      previously demonstrated that the presence of water nanodroplets (mist) improved
      facial skin moisture levels without reducing water loss from the facial skin
      surface or inducing excessive humidity. Some previous studies have demonstrated
      that the epidermis is a less effective barrier to water in winter because the
      corneocytes that comprise facial skin become smaller in winter as skin turnover
      increases in cold environments. We hypothesized that it would be easier for mist
      to penetrate into the facial stratum corneum (SC) in winter than in summer. In
      the present study, we investigated the ability of mist to improve facial skin
      moisture levels in winter and summer. METHODS: We examined transepidermal water
      loss (TEWL) as an index of barrier function and skin conductance as an index of
      SC hydration at the forehead, lateral canthus, and cheeks in eight healthy
      Japanese females (mean +/- SD: 45.5 +/- 3.2 years) in the presence or absence of
      mist in February-March and July. RESULTS: In the absence of mist, skin
      conductance at the forehead and lateral canthus was significantly higher in
      summer than in winter, but these seasonal differences were diminished in the
      presence of mist. In the presence of mist, skin conductance was increased in
      winter and decreased in summer at the lateral canthus; however, these changes
      were not significant. Thus, our findings suggest that mist penetrates into the SC
      and improves skin moisture levels in winter. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that it
      is easier for mist to penetrate into the SC at the lateral canthus during winter
      than in summer. Thus, mist is expected to improve facial moisture levels in
      winter by penetrating into and remaining in the SC. Hence, mist could be used to
      help prevent facial skin from becoming dry in air-conditioned rooms during
      winter.

PMID- 25130534
TI  - Inpatient pharmacological sleep aid utilization is common at a tertiary medical
      center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep is known to be poor in the hospital. Patients frequently
      request pharmacological sleep aids, despite the risk of altered mental status
      (delirium) and falls. Little is known about the scope of pharmacological sleep
      aid use in hospitalized patients. METHODS: We performed a single center,
      retrospective review of all patients admitted to the general adult (age >18
      years) medical and surgical units of a tertiary care center during a recent 2
      month period (January 2013-February 2013). Review of the electronic medication
      administration system was performed to assess for medications administered for
      sleep. RESULTS: Of 642 unique admissions, 168 patients (26.2%) received a
      medication for sleep. Most (n = 115, 68.5%) had no known history of insomnia or
      regular prior sleep medication use. Patients most frequently were treated with
      trazodone (30.4%; median dose, 50 mg; range, 12.5-450 mg), lorazepam (24.4%;
      median, 0.5 mg; range, 0.25-2 mg), and zolpidem tartrate (17.9%; median, 10 mg;
      range, 2.5-10 mg). Of the medications given, 36.7% were given early (before 9 pm)
      or late (after midnight). Of patients not known to be previously taking a
      pharmacological sleep aid, 34.3% of them were discharged with a prescription for
      one. CONCLUSIONS: Despite increasing evidence of risks such as delirium or falls,
      pharmacological sleep aid use in general wards remains common, even in elderly
      patients. Medication administration time is frequently suboptimal. Many
      previously sleep medication-naive patients leave the hospital with a sleep aid
      prescription. Further research is needed to understand the factors that
      contribute to the high rate of sleep medication use in hospitalized patients.

PMID- 25130536
TI  - Curcumin attenuates Cr(VI)-induced ascites and changes in the activity of
      aconitase and F(1)F(0) ATPase and the ATP content in rat liver mitochondria.
AB  - Occupational and environmental exposure to potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), a
      hexavalent chromium compound, can result in liver damage associated with
      oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the effect of the antioxidant curcumin (400 mg/kg b.w.) on the K2Cr2O7
      induced injury, with special emphasis on ascitic fluid accumulation and oxidative
      phosphorylation mitochondrial enzymes and the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels
      in isolated mitochondria from livers of rats treated with K2Cr2O7 (15 mg/kg
      b.w.). Thus, curcumin attenuated the ascites generation, prevented the decrease
      in the activities of aconitase and F1F0 ATPase, and maintained the ATP levels.
      The activity of complex II was not completely reestablished by curcumin, whereas
      complexes III and IV activities were unchanged.

PMID- 25130535
TI  - Nutrient intakes associated with elevated serum C-reactive protein concentrations
      in normal to underweight breastfeeding women in Northern Kenya.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Low-grade elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific
      inflammatory marker, used as a predictor for cardiovascular disease development
      and chronic inflammatory risks. Research investigating dietary influences on
      inflammation has focused primarily on the relationship between dietary
      characteristics, CRP elevation and BMI in the populations at greatest risk for
      cardiovascular disease, namely those in the overweight and obese ranges, often in
      clinical settings and/or among those middle aged or older, leaving little
      information about normal to underweight populations of reproductive age in
      ecological settings. This study evaluates impacts of dietary nutrients on serum
      CRP levels in a population of predominantly underweight to normal weight adult
      women experiencing the additional nutritional demands of lactation. METHODS: Data
      from non-overweight breastfeeding Ariaal women of Kenya collected in 2006 were
      used (n = 194). Logistic regression models were applied using low-grade CRP
      elevation (hsCRP > 3 mg/L) as the outcome variable and dietary nutrients, age,
      BMI, and serum retinol as predictors. RESULTS: Models showed that energy intake
      (Kcal) and age were positive predictors of CRP elevation while folate intake,
      total vitamin A intake, and serum retinol concentration were protective against
      CRP elevation. Unlike previous studies among higher BMI populations, this study
      found no significant effect of dietary lipids/fatty acids or BMI on CRP
      elevation. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of specific dietary nutrients on inflammatory
      status may vary with BMI or, in women, reproductive status. Further research
      should investigate the role of dietary fats, fatty acids, and antioxidant
      vitamins across populations with a wide range of BMI, including postpartum women.

PMID- 25130533
TI  - Epigenetic mechanisms of memory formation and reconsolidation.
AB  - Memory consolidation involves transcriptional control of genes in neurons to
      stabilize a newly formed memory. Following retrieval, a once consolidated memory
      destabilizes and again requires gene transcription changes in order to
      restabilize, a process referred to as reconsolidation. Understanding the
      molecular mechanisms of gene transcription during the consolidation and
      reconsolidation processes could provide crucial insights into normal memory
      formation and memory dysfunction associated with psychiatric disorders. In the
      past decade, modifications of epigenetic markers such as DNA methylation and
      posttranslational modifications of histone proteins have emerged as critical
      transcriptional regulators of gene expression during initial memory formation and
      after retrieval. In light of the rapidly growing literature in this exciting area
      of research, we here examine the most recent and latest evidence demonstrating
      how memory acquisition and retrieval trigger epigenetic changes during the
      consolidation and reconsolidation phases to impact behavior. In particular we
      focus on the reconsolidation process, where we discuss the already identified
      epigenetic regulators of gene transcription during memory reconsolidation, while
      exploring other potential epigenetic modifications that may also be involved, and
      expand on how these epigenetic modifications may be precisely and temporally
      controlled by important signaling cascades critical to the reconsolidation
      process. Finally, we explore the possibility that epigenetic mechanisms may serve
      to regulate a system or circuit level reconsolidation process and may be involved
      in retrieval-dependent memory updating. Hence, we propose that epigenetic
      mechanisms coordinate changes in neuronal gene transcription, not only during the
      initial memory consolidation phase, but are triggered by retrieval to regulate
      molecular and cellular processes during memory reconsolidation.

PMID- 25130538
TI  - Bioreducible branched polyethyleneimine derivatives physically loaded with
      hydrophobic pheophorbide A: preparation, characterization, and light-induced
      cytotoxicity.
AB  - Branched-type hydrophilic polyethyleneimine derivatives (i.e., bPEI derivatives)
      are developed polymeric carriers for photodynamic therapy. Their chemical
      structures which contain pH-tunable hydrophobic/hydrophilic cavities enable
      efficient loading of hydrophobic drugs in basic pH environments. Intracellular
      stimuli trigger the release of the loaded drugs in bPEI derivatives. As expected,
      the hydrophobic photosensitizer known as pheophorbide A (PheoA) is solubilized by
      physical loading in the inner hydrophobic spaces of bPEI derivatives in
      environments with basic pH values. Interestingly, acidic pH environments induce
      aggregation, resulting in poor release of the loaded PheoA as well as in quenched
      photo-activity of the PheoA-loaded polymers. However, when reducible polycation
      derivatives of bPEI are used (i.e., RPC-bPEI), intracellular thiols degrade the
      disulfide linkages in the polymers, resulting in rapid PheoA release.
      Particularly, a RPC-bPEI containing 6 wt% PheoA (i.e., RPC-bPEI(0.8 kDa)
      PheoA(6%)) respond remarkably well to light exposure and display large
      differences between dark toxicity and light-induced toxicity. Cellular uptake of
      RPC-bPEI(0.8 kDa)-PheoA(6%) is approximately sevenfold to ninefold lower than
      that of free PheoA. Nevertheless, the photo-toxicity of RPC-bPEI(0.8 kDa)
      PheoA(6%) was only two- to sixfold less potent than that of free PheoA. These
      results suggest that reducible bPEI materials may act as potential solubilizers
      and carriers for low-molecular-weight hydrophobic anti-cancer drugs.

PMID- 25130537
TI  - The PAX2-null immunophenotype defines multiple lineages with common expression
      signatures in benign and neoplastic oviductal epithelium.
AB  - The oviducts contain high-grade serous cancer (HGSC) precursors (serous tubal
      intraepithelial neoplasia or STINs), which are gamma-H2AX(p) - and TP53 mutation
      positive. Although they express wild-type p53, secretory cell outgrowths (SCOUTs)
      are associated with older age and serous cancer; moreover, both STINs and SCOUTs
      share a loss of PAX2 expression (PAX2(n) ). We evaluated PAX2 expression in
      proliferating adult and embryonic oviductal cells, normal mucosa, SCOUTs,
      Walthard cell nests (WCNs), STINs, and HGSCs, and the expression of genes chosen
      empirically or from SCOUT expression arrays. Clones generated in vitro from
      embryonic gynaecological tract and adult Fallopian tube were Krt7(p) /PAX2(n)
      /EZH2(p) and underwent ciliated (PAX2(n) /EZH2(n) /FOXJ1(p) ) and basal (Krt7(n)
      /EZH2(n) /Krt5(p) ) differentiation. Similarly, non-ciliated cells in normal
      mucosa were PAX2(p) but became PAX2(n) in multi-layered epithelium undergoing
      ciliated or basal (WCN) cell differentiation. PAX2(n) SCOUTs fell into two
      groups: type 1 were secretory or secretory/ciliated with a 'tubal' phenotype and
      were ALDH1(n) and beta-catenin(mem) (membraneous only). Type 2 displayed a
      columnar to pseudostratified (endometrioid) phenotype, with an EZH2(p) , ALDH1(p)
      , beta-catenin(nc) (nuclear and cytoplasmic), stathmin(p) , LEF1(p) , RCN1(p) ,
      and RUNX2(p) expression signature. STINs and HGSCs shared the type 1
      immunophenotype of PAX2(n) , ALDH1(n) , beta-catenin(mem) , but highly expressed
      EZH2(p) , LEF1(p) , RCN1(p) , and stathmin(p) . This study, for the first time,
      links PAX2(n) with proliferating fetal and adult oviductal cells undergoing basal
      and ciliated differentiation and shows that this expression state is maintained
      in SCOUTs, STINs, and HGSCs. All three entities can demonstrate a consistent
      perturbation of genes involved in potential tumour suppressor gene silencing
      (EZH2), transcriptional regulation (LEF1), regulation of differentiation (RUNX2),
      calcium binding (RCN1), and oncogenesis (stathmin). This shared expression
      signature between benign and neoplastic entities links normal progenitor cell
      expansion to abnormal and neoplastic outgrowth in the oviduct and exposes a
      common pathway that could be a target for early prevention.

PMID- 25130539
TI  - Parenteral administration of GnRH constructs and adjuvants: immune responses and
      effects on reproductive tissues of male mice.
AB  - Two gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) constructs prepared by either chemical
      conjugation to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (GnRH-KLH) or as an expressed
      recombinant fusion protein (Multimer) were evaluated with or without adjuvants
      (immunostimulating complexes, ISCOMs, or cytosine-phosphate-guanosine
      oligodeoxynucleotides, CpG ODNs). After subcutaneous administration to Balb/c
      male mice at Weeks 0, 2 and 4, these preparations were assessed for induction of
      immune responses and effects on reproductive organs. GnRH-KLH plus ISCOMs
      formulation induced strong IgG immune responses from Week 4 through Week 12
      resulting in consistent reproductive organ atrophy by Week 12 after subcutaneous
      administration. GnRH-KLH plus CpG ODNs generated immune responses but no atrophy
      of reproductive tissues by Week 12. Multimer plus ISCOMs induced poor immune
      responses and no effects on reproductive tissues by Week 12. In the absence of
      additional adjuvant, none of the GnRH constructs induced reproductive organ
      atrophy. GnRH-KLH induced stronger immune responses when formulated with ISCOMs
      or CpG ODN compared to Multimer. GnRH-KLH with ISCOMs could be an effective
      colloidal alternative for emulsion GnRH vaccine formulations. 

PMID- 25130540
TI  - Complete protection against lethal challenge of novel H7N9 virus with
      heterologous inactivated H7 vaccine in mice.
AB  - A prototype H7 influenza vaccine constructed based on the H7N7 outbreak in 2003
      was tested for the protective efficacy against the novel H7N9 virus in a lethal
      murine challenge model. Serum samples from vaccinated mice showed significant
      neutralizing activity against the H7N9 virus and the mice were completely
      protected with no significant weight loss. The results have direct implications
      on how to overcome potential vaccine shortage and identify donors for immune sera
      for passive immunization. 

PMID- 25130541
TI  - Mesochanneled hierarchically porous aluminosiloxane aerogel microspheres as a
      stable support for pH-responsive controlled drug release.
AB  - The molecular-scale self-assembly of a 3D aluminosiloxane (Al-O-Si) hybrid gel
      network was successfully performed via the cocondensation of hydrolyzed alumina
      (AlOOH) and (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APS). It was transformed into a
      microspherical aerogel framework of Al-O-Si containing mesochannels with tunable
      hierarchically bimodal meso/macroporosities by a subcritical drying technique.
      Good homogeneity of AlOOH and APS brought during the synthesis guaranteed a
      uniform distribution of two metal oxides in a single body. A systematic
      characterization of the aerogel support was carried out using FTIR, SEM, TEM,
      nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis, WAXS, SAXS, and xi-potential measurement
      in order to explore the material for drug uptake and release. The drug loading
      and release capacity and chemical stability of an aluminosiloxane aerogel were
      studied using two nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, ibuprofen and aspirin. A
      comprehensive evaluation of the aluminosiloxane aerogel with ordered mesoporous
      MCM-41 was also performed. Aerogel supports showed a high drug loading capacity
      and a pH-responsive controlled-release property compared to MCM-41. Meanwhile,
      kinetic modeling studies indicate that the drug releases with a zero-order
      profile following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The biocompatibility of
      aluminosiloxane aerogels was established via ex vivo and in vivo studies. We also
      outline the use of aluminosiloxane aerogel as a support for a possible 3D matrix
      for an osteoconductive structure for bone tissue engineering. 

PMID- 25130542
TI  - Proteomic Profiling of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) using Magnetic Beads-based
      Serum Fractionation and MALDI-TOF MS.
AB  - AIM: To reveal the serum proteomic profiling of intraductal carcinoma (IDC)
      patients in China, establish a serum proteome fractionation technique for
      choosing magnetic beads for proteomic analysis in breast cancer research; and
      identify differentially expressed peptides (m/z; P < 0.0001) as potential
      biomarkers of early IDCs. METHODS: We used two different kinds of magnetic beads
      (magnetic bead-based weak cation exchange chromatography (MB-WCX) and immobilized
      metal ion affinity chromatography (MB-IMAC-Cu)) to analyze 32 patients with early
      stage (stages I-II) IDC and 32 healthy control serum samples for proteomic
      profiling by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. The mass spectra, analyzed using
      ClinProTools software, distinguished between IDC patients and healthy individuals
      based on k-nearest neighbor genetic algorithm. RESULTS: The serum samples
      purified in the MB-WCX group provided better proteomic patterns than the MB-IMAC
      Cu group. The samples purified by MB-WCX had better average peak numbers, higher
      peak intensities, and better capturing ability of low abundance proteins or
      peptides in serum samples. In addition, the MB-WCX and MB-IMAC-Cu purification
      methods, followed MALDI-TOF MS identification and use of ClinProTools software
      accurately distinguished patients with early stage IDC from healthy individuals.
      CONCLUSION: Serum proteomic profiling by MALDI-TOF MS is a novel potential tool
      for the clinical diagnosis of patients with IDC in China.

PMID- 25130543
TI  - The vertebrate corneal epithelium: from early specification to constant renewal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cornea is an ectodermal/neural crest derivative formed through a
      cascade of molecular mechanisms to give rise to the specific optical features
      necessary for its refractory function. Moreover, during cornea formation and
      maturation, epithelial stem cells are sequestered to ensure a constant source for
      renewal in the adult. RESULTS: Recent progress in the molecular and stem cell
      biology of corneal morphogenesis and renewal shows that it can serves as a
      paradigm for epithelial /mesenchymal organ biology. This review will synthesize
      historical knowledge together with recent data to present a consistent overview
      of cornea specification, formation, maturation, and maintenance. CONCLUSIONS:
      This should be of interest not only to developmental biologists but also
      ophthalmologists, as several human vision problems are known to be rooted in
      defects in corneal development.

PMID- 25130545
TI  - The disintegrin and metalloproteinase ADAM10 mediates a canonical Notch-dependent
      regulation of IL-6 through Dll4 in human endothelial cells.
AB  - Although the involvement of the disintegrin and metalloproteinase ADAM10 in
      several areas of vascular biology is now clearly established, its role in
      vascular inflammation and in Notch signaling at the endothelial level remains
      unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that ADAM10 specifically localizes in the
      CD31(+) endothelial cells (ECs) in normal human cardiac tissues and in cultured
      primary arterial ECs. In vitro, ADAM10 drives a specific regulation of the Notch
      pathway in vascular ECs. Using an ADAM10 gain and loss of function approach we
      show an ADAM10-dependent regulation of Dll1 and Dll4 expression in association
      with changes in Hes1 and Hey1 expression. We also identified IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1
      and sVCAM-1 as novel targets of ADAM10 upon inflammation. Although Notch pathway
      does not seem to be required for the production of IL-8, MCP-1 and sVCAM-1, the
      release of IL-6 by ECs occurred through ADAM10 and a canonical Notch signaling
      pathway, dependent of gamma-secretase activity. Moreover, sustained expression of
      Dll4 mediated by ADAM10 elicits an increased release of IL-6 suggesting a strong
      implication of the specific Dll4 signaling in this mechanism. Modulation of IL-6
      mediated by ADAM10/Notch signaling required PI3K activity. Thus, our findings
      suggest that ADAM10/Dll4 signaling is a major signaling pathway in ECs driving
      inflammatory events involved in inflammation and immune cell recruitment. 

PMID- 25130544
TI  - Distinct mechanisms of cell-kill by triapine and its terminally dimethylated
      derivative Dp44mT due to a loss or gain of activity of their copper(II)
      complexes.
AB  - Triapine, currently being evaluated as an antitumor agent in phase II clinical
      trials, and its terminally dimethylated derivative Dp44mT share the alpha-pyridyl
      thiosemicarbazone backbone that functions as ligands for transition metal ions.
      Yet, Dp44mT is approximately 100-fold more potent than triapine in cytotoxicity
      assays. The aims of this study were to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their
      potency disparity and to determine their kinetics of cell-kill in culture to aid
      in the formulation of their clinical dosing schedules. The addition of Cu(2+)
      inactivated triapine in a 1:1 stoichiometric fashion, while it potentiated the
      cytotoxicity of Dp44mT. Clonogenic assays after finite-time drug-exposure
      revealed that triapine produced cell-kill in two phases, one completed within 20
      min that caused limited cell-kill, and the other occurring after 16 h of exposure
      that produced extensive cell-kill. The ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor
      triapine at 0.4 MUM caused immediate complete arrest of DNA synthesis, whereas
      Dp44mT at this concentration did not appreciably inhibit DNA synthesis. The
      inhibition of DNA synthesis by triapine was reversible upon its removal from the
      medium. Cell death after 16 h exposure to triapine paralleled the appearance of
      phospho-(gamma)H2AX, a marker of DNA double-strand breaks induced by collapse of
      DNA replication forks after prolonged replication arrest. In contrast to
      triapine, Dp44mT produced robust cell-kill within 1h in a concentration-dependent
      manner. The short-term action of both agents was prevented by thiols, indicative
      of the involvement of reactive oxygen species. The time dependency in the
      production of cell-kill by triapine should be considered in treatment regimens.

PMID- 25130546
TI  - Identification of one-electron reductases that activate both the hypoxia prodrug
      SN30000 and diagnostic probe EF5.
AB  - SN30000 is a second-generation benzotriazine-N-oxide hypoxia-activated prodrug
      scheduled for clinical trial. Previously we showed that covalent binding of the
      hypoxia probe EF5 predicts metabolic activation of SN30000 in a panel of cancer
      cell lines under anoxia, suggesting that they are activated by the same
      reductases. However the identity of these reductases is unknown. Here, we test
      whether forced expression of nine oxidoreductases with known or suspected roles
      in bioreductive prodrug metabolism (AKR1C3, CYB5R3, FDXR, MTRR, NDOR1, NOS2A,
      NQO1, NQO2 and POR) enhances oxic or anoxic reduction of SN30000 and EF5 by
      HCT116 cells. Covalent binding of (14)C-EF5 and reduction of SN30000 to its 1
      oxide and nor-oxide metabolites was highly selective for anoxia in all lines,
      with significantly elevated anoxic metabolism of both compounds in lines over
      expressing POR, MTRR, NOS2A or NDOR1. There was a strong correlation between EF5
      binding and SN30000 metabolism under anoxia across the cell lines (R(2)=0.84,
      p=0.0001). Antiproliferative potency of SN30000 under anoxia was increased most
      strongly by overexpression of MTRR and POR. Transcript abundance in human
      tumours, evaluated using public domain mRNA expression data, was highest for
      MTRR, followed by POR, NOS2A and NDOR1, with little variation between tumour
      types. Immunostaining of tissue microarrays demonstrated variable MTRR protein
      expression across 517 human cancers with most displaying low expression. In
      conclusion, we have identified four diflavin reductases (POR, MTRR, NOS2A and
      NDOR1) capable of reducing both SN30000 and EF5, further supporting use of 2
      nitroimidazole probes to predict the ability of hypoxic cells to activate
      SN30000. 

PMID- 25130547
TI  - Zinc: an underappreciated modulatory factor of brain function.
AB  - The divalent cation, zinc is the second most abundant metal in the human body and
      is indispensable for life. Zinc concentrations must however, be tightly regulated
      as deficiencies are associated with multiple pathological conditions while an
      excess can be toxic. Zinc plays an important role as a cofactor in protein
      folding and function, e.g. catalytic interactions, DNA recognition by zinc finger
      proteins and modulation ion channel activity. There are 24 mammalian proteins
      specific for zinc transport that are subdivided in two groups with opposing
      functions: ZnT proteins reduce cytosolic zinc concentration while ZIP proteins
      increase it. The mammalian brain contains a significant amount of zinc, with 5
      15% concentrated in synaptic vesicles of glutamatergic neurons alone. Accumulated
      in these vesicles by the ZnT3 transporter, zinc is released into the synaptic
      cleft at concentrations from nanomolar at rest to high micromolar during active
      neurotransmission. Low concentrations of zinc modulate the activity of a
      multitude of voltage- or ligand-gated ion channels, indicating that this divalent
      cation must be taken into account in the analysis of the pathophysiology of CNS
      disorders including epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. In the
      context of the latest findings, we review the role of zinc in the central nervous
      system and discuss the relevance of the most recent association between the zinc
      transporter, ZIP8 and schizophrenia. An enhanced understanding of zinc
      transporters in the context of ion channel modulation may offer new avenues in
      identifying novel therapeutic entities that target neurological disorders. 

PMID- 25130548
TI  - Should we encourage exercise and sports in children and adolescents with cancer?

PMID- 25130550
TI  - Asymmetric synthesis of agrochemically attractive trifluoromethylated
      dihydroazoles and related compounds under organocatalysis.
AB  - The unique, partially saturated, fluorinated five-membered heterocyclic
      compounds, trifluoromethylated dihydroazoles, and their derivatives, have emerged
      as a new class of heterocycles with remarkable biological activities in the 21st
      century. Despite their small molecular structures, a single sterically demanding
      tetrasubstituted trifluoromethylated stereogenic carbon center has prevented
      chemists from achieving the asymmetric synthesis of these compounds. In this
      account, we describe our recent progress in the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of
      a series of trifluoromethylated heterocycles, such as isoxazolines and pyrrolines
      having a stereogenic carbon center, based on organocatalysis. Our protocols have
      advantages in terms of employing inexpensive reagents and organocatalysts and
      they would be useful for industrial production. 

PMID- 25130549
TI  - Measuring sleep need.

PMID- 25130551
TI  - The influence of life-history strategy on genetic differentiation and lineage
      divergence in darters (Percidae: Etheostomatinae).
AB  - Recent studies determined that darters with specialized breeding strategies can
      exhibit deep lineage divergence over fine geographic scales without apparent
      physical barriers to gene flow. However, the extent to which intrinsic
      characteristics interact with extrinsic factors to influence population
      divergence and lineage diversification in darters is not well understood. This
      study employed comparative phylogeographic and population genetic methods to
      investigate the influence of life history on gene flow, dispersal ability, and
      lineage divergence in two sympatric sister darters with differing breeding
      strategies. Our results revealed highly disparate phylogeographic histories,
      patterns of genetic structure, and dispersal abilities between the two species
      suggesting that life history may contribute to lineage diversification in
      darters, especially by limiting dispersal among large river courses. Both species
      also showed striking differences in demographic history, indicating that
      extrinsic factors differentially affected each species during the Pleistocene.
      Collectively, our results indicate that intrinsic and extrinsic factors have
      influenced levels of gene flow among populations within both species examined.
      However, we suggest that life-history strategy may play a more important role in
      lineage diversification in darters than previously appreciated, a finding that
      has potentially important implications for understanding diversification of the
      rich North American freshwater fish fauna. 

PMID- 25130552
TI  - Reply: heart donation and the Grinch effect.

PMID- 25130553
TI  - Left ventricular myocardial response to exercise in children after heart
      transplant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on myocardial response to exercise after pediatric heart
      transplant (HTx) are limited. In this study we used semi-supine bicycle ergometry
      (SSCE) stress echocardiography to evaluate left ventricular (LV) systolic and
      diastolic reserve in pediatric HTx recipients. METHODS: Forty-three HTx patients
      and 23 controls underwent stepwise SSCE stress echocardiography. Color tissue
      Doppler imaging (TDI) peak systolic (s') and early diastolic (e') velocities in
      the LV lateral wall and basal septum, and LV peak global longitudinal and
      circumferential strain were measured at rest and during different stages of
      exercise. LV myocardial acceleration during isovolumic contraction (IVA) was
      measured at incremental heart rates (HRs) to determine the force-frequency
      relationship (FFR). RESULTS: At rest, compared with controls, HTx patients showed
      lower TDI velocities in the basal septum (s': 4.7 +/- 1.1 vs 5.8 +/- 0.8 cm/s, p
      = 0.002; e': 8.5 +/- 2.1 vs 11.3 +/- 1.7 cm/s, p < 0.001), whereas in the LV
      lateral wall only e' was lower (11.2 +/- 2.6 vs 13.8 +/- 2.3 cm/s, p < 0.001). LV
      IVA was not different between the groups (p = 0.10). LV peak global longitudinal
      strain was lower in HTx patients (18 +/- 1.9% vs 20 +/- 2.2%, p = 0.001), but
      peak circumferential strain was not different (p = 0.50). At peak, HR was lower
      in the HTx group (141 +/- 12 vs 165 +/- 15, p < 0.001), and all systolic and
      diastolic parameters, except circumferential strain, were lower in HTx
      recipients. When assessing the increase in TDI and strain values in relation to
      HR, the slopes were not significantly different between patients and controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite resting differences in myocardial functional parameters,
      pediatric HTx recipients have preserved LV diastolic and systolic myocardial
      reserve in response to exercise.

PMID- 25130554
TI  - De novo donor HLA-specific antibodies predict development of bronchiolitis
      obliterans syndrome after lung transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the major cause of late
      graft failure after lung transplantation. The objective was to determine whether
      de novo donor human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-specific antibodies (DSA) are
      associated with the development of BOS or patient survival. Data were analyzed
      from 188 lung transplant recipients with a follow-up period up to 8 years.
      METHODS: HLA antibody monitoring was performed at 3-month intervals post
      transplant at routine outpatient clinic attendances and during the investigation
      of any acute deterioration. HLA antibody data were available for 148 patients; 66
      (45%) had produced HLA antibodies after transplant, of which 38 (26%) were DSA
      and 28 (19%) non-donor-specific HLA antibodies. RESULTS: De novo DSA was
      associated with development of BOS Stage 1 (BOS1; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.302, p =
      0.0015), BOS2 (HR = 3.627, p < 0.0001) and BOS3 (HR = 5.736, p < 0.0001). De novo
      persistent DSA correlated strongly with shorter time to onset of BOS3 (HR =
      6.506, p = 0.0001). There was a significant reduction in patient survival
      associated with de novo DSA (HR = 1.886, p = 0.047). In multivariable analyses,
      de novo DSA was an independent predictor for development of all stages of BOS as
      well as an independent predictor of poor patient survival. CONCLUSIONS: De novo
      DSA is a major risk factor for progression to BOS and shorter patient survival.
      Treatments to remove antibodies or limit antibody-mediated damage could be
      considered when DSA are first detected. However, a randomized, controlled trial
      of treatment options would enable a clearer understanding of the benefits, if
      any, of antibody-removal therapies.

PMID- 25130555
TI  - Effect of initial surgical palliation on allosensitization and post-transplant
      outcomes in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

PMID- 25130556
TI  - Sulforaphane-induced autophagy flux prevents prion protein-mediated neurotoxicity
      through AMPK pathway.
AB  - Prion diseases are neurodegenerative and infectious disorders that involve
      accumulation of misfolded scrapie prion protein, and which are characterized by
      spongiform degeneration. Autophagy, a major homeostatic process responsible for
      the degradation of cytoplasmic components, has garnered attention as the
      potential target for neurodegenerative diseases such as prion disease. We focused
      on protective effects of sulforaphane found in cruciferous vegetables on prion
      mediated neurotoxicity and the mechanism of sulforaphane related to autophagy. In
      human neuroblastoma cells, sulforaphane protected prion protein (PrP) (106-126)
      mediated neurotoxicity and increased autophagy flux marker microtubule-associated
      protein 1 light chain 3-II protein levels, following a decrease of p62 protein
      level. Pharmacological and genetical inhibition of autophagy by 3MA, wortmannin
      and knockdown of autophagy-related 5 (ATG5) led to block the effect of
      sulforaphane against PrP (106-126)-induced neurotoxicity. Furthermore we
      demonstrated that both sulforaphane-induced autophagy and protective effect of
      sulforaphane against PrP (106-126)-induced neurotoxicity are dependent on the AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. The present results indicated that
      sulforaphane of cruciferous vegetables enhanced autophagy flux led to the
      protection effects against prion-mediated neurotoxicity, which was regulated by
      AMPK signaling pathways in human neuron cells. Our data also suggest that
      sulforaphane has a potential value as a therapeutic tool in neurodegenerative
      disease including prion diseases. 

PMID- 25130557
TI  - Contribution of Ih to the relative facilitation of synaptic responses induced by
      carbachol in the entorhinal cortex during repetitive stimulation of the
      parasubiculum.
AB  - Neurons in the superficial layers of the entorhinal cortex provide the
      hippocampus with the majority of its cortical sensory input, and also receive the
      major output projection from the parasubiculum. This puts the parasubiculum in a
      position to modulate the activity of entorhinal neurons that project to the
      hippocampus. These brain areas receive cholinergic projections that are active
      during periods of theta- and gamma-frequency electroencephalographic (EEG)
      activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate how cholinergic receptor
      activation affects the strength of repetitive synaptic responses at these
      frequencies in the parasubiculo-entorhinal pathway and the cellular mechanisms
      involved. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of rat layer II medial entorhinal
      neurons were conducted using an acute slice preparation, and responses to 5-pulse
      trains of stimulation at theta- and gamma-frequency delivered to the
      parasubiculum were recorded. The cholinergic agonist carbachol (CCh) suppressed
      the amplitude of single synaptic responses, but also produced a relative
      facilitation of synaptic responses evoked during stimulation trains. The N-methyl
      d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor blocker APV did not significantly reduce
      the relative facilitation effect. However, the hyperpolarization-activated
      cationic current (Ih) channel blocker ZD7288 mimicked the relative facilitation
      induced by CCh, suggesting that CCh-induced inhibition of Ih could produce the
      effect by increasing dendritic input resistance (Rin). Inward-rectifying and leak
      K(+) currents are known to interact with Ih to affect synaptic excitability.
      Application of the K(+) channel antagonist Ba(2+) depolarized neurons and
      enhanced temporal summation, but did not block further facilitation of train
      evoked responses by ZD7288. The Ih-dependent facilitation of synaptic responses
      can therefore occur during reductions in inward-rectifying potassium current
      (IKir) associated with dendritic depolarization. Thus, in addition to cholinergic
      reductions in transmitter release that are known to facilitate train-evoked
      responses, these findings emphasize the role of inhibition of Ih in the
      integration of synaptic inputs within the entorhinal cortex during
      cholinergically-induced oscillatory states, likely due to enhanced summation of
      excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) induced by increases in dendritic Rin.

PMID- 25130558
TI  - Diphenyl-diselenide suppresses amyloid-beta peptide in Caenorhabditis elegans
      model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common and devastating neurodegenerative
      disease. The etiology of AD has yet to be fully understood, and common treatments
      remain largely non-efficacious. The amyloid hypothesis posits that extracellular
      amyloid-beta (Abeta) deposits are the fundamental etiological factor of the
      disease. The present study tested the organoselenium compound diphenyl-diselenide
      (PhSe)2, which is characterized by its antioxidant and antiinflammatory
      properties and has shown efficacy in several neurodegenerative disease models. We
      employed a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans AD model to analyze the effects of
      (PhSe)2 treatment on Abeta peptide-induced toxicity. Chronic exposure to (PhSe)2
      attenuated oxidative stress induced by Abeta1-42, with concomitant recovery of
      associative learning memory in C. elegans. Additionally, (PhSe)2 decreased Abeta1
      42 transgene expression, suppressed Abeta1-42 peptide, and downregulated hsp-16.2
      by reducing the need for this chaperone under Abeta1-42-induced toxicity. These
      observations suggest that (PhSe)2 plays an important role in protecting against
      oxidative stress-induced toxicity, thus representing a promising pharmaceutical
      modality that attenuates Abeta1-42 expression. 

PMID- 25130560
TI  - 5-HT3A receptors are required in long-term depression and AMPA receptor
      internalization.
AB  - 5-Hydroxytrytamine (serotonin) type 3A receptors (5-HT3ARs), as the only ligand
      gated ion channels in the serotonin receptor family, are known to regulate
      neuronal excitation and release of GABA in hippocampal interneurons. However,
      their physiological role in glutamatergic synaptic plasticity remains unclear.
      Here, we show that deletion of the 5-HT3AR gene in transgenic mice abolished N
      methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR)-dependent long-term depression (LTD)
      induced by low-frequency stimulation (LFS) in hippocampal CA1 synapses in slices,
      whereas the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent LTD did not change
      in the 5-HT3AR knockout mice. In addition, 5-HT3ARs disruption inhibited alpha
      amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs)
      internalization, without altering basal surface levels of AMPARs. However, the
      deletion of 5-HT3ARs did not lead to loss of synapses and structural alteration
      of dendritic spines. Furthermore, the concentrations of 5-HT and 5
      hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the hippocampus were not affected by the
      deletion of 5-HT3ARs. These observations revealed an important role of 5-HT3ARs
      in NMDAR-dependent long-term depression, which is critical for learning
      behaviors. 

PMID- 25130559
TI  - Downstream effects of striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase reduction on
      RNA expression in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - Striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) is a brain-specific
      tyrosine phosphatase that has been shown to de-phosphorylate several key neuronal
      signaling proteins, including kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      (ERK1/2), FYN, PYK2) and glutamate receptor subunits (N-methyl-d-aspartate
      receptor subtype 2B (NR2B), glutamate receptor 2 (GLUR2)). Step knock-out mice
      have increased phosphorylation of these substrates in the brain, with potential
      functional consequences in synaptic plasticity and cognitive tasks. It is
      therefore of interest to identify the molecular pathways and downstream
      transcriptional targets that are impacted by Step knockdown. In the present
      study, striatal RNA samples from Step wild-type, knock-out and heterozygous mice
      were hybridized to Affymetrix microarray chips and evaluated for transcriptional
      changes between genotypes. Pathway analysis highlighted Erk signaling and
      multiple pathways related to neurotrophin signaling, neuronal development and
      synaptic transmission. Potential genes of interest identified by microarray were
      confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in the
      cortex and hippocampus, which shared several transcriptional alterations with the
      striatum. In order to evaluate Step knockdown in an in vitro system, a panel of
      genes were evaluated using qRT-PCR in rat cortical neurons that were transduced
      with lentivirus expressing short hairpin RNA against Step or a non-targeting
      control. Our data suggest that Step has a role in the expression of immediate
      early genes relevant to synaptic plasticity, in both in vitro and in vivo
      systems. 

PMID- 25130562
TI  - Maternal administration of flutamide during late gestation affects the brain and
      reproductive organs development in the rat male offspring.
AB  - We have previously demonstrated that male rats exposed to stress during the last
      week of gestation present age-specific impairments of brain development. Since
      the organization of the fetal developing brain is subject to androgen exposure
      and prenatal stress was reported to disrupt perinatal testosterone surges, the
      aim of this research was to explore whether abnormal androgen concentrations
      during late gestation affects the morphology of the prefrontal cortex (PFC),
      hippocampus (HPC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), three major areas that were
      shown to be affected by prenatal stress in our previous studies. We administered
      10-mg/kg/day of the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide (4'nitro-3'
      trifluoromethylsobutyranilide) or vehicle injections to pregnant rats from days
      15-21 of gestation. The antiandrogenic effects of flutamide were confirmed by the
      analysis of androgen-dependent developmental markers: flutamide-exposed rats
      showed reduced anogenital distance, delay in the completion of testis descent,
      hypospadias, cryptorchidism and atrophied seminal vesicles. Brain morphological
      studies revealed that prenatal flutamide decreased the number of MAP2 (a
      microtubule-associated protein type 2, present almost exclusively in dendrites)
      immunoreactive neuronal processes in all evaluated brain areas, both in
      prepubertal and adult offspring, suggesting that prenatal androgen disruption
      induces long-term reductions of the dendritic arborization of several brain
      structures, affecting the normal connectivity between areas. Moreover, the number
      of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunopositive neurons in the VTA of prepubertal
      offspring was reduced in flutamide rats but reach normal values at adulthood. Our
      results demonstrate that the effects of prenatal flutamide on the offspring brain
      morphology resemble several prenatal stress effects suggesting that the mechanism
      of action of prenatal stress might be related to the impairment of the
      organizational role of androgens on brain development. 

PMID- 25130561
TI  - Age-related increases in right frontal activation during task switching are
      mediated by reaction time and white matter microstructure.
AB  - Age-related increases in right frontal cortex activation are a common finding in
      the neuroimaging literature. However, neurocognitive factors contributing to
      right frontal over-recruitment remain poorly understood. Here we investigated the
      influence of age-related reaction time (RT) slowing and white matter (WM)
      microstructure reductions as potential explanatory factors for age-related
      increases in right frontal activation during task switching. Groups of younger
      (N=32) and older (N=33) participants completed a task switching paradigm while
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed, and rested while
      diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed. Two right frontal regions of
      interest (ROIs), the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and insula, were
      selected for further analyses from a common network of regions recruited by both
      age groups during task switching. Results demonstrated age-related activation
      increases in both ROIs. In addition, the older adult group showed longer RT and
      decreased fractional anisotropy in regions of the corpus callosum with direct
      connections to the fMRI ROIs. Subsequent mediation analyses indicated that age
      related increases in right insula activation were mediated by RT slowing and age
      related increases in right DLPFC activation were mediated by WM microstructure.
      Our results suggest that age-related RT slowing and WM microstructure declines
      contribute to age-related increases in right frontal activation during cognitive
      task performance. 

PMID- 25130564
TI  - Sea surface temperature contributes to marine crocodylomorph evolution.
AB  - During the Mesozoic and Cenozoic, four distinct crocodylomorph lineages colonized
      the marine environment. They were conspicuously absent from high latitudes, which
      in the Mesozoic were occupied by warm-blooded ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs.
      Despite a relatively well-constrained stratigraphic distribution, the varying
      diversities of marine crocodylomorphs are poorly understood, because their
      extinctions neither coincided with any major biological crises nor with the
      advent of potential competitors. Here we test the potential link between their
      evolutionary history in terms of taxic diversity and two abiotic factors, sea
      level variations and sea surface temperatures (SST). Excluding Metriorhynchoidea,
      which may have had a peculiar ecology, significant correlations obtained between
      generic diversity and estimated Tethyan SST suggest that water temperature was a
      driver of marine crocodylomorph diversity. Being most probably ectothermic
      reptiles, these lineages colonized the marine realm and diversified during warm
      periods, then declined or became extinct during cold intervals. 

PMID- 25130565
TI  - Catalytic constructive deoxygenation of lignin-derived phenols: new C-C bond
      formation processes from imidazole-sulfonates and ether cleavage reactions.
AB  - As part of a programme aimed at exploiting lignin as a chemical feedstock for
      less oxygenated fine chemicals, several catalytic C-C bond forming reactions
      utilising guaiacol imidazole sulfonate are demonstrated. These include the cross
      coupling of a Grignard, a non-toxic cyanide source, a benzoxazole, and
      nitromethane. A modified Meyers reaction is used to accomplish a second
      constructive deoxygenation on a benzoxazole functionalised anisole. 

PMID- 25130563
TI  - The network property of the thalamus in the default mode network is correlated
      with trait mindfulness.
AB  - Mindfulness is typically defined as nonjudgmental awareness of experiences in the
      present moment, which is beneficial for mental and physical well-being. Previous
      studies have identified multiple regions in the default mode network (DMN) that
      are involved in mindfulness, but little is known about how these regions work
      collaboratively as a network. Here, we used resting-state functional magnetic
      resonance imaging to investigate the role of the DMN in trait mindfulness by
      correlating spontaneous functional connectivity among DMN nodes with self
      reported trait mindfulness in a large population of young human adults. Among all
      pairs of the DMN nodes, we found that individuals with weaker functional
      connectivity between the thalamus and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) were more
      mindful of the present. Post-hoc analyses of these two nodes further revealed
      that graph-based nodal properties of the thalamus, not the PCC, were negatively
      correlated with trait mindfulness, suggesting that a low involvement of the
      thalamus in the DMN is relevant for high trait mindfulness. Our findings not only
      suggest the thalamus as a switch between mind-wandering and mindfulness, but also
      invite future studies on mechanisms of how mindfulness produces beneficial
      effects by modulating the thalamus. 

PMID- 25130566
TI  - Radiobiological modeling and the study of hypofractionated radiotherapy for
      prostate cancer.

PMID- 25130567
TI  - Does reduced feeding prior to release improve the marine migration of hatchery
      brown trout Salmo trutta smolts?
AB  - The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that hatchery brown trout Salmo
      trutta smolts, with 50% reduced or no feeding over the last 5 months before
      release, were more likely to migrate to the sea than individuals with standard
      feeding ratios. The juvenile fish were divided into three groups 176 days before
      release: (A) with no feeding, (B) with 50% and (C) with 100% feeding. To study
      their seaward migration, 40 fish from each feeding group were tagged with
      acoustic transmitters and tracked by automatic listening stations in the River
      Nidelva, Trondheim, Norway, its estuary and in the nearest marine environment. At
      the time of release, mean condition factor was significantly lower in group A and
      the fish from groups A and B had higher levels of Na+, K+-ATPase. Significantly
      more fish from group A migrated to the sea, but the rate of downstream
      progression from release to the estuary did not differ between the three groups.
      In conclusion, the S. trutta smolts with no access to food in the last 176 day
      before release were more likely to migrate to the sea. Fish from all three
      feeding groups, however, appeared to smoltify and had the same rate of downstream
      progression to the estuary. This indicates that differences in migratory
      behaviour between individuals from the three feeding groups begin from the time
      when the fish reach saline waters. It is suggested that feeding in hatcheries has
      to be greatly reduced (by 50% or more) over several months to have a pronounced
      effect on the migratory behaviour in S. trutta. 

PMID- 25130568
TI  - First-episode affective psychosis and lipid monitoring: survival analysis of the
      first abnormal lipid test.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to assess the probability of developing a lipid test
      abnormality over time, among first-time users of antipsychotic medications with
      affective psychosis. METHODS: Survival analysis was used to analyse data from an
      early intervention in psychosis programme for the first 53 consecutive and
      eligible cases of patients between the ages of 14 and 40 years who had a
      diagnosis of affective psychosis. Data on initiation of antipsychotic medications
      and lipid laboratory test results were abstracted from chart reviews. RESULTS:
      Within the first 18 months of receiving antipsychotic medications, the
      probability of surviving without an abnormal lipid test was only 25% (confidence
      interval 95%: 13.1%, 40.4%). The median time to the development of an abnormal
      test was 8 months for males and 12 months for females (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Additional studies are needed to document the incidence over time of abnormal
      lipid tests to inform clinicians about the optimal frequency of monitoring.

PMID- 25130569
TI  - Overall ED efficiency is associated with decreased time to percutaneous coronary
      intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Performance of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 90
      minutes of hospital arrival for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      patients is a commonly cited clinical quality measure. The Centers for Medicare
      and Medicaid Services use this measure to adjust hospital reimbursement via the
      Value-Based Purchasing Program. This study investigated the relationship between
      hospital performance on this quality measure and emergency department (ED)
      operational efficiency. METHODS: Hospital-level data from Centers for Medicare
      and Medicaid Services on PCI quality measure performance was linked to
      information on operational performance from 272 US EDs obtained from the
      Emergency Department Benchmarking Alliance annual operations survey. Standard
      metrics of ED size, acuity, and efficiency were compared across hospitals grouped
      by performance on the door-to-balloon time quality measure. RESULTS: Mean
      hospital performance on the 90-minute arrival to PCI measure was 94.0% (range, 42
      100). Among hospitals failing to achieve the door-to-balloon time performance
      standard, median ED length of stay was 209 minutes, compared with 173 minutes
      among those hospitals meeting the benchmark standard (P < .001). Similarly,
      median time from ED patient arrival to physician evaluation was 39 minutes for
      hospitals below the performance standard and 23 minutes for hospitals at the
      benchmark standard (P < .001). Markers of ED size and acuity, including annual
      patient volume, admission rate, and the percentage of patients arriving via
      ambulance did not vary with door-to-balloon time. CONCLUSION: Better performance
      on measures associated with ED efficiency is associated with more timely PCI
      performance.

PMID- 25130570
TI  - Rhodium-coordinated poly(arylene-ethynylene)-alt-poly(arylene-vinylene) copolymer
      acting as photocatalyst for visible-light-powered NAD+/NADH reduction.
AB  - A 2,2'-bipyridyl-containing poly(arylene-ethynylene)-alt-poly(arylene-vinylene)
      polymer, acting as a light-harvesting ligand system, was synthesized and coupled
      to an organometallic rhodium complex designed for photocatalytic NAD(+)/NADH
      reduction. The material, which absorbs over a wide spectral range, was
      characterized by using various analytical techniques, confirming its chemical
      structure and properties. The dielectric function of the material was determined
      from spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements. Photocatalytic reduction of
      nucleotide redox cofactors under visible light irradiation (390-650 nm) was
      performed and is discussed in detail. The new metal-containing polymer can be
      used to cover large surface areas (e.g. glass beads) and, due to this
      immobilization step, can be easily separated from the reaction solution after
      photolysis. Because of its high stability, the polymer-based catalyst system can
      be repeatedly used under different reaction conditions for (photo)chemical
      reduction of NAD(+). With this concept, enzymatic, photo-biocatalytic systems for
      solar energy conversion can be facilitated, and the precious metal catalyst can
      be recycled. 

PMID- 25130571
TI  - Randomized trial of human milk cream as a supplement to standard fortification of
      an exclusive human milk-based diet in infants 750-1250 g birth weight.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether premature infants who received an exclusive human
      milk (HM)-based diet and a HM-derived cream supplement (cream) would have weight
      gain (g/kg/d) at least as good as infants receiving a standard feeding regimen
      (control). STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective noninferiority, randomized, unmasked
      study, infants with a birth weight 750-1250 g were randomly assigned to the
      control or cream group. The control group received mother's own milk or donor HM
      with donor HM-derived fortifier. The cream group received a HM-derived cream
      supplement if the energy density of the HM tested <20 kcal/oz using a near
      infrared HM analyzer. Infants were continued on the protocol until 36 weeks
      postmenstrual age. Primary outcomes included growth velocities and amount of
      donor HM-derived fortifier used. The hypothesis of noninferiority was established
      if the lower bound of the one-sided 95% CI for the difference in weight
      velocities exceeded -3 g/kg/day. RESULTS: There were no differences between
      groups in baseline demographics for the 78 infants studied except racial
      distribution (P = .02). The cream group (n = 39) had superior weight (14.0 +/-
      2.5 vs 12.4 +/- 3.0 g/kg/d, P = .03) and length (1.03 +/- 0.33 vs 0.83 +/- 0.41
      cm/wk, P = .02) velocity compared with the control group (n = 39). There were no
      significant differences in amount of fortifier used between study groups. The 1
      sided 95% lower bound of the CI for the difference in mean velocity (cream
      control) was 0.38 g/kg/d. CONCLUSIONS: Premature infants who received HM-derived
      cream to fortified HM had improved weight and length velocity compared with the
      control group. HM-derived cream should be considered an adjunctive supplement to
      an exclusive HM-based diet to improve growth rates in premature infants.

PMID- 25130573
TI  - Cultural adaptation of preschool PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking
      Strategies) curriculum for Pakistani children.
AB  - Cultural adaptation of evidence-based programmes has gained importance primarily
      owing to its perceived impact on the established effectiveness of a programme. To
      date, many researchers have proposed different frameworks for systematic
      adaptation process. This article presents the cultural adaptation of preschool
      Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) curriculum for Pakistani
      children using the heuristic framework of adaptation (Barrera & Castro, 2006).
      The study was completed in four steps: information gathering, preliminary
      adaptation design, preliminary adaptation test and adaptation refinement.
      Feedbacks on programme content suggested universality of the core programme
      components. Suggested changes were mostly surface structure: language,
      presentation of materials, conceptual equivalence of concepts, training needs of
      implementation staff and frequency of programme delivery. In-depth analysis was
      done to acquire cultural equivalence. Pilot testing of the outcome measures
      showed strong internal consistency. The results were further discussed with
      reference to similar work undertaken in other cultures. 

PMID- 25130572
TI  - An automated system using spatial oversampling for optical mapping in murine
      atria. Development and validation with monophasic and transmembrane action
      potentials.
AB  - We developed and validated a new optical mapping system for quantification of
      electrical activation and repolarisation in murine atria. The system makes use of
      a novel 2nd generation complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) camera with
      deliberate oversampling to allow both assessment of electrical activation with
      high spatial and temporal resolution (128 * 2048 pixels) and reliable assessment
      of atrial murine repolarisation using post-processing of signals. Optical
      recordings were taken from isolated, superfused and electrically stimulated
      murine left atria. The system reliably describes activation sequences, identifies
      areas of functional block, and allows quantification of conduction velocities and
      vectors. Furthermore, the system records murine atrial action potentials with
      comparable duration to both monophasic and transmembrane action potentials in
      murine atria. 

PMID- 25130574
TI  - JSAP1 and JLP are required for ARF6 localization to the midbody in cytokinesis.
AB  - The ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) GTPase is important in cytokinesis and
      localizes to the midbody. However, the mechanism and regulation of ARF6's
      recruitment to the midbody are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the
      functions of two binding partners of active ARF6, c-Jun NH2 -terminal kinase
      (JNK)/stress-activated protein kinase-associated protein 1 (JSAP1) and JNK
      associated leucine zipper protein (JLP), by gene knockout and rescue experiments
      in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Depleting both JSAP1 and JLP impaired ARF6's
      localization to the midbody and delayed cytokinesis. These defects were almost
      completely rescued by wild-type JSAP1 or JLP, but not by JSAP1 or JLP mutants
      that were unable to interact with active ARF6 or with the kinesin heavy chain
      (KHC) of kinesin-1. In transfected cells, a constitutively active form of ARF6
      associated with KHC only when co-expressed with wild-type JSAP1 or JLP and not
      with a JSAP1 or JLP mutant. These findings suggest that JSAP1 and JLP, which
      might be paralogous to each other, are critical and functionally redundant in
      cytokinesis and control ARF6 localization to the midbody by forming a tripartite
      complex of JSAP1/JLP, active ARF6, and kinesin-1. 

PMID- 25130576
TI  - A possible means of countering the underdiagnosis of Klinefelter Syndrome.

PMID- 25130578
TI  - New insights into SET protein during mouse spermatogenesis.

PMID- 25130577
TI  - Testicular parenchymal abnormalities in Klinefelter syndrome: a question of
      cancer? Examination of 40 consecutive patients.
AB  - Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a hypergonadotropic hypogonadism characterized by a
      47, XXY karyotype. The risk of testicular cancer in KS is of interest in relation
      to theories about testicular cancer etiology generally; nevertheless it seems to
      be low. We evaluated the need for imaging and serum tumor markers for testicular
      cancer screening in KS. Participants were 40 consecutive KS patients, enrolled
      from December 2009 to January 2013. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alpha
      fetoprotein (AFP), and beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin subunit (beta-HCG)
      serum levels assays and testicular ultrasound (US) with color Doppler, were
      carried out at study entry, after 6 months and every year for 3 years. Abdominal
      magnetic resonance (MR) was performed in KS when testicular US showed micro
      calcifications, testicular nodules and cysts. Nearly 62% of the KS had regular
      testicular echotexture, 37.5% showed an irregular echotexture and 17.5% had micro
      calcifications and cysts. Eighty seven percent of KS had a regular vascular
      pattern, 12.5% varicocele, 12.5% nodules <1 cm, but none had nodules >1 cm. MR
      ruled out the diagnosis of cancer in all KS with testicular micro calcifications,
      nodules and cysts. No significant variations in LDH, AFP, and beta-HCG levels and
      in US pattern have been detected during follow-up. We compared serum tumor
      markers and US pattern between KS with and without cryptorchidism and no
      statistical differences were found. We did not find testicular cancer in KS, and
      testicular US, tumor markers and MR were, in selected cases, useful tools for
      correctly discriminating benign from malignant lesions. 

PMID- 25130580
TI  - Bacteria and the prostate: infertility versus symptoms.

PMID- 25130581
TI  - Glucocorticoid metabolism in testicular tissue: a key to fertility?

PMID- 25130582
TI  - Complex and time-consuming laboratory modifications are not always necessary to
      improve outcome.

PMID- 25130583
TI  - The impact of male overweight on semen quality and outcome of assisted
      reproduction.

PMID- 25130584
TI  - Prevention of erectile dysfunction after radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
AB  - With increasing scrutiny of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and treatment, much
      attention has been given to the morbidity caused by radical prostatectomy (RP)
      and/or radiotherapy (RT). One of the most common side-effects of either treatment
      is erectile dysfunction (ED). Approximately, 40% of patients will experience ED
      after RT for PCa. The post-RT ED causes significant patient dissatisfaction with
      cancer treatment as well as decrease in patient and partner psychosocial
      function. To address this issue in patients undergoing RT, Pisansky et al.
      conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to
      assess the efficacy of a phosphodiesterase enzyme-5 inhibitor (PDE5i), tadalafil,
      as a preventive measure for patients undergoing RT for PCa and found no
      difference in erectile function between the control and treatment groups.

PMID- 25130585
TI  - Circumcision standards: can we improve further?

PMID- 25130586
TI  - Male patients with terminal renal failure exhibit low serum levels of
      antimullerian hormone.
AB  - Male reproductive function is impaired during end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
      Disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and therefore the
      regulation of sex hormones, is one of the major causes. Our focus was to include
      antimullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B concentrations. Twenty male patients on
      hemodialysis, median age 40 (26-48) years, were analyzed for follicle-stimulating
      hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, sex hormone-binding globulin
      (SHBG), testosterone, estradiol, AMH and inhibin B levels. We used 144 proven
      fertile men, median age 32 (19-44) years as a control group and analyzed
      differences using multiple linear regression. Males with ESRD demonstrated higher
      mean values for prolactin, 742 versus normal 210 mIE l-1 (95% confidence interval
      (CI): 60.3, 729), LH, 8.87 versus normal 4.5 IE l-1 (95% CI: 2.75, 6.14), and
      estradiol 89.7 versus normal 79.0 pmol l-1 (95% CI: -1.31, -0.15). Mean value for
      AMH was lower, 19.5 versus normal 47.3 pmol l-1 (95% CI: -37.6, -11.6). There
      were no differences found for FSH, SHBG, inhibin B and testosterone. The most
      important difference was found for AMH, a marker of Sertoli cell function in the
      testes, which decreased by close to 60% when compared with controls. Combined
      with an increase in LH, these findings may indicate a dysfunction of Sertoli
      cells and an effect on Leydig cells contributing to a potential mechanism of
      reproductive dysfunction in men with ESRD. 

PMID- 25130587
TI  - Region 2 of 8q24 is associated with the risk of aggressive prostate cancer in
      Caribbean men of African descent from Guadeloupe (French West Indies).
AB  - Multiple regions of the genome have been associated with the risk of prostate
      cancer in Caucasians, particularly including several polymorphisms located at
      8q24. Region 2 of 8q24 has been repeatedly found to be associated with the risk
      of prostate cancer among men of African descent, although one study performed in
      the Caribbean island of Jamaica did not report this finding. In this study, the
      single nucleotide polymorphism rs16901979, located in region 2 of 8q24, was
      genotyped in 498 cases of histologically confirmed prostate cancer and 541
      controls from the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe, where the population is
      largely of African descent. The AA genotype and the A allele at rs16901979 were
      associated with elevated risks of prostate cancer (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.84, 95%
      confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.26-2.69, P = 0.002 and OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.13
      1.64, P = 0.001, respectively). Following stratification of the patients by
      disease aggressiveness, as defined by the Gleason score, the pooled genotypes AC
      + AA were associated with a higher risk of a Gleason score >=7 at diagnosis (OR =
      1.79, 95% CI = 1.17-2.73, P = 0.007). In summary, the A allele at rs16901979 was
      associated with the risk of prostate cancer in the Caribbean population of
      Guadeloupe, confirming its involvement in populations of African descent.
      Moreover, our study provides the first evidence of an association between this
      variant and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. 

PMID- 25130589
TI  - Stress modulation of cellular metabolic sensors: interaction of stress from
      temperature and rainfall on the intertidal limpet Cellana toreuma.
AB  - In the natural environment, organisms are exposed to large variations in physical
      conditions. Quantifying such physiological responses is, however, often performed
      in laboratory acclimation studies, in which usually only a single factor is
      varied. In contrast, field acclimatization may expose organisms to concurrent
      changes in several environmental variables. The interactions of these factors may
      have strong effects on organismal function. In particular, rare events that occur
      stochastically and have relatively short duration may have strong effects. The
      present experiments studied levels of expression of several genes associated with
      cellular stress and metabolic regulation in a field population of limpet Cellana
      toreuma that encountered a wide range of temperatures plus periodic rain events.
      Physiological responses to these variable conditions were quantified by measuring
      levels of mRNA of genes encoding heat-shock proteins (Hsps) and metabolic sensors
      (AMPKs and Sirtuin 1). Our results reveal high ratios of individuals in
      upregulation group of stress-related gene expression at high temperature and
      rainy days, indicating the occurrence of stress from both prevailing high summer
      temperatures and occasional rainfall during periods of emersion. At high
      temperature, stress due to exposure to rainfall may be more challenging than heat
      stress alone. The highly variable physiological performances of limpets in their
      natural habitats indicate the possible differences in capability for
      physiological regulation among individuals. Our results emphasize the importance
      of studies of field acclimatization in unravelling the effects of environmental
      change on organisms, notably in the context of multiple changes in abiotic
      factors that are accompanying global change.

PMID- 25130588
TI  - Nematode resistance to ivermectin (630 and 700MUg/kg) in cattle from the
      Southeast and South of Brazil.
AB  - Two high doses of ivermectin (630MUg/kg and 700MUg/kg) that are sold commercially
      in Brazil were evaluated in dose-and-slaughter trials with 144 naturally nematode
      infected cattle from eight regions within the states of Minas Gerias, Sao Paulo
      and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Treatment groups were based on fecal egg counts
      1, 2, and 3days before treatment; all animals studied had a minimum egg count of
      at least 500 eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Post-mortem analyses were conducted on
      day 14. The highest levels of resistance to ivermectin were found for Haemonchus
      placei, Cooperia punctata and Oesophagostomum radiatum; all populations of H.
      placei were resistant to the 630MUg/kg dose, and 67% were resistant to 700MUg/kg;
      86% of C. punctata were resistant to the 630MUg/kg dose, and 33% were resistant
      to 700MUg/kg. A combined analysis revealed that 57% of O. radiatum were resistant
      to the lower dose of ivermectin. H. placei, C. punctata and O. radiatum, in
      order, were the nematode populations with the highest indices of resistance,
      whereas Trichostrongylus axei was the most susceptible to 630 and 700MUg/kg
      dosages of ivermectin. The results of helminthic resistance to ivermectin for
      different populations of H. placei and C. punctata described in the present study
      support previous literature data, in which a small decrease in the average
      parasitic burden of C. punctata and a consequent increase of H. placei were
      observed in cattle from the Southeast, South and Center-West regions of Brazil. 

PMID- 25130591
TI  - Dominant components of the Thoroughbred metabolome characterised by (1) H-nuclear
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy: A metabolite atlas of common biofluids.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Metabonomics is emerging as a powerful tool for
      disease screening and investigating mammalian metabolism. This study aims to
      create a metabolic framework by producing a preliminary reference guide for the
      normal equine metabolic milieu. OBJECTIVES: To metabolically profile plasma,
      urine and faecal water from healthy racehorses using high resolution (1) H
      nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and to provide a list of dominant
      metabolites present in each biofluid for the benefit of future research in this
      area. STUDY DESIGN: This study was performed using 7 Thoroughbreds in race
      training at a single time point. Urine and faecal samples were collected
      noninvasively and plasma was obtained from samples taken for routine clinical
      chemistry purposes. METHODS: Biofluids were analysed using (1) H-NMR
      spectroscopy. Metabolite assignment was achieved via a range of one- and 2
      dimensional experiments. RESULTS: A total of 102 metabolites were assigned across
      the 3 biological matrices. A core metabonome of 14 metabolites was ubiquitous
      across all biofluids. All biological matrices provided a unique window on
      different aspects of systematic metabolism. Urine was the most populated
      metabolite matrix with 65 identified metabolites, 39 of which were unique to this
      biological compartment. A number of these were related to gut microbial host
      cometabolism. Faecal samples were the most metabolically variable between
      animals; acetate was responsible for the majority (28%) of this variation. Short
      chain fatty acids were the predominant features identified within this biofluid
      by (1) H-NMR spectroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Metabonomics provides a platform for
      investigating complex and dynamic interactions between the host and its
      consortium of gut microbes and has the potential to uncover markers for health
      and disease in a variety of biofluids. Inherent variation in faecal extracts
      along with the relative abundance of microbial-mammalian metabolites in urine and
      invasive nature of plasma sampling, infers that urine is the most appropriate
      biofluid for the purposes of metabonomic analysis.

PMID- 25130592
TI  - Does Synergy Exist in Nursing? A Concept Analysis.
AB  - AIM: The aim is to analyze the concept of synergy, particularly as the concept
      applies to teamwork, and determine if the concept has utility in improving the
      work environment for nurses. Tackling nursing shortages that result from a poor
      work environment is a priority for many nurse leaders. Producing synergy among
      teams may be an effective strategy in enhancing the work environment. However,
      the understanding of synergy and the ability to produce synergy among teams has
      been seldom highlighted or discussed within nursing literature. Walker and
      Avant's approach was used to guide this concept analysis of synergy. SOURCES:
      Literature searches involved databases (PsycInfo, Medline, Cumulative Index for
      Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], and Scopus), Internet search
      engines (Google), and hand searches. CONCLUSION: The analysis suggests that
      synergy is an outcome of the successful collaboration of the following three
      attributes: group cohesion, the pursuit of a common goal, and the achievement of
      a positive gain, considerably more than what was thought possible by the group.
      The foundation for this accomplishment requires an underlying feeling of special
      importance, the acknowledgment of each member's role, and open communication and
      dialogue among members. Nursing leaders would benefit from a broader
      understanding of synergy, and the mindful application and utility of synergy as
      an outcome of effective teamwork among nurses.

PMID- 25130590
TI  - Histone acetylation in the nucleus accumbens shell modulates ethanol-induced
      locomotor activity in DBA/2J mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A growing body of literature suggests that epigenetic mechanisms,
      including histone acetylation, may play key roles in drug abuse and the
      development of addiction. Experiments in this study were designed to investigate
      the role of histone acetylation in ethanol (EtOH)-induced locomotor
      sensitization. METHODS: Immunohistochemical, Western blotting, and site-directed
      pharmacological techniques were used to explore the roles of histone acetylation
      at histone H3 (acH3K9) in both the expression of and acquisition of EtOH-induced
      locomotor sensitization. A commonly used sensitization protocol, in which animals
      were exposed to repeated injections of a low dose of EtOH while in their home
      cage, was used to examine this behavioral phenomenon. Additionally, site-directed
      administration of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) Trichostatin A (TSA),
      in the absence of repeated EtOH injections, was used to examine the role of
      hyperacetylation in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) shell in EtOH-induced locomotor
      sensitization. RESULTS: Sensitized mice displayed elevated acH3K9
      immunoreactivity (IR) localized to the shell of the NAC. This augmentation in
      acH3K9 IR was confirmed, in a separate experiment, using Western blot analyses.
      Next, repeated intra-accumbal infusions of TSA, in the absence of repeated EtOH
      injections, were sufficient to induce an augmented locomotor response to a later
      injection of a low dose (2.0 g/kg, intraperitoneally) of EtOH, indicative of
      cross-sensitization to this locomotor stimulation between TSA and EtOH. Finally,
      a local infusion of TSA into the shell of the accumbens was also associated with
      a significant increase in acH3K9 IR within this region. CONCLUSIONS: Together,
      the present observations suggest that histone acetylation, particularly within
      the shell of the NAC, is important for the development and expression of EtOH
      induced locomotor sensitization.

PMID- 25130594
TI  - Benzodithiophene based pi-conjugated macrocycles: synthesis, morphology and
      electrochemical characterization.
AB  - A 7,8-didodecyloxybenzo[1,2-b:4,3-b']dithiophene (BdT-Dod) containing a
      macrocycle was synthesized from a thiophene capped BdT-Dod comonomer through a
      Ti(iv) mediated McMurry reaction and characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and
      MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Additionally, the morphological characterization was
      performed by AFM and SEM to investigate the self-aggregation properties. The
      macrocycle underwent self-assembly in the solid state to form fibers on the
      Si/SiO2 surface with a length in the MUm range and a thickness of about 400 nm. 

PMID- 25130593
TI  - Clinical performance of the Prostate Health Index (PHI) for the prediction of
      prostate cancer in obese men: data from the PROMEtheuS project, a multicentre
      European prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) isoform [-2]proPSA
      (p2PSA), p2PSA/free PSA (%p2PSA) and Prostate Health Index (PHI) accuracy in
      predicting prostate cancer in obese men and to test whether PHI is more accurate
      than PSA in predicting prostate cancer in obese patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      The analysis consisted of a nested case-control study from the pro-PSA
      Multicentric European Study (PROMEtheuS) project. The study is registered at
      http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN04707454. The primary outcome was to test
      sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (clinical validity) of serum p2PSA, %p2PSA
      and PHI, in determining prostate cancer at prostate biopsy in obese men [body
      mass index (BMI) >=30 kg/m(2) ], compared with total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA)
      and fPSA/tPSA ratio (%fPSA). The number of avoidable prostate biopsies (clinical
      utility) was also assessed. Multivariable logistic regression models were
      complemented by predictive accuracy analysis and decision-curve analysis.
      RESULTS: Of the 965 patients, 383 (39.7%) were normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m(2) ),
      440 (45.6%) were overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2) ) and 142 (14.7%) were obese
      (BMI >=30 kg/m(2) ). Among obese patients, prostate cancer was found in 65
      patients (45.8%), with a higher percentage of Gleason score >=7 diseases (67.7%).
      PSA, p2PSA, %p2PSA and PHI were significantly higher, and %fPSA significantly
      lower in patients with prostate cancer (P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic
      regression models, PHI significantly increased accuracy of the base multivariable
      model by 8.8% (P = 0.007). At a PHI threshold of 35.7, 46 (32.4%) biopsies could
      have been avoided. CONCLUSION: In obese patients, PHI is significantly more
      accurate than current tests in predicting prostate cancer.

PMID- 25130595
TI  - The birth of an infant decreases group spacing in a zoo-housed lowland gorilla
      group (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).
AB  - Changes in group composition can alter the behavior of social animals such as
      gorillas. Although gorilla births are presumed to affect group spacing patterns,
      there is relatively little data about how these events affect gorilla group
      cohesion. We investigated how members of a western lowland gorilla group (n = 6)
      at Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL, USA) spaced themselves prior to and after the
      birth of an infant, to investigate changes in group cohesion. Gorillas were
      housed in an indoor-outdoor enclosure in which access to the outdoors was
      permitted when temperatures exceeded 5 degrees C. We recorded spatial locations
      of each group member using 30-min group scans on tablet computers with an
      electronic map interface, as well as noting their access to outdoor areas. Data
      from the 4 months following the birth was compared to a control period
      corresponding to early pregnancy. We measured distances between all possible
      group dyads for each scan and subsequently calculated a mean distance between all
      group members. An ANOVA revealed that access to the outdoors had no effect on
      group spacing (F(1,56) = 0.066, P = 0.799). However, the presence of an infant
      resulted in a significant reduction in inter-individual distance (F(1,56) =
      23.988, P = 0.000), decreasing inter-individual spacing by 12.5%. This
      information helps characterize the behavioral impact of a new birth on captive
      gorilla social structure and could potentially inform future management of
      breeding gorilla groups.

PMID- 25130596
TI  - Social participation and health-related quality of life in people with multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social participation is an integral part of everyday life in society;
      however, evidence about its association with health-related quality of life
      (HRQoL) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      this study is to explore whether social participation is associated with the
      Physical Component Summary of HRQoL (PCS) and Mental Component Summary of HRQoL
      (MCS) in people with MS, controlled for age, gender, disease severity and disease
      duration. METHODS: The sample consisted of 116 consecutive people with MS
      (response rate: 75.8%; 72.4% women; mean age 40.3 +/- 9.8). People with MS
      completed the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) for measuring PCS and MCS and the
      Participation Scale, which measures the level of social participation. Disability
      was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The associations
      between social participation, PCS and MCS, were analyzed using linear regression
      that controlled for sociodemographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: PCS was
      significantly associated with age, disease duration, EDSS and social
      participation. MCS did not show significant association with the studied
      variables. Overall, a multiple regression model explained 48% of the PCS
      variance, while the proportion of MCS variance explained was not significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: Social participation was significantly associated with PCS,
      suggesting a possibility for intervention in this domain.

PMID- 25130597
TI  - A nationwide population-based cohort study on tonsillectomy and subsequent cancer
      incidence.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Tonsillectomy is related to increased risk of certain
      types of cancer. This study evaluates the possible association between
      tonsillectomy and cancer in Taiwan. METHODS: Data from the National Health
      Insurance system of Taiwan was used. A cohort study consisting of 997 patients
      with a new diagnosis of tonsillectomy from 2000 to 2005 and a comparison cohort
      of 3,988 subjects without tonsillectomy were used in the Poisson regression
      analysis to estimate the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) of cancers. RESULTS: The incidence rate of all cancer types was
      higher in the tonsillectomy group than in the control group (4.28 vs. 2.97 per
      1,000 person-years, respectively), with an IRR = 1.54 and 95% CI of 1.05 to 2.25,
      but the significant difference was limited to patients with more than 3 years
      follow-up. Site-specific analysis found no significant association between
      tonsillectomy and any individual cancer after adjusting for age, sex,
      hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes; however, tonsillectomy patients with
      more than 3 years follow-up had a marginally significantly higher risk for breast
      cancer development (adjusted IRR = 2.62; CI = 0.97-7.03). CONCLUSION: Our study
      found that Taiwanese people with tonsillectomy have a significantly higher
      overall risk of developing cancer and a marginally higher risk of developing
      breast cancer when follow-up is longer than 3 years.

PMID- 25130598
TI  - Nursing educators' perceptions about disaster preparedness and response in
      Istanbul and Miyazaki.
AB  - AIM: As healthcare professionals, nursing educators need to be prepared to manage
      and deliver care in what are often dangerous conditions. This research aims to
      determine and compare nursing educators' perceptions of disaster preparedness and
      response (DP&R) in Istanbul and Miyazaki. METHODS: An 18 question descriptive
      questionnaire was used. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four nursing educators
      representing two state university nursing schools in Istanbul, Turkey, and one
      state and two private universities in Miyazaki, Japan were enrolled. Educators
      had an average age of 40 years and had been educators for 1-15 years. Just over
      half of the participants had basic knowledge regarding DP&R with most of them
      considering taking special courses in the future. The majority considered
      "caregiver" as a role they could undertake in a disaster situation. The existence
      of major concerns and conflicts in disaster responses were low. The top ranked
      item was in the area of conflict between family and job responsibilities. Age and
      academic levels showed significant differences in basic knowledge on DP&R.
      Regardless of knowledge in this subject area, no statistical significance on
      personal preparedness or being a volunteer to disaster events was found.
      CONCLUSION: Nursing educators were not thinking about what kinds of disasters
      occur in the areas where they currently teach and were underprepared to deal with
      disaster situations. To improve the perceptions of the nursing educators on DP&R,
      mass casualty care and disaster management skills need to be incorporated into
      formal education and training on disaster preparedness and workplace
      preparedness.

PMID- 25130599
TI  - A general overview of the organocatalytic intramolecular aza-Michael reaction.
AB  - The organocatalytic intramolecular aza-Michael reaction gives access to
      enantiomerically enriched nitrogen-containing heterocycles in a very simple
      manner. Enals, enones, conjugated esters and nitro olefins have been employed as
      Michael acceptors, while moderate nitrogen nucleophiles such as sulphonamides,
      carbamates and amides have been shown to be appropriate Michael donors in this
      type of reaction. Additionally, the process has been performed under both
      covalent and non-covalent catalysis, with diaryl prolinols, imidazolidinones,
      thioureas and chiral binol phosphoric acids being the most frequently used
      catalysts. The level of efficiency reached with this protocol is demonstrated by
      the implementation of numerous tandem processes, as well as the total synthesis
      of several natural products. 

PMID- 25130600
TI  - Fabrication of ultralong hybrid microfibers from nanosheets of reduced graphene
      oxide and transition-metal dichalcogenides and their application as
      supercapacitors.
AB  - Two-dimensional materials have attracted increasing research interest owing to
      their unique electronic, physical, optical, and mechanical properties. We thus
      developed a general strategy for the fabrication of ultralong hybrid microfibers
      from a mixture of reduced graphene oxide and transition-metal dichalcogenides
      (TMDs), including MoS2 , TiS2 , TaS2 , and NbSe2 . Furthermore, we prepared fiber
      based solid-state supercapacitors as a proof-of-concept application. The
      performance of thus-prepared supercapacitors was greatly improved by the
      introduction of the TMDs. 

PMID- 25130601
TI  - Molecular pathology in lung cancer: a guide to the techniques used in clinical
      practice.
AB  - Five year survival rates for lung cancer patients are poor; however the
      development of new therapeutic options, which benefit subsets of the population,
      offer hope of improvement. These novel therapies frequently rely upon the
      analysis of biomarkers in pathology samples; in lung cancer patients, testing is
      now routinely carried out to identify small mutations and chromosomal
      rearrangements in order to predict response to treatment. The recent increase in
      biomarker analyses in pathology samples has lead to the development of a new
      specialty, molecular pathology. The use of molecular pathology assays in clinical
      samples is largely under the control of the histopathologist; who is likely to be
      asked, as a minimum, to select tissue sections for molecular analysis and mark
      areas of H&E stained slides for macro or microdissection. Many histopathologists
      will also be involved in the sourcing and implementation of new assays. This
      review aims to provide a guide to some of the most commonly used molecular
      pathology methods - their advantages and their limitations. 

PMID- 25130603
TI  - The STRONGkids nutritional risk screening tool can be used by paediatric nurses
      to identify hospitalised children at risk.
AB  - AIM: Hospitalised children have higher rates of undernutrition. Early detection
      of at-risk patients could lead to prompt preventative or corrective
      interventions. Several nutritional risk screening tools are available for
      screening hospitalised children including the STRONGkids tool. This study was
      designed to assess the usefulness of STRONGkids when applied by nurses rather
      than a paediatrician. METHODS: The STRONGkids questionnaire was simplified to
      enhance clarity with nursing staff. Trained nursing staff were asked to apply the
      tool to children, aged 1 month to 17 years, admitted to the Christchurch
      Hospital, New Zealand. Each patient was also assessed by a paediatrician. In
      addition, the current nutritional state of each patient was defined by measuring
      their weight and height. RESULTS: Of the 162 children enrolled, 11.7% were
      undernourished and 13% overnourished. STRONGkids recognised 84% of undernourished
      children when the tool was applied by nurses and 90% when the tool was applied by
      a paediatrician, indicating substantial agreement (kappa = 0.65). A minor
      simplification to the questionnaire improved its utility. CONCLUSION: STRONGkids
      successfully recognised at-risk children, when applied by either nurses or a
      paediatrician. It was suitable and feasible for nursing staff to use it to screen
      for children at risk of nutritional deterioration.

PMID- 25130602
TI  - Risk factors for major adverse events late after Fontan palliation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Risk factors for major adverse events late after Fontan palliation are
      unknown. Prior studies have suggested ventricular function and morphology as
      important risk factors. The aim of this study is to (1) characterize the late
      major adverse event profile in adult Fontan patients and (2) identify additional
      risk factors that may contribute to adverse outcomes. DESIGN AND SETTING: A
      retrospective review of all adult patients >15 years post-Fontan seen at a
      tertiary academic center was conducted. Clinical, laboratory, cardiac data, and
      abdominal imaging were collected via chart review. Major adverse events (death,
      cardiac transplantation, or listing) were identified, and timing of events was
      plotted using Kaplan-Meier methods. Univariate and multivariate logistic
      regression was used to determine independent predictors of late-term events.
      RESULTS: A total of 123 adult Fontan patients were identified (mean time post
      Fontan 22.4 years [+/-4.4]). Major adverse events occurred in 19/123 patients
      (15%). In this 15-year survivor cohort, transplant-free survival rates were
      94.6%, 82.9%, and 59.8% at 20, 25, and 30 years postoperation, respectively.
      Modes of death were Fontan failure with preserved function (4), congestive heart
      failure with decreased function (2), sudden death (2), thromboembolic event (1),
      post-Fontan conversion (2), and posttransplant (2). No differences in adverse
      outcomes were found based on morphology of the systemic ventricle, Fontan type,
      or systolic ventricular function. On the other hand, features of portal
      hypertension (OR 19.0, CI 4.7-77.3, P < .0001), presence of a pacemaker (OR 13.4,
      CI 2.6-69.8, P = .002), and systemic oxygen desaturation (OR 0.86, CI 0.75-0.98,
      P = .02) were risk factors for major adverse events in the multivariate analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: In adult Fontan patients surviving >15 years post-Fontan, portal
      hypertension, oxygen desaturation, and need for pacemaker were predictive of
      adverse events. Traditional measures may not predict late-term outcomes in adult
      survivors; further study of the liver's role in late outcomes is warranted.

PMID- 25130604
TI  - Aptamers as drug delivery vehicles.
AB  - The benefits of directed and selective therapy for systemic treatment are reasons
      for increased interest in exploiting aptamers for cell-specific drug delivery.
      Nucleic acid based pharmaceuticals represent an interesting and novel tool to
      counter human diseases. Combining inhibitory potential and cargo transfer upon
      internalization, nanocarriers as well as various therapeutics including siRNAs,
      chemotherapeutics, photosensitizers, or proteins can be imported via these
      synthetic nucleic acids. However, widespread clinical application is still
      hampered by obstacles that must be overcome. In this review, we give an overview
      of applications and recent advances in aptamer-mediated drug delivery. We also
      introduce prominent selection methods as well as useful approaches in choice of
      drug and conjugation method. We discuss the challenges that need to be considered
      and present strategies that have been applied to achieve intracellular delivery
      of effectors transported by readily internalized aptamers. 

PMID- 25130605
TI  - Predonation screening of candidate donors and prevention of window period
      donations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infectious window period donations slip through routine donor
      screening procedures. To explore the potential value of predonation screening of
      candidate donors, we compared the proportion of incident transfusion
      transmissible infections in candidate donors, in first-time donors, and in repeat
      donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of all
      incident hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in candidate, first-time, and repeat
      donors in the Netherlands during the period 2009 to 2013. RESULTS: In total,
      176,716 candidate donors, 144,226 first-time donations, and 4,143,455 repeat
      donations were screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV infection. Acute HBV infection was
      identified in the predonation sample of six candidate donors. One first-time
      donor, testing HIV-negative at predonation screening, tested positive for anti
      HIV and HIV RNA in the first donation 29 days later. Among repeat donations we
      identified 15, one, and six incident HBV, HCV and HIV infections, respectively.
      The proportion of incident infections among candidate donors/first-time
      donations/repeat donations was for HBV, 3.40/0/0.36; for HCV, 0/0/0.02; and for
      HIV 0/0.69/0.14 per 100,000, respectively. CONCLUSION: Predonation screening of
      candidate donors very likely causes a loss of donations, but it might prevent
      undetected window period donations. Further studies are necessary to determine
      the value of predonation screening as an additional safety measure.

PMID- 25130606
TI  - THP-1 cell line: an in vitro cell model for immune modulation approach.
AB  - THP-1 is a human leukemia monocytic cell line, which has been extensively used to
      study monocyte/macrophage functions, mechanisms, signaling pathways, and nutrient
      and drug transport. This cell line has become a common model to estimate
      modulation of monocyte and macrophage activities. This review attempts to
      summarize and discuss recent publications related to the THP-1 cell model. An
      overview on the biological similarities and dissimilarities between the THP-1
      cell line and human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) derived-monocytes
      and macrophages, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the use of THP-1
      cell line, is included. The review summarizes different published co-cultivation
      studies of THP-1 cells with other cell types, for instance, intestinal cells,
      adipocytes, T-lymphocytes, platelets, and vascular smooth muscle cells, which can
      be an option to study cell-cell interaction in vitro and can be an approach to
      better mimic in vivo conditions. Macrophage polarization is a relatively new
      topic which gains interest for which the THP-1 cell line also may be relevant.
      Besides that an overview of newly released commercial THP-1 engineered-reporter
      cells and THP-1 inflammasome test-cells is also given. Evaluation of recent
      papers leads to the conclusion that the THP-1 cell line has unique
      characteristics as a model to investigate/estimate immune-modulating effects of
      compounds in both activated and resting conditions of the cells. Although the THP
      1 response can hint to potential responses that might occur ex vivo or in vivo,
      these should be, however, validated by in vivo studies to draw more definite
      conclusions. 

PMID- 25130607
TI  - Prolonged pretreatment of mice with cholera toxin, but not isoproterenol,
      alleviates acute lethal systemic inflammatory response.
AB  - Isoproterenol, a synthetic non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist, is often used
      during the immediate postoperative period after open heart surgery for its
      chronotropic and vasodilatory effects. It has been demonstrated that
      isoproterenol pretreatment followed by immediate LPS administration leads to
      reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) response in vivo. However, sepsis
      never happens immediately after the surgery, but rather severe immune dysfunction
      occurs at least 24h later. It remains elusive what effects isoproterenol might
      exert to innate immunity during the period. In this scenario, we investigated the
      effects of 24-h isoproterenol pretreatment on septic shock induced by
      experimental endotoxemia and bacterial peritonitis, with cholera toxin as another
      cAMP elevator. Unexpectedly, we found that isoproterenol and cholera toxin
      exhibited distinct effects in acute lethal systemic inflammatory response.
      Isoproterenol worsened liver injury without enhancing NK/NKT activity. Meanwhile,
      cholera toxin but not isoproterenol showed dramatically reduced TNF-alpha
      response in LPS induced septic shock. Our data provide a caution for the clinical
      use of isoproterenol and suggest that isoproterenol has cAMP-independent
      functions. 

PMID- 25130608
TI  - All trans-retinoic acid abrogates the pro-tumorigenic phenotype of prostate
      cancer tumor-associated macrophages.
AB  - Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a prominent cell type of the tumor stroma
      and stimulate malignant cell growth, survival and metastasis. The present
      manuscript demonstrates that prostate cancer cell-derived factors induce a pro
      tumoral TAM-like phenotype characterized by increased proliferation and increased
      expression of pro-angiogenic, immunosuppressive and pro-metastatic factors. These
      effects were abrogated by all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), a clinically available
      molecule with known immune-modulating properties. Furthermore, ATRA inhibited the
      cancer cell-stimulated proliferation of the pro-tumoral macrophages and restored
      their cytotoxic capacity towards prostate cancer cells. These findings suggest
      the use of ATRA as an immunomodulating agent to block the activity of prostate
      cancer TAMs. 

PMID- 25130610
TI  - Shared genetic risk factors for psychiatric illness.

PMID- 25130609
TI  - "Celtic migrations": fact or fiction? Strontium and oxygen isotope analysis of
      the Czech cemeteries of Radovesice and Kutna Hora in Bohemia.
AB  - Strontium and oxygen isotope analysis of human remains from the early La Tene
      (fourth/third century BC) Czech cemeteries of Radovesice I (RAD I), Radovesice II
      (RAD II), and Kutna Hora were conducted to investigate the importance of
      residential changes during the period of the historic "Celtic migrations". In the
      initial phases (LT A/B), the grave goods of these cemeteries are typical for the
      core area of the La Tene culture, while around 300 BC (LT B2) an alteration
      occurs and typical Bohemian styles arise, and connections to Moravia and the
      Danubian region become visible. The strontium isotope ratios are highly varied
      with (87) Sr/(86) Sr values between 0.7062 and 0.7153 in Radovesice, and between
      0.7082 and 0.7147 in Kutna Hora. The oxygen isotope data are more homogeneous and
      yield delta(18) Op ratios from 14.80/00 to 17.20/00 [mean: 16.20/00 +/- 0.5
      (1sigma)] in Radovesice, and from 14.90/00 to 17.30/00 [mean: 16.50/00 +/- 0.6
      (1sigma)] in Kutna Hora. Because the geological properties of the landscapes
      around the sites are variable and complex, most of the observed variations among
      the strontium isotope ratios may have been caused by agricultural practices, such
      as regularly changing farming land. Nevertheless, there are some individuals who
      differ completely from the regional isotopic baseline values. This suggests that
      at least a small part of the community migrated, which does not seem to be
      correlated with any particular phase of the La Tene period. Remarkably, it is
      mainly males who seem to be of nonlocal origin, and particularly those who were
      buried as warriors. Females, on the other hand, appear to have been more closely
      bonded to the Bohemian region. Whether the "foreign" individuals with differing
      isotopic compositions came from Moravia or the Danubian region remains debatable.

PMID- 25130611
TI  - Der p 2 can induce bystander activation of B cells derived from patients with
      systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - Although many patients with SLE also have allergies, the immunological events
      triggering the onset and progression of the clinical manifestations of SLE by
      allergens have yet to be clarified. A total of three autoantigens,
      phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK-1), triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) and enolase
      were identified by autologous serum in B cell lysate derived from HDM allergic
      SLE patients after Der p 2 stimulation. Autoantigen, TRIM-21 expression were also
      significantly increased in B cells derived from HDM allergic SLE patients. In
      PBMCs derived from SLE patients, the concentration of anti-PGK-1 was
      significantly upregulated after Der p 2 stimulation compared to HDM allergic
      without SLE patients and healthy subjects. Inflammatory related cytokines and
      chemokines include IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, CXCL5 could be upregulated after Der p 2
      stimulation in PBMCs derived from HDM allergic SLE patients. In conclusion, our
      data demonstrated that long-term allergen exposure could be a contributing factor
      in the development of SLE. 

PMID- 25130612
TI  - Efficacy analysis of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on rare non-small cell lung
      cancer patients harboring complex EGFR mutations.
AB  - The efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR
      TKI) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is related to EGFR
      mutations. Although the p.L858R point mutation in exon 21 and the in-frame
      deletion mutation in exon 19 are well known, efficacy of EGFR-TKI in patients
      with more than one EGFR mutation is not well understood. 799 NSCLC patients were
      screened for EGFR mutations. Of the 799 patients, 443 (55.4%) had mutations, out
      of which 22 (2.75%) had multiple complex mutations. Most multiple mutations
      (20/22) harbored common mutations such as the p.L858R point mutation in exon 21
      and the in-frame deletion mutation in exon 19. 11 out of 22 patients who had
      multiple EGFR mutations underwent TKI therapy and primary end-points of
      progression free and overall survival were determined. Our analysis revealed that
      cases with multiple mutations had similar end-point outcomes as single mutation
      to TKI therapy. Report of these cases will be helpful in decision making for
      treatment of NSCLC patients harboring multiple EGFR mutations. 

PMID- 25130613
TI  - Carbamylation of immunoglobulin abrogates activation of the classical complement
      pathway.
AB  - Post-translational modifications of proteins significantly affect their structure
      and function. The carbamylation of positively charged lysine residues to form
      neutral homoitrulline occurs primarily under inflammatory conditions through
      myeloperoxidase-dependent cyanate (CNO-) formation. We analyzed the pattern of
      human IgG1 carbamylation under inflammatory conditions and the effects that this
      modification has on the ability of antibodies to trigger complement activation
      via the classical pathway. We found that the lysine residues of IgG1 are rapidly
      modified after brief exposure to CNO- . Interestingly, modifications were not
      random, but instead limited to only few lysines within the hinge area and the N
      terminal fragment of the CH2 domain. A complement activation assay combined with
      mass spectrometry analysis revealed a highly significant inverse correlation
      between carbamylation of several key lysine residues within the hinge region and
      N-terminus of the CH2 domain and the proper binding of C1q to human IgG1 followed
      by subsequent complement activation. This severely hindered complement-dependent
      cytotoxicity of therapeutic IgG1 . The reaction can apparently occur in vivo, as
      we found carbamylated antibodies in synovial fluid from rheumatoid arthritis
      patients. Taken together, our data suggest that carbamylation has a profound
      impact on the complement-activating ability of IgG1 and reveals a pivotal role
      for previously uncharacterized lysine residues in this process.

PMID- 25130614
TI  - Mutation of Dcdc2 in mice leads to impairments in auditory processing and memory
      ability.
AB  - Dyslexia is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired
      reading ability despite normal intellect, and is associated with specific
      difficulties in phonological and rapid auditory processing (RAP), visual
      attention and working memory. Genetic variants in Doublecortin domain-containing
      protein 2 (DCDC2) have been associated with dyslexia, impairments in phonological
      processing and in short-term/working memory. The purpose of this study was to
      determine whether sensory and behavioral impairments can result directly from
      mutation of the Dcdc2 gene in mice. Several behavioral tasks, including a
      modified pre-pulse inhibition paradigm (to examine auditory processing), a 4/8
      radial arm maze (to assess/dissociate working vs. reference memory) and rotarod
      (to examine sensorimotor ability and motor learning), were used to assess the
      effects of Dcdc2 mutation. Behavioral results revealed deficits in RAP, working
      memory and reference memory in Dcdc2(del2/del2) mice when compared with matched
      wild types. Current findings parallel clinical research linking genetic variants
      of DCDC2 with specific impairments of phonological processing and memory ability.

PMID- 25130616
TI  - Soil as a source of Legionella pneumophila sequence type 47.
AB  - Legionella pneumophila sequence type (ST) 47 was isolated from soil in a garden.
      We speculate that this strain was transmitted from soil to the whirlpool in the
      garden where it caused an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. In
      the Netherlands, ST47 is frequently isolated from patients, but hardly ever from
      environmental sources. It is possible that human pathogenic Legionella strains,
      with ST47 as one of the predominant strains, are transmitted to humans from
      sources such as natural soil that are currently not targeted in outbreak
      investigations. 

PMID- 25130615
TI  - Bone regeneration with osteogenically enhanced mesenchymal stem cells and their
      extracellular matrix proteins.
AB  - Although bone has remarkable regenerative capacity, about 10% of long bone
      fractures and 25% to 40% of vertebral fusion procedures fail to heal. In such
      instances, a scaffold is employed to bridge the lesion and accommodate
      osteoprogenitors. Although synthetic bone scaffolds mimic some of the
      characteristics of bone matrix, their effectiveness can vary because of
      biological incompatibility. Herein, we demonstrate that a composite prepared with
      osteogenically enhanced mesenchymal stem cells (OEhMSCs) and their extracellular
      matrix (ECM) has an unprecedented capacity for the repair of critical-sized
      defects of murine femora. Furthermore, OEhMSCs do not cause lymphocyte
      activation, and ECM/OEhMSC composites retain their in vivo efficacy after
      cryopreservation. Finally, we show that attachment to the ECM by OEhMSCs
      stimulates the production of osteogenic and angiogenic factors. These data
      demonstrate that composites of OEhMSCs and their ECM could be utilized in the
      place of autologous bone graft for complex orthopedic reconstructions.

PMID- 25130617
TI  - Efficacy of real-time polymerase chain reaction for rapid diagnosis of
      endobronchial tuberculosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The definitive diagnosis of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) is
      challenging because the disease manifests in various non-specific ways, and acid
      fast bacilli (AFB) are often undetectable by sputum smear. The objective of this
      study was to evaluate the efficacy of real-time PCR of bronchoscopic biopsy
      specimens for the diagnosis of EBTB. METHODS: Real-time PCR amplification of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in biopsy tissue from EBTB patients was performed
      prospectively. Diagnostic yields were compared for real-time PCR and for auramine
      O-stained sputum smears and bronchial brush smears. Whether diagnostic yield
      depended on bronchoscopic subtype of EBTB was also evaluated. RESULTS: Diagnostic
      yields were 4.1% (3/74) for sputum smear, 39.2% (29/74) for bronchial brush
      smear, and 89.2% (66/74) for real-time PCR. Real-time PCR melting curve analysis
      showed significantly higher yields than did AFB staining of bronchial brush
      smears for granular and caseating EBTB (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Real-time PCR
      detection of M. tuberculosis DNA in EBTB biopsy tissue is more sensitive than
      sputum smear and bronchial brush smear, including at early disease stages. This
      PCR method may be a useful adjunct to culture- and smear-based techniques to
      allow more rapid EBTB diagnosis and timelier treatment.

PMID- 25130618
TI  - Xylan-mediated aggregation of Lactobacillus brevis and its relationship with the
      surface properties and mucin-mediated aggregation of the bacteria.
AB  - Some Lactobacillus brevis strains were found to aggregate upon the addition of
      xylan after screening for lactic acid bacteria that interact with plant
      materials. The S-layer proteins of cell surface varied among the strains. The
      strains that displayed xylan-mediated aggregation retained its ability even after
      the removal of S-layer proteins. L. brevis had negative zeta potentials. A
      correlation between the strength of aggregation and zeta potential was not
      observed. However, partial removal of S-layer proteins resulted in decreases in
      the electric potential and aggregation ability of some strains. Therefore, xylan
      mediated aggregation of L. brevis was considered to be caused by an electrostatic
      effect between the cells and xylan. L. brevis also aggregated in the presence of
      mucin, and the strengths of aggregation among the strains were similar to that
      induced by xylan. Thus, xylan- and mucin-mediated L. brevis aggregation was
      supposed to be caused by a similar mechanism.

PMID- 25130619
TI  - Calculating core-level excitations and X-ray absorption spectra of medium-sized
      closed-shell molecules with the algebraic-diagrammatic construction scheme for
      the polarization propagator.
AB  - Core-level excitations are generated by absorption of high-energy radiation such
      as X-rays. To describe these energetically high-lying excited states
      theoretically, we have implemented a variant of the algebraic-diagrammatic
      construction scheme of second-order ADC(2) by applying the core-valence
      separation (CVS) approximation to the ADC(2) working equations. Besides
      excitation energies, the CVS-ADC(2) method also provides access to properties of
      core-excited states, thereby allowing for the calculation of X-ray absorption
      spectra. To demonstrate the potential of our implementation of CVS-ADC(2), we
      have chosen medium-sized molecules as examples that have either biological
      importance or find application in organic electronics. The calculated results of
      CVS-ADC(2) are compared with standard TD-DFT/B3LYP values and experimental data.
      In particular, the extended variant, CVS-ADC(2)-x, provides the most accurate
      results, and the agreement between the calculated values and experiment is
      remarkable.

PMID- 25130620
TI  - Alpine climate treatment of atopic dermatitis: a systematic review.
AB  - Climate therapy has been used for decades in the treatment of atopic dermatitis
      (AD), but evidence of its effectiveness has not yet been assessed systematically.
      A systematic literature search in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library was
      performed to identify all original studies concerning alpine climate treatment.
      The risk of bias of individual studies was assessed following the Cochrane
      Handbook, and level of evidence was rated using GRADE guidelines. Fifteen
      observational studies were included concerning 40 148 patients. Four studies
      concerning 2670 patients presented follow-up data over a period of 1 year.
      Disease activity decreased in the majority of patients during treatment (96% of n
      = 39 006) and 12-month follow-up (64% of n = 2670). Topical corticosteroid use
      could often be reduced or stopped during treatment (82% of n = 1178) and during
      12-month follow-up (72% of n = 3008). Quality assessment showed serious study
      limitations, therefore resulting in a very low level of evidence for the
      described outcomes. Randomized controlled trials designed with a follow-up period
      including well-defined patient populations, detailed description and measurement
      of applied interventions during climate therapy and using validated outcomes
      including cost-effectiveness parameters, are required to improve the evidence for
      alpine climate therapy as an effective treatment for patients with AD.

PMID- 25130621
TI  - Blockade of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibits oligodendrocyte excitotoxicity and
      prevents demyelination in vivo.
AB  - The endocannabinoids 2-araquidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA) are
      bioactive lipids crucially involved in the regulation of brain function in basal
      and pathological conditions. Blockade of endocannabinoid metabolism has emerged
      as a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases of the central
      nervous system, including myelin disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
      Nevertheless, the biological actions of endocannabinoid degradation inhibitors in
      oligodendrocytes and white matter tracts are still ill defined. Here we show that
      the selective monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor JZL184 suppressed cell
      death by mild activation of AMPA receptors in oligodendrocytes in vitro, an
      effect that was mimicked by MAGL substrate 2-AG and by the second major
      endocannabinoid AEA, in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas inhibition of
      the AEA metabolizing enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase with URB597 was devoid of
      effect. Pharmacological experiments suggested that oligodendrocyte protection
      from excitotoxicity resulting from MAGL blockade involved the activation of
      cannabinoid CB1 receptors and the reduction of AMPA-induced cytosolic calcium
      overload, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and production of reactive
      oxygen species. Administration of JZL184 under a therapeutic regimen decreased
      clinical severity, prevented demyelination, and reduced inflammation in chronic
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Furthermore, MAGL inactivation
      robustly preserved myelin integrity and suppressed microglial activation in the
      cuprizone-induced model of T-cell-independent demyelination. These findings
      suggest that MAGL blockade may be a useful strategy for the treatment of immune
      dependent and -independent damage to the white matter.

PMID- 25130622
TI  - Supine or sitting? Economic considerations regarding patient position during
      plasma metanephrine analysis for the exclusion of chromaffin tumours.

PMID- 25130623
TI  - Improving acid-fast fluorescent staining for the detection of mycobacteria using
      a new nucleic acid staining approach.
AB  - Acid fast staining of sputum smears by microscopy remains the prevalent method
      for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The sensitivity of microscopy using
      acid fast stains requires 10(4) bacilli per ml of sputum. Although fluorescent
      acid fast stains, such as Auramine-O, show improved sensitivity, almost half of
      culture-positive TB cases are currently estimated to remain smear-negative. These
      current diagnosis problems provide impetus for improving staining procedures. We
      evaluated a novel fluorescent acid-fast staining approach using the nucleic acid
      binding dye SYBR((r)) Gold on mycobacterial in vitro cultures. The SYBR((r)) Gold
      stain detected 99% of MTB in both actively replicating aerobic and non
      replicating hypoxic cultures. Transmission light microscopy with Ziehl-Neelsen
      fuchsin, and fluorescence microscopy with Auramine-O or Auramine-rhodamine
      detected only 54%-86% of MTB bacilli. SYBR((r)) Gold fluoresces more intensely
      than Auramine-O, and is highly resistant to fading. The signal to noise ratio is
      exceptionally high due to a >1000-fold enhanced fluorescence after binding to
      DNA/RNA, thereby reducing most background fluorescence. Although cost and
      stability of the dye may perhaps limit its clinical use at this time, these
      results warrant further research into more nucleic acid dye variants. In the
      meantime, SYBR((r)) Gold staining shows great promise for use in numerous
      research applications. 

PMID- 25130624
TI  - Biogeochemical environments of streambed-sediment pore waters with and without
      arsenic enrichment in a sedimentary rock terrain, New Jersey Piedmont, USA.
AB  - Release of arsenic (As) from sedimentary rocks has resulted in contamination of
      groundwater in aquifers of the New Jersey Piedmont Physiographic Province, USA;
      the contamination also may affect the quality of the region's streamwater to
      which groundwater discharges. Biogeochemical mechanisms involved in the release
      process were investigated in the streambeds of Six Mile Run and Pike Run,
      tributaries to the Millstone River in the Piedmont. At Six Mile Run, streambed
      pore water and shallow groundwater were low or depleted in oxygen, and contained
      As at concentrations greater than 20 MUg/L. At Pike Run, oxidizing conditions
      were present in the streambed, and the As concentration in pore water was 2.1
      MUg/L. The 16S rRNA gene and the As(V) respiratory reductase gene, arrA, were
      amplified from DNA extracted from streambed pore water at both sites and
      analyzed, revealing that distinct bacterial communities that corresponded to the
      redox conditions were present at each site. Anaerobic enrichment cultures were
      inoculated with pore water from gaining reaches of the streams with acetate and
      As(V). As(V) was reduced by microbes to As(III) in enrichments with Six Mile Run
      pore water and groundwater, whereas no reduction occurred in enrichments with
      Pike Run pore water. Cloning and sequencing of the arrA gene indicated 8 unique
      operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at Six Mile Run and 11 unique OTUs at Pike
      Run, which may be representative of the arsenite oxidase gene arxA. Low-oxygen
      conditions at Six Mile Run have favored microbial As reduction and release,
      whereas release was inhibited by oxidizing conditions at Pike Run.

PMID- 25130625
TI  - Comparison of three pesticide fate models with respect to the leaching of two
      herbicides under field conditions in an irrigated maize cropping system.
AB  - The ability of three models (PEARL, MACRO and PRZM) to describe the water
      transfer and leaching of the herbicides S-metolachlor and mesotrione as observed
      in an irrigated maize monoculture system in Toulouse area (France) was compared.
      The models were parameterized with field, laboratory and literature data, and
      pedotransfer functions using equivalent parameterization to better compare the
      results and the performance of the models. The models were evaluated and compared
      from soil water pressure, water content and temperature data monitored at 0.2,
      0.5 and 1 m depth, together with water percolates and herbicide concentrations
      measured in a tension plate lysimeter at 1 m depth. Some hydraulic (n, theta(s))
      parameters and mesotrione DT50 needed calibration. After calibration, the
      comparison of the results obtained by the three models indicated that PRZM was
      not able to simulate properly the water dynamic in the soil profile. On the
      contrary, PEARL and MACRO simulated generally quite well the observed water
      pressure head and volumetric water content at the three different depths during
      wetting periods (e.g. irrigated cropping period) while a poorest performance was
      obtained for drying periods (fallow period with bare soil and beginning of crop
      period). Similar water flow dynamics were simulated by PEARL and MACRO in the
      soil profile although in general, and due to a higher evapotranspiration in
      MACRO, PEARL simulated a wetter soil than MACRO. For the whole simulated period,
      the performance of all models to simulate water leaching at 1m depth was poor,
      with an overestimation of the total water volume measured in the lysimeter
      (ranging from 2.2 to 6.6 times). By contrast, soil temperature was properly
      reproduced by the three models. The models were able to simulate the leaching of
      herbicides at 1m depth in similar appearance time and order of magnitude as field
      observations. Cumulative observed and simulated mesotrione losses by leaching
      were consistently higher than the observed and simulated losses of the less
      mobile herbicide, S-metolachlor. In general, PRZM predicted the highest
      concentrations for both herbicides in the leachates while PEARL simulated the
      observed herbicide concentrations better than MACRO and PRZM.

PMID- 25130626
TI  - Over the sands and far away: interpreting an Iberian mitochondrial lineage with
      ancient Western African origins.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: There is an ongoing effort to characterize the genetic links between
      Africa and Europe, mostly using lineages and haplotypes that are specific to one
      continent but had an ancient origin in the other. Mitochondrial DNA has been
      proven to be a very useful tool for this purpose since a high number of
      putatively European-specific variants of the African L* lineages have been
      defined over the years. Due to their geographic locations, Spain and Portugal
      seem to be ideal places for searching for these lineages. METHODS: Five members
      of a minor branch of haplogroup L3f were found in recent DNA samplings in the
      region of Asturias (Northern Spain), which is known for its historical isolation.
      The frequency of L3f in this population (~1%) is unexpectedly high in comparison
      with other related lineages in Europe. Complete mitochondrial DNA sequencing of
      these L3f lineages, as well phylogenetic and phylogeographic comparative analyses
      have been performed. RESULTS: The L3f variant found in Asturias seems to
      constitute an Iberian-specific haplogroup, distantly related to lineages in
      Northern Africa and with a deep ancestry in Western Africa. Coalescent algorithms
      estimate the minimum arrival time as 8,000 years ago, and a possible route
      through the Gibraltar Strait. CONCLUSIONS: Results are concordant with a
      previously proposed Neolithic connection between Southern Europe and Western
      Africa, which might be key to the proper understanding of the ancient links
      between these two continents.

PMID- 25130627
TI  - The mitochondrial genome of Paragyrodactylus variegatus (Platyhelminthes:
      Monogenea): differences in major non-coding region and gene order compared to
      Gyrodactylus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paragyrodactylus Gvosdev and Martechov, 1953, a viviparous genus of
      ectoparasite within the Gyrodactylidae, contains three nominal species all of
      which infect Asian river loaches. The group is suspected to be a basal lineage
      within Gyrodactylus Nordmann, 1832 sensu lato although this remains unclear.
      Further molecular study, beyond characterization of the standard Internal
      Transcribed Spacer region, is needed to clarify the evolutionary relationships
      within the family and the placement of this genus. METHODS: The mitochondrial
      genome of Paragyrodactylus variegatus You, King, Ye and Cone, 2014 was amplified
      in six parts from a single worm, sequenced using primer walking, annotated and
      analyzed using bioinformatic tools. RESULTS: The mitochondrial genome of P.
      variegatus is 14,517 bp, containing 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer
      RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and a major non-coding region
      (NCR). The overall A + T content of the mitochondrial genome is 76.3%, which is
      higher than all reported mitochondrial genomes of monogeneans. All of the 22
      tRNAs have the typical cloverleaf secondary structure, except tRNACys, tRNASer1
      and tRNASer2 that lack the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm. There are six domains
      (domain III is absent) and three domains in the inferred secondary structures of
      the large ribosomal subunit (rrnL) and small ribosomal subunit (rrnS),
      respectively. The NCR includes six 40 bp tandem repeat units and has the double
      identical poly-T stretches, stem-loop structure and some surrounding structure
      elements. The gene order (tRNAGln, tRNAMet and NCR) differs in arrangement
      compared to the mitochondrial genomes reported from Gyrodactylus spp. CONCLUSION:
      The Duplication and Random Loss Model and Recombination Model together are the
      most plausible explanations for the variation in gene order. Both morphological
      characters and characteristics of the mitochondrial genome support
      Paragyrodactylus as a distinct genus from Gyrodactylus. Considering their
      specific distribution and known hosts, we believe that Paragyrodactylus is a
      relict freshwater lineage of viviparous monogenean isolated in the high plateaus
      of central Asia on closely related river loaches.

PMID- 25130628
TI  - Marked Elevation of Excitatory Amino Acids in Cerebrospinal Fluid Obtained From
      Patients With Rotavirus-Associated Encephalopathy.
AB  - Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children;
      however, its pathogenesis and immunity are not completely understood. Even less
      well recognized is rotavirus-induced central nervous system (CNS) involvement,
      which has been associated with seizure, encephalopathy and death, among others.
      To elucidate the host response to rotavirus infection, we retrospectively
      examined neurotransmitter amino acids in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 19
      children with CNS involvement associated with rotavirus infection. Subjects were
      classified into two groups: those with encephalopathy followed by prolonged
      seizure (encephalopathy group) and those who had experienced afebrile, brief
      cluster of seizures without encephalopathy (cluster group). The levels of
      glutamate, glycine, and taurine in the encephalopathy group were significantly
      higher than those in the cluster group. Increased levels of excitatory amino
      acids in the CSF may induce neurological disorders and be related to disorder
      severity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding amino
      acids in the CSF obtained from patients with rotavirus-induced CNS involvement.
      Further study is necessary to elucidate the role of CSF amino acid levels in
      rotavirus-induced CNS involvement. 

PMID- 25130629
TI  - [Effect of the liquid milk nutritional supplement with enhanced content of whey
      protein on the nutritional status of the elderly].
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term administration
      of liquid nutritional supplement with increased amounts of whey protein and
      reduced amounts of lactose, produced in accordance with a new recipe "Nutrisen"
      on the elderly living in institutionalized care. METHODS: The study was carried
      out from May to July, 2013, on 47 retirement home residents, living in Prague,
      all of which were 65 years or older. Supplemented group (n = 23) consumed (200
      ml) milk drinks with three different flavours on a daily basis for eight weeks.
      The reference group was on a normal diet. There was no significant difference in
      baseline characteristics between participants in both groups. Anthropometric and
      biochemical indicators of nutritional status and tolerance of the nutritional
      supplement during long-term use were evaluated. RESULTS: Both compliance (daily
      intake program) and tolerance of the nutritionally defined supplement were very
      good. For the supplemented group, there was an average weight increased of 700
      grams after the 8 week nutritional supplement test period. Average levels of
      albumin and prealbumin increased significantly (from the beginning to the end of
      the program), 35.5 +/- 4.52 g/l vs 36.19 +/- 4.1 g/l and 0.160 +/- 0.05 vs 0.174
      +/- 0.04 g/l (p < 0.05), vitamin D levels increased from 31.2 +/- 16.4 nmol/l to
      36.8 +/- 17.7 nmol/l (p < 0.001) and HDL-cholesterol levels increased from 1.29
      +/- 0.33 mmol/l to 1.35 +/- 0.35 mmol/l (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The specific
      nutritionally defined milk drink (Nutrisen), used in this study, was well
      tolerated by the elderly study participants, over the eight-week clinical study.
      We observed a positive effect on the participants weight, serum albumin,
      prealbumin, vitamin D and HDL-cholesterol.

PMID- 25130630
TI  - [Celiac disease in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of celiac disease in adult patients with type
      1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Influence the new started treatment of celiac disease
      on glycemic control and body mass index (BMI) of the patients. Prevail the anti
      transglutaminase antibody (atTG) positivity one year after commencement of the
      therapy. METHODS: A retrospective assessment of celiac disease targeted screening
      in 465 adult T1DM patients at Diabetes Center, 1st Medical Department, University
      Hospital in Pilsen (80 % of all T1DM patients) from 1. 1. 2007 until 1. 7. 2011.
      Enterobiopsy was indicated in case of atTG-A (or atTG-G) positivity. In patients
      with newly started gluten-free diet, HbA1c and BMI within a year after diagnosis
      of celiac disease were compared to a year period six months after treatment
      commencement (3-4 visits), atTG was evaluated one year after treatment beginning.
      Paired T-test was used for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: The prevalence of all
      forms of celiac disease in the studied group was 10.5 %. Celiac disease diagnosed
      in childhood was found in 1.1 % patients (5/465). Positivity of atTG was newly
      observed in 9.5 % (44/465) patients. Three patients with atTG > 300 kIU/l refused
      the enterobiopsy examination. Celiac disease is highly plausible. The influence
      of gluten-free diet on BMI and HbA1c could not be evaluated due to the lack of
      compliance. 22 patients had a potential form of celiac disease (negative
      histology). Positive enterobiopsy was found in 19 patients (4.1 %). Another 3
      patients had to be excluded from the subgroup of 22 patients (newly indicated
      gluten-free diet) as the HbA1c values and BMI were affected by the primary
      diagnosis of T1DM. Subgroup characteristics: 9 women and 7 men, mean age 38 +/-
      12 years, diabetes duration 21 +/- 13 years, celiac disease diagnosed 20.7 +/- 13
      years since first diagnosis of T1DM. No statistically significant change in HbA1c
      (67 +/- 11.4 vs 69 +/- 13.9 mmol/mol) was observed in the studied period, however
      and a significant change of BMI from 25.4 +/- 4.2 to 25.9 +/- 4.3 (p < 0.01) was
      found. The atTG positivity prevailed in 47 % (9/19) of patients after one year.
      CONCLUSION: A total prevalence of the celiac disease in the group of adult T1DM
      patients was 10.5 %. No significant change in HbA1c occurred following treatment,
      a significant change of BMI was observed. The atTG positivity prevailed in 47 %
      of patients after one year.

PMID- 25130632
TI  - [Genetics and pharmacogenetics of osteoporosis].
AB  - Osteoporosis is a serious disease characterized by high morbidity and mortality
      due to atraumatic fractures. In pathogenesis of osteoporosis, except environment,
      internal factors, such as hormonal dysbalance and genetic background, are also in
      play. In this review, candidate genes for osteoporosis are classified according
      to metabolic or hormonal pathways, which regulate bone mineral density/and or
      quality (estrogen, RANKL/RANK/OPG, mevalonate, Wnt circuit, genes for collagen
      and vitamin D). Authors discuss the perspectives of practical utilization of
      pharmacogenetics (identification of single candidate genes using PCR) or
      pharmacogenomics (using genome wide association studies) in choice of optimal
      treatment of osteoporosis. Potentional predictors of effectivity of
      antiresorption therapy are genes ER, FDPS, Cyp19A1, VDR, Col1A1 and gene of Wnt
      pathway. Moreover, polymorphisms of CYP2C gene, but also FDPS may identify
      patients with high risk of undesirable effects of bisphosphonates (osteonecrosis
      of jaw). Unfortunately, results of the most association studies has not been
      confirmed by other investigators. The controversial results could be explained by
      different methodic approaches in individual studies (different sample size,
      homogenity of investigated groups, ethnic differences or linkage disquilibrium
      between genes). Key cliff of association studies is low variability (7-10 %) of
      bone phenotypes associated with investigated genes. Nevertheless, identification
      of new genes and verification their association with bone density and/or quality
      using both PCR and genome wide association studies remain to be a great challenge
      targeting optimal prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

PMID- 25130631
TI  - [Acute pancreatitis - validation of revised Atlanta classification on 159
      patients and prognostic factors].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the last few years the Atlanta classification of acute
      pancreatitis (AP) have been revised. However prognostic markers of AP are still
      being searched for. The aim of this study is to validate the 3 severity
      categories proposed by the revised Atlanta classification. We also tried to
      reevaluate the association between two laboratory markers (leucocyte count and
      RDW - red cell distribution width) on admission and prognosis of the patients
      with AP. METHODS: 159 patients were included into the study. The patients were
      classified according to revised Atlanta criteria and the subgroups evaluated
      according to mortality, length of hospital stay and need for interventions.
      Leucocyte count and RDW on admission was evaluated in the patients. RESULTS: All
      the subgroups of patients were associated with significantly relevant differences
      in mortality, length of hospital stay and need for operations on pancreas.
      Leucocyte count and RDW were identified as significant predictors for severe AP
      and RDW was also identified as significant predictor for mortality in patients
      with AP. CONCLUSION: New categories of severity as defined by Revised Atlanta
      classification are describing well the mortality, length of hospital stay and
      need for interventions in the patients with AP. Leucocyte count and RDW on
      admission are needed to be confirmed as potential prognostic markers of severity
      and mortality in AP.

PMID- 25130633
TI  - [Importance of lymphangiogenesis and ultrastructure of lymphatic capillaries in
      metastasis of malignant melanoma].
AB  - Lymphangiogenesis - proliferation of lymphatic capillaries - in melanoma and in
      its vicinity plays an important role in metastatic process of malign melanoma
      cells in organism. Melanoma produces epidermal growth factor EGF which induces
      vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF-C and thereby starts lymphangiogenesis.
      It is very probable that malignant melanoma cells enter lymphatic capillaries
      also through specialized inter-endothelial junctions (endothelial microvalves,
      primary valves) situated in their walls. After entry of malign cells into
      lymphatic capillaries, these cells travel in lymph to the sentinel lymph node.
      Malign cells metastasize through lymphatic vessels probably also directly into
      distal regional lymphatic nodes. Metastasizing through blood vessels is
      suggestible also in early stage melanoma.

PMID- 25130634
TI  - [What is new in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction within last five
      years?].
AB  - Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction of left ventricle (heart failure
      with normal ejection fraction, HFPEF, HFNEF) is frequent disease with serious
      consequences. Incidence of HFPEF in population is still growing. The exact
      pathophysiological mechanism of HFPEF remain unclear .Recent evidence suggests a
      relationship between inflammation associated with obesity or Diabetes mellitus
      and progression of HFPEF. Consistently, it has been reported that serum
      concentration of some pro-inflammatory markers such as adiponectin is positively
      related to HFPEF. By HFPEF is attended diastolic dysfunction. Diastolic
      dysfunction is linked to many other cardiac and non-cardiac diseases. Despite the
      great effort and new therapeutic approaches the prognosis of HFPEF does not
      improve. The gold standard in HFPEF diagnosis remains heart catheterization.
      Electrocardiography, chest X-ray, blood examination including diagnostic markers
      of heart failure and mainly echocardiography with Doppler imaging are used
      diagnose the underlying disease leading to heart failure.

PMID- 25130636
TI  - [Osteoporosis and bone alterations in celiac disease in adults].
AB  - Both celiac disease and osteoporosis are common diseases which are considered an
      emerging problem in medicine. Celiac disease is a condition at high risk for
      secondary osteoporosis. Osteoporosis or osteopenia are typically present in
      untreated adult symptomatic celiac disease with an overt malabsorption syndrome,
      but is found in about 50 % in suboptimally treated celiac patients, subclinical
      patients and asymptomatic adult celiac patients, too. Etiology of pathologic bone
      alteration in celiac disease is multifactorial; however, two main mechanisms are
      involved: intestinal malabsorption and chronic inflammation. The evaluation of
      bone mineral metabolism (total calcium/albumin, 25-OH vitamin D3 and parathormone
      levels in serum) and bone mineral density (densitometry) is recommended in the
      clinical management of celiac patients. Many studies have demonstrated that bone
      mineral density values in adults show a good improvement in the first period
      after the institution of gluten-free diet, the improvement is then unsatisfactory
      and treatment with a mineral-active drug should probably be considered.

PMID- 25130637
TI  - [Education model at the Clinic of Internal Medicine of the Faculty Hospital Motol
      Prague - our experience with local education project for young physicians on
      postgraduate education].
AB  - In 2004 the principal legislative changes were accepted in the field of
      postgraduate medical education in Czech Republic (law No. 95/2004 Code).
      Replacement of two-stage system of specialized education by its one- stage option
      has brought some problems and according to our opinion did not lead to clear
      improvement of postgraduate education, more likely the other way around. Our
      effort to improve the quality of process of postgraduate specialization in
      internal medicine brought us to creation of own local system of postgraduate
      education using the next 4 basic principles: principle of robust internal base as
      a platform for the following specialization, principle of repeating to fix the
      knowledge, principle of knowledge control and last but not least principle of
      active participation in educational system.

PMID- 25130635
TI  - [Specifics of diabetes mellitus in women].
AB  - Approximately 4 % of female population suffers from diabetes. A permanent
      interaction between diabetes, its treatment and sex hormonal changes (childhood,
      puberty, reproduction, pregnancy, menopause) occurs in those women. This review
      article summarizes up to date published studies concerning reciprocal
      relationship between diabetes and sexual development in women.

PMID- 25130638
TI  - [Zdenek Maratka and his share in the founding of the Czech Gastroenterological
      Society and its journal. Gastroenterological Society in Czech and Slovac
      republics].
AB  - Zdenek Maratka (1914-2010) was a leading person in a Czech and Slovak
      gastroenterology in spite of the infavourable approach of the official communist
      policy to him.. He was one of the founders of gastroenterology in Czechoslovakia.
      He had been habilitated in 1948 for thesis Ulcerative colitis. Maratka stood at
      the first steps of foundation of Czech Gastroenterology Society very soon after
      the WW2 and followed with the preparation as a secretary ge-neral of the 8th
      ASNEMGE Congress in Prague 1968 and as a president the 1st Congress of Endoscopy
      in the very optimistic atmosphere of ,,Prague Spring". He was nominated or
      elected by several international gastroenterology organisations, during 1976-1980
      had been President of ESGE. He started with editoring of Czech gastroenterology
      Association journal as a member of editorial board and had been its main editor
      between 1969-1999. His well appreciated novelty in the magazine was a short
      remarks in one or two sentences from the world scientific literature which
      appeared in every copy. As an editor emeritus he supported the quality of the
      journal by many advices and contributions including articles.

PMID- 25130639
TI  - [Crohn's disease surgery].
AB  - Surgery of Crohns disease is an important part of the general treatment
      algorithm. The role of surgery is changing with the development of conservative
      procedures. The recent years have seen the return to early treatment of patients
      with Crohns disease. Given the character of the disease and its intestinal
      symptoms, a specific approach to these patients is necessary, especially
      regarding the correct choice of surgery. The paper focuses on the luminal damage
      of the small and large intestine including complications of the disease. We
      describe the individual indications for a surgical solution, including the choice
      of anastomosis or multiple / repeated surgeries.

PMID- 25130640
TI  - [Advances in diagnosis and therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases].
AB  - The inflammatory bowel diseases have been an interesting topic not only for
      gastroenterologists, but also for other medical professionals, since the
      beginning of the last century, when this group of inflammatory autoimmune
      diseases was revealed. Logically, the doyen of Czech gastroenterology, Professor
      MUDr. Zdenek Maratka, DrSc., who dedicated a substantial part of his life to
      research into inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis, was no
      exception. The current century is characterized by a very rapid development of
      scientific research and almost immediate introduction of scientific knowledge
      into clinical practice. In the area of inflammatory bowel diseases, the biggest
      advances have been made in diagnosis and therapy. The examination of the small
      bowel and large bowel by magnetic resonance belongs at the very pinnacle in the
      non-invasive diagnosis of the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract. The
      administration of biological therapy to patients with the most severe forms of
      inflammatory bowel diseases should be considered a breakthrough since the
      introduction of corticosteroids into the therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases
      in the 1950s.

PMID- 25130641
TI  - [Biological therapy in women with inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy].
AB  - The aim of this article is to objective review available research data regarding
      the safety of biological therapies during pregnancy and breastfeeding in women
      with inflammatory bowel disease. Biological therapies appear to be safe in
      pregnancy, as no increased risk of malformations has been demonstrated. Available
      clinical results suggest that the efficacy of infliximab and adalimumab in
      achieving clinical response and maintaining remission in pregnant patients might
      outweigh the theoretical risks of drug exposure to the fetus. If possible, anti
      TNF therapy should be stopped by the end of the second trimester due to
      transplacental transfer and potential risk for the fetus. The use of infliximab
      and adalimumab is probably compatible with breastfeeding.

PMID- 25130642
TI  - [Crohn's disease - etiopathogenetic factors].
AB  - Crohn's disease is often purely inflammatory, but most patients develop
      complicated disease with strictures or fistulae. Specific etiopathogenesis of
      this severe disease is not definitely clear despite research efforts and learning
      of many pathogenetic mechanisms. Many studies have suggested that NOD2 mutations
      are associated with increased risk of complicated disease. Presence of NOD2
      mutation itself is just one of factors contributing to development of this
      disease. Genetically predisposed individuals in combination with influence of
      environmental factors result in a disturbed innate (i.e., disturbed intestinal
      barrier, Paneth cell dysfunction) and adaptive (i.e., imbalance of effector and
      regulatory T cells and cytokines, migration and retention of leukocytes) immune
      response towards a diminished diversity of commensal microbiota. Data of meta
      analysis made so far provide ambiguous evidence to support top-down therapy based
      solely on single NOD2 mutations, but suggest that targeted early-intensive
      therapy for high-risk patients with two NOD2 mutations might be beneficial, but
      more prospective trials could answer these questions.

PMID- 25130643
TI  - [Etiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases].
AB  - Zdenek Maratka has been the first physician, who had brought a new information
      for the Czech medical community with topic of inflammatory bowel diseases, which
      had been systematic studied for him. He had prepared an original theory - two
      component hypothesis about origin of ulcerative colitis, which had been developed
      and innovated by him for long time. From the international point of view, Maratka
      has had an extraordinary impact and significant contribution for recognition of
      ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Despite the fact that the true origin of
      ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (UC) still remain elusive, basic as well
      as clinical research bring many new data on etiology and pathogenesis of this
      inflammatory condition. It seems clear that IBD originate from interaction of
      several intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute individually in a
      particular patient. Among internal factors the genes play an important role,
      because its influence on the mucosal immunity system and immunological response.
      Among the external factors importance are recognized the gut microbiota content,
      cigarette smoking and psychological stress.

PMID- 25130644
TI  - [History of surgical treatment of non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases].
AB  - Treatment of non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases was from the start
      accompanied by forced operations. In the 19th and early 20th century operations
      were burdened with high mortality, but most were more successful than the limited
      possibilities of conservative treatment. Gradually developed principles for the
      treatment of Crohns disease, a length of bowel sparing surgery are still valid
      today. Surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis passed the time of colonic
      irrigation, bypass surgery, limited resection to todays gold standard -
      proctocolectomy with ileo-pouch-anal anastomosis.

PMID- 25130645
TI  - [Epidemiology of dyspepsia].
AB  - Epidemiology of uninvestigated dyspepsia was studied in the Czech Republic for
      the first time in 2001. The aim of our current multi-centre prospective study was
      to evaluate dyspepsia using the same methods in a representative sample of
      general unselected population from the same geographical areas 10 years later. A
      total of 22 centres entered the study. A total of 1,836 subjects (aged 5-98
      years) were enrolled. The overall prevalence of dyspepsia was 12 %; namely 3.5 %
      in subjects aged 5-24 years, 18 % among 25-64-year-old persons and 15 % in
      subjects 65 years. Despite the substantial decrease of Helicobacter pylori
      infection in the Czech Republic over the past 10 years, the prevalence and basic
      socio-demographic determinants of uninvestigated dyspepsia did not change
      significantly.

PMID- 25130646
TI  - [Management of patients with dyspepsia].
AB  - Dyspepsia is a common clinical problem with an extensive differential diagnosis
      and a heterogeneous pathophysiology. Dyspepsia affects up to 40 % of the general
      population and significantly reduces quality of life. According to the Rome III
      criteria, dyspepsia is defined as one or more of the following symptoms:
      epigastric pain and/or burning (classified as epigastric pain syndrome),
      postprandial fullness and/or early satiation (classified as postprandial distress
      syndrome). Initial evaluation should focus on the identification and treatment of
      potential causes of symptoms such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic
      ulcer disease, and medication side effects but also on recognizing those at risk
      for more serious conditions such as gastric cancer. An empiric PPI trial or "test
      and treat" strategy for Helicobacter pylori are the initial approaches to a
      patient with dyspepsia, followed by endoscopy if initial management fails. Once
      an organic cause for symptoms is excluded, a diagnosis of functional dyspepsia is
      made. This article will review the definition, etiology, and general approach to
      the evaluation and management of the patient with dyspepsia including the role of
      proton-pump inhibitors, treatment of Helicobacter pylori, and endoscopy.

PMID- 25130647
TI  - [Endoscopic classification of colon and rectal neoplasias].
AB  - Along with the dynamic evolution of the new field of digestive endoscopy, the
      need of unified and unambiguous terms for endoscopic findings arose in the second
      half of the 20th century. In collaboration with the OMED members, professor
      Zdenek Maratka drew up the first internationally acknowledged terminology for
      digestive endoscopy which was used in the full range for a period of almost 20
      years. The technical progress later brought with it endoscopes which made it
      possible to view flat lesions, frequently overlooked until then. The
      classification of the surface lesions was further specified by the Paris
      Classification which drew from the experience of Japanese endoscopists. Thanks to
      the new endoscopic methods of imaging mucosa in vivo and the pit-pattern and
      vascular-pattern classification, we can currently estimate the biological nature
      of lesion with great accuracy and therefore choose the best therapeutic
      procedure.

PMID- 25130649
TI  - Efficacy of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin therapy in dogs with
      spermatogenic dysfunction: a preliminary study.
AB  - Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein used in the treatment of
      spermatogenic dysfunction. However, previous studies performed in dogs show that
      repeated administration of large doses of hCG produces antibodies against hCG. In
      this study, we examined the efficacy of low-dose injections of hCG in four male
      dogs with spermatogenic dysfunction and low plasma testosterone (T) levels. We
      administered 100 IU hCG per animal, five times at 3-day intervals, and evaluated
      the changes in semen quality and plasma T levels. The total number of sperm in
      ejaculate, the percentage of progressively motile sperm and the plasma T levels
      had increased by 3-5 weeks after the first injection of hCG in three of the four
      dogs, but were unchanged in the fourth dog. These findings indicate that
      temporary improvement of the semen quality of dogs with spermatogenic dysfunction
      and low plasma T levels is possible after five low-dose injections of hCG. 

PMID- 25130648
TI  - Engineering persister-specific antibiotics with synergistic antimicrobial
      functions.
AB  - Most antibiotics target growth processes and are ineffective against persister
      bacterial cells, which tolerate antibiotics due to their reduced metabolic
      activity. These persisters act as a genetic reservoir for resistant mutants and
      constitute a root cause of antibiotic resistance, a worldwide problem in human
      health. We re-engineer antibiotics specifically for persisters using tobramycin,
      an aminoglycoside antibiotic that targets bacterial ribosomes but is ineffective
      against persisters with low metabolic and cellular transport activity. By giving
      tobramycin the ability to induce nanoscopic negative Gaussian membrane curvature
      via addition of 12 amino acids, we transform tobramycin itself into a transporter
      sequence. The resulting molecule spontaneously permeates membranes, retains the
      high antibiotic activity of aminoglycosides, kills E. coli and S. aureus
      persisters 4-6 logs better than tobramycin, but remains noncytotoxic to
      eukaryotes. These results suggest a promising paradigm to renovate traditional
      antibiotics. 

PMID- 25130650
TI  - Long-term therapeutic and reporter gene expression in lentiviral vector treated
      cystic fibrosis mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Persistent reporter gene and cystic fibrosis transmembrane
      conductance regulator (CFTR) nasal airway gene expression can be achieved with a
      single lentiviral (LV) gene vector dosing when coupled with a preparatory
      lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) airway pre-treatment. In the present study, we
      characterised the duration of gene expression in individual cystic fibrosis (CF)
      knockout mice (cftr(tm1unc)) over their lifetimes. METHODS: CF mouse nasal
      airways were treated with LV-Rx, a mixture of a therapeutic LV-CFTR gene vector
      and a LV-luciferase reporter gene vector, after pre-treatment with LPC. Control
      groups received either PBS sham pre-treatment followed by LV-Rx, or LPC prior to
      delivery of a LV vector containing no transgene (LV-MT). Airway reporter gene
      expression was monitored by bioluminescence, and functional CFTR expression was
      assessed via nasal transepithelial potential difference measurements at regular
      intervals up to 21 months. The presence of the CFTR transgene in the nasal septa,
      liver and spleen tissues were assessed by a quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction. Circulating antibodies to the vector glycoprotein envelope and to the
      luciferase protein were also measured. RESULTS: The combined use of LPC and LV
      gene vectors in the nasal airway produced enhanced and sustained luciferase and
      CFTR gene expression lasting at least 12 months. Improved survival was also
      observed in CF knockout mice treated with the LV vector mixture compared to all
      control CF mouse groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that our airway
      pre-treatment and gene delivery technique resulted in sustained functional CFTR
      expression and improved survival in CF mice.

PMID- 25130651
TI  - Association between combative behavior requiring intervention and delirium in
      hospitalized patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that delirium contributes to combative behavior
      requiring intervention in hospitalized patients. Delirium identification would
      therefore potentially provide an opportunity for prevention and early
      identification of patients at risk, thereby improving safety for patients and
      staff. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether delirium is associated with combative
      behavior requiring intervention in a general hospital population. DESIGN: Case
      control study. SETTING: A 336-bed, nonuniversity, teaching hospital serving
      adults in the Pacific Northwest. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty consecutive
      hospitalized patients with combative behavior requiring intervention compared to
      159 randomly selected inpatient control subjects, all from 2011. INTERVENTION:
      Bivariate statistics were used to compare demographics; diagnoses; presence of
      delirium, dementia, substance use, other psychiatric diagnosis; medications;
      hospital length of stay; and discharge disposition. We used stepwise logistic
      regression to determine the association of combative behavior requiring
      intervention with delirium after adjustment for covariates. RESULTS: Delirium
      preceding the combative behavior was present in 50% (60/120) of patients with
      combative behavior requiring intervention compared to 16% (26/159) of controls (P
      < 0.001). Combative-behavior patients were hospitalized longer (9.4 vs 4.5 days,
      P < 0.001), and were more likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility
      (26%, 31/120) or to leave against medical advice (10%, 12/120, P < 0.001).
      Delirium was strongly associated with combative behavior requiring intervention,
      after adjustment (odds ratio: 3.8, 95% confidence interval: 2.0-7.3, P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Delirium is strongly associated with combative behavior requiring
      intervention, which poses a significant safety risk for patients and staff.

PMID- 25130652
TI  - Klotho suppresses renal tubulo-interstitial fibrosis by controlling basic
      fibroblast growth factor-2 signalling.
AB  - Increased basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and reduced Klotho have both
      been reported to be closely associated with renal fibrosis. However, the
      relationship between Klotho and FGF2 remains unclear. We demonstrate that FGF2
      induced tubulo-epithelial plasticity in cultured HK-2 cells, accompanied by a
      reduction in Klotho expression, whereas recombinant Klotho protein could inhibit
      the action of FGF2. The FGF2 effects required extracellular signal-regulated
      protein kinase 1/2 activation, which was suppressed by Klotho. Moreover, Klotho
      also restrained FGF2-induced fibroblast proliferation and activation. The
      inhibitory effect of Klotho on the activity of FGF2 was likely due to its potent
      ability to compete with FGF2 binding to FGF receptor 1. Unilateral ureteral
      obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis was associated with an increase in FGF2
      and a reduction in Klotho expression in wild-type mice, whereas FGF2(-/-) mice
      largely preserved Klotho expression and developed only mild renal fibrosis after
      obstructive injury. Furthermore, administration of Klotho protein in UUO mice
      significantly reduced renal fibrosis, concomitant with a marked suppression of
      FGF2 production and signalling. These studies demonstrate a feedback loop between
      Klotho depletion and FGF2 activation in renal fibrosis. Our results also suggest
      that Klotho treatment reduces renal fibrosis, at least in part, by inhibiting
      FGF2 signalling.

PMID- 25130653
TI  - Telocytes in liver regeneration: possible roles.
AB  - Telocytes (TCs) are a novel type of interstitial cells which are potentially
      involved in tissue regeneration and repair (www.telocytes.com). Previously, we
      documented the presence of TCs in liver. However, the possible roles of TCs in
      liver regeneration remain unknown. In this study, a murine model of partial
      hepatectomy (PH) was used to induce liver regeneration. The number of TCs
      detected by double labelling immunofluorescence methods (CD34/PDGFR-alpha,
      CD34/PDGFR-beta and CD34/Vimentin) was significantly increased when a high level
      of hepatic cell proliferation rate (almost doubled) as shown by 5-ethynyl-2'
      deoxyuridine (EdU) immunostaining and Western Blot of Proliferating cell nuclear
      antigen (PCNA) was found at 48 and 72 hrs post-PH. Meanwhile, the number of CK-19
      positive-hepatic stem cells peaked at 72 hrs post-PH, co-ordinating with the same
      time-point, when the number of TCs was most significantly increased. Taken
      together, the results indicate a close relationship between TCs and the cells
      essentially involved in liver regeneration: hepatocytes and stem cells. It
      remains to be determined how TCs affect hepatocytes proliferation and/or hepatic
      stem cell differentiation in liver regeneration. Besides intercellular junctions,
      we may speculate a paracrine effect via ectovesicles.

PMID- 25130654
TI  - Slit2 is decreased after spontaneous labour in myometrium and regulates pro
      labour mediators.
AB  - Preterm birth, a global healthcare problem, is commonly associated with
      inflammation. As Slit2 plays an emerging role in inflammation, the purpose of
      this study was to determine the effect of Slit2 on labour mediators in human
      gestational tissues. Slit2 mRNA and protein expression were assessed using qRT
      PCR and immunohistochemistry in foetal membranes and myometrium obtained before
      and after labour. Slit2 silencing was achieved using siRNA in primary myometrial
      cells. Pro-inflammatory and pro-labour mediators were evaluated by qRT-PCR, ELISA
      and gelatin zymography. Slit2 mRNA and protein expression were found to be
      significantly lower in myometrium after labour onset. There was no effect of term
      or preterm labour on Slit2 expression in foetal membranes. Slit2 mRNA expression
      was decreased in myometrium treated with LPS and IL-1beta. Slit2 siRNA in
      myometrial cells increased IL-1beta-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine gene
      expression and release (IL-6 and IL-8), COX-2 expression and prostaglandin PGE2
      and PGF2alpha release, and MMP-9 gene expression and pro MMP-9 release. There was
      no effect of Slit2 siRNA on IL-1beta-induced NF-kappaB transcriptional activity.
      Our results demonstrate that Slit2 is decreased in human myometrium after labour
      and our knock-down studies describe an anti-inflammatory effect of Slit2 in
      myometrial cells. 

PMID- 25130655
TI  - Pollination ecology and inbreeding depression control individual flowering
      phenologies and mixed mating.
AB  - We analyze evolution of individual flowering phenologies by combining an
      ecological model of pollinator behavior with a genetic model of inbreeding
      depression for plant viability. The flowering phenology of a plant genotype
      determines its expected daily floral display which, together with pollinator
      behavior, governs the population rate of geitonogamous selfing (fertilization
      among flowers on the same plant). Pollinators select plant phenologies in two
      ways: they are more likely to visit plants displaying more flowers per day, and
      they influence geitonogamous selfing and consequent inbreeding depression via
      their abundance, foraging behavior, and pollen carry-over among flowers on a
      plant. Our model predicts two types of equilibria at stable intermediate selfing
      rates for a wide range of pollinator behaviors and pollen transfer parameters.
      Edge equilibria occur at maximal or minimal selfing rates and are constrained by
      pollinators. Internal equilibria occur between edge equilibria and are determined
      by a trade-off between pollinator attraction to large floral displays and
      avoidance of inbreeding depression due to selfing. We conclude that unavoidable
      geitonogamous selfing generated by pollinator behavior can contribute to the
      common occurrence of stable mixed mating in plants. 

PMID- 25130656
TI  - A presenilin 1 mutation in the first case of Alzheimer's disease: revisited.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, a single point mutation in the presenilin 1 (PSEN1) gene of
      the first described Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient Auguste D was reported by
      Muller and co-workers. However, the sequencing results of the DNA from a 100-year
      old tissue contained some uncertainties. METHODS: We heat extracted DNA from an
      original histological slice of Auguste D's brain and used nested polymerase chain
      reaction for the amplification of different exons of genes known to be affected
      in familial forms of AD. RESULTS: Our sequencing analysis did not validate the
      reported mutation. Furthermore, an extended sequencing analysis of Auguste D's
      DNA revealed no indication of a nonsynonymous hetero- or homozygous mutation in
      the exons of APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes comprising the already known familial AD
      mutations. CONCLUSION: Despite the wealth of data from Muller and co-workers, our
      results emphasize the requirement of more detailed analysis of Auguste D's DNA in
      future.

PMID- 25130657
TI  - Identification of preclinical Alzheimer's disease by a profile of pathogenic
      proteins in neurally derived blood exosomes: A case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proteins pathogenic in Alzheimer's disease (AD) were extracted from
      neurally derived blood exosomes and quantified to develop biomarkers for the
      staging of sporadic AD. METHODS: Blood exosomes obtained at one time-point from
      patients with AD (n = 57) or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) (n = 16), and at two
      time-points from others (n = 24) when cognitively normal and 1 to 10 years later
      when diagnosed with AD were enriched for neural sources by immunoabsorption. AD
      pathogenic exosomal proteins were extracted and quantified by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Mean exosomal levels of total tau, P-T181-tau, P
      S396-tau, and amyloid beta 1-42 (Abeta1-42) for AD and levels of P-T181-tau and
      Abeta1-42 for FTD were significantly higher than for case-controls. Step-wise
      discriminant modeling incorporated P-T181-tau, P-S396-tau, and Abeta1-42 in AD,
      but only P-T181-tau in FTD. Classification of 96.4% of AD patients and 87.5% of
      FTD patients was correct. In 24 AD patients, exosomal levels of P-S396-tau, P
      T181-tau, and Abeta1-42 were significantly higher than for controls both 1 to 10
      years before and when diagnosed with AD. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of P-S396-tau, P
      T181-tau, and Abeta1-42 in extracts of neurally derived blood exosomes predict
      the development of AD up to 10 years before clinical onset.

PMID- 25130659
TI  - Survival and early recourse to care for dementia: A population based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A large proportion of dementia cases are still undiagnosed. Although
      early dementia care has been hypothesized to benefit both patients and families,
      evidence-based benefits are lacking. Thus, investigating the benefits for newly
      demented persons according to their recourse to care in the "real life" appears
      critical. METHODS: We examined the relation between initial care recourse care
      and demented individuals' survival in a large cohort of incident dementia cases
      screened in a prospective population-based cohort, the Three-City Study. We
      assessed recourse to care for cognitive complaint at the early beginning of
      dementia when incident cases were screened. We classified patients in three
      categories: no care recourse, general practitioner consultation or specialist
      consultation. We used proportional hazard regression models to test the
      association between recourse to care and mortality, adjusting on socio
      demographical and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-three
      incident dementia participants were screened at the 2 year or 4 year follow-up.
      One third of the incident demented individuals had not consulted a physician for
      cognitive problems. Eighty-six (34.0%) individuals had reported a cognitive
      problem only to their general practitioner (GP) and 80 (31.6%) had consulted a
      specialist. Mean duration of follow-up after incident dementia was 5.1 years,
      during which 146 participants died. After adjustment on potential confounders,
      participants who had consulted a specialist early in the disease course presented
      a poorer survival than those who did not consult any physician (hazard ratio =
      1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.03-2.62). There was a trend but no significant
      differential survival profile between participants who complained to their GP and
      those without any care recourse. CONCLUSION: Neither recourse to a specialist nor
      recourse to GP improve survival of new dementia cases. Those who had consulted a
      specialist early in the disease course even reported a worse life expectancy than
      those who did not.

PMID- 25130658
TI  - Delphi definition of the EADC-ADNI Harmonized Protocol for hippocampal
      segmentation on magnetic resonance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to have international experts converge on a
      harmonized definition of whole hippocampus boundaries and segmentation
      procedures, to define standard operating procedures for magnetic resonance (MR)
      based manual hippocampal segmentation. METHODS: The panel received a
      questionnaire regarding whole hippocampus boundaries and segmentation procedures.
      Quantitative information was supplied to allow evidence-based answers. A
      recursive and anonymous Delphi procedure was used to achieve convergence.
      Significance of agreement among panelists was assessed by exact probability on
      Fisher's and binomial tests. RESULTS: Agreement was significant on the inclusion
      of alveus/fimbria (P = .021), whole hippocampal tail (P = .013), medial border of
      the body according to visible morphology (P = .0006), and on this combined set of
      features (P = .001). This definition captures 100% of hippocampal tissue, 100% of
      Alzheimer's disease-related atrophy, and demonstrated good reliability on
      preliminary intrarater (0.98) and inter-rater (0.94) estimates. DISCUSSION:
      Consensus was achieved among international experts with respect to hippocampal
      segmentation using MR resulting in a harmonized segmentation protocol.

PMID- 25130660
TI  - Diagnostic value of dilated intercellular space and histopathologic scores in
      gastroesophageal reflux disease.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to investigate the diagnostic value of histopathologic
      score and the dilated intercellular space (DIS) in patients with gastroesophageal
      reflux disease (GERD) and functional heartburn (FH). Participants with GERD
      symptoms including reflux esophagitis, non-erosive reflux disease (NERD),
      Barrett's esophagus (BE), functional heartburn (FH), along with a control group
      with atypical GERD-like symptom (Sym-C), and asymptomatic healthy volunteers (H
      C) were administered GERD questionnaire, and subjected to endoscopy and biopsies,
      as well as 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring. Biopsies were evaluated using
      standards from the 2011 Esohisto Project after Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. DIS
      was measured quantitatively under light microscopy. Among the total of 565
      participants with qualified biopsy specimens, the mean DIS of the reflux
      esophagitis (RE) group was significantly wider compared with the other five
      groups. DIS in patients with GERD-like symptoms was significantly wider compared
      with the H-C. No significant differences were observed between NERD and FH.
      Results from 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring indicated that only the DIS of
      patients with acid reflux or the amount of acid reflux episodes in patients with
      DIS was significantly wider compared with patients with nonacid reflux or
      patients without DIS (P < 0.001). With DIS = 0.9 MUm as the cutoff value, the
      sensitivity and specificity were 62.6% and 54.1%, respectively. Using the total
      histopathologic score > 3 as the diagnostic criterion, the sensitivity and
      specificity were 71.7% and 47.4%. DIS is closely associated with GERD and acid
      reflux. The diagnostic value of histological scores in lower esophagus in GERD is
      very similar to that of the quantitative measurement of DIS. 

PMID- 25130662
TI  - SUN11602 has basic fibroblast growth factor-like activity and attenuates neuronal
      damage and cognitive deficits in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by
      amyloid beta and excitatory amino acids.
AB  - Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF/FGF-2) is known to possess neuroprotective
      and neurite outgrowth activity properties. In this study, the effects of a novel
      synthetic compound that mimics the neuroprotective properties of bFGF - SUN11602 
      were examined in vitro and in vivo. SUN11602 promoted neurite outgrowth of
      primarily cultured rat hippocampal neurons. For the in vivo study, an Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) model with severe damage to the hippocampal tissue was constructed
      by injecting the hippocampi of rats with aggregated Abeta1-40, followed 48 h
      later by an injection of ibotenate [an agonist for N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)
      receptor]. Oral administration of SUN11602 at the midpoint of Abeta1-40 and
      ibotenate injections attenuated short-term memory impairment in the Y-maze test,
      as well as spatial learning deficits in the water maze task. In addition, the
      SUN11602 treatment inhibited the increase of peripheral-type benzodiazepine
      binding sites (PTBBS), which are a marker for gliosis. A negative correlation was
      found between PTBBS numbers and learning capacity in the water maze task. These
      results suggest that SUN111602 improved memory and learning deficits in the
      hippocampally lesioned rats by preventing neuronal death and/or promotion of
      neurite outgrowth. Taken together, these results indicate that SUN11602, a bFGF
      like compound with neuroprotective and neurite outgrowth activity, may be
      beneficial for the treatment of progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as
      AD.

PMID- 25130663
TI  - A new Drosophila model to study the interaction between genetic and environmental
      factors in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has long been used as a model organism for
      human diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Its short lifespan, simple
      maintenance, and the widespread availability of genetic tools allow researchers
      to study disease mechanisms as well as potential drug therapies. Many different
      PD models have already been developed, including ones utilizing mutated alpha-Syn
      and chronic exposure to rotenone. However, few animal models have been used to
      study interaction between the PD causing factors. In this study, we developed a
      new model of PD for use in the larval stage in order to study interaction between
      genetic and environmental factors. First, the 3rd instar larvae (90-94 hours
      after egg laying) expressing a mutated form of human alpha-Syn (A53T) in
      dopaminergic (DA) neurons were video-taped and quantified for locomotion (e.g.
      crawling pattern and speed) using ImageJ software. A53T mutant larvae showed
      locomotion deficits and also loss of DA neurons in age-dependent manner.
      Similarly, larvae chronically exposed to rotenone (10 MUM in food) showed age
      dependent decline in locomotion accompanied by loss of DA neurons. We further
      show that combining the two models, by exposing A53T mutant larvae to rotenone,
      causes a much more severe PD phenotype (i.e. locomotor deficit). Our finding
      shows interaction between genetic and environmental factors underlying
      development of PD symptoms. This model can be used to further study mechanisms
      underlying the interaction between genes and different environmental PD factors,
      as well as to explore potential therapies for PD treatment.

PMID- 25130665
TI  - Internal and external spatial attention examined with lateralized EEG power
      spectra.
AB  - Several authors argued that retrieval of an item from visual short term memory
      (internal spatial attention) and focusing attention on an externally presented
      item (external spatial attention) are similar. Part of the neuroimaging support
      for this view may be due to the employed experimental procedures. Furthermore, as
      internal spatial attention may have a more induced than evoked nature some
      effects may not have been visible in event related analyses of the
      electroencephalogram (EEG), which limits the possibility to demonstrate
      differences. In the current study, a colored frame cued which stimulus, one out
      of four presented in separate quadrants, required a response, which depended on
      the form of the cued stimulus (circle or square). Importantly, the frame occurred
      either before (precue), simultaneously with (simultaneous cue), or after the
      stimuli (postcue). The precue and simultaneous cue condition both concern
      external attention, while the postcue condition implies the involvement of
      internal spatial attention. Event-related lateralizations (ERLs), reflecting
      evoked effects, and lateralized power spectra (LPS), reflecting both evoked and
      induced effects, were determined. ERLs revealed a posterior contralateral
      negativity (PCN) only in the precue condition. LPS analyses on the raw EEG showed
      early increased contralateral theta power at posterior sites and later increased
      ipsilateral alpha power at occipito-temporal sites in all cue conditions.
      Responses were faster when the internally or externally attended location
      corresponded with the required response side than when not. These findings
      provide further support for the view that internal and external spatial attention
      share their underlying mechanism.

PMID- 25130661
TI  - The protective role of prosaposin and its receptors in the nervous system.
AB  - Prosaposin (also known as SGP-1) is an intriguing multifunctional protein that
      plays roles both intracellularly, as a regulator of lysosomal enzyme function,
      and extracellularly, as a secreted factor with neuroprotective and glioprotective
      effects. Following secretion, prosaposin can undergo endocytosis via an
      interaction with the low-density lipoprotein-related receptor 1 (LRP1). The
      ability of secreted prosaposin to promote protective effects in the nervous
      system is known to involve activation of G proteins, and the orphan G protein
      coupled receptors GPR37 and GPR37L1 have recently been shown to mediate signaling
      induced by both prosaposin and a fragment of prosaposin known as prosaptide. In
      this review, we describe recent advances in our understanding of prosaposin, its
      receptors and their importance in the nervous system. 

PMID- 25130666
TI  - Role of Re species and acid cocatalyst on Ir-ReOx /SiO2 in the C-O hydrogenolysis
      of biomass-derived substrates.
AB  - The catalytic performance of ReOx -modified Ir metal catalyst in the
      hydrogenolysis of C-O bonds is strongly dependent on the choice of solvent. The
      acidic property of the Re species becomes obvious in the alkane solvent, and the
      hydrogenolysis reaction proceeds mainly by acid-catalyzed dehydration and the
      subsequent metal-catalyzed hydrogenation. The acidic property of the Re species
      is weakened in water; however, the hydrogenolysis reaction proceeds in water via
      a direct mechanism involving SN 2-like attack of a hydride species at the
      interface between Ir and ReOx on the adsorbed Re alkoxide species. This mechanism
      enabled the selective dissociation of the C-O bond neighboring the CH2 OH group. 

PMID- 25130664
TI  - Kisspeptin-10 potentiates miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in the rat
      supraoptic nucleus.
AB  - Kisspeptin is the natural ligand of the G protein-coupled receptor -54 and plays
      a major role in gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion in the hypothalamus.
      Kisspeptin-10 is an endogenous derivative of kisspeptin and has 10 -amino acids.
      Previous studies have demonstrated that central administration of kisspeptin-10
      stimulates the secretion of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in male rats. We examined
      the effects of kisspeptin-10 on- excitatory synaptic inputs to magnocellular
      neurosecretory cells (MNCs) including AVP neurons in the supraoptic nucleus (SON)
      by obtaining in vitro whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from slice preparations
      of the rat brain. The application of kisspeptin-10 (100 nM-1 MUM) significantly
      increased the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in
      a dose-related manner without affecting the amplitude. The kisspeptin-10-induced
      potentiation of the mEPSCs was significantly attenuated by previous exposure to
      the kisspeptin receptor antagonist kisspeptin-234 (100 nM) and to the protein
      kinase C inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I (20 nM). These results suggest that
      kisspeptin-10 participates in the regulation of synaptic inputs to the MNCs in
      the SON by interacting with the kisspeptin receptor.

PMID- 25130668
TI  - Association between right ventricular dysfunction and restrictive lung disease in
      childhood cancer survivors as measured by quantitative echocardiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Restrictive lung disease is a complication in childhood cancer
      survivors who received lung-toxic chemotherapy and/or thoracic radiation. Left
      ventricular dysfunction is documented in these survivors, but less is known about
      right ventricular (RV) function. Quantitative echocardiography may help detect
      subclinical RV dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess RV function
      quantitatively in childhood cancer survivors after lung-toxic therapy.
      PROCEDURES: We identified records of 33 childhood cancer survivors who (1) were
      treated with lung-toxic therapy and/or radiation, (2) were cancer-free for >= one
      year after therapy, and (3) had pulmonary function tests and echocardiograms from
      their most recent follow-up visit. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 11.6 +/-
      4.5 years at cancer diagnosis and 23 +/- 8.6 years at evaluation. The most common
      diagnosis was lymphoma/leukemia (n = 27). Twenty-nine subjects had anthracycline
      exposure. Eleven of the 33 subjects demonstrated restrictive pulmonary impairment
      (total lung capacity 3.69 +/- 1.5 L [69.3 +/- 22.4% predicted]). Among
      quantitative measures of RV function, isovolumetric acceleration (IVA), a measure
      of contractility, was significantly lower in the group with restrictive lung
      disease (2.42 +/- 0.56 vs. 1.83 +/- 0.78 m/sec(2); P < 0.05). There was a trend
      towards lower tissue Doppler derived S' and tricuspid annular plane systolic
      excursion in the group with restrictive lung disease. Subjects with restrictive
      lung disease were found to have >= 2 abnormal parameters (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION:
      IVA may detect early RV dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors with
      restrictive lung disease. Our findings require confirmation in a larger study
      population and validation by cardiac MRI.

PMID- 25130667
TI  - D-Cycloserine ameliorates social alterations that result from prenatal exposure
      to valproic acid.
AB  - Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) alters rodent social interactions in a
      dose-dependent way: exposure to a high dose of VPA (>500 mg/kg) mid-gestation
      decreases social interactions whereas a moderate dose of VPA (350 mg/kg)
      increases peer-directed social behavior. The moderate dose also decreases
      expression of the mRNA for serine in amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex. In this
      study, we examined whether d-cycloserine could ameliorate VPA-induced alterations
      in ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), social interactions, and locomotor activity.
      Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were given intraperintoneal injections of VPA
      (200mg/kg each) on gestational days 12, 12.5 and 13; controls were injected with
      saline. Offspring received a subcutaneous injection of saline or d-cycloserine
      (32 or 64 mg/kg) either acutely (1h prior to testing) or repeatedly (once per day
      for four days). Social interactions were assessed during late adolescence, and
      USVs were recorded concomitantly. Male and female rats that were exposed to VPA
      demonstrated more locomotor activity than control animals during habituation to
      the testing chamber. VPA-exposed males showed increased play fighting. d
      Cycloserine normalized the VPA-induced increase in play fighting in males and
      also increased social motivation in females. When the pair contained a VPA
      exposed rat, significantly fewer USVs were emitted and 16% of the vocalizations
      were of a novel waveform. These effects were not seen in pairs containing VPA
      exposed animals that were treated with d-cycloserine. Overall, these findings are
      consistent with data from other laboratories suggesting that d-cycloserine may be
      a promising pharmacotherapeutic compound for improving social behavior disorders.

PMID- 25130669
TI  - Mechano-actuated ultrafast full-colour switching in layered photonic hydrogels.
AB  - Photonic crystals with tunability in the visible region are of great interest for
      controlling light diffraction. Mechanochromic photonic materials are periodically
      structured soft materials designed with a photonic stop-band that can be tuned by
      mechanical forces to reflect specific colours. Soft photonic materials with broad
      colour tunability and fast colour switching are invaluable for application. Here
      we report a novel mechano-actuated, soft photonic hydrogel that has an ultrafast
      response time, full-colour tunable range, high spatial resolution and can be
      actuated by a very small compressive stress. In addition, the material has
      excellent mechanical stability and the colour can be reversibly switched at high
      frequency more than 10,000 times without degradation. This material can be used
      in optical devices, such as full-colour display and sensors to visualize the time
      evolution of complicated stress/strain fields, for example, generated during the
      motion of biological cells. 

PMID- 25130670
TI  - Molecular crystals by design?
AB  - In this Viewpoint, the impact of the paper published by Gautam R. Desiraju and
      Angelo Gavezzotti (J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun., 1989, 621) upon the development
      of Crystal Engineering, now recognised a key discipline in contemporary
      chemical/pharmaceutical/materials science, is discussed. 

PMID- 25130671
TI  - Epidermal axonal swellings in painful and painless diabetic peripheral
      neuropathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiology of neuropathic pain (NeP) in diabetic
      peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is unclear. A potential pathological feature
      associated with intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) loss in DPN is axonal
      swellings. METHODS: We determined the prevalence of intraepidermal axonal
      swellings in DPN patients with or without NeP and compared the findings with
      diabetes patients without DPN, patients with idiopathic neuropathy with NeP, and
      control subjects. The primary outcome measure was the ratio of axonal swellings
      to IENFD. Secondary outcome measures included clinical neuropathy severity and
      assessment for messenger RNA for voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels.
      RESULTS: IENFD was depressed in DPN (with/without pain) and in idiopathic
      neuropathy patients. Axonal swelling ratios were similar for DPN subjects with
      and without pain. There was no overexpression of voltage-gated ion channels in
      epidermis from DPN patients. Clinical neuropathy severity was only related to
      IENFD. CONCLUSIONS: There was no clinical relationship to pain or clinical
      neuropathy severity for axonal swellings in DPN.

PMID- 25130672
TI  - A simplified method to estimate body growth parameters of the European eel
      Anguilla anguilla.
AB  - A simple approach is proposed to fit a body growth model for the European eel
      Anguilla anguilla to data-poor case studies. The model is a modified von
      Bertalanffy curve allowing for delayed sex determination and sexual dimorphism.
      The proposed procedure provides preliminary estimates of model parameters on the
      basis of average age and body length of silver eels. 

PMID- 25130673
TI  - Liver allocation: can we ever get it right and should we ever get it right?

PMID- 25130675
TI  - Implementation of an emergency department sign-out checklist improves transfer of
      information at shift change.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transitions of care are ubiquitous in the emergency department (ED)
      and inevitably introduce the opportunity for errors. Few emergency medicine
      residency programs provide formal training or a standard process for patient
      handoffs. Checklists have been shown to be effective quality-improvement measures
      in inpatient settings and may be a feasible method to improve ED handoffs.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine if the use of a sign-out checklist improves the accuracy
      and efficiency of resident sign-out in the ED. METHODS: A prospective pre
      /postinterventional study of residents rotating in the ED at a tertiary academic
      medical center. Trained research assistants observed resident sign-out during
      shift change over a 2-week period and completed a data collection tool to
      indicate whether or not key components of sign-out occurred and time to sign out
      each patient. An electronic sign-out checklist was implemented using a multi
      faceted educational effort. A 2-week postintervention observation phase was
      conducted. Proportions, means, and nonparametric comparison tests were calculated
      using STATA. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen sign-outs were observed prior to
      checklist implementation and 114 were observed after. Significant improvements
      were seen in four sign-out components: reporting of history of present illness
      increased from 81% to 99%, ED course increased from 75% to 86%, likely diagnosis
      increased from 60% to 77%, and team awareness of plan increased from 21% to 41%.
      Use of the repeat-back technique decreased from 13% to 5% after checklist
      implementation and time to sign-out showed no significant change. CONCLUSION:
      Implementation of a checklist improved the transfer of information without
      increasing time to sign-out.

PMID- 25130674
TI  - Degradation of toluene by ortho cleavage enzymes in Burkholderia fungorum FLU100.
AB  - Burkholderia fungorum FLU100 simultaneously oxidized any mixture of toluene,
      benzene and mono-halogen benzenes to (3-substituted) catechols with a selectivity
      of nearly 100%. Further metabolism occurred via enzymes of ortho cleavage
      pathways with complete mineralization. During the transformation of 3
      methylcatechol, 4-carboxymethyl-2-methylbut-2-en-4-olide (2-methyl-2-enelactone,
      2-ML) accumulated transiently, being further mineralized only after a lag phase
      of 2 h in case of cells pre-grown on benzene or mono-halogen benzenes. No lag
      phase, however, occurred after growth on toluene. Cultures inhibited by
      chloramphenicol after growth on benzene or mono-halogen benzenes were unable to
      metabolize 2-ML supplied externally, even after prolonged incubation. A control
      culture grown with toluene did not show any lag phase and used 2-ML as a
      substrate. This means that 2-ML is an intermediate of toluene degradation and
      converted by specific enzymes. The conversion of 4-methylcatechol as a very minor
      by-product of toluene degradation in strain FLU100 resulted in the accumulation
      of 4-carboxymethyl-4-methylbut-2-en-4-olide (4-methyl-2-enelactone, 4-ML) as a
      dead-end product, excluding its nature as a possible intermediate. Thus, 3
      methylcyclohexa-3,5-diene-1,2-diol, 3-methylcatechol, 2-methyl muconate and 2-ML
      were identified as central intermediates of productive ortho cleavage pathways
      for toluene metabolism in B. fungorum FLU100. 

PMID- 25130676
TI  - Genetic variability in anthocyanin composition and nutritional properties of
      blue, purple, and red bread (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum (Triticum turgidum
      L. ssp. turgidum convar. durum) wheats.
AB  - Renewed interest in breeding for high anthocyanins in wheat (Triticum ssp.) is
      due to their antioxidant potential. A collection of different pigmented wheats
      was used to investigate the stability of anthocyanins over three crop years. The
      data show higher anthocyanins in blue-aleurone bread wheat (Triticum aestivum
      L.), followed by purple- and red-pericarp durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp.
      turgidum convar. durum), using cyanidin 3-O-glucoside as standard. HPLC of the
      anthocyanin components shows five to eight major anthocyanins for blue wheat
      extracts, compared to three anthocyanins for purple and red wheats. Delphinidin 3
      O-rutinoside, delphinidin 3-O-glucoside, and malvidin 3-O-glucoside are
      predominant in blue wheat, with cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, peonidin 3-O-galactoside,
      and malvidin 3-O-glucoside in purple wheat. Of the total anthocyanins, 40-70%
      remain to be structurally identified. The findings confirm the high heritability
      for anthocyanins, with small genotype * year effects, which will be useful for
      breeding purposes, to improve the antioxidant potential of cereal-based foods. 

PMID- 25130677
TI  - Comparison of adenocarcinoma (ACA) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the
      uterine cervix in a sub-optimally screened cohort: a population-based
      epidemiologic study of 51,842 women in Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most cancers of the uterine cervix are SCC, but the relative and
      absolute incidence of ACA has risen in recent years, and ACA now accounts for
      approximately 20% of invasive cervical cancers in the screened populations
      worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To compare the epidemiological, clinical characteristics,
      and treatment outcomes of ACA with those of SCC of the cervix in a sub-optimally
      screened population. METHODS: Data from cervical cancer patients with SCC and ACA
      treated from 2000 through 2009 were obtained from the Brazilian Hospital Cancer
      Register databases. The summary odds ratios and chi-square tests were estimated.
      RESULTS: A total of 51,842 patients including 45,540 (87.8%) cases of SCC and
      6302 (12.2%) of ACA were analyzed. Compared with the ACA patients, the SCC
      patients were younger and more frequently black and had a higher degree of
      illiteracy and alcohol and tobacco consumers. The tumor stage at the time of
      diagnosis was also significantly different between the two groups. However,
      initial therapeutic response and death rate after the first course of treatment
      were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Differences between ACA and SCC were
      observed for all demographic and clinical variables analyzed but not for
      responses to treatment and death at the end of the first course of treatment.
      Irrespective of the histological subtype, the quality of screening and treatment
      must be improved in developing countries, since initial therapeutic response of
      ACA and SCC is similar.

PMID- 25130678
TI  - In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, adjuvant atorvastatin improved
      symptoms of depression and blood lipid values in patients suffering from severe
      major depressive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The administration of statins seems to be a promising new avenue in
      the treatment of patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD), though
      patients suffering from severe MDD remain unstudied in this respect. The aim of
      the present study was therefore to investigate, in a randomized double-blind
      clinical trial, the influence of adjuvant atorvastatin on symptoms of depression
      in patients with MDD. METHODS: A total of 60 patients suffering from MDD (mean
      age: 32.25 years; 53% males) received a standard medication of 40 mg/d
      citalopram. Next, patients were randomly assigned either to the atorvastatin
      group (20 mg/d) or to the placebo group. Blood lipid values were assessed at
      baseline and on completion of the study 12 weeks later. Experts rated depressive
      symptoms via Hamilton Depression Rating Scales (HDRS) at baseline and 3, 6 and 12
      weeks later. RESULTS: HDRS scores decreased over time; the significant Time by
      Group interaction showed that symptoms of depression decreased more in the
      atorvastatin than in the placebo group. Compared to the placebo group, in the
      atorvastatin group cholesterol, triglyceride, and Low Density Lipids (LDL)
      significantly decreased, and High Density Lipids (HDL) significantly increased
      over time. HDRS scores and blood lipid values were generally not associated.
      CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of results suggests that adjuvant atorvastatin favorably
      influences symptoms of depression among patients with severe MDD. Given that
      after 12 weeks of monotherapy and adjuvant atorvastatin patients were still
      moderately to severely depressed, more powerful treatment algorithms such as
      augmentation and change of medication are highly recommended.

PMID- 25130679
TI  - The growing epidemic of water pipe smoking: health effects and future needs.
AB  - Water pipe smoking (WPS), an old method of tobacco smoking, is re-gaining
      widespread popularity all over the world and among various populations. Smoking
      machine studies have shown that the water pipe (WP) mainstream smoke (MSS)
      contains a wide array of chemical substances, many of which are highly toxic and
      carcinogenic for humans. The concentrations of some substances exceed those
      present in MSS of cigarettes. Despite being of low grade, current evidence
      indicates that WPS is associated with different adverse health effects, not only
      on the respiratory system but also on the cardiovascular, hematological, and
      reproductive systems, including pregnancy outcomes. In addition, association
      between WPS and malignancies, such as lung, oral and nasopharyngeal cancer, has
      been suggested in different studies and systematic reviews. Despite its long
      standing history, WPS research still harbors a lot of deficiencies. The magnitude
      of toxicants and carcinogen exposures, effects on human health, as well as the
      addiction and dependence potentials associated with WPS need to be studied in
      well-designed prospective trials. Unfortunately, many of the tobacco control and
      clean indoor policies have exempted water pipes. World wide awareness among the
      public, smokers, and policymakers about the potential health effects of WPS is
      urgently required. Furthermore, stringent policies and laws that control and ban
      WPS in public places, similar to those applied on cigarettes smoking need to be
      implemented. 

PMID- 25130680
TI  - A simple rule to identify patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who
      may need treatment reevaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A simple rule based on short-acting inhaled beta2-agonist (SABA) use
      could identify patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at
      increased risk of exacerbations and signal the need for maintenance therapy
      change, similar to asthma "Rules of Two((r))". METHODS: Associations between SABA
      use, COPD exacerbations, and health care costs over 1 year were examined
      retrospectively using de-identified patient data from the Optum Research Database
      (ORD; N = 56,581) and the Impact National Benchmark Database (IMPACTTM; N =
      9423). Nebulized and metered-dose inhaler (MDI) SABA doses were normalized to 2.5
      mg and 90 mcg albuterol equivalents, respectively. RESULTS: The GOLD initiative
      establishes >=2 exacerbations/year as indicative of increased risk in COPD. We
      identified a correlation (p < 0.0001) between 1.5 SABA doses/day and this
      frequency of exacerbations. In ORD, patients using >=1.5 versus <1.5 SABA
      doses/day experienced significantly more exacerbations: 1.92 (95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.89-1.96) versus 1.36 (95% CI, 1.34-1.38) per patient year (PPY).
      Above-threshold use was associated with higher average annual COPD-related costs
      (2010 $US): $21,868 (standard deviation [SD], $53,910) versus $11,686 (SD,
      $32,707) for nebulized SABA only, $9216 (SD, $30,710) versus $7334 (SD, $24,853)
      for MDI SABA only, and $15,806 (SD, $35,260) versus $11,233 (SD, $27,006) for
      both nebulized and MDI SABA. IMPACTTM validated these findings. CONCLUSION:
      Patients with COPD using >=1.5 SABA doses/day were at increased risk of
      exacerbations. Our results suggest a "Rule of 3-2": SABA use >=3 times in 2 days
      should be considered a clinical marker for needing treatment reevaluation.

PMID- 25130681
TI  - Getting going and letting go: Religiosity fosters opportunity-congruent coping
      with work-related uncertainties.
AB  - This study investigated how religiosity relates to goal engagement (i.e.,
      investing time and effort; overcoming obstacles) and goal disengagement (i.e.,
      protecting self-esteem and motivational resources against failure experiences;
      distancing from unattainable goals) in coping with perceived work-related
      uncertainties (e.g., growing risk of job loss) that arise from current social
      change. We hypothesised that religiosity not only expands individuals' capacities
      for both engagement and disengagement but also fosters an opportunity-congruent
      pattern of engagement and disengagement, promoting engagement especially under
      favourable opportunities for goal-striving in the social ecology and facilitating
      disengagement especially under unfavourable opportunities. Multilevel analyses in
      a sample of N = 2089 Polish adults aged 20-46 years partly supported these
      predictions. Religiosity was associated with higher goal engagement, especially
      under favourable economic opportunities for goal-striving in the social ecology
      (as measured by the regional net migration rate). For disengagement, the results
      were more mixed; religiosity was related to higher self-protection independently
      of the economic opportunity structure and predicted higher goal-distancing only
      under the most unfavourable opportunities. These results suggest that religiosity
      can promote different coping strategies under different conditions, fostering a
      pattern of opportunity-congruent engagement and, to some extent, disengagement
      that is likely to be adaptive.

PMID- 25130682
TI  - How can weight-loss app designers' best engage and support users? A qualitative
      investigation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study explored young adults' experiences of using e-health
      internet-based computer or mobile phone applications (apps) and what they valued
      about those apps. DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative design was used. Semi
      structured interviews were conducted with a community sample of 19 young adults
      who had used a publicly available phone or internet-based application.
      Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants valued
      an attractive user interface. Structure, ease of use, personalised features and
      accessibility (including dual phone-computer access) were all important to
      participants and users indicated that continued use depended on these design
      features. Many believed that a focus on calorie counting was too limiting. Some
      users mentioned behaviour change strategies and known behaviour change techniques
      utilised by apps including; self-monitoring, goal setting and behavioural
      feedback. Only a few users reported positive changes in physical activity levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: Use of particular design features and application of evidence-based
      behaviour change techniques could optimise continued use and the effectiveness of
      internet/smart phone interventions. Statement of contribution What is already
      known on this subject? E-health is increasingly used to deliver weight
      loss/control programs. Most e-health programs have not been founded on evidence
      based designs and it is unclear what features and functions users find useful or
      not so useful. What does this study add? Weight loss app users valued structure,
      ease of use, personalised features and accessibility. Goal setting and feedback
      on calorie intake/energy balance were the most widely used behaviour change
      techniques. Designers should consider an extensive food database, a food scanner,
      and provision of diaries.

PMID- 25130683
TI  - Expression of costimulatory molecule B7-H3 and its prognostic implications in
      human acute leukemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study focused on the expression pattern and clinical
      significance of B7-H3 expression in human acute leukemia. METHODS: We
      systematically analyzed 134 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (101 cases) and
      acute lymphocytic leukemia (33 cases) by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The frequency
      of B7-H3(+) cases was 44.8% in total. The B7-H3 expression rate differed from 0%
      to 74.8% in individual cases. The correlation between B7-H3 expression and
      traditional prognostic factors, such as age and gender, the white blood cell
      count was not confirmed. However, B7-H3 had a significant higher expression in
      CD34(+) cases and high risk karyotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the expression of
      B7-H3 being statistically relevant in predicting disease progression and a
      shorter life survival, our results demonstrated that B7-H3 expression in acute
      leukemia predicts an unfavorable outcome.

PMID- 25130685
TI  - Nutrition of the captive western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla): a
      dietary survey.
AB  - The successful management of captive animals requires attention to multiple
      interconnected factors. One critical aspect of the daily life of a captive animal
      is the recommended and/or provisioned diet. This study focuses on the diets of
      zoo-housed gorillas. A national survey of diets among zoo-housed gorillas was
      conducted to examine diets being offered to captive gorillas in the United States
      and Canada. This survey serves as a follow-up to a 1995 dietary survey of zoo
      housed gorillas and goes further to quantify nutritional profiles at responding
      institutions. Results are encouraging, as zoos have made clear improvements in
      dietary nutrient profiles offered over the past 15 years. However, we suggest
      that zoological and sanctuary institutions follow Gorilla Species Survival Plan
      (SSP) recommendations and work to continuously improve diets provided, which
      could improve gorillas' health and well-being.

PMID- 25130684
TI  - Gestational diabetes mellitus modulates neonatal high-density lipoprotein
      composition and its functional heterogeneity.
AB  - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is related to neonatal macrosomia and an
      increased risk of vascular events. We hypothesized that GDM exerts qualitative
      effects on neonatal high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL was isolated from control
      (n=11) and GDM maternal/neonatal donors (n=9) and subjected to shotgun
      proteomics. Differences in HDL mobility were assessed by FPLC and native gel
      electrophoresis. Paraoxonase (PON1) activity, cholesterol ester-transfer protein
      (CETP) mass and activity, phospholipid, triglyceride and cholesterol
      concentrations were quantified with commercial kits. Total anti-oxidative
      capacity and cholesterol efflux capability of HDLs were measured. Four proteins
      involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation and innate immunity were
      differentially expressed between controls and GDM neonates. ApoM (decreased,
      p<0.05) and SAA1 (increased, p<0.05) showed the same differences on both,
      maternal and neonatal GDM HDL. Lower PON1 protein expression was corroborated by
      lower activity (p<0.05) which in turn was associated with attenuated anti-oxidant
      capacity of GDM HDL. Protein changes were accompanied by increased levels of
      triglycerides and decreased levels of cholesterol esters, respectively. The
      observed differences in GDM HDL lipid moiety may be related to CETP mass and
      activity alterations. The rate of cholesterol efflux from term trophoblasts to
      maternal and from placental endothelial cells to neonatal GDM HDL was impaired
      (p<0.05). In conclusion, GDM causes changes in HDL composition and is intimately
      associated with impaired cholesterol efflux capability as well as diminished anti
      oxidative particle properties. Remodeling of neonatal GDM HDL in utero supports
      the hypothesis that maternal conditions in pregnancy impact neonatal lipoprotein
      metabolism. 

PMID- 25130687
TI  - The social media revolution is changing the conference experience: analytics and
      trends from eight international meetings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse the use of Twitter at urology conferences to enhance the
      social media conference experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively
      registered the hashtags of eight international urology conferences taking place
      in 2013, using the social media metrics website, Symplur.com. In addition, we
      prospectively registered the hashtag for the European Association of Urology
      (EAU) Annual Congress for 3 consecutive years (2012-2014) to analyse the trend in
      the use of Twitter at a particular meeting. Metrics including number of 'tweets',
      number of participants, tweet traffic per day, and overall digital impressions,
      which were captured for 5 days before each conference, the conference itself, and
      the following 2 days. We also measured corresponding social media activity at a
      very large non-urology meeting (the American Society of Clinical Oncology) for
      comparative purposes. RESULTS: Twitter activity was noted at all eight
      conferences in 2013. In all, 12,363 tweets were sent generating over 14 million
      impressions. The number of participants tweeting at each meeting varied from 80
      (Congress of the Societe Internationale d'Urologie, #SIU2013) to 573 (the
      American Urological Association, #AUA13). Overall, the AUA meeting (#AUA13)
      generated the most Twitter activity with >8.6 million impressions and a total of
      4663 tweets over the peri-conference period. It also had the most impressions and
      tweets per day over this period, at 717,000 and 389, respectively. The EAU Annual
      Congress 2013 (#EAU13) generated 1.74 million impressions from a total of 1762
      tweets from 236 participants. For trends in Twitter use, there was a very sharp
      rise in Twitter activity at the EAU Annual Congress between 2012 and 2014. Over
      this 3-year period, the number of participants increased almost 10-fold, leading
      to an increase in the number of tweets from 347 to almost 6000. At #EAU14,
      digital impressions reached 7.35 million with 5903 tweets sent by 797
      participants. CONCLUSIONS: Urological conferences, to a varying extent, have
      adopted social media as a means of amplifying the conference experience to a
      wider audience, generating international engagement and global reach. Twitter is
      a very powerful tool that amplifies the content of scientific meetings, and
      conference organisers should put in place strategies to capitalise on this.

PMID- 25130686
TI  - Migration and differentiation of gonadal germ cells under cross-sex germline
      chimeras condition in domestic chickens.
AB  - A series of experiments was conducted to investigate migration, proliferation and
      differentiation of gonadal germ cells (GGCs) collected from the gonads of 7-day
      old chick embryos under cross-sex germline chimera conditions. The migratory and
      proliferative abilities of exogenous GGCs were examined by transferring 50
      fluorescently labeled GGCs collected from White Leghorn (WL) embryos into the
      blood of 2-day-old Rhode Island Red (RIR) embryos. No significant difference was
      observed in the number of fluorescently labeled GGCs in the gonads of recipient
      embryos among any of the four possible donor and recipient sex combinations.
      Cross-sex germline chimeras were produced to examine the differentiation of GGCs
      by transferring 100 GGCs from WL embryos into 2-day-old RIR embryos. Exogenous
      GGC-derived progeny were obtained from both male and female recipients, except
      when female GGCs were transferred into male recipients. The migratory ability of
      GGCs recovered from the 7-day-old embryonic gonad was not influenced by cross-sex
      germ cell transfer conditions, whereas the differentiation of the GGCs was
      affected by the sex combinations of GGCs donors and recipients. 

PMID- 25130688
TI  - Prognostic factors in adolescent and adult patients with acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia with two protocols of chemotherapy: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated the clinical, laboratory, and prognostic factors in
      adolescent and adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In this observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study, we
      examined the medical records of all consecutive patients with ALL admitted to a
      public hospital in Brazil from 1990 to 2005. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients
      included, 88 were treated with 2 protocols of chemotherapy (Berlin-Frankfurt
      Munster [BFM] 86 modified [BFM-86M] and UCLA [University of California, Los
      Angeles] protocol). The complete remission (CR), disease-free survival, and
      overall survival (OS) rate was 70.6%, 27%, and 30.5%, respectively (median follow
      up, 49 months). Age < 18 years and no leukemic infiltration in the central
      nervous system (CNS) at diagnosis were positively associated with CR (P = .03);
      no bleeding and hepatomegaly at diagnosis and age < 35 years were associated with
      better OS on multivariate analyses of the whole population (P = .01). OS at 4
      years was superior with BFM-86M than with UCLA (49.5% vs. 16%; P = .004),
      especially in young adults without risk factors. CONCLUSION: We identified age as
      the most important prognostic factor in patients with ALL. CNS infiltration,
      hepatomegaly, and bleeding were associated with lower OS but must be validated in
      future research with South American populations and worldwide. The BFM-86M
      protocol can be considered a therapeutic option for young adults (age < 35 years)
      without adverse prognostic factors. For other patients with ALL, we emphasize the
      need for different therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 25130689
TI  - An orthogonal click-chemistry approach to design poly(glycerol monomethacrylate)
      based nanomaterials for controlled immunostimulation.
AB  - A versatile approach is proposed for the synthesis of novel immunoactive
      nanomaterials based on biocompatible poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) (PGMMA).
      Propargyl-terminated PGMMA is synthesized via atom transfer radical
      polymerization and then modified through the introduction of dangling acrylate
      groups, at controlled degree of functionalisation. Acrylates are then able to
      react quantitatively with thiols, such as immunoactive thiomannose, through
      Michael-type addition under mild conditions and at a physiologically acceptable
      pH. The terminal propargyl group can be modified independently with azide end
      capping groups and it is utilized to graft the macromolecules to a fluorescent
      dye. The resulting mannose-linked PGMMAs confirm a safe cytotoxic profile and are
      able to stimulate cytokine production (TNFalpha), membrane protein expression
      (CD40), and cellular uptake in bone marrow derived dendritic cells. Cell
      stimulation is dependent on the mannose content and enhanced by serum proteins,
      suggesting a role for mannose-binding receptors and/or complement receptors in
      the cell membrane.

PMID- 25130693
TI  - The biology of Mur ligases as an antibacterial target.
AB  - With antibiotic resistance mechanisms increasing in diversity and spreading among
      bacterial pathogens, the development of new classes of antibacterial agents
      against judiciously chosen targets is a high-priority task. The biochemical
      pathway for peptidoglycan biosynthesis is one of the best sources of
      antibacterial targets. Within this pathway are the Mur ligases, described in this
      review as highly suitable targets for the development of new classes of
      antibacterial agents. The amide ligases MurC, MurD, MurE and MurF function with
      the same catalytic mechanism and share conserved amino acid regions and
      structural features that can conceivably be exploited for the design of
      inhibitors that simultaneously target more than one enzyme. This would provide
      multi-target antibacterial weapons with minimized likelihood of target-mediated
      resistance development. 

PMID- 25130694
TI  - Hibernation alters the diversity and composition of mucosa-associated bacteria
      while enhancing antimicrobial defence in the gut of 13-lined ground squirrels.
AB  - The gut microbiota plays important roles in animal nutrition and health. This
      relationship is particularly dynamic in hibernating mammals where fasting drives
      the gut community to rely on host-derived nutrients instead of exogenous
      substrates. We used 16S rRNA pyrosequencing and caecal tissue protein analysis to
      investigate the effects of hibernation on the mucosa-associated bacterial
      microbiota and host responses in 13-lined ground squirrels. The mucosal
      microbiota was less diverse in winter hibernators than in actively feeding spring
      and summer squirrels. UniFrac analysis revealed distinct summer and late winter
      microbiota clusters, while spring and early winter clusters overlapped slightly,
      consistent with their transitional structures. Communities in all seasons were
      dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, with lesser contributions from
      Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Tenericutes and Actinobacteria. Hibernators had
      lower relative abundances of Firmicutes, which include genera that prefer plant
      polysaccharides, and higher abundances of Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia, some
      of which can survive solely on host-derived mucins. A core mucosal assemblage of
      nine operational taxonomic units shared among all individuals was identified with
      an average total sequence abundance of 60.2%. This core community, together with
      moderate shifts in specific taxa, indicates that the mucosal microbiota remains
      relatively stable over the annual cycle yet responds to substrate changes while
      potentially serving as a pool for 'seeding' the microbiota once exogenous
      substrates return in spring. Relative to summer, hibernation reduced caecal crypt
      length and increased MUC2 expression in early winter and spring. Hibernation also
      decreased caecal TLR4 and increased TLR5 expression, suggesting a protective
      response that minimizes inflammation.

PMID- 25130696
TI  - A novel method for autograft placement during tegmen repair: the suture "pull
      through" technique.

PMID- 25130695
TI  - Sequential gene silencing using wavelength-selective caged morpholino
      oligonucleotides.
AB  - Spectrally differentiated caged morpholino oligonucleotides (cMOs) and wavelength
      selective illumination have been used to sequentially inactivate organismal gene
      function. The efficacy of these reverse-genetic chemical probes has been
      demonstrated in zebrafish embryos, and these reagents have been employed to
      examine the mechanisms of mesoderm patterning. 

PMID- 25130697
TI  - Residence-time dependent cell wall deformation of different Staphylococcus aureus
      strains on gold measured using surface-enhanced-fluorescence.
AB  - Bacterial adhesion to surfaces is accompanied by cell wall deformation that may
      extend to the lipid membrane with an impact on the antimicrobial susceptibility
      of the organisms. Nanoscale cell wall deformation upon adhesion is difficult to
      measure, except for Deltapbp4 mutants, deficient in peptidoglycan cross-linking.
      This work explores surface enhanced fluorescence to measure the cell wall
      deformation of Staphylococci adhering on gold surfaces. Adhesion-related
      fluorescence enhancement depends on the distance of the bacteria from the surface
      and the residence-time of the adhering bacteria. A model is forwarded based on
      the adhesion-related fluorescence enhancement of green-fluorescent microspheres,
      through which the distance to the surface and cell wall deformation of adhering
      bacteria can be calculated from their residence-time dependent adhesion-related
      fluorescence enhancement. The distances between adhering bacteria and a surface,
      including compression of their extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)-layer,
      decrease up to 60 min after adhesion, followed by cell wall deformation. Cell
      wall deformation is independent of the integrity of the EPS-layer and proceeds
      fastest for a Deltapbp4 strain. 

PMID- 25130699
TI  - Abstracts of the SMART STROKES 2014 Conference, 28-29 August, 2014, Sydney, NSW,
      Australia.

PMID- 25130698
TI  - miR-639 regulates transforming growth factor beta-induced epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition in human tongue cancer cells by targeting FOXC1.
AB  - Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in embryonic development
      and various pathological events. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) has
      been reported to induce EMT in tumor cells, which is a critical step in the
      process of metastasis leading to cancer spreading and treatment failure. However,
      the involvement of microRNA during the EMT process in tongue squamous cell
      carcinoma (TSCC) remains to be determined. To address this question, TSCC cell
      lines SCC9 and CAL27 were treated with human recombinant TGFbeta1 for 48 h. miRNA
      microarray illustrated that miR-639 was significantly downregulated in TGFbeta
      treated SCC9 cells. Ectopic expression of miR-639 with miRNA mimics effectively
      blocked TGFbeta-induced EMT in SCC9 and CAL27 cells, but inhibition of miR-639 in
      SCC9 and CAL27 cells with antisense oligonucleotides induced EMT. Computational
      microRNA target predictions detected a conserved sequence matching to the seed
      region of miR-639 in the 3'-UTR of FOXC1 mRNA. Luciferase reporter assays
      revealed that miR-639 targets FOXC1. Ectopic expression of FOXC1 induces EMT in
      TSCC cells. Silencing FOXC1 expression blocked TGFbeta-induced EMT in SCC9 cells.
      Clinically, reduced miR-639 expression was associated with metastasis in TSCC and
      poor patient survival. The data from the present study suggest that reduced
      expression of miR-639 underscores the mechanism of TGFbeta-induced EMT in TSCC by
      targeting FOXC1 and may serve as therapeutic targets in the process of
      metastasis. 

PMID- 25130700
TI  - Functionalization of cantilever tips with nucleotides by the phosphoramidite
      method.
AB  - In atomic force microscopy (AFM) a sharp cantilever tip is used to scan surfaces
      at the atomic level. One further application is force spectroscopy, in which
      force-distance curves between binding partners located on the cantilever and
      substrate surface are determined. This requires specifically immobilized
      molecules. Herein we describe the covalent binding of single adenosine and
      thymidine nucleotides on an amino-PEGylated cantilever tip by the phosphoramidite
      method. Force-distance curves between these cantilever tips and gold surfaces
      were recorded. The rupture forces of the coordination bond between the primary
      amine of adenosine and the undercoordinated gold atoms were determined to be 145
      pN, which is in agreement with previously published data. The force-distance
      curves of thymidine-functionalized tips did not show rupture events, because this
      nucleotide does not possess a primary amine function. Nucleotide-functionalized
      tips could aid in the understanding of binding mechanisms of nucleotide binding
      molecules such as polymerases immobilized on surfaces or membranes.

PMID- 25130702
TI  - Marker genes for the metabolic adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the
      hypoxic cystic fibrosis lung environment.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading pathogen of chronic cystic fibrosis (CF)
      lung infection. Life-long persistence in the inflamed and ever fluctuating CF
      lungs results in the selection of a variety of changes in P. aeruginosa
      physiology. Accumulating evidence suggests that especially metabolic changes
      support the survival and growth of P. aeruginosa within the hypoxic and
      nutritious CF mucus. To investigate if metabolic adaptations we described for
      hypermutable P. aeruginosa from late CF lung disease (Hoboth et al., 2009. J.
      Infect. Dis., pp. 118-130) may represent specific changes in response to the
      selective conditions within the oxygen-restricted CF mucus, we determined the
      expression of a set of genes during aerobic and hypoxic growth in LB and the
      artificial sputum medium ASM. We further focused on the regulation of the two
      isocitrate dehydrogenases Icd and Idh. Interestingly, both isoenzymes may replace
      each other under aerobic and hypoxic conditions. The NADPH- and RpoS-dependent
      Icd seems to be the leading isoenzyme under prolonged oxygen limitation and
      stationary growth phase. LacZ reporter analysis revealed that oxygen-restriction
      increased the expression levels of azu, cbb3-1, cbb3-2, ccpR, icd, idh and oprF
      gene, whereas himD and nuoA are increasingly expressed only during hypoxic growth
      in ASM. Overexpression of the anaerobic regulator Anr improved the expression of
      azu, ccpR, cbb3-2 and icd. In summary, expression of azu, cbb3-1, cbb3-2, ccpR,
      icd, idh, oprF, himD, and nuoA appeared to be beneficial for the growth of P.
      aeruginosa under hypoxic conditions indicating these genes may represent marker
      genes for the metabolic adaptation to the CF lung environment. 

PMID- 25130703
TI  - Risk factors for MRSA infection in companion animals: results from a case-control
      study within Germany.
AB  - Increasing numbers of companion animals suffering from infections with
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been reported in the
      recent past. These infections are of particular concern because of the limited
      treatment options for MRSA and their transferability to humans. Since MRSA
      lineages isolated from infected companion animals often mirror typical human
      epidemic strains circulating in the same region, successful strategies to combat
      MRSA need strong and coordinated efforts from both, the human and the veterinary
      field according to the "One Health" concept. Hence, to identify potential risk
      factors related to MRSA infections in dogs, cats and horses, a case-control study
      was conducted, including data on 106 MRSA-infected animal patients as cases and
      102 MSSA-infected animals as controls, originating from 155 different veterinary
      settings within Germany. Demographic data on animal patients, patient history and
      administration of antibiotics as well as practice/clinic specific parameters were
      assessed as putative risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression identified
      the following variables as risk factors for MRSA infection compared to MSSA
      infection: number of employees working at the veterinary setting (n>10; p<0.001),
      antibiotic treatment prior to sampling (systemic: p=0.002; local: p=0.049, both:
      p=0.011) and surgical site infection (p<0.001). Spa typing revealed predominantly
      clonal complexes well-known for hospital-associated lineages spreading in human
      health-care settings in Germany (CC5 and CC22) for isolates of dog and cat
      origin. CC398-MRSA dominated among equine isolates, a CC that was described as a
      nosocomial pathogen in equine clinical settings before. The identified risk
      factors and genotyping results are in accordance with numerous study outcomes
      from the field of human medicine and point towards reasonable problems with
      nosocomial spread of MRSA, especially within companion animal veterinary clinics.
      To define targeted infection control strategies against nosocomial pathogens, it
      is important to accomplish intervention studies addressing routes of transmission
      in companion animal veterinary settings. 

PMID- 25130701
TI  - The effects of the pharmaceutical carbamazepine on life history characteristics
      of flat-headed mayflies (Heptageniidae) and aquatic resource interactions.
AB  - Pharmaceutical pollutants are commonly detected in freshwater ecosystems around
      the world and have biological effects on aquatic organisms. However, current
      understanding of the influence this contaminant class has on freshwater
      communities and ecosystems is lacking. Recently the scientific community has
      called for research focusing on certain pharmaceuticals due to their ubiquity and
      potential toxicity. Carbamazepine is one of these pharmaceuticals. To better
      understand the effect carbamazepine has on life history characteristics of
      aquatic organisms and consumer-resource interactions, we quantified the influence
      of carbamazepine on the development, growth and behavior of mayfly nymphs
      (Stenonema sp.) and the alterations in food consumer-resource interactions
      between Stenonema and algae (Chaetophora). Microcosms were assembled in a
      factorial design containing algae and mayfly nymphs native to central Indiana and
      dosed with environmentally relevant concentrations of carbamazepine. From this
      ecotoxicological experiment we were able to infer that carbamazepine at 2,000
      ng/L influenced the development and behavior of Stenonema nymphs and the body
      dimensions of adult individuals. However, it appears that carbamazepine does not
      influence consumer-resource interactions at concentrations found in surface
      waters. The pharmaceutical carbamazepine may influence the behavior, growth and
      development of mayflies, which could have significant consequences at the
      population, community and ecosystem level. 

PMID- 25130704
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of red blood cell transfusion vs. non-intervention in women
      with acute anaemia after postpartum haemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is frequently used to treat women
      with acute anaemia after postpartum haemorrhage. We aimed to assess the economic
      consequences of red blood cell transfusion compared to non-intervention in these
      women. METHODS: A trial-based cost-effectiveness analysis was performed alongside
      the Well-Being of Obstetric patients on Minimal Blood transfusions (WOMB) trial.
      Women with acute anaemia [Hb 4.8-7.9 g/dl (3.0-4.9 mm)] after postpartum
      haemorrhage, without severe anaemic symptoms, were randomly allocated to RBC
      transfusion or non-intervention. Primary outcome of the trial was physical
      fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, scale 4-20; 20 represents maximal
      fatigue). Total costs per arm were calculated using a hospital perspective with a
      6 weeks time horizon. RESULTS: Per woman, mean costs in the RBC transfusion arm
      (n = 258) were ?1957 compared to ?1708 in the non-intervention arm (n = 261; P =
      0.024). The 13% difference in costs between study arms predominantly originated
      from costs of RBC units, as costs of RBC units were six times higher in the RBC
      transfusion arm. RBC transfusion led to a small improvement in physical fatigue
      of 0.58 points per day; thus, the costs to improve the physical fatigue score
      with one point would be ?431. CONCLUSION: In women with acute anaemia after
      postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), RBC transfusion is on average ?249 more expensive
      per woman than non-intervention, with only a small gain in HRQoL after RBC
      transfusion. Taking both clinical and economic consequences into account,
      implementation of a non-intervention policy seems justified.

PMID- 25130706
TI  - Exchange-coupled nanocomposites: chemical synthesis, characterization and
      applications.
AB  - Nanocomposites containing soft and hard magnetic phases have attracted immense
      attention for energy-related and biomedical applications. With exchange coupling
      between nanoscale grains in the composites, magnetization of the soft magnetic
      phase can rotate coherently with that of the hard magnetic phase. In particular,
      good control of the soft and hard phases at the nanoscale in the composites is of
      great importance for effective exchange coupling, allowing us to make the best of
      the strengths of soft and hard magnetic phases and to optimize the magnetic
      properties for targeted applications. In this review, we present the recent
      progress in the chemical synthesis and applications of exchange-coupled
      nanocomposites. Firstly, the principle of nanomagnetism and exchange coupling is
      introduced. Secondly, the characterization of exchange-coupled nanocomposites is
      summarized. Thirdly, the chemical methods for the production of different
      exchange-coupled nanocomposites are presented. Finally, applications of exchange
      coupled nanocomposites in magnetic energy storage and biomedicine are addressed. 

PMID- 25130705
TI  - Minimally invasive fetal autopsy using ultrasound: a feasibility study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate postmortem ultrasound (PM-US) for minimally invasive
      autopsy, and to demonstrate its feasibility, sensitivity and specificity, as
      compared with conventional autopsy, in detecting major congenital abnormalities.
      METHODS: Over a 19-month study period from 1 March 2012 to 30 September 2013, we
      recruited from a referral hospital 88 consecutive fetuses, at 11-40 weeks'
      gestation, which had undergone termination, miscarriage or intrauterine fetal
      death. We performed PM-US using different transducers and compared the data with
      those from conventional autopsy. The latter was performed, according to the
      Societe Francaise de Foetopathologie (France) guidelines, by experienced
      perinatal pathologists who were blinded to the ultrasound data. RESULTS: Complete
      virtual autopsy by ultrasound was possible in 95.5% of the cases. The sensitivity
      of PM-US for detecting brain abnormalities was 90.9% (95% CI, 58.7-99.8%) and the
      specificity was 87.3% (95% CI, 75.5-94.7%). In 20% of cases, a neuropathological
      examination was not possible due to severe maceration. The sensitivity for
      detection of thoracic abnormalities was 88.9% (95% CI, 65.3-98.6%) and the
      specificity was 92.8% (95% CI, 84.1-97.6%), and the sensitivity for detection of
      abdominal anomalies was 85.7% (95% CI, 57.2-98.2%) and the specificity was 94.6%
      (95% CI, 86.7-98.5%). CONCLUSION: This pilot study confirms the feasibility of PM
      US for virtual autopsy as early as 11 weeks' gestation. This new technique shows
      high sensitivity and specificity in detecting congenital structural abnormalities
      as compared with conventional autopsy. Copyright (c) 2014 ISUOG. Published by
      John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 25130707
TI  - Predictors of men's sexual response to erotic film stimuli: the role of affect
      and self-reported thoughts.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Both emotions and cognitions seem to play a role in determining
      sexual arousal. However, no studies to date have tested the effects of self
      reported thoughts on subjective sexual arousal and genital response using
      psychophysiological methods. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate
      the role of self-reported thoughts and affect during exposure to erotic material
      in predicting subjective and genital responses in sexually healthy men. METHODS:
      Twenty-seven men were presented with two explicit films, and genital responses,
      subjective sexual arousal, self-reported thoughts, and positive and negative
      affect were assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Men's genital responses, subjective
      sexual arousal, affective responses, and self-reported thoughts during exposure
      to sexual stimulus were measured. RESULTS: Regression analyses revealed that
      genital responses were predicted by self-reported thoughts (explaining 20% of the
      variance) but not by affect during exposure to erotic films. On the other hand,
      subjective sexual arousal was significantly predicted by both positive and
      negative affect (explaining 18% of the variance) and self-reported thoughts
      (explaining 37% of the variance). Follow-up analyses using the single predictors
      showed that "sexual arousal thoughts" were the only significant predictor of
      subjective response (beta = 0.64; P < 0.01) and that "distracting/disengaging
      thoughts" were the best predictor of genital response (beta = -0.51; P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that both affect and sexual
      arousal thoughts play an important role in men's subjective sexual response,
      whereas genital response seems to be better predicted by distracting thoughts.

PMID- 25130708
TI  - Nanotube aerogel sheet flutter for actuation, power generation, and infrasound
      detection.
AB  - Electromagnetic induction (EMI) is a mechanism of classical physics that can be
      utilized to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy or electrical to
      mechanical energy. This mechanism has not been exploited fully because of lack of
      a material with a sufficiently low force constant. We here show that carbon
      nanotube (CNT) aerogel sheets can exploit EMI to provide mechanical actuation at
      very low applied voltages, to harvest mechanical energy from small air pressure
      fluctuations, and to detect infrasound at inaudible frequencies below 20 Hz.
      Using conformal deposition of 100 nm thick aluminum coatings on the nanotubes in
      the sheets, mechanical actuation can be obtained by applying millivolts, as
      compared with the thousand volts needed to achieve giant-stroke electrostatic
      actuation of carbon nanotube aerogel sheets. Device simplicity and performance
      suggest possible applications as an energy harvester of low energy air
      fluctuations and as a sensor for infrasound frequencies.

PMID- 25130709
TI  - Simultaneous KIT mutation and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) deficiency in a
      patient with a gastrointestinal stromal tumour and Carney-Stratakis syndrome: a
      case report.

PMID- 25130710
TI  - Prediction of the net energy value of broiler diets.
AB  - Thirty pelleted diets were given to broiler chickens (eight birds per diet; 21 to
      35 days of age) for individual in vivo measurements of dietary net energy (NE)
      value, using three trials with 10 diets/trial. Amino acid formulation of diets
      was done on the basis of ratios to CP. NE was measured according to the body
      analysis method. The basal metabolism component of NE values was calculated on
      the basis of mean metabolic weight using a coefficient obtained in a previous
      experiment. Information about apparent metabolisable energy (AME) value of diets,
      AME corrected to zero nitrogen retention (AMEn) and digestibilities of proteins,
      lipids, starch and sugars was available from a previous publication. In each
      trial, mean NE/AME ratios of diets varied by about 6%. From the multiple
      regressions (n=30) expressing NE and AMEn values as functions of digestible
      component contents, it was deduced that the NE/AMEn ratios assigned to dietary
      components were 0.760, 0.862, 0.806, 0.690 and 0.602 for CP, lipids, starch,
      (sucrose+glucose) and fermentable sugars (alpha-galacto-oligosaccharides and
      lactose), respectively. The NE/AME ratio of CP was 0.680. Regression calculations
      showed that the NE values assigned to individual birds (n=240) could also be
      predicted with diet AMEn values (NE=0.80 AMEn; R 2=0.770) or with an equation
      combining AMEn value and CP/AMEn ratio (R 2=0.773). The latter ratio was found to
      be the only additional parameter that was significant when added in the NE
      regression scheme based on AMEn. 

PMID- 25130711
TI  - Changes in plasma leptin concentration during different types of exercises
      performed by horses.
AB  - Leptin is a tissue-derivative adipokine that regulates appetite, food intake and
      energy expenditure. It is still not clear how exercise affects plasma leptin
      concentration in horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of
      exercise intensity and duration on plasma leptin levels in working horses. A
      total of 38 horses were prospectively included in the study and grouped according
      to the type of exercise they performed: dressage (six stallions, group D),
      jumping (12 stallions, group J), race (12 Thoroughbred horses, six stallions and
      six mares, group R) and harness (10 light draft stallions, group H). Blood
      samples were taken both before and after routine exercise (immediately after the
      exercise, 30 min and 24 h after). Blood lactic acid (LA) and plasma concentration
      of leptin, cortisol, uric acid, triacylglycerols, glycerol and free fatty acids
      were determined. Immediately after exercise, group R had the highest level of LA,
      whereas groups D and J had the lowest levels. A significant increase in plasma
      leptin concentration was stated only in group H in samples taken immediately
      after the end of the exercise period and 30 min after the exercise period, as
      compared with the values obtained at rest. A significant increase in plasma
      cortisol concentration was found immediately after the end of the exercise period
      in groups R and H. Leptin exercise-to-rest ratio was significantly correlated
      with cortisol exercise-to-rest ratio (r=0.64; P<0.001). The increase in plasma
      leptin concentration in exercised horses was related to the increased plasma
      cortisol concentration and took place only during long-lasting exercise, which
      was not intensive. 

PMID- 25130712
TI  - Injurious tail biting in pigs: how can it be controlled in existing systems
      without tail docking?
AB  - Tail biting is a serious animal welfare and economic problem in pig production.
      Tail docking, which reduces but does not eliminate tail biting, remains
      widespread. However, in the EU tail docking may not be used routinely, and some
      'alternative' forms of pig production and certain countries do not allow tail
      docking at all. Against this background, using a novel approach focusing on
      research where tail injuries were quantified, we review the measures that can be
      used to control tail biting in pigs without tail docking. Using this strict
      criterion, there was good evidence that manipulable substrates and feeder space
      affect damaging tail biting. Only epidemiological evidence was available for
      effects of temperature and season, and the effect of stocking density was
      unclear. Studies suggest that group size has little effect, and the effects of
      nutrition, disease and breed require further investigation. The review identifies
      a number of knowledge gaps and promising avenues for future research into
      prevention and mitigation. We illustrate the diversity of hypotheses concerning
      how different proposed risk factors might increase tail biting through their
      effect on each other or on the proposed underlying processes of tail biting. A
      quantitative comparison of the efficacy of different methods of provision of
      manipulable materials, and a review of current practices in countries and
      assurance schemes where tail docking is banned, both suggest that daily provision
      of small quantities of destructible, manipulable natural materials can be of
      considerable benefit. Further comparative research is needed into materials, such
      as ropes, which are compatible with slatted floors. Also, materials which double
      as fuel for anaerobic digesters could be utilised. As well as optimising housing
      and management to reduce risk, it is important to detect and treat tail biting as
      soon as it occurs. Early warning signs before the first bloody tails appear, such
      as pigs holding their tails tucked under, could in future be automatically
      detected using precision livestock farming methods enabling earlier reaction and
      prevention of tail damage. However, there is a lack of scientific studies on how
      best to respond to outbreaks: the effectiveness of, for example, removing biters
      and/or bitten pigs, increasing enrichment, or applying substances to tails should
      be investigated. Finally, some breeding companies are exploring options for
      reducing the genetic propensity to tail bite. If these various approaches to
      reduce tail biting are implemented we propose that the need for tail docking will
      be reduced. 

PMID- 25130713
TI  - Adolescent Motivations to Engage in Pro-Social Behaviors and Abstain From Health
      Risk Behaviors: A Self-Determination Theory Approach.
AB  - The present study used self-determination theory to examine adolescents'
      motivations to engage in charitable donating and community volunteering and to
      abstain from sexual intercourse and marijuana use. The sample consisted of 419
      late adolescents recruited from across the country through an online survey
      panel. Participants completed online measures of motivations to engage in
      donating and volunteering, motivations to abstain from sex and marijuana, and
      single-item indexes of the four behaviors. Variable-centered analyses
      (correlation and regression) found evidence for a general motivational factor,
      motivational specificity by behavioral domain (positive and negative behaviors),
      motivational specificity by particular behavior (charitable donating,
      volunteering, sexual risk-taking, and marijuana use), and a stronger relative
      role for autonomous motivations than controlled motivations. Person-centered
      analyses (cluster analysis) found four motivation profiles (low motivation,
      medium motivation, high motivation, and mixed motivation) for all four behaviors
      and suggested that level of autonomous motivation was a key factor
      differentiating the groups on levels of behavior. The findings suggest different
      levels of motivational specificity and highlight the importance of autonomous
      motivations in predicting behaviors as compared to controlled motivations.
      Further, similar patterns were found for motivations to engage and to abstain.

PMID- 25130714
TI  - [Thrombosed orbital varix presenting as a subretinal mass].

PMID- 25130715
TI  - Cognitive and neuroprotective effects of chlorogenic acid.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to provide an overview of studies
      conducted to determine the effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on cognition and
      neurological health. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed and
      various search terms including chlorogenic acid, CGA, memory, neuroscience,
      cognition, nutrition, antioxidant, pharmacokinetics, neuroprotection, and
      neurodegeneration. RESULTS: Many studies have linked CGA consumption to a wide
      range of health benefits, including neuroprotection, cardioprotection, weight
      loss, chemopreventive properties, anti-inflammatory activity, decreased blood
      pressure, decreased diet-induced insulin resistance, decreased blood pressure,
      anxiolytic effects, and antihyperalgesic effects. Pre-clinical and clinical
      studies both provide evidence that CGA supplementation could protect against
      neurological degeneration and the resulting diseases associated with oxidative
      stress in the brain; however, no formal, well-controlled studies have been
      performed to date. DISCUSSION: Recent research suggests that dietary consumption
      of CGA could produce a wide range of health benefits and physiological effects.
      There is also mounting evidence that the consumption of polyphenols, including
      CGA, in the diet could reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative
      conditions. Further studies should be conducted with a focus on the effects of
      CGA on cognition and the nervous system and employing well-designed clinical
      studies.

PMID- 25130716
TI  - Genetic, molecular and physiological mechanisms involved in human obesity:
      Society for Endocrinology Medal Lecture 2012.
AB  - The health consequences of obesity represent one of the major public health
      challenges of our time. Whilst the role of environmental drivers such as reduced
      physical activity and increased food intake is widely acknowledged, the
      importance of biological factors which influence individual variation in weight
      is less readily recognised. Considerable evidence suggests that genetic factors
      influence a person's weight in a given environment and that these genetic
      influences are more potent at the extremes of the body mass index (BMI)
      distribution. The discovery that genetic disruption of certain pathways can lead
      to severe obesity has informed our current understanding of how body weight is
      regulated by brain circuits that regulate appetite and energy expenditure. These
      studies provide a framework for investigating patients and ultimately may guide
      the development of more rational-targeted therapies for genetically susceptible
      individuals with severe obesity. 

PMID- 25130717
TI  - Stone/tissue differentiation during intracorporeal lithotripsy using diffuse
      white light reflectance spectroscopy: In vitro and clinical measurements.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Holmium laser lithotripsy is the 'gold standard' for
      intracorporeal fragmentation of stones. However, there is a risk of damaging and
      perforating the ureter wall when the laser is accidentally fired while the fiber
      is in contact with tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate if white
      illumination light, diffusely reflected back into the treatment fiber and
      spectrally analyzed, can be used for differentiating between stone and tissue.
      STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Firstly, in vitro reflectance spectra (Xenon
      light source, wavelength range lambda = 350-850 nm) of 38 human kidney stones,
      porcine renal calix and ureter tissue were collected. Secondly, in an in vivo
      study with 8 patients, 72 ureter and 49 stone reflectance signals were recorded
      during endourological interventions. The spectra were analyzed to discriminate
      between stone and tissue by the absence or presence of minima due to hemoglobin
      absorption at lambda1  = 542nm and lambda3  = 576nm. RESULTS: In vitro, all stone
      and tissue signals could correctly be identified by calculating the ratio R = I
      (lambda1  = 542 nm)/I (lambda2  = 475 nm): Because of the hemoglobin absorption
      at lambda1 , R is smaller for tissue than for calculi. In vivo, only 75% tissue
      spots could correctly be identified utilizing this method. Using the more
      sophisticated evaluation of looking for minima in the diffuse reflectance spectra
      at lambda1  = 542 nm and lambda3  = 576 nm, 62 out of 64 tissue spots were
      correctly identified (sensitivity 96.9%). This was also the case for 39 out of 43
      stone spots. Taking into account the number of measured spectra, a tissue
      detection probability of 91% and a stone detection probability of 77% was
      achieved (significance level 5%). CONCLUSION: White light diffusely reflected off
      the treatment zone into the fiber can be used to strongly improve the safety of
      Holmium laser lithotripsy by implementing an automatic feedback control algorithm
      that averts mispositioning the fiber.

PMID- 25130718
TI  - Family history of psychosis and social, occupational and global outcome in
      schizophrenia: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate associations between family history of
      psychosis and long-term occupational, social and global (i.e. combined
      occupational, social and clinical) outcome in schizophrenia. METHOD: A systematic
      search to identify potentially relevant studies was conducted using seven
      electronic databases and a manual search of literature. Only observational
      studies with a follow-up period of at least 2 years were included. RESULTS: The
      search identified 4081 unique potentially relevant articles, of which 14 met our
      inclusion criteria. The presence of family history of psychosis was associated
      with poor occupational and global outcome (n=3; r=0.17; P=0.008, n=11; r=0.13;
      P=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: This was the first systematic review on the
      effects of family history of psychosis on occupational and social outcome in
      schizophrenia. Based on the review, the presence of family history of psychosis
      has a relatively small but statistically significant association with long-term
      occupational and global outcome in patients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 25130719
TI  - How French paediatric emergency departments manage painful vaso-occlusive
      episodes in sickle cell disease patients.
AB  - AIM: The most common manifestation of sickle cell disease (SCD) is painful vaso
      occlusive episodes (PVOE), and inappropriate treatment leads to unnecessary
      suffering and potentially fatal complications. This study describes how French
      paediatric emergency departments (EDs) manage PVOE and their knowledge, and
      implementation of the French National Authority for Health recommendations on the
      management of sickle cell patients. METHODS: A questionnaire on managing PVOE was
      sent to all the 111 French paediatric EDs. RESULTS: We received responses from 81
      (72.9%) of the EDs. Of those who responded to each individual question, 85% said
      that they had read the national recommendations, 71.6% said they used nalbuphine
      for moderate PVOE, and 85% used intravenous morphine for severe PVOE. The
      majority (91.7%) of EDs thought that intravenous morphine provided relief for
      severe PVOE, but only 30.9% thought that intravenous nalbuphine did. A 50:50
      nitrous oxide/oxygen mix was used by 71.3% of departments to relieve procedural
      pain and by 48% to enhance analgesia when morphine was insufficient for severe
      pain. CONCLUSIONS: Most French EDs follow the national recommendations for PVOE.
      Nalbuphine was the most commonly used opioid for moderate PVOE and morphine for
      severe PVOE. A nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture was widely used for PVOE.

PMID- 25130720
TI  - Canalicular network morphology is the major determinant of the spatial
      distribution of mass density in human bone tissue: evidence by means of
      synchrotron radiation phase-contrast nano-CT.
AB  - In bone remodeling, maturation of the newly formed osteonal tissue is associated
      with a rapid primary increase followed by a slower secondary increase of
      mineralization. This requires supply and precipitation of mineral into the bone
      matrix. Mineral delivery can occur only from the extracellular fluid via
      interfaces such as the Haversian system and the osteocyte pore network. We
      hypothesized that in mineralization, mineral exchange is achieved by the
      diffusion of mineral from the lacunar-canalicular network (LCN) to the bone
      matrix, resulting in a gradual change in tissue mineralization with respect to
      the distance from the pore-matrix interface. We expected to observe alterations
      in the mass density distribution with tissue age. We further hypothesized that
      mineral exchange occurs not only at the lacunar but also at the canalicular
      boundaries. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the spatial
      distribution of mass density in the perilacunar and pericanalicular bone matrix
      and to explore how these densities are influenced by tissue aging. This is
      achieved by analyzing human jawbone specimens originating from four healthy
      donors and four treated with high-dosage bisphosphonate using synchrotron
      radiation phase-contrast nano-CT with a 50-nm voxel size. Our results provide the
      first experimental evidence that mass density in the direct vicinity of both
      lacunae (p < 0.001) and canaliculi (p < 0.001) is different from the mean matrix
      mass density, resulting in gradients with respect to the distance from both pore
      matrix interfaces, which diminish with increasing tissue age. Though limited by
      the sample size, these findings support our hypotheses. Moreover, the density
      gradients are more pronounced around the lacunae than around the canaliculi,
      which are explained by geometrical considerations in the LCN morphology. In
      addition, we speculate that mineral exchange occurs at all interfaces of the LCN,
      not only in mineralization but also in mineral homeostasis.

PMID- 25130721
TI  - RhoA/ROCK pathway mediates p38 MAPK activation and morphological changes
      downstream of P2Y12/13 receptors in spinal microglia in neuropathic pain.
AB  - Recent studies have indicated an important role of ATP receptors in spinal
      microglia, such as P2Y12 or P2Y13, in the development of chronic pain. However,
      intracellular signaling cascade of these receptors have not been clearly
      elucidated. We found that intrathecal injection of 2-(methylthio)adenosine 5'
      diphosphate (2Me-SADP) induced mechanical hypersensitivity and p38 mitogen
      activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in the spinal cord. Intrathecal
      administration of P2Y12/P2Y13 antagonists and Rho-associated coiled-coil
      containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor H1152 suppressed not only p38 MAPK
      phosphorylation, but also mechanical hypersensitivity induced by 2Me-SADP. In the
      rat peripheral nerve injury model, intrathecal administration of antagonists for
      the P2Y12/P2Y13 receptor suppressed activation of p38 MAPK in the spinal cord. In
      addition, subarachnoidal injection of H1152 also attenuated nerve injury-induced
      spinal p38 MAPK phosphorylation and neuropathic pain behavior, suggesting an
      essential role of ROCK in nerve injury-induced p38 MAPK activation. We also found
      that the antagonists of the P2Y12/P2Y13 receptor and H1152 had inhibitory effects
      on the morphological changes of microglia such as retraction of processes in both
      2Me-SADP and nerve injured rats. In contrast these treatments had no effect on
      the number of Iba1-positive cells in the nerve injury model. Collectively, our
      results have demonstrated roles of ROCK in the spinal microglia that is involved
      in p38 MAPK activation and the morphological changes. Inhibition of ROCK
      signaling may offer a novel target for the development of a neuropathic pain
      treatment.

PMID- 25130722
TI  - Transcriptional regulation of CCL20 expression.
AB  - Chemokines are key mediators of leukocyte recruitment during immunoregulatory and
      proinflammatory responses. CCL20 is a cysteine-cysteine chemokine that was
      originally shown to be chemotactic for immature dendritic cells, effector or
      memory CD4(+) T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes. Additionally, CCL20 and its only
      receptor (CCR6) are exploited by cancer cells for migration and metastatic spread
      and play important roles in the development and progression of cancer. However,
      it still remains unclear how the activity of the CCL20/CCR6 axis is controlled
      and regulated at the transcriptional level. The CCL20 promoter region contains a
      transcription start site, a nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB binding site, a
      CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins binding site, an activator protein-1 binding
      sites, and a specificity protein 1 (Sp1)-binding site. In this review, we outline
      recent advances in our understanding of the structure of the CCL20 promoter
      region and discuss the transcriptional regulation of the CCL20 promoter. 

PMID- 25130723
TI  - Genetic battle between Helicobacter pylori and humans. The mechanism underlying
      homologous recombination in bacteria, which can infect human cells.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative pathogenic bacterium that colonises the
      human stomach. The chronic infection it causes results in peptic ulcers and
      gastric cancers. H. pylori can easily establish a chronic infection even if the
      immune system attacks this pathogen with oxidative stress agents and
      immunoglobulins. This is attributed to bacterial defence mechanisms against these
      stresses. As a defence mechanism against oxidative stresses, in bacterial
      genomes, homologous recombination can act as a repair pathway of DNA's double
      strand breaks (DSBs). Moreover, homologous recombination is also involved in the
      antigenic variation in H. pylori. Gene conversion alters genomic structures of
      babA and babB (encoding outer membrane proteins), resulting in escape from
      immunoglobulin attacks. Thus, homologous recombination in bacteria plays an
      important role in the maintenance of a chronic infection. In addition, H. pylori
      infection causes DSBs in human cells. Homologous recombination is also involved
      in the repair of DSBs in human cells. In this review, we describe the roles of
      homologous recombination with an emphasis on the maintenance of a chronic
      infection. 

PMID- 25130724
TI  - Giving blood donors something to drink before donation can prevent fainting
      symptoms: is there a physiological or psychological reason?
AB  - The vasovagal reaction has been widely studied but its anatomic and physiological
      nature remains uncertain. The mechanisms underlying vasovagal reaction related to
      blood donation are not completely understood either. Does its occurrence depend
      on the blood donors' physical characteristics and health variables or
      psychological factors? On the basis that a psychological approach considerably
      prevents donor reactions, the effect of fruit juice ingestion was studied in a
      group of 1849 first-time high-school students as a simple strategy to avoid
      systemic reactions at blood donation. The reasons for the psychological effect of
      this hydration protocol are stressed also in light of previous physiological
      studies on the hemodynamic effects of water or carbohydrate drinks. 

PMID- 25130725
TI  - Comparison of plasma exchange performances between Spectra Optia and COBE Spectra
      apheresis systems in repeated procedures considering variability and using
      specific statistical models.
AB  - Repeated therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) procedures using centrifugation
      techniques became a standard therapy in some diseases. As the new device Spectra
      Optia (SPO; Terumo BCT) was available, we studied its performances in repeated
      procedures in 20 patients in three apheresis units. First we analysed the
      performance results obtained by SPO. Second we compared the performances of the
      SPO device to a standard device, COBE Spectra (CSP; Terumo BCT) in the same
      patients using statistical method of mixed effects linear regression that
      considers variability between patients, centres and apheresis procedures. The
      performances analysed were classified according to plasma removal performances
      and their consequences on patients whose blood disturbances were assessed.
      Primary outcome was plasma removal efficiency (PRE) and PRE-anticoagulant
      corrected which was a more accurate parameter. Secondary outcomes corresponded to
      the volume of ACD-A consumed, platelets content in waste bag, procedure duration
      and status of coagulation system observed after TPE sessions. Before comparing
      the performances of both devices we compared the plasma volumes (PVs) processed
      in both techniques which showed that the PVs processed in SPO procedures were
      lower than in CSP procedures. In these conditions the statistical analysis
      revealed similar performances in both apheresis devices in PRE (p = ns) but
      better performances with SPO when considering higher PRE corrected by
      anticoagulant volume used (p < 0.05). Comparison of secondary outcomes showed no
      difference after SPO and CSP. After verifying that pre-apheresis patients'
      coagulation blood levels were identical before SPO and CSP, we showed identical
      haemostasis disturbances after SPO and CSP but lower platelet losses and higher
      fibrinogen post-apheresis blood levels after SPO (p < 0.05). No side effects or
      technical complications occurred during and after SPO and CSP. This study
      demonstrated that the Spectra Optia device is an alternative device to today's
      standard, the COBE Spectra device. 

PMID- 25130726
TI  - Absolute immature platelet count helps differentiate thrombotic thrombocytopenic
      purpura from hypertension-induced thrombotic microangiopathy.
AB  - ADAMTS13 activity measurement is used in the diagnostic algorithm of thrombotic
      thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), but results may not be available before
      initiation of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The immature platelet fraction
      (%-IPF) and the calculated absolute immature platelet count (A-IPC) represent a
      test of real-time thrombopoiesis, and can be performed in most laboratories using
      automated analyzers. Here we report on using A-IPC kinetics to exclude idiopathic
      TTP in a patient with severe hypertension, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal
      failure, which was confirmed by a normal ADAMTS13. The complete resolution of
      thrombocytopenia occurred once blood pressure was controlled favoring a diagnosis
      of hypertension-induced thrombotic microangiopathy. 

PMID- 25130727
TI  - The effects of anakinra on focal cerebral ischemic injury in rats.

PMID- 25130728
TI  - Enzymes for ecdysteroid biosynthesis: their biological functions in insects and
      beyond.
AB  - Steroid hormones are responsible for the coordinated regulation of many aspects
      of biological processes in multicellular organisms. Since the last century, many
      studies have identified and characterized steroidogenic enzymes in vertebrates,
      including mammals. However, much less is known about invertebrate steroidogenic
      enzymes. In the last 15 years, a number of steroidogenic enzymes and their
      functions have been characterized in ecdysozoan animals, especially in the fruit
      fly Drosophila melanogaster. In this review, we summarize the latest knowledge of
      enzymes crucial for synthesizing ecdysteroids, the principal insect steroid
      hormones. We also discuss the functional conservation and diversity of
      ecdysteroidogenic enzymes in other insects and even non-insect species, such as
      nematodes, vertebrates, and lower eukaryotes. 

PMID- 25130729
TI  - Conformation-specific antibodies to target amyloid beta oligomers and their
      application to immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) oligomers, intermediates of Abeta aggregation, cause
      cognitive impairment and synaptotoxicity in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). Immunotherapy using anti-Abeta antibody is one of the most
      promising approaches for AD treatment. However, most clinical trials using
      conventional sequence-specific antibodies have proceeded with difficulty. This is
      probably due to the unintended removal of the non-pathological monomer and
      fibrils of Abeta as well as the pathological oligomers by these antibodies that
      recognize Abeta sequence, which is not involved in synaptotoxicity. Several
      efforts have been made recently to develop conformation-specific antibodies that
      target the tertiary structure of Abeta oligomers. Here, we review the recent
      findings of Abeta oligomers and anti-Abeta antibodies including our own, and
      discuss their potential as therapeutic and diagnostic tools. 

PMID- 25130730
TI  - Simultaneous measurement of nicotinamide and its catabolites, nicotinamide N
      oxide, N(1)-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide, and N(1)-methyl-4-pyridone-3
      carboxamide, in mice urine.
AB  - Nicotinamide N-oxide is a major nicotinamide catabolite in mice but not in humans
      and rats. A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous
      measurement of nicotinamide, nicotinamide N-oxide, N(1)-methyl-2-pyridone-5
      carboxamide, and N(1)-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide in mice urine was developed
      by modifying the mobile phase of a reported method for measurement of
      nicotinamide N-oxide. 

PMID- 25130731
TI  - cDNA cloning and characterization of vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidases from the
      red alga Laurencia nipponica.
AB  - The marine red alga genus Laurencia is one of the richest producers of unique
      brominated compounds in the marine environment. The cDNAs for two Laurencia
      nipponica vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidases (LnVBPO1 and LnVBPO2) were cloned
      and expressed in Escherichia coli. Enzyme assays of recombinant LnVBPO1 and
      LnVBPO2 using monochlorodimedone revealed that they were thermolabile but their
      Km values for Br(-) were significantly lower than other red algal VBPOs. The
      bromination reaction was also assessed using laurediol, the predicted natural
      precursor of the brominated ether laurencin. Laurediol, protected by
      trimethylsilyl at the enyne, was converted to deacetyllaurencin by the LnVBPOs,
      which was confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry. Native LnVBPO partially purified
      from algal bodies was active, suggesting that LnVBPO is functional in vivo. These
      results contributed to our knowledge of the biosynthesis of Laurencia brominated
      metabolites. 

PMID- 25130732
TI  - (2-Nitroethyl)benzene: a major flower scent from the Japanese loquat Eriobotrya
      japonica [Rosales: Rosaceae].
AB  - (2-Nitroethyl)benzene was identified as a major component of the flower scent of
      the Japanese loquat Eriobotrya japonica [Rosales: Rosaceae], together with p
      methoxybenzaldehyde and methyl p-methoxybenzoate. The corresponding volatiles
      from chopped leaves did not contain these three compounds. This is the first time
      that 1-nitro-2-phenyl-ethane has been demonstrated to be a natural product among
      Japanese plants, although two Japanese millipedes are known to possess the same
      aromatics. 

PMID- 25130733
TI  - Total synthesis of aurachins C, D, and L, and a structurally simplified analog of
      aurachin C.
AB  - The quinoline antibiotics aurachins C, D, and L, and a structurally simplified
      analog of aurachin C were synthesized from 1-(2-nitrophenyl)butane-1,3-dione via
      reductive cyclizations of delta-nitro ketone intermediates, with zinc or iron as
      key steps. The results of antimicrobial tests indicate that the N
      hydroxyquinolone nucleus mimics the electron carrier in the respiratory chain
      more strongly than the quinoline N-oxide nucleus. 

PMID- 25130734
TI  - Diversity in mRNA expression of the serine-type carboxypeptidase ocpG in
      Aspergillus oryzae through intron retention.
AB  - Alternative splicing is thought to be a means for diversification of products by
      mRNA modification. Although some intron retentions are predicted by transcriptome
      analysis in Aspergillus oryzae, its physiological significance remains unknown.
      We found that intron retention occurred occasionally in the serine-type
      carboxypeptidase gene, ocpG. Analysis under various culture conditions revealed
      that extracellular nitrogen conditions influence splicing patterns; this
      suggested that there might be a correlation between splicing efficiency and the
      necessity of OcpG activity for obtaining a nitrogen source. Since further
      analysis showed that splicing occurred independently in each intron, we
      constructed ocpG intron-exchanging strain by interchanging the positions of
      intron-1 and intron-2. The splicing pattern indicated the probability that ocpG
      intron retention was affected by the secondary structures of intronic mRNA. 

PMID- 25130736
TI  - A genomic search approach to identify carbonyl reductases in Gluconobacter
      oxydans for enantioselective reduction of ketones.
AB  - The versatile carbonyl reductases from Gluconobacter oxydans in the
      enantioselective reduction of ketones to the corresponding alcohols were
      exploited by genome search approach. All purified enzymes showed activities
      toward the tested ketoesters with different activities. In the reduction of 4
      phenyl-2-butanone with in situ NAD(P)H regeneration system, (S)-alcohol was
      obtained with an e.e. of up to 100% catalyzed by Gox0644. Under the same
      experimental condition, all enzymes catalyzed ethyl 4-chloroacetoacetate to give
      chiral products with an excellent e.e. of up to 99%, except Gox0644. Gox2036 had
      a strict requirement for NADH as the cofactor and showed excellent
      enantiospecificity in the synthesis of ethyl (R)-4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate. For
      the reduction of ethyl 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyrate, excellent e.e. (>99%) and high
      conversion (93.1%) were obtained by Gox0525, whereas the other enzymes showed
      relatively lower e.e. and conversions. Among them, Gox2036 and Gox0525 showed
      potentials in the synthesis of chiral alcohols as useful biocatalysts. 

PMID- 25130735
TI  - A genome-wide survey of homeodomain-leucine zipper genes and analysis of cold
      responsive HD-Zip I members' expression in tomato.
AB  - Homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) proteins are a kind of transcriptional
      factors that play a vital role in plant growth and development. However, no
      detailed information of HD-Zip family in tomato has been reported till now. In
      this study, 51 HD-Zip genes (SlHZ01-51) in this family were identified and
      categorized into 4 classes by exon-intron and protein structure in tomato
      (Solanum lycopersicum) genome. The synthetical phylogenetic tree of tomato,
      Arabidopsis and rice HD-Zip genes were established for an insight into their
      evolutionary relationships and putative functions. The results showed that the
      contribution of segmental duplication was larger than that of tandem duplication
      for expansion and evolution of genes in this family of tomato. The expression
      profile results under abiotic stress suggested that all SlHZ I genes were
      responsive to cold stress. This study will provide a clue for the further
      investigation of functional identification and the role of tomato HD-Zip I
      subfamily in plant cold stress responses and developmental events. 

PMID- 25130737
TI  - IkappaB kinase epsilon expression in adipocytes is upregulated by interaction
      with macrophages.
AB  - Macrophage infiltration in the adipose tissue, and the interaction with
      adipocytes, is well documented to be involved in fat inflammation and obesity
      associated complications. In this study, we isolated IkappaB kinase epsilon
      (IKKepsilon) as a key adipocyte factor that is potentially affected by
      interaction with macrophages in adipose tissue in vivo. We showed that IKKepsilon
      mRNA expression levels in white adipose tissue were increased in both genetic and
      diet-induced obese mouse. Furthermore, IKKepsilon mRNA expression was decreased
      by the administration of vitamin B6, an anti-inflammatory vitamin, and that
      IKKepsilon expression levels in adipose tissue were closely correlated with the
      numbers of infiltrating macrophages. In a co-culture system, we showed that
      IKKepsilon expression in adipocytes was upregulated by interaction with activated
      macrophages. This study provides novel insight into IKKepsilon, which is involved
      in adipose tissue inflammation during the development of obesity. 

PMID- 25130738
TI  - Down-regulated miR-15a mediates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal
      tubular epithelial cells promoted by high glucose.
AB  - High glucose (HG) has been reported to be associated with renal dysfunction. And
      one potential mechanism underlining the dysfunction is the epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells. Present study showed that EMT
      was induced in the HG-treated renal tubular epithelial cells by promoting the
      expression of mesenchymal phenotype molecules, such as alpha-SMA and collagen I,
      and down-regulating the expression of epithelial phenotype molecule E-cadherin.
      Moreover, we have identified the down-regulation of miR-15a which was accompanied
      with the HG-induced EMT. And the miR-15a overexpression inhibited the alpha-SMA,
      collagen I expression, and the promotion of E-cadherin expression by targeting
      and down-regulating AP4 which was also significantly promoted by the HG in the
      renal tubular epithelial cells. Thus, this study revealed that the weakening
      regulation on the AP4 expression by miR-15a might contribute to the HG-induced
      EMT in the renal tubular epithelial cells. 

PMID- 25130740
TI  - Glutathione contributes to the efflux of selenium from hepatoma cells.
AB  - Selenite is a selenium source for selenoprotein biosynthesis in mammalian cells.
      Although previous studies have suggested the involvement of glutathione (GSH)
      and/or thioredoxin reductase in selenite metabolism, intracellular selenite
      metabolism remains largely unknown. Here, we report that GSH depletion did not
      affect the amount of selenoprotein in Hepa 1-6 cells, suggesting that GSH does
      not play a central role in the reduction of selenite in selenoprotein
      biosynthesis. On the other hand, we found that GSH is involved in the efflux of
      low-molecular-weight selenium compounds from cells, presumably via the formation
      of selenodiglutathione. Moreover, selenite inhibited the efflux of a fluorescent
      bimane-GS conjugate that is mediated by ATP-dependent multidrug-resistant
      proteins, implying the existence of an active transporter for
      selenodiglutathione. This is the first report demonstrating that GSH plays a role
      in selenium excretion from cells by forming a GSH-conjugate, which may contribute
      to the distribution, detoxification, and homeostasis of selenium in the body. 

PMID- 25130741
TI  - Regio- and stereoselective oxygenation of proline derivatives by using microbial
      2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases.
AB  - We evaluated the substrate specificities of four proline cis-selective
      hydroxylases toward the efficient synthesis of proline derivatives. In an initial
      evaluation, 15 proline-related compounds were investigated as substrates. In
      addition to l-proline and l-pipecolinic acid, we found that 3,4-dehydro-l
      proline, l-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid, cis-3-hydroxy-l-proline, and l
      thioproline were also oxygenated. Subsequently, the product structures were
      determined, revealing cis-3,4-epoxy-l-proline, cis-3-hydroxy-l-azetidine-2
      carboxylic acid, and 2,3-cis-3,4-cis-3,4-dihydroxy-l-proline. 

PMID- 25130739
TI  - Bisphenol A exerts estrogenic effects by modulating CDK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase
      activity.
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered to be an endocrine disruptor, but the mechanisms
      by which it disrupts endocrine functions are poorly understood. Here, we have
      shown that BPA binds both estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha and ER-beta (ER-beta)
      using a fluorescence polarization competitive binding assay. In addition, we
      found that BPA induced cell proliferation by modulating cell cycle-related genes
      in the MCF-7 human mammary cancer cell line. Moreover, using a BG1 luciferase ER
      transactivation assay, we found that BPA has estrogenic activity. Modulating the
      MAPK pathway by using an ERK inhibitor (PD98059) or a JNK inhibitor (SP600125)
      had no effect on the ability of BPA to induce estrogenic activity. However, the
      antiestrogen, ICI 182,780, and the p38 inhibitor, PD 169316 successfully blocked
      BPA-induced estrogenic activity. Our findings suggest that BPA mimics ER
      dependent estrogenic activity by targeting proteins that regulate the cell cycle
      and p38 MAPK. 

PMID- 25130742
TI  - Ethanol stress impairs protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum and activates
      Ire1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Impaired protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) evokes the unfolded
      protein response (UPR), which is triggered in budding yeast, Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae, by the ER-located transmembrane protein Ire1. Here, we report that
      ethanol stress damages protein folding in the ER, causing activation of Ire1 in
      yeast cells. The UPR likely contributes to the ethanol tolerance of yeast cells. 

PMID- 25130743
TI  - Anti-diabetic properties of Daphniphyllum macropodum fruit and its active
      compound.
AB  - We evaluated in vitro anti-diabetic activities of 497 native plants of Jeju
      Island (South Korea) by measuring the induction of adipocyte differentiation.
      Among the plants, Daphniphyllum macropodum fruit extract (DME) had the highest
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonist activity and
      was therefore selected as a potential source of anti-diabetic agents. To
      elucidate the active components of DME, constituent compounds were purified and
      their effects on the adipocyte differentiation were studied. Using activity
      guided fractionation, four compounds were isolated from DME and their adipogenic
      effects were evaluated. Among the compounds isolated, 5,7-dihydroxychromone
      potently induced the differentiation of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. DME and 5,7
      dihydroxychromone increased PPARgamma and liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha) mRNA
      expression levels. To determine whether the adipogenic effects we observed might
      affect serum glucose levels, we undertook in vivo experiment using streptozotocin
      /high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes mouse model. DME supplementation reduced
      serum glucose, total cholesterol, and triacylglycerol levels in diabetes mice.
      These results suggest that DME may be useful for the prevention and treatment of
      type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, it was proposed that 5,7-dihydroxychromone
      isolated from DME is one of the active compounds that may contribute to regulate
      blood glucose levels. 

PMID- 25130744
TI  - Unripe Rubus coreanus Miquel suppresses migration and invasion of human prostate
      cancer cells by reducing matrix metalloproteinase expression.
AB  - Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM) is used to promote prostate health and has been shown
      to have anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic activities. However, the effects and
      mechanisms of RCM on prostate cancer metastasis remain unclear. PC-3 and DU 145
      cells were treated with ethanol or water extract of unripe or ripe RCM and
      examined for cell invasion, migration, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
      activity and expression. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt activities were
      examined. Unripe RCM extracts exerted significant inhibitory effects on cell
      migration, invasion, and MMPs activities. A significant reduction in MMPs
      activities by unripe RCM ethanol extract treatment (UE) was associated with
      reduction of MMPs expression and induction of tissue inhibitors of
      metalloproteinases (TIMPs) expression. Furthermore, PI3K/Akt activity was
      diminished by UE treatment. In this study, we demonstrated that UE decreased
      metastatic potential of prostate cancer cells by reducing MMPs expression through
      the suppression of PI3K/Akt phosphorylation, thereby decreasing MMP activity and
      enhancing TIMPs expression. 

PMID- 25130745
TI  - Effects of drying conditions on moisture distribution in rehydrated spaghetti.
AB  - Moisture distributions in spaghettis prepared at a maximum temperature of 50, 70,
      or 85  degrees C, designated as LT-, HT-, or VHT-spaghetti, respectively, and
      cooked to the average moisture content of 1.71 +/- 0.01 kg-H2O/kg-d.m., were
      measured. The moisture contents near the surface and at the center of the LT
      spaghetti were lower and higher, respectively, than those of HT- and VHT
      spaghetti. 

PMID- 25130747
TI  - Diallyl trisulfide induces apoptosis in Jurkat cells by the modification of
      cysteine residues in thioredoxin.
AB  - We reported the regulation of protein function by oxidative modification of the
      specific cysteine residue(s) by diallyl trisulfide (DATS). In this study, we
      examined if DATS modifies the cysteine residue of thioredoxin (Trx) by urea
      polyacryl amide gel electrophoresis. DATS modified two specific cysteine residues
      in Trx and this oxidative modification of cysteine residues would be sole
      causative of the apoptosis induced by DATS in leukemic cells. 

PMID- 25130748
TI  - Optimization of culture conditions of Fusarium solani for the production of neoN
      methylsansalvamide.
AB  - The aim of this study was to optimize the culture conditions of Fusarium solani
      KCCM90040 on cereal grain for the production of neoN-methylsansalvamide, a novel
      low-molecular-weight cyclic pentadepsipeptide exhibiting cytotoxic and multidrug
      resistance reversal effects. From the analysis of variance results using response
      surface methodology, temperature, initial moisture content, and growth time were
      shown to be important parameters for the production of neoN-methylsansalvamide on
      cereal grain. A model was established in the present study to describe the
      relationship between environmental conditions and the production of neoN
      methylsansalvamide on rice, the selected cereal grain. The optimal culture
      conditions were determined at 25.79  degrees C with the initial moisture content
      of 40.79%, and 16.19 days of growth time. This report will give important
      information concerning the optimization of environmental conditions using
      statistic methodology for the production of a new cyclic pentadepsipeptide from
      fungi. 

PMID- 25130746
TI  - Identification of molecular target of diallyl trisulfide in leukemic cells.
AB  - To identify the molecular target of diallyl trisulfide (DATS) in human leukemic
      cell line U937, we examined modification of thiol group(s) of cellular proteins
      by the redox 2D PAGE. A unique protein spot appeared by DATS treatment was
      identified to be heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). Hsp27 is suggested to be one of
      the molecular target of DATS in U937. 

PMID- 25130749
TI  - A cell wall protein (YqgA) is genetically related to the cell wall-degrading dl
      endopeptidases in Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - The Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis has a thick cell wall. The cell
      wall contains various proteins, both for secretion and for peptidoglycan (PG)
      maintenance. Penicillin-binding proteins for PG synthesis, PG hydrolases
      (autolysins), and regulator proteins for the autolysins are the known components
      of the PG maintenance system. YqgA was identified as an abundant protein attached
      to the cell wall of B. subtilis through a proteomics analysis. The YqgA protein
      was localized at cell division sites during the transition period between the
      exponential and the stationary phases. YqgA localization was affected by
      mutations in the dl-endopeptidases (DLEPases), which are the autolysins involved
      in cell morphogenesis. Furthermore, yqgA mutations on a background of defective
      DLEPases led to delays in cell growth and cell morphological changes. These
      results demonstrate that yqgA is genetically related to the genes encoding
      DLEPases involved in cell morphogenesis. 

PMID- 25130750
TI  - Comparison of hydrophilic variation and bioethanol production of furfural
      residues after delignification pretreatment.
AB  - Furfural residue (FR) is a waste lignocellulosic material with enormous potential
      for bioethanol production. In this study, bioethanol production from FR after
      delignification was compared. Hydrophilic variation was measured by
      conductometric titration to detect the relationship between hydrophilicity and
      bioethanol production. It was found that ethanol yield increased as
      delignification enhanced, and it reached up to 75.6% of theoretical yield for
      samples with 8.7% lignin. The amount of by-products decreased as delignification
      increased. New inflection points appeared in conductometric titration curves of
      samples that were partially delignified, but they vanished in the curves of the
      highly delignified samples. Total charges and carboxyl levels increased after
      slight delignification, and they decreased upon further delignification. These
      phenomena suggested some new hydrophilic groups were formed during pretreated
      delignification, which would be beneficial to enzymatic hydrolysis. However, some
      newly formed groups may act as toxicant to the yeast during simultaneous
      saccharification and fermentation. 

PMID- 25130751
TI  - Evaluation of bifidobacterial adhesion to acidic sugar chains of porcine colonic
      mucins.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the adhesion of Bifidobacterium strains to
      acidic carbohydrate moieties of porcine colonic mucin. Mucins were extracted and
      purified via gel filtration chromatography followed by density-gradient
      ultracentrifugation. The presence of sulfated and sialylated carbohydrates in
      mucins was shown by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using PGM34 and HMC31
      monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), respectively. Adhesion of Bifidobacterium strains
      to mucin preparations was markedly affected by the degree of purification. In
      eight of 22 strains, we observed increased adhesion to mucin preparations
      purified by ultracentrifugation. Moreover, in some of these eight strains,
      adhesion to mucin was reduced by pretreatment with sulfatase and/or sialidase,
      and competitively inhibited by pretreatment with PGM34 and/or HCM31 mAbs. Our
      results showed that some Bifidobacterium strains adhered to sulfo- and/or
      sialomucin and were able to recognize carbohydrate structures of the mAbs
      epitopes. 

PMID- 25130752
TI  - Antioxidant activities of cysteine derivatives against lipid oxidation in
      anhydrous media.
AB  - This study investigated antioxidant activities of cysteine derivatives of amino
      and carboxylic acid moieties against lipid oxidation in anhydrous acetonitrile.
      Only cysteine derivatives bearing free amino or carboxylate ion were found to
      exert potent antioxidant activities. Sequential proton loss and electron transfer
      like proton shift and subsequent electron transfer (PS-ET) mechanism may
      facilitate the antioxidant activities of cysteine derivatives against lipid
      oxidation in anhydrous media. 

PMID- 25130753
TI  - Pattern of visuospatial lateralization in two corvid species, black-billed
      magpies and Clark's nutcrackers.
AB  - Cerebral lateralization is widespread amongst vertebrate species suggesting
      advantages are gained by having one of the brain's hemispheres exert dominant
      control over certain cognitive functions. A recently devised task for assessing
      lateralization of visuospatial attention by birds (Diekamp et al., 2005) has
      allowed researchers to suggest the corpus callosum may not be necessary for the
      emergence of such asymmetries. More recently, this task has been adopted to
      examine the embryonic development of lateralization in birds, research which may
      provide important insights as to the underlying genetic mechanisms (Chiandetti,
      2011; Chiandetti et al., 2013) of vertebrate cerebral lateralization. However, to
      date only chicks and pigeons have been used in this paradigm. Thus, it is unclear
      whether other avian species will also show lateralization of visuospatial
      attention during this task. Here, we examined the pattern of visuospatial
      lateralization in two corvid species: social black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia)
      and non-social Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana). We find that neither
      the magpies nor the nutcrackers show evidence for population level lateralization
      or predictable individual level lateralization, as only a subset of individuals
      of each species showed a significant individual bias, which were rarely stable
      over repeated testing. 

PMID- 25130754
TI  - Influence of temperament score and handling facility on stress, reproductive
      hormone concentrations, and fixed time AI pregnancy rates in beef heifers.
AB  - The objectives were (i) to evaluate the effect of temperament, determined by
      modified 2-point chute exit and gait score, on artificial insemination (AI)
      pregnancy rates in beef heifers following fixed time AI and (ii) to determine the
      effect of temperament on cortisol, substance-P, prolactin and progesterone at
      initiation of synchronization and at the time of AI. Angus beef heifers (n = 967)
      at eight locations were included in this study. At the initiation of
      synchronization (Day 0 = initiation of synchronization), all heifers received a
      body condition score (BCS), and temperament score (0 = calm; slow exit and walk
      or 1 = excitable; fast exit or jump or trot or run). Blood samples were collected
      from a sub-population of heifers (n = 86) at both synchronization initiation and
      the time of AI to determine the differences in serum progesterone, cortisol,
      prolactin and substance-P concentrations between temperament groups. Heifers were
      synchronized with 5-day CO-Synch+ controlled internal drug release (CIDR)
      protocol and were inseminated at 56 h after CIDR removal. Heifers were examined
      for pregnancy by ultrasound 70 days after AI to determine AI pregnancy.
      Controlling for synchronization treatment (p = 0.03), facility design (p = 0.05),
      and cattle handling facility design by temperament score interaction (p = 0.02),
      the AI pregnancy differed between heifers with excitable and calm temperament
      (51.9% vs 60.3%; p = 0.01). The alley-way with acute bends and turns, and long
      straight alley-way had lower AI pregnancy rate than did the semicircular alley
      way (53.5%, 56.3% and 67.0% respectively; p = 0.05). The serum hormone
      concentrations differed significantly between different types of cattle handling
      facility (p < 0.05). The cattle handling facility design by temperament group
      interactions significantly influenced progesterone (p = 0.01), cortisol (p =
      0.01), prolactin (p = 0.02) and substance-P (p = 0.04) both at the initiation of
      synchronization and at the time of AI. Inter- and intra-rater agreement for
      temperament scoring were moderate and good (Kappa = 0.596 +/- 0.07 and 0.797 +/-
      0.11) respectively. The predictive value for calm and pregnant to AI was 0.87,
      and excited and non-pregnant to AI was 0.76. In conclusion, the modified 2-point
      temperament scoring method can be used to identify heifers with excitable
      temperament. Heifers with excitable temperament had lower AI pregnancy. Further,
      cattle handling facility design influenced the temperament and AI pregnancy. 

PMID- 25130755
TI  - Cranial nerve VI palsy as an initial presentation of necrotizing sarcoid
      granulomatosis in a 14-year-old female: case report and literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We describe a case of pediatric necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis
      (NSG) presenting with right cranial nerve VI palsy and multiple lung nodules,
      successfully treated with corticosteroids. METHODS: This is a descriptive case
      report of one patient with review of the literature. RESULTS: A 14-year-old
      Caucasian female presented with complaints of pain on inspiration and dyspnea on
      exertion, as well as diplopia that was worse with right gaze. The patient
      presented to our emergency department with persistent diplopia and was found to
      have stable right cranial nerve VI palsy. CTA showed multiple pulmonary nodules.
      Despite continued extensive multispecialty work-up, the patient's cranial nerve
      VI palsy had not resolved, thus tissue confirmation via lung biopsy was
      performed. Pathologic diagnosis revealed necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis. The
      patient was subsequently started on intravenous corticosteroids, which led to the
      rapid resolution of her presenting symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Necrotizing sarcoid
      granulomatosis is a multisystem organ disease that is rare in children. Pathology
      commonly reveals epithelioid noncaseating granuloma and granulomatous vasculitis
      with necrosis. We report an unusual presentation involving sixth nerve palsy in a
      14-year-old girl. Diagnosis was determined and confirmed by histopathology of a
      pulmonary nodule biopsy. This is the first case to our knowledge of NSG
      presenting with cranial nerve palsy in a pediatric patient.

PMID- 25130756
TI  - Do hospitalists overuse proton pump inhibitors? Data from a contemporary cohort.

PMID- 25130757
TI  - Evidence for multiple paternity in the school shark Galeorhinus galeus found in
      New Zealand waters.
AB  - This study assessed the levels of relatedness of Galeorhinus galeus of progeny
      arrays using six microsatellite DNA markers. A parentage analysis from five
      families (mother and litter) from the North Island of New Zealand suggested the
      occurrence of genetic polyandry in G. galeus with two of the five litters showing
      multiple sires involved in the progeny arrays. This finding may be consistent
      with the reproductive characteristics of G. galeus, in which females can
      potentially store sperm for long periods of time after the mating season. 

PMID- 25130758
TI  - Metal deposition at the liquid-liquid interface.
AB  - Metal nanoparticles are readily formed, with a reasonable degree of size and
      shape control, using solution-based reduction methods under ambient conditions.
      Despite the large number of reports in this field, much of our knowledge of
      nanoparticle growth is largely empirical, with the relationship between particle
      form and growth conditions, for example, still not well understood. Many
      nanoparticle preparation routes actually depend on not one, but two, solution
      phases, i.e. the syntheses involve reaction or transfer at the liquid-liquid
      (organic-water) interface. This interface can be polarised electrochemically, an
      approach that offers promise as a route to better understanding, and ultimately
      control, of nanoparticle growth. 

PMID- 25130759
TI  - An Evaluation of Laboratory Efficiency in Shanghai Emergency by Turn Around Times
      Level.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: China launched a health care reform policy due to the aging population
      and rapid urbanization. However, emergency overcrowding is not improved. We
      assessed the laboratory efficiency of emergency department (ED) in Shanghai
      hospitals. METHODS: We recorded the turn around times for processing laboratory
      biomarkers to assess laboratory efficiency at 17 EDs in national/regional
      hospitals. We compared TAT between national and regional hospitals and between
      central and ED laboratories to analyze the relationship between the laboratory
      efficiency and the ED overcrowding. RESULTS: All the participating hospitals have
      an emergency laboratory. The median TAT for c-TNT was 61 min (46-76 min) at
      regional EDs compared with 64 min (46-87 min) at national EDs; therefore, the TAT
      at regional EDs were more efficient (P < 0.05). The TAT were longer (65 min (53
      85 min)) at ED labs than (60 min (42-83 min)) at central labs (P < 0.05),
      independent of the hospital tier and working period. We discovered that only 9%
      of investigated samples at Tier II EDs and 5% at Tier III EDs were assayed by
      point-of-care (POC) instruments. CONCLUSION: Our TAT level is approaching the
      recommended international standard. However, the TAT evaluation from ED
      laboratories demonstrates that their existence does not decrease the waiting time
      for laboratory reports compared to central laboratory. Thus, they have not yet
      approached a level to share the burden of the ED overcrowding. Further
      arrangement should be assigned to separate the function of emergency laboratory
      and central laboratory. It is worth deploying the POC assay in the ED, which will
      save twice the TAT level. The idea of evaluating routine laboratory efficiency by
      TAT at ED is fast, convenient, although it does not represent the general level
      of laboratory efficiency.

PMID- 25130760
TI  - Sleep duration, sleep quality, and obesity risk among older adults from six
      middle-income countries: findings from the study on global AGEing and adult
      health (SAGE).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Changes in sleep patterns often occur in older adults. Previous
      studies have documented associations between sleep duration, sleep quality, and
      obesity risk in older individuals, yet few studies have examined these trends in
      lower-income countries. The present cross-sectional study uses nationally
      representative datasets from six countries to examine these relationships.
      METHODS: Two hypotheses related to obesity risk and sleep patterns were tested
      using data from the first wave of the World Health Organization's Study on global
      AGEing and adult health (SAGE). This longitudinal study draws on samples of older
      adults (>50 years old) in six middle-income countries (China, Ghana, India,
      Mexico, Russian Federation, and South Africa). Self-report data were used to
      measure sleep duration, sleep quality, lifestyle and sociodemographic
      information, while anthropometric measurements were collected to assess body mass
      index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Multiple linear regressions were used
      to examine the relationship between sleep patterns and obesity risk while
      controlling for lifestyle factors. RESULTS: Shorter sleep durations in both men
      and women were significantly associated with higher BMI and WC measures (P <
      0.05). Low sleep quality did not significantly contribute to increased obesity
      risk. Surprisingly, high sleep quality was significantly associated with
      increased male BMI and WC in China and India (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      documented an association between short sleep duration and increased obesity
      risk, which is important given the global increase of obesity-related diseases.

PMID- 25130761
TI  - Flexor tendons repair: effect of core sutures caliber with increased number of
      suture strands and peripheral sutures. A sheep model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgeons have aimed to achieve strong repair so as to begin early
      active rehabilitation programs for flexor tendon injury. Multi-strand suture
      techniques were developed to gain improved gap resistance and ultimate force
      compared with the respective two-strand techniques. In vivo studies indicate that
      multiple strands may cause ischemia during the intrinsic healing process by
      decreasing the total cross-sectional area of the injured site, unless the total
      cross-sectional area of the sutures is not decreased. HYPOTHESIS: The hypothesis
      was to design an in vitro study to understand the biomechanical relationship
      between suture calibers of core sutures with increased number of suture strands
      and peripheral suture on final repair strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty
      fresh sheep forelimb flexor digitorum profundus tendons were randomly placed into
      three groups (A, B, and C), each containing 20 specimens, for tendon repair. Two
      , four-, and eight-strand suture techniques were respectively used in Groups A,
      B, and C. A simple running peripheral suture technique was used in Subgroups A2,
      B2, and C2. For each repaired tendon, the 2-mm gap-formation force, 2-mm gap
      formation strength, maximum breaking force and maximum breaking strength were
      determined. RESULTS: Differences in 2-mm gap-formation force and 2-mm gap
      formation strength were found between Subgroups A1 and A2, B1 and B2, and C1 and
      C2. Between Groups A and B, A and C, and B and C, there was no difference as
      well. CONCLUSION: Both the number of strands and the ratio between the total
      suture volume and tendon volume at the repair site are important for ideal
      repair. If the total cross-sectional area of the sutures is equal in 2-strand, 4
      strand, and 8-strand procedure, there is no difference in the strength of the
      repair. A decrease in caliber size suture requires more passes to achieve the
      same strength. Instead, it is much better to use peripheral suture techniques to
      improve the strength of the repair with larger diameter 2-strand core sutures.

PMID- 25130762
TI  - Stemmed hemiarthroplasty versus resurfacing in primary shoulder osteoarthritis: a
      single-center retrospective series of 78 patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Resurfacing shoulder arthroplasty is proposed in primary
      osteoarthritis of the shoulder. The present study compared resurfacing versus 3rd
      generation stemmed hemiarthroplasty in terms of survival, functional results and
      implant positioning effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy eight patients
      underwent arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder: 41 by
      resurfacing and 37 by stemmed hemiarthroplasty. The two populations were
      comparable on all baseline variables. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. The
      principal assessment criterion was survivorship with surgical revision as end
      point. Secondary criteria were functional results on Constant, quick-DASH, Neer
      and SSV scores, and implant positioning effects assessed on radiology. RESULTS:
      At a mean 44 months' follow-up (range, 24-118 months), there were no significant
      differences in functional scores. Radiologic analysis found greater varus
      positioning and lateral offset of the humeral head in resurfacing compared with
      stemmed hemiarthroplasty (128 degrees  vs 138 degrees , P<0.01; 6.5 +/- 2 vs 4.6
      +/- 1.6mm, P<0.01). Survivorship without revision was significantly poorer in
      resurfacing, with 4 revision procedures for glenoid wear (9.8%), versus none in
      hemiarthroplasty (P=0.02). There was no correlation between humeral head size,
      positioning or lateral offset and revision. CONCLUSION: Revision-free survival
      was significantly lower in resurfacing than in hemiarthroplasty. Greater humeral
      head size may increase lateral offset, accelerating glenoid wear. Down-sizing the
      humeral head in resurfacing procedures might limit these complications. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level III; case-control study.

PMID- 25130763
TI  - Does Biolox Delta ceramic reduce the rate of component fractures in total hip
      replacement?
AB  - Biolox Delta ceramic has been optimized with nano-sized, yttria-stabilized
      tetragonal zirconium and strontium oxide to help limit cracking propagation.
      Although its mechanical properties are better than those of earlier generation
      ceramics, existing data on this material are limited, thus the goals of this
      study were to determine: 1) the remaining rate of implant fracture; 2) the ideal
      combination of head diameter and component position. Hypothesis. We hypothesized
      that the use of the ceramic composite Biolox Delta had reduced the risk of
      implant fracture. Materials and methods. The bibliographic search (in Pubmed
      database with the key words "ceramic fracture" and "total hip prosthesis ")
      identified 46 articles on fractures in third or fourth generation ceramic
      components, including 5 involving Biolox Delta. Manufacturer's data and ANSM
      (Agence nationale de securite du medicament et des produits de sante) (National
      Agency for Safety of Drugs and Medical Products) reports were compared with the
      few clinical cases published in the literature. Results. According to the
      manufacturer (CeramTec GmbH, Plochingen, Germany), the use of Biolox Delta
      ceramic has reduced the rate of femoral head fractures to 0.003% compared to
      0.021% with alumina ceramic. The fracture rate of liners has remained stable, at
      approximately 0.03%. The number of ANSM reports confirmed these tendencies. The
      rate of head component fractures decreases as the head diameter increases. The
      quality of impaction on the morse taper (cleanliness of the taper, insertion
      along the axis) plays an important role. Although it is generally only available
      for cup sizes above 50mm, a 36-mm head diameter seems to be optimal because it
      prevents impingement between the cup rim and the neck of the stem, without
      increasing micro-separation with larger diameters. Conclusion. Although Biolox
      Delta ceramic is more resistant to fractures than alumina ceramic, it can be
      fractured under suboptimal implantation conditions including edge loading. Its
      use requires the same precautions as other hard-on-hard bearings and requires
      special attention to cup position, insertion on or in morse tapers and adjustment
      of leg length. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V expert's opinion.

PMID- 25130764
TI  - Estimating premium sensitivity for children's public health insurance coverage:
      selection but no death spiral.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of premium increases on the probability that
      near-poor and moderate-income children disenroll from public coverage. DATA
      SOURCES: Enrollment, eligibility, and claims data for Georgia's PeachCare for
      Kids(TM) (CHIP) program for multiple years. STUDY DESIGN: We exploited policy
      induced variation in premiums generated by cross-sectional differences and
      changes over time in enrollee age, family size, and income to estimate the
      duration of enrollment as a function of the effective (per child) premium. We
      classify children as being of low, medium, or high illness severity. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: A dollar increase in the per-child premium is associated with a slight
      increase in a typical child's monthly probability of exiting coverage from 7.70
      to 7.83 percent. Children with low illness severity have a significantly higher
      monthly baseline probability of exiting than children with medium or high illness
      severity, but the enrollment response to premium increases is similar across all
      three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Success in achieving coverage gains through public
      programs is tempered by persistent problems in maintaining enrollment, which is
      modestly affected by premium increases. Retention is subject to adverse selection
      problems, but premium increases do not appear to significantly magnify the
      selection problem in this case.

PMID- 25130765
TI  - Multidimensional analysis of nanoparticles with highly disperse properties using
      multiwavelength analytical ultracentrifugation.
AB  - The worldwide trend in nanoparticle technology toward increasing complexity must
      be directly linked to more advanced characterization methods of size, shape and
      related properties, applicable to many different particle systems in science and
      technology. Available techniques for nanoparticle characterization are
      predominantly focused on size characterization. However, simultaneous size and
      shape characterization is still an unresolved major challenge. We demonstrate
      that analytical ultracentrifugation with a multiwavelength detector is a powerful
      technique to address multidimensional nanoparticle analysis. Using a high
      performance optical setup and data acquisition software, information on size,
      shape anisotropy and optical properties were accessible in one single experiment
      with unmatched accuracy and resolution. A dynamic rotor speed gradient allowed us
      to investigate broad distributions on a short time scale and differentiate
      between gold nanorod species including the precise evaluation of aggregate
      formation. We report how to distinguish between different species of single-wall
      carbon nanotubes in just one experiment using the wavelength-dependent
      sedimentation coefficient distribution without the necessity of time-consuming
      purification methods. Furthermore, CdTe nanoparticles of different size and
      optical properties were investigated in a single experiment providing important
      information on structure-property relations. Thus, multidimensional information
      on size, density, shape and optical properties of nanoparticulate systems becomes
      accessible by means of analytical ultracentrifugation equipped with
      multiwavelength detection. 

PMID- 25130766
TI  - Addressing the shortage of health professionals in South Africa through the
      development of a new cadre of health worker: the creation of Clinical Associates.
AB  - South Africa made a decision in 2002 to develop so-called mid-level medical
      workers, now known as clinical associates. This article describes the background
      to this decision, and the national process of developing the profession and its
      scope of practice, which was aligned with the needs of the health service,
      particularly those of rural district hospitals. A common national curriculum was
      then developed, with implementation in three faculties. The first graduates have
      entered the profession, starting in 2011, and are in the process of establishing
      themselves across the country. They are already making an important contribution
      to rural health care, and are seeking ways in which the profession can be
      enhanced to ensure sustainability. The profession needs to adapt itself to the
      changing realities of the South African context. 

PMID- 25130767
TI  - Sudden death in a 15-year-old with diffuse cardiac rhabdomyomatosis: an autopsy
      case report.
AB  - A 15-year-old African-American female with a 4-month history of sporadic rapid
      heartbeat and fatigue was found pulseless and apneic in her residence. At
      autopsy, patchy scarring was diffuse throughout the circumference of the left
      ventricle of the heart. Microscopically, the myocardium had diffuse infiltration
      of rhabdomyoma-like cells with significant associated fibrosis. Unlike cardiac
      rhabdomyoma, there was no discrete tumor mass. Differential diagnoses considered
      were congenital cardiac rhabdomyoma with partial regression, cardiac fibroma,
      histiocytoid cardiomyopathy, glycogen storage diseases, and drug-induced vacuolar
      cardiomyopathy. However, the findings are most consistent with cardiac
      rhabdomyomatosis, an entity not well described in the literature. 

PMID- 25130769
TI  - Relations between virtues and positive mental health in a Korean population: a
      Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model approach.
AB  - A Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) approach was applied to investigate
      the relationship between virtues and positive mental health as determined using
      the Character Strength Test and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. The study
      participants were 876 college students (54% women; overall mean age [SD] 21.50
      years [2.35]) recruited from introductory psychology courses at two universities
      in Seoul. Findings revealed that the intellectual virtues of college students
      predicted subjective well-being according to all emotional, social and
      psychological measures. Results are discussed in the context of previous work
      using the Values in Action classification of virtues and character strengths. In
      addition, implications regarding understanding the nature and possible origins of
      positive mental health are outlined. 

PMID- 25130768
TI  - Comparative study of temporary effect on the water content at different depths of
      the skin by hot and cold moisturizing formulations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Researchers have studied the water content at different skin depths.
      Since skin differs among tissue depth, we sought to determine the depth
      variability of the water content after moisturizing formulation application.
      Furthermore, we compared the effects of formulations with different type of
      manufacturing processes (hot and cold process). METHODS: To characterize the
      variations in the water content at different depths in the skin, measurements
      were done on the center of the inner forearm middle line of 18 sitting healthy
      women, before and after 1, 3, and 5 h of the application of two different
      moisturizing formulations (hot and cold process). Measurements included stratum
      corneum hydration via capacitance (SC) at 1.25 MHz (30-40 MUm), and dermal water
      via tissue dielectric constant (TDC) at 300 MHz to depths of 500, 1500, and 2500
      MUm. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the SC mean values at
      all evaluated time intervals after application of both formulations when compared
      to baseline before application (T0). The SC mean values at 1 and 3 h are higher
      than those of the 5 h post application for both formulations. When comparing the
      formulations, hot formulation shows higher SC levels at 3 and 5 h, than cold
      formulation. TDC mean values to skin depths of 500 and 1500 MUm increased after
      the application for both formulations. This increase was statistically
      significant at 1 and 3 h, when compared with T0. At 5 h no increases were seen in
      the TDC for any of the formulations. When comparing the mean values of each time
      evaluated, there is no statistically significant difference between the two
      formulations at depth of neither 500 MUm nor 1500 MUm. TDC mean value to a depth
      of 2500 MUm does not increase after the application of any of the formulations.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hot and cold formulations are effective moisturizers; however, a
      distinct profile was obtained for each. When water content averages were
      compared, the effect of hot formulation in the superficial layers of the skin was
      greater and longer in time than those of the cold formulation. On the other hand,
      moisturizing formulations applied to the skin affected the dermis water content
      until depth of 1500 MUm.

PMID- 25130770
TI  - Heparin co-factor II enhances cell motility and promotes metastasis in non-small
      cell lung cancer.
AB  - Using the Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) database from the Cancer
      Genome Anatomy Project, we identified heparin co-factor II (HCII), which is over
      expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we investigated the
      clinical significance of HCII and provided molecular evidence to support the
      suggestion that HCII could enhance cancer metastasis in NSCLC. We found that high
      HCII expression in tumour tissue was associated with increased cancer recurrence
      and shorter overall survival times in 75 clinically operable NSCLC patients. High
      pretreatment plasma concentration of HCII was associated with reduced overall
      survival in 57 consecutive NSCLC patients. We over-expressed and knocked down
      HCII expression in lung cancer cell lines and confirmed that HCII could promote
      cell motility, invasion ability and filopodium dynamics in NSCLC cells in vitro
      and increased metastatic colonization in an in vivo mouse model. Exogenous
      treatment of HCII promoted cancer cell migration, and this promigratory effect of
      HCII was independent of thrombin. We further showed that HCII could up-regulate
      cancer cell migration through the activation of PI3K, which acts upstream of Rac1
      and Cdc42, and this effect could be blocked by heparin. We suggest that HCII is a
      novel metastasis enhancer and may be used as a prognostic predictor for heparin
      treatment in NSCLC.

PMID- 25130772
TI  - The crystallization water of gypsum rocks is a relevant water source for plants.
AB  - Some minerals, like gypsum, hold water in their crystalline structure. Although
      still unexplored, the use of such crystallization water by organisms would point
      to a completely new water source for life, critical under dry conditions. Here we
      use the fact that the isotopic composition of free water differs from gypsum
      crystallization water to show that plants can use crystallization water from the
      gypsum structure. The composition of the xylem sap of gypsum plants during summer
      shows closer values to gypsum crystallization water than to free soil water.
      Crystallization water represents a significant water source for organisms growing
      on gypsum, especially during summer, when it accounts for 70-90% of the water
      used by shallow-rooted plants. Given the widespread occurrence of gypsum in dry
      lands throughout the Earth and in Mars, these results may have important
      implications for arid land reclamation and exobiology. 

PMID- 25130771
TI  - Development and application of molecular methods (PCR) for detection of Tasmanian
      Atlantic salmon reovirus.
AB  - Molecular (PCR) diagnostic tests for the detection and identification of
      aquareovirus in general, and Tasmanian Atlantic salmon reovirus (TSRV)
      specifically, were developed, and their diagnostic sensitivity and specificity
      were determined and compared with virus isolation in cell culture.
      Intralaboratory and interlaboratory comparison of PCR (conventional hemi-nested
      RT-PCR & RT-qPCR) and virus isolation in cell culture using finfish cell lines,
      CHSE-214 and EPC, was carried out for the detection and identification of TSRV
      using field samples of farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, L. from various
      aquaculture sites around Tasmania. The interlaboratory comparison of diagnostic
      methods was carried out between two laboratories, AAHL-CSIRO and DPIPWE-Tasmania.
      A total of 144 fish from nine sites (12-33 fish per site) were sampled from two
      regions of Tasmania (Tamar River estuary in the north and Huon River estuary in
      the south-east) during late spring to early summer of 2009, and the data were
      analysed using different statistical approaches. The prevalence of TSRV ranged
      from 6% to 22% in both regions. All the diagnostic methods (data from both
      laboratories) had high specificity, while the estimated sensitivity varied
      between tests with RT-qPCR being the most sensitive (95.2%) method followed by
      virus isolation and then conventional hemi-nested RT-PCR. 

PMID- 25130773
TI  - Effects of three hydrogen-rich liquids on hemorrhagic shock in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydrogen-rich saline provides a high concentration of hydrogen, which
      selectively reduces levels of hydroxyl radicals and alleviates acute oxidative
      stress in many models. We investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of
      three different hydrogen-rich liquid resuscitation preparations on lung injury
      induced uncontrolled-hemorrhagic shock (UHS) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      UHS rat model was prepared using the method of Capone et al. of arterial bleeding
      and tail amputation. Healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven
      groups (10 per group) to receive: sham treatment; Ringer solution; hydrogen-rich
      Ringer solution (H-Ringer solution); hydroxyethyl starch (HES); hydrogen-rich
      hydroxyethyl starch (H-HES); hypertonic saline/hydroxyethyl starch (HSH); and
      hydrogen-rich hypertonic saline/hydroxyethyl starch (H-HSH). At 72 h after
      successful resuscitation, lung tissue was Hematoxylin Eosin stained to score any
      pathologic changes. We also determined wet-to-dry (W/D) lung weight ratios and
      lung tissue concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)
      alpha, IL-10, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
      myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities. RESULTS: Compared with the non-H groups,
      polymorphonuclear neutrophil accumulation in alveoli in the H groups was
      significantly reduced (P value), and capillary leakage and wall edema were
      ameliorated. Compared with the sham group, pathologic pulmonary injury scores,
      W/D ratios, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-10, MDA concentrations, and MPO activity in the
      other groups were all increased, whereas SOD activity was decreased (P < 0.01).
      Comparing the H-Ringer, H-HES, and H-HSH groups respectively with the Ringer,
      HES, and HSH groups, pathologic pulmonary injury scores, W/D ratios, IL-6, TNF
      alpha, MDA concentrations, and MPO activity were all reduced, whereas IL-10
      concentrations and SOD activity were increased (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Each
      hydrogen-rich liquid resuscitation preparation could protect the lung against
      acute injury secondary to UHS. These mechanisms may be associated with hydrogen
      inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, promoting anti-inflammatory
      cytokine release, and reducing oxidative damage.

PMID- 25130774
TI  - Dakin solution alters macrophage viability and function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Macrophages are important in wound defense and healing. Dakin's
      solution (DS), buffered sodium hypochlorite, has been used since World War I as a
      topical antimicrobial for wound care. DS has been shown to be toxic to host
      cells, but effects on immune cells are not well documented. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: DS at 0.5%, 0.125%, and ten-fold serial dilutions from 0.25%-0.00025%
      were evaluated for cellular toxicity on murine macrophages (J774A.1). The effect
      of DS on macrophage adhesion, phagocytosis, and generation of reactive oxygen
      species was examined. Macrophage polarization following DS exposure was
      determined by gene expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction. RESULTS: Concentrations of DS >0.0025% reduced macrophage viability to
      <5% in exposure times as short as 30 s. Similarly, phagocytosis of Staphylococcus
      aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aspergillus flavus were significantly reduced
      at all tested concentrations by macrophages pretreated with DS. H2O2 production
      was reduced by 8%-38% following treatment with 0.00025%-0.125% DS. Macrophage
      adherence was significantly increased with >0.0025% DS after 15 min of exposure
      compared with controls. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction
      demonstrated that DS exposure resulted in classical macrophage activation, with
      increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase 2, interferon-gamma, and
      interleukin (IL)-1beta. CONCLUSIONS: DS at clinically used concentrations (0.025%
      0.25%) was detrimental to macrophage survival and function. For optimal clinical
      use, understanding the impact of DS on macrophages is important as depletion may
      result in impaired pathogen clearance and delayed healing. These findings
      indicate that 0.00025% DS is a safe starting dose; however, optimal use of DS
      requires further validation with in vivo models.

PMID- 25130775
TI  - Risk factors for late-onset neutropenia after rituximab treatment of B-cell
      lymphoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Late-onset neutropenia after rituximab (RTX) therapy (R-LON) has been
      widely reported, but clinical studies on a large number of cases are limited. In
      this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of R-LON.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed data of 213
      enrolled B-cell lymphoma patients (male 114; female 99) treated with RTX at a
      single institution. R-LON was defined as otherwise unexplained grade III-IV
      neutropenia after RTX. The median age of the patients was 62 years, and 129 of
      them were initially diagnosed at advanced stages (stage III-IV). RESULTS: R-LON
      occurred in 19 patients within a median of 121 (range, 49-474) days after the
      last RTX administration. The 1-year cumulative incidence was 9.0%. On univariate
      analysis, older age (>60 years), advanced stage, and purine analog or
      methotrexate administration were significant or borderline significant risk
      factors for R-LON, whereas sex, disease type, bone marrow invasion, combination
      with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs, intensified therapy (compared with R
      CHOP), prior autologous transplantation, and repeated RTX administration were
      not. On multivariate analysis, older age (hazard ratio (HR), 2.95) and advanced
      stage (HR, 3.56) were significant risk factors. Treatment with granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor was feasible in grade IV R-LON patients with high risk of
      infection. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Careful follow-up is therefore necessary
      after B-cell lymphoma treatment, especially in high-risk patients with advanced
      disease or of older age.

PMID- 25130776
TI  - 6-Bromoindirubin-3'oxime (BIO) decreases proliferation and migration of canine
      melanoma cell lines.
AB  - Despite recent therapeutic advances, malignant melanoma is an aggressive tumor in
      dogs and is associated with a poor outcome. Novel, targeted agents are necessary
      to improve survival. In this study, 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (BIO), a
      serine/threonine kinase inhibitor with reported specificity for glycogen synthase
      kinase-3 beta (GSK-3beta) inhibition, was evaluated in vitro in three canine
      melanoma cell lines (CML-10C2, UCDK9M2, and UCDK9M3) for beta-catenin-mediated
      transcriptional activity, Axin2 gene and protein expression levels, cell
      proliferation, chemotoxicity, migration and invasion assays. BIO treatment of
      canine malignant melanoma cell lines at 5 uM for 72 h enhanced beta-catenin
      mediated transcriptional activity, suggesting GSK-3beta inhibition, and reduced
      cell proliferation and migration. There were no significant effects on invasion,
      chemotoxicity, or apoptosis. The results suggest that serine/threonine kinases
      may be viable therapeutic targets for the treatment of canine malignant melanoma.

PMID- 25130778
TI  - Emotional perception and theory of mind in first episode psychosis: the role of
      obsessive-compulsive symptomatology.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of comorbid obsessive
      compulsive symptoms on emotional perception and theory of mind (ToM) in patients
      with first-episode psychosis. Participants were 65 patients with non-affective
      first episode psychosis (FEP) and 47 healthy controls. The patient group was
      divided into two subgroups, those with (FEP+; n=38) and those without obsessive
      compulsive symptomatology (FEP-; n=27). Emotion perception and ToM were assessed
      with the Perception of Social Inference Test. Severity of psychotic and obsessive
      compulsive symptoms was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale
      (PANSS) and the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), respectively.
      Deficits in emotion recognition and theory of mind were confirmed in patients
      with non-affective first-episode psychosis compared to healthy controls. In
      patients, comorbidity with obsessive-compulsive symptoms was associated with
      worse performance on certain aspects of social cognition (ToM 2nd order) compared
      to FEP- patients. Our findings of impaired emotion perception and ToM in patients
      with first-episode psychosis support the hypothesis that deficits are already
      present at illness onset. Presence of OCS appears to have further deleterious
      effects on social cognition, suggesting that these patients may belong to a
      schizo-obsessive subtype of schizophrenia characterized by more extensive
      neurobiological impairment. 

PMID- 25130777
TI  - Sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of mobile and
      nonmobile L4-L5 degenerative spondylolisthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) is often
      diagnosed by conventional supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Numerous
      studies have shown, however, that the degree of spondylolisthesis can be reduced
      or disappears when the patient is supine as compared with standing lateral and
      flexion-extension (SLFE) radiographs. PURPOSE: To compare the sensitivity of
      supine MRI with SLFE radiographs in patients with L4-L5 LDS. STUDY DESIGN: A
      retrospective imaging study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Included patients diagnosed with L4
      L5 LDS with both SLFE films and supine MRI. METHODS: Lumbar degenerative
      spondylolisthesis was defined radiographically as a slip greater than 4.5 mm.
      Mobile LDS was defined as a difference of greater than 3% in slip percentage
      between lateral radiographs and sagittal MRIs. Additional measurements included
      L4-L5 facet effusion diameter on axial MRIs. Measurements were performed by two
      independent examiners. The kappa coefficient was used to assess the interobserver
      agreement. RESULTS: Of 103 patients assessed, 68% were women and the average age
      was 66 years. Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis was seen on 101 (98%) lateral
      films and 80 (78%) MRIs. Average slip was 10.0 mm for lateral standing
      radiographs and 6.6 mm on MRI (p<.0001). Fifty (48%) patients were identified
      with mobile LDS. The positive predictive value of facet joint effusion for mobile
      LDS increased from 52% for effusions greater than 1 mm to 100% for effusions
      greater than 3.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that MRI had a sensitivity of
      78% for detecting L4-L5 LDS compared with 98% for lateral standing films. We also
      identified facet effusion size as a marker to predict mobile LDS. These findings
      suggest that, particularly in the setting of facet effusions, the complete workup
      of patients in whom LDS is possible should include standing radiographs.

PMID- 25130779
TI  - Association between FYN polymorphisms and defense mechanisms in healthy Chinese
      Han subjects.

PMID- 25130780
TI  - An exploratory study of evoked facial affect in adolescent females with anorexia
      nervosa.
AB  - The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate facial affect in adolescent
      females with anorexia nervosa (AN). Evoked facial affect was recorded whilst AN
      and control participants (n=34) viewed emotional films. Significantly less facial
      affect was found in AN adolescents, despite reporting no differences in
      subjective emotion experience. These findings correspond with previous studies in
      adults with AN. Altered facial affect may impair interpersonal functioning and
      contribute to illness maintenance. 

PMID- 25130781
TI  - Differences in personality traits between male-to-female and female-to-male
      gender identity disorder subjects.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate differences in personality traits among
      male-to-female (MtF), female-to-male (FtM) gender identity disorder (GID)
      subjects and non-transsexual male (M) and female (F) controls. Subjects were 72
      MtF and 187 FtM GID subjects without psychiatric comorbidities together with 184
      male and 159 female non-transsexual controls. Personality traits were assessed
      using a short version of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-125). Group
      comparisons were made by two-way ANOVA. Statistical significances were observed
      as follows: 1) lower novelty seeking in FtM than in M or MtF, 2) higher reward
      dependence in FtM than in M, 3) higher cooperativeness in FtM than in M or MtF,
      4) the highest self-transcendence in MtF among all the groups. The highest self
      transcendence in MtF subjects may reflect their vulnerable identity and
      constrained adaptation to society as the minority. Nevertheless, higher reward
      dependence and cooperativeness in FtM subjects can be related to more determined
      motivation for the treatments of GID and might promise better social functioning
      and adjustment than MtF subjects. 

PMID- 25130782
TI  - Association between the 9 repeat allele of the dopamine transporter 40bp variable
      tandem repeat polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - A case-control study was performed to investigate the association between the
      dopamine transporter (DAT) gene (SLC6A3) rs28363170 polymorphism and the risk for
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our results indicated a statistically significant
      correlation between the inheritance of the SLC6A3 9 repeat allele and the genetic
      susceptibility to AD in a dose-dependent manner. 

PMID- 25130783
TI  - Why are you here again? Concordance between consumers and providers about the
      primary concern in recurring psychiatric visits.
AB  - Patient-centered care has become increasingly important over the last decade,
      both in physical and mental health care. In support of patient-centered care,
      providers need to understand consumers' primary concerns during treatment visits.
      The current study explored what primary concerns were brought to recurring
      psychiatric visits for a sample of adults with severe mental illness (N=164),
      whether these concerns were concordant with those recognized by providers, and
      which factors predicted concordance. We identified 17 types of primary concerns,
      most commonly medications and symptoms, with only 50% of visits showing evidence
      of at least partial agreement between consumers and providers. Contrary to
      expectations, consumer demographics, activation, trust, and perceptions of
      patient-centeredness were not predictive, while greater preferences for autonomy
      predicted poorer agreement. Our findings highlight the need for interventions to
      promote a shared understanding of primary concerns in recurring psychiatric
      visits. Further attention is needed to ensure the provision of patient-centered
      care such that consumer concerns are acknowledged and addressed within recurring
      psychiatric visits. 

PMID- 25130784
TI  - Functional dyspepsia: outcome of focus groups for the development of a
      questionnaire for symptom assessment in patients suffering from postprandial
      distress syndrome (PDS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, no patient reported outcomes (PRO) instrument is available
      for evaluation of treatment efficacy in functional dyspepsia (FD)/postprandial
      distress syndrome (PDS). The aim of our study was to perform focus group
      interviews for the development of a new questionnaire for assessing symptom
      pattern and severity in PDS. METHODS: Random ambulatory patients diagnosed with
      FD/PDS based on Rome III criteria and no predominant gastro-esophageal reflux
      disease (GERD) symptoms were invited to participate. Focus group sessions were
      organized where patients reported and discussed their symptoms, facilitated by an
      experienced physician. After reaching saturation of identified symptom items,
      questions for a pilot PRO instrument were drafted and evaluated in cognitive
      interviews for relevance, clarity, and consistency. KEY RESULTS: Of 225 screened
      patients, 26 patients were diagnosed with PDS without overlapping GERD as single
      final diagnosis. Fifteen of these (87% female, 48 +/- 3.2 years) participated in
      one of three focus groups. All (100%) confirmed experiencing symptoms that were
      triggered or aggravated by ingestion of a meal, corresponding to early satiation
      (100%), and postprandial fullness (100%). In addition reported gastroduodenal
      symptoms were nausea (40%, postprandial in all, interprandial in 20%), upper
      abdominal bloating (33%), excessive belching (27%), and vomiting (13%).
      Epigastric pain and burning were present in respectively 20% and 13%. Non
      gastroduodenal symptoms that patients reported included heartburn (33%, but
      mostly sporadic), weight loss (93%, on average 5.0 +/- 1.7 kg), and fatigue
      (67%). Questions evaluating these symptoms were validated in 15 cognitive
      interviews. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: This focus group study confirms symptoms
      corresponding to postprandial fullness and early satiation as the key items for
      developing a PRO for PDS.

PMID- 25130786
TI  - Esophageal leukoplakia: a rare cause of white patches in esophagus with malignant
      potential.

PMID- 25130785
TI  - Isoselective ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide initiated by achiral
      heteroscorpionate zwitterionic zinc complexes.
AB  - A highly isotactic stereoblock PLA has been obtained using the achiral
      heteroscorpionate zwitterionic zinc complexes as catalysts, for the first time,
      via a chain-end control mechanism. 

PMID- 25130787
TI  - Unilateral postural tremor caused by frontal cavernoma.

PMID- 25130788
TI  - Analysis of biomarkers for risk of acute kidney injury after primary angioplasty
      for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: results of the HORIZONS-AMI
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) may occur after
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We evaluated patients with ST
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing emergency PCI with serial
      biomarkers. RESULTS: Of the 390 patients enrolled in the HORIZONS-AMI biomarker
      substudy, 56 (14.3%) developed AKI. In the AKI group, the levels of B-type
      natriuretic peptide were consistently higher than in the no-AKI group at baseline
      (P = 0.0327), hospital discharge (P = 0.0002), 30-day follow-up (P = 0.0193), and
      1-year follow-up (P = 0.031). At hospital discharge, the AKI group had elevated
      biomarkers compared to the no-AKI group: D-dimer (P = 0.0066), C-reactive protein
      (P = 0.0468), endothelial cell-selective adhesion molecule (P = 0.0169),
      adiponectin (P = 0.0346), and von Willebrand factor (P = 0.0168); there was also
      a trend toward higher cystatin C (P = 0.0585) in the AKI group. Similar
      correlations between biomarker panel increase and the development of CI-AKI were
      consistent at baseline, 30-day, and 1-year follow-up. Chemokine (C-C motif)
      ligand 23 showed an opposite pattern with an increase at all time points in the
      no-AKI compared to the AKI group. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of CI-AKI after primary
      PCI for STEMI may be associated with hemostatic imbalances, activation of
      procoagulants, decreased endogenous anticoagulants, enhanced inflammation,
      platelet activation, or decreased fibrinolytic activity.

PMID- 25130789
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors of sexual problems and sexual distress in a sample of
      women suffering from chronic widespread pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal
      problem and a cardinal symptom of fibromyalgia, affecting up to 15% of the
      population. CWP is associated with substantial physical and psychological
      impairment and reduced quality of life. AIM: To describe sexual problems in women
      having CWP. To compare the sexual function between patients with CWP and healthy
      women, and to explore potential predictors of sexual problems in women suffering
      from CWP. METHODS: A descriptive, cross sectional study involving a total of 853
      individuals, including 166 with CWP and 687 healthy counterparts. For the
      screening of sexual problems and distress, the original and amended lifelong
      version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress
      Scale were applied. A set of standardized questionnaires to assess potential risk
      factors for sexual problems was further used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The levels
      of sexual function and distress in women with CWP was compared with those of
      healthy women. Univariate and multivariate linear regression was used to
      determine the potential predictors for sexual problems in women with CWP and
      healthy counterparts. RESULTS: Women with CWP reported more difficulties with
      lubrication, more sexual pain, and higher levels of sexual distress. Potential
      predictors of sexual problems in women with CWP were heterogeneous, with
      relationship dissatisfaction being associated with lower levels of sexual
      function in all the FSFI domains. Significant, domain-specific effects were
      further detected for anxiety sensitivity, emotional intelligence, obsessive
      compulsive behavior, and the big five personality traits. In general, factors
      influencing recent sexual problems were different from those influencing lifelong
      sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: CWP patients report more sexual pain and sexual
      distress compared with controls. Assessment of sexual problems should therefore
      be added to routine care of patients with CWP.

PMID- 25130790
TI  - Mounier-Kuhn syndrome: a systematic analysis of 128 cases published within last
      25 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mounier-Kuhn syndrome is a rare disease with abnormal
      enlargement of major airways, but epidemiological studies are lacking, and
      currently the most available data about it come from case reports, making it
      difficult to collate changes in a particular patient to those in previously
      published cases. The aim of this work is to systematically review cases published
      in the last 25 years and to use descriptive statistics to summarize the patient
      demographic and clinical information therein in order to acquire details about
      patient clinical characteristics. METHODS: Cases published in world literature
      between 1987 and 2013 were sought and reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines.
      Cases were included only if patient's age was at least 18 years, and a computed
      tomography scan with tracheal measurements was available. RESULTS: An 8:1 male
      predominance was found in 89 identified reports (128 cases). Mean age was 53.9
      years, and average tracheal diameter was 36.1 mm. No correlation between
      increasing age and increasing tracheal diameter was found. Bronchiectasis,
      tracheal diverticulosis and tracheobronchial dyskinesia were common (49.2%, 33.6%
      and 28.9%, respectively). Cough, dyspnea and recurrent respiratory infections
      (71.1%, 51.6% and 50.8%, respectively) were the most common complaints.
      CONCLUSIONS: The data confirm that syndrome mostly manifests with nonspecific
      respiratory symptoms and is significantly more common in males. Importantly,
      there was no connection between age and airway diameter, a fact that could mean
      that the enlargement does not progress over time, and its severity depends on
      some other yet undetermined factors.

PMID- 25130791
TI  - Stop adding metal layers: Will bioabsorbable scaffolds become the gold standard
      for late in-stent restenosis and neo-atherosclerosis?
AB  - The optimal management of instent restenosis has yet to be fully clarified. Drug
      eluting balloons are a popular strategy, but a new stent is preferred when
      dilatation gives a suboptimal result because of insufficient extrusion of
      neointimal tissue. There is concern for adding multiple permanent metallic layers
      to the vessel wall, especially in small vessels. The use of bioabsorbable
      vascular scaffolds appears an appealing alternative strategy, since it scaffolds
      the neointimal tissue without further adding metal struts to the vessel wall.

PMID- 25130792
TI  - A comprehensive immunohistochemistry algorithm for the histological subtyping of
      small biopsies obtained from non-small cell lung cancers.
AB  - AIMS: Need for accurate histologic subtyping of non-small cell lung carcinomas
      (NSCLCs) is growing. IHC patterns may be ambiguous in some cases, rendering it
      difficult to determine subtypes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Tissue microarrays composed
      of 184 resected NSCLCs were stained for TTF-1, Napsin A, CK7, p40, p63, CK5/6,
      and mucicarmine. TTF-1 and Napsin A were chosen as the most accurate
      adenocarcinoma (ADC) marker (ACM), and p40 as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
      marker (SCM). We then prospectively performed IHC using these markers (TTF-1,
      Napsin A, and p40) in a cohort of small NSCLC biopsies (n = 186) with ambiguous
      morphology. Of these biopsies, 82.8% (154/186) were classifiable into either ADC
      or SCC by applying '3-marker IHC panel'. Additional CK7, p63, and CK5/6 were
      applied in 30 biopsies with equivocal IHC patterns, including 18 ACM-/SCM-
      (double-negative) and 12 ACM+/SCM+ (double-positive) cases. Decision tree and
      support vector machine models revealed that TTF-1 was a critical single marker
      for ADC in double-positive cases (91.7% accuracy), whereas p63 and/or CK5/6
      helped to subtype double-negative cases (72.2% accuracy). CONCLUSIONS: We propose
      a novel comprehensive algorithm for subtyping NSCLCs using a 3-marker IHC panel
      and additional p63 and CK5/6 that would be useful for subtyping small NSCLC
      biopsies.

PMID- 25130794
TI  - Footprints of cardiac mechanical activity as expressed in lung Doppler signals.
AB  - AIMS: To determine the diagnostic information contained in cardiac pulsatile
      pressure waves as expressed in the Doppler signals recorded over the right lung.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: The pulsatile characteristics of the pulmonary vascular
      system were studied by means of the novel pulse Doppler technology in 38 control
      volunteers, 31 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and 7 patients with atrial
      flutter. The Doppler velocity waveforms recorded were interpreted in relation to
      the cardiac cycle mechanical events that generate them: Ventricular systole (S),
      diastole (D) and presystolic left atrial contraction (A). It was demonstrated
      that in all cases of AF, wave-A was absent. With longer diastole a high frequency
      velocity waves were visible. It is assumed that they represent the atrial
      mechanical fibrillation. In the patients with atrial flutter, the single A-wave
      was replaced by a waveform termed F, the frequency of which exactly matched that
      of the flutter wave on the ECG. The F-wave had both a positive and negative
      component. CONCLUSION: The lung Doppler signals contain distinct signatures
      typical of arrhythmias such as AF and atrial flutter that can be used for both
      diagnosis and to gain insight into the nature of the phenomena.

PMID- 25130793
TI  - Weight's up? Predictors of weight-related communication during primary care
      visits with overweight adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Physicians' use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques when
      discussing weight with adolescent patients is unknown. METHODS: We coded audio
      recorded encounters between 49 primary care physicians and 180 overweight
      adolescent patients. During weight discussions, we used the MITI 3.0 to assess:
      Empathy, MI Spirit, open-ended questions, reflections, MI consistent behaviors
      (e.g., praising) and MI inconsistent behaviors (e.g., confronting). We examined
      associations of patient and physician characteristics with (1) MI techniques, (2)
      time discussing weight, and (3) encounter time. RESULTS: Physicians used more MI
      consistent techniques with female patients (p=0.06) and with heavier patients
      (p=0.02). Physicians with prior MI training also used more MI consistent
      techniques (p=0.04) and asked more open-ended questions (p=0.05). Pediatricians
      had a higher MI Spirit score than family physicians (p=0.03). Older patient age
      was associated with physicians spending less time discussing weight-related
      topics (p=0.04) and higher BMI percentile was associated with physicians spending
      more time discussing weight-related topics (p=0.01). Increased use of MI
      inconsistent techniques was associated with longer encounters (p=0.02).
      CONCLUSION: Physicians' weight discussions vary based on adolescent and physician
      characteristics. Importantly, not using MI lengthened encounter time. PRACTICE
      IMPLICATIONS: Physicians might consider using MI techniques more and attempt to
      use these equally with all adolescents.

PMID- 25130795
TI  - High expression of Beclin-1 predicts favorable prognosis for patients with
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Beclin-1 is an autophagy gene. It promotes the formation of the
      autophagic vesicle as well as plays an essential role in guarding the cells
      against chromosomal instability. Overexpression of Beclin-1 has been reported to
      predict a favorable survival in various cancers. However, little is known about
      its prognostic significance in colorectal cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total
      of three hundred and sixty-three (363) colorectal tissues from colorectal cancer
      (CRC) patients were collected. Tissue micro-arrays and immunohistochemistry were
      used to investigate the expression and prognostic significance of Beclin-1 in
      CRC. The associations among Beclin-1 expression, clinicopathological parameters
      and prognosis were evaluated. RESULTS: Beclin-1 had a higher expression in CRC
      tissues than in normal tissues. A high expression of Beclin-1 was positively
      correlated with gender (P=0.027), histological grade (P=0.003), pM status
      (P=0.003) and clinical stage (P=0.024). Patients with a high Beclin-1 expression,
      when compared to those with a lower expression had both a better overall survival
      (OS, P=0.006) and disease-free survival (DFS, P=0.008). In the pT3 subgroup,
      Beclin-1 was also found to be a good prognostic indicator (P<0.05). Multivariate
      analysis showed a high expression of Beclin-1 was indeed a positive independent
      prognostic factor of OS and DFS for CRC patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our
      results demonstrated that a high expression of Beclin-1 correlated with a better
      overall survival and disease-free survival, thus serving as a favorable
      independent prognostic marker in CRC.

PMID- 25130796
TI  - Aspirin may reduce liver fibrosis progression: Evidence from a multicenter
      retrospective study of recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is evidence for an association between thrombosis in
      the hepatic microcirculation and liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the role of daily low-dose aspirin (75 or 100mg, given for prevention of
      hepatic artery thrombosis) in fibrosis progression to >= F2 fibrosis score in
      liver-transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS: All
      HCV-positive patients who had undergone liver transplantation (LT) between 2000
      and 2010 were included. Exclusion criteria were negative HCV RNA, previous LT or
      death within a year of LT. Liver fibrosis was assessed by histological
      evaluation. Data were censored at the date of the last histological evaluation
      before starting anti HCV therapy. Progression to fibrosis F >= 2 was analyzed
      with a multistate model with time-dependent covariables. RESULTS: One hundred and
      eighty-eight patients were included. In univariate analysis, older recipient and
      donor age, male donor gender, activity score >= A2 after LT, number of steroid
      boluses and aspirin intake (HR: 0.75 [0.57-0.97]; P=0.03) influenced the risk of
      progression to fibrosis >= F2. In multivariate analysis, adjusted on site, older
      donor age, male donor gender, activity score >= A2 and number of steroids
      boluses, remained independent predictors of fibrosis progression, while younger
      recipient age and aspirin intake (HR: 0.65 [0.47-0.91]; P=0.01) were associated
      with a slower fibrosis progression. CONCLUSION: Low-dose aspirin treatment might
      be associated with a lower risk of liver fibrosis progression in patients with
      HCV recurrence after LT.

PMID- 25130797
TI  - [Progress and potential applications of induced pluripotent stem cell
      technology].
AB  - Differentiated somatic cells can be reprogrammed to a pluripotent state through
      ectopic expression of specific transcription factors. These reprogrammed cells,
      which were designated as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, are detected to
      exhibit unlimited self-renewal capacity and pluripotency. This breakthrough in
      stem cell research provides a powerful and novel tool for the studies on
      pathogenesis of diseases, reprogramming mechanism and development of new
      therapies. For this reason, the iPSC technology has currently become one of the
      hot topics in stem cells research. Recently, major progress in this field has
      been achieved: initially, researchers succeeded in inducing the reprogramming of
      mouse fibroblasts by retroviral transduction of four specific transcription
      factors; in succession, the accelerated development of iPSC technology by
      employing non-integrating viral vectors, non-viral vectors or removing the
      introduced foreign genes via gene knock-out has ensured the yields of much safer
      iPSC; meanwhile, some researches discovered the proofs that a number of micro
      molecular compounds were potent in accelerating the cellular reprogramming. For a
      prospect, iPSC are highly promising for regenerative medicine, disease modeling
      and drug screening. In this review, the recent progress in the generation of
      iPSC, prospects of their possible clinical applications and problems in the iPSC
      research are summarized and discussed.

PMID- 25130798
TI  - [Frequently ABL kinase domain G:C->A:T mutation and uracil DNA glycosylase
      abnormal expression in TKI-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia of Chinese
      population].
AB  - Most Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph(+) ALL)
      patients often show rapid recurrence and development of ABL kinase domain (KD)
      mutation after tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. To further investigate
      the mechanism of Ph(+) ALL fast relapse after TKI treatment, ABL KD mutation in
      35 Chinese Ph(+) ALL with TKI resistance was detected by direct sequencing. The
      results showed that 77.1% (27/35) Ph(+) ALL patients with TKI resistance had ABL
      KD mutation and 55.6% (15/27) Ph(+) ALL patients with ABL KD mutation had T315I.
      Interestingly, 77.8% (21/27) Ph(+)ALL showed ABL mutation G: C->A:T, including
      T315I, E255K and E459K. Furthermore, all the Ph(+) ALL patients with two or more
      ABL KD mutations collaborated with complex chromosome abnormality and all the TKI
      resistant Ph(+) ALL patients, whose karyotype progressed from simple t (9;22)
      into complex, developed ABL KD mutation. Moreover, the expression level of uracil
      DNA glycosylase UNG2, which inhibits G:C->A:T transition in genomic DNA,
      decreased in Ph(+) ALL with TKI-resistance compared to that in newly diagnosis
      Ph(+) ALL. It is concluded that there is a high frequent ABL KD G:C->A:T mutation
      and a high genomic instability in Chinese TKI-resistant Ph(+) ALL. In addition,
      the decreased UNG2 expression in TKI-resistant Ph(+) ALL probably contributes to
      their high rate of ABL KD G:C->A:T mutation. 

PMID- 25130800
TI  - [Expression of G-CSFR IV isoform in adult acute myeloid leukemia and its clinical
      significance].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the expression of granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor receptor IV(G-CSFR IV) in adult acute leukemia patients and
      its clinical significance. The bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells from healthy
      persons were used as controls. The real-time RT-PCR was used to determine the
      expression level of G-CSFR I-IV in 99 AML, 34 ALL patients and 19 healthy
      persons. The results showed that the relative expression level of G-CSFR IV/G
      CSFR I in AML patients was obviously elevated, as compared with that in ALL
      patients and controls, while the relative expression level of G-CSFR IV/G-CSFR I
      in ALL patients showed no statistical difference from controls. The analysis of
      clinical features and chemotherapeutic efficacy demonstrated that the clinical
      remission rate in patients with high expression of G-CSFR IV/G-CSFR I was lower
      than that in patients with low expression. The relative expression level of G
      CSFR IV/G-CSFR I was not related with risk stratification from sex, age, blast
      ratio, FAB typing, chromosome and fusion gene. It is concluded that the abnormal
      high expression of G-CSFR IV relates with poor prognosis of AML.

PMID- 25130799
TI  - [Effects of Sam68 gene silence on proliferation of acute T lymphoblastic leukemia
      cell line Jurkat].
AB  - This study was purpose to investigate the effect of Sam68 gene silence on
      proliferation of human acute T lymphoblastic leukemia cell line Jurkat. The
      sequence of shRNA targeting the site 531-552 of Sam68 mRNA was designed and
      chemically synthesized, then a single-vector lentiviral, Tet-inducible shRNA
      Sam68 system (pLKO-Tet-On) was constructed; next the Jurkat cells were infected
      with lentivirus to create stable cell clones with regulatable Sam68 gene
      expression. The inhibitory efficiency of Sam68 gene was assayed by Real-time PCR
      and Western blot; the cell activity of Jurkat cells was detected with MTT assay;
      the change of colony forming potential of Jurkat cells was analyzed by colony
      forming test; the cell cycle distribution was tested by flow cytometry. The
      results indicated that the expression of Sam68 in experimental cells was
      statistically decreased as compared with that of the control cells; the cells
      activity and colony forming capacity of the Jurkat cells with Sam68 gene silence
      were significantly inhibited; with Sam68 gene silencing, the percentage of S
      phase cells was significantly increased, while the percentage of G2 phase cells
      was significantly decreased. It is concluded that the silencing Sam68 gene using
      shRNA interference can effectively inhibit the proliferation of human acute T
      lymphoblastic leukemia cell line Jurkat.

PMID- 25130802
TI  - [Bioinformatic analysis of chronic myeloid leukemia progression and preliminary
      experimental verification].
AB  - This study was aimed to explore the progression mechanism of chronic myeloid
      leukemia, so as to provide the new molecular markers for evaluation of CML
      clinical outcome and selection of treatment. The microarray data of genes related
      with progression from different phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were
      collected from public data depository GEO (Gene expression datasets). SAM
      analysis, fold change filtering, cross comparison were used to analyze the data
      and identify different genes. Moreover, MeV and pSTIING sofewares were used to
      analyze the key differential genes and signal pathways. At last, Q-PCR were used
      to confirm the predicted key gene. The results indicated that after comparison, 9
      genes were differentially expressed from AP to BC, and the integrin-mediated cell
      adhesion , focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton were the principal
      pathways during CML progression. Network construction analysis found that AP
      related genes or pathways may be the original signals; and MLLT4, WDR35 and EPHB4
      were the key genes for CML progression. EPHB4 was confirmed by Q-PCR in CML BC
      patients and CP patients. It is concluded that MLLT4, WDR35, EPHB4, integrin
      mediated cell adhesion, focal adhesion and regulation of actin cytoskeleton are
      the principal genes and pathways during CML progression.

PMID- 25130801
TI  - [Construction of IK6 recombinant lentiviral vector and its expression and
      biologic feature in THP1 cells].
AB  - The purpose of this study was to construct a lentiviral vector carrying IK6 gene
      and to observe the expression of IK6 as well as related biologic feature in THP1
      cells, so as to provide an effective method to further investigate the role of
      this gene in leukemia. The IK6 gene was obtained by using reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Then IK6 was recombined with the pGC-FU
      vector to construct a recombinant lentiviral vector named pGC-FU-IK6 gene
      GFP,which was confirmed by PCR and sequencing. The 293T cells were transfected
      with pGC-FU- IK6-GFP by using Lipofectamine 2000. After examining the titer of
      the virus, pGC-FU- IK6-GFP was used to transfect THP1 cells. The transfection
      efficiency was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression level of mRNA and
      IK6-GFP fusion protein were confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively.
      Then the impact of IK6 on apoptosis and cell cycle was analyzed. The results
      showed that the IK6 gene was obtained by RT-PCR and connected into the linearized
      lentiviral vector to successfully constructed target plasmid named pGC-FU-IK6-GFP
      with Amp resistant. The target plasmid was transfected into 293T cells and the
      virus titer was 2.0*10(9)TU/ml. Next, THP1 cells were transfected with pGC-FU-IK6
      GFP and the efficiency was up to 90%. The detection of the IK6 mRNA and IK6-GFP
      fusion protein in target cells showed that IK6 could promote target cell clone
      formation and inhibit apoptosis, but had no significant effect on the cell cycle.
      It is concluded that virus vector carrying IK6 gene had been successfully
      constructed and expressed in THP1 stably. Biology studies of target THP1 cell
      shows that the IK6 is likely to interfere with the function of normal Ikaros
      protein as tumor suppressor, and it exerts a potential anti-apoptotic effect.
      Thus, IK6 can promote leukemia cell growth. However, there is no significant
      effect on the cell cycle. It provides an effective method for exploring the
      function of IK6 in acute myeloid leukemia. 

PMID- 25130803
TI  - [Comparison and analysis between CLL-hBMSC and N-hBMSC].
AB  - This study was purpose to compare and analyze the chronic lymphocytic leukemia
      human bone marrow stromal cells (CLL-hBMSC) and normal hBMSC (N-hBMSC) so as to
      provide theoretical evidence for establishment of CLL-hBMSC interaction model to
      imitate CLL microenvironment. Mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated from bone
      marrow of CLL patients and healthy donors and then were cultured, hBMSC were
      established by expanding for at least five passages. The mRNA expression of
      adhesion molecules, such as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and
      intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), was analyzed by real-time PCR. The
      mRNA and protein expression of lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTbetaR) were
      determined by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The individual NF
      kappaB members at protein level of CLL-hBMSC and N-hBMSC were examined by Western
      blot. The effect of LTalpha1beta2 on individual NF-kappaB family members at
      protein level in CLL-hBMSC and N-hBMSC was also examined by Western blot. The
      death of CLL cells was determined by flow cytometry with PI staining when
      cultured with or without CLL-hBMSC and N-hBMSC at different time points. The
      results showed that the hBMSC could be established successfully from bone marrow
      of CLL patients, which were similar to N-hBMSC. Adhesion molecules, such as VCAM
      1 and ICAM-1, were found to be expressed at similar mRNA levels in CLL-hBMSC and
      N-hBMSC. LTbetaR expressions at mRNA and protein levels were comparable between
      CLL-hBMSC and N-hBMSC. The protein expression of the individual NF-kappaB family
      members could be detected in CLL-hBMSC and N-hBMSC with similar expression
      levels. LTalpha1beta2 stimulation activated both the classical ( RelA/p50 ) and
      alternative ( RelB/p52 ) NF-kappaB complexes in CLL-hBMSC and N-hBMSC. The
      capacities of CLL-hBMSC and N-hBMSC to protect CLL cell survival were similar. It
      is concluded that there is no statistical difference between bone marrow from
      healthy donors and CLL patients in the efficiency of generating of hBMSC. LTbetaR
      NF-kappaB signaling molecules are expressed and activated on hBMSC with a similar
      pattern.

PMID- 25130804
TI  - [Expression of TFPI-2 gene and its promoter methylation in acute myeloid
      leukemia].
AB  - The aim of this study was to detect the mRNA expression of tissue factor pathway
      inhibitor-2 ( TFPI-2) and its methylation in bone marrow mononuclear cells from
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and to explore its significance in AML.
      Bone marrow mononuclear cells were isolated from newly diagnosed AML patients (n
      = 33), complete remission AML patients (n = 19), relapsed/refractory AML patients
      (n = 12) and iron deficiency anemia patients (control group, n = 15). Expression
      of TFPI-2 mRNA was detected with real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) and the
      methylation of CpG island in its promoter was detected with methylation-specific
      PCR (MSP). The results showed that the expression of TFPI-2 mRNA in newly
      diagnosed AML, complete remission AML and relapsed/refractory AML patients was
      much lower than that in the controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, its expression in
      relapsed/refractory AML patients was lower than that in newly diagnosed AML
      patients (P = 0.006). Compared with complete remission AML patients, the
      expression of TFPI-2 mRNA in newly diagnosed AML patients was significantly
      reduced (P = 0.030). The percentage of TFPI-2 promoter methylation in AML
      patients was 64.63% (42/64). In newly diagnosed AML group, complete remission AML
      group and relapsed/refractory AML group,the percentages of TFPI-2 promoter
      methylation were 66.67% (22/33), 52.63% (10/19) and 83.33% (10/12) (P > 0.05),
      respectively. The optical density ratio of TFPI-2 mRNA expression was 0.165
      (0.005-2.099) in methylated AML patients, and 0.597 (0.011-2.787) in unmethylated
      AML patients (P < 0.05). Methylation of TFPI-2 gene promoter was not detected in
      control patients. After 2 courses of chemotherapy, the level of TFPI-2 mRNA was
      much higher in the CR group than that in the non-CR group (P < 0.05). It is
      concluded that the down-regulation or silence of TFPI-2 gene potentially results
      from its promoter methylation, and the expression level of TFPI-2 and the
      methylation status of its promoter may be used as indicators of risk
      stratification and evaluation of disease progress. 

PMID- 25130806
TI  - [Anti-leukemia mechanism of miR-17 and miR-20a silencing mediated by miRNA
      sponge].
AB  - This study was aimed to quantitatively detect the expression levels of pre-miR-17
      and pre-miR-20a in acute leukemia patients and eight kinds of leukemia cell
      lines, and to investigate the anti-leukemia mechanism of miR-17 and miR-20a
      silence mediated by miRNA Sponge. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect
      the mRNA expression levels of pre-miR-17 and pre-miR-20a in patients with various
      types of leukemia and leukemia cell lines. The Jurkat cells over-expressing miR
      17 and miR-20a were transfected with recombinant lentivirus-transfecting units
      targeted at miR-17 and miR-20a plus 6 ug/ml of polybrene. Then the proliferation
      ability and cell cycle of Jurkat cells was evaluated by CCK-8 and flow cytometry
      respectively. The results showed that the expression level of pre-miR-17 and pre
      miR-20a in all leukemia patients was significantly higher than that in normal
      group(P < 0.05), the expression of pre-miR-17 and pre-miR-20a in acute lymphoid
      leukemia was significantly higher than that in acute myeloid leukemia(P < 0.05),
      and the pre-miR-17 and pre-miR-20a expression level did not correlate
      significantly with high white blood cell count>20.0*10(9)/L(P > 0.05). The miR-17
      and miR-20a silencing mediated by miRNA Sponge led to a significant decrease of
      cell growth, restored G1 accumulation and increase of cell apoptosis. It is
      concluded that the expression of miR-17 and miR-20a is upregulated in leukemia
      patients, which may contribute to leukemogenesis. Over-expressed miR-17 and miR
      20a promote cell growth and cell cycle progression, and inhibit apoptosis through
      negatively-regulating P21 and E2F1 after-transcriptionally. 

PMID- 25130805
TI  - [Expression of BCR/ABL fusion gene in circulating endothelial cells from chronic
      myelogenous leukemia patients and its clinical significance].
AB  - Several studies have shown that the tumor endothelial cells are different from
      the normal tissue endothelial cells. These tumor endothelial cells may contribute
      to tumor neo-vasculogenesis. This study was purposed to analyze the biologic
      features and determine the expression level of CD133 and BCR/ABL fusion gene in
      circulating endothelial cells (CEC) isolated from peripheral blood of CML
      patients, as well as to investigate the role of CEC in disease progression.
      Mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient
      centrifugation; CEC were sorted by MACS and harvested in the endothelial growth
      medium. The morphologic features of CEC were observed by microscopy, the cell
      growth rate was calculated by cell counting, and the cells were identified by
      immunofluorescence staining for the expression of CD31,CD34,VWF and CD133. The
      expression of BCR/ABL fusion gene was examined by FISH in 12 CML patients. The
      results indicated that the isolated CEC displayed the typical cobble-stone
      morphology. These cells could be identified by the positive immunofluorescence
      staining for CD31, CD34 and VWF, and showed more increased proliferative
      potential as compared to that of healthy donors. It was found that the positive
      rate of CD133 was 31.29% in CML patients, which was significantly different from
      that of healthy donors (P < 0.05). In 12 CML patients, CEC carried the same
      chromosome aberration as the leukemia cells (10.77%). Higher expression level of
      CD133 and BCR/ABL fusion gene positively correlated with progression of disease.
      It is concluded that the CEC may participate in invasion and angiogenesis in
      patients with CML and possibly correlate to the spreading and progression of the
      disease.

PMID- 25130807
TI  - [Silence potentiates chemosensitivity of K562 cells to SAHA].
AB  - Ribosomal protein S27a (RPS27a) can perform extra-ribosomal functions besides
      imparting a role in ribosome biogenesis and post-translational modifications of
      proteins. The RPS27a gene has been reported to be over-expressed in breast
      fibroadenomas, colorectal and renal cancers, advanced-phase chronic myeloid
      leukemia (CML) and acute leukemia (AL) patients. This study was purposed to
      explore the function of RPS27a in CML-erythroleukemia cell line K562 cells.
      RPS27a was silenced by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in K562 cells. Furthermore, the
      proliferation changes of K562 cells was detected by MTT method after silencing
      the RPS27a with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), then the IC50 of K562
      sh1/sh2 and K562-scr cells to SAHA was measured. The results indicated that
      compared with K562-scr cells, the IC50 of K562-sh1/sh2 to SAHA at 24 h and 48 h
      decreased (P < 0.01); RPS27a silence significantly increased the percentage of
      apoptotic K562-sh1/sh2 cells after incubation with 1 umol/L, 2 umol/L and 5
      umol/L SAHA for 24 h and 48 h as compared with that of K562-scr cells (P < 0.01).
      K562-sh1, K562-sh2 and K562-scr cells after incubation with or without 2 umol/L
      SAHA for 48 h presented apoptosis features: i. e. chromatin condensation, nucleic
      fragmentation and apoptotic body formation. It is concluded that RPS27a can
      inhibit the apoptosis of K562 cells and RPS27a silence can potentiate sensitivity
      of K562 cells to SAHA.

PMID- 25130808
TI  - [Effects of As2O3 in combination with TPA on K562 cells].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the effects of arsenic trioxide (As2O3)
      combined with TPA on cell cycle, cell differentiation and apoptosis of K562 cell
      line, and their possible mechanisms. K562 cells were treated with 200 nmol/L TPA,
      2 umol/L As2O3 alone and 200 nmol/L TPA combined with 2 umol/L As2O3. The
      proliferative inhibition rates were determined with CCK-8. Annexin V and agarose
      gel electrophoresis were adopted to detect apoptosis. Colony formation test was
      used to determine the colony-formation efficiency. Flow cytometry was used to
      detect the cell differentiation and cell cycle changes. Western blot was employed
      to detect the expression of P38 and p-P38 proteins. The results showed that
      combination treatment had synergistic effects on the proliferative inhibition and
      apoptosis, which were much higher than those treated alone. As2O3 could decrease
      the colony formation ability of K562 cells. The cells treated with both TPA and
      As2O3 expressed far more CD11b antigens compared with cells exposed to As2O3
      alone. K562 cells treated with TPA were arrested in G1 phase compared with the
      control group, As2O3 increased the percentage of K562 cells in the G2 phase. The
      combination treatment increased the expression of p-P38 of K562 cells compared
      with the cells exposed As2O3 alone. It is concluded that TPA can enhance the
      effect of As2O3 on inducing apoptosis and adjusting cell cycle , which will
      expect to provide a new therapeutic program.

PMID- 25130809
TI  - [Clinical analysis of acute myeloid leukemia with t(8;21) (q22;q22) and loss of Y
      chromosome].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML) with t (8;21) (q22;q22) and loss of Y chromosomes. Clinical data
      of 267 cases of AML were collected from January 2010 to June 2013. Among 267 AML,
      there were 13 cases with t (8;21) (q22;q22) and loss of Y chromosomes. The
      clinical data including clinical indicators, treatment protocols, curative effect
      and prognosis were analyzed retrospectively. The results showed that after
      normalized chemotherapy, there were 4 patients with complete remission at the
      first cycle of treatment, 4 patients with complete remission at the second cycle,
      4 patients with complete remission at the third cycle, but one patient without
      complete remission after 4 cycles. There were 6 patients who did not relapse
      during consolidation and intensive therapy. Among these 6 patients, 4 cases
      accepted chemotherapy combined with transplantation, other 2 cases accepted
      chemotherapy. In the remainder 6 patients, 4 cases relapsed once, one cases
      relapsed twice, 1 cases relapsed for three times. Moreover, 2 cases who accepted
      the chemotherapy and auto-hematopoietic stem cell trans-plantation, were
      diagnosed as relapse, after accepted allo-hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation, currently are in disease-free status. In follow-up period, the
      relapse-free survival (RFS) time was 4.67 +/- 3.45 months in chemotherapy group,
      the RFS time is 34.17 +/- 21.37 months in chemotherapy and transplantation group.
      The chemotherapy combined with transplantation extended the RFS time (P < 0.05).
      It is concluded that the NCCN guide indicates that AML with t (8;21) ( q22;q22)
      showed a good prognosis. but the clinical course of treatment confirmed that the
      prognosis of AML patients with t (8;21) (q22;q22) and loss Y chromosomes is poor,
      including uneasy remission and easy relapse, for improving the prognosis of these
      patients, the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be recommended.

PMID- 25130810
TI  - [Analysis of efficacy and prognosis of induction chemotherapy in 76 elderly
      patients with acute myeloid leukemia (non-APL)].
AB  - This study was purposed to investigate the clinical features, diagnosis,
      treatment and prognosis of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
      (non-APL). The clinical data of 76 elderly ( >= 60 old years) AML (non-APL)
      patients from January 2000 to January 2010 were analyzed retrospectively.
      According to treatment methods,the 76 patients were divided into 2 groups:
      induction chemotherapy group (51 cases) and best supportive treatment group (25
      cases). The patients in induction chemotherapy group received the cytarabine
      based induction chemotherapy regimens, including DA, MA, HA, IA and CAG; the
      patients in best supportive treatment group received supportive treatment
      including hydroxyurea, blood transfusion and so on. The clinical features,
      diagnosis, treatment and prognosis between 2 groups were compared. The results
      showed that the median survival times of patients in induction chemotherapy and
      best supportive treatment groups were 5 (0.2-89) and 3 (0.1-17) months
      respectively, there was significantly statistical difference in median survival
      time between 2 groups(P < 0.01) suggesting that the induction chemotherapy
      obviously prolonged the survival time of elderly CML patients. The 5 patients in
      induction chemotherapy group survived more than 60 months, one of them survived
      more than nine years. After the first cycle of chemotherapy, the complete
      remission (CR) rate of patients was 19.6% (10/51), partial remission (PR) rate
      was 19.6% (10/51), the overall response rate (ORR) was 39.2%, the mortality of
      patients in induction remission stage was 13.7% (7/51) in induction chemotherapy
      group; no 1 case in best supportive treatment group reached to CR. The CR rate of
      patients by using MA regimen was 44.4% and its ORR was 55.5%, which was higher
      than that by using DA, HA, IA and CAG regimens. The median chemotherapy cycles
      were 3 (1-14). The follow-up found that the 3 months-survival rate of patients
      was 65% and 42%, the 6 month-survival rate of patients was 43% and 21%, the 1
      year-survival rate of patients was 29% and 13%, the 5 year-survival rate of
      patients was 13% and 0% in induction chemotherapy and best supportive treatment
      groups respectively, showing that the survival of patients in induction
      chemotherapy group was better than those in best supportive treatment group. A
      total of 31 of out 51 cases (60.8%) in induction chemotherapy group not response
      to the first cycle of chemotherapy, the survival time of these patients was not
      statistically significantly different from that of patients in best supportive
      treatment group. It is concluded that the induction chemotherapy can
      significantly improve the prognosis of elderly patients with AML, and prolong
      their median survival time. The induction remission rate in elderly patients with
      AML is lower than that of younger patients. The MA regimen is better than DA, HA,
      IA and CAG, there is individual difference in the elderly patients with AML, If
      the first cycle of chemotherapy has not reached to CR or PR, the best supportive
      treatment may be considered. The low toxicity, efficient and well-tolerated
      chemotherapy regimens may be chosen to prolong the survival time of the elderly
      patients with AML (non-APL).

PMID- 25130811
TI  - [Effect of SU11248 on leukemia cell line K562 and its molecular mechanisms].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the effect of SU11248 on proliferation and
      apoptosis of leukemia cell line K562 in vitro and its mechanism. The inhibitory
      effect of 3.2 ug/ml SU11248 on K562 proliferation was tested by MTT assay. The
      ability of SU11248 to induce apoptosis of K562 cells was examined by TUNEL and
      DNA ladder. The expression of C-MYC, hTERT and BCR-ABL mRNA in K562 cells was
      detected by RT-PCR. The protein expression of Akt and p-Akt in K562 cells was
      detected by Western blot. The results showed that the proliferation of K562 cells
      was obviously inhibited by 3.2 ug/ml SU11248 in a time-dependent manner. SU11248
      could induce K562 cells apoptosis in dose-and time-dependent manner. The mRNA
      expression of C-MYC, hTERT and BCR-ABL was reduced significantly by SU11248 in a
      time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Western blot detection showed that the
      expression of p-Akt protein in K562 cells decreased in dose-and time-dependent
      manner after SU11248 treatment, but the expression of Akt was not significantly
      changed. It is concluded that SU11248 can inhibit the growth of K562 cells
      efficiently through inducing apoptosis, its mechanism may be closely relate with
      the expression down-regulation of C-MYC, hTERT, BCR-ABL and the inhibition of Akt
      phosphorylation. 

PMID- 25130812
TI  - [Inhibitory effect of genistein on the proliferation of Raji cells and its
      related mechanism].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the anti-proliferative effect of genistein
      (Gen) on BCL-6 positive Raji cells and its related mechanism. Trypan blue
      staining and MTT method were used to analyze the anti-proliferative effect of Gen
      on Raji cells. Cell apoptosis, protein expression and the interaction of BCL-6
      and NCoR were detected by PI/AV dual staining, Western blot and Co-IP method,
      respectively. The results showed that Gen had time- and dose-dependent inhibitory
      effect on Raji cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Different dose of Gen
      had no significant effect on the expression of BCL-6 and NCoR, but could inhibit
      the binding of BCL-6 and NCoR. It is concluded that Gen shows inhibitory effect
      on BCL-6 positive lymphoma cells, which can be as a adjuvant therapy for combined
      rituximab with chemotherapy. 

PMID- 25130813
TI  - [Analysis of the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis for acute myeloid leukemia
      M2a patients treated by IA and DA regimens].
AB  - This study was purposed to compare the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of
      acute myeloid leukemia M2a (AML-M2a) patients treated by idarubicin (IDA)
      combined with cytarabine (Ara-C) (IA) and daunorubicin (DNR) combined cytarabine
      (Ara-C) (DA) regimens. The clinical data of 65 patients with AML-M2a in our
      hospital were collected from May 2009 to May 2013 and analyzed. The results
      indicated the complete remission in IA group was slightly higher than that in DA
      group, there was no statistically significant difference(P > 0.05); leukocyte
      minimum value in IA group [(0.58 +/- 0.40)*10(9)/L] was obviously lower than that
      in DA group [(0.99 +/- 0.67)*10(9)/L] (P < 0.05); neutrophil minimum value in IA
      group [(0.19 +/- 0.09)*10(9)/L] was significantly lower than that in DA group
      [(0.21 +/- 0.16)*10(9)/L] (P < 0.05); the neutropenia duration in IA group (12.59
      +/- 5.31)d was much longer than that in DA group (9.17 +/- 7.04)d (P < 0.05). The
      median survival time of patients in IA group was 36.67 months, which was
      obviously longer than that of patients in DA group (21.45 months) (P < 0.05). The
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) value and chemotherapy regimens were the
      independently risk factor affecting the prognosis of AML-M2a patients. It is
      concluded that as compared with DA regimen, the IA regimen can prolong the median
      survival time and has better long-term therapeutic efficacy, thus it can be used
      as the first chemotherapy regimen for treatment of AML-M2a.

PMID- 25130814
TI  - [Association of XRCC1 genetic polymorphism with susceptibility to non-Hodgkin's
      lymphoma].
AB  - The purpose of this study was to explore the association between X-ray repair
      cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1)gene polymorphism and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
      risk. A total of 282 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients and 231 normal
      controls were used to investigate the effect of three XRCC1 gene polymorphisms
      (rs25487, rs25489, rs1799782) on susceptibility to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
      Genotyping was performed by using SNaPshot method. All statistical analyses were
      done with R software. Genotype and allele frequencies of XRCC1 were compared
      between the patients and controls by using the chi-square test. Crude and
      adjusted odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by using
      logistic regression on the basis of genetic different models. For four kinds of
      NHL, subgroup analyses were also conducted. Combined genotype analyses of the
      three XRCC1 polymorphisms were also done by using logistic regression. The
      results showed that the variant genotype frequency was not significantly
      different between the controls and NHL or NHL subtype cases. Combined genotype
      analyses of XRCC1 399-280-194 results showed that the combined genotype was not
      associated with risk of NHL overall, but the VT-WT-WT combined genotype was
      associated with the decreased risk of T-NHL (OR: 0.21; 95%CI (0.06-0.8); P =
      0.022), and the WT-VT-WT combined genotype was associated with the increased risk
      of FL(OR:15.23; 95%CI (1.69-137.39); P = 0.015). It is concluded that any studied
      polymorphism (rs25487, rs25489, rs1799782) alone was not shown to be rela-ted
      with the risk of NHL or each histologic subtype of NHL. The combined genotype
      with mutation of three SNP of XRCC1 was not related to the risk of NHL. However,
      further large-scale studies would be needed to confirm the association of
      decreased or increased risk for T-NHL and FL with the risk 3 combined SNP mutants
      of XRCC1 polymorphism. 

PMID- 25130815
TI  - [Interaction between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and HUT-78 lymphoma
      cells].
AB  - This study was aimed to explore the effects of lymphoma cells on the
      differentiation of monocytes from peripheral blood to tumor-associated
      macrophages (TAM) and the effect of TAM on proliferation of lymphoma cells in
      vitro, and investigate the difference between newly diagnosed lymphoma patients
      and healthy volunteers. Blood samples were obtained from 15 newly diagnosed
      lymphoma patients and 8 healthy volunteers. Monocytes from peripheral blood were
      isolated by Ficoll- Hypaque density gradient centrifugation and CD14 immuno
      magnetic beads. Then monocytes were directly co-cultured with HUT-78 lymphoma
      cells by using Transwell apparatus in vitro. Expression of the markers of TAM
      (CD68 and CD163) were detected by flow cytometry to analyse the proportion of
      differentiated TAM. Growth curve of HUT-78 cells was made by direct cell count.
      The IL-10 and VEGF levels in the co-culture system were detected by ELISA. The
      detection results of newly diagnosed lymphoma patients were compared with that of
      healthy controls. The results showed that the proportion of CD68(+), CD163(+) and
      CD68+CD163 (+) cells were significantly up-regulated after co-cultured with HUT
      78 lymphoma cells in both patients and healthy controls (P < 0.05). There was no
      statistical significance in the increasing degree between patients and healthy
      controls. TAM differentiated from peripheral blood monocytes showed no
      significant promotion or inhibition on the growth of co-cultured lymphoma cells.
      For patients, the IL-10 and VEGF levels in the co-culture group were
      significantly lower than those in two single culture groups (P < 0.05) . For
      healthy controls, there was no significant difference between these two. It is
      concluded that lymphoma cells can promote the differentiation of monocytes to
      macrophages with M2-like phenotype. There is no difference in the promoting
      degree between patients and healthy controls. TAM differentiated from patients'
      monocytes significantly down-regulate levels of IL-10 and VEGF in the co-culture
      system, exhibited functions more like M1 macrophages. In contrast, TAM
      differentiated from monocytes of healthy controls show no such effects on the co
      culture system. 

PMID- 25130816
TI  - [Clinical analysis of lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia treated with Hyper-CVAD/MA
      regimen chemotherapy combined with haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell
      infusion].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of Hyper-CVAD/MA regimen
      chemotherapy combined with haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell infusion for
      the treatment of lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (LBL/ALL). Seven patients with
      LBL/ALL were treated in Second Artillery General Hospital from August 2009 to
      September 2012. All patients received programmed infusions of granulocyte-colony
      stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized family related HLA-haploidentical donor
      peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell (G-PBHSC) after each of cycle of Hyper
      CVAD/MA regimen chemotherapy without graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
      prophylaxis. A total of four cycles of therapy were planned. The interval between
      each cycle of treatment was 8 to 12 weeks. By April 2014, the median follow-up
      time was 41 (20-57) months. The results showed that the 7 patients totally
      received 30 cycles of treatment, and all patients achieved complete remission
      (CR). The patients were generally well-tolerated to therapy, and the most
      significant toxicities of grade 3 to 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia developed
      in nearly all of the patients after each course of the Hyper-CVAD/MA regimen. No
      GVHD was observed in any of the patients during treatment. Up to now, 5 patients
      were still alive, 2 patients were died of relapse. It is concluded that the
      combination of chemotherapy and programmed haploidentical G-PBHSC infusion is a
      promising approach to the treatment of LBL/ALL.

PMID- 25130817
TI  - [Clinical analysis of 202 cases of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma].
AB  - This study was purposed to explore the therapeutic strategy and factors
      influencing prognosis through the analysis of clinical characteristics, genetic
      aberrations, treatment and prognosis of the patients with extranodal NK/T cell
      lymphoma (ENKTL). A total of 202 patients with ENKL from 2005-2013 were analyzed
      retrospectively in term of Ann Arbor stage, B symptoms, lactate dehydrogenase
      (LDH), international prognostic index (IPI), beta2-microglobulin and the
      expression of MYC,HXO11,BCL-2. The survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier
      method, and the COX regression model was employed for multivariate analysis. The
      results showed that the 5 year overall survival (OS) rate and event-free survival
      (EFS) rate were 61.9% and 53.9% respectively; chemoradiotherapy was apparently
      better than chemotherapy alone for OS and EFS; OS and EFS of the patients with
      BCL-2 expression were apparently better than patients without BCL-2 expression;
      multivariant analysis by COX regression showed that Ann Arbor stage and BCL-2
      expression were independent prognostic factors for EFS/OS. It is concluded that
      chemoradiotherapy is better than chemotherapy alone for treatment of ENKL. Ann
      Arbor stage and BCL-2 expression are independent prognostic factors. 

PMID- 25130818
TI  - [Efficacy of liver transplantation for acute hepatic failure caused by
      reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection after chemotherapy and radiotherapy
      for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the morphological, biological ,clinical and
      therapy features in a special case of primary gastric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (PG
      NHL) through analysis of PG-NHL patient who developed fulminating hepatitis
      following chemotherapy and radiotherapy and thus received liver transplantation
      (LT). The morphological changes of cells were analyzed by bone marrow smear, the
      expression and mutation of abnormal genes were detected by nested multiplex PCR,
      and HBV-DNA copies were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (FQ
      PCR). The results showed that at onset of disease, patient was diagnosed as
      primary gastric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (PG-NHL) with HBsAg(+) and HBVDNA(-).
      LUGANO stage was Ia. aaIPI score was 0.The patient was treated with R-CHOP
      regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone),
      rituximab maintenance treatment and radiotherapy. During the treatment, the
      patient has taken entecavir, 1 week later after the radiotherapy (2 months later
      after the chemotherapy), then the entecavir was discontinued. Six months later
      HBV DNA(+), the progressive acute hepatic failure (AHF) happened to the patient,
      who thus received phylogenetic right liver transplantation (LT). He has survived
      for 3 years after LT so far. The liver function of patient was normal more than 3
      years after LT. The patient was checked regularly by PET-CT, and his PG-NHL
      continue complete remission(CR). It is concluded that the patients receiving
      chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy should be screened for HBV DNA, liver
      function and HBV reactivation signs. HbsAg positive patients should receive
      preventive antiviral therapy. After chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy,
      the patients should be given antiviral maintenance therapy, and the liver damage
      should receive the hepatoprotective and effective support treatment, LT is
      necessary and feasible to obtain long-term survival.

PMID- 25130819
TI  - [Inhibitory effect of pumpkin protein on expression of Notch signal in RPMI8226
      myeloma cells].
AB  - This study was aimed to explore the inhibitory effect of pumpkin protein
      (cucurmosin, CUS) on proliferation of RPMI8226 myeloma cells in vitro and its
      mechanism. Western blot was used to detect the expression level of Notch-1,
      Jagged-2, P-Akt and NF-KB in the myeloma cells treated by different
      concentrations of CUS. The results demonstrated that CUS could down-regulate the
      protein expression levels of Notch1, Jagged-2, P-Akt and NF-KB in the myeloma
      cells and with time-and concentration-dependent way, at the same time CUS could
      also decrease the expressions of BCL-2 and P-Akt. It is concluded that CUS can
      obviously inhibit the RPMI8226 cell proliferation in vitro, down-regulate the
      expression levels of Notch signal and its down-stream target genes. Therefore,
      Notch signaling pathway can be used as a new treatment target for multiple
      myeloma, and CUS may be become a potential new drug for regulating Notch
      signaling pathway.

PMID- 25130820
TI  - [Apoptosis-inducing effect of valproic acid combined with arsenic trioxide on
      RPMI 8226 cells and its mechanism].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of valproic
      acid (VPA) combined with arsenic trioxide (ATO) on human multiple myeloma RPMI
      8226 cells and its mechanism. The cell proliferation of RPMI 8226 cells was
      assayed by CCK-8 method. The cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.
      Semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot were applied respectively to detect the
      mRNA and protein expression level of BCL-2, BAX, caspase-8 and caspase-9 gene.
      The results showed that both the VPA and ATO inhibited RPMI 8226 cell
      proliferation. The combination of ATO and VPA has synergistic effect (Q values
      greater than 1.15). The RPMI 8226 cell apoptosis rate in combined drug group was
      significantly higher than that in single drug group (P < 0.05). The mRNA and
      protein expressions of BCL-2 gene in combined drug group decreased, while the
      mRNA and protein expressions of BAX, caspase-8 and caspase-9 significantly
      increased, compared with single drug group (P < 0.05) . It is concluded that VPA
      can enhance the sensitivity of RPMI 8226 cells to ATO-induced apoptosis, which
      may be associated with decreasing the BCL-2 expression and increasing the BAX,
      caspase-8 and caspase-9 gene expression. 

PMID- 25130821
TI  - [JAK2V617F mutation and TNF-alpha expression in myeloproliferative neoplasms and
      their correlation].
AB  - This study was aimed to explore the JAK2V617F mutation and TNF-alpha expression
      in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), and the relation between them
      so as to provide theoretical basis for clinical practice and target therapy.
      Sixty-two confirmed BCR-ABL-negative MPN patients and 15 healthy adults were
      enrolled in this study. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the patients
      and healthy controls were divided into two parts, one part was used to extract
      DNA, the other one was used to extract mRNA and reverse-transcribe into cDNA.
      Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect JAK2V617F mutation
      proportion and the expression level of TNF-alpha. The results showed that the
      positive rate of JAK2V617F mutation in MPN patients was 64.52% (40/62) ,
      including 54.28% in essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients (19/35), 94.74% in
      polycythemia vera (PV) patients (18/19) and 37.50% in myelofibrosis (MF) (3/8)
      patients. Mutation proportions of JAK2V617F in ET, PV and MF patients were 0.838
      +/- 0.419, 4.417 +/- 0.658, 2.746 +/- 2.009 respectively. The expression of TNF
      alpha in ET, PV and MF patients were higher than that in healthy controls: 1.7,
      7.0, 8.2-fold (P < 0.05) respectively. In addition, TNF-alpha expression was
      correlated with JAK2V617F allele burden (Pearson r = 0.610,R(2) = 0.372,P =
      0.005). It is concluded that TNF-alpha plays an important role in the
      pathogenesis of MPN, the TNF-alpha expression increases and is different in ET,PV
      and MF patients,which correlates with JAK2V617F allele burden. 

PMID- 25130823
TI  - [Role of Toll-like receptor 2 in primary immune thrombocytopenia].
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the role of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 in
      primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) by detecting TLR2 expression in the
      peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with ITP and evaluating the role of TLR2
      activation on inflammatory cytokine secretion. A total of 39 ITP patients and 21
      normal controls were enrolled in this study. The expression of TLR2 was detected
      by real-time PCR and flow cytometry, and the concentration of IL-6 and TNF-alpha
      in culture supernatant of PBMNC treated with pam3CSK4 for 48 hours were detected
      by ELISA. The results showed that the expression of TLR2 mRNA in active ITP
      patients (3.561 +/- 0.741) was significantly higher than that in normal controls
      (1.750 +/- 0.314) (P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant
      difference between remission ITP patients (2.333 +/- 0.448) and normal controls
      (P > 0.05) . Flow cytometry analysis found that the TLR2 was not expressed on T
      and B cells, but expressed on all monocytes both from ITP patients and normal
      controls. Further activation experiment showed that TLR2 activation in vitro
      could induce the expression of IL-6 (1644 +/- 634.0 vs 4111 +/- 525.2 pg/ml) and
      TNF-alpha (75.37 +/- 22.31 vs 326.0 +/- 109.9 pg/ml) in PBMNC from ITP patients
      (both P < 0.05), but just could promote IL-6 expression in normal controls (2119
      +/- 636.9 vs 4671 +/- 315.9 pg/ml)(P < 0.05). It is concluded that the expression
      of TLR2 mRNA is up-regulated in PBMNC of ITP patients, and this increased TLR2
      maybe participate in ITP through inducing secretion of inflammatory cytokines. 

PMID- 25130822
TI  - [Iron chelation therapy and its influence on the alleviation of EPO resistance in
      MDS patients].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the changes of erythropoietin (EPO),
      hemoglobin(Hb) and recombinant EPO (rEPO) levels in MDS patients receiving iron
      chelation therapy, and to explore the relationship between EPO and serum
      ferritin(SF). A total of 172 MDS patients and 30 healthy controls were studied.
      The levels of SF, EPO, serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), C
      reaction protein (CRP) and Hb were measured respectively, the level of SF was
      adjusted according to the changes of CRP. Among them, there were 34 cases of low
      risk (SF>1 000 mg/L) receiving deferoxamine therapy, whose changes of SF, EPO,
      SI, TIBC, Hb levels were detected and compared before and after treatment.
      Besides, the difference in the incidence of EPO resistance in iron overload group
      and non-iron overload group was assessed before and after therapy, and 58 cases
      of low-risk and EPO<1 000 U/L MDS patients were given rEPO therapy. The results
      showed that the level of EPO in non-iron overload group was higher than that in
      the normal control group (997.44 +/- 473.48 vs 467.27 +/- 238.49, P < 0.05).
      Obviously, the level of EPO in iron overload group was higher than that in non
      iron overload group and control group (3257.59 +/- 697.19 vs 997.44 +/- 473.48, P
      = 0.012, 3257.59 +/- 697.19 vs 467.27 +/- 238.49, P = 0.002). Otherwise, the
      incidence of EPO resistance in iron overload group was higher than that in non
      iron overload group (18/35 vs 2/23, P = 0.001), and the level of EPO and SF was
      positively related to each other in iron overload group (r = 0.310,P = 0.036).
      After receiving iron chelation therapy, the levels of SF, SI, TIBC and EPO in
      iron overload group were significantly lower than that before therapy (3942.38 +/
      641.82 vs 2266.35 +/- 367.31, P = 0.028;48.61 +/- 10.65 vs 28.52 +/- 12.61, P =
      0.034;59.84 +/- 12.62 vs 33.76 +/- 15.43, P = 0.045;3808.01 +/- 750.22 vs 1954.78
      +/- 473.18, P = 0.042). Moreover, the level of Hb increased (35 +/- 18 vs 57 +/-
      21, P = 0.046) and the EPO resistance in some patients was decreased. It is
      concluded that iron chelation therapy can improve the efficacy of EPO to
      alleviate EPO resistance in patients wtih anemic MDS, decrease the pathological
      level of EPO, enhance Hb levels and reduce the dependency on blood transfusion.

PMID- 25130824
TI  - [Expressive changes of CD4(+)T cell subset transcription factors in patients with
      aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia and their
      clinical significances].
AB  - This study was aimed to compare the expressions of specific transcription factors
      of CD4(+) T cell subset ( T-bet, GATA-3, RORgammat and FoxP3 mRNA) in peripheral
      blood of patients with aplastic anemia(AA), myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS), and
      acute myeloid leukemia(AML), and investigate their immune status and
      pathogenesis, so as to provide experimental basis for the choice of clinical
      treatment. The expression of T-box (T-bet), GATA-3, ROR-gammat and Foxp3 mRNA in
      PBMNC were examined by RT-PCR in 42 cases of MDS, including 22 refractory
      anemia(MDS-RA) and 20 refractory anemia with excess blasts (MDS-RAEB), in 23
      cases of AA, 17 cases of AML patients and 16 healthy volunteers respectively. The
      results indicated that, compared with normal control group, expressions of T-bet
      and RORgammat mRNA in AA patient group were significantly higher (P < 0.01),
      expression levels of GATA3 Foxp3 mRNA were lower (both P < 0.01). There was no
      significant difference in expression of T-bet and GATA3 mRNA between MDS group
      and normal control group, but the expression levels of Foxp3 and RORgammat mRNA
      were higher than those in normal controls (P < 0.05); T-bet and RORgammat in MDS
      RA group were higher than those in the normal controls(P < 0.01), and GATA3
      expression significantly reduced (P < 0.05), however, there was no significant
      difference in expression of Foxp3 between MDS-RA and the controls. Expression
      levels of T-bet and RORgammat mRNA in patients with MDS-RAEB and AML were lower
      than those in normal controls (P < 0.05), but the expression levels of GATA3 and
      Foxp3 mRNA were significantly higher than those in normal controls (P < 0.01). It
      is concluded that the transcription factor expressions are different in PBMNC of
      patients among these three diseases. Immune-mediated excessive apoptosis may play
      an important role in pathogenesis, bone marrow failure in patients with AA and
      MDS-RA, and abnormal clones of immature cells may be one of main reasons for bone
      marrow failure in AML and late stage of MDS. 

PMID- 25130825
TI  - [Abnormal quantity of regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of patients with
      severe aplastic anemia and its clinical significance].
AB  - This study was purposed to investigate the role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in
      the immune unbalance for patients with acquired severe aplastic anemia (SAA). The
      flow cytometry was used to detect the quantity of CD4(+) CD25(+) CD127(dim)
      Tregs, T cell subset (CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio), dendritic cell(DC) subset(mDC/pDC
      ratio) in 44 SAA patients(25 untreated patients and 19 recovery patients) and 23
      normal controls. The correlation between Tregs and T cell subset, DC subset and
      hemogram were analyzed. The results showed that the percentage of CD4(+) CD25(+)
      CD127(dim) Tregs in peripheral blood lymphocyte(PBL) of untreated patients was
      (0.83 +/- 0.44) %, which was obviously lower than that in recovery patients (2.91
      +/- 1.24)% and normal controls (2.18 +/- 0.55)% (P < 0.05), but the difference
      was not statistically significant between latter two groups. The ratio of
      CD4(+)/CD8(+) was (0.5 +/- 0.3) in untreated patients, which was obviously lower
      than that in recovery patients (1.2 +/- 0.4) and normal controls (1.11 +/- 0.24)
      (P < 0.05). The ratio of mDC/pDC was (3.08 +/- 0.72) in untreated patients, which
      was significantly higher than that in recovery patients(1.61 +/- 0.49) and normal
      controls (1.39 +/- 0.36) (P < 0.05). The percentage of CD4(+) CD25(+)CD127(dim)
      Tregs in PBL positively correlated with CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio (r = 0.695, P <
      0.01), and that negatively correlated with mDC/pDC ratio (r = -0.796, P < 0.01).
      There were significant positive correlations between CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(dim)
      Tregs/PBL and WBC, Ret% (r = 0.761, 0.749 respectively, P < 0.01). It is
      concluded that the decrease of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(dim) Tregs quantity in SAA may
      be one of mechanisms underlying bone marrow failure resulting from the
      deterioration of immune tolerance and hyperfunction of T-cells. 

PMID- 25130826
TI  - [Safety and effectiveness of tumor-ablative chemotherapy combined with low
      intensity modified conditioning regimen for 30 patients with hematologic
      malignancies receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of tumor
      ablative Chemotherapy combined with low intensity conditioning regiment
      BUCy/TBICy for patients with hematologic malignancies receiving allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The clinical data of 30
      patients with hematologic malignancies received above-mentioned therapeutic
      method from January 2012 to January 2013 was analyzed retrospectively, and the
      engraftment, GVHD, infection, conditioning-related toxicity, relapse and survival
      rates were evaluated. All the patients signed the informed consent before
      transplantation. The median follow-up duration was 20.5 (16.3-27.3) months. The
      results indicated that all the patients had been engrafted successfully. One year
      overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 93.3% and 83.3%
      respectively. No conditioning-related toxicity occurred. The incidences of II-IV
      grade aGVHD was 37.9%, among which incidence of III-IV grade aGVHD was 3.4%;
      incidence of extensive cGVHD was 13.8%. So far, 1 case relapsed, 1 case displayed
      graft rejection, and poor function of graft occurred in 1 case, death occurred in
      2 cases(6.7%). It is concluded that tumor-ablative chemotherapy combined with low
      intensity-modified BUCy/TBICy is safe and effective in allogeneic hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies, and it is useful to
      reduce relapse of hematologic malignancies after transplantation.

PMID- 25130827
TI  - [Transplantation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells combined with
      haploidentical hematopoietic stem cells for 36 patients with refractory/relapsed
      myeloid leukemia].
AB  - This study was purposed to analyse the clinical efficacy of transplantation of
      umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) combined with haploidentical
      hematopoietic stem cells (haplo-HSCT) for patients with refractory/relapsed
      myeloid leukemia. The clinical data of 36 patients received transplantation of UC
      MSC combined with haplo-HSCT from January 2007 to June 2013 were summarized
      retrospectively, the engraftment, GVHD and 2 years-overall survival (OS) were
      analysed. The results showed that the median times of neutrophil
      count>0.50*10(9)/L and platelet count>20*10(9)/L were 12.0 days and 14.0 days,
      respectively. Grade III to IV aGVHD occurred in 5 out of 36 patients (13.8%).
      cGVHD occurred in 12 out of 32 patients (37.5%) and extensive cGVHD occurred in 2
      patients. Additionally, only 3 patients (8.3%) experienced relapse. The 2-year OS
      rate of patients was 76.9%. It is concluded that the transplantation of UC-MSC
      combined with haplo-HSCT has good therapeutic efficacy for patients with
      refractory/relapsed myeloid leukemia, and may be served as a therapeutic method
      especially for patients with high risk and without well matched donor.

PMID- 25130828
TI  - [Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for chronic myelomonocytic
      leukemia and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia].
AB  - This study was purposed to explore the therapeutic efficacy and influencing
      factors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in
      patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and in patients with
      juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). The clinical data of 3 cases of CMML and
      2 cases of JMML underwent allo-HSCT were analysed in term of multiparameter. The
      results showed that the hematopoietic stem cells in 5 patients grafted
      successfully. One case of JMML died of pulmonary disease, other 4 cases survive
      without disease. The analysis found that the disease burden before transplant,
      chromosome karyotype, acute GVHD II-IV and poor risk cytogenetics all associated
      with the relapse rate and disease-free survival rate of CMML. The low intensity
      conditioning regimen was better than myeloablative conditioning regimen. Type of
      donor and source of stem cells did not statistically and significantly affect OS
      and RFS. The splenectomy before allo-HSCT as well as spleen size at time of the
      alloHSCT did not influence on posttransplantation outcome of JMML. However, cord
      blood HSCT for JMML patients delayed hematologic recovery as compared to that of
      bone marrow or peripheral blood HSCT. The age, GVHD, HbF level played an
      important role in leukemia replace. It is concluded that the allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a curative regimen for CMML and JMML,
      but there also is a serial problems to be resolved.

PMID- 25130829
TI  - [Effects of myeloid antigen expression on hematopoietic reconstitution and
      disease prognosis in acute lymphocytic leukemia patients after allogeneic stem
      cell transplantation].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the effects of myeloid antigen expression on
      hematopoietic reconstitution and disease prognosis in acute lymphocytic leukemia
      patients post-allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Clinical data of
      20 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia in Department of Hematology of the
      First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from 2008 January to 2014
      April were retrospectively analyzed, in which 5 cases were with myeloid antigen
      (My(+) ALL), while 15 patients were without myeloid antigen expression (My(-)
      ALL). Differences in prognosis and hematopoietic reconstitution post-allo-HSCT
      were observed in My(+) ALL and My(-) ALL patients. The results showed that the
      poor platelet engraftment in patients with My(+) ALL was found more than that in
      My(-)ALL patients. Three My(+) ALL patients experienced skin chronic graft versus
      host disease (cGVHD) including local in 2 cases and extensive in one case, and 3
      My(-) ALL patients developed grade I-II acute GVHD, while five patients of My(-)
      ALL experienced cGVHD including local in 3 cases, extensive in 2 cases. One and
      two year overall survival rate of My(+) ALL and My(-) ALL patients was 80% and
      85.7%, 53% and 69.8% respectively, one and two year progress-free survival rate
      was 53.3% and 54.7%, 26% and 27.4%, respectively. And there was no significant
      statistical difference between two groups (P > 0.05). It is concluded that the
      myeloid antigen expression may impact the platelet engraftment post
      transplantation. There is no significant difference between one and two year
      overall survival rate and progress-free survival rate of My(+) ALL and My(-) ALL
      patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 25130830
TI  - [Effect of notch signaling pathway on VEGF promoting rat mesenchymal stem cell
      proliferation].
AB  - This study was purposed to investigate the effect of Notch signaling pathway on
      VEGF promoting the proliferation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Rat MSC
      were cultured in vitro, and the cells in logarithmic growth phase were used for
      experiments. The inhibitor DAPT was used to block Notch signaling pathway, and
      the effect of the pathway on VEGF promoting proliferation of MSC was observed.
      The experiment was divided into 4 groups: control, VEGF, DAPT and VEGF+DAPT. The
      CCK-8 was used to assay the cells proliferation of each group, while RT-PCR was
      used to detect the changes of related genes (Notch1, Notch2, Flk-1, Hes-1) at
      mRNA levels. The results indicated that the cells survival rate MSC in DAPT group
      and VEGF+DAPT group was low in each time point (24 h, 48 h, 72 h), the cell
      number decreased, and the cells became rounded. The survival rate of MSC in VEGF
      group was the highest; the difference of cell survival rate was statistically
      significant between the groups (P < 0.01); Compared with the control group, the
      mRNA expression level of Notch1, Notch2 and Flk-1 in VEGF group was raised, while
      the expression level of Notch1 and Notch2 in DAPT group and VEGF+DAPT group come
      down, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05); whereas the mRNA
      expression level of Hes-1 in VEGF group was down-regulated, but that in DAPT
      group and VEGF+DAPT group was up-regulated, and the difference was statistically
      significant (P < 0.05). Flk-1 mRNA level in DAPT group and VEGF+DAPT group was
      slightly lower, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).
      It is concluded that Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in promoting
      the proliferation of rat MSC, treated with VEGF, however, the DAPT can weaken
      this effect. 

PMID- 25130831
TI  - [Effects of salidroside on proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the effect of salidroside on proliferation of
      bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and their secretion of stem cell factor
      (SCF). MSC were isolated and amplified in vitro via density gradient
      centrifugation and adherence screening method. MCS were identified by flow
      cytometry and osteogenic/adipogenic induction. The effects of salidroside on cell
      proliferation, cell cycle and the SCF secretion of MSC were detected by flow
      cytometry. The results showed that the salidroside could induce the proliferation
      of MSC, peaked at the concentration of 1.5 mg/ml and in a time-dependent manner
      (in 24 h, 48 h and 72 h). Salidroside at 1.5 mg/ml could more effectively
      increase the percentage of cells in S and G1/M phase. Co-cultured with
      salidroside at the concentration of 1.5 mg/ml for 48 h, the SCF and the
      expression levels of SCF mRNA in co-culture supernatant were both significantly
      increased (P < 0.01). It is concluded that salidroside in a range of certain
      concentration can obviously promote the proliferation of MSC and increase the
      expression and secretion of SCF.

PMID- 25130832
TI  - [Protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived microvesicles on
      glutamate injured PC12 cells].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of bone mesenchymal
      stem cell-derived microvesicles (BMMSC-MV) on glutamate injured PC12 cells so as
      to elucidate the mechanism of the neural damage repair. BMMSC were isolated and
      purified with density-gradient centrifugation method, BMMSC-MV were harvested
      from the supernatants of BMMSC by hypothermal ultracentrifugation method. The
      surface markers of BMMSC reacted against different antibodies were detected by
      flow cytometry. The morphology features of MV were observed under an electron
      microscope. Experiment was divided into three groups, one was a control group,
      and the other two were glutamate-injured group and co-culture group of BMMSC-MV
      and glutamate-damaged cells respectively. MTT test was used to evaluate the
      proliferative status of PC12 cells and the AnnexinV-FITC detecting kit and
      Hoechst33342 were used to detect the apoptosis of PC12 cells in different groups.
      The results showed that BMMSC isolated from rat bone marrow were highly positive
      for CD29, CD44 and negative for CD31, CD34 and CD45. The morphology of MV was
      round and the vesicles were homogenous in size. BMMSC-MV exhibited a protective
      effect on the excitotoxicity-injured PC12 cells, displaying increase of cell
      viability, decrease of Annexin-V/PI staining positive and nuclear condensed
      cells. It is concluded that BMMSC-MV can protect PC12 cells from glutamate
      induced apoptosis, suggesting that BMMSC-MV may be a potential candidate for
      treatment of neurological diseases.This study provides the preliminary
      experimental and theoretical evidence for use of BMMSC-MV in treatment of neural
      excited damage. 

PMID- 25130833
TI  - [Effect of umbilical cord MSC infusion on the pulmonary infection in
      haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].
AB  - This study was purposed to investigate the effect of umbilical cord mesenchymal
      cells (UC-MSC) infusion on the pulmonary infection in haploidentical
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (hi-HSCT). The infection of 83 patients
      underwent hi-HSCT was detected and analysed, among them 42 patients received
      haploidentical hi-HSCT, 41 received hi-HSCT combined with UC-MSC infusion. The
      results showed that 31 cases (73.81% +/- 6.78%) were infected by cytomegalovirus
      and 21 cases in patients received hi-HSCT experienced pulmonary infections,
      including infections of fungal, virus, bacteria, tubercle bacillus, PCP and so
      on, the incidence rate was (50 +/- 7.72)%; the infection of cytomegalovirus (CMV)
      was found in 31 cases, the incidence rate was (78.05 +/- 6.46)%. In patients
      received hi-HSCT combined with UC-MSC, only 15 patients experienced pulmonary
      infection, the incidence rate was (36.59 +/- 7.52)%, and the infection of
      cytomegalovirus (CMV) was observed in 32 patients, the incidence rate was (78.05
      +/- 6.46)%. There was no obvious statistical difference between two groups(P >
      0.05). It is concluded that the UC-MSC infusion not increases the infection rate
      in hi-HSCT.

PMID- 25130834
TI  - [Infection status of HBV, HCV and HIV in voluntary blood donors of Chinese
      Nanjing area during 2010-2013].
AB  - This study was purposed to understand the infection of HBV, HCV, HIV among the
      voluntary blood donors and the epidemic trend in infectious population in Chinese
      Nanjing area, and to guide the mobilization and recruitment of blood donors. A
      total of 199777 whole blood samples of voluntary blood donors were tested by
      ELISA, the nucleic acid technology (NAT) combined detection (HBV-DNA, HCV-RNA,
      HIV-RNA) was added for detection of the samples with HBsAg,anti-HCV, anti-HIV at
      least unilateral negative donors from June 10, 2010 to June 9, 2013 years, and
      these statistic data were analyzed. Every HIV reactive sample(HIV-antibody and/or
      HIV-RNA) was sent to be confirmed in the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention in Nanjing. The results showed that the voluntary donors' infection
      rate of HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV were 0.45%, 0.28%, 0.11% respectively; NAT
      positive rate was 0.07%, 32 cases were confirmed with anti-HIV positive, in which
      30 cases were male (6 cases were repeated blood donors) and 2 cases were female,
      3 cases were unconfirmed, in which 2 cases were males and 1 case was female. The
      statistical analysis demonstrated that the difference of unqualitative rate of
      HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV was statistically significant between the first-time
      and repeated blood donors.It is concluded that the positive rate of anti-HCV and
      anti-HIV displayed a declining trend year by year in Nanjing voluntary blood
      donation population from June 10,2010 to June 9, 2013 years. The unqualitative
      rate of HBsAg and NAT increased with the age increasing, while that of anti-HCV,
      anti-HIV decreased with age increasing. The unqualitative rate of the repeated
      blood donors is far lower than that of the first-time blood donors. The ELISA
      positive rate of anti-HIV testing in females is higher than that in males, but
      the confirmed positive rate of male is significantly higher than that of female.
      Therefore the consulting skills before donating should be improved, concerning
      the link of recruiting donors, focusing on strengthening the first-time donors'
      consultation, evaluating and developing the fixed voluntary blood donors, and
      vigorously popularizing NAT technology in blood screening to improve the blood
      safety effectively. 

PMID- 25130836
TI  - [Holstein-Friesian RBC as human blood substitute].
AB  - alpha-Gal, the main xenotransplantation antigen, can lead to hyperacute rejection
      (HAR) in xenotransplantation. This study was purposed to investigate the effect
      of recombinant alpha-galactosidase (alpha-Gal antigen) on the Holstein-Friesian(H
      F) red blood cells (RBC). The enzymelysis method was used to digest the alpha-Gal
      antigen on H-F RBC; the saline and anti-human globulin methods were used to
      perform the agglutination test of H-F RBC and human plasma; the flow cytometry
      was used to detect the alpha-Gal antigen on surface of H-F RBC, fluorescence
      intensity of FITC-IB4 and FITC-IgG labeled RBC. The results indicated that the
      saline and anti-human globulin method showed alpha-galactosidase-treated H-F RBC
      fail to agglutinate with human pooled plasma; the flow cytometry showed the
      fluorescence intensity of FITC-IB4 and FITC-IgG labeled RBC decrease 99.0% and
      87.8%, respectively. It is concluded that the novel alpha-galactosidase can be
      used to cleared the alpha-Gal antigen on the surface of H-F RBC and alpha
      galactosidase-treated H-F RBC may be considered as human blood substitute.

PMID- 25130835
TI  - [Clinical application of blood matching with hemolytic test in vitro for
      transfusion treatment of crisis puerpera with acute hemolytic anemia].
AB  - This study was aimed to establish the matching method of hemolytic test in vitro,
      and to guide the transfusion treatment for puerpera with acute hemolytic disease.
      The donor's erythrocytes were sensibilized by all the antibodies in plasma of
      patient in vitro and were added with complement, after incubation for 6.5 hours
      at 38  degrees C, the hemolysis or no hemolysis were observed. It is safe to
      transfuse if the hemolysis did not occur. The results showed that when the
      matching difficulty happened to puerpera with acute hemolytic disease, the
      compatible donor could be screened by hemolytic test in vitro. There were no
      untoward effects after transfusion of 6 U leukocyte-depleted erythrocyte
      suspension. The all hemoglobin, total bilirubins, indirect bilirubin,
      reticulocyte, D-dimex and so on were rapidly improved in patient after
      transfusion , showing obvious clinical efficacy of treatment. It is concluded
      that when the matching results can not judge accurately compatible or
      incompatible through the routine method of cross matching, the agglutinated and
      no-hemolytic erythrocytes can be screened by hemolytic test in vitro and can be
      transfused with good efficacy; the hemoglobin level can be promoted rapidly, and
      no untoward effects occur.

PMID- 25130837
TI  - [Comparative analysis of collecting mononuclear cells from peripheral blood by
      using Fenwal CS-3000 plus, haemonetics MCS plus and COBE spectra separators].
AB  - This study was aimed to compare the collection efficiency of mononuclear cells
      (MNC) from peripheral blood as well as the changes of blood-related indices in
      patient by using 3 cell separators. MNC were collected from 94 tumor patients by
      using Fenwal CS-3000plus, Haemonetics MCSplus and COBE spectra separators.
      Routine blood test was performed before and after MNC collection to detect the
      potential effects of cell separators on blood-related indices in the patients.
      MNC count was performed. The percentages of CD3(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+) in
      peripheral blood cells were determined. The results showed that the MNC counts
      were (3.08 +/- 0.79)*10(9), (3.21 +/- 1.12)*10(9), and (3.22 +/- 1.84)*10(9) per
      bag by CS-3000plus, MCSplus and COBE spectra, respectively. And the corresponding
      decrease of platelet percentage was (6.86 +/- 5.70)%, (8.05 +/- 5.14)% and (5.89
      +/- 4.48)%, respectively. The CD3, CD4 and CD8 ratios in peripheral blood of
      patients before and after treatment were significantly statistical different (P <
      0.001). It is concluded that the MNC collection can be performed successfully
      with CS-3000plus, MCSplus and COBE spectra, and their collections can meet the
      needs in clinic. 

PMID- 25130838
TI  - [Analysis of clinical, iconographical and pathological characteristics, prognosis
      and treatment methods for 35 cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis].
AB  - Purpose of this study was to analyse the characteristics of clinical,
      iconographical, pathological and treatment methods of Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis (LCH), so as to improve the diagnosis and treatment level of this
      disease. The clinical data of 35 LCH patients were studied retrospectively. These
      patients were divided into 2 groups according to age <14 years old and >= 14
      years old. The clinical symptoms were analysed and the signs, imageology and
      pathology manifestation and treatment results were evaluated. The results showed
      that LCH clinical manifestations were diverse and complex. Surgical treatment for
      patients with single system involvement of LCH was better than that of multi
      system involvement of LCH (MS-LCH). For the latter, combined chemotherapy effects
      was better. After 3-year follow-up, 1-year OS was 94% +/- 4%, 2-years OS was 91%
      +/- 5%, 3-year OS was 86% +/- 7%. 3 years OS of group <14 years old and >= 14
      years old was 94% +/- 6% and 81% +/- 10% respectively. The OS of former was
      better than that of the later, but because a small number of cases, this
      difference was not statistically significant. It is concluded that LCH is easy to
      be misdiagnosed, the pathological biopsy is the gold standard of LCH diagnosis.
      The PET-CT can be of great help in identifying stages and finding lesion areas of
      the disease. Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is more common in
      adult. Combined chemotherapy can improve the prognosis of the patients. The
      treatment methods should be choosed according to the stage and classification of
      disease.

PMID- 25130839
TI  - [Effect of different irradiation doses on the establishment of murine cGVHD model
      after MHC matched spleen stem cell transplantation].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the effect of different irradiation doses on
      the establishment of murine cGVHD model after MHC matched spleen stem cell
      transplantation. The male mouse BALB/c(H)-2d was totally irradiated with
      different radiation dose of (60)Co (TBI), then was infused with the same number
      of splenocytes from MHC matched DBA/2 male mice. After transplantation, the
      bodyweight, general appearance, hair changes, survival time and pathological
      damage were observed. The results indicated that compared to the control group (0
      Gy) and the 7.0 Gy group, the mice irradiated with 7.5 Gy and 8.0 Gy showed cGVHD
      symptoms and obvious pathological damage. At the end of experiments (60 d after
      transplantation), all mice irradiated by 7.5 Gy survived while only 60% animals
      survived in the 8.0 Gy group. It is concluded that under infusion of 10(8) MHC
      matched splenocytes per mouse, 7.5 Gy irradiation is appropriate to efficiently
      establish cGVHD model. This study laid an important foundation for further
      studying the pathogenesis, biological characteristics, and intervention factors
      of cGVHD.

PMID- 25130840
TI  - [Leukemia stem cells and their targeted clearance].
AB  - Leukemia stem cells(LSC) are the root causes of the leukemia, and are also the
      main reason for the leukemia relapse. Researchers hope that there are some
      methods to specifically mark the LSC and to clear them for promoting the
      advancements in the treatment of leukemia. This review discusses the biological
      characteristics of LSC and its microenvironment, the current internationally
      recognized main methods for specific marking of LSC, including marking LSC self
      renewal, apoptosis signaling pathways, microenvironment, cell cycle-related
      signaling pathways and LSC-specific immune phenotype, so as to eliminate LSC and
      minimal residual disease through these marking ways. But, at present, there are
      no specific methods to remove leukaemia stem cells independently, possibly the
      combination of LSC immune phenotype with blocking the microenvironment signaling
      pathways can target at and remove LSC, thus improving the prognosis of leukemia.

PMID- 25130841
TI  - [Mechanisms of aging and programmed death of erythrocytes].
AB  - Erythrocytes lack nuclei and mitochondria, critical elements in the machinery of
      nucleated cell apoptosis. However, most recently, it became obvious that
      erythrocytes may undergo programmed aging, as well as suicidal death. The term
      eryptosis has been coined to describe the suicidal erythrocyte death. Eryptosis
      is triggered mainly by increased cytosolic Ca(2+) activity, in turn, Ca(2+)
      activates Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels, scramblase, calpain and other
      proteases, respectively. A series of molecular events of erythrocyte programmed
      death induced. The cascade reaction of related molecules and finally lead to cell
      clearance. There is evidence suggesting that erythrocytes aging and death process
      are regulated tightly and there are many molecular participants and signaling
      pathways involved in aging and death process of erythrocytes. Erythrocytes have
      already been used as a model for aging study, and the knowledge about mechanisms
      involved in eryptosis may provide an important clue to understand the mechanisms
      involved in suicidal death of nucleated cells. In this review the factors
      influencing programmed death of erythrocytes, the role of Ca(2+) and ceramide in
      programmed death of erythrocytes, the role of blebbing in process of erythrocyte
      aging, the antigens of erythrocyte aging and so on are summarized.

PMID- 25130842
TI  - [Autophagy and hematologic malignancies].
AB  - Autophagy is a major topic of discussion in recent years, and is a physiological
      process of eukaryotic cells under metabolic stress as hunger, hypoxia, and drug
      treatment to gain energy by its degradation, and is closely related to the
      pathogenesis and progression of hematologic malignancies. At present, the results
      of study on the relationship between autophagy and hematologic malignancies has
      been found to be indistinct and contradictory. The appropriate treatment should
      inhibit the growth of tumor cells selectively and meanwhile have no damage to
      normal cells. So how to choose the target strategies plays an important role in
      the autophagy related treatment for hematologic malignancies. This article
      summarizes the occurrence and development of autophagy, the relationship between
      autophagy and hematologic malignancies, as well as the possible mechanism of
      autophagy in hematologic malignancies.

PMID- 25130843
TI  - [Roles of osteoblasts in hematopoietic stem cell niche and relationship between
      osteoblasts and hematopoietic diseases].
AB  - Hemopoietic stem cells(HSCs) are regulated by two niches: osteoblastic niche and
      vascular niche. Osteoblasts are the critical constitutive regulators of the
      osteoblastic niche. The significance of osteoblasts for hematopoietic disease has
      not escaped attention. This review attempts to capture the discoveries of the
      last few years regarding the role of osteoblasts in hematopoietic stem cell niche
      and relationship between osteoblasts and hematopoietic diseases. 

PMID- 25130844
TI  - [Clinical translational research of chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells for
      the treatment of relapsed and refractory B-cell lymphoma/leukemia].
AB  - B-cell lymphoma and leukemia are the most common subtypes of malignant lymphomas.
      Relapse and refractory to multiple therapy are the main reasons of treatment
      failure. As the classical anti-tumor methods, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy
      and palliative therapy have cured lots of cancer patients. However, each year
      many patients still died of different kinds of hard-to-treat cancers. Although
      the ratio of complete remission of B-cell lymphoma/leukemia patients particularly
      with CD20 positive mature B cell malignancies has been largely increased after
      the application of Rituximab in clinic, nearly 20%-40% patients still died due to
      relapse and refractory to the treatment. During last five years, the development
      of chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells, especially CD19 CAR-T cells, which
      can recognize CD19 specifically expressed on B cells and have been demonstrated
      to be significantly effective to relapsed and refractory B cell lymphoma/leukemia
      in clinical trials, has gradually attracted extensively concerning from
      researchers and clinicians. Many medical institutions all over the world (besides
      in China) have registered the clinical trials for B-cell lymphoma/leukemia
      patients by use of CAR-T cells. In this review, we summarize the developmental
      history, the main ongoing clinical trials and proved potential adverse affects of
      CD19 CAR-T cells for the treatment of patients with B-cell lymphoma/leukemia. 

PMID- 25130846
TI  - [Dendritic cells and acute myeloid leukemia].
AB  - Dendritic cells can be derived from leukemia cells and normal precursor cells in
      the patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Dendritic cells may capture
      leukemia antigen in bone marrow or lymph nodes, and present leukemia common
      antigen to stimulate proliferation of specific CD8(+) T cells, playing anti
      leukemia effect. Dendritic cells for clinical and experimental use are
      transformed from leukemia cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells and loaded
      in vitro with leukemia -specific or tumor common antigen, play a therapeutic role
      after reinfusion. This article reviews dendritic cells in the immunotherapy of
      AML.

PMID- 25130847
TI  - [Research advances on microchimerism].
AB  - The microchimerism is a status of the microcell or DNA of an individual in
      another one with genetic differences. Taking an overall view about the discovery
      and research of the microchimerism, it was found that although the study of the
      microchimerism emphasizes the formation, origin, distribution, type, relationship
      to disease and several other aspects, the objects of the study are always the
      microchimerism that obtained naturally. As it is known to all, the microchimerism
      can also be produced in some clinical treatment, such as in the transplant and
      transfusion, but compared with the microchimerism gained naturally, obviously,
      the study for the iatrogenic microchimerism formed in the treatment is not
      elaborate enough. The curative effect of micro transplantation, a new technique
      for leukemia treatment, is obvious, but its mechanism is unclear, whether that is
      related to microchimerism still needs further research. This review summarizes
      the study history and perspective of the microchimerism so as to provide some
      ideas for studying the action mechanism of microchimerism in micro
      transplantation.

PMID- 25130845
TI  - [Research advances on ADAM28 expression and ADAM28-mediated tumor metastasis].
AB  - A disintegrin-metalloproteinase 28 (ADAM28) is one of important members of ADAM
      family, that is involved in various biological events including cell adhesion,
      proteolysis, growth and metastasis of solid tumors and hematological
      malignancies. Studies have shown that ADAM28 is highly expressed in several human
      tumors, such as lung, breast and bladder cancers, and chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia, and its tissue expression levels correlate with cancer metastasis.
      ADAM28-mediated cancer cell metastasis may be related with the cleavage of von
      Willebrand's factor (vWF), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3)
      and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), as well as the promoting PSGL-1/P
      selectin-mediated cell adhesion. This review summarizes the basic and
      translational aspects of ADAM28 biology that might stimulate the interest in
      ADAM28 research and discovery of novel ADAM28 targets, providing potential novel
      therapies for metastatic cancers. 

PMID- 25130848
TI  - [Structure and function of ADAMTS13 protease and its relation with diagnosis and
      treatment of TTP].
AB  - ADAMTS13, a plasma metalloprotease, specifically cleaves von Willebrand factor
      (vWF). Severe deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity results in thrombotic
      thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). In this review, the structure and function of
      ADAMTS13 protease and its relationship with TTP are summarized. 

PMID- 25130849
TI  - [Research advances in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of hemophagocytic
      lymphohistiocytosis in children].
AB  - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), or hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), is
      characterized clinically by abrupt onset and progressive deterioration and even
      death. HLH is much more prevalent in children, and is potentially fatal if early
      diagnosis is not made and appropriate HLH-directed therapy not instituted.
      Increasing genetic defects and underlying diseases or causative factors have been
      identified to be closely implicated in the pathogenesis of HLH. In addition,
      great advances have been made in the past few years in terms of HLH diagnosis and
      clinical management. In the present review, the cause of disease, contemporary
      classification, epidemiology, genetic defects and molecular mechanisms, updated
      diagnostic criteria and novel treatment strategies for childhood HLH are
      summarized.

PMID- 25130850
TI  - [Research advances on roles of ADAMTS-13 in thrombotic diseases].
AB  - ADAMTS-13 is a plasma metalloprotease that cleaves von willebrand factor (vWF).At
      the present,it has been made great progresses on its structure, biological
      characteristics and function. ADAMTS-13 plays an important role in artery and
      venous thrombosis,besides controlling the cleaving of vWF, and the activity of
      the ADAMTS-13 can be effected by ion concentration and thrombin signal
      transduction pathway,but how the mechanism of ADAMTS-13 controlled is still not
      clear. This article reviews ADAMTS-13 changes,relevant mechanism and influencing
      factors of the enzyme regulation.

PMID- 25130851
TI  - [Progress of improving blood donor screening by nucleic acid technology].
AB  - With increasing application of blood transfusion, the research of side-effects
      such as transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) became more and more important.
      Up to the 90's of the 20th century, the first blood donor screening for pathogens
      transfected from blood transfusion entirely depended on serological test. At this
      time, the detection of virus were performed mainly by using method of detecting
      antibody, except hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be detected by hepatitis B surface
      antigen (HBsAg). Now, the molecular technologies, such as the polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR), have been used in clinic. These technologic methods can provide
      capability of detection for blood donor screening and reduced possibility of
      infection from blood transfusion. This review summarises the development of
      nucleic acid amplification technology and describes its current state.

PMID- 25130852
TI  - [Recent advances on the prognostic value of immunophenotyping in multiple myeloma
      by flow cytometry].
AB  - Clinical application of flow cytometry in multiple myeloma (MM) can be found in
      various dimensions, such as in differential diagnosis of malignant plasma cell
      disorder from reactive plasmacytosis, identification of the progression risk in
      MM, and in the detection of minimal residual disease. Flow cytometry-based
      clonality assessment with immuno-phenotyping encourages and enables the most
      stringent method of diagnosis and follow-up. The objective of this review is to
      summarize the recent information of the malignant plasma cell phenotypic profile
      of MM. The most comprehensive antigens, such as CD19, CD27, CD28, CD45, CD56 and
      CD117, play a significant role in the characterization of normal and malignant
      plasma cells. This review also focuses on the association of malignant phenotypic
      markers with chromosomal aberrations that identify the specific prognostic
      factors in MM. 

PMID- 25130853
TI  - [Role of ASXL1 mutation in myeloid malignancies].
AB  - Additional sex comb-like 1 ( ASXL1) is an enhancer of Trithorax and Polycomb
      family, which are necessary for the maintenance of stable repression of homeotic
      and other loci. Recently, alterations of ASXL1 gene were identified in the
      hematopoietic cells from patients with a variety of myeloid malignancies,
      including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML, 43% of cases), myelodysplastic
      syndrome (MDS, 20%), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN, 10%) and acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML, 20%). The majority of ASXL1 mutations are frameshift and nonsense
      mutations. These clinical data suggest an important role of ASXL1 in the
      pathogenesis and/or transformation of myeloid malignancies. However, the role of
      ASXL1 in the pathogenesis of myeloid malignancies and in normal hematopoiesis in
      vivo, as well as the underlying mechanisms remains unknown. This article reviews
      the structure and function of ASXL1, the clinical characteristic and prognostic
      significance of ASXL1 mutation, the association of ASXL1 with other gene
      mutation, as well as ASXL1 knock-down or silence in vitro and in vivo models. 

PMID- 25130854
TI  - [Research progress on hereditary fibrinogen abnormalities].
AB  - As the most abundant component of coagulation system, fibrinogen not only takes
      part in clotting, but also works as one of acute phase proteins, which
      participates in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Studies of
      fibrinogen abnormalities contribute to understand the molecular basis of
      disorders of fibrinogen protein function and metabolism, caused mainly by gene
      mutation, commonly associated with bleeding, thrombophilia, or both. Diseases
      affecting fibrinogen could be classified to the acquired or inherited disease. In
      this review, the research progress on the molecular basis, possible action
      mechanism of the hereditary fibrinogen abnormalities and its clinical research
      are summarized.

PMID- 25130855
TI  - Effect of a novel synthesized sulfonamido-based gallate-SZNTC on chondrocytes
      metabolism in vitro.
AB  - The ideal therapeutic agent for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) should have not
      only potent anti-inflammatory effect but also favorable biological properties to
      restore cartilage function. Gallic acid (GA) and its derivatives are anti
      inflammatory agents reported to have an effect on OA (Singh et al., 2003) [1].
      However, GA has much weaker antioxidant effects and inferior bioactivity compared
      with its derivatives. We modified GA with the introduction of sulfonamide to
      synthesize a novel sulfonamido-based gallate named sodium salt of 3,4,5
      trihydroxy-N-[4-(thiazol-2-ylsulfamoyl)-phenyl]-benzamide (SZNTC) and analyzed
      its chondro-protective and pharmacological effects. Comparison of SZNTC with GA
      and sulfathiazole sodium (ST-Na) was also performed. Results showed that SZNTC
      could effectively inhibit the Interleukin-1 (IL-1)-mediated induction of
      metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-3 and could induce the expression of tissue
      inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), which demonstrated ability to reduce
      the progression of OA. SZNTC can also exert chondro-protective effects by
      promoting cell proliferation and maintaining the phenotype of articular
      chondrocytes, as evidenced by improved cell growth, enhanced synthesis of
      cartilage specific markers such as aggrecan, collagen II and Sox9. Expression of
      the collagen I gene was effectively down-regulated, revealing the inhibition of
      chondrocytes dedifferentiation by SZNTC. Hypertrophy that may lead to chondrocyte
      ossification was also undetectable in SZNTC groups. The recommended dose of SZNTC
      ranges from 3.91MUg/ml to 15.64MUg/ml, among which the most profound response was
      observed with 7.82MUg/ml. In contrast, its source products of GA and ST-Na have a
      weak effect in the bioactivity of chondrocytes, which indicated the significance
      of this modification. This study revealed SZNTC as a promising novel agent in the
      treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions. 

PMID- 25130856
TI  - Differential effects of baicalein and its sulfated derivatives in inhibiting
      proliferation of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.
AB  - This study was to investigate the anticancer effects of baicalein (Bai) and its
      two sulfated derivatives, namely baicalein-7-O-sulfate (BoS) and baicalein-8
      sodium sulfonate (BcS). BcS was shown to exhibit stronger growth inhibition
      against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, compared with structurally related Bai
      and BoS, where IC50 values of BoS, Bai and BcS were 97.7, 68.3 and 30.4MUM,
      respectively. BoS, Bai and BcS were further shown to mediate the cell-cycle
      arrest principally in G0/G1-phase within 12h of treatment with MCF-7 cells, and
      after 12h, they arrested principally in S-phase. It was also found that 17.7%,
      44.9% and 70.5% of MCF-7 cells entered the early phase of apoptosis when treated
      with 200MUM BoS, Bai and BcS for 24h, followed by an intracellular ROS
      generation. BcS displays strong antitumor effect through ROS-dependent apoptosis
      pathway in MCF-7 cells, and has promising potential to be developed as an
      antitumor compound. 

PMID- 25130857
TI  - Carbohydrate malabsorption mechanism for tumor formation in rats treated with the
      SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin.
AB  - Canagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes
      mellitus. Studies were conducted to investigate the mechanism responsible for
      renal tubular tumors and pheochromocytomas observed at the high dose in a 2-year
      carcinogenicity study in rats. At the high dose (100mg/kg) in rats, canagliflozin
      caused carbohydrate malabsorption evidenced by inhibition of intestinal glucose
      uptake, decreased intestinal pH and increased urinary calcium excretion. In a 6
      month mechanistic study utilization of a glucose-free diet prevented carbohydrate
      malabsorption and its sequelae, including increased calcium absorption and
      urinary calcium excretion, and hyperostosis. Cell proliferation in the kidney and
      adrenal medulla was increased in rats maintained on standard diet and
      administered canagliflozin (100mg/kg), and in addition an increase in the renal
      injury biomarker KIM-1 was observed. Increased cell proliferation is considered
      as a proximal event in carcinogenesis. Effects on cell proliferation, KIM-1 and
      calcium excretion were inhibited in rats maintained on the glucose-free diet,
      indicating they are secondary to carbohydrate malabsorption and are not direct
      effects of canagliflozin. 

PMID- 25130858
TI  - Role of Rho small GTPases in meniscus cells.
AB  - We previously reported that mechanical stretch regulates Sry-type HMG box (SOX) 9
      dependent alpha1(II) collagen (COL2A1) expression in inner meniscus cells. This
      study examined the role of the small Rho guanosine 5' triphosphatase Rac1 and Rho
      associated kinase (ROCK) in the regulation of stretch-induced SOX9 gene
      expression in cultured human inner meniscus cells. COL2A1 and SOX9 gene
      expression was assessed by real-time PCR after application of uni-axial cyclic
      tensile strain (CTS) in the presence or absence of ROCK and Rac1 inhibitors. The
      subcellular localization of SOX9 and the Rac1 effector cyclic AMP response
      element-binding protein (CREB), the phosphorylation state of SOX9, Rac1
      activation, and the binding of CREB to the SOX9 promoter were assessed. CTS
      increased the expression of COL2A1 and SOX9, which was suppressed by inhibition
      of Rac1. ROCK inhibition enhanced COL2A1 and SOX9 gene expression in the absence
      of CTS. CTS stimulated the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of SOX9, and
      increased Rac1 activation. CTS also increased the binding of CREB to the SOX9
      promoter. The results suggest that mechanical stretch-dependent upregulation of
      SOX9 by CREB in inner meniscus cells depends on the antagonistic activities of
      ROCK and Rac1.

PMID- 25130860
TI  - Activated recombinant factor VIIa should not be used in patients with refractory
      variceal bleeding: it is mostly ineffective, is expensive, and may rarely cause
      serious adverse events.

PMID- 25130859
TI  - Nutritional assessment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in routine practice:
      value of weighing and bioelectrical impedance analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We evaluated clinical and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) parameters
      at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up and associated these parameters
      with survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. METHODS: One
      hundred seventeen patients were enrolled and were evaluated prospectively every 3
      months. All patients underwent at least 1 BIA-based assessment, and 73 underwent
      at least 2 assessments. Data regarding the site of onset, age at onset, weight,
      body mass index (BMI), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale
      score (ALSFRS), fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and phase angle (PA) were
      collected. RESULTS: At the time of diagnosis, weight loss exceeding 5% of the
      premorbid weight and low PA were poor prognostic factors. During follow-up, a
      decrease of PA and FFM were associated with shorter survival, regardless of
      weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that BIA is useful to identify
      poor prognostic factors at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up and thus
      could be used to monitor patients during follow-up. Early identification of poor
      prognostic factors enables nutritional management and might improve patient
      survival.

PMID- 25130861
TI  - Surgical extrusion of multiple teeth with crown-root fractures: a case report
      with 18-months follow up.
AB  - The objective of this case report is to describe the treatment procedure involved
      in surgical extrusion of multiple crown-root fractures and review the critical
      factors to be considered for successful and predictable outcome. The treatment of
      complicated crown-root fracture in anterior teeth is likely to compromise
      function and aesthetics when approached with conventional surgical crown
      lengthening. Orthodontic extrusion has also been suggested; however, it is time
      consuming, aesthetically compromising and hardly applicable on multiple anterior
      crown-root fractures due to the limited source of anchorage. To overcome the
      shortcomings of suggested treatment modalities, we performed atraumatic surgical
      extrusion of four anterior fractured teeth along with their rotation within the
      sockets. The teeth were gently luxated and extruded to the desired position,
      minimizing damage to the marginal alveolar bone and root surfaces without rigid
      splint. The treated teeth were functioning normally 18 months after the
      procedure, and the mobility and probing depths were within normal limits.
      Radiographs revealed functional periodontal ligament space along with lamina dura
      formation around the extruded roots. There was neither root resorption nor
      significant marginal bone loss. This technique might be a promising alternative
      to conventional crown lengthening, especially in the anterior zone to avoid
      functional or aesthetic complications.

PMID- 25130863
TI  - Relationships between dietary intakes of children and their parents: a cross
      sectional, secondary analysis of families participating in the Family Diet
      Quality Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Being overweight and obese in Australian children is common. Current
      evidence related to parental influence on child dietary intake is conflicting,
      and is particularly limited in terms of which parent exerts the stronger
      relationship. The present study aimed to assess mother-father and parent-child
      dietary relationships and to identify which parent-child relationship is
      stronger. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed of dietary intake
      data from 66 families with one parent and one child aged 8-12 years who were
      participating in the Family Diet Quality Study, in the Hunter and Forster regions
      of New South Wales, Australia. Dietary intakes were assessed using adult and
      child specific, validated semi-quantitative 120-item food frequency
      questionnaires. Diet quality and variety subscores were assessed using the
      Australian Recommended Food Scores for adults and children/adolescents. Pearson's
      correlations were used to assess dietary relationships between mother-father,
      father-child and mother-child dyads. RESULTS: Weak-to-moderate correlations were
      found between mother-child dyads for components of dietary intake (r = 0.27
      0.47). Similarly, for father-child dyads, predominantly weak-to-moderate
      correlations were found (r = 0.01-0.52). Variety of fruit intake was the most
      strongly correlated in both parent-child dyads, with the weakest relationships
      found for fibre (g 1000 kJ(-1) ) in father-child and percentage energy from total
      fats for mother-child dyads. Mother-father dyads demonstrated mostly moderate-to
      strong correlations (r = 0.13-0.73), with scores for condiments showing the
      weakest relationship and vegetables the strongest. For all dyads, strong
      correlations were observed for overall diet quality (r = 0.50-0.59). CONCLUSIONS:
      Parent-child dietary intake is significantly related but differs for mother
      versus fathers. Further research is required to examine whether differing dietary
      components should be targeted for mothers versus fathers in interventions aiming
      to improve family dietary patterns.

PMID- 25130864
TI  - Sono-assisted extraction of alcohol-insoluble extract from Althaea rosea:
      purification and chemical analysis.
AB  - A Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic power,
      extraction time, extraction temperature, and water to raw material ratio on
      extraction yield of alcohol-insoluble polysaccharide of Althaea rosea leaf
      (ARLP). Purification was carried out by dialysis method. Chemical analysis of
      ARLP revealed contained 12.69 +/- 0.48% moisture, 79.33 +/- 0.51% total sugar,
      3.82 +/- 0.21% protein, 11.25 +/- 0.37% uronic acid and 3.77 +/- 0.15% ash. The
      response surface methodology (RSM) showed that the significant quadratic
      regression equation with high R(2) (=0.9997) was successfully fitted for
      extraction yield of ARLP as function of independent variables. The overall
      optimum region was found to be at the combined level of ultrasonic power 91.85 W,
      extraction time 29.94 min, extraction temperature 89.78  degrees C, and the ratio
      of water to raw material 28.77 (mL/g). At this optimum point, extraction yield of
      ARLP was 19.47 +/- 0.41%. No significant (p>0.05) difference was found between
      the actual and predicted (19.30 +/- 0.075%) values. The results demonstrated that
      ARLP had strong scavenging activities on DPPH and hydroxyl radicals.

PMID- 25130865
TI  - Predictors of cerebral microembolization during phased radiofrequency ablation of
      atrial fibrillation: role of the ongoing rhythm and the site of energy delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein isolation with phased radiofrequency current and use
      of a pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC) has recently been associated with a
      high incidence of clinically silent brain infarcts on diffusion-weighted magnetic
      resonance imaging, and a high microembolic signal (MES) count detected by
      transcranial Doppler. We investigated the potential effects of the ongoing rhythm
      and the target vein during energy delivery (ED) on MES generation during PVAC
      ablations. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 735 EDs during 48 PVAC ablations were
      analyzed. MES counts were recorded for each ED and time-stamped for correlation
      with the ongoing rhythm and the target vein for each ED. Significantly higher MES
      counts were observed during ablations of the left-sided as compared with the
      right-sided pulmonary veins (P = 0.0003). Similarly, higher MES counts were
      detected during EDs in atrial fibrillation as compared with sinus rhythm when the
      temperature was >56 degrees C (P < 0.0001). The ongoing rhythm had no effect on
      the number of MESs at lower temperatures during ablation. CONCLUSIONS: Both the
      ongoing rhythm during ED and the site of ablation influence microembolus
      generation during PVAC ablation procedures.

PMID- 25130862
TI  - Predicting the evolution of spreading on complex networks.
AB  - Due to the wide applications, spreading processes on complex networks have been
      intensively studied. However, one of the most fundamental problems has not yet
      been well addressed: predicting the evolution of spreading based on a given
      snapshot of the propagation on networks. With this problem solved, one can
      accelerate or slow down the spreading in advance if the predicted propagation
      result is narrower or wider than expected. In this paper, we propose an iterative
      algorithm to estimate the infection probability of the spreading process and then
      apply it to a mean-field approach to predict the spreading coverage. The
      validation of the method is performed in both artificial and real networks. The
      results show that our method is accurate in both infection probability estimation
      and spreading coverage prediction. 

PMID- 25130868
TI  - Psychopathy and Low Anxiety: Meta-Analytic Evidence for the Absence of
      Inhibition, Not Affect.
AB  - Despite historical conviction that the psychopath is low-anxious, contemporary
      research remains equivocal. An examination of the literature suggests that the
      lack of consensus may be due to problems with the conceptualization of
      "psychopathic low anxiety." It was hypothesized that ambiguous relations could be
      clarified by parsing the psychopathic low anxiety construct into more discrete
      components: anxiety, fear, and constraint. The current study examined the
      relations between psychopathy and these three different low anxiety
      conceptualizations through three meta-analyses. Results indicated that anxiety
      and fear were negligibly related to psychopathy Total. In contrast, constraint
      demonstrated a medium negative relation with psychopathy Total. Relations showed
      divergence across psychopathy factor scores. Anxiety, fear, and constraint were
      all negatively related to Factor 1 scores, whereas anxiety was positively
      related, and constraint negatively related, to Factor 2 scores. These meta
      analytic findings suggest that although psychopathic individuals have deficits in
      inhibition/constraint, they do not necessarily exhibit a consistent absence of
      negative affect. This interpretation is consistent with predictions regarding the
      personality correlates of the factors of psychopathy, indicating that while
      constraint composes a large part of psychopathy assessments, it is less clear how
      much anxiety lends to the construct. 

PMID- 25130866
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of treatment failure among Kenyan children hospitalised
      with severe community-acquired pneumonia: a prospective study of the clinical
      effectiveness of WHO pneumonia case management guidelines.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent and pattern of treatment failure (TF) among
      children hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia at a large tertiary
      hospital in Kenya. METHODS: We followed up children aged 2-59 months with WHO
      defined severe pneumonia (SP) and very severe pneumonia (VSP) for up to 5 days
      for TF using two definitions: (i) documentation of pre-defined clinical signs
      resulting in change of treatment (ii) primary clinician's decision to change
      treatment with or without documentation of the same pre-defined clinical signs.
      RESULTS: We enrolled 385 children. The risk of TF varied between 1.8% (95% CI 0.4
      5.1) and 12.4% (95% CI 7.9-18.4) for SP and 21.4% (95% CI 15.9-27) and 39.3% (95%
      CI 32.5-46.4) for VSP depending on the definition applied. Higher rates were
      associated with early changes in therapy by clinician in the absence of an
      obvious clinical rationale. Non-adherence to treatment guidelines was observed
      for 70/169 (41.4%) and 67/201 (33.3%) of children with SP and VSP, respectively.
      Among children with SP, adherence to treatment guidelines was associated with the
      presence of wheeze on initial assessment (P = 0.02), while clinician non
      adherence to guideline-recommended treatments for VSP tended to occur in children
      with altered consciousness (P < 0.001). Using propensity score matching to
      account for imbalance in the distribution of baseline clinical characteristics
      among children with VSP revealed no difference in TF between those treated with
      the guideline-recommended regimen vs. more costly broad-spectrum alternatives
      [risk difference 0.37 (95% CI -0.84 to 0.51)]. CONCLUSION: Before revising
      current pneumonia case management guidelines, standardised definitions of TF and
      appropriate studies of treatment effectiveness of alternative regimens are
      required.

PMID- 25130867
TI  - Mutation in the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase IARS2 in
      patients with cataracts, growth hormone deficiency with short stature, partial
      sensorineural deafness, and peripheral neuropathy or with Leigh syndrome.
AB  - Mutations in the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are
      associated with a range of clinical phenotypes. Here, we report a novel disorder
      in three adult patients with a phenotype including cataracts, short-stature
      secondary to growth hormone deficiency, sensorineural hearing deficit, peripheral
      sensory neuropathy, and skeletal dysplasia. Using SNP genotyping and whole-exome
      sequencing, we identified a single likely causal variant, a missense mutation in
      a conserved residue of the nuclear gene IARS2, encoding mitochondrial isoleucyl
      tRNA synthetase. The mutation is homozygous in the affected patients,
      heterozygous in carriers, and absent in control chromosomes. IARS2 protein level
      was reduced in skin cells cultured from one of the patients, consistent with a
      pathogenic effect of the mutation. Compound heterozygous mutations in IARS2 were
      independently identified in a previously unreported patient with a more severe
      mitochondrial phenotype diagnosed as Leigh syndrome. This is the first report of
      clinical findings associated with IARS2 mutations. 

PMID- 25130869
TI  - Wasted, overdosed, or beyond saving--to act or not to act? Heroin users' views,
      assessments, and responses to witnessed overdoses in Malmo, Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overdose is a significant cause of death among heroin users.
      Frequently, other heroin users are present when an overdose occurs, which means
      the victim's life could be saved. There is a lack of studies that, based on
      heroin users own stories, examine their views, assessments, and responses to
      witnessed overdoses. METHODS: The study is based on qualitative interviews with
      thirty-five heroin users who witnessed someone else's overdose. RESULTS: The
      heroin users generally had a positive attitude towards assisting peers who had
      overdosed. A number of factors and circumstances, however, contribute to
      witnesses often experiencing resistance to or ambivalence about responding. The
      witness's own high, the difficulty in assessing the seriousness of the situation,
      an unwillingness to disturb someone else's high, uncertainty about the motive
      behind the overdose and whether the victim does or does not want assistance as
      well as fear of police involvement, were common factors that acted as barriers to
      adequate responses in overdose situations. CONCLUSION: The fact that being high
      makes it difficult to respond to overdoses, using traditional methods, argues for
      simpler and more effective response techniques. This can include intranasal
      naloxone programs for heroin users. The findings regarding the uncertainty about
      the intention of the overdose victim and the sensitivity to the experience of a
      good high argue for more up-front communication and discussion amongst using
      peers so that they can make their intentions clear to each other. Issues like
      this can be addressed in overdose education interventions. Overdose prevention
      measures also need to address the fact that fear of the police acts as a barrier
      to call emergency services.

PMID- 25130870
TI  - N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed formal [3+2] annulation reaction of enals: an
      efficient enantioselective access to spiro-heterocycles.
AB  - A highly enantioselective N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed formal [3+2]
      annulation of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes with azaaurones or aurone
      generating spiro-heterocycles has been developed. The protocol represents a
      unique NHC-activation-based approach to access spiro-heterocyclic derivatives
      bearing a quaternary stereogenic center with high optical purity (up to 95% ee).

PMID- 25130872
TI  - Structure, stability, and IgE binding of the peach allergen Peamaclein (Pru p 7).
AB  - Knowledge of the structural properties of allergenic proteins is a necessary
      prerequisite to better understand the molecular bases of their action, and also
      to design targeted structural/functional modifications. Peamaclein is a recently
      identified 7 kDa peach allergen that has been associated with severe allergic
      reactions in sensitive subjects. This protein represents the first component of a
      new allergen family, which has no 3D structure available yet. Here, we report the
      first experimental data on the 3D-structure of Peamaclein. Almost 75% of the
      backbone resonances, including two helical stretches in the N-terminal region,
      and four out of six cysteine pairs have been assigned by 2D-NMR using a natural
      protein sample. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion experiments have highlighted
      that Peamaclein is even more resistant to digestion than the peach major allergen
      Pru p 3. Only the heat-denatured protein becomes sensitive to intestinal
      proteases. Similar to Pru p 3, Peamaclein keeps its native 3D-structure up to 90
      degrees C, but it becomes unfolded at temperatures of 100-120 degrees C. Heat
      denaturation affects the immunological properties of both peach allergens, which
      lose at least partially their IgE-binding epitopes. In conclusion, the data
      collected in this study provide a first set of information on the molecular
      properties of Peamaclein. Future studies could lead to the possible use of the
      denatured form of this protein as a vaccine, and of the inclusion of cooked peach
      in the diet of subjects allergic to Peamaclein.

PMID- 25130873
TI  - Retinoic acid signaling in cancer: The parable of acute promyelocytic leukemia.
AB  - Inevitably fatal some 40 years, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) can now be
      cured in more than 95% of cases. This clinical success story is tightly linked to
      tremendous progress in our understanding of retinoic acid (RA) signaling. The
      discovery of retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) was followed by the cloning of
      the chromosomal translocations driving APL, all of which involve RARA. Since
      then, new findings on the biology of nuclear receptors have progressively
      enlightened the basis for the clinical efficacy of RA in APL. Reciprocally, the
      disease offered a range of angles to approach the cellular and molecular
      mechanisms of RA action. This virtuous circle contributed to make APL one of the
      best-understood cancers from both clinical and biological standpoints. Yet, some
      important questions remain unanswered including how lessons learnt from RA
      triggered APL cure can help design new therapies for other malignancies. 

PMID- 25130871
TI  - The chicken model of spontaneous ovarian cancer.
AB  - The chicken is a unique experimental model for studying the spontaneous onset and
      progression of ovarian cancer (OVC). The prevalence of OVC in chickens can range
      from 5 to 35% depending on age, genetic strain, reproductive history, and diet.
      Furthermore, the chicken presents epidemiological, morphological, and molecular
      traits that are similar to human OVC making it a relevant experimental model for
      translation research. Similarities to humans include associated increased risk of
      OVC with the number of ovulations, common histopathological subtypes including
      high-grade serous, and molecular-level markers or pathways such as CA-125
      expression and p53 mutation frequency.  Collectively, the similarities between
      chicken and human OVC combined with a tightly controlled genetic background and
      predictable onset window provides an outstanding experimental model for studying
      the early events and progression of spontaneous OVC tumors under controlled
      environmental conditions. This review will cover the existing literature on OVC
      in the chicken and highlight potential opportunities for further exploitation
      (e.g. biomarkers, prevention, treatment, and genomics). 

PMID- 25130875
TI  - Abstracts of the 70th Congress of the Italian Society of Pediatrics, June 11-14,
      2014, Palermo, Italy.

PMID- 25130874
TI  - Impact of VEGFA -583C > T polymorphism on serum VEGF levels and the
      susceptibility to acute chest syndrome in pediatric patients with sickle cell
      disease.
AB  - We investigated the association of VEGFA -583C > T on VEGF serum levels and acute
      chest syndrome (ACS) in 351 pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), of
      whom 90 had ACS, and 261 were ACS-free controls. Significant differences in -583C
      > T minor allele and genotype frequencies were seen between ACS cases and
      controls, evidenced by enrichment of -583T/T genotypes in patients with ACS,
      which were linked with reduction in VEGF serum levels. VEGFA -583C > T and
      reduced VEGF serum levels may influence ACS risk in patients with SCD, which will
      aid in identifying patients with SCD who are at high risk of ACS.

PMID- 25130876
TI  - Incidence and risk factors of poor mobilization in adult autologous peripheral
      blood stem cell transplantation: a single-centre experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Collection of sufficient CD34+ cells for autologous
      peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation is frequently failed in
      patients with lymphoma or multiple myeloma (MM). We investigated the incidence
      and the predictive factors for poor mobilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total
      of 205 adult patients (101 lymphoma and 104 MM) were retrospectively included for
      identifying the incidence of mobilization failure and the predictive factors for
      poor mobilization in conventional G-CSF-based mobilization regimen. Another 17
      patients who used plerixafor for mobilization were included. RESULTS: Overall,
      14.1% of patients (21.8% of patients with lymphoma, 6.7% of patients with MM)
      were poor mobilizers. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis revealed an
      interval from G-CSF administration to PBSC collection exceeding 10 days and
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells count on the first day of collection were
      predictive factors for poor mobilization in lymphoma, but not in MM. Among
      plerixafor-treated patient group, 9 of 11 poor mobilizers who received second
      cycle plerixafor mobilization were able to collect higher number of CD34+ cells
      than that of CD34+ cells during the G-CSF-based first mobilization. All patients
      who had received initial plerixafor mobilization reached 2.0 * 10(6) CD34+
      cells/kg during the four leukaphereses. CONCLUSION: In conventional G-CSF-based
      mobilization, early PBSC collection after G-CSF administration might enhance
      CD34+ cell yield. A combination of a new mobilizing agent, plerixafor, would be
      helpful to harvest sufficient number of CD34+ cells for successful
      transplantation outcome while reducing the effort of collection procedures in
      poor mobilizers.

PMID- 25130878
TI  - Surface charge effects on optical trapping of nanometer-sized lipid vesicles.
AB  - Optical trapping of nanometer-sized lipid vesicles has been challenging due to
      the low refractive index contrast of the thin lipid bilayer to the aqueous
      medium. Using an "optical bottle", a recently developed technique to measure
      interactions of nanoparticles trapped by an infrared laser, we report, for the
      first time, quantitative measurements of the trapping energy of charged lipid
      vesicles. We found that the trapping energy increases with the relative amount of
      anionic lipids (DOPG) to neutral lipids (DOPC) in vesicles. Moreover, as
      monovalent salt is added into the exterior solution of vesicles, the trapping
      energy rapidly approaches zero, and this decrease in trapping energy strongly
      depends on the amount of anionic lipids in vesicles. A simple model with our
      experimental observations explains that the trapping energy of charged lipid
      vesicles is highly correlated with the surface charge density and electric double
      layer. In addition, we demonstrated selective trapping of a binary mixture of
      vesicles in different mole fractions of charged lipids, a strategy that has
      potential implications on charge selective vesicle sorting for engineering
      applications. 

PMID- 25130879
TI  - Biomarker driven population enrichment for adaptive oncology trials with time to
      event endpoints.
AB  - The development of molecularly targeted therapies for certain types of cancers
      has led to the consideration of population enrichment designs that explicitly
      factor in the possibility that the experimental compound might differentially
      benefit different biomarker subgroups. In such designs, enrollment would
      initially be open to a broad patient population with the option to restrict
      future enrollment, following an interim analysis, to only those biomarker
      subgroups that appeared to be benefiting from the experimental therapy. While
      this strategy could greatly improve the chances of success for the trial, it
      poses several statistical and logistical design challenges. Because late-stage
      oncology trials are typically event driven, one faces a complex trade-off between
      power, sample size, number of events, and study duration. This trade-off is
      further compounded by the importance of maintaining statistical independence of
      the data before and after the interim analysis and of optimizing the timing of
      the interim analysis. This paper presents statistical methodology that ensures
      strong control of type 1 error for such population enrichment designs, based on
      generalizations of the conditional error rate approach. The special difficulties
      encountered with time-to-event endpoints are addressed by our methods. The
      crucial role of simulation for guiding the choice of design parameters is
      emphasized. Although motivated by oncology, the methods are applicable as well to
      population enrichment designs in other therapeutic areas.

PMID- 25130877
TI  - Telechelic poly(2-oxazoline)s with a biocidal and a polymerizable terminal as
      collagenase inhibiting additive for long-term active antimicrobial dental
      materials.
AB  - Dental repair materials face the problem that the dentin below the composite
      fillings is actively decomposed by secondary caries and extracellular proteases.
      To address this problem, poly(2-methyloxazoline) with a biocidal and a
      polymerizable terminal was explored as additive for a commercial dental adhesive.
      2.5 wt% of the additive rendered the adhesive contact-active against
      Streptococcus mutans and washing with water for 101 d did not diminish this
      effect. The adhesive with 5 wt% additive kills S. mutans cells in the tubuli of
      bovine dentin. Further, the additive inhibits bacterial collagenase at 0.5 wt%
      and reduces activity of MMP-9. Human MMPs bound to dentin are inhibited by 96% in
      a medium with 5 wt% additive. Moreover, no adverse effect on the enamel/dentine
      shear bond strength was detected.

PMID- 25130880
TI  - Glutathione S-transferase Mu-1 gene polymorphism in Egyptian patients with
      idiopathic male infertility.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine whether an association exists between
      glutathione S-transferase Mu-1 (GSTM1) gene polymorphism and idiopathic male
      infertility. Sixty men with primary idiopathic infertility and 60 fertile men,
      serving as controls, were recruited for the study. The polymorphism was analysed
      using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR
      RFLP) technique. The frequency of GSTM1 null genotype was observed to be higher
      in infertile men 40% in comparison with 33.3% in the fertile men, but this
      difference was not statistically significant. There was statistically significant
      difference between cases and controls as regards GSTM1 genotype distribution
      ((MC) P = 0.006*) in GSTM1-positive men. Patients with the GSTM1 null genotype
      had significantly lower sperm concentrations and total sperm count when compared
      with patients with GSTM1-positive genotype. In the control group, men with GSTM1
      null genotype had significantly lower sperm concentrations but not total sperm
      count when compared with men with GSTM1-positive genotype. The results of this
      study suggest a possible negative effect of GSTM1 null genotype on the
      spermatogenic potential of the testis. 

PMID- 25130881
TI  - Microbial existence in controlled habitats and their resistance to space
      conditions.
AB  - The National Research Council (NRC) has recently recognized the International
      Space Station (ISS) as uniquely suitable for furthering the study of microbial
      species in closed habitats. Answering the NRC's call for the study, in
      particular, of uncommon microbial species in the ISS, and/or of those that have
      significantly increased or decreased in number, space microbiologists have begun
      capitalizing on the maturity, speed, and cost-effectiveness of molecular/genomic
      microbiological technologies to elucidate changes in microbial populations in the
      ISS and other closed habitats. Since investigators can only collect samples
      infrequently from the ISS itself due to logistical reasons, Earth analogs, such
      as spacecraft-assembly clean rooms, are used and extensively characterized for
      the presence of microbes. Microbiologists identify the predominant, problematic,
      and extremophilic microbial species in these closed habitats and use the ISS as a
      testbed to study their resistance to extreme extraterrestrial environmental
      conditions. Investigators monitor the microbes exposed to the real space
      conditions in order to track their genomic changes in response to the selective
      pressures present in outer space (external to the ISS) and the spaceflight (in
      the interior of the ISS). In this review, we discussed the presence of microbes
      in space research-related closed habitats and the resistance of some microbial
      species to the extreme environmental conditions of space. 

PMID- 25130882
TI  - Promoting effects of a single Rhodopseudomonas palustris inoculant on plant
      growth by Brassica rapa chinensis under low fertilizer input.
AB  - Several Rhodopseudomonas palustris strains have been isolated from rice paddy
      fields in Taiwan by combining the Winogradsky column method and molecular marker
      detection. These isolates were initially screened by employing seed germination
      and seedling vigor assays to evaluate their potential as inoculants. To fulfill
      the demand in the present farming system for reducing the application of chemical
      fertilizers, we assessed the plant growth-promoting effects of the R. palustris
      YSC3, YSC4, and PS3 inoculants on Brassica rapa chinensis (Chinese cabbage)
      cultivated under a half quantity of fertilizer. The results obtained showed that
      supplementation with approximately 4.0*10(6) CFU g(-1) soil of the PS3 inoculant
      at half the amount of fertilizer consistently produced the same plant growth
      potential as 100% fertility, and also increased the nitrogen use efficiency of
      the applied fertilizer nutrients. Furthermore, we noted that the plant growth
      promotion rate elicited by PS3 was markedly higher with old seeds than with new
      seeds, suggesting it has the potential to boost the development of seedlings that
      were germinated from carry-over seeds of poor quality. These beneficial traits
      suggest that the PS3 isolate may serve as a potential PGPR inoculant for
      integrated nutrient management in agriculture. 

PMID- 25130883
TI  - Phylogeny and functions of bacterial communities associated with field-grown rice
      shoots.
AB  - Metagenomic analysis was applied to bacterial communities associated with the
      shoots of two field-grown rice cultivars, Nipponbare and Kasalath. In both
      cultivars, shoot microbiomes were dominated by Alphaproteobacteria (51-52%),
      Actinobacteria (11-15%), Gammaproteobacteria (9-10%), and Betaproteobacteria (4
      10%). Compared with other rice microbiomes (root, rhizosphere, and phyllosphere)
      in public databases, the shoot microbiomes harbored abundant genes for C1
      compound metabolism and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate catabolism, but fewer
      genes for indole-3-acetic acid production and nitrogen fixation. Salicylate
      hydroxylase was detected in all microbiomes, except the rhizosphere. These
      genomic features facilitate understanding of plant-microbe interactions and
      biogeochemical metabolism in rice shoots. 

PMID- 25130884
TI  - Space habitation and microbiology: status and roadmap of space agencies.

PMID- 25130886
TI  - Linear-dendritic copolymers/indoxacarb supramolecular systems: biodegradable and
      efficient nano-pesticides.
AB  - Photodegradable and biocompatible nano-indoxacarb was prepared successfully by
      encapsulation of indoxacarb with poly(citric acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)
      poly(citric acid) (PCA-PEG-PCA) ABA type linear-dendritic copolymers both with
      (nano-IND/TiO2) and without (nano-IND) TiO2 nanoparticles via supramolecular
      interactions. Preparation of nano-indoxacarb by both formulae was confirmed using
      spectroscopy and microscopy analyses. TEM images showed small particles with
      average sizes of 10 nm for nano-IND and 12 nm for nano-IND/TiO2. Interestingly,
      the rate of degradation of indoxacarb in both nano-IND/TiO2 and nano-IND exposed
      to UV and natural light was higher than that for free indoxacarb in the presence
      of TiO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, results of bioassay experiments on the model
      pest showed that the essential dosage of pesticide for pest control significantly
      decreased when nano-IND and nano-IND/TiO2 were used. Because of the higher
      loading capacity and slower release rate for indoxacarb from nano-IND than from
      nano-IND/TiO2, and because TiO2 nanoparticles show toxicity in bioassay
      experiments, nano-IND is introduced as a promising and eco-friendly pesticide
      system. 

PMID- 25130885
TI  - Microbial monitoring of crewed habitats in space-current status and future
      perspectives.
AB  - Previous space research conducted during short-term flight experiments and long
      term environmental monitoring on board orbiting space stations suggests that the
      relationship between humans and microbes is altered in the crewed habitat in
      space. Both human physiology and microbial communities adapt to spaceflight.
      Microbial monitoring is critical to crew safety in long-duration space habitation
      and the sustained operation of life support systems on space transit vehicles,
      space stations, and surface habitats. To address this critical need, space
      agencies including NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), ESA
      (European Space Agency), and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) are
      working together to develop and implement specific measures to monitor, control,
      and counteract biological contamination in closed-environment systems. In this
      review, the current status of microbial monitoring conducted in the International
      Space Station (ISS) as well as the results of recent microbial spaceflight
      experiments have been summarized and future perspectives are discussed. 

PMID- 25130887
TI  - Pediatric tracheostomy revisited: a nine-year experience using horizontal
      intercartilaginous incision.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To describe our tracheostomy procedure using a vertical
      skin incision and a horizontal intercartilaginous incision and to compare our
      postoperative results with those in the recent literature. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective chart review and literature review. METHODS: One hundred eleven
      children underwent tracheostomy using a vertical skin incision and a horizontal
      intercartilaginous incision over a 9-year period. A retrospective chart review
      was undertaken with respect to the following variables: demographics, weight,
      primary diagnosis, surgical indication, follow-up duration, decannulation,
      interval between tracheostomy and decannulation, and complications experienced.
      In addition, the outcomes were compared to results from a literature review.
      RESULTS: Of the 111 patients, 56 had a history of prolonged intubation, 52 had
      upper airway obstruction, and three underwent tracheostomy for tracheobronchial
      toileting. Three (2.7%) patients experienced early major complications without
      major sequelae, and 14 (12.6%) experienced late major complications. Twenty-one
      (18.9%) patients were decannulated during the follow-up period, whereas 17
      (17.8%) died of their primary disease or tracheostomy-related complications (15
      died of their primary disease and two died of tracheostomy-related
      complications). The complication rates showed overall no differences, but our
      patient series showed significantly less stomal granulation tissue formation and
      non-significant trend for less suprastomal collapse as compared with previous
      literature. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric tracheostomy using a vertical skin incision
      and horizontal intercartilaginous incision is comparable with the conventional
      procedure in terms of complication and mortality rates. Future randomized
      controlled studies are mandatory to directly compare conventional tracheotomy
      using a vertical skin incision and a horizontal intercartilaginous incision with
      our procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 25130888
TI  - Evaluation and management of heart rhythm disturbances due to cardiac
      sarcoidosis.
AB  - Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) affects less than 5% of patients with pulmonary or
      systemic sarcoidosis, but when present is often associated with a spectrum of
      clinically significant conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias. The cardinal
      manifestations of CS include conduction disturbances, arrhythmias, or congestive
      heart failure. Less commonly, there is concealed subclinical disease. The
      electrophysiologic evaluation for CS includes a history and physical exam, ECG,
      and echocardiogram for all sarcoidosis patients, along with MRI, PET/nuclear
      scans, and EPS for certain subsets of patients. Despite variable data to support
      their efficacy, glucocorticoids should still be considered in the treatment plan
      of CS. Antiarrhythmics in isolation are often ineffective in controlling
      ventricular arrhythmias. Cardiac pacemakers have provided important therapy for
      patients with conduction defects and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
      therapy provides the strongest insurance to prevent fatal arrhythmias from CS. A
      recent consensus statement provides guidance for clinicians on the diagnosis and
      management of arrhythmias associated with CS including indications for ICDs. The
      use of pacemakers, ICD implantation and early implementation of corticosteroid
      therapy have led to an improvement in the overall prognosis and clinical outcomes
      of CS. 

PMID- 25130889
TI  - Optimising the detection and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia:
      central role of primary care and its integration with specialist services.
AB  - Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is the most common monogenic lipid disorder
      associated with premature coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the majority of
      people with FH are undiagnosed or undertreated. Early cholesterol lowering
      therapy reduces cardiovascular disease mortality in FH. Low awareness and
      knowledge of FH in specialty and general practice highlights the need for
      strategies to improve the detection and management of FH. We present an algorithm
      describing a multidisciplinary approach to FH detection and management. We
      highlight the role of primary care, and where GPs can work with preventive
      cardiologists to improve care of FH. Novel strategies to detect index cases with
      FH are presented including the community laboratory, highlighting patients at
      high risk of FH, and targeted FH detection through searching the general practice
      database. General practitioners request over 90% of LDL cholesterol measurements
      in the community. Once an individual with FH is detected only a small proportion
      of patients require specialty management with the majority of patients suitably
      managed in primary care. However, it is crucial to screen family members, as 50%
      of first-degree family members are expected to have FH due to the autosomal
      dominant inheritance. 

PMID- 25130890
TI  - Patent foramen ovale influences the presentation of decompression illness in
      SCUBA divers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few have examined the influence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) on the
      phenotype of decompression illness (DCI) in affected divers. METHODOLOGY: A
      retrospective review of our database was performed for 75 SCUBA divers over a 10
      year period. RESULTS: Overall 4,945 bubble studies were performed at our
      institution during the study period. Divers with DCI were more likely to have
      positive bubble studies than other indications (p<0.001). Major DCI was observed
      significantly more commonly in divers with PFO than those without (18/1,000 v.s.
      3/1,000, p=0.02). Divers affected by DCI were also more likely to require a
      longer course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) if PFO was present (p=0.038).
      If the patient experienced one or more major DCI symptoms, the odds ratio of PFO
      being present on a transoesophageal echocardiogram was 3.2 (p=0.02) compared to
      those who reported no major DCI symptoms. CONCLUSION: PFO is highly prevalent in
      selected SCUBA divers with DCI, and is associated with a more severe DCI
      phenotype and longer duration of HBOT. Patients with unexpected DCI with one or
      more major DCI symptoms should be offered PFO screening if they choose to
      continue diving, as it may have considerable prognostic and therapeutic
      implications.

PMID- 25130891
TI  - The FM/AM world is shaping the future of deep brain stimulation.

PMID- 25130892
TI  - Ophthalmic complications of targeted cancer therapy and recently recognized
      ophthalmic complications of traditional chemotherapy.
AB  - As our understanding of cancer pathophysiology has increased, so have the number
      of targeted therapeutic agents available. By targeting specific molecules
      involved in tumorigenesis, targeted therapeutic agents offer the potential for
      significant efficacy against tumor cells while minimizing the adverse effects. We
      highlight the recently recognized ophthalmic complications of targeted cancer
      therapy, as well as recently recognized complications of traditional
      chemotherapeutic agents. 

PMID- 25130893
TI  - Pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis: the known and
      unknown.
AB  - Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common childhood rheumatic
      disease and the most prevalent systemic disorder in children with uveitis. The
      current prevailing opinion is that JIA is a multifactorial, genetically
      predisposed autoimmune disorder that can be influenced by environmental factors
      and infections; the specific pathogenesis of JIA-associated uveitis is not
      understood, however, nor has the relationship between the eye and joint
      inflammation been established. Nevertheless, subtypes of JIA that are associated
      with uveitis, oligoarthritis, polyarticular rheumatoid factor negative, and
      psoriatic arthritis appear to have common pathogenicity. We summarize our current
      knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of JIA-associated uveitis and discuss the
      possible role of immune responses and cytokine involvement, genetic associations,
      and the influence of external triggers in this disease-an association that is
      supported by data obtained from arthritis research and experimental uveitis
      models. 

PMID- 25130894
TI  - The promise of telemedicine.
AB  - We have developed an extraordinary capability to capture and transmit digital
      ocular imaging, enabling remote interpretation of every aspect of the eye. The
      issues regarding telemedicine were primarily technical and procedural when this
      journal first reviewed the topic in 1999. Fourteen years later, telemedicine
      presents strikingly different challenges-legal, ethical, and professional. Some
      "tele-ophthalmology" applications have now become a reliable part of daily
      practice. Although it offers improved health care at lower cost to more people,
      telemedicine could also radically transform the traditional doctor-patient
      interaction. 

PMID- 25130895
TI  - The use of vermicompost in organic farming: overview, effects on soil and
      economics.
AB  - Vermicomposting is a process in which earthworms are used to convert organic
      materials into humus-like material known as vermicompost. A number of researchers
      throughout the world have found that the nutrient profile in vermicompost is
      generally higher than traditional compost. In fact, vermicompost can enhance soil
      fertility physically, chemically and biologically. Physically, vermicompost
      treated soil has better aeration, porosity, bulk density and water retention.
      Chemical properties such as pH, electrical conductivity and organic matter
      content are also improved for better crop yield. Nevertheless, enhanced plant
      growth could not be satisfactorily explained by improvements in the nutrient
      content of the soil, which means that other plant growth-influencing materials
      are available in vermicomposts. Although vermicomposts have been shown to improve
      plant growth significantly, the application of vermicomposts at high
      concentrations could impede growth due to the high concentrations of soluble
      salts available in vermicomposts. Therefore, vermicomposts should be applied at
      moderate concentrations in order to obtain maximum plant yield. This review paper
      discusses in detail the effects of vermicompost on soil fertility physically,
      chemically and biologically. Future prospects and economy on the use of organic
      fertilizers in the agricultural sector are also examined.

PMID- 25130896
TI  - Stearoyl-CoA desaturase regulates inflammatory gene expression by changing DNA
      methylation level in 3T3 adipocytes.
AB  - Adipocytes are one of the primary sources of inflammatory cytokines that drive
      the low-grade inflammation associated with obesity and obesity-related diseases.
      Stearoyl-CoA desaturase, a key adipogenic enzyme in rodents and humans, plays
      significant role in the regulation of adipocyte inflammation via a mechanism that
      involves the regulation of inflammatory gene expression. In the present study, we
      tested the hypothesis that the stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1-related regulation of
      gene expression might be driven by changes in DNA methylation. We showed that
      stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 overexpression causes the global hypomethylation of
      DNA, even as early as 12h after the induction of differentiation, with the
      greatest difference seen in mature adipocytes. In contrast, both the silencing of
      stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene expression by siRNA and inhibition of stearoyl-CoA
      desaturase 1 activity resulted in DNA hypermethylation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The
      analysis of the promoter methylation of 22 genes that are related to the
      inflammatory response showed that the level of methylation of CpG sites in
      interleukin-10 receptor a, interleukin-4 receptor a, interleukin-6 signal
      transducer, and transforming growth factor beta 1 promoters was strongly related
      to stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 expression or activity. The changes in methylation
      at CpG promoter sites correlated with differential expression of the
      aforementioned genes. The results show that stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 regulates
      the level of DNA methylation in adipocytes and suggest that the mechanism by
      which stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 affects adipocyte inflammation may involve
      changes in the methylation of inflammatory genes. 

PMID- 25130897
TI  - Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for T-prolymphocytic leukemia:
      a report from the French society for stem cell transplantation (SFGM-TC).
AB  - T-prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), a rare aggressive mature T-cell disorder,
      remains frequently resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Studies have suggested
      that allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) might possibly
      serve to consolidate the response to initial chemotherapy. The current report
      summarizes the outcome of 27 T-PLL cases identified in the registry in French
      Society for stem cell transplantation (SFGM-TC). Prior to HSCT, 14 patients were
      in complete remission (CR), 10 in partial response, three refractory, or in
      progression. Following HSCT, 21 patients achieved CR as best response. With a
      median follow-up for surviving patients of 33 (range, 6-103) months, 10 patients
      are still alive in continuous CR. Overall survival and progression-free survival
      estimates at 3 yr were 36% (95% CI: 17-54%) and 26% (95% CI: 14-45%),
      respectively. The relapse incidence after HSCT was 47% occurring at a median of
      11.7 (range, 2-24) months. Overall cumulative incidence of transplant-related
      mortality was 31% at 3 yr. These results suggest that HSCT may allow long-term
      survival in patients with T-PLL following induction treatment; however, it is
      associated with a significant rate of toxicity.

PMID- 25130898
TI  - Self-awakening improves alertness in the morning and during the day after partial
      sleep deprivation.
AB  - The ability to awaken at a predetermined time without an alarm is known as self
      awakening. Self-awakening improves morning alertness by eliminating sleep
      inertia; however, the effects of self-awakening on daytime alertness and
      alertness that has deteriorated as a result of sleep loss are unknown. The aim of
      this study was to determine the effects of self-awakening on both morning and
      daytime alertness after partial sleep deprivation. Fifteen healthy males without
      the habit of self-awakening participated in a cross-over trial including forced
      awakening and self-awakening conditions. In each condition, participants' sleep
      was restricted to 5 h per night in their homes for 4 consecutive days. They
      completed a psychomotor vigilance task and subjective ratings of sleepiness
      immediately upon awakening each morning. On the fourth day, participants
      completed subjective ratings of sleepiness, a psychomotor vigilance task and
      sleep latency tests in the laboratory seven times at 1-h intervals during the
      day. The response speed on the psychomotor vigilance task, in the morning and
      during the day, was higher in the self-awakening than the forced awakening
      condition. Our results showed that self-awakening improved alertness (assessed by
      response speeds) by reducing sleep inertia and alleviated daytime sleepiness
      heightened by partial sleep deprivation. 

PMID- 25130900
TI  - Correction of penile torsion and chordee by mobilization of urethra with
      spongiosum in chordee without hypospadias.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of correcting coexistent penile torsion
      and chordee without hypospadias by mobilization of the urethra and spongiosum.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of nine patients with simultaneous
      penile torsion and chordee without hypospadias was undertaken between January
      2006 and December 2012. During this period, a total of 364 cases of hypospadias
      and 38 of chordee without hypospadias were operated on, making a total of 402
      patients with hypospadias-related complexes. The same steps were used for
      correction of both torque and chordee. After a circumcoronal incision, the penis
      was fully degloved and the spongiosum with urethra was lifted up off the
      cavernosa. Next, mobilization of the hypoplastic urethra with spongiosum was
      extended into the glans. If chordee or torque persisted, urethral mobilization
      was performed proximally up to the bulbar urethra, as required. Spongioplasty and
      glansplasty were done and a per-urethral stent was kept in for three to five
      days. RESULTS: The age of the patients ranged from 5 to 16 years (median 6
      years). Penile torsion ranged from 30 degrees  to 120 degrees , with a median of
      75 degrees . Ventral chordee ranged from 45 degrees  to 100 degrees , with a
      median of 50 degrees . A ratio of 1:9.6 was found for chordee without hypospadias
      compared to the total hypospadias cases, with an incidence of 9.5%. The ratio of
      chordee without hypospadias with torsion compared to the total hypospadias cases
      was 1:29. There was an incidence of chordee without hypospadias with penile
      torsion of 3.5% in all patients with hypospadias. The ratio of chordee without
      hypospadias with torsion to only chordee without hypospadias was 1:1.71, with an
      incidence of 37.0%. Every step contributed to the correction of curvature and
      torsion. Chordee was corrected in two patients by penile degloving and lifting of
      the spongiosa off the urethral plate; three patients required additional
      mobilization of the urethra into the glans. Another two patients needed proximal
      urethral mobilization and one required a dorsal plication. In five patients,
      torque was corrected by penile degloving, lifting of the spongiosa and
      mobilization of the urethra into the glans; four patients required further
      proximal urethral mobilization. All patients had excellent functional and
      cosmetic results. No residual chordee or torque was observed in any patient on
      follow-up at 12-24 months. CONCLUSION: The technique of distally mobilizing a
      hypoplastic urethra with spongiosum from the corpora into the glans, and
      proximally up to the bulbar region corrects moderate to severe chordee and
      torsion with excellent cosmetic results. The incidence of torsion with chordee
      without hypospadias was 3.5% of all cases of hypospadias.

PMID- 25130901
TI  - The challenges in diagnosis and gender assignment in disorders of sex development
      presenting to a pediatric surgical unit in a developing country: the role of
      laparoscopy and simple tests for gender identity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess how the diagnosis and determination of gender
      identity of disorders of sex development (DSD) is different in a developing
      country from Western medicine, and whether a pediatric surgery department can
      determine the underlying diagnosis and use simple tools to determine the likely
      gender identity (GI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of DSD
      patients admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chittagong Medical
      College & Hospital (CMCH), Chittagong, Bangladesh, from January 2006 to December
      2012 and performed a cross-sectional study on GI and gender-related behavior in
      these patients during the year 2012. DSD boys and girls answered a GI interview
      and had their gender role behavior assessed by observations of structural toy
      play and analyzed for differences in scores. RESULTS: This cohort of DSD patients
      presented in mid-childhood (6 months-16 years, mean 6.9 years) rather than
      infancy, and 30% came from consanguineous unions. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
      (CAH) constituted only 11 of 50 (22%) of the DSD cohort, and not all families had
      access to steroid hormone replacement. A simple assessment of GI and gender
      related behavior allowed effective gender assignment, as there was significant
      difference between DSD boys and girls in GI and gender-related behavior score.
      CONCLUSIONS: DSD management in Bangladesh provides some unique challenges because
      of limited resources. A national reference laboratory for biochemical and genetic
      testing and development of a quaternary referral center for DSD patients will be
      helpful. Continued use of the GI interview and gender-related behavior study will
      enable effective interim decisions about diagnosis and management.

PMID- 25130899
TI  - Cellular zinc levels are modulated by TRPML1-TMEM163 interaction.
AB  - Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is caused by loss of function mutations in the
      TRPML1 ion channel. We previously reported that tissue zinc levels in MLIV were
      abnormally elevated; however, the mechanism behind this pathologic accumulation
      remains unknown. Here, we identify transmembrane (TMEM)-163 protein, a putative
      zinc transporter, as a novel interacting partner for TRPML1. Evidence from yeast
      two-hybrid, tissue expression pattern, co-immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry
      and confocal microscopy studies confirmed the physical association of TMEM163
      with TRPML1. This interaction is disrupted when a part of TMEM163's N-terminus
      was deleted. Further studies to define the relevance of their interaction
      revealed that the plasma membrane (PM) levels of TMEM163 significantly decrease
      when TRPML1 is co-expressed in HEK-293 cells, while it mostly localizes within
      the PM when co-expressed with a mutant TRPML1 that distributes mostly in the PM.
      Meanwhile, co-expression of TMEM163 does not alter TRPML1 channel activity, but
      its expression levels in MLIV patient fibroblasts are reduced, which correlate
      with marked accumulation of zinc in lysosomes when these cells are acutely
      exposed to exogenous zinc (100 MUM). When TMEM163 is knocked down or when TMEM163
      and TRPML1 are co-knocked down in HEK-293 cells treated overnight with 100 nm
      zinc, the cells have significantly higher intracellular zinc levels than
      untreated control. Overall, these findings suggest that TMEM163 and TRPML1
      proteins play a critical role in cellular zinc homeostasis, and thus possibly
      explain a novel mechanism for the pathological overload of zinc in MLIV disease. 

PMID- 25130902
TI  - Chironomidae and Oligochaeta for water quality evaluation in an urban river in
      southeastern Brazil.
AB  - Considering the importance of benthic macroinvertebrates for diagnosis of
      variations in the ecological conditions of aquatic habitats, the aim of this
      study was to investigate the structure of the Chironomidae and Oligochaeta
      assemblages along an organic pollution gradient. The fauna specimens were
      obtained with the use of artificial substrates, and the environmental variables
      were recorded at five sites of the Sao Lourenco River, during 12 months. Metrics
      of the assemblage and detrended correspondence analysis were used to verify the
      response of the fauna to the pollution gradient. Procrustes analysis was used to
      verify whether the data on the Chironomidae and Oligochaeta assemblages, as well
      as the taxonomic and numerical resolution of these groups, provide similar
      results in relation to the pollution gradient. The richness, evenness, and
      taxonomic composition of the Chironomidae and Oligochaeta assemblages varied
      significantly among the collection sites, with distinct conservation conditions.
      Genera of the subfamilies Orthocladiinae and Tanypodinae were associated with the
      sites upstream of the urban area, where the dissolved oxygen levels are higher.
      Species of Oligochaeta and the genus Chironomus were associated with more
      organically polluted sites. No concordance was observed in the response of the
      Chironomidae and Oligochaeta assemblages in relation to the environmental
      variables, indicating the need to use both groups in biomonitoring studies. On
      the other hand, both the data on composition (presence or absence) and those on
      the lowest taxonomic resolution (abundance of subfamilies) were effective to
      diagnose the pollution gradient in the river studied. Therefore, when the
      environmental conditions along a river's gradient are contrasting, we suggest the
      use of the lowest taxonomic resolution of Chironomidae and Oligochaeta in
      biomonitoring. That procedure considerably reduces the assessment time, besides
      being a method that can be used by people not specializing in the taxonomy of
      groups. 

PMID- 25130903
TI  - Labeo rosae (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in the Congo basin: a relict distribution
      or a historical introduction?
AB  - Labeo rosae, a species with a native range in Southern Africa, was discovered in
      the Congo basin by re-identification of two museum specimens previously
      identified as Labeo mesops. The occurrence of this species in the upper Congo
      implies a range extension of the species of more than 1000 km. Although the
      species' distribution is mirrored by that of some other Cypriniformes, its
      occurrence in the Congo might be due to introduction by humans. 

PMID- 25130904
TI  - Atopy does not affect the frequency of adenotonsillar hypertrophy and sleep
      apnoea in children who snore.
AB  - AIM: Viral respiratory infections and atopy have been implicated in the
      pathogenesis of adenotonsillar hypertrophy and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA),
      but the role of atopy is controversial. We aimed to test our hypothesis that
      atopy, expressed as physician-diagnosed eczema, was associated with
      adenotonsillar hypertrophy and OSA among children who snored. METHODS: Data on
      children who snored and were referred for polysomnography were reviewed. The
      primary outcome measures were adenotonsillar hypertrophy and OSA. RESULTS: We
      analysed data on 855 children with a mean age (+/-standard deviation) of 6.3 (+/
      2.5) years and median obstructive apnoea-hypopnea index of 2.1 episodes per hour.
      Of the 855 subjects, 133 (15.6%) had physician-diagnosed eczema, 591 (69.1%) had
      adenoidal hypertrophy, 605 (70.8%) had tonsillar hypertrophy, 219 (25.6%) were
      obese and 470 (55%) had OSA. Eczema was not related to adenoidal or tonsillar
      hypertrophy after adjustment for gender and age, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.00
      (95% confidence interval 0.67-1.49; p = 0.98) and 0.88 (95% confidence interval
      0.59-1.32; p = 0.54), respectively. Similarly, eczema did not affect OSA
      frequency after adjustment for adenoidal and tonsillar hypertrophy, obesity,
      gender and age, with an adjusted OR of 0.82 (0.56-1.21; p = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS:
      Atopy was not related to adenotonsillar hypertrophy or OSA in children who snore.

PMID- 25130905
TI  - Arterial supply to the thyroid gland and the relationship between the recurrent
      laryngeal nerve and the inferior thyroid artery in human fetal cadavers.
AB  - The aim of this study was to identify the arterial supply to the thyroid gland
      and the relationship between the inferior thyroid artery (ITA) and the recurrent
      laryngeal nerve (RLN) in fetal cadavers using anatomical dissection. The anterior
      necks of 200 fetuses were dissected. The origins of the superior thyroid artery
      (STA) and the ITA and location of the ITA in relation to the entrance of the
      thyroid lobe were examined. The relationship between the ITA and the RLN was
      determined. The origins of the STA were classified as: external carotid artery,
      common carotid artery (CCA), and the thyrolingual trunk. The origins of the ITA
      were the thyrocervical trunk and the CCA. The ITA was absent on the left side in
      two cases. The relationship of the RLN to the ITA fell into seven different
      types. Type 1: the RLN lay posterior to the artery; right (42.5%), left (65%).
      Type 2: the RLN lay anterior to the artery; right (40.5%), left (22.5%). Type 3:
      the RLN lay parallel to the artery; right (11.5%), left (7%). Type 4: the RLN lay
      between the two branches of the artery; right (1%), left (3.5%). Type 5: The
      extralaryngeal branch of the RLN was detected before it crossed the ITA; right
      (4.5%), left (0%). Type 6: the ITA lay between the two branches of the RLN; right
      (0%), left (0.5%). Type 7: the branches of the RLN lay among the branches of the
      ITA; right (0%), left (0.5%). The results from this study would be useful in
      future thyroid surgeries.

PMID- 25130906
TI  - Protein localization of epidermal growth factor in sheep ovaries and improvement
      of follicle survival and antrum formation in vitro.
AB  - The aims of this study were to characterize EGF protein expression in ovine
      ovaries and to verify the effect of EGF on the in vitro development of isolated
      pre-antral follicles. After collection, ovarian tissue was fixed for
      immunohistochemical analysis. Additional pairs of ovaries were collected, and
      secondary follicles were cultured for 18 days in alpha-MEM(+) (control) alone or
      supplemented with EGF (1, 10 or 50 ng/ml). The immunostaining for EGF was
      observed in oocytes from pre-antral and antral follicles, in granulosa cells of
      primary and secondary follicles, as well as in cumulus and mural cells of antral
      follicles. After 18 days, the results showed that treatment with 50 ng/ml EGF
      significantly increased the percentage of morphologically normal follicles
      compared with the control group (alpha-MEM(+) ) and significantly reduced the
      precocious extrusion of oocytes and increased the percentage of antral follicles
      compared with the control and 1 ng/ml EGF. All the treatments induced a
      progressive and significant increase of the follicular diameter throughout the
      period of culture. However, there were no significant differences in follicular
      diameter or in the daily growth rate among treatments. In conclusion, this study
      demonstrated the presence of EGF in ovine ovaries. Moreover, 50 ng/ml EGF
      increased the percentage of normal follicles and improved antrum formation in
      isolated ovine follicles after 18 days of in vitro culture. 

PMID- 25130907
TI  - DNA barcoding of wild edible mushrooms consumed by the ethnic tribes of India.
AB  - Wild edible mushrooms are consumed by the tribes of Meghalaya in the North
      Eastern region of India, as part of their ethnic cuisine because of their favored
      organoleptic characteristics and traditionally known health benefits. Majority of
      these mushrooms have not yet been characterized in detail and are slowly
      shrinking in their natural habitats owing to anthropogenic factors and climate
      change. In the present study, representative specimens of ten morphologically
      distinct groups of wild edible mushrooms available in the traditional markets and
      their respective forest habitats, were subjected to multi-loci molecular
      characterization using SSU, ITS, RPB1 and RPB2 markers. The species identities
      inferred for the ten mushroom types using the SSU marker matched their
      morphological description in the case of four morphological groups only whereas
      the ITS marker successfully resolved the species identity for nine out of the ten
      mushroom groups under study. Both the protein coding gene markers RPB1 and RPB2
      successfully resolved the species identity for three out of the ten
      morphologically distinct groups. Finally the most likely identity of the wild
      edible mushrooms under study has been suggested by matching their unique
      morphological characteristics with the generated DNA barcoding data. The present
      molecular characterization reveals the ten widely consumed wild mushroom types of
      Meghalaya, India to be Gomphus floccosus, Lactarius deliciosus, Lactarius
      volemus, Cantharellus cibarius, Tricholoma viridiolivaceum, Inocybe aff.
      sphaerospora, Laccaria vinaceoavellanea, Albatrellus ellisii, Ramaria maculatipes
      and Clavulina cristata. The final species identity generated by the ITS marker
      matched more accurately with the morphological characteristics/appearance of the
      specimens indicating the ITS region as a reliable barcode for identifying wild
      edible mushrooms. 

PMID- 25130908
TI  - Cloning, expression and cellular localization of the Doublesex gene in the water
      flea, Daphnia carinata, during different developmental stages.
AB  - In this study, one of Doublesex genes from the common freshwater cladoceran
      Daphnia carinata, designated DapcaDsx1, was cloned using primers based on
      homologous sequences and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). qPCR was
      employed to quantify differences in DapcaDsx1 expression between the different
      sexual phases, with expression levels being higher in sexual females. The role of
      DapcaDsx1 in the reproductive transformation was further investigated in
      parthenogenetic-phase females and sexual-phase females using whole-mount in situ
      hybridization. This cellular localization study showed specific expression of
      DapcaDsx1 in the thoracic segments, second antenna and part of the ventral
      carapace. Higher expression levels were exhibited in sexual females compared to
      parthenogenetic females. This suggests that the DapcaDsx1 gene plays significant
      roles in switching modes of reproduction and during sexual differentiation. 

PMID- 25130909
TI  - Diverse expression pattern of wheat transcription factors against abiotic
      stresses in wheat species.
AB  - Abiotic stress including drought and salinity affects quality and yield of wheat
      varieties used for the production of both bread and pasta flour. bZIP, MBF1,
      WRKY, MYB and NAC transcription factor (TF) genes are the largest transcriptional
      regulators which are involved in growth, development, physiological processes,
      and biotic/abiotic stress responses in plants. Identification of expression
      profiling of these TFs plays a crucial role to understand the response of
      different wheat species against severe environmental changes. In the current
      study, expression analysis of TaWLIP19 (wheat version of bZIP), TaMBF1, TaWRKY10,
      TaMYB33 and TaNAC69 genes was examined under drought and salinity stress
      conditions in Triticum aestivum cv. (Yuregir-89), Triticum turgidum cv. (Kiziltan
      91), and Triticum monococcum (Siyez). After drought stress application, all five
      selected genes in Kiziltan-91 were induced. However, TaMBF1 and TaWLIP19 were the
      only downregulated genes in Yuregir-89 and Siyez, respectively. Except TaMYB33 in
      Siyez, expression level of the remaining genes increased under salt stress
      condition in all Triticum species. For determination of drought response to
      selected TF members, publicly available RNA-seq data were also analyzed in this
      study. TaMBF1, TaWLIP19 and TaNAC69 transcripts were detected through in silico
      analysis. This comprehensive gene expression analysis provides valuable
      information for understanding the roles of these TFs under abiotic stresses in
      modern wheat cultivars and ancient einkorn wheat. In addition, selected TFs might
      be used for determination of drought or salinity-tolerant and susceptible
      cultivars for molecular breeding studies. 

PMID- 25130910
TI  - Thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of a Gd-DTPA bisamide complex
      grafted onto gold nanoparticles.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles coated by gadolinium (III) chelates (Au@DTDTPA) where DTDTPA
      is a dithiolated bisamide derivative of diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N'',N''
      pentaacetic acid (DTPA), constituted contrast agents for both X-ray computed
      tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In an MRI context, highly stable
      Gd(3+) complexes are needed for in vivo applications. Thus, knowledge of the
      thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of these chelates, when grafted
      onto gold nanoparticles, is crucial since bisamide DTPA chelates are usually less
      suited for Gd(3+) coordination than DTPA. Therefore, these parameters were
      evaluated by means of potentiometric titrations and relaxivity measurements. The
      results showed that, when the chelates were grafted onto the nanoparticle, not
      only their thermodynamic stability but also their kinetic inertness were
      improved. These positive effects were correlated to the chelate packing at the
      nanoparticle surface that stabilized the corresponding Gd(3+) complexes and
      greatly enhanced their kinetic inertness.

PMID- 25130911
TI  - Ancient DNA evidence reveals that the Y chromosome haplogroup Q1a1 admixed into
      the Han Chinese 3,000 years ago.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Y chromosome haplogroup Q1a1 is found almost only in Han Chinese
      populations. However, it has not been found in ancient Han Chinese samples until
      now. Thus, the origin of haplogroup Q1a1 in Han Chinese is still obscure. This
      study attempts to provide answer to this question, and to uncover the origin and
      paternal genetic structure of the ancestors of the Han Chinese. METHODS: Eighty
      nine ancient human remains that were excavated from the presumed geographic
      source of the Han Chinese and dated to approximately 3,000 years ago were treated
      by the amelogenin gene polymerase chain reaction test, to determine their sex.
      Then, Y chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms were subsequently analyzed
      from the samples detected as male. RESULTS: Samples from 27 individuals were
      successfully amplified. Their haplotypes could be attributed to haplogroups N,
      O*, O2a, O3a, and Q1a1. Analyses showed that the assigned haplogroup of each
      sample is correlated to the suspected social status and observed burial custom
      associated with the sample. CONCLUSIONS: The origins of the observed haplotypes
      and their distribution in present day Han Chinese and in the samples suggest that
      haplogroup Q1a1 was probably introduced into the Han Chinese population
      approximately 3,000 years ago.

PMID- 25130913
TI  - Local analyses of ionic liquid/solid interfaces by frequency modulation atomic
      force microscopy and photoemission spectroscopy.
AB  - Local analyses of ionic liquid/solid electrode interfaces at a controlled
      electrode potential are of fundamental importance to understanding the origin and
      properties of the electric double layer at the interfaces, which is necessary for
      their application to electrochemical devices. This account summarizes our recent
      achievements of such analyses by using the novel analytical tools of
      electrochemical frequency modulation AFM (EC-FM-AFM) and electrochemical
      photoemission spectroscopy (EC-PES). Rather stable stepped structures composed of
      layers of ion pairs and softer solvation layers outside of the imaged layer were
      clearly visualized by FM-AFM depending on the substrates. An extremely extended
      diffusion layer was directly observed by EC-PES during the electrodeposition of
      metal ion solutes. 

PMID- 25130912
TI  - Platelet activation biomarkers in Berkeley sickle cell mice and the response to
      prasugrel.
AB  - Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is a common complication that occurs in sickle cell
      disease (SCD) patients. Although underlying mechanisms of VOC remain unclear,
      platelet activation has been associated with VOC. In the present study, plasma
      adenine nucleotide measurements using LC-ESI-MS/MS showed that plasma ADP in the
      Berkeley murine model of SCD was significantly higher (applox. 2.7-fold increase)
      compared with control mice. Assessment of platelet activation markers using flow
      cytometry indicated that in SCD mice at steady state (8 weeks old), circulating
      platelets were partially activated and this tended to increase with age (15 weeks
      old). The administration of prasugrel, a thienopiridyl P2Y12 antagonist, did not
      affect the activation state of circulating platelets suggesting P2Y12 independent
      mechanism of activation. In this murine SCD model, ex vivo addition of ADP or
      PAR4 TRAP resulted in further platelet activation as assessed by expression of
      activated GPIIb/IIIa and P-selectin both at 8 and 15 weeks. In 15 weeks old SCD
      mice, agonist-induced increases in activation markers were enhanced compared to
      control mice. Oral administration of prasugrel effectively inhibited ex vivo
      platelet activation consistent with clinical data in patients with SCD. In
      conclusion, in the Berkeley murine model of SCD, we found evidence of basal and
      agonist-stimulated platelet activation which could in part be attenuated by
      prasugrel. These data are consistent with observations made in patients with SCD
      and suggest possible utility of this murine model and prasugrel therapy in
      exploring treatment options for patients with SCD.

PMID- 25130914
TI  - Inability to Measure M-Protein With Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CAPPILLARYS
      2) in Tracings With NonDiscernable Peaks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We performed a retrospective study to illustrate the challenges with
      quantifying monoclonal (M)-protein in the cases of serum protein capillary zone
      electrophoresis (SPCZE) where no discernable peak is apparent. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 160 serum immunofixation electrophoresis
      (SIFE) that were performed at Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center
      between October 2013 and November 2013 and we identified the positive SIFE
      results. The corresponding SPCZE of the positive SIFE were retrieved and
      evaluated for the ability to quantify M-proteins in them. We define the ability
      to quantify M-protein as the ability for the operator of the SPCZE to identify a
      discernable peak and to be able to manually gate the area under the peak.
      RESULTS: Twenty-two cases of SIFE detected a monoclonal immunoglobulin. Of the
      corresponding 22 SPCZE, we could not quantify the M-protein in 6 (27.3%) of the
      cases. CONCLUSION: We have shown several cases where we were not able to quantify
      the M-protein with SPCZE. This poses a challenge in the diagnosis and management
      of these patients.

PMID- 25130915
TI  - Human papillomavirus genotype distribution in invasive cervical cancer in Bosnia
      and Herzegovina.
AB  - PURPOSE: Countries of the former Yugoslavia bear some of the highest cervical
      cancer burden in Europe. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), data on human
      papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution among cervical cancer cases is scarce.
      This baseline information is critical in order to evaluate the impact of
      prophylactic HPV vaccines. This study aims to provide specific information for
      B&H. METHODS: The final analysis comprised 283 cases of invasive cervical cancer
      identified at the Polyclinic for Laboratory Diagnostic, University Clinical
      Center Tuzla in B&H between 1984 and 2004. HPV was detected through amplification
      of HPV DNA using SPF-10 broad spectrum primers followed by deoxyribonucleic acid
      enzyme inmunoassay and genotyping by reverse line probe assay (LiPA(25), version
      1). RESULTS: Most cases (92.2%) were histologically classified as squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC). A total of 268 cases (94.7%) were positive for HPV. Infections
      were mainly present as single (95.5%) and HPV16 and 18 accounted for 77.8% of the
      positive cases. The next most common HPV types were HPV45 (4.4%), HPV33 (3.1%),
      HPV51 (2.3%) and HPV31 (2.2%). The mean age of cases infected with the seven most
      common types worldwide (HPV16/18/45/31/33/52/58) was 51.1 (SD=11.6), six years
      younger than the one for cases infected with other types (56.3, SD=12.9).
      CONCLUSIONS: Available HPV vaccines could potentially prevent 77.8% of Bosnian
      cervical cancer cases (i.e. those associated with HPV16/18). If the reported
      magnitude of the cross-protection of licensed vaccines for non-vaccine HPV types
      is long lasting, an additional 6 to 10% of cases could be prevented.

PMID- 25130917
TI  - Vacuum-free, maskless patterning of Ni electrodes by laser reductive sintering of
      NiO nanoparticle ink and its application to transparent conductors.
AB  - We introduce a method for direct patterning of Ni electrodes through selective
      laser direct writing (LDW) of NiO nanoparticle (NP) ink. High-resolution Ni
      patterns are generated from NiO NP thin films by a vacuum-free, lithography-free,
      and solution-processable route. In particular, a continuous wave laser is used
      for the LDW reductive sintering of the metal oxide under ambient conditions with
      the aid of reducing agents in the ink solvent. Thin (~ 40 nm) Ni electrodes of
      glossy metallic surfaces with smooth morphology and excellent edge definition can
      be fabricated. By applying this method, we demonstrate a high transmittance
      (>87%), electrically conducting panel for a touch screen panel application. The
      resistivity of the Ni electrode is less than an order of magnitude higher
      compared to that of the bulk Ni. Mechanical bending test, tape-pull test, and
      ultrasonic bath test confirm the robust adhesion of the electrodes on glass and
      polymer substrates.

PMID- 25130916
TI  - Using self-reported health measures to predict high-need cases among Medicaid
      eligible adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of different self-reported health (SRH) measures
      to prospectively identify individuals with high future health care needs among
      adults eligible for Medicaid. DATA SOURCES: The 1997-2008 rounds of the National
      Health Interview Survey linked to the 1998-2009 rounds of the Medical Expenditure
      Panel Survey (n = 6,725). STUDY DESIGN: Multivariate logistic regression models
      are fitted for the following outcomes: having an inpatient visit; membership in
      the top decile of emergency room utilization; and membership in the top cost
      decile. We examine the incremental predictive ability of six different SRH
      domains (health conditions, mental health, access to care, health behaviors,
      health-related quality of life [HRQOL], and prior utilization) over a baseline
      model with sociodemographic characteristics. Models are evaluated using the c
      statistic, integrated discrimination improvement, sensitivity, specificity, and
      predictive values. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Self-reports of prior utilization provide
      the greatest predictive improvement, followed by information on health conditions
      and HRQOL. Models including these three domains meet the standard threshold of
      acceptability (c-statistics range from 0.703 to 0.751). CONCLUSIONS: SRH measures
      provide a promising way to prospectively profile Medicaid-eligible adults by
      likely health care needs.

PMID- 25130918
TI  - Increase in skin surface elasticity in normal volunteer subjects following the
      use of copper oxide impregnated socks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Copper is an essential mineral involved in the formation and
      stabilisation of extracellular skin proteins. As copper can be absorbed through
      intact skin, we reasoned that using socks containing copper-impregnated fibres
      may have an effect on skin elasticity. METHODS: A double blind, placebo
      controlled study was conducted in which one group of healthy volunteers (n = 32)
      wore socks with fibres containing microscopic copper oxide particles and the
      other group wore identical socks without copper oxide (n = 28). The socks were
      worn for at least 10 h a day for 4 weeks. Skin elasticity measurements were taken
      from three separate test sites on the side of the ankle using a Cutometer at
      baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks of product use. RESULTS: There was an increase
      in the mean net skin elasticity (R5) of 6.4% (P = 0.6) and 31.4% (P = 0.004)
      after 2 and 4 weeks respectively, in the group of individuals that used the
      copper oxide containing socks, but no increase in the group of individuals that
      used the control socks. Similarly, there was an increase in the mean biological
      elasticity (R7 values) of 3% (P = 0.55) and 20.7% (0.014) after 2 and 4 weeks,
      respectively, only in the group of individuals that used the copper oxide
      containing socks. The differences between treatments (i.e. socks used) were
      statistically significant at 4 weeks (P = 0.0058 and P = 0.0327 for R5 and R7,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Using copper oxide containing socks results in an
      increase in skin elasticity of the feet.

PMID- 25130919
TI  - Effects of diabetes mellitus on left atrial volume and functions in normotensive
      patients without symptomatic cardiovascular disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Left atrial (LA) size has been shown to be a predictor of adverse
      cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the direct effect
      of diabetes mellitus (DM) on left atrial volume and phasic functions by using
      real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) in a population of patients
      free of symptomatic cardiovascular disease and hypertension. METHODS:
      Comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic examination was performed on 40
      consecutive patients with DM (20 male, age: 50.5+/-7.3 years) and 40 healthy
      controls (20 male, age: 48.4+/-6.7 years). In addition to conventional 2D
      echocardiographic measurements RT3DE was performed to assess LA volumes and
      phasic functions. RESULTS: There were no significant difference between groups
      regarding parameters reflecting LV systolic function as LV diameters and ejection
      fraction. However, regarding parameters reflecting LV diastolic function;
      transmitral deceleration time and E/E' ratio values were significantly higher and
      majority of early diastolic tissue Doppler velocity values were significantly
      lower in diabetic patients compared with controls. RT3DE demonstrated
      significantly higher LA maximum and minimum volumes for diabetic patients
      compared with controls (40.9+/-11.9 vs 34.6+/-9.3 mL, p: 0.009 and 15.6+/-5.9 vs
      11.9+/-4.6 mL, p: 0.002, consecutively). LA total emptying fraction (TEF),
      expansion index (EI) and active emptying fraction (AEF) were found to be
      significantly lower in diabetics reflecting depressed LA reservoir and pump
      functions. There was no significant difference between groups regarding passive
      emptying fraction (PEF) which is assumed to be a marker of left atrial conduit
      function. CONCLUSION: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were found to have
      increased LA volume and impaired atrial compliance and contractility. Evaluation
      of asymptomatic diabetic patients by using RT3DE atrial volume analysis may
      facilitate recognition of subtle myocardial alterations related with type 2
      diabetes.

PMID- 25130924
TI  - The cultural dimension of tightness-looseness: An analysis of situational
      constraint in Estonia and Greece.
AB  - The importance of tightness-looseness as a dimension that explains a considerable
      amount of variance between cultures was demonstrated by Gelfand et al. (2011).
      Tight nations have many strong norms and a low tolerance of deviant behaviour,
      whereas loose nations have weak social norms and a high tolerance of deviant
      behaviour. The main aim of the current studies was to examine situational
      constraint in Estonia and Greece: that is, how the cultural dimension of
      tightness-looseness is manifested in everyday situations in those two countries.
      The findings of a questionnaire study (Study 1) suggested that, in general, there
      is higher constraint across everyday situations in Greece than in Estonia, but
      situational constraint in Greece is especially strong in school and
      organisational settings where people have hierarchically structured roles. The
      results of an observational study (Study 2) revealed a relatively high agreement
      between appropriateness of certain behaviours as judged by the respondents in
      Study 1 and the frequencies of observed behaviours in the two countries. Our
      findings suggest that the strength of situations may substantially vary both
      within and across cultures, and that the attitudes of the members about
      situational strength in their respective cultures are in concordance with
      observations of situations by neutral observers in how people in general behave
      in their culture. 

PMID- 25130920
TI  - Lixisenatide plus basal insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - AIMS: The efficacy of the once-daily prandial GLP-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide
      plus basal insulin in T2DM was assessed by pooling results of phase III trials.
      METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed of results from three trials in the
      GetGoal clinical program concerning lixisenatide or placebo plus basal insulin
      with/without OADs. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to week
      24. Secondary endpoints were change in PPG, FPG, insulin dose, and weight from
      baseline to week 24. Hypoglycemia rates and several composite endpoints were
      assessed. RESULTS: Lixisenatide plus basal insulin was significantly more
      effective than basal insulin alone at reducing HbA1c at 24 weeks. Composite and
      secondary endpoints were improved significantly with lixisenatide plus basal
      insulin, with the exception of FPG, which showed no significant difference
      between the groups. Lixisenatide plus basal insulin was associated with an
      increased incidence of hypoglycemia versus basal insulin alone. CONCLUSIONS:
      Lixisenatide plus basal insulin resulted in significant improvement in glycemic
      control versus basal insulin alone, particularly in terms of controlling PPG.
      Prandial lixisenatide in combination with basal insulin is a suitable option for
      treatment intensification in patients with T2DM insufficiently controlled with
      basal insulin, as these agents have complementary effects on PPG and FPG,
      respectively.

PMID- 25130925
TI  - Cystic lesions in the kidney of flower horn fish, hybrid cichlid.

PMID- 25130926
TI  - First report of a rare mutation in a Polish patient with painful late-onset
      transthyretin amyloidosis.

PMID- 25130927
TI  - Individual factors enhance poor health-related quality of life outcome in
      multiple sclerosis patients. Significance of predictive determinants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individual factors in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients may modify the
      reliability of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment. Knowledge of
      these effects may enable physicians to identify patients at risk for poor
      perceived health. OBJECTIVE: To investigate what individual factors may interact
      with MS symptoms and their severity to modify the reliability of HRQOL
      assessment; to explore the predictive values of the significant variables
      identified. METHODS: HRQOL was assessed in 57 patients by the 36-Item Short Form
      Health Survey (SF-36). The Physical Component Summary and Mental Component
      Summary were dichotomized and applied as dependent variables for logistic
      regression analysis. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Expanded
      Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Cognitive
      Behavioral Assessment (CBA) and specific individual factors were tested as
      independent variables. Two-way contingency tables were used to calculate the
      predictive values. RESULTS: Unemployment, smoking, and night waking were the most
      significant individual factors. Introversion, physical pain and difficulty
      falling asleep were also significant. EDSS-total >=2, EDSS-pyramidal >=2, FIM
      <=123, FSS >=5, depressive manifestations and bowel/bladder dysfunction were
      significant MS-related determinants. Sensitivity and specificity differed widely
      for each variable. CONCLUSIONS: Individual factors have relevance in HRQOL
      assessment. Their identification may help physicians construct the patient's risk
      profile. Sensitivity and specificity add weight to the significance of variables.

PMID- 25130928
TI  - Anatomical localization of p53 mutated tumors: A radiographic study of human
      glioblastomas.
AB  - Accumulating evidence has suggested that tumor location is linked to the genetic
      profile of gliomas. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the
      anatomical characteristics of p53-mutated glioblastomas. We also sought to
      provide new insight into the possible niche locations of cells of glioblastoma
      origin. In order to accomplish this, preoperative magnetic resonance images from
      163 patients with primary glioblastomas were retrospectively analyzed. All tumors
      were manually marked and registered to the standard space. Using the voxel-based
      lesion-symptom mapping approach, voxels exhibiting the strongest correlations
      with p53 mutants were identified. T-values of voxels that were greater than 95%
      of the permutations were factored into the results of the mapping analysis.
      Distinct anatomical characteristics between p53-mutated and wild-type
      glioblastomas were demonstrated using this approach. More specifically, we found
      that p53-mutated glioblastomas were preferentially located in the frontal lobe in
      the area surrounding the rostral extension of the lateral ventricles. The
      distinct anatomical characteristics of p53-mutated and wild-type glioblastomas
      provide further evidence that these gliomas arise from distinct niche locations. 

PMID- 25130929
TI  - Increased proinflammatory cytokines in sera of patients with multifocal motor
      neuropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is characterized by clinical
      improvement with intravenous immunoglobulin and the frequent detection of anti
      ganglioside antibodies. However, the immunological background of the neuronal
      damage in MMN is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to
      investigate abnormalities in the cytokine and chemokine profiles of MMN patients.
      METHODS: Sera from 16 patients with MMN, 16 patients with sporadic amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS), and 15 patients with other non-inflammatory neurological
      diseases (ONDs) were analyzed for 27 cytokines and chemokines using a multiplex
      bead array. We also checked whether the altered cytokine/chemokine profile in the
      MMN group differed significantly in the presence or absence of abnormal
      electrophysiological findings. RESULTS: Serum IL-1Ra, IL-2, G-CSF, TNF-alpha, and
      TNFR1 levels were significantly higher in the MMN group than in the ONDs group.
      Of these, G-CSF and TNF-alpha also showed significant increases compared to the
      ALS group. Serum G-CSF and TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in MMN
      patients presenting with focal demyelination including conduction block than in
      patients without any focal demyelination. CONCLUSIONS: Proinflammatory cytokines
      may contribute to peripheral nerve demyelination in MMN.

PMID- 25130930
TI  - Polymyositis in solid organ transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus.
AB  - Tacrolimus, also known as FK506, is an immunosuppressive agent widely used for
      the prevention of acute allograft rejection in organ transplantation and for the
      treatment of immunological diseases. This study reports two male patients who
      underwent solid organ transplantation (liver and kidney). After transplant, the
      patients received continuous immunosuppressive therapy with oral tacrolimus and
      later presented clinical manifestations and laboratory signs of myopathy. Muscle
      biopsies of both patients clearly documented an inflammatory myopathy with the
      histological features of polymyositis including CD8+ T cells which invaded
      healthy muscle fibers and expressed granzyme B and perforin, many CD68+
      macrophages and MHC class I antigen upregulation on the surface of most fibers.
      Because of the temporal association while receiving tacrolimus and since other
      possible causes for myopathy were excluded, the most likely cause of polymyositis
      in our patients was tacrolimus toxicity. We suggest that patients on tacrolimus
      should be carefully monitored for serum CK levels and clinical signs of muscle
      disease. 

PMID- 25130931
TI  - Synthesis of octitols and the respective amino-derivatives from 'organo-aldols'.
AB  - Two diastereoisomeric keto-octoses, obtained in the reaction of 2,3:4,5-diacetone
      D-arabinose with protected dihydroxyacetone catalyzed with L- or D-proline, were
      converted into octitols by stereoselective reduction of the carbonyl group with
      zinc borohydride and final deprotection. The study on the preparation of the
      respective amino-derivatives by reductive amination of these organo-adducts is
      presented; stereochemical aspects of these processes are discussed.

PMID- 25130933
TI  - Safe storage of radical initiators within a polyaromatic nanocapsule.
AB  - 2,2'-Azobisisobutyronitrile and its derivatives are standard reagents for polymer
      and organic syntheses that generate radical species on stimuli by light or heat.
      Radical initiators like the azo compounds are unstable so that they should be
      kept in the dark at low temperature to avoid photochemical and thermal
      decomposition as well as accidental explosion. Here we report the spontaneous and
      quantitative encapsulation of the radical initiators by a supramolecular
      nanocapsule in aqueous solution. We demonstrate the remarkable stability of the
      initiators toward light and heat in the well-defined cavity shielded by the
      polyaromatic capsule shell. The incarcerated and stabilized initiators can be
      directly utilized for the radical polymerization of olefins on spontaneous
      release of the initiators from the capsule under the reaction conditions. 

PMID- 25130932
TI  - The visual system in eyelid myoclonia with absences.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the functional and structural brain correlates of
      eyelid myoclonus and absence seizures triggered by eye closure (eye closure
      sensitivity [ECS]). METHODS: Fifteen patients with eyelid myoclonus with absences
      (EMA, Jeavons syndrome), 14 patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGE)
      without ECS, and 16 healthy controls (HC) underwent an electroencephalography
      (EEG)-correlated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and voxel brain
      morphometry (VBM) protocol. The functional study consisted of 30-second epochs of
      eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. The following EEG events were marked and
      the relative fMRI maps obtained: (1) eye closure times, (2) spontaneous blinking,
      and (3) spontaneous and eye closure-triggered spike and wave discharges (SWD; for
      EMA and IGE). Within-group and between-groups comparisons were performed for fMRI
      and VBM data as appropriate. RESULTS: In EMA compared to HC and IGE we found: (1)
      higher blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal related to the eye closure
      over the visual cortex, the posterior thalamus, and the network implicated in the
      motor control of eye closure, saccades, and eye pursuit movements; and (2)
      increments in the gray matter concentration at the visual cortex and thalamic
      pulvinar, whereas decrements were observed at the bilateral frontal eye field
      area. No BOLD differences were detected when comparing SWD in EMA and IGE.
      INTERPRETATION: Results demonstrated altered anatomo-functional properties of the
      visual system in EMA. These abnormalities involve a circuit encompassing the
      occipital cortex and the cortical/subcortical systems physiologically involved in
      the motor control of eye closure and eye movements. Our work supports EMA as an
      epileptic condition with distinctive features and provides a contribution to its
      classification among epileptic syndromes.

PMID- 25130934
TI  - Patulin reduction in apple juice by inactivated Alicyclobacillus spp.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the reduction of patulin (PAT) in apple juice by
      12 inactivated Alicyclobacillus strains. The reduction rate of PAT by each strain
      was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results
      indicated that the removal of PAT was strain specific. Alicyclobacillus
      acidoterrestris 92 and A. acidoterrestris 96 were the most effective ones among
      the 12 tested strains in the removal of PAT. Therefore, these two strains were
      selected to study the effects of incubation time, initial PAT concentration and
      bacteria powder amount on PAT removal abilities of Alicyclobacillus. The highest
      PAT reduction rates of 88.8 and 81.6% were achieved after 24-h incubation with
      initial PAT concentration of 100 MUg l(-1) and bacteria powder amount of 40 g l(
      1) , respectively. Moreover, it was found that the treatment by these 12
      inactivated Alicyclobacillus strains had no negative effect on the quality
      parameters of apple juice. Similar assays were performed in supermarket apple
      juice, where inactivated Alicyclobacillus cells could efficiently reduce PAT
      content. Taken together, these data suggest the possible application of this
      strategy as a means to detoxify PAT-contaminated juices. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT
      OF THE STUDY: Inactivated Alicyclobacillus cells can efficiently reduce patulin
      concentration in apple juice. It provides a theoretical foundation for recycling
      of Alicyclobacillus cells from spoiled apple juice to reduce the source of
      pollution and the cost of juice industry. This is the first report on the use of
      Alicyclobacillus to remove patulin from apple juice.

PMID- 25130935
TI  - RBC alloimmunization and double alloantibodies in thalassemic patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Alloimmunization is a common consequence of chronic blood transfusion.
      Double alloantibody production may complicate the condition of such patients
      especially for finding matched blood. In this study, we evaluated the frequency
      of alloantibodies in thalassemic patients with previous history of transfusion
      reactions. SAMPLES AND METHODS: This study was performed on 441 multiply
      transfused thalassemia patients Antibody screening test was carried out using
      three cell-panel by gel method. Positive patients were followed up for antibody
      identification using 11-cell panel. Direct combs' test was performed to detect
      auto antibodies. RESULTS: In a total of 441 cases (362 thalassemia major and 79
      intermedia), 234 were males (53.1%) and 207 females (46.9%); mean age 22 years,
      range 3-61 years. Alloimmunization was detected in 50(11.3%) patients, including
      37(74%) patients with one alloantibody, 8(16%) with two antibodies, 4(8%)
      patients with unknown antibodies and one patient (2%) with autoantibody. The most
      common alloantibodies were anti-Rh antibodies (-E/e/C/c/Cw) (26%), anti-K (28%),
      anti-D (16%), and anti-Colton (4%). Double antibodies were detected in eight out
      of 50 patients, including: Anti-D+anti-C (8%), anti-D+anti-E (2%), anti-Kell+anti
      D (2%), and anti-Kell+KPa (2%). A significant association was observed between
      the transfusion reaction history and the alloantibody detection results (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Antibody production against RBC antigens makes hard condition
      in regular blood transfusion. Double antibodies production may more complicate
      this situation. Thus, it is advisable to phenotype patients and matches the red
      cells in multiply transfused thalassemia patients.

PMID- 25130936
TI  - A population-based study of incidence, risk factors, clinical spectrum, and
      outcomes of ischemic colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Little is known about progression of ischemic colitis (IC)
      among unselected patients. We aimed to estimate the incidence, risk factors, and
      natural history of IC in a population-based cohort in Olmsted County, Minnesota.
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective population-based cohort and nested case
      control study of IC. Each IC case was matched to 2 controls from the same
      population on the basis of sex, age, and closest registration number. Conditional
      logistic regression, the Kaplan-Meier method, and proportional hazards regression
      were used to assess comorbidities, estimate survival, and identify
      characteristics associated with survival, respectively. RESULTS: Four hundred
      forty-five county residents (median age, 71.6 years; 67% female) were diagnosed
      with IC from 1976 through 2009 and were matched with 890 controls. The age
      adjusted and sex-adjusted incidence rates of IC nearly quadrupled from 6.1
      cases/100,000 person-years in 1976-1980 to 22.9/100,000 in 2005-2009. The odds
      for IC were significantly higher among subjects with atherosclerotic diseases;
      odds ratios ranged from 2.6 for individuals with coronary disease to 7.9 for
      individuals with peripheral vascular disease. Of IC cases, 59% survived for 5
      years (95% confidence interval, 54%-64%), compared with 90% of controls (95%
      confidence interval, 88%-92%). Age >40 years, male sex, right-sided colon
      involvement, concomitant small bowel involvement, and chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease were all independently associated with mortality (P < .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of IC increased during the past 3 decades in a
      population-based cohort in Minnesota. IC typically presents in older patients
      with multiple comorbidities and is associated with high in-hospital mortality
      (11.5%) and rates of surgery (17%).

PMID- 25130938
TI  - What gastroenterologists should know about testing patients with eosinophilic
      esophagitis for food allergies.

PMID- 25130939
TI  - Outcomes of children after esophagogastroduodenoscopy for chronic abdominal pain.

PMID- 25130937
TI  - Long-term use of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors predict development of
      infections in patients with cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Bacterial infections, particularly repeated infections, are
      significant causes of morbidity and mortality among patients with cirrhosis. We
      investigated and characterized risk factors for repeat infections in these
      patients. METHODS: In a prospective study, we collected data from 188 patients
      hospitalized with cirrhosis and infections and enrolled in the North American
      Consortium for the Study of End-Stage Liver Disease (12 centers). Patients were
      followed up for 6 months after hospital discharge and data were analyzed on type
      of infections and factors associated with subsequent infections. RESULTS: Six
      months after hospital discharge, 14% of subjects had received liver transplants,
      27% died, and 59% were alive without liver transplantation. After discharge, 45%
      had subsequent infections, but only 26% of the subsequent infections occurred at
      the same site. Compared with patients not re-infected, patients with repeat
      infections were older and a higher proportion used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
      (P = .006), rifaximin (P < .001), or prophylactic therapy for spontaneous
      bacterial peritonitis (SBP) (P < .001). Logistic regression showed that SBP
      prophylaxis (odds ratio [OR], 3.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56-7.63), PPI
      use (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.39-6.20), SBP at hospital admission (OR, 0.37; 95% CI,
      0.15-0.91), and age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11) were independent predictors of
      subsequent infections. CONCLUSIONS: Patients hospitalized with cirrhosis and
      infections are at high risk for subsequent infections, mostly at different sites,
      within 6 months of index infection resolution. Those at highest risk include
      previously infected older patients receiving PPIs and/or SBP prophylaxis,
      although these associations do not prove that these factors cause the infections.
      New strategies are needed to prevent infections in patients with cirrhosis.

PMID- 25130941
TI  - COSAN as a molecular imaging platform: synthesis and "in vivo" imaging.
AB  - A labelling method for the covalent attachment of radioiodine to the boron-rich 8
      I-cobaltabisdicarbollide (I-COSAN) and a bi-functional (iodine and PEG) COSAN
      derivative, [3,3'-Co(8-I-1,2-C2B9H10)(8'-(OCH2CH2)2COOC6H5-1',2'-C2B9H10)], is
      reported. Biodistribution studies in rodents using dissection/gamma counting and
      in vivo nuclear imaging have been performed. The general strategy reported here
      can be applied in the future to COSAN derivatives bearing a wide range of
      functionalities. 

PMID- 25130940
TI  - Cerebral venous thrombosis after embolization of pediatric AVM with jugular bulb
      stenosis or occlusion: management and prevention.
AB  - PURPOSE: Thrombosis of cerebral arteriovenous malformation after embolization is
      rare, but can involve the normal venous network with extensive venous thrombosis.
      We report angioarchitecture findings, our management and prevention strategy for
      this complication in pediatric AVMs. METHODS: In this 5.5-year retrospective
      series, we reviewed records of 13 patients under 15 years who were anticoagulated
      after embolization. In our initial experience 4 children who didn't receive any
      prophylactic anticoagulation presented with extensive venous thrombosis after
      embolization (group 1). Following this, nine children with similar
      angioarchitecture and embolization modalities were treated with prophylactic
      anticoagulation immediately after embolization (group 2). We analyzed the type of
      AVM, angioarchitecture, dose of prophylactic anticoagulant,
      efficacy/complications of treatment and late outcome. RESULTS: All patients in
      group 1 had severe jugular bulb stenosis/occlusion associated with cerebral
      venous dilatation. In group 2 with similar angioarchitecture, only three patients
      (33%) developed extensive thrombosis. In both groups, thrombosis occurred within
      two days of treatment in six children and two weeks in one child. The diagnosis
      was suspected on intracranial hypertension in five patients and occulomotor
      disorder in one. One was asymptomatic. All children were treated with therapeutic
      doses of LMWH (anti-Xa: 0.5-1). No hemorrhagic complications occurred. Good
      venous remodeling was observed in all but one patient. CONCLUSION:
      Anticoagulation in extensive venous thrombosis after AVM embolization in children
      appears to be safe and effective. In cases with angioarchitectural features of
      dilatation of the cerebral venous network and occlusion/severe stenosis of the
      jugular bulbs, full dose anticoagulation may be required to prevent thrombosis.

PMID- 25130942
TI  - Tracheal rupture in complicated delivery: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - A case of distal tracheal rupture is described, literature review reveals two
      previously reported cases of neonatal distal tracheal rupture, as well as 14
      cases of anterior subglottic rupture. All patients had shoulder dystocia, and 59%
      had associated brachial plexus injury. Delayed diagnosis (>3 days) was common in
      the distal tracheal group (66%), compared to 0% in the anterior subglottic group.
      The 2 distal tracheal rupture patients were initially managed conservatively, but
      ultimately required open repair. Distal tracheal rupture is exceedingly rare and
      more difficult to diagnose and manage than the more common anterior subglottic
      rupture. 

PMID- 25130943
TI  - Letter to the Editor regarding "In reference to the value of resident
      presentations at scientific meetings".

PMID- 25130944
TI  - Letter to the Editor regarding "Otoacoustic emissions in newborn hearing
      screening: a systematic review of the effects of different protocols on test
      outcomes".

PMID- 25130945
TI  - Intra-thyroidal hemangioma--a rare congenital anomaly: case presentation and
      literature review.
AB  - Infantile hemangiomas (IH) present and evolve in a predictable way. In certain
      cases, however, they can be of clinical significance. IHs in the airway can cause
      significant respiratory distress. We present the first reported case of an
      intrathyroidal hemangioma to cause significant respiratory distress, which was
      successfully treated with propranolol and dexamethasone. A review of the
      literature was also performed. 

PMID- 25130946
TI  - Velopharyngeal dysfunction in children with Prader-Willi syndrome after
      adenotonsillectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder with an
      incidence rate of 1 in 10,000-30,000. Patients with PWS typically have symptoms
      related to hypotonia, obesity, and hypothalamic dysfunction. A high rate of
      obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is found among this population of patients.
      Adenotonsillectomy has been advocated as a first line approach for treatment of
      OSA in patients with PWS. Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) is a known
      complication of adenotonsillectomy. VPD can also be present in patients with
      global hypotonia, such as those with PWS. The objective of this study is to
      review the occurrence of VPD in patients with PWS after adenotonsillectomy for
      OSA. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients with PWS and
      OSA from a tertiary pediatric hospital between the years of 2002 and 2012. Pre-
      and post-operative sleep studies and sleep disordered breathing symptoms, post
      operative VPD assessment by the speech-language pathologist (SLP), and VPD
      treatments were evaluated. RESULTS: Eleven patients (five males and six females),
      fitting the inclusion criteria, were identified. The age of the patient at the
      initial otolaryngologic evaluation ranged from 2 to 9 years. All patients
      underwent adenotonsillectomy for sleep disordered breathing. Four patients were
      diagnosed with post-operative hypernasality after assessment by a speech-language
      pathologist. The hypernasality ranged from mild to moderately severe. Of the four
      patients with hypernasality, two were found to have structural issues requiring
      surgery (pharyngeal flap). Both of the surgical patients experienced significant
      improvement in their VPD after surgery. The remaining two patients were found to
      have articulation error patterns that were considered more developmental in
      nature and both responded to speech therapy. All patients, except one, had
      improvement in their polysomnogram or sleep symptoms after adenotonsillectomy.
      However, three patients continue to require continuous positive airway pressure
      at night. CONCLUSION: Velopharyngeal dysfunction may occur after
      adenotonsillectomy in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Families should be
      counseled of this risk and the potential need for operative intervention to
      correct it.

PMID- 25130947
TI  - Unintentional epidural injection of 88 MUg.kg(-1) of epinephrine.
AB  - We report the effects of 88 MUg.kg(-1) of epinephrine (1:10,000) injected into
      the caudal epidural space of a 42-week postconceptual age infant. No long-term
      neurological or cardiovascular sequelae occurred. Noninvasive cardiac output (CO)
      monitoring revealed increased CO, contractility, and stroke volume for about an
      hour, accompanied by a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and a modest
      increase in pulse and blood pressure.

PMID- 25130948
TI  - Svelte integrated delivery system performance examined through diagnostic
      catheter delivery: the SPEED registry.
AB  - AIMS: The multi-center SPEED registry evaluated the procedural success and in
      hospital clinical outcomes of direct stenting with the Svelte 'all-in-one'
      coronary stent Integrated Delivery System (IDS) through diagnostic catheters to
      identify the clinical indications for which this approach is appropriately
      suited. METHODS & RESULTS: Forty-eight (48) patients with 54 lesions of lengths
      <=20 mm and RVD 2.5-3.5 mm were targeted for direct stenting through diagnostic
      catheters (4-6F) via radial or femoral approach. Procedural characteristics early
      in an investigator's experience (28 lesions) were compared with outcomes
      following experience (26 lesions). Procedure, device and strategy success were
      realized in 54 (100%), 50 (93%) and 46 (85%) lesions, respectively, with strategy
      success significantly related to RVD (P = 0.05), lesion location (P = 0.01), and
      diagnostic catheter size (P = 0.05). Significant improvement in crossing and
      intervention time and trends toward improvement in device and strategy success,
      reductions in procedure and radiation time and contrast use were observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Direct stenting through diagnostic catheters via radial or femoral
      approach using the Svelte IDS is feasible and associated with good in-hospital
      outcomes. This approach offers the attractive option of assessing lesions via
      diagnostic catheter and, depending upon vessel anatomy and lesion morphology,
      continuing with ad-hoc interventional treatment using the same diagnostic
      catheter. Improvements in strategy success and procedural efficiencies, based on
      operator experience, facilitate catheter downsizing and reduce intervention time,
      ancillary product use and overall procedure costs. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 25130950
TI  - Respiratory sinus arrhythmia in Chagas disease.
AB  - We applied the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) quantification algorithm to 24
      hour ECG recordings of Chagas disease (ChD) patients with (G1, n=148) and without
      left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) (G2, n=33), and in control subjects (G0,
      n=28). Both ChD groups displayed a reduced RSA index; G1=299 (144-812); G2=335
      (162-667), p=0.011, which was correlated with vagal indexes of heart rate
      variability analysis. RSA index is a marker of vagal modulation in ChD patients. 

PMID- 25130949
TI  - The sympathetic skin response located in the penis as a predictor of the response
      to sertraline treatment in patients with primary premature ejaculation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The pathologic mechanisms of primary premature ejaculation (PPE)
      are complex and multifactorial, and hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous
      system is one of the mechanisms. AIM: To examine the effects of sertraline on
      sympathetic nervous system activity and assess the predictive value of the
      sympathetic skin response located in the penis (PSSR) on the response to
      sertraline treatment in PPE patients. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with PPE were
      recruited. Each received 50 mg sertraline daily for 8 weeks. Before and after the
      experiment, the patients were evaluated for PSSR tests and sexual performance
      parameters. Additionally, based on the latency of PSSR, we divided the patients
      into a normal PSSR group and an abnormal PSSR group, and compared the sertraline
      treatment efficacy between the two groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in
      intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and the Chinese premature
      ejaculation index-5 (CIPE-5), and the latencies and amplitudes of PSSR after
      sertraline treatment. RESULTS: Overall, 58 (95.1%) patients completed the entire
      study and were analyzed. After the 8-week sertraline treatment, compared with
      those of pretreatment, IELT and CIPE-5 scores were significantly increased (both
      P < 0.001), and the amplitudes and latencies of PSSR in the PPE patients were
      remarkably decreased and prolonged, respectively (both P < 0.001). In addition,
      the changes of the latencies of PSSR were positively correlated with the
      increment of IELT (r = 0.375, P = 0.004). The treatment outcome was better in
      patients with a baseline abnormal PSSR than in those with a baseline normal PSSR
      (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that clinical improvement in
      response to sertraline in the PPE patients, at least in part, is mediated through
      reducing sympathetic nervous system activity indexed by PSSR. Measurement of the
      PSSR appears to provide useful information for predicting treatment responses in
      the PPE patients.

PMID- 25130951
TI  - Frequency and clinical significance of respiratory isolates of non-tuberculous
      mycobacteria in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The prevalence of pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteria
      (NTM) disease is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the
      frequency and clinical significance of NTM isolated from respiratory specimens at
      King Abdul-Aziz Medical City-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The medical records
      of all patients who had at least one respiratory specimen that was positive for
      growth of NTM between 2006 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical
      significance of the isolates was determined using the diagnostic criteria for NTM
      disease published by the American Thoracic Society (ATS). RESULT: A total of 380
      respiratory specimens with positive culture for NTM from 142 patients were
      identified. Forty patients (28%) had definite pulmonary NTM disease with a mean
      (+/- standard deviation) age of 54 +/- 16 years, 58% were male and 50% had had
      underlying chronic lung disease. Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) (n = 19, 48%)
      and Mycobacterium abscessus (n = 10, 25%) were the most commonly encountered NTM.
      The clinical manifestations of NTM lung disease are non-specific, with symptoms
      indistinguishable from pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The most common radiological
      features of NTM lung disease were nodular bronchiectasis (45%) and fibrocavitary
      lesions (40%). CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-eight percent of the patients with NTM
      isolates met the ATS diagnostic criteria for NTM lung disease. MAC and M.
      abscessus were the most encountered NTM isolated species that caused NTM lung
      disease in our population, which is a rate similar to many previous studies.

PMID- 25130952
TI  - Immunohistochemical staining for BRAF V600E supports the diagnosis of metanephric
      adenoma.

PMID- 25130953
TI  - Probing the topological properties of the Jackiw-Rebbi model with light.
AB  - The Jackiw-Rebbi model describes a one-dimensional Dirac field coupled to a
      soliton field and can be equivalently thought of as a model describing a Dirac
      field with a spatially dependent mass term. Neglecting the dynamics of the
      soliton field, a kink in the background soliton profile yields a topologically
      protected zero-energy mode for the field, which in turn leads to charge
      fractionalisation. We show here that the model, in the first quantised form, can
      be realised in a driven slow-light setup, where photons mimic the Dirac field and
      the soliton field can be implemented-and tuned-by adjusting optical parameters
      such as the atom-photon detuning. Furthermore, we discuss how the existence of
      the zero-mode and its topological stability can be probed naturally by studying
      the transmission spectrum. We conclude by analysing the robustness of our
      approach against possible experimental errors in engineering the Jackiw-Rebbi
      Hamiltonian in this optical setup. 

PMID- 25130954
TI  - Spectral Doppler interrogation of the patent foramen ovale-a window to left heart
      hemodynamics.
AB  - Spectral Doppler interrogation of flow across a patent foramen ovale (PFO) allows
      recording of the instantaneous pressure gradient between left and right atrium
      (RA). The assessment of RA pressure using the size and collapsibility of the
      inferior vena cava would thus allow estimation of left atrial (LA) pressure. In
      this article, we illustrate the value of spectral Doppler interrogation of flow
      across the PFO by transthoracic echocardiography as a novel and simple tool for
      the assessment of LA pressure and left cardiac hemodynamics in addition to the
      conventional noninvasive parameters. 

PMID- 25130955
TI  - Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma with a t(9;16)(q22;p11.2) resulting in a
      NR4A3-FUS fusion.
AB  - Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare neoplasm characterized by
      rearrangement of NR4A3. A t(9;22)(q22;q12), creating a fusion protein of EWSR1
      and NR4A3, has been reported as a unique, recurring translocation in most cases.
      Reported variant translocations have resulted in fusion of NR4A3 with three other
      genes: TAF15, TCF12, and TFG. We report a case of EMC in a 59-year-old man who
      presented with a 6-month history of an enlarging mass in the proximal right
      thigh. The karyotype of fresh tissue from tumor taken at incisional biopsy
      revealed a t(9;16)(q22;p11.2). There was no evidence of an EWSR1 rearrangement by
      dual-color break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Dual-color FISH
      probes revealed fusion of NR4A3 and FUS, a member of the TET family of genes,
      which includes EWSR1 and TAF15. Break-apart FISH probe results confirmed
      rearrangement of FUS. These findings show that a fusion product of FUS and NR4A3
      may be an additional pathway to development of EMC.

PMID- 25130956
TI  - Association of sociodemographic factors and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
      testing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: There are conflicting recommendations regarding the use of prostate
      specific antigen (PSA) as a screening test. Integral to this debate is an
      understanding of who is currently being tested. The purpose of this study was to
      provide a detailed account of PSA testing practices in a major Canadian city
      (Calgary, Alberta) and to identify variables that may affect access to the PSA
      test. DESIGN AND METHODS: PSA test counts were retrieved from Calgary Laboratory
      Services' Laboratory Information System from January 1, 2011 to December 31,
      2011. A total of 75,914 individual PSA tests were included in our analysis. The
      frequency of PSA testing was plotted onto a dissemination area map of Calgary
      using ArcGIS software. Associations with sociodemographic variables were tested
      using Poisson regression. RESULTS: The median PSA value was 0.93 MUg/L and the
      median age at collection was 58 years. Forty-three percent of men aged 60-69
      received a PSA test. Visible minority status 'Black' (P=0.0002) and Metis status
      (P=0.0075) were associated with lower PSA testing frequencies, while median
      household income (P=<0.0001) and university education (P=<0.0001) were associated
      with higher PSA testing frequencies. CONCLUSION: There are areas in Calgary which
      are significantly over or under tested relative to the mean. The amount of PSA
      testing in men <50 years of age is increasing, which is contrary to PSA testing
      guidelines.

PMID- 25130957
TI  - Evaluation of Beckman Coulter DxI 800 immunoassay system using clinically
      oriented performance goals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the analytical performance of 24 immunoassays using the
      Beckman Coulter DxI 800 immunoassay systems at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN for
      trueness, precision, detection limits, linearity, and consistency (across
      instruments and reagent lots). METHODS: Clinically oriented performance goals
      were defined using the following methods: trueness-published desirable accuracy
      limits, precision-published desirable biologic variation; detection limits - 0.1
      percentile of patient test values, linearity - 50% of total error, and
      consistency-percentage test values crossing key decision points. Local data were
      collected for precision, linearity, and consistency. Data were provided by
      Beckman Coulter, Inc. for trueness and detection limits. RESULTS: All evaluated
      assays except total thyroxine were within the proposed goals for trueness. Most
      of the assays met the proposed goals for precision (86% of intra-assay results
      and 75% of inter-assay results). Five assays had more than 15% of the test
      results below the minimum detection limits. Carcinoembryonic antigen, total
      thyroxine and free triiodothyronine exceeded the proposed goals of +/-6.3%, +/-5%
      and +/-5.7% for dilution linearity. All evaluated assays were within the proposed
      goals for instrument consistency. Lot-to-lot consistency results for cortisol,
      ferritin and total thyroxine exceeded the proposed goals of 3.3%, 11.4% and 7% at
      one medical decision level, while vitamin B12 exceeded the proposed goals of 5.2%
      and 3.8% at two decision levels. CONCLUSIONS: The Beckman Coulter DxI 800
      immunoassay system meets most of these proposed goals, even though these
      clinically focused performance goals represent relatively stringent limits.

PMID- 25130958
TI  - Biological variation of the osmolality and the osmolal gap.

PMID- 25130959
TI  - Validating laboratory results in a national observational cohort study without
      field centers: the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke
      cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS)
      study is a prospective cohort of 30,239 Americans in the contiguous United
      States; the first of this scale to use home visits to obtain, process, and ship
      biologic samples to a core laboratory. Pre-analytical factors resulting from this
      study design may affect the results of some laboratory assays. We investigated
      the impact of REGARDS processing on a variety of analytes. DESIGN AND METHODS: In
      REGARDS, blood samples were processed in the field by technicians who were
      trained on standardized methods for phlebotomy and sample processing. Field
      processing included centrifugation using varying non-uniform equipment and
      shipping overnight on ice to the University of Vermont, where samples were re
      centrifuged for 30,000 *g-minutes and stored at -80  degrees C. We assessed the
      effects of REGARDS sample handling by processing split samples from 20 volunteers
      using either ideal procedures or simulated REGARDS procedures. Assays for 19
      analytes for potential study in REGARDS were then run on both samples and results
      compared. RESULTS: Spearman correlation coefficients for analytes measured in
      ideal versus REGARDS processed samples ranged from 0.11 to 1.0. Thirteen of 19
      analytes were highly correlated (>0.75), but platelet proteins were more
      variable. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation of non-optimal field processing and shipment to
      a central laboratory showed high variability in analytes released by platelets.
      The majority of other analytes produced valid results, but platelet contamination
      in REGARDS samples makes measurement of platelet proteins unadvisable in these
      samples. Future analytes considered by REGARDS or similar studies should undergo
      similar pilot testing.

PMID- 25130961
TI  - Plantar pressure characteristics in hallux valgus feet.
AB  - Due to the pathoanatomical changes in hallux valgus feet, the plantar flexion
      moment of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is reduced. Therefore, load bearing
      of the hallux is decreased during push-off. We assessed loading parameters in
      hallux valgus feet. Based on dorsal-plantar weight bearing radiographs of 61
      feet, the intermetatarsal-, hallux valgus-, distal metatarsal articulation-angle,
      and sesamoid position were evaluated. Plantar pressure assessment was performed
      with the emed(r) system during level walking. We found negative correlations
      between hallux valgus angle and peak pressure in the great toe (r=-0.301,
      p<0.023), the maximum force of the hallux (r=-0.481, p<0.001), and contact time
      of the great toe (r=-0.448, p<0.001), and positive correlations for force time
      integral (r=0.348, p<0.001), contact area (r=0.307, p<0.020), maximum force
      (r=0.430, p<0.001), and peak pressure (r=0.361, p<0.006) of the fifth metatarsal
      head. A positive correlation between the sesamoid and the metatarsal subluxation
      regarding maximum force (r=0.294, p<0.034), and a negative correlation between
      the contact area of the hallux (r=-0.232, p<0.020) was shown. Depending on the
      severity, hallux valgus angle, and sesamoid subluxation, load shows significant
      lateral transmission in hallux valgus feet.

PMID- 25130960
TI  - Is preoperative radiotherapy suitable for all patients with primary soft tissue
      sarcoma of the limbs?
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the indications and results of preoperative radiotherapy (RT) on
      a series of selected patients treated at our institution with curative intent for
      a limb sarcoma (STS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 05/1993 to 12/2011, 64 STS
      patients received preoperative RT. RESULTS: RT was delivered as a "limb salvage
      treatment" prior to surgery for the following reasons: as the preferential
      induction treatment in 53 patients (83%) or as a second intent (17%) after the
      failure of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy/isolated limb perfusion. Surgery was
      performed after RT in 54 (84%) patients and final limb salvage was performed in
      98%. Musculo-cutaneous flap reconstruction was planned upfront in 44% patients,
      and 19% had a skin graft. Seven patients (13%) had a postoperative RT boost.
      Thirteen (20%) patients had grade (G) 3/4 adverse events, one after RT and 12
      after surgery. At a median follow-up of 3.5 years, the 3-year actuarial overall
      survival (OS) and distant relapse (DR) rates were 83% and 31%, respectively. Two
      patients developed a local relapse and two a local progression (non-operated
      patients). In the multivariate analysis (MVA), histological subtype
      (leiomyosarcoma) and grade 3 were predictive of poorer survival. Patients with >3
      month delay between the start of RT and surgery at our institution had an
      increased risk of DR in the MVA. CONCLUSION: Induction RT should be personalised
      according to histological subtype, tumour site and risks-benefit ratio of
      preoperative radiotherapy and is best managed by a multidisciplinary surgical and
      oncology team in a specialist sarcoma centre.

PMID- 25130962
TI  - Routine assessment of psychosocial problems after cancer genetic counseling:
      results from a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Approximately 70% of counselees undergoing cancer genetic counseling and testing
      (CGCT) experience some degree of CGCT-related psychosocial problems. We evaluated
      the efficacy of an intervention designed to increase detection and management of
      problems 4 weeks after completion of CGCT. In this randomized, controlled trial,
      118 participants completed a CGCT-related problem questionnaire prior to an -
      audiotaped - telephone session with their counselor 1 month after DNA-test
      disclosure. For those randomized to the intervention group (n = 63), a summary of
      the questionnaire results was provided to the counselor prior to the telephone
      session. Primary outcomes were discussion of the problems, counselors' awareness
      of problems, and problem management. Secondary outcomes included self-reported
      distress, cancer worries, CGCT-related problems, and satisfaction. Counselors who
      received a summary of the questionnaire were more aware of counselees' problems
      in only one psychosocial domain (practical issues). No significant differences in
      the number of problems discussed, in problem management, or on any of the
      secondary outcomes were observed. The prevalence of problems was generally low.
      The telephone session, combined with feedback on psychosocial problems, has
      minimal impact. The low prevalence of psychosocial problems 1 month post-CGCT
      recommends against its use as a routine extension of the CGCT procedure. 

PMID- 25130963
TI  - [Down-regulated betaIII-tubulin expression can reverse paclitaxel resistance in
      A549/taxol cells lines].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy drug resistance is the primary causes of death in
      patients with pulmonary carcinoma which make tumor recurrence or metastasis. beta
      tubulin is the main cell targets of anti-microtubule drug. Increased expression
      of betaIII-tubulin has been implicated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell
      lines. To explore the relationship among the expression level of betaIII-tubulin
      and the sensitivity of A549/Taxolcell lines to Taxol and cell cycles and cell
      apoptosis by RNA interference-mediated inhibition of betaIII-tubulin in
      A549/Taxol cells. METHODS: Three pairs of siRNA targetd betaIII-tubulin were
      designed and prepared, which were transfected into A549/Taxol cells using
      LipofectamineTM 2000. We detected the expression of betaIII-tubulin mRNA using
      Real-time fluorescence qRT-PCR. Tedhen we selected the most efficient siRNA by
      the expression of betaIII-tubulin mRNA in transfected group. betaIII-tubulin
      protein level were mesured by Western blot. The taxol sensitivity in transfected
      group were evaluated by MTT assay. And the cell apoptosis and cell cycles were
      determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: betaIII-tubulin mRNA levels in A549/Taxol
      cells were significantly decreased in transfected grop by Real-time qRT-PCR than
      control groups. And betaIII-tubulin siRNA-1 sequence showed the highest
      transfection efficiency, which was (87.73+/-4.87)% (P<0.01); Western blot results
      showed that the expressional level of BIII tublin protein was significantly down
      reulated in the transfectant cells than thant in the control cells. By MTT assay,
      we showed that the inhibition ratio of Taxol to A549/Taxol cells transfeced was
      higher than that of control group (51.77+/-4.60)% (P<0.01). The early apoptosis
      rate of A549/Taxol cells in transfected group were significantly higher than that
      of control group (P<0.01); G2-M content in taxol group obviously increased than
      untreated samples by the cell cycle (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: betaIII-tubulin down
      regulated significantly sensitized NSCLC A549/Taxol cells to Paclitaxel.

PMID- 25130964
TI  - [Multi-factor retrospective study in 91 small cell lung cancer patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 15%-25% of lung cancer,
      although the new chemotherapy drugs and radiation technology are continuously
      progressing, but the prognosis is still poor. To explore the prognostic factor of
      small cell lung cancer (SCLC), we study the correlation between effect, prognosis
      and TNM stage, various treatment mode. METHODS: We collected 91 Limited-disease
      SCLC patients' data From 2006 to 2012. The data were reviewed retrospectively and
      restaged as I, II, IIIa and IIIb stage groups according to the clinical staging
      in the seventh edition of the tumor. We compare the progression-free survival
      (FPS) and overall survival (OS). Survival analysis was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier
      and multivariate analysis was performed by Cox proportional hazards model.
      RESULTS: In the whole group, patients achieved complete response and partial
      response, exhibited an RR of 93.4%. The median PFS was 14.25 months of which,
      22.03 months in patients in stage I, 15.97 months in stage II, 11.99 months in
      stage IIIa and 10.5 months in stage IIIb (P<0.05). The median overall survival
      (OS) was 19.56 months of which, 33.38 months in patients in stage I, 22.07 months
      in stage II, 16.0 months in stage IIIa and 15.52 months in stage IIIb (P<0.05).
      Patients of stage IIIa and IIIb have longer survival time in earlier radiation
      groups then that of later radiation groups. Univariate analysis indicate stage of
      TNM, the pattern of radiation therapy and chemotherapy cycles before radiation
      therapy were significantly related to the survival in SCLC. Multivariate analysis
      showed that stage of TNM, ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance
      status, pattern of radiation therapy and cycle numbers of chemotherapy before
      radiation were factors correlated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: The stage of TNM
      may become beneficial prognostic factors in the treatment of LD-SCLC. The time of
      radiation therapy in stage IIIa and IIIb is of worth further investigation.

PMID- 25130965
TI  - [Postoperative complications of bilobectomy compared with lobectomy in the right
      lung of non-small cell lung cancer patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mismatch between pleural space and remnant lung after bilobectomy
      has been considered as the main reason for the high incidence of postoperative
      complications in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The aim of this
      study is to analyze the differences in postoperative complications between
      bilobectomy and lobectomy in the right lung of NSCLC patients. METHODS: This
      study included 528 NSCLC patients who underwent right pulmonary lobectomy. A
      total of 352 cases that underwent upper or lower right lobectomy (108 upper and
      244 lower) were the control group, and 176 cases that underwent bilobectomy (57
      upper and middle and 119 lower and middle) were the observation group. A
      retrospective case-control study was performed on a series of matched NSCLC
      patients. Cases and controls were matched by age, ppoFEV1%, LEVF%, operation
      method, cardiac comorbidity, type of postoperative management, and pathological
      type at a ratio of 1:2. The prevalence of 30-day death, occurrence of cardiac
      respiratory complications (hospital-acquired pneumonia, low oxygen concentration,
      pulmonary embolism, cerebral apoplexy, arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia or
      infarction, and cardiac insufficiency) and occurrence of space-related
      complications (atelectasis, air leak more than 5 days, and pneumothorax) were
      compared between the bilobectomy and lobectomy groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      30-day death was 3.4% (6/176) in the bilobectomy group and 2.3% (8/352) in the
      lobectomy group. No statistical significance was observed between the two groups.
      The cardiac-respiratory complication rate in bilobectomy group (23.8%; 42/176)
      was higher than that in lobectomy group (10.7%; 38/352). The cardiac-respiratory
      complication rate of the lower and middle pulmonary lobectomy patients in the
      bilobectomy group (26.5%; 31/119) was significantly higher than that in the lower
      pulmonary lobectomy patients (4.9%; 12/244). The space-related complications in
      bilobectomy group and lobectomy group were 20.4% (36/176) and 17.3% (61/352),
      respectively. No statistically significant difference between the two groups was
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative cardiac-respiratory complications of
      NSCLC patients with right bilobectomy are higher than those of the right
      lobectomy patients, but the prevalence of 30-day death and space-related
      complication was not statistically different between the two groups.

PMID- 25130966
TI  - [A meta-analysis of Association between MGMT gene promoter methylation and non
      small cell lung cancer].
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA promoter methylation of the tumor suppressor genes was one of the
      key mechanism for gene silence. The aim of this study is to investigate the
      difference of MGMT gene promoter methylation rate in tumor tissue and autologous
      controls (serum, normal lung tissue and bronchial lavage fluid) in patients with
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The databases of Medline, EMBSE,
      CNKI and Wanfang were searched for selection of published articles of MGMT gene
      promoter methylation and non-small cell lung carcinoma risk. The pooled odds
      ratio (OR) and percentage of MGMT for lung cancer tissue of NSCLC patients
      compared with normal lung tissue, plasma and the bronchial lavage fluid were
      pooled. RESULTS: 15 articles of association between MGMT gene promoter
      methylation and non small cell lung carcinoma risk were included in this meta
      analysis. The combined results demonstrated the methylation rate of MGMT in NSCLC
      cancer tissue was 38% (95%CI: 23%-53%). For normal lung tissue, plasma and the
      bronchial lavage fluid were 16% (95%CI: 5%-27%), 23% (95%CI: 10%-34%) and 39%
      (95%CI: 23%-55%) respectively. The OR in cancer tissue was much higher than that
      in normal lung tissue and plasma odds ratio (OR) 3.98 (95%CI: 2.71-5.84, P<0.05)
      and OR 1.88 (95%CI: 1.16-3.05, P<0.05), but not in bronchial lavage fluid OR 2.05
      (95%CI: 0.88-4.78, P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mehtylation rate in MGMT gene promoter
      of cancer tissue in NSCLC patients was much higher than that in normal lung
      tissue and plasma, which showed a close association between NSCLC cancer and MGMT
      gene promoter methylation.

PMID- 25130967
TI  - [A comparison of direct sequencing and ARMS assay performance in EGFR mutation
      analysis of non-small cell lung cancer patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are mainly used
      for the targeted therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, EGFR
      mutations should be detected to treat lung cancer. The aim of this study is to
      determine the detection rate of NSCLC in patients with EGFR gene mutations by
      conducting direct sequencing and ARMS assay. METHODS: A total of 451 patients who
      were diagnosed with NSCLC between April 2012 and June 2013 participated in this
      study. Gene mutation was detected in the exon of EGFR 18 to 21 by direct
      sequencing and ARMS assay. RESULTS: All of the 451 cases of NSCLC were subjected
      to direct sequencing and ARMS assay. Using both techniques, we detected the same
      EGFR mutation in 127 cases and different EGFR mutations in 5 cases, but no
      mutations were detected in 186 cases. In direct sequencing alone, EGFR mutation
      was detected in 50 cases. In ARMS assay alone, EGFR mutation was detected in 83
      cases. The mutation rates of direct sequencing and ARMS assay were 40.4% and
      47.7%, respectively. Therefore, the mutation detection rate of ARMS assay was
      significantly higher than that of direct sequencing (P<0.001). In 204 paraffin
      tissue samples of NSCLC, the mutation detection rate of ARMS assay (59.80%) was
      significantly higher than that of direct sequencing (41.67%; P<0.001). By
      comparison, the mutation detection rates of ARMS assay (39.58%) and direct
      sequencing (38.33%) showed no significant difference (P=0.083) when 240 fresh
      tissue samples of NSCLC were used. CONCLUSIONS: Direct sequencing and ARMS assay
      exhibited similar efficacy in detecting EGFR mutations. Despite its high
      operational costs, ARMS assay was more sensitive and more convenient than direct
      sequencing, particularly when a small number of tissues were used. By comparison,
      direct sequencing could detect mutations that were not detected by ARMS assay.
      Therefore, the combination of direct sequencing and ARMS assay could provide more
      reliable and comprehensive test results than the lone application of each
      technique.

PMID- 25130968
TI  - [Association of genetic polymorphisms in IL-6 and IL-1beta gene with risk of lung
      cancer in female non-smokers].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), known as
      multifunctional cytokines with high biological activity, play an important role
      in physiological and pathological responses such as inflammation, immune response
      and even tumors. There have been multiple polymorphism loci found in IL-6 gene
      and IL-1beta gene. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship
      between IL-6-643 (C/G) and IL-1beta-31 (C/T) polymorphisms and lung cancer risk
      among female non-smokers and explore the interaction effects on lung cancer risk
      between this two polymorphisms and potential risk factors such as cooking oil
      fumes exposure and history of tuberculosis. METHODS: We performed a case-control
      study using 363 female lung cancer patients as cases and 370 healthy volunteers
      as controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples using
      classical phenol chloroform method. The genotyping of IL-6-634 or IL-1beta-31
      polymorphisms was performed using Taqman real time PCR technique by ABI7500. Two
      sided chi2 test was used to compare the distribution of the genotypes and risk
      factors between cases and controls. Unconditional Logistic regression analysis
      was performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs) for estimating the association between certain genotypes and lung cancer
      and exploring the interaction of risk factors and genetic polymorphisms. RESULTS:
      The risk of lung cancer was significantly higher in those with IL-6-634 CG
      genotype than those with CC genotype (OR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.19-2.19, P=0.002). The CG
      or GG genotype carriers had an elevated risk of lung cancer than CC genotype
      carriers (OR=1.48, 95%CI: 1.10-1.98, P=0.01). No significant association was
      observed between IL-1beta-31 gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk. Compared
      with IL-6-634 CC genotype carriers with no cooking oil fumes exposure, a
      significant higher risk was found in individuals who were CG or GG genotype
      carriers with exposure to cooking oil fumes (OR=2.45, 95%CI: 1.54-3.90). Compared
      with IL-6-634 CC genotype carriers with no history of tuberculosis, a significant
      elevated risk was found in individuals who were CG or GG genotype carriers with
      history of tuberculosis (OR=2.44, 95%CI: 1.05-5.66). CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicated that IL-6-634 polymorphism was associated with the risk of lung cancer
      risk in female non-smokers. Individuals with both IL-6-634 CG or GG genotype and
      exposure to cooking oil fumes had a higher risk of lung cancer. Also individuals
      with both IL-6-634 CG or GG genotype and history of tuberculosis had an elevated
      risk of lung cancer.

PMID- 25130969
TI  - [Research status on molecular targeted therapy for squamous-cell lung cancer].
AB  - Lung cancer is one of the world's highest morbidity and mortality disease in
      malignant tumors currently. Squamous-cell lung cancer (SQCLC) is one of the most
      prevalent subtypes of lung cancer worldwide, after surgery, radiotherapy,
      chemotherapy and other comprehensive treatment, its 5-year survival rate is still
      below 15%. The current molecular targeted therapy plays an important role in the
      treatment of SQCLC, an urgent need to be more in-depth study. SQCLC molecular
      targeted therapy mainly epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphoin-3
      kinase catalytic alpha polypeptide (PIK3CA), fibroblast growth factor receptor 1
      (FGFR1), discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), phosphatase and tensin homolog
      deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), BRAF, MET, insulin-like growth factor 1
      receptor (IGF-1R) and other as the target of the drug, some targeted drugs are
      being developed, and some targeted drugs have entered clinical trials. In recent
      years, with studies molecular targeted therapy in SQCLC, analysis of the
      development and trgeted therapy achieved substantial progress in improving the
      survival rate of SQCLC, and other research to improve the quality of life, make
      is possible to individualized targeted therapy of SQCLC. 

PMID- 25130970
TI  - [Dysregulation of HGF/c-Met signal pathway and their targeting drugs in lung
      cancer].
AB  - C-MET is a coding product of proto oncogene c-MET, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)
      receptor with tyrosine kinase activity. The abnormal expression of c-Met gene is
      correlated with the tumorigenesis and development of lung cancer. Once the
      tyrosine kinase is activated by the interaction between the HGF ligand and the TK
      receptor, and the activated kinase will promote the cell proliferation,
      angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis of different tumors, as well as lung
      cancer. The targeted therapy to HGF/c-Met signal pathway is a new highlight in
      the treatments of lung cancer. In this review, we will discuss the dysregulation
      of HGF/c-Met signal pathway in lung cancer and the new progress for the targeted
      drugs to this pathway. 

PMID- 25130972
TI  - The response regulator BcSkn7 is required for vegetative differentiation and
      adaptation to oxidative and osmotic stresses in Botrytis cinerea.
AB  - The high-osmolarity glycerol pathway plays an important role in the responses of
      fungi to various environmental stresses. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Skn7 is a
      response regulator in the high-osmolarity glycerol pathway, which regulates the
      oxidative stress response, cell cycle and cell wall biosynthesis. In this study,
      we characterized an Skn7 orthologue BcSkn7 in Botrytis cinerea. BcSKN7 can partly
      restore the growth defects of S. cerevisiae SKN7 mutant and vice versa. The
      BcSKN7 mutant (DeltaBcSkn7-1) revealed increased sensitivity to ionic osmotic and
      oxidative stresses and to ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors. In addition,
      DeltaBcSkn7-1 was also impaired dramatically in conidiation and sclerotial
      formation. Western blot analysis showed that BcSkn7 positively regulated the
      phosphorylation of BcSak1 (the orthologue of S. cerevisiae Hog1) under osmotic
      stress, indicating that BcSkn7 is associated with the high-osmolarity glycerol
      pathway in B. cinerea. In contrast with BcSak1, BcSkn7 is not involved in the
      regulation of B. cinerea virulence. All of the phenotypic defects of DeltaBcSkn7
      1 are restored by genetic complementation of the mutant with the wild-type
      BcSKN7. The results of this study indicate that BcSkn7 plays an important role in
      the regulation of vegetative differentiation and in the response to various
      stresses in B. cinerea.

PMID- 25130973
TI  - Recent advances in the evaluation of the oxygen transfer rate in oak barrels.
AB  - The entry of atmospheric oxygen into wine barrels is a desirable characteristic
      of the wine aging process. The oxygen transfer rate regulates changes in wine
      affecting aging rates because some barrels may undergo a greater wine
      oxygenation. This study measured the transfer rate and oxygen distribution within
      a barrel. The analysis confirmed the presence of a dissolved oxygen concentration
      gradient in the liquid, with greater concentrations near the bung. The study of
      the transfer rate of oxygen over time, in 12 barrels of different types, showed
      that wetting wood reduces oxygen diffusion and the oxygen transfer rate (OTR).
      These results are the first to determine the kinetics of oxygen entry into wine
      barrels and can be used to quantify the annual rate of oxygen entry into wine
      barrels. 

PMID- 25130971
TI  - [Effect of PI3K/AKT pathway on cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung
      cancer].
AB  - Accumulating evidences indicate that aberrant activation of PI3K/AKT pathway in
      non-small cell lung cancer plays a vital role in tumor cell
      proliferation,apoptosis, and survival including drug resistance. Cisplatin as
      first-line chemotherapy are in widespread clinical use in patients with non-small
      cell lung cancer, however, the development of cisplatin resistance significantly
      impedes its clinic efficacy. Cisplatin resistance is a complicated process that
      various mechanisms participating in to interact, of which PI3K/AKT pathway
      keeping sustained activated is one of the most important reasons. This article
      reviewed the progress of research on the relationship between PI3K/AKT pathway
      and cisplatin resistance. 

PMID- 25130974
TI  - Bridging the gap between metabolic liver processes and functional tissue
      structure by integrated spatiotemporal modeling applied to hepatic ammonia
      detoxification.

PMID- 25130975
TI  - Neurophysiological evidence for generalized sensory neuronopathy in cerebellar
      ataxia with neuropathy and bilateral vestibular areflexia syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and bilateral vestibular
      areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is a recently described multisystem ataxia defined by
      the presence of cerebellar ataxia, bilateral vestibulopathy, and a somatosensory
      deficit. The characteristic clinical sign is an abnormal visually enhanced
      vestibuloocular reflex. The somatosensory deficit contributes to a significant
      level of disability in CANVAS. METHODS: This study was a neurophysiological
      investigation of 14 patients with CANVAS. RESULTS: Findings revealed uniformly
      absent sensory nerve action potentials in all limbs, abnormal blink reflexes in
      13 of 14 patients, and abnormal masseter reflexes in 6 of 11 patients. Tibial H
      reflexes were absent in 11 of 14 patients. Somatosensory evoked potentials were
      abnormal in 10 of the 11 patients tested, and brainstem auditory evoked responses
      were abnormal in 3 of 8. Cutaneous silent period responses were abnormal in 7 of
      14 patients. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that a sensory neuronopathy should be sought
      in cerebellar and/or vestibular ataxias, particularly where the degree of ataxia
      is out of proportion to the clinically identified cerebellar and/or vestibular
      dysfunction.

PMID- 25130977
TI  - The electrode-tissue interface: the revolutionary role of steroid-elution.
AB  - The electrode-tissue interface is that area lying between the cathode of a low
      voltage implantable pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead and the
      endocardium or epi-myocardium of the cardiac chamber being paced. The electrical
      stimulus that is delivered to this interface is responsible for myocyte
      depolarization with consequent cardiac contraction. The process by which this
      occurs is reasonably well understood and any explanation requires a basic
      understanding of the physics and cellular electrophysiology of pacing. The
      effective and efficient delivery of electrical energy to the myocardium via the
      lead is dependent on many factors to be discussed in this review. However,
      despite numerous evolutionary changes occurring in the cathode's material,
      design, and surface configuration, it was not until the incorporation of steroid
      elution to the electrode-tissue interface that reliable and significantly low
      stimulation threshold cardiac pacing became possible. 

PMID- 25130978
TI  - The economic burden of pneumonia and meningitis among children less than five
      years old in Hanoi, Vietnam.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the average treatment costs of pneumonia and meningitis
      among children under five years of age in a tertiary hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam
      from societal, health sector and household perspectives. METHODS: We used a cost
      of-illness approach to identify cost categories to be included for different
      perspectives. A prospective survey was conducted among eligible patients to get
      detailed personal costing items. RESULTS: From the perspective of the health
      sector, the mean costs for treating a case of pneumonia and meningitis were USD
      180 and USD 300, respectively. From the household's perspective, the average
      treatment costs were USD 272 for pneumonia and USD 534 for meningitis. When also
      including indirect costs, the average total treatment costs from the societal
      perspective were USD 318 for pneumonia and USD 727 for meningitis. CONCLUSION:
      The study contributed to limited evidence on the high treatment costs of
      pneumonia and meningitis to the Vietnamese society, which is useful for a cost
      effectiveness analysis of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine or other relevant
      disease preventions. It also indicated a need to re-evaluate the health insurance
      policy for children under 6 years old, so that the unnecessarily high out-of
      pocket costs of these diseases are reduced.

PMID- 25130979
TI  - Morphological alterations in the synganglion and integument of Rhipicephalus
      sanguineus ticks exposed to aqueous extracts of neem leaves (Azadirachta indica
      A. JUSS).
AB  - Currently, the necessity of controlling infestation by ticks, especially by
      Rhipicephalus sanguineus, has led researchers and public health managers around
      the world to search for new and more efficient control methods. This way, we can
      highlight neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaf, bark, and seed extracts, which
      have been very effective on tick control, and moreover causing less damage to the
      environment and to the host. This study showed the potential of neem as a control
      method for R. sanguineus through morphological and morphometric evaluation of the
      integument and synganglion of females, in semiengorged stage. To attain this,
      routine techniques of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and
      morphometry of the cuticle and subcuticle of the integument were applied.
      Expressive morphological alterations were observed in both organs, presenting a
      dose-dependent effect. Integument epithelial cells and nerve cells of the
      synganglion showed signs of cell vacuolation, dilated intercellular boundaries,
      and cellular disorganization, alterations not previously reported in studies with
      neem. In addition, variations in subcuticle thickness were also observed. In
      general, the effects of neem are multiple, and affect the morphology and
      physiology of target animals in various ways. The results presented in this work
      are the first evidence of its effects in the coating and nervous system of ticks,
      thus allowing an indication of neem aqueous extracts as a potential control
      method of the brown dog tick and opening new perspectives on acaricide use.

PMID- 25130980
TI  - Cryptocoryne spiralis, a substitute of Aconitum heterophyllum in the treatment of
      diarrhoea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To scientifically validate the traditional substitution of roots of
      highly expensive Aconitum heterophyllum (AH) with rhizomes of Cryptocoryne
      spiralis (CS) in the treatment of diarrhoea. METHODS: Different fractions from
      root/rhizome extract of both the plant were subjected to faecal excretion rate
      and castor oil-induced diarrhoea models. Further, bioactive fractions from both
      plants, i.e. chloroform (CAH) from AH at 50 mg/kg p.o. and ethyl acetate (EACS)
      from CS at 100 mg/kg p.o., were examined for small intestinal transit, intestinal
      fluid accumulation and PGE2 -induced enteropooling models in rats. Biochemical
      estimations and Na(+) and K(+) concentration in intestinal fluid were also
      determined along with antibacterial studies. Phytochemical standardisation of AH
      and CS was performed by quantifying aconitine for the former and stigmasterol for
      the latter using HPLC. KEY FINDINGS: CAH and EACS illustrated a significant
      reduction in faecal output rate and demonstrated a protection of 63.068% at CAH
      50 and 59.090% at EACS 100 mg/kg p.o. in castor oil-induced diarrhoea model. The
      fractions also persuaded promising effects in all the other models, restored
      alterations in biochemical parameters and showed potential antibacterial
      activity. CONCLUSION: The antidiarrhoeal potential of AH and CS may be attributed
      to an antimotility and antisecretory type of effect.

PMID- 25130981
TI  - The stroke 'Act FAST' campaign: remembered but not understood?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The stroke awareness raising campaign 'Act FAST' (Face, Arms, Speech:
      Time to call Emergency Medical Services) has been rolled out in multiple waves in
      England, but impact on stroke recognition and response remains unclear. PURPOSE:
      The purpose of this study was to test whether providing knowledge of the FAST
      acronym through a standard Act FAST campaign leaflet increases accurate
      recognition and response in stroke-based scenario measures. METHODS: This is a
      population-based, cross-sectional survey of adults in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK,
      sampled using the electoral register, with individuals randomized to receive a
      questionnaire and Act FAST leaflet (n = 2500) or a questionnaire only (n = 2500)
      in 2012. Campaign message retention, stroke recognition, and response measured
      through 16 scenario-based vignettes were assessed. Data were analyzed in 2013.
      RESULTS: Questionnaire return rate was 32.3% (n = 1615). No differences were
      found between the leaflet and no-leaflet groups in return rate or demographics.
      Participants who received a leaflet showed better campaign recall (75.7% vs.
      68.2%, P = 0.003) and recalled more FAST mnemonic elements (66.1% vs. 45.3%
      elements named correctly, P < 0.001). However, there were no between-group
      differences for stroke recognition and response to stroke-based scenarios (P >
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite greater levels of recall of specific 'Act FAST'
      elements among those receiving the Act FAST leaflet, there was no impact on
      stroke recognition and response measures.

PMID- 25130982
TI  - Quantification and probabilistic modeling of CRT obsolescence for the State of
      Delaware.
AB  - The cessation of production and replacement of cathode ray tube (CRT) displays
      with flat screen displays have resulted in the proliferation of CRTs in the
      electronic waste (e-waste) recycle stream. However, due to the nature of the
      technology and presence of hazardous components such as lead, CRTs are the most
      challenging of electronic components to recycle. In the State of Delaware it is
      due to this challenge and the resulting expense combined with the large
      quantities of CRTs in the recycle stream that electronic recyclers now charge to
      accept Delaware's e-waste. Therefore it is imperative that the Delaware Solid
      Waste Authority (DSWA) understand future quantities of CRTs entering the waste
      stream. This study presents the results of an assessment of CRT obsolescence in
      the State of Delaware. A prediction model was created utilizing publicized sales
      data, a variety of lifespan data as well as historic Delaware CRT collection
      rates. Both a deterministic and a probabilistic approach using Monte Carlo
      Simulation (MCS) were performed to forecast rates of CRT obsolescence to be
      anticipated in the State of Delaware. Results indicate that the peak of CRT
      obsolescence in Delaware has already passed, although CRTs are anticipated to
      enter the waste stream likely until 2033. 

PMID- 25130983
TI  - Macrophage induced gelsolin in response to Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection.
AB  - Group B Streptococcus (GBS) has evolved several strategies to avoid host
      defences. We have shown that interaction of macrophages with GBS causes
      macrophage calpain activation, cytoskeletal disruption and apoptosis,
      consequences of intracellular calcium increase induced by membrane permeability
      alterations provoked by GBS-beta-haemolysin. Open question remains about what
      effect calcium influx has on other calcium-sensing proteins such as gelsolin,
      involved in cytoskeleton modulation and apoptosis. Therefore we analysed the
      effect of GBS-III-COH31:macrophage interaction on gelsolin expression. Here we
      demonstrate that an early macrophage response to GBS-III-COH31 is a very strong
      gelsolin increase, which occurs in a time- and infection-ratio-dependent manner.
      This is not due to transcriptional events, translation events, protein turnover
      alterations, or protein-kinase activation, but to calcium influx, calpain
      activation and caspase-3 degradation. In fact, EGTA and PD150606 (calpain
      inhibitor) prevented gelsolin increase while BAF (caspase inhibitor) enhanced it.
      Since gelsolin increase is induced by highly beta-haemolytic GBS-III-NEM316 and
      GBS-V-10/84, but not by weakly beta-haemolytic GBS, or GBS-III-COH31 in
      conditions suppressing beta-haemolysin expression/activity and the presence of
      dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (beta-haemolysin inhibitor), GBS-beta-haemolysin
      is solely responsible for gelsolin increase causing, through membrane
      permeability defects, calcium influx and calpain activation. Early gelsolin
      increase could represent a macrophage response to antagonize apoptosis since
      gelsolin knockdown increases macrophage susceptibility to GBS-induced apoptosis.
      This response seems to be GBS specific because macrophage apoptosis by
      Staurosporine or Cycloeximide does not induce gelsolin. 

PMID- 25130976
TI  - Etiology, triggers and neurochemical circuits associated with unexpected,
      expected, and laboratory-induced panic attacks.
AB  - Panic disorder (PD) is a severe anxiety disorder that is characterized by
      recurrent panic attacks (PA), which can be unexpected (uPA, i.e., no clear
      identifiable trigger) or expected (ePA). Panic typically involves an abrupt
      feeling of catastrophic fear or distress accompanied by physiological symptoms
      such as palpitations, racing heart, thermal sensations, and sweating. Recurrent
      uPA and ePA can also lead to agoraphobia, where subjects with PD avoid situations
      that were associated with PA. Here we will review recent developments in our
      understanding of PD, which includes discussions on: symptoms and signs associated
      with uPA and ePAs; Diagnosis of PD and the new DSM-V; biological etiology such as
      heritability and gene*environment and gene*hormonal development interactions;
      comparisons between laboratory and naturally occurring uPAs and ePAs;
      neurochemical systems that are associated with clinical PAs (e.g. gene
      associations; targets for triggering or treating PAs), adaptive fear and panic
      response concepts in the context of new NIH RDoc approach; and finally strengths
      and weaknesses of translational animal models of adaptive and pathological panic
      states. 

PMID- 25130984
TI  - Near-IR-triggered, remote-controlled release of metal ions: a novel strategy for
      caged ions.
AB  - A ligand incorporating a dithioethenyl moiety is cleaved into fragments which
      have a lower metal-ion affinity upon irradiation with low-energy red/near-IR
      light. The cleavage is a result of singlet oxygen generation which occurs on
      excitation of the photosensitizer modules. The method has many tunable factors
      that could make it a satisfactory caging strategy for metal ions. 

PMID- 25130985
TI  - Laparoscopic hepatectomy is theoretically better than open hepatectomy: preparing
      for the 2nd International Consensus Conference on Laparoscopic Liver Resection.
AB  - Six years have passed since the first International Consensus Conference on
      Laparoscopic Liver Resection was held. This comparatively new surgical technique
      has evolved since then and is rapidly being adopted worldwide. We compared the
      theoretical differences between open and laparoscopic liver resection, using
      right hepatectomy as an example. We also searched the Cochrane Library using the
      keyword "laparoscopic liver resection." The papers retrieved through the search
      were reviewed, categorized, and applied to the clinical questions that will be
      discussed at the 2nd Consensus Conference. The laparoscopic hepatectomy procedure
      is more difficult to master than the open hepatectomy procedure because of the
      movement restrictions imposed upon us when we operate from outside the body
      cavity. However, good visibility of the operative field around the liver, which
      is located beneath the costal arch, and the magnifying provide for neat
      transection of the hepatic parenchyma. Another theoretical advantage is that
      pneumoperitoneum pressure reduces hemorrhage from the hepatic vein. The
      literature search turned up 67 papers, 23 of which we excluded, leaving only 44.
      Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are underway, but their results are yet
      to be published. Most of the studies (n = 15) concerned short-term results, with
      some addressing long-term results (n = 7), cost (n = 6), energy devices (n = 4),
      and so on. Laparoscopic hepatectomy is theoretically superior to open hepatectomy
      in terms of good visibility of the operative field due to the magnifying effect
      and reduced hemorrhage from the hepatic vein due to pneumoperitoneum pressure.
      However, there is as yet no evidence from previous studies to back this up in
      terms of short-term and long-term results. The 2nd International Consensus
      Conference on Laparoscopic Liver Resection will arrive at a consensus on the
      basis of the best available evidence, with video presentations focusing on
      surgical techniques and the publication of guidelines for the standardization of
      procedures based on the experience of experts. 

PMID- 25130986
TI  - Surgical management of thymic epithelial tumors in children: lessons from the
      French Society of Pediatric Oncology and review of the literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: We report the results of a French multicenter retrospective study based
      on a period of more than 30 years and a review of the literature in order to more
      clearly define the surgical approach and specific pediatric risk factors.
      METHODS: Clinical data of children comprising all histologic subtypes of thymic
      epithelial tumors (TET) treated between 1979 and 2009 in French pediatric
      oncology centers were retrospectively analyzed and discussed in the light of a
      review of all pediatric cases reported in the literature. RESULTS: Nine cases
      were identified, corresponding to five females and four males with a median age
      of 13 years (range: 7.5-17). Histologic subtypes were type AB (n = 1), type B (n
      = 5) and type C (n = 3). Treatment consisted of tumor resection (4 R0, 4 R1, 1
      R2) via right anterior thoracotomy, posterolateral thoracotomy, left
      thoracoscopy, sternotomy and cervicosternotomy, and/or chemotherapy, mainly
      cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-cisplatin (CAP; n = 5), and/or radiotherapy (n = 4).
      Two patients with TET type C died. All other patients are alive with a median
      follow-up of 4 years (range: 1.5-20). Review of a total of 93 pediatric cases
      reported in the literature showed statistically significant associations between
      less favorable histologic subtypes and male gender (P = 0.012), advanced Masaoka
      stage (P < 0.001) and quality of resection (P < 0.001) respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      A review of the literature and our series identified several risk factors to take
      into account in the therapeutically decision. Complete resection through a
      sternotomy is highly recommended.

PMID- 25130987
TI  - Effect O6-guanine alkylation on DNA flexibility studied by comparative molecular
      dynamics simulations.
AB  - Alkylation of guanine at the O6 atom is a highly mutagenic DNA lesion because it
      alters the coding specificity of the base causing G:C to A:T transversion
      mutations. Specific DNA repair enzymes, e.g. O(6)-alkylguanin-DNA-Transferases
      (AGT), recognize and repair such damage after looping out the damaged base to
      transfer it into the enzyme active site. The exact mechanism how the repair
      enzyme identifies a damaged site within a large surplus of undamaged DNA is not
      fully understood. The O(6)-alkylation of guanine may change the deformability of
      DNA which may facilitate the initial binding of a repair enzyme at the damaged
      site. In order to characterize the effect of O(6)-methyl-guanine (O(6)-MeG)
      containing base pairs on the DNA deformability extensive comparative molecular
      dynamics (MD) simulations on duplex DNA with central G:C, O(6)-MeG:C or O(6)
      MeG:T base pairs were performed. The simulations indicate significant differences
      in the helical deformability due to the presence of O(6)-MeG compared to regular
      undamaged DNA. This includes enhanced base pair opening, shear and stagger
      motions and alterations in the backbone fine structure caused in part by
      transient rupture of the base pairing at the damaged site and transient insertion
      of water molecules. It is likely that the increased opening motions of O(6)-MeG:C
      or O(6)-MeG:T base pairs play a decisive role for the induced fit recognition or
      for the looping out of the damaged base by repair enzymes.

PMID- 25130988
TI  - Paradoxical findings in direct antiglobulin test and classification of
      agglutinating autoantibodies using eluates and monospecific anti-human globulin
      sera.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Agglutinating autoantibodies are rarely the cause of
      autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) of warm type. These antibodies can be
      difficult to classify, and serological testing may result in confusion. Here, we
      describe the occurrence of paradoxical results in direct antiglobulin test (DAT)
      and a simple technique for the characterization of such antibodies. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Seven patients with AIHA were included in this study. Serological
      testing was performed using standard techniques. Classification of autoantibodies
      was performed by preincubation of the eluates from patients' red blood cells
      (RBCs) with monospecific anti-human globulin sera (mAHG). RESULTS: Strong
      autoagglutination of patients' RBCs was observed in six of seven cases, with the
      identification of panagglutinating serum antibodies in three patients. Initially,
      cold agglutinins with high thermal amplitude were suggested in four patients, and
      IgM warm autoantibodies were suggested in the remaining three patients. However,
      inhibition of the eluates revealed autoantibodies of IgA class in two patients,
      of IgM class in three other cases and of IgG class in two patients. The results
      of DAT were confusing due to paradoxical effects of mAHG and/or strong
      autoagglutination. CONCLUSION: Strongly agglutinating autoantibodies can be a
      source of confusion and can be classified by inhibition experiments using eluates
      and monospecific antibodies.

PMID- 25130989
TI  - GMM logistic regression models for longitudinal data with time-dependent
      covariates and extended classifications.
AB  - When analyzing longitudinal data, it is essential to account both for the
      correlation inherent from the repeated measures of the responses as well as the
      correlation realized on account of the feedback created between the responses at
      a particular time and the predictors at other times. As such one can analyze
      these data using generalized estimating equation with the independent working
      correlation. However, because it is essential to include all the appropriate
      moment conditions as you solve for the regression coefficients, we explore an
      alternative approach using a generalized method of moments for estimating the
      coefficients in such data. We develop an approach that makes use of all the valid
      moment conditions necessary with each time-dependent and time-independent
      covariate. This approach does not assume that feedback is always present over
      time, or if present occur at the same degree. Further, we make use of
      continuously updating generalized method of moments in obtaining estimates. We
      fit the generalized method of moments logistic regression model with time
      dependent covariates using SAS PROC IML and also in R. We used p-values adjusted
      for multiple correlated tests to determine the appropriate moment conditions for
      determining the regression coefficients. We examined two datasets for
      illustrative purposes. We looked at re-hospitalization taken from a Medicare
      database. We also revisited data regarding the relationship between the body mass
      index and future morbidity among children in the Philippines. We conducted a
      simulated study to compare the performances of extended classifications.

PMID- 25130990
TI  - How accurate is sperm morphology as an indicator of sperm function?
AB  - Sperm morphology has been consistently correlated with fertilisation success or
      failure. The clinical relevance of the percentage normal spermatozoa has been a
      widely discussed topic amongst infertility specialists and scientists. This study
      aimed to evaluate the role of sperm morphology as an indicator of additional
      sperm functions among 114 andrology referrals. The sperm functions that were
      investigated included chromatin packaging quality (CMA3 test (n = 109), zona
      induced acrosome reaction (ZIAR test; n = 36), hemizona assay (HZI; n = 36) and
      progressive motility (n = 47). Chromatin packaging quality had a negative and
      significant (P = 0.0001, r = -0.74) correlation with the percentage normal
      spermatozoa, while progressive motility had a significant and positive
      correlation (P = 0.0001, 0.59). Accurate sperm morphology scoring as described by
      the WHO 2010 manual can therefore be used as an indicator of specific sperm
      functions.

PMID- 25130991
TI  - Laterally structured ripple and square phases with one and two dimensional
      thickness modulations in a model bilayer system.
AB  - Molecular dynamics simulations of bilayers in a surfactant/co-surfactant/water
      system with explicit solvent molecules show formation of topologically distinct
      gel phases depending upon the bilayer composition. At low temperatures, the
      bilayers transform from the tilted gel phase, Lbeta', to the one dimensional (1D)
      rippled, Pbeta' phase as the surfactant concentration is increased. More
      interestingly, we observe a two dimensional (2D) square phase at higher
      surfactant concentration which, upon heating, transforms to the gel Lbeta' phase.
      The thickness modulations in the 1D rippled and square phases are asymmetric in
      two surfactant leaflets and the bilayer thickness varies by a factor of ~2
      between maximum and minimum. The 1D ripple consists of a thinner interdigitated
      region of smaller extent alternating with a thicker non-interdigitated region.
      The 2D ripple phase is made up of two superimposed square lattices of maximum and
      minimum thicknesses with molecules of high tilt forming a square lattice
      translated from the lattice formed with the thickness minima. Using Voronoi
      diagrams we analyze the intricate interplay between the area-per-head-group,
      height modulations and chain tilt for the different ripple symmetries. Our
      simulations indicate that composition plays an important role in controlling the
      formation of low temperature gel phase symmetries and rippling accommodates the
      increased area-per-head-group of the surfactant molecules. 

PMID- 25130993
TI  - Role of bisphosphonates in non-metastatic prostate cancer.

PMID- 25130994
TI  - Fertility preservation for girls and young women with cancer: population-based
      validation of criteria for ovarian tissue cryopreservation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ovarian tissue cryopreservation with later reimplantation has been
      shown to preserve fertility in adult women, but this approach remains unproven
      and experimental in children and adolescents. We aimed to assess the use of the
      Edinburgh selection criteria for ovarian tissue cryopreservation in girls and
      young women with cancer to determine whether we are offering this invasive
      procedure to the patients who are most at risk of premature ovarian
      insufficiency. METHODS: Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue has been selectively
      offered to girls and young women with cancer who met the Edinburgh selection
      criteria since 1996. Between Jan 1, 1996, and June 30, 2012, 410 female patients
      younger than 18 years at diagnosis were treated for cancer (including leukaemia
      and brain tumours) at the Edinburgh Children's Cancer Centre, which serves the
      whole South East of Scotland region. We determined the ovarian status of these
      patients from review of clinical records and classified them as having premature
      ovarian insufficiency or not, or as unable to be determined. Patients younger
      than 12 years at time of data cutoff (Jan 31, 2013) were excluded from the
      analysis. FINDINGS: 34 (8%) of the 410 patients met the Edinburgh selection
      criteria and were offered ovarian tissue cryopreservation before starting cancer
      treatment. 13 patients declined the procedure and 21 consented, and the procedure
      was completed successfully in 20 patients. Of the 20 patients who had ovarian
      tissue successfully cryopreserved, 14 were available for assessment of ovarian
      function. Of the 13 patients who had declined the procedure, six were available
      for assessment of ovarian function. Median age at the time of follow-up for the
      20 assessable patients was 16.9 years (IQR 15.5-21.8). Of the 14 assessable
      patients who had successfully undergone ovarian cryopreservation, six had
      developed premature ovarian insufficiency at a median age of 13.4 years (IQR 12.5
      14.6), one of whom also had a natural pregnancy. Of the six assessable patients
      who had declined the procedure, one had developed premature ovarian
      insufficiency. Assessment of ovarian function was possible for 141 of the 376
      patients who were not offered cryopreservation; one of these patients had
      developed premature ovarian insufficiency. The cumulative probability of
      developing premature ovarian insufficiency after treatment was completed was
      significantly higher for patients who met the criteria for ovarian tissue
      cryopreservation than for those who did not (15-year probability 35% [95% CI 10
      53] vs 1% [0-2]; p<0.0001; hazard ratio 56.8 [95% CI 6.2-521.6] at 10 years).
      INTERPRETATION: The results of this analysis show that the Edinburgh selection
      criteria accurately identify the few girls and young women who will develop
      premature ovarian insufficiency, and validate their use for selection of patients
      for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Further follow-up of this cohort of patients
      is likely to allow refinement of the criteria for this experimental procedure in
      girls and young women with cancer. FUNDING: UK Medical Research Council.

PMID- 25130996
TI  - Ovarian tissue cryopreservation in children with cancer.

PMID- 25130995
TI  - Short-term androgen suppression and radiotherapy versus intermediate-term
      androgen suppression and radiotherapy, with or without zoledronic acid, in men
      with locally advanced prostate cancer (TROG 03.04 RADAR): an open-label,
      randomised, phase 3 factorial trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated whether 18 months of androgen suppression plus
      radiotherapy, with or without 18 months of zoledronic acid, is more effective
      than 6 months of neoadjuvant androgen suppression plus radiotherapy with or
      without zoledronic acid. METHODS: We did an open-label, randomised, 2 * 2
      factorial trial in men with locally advanced prostate cancer (either T2a N0 M0
      prostatic adenocarcinomas with prostate-specific antigen [PSA] >=10 MUg/L and a
      Gleason score of >=7, or T2b-4 N0 M0 tumours regardless of PSA and Gleason
      score). We randomly allocated patients by computer-generated minimisation-
      stratified by centre, baseline PSA, tumour stage, Gleason score, and use of a
      brachytherapy boost--to one of four groups in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Patients in the
      control group were treated with neoadjuvant androgen suppression with leuprorelin
      (22.5 mg every 3 months, intramuscularly) for 6 months (short-term) and
      radiotherapy alone (designated STAS); this procedure was either followed by
      another 12 months of androgen suppression with leuprorelin (intermediate-term;
      ITAS) or accompanied by 18 months of zoledronic acid (4 mg every 3 months for 18
      months, intravenously; STAS plus zoledronic acid) or by both (ITAS plus
      zoledronic acid). The primary endpoint was prostate cancer-specific mortality.
      This analysis represents the first, preplanned assessment of oncological
      endpoints, 5 years after treatment. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. This
      trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00193856. FINDINGS:
      Between Oct 20, 2003, and Aug 15, 2007, 1071 men were randomly assigned to STAS
      (n=268), STAS plus zoledronic acid (n=268), ITAS (n=268), and ITAS plus
      zoledronic acid (n=267). Median follow-up was 7.4 years (IQR 6.5-8.4). Cumulative
      incidences of prostate cancer-specific mortality were 4.1% (95% CI 2.2-7.0) in
      the STAS group, 7.8% (4.9-11.5) in the STAS plus zoledronic acid group, 7.4% (4.6
      11.0) in the ITAS group, and 4.3% (2.3-7.3) in the ITAS plus zoledronic acid
      group. Cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality was 17.0% (13.0-22.1), 18.9%
      (14.6-24.2), 19.4% (15.0-24.7), and 13.9% (10.3-18.8), respectively. Neither
      prostate cancer-specific mortality nor all-cause mortality differed between
      control and experimental groups. Cumulative incidence of PSA progression was
      34.2% (28.6-39.9) in the STAS group, 39.6% (33.6-45.5) in the STAS plus
      zoledronic acid group, 29.2% (23.8-34.8) in the ITAS group, and 26.0% (20.8-31.4)
      in the ITAS plus zoledronic acid group. Compared with STAS, no difference was
      noted in PSA progression with ITAS or STAS plus zoledronic acid; however, ITAS
      plus zoledronic acid reduced PSA progression (sub-hazard ratio [SHR] 0.71, 95% CI
      0.53-0.95; p=0.021). Cumulative incidence of local progression was 4.1% (2.2-7.0)
      in the STAS group, 6.1% (3.7-9.5) in the STAS plus zoledronic acid group, 1.5%
      (0.5-3.7) in the ITAS group, and 3.4% (1.7-6.1) in the ITAS plus zoledronic acid
      group; no differences were noted between groups. Cumulative incidences of bone
      progression were 7.5% (4.8-11.1), 14.6% (10.6-19.2), 8.4% (5.5-12.2), and 7.6%
      (4.8-11.2), respectively. Compared with STAS, STAS plus zoledronic acid increased
      the risk of bone progression (SHR 1.90, 95% CI 1.14-3.17; p=0.012), but no
      differences were noted with the other two groups. Cumulative incidence of distant
      progression was 14.7% (10.7-19.2) in the STAS group, 17.3% (13.0-22.1) in the
      STAS plus zoledronic acid group, 14.2% (10.3-18.7) in the ITAS group, and 11.1%
      (7.6-15.2) in the ITAS plus zoledronic acid group; no differences were recorded
      between groups. Cumulative incidence of secondary therapeutic intervention was
      25.6% (20.5-30.9), 28.9% (23.5-34.5), 20.7% (16.1-25.9), and 15.3% (11.3-20.0),
      respectively. Compared with STAS, ITAS plus zoledronic acid reduced the need for
      secondary therapeutic intervention (SHR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48-0.95; p=0.024); no
      differences were noted with the other two groups. An interaction between trial
      factors was recorded for Gleason score; therefore, we did pairwise comparisons
      between all groups. Post-hoc analyses suggested that the reductions in PSA
      progression and decreased need for secondary therapeutic intervention with ITAS
      plus zoledronic acid were restricted to tumours with a Gleason score of 8-10, and
      that ITAS was better than STAS in tumours with a Gleason score of 7 or lower.
      Long-term morbidity and quality-of-life scores were not affected adversely by 18
      months of androgen suppression or zoledronic acid. INTERPRETATION: Compared with
      STAS, ITAS plus zoledronic acid was more effective for treatment of prostate
      cancers with a Gleason score of 8-10, and ITAS alone was effective for tumours
      with a Gleason score of 7 or lower. Nevertheless, these findings are based on
      secondary endpoint data and post-hoc analyses and must be regarded cautiously.
      Long- term follow-up is necessary, as is external validation of the interaction
      between zoledronic acid and Gleason score. STAS plus zoledronic acid can be ruled
      out as a potential therapeutic option. FUNDING: National Health and Medical
      Research Council of Australia, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia, Abbott
      Pharmaceuticals Australia, New Zealand Health Research Council, New Zealand
      Cancer Society, University of Newcastle (Australia), Calvary Health Care (Calvary
      Mater Newcastle Radiation Oncology Fund), Hunter Medical Research Institute,
      Maitland Cancer Appeal, Cancer Standards Institute New Zealand.

PMID- 25130997
TI  - Dual targeting of HER2 with lapatinib and trastuzumab.

PMID- 25130999
TI  - Is elevated beta-hexosaminidase activity a potential biomarker for Parkinson's
      disease?

PMID- 25130998
TI  - Lapatinib with trastuzumab for HER2-positive early breast cancer (NeoALTTO):
      survival outcomes of a randomised, open-label, multicentre, phase 3 trial and
      their association with pathological complete response.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Findings from the randomised phase 3 NeoALTTO trial in women with
      HER2-positive early breast cancer showed that the combination of lapatinib and
      trastuzumab significantly improved rates of pathological complete response
      compared with either drug alone. Here, we report data for the prespecified
      secondary endpoints of event-free and overall survival, and assess the
      association between these outcomes and pathological complete response. METHODS:
      We enrolled women with HER2-positive early breast cancer and randomly assigned
      them to receive oral lapatinib (1500 mg), intravenous trastuzumab (4 mg/kg
      loading dose followed by 2 mg/kg), or lapatinib (1000 mg) plus trastuzumab (same
      dose as for single agent) in combination for 6 weeks, followed by an additional
      12 weeks of the assigned anti-HER2 therapy in combination with weekly paclitaxel
      (80 mg/m(2)). Definitive surgery was done 4 weeks after the last dose of
      paclitaxel. After surgery, women received three cycles of FEC (fluorouracil 500
      mg/m(2) plus epirubicin 100 mg/m(2) plus cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m(2)) given
      intravenously every 3 weeks, followed by 34 weeks of the same assigned
      neoadjuvant anti-HER2 therapy. The primary endpoint was pathological complete
      response. Secondary endpoints included event-free and overall survival (intention
      to-treat analysis), and the association between pathological complete response
      and event-free or overall survival (analysed by landmark analysis at 30 weeks
      after randomisation). Follow-up is ongoing, and the trial is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00553358. FINDINGS: 455 patients were enrolled: 154
      (34%) were assigned to the lapatinib group, 149 (33%) to the trastuzumab group,
      and 152 (33%) to the lapatinib plus trastuzumab group. At an event follow-up of
      3.77 years (IQR 3.50-4.22), 3-year event-free survival was 78% (95% CI 70-84) in
      the lapatinib group, 76% (68-82) in the trastuzumab group, and 84% (77-89) in the
      combination group. Event-free survival did not differ between the lapatinib and
      trastuzumab groups (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.66-1.69, p=0.81), nor between the
      combination and trastuzumab groups (0.78, 0.47-1.28, p=0.33). Median survival
      follow-up was 3.84 years (IQR 3.60-4.24), and 3-year overall survival was 93%
      (95% CI 87-96) for lapatinib, 90% (84-94) for trastuzumab, and 95% (90-98) for
      combination therapy. Overall survival did not significantly differ between the
      lapatinib and trastuzumab groups (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.45-1.63, p=0.65), nor between
      the combination and trastuzumab groups (0.62, 0.30-1.25, p=0.19). Landmark
      analyses showed that 3-year event-free survival was significantly improved for
      women who achieved pathological complete response compared with those who did not
      (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.22-0.63, p=0.0003), as was 3-year overall survival (0.35, 0.15
      0.70, p=0.005). Adverse events occurred in 149 (99%) patients receiving
      lapatinib, 142 (96%) patients receiving trastuzumab, and 147 (99%) patients
      receiving combination therapy. The most common adverse events were diarrhoea,
      rash or erythema, hepatic adverse events, and neutropenia (not related to FEC
      administration), and were consistent with known safety profiles of lapatinib and
      trastuzumab. Three primary and eight secondary cardiac events occurred, with no
      significant difference in incidence between treatment groups for primary or any
      cardiac events. INTERPRETATION: Although event-free survival or overall survival
      did not differ between treatment groups, findings from our study confirm that
      patients who achieve pathological complete response after neoadjuvant anti-HER2
      therapy have longer event-free and overall survival than do patients without
      pathological complete response. FUNDING: GlaxoSmithKline.

PMID- 25131000
TI  - The efficacy of steroids for edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Postoperative periorbital edema and ecchymosis following rhinoplasty
      can result in dissatisfaction for both the surgeon and the patient. The goal of
      this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the efficacy
      of steroids on edema and ecchymosis during rhinoplasty. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE,
      SCOPUS, and Cochrane database. REVIEW METHODS: Two authors independently searched
      the databases from their inception of article collection to February 2014.
      Studies comparing perioperative steroid administration (steroid group) with no
      treatment (control group) where the outcomes of interest were edema and
      ecchymosis on postoperative days were included in the analysis. Overall, a total
      of nine trials met the inclusion criteria of this study, with a total sample size
      of 312 patients. RESULTS: The lower and upper eyelid edema during the 7 days
      postoperatively was statistically decreased in the steroid group versus control
      group. The lower and upper eyelid ecchymosis in the steroid group was
      significantly decreased in comparison to the control group for the first 4 days
      follow surgery. Regarding the outcome comparison between single-dose and multiple
      dose administration of steroids, the multiple-dose administration decreased edema
      and ecchymosis significantly compared to single-dose administration after the
      fourth day. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative administration of steroid during
      rhinoplasty could reduce the level of edema and eyelid ecchymosis. Multiple-dose
      administration of steroids has more advantages in terms of the outcomes of late
      postoperative edema and ecchymosis compared to a single-dose regimen.

PMID- 25131001
TI  - The antimicrobial activity of fruits from some cultivar varieties of Rubus idaeus
      and Rubus occidentalis.
AB  - Raspberries, derived from different cultivar varieties, are a popular ingredient
      of everyday diet, and their biological activity is a point of interest for
      researchers. The ethanol-water extracts from four varieties of red (Rubus
      idaeus'Ljulin', 'Veten', 'Poranna Rosa') and black (Rubus occidentalis'Litacz')
      raspberries were evaluated in the range of their antimicrobial properties as well
      as phenolic content - sanguiin H-6, free ellagic acid and anthocyanins. The
      antimicrobial assay was performed with the use of fifteen strains of bacteria,
      both Gram-negative and Gram-positive. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts
      varied and depended on the analysed strain of bacteria and cultivar variety, with
      the exception of Helicobacter pylori, towards which the extracts displayed the
      same growth inhibiting activity. Two human pathogens Corynebacterium diphtheriae
      and Moraxella catarrhalis proved to be the most sensitive to raspberry extracts.
      Contrary to the extracts, sanguiin H-6 and ellagic acid were only active against
      eight and nine bacterial strains, respectively. The determined MIC and MBC values
      of both compounds were several times lower than the tested extracts. The highest
      sensitivity of Corynebacterium diphtheriae to extracts from both black and red
      raspberries may be due to its sensitivity to sanguiin H-6 and ellagic acid. 

PMID- 25131003
TI  - Failure of replicating the association between hippocampal volume and 3 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms identified from the European genome-wide association
      study in Asian populations.
AB  - Hippocampal volume is a key brain structure for learning ability and memory
      process, and hippocampal atrophy is a recognized biological marker of Alzheimer's
      disease. However, the genetic bases of hippocampal volume are still unclear
      although it is a heritable trait. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on
      hippocampal volume have implicated several significantly associated genetic
      variants in Europeans. Here, to test the contributions of these GWASs identified
      genetic variants to hippocampal volume in different ethnic populations, we
      screened the GWAS-identified candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 3
      independent healthy Asian brain imaging samples (a total of 990 subjects). The
      results showed that none of these single-nucleotide polymorphisms were associated
      with hippocampal volume in either individual or combined Asian samples. The
      replication results suggested a complexity of genetic architecture for
      hippocampal volume and potential genetic heterogeneity between different ethnic
      populations. 

PMID- 25131002
TI  - Age-associated evolution of plasmatic amyloid in mouse lemur primates:
      relationship with intracellular amyloid deposition.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative
      disorder. Amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) deposition in the brain is one of its
      hallmarks, and the measure of plasma Abeta is considered to be a biomarker for
      anti-amyloid drug efficacy in animal models of AD. However, age-associated
      plasmatic Abeta modulation in animal models is practically never addressed in the
      literature. Mouse lemur primates are used as a model of normal and AD-like
      cerebral aging. Here, we studied the effect of age on plasmatic Abeta in 58 mouse
      lemurs aged from 1 to 10 years. A subset of animals presented high plasmatic
      Abeta, and the proportion of animals with high plasmatic Abeta was higher in aged
      animals as compared with young ones. Histologic evaluation of the brain of some
      of these animals was carried out to assess extracellular and intracellular
      amyloid load. In aged lemurs, plasmatic Abeta was negatively correlated with the
      density of neurons accumulating deposits of Abeta.

PMID- 25131005
TI  - Response to Dr. Sertoglu and colleagues.

PMID- 25131004
TI  - Single neuropsychological test scores associated with rate of cognitive decline
      in early Alzheimer disease.
AB  - Alzheimer disease (AD) characteristically begins with episodic memory impairment
      followed by other cognitive deficits; however, the course of illness varies, with
      substantial differences in the rate of cognitive decline. For research and
      clinical purposes it would be useful to distinguish between persons who will
      progress slowly from persons who will progress at an average or faster rate. Our
      objective was to use neurocognitive performance features and disease-specific and
      health information to determine a predictive model for the rate of cognitive
      decline in participants with mild AD. We reviewed the records of a series of 96
      consecutive participants with mild AD from 1995 to 2011 who had been administered
      selected neurocognitive tests and clinical measures. Based on Clinical Dementia
      Rating (CDR) of functional and cognitive decline over 2 years, participants were
      classified as Faster (n = 45) or Slower (n = 51) Progressors. Stepwise logistic
      regression analyses using neurocognitive performance features, disease-specific,
      health, and demographic variables were performed. Neuropsychological scores that
      distinguished Faster from Slower Progressors included Trail Making Test - A,
      Digit Symbol, and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) Total Learned and
      Primacy Recall. No disease-specific, health, or demographic variable predicted
      rate of progression; however, history of heart disease showed a trend. Among the
      neuropsychological variables, Trail Making Test - A best distinguished Faster
      from Slower Progressors, with an overall accuracy of 68%. In an omnibus model
      including neuropsychological, disease-specific, health, and demographic
      variables, only Trail Making Test - A distinguished between groups. Several
      neuropsychological performance features were associated with the rate of
      cognitive decline in mild AD, with baseline Trail Making Test - A performance
      best separating those who declined at an average or faster rate from those who
      showed slower progression.

PMID- 25131007
TI  - Organ transplants and education: experience of the Universidade Federal de
      Ciencias da Saude de Porto Alegre with subjects.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Today there is an insufficient number of donated organs in Brazil.
      This is particularly due to the general population's and health care
      professionals' lack of information. Therefore, with this project we intend to
      consolidate knowledge on organ donation to teach health care students of
      different areas so they are able to propagate such knowledge. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In 2006, at Universidade Federal de Ciencias da Saude de Porto Alegre,
      an "Organ donation and transplants" subject was created, with the aim to educate
      health care students. In the next years, it was split in two subjects, named
      "Introduction to transplants" and "Donation and transplants." By enrolling,
      students get theoretical classes and practical experience in out- and inpatient
      facilities and in surgical environments at the Santa Casa Hospital Complex.
      Furthermore, they can participate in campaigns at parks, stadiums, and health
      care fairs that take place at several schools in Porto Alegre. To finish the
      subjects, students present a conclusion report. RESULTS: Seven years after
      implementation of the subject, and with more than 400 students enrolled, several
      accomplishments can be highlighted. For example, the creation of the Organ
      Transplantation League, the implementation of a day to spread conception of the
      donation-transplant process (with the elaboration of a Web page on the subject),
      and the release of a book on the subject written by students and professors.
      DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Health care professionals' education is a central
      point in donation and transplant process. This is because they become,
      inevitably, educators, and this brings a long-term consequence, consisting of
      enhanced logistics skills on brain-death diagnosis and further transfer of
      information to the population (hopefully reducing denial by families at the time
      of the donation). We conclude that this is a project to be followed by other
      medical schools so that, effectively, the number of donors increases and,
      consequently, the transplantation of organs and tissues as well.

PMID- 25131008
TI  - Reasons for family refusal of ocular tissue donation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Corneal donations do not fill the transplant demand. The waiting
      list had 5512 individuals in Brazil and 143 in Rio Grande do Sul in December
      2012. The aim of this study was to identify the reasons for family refusal of
      ocular tissues donation. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed interview
      records for ocular tissue procurement performed in a general, public university
      hospital located in Southern Brazil between January 2008 and December 2012. It
      identified the reasons of family refusal for ocular tissue donation. RESULTS: A
      total of 1010 interviews for ocular tissues procurement were performed. From
      these, 513 (50.79%) refused donation with the following reasons: 60 (11.69%)
      family members were unaware of the desire of the potential donor, 153 (29.82%) of
      potential donors spoke against donation in life, 113 (22.02%) family members were
      undecided about the donation, 156 (30.40%) family members were against donation,
      3 (0.58%) family members were unhappy with the service, 11 (2.14%) family members
      were afraid of body release delay, 6 (1.16%) families expressed religious
      convictions against donation, and 11 (2.14%) family members wanted to keep the
      body intact. CONCLUSION: There are many reasons for ocular tissues donation
      refusal, and the knowledge provides better strategies for family interviews. In
      this study, most of the reasons, around 90%, can be related to lack of
      information or communication about the subject. Greater awareness of the
      population about the subject can be a good way to increase ocular tissue
      procurement indexes.

PMID- 25131009
TI  - Family informed consent to organ donation--who performs better: organ procurement
      organizations, in-hospital coordinators, or intensive care unit professionals?
AB  - Successful organ donation in countries adopting informed consent legislation
      depends on adequate interviewing of potential donors' families. As the number of
      both referral and effective donors in Brazil increases, health care managers
      argue whether educational efforts should be directed toward training in-hospital
      coordinators (IHC)--based on the "Spanish model"--or on the creation of extra
      hospital-based professionals (Organ Procurement Organizations [OPOs], the
      "American model"). Meanwhile, many potential donor families are still approached
      by intensive care unit (ICU) professionals not trained in donation interviews.
      The aim of our study was to compare performances in obtaining informed consent
      from potential donors' families, according to the type of health care
      professional conducting the interviews: OPO, IHC, or ICU staff. In this
      retrospective 2-year study performed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, we observed an
      increase in referrals (285 to 411) and consent rates (48.1% to 55.7%). Each year,
      OPO professionals conducted most family interviews (58.6% and 60.4%,
      respectively) and obtained better consent rates (63.5% and 64.5%, respectively),
      when compared to IHC (41.8% and 53.7%, respectively) or untrained ICU
      professionals (22.1% and 13.4%, respectively). Our results show that adequate
      professional training is necessary for obtaining family consent for organ
      donation. Both established international policies for organ procurement and
      donation, namely the "Spanish model" with its IHCs or the "American model" of
      extra-hospital OPOs, may equally achieve this task. However, family interviews
      performed by untrained ICU professionals result in low donation rates and should
      be discouraged.

PMID- 25131010
TI  - The family interview in the process of donating organs and tissues for
      transplantation: perceptions of potential donors' relatives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The family interview is a complex phase of the organ donation process
      because it involves aspects of the interviewer, the interviewee, the interview
      location, and ethical and legal issues. However, there are few publications on
      this phase of the donation process. This study aimed to reveal the meaning
      assigned to the interview phase, in the process of donating organs and tissues
      for transplantation, by the families of potential donors. METHODS: We performed a
      qualitative study of the phenomenologic aspect, within the modality "structure
      situated phenomena." The study included the participation of 10 families.
      RESULTS: After analyzing the interviews, the meaning of the interview was
      unveiled by the family members. CONCLUSIONS: The statements revealed that the
      family interview is considered to be an important step for warnings,
      clarifications, and encouraging families to think about the possibility of
      donating to save and/or improve the quality of life of people in need for a
      transplant, and that studies contribute to the technical and scientific
      qualification of the interviewer as well as stimulate discussion among health
      professionals to improve the interviewing process.

PMID- 25131011
TI  - Genetic expression profile of human liver grafts in ischemia-reperfusion injury:
      comparison of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy and deceased-donor liver
      grafts.
AB  - This study aimed to compare the histologic and molecular gene expression at
      several surgical times (beginning of harvesting, T0; end of cold ischemia period,
      T1; and after reperfusion, T2) to characterize the ischemia-reperfusion injury
      (IRI) in deceased-donor liver grafts harvested from patients with familial
      amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP). For this purpose, 54 patients undergoing liver
      transplantation were studied and divided into 3 groups: deceased donor to
      cirrhotic recipient (group 1; n = 27), deceased donor to FAP recipient (group 2;
      n = 15), and FAP donor to cirrhotic recipient (group 3; n = 12). The main
      comparison was performed between a histologic score (Suzuki score, adding
      steatosis and neutrophil infiltration), and molecular gene expression of the
      following genes: interleukin (IL) 1beta, IL-6, E-selectin, Fas-ligand, granzyme
      B, heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), and nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS2A). We observed less
      neutrophil infiltration levels in group 3 in sample T0 (P = .0082), which was
      associated with gene expression of HO1 in the biopsies at T2 (P = .022). In group
      3, the molecular expression of genes related to attenuated proinflammatory
      reaction during IRI, iNOS2A at T0 and HO1 at T2, was detected. We conclude that
      FAP liver grafts express differently the genes associated with an attenuated
      proinflammatory reaction, presenting less neutrophil infiltration at harvesting.
      These findings add more knowledge about the better short-term outcomes in
      patients receiving this type of liver graft. 

PMID- 25131012
TI  - Evaluation of the reasons for nonacceptance of kidneys retrieved or offered in
      Rio Grande do Sul and Pais Vasco.
AB  - In Rio Grande do Sul (RS), as in Pais Vasco (PV), some kidneys are retrieved or
      offered and not accepted for transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate the
      profile of the available kidneys and the reasons for them not being accepted in
      the 2 regions, and to compare the characteristics of the organs and reasons for
      refusal. All of the kidneys retrieved or offered in RS in December 2012 and in PV
      from September to December 2012 were evaluated. Data were collected from each
      local donation registry. There were 61 kidneys available in RS and 61 in PV in
      the study period. Of these, 16 kidneys (26%) in RS and 27 (44%) in PV were not
      implanted. The age of the donors was higher in PV (59 years) than in RS (45
      years; P = .000), as was the age of the donors of accepted kidneys (62 and 41
      years old, respectively; P = .000). The proportion of donors considered to be
      "extended criteria" was higher in PV (78%) than in RS (47%; P = .001), and the
      refusal rate of the kidneys from these donors was the same in the 2 regions. The
      reasons for not using the kidneys in RS and in PV were similar and absolute. It
      is concluded that there is no organ waste in the 2 regions, but that the offer of
      kidneys can be expanded in RS by considering elderly donors for evaluation, even
      if this means a higher number of refused organs. 

PMID- 25130992
TI  - Linking temporal changes in bacterial community structures with the detection and
      phylogenetic analysis of neutral metalloprotease genes in the sediments of a
      hypereutrophic lake.
AB  - We investigated spatial and temporal variations in bacterial community structures
      as well as the presence of three functional proteolytic enzyme genes in the
      sediments of a hypereutrophic freshwater lake in order to acquire an insight into
      dynamic links between bacterial community structures and proteolytic functions.
      Bacterial communities determined from 16S rRNA gene clone libraries markedly
      changed bimonthly, rather than vertically in the sediment cores. The phylum
      Firmicutes dominated in the 4-6 cm deep sediment layer sample after August in
      2007, and this correlated with increases in interstitial ammonium concentrations
      (p < 0.01). The Firmicutes clones were mostly composed of the genus Bacillus. npr
      genes encoding neutral metalloprotease, an extracellular protease gene, were
      detected after the phylum Firmicutes became dominant. The deduced Npr protein
      sequences from the retrieved npr genes also showed that most of the Npr sequences
      used in this study were closely related to those of the genus Bacillus, with
      similarities ranging from 61% to 100%. Synchronous temporal occurrences of the
      16S rRNA gene and Npr sequences, both from the genus Bacillus, were positively
      associated with increases in interstitial ammonium concentrations, which may
      imply that proteolysis by Npr from the genus Bacillus may contribute to the
      marked increases observed in ammonium concentrations in the sediments. Our
      results suggest that sedimentary bacteria may play an important role in the
      biogeochemical nitrogen cycle of freshwater lakes. 

PMID- 25131013
TI  - Ten years' evaluation of potential pancreas donors in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreas transplantation is a treatment for advanced type 1 diabetes
      and offers significant improvement in quality of life. Recent advances in
      surgical techniques and immunosuppression regimes lead to good outcomes. However,
      despite significant higher rates of multiorgan donors in Brazil, pancreas
      transplantation seems to have remained stable. This study aimed to investigate
      the acceptance rate of potential pancreas donors in the past 10 years in Sao
      Paulo State. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated potential pancreas donors
      characteristics and its acceptance rate in Sao Paulo State in the past 10 years.
      We divided this period into 2 eras: 1st era from January 2003 to January 2008;
      and 2nd era from January 2008 to January 2013. Data were obtained from Sao
      Paulo's government official website. RESULTS: During the whole period, 5,005
      deceased donors of all ages were available for pancreas transplantation.
      According to eras, we had 1,588 donors in the 1st and 3,417 in the 2nd era. In
      the 2nd era, donors >49 years old were significantly more common (P < .001).
      Blood test abnormalities, donor comorbidities, and high dosage of vasopressors
      also were significantly higher in the 2nd era. Rate of graft acceptance had a
      significant decrease in the 2nd era, from 46.4% to 25% (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite greater organ availability, pancreas transplantations performed in Sao
      Paulo State remained stable. Rate of graft acceptance is dramatically lower in
      more recent years.

PMID- 25131014
TI  - Profile of organ donors in Ceara, northeastern Brazil, from 1998 to 2012.
AB  - The use of cadaver donors for transplantation is often the only alternative in
      the treatment of patients with organ failure. The purpose of this study was to
      draw a comprehensive profile of solid organ donors in Ceara, northeastern Brazil,
      from 1998 to 2012. The study was retrospective and based on secondary data
      regarding sex, age, blood typing, and cause of brain death obtained from the
      solid organ donor database of the Ceara Transplantation Center covering the
      period November 1998 to December 2012. During the study period, 976 donors (69%
      male) were used. Donors were distributed in 4 age groups as follows: 12.9% <18
      years, 50.9% 18-40 years, 28.5% 41-60 years, and 7.7% >60 years. The average age
      was 35 +/- 16 years. On the average, female donors were older than male donors
      (38.4 +/- 17 y vs 33.5 +/- 16 y; P < .0001). Men were predominant in the age
      groups 18-40 y (75.3%; P < .0001) and 41-60 y (59.4%; P < .0001). The main causes
      of brain death were traumatic brain injury (TBI) (56.7%) and stroke (33.1%). The
      former was more common in men (P < .0001), the latter in women (P < .0001). TBI
      was caused by traffic accidents (51.4%), of which 50.7% were motorcycle
      accidents, and urban violence (22.6%), of which 71.2% were associated with
      firearms. The number of donations increased in the study period (11.2 donors per
      million population in 1998-2002 to 68.1 in 2008-2012). In Ceara, solid organ
      donation is on the rise. The predominant donor profile was young men aged 18-40
      years with brain death due to TBI caused by traffic accidents and urban violence.

PMID- 25131015
TI  - Waiting for a kidney transplant: association with anxiety and stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pretransplantation period is characterized by many stressful
      events that can result in symptoms of anxiety and stress and ultimately can have
      a negative impact on graft outcome. Our objective was to evaluate the association
      between symptoms of anxiety and stress in patients awaiting kidney
      transplantation. METHODS: This was a transversal study describing 50 randomly
      selected patients undergoing hemodialysis and waitlisted for kidney
      transplantation. We collected social and demographic data, and adopted the Beck
      Anxiety Inventory and the Lipp Stress Symptoms for Adults Inventory to
      respectively evaluate anxiety and stress. RESULTS: The mean age was 50.2 +/- 11.7
      years, 54% of patients were female, time on dialysis was 6.5 +/- 4.5 years, and
      transplant waitlist time was 5.9 +/- 4.4 years. Forty-six percent of patients
      were married or had a stable relationship, 50% were illiterate or had only
      finished primary school, and 64% were pensioners. Stress was documented in 60% of
      patients, of which 30% had severe stress, whereas 56% of patients showed symptoms
      of anxiety. The presence of stress was associated with longer waitlist time (P =
      .006) and longer time on dialysis (P = .052). Less severe stress was associated
      with higher education level (P = .031), whereas patients in more advanced phases
      of stress showed higher levels of anxiety. After a multivariate analysis, stress
      was 3.6 times (CI 1.34 to 9.89) more frequent among individuals with anxiety.
      CONCLUSIONS: Stress and anxiety were prevalent in patients on a waitlist and were
      associated with social and chronic kidney disease-related patterns. This
      observation can stimulate the adoption of strategies for the prevention of stress
      and anxiety, avoiding posttransplantation complications, such as nonadherence to
      treatment.

PMID- 25131016
TI  - Historical cohort with diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation and
      associated factors of its development in adult patients of a transplantation
      reference center in the State of Ceara, Brazil.
AB  - Post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is an important complication
      related to kidney transplantation (KT), and its occurrence is associated with
      increased morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, KT is considered to be the most
      effective treatment option that offers better quality of life for patients with
      end-stage kidney disease. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of PTDM and
      the risk factors associated with its development in kidney transplant patients of
      a transplantation reference center in the State of Ceara (Brazil). This
      historical cohort study, based on medical records data, included adult patients
      undergoing KT from January 2006 to December 2010 in a public tertiary hospital.
      Multivariate analysis was performed with the use of a logistic regression model,
      with PTDM presence as dependent variable and the possible risk factors under
      study as independent variables. Throughout the evaluated period, 430 KTs were
      performed; 92 patients were excluded. Diabetes mellitus was already present in
      9.2% of patients before KT. Hyperglycemia during the 1st month after
      transplantation occurred in 34.5% of recipients, and the occurrence of PTDM to
      the end of study was 19.9%. Factors associated with PTDM development were:
      fasting plasma glucose 1 month after KT (P < .001; odds ratio [OR] 1.05),
      deceased-donor KT (P = .015; OR 3.53), impaired fasting glucose before
      transplantation (P = .014; OR 4.10), and acute rejection occurrence (P = .003; OR
      6.43). High PTDM occurrence was found, in accordance with the literature.
      Identification of factors associated with PTDM development, as well as its early
      diagnosis, could result in long-term improvement in patient and graft survivals. 

PMID- 25131017
TI  - Kidney transplantation across a positive crossmatch: a single-center experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal
      disease, with improved mortality and quality of life compared with dialysis.
      Desensitization protocols have allowed kidney transplantation of highly
      sensitized patients, who have a lower probability to receive a matching kidney
      from a deceased or living donor. The aim of this work was to analyze the post
      transplantation period of highly HLA-sensitized patients with positive flow
      cytometry crossmatch against donor cells. METHODS: Following an observational,
      retrospective design, we investigated 16 highly sensitized patients who underwent
      kidney or kidney-pancreas transplantation, assessing the impact of
      desensitization protocols and investigating treatment-related complications,
      graft function, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) rate, and graft and patient
      survivals. RESULTS: We studied 16 patients with positive flow cytometry
      crossmatch, who were divided into 2 groups based on whether they were submitted
      to a desensitization protocol or not. Patients who were desensitized underwent
      transplantation in later years, had higher immunologic risk (panel reactive
      antibody peak 62% vs 33%; P = .038), higher percentage of 2nd kidney transplant
      (75% vs 25%; P = .066), and higher percentage of donor-specific anti-HLA
      antibodies identified (P = .028). A majority of patients were desensitized with
      high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis, and 5 patients received
      rituximab. Acute AMR rate was of 38%, and rituximab was associated with fewer
      episodes of AMR. Only 1 patient had graft failure, due to chronic humoral
      rejection, and the remaining maintained good graft function (mean serum
      creatinine value of 1.33 mg/dL). No patient died and few complications related to
      immunossupression were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Desensitization protocols were safe
      and allowed kidney transplantation in highly sensitized patients that probably
      would never undergo transplantation and gave the opportunity of living-donor
      transplant to patients with anti-HLA antibodies against the donor.

PMID- 25131018
TI  - C4d deposits in borderline rejection: an early marker for chronic renal
      dysfunction?
AB  - The impact of borderline rejection in renal graft remains controversial. The aim
      of this study was to analyze the presence of C4d deposits in peritubular
      capillaries and macrophage infiltration in renal biopsies with diagnosis of
      borderline rejection ant its effect on graft function. Thirty-one renal
      transplant recipients with a diagnosis of borderline rejection were included.
      Initial and sequential biopsies were analyzed for morphology, C4d, and macrophage
      staining and compared with clinical data. Initial biopsies showed 12 samples to
      be C4d positive, associated with a higher incidence of delayed graft function,
      earlier post-transplantation time, higher acute tubular necrosis score,
      capillaritis, and glomerular macrophage infiltration, and a lower level of
      tubulitis, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy compared with the C4d
      negative samples. In sequential biopsies, 5 patients from the negative group
      turned C4d positive. Patients with >=1 positive C4d biopsy (n = 17) showed lower
      renal graft function at 6 months (1.8 +/- 0.8 vs 1.4 +/- 0.5 mg/dL; P < .01), 1
      year (2.1 +/- 1 vs 1.5 +/- 0.5 mg/dL; P < .01), and 2 years (2.3 +/- 1.3 vs 1.5
      +/- 0.7 mg/dL; P < .05) of follow-up. The expression of C4d in peritubular
      capillaries of renal biopsies classified as borderline rejection was associated
      with a worse prognosis for the renal allograft. 

PMID- 25131020
TI  - Renal transplantation in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: a report
      of four cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Renal transplantation (RT) in patients infected with human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has significantly improved under the advent of
      combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). The authors describe their experience in
      RT in patients with HIV from September 2010 to June 2013. CASES REPORT: Four
      patients underwent transplantation (3 with HIV-1 and 1 with HIV-2), three
      patients were male, and one was black. None were coinfected with hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Etiology of kidney disease was HIV
      associated nephropathy (2 patients), immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy, and
      unknown. Average age at RT was 51 (range, 41-63) years. No patient was of high
      immunologic risk. Immunosuppression consisted of basiliximab for induction and
      prednisolone, tacrolimus (TAC), and mycophenolate mofetil for maintenance. TAC
      levels varied considerably in the early days (8.5-46 ng/mL), requiring major
      adjustments in TAC dose. Only the HIV-2 patient had delayed graft function. The
      follow-up of patients with HIV-1 was 37, 19, and 16 months, and 3 months for the
      HIV-2 patient. CD4+ T cells decreased in the early days after transplantation
      with subsequent improvement, along with persistent virological suppression. In
      the HIV-1 group there were no major infectious, cardiovascular, or neoplastic
      complications. Nevertheless, the HIV-2 patient died 3 months after RT due to H1N1
      pneumonia complicated by pulmonary aspergillosis. Average estimated (CKD- EPI)
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 6 months was 85.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2).
      CONCLUSION: Besides the difficulty in adjusting calcineurin inhibitors levels due
      to its interaction with antiretroviral therapy, namely with protease inhibitors,
      no patient had acute rejection. Furthermore, all patients presented an excellent
      control of viro-immunologic parameters. At the last follow-up neither
      cardiovascular events nor neoplastic complications were observed. Our results
      highlight the favorable outcome of RT in HIV-1-infected patients. The HIV-2
      patient died due to severe infection, and the clinical management and potential
      benefit of RT in HIV-2-infected patients needs further study.

PMID- 25131021
TI  - Predictive factors of graft-censored failure in pediatric kidney transplantation.
AB  - Kidney transplantation in children has shown steady improvement in graft survival
      outcome over the last decades. Using data obtained from the transplantation
      registry of our center between 1984 and 2012, we assessed the independent
      determinants of graft failure using the Cox proportional hazards regression.
      Altogether, 128 recipients younger than 18 years of age at the time of kidney
      transplantation and who had >3 months graft survival were studied. During 9.95
      years of medium follow-up, 27 censored graft failures occurred. Censored graft
      survival rates at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years post-transplantation were 93%, 82%,
      70%, and 63%, respectively. Studied factors included recipient and donor age,
      recipient gender, dialysis vintage, donor/recipient cytomegalovirus (CMV)
      serology, panel-reactive antibody percentage, human leukocyte antigen
      mismatching, previous transplantation number, donor type (deceased vs living
      donation), cold ischemia time, induction therapy with antithymocyte globulin,
      occurrence of acute tubular necrosis, and development of acute rejection. Using
      univariate analysis, the significant predictors for graft-censored failure were
      adult donor (P < .001), recipient age (P = .035), human leukocyte antigen
      mismatching (P = .025), antithymocyte globulin induction (P = .03), and
      development of acute rejection (P < .001). Two factors independently predicted
      graft-censored failure in multivariate analysis. The odds ratios for graft
      failure in patients with acute rejection and in children who received an organ of
      an adult were 3.744 and 4.962, respectively. Pediatric recipients should receive
      the first priority for allografts from pediatric donors and acute rejection
      should be meticulously prevented. 

PMID- 25131019
TI  - Physical activity in daily life assessed by an accelerometer in kidney transplant
      recipients and hemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sedentary lifestyle is a problem among hemodialysis (HD) patients,
      potentially attenuated after kidney transplantation. However, the effect of
      kidney transplantation on physical activity has not been thoroughly investigated.
      OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the physical activity in daily life in
      kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) compared with HD patients and to explore its
      relationship with clinical variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study enrolled
      KTRs who received transplants at least 6 months before the study (N = 23; 48.3 +/
      10.3 years) and patients undergoing HD for at least 6 months (N = 20; 47.3 +/-
      12.6 years). Time spent in different activities (walking, standing, sitting, and
      lying down) and number of steps taken, measured by a multiaxial accelerometer
      used for 12 h/d on 2 consecutive days for KTRs and on 4 consecutive days for HD
      patients, were evaluated. RESULTS: KTRs engaged in more active time per day (sum
      of walking and standing time) than HD patients (311 +/- 87 vs 196 +/- 54 min/d; P
      = .001), with longer walking (106 +/- 53 vs 70 +/- 27 min/d; P = .008) and
      standing time (205 +/- 55 vs 126 +/- 42 min/d; P < .001). Sixty-five percent of
      KTRs were classified as active (>7500 steps/d) compared with only 20% of the HD
      group (P < .05). The multivariate analysis showed that time posttransplantation
      was significantly associated with walking time and active time. CONCLUSIONS: By
      using an accelerometer, a precise method, this study showed that KTRs are
      significantly more active in daily life than HD patients, and that daily physical
      activity increases with time since transplantation.

PMID- 25131022
TI  - Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of delayed graft function in deceased donor
      kidney transplantation in a Brazilian center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A high incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) after deceased donor
      kidney transplantation occurs in Brazil. The reasons for such have not been
      adequately studied. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 346
      kidney transplant recipients from deceased donors. DGF risk factors related to
      the recipient, donor, and transplantation surgery were analyzed and correlated
      with graft outcomes. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify
      independent risk factors and patient and graft survival were assessed using
      Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: The incidence of DGF was 70.8% (245 cases). Our
      final model of multivariate analysis showed that DGF is associated (P < .05) with
      donor final serum creatinine (relative risk [RR], 1.84; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 1.26-2.70), donor age (RR, 1.02 [1.0-1.033]), receiving a kidney from
      national offer (RR, 2.44 [1.06-5.59]), and need for antibody induction (RR, 2.87
      [1.33-6.18]). Outcomes that were associated with DGF were longer length of
      hospital stay (32.5 +/- 20.5 vs 18.8 +/- 16.3 days; P = .01), higher incidence of
      acute rejection (37.8 vs 12.9%; P < .01), worse graft survival at 1 year (83.5%
      vs 93.9%; P < .01), and higher levels of serum creatinine at 3, 6, and 12 months
      (P < .05). There was no difference in patient survival and the occurrence of
      acute rejection did not influence the survival of patients or grafts. CONCLUSION:
      DGF was associated with higher donor final serum creatinine, donor age, receiving
      a kidney from the national supply, and need for antibody induction. Most
      importantly, DGF was associated with worse outcomes.

PMID- 25131023
TI  - Kidney retransplantation: removal or persistence of the previous failed
      allograft?
AB  - A significant percentage of patients with failed renal graft are candidates for
      retransplantation. The outcomes of retransplantation are poorer than those of
      primary transplantation and sensitization is documented to be a major reason. The
      management of a failed allograft that is not immediately symptomatic is still
      very controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the
      failed allograft nephrectomy on a subsequent transplantation and its importance
      in the sensitization. We performed a retrospective analysis of the local
      prospective transplantation registry of the outcome of 126 second kidney
      transplantations among 2438 transplantations performed in our unit between June
      1980 and March 2013, comparing those who underwent allograft nephrectomy prior to
      retransplantation with those who retained the failed graft. Primary endpoints
      were graft and patient survival. The levels of panel-reactive antibodies (PRA)
      and rate of acute rejections on retransplantation outcomes were also studied.
      Among the 126 patients who underwent a second renal transplantation, 76 (60.3%)
      had a prior graft nephrectomy (Group A), whereas 50 (39.7%) kept their failed
      graft (Group B). Group A showed significantly more positive PRA levels when
      compared with the other group (38% vs 10%; P < .001), as measured before the most
      recent transplantation, and a higher rate of acute rejection (19% vs 5.6%; P =
      .016). There were 28 (36%) renal allograft losses for Group A and 18 (36%) for
      those who had not had transplantectomy (P = not significant [NS]). One-, 3-, and
      5-year graft survival rates were 96.6%, 90.7%, and 83.4%, respectively, in Group
      A and 95%, 82%, and 68.4%, respectively, in Group B, with no statistical
      differences (P = .19). Five-year actuarial patient survival rates in the 2 groups
      was 89.3% and 82.8%, respectively (P = .55). Multivariate analysis showed that
      PRA level and delayed graft function (DGF) had a statistically significant
      influence on graft survival (P = .028; odds ratio [OR] = 1.029; and P = .024; OR
      = 8.6), irrespective of whether the patient had graft nephrectomy or not. The
      allosensitization indicated by PRA increases after transplantectomy and leads to
      a higher incidence of acute rejection after retransplantation. Nephrectomy of
      failed allograft does not seem to significantly influence the survival of a
      subsequent graft. The decision to remove or retain a failed graft in the context
      of retransplantation should thus be based on known clinical indications for the
      procedure. 

PMID- 25131024
TI  - Post-transplantation weight gain: prevalence and the impact of steroid-free
      therapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Weight gain after renal transplantation has a multifactorial
      etiology, which can be associated with complications such as hypertension,
      dyslipidemia and diabetes, with a probable impact on cardiovascular morbidity and
      mortality post-transplantation. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to
      investigate the prevalence of weight gain and obesity post-transplantation among
      renal recipients of a hospital and to evaluate the impact of immunosuppressive
      therapy without steroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have evaluated all patients
      who had kidney transplantations performed between January 2005 and December 2009
      at General Hospital of Fortaleza, who were older than 18 years of age and had at
      least 12 months of follow-up post-transplantation. Overweight was defined as body
      mass index (BMI) between 25 and 30 kg/m(2) and obesity >30 kg/m(2). The
      association between weight gain and the following variables was investigated: age
      and gender of the recipient and the donor, donor type, steroid use, presence of
      systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and diabetes mellitus, creatinine, glucose,
      cholesterol, and triglycerides. RESULTS: The study population included 203
      recipients; 59.5% were males, their mean age systemic arterial hypertension (SAH)
      was 37 years, and 64.2% had deceased donors. In regard to immunosuppression,
      41.3% made use of steroids. After 36 months of follow-up, the average weight gain
      was 6.6 kg in relation to the first month post-transplantation. Among the
      variables studied, the recipient's younger age and female gender, the younger
      donor, and the creatinine level were associated with greater weight gain after 36
      months of transplantation. CONCLUSION: The percentage of weight gain was on
      average 9% after 36 months post-transplantation, although the prevalence of
      overweight and obesity increased significantly in the same period. The use of
      steroid therapy had no impact on the percentage of weight gain post
      transplantation, and association was observed only between the younger age and
      the female gender of the recipient, the younger donor age, and the creatinine
      level with the highest weight gain post-transplantation.

PMID- 25131025
TI  - Metabolic surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in pancreas after kidney
      transplant candidates.
AB  - Metabolic surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in
      patients not morbidly obese (BMI <35) has been widely studied. Taking into
      account that ~12% of pancreas transplants are performed in patients with T2DM,
      our goal was to evaluate the impact of metabolic surgery on the management of
      obese patients with T2DM on waiting lists for a pancreas transplant. We performed
      a Roux-en-Y gastrointestinal bypass in 5 patients with insulin-dependent T2DM who
      were candidates for pancreas after kidney transplant and with a BMI <35. Three
      patients became insulin independent by the end of the first year while the other
      2 reduced their insulin requirements by 70%. Furthermore, all patients achieved
      improved control of lipid levels. We concluded that the surgery was effective in
      controlling blood glucose and lipid metabolism in these obese T2DM kidney
      transplant recipients. In this population, a pancreas transplant, along with its
      associated morbidity, may be avoided. 

PMID- 25131026
TI  - Fatigue effects in daily life activities of kidney transplant recipients.
AB  - After undergoing kidney transplantation, some patients still face one symptom
      that continues after the dialysis sessions: fatigue (physical and mental
      tiredness that does not get better after resting). Fatigue effects in the
      everyday lives of kidney transplant patients can be beneficially modified early
      by changing this scenario. This is a quantitative study about the intensity and
      impacts of fatigue in kidney transplant patients admitted to the Hypertension and
      Kidney Hospital from October 2011 to March 2012. The fatigue pictogram was used
      to evaluate the level of fatigue interference in the daily life activities of
      kidney transplant patients. The sample consists of 39 patients, and was developed
      in 2 phases: data collection and attendance after and before the transplantation
      until hospital discharge. Descriptive statistical analyses were used. In the
      group at issue, we have noticed the following profile of the sample: 84.3% of
      transplantations with live donors, most were men, average age 36.5 years old,
      average hospitalization time 11.1 days, average time of renal failure 66.4
      months, systemic arterial hypertension prevalence 66.7%, and the prevalence of at
      least 1.8 diseases in each individual. The self-referred causes of chronic renal
      failure were uncontrolled systemic arterial hypertension, glomerulonephritis, and
      overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs, among others. The study shows that fatigue is
      directly related to the level of activities of daily living, causing less ability
      to perform activities in the higher level of fatigue, which is in the immediate
      postoperative period and only settling fully on the 9th postoperative day. 

PMID- 25131027
TI  - Body mass index in the first year after kidney transplantation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) experience better appetite,
      partly due to the use of steroids, and are subjected to less severe dietetic
      restrictions, hence they tend to increase the uptake of calories, which favors
      weight gain posttransplantation. In this study, we evaluate the profile of body
      mass index (BMI) in the first year posttransplantation. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective study including 131 patients who received transplants between 1991
      and 2011. We collected demographic and clinical data such as body weight and
      height, and calculated BMI pretransplantation and at 6 and 12 months
      posttransplantation. RESULTS: Mean age was 47.1 +/- 13.1 years, 64.9% were male,
      and 29% of patients were diabetic. Pretransplantation mean BMI was 23.04 +/- 4.08
      kg/m(2), and at 6 and 12 months posttransplantation it increased to 24.55 +/- 4.2
      kg/m(2) and 24.65 +/- 4.16 kg/m(2), respectively (P < .001). At 6 months, this
      significant weight gain occurred in all patients, even those malnourished,
      eutrophic, overweight, and obese at pretransplantation. Looking at
      pretransplantation malnourished patients, 30.8% remained malnourished 1 year
      after transplantation. Otherwise, 28.6% of pretransplantation overweight patients
      and 100% of pretransplantation obese patients could be classified as obese at 1
      year posttransplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Increase in BMI is common in obese and
      nonobese KTR. This study highlights the importance of identifying subjects at
      risk for excessive weight gain posttransplantation, thus allowing an early
      nutritional intervention to prevent its complications.

PMID- 25131028
TI  - Outcome of bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae after solid organ transplantation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although infection with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) has been recognized as an important cause of
      morbidity after solid organ transplantation, there are limited data on the
      outcome of this complication among transplant recipients. The objective of this
      study was to describe the outcome and factors associated with mortality among
      recipients of abdominal solid organ transplants with bloodstream infection caused
      by ESBL-E. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of a
      case series of patients who had bacteremia caused by ESBL-E after undergoing
      renal or liver transplantation between January 2000 and September 2008 at a
      university-affiliated hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The primary end point
      of the study was death within 30 days of the diagnosis of bacteremia. RESULTS:
      During the study period, 997 subjects underwent kidney (759 patients) or liver
      (238 patients) transplantation. Fifty-four episodes of bacteremia caused by ESBL
      E were diagnosed in 39 patients (4%). Mortality after the first episode of ESBL-E
      bacteremia was 26% (10 deaths). In multiple logistic regression analysis, the
      Pitt bacteremia score (P = .005) and being on mechanical ventilation at the time
      of infection diagnosis (P = .02) were the only variables associated with
      mortality. Thirteen episodes of recurrent bacteremia occurred in 8 (28%) of the
      29 patients who survived the first episode. Two (25%) of these 8 patients died
      during the course of a recurrent episode. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteremia caused by ESBL
      E was associated with high mortality and high risk of recurrence. Factors
      associated with clinical severity at the time of infection diagnosis were the
      main predictors of mortality.

PMID- 25131029
TI  - Urinary tract infection in renal transplant recipients: incidence, risk factors,
      and impact on graft function.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection
      posttransplant. However, the risk factors for and the impact of UTIs remain
      controversial. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of
      posttransplant UTIs in a series of renal transplant recipients from deceased
      donors. Secondary objectives were to identify: (1) the most frequent infectious
      agents; (2) risk factors related to donor; (3) risk factors related to
      recipients; and (4) impact of UTI on graft function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This
      was a retrospective analysis of medical records from renal transplant patients
      from January to December 2010. Local ethics committee approved the protocol.
      RESULTS: The incidence of UTI in this series was 34.2%. Risk factors for UTI were
      older age, (independent of gender), biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes, and
      kidneys from deceased donors (United Network for Organ Sharing criteria). For
      female patients, the number of pretransplant pregnancies was an additional risk
      factor. Recurrent UTI was observed in 44% of patients from the UTI group. The
      most common infectious agents were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae,
      for both isolated and recurrent UTI. No difference in renal graft function or
      immunosuppressive therapy was observed between groups after the 1-year follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this series, older age, previous pregnancy, kidneys from expanded
      criteria donors, and biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes were risk factors for
      posttransplant UTI. Recurrence of UTI was observed in 44%, with no negative
      impact on graft function or survival.

PMID- 25131030
TI  - MELD score and albumin replacement are related to higher costs during management
      of patients with refractory ascites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and indicates
      that the disease is at an advanced stage. In cirrhotic patients with refractory
      ascites, treatment is based on repeat paracentesis. The objective of this study
      is to evaluate the cost of paracentesis in cirrhotic patients and to determine
      the factors related to this cost. METHODS: This prospective study included all
      patients with cirrhosis who underwent paracentesis between March 2012 and March
      2013 at the Outpatient Service of the Liver Transplantation Unit, Clinical
      Hospital, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine. Microcost analysis was
      performed with individual tabbed data regarding the consumption of albumin and
      containers for ascites. The remaining cost components were drugs, materials used
      during the procedure, and human resources. Statistical analysis was performed
      using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: We conducted a total of 881 paracentesis
      procedures in a group of 155 patients that included 60.5% men and 39.5% women
      with a mean age of 57 years (range 20 to 80 years). Patients underwent an average
      of 5.3 paracentesis procedures per year (range 1 to 32). The total cost of all
      procedures was $193,126.60 and the most costly component was albumin
      ($87,162.10). The average cost per procedure was $219.50. The most frequent liver
      disease diagnoses were hepatitis C (24%) and alcoholic cirrhosis (24%). The
      majority of patients were on the liver transplant list (54.2%). Factors
      associated with higher costs in the period were a Model for End-Stage Liver
      Disease score higher than 24 (P = .001) and patients on the transplant waiting
      list (P = .042). CONCLUSIONS: Paracentesis in cirrhotic patients is a high-cost
      procedure in health care. The main factors related to cost are the volume of
      fluid drained due to the need for albumin replacement and the severity of liver
      disease that is related to the frequency of paracentesis.

PMID- 25131031
TI  - Liver transplantation for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly
      patients: what to expect.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Elderly patients have orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT)
      outcomes comparable to younger individuals. However, it is undefined whether such
      results are also seen in those with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
      The primary endpoints of this study were overall survival (OS), retransplantation
      rate, and disease-free survival (DFS) in OLT recipients with HCC and aged >=65
      years compared with those aged <65 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single
      center retrospective review of a cohort of adult deceased-donor OLT recipients
      due to unresectable HCC within the Milan criteria from May 2006 through March
      2013. Demographic and clinical variables and outcomes of patients aged >=65 years
      were compared with those aged <65 years. RESULTS: Thirty-seven individuals >=65
      years of age (group 1) and 141 individuals <65 years of age (group 2) were
      analyzed. OS (group 1 vs group 2) at 1 year (78% vs 81%), 3 years (64% vs 70%),
      and 5 years (64% vs 66%) (P = .49) was comparable. Retransplantation rates were
      also similar (group 1: 13.5%; group 2, 10.6% [P = .61]). DFS (group 1 vs group 2)
      at 1 year (100% vs 95%), 3 years (91% vs 92%), and 5 years (91% vs 92%) (P = .56)
      was also not significantly different between groups. On multivariate analysis,
      age >65 years was not an independent predictor of OS or DFS. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients aged >=65 years with HCC presented with outcomes similar to their
      younger counterparts. Chronologic age is not a good predictor of outcome, and
      transplantation is feasible if overall clinical conditions and comorbidities
      allow.

PMID- 25131032
TI  - Surface electromyography for respiratory assessment of liver transplant
      candidates, healthy subjects and after chevron post-operative incision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surface electromyography is a noninvasive technique for detecting the
      activity of skeletal muscles and especially the muscles for respiratory
      compliance; namely, the diaphragm and rectus abdominis. This study compares these
      muscles in healthy individuals, liver disease patients, and after abdominal
      surgery. OBJECTIVE: To study muscle activity by surface electromyography of the
      right diaphragm muscles and right rectus abdominis (root means square, RMS), and
      the manovacuometry muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure, MIP; and
      maximal expiratory pressure, MEP). RESULTS: We evaluated 246 subjects who were
      divided into 3 groups: healthy (65), liver disease (171), and post-surgery (10).
      In liver disease group the BMI was higher significantly for ascites (P = .001),
      and was increase in RMS rectum (P = .0001), RMS diaphragm (P = .030), and a
      decreased inspiratory and expiratory indices (P = .0001) pressure in the post
      surgery group. A multivariate analysis showed tendency to an increased BMI in
      liver disease and in the post-surgery groups correlated with an increased RMS
      rectum and the lower MIP/MEP (P = .11). The receiver operating characteristic
      curve showed that RMS rectus was capable of discriminating liver disease and post
      surgery patients from healthy subjects (area = 0.63; 95% CI 0.549-0.725).
      CONCLUSION: The muscle activity of normal individuals is lower than in subjects
      with deficit muscles because less effort is necessary to overcome the same
      resistance, observed by surface electromyography and muscle strength.

PMID- 25131033
TI  - Evaluation of functional status, pulmonary capacity, body composition, and
      quality of life of end-stage liver disease patients who are candidates for liver
      surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Muscular weakness in combination with malnutrition can induce a
      global motor impairment and physical inactivity, adversely impairing the daily
      living activities and quality of life of end-stage liver disease patients who are
      candidates for liver transplantation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate functional status,
      pulmonary capacity, body composition and quality of life in end-stage liver
      disease patients who are candidates for liver transplantation; to verify if there
      is a correlation between the functional variables of the individuals tested
      through the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and covariables: pulmonary function test
      (PFP), quality of life and body composition. METHODS: This study was carried out
      at the Liver Transplantation Unit of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP).
      We included 46 patients with end-stage liver disease who underwent the following
      evaluations: medical history, quality of life questionnaire "Short Form 36" (SF
      36), surface electromyography (sEMG) of the diaphragm and rectus abdominis
      muscles, body composition assessment by electrical vioimpedance (BIA), 6MWT and
      PFP. RESULTS: Univariate analysis and Pearson's correlation found correlations
      between distance walked on 6MWT and QOL (P = .006 and P = .02) and TBW (P = .5
      and P = .02). Pearson's correlation were found between respiratory variables of
      6MWT, QOL, and PFP. CONCLUSION: The functional status may be correlated to body
      composition, quality of life and pulmonary capacity of patients with liver
      disease, candidates for transplantation.

PMID- 25131034
TI  - Effects of a respiratory physiotherapeutic program in liver transplantation
      candidates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Candidates for liver transplantation may have malnutrition, fatigue,
      loss of muscle mass and function. The combination of these factors leads to
      overall physical disability and physical inactivity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the
      study was to evaluate the effects of a respiratory physiotherapeutic program on
      liver transplantation candidates. METHOD: Forty-two patients were evaluated by
      respiratory muscle strength, surface electromyography of the rectus abdominis and
      diaphragm, and spirometry. We also applied the SF-36. The patients were divided
      into two groups: 12 randomly assigned to the control group and 5 in the
      intervention group. The intervention consisted of an explanatory and illustrative
      manual to be followed at home with diaphragmatic breathing exercises,
      diaphragmatic isometric exercise, Threshold IMT, lifting the upper limbs with a
      bat, and strengthening the abdominals. RESULTS: Significant difference was found
      between initial forced expiratory flow (FEF)25-75% (P = .042) and final FEF25-75
      in the intervention group. The control group had significant difference (P =
      .036) in the diaphragm RMS between initial time and end time. In conclusion, the
      control group showed greater electrical activity of the diaphragm after 3 months.
      CONCLUSION: The intervention group benefited from the exercise, thus improving
      the FEF25-75%.

PMID- 25131035
TI  - Clinical evaluation of hepatic transection on pediatric liver transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Liver transplantation is an effective technique in the treatment of
      end-stage liver disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of
      hepatic transection, an advanced surgical technique able to tailor size to
      generate two grafts to from a single donor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective study between January 2000 and September 2013, reviewing 91
      pediatric patients who underwent 96 liver transplants from deceased donors.
      Patients were distributed into two groups: whole organ (WO, n = 39) and
      transected liver grafts (TLG, n = 57). The following were evaluated: etiology,
      anthrophometric parameters (age, weight, height, z score weight/age, and
      height/age), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) or pediatric end-stage
      liver disease (PELD), previous surgeries, transfusion of blood components, 1-year
      survival rate, preoperative laboratory testing, from the second and seventh
      postoperative days, lactate during surgery, postoperative complications, duration
      of surgery, duration of cold and warm ischemia, types of biliary reconstruction,
      and laboratory testing of the donor. RESULTS: The anthropometric values showed
      significant differences (P < .05) between the groups. The average age was 124.7
      months in the WO group and 33.6 months in the TLG group (P < .0001), while the
      weight was 28.0 kg and 7.4 kg, respectively (P < .0001). The analysis of z score
      weight/age showed that the TLG had greater acute and chronic malnutrition,
      probably due to the etiology of liver disease, present from birth in patients as
      young. Red blood transfusion was higher in the TLG group (P < .0006) due to the
      cut surface of the graft, emphasizing the use and improvement of hemostatic
      techniques. CONCLUSION: Despite differences between the groups, clinical and
      surgical complications were similar, showing that liver transection injury didn't
      change the results of transplantation. There was no impact on liver function,
      graft, or 1-year patient survival after liver transection. Second postoperative
      lactate is a predictive factor of death. Transection liver transplantation is an
      effective method as an alternative to pediatric liver transplantation.

PMID- 25131036
TI  - Grade IV fibrosis interferes in biliary drainage after Kasai procedure.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common cause of liver
      transplantation in children. The earlier the treatment is done, the better the
      prognosis. The aim is to evaluate the impact of late diagnosis in children with
      BA, including the histopathological findings and success rate of biliary drainage
      in patients submitted to hepatic portoenterostomy (HPE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective study of cases of BA in the Department of Pediatric Surgery,
      Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP) between 1998-2011. We found 63 cases of
      BA; of these, 42 underwent HPE and 21 were referred for liver transplantation.
      Clinic and pathologic data were evaluated. RESULTS: The HPE was performed with a
      mean age of 86.5 days, with 16.6% having the operation at 60 days or earlier;
      59.2% between 61 and 90 days; and 23.8% after 90 days. Successful biliary
      drainage occurred in 31% of surgeries, Mean days when HPE drained was 69.1 days,
      and 94.3 days when the surgery did not drain (P = .05). All patients who were
      successfully drained, did not have grade IV fibrosis on histology. In cases in
      which surgery was performed after 60 days that had not drained, 25% had grade IV
      fibrosis on biopsy (P = .0469). CONCLUSION: The age of HPE relates to better
      prognosis of the disease. It was found that the rate of grade IV fibrosis is
      higher in no drainage patients. All patients with grade IV fibrosis had no
      biliary drainage.

PMID- 25131037
TI  - Comparative morphometric analysis of 5 interpositional arterial autograft options
      for adult living donor liver transplantation.
AB  - In living donor liver transplantation, the right-sided graft presents thin and
      short vessels, bringing forward a more difficult anastomosis. In these cases, an
      interpositional arterial autograft can be used to favor the performance of the
      arterial anastomosis, making the procedure easier and avoiding surgical
      complications. OBJECTIVE: We compared the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), the
      splenic artery (SA), the inferior epigastric artery (IEA), the descending branch
      of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA), and the proper hepatic artery
      (PHA) as options for interpositional autograft in living donor liver
      transplantation. METHOD: Segments of at least 3 cm of all 5 arteries were
      harvested from 16 fresh adult cadavers from both genders through standardized
      dissection. The analyzed measures were proximal and distal diameter and length.
      The proximal diameter of the RHA and the distal diameter of the SA, IMA, IEA and
      the LCFA were compared to the distal diameter of the RHA. The proximal and distal
      diameters of the SA, IEA and LCFA were compared to study caliber gain of each
      artery. RESULTS: All arteries except the IMA showed statistical significant
      difference in relation to the RHA in terms of diameter. Regarding caliber gain,
      the arteries demonstrated statistical significant difference. All the harvested
      arteries except PHA were 3 cm in length. CONCLUSION: The IMA demonstrated the
      best compatibility with the RHA in terms of diameter and showed sufficient length
      to be employed as interpositional graft. The PHA, the SA, the IEA and the LCFA
      presented statistically significant different diameters when compared to the RHA.
      Among these vessels, only the PHA did not show sufficient mean length.

PMID- 25131038
TI  - Is there a relationship between intraoperative hemodynamic instability and
      calcineurin inhibitor-related toxicity, early after liver transplantation? A
      single-center observational study.
AB  - This study evaluated the relationship between intraoperative hemodynamic
      instability (IOHI) and the development of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity in
      the early postoperative period after liver transplantation (LT). Eighty-two
      patients were enrolled during a 1-year period and a 3-month follow-up. IOHI,
      requiring continuous infusion of vasopressors, was observed in 31 patients (38%,
      group 1; control group 2, n = 51). Acute kidney injury (AKI) developed in 28
      patients (52% in group 1 vs 24% in group 2, P = .02), and CNI-related
      neurotoxicity (CNI-NT) in 26 (48% in group 1 vs 22% in group 2, P = .03). Group 1
      patients received mainly deceased donor grafts (87% vs 57% in group 2, P < .001).
      An independent association between IOHI and CNI-NT (P = .029) and AKI (P = .016)
      was observed. The receiver-operator characteristic curve revealed an area under
      the curve of 0.63 for IHI (sensitivity 56%; specificity 75%) and 0.65 for AKI
      (sensitivity 56%; specificity 70.2%). In conclusion, patients undergoing LT with
      IOHI may be more prone to developing CNI-NT and AKI in the early postoperative
      period. 

PMID- 25131039
TI  - Ten-year experience with liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in a
      Federal University Hospital in the Northeast of Brazil.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent and important primary liver
      tumor, with annual worldwide incidence of over 1 million cases, accounting for at
      least 500,000 deaths per year. The majority of cases of HCC occur in the setting
      of liver cirrhosis. In this retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study,
      between May 2002 and April 2012, 664 liver transplantations (LT) were conducted
      at a Federal University Hospital in the Northeast of Brazil, among which 140 LT
      were performed in patients with HCC. The tumor was more frequent in men with an
      average age of 56 years and infected with hepatitis C virus, many with a history
      of alcohol abuse. Alpha-fetoprotein was not useful in the diagnosis, and imaging
      methods have failed to diagnose the nodules in 19 patients (13.6%). Transarterial
      chemoembolization was the most-used bridging therapy to inhibit tumor growth for
      patients with HCC eligible for transplantation. The implementation of the Model
      for End Stage Liver Disease score in 2006 brought benefits to these patients. The
      rate of HCC recurrence after LT was 8.57% and occurred more often in the first 2
      years after transplantation, with the liver graft being the most common site.
      Significant risk factors for recurrence were a long time on the LT waiting list,
      number of liver nodules over 3.5, and the presence of vascular invasion. In
      conclusion, LT for HCC leads to excellent long-term survival, with relatively few
      patients dying from tumor recurrence. 

PMID- 25131040
TI  - Response to transarterial chemoembolization in candidates with hepatocellular
      carcinoma within Milan criteria does not predict post-transplant disease-free
      survival.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Few groups have studied the impact of pretransplant transarterial
      chemoembolization (TACE) in the outcomes of liver transplant recipients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We verified whether response to TACE in HCC
      candidates impacts post-transplant disease-free survival. METHODS: This a single
      center retrospective study of patients who underwent liver transplantation from
      2006-2013. Included were those transplanted due to HCC within the Milan criteria
      who were treated with TACE in the pre-transplant period. Response to TACE
      followed the modified RECIST (mRECIST) criteria. Disease free-survival was the
      main endpoint of the study. RESULTS: We included 187 patients in this study. The
      population had an average age of 57.5 years, predominantly formed by men (82.5%),
      with an average IMC of 26.7, MELD of 13, with viral hepatitis as main cause of
      liver disease. Average waiting time was 253 days and follow-up was 27.3 months.
      Based on response to TACE, 3-year disease-free survival was 84.1% for those with
      complete response to TACE, 84.1% for those with partial response to TACE, 85.7%
      for those with stable disease and 100% for patients with progressive disease.
      Multivariate analysis did not identify response to TACE as a predictor of disease
      free post-transplant survival. CONCLUSIONS: Response to TACE in candidates with
      HCC within Milan criteria does not predict post-transplant disease-free survival.

PMID- 25131041
TI  - Results from a liver transplant center in northeastern Brazil that performed more
      than 100 transplants in 2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Orthotopic liver transplantation is an essential approach performed
      in several centers around the world. Our center lies in northeastern Brazil and
      has performed this procedure since 2002. In 2011, 126 liver transplants were
      performed at our institution. METHODS: This study is a retrospective and
      descriptive analysis of the data collected from the medical records of those
      transplants. Epidemiological and clinical aspects were considered in this
      evaluation. The outcome analysis considered overall survival rates within 30 days
      and 1 year after transplantation. RESULTS: The sample of 124 patients showed 60%
      of all patients came from other regions, particularly the North and Midwest
      regions of Brazil, which had a combined population of >30 million in 2011. The
      most frequent etiologies for end-stage liver disease were hepatitis C and
      alcoholism. The average calculated MELD (Model for end-stage liver disease) was
      21.0. Patient survival curves were 88.4% after 30 days and 81.5% after 1 year.
      CONCLUSION: The development of effective perioperative management for this
      procedure resulted in improved outcomes. Our center's performance is based on a
      multidisciplinary approach performed by qualified personnel, careful pre- and
      postoperative follow-up and continuous improvement of services.

PMID- 25131042
TI  - Effect of a physical exercise program on the functional capacity of liver
      transplant patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently there has been great concern about the quality of life and
      health of liver transplant patients (LTP). These patients often present with
      metabolic disorders, which can improve with regular physical exercise. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the effect of a physical exercise program on the
      functional capacity of LTP. METHOD: The distance walked in the 6-minute walk test
      and the resting energy expenditure (REE) were evaluated in 15 subjects who
      regularly attend the outpatient Bias Fortes Clinic at Universidade Federal de
      Minas Gerais. The patients were divided into 2 groups, the Exercise Group (EG) (6
      men and 3 women; 52 +/- 15 years old, BMI 22.4 +/- 4.0 kg/m2) performed 24
      sessions of continuous 30 min treadmill exercise. Intensity of exercise was
      increased from 50%-70% of the maximum heart rate over the training period. A
      group of 3 men and 3 women (39 +/- 15 years, BMI 24.5 +/- 4.4 kg/m2) served as
      controls (CG). RESULTS: After undergoing exercise training, patients in the EG
      showed a 19.4% increase in the distance walked (pre = 453.6 +/- 128.0 m and post
      = 582.5 +/- 90.1 m). Also, there was an increase in their REE (pre = 1,060.0 +/-
      194.2 kcal and post = 1,375.0 +/- 258.6 kcal) (P < .05) indicating an increase in
      their exercise capacity and metabolic improvements. There were no differences in
      the distance walked (pre = 516.5 +/- 62.0 m and post = 517.7 +/- 71.9 m) and REE
      (pre = 1,393.0 +/- 213.3 kcal to post = 1,465.0 +/- 170.3 kcal) (P > .05) for CG.
      Our results are in agreement with previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that
      the exercise program promoted significant improvements in functional capacity.
      These findings have positive implications for the control of metabolic diseases,
      which are common in patients after liver transplantation.

PMID- 25131043
TI  - Use of IGL-1 preservation solution in liver transplantation.
AB  - University of Wisconsin (UW) solution has been known as the standard solution for
      liver graft preservation. Alternative preservation solutions have been used in
      liver transplantation, such as histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) and
      Celsior solution. Institut Georges Lopez-1 (IGL-1) is a new preservation solution
      with lower potassium and lower viscosity than UW solution that has recently been
      used in liver transplant. Data from 178 patients who received transplants from
      August 2008 to June 2013 at Hospital Santa Isabel, Blumenau, Brazil, were
      analyzed. All patients received grafts from brain death donors. In November 2011
      we started to use IGL-1 as an alternate preservation solution. Therefore, 53
      patients using IGL-1 preserved grafts were compared to 125 using HTK solution.
      The donor age in the HTK group ranged from 11-77 years, with a mean of 43.4 +/-
      4.8. In the IGL-1 group donor age ranged from 9-62 years, with a mean of 35.8 +/-
      4.5. Cold ischemia time in the HTK group ranged from 85-1145 minutes, mean 443.5
      +/- 183.5 minutes. In the IGL-1 group, cold ischemia time ranged from 85-670
      minutes, mean 329.3 +/- 134.8 minutes. The overall operative mortality rate was
      14% (25 patients); in the HTK group, 14.4% (18 patients); and in the IGL-1 group,
      13.4% (7 patients). One graft in the HTK group presented with primary non
      function (PNF), 0.7%; there were none in the IGL-1 group. In our study, IGL-1 has
      been shown to be safe to use as a preservation solution for liver
      transplantation. Early post-transplant graft function was comparable to that
      observed with HTK solution, although a tendency for lower alanine
      aminotransferase levels was noticed. IGL-1 has been shown to be safe, cost
      efficient, and an effective preservation solution.

PMID- 25131044
TI  - Is urinary gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase superior to urinary neutrophil
      gelatinase-associated lipocalin for early prediction of acute kidney injury after
      liver transplantation?
AB  - In this prospective study, we comparatively evaluated the accuracy of several
      biomarkers of acute kidney injury (AKI) on predicting its occurrence after liver
      transplantation (LT). The parameters evaluated were urinary tubular enzymes
      (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase [gammaGT], alkaline phosphatase, and urinary
      lactate dehydrogenase) and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin.
      These parameters were evaluated both as isolated variables and divided by urinary
      creatinine. Samples were collected by the end of surgery (determination 1) and at
      12 to 24 hours after surgery (determination 2). The study endpoint was the
      development of AKI. The study was performed over a 1-year period, and 61 of 77
      patients were enrolled (main exclusion criteria were perioperative death,
      previous known renal failure, and insufficient data for analysis). Of these 61
      patients, AKI was observed in 19 (group 1). The main relevant parameter to
      predict AKI was the absolute value of urinary gammaGT at determination 1 (area
      under the curve, 0.74; specificity, 72.5%; sensitivity, 70.3%; cutoff, 36 U/mL).
      Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin was not as accurate; the best
      predicted value for this parameter was absolute value at D1 with an area under
      the curve of 0.5 (specificity, 84.2%; sensitivity, 35.7%; cutoff value, 44.6
      ng/mL). We concluded that the absolute value of urinary gammaGT evaluated at the
      end of LT was the most accurate parameter to predict AKI in our cohort. Urinary
      enzyme levels must be taken into account in future analysis of this issue. 

PMID- 25131045
TI  - Acute kidney injury after liver transplantation: incidence and mortality.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation often present
      with acute kidney injury (AKI) in the postoperative period. It has been
      associated with a greater number of complications and high mortality rates. The
      goal of this study was to determine the incidence of AKI during the early
      posttransplant period and mortality in patients undergoing orthotopic liver
      transplantation in our hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective
      cohort study, we reviewed the medical records of all patients aged >18 years
      undergoing liver transplantation from April 2008 to April 2011. The exclusion
      criteria were a glomerular filtration rate (estimated by using the Modification
      of Diet in Renal Disease formula) <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) or AKI at the time of
      transplantation. AKI was defined as an increase >=50% from preoperative baseline
      serum creatinine levels during the hospitalization period. RESULTS: Of 113
      selected patients, 78 (69%) were male. The mean age was 54.03 +/- 9.38 years. The
      mean preoperative baseline creatinine level was 0.94 +/- 0.15 mg/dL, and the
      estimated glomerular filtration rate was 87.09 +/- 19.67 mL/min/1.73 m(2). The
      mean calculated Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 13. Hepatitis C
      serology was present in 70.8%, hepatitis B in 11.5%, hepatocellular carcinoma in
      75.2%, and alcohol abuse in 31.9% of patients. The incidence of AKI was 56.6% (64
      of 113 patients). The main risk factors for AKI were Model for End-Stage Liver
      Disease score and diuretic use at baseline. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) was
      performed in 19.5% (22 of 113) of patients. The hospital mortality rate in the
      group with AKI was 25% (16 of 64 patients) and 6.1% (3 of 49 patients) between
      patients without AKI (odds ratio, 5.11 [confidence interval, 1.39-18.7]; P <
      .01]. Among patients who underwent RRT, the in-hospital mortality rate was 54.5%
      (12 of 22 patients) compared with 7.7% (7 of 91 patients) from the other
      remaining patient cohort (odds ratio, 14.40 [confidence interval, 4.60-45.00]; P
      < .01). CONCLUSIONS: There was a high incidence of AKI in patients undergoing
      liver transplantation and an increased risk of mortality among patients who
      needed RRT.

PMID- 25131046
TI  - Relevance of anxiety and stress levels on sleep quality after liver
      transplantation.
AB  - The goal of this study was to assess the effects of anxiety and stress on sleep
      quality in liver transplantation recipients. A prospective cross-sectional study
      was performed including 45 recipients enrolled at a liver transplantation program
      at Ribeirao Preto, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Anxiety and stress were evaluated
      by using a reduced version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Perceived
      Stress Scale, respectively. Sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness were
      evaluated by using the Brazilian Portuguese versions of the Pittsburgh Sleep
      Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Thirty-two (71.11%) recipients
      presented with compromised sleep quality and 5 (11.11%) presented with excessive
      daytime sleepiness. Recipients with bad sleep quality had anxiety (mean, 26.91
      points) and stress (mean, 17.88 points) levels that were higher than the levels
      of patients with normal sleep quality patterns, with anxiety levels presenting
      with statistically significant differences (P = .0420). Patients with above
      average stress levels also had increased anxiety (mean, 28 points) and
      compromised sleep quality (mean, 7.03 points). In conclusion, a liver
      transplantation recipient who experiences bad sleep quality also has higher
      levels of anxiety and stress, suggesting a relationship between the sleep
      wakefulness cycle and anxiety/stress. Planning strategies aimed at reducing such
      emotional shifts among recipients is of paramount importance. Therefore, new
      strategies focusing on improving the sleep pattern of patients are necessary
      because unhealthy sleep behavior may impair postoperative recovery. 

PMID- 25131047
TI  - Risk factors of pancreatic graft loss and death of receptor after simultaneous
      pancreas/kidney transplantation.
AB  - Simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplants require a long graft survival and the
      recipient to present with more benefits than risks. We evaluated the risk factors
      of receptor's death and pancreatic graft loss on 2 occasions (3 and 12 months'
      postoperatively) in 292 transplants in whom 22 variables were evaluated.
      Variables were selected, 9 receivers, 8 donors, and 5 variables related to the
      surgical procedure. All independent variables were compared with the dependent
      variables of pancreatic graft losses and patient deaths. Those considered
      significant according to univariate analysis were analyzed by using multiple
      logistic regression techniques in an attempt to develop a mathematical model
      capable of predicting both pancreatic graft and patient losses. Lastly, based on
      the resulting models with all significant variables, scores were created to
      determine the risk of patient death and pancreatic graft loss. In the adjusted
      multivariate analysis, the significant variables were donor age, receiver's body
      mass index, initial pancreas implant, iliac venous drainage, and use of induction
      therapy related to pancreatic loss within 3 months after transplantation.
      Independent risk factors regarding the loss of patients within 12 months were
      body mass index and receptor induction therapy. The variables related to
      pancreatic graft loss within 3 months were donor age, receiver body mass index,
      initial use of pancreatic graft, iliac venous drainage, and induction therapy;
      these variables can be used for creating a risk score. The donor body mass index
      and the induction therapy were independently related to patient loss within 12
      months after the transplant. 

PMID- 25131048
TI  - Component analysis of hospital cost of pancreas-kidney transplant and
      correlations with different variables in a Brazilian hospital.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is associated with a
      high rate of complications when it is compared with transplantation of other
      organs; these increased complications can result in increased financial costs of
      the procedure. The objective of this study was to determine operating costs and
      financial results of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation and its
      different variables in a Brazilian hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between
      January 2008 and December 2011, the monthly costs of 105 patients were
      calculated. These patients were divided into 2 groups; the first consecutive 53
      patients were labeled group I and the second set of 52 patients were labeled
      group II. The cost evaluation was made in US dollars. RESULTS: A total of 89
      patients corresponded to the public health system and 16 patients to the
      supplementary health system. The percentage of hospital discharge was 92.4%.
      There was an increase in operating room costs in group II compared with group I
      with no statistically significant difference ($18,749.33 for group I and
      $17,608.26 for group II). The outcome of the operation was positive; it was
      greater for group II than for group I ($16,303.22 vs $3494.53). CONCLUSIONS:
      Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is a financially feasible procedure
      in Brazil, with the public health system being the main payment source.

PMID- 25131049
TI  - Home parenteral nutrition program and referral of potential candidates for
      intestinal and multivisceral transplantation in a single Brazilian center.
AB  - Intestinal failure is a multifaceted condition that may require high-complexity
      treatment and a multidisciplinary program, including home parenteral nutrition
      therapy (HPNT) and intestinal transplantation. In this article, we profile a
      Brazilian single-center experience with 128 cases of HTPN followed for the last
      30 years and appraise the referral for potential intestinal and multivisceral
      transplantation. 

PMID- 25131050
TI  - Heart transplantation in pediatric population and in adults with congenital heart
      disease: long-term follow-up, critical clinical analysis, and perspective for the
      future.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation is a treatment option for children as well as
      for adults with congenital heart disease. OBJECTIVE: To report the experience of
      a tertiary center with heart transplant program in pediatric population and in
      adults with congenital heart disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study consisted
      of the evaluation of pediatric as well as adult patients undergoing heart
      transplantation for congenital heart disease. We evaluated the following
      indication and complications such as renal dialysis, graft vascular disease,
      tumors and survival. RESULTS: From October 1992 to November 2013, 134 patients
      had transplantation, and there were 139 transplantations and 5
      retransplantations. The immunosuppression regimen is based on calcineurin
      inhibitors and cytostatic drugs. The type of heart disease indicated for
      transplantation was cardiomyopathies in 70% and congenital heart disease in 30%.
      Of these 134 patients, 85 patients were alive. Actuarial survival is 77.4%,
      69.6%, 59.3% at 1, 5, and 10 years after transplantation. Three patients
      underwent renal transplantation, 1 patient is in renal dialysis, and 8.2% of
      patients had post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. Two patients had
      retransplantation for graft vascular disease; 1 of them required a simultaneous
      kidney transplant and died 30 days after the procedure and 1 patient is
      clinically well 2 years after retransplantation. CONCLUSION: Heart
      transplantation in children and in adults with congenital heart disease is a
      promising therapeutic option and enables long-term survival for these patients.

PMID- 25131051
TI  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in lung transplantation: 5 case
      reports.
AB  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a cliniconeuroradiologic
      entity characterized by typical neurologic symptoms with characteristic cerebral
      image alterations. It has been reported in solid organ transplantations,
      especially related to the use of calcineurin inhibitors. The incidence of PRES in
      lung transplantation is unknown and probably under-reported in the literature.
      Here we describe 5 cases of PRES after bilateral lung transplantation. One of the
      reported cases was the first in the literature in which the neurologic onset
      precluded the introduction of calcineurin inhibitor. Therefore, although
      calcineurin inhibitors are known to play an important role in the development of
      PRES in the setting of lung transplantation, other causes seems to be involved in
      the physiopathology of this syndrome. 

PMID- 25131052
TI  - Fungal infection by Mucorales order in lung transplantation: 4 case reports.
AB  - Mucorales is a fungus that causes systemic, highly lethal infections in
      immunocompromised patients. The overall mortality of pulmonary mucormycosis can
      reach 95%. This work is a review of medical records of 200 lung transplant
      recipients between the years of 2003 and 2013, in order to identify the
      prevalence of Mucorales in the Lung Transplantation service of Heart Institute
      (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil, by culture
      results from bronchoalveolar lavage and necropsy findings. We report 4 cases
      found at this analyses: 3 in patients with cystic fibrosis and 1 in a patient
      with bronchiectasis due to Kartagener syndrome. There were 2 unfavorable outcomes
      related to the presence of Mucorales, 1 by reduction of immunosuppression,
      another by invasive infection. Another patient died from renal and septic
      complications from another etiology. One patient was diagnosed at autopsy just 5
      days after lung transplantation, with the Mucor inside the pulmonary vein with a
      precise, well-defined involvement only of donor's segment, leading to previous
      colonization hypothesis. There are few case reports of Mucorales infection in
      lung transplantation in the literature. Surveillance for the presence of Mucor
      can lead to timely fungal treatment and reduce morbidity and mortality in the
      immunocompromised patients, especially lung transplant recipients. 

PMID- 25131053
TI  - Cardiac effect of ischemic preconditioning and heparin following intestinal
      ischemia and reperfusion in rats.
AB  - To study the role of heparin and ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in cardiac injury
      after intestinal ischemia (I) and reperfusion (R), 54 rats underwent 60 minutes
      of I, which was produced by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery, and/or
      120 minutes of R. The IPC group had the I procedure stimulation for 5 minutes and
      R for 10 minutes. The control group was subjected to sham surgery only, and the
      other groups were injected with saline solution (SS; 0.1 mL) or heparin (100
      IU/kg) via the inferior cava vein 5 minutes before I and 5 minutes before R and
      55 minutes after the R begins in I-R groups. In all animals, cardiac samples were
      stained with hematoxylin and eosin for optical microscopy analysis, and other
      sample was processed for lipid peroxidation determination. In I-R groups, both
      heparin and IPC showed significant protection compared to the SS group;
      conversely, in animals subjected only to I, no protection was observed. Moreover,
      when heparin was associated with IPC, I-R protection was compromised and the
      ischemic injury increased. Data showed that IPC and heparin attenuated cardiac
      dysfunction caused by intestinal I and I-R, but when used in association did not
      show beneficial effects. 

PMID- 25131054
TI  - Ex situ regeneration of liver remnants hypothermically preserved for 24 hours.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: After partial hepatectomy (PH), the liver remnant (LR) shows a
      regenerative response, always keeping a percent relationship with the host. This
      process has been well described in the literature, but several aspects still need
      to be understood. There are no studies on hepatic LR regeneration during
      hypothermic preservation. Thus, the objective of the present study was to analyze
      LR regeneration after PH under conditions of hypothermal preservation. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Twenty adult Wistar rats were divided into 4 experimental groups:
      PHS (70% PH); PHP (70% PH of an organ perfused and preserved for 24 hours); PWL
      (perfused whole liver preserved for 24 hours); and NPWL (nonperfused whole
      liver). The liver was perfused with 250 mL Celsior solution with a catheter
      connected to a 1.30-cm-high liquid column. Hepatic tissue samples were submitted
      to immunohistochemical analysis for the evaluation of protein Ki67 expression,
      related to the mechanism of cell proliferation, to analysis of micro-RNA
      expression (miR-21 and miR-16) by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and to
      analysis of mitochondrial function. Nonparametric statistical analysis was used
      (P < .05). RESULTS: Ki67 analysis revealed that the PHP group showed 17.41% cell
      proliferation in LR (P < .01) compared to PHS (42.22%), PWL (11.43%), and NPWL
      (11.98%). miR-16 expression (proapoptotic) was found to be higher in the NPWL
      group compared to all others (PHS, PHP, and PWL), with a statistically
      significant difference between the NPWL group and the PHS and PHP groups.
      CONCLUSION: The animals submitted to PHS and PHP presenting greater Ki67
      expression showed low miR-16 expression, indicating a low apoptotic index. In
      summary, the LR showed ex situ regeneration even under hypothermal conditions.
      There are no similar data in the literature surveyed.

PMID- 25131055
TI  - Ischemic preconditioning and atenolol on lung injury after intestinal ischemia
      and reperfusion in rats.
AB  - The aim of this study was evaluate the beta blocker atenolol (AT) and ischemic
      preconditioning (IPC) strategies for tissue protection against systemic effects
      of intestinal ischemia (I) and reperfusion (R) injury. Forty-two rats were
      pretreated with AT (1.5 mg . kg(-1)), 0.9% saline solution (SS; 0.1 mL), or IPC
      and then subjected to prolonged occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for
      60 minutes leading to I followed or not by 120 minutes of R, according to the
      group. For IPC, 5 minutes of I prior to 10 minutes of R were established. After
      this process of I or I-R, the right lung of each animal was adequately prepared
      for staining with hematoxylin and eosin and subsequent histologic analysis for
      quantification of inflammatory infiltrate was done. The left lung was frozen and
      prepared for assessment of oxidative stress by the quantification of
      thiobarbituric acid-reactivity substances (TBARS). Histologic analysis showed an
      important inflammatory infiltrate in the I-R + SS (I-R + SS = 4.5), which was
      significantly (P < .05) reduced by IPC (I-R + IPC = 3.0) or AT (I-R + AT = 3.0).
      Likewise, the TBARS levels were decreased by both strategies (I-R + SS = 0.63; I
      R + IPC = 0.23; I-R + AT = 0.38; P < .05). Our results showed that AT and IPC
      attenuate pulmonary lesions caused by intestinal I and R process. 

PMID- 25131056
TI  - Effect of ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning on liver regeneration in
      prepubertal rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver regeneration has great importance for transplantation,
      especially in children; however, it has not been studied sufficiently in
      development animals. Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a problem, and strategies
      such as ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning are not well defined
      regarding regeneration. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate liver
      regeneration with modulation by ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning in
      prepubertal rats subjected to total ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: Thirty
      five 5-week-old female Wistar rats were divided into groups of 7 animals each:
      control group (SHAM), 70% hepatectomy (HEP), total ischemia 30 minutes before
      hepatectomy (IR), ischemic preconditioning 10/10 minutes before ischemia (PRE),
      and two 30/30-second ischemic postconditioning cycles after ischemia and
      hepatectomy (POS). All animals were subjected to 24-hour reperfusion. Aspartate
      aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity were measured to evaluate
      liver damage, and histological analysis, proliferating cell nuclear antigen
      (PCNA) and regenerated mass liver were used to evaluate liver regeneration.
      Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS:
      Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly
      lower in conditioned groups than in the IR group. Regarding mitotic index, IR >
      control group and HEP (P < .05), PRE and POS were not significantly different
      from IR, and POS > HEP (P < .05). PCNA analysis showed that IR > HEP (P < .01),
      PRE < IR (P < .01), and no significant differences were observed between POS and
      IR groups. No significant differences in regenerated mass liver were observed
      between conditioned groups and HEP. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic postconditioning
      prevented ischemic injury, promoted greater liver regeneration, and should be
      further investigated as an alternative better than ischemic preconditioning.

PMID- 25131057
TI  - Effects of immunosuppressive drugs on gastrointestinal transit of rats: effects
      of tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and prednisone.
AB  - Triple immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation may cause several
      gastrointestinal disturbances. It is difficult to identify which drug causes more
      complications, requiring an appropriate animal model. The aim was to compare the
      gastrointestinal transit in immunosuppressed rats under triple immunosuppressive
      therapy. Male rats were immunosuppressed by gavage during 14 days with tacrolimus
      (n = 10), cyclosporine (n = 12), and prednisone (n = 9). Animals received a
      magnetic pellet before (control) and after treatment that was monitored at
      predetermined intervals by AC biosusceptometry, a noninvasive and radiation-free
      technique. The following parameters were measured: creatinine serum, mean time of
      gastric emptying (MGET), mean time to reach cecum (MCAT), and mean transit time
      through small bowel (MSBTT). The differences were analyzed by ANOVA (Tukey). Our
      results showed that MGET of animals treated with prednisone, cyclosporine, and
      tacrolimus were reduced compared with control subjects (P < .03, P < .009, and P
      < .002, respectively). There was no difference in MCAT, whereas MSBTT was longer
      for tacrolimus and prednisone compared with control subjects (P < .004 and P <
      .004, respectively). Also, prednisone and tacrolimus presented a reduced MGET (P
      < .05 and P < .01, respectively) compared with cyclosporine. Our data showed a
      low serum creatinine level and no difference among groups regarding renal
      function. In summary, cyclosporine has less effect on the gastrointestinal
      transit; however, all of these drugs should be carefully prescribed to prevent
      gastrointestinal symptoms and improve quality of life after transplantation. 

PMID- 25131058
TI  - Late biliary obstruction in Wistar rats after intermittent hepatic pedicle
      clamping.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The temporary vascular occlusion of hepatic flow is one of the
      essential procedures in hepatic surgery. AIM: Evaluate the late liver alterations
      after intermittent pedicle hepatic clamping (IHPC) in Wistar rats. METHODS: Male
      Wistar rats (n = 14) with average weight of 281.1 g, were anesthetized with
      intraperitoneal ketamine 5%. The IHPC group (n = 7) was submitted to U-shaped
      abdominal incision; the hepatic pedicle was isolated and submitted to IHPC
      ischemia 4 times, 5 minutes each, followed by reperfusion 4 times, 5 minutes
      each. The simulated operation group (n = 7) was subjected to anesthesia,
      laparotomy, and manipulation of the hepatic pedicle. On day 35, after fasting for
      12 hours, liver biopsies were collected and blood was tested for liver
      aminotransferases (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase). RESULTS:
      All the IHPC group animals had a dilated common bile duct and increased liver
      enzymes (P < .05 by Mann-Whitney test). Ductular proliferation (100% of cases),
      porta-porta septa (42.8%), formation of lumps (42.8%), foci of necrosis (14.2%),
      and bile plugs (14, 2%) were observed only in the IHPC group. CONCLUSION: In
      rats, IHPC caused morphologic features leading to biliary obstruction.

PMID- 25131059
TI  - Effect of platelet-rich plasma therapy associated with exercise training in
      musculoskeletal healing in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Muscle healing is a time-dependent process associated with an
      increase in the total amount of local collagen fibers. Platelet-rich plasma
      therapy (PRPT) associated with exercise may improve this healing process. The aim
      of this study was to demonstrate the regenerative effect of PRPT in association
      with exercise training on musculoskeletal healing. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were
      submitted to an injury in the vastus lateralis muscle and randomly divided into 4
      groups (n = 5/group): sedentary sham-operated (SSO); sedentary group submitted to
      PRPT (SPR); swim-trained (SWT); and swim-trained group submitted to PRPT (SWP).
      Serum lactate level was used to confirm the training protocol effectiveness to
      increase aerobic fitness. The collagen fiber concentration was measured by the
      polarization colors in picrosirius red-stained tissue sections. RESULTS: Lactate
      levels decreased in both training groups (SWT and SWP; P < .05) after training
      (SWT: from 6.2 +/- 0.44 to 4.7 +/- 0.22 mmol/L; SWP: from 5.5 +/- 0.99 to 4.0 +/-
      0.78 mmol/L). There were less type 1 collagen fibers in SWP group compared with
      other groups (SSO = 31.8 +/- 10.3, SSP = 32.3 +/- 13.5, SWT = 14.6 +/- 13.4, SWP
      = 5.7 +/- 4.7, P < .05), while there were more type 3 collagen fibers on SWP (SSO
      = 68.7 +/- 9.8, SSP = 71.2 +/- 12.2, SWT = 85.4 +/- 13.4, SWP = 94.4 +/- 4.6, P <
      .05) in the injured region. CONCLUSION: Exercise in association with PRPT
      enhances the skeletal muscle-healing process.

PMID- 25131060
TI  - Regeneration of skin tissue promoted by mesenchymal stem cells seeded in
      nanostructured membrane.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mesenchymal stem cell therapy has proven to be an effective
      option in the treatment of skin injuries. The combination of these cells with
      nanostructured membranes seems to be the future for tissues recovery. The aim of
      this project was to use biomolecules of polysaccharides to be incorporated on
      regenerated cellulose membranes and to prospect the improvement as bioactive
      wound dressings with mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS: The biocomposites were
      obtained after defibrillation with the use of never-dried bacterial cellulose to
      form a pulp, and, after the films were regenerated, in the presence of gellan gum
      with or without fluconazole. Membrane atomic force microscopy was performed for
      comparison of their structures. RESULTS: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
      were obtained from human adipose tissue liposuction in accordance with Zuk et al.
      The flow cytometric analysis and induction tests for adipocytes and osteocytes
      were performed. In vitro assays were performed on different membranes to evaluate
      the ability of these cells to adhere at 2 hours and proliferate at 7 days; the
      results were obtained by use of the MTT cell counting technique. In vivo testing
      allowed us to observe cell migration and participation in wound-healing by
      fluorescence labeling of the cells with BrdU. The bioactive curative, seeded with
      cells, was tested in skin burned in a murine model. CONCLUSIONS: The bacterial
      cellulose with gelan gum membrane incorporated with fluconazole presented the
      best performance in adhesion and proliferation tests. The cells can be identified
      in burned host tissue after occurrence of the wound.

PMID- 25131061
TI  - Rhabdomyolysis as a clinical manifestation of association with ciprofibrate,
      sirolimus, cyclosporine, and pegylated interferon-alpha in liver-transplanted
      patients: a case report and literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome characterized by impaired metabolic
      integrity of myocytes, causing the release of intracellular constituents into the
      circulation, and can be a serious side effect of drug intake. CASE REPORT: This
      report describes a unique case of rabdomyolysis secondary in which ciprofibrate,
      sirolimus, cyclosporine, and pegylated interferon-alpha in a liver transplant
      patient was used. A 47-year-old male liver transplant recipient in 2009, who had
      hepatitis C and incidental hepatocellular carcinoma, underwent immunosuppressive
      therapy (cyclosporine and sirolimus). The patient is currently in treatment for
      viral recurrence with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin; he had a history
      of hypertriglyceridemia treated with ciprofibrate. He had development of severe
      and generalized myalgia and fever after the eighth application of pegylated
      interferon-alpha and increasing doses of cyclosporine. Laboratorial tests showed
      acute renal failure and significant increase in creatine kinase. Rhabdomyolysis
      secondary to interaction of fibrate-cyclosporine-pegylated interferon-alpha was
      postulated. CONCLUSIONS: Medical professionals should be aware of possible drug
      interactions and should monitor patients receiving these drugs.

PMID- 25131062
TI  - Endovascular management of massive hemobilia as a late complication of
      percutaneous biliary drainage in a pediatric liver transplant recipient: a case
      report.
AB  - Development of biliary strictures after liver transplantation is not uncommon,
      and minimally invasive procedures are the first-line treatment of choice in most
      centers. Hemobilia is an infrequent, usually self-limited complication related to
      the initial biliary access procedure. Massive hemobilia with severe hemodynamic
      instability is a rare event, particularly as a delayed complication. The
      difficulty of obtaining surgical access makes management of this condition highly
      challenging. Endovascular embolization may represent an important treatment
      option in this setting. 

PMID- 25131063
TI  - Hepatic artery thrombosis in live liver donor transplantation: how to solve--a
      case report.
AB  - The decrease in the number of cadaveric donors has proved a limiting factor in
      the number of liver transplants, leading to the death of many patients on the
      waiting list. The living donor liver transplantation is an option that allows, in
      selected cases, increase the number of donors. One of the most serious
      complications in liver transplantation is hepatic artery thrombosis, in the past
      considered potentially fatal without urgent re-transplantation. A white male
      patient, 48 years old, diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic liver
      failure caused by hepatitis B virus, underwent living donor liver transplantation
      (right lobe). Doppler echocardiography performed in the immediate postoperative
      period did not identify arterial flow in the right branch, having been confirmed
      thrombosis of the right hepatic artery in CT angiography. Urgent re-laparotomy
      was performed, which consisted of thrombectomy and re-anastomosis of the hepatic
      artery with segmental splenic artery allograft interposition. The patient started
      anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid. Serial
      evaluation with Doppler echocardiography showed hepatic artery patency. At
      present, the patient is asymptomatic. One of the most devastating complications
      in liver transplantation, and particularly in living liver donor, is thrombosis
      of the hepatic artery; thus, early diagnosis and treatment is vital. The rapid
      intervention for revascularization of the graft avoids irreversible ischemia of
      the bile ducts and hepatic parenchyma, thus avoiding the need for re
      transplantation. 

PMID- 25131065
TI  - What defines success in pancreas and islet transplantation-insulin independence
      or prevention of hypoglycemia? A review.
AB  - Pancreas transplantation is considered to be the treatment of choice for selected
      uremic and diabetic patients, and insurance coverage is widely provided. In the
      USA, islet transplantation is considered to be an experimental procedure that
      awaits formal results of ongoing phase III trials to justify biologic licensure
      and transition to standard of care. Pancreas and islet registry analyses focus on
      different functional endpoints: insulin independence (pancreas transplants)
      versus avoidance of hypoglycemia (islet transplants). Although the results of
      islet transplants have significantly improved, the frequent use of multiple donor
      organs, suboptimal islet yields, and difficulties in monitoring successful
      engraftment or in diagnosing rejection remain major barriers that need to be
      overcome. Although pancreas and islet transplantations are frequently considered
      to be competing procedures, they are actually complementary treatment options for
      patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Because the results of pancreas
      transplants are superior to those for islet transplants, diabetic patients with a
      low surgical risk should undergo a pancreas transplantation. Type 1 diabetics
      with a high surgical risk (eg, serious comorbidities) should undergo an islet
      transplantation. Only an integrated approach to pancreas and islet
      transplantation, tailored to the need of the individual patient, will maximize
      the benefit of a scarce resource. Both procedures, if successful, have in common
      that they represent the only biologic treatment option to date for type 1
      diabetic patients that prevents hypoglycemia long term. 

PMID- 25131066
TI  - Short and long-term outcomes of systemic drainage to IVC: a new technique for
      pancreas transplantation.
AB  - Ninety-eight percent of the whole pancreas does not serve the purpose of
      pancreatic transplantation and it is a major cause of surgical complications. Up
      to 30% of pancreas transplant recipients experience surgical complications and
      require reoperation. Graft thrombosis and pancreatitis are the most common
      complications of pancreas transplantation (PT). Thus, different surgical
      techniques have been described to overcome the surgical hurdles and reduce
      surgical complications. In this study, for the first time, we report short- and
      long-term outcomes of PT with inferior vena cava (IVC) venous drainage. Forty
      five PTs (22 simultaneous pancreas and kidney [SPK] transplantations and 23
      pancreas after kidney [PAK] transplantations) were performed with this technique
      in our center. Sixty-eight percent of the donors were imported from outside of
      our area after they were declined by their local transplantation center. Patient
      and graft survival rates were 100% at 1 year. No graft thrombosis or pancreatitis
      occurred with this technique. Six patients (13.3%) required reoperation (3
      bleeding, 2 anastomotic leak, and 1 small bowel perforation). No patient or graft
      loss occurred due to surgical complications. We conclude that this technique
      provides fast and easy dissection of the venous drainage of the PT without the
      need of complete occlusion of venous outflow. Surgical complication rates were
      lower with this technique compared with other reported techniques. 

PMID- 25131067
TI  - Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation with duodeno-duodenal anastomosis.
AB  - Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) is now accepted as the method
      of choice for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type I) who have
      end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We believe that retroperitoneal positioning of
      the donor pancreas with the formation of duodeno-duodenal anastomosis is the most
      physiologically relevant. Starting in January 2008, the SPKT was chosen as the
      treatment method of 32 patients with diabetes mellitus. In 15 cases comprising
      group I (46.9%), the pancreas was placed intra-abdominally (including the
      formation of the duodeno-jejunal anastomosis). In the remaining 17 patients
      (53.1%) comprising group II, the pancreas was positioned retroperitoneally
      (including the formation of the duodeno-duodenal anastomosis). We compared the
      main parameters of the early postoperative period in these groups. There were no
      substantial differences between the groups in the prevalence of immunological
      (13.3% and 11.8%, P = .9), surgical (20% and 23.5%, P = .81), and infectious
      complications (20% and 5.9%, P = .23). On discharge there were no significant
      differences in the values of the following between the two groups, respectively:
      serum creatinine values, 112.7 +/- 31.2 and 104.8 +/- 54.6 MUmol/L, P = .17;
      glomerular filtration rate, 73.5 +/- 28.6 and 78.7 +/- 24.9 mL/min, P = .55;
      alpha-amylase, 121.9 +/- 63.6 and 150.1 +/- 72.1 U/L, P = .27; pancreatic
      amylase, 102 +/- 51.5 and 122.5 +/- 75.4 U/L, P = .6; lipase, 115.4 +/- 67.3 and
      96 +/- 65.7 U/L, P = .5; S-peptide, 4.44 +/- 1.9 and 4.02 +/- 2.4 ng/mL, P = .47;
      HbA1c, 5.45 +/- 0.8% and 5.56 +/- 1.12%, P = .9; and intact insulin, 12.2 +/- 5.4
      and 12.9 +/- 8.8 mcIU/mL, P = .95). SPKT remains the best method of medical and
      social rehabilitation for patients who have diabetes mellitus (type-I) with ESRD.
      Compared to the classic method, we have seen no significant deviations in either
      of the following: the qualitative features marking the restoration of function of
      the two transplanted organs and/or the quality of compensation of carbohydrate
      metabolism, incidence of rejection, and graft loss. At the same time,
      retroperitoneal positioning of the pancreas exhibited lower repeat surgery rates.

PMID- 25131068
TI  - Portal versus systemic venous drainage of the pancreatic graft: the effect on
      glucose metabolism in pancreas and kidney transplant recipients.
AB  - Two different methods of graft venous drainage are used in pancreas
      transplantation: portal (PVD) and systemic (SVD). PVD is considered to be more
      physiologic due to its similarity to venous outflow of the native pancreas. The
      aim of our study was to compare glucose metabolism in Type 1 diabetic recipients
      of kidney and pancreatic grafts with PVD versus SVD by intravenous glucose
      tolerance test (IVGTT). We examined 28 insulin-independent patients after
      simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation: 14 recipients with PVD of the
      pancreatic graft and 14 with SVD after a mean post-transplant period of 1 year.
      All recipients had stable good function of the kidney graft. Fasting glycemia,
      insulin levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and standard IVGTT with
      coefficient of glucose assimilation (KG) calculation were assessed. Insulin
      sensitivity and production were evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment
      (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], homeostasis model
      assessment of B-cell function [HOMA-B]). Total C-peptide and insulin secretions
      were calculated as areas under the curves (AUCs) from the serum levels during the
      IVGTT. PVD and SVD groups did not differ in age, body mass index (BMI) and
      duration of post-transplantation period (P >= .05). We did not find any
      significant difference in fasting glycemia, HbA1c, KG, HOMA-IR, parameters of C
      peptide level, fasting insulin level, and response during IVGTT. HOMA-B and AUC
      of insulin level were higher in the SVD group (45.1 +/- 35.1 versus 19.8 +/-
      15.5, P =.03 and 1075 +/- 612 versus 1799 +/- 954 mIU/L/60 minutes, P < .03,
      respectively). In the PVD group, 1 patient had an abnormal response to the
      glucose stimulus, 8 patients had an impaired glucose tolerance, and 5 patients
      had a normal glucose tolerance. In the SVD group, an abnormal response was
      present in none, impaired glucose tolerance in 4, and normal glucose tolerance in
      10 recipients. Athough this was not a prospectively randomized trial, we conclude
      that the change of surgical technique from SVD to PVD did not lead to any
      substantial change in terms of glucose tolerance. 

PMID- 25131069
TI  - Evaluation of insulin independence using 11C-methionine positron emission
      tomography after living-donor and brain-dead donor pancreas transplantation.
AB  - We recently reported that (11)C-methionine positron-emission tomography (PET) is
      clinically useful for the evaluation of the pancreatic function of the living
      donor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the postoperative insulin
      independence in 10 living donor (LD) and 10 brain-dead donor (BD) pancreas
      transplantations for 20 patients with type I diabetes mellitus by using (11)C
      methionine PET. After 6 months, PET/computed tomography was performed 30 minutes
      after (11)C-methionine (370-740 MBq) injection. The uptake in the pancreas was
      expressed as the standardized uptake value (SUV). Patient survival rates were
      100% at 5 years for LD transplantations and at 2 years for BD transplantations.
      Insulin independence was 60% for LD transplantations at 5 years and 75% for BD
      transplantations at 2 years. There were no major surgical complications such as
      vascular thrombosis, intra-abdominal abscess, and graft pancreatitis. The SUVs
      for LD and BD pancreas transplantations with insulin independence were 7.2 +/-
      1.8 and 10.4 +/- 2.3, respectively. The SUVs for LD pancreas transplantations
      with insulin dependence and BD pancreas transplantations with graft failure were
      3.6 +/- 1.1 and 2.9 +/- 1.0, respectively. At 5 years after transplantation, for
      the LD transplants, the insulin-independent rate was 100% for the graft
      recipients with an SUV higher than 5, and the median insulin independence
      duration of the graft recipients with an SUV less than 5 was 7 months (P < .01).
      The (11)C-methionine PET may be a potent modality to predict long-term insulin
      independence and the avoidance of pancreas graft failure. 

PMID- 25131070
TI  - A novel screening test for detecting graft thrombosis after pancreatic
      transplantation using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with sonazoid.
AB  - Pancreatic graft thrombosis is the primary cause of nonimmunologic graft loss,
      with an incidence ranging from 5% to 15%. Therefore, developing a screening test
      to detect graft thrombosis after pancreatic transplantation is important. We
      created a screening test to assess graft thrombosis after pancreatic
      transplantation using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) with Sonazoid in
      addition to Doppler ultrasonography. A total of seven patients were examined
      using CEUS after undergoing pancreatic transplantation. All patients were
      observed to have a clear blood flow from the horizontal region to the peripheral
      region of the splenic vein in the pancreatic graft, and only one of the seven
      patients exhibited a blood flow in the horizontal portion of the splenic vein on
      Doppler ultrasonography performed immediately after pancreatic transplantation.
      Results from CEUS with Sonazoid showed the blood flow in the splenic vein and
      parenchyma of the pancreatic graft in detail, despite the slow and lateral blood
      flow in the splenic vein of the pancreatic graft immediately after
      transplantation. 

PMID- 25131071
TI  - Long-term outcomes of pancreas after kidney transplantation in small centers: is
      it justified?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, the long-term advantages of having a pancreas
      transplantation (PT) are debated, particularly in patients receiving pancreas
      after kidney (PAK) allografts. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)
      requires that a transplant center perform a minimum number of PT per year to
      remain an active PT center. The long-term outcomes and challenges of PAK in small
      pancreas transplant centers are not well studied. METHODS: In this retrospective
      analysis, we report short- and long-term outcomes in a small center performing 2
      9 PT annually. RESULTS: Forty-eight PT (25 simultaneous pancreas and kidney
      transplantation [SPK], 23 PAK) were performed in our center. Donor and recipient
      demographics were similar in both groups. All suitable local donors were used for
      SPK. All organs for PAK transplantation were imported from other UNOS regions.
      Mean follow-up was 61 +/- 46 and 74 +/- 46 months for SPK and PAK, respectively.
      Patient and graft survival rates were similar in SPK and PAK groups and better
      than the reported national average. Four patients (11%) died (1 due to trauma, 1
      brain lymphoma, 1 ruptured aneurysm; and 1 unknown cause). Two patients (4%; 1
      SPK, 1 PAK) lost their grafts because of thrombosis on postoperative days 3 and 5
      in 2002. No graft thrombosis occurred since 2002. Seven patients (15%) required
      reoperation (4 for bleeding, 2 anastomotic leaks, 1 small bowel perforation). Two
      patients (4%) developed post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease. Five
      patients (11%) experienced cytomegalovirus antigenemia which responded well to
      antiviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with outcomes for diabetic patients on
      dialysis, current SPK and PAK short- and long-term results are favorable even in
      a small PT center. Therefore, unless there is a contraindication, PT should be
      offered to all type 1 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease at the time
      of kidney transplantation or afterward.

PMID- 25131072
TI  - Similar results with solitary pancreas transplantation compared with simultaneous
      pancreas-kidney transplantation in the new millennium.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyze our single-center outcomes
      according to pancreas transplant (PT) category in the new millennium by using
      standardized management protocols. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      studied 202 consecutive PTs (179 with portal-enteric drainage) in 192 patients;
      all received either rabbit antithymocyte globulin or alemtuzumab induction in
      combination with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and tapered corticosteroids
      or early steroid withdrawal. Unlike simultaneous pancreas/kidney (SPK)
      transplant, solitary PT (SPT) recipients were managed with routine perioperative
      anticoagulation and surveillance pancreas biopsies. RESULTS: From November 2001
      to March 2013, we performed 162 SPK transplants, 35 pancreas after kidney
      transplants, and 5 pancreas-alone transplants (40 SPTs). Demographic
      characteristics were mostly comparable; however, the SPT group had younger
      donors, shorter waiting time, fewer HLA mismatches, and fewer African-American
      recipients but more retransplants (all, P < .05). With a mean follow-up of 5.5
      versus 7.5 years, overall patient (86.4% SPK vs 86.8% SPT), kidney graft (74% SPK
      vs 80% SPT), and pancreas graft (both 65%) survival rates were comparable.
      Although mortality rates were similar, mortality patterns differed because no SPT
      recipients died early, whereas the 1-, 3-, and 5-year mortality rates after SPK
      transplant were 4%, 9% and 12%, respectively (P < .05). The most common causes of
      pancreas graft loss were death with functioning grafts in SPK recipients and
      acute/chronic rejection in SPT recipients. Rates of early thrombosis were 8.6% in
      SPK patients and 5% in SPT patients. Cumulative clinical acute rejection rates
      were similar between groups (SPK 29% vs SPT 27.5%; P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: In the
      setting of depleting antibody induction and tacrolimus-based therapy, HLA
      matching, careful donor and recipient selection, portal-enteric drainage,
      selective perioperative anticoagulation, and surveillance SPT biopsy monitoring,
      similar medium-term outcomes can be achieved in SPK transplants and SPTs in the
      new millennium.

PMID- 25131073
TI  - 5-year results of a prospective, randomized, single-center study of alemtuzumab
      compared with rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction in simultaneous kidney
      pancreas transplantation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The study purpose was to analyze 5-year outcomes in a prospective,
      randomized trial of alemtuzumab (ALEM) versus rabbit antithymocyte globulin
      (rATG) induction in simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SKPT). PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: From February 2005 through October 2008, a total of 46 SKPTs (45
      portal-enteric drainage) were prospectively randomized to receive either single
      dose ALEM (30 mg intraoperatively) or multiple-dose rATG antibody induction
      (starting intraoperatively, minimum of 3 doses administered) with
      tacrolimus/mycophenolate and/or steroids. RESULTS: Of 222 kidney transplant
      patients enrolled in the study, 46 received SKPTs; 28 (61%) received ALEM and 18
      (39%) received rATG induction. Follow-up ranged from 54 to 98 months (mean, 69
      months). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in 5-year
      patient (82% ALEM vs 89% rATG), kidney graft (79% ALEM vs 72% rATG), or pancreas
      graft (64% ALEM vs 56% rATG) survival rates. Death-censored kidney (90% ALEM vs
      75% rATG) and pancreas (71% ALEM vs 56% rATG) graft survival rates were likewise
      comparable (both, P = NS). Acute rejection (21% ALEM vs 44% rATG; P = .11) and
      major infection (39% ALEM vs 67% rATG; P = .13) rates were slightly lower in the
      ALEM group; cytomegalovirus infections were significantly lower (0% ALEM vs 17%
      rATG; P = .05). The incidence of late acute rejection was low in both groups.
      There were no differences in early pancreas thromboses (3.6% ALEM vs 11% rATG),
      postoperative bleeding (11% ALEM vs 0% rATG), other surgical complications, or
      readmissions between groups. In patients with functioning grafts, 5-year mean
      serum creatinine (1.4 ALEM vs 1.6 mg/dL rATG), calculated abbreviated
      Modification of Diet in Renal Disease glomerular filtration rate (55 ALEM vs 52
      mL/min/1.73 m(2) rATG), glycosylated hemoglobin (both 5.4%), and C-peptide (2.2
      ALEM vs 2.3 ng/mL rATG) levels were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose ALEM and
      multiple dose rATG induction provided similar medium-term patient, kidney, and
      pancreas graft function and survival rates. ALEM induction may be associated with
      less acute rejection and major infection over the long term.

PMID- 25131074
TI  - Excellent outcomes can be achieved in young pancreas transplant alone recipients
      by addition of sirolimus to maintenance immunosuppression regimen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreas transplant alone (PTA) has evolved into a viable treatment
      option for nonuremic patients with labile diabetes mellitus. Historically, PTA
      outcomes were inferior to simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant outcomes,
      because of the higher rate of graft loss due to rejection in PTA recipients. But
      with advances in immunosuppression, PTA outcomes have improved significantly-
      except in young PTA recipients. The more potent immune system in young recipients
      appears to play a key role. In this study, our objective was to investigate
      outcomes of PTA, by recipient age, with the use of different immunosuppressive
      maintenance regimens. METHODS: Using information from the International Pancreas
      Transplant Registry and from the United Network for Organ Sharing, we analyzed
      outcomes of 393 technically successful enteric-drained transplants in the PTA
      category that were performed from January 2003 through December 2012. All PTA
      recipients underwent induction immunosuppression with thymoglobulin and pulse
      steroids and were then maintained on long-term low-dose prednisone. Excluded from
      our study group were patients who experienced surgical graft loss. We divided the
      393 recipients into 2 age groups: <42 years (187 patients) versus >=42 years (206
      patients). For both the younger group and the older group, we compared 2
      maintenance immunosuppressive regimens: (1) tacrolimus (Tac) and mycophenolate
      mofetil (MMF) versus (2) Tac/MMF and sirolimus (Srl). We refer to
      immunosuppression with Tac and MMF as the non-Srl regimen. RESULTS: The overall 3
      year graft survival rate, across both age groups, was significantly better with
      the Srl regimen (P = .03). Regardless of the immunosuppressive regimen used,
      outcomes were significantly better in the older group than in the younger group
      (P = .05). In the older group, with both regimens, outcomes were similar (P =
      .55). But in the younger group, outcomes with the Srl regimen were significantly
      better (P = .009) than with the non-Srl regimen and, in fact, were similar to
      outcomes in the older group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that adding Srl to the
      standard maintenance immunosuppressive regimen of Tac and MMF provides the best
      outcomes in young PTA recipients, the most immunologically robust and therefore
      the most immunologically challenging age group. To achieve excellent outcomes,
      more potent immunosuppression is required in this cohort. We think that PTA
      should be offered to young patients with labile diabetes before secondary
      complications develop.

PMID- 25131075
TI  - Declining numbers of pancreas transplantations but significant improvements in
      outcome.
AB  - In the United States, over the past 8 years, the number of pancreas
      transplantations has steadily declined. This decline comes as a surprise, because
      patient and graft outcomes have substantially improved during the same period of
      time. Patient survival rates at 1 year in all 3 recipient categories are >96%;
      graft survival rates are 82%-89%. Changes in immunosuppressive therapy have had a
      positive impact on outcome, as have better pancreas donor and recipient selection
      criteria and refined post-transplantation patient care. Although different
      factors may have contributed to the declining pancreas transplantation numbers, a
      more effective process of publicly promoting and widely communicating the
      improved results of pancreas transplantation is warranted. 

PMID- 25131076
TI  - High urine amylase level and the risk of enteric conversion in solitary pancreas
      transplant recipients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Compared with enteric drainage, bladder-drained solitary pancreas
      transplants can be monitored for rejection by measuring urine amylase levels.
      However, bladder drainage is associated with a higher risk of infection and
      metabolic complications, necessitating enteric conversion in about one third of
      patients. We hypothesized that hypersecreting pancreata with high urine amylase
      levels have a higher propensity for enteric conversion from an antecedent
      elevated enzymatic effect on the urinary tract and increased fluid losses.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the risk for enteric conversion in 312 bladder
      drained solitary pancreas transplant recipients. Urine amylase levels at 30 days
      were used to identify those at risk for enteric conversion. Time-to-event
      analysis was used to evaluate the risk of enteric conversion at 10 years,
      adjusting for urine amylase level and other confounding factors. Confounding risk
      factors statistically related to enteric conversion were incorporated into the
      multivariable analysis by using Cox proportional hazards regression at 3 years'
      posttransplant. RESULTS: During the median follow-up of 184.6 months, 31% of
      recipients underwent duct conversion. A majority of recipients (84.5%) who
      required duct conversion were primary transplants. The 30-day median urine
      amylase level was 1749 IU/h (quartile 1, <777 IU/h; quartile 3, >=3272 IU/h).
      Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, it was determined that urine
      amylase levels >3272 IU/h had the greatest specificity for predicting risk of
      enteric conversion. In the multivariate analysis, high urine amylase levels
      increased the risk of enteric conversion only in repeated pancreas transplants.
      CONCLUSIONS: Primary transplants are more likely to undergo enteric conversion
      than retransplants. High urine amylase levels increase the risk of enteric
      conversion in retransplants only, and therefore this enzyme alone cannot serve as
      the sole predictor for conversion in primary transplants. Other factors, such as
      fluid and bicarbonate losses, increased bladder pressure, and a pre-existing
      lower urinary tract pathologic condition may be also responsible for the
      development of complications; these factors warrant additional study.

PMID- 25131077
TI  - The influence of collagen III expression on the efficiency of cell isolation with
      the use of collagenase H.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We previously demonstrated that collagenase H (ColH) plays a crucial
      role in rat islet isolation, whereas collagenase G (ColG) plays only a supporting
      role. We also showed that collagen III appears to be one of the key targets of
      ColH based on a mass spectrometry analysis. In the present study, we investigated
      whether our novel findings in an islet isolation model are universally applicable
      for other types of cell isolation, such as a hepatocyte isolation, with the use
      of enzyme blends of recombinant collagenases. METHODS: As the first step, the
      expression of one of the main matrix components, collagen III, on rat pancreatic
      and hepatic tissues was assessed with the use of immunohistochemical staining.
      ColG and ColH were expressed in recombinant E. coli carrying expression plasmids
      for each collagenase. Then the efficiency of the collagenase subtype on rat
      hepatocyte isolation was evaluated in terms of cell yield with the use of
      thermolysin combined with either ColG or ColH (n = 3, respectively). RESULTS: The
      expression of collagen III on rat hepatic tissues was dramatically lower than
      that of rat pancreatic tissues. In the rat hepatocyte isolation, a substantial
      amount of hepatocytes (0.81 +/- 0.11 * 10(6)) were obtained in the ColG group,
      whereas almost no hepatocytes were retrieved in the ColH group, indicating that
      the influence of the collagenase subtypes in rat hepatocyte isolation are
      completely opposite to that observed in rat islet isolation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Considering that the expression of collagen III on hepatic tissues was relatively
      low and that almost no hepatocytes were retrieved when ColH and thermolysin were
      used, the present study supports our novel finding that collagen III appears to
      be one of the key targets of ColH in hepatocyte isolation. Therefore, the
      semiquantification of collagen III on the target tissues not only may positively
      contribute to efficient islet isolation, but also may affect other types of cell
      isolation by optimizing the ColH amount.

PMID- 25131078
TI  - Pretreatment of donor pigs with a diet rich in soybean oil increases the yield of
      isolated islets.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The pig is considered the donor species of choice for islet
      xenotransplantation. However, isolation of porcine islets is difficult,
      particularly from young pigs. Early life exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD)
      reportedly encourages islet beta-cell expansion in neonatal rodents and improves
      islet viability in culture from pretreated weanling pigs. In this study, we
      examined the influence of young donor pretreatment with a soybean oil-enriched
      HFD on porcine islet mass and yield after islet isolation. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Postweaning and between days 70 and 250, pigs were fed either a standard diet
      (control group; n = 5) or an HFD (experimental group; n = 6). Biochemical blood
      parameters and acute C-peptide response to intravenous glucose were monitored
      before pancreas procurement. The study was blinded to objectively evaluate the
      influence of treated diet. After procurement, pancreas biopsy samples were taken
      from control and pretreated donor pigs to assess islet number by using a
      dithizone scoring method and histologic islet area fraction determination.
      Control and HFD donor pig islets were isolated by using our standard isolation
      protocol to determine islet yield. Islet isolation characteristics and islet
      quality were assessed in both groups, and the results were compared. RESULTS:
      There were no significant differences in the donor characteristics (age, body
      weight, glucose disposal rate, acute C-peptide response to intravenous glucose,
      cholesterol, and aspartate aminotransferase) except fasting blood glucose level
      between the control and treatment groups (84 +/- 6 vs 99 +/- 12 mg/dL; P =
      .0317). The stimulated insulin and C-peptide levels between groups were similar.
      However, the dithizone score was slightly higher in the treatment group compared
      with the control group (95.4 +/- 38.5 vs 62.6 +/- 23.9; P = .1208). Digestion
      time, digested pancreas weight, pellet volume, and the fragility index were
      similar in both groups. However, the average islet count (islet equivalent
      number/g pancreas) at the digest level was significantly higher in the HFD group
      than in the control group (1578 +/- 994 vs 738 +/- 202; P = .0344). The
      functional viability of 2- and 7 day-cultured islets, as assessed by using oxygen
      consumption rate corrected for DNA, was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Pretreatment of pigs with HFD enriched with soybean oil could potentially be used
      to improve the islet mass in donor pigs. Further studies are needed to confirm
      and optimize the use of HFD for the purpose of increasing islet yield from young
      donor pigs.

PMID- 25131079
TI  - Effects of all-trans retinoid acid and exendin-4 on islet transplantation in NOD
      mice.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes usually develops due to autoimmune destruction of beta-cells in
      the pancreas. It has been shown that all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA), a potent
      derivative of vitamin A, hinders the development of autoimmune diabetes by
      inducing immune tolerance status. In addition, exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide
      1 receptor agonist, stimulates growth and differentiation of beta-cells and
      exerts anti-apoptotic effect on beta-cells. Thus, we hypothesized that the ATRA
      and exendin-4 therapy may improve the outcome of islet transplantation in non
      obese diabetic (NOD) mice. After the onset of diabetes, each NOD mouse was
      transplanted with 300 or 600 islets isolated from NOD/severe combined
      immunodeficient (SCID) mice with or without treatment of ATRA (0.5 mg
      intraperitoneally every other day) and/or exendin-4 (3 MUg/kg subcutaneously
      twice daily) for 6 weeks. After 300 or 600 NOD/SCID islet transplantation without
      any other treatment, all NOD recipients remained diabetic. However, the lowest
      blood glucose level in mice transplanted with 600 but not 300 islets was
      significantly lower than those without islet transplantation (P < .05), although
      their survival time was comparable. Among recipients treated with ATRA, exendin
      4, ATRA and exendin-4, and without treatment, their lowest blood glucose levels
      and survival time were not different. However, one recipient treated with ATRA
      survived for 223 days with intermittent hyperglycemia and the other who was
      treated with ATRA and exendin-4 achieved normoglycemia. In conclusion, islet
      transplantation lowered blood glucose levels in diabetic NOD mice. With a few
      exceptions, treatment with ATRA and exendin-4 alone or in combination in islet
      recipients could not reverse diabetes or prolong survival. 

PMID- 25131080
TI  - Islet preparation purity is overestimated, and less pure fractions have lower
      post-culture viability before clinical allotransplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Replacement of beta-cells with the use of isolated islet
      allotransplantation (IT) is an emerging therapy for type 1 diabetics with
      hypoglycemia unawareness. The current standard protocol calls for a 36-72-hour
      culture period before IT. We examined 13 clinical islet preparations with >=2
      purity fractions to determine the effect of culture on viability. METHODS: After
      standard islet isolation and purification, pure islet fractions were placed at 37
      degrees C with 5% CO2 for 12-24 hours and subsequently moved to 22 degrees C,
      whereas less pure fractions were cultured at 22 degrees C for the entire
      duration. Culture density was targeted at a range of 100-200 islet equivalents
      (IEQ)/cm(2) adjusted for purity. Islets were assessed for purity (dithizone
      staining), quantity (pellet volume and DNA), and viability (oxygen consumption
      rate normalized to DNA content [OCR/DNA] and membrane integrity). RESULTS:
      Results indicated that purity was overestimated, especially in less pure
      fractions. This was evidenced by significantly larger observed pellet sizes than
      expected and tissue amount as quantified with the use of a dsDNA assay when
      available. Less pure fractions showed significantly lower OCR/DNA and membrane
      integrity compared with pure. The difference in viability between the 2 purity
      fractions may be due to a variety of reasons, including hypoxia, nutrient
      deficiency, toxic metabolite accumulation, and/or proteolytic enzymes released by
      acinar tissue impurities that are not neutralized by human serum albumin in the
      culture media. CONCLUSIONS: Current clinical islet culture protocols should be
      examined further, especially for less pure fractions, to ensure the maintenance
      of viability before transplantation. Even though relatively small, the difference
      in viability is important because the amount of dead or dying tissue introduced
      into recipients may be dramatically increased, especially with less pure
      preparations.

PMID- 25131081
TI  - Assessment of human islet grafts in frozen sections of CD-1 athymic nu/nu mouse
      liver for molecular analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-transplantation islet graft monitoring is hampered by a lack of
      efficient methods to locate and analyze islets in situ. We evaluated histologic
      methods to rapidly locate islets within the liver parenchyma post
      transplantation, using several staining strategies, prior to analysis using laser
      capture microdissection. METHODS: Human islets were isolated (n = 8) from brain
      dead, multiorgan donor pancreases at the McGill University Health Centre Islet
      Transplant Laboratory. Mean yield was 247,609 +/- 195,272 IE and 3172 +/- 1645
      IE/g (purity and viability, respectively, 84.5 +/- 8.6% and 95 +/- 5% average;
      mean +/- SD). Diabetic athymic CD-1 nu/nu mice (streptozotocin intraperitoneal
      injection, 200 mg/kg) were maintained with sustained release insulin pellets
      until a suitable islet preparation was available for transplant. Intraportal
      islet transplantation of 2000 IE/mouse was performed via the ileocecal vein, as
      previously described. Frozen sections of liver containing human islets were
      prepared from specimens collected on days 0, 4, and 30 post-transplant. Every
      twentieth slide from serial sectioned liver was stained using a rapid protocol to
      determine if islets were present. Sections were fixed and stained for 5 minutes
      with either an anti-human insulin fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated
      primary antibody (Ins-FITC), Newport Green (NG), or diphenylthiocarbazone
      (dithizone, DZ). RESULTS: Islets were readily localized using each technique,
      mostly toward the liver periphery. However, DZ had a faint appearance in 10-MUm
      thick sections and was best utilized to locate sections containing islets during
      sectioning. CONCLUSION: Ins-FITC, NG, and DZ are all good candidates for a rapid
      islet staining protocol to evaluate human islet grafts in situ, with DZ being
      best for sectioning and Ins-FITC and NG being equal in locating islets during
      processing for laser capture microdissection.

PMID- 25131082
TI  - Metabolic profile of pancreatic acinar and islet tissue in culture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The amount and condition of exocrine impurities may affect the
      quality of islet preparations, especially during culture. In this study, the
      objective was to determine the oxygen demand and viability of islet and acinar
      tissue post-isolation and whether they change disproportionately while in
      culture. METHOD: We compared the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) normalized to DNA
      (OCR/DNA, a measure of fractional viability in units of nmol/min/mg DNA), and the
      percent change in OCR and DNA recoveries between adult porcine islet and acinar
      tissue from the same preparation (paired) over 6-9 days of standard culture.
      Paired comparisons were done to quantify differences in OCR/DNA between islet and
      acinar tissue from the same preparation, at specified time points during culture.
      RESULTS: The mean (+/-SE) OCR/DNA was 74.0 +/- 11.7 units higher for acinar (vs
      islet) tissue on the day of isolation (n = 16, P < .0001), but 25.7 +/- 9.4 units
      lower after 1 day (n = 8, P = .03), 56.6 +/- 11.5 units lower after 2 days (n =
      12, P = .0004), and 65.9 +/- 28.7 units lower after 8 days (n = 4, P = .2) in
      culture. DNA and OCR recoveries decreased at different rates for acinar versus
      islet tissue over 6-9 days in culture (n = 6). DNA recovery decreased to 24 +/-
      7% for acinar and 75 +/- 8% for islets (P = .002). Similarly, OCR recovery
      decreased to 16 +/- 3% for acinar and remained virtually constant for islets (P =
      .005). CONCLUSION: Differences in the metabolic profile of acinar and islet
      tissue should be considered when culturing impure islet preparations. OCR-based
      measurements may help optimize pre-islet transplantation culture protocols.

PMID- 25131083
TI  - Effect of mesenchymal stem cells on the vascularization of the artificial site
      for islet transplantation in rats.
AB  - An adequate vascularization of the artificially created cavity is crucial for
      subsequent transplantation of isolated pancreatic islets. In a reported study,
      dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the
      effect of mesenchymal stem cells on neoangiogenesis within connective tissue
      surrounding an implantable biocompatible device. The signal increase detected
      after injection of magnetic resonance contrast agent in each target region was
      considered to be an effect of contrast agent, which was related to the blood
      supply. To minimize the influence of variability in contrast agent application,
      all outcomes measured in the implanted devices were normalized to the signal
      intensity of kidney tissue. When supported by mesenchymal stem cells, the mean
      signal increase intra-abdominally was 42%, 41%, and 64% and within subcutaneously
      implanted devices was 23%, 54%, and 52% of that measured in kidney. 

PMID- 25131085
TI  - Donor height in combination with islet donor score improves pancreas donor
      selection for pancreatic islet isolation and transplantation.
AB  - To maximize the islet isolation yield for successful islet transplantation, the
      key task has been to identify an ideal pancreas donor. Since implementation of
      the islet donor score in donor selection, we have consistently obtained higher
      islet yields and transplantation rates. In this study, we tested whether
      assessing donor height as an independent variable in combination with the donor
      score could improve the pancreas donor selection. Donor and islet isolation
      information (n = 22) were collected and studied between 2011 and 2012. Pearson
      correlation analysis was used in statistical analysis. Donor height as an
      independent variable was significantly correlated to the weight of the pancreas,
      pre-Islet Equivalents (pre-IEQ), post-IEQ, and IDS (P < .05). When donor with
      height of 179 cm +/- 3 was selected in combination with IDS > 80, the clinical
      islet transplantation rate reached 80%. 

PMID- 25131084
TI  - Improved coating of pancreatic islets with regulatory T cells to create local
      immunosuppression by using the biotin-polyethylene glycol-succinimidyl valeric
      acid ester molecule.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We showed that T regulatory (Treg) cells can be attached to the
      surface of pancreatic islets providing local immunoprotection. Further
      optimization of the method can improve coating efficiency, which may prolong
      graft survival. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of two different
      molecules used for binding of the Tregs to the surface of pancreatic islets. Our
      aim was to increase the number of Treg cells attached to islets without
      compromising islets viability and function. METHODS: The cell surface of human
      Treg cells and pancreatic islets was modified using biotin-polyethylene glycol-N
      hydroxylsuccinimide (biotin-PEG-NHS) or biotin-PEG-succinimidyl valeric acid
      ester (biotin-PEG-SVA). Then, islets were incubated with streptavidin as
      islet/Treg cells binding molecule. Treg cells were stained with CellTracker CM
      DiL dye and visualized using a Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope. The number of
      Treg cells attached per islets surface area was analyzed by Imaris software. The
      effect of coating on islet functionality was determined using the glucose
      stimulated insulin response (GSIR) assay. RESULTS: The coating procedure with
      biotin-PEG-SVA allowed for attaching 40% more Treg cells per 1 MUm(2) of islet
      surface. Although viability was comparable, function of the islets after coating
      using the biotin-PEG-SVA molecule was better preserved than with NHS molecule.
      GSIR was 62% higher for islets coated with biotin-PEG-SVA compared to biotin-PEG
      NHS. CONCLUSION: Coating of islets with Treg cells using biotin-PEG-SVA improves
      effectiveness with better preservation of the islet function. Improvement of the
      method of coating pancreatic islets with Treg cells could further facilitate the
      effectiveness of this novel immunoprotective approach and translation into
      clinical settings.

PMID- 25131086
TI  - Impact of hypothermic preservation on tissue yield and viability in pig
      pancreata.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic shortage of quality human cadaveric pancreata limits islet
      transplantation. Porcine islet xenotransplantation is being explored to increase
      the donor pool. For clinical-ready islets, centralized animal husbandry, Current
      Good Manufacturing Practice-regulated processing facilities, and organ
      transportation support are required. Amount of cold ischemia time (CIT) before
      isolation significantly affects transplantation. The goal of this study was to
      determine the maximum safe CIT of whole pancreata before islet isolation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pancreata were rapidly removed from Yorkshire pigs (age,
      14-22 days) and stored in modified University of Wisconsin solution or in
      EuroCollins solution at 4( degrees )C. Pancreata were processed with <1 hour CIT
      (control) or stored for 4 or 12 hours before isolation. Islet yield and percent
      purity and viability were determined after 7 days of in vitro tissue culture and
      maturation. Samples from nonprocessed pancreata were collected and snap-frozen in
      liquid nitrogen at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 24 hours of preservation, then
      analyzed for adenosine diphosphate/adenosine triphosphate ratio as a measure of
      tissue energetics. RESULTS: Up to 12 hours in cold storage had no significant
      impact on overall islet yield after 7 days of in vitro culture compared with
      controls; islet yield at the end of the maturation process was 28,700 +/- 500
      islet equivalents per pancreas (mean +/- SEM control yield, 30,300 +/- 900 islet
      equivalents per pancreas); islet purity was 75 +/- 5% compared with 74 +/- 5% in
      controls. Islet viability was significantly reduced at 12 hours compared with
      controls (80 +/- 6% vs 96 +/- 5%; P < .05). The tissue adenosine
      diphosphate/adenosine triphosphate ratio was maintained within the first 6 hours
      (1.6 +/- 0.1 to 1.8 +/- 0.2; P = NS) but was markedly increased during the 24
      hour study (3.3 +/- 0.1 at 24 hours), indicating a progressive loss of adenosine
      triphosphate tissue stores. CONCLUSIONS: Young pig pancreata can be
      hypothermically stored for up to 12 hours without affecting islet yield and
      purity; however, islet viability is reduced. These data highlight the need for
      uniform shipping parameters to standardize islet quality, ideally with CIT <6
      hours.

PMID- 25131087
TI  - Results of open and robot-assisted pancreatectomies with autologous islet
      transplantations: treating chronic pancreatitis and preventing surgically induced
      diabetes.
AB  - For patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP), standard surgical procedures (eg,
      partial or total resections, drainage procedures) are inadequate treatment
      options, because they do not confer pain relief and they leave patients prone to
      brittle diabetes and hypoglycemia. The combination of total pancreatectomy and
      islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT), however, can create insulin-independent and
      pain-free states. At our center, from August 2009 through August 2013, 61
      patients with CP underwent either open or robot-assisted TP-IAT. The 30-day
      mortality rate was 0%. The transplanted islet equivalents per body weight ranged
      from 10,000 to 17,770. In all, 19% of the patients became insulin independent
      (after a range of 1-24 months); 27% of patients required <10 units of insulin.
      Moreover, at 12 months after surgery, 71% of the patients were pain free and no
      longer required analgesics. Our metabolic outcomes could have been even better if
      most patients had been referred at an earlier disease stage; instead, ~80% had
      already undergone surgical procedures, and 91% had abnormal results on
      preoperative continuous glucose monitoring tests. Only if patients with CP are
      referred early for a TP-IAT-rather than being subjected to additional inadequate
      endoscopic and surgical procedures-can insulin-independent and pain-free states
      be accomplished in most. 

PMID- 25131088
TI  - Long-term outcomes of clinical transplantation of pancreatic islets with
      uncontrolled donors after cardiac death: a multicenter experience in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic islet transplantation has emerged as an effective
      treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus, but its use is limited due to an
      insufficient supply of cadaveric pancreata. In Japan, uncontrolled donors after
      cardiac death (DCD) are not deemed to be suitable for whole-organ pancreatic
      transplantation, and can provide a source of pancreas for islet transplantation.
      However, the long-term outcomes and utility of uncontrolled DCD in the clinical
      setting remain controversial. Here, we summarize the long-term outcomes of islet
      transplantation employing uncontrolled DCD as reported to the Japan Islet
      Transplantation Registry. METHODS: Sixty-four isolations and 34 transplantations
      of pancreatic islets were conducted in 18 subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus
      under the cover of immunosuppression with basiliximab, sirolimus, and tacrolimus.
      All donors were uncontrolled DCD at the time of harvesting. The mean follow-up
      time was 76 months. RESULTS: Of the 18 recipients, 8, 4, and 6 recipients
      received 1, 2, and 3 islet infusions, respectively. Overall graft survivals
      (defined as a C-peptide level >=0.3 ng/mL) were 72.2%, 44.4%, and 22.2% at 1, 2,
      and 5 years, respectively, whereas the corresponding graft survivals after
      multiple infusions were 90.0%, 70.0%, and 30.0%, respectively. Three of these
      recipients achieved insulin independence in 14, 79, and 215 days. HbA1c levels
      and the requirement of exogenous insulin were improved before loss of graft
      function. All recipients became free of severe hypoglycemia unawareness, however,
      at least 5 of 14 patients who had graft failure experienced recurrence of severe
      hypoglycemia after the loss of graft function. CONCLUSIONS: Islet transplantation
      from DCD can relieve glucose instability and problems with hypoglycemia when the
      graft is functioning. However, islets from uncontrolled DCD may be associated
      with reduced long-term graft survival. Further improvements in the clinical
      outcome by modification of islet isolation/transplantation protocols are
      necessary to establish islet transplantation using DCD.

PMID- 25131089
TI  - Islet oxygen consumption rate dose predicts insulin independence for first
      clinical islet allotransplants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human islet allotransplantation for the treatment of type 1 diabetes
      is in phase III clinical trials in the U.S. and is the standard of care in
      several other countries. Current islet product release criteria include viability
      based on cell membrane integrity stains, glucose-stimulated insulin release, and
      islet equivalent (IE) dose based on counts. However, only a fraction of patients
      transplanted with islets that meet or exceed these release criteria become
      insulin independent following 1 transplant. Measurements of islet oxygen
      consumption rate (OCR) have been reported as highly predictive of transplant
      outcome in many models. METHOD: In this article we report on the assessment of
      clinical islet allograft preparations using OCR dose (or viable IE dose) and
      current product release assays in a series of 13 first transplant recipients. The
      predictive capability of each assay was examined and successful graft function
      was defined as 100% insulin independence within 45 days post-transplant. RESULTS:
      OCR dose was most predictive of CTO. IE dose was also highly predictive, while
      glucoses stimulated insulin release and membrane integrity stains were not.
      CONCLUSION: OCR dose can predict CTO with high specificity and sensitivity and is
      a useful tool for evaluating islet preparations prior to clinical human islet
      allotransplantation.

PMID- 25131090
TI  - Human islet viability and function is maintained during high-density shipment in
      silicone rubber membrane vessels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The shipment of human islets (IE) from processing centers to distant
      laboratories is beneficial for both research and clinical applications. The
      maintenance of islet viability and function in transit is critically important.
      Gas-permeable silicone rubber membrane (SRM) vessels reduce the risk of hypoxia
      induced death or dysfunction during high-density islet culture or shipment. SRM
      vessels may offer additional advantages: they are cost-effective (fewer flasks,
      less labor needed), safer (lower contamination risk), and simpler (culture vessel
      can also be used for shipment). METHOD: IE were isolated from two manufacturing
      centers and shipped in 10-cm(2) surface area SRM vessels in temperature- and
      pressure-controlled containers to a distant center after at least 2 days of
      culture (n = 6). Three conditions were examined: low density (LD), high density
      (HD), and a microcentrifuge tube negative control (NC). LD was designed to mimic
      the standard culture density for IE preparations (200 IE/cm(2)), while HD was
      designed to have a 20-fold higher tissue density, which would enable the culture
      of an entire human isolation in 1-3 vessels. Upon receipt, islets were assessed
      for viability (measured by oxygen consumption rate normalized to DNA content
      [OCR/DNA)]), quantity (measured by DNA), and, when possible, potency and function
      (measured by dynamic glucose-stimulated insulin secretion measurements and
      transplants in immunodeficient B6 Rag(+/-) mice). Postshipment OCR/DNA was not
      reduced in HD vs LD and was substantially reduced in the NC condition. HD islets
      exhibited normal function postshipment. Based on the data, we conclude that
      entire islet isolations (up to 400,000 IE) may be shipped using a single, larger
      SRM vessel with no negative effect on viability and ex vivo and in vivo function.

PMID- 25131091
TI  - Clinical porcine islet xenotransplantation under comprehensive regulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Xenotransplantation with porcine islets is a promising approach to
      overcome the shortage of human donors. This is the first report of phase 1/2a
      xenotransplantation study of encapsulated neonatal porcine islets under the
      current framework of regulations for xenotransplantation in New Zealand. METHODS:
      Newborn piglets were anesthetized and bled, and the pancreata were removed with
      the use of sterile technique and processed. Encapsulated neonatal porcine islets
      were implanted with the use of laparoscopy into the peritoneal cavity of 14
      patients with unstable type 1 diabetes without any immunosuppressive drugs. The
      patients received encapsulated islets of 5,000 (n = 4; group 1), 10,000 (n = 4;
      group 2), 15,000 (n = 4; group 3), or 20,000 (n = 2; group 4) islet equivalents
      per kg body weight. Outcome was determined from adverse event reports, HbA1c,
      total daily insulin dose, and frequency of unaware hypoglycemic events. To assess
      graft function, transplant estimated function (TEF) scores were calculated.
      Sufficient or marginal numbers of encapsulated neonatal porcine islets were
      transplanted into streptozotocin-induced diabetic B6 mice as an in vivo
      functional assay. RESULTS: There were 4 serious adverse events, of which 3 were
      considered to be possibly related to the procedure. Tests for porcine endogenous
      retrovirus DNA and RNA were all negative. The numbers of unaware hypoglycemia
      events were reduced after transplantation in all groups. Four of 14 patients
      attained HbA1c <7% compared with 1 at baseline. The average TEF scores were 0.17,
      0.02, -0.01, and 0.08 in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. The in vivo study
      demonstrated that a sufficient number of the transplanted group reversed diabetes
      with positive porcine C-peptide. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation of encapsulated
      neonatal porcine islets was safe and was followed by a reduction in unaware
      hypoglycemia events in unstable type 1 diabetic patients. The mouse in vivo
      assessment data demonstrated certain graft function.

PMID- 25131092
TI  - Pancreatic islet autotransplantation after completion pancreatectomy for
      pancreatic fistula after hemipancreatoduodenectomy for carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic islet autotransplantation (IAT) has a potential to prevent
      brittle diabetes in patients after total pancreatectomy. Because of the fear of
      tumor spread, IAT has rarely been used in case of malignancy. We report our
      experience with patients who underwent hemipancreatoduodenectomy for carcinoma
      and later completion pancreatectomy for pancreatic fistula with islet
      autotransplantation at our institution. METHODS: From August 2007 to December
      2012, 5 patients underwent IAT after completion pancreatectomy for pancreatic
      fistula after hemipancreatoduodenectomy for carcinoma. Islets were isolated from
      the pancreatic tail with the use of digestion with collagenase. Nonpurified islet
      suspension was infused into the portal vein during surgery. RESULTS: The median
      number of islets transplanted was 175,000 islet equivalents (range, 70,000
      365,000). One patient died after surgery for reasons unrelated to IAT. Another 3
      patients had stable diabetes with partial graft function (fasting C-peptide
      levels 0.23, 0.41, and 0.61 nmol/L and HbA1c 4.8%, 4.6%, and 6.9% at 24, 24 and 9
      months after IAT, respectively). The 1st patient, with pancreatic head carcinoma,
      was alive 28 months after IAT with lymph node and liver recurrence since 18
      months after IAT. The 2nd patient, with gall bladder and distal bile duct
      carcinoma, died 47 months after IAT with tumor recurrence. The 3rd patient, with
      ampullary carcinoma, died 12 months after IAT with local recurrence and solitary
      liver metastasis. The last patient had been off insulin 9 months after IAT
      without tumor recurrence (fasting C-peptide, 0.89 nmol/L; HbA1c, 4.2%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Autotransplantation of pancreatic islets isolated from the residual
      pancreatic tissue in patients who previously underwent hemipancreatoduodenectomy
      for cancer may provide stable glucose control and thus improve quality of life.
      In this small series we did not observe early development of multiple liver
      metastases caused by islet suspension contamination with malignant cells.
      Oncologic outcome of the patients was not worse than what would be expected
      without IAT.

PMID- 25131093
TI  - Xenograft of microencapsulated Sertoli cells for the cell therapy of type 2
      diabetes mellitus in spontaneously diabetic nonhuman primates: preliminary data.
AB  - Insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may be due to a chronic
      inflammation of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) leading to local and systemic
      increases in proinflammatory cytokines. Microencapsulated porcine Sertoli cells
      (MC-pSC), by provision of immunomodulatory and trophic factors, have been
      successfully used to reduce such inflammation in rodent animal models of type 1
      diabetes with no complications or deleterious side effects. Herein, we have begun
      to investigate this novel and safe therapeutic approach in the spontaneously
      obese nonhuman primate with spontaneous, insulin-dependent T2DM. After MC-pSC
      intraperitoneal injection we have evaluated, throughout a 6-month follow-up
      period, daily ad libitum fed glucose levels, daily exogenous insulin
      supplementation, biweekly body weight measurements, periodic fasting blood
      glucose concentrations, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, glucose tolerance
      tests (GTT), and fluorescence-activated cell sorting cytometry (FACS) assessment
      of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Very preliminarily, we have observed a
      slight reduction in fasting (FPG) and mean nonfasting (NF) plasma glucose levels.
      We found minimal changes, only in 1 animal, in daily exogenous insulin
      requirements and HbA1c levels. Flow cytometric analysis was associated with
      decrease in CD8(+) cells only in 1 recipient with a reduction in mean regulatory
      T Cells (Treg), whereas interestingly, decrease of B lymphocytes was observed in
      both animals. These results may suggest that this novel MC-SC-based
      transplantation protocol might possibly impact the metabolic status of T2DM in
      higher mammals that are close to humans. 

PMID- 25131095
TI  - Resistance of spontaneously diabetic Ins2(akita) mice to allograft tolerance
      induced by anti-CD154 therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite ongoing advances in the clinical islet transplant field,
      progressive decline in graft function continues to reduce the long-term success
      of islet transplantation for restoring euglycemia in type 1 diabetic recipients.
      To preserve graft function and avoid the use of chronic immunosuppressive drug
      therapy, a key goal is to induce donor-specific immune tolerance to islet
      transplants. Preclinical rodent studies of islet transplantation largely utilize
      models of diabetes either induced experimentally with beta cell toxins or
      spontaneously occurring in strains genetically prone to autoimmune diabetes. In
      this study, we sought to determine if chronic, severe hyperglycemia itself,
      independent of both beta cell toxins and host autoimmunity, influenced acute
      allograft rejection and/or the capacity to induce allograft tolerance. METHOD: To
      this end, we studied the response to islet allografts in severely diabetic, non
      autoimmune C57Bl/6 Ins2(akita) recipients. RESULTS: Results indicate that
      diabetic Ins2(akita) mice display higher levels of blood glucose, show more rapid
      acute islet allograft rejection, and are resistant to allograft prolongation
      induced with anti-CD154 therapy relative to wild-type littermates rendered
      diabetic with streptozotocin. As such, results suggest that severe hyperglycemia
      may be an independent risk factor impacting the capacity to induce tolerance to
      islet allografts. Thus, Ins2(akita) mice represent a stringent model for
      evaluating anti-rejection strategies in the setting of severe metabolic demand on
      islet transplants.

PMID- 25131094
TI  - Failure to achieve normal metabolic response in non-obese diabetic mice and
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice after transplantation of primary murine
      hepatocytes electroporated with the human proinsulin gene (p3MTChins).
AB  - BACKGROUND: A recent study by Chen et al described a therapy for diabetes that
      involved electroporation of primary hepatocytes with human proinsulin cDNA,
      p3MTChins. Intrahepatic transplantation of treated hepatocytes into
      streptozotocin (STZ) murine and porcine models led to euglycemia, weight
      maintenance, and normal insulin production. We tested the repeatability of their
      basic experiments and transplantation technique and expanded the study to include
      an autoimmune model. METHODS: Hepatocytes were isolated from B6 mice,
      electroporated with p3MTChins, and glucose-challenged or were injected into
      hepatic or spleen parenchyma of STZ-diabetic B6 and non-obese diabetic mice.
      Outcomes included survival, serum glucose levels, insulin, and c-peptide release.
      Untransfected primary hepatocytes and mice transplanted with these cells served
      as controls. RESULTS: p3MTChins-hepatocytes secreted insulin during glucose
      challenge, but glucose levels did not change with increasing glucose
      concentrations. Direct hepatic injection led to high mortality rates. Mice that
      underwent intrasplenic injection survived for >50 days (control = 4 days) and had
      a mild but stable improvement in hyperglycemia. C-peptide in both mouse models
      was detectable but eventually declined to baseline in the non-obese diabetic
      mice. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatocytes can be transfected with p3MTChins to produce human
      insulin but may lack the proper glucose-sensing or complex storage and secretion
      capabilities that allow for a finely tuned dynamic insulin response. Treatment is
      subtherapeutic, and p3MTChins-hepatocyte function may not endure in an autoimmune
      model. Without successful preliminary findings, cell therapy involving
      electroporation of p3MTChins does not appear to be practical as a therapy for
      diabetes and may not be a strategy to pursue at this time.

PMID- 25131096
TI  - Back to the reinnervation of the pancreas after transplantation? (Experimental
      study on dogs, cats, and rats).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Significant functional decrease and sclerosis of the pancreas graft
      in late delays cannot only be related to chronic rejection. Any transplantation
      leads to graft denervation, which may be an important cause of dysfunction.
      Studies concerning graft reinnervation were controversial. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:
      The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and pertinence of a
      surgically directed reinnervation (SDR) of denervated/neuro-reflex isolated (NRI)
      or autotransplanted (aTx) pancreas. BASIC PROCEDURES: Anatomy of the nerves
      penetrating into the pancreas was studied in humans, dogs, cats, and rats.
      Surgery and physiological investigations were performed in dogs, cats, and rats.
      Nervous conductivity between NRI, NRI+SDR pancreas, and brain was tested. Load
      tests with glucose, insulin, and adrenalin were performed; amylase and lipase
      were determined in fasted and not fasted animals to evaluate the influence of NRI
      and SDR on pancreatic function. Histology was provided. Observation delays were 6
      months. MAIN FINDINGS: Anatomic feasibility of SDR in humans and animals was
      proved. Models of pancreatic tail NRI and surgical reconstitution of the
      interrupted nervous pathways (SDR) were elaborated in animals. The restoration of
      the pancreas-brain reflex axis after SDR was electro physiologically proved. As
      blood glucose curves after load test, exocrine amylase and lipase determination
      have shown that pancreas NRI or aTx leads to an exaggerated reaction to usual
      stimulations that may cause the observed graft functional exhaustion in late
      delays. SDR shortened the period of the graft neuro-reflex isolation, contributed
      to a quick normalization of its function, and prevented its late degradation.
      CONCLUSION: SDR was shown to be a simple surgical technique, easily performed
      after the graft surgical revascularization. Its functional and morphological
      efficiency was tested and proved. Thus, SDR may be recommended in human pancreas
      transplantation as pertinent.

PMID- 25131097
TI  - Surgical salvage of partial pancreatic allograft thrombosis presenting as
      ruptured pancreatic cyst: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vascular thrombosis is an important cause of pancreatic graft loss,
      and the vast majority is managed using graft pancreatectomy. There are limited
      reports and case series of successful salvage of the pancreas allograft. We
      describe a case of partial pancreatic allograft thrombosis presenting as ruptured
      pancreatic cyst successfully salvaged using a graft distal pancreatectomy.
      METHODS: We used descriptive retrospective analysis. RESULTS: A 29-year-old
      patient with type 1 diabetes and end-stage renal failure underwent a simultaneous
      pancreas kidney transplantation with immediate graft function. The cadaveric
      pancreas allograft was placed head up in the right iliac fossa with enteric
      exocrine drainage and standard vascular anastomosis. He presented with
      compressive symptoms on his bladder 5 months later, and a computed tomography
      (CT) showed a 4-cm cystic lesion in the body and tail of the pancreas allograft.
      Spontaneous rupture of the cyst occurred 3 weeks after the initial onset of
      symptoms with generalized abdominal pain. He underwent graft distal
      pancreatectomy with good recovery. He remains euglycemic, insulin-free with a
      normal renal function. Histology of the resected unhealthy graft showed an
      arterial thrombus with xanthogranulomatous inflammation and necrosis. CONCLUSION:
      Surgical salvage with graft distal pancreatectomy is feasible for partial
      pancreatic allograft thrombosis. Cystic lesion in the pancreas is a possible
      presentation of vascular thrombosis.

PMID- 25131098
TI  - Successful management of a ruptured mycotic pseudoaneurysm following pancreas
      transplantation using bovine pericardial patch: a case report.
AB  - Arterial mycotic pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of pancreas
      transplantation. Rupture results in catastrophic hemorrhage with a high risk of
      mortality. Definitive management is complicated by an extensive arterial defect
      within a contaminated surgical field. Synthetic vascular grafts often fail due to
      subsequent graft infection whereas primary repair often results in arterial
      stenosis. Arterial ligation may be required to prevent exsanguination. A 41-year
      old man, type 1 diabetic with associated renal failure, underwent successful
      simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation. He presented, 9 months
      following transplantation, with life-threatening rectal bleeding secondary to a
      ruptured mycotic pseudoaneurysm. This was successfully managed with a bovine
      pericardial patch (BPP) repair of the arterial defect and enteric diversion
      following graft pancreatectomy. He remains well with no vascular insufficiency 18
      months following the procedure. A ruptured mycotic pseudoaneurysm following
      transplantation carries a significant risk of mortality and represents a surgical
      challenge as conventional techniques using synthetic materials often fail due to
      the contaminated field. A BPP offers good handling characteristics, excellent
      hemostatic properties and a favorable profile of infection risk in comparison
      with synthetic grafts. This case highlights its use as a treatment for a post
      transplantation ruptured mycotic pseudoaneurysm. 

PMID- 25131100
TI  - Donor organ shortage crisis: a case study review of a financial incentive-based
      system.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Current organ supply system depends on altruistic noncoercive
      donation, which has failed to meet the demand of organ transplantation. Providing
      financial incentives to donors is one of several approaches to address organ
      shortage. However, its feasibility is debatable as it relates to medical,
      ethical, and economic dimensions. An incentive-based procurement system (IBPS)
      applied by the Mobile Donor Action Team (MDAT) was instituted in Riyadh, Saudi
      Arabia, resulting in a 3-fold increase in donation rate. The goal of this study
      was to provide a qualitative review of a 7-year experience with IBPS. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A qualitative approach was used. Documents were reviewed to create a
      chronological audit and shape interview questions. Sampling was purposeful and
      inclusive of MDAT members. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and
      findings were subjected to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Documents reflected the
      evolution of MDAT. The essence of MDAT is field work and liberal use of financial
      incentives, which resulted in a 3-fold increase in the donation rate. MDAT
      members believed that IBPS is the main reason behind this increase. Moreover,
      IBPS is viewed as acceptable from a moral, ethical, and religious standpoint,
      with a high degree of professional satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Theoretical
      assumptions doubted the feasibility of IBPS. This real-life experience with IBPS
      proved the contrary. The findings may be applicable only to the setting in
      Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, however; further research is thus needed to explore its
      transferability to other settings. IBPS may be an alternative to altruistic
      noncoercive donation and should be piloted in different settings.

PMID- 25131101
TI  - Communication with family after loss, in the context of transplantology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cooperation with a patient is a joint venture, based on a division of
      power and authority. Its character is not hierarchical. It assumes that this
      power is based on knowledge and experience, which is the opposite of power based
      on role or position. The good doctor-patient relationship affects a range of
      factors, including the healing process, the possibility of understanding the
      causes of a disease and its treatment and in a broader perspective, trust in the
      health service, which can in turn have a positive influence on public attitudes
      to organ donation. Because consent is presumed in Poland, there is no family
      consent requirement for organ donation of a deceased family member. In practice,
      however, medical professionals usually strive to get consent from family members,
      and in cases of refusal, they will not harvest. The aim of our study was to
      answer the following questions: (1) Does the way in which care was provided for
      the still-alive patient, as well as the relationship between the doctor and the
      patient's family, influence the family's decision to agree to the harvest of the
      dead patient's organs? (2) Does previous experience with healthcare institutions
      and personnel influence their decision to agree to organ donation? METHODS:
      Research was conducted on a group of 173 people, using a questionnaire comprising
      18 questions. RESULTS: Obtained results show that 34% of people are satisfied
      with the level of medical care. The majority claim that doctors treat them
      without due care. Thirty-eight percent believe that doctors are capable of
      stopping therapy in order to get organs for transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      necessary to recognize the correlation between a correct doctor-patient
      relationship, gaining trust, and how reliable a doctor's opinions are. A
      patient's conviction that he or she is well treated may lead to regaining the
      belief in the straightforwardness of the doctor's opinion, and less
      dissatisfaction with and less criticism of medical care.

PMID- 25131102
TI  - Organ donation: new hope through the expected amendment in Germany?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The current organ donor shortage in Germany results in the death of
      1000 patients on the transplant waiting list every year. In response, a recent
      amendment to the German Transplant Act aiming to increase donor rates was passed.
      Among a number of other measures, Germans are asked to decide whether they choose
      to donate organs or not in the event of a brain death or whether they would like
      to designate someone who should decide for them in this situation. The objective
      of this study was to collect and evaluate data on the public's attitude toward
      organ donation before the expected amendment. METHODS: A survey on the subject of
      organ donation was conducted in 2011 among clients of a public pharmacy in a
      major city in the federal state North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Data regarding
      sex, age, health behavior, and attitude toward the amendment were collected and
      association organ donor card possession was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1485
      questionnaires were evaluated. Of those surveyed, only 14.1% had an organ donor
      card. No statistically significant associations between sex (P value .3045), age
      (P value .1453) and the possession of a donor card were observed. We found that
      72.5% of respondents stated that they appreciated the expected amendment, and in
      the case of implementation, the majority would obtain an organ donor card.
      DISCUSSION: The future success of transplantation medicine relies on an increase
      in the public's overall willingness to donate organs. Educating the public and
      ensuring transparency in transplantation medicine are vital to achieving higher
      donation rates. The new German transplantation act may be an important step to
      increase society's awareness and participation in organ donation.

PMID- 25131103
TI  - Islamic founding principles on organ transplantation and the evolution of Islamic
      scholarly opinions on the subject.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Muslims constitute about one-fourth of the human population, and a
      significant fraction of the organ recipients identify themselves as Muslims. A
      large fraction of the Muslim population is devout but unclear regarding the
      religious principles on organ donation and transplantation and is dependent on
      scholars' and imams' opinions. METHODS: The Qur'an, the authentic Prophetic
      Traditions, and expert opinions on the subject were investigated. RESULTS: The
      sources of the Islamic founding principles on organ donation and transplantation
      are the Qur'an, the Prophetic Traditions, Usulul Fiqh or expert opinions based on
      the Qur'an and Traditions, and Maslaha or the principles of public interest
      deduced by the scholars. Some Muslim scholars, mostly from the Indian
      subcontinent, opine that live organ donation, extraction of organs from dead
      persons, and transplantation are prohibited. Many Arab scholars and Muslim
      scholars settled in the western hemisphere opine that live organ donation, organ
      extraction from dead persons, and transplantation are permitted, but organ
      donation must be a voluntary act of charity. Of late, the Iranian imams/scholars
      have recognized that the national government may acquire live donor organs for a
      uniform compensation and equitably distribute the acquired organs to patients
      with failing organs. CONCLUSIONS: The current Islamic working principles on
      transplantation medicine are nonuniform, transitory, and somewhat detached from
      the bulk of the population. How such heterogeneity is affecting transplantation
      medicine, and organ donation in particular, among Muslim populations warrants
      further investigation.

PMID- 25131104
TI  - Motivation for organ donation among college students in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of the patients presently waiting for an organ are
      waiting for a kidney. Living kidney donation by about 0.1% of the adult
      population of a nation may completely eliminate kidney shortage. We investigated
      the concerns of college students toward charitable and compensated organ
      donation. METHODS: A 40-question survey was conducted. The respondents were
      students of the Biology Department of Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah, United
      States. The data were tabulated and analyzed. Tests of association among
      potentially linked attributes and the difference between two independent
      proportions were performed at the 0.05 level of significance and P-values were
      also calculated using XLSTAT software. RESULTS: The participants (n = 321) were
      47% male, 53% female, 89% Caucasian, and 93% healthy, and 7% of the respondents
      had some health conditions. Of the respondents, 55% were ages 18 to 25 and 40%
      were ages 26 to 50 years; 43% were unmarried or single, 57% were married, and 85%
      had health insurance. About 65% of the respondents lived in small cities and the
      rest lived in large cities (23%) or the countryside (9%). There was no
      significant association between gender, level of education, location of living,
      and household income in relation to belief in organ donation with or without
      compensation, except that males favored compensated organ donation over females
      (P = .004). Rumors on organ theft and extraction of organ from questionable brain
      dead patients had not negatively affected the decision of participants on being
      listed as organ donors in their driver's license (P = .0001). Those who
      considered organ donation ethically acceptable also believed that a person has
      the right to sale a kidney (P = .015) and the donor party should be somehow
      compensated (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: A large percentage of college students
      supports compensated organ donation and considers that compensation will increase
      organ donation.

PMID- 25131105
TI  - Heart donation in Japan before and after the revision of the Japanese
      Transplantation Act.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: After the revision of the Organ Transplant Act in July 2010, brain
      dead organ donation increased from 13 to 45 per year, and heart donation
      increased. The purpose of this study was to review 166 consecutive brain dead
      heart donors to evaluate our strategies to identify and manage organ donors.
      METHODS: This study reviewed 166 consecutive brain dead heart donors since the
      Act was issued. Whereas 69 heart donations were performed between October 1997
      and July 2010 before the revision of the Act, 97 heart donations were performed
      for the 3 years after the revision. Since November 2002, special transplant
      management doctors were sent to donor hospitals to assess donor organ function
      and to identify which organs could be transplanted. They also intensively cared
      for the donors to stabilize hemodynamics and to improve cardiac function by
      giving intravenous antidiuretic hormones and by pulmonary toileting via
      bronchofiberscope. RESULTS: The mean heart donor age increased from 41.0 to 43.9
      years after the revision. Notably, 11 hearts from donors more than 60 years old
      were transplanted successfully after the revision. Before the revision, the cause
      of death was 37 cerebrovascular disease (SAH 34, stroke 1, bleeding 2), 18 head
      trauma, 13 asphyxia, and 2 postresuscitation brain damage. After the revision,
      there were 49 cerebrovascular disease (SAH 37, stroke 2, bleeding 16, and other
      4), 17 head trauma, 10 asphyxia, and 11 postresuscitation brain damage. A total
      of 58 donors had a history of cardiac arrest, 58 required a high dose of
      catecholamine drip infusion, and only 1 recipient died of primary graft
      dysfunction. Patient survival rate at 3 years after heart transplantation was not
      different before and after the revision of the Act (98.6% vs 92.2%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Although donor age was increased and donors who died of cerebral bleeding or
      postresuscitation after the revision of the Act increased, the outcome after
      heart transplantation was not changed.

PMID- 25131106
TI  - Regional variation in organ donation in Saudi Arabia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is marked regional variation in organ donation among the
      different regions of Saudi Arabia. Our aim was to study the dominating factors
      for these variations to improve organ donation in low-donation areas. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of the Saudi Center for Organ
      Transplantation data for cadaveric organ donation from 2006 to 2012, with the
      number of cases reported, documented, consented, and harvested in various regions
      (northern, southern, eastern, western, and central). The region, number, and size
      of contributing intensive care units (ICUs), overall donation rate, and
      transplanted rate (potential donor and those harvested, respectively) were also
      reviewed. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2012, a total of 512 cases were procured and
      analyzed from Saudi Arabia. From the central region, 393 were acquired,
      representing 76.7% of the total consented cases. These 393 cases came from 30 of
      97 contributing ICUs (31%). The eastern region was ranked second, followed by the
      western region. The conversion rate for all regions followed a similar trend.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is marked variation with regard to organ donation in different
      regions throughout Saudi Arabia, from 1.9% in the southern region to 76.7% in the
      central region. This finding is related to the presence of a Mobile Action Donor
      Team in the central region. The number of potential donors and the contributing
      ICUs were strong predictors of the number of actual donors. We suggest that
      having a mobile donor team in each region will increase the number of donors by
      at least 3 times within the next 3 to 5 years.

PMID- 25131107
TI  - Successful international collaboration improves family donation conversations
      resulting in increased organ donation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Australian donation leaders recognized that to increase organ
      donation outcomes, health professionals conducting family donation conversations
      (FDCs) required support and specialist training. An international training
      institute with programs based on proven results was engaged to create and
      implement a customized training program to influence change in FDC practice and
      culture. The goal was to increase donation rates by developing and implementing a
      customized, self-sustaining training program to enhance FDC practices of health
      professionals. Other goals included providing training and communications skills
      to lead FDC, supporting families in making decisions, and influencing health
      professionals to adopt FDC practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To gain support and
      determine program suitability, two 1-day pilot training sessions were provided to
      45 Australian donation leaders in 2011. Training was further customized with an
      emphasis on creating changes to achieve and sustain desired results. A
      comprehensive national training plan was implemented over 18 months. Twenty-six 2
      day FDC training workshops were held in 8 cities (646 participants). Program
      evaluations and debriefings showed distinct shifts in perspectives and an
      enthusiasm to implement new processes. In 2012 to 2013, an instructor program was
      developed to transition training facilitation. The training institute remains
      involved in development and training to build and sustain skill and expertise.
      RESULTS: There was a 58% increase in organ donors in Australia from 2009 to 2013
      (data reflect 2013 Australian end-of-year organ donation information). This
      represents a 36% increase in organ donors (2009-2011); the remaining 22% increase
      was achieved in the 2 years since the FDC training was implemented in Australia
      (2011-2013). CONCLUSIONS: Improved skills training in the conduct of FDCs seem to
      have contributed to improved donation outcomes in national identification,
      request, and consent rates. The integration of another organization's process
      poses distinct challenges; thoughtful collaboration, sensitive to cultural
      aspects and family care, communication, and donation practices, can result in
      successful customized training that shifts perspectives, provides new skills, and
      achieves and sustains an increase in organ donation rates.

PMID- 25131108
TI  - In-house coordination for organ donation--single-center experience in a pilot
      project in Germany (2006 to 2013).
AB  - A challenge for solid organ transplantation in Germany is the shortage of organs.
      In an effort to increase donation rates, some federal states mandated hospitals
      to install transplantation officers to coordinate, evaluate, and enhance the
      donation and transplantation processes. In 2009 the German Foundation for Organ
      Transplantation (DSO) implemented the In-House Coordination Project, which
      includes retrospective, quarterly, information technology-based case analyses of
      all deceased patients with primary or secondary brain injury in regard to the
      organ donation process in maximum care hospitals. From 2006 to 2008 an analysis
      of potential organ donors was performed in our hospital using a time-consuming,
      complex method using questionnaires, hand-written patient files, and the hospital
      IT documentation system (standard method). Analyses in the In-House Coordination
      Project are instead carried out by a proprietary semiautomated IT tool called
      Transplant Check, which uses easily accessible standard data records of the
      hospital controlling and accounting unit. The aim of our study was to compare the
      results of the standard method and Transplant Check in detecting and evaluating
      potential donors. To do so, the same period of time (2006 to 2008) was re
      evaluated using the IT tool. Transplant Check was able to record significantly
      more patients who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion than the standard method
      (641 vs 424). The methods displayed a wide overlap, apart from 22 patients who
      were only recorded by the standard method. In these cases, the accompanying brain
      injury diagnosis was not recorded in the controlling and accounting unit data
      records due to little relative clinical significance. None of the 22 patients
      fulfilled the criteria for brain death. In summary, Transplant Check is an easy
      to-use, reliable, and valid tool for evaluating donor potential in a maximum care
      hospital. Therefore from 2010 on, analyses were performed exclusively with
      Transplant Check at our university hospital. 

PMID- 25131109
TI  - Exchange of best practices within the European Union: surgery standardization of
      abdominal organ retrieval.
AB  - Considering the growing organ demand worldwide, it is crucial to optimize organ
      retrieval and training of surgeons to reduce the risk of injury during the
      procedure and increase the quality of organs to be transplanted. In the
      Netherlands, a national complete trajectory from training of surgeons in
      procurement surgery to the quality assessment of the procured organs was
      implemented in 2010. This mandatory trajectory comprises training and
      certification modules: E-learning, training on the job, and a practical session.
      Thanks to the ACCORD (Achieving Comprehensive Coordination in Organ Donation)
      Joint Action coordinated by Spain and co-funded under the European Commission
      Health Programme, 3 twinning activities (led by France) were set to exchange best
      practices between countries. The Dutch trajectory is being adapted and
      implemented in Hungary as one of these twinning activities. The E-learning
      platform was modified, tested by a panel of Hungarian and UK surgeons, and was
      awarded in July 2013 by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical
      Education of the European Union of Medical Specialists. As a pilot phase for
      future national training, 6 Hungarian surgeons from Semmelweis University are
      being trained; E-learning platform was fulfilled, and practical sessions,
      training-on-the-job activities, and evaluations of technical skills are ongoing.
      The first national practical session was recently organized in Budapest, and the
      new series of nationwide selected candidates completed the E-learning platform
      before the practical. There is great potential for sharing best practices and for
      direct transfer of expertise at the European level, and especially to export this
      standardized training in organ retrieval to other European countries and even
      broader. The final goal was to not only provide a national training to all
      countries lacking such a program but also to improve the quality and safety
      criteria of organs to be transplanted. 

PMID- 25131110
TI  - Study of education program of in-hospital procurement transplant coordinators in
      Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the number of donated organs is still extremely small in Japan
      compared with other developed countries, in-hospital procurement transplant
      coordinators (In-Hp PTC) may play an important role in increasing organ donation
      and making the procurement procedure smoother. In this study, our education
      program of In-Hp PTC is described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In May 2012, our
      department started the In-Hp PTC Education Program. In the first semester, a 2
      hour lecture is provided every 2 weeks for 5 months to 15 In-Hp PTCs working near
      Osaka. In the second semester, 20 lectures were provided for 3 consecutive days
      to 31 In Hp PTCs, more than 80% of whom work far from Osaka. Lecture topics were
      the history and current status of organ donation in Japan, social regulation of
      organ donation, care of transplant recipients, overall procedures of organ
      donation, the role of In-Hp PTC, donor family care, donor indications, and donor
      assessment and management. Lectures also included simulations of the organ
      donation process. RESULTS: Participants were surveyed for their opinions after
      the program, Most participants were satisfied with the program, topics and
      duration. As most of them are not full-time In-Hp PTCs, they preferred to attend
      the 3-day program. Many participants are currently working as main In-Hp PTCs and
      establishing their own organ donation system in their hospital. CONCLUSIONS: In
      Hp PTCs have an important role to play in establishing an organ procurement
      system and increasing organ donation in Japan. This program may help establish a
      systematic education program for this occupation in Japan.

PMID- 25131111
TI  - The impact of interleukin 12B (1188A>C), interleukin 16 (-295T>C), and
      interleukin 18 (607C>A, 137G>C) gene polymorphisms on long-term renal transplant
      function and recipient outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammatory mediators play an important role in kidney graft
      outcome. The cytokine and chemokine gene polymorphisms are associated with
      variable production, activity, expression, or ligand-receptor affinity. Genetic
      variation in the DNA sequence of the interleukin 12B (IL12B), interleukin 16
      (IL16), and interleukin 18 (IL18) genes may lead to altered cytokine production
      and activity. These variations can lead to changes in individual patient outcomes
      after kidney transplantation. It is known that polymorphisms of interleukins have
      an influence on inflammatory diseases, eg, Crohn's disease, diabetes, and asthma.
      AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between IL12B, IL16,
      and IL18 gene polymorphisms with delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection
      episodes (AR), and chronic rejection episodes (CR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      total of 267 (38.6% women, 61.4% men) recipients were included in the study.
      Cadaveric kidney transplantations were performed at the Department of General
      Surgery and Transplantation. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine gene
      polymorphisms of IL12B (rs3212227), IL16 (4778889), and IL18 (rs1946518,
      rs187238) in 2 mL of serum. Statistical significance (P < .05) was analyzed by
      logit regression, ANOVA and odds ratio (OR) of chi(2) with Yates correction (95%
      confidence interval). RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed no significance
      between AR/DGF/CR and IL-2B, IL16, IL18rs1946518, and IL18-rs187238 (P > .05).
      The CR group, AA vs CC genotype of IL18 (rs1946518), had an OR = 2.35 (P = .04).
      AR and DGF groups had no significance in OR. CONCLUSIONS: There was no
      statistical significance between IL12B, IL16, and IL18 (rs187238) gene
      polymorphisms and kidney graft outcome after transplantation. Presence of AA
      genotype (IL18-rs1946518) is connected with a 2.35 times higher risk of CR
      occurrence.

PMID- 25131112
TI  - Reuse of a previously transplanted kidney from a deceased donor using Luminex
      virtual crossmatching: a case report.
AB  - Kidney transplantation is the most desired modality of renal replacement therapy
      for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We have attempted to expand the
      organ donor pool through several methods, including the use of expanded donor
      criteria. Although previously transplanted kidneys are rarely reused, they can be
      suitable for transplantation into patients in need. We report a case of
      successful reuse of a previously transplanted kidney from a deceased donor by
      means of Luminex virtual crossmatching with the first donor and actual
      crossmatching with the second donor. 

PMID- 25131115
TI  - Histologic evaluation of organ preservation injury and correlation with cold
      ischemia time in 13 intestinal grafts.
AB  - Lesions produced in the graft mucosa due to harvesting, storage, and implantation
      must be graduated to assess the subsequent protocolized biopsy specimens. The aim
      is to identify type and intensity of graft mucosal lesions observed immediately
      after implantation. Congestion, hemorrhage, microthrombi, neutrophilic
      infiltrates, shortening of villi, epithelial detachment, erosion, and crypt loss
      were separately evaluated by two pathologists in mucosal biopsy specimens from 13
      grafts. Each change was assessed as normal, mild, moderate, or severe and by
      splintering the summation of points a global score was designed. Cold ischemia
      time was registered. Correlation between the pathologists' evaluations and
      between final preservation injury degree and cold ischemia time was determined
      using the "index of correlation rho (rho)" (Spearman's test). The same changes
      were assessed in 19 biopsy specimens from day 2 to day 6 (3.6 +/- 1.1) to
      determine their evolution. Congestion was found in 7 biopsy specimens,
      microthrombi in 2, hemorrhage in 4, neutrophils in 6, villous atrophy in 8,
      epithelial detachment in 9, erosions in 2 and/or crypt loss in 2. The maximum
      degree of preservation injury was expressed as intense congestion and hemorrhage
      associated with epithelial detachment and villous atrophy. The global
      preservation score was grade 3 in 2 cases, grade 2 in 5, grade 1 in 2, and grade
      0 in 4. There was positive correlation (rho = 0.915) in the evaluation between
      pathologists (P < .01), total agreement in 9 biopsy specimens, and partial
      agreement (only 1 point disagreement) in 4. Mean cold ischemia time was 327 +/-
      101 min. (135-480). There was positive correlation (rho = 0.694) between
      preservation score and cold ischemia time (P < .01). In the follow-up biopsy
      procedures, histological injury decreased by at least one grade in every case.
      Additionally, karyorrhexis was observed in 3 grafts and very occasional apoptosis
      in 2 others. This scale achieves good reproducibility and allows graduate
      preservation injury in intestinal transplantation. 

PMID- 25131114
TI  - Short- and long-term outcomes of every graft recovered during a multi-organ
      procurement procedure including the intestine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of intestinal transplant (Tx) programs introduces
      thymoglobulin donor treatment as well as an almost complete warm dissection of
      the abdominal organs to allocate them to different recipients. Our aim is to
      assess the reproducibility and feasibility of the surgical technique of multi
      organ procurement with the use of thymoglobulin donor pre-treatment and report
      the short- and long-term outcomes of every graft harvested as part of multi-organ
      procurement (MTOp), including the intestine. METHODS: Data were collected of all
      organs harvested from MTOp, including the intestines allocated to our center from
      March 2006 to July 2011. Data from 92 recipients and 116 organs procured from 29
      MTOp were analyzed. Twelve hearts, 2 lungs, and 1 cardio-pulmonary block were
      transplanted; primary graft dysfunction developed in 4 of the 12 hearts and in
      the cardio-pulmonary block. RESULTS: The survival rate was 75% and 100% for
      hearts and lungs, respectively. Nineteen livers, 9 kidney-pancreas, 19 kidneys,
      and 29 intestines were transplanted. Delayed graft function (DGF) of the pancreas
      developed in 3 of 9 kidney-pancreas, and the other 3 exhibited DGF of the kidney;
      4 of 19 Tx kidneys had DGF. The survival was 84%, 78%, 95%, and 65.5% for livers,
      kidney-pancreas, kidneys, and intestines, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Organs
      procured during MTOp including the intestine can be safely used, increasing organ
      availability and transplant applicability without compromising allocation,
      quality, and long-term results of the non-intestinal-procured organs.

PMID- 25131116
TI  - Histologic evaluation of post-implantation immediate C4d deposition in 13
      intestinal grafts: correlation with cell-based crossmatching, cold ischemia time,
      and preservation injury.
AB  - C4d deposits are predictive of humoral rejection in kidney and heart
      transplantation. The aim of this study was to identify C4d deposit patterns in
      intestinal mucosa of the grafts on biopsy specimens obtained immediately after
      implantation and to detect if it could be a valuable tool to predict humoral or
      acute rejection. A second objective was to search for a statistically significant
      relationship between positive C4d deposition and other collected variables.
      Thirteen immediately post-transplantation mucosal graft biopsy specimens,
      formalin fixed, underwent immunohistochemical stain for C4d deposits. Diffuse
      intense staining of capillary endothelium was considered positive and absent,
      focal or weak stains as negative. Preservation injury grade and cold ischemia
      times were registered for each case. Donor-specific preformed antibodies were
      detected by complement dependent cytotoxicity serologic technique
      (crossmatching). Another 19 endoscopic follow-up biopsy specimens from days 2 to
      6 were also evaluated. Statistical studies were made using the index of
      correlation rho (Spearman's test). Diffuse intense C4d deposits were observed in
      2 grafts, focal and weak in 5, and completely negative in 6. The mean cold
      ischemia time was 327 +/- 101 minutes. Two cases showed diffuse positive
      deposits, 1 had a positive crossmatch and the cold ischemia time was 360 minutes
      whereas the other had not preformed antibodies and its cold ischemia time was 475
      minutes. Humoral or acute rejection was not observed in follow-up mucosal biopsy
      specimens. There was no statistically significant relationship between the C4d
      deposition, cold ischemia time, crossmatching results, and preservation injury
      degree. In conclusion, C4d deposition was not a helpful tool for diagnosis of
      humoral rejection and prediction of acute rejection during the early post
      transplantation period. 

PMID- 25131117
TI  - A surgical perspective of the outcome of a multidisciplinary intestinal
      rehabilitation program for children with short bowel syndrome in The Netherlands.
AB  - AIM: In 2001, a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program, prompted by
      a nationwide collaboration on intestinal failure (Dutch Registry for Intestinal
      Failure and Intestinal Transplantation), was started for children who have short
      bowel syndrome (SBS). This study evaluates this program, focusing on children who
      have SBS after extensive bowel resection. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort
      study. METHOD: Demographic data, general information on disease status, and
      outcome of intestinal rehabilitation of patients treated between 2001 and 2009
      were collected. Outcome measures were intestinal autonomy, intestinal and/or
      liver transplantation, and survival. RESULTS: Ten boys and 9 girls, median
      gestational age 36 weeks, were treated. Eight were referred, 3 times as many as
      in the period 1991-2000. Causes of SBS were intestinal atresia (3), gastroschisis
      (2), volvulus (9), necrotising enterocolitis (3), and strangulation (2). The
      median remaining small-intestinal length was 35 cm (range, 10 to 70 cm). In 14
      patients the ileocecal valve was still present. In all patients at least 25% of
      colon was still present. The median follow-up was 25 months (range, 50 days to 9
      years). After a median of 138 days (range, 41 days to 11 years) on total
      parenteral nutrition, 16 patients (84%) reached intestinal autonomy. Central
      venous catheter-related complications occurred in all; there were liver function
      disorders in 68%, and a failure to thrive in 26%. One patient underwent
      intestinal lengthening. No patient needed intestinal transplantation, but one
      underwent liver transplantation for intestinal failure-associated liver disease.
      Overall mortality was 11%: those 2 patients died of abdominal sepsis. CONCLUSION:
      This specialized intestinal rehabilitation program led to intestinal autonomy in
      84% of the patients who had SBS. None of the patients underwent an intestinal
      transplantation.

PMID- 25131118
TI  - Quality of life and performance status before and after small intestinal
      transplantation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intestinal transplantation (IT) is considered for patients with
      irreversible intestinal failure who develop life-threatening complications of
      parenteral nutrition or have extensive intra-abdominal disease requiring
      evisceration. Developing indications may include quality of life (QOL)
      considerations and therefore assessment of QOL and performance status (PS) after
      IT is important. We report QOL and PS before and after IT in our cohort. METHODS:
      Consecutive patients undergoing IT were included. QOL was assessed using the
      generic 36-item short form survey (SF 36) tool at assessment and 6-month
      intervals post-transplantation. Performance was assessed using a visual analogue
      scale (VAS), Karnofsky scale (KS), and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
      scale at three time points: premorbidly, at listing, and after transplantation.
      RESULTS: Data were available for 21 patients. There were 11 complete SF 36
      datasets and 15 performance scores. Data were not available from 3 patients, and
      the overall response rate was 62%. Overall, there was a trend for improved SF 36
      scores post-transplantation in approximately half of the patients with scores
      remaining stable in approximately one third. The results of the SF 36
      significantly improved in 1 patient (P < .01). After IT, 66% of patients had
      better VAS scores than at listing and >75% of patients scored better or the same
      in KS compared to status at listing. However, PS after IT did not improve to
      premorbid levels. CONCLUSION: We found a trend for QOL scores to improve in
      approximately half of the patients compared to their status at listing, remain
      static in approximately one third, and a minority experience a decline. For the
      majority, differences were not statistically significant. PS of patients after
      transplantation is equal or better than that at listing in 75%, but rarely
      reaches that of the premorbid status. Longer-term studies are needed and may
      reveal progressive improvement.

PMID- 25131119
TI  - Adult small intestinal and multivisceral transplantation: lessons through the
      "retrospecto-scope" at a single UK centre from 1991 to 2013.
AB  - The first intestinal transplantation in the United Kingdom was performed in
      Cambridge in 1991. Thirty-eight intestinal transplantations have since been
      performed in 35 patients. All deaths in the first postoperative month related to
      hemorrhage, in 2 cases to severe portal hypertension (SPH) and poor venous access
      in 2. We have modified our practice to reduce the bleeding risk with SPH. Loss of
      venous access can be avoided by timely referral. Rejection was implicated in 3/14
      deaths all dying of sepsis. Cytomegalovirus disease resulted in 2 deaths; we try
      to avoid CMV-positive donors giving to CMV-negative recipients. Three deaths were
      related to psychiatric illness, which led to loss of graft in 2 others. Three
      patients were retransplanted (2 rejections and 1 infarction) and all remain
      alive. Most patients (10/13) experienced a fall in body weight in the first
      postoperative year after SB/MV transplantation. Body weight fell by as much as
      25%. As transplantation resulted in a net gain in small bowel in most cases, the
      postoperative loss of native body weight may be underestimated. Interestingly
      this was not associated with a significant fall in midarm circumference or
      handgrip strength. Long-term nutrition can be maintained with oral intake in the
      majority of patients post-SBT. There is improvement in handgrip strength post
      transplant. Transplantation does not significantly alter weight, albumin, or
      other common anthropometric markers. Despite these problems, our 5-year survival
      results remain relatively good at 73% in the cohort from 1991, 79% from 2003, and
      80% from 2008. We consider that deployment of strategies learned from our
      experiences has improved outcomes. 

PMID- 25131120
TI  - Selenium homocholic acid taurocholate scanning, selenium-75-labeled bile acid, a
      novel method for testing the function of the terminal ileum in small bowel
      transplant recipients: a pilot study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The terminal ileum (TI) is important for the active reabsorption of
      bile salts and is the site of allograft rejection; disruption of enterohepatic
      circulation (EHC) may give insights to inflammatory and other physiologic
      processes at the TI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Four children aged 5 to 12 years who
      had received small bowel transplantation (SBTx), 3 recovering from post
      transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) and 1 with acute rejection, were
      studied. Two of the 4 had stoma reversal. Another child (15 years) with
      progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) and pruritus, despite liver
      transplantation and biliary diversion, was studied. Selenium homocholic acid
      taurocholate scanning ((75)SeHCAT) capsule was given orally (n = 3) or via
      introducer during endoscopy (n = 2); a baseline whole-body gamma camera scan was
      done 4 hours later and on days 1 to 5. RESULTS: The normal 3-day bile salt
      retention is 30% to 70% of baseline and normal adult biological half-life, t1/2
      is 62 +/- 17 hours. The results in children with a stoma were very low (0.1% at
      7.6 hours; 5% at 17 hours). The children with reversed stoma had retention and
      t1/2 closer to the reference range (18% at 29 hours; 22% at 33 hours). The child
      with PFIC + biliary diversion had an initial very high gamma emission from the
      stoma bag suggesting excellent reabsorption of bile salts from his TI, but
      retention was 0.6% and t1/2 9.8 hours, demonstrating efficient biliary diversion.
      CONCLUSION: These results confirm children with stomas malabsorb bile acids,
      which can be ameliorated after stoma closure. SeHCAT demonstrated that the
      biliary diversion was working well and may be helpful in preoperative assessment
      of abnormal EHC. The role of SeHCAT in SBTx requires further evaluation.

PMID- 25131121
TI  - Impact of intestinal transplantation for intestinal failure in Japan.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The prognosis of intestinal failure has improved dramatically in
      the past few decades with the development of parenteral nutrition (PN). However,
      PN-dependent patients still have numerous complications. Intestinal
      transplantation can significantly improve their prognosis and quality of life. We
      report on the impact of intestinal transplantation for intestinal failure in
      Japan. METHODS: Intestinal transplantations have been performed in Japan since
      1996. Standardized forms were sent to all known intestinal transplantation
      programs, asking for information on intestinal transplantations performed between
      1996 and June 31, 2012. All programs responded. Patient and graft survival
      estimates were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed with the
      Wilcoxon statistic. RESULTS: Five institutions provided data on 24 grafts in 21
      patients. There were 12 cadaveric and 12 living related donor transplants. Causes
      of intestinal failure included short gut syndrome (n = 9), intestinal motility
      function disorders (n = 11), retransplantation (n = 3), and other (n = 1). The
      overall 1- and 5-year patient survival rates were 86% and 68%, respectively. In
      cases (n = 15) after 2006, the 1-year patient survival rate was 92%, and the 5
      year survival rate was 83%. One- and five-year graft survival rates were 87% and
      78%, respectively. More than 80% of all current survivors discontinued PN.
      CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal transplantation has become an effective therapy for
      patients with intestinal failure who cannot tolerate PN. After 2006, patient and
      graft survival rates approached rates associated with standard treatment for end
      stage intestinal failure. Further improvements are expected with early referral
      due to suitable donor organ and pretransplant management.

PMID- 25131122
TI  - Evaluation of epithelial chimerism after bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell
      infusion in intestinal transplant patients.
AB  - Intestinal transplantation is the most effective treatment for patients with
      short bowel syndrome and small bowel insufficiencies. We evaluated epithelial
      chimerism after infusion of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells
      (BMSCs) in patients undergoing cadaveric donor isolated intestinal
      transplantation (I-ITx). BMSCs were isolated from patients' bone marrow via iliac
      puncture and expanded in vitro prior to infusion. Two out of the 3 patients were
      infused with autologous BMSCs, and small intestine tissue biopsies collected post
      operatively were analyzed for epithelial chimerism using XY fluorescent in situ
      hybridization and short tandem repeat polymerase chain reaction. We observed
      epithelial chimeric effect in conditions both with and without BMSC infusion.
      Although our results suggest a higher epithelial chimerism effect with autologous
      BMSC infusion in I-ITx, the measurements in multiple biopsies at different time
      points that demonstrate the reproducibility of this finding and its stability or
      changes in the level over time would be beneficial. These approaches may have
      potential implications for improved graft survival, lower immunosuppressant
      doses, superior engraftment of the transplanted tissue, and higher success rates
      in I-ITx. 

PMID- 25131123
TI  - Prothrombotic disorders in a cohort of 25 patients undergoing transplantation:
      investigation and management implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many patients referred for intestinal transplantation have a history
      of thrombosis. We undertook an analysis of transplanted patients to describe the
      history and frequency of thrombosis, clinical course, and management strategies
      used. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent transplantation of intestine
      containing blocks between 2007 and 2012; 20 of 25 are still alive. Five of 25
      patients were transplanted with history of portomesenteric thrombosis, 6 of 25
      had experienced loss of venous access due to thrombosis, and 6 of 25 had history
      of mesenteric ischemia. Pretransplantation, 16 of 25 patients were
      anticoagulated. Thrombophilia screens identified 3 of 16 patients who were JAK2
      positive, 1 of 25 who had antithrombin deficiency, and 1 of 25 who had a factor V
      Leiden heterozygote. Post-transplantation, of all 16 patients who were
      anticoagulated pretransplantation and continued postoperatively, 1 of 16
      infarcted their small bowel graft and 4 of 16 developed a further venous
      thrombosis despite anticoagulation. Of the 9 without a previous history of
      thrombosis, 1 had a pulmonary embolus more than a decade after transplantation
      and another had an upper limb deep vein thrombosis associated with a line. Both
      were then anticoagulated. Seven of 25 are not anticoagulated, although they are
      administered antiplatelet prophylaxis. Postoperative bleeding complications of
      anticoagulation occurred in 3 patients. After a subarachnoid hemorrhage in 1 of
      those 3 patients, anticoagulation was stopped. The other 2 patients bled during
      ileal biopsy, and both remain on low molecular weight heparin treatment.
      CONCLUSION: Those with identifiable thrombophilic tendency and a history of
      venous or arterial thrombosis are considered to be at high risk for recurrent
      thrombosis. Those without such a history could be considered low risk. Our
      practice is to anticoagulate all high-risk individuals before and after
      transplantation and offer antiplatelet prophylaxis to low-risk patients as the
      risk of anticoagulation probably outweighs the risk of thrombosis for them. Early
      input from hematologists is vital in the management of high-risk patients,
      particularly those who thrombose when anticoagulated.

PMID- 25131124
TI  - Psychiatric disorders in patients undergoing intestinal transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders are common in chronic disease states;
      intestinal transplantation recipients may therefore be at high risk for
      psychiatric disorder (PD). We sought to investigate the frequency and type of PD
      in our cohort of patients undergoing transplantation between 2007 and 2012.
      RESULTS: The notes of 25 patients who had undergone transplantations since 2007
      were available for analysis. Five of 25 patients had died at the time of data
      collection. Pretransplantation, 14 of 25 patients had a history of a single
      psychiatric disorder (SPD) (depression). Two of 25 had double psychiatric
      diagnoses (DPD; depression with anxiety), and 1 had three PDs. Three of 25
      patients suffered from chronic pain syndrome and 1 patient had this as an
      isolated diagnosis without any other PD. Post-transplantation, 10 of 14 patients
      still had an SPD; however, 3 of 14 had acquired a second diagnosis (DPD; anxiety
      with depression) with suicidal ideation in 2 cases. Those with DPD preoperatively
      did not improve. Depression resolved in 1 of 14 after transplantation. One
      patient without a history of psychiatric issues developed DPD during the
      postoperative course. Only 3 of 25 surviving patients are free of any
      psychological diagnosis post-transplantation. The presence of other problems in
      the cohort such as chronic pain syndrome in 4 of 25, medical noncompliance in 3
      of 25, cyclizine dependency in 2 of 25, and recreational drug use suspected in 1
      were also identified. Problems with body image relating to the stoma were
      experienced by 2 of 25 patients. CONCLUSION: The incidence of psychiatric
      disorder in patients embarking on transplantation is high and relates to their
      history of chronic illness. The additional stress of the transplantation
      operation and the long in-hospital rehabilitation period takes its toll on
      patients' emotional health and many acquire further psychiatric diagnoses.
      Managing the psychiatric health of patients is important for successful
      rehabilitation and their long-term health and wellbeing.

PMID- 25131125
TI  - Renal failure associated with intestinal transplantation: our experience in
      Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal failure (RF) is a frequent complication in non-renal solid
      organ transplants. In the present study, we analyze our experience with
      intestinal transplants (ITx). METHODS: Between 2004 and 2012, we performed 21 ITx
      in 19 adult patients. Alemtuzumab was used as an induction agent followed by
      tacrolimus. Renal function was assessed before ITx and during the perioperative
      period. RESULTS: The main cause for transplants was non-resectable desmoids
      tumors (33.3%), followed by vascular thrombosis (19%) and others. Medical
      complications were frequent, especially infectious diseases, which were the most
      common (51%). Surgical complications were also frequent, but most of them (>50%)
      were mild but leading to a great number of re-operations and prolonged stays in
      hospital. Acute rejection is very frequent (66.6%) but mild in more than 70% of
      the cases. Finally, RF was very frequent (68.4%; 13/19 patients) and accounted
      for 15.6% of all medical complications. Causes were multiple. One patient is
      awaiting a kidney transplant, but no other patients need renal replacement
      therapy at the moment. Ileostomy closure was performed in 5 of 12 patients alive,
      showing improved renal function in 3 of them. CONCLUSIONS: RF is a problem in ITx
      and is always multifactorial. Increases in hospital stay, higher morbidity and is
      a cause for hospital readmission. Almost all patients had an impaired renal
      function when discharged. Immunosuppressants and ileostomy closure as soon as
      possible might prevent RF.

PMID- 25131126
TI  - The "Pavia model" of experimental small bowel transplantation in pigs: technical
      variations for ischemia reperfusion injury studies.
AB  - Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major field of study in small bowel
      transplantation because of its implications regarding intestinal immunity. In
      this study, we have introduced some variations to the described models of IRI in
      pigs to make possible a complete isolation of the small bowel for IRI studies. In
      swine, two anatomical barriers make impossible a complete isolation of the small
      bowel at the origin of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV): the main
      colic vessels, which originate distally to form SMA and SMV, and the blood supply
      of the distal portion of the duodenum and the cephalic part of the pancreas. In a
      group of Large White pigs (n = 5), we have performed a complete isolation of the
      small bowel, including sub-total colectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy. Both SMA
      and SMV were isolated at the origin from the aorta and at the junction of the
      splenic vein, respectively. Intestinal continuity was restored with
      duodenojejunal anastomosis and with ileotransverse colon anastomosis. One pig
      died on postoperative day 5 from intestinal occlusion due to adhesions. The
      remaining four pigs were killed on postoperative day 7 after an uneventful
      postoperative course. No complications were found at autopsy. In swine, resection
      of part of the pancreas and duodenum and removal of the large bowel does not
      affect short-term survival, allowing a full isolation of the entire small bowel
      mimicking the transplantation procedure. Thus, this model appears to be
      attractive for IRI studies in the field of intestinal transplantation. 

PMID- 25131127
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of ischemic preconditioning on rat small bowel
      allografts.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Minimizing the inflammatory events that follow intestinal
      transplantation may influence immediate graft function and improve outcome.
      Ischemic preconditioning (IPc) has been shown to ameliorate early inflammatory
      responses, and it may also attenuate the potentially damaging inflammation after
      intestinal transplantation. Herein, we examine the influence of intestinal IPc on
      inflammatory indices (tissue expression of ICAM-1, CD11a, and CD44 and serum
      levels of the soluble ICAM-1, sICAM-1) after heterotopic intestinal
      transplantation. METHODS: Lewis rats received full-length preconditioned or non
      preconditioned Brown Norway intestinal allografts in the absence of
      immunosuppression. Preconditioned grafts were subjected to 1 cycle of 10 minutes
      of ischemia-reperfusion. Preconditioned and non-preconditioned isografts acted as
      controls. Blood was collected on alternate days post-transplant, and graft tissue
      harvested on sacrifice. ICAM-1, CD44, and CD11a expression was determined by
      immunohistochemistry, and the area of staining was quantified using image
      analysis. Serum soluble ICAM-1 levels were determined using an R&D Systems
      Quantikine enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: (1) IPc ameliorated serum levels of sICAM
      1 until severe rejection (day 7) overcame this down-regulation when compared to
      non-preconditioned allografts (day 3: 34,304 vs 40,479 pg/mL; day 5: 52,441 vs
      61,593 pg/mL; day 7: 75,114 vs 73,309 pg/mL; day 9: 72,872 vs 76,314 pg/mL,
      respectively). (2) ICAM-1 expression was significantly lower in preconditioned
      allografts (1.02 vs 2.01 mm(2)). (3) CD44 tissue levels were also found to be
      lower in preconditioned allografts (0.86 vs 1.13 mm(2)). (4) There was a
      significant relationship between tissue ICAM-1 expression and serum levels of
      soluble ICAM-1 (P < .02). CONCLUSIONS: IPc improves inflammatory indices in the
      early stages following intestinal transplantation, and this might lead to a
      preserved cellular, architectural, and functional graft status. Furthermore, our
      results support the use of soluble ICAM-1 as a marker of endothelial activation,
      and thence of inflammation and developing rejection.

PMID- 25131128
TI  - Preface: The dawn of the new age. First experiences after being full member of
      Eurotransplant.
AB  - After so many years of the first initiative, to join the Eurotransplant (ET),
      this dream of many experts and professionals has become true. This difficult and
      long story was discussed in details and published here as the--prefaces of the
      11(th) and 12(nd) Congresses of the Hungarian Transplantation Society. Since
      1(st) July 2014 Hungary became a full member of ET. The 15(th) Congress was the
      first occasion to summarize the early experience of the membership.

PMID- 25131129
TI  - Early histopathological changes in new-onset diabetes after kidney
      transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is one of the most
      common complications after kidney transplantation. METHODS: Patients were
      randomly assigned to receive cyclosporine A-based or tacrolimus-based
      immunosuppression. Fasting and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed, and
      the patients were assigned to one of the following 3 groups, on the basis of the
      results: normal, impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance, or NODAT.
      NODAT developed in 14% of patients receiving cyclosporine A-based
      immunosuppression and in 26% of patients taking tacrolimus (P = .0002). RESULTS:
      Albumin levels were similar, but uric acid level (P = .002) and the age of the
      recipient (P = .003) were significantly different between the diabetic and the
      normal groups. Evaluation of tissue samples revealed that acute cellular
      rejection and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy were significantly different
      in the NODAT group. Changes in the Banff score provided significant difference
      regarding tubulitis and interstitial inflammation (P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      pathological effect of new-onset diabetes after kidney transplantation can be
      detected in the morphology of the renal allograft earlier, before the development
      of any sign of functional impairment.

PMID- 25131130
TI  - Prevalence of obesity and metabolic changes after kidney transplantation:
      Hungarian pediatric cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular mortality rate in patients with end-stage renal
      disease is 3 magnitudes higher than in the general population; it remains 10-fold
      higher after successful renal transplantation (Tx). Among others, obesity and
      hypertension can exert deleterious effects on vascular structure and function
      after Tx. Successful kidney transplantation may induce excessive weight gain in
      part because of the effects of steroid treatment. METHODS: The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the presence of obesity in Tx children, their obesity
      related metabolic disturbances, and to assess their blood pressure and arterial
      stiffness in relation to obesity. Forty-one transplant children (age, 15.7 [3.5]
      years; 28 males) were studied. Body composition was assessed by body mass index
      (BMI), waist circumference, skin-fold measurements, and multifrequence
      bioimpedance analysis. Glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness
      (with the use of pulse wave velocity) were studied. Age- and sex-dependent
      parameters were expressed as standard deviation scores (SDS). RESULTS: The
      prevalence of overweight (BMI >85%) increased from 3.2% to 24.4% at 49 months (3
      183) (median, range); the BMI SDS increased from -0.27 (0.79) to 0.67 (1.35)
      after Tx. There was a close correlation between BMI SDS and the percentage of
      body fat and body fat mass in the Tx group (r = 0.80; r = 0.94, P = .0001).
      Children with disturbed glycemic control (n = 14) had higher percentage of body
      fat and higher blood pressure compared with those with normal glucose metabolism
      (P < .05). There was no difference in pulse wave velocity between the lean and
      obese patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of overweight or obese patients in
      the Hungarian pediatric renal cohort is low at transplantation and rises
      subsequently. Overweight is associated with disturbed glycemic control and
      increased blood pressure; however, these disturbances are not yet reflected by
      stiffening of the arteries. Strategies are needed to prevent obesity, its impact
      on hypertension, and cardiovascular disease in pediatric transplantation.

PMID- 25131131
TI  - De novo Prograf versus de novo Advagraf: are trough level profile curves similar?
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the clinical trials, Advagraf (ADV) has efficacy and
      safety profile similar to Prograf (PROG). The aim of this study was to compare
      the graft functions, dosages, and tacrolimus (TAC) trough level profile curves of
      patients on de novo PROG and ADV therapy. METHODS: The ADV group included 39 de
      novo renal cases who had received initial immunosuppression (IS) with once-daily
      TAC (1 * 0.2 mg/kg from day1 after transplantation). We compared them with a PROG
      group of 38 transplant patients who received equivalent IS with twice-daily TAC
      (2 * 0.1 mg/kg from day1). In both groups, the IS was combined with
      antimetabolites and steroids. The mean follow-up time was similar (13.5 +/- 7
      days) in both groups after renal transplantation until the emission of the
      patients from our clinic. RESULTS: TAC mean total daily dose was reduced and
      whole-blood trough levels decreased over the time in early postoperative days.
      Only on day 3 and day 4 after transplant, a significant higher adjustment in the
      ADV dosage was necessary to achieve sufficient TAC trough levels. The average TAC
      trough level profile curves were similar in PROG and ADV groups, but the
      individual curves were very different. Mainly in patients on ADV therapy, the
      initial concentrations were often >30 ng/mL, and in some cases on the 9th
      posttransplant day decreased to <5 ng/mL, then slowly increased into the required
      therapeutic range. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that patients after renal
      transplantation can be safely treated de novo with ADV. Setting the required
      therapeutic TAC blood levels may require more attention to avoid the
      "fluctuations" of trough level profile curve during the early postoperative
      period. Our data suggest that dose adjustment of ADV can be carried out more
      carefully compared with PROG on the basis of clinical symptoms and the value of
      TAC blood levels to avoid acute rejection and toxicity.

PMID- 25131132
TI  - Three-year longitudinal clinical trial of arterial function assessed by a
      oscillometric non-invasive method in comparison with carotid sclerosis and
      transferrin kidney-transplanted patients.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease remains one of the main risk factors of cardiovascular
      disease. However, patients with kidney transplantation have better life
      expectancy and better quality of life compared with patients on dialysis. In
      patients with a well-functioning graft, the main cause of death is cardiovascular
      in origin. Metabolic pathways have complex effects on arterial function that can
      be monitored by conventional ultrasonography and with the assessment of arterial
      stiffness by oscillometric non-invasive technique. Forty-one primer cadaver
      kidney-transplanted patient were involved in a 3-year longitudinal clinical trial
      (21 female, 20 male; average age, 40.16 +/- 12.56 years). Arterial stiffness
      parameters referring to rigidity of the arterial wall (pulse wave velocity [PWV],
      augmentation index, and pulse pressure) were investigated. Correlation between
      stiffness, and laboratory parameters (serum creatinine, urea, hemoglobin,
      albumin, cholesterine, triglycerides, transferrin, uric acid, glomerular
      filtration rate, and C-reactive protein) were analyzed. A non-invasive
      oscillometric method--Tensiomed Arteriograph--was applied to assess the arterial
      stiffness parameters. Statistical analysis was performed with the use of
      Statistica for Windows, version 8.0. A value of P < .05 was considered
      statistically significant for all statistical tests. We found a positive
      correlation between PWV and left ventricular wall thickness and a negative
      correlation between PWV and ejection fraction. We also found a positive
      significant correlation between serum level of transferrin and PWV. There was
      simultaneous significant progression concerning PWV and carotid artery sclerosis
      in a 3-year follow-up. There was no fatal cardiovascular event during the study
      period among our patients. All of our patients involved in this study are still
      alive. Our findings suggest that arterial stiffness monitoring is a reliable
      method to assess global cardiovascular risk among kidney-transplanted patients.
      The oscillometric method is convenient, fast, painless technique to monitor
      arterial function, which, in the case of pathological findings, proposes more
      frequent cardiovascular control.

PMID- 25131133
TI  - Endogenous thrombin potential and examination of a further 31 analytes in liver
      transplant candidates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To predict the change in patient status and differentation of the
      basic diseases, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), clinical chemistry, and
      coagulation variables were measured in liver transplant-listed patients with
      different etiologies. METHODS: Differences in values of ETP and analytes of 30
      control persons and 164 cirrhotic patients were examined by means of binary
      logistic regression. The relationship between the analytes and ETP parameters
      were analyzed by means of Spearman correlation. The different etiologies of
      cirrhosises were studied by factor and discriminant analyses. Binary logistic
      regression was applied to forecast changes in clinical status. Survival analysis
      was carried out with the appropriate variable. RESULTS: International Normalized
      Ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time values were higher, whereas the
      area-under-the-curve values were lower in cirrhosis than in healthy subjects. A
      strong relationship was found only between the peak height and the anti-thrombin
      III (ATIII) values. In the factor analysis, 3 factors were found, which explained
      81.6% of the total variance. Combination of aspartate aminotransferase and ATIII
      mostly separated the basic disease groups from each other in the discriminant
      analysis. From 35 variables, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ATIII have been
      suited for predicting the change in patient status. Eighty percent of patients
      with low ATIII and high LDH levels had deterioration of their clinical status.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that the ETP parameters did not provide
      additional information compared with "conventional" coagulation tests in
      cirrhosis. On the basis of our study, LDH and ATIII appear to be promising
      analytes to assess the clinical status of patients with cirrhosis. In our
      opinion, the classification system of liver transplant-listed patients can be
      improved with their use.

PMID- 25131134
TI  - New-onset diabetes mellitus and the analysis of dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 after
      liver transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New-onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation (NODAT) is a common
      complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The diabetogenic
      effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is well known. The aim of this study
      was to analyze the glucose homeostasis before and after OLT. The oral glucose
      tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out, and dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4)
      activity was measured. METHODS: The study period was from 2012 to 2014. We
      enrolled 49 non-diabetic patients from the waiting list (group A) and 21 patients
      after OLT (group B). Seven patients were monitored continuously both before and
      after OLT. According to our preoperative OGTT results, 13 patients in group A had
      newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (group A/DM) and 11 had impaired glucose
      tolerance (group A/IGT). In 25 cases, normal glucose tolerance was diagnosed
      (group A/NGT). The calculated homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance
      (HOMA2-IR) values were both in group A/DM and-IGT higher compared with group
      A/NGT (2.42 +/- 0.81 vs 2 +/- 0.98 vs 1.28 +/- 0.67; P = .001). In the case of
      HCV infection (n = 14; 29%) DM and IGT were more frequent. RESULTS: Six patients
      in group B had NODAT. In 9 cases, IGT and in 6 cases NGT was detected. In the
      case of HCV infection (n = 9; 43%), DPP-4 levels were higher compared with that
      in patients with all other indications for OLT (15.5 +/- 5.2 vs 8.7 +/- 3.5; P =
      .008). We evaluated the same individuals before and after OLT (n = 7), and a
      decrease in beta-cell function was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative OGTT is an
      important and easy investigation to rule out glucose imbalance before OLT. The
      HOMA2 calculation can also be useful both in preoperative and postoperative risk
      assessment. In our results, DPP-4 activity is not specific for the type of
      glucose homeostasis imbalance, but, in HCV infection, it is higher. DPP-4
      inhibitors can be effective in the therapy of NODAT, especially in HCV-infected
      patients.

PMID- 25131135
TI  - Effect of setting temperature on glucono-delta-lactone-induced gelation of silver
      carp surimi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Setting temperature is important for heat-induced surimi gel
      formation. However, there is little information concerning setting temperature on
      the properties of glucono-delta-lactone (GDL)-induced surimi gel, which is
      considered a new preparation technique. RESULTS: The pH of surimi gel induced by
      2% GDL was about 4.6, while the breaking force of GDL-induced surimi gel
      preheated at a temperature range of 35-50  degrees C was higher than that of heat
      induced surimi gel. The breaking force, deformation and whiteness of GDL-induced
      surimi gel were increased with increasing setting temperature from 30 to 45 
      degrees C, but water-holding capacity was decreased. When setting temperature was
      further increased to 50  degrees C, the textural properties were decreased, and
      myosin heavy chain (MHC) was degraded slightly. The data of protein subunits
      solubilized in various solvents revealed that MHC participated in the formation
      of GDL-induced surimi gel mainly through hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore,
      when GDL-induced surimi gel was preheated at 45  degrees C, a compact and fine
      fiber microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy. CONCLUSION:
      Setting treatment at the appropriate temperature could promote the formation of a
      fine, compact GDL-induced surimi gel network, resulting in improved textural
      properties.

PMID- 25131136
TI  - Lessons learned from mice and man: mimicking human allergy through mouse models.
AB  - The relevance of using mouse models to represent human allergic pathologies is
      still unclear. Recent studies suggest the limitations of using models as a
      standard for assessing immune response and tolerance mechanisms, as mouse models
      often do not sufficiently depict human atopic conditions. Allergy is a
      combination of aberrant responses to innocuous environmental agents and the
      subsequent TH2-mediated inflammatory responses. In this review, we will discuss
      current paradigms of allergy - specifically, TH2-mediated and IgE-associated
      immune responses - and current mouse models used to recreate these TH2-mediated
      pathologies. Our overall goal is to highlight discrepancies that exist between
      mice and men by examining the advantages and disadvantages of allergic mouse
      models with respect to the human allergic condition. 

PMID- 25131137
TI  - Characterisation of tissue transglutaminase-reactive T cells from patients with
      coeliac disease and healthy controls.
AB  - Previous studies have shown evidence for T lymphocytes specific for tissue
      transglutaminase (tTG) in the periphery of coeliac disease (CD) patients. These
      cells could play a role in disease pathogenesis and may be involved in providing
      help for the production of anti-tTG autoantibodies. The objective of this study
      was to further investigate the presence of tTG-specific T cells in patients with
      treated and untreated CD, and normal controls. Positive proliferative responses
      to three different commercial tTG antigens were detected in all groups tested,
      occurring more frequently and at higher levels in untreated CD patients. The
      addition of antibodies to HLA-DQ and HLA-DR caused a significant reduction in the
      proliferative response to tTG. T cell lines specific for tTG and composed
      predominantly of CD4-positive T cells were generated from responsive CD and
      control individuals, and were found to produce large amounts of interferon-gamma,
      as well as interleukins 10, 17A, and 21. 

PMID- 25131138
TI  - C-Myc participates in beta-catenin-mediated drug resistance in A549/DDP lung
      adenocarcinoma cells.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate c-Myc and beta-catenin-mediated drug
      resistance in A549/DDP lung adenocarcinoma cells. Cisplatin sensitivity was
      determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide
      (MTT) toxicity assay. beta-Catenin and c-Myc protein expression following
      cisplatin treatment were determined using western blotting and
      immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell cycle and
      apoptosis in A549, A549/DDP, and c-Myc small interfering RNA (siRNA)-transfected
      A549/DDP cells before and after treatment with different doses of cisplatin. The
      median inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) in cisplatin-treated A549 and A549/DDP
      cells was 5.769 +/- 0.24 MUmol/L and 28.373 +/- 0.96 MUmol/L, respectively; the
      cisplatin resistance of A549 cells was about five times that of A549/DDP cells.
      Endogenous beta-catenin and c-Myc expression in A549/DDP cells were higher than
      that in A549 cells, and were upregulated in A549/DDP cells (p < 0.05) and
      downregulated in A549 cells after 48 h cisplatin treatment (p < 0.05). beta
      catenin localization transferred from membrane/cytoplasmic/nuclear to
      cytoplasmic/nuclear, and c-Myc localization transferred from cytoplasmic/nuclear
      to nuclear in both cell lines following cisplatin treatment. The rate of
      apoptosis increased in a dose-dependent manner with cisplatin. After 48-h
      transfection with c-myc siRNA, A549/DDP cells were blocked in the S phase, and
      G0/G1-phase cells increased. Simultaneously, the apoptotic rate was increased (p
      < 0.05) and the IC50 decreased significantly (p < 0.05). C-myc, the downstream
      target gene of beta-catenin, plays an important role in regulating cisplatin
      resistance in A549/DDP cells. C-Myc siRNA improved the sensitivity of A549/DDP
      cells to cisplatin.

PMID- 25131139
TI  - Effects on upper airway collapsibility of presence of a pharyngeal catheter.
AB  - Catheters that traverse the pharynx are often in place during clinical or
      research evaluations of upper airway function. The purpose of this study was to
      determine whether the presence of such catheters affects measures of upper airway
      collapsibility itself. To do so, pharyngeal critical closing pressure (Pcrit) and
      resistance upstream of the site of collapse Rus) were assessed in 24 propofol
      anaesthetized subjects (14 men) with and without a multi-sensor oesophageal
      catheter (external diameter 2.7 mm) in place. Anaesthetic depth and posture were
      maintained constant throughout each study. Six subjects had polysomnography(PSG)
      defined obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and 18 either did not have or were at low
      risk of OSA. Airway patency was maintained with positive airway pressure. At
      intervals, pressure was reduced by varying amounts to induce varying degrees of
      inspiratory flow limitation. The slope of the pressure flow relationship for flow
      limited breaths defined Rus. Pcrit was similar with the catheter in and out (-1.5
      +/- 5.4 cmH2 O and -2.1 +/- 5.6 cmH2O, respectively, P = 0.14, n = 24). This
      remained the case both for those with PSG-defined OSA (3.9 +/- 2.2 cmH2O and 2.6
      +/- 1.4 cmH2O, n = 6) and those at low risk/without OSA (-3.3 +/- 4.9 cmH2O and 
      3.7 +/- 5.6 cmH2O, respectively, n = 18). Rus was similar with the catheter in
      and out (20.0 +/- 12.3 cmH2O mL(-1) s(-1) and 16.8 +/- 10.1 cmH2O mL(-1) s(-1), P
      = 0.22, n = 24). In conclusion, the presence of a small catheter traversing the
      pharynx had no significant effect on upper airway collapsibility in these
      anaesthestized subjects, providing reassurance that such measures can be made
      reliably in their presence.

PMID- 25131141
TI  - Is essential fatty acid status in late pregnancy predictive of post-natal
      depression?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that abnormal levels of omega-3 and omega-6
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during late pregnancy are associated with
      antenatal and post-natal depression. METHOD: We interviewed a sample of more than
      900 women in late pregnancy. We assessed whether they met criteria for depression
      on a standardized measure of post-natal depression [the Edinburgh Post-natal
      Depression Scale (EPDS)] and met DSM-IV criteria for major depression and/or were
      in receipt of antidepressant medication. Blood was collected at that time to
      generate data on nine PUFA variables. Sample members were re-interviewed post
      natally to determine depressive experience in the 3 months following the birth of
      their baby. RESULTS: Univariate associations were demonstrated between pre-natal
      depression categorized using DSM criteria and measures of blood fatty acids
      including total omega-3, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, docosahexaenoic acid
      (DHA) omega-3 and DHA plus eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) omega-3. Such associations
      were not found post-natally, but different associations were quantified between
      EPDS-diagnosed depression and total omega-6, total omega-3 and EPA omega-3. In
      multivariate analyses, slight associations were maintained between EPDS and lower
      omega-3, lower EPA and higher omega-6 when neuroticism, stress during pregnancy,
      a lifetime episode of depression and older age were included in the analysis.
      CONCLUSION: Findings in such a large sample indicate that PUFA status in late
      pregnancy is only slightly linked with the risk of post-natal depression when
      depression was quantified by the EPDS. There were no associations between post
      natal depression diagnosed by DSM criteria and any fatty acid variables.

PMID- 25131140
TI  - Targeting of viral capsids to nuclear pores in a cell-free reconstitution system.
AB  - Many viruses deliver their genomes into the nucleoplasm for viral transcription
      and replication. Here, we describe a novel cell-free system to elucidate specific
      interactions between viruses and nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). Nuclei
      reconstituted in vitro from egg extracts of Xenopus laevis, an established
      biochemical system to decipher nuclear functions, were incubated with GFP-tagged
      capsids of herpes simplex virus, an alphaherpesvirus replicating in the nucleus.
      Capsid binding to NPCs was analyzed using fluorescence and field emission
      scanning electron microscopy. Tegument-free capsids or viral capsids exposing
      inner tegument proteins on their surface bound to nuclei, while capsids
      inactivated by a high-salt treatment or covered by inner and outer tegument
      showed less binding. There was little binding of the four different capsid types
      to nuclei lacking functional NPCs. This novel approach provides a powerful system
      to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that enable viral structures to engage with
      NPCs. Furthermore, this assay could be expanded to identify molecular cues
      triggering viral genome uncoating and nuclear import of viral genomes. 

PMID- 25131142
TI  - Imported loiasis in Italy: an analysis of 100 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: loiasis is a neglected filariasis, affecting millions of individuals
      living in the rainforest areas of West and Central Africa. Aim of this study was
      to compare clinical and parasitological manifestations of loiasis between
      subjects born in endemic areas and expatriates/travelers. METHODS: we report
      clinical and parasitological manifestations of 100 patients with imported loiasis
      seen between 1993 and 2013 at the Center of Tropical Diseases, Negrar, Italy.
      RESULTS: among the 100 patients, 30 were African immigrants, 70 were Europeans
      (59 long-term expatriates and 11 travelers). Thirty-five patients (19 Africans
      and 16 Europeans) had positive microfilaremia. Calabar swellings were twice as
      frequent in Europeans (90%) than in Africans (46.7%), while a history of
      "eyeworm" was recorded in a higher proportion of Africans (43.3%) than in
      Europeans (17.4%). The median duration of exposure in the non-endemic group was
      also fairly long (14.6 years). Different drug regimens were used for treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: we suggest that the differences between Africans and Europeans are
      more likely to be related to genetic differences, rather than to chronicity.
      Moreover the management of imported loiasis needs standardization.

PMID- 25131143
TI  - Anemia and thrombocytopenia in Plasmodium vivax malaria is not unusual in
      patients from endemic and non-endemic settings.

PMID- 25131145
TI  - Differential growth in estuarine and freshwater habitats indicated by plasma IGF1
      concentrations and otolith chemistry in Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma.
AB  - This study employed a combination of otolith microchemistry to indicate the
      recent habitat use, and plasma concentrations of the hormone insulin-like growth
      factor 1 (IGF1) as an index of recent growth rate, to demonstrate differences in
      growth and habitat use by Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma occupying both freshwater
      and estuarine habitats in south-west Alaska. Extensive sampling in all habitats
      revealed that fish had higher IGF1 levels in estuarine compared to lake habitats
      throughout the summer, and that the growth rates in different habitats within the
      estuary varied seasonally. In addition, otolith microchemistry indicated
      differentiation in estuarine habitat use among individual S. malma throughout
      summer months. Although growth in the estuary was higher than in fresh water in
      nearly all sites and months, the benefits and use of the estuarine habitats
      varied on finer spatial scales. Therefore, this study further illustrates the
      diverse life histories of S. malma and indicates an evaluation of the benefits of
      marine waters needs to include sub-estuary scale habitat use. 

PMID- 25131144
TI  - Prospective relations between family conflict and adolescent maladjustment:
      security in the family system as a mediating process.
AB  - Conflict in specific family systems (e.g., interparental, parent-child) has been
      implicated in the development of a host of adjustment problems in adolescence,
      but little is known about the impact of family conflict involving multiple family
      systems. Furthermore, questions remain about the effects of family conflict on
      symptoms of specific disorders and adjustment problems and the processes
      mediating these effects. The present study prospectively examines the impact of
      family conflict and emotional security about the family system on adolescent
      symptoms of specific disorders and adjustment problems, including the development
      of symptoms of anxiety, depression, conduct problems, and peer problems. Security
      in the family system was examined as a mediator of these relations. Participants
      included 295 mother-father-adolescent families (149 girls) participating across
      three annual time points (grades 7-9). Including auto-regressive controls for
      initial levels of emotional insecurity and multiple adjustment problems (T1),
      higher-order emotional insecurity about the family system (T2) mediated relations
      between T1 family conflict and T3 peer problems, anxiety, and depressive
      symptoms. Further analyses supported specific patterns of emotional
      security/insecurity (i.e., security, disengagement, preoccupation) as mediators
      between family conflict and specific domains of adolescent adjustment. Family
      conflict was thus found to prospectively predict the development of symptoms of
      multiple specific adjustment problems, including symptoms of depression, anxiety,
      conduct problems, and peer problems, by elevating in in adolescent's emotional
      insecurity about the family system. The clinical implications of these findings
      are considered. 

PMID- 25131146
TI  - Relationships between facial temperature changes, end-exercise affect and during
      exercise changes in affect: a preliminary study.
AB  - The present study was performed as an evaluation of the relationships between
      changes in facial temperature and self-reported pleasure-displeasure during an
      acute aerobic exercise bout. Ninety-two students performed a 10-minute long
      session of cycle ergometry at 80-85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate. Using
      infrared thermography and a single-item measure of pleasure-displeasure (the
      Feeling Scale, FS), facial temperature and the FS score were sampled at the
      beginning (Min1:00) and at the end of the exercise session (Min9:00). Statistical
      analyses revealed that cheek (but not forehead) temperature was higher at the end
      of the exercise bout compared to Min1:00 (it increased by about 5%). Change in
      cheek temperature was negatively related to end-exercise affect (beta = -0.28, P
      < 0.001) and to during-exercise affective changes (beta = -0.35, P < 0.001). No
      significant relationship with forehead temperature was found. Some of the
      possible reasons for this differential effect as well as theoretical and
      practical implications of our findings are discussed.

PMID- 25131147
TI  - Revisiting the surface anatomy of the sciatic nerve in the gluteal region.
AB  - The surface anatomy of the sciatic nerve (SN) in the gluteal region is clinically
      important (e.g., intramuscular injection). Anatomy texts describe the nerve in
      relation to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), ischial tuberosity (IT),
      and greater trochanter (GT) but descriptions are inconsistent. The surface
      anatomy of the SN was determined in relation to these bony landmarks using
      computed tomography (CT) scans in living adults. One hundred consecutive adult
      pelvic CT scans (36 females, mean age 76 years) were available for dual consensus
      analysis. A further 19 adults (9 females, mean age 74 years) underwent pelvic CT
      scans in both prone and supine positions. The surface projection of the SN along
      a line between the PSIS and IT and between the IT and GT was measured. The SN was
      identified in 95% of scans at a mean of 5.2 +/- 1.0 cm from the PSIS and 11.4 +/-
      1.1 cm from the IT. The SN was a mean of 5.8 +/- 0.8 cm from the IT and 6.2 +/-
      1.0 cm from the GT. There were no significant differences in mean positions of
      the nerve between sides and sexes. A small but clinically irrelevant difference
      in the surface marking of the SN was found between supine and prone positions
      with respect to the GT and IT but not in relation to the PSIS and IT. In living
      adults, the SN lies approximately one-third of the way along a line between the
      PSIS and IT and half way between the GT and IT.

PMID- 25131148
TI  - General, but not abdominal, overweight increases odds of asthma among Norwegian
      adolescents: the Young-HUNT study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this analysis was to examine the association between asthma and
      general and abdominal weight status, defined by age- and sex-specific cut-offs
      for body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in adolescents. METHODS:
      Participants aged 12-19 years in the Young-HUNT (YH) Study (YH1 1995-1997: n =
      8222; YH3 2006-2008: n = 7403) completed self-administered questionnaires in
      school as part of a series of cross-sectional, population-based studies conducted
      in Nord-Trondelag, Norway. Weight, height and WC were measured. Adjusted odds
      ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for asthma, defined by self
      reported physician diagnosis, were calculated. Potential effect modifiers
      evaluated included sex and pubertal development status (PDS). RESULTS: Asthma was
      reported by 11.8% of the adolescents in YH1 and 17.0% in YH3. Asthma odds
      significantly increased for adolescents with general (OR = 1.33; 95%CI: 1.13,
      1.56), but not abdominal, overweight and increased for adolescents with general
      (OR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.75) or abdominal obesity (OR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.16,
      1.60). Underweight had no association with asthma regardless of weight assessment
      type, and PDS did not meaningfully influence the associations between asthma and
      weight. CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity both increased the odds of asthma in
      12-19 year-old Norwegians. WC did not add further information to that already
      provided by BMI to improve our understanding of the association between asthma
      and weight.

PMID- 25131149
TI  - Effects of prolonged in vitro culture and cryopreservation on viability, DNA
      fragmentation, chromosome stability and ultrastructure of bovine cells from
      amniotic fluid and umbilical cord.
AB  - The objective of this work was to study cellular types that did not participated
      in the gastrulation process, amniotic fluid cells (AFCs) and umbilical cord cells
      (UCCs), in conditions of long-term culture and cryopreserved with different
      solutions. The AFCs and UCCs were used in a comparative study with ear fibroblast
      cells (EFCs) that were cultured in vitro until 20 cellular passages and
      cryopreserved in 10% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), 5% dimethyl formamide (DMF) and
      7% glycerol (Gly) solutions. The cellular viability, ultrastructure, DNA
      fragmentation and chromosome stability were evaluated to determine the cellular
      type most resistant. In all cell types, it was possible to evaluate the AFCs
      until 15 passages and UCCs until 20 passages with different periods of cellular
      growth to reach the confluence phase. Solutions containing 10% DMSO ensured
      viability of 90.33 +/- 5.58%, 90.56 +/- 4.40% and 81.90 +/- 3.31%, respectively
      for EFCs, AFCs and UCCs, being significantly more efficient and with less
      variation than other cryoprotectant solutions. The AFCs were more sensitive to
      cryopreservation and presented low viability rate at the passage 20 (17.2 +/-
      8.87%). There was no change in karyotype and nuclear fragmentation was low in all
      cellular passages studied. With the scanning electron analysis was possible the
      characterization of AFCs and UCCs in suspension. The three cellular types of
      cells presented different shapes and characteristics on the surface. The results
      demonstrate that bovine AFCs and UCCs can be isolated, cultured in vitro and
      cryopreserved in 10% DMSO, not causing damage to DNA and chromosomes. The UCCs
      were more resistant than AFCs in all aspects. 

PMID- 25131150
TI  - Practical approach to prepare solid dispersion drug product using spherical
      silicate.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to establish a novel approach for preparing a solid
      dispersion drug product using spherical silicate by a Wurster-type fluidized bed
      granulator. The spherical silicate used in this study has porous structure and
      ideal particle size for loading by a Wurster-type fluidized bed granulator. As
      model drugs, ibuprofen (IBU), indomethacin (IMC), and phenytoin (PNT) were used
      and the proposed approach was applied to prepare amorphous drug. All drugs could
      be loaded on the spherical silicate in an amorphous state. On the other hand,
      spray drying of spherical silicate suspended in IBU solution was conducted to
      prepare amorphous product of IBU as a reference; however, complete amorphization
      was not achieved. Dissolution profiles of each drug after loading on spherical
      silicate by a Wurster-type fluidized bed granulator were evaluated, and dramatic
      improvement of dissolution was observed compared with those of crystalline drug.
      In the proposed approach, specific surface area and particle size of spherical
      silicate were determined as a key factors to contribute to high yield of
      amorphous product. 

PMID- 25131151
TI  - Survival dynamics of tick-borne encephalitis virus in Ixodes ricinus ticks.
AB  - Biotic factors contributing to the survival of tick-borne viruses in nature are
      poorly understood. Using tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and its principal
      European vector, Ixodes ricinus, we examined the relative roles of salivary gland
      infection, co-feeding transmission, and moulting in virus survival. Virus titres
      in the salivary glands increased after blood-feeding in a time- and dose
      dependent manner. This was observed in ticks infected by inoculation but not in
      ticks infected by the natural route of co-feeding. Amplification of infection
      prevalence occurred via co-feeding. However, when larvae or nymphs subsequently
      moulted, the infection prevalence dramatically declined although this was not
      observed when ticks were infected by inoculation. Trans-stadial survival is a
      hitherto overlooked parameter that may contribute to the low incidence of TBEV
      infection in field-collected I. ricinus ticks. 

PMID- 25131153
TI  - Affective neural networks and cognitive learning systems for big data analysis.

PMID- 25131152
TI  - Co-circulation of multiple species of Rickettsiales bacteria in one single
      species of hard ticks in Shenyang, China.
AB  - Bacteria in the order Rickettsiales include some of the most important zoonotic
      (re)emerging pathogens for animals and humans. In 2012, a total of 1267 adult
      Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks were collected from domestic animals (cattle and
      sheep) in Shenyang of Liaoning Province, China. These ticks were grouped into 181
      pools (each pool with 6-7 ticks). Rickettsiales agents were identified in 93
      (51.38%) tick pools using PCR targeting rrs (16S rRNA). In addition to 16S rRNA
      gene sequences, gltA and groEL gene sequences were also recovered from these
      positive samples. Phylogenetic analyses of these sequences revealed the presence
      of five species of Rickettsiales bacteria in a single tick species (H.
      longicornis) in nature in Shenyang, including Rickettsia japonica, Rickettsia
      raoultii, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma bovis, and a potentially novel A.
      phagocytophilum variant. Additionally, two Candidatus Ehrlichia spp. (Ehrlichia
      sp. Yonaguni138, Candidatus Ehrlichia shimanensis) were also identified in these
      ticks, with the highest prevalence of Ehrlichia sp. Yonaguni138 (73/181, 40.3%).
      Notably, these agents except the novel A. phagocytophilum variant had close
      evolutionary relationships with those previously identified in northeastern Asian
      countries including Korea, Japan, and Russia, indicating a geographic clustering
      pattern. Our data also reinforce the need for vigilance in recognition and
      prevention of rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis in humans and animals
      in this region. 

PMID- 25131154
TI  - Perspectives on heterogeneous photochemistry.
AB  - Heterogeneous photochemistry has a potentially important role in production of
      energy, in environmental remediation and in sustainable production of chemicals.
      Photochemical efficiency depends on both materials properties and the desired
      chemical reaction that is promoted through creation of an excited state. A
      detailed understanding of the interplay between materials properties and
      reactivity requires a molecular-scale approach that determines the elementary
      steps in the overall process. This personal account summarizes the role of
      defects in determining the photochemical and thermal reactions on rutile titania,
      a model for semiconductor metal oxide photocatalysts that defects, e.g., Ti
      interstitials present in the subsurface region, and O adatoms on the surface,
      have a substantial impact on the efficiency for photochemical conversion through
      modification of molecular binding and also through likely modification of charge
      carrier dynamics. Design of materials must include engineering of the optical and
      electronic properties of the semiconductor photocatalyst, and understanding of
      the key photochemical steps involved in specific processes to ensure proper
      alignment of their electronic states with the band structure of the material.
      Thus, fundamental surface science studies and development of time-dependent
      theoretical methods that map out the reaction mechanism for photochemical
      processes on materials with controlled composition and structure are critical. 

PMID- 25131155
TI  - Leptin receptor is expressed by epidermis and skin appendages in dog.
AB  - Leptin is a polypeptide secreted by adipocytes which binds to a specific receptor
      (Ob-R) that is expressed in various tissues. The wide distribution of the Ob-R
      suggests that leptin might exert diverse biological functions, not only by
      regulating energy metabolism and appetite, but also by acting as a mitogen in
      many cell types, including keratinocytes. In this study, the presence and
      localization of Ob-R was investigated in the skin of the dog using RT-PCR and
      immunohistochemical techniques. RT-PCR revealed the presence of Ob-R m-RNA in the
      skin specimens collected from the dorsal region of two smooth coat breed dogs.
      Through immunohistochemistry performed on the skin of five dogs, the expression
      of the receptor was observed in the basal layer of the epidermis, in the hair
      follicles as well as in the apocrine sweat and sebaceous glands. No staining for
      Ob-R was detected in the suprabasal epidermis layers. Strong positive signals
      were observed in many cells of the outer root sheath of hair follicles in growing
      and in regressive phases. The identification of Ob-R in the above targets
      suggests that leptin may play a role in the regulation of cyclic renewal of the
      epidermis and skin appendages in dog. This study represents an important
      contribution to understand the complex mechanisms that are involved in the skin
      biology in this species. 

PMID- 25131157
TI  - Impact of Body Mass Index on Progression of IgA Nephropathy Among Japanese
      Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of being overweight remains unclear in Asian populations
      that tend to be lean. The objective of this study is to clarify the impact of
      body mass index (BMI) and metabolic factors on the prognosis of Japanese patients
      with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: A total of 193 patients with IgAN were
      divided into three groups equally according to BMI: Group L (lean group, BMI:
      15.6-20.1 kg/m(2) ), Group M (middle group, BMI: 20.2-23.0 kg/m(2) ), and Group O
      (obesity group, BMI: 23.1-31.9 kg/m(2) ). Clinical data at the time of renal
      biopsy and the progression of the patients after renal biopsy were analyzed.
      RESULTS: At the time of renal biopsy, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia,
      and hypercomplementemia in Group O were more significant compared with those in
      Group L and/or Group M. Uric acid, triglyceride, C3, C4, high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol, serum creatinine, systolic blood pressure (BP), and diastolic BP
      were significantly correlated with BMI. In Group O, the remission of urinary
      protein over 5 years was significantly delayed using a log-rank test. At the
      final observation, the BMI of each group was as similar as that at renal biopsy.
      The patients with aggressive therapy, such as steroid therapy and/or
      tonsillectomy in Group O did not have major side effects, except for a slight
      elevation of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
      CONCLUSION: Even slightly high BMI seems to be a risk factor for progress in
      Japanese patients with IgAN.

PMID- 25131158
TI  - Precise determination of the threshold diameter for a single-walled carbon
      nanotube to collapse.
AB  - Closed-edged bilayer graphene nanoribbons were formed by the spontaneous collapse
      of large-diameter single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) grown on gold
      nanoparticles by chemical vapor deposition. Such bilayer graphene nanoribbons
      could adopt different stacking configurations, such as AB-stacking or stacking
      order with any rotation angle, correlated with the chiral angles of their parent
      rounded SWNTs. On the basis of the electron diffraction characterizations on a
      good number of collapsed and uncollapsed SWNTs, the threshold diameter for SWNTs
      to collapse was precisely determined to be 5.1 nm, independent of the chiral
      angle of the SWNTs. The determination is consistent with that calculated by both
      classical adaptive intermolecular reactive empirical bond order force field and
      density functional theory after having taken the stacking effect and thermal
      fluctuation into account. 

PMID- 25131156
TI  - Impact of a pharmacy benefit change on new use of mail order pharmacy among
      diabetes patients: the Diabetes Study of Northern California (DISTANCE).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a pharmacy benefit change on mail order
      pharmacy (MOP) uptake. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Race-stratified, random sample
      of diabetes patients in an integrated health care delivery system. STUDY DESIGN:
      In this natural experiment, we studied the impact of a pharmacy benefit change
      that conditionally discounted medications if patients used MOP and prepaid two
      copayments. We compared MOP uptake among those exposed to the benefit change (n =
      2,442) and the reference group with no benefit change (n = 8,148), and estimated
      differential MOP uptake across social strata using a difference-in-differences
      framework. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Ascertained MOP uptake (initiation
      among previous nonusers). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Thirty percent of patients started
      using MOP after receiving the benefit change versus 9 percent uptake among the
      reference group (p < .0001). After adjustment, there was a 26 percentage point
      greater MOP uptake (benefit change effect). This benefit change effect was
      significantly smaller among patients with inadequate health literacy (15 percent
      less), limited English proficiency (14 percent less), and among Latinos and
      Asians (24 and 16 percent less compared to Caucasians). CONCLUSIONS:
      Conditionally discounting medications delivered by MOP effectively stimulated MOP
      uptake overall, but it unintentionally widened previously existing social gaps in
      MOP use because it stimulated less MOP uptake in vulnerable populations.

PMID- 25131159
TI  - Modification of a melanoma discrimination index derived from hyperspectral data:
      a clinical trial conducted in 2 centers between March 2011 and December 2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The morphology of pigmented skin lesions (PSLs) is predominantly a
      result of varying concentrations and distributions of pigmented molecules such as
      melanin and hemoglobin. Based on these differences and the fact that their
      information is contained in cutaneous spectra, a hyperspectral imager (HSI) for
      pigmented melanoma and a single discrimination index derived from the resultant
      hyperspectral data are proposed. OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a new
      discrimination index for melanomas, compared to the previous index. METHODS: A
      HSI, which is convenient for both patients and clinicians, was newly developed
      and used in a clinical trial conducted in 2 centers with 80 patients with primary
      lesions and 17 volunteers between March 2011 and December 2013. There were 24
      melanomas and 110 other PSLs. A previously proposed discrimination index was used
      without modifications. A new index, which emphasized the essential features of
      melanoma, was proposed, and its performance was examined. For each index, a
      threshold value was set to minimize the average value of the false positive and
      false negative fractions. The performances of both indices were compared.
      RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the old index were 75% and 97%,
      respectively, while those of the new index were 96% and 87%. CONCLUSION: The new
      index had a higher sensitivity and adequate specificity, indicating that it is
      more useful than the old index.

PMID- 25131160
TI  - The immune pathogenesis of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated
      with highly active antiretroviral therapy in AIDS.
AB  - The present study investigated the immunological pathogenesis of immune
      reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
      (AIDS) patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). A total
      of 238 patients with AIDS who received initial HAART were included in this
      prospective cohort study. Blood samples were collected immediately, at baseline,
      at week 12, and at week 24 after initial HAART and at the onset of IRIS.
      Lymphocyte subsets, Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and interleukin (IL)-7 levels were
      measured by flow cytometry or ELISA. Among the 238 patients with AIDS who
      received HAART, 47 patients developed IRIS. The percentages of CD4(+) and CD8(+)
      naive, memory, and activated cells exhibited no significant differences between
      AIDS patients with and without IRIS 24 weeks after initial HAART. The percentage
      of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells was lower in IRIS patients than in
      non-IRIS patients before HAART, 12 weeks after HAART, 24 weeks after HAART, and
      at the onset of IRIS. IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-gamma levels were significantly
      higher at week 4 and at the onset of IRIS in IRIS patients than in non-IRIS
      patients. In contrast, IL-4 and IL-10 levels were significantly lower at week 4
      and at the onset of IRIS in IRIS patients than in non-IRIS patients. Plasma IL-7
      decreased gradually with the progression of HAART. The level of IL-7 was higher
      in IRIS patients than in non-IRIS patients at all follow-up time points. An
      imbalance of Th1/Th2 cytokines, a consistently low CD(+)CD25(+)Fox3(+)
      percentage, and a high IL-7 level may be crucial in the pathogenesis of IRIS in
      AIDS patients who had received HAART.

PMID- 25131161
TI  - Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: should we use response to AEDS as a red flag
      for the diagnosis?
AB  - PURPOSE: Lack of response to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDS) is considered a "red
      flag" pointing to a diagnosis of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES). On the
      other hand, placebo effects are relevant in any medical condition with a complex
      psychosocial component. We aimed to evaluate the presence and frequency of a
      placebo response in patients with sole PNES and explore its impact on diagnostic
      delay. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 102 patients referred for
      video EEG monitoring and diagnosed with PNES. Patients with PNES and epilepsy
      were excluded. The response to AEDs was analyzed according to patients' reports
      and medical records. Patients were classified, according to the response to AEDs,
      in two groups: responders (patients achieving remission) and non-responders.
      Then, we compared the diagnostic delay from the first event to the final
      diagnosis between these groups. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (79.7%) with sole
      PNES who were using AEDs were identified. Twenty-two patients (46.8%) had
      reported complete or partial remission of PNES with mean response duration of 7.2
      months (SD+9.6 months). The time delay of the diagnosis in the AED responder
      group was 10.6 years; the delay in non-responders was 5.6 years (p=0.035).
      CONCLUSION: Patients with sole PNES receiving AEDs can go into PNES remission. A
      favorable response to AEDs is likely to be interpreted as supporting a diagnosis
      of epilepsy and is associated with diagnostic delay. Physicians should bear in
      mind that patients with PNES may be particularly vulnerable to placebo effects.

PMID- 25131162
TI  - Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a cause of epilepsy and periventricular heterotopia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) comprises a variety of inherited connective
      tissue disorders that have been described in association with various
      neurological features. Until now the neurological symptoms have not been studied
      in detail; therefore, the aim of this review is to analyze the possible
      association between EDS, epilepsy and periventricular heterotopia (PH). METHODS:
      We have carried out a critical review of all cases of epilepsy in EDS patients
      with and without PH. RESULTS: Epilepsy is a frequent neurological manifestation
      of EDS; generally, it is characterized by focal seizures with temporo-parieto
      occipital auras and the most common EEG findings epileptiform discharges and slow
      intermittent rhythm with delta-theta waves. Epilepsy in EDS patients is usually
      responsive to common antiepileptic therapy; very few cases of drug resistant
      focal epilepsy requested surgical treatment, with favorable results in terms of
      outcome. Epilepsy is the most common presenting neurological manifestation
      associated with PH in EDS patients. Abnormal anatomic circuitries (including
      heterotopic nodules) could generate epilepsy in patients with PH. CONCLUSION:
      Among the principal neurological manifestations, epilepsy and PH have a
      considerable importance and can influence the long-term evolution of these
      patients. We hypothesize that PH may determine the epileptic manifestations in
      patients with EDS; much remains to be learnt about the relationships between
      nodules and the epileptic manifestations in EDS syndrome.

PMID- 25131163
TI  - Human Beta-papillomavirus infection and keratinocyte carcinomas.
AB  - Although the role of oncogenic human Alpha-papillomaviruses (HPVs) in the
      development of mucosal carcinomas at different body sites (eg cervix, anus,
      oropharynx) is fully recognized, a role for HPV in keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs;
      basal and squamous cell carcinomas) of the skin is not yet clear. KCs are the
      most common cancers in Caucasians, with the major risk factor being ultraviolet
      (UV) light exposure. A possible role for Beta-HPV types (BetaPV) in the
      development of KC was suggested several decades ago, supported by a number of
      epidemiological studies. Our current review summarizes the recent molecular and
      histopathological evidence in support of a causal association between BetaPV and
      the development of KC, and outlines the suspected synergistic effect of viral
      gene expression with UV radiation and immune suppression. Further insights into
      the molecular pathways and protein interactions used by BetaPV and the host cell
      is likely to extend our understanding of the role of BetaPV in KC.

PMID- 25131164
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of oral chlortetracycline in nonpregnant adult ewes.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to determine plasma concentrations and
      pharmacokinetic parameters of feed-grade chlortetracycline (CTC) in sheep after
      oral administration of 80 or 500 mg/head daily, divided into two equal doses
      given at 12-h intervals for 8 days. These are the approved, and commonly used but
      unapproved, feed additive doses, respectively, in the United States for the
      prevention of ovine infectious abortion. Blood samples were collected just prior
      to dosing at 0, 12, 24, 72, 96, and 192 h, as well as 4, 8, 12, 24, and 36 h
      after the last dose, and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed
      to estimate elimination half-life and area under the plasma concentration-time
      curve (AUC). Mean observed maximum CTC concentrations (Cmax ) were 20.0 ng/mL (80
      mg dose) and 101 ng/mL (500 mg dose). Mean apparent elimination half-life was 18
      h (80 mg dose) and 20 h (500 mg dose). Although published data do not exist to
      estimate plasma CTC concentrations necessary for the prevention of ovine
      infectious abortion, concentrations reached in our study suggest that either the
      FDA-approved and FDA-unapproved dosages are not high enough or that the
      pharmacodynamic parameter relating preventive dose to pathogen minimum inhibitory
      concentrations is yet to be determined. 

PMID- 25131166
TI  - Transcatheter implantation of a newly designed aortic prosthesis in a patient
      with a mechanical mitral valve.

PMID- 25131165
TI  - Total arterial revascularization with internal thoracic and radial artery grafts
      in triple-vessel coronary artery disease is associated with improved survival.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate our experience with total arterial
      revascularization and compare it with the traditional approach of a single
      internal thoracic artery supplemented by saphenous veins. METHODS: From 1995 to
      2010, 6059 patients with triple-vessel coronary artery disease underwent primary
      isolated coronary artery bypass grafting at 8 centers. A study cohort of 3774
      patients was formed, with 2988 (79%) undergoing total arterial revascularization
      and 786 (21%) receiving only saphenous veins to supplement a single in situ
      internal thoracic artery. In the total arterial revascularization group,
      bilateral internal thoracic arteries were used in 1079 patients (36%) and at
      least 1 radial artery was used in 2916 patients (97%). Propensity score matching
      was used for risk adjustment. RESULTS: Patients undergoing total arterial
      revascularization were younger (65.0+/-10.4 years vs 71.3+/-7.9 years, P<.001)
      and less likely to have diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, recent myocardial
      infarction, and severe left ventricular impairment. At 15 years, patients who
      underwent total arterial revascularization experienced superior unadjusted
      survival (62%+/-1.1% vs 35%+/-1.9%, P<.001). Multivariable Cox regression in the
      entire study cohort showed the total arterial group had improved survival with a
      hazard ratio of 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.90; P<.001). After
      propensity score matching yielded 384 patient pairs, patients who underwent total
      arterial revascularization showed improved survival at 15 years than patients who
      underwent single arterial revascularization (54%+/-3.3% vs 41%+/-3.0%, P=.0004).
      CONCLUSIONS: This large multicenter study suggests that a strategy of total
      arterial revascularization is associated with improved long-term survival
      compared with the use of only a single arterial and saphenous vein grafts. Total
      arterial revascularization should be encouraged in patients with a reasonable
      life expectancy.

PMID- 25131167
TI  - Usefulness of bridging thoracic endovascular aortic repair and sac irrigation
      followed by open repair in patients with mycotic thoracic aortic aneurysms.

PMID- 25131168
TI  - Skeletal muscle and plasma concentrations of cefazolin during cardiac surgery in
      infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the pharmacokinetics and tissue disposition of
      prophylactic cefazolin into skeletal muscle in a pediatric population undergoing
      cardiac surgery. METHODS: The subjects included 12 children, with a median age of
      146 days (interquartile range, 136-174) and median weight of 5.5 kg
      (interquartile range, 5.2-7.3) undergoing cardiac surgery and requiring
      cardiopulmonary bypass with or without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.
      Institutional cefazolin at standard doses of 25 mg/kg before incision and 25
      mg/kg in the bypass prime solution were administered. Serial plasma and skeletal
      muscle microdialysis samples were obtained intraoperatively and the unbound
      cefazolin concentrations measured. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analyses were
      performed and the tissue disposition evaluated. RESULTS: After the first dose of
      cefazolin, the skeletal muscle concentrations peaked at a median microdialysis
      collection interval of 30 to 38.5 minutes. After the second dose, the peak
      concentrations were delayed a median of 94 minutes in subjects undergoing deep
      hypothermic circulatory arrest. Skeletal muscle exposure to cefazolin measured by
      the area under concentration time curve 0-last measurement was less in the
      subjects who underwent deep hypothermic circulatory arrest than in those who
      received cardiopulmonary bypass alone (P = .04). The skeletal muscle
      concentrations of cefazolin exceeded the goal concentrations for methicillin
      sensitive Staphylococcus aureus prophylaxis; however, the goal concentrations for
      gram-negative pathogens associated with surgical site infections were achieved
      only 42.1% to 84.2% and 0% to 11.2% of the intraoperative time in subjects
      undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass alone or deep hypothermic circulatory arrest,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This cefazolin dosing strategy resulted in skeletal
      muscle concentrations that are likely not effective for surgical prophylaxis
      against gram-negative pathogens but are effective against methicillin-sensitive S
      aureus in infants undergoing cardiac surgery.

PMID- 25131169
TI  - The CarboMedics supra-annular Top Hat valve improves long-term left ventricular
      mass regression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to identify potential differences in
      hemodynamic performance between the supra-annular CarboMedics Top Hat valve and
      the intra-annular CarboMedics standard valve in terms of the long-term left
      ventricular mass reduction and transvalvular gradients. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed a series of 186 consecutive patients who had undergone
      aortic valve replacement with a small size mechanical prosthesis at our
      institution from 2003 to 2013, receiving either a CarboMedics Top Hat valve (53
      patients, valve size, 21 mm in 52.8% and 23 mm in 47.2%) or a CarboMedics
      standard prosthesis (133 patients, valve size, 19 mm in 14.3% and 21 mm in
      85.7%). RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality was 9.4% and 11.3% in the Top Hat and
      standard groups, respectively (P = .71). The mean percentage of left ventricular
      mass reduction was greater in the Top Hat group (33% +/- 15.8% vs 20.1% +/-
      16.6%, P < .001). The mean postoperative peak aortic gradient was lower in the
      Top Hat group (19.9 +/- 8.9 vs 29.6 +/- 8.6 mm Hg; P < .001). Spearman analysis
      showed a positive correlation between the indexed effective orifice area and the
      percentage of left ventricular mass reduction (Rho = +0.65, P = .02). The
      survival in the Top Hat group was 79.7% and 71.7% at 5 and 10 years,
      respectively. In the standard group, survival was 66.8% and 61.5% at 5 and 10
      years, respectively (log-rank test, 0.19). Cox regression demonstrated severe
      myocardial hypertrophy (hazard ratio, 2.559; 95% confidence interval, 1.095
      5.981) as one of the independent predictors of survival. CONCLUSIONS: The Top Hat
      valve surpasses hemodynamically the intra-annular valve. We suggest the supra
      annular Top Hat prosthesis can be especially recommended for patients with a
      small aortic root and severe myocardial hypertrophy.

PMID- 25131171
TI  - A simple approach to mitral valve repair: posterior leaflet height adjustment
      using a partial fold of the free edge.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Multiple techniques have been used to repair degenerative mitral
      valve prolapse with leaflet elongation, without creating systolic anterior
      motion. We describe a simple, reproducible, measured technique to guide repair.
      METHODS: From January 2010 to July 2012, 171 patients underwent mitral valve
      repair; 128 (75%) with Carpentier type II prolapse. For 48 patients (37.5%), the
      resected posterior leaflet free edge was partially folded to restore the normal
      2:1 ratio of the A2 and P2. All patients underwent complete ring annuloplasty
      sized to the height of A2. RESULTS: The preoperative A2/P2 ratio was 1.5 +/- 0.5.
      After repair, the A2/P2 ratio was 1.9 +/- 0.3 and 2.0 +/- 0.3 in the no fold and
      partial fold groups, respectively (P = .57). The ring sizes were larger in the
      partial fold group (P < .001) because the A2 height was larger (P = .001). No
      obstructive systolic anterior motion was present. Of the 171 patients, 91.4% had
      grade 4+ preoperative mitral regurgitation, with no 3 or 4+ mitral regurgitation
      during follow-up. At the last follow-up visit, grade 2+ mitral regurgitation was
      observed in 5% of the patients. No 30-day mortalities or reoperations occurred.
      CONCLUSIONS: Partial fold of the posterior leaflet free edge is a simple
      technique to restore the normal 2:1 ratio of A2/P2 with a ring size determined by
      the A2 height. Using just the A2 height, mitral surgeons can reproducibly repair
      the posterior leaflet prolapse, choose the appropriate ring size, and avoid more
      complex leaflet reconstruction or judgment of the neochord length.

PMID- 25131172
TI  - New technique for passage of endograft through problematic arch anatomy.

PMID- 25131173
TI  - Expanded level of sympathetic chain removal does not increase the incidence or
      severity of compensatory hyperhidrosis after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Compensatory hyperhidrosis is a common devastating adverse effect
      after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for patients undergoing surgical
      treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. We sought to determine whether a correlation
      existed in our patient population between the level and extent of sympathetic
      chain resection and the subsequent development of compensatory hyperhidrosis.
      METHODS: All patients undergoing endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy in the T2-T3,
      T2-T4, T2-T5, or T2-T6 levels for palmar or axillary hyperhidrosis at the
      University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics (n = 97) from January 2004 to January
      2013 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Differences in the preoperative
      patient characteristics were not statistically significant among the patients
      receiving T2-T3, T2-T4, T2-T5, or T2-T6 level resections. Of the 97 included
      patients, 28 (29%) experienced transient compensatory hyperhidrosis and 4 (4%)
      complained of severe compensatory hyperhidrosis and required additional
      treatment. No operative mortalities occurred, and the morbidity was similar among
      the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients had successful outcomes after undergoing
      extensive resection without changes in the incidence of compensatory
      hyperhidrosis. Therefore, we recommend performing complete and adequate resection
      for relief of symptoms in patients with primary hyperhidrosis.

PMID- 25131174
TI  - Surgical repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm
      involving the distal arch: open proximal anastomosis under deep hypothermia
      versus arch clamping technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical repair of a descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic
      aneurysm (DTA/TAAA) involving the distal arch is challenging and requires either
      deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) or crossclamping of the distal arch.
      The aim of this study was to compare these 2 techniques in the treatment of
      DTA/TAAA involving the distal arch. METHODS: From 1994 to 2012, 298 patients
      underwent open repair of DTA/TAAA through a left thoracotomy. One hundred seventy
      four patients with distal arch involvement who were suitable for either DHCA
      (n=81) or arch clamping (AC; n=93), were analyzed. In-hospital outcomes were
      compared using propensity scores and inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting
      adjustment to reduce treatment selection bias. RESULTS: Early mortality was 11.1%
      in the DHCA group and 8.6% in the AC group (P=.58). Major adverse outcomes
      included stroke in 16 patients (9.2%), low cardiac output syndrome in 15 (8.6%),
      paraplegia in 10 (5.7%), and multiorgan failure in 10 (5.7%). After adjustment,
      patients who underwent DHCA were at similar risk of death (odds ratio [OR], 1.14;
      P=.80) and permanent neurologic injury (OR, 0.95; P=.92) to those who underwent
      AC. Although prolonged ventilator support (>24 hours) was more frequent with DHCA
      than with AC (OR, 2.60; P=.003), DHCA showed a tendency to lower the risk of
      paraplegia (OR, 0.15; P=.057). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with AC, DHCA did not
      increase postoperative mortality and morbidity, except for prolonged ventilator
      support. However, DHCA may offer superior spinal cord protection to AC during
      repair of DTA/TAAA involving the distal arch.

PMID- 25131175
TI  - Echo-acoustic flow dynamically modifies the cortical map of target range in bats.
AB  - Echolocating bats use the delay between their sonar emissions and the reflected
      echoes to measure target range, a crucial parameter for avoiding collisions or
      capturing prey. In many bat species, target range is represented as an orderly
      organized map of echo delay in the auditory cortex. Here we show that the map of
      target range in bats is dynamically modified by the continuously changing flow of
      acoustic information perceived during flight ('echo-acoustic flow'). Combining
      dynamic acoustic stimulation in virtual space with extracellular recordings, we
      found that neurons in the auditory cortex of the bat Phyllostomus discolor encode
      echo-acoustic flow information on the geometric relation between targets and the
      bat's flight trajectory, rather than echo delay per se. Specifically, the
      cortical representation of close-range targets is enlarged when the lateral
      passing distance of the target decreases. This flow-dependent enlargement of
      target representation may trigger adaptive behaviours such as vocal control or
      flight manoeuvres. 

PMID- 25131176
TI  - A new target for the old regulator: H-NS suppress T6SS secretory protein EvpP,
      the major virulence factor in the fish pathogen Edwardsiella tarda.
AB  - The evpP gene in fish pathogen Edwardsiella tarda, coding the T6SS secretory
      protein EvpP and carrying an evpA-evpO independent promoter region, was crucial
      for host cell invasion. The transcription of evpP was positively regulated by
      either the two-component system EsrA-EsrB or iron concentration, and its
      overexpression was known to enhance the invasion ability in our previous study.
      This work demonstrated that the H-NS protein, a pleiotropic regulator of gene
      expression, was a new transcriptional modulator of evpP gene. The results showed
      that in vivo the transcriptional level of evpP was downregulated by H-NS and in
      vitro this global regulator interacted directly with evpP promoter region.
      Moreover, DNase I footprinting experiments mapping the interaction regions of H
      NS and evpP revealed that this global regulator bound to evpP promoter and
      neighbouring areas at multiple sites. We provided a new insight into evpP
      regulation network and demonstrated the repression of H-NS to the transcription
      of evpP gene. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Recently, the devastating
      fish disease edwardsiellosis caused by Edwardsiella tarda has been widely
      concerned. The xenogeneic silencing of the classic regulator H-NS to the T6SS
      secretory protein EvpP, which played an important role in the virulence of Edw.
      tarda, was firstly reported in this study. It raised a better understanding of
      the virulence regulation of EvpP and provided more information about the complex
      infection mechanism of this pathogen. Our findings would contribute to the
      development of live attenuated vaccines against edwardsiellosis thus reducing the
      economic losses caused by this bacterium.

PMID- 25131178
TI  - Edge effects on moisture reduce wood decomposition rate in a temperate forest.
AB  - Forests around the world are increasingly fragmented, and edge effects on forest
      microclimates have the potential to affect ecosystem functions such as carbon and
      nutrient cycling. Edges tend to be drier and warmer due to the effects of
      insolation, wind, and evapotranspiration and these gradients can penetrate
      hundreds of metres into the forest. Litter decomposition is a key component of
      the carbon cycle, which is largely controlled by saprotrophic fungi that respond
      to variation in temperature and moisture. However, the impact of forest
      fragmentation on litter decay is poorly understood. Here, we investigate edge
      effects on the decay of wood in a temperate forest using an experimental
      approach, whereby mass loss in wood blocks placed along 100 m transects from the
      forest edge to core was monitored over 2 years. Decomposition rate increased with
      distance from the edge, and was correlated with increasing humidity and moisture
      content of the decaying wood, such that the decay constant at 100 m was nearly
      twice that at the edge. Mean air temperature decreased slightly with distance
      from the edge. The variation in decay constant due to edge effects was larger
      than that expected from any reasonable estimates of climatic variation, based on
      a published regional model. We modelled the influence of edge effects on the
      decay constant at the landscape scale using functions for forest area within
      different distances from edge across the UK. We found that taking edge effects
      into account would decrease the decay rate by nearly one quarter, compared with
      estimates that assumed no edge effect.

PMID- 25131179
TI  - The consequences of contracting early and often.

PMID- 25131177
TI  - Quantification of in vivo colonic motor patterns in healthy humans before and
      after a meal revealed by high-resolution fiber-optic manometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Until recently, investigations of the normal patterns of motility of
      the healthy human colon have been limited by the resolution of in vivo recording
      techniques. METHODS: We have used a new, high-resolution fiber-optic manometry
      system (72 sensors at 1-cm intervals) to record motor activity from colon in 10
      healthy human subjects. KEY RESULTS: In the fasted colon, on the basis of rate
      and extent of propagation, four types of propagating motor pattern could be
      identified: (i) cyclic motor patterns (at 2-6/min); (ii) short single motor
      patterns; (iii) long single motor patterns; and (iv) occasional retrograde, slow
      motor patterns. For the most part, the cyclic and short single motor patterns
      propagated in a retrograde direction. Following a 700 kCal meal, a fifth motor
      pattern appeared; high-amplitude propagating sequences (HAPS) and there was large
      increase in retrograde cyclic motor patterns (5.6 +/- 5.4/2 h vs 34.7 + 19.8/2 h;
      p < 0.001). The duration and amplitude of individual pressure events were
      significantly correlated. Discriminant and multivariate analysis of duration,
      gradient, and amplitude of the pressure events that made up propagating motor
      patterns distinguished clearly two types of pressure events: those belonging to
      HAPS and those belonging to all other propagating motor patterns. CONCLUSIONS &
      INFERENCES: This work provides the first comprehensive description of colonic
      motor patterns recorded by high-resolution manometry and demonstrates an
      abundance of retrograde propagating motor patterns. The propagating motor
      patterns appear to be generated by two independent sources, potentially
      indicating their neurogenic or myogenic origin.

PMID- 25131180
TI  - Delayed QRS transition in the precordial leads of an electrocardiogram as a
      predictor of sudden cardiac death in the general population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: QRS transition zone is related to the electrical axis of the heart in
      the horizontal plane and is easily determined from the precordial leads of a
      standard 12-lead ECG. However, whether delayed QRS transition, or clockwise
      rotation of the heart, carries prognostic implications and predicts sudden
      cardiac death (SCD) is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to study
      whether delayed transition is associated with mortality and SCD. METHODS: We
      evaluated 12-lead ECGs of 10,815 Finnish middle-aged subjects from the general
      population (52% men, mean age 44 +/- 8.5 years) and followed them for 30 +/- 11
      years. Main end-points were mortality and SCD. RESULTS: Delayed QRS transition at
      lead V4 or later occurred in 1770 subjects (16.4%) and markedly delayed
      transition at lead V5 or later in 146 subjects (1.3%). Delayed transition zone
      was associated with older age, male gender, higher body mass index, hypertension,
      baseline cardiovascular disease, leftward shift of the frontal QRS axis, wider
      QRS-T angle, and ECG left ventricular hypertrophy. After adjusting for several
      clinical and ECG variables, delayed transition was associated with overall
      mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.22, P <
      .001) and SCD (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.03-1.47, P = .029). Markedly delayed transition
      at V5 or later predicted significantly SCD (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.18-3.03, P = .008)
      and all-cause mortality (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.07-1.58, P = .01). However, further
      adjustments for repolarization abnormalities attenuated this effect. CONCLUSION:
      Delayed QRS transition in the precordial leads of an ECG seems to be a novel ECG
      risk marker for SCD. In particular, markedly delayed transition was associated
      with significantly increased risk of SCD, independent of confounding factors.

PMID- 25131181
TI  - [Familial combined hyperlipidemia: consensus document].
AB  - Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH) is a frequent disorder associated with
      premature coronary artery disease. It is transmitted in an autosomal dominant
      manner, although there is not a unique gene involved. The diagnosis is performed
      using clinical criteria, and variability in lipid phenotype and family history of
      hyperlipidemia are necessaries. Frequently, the disorder is associated with type2
      diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and central obesity. Patients with FCH
      are considered as high cardiovascular risk and the lipid target is an LDL
      cholesterol <100mg/dL, and <70mg/dL if cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes
      are present. Patients with FCH require lipid lowering treatment using potent
      statins and sometimes, combined lipid-lowering treatment. Identification and
      management of other cardiovascular risk factors as type 2 diabetes and
      hypertension are fundamental to reduce cardiovascular disease burden. This
      document gives recommendations for the diagnosis and global treatment of patients
      with FCH directed to specialists and general practitioners. 

PMID- 25131182
TI  - Myelosuppression toxicity of palliative splenic irradiation in myelofibrosis and
      malignant lymphoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Distinctive splenomegaly resulting from extramedullary hematopoiesis
      and infiltration of neoplastic cells is observed in some patients with
      myelofibrosis (MF) or malignant lymphoma. Palliative splenic irradiation is known
      to be effective for such patients and is widely performed. However, little is
      known about the biological mechanism of palliative splenic irradiation. Various
      reports have focused on irradiation doses, in terms of efficacy and safety. We
      examined the toxicity of myelosuppression and the timing of the platelet, white
      blood cell, and red blood cell count nadirs within 3 months after the start of
      irradiation in a total of eight patients with MF or malignant lymphoma, all of
      whom underwent palliative splenic irradiation at our hospital between 2004 and
      2013. METHODS: Five patients with idiopathic MF and three patients with non
      Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) treated with splenic irradiation between 2004 and 2013.
      Of the three patients with NHL, two had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and one had
      mantle cell lymphoma. There were four male and four female patients, with median
      age of 61 years (range, 51-73). Patients with MF received irradiation at 20-100
      cGy per fraction dose; four patients received irradiation five times a week and
      one patient received irradiation three times a week. In three of these patients,
      the irradiation dose was gradually increased while observing for hematotoxicity.
      Patients with NHL received irradiation at a fraction dose of 150-200 cGy, and all
      received irradiation five times a week. Irradiation was terminated when we judged
      symptoms to be alleviated, splenomegaly reduced, or efficacy to be poor. With
      regard to the total irradiation dose, 175, 320, 400, 600, and 640 cGy were given
      to one MF patient each, and 1050 and 3000 cGy were given to one and two NHL
      patients, respectively. RESULTS: Symptoms diminished or disappeared in five of
      the six symptomatic patients (83%). A reduction in the size of the spleen was
      confirmed in five of six patients (83%) with splenomegaly. For MF, the platelet
      count nadir was observed at week 3 in two patients, week 5 in two, and week 6 in
      one patient. For NHL, it was observed at week 1 in one patient, week 4 in one,
      and week 9 in one patient. For MF, the white blood cell count nadir was observed
      in at week 2 in one patient, week 3 in two, and week 5 in two patients. For NHL,
      it was observed at week 1 in one patient and week 4 in two patients. For MF, the
      red blood cell count nadir was observed at week 1 in two patients, week 3 in one,
      week 7 in one, and week 8 in one patient. For NHL patients, it was observed at
      week 1 in one patient, week 4 in one, and week 9 in one patient. Discussion There
      was a trend for the nadir to be steeper in patients with MF than in those with
      NHL. With regard to the total dose, symptoms diminished at the minimum dose of
      175 cGy in MF patients, whereas the maximum dose of 3000 cGy was not effective in
      NHL patients. These observations suggest that a splenic lesion in NHL patients
      may be the primary site of neoplastic cell infiltration and that extramedullary
      hematopoiesis may not necessarily occur in the spleen. CONCLUSION: Although
      palliative irradiation of splenic lesions in patients with MF or NHL is safe and
      effective, optimal irradiation doses may differ for MF and NHL. More cases need
      to be accumulated to elucidate these differences.

PMID- 25131183
TI  - Targeting Th17 cells in autoimmune diseases.
AB  - T helper 17 (Th17) cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of most common
      autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory
      bowel disease (IBD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Although anti-interleukin-17
      (IL-17) antibodies show marked clinical efficacy in psoriasis, targeting IL-17
      alone is not sufficient to improve clinical end points in other autoimmune
      conditions, namely RA and Crohn's disease. Given that Th17 cells express IL-17
      together with many other proinflammatory cytokines [IL-17F, IL-22, IL-26, and
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)], targeting the Th17
      cell lineage may be superior to blocking a single effector cytokine. Here, we
      discuss the rationale for targeting two checkpoints in the development and
      inflammatory function of Th17 cells, retinoid-related orphan receptor-gammat
      (RORgammat) and IL-23, and we review recent progress in the development of both
      RORgammat small molecule inhibitors and IL-23 neutralizing antibodies. 

PMID- 25131184
TI  - Factors influencing prostate-specific antigen response among men treated with
      testosterone therapy for 6 months.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Factors influencing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) changes in men
      undergoing testosterone (T) therapy have not been well studied. AIM: The aim of
      this study was to assess the influence of selected variables on PSA changes in
      hypogonadal men administered with 1.62% testosterone gel (T-gel) for 6 months.
      METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 274 (234 T-gel, 40 placebo)
      hypogonadal men >18 years of age, with baseline T concentrations <300 ng/dL, PSA
      <=2.5 ng/mL, and negative digital rectal examination. Subjects received once
      daily T-gel for T therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in mean serum PSA,
      percentage of free PSA (%fPSA), and T from baseline to 6 months (182 days).
      RESULTS: Mean age was 53.5 years and baseline mean values were total T 247 ng/dL,
      PSA 0.9 ng/mL, and %fPSA 24.6%. Among men treated with T-gel, T increased to 499
      ng/dL and PSA increased by 0.1 ng/mL (P = 0.0012). PSA increased >=0.3 ng/mL in
      26.3%, <0.3 ng/mL in 73.7%, including a decline from baseline in 33.0%. In the
      placebo group, T increased 29 ng/dL to 274 ng/dL, and PSA decreased 0.1 ng/mL,
      compared with baseline. A greater increase in PSA was noted in men >=60 years old
      than in men <60 years old (0.4 vs. 0.05 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.0006). Mean
      PSA did not change in men with baseline serum T >250 ng/dL, whereas it increased
      by 0.2 ng/mL in men with T <=250 ng/dL (P = 0.0031). PSA increased 0.3 ng/mL in
      men with baseline %fPSA <20% and 0.1 ng/mL in men with %fPSA >=20%. CONCLUSIONS:
      Overall, T-gel treatment was associated with a minor increase in PSA, of
      questionable clinical significance. Factors predicting greater PSA increases
      included age >=60 years, baseline T <=250 ng/dL, and %fPSA <20%. Men with T >250
      ng/dL and age <60 years demonstrated minimal or no PSA change.

PMID- 25131185
TI  - Surface confined heteroleptic copper(II)-polypyridyl complexes for photonuclease
      activity.
AB  - Heteroleptic copper(II)-polypyridyl complexes with extended pi-conjugated,
      aromatic terminal units were immobilized on glass/Si substrates to intercalate
      DNA and cleave it upon photoexposure. Photonuclease activity is shown to be high,
      well reproducible and non-destructible towards the assembled complexes.

PMID- 25131186
TI  - The Research Launchpad: measuring the efficiency and effectiveness of CTSA
      resource and service provision.

PMID- 25131187
TI  - In-vitro bipolar nano- and microsecond electro-pulse bursts for irreversible
      electroporation therapies.
AB  - Under the influence of external electric fields, cells experience a rapid
      potential buildup across the cell membrane. Above a critical threshold of
      electric field strength, permanent cell damage can occur, resulting in cell
      death. Typical investigations of electroporation effects focus on two distinct
      regimes. The first uses sub-microsecond duration, high field strength pulses
      while the second uses longer (50 MUs+) duration, but lower field strength pulses.
      Here we investigate the effects of pulses between these two extremes. The
      charging behavior of the cell membrane and nuclear envelope is evaluated
      numerically in response to bipolar pulses between 250 ns and 50 MUs. Typical
      irreversible electroporation protocols expose cells to 90 monopolar pulses, each
      100 MUs in duration with a 1 second inter-pulse delay. Here, we replace each
      monopolar waveform with a burst of alternating polarity pulses, while keeping the
      total energized time (100 MUs), burst number (80), and inter-burst delay (1s) the
      same. We show that these bursts result in instantaneous and delayed cell death
      mechanisms and that there exists an inverse relationship between pulse-width and
      toxicity despite the delivery of equal quantities of energy. At 1500 V/cm only
      treatments with bursts containing 50 MUs pulses (2*) resulted in viability below
      10%. At 4000 V/cm, bursts with 1 MUs (100*), 2 MUs (50*), 5 MUs (20*), 10 MUs
      (10*), and 50 MUs (2*) duration pulses reduced viability below 10% while bursts
      with 500 ns (200*) and 250 ns (400*) pulses resulted in viabilities of 31% and
      92%, respectively.

PMID- 25131188
TI  - No impact of endogenous prothrombotic conditions on the risk of central venous
      line-related thrombotic events in children: results of the KIDCAT study (KIDs
      with Catheter Associated Thrombosis).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Central venous lines (CVLs) are the major exogenous
      risk factor for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in children. The study objective was
      to assess whether endogenous prothrombotic conditions contribute to the risk of
      CVL-related DVT in children. METHODS: This was a cohort study of consecutive
      children with heart disease requiring CVLs for perioperative care. CVLs were
      inserted percutaneously in the upper venous system and patients received
      prophylaxis with continuous unfractionated heparin (50 u kg(-1)  d(-1) ). Blood
      samples to test for prothrombotic conditions were collected prospectively and
      assayed in a blinded fashion. Outcome assessment was by screening for DVT by
      venography, venous ultrasound and echocardiography. RESULTS: The study population
      consisted of 90 children, median age 2.7 years (0 months-18 years). Prevalence
      rates of antithrombin deficiency, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency,
      heterozygous factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A mutation,
      methylentetrahydrofolate C677TT genotype, hyperhomocysteinemia, lupus
      anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies and increased levels of lipoprotein (a)
      were within the range reported for the general population. At least one
      prothrombotic condition was present in 38% of children and combined abnormalities
      in 8%. The incidence of DVT was 28% (25/90), and most DVTs were asymptomatic.
      None of the prothrombotic conditions showed a significant association with DVT.
      The population attributable risk (i.e. the risk of DVT in the overall population
      attributable to a specific condition) did not exceed 2.2%. CONCLUSION:
      Prothrombotic conditions did not have an important impact on the risk of DVT in
      children with short-term CVLs. The results of the study suggest that screening
      for prothrombotic conditions is not justified in this setting.

PMID- 25131189
TI  - Evaluation of 18S rDNA PCR assay using skin fragments as a diagnostic test for
      Trypanosoma caninum.
AB  - Trypanosoma caninum is a new species that has been recently identified in Brazil
      and infects domestic dogs. To date, no accurate diagnostic assays for this
      parasite have been established; thus, our aim was to evaluate more than one type
      of PCR for the diagnosis and molecular screening of T. caninum in 229 dogs living
      in Rio de Janeiro state. The tests were based on the amplification and sequencing
      of the 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene using healthy skin fragments. Additionally,
      PCR amplification of the kDNA minicircles region specific to the Leishmania genus
      was performed. The PCR results were compared with those of culture-based analysis
      performed with the same specimen. Using cultures, T. caninum and Leishmania
      chagasi were isolated from 11 and 12 dogs, respectively, whereas the 18S rDNA PCR
      assay detected parasitic infection in 35 dogs. Among these, 25 dogs showed an
      amplification pattern similar to T. caninum and 10 showed a pattern similar to L.
      chagasi; these results were confirmed by sequencing analysis. The kDNA PCR
      analysis showed that 14 dogs were positive for Leishmania infection. Of these, 2
      dogs showed negative culture results and 12 were positive for L. chagasi,
      including 4 with negative 18S rDNA PCR results. Thus far, culture-based testing
      has been the only tool used successfully for T. caninum diagnosis. Our results
      demonstrate that 18S rDNA PCR-based test should be a useful diagnostic tool,
      particularly for distinguishing between T. caninum and L. chagasi infections in
      areas where these 2 parasites co-exist. 

PMID- 25131190
TI  - On the use of posterior predictive probabilities and prediction uncertainty to
      tailor informative sampling for parasitological surveillance in livestock.
AB  - Model-based geostatistics and Bayesian approaches are appropriate in the context
      of Veterinary Epidemiology when point data have been collected by valid study
      designs. The aim is to predict a continuous infection risk surface. Little work
      has been done on the use of predictive infection probabilities at farm unit
      level. In this paper we show how to use predictive infection probability and
      related uncertainty from a Bayesian kriging model to draw a informative samples
      from the 8794 geo-referenced sheep farms of the Campania region (southern Italy).
      Parasitological data come from a first cross-sectional survey carried out to
      study the spatial distribution of selected helminths in sheep farms. A grid
      sampling was performed to select the farms for coprological examinations. Faecal
      samples were collected for 121 sheep farms and the presence of 21 different
      helminths were investigated using the FLOTAC technique. The 21 responses are very
      different in terms of geographical distribution and prevalence of infection. The
      observed prevalence range is from 0.83% to 96.69%. The distributions of the
      posterior predictive probabilities for all the 21 parasites are very
      heterogeneous. We show how the results of the Bayesian kriging model can be used
      to plan a second wave survey. Several alternatives can be chosen depending on the
      purposes of the second survey: weight by posterior predictive probabilities,
      their uncertainty or combining both information. The proposed Bayesian kriging
      model is simple, and the proposed samping strategy represents a useful tool to
      address targeted infection control treatments and surbveillance campaigns. It is
      easily extendable to other fields of research. 

PMID- 25131191
TI  - Dysautonomic responses during percutaneous carotid intervention: principles of
      physiology and management.
AB  - Percutaneous carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged as a less invasive
      alternative to carotid endarterectomy for the treatment of carotid
      atherosclerotic disease. The main risk of CAS is the occurrence of neuro-vascular
      complications; however, carotid artery stenting-related dysautonomia (CAS-D)
      (hypertension, hypotension, and bradycardia) is the most frequently reported
      problem occurring in the periprocedural period. Alterations in autonomic
      homeostasis result from baroreceptor stimulation, which occurs particularly at
      the time of balloon inflation in the region of the carotid sinus. The response
      can be profound enough to induce asystole or even complete cessation of
      postganglionic sympathetic nerve activity. Frequency and factors predisposing a
      patient to CAS-D have been investigated in several studies; however, there are
      significant discrepancies in results among reports. Lack of consistent findings
      may arise from using different methods and definitions, as well as other factors
      discussed in detail in this review. Furthermore, a correlation of CAS-D with
      short and long-term outcomes has been investigated only in small and mostly
      retrospective studies, explaining why its prognostic significance remains
      uncertain. In this manuscript, we have focused on risk factors, pathophysiology
      and management of periprocedural autonomic dysfunction. As there is no
      standardized approach to the treatment of CAS-D, we present an algorithm for the
      periprocedural management of patients undergoing CAS. The proposed algorithm was
      developed based on our procedural experience as well as data from the available
      literature. The Yale Algorithm was successfully implemented at our institution
      and we are currently collecting data for short- and long-term safety. (c) 2014
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 25131193
TI  - Pre-conception and diabetes: are we doing enough?

PMID- 25131192
TI  - NEK9-dependent proliferation of cancer cells lacking functional p53.
AB  - Dysfunction of the p53 network is a major cause of cancer development, and
      selective elimination of p53-inactivated cancer cells therefore represents an
      ideal therapeutic strategy. In this study, we performed a microRNA target screen
      that identified NEK9 (NIMA-related kinase 9) as a crucial regulator of cell-cycle
      progression in p53-inactivated cancer cells. NEK9 depletion selectively inhibited
      proliferation in p53-deficient cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. The
      resultant cell-cycle arrest occurred predominantly in G1 phase, and exhibited
      senescence-like features. Furthermore, NEK9 repression affected expression of a
      broad range of genes encoding cell-cycle regulators and factors involved in mRNA
      processing, suggesting a novel role for NEK9 in p53-deficient cells. Lung
      adenocarcinoma patients with positive staining for NEK9 and mutant p53 proteins
      exhibited significantly poorer prognoses, suggesting that expression of both
      proteins promotes tumor growth. Our findings demonstrate that a novel NEK9
      network regulates the growth of cancer cells lacking functional p53. 

PMID- 25131194
TI  - Diabetes and dementia in older people: a Best Clinical Practice Statement by a
      multidisciplinary National Expert Working Group.
AB  - Both dementia and diabetes mellitus are long-term disabling conditions and each
      may be a co-morbidity of the other. Type 2 diabetes is associated with a 1.5- to
      2-fold higher risk of dementia. Diabetes also may occur for the first time in
      many individuals with mental ill health, including cognitive impairment and
      dementia, and this may complicate management and lead to difficulties in self
      care. Case finding is often poor for cognitive impairment in medical settings and
      for diabetes in mental health settings and this needs to be addressed in the
      development of care pathways for both conditions. Many other deficiencies in
      quality care (both for dementia and diabetes) currently exist, but we hope that
      this Best Clinical Practice Statement will provide a platform for further work in
      this area. We have outlined the key steps in an integrated care pathway for both
      elements of this clinical relationship, produced guidance on identifying each
      condition, dealt with the potentially hazardous issue of hypoglycaemia, and have
      outlined important competencies required of healthcare workers in both
      medical/diabetes and mental health settings to enhance clinical care.

PMID- 25131195
TI  - In-vivo imaging of the fracture healing in medaka revealed two types of
      osteoclasts before and after the callus formation by osteoblasts.
AB  - The fracture healing research, which has been performed in mammalian models not
      only for clinical application but also for bone metabolism, revealed that
      generally osteoblasts are induced to enter the fracture site before the induction
      of osteoclasts for bone remodeling. However, it remains unknown how and where
      osteoclasts and osteoblasts are induced, because it is difficult to observe
      osteoclasts and osteoblasts in a living animal. To answer these questions, we
      developed a new fracture healing model by using medaka. We fractured one side of
      lepidotrichia in a caudal fin ray without injuring the other soft tissues
      including blood vessels. Using the transgenic medaka in which osteoclasts and
      osteoblasts were visualized by GFP and DsRed, respectively, we found that two
      different types of functional osteoclasts were induced before and after
      osteoblast callus formation. The early-induced osteoclasts resorbed the bone
      fragments and the late-induced osteoclasts remodeled the callus. Both types of
      osteoclasts were induced near the surface on the blood vessels, while osteoblasts
      migrated from adjacent fin ray. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that no
      significant ruffled border and clear zone were observed in early-induced
      osteoclasts, whereas the late-induced osteoclasts had clear zones but did not
      have the typical ruffled border. In the remodeling of the callus, the expression
      of cox2 mRNA was up-regulated at the fracture site around vessels, and the
      inhibition of Cox2 impaired the induction of the late-induced osteoclasts,
      resulting in abnormal fracture healing. Finally, our developed medaka fracture
      healing model brings a new insight into the molecular mechanism for controlling
      cellular behaviors during the fracture healing. 

PMID- 25131196
TI  - Drosophila protein kinase N (Pkn) is a negative regulator of actin-myosin
      activity during oogenesis.
AB  - Nurse cell dumping is an actin-myosin based process, where 15 nurse cells of a
      given egg chamber contract and transfer their cytoplasmic content through the
      ring canals into the growing oocyte. We isolated two mutant alleles of protein
      kinase N (pkn) and showed that Pkn negatively-regulates activation of the actin
      myosin cytoskeleton during the onset of dumping. Using live-cell imaging analysis
      we observed that nurse cell dumping rates sharply increase during the onset of
      fast dumping. Such rate increase was severely impaired in pkn mutant nurse cells
      due to excessive nurse cell actin-myosin activity and/or loss of tissue
      integrity. Our work demonstrates that the transition between slow and fast
      dumping is a discrete event, with at least a five to six-fold dumping rate
      increase. We show that Pkn negatively regulates nurse cell actin-myosin activity.
      This is likely to be important for directional cytoplasmic flow. We propose Pkn
      provides a negative feedback loop to help avoid excessive contractility after
      local activation of Rho GTPase. 

PMID- 25131197
TI  - Gas2l3 is essential for brain morphogenesis and development.
AB  - Growth arrest-specific 2-like 3 (Gas2l3) is a newly discovered cell cycle protein
      and a cytoskeleton orchestrator that binds both actin filament and microtubule
      networks. Studies of cultured mammalian cells established Gas2l3 as a regulator
      of the cell division process, in particular cytokinesis and cell abscission. Thus
      far, the role of Gas2l3 in vivo remains entirely unknown. In order to investigate
      Gas2l3 in developing vertebrates, we cloned the zebrafish gene. Spatiotemporal
      analysis of gas2l3 expression revealed a ubiquitous maternal transcript as well
      as a zygotic transcript primarily restricted to brain tissues. We next conducted
      a series of loss-of-function experiments, and searched for developmental
      anomalies at the end of the segmentation period. Our analysis revealed abnormal
      brain morphogenesis and ventricle formation in gas2l3 knockdown embryos. This
      signature phenotype could be rescued by elevated levels of gas2l3 RNA. At the
      tissue level, gas2l3 downregulation interferes with cell proliferation,
      suggesting that the cell cycle activities of Gas2l3 are essential for brain
      tissue homeostasis. Altogether, this study provides the first insight into the
      function of gas2l3 in vivo, demonstrating its essential role in brain
      development. 

PMID- 25131198
TI  - Conversion of the thymus into a bipotent lymphoid organ by replacement of FOXN1
      with its paralog, FOXN4.
AB  - The thymus is a lymphoid organ unique to vertebrates, and it provides a unique
      microenvironment that facilitates the differentiation of immature hematopoietic
      precursors into mature T cells. We subjected the evolutionary trajectory of the
      thymic microenvironment to experimental analysis. A hypothetical primordial form
      of the thymus was established in mice by replacing FOXN1, the vertebrate-specific
      master regulator of thymic epithelial cell function, with its metazoan ancestor,
      FOXN4, thereby resetting the regulatory and coding changes that have occurred
      since the divergence of these two paralogs. FOXN4 exhibited substantial
      thymopoietic activity. Unexpectedly, histological changes and a functional
      imbalance between the lymphopoietic cytokine IL7 and the T cell specification
      factor DLL4 within the reconstructed thymus resulted in coincident but spatially
      segregated T and B cell development. Our results identify an evolutionary
      mechanism underlying the conversion of a general lymphopoietic organ to a site of
      exclusive T cell generation.

PMID- 25131199
TI  - The TSC complex is required for the benefits of dietary protein restriction on
      stress resistance in vivo.
AB  - Protein restriction (PR) is important for the benefits of dietary restriction on
      longevity and stress resistance, but relevant nutrient sensors and downstream
      effectors in mammals remain poorly defined. We used PR-mediated protection from
      hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury to probe genetic requirements for the
      evolutionarily conserved nutrient sensors GCN2 and mTORC1 in stress resistance.
      One week of PR reduced free amino acids and circulating growth factors,
      activating GCN2 and mTORC1 repressor tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). However,
      although GCN2 was dispensable for PR-induced protection, hepatic TSC1 was
      required. PR improved hepatic insulin sensitivity in a TSC1-dependent manner
      prior to ischemia, facilitating increased prosurvival signaling and reduced
      apoptosis after reperfusion. These benefits were partially abrogated by
      pharmacological PI3K inhibition or genetic deletion of the insulin receptor in
      hepatocytes. In conclusion, improved insulin sensitivity upon short-term PR
      required TSC1, facilitated increased prosurvival signaling after injury, and
      contributed partially to PR-mediated resistance to clinically relevant ischemia
      reperfusion injury. 

PMID- 25131200
TI  - A polymorphic enhancer near GREM1 influences bowel cancer risk through
      differential CDX2 and TCF7L2 binding.
AB  - A rare germline duplication upstream of the bone morphogenetic protein antagonist
      GREM1 causes a Mendelian-dominant predisposition to colorectal cancer (CRC). The
      underlying disease mechanism is strong, ectopic GREM1 overexpression in the
      intestinal epithelium. Here, we confirm that a common GREM1 polymorphism,
      rs16969681, is also associated with CRC susceptibility, conferring ~20%
      differential risk in the general population. We hypothesized the underlying cause
      to be moderate differences in GREM1 expression. We showed that rs16969681 lies in
      a region of active chromatin with allele- and tissue-specific enhancer activity.
      The CRC high-risk allele was associated with stronger gene expression, and higher
      Grem1 mRNA levels increased the intestinal tumor burden in Apc(Min) mice. The
      intestine-specific transcription factor CDX2 and Wnt effector TCF7L2 bound near
      rs16969681, with significantly higher affinity for the risk allele, and CDX2
      overexpression in CDX2/GREM1-negative cells caused re-expression of GREM1.
      rs16969681 influences CRC risk through effects on Wnt-driven GREM1 expression in
      colorectal tumors.

PMID- 25131202
TI  - BRCA1 is a histone-H2A-specific ubiquitin ligase.
AB  - The RING domain proteins BRCA1 and BARD1 comprise a heterodimeric ubiquitin (E3)
      ligase that is required for the accumulation of ubiquitin conjugates at sites of
      DNA damage and for silencing at DNA satellite repeat regions. Despite its links
      to chromatin, the substrate and underlying function of the BRCA1/BARD1 ubiquitin
      ligase remain unclear. Here, we show that BRCA1/BARD1 specifically ubiquitylates
      histone H2A in its C-terminal tail on lysines 127 and 129 in vitro and in vivo.
      The specificity for K127-129 is acquired only when H2A is within a nucleosomal
      context. Moreover, site-specific targeting of the BRCA1/BARD1 RING domains to
      chromatin is sufficient for H2Aub foci formation in vivo. Our data establish
      BRCA1/BARD1 as a histone-H2A-specific E3 ligase, helping to explain its
      localization and activities on chromatin in cells.

PMID- 25131201
TI  - A macrohistone variant links dynamic chromatin compaction to BRCA1-dependent
      genome maintenance.
AB  - Appropriate DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair factor choice is essential for
      ensuring accurate repair outcome and genomic integrity. The factors that regulate
      this process remain poorly understood. Here, we identify two repressive chromatin
      components, the macrohistone variant macroH2A1 and the H3K9 methyltransferase and
      tumor suppressor PRDM2, which together direct the choice between the antagonistic
      DSB repair mediators BRCA1 and 53BP1. The macroH2A1/PRDM2 module mediates an
      unexpected shift from accessible to condensed chromatin that requires the ataxia
      telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-dependent accumulation of both proteins at DSBs in
      order to promote DSB-flanking H3K9 dimethylation. Remarkably, loss of macroH2A1
      or PRDM2, as well as experimentally induced chromatin decondensation, impairs the
      retention of BRCA1, but not 53BP1, at DSBs. As a result, macroH2A1 and/or PRDM2
      depletion causes epistatic defects in DSB end resection, homology-directed
      repair, and the resistance to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition-all
      hallmarks of BRCA1-deficient tumors. Together, these findings identify dynamic,
      DSB-associated chromatin reorganization as a critical modulator of BRCA1
      dependent genome maintenance. 

PMID- 25131203
TI  - Perturbation of NCOA6 leads to dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a progressive heart disease characterized by left
      ventricular dilation and contractile dysfunction. Although many candidate genes
      have been identified with mouse models, few of them have been shown to be
      associated with DCM in humans. Germline depletion of Ncoa6, a nuclear hormone
      receptor coactivator, leads to embryonic lethality and heart defects. However, it
      is unclear whether Ncoa6 mutations cause heart diseases in adults. Here, we
      report that two independent mouse models of NCOA6 dysfunction develop severe DCM
      with impaired mitochondrial function and reduced activity of peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARdelta), an NCOA6 target critical for
      normal heart function. Sequencing of NCOA6-coding regions revealed three
      independent nonsynonymous mutations present in 5 of 50 (10%) patients with
      idiopathic DCM (iDCM). These data suggest that malfunction of NCOA6 can cause DCM
      in humans. 

PMID- 25131204
TI  - Evidence against a stem cell origin of new hepatocytes in a common mouse model of
      chronic liver injury.
AB  - Hepatocytes provide most liver functions, but they can also proliferate and
      regenerate the liver after injury. However, under some liver injury conditions,
      particularly chronic liver injury where hepatocyte proliferation is impaired,
      liver stem cells (LSCs) are thought to replenish lost hepatocytes. Conflicting
      results have been reported about the identity of LSCs and their contribution to
      liver regeneration. To address this uncertainty, we followed candidate LSC
      populations by genetic fate tracing in adult mice with chronic liver injury due
      to a choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented diet. In contrast to previous
      studies, we failed to detect hepatocytes derived from biliary epithelial cells or
      mesenchymal liver cells beyond a negligible frequency. In fact, we failed to
      detect hepatocytes that were not derived from pre-existing hepatocytes. In
      conclusion, our findings argue against LSCs, or other nonhepatocyte cell types,
      providing a backup system for hepatocyte regeneration in this common mouse model
      of chronic liver injury.

PMID- 25131205
TI  - Stabilization of cartwheel-less centrioles for duplication requires CEP295
      mediated centriole-to-centrosome conversion.
AB  - Vertebrate centrioles lose their geometric scaffold, the cartwheel, during
      mitosis, concurrently with gaining the ability to recruit the pericentriolar
      material (PCM) and thereby function as the centrosome. Cartwheel removal has
      recently been implicated in centriole duplication, but whether "cartwheel-less"
      centrioles are intrinsically stable or must be maintained through other
      modifications remains unclear. Here, we identify a newborn centriole-enriched
      protein, KIAA1731/CEP295, specifically mediating centriole-to-centrosome
      conversion but dispensable for cartwheel removal. In the absence of CEP295,
      centrioles form in the S/G2 phase and lose their associated cartwheel in mitosis
      but cannot be converted to centrosomes, uncoupling the two events. Strikingly,
      centrioles devoid of both the PCM and the cartwheel progressively lose centriolar
      components, whereas centrioles associating with either the cartwheel or PCM alone
      can exist stably. Thus, cartwheel removal can have grave repercussions to
      centriole stability, and centriole-to-centrosome conversion mediated by CEP295
      must occur in parallel to maintain cartwheel-less centrioles for duplication. 

PMID- 25131206
TI  - Multilineage potential and self-renewal define an epithelial progenitor cell
      population in the adult thymus.
AB  - Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are critical for T cell development and self
      tolerance but are gradually lost with age. The existence of thymic epithelial
      progenitors (TEPCs) in the postnatal thymus has been inferred, but their identity
      has remained enigmatic. Here, we assessed the entire adult TEC compartment in
      order to reveal progenitor capacity is retained exclusively within a subset of
      immature thymic epithelium displaying several hallmark features of
      stem/progenitor function. These adult TEPCs generate mature cortical and
      medullary lineages in a stepwise fashion, including Aire+ TEC, within fetal
      thymus reaggregate grafts. Although relatively quiescent in vivo, adult TEPCs
      demonstrate significant in vitro colony formation and self-renewal. Importantly,
      3D-cultured TEPCs retain their capacity to differentiate into cortical and
      medullary TEC lineages when returned to an in vivo thymic microenvironment. No
      other postnatal TEC subset exhibits this combination of properties. The
      characterization of adult TEPC will enable progress in understanding TEC biology
      in aging and regeneration.

PMID- 25131207
TI  - Reconstruction of insulin signal flow from phosphoproteome and metabolome data.
AB  - Cellular homeostasis is regulated by signals through multiple molecular networks
      that include protein phosphorylation and metabolites. However, where and when the
      signal flows through a network and regulates homeostasis has not been explored.
      We have developed a reconstruction method for the signal flow based on time
      course phosphoproteome and metabolome data, using multiple databases, and have
      applied it to acute action of insulin, an important hormone for metabolic
      homeostasis. An insulin signal flows through a network, through signaling
      pathways that involve 13 protein kinases, 26 phosphorylated metabolic enzymes,
      and 35 allosteric effectors, resulting in quantitative changes in 44 metabolites.
      Analysis of the network reveals that insulin induces phosphorylation and
      activation of liver-type phosphofructokinase 1, thereby controlling a key
      reaction in glycolysis. We thus provide a versatile method of reconstruction of
      signal flow through the network using phosphoproteome and metabolome data. 

PMID- 25131208
TI  - Nontranscriptional role of Hif-1alpha in activation of gamma-secretase and notch
      signaling in breast cancer.
AB  - gamma-Secretase is composed of four proteins that are obligatory for protease
      activity: presenilin, nicastrin, Aph1, and Pen-2. Despite the progress toward
      understanding the function of these individual subunits, there is no information
      available pertaining to the modulation of gamma-secretase in response to
      environmental changes in cells. Here, we show that hypoxia upregulates gamma
      secretase activity through a direct interaction with Hif-1alpha, revealing an
      unconventional function for Hif-1alpha as an enzyme subunit, which is distinct
      from its canonical role as a transcription factor. Moreover, hypoxia-induced cell
      invasion and metastasis are alleviated by either gamma-secretase inhibitors or a
      dominant-negative Notch coactivator, indicating that gamma-secretase/Notch
      signaling plays an essential role in controlling these cellular processes. The
      present study reveals a mechanism in which gamma-secretase can achieve temporal
      control through conditional interactions with regulatory proteins, such as Hif
      1alpha, under select physiological and pathological conditions. 

PMID- 25131210
TI  - Dysregulated expression of neuregulin-1 by cortical pyramidal neurons disrupts
      synaptic plasticity.
AB  - Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) gene variants are associated with increased genetic risk for
      schizophrenia. It is unclear whether risk haplotypes cause elevated or decreased
      expression of NRG1 in the brains of schizophrenia patients, given that both
      findings have been reported from autopsy studies. To study NRG1 functions in
      vivo, we generated mouse mutants with reduced and elevated NRG1 levels and
      analyzed the impact on cortical functions. Loss of NRG1 from cortical projection
      neurons resulted in increased inhibitory neurotransmission, reduced synaptic
      plasticity, and hypoactivity. Neuronal overexpression of cysteine-rich domain
      (CRD)-NRG1, the major brain isoform, caused unbalanced excitatory-inhibitory
      neurotransmission, reduced synaptic plasticity, abnormal spine growth, altered
      steady-state levels of synaptic plasticity-related proteins, and impaired
      sensorimotor gating. We conclude that an "optimal" level of NRG1 signaling
      balances excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the cortex. Our data
      provide a potential pathomechanism for impaired synaptic plasticity and suggest
      that human NRG1 risk haplotypes exert a gain-of-function effect.

PMID- 25131211
TI  - Sequencing of captive target transcripts identifies the network of regulated
      genes and functions of primate-specific miR-522.
AB  - Identifying microRNA (miRNA)-regulated genes is key to understanding miRNA
      function. However, many miRNA recognition elements (MREs) do not follow canonical
      "seed" base-pairing rules, making identification of bona fide targets
      challenging. Here, we apply an unbiased sequencing-based systems approach to
      characterize miR-522, a member of the oncogenic primate-specific chromosome 19
      miRNA cluster, highly expressed in poorly differentiated cancers. To identify
      miRNA targets, we sequenced full-length transcripts captured by a biotinylated
      miRNA mimic. Within these targets, mostly noncanonical MREs were identified by
      sequencing RNase-resistant fragments. miR-522 overexpression reduced mRNA,
      protein levels, and luciferase activity of >70% of a random list of candidate
      target genes and MREs. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that miR-522 regulates
      cell proliferation, detachment, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
      miR-522 induces G1 cell-cycle arrest and causes cells to detach without anoikis,
      become invasive, and express mesenchymal genes. Thus, our method provides a
      simple but effective technique for identifying miRNA-regulated genes and
      biological function. 

PMID- 25131212
TI  - Childhood florid follicular hyperplasia with immunoglobulin light-chain
      restriction in the gastrointestinal tract.
AB  - AIMS: Immunoglobulin light-chain expression is used routinely as an indirect
      marker of clonality for recognizing B cell lymphoproliferative disorders. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Here we describe four floral follicular hyperplasia cases in the
      gastrointestinal tract (appendix and rectum) of children (4 to 6 years).
      Immunohistochemical studies revealed lambda light-chain restriction that was
      associated with polyclonal IgH pattern. Clinical features and follow-up of the
      patients did not reveal any other systemic symptoms, laboratory abnormalities or
      organ alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of this phenomenon is useful in the
      diagnosis of nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the gastrointestinal tract, for
      avoiding overdiagnosis of lymphoid malignancies, and raises concerns that the
      identification of light-chain restriction is not necessarily a marker of
      monoclonality.

PMID- 25131209
TI  - Kcnn4 is a regulator of macrophage multinucleation in bone homeostasis and
      inflammatory disease.
AB  - Macrophages can fuse to form osteoclasts in bone or multinucleate giant cells
      (MGCs) as part of the immune response. We use a systems genetics approach in rat
      macrophages to unravel their genetic determinants of multinucleation and
      investigate their role in both bone homeostasis and inflammatory disease. We
      identify a trans-regulated gene network associated with macrophage
      multinucleation and Kcnn4 as being the most significantly trans-regulated gene in
      the network and induced at the onset of fusion. Kcnn4 is required for osteoclast
      and MGC formation in rodents and humans. Genetic deletion of Kcnn4 reduces
      macrophage multinucleation through modulation of Ca(2+) signaling, increases bone
      mass, and improves clinical outcome in arthritis. Pharmacological blockade of
      Kcnn4 reduces experimental glomerulonephritis. Our data implicate Kcnn4 in
      macrophage multinucleation, identifying it as a potential therapeutic target for
      inhibition of bone resorption and chronic inflammation.

PMID- 25131213
TI  - Reconsidering the age thresholds for type II diabetes screening in the U.S.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type II diabetes and its complications can sometimes be prevented, if
      identified and treated early. One fifth of diabetics in the U.S. remain
      undiagnosed. Commonly used screening guidelines are inconsistent. PURPOSE: To
      examine the optimal age cut-point for opportunistic universal screening, compared
      to targeted screening, which is recommended by U.S. Preventive Services Task
      Force (USPSTF) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. METHODS: Cross
      sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample from the National Health
      and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2010. Number of people needed to screen
      (NNS) to obtain one positive test result was calculated for different guidelines.
      Sampling weights were applied to construct national estimates. The 2010 Medicare
      fee schedule was used for cost estimation. Analysis was conducted in January
      2014. RESULTS: NNS, under universal screening, drops sharply at age 35 years,
      from 80 (30-34-year-olds) to 31 (35-39-year-olds). Opportunistic universal
      screening of eligible people aged >=35 years would yield an NNS of 15,
      translating to $66 per positive test. Among people aged 35-44 years (who are not
      recommended for universal screening by ADA), most (71%) were overweight or obese
      and all had at least one other ADA risk factor. Only 34% of individuals aged >=35
      years met USPSTF criteria. Strictly enforcing USPSTF guidelines would have
      resulted in a majority (61%) of potential positive test cases being missed
      (5,508,164 cases nationwide). CONCLUSIONS: Opportunistic universal screening
      among individuals aged >=35 years could greatly reduce the national prevalence of
      undiagnosed pre-diabetes or diabetes at relatively low cost.

PMID- 25131215
TI  - End-of-life care in pediatric neuro-oncology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of children with cancer during the end-of-life (EOL)
      period is often difficult and requires skilled medical professionals. Patients
      with tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) with relapse or disease
      progression might have additional needs because of the presence of unique issues,
      such as neurological impairment and altered consciousness. Very few reports
      specifically concerning the EOL period in pediatric neuro-oncology are available.
      PROCEDURE: Among all patients followed at our center during the EOL, we
      retrospectively analyzed data from 39 children and adolescents with brain tumors,
      in order to point out on their peculiar needs. RESULTS: Patients were followed-up
      for a median time of 20.1 months. Eighty-two percent were receiving only
      palliative therapy before death. Almost half the patients (44%) died at home,
      while 56% died in a hospital. Palliative sedation with midazolam was performed in
      58% of cases; morphine was administered in 51.6% of cases. No patient had
      uncontrolled pain. CONCLUSIONS: The EOL in children with advanced CNS cancer is a
      period of active medical care. Patients may develop complex neurological symptoms
      and often require long hospitalization. We organized a network-based
      collaboration among the reference pediatric oncology center, other pediatric
      hospitals and domiciliary care personnel, with the aim to ameliorate the quality
      of care during the EOL period. In our cohort, palliative sedation was widely used
      while no patients died with uncontrolled pain. A precise process of data
      collection and a better sharing of knowledge are necessary in order to improve
      the management of such patients.

PMID- 25131216
TI  - Controlled release of beta-carotene in beta-lactoglobulin-dextran-conjugated
      nanoparticles' in vitro digestion and transport with Caco-2 monolayers.
AB  - Undesirable aggregation of nanoparticles stabilized by proteins may occur at the
      protein's isoelectric point when the particle has zero net charge. Stability
      against aggregation of nanoparticles may be improved by reacting free amino
      groups with reducing sugars by the Maillard reaction. beta-Lactoglobulin (BLG)
      dextran conjugates were characterized by SDS-PAGE and CD. Nanoparticles (60-70 nm
      diameter) of beta-carotene (BC) encapsulated by BLG or BLG-dextran were prepared
      by the homogenization-evaporation method. Both BLG and BLG-dextran nanoparticles
      appeared to be spherically shaped and uniformly dispersed by TEM. The stability
      and release of BC from the nanoparticles under simulated gastrointestinal
      conditions were evaluated. Dextran conjugation prevented the flocculation or
      aggregation of BLG-dextran particles at pH ~4-5 compared to very large sized
      aggregates of BLG nanoparticles. The released contents of BC from BLG and BLG
      dextran nanoparticles under acidic gastric conditions were 6.2 +/- 0.9 and 5.4 +/
      0.3%, respectively. The release of BC from BLG-dextran nanoparticles by trypsin
      digestion was 51.8 +/- 4.3% of total encapsulated BC, and that from BLG
      nanoparticles was 60.9 +/- 2.9%. Neither BLG-BC nanoparticles nor the Maillard
      reacted BLG-dextran conjugates were cytotoxic to Caco-2 cells, even at 10 mg/mL.
      The apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of Caco-2 cells to BC was improved
      by nanoencapsulation, compared to free BC suspension. The results indicate that
      BC-encapsulated beta-lactoglobulin-dextran-conjugated nanoparticles are more
      stable to aggregation under gastric pH conditions with good release and
      permeability properties. 

PMID- 25131214
TI  - Phenotypic spectrum associated with PTCHD1 deletions and truncating mutations
      includes intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - Studies of genomic copy number variants (CNVs) have identified genes associated
      with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) such as
      NRXN1, SHANK2, SHANK3 and PTCHD1. Deletions have been reported in PTCHD1 however
      there has been little information available regarding the clinical presentation
      of these individuals. Herein we present 23 individuals with PTCHD1 deletions or
      truncating mutations with detailed phenotypic descriptions. The results suggest
      that individuals with disruption of the PTCHD1 coding region may have subtle
      dysmorphic features including a long face, prominent forehead, puffy eyelids and
      a thin upper lip. They do not have a consistent pattern of associated congenital
      anomalies or growth abnormalities. They have mild to moderate global
      developmental delay, variable degrees of ID, and many have prominent behavioral
      issues. Over 40% of subjects have ASD or ASD-like behaviors. The only consistent
      neurological findings in our cohort are orofacial hypotonia and mild motor
      incoordination. Our findings suggest that hemizygous PTCHD1 loss of function
      causes an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong propensity to
      autistic behaviors. Detailed neuropsychological studies are required to better
      define the cognitive and behavioral phenotype. 

PMID- 25131218
TI  - Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration enhances gene expression related to callus
      formation, mineralization and remodeling during osteoporotic fracture healing in
      rats.
AB  - Low magnitude high frequency vibration (LMHFV) has been shown to improve anabolic
      and osteogenic responses in osteoporotic intact bones and during osteoporotic
      fracture healing; however, the molecular response of LMHFV during osteoporotic
      fracture healing has not been investigated. It was hypothesized that LMHFV could
      enhance osteoporotic fracture healing by regulating the expression of genes
      related to chondrogenesis (Col-2), osteogenesis (Col-1) and remodeling (receptor
      activator for nuclear factor- kappa B ligand (RANKL) and osteoproteger (OPG)). In
      this study, the effects of LMHFV on both osteoporotic and normal bone fracture
      healing were assessed by endpoint gene expressions, weekly radiographs, and
      histomorphometry at weeks 2, 4 and 8 post-treatment. LMHFV enhanced osteoporotic
      fracture healing by up-regulating the expression of chondrogenesis-, osteogenesis
      and remodeling-related genes (Col-2 at week 4 (p=0.008), Col-1 at week 2 and 8
      (p<0.001 and p=0.008) and RANKL/OPG at week 8 (p=0.045)). Osteoporotic bone had a
      higher response to LMHFV than normal bone and showed significantly better results
      as reflected by increased expression of Col-2 and Col-1 at week 2 (p<0.001 for
      all), larger callus width at week 2 (p=0.001), callus area at week 1 and 5(p<0.05
      for all) and greater relative area of osseous tissue (p=0.002) at week 8. This
      study helps to understand how LMHFV regulates gene expression of callus
      formation, mineralization and remodeling during osteoporotic fracture healing.

PMID- 25131217
TI  - Late diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection in the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort
      Study (CHeCS): Missed opportunities for intervention.
AB  - To determine the stage of liver disease at initial diagnosis of hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) infection, we analyzed data from the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study
      (CHeCS), a large U.S. observational study. We examined the temporal relationships
      of initial HCV infection diagnosis with cirrhosis-defined by liver biopsy or mean
      FIB-4 score >5.88-and time to onset of cirrhotic decompensation in electronic
      medical records. We determined time in the health system prior to HCV diagnosis
      and rates of hospitalization and death following HCV diagnosis. Of 14,717
      patients with chronic HCV seen during 2006-2011, 6,166 (42%) had a definable time
      of initial HCV diagnosis. Of these, 1,056 (17%) patients met our definition for
      "late diagnosis" with either cirrhosis concurrent with initial HCV diagnosis (n =
      550), a first diagnosis of hepatic decompensation before or within 12 months
      after initial HCV diagnosis (n = 506), or both (n = 314). Patients with late
      diagnosis had an average of 6 years in the health system before their HCV
      diagnosis. In a comparison with patients without late diagnosis, hospitalization
      (59% versus 35%) and death (33% versus 9%) were more frequent among patients with
      late diagnosis. Among all who died, mean (median) time from initial HCV diagnosis
      to death was 4.8 (4.2) years. CONCLUSION: Many CHeCS patients had advanced liver
      disease concurrent with their initial HCV diagnosis despite many years of
      engagement with the healthcare system, and these patients had high rates of
      hospitalization and mortality.

PMID- 25131219
TI  - Comparison of 2-limb versus 3-limb electrodiagnostic studies in the evaluation of
      chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve
      Society electrodiagnostic (EDx) criteria for the definite diagnosis of chronic
      inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) require the presence of
      demyelinating findings (DF) in at least 2 nerves. Data are lacking, however,
      regarding the optimal number of nerves to test. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed EDx data from 53 patients with CIDP and compared the number of DF found
      on 2- and 3-limb testing. RESULTS: A median of 3 (range 2-5) DF were found on 2
      limb testing compared with 5 (range 4-7) DF when 3 limbs were evaluated. Two-limb
      EDx studies were sufficient to diagnose definite CIDP in 92.3% of typical, 84.2%
      of asymmetric, and 66.7% of distal phenotypes. Testing a third limb increased
      diagnostic certainty in 11 patients (20.8%) to definite CIDP. CONCLUSIONS: Three
      limb testing may increase diagnostic sensitivity of definite CIDP, especially in
      patients with atypical phenotypes. Larger prospective studies are needed to
      better assess the benefit of performing 3-limb EDx studies.

PMID- 25131220
TI  - Multi-omics analysis of inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, known together as inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD), are severe autoimmune disorders now causing gut inflammation and
      ulceration, among other symptoms, in up to 1 in 250 people worldwide. Incidence
      and prevalence of IBD have been increasing dramatically over the past several
      decades, although the causes for this increase are still unknown. IBD has both a
      complex genotype and a complex phenotype, and although it has received
      substantial attention from the medical research community over recent years, much
      of the etiology remains unexplained. Genome-wide association studies have
      identified a rich genetic signature of disease risk in patients with IBD,
      consisting of at least 163 genetic loci. Many of these loci contain genes
      directly involved in microbial handling, indicating that the genetic architecture
      of the disease has been driven by host-microbe interactions. In addition,
      systematic shifts in gut microbiome structure (enterotype) and function have been
      observed in patients with IBD. Furthermore, both the host genotype and enterotype
      are associated with aspects of the disease phenotype, including location of the
      disease. This provides strong evidence of interactions between host genotype and
      enterotype; however, there is a lack of published multi-omics data from IBD
      patients, and a lack of bioinformatics tools for modeling such systems. In this
      article we discuss, from a computational biologist's point of view, the potential
      benefits of and the challenges involved in designing and analyzing such multi
      omics studies of IBD. 

PMID- 25131221
TI  - Current status of anticoagulant treatments and improvements for hemodialysis
      patients in northern Chinese cities: a five-year comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anticoagulation treatments are an important aspect of hemodialysis;
      however, few reports have addressed these treatments. This investigation intends
      to increase the understanding of the current status and improvements of
      hemodialysis-related anticoagulation treatments in China. METHODS: In this study,
      an epidemiological investigation was conducted that examined 842 patients in 2007
      and 1 175 patients in 2012 who underwent hemodialysis anticoagulation treatments
      in seven blood purification centers in northern Chinese cities. RESULTS: Heparin
      was the most commonly used anticoagulant, although the percentage of use of low
      molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) increased from 26.5% in 2007 to 42.1% in 2012. In
      2007, there were no significant differences in anticoagulant selection among
      either patients with various primary diseases or patients with hemorrhage,
      thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, or a low hemoglobin level. However, compared with
      patients with other diseases, significantly lower doses of LMWH were administered
      to patients with hypertension (55.5 U/kg vs. 67.3 U/kg, P < 0.05) or diabetes
      (58.5 U/kg vs. 67.3 U/kg, P < 0.05), and patients with hemorrhage received lower
      doses of heparin than the other patients (61.6 U/kg vs. 71.8 U/kg, P < 0.01). In
      2012, patients with diabetic nephropathy (51.5% vs. 36.5%, P < 0.01), hemorrhage
      (43.4% vs. 31.7%, P < 0.01), or a hemoglobin level below 90 g/L (57.2% vs. 37.1%,
      P < 0.01) experienced significantly higher doses of LMWH administration; patients
      with hemorrhage received significantly reduced LMWH dosages (50.4 U/kg vs. 57.8
      U/kg, P < 0.05), and patients with thrombosis received significantly higher doses
      of heparin (73.8 U/kg vs. 62.1 U/kg, P < 0.01) or LMWH (57.8 U/kg vs. 52.6 U/kg,
      P < 0.05). Antiplatelet drugs were administered to 20.4% of the examined patients
      in 2007 and 20.7% in 2012. In 2012, patients with hypertension (25.9% vs. 18.5%,
      P < 0.01) and thrombosis (36.6% vs. 16.1%, P < 0.01) had a higher rate of using
      antiplatelet drugs than patients with other primary diseases and complications.
      Patients receiving antiplatelet drugs also received higher doses of heparin than
      patients without using antiplatelet drugs (74.4 U/kg vs. 65.9 U/kg, P < 0.01).
      However, the use of the drugs was not correlated with thrombocytopenia. The rate
      at which coagulation indices were determined increased from 45.7% in 2007 to 64%
      in 2012. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that hemodialysisrelated
      anticoagulation treatments in China have gradually become more standardized and
      individualized.

PMID- 25131222
TI  - Diagnostic utility of N-terminal-proBNP in differentiating acute pulmonary
      embolism from heart failure in patients with acute dyspnea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)
      level is frequently elevated in dyspnoeic patients and increasingly used in
      emergency departments to assess the cause of acute dyspnea. In this study we
      prospectively tested NT-proBNP levels in patients with congestive heart failure
      (CHF) and/or acute pulmonary embolism (APE) and determined the utility of NT
      proBNP for discriminating APE from CHF. METHODS: A cohort of 177 dyspnoeic
      patients with a diagnosis of APE and/or CHF was prospectively studied between
      June 2010 and March 2013. NT-proBNP was measured by the electrochemiluminescence
      immunoassay (ECLIA). All patients were evaluated with transthoracic
      echocardiography (TTE). APE was diagnosed in the presence of thrombi signs in the
      pulmonary arteries with computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or a
      high-probability lung ventilation/perfusion scan. Risk stratification was based
      on the evaluation on admission according to the ESC guidelines from 2008. The
      diagnosis of CHF was based on the guidelines of the American College of
      Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. Two
      physicians independently reviewed the records to determine the final diagnosis.
      RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients met the criteria for dyspnea caused by APE, and 113
      patients were diagnosed with CHF. Most of the APE patients (41, 69.5%) were
      intermediate-risk. The symptoms and signs, such as orthopnea, paroxysmal
      nocturnal dyspnea and rales in the lungs, were more common in patients with CHF
      than in patients with APE (P < 0.01). Median NT-proBNP was significantly lower in
      patients with APE compared to those in patients with CHF (2 855.9 pg/ml vs. 6
      911.4 pg/ml, P < 0.01). We constructed the receiver operating characteristics
      (ROC) curve in predicting the diagnosis of APE. At a cut point = 1 582.750 pg/ml,
      NT-proBNP provided a specificity of 93% and a true positive rate (sensitivity) of
      17% for the diagnosis. At a cut point = 3 390.000 pg/ml, NT-proBNP had a
      specificity of 83% and a sensitivity of 84% for the diagnosis of APE. At a cut
      point = 6 486.500 pg/ml, they were 54% and 93% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NT
      proBNP can assist in excluding CHF patients from those admitted to the emergency
      department with acute dyspnea and identifying patients with a high probability of
      APE, which would reduce the missed diagnosis of APE. Larger studies are necessary
      to validate these findings.

PMID- 25131223
TI  - Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b is a potential biomarker for rheumatoid
      arthritis: a pilot study in Han Chinese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone damage around the joints is one of the major pathophysiological
      mechanisms that leads to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) chronic disability. Serum
      tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) is secreted by osteoclasts, its
      activity can be used as a clinically relevant bone resorption marker. The aim of
      this study was to test whether the measurement of serum levels of TRACP-5b in
      patients with RA would correlate with measures of disease activity and with
      responses to therapy. METHODS: Fifty-six patients were randomly assigned to
      receive recombinant human cytotoxic tlymphocyte-associated antigen-4
      immunoglobulin (RhCTLA4-Ig), infliximab or methotrexate (MTX). The clinical and
      serologic indicators of RA activity were evaluated at baseline and at 24 weeks.
      Serum TRACP-5b was measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) at 0, 12
      and 24 weeks. Hand X-rays were obtained at baseline. RESULTS: At baseline, the
      levels of TRACP-5b correlated with the severity of X-ray damage, disease duration
      (r = 0.332, P = 0.012), and tender joint count (r = 0.408, P = 0.002). The 24
      weeks values of TRACP-5b for RhCTLA4-Ig group and infliximab group differed
      significantly from the baseline values in each group (P < 0.05; P < 0.05),
      whereas only the value for RhCTLA4-Ig group differed significantly from the 24
      weeks value for the MTX group (P < 0.01). Considering the two biologics-treated
      groups together, the TRACP-5b levels at 24 weeks differed significantly from the
      baseline values only in those patients who reached an ACR70 level (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of serum TRACP-5b in RA patients reflects clinical and
      radiological measures of disease activity, treatment with certain biologics, and
      degree of response to therapy. TRACP-5b should be investigated further as a
      potential biomarker to predict response to therapy, including slowing of
      radiographic progression.

PMID- 25131224
TI  - Augmentation plating in hypertrophic non-union after nail fixation of femoral
      shaft fracture compared with exchange plating.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Augmentation plating has been used successfully to treat hypertrophic
      non-union after nail fixation. This study compared the efficacy of augmentation
      plating and exchange plating for treating hypertrophic non-union of femoral shaft
      fracture after intramedullary nail fixation. METHODS: A total of 12 patients
      received augmentation plating and 15 patients received exchange plating as
      treatment for femoral shaft hypertrophic non-union. The procedures were conducted
      at our medical centre between January 2005 and January 2012. Clinical follow-up
      was conducted at 2 weeks, 1 month and then monthly until union was achieved to
      compare union time, operation time, bleeding and complications between the two
      groups. RESULTS: All patients underwent follow-up examinations until fracture
      union was achieved. The average length of follow-up time after the second
      treatment was (18.37 +/- 3.28) months. The time needed for union was (4.17 +/-
      0.94) months in the augmentation plating group and (5.33 +/- 1.72) months in the
      exchange plating group. The operation time was (90.00 +/- 17.58) minutes in the
      augmentation plating group and (160.00 +/- 25.35) minutes in the exchange plating
      group. The amount of blood loss during the operation was (270.00 +/- 43.32) ml in
      the augmentation plating group and (530.00 +/- 103.65) ml in the exchange plating
      group. Both groups showed significant difference (P < 0.05) in their results. No
      complications were reported after the second operation. CONCLUSIONS: Augmentation
      plating after nail fixation could remove local rotation instability, facilitate
      simple operation, create minimal damage and enable exercise for early functional
      recovery. Therefore, augmentation plating is excellent for treating hypertrophic
      non-union after nail fixation in femoral shaft fracture.

PMID- 25131225
TI  - Intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of pathological myopia associated with
      choroidal neovascularization in Chinese patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathological myopia (PM) is the leading cause for choroidal
      neovascularization (CNV) in people below 50 years of age, the anti-vascular
      endothlial growth factor (VEGF) medicine is now available to treat CNV secondary
      to PM. This study aimed to observe the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab for
      PM associated with subfoveal or juxtafoveal CNV in Chinese patients. METHODS:
      Fifty-four eyes of 52 consecutive patients were included, they treated with
      intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg for PM associated with CNV. The best corrected
      visual acuity (BCVA) of Snellen chart, letters of ETDRS chart, retinal thickness,
      leakage of CNV lesion, and complications with surgery were analyzed pre- and post
      treatment. Eligibility criteria included diopter >=-8.0 D or eye axis >= 28 mm
      with fundus changes of PM (lacquer crack, optic disc atrophy, chorioretinal
      atrophy, posterior scleral staphyloma); CNV secondary to PM; subfoveal or
      juxtafoveal CNV. RESULTS: For 54 affected eyes of 52 consecutive patients, the
      average BCVA of Snellen chart and letters of ETDRS chart were 0.29 and 30.4,
      respectively; fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)/indocyanine green angiography
      (ICGA) showed CNV leakage, and average retinal thickness on optical coherence
      tomography (OCT) was 267.2 um before treatment. Injections of ranibizumab ranged
      from 1 to 4 (mean 2.2). Follow-up time varied from 12 to 36 months (mean 31.9
      months). At the last visit, the BCVA of Snellen chart was increased by three
      lines (mean 0.65) (P < 0.01); the letters of ETDRS chart were increased to 17.0
      letters (mean 47.4, P < 0.01); the visual acuity increased more than 15 letters
      in 30 eyes (55.5%), decreased in 1 eye (1.9%); the retinal thickness on OCT
      images was decreased by 17.0 um (mean 250.2 um) (P = 0.082); no active leakage
      from the CNV lesion occurred in 18 eyes (33.3%), reduced leakage in 30 eyes
      (55.6%), and no change in 6 eyes (11.1%) as shown by FFA/ICGA. Increased
      retinoschisis was observed in one eye after the second injection. CONCLUSIONS:
      Intravitreal ranibizumab for neovascular PM was well tolerated in Chinese
      patients, with functional and anatomic improvements in a short-term study, while
      a long-term study is still needed.

PMID- 25131226
TI  - Strabismus surgery distribution during 10-year period in a tertiary hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no large population-based study of the distribution and
      changing trend of strabismus surgeries in China. This study aimed to investigate
      the distribution and the changing trend of strabismus surgery in a tertiary
      hospital of China. METHODS: A retrospective study of all the strabismus surgeries
      performed in Beijing Tongren Eye Center from 2003 to 2012 was carried out.
      Characteristics analyzed included the type of strabismus, age, and gender.
      RESULTS: Totally 26 524 strabismus surgeries were performed in Tongren Eye Center
      during the 10-year period. The number of surgeries increased steadily from 1 507
      in 2003 to 3 482 in 2008 and slightly decreased to 3 124 in 2009, but there was a
      sharp drop to 2 569 in 2010 and then kept relatively steady at 2 760 in 2011 and
      2 463 in 2012. Intermittent exotropia (30.3%) was the most common among all kinds
      of strabismus. The number of strabismus surgeries performed on children under 12
      years of age (43.60%) was significantly higher than those of the other age groups
      (P < 0.05). Unilateral superior oblique paralysis was the most common subtype of
      paralytic strabismus (8.64%). CONCLUSIONS: The type distribution of strabismus
      surgery has changed during the recent decade. The age and type distribution of
      different strabismus remained basically constant, among which intermittent
      exotropia was the most common.

PMID- 25131227
TI  - Relationship between chronic diarrhea with normal colonoscopy findings and
      terminal ileum lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The causes and mechanisms of chronic diarrhea are complex. This study
      aimed to explore the relationship between chronic diarrhea with normal
      colonoscopy findings and terminal ileum lesions. METHODS: All cases were
      collected from January 2009 to June 2010. The 40 patients in the patient group
      had chronic diarrhea with normal colonoscopy findings. Those who had
      hyperthyroidism, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, cirrhosis, atrophic gastritis,
      short bowel syndrome and connective tissue diseases had been excluded. The
      control group contained 40 healthy individuals without diarrhea. Endoscopy of the
      terminal ileum was applied in both groups, with the endoscope inserted into
      terminal ileum for more than 20 cm. The patients diagnosed of chronic diarrhea
      with terminal ileum lesions were treated with metronidazole and probiotics for 10
      14 days. RESULTS: Before treatment there were significant differences in
      endoscopy findings of the terminal ileum between the two groups (P < 0.05). In
      the patient group, endoscopy showed congestion, edema, erosion and ulcers in 29
      cases, hyperplasia and enlargement of lymphoid follicles in 10 cases with a
      maximal diameter of 7-8 mm, and 1 case showed normal endoscopy results. After
      treatment, 35 patients recovered from diarrhea, and terminal ileum lesions
      disappeared in 30 cases as determined by endoscopy. In the control group,
      endoscopy showed scattered hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles in 5 cases, and the
      follicles were small with the maximal diameter being 3 mm. There was no
      hyperemia, edema, erosion or ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic diarrhea patients with
      normal colonoscopy findings may have lesions in the terminal ileum that can be
      detected by endoscopy; including hyperemia, erosion, ulcers and lymphoid follicle
      hyperplasia. Therapeutic effect is good with metronidazole and probiotics.

PMID- 25131228
TI  - Prognosis of R1-resection at the bronchial stump in patients with non-small cell
      lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis of R1-resection at the bronchial stump in patients with
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. This study intends to
      identify the prognostic factors and to optimize treatments for these patients
      under update conditions. METHODS: The data of 124 NSCLC patients who underwent R1
      resection at the bronchial stump was reviewed. There were 41 patients in the
      surgery group (S), 21 in the postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) group (S+R), 30 in
      the postoperative chemotherapy (POCT) group (S+C), and 32 in the PORT plus POCT
      group (S+R+C). The constitute proportion in different groups was tested using the
      chi(2) method, univariate analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier and log
      rank method, and multivariate analysis was done using the Cox hazard regression
      with entry factors including age, sex, pathological type and stage,
      classification of the residual disease, and treatment procedure. The process was
      performed stepwise backward with a maximum iteration of 20 and an entry
      possibility of 0.05 as well as an excluded possibility of 0.10 at each step.
      RESULTS: In univariate analysis, survival was more favorable for patients with
      squamous cell carcinoma, early pathological T or N stage, and chemotherapy or
      radiotherapy. There was no significant difference in the survival for patients
      with different types of the residual disease, except for the difference between
      patients with carcinoma in situ and lymphangiosis carcinomatosa (P = 0.030). The
      survival for patients receiving chemoradiotherapy was superior to that for those
      undergoing surgery alone (P = 0.016). In multivariate analysis, the pathological
      type (HR 2.51, 95% CI 1.59 to 3.96, P = 0.000), pathological T (HR 1.29, 95% CI
      1.04 to 1.60, P = 0.021) or N stage (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.98, P = 0.000),
      and chemotherapy (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.43, P = 0.000) were independent
      prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Patients with squamous cell carcinoma, early
      pathological T or N stage, or receiving chemotherapy had a more favorable
      prognosis.

PMID- 25131229
TI  - Analysis of risk factors affecting the prognosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine
      tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are a type of tumors with
      the characteristics of easy metastasis and recurrence. Till date, the risk
      factors affecting the prognosis are still in the debate. In this study, several
      risk factors will be discussed combined with our cases and experience. METHODS:
      Thirty-three patients diagnosed as pNETs were enrolled and the clinical features,
      blood tests, pathological features, surgical treatment, and follow-up data of
      these patients were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, operation
      time of G3 cases was longer than G1/G2 cases (P = 0.017). The elevated level of
      tumor markers such as AFP, CEA, Ca125, and Ca19-9 may predict easier metastasis,
      earlier recurrence, and poor prognosis (P = 0.007). The presence of cancer
      embolus and nerve invasion increases along with the TNM stage (P = 0.037 and P =
      0.040), and the incidence of positive surgical margin increased (P = 0.007). When
      the presence of nerve invasion occurs, the chance of cancer embolus and lymph
      node metastasis also increases (P = 0.016 and P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: pNETs were
      tumors with the features of easy recurrence and metastasis and many risk factors
      could affect its prognosis such as the elevated levels of tumor markers and the
      presence of nerve invasion, except some recognized risk factors. If one or more
      of these factors existed, postoperative treatments may be needed to improve
      prognosis.

PMID- 25131230
TI  - Effect of fixing distal radius fracture with volar locking palmar plates while
      preserving pronator quadratus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: L-shaped incision of pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle along its radial
      and distal borders was always taken for distal radius fractures reduction and
      internal fixation. Repair of the PQ muscle was always recommended at the end of
      operation for some instructive reasons. But repair of PQ is not satisfied because
      of poor quality of muscle and fascial tissues which may cause pain or impede
      forearm pronation and supination for post-operative scarring around PQ. Inserting
      the locking palmar plate to pass under the pronator quadratus muscle and the
      locking screws are inserted through mini-incisions in pronator quadratus in some
      patients with distal radius fractures is a reasonable technique which can
      preserve the pronator quadratus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and
      compare the clinical effects after volar plating of the distal radius fractures
      while preserving the pronator quadratus and pronator quadratus repair. METHODS:
      Between September 2010 and April 2012, 65 patients (42 males and 23 females; aged
      20-68 years and a mean age of 42.5 years) with distal radius fracture underwent
      open reduction and internal fixation using the volar locking palmar plates (Depuy
      or Smith companies). The patients were classified as 23A-2 through 23C-3
      according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classifications. All
      surgeries were completed by the same trained team. The volar locking palmar
      plates of distal radius performed with preserving pronator quadratus group
      involved 30 patients including 19 males and 11 females and performed with
      pronator quadratus repair group involved 35 patients including 23 males and 12
      females. We compared the two groups for wrist pain, forearm range of motion, grip
      strength, perioperative complications and wrist functional recovery score.
      RESULTS: The minimum follow-up for the whole cohort was one year. The differences
      between the two groups were significant with regard to wrist pain, forearm range
      of motion, grip strength and wrist function at 1, 2, and 6 weeks postoperatively,
      but insignificant at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. No significant differences
      were found in the perioperative complications and radiographs postoperatively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of the pronator quadratus muscle is a satisfactory
      method for the treatment of majority of the fractures of the distal radius with
      volar locking palmar plates, as this technique can yield better early wrist
      function and shorten the rehabilitation.

PMID- 25131231
TI  - En bloc resection concept for endoscopic endonasal nasopharyngectomy: surgical
      anatomy and outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients have a 19%-56% locoregional
      recurrence rate after primary therapy. For those recurrent NPC (rNPC) patients,
      re-irradiation may cause some complications. In recent years, endoscopic
      endonasal nasopharyngectomy (EEN) has become a surgical option for rNPC patients.
      Here we introduce the concept of en bloc excision (EBE) technique for EEN,
      including the surgical technique and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective
      study was conducted covering September 2009 to May 2013, involving the collection
      of locoregional rNPC cases from two institutions (Kuang-Tien General Hospital
      (KTGH) in Taiwan and National University Health System (NUHS) in Singapore).
      These patients failed prior therapy and then underwent EEN. We reported the 2
      year overall survival rate, the 2-year disease-free survival rate, and related
      complications. RESULTS: Nine patients (five from KTGH and four from NUHS)
      completed this study, with five, two, and two patients of recurrence tumors
      (rT1), rT2, and rT3, respectively. The mean age was 46.4 years (range 32-63); the
      mean follow-up period was 24.9 months (range 10-45). The 2-year survival rate and
      the 2-year disease-free rate were 100% and 80%, respectively, in five patients.
      No significant complications or cases of mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The EBE
      concept of EEN is suitable for early rT1 and has relatively encouraging short
      term outcomes. In selected rT2, careful EBE can be performed by expanding the
      surgical field. A clear view of the internal carotid artery-related anatomy is
      indispensable. In the future, more series may be needed to determine the role of
      EEN in rNPC patients.

PMID- 25131232
TI  - Influence of tube voltage on digitized image qualityof patients exposed to
      occupational dust: phantoms and clinical studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-voltage analog X-ray examination is a main tool for
      pneumoconiosis, which is challenged by digital radiography (DR). The tube voltage
      of DR chest films required for diagnosis and staging of pneumoconiosis is
      concerned technically. We investigated the influence of the tube voltage on chest
      X-ray DR image quality of patients exposed to occupational dust. METHODS: DR
      images of the CDRAD2.0model, an anatomical chest phantom, and 136 exposed workers
      were analyzed at different tube voltages by threereaders. Image quality factors
      (IQF) were calculated and compared using the CDRAD2.0 model. DR images of ten
      anatomic positions were scored against those of the high-kilovolt chest films in
      anatomical phantom and clinical cases, and differences in scores were analyzed.
      RESULTS: In the CDRAD2.0 model, all three readers had a minimal IQF at 120 kV
      (mean: 22.25 kV). The differences in the mean IQF of DR images at different tube
      voltages was significant (F = 13.78, P < 0.001). The IQF of DR imaging at 120 kV
      was similar to high kilovolt analog imaging (t = -0.58, P > 0.05). In the
      anatomic phantom and clinical cases, the DR images at 120 kV were closest in
      anatomical detail to the high kV analog images, and the means were similar (P >
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among different tube voltages, DR image quality is closest to
      the high kilovolt analog images at 120 kV in patients exposed to occupational
      dust.

PMID- 25131233
TI  - Dynamic long-term microstructural and ultrastructural alterations in sensory
      nerves of rats of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel, as a first line anti-neoplastic compound, frequently
      produces long-term pain after tumors have been treated. Clinical manifestations
      are varied and non-specific. Pathology of the nervous system during the
      development of the neuropathic pain is unclear. Thus, early diagnosis and
      treatment is often unsatisfying for patients. This study aimed to promote
      considerate understanding of the structural alteration of sensory nerves.
      METHODS: All rats were simply randomized into 3 groups: paclitaxel group, vehicle
      group and saline group. An established rat model of paclitaxel-induced peripheral
      neuropathy (2 mg/kg) was chosen for our research, behavior tests were operated
      during the procedure of 56 days. All rats were sampled on days 0, 3, 7, 28 and
      56. The hind paw plantar skin, sciatic nerves, dorsal root ganglion and attached
      fibers, and lumbar spinal cord were processed for light and electron microscopy.
      The differences among 3 groups were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance
      (ANOVA). RESULTS: We affirmed that paclitaxel-induced mechano-allodynia and
      mechano-hyperalgesia occured after a 3-7-day delay, and this pain peaked at day
      28 and persisted to day 56. Paclitaxel and vehicle treatment both evoked thermal
      hyperalgesia. Paclitaxel-induced axonal and myelin sheath degeneration was
      evident. At days 3 and 7, significant increases in atypical mitochondria in both
      myelinated axons and C-fibers of paclitaxel-treated nerves indicated that injured
      mitochondria correlated to specific paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, and the
      abnormity sustained till day 56. Microtubule was unaffected in myelinated axons
      or C-fibers in paclitaxel- or vehicle-treated rats. Significant increase of G
      ratio was evident with paclitaxel injection at days 7 and 28. CONCLUSION: Our
      research suggests a causal role for axonal degeneration, abnormalities in axonal
      mitochondria, and structural modification of axonal microtubules in paclitaxel
      induced neuropathic pain, and the abnormal mitochondria could be connected to the
      chronic neuropathic pain.

PMID- 25131234
TI  - Short-term intensive atorvastatin therapy improves endothelial function partly
      via attenuating perivascular adipose tissue inflammation through 5-lipoxygenase
      pathway in hyperlipidemic rabbits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a kind of disease with multiple risk factors, of
      which hyperlipidemia is a major classical risk factor resulting in its
      pathogenesis and development. The aim of this study was to determine the effects
      of short-term intensive atorvastatin (IA) therapy on vascular endothelial
      function and explore the possible mechanisms that may help to explain the
      clinical benefits from short-term intensive statin therapy. METHODS: After
      exposure to high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, the animals were, respectively,
      treated with IA or low-dose atorvastatin (LA) for 5 days. Blood lipids, C
      reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6
      (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and endothelium-dependent
      vasorelaxation function were, respectively, measured. mRNA and protein expression
      of CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and 5
      lipoxygenase (5-LO) were also evaluated in pericarotid adipose tissue (PCAT) and
      cultured adipocytes. RESULTS: HFD increased serum inflammatory factor levels;
      induced significant hyperlipidemia and endothelial dysfunction, including
      imbalance between NO and ET-1; enhanced inflammatory factors and 5-LO expression;
      and promoted macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue. Five-day IA therapy
      could significantly decrease serum inflammatory factor levels and their
      expression in PCAT; restore the balance between NO and ET-1; and improve
      endothelial function and macrophage infiltration without significant changes in
      blood lipids. However, all of the above were not observed in LA therapy. In vitro
      experiment found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enhanced the expression of
      inflammatory factors and 5-LO in cultured adipocytes, which could be attenuated
      by short-time (6 hours) treatment of high-dose (5 umol/L) but not low-dose (0.5
      umol/L) atorvastatin. In addition, inhibiting 5-LO by Cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy
      alpha-cyanocinnamate (CDC, a potent and direct 5-LO inhibitor) could
      significantly downregulate the above-mentioned gene expression in LPS-treated
      adipocytes. CONCLUSION: Short-term IA therapy could significantly ameliorate
      endothelial dysfunction induced by HFD, which may be partly due to attenuating
      inflammation of PCAT through inhibiting 5-LO pathway.

PMID- 25131235
TI  - Iloprost inhibits fracture repair in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that prostaglandins (PGs) dramatically
      stimulate healing processes in bone. However, the effect of prostaglandin I2
      (PGI2) on fracture healing remains unclear. To investigate the effect of PGI2, a
      study on fracture healing process in closed tibia fractures was designed.
      METHODS: Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into two groups. On
      the first day, their right tibias were fractured by three-point bending
      technique. The study group (n = 18) received a single injection of 10 ug/kg
      iloprost for 5 days, while the control group (n = 18) received saline solution in
      the same way. On the 7th, 14th and 28th days following the fracture, six rats
      were sacrificed and their right legs were harvested in each group. The
      progression of fracture healing was assessed for each specimen by the scores of
      radiography (by Lane-Sandhu) and histology (by Huo et al). RESULTS: On the 7th
      day, the radiographic and histologic scores were equal. On the 14th day
      radiographic total score was 6 and histologic total score was 23 in the iloprost
      group, whereas radiographic total score was 11 and histologic total score was 33
      in the control group. On the 14th day radiographic and histologic scores were
      significantly decreased in the iloprost group compared to the control group (P <
      0.05). On the 28th day radiographic total score was 12 and histologic total score
      was 37 in the iloprost group, whereas radiographic total score was 15 and
      histologic total score was 40 in the control group. On the 28th day although
      there was a decrease in radiographic and histologic scores of the iloprost group
      acording to control group, it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Iloprost delays fracture healing in early stage in rats.

PMID- 25131236
TI  - Effect and mechanism of tacrolimus on melanogenesis on A375 human melanoma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Topical tacrolimus has been used for vitiligo as a common treatment
      option for more than ten years while the underlying mechanism is still uncertain.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the direct effects of tacrolimus on the
      melanogenesis and migration on human A375 melanoma cells. The expression of c-KIT
      mRNA and protein of human A375 cells were also investigated. METHODS: The
      cultured A375 human melanoma cells were randomly assigned to control and
      tacrolimus treatment groups (10, 10(2), 10(3) and 10(4) nmol/L). The cell
      proliferation was measured with Cell Counting Kit-8 assays. Melanin content was
      measured with NaOH method. Transwell migration assay was used to measure cell
      migration. The expression of c-KIT mRNA and protein were measured with real-time
      fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry
      respectively. RESULTS: The cell proliferation of the 10(3) and 10(4) nmol/L
      tacrolimus groups were significantly lower (0.666 +/- 0.062 and 0.496 +/- 0.038)
      as compared with the control (0.841 +/- 0.110, P < 0.05). The mean melanin
      content in all groups treated with different concentration of tacrolimus (10,
      10(2), 10(3), 10(4) nmol/L) increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05).
      Dose-dependent increase in cell migration were seen in all tacrolimus-treated
      groups (P < 0.01). The expression of c-KIT mRNA level in A375 cells exposed to
      tacrolimus (10(3) and 10(4) nmol/L) had significantly increased by 3.03-fold and
      3.19-fold respectively compared with the control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Although tacrolimus had no effects on cell proliferation on A375 human melanoma
      cells, it could increase the melanin content and cell migration. The expression
      of c-KIT mRNA and protein increased dose-dependently in tacrolimus-treated groups
      as compared with the control. Our study demonstrated that tacrolimus could
      enhance the melanogenesis and cell migration on A375 cells.

PMID- 25131237
TI  - Reinnervation of hair cells by neural stem cell-derived neurons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Replacement of spiral ganglion neurons would be one prioritized step
      in an attempt to restore sensory neuronal hearing loss. However, the possibility
      that transplanted neurons could regenerate new synaptic connections to hair cells
      has not been explored. The objective of this study was to test whether neural
      stem cell (NSC)-derived neurons can form synaptic connections with hair cells in
      vitro. METHODS: NSCs were mechanically separated from the hippocampus in SD rat
      embryos (E12-E14) and cultured in a serum-free medium containing basic fibroblast
      growth factor and epidermal growth factor. Rat NSCs were co-cultured with
      explants of cochlea sensory epithelia obtained from postnatal Day 3 rats under
      transway filter membrane. RESULTS: At Day 3, the NSCs began to show chemotactic
      differentiation and grew toward cochlea sensory epithelia. After 9-day co
      culture, neurites of NSC-derived neurons predominantly elongated toward hair
      cells. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed the fibers overlapped with synapsin
      and hair cells, indicating the formation of new synaptic connections. After 14
      day culture, triple staining revealed the fibers overlapped with PSD95
      (postsynaptic density) which is juxtaposed with CtBP2 (presynaptic vesicle),
      indicating the formation of new ribbon synapse. CONCLUSIONS: NSC-derived neurons
      can make synaptic connections with hair cells and provide a model for studying
      synaptic plasticity and regeneration. Whether the newly forming synapse is
      functional merits further electrophysiological study.

PMID- 25131238
TI  - Regulation of lovastatin on a key inflammation-related microRNA in myocardial
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advances in the understanding of cardiovascular pathogenesis have
      highlighted that inflammation plays a central role in atherosclerotic coronary
      heart disease. Therefore, exploring pharmacologically based anti-inflammatory
      treatments to be used in cardiovascular therapeutics is worthwhile to promote the
      discovery of novel ways of treating cardiovascular disorders. METHODS: The
      myocardial cell line H9c2(2-1) was exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in culture
      and resulted in a cellular pro-inflammation status. miR-21 microRNA levels were
      detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR). The
      influence of lovastatin on miR-21 under normal and pro-inflammatory conditions
      was tested after being added to the cell culture mixture for 24 hours.
      Conditional gene function of two predicted cardiovascular system relevant
      downstream targets of miR-21, protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 3A
      (PPP1R3A) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), were
      analyzed with immunoblotting. RESULTS: Forty-eight hours of LPS treatment
      significantly increased the miR-21 to 170.71%+/- 34.32% of control levels (P =
      0.002). Co-treatment with lovastatin for 24 hours before harvesting attenuated
      the up-regulation of miR-21 (P = 0.013). Twenty-four hours of lovastatin exposure
      up-regulated PPP1R3A to 143.85%+/- 21.89% of control levels in cardiomyocytes (P
      = 0.023). Lovastatin up-regulated the phosphorylation level of STAT3 compared to
      the background LPS pretreatment (P = 0.0077), this effect was significantly (P =
      0.018) blunted when miR-21 was functionally inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: miR-21 plays
      a major role in the regulation of the cellular anti-inflammation effects of
      lovastatin.

PMID- 25131239
TI  - Comparison of the clinical and radiological outcomes following midvastus and
      medial parapatellar approaches for total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controversy still exists regarding whether medial parapatellar
      approach (MP) or midvastus approach (MV) is preferable in total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA) up to now. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the clinical and
      radiological outcomes following the MV or MP for TKA. METHODS: A comprehensive
      search of unrestricted-language literature of all studies comparing MP with MV
      was conducted through the electronic literature databases of PubMed, EMBASE,
      Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and WANFANG. Retrieval time was from the time when
      databases were built to October 2013. Manual search of relevant trials, reviews,
      and related articles was also performed. Outcomes of interest included
      postoperative knee extensor and flexor function, postoperative pain, patella
      tilt, and complications. Relative risk (RR) and weighted mean differences (WMD)
      from each trial were pooled using random-effects or fixed-effects model depending
      on the heterogeneity of the included studies. A subgroup analysis or a
      sensitivity analysis was conducted to explore the potential source of
      heterogeneity when necessary. RESULTS: Twenty-one randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs) comprising 1 188 patients (1 450 knees) were eligible. Our results showed
      that MV was associated with better early postoperative extension (WMD = -1.26,
      95% CI -2.36 to -0.16, P = 0.02) and flexion (WMD = 10.13, 95% CI 5.36 to 14.90,
      P < 0.01), less postoperative pain (WMD = -0.21, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.07, P =
      0.002) , and no greater risk for complications than MP. The patella tilt did not
      differ significantly between the two groups (WMD = -0.70, 95% CI -1.94 to 0.54, P
      = 0.27). CONCLUSIONS: MV may be a better approach than MP, as it improves
      postoperative early joint function and decreases pain. Future multi-center
      randomized controlled studies with large sample sizes are required to verify the
      current findings.

PMID- 25131240
TI  - Prevalence of depression in coronary heart disease in China: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary heart diseases (CHD) have been identified as one of topmost
      diseases affecting the Chinese population. However, depression in CHD has not
      been reported and there are limited high quality empirical studies in China
      focused on the prevalence of the comorbidity. This study aimed to estimate the
      pooled prevalence of depression with CHD in China. METHODS: Systematic review and
      meta-analysis of published epidemiologic studies on the depression in CHD
      patients in China were conducted. The research findings dated before 30 September
      2013 were obtained from Ovid Medline, EMBASE and two Chinese electronic
      publication libraries WANFANG and CNKI. We used "cardiovascular disease",
      "depression" and "China" as the search themes in Ovid Medline and EMBASE and
      "cardiovascular disease" and "depression" in WANFANG and CNKI. Random-effects
      meta-analysis was used to estimate the prevalence of depression in CHD patients.
      RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included in the review. Twenty-three studies
      had 5 236 participants who were hospitalized and four studies had 1 353
      participants from community. The overall prevalence of depression in CHD from
      hospital was 51% (95% CI: 0.43, 0.58; I-squared = 97%, P = 0.000).The prevalence
      of depression in CHD from community ranged between 34.6% to 45.8%, and the severe
      depression was found ranging between 3.1% to 11.2%. CONCLUSIONS: On comparing
      data with other countries, the prevalence of depression in CHD among admitted
      patients in China was found to be high. The physicians and healthcare providers
      should pay more attention to the "physical-mental" health of the CHD patients.

PMID- 25131241
TI  - Mixed phenotype acute leukemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To highlight the current understanding of mixed phenotype acute
      leukemia (MPAL). DATA SOURCES: We collected the relevant articles in PubMed (from
      1985 to present), using the terms "mixed phenotype acute leukemia", "hybrid acute
      leukemia", "biphenotypic acute leukemia", and "mixed lineage leukemia". We also
      collected the relevant studies in WanFang Data base (from 2000 to present), using
      the terms "mixed phenotype acute leukemia" and "hybrid acute leukemia". STUDY
      SELECTION: We included all relevant studies concerning mixed phenotype acute
      leukemia in English and Chinese version, with no limitation of research design.
      The duplicated articles are excluded. RESULTS: MPAL is a rare subgroup of acute
      leukemia which expresses the myeloid and lymphoid markers simultaneously. The
      clinical manifestations of MPAL are similar to other acute leukemias. The World
      Health Organization classification and the European Group for Immunological
      classification of Leukaemias 1998 criteria are most widely used. MPAL does not
      have a standard therapy regimen. Its treatment depends mostly on the patient's
      unique immunophenotypic and cytogenetic features, and also the experience of
      individual physician. The lack of effective treatment contributes to an
      undesirable prognosis. CONCLUSION: Our understanding about MPAL is still limited.
      The diagnostic criteria have not been unified. The treatment of MPAL remains to
      be investigated. The prognostic factor is largely unclear yet. A better
      diagnostic criteria and targeted therapeutics will improve the therapy effect and
      a subsequently better prognosis.

PMID- 25131242
TI  - Sphingosine Kinase-1/sphingosine 1-phosphate pathway in diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the major cause of end-stage renal
      disease worldwide and its prevalence continues to increase. Currently, therapies
      for DN provide only partial renoprotection; hence new targets for therapeutic
      intervention need to be identified. In this review, we summarized the new target,
      sphingosine kinase-1/sphingosine 1-phosphate (SphK1/S1P) pathway, explored its
      potential therapeutic role in the prevention and treatment of DN. DATA SOURCES:
      Most relevant articles were mainly identified by searching PubMed in English.
      STUDY SELECTION: Mainly original articles and critical review articles by major
      pioneer investigators in this field were selected to be reviewed. RESULTS:
      SphK1/S1P pathway can be activated by hyperglycemia, advanced glycation end
      products, and many pro-inflammatory cytokines, which leads to fibronectin,
      transforming growth factor-beta1 up-regulation and AP-1 activation. And then it
      could promote glomerular mesangial cells proliferation and extracellular matrix
      accumulation, mediating the initiation and progression of diabetic renal
      fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: SphK1/S1P pathway is closely correlated with the
      pathogenesis of DN. The results suggest that SphK1/S1P pathway as a new target
      for clinically improving DN in future is of great prospect.

PMID- 25131243
TI  - Cardiorenal syndrome: pathophysiological mechanism, preclinical models, novel
      contributors and potential therapies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the current knowledge about the pathophysiological
      mechanisms, preclinical models, novel contributors and potential therapies of
      cardiorenal syndrome. DATA SOURCES: The literature concerning cardiorenal
      syndrome in this review was collected from PubMed published in English up to
      January 2014. STUDY SELECTION: Original articles and critical reviews related to
      cardiorenal syndrome were selected and carefully analyzed. RESULTS: Cardiorenal
      syndrome is a condition characterized by kidney and heart failure where failure
      of one organ worsens the function of the other thus further accelerating the
      progressive failure of both organs. The pathophysiology of cardiorenal syndrome
      is not fully understood, but may be caused by a complex combination of
      neurohormonal system activation, endothelial dysfunction, proteinuria, oxidative
      stress, uremic toxins and other factors. Managing cardiorenal syndrome is still a
      major therapeutic challenge in clinical practice because many of the drugs used
      to control heart failure can worsen renal function, and vice versa. Non
      dialyzable uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfate, causing detrimental effects on
      the heart and kidney as well as stimulation of inflammatory responses, may be an
      effective therapeutic target for cardiorenal syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Suitable
      disease models of cardiorenal syndrome are urgently needed to investigate the
      pathophysiology and effective therapeutic approaches to the condition. Non
      dialyzable protein-bound uremic toxins that may have cardiac and renal effects
      may provide therapeutic benefit to cardiorenal syndrome patients.

PMID- 25131244
TI  - Predictors of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment responses in
      macular edema following central vein occlusion.

PMID- 25131245
TI  - Neurological outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit for cardiac
      arrest.

PMID- 25131246
TI  - Robotic and laparoscopic hybrid pancreaticoduodenectomy: surgical techniques and
      early outcomes.

PMID- 25131247
TI  - Pulmonary embolism with septicemia after N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection for
      bleeding gastric varices.

PMID- 25131248
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a platform for the management of massive
      hemoptysis caused by bronchial artery aneurysm.

PMID- 25131249
TI  - Aortic valve replacement for quadricuspid aortic valve with regurgitation and
      stenosis in a renal transplant recipient.

PMID- 25131250
TI  - Significance of ST-segment elevation in lead aVR.

PMID- 25131251
TI  - Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus: a rare variant of mitral annular
      calcification.

PMID- 25131252
TI  - Weaning method from mechanical ventilation, more computer or clinical
      perspective: who is helping whom truly?

PMID- 25131253
TI  - Treatment of coexisting bullous pemphigoid and psoriasis with triptergium
      wilfordii.

PMID- 25131254
TI  - Ruptured pancreatic desmoid tumor presenting as hemorrhagic shock: a rare cause
      of acute abdomen.

PMID- 25131255
TI  - Should radioactive iodine therapy be administrated in patient of papillary
      thyroid carcinoma?

PMID- 25131256
TI  - Severity stratification of aplastic anemia.

PMID- 25131257
TI  - Circulating miR-192 in liver fluke-associated cholangiocarcinoma patients: a
      prospective prognostic indicator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the miR-192 levels in patients' sera
      of liver fluke-associated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) for a prospective prognostic
      indicator. METHODS: MicroRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array was performed
      using pooled serum samples from 11 CCA patients and nine healthy subjects.
      Selected miRNAs were verified for the differential levels in both sera and tumor
      tissues (of patients and Opisthorchis viverrini (Ov)-induced CCA model) using
      TaqMan miRNA expression assay. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that miR-192 was
      significantly higher in the serum of CCA patients than that in healthy subjects
      giving a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 72% (area under the curve [AUC] =
      0.803; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.708-0.897, P < 0.0001). Serum miR-192
      examined in Ov infected subjects and subjects with periductal fibrosis were
      increased but not statistically significantly when compared with healthy
      subjects. High levels of serum miR-192 were significantly correlated with lymph
      node metastasis (P = 0.047) and shorter survival compared with individuals with
      low levels of serum miR-192 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.076, 95% CI 1.004-4.291, P =
      0.049). We also found that the expression levels of miR-192 appeared to be
      elevated in both CCA tissues of patients and in Ov-induced CCA tissues of a
      hamster model. CONCLUSIONS: This finding indicates that elevated levels of miR
      192 may be involved in CCA genesis and have a potential utility as a noninvasive
      prognostic indicator for CCA patients.

PMID- 25131258
TI  - Influence of cultivar and ripening time on bioactive compounds and antioxidant
      properties in Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is an exotic fruit highly valued
      for its organoleptic properties and bioactive compounds. Considering that the
      presence of phenolics and ascorbic acid could contribute to its functional
      capacity, it is important to investigate the quality parameters, bioactive
      contents and functional properties with respect to genotype and ripening time. In
      this study the genotype effect was evaluated in 15 cultivars for two different
      harvest times. Changes during maturation were recorded in two commercial
      cultivars within seven levels of maturity. RESULTS: Multivariate statistical
      analysis suggested that phenolic content and ORAC value were mainly affected by
      harvest time and that ascorbic acid content and DPPH level were mainly affected
      by genotype. In addition, acidity, phenolic content, ORAC value and inhibition of
      LDL oxidation decreased with maturity, but soluble solids content, ascorbic acid
      content, beta-carotene content and DPPH-scavenging activity were higher in mature
      fruits. CONCLUSION: The phenolic content, ascorbic acid content and antioxidant
      properties of Cape gooseberry fruit were strongly affected by cultivar, harvest
      time and maturity state. Consequently, the harvest time must be scheduled
      carefully to gain the highest proportion of bioactive compounds according to the
      specific cultivar and the environment where it is grown.

PMID- 25131259
TI  - Solvent induced helical aggregation in the self-assembly of cholesterol tailed
      platinum complexes.
AB  - Three alkynylplatinum(ii) bipyridyl complexes in which two cholesterol groups are
      combined with a bipyridyl group via alkyl chains and amido bonds were designed
      and synthesized. The complexes have different lengths of ethylene glycol chains
      at the para-position of 1-phenylethyne. All three complexes can self-assemble to
      gel networks in DMSO, while only the morphology of 1a without an ether chain
      shows a well-defined right-handed helical structure in layer packing mode.
      However, 1c with long ethylene glycol chains forms perfect regular left-handed
      helical structures in aqueous ethanol solution while the volume percentage of
      water is less than 5% (v/v). As the ratio of water increases, the chirality
      changes from a left-handed helix to a right-handed helix and the packing mode
      alters from a monolayer structure to a hexagonal structure. As the ratio of water
      further increases to greater than 50% (v/v), the structure of the assembly
      finally transforms into bilayer vesicles. The process of the morphology
      transition is traced by circular dichroism spectra, powder X-ray diffraction, SEM
      and TEM images. The result indicates that a polar solvent (water) acts as a
      trigger to change the self-assembly of the chiral structures of the complex due
      to the strong hydrophobic interaction between cholesterol groups and the balance
      of the hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of the solvent environment. 

PMID- 25131260
TI  - The small GTPases regulate HMC05-induced NQO-1 expression with an antioxidant
      effect in smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Recently, Banhabackchulchunmatang (HMC05) has been implicated as a preventive
      and/or therapeutic candidate for cardiovascular diseases due to its inhibition of
      atherosclerosis lesions and its reduction of neointima formation. Knowledge of
      the mechanism of HMC05 in smooth muscle cells (SMC) is limited. However, SMC may
      be a potential target for HMC05 therapy because they are supported by the HMC05
      mediated preservation of medial smooth muscle cell layers in pathogenic
      progression. Therefore, in the present study, we hypothesized that the effect of
      HMC05 is associated with reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
      (NAD(P)H):quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) gene regulation, which precipitates an
      antioxidant effect in SMC. HMC05 significantly increased NQO-1 gene expression in
      a dose- and time-dependent manner. The reactive oxygen species-mediated toxicity
      that was generated by xanthine/xanthine oxidase was suppressed by HMC05. The
      knockdown of the NQO-1 gene abrogated the HMC05-mediated cytoprotection.
      Interestingly, pretreatment with a chemical inhibitor of geranylgeranyl
      transferase 1 or farnesyl transferase abolished the NQO-1 gene induction and
      cytoprotection by HMC05. The transfection of dominant negative RhoA or Ras
      suppressed HMC05-induced gene expression. Berberine and hesperidin, which are
      found in large quantities in HMC05, also induced NQO-1 gene expression. Taken
      together, this is the first study to demonstrate that HMC05 is efficacious in
      protection against oxidative stress through NOQ-1 gene induction via the
      regulation of RhoA and/or Ras, and that berberine and hesperidin are major
      components of NQO-1 gene induction. This study provides mechanistic targets of
      HMC05 in reducing atherosclerotic lesions in atherosclerosis. 

PMID- 25131261
TI  - Thyroarytenoid cross-innervation by the external branch of the superior laryngeal
      nerve in the porcine model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Cross-innervation patterns to the thyroarytenoid (TA)
      muscle have long been sought after. We have identified in the porcine model,
      cross-innervation by way of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
      (eSLN). STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: TA contraction was
      electromyographically recorded when electrically stimulating the eSLN in six
      porcine necks. The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) was subsequently transected.
      The insertion of the cricothyroid (CT) muscle on the cricoid was then
      subsequently removed as well. RESULTS: Stimulation of the eSLN rendered a
      response from the TA muscle in 6/6 subject necks, with a mean latency of 2.76
      msec. TA muscle contraction by way of eSLN stimulation persisted after the RLN
      was transected and after CT insertion release. CONCLUSIONS: The TA muscle is
      directly cross-innervated by a branch of the eSLN in the porcine model. This
      finding may have implications regarding possible future laryngeal pacing
      strategies and could be a target nerve for rehabilitation.

PMID- 25131263
TI  - Do the treasures of 'big data' combined with behavioural intervention therapies
      contain the key to the mystery of large psychiatric issues?

PMID- 25131262
TI  - Association of daunorubicin to a lipid nanoemulsion that binds to low-density
      lipoprotein receptors enhances the antitumour action and decreases the toxicity
      of the drug in melanoma-bearing mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test the toxicity and antitumoral activity of the compound N-oleyl
      daunorubicin (oDNR) with a cholesterol-rich nanoemulsion (LDE) formulation.
      METHODS: LDE-oDNR was prepared by high-pressure homogenisation of lipid mixtures.
      B16F10 melanoma cells and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts were used for cytotoxicity tests.
      The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of both commercial and LDE-oDNR was determined
      in mice, and melanoma-bearing mice were used for the antitumoral activity tests.
      KEY FINDINGS: CC50 for LDE-oDNR and DNR in melanoma cells were 200 MUm and 15
      MUm, respectively, but LDE-oDNR was less toxic against fibroblasts than DNR. MTD
      for LDE-oDNR was 65-fold higher than commercial DNR. In tumour-bearing mice, LDE
      oDNR (7.5 MUmol/kg) reduced tumour growth by 59 +/- 2%, whereas the reduction by
      DNR was only 23 +/- 2%. LDE-oDNR increased survival rates (P < 0.05), which was
      not achieved by DNR treatment. The number of mice with metastasis was only 30% in
      LDE-oDNR-treated mice, compared with 82% under DNR treatment. By flow cytometry,
      there were 9% viable cells in tumours of animals treated with LDE-oDNR compared
      with 27% in DNR-treated animals. Less haematological toxicity was observed in LDE
      oDNR-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with DNR, LDE-oDNR improved tumour
      growth inhibition and survival rates with pronouncedly less toxicity, and thus
      may become a new tool for cancer treatment.

PMID- 25131264
TI  - Repeated formaldehyde inhalation impaired olfactory function and changed SNAP25
      proteins in olfactory bulb.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Formaldehyde inhalation exposure, which can occur through
      occupational exposure, can lead to sensory irritation, neurotoxicity, mood
      disorders, and learning and memory impairment. However, its influence on
      olfactory function is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism and the
      effect of repeated formaldehyde inhalation exposure on olfactory function.
      METHODS: Rats were treated with formaldehyde inhalation (13.5+/-1.5 ppm, twice 30
      minutes/day) for 14 days. Buried food pellet and locomotive activity tests were
      used to detect olfactory function and locomotion. Western blots were used to
      evaluate synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25) protein levels in the
      olfactory bulb (OB) lysate and synaptosome, as well as mature and immature
      olfactory sensory neuron markers, olfactory marker protein (OMP), and Tuj-1. Real
      time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect SNAP25 mRNA amounts.
      RESULTS: Repeated formaldehyde inhalation exposure impaired olfactory function,
      whereas locomotive activities were unaffected. SNAP25 protein decreased
      significantly in the OB, but not in the occipital lobe. SNAP25 also decreased in
      the OB synaptosome when synaptophysin did not change after formaldehyde
      treatment. mRNA levels of SNAP25A and SNAP25B were unaffected. Mature and
      immature olfactory sensory neuron marker, OMP, and Tuj-1, did not change after
      formaldehyde treatment. CONCLUSION: Repeated formaldehyde exposure impaired
      olfactory function by disturbing SNAP25 protein in the OB.

PMID- 25131268
TI  - Seventy-five years completed and thirty-six to go!

PMID- 25131265
TI  - Uses of cancer registries for public health and clinical research in Europe:
      Results of the European Network of Cancer Registries survey among 161 population
      based cancer registries during 2010-2012.
AB  - AIM: To provide insight into cancer registration coverage, data access and use in
      Europe. This contributes to data and infrastructure harmonisation and will foster
      a more prominent role of cancer registries (CRs) within public health, clinical
      policy and cancer research, whether within or outside the European Research Area.
      METHODS: During 2010-12 an extensive survey of cancer registration practices and
      data use was conducted among 161 population-based CRs across Europe. Responding
      registries (66%) operated in 33 countries, including 23 with national coverage.
      RESULTS: Population-based oncological surveillance started during the 1940-50s in
      the northwest of Europe and from the 1970s to 1990s in other regions. The
      European Union (EU) protection regulations affected data access, especially in
      Germany and France, but less in the Netherlands or Belgium. Regular reports were
      produced by CRs on incidence rates (95%), survival (60%) and stage for selected
      tumours (80%). Evaluation of cancer control and quality of care remained modest
      except in a few dedicated CRs. Variables evaluated were support of clinical
      audits, monitoring adherence to clinical guidelines, improvement of cancer care
      and evaluation of mass cancer screening. Evaluation of diagnostic imaging tools
      was only occasional. CONCLUSION: Most population-based CRs are well equipped for
      strengthening cancer surveillance across Europe. Data quality and intensity of
      use depend on the role the cancer registry plays in the politico, oncomedical and
      public health setting within the country. Standard registration methodology could
      therefore not be translated to equivalent advances in cancer prevention and mass
      screening, quality of care, translational research of prognosis and survivorship
      across Europe. Further European collaboration remains essential to ensure access
      to data and comparability of the results.

PMID- 25131266
TI  - Surgical site infection after total en bloc spondylectomy: risk factors and the
      preventive new technology.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Surgical site infection (SSI) associated with instruments
      remains a serious and common complication in patients who undergo total en bloc
      spondylectomy (TES). It is very important that the risk factors for SSI are known
      to prevent it. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify independent risk
      factors for SSI after TES and evaluate the positive effect of iodine-supported
      spinal instruments in the prevention of SSI after TES. STUDY DESIGN: This is a
      retrospective clinical study. PATIENT SAMPLE: One hundred twenty-five patients
      who underwent TES for vertebral tumor were evaluated. OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence
      rate of SSI, risk factors for SSI after TES, and safety of iodine-supported
      spinal instruments were the outcome measures. METHODS: Risk factors for SSI were
      analyzed using logistic regression. In recent 69 patients with iodine-supported
      spinal instruments, the thyroid hormone levels in the blood were examined to
      confirm if iodine from the implant influenced thyroid function. Postoperative
      radiological evaluations were performed regularly. RESULTS: The rate of SSI was
      6.4% (8/125 patients). By multivariate logistic regression, combined anterior and
      posterior approach and nonuse of iodine-supported spinal instruments were
      associated with an increased risk of SSI. The rate of SSI without iodine
      supported spinal instruments was 12.5%, whereas the rate with iodine-supported
      spinal instruments was 1.4%. This difference was statistically significant. There
      were no detected abnormalities of thyroid gland function with the use of iodine
      supported instruments. Among the 69 patients with iodine-supported spinal
      instruments, 2 patients required additional surgery because of instrument
      failure. However, there were no obvious involvements with the use of iodine
      supported spinal instruments. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified combined
      anterior and posterior approach and nonuse of iodine-supported spinal instruments
      to be independent risk factors for SSI after TES. Iodine-supported spinal
      instrument was extremely effective for prevention of SSI in patients with
      compromised status, and it had no detection of cytotoxic or adverse effects on
      the patients.

PMID- 25131271
TI  - Third-grade retention and reading achievement in Texas: a nine year panel study.
AB  - The academic performance of over 38,000 Texas students who failed the state's
      1994 reading test was examined through their sophomore year in high school.
      Propensity score matching resulted in strata with retained and promoted students
      of comparable observed characteristics. Reading scores were analyzed using a two
      level hierarchical linear model. Same grade comparisons show that third graders
      failing the state-mandated reading test who repeated the grade consistently
      outperformed in later grades the socially promoted children who also failed the
      third grade test. Additional analyses indicate that alternative explanations for
      the findings such as omitted variables, regression to the mean, differential
      panel attrition and cohort effects are not supported. The results are consistent
      with findings from other recent studies which suggest that grade retention in
      third grade may help increase student achievement. 

PMID- 25131270
TI  - A neural mass model based on single cell dynamics to model pathophysiology.
AB  - Neural mass models are successful in modeling brain rhythms as observed in
      macroscopic measurements such as the electroencephalogram (EEG). While the
      synaptic current is explicitly modeled in current models, the single cell
      electrophysiology is not taken into account. To allow for investigations of the
      effects of channel pathologies, channel blockers and ion concentrations on
      macroscopic activity, we formulate neural mass equations explicitly incorporating
      the single cell dynamics by using a bottom-up approach. The mean and variance of
      the firing rate and synaptic input distributions are modeled. The firing rate
      curve (F(I)-curve) is used as link between the single cell and macroscopic
      dynamics. We show that this model accurately reproduces the behavior of two
      populations of synaptically connected Hodgkin-Huxley neurons, also in non-steady
      state. 

PMID- 25131272
TI  - Understanding the links between education and smoking.
AB  - This study extends the theoretical and empirical literature on the relationship
      between education and smoking by focusing on the life course links between
      experiences from adolescence and health outcomes in adulthood. Differences in
      smoking by completed education are apparent at ages 12-18, long before that
      education is acquired. I use characteristics from the teenage years, including
      social networks, future expectations, and school experiences measured before the
      start of smoking regularly to predict smoking in adulthood. Results show that
      school policies, peers, and youths' mortality expectations predict smoking in
      adulthood but that college aspirations and analytical skills do not. I also show
      that smoking status at age 16 predicts both completed education and adult
      smoking, controlling for an extensive set of covariates. Overall, educational
      inequalities in smoking are better understood as a bundling of advantageous
      statuses that develops in childhood, rather than the effect of education
      producing better health. 

PMID- 25131273
TI  - Tracing the cigarette epidemic: an age-period-cohort study of education, gender
      and smoking using a pseudo-panel approach.
AB  - This study examined if temporal variations in daily cigarette smoking and never
      smoking among groups with different levels of education fit the pattern proposed
      by the theory of diffusion of innovations (TDI), while taking into account the
      separate effects of age, period and birth cohort (APC). Aggregated data from
      nationally representative interview surveys from Norway from 1976 to 2010 was
      used to calculate probabilities of smoking using an APC approach in which the
      period variable was normalized to pick up short term cyclical effects. Results
      showed that educational differences in smoking over time were more strongly
      determined by birth cohort membership than variations in smoking behavior across
      the life course. The probability of daily smoking decreased faster across cohorts
      among higher compared to lower educated. In contrast, the change in probability
      of never having smoked across cohorts was similar in the two education groups,
      but stronger among men compared to women. Moreover, educational differences in
      both daily and never smoking increased among early cohorts and leveled off among
      late cohorts. The results emphasizes the importance of birth cohort for social
      change and are consistent with TDI, which posits that smoking behavior diffuse
      through the social structure over time. 

PMID- 25131274
TI  - Life satisfaction across nations: the effects of women's political status and
      public priorities.
AB  - Feminist scholars suggest that improving the quality of life of individuals
      living in nations around the world may be more readily achieved by increasing
      women's political power and by reorienting public-policy priorities, than by
      focusing primarily on economic growth. These considerations raise the question of
      which characteristics of societies are associated with the quality of life of the
      people in those societies. Here, we address this issue empirically by
      statistically analyzing cross-national data. We assess the effects of gender
      equality in the political sphere, as well as a variety of other factors, on the
      subjective well-being of nations, as indicated by average self-reported levels of
      life satisfaction. We find that people report the highest levels of life
      satisfaction in nations where women have greater political representation, where
      military spending is low, and where health care spending is high, controlling for
      a variety of other factors. GDP per capita, urbanization, and natural resource
      exploitation are not clearly associated with life satisfaction. These findings
      suggest that nations may be able to improve the subjective quality of life of
      people without increasing material wealth or natural resource consumption by
      increasing gender equality in politics and changing public spending priorities. 

PMID- 25131275
TI  - Is the social volcano still dormant? Trends in Chinese attitudes toward
      inequality.
AB  - Data from two China national surveys, in 2004 and 2009, focusing on popular
      attitudes toward current inequalities and mobility opportunities, are compared to
      examine two key questions: (1) Did the continued rise in income gaps and the
      impact within China of the global financial crisis lead to rising popular anger
      about the unfairness of current inequality patterns in 2009? and (2) Did the
      social contours of attitudes toward current inequalities shift over the five
      years between surveys? Through systematic comparisons of data from both surveys,
      we conclude that there is no general increase in anger about inequalities in the
      2009 survey, and that the predictors of variations in these attitudes had changed
      relatively little, with the unexpectedly positive views of villagers still
      visible in 2009, although a bit muted. Trends in Chinese society between 2004 and
      2009, and in the personal experience of survey respondents, are used to explain
      why popular acceptance of current inequalities remains widespread, despite
      continuing increases in China's income gaps. 

PMID- 25131277
TI  - Social welfare support and homicide: longitudinal analyses of European countries
      from 1994 to 2010.
AB  - The purpose of this research is to explore the extent to which retrenchment in
      welfare support is related to homicide trends across European countries between
      1994 and 2010. Using a longitudinal decomposition design that allows for stronger
      causal inferences compared to typical cross-sectional designs, we examine these
      potential linkages between social support spending and homicide with data
      collected from a heterogeneous sample of European nations, including twenty
      Western nations and nine less frequently analyzed East-Central nations, during
      recent years in which European nations generally witnessed substantial changes in
      homicide rates as well as both economic prosperity and fiscal crisis. Results
      suggest that even incremental, short-term changes in welfare support spending are
      associated with short-term reductions in homicide-specifically, impacting
      homicide rates within two to three years for this sample of European nations. 

PMID- 25131276
TI  - Intimate partner victimization, poor relationship quality, and depressive
      symptoms during young adulthood.
AB  - Using longitudinal data from the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study (n = 927),
      we examined physical victimization, poor quality, and depression among young
      adults in casually dating, exclusively dating, cohabiting, and marital
      relationships. In multivariate models, victimization was a risk factor for
      depression with the inclusion of prior depression, family factors reflecting the
      intergenerational transmission of violence, sociodemographic background, and
      relationship characteristics including union status. With the inclusion of
      indicators of poor relational quality, victimization was not a significant
      predictor of depression. Arguing and poor communication influenced victimization
      and depression. Associations between victimization and depression did not differ
      by gender, nor were the effects of poor quality on depression conditional on
      gender. Thus, victimization occurs within relationships characterized by a range
      of negative dynamics. Multifaceted relationship-centered prevention efforts are
      more useful than focusing only on the use of aggression with a partner.

PMID- 25131278
TI  - Homonegativity among first and second generation migrants in Europe: the
      interplay of time trends, origin, destination and religion.
AB  - Previous studies reported declining disapproval of homosexuality in Europe but
      have simultaneously identified the decelerating effect of religiosity and the
      higher disapproval of homosexuality among migrants. In this paper, we address
      disapproval of homosexuality among first- and second-generation migrants in
      Europe by assessing (1) period and cohort changes, (2) origin and destination
      country influences and (3) the role of religiosity. We develop a specific cross
      classified multilevel design enabling us to simultaneously examine these
      influences. We test hypotheses using a subsample of the European Social Survey
      (ESS), containing 19,878 first and second generation migrants. The analyses lead
      to three important conclusions. Firstly, disapproval of homosexuality is
      declining both over time and across cohorts. Secondly, migrants conform to levels
      of disapproval of homosexuality among natives in the destination country, and
      this explains the decline among migrants over time. Thirdly, religion has a multi
      faceted influence on levels of disapproval of homosexuality among migrants. 

PMID- 25131279
TI  - College quality and hourly wages: evidence from the self-revelation model,
      sibling models and instrumental variables.
AB  - This paper addresses the recent discussion on confounding in the returns to
      college quality literature using the Norwegian case. The main advantage of
      studying Norway is the quality of the data. Norwegian administrative data provide
      information on college applications, family relations and a rich set of control
      variables for all Norwegian citizens applying to college between 1997 and 2004 (N
      = 141,319) and their succeeding wages between 2003 and 2010 (676,079 person-year
      observations). With these data, this paper uses a subset of the models that have
      rendered mixed findings in the literature in order to investigate to what extent
      confounding biases the returns to college quality. I compare estimates obtained
      using standard regression models to estimates obtained using the self-revelation
      model of Dale and Krueger (2002), a sibling fixed effects model and the
      instrumental variable model used by Long (2008). Using these methods, I
      consistently find increasing returns to college quality over the course of
      students' work careers, with positive returns only later in students' work
      careers. I conclude that the standard regression estimate provides a reasonable
      estimate of the returns to college quality.

PMID- 25131280
TI  - Identifying predictors of survey mode preference.
AB  - To increase the likelihood of response, many survey organizations attempt to
      provide sample members with a mode they are thought to prefer. Mode assignment is
      typically based on conventional wisdom or results from mode choice studies that
      presented only limited options. In this paper we draw heavily on research and
      theory from the mode effects and the survey participation literatures to develop
      a framework for understanding what characteristics should predict mode
      preferences. We then test these characteristics using data from two different
      surveys. We find that measures of familiarity with and access to a mode are the
      strongest predictors of mode preference and measures of safety concerns, physical
      abilities, and normative concerns are unexpectedly weak predictors. Our findings
      suggest that variables that may exist on sample frames can be used to inform the
      assignment of "preferred" modes to sample members. 

PMID- 25131281
TI  - Abortion attitudes in context: a multidimensional vignette approach.
AB  - The effects of relationship status, rationale for considering abortion (life
      circumstance versus health issue), and the male partner's wishes on abortion
      attitudes were examined using a multiple-segment factorial vignette with a
      probability sample of 532 Kentucky households. Respondents expressed strong
      opinions in the absence of contextual details, yet many shifted the direction of
      their strongly-held positions once contextual information was revealed that
      challenged their initial assumptions. Results confirm and extend prior research
      by indicating that attitudes are strongly held but are simultaneously highly
      responsive to context. The validity of surveys and polls that attempt to measure
      global attitudes toward abortion, such as pro-choice versus pro-life, in the
      absence of contextual details is therefore questioned. The full context of one's
      life and situation is weighed in the abortion decision-making process, and our
      findings indicate that attitudes toward abortion are largely responsive and
      reflective of that context as well. 

PMID- 25131282
TI  - Intelligence and childlessness.
AB  - Demographers debate why people have children in advanced industrial societies
      where children are net economic costs. From an evolutionary perspective, however,
      the important question is why some individuals choose not to have children.
      Recent theoretical developments in evolutionary psychology suggest that more
      intelligent individuals may be more likely to prefer to remain childless than
      less intelligent individuals. Analyses of the National Child Development Study
      show that more intelligent men and women express preference to remain childless
      early in their reproductive careers, but only more intelligent women (not more
      intelligent men) are more likely to remain childless by the end of their
      reproductive careers. Controlling for education and earnings does not at all
      attenuate the association between childhood general intelligence and lifetime
      childlessness among women. One-standard-deviation increase in childhood general
      intelligence (15 IQ points) decreases women's odds of parenthood by 21-25%.
      Because women have a greater impact on the average intelligence of future
      generations, the dysgenic fertility among women is predicted to lead to a decline
      in the average intelligence of the population in advanced industrial nations. 

PMID- 25131283
TI  - When do doctors follow patients' orders? Organizational mechanisms of physician
      influence.
AB  - Physicians, like other professionals, are expected to draw from specialized
      knowledge while remaining receptive to clients' requests. Using nationally
      representative U.S. survey data from the Community Tracking Study, this paper
      examines the degree to which physicians are influenced by patients' requests, and
      how physicians' workplaces may mediate acquiescence rates through three
      mechanisms: constraints, protection, and incentives. We find that, based on
      physicians' reports of their responses to patients' suggestions, patient
      influence is rare. This influence is least likely to be felt in large workplaces,
      such as large private practices, hospitals, and medical schools. We find that the
      protection and incentives mechanisms mediate the relationship between workplace
      types and physician acquiescence but more prescriptive measures such as
      guidelines and formularies do not affect acquiescence. We discuss these findings
      in light of the ongoing changes in the structure of medicine. 

PMID- 25131284
TI  - NIMBYism - a re-examination of the phenomenon.
AB  - NIMBYism is the idea that citizens will oppose the siting of facilities in their
      neighborhood for selfish reasons. Using a new treatment - type of facility rather
      than geographical proximity to a particular site - the paper explores two rarely
      researched manifestations of NIMBYism: that people are so sensitive to nuisances
      that they oppose the siting of all facility types in their neighborhood; and that
      people will adjust motivations for resistance to appear public minded. Results
      from both observational and experimental studies support the basic claims of
      NIMBYism. 

PMID- 25131285
TI  - The consequences of unrealized occupational goals in the transition to adulthood.
AB  - Do unmet occupational goals have negative consequences for well-being? Several
      social-psychological theories posit that aspirations become standards against
      which individuals judge themselves, thereby decreasing well-being when unmet. Yet
      other evidence points to young adults' goal flexibility and resilience,
      suggesting unmet aspirations may not affect well-being. This paper tests these
      alternatives using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1979 (N =
      9016) and the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 (N = 10,547) to
      examine whether the degree of match between adolescent occupational aspirations
      (NLSY) and expectations (NELS) and later attainment affect job satisfaction and
      depression. This paper also examines gender differences in the cost to unmet
      goals. Findings reveal a cost to falling short of one's occupational goals,
      manifested in more depressive symptoms for men in the older cohort, and lower job
      satisfaction for both men and women across two cohorts born approximately 14
      years apart.

PMID- 25131286
TI  - The misunderstood consequences of Shelley v. Kraemer.
AB  - Shelley v. Kraemer (1948) was a landmark civil rights ruling, in which the
      Supreme Court held that private racial covenants could not be enforced by the
      state to evict black buyers of "restricted" homes. Fair housing scholars have
      generally dismissed or downplayed the practical effects of Shelley, since other
      forms of housing discrimination remained very powerful. Using spatial lag models
      and detailed geographic data on the location of covenants and patterns of intra
      urban black migration, we compare the role of Shelley with other forces shaping
      mid-century neighborhood change. We find that Shelley precipitated white-to-black
      neighborhood transitions after 1948 and changed the nature of the dual housing
      market in important ways. We also show that increased black mobility produced a
      sharp increase in intra-black economic segregation during the 1950s and 1960s. 

PMID- 25131287
TI  - Friendship networks and the social structure of opportunities for contact and
      interaction.
AB  - This paper explores the Partnermarktsurvey to analyze how the size and
      composition of individuals' friendship networks are associated with the
      opportunities for contact and interaction provided by individuals' immediate
      social environment. The size and composition of individuals' social environment
      are strongly reflected in the size and composition of their network of friends.
      Several properties of an individual's foci of activity help to transform mere
      contacts into opportunities for interaction. The paper suggests to combine macro
      structural theory with micro-sociological theories about action and social
      capital. 

PMID- 25131288
TI  - Political polarization on support for government spending on environmental
      protection in the USA, 1974-2012.
AB  - Since the early 1990s, the American conservative movement has become increasingly
      hostile toward environmental protection and Congressional Republicans have become
      increasingly anti-environmental in their voting records. Party sorting theory
      holds that such political polarization among elites will likely extend to the
      general public. Analyzing General Social Survey data from 1974 to 2012, we
      examine whether political polarization has occurred on support for government
      spending on environmental protection over this time period in the US general
      public. We find that there has been significant partisan and ideological
      polarization on support for environmental spending since 1992-consistent with the
      expectations of party sorting theory. This political polarization on
      environmental concern in the general public will likely endure save for political
      convergence on environmental concern among elites in the near future. Such
      polarization likely will inhibit the further development and implementation of
      environmental policy and the diffusion of environmentally friendly behaviors. 

PMID- 25131289
TI  - The dynamic relationships between union dissolution and women's employment: a
      life-history analysis of 16 countries.
AB  - The specialization theory from Gary Becker is often used to explain the effect of
      women's work on the risk of divorce. The main argument is that women with little
      work experience have higher economic costs to exit marriage. Using the Fertility
      and Family Surveys, we test for 16 countries to what extent women's employment
      increases the risk of separation. We also more directly examine the role of
      economic exit costs in separation by investigating the effect of separated
      women's work history during the union on women's post-separation employment. The
      results imply that Becker was right to some extent, especially in contexts with
      little female employment support. However, in settings where women's employment
      opportunities are more ample, sociological or psychological theories have
      probably more explanatory power to explain the causes and consequences of union
      dissolution. 

PMID- 25131290
TI  - Predictors of self-protective behaviors in non-sexual violent encounters: the
      role of victim sex in understanding resistance.
AB  - Self-protective behaviors are actions that victims take in a violent encounter to
      thwart the attack or avoid/minimize injury. This study examines the predictors of
      self-protective behaviors in non-sexual assault incidents with a particular focus
      on how the sex of the victim may moderate these conclusions. Non-sexual assault
      incidents in the National Crime Victimization Survey were analyzed (n=16,309) and
      four categories of self-protective behaviors were regressed on a variety of
      predictors using multivariate probit models. A variety of pre-assault factors
      (e.g., demographic characteristics), situational characteristics (e.g., location
      of assault), and the relationship between the victim and offender are associated
      with the use of resistance. Situational characteristics emerged as the most
      consistent and strongest predictors of self-protective behaviors. There was
      little evidence to suggest that separate models for male and female victims were
      warranted. 

PMID- 25131291
TI  - Twelve-year survey (2001-2012) of the antimicrobial susceptibility of
      Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from otorhinolaryngology clinics in Miyagi
      Prefecture, Japan.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most common bacteria causing
      otorhinolaryngological infections, such as acute otitis media and upper
      respiratory tract infection. Our group surveyed the drug susceptibility profile
      of S. pneumoniae isolates from otorhinolaryngology patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 41,069 S. pneumoniae isolates were detected at Miyagi Medical
      Association Health Center between May 2001 and December 2012. Specimens were
      obtained from patients at 40 otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinics in Miyagi
      Prefecture, Japan. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8
      antimicrobial agents were measured using the broth microdilution method according
      to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. RESULTS: In children
      aged 0-2 years old, the MIC50 values of penicillins decreased after 2010 (PCG: 1
      MUg/ml (2010) to 0.06 MUg/ml (2012); ABPC: 1 MUg/ml (2010) to 0.25 MUg/ml
      (2012)). The prevalence of penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP) decreased
      from 35.2% (2010) to 14.6% (2012) in rhinorrhea specimens and from 43.4% (2010)
      to 14.3% (2012) in otorrhea specimens. Susceptibility to cephems (ceftriaxone and
      cefditoren) and carbapenems (panipenem) also showed improvement after 2010. For
      macrolides (clarithromycin) and lincosamides (clindamycin), MIC50 values
      increased in all age groups during the study period, and a high level of
      resistance was seen until 2012. There were no marked changes of susceptibility to
      fluoroquinolones (LVFX) during the study period. CONCLUSION: Improvement of
      susceptibility of S. pneumoniae to beta-lactams occurred after 2010 in Miyagi
      Prefecture, Japan.

PMID- 25131292
TI  - Post-marketing safety and effectiveness evaluation of the intravenous anti
      influenza neuraminidase inhibitor peramivir (I): a drug use investigation.
AB  - Peramivir is the only intravenous formulation among anti-influenza neuraminidase
      inhibitors currently available. Peramivir was approved for manufacturing and
      marketing in Japan in January 2010. We conducted a drug use investigation of
      peramivir from October 2010 to February 2012 and evaluated its safety and
      effectiveness under routine clinical settings. We collected data of 1309 patients
      from 189 facilities across Japan and examined safety in 1174 patients and
      effectiveness in 1158 patients. In total, 143 adverse events were observed with
      an incidence rate of 7.33% (86/1174). Of these, 78 events were adverse drug
      reactions (ADRs) with an incidence rate of 4.34% (51/1174). The most frequently
      reported ADRs were diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, with incidence rates of 1.87%
      (22/1174), 0.85% (10/1174), and 0.68% (8/1174), respectively. Moreover, no ADR
      was reported as serious. ADR onset was within 3 days after the start of peramivir
      administration in 91.0% (71 events) of the 78 ADRs, and ADRs were resolved or
      improved within 7 days after onset in 96.2% (75 events) of the 78 ADRs. Neither
      patient characteristics nor treatment factors appeared to significantly affect
      drug safety. With regard to effectiveness, the median time to alleviation of both
      influenza symptoms and fever was 3 days, including the first day of
      administration. The present study demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of
      peramivir under routine clinical settings. 

PMID- 25131293
TI  - Helicobacter cinaedi kidney cyst infection and bacteremia in a patient with
      autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
AB  - A 48-year-old man with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) was
      admitted to our hospital with a 5-day history of lower right back pain, high
      grade fever, and arthralgia. He was diagnosed with right kidney cyst infection
      and bacteremia due to Helicobacter cinaedi (H. cinaedi) based on these symptoms,
      highly elevated CRP (32.25 mg/dL), abdominal magnetic resonance imaging findings,
      and the identification of H. cinaedi from blood cultures using PCR and sequence
      analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA gene. Intravenous cefotaxime 0.5 g twice daily
      followed by meropenem 0.5 g twice daily and ciprofloxacin 200 mg twice daily were
      partially effective; oral doxycycline added at 200 mg/day finally eradicated the
      infection. Total duration of antimicrobial therapy was 9 weeks. H. cinaedi
      infections typically present as bacteremia with or without cellulitis in
      immunocompromised patients such as those with AIDS or malignant disease. To our
      knowledge, this is the first report describing an ADPKD patient with H. cinaedi
      cyst infection. Although H. cinaedi infections are increasingly recognized, even
      in immunocompetent subjects, numerous cases may still be overlooked given that
      this bacterium is slow-growing, and is difficult to culture, be Gram-stained, and
      identify on phenotypic tests. Consideration of this bacterium as a possible
      pathogen and sufficient duration of incubation with molecular testing are
      necessary in treating ADPKD patients with cyst infection.

PMID- 25131294
TI  - First report of spondylodiscitis due to vancomycin heteroresistant Staphylococcus
      capitis in immunocompetent host.
AB  - We report a successfully treated case of spondylodiscitis and bloodstream
      infection due to vancomycin heteroresistant Staphylococcus capitis, in an adult
      immunocompetent patient with multiple antibiotics intolerance. S. capitis is
      rarely involved in osteomyelitis and, to our knowledge, this is the first report
      of vancomycin heteroresistance phenomenon in an S. capitis strain causing
      spondylodiscitis. 

PMID- 25131295
TI  - Two types of genetic carrier, the IncP genomic island and the novel IncP-1beta
      plasmid, for the aac(2')-IIa gene that confers kasugamycin resistance in
      Acidovorax avenae ssp. avenae.
AB  - A unique aminoglycoside antibiotic, kasugamycin (KSM), has been used to control
      many plant bacterial and fungal diseases in several countries. The emergence of
      KSM-resistant Acidovorax avenae ssp. avenae and Burkholderia glumae, which cause
      rice bacterial brown stripe and rice bacterial grain and seedling rot,
      respectively, is a serious threat for the effective control of these diseases.
      Previously, we have identified the aac(2')-IIa gene, encoding a KSM 2'-N
      acetyltransferase, from both KSM-resistant pathogens. Although all KSM-resistant
      isolates from both species possess the aac(2')-IIa gene, only A. avenae strain 83
      showed higher resistance than other strains. In this research, kinetic analysis
      indicates that an amino acid substitution from serine to threonine at position
      146 of AAC(2')-IIa in strain 83 is not involved in this increased resistance.
      Whole draft genome analysis of A. avenae 83 shows that the aac(2')-IIa gene is
      carried by the novel IncP-1beta plasmid pAAA83, whereas the genetic carrier of
      other strains, the IncP genomic island, is inserted into their chromosomes. The
      difference in the nucleotides of the promoter region of aac(2')-IIa between
      strain 83 and other strains indicates an additional transcription start site and
      results in the increased transcription of aac(2')-IIa in strain 83. Moreover,
      biological characterization of pAAA83 demonstrates that it can be transferred by
      conjugation and maintained in the host cells. These results demonstrate that
      acquisition of the aac(2')-IIa gene takes place in at least two ways and that the
      gene module, which includes aac(2')-IIa and the downstream gene, may be an
      important unit for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.

PMID- 25131296
TI  - Response.

PMID- 25131297
TI  - Vmp1 regulates PtdIns3P signaling during autophagosome formation in Dictyostelium
      discoideum.
AB  - Generation and turnover of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) signaling
      is essential for autophagosome formation and other membrane traffic processes. In
      both Dictyostelium discoideum and mammalian cells, autophagosomes are formed from
      specialized regions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), called omegasomes, which
      are enriched in the signaling lipid PtdIns3P. Vacuole membrane protein 1 (Vmp1)
      is a multispanning membrane protein localized at the ER that is required for
      autophagosome formation. There are conflicting reports in the literature as to
      whether Vmp1 is strictly required or not for autophagy-related PtdIns3P signaling
      and its hierarchical relationship with Atg1 and PI3K. We have now addressed these
      questions in the Dictyostelium model. We show that Dictyostelium cells lacking
      Vmp1 have elevated and aberrant PtdIns3P signaling on the ER, resulting in an
      increased and persistent recruitment of Atg18 and other autophagic proteins. This
      indicates that Vmp1 is not strictly essential for the generation of PtdIns3P
      signaling but rather suggests a role in the correct turnover or modulation of
      this signaling. Of interest, these PtdIns3P-enriched regions of the ER surround
      ubiquitinated protein aggregates but are unable to form functional
      autophagosomes. vmp1 null cells also have additional defects in macropinocytosis
      and growth, which are not shared by other autophagy mutants. Remarkably, we show
      that these defects and also the aberrant PtdIns3P distribution are largely
      suppressed by the concomitant loss of Atg1, indicating that aberrant autophagic
      signaling on the ER inhibits macropinocytosis. These results suggest that Atg1
      functions upstream of Vmp1 in this signaling pathway and demonstrates a
      previously unappreciated link between abnormal autophagy signaling and
      macropinocytosis. 

PMID- 25131298
TI  - Lateral MoS2 p-n junction formed by chemical doping for use in high-performance
      optoelectronics.
AB  - This paper demonstrates a technique to form a lateral homogeneous 2D MoS2 p-n
      junction by partially stacking 2D h-BN as a mask to p-dope MoS2. The fabricated
      lateral MoS2 p-n junction with asymmetric electrodes of Pd and Cr/Au displayed a
      highly efficient photoresponse (maximum external quantum efficiency of ~7000%,
      specific detectivity of ~5 * 10(10) Jones, and light switching ratio of ~10(3))
      and ideal rectifying behavior. The enhanced photoresponse and generation of open
      circuit voltage (VOC) and short-circuit current (ISC) were understood to
      originate from the formation of a p-n junction after chemical doping. Due to the
      high photoresponse at low VD and VG attributed to its built-in potential, our
      MoS2 p-n diode made progress toward the realization of low-power operating
      photodevices. Thus, this study suggests an effective way to form a lateral p-n
      junction by the h-BN hard masking technique and to improve the photoresponse of
      MoS2 by the chemical doping process. 

PMID- 25131299
TI  - Variation in orgasm occurrence by sexual orientation in a sample of U.S. singles.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite recent advances in understanding orgasm variation, little
      is known about ways in which sexual orientation is associated with men's and
      women's orgasm occurrence. AIM: To assess orgasm occurrence during sexual
      activity across sexual orientation categories. METHODS: Data were collected by
      Internet questionnaire from 6,151 men and women (ages 21-65+ years) as part of a
      nationally representative sample of single individuals in the United States.
      Analyses were restricted to a subsample of 2,850 singles (1,497 men, 1,353 women)
      who had experienced sexual activity in the past 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Participants reported their sex/gender, self-identified sexual orientation
      (heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual), and what percentage of the time they
      experience orgasm when having sex with a familiar partner. RESULTS: Mean
      occurrence rate for experiencing orgasm during sexual activity with a familiar
      partner was 62.9% among single women and 85.1% among single men, which was
      significantly different (F1,2848  = 370.6, P < 0.001, eta(2)  = 0.12). For men,
      mean occurrence rate of orgasm did not vary by sexual orientation: heterosexual
      men 85.5%, gay men 84.7%, bisexual men 77.6% (F2,1494  = 2.67, P = 0.07, eta(2) 
      = 0.004). For women, however, mean occurrence rate of orgasm varied significantly
      by sexual orientation: heterosexual women 61.6%, lesbian women 74.7%, bisexual
      women 58.0% (F2,1350  = 10.95, P < 0.001, eta(2)  = 0.02). Lesbian women had a
      significantly higher probability of orgasm than did either heterosexual or
      bisexual women (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this large dataset of U.S.
      singles suggest that women, regardless of sexual orientation, have less
      predictable, more varied orgasm experiences than do men and that for women, but
      not men, the likelihood of orgasm varies with sexual orientation. These findings
      demonstrate the need for further investigations into the comparative sexual
      experiences and sexual health outcomes of sexual minorities.

PMID- 25131300
TI  - The glutamate receptor GluN2 subunit regulates synaptic trafficking of AMPA
      receptors in the neonatal mouse brain.
AB  - The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) plays various physiological and
      pathological roles in neural development, synaptic plasticity and neuronal cell
      death. It is composed of two GluN1 and two GluN2 subunits and, in the neonatal
      hippocampus, most synaptic NMDARs are GluN2B-containing receptors, which are
      gradually replaced with GluN2A-containing receptors during development. Here, we
      examined whether GluN2A could be substituted for GluN2B in neural development and
      functions by analysing knock-in (KI) mice in which GluN2B is replaced with
      GluN2A. The KI mutation was neonatally lethal, although GluN2A-containing
      receptors were transported to the postsynaptic membrane even without GluN2B and
      functional at synapses of acute hippocampal slices of postnatal day 0, indicating
      that GluN2A-containing NMDARs could not be substituted for GluN2B-containing
      NMDARs. Importantly, the synaptic alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole
      propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) subunit GluA1 was increased, and the
      transmembrane AMPAR regulatory protein, which is involved in AMPAR synaptic
      trafficking, was increased in KI mice. Although the regulation of AMPARs by
      GluN2B has been reported in cultured neurons, we showed here that AMPAR-mediated
      synaptic responses were increased in acute KI slices, suggesting differential
      roles of GluN2A and GluN2B in AMPAR expression and trafficking in vivo. Taken
      together, our results suggest that GluN2B is essential for the survival of
      animals, and that the GluN2B-GluN2A switching plays a critical role in synaptic
      integration of AMPARs through regulation of GluA1 in the whole animal.

PMID- 25131302
TI  - An antibody tag-team: driving neutralization through escape.
AB  - HIV rapidly mutates to escape antibody detection, and B cells counter this
      mutation by continual evolution to restore recognition, serendipitously resulting
      in the evolution of neutralizing activity in a fraction of infected individuals.
      A recent Cell paper describes how antibody repertoires stochastically
      collaborated, shaping the viral swarm and utilizing viral immune evasion to their
      advantage. 

PMID- 25131301
TI  - The Dutch String-of-Pearls Stroke Study: protocol of a large prospective
      multicenter genetic cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the last couple of years, genome-wide association studies have
      largely altered the scope in genetic research in diseases in which both
      environmental and genetic risk factors contribute to the disease. To date, the
      genetic risk loci identified in stroke have lagged behind those in other complex
      diseases, possibly because of the heterogeneity of stroke phenotypes.
      Sufficiently large cohorts with well-defined and detailed phenotyping of stroke
      patients are needed to identify additional genetic risk loci. DESIGN: The String
      of-Pearls Institute is a unique partnership between all eight University Medical
      Centers in the Netherlands. It was established in 2007 by the Netherlands
      Federation of University Medical Centers, and it conducts a large prospective
      cohort study in which comprehensive clinical data, detailed phenotyping of
      stroke, imaging data, and biomaterials are collected in a large cohort of stroke
      patients. AIMS: The study aims (1) to collect a sufficiently large prospective
      cohort of stroke patients, with well-defined phenotypes; (2) to collect blood
      samples and DNA in a standardized infrastructure, allowing for storing and
      analyzing the samples in a uniform way; (3) to investigate associations between
      genetic risk loci and stroke; (4) to create possibilities to perform
      epidemiological studies in a well-defined hospital-based cohort of stroke
      patients; and (5) to allow for pooling data with other large ongoing genetic
      stroke studies.

PMID- 25131304
TI  - MLL/KMT2A translocations in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.
AB  - Translocations of the histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A) gene,
      formerly known as myeloid lymphoid leukemia/mixed-lineage leukemia gene, are
      commonly associated with high-risk de novo or therapy-associated B-cell and T
      cell lymphoblastic leukemias and myeloid neoplasms. Rare B-cell non-Hodgkin
      lymphomas harboring KMT2A translocations have been reported, but information
      regarding the clinical behavior of such cases is limited. Here, we describe two
      extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs): a primary thyroid DLBCL and a
      large cell transformation of a splenic marginal zone lymphoma, which displayed
      complex karyotypes and translocations involving chromosome 11q23 targeting the
      KMT2A gene. The pathological and clinical characteristics of these cases are
      discussed in the context of previously reported lymphomas associated with
      different types of KMT2A genetic aberrations. In contrast to the poor clinical
      outcomes of patients with acute leukemias and myeloid neoplasms associated with
      KMT2A translocations, patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, exhibiting
      similar translocations, appear to respond well to immunochemotherapy. Our
      findings add to the growing list of histone methyltransferase genes deregulated
      in DLBCL and highlight the diversity of mechanisms, altering the function of
      epigenetic modifier genes in lymphomas. 

PMID- 25131303
TI  - Grocery store podcast about omega-3 fatty acids influences shopping behaviors: a
      pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether listening to a podcast about omega-3 fatty acids
      (n-3s) while grocery shopping increased shoppers' awareness about and purchases
      of seafood and other foods rich in n-3s. METHODS: Repeated-measures design with a
      convenience sample (n = 56) of grocery shoppers who listened to the podcast while
      shopping. Pre- and postintervention semistructured interviews were conducted. The
      Theory of Reasoned Action was the study's framework. RESULTS: Shoppers were
      primarily females (mean age, 41 +/- 15.3 years). Their perceived ability to buy
      [t(55) = 6.27, P < .0001] and perceived importance regarding buying [t(55) =
      3.38, P < .01] n-3-rich foods improved significantly. At least 1 n-3 rich food
      (mean, 1.5 +/- 0.8) was purchased by 30%, and 79% planned future purchases.
      CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Podcasts may effectively communicate nutrition
      information. More research with a larger sample size is needed to evaluate the
      effects of the podcast on long-term changes in shopping behavior.

PMID- 25131305
TI  - Role of turmeric in oxidative modulation in end-stage renal disease patients.
AB  - Oxidative stress is considered as a major player in uremia-associated morbidity
      and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the effects of turmeric on oxidative stress markers in HD patients. This
      study was a prospective and double-blind randomized clinical trial. Fifty HD
      patients aged 18-60 years were recruited after fulfilling the inclusion criteria.
      Patients were randomly categorized into 2 groups: trial group received turmeric
      and control group received placebo for 8 weeks. Each patient in the trial group
      received turmeric, whereas the control group received starch for the same 8
      weeks. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), red blood cell (RBC) antioxidant enzyme
      activities as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), and
      catalase (CAT), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, and hemoglobin were also measured
      before and after study. Although MDA level was reduced in both groups, the ratio
      of decrease was significantly higher in the turmeric group (0.2 vs. 0.1, P =
      0.040). Three enzymes of GPX, GR, and CAT levels were increased in both groups;
      the ratio of increased was significantly higher in the turmeric group for the CAT
      enzyme (0.73 vs. 0.54; P = 0.02). Also, significant elevation of albumin level in
      the turmeric group compared with the control group was observed (P = 0.001).
      Regular ingestion of turmeric reduces plasma MDA and increases RBC CAT activity
      and plasma albumin levels in HD patients. Turmeric showed no adverse effects. 

PMID- 25131306
TI  - The expression and localization of Crb3 in developmental stages of the mice
      embryos and in different organs of 1-week-old female mice.
AB  - Crumbs homolog 3 (Crb3) is a member of the Crumbs family of proteins. This
      protein may play a role in epithelial cell polarity and is associated with tight
      junctions at the apical surface of epithelial cells. Alternative transcriptional
      splice variants that encode different Crb3 isoforms have been characterized. The
      expression of Crb3 mRNA and protein was observed in the pre-implantation mouse
      embryos and different organs of 1-week-old mouse, and Crb3 expression was
      primarily observed in the cytoplasm. Crb3 was expressed in a unique temporal
      pattern in pre-implantation embryos. The main characteristic of Crb3 expression
      was that the positive signals were stronger in the mature oocytes and zygotes
      than in the 2-cell, 4-cell, and 8-cell stages and the morula, but a similar level
      of high expression was observed in blastocysts. Therefore, the Crb3 expression
      signal during the course of development process grew gradually stronger from the
      2-cell stage to blastocyst. In addition, Crb3 protein was widely distributed in
      each stage of the post-implantation embryos. Crb3 expression was observed in the
      inner cell mass, trophoblast cells and endoderm of E4.5d embryos; in the chorion,
      amnion, trophoblast cells, yolk sac endoderm and embryo ectoderm of E7.5d
      embryos; in the amnion and limb bud of E8.0d embryos; and in the semicircular
      canal epithelium, retina, lens vesicle and liver tissue of E13.5d embryos. Crb3
      was expressed at different levels in different organs of 1-week-old mouse with
      the strengths in the following order: kidney > small intestine > stomach > uterus
      > liver > skeletal muscle > cerebellum > brain. The presence of Crb3 in many
      organs and the regularity of Crb3 distribution in the process of mouse embryonic
      development indicate that Crb3 protein plays an important role in establishing
      and maintaining the polarity of mouse embryos. 

PMID- 25131307
TI  - Reversible nano-structuring of SrCrO3-delta through oxidation and reduction at
      low temperature.
AB  - Oxygen vacancies are often present in complex oxides as point defects, and their
      effect on the electronic properties is typically uniform and isotropic.
      Exploiting oxygen deficiency in order to generate controllably novel structures
      and functional properties remains a challenging goal. Here we show that epitaxial
      strontium chromite films can be transformed, reversibly and at low temperature,
      from rhombohedral, semiconducting SrCrO(2.8) to cubic, metallic perovskite
      SrCrO(3-delta). Oxygen vacancies in SrCrO(2.8) aggregate and give rise to ordered
      arrays of {111}-oriented SrO(2) planes interleaved between layers of
      tetrahedrally coordinated Cr(4+) and separated by ~1 nm. First-principle
      calculations provide insight into the origin of the stability of such
      nanostructures and, consistent with the experimental data, predict that the
      barrier for O(2-) diffusion along these quasi-two-dimensional nanostructures is
      significantly lower than that in cubic SrCrO(3-delta). This property is of
      considerable relevance to solid oxide fuel cells in which fast O(2-) diffusion
      reduces the required operating temperature.

PMID- 25131308
TI  - Ursolic acid triggers nonprogrammed death (necrosis) in human glioblastoma
      multiforme DBTRG-05MG cells through MPT pore opening and ATP decline.
AB  - SCOPE: Ursolic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpenic acid, possesses anticancer
      potential and diverse biological effects, but its correlation with glioblastoma
      multiforme cells and different modes of cell death is unclear. We studied the
      cellular actions of human glioblastoma multiforme DBTRG-05MG cells after ursolic
      acid treatment and explored cell-selective killing effect of necrotic death as a
      cell fate. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ursolic acid effectively reversed temozolomide
      resistance and reduced DBTRG-05MG cell viability. Surprisingly, ursolic acid
      failed to stimulate the apoptosis- and autophagy-related signaling networks. The
      necrotic death was characterized by annexin V/propidium iodide double-positive
      detection and release of high-mobility group protein B1 and lactate
      dehydrogenase. These ursolic acid elicited responses were accompanied by reactive
      oxygen species generation and glutathione depletion. Rapid mitochondrial
      dysfunction was paralleled by the preferential induction of necrosis, rather than
      apoptotic death. Mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) is a phenomenon to
      provide the onset of mitochondrial depolarization during cellular necrosis. The
      opening of MPT pores that were mechanistically regulated by cyclophilin D, and
      adenosine triphosphate decline occurred in treated necrotic DBTRG-05MG cells.
      Cyclosporine A (an MPT pore inhibitor) prevented ursolic acid-provoked necrotic
      death and the acid-involved key regulators. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to
      report that ursolic acid-modified mitochondrial function triggers defective death
      by necrosis in DBTRG-05MG cells rather than augmenting programmed death.

PMID- 25131309
TI  - In Vivo Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Eight Types of Urinary Calculi
      Using Spiral Computerized Tomography in a Chinese Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of
      eight types of urinary calculi using spiral computerized tomography (CT) in vivo.
      METHODS: From October 2011 to February 2013, upper urinary tract calculi were
      obtained from 122 patients in the department of urinary surgery of the First
      Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. All patients were scanned with a 64
      detector row helical CT scanner using 6.50 mm collimation before
      ureterorenoscopy. Data from the preoperative spiral CT scans and postoperative
      chemical composition of urinary calculi were collected. RESULTS: The chemical
      composition analysis indicates that there were five types of pure calculi and
      three types of mixed calculi, including 39 calcium oxalate calculi, 12 calcium
      phosphate calculi, 10 calcium carbonate calculi, 8 magnesium ammonium phosphate
      calculi, 6 carbonated apatite, 21 uric acid/ammonium urate calculi, 10 uric
      acid/calcium oxalate calculi, and 16 calcium oxalate/calcium phosphate calculi.
      There were significant differences in the mean CT values among the five types of
      pure calculi (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we also observed significant differences
      in the mean CT values among three types of mixed calculi (P < 0.001). Significant
      differences in the mean CT values were also found among eight types of urinary
      calculi (P < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was
      observed between the mean CT values of magnesium ammonium phosphate calculi and
      uric acid/calcium oxalate calculi (P = 0.262). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest
      that spiral CT could be a promising tool for determining the chemical composition
      of upper urinary tract calculi.

PMID- 25131311
TI  - History of the Harvard ChemDraw project.

PMID- 25131310
TI  - The effect of immunoadsorption with the Immusorba TR-350 column on coagulation
      compared to plasma exchange.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Plasma exchange (PE) and immunoadsorption with the
      Immusorba TR-350 column (IA) are used to remove autoantibodies from plasma in
      acute neurological autoimmune disorders. The impact of IA on coagulation and on
      low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) levels in comparison with PE was
      investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In five patients with neurological autoimmune
      disorders, coagulation parameters (global tests, coagulation factors) were
      measured before and after PE or IA (Part A). In five other patients under
      anticoagulation with LMWH, anti-Xa activity and global tests were measured before
      and after the treatments (Part B). RESULTS: After PE, coagulation factors were
      significantly reduced by 50-70%. After IA, a distinct reduction was observed for
      fibrinogen, but not for antithrombin and most of the other coagulation factors.
      Anti-Xa activity was reduced after PE (from 0.57 +/- 0.10 to 0.13 +/- 0.05 IU/ml)
      and almost unchanged after IA. CONCLUSION: It is advisable to discontinue or to
      reduce LMWH doses and to monitor coagulation parameters and anti-Xa activity
      after PE or IA to decide about further LMWH dosing.

PMID- 25131312
TI  - Vitamin D and the athlete: emerging insights.
AB  - Interest in Vitamin D has risen considerably recently with many athletes now
      advised to take daily vitamin D supplements. The reason for this interest is
      partly not only attributed to the resurgence of the Vitamin D-deficient disease
      rickets but also due to the discovery of a Vitamin D receptor in many tissues
      suggesting a more global role for Vitamin D than previously considered. Unlike
      the other vitamins that are obtained through the diet, Vitamin D is unique since
      endogenous synthesis following ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure is the predominant
      route of entry into systemic circulation. Moreover, Vitamin D could be better
      classed as a seco-steroid, given that its structure is similar to that of a
      steroid, and its production is derived from a cholesterol precursor (7
      dehydrocholesteol) in the skin. The classification of Vitamin D status is
      currently subject to considerable debate with many authors opposing governing
      body recommendations. Regardless of the suggested optimal concentration, there is
      now growing evidence to suggest that many athletes are in fact Vitamin D
      deficient, especially in the winter months largely as a consequence of inadequate
      sun exposure, combined with poor dietary practices, although the consequences of
      such deficiencies are still unclear in athletic populations. Impaired muscle
      function and reduced regenerative capacity, impaired immune function, poor bone
      health and even impaired cardiovascular function have all been associated with
      low Vitamin D in athletes, however, to date, the majority of studies on Vitamin D
      have described associations and much more research is now needed examining
      causation.

PMID- 25131313
TI  - Morphological characteristics of the cranial root of the accessory nerve.
AB  - There has been the controversy surrounding the cranial root (CR) of the accessory
      nerve. This study was performed to clarify the morphological characteristics of
      the CR in the cranial cavity. Fifty sides of 25 adult cadaver heads were used.
      The accessory nerve was easily distinguished from the vagus nerve by the dura
      mater in the jugular foramen in 80% of 50 specimens. The trunk of the accessory
      nerve from the spinal cord penetrated the dura mater at various distances before
      entering the jugular foramen. In 20% of the specimens there was no dural
      boundary. In these cases, the uppermost cranial rootlet of the accessory nerve
      could be identified by removing the dura mater around the jugular foramen where
      it joined to the trunk of the accessory nerve at the superior vagal ganglion. The
      cranial rootlet was formed by union of two to four short filaments emerging from
      the medulla oblongata (66%) and emerged single, without filament (34%), and
      usually joined the trunk of the accessory nerve directly before the jugular
      foramen. The mean number of rootlets of the CR was 4.9 (range 2-9) above the
      cervicomedullary junction. The CR of the accessory nerve was composed of two to
      nine rootlets, which were formed by the union of two to four short filaments and
      joined the spinal root of the accessory nerve. The CR is morphologically distinct
      from the vagus nerve, confirming its existence.

PMID- 25131314
TI  - Observation is a valid way of assessing common variables in typical babbling and
      identifies infants who need further support.
AB  - AIM: It is important to identify speech and language difficulties in children as
      early as possible. This study investigated the validity of observing babbling
      structure and consonant articulation. METHODS: We focused on the language
      capabilities of children, with and without cleft palates, at 12 months of age (n
      = 29) and 18 months of age (n = 38), comparing observations made by speech and
      language pathologists on babbling structure and consonant articulation to audio
      recordings phonetically transcribed by experts blinded to the aim of the study.
      Descriptive cross-tabs, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were
      analysed to investigate the validity of agreement between the methods. RESULTS:
      We found high mean agreement between the two methods (94%) and within the
      observation (100%) and transcription (88.5%) teams when it came to canonical
      babbling, high-pressure/oral stop consonants and anterior placement of bilabial
      and dental/alveolar consonants. The observations had high specificity and
      negative predictive values (0.90-1) at both ages, with low to moderate
      sensitivity (0-0.86). However, there was low agreement, between and within the
      groups, on the number of consonant types and the unproven predictive variable
      glottal place of articulation. CONCLUSION: Previously suggested predictive
      measures of babbling were shown to be valid and observation is a reliable method
      of identifying children who need further support.

PMID- 25131315
TI  - Endogenous concentrations, pharmacokinetics, and selected pharmacodynamic effects
      of a single dose of exogenous GABA in horses.
AB  - The anti-anxiety and calming effects following activation of the GABA receptor
      have been exploited in performance horses by administering products containing
      GABA. The primary goal of the study reported here was to describe endogenous
      concentrations of GABA in horses and the pharmacokinetics, selected
      pharmacodynamic effects, and CSF concentrations following administration of a
      GABA-containing product. The mean (+/-SD) endogenous GABA level was 36.4 +/- 12.5
      ng/mL (n = 147). Sixteen of these horses received a single intravenous and oral
      dose of GABA (1650 mg). Blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (n = 2) samples
      were collected at time 0 and at various times for up to 48 h and analyzed using
      LC-MS. Plasma clearance and volume of distribution was 155.6 and 147.6 L/h and
      0.154 and 7.39 L for the central and peripheral compartments, respectively.
      Terminal elimination half-life was 22.1 (intravenous) and 25.1 (oral) min. Oral
      bioavailability was 9.81%. Urine GABA concentrations peaked rapidly returning to
      baseline levels by 3 h. Horses appeared behaviorally unaffected following oral
      administration, while sedative-like changes following intravenous administration
      were transient. Heart rate was increased for 1 h postintravenous administration,
      and gastrointestinal sounds decreased for approximately 30 min following both
      intravenous and oral administration. Based on a limited number of horses and time
      points, exogenously administered GABA does not appear to enter the CSF to an
      appreciable extent. 

PMID- 25131316
TI  - From yeast to patient neurons and back again: powerful new discovery platform.
AB  - No disease-modifying therapies are available for synucleinopathies, including
      Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple systems
      atrophy (MSA). The lack of therapies has been impeded by a paucity of validated
      drug targets and problematic cell-based model systems. New approaches are
      therefore needed to identify genes and compounds that directly target the
      underlying cellular pathologies elicited by the pathological protein, alpha
      synuclein (alpha-syn). This small, lipid-binding protein impinges on
      evolutionarily conserved processes such as vesicle trafficking and mitochondrial
      function. For decades, the genetically tractable, single-cell eukaryote, budding
      yeast, has been used to study nearly all aspects of cell biology. More recently,
      yeast has revealed key insights into the underlying cellular pathologies caused
      by alpha-syn. The robust cellular toxicity caused by alpha-syn expression
      facilitates unbiased high-throughput small-molecule screening. Critically, one
      must validate the discoveries made in yeast in disease-relevant neuronal models.
      Here, we describe two recent reports that together establish yeast-to-human
      discovery platforms for synucleinopathies. In this exemplar, genes and small
      molecules identified in yeast were validated in patient-derived neurons that
      present the same cellular phenotypes initially discovered in yeast. On
      validation, we returned to yeast, where unparalleled genetic approaches
      facilitated the elucidation of a small molecule's mode of action. This approach
      enabled the identification and neuronal validation of a previously unknown
      "druggable" node that interfaces with the underlying, precipitating pathologies
      caused by alpha-syn. Such platforms can provide sorely needed leads and fresh
      ideas for disease-modifying therapy for these devastating diseases.

PMID- 25131317
TI  - [Hepatitis due to secondary syphilis].

PMID- 25131319
TI  - Communication satisfaction of professional nurses working in public hospitals.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to establish and describe the level of communication
      satisfaction that professional nurses experience in selected public hospitals in
      the City of Johannesburg, South Africa. BACKGROUND: The success of any
      organisation depends on the effectiveness of its communication systems and the
      interaction between staff members. METHOD: Data were collected by means of
      questionnaires, based on the Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ), from
      a sample of 265 professional nurses from different categories, chosen using a
      disproportionate random stratified sampling method. RESULTS: The results
      indicated poor personal feedback between nurse managers (operational managers)
      and professional nurses, as well as dissatisfaction among nurse managers and
      professional nurses with regard to informal communication channels. A lack of
      information pertaining to policies, change, financial standing and achievements
      of hospitals was identified. CONCLUSION: Nurse managers should play a leadership
      role in bringing staff of different departments together by creating interactive
      communication forums for the sharing of ideas. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING
      MANAGEMENT: The results emphasise the need for nurse managers to improve
      communication satisfaction at all levels of the hospital services in order to
      enhance staff satisfaction and create a positive working environment for staff
      members.

PMID- 25131318
TI  - Bouveret's syndrome.

PMID- 25131320
TI  - Increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases in functional gastrointestinal
      disorders: case-control study of 23471 primary care patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that impaired mucosal defence mechanisms
      are implicated in the pathogenesis of the functional gastrointestinal disorders
      (FGIDs), allowing inappropriate immune activation. AIM: To test the hypothesis
      that an excess of autoimmune disorders among sufferers, using a large primary
      care database to examine this. METHODS: Cases were diagnosed with FGIDs -
      irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia (FD), chronic idiopathic
      constipation (CIC), and multiple FGIDs. Controls were those without FGIDs.
      Prevalence of autoimmune disorders was compared between cases and controls using
      odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We included 23,471
      patients (mean age 51.4 years, 66.1% female). Prevalence of autoimmune disorders
      was greater among all FGIDs, compared with controls without. In those with FD (OR
      1.35; 95% CI 1.12-1.63), CIC (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.11-2.75), or multiple FGIDs (OR
      1.49; 95% CI 1.25-1.77) this was statistically significant after controlling for
      age and gender. Rheumatological autoimmune disorders were significantly more
      frequent in those with FD (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.15-1.80), CIC (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.08
      3.13), or multiple FGIDs (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.24-1.88), after controlling for age
      and gender. However, endocrine autoimmune disorders were no more frequent in
      those with FGIDs, after controlling for age and gender. CONCLUSIONS: In a large
      sample of primary care patients, there was a significantly higher prevalence of
      autoimmune disorders among those with FD, CIC, or multiple FGIDs not explained by
      differences in age or gender. We were unable to control for concomitant drug use,
      which may partly explain this association.

PMID- 25131321
TI  - Timing of and outcomes after selective termination of anomalous fetuses in
      dichorionic twin pregnancies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to determine if selective termination
      (ST) of an anomalous dichorionic twin at early gestational age (GA) is associated
      with a decreased risk of fetal loss and prematurity. METHOD: All patients who had
      ST for dichorionic twin pregnancies from 2004 through 2010 at Mount Sinai Medical
      Center were included. Data were collected via chart review and patient interview.
      Two case-control analyses were carried out: first, cases were nonviable
      deliveries, and controls were live births; and second, cases were live births <37
      weeks' GA, and controls were live births >=37 weeks' GA. Univariable and then
      multivariable analyses identified characteristics associated with pregnancy loss
      and prematurity. RESULTS: Among 80 participants, there were four (5%) fetal
      losses and 15 (19%) premature births. GA at ST was the only characteristic
      associated with pregnancy loss in multivariable exact logistic regression [OR =
      1.43, 95% CI (1.03, 2.26), P = 0.03]. GA at ST was the only characteristic
      associated with premature delivery in multivariable exact logistic regression [OR
      = 1.18, 95% CI (1.02, 1.37), P = 0.03]. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ST
      performed earlier in pregnancy is associated with decreased fetal loss and
      prematurity.

PMID- 25131322
TI  - Laparoscopic gastrectomy after coronary artery bypass grafting using the right
      gastroepiploic artery: a report of two cases.
AB  - We successfully executed laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in two patients who had
      previously undergone coronary artery bypass grafting using the right
      gastroepiploic artery (RGEA). A laparoscopic distal gastrectomy preserving the
      RGEA graft with Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed on two men, one 69 years
      of age and one 73 years of age. In both cases, the RGEA was used during coronary
      artery bypass grafting for the posterior descending branch. The laparoscopic
      approach helped avoid injury to the RGEA associated with laparotomy and retractor
      placement. In addition, the locations of ports necessary for laparoscopy were
      situated away from the RGEA graft and from adhesions resulting from bypass. Using
      typical laparoscopic settings, we were able to easily identify the grafted RGEA.
      Thus, laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is not only less invasive than open
      gastrectomy procedures, but it is also associated with a lower risk of injury to
      the RGEA graft. 

PMID- 25131323
TI  - Transcervical approach to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion in a
      patient with head and neck cancer.
AB  - This is the case of a 48-year-old woman with recurrent head and neck cancer. Six
      years before presenting at our institution, she was diagnosed with a moderately
      differentiated squamous cell carcinoma involving the right maxilla and underwent
      surgical resection followed by chemoradiation. More recently, she presented at
      our institution with oral bleeding and pain. Examination revealed severe trismus,
      and biopsy demonstrated recurrent squamous cell carcinoma. She underwent surgical
      resection with a plan for simultaneous placement of a feeding gastrostomy tube.
      Owing to the near non-existent mouth opening, traditional per-oral placement of a
      percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube was impossible. Intraoperatively,
      following tumor resection, endoscopy was performed via direct pharyngeal access
      through a right cervical incision. The PEG tube was then placed uneventfully.
      Numerous studies have shown the superiority of PEG tubes over either
      radiologically or surgically placed gastrostomy tubes. This report describes an
      approach to PEG placement in a patient in whom per-oral placement was not
      feasible. 

PMID- 25131324
TI  - Laparoscopic reduced port surgery for schwannoma of the sigmoid colon: a case
      report.
AB  - A 74-year-old woman who developed schwannoma of the sigmoid colon was referred to
      our hospital for colonography to determine the cause of her stool occult blood.
      Colonoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor, which measured 3 cm in diameter, in the
      sigmoid colon. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a low echoic, homogeneous and
      demarcated submucosal tumor that continued into the fourth layer of the colonic
      wall. Gastrointestinal stromal, myogenic or neurogenic tumor was suspected, and
      thus, laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was carried out. We used two ports during the
      operation, a SILS Port in the umbilical region and a 12-mm port in the right
      lower abdominal wall, and performed sigmoidectomy with D2 lymph node dissection.
      Histological findings revealed spindle-like tumor cells with multiform nuclei.
      The tumor was diagnosed by immunostaining as benign schwannoma of the sigmoid
      colon. The conventional surgical treatment for schwannoma of the digestive tract
      is partial resection, but if preoperative diagnosis is unknown, radical resection
      with lymphadenectomy is acceptable for submucosal tumors in the digestive tract.
      In this case, laparoscopic reduced port surgery using only one or two ports may
      be more feasible and beneficial with regard to cosmesis and reduced postoperative
      pain than conventional laparoscopic colectomy. 

PMID- 25131325
TI  - Sterile abdominal abscess resulting from remnant laparoscopic clips after
      sigmoidectomy: a case report and literature review.
AB  - The occurrence of intra-abdominal sterile abscesses due to remnant clips after
      laparoscopic sigmoidectomy is rare. Here, we report one such case in a 74-year
      old woman. Two years after laparoscopic sigmoidectomy, abdominal CT indicated an
      area of fluid accumulation approximately 5 cm in diameter and located in the
      middle of the abdominal cavity that contained a cluster of clips. Fine-needle
      aspiration of the fluid was performed through the wall of the sigmoid colon. The
      luminal fluid was found not to contain cancer cells on histological examination.
      After 1 year, abdominal surgery was performed. The abscess was located in the
      mesorectum at the anastomosis site; it was incised and a significant quantity of
      ivory-white viscous solution containing a cluster of clips was extracted. This
      case emphasizes the importance of reducing the number of clips used in
      laparoscopic surgery. 

PMID- 25131326
TI  - Laparoscopic resection of hepatoblastoma: report of a case.
AB  - Despite the increasing number of recent reports on laparoscopic resection of
      malignant liver tumors in adults, there have been few reports involving children.
      In this paper we discuss the laparoscopic resection of a hepatoblastoma in a 1
      year-old boy. The CT scan revealed an exophytic hepatic tumor on S5 measuring 6 *
      5 * 4 cm after preoperative chemotherapy. The operation time was 225 min with an
      estimated blood loss of about 38 mL; intraoperative transfusion was not required.
      Radiofrequency-assisted precoagulation was performed. The patient had an
      uncomplicated recovery and started postoperative chemotherapy on postoperative
      day 12. Our literature search revealed only five reported cases of laparoscopic
      resection of hepatoblastoma in which there was no postoperative complication or
      recurrence. Laparoscopic resection of a hepatoblastoma in a selected subgroup of
      patients can be safe and feasible. 

PMID- 25131327
TI  - Laparoscopy assisted middle-segment-preserving pancreatectomy for multiple
      pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: report of a case.
AB  - For multiple low-grade malignant tumors located in the pancreatic head and tail,
      middle-segment-preserving pancreatectomy (MSPP) is sometimes indicated. However,
      MSPP has rarely been performed laparoscopically. Here we report the first case of
      laparoscopic MSPP for multiple pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors diagnosed
      preoperatively under an endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration
      biopsy. A 70-year-old man had multiple small tumors located in the pancreatic
      head, body and tail. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy
      with immunohistochemical staining made a definitive diagnosis of a pancreatic
      neuroendocrine tumor (G1). To preserve the 5-cm pancreas body, we successfully
      performed laparoscopic MSPP: subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy
      followed by distal pancreatosplenectomy. Pathological examination revealed
      negative surgical margin after resection. Postoperative course was uneventful,
      and at 14 months after the operation, the patient remains tumor-free. The patient
      has discontinued insulin supplement therapy but does use an oral hypoglycemic
      agent. Laparoscopy-assisted MSPP, with reconstruction through a 6-cm transverse
      incision, can be safely performed for selected cases of borderline and malignant
      lesions. 

PMID- 25131328
TI  - Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy for sclerosing angiomatoid nodular
      transformation of the spleen complicated by chronic disseminated intravascular
      coagulation: a case report.
AB  - A 36-year-old man who presented with a nosebleed and anemia was referred to our
      hospital. Laboratory test results showed platelet depletion, decreased levels of
      fibrinogen, and increased fibrinogen degeneration products. CT showed a 13-cm
      splenic tumor. T2 -weighted MRI revealed a high-intensity mass. We preoperatively
      diagnosed splenic hemangioma with chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation
      and scheduled an operation to relieve the disseminated intravascular coagulation.
      We also performed hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy to ensure easy handling
      of the splenomegaly. The resected specimen microscopically consisted of
      hemorrhages and hemangiomatous lesions, and multiple angiomatoid nodules were
      scattered and separated by fibrocollagenous stroma with inflammatory cells. Three
      types of vessels (capillaries, sinusoids and small veins) were contained in the
      angiomatoid nodules, and the pathological diagnosis was sclerosing angiomatoid
      nodular transformation. The results of this case suggest that we should consider
      sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation in the differential diagnosis of
      patients with splenic tumors, as sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation
      with hemangiomatous features may cause coagulation disorders for which
      splenectomy should be performed. 

PMID- 25131329
TI  - Laparoscopic repair of Bochdalek hernia with intrathoracic kidney in a 2-year-old
      child.
AB  - Intrathoracic kidney with Bochdalek hernia is a very rare congenital anomaly.
      Some case reports have discussed repair by laparotomy or thoracotomy. We report a
      case in a child performed using a laparoscopic approach. A 2-year-old boy arrived
      at our hospital with gastric volvulus caused by a left-sided Bochdalek hernia. CT
      also showed a left-sided intrathoracic kidney. After conservative therapy for the
      volvulus, laparoscopic repair of the diaphragmatic hernia was performed. The key
      problem during the operation was the presence of the intrathoracic kidney. If
      direct closure of the hernia had been performed without the intrathoracic kidney
      having been relocated to the abdomen, a complete closure would have been
      impossible because of the renal vessels. After the intrathoracic kidney was
      relocated to the abdomen, the diaphragmatic defect was closed. The boy has been
      doing well without complications for 5 years, and CT reveals that the left-sided
      kidney is almost normally positioned. 

PMID- 25131330
TI  - Hybrid technique for laparoscopic incisional ventral hernia repair combining
      laparoscopic primary closure and mesh repair.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Incisional ventral hernia is one of the most common surgical
      complications after laparotomy. Laparoscopic repair of incisional ventral hernia
      has been conducted recently, and the advantages of this procedure have been
      reported. However, in large orifice cases, the recurrence rate is increased. To
      improve recurrence rates in large cases, a hybrid method combining laparoscopic
      primary closure and mesh repair can be applied. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE:
      Monofilament thread was inserted into the abdominal cavity for hernia closure and
      pulled from the other side of the orifice. The same procedure was performed from
      the upper side to the lower side without closure, and all thread was placed in
      line. Both sides of the thread were then introduced to the midline of the
      incision through a subcutaneous route. This procedure was conducted with an
      introducer. All threads were tied, and then a mesh was placed. DISCUSSION: Hybrid
      techniques already combine mini-laparotomy for hernia closure and subsequent
      laparoscopic intraoperative onlay mesh for reinforcement, but such techniques
      require laparotomy. In our technique, closure of the linea alba does not require
      laparotomy. All procedures were performed laparoscopically. This procedure is
      very easy and safe, and does not require the abdominal cavity to be opened. Thus,
      hybrid methods are effective for treating cases of incisional hernia involving a
      large orifice.

PMID- 25131331
TI  - The role of IgG4 (+) plasma cells in the association of Hashimoto's thyroiditis
      with papillary carcinoma.
AB  - Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is considered to be a risk factor for the formation
      of papillary carcinoma. The association of IgG4-related sclerosing disease with
      tumor is reported to be as sporadic cases in many organs. In this study, it was
      intended to re-classify the HT diagnosed cases on the basis of the existence of
      IgG4 (+) plasma cells; to investigate the clinicopathologic and histopathologic
      features of the both groups; and in addition, to evaluate the papillary carcinoma
      prevalence in IgG4 (+) and IgG4 (-) HT cases as well as the prognostic parameters
      between these groups. Totally 59 cases between the years 2008-2013, 29 of which
      contain Hashimoto thyroiditis diagnosis in total thyroidectomy materials, and 30
      of which contain the diagnosis of HT+papillary carcinoma, were included in the
      study. The materials were immunohistochemically applied IgG and IgG4; and the
      cases were classified in two groups as IgG4-positive HT and IgG4-negative HT
      containing cases, on the basis of IgG4/IgG rate. All histopathologic and
      clinicopathologic parameters between these two groups, as well as their
      association with papillary carcinoma were investigated. Thirty eight (64.4%) of
      total 59 cases were NonIgG4 thyroiditis, and 21 (35.5%) were IgG4 thyroiditis.
      Tumors were detected in 14 (36.8%) of the NonIgG4 thyroiditis cases, and in 16
      (76.1%) of the IgG4 thyroiditis cases. The association of IgG4 thyroiditis with
      tumor is statistically significant (p < 0.004). Multifocality was found to be at
      a higher rate in IgG4 thyroiditis cases. Perithyroidal extension was detected in
      six of the cases with tumor, and five of the six cases were IgG4 thyroiditis
      cases. The association of IgG4 (+) HT cases with increased papillary carcinoma
      prevalence is suggestive of that IgG4 (+) plasma cells can play a role in
      carcinogenesis in papillary carcinomas developed in HTs, without a chronic
      sclerosing ground. In addition, although the number of cases is limited, the high
      association of IgG4 (+) plasma cells with adverse prognostic parameters such as
      multifocality and extrathyroidal extension is attention-grabbing. To render these
      possibilities evaluable, studies to be carried out with larger case series are
      needed.

PMID- 25131332
TI  - IFITM3-containing exosome as a novel mediator for anti-viral response in dengue
      virus infection.
AB  - Interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins 1, 2 and 3 (IFITM1, IFITM2 and
      IFITM3) have recently been identified as potent antiviral effectors that function
      to suppress the entry of a broad range of enveloped viruses and modulate cellular
      tropism independent of viral receptor expression. However, the antiviral effect
      and mechanisms of IFITMs in response to viral infections remain incompletely
      understood and characterized. In this work, we focused our investigation on the
      function of the extracellular IFITM3 protein. In cell models of DENV-2 infection,
      we found that IFITM3 contributed to both the baseline and interferon-induced
      inhibition of DENV entry. Most importantly, our study for the first time
      demonstrated the presence of IFITM-containing exosome in the extracellular
      environment, and identified an ability of cellular exosome to intercellularly
      deliver IFITM3 and thus transmit its antiviral effect from infected to non
      infected cells. Thus, our findings provide new insights in the basic mechanisms
      underlying the actions of IFITM3, which might lead to future development of
      exosome-mediated anti-viral strategies using IFITM3 as a therapeutic agent.
      Conceivably, variations in the basal and inducible levels of IFITMs, as well as
      in intracellular and extracellular levels of IFITMs, might predict the severity
      of dengue virus infections among individuals or across species. 

PMID- 25131333
TI  - Dietary squid ink polysaccharides ameliorated the intestinal microflora
      dysfunction in mice undergoing chemotherapy.
AB  - Gastrointestinal mucositis and infection by chemotherapy treatment are associated
      with alteration of intestinal microflora and bacterial translocation due to the
      potential damage induced by anti-cancer drugs on the intestinal barrier and
      microbiota homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of
      dietary polysaccharides on chemotherapy induced intestinal microflora
      dysfunction. In the current contribution, with a mouse model intraperitoneally
      injected with 50 mg kg(-1) of cyclophosphamide (Cy) for 2 days, we revealed that
      polysaccharides from the ink of Ommastrephes bartrami (OBP) altered the
      intestinal microflora composition. OBP retarded the excessive growth of
      intestinal bacteria induced by cyclophosphamide, based on 16S rRNA gene (16S
      rDNA) quantification. The clone libraries of intestinal bacteria 16S rDNA were
      used to decipher the difference in bacterial community structures in different
      groups of mice. Followed by RFLP evaluation and OTU abundance analysis, they
      imply that OBP changed the intestinal microflora composition, in which the
      quantity of probiotic Bifidobacterium got up-regulated but Bacteroidetes
      decreased in mice undergoing chemotherapy. Our results may have important
      implications for OBP as a functional food component or nutrient against
      chemotherapy induced intestinal injury and potential pathogenic intestinal
      disorders involving inflammation and infection. 

PMID- 25131334
TI  - Chimeric RNAs generated by intergenic splicing in normal and cancer cells.
AB  - A hallmark of many neoplasias is chromosomal rearrangement, an event that
      commonly results in the fusion of two separate genes. The RNA and protein
      resulting from these gene fusions often play critical roles in cancer
      development, maintenance, and progression. Traditionally, these fusion products
      are thought to be produced solely due to DNA level changes and are therefore
      considered unique to cancer. Recent advances in microarray and deep-sequencing
      have revealed many more fusion transcripts. Surprisingly, some are without
      detectable rearrangement at the DNA level. Reports have demonstrated that at
      least some of these chimeric RNAs are generated via intergenic splicing. In this
      review, we highlight three examples of these noncanonical chimeric transcripts
      that are formed by trans-splicing or cis-splicing of adjacent genes and summarize
      the knowledge we have regarding these noncanonical fusions. We discuss the
      implications of the chimeric RNAs in both cancer and normal physiology, as some
      of these fusion transcripts are found in normal, noncancerous cells with
      sequences identical to those generated by canonical chromosomal translocation
      found in cancer cells. Finally, we present methods that are currently being used
      to discover additional chimeric RNAs.

PMID- 25131335
TI  - Higher biodiversity is required to sustain multiple ecosystem processes across
      temperature regimes.
AB  - Biodiversity loss is occurring rapidly worldwide, yet it is uncertain whether few
      or many species are required to sustain ecosystem functioning in the face of
      environmental change. The importance of biodiversity might be enhanced when
      multiple ecosystem processes (termed multifunctionality) and environmental
      contexts are considered, yet no studies have quantified this explicitly to date.
      We measured five key processes and their combined multifunctionality at three
      temperatures (5, 10 and 15  degrees C) in freshwater aquaria containing different
      animal assemblages (1-4 benthic macroinvertebrate species). For single processes,
      biodiversity effects were weak and were best predicted by additive-based models,
      i.e. polyculture performances represented the sum of their monoculture parts.
      There were, however, significant effects of biodiversity on multifunctionality at
      the low and the high (but not the intermediate) temperature. Variation in the
      contribution of species to processes across temperatures meant that greater
      biodiversity was required to sustain multifunctionality across different
      temperatures than was the case for single processes. This suggests that previous
      studies might have underestimated the importance of biodiversity in sustaining
      ecosystem functioning in a changing environment. 

PMID- 25131336
TI  - Successful treatment of non-invasive bladder tumour in a haemophilia A patient
      with high-responding inhibitors: a case report.

PMID- 25131338
TI  - Prescribing patterns and adherence to medication among South-Asian, Chinese and
      white people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a population-based cohort study.
AB  - AIM: To determine the prescribing of and adherence to oral hypoglycaemic agents,
      insulin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers
      and statin therapy among South-Asian, Chinese and white people with newly
      diagnosed diabetes. METHODS: The present study was a population-based cohort
      study using administrative and pharmacy databases to include all South-Asian,
      Chinese and white people aged >= 35 years with diabetes living in British
      Columbia, Canada (1997-2006). Adherence to each class of medication was measured
      using proportion of days covered over 1 year with optimum adherence defined as >=
      80%. RESULTS: The study population included 9529 South-Asian, 14 084 Chinese and
      143 630 white people with diabetes. The proportion of people who were prescribed
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, statin
      or oral hypoglycaemic agents was <= 50% for all groups. South-Asian and Chinese
      people had significantly lower adherence for all medications than white people,
      with the lowest adherence to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment
      (South-Asian people: adjusted odds ratio 0.37, 95% CI 0.34-0.39; P<0.0001;
      Chinese people: adjusted odds ratio 0.50, 95% CI 0.47-0.54; P<0.0001) and statin
      therapy (South-Asian people: adjusted odds ratio 0.47, 95% CI 0.41 - 0.53, P <
      0.0001; Chinese people: adjusted odds ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.67 - 0.77; P<0.0001)
      compared with white people. CONCLUSION: Adherence to evidence-based
      pharmacotherapy was substantially worse among the South-Asian and Chinese
      populations. Care providers need to be alerted to the high levels of non
      adherence in these groups and the underlying causes need to be investigated.

PMID- 25131337
TI  - Toothbrushing after an erosive attack: will waiting avoid tooth wear?
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine if storage for up to 4 h in human
      saliva results in a decrease of erosive tooth wear (ETW) and in an increase of
      surface microhardness (SMH) of enamel samples after an erosive attack with
      subsequent abrasion. Furthermore, we determined the impact of individual salivary
      parameters on ETW and SMH. Enamel samples were distributed into five groups:
      group 1 had neither erosion nor saliva treatment; groups 2-5 were treated with
      erosion, then group 2 was placed in a humid chamber and groups 3-5 were incubated
      in saliva for 30 min, 2 h, and 4 h, respectively. After erosion and saliva
      treatments, all groups were treated with abrasion. Surface microhardness and ETW
      were measured before and after erosion, incubation in saliva, and abrasion.
      Surface microhardness and ETW showed significant changes throughout the
      experiment: SMH decreased and ETW increased in groups 2-5, regardless of the
      length of incubation in saliva. The results of groups 3-5 (exposed to saliva)
      were not significantly different from those of group 2 (not exposed to saliva).
      Exposure of eroded enamel to saliva for up to 4 h was not able to increase SMH or
      reduce ETW. However, additional experiments with artificial saliva without
      proteins showed protection from erosive tooth wear. The recommendation to
      postpone toothbrushing of enamel after an erosive attack should be reconsidered.

PMID- 25131340
TI  - Auditory velocity discrimination in the horizontal plane at very high velocities.
AB  - We determined velocity discrimination thresholds and Weber fractions for sounds
      revolving around the listener at very high velocities. Sounds used were a
      broadband white noise and two harmonic sounds with fundamental frequencies of 330
      Hz and 1760 Hz. Experiment 1 used velocities ranging between 288 degrees /s and
      720 degrees /s in an acoustically treated room and Experiment 2 used velocities
      between 288 degrees /s and 576 degrees /s in a highly reverberant hall. A third
      experiment addressed potential confounds in the first two experiments. The
      results show that people can reliably discriminate velocity at very high
      velocities and that both thresholds and Weber fractions decrease as velocity
      increases. These results violate Weber's law but are consistent with the
      empirical trend observed in the literature. While thresholds for the noise and
      330 Hz harmonic stimulus were similar, those for the 1760 Hz harmonic stimulus
      were substantially higher. There were no reliable differences in velocity
      discrimination between the two acoustical environments, suggesting that auditory
      motion perception at high velocities is robust against the effects of
      reverberation.

PMID- 25131339
TI  - Graphene nanoribbons as a drug delivery agent for lucanthone mediated therapy of
      glioblastoma multiforme.
AB  - We report use of PEG-DSPE coated oxidized graphene nanoribbons (O-GNR-PEG-DSPE)
      as agent for delivery of anti-tumor drug Lucanthone (Luc) into Glioblastoma
      Multiformae (GBM) cells targeting base excision repair enzyme APE-1 (Apurinic
      endonuclease-1). Lucanthone, an endonuclease inhibitor of APE-1, was loaded onto
      O-GNR-PEG-DSPEs using a simple non-covalent method. We found its uptake by GBM
      cell line U251 exceeding 67% and 60% in APE-1-overexpressing U251, post 24h.
      However, their uptake was ~38% and 29% by MCF-7 and rat glial progenitor cells
      (CG-4), respectively. TEM analysis of U251 showed large aggregates of O-GNR-PEG
      DSPE in vesicles. Luc-O-GNR-PEG-DSPE was significantly toxic to U251 but showed
      little/no toxicity when exposed to MCF-7/CG-4 cells. This differential uptake
      effect can be exploited to use O-GNR-PEG-DSPEs as a vehicle for Luc delivery to
      GBM, while reducing nonspecific cytotoxicity to the surrounding healthy tissue.
      Cell death in U251 was necrotic, probably due to oxidative degradation of APE-1.

PMID- 25131341
TI  - Not too late to take vitamin D supplements.

PMID- 25131342
TI  - A colorimetric immunoassay for respiratory syncytial virus detection based on
      gold nanoparticles-graphene oxide hybrids with mercury-enhanced peroxidase-like
      activity.
AB  - A novel colorimetric immunoassay for highly sensitive detection of respiratory
      syncytial virus (RSV), one of the leading causes of severe lower respiratory
      tract infections in all age groups, has been proposed based on Hg(2+)-stimulated
      peroxidase-like activity of gold nanoparticles-graphene oxide (AuNPs-GO) hybrids.
      This metal ion-enhanced immunoassay shows high promise in the field of biomedical
      sciences. 

PMID- 25131344
TI  - Controlling extreme events on complex networks.
AB  - Extreme events, a type of collective behavior in complex networked dynamical
      systems, often can have catastrophic consequences. To develop effective
      strategies to control extreme events is of fundamental importance and practical
      interest. Utilizing transportation dynamics on complex networks as a prototypical
      setting, we find that making the network "mobile" can effectively suppress
      extreme events. A striking, resonance-like phenomenon is uncovered, where an
      optimal degree of mobility exists for which the probability of extreme events is
      minimized. We derive an analytic theory to understand the mechanism of control at
      a detailed and quantitative level, and validate the theory numerically.
      Implications of our finding to current areas such as cybersecurity are discussed.

PMID- 25131345
TI  - Influence of genetic background on bleeding phenotype in the tail-tip bleeding
      model and recommendations for standardization: communication from the SSC of the
      ISTH.

PMID- 25131343
TI  - Treatment with melatonin after onset of experimental uveitis attenuates ocular
      inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Uveitis is a prevalent intraocular inflammatory disease
      and one of the most damaging ocular conditions. Pretreatment with melatonin
      prevented ocular inflammation induced by an intravitreal injection of bacterial
      LPS in the Syrian hamster. Here, we have assessed the anti-inflammatory effects
      of melatonin administered after the onset of ocular inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL
      APPROACH: The eyes of male Syrian hamsters were intravitreally injected with
      vehicle or LPS. Melatonin was injected i.p. every 24 h, starting 12 or 24 h after
      the LPS injection. A clinical evaluation (with a score index based on clinical
      symptoms), the number of infiltrating cells, protein concentration and PGE2 and
      PGF2alpha levels in the aqueous humour, as well as retinal NOS activity, lipid
      peroxidation and TNF-alpha levels were assessed. Retinal function was assessed by
      scotopic electroretinography, and light microscopy and immunohistochemistry were
      used to evaluate the state of the retinal structure. KEY RESULTS: Both treatment
      regimens with melatonin decreased clinical symptoms, reduced the leakage of cells
      and proteins, and decreased PG levels in aqueous humour from eyes injected with
      LPS. In addition, melatonin treatment blocked the decrease in scotopic
      electroretinogram a- and b-wave amplitude, protected the retinal structure and
      reduced the increase in NOS activity, lipid peroxidation and TNF-alpha levels,
      induced by LPS. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results indicate that
      treatment with melatonin, starting after the onset of uveitis, attenuated ocular
      inflammation induced by LPS in the Syrian hamster and support the use of
      melatonin as a therapeutic resource for uveitis treatment.

PMID- 25131346
TI  - Iatrogenic right coronary artery stenosis resulting from surgical tricuspid valve
      replacement: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Iatrogenic injury to the right coronary artery (RCA) is a rare complication of
      tricuspid valve surgery. We herein describe the first-ever report of RCA injury
      related to tricuspid valve replacement surgery. A 38-year-old man with recurrent
      tricuspid endocarditis underwent redo tricuspid valve replacement by means of a
      minimally invasive right thoracotomy with a 32-mm St. Jude bioprosthetic valve.
      His post-operative course was complicated by pulseless ventricular tachycardia
      requiring CPR and defibrillation. Cardiac catheterization revealed a "kinked"
      stenotic distal RCA. The lesion was noted to be flow limiting by fractional flow
      reserve and was treated with two everolimus-eluting stents. The RCA runs in the
      atrioventricular groove and is susceptible to injury especially in the region of
      the posterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve, where the relationship of the
      tricuspid annulus to the RCA is most intimate. Repair of surgically induced
      coronary stenosis can be accomplished with percutaneous intervention.

PMID- 25131347
TI  - The construction and legitimation of workplace bullying in the public sector:
      insight into power dynamics and organisational failures in health and social
      care.
AB  - Health-care and public sector institutions are high-risk settings for workplace
      bullying. Despite growing acknowledgement of the scale and consequence of this
      pervasive problem, there has been little critical examination of the
      institutional power dynamics that enable bullying. In the aftermath of large
      scale failures in care standards in public sector healthcare institutions, which
      were characterised by managerial bullying, attention to the nexus between
      bullying, power and institutional failures is warranted. In this study, employing
      Foucault's framework of power, we illuminate bullying as a feature of structures
      of power and knowledge in public sector institutions. Our analysis draws upon the
      experiences of a large sample (n = 3345) of workers in Australian public sector
      agencies - the type with which most nurses in the public setting will be
      familiar. In foregrounding these power dynamics, we provide further insight into
      how cultures that are antithetical to institutional missions can arise and seek
      to broaden the debate on the dynamics of care failures within public sector
      institutions. Understanding the practices of power in public sector institutions,
      particularly in the context of ongoing reform, has important implications for
      nursing. 

PMID- 25131349
TI  - What's in this issue?

PMID- 25131350
TI  - Critical care nurses as dual agents: enhancing inter-professional collaboration
      or hindering patient advocacy?

PMID- 25131348
TI  - Fiber intake and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in type 2 diabetes: Look AHEAD
      (Action for Health in Diabetes) trial findings at baseline and year 1.
AB  - Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is elevated in obese individuals with
      type 2 diabetes and may contribute, independently of traditional factors, to
      increased cardiovascular disease risk. Fiber intake may decrease PAI-1 levels. We
      examined the associations of fiber intake and its changes with PAI-1 before and
      during an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for weight loss in 1,701 Look
      AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) participants with dietary, fitness, and PAI
      1 data at baseline and 1 year. Look AHEAD was a randomized cardiovascular disease
      trial in 5,145 overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes, comparing ILI
      (goal of >=7% reduction in baseline weight) with a control arm of diabetes
      support and education. ILI participants were encouraged to consume vegetables,
      fruits, and grain products low in sugar and fat. At baseline, median fiber intake
      was 17.9 g/day. Each 8.3 g/day higher fiber intake was associated with a 9.2%
      lower PAI-1 level (P=0.008); this association persisted after weight and fitness
      adjustments (P=0.03). Higher baseline intake of fruit (P=0.019) and high-fiber
      grain and cereal (P=0.029) were related to lower PAI-1 levels. Although
      successful in improving weight and physical fitness at 1 year, the ILI in Look
      AHEAD resulted in small increases in fiber intake (4.1 g/day, compared with -2.35
      g/day with diabetes support and education) that were not related to PAI-1 change
      (P=0.34). Only 31.3% of ILI participants (39.8% of women, 19.1% of men) met daily
      fiber intake recommendations. Increasing fiber intake in overweight/obese
      individuals with diabetes interested in weight loss is challenging. Future
      studies evaluating changes in fiber consumption during weight loss interventions
      are warranted. 

PMID- 25131356
TI  - Effect of intravenous infusion of dobutamine hydrochloride on the development of
      early postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients via inhibiting the
      release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
AB  - To investigate the effects of dobutamine hydrochloride on early postoperative
      cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha
      concentration in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, 124 patients undergoing
      unilateral total hip arthroplasty, aged 70-92 years old, were randomly assigned
      to four groups (n=31) as follows: a control group of patients receiving only
      saline (intravenous infusion, i.v.); and groups receiving 2, 4, or 6MUgkg(-1)min(
      1) (i.v.) of dobutamine hydrochloride. Cognitive functions were assessed on the
      day before surgery (T1), and the 1st day (T2), 3rd day (T3), and 7th day (T4)
      postsurgery using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The plasma TNF-alpha
      protein level was determined 10min before anesthesia (Ta), and 10min (Tb), 30min
      (Tc), and 60min (Td) after anesthesia by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      Cognitive disorder was observed within the first 3 days after hip arthroplastic
      surgery, and it had recovered 7 days after the operation in the control group of
      patients. Administration of 2 or 4MUgkg(-1)min(-1) dobutamine hydrochloride was
      able to reverse the early POCD. Simultaneously, an increase of plasma TNF-alpha
      levels 30min after anesthesia was observed (41.34+/-9.61 vs. 27.75+/-5.45), which
      was significantly suppressed by the administration of low-dose dobutamine
      hydrochloride (29.23+/-7.32 vs. 41.34+/-9.61) but not by high-dose dobutamine
      hydrochloride (45.9+/-12.11 vs. 41.34+/-9.61). Together, our data indicated that
      the plasma concentration of TNFalpha was engaged in the effect of dobutamine
      hydrochloride on POCD. 

PMID- 25131357
TI  - A matter of trial and error for motor learning.
AB  - Climbing fiber inputs to cerebellar Purkinje cells are thought to carry error
      signals that can trigger motor learning across multiple time scales. A new study
      by Kimpo et al. finds that the potency of climbing fibers as instructive signals
      for adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex depends on task conditions. 

PMID- 25131358
TI  - Basal ganglia: racing to say no.
AB  - How we choose one action over another has intrigued neuroscientists for decades.
      Early models of decision-making involved a race between processes representing
      alternative choices. To explain behaviour in complex decisions, for example,
      where one must cancel an impending action, a Stop unit must also join the race.
      Recent neuronal recordings have demonstrated just such a race between Go and Stop
      processes in the basal ganglia. This is a landmark advance because it
      neurophysiologically justifies the need for a Stop process in such tasks, and
      very likely in other behaviours requiring rapid cancellation of impending
      actions. 

PMID- 25131360
TI  - Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) associated with sticky platelets syndrome type 3 (SPS
      type 3) and enhanced activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1)
      anomalies.

PMID- 25131361
TI  - Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphomas with 6p25.3 rearrangement
      exhibit particular histological features.
AB  - AIMS: CD30-positive primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders include
      several entities with differing clinical presentation but overlapping
      histological features, including lymphomatoid papulosis and primary cutaneous
      anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C-ALCL). DUSP22-IRF4 locus translocation is
      present in 20-57% of C-ALCLs, and has also been described in a series of 11
      lymphomatoid papulosis patients, where it was associated with a particular
      biphasic histological pattern, including pagetoid reticulosis-type epidermal
      infiltration. We aimed to study whether the presence of this translocation may
      define distinctive histological features in C-ALCL. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      collected three cases of C-ALCL with histological features similar to those
      described in the new variant of lymphomatoid papulosis with 6p25.3 rearrangement.
      We studied their histological features and immunophenotype, using a panel of
      antibodies against CD30, TCR-betaF1, TCR-gamma, CD4, CD8, CD20, Ki-67 and ALK.
      FISH analyses were performed using an IRF4-DUSP22 break-apart probe for the study
      of the 6p25.3 rearrangement. FISH results were positive in the three cases, which
      all showed distinctive histological and immunohistochemical features: a diffuse
      dermal infiltrate of atypical medium-to-large cells, and marked epidermotrophism
      with small, atypical intra-epidermal lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      suggest that the presence of 6p25.3 rearrangement might be related to this
      particular biphasic pattern.

PMID- 25131362
TI  - [Extrapulmonary tuberculosis].
AB  - Each year, there are more than eight million new cases of tuberculosis and 1.3
      million deaths. There is a renewed interest in extrapulmonary forms of
      tuberculosis as its relative frequency increases. Among extrapulmonary organs,
      pleura and lymph nodes are the most common. Their diagnosis is often difficult
      and is based on clinical, radiological, bacteriological and histological
      findings. Extrapulmonary lesions are paucibacillary and samplings, in most cases,
      difficult to obtain, so diagnosis is often simply presumptive. Nucleic acid
      amplification tests, which are fast and specific, have greatly facilitated the
      diagnosis of some forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. However, their
      sensitivity is poor and a negative test does not eliminate the diagnosis.
      Treatment is the same as for pulmonary forms, but its duration is nine to 12
      months for central nervous system and for bone tuberculosis. Corticosteroids are
      indicated in meningeal and pericardial localizations. Complementary surgery is
      used for certain complicated forms. 

PMID- 25131363
TI  - [Diaphragmatic bronchogenic cyst: an exceptional location].
AB  - A 64-year-old man complained of persistent dyspnea and bilateral basi-thoracic
      pain with shoulder irradiation. Chest computed tomography revealed a
      heterogeneous left diaphragmatic mass, while magnetic resonance imaging showed
      hypo-T1 and hyper-T2 signal. Positron-emission tomography did not show any
      hypermetabolism. Video-assisted thoracic surgery was decided. At inspection,
      tumour appeared within the posterior costal part of the diaphragmatic muscle.
      Tumour resection was extended to a 8-cm-long portion of the lumbar part of
      diaphragm. Diaphragm was repaired with non-absorbable interrupted sutures.
      Postoperative course was uneventful. Final pathology revealed an intra
      diaphragmatic bronchogenic cyst, which is an exceptional condition. Primary
      diaphragmatic tumours are very rare and preoperative diagnosis cannot be
      affirmed. Embryologic hypotheses (migration along the oesophagus or envelopment
      within diaphragmatic precursors of an abnormal supernumerary lung bud) including
      recent molecular findings of deregulated pathways (fibroblast growth factor-10
      and NOTCH) are discussed. 

PMID- 25131364
TI  - [Sarcoidose in patient with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated
      interferon].
AB  - Induced sarcoidosis during therapy with interferon for chronic viral hepatitis C
      involves mainly by isolated cutaneous lesions or with lung lesions. Systemic
      forms are very rare. We report an observation. A 50-year-old patient developed a
      systemic sarcoidosis two months after the end of treatment for hepatitis C with
      pegylated interferon and ribavirin with lung, joint and hepatic manifestations.
      After starting corticosteroid therapy, the evolution was favourable. Induced
      sarcoidosis by interferon therapy is rare, treatment necessitates stopping
      interferon, and sometimes corticosteroid therapy.

PMID- 25131359
TI  - Control of neural circuit formation by leucine-rich repeat proteins.
AB  - The function of neural circuits depends on the precise connectivity between
      populations of neurons. Increasing evidence indicates that disruptions in
      excitatory or inhibitory synapse formation or function lead to
      excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalances and contribute to neurodevelopmental and
      psychiatric disorders. Leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing surface proteins have
      emerged as key organizers of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Distinct LRR
      proteins are expressed in different cell types and interact with key pre- and
      postsynaptic proteins. These protein interaction networks allow LRR proteins to
      coordinate pre- and postsynaptic elements during synapse formation and
      differentiation, pathway-specific synapse development, and synaptic plasticity.
      LRR proteins, therefore, play a critical role in organizing synaptic connections
      into functional neural circuits, and their dysfunction may contribute to
      neuropsychiatric disorders. 

PMID- 25131365
TI  - [Place and role of the pleura in non-small cell lung cancer dissemination].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The pleural involvement (PLI) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      has a poor prognosis, even though it might be very heterogeneous. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A multicentric retrospective descriptive study was performed over 2329
      patients who were operated for NSCLC between 1979 and 2010. The patients with PLI
      were classified in P(Parietal)PLI and V(visceral)PLI and then each subdivided :
      VPLI to peripheric (VPLI-P) and fissural (VPLI-F) and PPLI to mediastinal (PPLI
      M) and costal (PPLI-C). Characteristics and survival were compared between the
      subgroups as well as with patients without PLI (WPLI, n=1439). RESULTS: The sex
      ratio was 2.8 (males: n=1713). The PLI patients were significantly younger, with
      a less sex-ratio, less R0 resections (96% versus 98.7%, P=0.000076), and less N0
      (60% vs 70%, P<10(-6)) as their 5-year survival (45.7% vs 55.5%, P<10(-6)). The
      PLI was related to the size of NSCLC (P<10(-6)) and N2 involvement (P=0.0020). It
      was less frequent after neoadjuvant treatment (36.2% vs 39.1% P=0.03). In the
      VPLI-F or PPLI-M, pneumonectomies were more frequent (P<10(-6)). In VPLI-P
      (n=196/561), there were more pN1 and pN2 (P=0.0065) with a 5-year survival of
      42.9% vs 54.4%, P=0.013. In multivariate analysis, the PLI was not an independent
      prognostic factor contrary to age, sex, type of resection, pT and pN. CONCLUSION:
      The pleura play a major role in NSCLC dissemination. Its involvement affects pN,
      the type of surgical resection and justifies the use of neoadjuvant treatment.

PMID- 25131366
TI  - [Lung cancer surgery in solid organ transplanted patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of lung cancer is reputed to be higher and prognosis
      worse in solid organ transplant recipients than in the general population. Our
      purpose was to review the results of surgery in this group of patients. METHODS:
      We retrospectively reviewed 49 male and 6 female patients; mean aged 60.6 years
      (38-85). Transplanted organ was heart (n = 37), kidney (n=12), liver (n = 5) and
      both-lungs (n = 1); 48 patients had smoking habits and 42 heavy comorbidities
      (76.4%). Lung cancer was diagnosed during surveillance (78.2%, n = 43) or because
      of symptoms (21.8%, n = 12). We reviewed TNM and other main characteristics,
      among them histology (squamous-cell-carcinoma n = 23, adenocarcinomas n = 24,
      others n = 8). RESULTS: Surgery consisted of: exploratory thoracotomy (n = 2),
      wedge resections (n = 6), segmentectomy (n = 1), lobectomy (n = 42),
      pneumonectomy (n = 4). Postoperative mortality was 7.4% (n = 4) and complication
      rate 34.5% (n = 19). Five-year survival rate was 46.4% (65.4% for stage I
      patients, n = 25). Among the 35 dead patients during follow-up, 14 died of their
      lung cancer (40%). Two had been re-operated from another lung cancer: one after 3
      and 8 years who survived 16 years, and the other after 2 years who survived 70
      months. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery results are good and postoperative events acceptable
      despite theoretically increased risks. This also supports performing a close
      follow-up of transplanted patients and particularly those with smoking history in
      view of detecting lung cancer appearing at an early stage.

PMID- 25131367
TI  - [Epidemiology of tuberculosis].
AB  - Tuberculosis is a contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It
      represents, according to World Health Organization (WHO), one of the most leading
      causes of death worldwide. With nearly 8 million new cases each year and more
      than 1 million deaths per year, tuberculosis is still a public health problem.
      Despite of the decrease in incidence, morbidity and mortality remain important
      partially due to co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus and emergence of
      resistant bacilli. All WHO regions are not uniformly affected by TB. Africa's
      region has the highest rates of morbidity and mortality. The epidemiological
      situation is also worrying in Eastern European countries where the proportion of
      drug-resistant tuberculosis is increasing. These regional disparities emphasize
      to develop screening, diagnosis and monitoring to the most vulnerable
      populations. In this context, the Stop TB program, developed by the WHO and its
      partner's, aims to reduce the burden of disease in accordance with the global
      targets set for 2015. 

PMID- 25131368
TI  - [Pneumonectomy for benign disease: indication and factors affecting the
      postoperative course].
AB  - Pneumonectomy for benign disease is rare but may generate more postoperative
      morbimortality than when performed for lung cancer. We questioned this assessment
      and retrospectively reviewed 1436 pneumonectomies and 54 completions of which 82
      and 10 performed for benign disease (5.7% and 18.5%, respectively): left n=65 and
      right n=27. Indications were: post-tuberculosis destroyed lung (n=37),
      aspergilloma (n=18), bronchiectasis (n=19), infection (n=5), congenital
      malformations (n=5), inflammatory pseudotumor (n=3), trauma (n=2), post-radiation
      (n=2) and mucormycosis (n=1). Pneumonectomy consisted of 48 standard and 44
      pleuro-pneumonectomies. Stump coverage by flaps was performed in 66.3% (61/92).
      Complications occurred in 21.7% (20/92) and postoperative deaths in 7.6% (7/92,
      of which 5 with fungal infections), which was not different than what was
      observed in lung cancer. There was no difference in fistula formation and
      mortality regarding the side, the type of resection and the protective role of
      stump coverage. Considering patients with fungal infections versus others,
      mortality was 26.3% (n=5/19) and 2.7% (n=2/74), respectively (P=0.0028).
      Pneumonectomy for benign disease achieves cure with acceptable mortality and
      morbidity. However, presence of fungal infection should raise the attention for
      possibility of increased postoperative risks. 

PMID- 25131369
TI  - [Tracheal tumor treated as asthma].
AB  - Primary tumors of the trachea are very rare. In adults, the majority of them are
      malignant. Schwannomas are exceedingly rare benign tumors in the tracheobronchial
      tree. We report a case of a 37-year-old man who was hospitalized for increasing
      dyspnea. He had been treated for bronchial asthma for the last 4 years with no
      benefit. The CT scan of the chest and bronchoscopy identified a tracheal mass
      that was prolapsed in the left stem bronchus. The patient did not remain free of
      disease after endoscopic laser resection. So, surgical resection was made. The
      tumor was excised at its base. A segment of the left stem bronchus was removed
      and primary anastomosis was performed. The histopathologic diagnosis was of a
      benign schwannoma without malignant elements. There was no recurrence during the
      follow-up period. This case demonstrates that intratracheal masses should be
      considered in patients with dyspnea or in patients with asthma refractory to
      conventional therapy. 

PMID- 25131370
TI  - [Disseminated tuberculosis following infliximab therapy for Crohn disease: a case
      report].
AB  - Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy has been the major advance in the
      treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn's disease. But there is
      a higher risk of infections, especially tuberculosis (TB), in patients treated
      with anti-TNFalpha. The authors report a case of disseminated tuberculosis with
      the following features: pulmonary tuberculosis, left supra clavicular cervical
      and meditational lymphadenopathy, bilateral pleural effusion, peritoneal and
      splenic involvement. This disseminated tuberculosis was observed in a 39-year-old
      woman who was treated by infliximab for refractory Crohn's disease. The evolution
      with antituberculosis drugs was fatal, the death of the patient was due to
      hepatic encephalitis. CONCLUSION: The physicians should always be aware in the
      use of TNF-alpha blockers according to guidelines. Its recommended to realize a
      complete pretherapeutic assessment and it is necessary to follow-up the patients
      to detect possible reactivation of latent tuberculosis.

PMID- 25131371
TI  - [Major pulmonary resections for lung cancer and thoracoscopic approach: some
      reflections on published data].
AB  - Video-assisted thoracic surgery has a renewed topicality in treating early stage
      non-small cell lung cancer. Numerous publications show the benefits of this
      surgical technique in comparison with conventional thoracotomy. However, some
      surgeons are still apprehensive for its validity in lung cancer. Few works were
      dedicated to the critical aspect of this new technique which generates silent
      controversy and is far from having the general approval of all surgical teams. A
      critical review of several papers disclosed some concerns related to this
      approach, notably the risk of intra-operative technical problems and the
      possibility of questionable results concerning cancer dissection and clearance. A
      randomized clinical trial is now mandatory to confirm the safety and usefulness
      of this technique. 

PMID- 25131372
TI  - [Primitive lung abscess: an unusual situation in children].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lung abscess is a localized area of non tuberculosis suppurative
      necrosis of the parenchyma lung, resulting in formation of a cavity containing
      purulent material. This pathology is uncommon in childhood. CASE REPORT: A 3-year
      6 month-old boy was admitted with prolonged fever and dyspnea. Chest X-ray showed
      a non systemized, well limited, thick walled, hydric, and excavated opacity
      containing an air-fluid level. Chest ultrasound examination showed a collection
      of 6. 8 cm of diameter in the right pulmonary field with an air-fluid level.
      Hemoculture showed Staphylococcus aureus. The patient received large spectrum
      antibiotherapy. Three days after, he presented a septic shock and surgical
      drainage was indicated. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung
      abscess. Any underlying condition such as inoculation site, local cause or immune
      deficiency, was noted and diagnosis of primary abscess was made. The patient
      demonstrated complete recovery. He is asymptomatic with normal chest X-ray and
      pulmonary function after 3 years of evolution. CONCLUSION: Lung abscess represent
      a rare cause of prolonged fever in childhood. An underlying condition must be
      excluded to eliminate secondary abscess.

PMID- 25131375
TI  - Small RNA and degradome profiling reveals a role for miRNAs and their targets in
      the developing fibers of Gossypium barbadense.
AB  - microRNAs (miRNAs) are 20-24 nucleotide non-coding small RNAs that play important
      roles in plant development. The stages of cotton fiber development include
      initiation, elongation, secondary wall thickening (SWT) and maturation. We
      constructed seven fiber RNA libraries representing the initiation, elongation and
      SWT stages. In total, 47 conserved miRNA families and seven candidate miRNAs were
      profiled using small RNA sequencing. Northern blotting and real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) analyses revealed the dynamic expression of miRNAs during
      fiber development. In addition, 140 targets of 30 conserved miRNAs and 38 targets
      of five candidate miRNAs were identified through degradome sequencing. Analysis
      of correlated expression between miRNAs and their targets demonstrated that
      specific miRNAs suppressed the expression of transcription factors, SBP and MYB,
      a leucine-rich receptor-like protein kinase, a pectate lyase, alpha-tubulin, a
      UDP-glucuronic acid decarboxylase and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 to affect
      fiber development. Histochemical analyses detected the biological activity of
      miRNA156/157 in ovule and fiber development. Suppressing miRNA156/157 function
      resulted in the reduction of mature fiber length, illustrating that miRNA156/157
      plays an essential role in fiber elongation. 

PMID- 25131373
TI  - Early diagnosis of Gaucher disease in pediatric patients: proposal for a
      diagnostic algorithm.
AB  - Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by an enzyme deficiency that leads to the
      accumulation of glycolipids in various organs. Although the signs and symptoms of
      GD emerge in childhood in the majority of patients, the disease often remains
      unrecognized for many years with delay of benefits of therapy or development of
      irreversible complications. Based on published data and data from the
      International Collaborative Gaucher Group Registry, an algorithm has been drafted
      for early diagnosis of GD in pediatric patients. It will help hematologists in
      promoting a timely diagnosis and early access to therapy for pediatric patients
      with GD.

PMID- 25131376
TI  - Sonography in carpal tunnel syndrome with normal nerve conduction studies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We assessed the yield of high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) in
      patients with clinically definite carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and normal nerve
      conduction studies (NCS). METHODS: This blinded, prospective, cross-sectional
      study involved 35 patients (60 hands) with clinically definite CTS and normal
      NCS, and 20 controls (40 hands). Cross-sectional area (CSAs) of the median nerve
      at the level of the pisiform bone and flexor retinaculum thickness (FRT) were
      measured. RESULTS: CSA was abnormal in 48.6% of patients (confidence interval
      32.0-65.2%, P = 0.95). FRT was increased in only 34.3% (18.3-49.7%), but was
      independently abnormal in 2 patients. CSA abnormalities correlated with positive
      provocative tests and sensory loss. The HRUS changes were mild. CONCLUSIONS: HRUS
      confirms clinically diagnosed CTS in about half of the patients with normal NCS.

PMID- 25131377
TI  - Alleviation of respiratory syncytial virus replication and inflammation by fungal
      immunomodulatory protein FIP-fve from Flammulina velutipes.
AB  - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes bronchiolitis in children followed by
      inflammation and asthma-like symptoms. The development of preventive therapy for
      this virus continues to pose a challenge. Fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs)
      exhibit anti-inflammatory function. FIP-fve is an immunomodulatory protein
      isolated from Flammulina velutipes. To determine whether FIP-fve affects the
      infection or consequence of immunity of RSV, we investigated viral titers of RSV
      and inflammatory cytokine levels in vivo and in vitro. Oral FIP-fve decreased RSV
      induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway inflammation, and IL-6
      expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of BALB/c mice. RSV replication
      and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in RSV-infected HEp-2 cells were compared before
      and after FIP-fve treatment. FIP-fve inhibited viral titers on plaque assay and
      Western blot, as well as inhibited RSV-stimulated expression of IL-6 on ELISA and
      RT-PCR. The results of this study suggested that FIP-fve decreases RSV
      replication, RSV-induced inflammation and respiratory pathogenesis. FIP-fve is a
      widely used, natural compound from F.velutipes that may be a safe agent for viral
      prevention and even therapy. 

PMID- 25131378
TI  - Modulation of inflammation and pathology during dengue virus infection by p38
      MAPK inhibitor SB203580.
AB  - Dengue virus (DENV) infection could lead to dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic
      fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). The disease outcome is controlled by
      both viral and host factors. Inflammation mediators from DENV-infected cells
      could contribute to increased vascular permeability, leading to severe DHF/DSS.
      Therefore, suppression of inflammation could be a potential therapeutic approach
      for treatment of dengue patients. In this context, p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated
      protein kinase) is a key enzyme that modulates the initiation of stress and
      inflammatory responses. Here we show that SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor,
      suppressed the over production of DENV-induced pro-inflammatory mediators such as
      TNF-alpha, IL-8, and RANTES from human PBMCs, monocytic THP-1, and granulocyte
      KU812 cell lines. Oral administration of SB203580 in DENV-infected AG129 mice
      prevented hematocrit rise and lymphopenia, limited the development of
      inflammation and pathology (including intestine leakage), and significantly
      improved survival. These results, for the first time, have provided experimental
      evidence to imply that a short term inhibition of p38 MAPK may be beneficial to
      reduce disease symptoms in dengue patients. 

PMID- 25131379
TI  - Anti-lipopolysaccharide factor isoform 3 from Penaeus monodon (ALFPm3) exhibits
      antiviral activity by interacting with WSSV structural proteins.
AB  - In innate immunity, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a vital role in combating
      microbial pathogens. Among the AMPs identified in Penaeus monodon, only anti
      lipopolysaccharide factor isoform 3 (ALFPm3) has been reported to exhibit
      activity against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). However, the mechanism(s)
      involved are still not clear. In the present study, ALFPm3-interacting proteins
      were screened for from a WSSV library using the yeast two-hybrid screening
      system, revealing the five potential ALFPm3-interacting proteins of WSSV186,
      WSSV189, WSSV395, WSSV458 and WSSV471. Temporal transcriptional analysis in WSSV
      infected P. monodon revealed that all five of these WSSV gene transcripts were
      expressed in the late phase of infection (24h and 48h post-infection). Of these,
      WSSV189 that was previously identified as a structural protein, was selected for
      further analysis and was shown to be an enveloped protein by Western blot and
      immunoelectron microscopy analyses. The in vitro pull-down assay using
      recombinant WSSV189 (rWSSV189) protein as bait confirmed the interaction between
      ALFPm3 and WSSV189 proteins. Moreover, pre-incubation of rWSSV189 protein with
      rALFPm3 protein interfered with the latter's neutralization effect on WSSV in
      vivo, as shown by the increased cumulative mortality of shrimp injected with WSSV
      following prior treatment with pre-incubated rWSSV189 and rALFPm3 proteins
      compared to that in shrimp pre-treated with rALFPm3 protein. Thus, ALFPm3 likely
      performs its anti-WSSV action by binding to the envelope protein WSSV189 and
      possibly other WSSV structural proteins. 

PMID- 25131380
TI  - Homing effect of adipose-derived stem cells to the injured liver: the shift of
      stromal cell-derived factor 1 expressions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether systemically transplanted human adipose-derived stem cells
      (ADSCs) homed to the injured liver in nude mice under stress with subsequent
      hepatectomy (Hx) and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) was investigated in the present
      study. The types of cells in the liver that were involved in the homing of ADSCs
      were clarified, with focus on the stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/C-X-C
      chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR-4) axis. METHODS: Adipose-derived stem cells were
      transplanted intravenously immediately after 70% Hx and I/R. ADSCs were traced by
      in vivo imaging for 24 h after transplantation and ADSCs were histologically
      detected in the liver. SDF-1 and CXCR-4 expressions in the liver were evaluated
      by real time RT-PCR. The immunohistochemical analysis of SDF-1 was also performed
      to identify SDF-1 expressing cells in the liver. RESULTS: Adipose-derived stem
      cells were found in various organs immediately following transplantation and
      almost accumulated in remnant liver or spleen at 6 h after transplantation. ADSCs
      were also histologically revealed in the harvested liver. Hx and I/R injury
      significantly enhanced SDF-1 expressions regardless of ADSCs transplantation, and
      only ADSC transplantation increased CXCR-4 expressions. The predominant SDF-1
      positive cells in the liver were equally identified in parenchymal and non
      parenchymal cells at 6 h, but shifted to non-parenchymal cells at 24 h after
      transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Systemically transplanted ADSCs homed to the
      injured liver after transplantation, possibly based on the mechanisms of SDF
      1/CXCR-4 axis. Therefore, systemic transplantation might be an effective and
      practical route for the transplantation of ADSCs.

PMID- 25131381
TI  - Sustaining dignity? food insecurity in homeless young people in urban Australia.
AB  - ISSUE ADDRESSED: Food insecurity is recognised as an increasing problem in
      disadvantaged and marginalised groups. The aim of this study was to investigate
      issues associated with food insecurity and nutrition in young people
      experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in metropolitan Australia. METHODS:
      Eight focus group discussions were conducted with 48 young people (aged between
      15 and 25 years) in specialist homelessness services in central and south-western
      Sydney. RESULTS: Participants described daily experiences of food insecurity,
      persistent hunger and poverty. Structural barriers to food security and nutrition
      were identified and included poverty and reduced physical access to fresh foods.
      Participants also described a desire to save time, for convenience and to be
      socially connected. Despite the hardships and the chaos of youth homelessness,
      the groups were defined by their strength of character, resilience and hope for
      the future. CONCLUSION: Homeless young people within central and south-western
      Sydney report varying degrees of food insecurity, despite being supported by
      specialist youth homelessness services. SO WHAT? A collaborative, multistrategic
      approach with youth participation is required to further enhance the capacity of
      youth services to improve food security, food access and the availability of
      nutritious foods for homeless young people. A greater focus on advocacy and
      policy action is also required to bring food security and nutrition to the
      forefront of national efforts to improve the health and welfare of disadvantaged
      groups.

PMID- 25131382
TI  - Evolutionary ecology of microsporidia associated with the invasive ladybird
      Harmonia axyridis.
AB  - Invasive species are characterized by the rapid growth and spread of their
      populations after establishing a foothold in new habitats, and there are now many
      examples of such species negatively affecting biodiversity and the economy. It is
      unclear why some species can become successful invaders, whereas most (even if
      closely related) remain noninvasive. We previously proposed a hypothesis that
      parasites associated with invading species can promote their invasive success if
      they are harmless toward the invaders but harmful to their competitors and/or
      predators in the newly colonized habitat. Here we discuss whether microsporidia
      that have recently been discovered in the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis
      contribute to its invasive success. We show that all H. axyridis beetles sourced
      from diverse collection sites all over the world carry abundant microsporidia.
      This suggests that both native and invasive H. axyridis populations are
      associated with these tolerated parasites, which were likely to have existed in
      native populations before expansion rather than being acquired in newly colonized
      areas. We describe the pathogenesis of the microsporidia during different
      developmental stages of H. axyridis and we address the possibility that the
      predation of its infected eggs and larvae by competing native ladybird species
      may lead to their infection and ultimately to their decline. Finally, we discuss
      our initial hypothesis: microsporidia that are tolerated by an invasive vector
      insect can be active against susceptible native competitors and/or predator
      species. 

PMID- 25131383
TI  - Purification and characterization of alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase (ALDC) from
      newly isolated Lactococcus lactis DX.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) is a common flavor aroma from fermented
      dairy products. There is a need to screen new microorganisms that can efficiently
      produce large amounts of diacetyl. RESULTS: A new lactic acid bacterium that
      produced high concentrations of diacetyl was identified based on Gram staining,
      microscopic examination and 16S rDNA sequence analysis as Lactococcus lactis DX.
      Its alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase (ALDC) was purified using 0.45 g mL(-1)
      ammonium sulfate precipitation, Sephacryl S-300 and S-200 HR and native-PAGE. The
      purified ALDC displayed a monomer structure and had a molecular mass of about
      73.1 kDa, which was estimated using SDS-PAGE. IR analysis showed that the ALDC
      had a typical protein structure. The optimal temperature and pH for ALDC activity
      were 40  degrees C and 6.5 respectively. The ALDC of L. lactis DX was activated
      by Fe(2+) , Zn(2+) , Mg(2+) , Ba(2+) and Ca(2+) , while Cu(2+) significantly
      inhibited ALDC activity. Leucine, valine and isoleucine activated the ALDC.
      CONCLUSION: A strain that had high ability to produce diacetyl was identified as
      L. lactis DX. The difference in diacetyl production may be due to the ALDC, which
      is different from other ALDCs.

PMID- 25131384
TI  - Discoveries of hydrogen sulfide as a novel cardiovascular therapeutic.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenously produced gaseous signaling molecule
      that elicits a number of cytoprotective effects in mammalian species. H2S was
      originally considered toxic at elevated levels, but 15 years ago the labile
      molecule was discovered in mammalian tissue and termed a gasotransmitter, thus
      opening the door for research aimed towards understanding its physiologic nature.
      Since then, novel findings have depicted the beneficial aspects of H2S therapy,
      such as vasodilation, antioxidant upregulation, inflammation inhibition, and
      activation of anti-apoptotic pathways. These cytoprotective alterations
      effectively treat multiple forms of cardiac injury at the preclinical level of
      research. The field has progressed towards instituting novel H2S donors that
      prove more effective at activating the subsequent cardioprotective enhancements
      over longer time periods. As more findings explore the efficacy of H2S, research
      focused on detection of sulfhydrated targets is on the rise. Understanding the
      molecular mechanisms that stem from H2S treatment may lead the field towards
      powerful therapeutics in the clinical setting. This review will discuss the
      cytoprotective and cardioprotective effects of H2S therapy, provide analysis on
      the molecular alterations that lead to these enhancements, and explore recently
      developed therapeutics that may bring this gasotransmitter into the clinic in the
      near future.

PMID- 25131385
TI  - Biobased building blocks for the rational design of renewable block polymers.
AB  - Block polymers (BPs) derived from biomass (biobased) are necessary components of
      a sustainable future that relies minimally on petroleum-based plastics for
      applications ranging from thermoplastic elastomers and pressure-sensitive
      adhesives to blend compatibilizers. To facilitate their adoption, renewable BPs
      must be affordable, durable, processable, versatile, and reasonably benign. Their
      desirability further depends on the relative sustainability of the renewable
      resources and the methods employed in the monomer and polymer syntheses. Various
      strategies allow these BPs' characteristics to be tuned and enhanced for
      commercial applications, and many of these techniques also can be applied to
      manipulate the wide-ranging mechanical and thermal properties of biobased and
      self-assembling block polymers. From feedstock to application, this review
      article highlights promising renewable BPs, plus their material and assembly
      properties, in support of de novo design strategies that could revolutionize
      material sustainability. 

PMID- 25131386
TI  - Protective effect of ((4-tert-butylcyclohexylidene) methyl) (4-methoxystyryl)
      sulfide, a novel unsymmetrical divinyl sulfide, on an oxidative stress model
      induced by sodium nitroprusside in mouse brain: involvement of glutathione
      peroxidase activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, the antioxidant action of ((4-tert
      butylcyclohexylidene) methyl) (4-methoxystyryl) sulfide, a novel unsymmetrical
      divinyl sulfide, against oxidative damage induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP)
      in brains of mice was investigated. METHODS: Mice received SNP (0.335 MUmol/site,
      intracerebroventricular) 30 min after administration of sulfide (10 mg/kg,
      intragastrically). After 1 h, animals were sacrificed and the brains were removed
      to biochemistry analysis. Thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), protein
      carbonyl (PC) and non-protein thiol (NPSH) levels, as well as catalase (CAT),
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase
      (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were determined. KEY
      FINDINGS: SNP increased TBARS and PC levels, CAT, GPx, GR and GST activities and
      reduced NPSH levels. Administration of the sulfide attenuated the changes
      produced by SNP and increased per se GPx activity in brains of mice.
      Toxicological parameters revealed that this compound did not cause acute renal or
      hepatic damage. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, ((4-tert-butylcyclohexylidene)
      methyl) (4-methoxystyryl) sulfide protected against oxidative damage caused by
      SNP in mouse brain. GPx activity is involved, at least in part, in the cerebral
      antioxidant action of this compound.

PMID- 25131387
TI  - Bone formation in peri-implant defects grafted with microparticles: a pilot
      animal experimental study.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the healing of peri-implant defects grafted
      with microparticles (MPs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six domestic pigs received nine
      standardized defects at the calvaria, and an implant was inserted in the middle
      of each defect. The space between the implant and lateral bone portion was filled
      with MP pellets (n = 18) or MP supernatant (n = 18) or left unfilled (n = 18).
      After 14 and 28 days, three animals were sacrificed and specimens removed for
      further processing. Samples were microradiographically and histologically
      analysed. In addition, we immunohistochemically stained for anti-vWF as a marker
      of angiogenesis. RESULTS: In the case of bone regeneration and vessel formation,
      the null hypothesis can be partially rejected. After 14 and 28 days, no
      significant difference was observed within groups regarding de novo bone
      formation, bone density and osseointegration. However, superior vessel formation
      was found at both time points. CONCLUSION: Microparticles represent a promising
      treatment option to accelerate peri-implant vessel formation. Further studies are
      needed to investigate the regenerative properties of MPs more precisely.

PMID- 25131388
TI  - Correlation of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor and metabolic profiles in
      drug-naive patients with bipolar II disorder after a twelve-week pharmacological
      intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is thought to be involved in
      the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) and metabolic syndrome. We
      investigated the correlation between plasma BDNF with mood symptoms and metabolic
      indices in patients with BD-II over a 12-week pharmacological intervention.
      METHOD: Drug-naive patients with BD-II (n=117) were recruited. Metabolic profiles
      [cholesterol, triglyceride, HbA1C, fasting serum glucose, body mass index (BMI)]
      and plasma BDNF wtrun "tblautotrun "tblsctrun "tbl_contere measured at baseline
      and 2, 8, and 12 weeks after beginning medication. To adjust within-subject
      dependence over repeated assessments, multiple linear regressions with
      generalized estimating equation methods were used. RESULTS: Seventy-six (65.0%)
      patients completed the intervention. Plasma BDNF levels were significantly
      associated with BMI (P=9.6E-5), low-density lipoprotein (P=0.034) and total
      (P=0.001) cholesterol, but not with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 and
      Young Mania Rating Scale scores over the 12-week treatment. CONCLUSION: We found
      initial evidence of a positive correlation between plasma BDNF levels and BMI,
      low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol in drug-naive patients with BD-II.
      The specific function of BDNF in regulating and maintaining peripheral metabolic
      health requires additional investigation.

PMID- 25131389
TI  - Minimally Invasive Early Operative Treatment of Progressive Foot and Ankle
      Deformity Associated With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.
AB  - Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a neuromuscular disorder that commonly results in
      a predictable pattern of progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness,
      numbness, contracture, and deformity, including drop foot, loss of ankle eversion
      strength, dislocated hammertoes, and severe cavus foot deformity. Late stage
      reconstructive surgery will be often necessary if the deformity becomes
      unbraceable or when neuropathic ulcers have developed. Reconstructive surgery for
      Charcot-Marie-Tooth deformity is generally extensive and sometimes staged.
      Traditional reconstructive surgery involves a combination of procedures,
      including tendon lengthening or transfer, osteotomy, and arthrodesis. The
      described technique highlights our early surgical approach, which involves
      limited intervention before the deformity becomes rigid, severe, or disabling. We
      present 2 cases to contrast our early minimally invasive technique with
      traditional late stage reconstruction. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease affects
      different muscles at various stages of disease progression. As 1 muscle becomes
      weak, the antagonist will overpower it and cause progressive deformity. The focus
      of the early minimally invasive approach is to decrease the forces that cause
      progressive deformity yet maintain function, where possible. Our goal has been to
      maintain a functional and braceable foot and ankle, with the hope of avoiding or
      limiting the extent of future major reconstructive surgery. The presented cases
      highlight the patient selection criteria, the ideal timing of early surgical
      intervention, the procedure selection criteria, and operative pearls. The early
      minimally invasive approach includes plantar fasciotomy, Achilles tendon
      lengthening, transfer of the peroneus longus to the fifth metatarsal, Hibbs and
      Jones tendon transfer, and hammertoe repair of digits 1 to 5.

PMID- 25131390
TI  - Long-term functional outcomes and quality of life after oncologic surgery and
      microvascular reconstruction in patients with oral or oropharyngeal cancer.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for oral or oropharyngeal cancer with free-flap
      reconstruction is associated with moderate but persistent functional and quality
      of life (QoL) problems. Patient age, tumor stage, tumor site, and radiotherapy
      were the main predictors of functional outcome. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate long-term
      functional outcomes and QoL, and to determine their predictive factors in
      patients with oral or oropharyngeal cancer after oncologic surgery and free-flap
      reconstruction. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery with free-flap
      reconstruction for oral or oropharyngeal cancer between 2000 and 2009 who were
      alive at least 1 year after therapy were included in this study. Patients
      completed the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) questionnaire and the European
      Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL questionnaires QLQ
      C30 and H&N35. Swallowing was evaluated using the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity
      Scale (DOSS) and by flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy. RESULTS: Sixty-four
      patients were included in the study. VHI-10 mean score was 11.2 +/- 9 and its
      predictive factors were T stage (p = 0.005) and tumor involvement of the tongue
      base (p = 0.01). The mean DOSS score was 4 +/- 0.8. Age (p = 0.008), gender (p =
      0.04), and radiotherapy (p = 0.001) were the main predictive factors of the DOSS
      score.

PMID- 25131391
TI  - Gastroesophageal reflux and carcinoma of larynx or pharynx: a meta-analysis.
AB  - CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis supported the proposition that the prevalence of
      gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was associated with laryngeal cancer,
      particularly in the hospital-based control group and diagnosed by
      esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or esophageal pH monitoring. However, no
      significant association was found between GERD and pharyngeal carcinoma.
      OBJECTIVES: A number of studies have been conducted to investigate the
      relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and laryngeal or pharyngeal
      carcinoma. The conclusions are still debated. METHODS: We conducted a systematic
      review of studies associated with the prevalence of GERD in laryngeal or
      pharyngeal cancer, published up to November 2013.Odds ratios (ORs) and
      corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random effects
      models or fixed effects models, according to heterogeneity I(2). RESULTS: Ten
      studies were included in this meta-analysis. On average, GERD was significantly
      higher in the tumor tissue of the study group compared with normal tissue of the
      control group (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.50, 3.14; random effects analysis). The
      pooled ORs for laryngeal carcinoma were 2.21 (95% CI = 1.53-3.19; I(2) = 97,
      random effects model) and 3.76 (95% CI = 0.21-67.48; I(2) = 94, random effects
      model) for pharyngeal carcinoma.

PMID- 25131392
TI  - Factors associated with malnutrition in patients with head and neck cancer.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities as well as T classification were the primary
      determinants for the nutritional status of patients with head and neck cancer.
      OBJECTIVES: We aimed to elucidate the underlying conditions of malnutrition in
      patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 726
      patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer between 2004 and 2013. Associations
      between malnutrition and clinical parameters were assessed using univariate and
      multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Median body mass index was 21.5 (range 11.6
      38.0). According to World Health Organization criteria, the nutritional status of
      these patients was classified into four groups: underweight (18%), normal (63%),
      overweight (17%), and obese (1%). Comorbidities were detected in 40% of patients.
      Multivariate analysis revealed the following factors to be independent factors
      associated with malnutrition: advanced T stage, metachronous cancer, collagen
      disease, gastrointestinal disease, and pulmonary disease.

PMID- 25131393
TI  - Long-term administration of vasopressin can cause Meniere's disease in mice.
AB  - CONCLUSION: A new murine model of Meniere's disease has been developed, based on
      long-term administration of vasopressin. Induction of vestibular dysfunction in
      the present animal model can cause additional stress, by reducing inner ear blood
      flow. Latanoprost, a selective agonist for the FP prostanoid receptor, may become
      a new remedy for Meniere's disease. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to
      develop a more suitable animal model, with a closer resemblance to the
      pathophysiological process in Meniere's disease. METHODS: Adult CBA/J or ICR mice
      were treated by subcutaneous injection of vasopressin for 5 days up to 8 weeks.
      Morphological analyses were performed of the cochlea, vestibular end organs and
      endolymphatic sac. The effect of latanoprost on the development of endolymphatic
      hydrops was also examined. RESULTS: All experimental animals showed mild to
      moderate endolymphatic hydrops, increasing in severity as the vasopressin
      treatment was prolonged. Animals treated with vasopressin for 8 weeks showed
      severe endolymphatic hydrops with partial loss of outer hair cells and spiral
      ganglion cells. These animals also had a reversible vestibular dysfunction
      following intratympanic injection of epinephrine. Latanoprost inhibited the
      development of endolymphatic hydrops caused by vasopressin.

PMID- 25131396
TI  - Assessing carbon and hydrogen isotopic fractionation of diesel fuel n-alkanes
      during progressive evaporation.
AB  - Compound-specific isotope analysis offers potential for fingerprinting of diesel
      fuels, however, possible confounding effects of isotopic fractionation due to
      evaporation need to be assessed. This study measured the fractionation of the
      stable carbon and hydrogen isotopes in n-alkane compounds in neat diesel fuel
      during evaporation. Isotope ratios were measured using a continuous flow gas
      chromatograph/isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Diesel samples were progressively
      evaporated at 24 +/- 2 degrees C for 21 days. Increasing depletion of deuterium
      in nC12-nC17 alkanes in the remaining liquid with increasing carbon chain length
      was observed. Negligible carbon isotope fractionation was observed. Preferential
      vaporization was measured for the shorter chain n-alkanes and the trend decreased
      with increasing chain length. The decrease in delta(2) H values indicates the
      preferential vaporization of the isotopically heavier species consistent with
      available quantitative data for hydrocarbons. These results are most important in
      the application of stable isotope technology to forensic analysis of diesel.

PMID- 25131395
TI  - Vasorelaxant effects of 1-nitro-2-phenylethene in rat isolated aortic rings.
AB  - Previously, we showed that nitro-2-phenylethane is a vasorelaxant constituent of
      the essential oil of Aniba canelilla. Here, we investigated the mechanisms
      underlying the vascular effects of 1-nitro-2-phenylethene (NPe), a structural
      analog of 1-nitro-2-phenylethane obtained synthetically, in rat isolated thoracic
      aortic preparations. At 0.1-100 MUg/mL, NPe similarly relaxed endothelium-intact
      or endothelium-denuded aortic preparations pre-contracted with 60mM KCl or with
      phenylephrine (PHE, 1 MUM). Vasorelaxant effects of NPe against PHE-induced
      contractions remained unaffected following blockade of potassium channels by TEA,
      and inhibition of either nitric oxide synthase by l-NAME, cyclooxygenase by
      indomethacin or guanylate cyclase by ODQ. In preparations maintained under Ca(2+)
      free conditions, NPe significantly reduced the contractions induced (i) by PHE,
      but not those evoked by caffeine, (ii) by CaCl2 in either PHE (in the presence of
      1 MUM verapamil)- or KCl-stimulated preparations, (iii) by extracellular Ca(2+)
      restoration in thapsigargin-treated aortic preparations, and (iv) by the
      activator of protein kinase C phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate or the inhibitor of
      protein tyrosine phosphatase sodium orthovanadate. It is concluded that NPe
      induced an endothelium-independent vasorelaxation with potency greater than its
      structural analog 1-nitro-2-phenylethane. Such action appears to occur
      intracellularly probably through inhibition of contractile events that are
      clearly independent of Ca(2+) influx from the extracellular milieu.

PMID- 25131394
TI  - Heterozygous FGF8 mutations in patients presenting cryptorchidism and multiple
      VATER/VACTERL features without limb anomalies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The acronym VATER/VACTERL association describes the combination of at
      least three of the following cardinal features: vertebral defects, anorectal
      malformations, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula with or without
      esophageal atresia, renal malformations, and limb defects. Although fibroblast
      growth factor-8 (FGF8) mutations have mainly found in patients with Kallmann
      syndrome, mice with a hypomorphic Fgf8 allele or complete gene invalidation
      display, aside from gonadotropin-releasing hormone deficiency, parts or even the
      entire spectrum of human VATER/VACTERL association. METHODS: We performed FGF8
      gene analysis in 49 patients with VATER/VACTERL association and 27 patients
      presenting with a VATER/VACTERL-like phenotype (two cardinal features). RESULTS:
      We identified two heterozygous FGF8 mutations in patients displaying either
      VATER/VACTERL association (p.Gly29_Arg34dup) or a VATER/VACTERL-like phenotype
      (p.Pro26Leu) without limb anomalies. Whereas the duplication mutation has not
      been reported before, p.Pro26Leu was once observed in a Kallmann syndrome
      patient. Both our patients had additional bilateral cryptorchidism, a key
      phenotypic feature in males with FGF8 associated Kallmann syndrome. Each mutation
      was paternally inherited. Besides delayed puberty in both and additional
      unilateral cryptorchidism in one of the fathers, they were otherwise healthy.
      Serum hormone levels downstream the gonadotropin-releasing hormone in both
      patients and their fathers were within normal range. CONCLUSION: Our results
      suggest FGF8 mutations to contribute to the formation of the VATER/VACTERL
      association. Further studies are needed to support this observation.

PMID- 25131398
TI  - Teen parties: who has parties, what predicts whether there is alcohol and who
      supplies the alcohol?
AB  - This study explores which youth are more likely to have parties at home, what
      factors are associated with the presence of alcohol at parties, and who supplies
      the alcohol. We collected data in 2011 and 2012 through telephone interviews with
      1,121 teens living in 50 mid-sized California cities. Overall, about a quarter of
      teens reported having had a party at their house in the past 12 months, of whom
      39 % reported that there was alcohol at their last party. Multiple sources
      supplied alcohol for most parties. Seventy-two percent of those having a party
      stated that at least one of their parents knew about their last party, and 64 %
      reported that a parent was home at least part of the time. Seventy percent of
      youth who hosted a party with alcohol said that their parent(s) definitely knew
      that there was alcohol at the party, 24 % replied that their parent(s) probably
      knew, and only 5 % said that their parent(s) did not know that there was alcohol
      at the party. Logistic regression analyses indicated that youth with parents who
      host parties at home are themselves more likely to host parties at home. Having
      alcohol at a party was positively related to the age of the teen and the number
      of guests attending, and was negatively related to parents' awareness of the
      party. However, we found no relationship between whether a parent was at home at
      the time of the party and whether it included alcohol. These findings suggest
      that teens who have parties with alcohol at home have parents who know that there
      is alcohol at the party, even though only a small number of parents provided
      alcohol for the party. 

PMID- 25131397
TI  - Understanding the determinants of substrate specificity in IMP family metallo
      beta-lactamases: the importance of residue 262.
AB  - In Gram-negative bacteria, resistance to beta-lactam antibacterials is largely
      due to beta-lactamases and is a growing public health threat. One of the most
      concerning beta-lactamases to evolve in bacteria are the Class B enzymes, the
      metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs). To date, penams and cephems resistant to
      hydrolysis by MBLs have not yet been found. As a result of this broad substrate
      specificity, a better understanding of the role of catalytically important amino
      acids in MBLs is necessary to design novel beta-lactams and inhibitors. Two MBLs,
      the wild type IMP-1 with serine at position 262, and an engineered variant with
      valine at the same position (IMP-1-S262V), were previously found to exhibit very
      different substrate spectra. These findings compelled us to investigate the
      impact of a threonine at position 262 (IMP-1-S262T) on the substrate spectrum.
      Here, we explore MBL sequence-structure-activity relationships by predicting and
      experimentally validating the effect of the S262T substitution in IMP-1. Using
      site-directed mutagenesis, threonine was introduced at position 262, and the IMP
      1-S262T enzyme, as well as the other two enzymes IMP-1 and IMP-1-S262V, were
      purified and kinetic constants were determined against a range of beta-lactam
      antibacterials. Catalytic efficiencies (kcat /KM ) obtained with IMP-1-S262T and
      minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) observed with bacterial cells expressing
      the protein were intermediate or comparable to the corresponding values with IMP
      1 and IMP-1-S262V, validating the role of this residue in catalysis. Our results
      reveal the important role of IMP residue 262 in beta-lactam turnover and support
      this approach to predict activities of certain novel MBL variants.

PMID- 25131399
TI  - Morphogenesis of Streptomyces in submerged cultures.
AB  - Members of the genus Streptomyces are mycelial bacteria that undergo a complex
      multicellular life cycle and propagate via sporulation. Streptomycetes are
      important industrial microorganisms, as they produce a plethora of medically
      relevant natural products, including the majority of clinically important
      antibiotics, as well as a wide range of enzymes with industrial application.
      While development of Streptomyces in surface-grown cultures is well studied,
      relatively little is known of the parameters that determine morphogenesis in
      submerged cultures. Here, growth is characterized by the formation of mycelial
      networks and pellets. From the perspective of industrial fermentations, such
      mycelial growth is unattractive, as it is associated with slow growth,
      heterogeneous cultures, and high viscosity. Here, we review the current insights
      into the genetic and environmental factors that determine mycelial growth and
      morphology in liquid-grown cultures. The genetic factors include cell-matrix
      proteins and extracellular polymers, morphoproteins with specific roles in liquid
      culture morphogenesis, with the SsgA-like proteins as well-studied examples, and
      programmed cell death. Environmental factors refer in particular to those
      dictated by process engineering, such as growth media and reactor set-up. These
      insights are then integrated to provide perspectives as to how this knowledge can
      be applied to improve streptomycetes for industrial applications. 

PMID- 25131400
TI  - Interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and organic material
      substrates.
AB  - Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations are widespread and form between ca. two
      thirds of all land plants and fungi in the phylum Glomeromycota. The association
      is a mutualistic symbiosis with the fungi enhancing nutrient capture for the
      plant while obtaining carbon in return. Although arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
      (AMF) lack any substantial saprophytic capability they do preferentially
      associate with various organic substrates and respond by hyphal proliferation,
      indicating the fungus derives a benefit from the organic substrate. AMF may also
      enhance decomposition of the organic material. The benefit to the host plant of
      this hyphal proliferation is not always apparent, particularly regarding nitrogen
      (N) transfer, and there may be circumstances under which both symbionts compete
      for the N released given both have a large demand for N. The results of various
      studies examining AMF responses to organic substrates and the interactions with
      other members of the soil community will be discussed. 

PMID- 25131401
TI  - Transcription regulation in the third domain.
AB  - The ability of organisms to sense and respond to their environment is essential
      to their survival. This is no different for members of the third domain of life,
      the Archaea. Archaea are found in diverse and often extreme habitats. However,
      their ability to sense and respond to their environment at the level of gene
      expression has been understudied when compared to bacteria and eukaryotes. Over
      the last decade, the field has expanded, and a variety of unique and interesting
      regulatory schemes have been unraveled. In this review, the current state of
      knowledge of archaeal transcription regulation is explored. 

PMID- 25131402
TI  - Bacteria-phage interactions in natural environments.
AB  - Phages are considered the most abundant and diverse biological entities on Earth
      and are notable not only for their sheer abundance, but also for their influence
      on bacterial hosts. In nature, bacteria-phage relationships are complex and have
      far-reaching consequences beyond particular pairwise interactions, influencing
      everything from bacterial virulence to eukaryotic fitness to the carbon cycle. In
      this review, we examine bacteria and phage distributions in nature first by
      highlighting biogeographic patterns and nonhost environmental influences on phage
      distribution, then by considering the ways in which phages and bacteria interact,
      emphasizing phage life cycles, bacterial responses to phage infection, and the
      complex patterns of phage host specificity. Finally, we discuss phage impacts on
      bacterial abundance, genetics, and physiology, and further aim to clarify
      distinctions between current theoretical models and point out areas in need of
      future research. 

PMID- 25131403
TI  - The interactions of bacteria with fungi in soil: emerging concepts.
AB  - In this chapter, we review the existing literature on bacterial-fungal
      interactions in soil, exploring the role fungi may play for soil bacteria as
      providers of hospitable niches. A focus is placed on the mycosphere, i.e., the
      narrow zone of influence of fungal hyphae on the external soil milieu, in which
      hypha-associated bacterial cells dwell. Evidence is brought forward for the
      contention that the hyphae of both mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi serve as
      providers of ecological opportunities in a grossly carbon-limited soil, as a
      result of their release of carbonaceous compounds next to the provision of a
      colonizable surface. Soil bacteria of particular nature are postulated to have
      adapted to such selection pressures, evolving to the extent that they acquired
      capabilities that allow them to thrive in the novel habitat created by the
      emerging fungal hyphae. The mechanisms involved in the interactions and the modes
      of genetic adaptation of the mycosphere dwellers are discussed, with an emphasis
      on one key mycosphere-adapted bacterium, Burkholderia terrae BS001. In this
      discussion, we interrogate the positive interactions between soil fungi and
      bacteria, and refrain from considering negative interactions. 

PMID- 25131404
TI  - Production of specialized metabolites by Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2).
AB  - The actinomycetes are well-known bioactive natural product producers, comprising
      the Streptomycetes, the richest drug-prolific family in all kingdoms, producing
      therapeutic compounds for the areas of infection, cancer, circulation, and
      immunity. Completion and annotation of many actinomycete genomes has highlighted
      further how proficient these bacteria are in specialized metabolism, which have
      been largely underexploited in traditional screening programs. The genome
      sequence of the model strain Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), and subsequent
      development of genomics-driven approaches to understand its large specialized
      metabolome, has been key in unlocking the high potential of specialized
      metabolites for natural product genomics-based drug discovery. This review
      discusses systematically the biochemistry and genetics of each of the specialized
      metabolites of S. coelicolor and describes metabolite transport processes for
      excretion and complex regulatory patterns controlling biosynthesis. 

PMID- 25131405
TI  - Synthetic polyester-hydrolyzing enzymes from thermophilic actinomycetes.
AB  - Thermophilic actinomycetes produce enzymes capable of hydrolyzing synthetic
      polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In addition to
      carboxylesterases, which have hydrolytic activity predominantly against PET
      oligomers, esterases related to cutinases also hydrolyze synthetic polymers. The
      production of these enzymes by actinomycetes as well as their recombinant
      expression in heterologous hosts is described and their catalytic activity
      against polyester substrates is compared. Assays to analyze the enzymatic
      hydrolysis of synthetic polyesters are evaluated, and a kinetic model describing
      the enzymatic heterogeneous hydrolysis process is discussed. Structure-function
      and structure-stability relationships of actinomycete polyester hydrolases are
      compared based on molecular dynamics simulations and recently solved protein
      structures. In addition, recent progress in enhancing their activity and thermal
      stability by random or site-directed mutagenesis is presented. 

PMID- 25131406
TI  - Characterization of robotic system passive path repeatability during specimen
      removal and reinstallation for in vitro knee joint testing.
AB  - Robotic testing systems are commonly utilized for the study of orthopaedic
      biomechanics. Quantification of system error is essential for reliable use of
      robotic systems. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify a 6-DOF
      robotic system's repeatability during knee biomechanical testing and characterize
      the error induced in passive path repeatability by removing and reinstalling the
      knee. We hypothesized removing and reinstalling the knee would substantially
      alter passive path repeatability. Testing was performed on four fresh-frozen
      cadaver knees. To determine repeatability and reproducibility, the passive path
      was collected three times per knee following the initial setup (intra-setup), and
      a single time following two subsequent re-setups (inter-setup). Repeatability was
      calculated as root mean square error. The intra-setup passive path had a position
      repeatability of 0.23 mm. In contrast, inter-setup passive paths had a position
      repeatability of 0.89 mm. When a previously collected passive path was replayed
      following re-setup of the knee, resultant total force repeatability across the
      passive path increased to 28.2N (6.4N medial-lateral, 25.4N proximal-distal, and
      10.5 N anterior-posterior). This study demonstrated that removal and re-setup of
      a knee can have substantial, clinically significant changes on our system's
      repeatability and ultimately, accuracy of the reported results.

PMID- 25131407
TI  - Suppression of NGB and NAB/ERabp1 in tomato modifies root responses to potato
      cyst nematode infestation.
AB  - Plant-parasitic nematodes cause significant damage to major crops throughout the
      world. The small number of genes conferring natural plant resistance and the
      limitations of chemical control require the development of new protective
      strategies. RNA interference or the inducible over-expression of nematicidal
      genes provides an environment-friendly approach to this problem. Candidate genes
      include NGB, which encodes a small GTP-binding protein, and NAB/ERabp1, which
      encodes an auxin-binding protein, which were identified as being up-regulated in
      tomato roots in a transcriptome screen of potato cyst nematode (Globodera
      rostochiensis) feeding sites. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization confirmed the localized up-regulation
      of these genes in syncytia and surrounding cells following nematode infection.
      Gene-silencing constructs were introduced into tomato, resulting in a 20%-98%
      decrease in transcription levels. Nematode infection tests conducted on
      transgenic plants showed 57%-82% reduction in the number of G. rostochiensis
      females in vitro and 30%-46% reduction in pot trials. Transmission electron
      microscopy revealed a deterioration of cytoplasm, and degraded mitochondria and
      plastids, in syncytia induced in plants with reduced NAB/ERabp1 expression.
      Cytoplasm in syncytia induced in plants with low NGB expression was strongly
      electron translucent and contained very few ribosomes; however, mitochondria and
      plastids remained intact. Functional impairments in syncytial cytoplasm of
      silenced plants may result from NGB's role in ribosome biogenesis; this was
      confirmed by localization of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-labelled NGB
      protein in nucleoli and co-repression of NGB in plants with reduced NAB/ERabp1
      expression. These results demonstrate that NGB and NAB/ERabp1 play important
      roles in the development of nematode-induced syncytia. 

PMID- 25131408
TI  - Exit strategy for unmappable VT?

PMID- 25131410
TI  - Low capping group surface density on zinc oxide nanocrystals.
AB  - The ligand shell of colloidal nanocrystals can dramatically affect their
      stability and reaction chemistry. We present a methodology to quantify the
      dodecylamine (DDA) capping shell of colloidal zinc oxide nanocrystals in a
      nonpolar solvent. Using NMR spectroscopy, three different binding regimes are
      observed: strongly bound, weakly associated, and free in solution. The surface
      density of bound DDA is constant over a range of nanocrystal sizes, and is low
      compared to both predictions of the number of surface cations and maximum
      coverages of self-assembled monolayers. The density of strongly bound DDA ligands
      on the as-prepared ZnO NCs is 25% of the most conservative estimate of the
      maximum surface DDA density. Thus, these NCs do not resemble the common picture
      of a densely capped surface ligand layer. Annealing the ZnO NCs in molten DDA for
      12 h at 160  degrees C, which is thought to remove surface hydroxide groups,
      resulted in a decrease of the weakly associated DDA and an increase in the
      density of strongly bound DDA, to ca. 80% of the estimated density of a self
      assembled monolayer on a flat ZnO surface. These findings suggest that as
      prepared nanocrystal surfaces contain hydroxide groups (protons on the ZnO
      surfaces) that inhibit strong binding of DDA. 

PMID- 25131409
TI  - The effect of obesity and type 1 diabetes on renal function in children and
      adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early signs of renal complications can be common in youths with type
      1 diabetes (T1D). Recently, there has been an increasing interest in potential
      renal complications associated with obesity, paralleling the epidemics of this
      condition, although there are limited data in children. HYPOTHESIS: Obese
      children and adolescents present signs of early alterations in renal function
      similar to non-obese peers with T1D. SUBJECTS: Eighty-three obese (age: 11.6 +/-
      3.0 yr), 164 non-obese T1D (age: 12.4 +/- 3.2 yr), and 71 non-obese control (age:
      12.3 +/- 3.2 yr) children and adolescents were enrolled in the study. METHODS:
      Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured. Renal function was
      assessed by albumin excretion rate (AER), serum cystatin C, creatinine and
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR), calculated using the Bouvet's
      formula. RESULTS: Obese and non-obese T1D youths had similar AER [8.9(5.9-10.8)
      vs. 8.7(5.9-13.1) ug/min] and e-GFR levels (114.8 +/- 19.6 vs. 113.4 +/- 19.1
      mL/min), which were higher than in controls [AER: 8.1(5.9-8.7) ug/min, e-GFR:
      104.7 +/- 18.9 mL/min]. Prevalence of microalbuminuria and hyperfiltration was
      similar between obese and T1D youths and higher than their control peers (6.0 vs.
      8.0 vs. 0%, p = 0.02; 15.9 vs. 15.9 vs. 4.3%, p = 0.03, respectively). Body mass
      index (BMI) z-score was independently related to e-GFR (r = 0.328; p < 0.001),
      and AER (r = 0.138; p = 0.017). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) correlated with AER (r =
      0.148; p = 0.007) but not with eGFR (r = 0.041; p = 0.310). CONCLUSIONS: Obese
      children and adolescents show early alterations in renal function, compared to
      normal weight peers, and they have similar renal profiles than age-matched peers
      with T1D.

PMID- 25131411
TI  - Defining the biology component of the drug discovery strategy for malaria
      eradication.
AB  - Malaria is still considered a deadly scourge in Africa, Asia, and South America
      despite improved vector control and curative treatments with new antimalarial
      combinations. The next challenge is to work towards disease eradication. To
      achieve this goal it is crucial to develop, validate, and integrate biological
      assays into test cascades that align with the key target product profiles. For
      anti-relapse, a parent molecule should kill hypnozoites or cause activation of
      Plasmodium vivax liver stages. For transmission blocking, dual equal-activity
      antimalarials killing both the asexual and the sexual parasite stages in human
      blood are favored. Finally, by assessing cross resistance and generating drug
      resistance in the laboratory, it is expected that new medicines with acceptable
      resistance profiles will be forthcoming. 

PMID- 25131412
TI  - Lesions to the CA2 region of the hippocampus impair social memory in mice.
AB  - The function of the CA2 region of the hippocampus is poorly understood. Although
      the CA1 and CA3 regions have been extensively studied, for years the CA2 region
      has primarily been viewed as a linking area between the two. However, the CA2
      region is known to have distinct neurochemical and structural features that are
      different from the other parts of the hippocampus and in recent years it has been
      suggested that the CA2 region may play a role in the formation and/or recall of
      olfactory-based memories needed for normal social behavior. Although this
      hypothesis has been supported by hippocampal lesion studies that have included
      the CA2 region, no studies have attempted to specifically lesion the CA2 region
      of the hippocampus in mice to determine the effects on social recognition memory
      and olfaction. To fill this knowledge gap, we sought to perform excitotoxic N
      methyl-D-aspartate lesions of the CA2 region and determine the effects on social
      recognition memory. We predicted that lesions of the CA2 region would impair
      social recognition memory. We then went on to test olfaction in CA2-lesioned
      mice, as social memory requires a functional olfactory system. Consistent with
      our prediction, we found that CA2-lesioned animals had impaired social
      recognition. These findings are significant because they confirmed that the CA2
      region of the hippocampus is a part of the neural circuitry that regulates social
      recognition memory, which may have implications for our understanding of the
      neural regulation of social behavior across species. 

PMID- 25131413
TI  - Pilot study of an oral care protocol on poststroke survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The pilot study purpose was to determine the effects of a new
      standardized oral care protocol (intervention) to usual care practices (control)
      in poststroke patients. DESIGN: This study is a randomized controlled clinical
      trial. METHOD: Fifty-one subjects were enrolled. Subjects in the intervention
      group received oral care twice a day including tooth brushing, tongue brushing,
      flossing, mouth rinse, and lip care while control patients received usual oral
      care. FINDINGS: Subjects in the control and intervention groups showed
      improvement in their oral health assessments, swallowing abilities and oral
      intake. There were no significant differences between the two groups. Although
      not statistically significant, overall prevalence of methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus
      colonization in the control group almost doubled (from 4.8% to 9.5%), while
      colonization in the intervention group decreased (from 20.8% to 16.7%).
      CONCLUSIONS/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings demonstrate the importance of oral
      care in the poststroke patient with dysphagia.

PMID- 25131414
TI  - Comparison of conventional freezing and vitrification with dimethylformamide and
      ethylene glycol for cryopreservation of ovine embryos.
AB  - The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of the cryoprotectants
      dimethylformamide and ethylene glycol for cryopreservation of ovine embryos using
      vitrification and conventional freezing. The recovered embryos were distributed
      randomly in three treatment groups: Gr. 1: conventional freezing (n = 44), Gr. 2:
      vitrification with ethylene glycol (n = 39) and Gr. 3: vitrification with
      dimethylformamide (n = 38). Quality of fresh embryos in control group as well as
      of frozen and vitrified embryos was examined by three methodologies: staining
      with propidium iodide and Hoechst 33258 and evaluation under fluorescent
      microscopy, evaluation of re-expansion and hatching rates after culture, and
      determination of apoptotic index with TUNEL technique. It was established that re
      expansion rate in all treatment groups was similar. In the same time, hatching
      rates were higher in Gr. 1 (40.5%) and Gr. 2 (35.3%) in comparison with Gr. 3
      (15.5%, p < 0.05). The number of dead cells in vitrified embryos of Gr. 2 and Gr.
      3 was higher (42.6 +/- 26.2 and 63.2 +/- 34.65, respectively) in comparison with
      Gr. 1 (conventional freezing, 10.1 +/- 8.5, p < 0.05). Embryos vitrified with
      dimethylformamide included the same quality of apoptotic cells that Gr. 1
      (conventional freezing) and fresh embryos. In conclusion, the dimethylformamide
      and ethylene glycol used as cryoprotectant to vitrify ovine embryos, in the
      concentrations and exposition time tested in this work, were not as efficient as
      the conventional freezing for cryopreservation of ovine embryos Thus, the
      conventional freezing with ethylene glycol was the most efficient method to
      cryopreserve ovine embryos in comparison with vitrification. 

PMID- 25131415
TI  - Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with end-stage renal disease: a
      comparison with the general population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on occurrence and risk factors for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
      in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are sparse. METHODS: This was a
      nationwide population-based study assessing occurrence and risk factors for PCP
      among patients with ESRD and population controls over a 21-year period (1/1 1990
      to 31/12 2010). Using Danish registry data, first-time diagnoses of PCP were
      identified. RESULTS: We identified 13 296 adult patients with ESRD and 244 255
      controls, yielding 63 560 and 2 223 660 person-years of follow-up (PYFU),
      respectively. Fifty-eight first-time diagnoses of PCP were recorded in the ESRD
      group. Forty-six episodes occurred among renal transplant recipients (RTx) and 12
      among haemodialysis patients (HD), yielding incidence rates of 181 (136-242) and
      43.1 (24.5-75.9) per 100 000 PYFU. Compared to population controls, we found
      incidence rate-ratios of 125.9 (78.4-204) among RTx and 29.9 (14.1-59.7) among HD
      patients. Risk factors for PCP in RTx were age 50-65 years, age > 65 years,
      diabetes, polycystic kidney disease and hypertensive kidney
      disease/nephrosclerosis with an IRR of 2.22 (1.14-4.31), 3.12 (1.35-7.21), 3.44
      (1.16-10.2), 4.25 (1.55-11.7) and 3.87 (1.49-10.0), respectively, and more than
      36 months of dialysis before transplantation with an IRR of 1.99 (1.03-3.84).
      Among RTx the risk of PCP was highest during the first 6 months post
      transplantation and increased from the beginning (IR1990-94 = 111 (46.3-267) per
      100 000 PYFU) towards the end of the study period (IR2005-10 = 299 (203-439)).
      CONCLUSION: The PCP risk is substantial in RTx within the first 6 months of
      transplantation, emphasizing the potential benefit of prophylactic treatment in
      the early post-transplant period. Importantly, we identified subgroups within the
      RTx group that require more attention.

PMID- 25131416
TI  - Interface-induced nonswitchable domains in ferroelectric thin films.
AB  - Engineering domains in ferroelectric thin films is crucial for realizing
      technological applications including non-volatile data storage and solar energy
      harvesting. Size and shape of domains strongly depend on the electrical and
      mechanical boundary conditions. Here we report the origin of nonswitchable
      polarization under external bias that leads to energetically unfavourable head-to
      head domain walls in as-grown epitaxial PbZr(0.2)Ti(0.8)O3 thin films. By mapping
      electrostatic potentials and electric fields using off-axis electron holography
      and electron-beam-induced current with in situ electrical biasing in a
      transmission electron microscope, we show that electronic band bending across
      film/substrate interfaces locks local polarization direction and further produces
      unidirectional biasing fields, inducing nonswitchable domains near the interface.
      Presence of oxygen vacancies near the film surface, as revealed by electron
      energy loss spectroscopy, stabilizes the charged domain walls. The formation of
      charged domain walls and nonswitchable domains reported in this study can be an
      origin for imprint and retention loss in ferroelectric thin films.

PMID- 25131417
TI  - Cover versus recovery: contrasting responses of two indicators in seagrass beds.
AB  - Despite being a highly valuable key-stone ecosystem, seagrass meadows are
      threatened and declining worldwide, creating urgent need for indicators of their
      health status. We compared two indicators for seagrass health: standing leaf area
      index versus relative recovery from local disturbance. Disturbance was created by
      removing aboveground biomass and recording the rate of regrowth for Zostera
      marina meadows exposed to contrasting wave regimes and nutrient stress levels.
      Within the experimental period, relative regrowth in gaps was around 50% in most
      plots, except for the ambient nutrient treatment at the sheltered site, where it
      exceeded 100%. The two indicators showed an opposite response to disturbance: the
      higher the standing leaf area index, the lower the relative recovery from
      disturbance. This conflicting response raises the question on the proper
      interpretation of such indicators to estimate seagrass health and resilience, and
      how to ideally monitor seagrass ecosystems in order to predict collapse.

PMID- 25131418
TI  - Marine debris is selected as nesting material by the brown booby (Sula
      leucogaster) within the Swain Reefs, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
AB  - Many seabirds are impacted by marine debris through its presence in foraging and
      nesting areas. To determine the extent of this problem, marine debris use in nest
      material of the brown booby (Sula leucogaster) in the Great Barrier Reef,
      Australia, was investigated. Nine cays were examined using beach and nest
      surveys. On average, four marine debris items were found per nest (n=96) with
      58.3% of surveyed nests containing marine debris. The source of marine debris in
      nests and transects were primarily oceanic. Hard plastic items dominated both
      nest (56.8%) and surveyed beaches (72.8%), however only two item types were
      significantly correlated between these surveys. Nest surveys indicated higher
      levels of black and green items compared to beach transects. This selectivity for
      colours and items suggest these nests are not good indicators of environmental
      loads. This is the first study to examine S. leucogaster nests for marine debris
      in this location.

PMID- 25131419
TI  - Vertical distribution and source identification of polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs) in southwest of the Caspian Sea: most petrogenic events
      during the late Little Ice Age.
AB  - In this study, 75 samples of two (210)Pb-dated cores from the southwest of the
      Caspian Sea were analysed for 30 compounds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      (PAHs). The TPAH29 flux of the last six centuries ranged from 16.3 to 177.3 and
      22.3 to 426.2 ng cm(-2)y(-1) in the Rezvanshahr and Anzali core sediments,
      respectively. Prior to 1840, four distinct maxima in PAH fluxes (61-426.2 ng cm(
      2)y(-1)) with a low weathered petrogenic pattern were found in each of the core
      sediments. Simultaneity of distinct peaks of PAH fluxes before 1840 and Caspian
      Sea level high-stands during the Little Ice Age (LIA), revealed the high
      importance of this phenomenon in washing and transport of land-based oil
      pollution into the Caspian Sea. An overall increase in some diagnostic ratios
      (Flu/202, IP/276 and BaA/228), especially after 1940, indicated increase of
      pyrogenic PAHs as a result of industrial development in the catchment area.

PMID- 25131420
TI  - Sources and preservation of sedimentary organic matter in the Southern Bohai Sea
      and the Yellow Sea: evidence from lipid biomarkers.
AB  - The region of Southern Bohai Sea (SBS) and Yellow Sea (YS) represents one of the
      best examples of large river-dominated ocean margins. The transport and
      accumulation of sediments played a primary role in distribution of the lipids in
      the region and could lead to a preferential accumulation of these more refractory
      land-based lipids. The spatial distribution of total organic carbon (TOC) matched
      with the lipid distributions over the shelf, and high TOC presented in the
      central YS, but TOC burial fluxes decreased from 110 ton/km(2)/yr of SBS to 25-32
      ton/km(2)/yr of YS. Good correlations were observed between terrestrial n-alkanes
      and TOC in the sediments of SBS and northern YS, but they were poor for southern
      YS, meanwhile higher ratios of nC27+nC29+nC31/nC15+nC17+nC19 (12+/-6) were
      observed in SBS, and lower in YS (2.2+/-1.0), suggesting the Yellow River
      discharge was an important source of terrestrial organic matter to the shelf.

PMID- 25131422
TI  - Writing and functionalisation of suspended DNA nanowires on superhydrophobic
      pillar arrays.
AB  - Nanowire arrays and networks with precisely controlled patterns are very
      interesting for innovative device concepts in mesoscopic physics. In particular,
      DNA templates have proven to be versatile for the fabrication of complex
      structures that obtained functionality via combinations with other materials, for
      example by functionalisation with molecules or nanoparticles, or by coating with
      metals. Here, the controlled motion of the a three-phase contact line (TCL) of
      DNA-loaded drops on superhydrophobic substrates is used to fabricate suspended
      nanowire arrays. In particular, the deposition of DNA wires is imaged in situ,
      and different patterns are obtained on hexagonal pillar arrays by controlling the
      TCL velocity and direction. Robust conductive wires and networks are achieved by
      coating the wires with a thin layer of gold, and as proof of concept conductivity
      measurements are performed on single suspended wires. The plastic material of the
      superhydrophobic pillars ensures electrical isolation from the substrate. The
      more general versatility of these suspended nanowire networks as functional
      templates is outlined by fabricating hybrid organic-metal-semiconductor nanowires
      by growing ZnO nanocrystals onto the metal-coated nanowires. 

PMID- 25131423
TI  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis Secreted Proteins As Potential Biomarkers for the
      Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis and Latent Tuberculosis Infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) specific human
      antibodies has been an important diagnostic aid in the diagnosis of tuberculosis
      (TB) cases with smear-negative sputum samples, especially for the screening of
      high-risk population. This study focused on the analysis and comparison of the
      four potential Mtb-secreted proteins (ESAT6, CFP10, Ag85B, Hsp16.3) and the
      fusion protein Ag85B-Hsp16.3 as new markers in the serodiagnosis between active
      TB and latent TB infection (LTBI). METHODS: These five recombinant proteins were
      produced and used in optimized ELISA to detect IgG serum antibodies against the
      four secreted proteins. The capacity of identifying infection was evaluated
      either in active TB patients or LTBI individuals, which was compared with the
      control groups consisting of hospitalized non-TB individuals. RESULTS: The
      results showed that Ag85B-Hsp16.3/ESAT6 and Hsp16.3/ESAT6 were the best
      associated antigens for serology diagnosis of the active TB and LTBI individuals
      because of their specificity, sensitivity, YI values, and positive rates,
      respectively. ELISA test demonstrated that 41.67% (25/60) of blood donors respond
      to Ag85B-Hsp16.3/ESAT6. The consistency of this positive respond with clinical
      diagnosis almost reached 84% (21/25). CONCLUSION: Thus, a combined test of
      multiple Mtb-secreted proteins Ag85B, Hsp16.3, and ESAT6 may be the ascendant
      preliminary screening antigens for active TB or LTBI patients.

PMID- 25131424
TI  - Current update of chemomechanical caries removal methods.
AB  - Chemomechanical caries removal is an excellent method for minimally invasive
      caries excavation, and the removal agents are either sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)-
      or enzyme-based. The NaOCl-based agents include GK-101, GK-101E (Caridex) and
      Carisolv, and the enzyme-based agents include Papacarie and the experimental
      material, Biosolv. This review outlines the changes in chemomechanical caries
      removal methods and focuses on recently published laboratory and clinical
      studies. The historical development, mechanism of action, excavation time and
      biological effects on pulp and dental hard tissues are described. Based on
      existing evidence, the currently available chemomechanical caries removal methods
      are viable alternatives to conventional rotary instrument methods.
      Chemomechanical methods could be extremely useful in very anxious, disabled and
      paediatric patients. It does seem some of these agents would still benefit from
      quicker excavation times in order to achieve more universal acceptance. However,
      as a means of conserving the caries-affected dentine, chemomechanical caries
      removal is possibly much more successful than conventional rotary
      instrumentation. 

PMID- 25131421
TI  - Single-cell genetic analysis reveals insights into clonal development of prostate
      cancers and indicates loss of PTEN as a marker of poor prognosis.
AB  - Gauging the risk of developing progressive disease is a major challenge in
      prostate cancer patient management. We used genetic markers to understand genomic
      alteration dynamics during disease progression. By using a novel, advanced,
      multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization approach, we enumerated copy
      numbers of six genes previously identified by array comparative genomic
      hybridization to be involved in aggressive prostate cancer [TBL1XR1, CTTNBP2, MYC
      (alias c-myc), PTEN, MEN1, and PDGFB] in six nonrecurrent and seven recurrent
      radical prostatectomy cases. An ERG break-apart probe to detect TMPRSS2-ERG
      fusions was included. Subsequent hybridization of probe panels and cell
      relocation resulted in signal counts for all probes in each individual cell
      analyzed. Differences in the degree of chromosomal and genomic instability (ie,
      tumor heterogeneity) or the percentage of cells with TMPRSS2-ERG fusion between
      samples with or without progression were not observed. Tumors from patients that
      progressed had more chromosomal gains and losses, and showed a higher degree of
      selection for a predominant clonal pattern. PTEN loss was the most frequent
      aberration in progressers (57%), followed by TBL1XR1 gain (29%). MYC gain was
      observed in one progresser, which was the only lesion with an ERG gain, but no
      TMPRSS2-ERG fusion. According to our results, a probe set consisting of PTEN,
      MYC, and TBL1XR1 would detect progressers with 86% sensitivity and 100%
      specificity. This will be evaluated further in larger studies. 

PMID- 25131425
TI  - Dissolution-enhanced luminescent bioassay based on inorganic lanthanide
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Conventional dissociation-enhanced lanthanide fluoroimmunoassays (DELFIA) using
      molecular probes suffer from a low labeling ratio of lanthanide ions (Ln(3+) )
      per biomolecule. Herein, we develop a unique bioassay based on the dissolution
      enhanced luminescence of inorganic lanthanide nanoparticles (NPs). As a result of
      the highly concentrated Ln(3+)  ions in a single Ln(3+)  NP, an extremely high
      Ln(3+)  labeling ratio can be achieved, which amplifies significantly the
      luminescence signal and thus improves the detection sensitivity compared to
      DELFIA. Utilizing sub-10 nm NaEuF4  NPs as dissolution-enhanced luminescent
      nanoprobes, we demonstrate the successful in vitro detection of carcinoembryonic
      antigen (CEA, an important tumor marker) in human serum samples with a record-low
      detection limit of 0.1 pg mL(-1) (0.5 fM). This value is an improvement of
      approximately 3 orders of magnitude relative to that of DELFIA. The dissolution
      enhanced luminescent bioassay shows great promise in versatile bioapplications,
      such as ultrasensitive and multiplexed in vitro detection of disease markers in
      clinical diagnosis. 

PMID- 25131426
TI  - Construction and evaluation of a genetic construct for specific detection and
      measurement of propionate by whole-cell bacteria.
AB  - Anaerobic digestion is a microbiological technology that converts biomass wastes
      into biogas, achieving both waste treatment and bioenergy production.
      Accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFA) during acidogenesis, particularly
      propionate, often causes upset or failure of digesters. Early detection and
      monitoring of propionate concentration in digesters allow for just-in-time
      interventions to prevent irreversible costly process breakdown. In an attempt to
      develop a rapid method of measuring propionate concentration and bioavailability,
      we constructed a genetic construct for specific detection of bioavailable
      propionate. The genetic construct was constructed by transcriptional fusion of
      the regulatory gene (prpR) and the promoter of the prp operon (PprpB ) of
      Escherichia coli W3110 with the reporter gene cassette luxCDABE. When the genetic
      construct was carried on a plasmid and transformed into E. coli (referred to as
      plasmid-based biosensor), it resulted in stronger emission of luminescence than
      when it was inserted into the chromosome of E. coli (referred to as chromosome
      based biosensor). The biosensor responded specifically to propionate. The
      luminescence signal increased linearly with increasing concentration of
      propionate from 1 to 10 mM. The utility of the biosensor was evaluated using
      samples collected from anaerobic digesters. Once instrumented in future studies,
      the whole-cell bacterial biosensor developed in this study may provide an
      alternative technology for real-time detection and measurement of propionate in
      digesters.

PMID- 25131427
TI  - High doses of benzodiazepine predict analgesic and sedative drug withdrawal
      syndrome in paediatric intensive care patients.
AB  - AIM: Critically ill children can develop withdrawal syndrome after prolonged
      analgesia and sedation in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), when treatment
      is stopped abruptly or reduced quickly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      incidence of withdrawal syndrome in patients after three or more days of
      analgesic or sedative drug therapy, using a validated scale. We also analysed the
      association between withdrawal syndrome and the patients' outcome and factors
      related to analgesia and sedation treatment. METHODS: This prospective
      observational study analysed 89 periods of weaning from analgesia and sedation in
      60 children between October 2010 and October 2011. Of these, 65% were less than
      six months old and 45% were admitted to the PICU after heart surgery. Withdrawal
      syndrome was assessed using the Withdrawal Assessment Tool-1 (WAT-1) scale.
      RESULTS: The incidence of withdrawal syndrome was 37%, and the only variable that
      predicted its presence was the highest administered dose of benzodiazepine. The
      duration of weaning, Sophia Observational Withdrawal Symptom scale score and
      nurse judgment were also associated with positive WAT-1 scores. CONCLUSION:
      Withdrawal syndrome should be considered after three or more days of analgesic or
      sedative treatment. A high dose of benzodiazepine increases the risk of
      developing withdrawal symptoms.

PMID- 25131428
TI  - Pharmacokinetic modeling and Monte Carlo simulation of ondansetron following oral
      administration in dogs.
AB  - Ondansetron is a potent antiemetic drug that has been commonly used to treat
      acute and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in dogs. The aim of
      this study was to perform a pharmacokinetic analysis of ondansetron in dogs
      following oral administration of a single dose. A single 8-mg oral dose of
      ondansetron (Zofran((r)) ) was administered to beagles (n = 18), and the plasma
      concentrations of ondansetron were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry. The data were analyzed by modeling approaches using ADAPT5, and
      model discrimination was determined by the likelihood-ratio test. The peak plasma
      concentration (Cmax ) was 11.5 +/- 10.0 ng/mL at 1.1 +/- 0.8 h. The area under
      the plasma concentration vs. time curve from time zero to the last measurable
      concentration was 15.9 +/- 14.7 ng.h/mL, and the half-life calculated from the
      terminal phase was 1.3 +/- 0.7 h. The interindividual variability of the
      pharmacokinetic parameters was high (coefficient of variation > 44.1%), and the
      one-compartment model described the pharmacokinetics of ondansetron well. The
      estimated plasma concentration range of the usual empirical dose from the Monte
      Carlo simulation was 0.1-13.2 ng/mL. These findings will facilitate determination
      of the optimal dose regimen for dogs with CINV. 

PMID- 25131429
TI  - Development and evaluation of the Stages of Change in Oral Health instrument.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Oral health personnel are limited in their ability to assess the
      readiness of patients to make changes to improve oral health. We aimed to develop
      and test the Stages of Change in Oral Health (SOCOH) model, a scaled index of the
      stages of change - pre-contemplative, contemplative or active - with particular
      emphasis on pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Items were collected in a self
      report questionnaire conducted among a convenience sample of 446 mothers (age
      range: 14-43 years) pregnant with Aboriginal children in South Australia,
      Australia. Scales representing openness (four items; Cronbach's alpha = 0.73),
      value (four items; Cronbach's alpha = 0.71), inconvenience (six items; Cronbach's
      alpha = 0.79) and permissiveness (four items; Cronbach's alpha = 0.66) were
      developed. Participants were categorised according to the Stages of Change model
      and were evaluated against key self-reported oral health outcomes. RESULTS: Some
      11.9% of participants were classified as pre-contemplators, 46.4% as
      contemplators and 41.7% as active. A higher proportion of active participants had
      a higher education, last visited a dentist less than a year previously, had no
      dental fear, owned a toothbrush, brushed the previous day, used toothpaste, had
      no difficulties paying a $100 dental bill, self-reported their dental health as
      'excellent' and in the previous 12 months did not experience dental pain,
      embarrassment related to their dental appearance or difficulties eating food.
      CONCLUSIONS: The SOCOH model offers an internally consistent and valid instrument
      for detailed assessment of the readiness for change in regarding oral health
      behaviours in pregnancy and has potential benefits for clinical decision making
      and research.

PMID- 25131430
TI  - Anticonvulsants to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the existing literature on the efficacy of anticonvulsants
      in treating post-traumatic stress disorder. METHODS: We performed a literature
      search using PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane database on 30 September 2013.
      Randomized,controlled studies that investigated the efficacy of anticonvulsants
      for post-traumatic stress disorder were included in this review. Studies with
      retrospective designs, case reports and case series were excluded. RESULTS: A
      total of seven studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Three studies
      used topiramate with negative findings regarding its efficacy. Two studies used
      divalproex, both of which failed to show superiority over placebo. One study used
      lamotrigine, with favourable results, and one study used tiagabine, with negative
      results. CONCLUSIONS: Future long-term studies with larger sample sizes are
      needed to investigate the clinical utility of anticonvulsants for posttraumatic
      stress disorder treatment.

PMID- 25131431
TI  - [Allopurinol and its role in the treatment of sarcopenia].
AB  - Xanthine oxidase (XO) is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of hypoxanthine
      to xanthine and uric acid and plays an important role in purine catabolism. The
      purine analogue, allopurinol, is a well-known inhibitor of XO widely used in the
      clinical management of gout and conditions associated with hyperuricemia. More
      recent data indicate that allopurinol reduces oxidative stress and improves
      vascular function in several cardiometabolic diseases, prolongs exercise time in
      angina, and improves the efficiency of cardiac contractility in heart failure. XO
      also plays an important role in free radical generation during skeletal muscle
      contraction and thus, it has been related to the muscle damage associated to
      exhaustive exercise. Several research groups have shown the protective effect of
      allopurinol in the prevention of this type of damage. Based on this background, a
      critical overview is presented on the possible role of allopurinol in the
      treatment of sarcopenia, a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive and
      generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with a risk of adverse
      outcomes, such as physical disability, poor quality of life and death. 

PMID- 25131432
TI  - Body size evolution in Titanosauriformes (Sauropoda, Macronaria).
AB  - Titanosauriformes is a conspicuous and diverse group of sauropod dinosaurs that
      inhabited almost all land masses during Cretaceous times. Besides the diversity
      of forms, the clade comprises one of the largest land animals found so far,
      Argentinosaurus, as well as some of the smallest sauropods known to date,
      Europasaurus and Magyarosaurus. They are therefore good candidates for studies on
      body size trends such as the Cope's rule, the tendency towards an increase in
      body size in an evolutionary lineage. We used statistical methods to assess body
      size changes under both phylogenetic and nonphylogenetic approaches to identify
      body size trends in Titanosauriformes. Femoral lengths were collected (or
      estimated from humeral length) from 46 titanosauriform species and used as a
      proxy for body size. Our findings show that there is no increase or decrease in
      titanosauriform body size with age along the Cretaceous and that negative changes
      in body size are more common than positive ones (although not statistically
      significant) for most of the titanosauriform subclades (e.g. Saltasaridae,
      Lithostrotia, Titanosauria and Somphospondyli). Therefore, Cope's rule is not
      supported in titanosauriform evolution. Finally, we also found a trend towards a
      decrease of titanosauriform mean body size coupled with an increase in body size
      standard deviation, both supporting an increase in body size variation towards
      the end of Cretaceous.

PMID- 25131433
TI  - Involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome in rituximab-induced interstitial lung disease:
      a case report.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 IgG1 monoclonal
      antibody for the treatment of various forms of lymphoma and haematological
      autoimmune diseases. Interstitial lung disease is a rare but lethal pulmonary
      toxicity of rituximab. Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3
      (NLRP3) inflammasome is a molecular platform activated upon signs of cellular
      'danger' to trigger the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We report the
      first case of rituximab-induced interstitial lung disease (R-ILD) with NLRP3
      inflammasome activation in the lung. CASE SUMMARY: A 30-year-old male patient
      diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was treated with four
      cycles of rituximab in one month. Three weeks after last rituximab
      administration, he developed progressive dyspnoea associated with respiratory
      failure, which was diagnosed as R-ILD. The patient showed a good response to
      steroid treatment, and lung biopsy was performed 5 days after the treatment.
      Immunohistopathological studies of lung specimens showed high expressions of
      inflammasome components NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing
      a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) and caspase-1 in lung interstitium with a
      heavy infiltration of CD19-positive cells. The levels of inflammasome-related
      cytokines IL-1beta and IL-18 in the serum were declined during the therapy. WHAT
      IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report confirmed the role of NLRP3
      inflammasome in pulmonary toxicity of rituximab. Inhibited activation of NLRP3
      inflammasome in lung by steroid treatment could reverse R-ILD and block
      subsequent lung fibrosis. This result could open a new sight into the
      pathogenesis and provide a new target for the treatment of R-ILD.

PMID- 25131437
TI  - Alterations in collagen fibre patterns in breast cancer. A premise for tumour
      invasiveness?
AB  - Stromal tissue in the breast plays a key role in cancer invasiveness due to
      molecular and cellular changes. Collagen is the main component of the stroma. The
      purposes of this study were to investigate differences in collagen fibre patterns
      between tumour-induced stromal tissue and normal stroma, and between high-grade
      and low-grade breast cancer stroma, using second harmonic generation microscopy.
      Thirty-seven ductal carcinomas were examined: Twenty-one Luminal A phenotype and
      sixteen HER2 or Basal-like phenotype. Three regions were examined in each case:
      intratumoral, juxtatumoral and extratumoral. Two images were captured in each
      region. Two characteristics of collagen fibres were examined: the degree of
      straightness, and the degree of alignment. Collagen fibres were visually
      classified as curly, intermediate or straight, and as parallel or not parallel.
      The results of angle measurement and visual analysis showed that collagen fibres
      were straightest in the intratumoral region and curliest in the extratumoral
      region. Collagen fibres were more parallel in the juxtatumoral region compared to
      the two other regions. There were no significant differences between high-grade
      and low-grade tumours. As a breast tumour progresses, collagen fibres appear to
      straighten and align at the tumour boundary. This could facilitate invasion of
      the tumour into the surrounding stroma. 

PMID- 25131436
TI  - Regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis by the global regulator CcpA and the local
      regulator FabT in Streptococcus mutans.
AB  - SMU.1745c, encoding a putative transcriptional regulator of the MarR family, maps
      to a location proximal to the fab gene cluster in Streptococcus mutans. Deletion
      of the SMU.1745c (fabTS m ) coding region resulted in a membrane fatty acid
      composition comprised of longer-chained, unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), compared
      with the parent strain. Previous reports have indicated a role for FabT in
      regulation of genes in the fab gene cluster in other organisms, through binding
      to a palindromic DNA sequence. Consensus FabT motif sequences were identified in
      S. mutans in the intergenic regions preceding fabM, fabTSm and fabK in the fab
      gene cluster. Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (cat) reporter fusions, using the
      fabM promoter, revealed elevated transcription in a ?fabTS m background.
      Transcription of fabTS m was dramatically elevated in cells grown at pH values of
      5 and 7 in the ? fabTS m background. Transcription of fabTS m was also elevated
      in a strain carrying a deletion for the carbon catabolite repressor CcpA.
      Purified FabTS m and CcpA bound to the promoter regions of fabTS m and fabM.
      Hence, the data indicate that FabTS m acts as a repressor of fabM and fabTS m
      itself and the global regulator CcpA acts as a repressor for fabTS m .

PMID- 25131439
TI  - The effect of calcium phosphate composite scaffolds on the osteogenic
      differentiation of rabbit dental pulp stem cells.
AB  - The objective of this study is to compare the effects of the two calcium
      phosphate composite scaffolds on the attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic
      differentiation of rabbit dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). One nano
      hydroxyapatite/collagen/poly (l-lactide) (nHAC/PLA), imitating the composition
      and the micro-structure characteristics of the natural bone, was made by Beijing
      Allgens Medical Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (China). The other beta-tricalcium
      phosphate (beta-TCP), being fully interoperability globular pore structure, was
      provided by Shanghai Bio-lu Biomaterials Co, Ltd. (China). We compared the
      absorption water rate and the protein adsorption rate of two scaffolds and the
      characterization of DPSCs cultured on the culture plate and both scaffolds under
      osteogenic differentiation media (ODM) treatment. The constructs were then
      implanted subcutaneously into the back of severely combined immunodeficient
      (SCID) mice for 8 and 12 weeks to compare their bone formation capacity. The
      results showed that the ODM-treated DPSCs expressed osteocalcin (OCN), bone
      sialoprotein (BSP), type I collagen (COLI) and osteopontin (OPN) by
      immunofluorescence staining. Positive alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining,
      calcium deposition and calcium nodules were also observed on the ODM-treated
      DPSCs. The absorption water rate and protein adsorption rate of nHAC/PLA was
      significantly higher than beta-TCP. The initial attachment of DPSCs seeded onto
      nHAC/PLA was significantly higher than that onto beta-TCP; and the proliferation
      rate of the cells was also significantly higher than that of beta-TCP on 1, 3,
      and 7 days of cell culture. The ALP activity, calcium/phosphorus content and
      mineral formation of DPSCs + beta-TCP were significantly higher than DPSCs +
      nHAC/LA. When implanted into the back of SCID mice, nHAC/PLA alone had no new
      bone formation, newly formed mature bone and osteoid were only observed in beta
      TCP alone, DPSCs + nHAC/PLA and DPSCs + beta-TCP, and this three groups displayed
      increased bone formation over the 12-week period. The percentage of total bone
      formation area had no difference between DPSCs + beta-TCP and DPSCs + nHAC/PLA at
      each time point, but the percentage of mature bone formation area of DPSCs + beta
      TCP was significantly higher than that of DPSCs + nHAC/PLA. Our results
      demonstrated that the DPSCs on nHAC/PLA had a better proliferation, and that the
      DPSCs on beta-TCP had a more mineralization in vitro, much more newly formed
      mature bones in vivo were presented in DPSCs + beta-TCP group. These findings
      have provided a further knowledge that scaffold architecture has different
      influence on the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of cells. This
      study may provide insight into the clinical periodontal bone tissue repair with
      DPSCs + beta-TCP construct.

PMID- 25131440
TI  - Bi-compartmental elderly or adult dynamic digestion models applied to interrogate
      protein digestibility.
AB  - The world's population is inevitably ageing thanks to modern progress; however,
      the development of food and oral formulations tailored to the needs of the
      elderly is still in its infancy. In vitro digestion models offer high throughput,
      robust and practically ethics free evaluation of the digestive fate of ingested
      products. To date, no data have been made publicly available to facilitate the
      development or application of an in vitro model mirroring the physicochemical
      conditions of the elderly gastrointestinal system. This study reports the
      development of a novel and highly bio-relevant in vitro model based on two
      serially connected bioreactors recreating the dynamic conditions of the adult or
      elderly alimentary canal. This report and its supplementary material describe in
      detail the set-up of the system, the applied physicochemical parameters and the
      development of the controlling software. These are intended to openly depict a
      versatile platform, which could assist future efforts to develop age-tailored
      oral formulations. SDS-PAGE analyses of samples collected from the in vitro
      digestion of beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and lactoferrin suggest the
      bioaccessibility of "slow digesting" and "fast digesting" proteins identified in
      adult models do not necessarily maintain this trait under elderly gastro
      intestinal conditions. Overall, this study brings forward a new generic yet
      advanced model that could facilitate age-tailoring the digestive fate of liquid
      formulations. 

PMID- 25131438
TI  - Lipid interactions during virus entry and infection.
AB  - For entry and infection viruses have developed numerous strategies to subjugate
      indispensable cellular factors and functions. Host cell lipids and cellular lipid
      synthesis machinery are no exception. Not only do viruses exploit existing lipid
      signalling and modifications for virus entry and trafficking, they also reprogram
      lipid synthesis, metabolism, and compartmentalization for assembly and egress.
      Here we review these various concepts and highlight recent progress in
      understanding viral interactions with host cell lipids during entry and assembly.

PMID- 25131441
TI  - The role of the hippocampus in passive and active spatial learning.
AB  - Rats with lesions of the hippocampus or sham lesions were required in four
      experiments to escape from a square swimming pool by finding a submerged
      platform. Experiments 1 and 2 commenced with passive training in which rats were
      repeatedly placed on the platform in one corner-the correct corner-of a pool with
      distinctive walls. A test trial then revealed a strong preference for the correct
      corner in the sham but not the hippocampal group. Subsequent active training of
      being required to swim to the platform resulted in both groups acquiring a
      preference for the correct corner in the two experiments. In Experiments 3 and 4,
      rats were required to solve a discrimination between different panels pasted to
      the walls of the pool, by swimming to the middle of a correct panel. Hippocampal
      lesions prevented a discrimination being formed between panels of different
      lengths (Experiment 3), but not between panels showing lines of different
      orientations (Experiment 4); rats with sham lesions mastered both problems. It is
      suggested that an intact hippocampus is necessary for the formation of stimulus
      goal associations that permit successful passive spatial leaning. It is further
      suggested that an intact hippocampus is not necessary for the formation of
      stimulus-response associations, except when they involve information about length
      or distance.

PMID- 25131442
TI  - Short- and long-term prognosis of previous and new-onset atrial fibrillation in
      ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The impact of atrial fibrillation on the prognosis
      of myocardial infarction is still the subject of debate. We analyzed the
      influence of previous and new-onset atrial fibrillation on in-hospital and long
      term prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Prospective
      study of 4284 patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction. We
      studied all-cause in-hospital and long-term mortality (median, 7.2 years) using
      adjusted models. RESULTS: In total, 3.2% of patients had previous atrial
      fibrillation and 9.8% had new-onset atrial fibrillation. In general, both groups
      of patients had a high baseline risk profile and an increased likelihood of in
      hospital complications. The crude in-hospital mortality rate was higher in
      patients with previous atrial fibrillation than in those with new-onset atrial
      fibrillation (22% vs 12%; P<.001; 30% vs 10%; P<.001). The long-term mortality
      rate was 11.11/100 patient-years in patients with previous atrial fibrillation
      and 5.35/100 patient years in those with new-onset atrial fibrillation (both
      groups, P<.001). New-onset fibrillation alone (odds ratio=1.55; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.08-2.22) was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality.
      Previous atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio=1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.94
      1.64) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio=0.98; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.80-1.21) were not independent predictors of long-term mortality.
      CONCLUSIONS: New-onset atrial fibrillation during hospitalization is an
      independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction.

PMID- 25131443
TI  - Ecological mechanisms underpinning climate adaptation services.
AB  - Ecosystem services are typically valued for their immediate material or cultural
      benefits to human wellbeing, supported by regulating and supporting services.
      Under climate change, with more frequent stresses and novel shocks, 'climate
      adaptation services', are defined as the benefits to people from increased social
      ability to respond to change, provided by the capability of ecosystems to
      moderate and adapt to climate change and variability. They broaden the ecosystem
      services framework to assist decision makers in planning for an uncertain future
      with new choices and options. We present a generic framework for operationalising
      the adaptation services concept. Four steps guide the identification of intrinsic
      ecological mechanisms that facilitate the maintenance and emergence of ecosystem
      services during periods of change, and so materialise as adaptation services. We
      applied this framework for four contrasted Australian ecosystems. Comparative
      analyses enabled by the operational framework suggest that adaptation services
      that emerge during trajectories of ecological change are supported by common
      mechanisms: vegetation structural diversity, the role of keystone species or
      functional groups, response diversity and landscape connectivity, which underpin
      the persistence of function and the reassembly of ecological communities under
      severe climate change and variability. Such understanding should guide ecosystem
      management towards adaptation planning. 

PMID- 25131444
TI  - Abortion providers, stigma and professional quality of life.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Providers Share Workshop (PSW) provides abortion providers safe
      space to discuss their work experiences. Our objectives were to assess changes in
      abortion stigma over time and explore how stigma is related to aspects of
      professional quality of life, including compassion satisfaction, burnout and
      compassion fatigue for providers participating in the workshops. STUDY DESIGN:
      Seventy-nine providers were recruited to the PSW study. Surveys were completed
      prior to, immediately following and 1 year after the workshops. The outcome
      measures were the Abortion Provider Stigma Survey and the Professional Quality of
      Life (ProQOL) survey. Baseline ProQOL scores were compared to published averages
      using t tests. Changes in abortion stigma and aspects of professional quality of
      life were assessed by fitting a two-level random-effects model with repeated
      measures at level 1 (period-level) and static measures (e.g., demographic data)
      at level 2 (person-level). Potential covariates included age, parenting status,
      education, organizational tenure, job type and clinic type (stand-alone vs.
      hospital-based clinics). RESULTS: Compared to other healthcare workers, abortion
      providers reported higher compassion satisfaction (t=2.65, p=.009) and lower
      burnout (t=5.13, p<.0001). Repeated-measures analysis revealed statistically
      significant decreases in stigma over time. Regression analysis identified
      abortion stigma as a significant predictor of lower compassion satisfaction,
      higher burnout and higher compassion fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Participants in PSW
      reported a reduction in abortion stigma over time. Further, stigma is an
      important predictor of compassion satisfaction, burnout and compassion fatigue,
      suggesting that interventions aimed at supporting the abortion providing
      workforce should likely assess abortion stigma. IMPLICATIONS: Stigma is an
      important predictor of compassion satisfaction, burnout and compassion fatigue
      among abortion care providers. Therefore, strengthening human resources for
      abortion care requires stigma reduction efforts. Participants in the PSWs show
      reductions in stigma over time.

PMID- 25131445
TI  - APRI and FIB-4 are good predictors of the stage of liver fibrosis in chronic
      hepatitis B: the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS).
AB  - We aim to determine the predictive ability of APRI, FIB-4 and AST/ALT ratio for
      staging of liver fibrosis and to differentiate significant fibrosis (F2-F4) from
      none to minimal fibrosis (F0-F1) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Liver biopsy
      results were mapped to an F0-4 equivalent fibrosis stage. Mean APRI and FIB-4
      scores were significantly higher for each successive fibrosis level from F1 to F4
      (P < 0.05). Based on optimized cut-offs, the AUROCs in distinguishing F2-F4 from
      F0 to F1 were 0.81 (0.76-0.87) for APRI, 0.81 (0.75-0.86) for FIB-4 and 0.56
      (0.49-0.64) for AST/ALT ratio. APRI and FIB-4 distinguished F2-F4 from F0 to F1
      with good sensitivity and specificity and can be useful for treatment decisions
      and monitoring progression of fibrosis. 

PMID- 25131447
TI  - Interplay between brain stem angiotensins and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1
      as a novel mechanism for pressor response after ischemic stroke.
AB  - Pressor response after stroke commonly leads to early death or susceptibility to
      stroke recurrence, and detailed mechanisms are still lacking. We assessed the
      hypothesis that the renin-angiotensin system contributes to pressor response
      after stroke by differential modulation of the pro-inflammatory chemokine
      monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla
      (RVLM), a key brain stem site that maintains blood pressure. We also investigated
      the beneficial effects of a novel renin inhibitor, aliskiren, against stroke
      elicited pressor response. Experiments were performed in male adult Sprague
      Dawley rats. Stroke induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion elicited
      significant pressor response, accompanied by activation of angiotensin II (Ang
      II)/type I receptor (AT1R) and AT2R signaling, depression of Ang-(1-7)/MasR and
      Ang IV/AT4R cascade, alongside augmentation of MCP-1/C-C chemokine receptor 2
      (CCR2) signaling and neuroinflammation in the RVLM. Stroke-elicited pressor
      response was significantly blunted by antagonism of AT1R, AT2R or MCP-1/CCR2
      signaling, and eliminated by applying Ang-(1-7) or Ang IV into the RVLM.
      Furthermore, stroke-activated MCP-1/CCR2 signaling was enhanced by AT1R and AT2R
      activation, and depressed by Ang-(1-7)/MasR and Ang IV/AT4R cascade. Aliskiren
      inhibited stroke-elicited pressor response via downregulating MCP-1/CCR2 activity
      and reduced neuroinflammation in the RVLM; these effects were potentiated by Ang
      (1-7) or Ang IV. We conclude that whereas Ang II/AT1R or Ang II/AT2R signaling in
      the brain stem enhances, Ang-(1-7)/MasR or Ang IV/AT4R antagonizes pressor
      response after stroke by differential modulations of MCP-1 in the RVLM.
      Furthermore, combined administration of aliskiren and Ang-(1-7) or Ang IV into
      the brain stem provides more effective amelioration of stroked-induced pressor
      response. 

PMID- 25131446
TI  - Deep brain stimulation in rats: different targets induce similar antidepressant
      like effects but influence different circuits.
AB  - Recent studies in patients with treatment-resistant depression have shown similar
      results with the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the subcallosal cingulate
      gyrus (SCG), ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) and nucleus accumbens
      (Acb). As these brain regions are interconnected, one hypothesis is that by
      stimulating these targets one would just be influencing different relays in the
      same circuitry. We investigate behavioral, immediate early gene expression, and
      functional connectivity changes in rats given DBS in homologous regions, namely
      the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), white matter fibers of the frontal
      region (WMF) and nucleus accumbens. We found that DBS delivered to the vmPFC, Acb
      but not WMF induced significant antidepressant-like effects in the FST (31%, 44%,
      and 17% reduction in immobility compared to controls). Despite these findings,
      stimulation applied to these three targets induced distinct patterns of regional
      activity and functional connectivity. While animals given vmPFC DBS had increased
      cortical zif268 expression, changes after Acb stimulation were primarily observed
      in subcortical structures. In animals receiving WMF DBS, both cortical and
      subcortical structures at a distance from the target were influenced by
      stimulation. In regard to functional connectivity, DBS in all targets decreased
      intercorrelations among cortical areas. This is in contrast to the clear
      differences observed in subcortical connectivity, which was reduced after vmPFC
      DBS but increased in rats receiving Acb or WMF stimulation. In conclusion,
      results from our study suggest that, despite similar antidepressant-like effects,
      stimulation of the vmPFC, WMF and Acb induces distinct changes in regional brain
      activity and functional connectivity. 

PMID- 25131448
TI  - Folate deficiency-induced oxidative stress contributes to neuropathy in young and
      aged zebrafish--implication in neural tube defects and Alzheimer's diseases.
AB  - Folate is a nutrient essential for the development, function and regeneration of
      nervous systems. Folate deficiency has been linked to many neurological disorders
      including neural tube defects in fetus and Alzheimer's diseases in the elderly.
      However, the etiology underlying these folate deficiency-associated diseases is
      not completely understood. In this study, zebrafish transgenic lines with timing
      and duration-controllable folate deficiency were developed by ectopically
      overexpressing a recombinant EGFP-gamma-glutamyl hydrolase (gammaGH). Impeded
      neural crest cell migration was observed in the transgenic embryos when folate
      deficiency was induced in early stages, leading to defective neural tube closure
      and hematopoiesis. Adding reduced folate or N-acetylcysteine reversed the
      phenotypic anomalies, supporting the causal link between the increased oxidative
      stress and the folate deficiency-induced abnormalities. When folate deficiency
      was induced in aged fish accumulation of beta-amyloid and phosphorylated Tau
      protein were found in the fish brain cryo-sections. Increased autophagy and
      accumulation of acidic autolysosome were apparent in folate deficient
      neuroblastoma cells, which were reversed by reduced folate or N-acetylcysteine
      supplementation. Decreased expression of cathepsin B, a lysosomal protease, was
      also observed in cells and tissue with folate deficiency. We concluded that
      folate deficiency-induced oxidative stress contributed to the folate deficiency
      associated neuropathogenesis in both early and late stages of life. 

PMID- 25131450
TI  - Use of Sato's curved laryngoscope and an insulated-tip knife for endoscopic
      incisional therapy of esophageal web.
AB  - We experienced two cases of esophageal web accompanying severe stricture that
      were treated by endoscopic incisions with an insulated-tip knife (IT-knife). With
      attention paid to the mucosa at the stricture, the lesion was incised with an IT
      knife without complications. Sato's curved laryngoscope was used even in cervical
      esophageal lesions and an excellent field was secured. 

PMID- 25131451
TI  - Relationship of hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction
      with incident diabetes and pre-diabetes: the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.
AB  - AIMS: To examine the association of fasting insulin, insulin resistance and
      reduced beta-cell function with incident Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes
      (isolated impaired fasting glucose/isolated impaired glucose tolerance and
      combined impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance). METHODS: An
      Iranian population comprising 1532 men and 2221 women, aged >= 20 years, with
      normal fasting glucose and normal glucose tolerance at baseline, were enrolled in
      the study. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate
      the hazard ratios and 95% CIs of fasting insulin, updated homeostasis model
      assessments of insulin resistance and beta-cell function for incident Type 2
      diabetes, isolated impaired fasting glucose, isolated impaired glucose tolerance
      and combined impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance. RESULTS: During
      a median follow-up of 9.2 years, the annual incidence rates (95% CI) of diabetes
      were 3.73 (2.74-4.94) and 4.06 (3.21-5.06) per 1000 person-years in men and
      women, respectively. In both men and women, fasting insulin and homeostasis model
      assessment of insulin resistance (>= 75th percentile) were significantly
      associated with incident diabetes and combined impaired fasting glucose/impaired
      glucose tolerance; however, reduced beta-cell function as measured by homeostasis
      model assessment of beta-cell function (< 25th percentile) was associated with
      incident isolated impaired fasting glucose solely in men [hazard ratio 1.35 (95%
      CI 1.02-1.78)] in multivariable analysis including waist-hip ratio).
      Hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction were not related
      to the incidence of isolated impaired glucose tolerance in either gender.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fasting hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance were strong risk
      factors for progression to diabetes and combined impaired fasting
      glucose/impaired glucose tolerance in a population with normal fasting
      glucose/normal glucose tolerance. In addition, impaired beta-cell function at
      baseline was related to the development of isolated impaired fasting glucose only
      in men and, in both men and women, neither insulin resistance nor beta-cell
      dysfunction were associated with incident isolated impaired glucose tolerance.

PMID- 25131452
TI  - Genetic history of hepatitis C virus in Pakistan.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3a accounts for ~80% of HCV infections in
      Pakistan, where ~10 million people are HCV-infected. Here, we report analysis of
      the genetic heterogeneity of HCV NS3 and NS5b subgenomic regions from genotype 3a
      variants obtained from Pakistan. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Pakistani
      genotype 3a variants were as genetically diverse as global variants, with
      extensive intermixing. Bayesian estimates showed that the most recent ancestor
      for genotype 3a in Pakistan was last extant in ~1896-1914 C.E. (range: 1851
      1932). This genotype experienced a population expansion starting from ~1905 to
      ~1970 after which the effective population leveled. Death/birth models suggest
      that HCV 3a has reached saturating diversity with decreasing turnover rate and
      positive extinction. Taken together, these observations are consistent with a
      long and complex history of HCV 3a infection in Pakistan. 

PMID- 25131453
TI  - Effects of three different low-intensity exercise interventions on physical
      performance, muscle CSA and activities of daily living: a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the short-term effects of three different resistance
      training programs, conducted at low intensity, on physical performance, muscle
      cross-sectional area (CSA) and the capacity to perform daily tasks in older
      adults living in a geriatric nursing home. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial,
      with a 4-month intervention period. SETTING: A geriatric nursing home in
      Valencia, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-nine adults aged 75 to 96 who were
      independent in their daily activities. INTERVENTION: After a baseline assessment,
      the participants were randomly assigned to the control group or one of the three
      intervention groups: volitional contraction (VC; n=22), neuromuscular electrical
      stimulation (NMES; n=22), or neuromuscular electrical stimulation superimposed
      onto voluntary contractions (NMES+; n=22). The intervention focused on knee
      extension exercises and its intensity was set at 40% of one-repetition maximum
      (1RM). MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measure was mobility. Secondary outcomes
      were rectus femoris CSA, balance, aerobic endurance, upper-body strength and the
      capacity to perform daily tasks. All data were collected at baseline and after
      the 4-month intervention period. RESULTS: The two-way ANOVA analysis showed a
      significant group*time interaction effect for the mobility (P=.022), rectus
      femoris CSA (P=.001), and the capacity to perform daily tasks (P=.05). The within
      group analysis found a more prominent effect in the NMES+ group. Significant
      improvements were seen in rectus femoris CSA and the capacity to perform daily
      tasks in all intervention groups. Mobility only improved in the NMES+ group
      (P=.026). CONCLUSION: From a short-term perspective, NMES+ exercise training,
      performed at low intensity, can improve physical performance, muscle CSA, and the
      capacity to perform daily activities, and to partially mitigate age-related
      consequences in older adults.

PMID- 25131454
TI  - Testicular hypofunction and multiple sclerosis risk: a record-linkage study.
AB  - The influence of gonadal hormones on multiple sclerosis (MS) is not well
      characterized and has thus far been investigated primarily in animal models or as
      a proposed therapeutic approach. We investigated a potential association between
      testicular hypofunction, as a proxy for low testosterone levels, and MS risk
      through analysis of linked English national Hospital Episode Statistics from 1999
      to 2011. We report a strong positive association between testicular hypofunction
      and subsequent MS (rate ratio = 4.62, 95% confidence interval = 2.3-8.24, p <
      0.0001). Future work should aim more directly to elucidate the relationship
      between testosterone levels and MS in both males and females.

PMID- 25131456
TI  - A facilely synthesized amino-functionalized metal-organic framework for highly
      specific and efficient enrichment of glycopeptides.
AB  - A facilely synthesized amino-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF) MIL
      101(Cr)-NH2 was first applied for highly specific glycopeptide enrichment based
      on the hydrophilic interactions. With the special characteristics of the MOF, the
      material performed well in selectivity and sensitivity for both standard
      glycoprotein samples and complex biological samples. 

PMID- 25131449
TI  - HDL and cognition in neurodegenerative disorders.
AB  - High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are a heterogeneous group of lipoproteins
      composed of various lipids and proteins. HDL is formed both in the systemic
      circulation and in the brain. In addition to being a crucial player in the
      reverse cholesterol transport pathway, HDL possesses a wide range of other
      functions including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, pro-endothelial function,
      anti-thrombosis, and modulation of immune function. It has been firmly
      established that high plasma levels of HDL protect against cardiovascular
      disease. Accumulating evidence indicates that the beneficial role of HDL extends
      to many other systems including the central nervous system. Cognition is a
      complex brain function that includes all aspects of perception, thought, and
      memory. Cognitive function often declines during aging and this decline manifests
      as cognitive impairment/dementia in age-related and progressive neurodegenerative
      disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease,
      and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A growing concern is that no effective therapy
      is currently available to prevent or treat these devastating diseases. Emerging
      evidence suggests that HDL may play a pivotal role in preserving cognitive
      function under normal and pathological conditions. This review attempts to
      summarize recent genetic, clinical and experimental evidence for the impact of
      HDL on cognition in aging and in neurodegenerative disorders as well as the
      potential of HDL-enhancing approaches to improve cognitive function. 

PMID- 25131457
TI  - Self-aggregation of synthetic zinc chlorophyll derivatives possessing 3(1)
      hydroxy or methoxy group and 13(1)-mono- or dicyanomethylene moiety in nonpolar
      organic solvents as models of chlorosomal bacteriochlorophyll-d aggregates.
AB  - Methyl 13(1)-(di)cyanomethylene-pyropheophorbides were synthesized by Knoevenagel
      reactions of the corresponding 13(1)-oxo-chlorins prepared from modifying
      chlorophyll-a with malononitrile or cyanoacetic acid. Alternatively, methyl 13(1)
      cyanomethylene-pyropheophorbides were produced by Wittig reactions of 13(1)-oxo
      chlorins with Ph3P=CHCN. Self-aggregation of zinc complexes of the semi-synthetic
      chlorophyll derivatives possessing a hydroxy or methoxy group at the 3(1)
      position was examined in 1%(v/v) tetrahydrofuran or dichloromethane and hexane by
      electronic absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Although
      intermolecular hydrogen-bonding between the 3(1)-hydroxy and 13(1)-oxo groups of
      bacteriochlorophylls-c/d/e/f was essential for their self-aggregation in natural
      light-harvesting antenna systems (=chlorosomes), zinc 3(1)-hydroxy-13(1)
      di/monocyanomethylene-chlorins self-aggregated in the less/lesser polar organic
      solvents to form chlorosome-like large oligomers in spite of lacking the 13(1)
      oxo moiety as the hydrogen-bonding acceptor. Zinc 3(1)-methoxy-13(1)
      dicyanomethylene-chlorin gave similar self-aggregates regardless of lack of both
      the 3(1)-hydroxy and 13(1)-oxo groups. The present self-aggregation was
      ascribable to stronger coordination of the 3(1)-oxygen atom to the central zinc
      than the conventional systems, where the electron-withdrawing cyano group(s)
      increased the coordinative ability of the central zinc through the chlorin pi
      system.

PMID- 25131459
TI  - [Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation with extracorporeal
      tailoring and direct nipple ureteroneocystostomy for adult obstructive
      megaureter].
AB  - This paper focuses on a novel modified technique about the treatment of adult
      obstructed megaureter by the transperitoneal laparoscopic procedure. With the
      improvement of the laparoscopic surgery, many urological surgeries can be safely
      and effectually performed by laparoscopic approach. The previously reported
      laparoscopic methods for treatment of adult obstructed megaureter were complex
      and time-consuming. To simplify the method, we modified the laparoscopic approach
      based on the previous methods. The innovative points of our novel technique are
      the extracorporeal tailoring of ureter and nipple ureteroneocystostomy. By this
      modified procedure, the time of operation can be obviously reduced while the
      procedure is effective. We hope this modified procedure will be accepted by more
      urologists. 

PMID- 25131460
TI  - [Incidence and clinicopathological characteristics of incidental prostatic
      adenocarcinoma in radical cystoprostatectomy specimens].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence and clinicopathological features of
      incidental prostate cancer (IPCa) in specimens from radical cystoprostatectomy
      (RCP) for bladder cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the
      histopathological features of 865 male patients who underwent an RCP between
      January 2005 and March 2014. No patients had preoperative clinical or biological
      suspicion of prostate cancer (PCa). RESULTS: Among the 865 specimens, IPCa was
      diagnosed in 235 patients (27.2%). Most tumors (228/235, 97.0%) were organ
      confined (pT2); And 7 cases (3.0 %) of them were diagnosed at T3. Gleason score
      was < 6 in 84 cases (35.7 %), 6 in 77 cases (32.8%), 7 in 64 cases (27.2 %), and
      > 7 in 10 cases (4.3 %). CONCLUSION: The rate of incidentally diagnosed IPCa was
      8.5%, and that in RCP and TURP specimens was 19.5% and 4.4% respectively. The
      majority of these IPCas were organ-confined. Gleason score in most of these
      specimens was <= 7. Moreover, prostate examination in the RCP specimen should be
      careful and sufficient, whole-amount prostate sections improve diagnostic
      accuracy.

PMID- 25131455
TI  - Endothelin@25 - new agonists, antagonists, inhibitors and emerging research
      frontiers: IUPHAR Review 12.
AB  - Since the discovery of endothelin (ET)-1 in 1988, the main components of the
      signalling pathway have become established, comprising three structurally similar
      endogenous 21-amino acid peptides, ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3, that activate two GPCRs,
      ETA and ETB . Our aim in this review is to highlight the recent progress in ET
      research. The ET-like domain peptide, corresponding to prepro-ET-193-166 , has
      been proposed to be co-synthesized and released with ET-1, to modulate the
      actions of the peptide. ET-1 remains the most potent vasoconstrictor in the human
      cardiovascular system with a particularly long-lasting action. To date, the major
      therapeutic strategy to block the unwanted actions of ET in disease, principally
      in pulmonary arterial hypertension, has been to use antagonists that are
      selective for the ETA receptor (ambrisentan) or that block both receptor subtypes
      (bosentan). Macitentan represents the next generation of antagonists, being more
      potent than bosentan, with longer receptor occupancy and it is converted to an
      active metabolite; properties contributing to greater pharmacodynamic and
      pharmacokinetic efficacy. A second strategy is now being more widely tested in
      clinical trials and uses combined inhibitors of ET-converting enzyme and neutral
      endopeptidase such as SLV306 (daglutril). A third strategy based on activating
      the ETB receptor, has led to the renaissance of the modified peptide agonist
      IRL1620 as a clinical candidate in delivering anti-tumour drugs and as a
      pharmacological tool to investigate experimental pathophysiological conditions.
      Finally, we discuss biased signalling, epigenetic regulation and targeting with
      monoclonal antibodies as prospective new areas for ET research. 

PMID- 25131461
TI  - [Expression of brainderived neurotrophic factor in urine of patients with benign
      prostatic hyperplasia complicated overactive bladder symptoms].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of urinary brainderived neurotrophic
      factor (BDNF) in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with overactive bladder
      (OAB) symptoms and its correlation with the severity of OAB symptoms. METHODS:
      According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 178 patients with
      benign prostatic hyperplasia who were to undergo transurethral resection of
      prostate (TURP) were enrolled in this study. All the patients had accepted basic
      preoperative evaluations, as well as an assessment of their International
      Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). The
      patients who had been scheduled for surgery had to take the urodynamic
      assessment. Urinary BDNF levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) and the results were further normalized to the concentration of
      urinary creatinine (BDNF/Cr, mg/mol). RESULTS: The urinary BDNF/Cr levels of the
      patients with moderate and severe lower urinary tract symptoms were (1.189 +/-
      0.753) mg/mol and (1.817 +/- 1.110) mg/mol (P < 0.001). The urinary BDNF/Cr
      levels of the patients with grades III-VI obstruction were (1.382 +/- 0.945)
      mg/mol, (1.435 +/- 0.938) mg/mol, (1.640 +/- 1.104) mg/mol, and (1.653 +/- 1.019)
      mg/mol, respectively (P > 0.05). There was no correlation between the urinary
      BDNF/Cr levels and the severity of obstruction (r = 0.103, P = 0.173). The
      urinary BDNF/Cr levels in the patients with and without OAB symptoms were (1.913
      +/- 0.843) mg/mol and (0.297 +/- 0.183) mg/mol (P < 0.001). The urinary BDNF/Cr
      levels in the patients with mild, moderate and severe OAB symptoms were (1.501 +/
      0.543) mg/mol, (1.806 +/- 0.703) mg/mol and (2.560 +/- 0.979) mg/mol,
      respectively (P < 0.05). There was a correlation between the urinary BDNF/Cr
      levels and the severity of OAB symptoms (r = 0.743, P < 0.001). The urinary
      BDNF/Cr levels in the patients with urodynamic detrusor overativity were
      significantly higher than those without detrusor overativity [(1.917 +/- 0.866)
      mg/mol and (1.194 +/- 1.013) mg/mol, P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: There is no
      correlation between urinary BDNF and severity of obstruction in benign prostatic
      hyperplasia patients with moderate and severe lower urinary tract symptoms. The
      urinary BDNF levels in patients with OAB symptoms are elevated compared with
      patients without OAB symptoms, and are correlated with the severity of OAB
      symptoms.

PMID- 25131462
TI  - [Characteristics of lymph node metastasis in patients undergoing radical
      cystectomy for bladder cancer: a retrospective single-center study of 522 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics and related influence factors of
      lymph node metastases in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and lymph node
      dissection for bladder cancer. METHODS: The data of 522 patients who underwent
      radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection at Department of Urology,
      Peking University First Hospital from 1998 to 2012, were retrospectively
      collected, and the lymph node mapping was performed in all the patients to
      determine the location of metastatic lymph nodes. RESULTS: For the 522 patients
      with bladder cancer, lymph node metastasis occurred in 99 patients, and the
      incidence of lymph node metastasis was 19.0%. The incidence at different tumor
      stages was: 3.7% in T1 (6/164), 10.5% in T2 (17/160), 36.7% in T3(40/107), and
      41.9% in T4 (36/86). The most common involved lymph nodes were
      hypogastric/obturator lymph nodes (77/99, 77.8%) and external iliac lymph nodes
      (35/99, 35.4%). The mean number of lymph nodes dissected was 11.6 (1-51). The
      lymph node density (number of lymph nodes involved/number of lymph nodes removed)
      was 44.1%. The incidence of lymph node metastasis was statistical related to
      tumor stage (P < 0.01, OR 2.71,95% CI 2.13-3.44) and tumor grade (P < 0.01, OR
      3.81,95% CI 1.66-8.74), while age, gender, smoke history, and weight had no
      statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Lymph node metastasis is the most common
      metastasis route of bladder cancer. The incidence of lymph node tumor involvement
      is correlated with increasing tumor stage and tumor grade. The most common
      involved lymph nodes are hypogastric/obturator lymph nodes and external iliac
      lymph nodes. Radical cystectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph nodes dissection are
      of great significance in the treatment of bladder cancer.

PMID- 25131463
TI  - [Long-term outcome of isolated local recurrence following radical nephrectomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the long-term outcome of surgical extirpation for
      local recurrence after radical nephrectomy of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and
      identify prognostic factors for locally recurrent RCC. METHODS: Peking University
      First Hospital urologic database was queried for all patients with isolated local
      recurrence following radical nephrectomy for localized RCC. According to previous
      literature, local recurrence included relapse in the renal fossa, ipsilateral
      adrenal gland and ipsilateral retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The median follow up
      was 62 months. The cancer specific survival and relapse patterns were estimated
      using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: In our institutional database,1 045
      patients were treated with nephrectomy for localized RCC from January 1994 to
      December 2011.With a postoperative follow-up of (62.7 +/- 36.2) months, 15
      patients (1.44%) experienced local recurrence, 9 of which were managed by
      surgical resection, and the rest 6 did not receive operation. The patients who
      received surgical resection had a 1-year cancer specific survival rate of 87%,
      compared with 60% of the patients without receiving surgical treatment. The 4
      year cancer specific survival rate was 72% vs. 30%.The survival time was(51.8 +/-
      7.4) months vs. (28.4 +/- 9.2) months. The recurrence interval was (39.4 +/-
      29.5) months vs. (29.3 +/- 23.9) months. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection for local
      recurrence of RCC in selected patients is a feasible management and may prolong
      the survival time.

PMID- 25131458
TI  - Endogenous versus exogenous markers of adult neurogenesis in canaries and other
      birds: advantages and disadvantages.
AB  - Although the existence of newborn neurons had originally been suggested, but not
      broadly accepted, based on studies in adult rodent brains, the presence of an
      active neurogenesis process in adult homoeothermic vertebrates was first firmly
      established in songbirds. Adult neurogenesis was initially studied with the
      tritiated thymidine technique, later replaced by the injection and detection of
      the marker of DNA replication 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). More recently,
      various endogenous markers were used to identify young neurons or cycling
      neuronal progenitors. We review here the respective advantages and pitfalls of
      these different approaches in birds, with specific reference to the microtubule
      associated protein, doublecortin (DCX), that has been extensively used to
      identify young newly born neurons in adult brains. All these techniques of course
      have limitations. Exogenous markers label cells replicating their DNA only during
      a brief period and it is difficult to select injection doses that would
      exhaustively label all these cells without inducing DNA damage that will also
      result in some form of labeling during repair. On the other hand, specificity of
      endogenous markers is difficult to establish due to problems related to the
      specificity of antibodies (these problems can be, but are not always, addressed)
      and more importantly because it is difficult, if not impossible, to prove that a
      given marker exhaustively and specifically labels a given cell population.
      Despite these potential limitations, these endogenous markers and DCX staining in
      particular clearly represent a useful approach to the detailed study of
      neurogenesis especially when combined with other techniques such as BrdU.

PMID- 25131464
TI  - [Effects of interval time between prostate biopsy and surgery on laparoscopic
      radical prostatectomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the length of interval time between biopsy and
      laparascopic radical prostatectomy in difficulty and effects of surgery. METHODS:
      We retrospectively analyzed 89 cases of laparascopic radical prostatectomy from
      June 2011 to September 2013. The patients were divided into two groups according
      to the interval time of 6 weeks. The mean interval time was 3.1 weeks (ranging
      from 1.5 to 4.4 weeks) in group IT< 6 weeks and 4.4 weeks (ranging from 6.0 to
      16.2 weeks) in group IT >= 6 weeks. The mean age was 67 years (ranging from 57 to
      78 years). The PSA level was 15.4 MUg/L (ranging from 5.2 to 72.0). The prostate
      volume was 55 mL (ranging from 42 to 89 mL). The parameters, such as operation
      duration, blood loss, positive surgical margin rate, incharge time postoperation,
      were evaluated. RESULTS: All the surgeries went successfully. The average
      operation duration was 150 min (ranging from 110 to 242 min), and the blood loss
      was 230 mL (ranging from 100 to 750 mL). The positive surgical margin rate was
      18% and the urinary continence rate was 100% at 3 months after operation. The
      clinical recurrence was not found during the follow-up. No significant difference
      was found between the groups in the patients' age, preoperative PSA, Gleason
      score and prostate volume (P > 0.05). No statistical significance existed in the
      operation time, blood loss, positive margin rate, post-operative hospital stay,
      urinary continence rate at 3 months after operation, postoperative differences of
      clinical recurrence rates. CONCLUSION: The length of interval time between
      prostate biopsy and laparascopic radical prostatectomy does not influence the
      difficulty and effect in the early stage, and the long time survival and
      recurrent rate need further observation.

PMID- 25131465
TI  - [Technique of renal pedicle control in transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy:
      experience of 191 cases by a single surgeon].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the technique of vascular control in transperitoneal
      laparoscopic nephrectomy. METHODS: From May 2010 to September 2013, 191
      consecutive transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed by a single
      surgeon. The operations included 116 radical nephrectomies, 57
      nephroureterectomies, and 18 simple nephrectomies. Improved 4-trocar method was
      applied. Through lifting up inferior pole of the kidney by an assistant, and
      observing renal vascular from the bottom or back of the kidney, the exposure of
      renal vessels were improved. The renal vessels were managed with Hem-o-lock or
      Endo GIA. For tumors of stage >= T2, ipsilateral lymph node dissection of renal
      hilus was performed. RESULTS: Of the entire 191 cases,190 were performed
      successfully, only 1 converted to open surgery because of the difficulty in
      separating the tumor from the invaded colon. The average time of operation was
      171.5 min (74-352). The blood loss was 5-1 000 mL with an average of 94.8 mL. The
      complications included vascular injuries (5 cases), cerebral infarction
      accompanied by acute renal injury (1 case), and pulmonary infection (2 cases).
      The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.6 days (2-19 days). No perioperative
      death occurred. CONCLUSION: The reformative technique of vascular control could
      improve the exposure of renal vessels, increase surgery safety, and shorten the
      time of transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy.

PMID- 25131466
TI  - [Comparison of the outcomes of microscopic varicocelectomy and laparoscopic
      varicocelectomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare and analyze semen quality improvement between the patients
      with microscopic varicocelectomy and laparoscopic varicocelectomy. METHODS: A
      total of 291 patients with varicocele were included in this study, of whom 176
      underwent microscopic varicocelectomy and 115 laparoscopic varicocelectomy. The
      improvement rates of semen quality and pregnancy rates between the two groups
      were compared. RESULTS: The improvement rate of sperm density in microscopic
      group was significantly higher than that of laparoscopic group (87.6% vs. 73.7%,
      P = 0.006). Spouse pregnancy rate of microscopic group was significantly higher
      than that of laparoscopic group (45.4% vs. 30.3%, P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: The
      effect of microscopic varicocelectomy was superior to that of laparoscopic
      varicocelectomy.

PMID- 25131467
TI  - [Analysis for related factors of upper urinary tract deterioration in patients
      with spinal cord injury].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the related factors of upper urinary tract deterioration
      in spinal cord injured patients. METHODS: Medical records of spinal cord injured
      patients from Jan.2002 to Sep.2009 were retrospectively reviewed. All the
      patients were divided into the upper urinary tract deterioration group and non
      deterioration group according to the diagnostic criteria. Indexes such as
      demographic characteristic (gender, age), spinal cord injury information (cause,
      level, completeness), statuses of urinary tract system (bladder management, urine
      routine, urine culture, ultrasound, serum creatinine, fever caused by urinary
      tract infection) and urodynamics information(bladder compliance, bladder
      stability, bladder sensation, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, detrusor leak point
      pressure, maximum cystometric capacity, relative safe bladder capacity, maximum
      flow rate, maximum urethra closure pressure) were compared between the two
      groups.Then Logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: There was
      significantly difference between the two groups in spinal cord injury
      level(chi(2) = 8.840, P = 0.031),bladder management(chi(2) = 11.362, P = 0.045),
      urinary rutine(chi(2) = 17.983, P = 0.000), fever caused by urinary tract
      infection(chi(2)= 64.472, P = 0.000), bladder compliance(chi(2) = 6.531, P =
      0.011), bladder sensation(chi(2) = 11.505, P = 0.009), maximum cystometric
      capacity(t = 2.209, P = 0.043), and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia(chi(2) =
      4.247, P = 0.039). The multiple-factor non-conditional Logistic regression
      analysis showed that bladder management (OR = 1.114, P = 0.006), fever caused by
      urinary tract infection(OR = 1.018,P = 0.000), bladder compliance (OR = 1.588, P
      = 0.040) and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia(OR = 1.023, P = 0.034) were the key
      factors of upper urinary tract deterioration in spinal cord injured patients.
      CONCLUSION: Urinary tract infection, lower bladder compliance, detrusor-sphincter
      dyssynergia and unreasonable bladder management are the risk factors of upper
      urinary tract deterioration in spinal cord injured patients.

PMID- 25131468
TI  - [Ureteral stricture following renal transplantation: risk factors and surgical
      management].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and the risk factors of the ureteral
      stricture following renal transplantation and outcomes of surgical managements.
      METHODS: By a retrospective analysis, we assessed 1 293 patients who underwent
      renal transplantation between January 2001 and December 2013 at our center. The
      patients with ureteral stricture had undergone surgical management which included
      neoureterocystostomy, ureteral anastomosis with the native ureter and endoscopic
      therapy. RESULTS: Ureteral stricture following renal transplantation was
      diagnosed in 17 cases (1.3%) including 6 males and 11 females. The mean age of
      the patients at the time of surgery was 44 (29 to 64) years. The median interval
      between ureteral stricture obstruction and kidney transplantation was 4 (1 to
      120) months. The ureteral stricture was significantly correlated with multiple
      renal arteries, donor age and delayed graft function. The effective rate of
      surgical management was 65.75%. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ureteral stricture
      as a urologic complication after renal transplantation is low. The advanced
      techniques that preserve the ureteric blood supply should be applied. The
      surgical managements have respective advantages and disadvantages. The
      neoureterocystostomy shows best outcome, while ureteral anastomosis with the
      native ureter has poor outcome.

PMID- 25131469
TI  - [Pathogenesis and therapy of hydronephrosis after hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathogenesis and therapy of hydronephrosis after
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). METHODS: From March 2004 to March
      2014, 23 patients with hydronephrosis after HSCT were identified. With these
      data, the pathogenesis of hydronephrosis after HSCT were analyzed. According to
      the surgical intervention of hydronephrosis and ureteral dialation of ureteral
      stricture, the patients were divided into two groups, rank-sum test and exact
      probability test were used to evaluate whether there were significant differences
      in the time of hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) occurred, ureteritis and viremia.
      RESULTS: HC, ureteritis, ureteral stenosis were all the causes of hydronephrosis
      after HSCT. In this study, 69.6% (16/23) of the patients suffered from HSCT were
      cured by conservative treatment, 30.4% (7/23) by surgical intervention, and 13.0%
      (3/23) by insertion DJ stent or nephrostomy.Of the patients [17.4% (4/23)] who
      suffered ureteral stenosis, 2 were cured after the balloon dialation of ureter, 1
      needed DJ tube long-term insertion, and 1 was still followed-up. rank-sum test
      and exact probability test results showed that the patients who needed surgical
      intervention might suffer from HC later than other patients, and their incidences
      of viremia and ureteritis were higher, but the differences between the two groups
      were not statistically significant (P = 0.524, P = 0.169, and P = 0.124,
      respectively). The results also showed that the ureteritis incidences of the
      patients who suffered from ureteral stricture and needed ureteral dialation were
      higher than that of the other patients, and the difference between the two groups
      was statistically significant (P = 0.024). The patients who needed ureteral
      dialation suffered from HC later and their incidences of viremia was higher, but
      the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (P =
      0.73 and P = 0.27). CONCLUSION: HC, ureteritis and ureteral stenosis may cause
      hydronephrosis after HSCT. Patients may treated by conservative treatment first.
      Patients who suffered from HC later, viremia and especially ureteritis should be
      paid more attention to, and be treated with surgical intervention when necessary.
      The patients with ureteral stenosis could be treated by ureteral balloon
      dialation.

PMID- 25131470
TI  - [Diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus-accompanied renal calculi complicated
      with renal tumor: 5 case reports].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of renal pelvic tumor
      combined with renal urinary calculi and hydronephrosis. METHODS: Five patients
      with renal pelvic tumor who underwent relief of the upper urinary obstruction
      were reviewed. RESULTS: One of the cases lost the opportunity of surgical therapy
      when pelvic tumor was detected at the advanced stage, and the other 4 cases had
      received surgery and were followed up. CONCLUSION: As pelvic tumor progresses
      rapidly after the renal blood flow is improved, and renal urinary calculi with
      hydronephrosis relieved; the patients with renal pelvic tumor need early
      diagnosis, aggressive treatment and close follow-up.

PMID- 25131471
TI  - [Percutaneous renal puncture guide by a novel real-time needle-tracking
      ultrasound system for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: analysis of 16 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous renal
      puncture in percutaneous nephrolithotomy guided by novel needle-tracking
      ultrasound system. METHODS: From may to october 2013, 16 cases of percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy were performed under the guidance of ultrasound system. The
      clinical data including the time of completing percutaneous renal puncture, the
      color of urine sucked out from the kidney calices, and the complications were
      analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, 18 percutaneous renal
      access were established guided by ultrasound system. All of them were successtul
      for the first time, and the average time of completing percutaneous renal
      punctures was (26.90 +/- 11.37) s (15 to 54 s). After the operation, the
      hemoglobin decreased by (9.56 +/- 5.27)%(1.41% to 24.06%), and no complications
      occurred except for postoperative fever in 2 case. CONCLUSION: The novel
      ultrasound system is a safe and effective technique that can reduce the technical
      difficulty of percutaneous renal puncture in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PMID- 25131472
TI  - [Analysis for risk factors of systemic inflammatory response syndrome after one
      phase treatment for apyrexic calculous pyonephrosis by percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors of systemic inflammatory response
      syndrome (SIRS) after one-phase treatment for apyrexic calculous pyonephrosis by
      percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: Clinical data of consecutive
      apyrexic calculous pyonephrosis patients who underwent one-stage PCNL from
      January 2008 to December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. The data collected
      included white blood cells in urine analysis before surgery, midstream urine
      culture, preoperative renal function, using antibiotics time before surgery,
      operative time, the number of tracts, intraoperative irrigation peak flow, blood
      transfusion, and stone composition. Chi-square, t test and Logistic regression
      methods were used for analysis of each factor and SIRS. RESULTS: A total of 182
      patients were enrolled in this study and 38 patients developed SIRS (20.88%).
      There were no statistically significant differences among white blood cells in
      urine analysis (P = 0.483), urine culture positive (P = 0.136), and struvite (P =
      0.324) in terms of the incidence of postoperative SIRS. Multivariate Logistic
      regression model indicated that risk factors of SIRS for apyrexic calculous
      pyonephrosis after one-phase PCNL were renal insufficiency (OR = 5.41, 95% CI
      1.84 to 22.64, P = 0.014), operative time (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.02, P =
      0.024), operative tracts (OR = 3.37, 95% CI -1.92 to 32.55, P = 0.077),
      intraoperative irrigation peak flow >=500 mL/min (OR = 45.87,95% CI 4.39 to
      231.68, P = 0.007), and blood transfusion (OR = 5.98, 95% CI 1.12 to 46.66, P =
      0.043). The protective factor was antibiotics use for more than 3 days (OR =
      0.34, 95% CI -3.92 to 12.55, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: The incidence of SIRS after
      one-phase PCNL treatment for apyrexic calculous pyonephrosis was similar to that
      of other patients. It is relatively safe and reliable to do this. Preoperative
      antibiotics should be used for more than 3 days before surgery. Careful
      manipulation is needed to avoid blood transfusion. It is better to shorten the
      operative time and to reduce multiple tracts operation. Particularly, irrigation
      peak flow >=500 mL/min should be avoided in the circumstance of bleeding or
      turbid urine.

PMID- 25131473
TI  - [Influence of tension-free midurethral sling surgery on sexual function in women
      with stress urinary incontinence].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the change of the female patients' sexual function
      after tension free vaginal tape (TVT) or transobturator suburethral tape (TVT-O)
      surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Female sexual function
      index (FSFI) was sent to 66 female patients who underwent a TVT/TVT-O surgery at
      least 3 months after the operation, to a maximum of 5 years. All The patients
      were divided into two groups according to different surgical methods, different
      follow-up intervals (more than or less than 1 year) and whether there was
      concomitant coital incontinence (CCI) before the operation. The changes of FSFI
      scores before and after the operation were compared between the two groups by
      multiple covariances analysis. The total score was higher, and the sexual
      function was better. RESULTS: In the study, 60 patients answered the
      questionnaire, and 51 questionnaires were available. Before surgery, there were
      no significant difference between TVT and TVT-O groups in FSFI, age, body mass
      index (BMI). As to patients who had TVT/TVT-O surgery, when the influence of the
      postoperative period and symptoms accompanying intercourse were corrected, the
      two groups had no significant difference in difference of FSFI (dFSFI) scores
      after operation (F = 2.52, P = 0.119), and they had similar sexual function
      improvement ratio (40.0% vs. 44.4%, P > 0.05). But to the patients who had
      concomitant coital incontinence before the operations, the dFSFI scores was
      higher than patients who did not have concomitant coital incontinence (1.86 +/-
      1.95 vs. -0.09 +/- 2.24, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TVT and TVT-O surgery have no
      significant difference in influence on sexual function in women between each
      other, but the patients who suffer from CCI before the surgery will have a better
      sexual function improvement.

PMID- 25131474
TI  - [Management of female urethral obliteration with the rotary excision appliance].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a new technique using the rotary excision appliance for
      the treatment of female urethral obliteration and to evaluate the effect of the
      management. METHODS: Between October 2000 and July 2013, 5 cases of female
      urethral obstruction (age from 23 to 65 years, time to treatment from 3 to 60
      months, obliteraion length from 0.5 to 1.8 cm) were managed using the rotary
      excision appliance and the patients had been followed up. RESULTS: After a mean
      of 32.4 months (range: 5 to 75 months) of follow-up, normal micturation had been
      achieved in all the patients. The maximal urinary flow rate (MFR) ranged from 15
      to 28 mL/s (mean 20.6 mL/s). Three patients were continent and 2 patients had
      slight incontinence. CONCLUSION: The rotary excision appliance is a useful
      instrument for the management of female urethral obliteration. Our Long-term
      follow-up provides further support for use of this technique by demonstrating
      that urethral continuity can be established without increased incidence of
      stricture formation or incontinence.

PMID- 25131475
TI  - Chinese urologists' practice patterns of diagnosing and treating chronic pelvic
      pain syndrome: a questionnaire survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of the Chinese Urological Association
      (CUA) guidelines on prostatitis and the effects on the clinical practice patterns
      of diagnosing and treating chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) among Chinese
      urologists. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire investigation of the CUA
      guidelines on prostatitis among the urologists from 399 hospitals in 63 cities of
      China, and performed statistical analyses on all the eligible questionnaires
      collected. RESULTS: Of the 2 251 questionnaires distributed, 2 046 (90.9%) were
      eligible, of which 92.5% were from the urologists in tertiary or secondary
      hospitals, of whom 72.3% had senior or intermediate professional titles, and
      90.2% had studied the CUA guidelines. Most respondents agreed that Type III
      prostatitis was a clinical syndrome, of which the diagnosis should be made after
      other conditions with similar symptoms had been ruled out and the aim was to
      relieve pain, alleviate urination symptoms and improve quality of life. Those who
      had and those who had not studied the CUA guidelines differed in their viewpoints
      on CPPS as illustrated in the guidelines. In clinical practice, the most common
      treatment options for CPPS were pharmaceutical therapy (95.0%), life style
      adjustment (88.9%), and psychotherapy (79.9%), and the most frequently prescribed
      drugs were phytotherapy (84.5%), alpha-blockers (79.0%) and antibiotics (64.0%).
      CONCLUSION: CUA guidelines on prostatitis has gained a nationwide application and
      promoted the standardization of the management of CPPS in China.

PMID- 25131476
TI  - [Anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion gene expression, clinical pathological
      characteristics and prognosis in 95 Chinese patients with non-small cell lung
      cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion
      gene in Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: In
      this study, 95 patients with NSCLC and corresponding clinical information and
      formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks were included. Hematoxylin
      & eosin (HE) staining, conventional ALK immunochemistry (IHC) staining and
      intercalated antibody-enhanced polymer (iAEP) IHC staining, and dual-color split
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for ALK fusion gene were performed.
      RESULTS: Eight ALK-positive cases were detected using anti-ALK
      immunohistochemistry with the iAEP method, and FISH analyses revealed 4 patients
      of them who harbored the ALK fusion gene (4.2%, 4/95), including 2 cases of
      female patients with solid signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma and 2 cases of male
      patients with adenosquamous carcinoma. The positive cases were all non-smokers
      without EGFR/KRAS mutations. Furthermore, the positive cases all survived, and
      the overall postsurgery survival time of 2 cases was more than 5 years.
      CONCLUSION: ALK IHC with the iAEP method is better than conventional ALK IHC, and
      the percentage of the positive cells is more important than that of the
      intensity. ALK translocations were infrequent in the entire NSCLC patient
      population (<5%) with better prognosis.

PMID- 25131477
TI  - [Relationship of genetic variants and cardiovascular risk factors with
      interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 secreted by monocytes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 genetic
      variants and cardiovascular factors [oxygenized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL),
      lower physical activity, overweight, etc.] with IL-6 and IL-10 secreted by
      monocytes. METHODS: In the study, 40 health persons, aged from 51 to 80 years,
      without stroke and myocardial infarction, were randomly sampled from a community
      based population in Beijing in 2010. Their data on smoking, drinking, blood
      pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid were collected. The single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-6 (rs1800796, rs1524107, rs2066992) and IL-10
      (rs1800872, rs1554286, rs3021094) were genotyped. The human monocytes were
      cultivated in RPMI 1640 medium for 24 h; then divided into two equal parts, in
      which ox-LDL (50 mg/L) and phosphate buffer solution (PBS) were added for another
      48 h. Finally, the secretions of IL-6 and IL-10 in the culture supernatants were
      measured with ELISA. RESULTS: Paired Wilcoxon tests showed that the IL-6, IL-10,
      and IL-6/IL-10 were significantly higher in ox-LDL medium than in PBS one (all P
      < 0.01). The concentrations in PBS/ox-LDL taken as repeated measurements, and
      adjusted for age and gender, the repeated general linear models showed: IL-10 was
      significantly lower for those overweight (BMI >= 26 kg/m(2)) than for those
      normal weight (P = 0.007), and IL-6/IL-10 was significantly higher in those
      overweight (P = 0.003). The IL-6/IL-10 was significantly higher in those with
      lower physical activity [metabolic equivalent of energy, METS < 166 kJ/(kg.d)]
      than those with higher physical activities (P = 0.046). IL-6 and IL-10 were
      significantly higher in alcohol drinkers (P = 0.049 and P = 0.006). IL-6 was
      significantly higher in those with higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
      (HDL-c, >= 56.4 mg/dL, P = 0.027). There were significant interactions between IL
      10 SNPs and ox-LDL on IL-10 (all P < 0.05), but no significant interactions
      between IL-6 gene SNPs and ox-LDL on IL-6. CONCLUSION: The ox-LDL together with
      lower physical activity and overweight shifts the balance of pro-inflammatory and
      anti-inflammatory in the direction of pro-inflammatory. The interaction between
      IL-10 gene and ox-LDL is intensively correlated with the secretion of the anti
      inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

PMID- 25131478
TI  - [Speckle tracking analysis of left atrial phasic function in patients with
      hypertension].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess left atrial (LA) phasic function in hypertension (HT) and to
      evaluate its relationship with left ventricular diastolic function. METHODS:
      Cross-sectional data of 738 population (149 non-HT as control, and 589 HT were
      further grouped into normal left ventricular diastolic function, mild diastolic
      dysfunction and moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction sub-groups) in an urban
      community of Beijing were used. LA global longitudinal strain in late diastole
      (Sa), early diastole (Se), and total strain (Stot = Sa+ Se), strain rate in late
      diastole (SRa), systole (SRs), and early diastole (SRe) were measured using off
      line speckle-tracking echocardiography analyzing software, and were compared
      between non-HT and HT groups, and among HT sub-groups. RESULTS: LA reservoir
      [Stot: 22.7% +/- 5.9% vs. 21.0% +/- 5.8%, P = 0.002; SRs: (1.1 +/- 0.3)/s vs.
      (1.0 +/- 0.3)/s, P = 0.033] and conduit [Se: 11.1% +/- 4.8% vs. 9.6% +/- 4.2%, P
      = 0.001; SRe: (1.0 +/- 0.4)/s vs. (0.9 +/- 0.3)/s, P < 0.001] indexes were
      reduced significantly in HT, while contraction (Sa & SRa) indexes were similar to
      those of non-HT. CONCLUSION: LA reservoir and conduit functions are impaired in
      HT and deteriorate with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. LA contraction is
      preserved in HT with normal and mild diastolic dysfunction while impaired in
      moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction.

PMID- 25131479
TI  - [Cardioprotective effect and mechanism of intensive lipid modulation on patients
      with coronary artery disease undergoing noncardiac surgery].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effect and possible mechanism of intensive
      lipid modulation on the perioperative period of patients with stable coronary
      artery disease undergoing noncardiac surgery. METHODS: In the study, 60 patients
      with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective noncardiac surgery were
      randomly divided into intensive lipid modulation group (n = 30) and conventional
      group (n = 30). In intensive lipid modulation group, the patients were given
      atorvastatin 40 mg every night before surgery, 80 mg 12 h before surgery, and 40
      mg 2 h before surgery, and 40 mg every night after noncardiac surgery. In
      conventional group, the patients were given atorvastatin 20 mg every night before
      surgery and also after the surgery. The occurrence of perioperative major adverse
      cardiac events (including sudden cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction,
      unplanned revascularization) were compared in the two groups. Preoperative and 48
      h postoperative changes of lipid levels and inflammatory markers were also
      compared in the two groups. RESULTS: In conventional group, one patient suffered
      myocardial infarction with acute anterior ST-segment elevation and was given
      emergency left anterior descending artery interventional reperfusion therapy, and
      7 patients suffered asymptomatic myocardial infarction. In intensive lipid
      modulation group, one patient suffered asymptomatic myocardial infarction, and
      the incidence rate of perioperative acute myocardial infarction reduced
      significantly compared with conventional group (P < 0.05). There was no
      significant difference in preoperative and postoperative changes of lipid levels
      in the two groups (P > 0.05), and compared with conventional group, there was
      significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers in intensive lipid modulation
      group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The intensive lipid modulation group significantly
      reduced the incidence of perioperative major adverse cardiac events especially
      asymptomatic myocardial infarction, and the inhibition of the inflammatory
      response may be one of the protective mechanisms, which still needs to be further
      confirmed by large multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials.

PMID- 25131480
TI  - [Clinical observation of middle cerebral artery angioplasty in treatment of
      subcortex cerebral watershed infarction with moderate or severe disabilities].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and effectiveness of middle cerebral artery
      angioplasty in treatment of subcortical watershed infarcts (S-CWI) with moderate
      or severe disabilities. METHODS: From June 2011 to May 2012, 5 S-CWI patients
      (six lesions) with moderate or severe disabilities combining severe stenosis in
      Ipsilateral middle cerebral artery received middle cerebral artery angioplasty in
      Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery Department, Peking University Third
      Hospital. We observed the neurological score before and after angioplasty and
      assessed the improvement of neurological functions. RESULTS: The National
      Institute of Health stroke scale(NIHSS) scores were decreased by 4-6 points and
      modified Rankin scale(mRs) scores were decreased 1 point in 7 days. In the 3
      months' follow-up, 4 patients' mRs scores were 1 point, and 1 patient's was 2
      points. In the 1-year follow-up, there were no new strokes and instent restenosis
      events. CONCLUSION: Middle cerebral artery angioplasty in treatment of S-CWI with
      moderate or severe disabilities is beneficial.

PMID- 25131481
TI  - [Controlled clinical study of trigeminal ganglion puncture guided by CT/MRI image
      fusion interface navigation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To build the radio-frequency thermocoagulation (RFT) interface under
      navigation including foramen ovale and trigeminal ganglion based on CT/MRI image
      fusion technology, to visualize the relationship between the trigeminal ganglion
      and the puncture needle, and to observe clinical effects of this method. METHODS:
      CT and MRI data of 20 trigeminal neuralgia patients which were input into
      BrainLAB-iPlan navigation planning system, were aligned and merged, so that the 3
      dimentional image fusion interface of CT and MRI for puncture was built.
      According to the image fusion interface, the pathways targeting the trigeminal
      ganglion were planned to assist trigeminal ganglion puncture and RFT. The
      treatment consequences were observed and compared with 20 patients under the RFT
      only with the direction of pre- and intra-operative CT. RESULTS: In the group of
      CT/MRI image fusion cases, 3 cases had been predicted to be difficult because of
      unreachable ganglion through the foramen ovale pathway. The postoperative
      clinical examination proved that the ganglions of these 3 cases were only
      insufficiently damaged or undamaged. The other 17 cases proved better results,
      except 2 cases whose treatment was changed in operation. The valid rates for both
      image fusion navigation group and CT group were all above 95%. CONCLUSION:
      Navigation interface including both foramen ovale and trigeminal ganglion based
      on CT/MRI image fusion made visualization of the pathway targeting ganglion come
      true, which made the treatment more accurate and individual. Whether the pathway
      could reach the ganglion might distinguish the trouble cases from others.

PMID- 25131482
TI  - [Amplicon density-weighted algorithms for analyzing dissimilarity and dynamic
      alterations of RAPD polymorphisms of Cordyceps sinensis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the dynamic maturational alterations of random amplified
      polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular marker polymorphism resulted from differential
      expressions of multiple fungi in the caterpillar body, stroma and ascocarp
      portion of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs). METHODS: Used the fuzzy, integral RAPD
      molecular marker polymorphism method with 20 random primers; used density
      weighted cluster algorithms and ZUNIX similarity equations; compared RAPD
      polymorphisms of the caterpillar body, stroma and ascocarp of Cs during
      maturation; and compared RAPD polymorphisms of Cs and Hirsutella sinensis (Hs).
      RESULTS: Density-unweighted algorithms neglected the differences in density of
      the DNA amplicons. Use of the density-weighted ZUNIX similarity equations and the
      clustering method integrated components of the amplicon density differences in
      similarity computations and clustering construction and prevented from the loss
      of the information of fungal genomes. An overall similarity 0.42 (< the overall
      dissimilarity 0.58) was observed for all compartments of Cs at different
      maturation stages. The similarities for the stromata or caterpillar bodies of Cs
      at 3 maturational stages were 0.57 or 0.50, respectively. During Cs maturation,
      there were dynamic Low->High->Low alterations of the RAPD polymorphisms between
      stromata and caterpillar bodies dissected from the same pieces of Cs. The
      polymorphic similarity was the highest (0.87) between the ascocarp and mature
      stroma, forming a clustering clade, while the premature stroma and caterpillar
      body formed another clade. These 2 clades merged into one cluster. Another clade
      containing the maturing stroma and caterpillar body merged with mature
      caterpillar body, forming another cluster. The RAPD polymorphic similarities
      between Hs and Cs samples were 0.55-0.69. Hs were separated from Cs clusters by
      the out-group control Paecilomyces militaris. CONCLUSION: The wealthy RAPD
      polymorphisms change dynamically in the Cs compartments with maturation. The
      different RAPD polymorphism for Hs from those for Cs supports the hypothesis of
      integrated micro-ecosystem Cs with multiple fungi, but does not support the
      "single fungal species" hypothesis for Cs and the anamorph-teleomorph connection
      between Hs and Cs.

PMID- 25131483
TI  - [Preparation and property study of doxorubicin loaded microspheres].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prepare doxorubicin-loaded polyvinylalcohol-acrylic acid (PVA-AA)
      microspheres and evaluate properties of this chemoembolic agent. METHODS: PVA-AA
      microspheres were synthesized by inverse suspension polymerization method and
      then verified by infrared spectroscopy. drug loading (DL) and entrapment
      efficiency (EE%) were measured after doxorubicinwas loaded on PVA-AA
      microspheres. Their morphology and elasticity were investigated by optical
      microscope, environmental scanning electron microscope and texture analyzer,
      respectively. T-cell apparatus was used to evaluate the in vitro release behavior
      of doxorubicin-loaded microspheres.The external carotid of the rabbit was chosen
      as an embolization site to evaluate the in vivo embolic property of the
      microspheres. RESULTS: PVA-AA microspheres, which were transparent spheres,turned
      into red spheres after doxorubicin loading. DL of the microspheres was (20.56 +/-
      0.69)g/L and (23.25 +/- 0.27) g/L,and EE% was 82.22% +/- 2.76% and 93.00% +/-
      1.06% within 20 min and 6 h, respectively. The in vitro release results showed a
      significantly delayed release of the drug for 10.32% +/- 0.47% after 24 h. The
      Young's modulus was (178.30 +/- 12.33) kPa and (213.29 +/- 15.61) kPa for blank
      microspheres and doxorubicin-loaded microspheres, respectively. Both blank
      microspheres and doxorubicin-loaded microspheres exhibited good elasticity. In
      vivo embolization showed that 0.3 mL of microspheres could produce distal embolic
      efficiency. CONCLUSION: The doxorubicin-loaded microspheres are expected to be a
      promising new chemoembolic agent.

PMID- 25131484
TI  - [A prospective randomized control study: new rigid cystoscopy technology to
      improve patients' comfort].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the extruded irrigation solution bag during
      passage of rigid cystoscope will reduce the patient's discomfort. METHODS: In the
      study, 378 male patients undergoing rigid cystoscopies were randomized into
      "Institute of Urology Peking University (IUPU)" technique group (n = 193) and
      routine manipulation group (n = 185). All the patients had received 10 mL
      oxybuprocaine gel before manipulation. In the IUPU technique group, irrigation
      solution bag was connected with cystoscope sheath and obturator. As the scope
      passed through the bulbar urethra, a nurse was instructed to extrude the
      irrigating fluid bag. A 10-point visual analog pain scale assessment was
      completed by the patient after the procedure. RESULTS: The visual analog pain
      score was 2 (1-2) in the IUPU technique group and 4 (3-6) in the routine
      manipulation group (P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). All the procedure
      indications had no effect on the findings. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that
      a simple IUPU technique can significantly reduce the patient's discomfort during
      outpatient rigid cystoscopy. We strongly recommend this technique for all male
      patients undergoing rigid cystoscopy.

PMID- 25131485
TI  - [Transabdominal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy of modified Pfannenstiel
      incision].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transperitoneal laparoscopic
      radical nephrectomy with the modified Pfannenstiel incision. METHODS: Between
      Aug. 2012 and Jul. 2013, the same surgeon performed transperitoneal laparoscopic
      radical nephrectomy for 12 patients with renal masses. The approach was usually
      performed through 3 ports or 4 ports placed in a traditional manner. After
      laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was completed, and the specimen was entrapped in
      a specimen retrieval bag, a 7 cm modified Pfannenstiel skin incision was made
      over the symphysis pubis, lateralized slightly toward the side of surgery.
      RESULTS: All the procedures were completed without conversion to open radical
      nephrectomy. The operative time was 106 to 234 minutes and the blood loss was
      minimal. There was no intra- or post-operative complications. The pathological
      result was renal cell carcinoma. One patient died of multiple organ metastasis
      after 5 months. No recurrence was seen after 9 to 20 months' follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with the modified Pfannenstiel
      incision where the kidney is removed offers the benefits of improved cosmesis
      over the traditional muscle-cutting extension of an upper abdominal, lateral port
      site. The modified Pfannenstiel incision combines the advantages of a low
      abdominal incision and improved cosmesis, and can be considered a potential
      alternative for traditional laparoscopic nephrectomy.

PMID- 25131486
TI  - [Micropump infusion of gonadorelin in the treatment of hypogonadotropic
      hypogonadism in patients with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome: cases
      analysis and literature review].
AB  - Two cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism caused by pituitary stalk interruption
      syndrome treated by pulse infusion of gonadorelin via micropump were reported,
      and their clinical features and the treatment process of pulse infusion of
      gonadorelin via micropump summarized. Both of the 2 patients were presented
      primarily with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. After the treatment with pulse
      infusion of gonadorelin via micropump, their syndrome of androgen deficiency
      improved and the gonadotropin levels promoted at the end of 12 weeks' follow-up.
      Pulse infusion of gonadorelin via micropump is an alternative to treat
      hypogonadotropic hypogonadism caused by pituitary stalk interruption syndrome. 

PMID- 25131487
TI  - [Leucine-rich glioma inactivated-1 protein antibody associated limbic
      encephalitis: one case report].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report a case of leucine-rich glioma inactivated-1 protein antibody
      (LGI1-Ab) associated limbic encephalitis. METHODS: A 76-year-old woman was
      admitted to the hospital because of cognitive impairment and faciobrachial
      dystonic seizures for six months. Hyponatremia was also noted in this patient.
      Antibodies to the LGI1 were positive.(18)F-FDG uptake was measured on the PET-CT
      scans of this patient. RESULTS: PET-CT showed bilateral putamen hypermetabolism
      with hypometabolism in other regions. Her symptoms were improved after
      intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. CONCLUSION: LGI1-Ab associated encephalitis
      can manifest as basal ganglia hypermetabolism and faciobrachial dystonic
      seizures.

PMID- 25131488
TI  - [Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for treatment of cystic
      nephroma: one case report].
AB  - The clinical features and pathologic findings of one case of cystic nephroma was
      reported,and the safety of treatment by retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial
      nephrectomy evaluated. The patient was a 20-year-old woman, and found left renal
      cyst for 1 year with pain in her left flank one month ago. The patient was
      diagnosed as complex renal cyst, then underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic
      partial nephrectomy. In the operation, the tumor was located in the middle and
      lower part of her left kidney, with a number of small sample masses, and a solid
      mass near the renal parenchymal part. The operation time was 224 min, and the
      artery occlusion time was about 17 min. The blood loss was 20 mL, with no blood
      transfusion. The pathology was cystic nephroma. No operation complication was
      seen, nor was recurrence after a short-term follow-up. Cystic nephroma is a
      relatively rare benign lesion of the kidney. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial
      nephrectomy is a safe and effective way to treat cystic nephroma. 

PMID- 25131489
TI  - [Use of abiraterone acetate in the treatment of patients with metastatic
      castration resistant prostate cancer and no prior chemotherapy: 3 case reports
      and literature review].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficiency of using abiraterone and
      prednisone in the treatment of patient with metastatic castration resistant
      prostate cancer (mCRPC) no prior chemotherapy. METHODS: Three mCRPC no prior
      chemotherapy patients accepted abiraterone and prednisone treatment. The clinical
      data were analyzed retrospectively and the safety and efficiency of this
      treatment option were discussed. The Gleason scores of the three mCRPC patients
      were 5, 9, and 9. The clinical stages were T3aNxM0, T3aNxM1b, and T3aNxM1b. The
      patients received abiraterone 1 000 mg daily and prednisone 5 mg twice daily and
      androgen deprivation therapy in the treatment. Their blood pressure, complete
      blood count, prostate specific antigen (PSA), biochemical parameters, whole body
      CT scan and bone scan were done regularly to monitor the progression of the
      diseases. RESULTS: In this study, the general condition improved in two patients.
      Two of the three patients experienced decrease of PSA and no progression. One
      patient experienced disease progression. Generally, abiraterone and prednisone
      resulted in prolonged radiographic progression-free survival and delayed in PSA
      progression in mCRPC no prior chemotherapy. There were no severe side effects,
      such as hypokalemia, hypertension, and water-sodium retention. The patient's
      tolerance was good. CONCLUSION: Abiraterone and prednisone are safe and can
      improve mCRPC no prior chemotherapy patient's life quality and may prolong the
      overall survival.

PMID- 25131490
TI  - [Balloon dilation by B ultrasound monitoring for treatment of urethral stricture:
      5 case reports].
AB  - Urethral stricture is a common urologic disease and there are many therapeutic
      methods for it. Here we investigated the application of balloon dilation under B
      mold ultrasound monitoring in the treatment of urethral stricture. Five male
      patients suffering from urethral stricture were treated with balloon dilation
      under B-mold ultrasound monitoring.Their urination was assessed after operation.
      All the patients underwent the operation successfully, without serious
      complications. The urinary catheter was removed 3-4 weeks after operation. The
      patients were followed up for 8 to 15 months. Four patients were voiding well and
      one improved. Balloon dilation under B-mold ultrasound monitoring in the
      treatment of urethral stricture was intuitive, safe and effective.

PMID- 25131491
TI  - [Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia: 2 case reports].
AB  - Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is a rare neurological condition in which
      brief and frequent dyskinetic attacks are provoked by sudden movement. PKD is
      more common in men and can be idiopathic (commonly familial) or due to a variety
      of causes. The pathophysiology of PKD is uncertain but it could be an ion-channel
      disorder. Genetic linkage studies have isolated several loci on chromosome 16,
      and proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) has been identified as a
      causative gene of PKD by using a combination of exome sequencing and linkage
      analysis. Antiepileptic drugs, particularly, carbamazepine are very helpful in a
      large proportion of cases. Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish this
      syndrome from epilepsy. We reported 2 patients who presented abnormal involuntary
      attack. Evaluations included general physical examinations, endocrinologic and
      metabolic studies, video electroencephalograms and brain MRI imaging. All of
      these studies were normal. All of symptoms showed excellent response to
      carbamazepine. 

PMID- 25131492
TI  - Sensitive determination of carbidopa through the electrochemiluminescence of
      luminol at graphene-modified electrodes.
AB  - Using the concept of electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL), a sensitive
      analytical method for the determination of carbidopa is described. Electro
      oxidation of carbidopa on the surface of a graphene oxide (GO)-modified gold
      electrode (GE) leads to enhancement of the weak emission of oxidized luminol.
      Under optimum experimental conditions, the ECL signal increases linearly with
      increasing carbidopa concentrations over a range of 1.0 * 10(-9) -1.7 * 10(-7) 
      M, with a detection limit of 7.4 * 10(-10)  M. The proposed ECL method was
      successfully used for the determination of carbidopa in urine samples.

PMID- 25131493
TI  - Significant factors in family difficulties for fathers and mothers who use
      support services for children with hikikomori.
AB  - AIMS: Hikikomori is a new psychosociological phenomenon among youth, of almost
      complete withdrawal from social interaction, and it has received considerable
      attention in community mental health in Japan. The aims of the present study were
      to identify the influential factors of family difficulties of parents who use
      support services for children with hikikomori, and compare them between fathers
      and mothers. METHODS: Data were collected from 110 parents (55 couples) of
      children with hikikomori with regard to family difficulties, quality of life, and
      depression variables via self-report questionnaires. To assess the influential
      factors of Family Difficulties for parents with children with hikikomori,
      hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was carried out for gender.
      RESULTS: While 94.5% of mothers received some kind of family support, only 61.9%
      of fathers received it. For both genders, the number of services that the fathers
      received was significantly correlated with marital cooperation, and the number of
      services that the mothers received was significantly correlated with support
      resource utilization. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary for fathers to receive more
      support, and it is important for professionals to encourage parents to address
      their difficulties together.

PMID- 25131494
TI  - The role of influenza in the severity and transmission of respiratory bacterial
      disease.
AB  - Infections with influenza viruses and respiratory bacteria each contribute
      substantially to the global burden of morbidity and mortality. Simultaneous or
      sequential infection with these pathogens manifests in complex and difficult-to
      treat disease processes that need extensive antimicrobial therapy and cause
      substantial excess mortality, particularly during annual influenza seasons and
      pandemics. At the host level, influenza viruses prime respiratory mucosal
      surfaces for excess bacterial acquisition and this supports increased carriage
      density and dissemination to the lower respiratory tract, while greatly
      constraining innate and adaptive antibacterial defences. Driven by virus-mediated
      structural modifications, aberrant immunological responses to sequential
      infection, and excessive immunopathological responses, co-infections are noted by
      short-term and long-term departures from immune homoeostasis, inhibition of
      appropriate pathogen recognition, loss of tolerance to tissue damage, and general
      increases in susceptibility to severe bacterial disease. At the population level,
      these effects translate into increased horizontal bacterial transmission and
      excess use of antimicrobial therapies. With increasing concerns about future
      possible influenza pandemics, the past decade has seen rapid advances in our
      understanding of these interactions. In this Review, we discuss the
      epidemiological and clinical importance of influenza and respiratory bacterial co
      infections, including the foundational efforts that laid the groundwork for
      today's investigations, and detail the most important and current advances in our
      understanding of the structural and immunological mechanisms underlying the
      pathogenesis of co-infection. We describe and interpret what is known in
      sequence, from transmission and phenotypic shifts in bacterial dynamics to the
      immunological, cellular, and molecular modifications that underlie these
      processes, and propose avenues of further research that might be most valuable
      for prevention and treatment strategies to best mitigate excess disease during
      future influenza pandemics. 

PMID- 25131495
TI  - Development and validation of a microRNA based diagnostic assay for primary tumor
      site classification of liver core biopsies.
AB  - Identification of the primary tumor site in patients with metastatic cancer is
      clinically important, but remains a challenge. Hence, efforts have been made
      towards establishing new diagnostic tools. Molecular profiling is a promising
      diagnostic approach, but tissue heterogeneity and inadequacy may negatively
      affect the accuracy and usability of molecular classifiers. We have developed and
      validated a microRNA-based classifier, which predicts the primary tumor site of
      liver biopsies, containing a limited number of tumor cells. Concurrently we
      explored the influence of surrounding normal tissue on classification. MicroRNA
      profiling was performed using quantitative Real-Time PCR on formalin-fixed
      paraffin-embedded samples. 278 primary tumors and liver metastases, representing
      nine primary tumor classes, as well as normal liver samples were used as a
      training set. A statistical model was applied to adjust for normal liver tissue
      contamination. Performance was estimated by cross-validation, followed by
      independent validation on 55 liver core biopsies with a tumor content as low as
      10%. A microRNA classifier developed, using the statistical contamination model,
      showed an overall classification accuracy of 74.5% upon independent validation.
      Two-thirds of the samples were classified with high-confidence, with an accuracy
      of 92% on high-confidence predictions. A classifier trained without adjusting for
      liver tissue contamination, showed a classification accuracy of 38.2%. Our
      results indicate that surrounding normal tissue from the biopsy site may
      critically influence molecular classification. A significant improvement in
      classification accuracy was obtained when the influence of normal tissue was
      limited by application of a statistical contamination model. 

PMID- 25131499
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in the 40 to 80 year-old
      population in Yazd, Iran: the Yazd Eye Study.

PMID- 25131496
TI  - Acid ceramidase is associated with an improved prognosis in both DCIS and
      invasive breast cancer.
AB  - Acid ceramidase (ASAH1) a key enzyme of sphingolipid metabolism converting pro
      apoptotic ceramide to sphingosine has been shown to be overexpressed in various
      cancers. We previously demonstrated higher expression of ASAH1 in ER positive
      compared to ER negative breast cancer. In the current study we performed subtype
      specific analyses of ASAH1 gene expression in invasive and non invasive breast
      cancer. We show that expression of ASAH1 is mainly associated with luminal A -
      like cancers which are known to have the best prognosis of all breast cancer
      subtypes. Moreover tumors with high ASAH1 expression among the other subtypes are
      also characterized by an improved prognosis. The good prognosis of tumors with
      high ASAH1 is independent of the type of adjuvant treatment in breast cancer and
      is also detected in non small cell lung cancer patients. Moreover, even in pre
      invasive DCIS of the breast ASAH1 is associated with a luminal phenotype and a
      reduced frequency of recurrences. Thus, high ASAH1 expression is generally
      associated with an improved prognosis in invasive breast cancer independent of
      adjuvant treatment and could also be valuable as prognostic factor for pre
      invasive DCIS. 

PMID- 25131498
TI  - Having a direct look: analysis of DNA damage and repair mechanisms by next
      generation sequencing.
AB  - Genetic information is under constant attack from endogenous and exogenous
      sources, and the use of model organisms has provided important frameworks to
      understand how genome stability is maintained and how various DNA lesions are
      repaired. The advance of high throughput next generation sequencing (NGS)
      provides new inroads for investigating mechanisms needed for genome maintenance.
      These emerging studies, which aim to link genetic toxicology and mechanistic
      analyses of DNA repair processes in vivo, rely on defining mutational signatures
      caused by faulty replication, endogenous DNA damaging metabolites, or exogenously
      applied genotoxins; the analysis of their nature, their frequency and
      distribution. In contrast to classical studies, where DNA repair deficiency is
      assessed by reduced cellular survival, the localization of DNA repair factors and
      their interdependence as well as limited analysis of single locus reporter
      assays, NGS based approaches reveal the direct, quantal imprint of mutagenesis
      genome-wide, at the DNA sequence level. As we will show, such investigations
      require the analysis of DNA derived from single genotoxin treated cells, or DNA
      from cell populations regularly passaged through single cell bottlenecks when
      naturally occurring mutation accumulation is investigated. We will argue that the
      life cycle of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, its genetic malleability
      combined with whole genome sequencing provides an exciting model system to
      conduct such analysis. 

PMID- 25131501
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Who are the patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis?
AB  - This article has been withdrawn for editorial reasons because the journal will be
      published only in English. In order to avoid duplicated records, this article can
      be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rppnen.2014.06.010. The Publisher
      apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on
      Article Withdrawal can be found at
      http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

PMID- 25131500
TI  - Sirtuin inhibitor Ex-527 causes neural tube defects, ventral edema formations,
      and gastrointestinal malformations in Xenopus laevis embryos.
AB  - Chemical reagent Ex-527 is widely used as a major inhibitor of Sirtuin enzymes,
      which are a family of highly conserved protein deacetylases and have been linked
      with caloric restriction and aging by modulating energy metabolism, genomic
      stability, and stress resistance. However, the extent to which Ex-527 controls
      early developmental events of vertebrate embryos remains to be understood. Here,
      we report an examination of Ex-527 effects during Xenopus early development,
      followed by a confirmation of expressions of xSirt1 and xSirt2 in embryonic
      stages and enhancement of acetylation by Ex-527. First, we found that reductions
      in size of neural plate at neurula stages were induced by Ex-527 treatment.
      Second, tadpoles with short body length and large edematous swellings in the
      ventral side were frequently observed. Moreover, Ex-527-treated embryos showed
      severe gastrointestinal malformations in late tadpole stages. Taken together with
      these results, we conclude that the Sirtuin family start functioning at early
      embryonic stages and is required for various developmental events. 

PMID- 25131502
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Bronchial-pulmonary adenocarcinoma subtyping relates with different
      molecular pathways.
AB  - This article has been withdrawn for editorial reasons because the journal will be
      published only in English. In order to avoid duplicated records, this article can
      be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rppnen.2014.05.006. The Publisher
      apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on
      Article Withdrawal can be found at
      http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

PMID- 25131503
TI  - A case for the use of autoethnography in nursing research.
AB  - AIMS: This paper discusses the basis for and potential usefulness of
      autoethnography as a research method in nursing. BACKGROUND: While qualitative
      research in nursing has traditionally involved the researcher taking an objective
      stance, autoethnography, with roots in the social sciences, is an emerging method
      that examines the researcher's own experience in a cultural context. DESIGN:
      Discussion paper. DATA SOURCES: Data sources from 1979-2013 in the CINAHL,
      Medline and PsycInfo databases were drawn on including articles from nursing and
      social science journals on autoethnography and related narrative-based
      approaches. DISCUSSION: Autoethnography is based on the assumption that reality
      is multifaceted and the role of culture and context is crucial in understanding
      human experience. The reader is engaged through the evocation of emotion and the
      stimulation of reflection. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: While autoethnography has
      thus far been little used in the discipline of nursing, it is a methodology that
      offers novel insights and an opportunity to examine the impact of nurses'
      personal and professional cultural identity on their practice. CONCLUSION:
      Through the use of a subjective lens, autoethnography gives nurses the
      opportunity to tell stories that would otherwise not be heard. It involves a
      courageous laying bare of the self to gain new cultural understandings and it
      offers the potential for nurses to learn from the experiences and reflections of
      other nurses.

PMID- 25131504
TI  - Reported side effects of intravenous midazolam sedation when used in paediatric
      dentistry: a review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intravenous (IV) midazolam may be of value as an alternative
      paediatric dental sedation technique, but there is some apprehension concerning
      its routine use due to a lack of evidence regarding its safety and side effects.
      AIM: To review all available literature reporting the side effects of IV
      midazolam in children undergoing dental procedures. DESIGN: Both randomised
      controlled trials (RCT) and non-randomised studies were reviewed. Reported side
      effects were categorised as either significant or minor, and the percentage
      prevalence of significant or minor side effects per episode of treatment was
      calculated. RESULTS: Five RCTs were included, in which no significant side events
      were reported; however, minor side effects were recorded (n = 33, 19.5%), with
      paradoxical reaction being the most common (n = 11, 6.5%). Six non-randomised
      studies were included, in which no significant side effects were reported;
      however, minor side effects were reported (n = 118, 16.8%) with paradoxical
      reaction being the most common (n = 89, 12.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Although no
      significant side effects were recorded, of the minor side effects reported
      paradoxical reaction was the most common. Due to inconsistency in side effect
      reporting, the authors suggest the application of a standardised adverse event
      reporting tool for future studies of sedation in paediatric dentistry.

PMID- 25131505
TI  - Daytime light exposure: effects on biomarkers, measures of alertness, and
      performance.
AB  - Light can elicit an alerting response in humans, independent from acute melatonin
      suppression. Recent studies have shown that red light significantly increases
      daytime and nighttime alertness. The main goal of the present study was to
      further investigate the effects of daytime light exposure on performance,
      biomarkers and measures of alertness. It was hypothesized that, compared to
      remaining in dim light, daytime exposure to narrowband long-wavelength (red)
      light or polychromatic (2568K) light would induce greater alertness and shorter
      response times. Thirteen subjects experienced three lighting conditions: dim
      light (<5lux), red light (lambdamax=631nm, 213lux, 1.1W/m(2)), and white light
      (2568K, 361lux, 1.1W/m(2)). The presentation order of the lighting conditions was
      counterbalanced across the participants and each participant saw a different
      lighting condition each week. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that
      red light can increase short-term performance as shown by the significant
      (p<0.05) reduced response time and higher throughput in performance tests during
      the daytime. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in alpha power and alpha
      theta power after exposure to the white light, but this alerting effect did not
      translate to better performance. Alpha power was significantly reduced after red
      light exposure in the middle of the afternoon. There was no significant effect of
      light on cortisol and alpha amylase. The present results suggest that red light
      can be used to increase daytime performance. 

PMID- 25131506
TI  - The effects of curcumin on depressive-like behavior in mice after
      lipopolysaccharide administration.
AB  - Current evidence supports that inflammation and increased cytokine levels are
      associated with depression-like symptoms and neuropsychological disturbances in
      humans. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-depressant-like
      properties. Here, we examined the effects of curcumin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      induced depressive-like behavior and inflammation in male mice. A single
      administration of LPS (0.83mg/kg, i.p.) increased the immobility time in the
      forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST), reduced sucrose
      consumption without affecting spontaneous locomotor activity. Pretreatment with
      curcumin (50mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 consecutive days reversed LPS-induced alterations
      in the FST, TST, and sucrose preference test. Moreover, pre-treatment with
      curcumin attenuated LPS-induced microglial activation and overproduction of pro
      inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), as
      well as the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA
      in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). In addition, curcumin ameliorated
      LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation in the hippocampus and PFC. The results
      demonstrate that curcumin may be an effective therapeutic agent for LPS-induced
      depressive-like behavior, partially due to its anti-inflammatory aptitude. 

PMID- 25131508
TI  - Treats: low socioeconomic status Australian parents' provision of extra foods for
      their overweight or obese children.
AB  - ISSUE ADDRESSED: Child obesity is a global issue, with rates highest among
      disadvantaged groups. Overconsumption of treats is a contributor to children's
      weight problems. The objective of this study was to explore low socioeconomic
      parents' beliefs and behaviours relating to their provision of treat foods for
      their overweight or obese children. METHODS: Qualitative methods were used to
      collect data; these included introspections, interviews and focus groups. A total
      of 37 parents of overweight or obese children aged between 5 and 9 years took
      part in the 12-month study. RESULTS: Most parents provided their children with
      treats on a daily basis. Factors affecting parents' provision of treats included
      parents' desire to control their children's behaviour, to demonstrate love and
      affection, and to address deprivation beliefs. CONCLUSION: There is considerable
      scope for improving these parents' treating behaviours by understanding the
      relevant factors underpinning their situations and choices. SO WHAT? The findings
      provide an indication of the kinds of health promotion interventions that may be
      needed to assist in addressing treating behaviours among disadvantaged parents
      with overweight or obese children.

PMID- 25131510
TI  - Experimental and theoretical confirmation of the scaling exponent 2 in pyramidal
      load displacement data for depth sensing indentation.
AB  - A series of articles by Kaupp et al. have recently been published in "Scanning,"
      containing erroneous claims about the curvature of pyramidal nanoindentation
      loading curves. The present paper recalls the theoretical reasons why, for self
      similar indenter shapes like pyramidal or conical indentations, the load scales
      with the indentation depth squared. Furthermore, experimental evidence for that
      behavior is provided for a wide variety of materials, ranging from ceramics to
      metals and polymers.

PMID- 25131509
TI  - Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in hepatic fibrosis.
AB  - Capillarization, lack of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) fenestration,
      and formation of an organized basement membrane not only precedes fibrosis, but
      is also permissive for hepatic stellate cell activation and fibrosis. Thus,
      dysregulation of the LSEC phenotype is a critical step in the fibrotic process.
      Both a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated, nitric oxide (NO)
      independent pathway and a VEGF-stimulated NO-dependent pathway are necessary to
      maintain the differentiated LSEC phenotype. The NO-dependent pathway is impaired
      in capillarization and activation of this pathway downstream from NO restores
      LSEC differentiation in vivo. Restoration of LSEC differentiation in vivo
      promotes HSC quiescence, enhances regression of fibrosis, and prevents
      progression of cirrhosis.

PMID- 25131511
TI  - Controlled silica deposition on self-assembled peptide nanostructures via varying
      molecular structures of short amphiphilic peptides.
AB  - Cationic amphiphilic peptides are highly similar to native silaffins and
      silicateins for biosilicification in terms of their composition, amphiphilicity,
      and self-assembling propensity. To understand the relationship between organic
      molecular structures, molecular self-assembly and silica morphogenesis during
      biosilicification, we have prepared a series of short self-assembling peptide
      amphiphiles (I3-5K, I4K2, I3-4R, and I4R2) and investigated their capability to
      mediate silicification under ambient conditions. I3K self-assembled into tubular
      nanofibrils while I4K1-2 and I5K formed solid nanofibrils in aqueous solution
      with their outer diameters decreasing as the number of hydrophobic or hydrophilic
      amino acid residues increased. Changes in molecular structure thus altered their
      self-assembled geometries, and the exposed surfaces and surface lysine densities
      under different geometries then played different mediating roles in
      silicification, leading to different silica deposition patterns and final silica
      nanostructures. The templating capacity was weakened or lost when lysine was
      replaced by arginine, despite the fact that I3-4R and I4R2 self-assembled into
      nanofibrils and nanoribbons under similar conditions. 

PMID- 25131512
TI  - Duration of obesity and overweight and risk of type 2 diabetes among US women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between
      duration of adiposity and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in US women. METHODS:
      Nearly 61,821 participants were prospectively followed from the Nurses' Health
      Study (1984-2008) and 63,653 participants from Nurses' Health Study II (1991
      2011). Participants were considered overweight (BMI 25-30 kg m(-2) ) or obese
      (BMI >= 30 kg m(-2) ) if their BMI was above the cutoffs for two successive
      assessments. The time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models were used to
      assess associations between excess weight duration and T2D risk. RESULTS: In
      pooled multivariable analyses of the two cohorts, each two extra years of being
      overweight was associated with 9% (RR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.08-1.09) increased risk of
      developing T2D. For each 2-year increment in obesity duration, the risk of T2D
      was increased by 14% (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.14-1.15). Adjustment for current BMI
      greatly attenuated the association for obesity duration (RR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.01
      1.03), although the attenuation was less for overweight duration (RR = 1.04, 95%
      CI 1.04-1.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both overweight and obesity duration were associated
      with a significantly higher risk of T2D, and these associations were mainly
      explained by current BMI, especially for obesity duration.

PMID- 25131513
TI  - The effect of ZnCl2 on green Spanish-style table olive packaging, a presentation
      style dependent behaviour.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zinc chloride has been used previously as a preservative in directly
      brined olives with promising results. However, this is the first time that the
      effects of ZnCl2 addition (0-1 g L(-1) ) on green Spanish-style table olive (cv.
      Manzanilla) packaging has been studied. RESULTS: The presence of ZnCl2 affected
      the physico-chemical characteristics of the products; the presence of the Zn led
      to lower pH values (particularly just after packaging) and titratable and
      combined acidity values than the control but did not produce clear trends in the
      colour parameters. No Enterobacteriaceae were found in any of the treatments
      evaluated. At the highest ZnCl2 concentrations, the lactic acid bacteria were
      inhibited while, unexpectedly, its presence showed a lower effect than potassium
      sorbate against the yeast population. Regardless of the use of potassium sorbate
      or ZnCl2 , the packages had a reduced microbial biodiversity because only
      Lactobacillus pentosus and Pichia galeiformis were found at the end of the shelf
      life. With respect to organoleptic characteristics, the presentations containing
      ZnCl2 were not differentiated from the traditional product. CONCLUSION: Zinc
      chloride was less efficient than potassium sorbate as a yeast inhibitor in green
      Spanish-style olives, showing clear presentation style dependent behaviour for
      this property. Its presence produced significant changes in chemical parameters
      but scarcely affected colour or sensory characteristics.

PMID- 25131514
TI  - The amnion muscle combined graft (AMCG) conduits: a new alternative in the repair
      of wide substance loss of peripheral nerves.
AB  - The use of autologous sural nerve grafts is still the current gold standard for
      the repair of peripheral nerve injuries with wide substance losses, but with a
      poor rate of functional recovery after repair of mixed and motor nerves, a
      limited donor nerve supply, and morbidity of donor site. At present, tubulization
      through the muscle vein combined graft, is a viable alternative to the nerve
      autografts and certainly is a matter of tissue engineering still open to
      continuous development, although this technique is currently limited to a
      critical gap of 3 cm with less favorable results for motor function recovery. In
      this report, we present a completely new tubulization method, the amnion muscle
      combined graft (AMCG) technique, that consists in the combination of the human
      amniotic membrane hollow conduit with autologous skeletal muscle fragments for
      repairing the substance loss of peripheral nerves and recover both sensory and
      motor functions. In a series of five patients with loss of substance of the
      median nerve ranging 3-5 cm at the wrist, excellent results graded as S4 in two
      cases, S3+ in two cases, and S3 in one case; M4 in four cases and M3 in one case
      were achieved. No iatrogenic damage due to withdrawal of a healthy nerve from
      donor site was observed. This technique allows to repair extensive loss of
      substance up to 5 cm with a good sensory and motor recovery. The AMCG thus may be
      considered a reasonable alternative to traditional nerve autograft in selected
      clinical conditions.

PMID- 25131515
TI  - Is evaluative conditioning really resistant to extinction? Evidence for changes
      in evaluative judgements without changes in evaluative representations.
AB  - Evaluative conditioning (EC) is defined as the change in the evaluation of a
      conditioned stimulus (CS) due to its pairing with a positive or negative
      unconditioned stimulus (US). Although several individual studies suggest that EC
      is unaffected by unreinforced presentations of the CS without the US, a recent
      meta-analysis indicates that EC effects are less pronounced for post-extinction
      measurements than post-acquisition measurements. The disparity in research
      findings suggests that extinction of EC may depend on yet unidentified
      conditions. In an attempt to uncover these conditions, three experiments (N =
      784) investigated the influence of unreinforced post-acquisition CS presentations
      on EC effects resulting from simultaneous versus sequential pairings and pairings
      with single versus multiple USs. For all four types of CS-US pairings, EC effects
      on self-reported evaluations were reduced by unreinforced CS presentations, but
      only when the CSs had been rated after the initial presentation of CS-US
      pairings. EC effects on an evaluative priming measure remained unaffected by
      unreinforced CS presentations regardless of whether the CSs had been rated after
      acquisition. The results suggest that reduced EC effects resulting from
      unreinforced CS presentations are due to judgement-related processes during the
      verbal expression of CS evaluations rather than genuine changes in the underlying
      evaluative representations. 

PMID- 25131507
TI  - Regulation of object recognition and object placement by ovarian sex steroid
      hormones.
AB  - The ovarian hormones 17beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) are potent
      modulators of hippocampal memory formation. Both hormones have been demonstrated
      to enhance hippocampal memory by regulating the cellular and molecular mechanisms
      thought to underlie memory formation. Behavioral neuroendocrinologists have
      increasingly used the object recognition and object placement (object location)
      tasks to investigate the role of E2 and P4 in regulating hippocampal memory
      formation in rodents. These one-trial learning tasks are ideal for studying acute
      effects of hormone treatments on different phases of memory because they can be
      administered during acquisition (pre-training), consolidation (post-training), or
      retrieval (pre-testing). This review synthesizes the rodent literature testing
      the effects of E2 and P4 on object recognition (OR) and object placement (OP),
      and the molecular mechanisms in the hippocampus supporting memory formation in
      these tasks. Some general trends emerge from the data. Among gonadally intact
      females, object memory tends to be best when E2 and P4 levels are elevated during
      the estrous cycle, pregnancy, and in middle age. In ovariectomized females, E2
      given before or immediately after testing generally enhances OR and OP in young
      and middle-aged rats and mice, although effects are mixed in aged rodents.
      Effects of E2 treatment on OR and OP memory consolidation can be mediated by both
      classical estrogen receptors (ERalpha and ERbeta), and depend on glutamate
      receptors (NMDA, mGluR1) and activation of numerous cell signaling cascades
      (e.g., ERK, PI3K/Akt, mTOR) and epigenetic processes (e.g., histone acetylation,
      DNA methylation). Acute P4 treatment given immediately after training also
      enhances OR and OP in young and middle-aged ovariectomized females by activating
      similar cell signaling pathways as E2 (e.g., ERK, mTOR). The few studies that
      have administered both hormones in combination suggest that treatment can enhance
      OR and OP, but that effects are highly dependent on factors such as dose and
      timing of administration. In addition to providing more detail on these general
      conclusions, this review will discuss directions for future avenues of research
      into the hormonal regulation of object memory. 

PMID- 25131517
TI  - A review of the relationship between the needs of mothers who have hearing
      impairment children and their state-trait anxiety levels.
AB  - This descriptive research was carried out to identify the relationship between
      the needs of those mothers who have hearing impairment children and their
      state/trait anxiety levels. Significant positive relationships were found between
      the mothers' state anxiety level and the overall FNS score, the subscales of Need
      for Information, Help Explaining to Others, Community Services, Financial
      Assistance and Family Functioning and also significant positive relationship were
      found between the trait anxiety level and the overall FNS score, the subscales of
      Need for Information, Need for Support, Help Explaining to Others Community
      Services, Financial Assistance and Family Functioning. 

PMID- 25131518
TI  - Geography and the burden of care in pediatric cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood cancers typically require rigorous treatment at specialized
      centers in urban areas, which can create substantial challenges for families
      residing in remote communities. We evaluated the impact of residence and travel
      time on the burden of care for families of childhood cancer patients. PROCEDURE:
      We conducted a cross-sectional, self-administered survey of 354 caregivers of
      pediatric cancer patients at a children's hospital serving a seven state area.
      Measures included the impact of cancer treatment on relocation, employment,
      schooling, and finances. We evaluated these domains by rural/urban residence and
      travel time (>1 hour and >2 hours) to the hospital in multivariable regression
      models. RESULTS: Of the 29% of caregivers who reported moving residences as their
      child was diagnosed, 33% reported that the move was due to their child's cancer.
      Rural and remote (e.g., >1 hour travel time) caregivers missed more days of work
      during the first month after diagnosis than did urban and local caregivers,
      however, these differences did not persist over the first 6 months of therapy.
      One-third of caregivers reported quitting or changing jobs as a direct result of
      their child being diagnosed with cancer. Rural respondents had greater out-of
      pocket travel expenses and reported a significantly greater perceived financial
      burden. Rural patients missed more school days and were at an increased risk of
      having to repeat a grade. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood cancer has an appreciable impact
      on the lives of patients and caregivers. The burden is greater for those living
      far from a treatment center.

PMID- 25131519
TI  - Clinical and neuropsychological characteristics of euthymic bipolar patients
      having a history of severe suicide attempt.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identifying bipolar patients at high-suicide risk is a major health
      issue. To improve their identification, we compared dimensional and
      neuropsychological profile of bipolar patients with or without history of suicide
      attempt, taking into account suicidal severity (i.e. admission to intensive
      ward). METHOD: A total of 343 adult euthymic bipolar out-patients recruited in
      the French FondaMental Advanced Centres of Expertise for Bipolar Disorder were
      divided into three subgroups: 214 patients without history of suicide attempt, 88
      patients with past history of non-severe suicide attempt and 41 patients with
      past history of severe suicide attempt. General intellectual functioning, speed
      of information processing, verbal learning and memory, verbal fluency and
      executive functioning were assessed. RESULTS: Severe suicide attempters had lower
      affective intensity and lability than non-severe attempters. Severe suicide
      attempters outperformed non-severe attempters for verbal learning and non
      attempters for Stroop word reading part after adjustment for study centre, age,
      gender, educational level, antipsychotics use, depression score, anxious and
      addictive comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Neuropsychological tasks commonly used to
      assess bipolar patients do not seem accurate to identify suicide attempters in
      euthymic patients. In the future, decision-making and emotional recognition tasks
      should be assessed. Moreover, clinical and neuropsychological profiles should be
      considered together to better define suicidal risk.

PMID- 25131521
TI  - Fibroadenomatosis involving bilateral breasts and axillary accessory breast
      tissues in a renal transplant recipient given cyclosporin A.
AB  - We present the mammographic and sonographic findings in a case of
      fibroadenomatosis involving both breasts and axillae in a renal transplant
      patient after 16 years of treatment with cyclosporin A. Awareness of the fact
      that cyclosporin A may induce the formation of fibroadenomas, including in
      accessory breast tissue, is important for correct diagnosis and preventing
      unnecessary intervention.

PMID- 25131520
TI  - Correlation between congenital heart defects and maternal copper and zinc
      concentrations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between
      maternal concentrations of copper and zinc and the risk of having an infant with
      a congenital heart defect (CHD). METHODS: A multi-center hospital-based case
      control study was conducted in China. A total of 212 cases and 212 controls were
      recruited from pregnant women who received prenatal examinations in four tertiary
      hospitals accredited to perform prenatal diagnosis in the cities of Shenzhen,
      Zhenzhou, Fuzhou and Wuhan between February 2010 and November 2011. Correlation
      between CHDs and maternal copper and zinc concentrations was estimated by a 1:1
      conditional logistic regression. Also the interaction between copper and zinc was
      analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, mothers with hair copper
      concentrations of 17.77 MUg/g or more were more likely to have a child with a CHD
      than those with a lower concentration. The adjusted odds ratio was 5.70 (95%
      confidence interval, 2.58-12.61) for CHDs and 6.32 (95% confidence interval, 2.11
      18.92) for conotruncal defects. Zinc concentrations were not significantly
      different in the case and control groups. The results suggest that mothers whose
      zinc content was 104.60 MUg/g or less did not have a significantly higher risk of
      having a child with a CHD. No interaction between maternal copper and zinc
      concentrations was observed in the multiplicative or additive model. CONCLUSION:
      Women with excessive copper concentrations have a significantly increased risk of
      having offspring with a CHD. A low maternal zinc status might have a correlation
      with CHDs, and an interaction between copper and zinc might exists, but an
      epidemiological study with a larger sample size is needed to confirm this
      finding.

PMID- 25131523
TI  - Usefulness of lewis lead for visualizing p-wave.

PMID- 25131522
TI  - Novel tricyclic[2,1-f]theophylline derivatives of LCAP with activity in mouse
      models of affective disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the central activity of
      the two new imidazo[2,1-f]purine-2,4-dione derivatives behaved as presynaptic
      5HT1A receptor agonists and postsynaptic 5HT1A , 5HT2A and D2 receptors
      antagonists. The compounds were examined using animal tests towards
      antipsychotic, antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like properties and then compared
      with effects evoked by an atypical antipsychotic drug ziprasidone. METHODS: D
      amphetamine-induced hyperactivity test was used to determine antipsychotic-like
      activity of compounds 7 and 9. The forced swim test (FST) and the four-plate test
      were conducted to investigate antidepressant- and antianxiety-like activity,
      respectively, of studied agents. The investigated compounds 7, 9 and ziprasidone
      were administered intraperitoneally 60 min before the tests. Diazepam and
      imipramine were used as standard anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs,
      respectively. KEY FINDINGS: The obtained results demonstrate that new synthesized
      compound 9 evokes antipsychotic-like activity alike ziprasidone and, in contrary
      to the antipsychotic drug, shows antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like properties
      in behavioural tests in mice. CONCLUSIONS: The present preclinical results
      indicate that one of the two investigated imidazo[2,1-f]purine-2,4-dione
      derivatives, compound 9, with methyl group at 7 position of imidazo[2,1-f]purine
      2,4-dione fragment and the ortho-OCH3 substituent in the aryl moiety, acts as an
      antipsychotic drug with additional antidepressant and anxiolytic properties.

PMID- 25131524
TI  - Spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
AB  - Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare but challenging clinical
      entity of unknown etiology. From a pathophysiological standpoint, SCAD may occur
      in patients with a coronary intimal tear (presenting with the classic
      angiographic "flap" and multiple lumens), but also in patients without an intimal
      rupture (presenting as an intramural hematoma). Until now, available information
      on SCAD was largely based on multiple, small case-series studies but, recently,
      data from relatively large registries have cast a new light on this disease.
      Classically, SCAD was thought to present in young females without traditional
      atherosclerotic risk factors but recent reports suggest a broader clinical
      spectrum encompassing older patients with associated coronary artery disease. In
      this review, we concentrate on 3 main aspects of this unique disease: (1) the
      value of intracoronary diagnostic techniques (intravascular ultrasound and
      optical coherence tomography) to complement coronary angiography and to provide
      novel diagnostic insights on this elusive clinical condition; (2) the growing
      clinical evidence suggesting an association and potential causation between
      fibromuscular dysplasia and SCAD; and (3) the challenges of coronary
      revascularization in this adverse anatomic setting, together with recent data
      suggesting that a initial, conservative medical management may be preferable for
      the majority of patients with SCAD.

PMID- 25131525
TI  - Diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as left ventricular apical ballooning
      syndrome and stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is typically characterized by
      transient systolic dysfunction of the apical and mid-segments of the left
      ventricle, in the absence of obstructive coronary artery lesions. Patients may
      present with symptoms and signs of acute coronary syndrome, and the provider is
      challenged to differentiate between these conditions. In this review, we guide
      the reader through the diagnostic pathway, focusing on differential diagnoses and
      diagnostic criteria for takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 25131526
TI  - [Post-stroke depression].
AB  - Cerebrovascular diseases are associated with a high incidence of psychiatric
      disorders. Depressive illness after stroke has been extensively investigated
      during the last three decades. Post-stroke depression is estimated to occur in 30
      35% of the patients during the first year after stroke. Numerous studies have
      given information on its prevalence, pathogenesis, clinical course, treatment and
      prevention. Despite the high level of comorbidity, depressive symptoms appear to
      remain frequently unrecognized and untreated. This has a negative effect on the
      rehabilitation, quality of live, cognitive function and mortality of stroke
      patients.

PMID- 25131527
TI  - [Cardiovascular screening programme in the Central Hungarian region. The
      Budakalasz Study].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The reduction in mortality due to prevention programmes observed in
      some European countries is not currently reached in Hungary. Effective prevention
      is based on the screening of risk factors and health state of the population.
      AIM: The goal of this study was to develop a longitudinal, population-based
      screening programme in the Central Hungarian region in order to collect
      information on the health state and cardiovascular risk profile of the citizens
      and discover new potential cardiovascular risk factors. METHOD: The Budakalasz
      Study is a self-voluntary programme involving the adult population (>20 yrs,
      approx. 8000 persons), and it consists of questionnaires, non-invasive tests
      (anthropometry, cardiac echo, carotid duplex scan, blood pressure measurement,
      ankle-brachial index), venous blood sample collection and laboratory tests.
      RESULTS: Until January, 2014, 2420 persons (30% of the population, male: 41.2%,
      average age 54.8 years) participated in the programme. Cardiovascular morbidity
      was higher in contrast to a former national survey. The number of risk factors
      and, therefore, 10-year cardiovascular risk were also elevated in this
      population. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underline the importance of screening
      programmes and effective therapies.

PMID- 25131528
TI  - [International comparative study on health condition of young people].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The connection between physical condition, coping strategies and
      emotional intelligence is widely studied in the international literature, but
      comparative research data collected among Transylvanian and Hungarian adolescents
      are not available in contemporary psychological literature. AIM: The aim of the
      authors was to study health indicators, emotional intelligence and coping
      strategies among adolescents and analyse connections between these factors and
      physical condition as part of an international research. METHOD: The physical
      condition, coping strategies and emotional intelligence of 390 individuals, aged
      between 13 and 19 years living in Debrecen (Hungary) and Ermihalyfalva (Romania)
      were observed. RESULTS: adaptive (i. e. problem-focused) coping strategies used
      in stressful situations resulted in lower depression rates, as well as better
      mental well-being than the maladaptive ones such as emotional clearing, self
      punishment, distraction of attention. Adolescents showing higher emotional
      intelligence had lower depression levels and better mental well-being.
      CONCLUSIONS: Institutionally initiated emotional intelligence and coping strategy
      development for young people may prove to be an important preventive
      interventional public health programme. This may serve as a basis to assist
      health-consciousness and personality formatting.

PMID- 25131529
TI  - [Patient rights in the remote past? Regulation of medical services until the 19th
      century, based particularly on Hungary's first comprehensive Royal Decree of the
      health system].

PMID- 25131530
TI  - [The place of our Earth in the cosmos and the turning points in its history-
      thoughts related to climate change].

PMID- 25131533
TI  - Acute fatal upper airway obstruction from an occult cavernous hemangioma of the
      larynx.
AB  - A 42-year-old previously well man collapsed while holding his throat.
      Resuscitation was unsuccessful, and at autopsy, the most significant findings
      were limited to the larynx, pharynx, and anterior mediastinum where there were
      multinodular dark blue tumors. Within the larynx, the lower border of the tumor
      was well demarcated, not extending beyond the vocal cords. A separate large
      polypoidal tumor mass was attached to the right aryepiglottic fold by a thin
      fibrous stalk. Histologic examination revealed numerous large, thin-walled
      cavernous-type vascular spaces typical of a multifocal cavernous hemangioma.
      Death was due to asphyxiation from obstruction of the upper airways by a
      cavernous hemangioma of the larynx. Adult laryngeal hemangiomas are rare and are
      usually supraglottic. This case demonstrates that pedunculated laryngeal
      cavernous hemangiomas may remain occult until the initiation of an obstructive
      episode with sudden collapse and death. In such instances, the diagnosis must
      rely upon an autopsy examination. 

PMID- 25131531
TI  - alphabetaT cell receptors expressed by CD4(-)CD8alphabeta(-) intraepithelial T
      cells drive their fate into a unique lineage with unusual MHC reactivities.
AB  - Coreceptor CD4 and CD8alphabeta double-negative (DN) TCRalphabeta(+)
      intraepithelial T cells, although numerous, have been greatly overlooked and
      their contribution to the immune response is not known. Here we used T cell
      receptor (TCR) sequencing of single cells combined with retrogenic expression of
      TCRs to study the fate and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction
      of DN TCRalphabeta(+) intraepithelial T cells. The data show that commitment of
      thymic precursors to the DN TCRalphabeta(+) lineage is imprinted by their TCR
      specificity. Moreover, the TCRs they express display a diverse and unusual
      pattern of MHC restriction that is nonoverlapping with that of CD4(+) or
      CD8alphabeta(+) T cells, indicating that they sense antigens that are not
      recognized by the conventional T cell subsets. The new insights indicate that DN
      TCRalphabeta(+) T cells form a third lineage of TCRalphabeta T lymphocytes
      expressing a variable TCR repertoire, which serve nonredundant immune functions.

PMID- 25131532
TI  - Elevated T cell receptor signaling identifies a thymic precursor to the
      TCRalphabeta(+)CD4(-)CD8beta(-) intraepithelial lymphocyte lineage.
AB  - The origin and developmental pathway of intestinal T cell receptor alphabeta(+)
      CD4(-)CD8beta(-) intraepithelial lymphocytes (unconventional iIELs), a major
      population of innate-like resident cytolytic T cells, have remained elusive. By
      cloning and expressing several TCRs isolated from unconventional iIELs, we
      identified immature CD4(lo)CD8(lo)(DP(lo))CD69(hi)PD-1(hi) thymocytes as the
      earliest postsignaling precursors for these cells. Although these precursors
      displayed multiple signs of elevated TCR signaling, a sizeable fraction of them
      escaped deletion to selectively engage in unconventional iIEL differentiation.
      Conversely, TCRs cloned from DP(lo)CD69(hi)PD-1(hi) thymocytes, a population
      enriched in autoreactive thymocytes, selectively gave rise to unconventional
      iIELs upon transgenic expression. Thus, the unconventional iIEL precursor
      overlaps with the DP(lo) population undergoing negative selection, indicating
      that, concomitant with the downregulation of both CD4 and CD8 coreceptors, a
      balance between apoptosis and survival signals results in outcomes as divergent
      as clonal deletion and differentiation to the unconventional iIEL lineage.

PMID- 25131534
TI  - Risk of drug-induced liver injury from tumor necrosis factor antagonists.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Antagonists of tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF agents) can
      cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI), yet little is known about the level of
      risk. METHODS: We identified cases of DILI caused by anti-TNF agents in Iceland,
      from 2009 through 2013, at the National University Hospital of Iceland (n = 11).
      We collected data on the total use of the drugs by patients with DILI, and
      outcomes, compared with patients who received anti-TNF agents but who did not
      develop DILI (controls, n = 22). RESULTS: Of the 11 cases of DILI identified (8
      women; mean age, 46 y), 9 cases were caused by infliximab. DILI developed in 1 of
      120 patients who received infliximab, 1 in 270 patients who received adalimumab,
      and 1 in 430 patients who received etanercept. Most patients with infliximab
      associated DILI developed this disorder after 4 infusions (n = 6). Four patients
      had jaundice at diagnosis of DILI, and 8 patients had hepatocellular liver
      injury. The mean peak level of alanine aminotransferase was 704 U/L, of aspartate
      aminotransferase was 503 U/L, of alkaline phosphatase was 261 U/L, and of
      bilirubin was 47 MUmol/L. Seven patients with DILI were tested for antinuclear
      antibodies before therapy with an anti-TNF agent and 3 had positive test results,
      compared with 5 of the 14 controls tested. At DILI diagnosis, 8 of 11 patients
      tested positive for antinuclear antibodies. Of liver biopsy specimens collected
      from 5 patients with DILI, 3 showed signs of severe acute hepatitis. Only 9% of
      the patients who developed DILI received methotrexate during anti-TNF therapy,
      compared with 59% of controls (P = .009). DILI was treated with steroids in 5
      patients, and in 4 cases steroid therapy was discontinued without relapse. Eight
      patients with DILI went on to receive treatment with different TNF antagonists
      without developing DILI. CONCLUSIONS: Of anti-TNF agents, infliximab is
      associated most frequently with DILI, developing in 1 of 120 patients who
      received this drug. Fifty percent of patients with anti-TNF-associated DILI
      required steroid therapy, but most did not need long-term treatment. The addition
      of methotrexate to anti-TNF therapy might reduce the risk of DILI.

PMID- 25131535
TI  - Structural and mutational studies on an aldo-keto reductase AKR5C3 from
      Gluconobacter oxydans.
AB  - An aldo-keto reductase AKR5C3 from Gluconobacter oxydans (designated as Gox0644)
      is a useful enzyme with various substrates, including aldehydes, diacetyl, keto
      esters, and alpha-ketocarbonyl compounds. The crystal structures of AKR5C3 in
      apoform in complex with NADPH and the D53A mutant (AKR5C3(-D53A) ) in complex
      with NADPH are presented herein. Structure comparison and site-directed
      mutagenesis combined with biochemical kinetics analysis reveal that the conserved
      Asp53 in the AKR5C3 catalytic tetrad has a crucial role in securing active pocket
      conformation. The gain-of-function Asp53 to Ala mutation triggers conformational
      changes on the Trp30 and Trp191 side chains, improving NADPH affinity to AKR5C3,
      which helps increase catalytic efficiency. The highly conserved Trp30 and Trp191
      residues interact with the nicotinamide moiety of NADPH and help form the NADPH
      binding pocket. The AKR5C3(-W30A) and AKR5C3(-W191Y) mutants show decreased
      activities, confirming that both residues facilitate catalysis. Residue Trp191 is
      in the loop structure, and the AKR5C3(-W191Y) mutant does not react with
      benzaldehyde, which might also determine substrate recognition. Arg192, which is
      involved in the substrate binding, is another important residue. The introduction
      of R192G increases substrate-binding affinity by improving hydrophobicity in the
      substrate-binding pocket. These results not only supplement the AKRs superfamily
      with crystal structures but also provide useful information for understanding the
      catalytic properties of AKR5C3 and guiding further engineering of this enzyme. 

PMID- 25131536
TI  - Design, synthesis, in silico and in vitro studies of novel 4-methylthiazole-5
      carboxylic acid derivatives as potent anti-cancer agents.
AB  - Since inhibitors of mucin onco proteins are potential targets for breast cancer
      therapy, a series of novel 4-methylthiazole-5-carboxylic acid (1) derivatives 3a
      k were synthesized by the reaction of 1 with SOCl2 followed by different
      bases/alcohols in the presence of triethylamine. Once synthesized and
      characterized, their binding modes with MUC1 were studied by molecular docking
      analysis using Aruglab 4.0.1 and QSAR properties were determined using HyperChem.
      All synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro anti-breast cancer activity
      against MDA-MB-231 breast adenocarcinoma cell lines by Trypan-blue cell viability
      assay and MTT methods. Compounds 1, 3b, 3d, 3e, 3i and 3f showed good anti-breast
      cancer activity. Since 1 and 3d exhibited high potent activity against MDA-MB-231
      cell lines, they show could be effective mucin onco protein inhibitors. 

PMID- 25131537
TI  - Inhibition of activated STAT5 in Bcr/Abl expressing leukemia cells with new
      pimozide derivatives.
AB  - STATs are transcription factors acting as intracellular signaling after
      stimulation with cytokines, growth factors and hormones. STAT5 is also
      constitutively active in many forms of cancers, including chronic myelogenous
      leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Recently,
      literature reported that the neuroleptic drug pimozide inhibits STAT5
      phosphorylation inducing apoptosis in CML cells. We undertook an investigation
      from pimozide structure, obtaining simple derivatives with cytotoxic and STAT5
      inhibitory activity, two of them markedly more potent than pimozide. 

PMID- 25131538
TI  - Screening and identification of novel compounds with potential anti-proliferative
      effects on gallium-resistant lung cancer through an AXL kinase pathway.
AB  - The clinical application of gallium compounds as anticancer agents is hampered by
      development of resistance. As a potential strategy to overcome the limitation,
      eight series of compounds were identified through virtual screening of AXL kinase
      homology model. Anti-proliferative studies were carried using gallium-sensitive
      (S) and gallium-resistant (R) human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. Compounds
      5476423 and 7919469 were identified as leads. The IC50 values from treating R
      cells showed compounds 5476423 and 7919469 had 80 fold and 13 fold increased
      potency, respectively, compared to gallium acetylacetonate (GaAcAc). The efficacy
      of GaAcAc against R-cells was increased 2 fold and 1.2 fold when combined with
      compounds 5476423 and 7919469, respectively. Compared with S-cells, R-cells
      showed elevated expression of AXL protein, which was significantly suppressed
      through treatments with the lead compounds. It is anticipated that the lead
      compounds could be applied in virtual screening programs to identify novel
      scaffolds for new therapeutic agents as well as combinatorial therapy agents in
      gallium resistant lung cancer. 

PMID- 25131539
TI  - Synthesis, in vitro and in silico studies of a PPARgamma and GLUT-4 modulator
      with hypoglycemic effect.
AB  - Compound {4-[({4-[(Z)-(2,4-dioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-5
      ylidene)methyl]phenoxy}acetyl)amino]phenoxy}acetic acid (1) was prepared and the
      in vitro relative expression of PPARgamma, GLUT-4 and PPARalpha, was estimated.
      Compound 1 showed an increase of 2-fold in the mRNA expression of PPARgamma
      isoform, as well as the GLUT-4 levels. The antidiabetic activity of compound 1
      was determined at 50 mg/Kg single dose using a non insulin dependent diabetes
      mellitus (NIDDM) rat model. The in vivo results indicated a significant decrease
      of plasma glucose levels, during the 7 h post-administration. Also, we performed
      a molecular docking of compound 1 into the ligand binding pocket of PPARgamma,
      showing important short contacts with residues Ser289, His323 and His449 in the
      active site.

PMID- 25131540
TI  - Correlates of quality of sexual life in male and female patients with Parkinson
      disease and their partners.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and their partners may
      experience a worsening of their sexual life. AIM: To assess quality of sexual
      life (QoSL) in male and female PD patients and their partners. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Medical, demographic and clinical data was collected regarding
      consecutive PD patients, including depression, and motor symptom rating.
      Partners' data included the short form-12 health questionnaire (SF-12). All
      patients and partners filled the 5-item QoSL questionnaire. RESULTS: Data from 89
      PD patients (66 men) and 69 spouses (52 women) was analyzed. Male patients
      rejected sex significantly less than female patients and their sexual desire was
      higher, but female patients reported higher sexual satisfaction. Patients and
      partners similarly perceived their relationship which was averagely good.
      Analysis within couples demonstrated that better QoSL of patients could be
      predicted by gender (male), better QoSL of their partners and, motor severity,
      but not the patient's depression, age or use of l-dopa. The partner's QoSL was
      explained by younger age, and better motor scores of their parkinsonian partner.
      Treatment of the PD patient with l-dopa or dopamine agonist was associated with
      worse partner's QoSL. CONCLUSION: Differences in QoSL of male and female PD
      patients and within couples were found. These findings suggest that focusing on
      partner's needs may improve QoSL of patients and partners troubled by PD.

PMID- 25131542
TI  - Transgenerational epigenetics and brain disorders.
AB  - Neurobehavioral and psychiatric disorders are complex diseases with a strong
      heritable component; however, to date, genome-wide association studies failed to
      identify the genetic loci involved in the etiology of these brain disorders.
      Recently, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has emerged as an important
      factor playing a pivotal role in the inheritance of brain disorders. This field
      of research provides evidence that environmentally induced epigenetic changes in
      the germline during embryonic development can be transmitted for multiple
      generations and may contribute to the etiology of brain disease heritability. In
      this review, we discuss some of the most recent findings on transgenerational
      epigenetic inheritance. We particularly discuss the findings on the epigenetic
      mechanisms involved in the heritability of alcohol-induced neurobehavioral
      disorders such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. 

PMID- 25131544
TI  - Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in stress-induced behavior.
AB  - Stress response is considered to have adaptive value for organisms faced with
      stressful condition. Chronic stress however adversely affects the physiology and
      may lead to neuropsychiatric disorders. Repeated stressful events in animal
      models have been shown to cause long-lasting changes in neural circuitries at
      molecular, cellular, and physiological level, leading to disorders of mood as
      well as cognition. Molecular studies in recent years have implicated diverse
      epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and
      noncoding RNAs, that underlie dysregulation of genes in the affected neural
      circuitries in chronic stress-induced pathophysiology. A review of the myriad
      epigenetic regulatory mechanisms associated with neural and behavioral responses
      in animal models of stress-induced neuropsychiatric disorders is presented here.
      The review also deals with clinical evidence of the epigenetic dysregulation of
      genes in psychiatric disorders where chronic stress appears to underlie the
      etiopathology. 

PMID- 25131545
TI  - Epigenetics of schizophrenia: an open and shut case.
AB  - During the last decade and a half, there has been an explosion of data regarding
      epigenetic changes in schizophrenia. Most initial studies have suggested that
      schizophrenia is characterized by an overly restrictive chromatin state based on
      increases in transcription silencing histone modifications and DNA methylation at
      schizophrenia candidate gene promoters and increases in the expression of enzymes
      that catalyze their formation. However, recent studies indicate that the
      pathology is more complex. This complexity may greatly impact pharmacological
      approaches directed at targeting epigenetic abnormalities in schizophrenia. The
      current review explores epigenetic studies of schizophrenia and what this can
      tell us about the underlying pathophysiology. We hypothesize based on recent
      studies that it is also plausible that drugs that further restrict chromatin may
      be efficacious. 

PMID- 25131546
TI  - Epigenetic mechanisms in autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by
      impaired social interactions, language deficits, as well as restrictive or
      repetitive behaviors. ASD is clinically heterogeneous with a complex
      etiopathogenesis which may be conceptualized as a dynamic interplay between
      heterogeneous environmental cues and predisposing genetic factors involving
      complex epigenetic mechanisms. Inherited and de novo copy number variants provide
      novel information regarding genes contributing to ASD. Epigenetic marks are
      stable, yet potentially reversible, chromatin modifications that alter gene
      expression profiles by locally changing the degree of nucleosomal compaction,
      thereby opening or closing promoter access to the transcriptional machinery.
      Here, we review progress on studies designed to provide a better understanding of
      how epigenetic mechanisms impact transcriptional programs operative in the brain
      that contribute to ASD. 

PMID- 25131547
TI  - MicroRNAs and ethanol toxicity.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small nonprotein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that have
      been shown to promote the degradation of target messenger RNAs and inhibit the
      translation of networks of protein-coding genes to control the development of
      cells and tissues, and facilitate their adaptation to environmental forces. In
      this chapter, we will discuss recent data that show that miRNAs are an important
      component of the epigenetic landscape that regulates the transcription as well as
      the translation of protein-coding gene networks. We will discuss the evidence
      that implicates miRNAs in both developmental and adult effects of alcohol
      consumption. Understanding the interactions of this novel class of ncRNAs with
      the epigenome will be important for understanding the etiology of alcohol
      teratology and addiction as well as potential new treatment strategies. 

PMID- 25131548
TI  - Preface. Epigenetics.

PMID- 25131549
TI  - A new way forward: improving maternal and child health in America.

PMID- 25131541
TI  - Environmental alterations of epigenetics prior to the birth.
AB  - The etiology of many brain diseases remains allusive to date after intensive
      investigation of genomic background and symptomatology from the day of birth.
      Emerging evidences indicate that a third factor, epigenetics prior to the birth,
      can exert profound influence on the development and functioning of the brain and
      over many neurodevelopmental syndromes. This chapter reviews how aversive
      environmental exposure to parents might predispose or increase vulnerability of
      offspring to neurodevelopmental deficit through alteration of epigenetics. These
      epigenetic altering environmental factors will be discussed in the category of
      addictive agents, nutrition or diet, prescriptive medicine, environmental
      pollutant, and stress. Epigenetic alterations induced by these aversive
      environmental factors cover all aspects of epigenetics including DNA methylation,
      histone modification, noncoding RNA, and chromatin modification. Next, the
      mechanisms how these environmental inputs influence epigenetics will be
      discussed. Finally, how environmentally altered epigenetic marks affect
      neurodevelopment is exemplified by the alcohol-induced fetal alcohol syndrome. It
      is hoped that a thorough understanding of the nature of prenatal epigenetic
      inputs will enable researchers with a clear vision to better unravel
      neurodevelopmental deficit, late-onset neuropsychiatric diseases, or
      idiosyncratic mental disorders. 

PMID- 25131550
TI  - Magnet application in ICD patients.

PMID- 25131551
TI  - Smart vesicle kit for in situ monitoring of intracellular telomerase activity
      using a telomerase-responsive probe.
AB  - A smart vesicle kit was designed for in situ imaging and detection of cytoplasmic
      telomerase activity. The vesicle kit contained a telomerase primer (TSP) and a
      Cy5-tagged molecular beacon (MB) functionalized gold nanoparticle probe, which
      were encapsulated in liposome for intracellular delivery. After the vesicle kit
      was transfected into cytoplasm, the released TSP could be extended in the
      presence of telomerase to produce a telomeric repeated sequence at the 3' end,
      which was just complementary with the loop of MB assembled on probe surface.
      Thus, the MB was opened upon hybridization to switch the fluorescent state from
      "off" to "on". The fluorescence signal depended on telomerase activity, leading
      to a novel strategy for in situ imaging and quantitative detection of the
      cytoplasmic telomerase activity. The cytoplasmic telomerase activity was
      estimated to be 3.2 * 10(-11), 2.4 * 10(-11), and 8.6 * 10(-13) IU in each HeLa,
      BEL tumor and QSG normal cell, respectively, demonstrating the capability of this
      approach to distinguish tumor from normal cells. The proposed method could be
      employed for dynamic monitoring of the cytoplasmic telomerase activity in
      response to a telomerase-based drug, suggesting the potential application in
      discovery and screening of telomerase-targeted anticancer drugs. 

PMID- 25131552
TI  - The object of sexual desire: examining the "what" in "what do you desire?".
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Over the past two decades, sexual desire and desire discrepancy
      have become more frequently studied as have potential pharmaceutical
      interventions to treat low sexual desire. However, the complexities of sexual
      desire-including what exactly is desired-remain poorly understood. AIMS: To
      understand the object of men's and women's sexual desire, evaluate gender
      differences and similarities in the object of desire, and examine the impact of
      object of desire discrepancies on overall desire for partner in men and women in
      the context of long-term relationships. METHODS: A total of 406 individuals, 203
      men and 203 women in a relationship with one another, completed an online survey
      on sexual desire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reports of the object of sexual desire
      in addition to measures of sexual desire for current partner were collected from
      both members of the couple. RESULTS: There were significant gender differences in
      the object of sexual desire. Men were significantly more likely to endorse desire
      for sexual release, orgasm, and pleasing their partner than were women. Women
      were significantly more likely to endorse desire for intimacy, emotional
      closeness, love, and feeling sexually desirable than men. Discrepancies within
      the couple with regard to object of desire were related to their level of sexual
      desire for partner, accounting for 17% of variance in men's desire and 37% of
      variance in women's desire. CONCLUSIONS: This research provides insights into the
      conceptualization of sexual desire in long-term relationships and the
      multifaceted nature of sexual desire that may aid in more focused ways to
      maintain desire over long-term relationships. Future research on the utility of
      this perspective of sexual desire and implications for clinicians working with
      couples struggling with low sexual desire in their relationships is discussed.

PMID- 25131543
TI  - The epigenetic landscape of alcoholism.
AB  - Alcoholism is a complex psychiatric disorder that has a multifactorial etiology.
      Epigenetic mechanisms are uniquely capable of accounting for the multifactorial
      nature of the disease in that they are highly stable and are affected by
      environmental factors, including alcohol itself. Chromatin remodeling causes
      changes in gene expression in specific brain regions contributing to the
      endophenotypes of alcoholism such as tolerance and dependence. The epigenetic
      mechanisms that regulate changes in gene expression observed in addictive
      behaviors respond not only to alcohol exposure but also to comorbid
      psychopathology such as the presence of anxiety and stress. This review
      summarizes recent developments in epigenetic research that may play a role in
      alcoholism. We propose that pharmacologically manipulating epigenetic targets, as
      demonstrated in various preclinical models, hold great therapeutic potential in
      the treatment and prevention of alcoholism. 

PMID- 25131553
TI  - A pathogenicity determinant maps to the N-terminal coat protein region of the
      Pepino mosaic virus genome.
AB  - Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) poses a worldwide threat to the tomato industry.
      Considerable differences at the genetic level allow for the distinction of four
      main genotypic clusters; however, the basis of the phenotypic outcome is
      difficult to elucidate. This work reports the generation of wild-type PepMV
      infectious clones of both EU (mild) and CH2 (aggressive) genotypes, from which
      chimeric infectious clones were created. Phenotypic analysis in three solanaceous
      hosts, Nicotiana benthamiana, Datura stramonium and Solanum lycopersicum,
      indicated that a PepMV pathogenicity determinant mapped to the 3'-terminal region
      of the genome. Increased aggression was only observed in N. benthamiana, showing
      that this factor is host specific. The determinant was localized to amino acids
      11-26 of the N-terminal coat protein (CP) region; this is the first report of
      this region functioning as a virulence factor in PepMV.

PMID- 25131554
TI  - Pregnancy outcome according to male diagnosis after ICSI with non-ejaculated
      sperm compared with ejaculated sperm controls.
AB  - The aim of this study was to describe pregnancy outcome in couples who had
      undergone ICSI using non-ejaculated sperm from men with non-obstructive
      azoospermia, obstructive azoospermia and aspermia compared with the outcome of
      ICSI with ejaculated sperm from men with severe oligozoospermia, treated during
      the same time period. This nationwide cohort study included all children born
      after ICSI with non-ejaculated sperm in Norway, from when the method was first
      permitted in Norway in April 2004 to the end of 2010, resulting in 420
      pregnancies and a total of 359 children. In 235 of these children, the father was
      diagnosed with obstructive azoospermia, in 72 with non-obstructive azoospermia,
      in 31 with aspermia, and in 21 the male cause was unclassifiable. The control
      group consisted of 760 children from 939 pregnancies conceived by ICSI with
      ejaculated sperm. Sex ratio, birth weight, rate of pregnancy loss and congenital
      malformations were not significantly associated with sperm origin or the cause of
      male factor infertility. 

PMID- 25131555
TI  - The long-term experiences of surrogates: relationships and contact with surrogacy
      families in genetic and gestational surrogacy arrangements.
AB  - This study examined the contact arrangements and relationships between surrogates
      and surrogacy families and whether these outcomes differed according to the type
      of surrogacy undertaken. Surrogates' motivations for carrying out multiple
      surrogacy arrangements were also examined, and surrogates' psychological health
      was assessed. Semi-structured interviews were administered to 34 women who had
      given birth to a child conceived through surrogacy approximately 7 years prior to
      interview. Some surrogates had carried out multiple surrogacy arrangements, and
      data were collected on the frequency, type of contact, and surrogate's feelings
      about the level of contact in each surrogacy arrangement, the surrogate's
      relationship with each child and parent, and her experience of, and motivation
      for, each surrogacy. Questionnaire measures of psychological health were
      administered. Surrogates had completed a total of 102 surrogacy arrangements and
      remained in contact with the majority of families, and reported positive
      relationships in most cases. Surrogates were happy with their level of contact in
      the majority of arrangements and most were viewed as positive experiences. Few
      differences were found according to surrogacy type. The primary motivation given
      for multiple surrogacy arrangements was to help couples have a sibling for an
      existing child. Most surrogates showed no psychological health problems at the
      time of data collection. 

PMID- 25131556
TI  - Androgen receptor CAG repeat length is associated with ovarian reserve but not
      with ovarian response.
AB  - The human androgen receptor (AR) gene contains a highly polymorphic CAG repeat
      sequence within exon 1. In-vitro studies have shown a relationship between CAG
      repeats in the AR gene and its transactivation potential. This variation in
      length may play a role in anovulatory infertility. The objective of this study
      was to investigate whether CAG polymorphism of the AR gene has a predictive value
      for ovarian reserve, response and cycle outcome in an egg donor programme. CAG
      length of the AR gene was determined in 147 oocyte donors. All donors underwent
      ovarian stimulation with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol (n
      = 355). No differences were reported in days of stimulation, gonadotrophin doses,
      and number of oocytes retrieved. Clinical outcomes were not affected by the CAG
      repeat length of the AR gene; the primary end-point, antral follicle count, was
      significantly affected (P < 0.05). In conclusion, in a population of fertile egg
      donors AR gene CAG polymorphism does not affect ovarian response to
      gonadotrophins. Antral follicle count was associated with the CAG polymorphism
      genotype. This suggests that genetic factors may increase susceptibility to poor
      ovarian reserve, and that AR gene genotype could play a role in the natural
      ovarian ageing process. 

PMID- 25131557
TI  - Effect of chromosomal polymorphisms of different genders on fertilization rate of
      fresh IVF-ICSI embryo transfer cycles.
AB  - To explore whether chromosomal polymorphisms of different genders affect outcomes
      of fresh IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) embryo transfer cycles
      differently, 37 couples with chromosomal polymorphisms were identified out of 614
      infertile couples undergoing IVF-ICSI treatments. Group 1 included 20 couples in
      which only the male carried chromosomal polymorphisms; group 2 included 17
      couples with female carriers only; group 3 included 19 infertile couples with
      normal karyotypes randomly selected as controls. A significantly lower
      fertilization rate was found in group 1 compared with groups 2 and 3 (56.68% in
      Group 1, 78.02% in group 2 and 71.74% in group 3; group 1 versus group 2, P <
      0.001; group 1 versus group 3, P = 0.001; respectively). When stratified
      according to fertilization method, the fertilization rate in IVF cycles of group
      1 was significantly lower than group 3 (50.00% in Group 1, 73.89% in Group 3, P <
      0.001). Fertilization rates in ICSI cycles between groups 1 and 3 were not
      significantly different. This study suggests that male chromosomal polymorphisms
      adversely influence fertilization rates of IVF cycles. The use of ICSI may
      improve the success of infertility treatment by increasing the fertilization rate
      for men with chromosomal polymorphisms. 

PMID- 25131558
TI  - In-vitro culture system for mesenchymal progenitor cells derived from waste human
      ovarian follicular fluid.
AB  - To characterize different cell populations in the human ovary, morphological and
      functional characteristics of cell populations collected during routine IVF
      procedures were studied. Cells obtained from follicular fluid grew in vitro under
      minimal medium conditions, without growth factor, including leukaemia-inhibiting
      factor. Morphological analysis revealed a heterogeneous cell population, with
      cells displaying a fibroblast-like, epithelial-like and also neuron-like
      features. Morpho-functional characteristics of fibroblast-like cells were similar
      to mesenchymal stem cells, and, in particular, were positive for mesenchymal
      stemness markers, including CD90, CD44, CD105, CD73, but negative for epithelial
      proteins, such as cytokeratins, CD34 and CD45 antigens. Cell proliferation
      activity at different times and colony-forming unit capability were evaluated,
      and multipotency of a subset of granulosa cells was established by in-vitro
      differentiation studies (e.g. osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic
      differentiation). This study suggests that cells provided by mesenchymal
      plasticity can be easily isolated by waste follicular fluid, avoiding scraping of
      human ovaries, and cultivated in minimal conditions. Successful growth of such
      progenitor cells on three-dimensional cryogel scaffold provides the basis for
      future developments in tissue engineering. This culture system may be regarded as
      an experimental model in which biological behaviour is not influenced by specific
      growth factors. 

PMID- 25131559
TI  - Quadrivalent asymmetry in reciprocal translocation carriers predicts meiotic
      segregation patterns in cleavage stage embryos.
AB  - The effect of quadrivalent geometry on meiotic behaviour was evaluated.
      Segregation patterns of 404 cleavage stage embryos from 40 reciprocal
      translocation carriers undergoing 75 PGD cycles were analysed according to the
      asymmetric degree of quadrivalent. The percentage of alternate products with
      severe asymmetric quadrivalents was significantly lower than patients with mild
      asymmetric quadrivalents (22.5% versus 38.7%, P = 0.001). The incidence of 3:1
      products was significantly higher in patients with severe compared with mild
      asymmetric quadrivalents (23.1% versus 12.2%, P = 0.004). The incidence of
      adjacent 1 (25.8% versus 24.3%), 2 (11.5% versus 12.6%) and 4:0/other segregation
      products (17.0% versus 12.2%) were not statistically significantly different
      between embryos from patients with severe or mild asymmetric quadrivalents. After
      adjusting for the confounder of sex using a logistic regression model, the odds
      of alternate embryos is about one-half for carriers classified as severe (OR
      0.456, 95% CI 0.291 to 0.705), and the odds of 3:1 embryos is 2.2 times higher
      for carriers with severe asymmetric quadrivalents (OR 2.235, 95% CI 1.318 to
      3.846). Our results suggest that the meiotic segregation pattern is related to
      the degree of asymmetry of specific quadrivalents. Severe asymmetric
      quadrivalents increases the risk of abnormal embryos. 

PMID- 25131560
TI  - Association of serum uric acid levels to inflammation biomarkers and endothelial
      dysfunction in obese prepubertal children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High serum uric acid (SUA) levels are present in patients with
      metabolic syndrome (MetS), when the latter is associated with endothelial
      dysfunction, inflammation, and hypertension. This increase in SUA levels may have
      a key role in cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: We aim to quantify the
      differences in inflammation biomarkers, endothelial dysfunction, and parameters
      associated with MetS in obese prepubertal children compared to non-obese
      children, and determine if there is a relationship between uric acid levels and
      these variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on obese
      children (6-9 yr old). The study included 43 obese children and the same number
      of non-obese children (control group), matched by age and sex. SUA, C-reactive
      protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1
      (sICAM-1), glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and blood pressure were all measured.
      RESULTS: SUA levels, CRP, and sICAM-1 were significantly higher in obese
      children. In the obese group, SUA levels showed a positive correlation with body
      mass index (BMI), insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance
      (HOMA-IR), CRP, IL-6, sICAM-1, and triglycerides (TGs), and correlated negatively
      with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and Apo-AI, but not with Apo-B.
      When adjusted for age, sex, and creatinine, it was noted that SUA levels are
      independent predictive factors for sICAM-1, CRP, and IL-6. CONCLUSIONS:
      Inflammation biomarkers, endothelial dysfunction, and parameters associated with
      MetS are elevated in obese prepubertal children and correlate to uric acid
      levels.

PMID- 25131561
TI  - Ex vivo-expanded natural killer cells kill cancer cells more effectively than ex
      vivo-expanded gammadelta T cells or alphabeta T cells.
AB  - Adoptive immunotherapy of cancer is evolving with the development of novel
      technologies for generating a large number of activated killer cells such as
      natural killer (NK) cells, gammadelta T cells, and alphabeta T cells. We have
      recently established large-scale culture methods to generate activated NK cells
      from human peripheral blood, and demonstrated that expanded NK cells have higher
      cytotoxicity against cancer cells than freshly isolated NK cells. In this study,
      we compared cultured NK cells with cultured gammadelta T and alphabeta T cells
      that were prepared by conventional culture methods regarding the expression of
      cytotoxic molecules and cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Natural cytotoxicity
      receptors such as NKp30, NKp44 and NKp46, and perforin were expressed most
      exclusively on NK cells. Granzyme A, NKG2D, and interferon-gamma were dominantly
      expressed in NK cells and gammadelta T cells but not in alphabeta T cells.
      Consistent with the expression profiles of the cytotoxic molecules, cultured NK
      cells from both healthy volunteers and cancer patients demonstrated significantly
      higher cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines, including MHC class I-positive
      cell lines, compared with cultured gammadelta T cells and cultured alphabeta T
      cells. Additionally, NK cells, unlike gammadelta T cells or alphabeta T cells,
      expressed high levels of CD16, and showed augmented cytotoxicity when co
      administered with an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody drug, rituximab. These results
      suggest the excellent efficacy of expanded NK cells for cancer treatment. 

PMID- 25131563
TI  - Commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of children in the United
      States.
AB  - Child commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking are global health
      problems requiring a multidisciplinary approach by individuals, organizations,
      communities, and national governments. The adverse emotional, physical, and
      social consequences for victims are legion and in many areas of the United States
      and the rest of the world, victim resources are scarce. Since violence,
      deprivation, abuse, and infection are so integral to the exploitation experience,
      victims may present for care to community and academic pediatric and adolescent
      health care providers. It is essential that medical professionals have the
      knowledge, skills, and resources to recognize victims, assess their needs, and
      treat them appropriately, including making key referrals for community services.
      However, to date medical information and resources regarding commercial sexual
      exploitation and sex trafficking has been sparse. There are no clinically
      validated screening tools specifically designed to identify victims in the health
      care setting and since victims seldom self-identify, it is likely that the
      majority of victims are unrecognized. The opportunity for comprehensive
      assessment and intervention is lost. Further, professionals receive little
      training on appropriate interview techniques for this special population, and
      many are ill equipped to ensure safety and optimal medical evaluation during the
      visit. This article provides a general overview of child sex trafficking and
      commercial sexual exploitation (CSEC), describing the epidemiology of
      international and domestic exploitation, and reviewing the challenges of
      conducting research on this population. The five stages of trafficking are
      explained, as are typical physical and emotional consequences of exploitation.
      The medical evaluation is described, including potential indicators of CSEC and
      sex trafficking, common medical presentations by victims, approaches to the
      comprehensive medical interview, and the appropriate medical exam with diagnostic
      testing and treatment. Finally, a discussion of common victim needs is provided,
      with a description of resources and referrals. 

PMID- 25131564
TI  - Environmental contributors to autism: the pediatrician's role.

PMID- 25131565
TI  - Commentary: Commercial sexual exploitation--a survivor's perspective: "Can you
      help me? Do you care?".

PMID- 25131562
TI  - Cannabinoid modulation of alpha2 adrenergic receptor function in rodent medial
      prefrontal cortex.
AB  - Endocannabinoids acting at the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) are known to
      regulate attention, cognition and mood. Previous studies have shown that, in the
      rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), CB1R agonists increase norepinephrine
      release, an effect that may be attributed, in part, to CB1Rs localised to
      noradrenergic axon terminals. The present study was aimed at further
      characterising functional interactions between CB1R and adrenergic receptor (AR)
      systems in the mPFC using in vitro intracellular electrophysiology and high
      resolution neuroanatomical techniques. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of layer
      V/VI cortical pyramidal neurons in rats revealed that both acute and chronic
      treatment with the synthetic CB1R agonist WIN 55,212-2 blocked elevations in
      cortical pyramidal cell excitability and increases in input resistance evoked by
      the alpha2-adrenergic receptor (alpha2-AR) agonist clonidine, suggesting a
      desensitisation of alpha2-ARs. These CB1R-alpha2-AR interactions were further
      shown to be both action potential- and gamma-aminobutyric acid-independent. To
      better define sites of cannabinoid-AR interactions, we localised alpha2A
      adrenergic receptors (alpha2A-ARs) in a genetically modified mouse that expressed
      a hemoagglutinin (HA) tag downstream of the alpha2A-AR promoter. Light and
      electron microscopy indicated that HA-alpha2A-AR was distributed in axon
      terminals and somatodendritic processes especially in layer V of the mPFC. Triple
      labeling immunocytochemistry revealed that alpha2A-AR and CB1R were localised to
      processes that contained dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, a marker of norepinephrine.
      Furthermore, HA-alpha2A-AR was localised to processes that were directly apposed
      to CB1R. These findings suggest multiple sites of interaction between cortical
      cannabinoid-adrenergic systems that may contribute to understanding the effect of
      cannabinoids on executive functions and mood. 

PMID- 25131566
TI  - Quality of life in caregivers of severely disabled war survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of severely disabled war
      survivors and identify variables threatening caregivers' QOL. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was performed on 532 caregivers of Iran-Iraq war related injured
      survivors by using Persian version of 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).
      FINDINGS: Caregivers had lower QOL compared to the Iranian female population (p <
      .001). Caregivers of amputees had better SF-36 scores compared to caregivers of
      two groups of chemical warfare survivors (p ranging from .01 to <.001).
      Caregiving to chemical warfare and being married at the time of trauma were the
      independent predictors of poor QOL in both the physical component summary (OR =
      5.08, 95% CI = 3.35-7.7; OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.37-0.89) and the mental component
      summary (OR = 4.12, 95% CI = 2.68-6.32; OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40-0.98).
      CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Caregivers of war veterans suffer from poor
      QOL. Chemical warfare agents contribute to more persistent poor QOL in caregivers
      than the injuries caused by conventional weapons.

PMID- 25131567
TI  - Prehypertension in rural northeastern China: results from the northeast China
      rural cardiovascular health study.
AB  - This study aimed to determine the present status of prehypertension in rural
      China. It was conducted between January and August 2013, using a multistage
      clustering method to select a representative sample of individuals (>=35 years
      old), resulting in a study population of 11,576 adults. Prehypertension was
      defined as a systolic blood pressure (BP) in the range of 120 mm Hg to 139 mm Hg
      and/or a diastolic BP between 80 mm Hg and 89 mm Hg according to the Seventh
      Report of the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation,
      and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7). The results showed that the mean+/
      standard deviation systolic and diastolic BP values for the entire population
      were 141.8+/-23.5 mm Hg and 82.1+/-11.8 mm Hg, respectively. Among the whole
      population, 35.1% of men and 32.5% of women were prehypertensive. Multiple
      logistic regression analysis showed that high body mass index, advanced age,
      alcohol consumption, diabetes, high triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol levels, and elevated diet score were risk factors for
      prehypertension. This study indicates that there is a high prevalence of
      prehypertension in rural China and confirms the importance of healthy lifestyles-
      including the control of obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia--to decrease the
      incidence of prehypertension.

PMID- 25131569
TI  - Negative poisson's ratio in single-layer black phosphorus.
AB  - The Poisson's ratio is a fundamental mechanical property that relates the
      resulting lateral strain to applied axial strain. Although this value can
      theoretically be negative, it is positive for nearly all materials, though
      negative values have been observed in so-called auxetic structures. However,
      nearly all auxetic materials are bulk materials whose microstructure has been
      specifically engineered to generate a negative Poisson's ratio. Here we report
      using first-principles calculations the existence of a negative Poisson's ratio
      in a single-layer, two-dimensional material, black phosphorus. In contrast to
      engineered bulk auxetics, this behaviour is intrinsic for single-layer black
      phosphorus, and originates from its puckered structure, where the pucker can be
      regarded as a re-entrant structure that is comprised of two coupled orthogonal
      hinges. As a result of this atomic structure, a negative Poisson's ratio is
      observed in the out-of-plane direction under uniaxial deformation in the
      direction parallel to the pucker. 

PMID- 25131568
TI  - First description of scrotal testicles in a dog affected by 78, XX testicular
      disorder of sex development.
AB  - An eight-month-old female dog presented with ambiguous external genitalia. A
      thorough clinical examination together with various imaging techniques and a
      histology examination showed the presence of two testicles linked to both the
      Mullerian and Wolffian ducts. The discovery of the 78,XX SRY-negative karyotype
      led to the diagnosis of incoherence between the chromosomal and gonadal sex,
      which is typical for a 78,XX testicular disorder of sex development. Our case was
      unique because the testicles were still located in their normal scrotal position,
      whereas the literature contains reports of the presence of cryptorchid testicles
      in this karyotype setting. To our knowledge, this is the first case that
      describes an SRY-negative 78,XX testicular disorder of sex development with
      bilateral scrotal testicles. 

PMID- 25131570
TI  - Overview of hepatitis B prevalence, prevention, and management in the Pacific
      Islands and Territories.
AB  - There are over 500-750 000 deaths per year because of hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      related cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide and the World Health Organization
      Western Pacific Region has some of the highest endemic levels of HBV in the
      world, particularly within China, South East Asia and Pacific Island Countries
      and Territories (PICT). The PICT have unique ethnic diversity and a very high
      prevalence of smoking and metabolic syndrome, both important risk factors for
      liver fibrosis and liver cancer. However, in contrast to many Asian countries,
      there is little published data on HBV prevalence and related liver disease burden
      in PICT. In this review, the available published literature and World Health
      Organization data for HBV prevalence and related liver disease and liver cancer
      burden in PICT is outlined, and unmet needs for improving HBV prevention and
      control in the region are highlighted. 

PMID- 25131571
TI  - Non-small cell lung cancer metastasis to the oral cavity: a case report.
AB  - Lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, remains prevalent in Australia
      and has a very poor survival rate. Metastases to the oral cavity are a rare
      occurrence that can arise from lung cancers. This case report describes the
      presentation of a metastatic lesion from a poorly differentiated lung
      adenocarcinoma on the mandibular buccal alveolar attached gingivae. The inpatient
      had terminal disease with known pleural, brain and liver metastases and was
      receiving palliative care at the time of diagnosis of the oral lesion. 

PMID- 25131580
TI  - Enhanced RBC Aggregation in Type 2 Diabetes Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HbA1c and
      RBC aggregation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients by analysis of data
      from routine clinical tests and from in vitro experiments. METHODS: A total of
      2,111 inpatients with type 2 diabetes were selected and among them, 364 patients
      (Group A) had limited influence of plasma proteins on erythrocyte sedimentation
      rate (ESR) and was compared with the rest of the 1,747 inpatients (Group B). ESR,
      HbA1c , WBC, CRP, Fbg, and HCT were measured in all samples. Sixty samples were
      also collected from T2DM patients and used for in vitro ESR studies. Spearman's
      correlation coefficients were employed to reflect the correlation between ESR and
      other parameters. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the study parameters.
      RESULTS: The test results for Group A were lower than Group B with respect to
      ESR, age, HCT, HbA1c , CRP, WBC, and Fbg. Only the difference in HbA1c , CRP, and
      Fbg values had statistical significance (P < 0.05). In addition, HbA1c correlated
      better with ESR for Group A (R = 0.622) than Group B (R = 0.563), whereas CRP and
      Fbg were contrary to this. In the in vitro studies, the HbA1c values were
      classified into the subgroups of 6.5-8.0%, 8.1-10%, and >10%. The corresponding
      ESR values were 28 +/- 5.1 mm/h, 33 +/- 2.7 mm/h, and 40 +/- 4.1 mm/h,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: ESR results of T2DM patients were elevated that was
      mainly caused by Fbg levels, and in addition HbA1c in part contributed to RBC
      aggregation.

PMID- 25131581
TI  - Extensive structural rearrangements upon reduction of 9H-9-borafluorene.
AB  - Common wisdom has it that organoboranes are readily oxidized. Described herein is
      that also their reduction can result in remarkable chemistry. Treatment of
      dimeric 9H-9-borafluorene with Li metal in toluene yields two strikingly
      different classes of compounds. One part of the sample reacts in a way similar to
      B2H6, thus affording an aryl(hydro)borane cluster reminiscent of the [B3H8](-)
      anion. The other part furnishes a dianionic boron-doped graphene flake devoid of
      hydrogen substituents at the boron centers and featuring a central B=B bond. A
      change in the solvent to THF allows an isolation of this dibenzo[g,p]chrysene
      analogue in good yields.

PMID- 25131583
TI  - Amyloid structure.
AB  - Amyloid fibrils are formed by numerous proteins and peptides that share little
      sequence homology. The structures formed are highly ordered and extremely stable,
      being composed of beta-sheet structure and stabilized along their length by
      hydrogen bonding. The fibrils are formed by several protofilaments that wind
      around one another in rope-like structures, lending further strength and
      stability to the resulting fibres. The fact that so many proteins and peptides
      form amyloid structures under suitable conditions, seems to suggest that the
      sequence of the precursor is unimportant. However, it is now clear that side
      chains play a central role in forming interactions between several beta-sheets to
      further stabilize and regulate the structures. The primary sequence plays a
      central role in determining the rate of fibril formation, the stability of the
      resulting structure to degradation and the final morphology of the fibrils. The
      side chains regulate the elongation and growth, and also the lateral association
      of the protofilament and fibrils, having a significant impact on the final
      architecture. 

PMID- 25131584
TI  - The physical chemistry of the amyloid phenomenon: thermodynamics and kinetics of
      filamentous protein aggregation.
AB  - In this chapter, we present an overview of the kinetics and thermodynamics of
      protein aggregation into amyloid fibrils. The perspective we adopt is largely
      experimental, but we also discuss recent developments in data analysis and we
      show that only a combination of well-designed experiments with appropriate
      theoretical modelling is able to provide detailed mechanistic insight into the
      complex pathways of amyloid formation. In the first part of the chapter, we
      describe measurements of the thermodynamic stability of the amyloid state with
      respect to the soluble state of proteins, as well as the magnitude and origin of
      this stability. In the second part, we discuss in detail the kinetics of the
      individual molecular steps in the overall mechanism of the conversion of soluble
      protein into amyloid fibrils. Finally, we highlight the effects of external
      factors, such as salt type and concentration, chemical denaturants and molecular
      chaperones on the kinetics of aggregation. 

PMID- 25131585
TI  - Predicting aggregation-prone sequences in proteins.
AB  - Owing to its association with a diverse range of human diseases, the determinants
      of protein aggregation are studied intensively. It is generally accepted that the
      effective aggregation tendency of a protein depends on many factors such as
      folding efficiency towards the native state, thermodynamic stability of that
      conformation, intrinsic aggregation propensity of the polypeptide sequence and
      its ability to be recognized by the protein quality control system. The intrinsic
      aggregation propensity of a polypeptide sequence is related to the presence of
      short APRs (aggregation-prone regions) that self-associate to form intermolecular
      beta-structured assemblies. These are typically short sequence segments (5-15
      amino acids) that display high hydrophobicity, low net charge and a high tendency
      to form beta-structures. As the presence of such APRs is a prerequisite for
      aggregation, a plethora of methods have been developed to identify APRs in amino
      acid sequences. In the present chapter, the methodological basis of these
      approaches is discussed, as well as some practical applications. 

PMID- 25131582
TI  - Genetic analysis of colon tumors induced by a dietary carcinogen PhIP in CYP1A
      humanized mice: Identification of mutation of beta-catenin/Ctnnb1 as the driver
      gene for the carcinogenesis.
AB  - Replacing mouse Cyp1a with human CYP1A enables the humanized CYP1A mice to mimic
      human metabolism of the dietary carcinogen, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5
      b]pyridine (PhIP), by N(2) -hydroxylation to a proximate carcinogen. Our previous
      study demonstrated that PhIP, combined with the dextrin sulfate sodium (DSS)
      induced colitis, induces colon carcinogenesis in hCYP1A mice. Here, we employed
      whole exome sequencing and found multiple gene mutations in PhIP/DSS-induced
      colon tumors. Mutations in the exon 3 of Ctnnb1/beta-catenin, however, were the
      predominant events. We further sequenced the key fragments of Apc, Ctnnb1, and
      Kras, because mutations of these genes in the humans are commonly found as the
      drivers of colorectal cancer. Mutations on either codon 32 or 34 in the exon 3 of
      Ctnnb1 were found in 39 out of 42 tumors, but no mutation was found in either Apc
      or Kras. The sequence context of codons 32 and 34 suggests that PhIP targets +3G
      in a TGGA motif of Ctnnb1. Since mutations that activate Wnt signal is a major
      driving force for human colorectal cancers, we conclude that the mutated beta
      catenin is the driver in PhIP/DSS-induced colon carcinogenesis. This result
      suggests that the colon tumors in hCYP1A mice mimic human colorectal
      carcinogenesis not only in the dietary etiology involving PhIP, but also in the
      aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway as the driving force.

PMID- 25131586
TI  - Protein folding, misfolding and quality control: the role of molecular
      chaperones.
AB  - Cells have to cope with stressful conditions and adapt to changing environments.
      Heat stress, heavy metal ions or UV stress induce damage to cellular proteins and
      disturb the balanced status of the proteome. The adjusted balance between folded
      and folding proteins, called protein homoeostasis, is required for every aspect
      of cellular functionality. Protective proteins called chaperones are expressed
      under extreme conditions in order to prevent aggregation of cellular proteins and
      safeguard protein quality. These chaperones co-operate during de novo folding,
      refolding and disaggregation of damaged proteins and in many cases refold them to
      their functional state. Even under physiological conditions these machines
      support protein homoeostasis and maintain the balance between de novo folding and
      degradation. Mutations generating unstable proteins, which are observed in
      numerous human diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease,
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cystic fibrosis, also challenge the protein
      quality control system. A better knowledge of how the protein homoeostasis system
      is regulated will lead to an improved understanding of these diseases and provide
      potential targets for therapy. 

PMID- 25131587
TI  - Insights into amyloid disease from fly models.
AB  - The formation of amyloid aggregates is a feature of most, if not all, polypeptide
      chains. In vivo modelling of this process has been undertaken in the fruitfly
      Drosophila melanogaster with remarkable success. Models of both neurological and
      systemic amyloid diseases have been generated and have informed our understanding
      of disease pathogenesis in two main ways. First, the toxic amyloid species have
      been at least partially characterized, for example in the case of the Abeta
      (amyloid beta-peptide) associated with Alzheimer's disease. Secondly, the genetic
      underpinning of model disease-linked phenotypes has been characterized for a
      number of neurodegenerative disorders. The current challenge is to integrate our
      understanding of disease-linked processes in the fly with our growing knowledge
      of human disease, for the benefit of patients. 

PMID- 25131588
TI  - Yeast models for amyloid disease.
AB  - Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) is a well-established eukaryotic model
      organism, which has significantly contributed to our understanding of mechanisms
      that drive numerous core cellular processes in higher eukaryotes. Moreover, this
      has led to a greater understanding of the underlying pathobiology associated with
      disease in humans. This tractable model offers an abundance of analytical
      capabilities, including a vast array of global genetics and molecular resources
      that allow genome-wide screening to be carried out relatively simply and cheaply.
      A prime example of the versatility and potential for applying yeast technologies
      to explore a mammalian disease is in the development of yeast models for amyloid
      diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's. The present chapter
      provides a broad overview of high profile human neurodegenerative diseases that
      have been modelled in yeast. We focus on some of the most recent findings that
      have been developed through genetic and drug screening studies using yeast
      genomic resources. Although this relatively simple unicellular eukaryote seems
      far removed from relatively complex multicellular organisms such as mammals, the
      conserved mechanisms for how amyloid exhibits toxicity clearly underscore the
      value of carrying out such studies in yeast. 

PMID- 25131589
TI  - Amyloid beta-peptide and Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - One of the hallmarks of AD (Alzheimer's disease) is the formation of senile
      plaques in the brain, which contain fibrils composed of Abeta (amyloid beta
      peptide). According to the 'amyloid cascade' hypothesis, the aggregation of Abeta
      initiates a sequence of events leading to the formation of neurofibrillary
      tangles, neurodegeneration, and on to the main symptom of dementia. However,
      emphasis has now shifted away from fibrillar forms of Abeta and towards smaller
      and more soluble 'oligomers' as the main culprit in AD. The present chapter
      commences with a brief introduction to the disease and its current treatment, and
      then focuses on the formation of Abeta from the APP (amyloid precursor protein),
      the genetics of early-onset AD, which has provided strong support for the amyloid
      cascade hypothesis, and then on the development of new drugs aimed at reducing
      the load of cerebral Abeta, which is still the main hope for providing a more
      effective treatment for AD in the future. 

PMID- 25131590
TI  - The physiology and pathology of microtubule-associated protein tau.
AB  - Tau belongs to the family of microtubule-associated proteins predominantly
      expressed in neurons where they play an important role in promoting microtubule
      assembly and stabilizing microtubules. In addition, tau proteins interact with
      other cytoskeletal elements to allow spacing between microtubules. Recent studies
      have shown that tau is also actively involved in regulating cell viability and
      activity. Translated from a single gene located on chromosome 17q21, six isoforms
      of tau are produced by alternative splicing in adult human brain. Due to multiple
      post-translational modifications, heterogeneous tau species with a wide range of
      apparent molecular masses have been observed by denaturing polyacrylamide-gel
      electrophoresis. Since tau gene mutations and abnormal post-translational
      modifications have been detected in over 20 neurodegenerative disorders, namely
      the tauopathies, tau has gained widespread attention as a target protein in
      Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. In the present
      chapter, research progress regarding physiology and pathology of tau is reviewed,
      particularly in terms of the role of post-translational modification. 

PMID- 25131591
TI  - Role of alpha-synuclein in neurodegeneration: implications for the pathogenesis
      of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - alpha-Syn (alpha-synuclein) is a small soluble acidic protein that is extensively
      expressed in the nervous system. Genetic, clinical and experimental studies
      demonstrate that alpha-syn is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of PD
      (Parkinson's disease). However, the pathogenic mechanism remains elusive. In the
      present chapter, we first describe the normal expression and potential
      physiological functions of alpha-syn. Then, we introduce recent research progress
      related to the pathogenic role of alpha-syn in PD, with special emphasis on how
      alpha-syn oligomers cause the preferential degeneration of dopaminergic neurons
      in the substantia nigra and the spreading of alpha-syn pathology in the brain of
      PD patients. 

PMID- 25131592
TI  - Oligomers of alpha-synuclein: picking the culprit in the line-up.
AB  - In the present chapter, we discuss the key findings on alphasyn (alpha-synuclein)
      oligomers from a biophysical point of view. Current structural methods cannot
      provide a high-resolution structure of alphasyn oligomers due to their size,
      heterogeneity and tendency to aggregate. However, a low-resolution structure of a
      stable alphasyn oligomer population is emerging based on compelling data from
      different research groups. alphasyn oligomers are normally observed during the
      formation of amyloid fibrils and we discuss how they are connected to this
      process. Another important topic is the interaction of alphasyn oligomers and
      membranes, and we will discuss the evidence which suggests that this interaction
      might be essential in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and other
      neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we present a remarkable example of how
      small molecules are able to stabilize non-amyloid oligomers and how this might be
      a potential strategy to inhibit the inherent toxicity of alphasyn oligomers. A
      major challenge is to link the very complex oligomerization pathways seen in
      clever experiments in vitro with what actually happens in the cell. With the
      tremendous developments in optical microscopy in mind, we believe that it will be
      possible to make this link very soon. 

PMID- 25131593
TI  - Many roads lead to Rome? Multiple modes of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase
      destabilization, misfolding and aggregation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a fatal neurodegenerative syndrome
      characterized by progressive paralysis and motor neuron death. Although the
      pathological mechanisms that cause ALS remain unclear, accumulating evidence
      supports that ALS is a protein misfolding disorder. Mutations in Cu,Zn-SOD1
      (copper/zinc superoxide dismutase 1) are a common cause of familial ALS. They
      have complex effects on different forms of SOD1, but generally destabilize the
      protein and enhance various modes of misfolding and aggregation. In addition,
      there is some evidence that destabilized covalently modified wild-type SOD1 may
      be involved in disease. Among the multitude of misfolded/aggregated species
      observed for SOD1, multiple species may impair various cellular components at
      different disease stages. Newly developed antibodies that recognize different
      structural features of SOD1 represent a powerful tool for further unravelling the
      roles of different SOD1 structures in disease. Evidence for similar cellular
      targets of misfolded/aggregated proteins, loss of cellular proteostasis and cell
      cell transmission of aggregates point to common pathological mechanisms between
      ALS and other misfolding diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and prion
      diseases, as well as serpinopathies. The recent progress in understanding the
      molecular basis for these devastating diseases provides numerous avenues for
      developing urgently needed therapeutics. 

PMID- 25131595
TI  - Prion disease and the 'protein-only hypothesis'.
AB  - Prion disease is the only naturally occurring infectious protein misfolding
      disorder. The chemical nature of the infectious agent has been debated for more
      than half a century. Early studies on scrapie suggested that the unusual
      infectious agent might propagate in the absence of nucleic acid. The 'protein
      only hypothesis' provides a theoretical model to explain how a protein self
      replicates without nucleic acid, which predicts that a prion, the proteinaceous
      infectious agent, propagates by converting its normal counterpart into the
      likeness of itself. Decades of studies have provided overwhelming evidence to
      support this hypothesis. The latest advances in generating infectious prions with
      bacterially expressed recombinant prion protein in the presence of cofactors not
      only provide convincing evidence supporting the 'protein-only hypothesis', but
      also indicate a role of cofactors in forming prion infectivity and encoding prion
      strains. In the present chapter, we review the literature regarding the chemical
      nature of the infectious agent, describe recent achievements in proving the
      'protein-only hypothesis', and discuss the remaining questions in this research
      area. 

PMID- 25131594
TI  - Spontaneous self-assembly of pathogenic huntingtin exon 1 protein into amyloid
      structures.
AB  - PolyQ (polyglutamine) diseases such as HD (Huntington's disease) or SCA1
      (spinocerebellar ataxia type 1) are neurodegenerative disorders caused by
      abnormally elongated polyQ tracts in human proteins. PolyQ expansions promote
      misfolding and aggregation of disease-causing proteins, leading to the appearance
      of nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in patient neurons. Several lines of
      experimental evidence indicate that this process is critical for disease
      pathogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying spontaneous polyQ
      containing aggregate formation and the perturbation of neuronal processes are
      still largely unclear. The present chapter reviews the current literature
      regarding misfolding and aggregation of polyQ-containing disease proteins. We
      specifically focus on studies that have investigated the amyloidogenesis of polyQ
      containing HTTex1 (huntingtin exon 1) fragments. These protein fragments are
      disease-relevant and play a critical role in HD pathogenesis. We outline
      potential mechanisms behind mutant HTTex1 aggregation and toxicity, as well as
      proteins and small molecules that can modify HTTex1 amyloidogenesis in vitro and
      in vivo. The potential implications of such studies for the development of novel
      therapeutic strategies are discussed. 

PMID- 25131596
TI  - Amyloid diseases of yeast: prions are proteins acting as genes.
AB  - The unusual genetic properties of the non-chromosomal genetic elements [URE3] and
      [PSI+] led to them being identified as prions (infectious proteins) of Ure2p and
      Sup35p respectively. Ure2p and Sup35p, and now several other proteins, can form
      amyloid, a linear ordered polymer of protein monomers, with a part of each
      molecule, the prion domain, forming the core of this beta-sheet structure.
      Amyloid filaments passed to a new cell seed the conversion of the normal form of
      the protein into the same amyloid form. The cell's phenotype is affected, usually
      from the deficiency of the normal form of the protein. Solid-state NMR studies
      indicate that the yeast prion amyloids are in-register parallel beta-sheet
      structures, in which each residue (e.g. Asn35) forms a row along the filament
      long axis. The favourable interactions possible for aligned identical hydrophilic
      and hydrophobic residues are believed to be the mechanism for propagation of
      amyloid conformation. Thus, just as DNA mediates inheritance by templating its
      own sequence, these proteins act as genes by templating their conformation.
      Distinct isolates of a given prion have different biological properties,
      presumably determined by differences between the amyloid structures. Many lines
      of evidence indicate that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae prions are pathological
      disease agents, although the example of the [Het-s] prion of Podospora anserina
      shows that a prion can have beneficial aspects. 

PMID- 25131597
TI  - Functional amyloid: widespread in Nature, diverse in purpose.
AB  - Amyloids are insoluble fibrillar protein deposits with an underlying cross-beta
      structure initially discovered in the context of human diseases. However, it is
      now clear that the same fibrillar structure is used by many organisms, from
      bacteria to humans, in order to achieve a diverse range of biological functions.
      These functions include structure and protection (e.g. curli and chorion
      proteins, and insect and spider silk proteins), aiding interface transitions and
      cell-cell recognition (e.g. chaplins, rodlins and hydrophobins), protein control
      and storage (e.g. Microcin E492, modulins and PMEL), and epigenetic inheritance
      and memory [e.g. Sup35, Ure2p, HET-s and CPEB (cytoplasmic polyadenylation
      element-binding protein)]. As more examples of functional amyloid come to light,
      the list of roles associated with functional amyloids has continued to expand.
      More recently, amyloids have also been implicated in signal transduction [e.g.
      RIP1/RIP3 (receptor-interacting protein)] and perhaps in host defence [e.g. aDrs
      (anionic dermaseptin) peptide]. The present chapter discusses in detail
      functional amyloids that are used in Nature by micro-organisms, non-mammalian
      animals and mammals, including the biological roles that they play, their
      molecular composition and how they assemble, as well as the coping strategies
      that organisms have evolved to avoid the potential toxicity of functional
      amyloid. 

PMID- 25131598
TI  - Meta-analysis of peak wall stress in ruptured, symptomatic and intact abdominal
      aortic aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cause of sudden
      death; however, there are currently incomplete means to predict the risk of AAA
      rupture. AAA peak wall stress (PWS) can be estimated using finite element
      analysis (FEA) methods from computed tomography (CT) scans. The question is
      whether AAA PWS can predict AAA rupture. The aim of this systematic review was to
      compare PWS in patients with ruptured and intact AAA. METHODS: The MEDLINE
      database was searched on 25 May 2013. Case-control studies assessing PWS in
      asymptomatic intact, and acutely symptomatic or ruptured AAA from CT scans using
      FEA were included. Data were extracted independently. A random-effects model was
      used to calculate standard mean differences (SMDs) for PWS measurements. RESULTS:
      Nine studies assessing 348 individuals were identified and used in the meta
      analysis. Results from 204 asymptomatic intact and 144 symptomatic or ruptured
      AAAs showed that PWS was significantly greater in the symptomatic/ ruptured AAAs
      compared with the asymptomatic intact AAAs (SMD 0.95, 95 per cent confidence
      interval 0.71 to 1.18; P < 0.001). The findings remained significant after
      adjustment for mean systolic blood pressure, standardized at 120 mmHg (SMD 0.68,
      0.39 to 0.96; P < 0.001). Minimal heterogeneity between studies was noted (I(2) 
      = 0 per cent). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that PWS is greater in symptomatic
      or ruptured AAA than in asymptomatic intact AAA.

PMID- 25131599
TI  - Prostaglandin E2 as a read out for endotoxin detection in a bovine whole blood
      assay.
AB  - The detection of endotoxin contamination is an essential part of drug safety
      testing. The rabbit pyrogen test (RPT), the limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) test,
      and the monocyte activation test (MAT) are established methods for the detection
      of pyrogens. However, the RPT is insufficiently standardized; the LAL test is
      solely capable of identifying the presence of endotoxins, whereas the use of the
      MAT is limited by the availability of human blood. Here, we introduce a new
      procedure for testing endotoxin contamination using prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 )
      release from bovine whole blood. We incubated bovine whole blood overnight with
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli 0111:B4, concentrations ranging
      from 1.56 to 12.5 pg/mL, and found significantly increased PGE2 production for
      even the lowest LPS concentrations. Testing the possibility of storing the blood
      at 4  degrees C before use also yielded positive results as 1.56 pg/mL still
      significantly increased PGE2 production, thus suggesting some flexibility of the
      assay regarding time. These results emphasize the potential of using bovine whole
      blood for highly sensitive endotoxin testing. As a perspective, currently ongoing
      research aims to show whether the assay is also capable of detecting nonendotoxin
      pyrogens. 

PMID- 25131600
TI  - Dietary total antioxidant capacity is associated with leukocyte telomere length
      in a children and adolescent population.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Oxidative stress and inflammation seem to be potential
      underlying mechanisms for telomere attrition. A lack of specific antioxidants is
      believed to increase free radical damage and a greater risk for telomere
      shortening. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between diet and leukocyte
      telomere length in a cross-sectional study of children and adolescents. We
      hypothesized that dietary total antioxidant capacity would be positively
      associated with telomere length. METHODS: Telomere length was measured by
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 287 participants (55% males,
      6-18 years), who were randomly selected from the GENOI study. RESULTS: A positive
      correlation between dietary total antioxidant capacity and telomere length (r =
      0.157, p = 0.007) was found after adjustment for age and energy intake. However,
      higher white bread consumption was associated with shorter telomeres (beta = 
      0.204, p = 0.002) in fully-adjusted models. Interestingly, those individuals who
      had simultaneously higher dietary total antioxidant capacity and lower white
      bread consumption significantly presented the longest telomeres. Moreover, the
      multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for very short telomeres was 0.30 for dietary
      total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.023) and 1.37 for white bread (p = 0.025).
      CONCLUSION: It was concluded that longer telomeres were associated with higher
      dietary total antioxidant capacity and lower white bread consumption in Spanish
      children and adolescents. These findings might open a new line of investigation
      about the potential role of an antioxidant diet in maintaining telomere length.

PMID- 25131601
TI  - Routes for early enteral nutrition after esophagectomy. A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early enteral feeding following surgery can be given orally, via a
      jejunostomy or via a nasojejunal tube. However, the best feeding route following
      esophagectomy is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine the best route for enteral
      nutrition following esophagectomy regarding anastomotic leakage, pneumonia,
      percentage meeting the nutritional requirements, weight loss, complications of
      tube feeding, mortality, patient satisfaction and length of hospital stay.
      DESIGN: A systematic literature review following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines.
      RESULTS: There were 17 eligible studies on early oral intake, jejunostomy or
      nasojejunal tube feeding. Only one nonrandomized study (N = 133) investigated
      early oral feeding specifically following esophagectomy. Early oral feeding was
      associated with a reduced length of stay with delayed oral feeding, without
      increased complication rates. Postoperative nasojejunal tube feeding was not
      significantly different from jejunostomy tube feeding regarding complications or
      catheter efficacy in the only randomised trial on this subject (N = 150).
      Jejunostomy tube feeding outcome was reported in 12 non-comparative studies (N =
      3293). It was effective in meeting short-term nutritional requirements, but major
      tube-related complications necessitated relaparotomy in 0-2.9% of patients. In
      three non-comparative studies (N = 135) on nasojejunal tube feeding only minor
      complications were reported, data on nutritional outcome was lacking. Data on
      patient satisfaction and long-term nutritional outcome were not found for any of
      the feeding routes investigated. CONCLUSION: It is unclear what the best route
      for early enteral nutrition is after esophagectomy. Especially data regarding
      early oral intake are scarce, and phase 2 trials are needed for further
      investigation. REGISTRATION: International prospective register of systematic
      reviews, CRD42013004032.

PMID- 25131603
TI  - Gender differences in perceived stigma of dementia in Chinese Americans.

PMID- 25131602
TI  - Changes of hepatic lipid mediators associated with intake of high-fat diet for 12
      weeks in endotoxemic rats using LC-ESI-MS/MS.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: It has recently been reported that anti-inflammatory lipid
      mediators are increased in the late phase of acute inflammation, whereas
      proinflammatory lipid mediators are regulated at the initiation of inflammation.
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes of hepatic lipid mediators due
      to high-fat diet (HFD) feeding in endotoxemic rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats
      were fed either HFD or control diet for 12 weeks, and were then killed 0, 1.5,
      and 6 h after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Analyses included lipidomics
      assessment of mediators using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/multi
      stage mass spectrometry; measuring expression of hepatic polyunsaturated fatty
      acid (PUFA)-oxidizing enzyme, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)
      6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA levels; blood biochemical tests; and
      liver histology. RESULTS: HFD feeding worsened liver injury, increased expression
      of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA, and increased oxidative stress after LPS injection.
      PUFA-oxidizing enzymes were higher in HFD-fed rats after LPS injection. The
      proinflammatory prostaglandin (PG)E2 and thromboxane B2 were increased 1.5 h
      after LPS injection, and had decreased by 6 h in HFD-fed rats. In contrast,
      potent pro-resolving resolvins derived from eicosapentaenoic acid and
      docosahexaenoic acid were not detected, but anti-inflammatory epoxyeicosatrienoic
      acids, lipoxin A4, and 15-deoxy-PGJ2 were increased after LPS injection in HFD
      fed rats. CONCLUSIONS: HFD feeding for 12 weeks enhanced proinflammatory lipid
      mediators 1.5 h after LPS injection suggesting relation to liver injury.

PMID- 25131604
TI  - Depression, anxiety, and memory impairment among geriatric inpatient subjects.

PMID- 25131606
TI  - Nurses are essential players in all health and policy arenas.

PMID- 25131607
TI  - Ethical dilemmas: the challenge of advocating for human rights.

PMID- 25131608
TI  - The power of unity.

PMID- 25131610
TI  - C. pneumoniae disrupts eNOS trafficking and impairs NO production in human aortic
      endothelial cells.
AB  - Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) generated NO plays a crucial
      physiological role in the regulation of vascular tone. eNOS is a constitutively
      expressed synthase whose enzymatic function is regulated by dual acylation,
      phosphorylation, protein-protein interaction and subcellular localization. In
      endothelial cells, the enzyme is primarily localized to the Golgi apparatus (GA)
      and the plasma membrane where it binds to caveolin-1. Upon stimulation, the
      enzyme is translocated from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm where it
      generates NO. When activation of eNOS ceases, the majority of the enzyme is
      recycled back to the membrane fraction. An inability of eNOS to cycle between the
      cytosol and the membrane leads to impaired NO production and vascular
      dysfunction. Chlamydia pneumoniae is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular
      bacterium that primarily infects epithelial cells of the human respiratory tract,
      but unlike any other chlamydial species, C. pneumoniae displays tropism toward
      atherosclerotic tissues. In this study, we demonstrate that C. pneumoniae
      inclusions colocalize with eNOS, and the microorganism interferes with
      trafficking of the enzyme from the GA to the plasma membrane in primary human
      aortic endothelial cells. This mislocation of eNOS results in significant
      inhibition of NO release by C. pneumoniae-infected cells. Furthermore, we show
      that the distribution of eNOS in C. pneumoniae-infected cells is altered due to
      an intimate association of the Golgi complex with chlamydial inclusions rather
      than by direct interaction of the enzyme with the chlamydial inclusion membrane. 

PMID- 25131605
TI  - The safe passage study: design, methods, recruitment, and follow-up approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Safe Passage Study is a large, prospective, multidisciplinary
      study designed to (1) investigate the association between prenatal alcohol
      exposure, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and stillbirth, and (2) determine
      the biological basis of the spectrum of phenotypic outcomes from exposure, as
      modified by environmental and genetic factors that increase the risk of
      stillbirth, SIDS, and in surviving children, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
      METHODS: The results provided are based on an interim assessment of 6004 women
      enrolled, out of the 12,000 projected, from the Northern Plains, US, and Cape
      Town, South Africa, areas known to be of high risk for maternal drinking during
      pregnancy. Research objectives, study design, and descriptive statistics,
      including consent, recruitment, and retention information, are provided. RESULTS:
      Overall visit compliance is 87%, and includes prenatal, delivery/newborn, and
      postnatal contacts through 1 year post-delivery. Pregnancy outcome ascertainment
      is 98% prior to medical chart review; less than 2% of women withdraw. Consent for
      the use of DNA and placental tissue exceed 94%, and consent to participate in the
      autopsy portion of the study is 71%. CONCLUSIONS: The Safe Passage Study is the
      first multi-site study of SIDS and stillbirth to integrate prospectively
      collected exposure information with multidisciplinary biological information in
      the same maternal and fetal/infant dyad using a common protocol. Essential
      components of the study design and its success are close ties to the community
      and rigorous systems and processes to ensure compliance with the study protocol
      and procedures.

PMID- 25131611
TI  - Potential efficacy of dopamine loaded-PVP/PAA nanogel in experimental models of
      Parkinsonism: possible disease modifying activity.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the ability of dopamine (DA)-loaded
      polyvinylpyrrolidone-poly(acrylic acid) (PVP/PAAc) nanogel [synthesized by gamma
      (gamma) radiation-induced template polymerization] [Nano-DA] to deliver DA across
      the blood brain barrier, and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the acute and
      subchronic administration of Nano-DA in modulating motor activity and/or the
      biochemical changes in rat brain; induced by different models of Parkinsonism. In
      this respect, (PVP/PAAc) nanogel was synthesized by gamma radiation-induced
      polymerization of acrylic acid (AAc) in an aqueous solution of PVP as a template
      polymer, and then, it was used as a nano-drug carrier for DA. The PVP/PAAc and
      (PVP/PAAc loaded-DA nanogel particles were characterized by dynamic light
      scattering, infrared spectroscopy, and field emission-scanning electron
      microscopy. The loaded gel was administered in different doses and dosing
      regimens to Parkinsonian rats, and the catalepsy score and striatal DA levels
      were assessed. Then, the potential disease-modifying activity of this form of DA
      was investigated, through the assessment of the improvement in mitochondrial
      function, following the subchronic administration of Nano-DA to Parkinsonian
      rats. Significant disease-modifying effects were observed upon the administration
      of Nano-DA; in addition to normalization in their motor activity.

PMID- 25131613
TI  - Thoracic manifestations of connective tissue diseases.
AB  - Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) comprise several immunologic systemic
      disorders, each of which associated with a particular set of clinical
      manifestations and autoimmune profile. CTDs may cause numerous thoracic
      abnormalities, which vary in frequency and pattern according to the underlying
      disorder. The CTDs that most commonly involve the respiratory system are
      progressive systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid
      arthritis, Sjogren syndrome, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and mixed connective
      tissue disease. Pulmonary abnormalities in this group of patients may result from
      CTD-related lung disease or treatment complications, namely drug toxicity and
      opportunistic infections. The most important thoracic manifestations of CTDs are
      interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension, with nonspecific
      interstitial pneumonia being the most common pattern of interstitial lung
      disease. High-resolution computed tomography is a valuable tool in the initial
      evaluation and follow-up of patients with CTDs. As such, general knowledge of the
      most common high-resolution computed tomographic features of CTD-related lung
      disease allows the radiologist to contribute to better patient management. 

PMID- 25131614
TI  - Coprinopsis atramentaria extract, its organic acids, and synthesized glucuronated
      and methylated derivatives as antibacterial and antifungal agents.
AB  - Despite the available data regarding antimicrobial activity of phenolic acids,
      studies dealing with the effects of their metabolites or derivatives are scarce.
      Therefore, the antimicrobial and demelanizing activities of Coprinopsis
      atramentaria extract, its organic acids, and methylated and glucuronated
      derivatives were evaluated. The antifungal activity was stronger than the
      antibacterial effects. In general, individual compounds (mostly organic acids)
      exhibited higher activity than the extract and even higher than the standards
      used in the assays. Methylated derivatives presented the highest demelanizing
      activity toward Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus and Penicillium verrucosum var.
      cyclopium. The inclusion of methyl groups in the parental compound (CoAM1, CoAM2
      and CoAM3) strongly increased antibacterial and antifungal activities of CoA,
      while the inclusion of acetyl groups (CoAGP) increased the antifungal activity
      but the antibacterial properties were maintained. For HA and CA, the inclusion of
      methyl groups (HAM1, HAM2, HAM3 and CAM) increased the demelanizing activity, but
      decreased the antimicrobial properties. The present work contributes to the
      knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the antimicrobial properties of organic
      acids namely, phenolic acids, usually present in mushrooms. Organic acids, and
      methylated and glucuronated derivatives could be used as antimicrobial agents. 

PMID- 25131615
TI  - Molecular characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus associated with chronic
      rhinosinusitis.
AB  - The anterior nares have been regarded as the major carriage site of
      Staphylococcus aureus. From here, the organism can spread to other parts of the
      body where it might act as harmless commensal or cause mild to severe infections.
      Nasal sinuses are normally sterile, but in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
      (CRS), the finding of S. aureus in maxillary sinus cultures is common. Isolates
      were obtained from the nares and maxillary sinus of patients with CRS and the
      nares of healthy controls. A significantly higher frequency of S. aureus was
      found in nares samples from patients (24/42) compared to controls (16/57) (p =
      0.004). There is no consensus regarding whether S. aureus is a relevant pathogen
      in CRS. A DNA microarray was used to investigate the prevalence of S. aureus
      virulence genes with focus on staphylococcal enterotoxins, toxic shock syndrome
      toxin-1, agr types, and cell wall-associated proteins. The genotyping of S.
      aureus isolates revealed only small and non-significant differences in gene
      prevalence between isolates collected from patients with CRS and those collected
      from healthy nasal carriers. This study provides an increased knowledge of the
      genetic pattern of virulence genes among S. aureus collected in CRS.

PMID- 25131612
TI  - Blockade of 2-arachidonoylglycerol hydrolysis produces antidepressant-like
      effects and enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
AB  - The endocannabinoid ligand 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is inactivated primarily
      by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). We have shown recently that chronic treatments
      with MAGL inhibitor JZL184 produce antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects in
      a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model of depression in mice. However, the
      underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis
      has been implicated in animal models of anxiety and depression and behavioral
      effects of antidepressants. We tested whether CUS and chronic JZL184 treatments
      affected adult neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the dentate gyrus (DG) of
      mouse hippocampus. We report that CUS induced depressive-like behaviors and
      decreased the number of bromodeoxyuridine-labeled neural progenitor cells and
      doublecortin-positive immature neurons in the DG, while chronic JZL184 treatments
      prevented these behavioral and cellular deficits. We also investigated the
      effects of CUS and chronic JZL184 on a form long-term potentiation (LTP) in the
      DG known to be neurogenesis-dependent. CUS impaired LTP induction, whereas
      chronic JZL184 treatments restored LTP in CUS-exposed mice. These results suggest
      that enhanced adult neurogenesis and long-term synaptic plasticity in the DG of
      the hippocampus might contribute to antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like
      behavioral effects of JZL184.

PMID- 25131616
TI  - Connections of the limbic network: a corticocortical evoked potentials study.
AB  - Papez proposed a network for higher brain function, which is termed the limbic
      network. However, the in vivo human limbic network has not been established. We
      investigated the connectivity of the human limbic system using corticocortical
      evoked potential (CCEP). This retrospective analysis included 28 patients with
      medically intractable focal epilepsy who underwent stereoelectroencephalography
      (SEEG) and CCEP. Alternating 1 Hz electrical stimuli were delivered to parts of
      the limbic system [anterior and posterior hippocampus, temporal pole,
      parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), amygdala, anterior (ACG) and posterior cingulate
      gyrus (PCG), medial and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OF)]. A total of 40-60
      stimuli were averaged in each trial to obtain CCEP responses. CCEP distributions
      were evaluated by calculating the root mean square (RMS) of CCEP responses.
      Anterior hippocampal stimulation elicited prominent CCEP responses in medial and
      lateral temporal structures, PCG, medial OF and insula over the ipsilateral
      hemisphere. Posterior hippocampal stimulation induced CCEP responses in the
      ipsilateral medial and lateral temporal structures and PCG. The findings also
      revealed connections from temporal pole to the ipsilateral medial temporal
      structures, and connections from PHG to the ipsilateral hippocampus and PCG. The
      amygdala projected to broad areas including the ipsilateral medial and lateral
      temporal structures, medial and lateral frontal areas, the cingulate gyrus,
      insula and inferior parietal lobule. ACG and PCG showed connections to the
      ipsilateral medial fronto-parietal areas and connections to bilateral medial
      temporo-parieto-occipital and lateral parieto-occipital areas, respectively.
      Medial and lateral OF stimulation induced responses in the adjacent cortices.
      This study revealed that various regions within the limbic network are intimately
      connected in reverberating circuits and are linked to specific ipsilateral and
      contralateral regions, which may reflect distinct functional roles. 

PMID- 25131617
TI  - Serum microRNA-124 is a novel biomarker for liver necroinflammation in patients
      with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
AB  - Patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and normal or mildly
      increased transaminases may have sustained significant liver damage, as verified
      by liver biopsy. However, no suitable noninvasive method exists for identifying
      liver necroinflammation in such patients. We aimed to investigate the power of
      microRNA-124 as a novel biomarker for liver necroinflammation. A total of 131
      recruited patients with chronic HBV infection underwent liver biopsy for grading
      of necroinflammation (G) and staging of fibrosis (S). Thirty healthy individuals
      were included as controls (HCs). Serum microRNA-124 and microRNA-122 levels were
      measured using qRT-PCR. Forty-five patients from the study population receiving
      entecavir therapy were monitored for changes in serum microRNA-124 levels in
      association with improved liver histology. The capacity of serum microRNA-124
      levels in discriminating the grade of liver necroinflammation was compared with
      alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with liver biopsy validation. Serum microRNA-124
      levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic HBV infection than in
      HCs (P < 0.0001). Patients with considerable liver necroinflammation (G >= 2) had
      significantly higher serum miRNA-124 levels than those without or with mild
      necroinflammation (P < 0.0001). After 48 weeks of antiviral therapy, serum
      microRNA-124 levels considerably declined in 45 patients (P < 0.0001), which were
      associated with histological improvement. In patients with normal ALT and a serum
      HBV DNA load >10(4) copies/mL, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of
      serum microRNA-124 levels yielded an area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.840, with
      58.3% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity in discriminating between moderate-to
      severe liver necroinflammation (G >= 2).

PMID- 25131618
TI  - Neuroproteomics in the auditory brainstem: candidate proteins for ultrafast and
      precise information processing.
AB  - In the mammalian auditory brainstem, the cochlear nuclear complex (CN) and the
      superior olivary complex (SOC) feature structural and functional specializations
      for ultrafast (<1 ms) and precise information processing. Their proteome, the
      basis for structure and function, has been rarely analyzed so far. Here we
      identified and quantified the protein profiles of three major auditory brainstem
      regions of adult rats, the CN, the SOC, and the inferior colliculus (IC). The
      rest of the brain served as a reference. Via label-free quantitative mass
      spectrometry and 2-D DIGE/MALDI-MS, we identified 584 and 297 proteins in the
      plasma membrane/synaptic vesicle proteome and the cytosolic proteome,
      respectively. 'Region-typical' proteins, i.e., those with higher abundance in one
      region than in the other three, were considered candidates for functional
      specializations. Key proteins were validated via Western blots and
      immunohistochemistry. Functional annotation clustering revealed an
      overrepresentation of neurofilament proteins among the CN+SOC-typical proteins.
      These are related to regulation of axon diameter and, thereby, conduction
      velocity. Interestingly, the sets of synapse-associated proteins differed between
      regions. For example, synaptotagmin-2 (Syt2), a Ca2+ sensor for fast exocytosis,
      was CN+SOC+IC-typical, whereas Syt1 was CN+SOC+IC-atypical. Together, our
      quantitative comparison of protein profiles has revealed several interesting
      candidate proteins for ultrafast and precise information processing.

PMID- 25131620
TI  - Pilot study to assess measures to be used in the prospective audit of the
      management of foot ulcers in people with diabetes.
AB  - AIM: To design and test a methodology for assessing aspects of the management of
      foot disease in diabetes. METHODS: A national working group devised pilot
      datasets that may be used to document the process of management of active
      ulceration. Participating volunteer specialist units throughout England were
      required to characterize newly presenting people with diabetic foot ulcers using
      a standard questionnaire comprising the dataset and to document outcomes at 6 and
      12 months. Semi-structured interviews were later conducted with the volunteers at
      the units. RESULTS: A total of 23 units recorded baseline data on 652 people with
      incident foot ulcers; valid outcome data were available for 541 people (83.0%).
      Of the 541 index ulcers, 351 (64.9%) healed within 24 weeks, with a median time
      to healing of 63 days. Ulcer site and depth and peripheral arterial disease were
      associated with differing ulcer healing rates. By contrast, baseline demographic
      characteristics were not independently associated with healing. These were used
      to calculate a standardized case-mix adjusted healing ratio. In most units data
      collection took < 10 min per person, but participants reported that the burden of
      local data collection was still excessive. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the
      feasibility of routine multi-unit comparative assessment of care of the foot in
      diabetes, including the generation of meaningful service reports, but for general
      use the burden of local data collection will need to be reduced (e.g. by using
      linkage to existing national data collections).

PMID- 25131621
TI  - Liquid formulation for antibody drugs.
AB  - Currently many biopharmaceuticals are in use due to their high efficacy and low
      adverse effects. For antibody drug formulation, liquid ones are being
      increasingly used. This review focuses on rational liquid antibody formulation
      development based on the proposed aggregation mechanism of antibody, considering
      colloidal and conformational stabilities. This review also describes the
      importance of assessment of physicochemical properties including second virial
      coefficient of antibody solutions, for the rational and efficient formulation
      development. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Recent advances in
      molecular engineering of antibody.

PMID- 25131619
TI  - Fur homolog regulates Porphyromonas gingivalis virulence under low-iron/heme
      conditions through a complex regulatory network.
AB  - Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key pathogen responsible for initiation and
      progression of chronic periodontitis. Little is known about the regulatory
      mechanisms of iron and heme uptake that allow P. gingivalis to express virulence
      factors and survive in the hostile environment of the oral cavity, so we
      initiated characterization of a P. gingivalis Fur homolog (PgFur). Many Fur
      paralogs found in microbial genomes, including Bacteroidetes, confirm that Fur
      proteins have a tendency to be subjected to a sub- or even neofunctionalization
      process. PgFur revealed extremely high sequence divergence, which could be
      associated with its functional dissimilarity in comparison with other Fur
      homologs. A fur mutant strain constructed by insertional inactivation exhibited
      retarded growth during the early growth phase and a significantly lower tendency
      to form a homotypic biofilm on abiotic surfaces. The mutant also showed
      significantly weaker adherence and invasion to epithelial cells and macrophages.
      Transcripts of many differentially regulated genes identified in the fur mutant
      strain were annotated as hypothetical proteins, suggesting that PgFur can play a
      novel role in the regulation of gene expression. Inactivation of the fur gene
      resulted in decreased hmuY gene expression, increased expression of other hmu
      components and changes in the expression of genes encoding hemagglutinins and
      proteases (mainly gingipains), HtrA, some extracytoplasmic sigma factors and two
      component systems. Our data suggest that PgFur can influence in vivo growth and
      virulence, at least in part by affecting iron/heme acquisition, allowing
      efficient infection through a complex regulatory network.

PMID- 25131622
TI  - Clinical whole exome sequencing in child neurology practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Whole exome sequencing (WES) represents a significant breakthrough in
      clinical genetics as a powerful tool for etiological discovery in
      neurodevelopmental disorders. To better characterize the genetic landscape of
      neurodevelopmental disorders, we analyzed patients in our pediatric neurogenetics
      clinic who underwent WES. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study on
      78 patients with various neurodevelopmental disabilities and unrevealing workup
      prior to WES. We characterized their molecular diagnoses, clinical features, and
      whether their previous treatment plan changed due to WES results. RESULTS: The
      overall presumptive diagnostic rate for our cohort was 41% (n = 32 of 78
      patients). Nineteen patients had a single autosomal dominant (AD) disorder, 11
      had a single autosomal recessive (AR) disorder, 1 had an X-linked dominant
      disorder, and 1 had both an AD and an AR disorder. The 32 patients with
      pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants exhibited various neurobehavioral and
      neuroimaging abnormalities, including intellectual disability/developmental delay
      (n = 28), cerebral palsy-like encephalopathy (n = 11), autism spectrum disorder
      (n = 5), delayed/hypomyelination (n = 7), and cerebellar abnormalities (n = 9).
      The results of WES affected management for all patients with a presumptive
      diagnosis, triggering reproductive planning (n = 27), disease monitoring
      initiation (n = 4), investigation of systemic involvement of the disorder(s) (n =
      6), alteration of presumed disease inheritance pattern (n = 7), changing of
      prognosis (n = 10), medication discontinuation (n = 5) or initiation (n = 2), and
      clinical trial education (n = 3). INTERPRETATION: The high diagnostic yield of
      WES supports its use in pediatric neurology practices. It may also lead to
      earlier diagnosis, impacting medical management, prognostication, and family
      planning. WES therefore serves as a critical tool for the child neurologist.

PMID- 25131624
TI  - Stationary wavelet transform for under-sampled MRI reconstruction.
AB  - In addition to coil sensitivity data (parallel imaging), sparsity constraints are
      often used as an additional lp-penalty for under-sampled MRI reconstruction
      (compressed sensing). Penalizing the traditional decimated wavelet transform
      (DWT) coefficients, however, results in visual pseudo-Gibbs artifacts, some of
      which are attributed to the lack of translation invariance of the wavelet basis.
      We show that these artifacts can be greatly reduced by penalizing the translation
      invariant stationary wavelet transform (SWT) coefficients. This holds with
      various additional reconstruction constraints, including coil sensitivity
      profiles and total variation. Additionally, SWT reconstructions result in lower
      error values and faster convergence compared to DWT. These concepts are
      illustrated with extensive experiments on in vivo MRI data with particular
      emphasis on multiple-channel acquisitions. 

PMID- 25131623
TI  - Characterizing pharmacological ligands to study the long-chain fatty acid
      receptors GPR40/FFA1 and GPR120/FFA4.
AB  - The free fatty acid receptors (FFA) 1 (previously designated GPR40) and FFA4
      (previously GPR120) are two GPCRs activated by saturated and unsaturated longer
      chain free fatty acids. With expression patterns and functions anticipated to
      directly or indirectly promote insulin secretion, provide homeostatic control of
      blood glucose and improve tissue insulin sensitivity, both receptors are being
      studied as potential therapeutic targets for the control of type 2 diabetes.
      Furthermore, genetic and systems biology studies in both humans and mouse models
      link FFA4 receptors to diabetes and obesity. Although activated by the same group
      of free fatty acids, FFA1 and FFA4 receptors are not closely related and, while
      the basis of recognition of fatty acids by FFA1 receptors is similar to that of
      the short-chain fatty acid receptors FFA2 and FFA3, the amino acid residues
      involved in endogenous ligand recognition by FFA4 receptors are more akin to
      those of the sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor S1P1 . Screening and subsequent
      medicinal chemistry programmes have developed a number of FFA1 receptor selective
      agonists that are effective in promoting insulin secretion in a glucose
      concentration-dependent manner, and in lowering blood glucose levels. However,
      the recent termination of Phase III clinical trials employing TAK-875/fasiglifam
      has caused a setback and raises important questions over the exact nature and
      mechanistic causes of the problems. Progress in the identification and
      development of highly FFA4 receptor-selective pharmacological tools has been less
      rapid and several issues remain to be clarified to fully validate this receptor
      as a therapeutic target. Despite this, the ongoing development of a range of
      novel ligands offers great opportunities to further unravel the contributions of
      these receptors.

PMID- 25131625
TI  - In vivo quantitative NMR imaging of fruit tissues during growth using Spoiled
      Gradient Echo sequence.
AB  - Nondestructive studies of physiological processes in agronomic products require
      increasingly higher spatial and temporal resolutions. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
      (NMR) imaging is a non-invasive technique providing physiological and
      morphological information on biological tissues. The aim of this study was to
      design a robust and accurate quantitative measurement method based on NMR imaging
      combined with contrast agent (CA) for mapping and quantifying water transport in
      growing cherry tomato fruits. A multiple flip-angle Spoiled Gradient Echo (SGE)
      imaging sequence was used to evaluate the intrinsic parameters maps M0 and T1 of
      the fruit tissues. Water transport and paths flow were monitored using
      Gd(3+)/[Fe(CN)6](3-)/D-mannitol nanoparticles as a tracer. This dynamic study was
      carried out using a compartmental modeling. The CA was preferentially accumulated
      in the surrounding tissues of columella and in the seed envelopes. The total
      quantities and the average volume flow of water estimated are: 198 mg, 1.76
      mm(3)/h for the columella and 326 mg, 2.91 mm(3)/h for the seed envelopes. We
      demonstrate in this paper that the NMR imaging technique coupled with efficient
      and biocompatible CA in physiological medium has the potential to become a major
      tool in plant physiology research.

PMID- 25131627
TI  - Automatic segmentation of white matter lesions on magnetic resonance images of
      the brain by using an outlier detection strategy.
AB  - White matter lesions (WMLs) are commonly observed on the magnetic resonance (MR)
      images of normal elderly in association with vascular risk factors, such as
      hypertension or stroke. An accurate WML detection provides significant
      information for disease tracking, therapy evaluation, and normal aging research.
      In this article, we present an unsupervised WML segmentation method that uses
      Gaussian mixture model to describe the intensity distribution of the normal brain
      tissues and detects the WMLs as outliers to the normal brain tissue model based
      on extreme value theory. The detection of WMLs is performed by comparing the
      probability distribution function of a one-sided normal distribution and a Gumbel
      distribution, which is a specific extreme value distribution. The performance of
      the automatic segmentation is validated on synthetic and clinical MR images with
      regard to different imaging sequences and lesion loads. Results indicate that the
      segmentation method has a favorable accuracy competitive with other state-of-the
      art WML segmentation methods. 

PMID- 25131626
TI  - Decreased oxygen saturation in asymmetrically prominent cortical veins in
      patients with cerebral ischemic stroke.
AB  - Decreased oxygen saturation in asymmetrically prominent cortical veins (APCV)
      seen in ischemic stroke has been hypothesized to correlate with an increase of de
      oxygenated hemoglobin. Our goal is to quantify magnetic susceptibility to define
      APCV by establishing a cutoff above which the deoxyhemoglobin levels are
      considered abnormal. A retrospective study was conducted on 26 patients with
      acute ischemic stroke in one cerebral hemisphere that exhibited APCV with 30 age-
      and sex-matched healthy controls. Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) was
      used to calculate the magnetic susceptibility of the cortical veins. A paired t
      test was used to compare the susceptibility of the cortical veins in the left and
      right hemispheres for healthy controls as well as in the contralateral hemisphere
      for stroke patients with APCV. The change in oxygen saturation in the APCV
      relative to the contralateral side was calculated after thresholding the
      susceptibility using the mean plus two standard deviations of the contralateral
      side for each individual. The thresholded susceptibility value of the APCVs in
      the stroke hemisphere was 254+/-48 ppb which was significantly higher (p<0.05)
      than that in the contralateral hemisphere (123+/-12 ppb) and in healthy controls
      (125+/-8 ppb). There was a decrease of oxygen saturation in the APCV ranging from
      16% to 44% relative to the veins of the contralateral hemisphere. In conclusion,
      APCV seen in SWI correspond to reduced levels of oxygen saturation and these
      abnormal veins can be identified using a susceptibility threshold on the QSM
      data.

PMID- 25131628
TI  - Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging in head and neck squamous
      cell carcinoma: assessment of perfusion-related parameters compared to dynamic
      contrast-enhanced MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between perfusion-related parameters
      obtained with intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and classical perfusion
      parameters obtained with dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance
      imaging in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and to
      compare direct and asymptotic fitting, the pixel-by-pixel approach, and a region
      of interest (ROI)-based approach respectively for IVIM parameter calculation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with HNSCC were included in this
      retrospective study. All magnetic resonance (MR) scanning was performed using a
      3T MR unit. Acquisition of IVIM was performed using single-shot spin-echo echo
      planar imaging with three orthogonal gradients with 12 b-values (0, 10, 20, 30,
      50, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000, and 2000). Perfusion-related parameters of
      perfusion fraction 'f' and the pseudo-diffusion coefficient 'D*' were calculated
      from IVIM data by using least square fitting with the two fitting methods of
      direct and asymptotic fitting, respectively. DCE perfusion was performed in a
      total of 64 dynamic phases with a 3.2-s phase interval. The two-compartment
      exchange model was used for the quantification of tumor blood volume (TBV) and
      tumor blood flow (TBF). Each tumor was delineated with a polygonal ROI for the
      calculation of f, f?D* performed using both the pixel-by-pixel approach and the
      ROI-based approach. In the pixel-by-pixel approach, after fitting each pixel to
      obtain f, f?D* maps, the mean value in the delineated ROI on these maps was
      calculated. In the ROI-based approach, the mean value of signal intensity was
      calculated within the ROI for each b-value in IVIM images, and then fitting was
      performed using these values. Correlations between f in a total of four
      combinations (direct or asymptotic fitting and pixel-by-pixel or ROI-based
      approach) and TBV were respectively analyzed using Pearson's correlation
      coefficients. Correlations between f?D* and TBF were also similarly analyzed.
      RESULTS: In all combinations of f and TBV, f?D* and TBF, there was a significant
      correlation. In the comparison of f and TBV, a moderate correlation was observed
      only between f obtained by direct fitting with the pixel-by-pixel approach,
      whereas a good correlation was observed in the comparisons using the other three
      combinations. In the comparison of f?D* and TBF, a good correlation was observed
      only with f?D* obtained by asymptotic fitting with the ROI-based approach. In
      contrast, moderate correlations were observed in the comparisons using the other
      three combinations. CONCLUSION: IVIM was found to be feasible for the analysis of
      perfusion-related parameters in patients with HNSCC. Especially, the combination
      of asymptotic fitting with the ROI-based approach was better correlated with DCE
      perfusion.

PMID- 25131630
TI  - Aligning 3D time-of-flight MRA datasets for quantitative longitudinal studies:
      evaluation of rigid registration techniques.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: 3D Time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography is commonly
      used for vascular analyses. A quantification of longitudinal morphological
      changes usually requires the registration of TOF image sequences acquired at
      different time points. The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision of
      different 3D rigid registration setups such that an optimal quantification of
      morphological changes can be achieved. METHODS: Eight different rigid
      registration techniques were implemented and evaluated in this study using the
      target registration error (TRE) calculated based on 554 landmarks defined in
      twenty TOF datasets. The registration techniques differed in integration of brain
      and vessel segmentation masks and usage of a multi-resolution framework.
      Furthermore, the benefit of a prior volume-of-interest definition for
      registration accuracy was evaluated. RESULTS: The results revealed that the
      highest registration accuracies can be achieved using a multi-resolution
      framework and a cerebrovascular segmentation as mask. Numerically, a mean TRE of
      1.1mm was calculated. If applicable, a prior definition of a volume-of-interest
      allows a reduction of the TRE to only 0.6mm. CONCLUSION: TOF datasets should be
      registered using vessel segmentations as mask, multi-resolution framework and
      previous volume-of-interest definition if possible to obtain the highest
      registration precision. This is especially the case for longitudinal datasets
      that are separated by several months while the registration technique seems less
      important for datasets that are only separated by a few days.

PMID- 25131629
TI  - Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the fibrocartilage disc of the
      temporomandibular joint--a feasibility study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To 1) test the feasibility of delayed Gadolinium-Enhanced Magnetic
      Resonance Imaging of Cartilage (dGEMRIC) at 3 T in the temporomandibular joint
      (TMJ) and 2) to determine the optimal delay for measurements of the TMJ disc
      after i.v. contrast agent (CA) administration. DESIGN: MRI of the right and left
      TMJ of six asymptomatic volunteers was performed at 3 T using a dedicated coil.
      2D inversion recovery (2D-IR) sequences were performed at 4 time points covering
      120 minutes and 3D gradient-echo (3D GRE) dual flip-angle sequences were
      performed at 14 time points covering 130 minutes after the administration of 0.2
      mmol/kg of Gd-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid ion (Gd-DTPA)(2-), i.e., 0.4 mL
      of MagnevistTM per kg body weight. Pair-wise tests were used to assess
      differences between pre-and post-contrast T1 values. RESULTS: 2D-IR sequences
      showed a statistically significant drop (p<0.001) in T1 values after i.v. CA
      administration. The T1 drop of 50% was reached 60 minutes after bolus injection
      in the TMJ disc. The 3D GRE dual flip-angle sequences confirmed these results and
      show plateau of T1 after 60 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: T1(Gd) maps calculated from
      dGEMRIC data allow in vivo assessment of the fibrocartilage disc of the TMJ. The
      recommended measurement time for dGEMRIC in the TMJ after i.v. CA administration
      is from 60 to 120 minutes.

PMID- 25131631
TI  - Image registration guided, sparsity constrained reconstructions for dynamic MRI.
AB  - It is generally a challenging task to reconstruct dynamic magnetic resonance (MR)
      images with high spatial and high temporal resolutions, especially with highly
      incomplete k-space sampling. In this work, a novel method that combines a non
      rigid image registration technique with sparsity-constrained image reconstruction
      is introduced. Employing a multi-resolution free-form deformation technique with
      B-spline interpolations, the non-rigid image registration accurately models the
      complex deformations of the physiological dynamics, and provides artifact
      suppressed high spatial-resolution predictions. Based on these prediction images,
      the sparsity-constrained data fidelity-enforced image reconstruction further
      improves the reconstruction accuracy. When compared with the k-t FOCUSS with
      motion estimation/motion compensation (MEMC) technique on volunteer scans, the
      proposed method consistently outperforms in both the spatial and the temporal
      accuracy with variously accelerated k-space sampling. High fidelity
      reconstructions for dynamic systolic phases with reduction factor of 10 and
      cardiac perfusion series with reduction factor of 3 are presented. 

PMID- 25131632
TI  - Synthesis of tetraphenylethylene pillar[6]arenes and the selective fast quenching
      of their AIE fluorescence by TNT.
AB  - Tetraphenylethylene pillar[6]arenes with an AIE effect were synthesized for the
      first time. The fluorescence of the pillar[6]arenes could be quenched much more
      and much faster by TNT than by other nitroaromatics including 2,4,6
      trinitrophenol, which could be used to detect TNT in air. 

PMID- 25131633
TI  - Design of a Gd-DOTA-phthalocyanine conjugate combining MRI contrast imaging and
      photosensitization properties as a potential molecular theranostic.
AB  - The design and synthesis of a phthalocyanine--Gd-DOTA conjugate is presented to
      open the way to novel molecular theranostics, combining the properties of MRI
      contrast imaging with photodynamic therapy. The rational design of the conjugate
      integrates isomeric purity of the phthalocyanine core substitution, suitable
      biocompatibility with the use of polyoxo water-solubilizing substituents, and a
      convergent synthetic strategy ended by the use of click chemistry to graft the Gd
      DOTA moiety to the phthalocyanine. Photophysical and photochemical properties,
      contrast imaging experiments and preliminary in vitro investigations proved that
      such a combination is relevant and lead to a new type of potential theranostic
      agent.

PMID- 25131635
TI  - Text Mining Driven Drug-Drug Interaction Detection.
AB  - Identifying drug-drug interactions is an important and challenging problem in
      computational biology and healthcare research. There are accurate, structured but
      limited domain knowledge and noisy, unstructured but abundant textual information
      available for building predictive models. The difficulty lies in mining the true
      patterns embedded in text data and developing efficient and effective ways to
      combine heterogenous types of information. We demonstrate a novel approach of
      leveraging augmented text-mining features to build a logistic regression model
      with improved prediction performance (in terms of discrimination and
      calibration). Our model based on synthesized features significantly outperforms
      the model trained with only structured features (AUC: 96% vs. 91%, Sensitivity:
      90% vs. 82% and Specificity: 88% vs. 81%). Along with the quantitative results,
      we also show learned "latent topics", an intermediary result of our text mining
      module, and discuss their implications.

PMID- 25131636
TI  - Electrical conduction behavior of organic light-emitting diodes using fluorinated
      self-assembled monolayer with molybdenum oxide-doped hole transporting layer.
AB  - The electrical conductivity behavior of a fluorinated self-assembled monolayer
      (FSAM) of a molybdenum oxide (MoOx)-doped alpha-naphthyl diamine derivative
      (alpha-NPD) in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) was investigated. The
      current density of the MoOx-doped alpha-NPD/FSAM device was proportional to its
      voltage owing to smooth carrier injection through the FSAM and the high carrier
      density of its bulk. The temperature-dependent characteristics of this device
      were investigated. The current density-voltage characteristics at different
      temperatures were almost the same owing to its very low activation energy. The
      activation energy of the device was estimated to be 1.056 * 10(-2) [eV] and was
      very low due to the inelastic electron tunneling of FSAM molecules.

PMID- 25131634
TI  - Expression profile analysis of vulnerable CA1 pyramidal neurons in young-Middle
      Aged Ts65Dn mice.
AB  - Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent cause of intellectual disability (ID).
      Individuals with DS show a variety of cognitive deficits, most notably in
      hippocampal learning and memory, and display pathological hallmarks of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD), with neurodegeneration of cholinergic basal forebrain
      (CBF) neurons. Elucidation of the molecular and cellular underpinnings of
      neuropathology has been assessed via gene expression analysis in a relevant
      animal model, termed the Ts65Dn mouse. The Ts65Dn mouse is a segmental trisomy
      model of DS that mimics DS/AD pathology, notably age-related cognitive
      dysfunction and degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs). To
      determine expression level changes, molecular fingerprinting of cornu ammonis 1
      (CA1) pyramidal neurons was performed in adult (4-9 month-old) Ts65Dn mice, at
      the initiation of BFCN degeneration. To quantitate transcriptomic changes during
      this early time period, laser capture microdissection (LCM), terminal
      continuation (TC) RNA amplification, custom-designed microarray analysis, and
      subsequent validation of individual transcripts by qPCR and protein analysis via
      immunoblotting was performed. The results indicate significant alterations within
      CA1 pyramidal neurons of Ts65Dn mice compared with normal disomic (2N)
      littermates, notably in the downregulation of neurotrophins and their cognate
      neurotrophin receptors among other classes of transcripts relevant to
      neurodegeneration. The results of this single-population gene expression analysis
      at the time of septohippocampal deficits in a trisomic mouse model shed light on
      a vulnerable circuit that may cause the AD-like pathology invariably seen in DS
      that could help to identify mechanisms of degeneration, and provide novel gene
      targets for therapeutic interventions. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:61-74, 2015. (c) 2014
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 25131637
TI  - Setting the stage for development of a program for adolescent heart transplant
      recipients to transition to adult providers: An integrative review of the
      literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: This integrative review of the literature was undertaken to determine if
      there was a body of knowledge to support a transition program in an adolescent
      heart transplant population. CONCLUSIONS: No studies were found involving a heart
      transplant transition program for adolescents. A literature review for transition
      in other chronic illness areas was undertaken. Youth with chronic illness are
      inadequately prepared to transfer to adult providers. Transition programs should
      be developed. These programs should be tailored to suit individual needs. They
      should teach disease knowledge and encourage participation in self-management
      skills. Participation in a transition program improved patients' quality of life
      and improved their knowledge about their disease. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses
      are in a unique position with chronically ill adolescents to promote positive
      behaviors at every interaction. Encouraging self-management behaviors will
      support these youth as they prepare to become adults.

PMID- 25131638
TI  - Gorlin syndrome (nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome): update and literature
      review.
AB  - Gorlin syndrome, also called nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, is an
      autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disease characterized by developmental
      anomalies such as palmar pits and rib anomaly, and tumorigenesis such as
      medulloblastoma and basal cell carcinoma. This syndrome is mainly caused by a
      mutation of PTCH1, a human homologue of Drosophila patched, including frameshift,
      missense, or nonsense mutations. Genotype-phenotype correlation has not been
      established. PTCH1 is a member of hedgehog signaling, which is a highly conserved
      pathway in vertebrates, composed of hedgehog, SMO, and GLI proteins as well as
      PTCH1. Given that hedgehog signaling regulates cell growth and development,
      disorder of this pathway gives rise to not only developmental anomalies but also
      diverse tumors such as those seen in Gorlin syndrome. We recently reported, for
      the first time, a nationwide survey of Gorlin syndrome in Japan, noting that the
      frequency was 1/235,800 in the Japanese population, and that the frequency of
      basal cell carcinomas was significantly lower in Japan than in the USA and
      Europe, suggesting that ethnicity and genetic background contribute to these
      differences. Given that many clinical trials using newly discovered molecular
      inhibitors are still ongoing, these agents should become the new therapeutic
      options for hedgehog pathway-dependent tumors in patients with or without Gorlin
      syndrome.

PMID- 25131639
TI  - Dark macules in the upper gastrointestinal tract: an ominous sign.

PMID- 25131641
TI  - 'Not-so-minor' stroke: Lasting psychosocial consequences of anterior cingulate
      cortical ischemia in the rat.
AB  - Patients with small, non-debilitating strokes often report a reduction in quality
      of life due to persistent cognitive and emotional alterations. Stroke may
      directly damage limbic circuitry resulting in an impaired stress response,
      however the possibility that this may in part explain the prevalence of stroke
      comorbidity with mood disorders has yet to be determined. Here we systematically
      examine psychosocial consequences of prefrontal lesions targeting the left
      anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) using hormone assays and a behavioral test
      battery in adult rats to probe whether a small stroke could alter stress behavior
      or response to psychosocial stress (chronic mild stress (CMS) or subordination
      stress). Minor stroke produced chronic hyperactivity in an open field but did not
      alter fear-related inhibition in the elevated plus maze. Novelty-induced
      defecation was increased by the combination of CMS, subordination and stroke.
      Anterior cingulate lesions alone increased distress vocalizations in the water
      maze. Interestingly, ACC stroke caused hyper-secretion of porphyrin and long-term
      hormonal alterations that resulted in adrenal hypertrophy and enhanced
      dexamethasone suppression of the HPA axis. We propose that this behavioral
      profile is consistent with an animal model of post-stroke distress-like syndrome
      which could be useful in understanding how stroke affects the capacity to cope
      with psychological stress. 

PMID- 25131642
TI  - International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for
      children and youth with cerebral palsy: a consensus meeting.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this article is to report on the Core Sets developed for
      children and youth aged 0 to 18 years, with cerebral palsy (CP) based on the
      pediatric International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
      (ICF) by the World Health Organization (WHO). METHOD: A formal decision-making
      and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preparatory studies was
      followed. Preparatory studies included: a systematic literature review; an
      international expert survey; a qualitative study of children and youth with CP
      and their caregivers; and a clinical study. Relevant ICF categories were
      identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different
      backgrounds. Twenty-six international experts chosen by WHO region with expertise
      in CP attended the consensus meeting. RESULTS: Overall, five ICF Core Sets were
      developed: a Comprehensive Core Set (135 ICF categories); a Common Brief (25 ICF
      categories); and three age-specific Core Sets: under 6 years (31 ICF categories),
      from 6 to <14 years (35 ICF categories) and from 14 to 18 years (37 ICF
      categories). INTERPRETATION: These ICF Core Sets for children and youth with CP
      are the first ICF-based tools developed for this population. The ICF Core Sets
      for children and youth with CP can be applied in clinical practice, research,
      teaching and administration. The application of the ICF Core Sets to this
      population will standardize the functional assessments of CP worldwide.

PMID- 25131640
TI  - Epigenetics and sex differences in the brain: A genome-wide comparison of histone
      3 lysine-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in male and female mice.
AB  - Many neurological and psychiatric disorders exhibit gender disparities, and sex
      differences in the brain likely explain some of these effects. Recent work in
      rodents points to a role for epigenetics in the development or maintenance of
      neural sex differences, although genome-wide studies have so far been lacking.
      Here we review the existing literature on epigenetics and brain sexual
      differentiation and present preliminary analyses on the genome-wide distribution
      of histone-3 lysine-4 trimethylation in a sexually dimorphic brain region in male
      and female mice. H3K4me3 is a histone mark primarily organized as 'peaks'
      surrounding the transcription start site of active genes. We microdissected the
      bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and preoptic area (BNST/POA) in adult male
      and female mice and used ChIP-Seq to compare the distribution of H3K4me3
      throughout the genome. We found 248 genes and loci with a significant sex
      difference in H3K4me3. Of these, the majority (71%) had larger H3K4me3 peaks in
      females. Comparisons with existing databases indicate that genes and loci with
      increased H3K4me3 in females are associated with synaptic function and with
      expression atlases from related brain areas. Based on RT-PCR, only a minority of
      genes with a sex difference in H3K4me3 has detectable sex differences in
      expression at baseline conditions. Together with previous findings, our data
      suggest that there may be sex biases in the use of epigenetic marks. Such biases
      could underlie sex differences in vulnerabilities to drugs or diseases that
      disrupt specific epigenetic processes. 

PMID- 25131643
TI  - Systematic review of epilepsy self-management interventions integrated with a
      synthesis of children and young people's views and experiences.
AB  - AIM: To determine the effectiveness of epilepsy self-management interventions and
      explore the views and experiences of medication and seizures by children and
      young people. BACKGROUND: Experiencing seizures and side-effects from anti
      epileptic medicines have negative impacts on children and young people managing
      their epilepsy. Children commonly experiment with not taking epilepsy medication
      as prescribed and engage in unhealthy lifestyles. DESIGN/REVIEW METHODS: Mixed
      method systematic review with theory development. Cochrane quantitative methods
      and thematic synthesis of qualitative and survey evidence. DATA SOURCES: Eight
      databases were searched from earliest dates to July 2013. RESULTS: Nineteen
      studies were included. Meta-analysis was not possible. Zero of nine intervention
      studies showed improvement in anti-epilepsy medication adherence. Skill-based
      behavioural techniques with activities such as role play and goal setting with
      young people increased epilepsy knowledge and seizure self-management (small
      effects). Intervention studies were methodologically weak and no studies reported
      if improvement in self-management was sustained over time. Synthesis of nine
      qualitative and one mixed-method studies generated six themes encapsulating anti
      epilepsy medication and epilepsy effects. There was a lack of fidelity between
      intervention programme theories and what children and young people found
      difficult with medication self-management and managing the effects of epilepsy.
      CONCLUSION: Children and young people knowingly and/or unknowingly take risks
      with their epilepsy and give reasoned explanations for doing so. There are no
      effective interventions to change epilepsy medication adherence behaviours. There
      is an urgent need for more innovative and individually tailored interventions to
      address specific challenges to epilepsy self-management as identified by children
      and young people themselves.

PMID- 25131644
TI  - Surgical repositioning of a developing maxillary central incisor. A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A traumatic injury to the primary dentition can cause damage to the
      germ of the permanent successor. As a clinical consequence a dilaceration with
      root deformation, malpositioning and disturbances of eruption can occur. Surgical
      repositioning of such a dislocated crown of a developing tooth can be a treatment
      option. CASE REPORT: A four year old patient was referred to our clinic because
      of a mobile upper primary central incisor and a radiographically visible
      displaced dental crown. Her history revealed a traumatic dental injury one year
      ago. Radiologic examination confirmed an inflammatory root resorption on tooth 61
      and a dislocation of the developing tooth 21. In order to avoid further
      displacement due to the inflammation, 61 was extracted at the first appointment.
      A radiographic image 7 months later showed no improvement in the malposition of
      tooth 21. Therefore tooth 21 was surgically repositioned into its correct
      position. Follow-up over 3 years confirmed a continued root development and a
      full eruption of 21 in its correct position. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and
      early treatment of a dislocated permanent tooth germ is essential to allow a
      favorable outcome. Surgical repositioning can be successful in avoiding later
      malpositioning of the permanent teeth.

PMID- 25131645
TI  - Declining trends in the proportion of non-viral sexually transmissible infections
      reported by STD clinics in the US, 2000-10.
AB  - Background Recent budget shortfalls may have resulted in decreases in the number
      of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) reported from sexually transmitted
      disease clinics (STDCs) in the United States (US). The objective of this study
      was to examine the proportion of cases reported from STDCs for three non-viral
      STIs in the last decade. METHODS: Data from the national surveillance database on
      primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases for 2000-10
      were extracted. The percentage of cases reported by STDCs for the nation and for
      each of the 48 contiguous states were then computed. Finally, the chi(2) trend
      test for proportions was used to determine the annual average decrease/increase
      in the percentage of cases reported by STDCs for the nation and for each state.
      RESULTS: RESULTS demonstrate that the average annual declines in the proportion
      of P&S syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia cases reported from STDCs were 1.43%
      (P<0.01), 1.31% (P<0.01), and 0.31% (P<0.01), respectively. Additionally, most of
      the states with statistically significant trends (P<0.05) in the proportion of
      cases reported by STDCs had negative slopes: 86% (25/29) for P&S syphilis, 89%
      (34/38) for gonorrhoea, and 63% (27/43) for chlamydia. CONCLUSION: These results
      document the declining role of STDCs in STI prevention and control efforts in the
      US. Further studies are needed to assess the direct or indirect impact of the
      decline in the proportion of cases from STDCs on the overall STI control and
      prevention efforts in the US and its implications for the future.

PMID- 25131646
TI  - Enzymatic routes for the synthesis of ursodeoxycholic acid.
AB  - Ursodeoxycholic acid, a secondary bile acid, is used as a drug for the treatment
      of various liver diseases, the optimal dose comprises the range of 8-10mg/kg/day.
      For industrial syntheses, the structural complexity of this bile acid requires
      the use of an appropriate starting material as well as the application of regio-
      and enantio-selective enzymes for its derivatization. Most strategies for the
      synthesis start from cholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acid. The latter requires
      the conversion of the hydroxyl group at C-7 from alpha- into beta-position in
      order to obtain ursodeoxycholic acid. Cholic acid on the other hand does not only
      require the same epimerization reaction at C-7 but the removal of the hydroxyl
      group at C-12 as well. There are several bacterial regio- and enantio-selective
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs) to carry out the desired reactions, for
      example 7alpha-HSDHs from strains of Clostridium, Bacteroides or Xanthomonas,
      7beta-HSDHs from Clostridium, Collinsella, or Ruminococcus, or 12alpha-HSDH from
      Clostridium or from Eggerthella. However, all these bioconversion reactions need
      additional steps for the regeneration of the coenzymes. Selected multi-step
      reaction systems for the synthesis of ursodeoxycholic acid are presented in this
      review. 

PMID- 25131647
TI  - Hepatitis C virus: the 25-year journey from discovery to cure.

PMID- 25131648
TI  - Identity, causality, and pronoun ambiguity.
AB  - This article looks at the way people determine the antecedent of a pronoun in
      sentence pairs, such as: Albert invited Ron to dinner. He spent hours cleaning
      the house. The experiment reported here is motivated by the idea that such
      judgments depend on reasoning about identity (e.g., the identity of the he who
      cleaned the house). Because the identity of an individual over time depends on
      the causal-historical path connecting the stages of the individual, the correct
      antecedent will also depend on causal connections. The experiment varied how
      likely it is that the event of the first sentence (e.g., the invitation) would
      cause the event of the second (the house cleaning) for each of the two
      individuals (the likelihood that if Albert invited Ron to dinner, this would
      cause Albert to clean the house, versus cause Ron to clean the house). Decisions
      about the antecedent followed causal likelihood. A mathematical model of causal
      identity accounted for most of the key aspects of the data from the individual
      sentence pairs. 

PMID- 25131649
TI  - Variation of system performance, quality control standards and adherence to
      international FDG-PET/CT imaging guidelines. A national survey of PET/CT
      operations in Austria.
AB  - AIM: To gather information on clinical operations, quality control (QC) standards
      and adoption of guidelines for FDG-PET/CT imaging in Austrian PET/CT centres.
      METHODS: A written survey composed of 68 questions related to A) PET/CT centre
      and installation, B) standard protocol parameters for FDG-PET/CT imaging of
      oncology patients, and C) standard QC procedures was conducted between November
      and December 2013 among all Austrian PET/CT centres. In addition, a NEMA-NU2 2012
      image quality phantom test was performed using standard whole-body imaging
      settings on all PET/CT systems with a lesion-to-background ratio of 4. Recovery
      coefficients (RC) were calculated for each lesion and PET/CT system. RESULTS: A)
      13 PET/CT systems were installed in 12 nuclear medicine departments at public
      hospitals. B) Average fasting prior to FDG-PET/CT was 7.6 (4-12) h. All sites
      measured blood glucose levels while using different cut-off levels (64%: 150
      mg/dl). Weight-based activity injection was performed at 83% sites with a mean
      FDG activity of 4.1 MBq/kg. Average FDG uptake time was 55 (45-75) min. All sites
      employed CT contrast agents (variation from 1%-95% of the patients). All sites
      reported SUV-max. C) Frequency of QC tests varied significantly and QC phantom
      measurements revealed significant differences in RCs. CONCLUSION: Significant
      variations in FDG-PET/CT protocol parameters among all Austrian PET/CT users were
      observed. Subsequently, efforts need to be put in place to further standardize
      imaging protocols. At a minimum clinical PET/CT operations should ensure
      compliance with existing guidelines. Further, standardized QC procedures must be
      followed to improve quantitative accuracy across PET/CT centres.

PMID- 25131650
TI  - Weight maintenance from young adult weight predicts better health outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Defining groups of individuals within a larger population with similar
      patterns of weight change over time may provide insight into influences of weight
      stability or gain. METHODS: Latent class growth modeling was used to define
      subgroups of weight change in adult members of the Gila River Indian Community
      participating in at least four non-diabetic health exams including OGTTs (N =
      1,157, 762F/395M; 78.4 +/- 19.0 kg). In a separate study, 152 individuals had 24
      h EE measured in a respiratory chamber. RESULTS: Eight groups with baseline
      weights of 54.6 +/- 7.3 (n = 124), 64.2 +/- 7.7 (n = 267), 73.6 +/- 7.8 (n =
      298), 86.1 +/- 10.2 (n = 194), 95.5 +/- 6.7 (n = 90), 97.9 +/- 10.4 (n = 92),
      110.9 +/- 11.9 (n = 61), and 122.1 +/- 13.6 (n = 31) kg (P < 0.001) were
      delineated. Group 5, (initial weight = 95.5 +/- 6.7 kg) maintained a
      comparatively stable weight over time (+3.3 +/- 10.3 kg, +3.8 +/- 11.2% of
      initial weight; median follow-up time: 13.1 years). All other groups gained
      weight over time (+29.9 +/- 21.1% of initial weight; median follow-up time: 16.3
      years). Higher starting weight defined weight gain in most groups, but higher 2 h
      glucose predicted membership in the lower weight trajectories. The weight stable
      group had higher rates of impaired glucose regulation at baseline and higher 24-h
      EE. CONCLUSIONS: Weight in young adulthood defined weight gain trajectory
      underscoring the importance of intervening early to prevent weight gain.

PMID- 25131651
TI  - Fungal diversity, incidence and mycotoxin contamination in grapes from two agro
      climatic Spanish regions with emphasis on Aspergillus species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fourteen vineyards from two different agro-climatic regions in Spain
      were sampled in two consecutive years in order to determinate the grape mycobiota
      and diversity indexes with the final aim to define the potential mycotoxigenic
      species from both regions and their relationship. RESULTS: The most common fungal
      genera encountered were Aspergillus (30.0%), Alternaria (53.2%), Cladosporium
      (11.9%) and Penicillium (2.9%). Black aspergilli presence in the hotter region
      (south) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the northeast in both years.
      Among black aspergilli, A. tubingensis seemed to be the better adapted species to
      environmental conditions, while A. carbonarius was the main potentially
      ochratoxigenic species in both regions and years, owing to the most relevant
      percentage of ochratoxigenic isolates. Ochratoxin A (OTA)-positive musts were
      only detected from southern vineyards, although contamination was always lower
      than 0.1 ug L(-1) . Finally, none of black aspergilli tested produced fumonisins
      (FBs) on Czapek yeast extract agar (CYA), while 63% of A. niger tested produced
      FB2 when inoculated on CYA20S, reaching 100% of isolates from the south.
      CONCLUSION: Climate change scenarios in southern Europe point to an increase in
      temperature and drought. This could promote particularly adapted species such as
      A. niger, decreasing OTA risk, but this could lead to an increase in FB2
      presence.

PMID- 25131652
TI  - Free-breathing multislice native myocardial T1 mapping using the slice
      interleaved T1 (STONE) sequence.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a novel pulse sequence for free-breathing, multislice, native
      myocardial T1 mapping. METHODS: The slice-interleaved T1 (STONE) sequence
      consists of multiple sets of single-shot images of different slices, acquired
      after a single nonselective inversion pulse. Each slice is only selectively
      excited once after each inversion pulse to allow sampling of the unperturbed
      longitudinal magnetization in the adjacent slices. For respiratory motion, a
      prospective slice-tracking respiratory navigator is used to decrease through
      plane motion followed by a retrospective image registration to reduce in-plane
      motion. STONE T1 maps were calculated using both a two-parameter and three
      parameter fit model. The accuracy and precision of the STONE sequence for
      different T1 , T2 , and inversion pulse efficiency were studied using numerical
      simulations and phantom experiments. T1 maps from 14 subjects were acquired with
      the STONE sequence and T1 s were compared to the MOdified Look-Locker Inversion
      recovery sequence (MOLLI). RESULTS: In numerical simulations and phantom
      experiments, the STONE sequence using a two-parameter fit model yields more
      accurate T1 times compared to MOLLI, with similar high precision. The three
      parameter fit model further improves the accuracy, but with a reduced precision.
      The native myocardial T1 times were higher in the STONE sequence using two- or
      three-parameter fit compared to MOLLI. The standard deviation of the T1 times was
      lower in the STONE T1 maps with a two-parameter fit compared with MOLLI or a
      three-parameter fit. CONCLUSION: The STONE sequence allows accurate and precise
      quantification of native myocardial T1 times with the additional benefit of
      covering the entire ventricle. Magn Reson Med 74:115-124, 2015. (c) 2014 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 25131653
TI  - Investigating the role of social-affective attachment processes in cradling bias:
      the absence of cradling bias in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - Previous studies suggest that leftward cradling bias may facilitate mother-infant
      relationships, as it preferentially locates the infant in the mother's left hemi
      space, which is specialized for several social-affective processes. If leftward
      cradling bias is mediated by social-affective attachment processes, it should be
      reduced in humans who are deficient in such processes. Individuals diagnosed with
      Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) constitute a population with known deficits in
      social and emotional relating. A pilot study confirmed reduced bias in this
      group, and in the present study, we elaborated methods to assess also the impact
      of higher cognitive processes on cradling bias. Direct systematic observation was
      used to investigate the occurrence of cradling bias in ASD, non-ASD
      intellectually disabled children and typically developing children. Ninety-three
      participants aged 5-15 years cradled a life-like doll on four separate occasions.
      Intelligence and executive functions were assessed. Regression analyses revealed
      that ASD diagnosis was the only significant predictor of atypical cradling
      preference. While intellectually disabled and typically developing children
      clearly preferred to cradle to the left, no preference was evident in the ASD
      group. Results support the hypothesis that leftward cradling bias is associated
      with basic social-affective capacities. 

PMID- 25131654
TI  - Bortezomib for effective treatment of a child with refractory autoimmune
      hemolytic anemia post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

PMID- 25131655
TI  - Membrane pathology and microglial activation of mice expressing membrane anchored
      or membrane released forms of Abeta and mutated human Alzheimer's precursor
      protein (APP).
AB  - AIMS: Alzheimer's disease and the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or
      prion diseases accumulate misfolded and aggregated forms of neuronal cell
      membrane proteins. Distinctive membrane lesions caused by the accumulation of
      disease-associated prion protein (PrP(d)) are found in prion disease but
      morphological changes of membranes are not associated with Abeta in Alzheimer's
      disease. Membrane changes occur in all prion diseases where PrP(d) is attached to
      cell membranes by a glycosyl-phosphoinositol (GPI) anchor but are absent from
      transgenic mice expressing anchorless PrP(d). Here we investigate whether GPI
      membrane attached Abeta may also cause prion-like membrane lesions. METHODS: We
      used immunogold electron microscopy to determine the localization and pathology
      of Abeta accumulation in groups of transgenic mice expressing anchored or
      unanchored forms of Abeta or mutated human Alzheimer's precursor protein.
      RESULTS: GPI attached Abeta did not replicate the membrane lesions of PrP(d).
      However, as with PrP(d) in prion disease, Abeta peptides derived from each
      transgenic mouse line initially accumulated on morphologically normal neurite
      membranes, elicited rapid glial recognition and neurite Abeta was transferred to
      attenuated microglial and astrocytic processes. CONCLUSIONS: GPI attachment of
      misfolded membrane proteins is insufficient to cause prion-like membrane lesions.
      Prion disease and murine Abeta amyloidosis both accumulate misfolded monomeric or
      oligomeric membrane proteins that are recognized by glial processes and acquire
      such misfolded proteins prior to their accumulation in the extracellular space.
      In contrast to prion disease where glial cells efficiently endocytose PrP(d) to
      endolysosomes, activated microglial cells in murine Abeta amyloidosis are not as
      efficient phagocytes.

PMID- 25131657
TI  - Non-statistical key issues in conducting sensible observational studies to
      resolve clinical questions.

PMID- 25131656
TI  - DNA methylation aberrations rather than polymorphisms of FZD3 gene increase the
      risk of spina bifida in a high-risk region for neural tube defects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal models of neural tube defects (NTDs) have indicated roles for
      the Fzd3 gene and the planar cell polarity signaling pathway in convergent
      extension. We investigated the involvement of FZD3 in genetic and epigenetic
      mechanisms associated with human NTDs, especially spina bifida. We explored the
      effects of variants spanning the FZD3 gene in NTDs and examined the role of
      aberrant methylation of the FZD3 promoter on gene expression in brain tissue in
      spina bifida. METHODS: Six FZD3 single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped
      using a MassARRAY system in tissue from 165 NTD fetuses and 152 controls. DNA
      methylation aberrations in the FZD3 promoter region were detected using a
      MassARRAY EpiTYPER (17 CpG units from -500 to -2400 bp from the transcription
      start site) in brain tissue from 77 spina bifida and 74 control fetuses. RESULTS:
      None of the six single nucleotide polymorphisms evaluated were significantly
      associated with spina bifida, but the mean methylation level was significantly
      higher in spina bifida samples (13.70%) compared with control samples (10.91%) (p
      = 0.001). In terms of specific sites, DNA methylation levels were significantly
      higher in the spina bifida samples at 14 of the 17 CpG units, which mostly
      included in R2 region. FZD3 mRNA expression was negatively correlated with
      methylation of the FZD3 promoter region, especially the R2 region (R = 0.970; p =
      0.001) in HeLa cells. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that DNA
      methylation plays an important role in FZD3 gene expression regulation and may be
      associated with an increased risk of spina bifida.

PMID- 25131658
TI  - Factors associated with receiving treatment for dental decay among Medicaid
      enrolled children younger than 12 years of age in Iowa, 2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Iowa Department of Public Health I-Smile program provides dental
      screening and care coordination to over 23,000 low-income and Medicaid-enrolled
      children per year. The purposes of this study were to evaluate I-Smile program
      effectiveness to ensure that Medicaid-enrolled children obtained dental treatment
      after having been screened and to determine the factors associated with failure
      to receive dental care after screening through the I-Smile program. METHODS:
      Based on I-Smile program priorities, we limited our sample to children younger
      than 12 years of age who screened positive for decay and who linked to a paid
      Medicaid claim for dental treatment (n = 1,816). We conducted bivariate analyses
      to examine associations between children's characteristics who screened positive
      for decay and received treatment within 6 months of their initial screening. We
      also performed multivariate logistic regression to assess the association of
      sociodemographic characteristics with receipt of treatment among children who
      screened positive for decay. RESULTS: Eleven percent of children screened
      positive for decay. Nearly 24 percent of children with decay received treatment
      based on a Medicaid-paid claim. Being 5 years or older [adjusted odds ratio
      (aOR): 1.48, confidence interval (CI): 1.17, 1.88] and not having a dental home
      (aOR: 1.90, CI: 1.41, 2.58) were associated with higher odds of not receiving
      dental treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Children 5 years and older and without a dental
      home were less likely to obtain dental treatment. Opportunities exist for the I
      Smile program to increase the numbers of at-risk children with dental homes and
      who obtain dental care after screening.

PMID- 25131659
TI  - MALDI imaging-based identification of prognostically relevant signals in bladder
      cancer using large-scale tissue microarrays.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although most patients with urinary bladder cancer present with
      noninvasive and low-malignant stages of the disease, about 20% eventually develop
      life-threatening metastatic tumors. This study was designed to evaluate the
      potential of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass
      spectrometry imaging (MSI) to identify molecular markers predicting the clinical
      course of bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We employed MALDI-MSI to a
      bladder cancer tissue microarray including paraffin-embedded tissue samples from
      697 patients with clinical follow-up data to search for prognostically relevant
      associations. RESULTS: Analysis of our MALDI imaging data revealed 40 signals in
      the mass spectra (m/z signals) associated with epithelial structures. The
      presence of numerous m/z signals was statistically related to one or several
      phenotypical findings including tumor aggressiveness (stage, grade, or nodal
      status; 30 signals), solid (5 signals) or papillary (3 signals) growth patterns,
      and increased (6 signals) or decreased (12 signals) cell proliferation, as
      determined by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. Two signals were linked with tumor
      recurrence in noninvasive (pTa category) tumors, of which one was also related to
      progression from pTa-category to pT1-category disease. The absence of one m/z
      signal was linked with decreased survival in the subset of 102 muscle-invasive
      cancers. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate the suitability of combining MSI and
      large-scale tissue microarrays to simultaneously identify and validate clinically
      useful molecular markers in urinary bladder cancer.

PMID- 25131662
TI  - 3D reconstruction of prior beta grains in friction stir-processed Ti-6Al-4V.
AB  - The prior beta grain structure and orientations in the central stir zone of
      friction stir-processed Ti-6Al-4V were reconstructed from measured alpha phase
      orientations obtained by three-dimensional serial sectioning in a dual-beam
      focused ion beam scanning electron microscope. The data were processed to obtain
      the alpha colony and beta grain size distributions in the volume. Several beta
      grains were individually analysed to determine the total number of unique alpha
      variants and the respective volume fractions of each. The analysis revealed that
      some grains experienced overwhelming variant selection (i.e. one variant
      dominated) whereas other beta grains contained a more evenly distributed mixture
      of all 12 variants. 

PMID- 25131660
TI  - Can we expand active surveillance criteria to include biopsy Gleason 3+4 prostate
      cancer? A multi-institutional study of 2,323 patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the expandability of active surveillance (AS) to Gleason score
      3+4 cancers by assessing the unfavorable disease risk in a large multi
      institutional cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      analysis including 2,323 patients with localized Gleason score 3+4 prostate
      cancer who underwent a radical prostatectomy between 2005 and 2013 from 6
      academic centers. We analyzed the rates of biopsy downgrading/upgrading and
      advanced stage in the overall cohort by employing standardized AS criteria (using
      biopsy Gleason score 3+4). RESULTS: The final pathologic Gleason score was 3+3 =
      6 in 8%, 3+4 = 7 in 67%, 4+3 = 7 in 20%, and 8 to 10 in 5% cases. The overall
      rate of unfavorable disease (upgrading or advanced stage or both) was 46%. In
      multivariable analysis, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level>10 ng/ml, PSA
      density (PSAD) >0.15 ng/ml/g, clinical stage >T1, and>2 positive cores were
      predictors of unfavorable disease. According to the AS criteria used, the risk of
      unfavorable disease ranged from 30% to 42%. In patients without any risk factor
      (PSA level<= 10 ng/ml, PSAD <= 0.15 ng/ml/g, T1c, and <= 2 positive cores), the
      unfavorable disease rate was 19%. The main limitations of this study are the
      retrospective design and nonstandardization of pathologic assessment between
      centers. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of patients with biopsy Gleason score
      3+4 cancer have unfavorable disease at final pathology. Nevertheless, expanding
      AS eligibility to these patients may be acceptable provided adherence to strict
      selection criteria leading to a<20% risk of unfavorable disease. Future tools for
      selection such as magnetic resonance imaging, early rebiopsy, and serum markers
      may be especially beneficial in this group of patients.

PMID- 25131663
TI  - Catheter ablation for cold water swallowing-induced paroxysmal atrial
      fibrillation: a case report.

PMID- 25131661
TI  - Behavior change techniques implemented in electronic lifestyle activity monitors:
      a systematic content analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electronic activity monitors (such as those manufactured by Fitbit,
      Jawbone, and Nike) improve on standard pedometers by providing automated feedback
      and interactive behavior change tools via mobile device or personal computer.
      These monitors are commercially popular and show promise for use in public health
      interventions. However, little is known about the content of their feedback
      applications and how individual monitors may differ from one another. OBJECTIVE:
      The purpose of this study was to describe the behavior change techniques
      implemented in commercially available electronic activity monitors. METHODS:
      Electronic activity monitors (N=13) were systematically identified and tested by
      3 trained coders for at least 1 week each. All monitors measured lifestyle
      physical activity and provided feedback via an app (computer or mobile). Coding
      was based on a hierarchical list of 93 behavior change techniques. Further coding
      of potentially effective techniques and adherence to theory-based recommendations
      were based on findings from meta-analyses and meta-regressions in the research
      literature. RESULTS: All monitors provided tools for self-monitoring, feedback,
      and environmental change by definition. The next most prevalent techniques (13
      out of 13 monitors) were goal-setting and emphasizing discrepancy between current
      and goal behavior. Review of behavioral goals, social support, social comparison,
      prompts/cues, rewards, and a focus on past success were found in more than half
      of the systems. The monitors included a range of 5-10 of 14 total techniques
      identified from the research literature as potentially effective. Most of the
      monitors included goal-setting, self-monitoring, and feedback content that
      closely matched recommendations from social cognitive theory. CONCLUSIONS:
      Electronic activity monitors contain a wide range of behavior change techniques
      typically used in clinical behavioral interventions. Thus, the monitors may
      represent a medium by which these interventions could be translated for
      widespread use. This technology has broad applications for use in clinical,
      public health, and rehabilitation settings.

PMID- 25131664
TI  - Circadian pattern of fibrillatory events in non-Brugada-type idiopathic
      ventricular fibrillation with a focus on J waves.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The circadian pattern of ventricular fibrillation (VF) episodes in
      patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is poorly understood.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the circadian pattern of VF
      occurrence in patients with IVF. METHODS: Excluding Brugada syndrome and other
      primary electrical diseases, the circadian pattern of VF occurrence was
      determined in 64 patients with IVF. The clinical and electrocardiographic
      characteristics were compared among patients with nocturnal (midnight to 6:00 AM)
      VF and nonnocturnal VF in relation to J waves. A J wave was defined as either
      notching or a slur at the QRS terminal >0.1 mV above the isoelectric line in
      contiguous leads. RESULTS: The overall distribution pattern of VF occurrence
      showed 2 peaks at approximately 6:00 AM and around 8:00 PM. Nocturnal VF was
      observed in 20 patients (31.3%), and J waves were present in 14 of these 20
      individuals (70.0%), whereas J waves were less frequent in the 44 nonnocturnal
      patients with VF: 16 (36.4%) (P = .0117). Among patients with J waves, nocturnal
      VF was observed in 46.7% with a peak at approximately 4:00 AM. Nocturnal VF was
      less common in patients without J waves, occurring in only 17.6% (P = .0124).
      Both the type and location of J waves and the pattern of the ST segment were
      similar between the nocturnal and nonnocturnal VF groups. J waves were associated
      with a VF storm and long-term arrhythmia recurrence. CONCLUSION: In IVF, the
      presence of J waves may characterize a higher nocturnal incidence of VF and a
      higher acute and chronic risk of recurrence.

PMID- 25131665
TI  - Prospective long-term evaluation of Optim-insulated (Riata ST Optim and Durata)
      implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads.
AB  - BACKGROUND: St Jude Medical Optim-insulated implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator leads were designed to impart lubricity, strength, and abrasion
      resistance while maintaining flexibility and biostability. No long-term
      prospective follow-up data have been published. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this
      study was to determine the rates of all-cause mechanical failure and its subtypes
      (conductor fracture, insulation abrasion, externalized conductors, and other
      mechanical failures) in a prospective cohort of Optim-insulated implantable
      cardioverter-defibrillator leads. METHODS: St Jude Medical established 3
      prospective registries and enrolled 11,016 leads implanted in 10,835 patients
      beginning in 2006. There was standardized baseline documentation, 6-monthly
      follow-up, adverse events reports (verified by expert staff using detailed
      algorithms), and documentation of lead revisions or inactivation, study
      withdrawal, and death. The Population Health Research Institute (McMaster
      University) was engaged to review database functions, adjudicate all potential
      mechanical lead failures, and conduct independent analyses of the data. RESULTS:
      During a median follow-up of 3.2 years, there were 51 mechanical failures
      (0.46%), with 99.0% survival free of this outcome by 5 years of follow-up.
      Freedom from conductor fracture was identified in 99.4% and from all-cause
      abrasion in 99.8% of the leads, and there were no reports of externalized
      conductors. There were no significant differences in survival among Durata DF4,
      Durata DF1, and Riata ST Optim leads. CONCLUSION: Over a mean follow-up of 3.2
      years, Optim-insulated leads have low rates of all-cause mechanical failure and
      no observed externalized conductors. Independent analyses of these registries are
      designed to provide reliable long-term follow-up information and are ongoing.

PMID- 25131666
TI  - Clinical and procedural predictors of early complications of ablation for atrial
      fibrillation: analysis of the national registry data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risk assessment of the complication from atrial fibrillation (AF)
      ablation is important and needs to be updated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the clinical and procedural factors associated with AF
      ablation-related early complications. METHODS: The Japanese Heart Rhythm Society
      invited electrophysiology centers in Japan to register data regarding all AF
      ablation procedures performed in September 2011, March 2012, and September 2012.
      Of the 46 putative predictors assessed in the univariate analysis, significant
      variables (P < .1) were entered into a stepwise logistic regression model for
      multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Data for 3373 cases were submitted by 165
      centers, with 158 early complications reported in 151 patients (4.5%). We
      identified 13 significant variables in the univariate analysis. Multivariate
      analysis revealed that 8 (62%) of them were independent predictors of early
      complications. Female sex (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval 1.6; 1.13
      2.27), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (2.2; 1.08-4.5), valvular heart disease (2.53;
      1.28-5.05), deep sedation during the procedure (1.53; 1.09-2.12), and complex
      fractionated atrial electrocardiogram ablation (1.88; 1.23-2.87) increased early
      complications. Preprocedural transesophageal echocardiography (0.63; 0.43-0.92),
      irrigated-tip catheter use (0.46; 0.3-0.69), and periprocedural novel oral
      anticoagulant use (0.55; 0.32-0.97) decreased them. CONCLUSION: The risk of early
      complications is increased by female sex, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, valvular
      heart disease, deep sedation, and complex fractionated atrial electrocardiogram
      ablation. It is decreased by preprocedural transesophageal echocardiography,
      periprocedural novel oral anticoagulant, and irrigated-tip catheter use.

PMID- 25131667
TI  - Newly detected atrial high rate episodes predict long-term mortality outcomes in
      patients with permanent pacemakers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subclinical atrial high rate episodes (AHREs) detected by implanted
      devices in patients with no history of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been
      associated with an increased risk of stroke and systemic embolism. Data regarding
      the long-term survival of patients with permanent pacemakers and newly detected
      AHREs are limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether newly detected
      AHREs in pacemaker patients predict mortality outcomes. METHODS: We evaluated 224
      patients (mean age 74 +/- 12 years; 118 men [53%]) with no history of AF who
      underwent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation from 2002 through 2004. During
      follow-up, patients with AHREs of >=5-minute duration were identified. Mortality
      data were obtained from the National Death Index. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients
      (17%) had AHREs of >=5-minute duration within 6 months of pacemaker implantation.
      Over a mean follow-up period of 6.6 +/- 2.0 years, the rate of all-cause
      mortality was 29%. In multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, and
      cardiovascular diseases, AHREs were associated with a significant increase in
      cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]
      1.24-6.31; P = .013) and stroke mortality (HR 9.65; 95% CI 1.56-59.9; P = .015),
      with a trend toward increased all-cause mortality (HR 1.79; 95% CI 0.98-3.26; P =
      .059). The subgroup of patients with AHREs of >=5-minute but <1-day duration
      still had a significantly increased cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.24; 95% CI
      1.37-7.66; P = .007). CONCLUSION: AHREs are commonly encountered in pacemaker
      patients with no history of AF and are independent predictors of cardiovascular
      mortality.

PMID- 25131668
TI  - Trypsinogen activation as observed in accelerated molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - Serine proteases are involved in many fundamental physiological processes, and
      control of their activity mainly results from the fact that they are synthetized
      in an inactive form that becomes active upon cleavage. Three decades ago Martin
      Karplus's group performed the first molecular dynamics simulations of trypsin,
      the most studied member of the serine protease family, to address the transition
      from the zymogen to its active form. Based on the computational power available
      at the time, only high frequency fluctuations, but not the transition steps,
      could be observed. By performing accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD)
      simulations, an interesting approach that increases the configurational sampling
      of atomistic simulations, we were able to observe the N-terminal tail insertion,
      a crucial step of the transition mechanism. Our results also support the
      hypothesis that the hydrophobic effect is the main force guiding the insertion
      step, although substantial enthalpic contributions are important in the
      activation mechanism. As the N-terminal tail insertion is a conserved step in the
      activation of serine proteases, these results afford new perspective on the
      underlying thermodynamics of the transition from the zymogen to the active
      enzyme. 

PMID- 25131669
TI  - Telomerase activation after recruitment in fission yeast.
AB  - Current models depict that telomerase recruitment equates to activation.
      Telomeric DNA-binding proteins and the telomerase accessory proteins coordinate
      the recruitment of telomerase to the ends of chromosomes in a telomere length-
      and cell-cycle-dependent manner [1-4]. Recent studies have demonstrated that the
      telomeric protein TPP1 and its binding protein TIN2 are key proteins for both
      telomerase recruitment and processivity in mammalian cells [5-7]. Although the
      precise molecular mechanism of telomerase recruitment has not yet been
      established, targeted point mutations within the oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide
      binding (OB)-fold domain of TPP1 have been shown to impair telomerase association
      and processivity [8-10]. In fission yeast, telomerase is recruited through an
      interaction between the telomerase subunit Est1 and Ccq1, a component of the Pot1
      Tpz1 telomere complex (POT1-TPP1 orthologs) [11-15]. Here, we demonstrate that
      association of telomerase with telomeres does not engage activity. We describe a
      mutation of Tpz1 that causes critical telomere shortening despite telomeric
      accumulation of the telomerase catalytic subunit, Trt1. Furthermore, Est1
      directed telomerase association with Ccq1 is transient, and the Est1-Ccq1
      interaction does not remain the bridge between telomeres and telomerase. Rather,
      direct interaction of Trt1 with Tpz1 is critical for telomere elongation.
      Moreover, Ccq1, which has been well characterized as a telomerase recruiter, is
      also required for the activation of telomere-associated telomerase. Our findings
      reveal a layer of telomerase regulation that controls activity after recruitment.

PMID- 25131670
TI  - A bHLH complex activates vascular cell division via cytokinin action in root
      apical meristem.
AB  - Higher organisms possess mechanisms to maintain stem cells' proliferative and
      pluripotent states in stem cell niches [1]. Plants possess two types of stem cell
      niches in the root and shoot apical meristems, where regulatory interactions
      exist between stem cells and organizing cells. Recent studies provided new
      insights into the molecular mechanism of stem cell maintenance [2-4]. However,
      earlier and more essential developmental events such as the acquisition of stem
      cell proliferative activity are still unknown. In vascular tissues, procambial
      cells function as stem cells and differentiate into xylem, phloem, and
      procambium. Procambial cell proliferation starts at root apical meristem (RAM)
      postembryonically; therefore, procambial cell development in RAM is a good model
      for investigating the regulation of stem cell proliferation. LONESOME HIGHWAY
      (LHW) and TARGET OF MONOPTEROS5 (TMO5), as well as its homolog, TMO5-LIKE1
      (T5L1), encode bHLH proteins that function as heterodimers (LHW-TMO5 and LHW
      T5L1) in vascular tissue organization [5-7]. LHW-T5L1 promotes vascular-cell
      specific proliferation in RAM [7]. Here, we demonstrate that LHW-T5L1 promotes
      expression of key cytokinin production genes, including LONELY GUY3 (LOG3) and
      LOG4, in xylem precursor cells, resulting in elevated cytokinin levels in the
      surrounding cells. LHW-T5L1 can also promote expression of AHP6, which suppresses
      cytokinin signaling and then maintains xylem precursor cells at a nondividing
      state. Our results indicate that LHW-T5L1 establishes xylem precursor cells as a
      signal center that promotes procambial-cell-specific proliferation through
      cytokinin response. 

PMID- 25131672
TI  - Presynaptic gain control drives sweet and bitter taste integration in Drosophila.
AB  - The sense of taste is critical in determining the nutritional suitability of
      foods. Sweet and bitter are primary taste modalities in mammals, and their
      behavioral relevance is similar in flies. Sweet taste drives the appetitive
      response to energy sources, whereas bitter taste drives avoidance of potential
      toxins and also suppresses the sweet response [1, 2]. Despite their importance to
      survival, little is known about the neural circuit mechanisms underlying
      integration of sweet and bitter taste. Here, we describe a presynaptic gain
      control mechanism in Drosophila that differentially affects sweet and bitter
      taste channels and mediates integration of these opposing stimuli. Gain control
      is known to play an important role in fly olfaction, where GABAB receptor
      (GABABR) mediates intra- and interglomerular presynaptic inhibition of sensory
      neuron output [3-5]. In the taste system, we find that gustatory receptor neurons
      (GRNs) responding to sweet compounds express GABABR, whereas those that respond
      to bitter do not. GABABR mediates presynaptic inhibition of calcium responses in
      sweet GRNs, and both sweet and bitter stimuli evoke GABAergic neuron activity in
      the vicinity of GRN axon terminals. Pharmacological blockade and genetic
      reduction of GABABR both lead to increased sugar responses and decreased
      suppression of the sweet response by bitter compounds. We propose a model in
      which GABA acts via GABABR to expand the dynamic range of sweet GRNs through
      presynaptic gain control and suppress the output of sweet GRNs in the presence of
      opposing bitter stimuli. 

PMID- 25131671
TI  - Enhancing perception of contaminated food through acid-mediated modulation of
      taste neuron responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Natural foods contain not only nutrients, but also nonnutritious and
      potentially harmful chemicals. Thus, animals need to evaluate food content in
      order to make adequate feeding decisions. RESULTS: Here, we investigate the
      effects of acids on the taste neuron responses and on taste behavior of
      desirable, nutritious sugars and sugar/bitter compound mixtures in Drosophila
      melanogaster. Using Ca2+ imaging, we show that acids activate neither sweet nor
      bitter taste neurons in tarsal taste sensilla. However, they suppress responses
      to bitter compounds in bitter-sensing neurons. Moreover, acids reverse
      suppression of bitter compounds exerted on sweet-sensing neurons. Consistent with
      these observations, behavioral analyses show that bitter-compound-mediated
      inhibition on feeding behavior is alleviated by acids. To investigate the
      cellular mechanism by which acids modulate these effects, we silenced bitter
      sensing gustatory neurons. Surprisingly, this intervention had little effect on
      acid-mediated derepression of sweet neuron or feeding responses to either
      sugar/bitter compound mixtures or sugar/bitter compound/acid mixtures, suggesting
      that there are two independent pathways by which bitter compounds are sensed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our investigations reveal that acids, when presented in dietary
      relevant concentrations, enhance the perception of sugar/bitter compound
      mixtures. Drosophila's natural food sources-fruits and cohabitating yeast-are
      rich in sugars and acids but are rapidly colonized by microorganisms, such as
      fungi, protozoan parasites, and bacteria, many of which produce bitter compounds.
      We propose that the acids present in most fruits counteract the inhibitory
      effects of these bitter compounds during feeding.

PMID- 25131673
TI  - Antibiotic treatment selects for cooperative virulence of Salmonella typhimurium.
AB  - Antibiotics are powerful therapeutics but are not equally effective against all
      cells in bacterial populations. Bacteria that express an antibiotic-tolerant
      phenotype ("persisters") can evade treatment [1]. Persisters can cause relapses
      of the infection after the end of the therapy [2]. It is still poorly understood
      whether persistence affects the evolution of bacterial virulence. During
      infections, persisters have been found preferentially at particular sites within
      the host [3, 4]. If bacterial virulence factors are required to reach such sites,
      treatment with antibiotics could impose selection on the expression of virulence
      genes, in addition to their well-established effects on bacterial resistance.
      Here, we report that treatment with antibiotics selects for virulence and fosters
      transmissibility of Salmonella Typhimurium. In a mouse model for Salmonella
      diarrhea, treatment with the broad-spectrum antibiotic ciprofloxacin reverses the
      outcome of competition between wild-type bacteria and avirulent mutants that can
      spontaneously arise during within-host evolution [5]. While avirulent mutants
      take over the gut lumen and abolish disease transmission in untreated mice,
      ciprofloxacin tilts the balance in favor of virulent, wild-type bacteria. This is
      explained by the need for virulence factors to invade gut tissues and form a
      persistent reservoir. Avirulent mutants remain in the gut lumen and are
      eradicated. Upon cessation of antibiotic treatment, tissue-lodged wild-type
      pathogens reseed the gut lumen and thereby facilitate disease transmissibility to
      new hosts. Our results suggest a general principle by which antibiotic treatment
      can promote cooperative virulence during within-host evolution, increase duration
      of transmissibility, and thereby enhance the spread of an infectious disease. 

PMID- 25131674
TI  - Endogenous species of mammalian nonmuscle myosin IIA and IIB include activated
      monomers and heteropolymers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Class II myosins generate contractile forces in cells by polymerizing
      into bipolar filaments and pulling on anchored actin filaments. Nonmuscle myosin
      II (NMII) plays central roles during cell adhesion, migration, cytokinesis, and
      tissue morphogenesis. NMII is present in virtually all mammalian cell types as
      tissue-specific combinations of NMIIA, NMIIB, and NMIIC isoforms. It remains
      poorly understood how the highly dynamic NMII-actin contractile system begins to
      assemble at new cellular locations during cell migration and how incorporation of
      different NMII isoforms into this system is coordinated. RESULTS: Using platinum
      replica electron microscopy in combination with immunogold labeling, we
      demonstrate that individual activated (phosphorylated on the regulatory light
      chain and unfolded) NMIIA and NMIIB molecules represent a functional form of NMII
      in motile cells and that NMIIA and NMIIB copolymerize into nascent bipolar
      filaments during contractile system assembly. Using subdiffraction stimulated
      emission depletion microscopy together with a pharmacological block-and-release
      approach, we report that NMIIA and NMIIB simultaneously incorporate into the
      cytoskeleton during initiation of contractile system assembly, whereas the
      characteristic rearward shift of NMIIB relative to NMIIA is established later in
      the course of NMII turnover. CONCLUSIONS: We show existence of activated NMII
      monomers in cells, copolymerization of endogenous NMIIA and NMIIB molecules, and
      contribution of both isoforms, rather than only NMIIA, to early stages of the
      contractile system assembly. These data change the current paradigms about
      dynamics and functions of NMII and provide new conceptual insights into the
      organization and dynamics of the ubiquitous cellular machinery for contraction
      that acts in multiple cellular contexts.

PMID- 25131676
TI  - Individual behaviors dominate the dynamics of an urban mountain lion population
      isolated by roads.
AB  - Large carnivores can be particularly sensitive to the effects of habitat
      fragmentation on genetic diversity [1, 2]. The Santa Monica Mountains (SMMs), a
      large natural area within Greater Los Angeles, is completely isolated by urban
      development and the 101 freeway to the north. Yet the SMMs support a population
      of mountain lions (Puma concolor), a very rare example of a large carnivore
      persisting within the boundaries of a megacity. GPS locations of radio-collared
      lions indicate that freeways are a near-absolute barrier to movement. We
      genotyped 42 lions using 54 microsatellite loci and found that genetic diversity
      in SMM lions, prior to 2009, was lower than that for any population in North
      America except in southern Florida, where inbreeding depression led to
      reproductive failure [3-5]. We document multiple instances of father-daughter
      inbreeding and high levels of intraspecific strife, including the unexpected
      behavior of a male killing two of his offspring and a mate and his son killing
      two of his brothers. Overall, no individuals from the SMMs have successfully
      dispersed. Gene flow is critical for this population, and we show that a single
      male immigrated in 2009, successfully mated, and substantially enhanced genetic
      diversity. Our results imply that individual behaviors, most likely caused by
      limited area and reduced opportunities to disperse, may dominate the fate of
      small, isolated populations of large carnivores. Consequently, comprehensive
      behavioral monitoring can suggest novel solutions for the persistence of small
      populations, such as the transfer of individuals across dispersal barriers. 

PMID- 25131675
TI  - Self-generated movements with "unexpected" sensory consequences.
AB  - The nervous systems of diverse species, including worms and humans, possess
      mechanisms for distinguishing between sensations arising from self-generated
      (i.e., expected) movements from those arising from other-generated (i.e.,
      unexpected) movements [1-3]. To make this critical distinction, animals generate
      copies, or corollary discharges, of motor commands [4, 5]. Corollary discharge
      facilitates the selective gating of reafferent signals arising from self
      generated movements, thereby enhancing detection of novel stimuli [6-10].
      However, for a developing nervous system, such sensory gating would be
      counterproductive if it impedes transmission of the very activity upon which
      activity-dependent mechanisms depend [11]. In infant rats during active (or REM)
      sleep--a behavioral state that predominates in early infancy [12-16]--neural
      circuits within the brainstem [17, 18] trigger hundreds of thousands of myoclonic
      twitches each day [19]. The putative contribution of these self-generated
      movements to the activity-dependent development of the sensorimotor system is
      supported by the observation that reafference from twitching limbs reliably and
      substantially triggers brain activity [20-23]. In contrast, under identical
      testing conditions, even the most vigorous wake movements reliably fail to
      trigger reafferent brain activity [21-23]. One hypothesis that accounts for this
      paradox is that twitches, uniquely among self-generated movements, lack corollary
      discharge [23]. Here, we test this hypothesis in newborn rats by manipulating the
      degree to which self-generated movements are expected and, therefore, their
      presumed recruitment of corollary discharge. We show that twitches, although self
      generated, are processed as if they are unexpected.

PMID- 25131677
TI  - Gating characteristics control glutamate receptor distribution and trafficking in
      vivo.
AB  - Glutamate-releasing synapses dominate excitatory release in the brain. Mechanisms
      governing their assembly are of major importance for circuit development and long
      term plasticity underlying learning and memory. AMPA/Kainate-type glutamate
      receptors (GluRs) are tetrameric ligand-gated ion channels that open their ion
      conducting pores in response to binding of the neurotransmitter. Changes in
      subunit composition of postsynaptic GluRs are highly relevant for plasticity and
      development of glutamatergic synapses [1-4]. To date, posttranslational
      modifications, mostly operating via the intracellular C-terminal domains (CTDs)
      of GluRs, are presumed to be the major regulator of trafficking [5]. In recent
      years, structural and electrophysiological analyses have improved our
      understanding of GluR gating mechanism [6-11]. However, whether conformational
      changes subsequent to glutamate binding may per se be able to influence GluR
      trafficking has remained an unaddressed question. Using a Drosophila system
      allowing for extended visualization of GluR trafficking in vivo, we here provide
      evidence that mutations changing the gating behavior alter GluR distribution and
      trafficking. GluR mutants associated with reduced charge transfer segregated from
      coexpressed wild-type GluRs on the level of individual postsynaptic densities.
      Segregation was lost upon blocking of evoked glutamate release. Photobleaching
      experiments suggested increased mobility of mutants with reduced charge transfer,
      which accumulated prematurely during early steps of synapse assembly, but failed
      to further increase their level in accordance with assembly of the presynaptic
      scaffold. In summary, gating characteristics seem to be a new variable for the
      understanding of GluR trafficking relevant to both development and plasticity. 

PMID- 25131678
TI  - Combined TMS and FMRI reveal dissociable cortical pathways for dynamic and static
      face perception.
AB  - Faces contain structural information, for identifying individuals, as well as
      changeable information, which can convey emotion and direct attention.
      Neuroimaging studies reveal brain regions that exhibit preferential responses to
      invariant [1, 2] or changeable [3-5] facial aspects but the functional
      connections between these regions are unknown. We addressed this issue by
      causally disrupting two face-selective regions with thetaburst transcranial
      magnetic stimulation (TBS) and measuring the effects of this disruption in local
      and remote face-selective regions with functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI). Participants were scanned, over two sessions, while viewing dynamic or
      static faces and objects. During these sessions, TBS was delivered over the right
      occipital face area (rOFA) or right posterior superior temporal sulcus (rpSTS).
      Disruption of the rOFA reduced the neural response to both static and dynamic
      faces in the downstream face-selective region in the fusiform gyrus. In contrast,
      the response to dynamic and static faces was doubly dissociated in the rpSTS.
      Namely, disruption of the rOFA reduced the response to static but not dynamic
      faces, while disruption of the rpSTS itself reduced the response to dynamic but
      not static faces. These results suggest that dynamic and static facial aspects
      are processed via dissociable cortical pathways that begin in early visual
      cortex, a conclusion inconsistent with current models of face perception [6-9]. 

PMID- 25131680
TI  - (NH4)2SO4 recovery from liquid side streams.
AB  - Two methods of recovering nitrogen from liquid side streams are presented in this
      paper. The first method was demonstrated at an ammonia stripping plant treating 5
      7 m(3)/h sludge water at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) Kloten-Opfikon
      (CH). In addition to the usual stripping and scrubbing columns, a third column
      had been added in order strip CO2, thus reducing the NaOH-demand of the
      subsequent ammonia stripping. At first, just the stripping plant was put into
      operation and optimized without any pre-treatment of the supernatant. Next, the
      CO2-stripper column was activated and optimized by gas measurements to minimize
      free ammonia losses, heat losses, and energy consumption. Key operational aspects
      of the plant were evaluated. Finally, up to 1.4 m(3)/h source-separated urine was
      successfully fed into the stripping facility. The second ammonia removal method
      using hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes was tested in two small pilot systems by
      different manufacturers in 2012 and 2013 at WWTP Neugut. In this technology, free
      ammonia gas in the sludge liquid diffuses at pH >9.3 from the sludge liquid
      through the air-filled pores of the microporous hydrophobic membrane into
      concentrated sulfuric acid flowing through the hollow fibers, forming ammonium
      sulfate. The small pore size and the hydrophobic nature of the membrane prevent
      the liquid phase from entering into the pores due to the surface tension effect.
      Practical experience regarding operational parameters like wastewater flow rate,
      pH, temperature, ammonia concentration, fouling and precipitations processes,
      optimal flow schemes, and process configurations was collected.

PMID- 25131679
TI  - Does a short-term exposure to cadmium chloride affects haemocyte parameters of
      the marine gastropod Haliotis tuberculata?
AB  - In this study, a model based on primary cultured haemocytes from the gastropod
      mollusc Haliotis tuberculata was established to investigate the effects of
      cadmium chloride in vitro. Cells were exposed for 24 h to CdCl2 concentrations of
      0, 1 and 100 MUg ml(-1). The effects of cadmium on haemocyte parameters were
      investigated using morphological, spectrophotometric and flow cytometry analysis.
      Results showed that cadmium has no significant effects on cell viability and
      phagocytotic activity under the tested conditions. However, haemocytes became
      more rounded after cadmium exposure, which could explain the significant decrease
      of cell area beginning at 1 MUg ml(-1) of CdCl2.

PMID- 25131681
TI  - Molecular markers in ambient aerosol in the Mahanadi Riverside Basin of eastern
      central India during winter.
AB  - Organic molecular markers are important atmospheric constituents. Their formation
      and sources are important aspects of the study of urban and rural air quality. We
      collected PM10 aerosol samples from the Mahanadi Riverside Basin (MRB), a rural
      part of eastern central India, during the winter of 2011. PM10 aerosols were
      characterized for molecular markers using ion chromatography. The concentration
      of PM10 ranged from 208.8 to 588.3 MUg m(-3) with a mean concentration of 388.9
      MUg m(-3). Total concentration of anhydrosugars, sugar alcohols, primary sugars,
      and oxalate were found to be 3.25, 5.60, 10.52, and 0.37 MUg m(-3), respectively,
      during the study period. Glucose was the most abundant species followed by
      levoglucosan and mannitol. Significant positive correlation between the molecular
      markers, anhydrosugars, sugar alcohols, primary sugars, and oxalic acid confirmed
      that biomass burning, biogenic activity, and re-suspension of soil particles were
      the main sources of aerosol in the eastern central India study area.

PMID- 25131682
TI  - Multiple linear regression model for bromate formation based on the survey data
      of source waters from geographically different regions across China.
AB  - A total of 86 source water samples from 38 cities across major watersheds of
      China were collected for a bromide (Br(-)) survey, and the bromate (BrO3 (-))
      formation potentials (BFPs) of 41 samples with Br(-) concentration >20 MUg L(-1)
      were evaluated using a batch ozonation reactor. Statistical analyses indicated
      that higher alkalinity, hardness, and pH of water samples could lead to higher
      BFPs, with alkalinity as the most important factor. Based on the survey data, a
      multiple linear regression (MLR) model including three parameters (alkalinity,
      ozone dose, and total organic carbon (TOC)) was established with a relatively
      good prediction performance (model selection criterion = 2.01, R (2) = 0.724),
      using logarithmic transformation of the variables. Furthermore, a contour plot
      was used to interpret the influence of alkalinity and TOC on BrO3 (-) formation
      with prediction accuracy as high as 71 %, suggesting that these two parameters,
      apart from ozone dosage, were the most important ones affecting the BFPs of
      source waters with Br(-) concentration >20 MUg L(-1). The model could be a useful
      tool for the prediction of the BFPs of source water.

PMID- 25131683
TI  - Ecocatalysis for 2H-chromenes synthesis: an integrated approach for
      phytomanagement of polluted ecosystems.
AB  - A direct, general and efficient method to synthesize 2H-chromenes (2H
      benzo[b]pyrans), identified as environmentally friendly pesticides, has been
      developed. This approach lays on the new concept of ecocatalysis, which involves
      the use of biomass from phytoextraction processes, as a valuable source of
      metallic elements for chemical synthesis. This methodology is similar or superior
      to known methods, affording 2H-chromenes with good to excellent yields (60-98%),
      including the preparation of precocene I, a natural insect growth regulator, with
      91% yield. The approach is ideal for poor reactive substrates such as phenol or
      naphthol, classically transformed into 2H-chromenes by methodologies associated
      with environmental issues. These results illustrate the interest of combining
      phytoextraction and green synthesis of natural insecticides.

PMID- 25131684
TI  - Quasi-simultaneous in-line flue gas monitoring of NO and NO2 emissions at a
      caloric power plant employing mid-IR laser spectroscopy.
AB  - Two pulsed thermoelectrically cooled mid-infrared distributed feedback quantum
      cascade lasers (QCLs) were used for the quasi-simultaneous in-line determination
      of NO and NO2 at the caloric power plant Durnrohr (Austria). The QCL beams were
      combined using a bifurcated hollow fiber, sent through the flue tube (inside
      diameter: 5.5 m), reflected by a retro-reflector and recorded using a fast
      thermoelectrically cooled mercury-cadmium-telluride detector. The thermal chirp
      during 300 ns pulses was about 1.2 cm(-1) and allowed scanning of rotational
      vibrational doublets of the analytes. On the basis of the thermal chirp and the
      temporal resolution of data acquisition, a spectral resolution of approximately
      0.02 cm(-1) was achieved. The recorded rotational vibrational absorption lines
      were centered at 1900 cm(-1) for NO and 1630 cm(-1) for NO2. Despite water
      content in the range of 152-235 g/m(3) and an average particle load of 15.8
      mg/m(3) in the flue gas, in-line measurements were possible achieving limits of
      detection of 73 ppb for NO and 91 ppb for NO2 while optimizing for a single
      analyte. Quasi-simultaneous measurements resulted in limits of detection of 219
      ppb for NO and 164 ppb for NO2, respectively. Influences of temperature and
      pressure on the data evaluation are discussed, and results are compared to an
      established reference method based on the extractive measurements presented. 

PMID- 25131686
TI  - A tribute to Dr. Steve Haskins.

PMID- 25131685
TI  - Relative value of ultrasound, computed tomography and positron emission
      tomography imaging in the clinically node-negative neck in oral cancer.
AB  - AIM: To determine the most accurate noninvasive imaging modality for occult
      metastasis in clinically node-negative necks in oral squamous cell carcinoma from
      a granulomatous disease endemic region. METHOD: Prospective, observational study
      comparing ultrasound (US), contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and
      positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). Level wise assessment
      of neck nodes with each imaging modality was performed and compared with final
      histopathology. RESULTS: Eighty-five necks were evaluated in 70 patients.
      Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the three modalities were 78.9, 68.75
      and 73.25% for US, 73.6, 85.4 and 80.2% for CECT, and 81.5, 54.1 and 66.2% for
      PET-CT, respectively. CECT performed better than US and PET-CT scan particularly
      in levels IB and II (accuracy of 81.4 and 88.3% for CECT, 73.25 and 79.1% for US,
      and 68.6 and 68.6% for PET-CT scan, respectively). Concordance with histology was
      best with CECT (kappa = 0.615) followed by US (kappa = 0.461) and PET-CT (kappa =
      0.337). CONCLUSION: The quest for the most accurate imaging modality in
      clinically node-negative necks continues. US alone is inadequate. While PET-CT
      may not be a specific imaging modality in detecting occult cervical nodal
      metastasis in endemic regions of chronic granulomatous diseases, the performance
      of PET CECT in this setting remains to be evaluated. CECT scan, routinely used in
      imaging for primary disease, is fairly accurate in detecting nodal metastasis.
      However, in early oral cancers that are generally treated without any imaging for
      the primary tumor, management of the neck will largely depend on clinical
      judgment.

PMID- 25131687
TI  - Prevalence of celiac disease autoimmunity in children with type 1 diabetes:
      regional variations across the Oresund strait between Denmark and southernmost
      Sweden.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim was to determine the prevalence of celiac disease
      autoimmunity in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosed in Denmark and
      Sweden. METHODS: A total of 662 Swedish children with T1D were matched with 1080
      Danish children with T1D and 309 healthy children from Sweden and 283 from
      Denmark served as controls. Sera were analyzed for the presence of IgA and IgG
      (IgAG) autoantibodies against deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) and tissue
      transglutaminase (tTG) with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and IgG-tTG
      separately in a radioligand binding assay (RBA). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      DQB1 and DQA1 genotyping were determined in the T1D cohorts. RESULTS: In the
      Swedish T1D cohort, 17.2% (114/662) were IgAG-DGP/tTG positive compared with
      11.7% (126/1080) in the Danish T1D cohort (p = 0.001) and with 9.4% (29/309)
      Swedish (p = 0.001) and 5.7% (16/283) Danish (p = 0.003) controls. In the Swedish
      T1D cohort, both levels of IgAG-DGP/tTG and IgG-tTG were higher compared with the
      levels in the Danish T1D (p < 0.001). In the control group, 2.8% of the Danish
      children were positive for both IgAG-DGP/tTG and IgG-tTG, compared to 0.3% of the
      Swedish. Presence of HLA-DQ2 was equally distributed among 89 children with T1D
      positive for both IgAG-DGP/tTG and IgG-tTG. CONCLUSION: The discrepancy in levels
      of IgAG-DGP/tTG and IgG-tTG between Swedish and Danish T1D cohorts was
      independent of HLA and suggests that regional variations in comorbidity of celiac
      disease in T1D is caused by difference in exposure to environmental factors.

PMID- 25131688
TI  - Improving sensitivity for serodiagnosis of tuberculosis using TB16.3-echA1 fusion
      protein.
AB  - This study aimed at developing and assessing the fusion proteins with enhanced
      sensitivity to detect antibodies in plasma as a diagnostic method for
      tuberculosis. DNA fragments encoding TB16.3 and echA1 gene regions corresponding
      to proteins TB16.3 and echA1 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis were amplified
      through PCR. Through a series of restrictions and ligations two novel fusion
      constructs TB16.3-echA1 and TB16.3-tnPstS1 were produced and expressed in
      Escherichia coli. These were screened for detection of antibodies in human
      plasma. The individual antigens TB16.3, echA1 and tnPstS1 and the fusion protein
      TB16.3-tnPstS1 and TB16.3-echA1 showed sensitivities of 29%, 25.5%, 42.8%, 40.0%
      and 47.2%, respectively. Lower sensitivity in case of TB16.3-tnPstS1 seems to be
      due to the structural arrangement between the two proteins, which is likely to
      mask several of their epitopes. The higher sensitivity of TB16.3-echA1 appears to
      be due to lesser interaction between the two proteins thus allowing free
      availability of epitopes for binding antibodies. 64% of TB patients were found
      positive for either one of the two fusion proteins TB16.3-echA1 and TB16.3
      tnPstS1. This study indicates that the novel fusion protein TB16.3-echA1 has a
      potential in serodiagnosis of TB with improved sensitivity and reliability. 

PMID- 25131689
TI  - Tanycytes: a gateway to the metabolic hypothalamus.
AB  - The central regulation of energy balance relies on the ability of the brain to
      promptly and efficiently sense variations of metabolic state. To achieve this,
      circulating hormonal and metabolic signals have to cross the blood-brain
      interface, where unusual glial cells named tanycytes have been described to play
      a key role in this process. Tanycytes are specialised polarised ependymoglial
      cells that line the floor of the third ventricle and send a single process to
      contact hypothalamic neurones and blood vessels. Although their role in the
      regulation of energy balance via the modulation of neuronal activity or their
      chemosensitivity has been already described, recent studies ascribe a new
      function to tanycytes in the regulation of energy homeostasis as a result of
      their capacity to regulate the access of metabolic signals to the hypothalamus.
      This review discusses the peculiar place of tanycytes within the blood
      hypothalamus interface, as well as a striking capacity to remodel their own
      interface to ensure an adaptive metabolic response to energy imbalances. 

PMID- 25131690
TI  - Resting-state functional connectivity of the human hypothalamus.
AB  - The hypothalamus is of enormous importance for multiple bodily functions such as
      energy homeostasis. Especially, rodent studies have greatly contributed to our
      understanding how specific hypothalamic subregions integrate peripheral and
      central signals into the brain to control food intake. In humans, however, the
      neural circuitry of the hypothalamus, with its different subregions, has not been
      delineated. Hence, the aim of this study was to map the hypothalamus network
      using resting-state functional connectivity (FC) analyses from the medial
      hypothalamus (MH) and lateral hypothalamus (LH) in healthy normal-weight adults
      (n = 49). Furthermore, in a separate sample, we examined differences within the
      LH and MH networks between healthy normal-weight (n = 25) versus overweight/obese
      adults (n = 23). FC patterns from the LH and MH revealed significant connections
      to the striatum, thalamus, brainstem, orbitofrontal cortex, middle and posterior
      cingulum and temporal brain regions. However, our analysis revealed subtler
      distinctions within hypothalamic subregions. The LH was functionally stronger
      connected to the dorsal striatum, anterior cingulum, and frontal operculum, while
      the MH showed stronger functional connections to the nucleus accumbens and medial
      orbitofrontal cortex. Furthermore, overweight/obese participants revealed
      heightened FC in the orbitofrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens within the MH
      network. Our results indicate that the MH and LH network are tapped into
      different parts of the dopaminergic circuitry of the brain, potentially
      modulating food reward based on the functional connections to the ventral and
      dorsal striatum, respectively. In obese adults, FC changes were observed in the
      MH network.

PMID- 25131693
TI  - Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme increases oestradiol production in
      ewes submitted to oestrous synchronization protocol.
AB  - This study aimed at evaluating the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitor (enalapril) and angiotensin II antagonist (valsartan) on the oestradiol
      and progesterone production in ewes submitted to oestrous synchronization
      protocol. The animals were weighed and randomly divided into three groups (n =
      7). A pre-experiment conducted to verify the effectiveness and toxicity of
      enalapril (0.5 mg/kg LW) and valsartan (2.2 mg/kg LW) showed that, in the doses
      used, these drugs were effective in reducing blood pressure without producing
      toxic effects. In the experiment, all animals were subjected to oestrous
      synchronization protocol during 12 days. On D10, D11 and D12, animals received
      saline, enalapril or valsartan (same doses of the pre-experiment), according to
      the group randomly divided. The hormonal analysis showed an increase in
      oestradiol on the last day of the protocol (D12) in animals that received
      enalapril (p < 0.05), but not in other groups, without changing the concentration
      of progesterone in any of the treatments. It is concluded that valsartan and
      enalapril are safe and effective subcutaneously for use in sheep and that the
      angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition with enalapril leads to an
      increase in oestradiol production near ovulation without changing the
      concentration of progesterone. This shows that ACE inhibition may be a useful
      tool in reproductive biotechnologies involving induction and synchronization of
      oestrus and ovulation in sheep. 

PMID- 25131694
TI  - The iPod binocular home-based treatment for amblyopia in adults: efficacy and
      compliance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occlusion therapy for amblyopia is predicated on the idea that
      amblyopia is primarily a disorder of monocular vision; however, there is growing
      evidence that patients with amblyopia have a structurally intact binocular visual
      system that is rendered functionally monocular due to suppression. Furthermore,
      we have found that a dichoptic treatment intervention designed to directly target
      suppression can result in clinically significant improvement in both binocular
      and monocular visual function in adult patients with amblyopia. The fact that
      monocular improvement occurs in the absence of any fellow eye occlusion suggests
      that amblyopia is, in part, due to chronic suppression. Previously the treatment
      has been administered as a psychophysical task and more recently as a video game
      that can be played on video goggles or an iPod device equipped with a lenticular
      screen. The aim of this case-series study of 14 amblyopes (six strabismics, six
      anisometropes and two mixed) ages 13 to 50 years was to investigate: 1. whether
      the portable video game treatment is suitable for at-home use and 2. whether an
      anaglyphic version of the iPod-based video game, which is more convenient for at
      home use, has comparable effects to the lenticular version. METHODS: The
      dichoptic video game treatment was conducted at home and visual functions
      assessed before and after treatment. RESULTS: We found that at-home use for 10 to
      30 hours restored simultaneous binocular perception in 13 of 14 cases along with
      significant improvements in acuity (0.11 +/- 0.08 logMAR) and stereopsis (0.6 +/-
      0.5 log units). Furthermore, the anaglyph and lenticular platforms were equally
      effective. In addition, the iPod devices were able to record a complete and
      accurate picture of treatment compliance. CONCLUSION: The home-based dichoptic
      iPod approach represents a viable treatment for adults with amblyopia.

PMID- 25131695
TI  - Contemporary evidence-based guidelines: practice based on the strongest evidence.

PMID- 25131692
TI  - Mutant disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 in astrocytes: focus on glutamate metabolism.
AB  - Disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is a genetic risk factor that has been
      implicated in major mental disorders. DISC1 binds to and stabilizes serine
      racemase to regulate production of D-serine by astrocytes, contributing to
      glutamate (GLU) neurotransmission. However, the possible involvement of
      astrocytic DISC1 in synthesis, metabolism, reuptake, or secretion of GLU remains
      unexplored. Therefore, we studied the effects of dominant-negative mutant DISC1
      on various aspects of GLU metabolism by using primary astrocyte cultures and
      hippocampal tissue from transgenic mice with astrocyte-restricted expression of
      mutant DISC1. Although mutant DISC1 had no significant effects on astrocyte
      proliferation, GLU reuptake, glutaminase, or glutamate carboxypeptidase II
      activity, expression of mutant DISC1 was associated with increased levels of
      alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2, vesicular glutamate transporters 1 and 3
      in primary astrocytes and in the hippocampus, and elevated expression of the NR1
      subunit and diminished expression of the NR2A subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate
      (NMDA) receptors in the hippocampus, at postnatal day 21. Our findings indicate
      that decreased D-serine production by astrocytic mutant DISC1 might lead to
      compensatory changes in levels of the amino acid transporters and NMDA receptors
      in the context of tripartite synapse.

PMID- 25131696
TI  - A perspective on the New American College of Cardiology/American Heart
      Association guidelines for cardiovascular risk assessment.
AB  - The recently published American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart
      Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiovascular risk assessment provide equations
      to estimate the 10-year and lifetime atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
      (ASCVD) risk in African Americans and non-Hispanic whites, include stroke as an
      adverse cardiovascular outcome, and emphasize shared decision making. The
      guidelines provide a valuable framework that can be adapted on the basis of
      clinical judgment and individual/institutional expertise. In this review, we
      provide a perspective on the new guidelines, highlighting what is new, what is
      controversial, and potential adaptations. We recommend obtaining family history
      of ASCVD at the time of estimating ASCVD risk and consideration of imaging to
      assess subclinical disease burden in patients at intermediate risk. In addition
      to the adjuncts for ASCVD risk estimation recommended in the guidelines, measures
      that may be useful in refining risk estimates include carotid ultrasonography,
      aortic pulse wave velocity, and serum lipoprotein(a) levels. Finally, we stress
      the need for research efforts to improve assessment of ASCVD risk given the
      suboptimal performance of available risk algorithms and suggest potential future
      directions in this regard. 

PMID- 25131691
TI  - Mechanisms of abnormal lamellar body secretion and the dysfunctional skin barrier
      in patients with atopic dermatitis.
AB  - I review how diverse inherited and acquired abnormalities in epidermal structural
      and enzymatic proteins converge to produce defective permeability barrier
      function and antimicrobial defense in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).
      Although best known are mutations in filaggrin (FLG), mutations in other member
      of the fused S-100 family of proteins (ie, hornerin [hrn] and filaggrin 2 [flg
      2]); the cornified envelope precursor (ie, SPRR3); mattrin, which is encoded by
      TMEM79 and regulates the assembly of lamellar bodies; SPINK5, which encodes the
      serine protease inhibitor lymphoepithelial Kazal-type trypsin inhibitor type 1;
      and the fatty acid transporter fatty acid transport protein 4 have all been
      linked to AD. Yet these abnormalities often only predispose to AD; additional
      acquired stressors that further compromise barrier function, such as
      psychological stress, low ambient humidity, or high-pH surfactants, often are
      required to trigger disease. T(H)2 cytokines can also compromise barrier function
      by downregulating expression of multiple epidermal structural proteins, lipid
      synthetic enzymes, and antimicrobial peptides. All of these inherited and
      acquired abnormalities converge on the lamellar body secretory system, producing
      abnormalities in lipid composition, secretion, and/or extracellular lamellar
      membrane organization, as well as antimicrobial defense. Finally, I briefly
      review therapeutic options that address this new pathogenic paradigm.

PMID- 25131697
TI  - A summary and critical assessment of the 2013 ACC/AHA guideline on the treatment
      of blood cholesterol to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in
      adults: filling the gaps.
AB  - The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Task
      Force on Practice Guidelines has recently released the new cholesterol treatment
      guideline. This update was based on a systematic review of the evidence and
      replaces the previous guidelines from 2002 that were widely accepted and
      implemented in clinical practice. The new cholesterol treatment guideline
      emphasizes matching the intensity of statin treatment to the level of
      atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk and replaces the old paradigm
      of pursuing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets. The new guideline also
      emphasizes the primacy of the evidence base for statin therapy for ASCVD risk
      reduction and lists several patient groups that will not benefit from statin
      treatment despite their high cardiovascular risk, such as those with heart
      failure (New York Heart Association class II-IV) and patients undergoing
      hemodialysis. The guideline has been received with mixed reviews and significant
      controversy. Because of the evidence-based nature of the guideline, there is room
      for several questions and uncertainties on when and how to use lipid-lowering
      therapy in clinical practice. The goal of the Mayo Clinic Task Force in the
      assessment, interpretation, and expansion of the ACC/AHA cholesterol treatment
      guideline is to address gaps in information and some of the controversial aspects
      of the newly released cholesterol management guideline using additional sources
      of evidence and expert opinion as needed to guide clinicians on key aspects of
      ASCVD risk reduction. 

PMID- 25131698
TI  - Pattern and factors associated with utilization of dental services among older
      adults in rural Victoria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Australia, rural and regional areas have an increased proportion
      of older people who are ageing more rapidly than their metropolitan counterparts.
      This increase in the ageing population and its uneven geographic distribution is
      likely to pose an oral health challenge in the near future. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study conducted in a sample of 226 community-dwelling adults aged 55
      years and older, living in the City of Greater Bendigo who completed a
      questionnaire and received an oral examination. RESULTS: Overall, 51.2% of
      participants reported having been to the dentist in the previous 12 months.
      Reported barriers to dental care were: cost of services (32.7%), fear of dentists
      (25.8%), length of waiting lists (18.1%) and availability of oral health care
      services (11.1%). Living alone, gender, low income, lack of education, low self
      perceived oral health needs, self-perceived barriers, edentulism, and presence of
      mobility problems were statistically significant variables associated with less
      use of dental services (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Access to dental care is
      affected by financial and structural barriers as well as other predisposing and
      enabling factors among older adults. Thus, increase in user services will require
      efforts to reduce financial barriers and make dental care culturally and
      linguistically competent.

PMID- 25131699
TI  - Minimally invasive neurosurgical access techniques to facilitate endovascular
      treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulae.
AB  - We report two cases of dural arteriovenous fistulae treated endovascularly, where
      percutaneous venous or arterial access was not suitable. In both cases, a
      different surgical access technique was used to allow transcranial cannulation of
      the appropriate venous sinus or of the varix to gain access and occlude the
      fistula.

PMID- 25131700
TI  - Visualizing an ultra-weak protein-protein interaction in phosphorylation
      signaling.
AB  - Proteins interact with each other to fulfill their functions. The importance of
      weak protein-protein interactions has been increasingly recognized. However,
      owing to technical difficulties, ultra-weak interactions remain to be
      characterized. Phosphorylation can take place via a K(D)~25 mM interaction
      between two bacterial enzymes. Using paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy and with the
      introduction of a novel Gd(III)-based probe, we determined the structure of the
      resulting complex to atomic resolution. The structure accounts for the mechanism
      of phosphoryl transfer between the two enzymes and demonstrates the physical
      basis for their ultra-weak interaction. Further, molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations suggest that the complex has a lifetime in the micro- to millisecond
      regimen. Hence such interaction is termed a fleeting interaction. From
      mathematical modeling, we propose that an ultra-weak fleeting interaction enables
      rapid flux of phosphoryl signal, providing a high effective protein
      concentration.

PMID- 25131702
TI  - Young chemists and the European Young Chemist Award.

PMID- 25131701
TI  - Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Activity is Associated With Both Paraoxonase Activity
      and Aortic Stiffness in Hypertensive Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate relationship between gamma glutamyl
      transferase (GGT) activity with paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and aortic
      stiffness (AS) parameters such as pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation
      index (AIx). METHODS: Measurements were obtained from 324 patients with newly
      diagnosed essential hypertension (mean age: 55.0 +/- 8.2 years). The patients
      were divided into two groups according to their median GGT values. PWV and AIx
      were calculated using the single-point method via the Mobil-O-Graph(r) ARCsolver
      algorithm. RESULTS: PWV, Aix, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)
      values were higher and PON1 activity values were lower in GGThigh group compared
      with GGTlow group (P < 0.05, for all). Multiple linear regression analysis showed
      that GGT activity was independently associated with PWV (beta = 0.496, P < 0.001)
      and PON1 activity (beta = -0.343, P < 0.001) as well as hs-CRP (beta = 0.334, P <
      0.001). CONCLUSION: These results may support that increased GGT activity would
      be associated with both impaired antioxidant system and increased AS in
      hypertensive patients.

PMID- 25131705
TI  - Identification of the novel KIR2DL3*030 allele from a southern Chinese Han
      individual.
AB  - KIR2DL3*030 differs from the closest allele, KIR2DL3*00101, by a single missense
      mutation at CDS. 

PMID- 25131706
TI  - Brain penetration of emodepside is increased in P-glycoprotein-deficient mice and
      leads to neurotoxicosis.
AB  - The antiparasitic drug emodepside (EMO) is a substrate of the P-glycoprotein
      multidrug efflux carrier (P-gp; syn. MDR1, ABCB1), which has an important
      function in protecting the brain from potentially toxic compounds by functional
      drug efflux at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Many dogs of the Collie breed and
      even dogs of many other breeds have a loss-of-function 4-bp deletion mutation in
      the MDR1 gene. In these dogs, brain penetration of many P-gp-transported drugs is
      increased and so their therapeutic usage is restricted. To elucidate the role of
      P-gp at the BBB for the brain penetration of EMO, we applied EMO at 1 mg/kg to
      mdr1-deficient (PGP(mut) ) and mdr1-intact (PGP(WT) ) CF1 mice. Whereas in the
      brain of the PGP(WT) mice, EMO was below the detection level of 10 ng/g, its
      concentration was at 43.7 ng/g in the PGP(mut) mice. Furthermore, appearance of
      neurological toxicity was analyzed in these mice after application of 1 mg/kg EMO
      using a rotarod setup. In all PGP(mut) mice, but not in the PGP(WT) mice, the
      walking performance on the rotarod was impaired by EMO with clear differences in
      the degree and duration of neurological toxicity. Some of the mice were
      completely unable to walk on the rotarod already at 2 h after drug application
      and showed long-lasting ataxia over >24 h. Others even showed significantly
      reduced walking performance, but completely recovered within 1 day. In
      conclusion, P-gp restricts brain penetration of EMO and prevents neurological
      toxicity of this drug in mice.

PMID- 25131707
TI  - Meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis of biomarkers for abdominal aortic
      aneurysm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have investigated the systemic and local expression of
      biomarkers in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The natural history
      of AAA varies between patients, and predictors of the presence and diameter of
      AAA have not been determined consistently. The aim of this study was to perform a
      systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of studies comparing
      biomarkers in patients with and without AAA, with the aim of summarizing the
      association of identified markers with both AAA presence and size. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Literature review identified 106 studies suitable for inclusion. Meta
      analysis demonstrated a significant difference between matrix metalloproteinase
      (MMP) 9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1, interleukin (IL) 6, C
      reactive protein (CRP), alpha1-antitrypsin, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a),
      apolipoprotein A and high-density lipoprotein in patients with and without AAA.
      Although meta-analysis was not possible for MMP-2 in aortic tissue, tumour
      necrosis factor alpha, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, interferon gamma,
      intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1,
      systematic review suggested an increase in these biomarkers in patients with AAA.
      Meta-regression analysis identified a significant positive linear correlation
      between aortic diameter and CRP level. CONCLUSION: A wide variety of biomarkers
      are dysregulated in patients with AAA, but their clinical value is yet to be
      established. Future research should focus on the most relevant biomarkers of AAA,
      and how they could be used clinically.

PMID- 25131708
TI  - Educational barriers of nurses caring for sick and at-risk infants in India.
AB  - AIM: To gain ideas and information from healthcare providers to optimize the
      education and clinical practices of nurses caring for sick or at-risk newborns in
      India. BACKGROUND: Improving infant survival has been identified as a Millennium
      Development Goals; however, India still faces many challenges with 3.1 million
      neonatal deaths and 2.6 million stillbirths annually. Skilled nursing care has
      been associated with decreased morbidity and mortality in newborns. However, core
      competencies in newborn care education and training are lacking for nurses.
      METHODS: Qualitative data were collected from 12 focus groups with 101 newborn
      care providers from three areas of India as well as from a 2-day stakeholders'
      meeting. Data analysis was undertaken using descriptive and thematic content
      analysis. RESULTS: Perceived challenges included limited manpower and high nurse
      turnover, lack of access to evidence-based orientation to newborn care and
      problems with access to appropriate learner-based, neonatal training. Relevant,
      ongoing education opportunities, led by nursing leaders were identified to be
      important solutions. CONCLUSION: Findings provide insight into the current
      healthcare system in India with specific reference to the nursing care of at-risk
      newborns. There is a lack of existing resources to provide standardized and
      specific orientation curricula for nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH
      POLICY: Policy makers in health and education need to: support and enact learner
      based orientation and continuing educational opportunities as well as ongoing
      competency-based education programmes; encourage nurse leader involvement and
      support; and provide sustainable system-related supports. Nurses and other health
      providers need to work together to influence government policy.

PMID- 25131709
TI  - A descriptive qualitative study of the roles of family members in older men's
      depression treatment from the perspectives of older men and primary care
      providers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the roles of family members in
      older men's depression treatment from the perspectives of older men and primary
      care physicians (PCPs). METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive qualitative study
      conducted from 2008-2011 in primary care clinics in an academic medical center
      and a safety-net county teaching hospital in California's Central Valley.
      Participants in this study were the following: (1) 77 age >= 60,
      noninstitutionalized men with a 1-year history of clinical depression and/or
      depression treatment who were identified through screening in primary care
      clinics and (2) a convenience sample of 15 PCPs from the same recruitment sites.
      Semi-structured and in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted and audiotaped
      then transcribed and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Treatment-promoting roles of
      family included providing an emotionally supportive home environment, promoting
      depression self-management and facilitating communication about depression during
      primary care visits. Treatment-impeding roles of family included triggering or
      worsening men's depression, hindering depression care during primary care visits,
      discouraging depression treatment and being unavailable to assist men with their
      depression care. Overall, more than 90% of the men and the PCPs described one or
      more treatment-promoting roles of family and over 75% of men and PCPs described
      one or more treatment-impeding roles of family. CONCLUSIONS: Families play
      important roles in older men's depression treatment with the potential to promote
      as well as impede care. Interventions and services need to carefully assess the
      ongoing roles and attitudes of family members and to tailor treatment approaches
      to build on the positive aspects and mitigate the negative aspects of family
      support.

PMID- 25131711
TI  - Jimmy Savile: the questions for bioethics.

PMID- 25131710
TI  - The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib reduced cholesterol accumulation in
      fibroblasts from Niemann-Pick type C patients carrying missense mutations.
AB  - Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a lipid storage disorder mainly caused by
      mutations in the NPC1 gene. Approximately 60% of these mutations are missense
      changes that may induce reduced NPC1 protein levels by increased degradation via
      ubiquitin-proteasome. This is the case for the most prevalent worldwide mutation,
      p.Ile1061Thr, as well as for other three missense changes. In the present study,
      we analyzed the NPC1 levels in fibroblasts from eighteen NPC patients presenting
      missense mutations. We found that fourteen of these cells lines showed decreased
      levels of NPC1. Six of these cell lines were homozygous, whereas the other eight
      were associated with a frame shifting mutation. We focused our attention in the
      NPC homozygous samples and demonstrated that, in most of the cases, NPC1
      reduction was a consequence of a decrease of its half-life. NPC cells were
      treated not only with the proteasome inhibitors carbobenzoxy-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-l
      leucinal or N-acetyl-leucyl-leucyl-norleucinal, both widely used as a research
      tools, but also with bortezomib, the first proteasome inhibitor to reach clinical
      applications, although it has never been used in NPC disease. We observed that,
      after treatment, the mutant NPC1 protein levels were partially recovered in most
      of the cell lines. Importantly, these mutant proteins partially recovered their
      activity and substantially reduced free cholesterol levels. These results suggest
      that by enhancing the NPC1 protein stability with the use of proteasome
      inhibitors, their functionality might be recovered and this might represent a
      therapeutical approach for future treatments of NPC disease resulting from
      specific missense mutations.

PMID- 25131712
TI  - Withdrawal of skeletal muscle cells from cell cycle progression triggers
      differentiation of Toxoplasma gondii towards the bradyzoite stage.
AB  - Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread intracellular parasite of mammals and birds and
      an important opportunistic pathogen of humans. Following primary infection, fast
      replicating tachyzoites disseminate within the host and either are subsequently
      eliminated by the immune system or transform to latent bradyzoites which
      preferentially persist in brain and muscle tissues. The factors which determine
      the parasites' tissue distribution during chronic toxoplasmosis are unknown. Here
      we show that mouse skeletal muscle cells (SkMCs) after differentiation to mature,
      myosin heavy chain-positive, polynucleated myotubes, significantly restrict
      tachyzoite replication and facilitate expression of bradyzoite-specific antigens
      and tissue cyst formation. In contrast, proliferating mononuclear myoblasts and
      control fibroblasts enable vigorous T. gondii replication but do not sustain
      bradyzoite or tissue cyst formation. Bradyzoite formation correlates with
      upregulation of testis-specific Y-encoded-like protein-2 gene expression (Tspyl2)
      and p21(Waf1/Cip1 as well as downregulation of cyclin B1 and absence of DNA
      synthesis, i.e. a cell cycle arrest of syncytial myotubes. Following infection
      with T. gondii, myotubes but not myoblasts or fibroblasts further upregulate the
      negative cell cycle regulator Tspyl2. Importantly, RNA interference-mediated
      knock-down of Tspyl2 abrogates differentiation of SkMCs to myotubes and enables
      T. gondii to replicate vigorously but abolishes bradyzoite-specific gene
      expression and tissue cyst formation. Together, these data indicate that Tspyl2
      mediated host cell cycle withdrawal is a physiological trigger of Toxoplasma
      stage conversion in mature SkMCs. This finding might explain the preferred
      distribution of T. gondii tissue cysts in vivo.

PMID- 25131713
TI  - Development of haemostatic decontaminants for the treatment of wounds
      contaminated with chemical warfare agents. 1: evaluation of in vitro clotting
      efficacy in the presence of certain contaminants.
AB  - The treatment of penetrating, haemorrhaging injuries sustained within a hazardous
      environment may be complicated by contamination with toxic chemicals. There are
      currently no specific medical countermeasures for such injuries. Haemostats with
      an absorbent mechanism of action have the potential to simultaneously stop
      bleeding and decontaminate wounds. However, a primary requirement of a
      'haemostatic decontaminant' is the retention of clotting function in the presence
      of chemical contaminants. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the
      haemostatic efficacy of seven commercially available haemostats in the presence
      of toxic chemicals (soman, VX, sulphur mustard, petrol, aviation fuel and motor
      oil). Clot viscosity was assessed ex vivo using thrombelastography following
      treatment of pig blood with: (i) toxic chemical; (ii) haemostat; or (iii)
      haemostat in combination with toxic chemical. Several contaminants (VX, petrol
      and GD) were found to be pro-haemostatic and none had an adverse effect on the
      rate with which the test products attained haemostasis. However, the total clot
      strength for blood treated with certain haemostats in the presence of sulphur
      mustard, soman and petrol was significantly decreased. Three test products failed
      to demonstrate haemostatic function in this ex vivo (thrombelastography) model;
      this was tentatively ascribed to the products achieving haemostasis through a
      tamponade mechanism of action, which can only be replicated using in vivo models.
      Overall, this study has identified a number of commercial products that may have
      potential as haemostatic decontaminants and warrant further investigation to
      establish their decontaminant efficacy.

PMID- 25131714
TI  - What parents want to know about the storage and use of residual newborn
      bloodspots.
AB  - Many state newborn screening programs retain residual newborn screening
      bloodspots for a variety of purposes including quality assurance, biomedical
      research, and forensic applications. This project was designed to determine the
      information that prospective parents want to know about this practice. Eleven
      focus groups were conducted in four states. Pregnant women and their partners and
      parents of young children (N = 128) were recruited from the general public. Focus
      group participants viewed two educational movies on newborn screening and DBS
      retention and use. Transcripts were analyzed with qualitative methods and the
      results were synthesized to identify key information items. We identified 14
      categories of information from the focus groups that were synthesized into seven
      items prospective parents want to know about residual DBS. The items included
      details about storage, potential uses, risks and burdens, safeguards, anonymity,
      return of results, and parental choice. For those state programs that retain
      residual dried bloodspots, inclusion of the seven things parents want to know
      about residual dried bloodspots in educational materials may improve parental
      understanding, trust, and acceptance of the retention and use of stored
      bloodspots.

PMID- 25131715
TI  - Deciding who should get live attenuated influenza vaccine.

PMID- 25131716
TI  - Sex differences in antinociceptive tolerance to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in
      the rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sex differences in cannabinoid effects have been reported in rodents,
      with adult females typically being more sensitive than adult males. The present
      study compared the development of antinociceptive tolerance to delta-9
      tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in adult, gonadally intact female vs. male rats.
      METHODS: Cumulative dose-effect curves were obtained for THC (1.0-18 mg/kg i.p.)
      on warm water tail withdrawal and paw pressure tests. Vehicle or the sex-specific
      ED80 dose for THC was administered twice daily for 9 days; THC dose-effect curves
      were then re-determined. RESULTS: On the pre-chronic test day, THC was
      significantly more potent in females than males in producing antinociception on
      the tail withdrawal and paw pressure tests. After 9 days of twice-daily THC
      treatment (5.4 mg/kg/injection in females and 7.6 mg/kg/injection in males), THC
      potency on both tests decreased more in females than males. On the tail
      withdrawal test, chronic THC produced 4.2- vs. 2.8-fold increases in ED50 values
      in females vs. males, respectively. On the paw pressure test, chronic THC
      produced 4.4- vs. 2.9-fold increases in ED50 values in females vs. males,
      respectively. Chronic THC treatment did not significantly disrupt estrous cycling
      in females. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that--even when sex
      differences in acute THC potency are controlled--females develop more
      antinociceptive tolerance to THC than males. Given the importance of drug
      tolerance in the development of drug dependence, these results suggest that
      females may be more vulnerable than males to developing dependence after chronic
      cannabinoid exposure.

PMID- 25131717
TI  - Risky behavior and correlates of HIV and Hepatitis C Virus infection among people
      who inject drugs in three cities in Afghanistan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Injecting drug use is the primary mode of HIV transmission and
      acquisition in Afghanistan. People who inject drugs (PWID) in the country have
      been characterized by high risk injecting behavior and a high burden of HCV
      infection. We aimed to estimate the burden of HIV, HCV, and other infectious
      diseases and to identify the correlates of HIV and HCV infection among PWID
      living in three major Afghan cities in 2009. METHODS: Epidemiologic data was
      collected among PWID for the integrated biological and behavioral surveillance
      (IBBS) survey between May and August, 2009 in three Afghan cities. Data were
      collected using a structured questionnaire and biologic specimens to screen for
      HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis, and HSV-2 using rapid testing kits. Multiple logistic
      regression models were constructed to identify correlates of infection. RESULTS:
      Among 548 participants, pooled HIV prevalence was 7.1% (Mazar-i-Sharif: 1.0%,
      Kabul: 3.1%, Herat: 18.4%) and HCV prevalence was 40.3%. Almost all participants
      with HIV infection were co-infected with HCV (94.9%). Pooled prevalence estimates
      for other diseases included 7.1% for HBV, 5.5% for syphilis; and 9.3% for HSV-2.
      Living in Herat, ever in prison and time injecting were independently associated
      with HIV infection. Living in Kabul, Herat and time injecting were independently
      associated with HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high and heterogeneous
      burden of HIV and HCV among PWID in Afghan cities. Provision of comprehensive
      harm reduction services to PWID in Afghanistan is warranted to reduce exposures
      associated with HIV and HCV infection, especially in the city of Herat.

PMID- 25131718
TI  - A microfabricated optofluidic ring resonator for sensitive, high-speed detection
      of volatile organic compounds.
AB  - Advances in microanalytical systems for multi-vapor determinations to date have
      been impeded by limitations associated with the microsensor technologies
      employed. Here we introduce a microfabricated optofluidic ring resonator (MUOFRR)
      sensor that addresses many of these limitations. The MUOFRR combines vapor
      sensing and fluidic transport functions in a monolithic microstructure comprising
      a hollow, vertical SiOx cylinder (250 MUm i.d., 1.2 MUm wall thickness; 85 MUm
      height) with a central quasi-toroidal mode-confinement section, grown and
      partially released from a Si substrate. The device also integrates on-chip
      fluidic-interconnection and fiber-optic probe alignment features. High-Q
      whispering gallery modes generated with a tunable 1550 nm laser exhibit rapid,
      reversible shifts in resonant wavelength arising from polymer swelling and
      refractive index changes as vapors partition into the ~300 nm PDMS film lining
      the cylinder. Steady-state sensor responses varied in proportion to concentration
      over a 50-fold range for the five organic vapors tested, providing calculated
      detection limits as low as 0.5 ppm (v/v) (for m-xylene and ethylbenzene). In
      dynamic exposure tests, responses to 5 MUL injected m-xylene vapor pulses were
      710 ms wide and were only 18% broader than those from a reference flame
      ionization detector and also varied linearly with injected mass; 180 pg was
      measured and the calculated detection limit was 49 pg without use of
      preconcentration or split injection, at a flow rate compatible with efficient
      chromatographic separations. Coupling of this MUOFRR with a micromachined gas
      chromatographic separation column is demonstrated. 

PMID- 25131719
TI  - Wind, water, wound, walk--do the data deliver the dictum?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the teaching dictum "wind, water, wound, walk" in the
      modern surgical environment. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING:
      Hospitals enrolled in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program. PARTICIPANTS: We identified 11,137 patients enrolled in
      American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
      Participant Use File (2011) who were older than 18 years; underwent a general
      surgical procedure; and developed a postoperative pneumonia (PNA, "wind"),
      urinary tract infection (UTI, "water"), surgical site infection (SSI, "wound"),
      or venous thromboembolic event (VTE, "walk") for inclusion in the study. Patients
      were excluded if they had an infection present at the time of surgery or were
      missing information on the time of diagnosis. RESULTS: The median day of
      diagnosis differed significantly according to occurrence type (median day of PNA
      = 5, UTI = 8, SSI = 11, and VTE = 9, p < 0.001). The sequence of occurrences
      diagnosed before discharge (median day of PNA = 4, UTI = 5, SSI = 7, and VTE = 5)
      differed from that of occurrences diagnosed following discharge (median day of
      PNA = 10, UTI = 14, SSI = 14, and VTE = 14). Within the predischarge and
      postdischarge subsets, the median day of diagnosis remained significantly
      different according to occurrence type (all p's < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The dictum
      should be taught as, "wind, water, walk, wound" to reflect the timing and
      progression of the diagnosis of PNA, UTI, VTE, and SSI. The dictum did not
      reflect the timing or sequence of the occurrences in the cohort diagnosed after
      discharge. Educators must teach trainees to apply the dictum in the appropriate
      patient setting. As surgical care changes, we must continue to reassess our
      educational pearls to ensure that they reflect the modern reality.

PMID- 25131721
TI  - Impact of hepatitis C virus infection on the risk of death of alcohol-dependent
      patients.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequent among patients with alcohol use
      disorders. We aimed to analyse the impact of HCV infection on survival of
      patients seeking treatment for alcohol use. This was a longitudinal study in a
      cohort of patients who abused alcohol recruited in two detoxification units.
      Socio-demographic and alcohol use characteristics, liver function tests for the
      assessment of alcohol-related liver disease and HCV and HIV infection serologies
      were obtained at admission. Patients were followed until December 2008; causes of
      death were ascertained through clinical records and death registry. Cox models
      were used to analyse predictors of death. A total of 675 patients (79.7% men)
      were admitted; age at admission was 43.5 years (IQR: 37.9-50.2 years), duration
      of alcohol abuse was 18 years (IQR: 11-24 years), and median alcohol consumption
      was 200 g/day (IQR: 120-275 g/day). Distribution of patients according to viral
      infections was as follows: 75.7% without HCV or HIV infection, 14.7% HCV
      infection alone and 8.1% HCV/HIV coinfection. Median follow-up was 3.1 years
      (IQR: 1.5-5.1 years) accounting for 2,345 person-years. At the end of study, 78
      patients (11.4%) had died. In the multivariate analysis, age at admission (HR =
      1.71, 95%CI: 1.05-2.80), alcohol-related liver disease (HR = 3.55, 95%CI: 1.93
      6.53) and HCV/HIV co-infection (HR = 3.86 95%CI: 2.10-7.11) were predictors of
      death. Younger patients (<=43 years) with HCV infection were more likely to die
      than those without viral infections (HR = 3.1, 95%CI: 1.3-7.3; P = 0.007). Among
      patients with alcohol-related liver disease, mortality rate was high,
      irrespective of viral infections. These data show that HCV infection confers a
      worse prognosis in patients with alcohol use disorders.

PMID- 25131720
TI  - The role of IL-28, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha in predicting response to pegylated
      interferon/ribavirin in chronic HCV patients.
AB  - The primary goal of HCV therapy is to achieve a sustained virological response
      (SVR). Many host and viral factors influence the treatment response. Cytokines
      play an important role in the defense against viral infections, where successful
      treatment of hepatitis C depends on a complex balance between pro- and anti
      inflammatory responses. In the present study, we investigated the relationship
      between the presence and percentage of some cytokines (IL-28, IFN-gamma, and TNF
      alpha) regarding different clinicopathological parameters including response to
      therapy in chronic HCV patients using immunohistochemical technique. This study
      was carried out on 64 chronic HCV patients (34 responders and 30 non-responders).
      Of cases, 54% showed IL-28 expression, which was associated with low AST (p =
      0.002) and low HAI score (p = 0.006). Of cases, 67 and 45% showed IFN-gamma and
      TNF-alpha expression, respectively, where the median percentage of TNF-alpha
      expression was higher in grade II spotty necrosis compared to grade I. Some
      inflammatory cytokines expressed by intrahepatic inflammatory cells in chronic
      HCV patients promote inflammation and injury (pro-inflammatory) such as TNF
      alpha. Other cytokines aid in resolving inflammation and injury (anti
      inflammatory) such as IL-28. The balance between these cytokines will determine
      the degree of inflammatory state. None of the investigated cytokines proved its
      clear cut role in affecting response to therapy, however, their levels varied
      between responders and non-responders for further investigations to clarify.

PMID- 25131722
TI  - Quantifying histone and RNA polymerase II post-translational modification
      dynamics in mother and daughter cells.
AB  - Post-translational histone modifications are highly correlated with
      transcriptional activity, but the relative timing of these marks and their
      dynamic interplay during gene regulation remains controversial. To shed light on
      this problem and clarify the connections between histone modifications and
      transcription, we demonstrate how FabLEM (Fab-based Live Endogenous Modification
      labeling) can be used to simultaneously track histone H3 Lysine 9 acetylation
      (H3K9ac) together with RNA polymerase II Serine 2 and Serine 5 phosphorylation
      (RNAP2 Ser2ph/Ser5ph) in single living cells and their progeny. We provide a
      detailed description of the FabLEM methodology, including helpful tips for
      preparing and loading fluorescently conjugated antigen binding fragments (Fab)
      into cells for optimal results. We also introduce simple procedures for analyzing
      and visualizing FabLEM data, including color-coded scatterplots to track
      correlations between modifications through the cell cycle and temporal cross
      correlation analysis to dissect modification dynamics. Using these methods, we
      find significant correlations that span cell generations, with a relatively
      strong correlation between H3K9ac and Ser5ph that appears to peak a few hours
      before mitosis and may reflect the bookmarking of genes for efficient re
      initiation following mitosis. The techniques we have developed are broadly
      applicable and should help clarify how histone modifications dynamically
      contribute to gene regulation. 

PMID- 25131723
TI  - Moonlighting proteins as virulence factors of pathogenic fungi, parasitic
      protozoa and multicellular parasites.
AB  - The delicate balance between eukaryotic pathogens and their human hosts during
      the initiation and development of infection is a complex process involving many
      diverse interactions. Different infectious agents, including pathogenic fungi,
      parasitic protozoa and multicellular parasites, directly interact through their
      cell surface with epithelial or endothelial cells of the human host as well as
      various proteinaceous host ligands such as extracellular matrix or plasma
      proteins. Eukaryotic pathogens possess a number of virulence factors but a
      relatively recently recognized and particularly interesting group of factors
      capable of enhancing virulence is the set of so-called 'moonlighting proteins'.
      This term was coined for a relatively large collection of housekeeping enzymes
      lacking special targeting motifs that would determine their extracellular
      localization, but that are often present at the cell surface of pathogen. Several
      such enzymes with key metabolic functions in glycolysis, the pentose phosphate
      cycle or other fundamental intracellular processes perform entirely new, non
      catalytic roles often associated with adhesion to host ligands. Our current study
      summarizes some of the current knowledge of interesting moonlighting proteins
      which play putative or confirmed roles as virulence factors in pathogenic fungi,
      parasitic protozoa and multicellular parasites.

PMID- 25131724
TI  - Quantification and genotyping of lipoprotein lipase in patients with diabetic
      lipaemia.
AB  - AIMS: To determine if diabetic lipaemia is caused by loss of function mutations
      in the lipoprotein lipase gene, LPL. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study
      over 2 years in two tertiary care hospitals in South Australia. Six patients with
      a history of diabetic lipaemia and 12 control subjects, with previous diabetic
      ketoacidosis and peak triglyceride concentrations < 2.4 mmol/l were included.
      Participants were well at the time of study investigations. RESULTS: Only one
      patient with lipaemia had a loss of function mutation in LPL and no functional
      mutations in APOC2 or GPIHBP1 were identified. The mean lipoprotein lipase
      concentration was lower in patients with diabetic lipaemia than in control
      subjects (306 vs. 484 MUg/l, P = 0.04). The mean fasting C-peptide concentration
      was higher in patients with diabetic lipaemia than in control subjects (771 vs.
      50 pmol/l; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lipoprotein lipase deficiency in patients
      with a history of diabetic lipaemia was predominantly quantitative, rather than
      secondary to mutations in LPL, APOC2 or GPIHBP1. The majority of patients with
      severe hypertriglyceridaemia in diabetic ketoacidosis may have ketosis-prone Type
      2, rather than Type 1, diabetes.

PMID- 25131725
TI  - A novel CYLD germline mutation in Brooke-Spiegler syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brooke-Spiegler syndrome (BSS) is a rare, inherited, autosomal
      dominant disorder characterized by the development of multiple adnexal neoplasms
      including spiradenomas, cylindromas, trichoepitheliomas and major and minor
      salivary glands neoplasms. This syndrome encompasses a wide variability of
      clinical phenotypes depending on the variable number of tumours present in the
      given patient. OBJECTIVE: Somatic mutations in adjunct to CYLD germline mutations
      may play a central role in the development of the tumour phenotype and in the
      genotype-phenotype correlations. METHODS: Blood sample and paraffin embedded
      tissue biopsied from three cylindromas, one trichoepithelioma and one
      spiradenomas were collected after obtaining informed consent from our patient and
      genomic DNA was isolated. RESULTS: We found out a novel germline mutation in the
      CYLD gene in exon 15 that resulted in the deletion of one nucleotide. This gives
      rise to a premature translational termination codon at amino acid position 693
      prior to four Cys-X-X-Cys pairs and one of the two catalytic domains of ubiquitin
      carboxy-terminal hydrolases. In only one cylindroma we detected the same germline
      mutation (c.2070delT/p.F690FfsX3) in addition to two somatic events (I645V and
      R936X). The presence of this unique mutation could be linked to the peculiar
      phenotype of our patient who presented an attenuated form of BSS, an autosomal
      dominant inheritance with low penetrance and no additional visceral tumours.
      CONCLUSIONS: The overall phenotype of our patient may support the hypothesis that
      somatic mutations in adjunct to CYLD germline mutations may play a central role
      in the development of the tumour phenotype and in the genotype-phenotype
      correlations.

PMID- 25131727
TI  - Technology transfer and scale-up of the Flublok recombinant hemagglutinin (HA)
      influenza vaccine manufacturing process.
AB  - Multiple different hemagglutinin (HA) protein antigens have been reproducibly
      manufactured at the 650L scale by Protein Sciences Corporation (PSC) based on an
      insect cell culture with baculovirus infection. Significantly, these HA protein
      antigens were produced by the same Universal Manufacturing process as described
      in the biological license application (BLA) for the first recombinant influenza
      vaccine approved by the FDA (Flublok). The technology is uniquely designed so
      that a change in vaccine composition can be readily accommodated from one HA
      protein antigen to another one. Here we present a vaccine candidate to combat the
      recently emerged H7N9 virus as an example starting with the genetic sequence for
      the required HA, creation of the baculovirus and ending with purified protein
      antigen (or vaccine component) at the 10L scale accomplished within 38 days under
      GMP conditions. The same process performance is being achieved at the 2L, 10L,
      100L, 650L and 2500L scale. An illustration is given of how the technology was
      transferred from the benchmark 650L scale facility to a retrofitted microbial
      facility at the 2500L scale within 100 days which includes the time for facility
      engineering changes. The successful development, technology transfer and scale-up
      of the Flublok process has major implications for being ready to make vaccine
      rapidly on a worldwide scale as a defense against pandemic influenza. The
      technology described does not have the same vulnerability to mutations in the egg
      adapted strain, and resulting loss in vaccine efficacy, faced by egg based
      manufacture.

PMID- 25131726
TI  - Assessing the feasibility of hepatitis C virus vaccine trials: results from the
      Hepatitis C Incidence and Transmission Study-community (HITS-c) vaccine
      preparedness study.
AB  - Efficacy trials of preventive hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine candidates raise
      challenging scientific and ethical issues. Based on data from the first 3 years
      of a community-based prospective observational study - the Hepatitis C Incidence
      and Transmission Study-community (HITS-c) - this paper examines the feasibility
      of conducting trials of candidate HCV vaccines with people who inject drugs
      (PWID) in Sydney, Australia. Of the 166 PWID confirmed HCV antibody negative and
      eligible for enrolment, 156 (94%) completed baseline procedures. Retention was
      high, with 89% of participants retained at 48 weeks and 76% of participants
      completing at least 75% of study visits within 2 weeks of schedule. The rate of
      primary HCV infection was 7.9/100 py (95% CI 4.9, 12.7). Of the 17 incident
      cases, 16 completed at least one follow-up assessment and 12 (75%) had evidence
      of chronic viraemia with progression to chronic HCV infection estimated to be
      6/100 py. Power calculations suggest a chronic HCV infection rate of at least
      12/100 py (primary HCV infection rate 16/100 py) will be required for stand-alone
      trials of highly efficacious candidates designed to prevent chronic infection.
      However, elevated primary HCV infection was observed among participants not
      receiving opioid substitution therapy who reported heroin as the main drug
      injected (26.9/100 py, 95% CI 14.5, 50.0) and those who reported unstable housing
      (23.5/100 py, 95% CI 7.6, 72.8), daily or more frequent injecting (22.7/100 py,
      95% CI 12.2, 42.2) and receptive syringe sharing (23.6/100 py, 95% CI 9.8, 56.7)
      in the 6 months prior to baseline. These data suggest that it is possible to
      recruit and retain at-risk PWID who adhere to study protocols and that
      modification of eligibility criteria may identify populations with sufficiently
      high HCV incidence. Results support the feasibility of large multi-centre HCV
      vaccine trials, including in the Australian setting.

PMID- 25131728
TI  - Characterization and immunogenicity in mice of recombinant influenza
      haemagglutinins produced in Leishmania tarentolae.
AB  - The membrane displayed antigen haemagglutinin (HA) from several influenza strains
      were expressed in the Leishmania tarentolae system. This non-conventional
      expression system based on a parasite of lizards, can be readily propagated to
      high cell density (>10(8)cells/mL) in a simple incubator at 26 degrees C. The
      genes encoding HA proteins were cloned from six influenza strains, among these
      being a 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic strain from swine origin, namely
      A/California/07/09(H1N1). Soluble HA proteins were secreted into the cell culture
      medium and were easily and successfully purified via a His-Tag domain fused to
      the proteins. The overall process could be conducted in less than 3 months and
      resulted in a yield of approximately 1.5-5mg of HA per liter of biofermenter
      culture after purification. The recombinant HA proteins expressed by L.
      tarentolae were characterized by dynamic light scattering and were observed to be
      mostly monomeric. The L. tarentolae recombinant HA proteins were immunogenic in
      mice at a dose of 10MUg when administered twice with an oil-in-water emulsion
      based adjuvant. These results suggest that the L. tarentolae expression system
      may be an alternative to the current egg-based vaccine production. 

PMID- 25131729
TI  - Effect of multiple, simultaneous vaccines on polio seroresponse and associated
      health outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Administration of multiple simultaneous vaccines to infants,
      children, and military recruits is not uncommon. However, little research exists
      to examine associated serological and health effects, especially in adults.
      METHOD: We retrospectively examined 416 paired serum specimens from U.S. military
      subjects who had received the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) alone or in
      combination with either 1 other vaccine (<3 group) or 4 other vaccines (>4
      group). Each of the 2 groups was subdivided into 2 subgroups in which Tdap was
      present or absent. RESULTS: The >4 group was associated with a higher proportion
      of polio seroconversions than the <3 group (95% vs. 58%, respectively, p<0.01).
      Analysis of the <3 subgroup that excluded Tdap vs. the >4 subgroup that excluded
      Tdap showed no difference between them (p>0.1). However, the >4 subgroup that
      included Tdap had significantly more seroconversions than either the <3 subgroup
      that excluded Tdap or the >4 subgroup that excluded Tdap (p<0.01). Overall, at
      least 98% of subjects were at or above the putative level of seroprotection both
      pre- and post-vaccination, yet at least 81% of subjects seroconverted. In an
      analysis of 400 of the subjects in which clinic in- and outpatient encounters
      were counted over the course of 1 year following vaccinations, there was no
      significant difference between the 2 groups (p>0.1). CONCLUSION: A combination of
      >4 vaccines including IPV appeared to have an immunopotentiation effect on polio
      seroconversion, and Tdap in particular was a strong candidate for an important
      role. The dose of IPV we studied in our subjects, who already had a high level of
      seroprotection, acted as a booster. In addition, there appear to be no negative
      health consequences from receiving few versus more multiple simultaneous
      vaccinations.

PMID- 25131730
TI  - TLR7/8 agonists activate a mild immune response in rabbits through TLR8 but not
      TLR7.
AB  - Toll-like receptors 7 (TLR7) and 8 (TLR8) recognize viral single-stranded RNA and
      small molecular weight agonists to activate anti-viral immune responses. TLR8s
      from different species have distinct ligand recognitions. For example, human TLR8
      is responsive to ligand stimulation, but mouse and rat TLR8 are activated by
      small molecular weight agonists only in the presence of polyT
      oligodeoxynucleotides. TLR7 and TLR8 have been reported to be absent and
      pseudogenized, respectively, in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In this study, we
      detected the expression of rabbit (rab)TLR8 in immune-cell-associated tissues.
      Cell proliferation and cytokine expressions in rabbit splenocytes were induced by
      the TLR7/8 ligand but not by the TLR7 ligands, suggesting that rabTLR8 is
      functional but rabTLR7 is not. In rabbits, CL075, a TLR7/8 ligand, activated an
      antigen-specific antibody response, although one not as potent as aluminum salt
      or Freund's adjuvant. Nevertheless, CL075, alone or in combination with aluminum
      salt, generates fewer adverse effects than Freund's adjuvant at the injection
      sites. To further investigate the activation of rabTLR8, we cloned its cDNA. In
      cell-based assay, this rabTLR8 is activated by TLR7/8 ligand but not activated by
      TLR7 ligand. Upon stimulation the rabTLR8 had a lower activation compared to the
      activation of TLR8 from other species, except the mouse and rat TLR8s. Using
      different deletion and human-rabbit chimeric TLR8 expressing constructs, we
      showed that an extra peptide in the undefined region results in reduced activity
      of rabTLR8. These results provide a molecular basis for the mild activities of
      TLR7/8 ligands in rabbits, and suggest TLR7/8 agonists may provide safer immune
      stimuli in rabbits than in other non-rodent species. 

PMID- 25131731
TI  - Activation of dendritic cell function by soypeptide lunasin as a novel vaccine
      adjuvant.
AB  - The addition of an appropriate adjuvant that activates the innate immunity is
      essential to subsequent development of the adaptive immunity specific to the
      vaccine antigens. Thus, any innovation capable of improving the immune responses
      may lead to a more efficacious vaccine. We recently identified a novel immune
      modulator using a naturally occurring seed peptide called lunasin. Lunasin was
      originally isolated from soybeans, and it is a small peptide containing 43 amino
      acids. Our studies revealed stimulatory effects of lunasin on innate immune cells
      by regulating expression of a number of genes that are important for immune
      responses. The objective was to define the effectiveness of lunasin as an
      adjuvant that enhances immune responses. The immune modulating functions of
      lunasin were characterized in dendritic cells (DCs) from human peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Lunasin-treated conventional DCs (cDCs) not only
      expressed elevated levels of co-stimulatory molecules (CD86, CD40) but also
      exhibited up-regulation of cytokines (IL1B, IL6) and chemokines (CCL3, CCL4).
      Lunasin-treated cDCs induced higher proliferation of allogeneic CD4+ T cells when
      comparing with medium control treatment in the mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR).
      Immunization of mice with ovalbumin (OVA) and lunasin inhibited the growth of OVA
      expressing A20 B-lymphomas, which was correlated with OVA-specific CD8+ T cells.
      In addition, lunasin was an effective adjuvant for immunization with OVA, which
      together improved animal survival against lethal challenge with influenza virus
      expressing the MHC class I OVA peptide SIINFEKL (PR8-OTI). These results suggest
      that lunasin may function as a vaccine adjuvant by promoting DC maturation, which
      in turn enhances the development of protective immune responses to the vaccine
      antigens. 

PMID- 25131732
TI  - Economic evaluation of meningococcal serogroup B childhood vaccination in
      Ontario, Canada.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Invasive Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) disease is a low
      incidence but severe infection (mean annual incidence 0.19/100,000/year, case
      fatality 11%, major long-term sequelae 10%) in Ontario, Canada. This study
      assesses the cost-effectiveness of a novel MenB vaccine from the Ontario
      healthcare payer perspective. METHODS: A Markov cohort model of invasive MenB
      disease based on high quality local data and data from the literature was
      developed. A 4-dose vaccination schedule, 97% coverage, 90% effectiveness, 66%
      strain coverage, 10-year duration of protection, and vaccine cost of C$75/dose
      were assumed. A hypothetical Ontario birth cohort (n=150,000) was simulated to
      estimate expected lifetime health outcomes, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs),
      and costs, discounted at 5%. RESULTS: A MenB infant vaccination program is
      expected to prevent 4.6 invasive MenB disease cases over the lifetime of an
      Ontario birth cohort, equivalent to 10 QALYs gained. The estimated program cost
      of C$46.6 million per cohort (including C$318,383 for treatment of vaccine
      associated adverse events) were not offset by healthcare cost savings of
      C$150,522 from preventing MenB cases, resulting in an incremental cost of C$4.76
      million per QALY gained. Sensitivity analyses showed the findings to be robust.
      CONCLUSIONS: An infant MenB vaccination program significantly exceeds commonly
      used cost-effectiveness thresholds and thus is unlikely to be considered
      economically attractive in Ontario and comparable jurisdictions.

PMID- 25131733
TI  - The muscle findings in a pediatric patient with live attenuated oral polio
      vaccine-related flaccid monoplegia.
AB  - A pediatric patient, who was given live-attenuated oral polio vaccine twice
      without distinct gait disturbance during infancy, begun to present limp at 3
      years. His gait disturbance became remarkable with aging. At 7 years, he was
      unable to dorsiflex the left ankle, and presented flaccid monoplegia of the left
      lower extremity, and the left Achilles tendon reflex was diminished. Magnetic
      resonance imaging revealed multiple crack-lines in the left anterior tibial
      muscle, but was unable to detect any distinct lesion at responsible level of L4,
      L5 and S1 anterior horn cells' degeneration. Electromyography showed continuous
      fibrillation potentials, but muscle biopsy presented nearly normal in this
      muscle. The serum levels of polio antibody type 1 and type 2 titers were elevated
      64* respectively, while the type 3 antibody titer was not elevated 4*. This
      patient was diagnosed as live attenuated oral polio vaccine-related flaccid
      monoplegia, with mild clinical course. 

PMID- 25131734
TI  - Reactogenicity and immunogenicity of inactivated poliovirus vaccine produced from
      Sabin strains: a phase I Trial in healthy adults in Cuba.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To ensure that developing countries have the option to produce
      inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has
      promoted the development of an IPV using Sabin poliovirus strains (Sabin IPV).
      This trial assessed the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of Sabin IPV and
      adjuvanted Sabin IPV in healthy adults in Cuba. METHODS: This is a randomized,
      controlled phase I trial, enrolling 60 healthy (previously vaccinated) male human
      volunteers, aged 19-23 years to receive one dose of either Sabin IPV (20:32:64
      DU/dose), adjuvanted Sabin IPV (10:16:32 DU/dose), or conventional Salk IPV
      (40:8:32 DU/dose). The primary endpoint for reactogenicity relied on monitoring
      of adverse events. The secondary endpoint measured boosting immune responses
      (i.e. seroconversion or 4-fold rise) of poliovirus antibody, assessed by
      neutralization assays. RESULTS: Sixty subjects fulfilled the study requirements.
      No serious adverse events reported were attributed to trial interventions during
      the 6-month follow-up period. Twenty-eight days after vaccination, boosting
      immune responses against poliovirus types 1-3 were between 90% and 100% in all
      vaccination groups. There was a more than 6-fold increase in median antibody
      titers between pre- and post-vaccination titers in all vaccination groups.
      DISCUSSION: Both Sabin IPV and adjuvanted Sabin IPV were well tolerated and
      immunogenic against all poliovirus serotypes. This result suggests that the
      aluminum adjuvant may allow a 50% (or higher) dose reduction.

PMID- 25131736
TI  - Natural killer cell responses to dendritic cells infected by the ANRS HIV-1
      vaccine candidate, MVAHIV.
AB  - Innate mechanisms are critical for the development of the host immune responses
      to antigen. Particularly, early interaction between natural killer (NK) cells and
      dendritic cells (DC) greatly impacts the establishment of both innate and
      adaptive immune responses. In this study, using an autologous in vitro co-culture
      system we analyzed the NK cell response against MVAHIV-infected DC as well as the
      subsequent ability of these MVAHIV-primed NK cells to control HIV-1 infection in
      autologous DC. We found that NK cells responded early to MVAHIV- or MVAWT
      infected DC in terms of degranulation and cytokine production. After a 4-day
      priming of NK cells by MVAHIV- or MVAWT-infected DC we observed an enhanced
      proliferation and modulation in the NK cell receptor repertoire expression.
      Interestingly, we found that MVAHIV-primed NK cells had a significant higher
      ability to control HIV-1 infection in autologous DC compared to MVAWT-primed NK
      cells; and this enhanced anti-HIV-1 activity appeared to be HIV-specific as
      MVAHIV-primed NK cells did not have a better ability to control other viral
      infections or respond against tumoral cells. Furthermore, we observed that NK
      cell receptors NKG2D and NKp46 modulate the priming of NK cells. This data
      provides evidence that in vitro NK cells can be primed by viral vector-infected
      DC, in the context of a NK/DC culture, to specifically target viral infected
      cells. 

PMID- 25131737
TI  - Intradermal and virosomal influenza vaccines for preventing influenza
      hospitalization in the elderly during the 2011-2012 influenza season: a
      comparative effectiveness study using the Valencia health care information
      system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of intradermal vaccination or virosomal vaccines could
      increase protection against influenza among the vulnerable population of older
      adults. Studies assessing the comparative effectiveness of these two influenza
      vaccine types in this age group are lacking. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective cohort study to estimate the comparative effectiveness of
      intradermal seasonal trivalent-influenza vaccine (TIV) delivered by a microneedle
      injection system and a virosomal-TIV intramuscularly delivered for prevention of
      influenza hospitalization in non-institutionalized adults aged >=65 years. We
      obtained administrative data on immunization status and influenza hospitalization
      for the 2011-2012 influenza season, and used Cox regression models to assess
      comparative effectiveness. We estimated crude and adjusted (age, sex,
      comorbidity, pharmaceutical claims, recent pneumococcal vaccination and number of
      hospitalizations for all causes other than influenza between the previous and
      current influenza seasons) hazard ratios (HR). RESULTS: Overall, 164,021
      vaccinated subjects were evaluated. There were 127 hospitalizations for influenza
      among 62,058 subjects, contributing 914,740 person-weeks at risk in the virosomal
      TIV group, and 133 hospitalizations for influenza among 101,963 subjects,
      contributing 1,504,570 person-weeks at risk in the intradermal-TIV group. The
      crude HR of intradermal-TIV relative to virosomal-TIV was 0.64 (95% confidence
      interval (CI): 0.50-0.81), and the adjusted Cox estimated HR was 0.67 (95% CI:
      0.52-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: During the 2011-2012 influenza season the risk of
      hospitalization for influenza was reduced by 33% in non-institutionalized elderly
      adults who were vaccinated with intradermal-TIV compared with virosomal-TIV.

PMID- 25131738
TI  - Chronic helminth infections impair pneumococcal vaccine responses.
AB  - Pneumonia is the leading killer of children and disproportionately affects
      developing countries. Vaccination campaigns against Streptococcus pneumoniae, the
      leading cause of pneumonia, have recently been launched with a new conjugate
      vaccine in Africa. Using a mouse model, we assessed the potential role that the
      high burden of helminth infections in the countries targeted for vaccine might
      have on vaccine effectiveness. Mice vaccinated with either commercial conjugate
      or purified polysaccharide vaccines had impaired antibody responses if they were
      chronically infected with Taenia crassiceps. This translated to increased
      susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia and high mortality compared to helminth
      negative vaccinated animals, which were fully protected from disease and death.
      Antibodies taken from Taenia-infected, vaccinated mice were unable to effectively
      opsonize S. pneumoniae for killing by alveolar macrophages, and did not protect
      against pneumococcal challenge when adoptively transferred into naive animals.
      These data may have implications for vaccination programs in countries endemic
      with helminths. 

PMID- 25131735
TI  - Interaction between neonatal vitamin A supplementation and timing of measles
      vaccination: a retrospective analysis of three randomized trials from Guinea
      Bissau.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Guinea-Bissau we conducted three trials of neonatal vitamin A
      supplementation (NVAS) from 2002 to 2008. None of the trials found a beneficial
      effect on mortality. From 2003 to 2007, an early measles vaccine (MV) trial was
      ongoing, randomizing children 1:2 to early MV at 4.5 months or no early MV, in
      addition to the usual MV at 9 months. We have previously found interactions
      between vitamin A and vaccines. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether there were
      interactions between NVAS and early MV. DESIGN: We compared the mortality of NVAS
      and placebo recipients: first, from 4.5 to 8 months for children randomized to
      early MV or no early MV; and second, from 9 to 17 months in children who had
      received two MV or one MV. Mortality rates (MR) were compared in Cox models
      producing mortality rate ratios (MRR). RESULTS: A total of 5141 children were
      randomized to NVAS (N=3015) or placebo (N=2126) and were later randomized to
      early MV (N=1700) or no early MV (N=3441). Between 4.5 and 8 months, NVAS
      compared with placebo was associated with higher mortality in early MV recipients
      (MR=30 versus MR=0, p=0.01), but not in children who did not receive early MV (p
      for interaction between NVAS and early MV=0.03). From 9 to 17 months NVAS was not
      associated with mortality. Overall, from 4.5 to 17 months NVAS was associated
      with increased mortality in early MV recipients (Mortality rate ratio=5.39 (95%
      confidence interval: 1.62, 17.99)). CONCLUSIONS: These observations indicate that
      NVAS may interact with vaccines given several months later. This may have
      implications for the planning of future child intervention programs.

PMID- 25131739
TI  - Utilization of administrative data to assess the association of an adolescent
      health check-up with human papillomavirus vaccine uptake in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Germany, 3-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is
      recommended for 12-17 year-old females. Countrywide monitoring of HPV vaccination
      coverage (VC) does not exist, but small-scale surveys suggested suboptimal
      uptake. There is currently no concerted implementation strategy in place, and
      approaches for improved vaccine delivery are needed. Our objectives were to
      analyze health insurance claims data to estimate HPV VC in the target population
      and to assess the association of the routine adolescent health check-up 'J1'
      (offered to 12-14 year-olds) with HPV vaccine uptake. METHODS: We sampled a
      subset of 12-16 year-old females from claims data in 15 of the 16 German federal
      states. Sampling was based on documented physician contacts flanking the follow
      up period 2008-2012. We reconstructed age- and region-stratified histories of
      individual-level HPV vaccination series and J1 utilization and calculated country
      level estimates. RESULTS: The study sample represented 54% (n=1.04 million) of
      the total target population. VC estimates for starting (and completing) HPV
      vaccination series ranged from 6.1% (1.2%) among 12-year-olds to 47.6% (36.2%)
      among 16-year-olds. J1 utilization was 50% at maximum. In J1-attendees, 42.0% had
      received >=1 vaccine doses, translating into a significant association of J1
      utilization and vaccine uptake with a 6.9-fold higher likelihood in 12-year-olds
      and 1.4-fold higher likelihood in 16-year-olds of receiving HPV vaccination.
      CONCLUSION: HPV VC in Germany is low. Adolescent check-up J1 is associated with
      increased and accelerated HPV vaccine uptake securing immunization before sexual
      debut and should be used as a tool to improve VC in the target population.
      However, J1 utilization is only moderate and more than half of attendees had not
      received HPV vaccination, which represents a substantial proportion of missed
      opportunities. This indicates that J1 needs both further promotion through
      legislative structures already in place for other health check-ups and more
      awareness as an opportunity to offer HPV vaccinations.

PMID- 25131740
TI  - Studies on recombinant glucokinase (r-glk) protein of Brucella abortus as a
      candidate vaccine molecule for brucellosis.
AB  - Brucellosis is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases of worldwide
      distribution caused by the infection of genus Brucella. Live attenuated vaccines
      such as B. abortus S19, B. abortus RB51 and B. melitensis Rev1 are found most
      effective against brucellosis infection in animals, contriving a number of
      serious side effects and having chances to revert back into their active
      pathogenic form. In order to engineer a safe and effective vaccine candidate to
      be used in both animals and human, a recombinant subunit vaccine molecule
      comprising the truncated region of glucokinase (r-glk) gene from B. abortus S19
      was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21DE3 host. Female BALB/c mice
      immunized with purified recombinant protein developed specific antibody titer of
      1:64,000. The predominant IgG2a and IgG2b isotypes signified development of Th1
      directed immune responses. In vitro cell cytotoxicity assay using anti-r-glk
      antibodies incubated with HeLa cells showed 81.20% and 78.5% cell viability
      against lethal challenge of B. abortus 544 and B. melitensis 16M, respectively.
      The lymphocyte proliferative assay indicated a higher splenic lymphocyte
      responses at 25MUg/ml concentration of protein which implies the elevated
      development of memory immune responses. In contrast to control, the immunized
      group of mice intra-peritoneal (I.P.) challenged with B. abortus 544 were
      significantly protected with no signs of necrosis and vacuolization in their
      liver and spleen tissue. The elevated B-cell response associated with Th1 adopted
      immunity, significant in vitro cell viability as well as protection afforded in
      experimental animals after challenge, supplemented with histopathological
      analysis are suggestive of r-glk protein as a prospective candidate vaccine
      molecule against brucellosis. 

PMID- 25131741
TI  - The incidence of pediatric invasive Haemophilus influenzae and pneumococcal
      disease in Chiba prefecture, Japan before and after the introduction of conjugate
      vaccines.
AB  - The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine and the heptavalent pneumococcal
      conjugate vaccine (PCV7) were introduced in Japan in 2008 and 2010, respectively.
      In 2011, immunization with these two vaccines was encouraged throughout Japan
      through a governmental program. Children treated in Chiba prefecture for culture
      proven invasive H. influenzae disease (IHiD) and invasive Streptococcus
      pneumoniae disease (IPD) were identified in a prefectural surveillance study from
      2008 to 2013. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) and its confidence interval (CI)
      were calculated to compare the 3 years before and after governmental financial
      support for vaccination. The average number of IHiD and IPD cases among children
      <5 years of age in 2011-2013 decreased 84% (IRR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.09-0.26,
      p<0.0001) and 51% (IRR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.37-0.63, p<0.0001) compared with those
      occurring in 2008-2010. The most common non-PCV7 serotype encountered in 2011 and
      2013 was 19A. After governmental subsidization of Hib and PCV7 vaccination, IHiD
      and IPD decreased in Chiba prefecture, Japan. Continuous surveillance is
      necessary to determine the effectiveness of these two vaccines and for detection
      of emerging invasive serotypes. 

PMID- 25131742
TI  - Influenza vaccination in HIV-infected individuals: systematic review and
      assessment of quality of evidence related to vaccine efficacy, effectiveness and
      safety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza infection in HIV-infected individuals is associated with
      increased severity of illness. We performed a systematic review of the available
      evidence on efficacy, effectiveness and safety of seasonal influenza vaccination
      in HIV-infected individuals. DESIGN: Systematic review, meta-analysis and
      assessment of evidence quality. METHODS: Using a previous systematic review as
      starting point, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane data base for studies on
      efficacy, effectiveness or safety of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines
      (TIV) in HIV-infected individuals. Evidence quality was assessed for each outcome
      using the GRADE methodology. RESULTS: Three randomized-controlled trials and
      three cohort studies were identified, including a total of 1562 HIV-infected
      individuals. In adults, TIV prevented laboratory-confirmed influenza with a
      pooled efficacy of 85% (95% CI, 22-97%) (evidence quality: moderate), but no
      significant effects on other clinical outcomes were observed (evidence quality:
      moderate to low). One cohort study showed an effectiveness of 71% (95% CI, 44
      85%) for prevention of laboratory-confirmed influenza, whereas no effect on
      influenza-like illness was found. However, risk of bias was high in all
      observational studies. In children aged 6-59 months, efficacy of TIV in
      preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza was 11% (95% CI, -30 to 54%) (evidence
      quality: moderate). Regarding other endpoints, no statistically significant
      effects were reported (evidence quality: moderate to low). No severe adverse
      events following influenza vaccination were observed in these studies.
      CONCLUSION: This systematic review indicates that TIV is effective in preventing
      influenza infection in HIV-infected adults but not in young children. For both
      age-groups, only limited evidence exists for other outcomes, indicating a need
      for further studies.

PMID- 25131743
TI  - Comparing the cost-effectiveness of two- and three-dose schedules of human
      papillomavirus vaccination: a transmission-dynamic modelling study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that two doses of HPV vaccines may be as
      protective as three doses in the short-term. We estimated the incremental cost
      effectiveness of two- and three-dose schedules of girls-only and girls & boys HPV
      vaccination programmes in Canada. METHODS: We used HPV-ADVISE, an individual
      based transmission-dynamic model of multi-type HPV infection and diseases
      (anogenital warts, and cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis and
      oropharynx). We conducted the analysis from the health payer perspective, with a
      70-year time horizon and 3% discount rate, and performed extensive sensitivity
      analyses, including duration of vaccine protection and vaccine cost. FINDINGS:
      Assuming 80% coverage and a vaccine cost per dose of $85, two-dose girls-only
      vaccination (vs. no vaccination) produced cost/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY)
      gained varying between $7900-24,300. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of
      giving the third dose to girls (vs. two doses) was below $40,000/QALY-gained
      when: (i) three doses provide longer protection than two doses and (ii) two-dose
      protection was shorter than 30 years. Vaccinating boys (with two or three doses)
      was not cost-effective (vs. girls-only vaccination) under most scenarios
      investigated. INTERPRETATION: Two-dose HPV vaccination is likely to be cost
      effective if its duration of protection is at least 10 years. A third dose of HPV
      vaccine is unlikely to be cost-effective if two-dose duration of protection is
      longer than 30 years. Finally, two-dose girls & boys HPV vaccination is unlikely
      to be cost-effective unless the cost per dose for boys is substantially lower
      than the cost for girls.

PMID- 25131744
TI  - Primary care providers human papillomavirus vaccine recommendations for the
      medically underserved: a pilot study in U.S. Federally Qualified Health Centers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the United States, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
      are safety-net clinics that provide cervical cancer screening and human
      papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to medically underserved women, some of whom may
      be at risk for developing cervical cancer. National guidelines recommend against
      using screening test results or sexual history to determine vaccine eligibility.
      Documenting HPV vaccine recommendations and beliefs of primary care providers in
      FQHCs may aid in promoting evidence-based practices and prioritizing health
      interventions for vulnerable populations. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2010, we
      collected data from 98 primary care providers in 15 FQHC clinics in IL, USA using
      a cross-sectional survey. Questions assessed provider and practice
      characteristics, HPV vaccine recommendations, and provider's belief about whether
      their screening and management procedures would change for women who were
      vaccinated. RESULTS: 93% of providers recommended the HPV vaccine, most
      frequently for females aged 13-26 years (98%). Some providers reported sometimes
      to always using HPV test results (12%), Pap test results (7%), and number of
      sexual partners (33%) to determine vaccine eligibility. More than half of
      providers (55%) reported they will not change their screening and management
      practices for vaccinated females, yet believe vaccination will yield fewer
      abnormal Pap tests (71%) and referrals for colposcopy (74%). CONCLUSION: Study
      providers routinely recommended the HPV vaccine for their patients. However,
      providers made fewer recommendations to vaccinate females ages 9-12 years (which
      includes the target age for vaccination) compared to older females, and used pre
      vaccination assessments not recommended by U.S. guidelines, such as screening
      test results and number of sexual partners. In order to maximize the public
      health benefit of the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, adherence to
      guidelines is necessary, especially in settings that provide care to medically
      underserved women.

PMID- 25131745
TI  - Protection of horses from West Nile virus Lineage 2 challenge following
      immunization with a whole, inactivated WNV lineage 1 vaccine.
AB  - Over the last years West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 has spread from the African
      to the European continent. This study was conducted to demonstrate efficacy of an
      inactivated, lineage 1-based, WNV vaccine (Equip WNV) against intrathecal
      challenge of horses with a recent isolate of lineage 2 WNV. Twenty horses, sero
      negative for WNV, were enrolled and were randomly allocated to one of two
      treatment groups: an unvaccinated control group (T01, n=10) and a group
      administered with Equip WNV (T02, n=10). Horses were vaccinated at Day 0 and 21
      and were challenged at day 42 with WNV lineage 2, Nea Santa/Greece/2010.
      Personnel performing clinical observations were blinded to treatment allocation.
      Sixty percent of the controls had to be euthanized after challenge compared to
      none of the vaccinates. A significantly lower percentage of the vaccinated
      animals showed clinical disease (two different clinical observations present on
      the same day) on six different days of study and the percentage of days with
      clinical disease was significantly lower in the vaccinated group. A total of 80%
      of the non-vaccinated horses showed viremia while only one vaccinated animal was
      positive by virus isolation on a single occasion. Vaccinated animals started to
      develop antibodies against WNV lineage 2 from day 14 (2 weeks after the first
      vaccination) and at day 42 (the time of onset of immunity) they had all developed
      a strong antibody response. Histopathology scores for all unvaccinated animals
      ranged from mild to very severe in each of the tissues examined (cervical spinal
      cord, medulla and pons), whereas in vaccinated horses 8 of 10 animals had no
      lesions and 2 had minimal lesions in one tissue. In conclusion, Equip WNV
      significantly reduced the number of viremic horses, the duration and severity of
      clinical signs of disease and mortality following challenge with lineage 2 WNV.

PMID- 25131746
TI  - Efficacy of live attenuated influenza vaccine against influenza illness in
      children as a function of illness severity.
AB  - A recent study of inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) in children aged 3-8 years
      demonstrated higher efficacy against moderate/severe influenza. A meta-analysis
      of all previous published randomized clinical trials of live attenuated influenza
      vaccine (LAIV) that collected information on illness severity in children aged 24
      71 months was conducted. Moderate/severe influenza was defined as fever >39
      degrees C, acute otitis media, or lower respiratory tract illness; other cases
      were classified as milder influenza. LAIV efficacy versus placebo was 95.4% [95%
      confidence interval: 88.5, 98.1] (year 1) and 88.5% [77.4, 94.9] (year 2) against
      moderate/severe influenza and 91.4% [77.9, 96.7] (year 1) and 84.2% [56.7, 94.3]
      (year 2) against milder influenza. The relative efficacy of LAIV versus IIV was
      52.2% [31.6, 66.6] for moderate/severe influenza and 45.0% [28.6, 57.5] for
      milder influenza. Efficacy against all influenza illnesses, regardless of
      severity, is critical to prevent influenza illness and transmission in the
      community. 

PMID- 25131747
TI  - Fluorescence-guided resection of high-grade gliomas: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze of the
      advantages of intraoperative fluorescence-guided resection of high-grade gliomas.
      METHODS: Systematic computerized searches of the PubMed and Web of Knowledge were
      performed. The outcomes included diagnostic value for identification of tumor
      tissue, gross total resection, and prognosis. The summary receiver operating
      characteristic curves (SROC), the pooled sensitivities, the pooled specificities,
      the pooled odd ratio (OR) and the pooled hazard ratio (HR) were estimated by meta
      analysis. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included. The pooled sensitivity and the
      pooled specificity for identification of tumor tissue was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.81
      0.87), and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87-0.94), respectively. And the overall weighted AUC
      of the SROC curve was 0.9520 +/- 0.0116. The summary OR of the gross total
      resection rate in patients with fluorescein-guided resection compared with
      patients with no fluorescein was 4.372 (95% CI 2.937-6.508). Fluorescein-guided
      resection was associated with a reduced risk of progression-free survival
      compared with no fluorescein, with HR 0.73 (95% CI 0.57-0.94, P = 0.01). The
      pooled HR of overall survival was 1.000 (95% CI 0.960-1.040) between two groups.
      No significant publication bias was found. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence-guided
      resection of high-grade gliomas is effective for diagnosing tumor margins,
      increasing gross total resection, and reducing the risk of progression-free
      survival. But this conclusion should be confirmed by large sample randomized
      controlled clinical trials.

PMID- 25131749
TI  - Structural effect on the resistive switching behavior of triphenylamine-based
      poly(azomethine)s.
AB  - Linear and hyperbranched poly(azomethine)s (PAMs)-based on triphenylamine
      moieties are synthesized and used as the functioning layers in the Ta/PAM/Pt
      resistive switching memory devices. Comparably, the hyperbranched PAM with
      isotropic architecture and semi-crystalline nature shows enhanced memory
      behaviors with more uniform distribution of the HRS and LRS resistances. 

PMID- 25131748
TI  - Epidemiological and evolutionary characteristics of the PRRSV in Southern China
      from 2010 to 2013.
AB  - In 2006, a highly pathogenic strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory
      syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) emerged in China and caused lasting damage to the swine
      industry. To analyze the genetic variation of PRRSV in Southern China, 126 tissue
      samples were collected; 41 ORF5 and partial Nsp2 genes were sequenced and
      analyzed. The results showed that the PRRSV positive rate was 32.54% over the
      last four years, that there are two main subgenotypes in Southern China, and that
      the dominant strain is HP-PRRSV. An amino acid analysis of Nsp2 showed that 40
      strains contained a 30-amino acid deletion in the hypervariable region. However,
      the 13YJ6-8 mutant exhibited a unique amino acid deletion at positions 508-514 of
      Nsp2. A phylogenetic analysis of ORF5 revealed that this mutant and five other
      strains, belong to an intermediate subgenotype (inter-subgenotype), which is
      characterized by extensive mutations, especially in the signal peptide and N
      glycosylation sites. The results of this study demonstrate the genetic diversity
      of PRRSV in Southern China and provide basic knowledge of the PRRSV epidemic in
      this region. 

PMID- 25131750
TI  - 4-bromopropofol decreases action potential generation in spinal neurons by
      inducing a glycine receptor-mediated tonic conductance.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Impaired function of spinal strychnine-sensitive glycine
      receptors gives rise to chronic pain states and movement disorders. Therefore,
      increased activity of glycine receptors should help to treat such disorders.
      Although compounds targeting glycine receptors with a high selectivity are
      lacking, halogenated analogues of propofol have recently been considered as
      potential candidates. Therefore we asked whether 4-bromopropofol attenuated the
      excitability of spinal neurons by promoting glycine receptor-dependent
      inhibition. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The actions of sub-anaesthetic concentrations
      of propofol and 4-bromopropofol were investigated in spinal tissue cultures
      prepared from mice. Drug-induced alterations in action potential firing were
      monitored by extracellular multi-unit recordings. The effects on GABAA and
      glycine receptor-mediated inhibition were quantified by whole-cell voltage-clamp
      recordings. KEY RESULTS: Low concentrations of 4-bromopropofol (50 nM) reduced
      action potential activity of ventral horn neurons by about 30%, compared with
      sham-treated slices. This effect was completely abolished by strychnine (1 MUM).
      In voltage-clamped neurons, 4-bromopropofol activated glycine receptors,
      generating a tonic current of 65 +/- 10 pA, while GABAA - and glycine receptor
      mediated synaptic transmission remained unaffected. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
      The highest glycine levels in the CNS are found in the ventral horn of the spinal
      cord, a region mediating pain-induced motor reflexes and participating in the
      control of muscle tone. 4-Bromopropofol may serve as a starting point for the
      development of non-sedative, non-addictive, muscle relaxants and analgesics to be
      used to treat low back pain.

PMID- 25131753
TI  - From the Editor's perspective....

PMID- 25131752
TI  - Myeloid-derived tissue-type plasminogen activator promotes macrophage motility
      through FAK, Rac1, and NF-kappaB pathways.
AB  - Macrophage accumulation is one of the hallmarks of progressive kidney disease.
      Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is known to promote macrophage
      infiltration and renal inflammation during chronic kidney injury. However, the
      underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. We examined the role of tPA in
      macrophage motility in vivo by tracking fluorescence-labeled bone marrow-derived
      macrophages, and found that tPA-deficient mice had markedly fewer infiltrating
      fluorescence-labeled macrophages than the wild-type (WT) mice. Experiments in
      bone marrow chimeric mice further demonstrated that myeloid cells are the main
      source of endogenous tPA that promotes macrophage migration. In vitro studies
      showed that tPA promoted macrophage motility through its CD11b-mediated protease
      independent function; and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Rac-1, and NF-kappaB were
      indispensable to tPA-induced macrophage migration as either infection of FAK
      dominant-negative adenovirus or treatment with a Rac-1-specific inhibitor or NF
      kappaB inhibitor abolished the effect of tPA. Moreover, ectopic FAK mimicked tPA
      and induced macrophage motility. tPA also activated migratory signaling in vivo.
      The accumulation of phospho-FAK-positive CD11b macrophages in the obstructed
      kidneys from WT mice was clearly attenuated in tPA knockout mice, which also
      displayed lower Rac-1 activity than their WT counterparts. Therefore, our results
      indicate that myeloid-derived tPA promotes macrophage migration through a novel
      signaling cascade involving FAK, Rac-1, and NF-kappaB. 

PMID- 25131751
TI  - Who are the children using hospice care?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose was to examine the characteristics of children who use
      hospice care. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using the Andersen Model of Health Services
      Use, California Medicaid administrative databases were analyzed to describe the
      characteristics of 76 children in hospice. RESULTS: The predisposing, enabling,
      and need characteristics of children were identified. Children who used hospice
      were a diverse group with community resources that enabled them to access care
      while presenting with serious health needs. Children enrolled in hospice were
      more likely older (15-20 years of age), resided nearer a pediatric hospice, and
      had a serious health condition such as neuromuscular disease with multiple
      comorbidities. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: With this knowledge, pediatric nurses can
      improve their clinical practice by targeting conversations with families and
      children most in need of hospice care.

PMID- 25131754
TI  - Evaluation of the perception of chronic ischemic pain in humans with peripheral
      arterial disease.
AB  - The perception of pain is multidimensional, subjective, and unique to each
      individual and can be influenced by several dimensions of pain. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate the perception of chronic ischemic pain using the
      descriptors of pain and to rate the main descriptors of chronic pain to people
      with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The study was conducted in two hospitals
      in Brazil and consisted of two phases. In phase I, 100 participants with a
      diagnosis of PAD and chronic pain evaluated 50 descriptors of pain using the
      Multidimensional Pain Evaluation Scale by the psychophysical method of category
      estimation using a numerical scale with 11 points. In phase II, 30 participants
      judged the 10 first descriptors selected in phase I by the psychophysical method
      of magnitude estimation. The average intensity of chronic ischemic pain was 5.59
      +/- 3.16. The descriptors of chronic pain with higher scores obtained by the
      method of category estimation were unpleasant, followed by disturbing, strong,
      concern, tiring, boring, terrible, painful, sickening, and uncomfortable. By the
      method of magnitude estimation, the descriptors of pain showing sensitive,
      affective, and cognitive dimensions were identified by the descriptors terrible,
      follow by painful, uncomfortable, concern, tiring, sickening, strong, disturbing,
      boring, and unpleasant. This study showed that the chronic ischemic pain by PAD
      is associated with multidimensional components of pain.

PMID- 25131756
TI  - Cardiovascular risk profile of veteran men beginning androgen deprivation
      therapy.
AB  - We sought to describe the cardiovascular profile of veteran men before beginning
      androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), with the eventual benefit of targeting
      treatments to manage harmful cardiovascular side effects. We performed a
      secondary analysis with chi-square and Fisher's exact tests for associations
      between demographics and cardiovascular comorbidities on 375 veteran men
      diagnosed with prostate cancer. Those who were overweight and current smokers
      were more likely to be younger, whereas men with a systolic blood pressure >120
      mmHg were more likely to be older (all P < 0.05). Men with total cholesterol 180
      mg/dL were more likely to be identified in the Hispanic/other/unknown ethnicity
      category. Interventions to manage cardiovascular risk should focus on preventive
      lifestyle changes for younger men, and chronic disease management for older men.
      Men in the smaller Hispanic/other/unknown category are at risk for
      marginalization within the Veteran Administration system owing to their low
      numbers and should be closely monitored for cholesterol levels when receiving
      ADT.

PMID- 25131755
TI  - Patient perspectives on information needs for amputation secondary to vascular
      surgery: what, when, why, and how much?
AB  - In patients undergoing an amputation secondary to vascular disease, little is
      known about the timing, mode of delivery, or amount of information needed. The
      purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of patients who have
      undergone a major lower limb amputation as a result of vascular disease,
      regarding the information healthcare professionals should provide to them during
      their acute hospital stay. A qualitative study using descriptive methodology was
      used. Patients were included if they had a major lower limb amputation 1 week to
      2 years before the interview. Purposive sampling was used. Sixteen patients
      participated in a semistructured interview, either face to face or by telephone.
      Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used. Transcripts
      were coded by two researchers and compared. N-vivo, descriptive and
      interpretative analyses were used to assess transcribed interviews. Patients
      stated that there was insufficient information on a variety of topics, including
      the recovery process, expectations for rehabilitation, and prosthetics. They went
      on to describe that high pain levels, age, and emotional status affected the
      delivery of information to them. Patients had different perspectives on timing of
      information, mode of delivery, and amount of information. An individualized
      approach to the delivery of information should be considered for patients
      undergoing major lower limb amputation. Involved healthcare professionals need to
      take into consideration patient-specific preferences and unique educational needs
      before the delivery of information. We anticipate that findings from this study
      will influence the development of an educational program to deliver effective
      patient centered care in this unique patient population. 

PMID- 25131757
TI  - The predictors of surgical site infection post cardiac surgery: a systematic
      review.
AB  - We sought to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the predictors of surgical
      site infection (SSI) after cardiac surgery. We included published, peer-reviewed,
      English-language, retrospective and prospective studies identified in a search of
      Medline, CINAHL, and PubMed from 2005 and through February 20, 2012. The studies
      involved adults (age >18 years) undergoing cardiac surgery (defined by ICD-9
      codes) and could be of any study design, in English, published within last 7
      years, with data collection taking place in United States within last 10 years.
      We excluded animal studies, duplicates, summaries, commentaries, editorials, case
      reports, studies that conducted outside United States, and studies published
      before last 7 years or studies with data collection take place before last 10
      years (2002). Three types of predictors emerge: Predictors of general infection
      post cardiac surgery, predictors of micro-organisms' specific SSIs and
      tracheotomy, and allogenic blood transfusion as specific predictors of SSI.
      Although the reviewed articles cover wide range of SSIs predictors, none of these
      articles investigate preoperative skin preparation, using pre- and postoperative
      prophylaxes antibiotics, postoperative wound care (appropriate time for first
      dressing), and patient nutritional status as a predictors of SSIs after cardiac
      surgery. Investigating these predictors for SSIs will enhance nurses'
      understanding of the importance of specific types of nutrition in preventing SSIs
      and enhancing wound healing, implementing a protocol for the wound care
      postoperatively, and implementing a protocol for the use of prophylactic
      antibiotics.

PMID- 25131758
TI  - Same-day discharge after angioplasty for peripheral vascular disease: is it a
      safe and feasible option?
AB  - Peripheral vascular disease affects 20% of the population >55 years of age.
      Patients who become symptomatic are managed by a number of technique's including
      medical management, percutaneous angioplasty, bypass surgery, and in
      nonreconstructable situations, limb amputation. Clinicians treating patients by
      means of angioplasty have traditionally carried out these procedures on an
      inpatient basis. Limited resources and pressure on the availability of inpatient
      beds has necessitated clinicians to reevaluate how many of these patients are
      managed. Treating suitable patients as day cases is an attractive option that
      frees up resources and is financially advantageous. This paper examines the
      feasibility of same-day discharge after angioplasty, with a particular emphasis
      on achieving safe patient outcomes. It explores how advances in endovascular
      technologies and techniques have contributed to making same-day discharge an ever
      more feasible option. Nurse led pre-admission clinics run by specialist nurses
      facilitate safe and appropriate patient selection, where patients at risk for
      postprocedural problems can be identified effectively based on predefined
      clinical criteria.

PMID- 25131759
TI  - Review of article: Effectiveness of combined therapy with angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitors and statins in reducing mortality in diabetic patients with
      critical limb ischemia: an observational study by Ezio Faglia, Giacomo Clerici,
      Alessia Scatena et al (Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 2014;103:292-297).

PMID- 25131760
TI  - Review of article: Hypertension in 2014 making sense of the guidelines by
      Kristine Anne Scordo, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, FAANP, Kim Anne Pickett, MS, APRN, CDE
      (Nurse Practitioner 2014;39:18-23).

PMID- 25131761
TI  - Carcinogenic mechanisms of endometrial cancer: involvement of genetics and
      epigenetics.
AB  - Endometrial cancer is increasing worldwide and the number of patients with this
      disease is likely to continue to grow, including younger patients. Many
      endometrial cancers show estrogen-dependent proliferation, but the carcinogenic
      mechanisms are unknown or not completely explained beyond mutations of single
      oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Possible carcinogenic mechanisms include
      imbalance between endometrial proliferation by unopposed estrogen and the
      mismatch repair (MMR) system; hypermethylation of the MMR gene hMLH1; mutation of
      PTEN, beta-catenin and K-ras genes in type I endometrial cancer and of HER-2/neu
      and p53 genes in type II endometrial cancer; hypermethylation of SPRY2, RASSF1A,
      RSK4, CHFR and CDH1; and methylation of tumor suppressor microRNAs, including miR
      124, miR-126, miR-137, miR-491, miR-129-2 and miR-152. Thus, it is likely that
      the carcinogenic mechanisms of endometrial cancer involve both genetic and
      epigenetic changes. Mutations and methylation of MMR genes induce various
      oncogenic changes that cause carcinogenesis, and both MMR mutation in germ cells
      and methylation patterns may be inherited over generations and cause familial
      tumorigenesis. Determination of the detailed carcinogenic mechanisms will be
      useful for prevention and diagnosis of endometrial cancer, risk assessment, and
      development of new treatment strategies targeting MMR genes. 

PMID- 25131762
TI  - Highly improved perinatal states in Japan.
AB  - To report on improved perinatal states in Japan, governmental and United Nations
      Children's Fund reports were analyzed. Initial maternal mortality, which was
      409.8 in 1899, decreased to 4.1 in 2010, with a reduction rate of 409.8/4.1
      (102.4) in 111 years: 2.5 in the initial 50 years in home delivery and 39.3 in
      the later 60 years in hospital births. The difference between 2.5 versus 39.3 was
      attributed to the medicine and medical care provided in hospital births. The
      total reduction of neonatal mortality was 77.9/1.1 (70.8), and the rate in the
      initial 50 versus later 60 years was 2.8/25. Also, there was a big difference
      after introduction of extensive neonatal care. Virtual perinatal mortality after
      22 weeks was estimated to be 428 in 1000 births in 1900 (i.e. those infants born
      at 22-28 weeks were unlikely to survive at that time), while the perinatal
      mortality was reported to be 22 weeks or more in 1979 (i.e. premature babies born
      at >=22 weeks survived in 1979 because of the improved neonatal care). Actually,
      60% of premature infants of 400-500 g survived in the neonatal intensive care
      unit. In a recent report, 36% of infants born at 22 weeks survived to 3 years.
      Although there were neurodevelopmental impairments, outcomes were improved. In
      conclusion, perinatal states have remarkably improved in Japan.

PMID- 25131763
TI  - Marriage and child bearing in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia
      major.
AB  - AIM: With good care, patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia major (TDTM)
      can reach older ages, marry and reproduce. This study was conducted by the
      Thalassemia Research Center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical notes of all TDTM
      patients and all non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia major (NTDTM) patients
      were reviewed from July to December 2012. Also, patients were interviewed. The
      questionnaire was made in consultation with research methodology experts and
      reliability was achieved by a pilot study of 12 patients, by the test-retest
      method (r = 0.9). Epidemiologic characteristics of patients and the pregnancy
      outcomes were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used with SPSS 17. RESULTS:
      Four hundred and nineteen medical records were reviewed. Three hundred and forty
      five (82.5%) were TDTM. One hundred and seventy-five (50.7%) were female with a
      mean age of 25.4 +/- 7.05 years and 42 (25%) had been married. Mean age of
      menarche and marriage was 15.4 +/- 1.6 and 21.8 +/- 4.5 years, respectively.
      Total number of live children is nine so far. Mode of delivery in female patients
      was cesarean section. Almost 78% of newborns weighed 2500-4000 g. Almost 22% of
      pregnancies were assisted. Male patients consisted of 170 (49.3%) and 55 (32.3%)
      of them had been married. Mean age at marriage was 24.27 +/- 3.5 years.
      CONCLUSIONS: With better management, patients with TDTM can reach the age of
      reproduction. Medical teams should be prepared for this possibility.

PMID- 25131764
TI  - Laparoscopic cornuotomy for interstitial pregnancy and postoperative course.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the advantages of laparoscopic
      cornuotomy in treating interstitial pregnancy, and the effect of the procedure on
      reproductive outcomes. METHODS: Thirteen patients were treated for interstitial
      pregnancy by laparoscopic cornuotomy with or without local methotrexate
      injection, between March 2000 and January 2012 at NTT East Japan Tohoku Hospital
      and Sendai City Hospital. The patients were followed to assess the outcomes of
      subsequent pregnancies for at least 1 year after the operation. RESULTS: All 13
      cases of interstitial pregnancy were successfully treated by laparoscopic
      cornuotomy, without performing cornual resection or laparotomy. The mean
      gestational age was 7.6 +/- 1.3 weeks, and the average serum hCG level was 20,800
      +/- 18,100 IU/L. The mean cornual mass size was 34.6 +/- 10.2 mm. Eight of the
      patients later obtained a spontaneous intrauterine pregnancy. Three patients that
      delivered by cesarean section showed no uterine dehiscence or thinning of the
      scar at the site of the earlier cornual incision and repair. None of the patients
      experienced uterine rupture. CONCLUSION: Interstitial pregnancy can be
      selectively treated by laparoscopic cornuotomy with local methotrexate injection,
      if managed carefully.

PMID- 25131766
TI  - Decreased expression of elastin and lysyl oxidase family genes in urogenital
      tissues of aging mice.
AB  - AIM: This study aims to investigate the expression levels of elastin and lysyl
      oxidase (LOX) family members in the urogenital tissues of natural aging mice and
      accelerated ovarian aging mice. METHOD: Uteri, vaginas and bladders were
      harvested from 18-month-old female mice and accelerated ovarian aging mice
      developed by chemotherapeutic agents. Untreated 3-month-old female mice were used
      as controls. The expression levels of elastin and LOX family members were
      determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. RESULTS:
      Compared with untreated young female mice, the expression of elastin and LOX
      family members significantly decreased both in natural aging mice and accelerated
      ovarian aging mice. CONCLUSION: Aging is a high-risk factor for pelvic floor
      disorders. The failure of elastic fiber synthesis and assembly due to the decline
      in expression levels of elastin and LOX family members during aging may explain
      the molecular mechanism causing pelvic floor disorders.

PMID- 25131765
TI  - Thalidomide affects experimental endometriosis: a randomized controlled study in
      the rat.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of thalidomide for treatment of
      experimental endometriosis. METHODS: This study was a parallel-group, double
      blind, stratified, randomized controlled animal trial with 1:1 allocation ratio.
      Endometriosis was induced experimentally in 23 mature, nulligravid, female
      Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing approximately 200 g and aged 2 months. A checkpoint
      surgery was performed 6 weeks later. Then, the rats were randomly allocated into
      the thalidomide (22 mg/day p.o.) and control (0.5 mL saline 0.9%/day p.o.) groups
      of nine. After 6 weeks, they were killed. Before each laparotomy, blood for
      leukocyte and lymphocyte counts and during them, implants for histopathology and
      peritoneal fluid for interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A concentrations (by enzyme-linked immunoassay)
      were collected. Allocation and stratified randomization were done using a
      computer, based on the obtained histopathology scores of the implants of the
      checkpoint surgery. RESULTS: The histopathology scores (the main outcome measure)
      were 2.00 +/- 1.55 versus 0.44 +/- 1.01 (P = 0.035). The comparisons of after
      treatment counts of leukocytes, lymphocytes, VEGF-A and IL-6 between the two
      groups were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results of this study are
      in favor of therapeutic implication of thalidomide in experimental endometriosis
      in rats. This is the first time thalidomide has been evaluated on endometriosis
      in an animal model.

PMID- 25131767
TI  - Successful ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure for prenatally diagnosed
      severe micrognathia: a case report.
AB  - We present a case of fetal severe micrognathia in which successful airway
      stabilization was achieved by an ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure. In
      this case, it was anticipated that the infant would have a vulnerable airway at
      birth based on in utero sonographic findings, including an extremely hypoplastic
      jaw, worsening polyhydramnios and absence of stomach visualization. Early
      sonographic recognition was helpful in preparing the parents and physicians for
      the possibility of airway emergencies during the perinatal period. When a
      severely hypoplastic mandible accompanied by polyhydramnios and absent stomach
      visualization is noted on ultrasound, clinicians should consider the indication
      for ex utero intrapartum treatment. A multidisciplinary team with technically
      skilled medical providers should be coordinated to perform the procedure. 

PMID- 25131768
TI  - Case of concurrent benign metastasizing leiomyoma in the lung and
      retroperitoneum, with a focus on its etiology.
AB  - We report a rare, simultaneous occurrence of benign metastasizing leiomyoma in
      the lung and retroperitoneum in a 49-year-old woman who had previously undergone
      myomectomy at 35 years of age and hysterectomy at 45 years of age for multiple
      recurrences of histologically benign uterine leiomyomas. At 49 years of age,
      computed tomography-guided biopsy indicated benign metastasizing leiomyomas in
      the lung. In addition, a retroperitoneal leiomyoma was found that was resected
      along with both the ovaries via laparotomy. No sign or symptom of recurrence was
      observed 5 years later. The coexistence of benign metastasizing leiomyoma in the
      lung and retroperitoneum following surgery for conventional leiomyomas has rarely
      been reported. Further, the nature and etiology of benign metastasizing leiomyoma
      are still not well understood. This case is therefore worth reporting, and
      exploring its etiology is important.

PMID- 25131769
TI  - Patient-reported outcome measures in pediatric epilepsy: a content analysis using
      World Health Organization definitions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures that assess the effect of
      epilepsy on children's lives include the concepts of health, health-related
      quality of life (HRQOL), and quality of life (QOL). They also contain varied
      health and health-related content. Our objectives were to identify what generic
      and epilepsy-specific PRO instruments are used in childhood epilepsy research and
      to make explicit their conceptual approach and biopsychosocial content. METHODS:
      MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched from 2001 to 2011 for PRO measures
      used in pediatric epilepsy. Measures were analyzed on an item-by-item basis
      according to World Health Organization (WHO) definitions of QOL and the
      International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children
      and Youth (ICF-CY) biopsychosocial health framework to distinguish the conceptual
      approach within each measure. The health content analysis coded each item
      according to specific ICF-CY components of body function, activity and
      participation, environment, or personal factors to determine the health content
      for each measure. RESULTS: Three generic and 13 epilepsy-specific PRO measures
      were identified; 10 of 16 measures utilized a biopsychosocial health approach
      rather than an HRQOL or QOL approach. Content analysis showed that in 11 of 16
      measures, >25% of the items represented participation and activity components of
      the ICF-CY, whereas a high proportion of environment items were found in only one
      epilepsy-specific measure. SIGNIFICANCE: This comprehensive review provides
      information aiding clinicians and researchers in the selection of the appropriate
      PRO instruments for children with epilepsy on the basis of content. Most epilepsy
      specific and generic PROs use a biopsychosocial health approach as opposed to a
      subjective HRQOL/QOL approach to measurement. Clinicians and researchers must be
      aware of these concepts and content when intending to measure outcomes validly.

PMID- 25131770
TI  - SIRT1 regulates oncogenesis via a mutant p53-dependent pathway in hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: SIRT1 is a class III histone deacetylase that plays diverse
      roles in various cancers. However, the clinical significance of SIRT1 in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. METHODS: We analysed p53
      mutations and the activation of SIRT1 in 252 hepatitis B virus-positive HCC
      cases. None of the patients had been subjected to pre-operative treatment.
      RESULTS: We examined 57 p53 mutations from 248 HCC tissues. Activated SIRT1
      (phosphorylated form of Ser47), in the context of mutant p53, predicted a longer
      relapse-free survival (RFS) but not a longer overall survival (OS) (RFS: p =
      0.007, OS: p = 0.280) in HCC tissues harbouring mutant p53. In multivariate
      analysis, activated SIRT1 remained a significant predictor of longer RFS (OR =
      0.307, CI: 0.143-0.660, p=0.002). Analysis of 248 paired specimens revealed a
      significant correlation between activated SIRT1 (Ser47) and activated AMPK
      (Thr172) in HCC tissues harbouring mutant p53 (p = 0.003, n = 57). The
      combination of these 2 parameters was a powerful predictor for a good prognosis
      in these patients. In vitro, SIRT1 inactivation stimulated the growth of HCC
      cells, bearing mutated p53, by suppressing AMPK activity and subsequently
      enhancing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity, resulting in induction
      of p70S6K1 activation in HCC cells. Metformin, an AMPK activator, more strongly
      suppressed cell growth in p53-mutant cell lines with inactive SIRT1 than in p53
      mutant cell lines with active SIRT1. CONCLUSIONS: SIRT1 exerted anti-carcinogenic
      effects via the AMPK-mTOR pathway in HCC in the context of mutant p53. Metformin
      could be a therapeutic drug for HCC in patients with mutated p53, inactivated
      SIRT1, and AMPK expression.

PMID- 25131771
TI  - A heterogeneous hierarchy of co-regulatory receptors regulates exhaustion of HCV
      specific CD8 T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The functionality of virus-specific T cells is regulated by a
      sophisticated network of an expanding repertoire of co-regulatory receptors,
      which could be harnessed for immunotherapeutic applications. However, targeting
      particular pathways during persistent virus infections has resulted in variable
      outcomes. The extent to which T cell exhaustion can be reversed, by targeting
      multiple co-regulatory pathways, still remains not fully investigated. METHODS:
      We analysed the phenotype and in vitro functionality of HCV-specific CD8(+) T
      cells expressing PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3 or 2B4 either alone or in various
      combinations and compared expression levels to those of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and
      Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) specific T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs) from the same cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC)
      infection. RESULTS: Blockade and/or crosslinking of distinct co-regulatory
      pathways in exhausted HCV-specific CD8(+) T cells resulted in rather diverse and
      individualized T cell responses, irrespective of the type and number of receptors
      targeted. Overall, in vitro manipulations of these pathways yielded three
      response possibilities: (i) total non-response (ii) good single blockade response
      and (iii) good dual/multiple blockade response, with each comprising
      approximately one-third of the patients tested. The diversity of the in vitro
      responsiveness of HCV-specific T cells was reflected by an enormous ex vivo
      phenotypic heterogeneity. Despite this broad heterogeneity, HCV-specific CD8(+) T
      cells differed from EBV- and CMV-specific T cells in particular by TIM-3
      expression, which also correlated with liver disease activity and viral load.
      CONCLUSIONS: HCV-specific CD8(+) T cell functionality, upon co-regulatory
      receptor manipulations, was characterized by an individual pattern of responses
      in patients with CHC, suggesting that treatment approaches, targeting these
      receptors, should consider inter-individual differences and be personalized.

PMID- 25131772
TI  - Regulatory T cells and autoimmune hepatitis: what happens in the liver stays in
      the liver.

PMID- 25131773
TI  - Effects of atorvastatin on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism in
      elderly males with osteopenia and mild dyslipidemia: a 1-year randomized trial.
AB  - We explored the effects of atorvastatin on BMD and biochemical markers of bone
      metabolism in a 1-year, prospective, randomized controlled study. 64 male
      patients with osteopenia and mild dyslipidemia (mean age 80.1+/-6.6 years) were
      randomized to a 1-year atorvastatin treatment or control. BMD of hip and lumbar
      spine was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptionmetry (DXA). Bone metabolic
      markers including resorption markers beta-c-terminal telopeptide of type I
      collagen (CTx), formative markers osteocalcin (OC), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)
      were measured with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Other bone
      metabolism markers including intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and testosterone
      were measured with chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA). Levels of serum
      lipid and biochemical parameters were measured with automatic biochemical
      analyzer. All the parameters were recorded at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months,
      respectively. Compared with the control group, the atorvastatin treatment group
      showed significant reduction of triglyceride (TG, P<0.01) and low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, P<0.01). At 12 month, total hip BMD in
      atorvastatin group was significantly higher (P<0.01) compared with the control
      group, while there were no similar effect on femoral neck or lumbar spine between
      the two groups (P=0.48 and 0.53 respectively). Meanwhile, CTx significantly
      reduced in atorvastatin treatment group (P<0.001) compared with baseline. Our
      findings suggest that in elderly male patients with osteopenia and mild
      dyslipidemia, therapeutic doses of atorvastatin were associated with positive
      effects on BMD, probably mediated by suppressed bone resorption. 

PMID- 25131774
TI  - Efficacy of an anticoccidial live vaccine in prevention of necrotic enteritis in
      chickens.
AB  - Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an important disease in poultry caused by Clostridium
      perfringens combined with predisposing factors, mainly eimeriosis. In the present
      study, we investigated the protective effect of a commercial attenuated
      anticoccidial live vaccine against NE in a clinical infection model using 60 day
      old chicks. Vaccination was performed on study day (SD) 1 with natural booster
      infections for 4 weeks from Eimeria spp. oocysts present in litter. On SD 28,
      five groups were formed (n=12): group V+/C-E- (vaccinated, uninfected), group
      V+/C-E+ (vaccinated, infected with Eimeria spp.), group V+/C+E+ (vaccinated,
      infected with clostridia and Eimeria spp.), group V-/C+E+ (unvaccinated, infected
      with clostridia and Eimeria spp.), and group NC (negative control). Efficacy was
      measured by clinical parameters, pathogen multiplication, and pathological
      parameters assessed during two necropsies on SD 34 and SD 40, respectively.
      Additionally, cytokine expression was measured in gut and spleen tissues at
      necropsy. Clinical signs of NE were observed only in the coinfected groups,
      mainly in group V-/C+E+. Accordingly, lowest body weight gain was observed in
      group V-/C+E+ (301.8 g from SD 28 to SD 40; group NC: 626.2 g). Oocyst excretion
      varied significantly (P<0.01) between all Eimeria spp. infected groups and was
      highest in group V-/C+E+, followed by V+/C+E+, and lowest in group V+/C-E+. NE
      typical intestinal lesions showed only in groups V+/C+E+ and V-/C+E+. The
      intestinal mucosa featured partly severe lesions in the jejunum, C. perfringens
      colonization was histologically visible. Upregulation of IFN-gamma, was observed
      in the jejunal tissue of group V-/C+E+ (P<0.01 (SD 34) or P<0.05 (SD 40) compared
      to all other groups). IL-10 and IL-12 were upregulated in group V-/C+E+, IL-10
      also in group V+/C+E+ (SD 40) while IL-2 expression remained unaltered. In
      conclusion, vaccination against coccidiosis was effective in preventing NE in a
      mixed infection comparable to field situations.

PMID- 25131775
TI  - Insights into the olfactory system of the ectoparasite Caligus rogercresseyi:
      molecular characterization and gene transcription analysis of novel ionotropic
      receptors.
AB  - Although various elements of the olfactory system have been elucidated in
      insects, it remains practically unstudied in crustaceans at a molecular level.
      Among crustaceans, some species are classified as ectoparasites that impact the
      finfish aquaculture industry. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify and
      comprehend the signaling pathways used by these in host recognition. The present
      study, through RNA-seq and qPCR analyses, found novel transcripts involved in the
      olfactory system of Caligus rogercresseyi, in addition to the transcriptomic
      patterns expressed during different stages of salmon lice development. From a
      transcriptomic library generated by Illumina sequencing, contigs that annotated
      for ionotropic receptors and other genes implicated in the olfactory system were
      identified and extracted. Full length mRNA was obtained for the ionotropic
      glutamate receptor 25, which had 3923 bp, and for the glutamate receptor
      ionotropic kainate 2, which had 2737 bp. Furthermore, two other transcripts
      identified as glutamate receptor, ionotropic kainate 2-like were found. In silico
      analysis was performed for the transcription expression from different stages of
      development in C. rogercresseyi, and clusters according to RPKM values were
      constructed. Gene transcription data were validated through qPCR assays in
      ionotropic receptors, and showed an expression of glutamate receptor 25
      associated with the copepodid stage whereas adults, especially male adults, were
      associated with the kainate 2 and kainate 2-like transcripts. Additionally, gene
      transcription analysis of the ionotropic receptors showed an overexpression in
      response to the presence of masking compounds and immunostimulant in salmon
      diets. This response correlated to a reduction in sea lice infection following in
      vivo challenge. Diets with masking compounds showed a decrease of lice
      infestation of up to 25%. This work contributes to the available knowledge on
      chemosensory systems in this ectoparasite, providing novel elements towards
      understanding the host-finding process of the salmon louse C. rogercresseyi.

PMID- 25131776
TI  - Rhodnius prolixus: modulation of antioxidant defenses by Trypanosoma rangeli.
AB  - Trypanosoma rangeli is a protozoan parasite of insects and mammals that is
      challenged by the constant action of reactive oxygen species, generated either by
      its own metabolism or through the host immune response. The aim of this work was
      to investigate whether T. rangeli is able to modify the redox state of its insect
      vector, Rhodnius prolixus, through the modulation of such antioxidant enzymes as
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and GPx present in the midgut of the
      insect. We verified that in R. prolixus fed with blood infected with T. rangeli
      there is an increase in SOD activity in the anterior and posterior midguts.
      However, the activities of enzymes related to hydrogen peroxide and
      hydroperoxides metabolism, such as catalase and GPx, were decreased in relation
      to the insect control group, which was only fed blood. These changes in the redox
      state of the vector led to an increase in lipid peroxidation and thiol oxidation
      levels in the anterior and posterior midgut tissues. We also verified that the
      addition of 1 mM GSH in the blood meal of the infected insects increased the
      proliferation of these parasites by 50%. These results suggest that there is an
      increase in oxidative stress in the insect gut during T. rangeli infection, and
      this condition could contribute to the control of the proliferation of these
      parasites.

PMID- 25131777
TI  - One minute ultraviolet exposure inhibits Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite replication
      and cyst conversion without diminishing host humoral-mediated immune response.
AB  - We developed a protocol to inactivate Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) tachyzoites
      employing 1 min of ultraviolet (UV) exposure. We show that this treatment
      completely inhibited parasite replication and cyst formation in vitro and in vivo
      but did not affect the induction of a robust IgG response in mice. We propose
      that our protocol can be used to study the contribution of the humoral immune
      response to rodent behavioral alterations following T. gondii infection.

PMID- 25131779
TI  - Breast health in developing countries.
AB  - Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers world-wide. While the incidence in
      developing countries is lower than in developed countries, the mortality is much
      higher. Of the estimated 1 600 000 new cases of breast cancer globally in 2012,
      794 000 were in the more developed world compared to 883 000 in the less
      developed world; however, there were 198 000 deaths in the more developed world
      compared to 324 000 in the less developed world (data from Globocan 2012, IARC).
      Survival from breast cancer depends on two main factors--early detection and
      optimal treatment. In developing countries, women present with late stages of
      disease. The barriers to early detection are physical, such as geographical
      isolation, financial as well as psychosocial, including lack of education, belief
      in traditional medicine and lack of autonomous decision-making in the male
      dominated societies that prevail in the developing world. There are virtually no
      population-based breast cancer screening programs in developing countries.
      However, before any screening program can be implemented, there must be
      facilities to treat the cancers that are detected. Inadequate access to optimal
      treatment of breast cancer remains a problem. Lack of specialist manpower,
      facilities and anticancer drugs contribute to the suboptimal care that a woman
      with breast cancer in a low-income country receives. International groups such as
      the Breast Health Global Initiative were set up to develop economically feasible,
      clinical practice guidelines for breast cancer management to improve breast
      health outcomes in countries with limited resources.

PMID- 25131780
TI  - Perineuronal net, CSPG receptor and their regulation of neural plasticity.
AB  - Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are reticular structures resulting from the aggregation
      of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules around the cell body and proximal neurite
      of specific population of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Since the
      first description of PNNs by Camillo Golgi in 1883, the molecular composition,
      developmental formation and potential functions of these specialized
      extracellular matrix structures have only been intensively studied over the last
      few decades. The main components of PNNs are hyaluronan (HA), chondroitin sulfate
      proteoglycans (CSPGs) of the lectican family, link proteins and tenascin-R. PNNs
      appear late in neural development, inversely correlating with the level of neural
      plasticity. PNNs have long been hypothesized to play a role in stabilizing the
      extracellular milieu, which secures the characteristic features of enveloped
      neurons and protects them from the influence of malicious agents. Aberrant PNN
      signaling can lead to CNS dysfunctions like epilepsy, stroke and Alzheimer's
      disease. On the other hand, PNNs create a barrier which constrains the neural
      plasticity and counteracts the regeneration after nerve injury. Digestion of PNNs
      with chondroitinase ABC accelerates functional recovery from the spinal cord
      injury and restores activity-dependent mechanisms for modifying neuronal
      connections in the adult animals, indicating that PNN is an important regulator
      of neural plasticity. Here, we review recent progress in the studies on the
      formation of PNNs during early development and the identification of CSPG
      receptor - an essential molecular component of PNN signaling, along with a
      discussion on their unique regulatory roles in neural plasticity. 

PMID- 25131778
TI  - Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 creates a premetastatic niche in
      the liver through SDF-1/CXCR4-dependent neutrophil recruitment in mice.
AB  - Due to its ability to inhibit prometastatic matrix metalloproteinases, tissue
      inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 has been thought to suppress tumor
      metastasis. However, elevated systemic levels of TIMP-1 correlate with poor
      prognosis in cancer patients, suggesting a metastasis-stimulating role of TIMP-1.
      In colorectal cancer patients, tumor as well as plasma TIMP-1 levels were
      correlated with synchronous liver metastasis or distant metastasis-associated
      disease relapse. In mice, high systemic TIMP-1 levels increased the liver
      susceptibility towards metastasis by triggering the formation of a premetastatic
      niche. This promoted hepatic metastasis independent of origin or intrinsic
      metastatic potential of tumor cells. High systemic TIMP-1 led to increased
      hepatic SDF-1 levels, which in turn promoted recruitment of neutrophils to the
      liver. Both inhibition of SDF-1-mediated neutrophil recruitment and systemic
      depletion of neutrophils reduced TIMP-1-induced increased liver susceptibility
      towards metastasis. This indicates a crucial functional role of neutrophils in
      the TIMP-1-induced premetastatic niche. CONCLUSION: Our results identify TIMP-1
      as an essential promoter of hepatic premetastatic niche formation.

PMID- 25131781
TI  - [Bicarbonate reabsorption in proximal renal tubule: molecular mechanisms and
      metabolic acidosis].
AB  - HCO3(-) reabsorption in the renal tubules plays a critically important role in
      maintaining the global acid-base balance. Loss of HCO3(-) causes metabolic
      acidosis. Proximal renal tubule is the major site for HCO3(-) reabsorption,
      accounting for more than 80% of total HCO3(-) reabsorption along the nephron.
      Over the past more than half centuries, tremendous progresses have been made on
      understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the HCO3(-) reabsorption in
      proximal tubules. The transepithelial movement of HCO3(-) involves the
      coordinated operation of machineries on both the apical and the basolateral
      membranes of the epithelial cells. On the apical domain, Na(+)-H(+) exchanger
      NHE3 and the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase are two major pathways mediating the apical
      uptake of HCO3(-)-related species. Taken together, NHE3 and H(+)-ATPase are
      responsible for about 80% of HCO3(-) reabsorption in the proximal tubule. The
      remaining 20% is likely mediated by pathways yet to be characterized. On the
      basolateral membrane, NBCe1 represents the only major known pathway mediating the
      extrusion of HCO3(-) coupled with Na(+) into the interstitial space. In the
      present article, we provide a historical view about the studies on the mechanisms
      of HCO3(-) reabsorption since 1940s. Moreover, we summarize the latest progresses
      emerging over the past decade in the physiological as well as pathological roles
      of acid-base transporters underlying the HCO3(-) reabsorption in proximal
      tubules. 

PMID- 25131782
TI  - [Progress on Hedgehog signaling transduction].
AB  - Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays an important role during embryonic
      development and pattern formation. Disruption of Hh pathway results in various
      developmental disorders and increasing cancer incidence. Here we provide a
      comprehensive review of the pathway members, focusing on how mammalian Hh
      regulates the Gli family of transcription factors through its downstream members,
      the so-called "canonical signaling pathway". Hh signaling pathway is highly
      conserved among species, and primary cilia plays an important role as a
      "signaling center" during vertebrate signal transduction. Further, in the past
      few years, numerous studies have shown that Hh signal can also be transduced
      through Gli-independent ways collectively referred to as "non-canonical signaling
      pathways", which can be subdivided into two modules: (i) those not requiring Smo
      and (ii) those downstream of Smo that do not require Gli transcription factors.
      Thus, we review the rapid progress on canonical and non-canonical Hh pathways. 

PMID- 25131783
TI  - [HCN ion channel: biological characteristics and functions in pain].
AB  - Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in vertebrate
      are reverse voltage-dependent, and its activation depends on the
      hyperpolarization of cell and may be directly or indirectly regulated by the
      cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or other signal transduction cascades. The
      distribution, quantity, and activation states of HCN channels differ in tissues
      throughout the body. By modulating If/If current, HCN channels may influence the
      resting membrane potential, and thus importantly regulate neuronal excitability,
      dendritic integration of synaptic potentials, and synaptic transmission. Evidence
      exhibits that HCN channels participate in pain and other physiological and
      pathological process. Pharmacological treatment targeting HCN channels is of
      benefit to relieve pain and other related diseases. 

PMID- 25131784
TI  - [Upregulation of P2X3 receptors in dorsal root ganglion of TRPV1 knockout female
      mice].
AB  - The study was aimed to investigate the changes in mechanical pain threshold in
      the condition of chronic inflammatory pain after transient receptor potential
      vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) gene was knockout. Hind-paw intraplantar injection of
      complete freund's adjuvant (CFA, 20 MUL) produced peripheral inflammation in wild
      type and TRPV1 knockout female mice. The mechanical pain thresholds were measured
      during the 8 days after injection and pre-injection by using Von-Frey hair. Nine
      days after injection, mice were killed and the differences of expression of c-Fos
      and P2X3 receptor in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord dorsal horn
      were examined by Western blotting between the two groups. Compared with that in
      wild-type mice, the mechanical pain threshold was increased significantly in
      TRPV1 knockout mice (P < 0.05); 3 days after CFA injection, the baseline
      mechanical pain threshold in the TRPV1 knockout mice group was significantly
      higher than that in the wild-type mice group (P < 0.05); The result of Western
      blotting showed that the expression of c-Fos protein both in DRG and spinal cord
      dorsal horn of TRPV1 knockout mice group was decreased significantly compared
      with that in wild-type mice group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), while the expression of
      P2X3 receptor in DRG of TRPV1 knockout mice group was increased significantly
      compared with that in wild-type mice group (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that
      TRPV1 may influence the peripheral mechanical pain threshold by mediating the
      expression of c-Fos protein both in DRG and spinal cord dorsal horn and changing
      the expression of P2X3 receptor in DRG. 

PMID- 25131785
TI  - [Effect of pulse magnetic field on distribution of neuronal action potential].
AB  - The biological effect on the organism generated by magnetic field is widely
      studied. The present study was aimed to observe the change of sodium channel
      under magnetic field in neurons. Cortical neurons of Kunming mice were isolated,
      subjected to 15 Hz, 1 mT pulse magnetic stimulation, and then the currents of
      neurons were recorded by whole-cell patch clamp. The results showed that, under
      magnetic stimulation, the activation process of Na(+) channel was delayed, and
      the inactivation process was accelerated. Given the classic three-layer model,
      the polarization diagram of cell membrane potential distribution under pulse
      magnetic field was simulated, and it was found that the membrane potential
      induced was associated with the frequency and intensity of magnetic field. Also
      the effect of magnetic field-induced current on action potential was simulated by
      Hodgkin-Huxley (H-H) model. The result showed that the generation of action
      potential was delayed, and frequency and the amplitudes were decreased when
      working current was between -1.32 MUA and 0 MUA. When the working current was
      higher than 0 MUA, the generation frequency of action potential was increased,
      and the change of amplitudes was not obvious, and when the working current was
      lower than -1.32 MUA, the time of rising edge and amplitudes of action potential
      were decreased drastically, and the action potential was unable to generate.
      These results suggest that the magnetic field simulation can affect the
      distribution frequency and amplitude of action potential of neuron via sodium
      channel mediation. 

PMID- 25131786
TI  - [MrgC receptor activation reverses chronic morphine-evoked alterations of
      glutamate transporters and nNOS in rats].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the modulation
      effect of Mas-related gene (Mrg) C receptors (MrgC) on morphine tolerance.
      Saline, morphine (20 MUg), morphine plus bovine adrenal medulla 8-22 (BAM8-22, 1
      nmol) or (Tyr(6))-2-MSH-6-12 (MSH, 5 nmol) were administered intrathecally in
      rats for 6 days. Pain-related molecules in the spinal cord and dorsal root
      ganglion (DRG) were examined using Western blot, immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR
      techniques. The results showed that intrathecal administration of the selective
      MrgC receptor agonists (BAM8-22 or MSH) remarkably attenuated or abolished
      chronic morphine-evoked reduction in glutamate transporters (GLAST, GLT-1 and
      EAAC1) in the spinal cord and increase in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)
      in the spinal cord as well as DRG. In addition, MrgC receptor-like
      immunoreactivity (IR) was detected in superficial laminae of the spinal cord.
      Chronic morphine induced significant increases in MrgC receptor-IR in the spinal
      cord and MrgC receptor mRNA levels in DRG. These results suggest that the
      modulation of pro-nociceptive mediators in the spinal cord and DRG underlies the
      inhibition of morphine tolerance by MrgC receptor activation. 

PMID- 25131787
TI  - [Characteristic research of Uyghur and Chinese semantic cognition in event
      related potentials].
AB  - The present study investigated the characteristic of semantic cognition of Uyghur
      Chinese bilinguals. The event-related potentials (ERP) technique was used to
      explore the characteristic of N400 wave and topographic map of difference-waves
      with "picture-word" semantic priming paradigm. There were significant semantic
      priming effects on two languages. The average amplitude of N400 was similar in
      two languages, while average amplitudes of three electrodes (F3, F4, PZ) in
      Chinese were negative than others. Meanwhile, the activation of topographic map
      of Uyghur was almost in all regions except occipital lobe, and the degree of
      activation of Chinese was less than Uyghur, but the activation in parietal and
      bilateral frontal lobes was higher. In conclusion, the present study suggests
      that two languages of Uyghur-Chinese bilinguals are all sensitive to semantic
      priming. The bilateral frontal and parietal lobes participate in language
      switching. Semantic cognition of two languages in Uyghur-Chinese late non
      proficient bilinguals is both completed by bilateral cerebral hemispheres. We
      have not found obvious lateralization on two languages of Uyghur-Chinese
      bilinguals. 

PMID- 25131788
TI  - [Activation of TNF-alpha and signaling pathway in the hypothalamus of the rats
      subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stressors after middle cerebral artery
      occlusion].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the changes of the hypothalamic-pituitary
      adrenal axis (HPAA) activity and the cytokines system in the hypothalamus of the
      depressive rats which were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stressors (CUMS)
      after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). By means of qRT-PCR, ELISA and
      Western blot, mRNA and/or protein expressions of corticotropin releasing factor
      (CRF), tumor necrosis factors-alpha (TNF-alpha), suppressor of cytokines
      signaling 3 (SOCS3), phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of
      transcription 3 (pSTAT3) were measured in the hypothalamus of rats. The results
      showed that, compared with control group, CUMS+MCAO group exhibited increased
      mRNA levels of CRF, TNF-alpha, SOCS3, as well as up-regulated CRF, TNF-alpha,
      SOCS3 and pSTAT3 protein expressions. Furthermore, there were correlations
      between CRF and TNF-alpha, TNF-alpha and SOCS3, SOCS3 and pSTAT3, respectively.
      These observations indicated the CRF system was activated in the post stroke
      depression (PSD) status. The TNF-alpha and its signaling pathway, STAT3/SOCS3,
      were up-regulated in mRNA and protein levels. In conclusion, this study presents
      the evidence which supports the hypothesis of signaling cross-talk between the
      CRF system and TNF-alpha signaling pathway after ischemic stroke and CUMS. 

PMID- 25131789
TI  - [Effect of high-mobility group box 1 on the proliferation of primary neural stem
      cells in vitro].
AB  - The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) proliferation assay and diameter measure of
      neurospheres were used to investigate the effect of high-mobility group box 1
      (HMGB1) on proliferation of primary rat neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro, and c
      Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) potent inhibitor SP600125 was used to study
      the mechanism. The results demonstrated that HMGB1 significantly increased CCK-8
      absorbance values and neurosphere diameters at concentrations of 1 and 10 ng/mL
      at 48 h and 72 h (P < 0.05), and the other HMGB1 concentration groups (0.01, 0.1,
      100 ng/mL) showed no significant difference, compared with control group (P >
      0.05). HMGB1 at 10 ng/mL significantly increased the NSCs proliferation
      accompanied by the rising of phosphorylated JNK levels (P < 0.01), and 10 MUmol/L
      SP600125 prevented these effects in HMGB1-cultured NSCs (P < 0.01). In
      conclusion, low concentration of HMGB1 (1-10 ng/mL) can increase NSCs
      proliferation, which may play a role by promoting JNK phosphorylation. 

PMID- 25131790
TI  - [2-Bromoethylamine protects vascular endothelium by inhibiting SSAO activity in
      diabetic rats].
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of aortic semicarbazide
      sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) activity in diabetic rats and examine the effect
      of 2-bromoethylamine (2-BEA) on SSAO activity and vascular endothelium in
      diabetic rats. SSAO was prepared from rat aorta. For assessment of the inhibitory
      effect, the enzymes were preincubated in the presence of different concentrations
      of 2-BEA before the addition of benzylamine in vitro. Type 1 diabetic rat model
      was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ).
      Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC),
      diabetic model group (DM), 2-BEA 5 mg/kg group, 2-BEA 20 mg/kg group (n = 10 in
      each group). 2-BEA was administered daily via intraperitoneal injection for 8
      weeks. At the end of 8 weeks, blood sample was collected from the abdominal
      aorta. Plasma nitric oxide (NO) was determined by nitrate reductase method.
      Plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) was determined by radioimmunoassay. Aorta SSAO was
      determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The aorta was prepared to
      observe morphological changes and ultramicroscopic structures. The results were
      as follows: Compared with NC group, aortic SSAO activity and the plasma ET-1 were
      significantly increased (P < 0.01), and plasma NO was significantly decreased (P
      < 0.01) in DM group. 2-BEA decreased plasma ET-1 and elevated plasma NO by
      inhibiting aortic SSAO activity in diabetic rats (P < 0.01), and 2-BEA 20 mg/kg
      group was more significant than 2-BEA 5 mg/kg group (P < 0.05). Endothelial
      injury of 2-BEA group rats was less serious than DM group. These results suggest
      that 2-BEA protect aortic endothelium by inhibiting aortic SSAO activity. 

PMID- 25131791
TI  - [Abnormal calcium re-uptake in myocardium sarcoplasmic reticulum in rabbits with
      heart failure and the influencing factors].
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the abnormal calcium re-uptake
      function of myocardium sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in rabbits with heart failure,
      as well as potential mechanisms. Heart failure model was established in rabbits
      through aortic insufficiency and constriction of abdominal aorta. The SR Ca(2+)
      re-uptake function was measured with a calcium imaging device. The activity of
      myocardium SR calcium adenodine triphosphatase 2a (SERCA2a) was measured by
      inorganic phosphate. The protein expressions of SERCA2a, CaMKII, PKA, PP1alpha,
      phospholamban (PLB), PLB-Ser(16) and PLB-Thr(17) were evaluated by Western blot.
      The activities of PKA and CaMKII were detected by gamma-(32)P substrate
      incorporation. The results showed that, compared with the sham operation group,
      the heart failure group exhibited reduced Ca(2+) re-uptake amount (P < 0.01) and
      the expression and activity of SERCA2a (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), decreased
      expression of PLB and its phosphorylation status in sites of Ser(16) and Thr(17)
      (P < 0.05), increased expressions and activities of PKA and CaMKII (P < 0.05 or P
      < 0.01), and increased expression of PP1alpha (P < 0.05). These results suggest
      that the abnormal Ca(2+) re-uptake function in heart failure is related with
      reduced expression and activities of SERCA2a, as well as reduced expression of
      PLB and its phosphorylation status. Both PLB-Ser(16) and -Thr(17) may be involved
      in the regulation of myocardium SR calcium pump activity in heart failure. 

PMID- 25131792
TI  - [Ox-LDL down-regulates expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor in human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells].
AB  - Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a multifunctional protein with anti
      inflammatory, antioxidant and antithrombotic properties and plays a protective
      role against atherosclerosis (AS). The purpose of the present study is to explore
      the effects of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) on the expression of
      PEDF in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were
      cultured and incubated with ox-LDL at different concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25,
      50, 100 and 150 mg/L) for 24 h. Apoptosis of endothelial cells were assayed by
      morphological staining and flow cytometry. The intracellular reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) levels were measured by flow cytometry. Cell viability was assayed
      by MTT assay. PEDF protein and mRNA expressions in HUVECs were analyzed by
      Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. The results showed
      that ox-LDL significantly induced apoptosis, reduced cell viability, increased
      intracellular ROS levels and decreased the PEDF expression in HUVECs in a
      concentration-dependent manner. Ox-LDL at 50 mg/L obviously decreased the PEDF
      protein expression compared with control group (P < 0.05), whereas 25 mg/L ox-LDL
      already markedly reduced the PEDF mRNA expression (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the
      results suggest that ox-LDL down-regulates the PEDF expression through an
      increased ox-LDL-induced intracellular production of ROS. 

PMID- 25131793
TI  - Sequencing approaches in cancer treatment.
AB  - Use of sequencing approaches is an important aspect in the field of cancer
      genomics, where next-generation sequencing has already been utilized for
      targeting oncogenes or tumour-suppressor genes, that can be sequenced in a short
      time period. Alterations such as point mutations, insertions/deletions, copy
      number alterations, chromosomal rearrangements and epigenetic changes are
      encountered in cancer cell genomes, and application of various NGS technologies
      in cancer research will encounter such modifications. Rapid advancement in
      technology has led to exponential growth in the field of genomic analysis. The
      $1000 Genome Project (in which the goal is to sequence an entire human genome for
      $1000), and deep sequencing techniques (which have greater accuracy and provide a
      more complete analysis of the genome), are examples of rapid advancements in the
      field of cancer genomics. In this mini review, we explore sequencing techniques,
      correlating their importance in cancer therapy and treatment. 

PMID- 25131794
TI  - Costs and outcome of assertive community treatment (ACT) in a rural area in
      Denmark: 4-year register-based follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: Health economic evidence of assertive community treatment (ACT) in
      Denmark is limited. The aim of the study was to assess the costs and outcome of
      ACT among 174 patients with severe and persistent mental illness in a rural area
      of Denmark. METHODS: The study was based on a quasi-experimental design with a
      control group from the neighbouring region. Costs and retention in mental health
      services were analysed by using register data 1 year before and 4 years after
      inclusion in the study. Data on the use of supportive housing were available for
      the year before baseline and the subsequent 2 years only. RESULTS: Seventy eight
      percent of the patients receiving ACT were in contact with psychiatric services
      at the 4-year follow-up, while 69% of the patients in the control group had
      contact with psychiatric services (P < 0.17). Days in supportive housing were
      lower for the ACT group before baseline and remained so (dropping to zero) for
      the subsequent 2 years. Over 4 years, the mean total costs per patient in the
      group receiving ACT were DDK 493,442 (SE = 34,292). Excluding costs of supportive
      housing, the mean total costs per patient of the control group were DDK 537,218
      (SE = 59,371), P < 0.53. If these costs are included, however, the mean total
      costs for the ACT group are unchanged, whereas costs for the control group rise
      to DDK 671,500 (SE = 73,671), P < 0.03. CONCLUSION: While ACT appears to have
      resulted in a significant reduction in costs for psychiatric hospitalizations,
      baseline differences in use of supportive housing make the effects of ACT on
      overall costs more ambiguous. At worst, however, overall costs did not increase.
      Given the generally acknowledged clinical benefits of ACT over standard
      outpatient care, the results support further dissemination of ACT in Denmark.

PMID- 25131795
TI  - Electronic monitoring of psychomotor activity as a supplementary objective
      measure of depression severity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rating scales used to assess the severity of depression e.g. the
      Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-item (HDRS-17) partly rely on the patient's
      subjective experience and reporting. Such subjective measures tend to have low
      reliability and adding objective measures to complement the assessment of
      depression severity would be a major step forward. AIMS: To investigate
      correlations between electronic monitoring of psychomotor activity and severity
      of depression according to HDRS-17. METHODS: A total of 36 patients with unipolar
      disorder (n = 18) or bipolar disorder (n = 18) and 31 healthy control persons
      aged 18-60 years were included. Psychomotor activity was measured using a
      combined heart rate and movement sensor device (Actiheart) for 3 consecutive
      days, 24 h a day. RESULTS: We found that sleeping heart rate (beats/min)
      correlated with HDRS-17 in both patients with unipolar disorder and bipolar
      disorder (unadjusted model: B = 0.46, 95% CI 0.037-0.89, P = 0.034). In contrast,
      correlations between activity energy expenditure (kJ/kg/day), cardio-respiratory
      fitness (mlO2/min/kg) and HDRS-17 were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results suggest that measuring sleeping heart rate in non-experimental daily life
      could be an objective supplementary method to measure the severity of depression
      and perhaps indicate presence of insomnia.

PMID- 25131796
TI  - Stability and changes in metabolically healthy overweight or obesity and risk of
      future diabetes: Niigata wellness study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Stability and changes in obesity and metabolic health status from a
      baseline period and longitudinally investigated their impact on predicting future
      diabetes were assessed. METHODS: Studied were 27,478 Japanese individuals without
      diabetes. Metabolically healthy (MH) was indicated by having <=1 among impaired
      fasting glucose, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL cholesterol
      concentration. Metabolically abnormal (MA) was indicated by having >=2 of those
      metabolic abnormalities. A cut-off value of BMI 25.0 defined overweight or
      obesity (O) or normal weight (NW). Hazard ratio (HR) for diabetes for a 6-year
      period was investigated after changes in phenotypes were assessed during the
      previous 2 years. RESULTS: Compared with maintaining MH-NW, transitioning to MH-O
      from MH-NW resulted in a multivariate-adjusted HR of 1.96 (95% CI: 1.18, 3.25)
      for diabetes. With a stable MH-O the HR for diabetes was 2.59 (2.00, 3.34) while
      change from MH-O to MH-NW resulted in an HR of 1.30 (0.61, 2.76). Transitioning
      to MA-O from MH-O was associated with an HR of 7.09 (5.41, 9.30). With a stable
      MA-O the risk of diabetes was substantially elevated with an HR of 12.5 (10.5,
      14.9). CONCLUSIONS: Examining the transitory nature of apparently benign or
      unhealthy obese phenotypes was effective for differentiating high-risk
      individuals for future diabetes.

PMID- 25131798
TI  - Disparate postoperative results in the first and second knees on simultaneous
      bilateral total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - We hypothesized that the circumstances of the two consecutive operations of a
      simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are different, and could
      lead to different outcomes of overlapping bilateral TKAs. Both knees of 420
      subjects were evaluated in the current study. In the second TKA, there were more
      incidence rates of outlier in mechanical femoro-tibial angle (16.2% vs. 9.0%),
      more blood loss (735 vs. 656 mL), and longer operation time (61, 58 minutes
      respectively), as compared to the first TKA, while no significant differences in
      clinical outcomes. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in the
      clinical outcomes even though few distinct outcomes due to different
      circumstances of the surgery. Awareness of these findings can help the continued
      success of bilateral TKA in an increasing patient population.

PMID- 25131799
TI  - Enhancing the performance of accelerated MRI through preservation of acquisition
      SNR: An "aliased" k-space approach.
AB  - PURPOSE: A method for preserving acquisition SNR through simultaneous
      acquisitions of distinct k-space phase encodes to enhance the performance of
      accelerated MRI is presented. THEORY AND METHODS: An excitation module comprising
      RF pulses and gradients is inserted into a sequence of choice to overlap and
      acquire distinct k-space phase encodes. This accelerates a scan as all phase
      encodes can now be acquired in a duration shorter than that of a typical scan.
      Next, this "aliased k-space" is restored during reconstruction using receiver
      sensitivity profiles. When the aliased k-space is also sub-sampled for additional
      acceleration, Parallel Imaging (PMRI) is applied first to synthesize the
      unacquired aliased samples. The synthesized samples are then used with the
      acquired samples in an iterative reconstruction to obtain the output. RESULTS:
      Depending on the sequence, acquisition SNR increased by 18-25% relative to PMRI
      or by 5% relative to the unaccelerated scan. This compensates for the SNR loss
      when the aliased k-space is sub-sampled for additional acceleration. With PMRI,
      the method could enable acceleration factors as high as 12 in 2D cartesian scans.
      CONCLUSION: A method for accelerating MRI scans through aliased k-space
      acquisitions and the feasibility of combining the same with PMRI for greater
      acceleration has been demonstrated. Magn Reson Med 74:150-161, 2015. (c) 2014
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 25131797
TI  - p21/Cyclin E pathway modulates anticlastogenic function of Bmi-1 in cancer cells.
AB  - Apart from regulating stem cell self-renewal, embryonic development and
      proliferation, Bmi-1 has been recently reported to be critical in the maintenance
      of genome integrity. In searching for novel mechanisms underlying the
      anticlastogenic function of Bmi-1, we observed, for the first time, that Bmi-1
      positively regulates p21 expression. We extended the finding that Bmi-1
      deficiency induced chromosome breaks in multiple cancer cell models.
      Interestingly, we further demonstrated that knockdown of cyclin E or ectopic
      overexpression of p21 rescued Bmi-1 deficiency-induced chromosome breaks. We
      therefore conclude that p21/cyclin E pathway is crucial in modulating the
      anticlastogenic function of Bmi-1. As it is well established that the
      overexpression of cyclin E potently induces genome instability and p21 suppresses
      the function of cyclin E, the novel and important implication from our findings
      is that Bmi-1 plays an important role in limiting genomic instability in cylin E
      overexpressing cancer cells by positive regulation of p21. 

PMID- 25131800
TI  - Phenolic compounds in grains, sprouts and wheatgrass of hulled and non-hulled
      wheat species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of sprouts and young plantlets in human nutrition is
      increasing because they often contain phytochemicals and other high value
      nutrients. This is also the case for wheat, although there is no literature for
      hulled wheat species. Thus we determined total polyphenols, phenolic acids (PAs),
      fibre and minerals in grains, 5-day-old sprouts and 12-day-old wheatgrass of
      einkorn (cv. Monlis), emmer (cvs Augeo, Rosso Rubino, Zefiro), spelt (cvs Pietro,
      Giuseppe), durum wheat (cv. Creso) and soft wheat (cv. Orso). RESULTS: Grains of
      einkorn and emmer contained twice bound PAs as compared to soft and durum wheat
      and spelt, with p-coumaric acid accounting for about 50% of total bound PAs. In
      wheatgrass, differences between species for bound PAs decreased due to a decrease
      in einkorn and emmer and an increase in soft and durum wheat. In all species,
      total phenols and free PAs increased passing from grains to sprouts and
      wheatgrass. Neutral and acid detergent fibre content increased with sprouting
      only in einkorn and emmer. CONCLUSION: Our evidence suggests that the grains of
      einkorn and emmer and the sprouts and wheatgrass of all Triticum species might
      potentially be valuable for the development of functional foods.

PMID- 25131801
TI  - CD4 trajectory adjusting for dropout among HIV-positive patients receiving
      combination antiretroviral therapy in an East African HIV care centre.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Estimates of CD4 response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) obtained by
      averaging data from patients in care, overestimate population CD4 response and
      treatment program effectiveness because they do not consider data from patients
      who are deceased or not in care. We use mathematical methods to assess and adjust
      for this bias based on patient characteristics. DESIGN: We examined data from
      25,261 HIV-positive patients from the East Africa IeDEA Consortium. METHODS: We
      used inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW) to represent patients not
      in care by patients in care with similar characteristics. We address two
      questions: What would the median CD4 be "had everyone starting ART remained on
      observation?" and "were everyone starting ART maintained on treatment?" RESULTS:
      Routine CD4 count estimates were higher than adjusted estimates even under the
      best-case scenario of maintaining all patients on treatment. Two years after
      starting ART, differences between estimates diverged from 30 cells/uL, assuming
      similar mortality and treatment access among dropouts as patients in care, to
      over 100 cells/uL assuming 20% lower survival and 50% lower treatment access
      among dropouts. When considering only patients in care, the proportion of
      patients with CD4 above 350 cells/uL was 50% adjusted to below 30% when
      accounting for patients not in care. One-year mortality diverged 6-14% from the
      naive estimates depending on assumptions about access to care among lost
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ignoring mortality and loss to care results in over
      estimation of ART response for patients starting treatment and exaggerates the
      efficacy of treatment programs administering it.

PMID- 25131803
TI  - The health perspectives of Australian adolescents from same-sex parent families:
      a mixed methods study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research involving adolescents from same-sex parent families provides
      an important contribution to the evidence base on their health, well-being and
      the impact of stigma. To date reports on the perspectives of adolescents with
      same-sex attracted parents have been limited. This study aimed to describe the
      multidimensional experiences of physical, mental and social well-being of
      adolescents living in this context. METHODS: A mixed methods study of adolescents
      with same-sex attracted parents comprising of an adolescent-report survey of 10-
      to 17-year-olds and family interviews with adolescents and their parents. Data
      were collected in 2012 and 2013 as part of the Australian Study of Child Health
      in Same-Sex Families. RESULTS: The findings from qualitative interviews with
      seven adolescents and responses to an open-ended survey question (n = 16) suggest
      four themes: perceptions of normality, positive concepts of health, spheres of
      life (including family, friends and community) and avoiding negativity. The
      quantitative sample of adolescents with same-sex attracted parents (n = 35)
      reported higher scores than population normative data on the dimensions general
      health and family activities within the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) as well
      as higher on the peer problems scale on the Strengths and Difficulties
      Questionnaire (SDQ). Perceived stigma correlates with lower health and well-being
      overall. CONCLUSIONS: Positive health outcomes are informed by the ways
      adolescents conceptualize health and how they construct their spheres of life.
      Peer relationships, and community perspectives of same-sex families, inform
      perceived stigma and its correlation with poorer health and well-being. Although
      adolescents see their families as essentially normal they are negatively affected
      by external societal stigma.

PMID- 25131802
TI  - Initial solid tumor testing (stage 1) of AZD1480, an inhibitor of Janus kinases 1
      and 2 by the pediatric preclinical testing program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: AZD1480 is an ATP competitive inhibitor of Janus kinases 1 and 2
      (JAK1, 2) that has been shown to inhibit the growth of solid tumor models. This
      agent was selected for testing the putative role of JAK/STAT signaling in the
      standard PPTP solid tumor models. PROCEDURES: AZD1480 was tested against the PPTP
      in vitro cell line panel at concentrations from 1.0 nM to 10 MUM and against the
      PPTP in vivo solid tumor xenograft panels at (60 mg/kg once daily (SID) * 5) for
      three consecutive weeks. Additional studies evaluated 5 to 20 mg/kg BID * 5 with
      SID dosing at 7-30 mg/kg at weekends for three consecutive weeks. RESULTS: In
      vitro the median relative IC50 (rIC50 ) for the PPTP cell lines was 1.5 uM, with
      a range from 0.3 uM to 5.9 uM. The two cell lines with rIC50 values of 0.3 uM
      both had ALK activating genomic alterations. AZD1480 demonstrated statistically
      significant differences (P < 0.05) in EFS distribution compared to control in 89%
      of the solid tumor xenografts. AZD1480 induced intermediate (EFS T/C > 2) or high
      level growth inhibition in 15 of 30 (50%) solid tumor xenografts. Tumor
      regressions were observed in three of six Wilms tumor models at doses that
      induced inhibition of Stat3(Y705) phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: AZD1480
      demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition against most PPTP solid tumor
      xenografts, similar to that observed for antiangiogenic agents tested by the
      PPTP. Tumor regressing activity was noted for Wilms tumor xenografts.

PMID- 25131804
TI  - Hydranencephaly in a newborn with a FLVCR2 mutation and prenatal exposure to
      cocaine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydranencephaly is a relatively rare but severe structural brain
      abnormality that often results in perinatal death. Although several factors
      including infection and multiple births have been reported to be associated with
      this birth defect, the underlying etiology is not well understood. Recently,
      FLVCR2 gene mutations have been implicated in a subset of hydranencephaly cases,
      following an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. CASE: We report a male
      infant with hydranencephaly found to have a previously unreported six amino acid
      deletion in one copy of the FLVCR2 gene following a pregnancy complicated by poor
      prenatal care and maternal cocaine use. Although our patient currently presents
      with developmental delays, he is showing progress and gaining some skills.
      CONCLUSION: We discuss the possibility of a synergistic effect between the FLVCR2
      genetic mutation and environmental cocaine exposure, creating a susceptible
      brain, as an explanation for this infant's phenotype. This case demonstrates the
      potential clinical utility of testing for mutations in FLVCR2 for patients with
      hydranencephaly after other possible etiologies, such as congenital infection,
      have been reasonably eliminated. Current literature on FLVCR2 is relatively
      sparse; identifying additional patients with similar mutations will aid in
      defining the clinical significance of a gene mutation and the contribution to the
      etiology of hydranencephaly.

PMID- 25131805
TI  - Hepatic fungal infection in a young beagle with unrecognised hereditary cobalamin
      deficiency (Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome).
AB  - A 12-month-old beagle presented for anorexia, pyrexia and vomiting. The dog had
      been treated intermittently with antibiotics and corticosteroids for inappetence
      and lethargy since five months of age. Previous laboratory abnormalities included
      macrocytosis and neutropenia. At presentation, the dog was lethargic, febrile and
      thin. Laboratory examination findings included anaemia, a left shift,
      thrombocytopenia, hypoglycaemia and hyperbilirubinaemia. Multiple, small,
      hypoechoic, round hepatic lesions were observed on abdominal ultrasound.
      Cytological examination of hepatic fine needle aspirates revealed a fungal
      infection and associated pyogranulomatous inflammation. The dog's general
      condition deteriorated despite supportive measures and treatment with
      fluconazole, and owners opted for euthanasia before hypocobalaminaemia was
      identified. Subsequent genomic analysis revealed a CUBN:c.786delC mutation in a
      homozygous state, confirming hereditary cobalamin malabsorption (Imerslund
      Grasbeck syndrome). Similar to human infants, dogs with Imerslund-Grasbeck
      syndrome may rarely be presented for infectious diseases, distracting focus from
      the underlying primary disorder. 

PMID- 25131808
TI  - Discovery of natural infection by Metagonimus hakubaensis Shimazu, 1999
      (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) in Japanese water shrews (Chimarrogale platycephala)
      in Japan.
AB  - A total of 611 preserved adult Metagonimus spp. specimens recovered from 32 of 53
      Japanese water shrews (Chimarrogale platycephala) that had previously been
      collected in Aomori Prefecture between June 1994 and August 1996, were examined
      in this study. Morphological examination revealed that 603 of these flukes were
      identical to M. hakubaensis Shimazu, 1999, and that the others were M. takahashii
      Suzuki, 1930 (n=4), M. otsurui Saito et Shimizu, 1968 (n=2), and M. miyatai Saito
      et al., 1997 (n=2). Each of the 32 Japanese water shrews infected with M.
      hakubaensis contained between 1 and 83 flukes. This is the first record of the
      natural final host for M. hakubaensis, since this fluke species was described. 

PMID- 25131807
TI  - G-CSF: From granulopoietic stimulant to bone marrow stem cell mobilizing agent.
AB  - G-CSF was among the first cytokines to be identified and rapidly transitioned
      into clinical medicine. Initially used to promote the production of neutrophils
      in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia it helped to revolutionize the
      delivery of cancer therapy. Its ability to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells from
      the bone marrow into the blood was subsequently exploited, changing the face of
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Today the knowledge gained in unraveling
      the mechanisms of stem cell mobilization by G-CSF is being explored as a means to
      increase chemosensitivity in hematological malignancies. This review provides a
      brief history of G-CSF and then focuses on recent advances in our understanding
      of G-CSF-induced stem cell mobilization and the potential clinical application of
      this knowledge in chemo-sensitization. 

PMID- 25131806
TI  - Personality assessment inventory internalizing and externalizing structure in
      veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: associations with aggression.
AB  - Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with aggressive behavior in
      veterans, and difficulty controlling aggressive urges has been identified as a
      primary postdeployment readjustment concern. Yet only a fraction of veterans with
      PTSD commit violent acts. The goals of this study were to (1) examine the higher
      order factor structure of Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) scales in a
      sample of U.S. military veterans seeking treatment for PTSD; and (2) to evaluate
      the incremental validity of higher-order latent factors of the PAI over PTSD
      symptom severity in modeling aggression. The study sample included male U.S.
      Vietnam (n = 433) and Iraq/Afghanistan (n = 165) veterans who were seeking
      treatment for PTSD at an outpatient Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic. Measures
      included the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, the PAI, and the Conflict Tactics
      Scale. The sample was randomly split into two equal subsamples (n's = 299) to
      allow for cross-validation of statistically derived factors. Parallel analysis,
      variable clustering analysis, and confirmatory factor analyses were used to
      evaluate the factor structure, and regression was used to examine the association
      of factor scores with self-reports of aggression over the past year. Three
      factors were identified: internalizing, externalizing, and substance abuse.
      Externalizing explained unique variance in aggression beyond PTSD symptom
      severity and demographic factors, while internalizing and substance abuse did
      not. Service era was unrelated to reports of aggression. The constructs of
      internalizing versus externalizing dimensions of PTSD may have utility in
      identifying characteristics of combat veterans in the greatest need of treatment
      to help manage aggressive urges.

PMID- 25131809
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis of fowl adenoviruses isolated from chickens with gizzard
      erosion in Japan.
AB  - Thirty-four fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) isolated from chickens with gizzard erosion
      (GE) from 1999 to 2010 were characterized phylogenetically together with foreign
      isolates. The phylogenetic analysis based on part of the hexon gene classified
      these 34 FAdV isolates into 3 groups: FAdV-1, -8a and 8b, thereby suggesting that
      FAdVs associated with GEs in chickens are diverse. All 30 FAdV-1 isolates were
      genetically identical, and they were also identical with FAdV-1 isolates from GEs
      in chickens in European countries (Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary and Italy).
      Thus, the same type of FAdV-1 has been associated with outbreaks of GE in
      Japanese chickens for the past 10 years, which may have spread from a common
      ancestor, although the epidemiological relationship is unknown. 

PMID- 25131810
TI  - Overexpression of EZH2 associates with a poor prognosis in chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia.
AB  - EZH2, a histone methyltransferase, is overexpressed in several human tumors, but
      whether it exerts any impact in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains
      unknown. We used real time PCR to investigate the expression profile of EZH1 and
      EZH2 in 59 CLL patients, 10 samples of purified B-cells from healthy donors and
      12 normal adult tissues. EZH2 was overexpressed in CLL patients and correlates
      with high white blood cell count, ZAP-70 expression and chromosomal
      abnormalities. EHZ1 expression does not correlate with CLL progression. EZH2
      overexpression is related to a poor prognosis of CLL and could be a useful tool
      to assess its aggressiveness.

PMID- 25131812
TI  - Strategies addressing barriers to clinical trial enrollment of underrepresented
      populations: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical
      trials remains a reality while they have disproportionately higher rates of
      health disparities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify
      successful community-engaged interventions that included health care providers as
      a key strategy in addressing barriers to clinical trial enrollment of
      underrepresented patients. DESIGN: A systematic review of the literature on
      interventions addressing enrollment barriers to clinical trials for racial and
      ethnic minorities was performed in Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCO Megafile, and EBSCO
      CINAHL. The systematic review identified 360 studies, and 20 were selected using
      the inclusion criteria. An iterative process extracted information from the
      eligible studies. RESULTS: The 20 selected studies were analyzed and then grouped
      by first author, nature of the clinical research initiative, priority
      populations, key strategies, and study outcomes. Nine of the studies addressed
      cancer clinical trials and 11 related to chronic medical conditions, including
      diabetes, hypertension management, and chronic kidney disease. The key strategies
      employed were categorized according to their presumed impact on barriers incurred
      at distinct steps in study recruitment: clinical trial awareness, opportunity to
      participate, and acceptance of enrollment. The strategies were further
      categorized by whether they would address barriers associated with minority
      perceptions of the research process and barriers related to how studies were
      designed and implemented. CONCLUSION: Multiple and flexible strategies targeting
      providers and participants at provider sites and within communities might be
      needed to enroll underrepresented populations into clinical trials.

PMID- 25131813
TI  - ClereMed: Lessons Learned From a Pilot Study of a Mobile Screening Tool to
      Identify and Support Adults Who Have Difficulty With Medication Labels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to take medications safely and effectively, individuals need
      to be able to see, read, and understand the medication labels. However, one-half
      of medication labels are currently misunderstood, often because of low literacy,
      low vision, and cognitive impairment. We sought to design a mobile tool termed
      ClereMed that could rapidly screen for adults who have difficulty reading or
      understanding their medication labels. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      build the ClereMed prototype; to determine the usability of the prototype with
      adults 55 and over; to assess its accuracy for identifying adults with low
      functional reading ability, poor ability on a real-life pill-sorting task, and
      low cognition; and to assess the acceptability of a touchscreen device with older
      adults with age-related changes to vision and cognition. METHODS: This pilot
      study enrolled adults (>=55 years) who were recruited through pharmacies,
      retirement residences, and a low-vision optometry clinic. ClereMed is a hypertext
      markup language (HTML)-5 prototype app that simulates medication taking using an
      iPad, and also provides information on how to improve the accessibility of
      prescription labels. A paper-based questionnaire included questions on
      participant demographics, computer literacy, and the Systems Usability Scale
      (SUS). Cognition was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool, and
      functional reading ability was measured using the MNRead Acuity Chart. Simulation
      results were compared with a real-life, medication-taking exercise using
      prescription vials, tablets, and pillboxes. RESULTS: The 47 participants had a
      mean age of 76 (SD 11) years and 60% (28/47) were female. Of the participants,
      32% (15/47) did not own a computer or touchscreen device. The mean SUS score was
      76/100. ClereMed correctly identified 72% (5/7) of participants with functional
      reading difficulty, and 63% (5/8) who failed a real-life pill-sorting task, but
      only 21% (6/28) of participants with cognitive impairment. Participants who owned
      a computer or touchscreen completed ClereMed in a mean time of 26 (SD 16)
      seconds, compared with 52 (SD 34) seconds for those who do not own a device
      (P<.001). Those who had difficulty, struggled with screen glare, button
      activation, and the "drag and drop" function. CONCLUSIONS: ClereMed was well
      accepted by older participants, but it was only moderately accurate for reading
      ability and not for mild cognitive impairment. Future versions may be most useful
      as part of a larger medication assessment or as a tool to help family members and
      caregivers identify individuals with impaired functional reading ability. Future
      research is needed to improve the sensitivity for measuring cognitive impairment
      and on the feasibility of implementing a mobile app into pharmacy workflow.

PMID- 25131814
TI  - In memoriam: Geoffrey Louis Zubay, 1931-2014. Pioneer in cell-free gene
      expression studies and molecular genetics.

PMID- 25131815
TI  - Holliday junction processing enzymes as guardians of genome stability.
AB  - Holliday junctions (HJs) are four-stranded DNA intermediates that arise during
      the recombinational repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Their timely
      removal is crucial for faithful chromosome segregation and genome stability. In
      mammalian cells, HJs are processed by the BTR (BLM-topoisomerase IIIalpha-RMI1
      RMI2) complex, the SLX-MUS (SLX1-SLX4-MUS81-EME1) complex, and the GEN1
      resolvase. Recent studies have linked the deficiency of one or more of these
      enzymes to perturbed DNA replication, impaired crosslink repair, chromosomal
      instability, and defective mitoses, coupled with the transmission of widespread
      DNA damage and high levels of mortality. We review these key advances and how
      they have cemented the status of HJ-processing enzymes as guardians of genome
      integrity and viability in mammalian cells. 

PMID- 25131811
TI  - Grip it and rip it: structural mechanisms of DNA helicase substrate binding and
      unwinding.
AB  - Maintenance and faithful transmission of genomic information depends on the
      efficient execution of numerous DNA replication, recombination, and repair
      pathways. Many of the enzymes that catalyze steps within these pathways require
      access to sequence information that is buried in the interior of the DNA double
      helix, which makes DNA unwinding an essential cellular reaction. The unwinding
      process is mediated by specialized molecular motors called DNA helicases that
      couple the chemical energy derived from nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis to the
      otherwise non-spontaneous unwinding reaction. An impressive number of high
      resolution helicase structures are now available that, together with equally
      important mechanistic studies, have begun to define the features that allow this
      class of enzymes to function as molecular motors. In this review, we explore the
      structural features within DNA helicases that are used to bind and unwind DNA. We
      focus in particular on "aromatic-rich loops" that allow some helicases to couple
      single-stranded DNA binding to ATP hydrolysis and "wedge/pin" elements that
      provide mechanical tools for DNA strand separation when connected to
      translocating motor domains. 

PMID- 25131816
TI  - Import routes and nuclear functions of Argonaute and other small RNA-silencing
      proteins.
AB  - Small RNAs are important regulators of gene expression in many different
      organisms. Nuclear and cytoplasmic biogenesis enzymes generate functional small
      RNAs from double-stranded (ds) or single-stranded (ss) RNA precursors, and mature
      small RNAs are loaded into Argonaute proteins. In the cytoplasm, small RNAs guide
      Argonaute proteins to complementary RNAs leading to cleavage of these targets,
      translational silencing, or mRNA decay. In the nucleus Argonaute proteins engage
      in transcriptional silencing processes such as epigenetic silencing of repetitive
      elements at the chromatin level. During the past few years many novel functions
      of small RNA-guided gene silencing proteins in the nucleus have been reported.
      However, their specific import routes are largely unknown. In this review we
      summarize the current knowledge on nuclear transport routes that Argonaute and
      other RNA-silencing proteins take to carry out their various functions in the
      nucleus. 

PMID- 25131818
TI  - An unusual case of preexcitation treated with a pacemaker.

PMID- 25131817
TI  - Prognostic value of cyclooxygenase-2 gene polymorphisms in advanced non-small
      cell lung cancer patients treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.
AB  - AIM: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in cell apoptosis,
      angiogenesis and tumor invasion, and over-expression of COX-2 is associated with
      tumor development and occurrence. The aim of this study is to investigate the
      association between COX-2 polymorphisms and clinical outcomes in advanced non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with first-line platinum-based
      chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 190 patients with IIIB or IV NSCLC who received
      platinum-based chemotherapy were recruited in this study. Four functional COX-2
      polymorphisms, including rs689465, rs689466, rs3218625 and rs20417, were
      genotyped by PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Kaplan
      Meier methods were used to compare survival by different genotypes. Cox
      proportional hazard models were used to identify independently significant
      variables. RESULTS: The rs689465 AA genotype was significantly associated with
      longer overall survival (OS) (13.0 months vs 8.8 months, P = 0.019 for log-rank
      test; hazard ratio [HR] 0.624; 95% confidence internal [CI] 0.418-0.931) and
      progression-free survival (5.3 months vs 4.0 months, P = 0.018 for log-rank test;
      HR 0.627; 95% CI 0.421-0.934) compared with AG or GG genotype, especially in
      patients with adenocarcinoma (P = 0.002), performance status of 1 (P = 0.009) and
      stage IV disease (P = 0.012), and treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (P
      = 0.012). Multivariate regression analysis showed that COX-2 rs689465
      polymorphism had a significantly independent prognostic value for OS (P = 0.017,
      HR = 1.637, 95% CI = 1.093-2.453). CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that rs689465
      polymorphism could be a prognostic biomarker for advanced NSCLC patients treated
      with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

PMID- 25131819
TI  - Heart failure in adult congenital heart disease.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients represent a
      special population in modern cardiology: though their numbers are growing, and
      they represent a high-resource utilization subgroup, a robust evidence-base of
      randomized trials is lacking. Much of the standard therapy is adapted from the
      treatment of ischemic and idiopathic left ventricle systolic failure, with a
      small, but growing body of evidence on medical therapy in select ACHD diagnoses.
      At our institution, for instance, there is a long tradition of using angiotensin
      antagonists in patients with a systemic right ventricle to prevent deleterious
      remodeling. The effects of beta-blockers on functional class in ACHD are yet
      unproven, but there is promising data on pulmonary vasodilators. Control of
      coronary risk factors and aerobic exercise should be considered for all.
      Prevention of arrhythmias is important, and multi-site pacing is an emerging
      therapy. New prognostic tools including natriuretic peptides and CPET are
      increasingly used to guide earlier initiation of these therapies.

PMID- 25131820
TI  - Perioperative physiology and pharmacology in the obese small animal patient.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the available literature concerning the physiologic and
      pharmacologic alterations induced by obesity in canine and feline patients and
      their relevance to perioperative care. STUDY DESIGN: Literature review.
      DATABASES: PubMed, CAB, Web of Science. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity of cats and dogs is
      a chronic inflammatory condition that is increasingly prevalent. Similar to the
      situation in humans, small animal obesity may be associated with changes in
      endocrine, respiratory, and cardiovascular function. In addition, alteration of
      body composition in obesity can affect pharmacokinetic variables. Modifications
      in perioperative care may need to be made for obese dogs and cats, including
      attention to respiratory and cardiovascular supportive care and drug dose
      adjustments.

PMID- 25131821
TI  - Microscopic and ultrastructural features in Wolcott-Rallison syndrome, a
      permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus: about two autopsy cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wolcott-Rallison syndrome (WRS) is a rare autosomal recessive
      disorder characterized by the association of permanent neonatal or early-infancy
      insulin-dependent diabetes, multiple bone dysplasia, hepatic dysfunction, and
      growth retardation. All clinical manifestations result from gene mutations
      encoding pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum eIF2 alpha kinase (PERK), an
      endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane protein that plays a role in the unfolded
      protein response. Histological and ultrastructural lesions of bone and pancreas
      have been described in animal models and WRS patients. However, histological and
      ultrastructural findings of other organs, especially of the liver, are lacking.
      METHODS: Autopsy specimens from two pediatric patients with WRS were analyzed. An
      immunohistochemical study was performed on the pancreas. An ultrastructural study
      was realized from samples of liver, pancreas, kidney, and myocardium. Our
      findings were compared with those of the literature and correlated with the
      molecular data. RESULTS: Hepatocytes and pancreatic exocrine cells exhibited very
      peculiar features of necrosis suggestive of secondary changes because of
      endoplasmic reticulum overload. Steatosis occurred in renal tubular cells,
      hepatocytes, and myocardial fibers. Abnormal mitochondria were noted in renal and
      myocardial fibers. Pancreas islets were characterized by a marked reduction in
      the number of insulin-secreting beta cells. CONCLUSIONS: The histological and
      ultrastructural features that occur in WRS are directly or indirectly linked to
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction and can explain the peculiar phenotype of
      this syndrome.

PMID- 25131822
TI  - Serological characterization of occult hepatitis B virus infection among blood
      donors in India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Discovery of hepatitis B infections characterized by the presence
      of viral genome without detectable HBsAg (Occult Hepatitis; OBI) has initiated a
      considerable amount of research in this regard. Our study is a serological and
      molecular characterization of OBI among the donors who donated at our blood bank
      during the study period. MATERIAL AND METHOD: During the study period HBsAg ELISA
      non reactive ID-NAT reactive donors samples were screened for presence of
      antibody against HBc, HBs and HBe. Molecular analysis of these NAT yield samples
      was undertaken for detection of the viral load and genotyping. RESULT: We studied
      28,134 HBsAg ELISA non reactive donor samples. On testing them with ID-NAT, HBV
      DNA was detected in 25 samples. Eighteen samples out of these 25 NAT yield were
      further worked up. The 66.6% of the NAT yield samples (12 out of 18) were
      reactive for antibody against HBc. The 25% (3 out of 12) of these NAT yield
      samples having antibody against core antigen also had antibody against HBs. The
      27.7% (5 out of 18) of NAT yield detected by ID-NAT did not have any detectable
      serological marker in blood. Four out of 12 core antibody positive NAT yield
      samples had genotype A HBV infection. CONCLUSION: As per our study molecular
      detection of HBV DNA by ID-NAT, we were able to analyze 18 HBV NAT yield cases
      among 28,134 HBsAg ELISA non reactive donors. Out of 18, 12 donors were OBI
      whereas the rest (6) were in window period (WP yield) of HBV infection. One out
      of every 3.6 NAT yield detected by ID-NAT was non reactive for all serological
      markers.

PMID- 25131823
TI  - Diffusion tensor tractography in hypothyroidism and its correlation with memory
      function.
AB  - Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) was performed to determine the
      microstructural changes in the white matter fibre tracts of hypothyroid patients
      compared to controls and to correlate these changes with memory dysfunction
      scores. DTT and Postgraduate Institute Memory Scale test were performed in eight
      hypothyroid patients and eight healthy controls. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
      measures [fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD)] from all of the
      major cerebral tracts were calculated and a comparison was made between the
      patient group and controls. Pearson's correlation was performed between Memory
      Dysfunction score and DTI measures. Significant changes in DTI measures were
      observed in various white matter fibre tracts in hypothyroid patients compared to
      controls. In hypothyroid patients, an inverse correlation of Memory Dysfunction
      score with FA was observed in the right and left inferior fronto-occipital
      fasciculus, whereas a positive correlation with MD was observed in the right
      anterior thalamic radiation among all white matter tracts. These findings suggest
      that microstructural changes in white matter fibres may contribute to the
      underlying dysfunction in memory in hypothyroid patients. 

PMID- 25131824
TI  - The 2014 ACR Commission on Human Resources workforce survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ACR Commission on Human Resources conducts an annual electronic
      survey during the first quarter of the year to better understand the present
      workforce scenario for radiologists and allied health professionals. METHODS: The
      Practice of Radiology Environment Database is used to identify group leaders who
      are asked to complete an electronic survey developed by the Commission on Human
      Resources. The survey asked 1,936 group leaders or their designates to report the
      number of radiologists currently employed or supervised, the number hired in
      2013, and the number they plan to hire in 2014 and 2017. The leaders were asked
      to report the subspecialty area that was used as the main reason for hiring each
      physician. RESULTS: The 22% response rate corresponds to 35% of all practicing
      radiologists in the United States. The 2014 survey demonstrated that 78% of the
      workforce is male and 22% is female and that 87% of the workforce works full
      time. Fifty-three percent of the current workforce is in private practice and 47%
      in varying forms of employment. The current workforce consists of 18% general
      radiologists and 82% subspecialists. In 2013, 1,069 radiologists were hired. In
      2014, 1,114 job opportunities are projected, and 1,131 estimated jobs are
      forecast for 2017. CONCLUSIONS: Job opportunities for radiologists in 2014 remain
      similar to those in 2013 and close to the numbers of residents completing
      training programs in diagnostic radiology. Job opportunities remain available but
      may not necessarily be in the subspecialty, geographic area, or type of practice
      an individual most desires.

PMID- 25131825
TI  - Radiologist manpower considerations and Imaging 3.0: effort planning for value
      based imaging.
AB  - Our specialty is seeking to establish the value of imaging in the longitudinal
      patient-care continuum. We recognize the need to assess the value of our
      contributions rather than concentrating primarily on generating revenue. This
      recent focus is a result of both increased cost-containment efforts and
      regulatory demands. Imaging 3.0 is a value-based perspective that intends to
      describe and facilitate value-based imaging. Imaging 3.0 includes a broad set of
      initiatives addressing the visibility of radiologists, and emphasizing quality
      and safety oversight by radiologists, which are new directions of focus for us.
      Imaging 3.0 also addresses subspecialty imaging and off-hours imaging, which are
      existing areas of practice that are emblematic of inconsistent service delivery
      across all hours. Looking to the future, Imaging 3.0 describes how imaging
      services could be integrated into the framework of accountable care
      organizations. Although all these efforts may be essential, they necessitate
      manpower expenditures, and these efforts are not directly covered by revenue. If
      we recognize the urgency of need in developing these concepts, we can justify the
      manpower and staffing expenditures each organization is willing to shoulder in
      reaching Imaging 3.0. 

PMID- 25131826
TI  - The importance of having zinc during in vitro maturation of cattle cumulus-oocyte
      complex: role of cumulus cells.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of zinc (Zn) on the health
      of cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) during in vitro maturation (IVM). Experiments
      were designed to evaluate the effect of Zn added to IVM medium on: DNA integrity,
      apoptosis, cumulus expansion and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of cumulus
      cells (CC). Also, role of CC on Zn transport during IVM was evaluated on oocyte
      developmental capacity. DNA damage and early apoptosis were higher in CC matured
      with 0 MUg/ml Zn compared with 0.7, 1.1 and 1.5 MUg/ml Zn (p < 0.05). Cumulus
      expansion did not show differences in COC matured with or without Zn
      supplementation (p > 0.05). Superoxide dismutase activity was higher in COC
      matured with 1.5 MUg/ml Zn than with 0 MUg/ml Zn (p < 0.05). Cleavage and
      blastocyst rates were recorded after IVM in three maturation systems: intact
      COCs, denuded oocytes with cumulus cells monolayer (DO + CC) and denuded oocytes
      (DO). Cleavage rates were similar when COC, DO + CC or DO were matured with 1.5
      MUg/ml Zn compared with control group (p > 0.05). Blastocyst rates were
      significantly higher in COC than in DO + CC and DO with the addition of 1.5
      MUg/ml Zn during IVM (p < 0.01). Blastocyst quality was enhanced in COC and DO +
      CC compared with DO when Zn was added to IVM medium (p < 0.001). The results of
      this study indicate that Zn supplementation to IVM medium (i) decreased DNA
      damage and apoptosis in CC; (ii) increased SOD activity in CC; (iii) did not
      modify cumulus expansion and cleavage rates after in vitro fertilization; (iv)
      improved subsequent embryo development up to blastocyst stage; and (v) enhanced
      blastocyst quality when CC were present either in intact COC or in coculture
      during IVM. 

PMID- 25131827
TI  - Vascular stiffness is a biomarker of global cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 25131828
TI  - Shared and nonshared neural networks of cognitive and affective theory-of-mind: a
      neuroimaging study using cartoon picture stories.
AB  - Theory of mind (ToM) refers to the ability to represent one's own and others'
      cognitive and affective mental states. Recent imaging studies have aimed to
      disentangle the neural networks involved in cognitive as opposed to affective
      ToM, based on clinical observations that the two can functionally dissociate. Due
      to large differences in stimulus material and task complexity findings are,
      however, inconclusive. Here, we investigated the neural correlates of cognitive
      and affective ToM in psychologically healthy male participants (n = 39) using
      functional brain imaging, whereby the same set of stimuli was presented for all
      conditions (affective, cognitive and control), but associated with different
      questions prompting either a cognitive or affective ToM inference. Direct
      contrasts of cognitive versus affective ToM showed that cognitive ToM recruited
      the precuneus and cuneus, as well as regions in the temporal lobes bilaterally.
      Affective ToM, in contrast, involved a neural network comprising prefrontal
      cortical structures, as well as smaller regions in the posterior cingulate cortex
      and the basal ganglia. Notably, these results were complemented by a multivariate
      pattern analysis (leave one study subject out), yielding a classifier with an
      accuracy rate of more than 85% in distinguishing between the two ToM-conditions.
      The regions contributing most to successful classification corresponded to those
      found in the univariate analyses. The study contributes to the differentiation of
      neural patterns involved in the representation of cognitive and affective mental
      states of others.

PMID- 25131829
TI  - Lentiviral-mediated silencing of glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin
      promotes anatomical plasticity and functional recovery after spinal cord injury.
AB  - In spinal cord injury (SCI), absence of functional recovery and lack of
      spontaneous axonal regeneration are attributed, among other factors, to the
      formation of a glial scar that forms both physical and chemical barriers. The
      glial scar is composed mainly of reactive astrocytes that overexpress two
      intermediate filament proteins, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and
      vimentin (VIM). To promote regeneration and sprouting of spared axons after
      spinal cord trauma and with the objective of translation to clinics, we designed
      an original in vivo gene transfer strategy to reduce glial scar formation after
      SCI, based on the RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated inhibition of GFAP and VIM. We
      first show that direct injection of lentiviral vectors expressing short hairpin
      RNA (shRNA) against GFAP and VIM in a mouse model of SCI allows efficient and
      specific targeting of astrocytes. We then demonstrate that the lentiviral
      mediated and stable expression of shGFAP and shVIM leads to a strong reduction of
      astrogliosis, improves functional motor recovery, and promotes axonal regrowth
      and sprouting of spared axons. This study thus examplifies how the nonneuronal
      environment might be a major target within the lesioned central nervous system to
      promote axonal regeneration (and sprouting) and validates the use of lentiviral
      mediated RNAi in SCI.

PMID- 25131831
TI  - Massive schizophrenia genomics study offers new drug directions.

PMID- 25131832
TI  - The CROWN Initiative: Journal editors invite researchers to develop core outcomes
      in women's health.

PMID- 25131834
TI  - Identification of a novel mutation in the polymerase delta 1 (POLD1) gene in a
      lipodystrophic patient affected by mandibular hypoplasia, deafness, progeroid
      features (MDPL) syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Progressive lipodystrophy is one of the major features of the rare
      MDPL syndrome. Until now, 9 patients affected by this syndrome have been
      described and a recent study identified in 4 of them an in-frame deletion
      (Ser605del) of a single codon in the POLD1 gene. Sequence alterations of the
      POLD1 gene at different sites have been previously reported in human colorectal
      and endometrial carcinomas. MATERIALS/METHODS: A 48-year-old woman was admitted
      to our department for the assessment of a previously diagnosed lipodystrophy. She
      did not report a family history of diabetes or other metabolic disorders.
      Hypertriglyceridemia was diagnosed incidentally when she was 25years old. At that
      time she was also diagnosed with sensorineural bilateral hearing loss. At
      physical examination she presented lipoatrophy affecting nearly the entire body,
      mandibular hypoplasia, bird-like face, beaked nose, progeroid facial features,
      with crowded teeth, small mouth and uvula. Abdominal ultrasound showed
      hepatomegaly and hepatosteatosis. Fat mass index measured with DXA was
      4.59kg/m(2), indicating a fat deficit; the oral glucose tolerance test showed an
      impaired glucose tolerance. RESULTS: Sequence analysis of the entire coding
      region of the POLD1 gene, disclosed a novel heterozygous mutation in exon 13
      (R507C). CONCLUSION: The MDPL patient herein described harbors a novel mutation
      in the exonuclease domain of POLD1. This new variant provides further evidence
      for a role of POLD1 in the pathogenesis of MDPL. The mechanisms that link changes
      at various sites of the protein with different diseases remain to be clarified.

PMID- 25131835
TI  - Denosumab and osteonecrosis of the jaws - the pharmacology, pathogenesis and a
      report of two cases.
AB  - Denosumab (Amgen, Thousand Oaks, California, USA) is a new bone antiresorptive
      agent used in patients with osteoporosis or metastatic cancer to the bones. As
      with the bisphosphonates that are used as antiresorptive medications, denosumab
      has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). Over the past two years
      there has been an increase in the literature describing ONJ in patients receiving
      agents such as denosumab. Due to promising study results that demonstrate the
      effectiveness of denosumab in avoiding skeletal complications related to
      osteoporosis and metastatic bone disease, more patients will receive denosumab in
      the future. It is reported that this has the potential to become a comparable
      challenge to bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) for
      clinicians. This article describes the management of two patients that developed
      ONJ while receiving denosumab, reviews the incidence of ONJ associated with
      denosumab, and contrasts the pharmacokinetics of denosumab and the
      bisphosphonates. The importance of avoiding interventional dental treatment until
      denosumab has been withdrawn for six months cannot be overstated. 

PMID- 25131836
TI  - Comparison of iSED and Ves-Matic Cube 200 Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
      Measurements With Westergren Method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is performed widely in
      laboratories. Besides the traditional Westergren method, new methods have been
      developed for ESR measurements. We aimed to compare the instruments using new
      methods, iSED (Alcor Scientific) and Ves-Matic Cube 200 (Diesse Diagnostica
      Senese, Italy) with the Westergren method. METHODS: Blood samples from 136
      patients were taken into EDTA tubes for automated analyzers and citrated tubes
      for Westergren method. Patients were divided into three groups- low, medium, and
      high-according to their sedimentation rates. Precision, stability, and
      interference studies of the methods were performed. RESULTS: The iSED
      sedimentation method (n = 136) yielded a slope of (0.61-0.84), with an intercept
      of (-2.32 to 1.89), which resulted in a mean bias of 13; and the Ves-Matic Cube
      200 method (n = 136) yielded a slope of (0.85-1.00), with an intercept of (0.00
      3.07), which resulted in a mean bias of 1.4 in Passing-Bablok regression analysis
      compared to the reference method. CONCLUSION: iSED sedimentation showed a poor
      correlation and a high bias (>10%) with the Westergren method, and Ves-Matic Cube
      200 method showed a higher correlation and a lower bias than the iSED device when
      compared with Westergren reference method. These instruments should be carefully
      monitored.

PMID- 25131837
TI  - Magnetic-structure-stabilized polarization in an above-room-temperature
      ferrimagnet.
AB  - Above-room-temperature polar magnets are of interest due to their practical
      applications in spintronics. Here we present a strategy to design high
      temperature polar magnetic oxides in the corundum-derived A2BB'O6 family,
      exemplified by the non-centrosymmetric (R3) Ni3TeO6-type Mn(2+)2Fe(3+)Mo(5+)O6,
      which shows strong ferrimagnetic ordering with TC = 337 K and demonstrates
      structural polarization without any ions with (n-1)d(10)ns(0), d(0), or
      stereoactive lone-pair electrons. Density functional theory calculations confirm
      the experimental results and suggest that the energy of the magnetically ordered
      structure, based on the Ni3TeO6 prototype, is significantly lower than that of
      any related structure, and accounts for the spontaneous polarization (68 MUC cm(
      2)) and non-centrosymmetry confirmed directly by second harmonic generation.
      These results motivate new directions in the search for practical
      magnetoelectric/multiferroic materials.

PMID- 25131838
TI  - Using the virtual brain to reveal the role of oscillations and plasticity in
      shaping brain's dynamical landscape.
AB  - Spontaneous brain activity, that is, activity in the absence of controlled
      stimulus input or an explicit active task, is topologically organized in multiple
      functional networks (FNs) maintaining a high degree of coherence. These "resting
      state networks" are constrained by the underlying anatomical connectivity between
      brain areas. They are also influenced by the history of task-related activation.
      The precise rules that link plastic changes and ongoing dynamics of resting-state
      functional connectivity (rs-FC) remain unclear. Using the framework of the open
      source neuroinformatics platform "The Virtual Brain," we identify potential
      computational mechanisms that alter the dynamical landscape, leading to
      reconfigurations of FNs. Using a spiking neuron model, we first demonstrate that
      network activity in the absence of plasticity is characterized by irregular
      oscillations between low-amplitude asynchronous states and high-amplitude
      synchronous states. We then demonstrate the capability of spike-timing-dependent
      plasticity (STDP) combined with intrinsic alpha (8-12 Hz) oscillations to
      efficiently influence learning. Further, we show how alpha-state-dependent STDP
      alters the local area dynamics from an irregular to a highly periodic alpha-like
      state. This is an important finding, as the cortical input from the thalamus is
      at the rate of alpha. We demonstrate how resulting rhythmic cortical output in
      this frequency range acts as a neuronal tuner and, hence, leads to
      synchronization or de-synchronization between brain areas. Finally, we
      demonstrate that locally restricted structural connectivity changes influence
      local as well as global dynamics and lead to altered rs-FC.

PMID- 25131833
TI  - Predictive models of glucose control: roles for glucose-sensing neurones.
AB  - The brain can be viewed as a sophisticated control module for stabilizing blood
      glucose. A review of classical behavioural evidence indicates that central
      circuits add predictive (feedforward/anticipatory) control to the reactive
      (feedback/compensatory) control by peripheral organs. The brain/cephalic control
      is constructed and engaged, via associative learning, by sensory cues predicting
      energy intake or expenditure (e.g. sight, smell, taste, sound). This allows
      rapidly measurable sensory information (rather than slowly generated internal
      feedback signals, e.g. digested nutrients) to control food selection, glucose
      supply for fight-or-flight responses or preparedness for digestion/absorption.
      Predictive control is therefore useful for preventing large glucose fluctuations.
      We review emerging roles in predictive control of two classes of widely
      projecting hypothalamic neurones, orexin/hypocretin (ORX) and melanin
      concentrating hormone (MCH) cells. Evidence is cited that ORX neurones (i) are
      activated by sensory cues (e.g. taste, sound), (ii) drive hepatic production, and
      muscle uptake, of glucose, via sympathetic nerves, (iii) stimulate wakefulness
      and exploration via global brain projections and (iv) are glucose-inhibited. MCH
      neurones are (i) glucose-excited, (ii) innervate learning and reward centres to
      promote synaptic plasticity, learning and memory and (iii) are critical for
      learning associations useful for predictive control (e.g. using taste to predict
      nutrient value of food). This evidence is unified into a model for predictive
      glucose control. During associative learning, inputs from some glucose-excited
      neurones may promote connections between the 'fast' senses and reward circuits,
      constructing neural shortcuts for efficient action selection. In turn, glucose
      inhibited neurones may engage locomotion/exploration and coordinate the required
      fuel supply. Feedback inhibition of the latter neurones by glucose would ensure
      that glucose fluxes they stimulate (from liver, into muscle) are balanced.
      Estimating nutrient challenges from indirect sensory cues may become more
      difficult when the cues become complex and variable (e.g. like human foods
      today). Consequent errors of predictive glucose control may contribute to obesity
      and diabetes. 

PMID- 25131830
TI  - Histone deacetylases and their inhibitors in cancer, neurological diseases and
      immune disorders.
AB  - Epigenetic aberrations, which are recognized as key drivers of several human
      diseases, are often caused by genetic defects that result in functional
      deregulation of epigenetic proteins, their altered expression and/or their
      atypical recruitment to certain gene promoters. Importantly, epigenetic changes
      are reversible, and epigenetic enzymes and regulatory proteins can be targeted
      using small molecules. This Review discusses the role of altered expression
      and/or function of one class of epigenetic regulators--histone deacetylases
      (HDACs)--and their role in cancer, neurological diseases and immune disorders. We
      highlight the development of small-molecule HDAC inhibitors and their use in the
      laboratory, in preclinical models and in the clinic.

PMID- 25131840
TI  - Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, April update 2014.

PMID- 25131839
TI  - Lipid-lowering effects of curcumin in patients with metabolic syndrome: a
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - Human studies of curcumin extract on lipid-lowering effect have not been
      completely investigated and have had controversy results. This study tested the
      effect of daily curcumin extract for 12 weeks on weight, glucose, and lipid
      profiles in patients with metabolic syndrome. Sixty-five patients were randomized
      into two groups; 33 patients taking curcumin extract capsule (630 mg thrice
      daily) and 32 patients taking a placebo capsule thrice daily for 12 weeks. At 12
      weeks after the curcumin extract consumption, the level of high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) significantly increased from 40.96 +/- 8.59 to
      43.76 +/- 2.79 mg/dL (p < 0.05), and the level of low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL) was significantly reduced (120.55 +/- 36.81 to 106.51 +/- 25.02
      mg/dL, p < 0.05). The triglyceride-lowering effect, a reduction of 65 mg/dL, was
      also found in this study. In subgroups analysis, the consumption of curcumin may
      have a lowering cholesterol effect in male patients and an increasing HDL-C
      effect in female patients, both of which result in a decrease of T-Chol/HDL-C
      ratio. The intake of the curcumin extract of 1890 mg/day for 12 weeks was
      associated with lipid-lowering effect but did not improve weight and glucose
      homeostasis in the patients with metabolic syndrome. Daily curcumin consumption
      may be an alternative choice to modify cholesterol-related parameters, especially
      in metabolic syndrome patients.

PMID- 25131841
TI  - Modeling radiocesium transport from a river catchment based on a physically-based
      distributed hydrological and sediment erosion model.
AB  - The accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) in March 2011
      resulted in the deposition of large quantities of radionuclides, such as (134)Cs
      and (137)Cs, over parts of eastern Japan. Since then high levels of radioactive
      contamination have been detected in large areas, including forests, agricultural
      land, and residential areas. Due to the strong adsorption capability of
      radiocesium to soil particles, radiocesium migrates with eroded sediments,
      follows the surface flow paths, and is delivered to more populated downstream
      regions and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. It is therefore important to
      understand the transport of contaminated sediments in the hydrological system and
      to predict changes in the spatial distribution of radiocesium concentrations by
      taking the land-surface processes related to sediment migration into
      consideration. In this study, we developed a distributed model to simulate the
      transport of water and contaminated sediment in a watershed hydrological system,
      and applied this model to a partially forested mountain catchment located in an
      area highly contaminated by the radioactive fallout. Observed discharge, sediment
      concentration, and cesium concentration measured from June 2011 until December
      2012 were used for calibration of model parameters. The simulated discharge and
      sediment concentration both agreed well with observed values, while the cesium
      concentration was underestimated in the initial period following the accident.
      This result suggests that the leaching of radiocesium from the forest canopy,
      which was not considered in the model, played a significant role in its transport
      from the catchment. Based on the simulation results, we quantified the long-term
      fate of radiocesium over the study area and estimated that the effective half
      life of (137)Cs deposited in the study area will be approximately 22 y due to the
      export of contaminated sediment by land-surface processes, and the amount of
      (137)Cs remaining in the catchment will be reduced to 39% of the initial total
      within 30 y after contamination. This study provides a perspective on the
      transport of suspended sediments and radiocesium in catchments with similar land
      use and radiocesium contamination. 

PMID- 25131843
TI  - Effect of passive polarizing three-dimensional displays on surgical performance
      for experienced laparoscopic surgeons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the potential benefits of stereoscopic laparoscopy have been
      recognized for years, the technology has not been adopted because of poor
      operator tolerance. Passive polarizing projection systems, which have
      revolutionized three-dimensional (3D) cinema, are now being trialled in surgery.
      This study was designed to see whether this technology resulted in significant
      performance benefits for skilled laparoscopists. METHODS: Four validated
      laparoscopic skills tasks, each with ten repetitions, were performed by 20
      experienced laparoscopic surgeons, in both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D
      conditions. The primary outcome measure was the performance error rate; secondary
      outcome measures were time for task completion, 3D motion tracking (path length,
      motion smoothness and grasping frequency) and workload dimension ratings of the
      National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index. RESULTS:
      Surgeons demonstrated a 62 per cent reduction in the median number of errors and
      a 35 per cent reduction in median performance time when using the passive
      polarizing 3D display compared with the 2D display. There was a significant 15
      per cent reduction in median instrument path length, an enhancement of median
      motion smoothness, and a 15 per cent decrease in grasper frequency with the 3D
      display. Participants reported significant reductions in subjective workload
      dimension ratings of the NASA Task Load Index following use of the 3D displays.
      CONCLUSION: Passive polarizing 3D displays improved both the performance of
      experienced surgeons in a simulated setting and surgeon perception of the
      operative field. Although it has been argued that the experience of skilled
      laparoscopic surgeons compensates fully for the loss of stereopsis, this study
      indicates that this is not the case. Surgical relevance The potential benefits of
      stereoscopic laparoscopy have been known for years, but the technology has not
      been adopted because of poor operator tolerance. The first laparoscopic operation
      was carried out using a prototype passive polarizing laparoscopic system in 2010.
      This is new three-dimensional (3D) technology offers a real option for 3D
      laparoscopic surgery where previous systems have failed. This study is the first
      to have been carried out using this technology. It is essential that new
      technologies are adopted only when there is robust evidence to support their use.
      Currently, there are concerns about the use of robotic technologies and whether
      advantages exist for patient care. If there are advantages, 3D must be playing a
      significant role. If so, perhaps the technology under investigation here offers
      potential to a greater spectrum of surgeons, as well as being a more affordable
      option.

PMID- 25131842
TI  - Anatomical landmarks for the localization of the greater palatine foramen--a
      study of 1200 head CTs, 150 dry skulls, systematic review of literature and meta
      analysis.
AB  - Accurate knowledge of greater palatine foramen (GPF) anatomy is necessary when
      performing a variety of anaesthesiological, dental or surgical procedures. The
      first aim of this study was to localize the GPF in relation to multiple
      anatomical landmarks. The second aim was to perform a systematic review of
      literature, and to conduct a meta-analysis on the subject of GPF position to aid
      clinicians in their practice. One-hundred and fifty dry, adult, human skulls and
      1200 archived head computed tomography scans were assessed and measured in terms
      of GPF relation to other anatomical reference points. A systematic literature
      search was performed using the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases, and a
      meta-analysis on the subject of GPF relation to the maxillary molars was
      conducted. On average, in the Polish population, the GPF was positioned 15.9 +/-
      1.5 mm from the midline maxillary suture (MMS), 3.0 +/- 1.2 mm from the alveolar
      ridge (AR) and 17.0 +/- 1.5 mm from the posterior nasal spine (PNS); 74.7% of GPF
      were positioned opposite the third maxillary molar (M3). Twenty-seven studies
      were included in the systematic review and 23 in the meta-analysis (n = 6927
      GPF). The pooled prevalence of the GPF being positioned opposite the M3 was 63.9%
      (95% confidence interval = 56.6-70.9%). Concluding, the GPF is most often located
      opposite the M3 in the majority of the world's populations. The maxillary molars
      are the best landmarks for locating the GPF. In edentulous patients the most
      useful points for approximating the position of the GPF are the AR, MMS and PNS.
      This study introduces an easy and repeatable classification to reference the GPF
      to the maxillary molars.

PMID- 25131844
TI  - Some problems with determining the reliability of the EQ-5D-3L: commentary to
      "Value of EQ-5D in Mexican city older population with and without dementia (SADEM
      study)".

PMID- 25131845
TI  - Lysophosphatidic acid stimulates cell migration of satellite cells. A role for
      the sphingosine kinase/sphingosine 1-phosphate axis.
AB  - Regulation of the motility of skeletal muscle precursor cells, such as satellite
      cells, is critically important for their proper recruitment at the site of tissue
      damage, and ultimately for its correct repair. Here we show that lysophosphatidic
      acid (LPA), which is well-recognized as a powerful bioactive agent, strongly
      stimulates cell migration of activated murine satellite cells. The biological
      effect exerted by LPA was found to be induced via activation of LPA1 and LPA3 ,
      being abolished by cell treatment with the antagonist Ki16425, and severely
      impaired by siRNA-mediated down-regulation of the two receptor isoforms. In
      contrast, silencing of LPA2 potentiated the stimulation of cell motility by LPA,
      suggesting that it is negatively coupled to cell migration. Pharmacological
      inhibition of both sphingosine kinase (SK) isoforms using VPC96047, or the
      selective blocking of SK1 using VPC96091, abolished cell responsiveness to LPA;
      in agreement, gene silencing of SK1 or SK2 significantly reduced the biological
      effect of LPA. Moreover, the LPA-dependent stimulation of cell chemotaxis was
      found to be impaired by down-regulation of the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)
      receptors S1P1 or S1P4 by specific siRNAs. In summary, the results obtained
      support the notion that the sphingosine kinase/sphingosine 1-phosphate (SK/S1P)
      axis is critically involved in the mechanism by which LPA elicits its pro
      migratory action. This study provides compelling new information on the
      regulatory mechanisms of satellite cell motility, and reinforces the view that
      the SK/S1P signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the control of skeletal
      muscle precursor cell biology. 

PMID- 25131846
TI  - The prevalence of keratoconus in a young population in Mashhad, Iran.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of keratoconus and some associated factors
      in the students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran. METHOD: In this
      cross sectional study, multistage cluster sampling was used to select the
      participants. All participants underwent retinoscopy, slit lamp examination,
      topography with the TMS-4 and corneal assessment with the Orbscan II. The
      diagnosis of keratoconus was based on both clinical evidence and the results of
      corneal imaging. RESULTS: Of 1280 selected students, 1073 agreed to participate
      in the study, and of those who agreed, 1027 fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
      42.5% of the study population was male with a mean age of 26.1 +/- 2.3 years. The
      prevalence of keratoconus was 2.5% (n = 26) (95% confidence interval, CI 1.6
      3.5). Eighteen students (69%) had bilateral keratoconus. Imaging of the cornea
      revealed that 70% of the keratoconics had nipple cones and the remaining had
      asymmetric bow-tie patterns. The prevalence of keratoconus was not significantly
      associated with age or gender (p > 0.05). In a multiple logistic regression
      model, family history (OR = 11.4, 95% CI: 2.5-51.3) and eye rubbing (OR = 6.3,
      95% CI: 1.6-24.3) were significantly correlated with keratoconus. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results taken together with recent studies in the area suggest that
      keratoconus may have a higher prevalence in the Middle East and Asia than in
      Western Countries.

PMID- 25131847
TI  - Genetic testing and corresponding services among individuals with autism spectrum
      disorder (ASD).
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess use of genetic testing and corresponding
      genetic services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Survey data
      from 397 parents of individuals with ASD was collected using the Center for
      Autism and Related Disabilities client registry. Participants reported that 41.2%
      of the individuals with ASD had undergone any type of genetic testing. However,
      only 21.3% of individuals with ASD had been referred to a genetics specialist.
      Diagnosis and level of functioning were significantly associated with both
      referral to a genetics specialist and having undergone any genetic testing. In
      addition, Hispanic ancestry was associated with increased referral to genetic
      testing. Concerns about the limited benefits of genetic testing and prohibitive
      costs were potential barriers to pursuing genetic testing. Overall, low numbers
      of individuals with ASD have a history of undergoing genetic testing or receiving
      genetic services. Possible reasons include low referral rates as well as concerns
      by parents about cost and relevance, and lack of availability. These findings
      confirm the historical trend for providing genetic testing and genetic services
      to those with the greatest impairments.

PMID- 25131848
TI  - Evidence accumulates on the association between topiramate use early in pregnancy
      and the risk of oral clefts.

PMID- 25131851
TI  - Dynamic changes in metabolic profiles of rats subchronically exposed to
      mequindox.
AB  - Mequindox is widely used as an antibacterial veterinary drug and a feeding
      additive for farm animals in China. Although its toxicity has been widely
      studied, little is known regarding the metabolic effects of subchronic exposure
      to mequindox, which is vital for the health of meat producing livestock. Here, we
      characterized the dose- and time-dependent metabolic alterations in female Wistar
      rats subchronically exposed to mequindox through dietary supplementation at the
      level of 40, 110 and 280 mg kg(-1) for 13 weeks, employing a NMR based
      metabonomics approach with supplementary information from serum clinical
      chemistry. We found that urinary metabolic profiles were significantly affected
      in all dosed groups during the supplementation period; plasma and hepatic
      metabolic profiles were significantly affected only in rats dosed with moderate
      and high levels of mequindox. We also observed a return to control levels, for
      the profiles of urine and liver, at all dose levels after a two weeks washout
      period. However, this was not the case for the metabolic profiles of plasma from
      rats dosed at high levels. At the molecular level, we showed that subchronic
      exposure to mequindox resulted in tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle)
      stimulation, suppression of glycolysis, and promotion of gluconeogenesis and
      lipid oxidation in rats. In addition, subchronic exposure to mequindox induced
      oxidative stress in rats. Furthermore, a disturbance of gut microbiota,
      manifested by alterations in the urinary excretion of hippurate,
      phenylacetylglycine, 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, p-cresol glucuronide,
      methylamine, dimethylamine, and formate, was associated with mequindox exposure.
      The present study provided important holistic metabolic information on the
      effects of subchronic dosage of mequindox on rats, which is useful for evaluating
      the safety of mequindox usage in meat producing animals. 

PMID- 25131852
TI  - Role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma.
AB  - High-dose therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has
      been the standard frontline consolidative therapy for patients with newly
      diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) for > 2 decades. This approach has resulted in
      higher complete response (CR) rates and increased event-free survival and overall
      survival (OS) compared with conventional chemotherapy. The emergence of novel
      agent-based therapy combined with ASCT has revolutionized MM therapy by improving
      the CR rates and OS, raising questions concerning the role of hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation in this setting. 

PMID- 25131850
TI  - In utero and early childhood exposure to arsenic decreases lung function in
      children.
AB  - The lung is a target organ for adverse health outcomes following exposure to As.
      Several studies have reported a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms and
      diseases in subjects highly exposed to As through drinking water; however, most
      studies to date has been performed in exposed adults, with little information on
      respiratory effects in children. The objective of the study was to evaluate the
      association between urinary levels of As and its metabolites with lung function
      in children exposed in utero and in early childhood to high As levels through
      drinking water. A total of 358 healthy children were included in our study.
      Individual exposure was assessed based on urinary concentration of inorganic As.
      Lung function was assessed by spirometry. Participants were exposed since
      pregnancy until early childhood to an average water As concentration of 152.13 ug
      l-1. The mean urinary As level registered in the studied subjects was 141.2 ug l
      1 and only 16.7% had a urinary concentration below the national concern level.
      Forced vital capacity was significantly decreased in the studied population and
      it was negatively associated with the percentage of inorganic As. More than 57%
      of the subjects had a restrictive spirometric pattern. The urinary As level was
      higher in those children with restrictive lung patterns when compared with the
      levels registered in subjects with normal spirometric patterns. Exposure to As
      through drinking water during in utero and early life was associated with a
      decrease in forced vital capacity and with a restrictive spirometric pattern in
      the children evaluated.

PMID- 25131853
TI  - Isolated mesenteric CD20-positive myeloid sarcoma.

PMID- 25131854
TI  - Clinicopathologic analysis of POEMS syndrome and related diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: POEMS syndrome, a rare paraneoplastic disease, is related to multiple
      organs, multiple systems, and multiple disciplines and can be mistaken for other
      disorders. Consequently, the diagnoses are often delayed. In this work we studied
      the clinicopathologic characteristics of the POEMS syndrome to improve early
      diagnosis to prevent irreversible damage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a
      clinicopathologic analysis of 9 cases of POEMS and made a differential diagnosis
      with related diseases. RESULTS: The patients with POEMS syndrome were shown to
      have complicated clinical characteristics, including peripheral neuropathy,
      organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma proliferative disorder, skin
      changes, extravascular volume overload, sclerotic bone lesions, thrombocytosis,
      and Castleman disease. POEMS syndrome shared many elements with other diseases
      and the key way to differentiate them was to determine whether there were other
      fundamental POEMS syndrome symptoms or signs. The level of M-protein in serum and
      plasma cells in bone marrow of POEMS patients was lower than that of patients
      with multiple myeloma (MM). Sclerotic bone lesions were a distinctive feature in
      patients with POEMS, compared with in those with MM. CONCLUSION: Some unique
      clinicopathologic characteristics of POEMS syndrome can be used for differential
      diagnosis. This study provides increased awareness of POEMS syndrome.

PMID- 25131855
TI  - Complete remission of VZV reactivation treated with valganciclovir in a patient
      with total lymphocyte depletion and acute kidney injury after allogeneic bone
      marrow transplantation.
AB  - Varicella zoster virus (VZV), a threat for hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) recipients, is still one of the most common viral
      pathogens that affect these patients with a reported incidence ranging between
      17% and 50% in the post transplantation period. Valganciclovir (V-GCV), a valine
      ester pro-drug of GCV orally administrable, has recently shown great activity
      against CMV infections, but there are no reports of its clinical efficacy against
      VZV. We here report a case history of a patient with positive serologic test for
      VZV, who underwent allogeneic HSCT and developed an atypical varicella-like
      illness. First-line therapy with foscarnet had to be discontinued due rapid
      development of renal impairment (creatinine: 2.60 mg/dL, urea: 130.6 mg/dL) and
      therefore was switched to V-GCV. The renal impairment and skin lesions of the
      patient fully recovered after few days of therapy, even though the patient had
      complete lymphocyte depletion. This is the first case of a patient with
      chickenpox-like illness treated successfully with V-GCV.

PMID- 25131856
TI  - Hepatitis C virus infection in China: an emerging public health issue.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus now represents a global viral pandemic and is the fourth most
      commonly reported infectious disease in China. Information on China's national
      HCV epidemic was limited to cross -sectional seroprevalence studies of special
      populations, and a national surveillance effort had been launched to inform
      prevention and control. We analysed novel data from two national databases: (i)
      China's national medical HCV case report system and (ii) the national disease
      sentinel surveillance system. Between 1997 and 2012, reporting incidence of
      medical cases for HCV infection rose from 0.7 to 15.0 cases per 100 000 with the
      largest burden of disease concentrated among individuals over 35 years of age,
      rural residents and those tested as part of routine screening. Between 2010 and
      2012, disease sentinel surveillance identified the highest HCV seropositive rates
      among persons who use drugs and haemodialysis patients, with far lower but not
      negligible rates among sexually active population. The concentration of cases
      among older age groups is consistent with past studies of age-specific prevalence
      rates in Asia. Differences across regions and testing modes suggest diverse
      biological and social forces driving the spread of HCV in China. Surveillance
      data show ongoing transmission, particularly among persons who use drugs and
      persons undergoing invasive medical treatments, particularly haemodialysis.
      Improvements in case detection and data reporting systems will be critical for
      understanding current drivers of transmission and identifying key areas for
      prevention.

PMID- 25131857
TI  - Informal social networks of people with profound intellectual and multiple
      disabilities: relationship with age, communicative abilities and current living
      arrangements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD)
      have limited informal social contacts. Research to determine the factors which
      can positively influence establishing sound informal social contacts is required.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Regression analysis for 200 people with PIMD was used to
      analyse how age, communicative abilities and current living arrangements were
      related to the number and frequency of their contacts. RESULTS: Only age was
      negatively related to both the number and frequency of social contacts. Current
      living arrangements related only to the frequency of contacts. Communicative
      abilities related to neither. CONCLUSIONS: Like people with intellectual
      disabilities, age and living arrangements are related to the informal social
      networks of people with PIMD. However, for people with PIMD, these networks are
      already more limited. Therefore, professionals need to be attentive to the
      maintenance and/or expansion of the social networks of people with PIMD at an
      early stage.

PMID- 25131859
TI  - Expression, purification, and micelle reconstitution of antimicrobial piscidin 1
      and piscidin 3 for NMR studies.
AB  - Piscidin 1 and piscidin 3, which were discovered in the mast cells of hybrid
      striped sea bass, are homologous antimicrobial peptides that are active against
      drug-resistant bacteria. Piscidin 1, the more antimicrobial and hemolytic
      peptide, also has anti-HIV-1 and anti-cancer properties. To understand the
      reasons underlying the different biological activities of the two peptides and
      identify principles to design antimicrobial drugs with improved efficacy and
      lower toxicity, their atomic-level structures must be obtained under
      physiologically-relevant conditions. High-resolution backbone structures of both
      piscidins exist in the presence of hydrated phospholipid bilayers but full
      structures that include the side chains are missing. Here, the piscidins 1 and 3
      genes were cloned into the TrpLE vector. The corresponding TrpLE-piscidin fusion
      partners were expressed in Escherichiacoli and recovered from inclusion bodies.
      Following steps that included Ni-NTA chromatography, cyanogen bromide cleavage of
      the fusion proteins, and reverse-phase HPLC, purified piscidins 1 and 3 were
      recovered in very good yield and characterized by NMR. High quality (15)N-(1)H
      HSQC spectra of piscidins 1 and 3 bound to SDS micelles were collected,
      demonstrating the feasibility of producing and purifying the isotopically-labeled
      piscidin peptides required to determine their full structures by multidimensional
      NMR spectroscopy. 

PMID- 25131858
TI  - Expression of recombinant human mast cell chymase with Asn-linked glycans in
      glycoengineered Pichia pastoris.
AB  - Recombinant human mast cell chymase (rhChymase) was expressed in secreted form as
      an active enzyme in the SuperMan5 strain of GlycoSwitch(r) Pichia pastoris, which
      is engineered to produce proteins with (Man)5(GlcNAc)2 Asn-linked glycans. Cation
      exchange and heparin affinity chromatography yielded 5mg of active rhChymase per
      liter of fermentation medium. Purified rhChymase migrated on SDS-PAGE as a single
      band of 30 kDa and treatment with peptide N-glycosidase F decreased this to 25
      kDa, consistent with the established properties of native human chymase
      (hChymase). Polyclonal antibodies against hChymase detected rhChymase by Western
      blot. Active site titration with Eglin C, a potent chymase inhibitor, quantified
      the concentration of purified active enzyme. Kinetic analyses with succinyl-Ala
      Ala-Pro-Phe (suc-AAPF) p-nitroanilide and thiobenzyl ester synthetic substrates
      showed that heparin significantly reduced KM, whereas heparin effects on kcat
      were minor. Pure rhChymase with Asn-linked glycans closely resembles hChymase.
      This bioengineering approach avoided hyperglycosylation and provides a source of
      active rhChymase for other studies as well as a foundation for production of
      recombinant enzyme with human glycosylation patterns.

PMID- 25131860
TI  - Expression and biochemical characterization of recombinant human epididymis
      protein 4.
AB  - Whey acidic proteins (WAP) belong to a large gene family of antibacterial
      peptides that perform critical immune system functions. The function of human
      epididymis protein 4 (HE4), a 124-amino acid long polypeptide that has two whey
      acidic protein four-disulfide core (WFDC) domains, is not well studied. Here, a
      fusion gene encoding the HE4 protein fused to an IgG1 Fc domain was constructed.
      The recombinant HE4 protein was expressed as a secretory protein in Pichia
      pastoris and mammalian HEK293-F cells and was subsequently purified. Our data
      suggested that the HE4 protein produced by these two expression systems bound to
      both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, but demonstrated slightly
      inhibitory activity towards the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, HE4
      exhibited proteinase inhibitory activity towards trypsin, elastase, matrix
      metallopeptidase 9, and the secretory proteinases from Bacillus subtilis. The
      effects of glycosylation on the biochemical characterization of HE4 were also
      investigated. LC-ESI-MS glycosylation analysis showed that the high-mannose
      glycosylated form of HE4 expressed by P. pastoris has lower biological activity
      when compared to its complex-glycosylated form produced from HEK293-F cells. The
      implications of this are discussed, which may be provide theoretical basis for
      its important role in the development of cancer and innate immune system. 

PMID- 25131861
TI  - Depression, anxiety and self-care behaviours of young adults with Type 2
      diabetes: results from the International Diabetes Management and Impact for Long
      term Empowerment and Success (MILES) Study.
AB  - AIM: Young adults with Type 2 diabetes have higher physical morbidity and
      mortality than other diabetes sub-groups, but differences in psychosocial
      outcomes have not yet been investigated. We sought to compare depression and
      anxiety symptoms and self-care behaviours of young adults with Type 2 diabetes
      with two matched control groups. METHODS: Using cross-sectional survey data from
      the Australian and Dutch Diabetes Management and Impact for Long-term Empowerment
      and Success (MILES) studies, we matched 93 young adults (aged 18-39 years) with
      Type 2 diabetes (case group) with: (i) 93 older adults ( >= 40 years) with Type 2
      diabetes (Type 2 diabetes control group; matched on country, gender, education,
      diabetes duration and insulin use) and (ii) 93 young adults with Type 1 diabetes
      (Type 1 diabetes control group; matched on country, gender, age and education).
      Groups were compared with regard to depression symptoms (nine-item Patient Health
      Questionnaire), anxiety symptoms (seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder
      questionnaire) and frequency of selected self-care behaviours (single item per
      behaviour). RESULTS: Participants in the case group had higher depression scores
      (Cohen's d = 0.40) and were more likely to have clinically meaningful depressive
      symptoms (Cramer's V = 0.23) than those in the Type 2 diabetes control group.
      Participants in the case group had statistically equivalent depression scores to
      the Type 1 diabetes control group. The groups did not differ in anxiety scores.
      Those in the case group were less likely than both control groups to take insulin
      as recommended (Cramer's V = 0.24-0.34), but there were no significant
      differences between the groups in oral medication-taking. The case group were
      less likely than the Type 2 diabetes control group to eat healthily (Cramer's V =
      0.16), and less likely than the Type 1 diabetes control group to be physically
      active (Cramer's V = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Type 2 diabetes
      is as challenging as Type 1 diabetes for young adults and more so than for older
      adults. Young adults with Type 2 diabetes may require more intensive
      psychological and self-care support than their older counterparts.

PMID- 25131862
TI  - [Carcinoma unknown primary-clinical practice].
AB  - Carcinomas of unknown primary are cancers that are pathologically diagnosed as
      carcinomas based on the findings of metastatic lesion biopsy but in which the
      primary site remains unknown even after thorough and detailed examinations.In the
      clinical setting, pathological diagnosis and diagnostic imaging are very
      important for cases of carcinoma of unknown primary. When examinations do not
      identify the primary tumor, carcinoma cases are treated as carcinoma of unknown
      primary.In clinical practice, it is very important not to miss cases of favorable
      prognosis group, which is 20% of unknown cancer. Recently, microarray studies
      have been performed for cases of carcinoma of unknown primary. 

PMID- 25131863
TI  - [New era of the treatment of CRPC in Japan].
AB  - In Y2014, several new agents targeted to castration resistant(recurrent)prostate
      cancer; CRPC, are approved in Japan. Although such good news comes 2-3 years
      behind Western, it may improve the outcomes of the CRPC patients in Japan. In
      this issue, enzalutamide, abiraterone, and cabazitaxel are discussed by each
      experts from the productive industries. In addition, the experts from urological
      field and medical oncology field describe the role of each discipline. 

PMID- 25131864
TI  - [Enzalutamide-a novel androgen receptor inhibitor that provides treatment options
      for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer].
AB  - The recent emergence of new hormonal or chemotherapeutic drugs has resulted in a
      paradigm shift in the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer(CRPC).
      Enzalutamide is a rationally designed, orally administered androgen
      receptor(AR)inhibitor. It inhibits multiple points in the androgen receptor
      signalling pathway, which is considered an important driver of CRPC, including
      the inhibition of androgen binding to the AR, nuclear translocation of the AR
      complex, and binding of the AR complex to deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA). Unlike
      other anti-androgens(such as bicalutamide), enzalutamide does not act as a
      partial AR agonist. The first in human phase I/II trial was conducted in the
      United States in both chemotherapy-naive patients and postchemotherapy patients
      with progressive metastatic CRPC(mCRPC). The results showed encouraging antitumor
      activity of enzalutamide by considering all outcomes assessed in the trial. The
      first reported phase III trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled, multinational study involving 1,199 patients with mCRPC that
      progressed even after docetaxel therapy(AFFIRM trial). Enzalutamide was
      associated with significant benefits over the placebo considering time-to-event
      outcomes(i.e. prolonged overall survival[OS], delayed time to prostatic specific
      antigen[PSA]progression[TTPP], prolonged radiographic progression free
      survival[rPFS], time to the first skeletal related event[SRE])as well as
      objective response outcomes(i.e. PSA, soft tissue, and quality of life[QOL]). On
      the basis of the AFFIRM results, Astellas and Medivation filed a new drug
      application with the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European
      Medicines Agency in 2012, and obtained their approval. Another phaseI/II
      enzalutamide trial was conducted in both chemotherapy-naive patients and post
      chemotherapy pa- tients with progressive mCRPC. Enzalutamide at a dose of
      160mg/day was well tolerated, and it showed pharmacokinetic characteristics,
      adverse events, and anti-tumor activity profiles similar to that of the non
      Japanese population. On the basis of the results of the studies summarized above,
      a new drug application was submitted to the Ministry of Health, Labour, and
      Welfare of Japan in May 2013 and obtained the approval in Mar 2014. The second
      phase III trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational
      study of 1,717 chemotherapy- naive patients with CRPC(PREVAIL trial). An interim
      analysis recently demonstrated the significant benefits of enzalutamide over the
      placebo considering both OS and rPFS. In light of these results, the Independent
      Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC)advised terminating the study early, and
      suggested treating the patients in the placebo group with enzalutamide. This
      paper reviews the developmental history of enzalutamide, its pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacodynamic characteristics, as well as available efficacy and tolerability
      data yielded in clinical trials of patients with CRPC. 

PMID- 25131865
TI  - [Abiraterone acetate(ZYTIGA(r))-development and literature review].
AB  - Abiraterone acetate(AA)has been approved in more than 80 countries for the
      treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate
      cancer(mCRPC). In July 2013, a marketing approval application for AA was
      submitted to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. AA is a
      selective inhibitor of CYP17A1, a crucial enzyme for androgen biosynthesis. AA
      exerts its anti-tumor activity by directly inhibiting androgen production at all
      three sources, i. e., the testes, adrenal glands, and tumor itself. Data from
      international phase III studies and phase I and II studies in Japan have
      indicated that AA improves the overall survival and quality of life(QoL)of
      patients with mCRPC. Herein, we have summarized the development of AA and the
      results of important international and local clinical trials in Japan. In
      addition, the effect of food on AA bioavailability, concomitant steroid use, and
      liver function test abnormalities have been discussed regarding the appropriate
      use of AA. 

PMID- 25131866
TI  - [Cabazitaxel--a next-generation taxane for the treatment of patients with
      metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer].
AB  - Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease that responds variably to available
      agents, particularly androgen receptor(AR)- targeting agents. In preclinical
      models, cabazitaxel, a second-generation taxane, demonstrated enhanced antitumor
      activity when compared with docetaxel. In subsequent clinical trials, cabazitaxel
      was associated with pharmacokinetic, safety, and tolerability profiles consistent
      with those of previous taxanes. In the pivotal phase III study(TROPIC;
      NCT00417079), cabazitaxel led to significantly improved overall survival in
      patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer(mCRPC), compared
      with mitoxantrone, when both were administered in combination with
      prednisone/prednisolone(median survival: 15.1 months[95%confidence interval(CI):
      14.1-16.3]vs 12.7 months[95% CI: 11.6-13.7], hazard ratio(HR): 0.70[95% CI: 0.59
      0.83], p<0.0001), and it also extended progression-free survival. Furthermore, a
      long-term analysis of the TROPIC trial revealed that the survival benefit with
      cabazitaxel was maintained at 2 years, with 60(15.9%)patients in the cabazitaxel
      group and 31(8.2%)patients in the mitoxantrone group surviving for B2 years(odds
      ratio: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.33-3.33). Cabazitaxel also provides pain palliation
      similar to that provided by using mitoxantrone. The safety profile of cabazitaxel
      is consistent with that of first-generation taxanes, and
      gastrointestinal(predominantly diarrhea)and hematologic(mainly
      neutropenia)adverse events are the most frequently reported. Clinical trial data
      suggest that these events can be managed with careful monitoring and dose
      reduction where necessary. In addition, treatment with granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor(G-CSF)can mitigate hematologic adverse events, whereas
      supportive treatment with antiemetic and antidiarrheal agents may ameliorate
      gastrointestinal symptoms. The treatment paradigm for mCRPC is evolving rapidly
      with the emergence of data for new agents, leading to maximization of patient
      benefits. The proven efficacy and tolerability profiles of cabazitaxel suggest
      the promising role of this agent within this paradigm. 

PMID- 25131867
TI  - [Role of urologists in the era of new treatment modalities for CRPC in Japan].
AB  - New medical treatment modalities for castration resistant prostate cancer(CRPC),
      including hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, will be approved in Japan. Here, we
      discuss the management of these new treatment strategies by urologists. 

PMID- 25131868
TI  - [Roles of medical oncologists in the new era of CRPC therapy in Japan].
AB  - Currently, the standard therapy for advanced prostate cancer is endocrine
      therapy(luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone [LH-RH]agonists alone or LH
      RHagonists plus antiandrogens). However, most patients eventually become
      resistant to these therapies as well as castration therapy. New endocrine
      therapies for castration-resistant prostate cancer(CRPC)have been developed.
      Abiraterone, a CYP17 inhibitor, and enzalutamide, a novel androgen receptor
      antagonist, have been shown to improve the overall survival, and they are set to
      be approved in Japan soon. Moreover, docetaxel and cabazitaxel have been
      established as first- and second-line chemotherapeutic drugs, respectively.
      Although there is currently no established molecular target drug for CRPC, some
      drugs such as cabozantinib seem to be effective, and they may be used in the
      future. In these situations of new drug development, the contribution of medical
      oncologists is predictable. While medical oncologists cannot play central roles
      in all aspects of drug therapy for urological malignancies in Japan, they must
      play roles in certain aspects such as new drug development starting from phase I
      trials, improving multidisciplinary care for adverse events, and promoting
      translational research. 

PMID- 25131869
TI  - [Factors affecting adherence of breast cancer patients to adjuvant hormonal
      therapy and validation of the evaluation method].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The long-term use of hormonal therapy is important for the treatment
      of patients with breast cancer. Therefore, we evaluated the methods used for
      measuring adherence and examined factors that influence compliance. Our goal was
      to improve overall adherence to the treatment. METHODS: Retrospective analyses by
      using electronic medical records and questionnaires were performed on 294
      patients with breast cancer. The patients were classified into 2 groups based on
      the mean number of days when a dose was missed over a period of 28 days: group
      A(range, 0-3 days, n=272)and group B (range, B4 days, n=22). Factors that may
      influence adherence, including age, duration of hormonal therapy, the drug
      administered in hormonal therapy, the surgical method, axillary lymph node
      dissection, and adjuvant chemotherapy, were compared between both groups.
      RESULTS: The adherence rates calculated from electronic medical records and
      questionnaires were similar. The proportion of patients younger than 50 years was
      30% in group A and 50% in group B(p<0.05). Additionally, there was a difference
      in the duration of hormone therapy(752 days vs 981 days in groups A and B,
      respectively; p< 0.05). Additional factors that are related to low-risk cancer
      related procedures, such as breast conserving surgery, may also be linked to poor
      adherence. CONCLUSION: Young age and long duration of hormonal therapy are
      possibly related to poor adherence. Therefore, pharmacists should identify and
      manage these patients to increase adherence.

PMID- 25131870
TI  - [Efficacy and toxicity of pemetrexed monotherapy for previously untreated elderly
      patients with non-squamous cell lung cancer with wild-type(or unknown)EGFR
      status].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy of docetaxel, vinorelbine, or gemcitabine monotherapy in
      previously untreated elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer has been
      reported.Pemetrexed monotherapy has shown clinically equivalent efficacy to
      docetaxel, a standard therapeutic option, in patients with previously treated non
      small cell lung cancer and in those with a lower incidence of toxicity such as
      febrile neutropenia. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the
      efficacy and toxicity of pemetrexed in previously untreated elderly patients with
      non-squamous cell lung cancer and compare the results with those of docetaxel,
      considered a standard chemotherapeutic agent. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed the medical records of patients with non-squamous cell lung cancer with
      wild-type(or unknown)epidermal growth factor receptor status who received
      pemetrexed or docetaxel monotherapy as first-line chemotherapy. RESULTS: We
      analyzed 6 patients with lung adenocarcinoma in the pemetrexed group and 6
      patients with lung adenocarcinoma in the docetaxel group. The median progression
      free survival was 3.6 months for patients receiving pemetrexed and 3.1 months for
      those receiving docetaxel(p=0.45). The median overall survival was 14.8 months in
      the pemetrexed group and 10.9 months in the docetaxel group(p=0.36).Patients who
      received docetaxel were more likely to have grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and febrile
      neutropenia than those receiving pemetrexed.However, 2 patients who received
      pemetrexed showed grade 3 pneumonitis. CONCLUSION: Pemetrexed monotherapy is a
      promising treatment for previously untreated elderly patients with non-squamous
      cell lung cancer.

PMID- 25131871
TI  - [Value of the palliative prognostic index, controlling nutritional status, and
      prognostic nutritional index for objective evaluation during transition from
      chemotherapy to palliative care in cases of advanced or recurrent
      gastrointestinal cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether objective evaluation by using the palliative
      prognostic index(PPI), controlling nutritional status(COUNT), and prognostic
      nutritional index(PNI)can provide prognostic information during the transition
      from chemotherapy to palliative care in patients with advanced or recurrent
      gastrointestinal cancer. METHODS: The subjects were 28 patients with
      gastrointestinal cancer who died of their disease between January 2009 and June
      2012. We compared the PPI, COUNT, and PNI scores between patients who died within
      90 days of completing chemotherapy(Group A, n=14)and patients who survived for 90
      or more days(Group B, n=14). RESULTS: The PPI score for Group A(4.0)was
      significantly higher than that for Group B(0.8)(p<0.001). The COUNT score was
      also significantly higher for Group A(6.3)than for Group B (3.9)(p=0.033). A
      significant difference in survival was evident when the cutoff value for PNI was
      set at 40 in the critical region(68/118, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests
      that the PPI, COUNT, and PNI may be useful for objective evaluation during the
      transition from chemotherapy to palliative care.

PMID- 25131872
TI  - [The efficacy and safety of FOLFIRI or combined FOLFIRI and bevacizumab treatment
      as second-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer patients aged 75
      years and older].
AB  - The safety and efficacy of FOLFIRI as second-line chemotherapy for metastatic
      colorectal cancer patients >= 75 years was retrospectively evaluated. We analyzed
      106 patients, who received FOLFIRI or a combination of FOLFIRI and bevacizumab
      following oxaliplatin-based first-line chemotherapy. The clinical characteristics
      and outcome in elderly patients >=75 years(elderly[EP]group; n=18)were compared
      with those in patients aged<75 years(control group; n=88). The number of patients
      treated by a combination of FOLFIRI and bevacizumab in the EP group was lower
      than that in the control group (27.8% vs 55.7%; p=0.03). The comparison revealed
      no significant differences in response rate, progression-free survival, overall
      survival, and the frequency of overall adverse events after the start of second
      line chemotherapy, although the frequency of anemia(Bgrade 3, p=0.07)and
      alopecia(grade 1/2, p=0.054)tended to be higher in the EP group than in the
      control group. Although this study retrospectively analyzed a limited number of
      patients, our results indicate that the safety and efficacy of FOLFIRI as second
      line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer are almost equal in patients
      >= 75 years and those aged<75 years.

PMID- 25131873
TI  - [Opioid induction using rapid release drugs and the shift to fentanyl patches].
AB  - SUBJECT AND METHODS: From April 2011 to March 2013, 20 patients with cancer pain
      that was not controlled by non-opioid analgesics were treated with a short-acting
      opioid for cancer pain management.The primary carcinoma sites were the stomach(
      n=5), colo-rectum(n=5), lungs(n=3), urinary bladder(n=2), breast(n=2),
      pancreas(n=2), and liver(n=1). The analgesic effects and adverse events were
      evaluated, and a shift to fentanyl patches was made for patients whose cancer
      pain was relieved.After the shift, the efficiency and safety were validated.
      RESULTS: All 6 patients with a numeric rating scale (NRS)less than 5 at the time
      of opioid induction had a good analgesic effect, and in only 1 patient, grade 2
      constipation and grade 3 anorexia was observed.Of the 14 patients who had an NRS
      of 6 or greater, 11 had a good analgesic effect.However, 3 patients experienced
      no effect, and their survival periods after opioid induction were very short.In
      the 11 patients with good pain control, only 3 patients exhibited grade 2 adverse
      events.Nine patients out of 17 with a good analgesic effect caused by short
      acting opioids were shifted to fentanyl patches, and 8 patients were under good
      analgesic control for 2 weeks or more. CONCLUSION: Opioid induction using rapid
      release drugs was effective and safe.However, these drugs should be clinically
      considered at an early stage.Furthermore, in patients where a shift to a fentanyl
      patch was possible, good long-term pain control was achieved.

PMID- 25131874
TI  - [A case of mediastinal growing teratoma syndrome with acute megakaryoblastic
      leukemia].
AB  - We report a case of a 38-year-old man who was diagnosed with a mediastinal germ
      cell tumor. After induction chemotherapy, the tumor marker levels normalized, but
      the tumor itself continued to grow. Surgical resection was performed
      successfully, but the patient developed acute megakaryoblastic leukemia 6 months
      later, and induction and consolidation therapies failed to achieve remission.
      Leukemia cells invaded the central nervous system following hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation, and the patient died 5 months after being diagnosed with
      leukemia. This very rare case of a mediastinal germ cell tumor met the criteria
      for "growing teratoma syndrome", against a background of acute megakaryoblastic
      leukemia. 

PMID- 25131875
TI  - [Myelodysplastic syndrome with rapid disease progression after withdrawal of
      treatment with azacitidine].
AB  - A 73-year-old woman was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS). After 11
      courses of treatment with azacitidine( AZA), her hemoglobin level and platelet
      count improved significantly, and she became transfusion independent. Therefore,
      treatment was discontinued and follow-ups were maintained. Three months later,
      her platelet count reduced again; we therefore treated her again with AZA.
      However, MDS transformed to acute myeloid leukemia in the 14th course, and she
      died 19 months after the initial diagnosis. AZA is an important drug for treating
      MDS, but premature withdrawal of treatment might cause rapid disease progression.
      In case treatment is discontinued, the patient needs to be carefully observed. 

PMID- 25131876
TI  - [Two cases of thymic carcinoid treated with octreotide long-acting repeatable].
AB  - Thymic carcinoid is a rare disease that accounts for 3.1% of thymic tumors and
      1.8-6% of all carcinoid tumors in Japan. Advanced thymic carcinoid has a 5-year
      survival rate of 28-31%.Compared with carcinoid tumors that arise in other
      organs, thyroid carcinoid tumors carry a relatively worse prognosis, and the most
      effective therapeutic strategy is thought to be surgical resection.However, for
      patients with recurrence and distant metastases, multimodal therapy including
      radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy is usually applied.No chemotherapy treatment
      regimen has been established in Japan, although the National Comprehensive Cancer
      Network Guidelines proposed the application of octreotide long-acting
      repeatable(LAR).In this report, we present two cases of thymic carcinoid that
      were treated with octreotide LAR and achieved long-term survival. 

PMID- 25131877
TI  - [A case of gastric adenosquamous carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination in which
      treatment with S-1 plus paclitaxel therapy resulted in improved long-term
      survival].
AB  - Gastric adenosquamous carcinoma is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. We
      recently performed palliative gastrectomy for a gastric adenosquamous carcinoma
      with peritoneal dissemination and provided a course of systemic chemotherapy with
      S-1 plus paclitaxel(PTX)after the surgery. No serious adverse events were
      observed, and treatment with S-1 plus PTX was continued for 1 year before being
      switched to adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 alone for another year. The tumor
      maker levels normalized within 2 months of the initial treatment, and the
      peritoneal dissemination could no longer be detected by abdominal computed
      tomography(CT). The patient remained in clinical remission and maintained long
      term survival of over 8 years. 

PMID- 25131878
TI  - [A patient with paclitaxel hypersensitivity treated with nab-paclitaxel].
AB  - A 63-year-old man with multiple liver metastases from gastric cancer was treated
      with S-1 plus cisplatin; however, the number of multiple liver metastases
      increased. The patient received paclitaxel(PTX)treatment, but a hypersensitivity
      reaction occurred after administering the second dose; therefore, he received
      docetaxel treatment. A hypersensitivity reaction occurred after administering the
      first dose of docetaxel; therefore, he received irinotecan treatment. However,
      irinotecan administration was stopped because of severe diarrhea and weight
      reduction. Subsequently, at the patient's request, nab-PTX treatment was
      initiated by administering a premedication regimen of dexamethasone(8mg)and
      chlorpheniramine(10mg); no hypersensitivity reactions were reported thereafter.
      Nab-PTX is a contraindication; however, it might be possible to use nab-PTX for
      treating patients with PTX hypersensitivity. 

PMID- 25131879
TI  - [A case of complete response to multiple liver metastasis of gastric cancer after
      discontinuation of S-1 administration].
AB  - An 80-year-old man was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer and underwent
      distal gastrectomy. Although the pathological Stage of the cancer was III A, he
      refused adjuvant chemotherapy. One year later, CT revealed multiple liver
      metastases. Therefore, he was started with S-1 administration and a complete
      response was obtained at 10 months after starting S-1 administration. He has
      maintained a complete response for 22 months after S-1 discontinuation. 

PMID- 25131880
TI  - [Successful treatment of advanced sigmoid colon cancer with liver metastases with
      cetuximab monotherapy as first-line treatment-a case report].
AB  - The prognosis for patients diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer with liver
      metastases is poor. Chemotherapy should be administered with caution in such
      patients because of complications due to severe liver dysfunction. We report here
      the successful management of a case of advanced sigmoid colon cancer, with
      icterus due to severe liver metastases, treated with cetuximab as first-line
      therapy. A 72-year-old man presented at our institution with complaints of severe
      general fatigue, tarry stools, and abdominal distention. He was diagnosed with
      advanced sigmoid colon cancer with multiple liver metastases. Clinical
      examination revealed the presence of ascites. The patient had an Eastern
      Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG) performance status(PS)score of 3. A biopsy
      specimen of the primary tumor showed well-moderately differentiated
      adenocarcinoma without KRAS mutation. He was diagnosed with advanced sigmoid
      colon cancer with multiple hepatic metastases. Cetuximab monotherapy was
      initiated as first-line treatment. After 4 courses of cetuximab monotherapy,
      results of laboratory tests showed an improvement, and a computed
      tomography(CT)scan revealed a regression in the size of the liver metastases.
      Because the results of liver function tests and the ECOG PS scores improved, we
      initiated combination chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, Leucovorin,
      oxaliplatin(FOLFOX), and cetuximab. This regimen was well tolerated up to 14
      courses, during which the only adverse reaction reported was a rash of grade 2
      toxicity. Thereafter, disease progression in the form of liver metastases
      resulted in a change in the combination therapy to irinotecan and S-1(IRIS)as
      second-line chemotherapy. Thereafter, irinotecan and panitumumab were
      administered as third-line therapy. The patient continued chemotherapy on an
      outpatient basis; however, he died due to disease progression 18 months after his
      first visit. 

PMID- 25131881
TI  - [A case of post-operative recurrence of pancreatic cancer in the residual
      pancreas treated by resection of the residual pancreas following radiological
      complete response achieved with second-line FOLFIRINOX].
AB  - A 65-year-old woman with carcinoma of the pancreatic body underwent Whipple's
      operation. After surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine alone, and S-1
      combined with gemcitabine was conducted. But one year later, a recurrent tumor
      was detected in the pancreatic tail. We administered FOLFIRINOX treatment for the
      recurrent tumor. After 6 courses, FOLFIRINOX treatment resulted in a partial
      response, and after 9 courses, a radiological complete response was achieved. We
      could then perform total pancreatotectomy and resection of the metastatic liver
      tumor. FOLFIRINOX as a second-line treat- ment was effective and safe in this
      case. In cases of gemcitabine and/or S-1 failure, FOLFIRINOX treatment should be
      considered.

PMID- 25131883
TI  - [A case of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with an adenocarcinoma component
      that dedifferentiated after chemotherapy].
AB  - CASE: A 69-year-old man was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer(well
      differentiated squamous cell carcinoma). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of
      nedaplatin and 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)was initiated. After two courses of
      chemotherapy, the patient was judged to have achieved a clinical complete
      response. The patient then decided against undergoing surgery and opted instead
      to continue with the chemotherapy, receiving five courses in total. However, the
      esophageal cancer recurred, and subtotal esophagectomy was performed in January
      2011. Squamous cell carcinoma with an adenocarcinoma component, which consisted
      of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and tubular adenocarcinoma
      cells, was observed at the primary site. Metastasis of the cancer to the liver
      was detected 2 months after surgery. The subsequent administration of four
      courses of docetaxel to the patient did not result in any beneficial effects, and
      the patient developed carcinomatous pleurisy and died of this complication in
      November 2011. The patient survived for a total of 21 months after starting
      chemotherapy. In this case, the chemotherapy itself may have resulted in the
      dedifferentiation of a well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma to result in a
      poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with an adenocarcinoma component.

PMID- 25131882
TI  - [A case of bleeding stomal varices during the course of oxaliplatin-based
      chemotherapy for recurrent rectal cancer].
AB  - A 51-year-old man with a history of an abdominoperineal resection of the rectum
      and colostomy for rectal cancer underwent chemotherapy for multiple liver
      metastases.Twenty -two courses of the folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)and
      oxaliplatin(FOLFOX4)/bevacizumab(BEV)regimen and 39 courses of 5
      FU/Leucovorin/BEV were administered.Progressive splenomegaly and stomal varices
      were observed during the course of chemotherapy.The patient was admitted due to
      excessive bleeding after colostomy.Angiography revealed bleeding stomal varices
      secondary to portal hypertension.Splenectomy was performed with subsequent
      reduction in the size of the stomal varices and no rebleeding was
      observed.Oxaliplatin -based chemotherapy could lead to hepatic sinusoidal
      dilation and induce splenomegaly and varix formation secondary to portal
      hypertension.Our experience with this case suggests that careful attention should
      be paid to stomal varices in colostomy patients receiving oxaliplatin-based
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 25131884
TI  - [A case of squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple skin successfully treated with S
      1 alone].
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is uncommon, but that of the nipple skin is
      rarer. The effect of chemotherapy in these cases is yet to reach consensus. We
      report a rare case in which primary squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple skin
      was successfully treated with S-1 alone. A 64-year-old woman was admitted to our
      hospital because of a granulomatous tumor mass over the right nipple, which she
      was aware of for 10 years; the tumor showed a rapid increase in growth before
      admission. The tumor was approximately 4 cm at the first visit, and was diagnosed
      as squamous cell carcinoma by incisional biopsy. We administered preoperative
      systemic chemotherapy owing to the presence of metastasis in an axillary lymph
      node. After 2 courses of chemotherapy with oralS -1 at 100mg/day for 28 days
      followed by a 14-day resting period, the primary tumor and metastatic lymph node
      showed a remarkable reduction in size. The patient subsequently underwent a
      radical operation and is currently healthy without any recurrence. 

PMID- 25131886
TI  - A cold-induced myo-inositol transporter-like gene confers tolerance to multiple
      abiotic stresses in transgenic tobacco plants.
AB  - A full length cDNA encoding a myo-inositol transporter-like protein, named as
      MfINT-like, was cloned from Medicago sativa subsp. falcata (herein falcata), a
      species with greater cold tolerance than alfalfa (M. sativa subsp. sativa). MfINT
      like is located on plasma membranes. MfINT-like transcript was induced 2-4 h
      after exogenous myo-inositol treatment, 24-96 h with cold, and 96 h by salinity.
      Given that myo-inositol accumulates higher in falcata after 24 h of cold
      treatment, myo-inositol is proposed to be involved in cold-induced expression of
      MfINT-like. Higher levels of myo-inositol was observed in leaves of transgenic
      tobacco plants overexpressing MfINT-like than the wild-type but not in the roots
      of plants grown on myo-inositol containing medium, suggesting that transgenic
      plants had higher myo-inositol transport activity than the wild-type. Transgenic
      plants survived better to freezing temperature, and had lower ion leakage and
      higher maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv /Fm ) after
      chilling treatment. In addition, greater plant fresh weight was observed in
      transgenic plants as compared with the wild-type when plants were grown under
      drought or salinity stress. The results suggest that MfINT-like mediated
      transport of myo-inositol is associated with plant tolerance to abiotic stresses.

PMID- 25131888
TI  - A systematic review of the demoralization syndrome in individuals with
      progressive disease and cancer: a decade of research.
AB  - CONTEXT: Demoralization can be understood as a condition that results from
      existential conflict. It presents with symptoms of hopelessness and helplessness
      caused by a loss of purpose and meaning in life. It is a significant mental
      health concern given there can be an associated desire for hastened death.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the recent
      empirical evidence on demoralization in patients with progressive disease or
      cancer, including prevalence rates; the relationships between demoralization and
      sociodemographic, disease- and treatment-related, and psychological factors; and
      the psychometric properties of demoralization measures. METHODS: A comprehensive
      literature search using key words and subject headings was performed following
      PRISMA guidelines with nine electronic bibliographic databases, resulting in 25
      studies (33 articles) with a total of 4545 participants reviewed. Full articles
      underwent methodological quality assessment, and correlational information was
      synthesized according to the strength of evidence. RESULTS: The findings suggest
      that demoralization is prevalent in patients with progressive disease or cancer
      and clinically significant in 13%-18%. A range of factors were consistently
      associated with demoralization: poorly controlled physical symptoms, inadequately
      treated depression and anxiety, reduced social functioning, unemployment, and
      single status. The Demoralization Scale has demonstrated good psychometric
      properties across five studies. CONCLUSION: Overall, this systematic review was
      limited by the extent of variability in the characteristics of studies. Patients
      who are single, isolated or jobless, have poorly controlled physical symptoms, or
      have inadequately treated anxiety and depressive disorders are at increased risk
      for demoralization. Clinical recognition of demoralization can trigger more
      focused interventions.

PMID- 25131887
TI  - Limits and responsibilities of physicians addressing spiritual suffering in
      terminally ill patients.
AB  - CONTEXT: Many patients experience spiritual suffering that complicates their
      physical suffering at the end of life. It remains unclear what physicians'
      perceived responsibilities are for responding to patients' spiritual suffering.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate U.S. physician opinions about the impact patients'
      unresolved spiritual struggles have on their physical pain, physicians'
      responsibilities for treating patients' spiritual suffering compared with
      patients' physical pain, and the number of patients in the past 12 months whose
      suffering the physician was unable to relieve to an acceptable point. METHODS:
      The study was based on a mailed survey to 2016 practicing U.S. physicians from
      clinical specialties that care for significant numbers of dying patients.
      RESULTS: Of 1878 eligible physicians, 1156 (62%) responded. Most physicians
      agreed that patients with unresolved spiritual struggles tend to have worse
      physical pain (81%) and that physicians should seek to relieve patients'
      spiritual suffering just as much as patients' physical pain (88%). Compared with
      physicians who strongly disagreed that physicians should seek to relieve
      patients' spiritual suffering just as much as patients' physical pain, those who
      strongly agreed were less likely to report being unable to relieve patients'
      suffering to a point the physician found acceptable (27% vs. 54% reported three
      or more such patients in the previous 12 months, adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] =
      0.3 [0.1, 0.8]). CONCLUSION: Most physicians believe that spiritual suffering
      tends to intensify physical pain and that physicians should seek to relieve such
      suffering. Physicians who believe they should address spiritual suffering just as
      much as physical pain report more success in relieving patient's suffering.

PMID- 25131889
TI  - Screening for depression in advanced disease: psychometric properties,
      sensitivity, and specificity of two items of the Palliative Care Outcome Scale
      (POS).
AB  - CONTEXT: Depression is common among patients with advanced disease but often
      difficult to detect. OBJECTIVES: To assess the Palliative care Outcome Scale
      (POS) (10 items) against the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)-10 total score and
      the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-Depression subscale total score
      and determine if the POS has appropriate items to screen for depression among
      people with advanced disease. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis performed on
      five studies. Four psychometric properties were assessed: data quality, scaling
      assumptions, acceptability, and internal consistency (reliability). Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the area under the
      curve. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, false
      positive and negative rates, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were
      computed. RESULTS: The overall sample had 416 patients from Germany and England:
      144 had cancer and 267 had nonmalignant conditions. Prevalence of depression
      across the sample was 17.5%. Floor and ceiling effects were rare. Cronbach's
      alpha coefficients for POS items 7 and 8 summed, GDS-10 and HADS-Depression items
      varied: 0.61 (heart failure) and 0.80 (cancer). Two items combined (Item 7
      feeling depressed and Item 8-feeling good about yourself) consistently presented
      the highest area under the ROC curve, ranging from 0.76 (95% CI 0.60, 0.93)
      (Germany, lung cancer) to 0.97 (95% CI 0.91, 1.0) (heart failure), highest
      negative predictive value, and lowest false negative rate. For the overall
      sample, the cutoff 2/3 presented a negative predictive value of 89.4% (95% CI
      84.7, 92.8) and false negative rate of 10.6 (95% CI 7.2, 15.3). CONCLUSION: POS
      items 7 and 8 summed are potentially useful to screen for depression in advanced
      disease populations.

PMID- 25131890
TI  - Rapid resolution of refractory chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis with platelet
      gel-released supernatant in a pediatric cancer patient: a case report.

PMID- 25131891
TI  - Avoidable and unavoidable visits to the emergency department among patients with
      advanced cancer receiving outpatient palliative care.
AB  - CONTEXT: Admissions to the emergency department (ED) can be distressing to
      patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care. There is limited
      research about the clinical characteristics of these patients and whether these
      ED visits can be categorized as avoidable or unavoidable. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the frequency of potentially avoidable ED visits (AvEDs) for patients
      with advanced cancer receiving outpatient palliative care in a large tertiary
      cancer center, identify the clinical characteristics of the patients receiving
      palliative care who visited the ED, and analyze the factors associated with AvEDs
      and unavoidable ED visits (UnAvEDs). METHODS: We randomly selected 200 advanced
      cancer patients receiving treatment in the outpatient palliative care clinic of a
      tertiary cancer center who visited the ED between January 2010 and December 2011.
      Visits were classified as AvED (if the problem could have been managed in the
      outpatient clinic or by telephone) or UnAvED. RESULTS: Forty-six (23%) of 200 ED
      visits were classified as AvED, and 154 (77%) of 200 ED visits were classified as
      UnAvED. Pain (71/200, 36%) was the most common chief complaint in both groups.
      Altered mental status, dyspnea, fever, and bleeding were present in the UnAvED
      group only. Infection, neurologic events, and cancer-related dyspnea were
      significantly more frequent in the UnAvED group, whereas constipation and running
      out of pain medications were significantly more frequent in the AvED group (P <
      0.001). In a multivariate analysis, AvED was associated with nonwhite ethnicity
      (odds ratio [OR] 2.66; 95% CI 1.26, 5.59) and constipation (OR 17.08; 95% CI
      3.76, 77.67), whereas UnAvED was associated with ED referral from the outpatient
      oncology or palliative care clinic (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.06, 0.88) and the presence
      of baseline dyspnea (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.21, 0.99). CONCLUSION: Nearly one-fourth
      of ED visits by patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care were
      potentially avoidable. Proactive efforts to improve communication and support
      between scheduled appointments are needed.

PMID- 25131892
TI  - Doctors' decisions when faced with contradictory patient advance directives and
      health care proxy opinion: a randomized vignette-based study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Sometimes a written advance directive contradicts the opinion of a
      health care proxy. How this affects doctors' decision making is unknown.
      OBJECTIVES: To quantify the influence of contradictory instructions on doctors'
      decisions. METHODS: All the generalists and internists in French-speaking
      Switzerland were mailed the questionnaire. Respondents (43.5%) evaluated three
      vignettes that described medical decisions for incapacitated patients. Each
      vignette was produced in four versions: one with an advance directive, one with a
      proxy opinion, one with both, and one with neither (control). In the first
      vignette, the directive and proxy agreed on the recommendation to forgo a medical
      intervention; in the second, the advance directive opposed, but the proxy favored
      the intervention; and in the third, the roles were reversed. Each doctor received
      one version of each vignette, attributed at random. The outcome variables were
      the doctor's decision to forgo the medical intervention and the rating of the
      decision as difficult. RESULTS: Written advance directives and proxy opinions
      significantly influenced doctors' decision making. When both were available and
      concordant, they reinforced each other (odds ratio [OR] of forgoing intervention
      35.7, P < 0.001 compared with no instruction). When the directive and proxy
      disagreed, the resulting effect was to forgo the intervention (ORs 2.1 and 2.2
      for the two discordant vignettes, both P < 0.001). Discordance between
      instructions was associated with increased odds of doctors rating the decision as
      difficult (both ORs 2.0, P <= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Contradictions between advance
      directives and proxy opinions result in a weak preference for abstention from
      treatment and increase the difficulty of the decision.

PMID- 25131893
TI  - Dying in the hospital: what happens and what matters, according to bereaved
      relatives.
AB  - CONTEXT: Most deaths in Western countries occur in hospital, but little is known
      about factors determining the quality of dying (QOD). OBJECTIVES: The aim was to
      assess the QOD in hospital as experienced by relatives and identify factors
      related to QOD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 18 wards of a university
      hospital in The Netherlands was conducted, including relatives of patients who
      died after an admission of more than six hours, from June 2009 to March 2011.
      Relatives' perceptions of QOD and quality of care and the relation between
      dimensions of QOD and overall QOD scores were assessed. RESULTS: Two hundred
      forty-nine relatives participated (51%) and rated overall QOD at 6.3 (SD 2.7;
      range 0-10). According to relatives, patients suffered from 7.0 (SD 5.8) of 22
      symptoms and were at peace with imminent death in 37%. Patients had been aware of
      imminent death in 26%, and relatives were aware in 49%. Furthermore, 39% of
      patients and 50% of relatives had said good-bye, and 77% of patients died in the
      presence of a relative. Symptom alleviation was sufficient in 53%, and in 75%,
      sufficient efforts had been made to relieve symptoms. Characteristics of QOD and
      quality of care could be summarized in nine domains, explaining 34% of the
      variation of QOD scores. Medical, personalized, and supportive care were most
      strongly related to QOD. CONCLUSION: Relatives rated QOD as sufficient. A
      majority of patients and relatives were not sufficiently prepared for imminent
      death, and relatives experienced many problems. QOD appears to be a
      multidimensional construct, strongly affected by medical care and staff
      attentiveness.

PMID- 25131894
TI  - Fipronil and imidacloprid reduce honeybee mitochondrial activity.
AB  - Bees have a crucial role in pollination; therefore, it is important to determine
      the causes of their recent decline. Fipronil and imidacloprid are insecticides
      used worldwide to eliminate or control insect pests. Because they are broad
      spectrum insecticides, they can also affect honeybees. Many researchers have
      studied the lethal and sublethal effects of these and other insecticides on
      honeybees, and some of these studies have demonstrated a correlation between the
      insecticides and colony collapse disorder in bees. The authors investigated the
      effects of fipronil and imidacloprid on the bioenergetic functioning of
      mitochondria isolated from the heads and thoraces of Africanized honeybees.
      Fipronil caused dose-dependent inhibition of adenosine 5'-diphosphate-stimulated
      (state 3) respiration in mitochondria energized by either pyruvate or succinate,
      albeit with different potentials, in thoracic mitochondria; inhibition was
      strongest when respiring with complex I substrate. Fipronil affected adenosine 5'
      triphosphate (ATP) production in a dose-dependent manner in both tissues and
      substrates, though with different sensitivities. Imidacloprid also affected state
      3 respiration in both the thorax and head, being more potent in head pyruvate
      energized mitochondria; it also inhibited ATP production. Fipronil and
      imidacloprid had no effect on mitochondrial state-4 respiration. The authors
      concluded that fipronil and imidacloprid are inhibitors of mitochondrial
      bioenergetics, resulting in depleted ATP. This action can explain the toxicity of
      these compounds to honeybees.

PMID- 25131896
TI  - Tactics for teaching evidence-based practice: improving self-efficacy in finding
      and appraising evidence in a master's evidence-based practice unit.
AB  - This column shares the best evidence-based strategies and innovative ideas on how
      to facilitate the learning of EBP principles and processes by clinicians as well
      as nursing and interprofessional students. Guidelines for submission are
      available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1741-6787. 

PMID- 25131897
TI  - Cascade sensing of gold and thiols with imidazole-bearing functional porphyrins.
AB  - An imidazole-bearing zinc porphyrin (PZn) has been designed for the selective
      detection of Au(3+), and the porphyrin and gold complex (PZn.Au(3+)) can
      additionally be used to identify gold-binding functional groups such as cysteine
      residues and other mercaptans.

PMID- 25131898
TI  - Assisted reproduction: Ethical and legal issues.
AB  - Since inception, the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has been
      accompanied by ethical, legal, and societal controversies. Guidelines have been
      developed to address many of these concerns; however, the rapid evolution of ART
      requires their frequent re-evaluation. We review the literature on ethical and
      legal aspects of ART, highlighting some of the most visible and challenging
      topics. Of specific interest are: reporting of ART procedures and outcomes;
      accessibility to ART procedures; issues related to fertility preservation,
      preimplantation genetic testing, gamete and embryo donation, and reproductive
      outcomes after embryo transfer. Improvements in ART reporting are needed
      nationally and worldwide. Reporting should include outcomes that enable patients
      to make informed decisions. Improving access to ART and optimizing long-term
      reproductive outcomes, while taking into account the legal and ethical
      consequences, are challenges that need to be addressed by the entire community of
      individuals involved in ART with the assistance of bioethicists, legal
      counselors, and members of society in general. 

PMID- 25131899
TI  - Geographical comparisons of information and support needs of Australian women
      following the primary treatment of breast cancer: a 10-year replication study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2002, Raupach and Hiller examined the use of and satisfaction with
      information and support following treatment of breast cancer from a sample of
      participants in South Australia. In 2013 this study was replicated to include
      participants Australia wide and analyse comparisons based on geographical
      location. Statistical comparisons with the original study were also conducted.
      DESIGN: A 10 year replication study using a cross-sectional needs analysis
      survey. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Women aged 18+ years diagnosed with breast
      cancer between 6 and 30 months ago were sourced from two national databases of
      women diagnosed with breast cancer. RESULTS: A total of 325 participants
      completed the survey. The Internet was the most commonly used source of
      information with 70% (n = 229 of 325) of women using the internet for
      information, a statistically significantly higher percentage compared with the
      2002 study. The study found the top four information issues rated as
      moderately/extremely important by women in 2013 were identical in 2002. A
      comparison of sources of support used showed that women in outer regional, remote
      and very remote areas were statistically more likely to use the breast care nurse
      (BCN) for support (P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: The study provides useful, up-to-date
      data about information and support services used by Australian women with breast
      cancer. Comparisons with the earlier study show some of the needs of women have
      changed over time, but others have remained the same. Geographic comparisons
      overall, demonstrate many consistent findings regardless of location, however,
      the important work of the breast care nurse is an area in need of further
      research.

PMID- 25131900
TI  - Effects of salpingectomy and antituberculosis treatments on fertility results in
      patients with genital tuberculosis.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of tubal surgery and
      antituberculosis treatments in patients with genital tuberculosis. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A total of 38 infertile women who had been diagnosed with pelvic
      tuberculosis and who had had laparoscopy and hysteroscopy were recruited into the
      study. All women with female genital tuberculosis were divided into two groups:
      group 1 (salpingectomized, n=21) and group 2 (not salpingectomized, n=15). Both
      of the groups were treated with antitubercular therapy for 6-12 months. RESULTS:
      There was no significant difference in level of gonadotrophins used, estradiol
      levels on human chorionic gonadotrophin day, mean and mature oocytes retrieved,
      mean embryos transferred, or cancellation and fertilization rates. Only the
      number of days of stimulation was statistically significantly higher in group 1
      compared to group 2 (10.4+/-2.3 vs 9.2+/-1.8; P=0.048). Although it did not reach
      the statistically significant level, clinical pregnancy rate was higher in group
      1 (37.5%, 12/32 vs 23.8%, 5/21; P=0.306). Although not statistically significant,
      number of ongoing pregnancies per embryo transfer, spontaneous abortion rates
      before 20 weeks of gestation and take-home baby rates were higher in group 1
      compared to group 2 (15.5%, 12/77 vs 6.6%, 3/45; P=0.150; 28.1%, 9 vs 23.8%, 5;
      P=0.600; 9%, 3 vs 0; P=0.160, respectively). CONCLUSION: Salpingectomy is an
      option for treatment in patients diagnosed with pelvic tuberculosis and
      infertility to improve both clinical pregnancy rates and take-home baby rates in
      patients treated with antituberculosis therapy for 12 months.

PMID- 25131895
TI  - The interferon regulatory factors as novel potential targets in the treatment of
      cardiovascular diseases.
AB  - The family of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) consists of nine members (IRF1
      IRF9) in mammals. They act as transcription factors for the interferons and thus
      exert essential regulatory functions in the immune system and in oncogenesis.
      Recent clinical and experimental studies have identified critically important
      roles of the IRFs in cardiovascular diseases, arising from their participation in
      divergent and overlapping molecular programmes beyond the immune response. Here
      we review the current knowledge of the regulatory effects and mechanisms of IRFs
      on the immune system. The role of IRFs and their potential molecular mechanisms
      as novel stress sensors and mediators of cardiovascular diseases are highlighted.

PMID- 25131902
TI  - Rhizosphere effect and salinity competing to shape microbial communities in
      Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex-Steud.
AB  - Rhizobacterial communities associated with Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex
      Steud. in a hypersaline pond close to Wuliangsuhai Lake (Inner Mongolia - China)
      were investigated and compared with the microbial communities in bulk sediments
      of the same pond. Microbiological analyses have been done by automated ribosomal
      intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) and partial 16S rRNA gene 454 pyrosequencing.
      Although community richness was higher in the rhizosphere samples than in bulk
      sediments, the salinity seemed to be the major factor shaping the structure of
      the microbial communities. Halanaerobiales was the most abundant taxon found in
      all the different samples and Desulfosalsimonas was observed to be present more
      in the rhizosphere rather than in bulk sediment. 

PMID- 25131901
TI  - Burden of epilepsy in rural Kenya measured in disability-adjusted life years.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The burden of epilepsy, in terms of both morbidity and mortality, is
      likely to vary depending on the etiology (primary [genetic/unknown] vs. secondary
      [structural/metabolic]) and with the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). We
      estimated the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and modeled the remission
      rates of active convulsive epilepsy (ACE) using epidemiologic data collected over
      the last decade in rural Kilifi, Kenya. METHODS: We used measures of prevalence,
      incidence, and mortality to model the remission of epilepsy using disease
      modeling software (DisMod II). DALYs were calculated as the sum of Years Lost to
      Disability (YLD) and Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to premature death using the
      prevalence approach, with disability weights (DWs) from the 2010 Global Burden of
      Disease (GBD) study. DALYs were calculated with R statistical software with the
      associated uncertainty intervals (UIs) computed by bootstrapping. RESULTS: A
      total of 1,005 (95% UI 797-1,213) DALYs were lost to ACE, which is 433 (95% UI
      393-469) DALYs lost per 100,000 people. Twenty-six percent (113/100,000/year, 95%
      UI 106-117) of the DALYs were due to YLD and 74% (320/100,000/year, 95% UI 248
      416) to YLL. Primary epilepsy accounted for fewer DALYs than secondary epilepsy
      (98 vs. 334 DALYs per 100,000 people). Those taking AEDs contributed fewer DALYs
      than those not taking AEDs (167 vs. 266 DALYs per 100,000 people). The proportion
      of people with ACE in remission per year was estimated at 11.0% in males and
      12.0% in females, with highest rates in the 0-5 year age group. SIGNIFICANCE: The
      DALYs for ACE are high in rural Kenya, but less than the estimates of 2010 GBD
      study. Three-fourths of DALYs resulted from secondary epilepsy. Use of AEDs was
      associated with 40% reduction of DALYs. Improving adherence to AEDs may reduce
      the burden of epilepsy in this area.

PMID- 25131903
TI  - Appetite predicts mortality in free-living older adults in association with
      dietary diversity. A NAHSIT cohort study.
AB  - This study aimed to assess the predictive ability of appetite for mortality among
      representative free-living Taiwanese older adults. A total of 1856 participants
      aged 65 years or over from the Elderly Nutrition and Health Survey during 1999
      2000 completed an appetite question in a larger questionnaire. Personal
      information was obtained by face-to-face interview at baseline, together with a
      24-hour dietary recall and simplified food frequency questionnaire which provided
      a dietary diversity score and food intake frequency. Survivorship was ascertained
      from the Death Registry until December 31, 2008. Participants with a poor
      appetite had lower dietary diversity scores (DDS) and intake frequencies of meat,
      fish and sea food, egg, vegetable and fruit intake, along with lower energy,
      protein, vitamin B-1, niacin, iron and phosphate intakes. Those who had fair and
      poor appetites had a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with
      good appetite, with hazard ratios (HR) (95% confidence interval, CI) of 1.28
      (1.03-1.58) and 2.27 (1.71-3.02), respectively. After adjustment for confounders,
      the HRs (95% CI) were 1.05 (0.83-1.33) and 1.50 (1.03-2.18), respectively. With
      further adjustment for DDS or general health these HRs became non-significant.
      The joint HR (95% CI) for "DDS <= 4 and poor appetite" was 1.77 (1.04-3.00)
      compared to "DDS > 4 and good appetite" as referent. Poor appetite is associated
      with lower food and nutrient intakes and an independent risk for mortality in
      older Taiwanese. In conclusion, appetite is separate, mediated by general health
      and modulated by dietary quality in its predictive capacity for mortality. 

PMID- 25131904
TI  - Relationship between mouthful volume and number of chews in young Japanese
      females.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Modification of eating behavior in Japan is promoted to prevent
      overweight and obesity, but the effects of such modifications are unclear. This
      study aimed to clarify the inter- and intra-individual relationship between bite
      size and number of chews of food. DESIGN AND METHODS: Subjects comprised of 50
      young healthy Japanese women (mean age 19.5 years). Food materials were boiled
      rice and apple. First, the average bite size and the number of chews per mouthful
      of food were calculated across the study cohort. The number of chews was counted
      by the subjects themselves and then self-reported. Correlation between the
      individual one-bite volume and the number of chews per volume was analyzed using
      Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Second, the number of chews for three
      different sized bites of food (half of one bite, one bite, and one-and-a-half
      bites) were calculated as a prospective observational study. The number of chews
      for each of the three volumes of food was compared using one way ANOVA with
      Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: For both food types, there was a negative
      correlation between individual mouthful volume and number of chews for both food
      materials. The number of chews per volume decreased as bite sizes increased.
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated an inter- and intra-individual relationship
      between bite size and the number of chews and suggested that smaller bite sizes
      were associated with more chews per volume of food.

PMID- 25131905
TI  - Impact of clinical and echocardiographic characteristics on occurrence of cardiac
      events in cardiac amyloidosis as proven by endomyocardial biopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) cardiac
      amyloidosis exhibit worse outcomes than those with transthyretin (TTR) cardiac
      amyloidosis, few data exist regarding the occurrence of cardiac events and the
      echocardiographic indices in endomyocardial biopsy (EMBx) proven amyloidosis.
      METHODS: From November 2007 to October 2012, we identified 33 patients with EMBx
      proven amyloidosis. There were 12 patients (8 men; mean age: 66 years) with AL
      and 21 patients (20 men; mean age: 78 years) with TTR. We performed serial
      echocardiography and observed the patients during follow-up; defining all-cause
      mortality as the primary endpoint and hospitalization for heart failure as the
      secondary endpoint. RESULTS: The survival rates at 12 months were 20.8% and 85.7%
      in AL and TTR, respectively (p<0.001). The cumulative incidences of the composite
      of death or readmission for heart failure at 12 months were 91.7% and 51.3% in AL
      and TTR, respectively (p<0.001). A multivariate analysis showed that the AL type
      amyloid was the powerful predictor of mortality (hazard ratio: 8.50, 95%
      confidence interval: 1.79 to 40.57, p<0.05). Under these conditions, the E/e' in
      AL tended to increase from 23+/-13 to 28+/-11 (p=0.06) with marked increases in B
      type natriuretic peptide (779+/-456 pg/ml to 1576+/-895 pg/ml, p<0.05), although
      these remained unchanged in TTR, which exhibited significantly increased left
      ventricular end-diastolic dimensions from 40+/-4 mm to 42+/-4 mm (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The survival rate was generally worse in AL cardiac amyloidosis,
      although the readmission for heart failure remains high in TTR cardiac
      amyloidosis with the occurrence of left ventricular dilatation.

PMID- 25131906
TI  - A systematic review of clozapine induced cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clozapine is a unique anti-psychotic medication that is most
      effective in the treatment of refractory schizophrenia and reducing suicidality.
      Cardiomyopathy is among the side effects of this medication that limits its use.
      There are a number of case reports, case series and expert opinion papers
      discussing clozapine induced cardiomyopathy, but there is no evidence-based
      review of the subject to guide clinicians. METHODS: We undertook a systematic
      review of the literature on cardiomyopathy associated with clozapine. The primary
      systemic search was in MEDLINE but EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane were searched
      and manufacturers of clozapine were contacted for cases. Articles were then
      individually reviewed to find additional reports. RESULTS: We identified 17
      articles detailing 26 individual cases and 11 additional articles without
      individual case data. The mean age at time of diagnosis was 33.5 years. The mean
      dose of clozapine on presentation was 360 mg. Symptoms developed at an average of
      14.4 months after initiating clozapine. The clinical presentation was generally
      consistent with heart failure: including shortness of breath (60%) and
      palpitations (36%). Echocardiography at presentation showed dilated
      cardiomyopathy in 39% of cases and was not specified in other cases. CONCLUSION:
      There should be a low threshold in performing echocardiography in suspected cases
      of clozapine induced cardiomyopathy. Clozapine should be withheld in the setting
      of cardiomyopathy without other explanation. There is limited data on the safety
      of drug re-challenge in clozapine induced cardiomyopathy. Re-challenge may be
      considered in carefully selected cases but close monitoring and frequent
      echocardiography are required.

PMID- 25131907
TI  - Response to the letter of Mynard and Smolich.

PMID- 25131908
TI  - Retinal vessel analysis and heart rate variability.

PMID- 25131909
TI  - Effectiveness of the combination therapy with lisinopril, ivabradine and
      multivitamin supplementation in anthracycline-induced severe cardiotoxicity.

PMID- 25131910
TI  - Hemoglobin and renal replacement therapy after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery: a
      predictive score from the Cardiac Surgery Registry of Puglia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery is a complication
      influencing postoperative outcome. Preoperative hemoglobin is a predictor of
      postoperative AKI. We aimed to identify preoperative predictors of Renal
      Replacement Therapy (RRT) and to develop a new risk-scoring system including
      hemoglobin to better stratify the risk of events. METHODS: We evaluated 3288
      consecutive patients of the Regional Cardiac Surgery Registry of Puglia operated
      in 2011-2012. Chronic dialysis and renal transplantation patients were excluded.
      Primary outcome was post-operative RRT incidence. RESULTS: The study sample was
      divided in two cohorts: 1642 patients (70 RRT) operated during the year 2011 as
      derivation cohort and 1646 patients (69 RRT) of the year 2012 as validation. In a
      multivariable logistic regression model using a stepwise method, six preoperative
      risk factors were associated with RRT in the derivation cohort: creatinine
      clearance, preoperative hemoglobin, neurological dysfunction, left ventricular
      ejection fraction, urgency and combined procedures (discrimination c-index 0.844
      and 0.818 in the validation cohort). Scoring system included risk factors
      obtained from derivation cohort adjusting their relative weight with updated
      rounded coefficients in the validation cohort: creatinine clearance<50ml/min (1
      point), hemoglobin<=12.5g/dl (1 point), left ventricular ejection fraction<=30%
      (1 point), urgent operation (1 point), emergency-salvage surgery (2 points), and
      combined procedures (1 point). In both cohorts, outcomes were strongly correlated
      with score points. CONCLUSIONS: Our simple bedside prognostic score demonstrates
      good performance in predicting RRT. Hemoglobin plays an important role and future
      studies will clarify if preoperative anemia correction will lead to decreased RRT
      risk.

PMID- 25131911
TI  - Postconditioning or preconditioning, which should be promoted for protecting from
      ischemic reperfusion injury? Response to letter IJC-D-14-02875.

PMID- 25131912
TI  - ERBB1/EGFR and ERBB2 (HER2/neu)--targeted therapies in cancer and cardiovascular
      system with cardiovascular drugs.

PMID- 25131913
TI  - Detailed-comparison of average journal-impact-factors of oral and poster
      abstracts presented at scientific-session that achieved publication at 2009
      Radiological-Society of North-America Scientific-Assembly and Annual Meeting
      including cardiac-session.

PMID- 25131914
TI  - Lead extraction in a young girl with dehiscence of a pacemaker implanted in the
      subpectoral region.

PMID- 25131915
TI  - Assessment of the source of ischemic cerebrovascular events in patients with
      Chagas disease.

PMID- 25131916
TI  - Assessment of left coronary artery-to-left ventricle fistulae with left
      ventricular non-compaction by multimodality imaging in a child.

PMID- 25131917
TI  - Tacrolimus-induced left ventricular apical hypertrophy in a patient with post
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 25131918
TI  - Inverse relationship between raft LRP1 localization and non-raft ERK1,2/MMP9
      activation in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: potential impact in ventricular
      remodeling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) is characterized by adverse
      ventricular remodeling attributed to altered activity of extracellular matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP). MMP overactivation is linked to changes in extracellular
      signal-regulated kinases (ERK), reportedly modulated by the low-density
      lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) receptor. The aim of this work was
      to compare the levels, membrane distribution and interactions of LRP1, ERK1,2 and
      MMP2/9 in control and IDCM myocardium. METHODS: Left ventricle samples from IDCM
      patients and control subjects were collected to analyze gene and protein
      expression by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Fractions enriched in
      cholesterol, Flotillin-1 and Caveolin-3 (rafts) were isolated from the remaining
      membrane (non-rafts) by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. We assessed the
      formation of LRP1-ERK1,2 complexes and MMP activity by immunoprecipitation and
      zymography, respectively. RESULTS: In control myocardium, LRP1 was exclusively
      found in non-rafts while activation of ERK1,2 was preferentially detected in
      rafts. LRP1/p-ERK1,2 complexes were almost undetectable in rafts and non-rafts.
      In contrast, in IDCM myocardium, LRP1 moved to rafts and ERK1,2 activation was
      found in raft and non-raft fractions. Moreover, LRP1/p-ERK1,2 complexes were also
      found in both membrane fractions, although the amount was higher in non-rafts
      where MMP9 overactivation was exclusively detected. CONCLUSIONS: The presented
      findings demonstrate a differential membrane compartmentalisation of ERK
      signaling in IDCM myocardium. The movement of LRP1 to rafts and the concomitant
      increase in non-raft-related ERK1,2/MMP9 activation may have crucial clinical
      implications in the progression of disease.

PMID- 25131919
TI  - Cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive patients newly prescribed perindopril
      vs. lisinopril: a 5-year cohort study of 15,622 Chinese subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perindopril and lisinopril are two common ACE inhibitors prescribed
      for management of hypertension. Few studies have evaluated their comparative
      effectiveness to reduce mortality. This study compared the all-cause and
      cardiovascular related mortality among patients newly prescribed ACE inhibitors.
      METHODS: All adult patients newly prescribed perindopril or lisinopril from 2001
      to 2005 in all public clinics or hospitals in Hong Kong were retrospectively
      evaluated, and followed up until 2010. Patients prescribed the ACE inhibitors for
      less than a month were excluded. The all-cause mortality and cardiovascular
      specific (i.e. coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke) mortality were
      compared. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to assess the
      mortality, controlling for age, sex, socioeconomic status, patient types, the
      presence of comorbidities, and medication adherence as measured by the proportion
      of days covered. An additional model using propensity scores was performed to
      minimize indication bias. RESULTS: A total of 15,622 patients were included in
      this study, in which 6910 were perindopril users and 8712 lisinopril users. The
      all-cause mortality (22.2% vs. 20.0%, p<0.005) and cardiovascular mortality (6.5%
      vs. 5.6%, p<0.005) were higher among lisinopril users than perindopril users.
      From regression analyses, lisinopril users were 1.09-fold (95% C.I. 1.01-1.16)
      and 1.18-fold (95% C.I. 1.02-1.35) more likely to die from any-cause and
      cardiovascular diseases, respectively. Age-stratified analysis showed that this
      significant difference was observed only among patients aged >70 years. The
      additional models controlled for propensity scores yielded comparable results.
      CONCLUSIONS: The long-term all-cause and cardiovascular related mortality rates
      of lisinopril users was significantly different from those of perindopril users.
      These findings showed that intra-class variation on mortality exists among ACE
      inhibitors among those aged 70 years or older. Future studies should consider a
      longer, large-scale randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness
      between different medications in the ACEI class, especially among the elderly.

PMID- 25131921
TI  - Cancer multidrug resistance-targeted therapy in both cancer and cardiovascular
      system with cardiovascular drugs.

PMID- 25131920
TI  - Three-dimensional aortic root reconstruction derived from rotational angiography
      for transcatheter balloon-expandable aortic valve implantation guidance.

PMID- 25131922
TI  - Inferior vena cava filters in the United States: less is more.
AB  - Despite the widespread use of Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters, there is no
      quality evidence to demonstrate their efficacy for routine use, nor there is a
      consensus on their appropriate indications among major medical societies. The
      introduction of retrievable filters led to further increase in the utilization of
      these devices. However, several studies have shown that retrievable filters are
      rarely retrieved. The implant rates of IVC filters are many folds higher in the
      United States than in Europe, yet the retrieval rates are much lower. The U.S.
      Food and Drug Administration has recently issued a safety alert advocating for
      consideration of filter retrieval when the protection offered by the filter is no
      longer needed. The controversies surrounding IVC filter placement and retrieval,
      however, will likely to continue in the absence of good evidence on their
      efficacy and side effects. Time has come for initiatives to conduct well designed
      trials based on agreed-upon criteria to settle this debate. 

PMID- 25131923
TI  - PTX3: a modulator of human coronary plaque vulnerability acting by macrophages
      type 2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is related to a diffuse active
      inflammation of the coronary tree associated with rupture of one of the multiple
      vulnerable plaques. The presence of soluble mediators of inflammation with their
      synergic or antagonistic actions coordinates the physiological response
      determining the plaque fate and the fatal event. The present study focus on the
      cytokines network operating in human coronary plaques of patients died from AMI
      and controls, pointing out that coronaries of AMI patients produce PTX3 protein
      twice as that of controls and express high level of PTX3 mRNA. RESULTS: The
      presence of CX3CR1 polymorphisms is significantly correlated with the incidence
      and the outcome of acute myocardial infarction inducing in the whole coronary
      tree a strong recruitment of Th1 polarized inflammation that is directly
      correlated to PTX3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Moreover we found a positive
      correlation between the expression of PTX3 in the plaque and the content of
      macrophage cells showing a M2 polarization indicating the possible role of this
      chemokine as mediator of immune response that would orchestrate plaque evolution
      and inflammatory cell type activation.

PMID- 25131924
TI  - MicroRNA-29b promotes high-fat diet-stimulated endothelial permeability and
      apoptosis in apoE knock-out mice by down-regulating MT1 expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-fat diet has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular
      diseases which is implicated in atherosclerosis. However, the underlying
      mechanisms remain unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNAs that
      control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Dysregulated miRNAs
      have been shown to be involved in atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: This
      study examined whether microRNA-29b (miR-29b) regulates high-fat diet induced
      endothelial permeability and apoptosis by targeting MT1, a known melatonin
      membrane receptor. In apoE knock-out mice, a high-fat diet increased miR-29b
      expression and induced apoptosis as determined by up-regulation of caspase-3
      activity. However, a standard diet did not alter apoptosis. miR-29b antagomir
      decreased endothelial permeability and apoptosis in high-fat diet-stimulated
      mice. In contrast, a miR-29b mimic enhanced endothelial permeability and
      apoptosis. The induction of miR-29b correlated with a reduction in Bcl-2 and MT1
      in high-fat diet-stimulated mice. miR-29b have an effect on the marker of
      inflammation (NF-kappaB) and cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1). We further showed
      that miR-29b targeted and inhibited MT1 expression through a target site located
      in the 3'un-translational region of MT1 mRNA. This study demonstrates a role of
      miR-29b in atherosclerosis and identifies MT1 as a direct target of miR-29b.
      CONCLUSIONS: The effect of miR-29b on endothelial permeability and apoptosis is
      mediated through the down-regulation of MT1. Thus, miR-29b may be a new
      therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.

PMID- 25131925
TI  - Resource use and cost implications of implementing a heart failure program for
      patients with systolic heart failure in Swedish primary health care.
AB  - AIM: Heart failure (HF) is a common but serious condition which involves a
      significant economic burden on the health care economy. The purpose of this study
      was to evaluate cost and quality of life (QoL) implications of implementing a HF
      management program (HFMP) in primary health care (PHC). METHODS AND RESULTS: This
      was a prospective randomized open-label study including 160 patients with a
      diagnosis of HF from five PHC centers in south-eastern Sweden. Patients
      randomized to the intervention group received information about HF from HF nurses
      and from a validated computer-based awareness program. HF nurses and physicians
      followed the patients intensely in order to optimize HF treatment according to
      current guidelines. The patients in the control group were followed by their
      regular general practitioner (GP) and received standard treatment according to
      local management routines. No significant changes were observed in NYHA class and
      quality-adjusted life years (QALY), implying that functional class and QoL were
      preserved. However, costs for hospital care (HC) and PHC were reduced by EUR
      2167, or 33%. The total cost was EUR 4471 in the intervention group and EUR 6638
      in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Introducing HFMP in Swedish PHC in patients
      with HF entails a significant reduction in resource utilization and costs, and
      maintains QoL. Based on these results, a broader implementation of HFMP in PHC
      may be recommended. However, results should be confirmed with extended follow-up
      to verify long-term effects.

PMID- 25131926
TI  - Superior vena cava obstruction as late complication of biventricular pacemaker
      implantation: surgical replacement of the malfunctioning previous leads.

PMID- 25131927
TI  - Assessment of coronary collateral artery by CT angiography in patients with ST
      elevation acute myocardial infarction.

PMID- 25131928
TI  - Severe autonomic failure as a predictor of mortality in aortic valve stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of new risk markers in aortic valve stenosis (AS) is
      of great interest. Here, we hypothesized that the presence of severe autonomic
      failure (SAF) is an important prognostic marker in both, symptomatic patients
      undergoing invasive treatment for severe AS, and in asymptomatic patients with
      severe AS who were primarily treated conservatively. METHODS: We prospectively
      enrolled 300 patients with severe AS (aortic valve area<1.0 cm2 or mean aortic
      gradient>40 mmHg) in sinus rhythm. All patients underwent a 24-h Holter recording
      for assessment of heart rate turbulence (HRT) and deceleration capacity (DC).
      Patients with both, abnormal DC and HRT were considered to suffer from SAF.
      RESULTS: The first hypothesis was tested in 216 symptomatic patients who
      underwent successful aortic valve replacement (AVR) or transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation (TAVI). During follow-up of 2 years, 29 of these patients died. SAF
      was the strongest independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 5.6, 95%
      confidence interval 2.6-12.0; p<0.001) with 2-year mortality rates of 50.0% and
      10.7% in SAF-positive and SAF-negative patients, respectively (p<0.001). The
      second hypothesis was tested in 71 patients, who were asymptomatic at study entry
      and for whom a primarily conservative treatment strategy was proposed. During
      follow-up, 10 of these patients died. SAF also predicted death in asymptomatic
      patients with 2-year mortality rates of 52.4% and 8.7% in SAF-positive and SAF
      negative patients, respectively (p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS: SAF is a strong and
      independent predictor of mortality in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with
      severe AS.

PMID- 25131929
TI  - Localization of amyloid beta (Abeta1-42) protofibrils in membrane lateral
      compartments: effect of cholesterol and 7-Ketocholesterol.
AB  - Cholesterol plays an important role in the interaction of Alzheimer's amyloid
      beta (Abeta) with cell membranes, an important event in Abeta-induced
      cytotoxicity. However, it is not fully understood how cholesterol influences the
      association of Abeta with membrane lateral compartments. We have shown that by
      modulating membrane fluidity, cholesterol decreased peptide localization in solid
      ordered domains and increased that in liquid-ordered domains. It changed the
      amount of Abeta associating with liquid-disordered (Ld) phase with different
      tendencies depending on the composition of heterogeneous membrane systems. 7
      Ketocholesterol, an oxidized derivative of cholesterol, majorly enhanced the
      fluidity of and Abeta interaction with Ld phase. These findings are useful for
      clarifying the impact of cholesterol and its oxidation in Abeta-induced toxicity.

PMID- 25131931
TI  - MiR-605 represses PSMD10/Gankyrin and inhibits intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
      cell progression.
AB  - The aberrant expression of PSMD10 has important functions in various
      malignancies. This study showed that PSMD10 was highly expressed and inversely
      correlated with the expression of miR-605 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
      (ICC) specimens. MiR-605 directly targeted and repressed PSMD10 expression. In
      addition, over-expression of miR-605 inhibited ICC cell progression both in vitro
      and in vivo. This effect of miR-605 on ICC cells was similar to that of PSMD10
      knock-down by RNAi. Moreover, restoration of PSMD10 could reverse the phenotypic
      alteration caused by miR-605 in ICC cells. These results suggest a new
      therapeutic strategy in ICC by restoring miR-605, which is regulated by p53. 

PMID- 25131930
TI  - Hepatitis C virus core protein enhances HIV-1 replication in human macrophages
      through TLR2, JNK, and MEK1/2-dependent upregulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6.
AB  - Despite their differential cell tropisms, HIV-1 and HCV dramatically influence
      disease progression in coinfected patients. Macrophages are important target
      cells of HIV-1. We hypothesized that secreted HCV core protein might modulate HIV
      1 replication. We demonstrate that HCV core significantly enhances HIV-1
      replication in human macrophages by upregulating TNF-alpha and IL-6 via TLR2-,
      JNK-, and MEK1/2-dependent pathways. Furthermore, we show that TNF-alpha and IL-6
      secreted from HCV core-treated macrophages reactivates monocytic U1 cells
      latently infected with HIV-1. Our studies reveal a previously unrecognized role
      of HCV core by enhancing HIV-1 infection in macrophages.

PMID- 25131932
TI  - Paired related homeobox protein-like 1 (Prrxl1) controls its own expression by a
      transcriptional autorepression mechanism.
AB  - The homeodomain factor paired related homeobox protein-like 1 (Prrxl1) is crucial
      for proper assembly of dorsal root ganglia (DRG)-dorsal spinal cord (SC) pain
      sensing circuit. By performing chromatin immunoprecipitation with either
      embryonic DRG or dorsal SC, we identified two evolutionarily conserved regions
      (i.e. proximal promoter and intron 4) of Prrxl1 locus that show tissue-specific
      binding of Prrxl1. Transcriptional assays confirm the identified regions can
      mediate repression by Prrxl1, while gain-of-function studies in Prrxl1 expressing
      ND7/23 cells indicate Prrxl1 can down-regulate its own expression. Altogether,
      our results suggest that Prrxl1 uses distinct regulatory regions to repress its
      own expression in DRG and dorsal SC.

PMID- 25131933
TI  - A screen in mice uncovers repression of lipoprotein lipase by microRNA-29a as a
      mechanism for lipid distribution away from the liver.
AB  - Identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate lipid metabolism is important
      to advance the understanding and treatment of some of the most common human
      diseases. In the liver, a few key miRNAs have been reported that regulate lipid
      metabolism, but since many genes contribute to hepatic lipid metabolism, we
      hypothesized that other such miRNAs exist. To identify genes repressed by miRNAs
      in mature hepatocytes in vivo, we injected adult mice carrying floxed Dicer1
      alleles with an adenoassociated viral vector expressing Cre recombinase
      specifically in hepatocytes. By inactivating Dicer in adult quiescent hepatocytes
      we avoided the hepatocyte injury and regeneration observed in previous mouse
      models of global miRNA deficiency in hepatocytes. Next, we combined gene and
      miRNA expression profiling to identify candidate gene/miRNA interactions involved
      in hepatic lipid metabolism and validated their function in vivo using antisense
      oligonucleotides. A candidate gene that emerged from our screen was lipoprotein
      lipase (Lpl), which encodes an enzyme that facilitates cellular uptake of lipids
      from the circulation. Unlike in energy-dependent cells like myocytes, LPL is
      normally repressed in adult hepatocytes. We identified miR-29a as the miRNA
      responsible for repressing LPL in hepatocytes, and found that decreasing hepatic
      miR-29a levels causes lipids to accumulate in mouse livers. CONCLUSION: Our
      screen suggests several new miRNAs are regulators of hepatic lipid metabolism. We
      show that one of these, miR-29a, contributes to physiological lipid distribution
      away from the liver and protects hepatocytes from steatosis. Our results,
      together with miR-29a's known antifibrotic effect, suggest miR-29a is a
      therapeutic target in fatty liver disease.

PMID- 25131935
TI  - In vitro combined treatment with cetuximab and trastuzumab inhibits growth of
      colon cancer cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Overexpression or constitutive activation of epidermal growth factor
      receptors (EGFR) is involved in growth of human cancers. We investigated effects
      of EGFR and HER-2 blockade in colon cancer cell lines using cetuximab and
      trastuzumab, with the aim of developing novel approaches to cancer therapy.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied effects of treatment on cell growth, cell cycle
      distribution, induction of apoptosis, changes in EGFR and HER-2 mRNA-protein
      expression and EGFR and HER-2 gene copy number in Caco-2, HT-29 and HCT-116
      cells. RESULTS: Treatment of cells resulted in no effect in one of the three cell
      lines and in inhibition of cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent
      manner in the other two, with modulation of EGFR and HER-2 mRNA and protein
      levels. Differences in sensitivity to cetuximab and trastuzumab were observed.
      Treatment induced specific changes in cell cycle distribution in both cell lines
      affected, while apoptosis was not increased. Fluorescence in situ hybridization
      analysis revealed abnormal copy number of two genes resulting from aneuploidy;
      this was not responsible for different sensitivity to combination between the two
      cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting EGFR and HER-2 simultaneously could have
      useful applications in colorectal cancer treatment. To improve pharmacological
      efficacy of cetuximab and trastuzumab combination, molecular mechanisms involved
      in their activity need to be elucidated.

PMID- 25131937
TI  - Protective effect of the herbal preparation, STW 5, against intestinal damage
      induced by gamma radiation in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: STW 5 (marketed as Iberogast((r)), Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH,
      Darmstadt, Germany) is a herbal preparation reported to possess anti-inflammatory
      properties and antioxidant activity. We investigated the effect of STW 5 against
      intestinal injury induced after whole body exposure to ionizing radiation (IR).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intestinal mucositis was induced in rats by irradiation at
      a level of 6 Gy. STW 5 (5 ml/kg) was delivered orally for 5 days before
      irradiation and 2 days after. Rats were sacrificed, jejunum homogenates were
      tested to assess biochemical parameters indicating intestinal injury and jejunum
      segments were exposed to semi-quantitative histological examination. RESULTS: IR
      led to an increase in overall damage severity (ODS) score associated with a
      significant rise in tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances (TBARS) by 46% and 50% (p <= 0.05), respectively, whereas the
      reduced glutathione (GSH), sucrase and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities
      were significantly decreased by 68%, 76% and 25% (p <= 0.05), respectively, in
      intestinal homogenates. IR led to a reduction of plasma citrulline. Pre-treatment
      with STW 5 guarded against the changes in ODS score and in all parameters
      measured. CONCLUSION: Pre-treatment with STW 5 has the potential to decrease the
      severity of radiation-induced mucositis.

PMID- 25131934
TI  - Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells into the renal medulla attenuated salt
      sensitive hypertension in Dahl S rat.
AB  - Adult stem cell deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenic mechanism for
      various diseases. Renal medullary dysfunction is one of the major mechanisms for
      the development of hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rats. The present
      study first detected a stem cell deficiency in the renal medulla in Dahl S rats
      and then tested the hypothesis that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSCs) into the renal medulla improves salt-sensitive hypertension in Dahl S
      rats. Immunohistochemistry and flowcytometry analyses showed a significantly
      reduced number of stem cell marker CD133+ cells in the renal medulla from Dahl S
      rats compared with controls, suggesting a stem cell deficiency. Rat MSCs or
      control cells were transplanted into the renal medulla in uninephrectomized Dahl
      S rats, which were then treated with a low- or high-salt diet for 20 days. High
      salt-induced sodium retention and hypertension was significantly attenuated in
      MSC-treated rats compared with control cell-treated rats. Meanwhile, high-salt
      induced increases of proinflammatory factors, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,
      and interleukin-1beta, in the renal medulla were blocked by MSC treatment.
      Furthermore, immunostaining showed that high-salt-induced immune cell
      infiltration into the renal medulla was substantially inhibited by MSC treatment.
      These results suggested that stem cell defect in the renal medulla may contribute
      to the hypertension in Dahl S rats and that correction of this stem cell defect
      by MSCs attenuated hypertension in Dahl S rats through anti-inflammation. KEY
      MESSAGE: Stem cell defect in the renal medulla may contribute to salt-sensitive
      hypertension Stem cell therapy is a potential therapeutic strategy for salt
      sensitive hypertension Normal stem cell inhibits the inflammatory response to
      high salt in the renal medulla.

PMID- 25131938
TI  - Understanding key influencers' attitudes and beliefs about healthy public policy
      change for obesity prevention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: As overweight and obesity is a risk factor for chronic diseases, the
      development of environmental and healthy public policy interventions across
      multiple sectors has been identified as a key strategy to address this issue.
      METHODS: In 2009, a survey was developed to assess the attitudes and beliefs
      regarding health promotion principles, and the priority and acceptability of
      policy actions to prevent obesity and chronic diseases, among key policy
      influencers in Alberta and Manitoba, Canada. Surveys were mailed to 1,765 key
      influencers from five settings: provincial government, municipal government,
      school boards, print media companies, and workplaces with greater than 500
      employees. A total of 236 surveys were completed with a response rate of 15.0%.
      RESULTS: Findings indicate nearly unanimous influencer support for individual
      focused policy approaches and high support for some environmental policies.
      Restrictive environmental and economic policies received weakest support. Obesity
      was comparable to smoking with respect to perceptions as a societal
      responsibility versus a personal responsibility, boding well for the potential of
      environmental policy interventions for obesity prevention. CONCLUSIONS: This
      level of influencer support provides a platform for more evidence to be brokered
      to policy influencers about the effectiveness of environmental policy approaches
      to obesity prevention.

PMID- 25131940
TI  - DFT investigation of the mechanism of E/Z isomerization of nitrones.
AB  - The hitherto unknown mechanism of E/Z isomerization of nitrones, with important
      implications in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition chemistry, has been investigated using
      density functional theory calculations. Unimolecular and bimolecular processes
      have also been considered. Both concerted and stepwise mechanisms involving
      either zwitterionic or diradical species have been studied. The unimolecular
      torsional mechanism and isomerization through intermediate oxaziridines present
      energy barriers too high to justify the observed experimental results. Several
      bimolecular processes involving an initial dimerization are possible. Among them,
      the concerted process can be discarded in terms of energy barrier. Zwitterionic
      intermediates are too high in energy to be considered. From the two possible
      diradical approaches consisting of either C-O or C-C coupling, the latter is the
      most favored. Thus, the mechanism of E/Z isomerization of nitrones proceeds via a
      diradical bimolecular process involving an initial dimerization through a C-C
      coupling followed by a dedimerization, with energy barriers for the rate-limiting
      step of 29.9 kcal/mol for C-methyl nitrones and 25.8 kcal/mol for C
      (methoxycarbonyl) nitrones. These values are in very good agreement with the
      experimental data previously measured through kinetic experiments. 

PMID- 25131939
TI  - The implementation of a protocol promoting the safe practice of brain death
      determination.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to describe the implementation of measures
      introduced in Israel in 2009 to promote the safe practice of brain death
      determination (BDD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The measures require (1) physicians
      to undergo a mandatory training course, (2) the mandatory performance of an
      ancillary test, and (3) retrospective examination of all BDD forms by an
      independent committee. Any deviations from practice parameters were noted.
      Surveys were also undertaken to assess (i) the attitude of local physicians to
      the measures and (ii) whether similar measures are in place in Europe and whether
      they were considered necessary. RESULTS: After implementation, the measures
      resulted in the absence of deviations from practice parameters over time. A
      majority of local physician (n = 64) felt the measures added a sense of security
      to BDD (73%) and ensured its proper performance (85%). The European survey (n =
      20 countries) revealed (1) specialized BDD training is required in 60%, provided
      in 50%, while felt necessary by 80%; (2) independent supervision of BDD is
      performed in only one other country; and (3) BDD is performed country-wide using
      the same criteria in 80% while felt necessary by 95%. CONCLUSION: The measures
      were successfully implemented, reduced diversity in patient testing, and
      positively accepted by local physicians. Wider application of the measures may be
      appropriate as suggested by the results of a European survey and the variability
      of BDD reported in the literature.

PMID- 25131941
TI  - High prevalence of early hypothalamic-pituitary damage in childhood brain tumor
      survivors: need for standardized follow-up programs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Childhood brain tumor survivors (CBTS) are at increased risk to
      develop endocrine disorders. Alerted by two cases who experienced delay in
      diagnosis of endocrine deficiencies within the first 5 years after brain tumor
      diagnosis, our aim was to investigate the current screening strategy and the
      prevalence of endocrine disorders in survivors of a childhood brain tumor outside
      of the hypothalamic-pituitary region, within the first 5 years after diagnosis.
      PROCEDURES: Firstly, we performed a retrospective study of 47 CBTS treated in our
      center, diagnosed between 2008 and 2012. Secondly, the literature was reviewed
      for the prevalence of endocrine disorders in CBTS within the first 5 years after
      diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 47 CBTS eligible for evaluation, in 34% no endocrine
      parameters had been documented at all during follow up. In the other 66%,
      endocrine parameters had been inconsistently checked, with different parameters
      at different time intervals. In 19% of patients an endocrine disorder was found.
      At literature review 22 studies were identified. The most common reported
      endocrine disorder within the first 5 years after diagnosis was growth hormone
      deficiency (13-100%), followed by primary gonadal dysfunction (0-91%) central
      hypothyroidism (0-67%) and primary/subclinical hypothyroidism (range 0-64%).
      CONCLUSION: Endocrine disorders are frequently seen within the first 5 years
      after diagnosis of a childhood brain tumor outside of the hypothalamic-pituitary
      region. Inconsistent endocrine follow up leads to unnecessary delay in diagnosis
      and treatment. Endocrine care for this specific population should be improved and
      standardized. Therefore, high-quality studies and evidence based guidelines are
      warranted.

PMID- 25131942
TI  - Foetal exposure to maternal depression predicts cortisol responses in infants:
      findings from rural South India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal depression during pregnancy is associated with an increased
      risk of adverse child outcomes. One potential mechanism is the influence of
      antenatal depression on the foetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This can
      be observed as disturbances in baseline cortisol secretion during childhood. The
      influence of antenatal depression on infant cortisol reactivity to a stressor may
      provide further insight into this association. In addition, the dose-response
      relationship between foetal exposure to antenatal depression and infant cortisol
      reactivity is unclear. METHODS: A consecutive sample of 133 pregnant women in
      their third trimester was recruited from an antenatal clinic in Karnataka, South
      India. Women were assessed for depression before and after birth on the Edinburgh
      Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Kessler 10 Scale. Salivary cortisol
      response to immunization was measured in 58 infants at 2 months of age. We aimed
      (i) to investigate the association between antenatal depression and infant
      cortisol reactivity to immunization and (ii) to explore whether the relationship
      is dose-dependent. RESULTS: Exposure to antenatal depression independently
      predicted elevated infant cortisol responses to immunization (beta = 0.53, P =
      0.04). The association was found to be U-shaped, for antenatal depression
      measured on the EPDS, with the infants exposed to the highest and lowest levels
      of maternal antenatal EPDS scores during intra-uterine life showing elevated
      cortisol responses to immunization (R(2) = 0.20, P = 0.02). Infants exposed to
      moderate levels of maternal antenatal depression showed the lowest cortisol
      response to immunization. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the
      association between antenatal depression and infant cortisol reactivity is dose
      dependent and U-shaped, implying that infants exposed to both low and high levels
      of maternal depression showed greater reactivity. The study provides the first
      evidence of such an association from a low-income setting.

PMID- 25131944
TI  - Clinical Neuropathology image 5-2014: alpha-synuclein pathology in the ependyma
      in Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 25131945
TI  - Detection of disease-associated alpha-synuclein in the cerebrospinal fluid: a
      feasibility study.
AB  - With the aim to evaluate the significance and reliability of detecting disease
      specific alpha-synuclein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) we developed an ELISA
      and bead-assay. We used a commercial antibody (5G4) that does not bind to the
      physiological monomeric form of alpha-synuclein, but is highly specific for the
      disease-associated forms, including high molecular weight fraction of beta-sheet
      rich oligomers. We applied both tests in CSF from a series of neuropathologically
      confirmed alpha-synucleinopathy cases, including Parkinson' disease dementia
      (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) (n = 7), as well as Alzheimer' disease
      (n = 6), and control patients without neurodegenerative pathologies (n = 9).
      Disease-specific alpha-synuclein was detectable in the CSF in a subset of
      patients with alpha-synuclein pathology in the brain. When combined with the
      analysis of total alpha-synuclein, the bead-assay for disease-specific alpha
      synuclein was highly specific for PDD/DLB. Detection of disease-associated
      alphasynuclein combined with the total levels of alpha-synuclein is a promising
      tool for the in-vivo diagnosis of alpha-synucleinopathies, including PDD and LBD.

PMID- 25131946
TI  - Advances in the development of novel antioxidant therapies as an approach for
      fetal alcohol syndrome prevention.
AB  - Ethanol is the most common human teratogen, and its consumption during pregnancy
      can produce a wide range of abnormalities in infants known as fetal alcohol
      spectrum disorder (FASD). The major characteristics of FASD can be divided into:
      (i) growth retardation, (ii) craniofacial abnormalities, and (iii) central
      nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. FASD is the most common cause of nongenetic
      mental retardation in Western countries. Although the underlying molecular
      mechanisms of ethanol neurotoxicity are not completely determined, the induction
      of oxidative stress is believed to be one central process linked to the
      development of the disease. Currently, there is no known effective strategy for
      prevention (other than alcohol avoidance) or treatment. In the present review we
      will provide the state of art in the evidence for the use of antioxidants as a
      potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment using whole-embryo and culture
      cells models of FASD. We conclude that the imbalance of the intracellular redox
      state contributes to the pathogenesis observed in FASD models, and we suggest
      that antioxidant therapy can be considered a new efficient strategy to mitigate
      the effects of prenatal ethanol exposure.

PMID- 25131947
TI  - Different HBsAg decline after 3 years of therapy with entecavir in patients
      affected by chronic hepatitis B HBeAg-negative and genotype A, D and E.
AB  - The role of measurement of hepatitis B "s" antigen (HBsAg) during the therapy
      with oral nucleos(t)ide analogues is still debatable. The HBsAg declines after 3
      years of therapy with entecavir (ETV) was investigated among patients affected by
      hepatitis B virus (HBV), e antigen (HBeAg)-negative and genotypes A, D and E. A
      prospective cohort of 123 patients was enrolled consecutively from April 2007 to
      May 2010 with at least 3 years of treatment with ETV. Patients with chronic HBV
      infection, HBeAg-negative, naive for previous treatment and with virological
      response to ETV were included in the study. HBsAg level and HBV-DNA were tested
      every 3 months during the first year of treatment, then every 6 months for a time
      of at least 3 years. After 3 years, HBsAg decline was 0.77 log IU/ml, 0.65 log
      IU/ml, 0.45 respectively; A versus D (P = 0.012), A versus E (P < 0.001), D
      versus E (P < 0.001). In the multivariate linear regression analysis only the HBV
      genotype was predictive of HBsAg decline after 3 years of treatment (P < 0.001).
      The expected time to HBsAg loss was 15.6 years for the A genotype, 17 years for
      D, 24.6 years for E (P < 0.001). The treatment with ETV leads the different
      kinetics in HBsAg decline among genotypes A, D and E; the expected time of HBsAg
      loss was significantly higher in E genotype compared to A and D genotype.

PMID- 25131948
TI  - Transcript elongation factors: shaping transcriptomes after transcript
      initiation.
AB  - Elongation is a dynamic and highly regulated step of eukaryotic gene
      transcription. A variety of transcript elongation factors (TEFs), including
      modulators of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) activity, histone chaperones, and
      histone modifiers, have been characterized from plants. These factors control the
      efficiency of transcript elongation of subsets of genes in the chromatin context
      and thus contribute to tuning gene expression programs. We review here how
      genetic and biochemical analyses, primarily in Arabidopsis thaliana, have
      advanced our understanding of how TEFs adjust plant gene transcription. These
      studies have revealed that TEFs regulate plant growth and development by
      modulating diverse processes including hormone signaling, circadian clock,
      pathogen defense, responses to light, and developmental transitions. 

PMID- 25131949
TI  - Imatinib mesylate plus hydroxyurea chemotherapy for cerebellar meningioma in a
      Belgian Malinois dog.
AB  - An 8-year-old intact male Belgian Malinois, weighing 37.2 kg, was referred for
      evaluation due to right side facial paresis, ataxia and a 2-month history of
      decreased cognitive ability. Physical and neurological examinations revealed mild
      depression, left-sided head tilt, right-sided facial paresis and ataxia. A well
      demarcated, broad-based cerebellar mass and hyperostosis were found on CT imaging
      of the brain. Based on these CT findings, a cerebellar meningioma was strongly
      suspected. Hydroxyurea and prednisolone were administered; after 4 weeks, there
      was reduction in mass size as compared to initial CT results. However, the mass
      size was found to have grown 6 weeks after hydroxyurea treatment. We then
      prescribed a combination of imatinib mesylate and hydroxyurea. Two weeks
      following combination treatment, the mass size had reduced significantly. The
      mass continuously decreased in size until the patient died during anesthesia.
      Cerebellar transitional meningioma was confirmed by histopathologic examination.
      To the author's knowledge, this is the first reported case of imatinib mesylate
      plus hydroxyurea therapy for the treatment of meningioma in veterinary medicine. 

PMID- 25131950
TI  - Profiling of serum metabolites in canine lymphoma using gas chromatography mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Canine lymphoma is a common cancer that has high rates of complete remission with
      combination chemotherapy. However, the duration of remission varies based on
      multiple factors, and there is a need to develop a method for early detection of
      recurrence. In this study, we compared the metabolites profiles in serum from 21
      dogs with lymphoma and 13 healthy dogs using gas chromatography mass spectrometry
      (GC-MS). The lymphoma group was separated from the control group in an orthogonal
      projection to latent structure with discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) plot using
      ions of m/z 100-600, indicating that the metabolites profiles in lymphoma cases
      differed from those in healthy dogs. The lymphoma group was also separated from
      the control group on OPLS-DA plot using 29 metabolites identified in all serum
      samples. Significant differences were found for 16 of these metabolites with
      higher levels in the lymphoma group for 15 of the metabolites and lower levels
      for inositol. An OPLS-DA plot showed separation of the lymphoma and healthy
      groups using these 16 metabolites only. These results indicate that metabolites
      profile with GC-MS may be a useful tool for detection of potential biomarker and
      diagnosis of canine lymphoma. 

PMID- 25131951
TI  - Internet searches and allergy: temporal variation in regional pollen counts
      correlates with Google searches for pollen allergy related terms.

PMID- 25131952
TI  - Are the fabellae bisected by the femoral cortices in a true craniocaudal pelvic
      limb radiograph?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess whether the bisection of the fabellae by their respective
      femoral cortices is a useful criterion for assessing positioning of craniocaudal
      pelvic limb radiographs, and whether this is consistent in limbs affected or
      unaffected by medial patella luxation. METHODS: Computed tomography multi-planar
      reconstructions were used to determine the relative positions of the fabellae
      with respect to the femoral cortices. RESULTS: Only 36% of fabellae overall were
      bisected by the femoral cortex. There was no significant difference between limbs
      affected or unaffected by medial patella luxation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The
      accurate measurement of femoral varus angle is important in pre-surgical planning
      of distal femoral ostectomy. Radiography is normally used to obtain the femoral
      varus angle, and femoral rotational malpositioning will induce errors in the
      femoral varus angle measured. Bisection of the fabellae by the femoral cortices
      is commonly cited as a criterion by which to assess whether a radiographic
      projection is truly craniocaudal, yet this study has shown this not to be valid.

PMID- 25131954
TI  - Reduction of the scanning time by total variation minimization reconstruction for
      X-ray tomography in a SEM.
AB  - Total variation minimization is applied to the particular case of X-ray
      tomography in a scanning electron microscope. To prove the efficiency of this
      reconstruction method, noise-free and noisy data based on the Shepp & Logan
      phantom have been simulated. These simulations confirm that Total variation
      minimization-reconstruction algorithm better manages data containing low number
      of projections with respect to simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique or
      filtered backprojection, even in the presence of noise. The algorithm has been
      applied to real data sets, with a low angular sampling and a high level of noise.
      Two samples containing micro-interconnections have been analyzed and 3D
      reconstructions show that Total variation minimization-based algorithm performs
      well even with 60 projections in order to properly recover a 500 nm diameter void
      inside a copper interconnection. 

PMID- 25131953
TI  - Conformational and aggregation properties of the 1-93 fragment of apolipoprotein
      A-I.
AB  - Several disease-linked mutations of apolipoprotein A-I, the major protein in high
      density lipoprotein (HDL), are known to be amyloidogenic, and the fibrils often
      contain N-terminal fragments of the protein. Here, we present a combined
      computational and experimental study of the fibril-associated disordered 1-93
      fragment of this protein, in wild-type and mutated (G26R, S36A, K40L, W50R)
      forms. In atomic-level Monte Carlo simulations of the free monomer, validated by
      circular dichroism spectroscopy, we observe changes in the position-dependent
      beta-strand probability induced by mutations. We find that these conformational
      shifts match well with the effects of these mutations in thioflavin T
      fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy experiments. Together, our
      results point to molecular mechanisms that may have a key role in disease-linked
      aggregation of apolipoprotein A-I. 

PMID- 25131955
TI  - Antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular characterization of Mycobacterium
      intracellulare in China.
AB  - Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common non-tuberculosis
      mycobacterial pathogen isolated from respiratory samples, mainly including two
      species, Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) and Mycobacterium intracellulare (M.
      intracellulare). Although these two species belong to the same group, M. avium
      and M. intracellulare reveal significantly differences in pathogenicity and
      biology. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the drug resistant details
      profile of M. avium or M. intracellulare instead of MAC. Here, we examined the
      antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of 52 clinical M. intracellulare isolates
      against fourteen antimicrobial agents, which are widely selected for the
      treatment of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection. The drug susceptibility
      test revealed that clarithromycin (47/52, 90.4%), rifampicin (41/52, 78.8%) and
      capreomycin (40/52, 76.9%) revealed highly antimicrobial activities against M.
      intracellulare isolates in vitro. Furthermore, all clarithromycin resistant
      isolates harbored mutations in the 23S rRNA gene, and the percentage of amikacin
      resistant ones with mutation in the rrs gene is 62.5% (10/16). The Hunter-Gaston
      Discriminatory Index (HGDI) value for the 16-loci Variable Number of Tandem
      Repeat (VNTR) typing of M. intracellulare isolates was 0.994, and M.
      intracellulare resistance to moxifloxacin was significantly more commonly found
      in clustered strains than in nonclustered strains (chi(2)=5.551, P=0.040). In
      conclusion, our data demonstrated that clarithromycin and capreomycin revealed
      highly antimicrobial activities against M. intracellulare isolates, and
      clarithromycin and amikacin resistance could be detected more readily and rapidly
      using molecular scanning of corresponding drug target than conventional drug
      susceptibility testing. We also found that infection by clustered strains was
      significantly associated with resistance to moxifloxacin. 

PMID- 25131956
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of podophyllotoxin congeners as tubulin
      polymerization inhibitors.
AB  - A series of new podophyllotoxin derivatives containing structural modifications
      at C-7, C-8, and C-9 were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity
      against three human cancer cell lines. All the synthesized compounds showed
      significant growth inhibition with GI50 values in micromolar levels while some of
      the compounds were several times more potent against MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines
      than MIAPACA cell line. Three compounds (12a, 12d and 12e) emerged as potent
      compounds with broad spectrum of cytotoxic activity against all the tested cell
      lines with GI50 values in the range of 0.01-2.1 MUM. These compounds induce
      microtubule depolymerization and arrests cells at the G2/M phase of the cell
      cycle. Moreover, compounds 12d and 12e disrupted microtubule network and
      accumulated tubulin in the soluble fraction in a similar manner to their parent
      podophyllotoxin scaffold. In addition, structure activity relationship studies
      within the series were also discussed. Molecular docking studies of these
      compounds into the colchicine-binding site of tubulin, revealed possible mode of
      inhibition by these compounds.

PMID- 25131957
TI  - Development of novel membrane active lipidated peptidomimetics active against
      drug resistant clinical isolates.
AB  - A new series of small cationic lipidated peptidomimetics have been synthesized
      and found to be highly active against several susceptible as well as drug
      resistant clinical isolates of bacteria and fungi. All lipidated peptidomimetics
      do not cause significant lysis of human erythrocytes (HC50>200MUg/mL). Calcein
      dye leakage experiment revealed membranolytic effect of LPEP08 which was further
      confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The involvement of intracellular
      targets as an alternate mode of action was precluded by DNA retardation assay.
      Additionally, LPEP08 exhibit high proteolytic stability and dose not elicit
      resistance against drug resistant clinical isolate of Staphylococcusaureus, even
      after 16 rounds of passaging. These results demonstrate the potential of
      lipidated peptidomimetics as biocompatible anti-infective therapeutics. 

PMID- 25131959
TI  - Natural, engineered, and artificial biocatalysts for organic synthesis.

PMID- 25131958
TI  - Ethyl 2-(benzylidene)-7-methyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6
      carboxylate analogues as a new scaffold for protein kinase casein kinase 2
      inhibitor.
AB  - Protein kinase casein kinase 2 (PKCK2) is a constitutively active, growth factor
      independent serine/threonine kinase, and changes in PKCK2 expression or its
      activity are reported in many cancer cells. To develop a novel PKCK2
      inhibitor(s), we first performed cell-based phenotypic screening using 4000
      chemicals purchased from ChemDiv chemical libraries (2000: randomly selected;
      2000: kinase-biased) and performed in vitro kinase assay-based screening using
      hits found from the first screening. We identified compound 24 (C24)[(Z)-ethyl 5
      (4-chlorophenyl)-2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)-7-methyl-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-2H
      thiazolo[3,2-a] pyrimidine-6-carboxylate] as a novel inhibitor of PKCK2 that is
      more potent and selective than 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole (TBB). In
      particular, compound 24 [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50)=0.56MUM]
      inhibited PKCK2 2.2-fold more efficiently than did TBB (IC50=1.24MUM), which is
      quite specific toward PKCK2 with respect to ATP binding, in a panel of 31 human
      protein kinases. The Ki values of compound 24 and TBB for PKCK2 were 0.78MUM and
      2.70MUM, respectively. Treatment of cells with compound 24 inhibited endogenous
      PKCK2 activity and showed anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects against
      stomach and hepatocellular cancer cell lines more efficiently than did TBB. As
      expected, compound 24 also enabled tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis
      inducing ligand (TRAIL)-resistant cancer cells to be sensitive toward TRAIL. In
      comparing the molecular docking of compound 24 bound to PKCK2alpha versus
      previously reported complexes of PKCK2 with other inhibitors, our findings
      suggest a new scaffold for specific PKCK2alpha inhibitors. Thus, compound 24
      appears to be a selective, cell-permeable, potent, and novel PKCK2 inhibitor
      worthy of further characterization. 

PMID- 25131960
TI  - The Nurse-Based Age Independent Intervention to Limit Evolution of Disease After
      Acute Coronary Syndrome (NAILED ACS) Risk Factor Trial: Protocol for a Randomized
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Secondary prevention after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is essential
      to reduce morbidity and mortality, but related studies have been fairly small or
      performed as clinical trials with non-representative patient selection. Long-term
      follow-up data are also minimal. A nurse-led follow-up for risk factor
      improvement may be effective, but the evidence is limited. OBJECTIVE: The aims of
      this study are to perform an adequately sized, nurse-led, long-term secondary
      preventive follow-up with inclusion of an unselected population of ACS patients.
      The focus will be on lipid and blood pressure control as well as tobacco use and
      physical activity. METHODS: The study will consist of a randomized, controlled,
      long-term, population-based trial with two parallel groups. Patients will be
      included during the initial hospital stay. Important outcome variables are total
      cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and sitting systolic and
      diastolic blood pressure. Outcomes will be measured after 12, 24, and 36 months
      of follow-up. Trained nurses will manage the intervention group with the aim of
      achieving set treatment goals as soon as possible. The control group will receive
      usual care. At least 250 patients will be included in each group to reliably
      detect a difference in mean LDL of 0.5 mmol/L and in mean systolic blood pressure
      of 5 mmHg. RESULTS: The study is ongoing and recruitment of participants will
      continue until December 31, 2014. CONCLUSIONS: This study will test the
      hypothesis that a nurse-led, long-term follow-up after an ACS with a focus on
      achieving treatment goals as soon as possible is an effective secondary
      preventive method. If proven effective, this method could be implemented in
      general practice at a low cost. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard
      Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 96595458; http://www.controlled
      trials.com/ISRCTN96595458 (Archived by WebCite at
      http://www.webcitation.org/6RlyhYTYK).

PMID- 25131962
TI  - Application of isothermal titration calorimetry for characterizing thermodynamic
      parameters of biomolecular interactions: peptide self-assembly and protein
      adsorption case studies.
AB  - The complex nature of macromolecular interactions usually makes it very hard to
      identify the molecular-level mechanisms that ultimately dictate the result of
      these interactions. This is especially evident in the case of biological systems,
      where the complex interaction of molecules in various situations may be
      responsible for driving biomolecular interactions themselves but also has a
      broader effect at the cell and/or tissue level. This review will endeavor to
      further the understanding of biomolecular interactions utilizing the isothermal
      titration calorimetry (ITC) technique for thermodynamic characterization of two
      extremely important biomaterial systems, viz., peptide self-assembly and
      nonfouling polymer-modified surfaces. The advantages and shortcomings of this
      technique will be presented along with a thorough review of the recent
      application of ITC to these two areas. Furthermore, the controversies associated
      with the enthalpy-entropy compensation effect as well as thermodynamic
      equilibrium state for such interactions will be discussed. 

PMID- 25131964
TI  - Quantifying the social impact of research and medical journals.

PMID- 25131961
TI  - Translation of clinical trial outcomes to metastatic colorectal cancer patients
      in community practice.
AB  - AIM: As multiple new agents have been added to the treatment options for patients
      with metastatic colorectal cancer, survival outcomes in clinical trials have
      continued to improve. Similarly, improved outcomes in routine clinical care would
      be anticipated, but have yet to be demonstrated. Here, we aim to explore whether
      survival gains demonstrated in clinical trials are reproducible in routine
      practice, and whether factors beyond new therapies may be contributing to
      improved outcomes. METHODS: Comparison of comprehensive treatment and outcome
      data for consecutive patients diagnosed in 2003-2006 versus 2007-2010 at four
      specialist hospitals in Australia. RESULTS: Data were available on 965 patients;
      median age 66.1 years (range 19-93), 572 (59%) were male. For the latter time
      period, there was an increase in patients receiving any treatment (74% vs 66%, P
      = 0.014), initial combination chemotherapy (57% vs 44%, P < 0.001) and
      bevacizumab (15% vs 2%, P < 0.001). There was no change in the percentage
      undergoing resection of distant metastatic disease. For the latter time period,
      overall survival was improved (median 24.8 vs 17.4 months, P < 0.001), including
      patients not receiving any active treatment (11.9 vs 6.4 months, P = 0.014).
      CONCLUSION: Survival outcomes in routine clinical care for patients with
      metastatic colorectal cancer have markedly improved in recent years following the
      introduction of multiple new active therapies. The improved outcome of untreated
      patients suggests earlier diagnosis and improved supportive care may also be
      contributing to survival gains.

PMID- 25131963
TI  - Multi-modality management for loco-regionally advanced laryngeal and
      hypopharyngeal cancer: balancing the benefit of efficacy and functional
      preservation.
AB  - The 5-year overall survival (OS) of loco-regionally advanced laryngeal and
      hypopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-LHC) has declined over the past two decades
      following the wide application of non-surgical approaches. We aimed to define the
      new role of open surgery combined with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the
      treatment of LA-LHC for improving survival while maintaining a functional larynx.
      In the current study, 90 LA-LHC patients treated with open surgery followed by
      postoperative RT/CRT in our institute from May 2005 to December 2012 were
      retrospectively analyzed. OS, disease-free survival (DFS), loco-regional failure
      free survival (LRFFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were
      calculated, and prognostic factors were analyzed. Functional larynx preservation
      results were evaluated according to the head and neck quality of life (QoL)
      Scale. With a median follow-up period of 37 months, the 3- and 5-year OS, DFS,
      LRFFS and DMFS were 71.3, 63.7, 85.9, 73.7 and 55.9, 53.0, 81.6, 71.9 %,
      respectively. Vascular embolism and extracapsular extension (ECE) of the lymph
      nodes were prognostic factors for poorer OS (p = 0.045 and 0.046, respectively).
      Vascular embolism was the only prognostic factor for poorer DMFS (p = 0.005).
      Patients who underwent a conservative partial laryngectomy (CPL) experienced a
      higher QoL in the domains of speech, swallowing and emotion. Functional larynx
      preservation was achieved in 36/45 patients (80 %) who received CPL. The results
      of our study demonstrated that CPL followed by adequate adjuvant therapy could
      achieve superior oncological results compared with non-surgical approaches in LA
      LHC patients while also maintaining satisfactory functional larynx in a majority
      of patients.

PMID- 25131965
TI  - Prescribing antibiotics: a battle of resistance.

PMID- 25131966
TI  - Priorities for people with disabilities in New Zealand.

PMID- 25131967
TI  - Under-use of the Ross operation--a lost opportunity.

PMID- 25131968
TI  - Telemonitoring implants for patients with heart failure.

PMID- 25131969
TI  - Risk and decision making in patients with hypertension.

PMID- 25131970
TI  - Heparin monotherapy for percutaneous coronary intervention?

PMID- 25131971
TI  - Dyslipidaemia in perspective.

PMID- 25131973
TI  - Adhesion barriers for abdominal surgery and oncology.

PMID- 25131974
TI  - Adhesion barriers for abdominal surgery and oncology - Authors' reply.

PMID- 25131975
TI  - Better treatment of XDR tuberculosis needed in South Africa.

PMID- 25131976
TI  - Better treatment of XDR tuberculosis needed in South Africa - Author's reply.

PMID- 25131977
TI  - Implant-based multiparameter telemonitoring of patients with heart failure (IN
      TIME): a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increasing number of patients with heart failure receive
      implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) or cardiac resynchronisation
      defibrillators (CRT-Ds) with telemonitoring function. Early detection of
      worsening heart failure, or upstream factors predisposing to worsening heart
      failure, by implant-based telemonitoring might enable pre-emptive intervention
      and improve outcomes, but the evidence is weak. We investigated this possibility
      in IN-TIME, a clinical trial. METHODS: We did this randomised, controlled trial
      at 36 tertiary clinical centres and hospitals in Australia, Europe, and Israel.
      We enrolled patients with chronic heart failure, NYHA class II-III symptoms,
      ejection fraction of no more than 35%, optimal drug treatment, no permanent
      atrial fibrillation, and a recent dual-chamber ICD or CRT-D implantation. After a
      1 month run-in phase, patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either automatic,
      daily, implant-based, multiparameter telemonitoring in addition to standard care
      or standard care without telemonitoring. Investigators were not masked to
      treatment allocation. Patients were masked to allocation unless they were
      contacted because of telemonitoring findings. Follow-up was 1 year. The primary
      outcome measure was a composite clinical score combining all-cause death,
      overnight hospital admission for heart failure, change in NYHA class, and change
      in patient global self-assessment, for the intention-to-treat population. The
      trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00538356. FINDINGS: We
      enrolled 716 patients, of whom 664 were randomly assigned (333 to telemonitoring,
      331 to control). Mean age was 65.5 years and mean ejection fraction was 26%. 285
      (43%) of patients had NYHA functional class II and 378 (57%) had NYHA class III.
      Most patients received CRT-Ds (390; 58.7%). At 1 year, 63 (18.9%) of 333 patients
      in the telemonitoring group versus 90 (27.2%) of 331 in the control group
      (p=0.013) had worsened composite score (odds ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.43-0.90). Ten
      versus 27 patients died during follow-up. INTERPRETATION: Automatic, daily,
      implant-based, multiparameter telemonitoring can significantly improve clinical
      outcomes for patients with heart failure. Such telemonitoring is feasible and
      should be used in clinical practice. FUNDING: Biotronik SE & Co. KG.

PMID- 25131978
TI  - Blood pressure-lowering treatment based on cardiovascular risk: a meta-analysis
      of individual patient data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether the benefits of blood pressure
      lowering drugs are proportional to baseline cardiovascular risk, to establish
      whether absolute risk could be used to inform treatment decisions for blood
      pressure-lowering therapy, as is recommended for lipid-lowering therapy. METHODS:
      This meta-analysis included individual participant data from trials that randomly
      assigned patients to either blood pressure-lowering drugs or placebo, or to more
      intensive or less intensive blood pressure-lowering regimens. The primary outcome
      was total major cardiovascular events, consisting of stroke, heart attack, heart
      failure, or cardiovascular death. Participants were separated into four
      categories of baseline 5-year major cardiovascular risk using a risk prediction
      equation developed from the placebo groups of the included trials (<11%, 11-15%,
      15-21%, >21%). FINDINGS: 11 trials and 26 randomised groups met the inclusion
      criteria, and included 67,475 individuals, of whom 51,917 had available data for
      the calculation of the risk equations. 4167 (8%) had a cardiovascular event
      during a median of 4.0 years (IQR 3.4-4.4) of follow-up. The mean estimated
      baseline levels of 5-year cardiovascular risk for each of the four risk groups
      were 6.0% (SD 2.0), 12.1% (1.5), 17.7% (1.7), and 26.8% (5.4). In each
      consecutive higher risk group, blood pressure-lowering treatment reduced the risk
      of cardiovascular events relatively by 18% (95% CI 7-27), 15% (4-25), 13% (2-22),
      and 15% (5-24), respectively (p=0.30 for trend). However, in absolute terms,
      treating 1000 patients in each group with blood pressure-lowering treatment for 5
      years would prevent 14 (95% CI 8-21), 20 (8-31), 24 (8-40), and 38 (16-61)
      cardiovascular events, respectively (p=0.04 for trend). INTERPRETATION: Lowering
      blood pressure provides similar relative protection at all levels of baseline
      cardiovascular risk, but progressively greater absolute risk reductions as
      baseline risk increases. These results support the use of predicted baseline
      cardiovascular disease risk equations to inform blood pressure-lowering treatment
      decisions. FUNDING: None.

PMID- 25131979
TI  - Bivalirudin versus heparin in patients planned for percutaneous coronary
      intervention: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bivalirudin is an alternative to heparin in patients undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to define the effects of a
      bivalirudin-based anticoagulation regimen compared with a heparin-based
      anticoagulation regimen on ischaemic and bleeding outcomes. METHODS: We searched
      Medline, the Cochrane Library, and relevant meeting abstracts (search done on
      April 9, 2014) for randomised trials that assessed bivalirudin versus heparin in
      patients planned for PCI. The primary efficacy endpoint was the incidence of
      major adverse cardiac events (MACE) up to 30 days. Secondary efficacy endpoints
      were death, myocardial infarction, ischaemia-driven revascularisation, and stent
      thrombosis. The primary safety endpoint was major bleeding up to 30 days. We
      calculated pooled risk ratios and 95% CIs using random-effects models. FINDINGS:
      We included data from 16 trials involving 33 958 patients, of whom 2422
      experienced MACE and 1406 had a major bleed. There was an increase in the risk of
      MACE with bivalirudin-based regimens compared with heparin-based regimens (risk
      ratio 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.17; p=0.0204), which was largely driven by increases in
      myocardial infarction (1.12, 1.03-1.23) and seemingly also by ischaemia-driven
      revascularisation (1.16, 0.997-1.34) with bivalirudin compared with heparin, with
      no effect on mortality (0.99, 0.82-1.18). Bivalirudin increased the risk of stent
      thrombosis (risk ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.09-1.74; p=0.0074), which was primarily due
      to an increase in acute cases in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (4.27, 2.28-8.00; p<0.0001). Overall, bivalirudin-based regimens lowered the risk
      of major bleeding (risk ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.49-0.78; p<0.0001), but the
      magnitude of this effect varied greatly (p<0.0001) depending on whether
      glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used predominantly in the heparin arm only
      (0.53, 0.47-0.61; p<0.0001), provisionally in both arms (0.78, 0.51-1.19;
      p=0.25), or planned in both arms (1.07, 0.87-1.31; p=0.53). INTERPRETATION:
      Compared with a heparin-based regimen, a bivalirudin-based regimen increases the
      risk of myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis, but decreases the risk of
      bleeding, with the magnitude of the reduction depending on concomitant
      glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use. Physicians should weigh the trade-off
      between ischaemic and bleeding events when choosing between different
      anticoagulant regimens. FUNDING: None.

PMID- 25131980
TI  - LDL cholesterol: controversies and future therapeutic directions.
AB  - Lifelong exposure to raised concentrations of LDL cholesterol increases
      cardiovascular event rates, and the use of statin therapy as an adjunct to diet,
      exercise, and smoking cessation has proven highly effective in reducing the
      population burden associated with hyperlipidaemia. Yet, despite consistent
      biological, genetic, and epidemiological data, and evidence from randomised
      trials, there is controversy among national guidelines and clinical practice with
      regard to LDL cholesterol, its measurement, the usefulness of population-based
      screening, the net benefit-to-risk ratio for different LDL-lowering drugs, the
      benefit of treatment targets, and whether aggressive lowering of LDL is safe.
      Several novel therapies have been introduced for the treatment of people with
      genetic defects that result in loss of function within the LDL receptor, a major
      determinant of inherited hyperlipidaemias. Moreover, the usefulness of monoclonal
      antibodies that extend the LDL-receptor lifecycle (and thus result in substantial
      lowering of LDL cholesterol below the levels achieved with statins alone) is
      being assessed in phase 3 trials that will enrol more than 60,000 at-risk
      patients worldwide. These trials represent an exceptionally rapid translation of
      genetic observations into clinical practice and will address core questions of
      how low LDL cholesterol can be safely reduced, whether the mechanism of LDL
      cholesterol lowering matters, and whether ever more aggressive lipid-lowering
      provides a safe, long-term mechanism to prevent atherothrombotic complications.

PMID- 25131981
TI  - HDL and cardiovascular disease.
AB  - The cholesterol contained within HDL is inversely associated with risk of
      coronary heart disease and is a key component of predicting cardiovascular risk.
      However, despite its properties consistent with atheroprotection, the causal
      relation between HDL and atherosclerosis is uncertain. Human genetics and failed
      clinical trials have created scepticism about the HDL hypothesis. Nevertheless,
      drugs that raise HDL-C concentrations, cholesteryl ester transfer protein
      inhibitors, are in late-stage clinical development, and other approaches that
      promote HDL function, including reverse cholesterol transport, are in early-stage
      clinical development. The final chapters regarding the effect of HDL-targeted
      therapeutic interventions on coronary heart disease events remain to be written. 

PMID- 25131982
TI  - Triglycerides and cardiovascular disease.
AB  - After the introduction of statins, clinical emphasis first focussed on LDL
      cholesterol-lowering, then on the potential for raising HDL cholesterol, with
      less focus on lowering triglycerides. However, the understanding from genetic
      studies and negative results from randomised trials that low HDL cholesterol
      might not cause cardiovascular disease as originally thought has now generated
      renewed interest in raised concentrations of triglycerides. This renewed interest
      has also been driven by epidemiological and genetic evidence supporting raised
      triglycerides, remnant cholesterol, or triglyceride-rich lipoproteins as an
      additional cause of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Triglycerides
      can be measured in the non-fasting or fasting states, with concentrations of 2-10
      mmol/L conferring increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and concentrations
      greater than 10 mmol/L conferring increased risk of acute pancreatitis and
      possibly cardiovascular disease. Although randomised trials showing
      cardiovascular benefit of triglyceride reduction are scarce, new triglyceride
      lowering drugs are being developed, and large-scale trials have been initiated
      that will hopefully provide conclusive evidence as to whether lowering
      triglycerides reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

PMID- 25131983
TI  - Acute retinal necrosis presenting as bilateral acute angle closure.

PMID- 25131984
TI  - Incidence, management, and prevention of right ventricular perforation by
      pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac perforation of the right ventricle (RV) is a rare but
      potentially life-threatening complication of both pacemaker (PM) and implantable
      cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implant. Appropriate management is still
      uncertain. We assessed the incidence of subacute (24 hours-1 month) or delayed
      (>1 month) cardiac perforation by RV lead and the results of percutaneous lead
      extraction. METHOD: The study population included all patients diagnosed with
      subacute or delayed RV-lead perforation during the period 2007-2013. The
      incidence of perforation according to device type and fixation mechanism was
      calculated. The outcome of the percutaneous approach, consisting of lead
      extraction by simple traction, was assessed. RESULTS: Cardiac perforation was
      diagnosed in 14 (eight females, mean age 71 [range 47-83] years) patients out of
      3,815 who received an RV-lead implant (0.4%). The overall incidence of RV-lead
      perforation was similar between ICD (0.3%) and PM (0.4%) implants (P = 1.0) and
      between active (0.5%) and passive (0.3%) fixation leads (P = 0.3). All
      perforating leads were originally placed at the RV apex. Five patients were
      asymptomatic, but all presented altered lead electrical parameters. Surgical
      removal of the lead was performed in one patient while in the remaining the leads
      were successfully extracted by direct manual traction in the absence of any
      complications. In all patients, new active fixation leads were positioned in the
      RV septum and the follow-up (42 +/- 27 months) was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: RV
      perforation is a rare complication of both PM and ICD implants, regardless of the
      lead fixation mechanism. In most patients, percutaneous lead extraction is a safe
      and effective management approach.

PMID- 25131986
TI  - Ebola in West Africa.

PMID- 25131985
TI  - Current use of metformin in addition to insulin in pediatric patients with type 1
      diabetes mellitus: an analysis based on a large diabetes registry in Germany and
      Austria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With increasing obesity in childhood and adolescence, weight gain,
      and insulin resistance become also more frequent in patients with type 1 diabetes
      mellitus (T1DM). Especially during puberty, insulin therapy often has to be
      intensified and higher insulin doses are necessary. Some studies point to a
      beneficial effect of metformin in addition to insulin in these patients. In order
      to describe current practice and possible benefits, we compared pediatric T1DM
      patients with insulin plus metformin (n = 525) to patients with insulin therapy
      only (n = 57 487) in a prospective multicenter analysis. METHODS: Auxological and
      treatment data from 58 012 patients aged <21 yr with T1DM in the German/Austrian
      Diabetes Patienten Verlaufsdokumentation (DPV) registry were analyzed by
      multivariable mixed regression modeling. RESULTS: Patients with additional
      metformin were older [median (interquartile range)]: [16.1 (14.1-17.6) vs. 15.2
      (11.5-17.5) yr] with female preponderance (61.0 vs. 47.2%, p < 0.01). They had
      higher body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) [+2.03 (+1.29 to +2.56)
      vs. +0.51 (-0.12 to +1.15); p < 0.01] and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (9.0 vs.
      8.6%, p < 0.01). Hypertension (43.7 vs. 24.8%) and dyslipidemia (58.4 vs. 40.6%)
      were significantly more prevalent. Adjusted insulin dose was significantly higher
      (0.98 vs. 0.93 IU/kg bodyweight). In a subgroup of 285 patients followed-up
      longitudinally (average treatment period 1.42 yr), addition of metformin resulted
      in a slight reduction of BMI-SDS [-0.01 (-2.01 to +1.40)], but did not improve
      HbA1c or insulin requirement. CONCLUSION: Additional metformin therapy in T1DM is
      primarily used in obese females. Additional therapy with metformin was associated
      with minor benefits.

PMID- 25131987
TI  - Seeing the forest, but not the trees: pertinent considerations for examining
      acute changes in pulse wave velocity in response to pharmaceutical interventions
      and exercise.

PMID- 25131988
TI  - Expression of perilipin 2 (PLIN2) in porcine oocytes during maturation.
AB  - Perilipins have been reported to limit the interaction of lipases with neutral
      lipids within the droplets, thereby regulating neutral lipid accumulation and
      utilization. This study aimed to identify the location and expression of PLIN1
      and PLIN2 in porcine oocytes during maturation. Quantitative real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunostaining and Western blot methods were used to
      characterize the expression and distribution patterns of PLIN1 and PLIN2 in
      porcine oocytes. The results showed that PLIN1 was not detectable in porcine
      oocytes. PLIN2 and BODIPY 493/503-detected neutral lipid droplets appeared
      identical distribution patterns and extensive colocalization in both GV and MII
      porcine oocytes. PLIN2 protein expression was higher in GV oocytes than that in
      MII oocytes (p < 0.05), although PLIN2 mRNA expression was similar in both
      groups. These findings suggested that PLIN2 was a major lipid droplet-associated
      protein in porcine oocytes. 

PMID- 25131990
TI  - Structure-guided reprogramming of human cGAS dinucleotide linkage specificity.
AB  - Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) play central roles in bacterial pathogenesis and
      innate immunity. The mammalian enzyme cGAS synthesizes a unique cyclic
      dinucleotide (cGAMP) containing a 2'-5' phosphodiester linkage essential for
      optimal immune stimulation, but the molecular basis for linkage specificity is
      unknown. Here, we show that the Vibrio cholerae pathogenicity factor DncV is a
      prokaryotic cGAS-like enzyme whose activity provides a mechanistic rationale for
      the unique ability of cGAS to produce 2'-5' cGAMP. Three high-resolution crystal
      structures show that DncV and human cGAS generate CDNs in sequential reactions
      that proceed in opposing directions. We explain 2' and 3' linkage specificity and
      test this model by reprogramming the human cGAS active site to produce 3'-5'
      cGAMP, leading to selective stimulation of alternative STING adaptor alleles in
      cells. These results demonstrate mechanistic homology between bacterial signaling
      and mammalian innate immunity and explain how active site configuration controls
      linkage chemistry for pathway-specific signaling. 

PMID- 25131989
TI  - Broadly neutralizing antibodies and viral inducers decrease rebound from HIV-1
      latent reservoirs in humanized mice.
AB  - Latent reservoirs of HIV-1-infected cells are refractory to antiretroviral
      therapies (ART) and remain the major barrier to curing HIV-1. Because latently
      infected cells are long-lived, immunologically invisible, and may undergo
      homeostatic proliferation, a "shock and kill" approach has been proposed to
      eradicate this reservoir by combining ART with inducers of viral transcription.
      However, all attempts to alter the HIV-1 reservoir in vivo have failed to date.
      Using humanized mice, we show that broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) can
      interfere with establishment of a silent reservoir by Fc-FcR-mediated mechanisms.
      In established infection, bNAbs or bNAbs plus single inducers are ineffective in
      preventing viral rebound. However, bNAbs plus a combination of inducers that act
      by independent mechanisms synergize to decrease the reservoir as measured by
      viral rebound. Thus, combinations of inducers and bNAbs constitute a therapeutic
      strategy that impacts the establishment and maintenance of the HIV-1 reservoir in
      humanized mice.

PMID- 25131992
TI  - Surface characteristics and microbial adherence ability of modified
      polymethylmethacrylate by fluoridated glass fillers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current study objectives were to evaluate the influence of
      fluoridated glass fillers loading on the surface roughness, wettability, and
      adherence of candida and bacteria with and without saliva presence to a
      polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base material surface. METHODS: Four
      concentrations of fluoridated glass fillers were added to PMMA: 1%, 2.5%, 5% and
      10% by weight pre-polymerization and 0% was the control. Discs of each
      concentration were fabricated (n = 5 for each variable). Surface roughness (Ra )
      was measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Wettability was assessed by
      measuring the contact angle of a sessile drop of water. Specimens were incubated
      with Candida albicans, or Streptococcus mutans with and without saliva coating.
      Adherence was presented as a percentage of the colonized surface area, counted
      using an optical microscope at x100 magnification. RESULTS: The 10% group showed
      significantly greater roughness than the control and 1% groups; however, no
      significant differences in contact angle values were detected. The microbial
      adhesion was inversely proportional to the fluoridated glass fillers
      concentration where 10% concentration significantly decreased candidal and
      bacterial adhesion compared to others. Saliva coating significantly decreased
      microbial adhesion. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that fluoridated glass fillers
      could decrease microbial adhesion to acrylic denture base without adversely
      affecting surface properties.

PMID- 25131993
TI  - MLPA Application in Clinical Diagnosis of DMD/BMD in Shanghai.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD) are X-linked
      recessive disorders caused by mutation in dystrophin gene. We reported 3-year
      clinic experience from a single hospital in Shanghai using multiplex ligation
      dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay to detect DMD mutations. METHODS: Four
      hundred and fifty-one males and 184 females, who were clinically diagnosed as
      DMD/BMD patients or carriers at our hospital's outpatient clinic, were collected
      and performed with MLPA to detect DMD gene mutations. RESULTS: Seventeen novel
      mutation points not reported in the Leiden Muscular Dystrophy pages were
      identified in this study. We found that the most frequent deletion spots ranged
      from exon45 to exon52, and exon2, exon19 were the two most frequently detected
      duplication spots. CONCLUSION: The results of our study confirmed MLPA as an
      efficient clinical method for detecting DMD gene mutations in DMD/BMD patients.
      Single exon mutation detected by MLPA should be verified by other methods, and we
      should emphasize that only precise clinical molecular diagnosis can lead to the
      feasibility of prenatal diagnosis.

PMID- 25131994
TI  - Selective CH functionalization of methane, ethane, and propane by a
      perfluoroarene iodine(III) complex.
AB  - Direct partial oxidation of methane, ethane, and propane to their respective
      trifluoroacetate esters is achieved by a homogeneous hypervalent iodine(III)
      complex in non-superacidic (trifluoroacetic acid) solvent. The reaction is highly
      selective for ester formation (>99%). In the case of ethane, greater than 0.5 M
      EtTFA can be achieved. Preliminary kinetic analysis and density functional
      calculations support a nonradical electrophilic CH activation and iodine alkyl
      functionalization mechanism.

PMID- 25131991
TI  - Expression of alpha-subunit of alpha-glucosidase II in adult mouse brain regions
      and selected organs.
AB  - alpha-Glucosidase II (GII), a resident of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and an
      important enzyme in the folding of nascent glycoproteins, is heterodimeric,
      consisting of alpha (GIIalpha) and beta (GIIbeta) subunits. The catalytic
      GIIalpha subunit, with the help of mannose 6-phosphate receptor homology domain
      of GIIbeta, sequentially hydrolyzes two alpha1-3-linked glucose residues in the
      second step of N-linked oligosaccharide-mediated protein folding. The soluble
      GIIalpha subunit is retained in the ER through its interaction with the HDEL
      containing GIIbeta subunit. N-glycosylation and correct protein folding are
      crucial for protein stability and trafficking and cell surface expression of
      several proteins in the brain. Alterations in N-glycosylation lead to
      abnormalities in neuronal migration and mental retardation, various
      neurodegenerative diseases, and invasion of malignant gliomas. Inhibitors of GII
      are used to inhibit cell proliferation and migration in a variety of different
      pathologies, such as viral infection, cancer, and diabetes. Despite the
      widespread use of GIIalpha inhibitory drugs and the role of GIIalpha in brain
      function, little is known about its expression in brain and other tissues. Here,
      we report generation of a highly specific chicken antibody to the GIIalpha
      subunit and its characterization by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation
      using cerebral cortical extracts. By using this antibody, we showed that the
      GIIalpha protein is highly expressed in testis, kidney, and lung, with the lowest
      amount in heart. GIIalpha polypeptide levels in whole brain were comparable to
      those in spleen. However, a higher expression of GIIalpha protein was detected in
      the cerebral cortex, reflecting its continuous requirement in correct folding of
      cell surface proteins.

PMID- 25131995
TI  - Bibliometric performance of Acta Physiologica.

PMID- 25131998
TI  - Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, update May 2014.

PMID- 25131997
TI  - Gallic acid regulates skin photoaging in UVB-exposed fibroblast and hairless
      mice.
AB  - Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary factor in skin photoaging, which is
      characterized by wrinkle formation, dryness, and thickening. The mechanisms
      underlying skin photoaging are closely associated with degradation of collagen
      via upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, which is induced by
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Gallic acid (GA), a phenolic compound,
      possesses a variety of biological activities including antioxidant and
      antiinflammatory activities. We investigated the protective effects of GA against
      photoaging caused by UVB irradiation using normal human dermal fibroblasts
      (NHDFs) in vitro and hairless mice in vivo. The production levels of ROS,
      interlukin-6, and MMP-1 were significantly suppressed, and type I procollagen
      expression was stimulated in UVB-irradiated and GA-treated NHDFs. GA treatment
      inhibited the activity of transcription factor activation protein 1. The effects
      of GA following topical application and dietary administration were examined by
      measuring wrinkle formation, histological modification, protein expression, and
      physiological changes such as stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water
      loss, and erythema index. We found that GA decreased dryness, skin thickness, and
      wrinkle formation via negative modulation of MMP-1 secretion and positive
      regulation of elastin, type I procollagen, and transforming growth factor-beta1.
      Our data indicate that GA is a potential candidate for the prevention of UVB
      induced premature skin aging.

PMID- 25131996
TI  - Synchronous multiscale neuroimaging environment for critically sampled
      physiological analysis of brain function: hepta-scan concept.
AB  - Functional connectivity of the resting-state networks of the brain is thought to
      be mediated by very-low-frequency fluctuations (VLFFs <0.1 Hz) in neuronal
      activity. However, vasomotor waves and cardiorespiratory pulsations influence
      indirect measures of brain function, such as the functional magnetic resonance
      imaging blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal. How strongly physiological
      oscillations correlate with spontaneous BOLD signals is not known, partially due
      to differences in the data-sampling rates of different methods. Recent ultrafast
      inverse imaging sequences, including magnetic resonance encephalography (MREG),
      enable critical sampling of these signals. In this study, we describe a
      multimodal concept, referred to as Hepta-scan, which incorporates synchronous
      MREG with scalp electroencephalography, near-infrared spectroscopy, noninvasive
      blood pressure, and anesthesia monitoring. Our preliminary results support the
      idea that, in the absence of aliased cardiorespiratory signals, VLFFs in the BOLD
      signal are affected by vasomotor and electrophysiological sources. Further, MREG
      signals showed a high correlation coefficient between the ventromedial default
      mode network (DMNvmpf) and electrophysiological signals, especially in the VLF
      range. Also, oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin and vasomotor waves were found to correlate
      with DMNvmpf. Intriguingly, usage of shorter time windows in these correlation
      measurements produced significantly (p<0.05) higher positive and negative
      correlation coefficients, suggesting temporal nonstationary behavior between the
      measurements. Focus on the VLF range strongly increased correlation strength.

PMID- 25131999
TI  - Chronological changes in the microstructure of bone during peri-implant healing:
      a microcomputed tomographic evaluation.
AB  - Our objectives were to examine the titanium-bone interfaces chronologically and
      to clarify the process of osseointegration using microcomputed tomography
      (microCT). The mandibular premolars of 3 dogs were extracted and 12 weeks later 2
      Straumann dental implants were installed in each quadrant. The microstructural
      changes at the bone-implant interface at the first, fourth, and eighth weeks
      after installation were evaluated by microCT and a 3-dimensional image was
      constructed. The microstructural measurements at the bone-implant interface,
      including the trabecular number (Tb.N), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), structure
      model index (SMI), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp)
      and connectivity density (Conn.D), were measured. Experimental outcomes were
      analysed for correlations between time and microstructural variables of
      trabecular bone. Tb.N increased significantly during the eighth week compared
      with that during the first and fourth week (p=0.001, 0.002). BV/TV increased
      generally with time and there were significant differences (p=0.003) between each
      time group. While Tb.Sp decreased with time and changed significantly during the
      eighth week compared with that during the first week (p=0.021), differences in
      SMI, Tb.Th and Conn.D did not differ significantly according to time of implant.
      The significant increase in the Tb.N and BV/TV during the eighth week after
      insertion of implants indicates that the formation of new bone before the eighth
      week is the key to osseointegration. 

PMID- 25132000
TI  - Keloids in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome: a clinical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a multiple congenital anomalies
      intellectual disability syndrome. One of the complications is keloid formation.
      Keloids are proliferative fibrous growths resulting from excessive tissue
      response to skin trauma. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical characteristics of
      keloids in individuals with RSTS reported in the literature and in a cohort of
      personally evaluated individuals with RSTS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a
      literature search for descriptions of RSTS individuals with keloids. All known
      individuals with RSTS in the Netherlands filled out three dedicated
      questionnaires. All individuals with (possible) keloids were personally
      evaluated. A further series of individuals with RSTS from the U.K. was personally
      evaluated. RESULTS: Reliable data were available for 62 of the 83 Dutch
      individuals with RSTS and showed 15 individuals with RSTS (24%) to have keloids.
      The 15 Dutch and 12 U.K. individuals with RSTS with keloids demonstrated that
      most patients have multiple keloids (n > 1: 82%; n > 5: 30%). Mean age of onset
      is 11.9 years. The majority of keloids are located on the shoulders and chest.
      The mean length * width of the largest keloid was 7.1 * 2.8 cm, and the mean
      thickness was 0.7 cm. All affected individuals complained of itching. Generally,
      treatment results were disappointing. CONCLUSIONS: Keloids occur in 24% of
      individuals with RSTS, either spontaneously or after a minor trauma, usually
      starting in early puberty. Management schedules have disappointing results. RSTS
      is a Mendelian disorder with a known molecular basis, and offers excellent
      opportunities to study the pathogenesis of keloids in general and to search for
      possible treatments.

PMID- 25132001
TI  - Development of a highly-potent anti-angiogenic VEGF8-109 heterodimer by directed
      blocking of its VEGFR-2 binding site.
AB  - Angiogenesis is a hallmark of various pathological conditions and is controlled
      by a variety of angiogenic factors. Blockade of vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) as the most pivotal stimulator of angiogenesis offers a promising
      therapeutic approach for some diseases, typically cancer. In the present study, a
      heterodimeric antagonistic VEGF was precisely designed based on structural
      information of recently-crystallized VEGF/VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2/fetal liver
      kinase 1/kinase domain region) complex. Directed blocking of kinase domain region
      occurs via substitution of a VEGF receptor binding site by two peptide segments
      in one pole, whereas the binding domain of the other pole of VEGF was intact.
      Candidate peptides for substitution were selected considering to some sequence
      and structural criteria. A reliable model of modified VEGF was built, refined
      using molecular dynamics simulation and docked with VEGFR-2. Docking analysis
      revealed that binding affinity of mutant VEGF was notably diminished,
      corroborating our design. Heterodimeric VEGF was expressed, refolded and highly
      purified by two-step affinity chromatography. Dimerization of this antagonist was
      confirmed using some analytical techniques. Spectroscopic studies assured us to
      obtain the heterodimeric form of VEGF. Some angiogenic in vitro assays such
      endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation indicated that this antagonist
      is not only strongly capable of inhibiting angiogenesis (half maximal inhibitory
      concentration of 33 and 24 ng . mL(-1) , respectively), but also showed the
      highest inhibitory effect compared to all other heterodimeric VEGF variants. The
      high anti-angiogenic potency of this VEGF antagonist may allow its future use as
      an anti-tumor agent.

PMID- 25132002
TI  - On fragmenting, densely mineralised acellular protrusions into articular
      cartilage and their possible role in osteoarthritis.
AB  - High density mineralised protrusions (HDMP) from the tidemark mineralising front
      into hyaline articular cartilage (HAC) were first described in Thoroughbred
      racehorse fetlock joints and later in Icelandic horse hock joints. We now report
      them in human material. Whole femoral heads removed at operation for joint
      replacement or from dissection room cadavers were imaged using magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) dual echo steady state at 0.23 mm resolution, then 26-MUm
      resolution high contrast X-ray microtomography, sectioned and embedded in
      polymethylmethacrylate, blocks cut and polished and re-imaged with 6-MUm
      resolution X-ray microtomography. Tissue mineralisation density was imaged using
      backscattered electron SEM (BSE SEM) at 20 kV with uncoated samples. HAC
      histology was studied by BSE SEM after staining block faces with ammonium
      triiodide solution. HDMP arise via the extrusion of an unknown mineralisable
      matrix into clefts in HAC, a process of acellular dystrophic calcification. Their
      formation may be an extension of a crack self-healing mechanism found in bone and
      articular calcified cartilage. Mineral concentration exceeds that of articular
      calcified cartilage and is not uniform. It is probable that they have not been
      reported previously because they are removed by decalcification with standard
      protocols. Mineral phase morphology frequently shows the agglomeration of many
      fine particles into larger concretions. HDMP are surrounded by HAC, are brittle,
      and show fault lines within them. Dense fragments found within damaged HAC could
      make a significant contribution to joint destruction. At least larger HDMP can be
      detected with the best MRI imaging ex vivo. 

PMID- 25132005
TI  - Cardiolipin profiles as a potential biomarker of mitochondrial health in diet
      induced obese mice subjected to exercise, diet-restriction and ephedrine
      treatment.
AB  - Cardiolipin (CL) is crucial for mitochondrial energy metabolism and structural
      integrity. Alterations in CL quantity or CL species have been associated with
      mitochondrial dysfunction in several pathological conditions and diseases,
      including mitochondrial dysfunction-related compound attrition and post-market
      withdrawal of promising drugs. Here we report alterations in the CL profiles in
      conjunction with morphology of soleus muscle (SM) and brown adipose tissue (BAT)
      in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, subjected to ephedrine treatment (EPH: 200 mg
      kg(-1)  day(-1) orally), treadmill exercise (EX: 10 meters per min, 1 h per day),
      or dietary restriction (DR: 25% less of mean food consumed by the EX group) for 7
      days. Mice from the DR and EPH groups had a significant decrease in percent body
      weight and reduced fat mass compared with DIO controls. Morphologic alterations
      in the BAT included brown adipocytes with reduced cytoplasmic lipid droplets and
      increased cytoplasmic eosinophilia in the EX, DR and EPH groups. Increased
      cytoplasmic eosinophilia in the BAT was ultrastructurally manifested by increased
      mitochondrial cristae, fenestration of mitochondrial cristae, increased electron
      density of mitochondrial matrix, and increased complexity of shape and elongation
      of mitochondria. Mitochondrial ultrastructural alterations in the SM of the EX
      and DR groups included increased mitochondrial cristae, cup-shaped mitochondria
      and mitochondrial degeneration. All four CL species (tri-linoleoyl-mono
      docosahexaenoyl, tetralinoleoyl, tri-linoleoyl-mono-oleoyl, and di-linoleoyl-di
      oleoyl) were increased in the BAT of the DR and EPH groups and in the SM of the
      EPH and EX groups. In conclusion, cardiolipin profiling supported standard
      methods for assessing mitochondrial biogenesis and health, and may serve as a
      potential marker of mitochondrial dysfunction in preclinical toxicity studies.

PMID- 25132004
TI  - Outcome of surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNEN) is
      increasing. This study aimed to evaluate predictors of overall survival and the
      indication for surgery. METHODS: Data collected between October 2001 and December
      2012 were analysed. Histological grading and staging was based on the
      classifications of the World Health Organization, the International Union Against
      Cancer and the European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society. RESULTS: Some 310 patients
      (150 female, 48.4 per cent) underwent surgical resection. The final survival
      analysis included 291 patients. Five-year overall survival differed according to
      tumour grade (G): 91.0 per cent among 156 patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine
      tumours (pNET) G1, 70.8 per cent in 111 patients with pNET G2, and 20 per cent in
      24 patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (pNEC) G3 (P < 0.001).
      Tumours graded G3 (hazard ratio (HR) 6.96, 95 per cent confidence interval 3.67
      to 13.21), the presence of distant metastasis (HR 2.41, 1.32 to 4.42) and lymph
      node metastasis (HR 2.10, 1.07 to 4.16) were independent predictors of worse
      survival (P < 0.001, P = 0.004 and P = 0.032 respectively). Eight of 61
      asymptomatic patients with pNEN smaller than 2 cm had tumours graded G2 or G3,
      and six of 51 patients had lymph node metastasis. Among patients with pNEC G3,
      the presence of distant metastasis had a significant impact on the 5-year overall
      survival rate: 0 per cent versus 43 per cent in those without distant metastasis
      (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Neuroendocrine tumours graded G3, lymph node and distant
      metastasis are independent predictors of worse overall survival in patients with
      pNEN.

PMID- 25132003
TI  - Integration of geriatric mental health screening into a primary care practice: a
      patient satisfaction survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Colocation of mental health screening, assessment, and treatment in
      primary care reduces stigma, improves access, and increases coordination of care
      between mental health and primary care providers. However, little information
      exists regarding older adults' attitudes about screening for mental health
      problems in primary care. The objective of this study was to evaluate older
      primary care patients' acceptance of and satisfaction with screening for
      depression and anxiety. METHODS: The study was conducted at an urban,
      academically affiliated primary care practice serving older adults. Study
      patients (N = 107) were screened for depression/anxiety and underwent a post
      screening survey/interview to assess their reactions to the screening experience.
      RESULTS: Most patients (88.6%) found the length of the screening to be "just
      right." A majority found the screening questions somewhat or very acceptable
      (73.4%) and not at all difficult (81.9%). Most participants did not find the
      questions stressful (84.9%) or intrusive (91.5%); and a majority were not at all
      embarrassed (93.4%), upset (93.4%), or uncomfortable (88.8%) during the screening
      process. When asked about frequency of screening, most patients (72.4%) desired
      screening for depression/anxiety yearly or more. Of the 79 patients who had
      spoken with their physicians about mental health during the visit, 89.8% reported
      that it was easy or very easy to talk with their physicians about
      depression/anxiety. Multivariate results showed that patients with higher anxiety
      had a lower positive reaction to the screen when controlling for gender, age, and
      patient-physician communication. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate strong
      patient support for depression and anxiety screening in primary care.

PMID- 25132006
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants in the European haplogroups HV, JT, and U do
      not have a major role in schizophrenia.
AB  - It has been reported that certain genetic factors involved in schizophrenia could
      be located in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Therefore, we hypothesized that
      mtDNA mutations and/or variants would be present in schizophrenia patients and
      may be related to schizophrenia characteristics and mitochondrial function. This
      study was performed in three steps: (1) identification of pathogenic mutations
      and variants in 14 schizophrenia patients with an apparent maternal inheritance
      of the disease by sequencing the entire mtDNA; (2) case-control association study
      of 23 variants identified in step 1 (16 missense, 3 rRNA, and 4 tRNA variants) in
      495 patients and 615 controls, and (3) analyses of the associated variants
      according to the clinical, psychopathological, and neuropsychological
      characteristics and according to the oxidative and enzymatic activities of the
      mitochondrial respiratory chain. We did not identify pathogenic mtDNA mutations
      in the 14 sequenced patients. Two known variants were nominally associated with
      schizophrenia and were further studied. The MT-RNR2 1811A > G variant likely does
      not play a major role in schizophrenia, as it was not associated with clinical,
      psychopathological, or neuropsychological variables, and the MT-ATP6 9110T > C
      p.Ile195Thr variant did not result in differences in the oxidative and enzymatic
      functions of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The patients with apparent
      maternal inheritance of schizophrenia did not exhibit any mutations in their
      mtDNA. The variants nominally associated with schizophrenia in the present study
      were not related either to phenotypic characteristics or to mitochondrial
      function. We did not find evidence pointing to a role for mtDNA sequence
      variation in schizophrenia.

PMID- 25132007
TI  - Strategic Provider Behavior Under Global Budget Payment with Price Adjustment in
      Taiwan.
AB  - Global budget payment is one of the most effective strategies for cost
      containment, but its impacts on provider behavior have not been explored in
      detail. This study examines the theoretical and empirical role of global budget
      payment on provider behavior. The study proposes that global budget payment with
      price adjustment is a form of common-pool resources. A two-product game theoretic
      model is derived, and simulations demonstrate that hospitals are expected to
      expand service volumes, with an emphasis on products with higher price-marginal
      cost ratios. Next, the study examines the early effects of Taiwan's global budget
      payment system using a difference-in-difference strategy and finds that Taiwanese
      hospitals exhibited such behavior, where the pursuit of individual interests led
      to an increase in treatment intensities. Furthermore, hospitals significantly
      increased inpatient service volume for regional hospitals and medical centers. In
      contrast, local hospitals, particularly for those without teaching status
      designation, faced a negative impact on service volume, as larger hospitals were
      better positioned to induce demand and pulled volume away from their smaller
      counterparts through more profitable services and products such as radiology and
      pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 25132008
TI  - Malignant mesenchymoma with widespread metastasis including bone marrow
      involvement in a dog.
AB  - A male castrated Golden Retriever was presented for evaluation of a large mass
      over the left shoulder extending to the lower part of the neck that had been
      present for an extended period of time, but had a recent history of rapid growth.
      Previous aspirates of the mass were consistent with a lipoma. The mass was
      surgically excised and was diagnosed as an extraskeletal osteosarcoma based on
      histopathology. After surgery, the dog was initiated on a chemotherapy protocol
      with carboplatin and metronomic cyclophosphamide. He became neutropenic, anemic,
      and thrombocytopenic 14 days after the carboplatin treatment was administered.
      The neutropenia resolved, but the anemia and thrombocytopenia progressed. A bone
      marrow aspirate revealed erythroid hypoplasia, myeloid hyperplasia with a
      predominance of early precursors, and a subset of cells that made up 20% of the
      total population that were reported as bizarre and unclassifiable. These cells
      were discrete in nature and were thought to be hematopoietic in origin. The dog
      was euthanized due to deterioration of the clinical condition. On postmortem
      examination, widespread metastasis involving the lungs, liver, kidney, heart, and
      bone marrow was found. Histopathology of the tumor lesions determined 2 distinct
      malignant populations of liposarcoma and osteosarcoma, consistent with malignant
      mesenchymoma. However, the possibility of 2 separate neoplastic processes cannot
      be definitively excluded. This is the first report of bone marrow metastasis of a
      malignant mesenchymoma in a dog. 

PMID- 25132009
TI  - Isolation and characterization of flagellar filament from zoospores of
      Dermatophilus congolensis.
AB  - Highly motile zoospores from Dermatophilus congolensis bovine isolates from
      clinical dermatophilosis in Japan were obtained by culturing at 27 degrees C in
      an ambient atmosphere on heart infusion agar supplemented with 5% defibrinated
      sheep blood for 72h or in heart infusion broth for 48h with gentle shaking. After
      vigorous mechanical agitation of the zoospore suspension, the flagellar filaments
      detached from motile zoospores and were isolated in the clear gelatinous part of
      the final pellet by differential centrifugation. Typical morphology of a
      flagellar filament, with a width of approximately 15nm, was observed in the
      isolated flagellar filament by electron microscopy. A single major protein
      (flagellin) band with an apparent molecular mass of 35kDa was detected in the
      flagellar filament of D. congolensis strain AM-1 and that of 33kDa was detected
      in strain IT-2 by SDS-PAGE. In immunoblot analysis of whole-cell proteins from
      seven isolates of D. congolensis, antiserum to strain AM-1 zoospores reacted with
      the 35-kDa antigen band of strain AM-1, but not with any antigen band of other
      strains in a similar molecular mass range. In contrast, antiserum to strain IT-2
      zoospores reacted with antigen bands at 33kDa from six strains, except strain AM
      1. Similar strain-specific reactions of these anti-zoospore sera with isolated
      flagellar filaments from strains AM-1 and IT-2 were confirmed by immunoblot,
      indicating the presence of antigenic variations of flagellins of D. congolensis
      zoospores. 

PMID- 25132010
TI  - Skeletal effects of bariatric surgery: examining bone loss, potential mechanisms
      and clinical relevance.
AB  - Bariatric surgery is the most effective therapeutic approach to morbid obesity,
      resulting in substantial weight loss and improved cardiometabolic profiles;
      however, a growing body of evidence suggests that bariatric procedures increase
      both skeletal fragility and the risk of related future fracture secondary to
      excessive bone loss. Prospective evidence shows that areal bone mineral density
      (BMD) assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) declines by as much as
      14% in the proximal femoral regions, including the femoral neck and total hip, 12
      months postoperatively. Lumbar spine areal BMD outcomes show greater 12-month
      postoperative variability across surgical procedures (-8 to +6%) and contrast
      with no change in volumetric BMD outcomes measured by quantitative computed
      tomography. Diminished mechanical loading, micronutrient deficiency and
      malabsorption, along with neurohormonal alterations, offer plausible underlying
      mechanisms to explain these observed post-bariatric bone changes, but most remain
      largely unsubstantiated in this population. Importantly, DXA-based skeletal
      imaging may have limited utility in accurately detecting bone change in people
      undergoing bariatric surgery; partly because excessive tissue overlying bone
      increases the variability of areal BMD outcomes. Moreover, a paucity of fracture
      and osteoporosis incidence data raises questions about whether marked post
      bariatric surgery bone loss is clinically relevant or a functional adaptation to
      skeletal unloading. Future studies that use technology which is able to
      accurately capture the site-specific volumetric BMD and bone architectural
      changes that underpin bone strength in people undergoing bariatric surgery, that
      consider mechanical load, and that better quantify long-term fracture and
      osteoporosis incidence are necessary to understand the actual skeletal effects of
      bariatric surgery.

PMID- 25132011
TI  - A proteomics-based methodology to investigate the protein corona effect for
      targeted drug delivery.
AB  - Here we introduce a proteomics methodology based on nanoliquid-chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC/MS-MS) to investigate the "protein corona effect
      for targeted drug delivery", an innovative strategy, which exploits the "protein
      corona" that forms around nanoparticles in a physiological environment to target
      cells. 

PMID- 25132012
TI  - Quality of life and illness perception in primary biliary cirrhosis: a controlled
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand better the quality of life
      (QOL) and illness perception in women with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)
      through a comparison with women having diabetes. METHODS: One hundred and ninety
      four women took part in this study: 130 with PBC, 64 with type 2 diabetes. They
      were administered the SF-12 to measure QOL and the Brief Illness Perception
      Questionnaire to assess representations of their illness. Analysis of covariance
      with bootstrapping was used to compare QOL and illness perception scores by
      controlling age and mean disease duration. RESULTS: Physical QOL was
      significantly worse for women with PBC than for women with diabetes. Women with
      PBC felt their disease would last longer and reported more symptoms and concerns
      related to their disease than women with diabetes. Significant differences were
      also observed for causes: women with PBC mainly reported autoimmune, emotional,
      unknown/unlucky and medical causes whereas women with diabetes reported mostly
      lifestyle and hereditary causes. Marginally significant differences were observed
      regarding consequences on daily life, feeling of control over the disease and
      emotional responses, which were shown to be worse in PBC. Mental QOL, treatment
      control and overall understanding of the disease was similar in both groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that women with PBC have a worse QOL and somewhat
      different illness perception than women with diabetes. Further research could
      help understand PBC specificities better in order to improve patient care,
      especially if factors such as fatigue or rarity of the disease explain these
      results.

PMID- 25132013
TI  - Psoriasis and sport: a new ally?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common chronic multifactorial disease which can result
      in restrictions to social and recreational activities. Psoriasis subjects are at
      high risk to develop metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity, a
      vital component in prevention and management of these diseases, is reported to be
      potentially associated in a negative way with psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the relationship between psoriasis and physical activity. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Anamnestic and physical examination as well as a specific doctor
      administered questionnaire was performed to a group of 416 consecutive sportive
      subjects and 489 sex and age-matched controls. Moreover, similar investigations
      were executed on 400 consecutive psoriatic patients without psoriatic arthritis.
      RESULTS: Psoriasis was significantly more common in controls respect to sportive
      group (n = 27, 5.4% vs. n = 7, 1.7%, P < 0.01) whereas a positive familial
      history of psoriasis was observed in similar percentages in both groups (n = 51,
      10.2% vs. n = 40, 9.6%). The number of subjects performing sports activities was
      significantly lower in psoriasis group compared to controls (n = 44, 11% vs. n =
      106, 21.3%; P < 0.001). Of these psoriatic patients, 35/44 referred that sporting
      activities showed a positive influence on the natural course of their disease,
      whereas the remaining 11 patients did not highlight positive or negative
      influences on their illness. Interestingly, 23.75% of psoriatic patients (n = 95)
      related that they had regularly carried out sporting activities before the onset
      of the dermatosis referring that psoriasis represented a huge obstacle to
      continue practicing physical activities. CONCLUSION: Our survey showed that
      regular physical activity may lower the risk of psoriasis and have a beneficial
      effect on the natural course of the disease, positively influencing not only the
      severity as well as the incidence of metabolic comorbidities, but also, through
      possible epigenomic, metabolic, anti-inflammatory and psycho-emotional effects,
      the onset of the dermatosis. However, larger birth cohort studies are needed to
      confirm these results.

PMID- 25132014
TI  - [Deaths in a Tunisian psychiatric hospital: an eleven-year retrospective study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mortality in patients in psychiatric hospitals is reported to be two
      to three times as high as in the general population. In Tunisia, we do not have
      any figures on mortality and causes of death in psychiatric inpatients. AIM: The
      aim of our study was to assess the mortality rate in a psychiatric hospital in
      comparison to the mortality rate in the general population, to determine the
      patients' profile, and to identify the causes and risk factors for these deaths.
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective, descriptive and comparative study. We
      examined the records of all patients who died during their stay in the different
      wards of psychiatry at the Razi Hospital in Tunis. We also scrutinized reports of
      autopsies in the Forensic Medicine unit at Charles-Nicolle Hospital in Tunis over
      a period of eleven years from January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2010. We
      conducted a descriptive study to calculate the standardized mortality ratio (SMR)
      aiming to highlight any existing excess mortality among the psychiatric
      inpatients compared to the general population. This ratio was obtained by
      dividing the observed number of deaths by the expected number of deaths. In the
      analytical study, our sample was compared to a control population made-up of
      randomly selected living patients among those admitted to the Razi hospital in
      2010. This study allowed us to investigate the risk factors for premature
      mortality in psychiatric inpatients. RESULTS: The average rate of mortality was
      two deaths per 1000 inpatients per year. Twenty-four percent (24%) of deaths
      involved institutionalized patients. Compared to the general population,
      premature mortality was noted among patients aged less than 40 (SMR=1.9). The
      older the patients were, the closer to 1 the SMR was. The average age at death
      was 51.38 years; 65% of patients were male, 60% had a low socio-economic level,
      54% had a comorbid medical condition. Forty-two percent (42%) of deceased
      patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia with the paranoid form being the most
      prevalent (44%), 13% had bipolar disorder, 22% had psycho-organic disorders
      (mental retardation, dementia, delirium). Antipsychotics were the most prescribed
      psychotropic drugs. High doses were used. Forty percent of cases (40%) consisted
      of sudden deaths. A cause for death was identified in 80% of cases. In 92% of
      cases, the death was classified as being "natural". Main causes were respiratory
      (26%) and cardiovascular (9%). Accidental causes accounted for 8% of deaths. In
      20% of cases, the cause remained undetermined. Three factors were identified as
      independent predictors of mortality among mental patients: age at death (OR=3.9
      among patients older than 40), psychiatric diagnosis (OR=2.9 among patients with
      psychotic or mood disorders compared to other diagnoses) and combination of
      antipsychotic drugs (OR=6.09 in patients receiving more than two antipsychotics).
      DISCUSSION: Young psychiatric inpatients seem to be at high risk of premature
      death: the SMR in our study was 1.9. It ranged between 2.15 and 6.55 in other
      similar studies. This increased risk mainly concerns non-natural deaths. The
      leading natural cause of death in our population was represented by
      thromboembolic accidents. Such a high thromboembolic risk may be explained by the
      mental illness itself, by physical restraint as well as by antipsychotic
      treatment. Diagnosing medical conditions in psychiatric patients is often a
      daunting task: history of the patient is sometimes unreliable and clinical
      features might be modified by psychotropic agents. Patient-related risk factors
      for premature death include poor socio-economic level, access-to-care
      difficulties, positive family and personal history of mental and/or medical
      disorders, smoking, substance abuse, unhealthy diet and lack of physical
      activity. Moreover, iatrogenic effects of psychotropic drugs (combination of
      antipsychotics was more common in deceased patients than in controls) and
      inadequate medical care in psychiatric hospitals (lack of ECG devices, in
      particular) partly account for such a high mortality. CONCLUSION: Identifying
      risk factors for deaths in psychiatric hospitals highlights needed changes in
      psychiatric management strategies taking into account the patient's
      characteristics as well as the drugs' safety profile. Further studies with larger
      samples are needed to better highlight risk factors for premature death in
      psychiatric inpatients. Identifying such risk factors is necessary to develop
      efficient preventive strategies.

PMID- 25132015
TI  - [An integrative and transdiagnostic relaxation protocol for anxious patients.
      Results of a pilot study].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The literature data show that relaxation practice is effective in
      reducing anxiety symptoms. Different techniques such as progressive muscular
      relaxation, autogenic training, applied relaxation and meditation have been
      evaluated independently for anxiety disorders. The question is to know whether
      the combination of various techniques may be of interest in the transdiagnostic
      treatment of anxiety disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study assessed the
      short-term efficacy of a 10-week integrative and transdiagnostic relaxation
      program for anxiety disorders in outpatients of an anxiety disorders unit.
      METHODS: The diagnoses were made according to the Mini-International
      Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI; Sheehan et al., 1998) and completed with an
      assessment of anxiety and depressive symptoms using: the State Trait Anxiety
      Inventory (STAI-Y, -S and -T), the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) and the
      Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Four techniques were integrated into the
      structured 10-week protocol: breathing control, muscular relaxation, meditation
      and mental visualization. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (12 men and 16 women),
      mean age (S.D.)=38.82 years (11.57), were included in the study. All the included
      patients fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for a current diagnosis of Generalized
      Anxiety Disorder (n=13) or Panic Disorder (n=15) with or without agoraphobia. At
      the end of the 10 sessions, we found a significant reduction in mean scores
      (S.D.) on the STAI-T from 53.179 (6.037) to 49.821 (8.028) (P<0.02), the BDI-II
      20.964 (13.167) to 15.429 (11.341) (d=0.6543) and the QIPS 55.071 (10.677) to
      49.679 (11.7) (d=0.5938). The observed reduction in the STAI-S (d=0.2776) was not
      significant. DISCUSSION: The results of this open study showed that this program
      significantly decreases the level of trait anxiety, depression and worry. The
      integrative and transdiagnostic relaxation program could represent an accessible
      and effective treatment to reduce anxious and depressive symptoms in various
      anxiety disorders. Future research should address the development of controlled
      trials assessing the impact of the different dimensions of anxiety and the long
      term effects of this protocol.

PMID- 25132016
TI  - Clinical and molecular characteristics of community-acquired methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in Chinese neonates.
AB  - This study aims to characterize the clinical features of community-acquired
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections in Chinese
      neonates, as well as the molecular characteristics and expression of key
      virulence genes of isolates. Clinical information and molecular characteristics
      of 130 cases were analyzed. Up to 83.8% patients were affected with late-onset
      infection. Cesarean delivery was the main delivery route, accounting for 74.6% of
      the total deliveries. Pneumonia (69, 53.1%) was the most common infection. A
      total of 38 patients (29.2%) suffered from complications. Moreover, 35 cases
      (26.9%) were invasive infections, among which 88.6% involved multiple organs and
      45.7% suffered from complications. Cesarean section and premature birth were the
      risk factors for invasive CA-MRSA infection. ST59-MRSA-SCCmecIVa-t437 (54, 41.5%)
      was the most predominant CA-MRSA clone. The hla expression in the ST59 isolates
      was higher than that in ST910 (p = 0.02) and the hla expression in ST59-SCCmecV
      t437 was higher than that in ST59-SCCmecIVa-t437. Approximately, 46.4% (13/28) of
      the infections caused by ST59-SCCmecV were invasive. This value is higher than
      that of ST59-SCCmecVa caused infections (14/59, 23.7%) (p = 0.03). This study
      showed that neonatal CA-MRSA infections in China readily become invasive, involve
      multiple organs, and are often accompanied by complications. The SCCmec V clone
      may be more pathogenic than the SCCmecVIa clone.

PMID- 25132017
TI  - The rtA181S mutation of hepatitis B virus primarily confers resistance to
      adefovir dipivoxil.
AB  - The study aimed to clarify clinical significance of hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      rtA181S mutation in Chinese HBV-infected patients. A total of 18 419 patients
      with chronic HBV infection from Beijing 302 Hospital were investigated. HBV
      complete reverse transcriptase region of polymerase was screened by direct
      sequencing, and the results were verified by clonal sequencing. Replication
      competent mutant and wild-type HBV genomic amplicons were constructed and
      transfected into the HepG2 cells and cultured in the presence or absence of
      serially diluted nucleos(t)ide analogues. Intracellular HBV replicative
      intermediates were quantitated for calculating the 50% effective concentration of
      the drug (EC(50)). The rtA181S was detected in 98 patients with 12 kinds of
      mutational patterns. Genotype C and genotype B HBV infection occupied 91.8% and
      8.2% in rtA181S-positive patients, in contrast to 84.6% and 15.4% in rtA181S
      negative patients (P < 0.01). All rtA181S-positive patients had received
      nucleos(t)ide analogues. rtA181S was detected in multiple patients with virologic
      breakthrough. Phenotypic analysis of patient-derived viral strains showed that
      rtA181S, rtA181S+N236T, rtN236T and rtA181V strains had 68.5%, 49.9%, 71.4% and
      66.2% of natural replication capacity of wild-type strain, and 3.7-fold, 9.8
      fold, 7.9-fold and 5.6-fold increased EC(50) to adefovir dipivoxil (ADV). The
      rtA181S strain remained susceptible to lamivudine, entecavir and tenofovir, and
      ADV susceptibility was restored after the mutation was eliminated through site
      directed mutagenesis. Rescue therapy with entecavir or combination therapy was
      effective in rtA181S-related ADV-refractory patients. The rtA181S mutation
      confers moderate resistance to ADV. It could be induced by either lamivudine or
      ADV and contribute ADV treatment failure.

PMID- 25132019
TI  - Spatiotemporal properties of auditory intensity processing in multisensor MEG.
AB  - Loudness dependence of auditory evoked potentials (LDAEP) evaluates loudness
      processing in the human auditory system and is often altered in patients with
      psychiatric disorders. Previous research has suggested that this measure may be
      used as an indicator of the central serotonergic system through the highly
      serotonergic innervation of the auditory cortex. However, differences among the
      commonly used analysis approaches (such as source analysis and single electrode
      estimation) may lead to different results. Putatively due to discrepancies of the
      underlying structures being measured. Therefore, it is important to learn more
      about how and where in the brain loudness variation is processed. We conducted a
      detailed investigation of the LDAEP generators and their temporal dynamics by
      means of multichannel magnetoencephalography (MEG). Evoked responses to brief
      tones of five different intensities were recorded from 19 healthy participants.
      We used magnetic field tomography in order to appropriately localize superficial
      as well as deep source generators of which we conducted a time series analysis.
      The results showed that apart from the auditory cortex other cortical sources
      exhibited activation during the N1/P2 time window. Analysis of time courses in
      the regions of interest revealed a sequential cortical activation from primary
      sensory areas, particularly the auditory and somatosensory cortex to posterior
      cingulate cortex (PCC) and to premotor cortex (PMC). The additional activation
      within the PCC and PMC has implications on the analysis approaches used in LDAEP
      research. 

PMID- 25132018
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in the early
      detection of infection after elective colorectal surgery - a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal surgery is associated with postoperative infectious
      complications in up to 40% of cases, but the diagnosis of these complications is
      frequently misleading, delaying its resolution. Several biomarkers have been
      shown to be useful in infection diagnosis. METHODS: We conducted a single-centre,
      prospective, observational study segregating patients submitted to elective
      colorectal surgery with primary anastomosis, CRP and PCT were measured daily. We
      compared infected and non-infected patients. RESULTS: From October 2009 to June
      2011, a total of 50 patients were included. Twenty-one patients developed
      infection. PCT and CRP before surgery were equally low in patients with or
      without postoperative infectious complications. After surgery, both PCT and CRP
      increased markedly. CRP time-course from the day of surgery onwards was
      significantly different in infected and non-infected patients (P = 0.001)
      whereas, PCT time-course was almost parallel in both groups (P = 0.866). Multiple
      comparisons between infected and non-infected patients from 5th to 9th
      postoperative days (POD) were performed and CRP concentration was significantly
      different (P < 0.01, Bonferroni correction), on the 6th, 7th and 8th POD. A CRP
      concentration > 5.0 mg/dl at the D6 was predictive of infection with a
      sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 62% (positive likelihood ratio 2.2,
      negative likelihood ratio 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: After a major elective surgical
      insult both CRP and PCT serum levels increased independently of the presence of
      infection. Besides serum CRP time-course showed to be useful in the early
      detection of an infectious complication whereas PCT was unhelpful.

PMID- 25132022
TI  - [Measures of preventing occupational exposure to hazardous drugs-based on new
      insights].
AB  - Little attention has been paid to the hazards that healthcare professionals may
      be exposed to when administering drugs to patients. Hazardous drugs, even in very
      low concentrations, can produce adverse reactions in patients and in healthcare
      professionals who handle the drugs or work in the vicinity. Small amounts of
      hazardous drugs have been detected in the urine of healthcare professionals who
      prepare or administer these drugs even with the use of safety protection.
      Moreover, environmental contamination of hazardous drugs has been reported in a
      survey of patient care surroundings even when handling guidelines have been
      followed. The academic subcommittee of the Japanese Society of Hospital Pharmacy
      has established guidelines for the handling of hazardous drugs; however, reports
      suggest that there are problems with compliance to the guidelines. Recently,
      closed system devices have been marketed for use in healthcare settings to reduce
      environmental contamination during drug preparation. However, these devices have
      not gained widespread use because of their high cost and incompatibility with
      certain products like ampules. In addition, it is not clear whether the hazardous
      drugs are deactivated by these devices. In an effort to prevent healthcare
      professionals from being exposed to hazardous drugs, it is important to clean up
      contaminated surfaces and also to prevent dangerous drugs from spreading. 

PMID- 25132020
TI  - Face processing regions are sensitive to distinct aspects of temporal sequence in
      facial dynamics.
AB  - Facial movement conveys important information for social interactions, yet its
      neural processing is poorly understood. Computational models propose that shape-
      and temporal sequence sensitive mechanisms interact in processing dynamic faces.
      While face processing regions are known to respond to facial movement, their
      sensitivity to particular temporal sequences has barely been studied. Here we
      used fMRI to examine the sensitivity of human face-processing regions to two
      aspects of directionality in facial movement trajectories. We presented genuine
      movie recordings of increasing and decreasing fear expressions, each of which
      were played in natural or reversed frame order. This two-by-two factorial design
      matched low-level visual properties, static content and motion energy within each
      factor, emotion-direction (increasing or decreasing emotion) and timeline
      (natural versus artificial). The results showed sensitivity for emotion-direction
      in FFA, which was timeline-dependent as it only occurred within the natural frame
      order, and sensitivity to timeline in the STS, which was emotion-direction
      dependent as it only occurred for decreased fear. The occipital face area (OFA)
      was sensitive to the factor timeline. These findings reveal interacting temporal
      sequence sensitive mechanisms that are responsive to both ecological meaning and
      to prototypical unfolding of facial dynamics. These mechanisms are temporally
      directional, provide socially relevant information regarding emotional state or
      naturalness of behavior, and agree with predictions from modeling and predictive
      coding theory. 

PMID- 25132023
TI  - [Maintenance therapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer].
AB  - Maintenance therapy is a new treatment strategy for advanced non-small-cell lung
      cancer(NSCLC), and it consists of switch maintenance and continuation
      maintenance.Switch maintenance is the introduction of a different drug, not
      included as part of the induction therapy, immediately after completion of 4
      cycles of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.Continuation maintenance is a
      continuation of at least one of the drugs used in the induction therapy in the
      absence of disease progression.Several phase III trials have reported survival
      benefits with continuation maintenance of pemetrexed and switch maintenance of
      pemetrexed or erlotinib.Therefore, maintenance therapy has become a part of the
      standard first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC.However, further research is
      needed to elucidate the selection criteria of patients who may benefit the most
      from maintenance therapy. 

PMID- 25132024
TI  - [Maintenance therapy for colorectal cancer].
AB  - Some trials have demonstrated the benefits of maintenance chemotherapy for
      advanced colorectal cancer. In chemotherapeutic strategies for advanced
      colorectal cancer, chemotherapy-related toxicity prevention and quality of
      life(QOL)maintenance are more important than the introduction of a strong
      regimen, especially when additional surgery is not possible. In Japan, the
      combination of a folinic acid/5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin(FOLFOX)regimen and
      bevacizumab is a popular first-line chemotherapy regimen. However, despite its
      effectiveness, neuropathy or hand-foot syndrome after 5 or 6 cycles tends to lead
      to chemotherapy withdrawal. CAIRO3 trial reported the effectiveness of
      capecitabine and bevacizumab as a maintenance chemotherapy regimen. Additionally,
      the ML18147 trial demonstrated that bevacizumab beyond progression(BBP)prolonged
      overall survival(OS)and progression free survival(PFS)in patients with advanced
      colorectal cancer. Although those trials demonstrated the effectiveness of
      continuous or maintenance bevacizumab administration, no trials have compared the
      effectiveness of cytotoxic drugs with bevacizumab as maintenance therapies.
      Moreover, controversy exists regarding the selection of drugs as a maintenance
      therapy and the identification of patients who would benefit from maintenance
      therapy. 

PMID- 25132021
TI  - Heritability of head motion during resting state functional MRI in 462 healthy
      twins.
AB  - Head motion (HM) is a critical confounding factor in functional MRI. Here we
      investigate whether HM during resting state functional MRI (RS-fMRI) is
      influenced by genetic factors in a sample of 462 twins (65% female; 101 MZ
      (monozygotic) and 130 DZ (dizygotic) twin pairs; mean age: 21 (SD = 3.16), range
      16-29). Heritability estimates for three HM components-mean translation (MT),
      maximum translation (MAXT) and mean rotation (MR)-ranged from 37 to 51%. We
      detected a significant common genetic influence on HM variability, with about two
      thirds (genetic correlations range 0.76-1.00) of the variance shared between MR,
      MT and MAXT. A composite metric (HM-PC1), which aggregated these three, was also
      moderately heritable (h(2) = 42%). Using a sub-sample (N = 35) of the twins we
      confirmed that mean and maximum translational and rotational motions were
      consistent "traits" over repeated scans (r = 0.53-0.59); reliability was even
      higher for the composite metric (r = 0.66). In addition, phenotypic and cross
      trait cross-twin correlations between HM and resting state functional
      connectivities (RS-FCs) with Brodmann areas (BA) 44 and 45, in which RS-FCs were
      found to be moderately heritable (BA44: h(2) = 0.23 (sd = 0.041), BA45: h(2) =
      0.26 (sd = 0.061)), indicated that HM might not represent a major bias in genetic
      studies using FCs. Even so, the HM effect on FC was not completely eliminated
      after regression. HM may be a valuable endophenotype whose relationship with
      brain disorders remains to be elucidated.

PMID- 25132025
TI  - [Maintenance therapy in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer-impact
      of anti-angiogenic molecular targeted agents in progress].
AB  - However, in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, the standard chemotherapy of
      paclitaxel/carboplatin (TC) therapy is very effective as the overall survival
      (OS) reached 70-80% in early stage (stage I/II ) patients, in advanced stage
      patients like stage III/IV the recurrence rate exceeds 80%and the 5-year-OS
      remains 55%at most. Longer survival remains so worse as well that the 10-year-OS
      fails to 5-7%. In order to push up the rate of longer survival, the strategies
      have been considered from the some points of view such as additional new anti
      cancer agents, changing of drug delivery system (DDS) (i.e. intraperitoneal
      administration), additional radiotherapy or radioactive agents (in USA), the
      combination of molecular agents and specific classification in treatment using
      "Bio-markers (so-called tailor-made medicine)". Here we reviewed the up-coming
      treatments in maintenance fashion using anti-angiogenic agents or supposing
      effective and curable treatment by PARP inhibitors in the cohorts of epithelial
      ovarian cancers with BRCAness. 

PMID- 25132026
TI  - [Current status of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with p-Stage II and p-Stage
      III gastric cancer].
AB  - The results of the Adjuvant Chemotherapy Trial of S-1 for Gastric Cancer(ACTS
      GC)demonstrated that postoperative chemotherapy using S-1 is a standard treatment
      in Japan for patients with p-Stage II and p-Stage III gastric cancer. We
      retrospectively reviewed the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy received by 47
      patients with p-Stage II and p-Stage III gastric cancer between January 2007 and
      June 2012. Our hospital is a local university hospital with a high intensive care
      unit. S-1 monotherapy was administered to 32 patients(adjuvant S-1 group, 68.1%);
      22 patients(68.8%)among them completed one year of therapy without any
      modification to the administration schedule. A total of 8
      patients(25.0%)experienced grade 3 adverse events, and 9 patients required a dose
      reduction, a modification of the administration schedule, or termination of the
      therapy. S-1 was not administrated to 15 patients(no adjuvant S-1 group, 31.9%);
      among these patients, 12(80.0%) were not administered S-1 because of their
      advanced age and comorbidity. The 3-year overall survival rate was 89.3% in the
      adjuvant S-1 group and 77.1% in the no adjuvant S-1 group. The completion rate of
      S-1 and survival rate were high for patients in the adjuvant S-1 group, which was
      similar to the results of the ACTS-GC. However, 25 of 47 patients(53.2%) with p
      Stage II and p-Stage III gastric cancer did not improve after sufficient adjuvant
      therapy; therefore, it is important to develop new treatment strategies for these
      patients.

PMID- 25132027
TI  - Efficacy of high-dose toremifene therapy in postmenopausal patients with
      metastatic breast cancer resistant to aromatase inhibitors:a retrospective,
      single-institution study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aromatase inhibitors(AI)have established efficacy as first-line
      therapy in postmenopausal patients with hormone-sensitive metastatic breast
      cancer(MBC). However,the use of endocrine therapy has not yet been established
      for second-line and later therapy. Our study examined the efficacy of high-dose
      toremifene therapy(HD-TOR)in patients with MBC resistant to AIs. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out to determine outcomes in 85
      postmenopausal patients with MBC resistant to AIs who began HD-TOR between May
      2001 and October 2011. The patients received toremifene 120 mg once daily on
      consecutive days. RESULTS: The objective response rate(ORR)was 21.2%,the clinical
      benefit rate(CBR)was 41.2%,and the median time to treatment failure(TTF)was 7.3
      months. The CBR was high in patients with ER-positive status(p=0.045),no visceral
      metastasis(p=0.037),HD -TOR as first- or second-line therapy(p=0.007),no history
      of tamoxifen(TAM)therapy(p=0.019),and no history of chemotherapy(p=0.017).
      Multivariate analysis showed that ER-positive status(p=0.005, odds ratio:
      0.064)and no visceral metastasis(p=0.034, odds ratio: 0.323)were independent
      predictors of efficacy. The TTF was significantly longer in patients with ER
      positive status(p=0.019)and no history of TAM therapy(p=0.015). Multivariate
      analysis showed that ER-positive status(p=0.025, hazard ratio: 0.377)and no
      history of TAM therapy(p=0.002, hazard ratio: 0.422)were independent predictors
      of efficacy. No patient discontinued HDTOR therapy due to adverse events.
      CONCLUSION: HD-TOR is an effective endocrine therapy for patients with MBC who
      have failed AIs.

PMID- 25132028
TI  - [Examination of a relapsing pattern of cases of completely resected non-small
      cell lung cancer].
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to understand the clinical discovery of
      a relapse, relapse time, and the presentation of the first relapse of non-small
      cell lung cancer(NSCLC)by examining cases of relapse after complete resection of
      NSCLC. Objective and method. Cases of relapse after complete resection of NSCLC
      in our hospital were examined. RESULTS: Fifteen cases were evaluated. In half of
      these cases, relapse was discovered owing to increased tumor marker values. Of
      the patients, 60%had a relapse within 2 years after resection and 20%had a
      relapse 5 years after resection. The first relapse was a local recurrence in 9
      cases, lung metastasis in 5 cases, and distant metastasis outside the thoracic
      cavity in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of the tumor marker as a
      diagnostic parameter of relapse in NSCLC was demonstrated. Discovering distant
      metastases at the early postoperative period and relapse 5 years after resection
      are important.

PMID- 25132029
TI  - [Analysis of factors influencing the occurrence of infusion reaction after
      initial treatment with rituximab].
AB  - We investigated factors influencing the occurrence of infusion reactions after
      initial treatment with rituximab. We included patients who were administered
      rituximab for the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the Gifu
      Municipal Hospital Hematology from February 2010 to March 2013. Fifty-one
      patients were included; their median age was 72(44-87)years, and 31 were men and
      20 were women. We defined the index of infusion reaction as the maximal change in
      body temperature within 24 hours from the administration of rituximab and
      evaluated the correlation with change in body temperature and each factor, and
      differences of change in body temperature between the upper and lower groups
      divided by standard value of each factor by using the t test without
      correspondence. The "2,000 U/mL or less group"of soluble interleukin-2
      receptor(sIL- 2R)levels and the "over 2,000 U/mL group"showed significant
      different(p=0.014). The "double value or less group"of a standard value(211
      IU/L)and "over double value group"showed significantly different lactate
      dehydrogenase(LDH)levels (p=0.017). The "lower limit or less group"of the
      standard value(men: 13 g/dL, women: 12 g/dL)and the "over lower limit
      group"showed significantly different hemoglobin(Hb)levels(p=0.020). In
      conclusion, the levels of sIL-2R, LDH, and Hb may predict the occurrence of
      infusion reaction after the initial administration of rituximab in patients with
      B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PMID- 25132030
TI  - [Subcutaneous implantation type central venous port management in patients with
      malignant tumors effect of different antiseptic agents on central venous port
      related infection].
AB  - Subcutaneous implantation type central venous ports(CV ports)are used in
      chemotherapy. Here, we prospectively examined the frequency of CV port-related
      infections when the disinfectant was changed from 10% povidone iodine to 1%
      chlorhexidine ethanol or 70% ethanol. The subjects were patients with malignant
      tumors, who had newly been implanted with CV ports. We examined CV port-related
      infections at 1 week after CV port implantation and every 2 weeks thereafter,
      following sterilization upon insertion of a Huber needle to the CV port. CV port
      evulsion due to CV port-related infection was noted in 3 patients(4.8%)in whom
      15%chlorhexidine ethanol was used(n=62)and in 2 patients(3.3%)in whom 70% ethanol
      was used(n=60). Infection rates per 1,000 days of CV port use were 1.48% and
      1.01%, respectively. Thus, the outcomes of sterilization using 1% chlorhexidine
      ethanol and 70% ethanol did not differ significantly from those on using 10%
      povidone iodine for sterilization, based on preliminary results at our
      institution(3 of 59 patients[5.1%]had port evulsion due to CV port-related
      infection and the infection rate per 1,000 days of CV port use was 1.47%, Akahane
      et al, 2012). Chlorhexidine ethanol and ethanol are very convenient to use
      because they dry quickly and do not need discoloration. Accordingly,
      chlorhexidine ethanol and ethanol might be useful in CV port management. 

PMID- 25132031
TI  - [Relation between pain and health-related quality of life in cancer patients].
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relation between pain and health
      related quality of lif e(HRQOL)in cancer patients. METHODS: An internet-based
      HRQOL survey of 618 patients with different malignancies using the EORTC QLQ-C30
      and BPI-SF was performed. Three study groups were formed based on the pain in the
      previous month: group A comprised patients without pain; group B comprised
      patients with mild pain; and group C comprised patients with moderate to severe
      pain. RESULTS: Compared with both groups A and B, group C had significantly low
      global HRQOL and functioning, which resulted in fatigue, dyspnea, disturbed
      sleep, and financial difficulties. In addition, the patients in group C were
      significantly dissatisfied with their cancer medical service compared with the
      patients in both groups A and B. CONCLUSION: Pain is an important health issue
      that not only negatively affects the HRQOL but also results in fatigue, dyspnea,
      disturbed sleep, and financial difficulties in cancer patients. These symptoms
      may be important key words for HRQOL analysis in clinician-patient interviews.

PMID- 25132032
TI  - [A case of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosed with laparoscopic biopsy].
AB  - A 66-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for massive ascites of unknown
      origin. Peritoneal mesothelioma was suspected because of her history of asbestos
      exposure. Diagnostic laparoscopy with biopsy of the peritoneum and greater
      omentum was performed. Pathological examination with immunostaining provided a
      definite diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The patient underwent
      early postoperative induction therapy with pemetrexed and carboplatin, which
      resulted in a reduction in ascites. Laparoscopic biopsy contributed to the
      definite diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, and thereby, early
      induction of chemotherapy. 

PMID- 25132033
TI  - [A case of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in a patient
      with esophageal carcinoma possibly induced by cisplatin in neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy].
AB  - A 60 -year-old man complained of dysphagia and was admitted to our hospital for
      adjuvant chemotherapy under a diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma(squamous cell
      carcinoma[SCC], Stage II ). He was treated with cisplatin(CDDP)and 5-
      fluorouracil(5-FU). On the fifth day after administration, he experienced mild
      disorientation, and early morning on the sixth day, he showed impaired
      consciousness. Laboratory studies revealed a serum sodium level of 111mEq/L and a
      serum chloride level of 73mEq/L. The findings of computed tomography and magnetic
      resonance imaging of the head were unremarkable. Other laboratory studies
      revealed a plasma vasopressin level of 19.2 pg/mL, a plasma osmolality of
      219mOsm/kg, a serum creatinine level of 0.61mg/dL, a serum cortisol level of 27.1
      mg/dL, a urine osmolality of 665mOsm/kg, and a urine sodium level of 157.1mEq/L.
      There were no signs of dehydration, and so the patient was diagnosed with
      syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion(SIADH). We discontinued
      chemotherapy and initiated fluid restriction and sodium supplementation. After
      this treatment, the patient's consciousness progressively improved. On the fifth
      day of treatment, laboratory studies revealed a serum sodium level of 138mEq/L
      and a serum chloride level of 98mEq/L, indicating recovery from hyponatremia.

PMID- 25132034
TI  - [A case of gastric cancer with N2 lymph node metastasis and pancreatic invasion
      effectively treated with docetax-el/S-1 as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy].
AB  - A 74-year-old man was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer(cStage III B).
      Laparotomy showed N2 lymph node metastasis and pancreatic invasion. Radical
      resection appeared impossible and was thus not performed. Chemotherapy consisting
      of a combination of S-1(80mg/m 2, 2-week administration and 1-week rest), and
      docetaxel(40mg/m2day 1)was administered with the expectation of tumor
      downstaging. A partial response(PR)was obtained after five courses of this
      regimen in which the primary lesion and lymph node swelling remarkably improved.
      Total gastrectomy, splenectomy, partial colectomy, and D2 lymph node dissection
      were then performed. Pathological analysis revealed very few cancer cells in the
      primary lesion and that the lymph nodes had become scarred and fibrotic. The
      histological appearance was judged to be grade 2 and the final diagnosis was
      T1N0H0P0CY0M0, fStage I A, curability A. Currently, more than 6 years and 4
      months after the operation, the patient is alive without any evidence of
      recurrence. Thus, docetaxel/S-1 combination therapy was an effective neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy for this case of advanced gastric cancer. 

PMID- 25132035
TI  - [A case of advanced gastric cancer with multiple liver metastases treated with
      preoperative TS-1/CDDP chemotherapy and resection, with a complete response and
      survival for 7 years].
AB  - CASE: An 82-year-old man died because of squamous cell carcinoma of the right
      lung with metastasis to the left femoral bone. At the age of 75 years, he was
      admitted to our hospital because of hematemesis. Widespread type 3 gastric cancer
      was detected in the lesser curvature. Computed tomography(CT)showed multiple
      liver metastases. Preoperative chemotherapy with TS-1/cisplatin(CDDP)was
      administered. TS-1 was orally administered at 80mg/body/day and CDDP was
      administered by intravenous infusion at 20mg/body/day every week for 3 weeks and
      this was followed by a drug-free 2-week period as the first course. After the
      fourth course, gastrectomy was performed for the primary lesion and
      radiofrequency ablation(RFA)was performed for the liver metastases. The patient
      survived for more than 7 years with a complete response (CR)and died thereafter
      because of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

PMID- 25132036
TI  - [A case of disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow with disseminated
      intravascular coagulation caused by advanced colon cancer successfully treated
      with SOX/bevacizumab].
AB  - Our patient was a 58-year-old man who was diagnosed with a large bowel
      obstruction caused by ascending colon cancer, together with multiple liver
      metastases for which a right hemicolectomy was performed. After the operation, he
      developed disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC)and severe anemia. Bone
      marrow biopsy findings led to a diagnosis of disseminated carcinomatosis of the
      bone marrow caused by colon cancer. We administered S-1+oxaliplatin(SOX) and
      bevacizumab( BV)chemotherapy, which improved the DIC. The patient was discharged
      from the hospital. After a total of six courses of chemotherapy, the carcinoma
      became resistant. We changed the drug regimen and his clinical condition
      improved. He survived for 292 days from the onset of disease. 

PMID- 25132037
TI  - [A case of a patient with advanced rectal cancer and urinary bladder fistula
      surviving for 6 years after chemoradiotherapy without surgery].
AB  - A 60-year-old man with advanced rectal cancer and urinary bladder fistula
      received preoperative chemoradiotherapy with S-1(120mg/m / 2day)on weekdays and
      concurrent radiotherapy(65 Gy). After chemoradiotherapy, the clinical symptoms
      resolved and the tumor shrunk, as observed on endoscopic and radiologic
      examinations. However, remnant cancer was suspected; therefore, modified
      oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and Leucovorin(mFOLFOX6)therapy was initiated,
      although it was stopped after 3 cycles because of numbness in the lower
      extremities. Finally, clinical and pathological complete response(CR) was
      achieved by administering additional doses of S-1 for approximately 1 year after
      treatment initiation; CR was confirmed by using endoscopy and computed
      tomography(CT), and there has been no recurrence for 6 years. This case suggests
      that treatment without surgery is a viable alternative for advanced rectal cancer
      with pathological CR after chemoradiotherapy.

PMID- 25132038
TI  - [Gallbladder cancer with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein, alpha-fetoprotein-L3,
      and human chorionic gonadotropin levels].
AB  - A 61-year-old woman presented with fever and was diagnosed with
      choledocholithiasis, which was removed endoscopically. Incidentally, a markedly
      elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)level was detected(1,951 ng/mL), but
      computed tomography( CT)showed only diffuse gallbladder wall thickening.
      Subsequently, markedly elevated serum AFP-L3 and human chorionic
      gonadotropin(HCG)levels were detected(99.6%and 2,867mIU/mL, respectively).
      Fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG)- positron emission tomography/CT demonstrated high FDG
      uptake only in the gallbladder. Gallbladder cancer was suspected and the patient
      was scheduled for a cholecystectomy. However, CT just prior to surgery revealed
      multiple liver metastases. Percutaneous gallbladder biopsy revealed a moderately
      differentiated adenocarcinoma positive for AFP but not HCG. The patient underwent
      chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine and cisplatin. A CT scan obtained 12 weeks
      later showed disease progression and AFP and HCG levels were found to have
      increased to 4,021 ng/mL and 66,000mIU/mL, respectively. Although
      immunohistochemistry of biopsy specimen did not demonstrate HCG production,
      increased serum HCG level on disease progression definitely suggested HCG
      production of gallbladder cancer. We believe the biopsy specimen was very small
      and therefore did not prove HCG production. Gallbladder cancer with simultaneous
      production of AFP and HCG is rare, and we therefore report this case together
      with a review of the literature.

PMID- 25132039
TI  - [A case of locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer successfully treated
      with combination therapy of paclitaxel and bevacizumab].
AB  - The patient was a 53-year-old woman with a large left breast tumor. Triple
      negative breast cancer with bilateral axillary lymph-node metastasis and bone
      metastasis was diagnosed. The primary treatment consisted of chemotherapy with a
      combination of paclitaxel(PTX 80mg/m 2)and bevacizumab(Bev 10 mg/kg). After
      chemotherapy, the tumor shrunk and showed an obvious decrease in size, eventually
      disappearing. After therapy, an ulcer was detected on the left breast, and
      mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection were performed. The patient's
      postoperative course was uneventful and she has been receiving chemotherapy at
      our outpatient clinic. Thus, combination therapy with PTX and Bev may be useful
      for the local control of advanced breast cancer.

PMID- 25132040
TI  - [A case and literature review of ovarian carcinosarcoma with long-term survival
      after repeated recurrences].
AB  - Ovarian carcinosarcoma is a rare and aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. We
      report a case of ovarian carcinosarcoma and also review the literature. In 2000,
      a 63-year-old woman underwent optimal cytoreductive surgery for ovarian
      carcinosarcoma( International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics[FIGO]stage
      III c[pT3cN0M0]). She received adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and
      carboplatin(TC). In 2005, a recurrent tumor was noted anterior to the sacrum. The
      patient had a complete response after 6 cycles of TC chemotherapy; however, a
      year later, the tumor recurred and was resected. In 2013, the tumor recurred
      adjacent to the right kidney and was surgically removed after a partial response
      to 3 cycles of TC chemotherapy. The pathologic findings included epithelial and
      non-epithelial components with histologic variation and differentiation;
      specifically, a leiomyosarcoma, cartilaginous tissues with cellular atypia, and a
      rhabdomyosarcoma were identified in specimens obtained during the first, second,
      and third surgical procedures, respectively. In keeping with the combination
      theory of histogenesis, the ovarian carcinosarcoma described herein may have
      originated from a monoclonal stem cell. The long survival of this patient is
      attributed to optimal cytoreduction during the primary operation, solitary
      recurrent tumors that were completely resected, and sensitivity to chemotherapy. 

PMID- 25132041
TI  - [A case of a large liposarcoma of the chest].
AB  - A49 -year-old woman with a growing tumor of the left anterior chest wall was
      admitted to our hospital. This patient was diagnosed with a malignant well
      differentiated tumor by needle biopsy and underwent surgery involving wide
      resection of the tumor, associated excision of the major pectoralis muscle, and
      part of the mammary tissue and skin. The tumor measured 14.2*17.8 cm and weighed
      1,220 g. Histopathologically, the tumor was confirmed to be a dedifferentiated
      liposarcoma, and local recurrence and metastasis often occurs in spite of
      complete surgical resection. However, no local recurrence or metastasis has been
      detected 2 months post-surgery. The main anatomic sites of liposarcomas are the
      retroperitoneum and lower extremities; only 19 liposarcoma cases of the anterior
      chest wall have been reported in Japan. 

PMID- 25132043
TI  - Reversal of Type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery is determined by the degree
      of achieved weight loss in both short- and long-duration diabetes.
AB  - AIM: To define the impact of duration of diabetes and extent of weight loss on
      the reversibility of Type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery. METHODS: Complete
      data were collated from 89 individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing
      any bariatric surgical procedure in a specialist bariatric centre. People with a
      preoperative HbA1c < 43 mmol/mol (6.1%) were excluded. Diabetes duration was
      defined as: short, < 4 years; medium, 4-8 years; and long, > 8 years. RESULTS: An
      HbA1c of <43 mmol/mol (6.1%) was achieved by 62% of patients in the short
      duration group and 26% of patients in the long-duration group. Normoglycaemia was
      rarely achieved in the long-duration group if weight loss was < 25 kg. In the
      whole cohort there was a clear relationship of greater weight loss with lower
      HbA1c levels (Rs = -0.53; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the
      degree of achieved weight loss is the major determinant of return to normal blood
      glucose levels after bariatric surgery. Normoglycaemia can be achieved in long
      duration Type 2 diabetes, but a greater degree of weight loss is required than
      for short-duration diabetes.

PMID- 25132042
TI  - [Effective treatment of metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma with pazopanib].
AB  - Pazopanib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is the first molecular-targeted
      agent approved for the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma(STS).
      Rhabdomyosarcoma in adults is rare, accounting for less than 3%of all adult STS
      cases. A 57-year old woman presented with cervical lymphadenopathy. Computed
      tomography revealed a heterogeneous mass in the retroperitoneum, replacing the
      entire right kidney. On the basis of the above findings, the patient was
      diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. She was first treated with 4 courses of
      vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide(VAC), which resulted in a
      partial response. Dose reduction and delay occurred owing to hematological
      toxicity and febrile neutropenia. As second-line chemotherapy, the patient was
      administered a single daily dose of 800 mg of pazopanib. Because of an episode of
      hand-foot syndrome and hepatic impairment, the 800-mg daily dose of pazopanib was
      reduced to a daily dose of 600 mg, which had to be further reduced to a daily
      dose of 400 mg owing to fatigue and anorexia. The patient maintained a partial
      response for a total of 4.3 months when treated with pazopanib. Therefore, this
      drug may be a new treatment option for patients showing metastatic STS after
      previous chemotherapy.

PMID- 25132044
TI  - Echocardiographic and clinical response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in
      heart failure patients with and without previous right ventricular pacing.
AB  - AIMS: Right ventricular pacing (RVp) results in an electrocardiographic left
      bundle branch block pattern and can lead to heart failure. This study aimed to
      evaluate echocardiographic and clinical outcomes of heart failure patients with
      RVp upgraded to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), as they are frequently
      excluded from multicentre studies. METHODS AND RESULTS: This observational study
      assessed 655 consecutive patients with QRS >=120 ms and left ventricular ejection
      fraction <=35%. There were 465 patients without significant previous RVp and 190
      with RVp >40%. Echocardiograms were analysed pre-CRT and ~ 1 year post-CRT. Death
      and heart failure hospitalizations were analysed using Cox regression, adjusted
      for baseline characteristics. The RVp patients had smaller end-systolic volume (P
      = 0.002), were older (P < 0.001), and had more atrial fibrillation (P < 0.001)
      pre-CRT. Ejection fraction and proportion of ischaemic aetiology were similar.
      One year following CRT implantation the ejection fraction response was greater in
      the RVp group (8.3 +/- 9 vs. 5.8 +/- 9 units, P = 0.005). The RVp patients had an
      adjusted 33% lower risk of death or heart failure hospitalization [hazard ratio
      (HR) 0.67 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.89, P = 0.005], while tending to
      have an adjusted lower risk of death (HR 0.73 95% CI 0.53-1.01, P = 0.055).
      CONCLUSION: Despite similar ejection fraction pre-CRT, patients upgraded to CRT
      with previous RVp have smaller end-systolic volume and respond to CRT at least as
      well as, if not better than, other wide QRS heart failure patients. A greater
      improvement in ejection fraction and a lower risk of death or heart failure
      hospitalization when adjusted for baseline characteristics were seen in those
      with previous RVp.

PMID- 25132045
TI  - Sublethal effects of the beta-blocker sotalol at environmentally relevant
      concentrations on the New Zealand mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum.
AB  - Monitoring sublethal effects of pharmaceuticals on nontarget species in aquatic
      environments has become an important topic in ecotoxicology, yet few studies have
      been conducted concerning the effects of beta-blockers on aquatic organisms. The
      present study investigated the effects of the beta-blocker sotalol (SOT) at 3
      environmentally relevant concentrations on life-history traits of the New Zealand
      mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum. Based on the pharmacodynamic properties of
      SOT, the authors hypothesized reduced numbers of embryos in the brood pouches,
      decelerated growth of adult snails, and smaller size of neonates, but no effect
      on mortality rates of adults. Contrary to the hypothesis, the total number of
      embryos was significantly higher after 56 d of exposure at nominal concentrations
      of 0.05 ug/L and 1.0 ug/L by 107% and 73%, respectively. No differences in embryo
      numbers were observed at earlier time-points. Therefore, the mode of action seems
      to be an extension of the reproductive period rather than an increase of the
      embryo production. Furthermore, our results indicate a hormetic dose-response
      relationship, because no effects were observed at the highest test-concentration
      (6.5 ug/L). Mortality, growth of adult snails, and neonate sizes were not
      affected by the beta-blocker. Given the strong influence on reproduction, the
      effects of sublethal concentrations of SOT and other beta-blockers deserve better
      consideration in ecotoxicological risk assessment.

PMID- 25132047
TI  - Salt-stress induced modulation of chlorophyll biosynthesis during de-etiolation
      of rice seedlings.
AB  - Chlorophyll biosynthesis in plants is subjected to modulation by various
      environmental factors. To understand the modulation of the chlorophyll (Chl)
      biosynthesis during greening process by salt, 100-200 mM NaCl was applied to the
      roots of etiolated rice seedlings 12 h prior to the transfer to light.
      Application of 200 mM NaCl to rice seedlings that were grown in light for further
      72 h resulted in reduced dry matter production (-58%) and Chl accumulation (
      66%). Ionic imbalance due to salinity stress resulted in additional
      downregulation (41-45%) of seedling dry weight, Chl and carotenoid contents over
      and above that of similar osmotic stress induced by polyethylene glycol.
      Downregulation of Chl biosynthesis may be attributed to decreased activities of
      Chl biosynthetic pathway enzymes, i.e. 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dehydratase
      (EC-2.4.1.24), porphobilinogen deaminase (EC-4.3.1.8), coproporphyrinogen III
      oxidase (EC-1.3.3.3), protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (EC-1.3.3.4), Mg
      protoporphyrin IX chelatase (EC-6.6.1.1) and protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase
      (EC-1.3.33.1). Reduced enzymatic activities were due to downregulation of their
      protein abundance and/or gene expression in salt-stressed seedlings. The extent
      of downregulation of ALA biosynthesis nearly matched with that of
      protochlorophyllide and Chl to prevent the accumulation of highly photosensitive
      photodynamic tetrapyrroles that generates singlet oxygen under stress conditions.
      Although, ALA synthesis decreased, the gene/protein expression of glutamyl-tRNA
      reductase (EC-1.2.1.70) increased suggesting it may play a role in acclimation to
      salt stress. The similar downregulation of both early and late Chl biosynthesis
      intermediates in salt-stressed seedlings suggests a regulatory network of genes
      involved in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis.

PMID- 25132046
TI  - Analysis of genetic mutations in Chinese patients with systemic primary carnitine
      deficiency.
AB  - Systemic primary carnitine deficiency (CDSP) is caused by mutations in SLC22A5
      gene, which encodes organic cation transporter 2(OCTN2). CDSP leads to skeletal
      or cardiac myopathy and hepatic encephalopathy. The present study aimed to
      identify SLC22A5 gene mutations and analyze the potential relationship between
      genotype and clinical symptoms in 20 Chinese patients with CDSP. The complete
      coding region of the SLC22A5 gene including intron-exon boundaries were amplified
      and sequenced in all patients. Eighteen different mutations were found; of which,
      nine were novel. The mutations clustering in exons 1 and 4 accounted for 66.7% of
      all mutant alleles (26/39). The c.760C>T (p. R254X) was the most frequent
      mutation (25.6%, 10/39), suggesting it as an ethnic founder mutation. The
      relationship between genotype and phenotype was investigated in patients carrying
      the R254X mutation. Homozygous patients with R254X were late-onset cases who
      presented with dilated cardiomyopathy and muscle weakness after 1 year of age.
      Compound heterozygous patients carrying R254X, combined with other missense
      mutations occurred in very specific positions, dramatically altered OCTN2 protein
      function. Based on the analysis of case studies, a clear relationship between
      free carnitine (C0) level in plasma and OCTN2 genotype was not found in the
      present work, however, the low plasma C0 level could not indicate disease
      severity or genotype. Further functional studies with a large sample size are
      required to understand the relationship between R254X mutation and CDSP. 

PMID- 25132048
TI  - Effects of developmental methylphenidate (MPH) treatment on monoamine
      neurochemistry of male and female rats.
AB  - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is estimated to affect 4-5% of
      the adult human population (Kessler et al., 2006; Willcutt, 2012). Often
      prescribed to attenuate ADHD symptoms (Nair and Moss, 2009), methylphenidate
      hydrochloride (MPH) can have substantial positive effects. However, there is a
      paucity of literature regarding its use during pregnancy. Thus, adult women with
      ADHD face a difficult decision when contemplating pregnancy. In this study,
      pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were orally treated a total of 0 (water), 6 (low),
      18 (medium), or 42 (high) mg MPH/kg body weight/day (divided into three doses) on
      gestational days 6-21 (i.e., the low dose received 2 mg MPH/kg body weight
      3*/day). Offspring were orally treated with the same daily dose as their dam
      (divided into two doses) on postnatal days (PNDs) 1-21. One offspring/sex/litter
      was sacrificed at PND 22 or PND 104 (n=6-7/age/sex/treatment group) and the
      striatum was quickly dissected and frozen. High Performance Liquid Chromatography
      (HPLC) coupled to a Photo Diode Array detector (PDA) was used to analyze
      monoamine content in the striatum of one side while a sandwich ELISA was used to
      analyze tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) from the other side. Age significantly affected
      monoamine and metabolite content as well as turnover ratios (i.e., DA, DOPAC,
      HVA, DOPAC/DA, HVA/DA, 5-HT and 5-HIAA); however, there were no significant
      effects of sex. Adult rats of the low MPH group had higher DA levels than control
      adults (p<0.05). At both ages, subjects of the low MPH group had higher TH levels
      than controls (p<0.05), although neither effect (i.e., higher DA or TH levels)
      exhibited an apparent dose-response. PND 22 subjects of the high MPH treatment
      group had higher ratios of HVA/DA and DOPAC/DA than same-age control subjects
      (p<0.05). The increased TH levels of the low MPH group may be related to the
      increased DA levels of adult rats. While developmental MPH treatment appears to
      have some effects on monoamine system development, further studies are required
      to determine if these alterations manifest as functional changes in behavior.

PMID- 25132050
TI  - The development of a classification schema for arts-based approaches to knowledge
      translation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arts-based approaches to knowledge translation are emerging as
      powerful interprofessional strategies with potential to facilitate evidence
      uptake, communication, knowledge, attitude, and behavior change across healthcare
      provider and consumer groups. These strategies are in the early stages of
      development. To date, no classification system for arts-based knowledge
      translation exists, which limits development and understandings of effectiveness
      in evidence syntheses. PURPOSE: We developed a classification schema of arts
      based knowledge translation strategies based on two mechanisms by which these
      approaches function: (a) the degree of precision in key message delivery, and (b)
      the degree of end-user participation. We demonstrate how this classification is
      necessary to explore how context, time, and location shape arts-based knowledge
      translation strategies. DISCUSSION: Classifying arts-based knowledge translation
      strategies according to their core attributes extends understandings of the
      appropriateness of these approaches for various healthcare settings and provider
      groups. The classification schema developed may enhance understanding of how,
      where, and for whom arts-based knowledge translation approaches are effective,
      and enable theorizing of essential knowledge translation constructs, such as the
      influence of context, time, and location on utilization strategies. LINKING
      EVIDENCE TO ACTION: The classification schema developed may encourage systematic
      inquiry into the effectiveness of these approaches in diverse interprofessional
      contexts.

PMID- 25132051
TI  - Neonicotinoids and bumblebees (Bombus terrestris): effects on nectar consumption
      in individual workers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to quantify whether the presence of
      three different neonicotinoid insecticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam or
      clothianidin) in sucrose solution results in antifeedant effects in individual
      worker bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), and, if so, whether this effect is
      reversible if bees are subsequently offered untreated feed. RESULTS: Bees exposed
      to imidacloprid displayed a significant dose-dependent reduction in consumption
      at 10 and 100 ug L(-1), which was reversed when untreated feed was offered. No
      consistent avoidance/antifeedant response to nectar substitute with thiamethoxam
      was detected at the more field-realistic dose rates of 1 and 10 ug L(-1), and
      exposure to the very high 100 ug L(-1) dose rate was followed by 100% mortality
      of experimental insects. No reduction in food intake was recorded at 1 ug
      clothianidin L(-1), reduced consumption was noted at 10 ug clothianidin L(-1) and
      100% mortality occurred when bees were exposed to rates of 100 ug clothianidin L(
      1). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of a direct antifeedant effect of
      imidacloprid and clothianidin in individual bumblebees but highlights that this
      may be a compound-specific effect.

PMID- 25132052
TI  - A photoswitchable bis-azo derivative with a high temporal resolution.
AB  - The novel photoswitchable bis-azo derivative reported herein shows a high
      temporal resolution of 2 * 10(8) times between the thermal relaxation rates of
      its two constituting photochromes. Moreover, the slow and fast azo building
      blocks of this molecular construct can be triggered by using UV and visible
      light, respectively. 

PMID- 25132053
TI  - Butterfly-shape scalp excision: a single stage surgical technique for cutis
      verticis gyrata.

PMID- 25132054
TI  - Response to 'Uterine fundal pressure: is it really a culprit of poor maternal and
      neonatal outcome?' by Shigeki Matsubara.

PMID- 25132056
TI  - Part one: for the motion. Venous perforator surgery is proven and does reduce
      recurrences.

PMID- 25132049
TI  - A-kinase anchoring proteins: cAMP compartmentalization in neurodegenerative and
      obstructive pulmonary diseases.
AB  - The universal second messenger cAMP is generated upon stimulation of Gs protein
      coupled receptors, such as the beta2 -adreneoceptor, and leads to the activation
      of PKA, the major cAMP effector protein. PKA oscillates between an on and off
      state and thereby regulates a plethora of distinct biological responses. The
      broad activation pattern of PKA and its contribution to several distinct cellular
      functions lead to the introduction of the concept of compartmentalization of
      cAMP. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) are of central importance due to their
      unique ability to directly and/or indirectly interact with proteins that either
      determine the cellular content of cAMP, such as beta2 -adrenoceptors, ACs and
      PDEs, or are regulated by cAMP such as the exchange protein directly activated by
      cAMP. We report on lessons learned from neurons indicating that maintenance of
      cAMP compartmentalization by AKAP5 is linked to neurotransmission, learning and
      memory. Disturbance of cAMP compartments seem to be linked to neurodegenerative
      disease including Alzheimer's disease. We translate this knowledge to
      compartmentalized cAMP signalling in the lung. Next to AKAP5, we focus here on
      AKAP12 and Ezrin (AKAP78). These topics will be highlighted in the context of the
      development of novel pharmacological interventions to tackle AKAP-dependent
      compartmentalization. 

PMID- 25132057
TI  - Part two: against the motion. Venous perforator surgery is unproven and does not
      reduce recurrences.

PMID- 25132055
TI  - An historical perspective on health-risk awareness and unhealthy behaviour:
      cigarette smoking in the United States 1949-1981.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper investigates the change through time in the perception of
      smoking-related health harm and smoking behaviour from 1949 to 1981. BACKGROUND
      AND CONTEXT: A variety of common behaviours can be linked to chronic disease risk
      smoking, over-eating, and excessive sitting, to name a few. Changing behaviours
      to reduce exposure to such risks can be an effort that spans generations and
      decades. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Respondents to Gallup Poll surveys in the
      United States from 1949, 1954, 1957, 1971, 1972, 1977 and 1981. METHODS:
      Graphical analysis and probit regression are used to investigate trends through
      time and statistical associations of smoking with the perception of smoking
      related health risks and other socio-demographic variables. INTERVENTION AND MAIN
      VARIABLE STUDIED: Perceived smoking health risk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Smoking
      participation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our findings include the proportions of
      individuals who were self-reported smokers fell between 1949 and 1981, from 0.48
      to 0.34. Among smokers, the proportion who believed smoking was harmful increased
      from 0.52 in 1949 to 0.81 in 1981. By 1981, the proportion of non-smokers who
      believed smoking was harmful was 0.98. A negative association between belief in
      smoking harm and the decision to smoke was shown in regression analysis. This
      association became more pronounced over the three decades under study.

PMID- 25132058
TI  - Electrophoretic karyotyping of Hypsizygus marmoreus and evaluation of variation
      among its basidiospores.
AB  - The molecular karyotype of Hypsizygus marmoreus was explored by contour-clamped
      homogeneous electric field gel electrophoresis. Eleven chromosomal bands were
      separated from the dikaryotic mycelia of H. marmoreus (strain Hm 3-10), and the
      chromosomes ranged in size from 1.9 to 5.8 Mb. The total genome size of the
      strain was estimated to be 36.3 Mb. The chromosome numbers were also confirmed by
      telomere fingerprinting, and 22 telomeric bands were identified. This result
      suggests that 11 chromosomes exist in Hm 3-10. The marker sequences for each
      chromosome were determined and were applied to identify each chromosome.
      Karyotyping and Southern blot analysis revealed that the size of chromosomes in
      the basidiospores were greatly different from those of parental dikaryon Hm 3-10
      cells. 

PMID- 25132059
TI  - Retinoid metabolism in invertebrates: when evolution meets endocrine disruption.
AB  - Recent genomic and biochemical evidence in invertebrate species pushes back the
      origin of the retinoid metabolic and signaling modules to the last common
      ancestor of all bilaterians. However, the evolution of retinoid pathways are far
      from fully understood. In the majority of non-chordate invertebrate lineages, the
      ongoing functional characterization of retinoid-related genes (metabolism and
      signaling pathways), as well as the characterization of the endogenous retinoid
      content (precursors and active retinoids), is still incomplete. Despite limited,
      the available data supports the presence of biologically active retinoid pathways
      in invertebrates. Yet, the mechanisms controlling the spatial and temporal
      distribution of retinoids as well as their physiological significance share
      similarities and differences with vertebrates. For instance, retinol storage in
      the form of retinyl esters, a key feature for the maintenance of retinoid
      homeostatic balance in vertebrates, was only recently demonstrated in some
      mollusk species, suggesting that such ability is older than previously
      anticipated. In contrast, the enzymatic repertoire involved in this process is
      probably unlike that of vertebrates. The suggested ancestry of active retinoid
      pathways implies that many more metazoan species might be potential targets for
      endocrine disrupting chemicals. Here, we review the current knowledge about the
      occurrence and functionality of retinoid metabolic and signaling pathways in
      invertebrate lineages, paying special attention to the evolutionary origin of
      retinoid storage mechanisms. Additionally, we summarize existing information on
      the endocrine disruption of invertebrate retinoid modules by environmental
      chemicals. Research priorities in the field are highlighted. 

PMID- 25132060
TI  - A survey of gastro-intestinal parasitic infection in domestic and wild birds in
      Chittagong and Greater Sylhet, Bangladesh.
AB  - A survey of gastrointestinal parasitic infection as determined by faecal
      examination was conducted among domestic and wild birds in Bangladesh. Birds were
      sampled from households, wet markets and wetlands in Chittagong and Greater
      Sylhet districts during April 2012 to February 2013. Mist nets were used to catch
      resident wild and migratory birds. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection
      ranged among locations from 25 to 55% in indigenous domestic ducks (live bird
      samples=304), 20% in resident wild birds (environmental faecal samples=40) and
      40% in migratory birds (live bird samples=35). The prevalence of parasitic
      infection was significantly higher in indigenous domestic ducks collected during
      summer (39%) than winter (22%) (p=0.04). In domestic indigenous ducks and Muscovy
      ducks, both single and multiple types of parasitic infections were found.
      However, other domestic birds and wild birds often had a single type of parasitic
      infection. Ascaridia spp. with an average egg load of 50-900, was commonly
      detected in faecal samples of domestic and wild birds in this study. Other
      identified parasites were Capillaria spp. and Heterakis spp. both in domestic and
      wild birds. Improvement of biosecurity measures for household duck farms through
      educating and motivating household farmers could help mitigate the effects of
      parasitic infection on production. 

PMID- 25132061
TI  - Risk factors for occupational brucellosis among veterinary personnel in Turkey.
AB  - Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are at risk for occupational
      brucellosis. We described the risk factors of occupational brucellosis among
      veterinary personnel in Turkey. A multicenter retrospective survey was performed
      among veterinary personnel who were actively working in the field. Of 712
      veterinary personnel, 84 (11.8%) had occupational brucellosis. The median number
      of years since graduation was 7 (interquartile ranges [IQR], 4-11) years in the
      occupational brucellosis group, whereas this number was 9 (IQR, 4-16) years in
      the non-brucellosis group (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, working in the
      private sector (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.55
      5.28, p=0.001), being male (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.05-18.84, p=0.041), number of
      performed deliveries (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.002-1.02, p=0.014), and injury during
      Brucella vaccine administration (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 3.16-9.3, p<0.001) were found
      to be risk factors for occupational brucellosis. We suggest that all veterinary
      personnel should be trained on brucellosis and the importance of using personal
      protective equipment in order to avoid this infection. 

PMID- 25132063
TI  - Similarity between generic and brand-name antihypertensive drugs for primary
      prevention of cardiovascular disease: evidence from a large population-based
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although generic and earlier brand-name counterparts are
      bioequivalent, their equivalence in preventing relevant clinical outcomes is of
      concern. OBJECTIVE: To compare effectiveness of generic and brand-name
      antihypertensive drugs for preventing the onset of cardiovascular (CV) outcomes.
      DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A population-based, nested case-control study was carried
      out by including the cohort of 78 520 patients from Lombardy (Italy) aged 18
      years or older who were newly treated with antihypertensive drugs during 2005.
      Cases were the 2206 patients who experienced a hospitalization for CV disease
      from initial prescription until 2011. One control for each case was randomly
      selected from the same cohort that generated cases. Logistic regression was used
      to model the CV risk associated with starting on and/or continuing with generic
      or brand-name agents. RESULTS: There was no evidence that patients who started on
      generics experienced different CV risk than those on brand-name product (OR 0.86;
      95% CI 0.63-1.17). Patients at whom generics were main dispensed had not
      significantly difference in CV outcomes than those mainly on brand-name agents
      (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.86-1.63). Compared with patients who kept initial brand-name
      therapy, those who experienced brand-to-generic or generic-to-brand switches, and
      those always on generics, did not show differential CV risks, being the
      corresponding ORs (and 95% CIs), 1.18 (0.96-1.47), 0.87 (0.63-1.21) and 1.08
      (0.80-1.46). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not support the notion that brand-name
      antihypertensive agents are superior to generics for preventing CV outcomes in
      the real-world clinical practice.

PMID- 25132062
TI  - Deletion of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 3 in hepatocytes predisposes to
      hepatocellular carcinoma in mice.
AB  - Alterations in RNA splicing are associated with cancer, but it is not clear
      whether they result from malignant transformation or have a causative role. We
      show here that hepatocyte-specific deletion of serine/arginine-rich splicing
      factor 3 (SRSF3) impairs hepatocyte maturation and metabolism in early adult
      life, and mice develop spontaneous hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with aging.
      Tumor development is preceded by chronic liver disease with progressive steatosis
      and fibrosis. SRSF3 protects mice against CCl4 -induced fibrosis and
      carcinogenesis and suppresses inclusion of the profibrogenic EDA exon in
      fibronectin 1. Loss of SRSF3 increases expression of insulin-like growth factor 2
      and the A-isoform of the insulin receptor, allowing aberrant activation of
      mitogenic signaling, promotes aberrant splicing and expression of epithelial to
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes, and activates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      leading to c-Myc induction. Finally, SRSF3 expression is either decreased or the
      protein mislocalized in human HCC. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest a potential role
      for SRSF3 in preventing hepatic carcinogenesis by regulating splicing to suppress
      fibrosis, mitogenic splicing, and EMT. Thus, these mice may provide an attractive
      model to discover the pathogenic mechanisms linking aberrant pre-messenger RNA
      splicing with liver damage, fibrosis, and HCC.

PMID- 25132064
TI  - Impact of defective interfering particles on virus replication and antiviral host
      response in cell culture-based influenza vaccine production.
AB  - During the replication of influenza viruses, defective interfering particles
      (DIPs) can be generated. These are noninfectious deletion mutants that require
      coinfection with a wild-type virus but interfere with its helper virus
      replication. Consequently, coinfected cells mainly produce DIPs. Little is known
      about how such noninfectious virus particles affect the virus yield of cell
      culture-based influenza vaccine production. We compared infections of Madin-Darby
      canine kidney cells with two seed virus preparations of the influenza virus
      strain A/Puerto Rico/8/34 that contain different amounts of DIPs. A combination
      of conventional RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry revealed that DI genomes
      indeed strongly accumulate in coinfected cells and impede the viral RNA
      synthesis. Additionally, cells infected at the higher DIP concentration showed a
      stronger antiviral response characterized by increased interferon-beta expression
      and apoptosis induction. Furthermore, in the presence of DIPs, a significant
      fraction of cells did not show any productive accumulation of viral proteins at
      all. Together, these effects of DIPs significantly reduce the virus yield.
      Therefore, the accumulation of DIPs should be avoided during influenza vaccine
      production which can be achieved by quality controls of working seed viruses
      based on conventional RT-PCR. The strategy for the depletion of DIPs presented
      here can help to make cell culture-based vaccine production more reliable and
      robust. 

PMID- 25132065
TI  - Effect of lithium chloride on the production and sialylation of Fc-fusion protein
      in Chinese hamster ovary cell culture.
AB  - Lithium chloride (LiCl), which is a specific inhibitor of glycogen synthase
      kinase-3beta, is known to induce cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and to
      regulate apoptosis. To determine the potential of LiCl as a chemical additive to
      enhance specific productivity (q p) of recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (rCHO)
      cells through cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, rCHO cells producing Fc-fusion
      protein were cultivated in serum-free media with LiCl concentrations ranging from
      0 to 20 mM. The addition of LiCl induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and
      thereby decreased the specific cell growth rate. However, LiCl increased q p in a
      dose-dependent manner. The beneficial effect of LiCl on q p outweighed its
      detrimental effect on MU, resulting in improved maximum Fc-fusion protein
      concentration (MFPC) at 10 mM LiCl. The q p and MFPC in the bioreactor culture
      with 10 mM LiCl were 5.0 and 2.1 times higher than those without LiCl,
      respectively. In addition, the presence of LiCl at 10 mM did not significantly
      affect either intracellular alpha2,3-ST or extracellular sialidase activity. LiCl
      also inhibited apoptosis of cells in the decline phase of growth by increasing
      Bcl-2 expression. Taken together, the results obtained in this study demonstrate
      the potential of LiCl as a q p-enhancing additive in CHO cell culture for
      improved recombinant protein production.

PMID- 25132066
TI  - Patients' perspectives on the role of their general practitioner after receiving
      an advanced cancer diagnosis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore patients' perspectives on the role of their
      general practitioner (GP) after an advanced cancer diagnosis. A qualitative
      research approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data
      were analysed using a constant comparative methodology. Participants were
      eligible if they were diagnosed with advanced cancer and referred for palliative
      radiotherapy. Data saturation was achieved after 21 interviews. Key themes
      included (1) obtaining diagnosis and referral for advanced cancer treatment; (2)
      preference for specialist oncology care; (3) a preference for GP to act as an
      advocate; and (4) obtaining ongoing routine care from their GP. GP involvement in
      the patients' management was dependent on: time since diagnosis, GP's involvement
      in diagnosis and referral, doctor/patient relationship, additional chronic
      conditions requiring management, frequency of seeing oncologist and specialist
      recommendation to involve GP. Patients want GPs to have varying levels of
      involvement following an advanced cancer diagnosis. Not all communication between
      GPs and patients was positive suggesting communication skills training may be a
      priority. Patients wished to maintain continunity of care for their non-cancer
      related issues and healthcare of their family members. Future research needs to
      focus on working with GPs to increase their role in the management of advanced
      cancer. 

PMID- 25132067
TI  - RNA structural analysis by evolving SHAPE chemistry.
AB  - RNA is central to the flow of biological information. From transcription to
      splicing, RNA localization, translation, and decay, RNA is intimately involved in
      regulating every step of the gene expression program, and is thus essential for
      health and understanding disease. RNA has the unique ability to base-pair with
      itself and other nucleic acids to form complex structures. Hence the information
      content in RNA is not simply its linear sequence of bases, but is also encoded in
      complex folding of RNA molecules. A general chemical functionality that all RNAs
      have is a 2'-hydroxyl group in the ribose ring, and the reactivity of the 2'
      hydroxyl in RNA is gated by local nucleotide flexibility. In other words, the 2'
      hydroxyl is reactive at single-stranded and conformationally flexible positions
      but is unreactive at nucleotides constrained by base-pairing. Recent efforts have
      been focused on developing reagents that modify RNA as a function of RNA 2'
      hydroxyl group reactivity. Such RNA structure probing techniques can be read out
      by primer extension in experiments termed RNA SHAPE (selective 2'- hydroxyl
      acylation and primer extension). Herein, we describe the efforts devoted to the
      design and utilization of SHAPE probes for characterizing RNA structure. We also
      describe current technological advances that are being applied to utilize SHAPE
      chemistry with deep sequencing to probe many RNAs in parallel. The merging of
      chemistry with genomics is sure to open the door to genome-wide exploration of
      RNA structure and function.

PMID- 25132069
TI  - Decreased lipases and fatty acid and glycerol transporter could explain reduced
      fat in diabetic morbidly obese.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The possible differences were investigated in 32 morbidly obese
      patients depending on whether they were "healthy" or had dyslipidemia and/or type
      2 diabetes. METHODS: Lipid metabolism and insulin resistance were analyzed in
      subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) before and during 6 and 12
      months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. RESULTS: Significant differences have been
      found in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) activities
      in SAT from the different obese group versus normal weight (control) but not
      between them. The reduced lipase activities in VAT were 43 and 19% smaller (22
      and 4% smaller, respectively, vs. control) than the "healthy" obese group for LPL
      and HSL, respectively, and were accompanied with a reduced expression of these
      lipases, as well as decreased expression of FAT/CD36, FABP4, and AQ7 in that
      tissue. In addition, the expression of the other genes measured showed a
      downregulation not only versus the "healthy" obese but also versus the normal
      weight group. CONCLUSIONS: Being obese is not "healthy," but it is even less so
      if morbidly obese patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia were considered. The
      reduced fat accumulation in these patients may be attributed to the decrease of
      the expression and activity of the lipases of their adipose tissue.

PMID- 25132068
TI  - The scientific quest for lasting youth: prospects for curing aging.
AB  - People have always sought eternal life and everlasting youth. Recent
      technological breakthroughs and our growing understanding of aging have given
      strength to the idea that a cure for human aging can eventually be developed. As
      such, it is crucial to debate the long-term goals and potential impact of the
      field. Here, I discuss the scientific prospect of eradicating human aging. I
      argue that curing aging is scientifically possible and not even the most
      challenging enterprise in the biosciences. Developing the means to abolish aging
      is also an ethical endeavor because the goal of biomedical research is to allow
      people to be as healthy as possible for as long as possible. There is no
      evidence, however, that we are near to developing the technologies permitting
      radical life extension. One major difficulty in aging research is the time and
      costs it takes to do experiments and test interventions. I argue that unraveling
      the functioning of the genome and developing predictive computer models of human
      biology and disease are essential to increase the accuracy of medical
      interventions, including in the context of life extension, and exponential growth
      in informatics and genomics capacity might lead to rapid progress. Nonetheless,
      developing the tools for significantly modifying human biology is crucial to
      intervening in a complex process like aging. Yet in spite of advances in areas
      like regenerative medicine and gene therapy, the development of clinical
      applications has been slow and this remains a key hurdle for achieving radical
      life extension in the foreseeable future.

PMID- 25132071
TI  - Catalytic activity of an encaged Verkade's superbase in a base-catalyzed Diels
      Alder reaction.
AB  - Organocatalysis in a confined space has been performed through encapsulation of a
      proazaphosphatrane superbase in a hemicryptophane host. The resulting catalyst
      displays good to high catalytic activity in the base-catalyzed Diels-Alder
      reactions investigated. A comparison with the model superbase, which lacks a
      cavity, shows much higher diastereomeric excess with the encaged
      proazaphosphatrane for the reaction of 3-hydroxy-2-pyrone with N-methylmaleimide.
      The use of an encaged superbase as organocatalyst is unprecedented and highlights
      how the confinement may impact the stereoselectivity. 

PMID- 25132070
TI  - Combining family- and population-based imputation data for association analysis
      of rare and common variants in large pedigrees.
AB  - In the last two decades, complex traits have become the main focus of genetic
      studies. The hypothesis that both rare and common variants are associated with
      complex traits is increasingly being discussed. Family-based association studies
      using relatively large pedigrees are suitable for both rare and common variant
      identification. Because of the high cost of sequencing technologies, imputation
      methods are important for increasing the amount of information at low cost. A
      recent family-based imputation method, Genotype Imputation Given Inheritance
      (GIGI), is able to handle large pedigrees and accurately impute rare variants,
      but does less well for common variants where population-based methods perform
      better. Here, we propose a flexible approach to combine imputation data from both
      family- and population-based methods. We also extend the Sequence Kernel
      Association Test for Rare and Common variants (SKAT-RC), originally proposed for
      data from unrelated subjects, to family data in order to make use of such imputed
      data. We call this extension "famSKAT-RC." We compare the performance of famSKAT
      RC and several other existing burden and kernel association tests. In simulated
      pedigree sequence data, our results show an increase of imputation accuracy from
      use of our combining approach. Also, they show an increase of power of the
      association tests with this approach over the use of either family- or population
      based imputation methods alone, in the context of rare and common variants.
      Moreover, our results show better performance of famSKAT-RC compared to the other
      considered tests, in most scenarios investigated here. 

PMID- 25132074
TI  - Improved hydroxyurea effect with the use of text messaging in children with
      sickle cell anemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), hydroxyurea reduces
      morbidity, but adherence is frequently suboptimal. Because most families of
      children with SCA have access to cellular telephone services, we assessed the
      impact of text messaged reminders as a tool to improve adherence to hydroxyurea.
      PROCEDURE: All patients <19 years of age with HbSS or HbSbeta(0) thalassemia who
      were treated with hydroxyurea at a maximal tolerated dosage (MTD) at St. Jude
      Children's Research Hospital Comprehensive Pediatric Sickle Cell Program and who
      received automated text message reminders (SIMON(r)) were retrospectively
      identified. Laboratory parameters, hospitalizations, and medication possession
      ratios (MPR) prior to and after initiation of SIMON(r) were compared to assess
      the impact of SIMON(r). RESULTS: Of the 97.3% of families with access to a cell
      phone, 91% elected to receive text message reminders. Among 55 children receiving
      hydroxyurea at MTD, laboratory parameters reflected waning medication compliance
      during the 12 months prior to SIMON(r). Following initiation of SIMON(r),
      children had higher mean corpuscular volumes, hemoglobin levels and fetal
      hemoglobin percentages and lower absolute reticulocyte counts and bilirubin
      levels, suggesting improved medication adherence. Hospitalizations were uncommon
      before and after SIMON(r), and medication possession ratios (MPRs) were high
      before and after SIMON(r), neither was significantly changed. CONCLUSIONS:
      SIMON(r) was feasible and improved hematologic parameters in children with SCA
      receiving hydroxyurea at a MTD. Future work will include extension of this
      technology to children with other chronic medical conditions who require daily
      use of medication.

PMID- 25132073
TI  - Transforming growth factor-beta1 mediates psoriasis-like lesions via a Smad3
      dependent mechanism in mice.
AB  - Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 signals through downstream Smad-dependent
      and -independent pathways to exert its biological actions. It has been reported
      that overexpression of TGF-beta1 results in the development of psoriasis-like
      lesions in a mouse model of K5.TGF-beta(WT) transgenic mice. However, the
      signalling mechanisms by which TGF-beta1 mediates the development of psoriasis
      like lesions remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the
      hypothesis that TGF-beta1 mediates the development of psoriasis-like lesions via
      a Smad3-dependent mechanism. This was tested in a mouse model of K5.TGF-beta(WT)
      transgenic mice by blocking TGF-beta signalling with a specific Smad3 inhibitor.
      Topical treatment with a Smad3 inhibitor markedly blocked TGF-beta/Smad3
      signalling and progressive psoriasis-like lesions in K5.TGF-beta(WT) transgenic
      mice, as evidenced by decreased skin severity scores, double skin fold thickness
      (DSFT) scores, infiltration of CD3(+) T cells and F4/80(+) macrophages and the
      degree of fibrosis in the dermis. This was associated with a marked reduction in
      TGF-beta1, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-23 and IL-17A both locally in skin plaque
      lesions and systemically in the plasma, resulting in inhibition of both the T
      helper (Th) 17 cell transcription factor RORgammat and accumulation of CD4(+) IL
      17A(+) cells within the skin plaque lesions. In conclusion, TGF-beta1 mediates
      the development of psoriasis-like lesions via a Smad3-dependent, Th17-mediated
      mechanism. Targeting TGF-beta/Smad3 signalling with a Smad3 inhibitor may
      represent a novel and effective therapy for psoriasis.

PMID- 25132072
TI  - Maternal periconceptional alcohol consumption and congenital limb deficiencies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women of childbearing age report high rates of alcohol consumption,
      which may result in alcohol exposure during early pregnancy. Epidemiological
      research on congenital limb deficiencies (LDs) and periconceptional exposure to
      alcohol is inconclusive. METHODS: Data from the National Birth Defects Prevention
      Study (NBDPS) were examined for associations between LDs and patterns of maternal
      periconceptional (1 month before conception through the first trimester) alcohol
      consumption among LD case (n = 906) and unaffected control (n = 8352) pregnancies
      with expected delivery dates from 10/1997 through 12/2007. Adjusted odds ratios
      (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated from unconditional logistic
      regression analysis for all LDs combined, specific LD subtypes (preaxial/terminal
      transverse), and LD anatomic groups (upper/lower limbs); interactions with folic
      acid (FA) supplementation were tested. RESULTS: When compared with nondrinkers,
      inverse associations were found between all LDs combined, preaxial, and upper LDs
      and any reported periconceptional alcohol consumption (aORs ranged from 0.56
      0.83), drinking without binging (aORs: 0.53-0.75), and binge drinking (>=4
      drinks/occasion) (aORs: 0.64-0.94); however, none of the binge drinking aORs were
      statistically significant. Stratification by alcohol type showed inverse
      associations between all LDs combined, preaxial, transverse, and upper and lower
      LDs for drinking without binging of wine only (aORs: 0.39-0.67) and between all
      LDs combined and upper LDs for drinking without binging of combinations of
      alcohol (aORs: 0.63-0.87). FA did not modify observed associations. CONCLUSION:
      Maternal periconceptional alcohol consumption did not emerge as a teratogen for
      selected LDs in the NBDPS. Future studies should evaluate additional rare LDs
      among more highly exposed populations.

PMID- 25132075
TI  - Molecular analysis of the interspousal transmission of hepatitis B virus in two
      Japanese patients who acquired fulminant hepatitis B after 50 and 49 years of
      marriage.
AB  - A 71-year-old (C1I) and 69-year-old (C2I) Japanese female contracted fulminant
      hepatitis B after 50 and 49 years of marriage, respectively. Both index cases
      exhibited high levels of anti-HBc IgM antibodies (24.2 and 31.5 S/CO,
      respectively), suggestive of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, although
      they had no discernible risk factors for HBV infection, except for chronically
      HBV-infected spouses with detectable HBV DNA (3.3 log copies/ml [C1S: 72-year
      old] and 7.2 log copies/ml [C2S: 71-year-old]). The HBV genotype/subgenotype was
      identical in each couple (B/B1 or C/C2). The HBV isolates from the index cases
      and spouses shared a nucleotide sequence identity of 99.5% and 99.7%,
      respectively, over the entire genome, and these four isolates had the highest
      nucleotide sequence identity of only 97% to HBV isolates deposited in DNA
      databases. Phylogenetic trees confirmed a close relationship of the HBV isolates
      between C1I and C1S and between C2I and C2S, supported by a high bootstrap value
      of 100% within each couple, indicating the transfer of HBV infection between
      spouses. These four isolates shared a precore mutation of G1896A known to be
      associated with fulminant hepatitis B. Although the history of sexual contact
      within a reasonable incubation period was obscure for one stable, monogamous
      couple (C1I and C1S), the other couple had a monogamous sexual relationship
      within six months prior to disease onset. This study indicates that two elderly
      Japanese patients with fulminant hepatitis B acquired HBV infection via
      interspousal (most likely sexual) transmission during long-lasting marriages.

PMID- 25132076
TI  - Retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes following reirradiation in
      locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer patients: A single institutional
      study.
AB  - AIM: To present a retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes following
      reirradiation in locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer patients at our
      institute. METHODS: Thirty-one patients of head and neck cancer who presented
      with a locoregional recurrence from April 2007 to April 2012 underwent salvage
      reirradiation. Median dose of first-time radiation was 70 Gy. Median duration of
      gap between the first and second course of radiation was 45.6 months. The median
      dose of reirradiation was 60 Gy. Conformal radiotherapy technique in the form of
      intensity modulated radiotherapy was used in 60% (17) of patients. Fourteen
      patients received concurrent chemotherapy or immunotherapy. RESULTS: After a
      median follow-up of 20.6 months, 12 patients were alive with no evidence of
      disease. The 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 28.7 and
      48.5%, respectively. Acute and late toxicities were reported in 29 and 61% of
      patients, respectively. Severe grade 3 and 4 late complications were observed in
      nine patients but none of them led to mortality. CONCLUSION: Reirradiation
      appears to be both feasible and well tolerated in patients treated with previous
      radiotherapy for recurrent and second primary head and neck cancer. Careful case
      selection for reirradiation based on patient's performance status and tumor
      characteristics is essential.

PMID- 25132077
TI  - ARFI elastography as a complementary diagnostic method for mammary neoplasia in
      female dogs - preliminary results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the applicability of acoustic radiation force impulse
      elastography as a complementary method in diagnosing mammary neoplasia in dogs.
      METHODS: Mammary tumours from 50 female dogs were evaluated and divided into two
      groups: G1 (benign tissue) and G2 (malignant tumours). The nodules were assessed
      by B-Mode ultrasonography, qualitative and quantitative acoustic radiation force
      impulse elastography and histopathology. RESULTS: B-Mode ultrasound examination
      was ineffective at separating the tumours into the two groups. Likewise, there
      was no correlation between the grayscale images of the mammary tissue by
      qualitative elastography. A difference was found in the deformity of the mammary
      masses between the malignant and benign groups (P = 0 . 002). Using quantitative
      elastography, the mean values of shear velocity were 3 . 33 m/s for malignant
      tumours and 1 . 28 m/s for benign tissue (P < 0 . 0001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
      The use of acoustic radiation force impulse elastography may help to
      differentiate between malignant and benign mammary neoplasms.

PMID- 25132079
TI  - Regulation of mitochondrial apoptosis by Pin1 in cancer and neurodegeneration.
AB  - Mitochondria are sensitive and efficient organelles that regulate essential
      biological processes including: energy metabolism, decoding and transduction of
      intracellular signals, and balance between cell death and survival. Of note,
      dysfunctions in mitochondrial physiology are a general hallmark of cancer cells,
      leading to transformation-related features such as altered cellular metabolism,
      survival under stress conditions and reduced apoptotic response to chemotherapy.
      Mitochondrial apoptosis is a finely regulated process that derives from
      activation of multiple signaling networks. A crucial biochemical requirement for
      transducing pro-apoptotic stimuli is represented by kinase-dependent
      phosphorylation cascades. In this context a pivotal role is played by the prolyl
      isomerase Pin1, which translates Ser/Thr-Pro phosphorylation into conformational
      changes able to modify the activities of its substrates. In this review we will
      discuss the impact of Pin1 in regulating various aspects of apoptosis in
      different biological contexts with particular emphasis on cancer and
      neurodegenerative diseases. 

PMID- 25132078
TI  - Efficacy of catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis of evidence from randomized and nonrandomized controlled
      trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation (CA) is commonly performed for persistent atrial
      fibrillation, but few high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exist,
      leading to funding restrictions being proposed in several countries. We performed
      a random-effects meta-analysis of RCTs and non-RCTs to assess the efficacy of CA
      for persistent atrial fibrillation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We systematically
      searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, OpenGrey, and clinicaltrials.gov for RCTs and
      non-RCTs reporting clinical outcomes after CA for persistent atrial fibrillation.
      Forty-six eligible studies were identified containing 3819 patients. After a
      single procedure, CA significantly reduced the risk of recurrent atrial
      fibrillation compared with medical therapy (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 0.20-0.53; P<0.001). Outcomes were better if the pulmonary veins
      were encircled (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09-0.74; P=0.01), and electrical isolation
      reduced AF recurrence compared with purely anatomic encirclement (OR, 0.33; 95%
      CI, 0.13-0.86; P=0.02). Linear ablation within the left atrium (OR, 0.22; 95% CI,
      0.10-0.49; P<0.001), but not complex fractionated atrial electrogram ablation
      (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.35-1.18; P=0.15), significantly reduced AF recurrence.
      Results were not improved by performing more extensive linear lesion sets (OR,
      0.77; 95% CI, 0.41-1.43; P=0.40) or from biatrial ablation (OR, 0.62; 95% CI,
      0.31-1.24; P=0.17). Where data were available, the relative benefits seen held
      true both after a single or multiple procedure(s). Sensitivity analyses showed
      that inclusion of non-RCTs increased statistical power without biasing the
      calculated effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with persistent atrial
      fibrillation, CA achieves significantly greater freedom from recurrent atrial
      fibrillation compared with medical therapy. The most efficacious strategy is
      likely to combine isolation of the pulmonary veins with limited linear ablation
      within the left atrium.

PMID- 25132080
TI  - Mitochondrial macro-haplogroup JT may play a protective role in ovarian ageing.
AB  - This study of 200 Caucasian women shows that the distribution of the mtDNA macro
      haplogroups in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) differed
      significantly from that of patients with normal ovarian reserve (NOR) (p=0.02).
      The JT macro-haplogroup was significantly under-represented in DOR patients
      compared with NOR patients (p=0.006) and compared with the estimated frequency of
      18.8% in the general French population (p=0.0012). Our findings suggest that the
      risk of a prematurely depleted ovarian reserve would be three times lower for
      patients carrying the JT macro-haplogroup than for patients with any of the other
      mtDNA haplogroups (odds ratio: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.13-0.74). If these preliminary
      results are confirmed in larger independent studies, they should lead to the
      better management of infertility. 

PMID- 25132081
TI  - Efficacy of liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin in a rat model of cerebral ischemia.
AB  - Use of liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) for oxygen delivery in the
      treatment of cerebral ischemia has been studied previously and its expected
      benefits confirmed. However, the relationship between the timing of
      administration and the efficacy of LEH in cerebral ischemia has not been studied
      in detail. We therefore investigated the therapeutic time window of LEH by using
      a rat model of cerebral ischemia, as well as evaluating the contribution of
      oxygen delivery to the efficacy of LEH. Dose-dependent effects and the
      therapeutic time window of LEH were studied using models of transient and
      permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), respectively, in SD rats. LEH
      was intravenously administered at 0.5 h after the onset of ischemia in the
      transient MCAO model and at 0.5, 2, 4, or 6 h in the permanent MCAO model.
      Efficacy of LEH treatment was evaluated using the infarct volume, which was
      examined with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and estimated by
      integrating the unstained areas in serial sections of cerebral tissue. Effects of
      oxygen delivery by LEH were examined immunohistochemically with pimonidazole to
      stain for areas of low oxygen tension in the tissue. LEH treatment dose
      dependently reduced the cerebral infarct volume, which was especially significant
      in the cortical region at doses of over 60 mg hemoglobin (Hb)/kg. In rats with
      permanent MCAO, LEH administration at a dose of 300 mg Hb/kg at 0.5 h and 2 h
      after the onset of cerebral ischemia significantly reduced cerebral infarct
      volume. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining with pimonidazole showed that
      the areas of cerebral tissue that were hypoxic and had abnormal histological
      structure were reduced after LEH treatment. These results indicated that LEH is
      efficacious in the treatment of cerebral infarction secondary to MCAO and that
      oxygen delivery to ischemic cerebral tissues by LEH administered early after the
      onset of cerebral ischemia contributes to this effect. 

PMID- 25132082
TI  - L-Arabinose binding, isomerization, and epimerization by D-xylose isomerase: X
      ray/neutron crystallographic and molecular simulation study.
AB  - D-xylose isomerase (XI) is capable of sugar isomerization and slow conversion of
      some monosaccharides into their C2-epimers. We present X-ray and neutron
      crystallographic studies to locate H and D atoms during the respective
      isomerization and epimerization of L-arabinose to L-ribulose and L-ribose,
      respectively. Neutron structures in complex with cyclic and linear L-arabinose
      have demonstrated that the mechanism of ring-opening is the same as for the
      reaction with D-xylose. Structural evidence and QM/MM calculations show that in
      the reactive Michaelis complex L-arabinose is distorted to the high-energy (5)S1
      conformation; this may explain the apparent high KM for this sugar. MD-FEP
      simulations indicate that amino acid substitutions in a hydrophobic pocket near
      C5 of L-arabinose can enhance sugar binding. L-ribulose and L-ribose were found
      in furanose forms when bound to XI. We propose that these complexes containing
      Ni(2+) cofactors are Michaelis-like and the isomerization between these two
      sugars proceeds via a cis-ene-diol mechanism. 

PMID- 25132083
TI  - HIV-1 envelope protein gp41: an NMR study of dodecyl phosphocholine embedded gp41
      reveals a dynamic prefusion intermediate conformation.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency viral (HIV-1) fusion is mediated by the viral envelope
      gp120/gp41 complex (ENVelope glycoprotein). After gp120 shedding, gp41 is exposed
      and elicits membrane fusion via a cascade of conformational changes. In contrast
      to prefusion and postfusion conformation, little is known about any intermediate
      conformation. We report on a solution NMR investigation of homotrimeric HIV-1
      gp41(27-194), comprising the transmembrane region and reconstituted in dodecyl
      phosphocholine (DPC) micelles. The protein is mainly alpha-helical, but
      experiences internal dynamics on the nanosecond and micro to millisecond time
      scale and transient alpha-helical behavior for certain residues in the N-terminal
      heptad repeat (NHR). Strong lipid interactions are observed, in particular for C
      terminal residues of the NHR and imunodominant loop region connecting NHR and C
      terminal heptad repeat (CHR). Our data indicate an extended conformation with
      features anticipated for a prefusion intermediate, presumably in exchange with a
      lowly populated postfusion six-helical bundle conformation. 

PMID- 25132086
TI  - Synthesis, surface properties and antimicrobial activity of some germanium
      nonionic surfactants.
AB  - Esterification reaction between different fatty acid namely; lauric, stearic,
      oleic and linoleic acids and polyethylene glycol-400 were performed. The produced
      polyethylene glycol ester were reacted with p-amine benzoic acid followed by
      condensation reaction with germanium dioxide in presence of sodium carbonate to
      form desired germinate surfactants. The chemical structures of the synthesized
      surfactants were determined using different spectra tools. The surface parameter
      including: the critical micelle concentration (CMC), effectiveness (pi(cmc)),
      efficiency (Pc20), maximum surface excess (Gamma(max)) and minimum surface area
      (A(min)), were calculated from the surface tension measurements. The synthesized
      surfactants showed higher surface activity. The thermodynamic parameters showed
      that adsorption and micellization processes are spontaneous. It is clear that the
      synthesized nonionic surfactants showed their tendency towards adsorption at the
      interfaces and also micellization in the bulk of their solutions. The synthesized
      surfactants were tested against different strain of bacteria using inhibition
      zone diameters. The synthesized surfactants showed good antimicrobial activities
      against the tested microorganisms including Gram positive, Gram negative as well
      as fungi. The promising inhibition efficiency of these compounds against the
      sulfate reducing bacteria facilitates them to be applicable as new categories of
      sulfate reducing bacteria biocides.

PMID- 25132085
TI  - Crystal structures of designed armadillo repeat proteins: implications of
      construct design and crystallization conditions on overall structure.
AB  - Designed armadillo repeat proteins (dArmRP) are promising modular proteins for
      the engineering of binding molecules that recognize extended polypeptide chains.
      We determined the structure of a dArmRP containing five internal repeats and 3rd
      generation capping repeats in three different states by X-ray crystallography:
      without N-terminal His6 -tag and in the presence of calcium (YM5 A/Ca(2+) ),
      without N-terminal His6 -tag and in the absence of calcium (YM5 A), and with N
      terminal His6 -tag and in the presence of calcium (His-YM5 A/Ca(2+)). All
      structures show different quaternary structures and superhelical parameters. His
      YM5 A/Ca(2+) forms a crystallographic dimer, which is bridged by the His6 -tag,
      YM5 A/Ca(2+) forms a domain-swapped tetramer, and only in the absence of calcium
      and the His6 -tag, YM5 A forms a monomer. The changes of superhelical parameters
      are a consequence of calcium binding, because calcium ions interact with
      negatively charged residues, which can also participate in the modulation of
      helix dipole moments between adjacent repeats. These observations are important
      for further optimizations of dArmRPs and provide a general illustration of how
      construct design and crystallization conditions can influence the exact structure
      of the investigated protein.

PMID- 25132084
TI  - Structural mapping of divergent regions in the type 1 ryanodine receptor using
      fluorescence resonance energy transfer.
AB  - Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) release Ca(2+) to initiate striated muscle
      contraction. Three highly divergent regions (DRs) in the RyR protein sequence
      (DR1, DR2, and DR3) may confer isoform-specific functional properties to the
      RyRs. We used cell-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
      measurements to localize these DRs to the cryoelectron microscopic (cryo-EM) map
      of the skeletal muscle RyR isoform (RyR1). FRET donors were targeted to RyR1
      using five different FKBP12.6 variants labeled with Alexa Fluor 488. FRET was
      then measured to the FRET acceptors, Cy3NTA or Cy5NTA, targeted to decahistidine
      tags introduced within the DRs. DR2 and DR3 were localized to separate positions
      within the "clamp" region of the RyR1 cryo-EM map, which is presumed to interface
      with Cav1.1. DR1 was localized to the "handle" region, near the regulatory
      calmodulin-binding site on the RyR. These localizations provide insights into the
      roles of DRs in RyR allosteric regulation during excitation contraction coupling.

PMID- 25132087
TI  - Influence of extraction techniques on physical-chemical characteristics and
      volatile compounds of extra virgin olive oil.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate three types of extraction methods of
      extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from the same cultivar (Ortice olive cultivar):
      traditional or pressing (T) system, decanter centrifugation (DC) system and a
      patented horizontal axis decanter centrifugation (HADC) system. Oil samples were
      subjected to chemical analyses: free acidity, peroxide value, ultraviolet light
      absorption K232 and K270, total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, volatile
      compounds and olfactory characteristics by electronic nose. The two
      centrifugation systems showed better free acidity and peroxides value but total
      polyphenol content was particularly high in extra virgin olive oil produced by
      patented HADC system. Same volatile substances that positively characterize the
      oil aroma were found in higher amount in the two centrifugation systems, although
      some differences have been detected between DC and HADC system, other were found
      in higher amount in extra virgin olive oil produced by T system. The electronic
      nose analysis confirmed these results, principal component analysis (PCA) and
      correlation matrix showed the major differences between EVOO produced by T and
      HADC system. Taken together the results showed that DC and HADC systems produce
      EVOO with better characteristics than T system and patented HADC is the best
      extraction system. 

PMID- 25132088
TI  - Hydrodistillation extraction time effect on essential oil yield, composition, and
      bioactivity of coriander oil.
AB  - Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a major essential oil crop grown throughout
      the world. Coriander essential oil is extracted from coriander fruits via
      hydrodistillation, with the industry using 180-240 min of distillation time (DT),
      but the optimum DT for maximizing essential oil yield, composition of
      constituents, and antioxidant activities are not known. This research was
      conducted to determine the effect of DT on coriander oil yield, composition, and
      bioactivity. The results show that essential oil yield at the shorter DT was low
      and generally increased with increasing DT with the maximum yields achieved at DT
      between 40 and 160 min. The concentrations of the low-boiling point essential oil
      constituents: alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, myrcene, para-cymene,
      limonene, and gamma-terpinene were higher at shorter DT (< 2.5 min) and decreased
      with increasing DT; but the trend reversed for the high-boiling point
      constituents: geraniol and geranyl-acetate. The concentration of the major
      essential oil constituent, linalool, was 51% at DT 1.15 min, and increased
      steadily to 68% with increasing DT. In conclusion, 40 min DT is sufficient to
      maximize yield of essential oil; and different DT can be used to obtain essential
      oil with differential composition. Its antioxidant capacity was affected by the
      DT, with 20 and 240 min DT showing higher antioxidant activity. Comparisons of
      coriander essential oil composition must consider the length of the DT.

PMID- 25132089
TI  - Efficacy of concurrent cetuximab vs. 5-fluorouracil/carboplatin or high-dose
      cisplatin with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for locally-advanced
      head and neck cancer (LAHNSCC).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We previously reported inferior outcomes for locally-advanced head
      and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC) patients treated with concurrent
      cetuximab vs. high-dose cisplatin with intensity-modulated radiation therapy
      (IMRT). Prior to FDA approval of cetuximab for LAHNSCC, non-cisplatin eligible
      patients at our institution received 5-fluorouracil (5FU)/carboplatin. We sought
      to compare concurrent cetuximab vs. 5FU/carboplatin vs. high-dose cisplatin with
      IMRT for LAHNSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review was performed for
      LAHNSCC patients treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 11/02 to
      04/08 with concurrent cetuximab (n=49), 5FU/carboplatin (n=52), or cisplatin
      (n=259) and IMRT. Overall survival (OS), locoregional failure (LRF), distant
      metastasis-free survival, and late toxicity were analyzed using univariate and
      multivariate analyses. OS analysis was confirmed by propensity score adjustment.
      RESULTS: Treatment groups were similar with regard to primary tumor site, overall
      stage, and alcohol and tobacco history. Cetuximab and 5FU/carboplatin patients
      were older, with lower performance status, more comorbidities, higher T
      classification, and worse renal function. On multivariate analysis, compared with
      cisplatin and 5FU/carboplatin, cetuximab was associated with inferior 4-year OS
      (86.9% vs. 70.2% vs. 40.9%; P<.0001) and 4-year LRF (6.3% vs. 9.7% vs. 40.2%;
      P<.0001). Late toxicity was highest with 5FU/carboplatin (25.0%) vs. cisplatin
      (8.0%) vs. cetuximab (7.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Although 5FU/carboplatin patients were
      sicker and experienced greater toxicity than cisplatin patients, no significant
      difference was found in all endpoints. In contrast, despite similar pretreatment
      characteristics, outcomes for cetuximab vs. 5FU/carboplatin were significantly
      worse. We feel that caution should be used with routine use of cetuximab in the
      management of LAHNSCC.

PMID- 25132090
TI  - Association between oral leukoplakia and upper gastrointestinal cancers: a 28
      year follow-up study in the Linxian General Population Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral leukoplakia is a precancerous disorder that is common among
      residents in Linxian. However, the associations between oral leukoplakia and
      upper gastrointestinal cancers have not been reported. We investigated the
      relationships between oral leukoplakia and upper gastrointestinal cancers in the
      Linxian General Population Trial cohort. METHODS: The Linxian General Population
      Trial cohort, with 29,584 healthy adults enrolled in 1985 and followed through
      the end of 2012. With collected baseline data, hazard ratios (HR) and 95%
      confidence intervals (95% CI) for developing upper gastrointestinal cancers were
      estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: During 28 years of
      follow-up, we confirmed a total of 2924 incident esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma (ESCC) cases, 1644 gastric cardia cancers and 590 gastric non-cardia
      cancers. Overall, participants with oral leukoplakia had significantly higher
      risk of developing ESCC (HR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.29). Among individuals ?52
      years old at baseline, oral leukoplakia was associated with elevated risk of ESCC
      (HR=1.31, 95%CI: 1.15, 1.49). No significant associations were observed for
      gastric cardia or non-cardia cancers in either all subjects or subgroups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Oral leukoplakia was associated with increased risk of ESCC,
      particularly in younger population. Future studies are needed to confirm these
      findings.

PMID- 25132092
TI  - Rootstock-to-scion transfer of transgene-derived small interfering RNAs and their
      effect on virus resistance in nontransgenic sweet cherry.
AB  - Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are silencing signals in plants. Virus-resistant
      transgenic rootstocks developed through siRNA-mediated gene silencing may enhance
      virus resistance of nontransgenic scions via siRNAs transported from the
      transgenic rootstocks. However, convincing evidence of rootstock-to-scion
      movement of siRNAs of exogenous genes in woody plants is still lacking. To
      determine whether exogenous siRNAs can be transferred, nontransgenic sweet cherry
      (scions) was grafted on transgenic cherry rootstocks (TRs), which was transformed
      with an RNA interference (RNAi) vector expressing short hairpin RNAs of the
      genomic RNA3 of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV-hpRNA). Small RNA
      sequencing was conducted using bud tissues of TRs and those of grafted
      (rootstock/scion) trees, locating at about 1.2 m above the graft unions.
      Comparison of the siRNA profiles revealed that the PNRSV-hpRNA was efficient in
      producing siRNAs and eliminating PNRSV in the TRs. Furthermore, our study
      confirmed, for the first time, the long-distance (1.2 m) transfer of PNRSV-hpRNA
      derived siRNAs from the transgenic rootstock to the nontransgenic scion in woody
      plants. Inoculation of nontransgenic scions with PNRSV revealed that the
      transferred siRNAs enhanced PNRSV resistance of the scions grafted on the TRs.
      Collectively, these findings provide the foundation for 'using transgenic
      rootstocks to produce products of nontransgenic scions in fruit trees'. 

PMID- 25132091
TI  - Inhibition of H3K4me2 Demethylation Protects Auditory Hair Cells from Neomycin
      Induced Apoptosis.
AB  - Aminoglycoside-induced hair cell loss is a major cause of hearing impairment in
      children and deserves more attention in medical research. Epigenetic mechanisms
      have been shown to protect hair cells from ototoxic drugs. In this study, we
      focused on the role of dimethylated histone H3K4 (H3K4me2) in hair cell survival.
      To investigate the effects of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1)--the histone
      demethylase primarily responsible for demethylating H3K4me2--on neomycin-induced
      hair cell loss, isolated cochleae were pretreated with LSD1 inhibitors followed
      by neomycin exposure. There was a severe loss of hair cells in the organ of Corti
      after neomycin exposure, and inhibition of LSD1 significantly protected against
      neomycin-induced hair cell loss. H3K4me2 expression in the nuclei of hair cells
      decreased after exposure to neomycin, and blocking the decreased expression of
      H3K4me2 with LSD1 inhibitors prevented hair cell loss. Local delivery of these
      inhibitors in vivo also protected hair cells from neomycin-induced ototoxicity
      and maintained the hearing threshold in mice as determined by auditory brain stem
      response. This inhibition of neomycin-induced apoptosis occurs via reduced
      caspase-3 activation. Together, our findings demonstrate the protective role for
      H3K4me2 against neomycin-induced hair cell loss and hearing loss.

PMID- 25132093
TI  - Positive effects of melatonin treatment on the reproductive performance of young
      border leicester rams mated to merino ewes in spring: preliminary observations.
AB  - Poor reproductive performance of Merino ewe flocks when mated to Border Leicester
      rams during spring may be due to seasonality of the Border Leicester breed. Two
      approaches were taken to test this assumption. Six young (12 months old) or six
      mixed-age (12, 24 and >=36 months old) Border Leicester rams were either treated
      or not treated with melatonin implants (2 * 2 design) 6 weeks before the four
      groups of rams were each put with approximately 300 Merino ewes for an 8-week
      mating period. Implants were inserted in early September (experiment 1). The
      second approach was to yard or not yard ewes and mixed-age rams on several
      occasions during the first 3 weeks of the mating period (experiment 2). Pregnancy
      rate and twinning percentage were assessed by ultrasonography. In experiment 1,
      melatonin treatment in young rams increased (p < 0.001) pregnancy rate from 5.0%
      to 92.6%, but mixed-age rams did not respond (90.7% vs 89.5% for melatonin and
      non-melatonin treatments, respectively). Twinning rate was similar (p > 0.05) for
      ewes mated to either melatonin or non-melatonin-treated young rams (36.8% vs
      40.0%, respectively), whereas melatonin significantly improved (p < 0.05)
      twinning rate in those ewes mated to mixed-age rams (49.1% vs 36.1%). After 6
      weeks of melatonin treatment, scrotal circumference was greater (p < 0.05) in
      both young and mixed-aged rams than in untreated counterparts. In experiment 2,
      yarding of ewes and rams overnight on several occasions early in the mating
      period reduced (p < 0.001) pregnancy rate compared with non-yarded counterparts
      (89.5% vs 65.5%). Twinning rate was not affected (37.7% vs 36.1%, respectively).
      In summary, melatonin treatment of Border Leicester rams significantly improved
      flock reproductive performance in spring due to improved pregnancy rates with
      young rams and improved litter size with mixed-age rams.

PMID- 25132094
TI  - Mucosal immunology: killing time in the lungs.

PMID- 25132096
TI  - Pattern recognition receptors: curbing gut inflammation.

PMID- 25132097
TI  - Incomplete bladder emptying is associated with febrile urinary tract infections
      in infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate lower urinary tract dysfunction in pre-toilet trained
      infants with and without history of febrile UTI (f-UTI). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Pre-toilet trained infants with f-UTI (Group 1) from pediatric nephrology and
      urology clinics, and those without f-UTI (Group 2) from infant-care centers were
      enrolled for the present study. Infants in Group 1 underwent four-hourly (4-H)
      observations for at least one month after treatment for UTI. Voided volume (VV)
      and post-void residual urine (PVR) were measured by weighting diaper and
      suprapubic ultrasound after finishing voiding, respectively. Average PVR was
      defined as the mean value of PVR during 4-H observation. Interrupted voiding was
      defined as two or three voidings within 10 min. Voiding efficiency was defined as
      VV/(VV+PVR). RESULTS: The mean ages of Group 1 (n=64) and Group 2 infants (n=56)
      were 10.6+/-7.5 months vs 10.2+/-5.1 months, respectively (p=0.70). Group 1
      infants had significantly higher voiding frequency (3.0 times+/-1.2 vs 2.6
      times+/-0.9, p=0.04), average PVR (14.5 ml+/-14.2 vs 8.9 ml+/-8.8, p<0.01) and
      lower voiding efficiency (71.2%+/-20.5 vs 80.2%+/-18.5, p=0.01) than Group 2. ROC
      curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff values for PVR and voiding
      efficiency to differentiate Group 1 and Group 2 infants were 10 ml and 80%,
      respectively. Group 1 infants had significantly more repeat elevated PVR (?10 ml)
      and repeat low voiding efficiency (?80%) than Group 2 (44.8% vs 22.4%, p=0.03;
      62.0% vs 28.6%, p<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Pre-toilet trained infants
      with f-UTI were associated with elevated PVR and lower voiding efficiency than
      normal controls.

PMID- 25132095
TI  - Interactions between innate and adaptive lymphocytes.
AB  - Innate lymphocytes - including natural killer cells and the recently discovered
      innate lymphoid cells - have crucial roles during infection, tissue injury and
      inflammation. Innate signals regulate the activation and homeostasis of innate
      lymphocytes. The contribution of the adaptive immune system to the coordination
      of innate lymphocyte responses is less well understood. In this Opinion article,
      we review our current understanding of the interactions between adaptive and
      innate lymphocytes, and propose a model in which T cells of the adaptive immune
      system function as antigen-specific sensors for the activation of innate
      lymphocytes to amplify and instruct local immune responses. We highlight the
      potential roles of regulatory and helper T cells in these processes, and discuss
      major questions in the emerging area of crosstalk between adaptive and innate
      lymphocytes.

PMID- 25132098
TI  - Midwives' experiences of the factors that facilitate normal birth among low risk
      women at a public hospital in Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: normal birth has major advantages for mothers and infants.
      Nonetheless, in the developed world, rates of normal birth have declined
      significantly over the past 20 years, and many women currently have caesarean
      section births for unclear reasons. Midwives are interested in ameliorating this
      trend and aim to facilitate women to have meaningful birth experiences and to
      achieve the best possible birth. OBJECTIVES: this project aimed to explore
      midwives' experiences and views of the factors that facilitate or impede normal
      birth. SETTING: one maternity setting in Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: a
      purposive sample of 22 midwives, all with recent birthing experience,
      participated in in-depth interviews. METHODS: a qualitative study using an
      Interpretative Phenomenological approach. Interviews were audio-recorded and
      transcribed verbatim. Analysis was guided by Smith and Osborn's (2008) approach.
      FINDINGS: midwives identified a number of factors that complicated their task of
      facilitating normal birth. Barriers included: (1) time pressures; (2) a risk
      adverse culture, and; (3) women's expectations. Factors facilitating normal birth
      included: (1) a supporting environment, and (2) midwifery attributes and a desire
      to promote normal birth. KEY CONCLUSIONS: in Australia, most births take place in
      obstetric models of care, in which the majority of midwives are employed. The
      birth environment, in these units, is often risk-adverse with high rates of
      intervention and caesarean section. Midwives, wishing to promote normal birth in
      obstetric led units, face a number of challenges and often feel unsupported by
      senior colleagues. This situation causes conflict and gives rise to stress and
      unmet support needs.

PMID- 25132099
TI  - Effect of Lys656Asn Polymorphism of Leptin Receptor Gene on Cardiovascular Risk
      Factors and Serum Adipokine Levels after a High Polyunsaturated Fat Diet in Obese
      Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human obesity is characterized by high levels of leptin, and leptin
      levels may change with weight loss and dietary restriction. The aim of our study
      was to investigate the influence of Lys656Asn polymorphism in the leptin receptor
      gene on cardiovascular risk factors, weight loss, and serum leptin levels to a
      high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) hypocaloric diet in obese patients.
      DESIGN: A sample of 132 obese patients was analyzed in a prospective way with a
      dietary intervention. The enriched PUFAs hypocaloric intervention consisted in a
      diet of 1,459 kcal, 45.7% of carbohydrates, 34.4% of lipids, and 19.9% of
      proteins. RESULTS: In wild-type group, BMI (-1.9 +/- 1.4 kg/m(2) ), weight (-4.4
      +/- 3.2 kg), fat mass (-4.2 +/- 3.8 kg), waist circumference (-4.1 +/- 3.1 cm),
      systolic blood pressure (-7.0 +/- 12.1 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (-3.9 +/-
      6.8 mmHg), insulin (-1.8 +/- 5.6 MUI/l) and HOMA-IR (-0.5 +/- 1.5 Units)
      decreased. In mutant genotype group, BMI (-2.0 +/- 2.1 kg/m(2) ), weight (-3.6 +/
      4.1 kg), waist circumference (-3.1 +/- 4.1 cm), total cholesterol (-25.2 +/-
      19.6 mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (-16.6 +/- 25.6 mg/dl), and tryglicerides (-26.6 +/-
      39.1 mg/dl) decreased. Only leptin levels have a significant decrease in wild
      genotype group (-6.6 +/- 10.2 ng/ml) (25.1%). CONCLUSION: Carriers of ASn656
      allele have a different response than wild-type obese, with a lack of decrease in
      insulin levels, leptin levels, and HOMA-IR. However, obese patients with this
      mutant allele have a better lipid profile after weight loss.

PMID- 25132100
TI  - Hypertension triggers the rupture of coronary artery aneurysm in an 8-year-old
      boy with Kawasaki disease.

PMID- 25132101
TI  - Assessment of ovarian activity in captive goral (Naemorhedus griseus) using
      noninvasive fecal steroid monitoring.
AB  - To date, there is no information on gonadal steroidogenic activity of female
      goral (Naemorhedus griseus), a threatened species of Thailand. Captive goral
      populations have been established to produce animals for ex situ conservation and
      reintroduction, but as yet none are self-sustaining. The objectives of the
      present study were to (1) determine the influence of season on ovarian
      steriodogenic function; and (2) examine the relationship between gonadal hormone
      excretion and sexual behaviors throughout the year. Fecal samples were collected
      5 to 7 days/wk for 15 months from 8 adult females housed at Omkoi Wildlife
      Breeding Center in Thailand and analyzed for ovarian steroid metabolites using
      validated enzyme immunoassays. Observations of sexual behaviors and mating were
      conducted each morning for 30 min/session. Based on fecal estrogen and
      progestagen metabolite concentrations, the overall estrous cycle length was about
      21 days, with a 2- to 3-day follicular phase and an 18- to 20-day luteal phase.
      Sexual behaviors, most notably tail-up, increased for 2 to 3 days during the time
      estrogens were elevated during mating. Fecal progestagens were elevated during
      luteal phases and increased further during gestation, which lasted approximately
      7 months. The lactation period was 5 months, and females were anestrus for 2 to 5
      of those months, with the exception of one that cycled continuously throughout.
      Two females conceived around 2 months postpartum and so were pregnant during
      lactation. Birth records over the past 21 years indicated young are born
      throughout the year. This combined with the hormonal data suggests that female
      gorals are not strongly seasonal, at least in captivity, although there was
      considerable variation among females in estrogen and progestagen patterns. In
      conclusion, fecal steroid metabolite monitoring is an effective means of
      assessing ovarian function in this species and will be a useful tool for breeding
      management and planned development of assisted reproductive techniques such as
      artificial insemination and embryo transfer. 

PMID- 25132102
TI  - Expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in human
      retinoblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regulation of apoptosis is a complex process that involves a number
      of genes, including Bcl-2, Bcl-x, Bax and other Bcl-2 family members. The aim of
      the present study is to assess the expression of Bcl- 2 and Bax in
      retinoblastoma, and correlate them with clinical and histopathological
      parameters. METHODS: The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were examined using
      immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
      reaction in a series of 60 prospective cases of primary retinoblastoma tissues.
      RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed expression of Bcl-2 in 40/60 (66.6%),
      whereas Bax expression was found only in 18/60 (30%) cases, and these correlated
      with mRNA expression. The Western blotting results also correlated well with the
      immunohistochemical expression of Bcl-2 (25 kDa) and Bax (21 kDa) proteins. Bcl-2
      was expressed in 96% (24/25) of invasive tumours and in 45.7% (16/35) of non
      invasive tumours. Expression of Bcl-2 significantly correlated with tumour
      invasiveness (P = 0.0274) and poor differentiation (P = 0.0163), whereas loss of
      Bax correlated with massive choroidal invasion and Pathological Tumor-Node
      Metastasis (pTNM) (P = 0.0341). However, no correlation was found between Bax and
      Bcl-2 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that these apoptotic
      regulatory proteins may serve as poor prognostic markers and can be used as a
      therapeutic target for the treatment of invasive retinoblastoma. Further
      functional studies are required to explore the role of Bax and Bcl-2 in
      retinoblastoma.

PMID- 25132103
TI  - Brief report: complement C5a promotes human embryonic stem cell pluripotency in
      the absence of FGF2.
AB  - The complement activation product, C5a, is a pivotal member of the innate immune
      response; however, a diverse number of nonimmune functions are now being ascribed
      to C5a signaling, including roles during embryonic development. Here, we identify
      the expression of the C5a precursor protein, C5, as well as the C5a receptors,
      C5aR and C5L2, in both human embryonic stem cells and human-induced pluripotent
      stem cells. We show that administration of a physiologically relevant dose of
      purified human C5a (1 nM) stimulates activation of ERK1/2 and AKT signaling
      pathways, and is able to promote maintenance of the pluripotent state in the
      absence of FGF2. C5a also reduced cell loss following dissociation of human
      pluripotent stem cells. Our results reveal that complement C5a signaling supports
      human stem cell pluripotency and survival, and thus may play a key role in
      shaping early human embryonic development.

PMID- 25132104
TI  - Mechanism-specific effects of adenosine on ventricular tachycardia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is no universally accepted method by which to diagnose
      clinical ventricular tachycardia (VT) due to cAMP-mediated triggered activity.
      Based on cellular and clinical data, adenosine termination of VT is thought to be
      consistent with a diagnosis of triggered activity. However, a major gap in
      evidence mitigates the validity of this proposal, namely, defining the
      specificity of adenosine response in well-delineated reentrant VT circuits. To
      this end, we systematically studied the effects of adenosine in a model of canine
      reentrant VT and in human reentrant VT, confirmed by 3-dimensional, pace- and
      substrate mapping. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adenosine (12 mg [IQR 12-24]) failed to
      terminate VT in 31 of 31 patients with reentrant VT due to structural heart
      disease, and had no effect on VT cycle length (age, 67 years [IQR 53-74]);
      ejection fraction, 35% [IQR 20-55]). In contrast, adenosine terminated VT in 45
      of 50 (90%) patients with sustained focal right or left outflow tract
      tachycardia. The sensitivity of adenosine for identifying VT due to triggered
      activity was 90% (95% CI, 0.78-0.97) and its specificity was 100% (95% CI, 0.89
      1.0). Additionally, reentrant circuits were mapped in the epicardial border zone
      of 4-day-old infarcts in mongrel dogs. Adenosine (300-400 MUg/kg) did not
      terminate sustained VT or have any effect on VT cycle length. CONCLUSION: These
      data support the concept that adenosine's effects on ventricular myocardium are
      mechanism specific, such that termination of VT in response to adenosine is
      diagnostic of cAMP-mediated triggered activity.

PMID- 25132105
TI  - Air pollution and emergency department visits for epistaxis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the association between outdoor ambient
      air pollution and emergency department (ED) visits for epistaxis. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional study, case-crossover design. SETTING: ED visit data were obtained for
      Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, for a period of 10 years starting 1 April 1992 and
      ending March 31st of 2002. The data on ED visits were supplied by Capital Health
      for the five major acute care hospitals in the Edmonton area. PARTICIPANTS: The
      analysis was performed for the population as a whole (N = 15 038) and split by
      sex: males (N = 8587) and females (N = 6451). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We explored
      associations between ambient concentrations of air pollutants (CO, NO2 , SO2 , O3
      , PM10 , PM2.5 ) lagged by 0-4 days and ED visits for epistaxis in Edmonton,
      Alberta, Canada. RESULTS: Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals
      (CI) were reported for an increase in an interquartile range (IQR) of pollutant
      concentration. We obtained positive and statistically significant results for all
      patients with epistaxis; exposure to O3 with IQR = 14 ppb, OR = 1.05 (95% CI:
      1.00-1.09, lag 0), and for males (age < 25 years), OR = 1.16 (1.03-1.30), lag 4;
      and to PM10 with IQR = 15 MUg/m(3) , OR = 1.02 (1.00-1.05, lag 3). These results
      were stronger for older (age > 24 years) females. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      suggest that there may be an association between air pollutant exposure,
      specifically ozone and PM10 , and the number of ED visits for epistaxis.

PMID- 25132106
TI  - Subluminescence photodynamic therapy of recalcitrant foot warts.

PMID- 25132107
TI  - FrxA is an S-nitrosoglutathione reductase enzyme that contributes to Helicobacter
      pylori pathogenicity.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori is a pathogen that infects the gastric mucosa of a large
      percentage of the human population worldwide, and predisposes to peptic
      ulceration and gastric cancer. Persistent colonization of humans by H. pylori
      triggers an inflammatory response that leads to the production of reactive
      nitrogen species. However, the mechanisms of H. pylori defence against
      nitrosative stress remain largely unknown. In this study, we show that the NADH
      flavin oxidoreductase FrxA of H. pylori, besides metabolizing nitrofurans and
      metronidazole, has S-nitrosoglutathione reductase activity. In agreement with
      this, inactivation of the FrxA-encoding gene resulted in a strain that was more
      sensitive to S-nitrosoglutathione. FrxA was also shown to contribute to the
      proliferation of H. pylori in macrophages, which are key phagocytic cells of the
      mammalian innate immune system. Moreover, FrxA was shown to support the virulence
      of the pathogen upon mouse infection. Altogether, we provide evidence for a new
      function of FrxA that contributes to the successful chronic colonization ability
      that characterizes H. pylori.

PMID- 25132108
TI  - Efficient solar cells sensitized by porphyrins with an extended conjugation
      framework and a carbazole donor: from molecular design to cosensitization.
AB  - Porphyrin dyes containing the carbazole electron donor have been designed and
      optimized by wrapping the porphyrin framework, introducing an additional
      ethynylene bridge to extend the wavelength range of light absorption, and further
      suppression of the dye aggregation by introducing additional alkoxy chains.
      Application of a cosensitization approach results in improved current density
      (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) values, thus achieving the highest cell
      efficiency of 10.45%. This work provides an effective combined strategy of
      molecular design and cosensitization for developing efficient dye-sensitized
      solar cells (DSSCs). In addition, carbazole has been demonstrated to be a
      promising donor for porphyrin sensitizers.

PMID- 25132109
TI  - New insights into HLA-G mediated tolerance.
AB  - Human Leukocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) is a nonclassical HLA class I molecule with
      well-characterized immunomodulatory activities. HLA-G was first described as a
      regulatory molecule that allows the fetus to elude the maternal immune response.
      In the last decade it has become evident that HLA-G is involved in modulating
      both innate and adaptive immune responses, in maintaining tolerance in autoimmune
      and inflammatory diseases and after transplantation, and in promoting immune
      escape in cancer and infectious diseases. HLA-G exerts its modulatory/regulatory
      functions directly by interacting with specific inhibitory receptors. The
      expression of HLA-G is finely tuned by genetic variations in the noncoding region
      of the locus. The recent discovery of dendritic cells-10 (DC-10) as naturally
      occurring HLA-G-expressing dendritic cells opens new perspectives in the
      identification of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying HLA-G-mediated
      tolerance. An overview on the HLA-G-mediated inhibition of innate and adaptive
      immune cells, on the genetic influence on HLA-G expression, and on HLA-G
      expressing DC-10 is presented. Moreover, we discuss the central and critical role
      of DC-10 in the HLA-G-mediated tolerance. 

PMID- 25132110
TI  - Urine sample preparation for proteomic analysis.
AB  - Sample preparation for both environmental and more importantly biological
      matrices is a bottleneck of all kinds of analytical processes. In the case of
      proteomic analysis this element is even more important due to the amount of cross
      reactions that should be taken into consideration. The incorporation of new post
      translational modifications, protein hydrolysis, or even its degradation is
      possible as side effects of proteins sample processing. If protocols are
      evaluated appropriately, then identification of such proteins does not bring
      difficulties. However, if structural changes are provided without sufficient
      attention then protein sequence coverage will be reduced or even identification
      of such proteins could be impossible. This review summarizes obstacles and
      achievements in protein sample preparation of urine for proteome analysis using
      different tools for mass spectrometry analysis. The main aim is to present
      comprehensively the idea of urine application as a valuable matrix. This article
      is dedicated to sample preparation and application of urine mainly in novel
      cancer biomarkers discovery. 

PMID- 25132111
TI  - Predictors of psychological functioning in children with cancer: disposition and
      cumulative life stressors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined psychological functioning in children with a
      history of cancer and a matched sample of healthy peers, while exploring the
      roles of disposition and stressful life events. METHOD: Participants were 255
      children with a history of cancer and 101 demographically matched children (8-17
      years). Children completed measures of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic
      stress symptoms (PTSS); history of stressful life events; and dispositional
      factors, including optimism and a five-factor personality measure. RESULTS:
      Children with cancer did not differ from peers with regard to depression and
      PTSS, but reported significantly lower anxiety. In hierarchical regressions,
      children's depression, anxiety, and PTSS scores were largely predicted by
      dispositional variables and, to a lesser extent, stressful life events, after
      controlling for demographics and health status. CONCLUSION: Children's
      psychological functioning is predicted primarily by disposition, and secondarily
      by history of stressful life events, with health status (i.e., cancer versus
      control) accounting for minimal, and often non-significant variance in children's
      functioning. These findings further support that children with cancer are
      generally resilient, with factors predictive of their adjustment difficulties
      mirroring those of children without history of serious illness.

PMID- 25132112
TI  - Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC. as an adjuvant treatment for type-2 diabetes
      mellitus: a non-controlled, pilot study.
AB  - Type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent disease with significant
      morbidity and mortality around the world. However, there is no universally
      effective treatment, because response to different treatment regimens can vary
      widely among patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the use of
      the powdered dried leaves of Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC. (Myrtaceae) is
      effective as an adjuvant to the treatment of patients with type-2 DM. Fifteen
      patients were enrolled in a pilot, non-controlled study, and received E.
      punicifolia for 3 months. After treatment, we observed a significant decrease in
      glycosylated hemoglobin, basal insulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, C-reactive
      protein, and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There were no changes in
      fasting and postprandial glycemia. The compounds myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside,
      quercetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-xyloside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside,
      kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, phytol, gallic acid, and trans-caryophyllene present
      in the powdered dried leaves of E. punicifolia may be responsible for the
      therapeutic effect. In conclusion, the powdered leaves of E. punicifolia are
      promising as an adjuvant in the treatment of type-2 DM and deserve further
      investigation.

PMID- 25132113
TI  - Quantification of the statistical effects of spatiotemporal processing of nontask
      FMRI data.
AB  - Nontask functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become one of the most
      popular noninvasive areas of brain mapping research for neuroscientists. In
      nontask fMRI, various sources of "noise" corrupt the measured blood oxygenation
      level-dependent signal. Many studies have aimed to attenuate the noise in
      reconstructed voxel measurements through spatial and temporal processing
      operations. While these solutions make the data more "appealing," many commonly
      used processing operations induce artificial correlations in the acquired data.
      As such, it becomes increasingly more difficult to derive the true underlying
      covariance structure once the data have been processed. As the goal of nontask
      fMRI studies is to determine, utilize, and analyze the true covariance structure
      of acquired data, such processing can lead to inaccurate and misleading
      conclusions drawn from the data if they are unaccounted for in the final
      connectivity analysis. In this article, we develop a framework that represents
      the spatiotemporal processing and reconstruction operations as linear operators,
      providing a means of precisely quantifying the correlations induced or modified
      by such processing rather than by performing lengthy Monte Carlo simulations. A
      framework of this kind allows one to appropriately model the statistical
      properties of the processed data, optimize the data processing pipeline,
      characterize excessive processing, and draw more accurate functional connectivity
      conclusions.

PMID- 25132114
TI  - Modeling nonlinear relationships in ERP data using mixed-effects regression with
      R examples.
AB  - In the analysis of psychological and psychophysiological data, the relationship
      between two variables is often assumed to be a straight line. This may be due to
      the prevalence of the general linear model in data analysis in these fields,
      which makes this assumption implicitly. However, there are many problems for
      which this assumption does not hold. In this paper, we show that, in the analysis
      of event-related potential (ERP) data, the assumption of linearity comes at a
      cost and may significantly affect the inferences drawn from the data. We
      demonstrate why the assumption of linearity should be relaxed and how to model
      nonlinear relationships between ERP amplitudes and predictor variables within the
      familiar framework of generalized linear models, using regression splines and
      mixed-effects modeling. 

PMID- 25132115
TI  - OMIP-023: 10-color, 13 antibody panel for in-depth phenotyping of human
      peripheral blood leukocytes.

PMID- 25132116
TI  - Selective TRAIL-induced cytotoxicity to lung cancer cells mediated by miRNA
      response elements.
AB  - Lung cancer is among the most common cancers, and the current therapeutic
      strategies are still inefficient in most cases. Tumour necrosis factor-related
      apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising biological agent for cancer
      treatment because of its potent pro-apoptotic effect on cancer cells. However,
      TRAIL also induces apoptosis in normal cells and therefore may cause toxicity to
      normal tissues if clinically applied. To address this issue, we inserted microRNA
      response elements (MREs) of miR-133a, miR-137 and miR-449a, which are all
      underexpressed in lung cancer cells, into an adenoviral vector to regulate TRAIL
      expression. This MRE-regulated vector (Ad-TRAIL-MRE) was able to express TRAIL in
      a lung-cancer-specific fashion. No TRAIL expression was detected in normal cells.
      Consistently, Ad-TRAIL-MRE exerted cytotoxicity to lung cancer cells, rather than
      normal cells, perhaps via inducing selective apoptosis. The selective TRAIL
      mediated growth-inhibiting effect was further confirmed in a tumour xenograft
      model. Also, Ad-TRAIL-MRE only resulted in very low hepatotoxicity when applied.
      Collectively, we generated a novel TRAIL-expressing adenoviral vector that was
      regulated by MREs. This strategy permits TRAIL expression in a lung-cancer
      specific manner and is worth further studying for clinical trials.

PMID- 25132117
TI  - Meta-analysis of the effect of postoperative in-hospital morbidity on long-term
      patient survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major surgery is associated with high rates of postoperative
      complications, many of which are deemed preventable. It has been suggested that
      these complications not only present a risk to patients in the short term, but
      may also reduce long-term survival. The aim of this review was to examine the
      effects of postoperative complications on long-term survival. METHODS: MEDLINE,
      Web of Science and reference lists of relevant articles were searched up to July
      2013. Studies assessing only procedure-specific, or technical failure-related,
      complications were excluded, as were studies of poor methodological quality. Meta
      analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed
      using funnel plots. RESULTS: Eighteen eligible studies were included, comprising
      results for 134 785 patients with an overall complication rate of 22.6 (range
      10.6-69) per cent. The studies included operations for both benign and malignant
      disease. Median follow-up was 43 (range 28-96) months. Meta-analysis demonstrated
      reduced overall survival after any postoperative complication for ten studies
      with eligible data (20 755 patients), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.28 (95 per
      cent confidence interval 1.21 to 1.34). Similar results were found for overall
      survival following infectious complications: HR 1.92 (1.50 to 2.35). In analyses
      of disease-free survival the HR was 1.26 (1.10 to 1.42) for all postoperative
      complications and 1.55 (1.12 to 1.99) for infectious complications. Inclusion of
      poor-quality studies in a sensitivity analysis had no effect on the results.
      CONCLUSION: Postoperative complications have a negative effect on long-term
      survival. This relationship appears to be stronger for infectious complications.

PMID- 25132118
TI  - Neuroprotective peptide-macrocycle conjugates reveal complex structure-activity
      relationships in their interactions with amyloid beta.
AB  - Interactions between amyloid beta (Abeta) and metal ions are thought to mediate
      the neuropathogenic effects of Abeta in Alzheimer's disease. The construction of
      small molecules capable of synergistically chelating metal ions and recognizing
      Abeta would allow new insights into the biology of this disease and provide a
      possible therapeutic approach. We report herein the synthesis and biological
      evaluation of tetraazamacrocycle-(G)KLVFF hybrids and their metal complexes. The
      results obtained from ThT and bis-ANS extrinsic fluorescence assays, tyrosine
      intrinsic fluorescence assay and proteolytic assay imply complex, multifaceted
      structure-activity relationships in the interaction of these conjugates with
      Abeta. Many of the compounds tested rescued cells from Abeta-induced
      cytotoxicity. The attendant simplicity and ready diversification of the synthesis
      of these conjugates makes them attractive for further investigation. 

PMID- 25132120
TI  - Snacks, beverages, vending machines, and school stores: a comparison of
      alternative and regular schools in Minnesota, 2002 to 2008.
AB  - In US secondary schools, vending machines and school stores are a common source
      of low-nutrient, energy-dense snacks and beverages, including sugar-sweetened
      beverages, high-fat salty snacks, and candy. However, little is known about the
      prevalence of these food practices in alternative schools, which are educational
      settings for students at risk of academic failure due to truancy, school
      expulsion, and behavior problems. Nationwide, more than 5,000 alternative schools
      enroll about one-half million students who are disproportionately minority and
      low-income youth. Principal survey data from a cross-sectional sample of
      alternative (n=104) and regular (n=339) schools collected biennially from 2002
      2008 as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Minnesota School
      Health Profiles were used to assess and compare food practice prevalence over
      time. Generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate prevalence,
      adjusting for school demographics. Over time, food practice prevalence decreased
      significantly for both alternative and regular schools, although declines were
      mostly modest. However, the decrease in high-fat, salty snacks was significantly
      less for alternative than regular schools (-22.9% vs -42.2%; P<0.0001). Efforts
      to improve access to healthy food choices at school should reach all schools,
      including alternative schools. Study findings suggest high-fat salty snacks are
      more common in vending machines and school stores in alternative schools than
      regular schools, which may contribute to increased snacking behavior among
      students and extra consumption of salt, fat, and sugar. Study findings support
      the need to include alternative schools in future efforts that aim to reform the
      school food environment. 

PMID- 25132119
TI  - Attenuated improvements in adiponectin and fat loss characterize type 2 diabetes
      non-remission status after bariatric surgery.
AB  - AIM: To identify the metabolic determinants of type 2 diabetes non-remission
      status after bariatric surgery at 12 and 24 months. METHODS: A total of 40 adults
      [mean +/- sd body mass index 36 +/- 3 kg/m(2) , age 48 +/- 9 years, glycated
      haemoglobin (HbA1c) 9.7 +/- 2%) undergoing bariatric surgery [Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG)] were enrolled in the present study, the
      Surgical Treatment and Medication Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently
      (STAMPEDE) trial. Type 2 diabetes remission was defined as HbA1c <6.5% and
      fasting glucose <126 mg/dl (i.e. <7 mmol/l) without antidiabetic medication.
      Indices of insulin secretion and sensitivity were calculated from plasma glucose,
      insulin and C-peptide values during a 120-min mixed-meal tolerance test. Body
      fat, incretins (glucagon-like polypeptide-1, gastric inhibitory peptide, ghrelin)
      and adipokines [adiponectin, leptin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] were also assessed. RESULTS: At 24
      months, 37 patients had available follow-up data (RYGB, n = 18; SG, n = 19).
      Bariatric surgery induced type 2 diabetes remission rates of 40 and 27% at 12 and
      24 months, respectively. Total fat/abdominal fat loss, insulin secretion, insulin
      sensitivity and beta-cell function (C-peptide0-120 /glucose0-120 * Matsuda index)
      improved more in those with remission at 12 and 24 months than in those without
      remission. Incretin levels were unrelated to type 2 diabetes remission, but,
      compared with those without remission, hs-CRP decreased and adiponectin increased
      more in those with remission. Only baseline adiponectin level predicted lower
      HbA1c levels at 12 and 24 months, and elevated adiponectin correlated with
      enhanced beta-cell function, lower triglyceride levels and fat loss. CONCLUSIONS:
      Smaller rises in adiponectin level, a mediator of insulin action and adipose
      mass, characterize type 2 diabetes non-remission up to 2 years after bariatric
      surgery. Adjunctive strategies promoting greater fat loss and/or raising
      adiponectin may be key to achieving higher type 2 diabetes remission rates after
      bariatric surgery.

PMID- 25132121
TI  - Misreporting of dietary intake affects estimated nutrient intakes in low-income
      Spanish-speaking women.
AB  - Misreporting of dietary intake affects the validity of data collected and
      conclusions drawn in studies exploring diet and health outcomes. One consequence
      of misreporting is biological implausibility. Little is known regarding how
      accounting for biological implausibility of reported intake affects nutrient
      intake estimates in Hispanics, a rapidly growing demographic in the United
      States. Our study explores the effect of accounting for plausibility on nutrient
      intake estimates in a sample of Mexican-American women in northern California in
      2008. Nutrient intakes are compared with Dietary Reference Intake
      recommendations, and intakes of Mexican-American women in a national survey are
      presented as a reference. Eighty-two women provided three 24-hour recalls.
      Reported energy intakes were classified as biologically plausible or implausible
      using the reported energy intakes to total energy expenditure cutoff of <0.76 or
      >1.24, with low-active physical activity levels used to estimate total energy
      expenditure. Differences in the means of nutrient intakes between implausible
      (n=36) and plausible (n=46) reporters of energy intake were examined by bivariate
      linear regression. Estimated energy, protein, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and
      vitamin E intakes were significantly higher in plausible reporters than
      implausible. There was a significant difference between the proportions of
      plausible vs implausible reporters meeting recommendations for several nutrients,
      with a larger proportion of plausible reporters meeting recommendations. Further
      research related to misreporting in Hispanic populations is warranted to explore
      the causes and effects of misreporting in studies measuring dietary intake, as
      well as actions to be taken to prevent or account for this issue. 

PMID- 25132122
TI  - The effect of nopal (Opuntia ficus indica) on postprandial blood glucose,
      incretins, and antioxidant activity in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes
      after consumption of two different composition breakfasts.
AB  - Nopal is a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat diabetes. However,
      there is insufficient scientific evidence to demonstrate whether nopal can
      regulate postprandial glucose. The purpose for conducting this study was to
      evaluate the glycemic index, insulinemic index, glucose-dependent insulinotropic
      peptide (GIP) index, and the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) index, and the
      effect of nopal on patients with type 2 diabetes after consumption of a high
      carbohydrate breakfast (HCB) or high-soy-protein breakfast (HSPB) on the
      postprandial response of glucose, insulin, GIP, GLP-1, and antioxidant activity.
      In study 1, the glycemic index, insulinemic index, GIP index, and GLP-1 index
      were calculated for seven healthy participants who consumed 50 g of available
      carbohydrates from glucose or dehydrated nopal. In study 2, 14 patients with type
      2 diabetes consumed nopal in HCB or HSPB with or without 300 g steamed nopal. The
      glycemic index of nopal was 32.5+/-4, insulinemic index was 36.1+/-6, GIP index
      was 6.5+/-3.0, and GLP-1 index was 25.9+/-18. For those patients with type 2
      diabetes who consumed the HCB+nopal, there was significantly lower area under the
      curve for glucose (287+/-30) than for those who consumed the HCB only (443+/-49),
      and lower incremental area under the curve for insulin (5,952+/-833 vs 7,313+/
      1,090), and those patients with type 2 diabetes who consumed the HSPB avoided
      postprandial blood glucose peaks. Consumption of the HSPB+nopal significantly
      reduced the postprandial peaks of GIP concentration at 30 and 45 minutes and
      increased the antioxidant activity after 2 hours measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrilhidracyl method. These findings suggest that nopal could reduce
      postprandial blood glucose, serum insulin, and plasma GIP peaks, as well as
      increase antioxidant activity in healthy people and patients with type 2
      diabetes. 

PMID- 25132123
TI  - Scoring of international criteria for Behcet's disease.

PMID- 25132125
TI  - Different responses of the melanin index to ultraviolet irradiation in relation
      to skin color and body site.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Few reports describe UVB irradiation-induced pigmentation
      responses from different skin colors or from different body sites. This study
      determined pigmentation changes in skin with different colors and from different
      body sites following 308-nm excimer laser irradiation. METHODS: Ten healthy
      Korean adults were divided into light- and dark-skin groups, and irradiated body
      sites were divided into unexposed zones (UZ), intermittently exposed zones (IEZ),
      and frequently exposed zones (FEZ). Twenty-four areas were irradiated with a
      single 300-mJ/cm(2) shot delivered by an excimer laser. MIs were measured before
      irradiation, immediately after irradiation, and then 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14
      days, and 21 days after irradiation. RESULTS: MIs declined significantly on day 1
      after irradiation, particularly in light-colored skin. In the light-skin group,
      the MI increased from day 3 after irradiation and continued to increase for 21
      days, whereas in the dark-skin group, the peak MI was reached at 7 days and
      declined thereafter. The peak MIs were reached at 7 days in the IEZ and FEZ and
      at 14 days in the UZ. CONCLUSION: Following UVB irradiation, MIs decreased,
      particularly in light-colored skin, before delayed tanning developed. UVB-induced
      pigmentation varied according to different skin colors and the body sites
      irradiated.

PMID- 25132124
TI  - Barriers to and incentives for achieving partograph use in obstetric practice in
      low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The partograph is a graphic display of the progress of labour,
      recommended by the World Health Organization, but often underused in practice in
      low- and middle-income countries. We were interested in going beyond
      demonstration of potential efficacy - on which the existing literature
      concentrates - through a systematic review to identify barriers to and incentives
      for achieving partograph use. METHODS: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Maternity
      and Infant Care, POPLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus, from 1st January 1994 to
      30th September 2013, using the term 'partogra*' to include 'partograph',
      'partogram', or 'partogramme'. The selection criteria were for primary or
      secondary research describing barriers to and incentives for partograph use in
      low- and middle-income countries, in English, reported in peer-reviewed
      publications since 1994. Thematic analysis of text on partograph use was applied
      to a commonly used framework for change in clinical practice, with levels
      describing the innovation, the individual professional, the woman, and social,
      organisational, economic and political contexts. RESULTS: Reported barriers to
      and incentives for partograph use related to the partograph itself, professional
      skills and practice, clinical leadership and quality assurance, and the
      organisational environment within the wider provision of obstetric care. Neither
      the evidence base for its effectiveness, nor its credibility, was reported as a
      barrier to use. CONCLUSION: Identifying and addressing local barriers and
      incentives in low- and middle-income countries, based on those in published
      research, could inform strategies to improve partograph use. Emerging
      technologies could be used to address some barriers. The thresholds for essential
      maternity care at which the partograph adds value should be further evaluated.

PMID- 25132126
TI  - Reconstructing the colonization history of lost wolf lineages by the analysis of
      the mitochondrial genome.
AB  - The grey wolves (Canis lupus) originally inhabited major parts of the Northern
      hemisphere, but many local populations became extinct. Two lineages of wolves in
      Japan, namely, Japanese or Honshu (C. l. hodophilax) and Ezo or Hokkaido (C. l.
      hattai) wolves, rapidly went extinct between 100 and 120years ago. Here we
      analyse the complete mitochondrial genome sequences from ancient specimens and
      reconstruct the colonization history of the two extinct subspecies. We show a
      unique status of Japanese wolves in wolf phylogeny, suggesting their long time
      separation from other grey wolf populations. Japanese wolves appeared to have
      colonized the Japanese archipelago in the Late Pleistocene (ca. 25,000
      125,000years ago). By contrast, Ezo wolves, which are clearly separated from
      Japanese wolves in phylogeny, are likely to have arrived at Japan relatively
      recently (<14,000years ago). Interestingly, their colonization history to Japan
      tallies well with the dynamics of wolf populations in Europe and America during
      the last several millennia. Our analyses suggest that at least several thousands
      of wolves once inhabited in the Japanese archipelago. Our analyses also show that
      an enigmatic clade of domestic dogs is likely to have originated from rare
      admixture events between male dogs and female Japanese wolves. 

PMID- 25132127
TI  - Metapopulations in temporary streams - the role of drought-flood cycles in
      promoting high genetic diversity in a critically endangered freshwater fish and
      its consequences for the future.
AB  - Genetic factors have direct and indirect impacts in the viability of endangered
      species. Assessing their genetic diversity levels and population structure is
      thus fundamental for conservation and management. In this paper we use
      mitochondrial and nuclear markers to address phylogeographic and demographic data
      on the critically endangered Anaecypris hispanica, using a broad sampling set
      which covered its known distribution area in the Iberian Peninsula. Our results
      showed that the populations of A. hispanica are strongly differentiated (high and
      significant FST and FST values, corroborated by the results from AMOVA and
      SAMOVA) and genetically diversified. We suggest that the restricted gene flow
      between populations may have been potentiated by ecological, hydrological and
      anthropogenic causes. Bayesian skyline plots revealed a signal for expansion for
      all populations (tMRCA between 68kya and 1.33Mya) and a genetic diversity
      latitudinal gradient was detected between the populations from the Upper (more
      diversified) and the Lower (less diversified) Guadiana river basin. We postulate
      a Pleistocenic westwards colonization route for A. hispanica in the Guadiana
      river basin, which is in agreement with the tempo and mode of paleoevolution of
      this drainage. The colonization of River Guadalquivir around 60kya with migrants
      from the Upper Guadiana, most likely by stream capture, is also suggested. This
      study highlights the view that critically endangered species facing range
      retreats (about 47% of its known populations have disappeared in the last
      15years) are not necessarily small and genetically depleted. However, the
      extinction risk is not negligible since A. hispanica faces the combined effect of
      several deterministic and stochastic negative factors and, moreover,
      recolonization events after localized extinctions are very unlikely to occur due
      to the strong isolation of populations and to the patchily ecologically
      conditioned distribution of fish. The inferred species distribution models
      highlight the significant contribution of temperature seasonality and
      isothermality to A. hispanica occurrence in Guadiana environments and emphasize
      the importance of stable climatic conditions for the preservation of this
      species. Given the strong population structure, high percentage of private
      haplotypes and virtual absence of inter-basin gene flow we suggest that each A.
      hispanica population should be considered as an independent Operational
      Conservation Unit and that ex-situ and in-situ actions should be conducted in
      parallel to allow for the long-term survival of the species and the preservation
      of the genetic integrity of its populations. 

PMID- 25132128
TI  - Mitochondrial genomes reveal the pattern and timing of marten (Martes), wolverine
      (Gulo), and fisher (Pekania) diversification.
AB  - Despite recent advances in understanding the pattern and timescale of
      evolutionary diversification in the marten, wolverine, fisher, and tayra
      subfamily Guloninae (Mustelidae, Carnivora), several important issues still
      remain contentious. Among these are the phylogenetic position of Gulo relative to
      the subgenera of Martes (Martes and Charronia), the phylogenetic relationships
      within the subgenus Martes, and the timing of gulonine divergences. To elucidate
      these issues we explored nucleotide variation in 11 whole mitochondrial genomes
      (mitogenomes) from eight gulonine species and two outgroup meline species.
      Parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses yielded fully
      resolved and identical patterns of relationships with high support for all
      divergences. The generic status of Pekania (P. pennanti), the monophyly of the
      genus Martes containing M. flavigula (subgenus Charronia) to the exclusion of the
      genus Gulo (G. gulo), and the M. foina (M. americana (M. melampus (M. zibellina,
      M. martes))) phylogeny of the subgenus Martes were strongly supported. Dating
      analyses (BEAST) using a set of five newly applied fossil calibrations provided
      divergence times considerably younger than previous multigene mitochondrial
      estimates, but similar to multigene nuclear and nuclear-mitochondrial estimates.
      The 95% confidence (highest posterior density) intervals of our divergence times
      fell within those inferred from nuclear and nuclear-mitochondrial sequence data,
      and were markedly narrower than in earlier studies (whether nuclear,
      mitochondrial, or combined). Notably, and contrary to long-held beliefs, our
      findings indicate that fossils older than the Tortonian-Messinian transition
      (late Late Miocene) do not represent Martes, excluding from this genus its
      putative members from the Early, Middle, and early Late Miocene. This study
      demonstrates the high informativeness of the mitogenome for phylogenetic
      inference and divergence time estimation within Guloninae, and suggests that
      mitogenomes can be highly informative also for other clades at similar levels of
      evolutionary divergence. 

PMID- 25132129
TI  - When everything converges: integrative taxonomy with shell, DNA and venomic data
      reveals Conus conco, a new species of cone snails (Gastropoda: Conoidea).
AB  - Cone snails have long been studied both by taxonomists for the diversity of their
      shells and by biochemists for the potential therapeutic applications of their
      toxins. Phylogenetic approaches have revealed that different lineages of Conus
      evolved divergent venoms, a property that is exploited to enhance the discovery
      of new conotoxins, but is rarely used in taxonomy. Specimens belonging to the
      Indo-West Pacific Conus lividus species complex were analyzed using phenetic and
      phylogenetic methods based on shell morphology, COI and 28S rRNA gene sequences
      and venom mRNA expression and protein composition. All methods converged to
      reveal a new species, C. conco n. sp. (described in Supplementary data),
      restricted to the Marquesas Islands, where it diverged recently (~3mya) from C.
      lividus. The geographical distribution of C. conco and C. lividus and their
      phylogenetic relationships suggest that the two species diverged in allopatry.
      Furthermore, the diversity of the transcript sequences and toxin molecular masses
      suggest that C. conco evolved unique toxins, presumably in response to new
      selective pressure, such as the availability of new preys and ecological niches.
      Furthermore, this new species evolved new transcripts giving rise to original
      toxin structures, probably each carrying specific biological activity. 

PMID- 25132130
TI  - What do we really fear? The epidemiological characteristics of Ebola and our
      preparedness.
AB  - Ebola virus disease (hereafter Ebola) has a high fatality rate; currently lacks a
      treatment or vaccine with proven safety and efficacy, and thus many people fear
      this infection. As of August 13, 2014, 2,127 patients across four West African
      countries have been infected with the Ebola virus over the past nine months.
      Among these patients, approximately 1 in 2 has subsequently died from the
      disease. In response, the World Health Organization has declared the Ebola
      outbreak in West Africa to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
      However, Ebola is only transmitted by patients who already present symptoms of
      the disease, and infection only occurs upon direct contact with the blood or body
      fluids of an Ebola patient. Consequently, transmission of the outbreak can be
      contained through careful monitoring for fever among persons who have visited, or
      come into contact with persons from, the site of the outbreak. Thus, patients
      suspected of presenting symptoms characteristic of Ebola should be quarantined.
      To date, South Korea is not equipped with the special containment clinical units
      and biosafety level 4 facilities required to contain the outbreak of a fatal
      virus disease, such as Ebola. Therefore, it is necessary for South Korea to make
      strategies to the outbreak by using present facilities as quickly as possible. It
      is also imperative that the government establish suitable communication with its
      citizens to prevent the spread of uninformed fear and anxiety regarding the Ebola
      outbreak. 

PMID- 25132131
TI  - The transcription factor VvWRKY33 is involved in the regulation of grapevine
      (Vitis vinifera) defense against the oomycete pathogen Plasmopara viticola.
AB  - Grapevine (Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera) is one of the most important fruit
      species; however, it is highly susceptible to various pathogens, which can cause
      severe crop losses in viticulture. It has been shown that several WRKY class
      transcription factors (TFs) are part of the signal transduction cascade, which
      leads to the activation of plant defense reactions against various pathogens. In
      the present investigation, a full-length cDNA was isolated from V. vinifera leaf
      tissue encoding a predicted protein, designated VvWRKY33, which shows the
      characteristics of group I WRKY protein family. VvWRKY33 induction correlates
      with the expression of VvPR10.1 (pathogenesis-related 10.1) gene in the leaves of
      the resistant cultivar 'Regent' after infection with Plasmopara viticola, whereas
      in the susceptible cultivar 'Lemberger' VvWRKY33 and VvPR10.1 are not induced.
      Corresponding expression of the TF and VvPR10.1 was even obtained in uninfected
      ripening berries. In planta, analysis of VvWRKY33 has been performed by ectopic
      expression of VvWRKY33 in grapevine leaves of greenhouse plants mediated via
      Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation. In consequence, VvWRKY33 strongly
      increases resistance to P. viticola in the susceptible cultivar 'Shiraz' and
      reduces pathogen sporulation of about 50-70%, indicating a functional role for
      resistance in grapevine. Complementation of the resistance-deficient Arabidopsis
      thaliana Columbia-0 (Col-0) mutant line wrky33-1 by constitutive expression of
      VvWRKY33 restores resistance against Botrytis cinerea to wild-type level and in
      some complemented mutant lines even exceeds the resistance level of the parental
      line Col-0. Our results support the involvement of VvWRKY33 in the defense
      reaction of grapevine against different pathogens.

PMID- 25132132
TI  - Malignant effects of multiple rare variants in sarcomere genes on the prognosis
      of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - AIMS: Although genetic testing has been recommended in patients with hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy (HCM) in current clinical practice, its utility in prognostic
      prediction remains to be ascertained. We assessed the dosage effect of rare
      variants in sarcomere genes on the long-term outcomes of HCM. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: A total of 529 unrelated HCM patients were prospectively recruited and
      followed for 4.7 +/- 3.2 years. Eight sarcomere genes were screened with targeted
      resequencing and identified variants were validated through Sanger sequencing.
      After polymorphisms and likely neutral rare variants were excluded, the patients
      were segregated into three groups based on the dosage of rare variants: no rare
      variant, a single rare variant, and multiple rare variants. Multiple rare
      variants were identified in 7.2% (38/529) of the study patients. Patients with
      multiple rare variants were younger at diagnosis, and had greater maximum LV wall
      thicknesses and larger left atria. The risk for cardiovascular death in patients
      with multiple rare variants was higher than in those without rare variants (P =10
      5) or in those with a single rare variant (P = 2 * 10-5). Multivariable analysis
      revealed that multiple rare variants were a risk factor for cardiovascular death
      [hazard ratio (HR) 3.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84-7.58, P = 0.0003], as
      well as sudden cardiac death (HR 3.57, 95% CI 1.23-10.35, P = 0.019) and heart
      failure-related death (HR 4.62, 95% CI 1.67-12.76, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The
      presence of multiple rare variants in sarcomere genes is a risk factor for
      malignant outcomes in HCM, and may be appropriate to consider as a criterion in
      the risk stratification of HCM patients.

PMID- 25132133
TI  - Recent advances in germination of Clostridium spores.
AB  - Members of Clostridium genus are a diverse group of anaerobic spore-formers that
      includes several pathogenic species. Their anaerobic requirement enhances the
      importance of the dormant spore morphotype during infection, persistence and
      transmission. Bacterial spores are metabolically inactive and may survive for
      long times in the environment and germinate in presence of nutrients termed
      germinants. Recent progress with spores of several Clostridium species has
      identified the germinant receptors (GRs) involved in nutrient germinant
      recognition and initiation of spore germination. Signal transduction from GRs to
      the downstream effectors remains poorly understood but involves the release of
      dipicolinic acid. Two mechanistically different cortex hydrolytic machineries are
      present in Clostridium spores. Recent studies have also shed light into novel
      biological events that occur during spore formation (accumulation of
      transcriptional units) and transcription during early spore outgrowth. In
      summary, this review will cover all of the recent advances in Clostridium spore
      germination. 

PMID- 25132135
TI  - Moderating effects of nurses' organizational justice between organizational
      support and organizational citizenship behaviors for evidence-based practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lack of existing literature on the correlation among organizational
      justice, organizational support, and organizational citizenship behaviors has
      created a research gap in previous evidence-based practice (EBP) studies on
      nursing personnel. AIMS: To investigate whether organizational justice among
      nurses has a moderating effect between their organizational support and
      organizational citizenship behaviors in order to bridge such a gap of existing
      literature with the EBP study on nursing personnel. METHODS: Nursing staff of one
      large and influential hospital in Taiwan was surveyed. Four hundred
      questionnaires were distributed, and 386 were collected with a valid response
      rate of 96.50%. SPSS 17.0 and Amos 17.0 statistical software packages were used
      for data analysis. RESULTS: Nurses' organizational support positively influences
      their organizational citizenship behaviors, and their organizational justice
      perception has a positive moderating effect between organizational support and
      organizational citizenship behaviors. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Results call
      hospitals' attention to the type of individual behaviors that may improve
      organizational performance. When nursing staff perceive fair and impartial
      treatment by the organization and supportive emotional attachment, behaviors
      beneficial for the organization are expressed in return. Subjective perceptions
      of nursing staff play an important role in organizational exchange relationship;
      the higher the degree of nursing staff's perceived organizational justice, the
      higher the degree of their organizational support, perception, and exhibition of
      organizational citizenship behaviors such as altruistic behavior and dedication
      to the work.

PMID- 25132136
TI  - Life history responses of Daphnia similoides simultaneously exposed to
      microcystin-LR and ammonia and their postexposure recovery.
AB  - Aquatic organisms often suffer episodic stress from cyanobacterial bloom-derived
      concomitants and sometimes interactive stressors, and they may recover when
      stressors terminate. To assess whether exposed Daphnia can quickly recover from
      combined toxicity of bloom-derived stressors, Daphnia similoides were exposed to
      mixtures of ammonia (0 mg L(-1) , 0.37 mg L(-1) , and 0.58 mg L(-1) ) and
      dissolved microcystin-LR (0 ug L(-1) , 10 ug L(-1) , 30 ug L(-1) , and 100 ug L(
      1) ) in a full factorial design for 14 d and subsequently allowed to recover for
      7 d. During the exposure, the mixtures of ammonia and microcystin-LR showed
      different effects on the selected variables. Ammonia delayed the time to
      maturation, but microcystin-LR was not negative to the development of the tested
      daphnids. Furthermore, microcystin-LR reduced the prolonged developmental time to
      first eggs and first clutch caused by high ammonia. The total reproduction of D.
      similoides was dramatically reduced by 64% to 79% by both toxicants and their
      combinations, but there were no interactive effects. After the recovery period,
      organisms under most treatments did not recover completely from the combined
      stress but showed positive signs of recovery, based on the size of the last
      clutch and the mean number of clutches during recovery; thus the affected D.
      similoides have the potential to quickly recover from the combined toxic
      stressors.

PMID- 25132137
TI  - Uncovering a broad class of fluorescent amine-containing compounds by heat
      treatment.
AB  - Amine-containing compounds including polymers, oligomers and small molecules,
      without conventional fluorophores, are found to emit strong visible fluorescence
      after a one-step heat treatment. Furthermore, our results demonstrate for the
      first time that not only tertiary amine groups but also primary and secondary
      amine groups can act as fluorescent moieties. 

PMID- 25132134
TI  - Calcium affects OX1 orexin (hypocretin) receptor responses by modifying both
      orexin binding and the signal transduction machinery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: One of the major responses upon orexin receptor
      activation is Ca(2+) influx, and this influx seems to amplify the other responses
      mediated by orexin receptors. However, the reduction in Ca(2+) , often used to
      assess the importance of Ca(2+) influx, might affect other properties, like
      ligand-receptor interactions, as suggested for some GPCR systems. Hence, we
      investigated the role of the ligand-receptor interaction and Ca(2+) signal
      cascades in the apparent Ca(2+) requirement of orexin-A signalling. EXPERIMENTAL
      APPROACH: Receptor binding was assessed in CHO cells expressing human OX1
      receptors with [(125) I]-orexin-A by conventional ligand binding as well as
      scintillation proximity assays. PLC activity was determined by chromatography.
      KEY RESULTS: Both orexin receptor binding and PLC activation were strongly
      dependent on the extracellular Ca(2+) concentration. The relationship between
      Ca(2+) concentration and receptor binding was the same as that for PLC
      activation. However, when Ca(2+) entry was reduced by depolarizing the cells or
      by inhibiting the receptor-operated Ca(2+) channels, orexin-A-stimulated PLC
      activity was much more strongly inhibited than orexin-A binding. CONCLUSIONS AND
      IMPLICATIONS: Ca(2+) plays a dual role in orexin signalling by being a
      prerequisite for both ligand-receptor interaction and amplifying orexin signals
      via Ca(2+) influx. Some previous results obtained utilizing Ca(2+) chelators have
      to be re-evaluated based on the results of the current study. From a drug
      discovery perspective, further experiments need to identify the target for Ca(2+)
      in orexin-A-OX1 receptor interaction and its mechanism of action.

PMID- 25132138
TI  - The prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus among 15-34-year-aged Lithuanian
      inhabitants during 1991-2010.
AB  - AIMS: To summarize the data on the prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus among
      15-34-year-aged Lithuania inhabitants (1991-2010). METHODS: New prevalent cases
      consist of growing-up patients with diabetes onset in childhood, i.e., up to 14
      years, new onset 15-34-year-aged type 1 diabetic patients Lithuanian inhabitants,
      and immigrants. The data on type 1 diabetes was collected with the help of
      general practitioners and regional endocrinologists in Lithuania. RESULTS: On 31
      December 1991, there were 1202 adolescent and adult 15-34-year-aged patients with
      type 1 diabetes mellitus or 103.59 per 100,000 inhabitants of the same age group
      (95% Poisson CI 97.90-109.62), and at the end of 2010 - 1533 or 187.80 (178.63
      197.44), respectively in Lithuania. During 19-year period the mean increase of
      type 1 diabetic patients was 1.25+/-1.94% per year or 1.47+/-2.74 per 100,000
      inhabitants per mean year of the study period (for males 1.42+/-2.14% or 1.69+/
      3.05/100,000 and for females 1.05+/-1.99%, or 1.24+/-2.92/100,000). Regression
      based linear trends showed that the prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in 15
      34-year-age group had a tendency to increase among males (r=0.953; p<0.001) and
      females (r=0.970; p<0.001). The age adjusted prevalence frequencies for males and
      females in 1991 were correspondingly 102.81/100,000 and 104.55/100,000, and in
      2010 - 193.75 and 182.01. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus
      among 15-34-year-age males and females had a tendency to increase during 1991
      2010.

PMID- 25132139
TI  - Metabolic control and therapeutic profile of patients with diabetes in Portuguese
      primary care (TEDDI CP).
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the metabolic control rate and to characterize the therapeutic
      profile of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) from Portuguese primary
      care of National Health Service. METHODS: Cross-sectional multicentre study
      conducted in Portuguese primary health care units between July 2011 and May 2012.
      A national representative sample of 1528 DM2 patients was selected from 51 units,
      stratified by region. Socio-demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle,
      cardiometabolic risk factors, disease status, HbA1c levels and therapeutic
      information were collected. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 65+/-10.7 years
      (50.4% males) and median duration of disease was 7 years: range (0-45 years).
      Almost 8% were smokers, 80.3% had hypertension, 61.6% hypercholesterolemia and
      almost 15% cardiovascular disease. Patients' health condition was classified with
      a score of 4 or 5 (excellent) for 60.6%. Median HbA1c was 6.6% (min-max: 4.2%
      13.4%), 64.8% of the patients had HbA1c<7.0% and 49.2% HbA1c<=6.5%. Oral
      antidiabetics were used in 94.4% of the patients, antihypertensives in 80.6%,
      antidyslipidemics in 72.0%, antiplatelet agents in 50.6% and insulin in 8.3%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic control rate was good according to current guidelines.
      However, patients with higher HbA1c levels had longer time since diagnosis, worse
      current health condition, hypertriglyceridemia and were insulin-treated.

PMID- 25132140
TI  - Evaluation of knowledge regarding gestational diabetes mellitus and its
      association with glycaemic level: A Malaysian study.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge about GDM and its
      corresponding relation with glycaemic level in GDM patients. METHOD: A cross
      sectional study was conducted in antenatal clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang,
      Malaysia from June 2013 to December 2013 using Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
      Knowledge Questionnaire (GDMKQ) on the sample of 175 GDM patients. Three most
      recent fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values (mmol/l) were taken from patients
      profiles and mean was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients were included
      in final analysis. A total mean knowledge score of 166 patients was 10.01+/-3.63
      and total mean FPG value was 5.50+/-1.13. Knowledge had a significant negative
      association with FPG (r=- 0.306, P<0.01). Among different knowledge domains,
      highest mean score was seen for diet/food values domain and lowest for management
      of GDM. Educational level seems to be the most significant predictor of GDM
      knowledge and glycaemic control. Highest mean knowledge score and lowest mean
      glycaemic levels were recorded for patients aged 25-29 years, Malay ethnicity,
      working women and family history of DM. CONCLUSION: Higher Knowledge about GDM is
      related to better glycaemic control. New educational strategies should be
      developed to improve the lower health literacy.

PMID- 25132141
TI  - Morphological and proteomic characterization of midgut of the malaria vector
      Anopheles albimanus at early time after a blood feeding.
AB  - The midgut of anopheline mosquito is the entry of Plasmodium, the causative agent
      of malaria.When the mosquito feeds on parasite infected host, Plasmodium
      parasites reach the midgut and must confront digestive enzymes, the innate immune
      response and go across the peritrophic matrix (PM), a thick extracellular sheath
      secreted by the mosquito midgut epithelial cells. Then, to continue its
      development, the parasite must reach the salivary glands to achieve transmission
      to a vertebrate host. We report here the morphological and biochemical
      descriptions of the midgut changes after a blood meal in Anopheles albimanus.
      Before blood feeding, midgut epithelial cells contained numerous electrondense
      vesicles distributed in the central to apical side. These vesicles were secreted
      to the luminal side of the midgut after a blood meal. At early times after blood
      ingest, the PM is formed near microvilli as a granulous amorphous material and
      after it consolidates forming a highly organized fibrillar structure, constituted
      by layers of electrondense and electronlucent regions. Proteomic comparative
      analysis of sugar and blood fed midguts showed several molecules that modify
      their abundance after blood intake; these include innate immunity, cytoskeletal,
      stress response, signaling, and digestive, detoxifying and metabolism enzymes.
      Biological significance In the midgut of mosquitoes during bloodfeeding, many
      simultaneous processes occur, including digestion, innate immune activities,
      cytoskeleton modifications, construction of a peritrophic matrix and hormone
      production, between others. Mechanical forces are very intense during
      bloodfeeding and epithelial and muscular cells must resist the stress, modifying
      the actin cytoskeleton and coordinating intracellular responses by signaling.
      Microorganisms present in midgut contents reproduce and interact with epithelial
      cells triggering innate immune response. When infectious agents are present in
      the blood meal they must traverse the peritrophic matrix, an envelope formed from
      secretion products of epithelial cells, and evade the immune system in order to
      reach the epithelium and continue their journey towards salivary glands, in
      preparation for the transmission to the new hosts. During all these processes,
      proteins of mosquitoes are modified in order to deal with mechanical and
      biological challenges, and the aim of this work is to study these changes.

PMID- 25132142
TI  - Data worth and prediction uncertainty for pesticide transport and fate models in
      Nebraska and Maryland, United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complex environmental models are frequently extrapolated to overcome
      data limitations in space and time, but quantifying data worth to such models is
      rarely attempted. The authors determined which field observations most informed
      the parameters of agricultural system models applied to field sites in Nebraska
      (NE) and Maryland (MD), and identified parameters and observations that most
      influenced prediction uncertainty. RESULTS: The standard error of regression of
      the calibrated models was about the same at both NE (0.59) and MD (0.58), and
      overall reductions in prediction uncertainties of metolachlor and metolachlor
      ethane sulfonic acid concentrations were 98.0 and 98.6% respectively. Observation
      data groups reduced the prediction uncertainty by 55-90% at NE and by 28-96% at
      MD. Soil hydraulic parameters were well informed by the observed data at both
      sites, but pesticide and macropore properties had comparatively larger
      contributions after model calibration. CONCLUSIONS: Although the observed data
      were sparse, they substantially reduced prediction uncertainty in unsampled
      regions of pesticide breakthrough curves. Nitrate evidently functioned as a
      surrogate for soil hydraulic data in well-drained loam soils conducive to
      conservative transport of nitrogen. Pesticide properties and macropore parameters
      could most benefit from improved characterization further to reduce model misfit
      and prediction uncertainty.

PMID- 25132143
TI  - Efficacy of combination therapy of oral zinc sulfate with imiquimod, podophyllin
      or cryotherapy in the treatment of vulvar warts.
AB  - AIM: Zinc sulfate is beneficial in the treatment of epithelial warts. We
      conducted this study to compare the efficacy of combination therapy of oral zinc
      sulfate with conventional treatments in the treatment of vulvar warts. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial. The sample size was 42
      in each group. Women aged 20-50 years were placed by the block randomized method
      into six groups: the podophyllin-, imiquimod- and cryotherapy-treated groups, and
      another three groups receiving 8-week combination therapy of 400 mg oral zinc
      sulfate with one of the above-mentioned treatments. Data were analyzed using
      anova and Fischer's exact test with spss16. RESULTS: A total of 228 patients were
      recruited and completed the study in six treatment groups. No significant
      difference was observed in the response to treatment among these groups. Relapse
      after 6 months was significantly higher in the podophyllin-, imiquimod- and
      cryotherapy-treated patients compared to patients receiving these treatments in
      combination with oral zinc sulfate (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Combined therapy of
      oral zinc sulfate with conventional treatments of vulvar warts appears to reduce
      the relapse rate.

PMID- 25132144
TI  - Treatment with Evasin-3 abrogates neutrophil-mediated inflammation in mouse acute
      pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis is characterized by inflammatory processes
      affecting not only the pancreas, but also the lung. Here, we investigated timing
      of leucocyte infiltration and chemokine expression within lung and pancreas
      during pancreatitis and whether treatments selectively inhibiting chemokines
      (using Evasins) could improve organ injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: C57Bl/6 mice
      were submitted in vivo to 10-h intraperitoneal injections of cerulein and
      followed for up to 168 h. Five minutes after the first cerulein injection, a
      single intraperitoneal injection of 10 MUg Evasin-3, 1 MUg Evasin-4 or an equal
      volume of vehicle (PBS) was performed. Leucocytes, reactive oxygen species (ROS),
      necrosis and chemokine/cytokine mRNA expression were assessed in different organs
      by immunohistology and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: In the lung,
      neutrophil infiltration and macrophage infiltration peaked at 12 h and were
      accompanied by increased CXCL2 mRNA expression. CCL2, CXCL1 and TNF-alpha
      significantly increased after 24 h as compared to baseline. No increase in CCL3
      and CCL5 was observed. In the pancreas, neutrophil infiltration peaked at 6 h,
      while macrophages increased only after 72 h. Treatment with Evasin-3 decreased
      neutrophil infiltration, ROS production and apoptosis in the lung and reduced
      neutrophils, macrophages apoptosis and necrosis in the pancreas. Evasin-4 only
      reduced macrophage content in the lung and did not provide any benefit at the
      pancreas level. CONCLUSION: Chemokine production and leucocyte infiltration are
      timely regulated in lung and pancreas during pancreatitis. CXC chemokine
      inhibition with Evasin-3 improved neutrophil inflammation and injury, potentially
      interfering with damages in acute pancreatitis and related pulmonary
      complications.

PMID- 25132145
TI  - Quantitative volatile compound profiles in fungal cultures of three different
      Fusarium graminearum chemotypes.
AB  - Biosynthesis in fungal cultures of 27 Fusarium graminearum isolates of three
      different chemotypes (3AcDON, 15AcDON and NIV) grown on yeast extract sucrose
      agar medium was examined in this study. Volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis
      performed by headspace solid phase microextraction GC-MS allowed for
      determination of various concentrations of six alcohols, 14 aldehydes and
      ketones, 10 benzene derivatives, one furane, five hydrocarbons and three
      terpenes. In general, the determined VOC profile in fungal cultures was dominated
      by hexanal (up to 74%), followed by nonanal (18%) and 2-methylbutanal (18%).
      Principal component analysis and discriminant analysis based on VOCs allowed for
      unambiguous discrimination of all studied isolates into three different groups in
      accordance with their trichothecene production (chemotypes). Significant
      differences were revealed between the levels of aldehydes and ketones, benzene
      derivatives and hydrocarbons in fungal cultures of three F. graminearum
      chemotypes. 

PMID- 25132146
TI  - Development and usability of a computer-tailored pedometer-based physical
      activity advice for breast cancer survivors.
AB  - This observational study aimed to adapt a computer-tailored step advice for the
      general population into a feasible advice for breast cancer survivors and to test
      its usability. First, several adaptations were made to the original design
      (adding cancer-related physical activity (PA) barriers and beliefs, and self
      management strategies to improve survivors' personal control). Second, the
      adapted advice was evaluated in two phases: (1) a usability testing in healthy
      women (n = 3) and survivors (n = 6); and (2) a process evaluation during 3 weeks
      in breast cancer survivors (n = 8). Preliminary usability testing revealed no
      problems during logging-in; however, three survivors misinterpreted some
      questions. After refining the questionnaire and advice, survivors evaluated the
      advice as interesting, attractive to read, comprehensible and credible. Inactive
      survivors found the advice novel, but too long. The process evaluation indicated
      that the majority of the women (n = 5/8) reported increased steps. Monitoring
      step counts by using a pedometer was perceived as an important motivator to be
      more active. To conclude, this study provides initial support for the usability
      and acceptability of a computer-tailored pedometer-based PA advice for breast
      cancer survivors. After testing efficacy and effectiveness of this intervention,
      this tool can broaden the reach of PA promotion in breast cancer survivors. 

PMID- 25132147
TI  - Serum hepatitis B virus RNA levels as an early predictor of hepatitis B envelope
      antigen seroconversion during treatment with polymerase inhibitors.
AB  - Hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion represents an endpoint of
      treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. We have studied whether
      levels of serum HBV RNA during polymerase inhibitor treatment might be helpful
      for predicting HBeAg seroconversion. HBV RNA levels were determined in serial
      serum samples from 62 patients with chronic HBV infection (50 HBeAg positive).
      Patients received antiviral treatment for a mean duration of 30 +/- 15 (range, 4
      64) months. A new rapid amplification of complimentary DNA-ends-based real-time
      polymerase chain reaction was established for quantitative analysis of
      polyadenylated full-length (fl) and truncated (tr) HBV RNA. HBV RNA, HBV DNA, and
      hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels as well as presence of HBeAg and
      hepatitis B envelope antibody were measured at baseline, month 3, month 6, and
      subsequent time points. Fifteen patients who achieved HBeAg seroconversion after
      a mean duration of 19 +/- 14 (range, 3-56) months of antiviral treatment showed a
      significantly stronger decline in mean HBV flRNA and trRNA levels from baseline
      to month 3 of 1.0 +/- 1.4 (range, -1.6-3.4) and 2.1 +/- 1.4 (range, 0-3.9) and to
      month 6 of 1.8 +/- 1.4 (range, 0-4.6) and 3.1 +/- 1.7 (range, 0-5.1) log10
      copies/mL, respectively, in comparison to 35 HBeAg-positive patients without
      HBeAg seroconversion (P < 0.001 for months 3 and 6). A similar decline in HBV RNA
      levels was observed in HBeAg-negative patients. The decline of HBV RNA levels at
      months 3 and 6 of treatment was to be the strongest predictor of HBeAg
      seroconversion, when compared to levels of HBV DNA, HBsAg, alanine
      aminotransferase, and HBV genotype, age, and sex. CONCLUSION: Serum HBV RNA
      levels may serve as a novel tool for prediction of serological response during
      polymerase inhibitor treatment in HBeAg-positive patients.

PMID- 25132148
TI  - Predictors of early poor aesthetic outcome after breast-conserving surgery in
      patients with breast cancer: initial results of a prospective cohort study at a
      single institution.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore features of
      patients reporting early poor aesthetic outcome after simple breast-conserving
      surgery. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 709 patients shortly after breast
      conserving surgery. Aesthetic outcome was measured by aesthetic status scores of
      the Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale. Clinical, surgical, and pathologic
      variables were assessed to identify predictors of poor aesthetic outcome.
      RESULTS: Poor aesthetic outcome was reported by 46 (6.5%) patients, and 209 (29%)
      patients reported an intermediate aesthetic outcome. A single factor analysis of
      variance showed a negative impact of higher specimen weight (P < 0.001).
      Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed the following significant risk
      factors for poor aesthetic outcome: 12 o'clock positioning of tumor localization,
      a tumor behind the nipple areolar complex (NAC), fishmouth-shaped incision with
      resection of the NAC, quadrantectomy, central segmental resection, and pT stages
      3 and 4. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated statistically
      independent associations between poor aesthetic outcome and tumor position in the
      inner half of the breast or behind the NAC, quadrantectomy, and pT stages 3 and
      4. CONCLUSION: Poor aesthetic outcome is relatively rare shortly after breast
      conserving surgery, but predictable in specific situations.

PMID- 25132149
TI  - The importance of parental knowledge: evidence from weight report cards in
      Mexico.
AB  - The rise of childhood obesity in less developed countries is often overlooked. We
      study the impact of body weight report cards in Mexico. The report cards
      increased parental knowledge and shifted parental attitudes about children's
      weight. We observe no meaningful changes in parental behaviors or children's body
      mass index. Interestingly, parents of children in the most obese classrooms were
      less likely to report that their obese child weighed too much relative to those
      in the least obese classrooms. As obesity rates increase, reference points for
      appropriate body weights may rise, making it more difficult to lower obesity
      rates. 

PMID- 25132150
TI  - The kinematic relationship between sitting and standing posture and pelvic
      inclination and its significance to cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to describe the influence of sitting and
      standing posture on sagittal pelvic inclination in total hip replacement patients
      to assist with correct acetabular component positioning. METHODS: Lateral
      radiographs of the pelvis and lumbar spine in sitting and standing positions were
      extracted. Pelvic tilt was measured using the vertical inclination of a line from
      the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to pubic tubercle. Sacral inclination,
      Cobb angle of the lumbar spine and hip flexion were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty
      patients were identified with a mean age of 63. Men were more likely to flex the
      lumbar spine in sitting (p = 0.004); 80 degrees  of hip flexion is required for
      seated posture. Stiff hips required compensatory pelvic flexion and lumbar
      flexion in sitting. There is a linear relationship between hip flexion and pelvic
      tilt, hip flexion and lumbar lordosis. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic orientation is
      determined by lumbar and hip stiffness. This impacts on acetabular version.

PMID- 25132151
TI  - Brain derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) and personality traits: the
      modifying effect of season of birth and sex.
AB  - Personality traits are complex phenotypes influenced by interactions of multiple
      genetic variants of small effect and environmental factors. It has been suggested
      that the brain derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) is involved in personality
      traits. Season of birth (SOB) has also been shown to affect personality traits
      due to its influences on brain development during prenatal and early postnatal
      periods. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of BDNF on
      personality traits; and the modifying effects of SOB and sex on associations
      between BDNF and personality traits. A sample of 1018 young adults (68% women;
      age range 17-25years) of Caucasian origin from the Russian Federation was
      assessed on personality traits (Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance, Reward
      Dependence, Persistence, Self-directedness, Cooperativeness, Self-transcendence)
      with the Temperament and Character Inventory-125 (TCI-125). Associations between
      personality traits and 12 BDNF SNPs were tested using linear regression models.
      The present study demonstrated the effect of rs11030102 on Persistence in females
      only (PFDR=0.043; r(2)=1.3%). There were significant interaction effects between
      Val66Met (rs6265) and SOB (PFDR=0.048, r(2)=1.4%), and between rs2030323 and SOB
      (PFDR=0.042, r(2)=1.3%), on Harm Avoidance. Our findings provide evidence for the
      modifying effect of SOB on the association between BDNF and Harm Avoidance, and
      for the modifying effect of sex on the association between BDNF and Persistence. 

PMID- 25132152
TI  - microRNAs: role in leukemia and their computational perspective.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to the family of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and had gained
      importance due to its role in complex biochemical pathways. Changes in the
      expression of protein coding genes are the major cause of leukemia. Role of
      miRNAs as tumor suppressors has provided a new insight in the field of leukemia
      research. Particularly, the miRNAs mediated gene regulation involves the
      modulation of multiple mRNAs and cooperative action of different miRNAs to
      regulate a particular gene expression. This highly complex array of regulatory
      pathway network indicates the great possibility in analyzing and identifying
      novel findings. Owing to the conventional, slow experimental identification
      process of miRNAs and their targets, the last decade has witnessed the
      development of a large amount of computational approaches to deal with the
      complex interrelations present within biological systems. This article describes
      the various roles played by miRNAs in regulating leukemia and the role of
      computational approaches in exploring new possibilities.

PMID- 25132153
TI  - A note on the efficiencies of sampling strategies in two-stage Bayesian regional
      fine mapping of a quantitative trait.
AB  - In focused studies designed to follow up associations detected in a genome-wide
      association study (GWAS), investigators can proceed to fine-map a genomic region
      by targeted sequencing or dense genotyping of all variants in the region, aiming
      to identify a functional sequence variant. For the analysis of a quantitative
      trait, we consider a Bayesian approach to fine-mapping study design that
      incorporates stratification according to a promising GWAS tag SNP in the same
      region. Improved cost-efficiency can be achieved when the fine-mapping phase
      incorporates a two-stage design, with identification of a smaller set of more
      promising variants in a subsample taken in stage 1, followed by their evaluation
      in an independent stage 2 subsample. To avoid the potential negative impact of
      genetic model misspecification on inference we incorporate genetic model
      selection based on posterior probabilities for each competing model. Our
      simulation study shows that, compared to simple random sampling that ignores
      genetic information from GWAS, tag-SNP-based stratified sample allocation methods
      reduce the number of variants continuing to stage 2 and are more likely to
      promote the functional sequence variant into confirmation studies. 

PMID- 25132154
TI  - PCR-based prediction of type I beta-exotoxin production in Bacillus thuringiensis
      strains.
AB  - Some Bacillus thuringiensis strains secrete type I beta-exotoxin, which is a non
      specific insecticidal and thermostable adenine nucleoside oligosaccharide.
      Toxicity bioassays and HPLC are traditional methods for detecting beta-exotoxin.
      With the aim of establish a first rapid approach for prediction of type I beta
      exotoxin production, two PCR-based methods were successfully evaluated in B.
      thuringiensis strains and native isolates. In order to validate a reliable
      technology, results obtained by this method were correlated with that obtained
      from Musca domestica bioassays. 

PMID- 25132155
TI  - Metabolite profile deviations in an oral glucose tolerance test-a comparison
      between lean and obese individuals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: While impaired glucose tolerance diagnosed by the oral glucose
      tolerance test (OGTT) is a common trait in obese individuals, less is known about
      changes in levels of other metabolites. The aim was to reveal the complex
      alterations in metabolite levels provoked by an OGTT and its perturbation in
      obese individuals. METHODS: Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to
      profile metabolite levels in serum from 14 obese participants (body mass index
      [BMI] of 43.6 +/- 1.5 kg m(-2) [mean +/- SEM]) at 0, 30, and 120 min during a
      standard 2-h 75 g OGTT. Metabolite profiles from six lean individuals (BMI of
      22.4 +/- 2.4 kg m(-2) ), collected from a previous study, were included for
      comparison. RESULTS: In the obese group, 59 metabolite profiles were determined.
      Among these, 16 deviated from profiles in the lean group. Deviating metabolites
      were categorized into three groups. Delayed reduction in levels of five fatty
      acids. Increased levels at 30 min of five amino acids, including isoleucine and
      leucine. A blunted increase at 30 min of six metabolites. CONCLUSIONS:
      Metabolomics analysis revealed distinct differences in alterations of metabolite
      levels during an OGTT in obese and lean subjects. To this end, our data suggests
      a disrupted regulation of ketogenesis, lipolysis and proteolysis in obese
      individuals.

PMID- 25132156
TI  - Four-component fluorescence of trans-1,2-di(1-methyl-2-naphthyl)ethene at 77 K in
      glassy media. Conformational subtleties revealed.
AB  - The vibronic structure of the fluorescence spectrum of trans-1,2-di(1-methyl-2
      naphthyl)ethene (t-1,1) in methylcyclohexane (MCH) solution at room temperature
      was expected to become better defined upon cooling of the solution to 77 K.
      Instead, a broad, lambdaexc-dependent fluorescence spectrum was observed in the
      glassy medium. Vibronically structured t-1,1 fluorescence spectra were obtained
      in the MCH glass only upon irradiation at the long-lambda onset of the absorption
      spectrum. The application of singular value decomposition with self-modeling on
      the fluorescence spectral matrices of t-1,1 allowed their resolution into major
      and minor pairs of vibronically structured spectra that are assigned to two
      structural modifications of each of two relative orientations of the 1-methyl-2
      naphthyl moieties. The difference between the two structures in each pair lies in
      the direction of rotation of each naphthyl group away from the plane of the
      olefinic bond. A complex but different conformer distribution is also responsible
      for the fluorescence spectra of t-1,1 in 5:5:2 (v/v/v) diethyl
      ether/isopentane/ethyl alcohol (EPA) glass at 77 K. The conformer distributions
      are also sensitive to the rate of cooling used in glass formation. Conformer
      distributions based on predicted small energy differences from gas-phase
      theoretical calculations are of little value when applied to volume-constraining
      media. The photophysical and photochemical properties of the analogues of the
      other two conformers of trans-1,2-di(2-naphthyl)ethene, trans-1-(1-methyl-2
      naphthyl)-2-(3-methyl-2-naphthyl)ethene (t-1,3) and trans-1,2-di(3-methyl-2
      naphthyl)ethene (t-3,3), were determined in solution. However, it is the
      calculated geometries and energy differences of the t-1,1 conformers [DFT using
      B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p)] that are essential guides to the interpretation of the
      experimental results. 

PMID- 25132157
TI  - The politics of unsafe abortion in Burkina Faso: the interface of local norms and
      global public health practice.
AB  - In Burkina Faso, abortion is legally restricted and socially stigmatised, but
      also frequent. Unsafe abortions represent a significant public health challenge,
      contributing to the country's very high maternal mortality ratio. Inspired by an
      internationally disseminated public health framing of unsafe abortion, the
      country's main policy response has been to provide post-abortion care (PAC) to
      avert deaths from abortion complications. Drawing on ethnographic research, this
      article describes how Burkina Faso's PAC policy emerged at the interface of
      political and moral negotiations between public health professionals, national
      bureaucrats and international agencies and NGOs. Burkinabe decision-makers and
      doctors, who are often hostile to induced abortion, have been convinced that PAC
      is 'life-saving care' which should be delivered for ethical medical reasons.
      Moreover, by supporting PAC they not only demonstrate compliance with
      international standards but also, importantly, do not have to contend with any
      change in abortion legislation, which they oppose. Rights-based international
      NGOs, in turn, tactically focus on PAC as a 'first step' towards their broader
      institutional objective to secure safe abortion and abortion rights. Such
      negotiations between national and international actors result in widespread
      support for PAC but stifled debate about further legalisation of abortion. 

PMID- 25132158
TI  - Effects of magnesium sulphate on coagulation after laparoscopic colorectal cancer
      surgery, measured by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM(r) ).
AB  - We investigated the effects of magnesium sulphate on blood coagulation profiles
      using rotational thromboelastometry in patients undergoing laparoscopic
      colorectal cancer surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to the magnesium
      group (n = 22) or control group (n = 22). The magnesium group received
      intravenous magnesium sulphate (50 mg.kg(-1) followed by a continuous infusion of
      15 mg.kg(-1) .h(-1) ), whereas the control group received the same volume of
      isotonic saline. Mean (SD) postoperative serum magnesium levels were 1.60 (0.13)
      mmol.l(-1) in the magnesium group compared with 0.98 (0.06) mmol.l(-1) in the
      control group (p < 0.001). All maximum clot firmness values of ROTEM analysis
      were significantly lower on the third postoperative day in the magnesium group
      compared with the control group (p < 0.05). We conclude that ROTEM analysis
      demonstrated that intra-operative administration of intravenous magnesium
      sulphate reduces blood hypercoagulability in patients undergoing laparoscopic
      colorectal cancer surgery.

PMID- 25132159
TI  - Steroid-induced ocular hypertensive response in children and adolescents with
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with
      use of glucocorticoids in children and adolescents treated for acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. We carried out a prospective
      descriptive study with measurement of IOP before treatment (D0), 8th (D8), 14th
      (D14), and 28 h days (D28) of treatment. We examined 12 patients, with two cases
      of ocular hypertension, and it was found a statistically significant difference
      between the means of IOP between D0 versus D8 and D0 versus D14 (P = 0.013). The
      possibility of silent ocular hypertension with irreversible blindness indicates
      the need of IOP verification.

PMID- 25132160
TI  - Can implanted venous access ports remain patent without maintenance flush-lock?

PMID- 25132161
TI  - Multisite phosphorylation of Bcl-2 via protein kinase Cdelta facilitates
      apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Activated protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta) associated with cardiac hypertrophy
      moves from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria and subsequently triggers the
      apoptotic signalling pathway. The underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The aim
      of the present study was to investigate whether mitochondrial translocation of
      PKCdelta phosphorylates multiple sites of Bcl-2, resulting in an imbalance
      between Bcl-2 and Bak or Bax, thus enhancing the susceptibility of hypertrophic
      cardiomyocytes to angiotensin II (AngII)-induced apoptosis. Chronic pressure
      overload was induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in rats. The
      apoptotic rate increased in hypertrophied cardiomyocytes. In AngII-treated hearts
      (10 nmol/L, 60 min), there was an increase in the number of TERMINAL
      deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labelling
      (TUNEL)-positive cells; PKCdelta inhibition with 500 nmol/L deltaV1-1 for 60 min
      prevented the AngII-induced increase in apoptosis. In the hypertrophied
      myocardium, PKCdelta expression increased, whereas that of Bcl-2 decreased
      compared with the synchronous control. Treatment of hearts with 10 nmol/L AngII
      for 60 min activated PKCdelta and induced translocation of PKCdelta to the
      mitochondria, where activated PKCdelta facilitated the phosphorylation of Bcl-2
      at serine-87 and serine-70 sites. The multisite phosphorylated Bcl-2 was released
      from the mitochondria, and exhibited reduced affinity for Bak and Bax. The
      imbalance between Bcl-2 and Bak/Bax induced the release of mitochondrial
      cytochrome c and then activated the caspase 3 apoptotic pathway during AngII
      stimulation (10 nmol/L, 60 min) of hypertrophied cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of
      PKCdelta reduced these effects of AngII. The results suggest that PKCdelta can
      counteract the anti-apoptotic effect of Bcl-2 and may promote cardiomyocyte
      apoptosis through multisite phosphorylation of Bcl-2 in hypertrophied
      cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 25132162
TI  - HPV and Chlamydia trachomatis co-detection in young asymptomatic women from high
      incidence area for cervical cancer.
AB  - Chlamydia trachomatis causing chronic inflammatory diseases has investigated as
      possible human papillomavirus (HPV) cofactor in cervical cancer. The aim of this
      study is to evaluate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and HPV co-infection
      in different cohorts of asymptomatic women from a Northern Italy area at high
      incidence for cervical cancer. Cervical samples from 441 females were collected
      from Cervical Cancer Screening Program, Sexually Transmitted Infectious and
      Assisted Reproductive Technology centres. HPV and Chlamydia trachomatis were
      detected simultaneously and genotyped using a highly sensitive bead based assay.
      The overall prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis was estimated 9.7%, in contrast
      with the reported national data of 2.3%, and co-infection with HPV was diagnosed
      in the 17% of the samples. In females <= 25 years of age, the infection reached a
      peak of 22% and co-infection with HPV of 45.8% (P < 0.001). Of note, in young
      females diagnosed with low grade cervical lesions, no significant difference
      between Chlamydia trachomatis and HPV distribution was observed, while
      differently, HPV co-infection was found significantly associated to the presence
      of intraepithelial lesions when compared to older females (20% vs. 1%; P <
      0.001). In this study, the use of a high sensitive molecular technique exhibited
      higher analytical sensitivity than the referred assays for the diagnosis of
      Chlamydia trachomatis and HPV co-infection in asymptomatic females, leading to
      reduction of the potential to identify incorrectly the infection status. An
      active screening for timely treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection is
      suggested in young females to evaluate a possible decrease in incidence of pre
      cancer intraepithelial lesions.

PMID- 25132163
TI  - Multidisciplinary consensus: a practical guide for the integration of abiraterone
      into clinical practice.
AB  - Abiraterone improves survival, relieves pain, improves quality of life and
      extends time to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression in patients with
      metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). A consensus-based guide
      for using abiraterone in patients with mCRPC has been developed by Australian
      clinicians with expertise in prostate cancer, based on their experience and
      supported by published data. Recommendations were developed for eight key topics:
      abiraterone administration; steroid administration and duration of use;
      concomitant medications and drug interactions; timing of testing and monitoring
      response; safety in different populations; potential toxicities; precautions and
      contraindications; and referral and multidisciplinary care. Abiraterone is taken
      orally in a fasting state. Symptoms associated with mineralocorticoid excess are
      managed by coadministration of low-dose prednisone or prednisolone. Potassium
      levels, blood pressure and liver function need to be tested frequently during the
      early treatment phase. Response to treatment is monitored based on symptoms,
      radiological imaging and PSA levels. Potential adverse consequences of long-term
      steroid therapy on bone and metabolic health need to be screened for and managed.
      Advanced prostate cancer is best managed by a multidisciplinary team and early
      referral should be considered. Questions about the potential use of abiraterone
      in early disease and in combination with other therapies are being addressed in
      ongoing clinical trials. 

PMID- 25132164
TI  - Retrospective clinical evaluation of hypobaric spinal anaesthesia in dogs
      undergoing pelvic limb orthopaedic surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intraoperative effects, complications, postoperative
      rescue analgesia requirement and presence of postoperative unilateral blockade
      after hypobaric spinal anaesthesia in dogs. METHODS: Retrospective review of case
      records of dogs that underwent pelvic limb orthopaedic surgery and received
      hypobaric spinal anaesthesia. Cases that contained complete information on
      perioperative analgesia, end tidal anaesthetic agent, arterial blood pressure,
      postoperative urination, motor function and assessment at the sixth week re
      examination were selected. RESULTS: Twenty-four of forty-eight records were
      sufficiently complete to meet the selection criteria. Local anaesthetic dose and
      volume of the solution administered were 0 . 22 (+/-0 . 06) mg/kg and 0 . 16 (+/
      0 . 05) mL/kg, respectively. Fentanyl was administered intraoperatively in seven
      dogs (29%); mean +/- sd end-expired isoflurane was 1 . 09 +/- 0 . 17%;
      hypotension was observed in nine dogs (37 . 5%). Unilateral blockade was
      documented in 18 dogs (75%); 6 dogs (25%) required methadone postoperatively;
      urinary retention was not observed. One dog developed steroid responsive
      meningitis arteritis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Hypobaric spinal anaesthesia
      achieved unilateral postoperative pelvic limb motor blockade in dogs, although
      bilateral block occurred in a proportion of animals; intraoperative hypotension
      was not infrequent. Fentanyl and postoperative methadone might be required to
      control nociception and pain, despite technical success in performing spinal
      anaesthesia.

PMID- 25132165
TI  - Reproductive factors and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a systematic review.
AB  - Considerable efforts have been made to elucidate non-Hodgkin lymphoma's (NHL)
      etiology during the last decades. Some evidence points to an association with
      reproductive factors, as incidence rates for most NHL subtypes are usually higher
      in men than in women, and several subtypes express hormonal receptors. Although
      the evidence is not compelling, some studies show an inverse association with
      gravidity. Associations with postmenopausal hormone therapy are usually derived
      from unopposed estrogen use, rather than for the combination of estrogen with
      progestin, but these findings vary by study design. Inconsistencies in the
      results are likely due to the complex relationship between reproductive,
      biological, and sociodemographic factors, as well as to study limitations.
      Elucidating the role of hormonal factors should provide clues for therapeutic
      options and public health decisions. We provide an overview of the available
      evidence on reproductive factors in NHL etiology, underscoring potential sources
      of discrepancies and bias. 

PMID- 25132166
TI  - Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the rectum: clinical applications.
AB  - Dramatic advances in image quality over the past few years have made diffusion
      weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) a promising tool for rectal lesion
      evaluation. DW-MRI derives its image contrast from differences in the motion of
      water molecules between tissues. Such imaging can be performed quickly without
      the need for the administration of exogenous contrast medium. The technique
      yields qualitative and quantitative information that reflects changes at a
      cellular level and provides information about tumor cellularity and the integrity
      of cell membranes. The sensitivity to diffusion is obtained by applying two
      bipolar diffusion-sensitizing gradients to a standard T2-weighted spin echo
      sequence. The diffusion-sensitivity can be varied by adjusting the "b-factor",
      which represents the gradient duration, gradient amplitude and the time interval
      between the two gradients. The higher the b-value, the greater the signal
      attenuation from moving water protons. In this review, technical considerations
      relatively to image acquisition and to quantification methods applied to rectal
      DW-MRI are discussed. The current clinical applications of DW-MRI, either in the
      field of inflammatory or neoplastic rectal disease are reviewed. Also,
      limitations, mainly in terms of persistent lack of standardization or evaluation
      of tumoral response, and future directions of rectal DW-MRI are discussed. The
      potential utility of DW-MRI for the evaluation of rectal tumor response is on its
      way to being admitted but future well-designed and multicenter studies, as well
      as standardization of DW-MRI, are still required before a consensus can be
      reached upon how and when to use DW-MRI. 

PMID- 25132167
TI  - Challenges and solutions for joining polymer materials.
AB  - The different mechanisms contributing to adhesion between two polymer surfaces
      are summarized and described in individual examples, which represent either
      seminal works in the field of adhesion science or novel approaches to achieve
      polymer-polymer adhesion. A further objective of this article is the development
      of new methodologies to achieve strong adhesion between low surface energy
      polymers.

PMID- 25132168
TI  - Clinical use of computed tomography and surface markers to assist internal
      fixation within the equine hoof.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical use of computed tomography (CT) and hoof surface
      markers to facilitate internal fixation within the confines of the hoof wall.
      STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Horses (n = 16) that had CT
      guided internal fixation of the distal phalanx (DP) or distal sesamoid bone
      (DSB). METHODS: Drill bit entry point and direction were planned from CT image
      series performed on hooves with grids of barium paste dots at proposed entry and
      projected exit sites. Post-implantation CT images were obtained to check screw
      position and length as well as fracture reduction. Imaging, reduction, and
      surgical and general anesthesia times were evaluated. Outcome was recorded.
      RESULTS: Screw position and length were considered near optimal in all horses,
      with no consequential malposition of bits or screws. Fracture reduction was
      evident in all cases. Preoperative planning times (at least 2 CT image
      acquisitions and grid creation) ranged from 10 to 20 minutes. Surgery time ranged
      from 45 to 90 minutes (mean, 61 minutes) and general anesthesia time ranged from
      115 to 220 minutes (mean, 171 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of CT and
      surface marker grids allowed accurate positioning of screws in clinical DP and
      DSB fractures. The technique was simple and rapid. An aiming device is useful for
      the technique.

PMID- 25132169
TI  - Surgical management of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma in children and
      adolescents: 33 years of experience of a single institution in Serbia.
AB  - Well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents is rare but
      demonstrates aggressive behavior. Gross lymph node metastases and distant
      metastases are common upon first clinical presentation. During a 33-year period
      (1981-2014) at the Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, 62 children and
      adolescents underwent surgery due to well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Mean
      age was 16.7 (range 7-21) years. At the time of diagnosis 6% of patients had lung
      metastases. Total thyroidectomy or completion thyroidectomy was performed for all
      patients followed by central neck dissection and frozen section examination of
      jugular-carotid compartments. Median follow-up was 10.9 (range 0.69-33.05) years
      and median tumor size was 20 (range 2-60) mm. Papillary carcinoma was found in
      96%, and follicular and Hurthle cell carcinoma in 2% of patients. Multifocal
      tumors were found in 50% and capsular invasion in 60% of patients. Lymphonodal
      metastases in either central or lateral neck compartments were found in 73% of
      patients. Multifocality and capsular invasion were significantly more frequent in
      patients less than 16 years of age (both p < 0.01). Median disease-free interval
      had not been reached and overall survival rate was 100%. Well-differentiated
      thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents is characterized by a high rate of
      loco-regional aggressiveness, multifocality, capsular invasion, lymph node
      metastases and distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. Adequate surgical
      approaches should be performed for both primary and recurrent disease in young
      patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma in order to achieve loco
      regional disease control and longer disease-free survival.

PMID- 25132170
TI  - Association of osteoporosis susceptibility genes with bone mineral density and
      bone metabolism related markers in Koreans: the Chungju Metabolic Disease Cohort
      (CMC) study.
AB  - In this study, we evaluated the association between bone mineral density (BMD)
      and 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within eight osteoporosis
      susceptibility genes that were previously identified in genome-wide association
      studies (GWASs). A total of 494 men and 493 postmenopausal women participating in
      the Chungju Metabolic Disease cohort study in Korea were included. The following
      10 SNPs were genotyped: ZBTB40 rs6426749, MEF2C rs1366594, ESR1 rs2941740,
      TNFRSF11B rs3134070, TNFRSF11B rs2073617, SOX6 rs711785, LRP5 rs599083, TNFSF11
      rs227438, TNFSF11 rs9594782, and FOXL1 rs10048146; and the association between
      these SNPs and bone metabolism-related markers was assessed. Two SNPs, TNFSF11
      rs2277438 and FOXL1 rs1004816, were associated with lumbar spine BMD. TNFSF11
      rs2277438 in men and SOX6 rs7117858 and FOXL1 rs10048146 in postmenopausal women
      were found to be associated with lumbar BMD. ZBTB40 rs6426749, MEF2C rs1366594,
      and LRP5 rs599083 showed significant associations with femur neck BMD. These
      three SNPs in men and MEF2C rs1366594 and ESR1 rs2941740 in postmenopausal women
      were associated with femur neck BMD. A significant association between MEF2C
      rs1366594 and serum calcium levels was observed in men. Serum phosphorus levels
      were related to SOX6 rs7117858. Serum PTH levels were significantly associated
      with TNFRSF11B rs3134070 in men, and SOX6 rs711858 in postmenopausal women. In
      conclusion, our study independently confirmed associations between several SNPs:
      ZBTB40, MEF2C, ESR1, SOX6, LRP5, TNFSF11, and FOXL1 and bone marrow density in
      the Korean population.

PMID- 25132171
TI  - Thyroid storm induced by TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma: a case report.
AB  - Thyroid stimulating hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (TSHomas) are uncommon
      tumors of the anterior pituitary gland. Patients with TSHomas may present with
      hyperthyroidism, but the incidence of thyroid storm due to TSHomas has yet to be
      determined. We report a rare case of thyroid storm caused by TSHoma in a 54-year
      old woman. Preoperatively she had symptoms of excessive sweating and palpitation.
      Blood tests showed inappropriate secretion of TSH with blood TSH 6.86 MU U/mL,
      fT3 19.8 pg/mL, and fT4 5.95 ng/dL. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a
      pituitary tumor with maximum diameter of 13 mm that was extirpated through
      transsphenoidal route. After operation the patient was stuporous and thyroid
      storm occurred presenting with hyperthermia, hypertension, and tachycardia. It
      was well managed with nicardipine, midazolam, steroids, and potassium iodide.
      Immunohistochemical staining of tumor specimen was positive for TSH and growth
      hormone (GH). One year after operation, fT3 and fT4 levels were still high. As
      her tumor was diagnosed to be GH- and TSH-producing adenoma, octreotide injection
      therapy was started, which normalized thyroid hormone levels. This is the second
      reported case with thyroid storm due to TSHoma and emphasizes the importance of
      strategies with interdisciplinary cooperation for prevention of such emergency
      conditions.

PMID- 25132172
TI  - Reconstitution of a minimal ribosome-associated ubiquitination pathway with
      purified factors.
AB  - Ribosomes stalled on aberrant mRNAs engage quality control mechanisms that
      degrade the partially translated nascent polypeptide. Ubiquitination of the
      nascent protein is mediated by the E3 ligase Listerin via a mechanism involving
      ribosome subunit dissociation. Here, we reconstitute ribosome-associated
      ubiquitination with purified factors to define the minimal components and
      essential steps in this process. We find that the primary role of the ribosome
      splitting factors Hbs1, Pelota, and ABCE1 is to permit Listerin access to the
      nascent chain. Listerin alone can discriminate 60S- from 80S-nascent chain
      complexes to selectively ubiquitinate the former. Splitting factors can be
      bypassed by artificially removing the 40S subunit, suggesting that mere steric
      hindrance impedes Listerin recruitment. This was illustrated by a cryo-EM
      reconstruction of the 60S-Listerin complex that identifies a binding interface
      that clashes with the 40S ribosomal subunit. These results reveal the mechanistic
      logic of the core steps in a ribosome-associated quality control pathway. 

PMID- 25132173
TI  - NuA4 initiates dynamic histone H4 acetylation to promote high-fidelity sister
      chromatid recombination at postreplication gaps.
AB  - CAG/CTG trinucleotide repeats are unstable, fragile sequences that strongly
      position nucleosomes, but little is known about chromatin modifications required
      to prevent genomic instability at these or other structure-forming sequences. We
      discovered that regulated histone H4 acetylation is required to maintain CAG
      repeat stability and promote gap-induced sister chromatid recombination. CAG
      expansions in the absence of H4 HATs NuA4 and Hat1 and HDACs Sir2, Hos2, and Hst1
      depended on Rad52, Rad57, and Rad5 and were therefore arising through homology
      mediated postreplication repair (PRR) events. H4K12 and H4K16 acetylation were
      required to prevent Rad5-dependent CAG repeat expansions, and H4K16 acetylation
      was enriched at CAG repeats during S phase. Genetic experiments placed the RSC
      chromatin remodeler in the same PRR pathway, and Rsc2 recruitment was coincident
      with H4K16 acetylation. Here we have utilized a repetitive DNA sequence that
      induces endogenous DNA damage to identify histone modifications that regulate
      recombination efficiency and fidelity during postreplication gap repair.

PMID- 25132174
TI  - Histone-fold domain protein NF-Y promotes chromatin accessibility for cell type
      specific master transcription factors.
AB  - Cell type-specific master transcription factors (TFs) play vital roles in
      defining cell identity and function. However, the roles ubiquitous factors play
      in the specification of cell identity remain underappreciated. Here we show that
      the ubiquitous CCAAT-binding NF-Y complex is required for the maintenance of
      embryonic stem cell (ESC) identity and is an essential component of the core
      pluripotency network. Genome-wide studies in ESCs and neurons reveal that NF-Y
      regulates not only genes with housekeeping functions through cell type-invariant
      promoter-proximal binding, but also genes required for cell identity by binding
      to cell type-specific enhancers with master TFs. Mechanistically, NF-Y's distinct
      DNA-binding mode promotes master/pioneer TF binding at enhancers by facilitating
      a permissive chromatin conformation. Our studies unearth a conceptually unique
      function for histone-fold domain (HFD) protein NF-Y in promoting chromatin
      accessibility and suggest that other HFD proteins with analogous structural and
      DNA-binding properties may function in similar ways.

PMID- 25132175
TI  - Genome-wide Hi-C analyses in wild-type and mutants reveal high-resolution
      chromatin interactions in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Chromosomes form 3D structures that are critical to the regulation of cellular
      and genetic processes. Here, we present a study of global chromatin interaction
      patterns in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our genome-wide approach confirmed interactions
      that were previously observed by other methods as well as uncovered long-range
      interactions such as those among small heterochromatic regions embedded in
      euchromatic arms. We also found that interactions are correlated with various
      epigenetic marks that are localized in active or silenced chromatin. Arabidopsis
      chromosomes do not contain large local interactive domains that resemble the
      topological domains described in animals but, instead, contain relatively small
      interactive regions scattered around the genome that contain H3K27me3 or H3K9me2.
      We generated interaction maps in mutants that are defective in specific
      epigenetic pathways and found altered interaction patterns that correlate with
      changes in the epigenome. These analyses provide further insights into molecular
      mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of the genome.

PMID- 25132176
TI  - Hi-C analysis in Arabidopsis identifies the KNOT, a structure with similarities
      to the flamenco locus of Drosophila.
AB  - Chromosomes are folded, spatially organized, and regulated by epigenetic marks.
      How chromosomal architecture is connected to the epigenome is not well
      understood. We show that chromosomal architecture of Arabidopsis is tightly
      linked to the epigenetic state. Furthermore, we show how physical constraints,
      such as nuclear size, correlate with the folding principles of chromatin. We also
      describe a nuclear structure, termed KNOT, in which genomic regions of all five
      Arabidopsis chromosomes interact. These KNOT ENGAGED ELEMENT (KEE) regions
      represent heterochromatic islands within euchromatin. Similar to PIWI-interacting
      RNA clusters, such as flamenco in Drosophila, KEEs represent preferred landing
      sites for transposable elements, which may be part of a transposon defense
      mechanism in the Arabidopsis nucleus. 

PMID- 25132177
TI  - Structures of CRISPR Cas3 offer mechanistic insights into Cascade-activated DNA
      unwinding and degradation.
AB  - CRISPR drives prokaryotic adaptation to invasive nucleic acids such as phages and
      plasmids, using an RNA-mediated interference mechanism. Interference in type I
      CRISPR-Cas systems requires a targeting Cascade complex and a degradation
      machine, Cas3, which contains both nuclease and helicase activities. Here we
      report the crystal structures of Thermobifida fusca Cas3 bound to single-stranded
      (ss) DNA substrate and show that it is an obligate 3'-to-5' ssDNase that
      preferentially accepts substrate directly from the helicase moiety. Conserved
      residues in the HD-type nuclease coordinate two irons for ssDNA cleavage. We
      demonstrate ATP coordination and conformational flexibility of the SF2-type
      helicase domain. Cas3 is specifically guided toward Cascade-bound target DNA by a
      PAM sequence, through physical interactions with both the nontarget substrate
      strand and the CasA protein. The sequence of recognition events ensures well
      controlled DNA targeting and degradation of foreign DNA by Cascade and Cas3. 

PMID- 25132178
TI  - RBFOX and SUP-12 sandwich a G base to cooperatively regulate tissue-specific
      splicing.
AB  - Tissue-specific alternative pre-mRNA splicing is often cooperatively regulated by
      multiple splicing factors, but the structural basis of cooperative RNA
      recognition is poorly understood. In Caenorhabditis elegans, ligand binding
      specificity of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) is determined by
      mutually exclusive alternative splicing of the sole FGFR gene, egl-15. Here we
      determined the solution structure of a ternary complex of the RNA-recognition
      motif (RRM) domains from the RBFOX protein ASD-1, SUP-12 and their target RNA
      from egl-15. The two RRM domains cooperatively interact with the RNA by
      sandwiching a G base to form the stable complex. Multichromatic fluorescence
      splicing reporters confirmed the requirement of the G and the juxtaposition of
      the respective cis elements for effective splicing regulation in vivo. Moreover,
      we identified a new target for the heterologous complex through an element
      search, confirming the functional significance of the intermolecular
      coordination. 

PMID- 25132179
TI  - A proton wire to couple aminoacyl-tRNA accommodation and peptide-bond formation
      on the ribosome.
AB  - During peptide-bond formation on the ribosome, the alpha-amine of an aminoacyl
      tRNA attacks the ester carbonyl carbon of a peptidyl-tRNA to yield a peptide
      lengthened by one amino acid. Although the ribosome's contribution to catalysis
      is predominantly entropic, the lack of high-resolution structural data for the
      complete active site in complex with full-length ligands has made it difficult to
      assess how the ribosome might influence the pathway of the reaction. Here, we
      present crystal structures of preattack and postcatalysis complexes of the
      Thermus thermophilus 70S ribosome at ~2.6-A resolution. These structures reveal a
      network of hydrogen bonds along which proton transfer could take place to ensure
      the concerted, rate-limiting formation of a tetrahedral intermediate. We propose
      that, unlike earlier models, the ribosome and the A-site tRNA facilitate the
      deprotonation of the nucleophile through the activation of a water molecule. 

PMID- 25132182
TI  - Travelling with medications and medical equipment across international borders.
AB  - The international traveller needs to plan ahead to ensure medicines are available
      and used as directed for optimal therapeutic outcome. The planning needs to take
      account of legal and customs requirements for travelling with medicines for
      personal use. The standard advice by travel health providers is that travellers
      should check with the country of destination for requirements when travelling
      into the country with medicines for personal use. This is akin to introducing a
      barrier to care for this category of travellers. Innovative method of care for
      this group of traveller is needed. 

PMID- 25132180
TI  - Architecture of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA polymerase I Core Factor
      complex.
AB  - Core Factor (CF) is a conserved RNA polymerase (Pol) I general transcription
      factor comprising Rrn6, Rrn11 and the TFIIB-related subunit Rrn7. CF binds TATA
      binding protein (TBP), Pol I and the regulatory factors Rrn3 and upstream
      activation factor. We used chemical cross-linking-MS to determine the molecular
      architecture of CF and its interactions with TBP. The CF subunits assemble
      through an interconnected network of interactions between five structural domains
      that are conserved in orthologous subunits of the human Pol I factor SL1. We
      validated the cross-linking-derived model through a series of genetic and
      biochemical assays. Our combined results show the architecture of CF and the
      functions of the CF subunits in assembly of the complex. We extend these findings
      to model how CF assembles into the Pol I preinitiation complex, providing new
      insight into the roles of CF, TBP and Rrn3. 

PMID- 25132181
TI  - Repetitive sequences in plant nuclear DNA: types, distribution, evolution and
      function.
AB  - Repetitive DNA sequences are a major component of eukaryotic genomes and may
      account for up to 90% of the genome size. They can be divided into minisatellite,
      microsatellite and satellite sequences. Satellite DNA sequences are considered to
      be a fast-evolving component of eukaryotic genomes, comprising tandemly-arrayed,
      highly-repetitive and highly-conserved monomer sequences. The monomer unit of
      satellite DNA is 150-400 base pairs (bp) in length. Repetitive sequences may be
      species- or genus-specific, and may be centromeric or subtelomeric in nature.
      They exhibit cohesive and concerted evolution caused by molecular drive, leading
      to high sequence homogeneity. Repetitive sequences accumulate variations in
      sequence and copy number during evolution, hence they are important tools for
      taxonomic and phylogenetic studies, and are known as "tuning knobs" in the
      evolution. Therefore, knowledge of repetitive sequences assists our understanding
      of the organization, evolution and behavior of eukaryotic genomes. Repetitive
      sequences have cytoplasmic, cellular and developmental effects and play a role in
      chromosomal recombination. In the post-genomics era, with the introduction of
      next-generation sequencing technology, it is possible to evaluate complex genomes
      for analyzing repetitive sequences and deciphering the yet unknown functional
      potential of repetitive sequences. 

PMID- 25132183
TI  - Molecular characterization of oxytocin receptor gene in water buffalo (Bubalus
      bubalis).
AB  - Buffaloes are known for their productivity as compared to average yielding cows
      due to higher fat percentage, better feed conversion ability and disease
      resistance. On the other hand, the reproductive performances of buffaloes are
      often considered as poor owing to late sexual maturity, weak/silent oestrus,
      repeat breeder and prolonged intercalving interval. The study of cascade of
      events during oestrus and oestrous cycle can be useful for the improvement of
      reproductive efficiency of buffaloes. More precisely, the hormonal changes
      initiated at the molecular level within the animal determine the reproductive
      nature of the species. Nucleotide/protein sequence analysis serves as a vital
      tool in analysing the binding of the hormones for their effect or functions. In
      this study, we have reported cloning and characterization of the complete coding
      (cDNA) sequence of oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) in buffaloes. Buffalo OXTR gene
      contains an uninterrupted ORF of 1176 nucleotides corresponding to an inferred
      polypeptide length of 391 amino acids (aa). The molecular weight of the deduced
      aa sequence was found to be 43 kDa with an isoelectric point of 9.253 and 16.328
      charge at pH 7.0. The deduced protein sequence consists of 38 strongly basic (+)
      (K,R), 22 strongly acidic (-) (D,E), 186 hydrophobic (A, I, L, F, W, V) and 95
      Polar (N, C, Q, S, T, Y) aa. Results indicated that aspartate (D) at aa position
      85 and D, R and C at aa positions 136, 137 and 138, respectively, are conserved
      in buffaloes. The buffalo OXTR gene shared a per cent similarity ranging from
      84.7 to 98.1 and 88.5 to 97.7 at nucleotide and deduced aa sequence levels,
      respectively, with that of other species. Phylogram constructed on the basis of
      either nucleotide or deduced aa sequences of buffalo OXTR gene showed that
      buffalo, cattle and sheep have diverged from human and swine and formed a
      separate clad. The buffalo sequence has shown maximum similarity and closeness
      with cattle followed by sheep both at nucleotide and at aa level. 

PMID- 25132184
TI  - Theoretical study on molecular structure and vibrational analysis included FT-IR,
      FT-Raman and UV techniques of 2,4,5-trimethylbenzoic acid (monomer and dimer
      structures).
AB  - Theoretical study on the structural and vibrational analysis of monomer and dimer
      structures of 2,4,5-trimethylbenzoic acid (2,4,5-TMBA, C10H12O2) were presented.
      The geometry of the molecule was fully optimized. The Fourier transform infrared
      (FT-IR) and the Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) spectra of the title molecule
      in solid phase were recorded in the region 4000-400 cm(-1) and 4000-50 cm(-1),
      respectively. The geometrical parameters and energies were investigated with the
      help of Density Functional Theory (DFT) employing B3LYP method and 6-311++G(d,p)
      basis set. The spectroscopic data of the molecule in the ground state were
      calculated by using DFT/B3LYP method with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The
      vibrational spectra were calculated and fundamental vibrations were assigned on
      the basis of the potential energy distribution (PED) of the vibrational modes.
      The geometric parameters were compared with experimental data of the title
      molecule. The UV absorption spectrum of the studied compound was computed and
      recorded in the range of 190-400 nm dissolved in water and ethanol. Besides,
      charge transfer occurring in the molecule between HOMO and LUMO energies,
      frontier energy gap, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) were calculated and
      presented. In addition these, thermodynamic properties and Mulliken atomic
      charges were performed.

PMID- 25132185
TI  - Common ENT disorders in pediatrics.

PMID- 25132187
TI  - Is surgical removal of the noncompacted layer the clue to treat left ventricular
      hypertrabeculation/noncompaction?

PMID- 25132186
TI  - Dumping syndrome with severe hipoglycemia after Nissen fundoplication in adults.
      Case report and literature review.

PMID- 25132188
TI  - Exercise tolerance in obese vs. lean adolescents: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - To prescribe feasible and medically safe exercise interventions for obese
      adolescents, it remains to be determined whether exercise tolerance is altered
      and whether anomalous cardiopulmonary responses during maximal exercise testing
      are present. Studies that examined cardiopulmonary responses to maximal exercise
      testing in obese adolescents were searched: cardiopulmonary exercise tests with
      respiratory gas exchange measurements of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were
      performed and comparisons between obese and lean adolescents were made. Study
      quality was assessed using a standardized item list. By meta-analyses VO2peak,
      peak cycling power output (Wpeak) and peak heart rate (HRpeak) were compared
      between groups. Nine articles were selected (333 obese vs. 145 lean adolescents).
      VO2peak (L min(-1)), HRpeak and Wpeak were not different between groups (P >=
      0.10), while a trend was found for a reduced VO2peak (mL min(-1) kg(-1) lean
      tissue mass) (P=0.07) in obese vs. lean adolescents. It remained uncertain
      whether anomalous cardiopulmonary responses occur during maximal exercise testing
      in obese adolescents. In conclusion, a trend was found for lowered VO2peak (mL
      min(-1)kg(-1) lean tissue mass) in obese vs. lean adolescents. Whether
      cardiopulmonary anomalies during maximal exercise testing would occur in obese
      adolescents remains uncertain. Studies are therefore warranted to examine the
      cardiopulmonary response during maximal exercise testing in obese adolescents.

PMID- 25132189
TI  - iPSC Transplantation increases regeneration and functional recovery after
      ischemic stroke in neonatal rats.
AB  - Limited treatments are available for perinatal/neonatal stroke. Induced
      pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold therapeutic promise for stroke treatment, but
      the benefits of iPSC transplantation in neonates are relatively unknown. We
      hypothesized that transplanted iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (iPSC-NPCs)
      would increase regeneration after stroke. Mouse pluripotent iPSCs were
      differentiated into neural progenitors using a retinoic acid protocol.
      Differentiated neural cells were characterized by using multiple criteria and
      assessments. Ischemic stroke was induced in postnatal day 7 (P7) rats by
      occluding the right middle cerebral artery and right common carotid artery. iPSC
      NPCs (400,000 in 4 ul) were transplanted into the penumbra via intracranial
      injection 7 days after stroke. Trophic factor expression in the peri-infarct
      tissue was measured using Western blot analysis. Animals received daily
      bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) injections and were sacrificed 21 days after stroke for
      immunohistochemistry. The vibrissae-elicited forelimb placement test was used to
      evaluate functional recovery. Differentiated iPSCs expressed mature neuronal
      markers, functional sodium and potassium channels, and fired action potentials.
      Several angiogenic and neurogenic trophic factors were identified in iPSC-NPCs.
      Animals that received iPSC-NPC transplantation had greater expression of stromal
      cell-derived factor 1-alpha (SDF-1alpha) and vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) in the peri-infarct region. iPSC-NPCs stained positive for neuronal nuclei
      (NeuN) or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) 14 days after transplantation.
      iPSC-NPC-transplanted animals showed greater numbers of BrdU/NeuN and
      BrdU/Collagen IV colabeled cells in the peri-infarct area compared with stroke
      controls and performed better in a sensorimotor functional test after stroke.
      iPSC-NPC therapy may play multiple therapeutic roles after stroke by providing
      trophic factors, increasing angiogenesis and neurogenesis, and providing new
      cells for tissue repair.

PMID- 25132190
TI  - A novel treatment for propagated crown fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A major complication after endodontic treatment is persistent pain
      on biting or chewing. Although unsuccessful endodontic treatment can account for
      such pain, pain to chewing and biting can also be a result of an unsupported or
      propagated crown fracture. Crown fractures that extend apically result in
      deterioration of the localized periodontium and ultimate loss of the tooth. To
      date, no predictable treatment for apically extending crown fractures exists.
      METHODS: Three cases of nonsurgical excision of a propagated crown fracture and
      the repair of the subsequent iatrogenic perforation are presented.
      RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: This case report series describes a novel treatment for
      apically progressive crown fractures that results in patient comfort and
      maintenance as well as improved periodontal status of the tooth.

PMID- 25132191
TI  - Automated Competitive Protein-Binding Assay for Total 25-OH Vitamin D,
      Multicenter Evaluation and Practical Performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Roche Elecsys Vitamin D Total competitive protein-binding assay
      uses recombinant vitamin D binding protein for measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25
      OHD), which is different from commonly used antibody assays. METHODS: The assay,
      standardized against LC-MS/MS, was tested at four sites. Evaluation included
      precision; between-laboratory variability; functional sensitivity; correlation to
      LC-MS/MS, HPLC, and immunoassays; as well as robustness, traceability, and EQAS
      performance. RESULTS: Precision testing showed within-run coefficient of
      variations (CVs) of <= 7%, within-laboratory CVs of <9.5%, between-laboratory
      precision CVs of <= 10.1%, and a functional sensitivity below 9.8 nmol/l (at CV
      12.9%). The assay showed equivalent 25-OHD levels for matched serum and plasma
      samples, good reagent lot-to-lot consistency in pooled sera over time, and good
      agreement with HPLC (relative bias -8.8%). Comparison with LC-MS/MS methods
      yielded relative biases of -15.4, -13.5, -10.2, and 3.2%. Comparison against
      immunoassays showed a relative bias of 14.5% (DiaSorin Liaison) and -58.2% (IDS
      iSYS). The overall mean results in 2 years DEQAS was 102% of the ALTM. In a
      certified reference patient panel, the average bias was < 4% for the sum of 25
      OHD2 and 25-OHD3. CONCLUSION: The Elecsys Vitamin D Total assay demonstrated good
      overall performance and is, according to present standards, very suitable for
      automated measurement of 25-OHD.

PMID- 25132192
TI  - Recovery of the response to biological treatments using narrow band ultraviolet-B
      in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: a retrospective study of 17
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Biological therapy has demonstrated a very satisfactory anti
      psoriatic effect; however, the loss of response with time has been reported.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the narrow band ultraviolet-B phototherapy
      (NB-UVB) as a rescue in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who have lost
      efficacy in their biological treatment. METHODS: A retrospective chart review
      study was conducted on patients with moderate to severe psoriasis receiving
      treatment with a biologic, with a good initial response that subsequently had
      lost efficacy. All the patients received combined treatment with NB-UVB. RESULTS:
      Seventeen patients were included, with a mean age of 44 years. The biologics
      were: 8 etanercept, 4 adalimumab, 3 ustekinumab, 1 efalizumab, and 1 infliximab.
      The mean NB-UVB sessions was 25 (7-48 sessions), with a mean accumulated dose of
      31.12 J/cm(2) (5.2-94.6 J/cm(2) ). Sixteen patients had the following results:
      44% PASI 90-100, 31.3% PASI 75-89, and 25% PASI 50-74 response. CONCLUSION:
      According to this study on clinical practice, it could be considered that the use
      of NB-UVB along with biological drugs that have lost efficacy in controlling
      moderate to severe psoriasis in adults could contribute to the recovery of the
      initial response.

PMID- 25132193
TI  - Paired box 2 upregulates androgen receptor gene expression in androgen
      independent prostate cancer.
AB  - Androgen-independent prostate cancer is known as a hormone-refractory disease.
      Although the androgen receptor (AR) is considered to be a key regulator of
      androgen-independent prostate cancer progression, the mechanism through which AR
      gene expression is regulated is not well understood. In the present study, we
      showed that the AR gene was upregulated by paired box 2 (PAX2) in androgen
      independent prostate cancer. When PAX2 upregulated AR gene expression, a decrease
      in DNA methylation of the AR gene locus was also observed. PAX2 was highly
      expressed and promoted cell growth in an androgen-independent prostate cancer
      cell line (22Rv1). The cell growth inhibition by PAX2 knockdown was rescued by AR
      overexpression in 22Rv1 cells. In a mouse xenograft model of androgen-independent
      prostate cancer, PAX2 knockdown inhibited tumor growth and AR gene expression and
      also increased DNA methylation of the AR gene. Consistent with this, AR and PAX2
      expression levels were positively correlated in prostate cancer patients. These
      findings suggested that PAX2 promoted cancer cell growth in androgen-independent
      prostate cancer by regulating AR gene expression through an epigenetic mechanism.

PMID- 25132194
TI  - Twenty-four-hour intraocular pressure patterns in patients with thyroid eye
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To prospectively investigate the safety, tolerability and 24-h
      intraocular pressure (IOP) patterns in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED)
      using a contact lens sensor (CLS). DESIGN: Prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Ten
      patients with established TED. METHODS: Ten eyes of 10 patients were
      prospectively evaluated in an ambulatory 24-h IOP monitoring session using the
      CLS (Sensimed AG, Lausanne, Switzerland). Patients pursued daily activities, and
      sleep behaviour was uncontrolled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of adverse
      events (AEs) and tolerability (scale of 0-10, increasing intolerance) were
      assessed. IOP patterns were evaluated using a cosinor rhythmometry model, and
      linear regression slopes were constructed for the transition from wake/sitting
      (W/S) to sleep/supine (S/S) and vice versa. RESULTS: Mean age was 61.8 +/- 21.6
      years, and 90% of patients were female. Main AEs were blurred vision (50%),
      conjunctival hyperaemia (100%) and superficial punctate keratitis (20%).
      Tolerability of the lens was found to be 1.5 +/- 0.7. Positive linear slopes of
      the CLS signal from wake to sleep were detected (18.0 +/- 43.8 arbitrary units
      [a.u.]; P = 0.254), whereas at the transition from S/S to W/S a significant
      decrease (-62.9 +/- 56.8 a.u.; P = 0.010) was found. Five patients (50%) had a
      significant nocturnal/sleep acrophase with the peak occurring at 6:30 a.m. The
      mean amplitude of the 24-h curves was 102.2 +/- 52.6 a.u. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with TED, the CLS provides a safe and well-tolerated approach to 24-h
      IOP monitoring. After modelling the 24-h IOP curves, TED patients were found to
      have a morning acrophase.

PMID- 25132195
TI  - Size-dependent thermochromism through enhanced electron-phonon coupling in 1 nm
      quantum dots.
AB  - 1 nm CuO quantum dots (QDs) were produced in size-controlled super-micropores of
      a silica matrix. The reversible color change of the QDs from pale blue to deep
      green was clearly observed in a wide temperature range from 298 to 673 K. This
      particular thermochromism is ascribed to an enhanced bandgap shift depending on
      temperature with a strong electron-phonon coupling in the confined space of the 1
      nm QDs. 

PMID- 25132196
TI  - Paleontology and evolution-part II.

PMID- 25132197
TI  - Bachmann's bundle and coronary sinus ostial pacing accentuate left atrial
      electrical dyssynchrony in an acute canine model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In patients with intraatrial conduction delay and sinus node (SN)
      dysfunction, pacing Bachmann's bundle (BBR) and coronary sinus ostium (CSO) has
      been suggested to achieve atrial resynchronization with potential beneficial
      impact on atrial fibrillation and diastolic heart failure. Clinical studies have
      not shown superiority of one approach. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied electrical
      activation sequence in an open-chest acute canine model of normal atrial function
      in 8 mongrel dogs under general anesthesia. Bipolar plunge electrodes were
      distributed over the surface of the atria during unifocal pacing, and
      intracardiac activation sequence was observed. SN pacing resulted in near
      simultaneous activation at midline sites (BBR and CSO); the left atrium (LA) was
      activated by anterior and posterior wavefronts simultaneously propagating
      septally to laterally and meeting at the low-lateral perimitral LA. Right atrial
      appendage (RAA) pacing created intra-RA conduction delay and delayed onset of LA
      activation. Pacing from RAA, CSO, and BBR resulted in nonsimultaneous activation
      at midline sites and produced an anteroposterior gradient of LA activation. This
      phenomenon was seen to the greatest degree with midline pacing and shifted the
      site of latest activation away from the low-lateral perimitral LA in all pacing
      configurations except SN pacing. CONCLUSION: Pacing-induced intra-LA activation
      dispersion is enhanced with midline atrial pacing, and secondarily shifts the
      site of latest activation away from the lateral mitral annulus. Measuring atrial
      activation times to the low-lateral perimitral LA can underestimate the degree of
      atrial dyssynchrony and be misinterpreted as atrial synchrony. Establishing
      clinical impact requires evaluation of human data.

PMID- 25132198
TI  - Onychomadesis: literature review.
AB  - Onychomadesis is characterized by separation of the nail plate from the matrix
      with persistent attachment to the nail bed and often, but not always, eventual
      shedding. Onychomadesis has been associated with infection, autoimmune disease,
      critical illness and medications. To our knowledge a literature review of all
      associations with onychomadesis has not been completed previously. Most commonly,
      onychomadesis has been reported in association with pemphigus vulgaris and hand
      foot-mouth disease, and following chemotherapy or antiepileptic medications. This
      article summarizes these key culprit associations, postulates the pathogenesis of
      nail matrix arrest and summarizes the clinical outcomes. We conducted a
      retrospective review of cases of onychomadesis reported from January 1960 to
      March 2013. Using the PubMed database, the literature was searched using the
      following terms: 'onychomadesis' and 'proximal nail shedding'. Also, an Ovid
      search was carried out using the same terms. In total 56 articles have been
      published, including our previously reported series of idiopathic onychomadesis.
      Articles pertaining only to Beau's lines and not true onychomadesis were
      excluded. Onychomadesis has been associated with autoimmune disease, other major
      medical illness, neonatal illness, medication and infection. 

PMID- 25132199
TI  - Comparing the trends of elevated blood pressure in appalachian and non
      Appalachian regions.
AB  - As an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, hypertension
      risks are often thought to be more prevalent in Appalachian mountain ranges when
      compared with other neighboring counterpart regions. This study evaluated blood
      pressure (BP) readings among 2358 Kentucky residents attending community stroke
      risk screening events held in 15 counties, including nine Appalachian counties
      (n=1134) and six non-Appalachian counties (n=1224). With high BP being
      operationally defined as >=140/90 mm Hg, 41.5% of Appalachian county residents
      had elevated BP compared with 42.6% among those from non-Appalachian counties.
      Although the counties with the highest rates of elevated BP did tend to reside in
      the Appalachian region, there was no significant difference between rates of
      elevated BP in Appalachia vs non-Appalachian counties. This dataset is proposed
      as a pilot project to encourage further pursuit of a larger controlled project. 

PMID- 25132200
TI  - EEG-based monitor on anti-nociception during general anaesthesia: mission
      impossible?

PMID- 25132201
TI  - Dexmedetomidine does not reduce emergence agitation in adults following
      orthognathic surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing orthognathic surgery are at high risk of
      developing emergence agitation. We hypothesised that a single-dose of
      dexmedetomidine would reduce emergence agitation in adults with nasotracheal
      intubation after orthognathic surgery. METHODS: Seventy adults (20-45 years old)
      undergoing orthognathic surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients
      received intravenous dexmedetomidine 1 MUg/kg (dex group) or normal saline
      (control group) for 10 min at the end of surgery. Remifentanil was infused at
      0.02 MUg/kg/min during emergence in both groups. The severity of emergence
      agitation was assessed with the Richmond agitation-sedation scale. Cough,
      haemodynamic and respiratory profiles, pain, and time to eye opening were
      evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of emergence agitation was not different
      between dex group and control group (38% vs. 47%, P = 0.45). However, severe
      cough during emergence was reduced in the dex group (P = 0.04). Tachycardia
      during emergence and recovery phases was attenuated in the dex group. The verbal
      numeric rating of pain was lower in the dex group. There were no differences in
      respiratory rate between the two groups. Time to eye opening was prolonged in the
      dex group. CONCLUSION: The addition of a single dose of dexmedetomidine (1
      MUg/kg) to low-dose remifentanil infusion did not attenuate emergence agitation
      in intubated patients after orthognathic surgery compared with low-dose
      remifentanil infusion alone. However, single-dose dexmedetomidine suppressed
      coughing, haemodynamic changes, and pain during emergence and recovery phases,
      without respiratory depression. Delayed awakening might be associated with this
      treatment.

PMID- 25132204
TI  - Photoluminescence, chemiluminescence and anodic electrochemiluminescence of
      hydrazide-modified graphene quantum dots.
AB  - Single-layer graphene quantum dots (SGQDs) were refluxed with hydrazine (N2H4) to
      prepare hydrazide-modified SGQDs (HM-SGQDs). Compared with SGQDs, partial oxygen
      containing groups have been removed from HM-SGQDs. At the same time, a lot of
      hydrazide groups have been introduced into HM-SGQDs. The introduced hydrazide
      groups provide HM-SGQDs with a new kind of surface state, and give HM-SGQDs
      unique photoluminescence (PL) properties such as blue-shifted PL emission and a
      relatively high PL quantum yield. More importantly, the hydrazide-modification
      made HM-SGQDs have abundant luminol-like units. Accordingly, HM-SGQDs exhibit
      unique and excellent chemiluminescence (CL) and anodic electrochemiluminescence
      (ECL). The hydrazide groups of HM-SGQDs can be chemically oxidized by the
      dissolved oxygen (O2) in alkaline solutions, producing a strong CL signal. The CL
      intensity is mainly dependent on the pH value and the concentration of O2,
      implying the potential applications of HM-SGQDs in pH and O2 sensors. The
      hydrazide groups of HM-SGQDs can also be electrochemically oxidized in alkaline
      solutions, producing a strong anodic ECL signal. The ECL intensity can be
      enhanced sensitively by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The enhanced ECL intensity is
      proportional to the concentration of H2O2 in a wide range of 3 MUM to 500 MUM.
      The detection limit of H2O2 was calculated to be about 0.7 MUM. The results
      suggest the great potential applications of HM-SGQDs in the sensors of H2O2 and
      bio-molecules that are able to produce H2O2 in the presence of enzymes. 

PMID- 25132203
TI  - Risk of complications due to anticoagulation during dermatosurgical procedures: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Background Management of anticoagulation and anti-platelet drugs during cutaneous
      surgery is still a challenge for many dermatologists and standards of care with
      respect to stopping, continuing or bridging vary widely. Methods We performed a
      systematic review (Medline, Cochrane Library, until August 27th, 2013) of studies
      assessing the risk of complications due to anticoagulation during cutaneous
      surgery. Primary outcomes were mild-moderate and severe postsurgical bleeding.
      The secondary outcomes were excessive and uncontrollable intraoperative bleeding
      and other postsurgical complications as wound dehiscence, erythema, wound
      infection. Results 1.287 publications were identified and 10 studies were
      included into the review. The frequencies of bleeding in the control groups in
      general were low (about 1%). In patients on aspirin, increased risks were seen
      neither with respect to mild-moderate postoperative bleeding (RR 1.1, CI 0.5
      2.3), nor with respect to severe bleeding (RR 0.9, CI 0.2-4.6). The studies with
      patients on warfarin showed a risk for mild-moderate bleeding that was three
      times as high as in controls (RR 3.2, CI 1.4-7.1) and for severe bleeding that
      was 15 times higher (RR 14.8, CI 2.7-80.4). In general the study sizes were small
      and the methodological quality low. Conclusion The risk of bleeding due to a
      medication with aspirin seems to be negligible. With warfarin, the risk is
      increased; an exact estimate of the risk increase is difficult to give, because
      of the lack of sufficient high quality studies. A two-fold increase appears
      likely, the 15-fold increase is most likely due to statistical reasons arising
      from the rareness of the event in the small number of included patients.
      Stopping, bridging or continuing a medication should always be an individual
      decision. In accordance with guidelines from internal medicine for most patients
      it will be recommendable to continue with the medication. 

PMID- 25132205
TI  - Simultaneous determination of phenolic compounds in Equisetum palustre L. by
      ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
      combined with matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction.
AB  - A method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction followed by ultra high
      performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry is presented for
      the extraction and determination of phenolic compounds in Equisetum palustre.
      This method combines the high efficiency of matrix solid-phase dispersion
      extraction and the rapidity, sensitivity, and accuracy of ultra high performance
      liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The influential parameters
      of the matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction were investigated and optimized.
      The optimized conditions were as follows: silica gel was selected as dispersing
      sorbent, the ratio of silica gel to sample was selected to be 2:1 (400/200 mg),
      and 8 mL of 80% methanol was used as elution solvent. Furthermore, a fast and
      sensitive ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass
      spectrometry method was developed for the determination of nine phenolic
      compounds in E. palustre. This method was carried out within <6 min, and
      exhibited satisfactory linearity, precision, and recovery. Compared with
      ultrasound-assisted extraction, the proposed matrix solid-phase dispersion
      procedure possessed higher extraction efficiency, and was more convenient and
      time saving with reduced requirements on sample and solvent amounts. All these
      results suggest that the developed method represents an excellent alternative for
      the extraction and determination of active components in plant matrices. 

PMID- 25132207
TI  - Use of anion gap in the evaluation of a patient with metabolic acidosis.
AB  - High anion gap (AG) metabolic acidosis, a common laboratory abnormality
      encountered in clinical practice, frequently is due to accumulation of organic
      acids such as lactic acid, keto acids, alcohol metabolites, and reduced kidney
      function. The cause of high AG metabolic acidosis often is established easily
      using historical and simple laboratory data. Despite this, several challenges in
      the diagnosis and management of high AG metabolic acidosis remain, including
      quantifying the increase in AG, understanding the relationship between changes in
      AG and serum bicarbonate level, and identifying the cause of high AG metabolic
      acidosis when common causes are ruled out. The present case was selected to
      highlight the importance of the correction of AG for serum albumin level, the use
      of actual baseline AG rather than mean normal AG, the relationship between
      changes in serum bicarbonate level and AG, and a systematic diagnostic approach
      to uncommon causes of high AG metabolic acidosis, such as 5-oxoproline acidosis
      (pyroglutamic acidosis).

PMID- 25132208
TI  - Biochemical cartilage alteration and unexpected signal recovery in T2* mapping
      observed in ankle joints with mobile MRI during a transcontinental multistage
      footrace over 4486 km.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The effect of ultra-long distance running on the ankle cartilage with
      regard to biochemical changes, thickness and lesions is examined in the progress
      of a transcontinental ultramarathon over 4486 km. METHOD: In an observational
      field study, repeated follow-up scanning of 22 participants of the TransEurope
      FootRace (TEFR) with a 1.5 T MRI mounted on a mobile unit was performed. For
      quantitative biochemical and structural evaluation of cartilage a fast low angle
      shot (FLASH) T2* weighted gradient-echo (GRE)-, a turbo-inversion-recovery
      magnitude (TIRM)- and a fat-saturated proton density (PD)-weighted sequence were
      utilized. Statistical analysis of cartilage T2* and thickness changes was
      obtained on the 13 finishers (12 male, mean age 45.4 years, BMI 23.5 kg/m2). None
      of the nine non-finisher (eight male, mean age 53.8 years, BMI 23.4 kg/m2)
      stopped the race due to ankle problems. RESULTS: From a mean of 17.0 ms for
      tibial plafond and 18.0 ms for talar dome articular cartilage at baseline, nearly
      all observed regions of interest (ROIs) of the ankle joint cartilage showed a
      significant T2*-signal increase (25.6% in mean), with standard error ranging from
      19% to 33% within the first 2500 km of the ultra-marathon. This initial signal
      behavior was followed by a signal decrease. This signal recovery (30.6% of
      initial increase) showed a large effect size. No significant morphological or
      cartilage thickness changes (at baseline 2.9 mm) were observed. CONCLUSION: After
      initial T2*-increase during the first 2000-2500 km, a subsequent T2*-decrease
      indicates the ability of the normal cartilage matrix to partially regenerate
      under ongoing multistage ultramarathon burden in the ankle joints.

PMID- 25132209
TI  - A systematic review of interventions to detect dementia or cognitive impairment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Memory services have been implemented nationally to increase early
      dementia diagnosis, and further evaluation of their impact and other strategies
      to increase timely dementia diagnosis are needed. AIMS: To systematically review
      the literature for interventions intended to increase the detection of dementia
      or suspected dementia or people presenting with memory complaints. METHOD: We
      searched electronic databases, hand searched references and contacted authors of
      included papers, contacted field experts and UK charities and councils for data
      about their dementia awareness programmes. RESULTS: We included 13 studies, of
      which four were randomised controlled trials (RCT). Two RCTs found that general
      practitioner (GP) education increased suspected dementia cases. One RCT found up
      to six home visits from a specialist geriatric nurse over 30 months increased the
      rate of accurately diagnosed dementia. There was preliminary evidence from non
      randomised studies that memory clinics increase timely diagnosis, but no evidence
      they increase the overall diagnosis rate. CONCLUSIONS: There is good quality
      evidence that GP education increases the number of suspected dementia cases but
      not accurate or earlier dementia diagnoses. One RCT reported that multiple visits
      from a trained nurse increase the diagnosis rate. There is no cost effectiveness
      evidence. Our findings suggest good quality RCTs are needed to test the
      effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions to increase dementia
      detection.

PMID- 25132206
TI  - Randomized controlled pilot study of mindfulness-based stress reduction for
      persistently fatigued cancer survivors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common, persistent,
      and disabling symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. Evidence-based
      treatments that are acceptable to patients are critically needed. This study
      examined the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for CRF and
      related symptoms. METHOD: A sample of 35 cancer survivors with clinically
      significant CRF was randomly assigned to a 7-week MBSR-based intervention or wait
      list control group. The intervention group received training in mindfulness
      meditation, yoga, and self-regulatory responses to stress. Fatigue interference
      (primary outcome) and a variety of secondary outcomes (e.g., fatigue severity,
      vitality, disability, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance) were assessed
      at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Bonferroni correction was
      employed to account for multiple comparisons. Controls received the intervention
      after the 1-month follow-up. Participants in both groups were followed for 6
      months after completing their respective MBSR courses to assess maintenance of
      effects. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the MBSR group reported large post
      intervention reductions as assessed by effect sizes (d) in the primary outcome,
      fatigue interference (d = -1.43, p < 0.001), along with fatigue severity (d = 
      1.55, p < 0.001), vitality (d = 1.29, p < 0.001), depression (d = -1.30, p <
      0.001), and sleep disturbance (d = -0.74, p = 0.001). Results were maintained or
      strengthened at 1-month follow-up, the point at which significant improvements in
      disability (d = -1.22, p < 0.002) and anxiety (d = -0.98, p = 0.002) occurred.
      Improvements in all outcomes were maintained 6 months after completing the
      course. MBSR adherence was high, with 90% attendance across groups and high rates
      of participant-reported home practice of mindfulness. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness
      based stress reduction is a promising treatment for CRF and associated symptoms.

PMID- 25132210
TI  - Evaluation of the microbial quality of fresh ejaculates of camel (Camelus
      dromedarius) semen.
AB  - A series of five factorial arranged experiments were conducted to investigate the
      effect of different management during semen collection on the microbial quality
      (bacterial load, type of microbes and frequency of isolation) of dromedaries'
      semen. Microbial analysis of seventy-nine fresh ejaculates from twenty-two camels
      showed the presence of nine variant colonies. The most prevalent organisms in the
      dromedary semen were species of Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Streptococcus. One
      yeast species was represented among the isolates. The middle aged camels (9-13
      years) had significantly (P>0.05) higher mean bacterial loads than young (4-8
      years) and old aged (14-18 years) animals. The mean bacterial populations of
      ejaculates collected by an electro-ejaculator were significantly (P>0.05) higher
      than those collected by an artificial vagina. Candida spp. was identified in
      53.8% of the samples collected by an electro-ejaculator and was not detected in
      ejaculates collected by an artificial vagina. The mean semen bacterial load
      detected during the breeding season was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that
      collected during the non-breeding season. No fungi were isolated from semen
      samples collected in the non-breeding season. The difference between the mean
      semen bacterial loads in the first and the second ejaculate was highly
      significant (P<0.01). The preputial wash significantly (P<0.01) reduced the
      bacterial load. This study revealed that the microbial contamination of
      dromedaries' semen is found in different intensities during different management
      procedures of semen collection.

PMID- 25132211
TI  - Influence of melatonin receptor 1A gene polymorphisms on seasonal reproduction in
      Sarda ewes with different body condition scores and ages.
AB  - In several species, circadian changes in melatonin concentrations play a key role
      in the photoperiodic control of seasonality. In sheep, two silent mutations in
      the melatonin receptor 1A gene (MTNR1A) at positions 606 and 612 of the exon II
      are associated with seasonal reproduction. However, in some sheep breeds, no
      relationships have been found between MTNR1A polymorphisms and reproductive
      seasonality. This lack of relationship could be due to effects of breed, body
      condition, age, and/or environmental conditions. Thus, the present study was
      conducted with the Sarda sheep breed with the aim of documenting the effect of
      MTNR1A gene polymorphisms on reproductive resumption and to evaluate whether such
      this effect was modified by differences in body condition score (BCS) and age.
      Six hundred three- to six-year-old multiparous ewes with BCSs between 2.5 and 3.5
      were selected. Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to PCR to amplify the
      ovine exon II of the MTNR1A gene. The amplicons were subjected to digestion with
      the restriction enzymes RsaI and MnlI to detect the T606C and A612G
      polymorphisms, respectively. Ewes carrying the G/G, G/A, C/C, and C/T genotypes
      exhibited higher fertility rates (P<0.05) and fewer numbers of days between the
      introduction of rams and parturition (P<0.05) than did the A/A and T/T genotypes.
      The data revealed that the MTNR1A gene polymorphisms influenced spring
      reproductive resumption in the Sarda sheep breed. Moreover, the data also
      indicated that, over the limited ranges evaluated in this study, BCS and age had
      no significant influence on reproductive activity.

PMID- 25132213
TI  - Li-rich anti-perovskite Li3OCl films with enhanced ionic conductivity.
AB  - Anti-perovskite solid electrolyte films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition,
      and their room-temperature ionic conductivity can be improved by more than an
      order of magnitude in comparison with its bulk counterpart. The cyclability of
      Li3OCl films in contact with lithium was evaluated using a Li/Li3OCl/Li symmetric
      cell, showing self-stabilization during cycling test. 

PMID- 25132212
TI  - Durability of the efficacy and safety of alogliptin compared with glipizide in
      type 2 diabetes mellitus: a 2-year study.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the long-term durability of the efficacy of alogliptin compared
      with glipizide in combination with metformin in people with type 2 diabetes
      inadequately controlled on stable-dose metformin. METHODS: This multicentre,
      double-blind, active-controlled study randomized 2639 patients aged 18-80 years
      to 104 weeks of treatment with metformin in addition to alogliptin 12.5 mg once
      daily (n = 880), alogliptin 25 mg once daily (n = 885) or glipizide 5 mg once
      daily, titrated to a maximum of 20 mg (n = 874). The primary endpoint was least
      square mean change from baseline in HbA1c level at 104 weeks. RESULTS: The mean
      patient age was 55.4 years, the mean diabetes duration was 5.5 years and the mean
      baseline HbA1c was 7.6%. HbA1c reductions at week 104 were -0.68%, -0.72% and 
      0.59% for alogliptin 12.5 and 25 mg and glipizide, respectively [both doses met
      the criteria for non-inferiority to glipizide (p<0.001); alogliptin 25 mg met
      superiority criteria (p=0.010)]. Fasting plasma glucose concentration decreased
      by 0.05 and 0.18 mmol/l for alogliptin 12.5 and 25 mg, respectively, and
      increased by 0.30 mmol/l for glipizide (p < 0.001 for both comparisons with
      glipizide). Mean weight changes were -0.68, -0.89 and 0.95 kg for alogliptin 12.5
      and 25 mg and glipizide, respectively (p < 0.001 for both comparisons with
      glipizide). Hypoglycaemia occurred in 23.2% of patients in the glipizide group
      vs. 2.5 and 1.4% of patients in the alogliptin 12.5 and 25 mg groups,
      respectively. Pancreatitis occurred in one patient in the alogliptin 25 mg group
      and three in the glipizide group. CONCLUSIONS: Alogliptin efficacy was sustained
      over 2 years in patients with inadequate glycaemic control on metformin alone.

PMID- 25132214
TI  - Characterizing genetic variation of adrenergic signalling pathways in Takotsubo
      (stress) cardiomyopathy exomes.
AB  - AIMS: Exome sequencing was used to genotype comprehensively a Takotsubo (stress)
      cardiomyopathy (TC) cohort, enabling investigation of a vast 486 gene network for
      adrenergic signalling. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-eight TC subjects, including a
      mother-daughter pair and five recurrent cases, underwent whole-exome sequencing.
      Frequencies of 17 common, functional adrenergic polymorphisms were statistically
      similar to those of population controls. Filtering for rare, predicted
      deleterious, catecholamine/adrenergic signalling variants revealed heterozygosity
      in 55 genes in TC cases and 59 genes in healthy controls. Overall allele burden
      was similar and did not discriminate clinical variables among TC subjects, but
      gene identities were largely cohort specific, and TC cases were enriched for
      variants within functional domains (68% vs. 48%, P = 0.031). Two-thirds of TC
      cases carried more than one filtered adrenergic pathway variant, and 11 genes
      harboured a variant in >= 2 cases. The mother-daughter pair shared missense
      variants in highly conserved functional domains of ADH5, CACNG1, EPHA4, and
      PRKCA. An adrenergic pathway-independent analysis of the cohort exposed no common
      gene for TC. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these data support genetic heterogeneity in TC
      susceptibility and a likely polygenic basis, conferring a cumulative effect on
      adrenergic pathway dysregulation in a subset of individual subjects. Study of
      larger cohorts and non-coding regulatory regions is warranted to define genetic
      risk factors for TC further.

PMID- 25132216
TI  - How can we improve models of care in inflammatory bowel disease? An international
      survey of IBD health professionals.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few studies have specifically examined models of care in
      IBD. This survey was designed to help gather information from health
      professionals working in IBD services on current care models, and their views on
      how to best reshape existing models for IBD care worldwide. METHODS: An online
      mixed-methods survey was conducted with health professionals caring for IBD
      patients. Recruitment was conducted using the snowballing technique, where
      members of professional networks of the investigators were invited to
      participate. Results of the survey were summarised using descriptive statistics.
      RESULTS: Of the 135 included respondents, 76 (56%) were female, with a median age
      of 44 (range: 23-69) years, 50% were GI physicians, 34% nurses, 8% psychologists,
      4% dieticians, 2% surgeons, 1% psychiatrists, and 1% physiotherapists. Overall,
      73 (54%) respondents considered their IBD service to apply the integrated model
      of care, and only 5% reported that they worked exclusively using the biomedical
      care (no recognition of psychosocial factors). The majority of respondents
      reported including mental health assessment in their standard IBD care (65%), 51%
      believed that an ideal IBD service should be managed in specialist led clinics,
      and 64% wanted the service to be publicly funded. Respondents pictured an ideal
      IBD service as easy-access fully multi-disciplinary, with a significant role for
      IBD nurses and routine psychological and nutritional assessment and care.
      CONCLUSIONS: Health care professionals believe that an ideal IBD service should:
      be fully integrated, involve significant roles of nurses, psychologists and
      dieticians, run in specialist clinics, be easily accessible to patients and
      publicly funded.

PMID- 25132217
TI  - An automated protocol for performance benchmarking a widefield fluorescence
      microscope.
AB  - Widefield fluorescence microscopy is a highly used tool for visually assessing
      biological samples and for quantifying cell responses. Despite its widespread use
      in high content analysis and other imaging applications, few published methods
      exist for evaluating and benchmarking the analytical performance of a microscope.
      Easy-to-use benchmarking methods would facilitate the use of fluorescence imaging
      as a quantitative analytical tool in research applications, and would aid the
      determination of instrumental method validation for commercial product
      development applications. We describe and evaluate an automated method to
      characterize a fluorescence imaging system's performance by benchmarking the
      detection threshold, saturation, and linear dynamic range to a reference
      material. The benchmarking procedure is demonstrated using two different
      materials as the reference material, uranyl-ion-doped glass and Schott 475 GG
      filter glass. Both are suitable candidate reference materials that are
      homogeneously fluorescent and highly photostable, and the Schott 475 GG filter
      glass is currently commercially available. In addition to benchmarking the
      analytical performance, we also demonstrate that the reference materials provide
      for accurate day to day intensity calibration. Published 2014 Wiley Periodicals
      Inc. 

PMID- 25132218
TI  - How mobile health can help tackle the diabetes epidemic and strengthen health
      systems: International Diabetes Federation (IDF) response to the public
      consultation on the European Commission's Green Paper on mobile health.

PMID- 25132215
TI  - Decreased effective connectivity from cortices to the right parahippocampal gyrus
      in Alzheimer's disease subjects.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to detect effective connectivity (EC) changes in
      the default mode network and hippocampus network in 20 patients with Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) and 20 cognitively normal (CN) subjects, using multivariate Granger
      causality. The authors used the maximum coefficients in the multivariate
      autoregression model to quantitatively measure the different EC strength levels
      between the CN and AD groups. It was demonstrated that the EC strength difference
      can classify AD from CN subjects. Further, the right parahippocampal gyrus
      (PHP_R) showed imbalanced bidirectional EC connections. The PHP_R received weaker
      input connections from the neocortices, but its output connections were
      significantly increased in AD. These findings may provide neural physiological
      mechanisms for interpreting AD subjects' memory deficits during the encoding
      processes.

PMID- 25132219
TI  - Determining the return on investment for evidence-based practice: an essential
      skill for all clinicians.

PMID- 25132220
TI  - Eye contact modulates cognitive processing differently in children with autism.
AB  - In humans, effortful cognitive processing frequently takes place during social
      interaction, with eye contact being an important component. This study shows that
      the effect of eye contact on memory for nonsocial information is different in
      children with typical development than in children with autism, a disorder of
      social communication. Direct gaze facilitated memory performance in children with
      typical development (n = 25, 6 years old), but no such facilitation was seen in
      the clinical group (n = 10, 6 years old). Eye tracking conducted during the
      cognitive test revealed strikingly similar patterns of eye movements, indicating
      that the results cannot be explained by differences in overt attention.
      Collectively, these findings have theoretical significance and practical
      implications for testing practices in children.

PMID- 25132222
TI  - Evaluation of therapeutic pulmonary surfactants by thin liquid film methods.
AB  - An example of the application of the Black Foam Film (BFF) Method and the Wetting
      Film Method, using the Microinterferomertric and the Pressure Balance Techniques,
      for characterization interfacial properties of the animal derived therapeutic
      pulmonary surfactant preparations (TSP), is presented. BFF thickness, probability
      of black film formation, and disjoining pressure for foam films from TSP aqueous
      solutions are measured as well as the wetting properties of TSP solutions on
      solid surfaces with different hydrophobicity have been studied. Interfacial
      characteristics such as minimal surfactant concentration to obtain black film
      (critical concentration) and concentration at which a black film is 100% obtained
      (threshold concentration) are determined. An evaluation of the four widely used
      TSP - Curosurf, Infasurf, Survanta, and Alveofact - by these methods has been
      carried out. Thus the methods of the thin liquid films are useful tools for
      studying the interfacial properties of TSP solutions, as well as for their
      improvement.

PMID- 25132221
TI  - Hyperfiltration is associated with the development of microalbuminuria in
      patients with sickle cell anemia.

PMID- 25132223
TI  - Structure of perfluorinated membranes investigated by method of standard contact
      porosimetry.
AB  - The results of investigation of various factors influencing water distribution in
      perfluorinated membrane structure by method of standard contact porosimetry are
      summarized. The Nafion membranes (Dupon de Nemoure, USA) and MF-4SK membranes
      ("Plastpolymer", Russia) were the objects of the research. The influence of
      production process and conditioning method on porosimetric curves of
      perfluorinated membrane is discussed. New results related to the porosity of
      perfluorinated membranes after reinforcing fabric introduction and processing by
      organic solvents are reported. The role of the modifying components of various
      nature in the shaping of transport channels in perfluorinated membrane is
      studied. The influence of polyaniline and hydrogen zirconium phosphate on water
      distribution in membrane structure is revealed. The correlation between the
      maximum porosity value of the membrane and its diffusion and electroosmotic
      permeability, as well as between the fraction of the gel pore volume and membrane
      selectivity is established. It allows the prediction of possible changes in the
      structural characteristics and also in the transport properties of the membranes
      under the influence of the modifying components of different types and various
      operating conditions. 

PMID- 25132224
TI  - Efficacy of thiamethoxam and fipronil, applied alone and in combination, to
      control Limonius californicus and Hypnoidus bicolor (Coleoptera: Elateridae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wireworms, the larval stage of click beetles (family Elateridae), are
      significant soil pests of wheat and barley crops in the Pacific Northwest. At
      present, few pest management alternatives exist. For several decades, wireworms
      were effectively controlled by first-generation insecticides applied to the soil
      or as seed treatments. Currently used neonicotinoid insecticides protect crop
      seeds and germinating seedlings by temporary toxicity but limited mortality. As a
      result, field populations may increase, reaching levels too high for crop
      protection. In this study an investigation was made of the combination of two
      insecticides to achieve crop protection as well as insect mortality in wheat
      fields. RESULTS: Laboratory bioassays using wheat seed treated with fipronil at
      1.0 and 5.0 g AI 100 kg(-1) seed resulted in 72-90% mortality of two wireworm
      species, Limonius californicus and Hypnoidus bicolor. At a rate of 39 g AI 100
      kg(-1) seed, 8 times higher than the high rate of fipronil, thiamethoxam caused
      only 10-31% larval mortality in the bioassays, but did protect developing wheat
      stands from damage in field trials. Field plots planted with wheat seed treated
      with both fipronil (5.0 g AI 100 kg(-1) seed) and thiamethoxam (39.0 g AI 100 kg(
      1) seed) had 83% fewer wireworms the following year compared with untreated check
      plots. No reduction in population was observed in plots treated with 39.0 g of
      thiamethoxam alone. CONCLUSIONS: Fipronil and thiamethoxam can be combined as a
      seed treatment to protect wheat crops from wireworm damage and reduce larval
      populations in the field.

PMID- 25132226
TI  - The role of complexation and competition in the biouptake of europium by a
      unicellular alga.
AB  - Short-term (60 min) europium (Eu) biouptake fluxes by the freshwater green alga
      Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were investigated in the presence and absence of
      ligands (e.g., malic acid and citric acid) and a second rare earth metal,
      samarium (Sm). Data were interpreted in the context of the biotic ligand model,
      which uses experimentally determined stability constants to take into account the
      competition and complexation of the metal of interest. In the absence of ligands
      or competitors, Eu biouptake was well described by a Michaelis-Menten equation
      with the maximal uptake flux (Jmax ) and Michaelis-Menten constant (Km ) of Jmax 
      = 1.7 * 10(-14)  mol cm(-2)  s(-1) and Km  = 10(-7.0)  M (corresponding to an
      affinity constant of 10(7.0)  M(-1) ). Biouptake of Eu (or Sm) decreased as the
      concentration of a competing rare earth element (i.e., Sm or Eu) increased, as
      predicted by the biotic ligand model. On the other hand, when hydrophilic
      complexes were formed with citric and malic acid, Eu biouptake was much greater
      than predicted on the basis of free ion concentrations alone. Overall, the
      results showed that for C. reinhardtii the rare earth elements were likely to
      share a common biouptake pathway; biouptake of one rare earth element was reduced
      when another was present, and rare earth element complexes were bioavailable.

PMID- 25132225
TI  - Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rates in myopic eyes after implantation of
      capsular tension ring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim f this study was to evaluate the effect of capsular tension
      ring implantation during cataract surgery on the incidence of neodymium: YAG (Nd:
      YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy in myopic (axial length [AL] >=25.00 mm) eyes.
      MATERIAL/METHODS In this retrospective study, the records of the cases of 117
      myopic patients who underwent cataract surgery between January 2004 and January
      2011 were reviewed. A total of 153 eyes with an axial length of 25 mm or higher
      were included in the study with consideration of exclusion criteria mentioned
      below. Eyes were grouped by presence or lack of capsular tension ring (CTR+ and
      CTR-, respectively). RESULTS: The study included 153 eyes from 107 myopic
      patients. Hydrophilic acrylic IOL and capsular tension ring (CTR) were implanted
      in 78 eyes (CTR+ group), and 75 eyes received only the hydrophilic acrylic IOL
      (CTR- group). Six eyes (7.6%) in CTR+ and 16 eyes (21.3%) in CTR- required Nd:
      YAG laser capsulotomy within 7 years. The difference between the 2 groups was
      statistically significant (p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Because CTRs significantly
      decrease subsequent need for Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in myopic
      patients, are very inexpensive, and provide other benefits, our data suggest that
      the use of CTRs in myopic eyes undergoing cataract surgery with an hydrophilic
      acrylic IOL implantation is advantageous and should be standard practice.

PMID- 25132227
TI  - Birth preparedness and complication readiness among women of child bearing age
      group in Goba woreda, Oromia region, Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Birth preparedness and complication readiness is the process of
      planning for normal birth and anticipating the actions needed in case of an
      emergency. It is also a strategy to promote the timely use of skilled maternal
      care, especially during childbirth, based on the theory that preparing for
      childbirth reduces delays in obtaining this care. Therefore, the aim of this
      study was to assess birth preparedness and complication readiness among women of
      child bearing age group in Goba woreda, Oromia region, Ethiopia. METHODS: A
      community based cross sectional study was conducted in Goba woreda, Oromia
      region, Ethiopia. Multistage sampling was employed. Descriptive, binary and
      multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted. Statistically significant
      tests were declared at a level of significance of P value < 0.05. RESULTS: Only
      29.9% of the respondents were prepared for birth and its complications. And, only
      82 (14.6%) study participants were knowledgeable about birth preparedness and
      complication readiness.Variables having statistically significant association
      with birth preparedness and complication readiness of women were attending up to
      primary education (AOR = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.75, 6.02), attending up to secondary
      and higher level of education (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.34, 6.15), the presence of
      antenatal care follow up (AOR = 8.07, 95% CI = 2.41,27.00), knowledge about key
      danger signs during pregnancy (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.06,2.88), and knowledge
      about key danger signs during the postpartum period (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI =
      1.20,3.60). CONCLUSIONS: Only a small number of respondents were prepared for
      birth and its complications. Furthermore, the vast majority of women were not
      knowledgeable about birth preparedness and complication readiness. Residence,
      educational status, ANC follow up, knowledge of key danger signs during pregnancy
      and the postpartum period were independent predictors of birth preparedness and
      complication readiness.

PMID- 25132228
TI  - Plasticity of vulnerability to leaf hydraulic dysfunction during acclimation to
      drought in grapevines: an osmotic-mediated process.
AB  - Previous studies have reported correlation of leaf hydraulic vulnerability with
      pressure-volume parameters related to cell turgor. This link has been explained
      on the basis of the effects of turgor on connectivity among cells and tissue
      structural integrity, which affect leaf water transport. In this study, we tested
      the hypothesis that osmotic adjustment to water stress would shift the leaf
      vulnerability curve toward more negative water potential (Psi leaf ) by
      increasing turgor at low Psi leaf . We measured leaf hydraulic conductance (K
      leaf ), K leaf vulnerability [50 and 80% loss of K leaf (P50 and P80 ); |Psi leaf
      | at 50 and 80% loss of K leaf , respectively), bulk leaf water relations, leaf
      gas exchange and sap flow in two Vitis vinifera cultivars (Tempranillo and
      Grenache), under two water treatments. We found that P50 , P80 and maximum K leaf
      decreased seasonally by more than 20% in both cultivars and watering treatments.
      However, K leaf at 2 MPa increased threefold, while osmotic potential at full
      turgor and turgor loss point decreased. Our results indicate that leaf resistance
      to hydraulic dysfunction is seasonally plastic, and this plasticity may be
      mediated by osmotic adjustment.

PMID- 25132229
TI  - Excessive microglial activation aggravates olfactory dysfunction by impeding the
      survival of newborn neurons in the olfactory bulb of Niemann-Pick disease type C1
      mice.
AB  - Progressive olfactory impairment is one of the earliest markers of
      neurodegeneration. However, the underlying mechanism for this dysfunction remains
      unclear. The present study investigated the possible role of microgliosis in
      olfactory deficits using a mouse model of Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1),
      which is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder with disrupted lipid
      trafficking. At 7weeks of age, NPC1 mutants showed a distinct olfactory
      impairment in an olfactory test compared with age-matched wild-type controls
      (WT). The marked loss of olfactory sensory neurons within the NPC1 affected
      olfactory bulb (NPC1-OB) suggests that NPC1 dysfunction impairs olfactory
      structure. Furthermore, the pool of neuroblasts in the OB was diminished in NPC1
      mice despite the intact proliferative capacity of neural stem/progenitor cells in
      the subventricular zone. Instead, pro-inflammatory proliferating microglia
      accumulated extensively in the NPC1-OB as the disease progressed. To evaluate the
      impact of abnormal microglial activation on olfaction in NPC1 mice, a microglial
      inhibition study was performed using the anti-inflammatory agent Cyclosporin A
      (CsA). Importantly, long-term CsA treatment in NPC1 mice reduced reactive
      microgliosis, restored the survival of newly generated neurons in the OB and
      improved overall performance on the olfactory test. Therefore, our study
      highlights the possible role of microglia in the regulation of neuronal turnover
      in the OB and provides insight into the possible therapeutic applications of
      microglial inhibition in the attenuation or reversal of olfactory impairment. 

PMID- 25132230
TI  - Central type primitive neuroectodermal tumor/neuroblastoma of the uterus: a case
      report.
AB  - We encountered a 63-year-old woman who had a uterine tumor with peritoneal
      dissemination and para-aortic lymph node metastasis. Microscopic specimens of the
      tumor showed a small blue round-cell tumor. Immunohistochemistry showed cells to
      be negative for cytokeratin AE1/3, desmin, myogenin, CD10, CD34, and CD99, focal
      positive for vimentin, and positive for muscle-specific actin (HHF-35),
      neurofilament, synaptophysin and CD56. Fluorescence in situ hybridization
      revealed no split signal showing Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 gene
      translocation. Deletion of 1p36 was identified in 30% of the tumor cells. These
      findings are thought to be equivalent to central type primitive neuroectodermal
      tumors/neuroblastoma. Cytoreductive debulking surgery followed by chemotherapy,
      including cyclophosphamide, vincristine and adriamycin, resulted in complete
      remission. She has no evidence of disease at 24 months after surgery. 

PMID- 25132231
TI  - Microbial weeds in hypersaline habitats: the enigma of the weed-like Haloferax
      mediterranei.
AB  - Heterotrophic prokaryotic communities that inhabit saltern crystallizer ponds are
      typically dominated by two species, the archaeon Haloquadratum walsbyi and the
      bacterium Salinibacter ruber, regardless of location. These organisms behave as
      'microbial weeds' as defined by Cray et al. (Microb Biotechnol 6: 453-492, 2013)
      that possess the biological traits required to dominate the microbiology of these
      open habitats. Here, we discuss the enigma of the less abundant Haloferax
      mediterranei, an archaeon that grows faster than any other, comparable extreme
      halophile. It has a wide window for salt tolerance, can grow on simple as well as
      on complex substrates and degrade polymeric substances, has different modes of
      anaerobic growth, can accumulate storage polymers, produces gas vesicles, and
      excretes halocins capable of killing other Archaea. Therefore, Hfx. mediterranei
      is apparently more qualified as a 'microbial weed' than Haloquadratum and
      Salinibacter. However, the former differs because it produces carotenoid pigments
      only in the lower salinity range and lacks energy-generating retinal-based, light
      driven ion pumps such as bacteriorhodopsin and halorhodopsin. We discuss these
      observations in relation to microbial weed biology in, and the open-habitat
      ecology of, hypersaline systems. 

PMID- 25132232
TI  - Physiatry practice now and in 2032: how to thrive in the post-health care reform
      world.
AB  - Health care reform is upon us, including changes in models of care delivery and
      physician and institution compensation. The resulting tsunami of uncertainty
      offers physiatrists the opportunity to relocate to higher ground and help the
      specialty thrive as well as to identify the possible quagmires into which
      practices could sink. For this reason, it is prudent for physiatrists to more
      carefully consider how their professional lives may be altered in the aftermath
      of reform. We believe that understanding and preparation will facilitate
      opportunities and mitigate challenges. In this essay, we will discuss various
      alternative scenarios that represent population health and health care delivery
      in the year 2032, the real-world opportunities and challenges for the physiatrist
      in the present and in the next 2 decades, along with ideas as to how physiatry
      can thrive in the post-health care reform world. 

PMID- 25132233
TI  - Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio
      index and fibrosis-4 index for detecting liver fibrosis in adult patients with
      chronic hepatitis B virus infection: a systemic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis index
      based on the four factors (Fibrosis 4 index; FIB-4) are the two most widely
      studied noninvasive tools for assessing liver fibrosis. Our aims were to
      systematically review the performance of APRI and FIB-4 in hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) infection in adult patients and compare their advantages and disadvantages.
      We examined the diagnostic accuracy of APRI and FIB-4 for significant fibrosis,
      advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis based on their sensitivity, specificity,
      positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Heterogeneity was explored using
      metaregression. Our systemic review and meta-analysis included 16 articles of
      APRI only, 21 articles of APRI and FIB-4 and two articles of FIB-4 for detecting
      different levels of liver fibrosis. With an APRI threshold of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5,
      the sensitivity and specificity values were 70.0% and 60.0%, 50.0% and 83.0%, and
      36.9% and 92.5% for significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis,
      respectively. With an FIB-4 threshold of 1.45 and 3.25, the sensitivity and
      specificity values were 65.4% and 73.6% and 16.2% and 95.2% for significant
      fibrosis. The summary AUROC values using APRI and FIB-4 for the diagnosis of
      significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis were 0.7407 (95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 0.7033-0.7781) and 0.7844 (95% CI: 0.7450-0.8238; (Z =
      1.59, P = 0.06), 0.7347 (95% CI: 0.6790-0.7904) and 0.8165 (95% CI: 0.7707
      0.8623; Z = 2.01, P = 0.02), and 0.7268 (95% CI: 0.6578-0.7958) and 0.8448 (95%
      CI: 0.7742-0.9154; (Z = 2.34, P = 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta
      analysis suggests that APRI and FIB-4 can identify hepatitis B-related fibrosis
      with a moderate sensitivity and accuracy.

PMID- 25132234
TI  - Same but different: tuberculosis treatment and care among migrants from different
      countries of origin in Israel.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Israel hosts documented labor migrants (DLM), and recently also
      undocumented migrants (UDM), mostly from Horn of Africa. This study aims to
      compare treatment outcomes and other clinical aspects between a sample of 154 DLM
      and 113 UDM who were treated in two tuberculosis clinics between 2005 and 2010.
      RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Compared to DLM, UDM were younger males, stayed in Israel
      for shorter periods, had lower coverage of medical insurance, were less likely to
      be employed, and had greater difficulties in communication with the medical
      staff. UDM were more likely to demonstrate tuberculosis-related symptoms than
      DLM, were more commonly diagnosed with pulmonary TB, and had shorter patient and
      system delays and their treatment success rate was better than DLM, who were more
      likely to be transferred out. CONCLUSION: UDM achieved better treatment outcomes,
      as they were screened upon entry and treatment was initiated in detention, while
      DLM were diagnosed in the community and may have felt more secure to abandon
      treatment.

PMID- 25132235
TI  - Does preconception care work?
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, there is a lack of evidence to suggest that a systematic and
      coordinated approach to prepregnancy care might make a difference. AIMS: To
      evaluate whether women who receive preconception care through a structured
      approach will be more likely to be healthy around the time of conception compared
      with women who plan their pregnancy but have not been exposed to preconception
      care. METHODS: A case control study was undertaken of women who attended the
      preconception care service and subsequently conceived, received maternity care
      and gave birth at Mater Health Services Brisbane between January 2010 and January
      2013. Pregnancy information and birth outcomes for each woman who attended the
      service were matched with those of three women who reported that they had planned
      their pregnancy but did not attend the service. Records were matched for
      prepregnancy BMI, age, parity, prepregnancy smoking status and number of health
      conditions. RESULTS: Pregnant women who attended preconception care were more
      likely to have received adequate peri-conceptual folate, to report being
      vaccinated against influenza and hepatitis B, to have consulted with a specialist
      with the specific aim of optimising a pre-existing health condition and to report
      less weight gain up until booking. Preterm birth and hypertensive disorders of
      pregnancy were less common amongst women who had attended preconception care, and
      there were trends towards a decreased incidence of gestational diabetes, LGA and
      fetal anomalies. CONCLUSION: These preliminary data provide some optimism that a
      comprehensive preconception care service may positively influence maternal and
      neonatal outcomes.

PMID- 25132236
TI  - Cowden syndrome: recognizing and managing a not-so-rare hereditary cancer
      syndrome.
AB  - Cowden syndrome (CS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome causing
      increased risk for breast, thyroid, renal, uterine, and other cancers as well as
      benign neoplasias and neurodevelopmental concerns. Timely diagnosis of affected
      patients is key, as early recognition allows for high-risk screening and other
      preventative measures prior to a patient enduring multiple cancer diagnoses. This
      review will highlight the cardinal features of CS and management recommendations
      for affected patients.

PMID- 25132237
TI  - Genome-wide analysis reveals artificial selection on coat colour and reproductive
      traits in Chinese domestic pigs.
AB  - Pigs from Asia and Europe were independently domesticated from c. 9000 years ago.
      During this period, strong artificial selection has led to dramatic phenotypic
      changes in domestic pigs. However, the genetic basis underlying these
      morphological and behavioural adaptations is relatively unknown, particularly for
      indigenous Chinese pigs. Here, we performed a genome-wide analysis to screen 196
      regions with selective sweep signals in Tongcheng pigs, which are a typical
      indigenous Chinese breed. Genes located in these regions have been found to be
      involved in lipid metabolism, melanocyte differentiation, neural development and
      other biological processes, which coincide with the evolutionary phenotypic
      changes in this breed. A synonymous substitution, c.669T>C, in ESR1, which
      colocalizes with a major quantitative trait locus for litter size, shows extreme
      differences in allele frequency between Tongcheng pigs and wild boars. Notably,
      the variant C allele in this locus exhibits high allele frequency in most Chinese
      populations, suggesting a consequence of positive selection. Five genes (PRM1,
      PRM2, TNP2, GPR149 and JMJD1C) related to reproductive traits were found to have
      high haplotype similarity in Chinese breeds. Two selected genes, MITF and EDNRB,
      are implied to shape the two-end black colour trait in Tongcheng pig. Subsequent
      SNP microarray studies of five Chinese white-spotted breeds displayed a
      concordant signature at both loci, suggesting that these two genes are
      responsible for colour variations in Chinese breeds. Utilizing massively parallel
      sequencing, we characterized the candidate sites that adapt to artificial and
      environmental selections during the Chinese pig domestication. This study
      provides fundamental proof for further research on the evolutionary adaptation of
      Chinese pigs.

PMID- 25132238
TI  - The cistrome and gene signature of androgen receptor splice variants in
      castration resistant prostate cancer cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Spliced variant forms of androgen receptor were recently identified in
      castration resistant prostate cancer cell lines and clinical samples. We
      identified the cistrome and gene signature of androgen receptor splice variants
      in castration resistant prostate cancer cell lines and determined the clinical
      significance of androgen receptor splice variant regulated genes. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The castration resistant prostate cancer cell line 22Rv1, which
      expresses full-length androgen receptor and androgen receptor splice variants
      endogenously, was used as the research model. We established 22Rv1-ARFL(-)/ARV(+)
      and 22Rv1-ARFL(-)/ARV(-) through RNA interference. Chromatin immunoprecipitation
      coupled with next generation sequencing and microarray techniques were used to
      identify the cistrome and gene expression profiles of androgen receptor splice
      variants in the absence of androgen. RESULTS: Androgen receptor splice variant
      binding sites were identified in 22Rv1-ARFL(-)/ARV(+). A gene set was regulated
      uniquely by androgen receptor splice variants but not by full-length androgen
      receptor in the absence of androgen. Integrated analysis revealed that some genes
      were directly modulated by androgen receptor splice variants. Unsupervised
      clustering analysis showed that the androgen receptor splice variant gene
      signature differentiated benign from malignant prostate tissue as well as
      localized prostate cancer from metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer
      specimens. Some genes that were modulated uniquely by androgen receptor splice
      variants also correlated with histological grade and biochemical failure.
      CONCLUSIONS: Androgen receptor splice variants can bind to DNA independent of
      full-length androgen receptor in the absence of androgen and modulate a unique
      set of genes that is not regulated by full-length androgen receptor. The androgen
      receptor splice variant gene signature correlates with disease progression. It
      distinguishes primary cancer from castration resistant prostate cancer specimens
      and benign from malignant prostate specimens.

PMID- 25132240
TI  - Single fraction radiosurgery for the treatment of renal tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: High dose local stereotactic radiosurgery was performed in select
      patients to improve local tumor control and overall survival. We report on
      patients with renal tumors treated with single fraction robotic stereotactic
      radiosurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients with a median age of
      64 years who had an indication for nephrectomy and subsequent hemodialysis were
      entered in a prospective case-control study of single fraction stereotactic
      radiosurgery. Of the patients 11 had transitional cell cancer and 29 had renal
      cell cancer. Tumor response, renal function, survival and adverse events were
      estimated every 3 months. Followup was at least 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 45
      renal tumors were treated. Median followup was 28.1 months (range 6.0 to 78.3).
      The local tumor control rate 9 months after stereotactic radiosurgery was 98%
      (95% CI 89-99). There was a measurable size reduction in 38 lesions, including
      complete remission in 19. Renal function remained stable. Using the CKD-EPI
      (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) equation median creatinine
      clearance was 76.8 (range 25.3 to 126.3) and 70.3 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) (range 18.6
      to 127.3) at baseline and followup, respectively (p = 0.89). Grade I
      erythrodermia developed in 1 patient, 3 reported grade I fatigue and 2 reported
      grade I nausea. Nephrectomy was avoided in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Single
      fraction stereotactic radiosurgery as an outpatient procedure is a treatment
      modality with short-term safety and efficacy. It avoids treatment related loss of
      renal function and hemodialysis in select patients with transitional or renal
      cell cancer. At short followup oncologic results were similar to those of other
      ablative techniques for renal tumors. To date functional results have been
      excellent. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term results and
      limits of stereotactic radiosurgery in this setting.

PMID- 25132239
TI  - Increased brain gray matter in the primary somatosensory cortex is associated
      with increased pain and mood disturbance in patients with interstitial
      cystitis/painful bladder syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Interstitial cystitis is a highly prevalent pain condition estimated to
      affect 3% to 6% of women in the United States. Emerging data suggest there are
      central neurobiological components to the etiology of this disease. We report the
      first brain structural imaging findings from the MAPP network with data on more
      than 300 participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used voxel based morphometry to
      determine whether human patients with chronic interstitial cystitis display
      changes in brain morphology compared to healthy controls. A total of 33 female
      patients with interstitial cystitis without comorbidities and 33 age and gender
      matched controls taken from the larger sample underwent structural magnetic
      resonance imaging at 5 MAPP sites across the United States. RESULTS: Compared to
      controls, females with interstitial cystitis displayed significant increased gray
      matter volume in several regions of the brain including the right primary
      somatosensory cortex, the superior parietal lobule bilaterally and the right
      supplementary motor area. Gray matter volume in the right primary somatosensory
      cortex was associated with greater pain, mood (anxiety) and urological symptoms.
      We explored these correlations in a linear regression model, and found
      independent effects of these 3 measures on primary somatosensory cortex gray
      matter volume, namely clinical pain (McGill pain sensory total), a measure of
      urgency and anxiety (HADS). CONCLUSIONS: These data support the notion that
      changes in somatosensory gray matter may have an important role in pain
      sensitivity as well as affective and sensory aspects of interstitial cystitis.
      Further studies are needed to confirm the generalizability of these findings to
      other pain conditions.

PMID- 25132242
TI  - Evaluation of outcome and prognostic factors in extraosseous Ewing sarcoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on extraosseous Ewing sarcoma (EES) with uniform chemotherapy
      protocol are minimal. We aimed to examine this aspect in our patients, identify
      prognostic factors and compare the same with osseous Ewing sarcoma. PROCEDURES: A
      single institutional data review of patients with EES treated between June 2003
      and November 2011 with uniform chemotherapy and evaluated on intent-to-treat
      analysis was done. RESULTS: Of 374 patients with Ewing sarcoma, 60 (16%) were EES
      with median age 16 years; 20 (33%) had metastases. After median follow-up of 25
      months (range: 1.7-104.4), 5-year event free survival (EFS), OS, and local
      control-rate were 47.1 +/- 7.9%, 61.6 +/- 7.8%, and 77.9 +/- 8.6%, respectively
      for entire EES cohort. In multivariate analysis, hemoglobin <= 10 g/dl (P =
      0.03), and white blood cell count (WBC) >11 * 10(9) /L (P = 0.009) predicted
      inferior EFS for the entire EES cohort. Low hemoglobin (P = 0.05) and high LDH (P
      = 0.01) predicted inferior OS for the entire EES cohort on multivariate analysis.
      As compared to the cohort of skeletal primary (n = 314), higher proportion of
      patients underwent surgery in the cohort of EES (P =  .003); EFS (P = 0.004) and
      OS (P = 0.08) were superior for patients with EES than patients with skeletal
      Ewing sarcoma. CONCLUSION: These data of EES suggests that low hemoglobin and
      high WBC count adversely affect EFS. Overall outcome was significantly better for
      EES than skeletal primary tumors.

PMID- 25132241
TI  - A role for PERK in the mechanism underlying fluoride-induced bone turnover.
AB  - While it has been well-documented that excessive fluoride exposure caused the
      skeletal disease and osteoblasts played a critical role in the advanced skeletal
      fluorosis, the underlying mechanism that mediated these effects remain poorly
      understood. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of fluoride on
      bone of rats and MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro. Herein we found pathological features
      of high bone turnover in fluoride-treated rats, which was supported by an
      increase of osteogenic and osteoclastogenic genes expression in different stages
      of fluoride exposure. The skeletal toxicity of fluoride was accompanied by
      activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent unfolded protein
      response (UPR). A novel finding of this study was that expression of PKR-like
      endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) was the same trend with receptor activator
      for nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), and NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2)
      was the same trend with Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in bones of
      rats exposed to varied fluoride condition. Based on these data, we hypothesized
      that up-regulation of PERK probably played a role in mediating bone turnover
      induced by fluoride. Action of fluoride on MC3T3-E1 cells differentiation was
      demonstrated through analysis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and
      mineralized nodules formation. Meantime, an increase of binding immunoglobulin
      protein (BiP) expression indicated the active ER stress in cells exposed to
      various dose of fluoride. Blocking PERK expression using siRNA showed the obvious
      decrease of osteogenic and osteoclastogenic factors expression in MC3T3-E1 cells
      exposed to certain dose of fluoride that could positively stimulate osteoblastic
      viability. In conclusion these findings underscore the importance of PERK in
      modulating fluoride induced bone formation and bone resorption. Understanding the
      link between PERK and bone turnover could probe into the mechanism underlying
      different bone lesion of skeletal fluorosis. 

PMID- 25132244
TI  - Keeping up with the Cadillacs: What Health Insurance Disparities, Moral Hazard,
      and the Cadillac Tax Mean to The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
AB  - A major goal of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is to broaden
      health care access through the extension of insurance coverage. However, little
      attention has been given to growing disparities in access to health care among
      the insured, as trends to reduce benefits and increase cost sharing (deductibles,
      co-pays) reduce affordability and access. Through a political economic
      perspective that critiques moral hazard, this article draws from ethnographic
      research with the United Steelworkers (USW) at a steel mill and the Retail,
      Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) at a food-processing plant in urban
      Central Appalachia. In so doing, this article describes difficulties of health
      care affordability on the eve of reform for differentially insured working
      families with employer-sponsored health insurance. Additionally, this article
      argues that the proposed Cadillac tax on high-cost health plans will increase
      problems with appropriate health care access and medical financial burden for
      many families. 

PMID- 25132243
TI  - Natural calamities and 'the Big Migration': challenges to the Mongolian health
      system in 'the Age of the Market'.
AB  - Beginning with the demise of the socialist state system in 1990, Mongolia
      embarked on a process of neoliberal economic reform, initiating what is known
      among the Mongols as 'the Age of the Market'. The socialist health system has
      been replaced by a series of reforms initiated and substantiated by foreign donor
      organisations. This paper critically examines Mongolia's health system and
      discusses the extent to which this 'system', despite its provision of universal,
      accessible and essential primary health care services, is unable to accommodate
      the health needs of poor urban in-migrants and nomadic herders in remote
      provinces. With a particular focus on recurrent natural winter disasters (dzud)
      and an escalating rural to urban migration, the paper argues that the issues of
      access to health services and health system strengthening must be understood in
      relation to factors external to the health system. Ethnographic research
      highlights that despite a growing economy, considerable external aid and an
      established primary health care model, weak rural politics, environmental
      challenges and economic constraints create escalating health vulnerability among
      the poorest in Mongolia. 

PMID- 25132245
TI  - What is the optimal treatment for presbyphonia?

PMID- 25132246
TI  - Reply: can implanted venous access ports remain patent without maintenance flush
      lock?

PMID- 25132247
TI  - Does dexmedetomidine have a cardiac protective effect during non-cardiac surgery?
      A randomised controlled trial.
AB  - This study was designed to determine the effects of dexmedetomidine on
      perioperative myocardial injury by observing peripheral circulatory changes in
      response to tracheal intubation and extubation, myocardial enzyme levels,
      myocardial ischaemia improvements, cardiovascular adverse events and cytokines in
      patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) undergoing non-cardiac surgery. This
      study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. Eighty patients having
      CHD were scheduled for elective hip-replacement surgery and randomly allocated to
      receive a loading dose of 1 MUg/kg dexmedetomidine followed by a 0.2 MUg/kg per h
      infusion (Dex group; n = 40) or normal saline (control group; n = 40). Systolic
      blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate,
      rate-pressure product and changes in ST-T segment on the electrocardiogram were
      recorded every 5 min during surgery. Serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac
      troponin I (cTnI), glycogen phosphorylase BB (GP-BB), interleukin (IL)-6 and
      tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha protein levels were determined preoperatively,
      at the end of surgery and 12 and 24 h after surgery. The improvement rate of
      myocardial ischaemia was higher in the Dex than control group (87.5% vs 32.5%,
      respectively; P < 0.05). In addition, the Dex group had lower serum CK-MB, IL-6,
      cTnI and GP-BB concentrations than the control group (P < 0.05). There was no
      significance difference in TNF-alpha between the two groups (P > 0.05).
      Dexmedetomidine can reduce myocardial injury and cytokine levels in patients with
      CHD undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

PMID- 25132249
TI  - Considerations in understanding the ocular surface microbiome.

PMID- 25132250
TI  - Choroidal changes associated with bruch membrane pathology in pseudoxanthoma
      elasticum.

PMID- 25132248
TI  - Association of interleukin-8 and neutrophils with nasal symptom severity during
      acute respiratory infection.
AB  - Using a large data set (n = 811), the relationship between acute respiratory
      infection illness severity and inflammatory biomarkers was investigated to
      determine whether certain symptoms are correlated more closely than others with
      the inflammatory biomarkers, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and nasal neutrophils.
      Participants with community acquired acute respiratory infection underwent nasal
      lavage for IL-8 and neutrophil testing, in addition to multiplex polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) methods for the detection and identification of respiratory
      viruses. Information about symptoms was obtained throughout the duration of the
      illness episode using the well-validated Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom
      Survey (WURSS-21). Global symptom severity was calculated by the area under the
      curve (AUC) plotting duration versus WURSS total. Of the specimens tested, 56%
      were positively identified for one or more of nine different respiratory viruses.
      During acute respiratory infection illness, both IL-8 and neutrophils positively
      correlate with AUC (r(s) = 0.082, P = 0.022; r(s)  = 0.080, P = 0.030). IL-8 and
      neutrophils correlate with nasal symptom severity: runny nose (r = 0.13, P = <
      0.00001; r = 0.18, P = < 0.003), plugged nose (r = 0.045, P = 0.003; r = 0.14, P
      = 0.058), and sneezing (r = -0.02, P = < 0.0001; r = -0.0055, P = 0.31).
      Neutrophils correlate with some quality of life measures such as sleeping well (r
      = 0.15, P = 0.026). Thus, the study demonstrates that IL-8 and neutrophils are
      correlated with severity of nasal symptoms during acute respiratory infection.
      Further research is necessary to determine if the concentration of these or other
      biomarkers can predict the overall duration and severity of acute respiratory
      infection illness.

PMID- 25132251
TI  - Importance of birth weight as a risk factor for severe retinopathy of prematurity
      when gestational age is 30 or more weeks.

PMID- 25132252
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24727260.

PMID- 25132253
TI  - Clinical manifestations of patients with intraocular inflammation and positive
      QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube test in a country nonendemic for tuberculosis.

PMID- 25132254
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24582994.

PMID- 25132255
TI  - Pancreatic surgical biopsy in 24 dogs and 19 cats: postoperative complications
      and clinical relevance of histological findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the immediate postoperative complications associated with
      pancreatic biopsy in dogs and cats and review the clinical relevance of biopsy
      findings. METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical records from two referral
      institutions for cases undergoing pancreatic biopsy between 2000 and 2013.
      RESULTS: Twenty-four dogs and 19 cats that had surgical pancreatic biopsy had
      sufficient detail in their clinical records and fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
      Postoperative complications were seen in 10 cases of which 5 were suggestive of
      post-surgical pancreatitis. Two patients were euthanased within 10 days of
      surgery because of the underlying disease; neither suffered postoperative
      complications. Pancreatic pathology was found in 19 cases, 7 cases showed no
      change other than benign pancreatic nodular hyperplasia, and no abnormalities
      were seen in 18 cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Complications may be encountered
      following surgical pancreatic biopsy, although the risk should be minimal with
      good surgical technique. Pancreatic biopsy may provide a useful contribution to
      case management but it is not clear whether a negative pancreatic biopsy should
      be used to rule out pancreatic disease. Dogs were more likely to have no
      significant pathology found on pancreatic biopsy than cats, where chronic
      pancreatitis was the most common finding.

PMID- 25132256
TI  - Effect of Astragalus polysaccharides on expression of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and
      NFATc4 in a rat model of experimental colitis.
AB  - AIM: Astragalus membranaceus is a Chinese medicinal herb and has been shown to
      improve hapten-induced experimental colitis. One of its major components is
      polysaccharides. We investigated the effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS)
      on expression of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and NFATc4 in a rat model of experimental
      colitis. METHODS: The experimental colitis model was induced by TNBS. Forty five
      rats were divided into five groups (n=9): Normal control group, receiving ethanol
      vehicle with no TNBS during induction and IP saline injection during treatment;
      TNBS colitis model group (TNBS+IP saline), receiving only IP saline vehicle
      treatment; APS low dose group (TNBS+L-APS), receiving APS 100mg/kg; APS high dose
      group (TNBS+H-APS), receiving APS 200mg/kg; and positive control group
      (TNBS+Dexm), receiving dexamethasone 0.3mg/kg. The clinical features, macroscopic
      and microscopic scores were assessed. The expressions of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and
      NFATc4 were measured by real-time PCR and ELISA assays. RESULTS: Compared to
      normal control rats, TNBS+IP saline had significant weight loss, increased
      macroscopic and microscopic scores, higher disease activity index (DAI) up
      regulation of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and NFATc4 mRNA expression and up-regulation of
      TNF-alpha and IL-1beta protein expression. Compared to TNBS+IP saline, treatment
      with APS or dexamethasone significantly reduced DAI, partially but significantly
      prevented TNBS colitis-induced weight loss and improved both macroscopic and
      microscopic scores; high dose APS or dexamethasone significantly down-regulated
      TNF-alpha and IL-1beta expressions (both mRNA and protein) and up-regulated
      NFATc4 mRNA and protein expression. The effect of high dose APS and dexamethasone
      is comparable. CONCLUSIONS: APS significantly improved experimental TNBS-induced
      colitis in rats through regulation of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and NFATc4 expression.

PMID- 25132257
TI  - Biomechanical comparison of a locking compression plate combined with an
      intramedullary pin or a polyetheretherketone rod in a cadaveric canine tibia gap
      model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical properties of a 10-hole 3.5 mm locking
      compression plate (LCP) with 2 proximal and 2 distal bicortical locked screws
      reinforced with either a Steinmann pin of 30-40% the medullary diameter or a poly
      ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) rod of ~75% the medullary diameter in a cadaveric tibia
      gap model. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric canine
      tibias (n = 8 pair). METHODS: Each construct had a 10-hole 3.5 mm LCP with 2
      screws per fracture fragment using a comminuted tibia gap model. The Steinmann
      pin constructs had a 2.4 mm intramedullary pin whereas the PEEK-rod constructs
      had a 6 mm intramedullary PEEK rod placed. Biomechanical testing included non
      destructive bi-planar 4 point bending, torsion testing, and destructive axial
      compression. Testing produced the responses of failure load (N) in axial
      compression, stiffness (N/mm or N/ degrees ) in axial compression, torsion,
      lateral-medial, and caudal-cranial 4 point bending. Screw position within the
      PEEK-rods was determined after explantation. RESULTS: The PEEK-rod constructs
      were significantly stiffer in axial compression (P < .005), lateral-medial 4
      point bending (P < .001), and in torsional loading (P < .031) than the Steinman
      pin constructs. There was no significant difference between the constructs for
      stiffness in caudal-cranial 4 point bending (P = .32). The PEEK-rod constructs
      failed at a significantly higher load than the Steinmann pin constructs (P <
      .001). All constructs failed by yielding through plastic deformation. Each screw
      penetrated the PEEK rod in all constructs but the position of the screw varied.
      CONCLUSION: PEEK-rod constructs failed at significantly higher loads and were
      significantly stiffer in 4 point lateral-medial bending, axial compression, and
      torsion when compared with Steinmann pin constructs.

PMID- 25132258
TI  - Retinoic acid receptor-alpha up-regulates proopiomelanocortin gene expression in
      AtT20 corticotroph cells.
AB  - Cushing's disease is a disorder caused by excessive ACTH secretion from a
      corticotroph tumor of the pituitary gland. Although its standard therapy is a
      transsphenoidal surgery, innovation of novel medical treatments for the disease
      is urgently necessary. Retinoic acid (RA) has been reported to suppress
      adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion in Cushing's disease. However, the
      role of RA receptor (RAR) in proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene expression remains
      uncertain. We here examined the involvement of RARalpha in Pomc regulation using
      AtT20 corticotroph cells. Surprisingly, a synthetic RARalpha agonist Am80
      increased Pomc mRNA expression, CRH-induced ACTH secretion, and Pomc promoter
      activity. Small interfering RNA-mediated RARalpha-knockdown suppressed both basal
      and Am80-induced Pomc promoter activity. RARalpha-overexpression dose-dependently
      increased Pomc promoter activity. Pomc promoter mutation analysis revealed that
      both Tpit and NeuroD1 binding elements were responsible for the Am80-mediated
      effect. Am80 increased Tpit expression while RAR antagonist LE540 suppressed the
      increase. Tpit-overexpression increased Pomc promoter activity. Mammalian two
      hybrid assay revealed that Am80 induced NeuroD1-RARalpha interaction. NeuroD1
      overexpression enhanced the Am80-induced Pomc promoter activity, which was
      suppressed by NeuroD1 truncated mutant-overexpression. RARalpha thus positively
      regulates ACTH secretion/Pomc gene expression through interaction with NeuroD1
      and Tpit expression increase. The present observation will be useful for the
      future development of the RA/retinoid-derived therapeutics of the disease.

PMID- 25132259
TI  - [Nursing and the humanization of the end- of-life care within healthcare
      systems].
AB  - The reflection upon the humanisation of the end-of-life process within healthcare
      systems and the implication of healthcare professionals is the main objective of
      this article. The evolution of the model of care and nurses leadership role at
      the end-of-life process is evaluated. This analysis starts from the first
      European references regarding advance wills, made in 1997 at the Oviedo
      Convention, until the introduction of the idea of advance directives incorporated
      into Spanish law in 2002. It sets the concept of advance planning in health
      related decisions, which establishes a process of voluntary dialogue where every
      person can clarify values, preferences and wishes regarding the final moments of
      life, with the support of the healthcare professionals. 

PMID- 25132260
TI  - CCN5/WISP-2 promotes growth arrest of triple-negative breast cancer cells through
      accumulation and trafficking of p27(Kip1) via Skp2 and FOXO3a regulation.
AB  - The matricellular protein CCN5/WISP-2 represents a promising target in triple
      negative breast cancer (TNBC) because treatment or induced activation of CCN5 in
      TNBC cells promotes cell growth arrest at the G0/G1 phase, reduces cell
      proliferation and delays tumor growth in the xenograft model. Our studies found
      that the p27(Kip1) tumor suppressor protein is upregulated and relocalized to the
      nucleus from cytoplasm by CCN5 in these cells and that these two events
      (upregulation and relocalization of p27(Kip1)) are critical for CCN5-induced
      growth inhibition of TNBC cells. In the absence of CCN5, p27(Kip1) resides mostly
      in the cytoplasm, which is associated with the aggressive nature of cancer cells.
      Mechanistically, CCN5 inhibits Skp2 expression, which seems to stabilize the
      p27(Kip1) protein in these cells. On the other hand, CCN5 also recruits FOXO3a to
      mediate the transcriptional regulation of p27(Kip1). The recruitment of FOXO3a is
      achieved by the induction of its expression and activity through shifting from
      cytoplasm to the nucleus. Our data indicate that CCN5 blocks PI3K/AKT signaling
      to dephosphorylate at S318, S253 and Thr32 in FOXO3a for nuclear relocalization
      and activation of FOXO3a. Moreover, inhibition of alpha6beta1 receptors
      diminishes CCN5 action on p27(Kip1) in TNBC cells. Collectively, these data
      suggest that CCN5 effectively inhibits TNBC growth through the accumulation and
      trafficking of p27(Kip1) via Skp2 and FOXO3a regulation, and thus, activation of
      CCN5 may have the therapeutic potential to kill TNBC. 

PMID- 25132261
TI  - Neuropeptide Y receptor Y5 as an inducible pro-survival factor in neuroblastoma:
      implications for tumor chemoresistance.
AB  - Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric tumor of neural crest origin with heterogeneous
      phenotypes. Although low-stage tumors carry a favorable prognosis, >50% of high
      risk NB relapses after treatment with a fatal outcome. Thus developing therapies
      targeting refractory NB remains an unsolved clinical problem. Brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its TrkB receptor are known to protect NB cells
      from chemotherapy-induced cell death, while neuropeptide Y (NPY), acting via its
      Y2 receptor (Y2R), is an autocrine proliferative and angiogenic factor crucial
      for maintaining NB tumor growth. Here we show that in NB cells, BDNF stimulates
      the synthesis of NPY and induces expression of another one of its receptors, Y5R.
      In human NB tissues, the expression of NPY and Y5R positively correlated with the
      expression of BDNF and TrkB. Functionally, BDNF triggered Y5R internalization in
      NB cells, whereas Y5R antagonist inhibited BDNF-induced p44/42 mitogen-activated
      protein kinase activation and its pro-survival activity. These observations
      suggested TrkB-Y5R transactivation that resulted in cross-talk between their
      signaling pathways. Additionally, NPY and Y5R were upregulated in a BDNF
      independent manner in NB cells under pro-apoptotic conditions, such as serum
      deprivation and chemotherapy, as well as in cell lines and tissues derived from
      posttreatment NB tumors. Blocking Y5R in chemoresistant NB cells rich in this
      receptor sensitized them to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and inhibited their
      growth in vivo by augmenting cell death. In summary, the NPY/Y5R axis is an
      inducible survival pathway activated in NB by BDNF or cellular stress. Upon such
      activation, Y5R augments the pro-survival effect of BDNF via its interactions
      with TrkB receptor and exerts an additional BDNF-independent anti-apoptotic
      effect, both of which contribute to NB chemoresistance. Therefore, the NPY/Y5R
      pathway may become a novel therapeutic target for patients with refractory NB,
      thus far an incurable form of this disease. 

PMID- 25132262
TI  - N-terminus-modified Hec1 suppresses tumour growth by interfering with kinetochore
      microtubule dynamics.
AB  - Mitotic proteins are attractive targets to develop molecular cancer therapeutics
      due to the intimate interdependence between cell proliferation and mitosis. In
      this work, we have explored the therapeutic potential of the kinetochore (KT)
      protein Hec1 (Highly Expressed in Cancer protein 1) as a molecular target to
      produce massive chromosome missegregation and cell death in cancer cells. Hec1 is
      a constituent of the Ndc80 complex, which mediates KT-microtubule (MT)
      attachments at mitosis and is upregulated in various cancer types. We expressed
      Hec1 fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) at its N-terminus MT
      interaction domain in HeLa cells and showed that expression of this modified
      Hec1, which localized at KTs, blocked cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis
      in tumour cells. EGFP-Hec1 was extremely potent in tumour cell killing and more
      efficient than siRNA-induced Hec1 depletion. In striking contrast, normal cells
      showed no apparent cell proliferation defects or cell death following EGFP-Hec1
      expression. Live-cell imaging demonstrated that cancer cell death was associated
      with massive chromosome missegregation within multipolar spindles after a
      prolonged mitotic arrest. Moreover, EGFP-Hec1 expression was found to increase KT
      MT attachment stability, providing a molecular explanation for the abnormal
      spindle architecture and the cytotoxic activity of this modified protein.
      Consistent with cell culture data, EGFP-Hec1 expression was found to strongly
      inhibit tumour growth in a mouse xenograft model by disrupting mitosis and
      inducing multipolar spindles. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that
      stimulation of massive chromosome segregation defects can be used as an anti
      cancer strategy through the activation of mitotic catastrophe after a multipolar
      mitosis. Importantly, this study represents a clear proof of concept that
      targeting KT proteins required for proper KT-MT attachment dynamics constitutes a
      powerful approach in cancer therapy. 

PMID- 25132263
TI  - BRCA1-IRIS inactivation sensitizes ovarian tumors to cisplatin.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is the first in mortalities among gynecologic cancers in the
      United States, often due to late diagnosis and/or acquired platinum-resistant
      recurrences. This study investigates whether BRCA1-IRIS is a novel treatment
      target for ovarian cancers and in platinum-resistant recurrences. Here we show
      that more than half of the ovarian cancer samples analyzed showed BRCA1-IRIS and
      survivin overexpression and lacked nuclear FOXO3a expression. Normal ovarian
      epithelial cells overexpressing BRCA1-IRIS formed metastasis in mice when
      injected in the peritoneal cavity, whereas aggressive ovarian cancer cell lines
      failed to form tumors or metastases in mice when BRCA1-IRIS was silenced in them.
      We show that BRCA1-IRIS activates two autocrine signaling loops, brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase B receptor (BDNF/TrkB) and neuregulin 1
      (NRG1)/ErbB2. These loops are involved in anoikis resistance and metastasis
      promotion. These loops operate in several ovarian cancer cell lines, and BRCA1
      IRIS silencing or inactivation using a novel inhibitory peptide renders both non
      functional and promoted cell death. In a mouse xenograft model, BRCA1-IRIS
      inactivation using this novel inhibitory peptide resulted in significant
      reduction in ovarian tumor growth. More importantly, this treatment sensitized
      ovarian tumors to low cisplatin concentrations. Taken together, these data
      strongly suggest that BRCA1-IRIS and/or BDNF/TrkB and NRG1/ErbB2 could serve as
      rational therapeutic targets for advanced ovarian cancers. 

PMID- 25132264
TI  - K63-linked ubiquitination of FANCG is required for its association with the Rap80
      BRCA1 complex to modulate homologous recombination repair of DNA interstand
      crosslinks.
AB  - DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) are extremely deleterious lesions that are
      repaired by homologous recombination (HR) through coordination of Fanconi anemia
      (FA) proteins and breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) product, but the
      exact role these proteins have remains unclear. Here we report that FANCG was
      modified by the addition of lysine63-linked polyubiquitin chains (K63Ub) in
      response to DNA damage. We show that FANCG K63Ub was dispensable for
      monoubiquitination of FANCD2, but was required for FANCG to interact with the
      Rap80-BRCA1 (receptor-associated protein 80-BRCA1) complex for subsequent
      modulation of HR repair of ICLs induced by mitomycin C. Mutation of three lysine
      residues within FANCG to arginine (K182, K258 and K347, 3KR) reduced FANCG K63Ub
      modification, as well as its interaction with the Rap80-BRCA1 complex, and
      therefore impeded HR repair. In addition, we demonstrated that K63Ub-modified
      FANCG was deubiquitinated by BRCC36 complex in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of
      BRCC36 resulted in increased K63Ub modification of FANCG. Taken together, our
      results identify a new role of FANCG in HR repair of ICL through K63Ub-mediated
      interaction with the Rap80-BRCA1 complex. 

PMID- 25132265
TI  - Endonuclease G initiates DNA rearrangements at the MLL breakpoint cluster upon
      replication stress.
AB  - MLL (myeloid/lymphoid or mixed-lineage leukemia) rearrangements are frequent in
      therapy-related and childhood acute leukemia, and are associated with poor
      prognosis. The majority of the rearrangements fall within a 7.3-kb MLL breakpoint
      cluster region (MLLbcr), particularly in a 0.4-kb hotspot at the intron11-exon12
      boundary. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, though multiple
      pathways including early apoptotic signaling, accompanied by high-order DNA
      fragmentation, have been implicated. We introduced the MLLbcr hotspot in an EGFP
      based recombination reporter system and demonstrated enhancement of both
      spontaneous and genotoxic treatment-induced DNA recombination by the MLLbcr in
      various human cell types. We identified Endonuclease G (EndoG), an apoptotic
      nuclease, as an essential factor for MLLbcr-specific DNA recombination after
      induction of replication stress. We provide evidence for replication stress
      induced nuclear accumulation of EndoG, DNA binding by EndoG as well as cleavage
      of the chromosomal MLLbcr locus in a manner requiring EndoG. We demonstrate
      additional dependency of MLLbcr breakage on ATM signaling to histone H2B
      monoubiquitinase RNF20, involved in chromatin relaxation. Altogether our findings
      provide a novel mechanism underlying MLLbcr destabilization in the cells of
      origin of leukemogenesis, with replication stress-activated, EndoG-mediated
      cleavage at the MLLbcr, which may serve resolution of the stalled forks via
      recombination repair, however, also permits MLL rearrangements. 

PMID- 25132267
TI  - Anoikis resistance is a critical feature of highly aggressive ovarian cancer
      cells.
AB  - High-grade serous ovarian cancer is an aggressive form of epithelial ovarian
      cancer (EOC), and accounts for the majority of deaths due to EOC. The critical
      cellular processes and underlying molecular mechanisms that define this
      malignancy remain poorly understood. Using a syngeneic murine model, we
      investigated the changes that accompanied the progression to increased
      aggressiveness induced by in vivo passage of mouse EOC cells. We found that
      enhanced anoikis resistance was a key cellular process associated with greater
      aggressiveness and tumorigenicity in vivo. Biochemical studies revealed that the
      enhanced anoikis resistance was associated with the activation of the Src/Akt/Erk
      signaling pathway. A higher rate of metabolism and autophagy were also associated
      with increased anoikis resistance. Blocking these pathways with specific
      inhibitors and/or genetic modifications significantly increased anoikis in vitro
      and inhibited tumor development in vivo. In addition, we demonstrated that
      similar signaling pathways were also involved in a human EOC cell line model.
      Collectively, our data suggest that anoikis resistance represents a critical and
      a distinguishing feature underlying the aggressiveness of ovarian cancer cells. 

PMID- 25132266
TI  - MicroRNA regulons in tumor microenvironment.
AB  - Cancer initiation and progression are defined by the behavior of cancer cells per
      se and the development of tumor tissues, both of which are modulated by crosstalk
      between cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment. Advances in cancer
      research have highlighted the significance of constant evolution of the tumor
      microenvironment, leading to tumor formation, metastasis and refractoriness to
      therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that function as major
      players of posttranscriptional gene regulation in diverse biological processes.
      They function as both tumor suppressors and promoters in many aspects of the
      autonomous behavior of cancer cells. Theoretically, dysfunction in the gene
      regulatory networks of cancer cells is one of the major driving forces for
      alterations of ostensibly normal surrounding cells. In this context, the core
      targets of miRNAs, termed miRNA regulons, are currently being expanded to include
      various modulators of the tumor microenvironment. Recent advances have
      highlighted two important roles played by miRNAs in the evolution of tumor
      microenvironments: miRNAs in tumor cells transform the microenvironment via non
      cell-autonomous mechanisms, and miRNAs in neighboring cells stabilize cancer
      hallmark traits. These observations epitomize the distal and proximal functions
      of miRNAs in tumor microenvironments, respectively. Such regulation by miRNAs
      affects tumor angiogenesis, immune invasion and tumor-stromal interactions. This
      review summarizes recent findings on the mechanisms of miRNA-mediated regulation
      of tumor microenvironments, with a perspective on the design of therapeutic
      interventions. 

PMID- 25132268
TI  - Single-cell gene expression signatures reveal melanoma cell heterogeneity.
AB  - It is well established that tumours are not homogenous, but comprise cells with
      differing invasive, proliferative and tumour-initiating potential. A major
      challenge in cancer research is therefore to develop methods to characterize cell
      heterogeneity. In melanoma, proliferative and invasive cells are characterized by
      distinct gene expression profiles and accumulating evidence suggests that cells
      can alternate between these states through a process called phenotype switching.
      We have used microfluidic technology to isolate single melanoma cells grown in
      vitro as monolayers or melanospheres or in vivo as xenografted tumours and
      analyse the expression profiles of 114 genes that discriminate the proliferative
      and invasive states by quantitative PCR. Single-cell analysis accurately
      recapitulates the specific gene expression programmes of melanoma cell lines and
      defines subpopulations with distinct expression profiles. Cell heterogeneity is
      augmented when cells are grown as spheres and as xenografted tumours. Correlative
      analysis identifies gene-regulatory networks and changes in gene expression under
      different growth conditions. In tumours, subpopulations of cells that express
      specific invasion and drug resistance markers can be identified amongst which is
      the pluripotency factor POUF51 (OCT4) whose expression correlates with the
      tumorigenic potential. We therefore show that single-cell analysis can be used to
      define and quantify tumour heterogeneity based on detection of cells with
      specific gene expression profiles. 

PMID- 25132269
TI  - DNA damage response and prostate cancer: defects, regulation and therapeutic
      implications.
AB  - DNA damage response (DDR) includes the activation of numerous cellular activities
      that prevent duplication of DNA lesions and maintain genomic integrity, which is
      critical for the survival of normal and cancer cells. Specific genes involved in
      the DDR such as BRCA1/2 and P53 are mutated during prostate cancer progression,
      while various oncogenic signaling such as Akt and c-Myc are activated, enhancing
      the replication stress and increasing the genomic instability of cancer cells.
      These events may render prostate cancer cells particularly sensitive to
      inhibition of specific DDR pathways, such as PARP in homologous recombination DNA
      repair and Chk1 in cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair, creating opportunities
      for synthetic lethality or synergistic cytotoxicity. Recent reports highlight the
      critical role of androgen receptor (AR) as a regulator of DDR genes, providing a
      rationale for combining DNA-damaging agents or targeted DDR inhibitors with
      hormonal manipulation or AR inhibition as treatment for aggressive disease. The
      aims of this review are to discuss specific DDR defects in prostate cancer that
      occur during disease progression, to summarize recent advances in understanding
      the regulation of DDR in prostate cancer, and to present potential therapeutic
      opportunities through combinational targeting of the intact components of DDR
      signaling pathways. 

PMID- 25132270
TI  - CHK1 overexpression in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is essential for
      proliferation and survival by preventing excessive replication stress.
AB  - Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) is a key component of the ATR (ataxia telangiectasia
      mutated and Rad3-related)-dependent DNA damage response pathway that protect
      cells from replication stress, a cell intrinsic phenomenon enhanced by oncogenic
      transformation. Here, we show that CHK1 is overexpressed and hyperactivated in T
      cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). CHEK1 mRNA is highly abundant in
      patients of the proliferative T-ALL subgroup and leukemia cells exhibit
      constitutively elevated levels of the replication stress marker phospho-RPA32 and
      the DNA damage marker gammaH2AX. Importantly, pharmacologic inhibition of CHK1
      using PF-004777736 or CHK1 short hairpin RNA-mediated silencing impairs T-ALL
      cell proliferation and viability. CHK1 inactivation results in the accumulation
      of cells with incompletely replicated DNA, ensuing DNA damage, ATM/CHK2
      activation and subsequent ATM- and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. In contrast to
      normal thymocytes, primary T-ALL cells are sensitive to therapeutic doses of PF
      004777736, even in the presence of stromal or interleukin-7 survival signals.
      Moreover, CHK1 inhibition significantly delays in vivo growth of xenotransplanted
      T-ALL tumors. We conclude that CHK1 is critical for T-ALL proliferation and
      viability by downmodulating replication stress and preventing ATM/caspase-3
      dependent cell death. Pharmacologic inhibition of CHK1 may be a promising
      therapeutic alternative for T-ALL treatment. 

PMID- 25132271
TI  - The dual-acting chemotherapeutic agent Alchemix induces cell death independently
      of ATM and p53.
AB  - Topoisomerase inhibitors are in common use as chemotherapeutic agents although
      they can display reduced efficacy in chemotherapy-resistant tumours, which have
      inactivated DNA damage response (DDR) genes, such as ATM and TP53. Here, we
      characterise the cellular response to the dual-acting agent, Alchemix (ALX),
      which is a modified anthraquinone that functions as a topoisomerase inhibitor as
      well as an alkylating agent. We show that ALX induces a robust DDR at nano-molar
      concentrations and this is mediated primarily through ATR- and DNA-PK- but not
      ATM-dependent pathways, despite DNA double strand breaks being generated after
      prolonged exposure to the drug. Interestingly, exposure of epithelial tumour cell
      lines to ALX in vitro resulted in potent activation of the G2/M checkpoint, which
      after a prolonged arrest, was bypassed allowing cells to progress into mitosis
      where they ultimately died by mitotic catastrophe. We also observed effective
      killing of lymphoid tumour cell lines in vitro following exposure to ALX,
      although, in contrast, this tended to occur via activation of a p53-independent
      apoptotic pathway. Lastly, we validate the effectiveness of ALX as a
      chemotherapeutic agent in vivo by demonstrating its ability to cause a
      significant reduction in tumour cell growth, irrespective of TP53 status, using a
      mouse leukaemia xenograft model. Taken together, these data demonstrate that ALX,
      through its dual action as an alkylating agent and topoisomerase inhibitor,
      represents a novel anti-cancer agent that could be potentially used clinically to
      treat refractory or relapsed tumours, particularly those harbouring mutations in
      DDR genes. 

PMID- 25132272
TI  - TGF-beta signaling alters the pattern of liver tumorigenesis induced by Pten
      inactivation.
AB  - Hepatocarcinogenesis results from the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic
      changes in liver cells. A common mechanism through which these alterations induce
      liver cancer is by deregulating signaling pathways. A number of signaling
      pathways, including the PI3K/PTEN/AKT and transforming growth factor beta (TGF
      beta) pathways have been implicated in normal liver development as well as in
      cancer formation. In this study, we assessed the effect of the TGF-beta signaling
      pathway on liver tumors induced by phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten) loss.
      Inactivation of only the TGF-beta receptor type II, Tgfbr2, in the mouse liver
      (Tgfbr2(LKO)) had no overt phenotype, while inactivation of Pten alone
      (Pten(LKO)), resulted in the formation of both hepatocellular carcinomas and
      cholangiocarcinomas (CC). Interestingly, deletion of both Pten and Tgfbr2
      (Pten(LKO);Tgfbr2(LKO)) in the mouse liver resulted in a dramatic shift in tumor
      type to predominantly CC. Assessment of the PI3K/PTEN/AKT pathway revealed
      increased phosphorylation of AKT and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3beta)
      in both the Pten(LKO) and Pten(LKO);Tgfbr2(LKO) mice, suggesting that this
      pathway is constitutively active regardless of the status of the TGF-beta
      signaling pathway. However, phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase was observed in the
      liver of all three phenotypes (Tgfbr2(LKO), Pten(LKO), Pten(LKO);Tgfbr2(LKO))
      indicating that the loss of Tgfbr2 and/or Pten leads to an increase in this
      signaling pathway. Analysis of markers of liver progenitor/stem cells revealed
      that the loss of TGF-beta signaling resulted in increased expression of c-Kit and
      CD133. Furthermore, in addition to increased c-Kit and CD133, Scf and EpCam
      expression were also increased in the double knock-out mice. These results
      suggest that the alteration in tumor types between the Pten(LKO) mice and
      Pten(LKO);Tgfbr2(LKO) mice is secondary to the altered regulation of stem-cell
      features induced by the loss of TGF-beta signaling. 

PMID- 25132275
TI  - Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis.
AB  - Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis (DIV) is an uncommon form of chronic purulent
      vaginitis. It occurs mainly in Caucasians with a peak occurrence in the
      perimenopause. Symptoms and signs are nonspecific; DIV is a diagnosis of
      exclusion, and other causes of purulent vaginitis should be excluded. The main
      symptoms include purulent discharge, vestibulo-vaginal irritation, and
      dyspareunia. Examination of vaginal walls shows signs of inflammation with
      increased erythema and petechiae. Through microscopy (wet mount) of the vaginal
      secretions, DIV is defined by an increase in inflammatory cells and parabasal
      epithelial cells (immature squamous cells). Vaginal flora is abnormal and pH is
      always elevated above 4.5. Although etiology and pathogenesis remain unknown, the
      favorable response to anti-inflammatory agents suggests that the etiology is
      immune mediated. Either local vaginal clindamycin or vaginal corticosteroids are
      adequate treatment. As a chronic condition, maintenance treatment should be
      considered as relapse is common. 

PMID- 25132273
TI  - Biodegradable poly(ester urethane)urea elastomers with variable amino content for
      subsequent functionalization with phosphorylcholine.
AB  - While surface modification is well suited for imparting biomaterials with
      specific functionality for favorable cell interactions, the modification of
      degradable polymers would be expected to provide only temporary benefit. Bulk
      modification by incorporating pendant reactive groups for subsequent
      functionalization of biodegradable polymers would provide a more enduring
      approach. Towards this end, a series of biodegradable poly(ester urethane)urea
      elastomers with variable amino content (PEUU-NH2 polymers) were developed.
      Carboxylated phosphorycholine was synthesized and conjugated to the PEUU-NH2
      polymers for subsequent bulk functionalization to generate PEUU-PC polymers.
      Synthesis was verified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy. The impact of amine incorporation and phosphorylcholine conjugation
      was shown on mechanical, thermal and degradation properties. Water absorption
      increased with increasing amine content, and further with PC conjugation. In wet
      conditions, tensile strength and initial modulus generally decreased with
      increasing hydrophilicity, but remained in the range of 5-30 MPa and 10-20 MPa,
      respectively. PC conjugation was associated with significantly reduced platelet
      adhesion in blood contact testing and the inhibition of rat vascular smooth
      muscle cell proliferation. These biodegradable PEUU-PC elastomers offer
      attractive properties for applications as non-thrombogenic, biodegradable
      coatings and for blood-contacting scaffold applications. Further, the PEUU-NH2
      base polymers offer the potential to have multiple types of biofunctional groups
      conjugated onto the backbone to address a variety of design objectives.

PMID- 25132277
TI  - Surgery of the vulva in vulvar cancer.
AB  - The standard radical mutilating surgery for the treatment of invasive vulval
      carcinoma is, today, being replaced by a conservative and individualised
      approach. Surgical conservative modifications that are currently considered safe,
      regarding vulval lesion, are separate skin vulval-groin incisions, drawn
      according to the lesion diameter, and wide local radical excision or partial
      radical vulvectomy with 1-2 cm of clinically clear surgical margins. Regarding
      inguinofemoral lymph nodes management, surgical conservative modifications not
      compromising patient survival are omission of groin lymphadenectomy only when
      tumour stromal invasion is <= 1 mm, unilateral groin lymphadenectomy only in well
      lateralised early lesions and total or radical inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy
      with preservation of femoral fascia when full groin resection is needed. Sentinel
      lymph node dissection is a promising technique but it should not be routinely
      employed outside referral centres. Pelvic nodes are better managed by radiation.
      Locally advanced vulval carcinoma can be managed by ultraradical surgery,
      exclusive radiotherapy or chemoradiation.

PMID- 25132276
TI  - Vulvar dermatosis.
AB  - Vulvar dermatoses are inflammatory conditions responsible for chronic or
      recurrent itching and soreness. The lesions are either circumscribed to the vulva
      or associated with extragenital localizations which may help to assess the
      diagnosis. They should be differentiated from infectious or neoplastic diseases
      which may have clinical similarities. As opposed to the majority of all
      dermatoses that have a benign and regular course, lichen sclerosus or lichen
      planus could exceptionally foster the occurrence of an epithelial cancer
      precursor which may evolve to squamous cell carcinoma. Topical corticosteroids
      are the mainstay treatment of vulvar dermatosis. We do not know if the treatment
      of vulvar lichen sclerosus and vulvar lichen planus prevents squamous cell
      carcinoma. 

PMID- 25132274
TI  - Curcumin-functionalized silk materials for enhancing adipogenic differentiation
      of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Curcumin, a natural phenolic compound derived from the plant Curcuma longa, was
      physically entrapped and stabilized in silk hydrogel films, and its influence on
      human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSC) was assessed related to
      adipogenic differentiation. The presence of curcumin significantly reduced the
      silk gelation time and changed the porous morphology of gel matrix, but did not
      change the formation of the silk beta-sheet structure. Based on
      spectrofluorimetric analysis, curcumin most likely interacted with hydrophobic
      residues in silk, interacting with the beta-sheet domains formed in the
      hydrogels. The antioxidant activity of silk film-associated curcumin remained
      functional over at least one month in both the dry and hydrated state. Negligible
      curcumin was released from silk hydrogel films over 48 h incubation in aqueous
      solution. For hBMSC cultured on silk films containing more than 0.25 mg ml(-1)
      curcumin, cell proliferation was inhibited, while adipogenesis was significantly
      promoted based on transcripts as well as Oil Red O staining. When hBMSC were
      cultured in media containing free curcumin, both proliferation and adipogenesis
      of hBMSC were inhibited when curcumin concentrations exceeded 5 MUM, which is
      more than 1000 times higher than the level of curcumin released from the films in
      aqueous solution. Thus, silk film-associated curcumin exhibited different effects
      on hBMSC proliferation and differentiation compared with curcumin in solution.

PMID- 25132278
TI  - The effects of an epithelial barrier protective cationic aerosol on allergen
      induced airway inflammation in asthma: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical
      trial.
AB  - Inhaled cationic airway lining modulator (iCALM) is a cationic aerosol therapy
      comprised of 1.29% calcium chloride dissolved in 0.9% isotonic saline that
      enhances the biophysical barrier function of the airway lining fluid and primes
      the host defense response. It's ability to attenuate bronchitis caused by inhaled
      particles was investigated using an allergen-inhalation model in a proof-of
      concept study. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial
      of 6 mild atopic steroid-naive asthmatic subjects, 3 doses of iCALM were well
      tolerated and they attenuated allergen-induced increase in sputum eosinophils,
      and levels of IL-5, MCP-1 and eotaxin. This study provides an opportunity to
      investigate the role of enhancing epithelial barrier to decrease airway
      inflammation provoked by inhaled particles in a variety of airway diseases. 

PMID- 25132280
TI  - Does weight loss in overweight or obese women improve fertility treatment
      outcomes? A systematic review.
AB  - This systematic review assessed the effect of weight loss in overweight and/or
      obese women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) on their subsequent
      pregnancy outcome. Weight losses achieved by diet and lifestyle changes, very-low
      energy diets, non-surgical medical interventions and bariatric surgery translated
      into significantly increased pregnancy rates and/or live birth in overweight
      and/or obese women undergoing ART in 8 of the 11 studies reviewed. In addition,
      regularization of the menstrual pattern, a decrease in cancellation rates, an
      increase in the number of embryos available for transfer, a reduction in the
      number of ART cycles required to achieve pregnancy and a decrease in miscarriage
      rates were reported. There were also a number of natural conceptions in five of
      the six studies that reported this outcome. Non-surgical medical weight loss
      procedures and bariatric surgery induced the greatest weight losses, but their
      use, as well as that of very-low-energy diets, for weight loss prior to ART
      requires careful consideration. While the overall quality of the studies included
      in this review was poor, these results support the clinical recommendation of
      advising overweight and/or obese women to lose weight prior to ART. Prospective
      randomized controlled trials are required to establish efficacious evidence-based
      guidelines for weight loss interventions in overweight and/or obese women prior
      to ART treatment. 

PMID- 25132281
TI  - Long-term right ventricular support with a centrifugal ventricular assist device
      placed in the right atrium.
AB  - This case series outlines the technique and results of right ventricular assist
      device (RVAD) support with the off-label use of the centrifugal HeartWare HVAD
      (HeartWare Inc., Framingham, MA, USA) for long-term support. Four patients in our
      institution have been implanted with BiVADs, using the Heartware device as the
      RVAD, and supported for between 117 days and 772 days. Three of the patients have
      been successfully supported for over 18 months. Three patients have successfully
      been transplanted and one patient remains on the device, now approaching two
      years of support. None of the patients have had RVAD device-related
      complications.

PMID- 25132279
TI  - Characterization, mutagenesis and mechanistic analysis of an ancient algal sterol
      C24-methyltransferase: Implications for understanding sterol evolution in the
      green lineage.
AB  - Sterol C24-methyltransferases (SMTs) constitute a group of sequence-related
      proteins that catalyze the pattern of sterol diversity across eukaryotic
      kingdoms. The only gene for sterol alkylation in green algae was identified and
      the corresponding catalyst from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr) was characterized
      kinetically and for product distributions. The properties of CrSMT were similar
      to those predicted for an ancient SMT expected to possess broad C3-anchoring
      requirements for substrate binding and formation of 24beta-methyl/ethyl
      Delta(25(27))-olefin products typical of primitive organisms. Unnatural
      Delta(24(25))-sterol substrates, missing a C4beta-angular methyl group involved
      with binding orientation, convert to product ratios in favor of Delta(24(28))
      products. Remodeling the active site to alter the electronics of Try110 (to Leu)
      results in delayed timing of the hydride migration from methyl attack of the
      Delta(24)-bond, that thereby produces metabolic switching of product ratios in
      favor of Delta(25(27))-olefins or impairs the second C1-transfer activity.
      Incubation of [27-(13)C]lanosterol or [methyl-(2)H3]SAM as co-substrates
      established the CrSMT catalyzes a sterol methylation pathway by the "algal"
      Delta(25(27))-olefin route, where methylation proceeds by a conserved SN2
      reaction and de-protonation proceeds from the pro-Z methyl group on lanosterol
      corresponding to C27. This previously unrecognized catalytic competence for an
      enzyme of sterol biosynthesis, together with phylogenomic analyses, suggest that
      mutational divergence of a promiscuous SMT produced substrate- and phyla-specific
      SMT1 (catalyzes first biomethylation) and SMT2 (catalyzes second biomethylation)
      isoforms in red and green algae, respectively, and in the case of SMT2 selection
      afforded modification in reaction channeling necessary for the switch in
      ergosterol (24beta-methyl) biosynthesis to stigmasterol (24alpha-ethyl)
      biosynthesis during the course of land plant evolution. 

PMID- 25132282
TI  - A randomised clinical trial of 10-day concomitant therapy and standard triple
      therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As a result of increased resistance to antibiotics, Helicobacter
      pylori eradication rates using standard triple therapy have been declining. AIM:
      To validate the efficacy and tolerability of a concomitant regimen as a first
      line treatment for H. pylori infection. METHODS: A total of 348 naive H. pylori
      infected patients from six hospitals in Korea were randomly assigned to
      concomitant therapy and standard triple therapy groups. The concomitant regimen
      consisted of 30 mg of lansoprazole, 1g of amoxicillin, 500 mg of clarithromycin,
      and 500 mg of metronidazole, twice daily for 10 days. The standard triple regimen
      consisted of 30 mg of lansoprazole, 1g of amoxicillin, and 500 mg of
      clarithromycin, twice daily for 10 days. RESULTS: Concomitant and standard
      eradication rates were 78.7% (137/174) vs. 70.7% (123/174) by intention-to-treat
      (p=0.084) and 88.7% (133/150) vs. 78.4% (120/153) by per-protocol (p=0.016),
      respectively. The two groups were similar with regard to the incidence of adverse
      events. CONCLUSIONS: Although 10-day concomitant therapy was validated as a
      suboptimal treatment option for the treatment of H. pylori infection, this
      regimen is expected to be a promising starting point in the development of an
      optimal treatment regimen for H. pylori infection.

PMID- 25132283
TI  - Is high-viscosity glass-ionomer-cement a successor to amalgam for treating
      primary molars?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the cumulative survival rate of amalgam and
      atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations in primary molars over 3
      years. METHODS: 280 children aged 6-7 years old were enrolled in a cluster
      randomized controlled clinical trial using a parallel group design covering two
      treatment groups: conventional restorative treatment with amalgam (CRT) and
      atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) using a high-viscosity glass-ionomer
      (HVGIC) Ketac Molar Easymix. Three pedodontists placed 750 restorations (364
      amalgam and 386 ART in 126 and 154 children, respectively) which were evaluated
      at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 years. The proportional hazard rate regression model with
      frailty correction, ANOVA and Wald tests, and the Jackknife procedure were
      applied in analysing the data. RESULTS: The cumulative survival rates over 3
      years for all, single- and multiple-surface CRT/amalgam restorations (72.6%,
      93.4%, 64.7%, respectively) were no different from those of comparable ART/HVGIC
      restorations (66.8%; 90.1% and 56.4%, respectively) (p=0.10). Single-surface
      restorations had higher survival rates than multiple-surface restorations for the
      both treatment procedures (p<0.0001). A higher proportion of restorations failed
      because of mechanical reasons (94.8%) than of secondary caries (5.2%). No
      difference in reasons for restoration failures between all types of amalgam and
      ART/HVGIC restorations were observed (p=0.24). SIGNIFICANCE: The high-viscosity
      glass-ionomer used in this study in conjunction with the ART is a viable option
      for restoring carious dentin lesions in single surfaces in vital primary molars.

PMID- 25132284
TI  - The determinants of home healthcare robots adoption: an empirical investigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Home healthcare robots promise to make clinical information available
      at the right place and time, thereby reducing error and increasing safety and
      quality. However, it has been frequently reported that more than 40% of previous
      information technology (IT) developments have failed or been abandoned due to the
      lack of understanding of the sociotechnical aspects of IT. OBJECTIVE: Previous
      home healthcare robots research has focused on technology development and
      clinical applications. There has been little discussion of associated social,
      technical and managerial issues that are arguably of equal importance for robot
      success. To fill this knowledge gap, this research aims to understand the
      determinants of home healthcare robots adoption from these aspects by applying
      technology acceptance theories. METHODS: We employed both qualitative and
      quantitative methods. The participants were recruited from home healthcare
      agencies located in the U.S. (n=108), which included both patients and healthcare
      professionals. We collected data via a survey study to test a research model.
      RESULTS: The usage intention of home healthcare robots is a function of social
      influence, performance expectancy, trust, privacy concerns, ethical concerns and
      facilitating conditions. Among them, social influence is the strongest predictor.
      Monitoring vital signs and facilitating communication with family and medication
      reminders are the most preferable tasks and applications for robots. CONCLUSION:
      Sociotechnical factors play a powerful role in explaining the adoption intention
      for home healthcare robots. The findings provide insights on how home healthcare
      service providers and robot designers may improve the success of robot
      technologies.

PMID- 25132285
TI  - Comparison of Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization and Fluorescence In Situ
      Hybridization for the Evaluation of MDM2 Amplification in Adipocytic Tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma (ALT-WDLPS)
      and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) are characterized cytogenetically by a
      12q13-15 amplification involving the mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) oncogene.
      Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is used frequently to detect this
      amplification and aid with the diagnosis of these entities, which is difficult by
      morphology alone. Recently, bright-field in situ hybridization techniques such as
      chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) have been introduced for the
      determination of MDM2 amplification status. METHODS: The present study compared
      the results of FISH and CISH for detecting MDM2 amplification in 41 cases of
      adipocytic tumors. Amplification was defined in both techniques as a MDM2/CEN12
      ratio of 2 or greater. RESULTS: Eleven cases showed amplification with both FISH
      and CISH, and 26 cases showed no amplification with both methods. Two cases had
      discordant results between CISH and FISH, and two cases were not interpretable by
      CISH. CONCLUSION: CISH is advantageous for allowing pathologists to evaluate the
      histologic and molecular alterations occurring simultaneously in a specimen.
      Moreover, CISH is found to be more cost- and time-efficient when used with
      automation, and the signals do not quench over time. CISH technique is a reliable
      alternative to FISH in the evaluation of adipocytic tumors for MDM2
      amplification.

PMID- 25132286
TI  - The Ser680Asn polymorphism in the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene is
      associated with the ovarian response in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Polymorphisms in the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene
      are reported to be associated with the ovarian response in controlled ovarian
      hyperstimulation (COH), although there remains some discordance between studies.
      Here, using the largest patient sample to date, we evaluated the association of
      the p.Ser680Asn (S(680)N) polymorphism in the FSHR gene with the outcome of COH.
      DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Medical academy and hospital. PATIENTS: A total of
      1250 infertile Chinese women undergoing IVF/ICIS-ET treatment were included.
      MEASURES: The association between an FSHR polymorphism (S(680)N) and the ovarian
      response was analysed. Genotyping was performed by utilizing direct sequencing
      and the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. Follicular fluid oestradiol (E2) and
      follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were determined using
      electrochemiluminesence immunoassays. The ovarian response parameters were
      analysed based on the FSHR genotypes. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for the risk genotypes and alleles. RESULTS:
      There were linear correlations between the basal FSH level, exogenous
      gonadotropin consumption, and oocytes retrieved and the Ser680 alleles. Patients
      in the homozygous SS group demonstrated higher basal FSH levels, required more
      dosage of exogenous gonadotropin for ovarian stimulation, and had fewer numbers
      of oocytes retrieved compared with patients in the homozygous NN and heterozygous
      groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the OR of a poor ovarian
      response for the NS genotype was 1.79 (95% CI 1.28-2.61; P < 0.001), whereas that
      for the SS genotype was 2.25 (95% CI 1.40-3.58; P < 0.001) after adjusting for
      age, BMI and basal FSH level. The concentration of E2 in the follicular fluid was
      significantly higher in subjects with the NN genotype than the SS genotype (772
      +/- 545 ng/ml vs. 1299 +/- 504 ng/ml). CONCLUSIONS: Follicle-stimulating hormone
      receptor gene polymorphism at position 680 is associated with different ovarian
      responses to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

PMID- 25132287
TI  - Concise review: Exploring miRNAs--toward a better understanding of hematopoiesis.
AB  - Hematopoiesis is governed by a multidimensional regulatory network involving both
      intrinsic and extrinsic factors that control self-renewal and differentiation of
      hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) through the coordination of influences that
      affect cell fate. Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs), short
      noncoding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides, play a central role in
      orchestrating these regulatory mechanisms to modulate the multiple entities of
      hematopoietic function in a cell-type specific manner, including self-renewal,
      lineage commitment, and survival of HSCs as well as their microenvironmental
      crosstalk. Here, we summarize the current understanding regarding the regulatory
      effects of miRNA on hematopoietic cells, thus enlightening their role in fine
      tuning HSC function and hematopoietic homeostasis.

PMID- 25132288
TI  - Identification of a Plasmodium falciparum inhibitor-2 motif involved in the
      binding and regulation activity of protein phosphatase type 1.
AB  - The regulation of Plasmodium falciparum protein phosphatase type 1 (PfPP1)
      activity remains to be deciphered. Data from homologous eukaryotic type 1 protein
      phosphatases (PP1) suggest that several protein regulators should be involved in
      this essential process. One such regulator, named PfI2 based on its primary
      sequence homology with eukaryotic inhibitor 2 (I2), was recently shown to be able
      to interact with PfPP1 and to inhibit its phosphatase activity, mainly through
      the canonical 'RVxF' binding motif. The details of the structural and functional
      characteristics of this interaction are investigated here. Using NMR
      spectroscopy, a second site of interaction is suggested to reside between
      residues D94 and T117 and contains the 'FxxR/KxR/K' binding motif present in
      other I2 proteins. This site seems to play in concert/synergy with the 'RVxF'
      motif to bind PP1, because only mutations in both motifs were able to abolish
      this interaction completely. However, regarding the structure/function
      relationship, mutation of either the 'RVxF' or 'FxxR/KxR/K' motif is more
      drastic, because each mutation prevents the capacity of PfI2 to trigger germinal
      vesicle breakdown in microinjected Xenopus oocytes. This indicates that the tight
      association of the PfI2 regulator to PP1, mediated by a two-site interaction, is
      necessary to exert its function. Based on these results, the use of a peptide
      derived from the 'FxxR/KxR/K' PfI2 motif was investigated for its potential
      effect on Plasmodium growth. This peptide, fused at its N-terminus to a
      penetrating sequence, was shown to accumulate specifically in infected
      erythrocytes and to have an antiplasmodial effect.

PMID- 25132289
TI  - Papua New Guinea vision-specific quality of life questionnaire: a new patient
      reported outcome instrument to assess the impact of impaired vision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a new vision
      specific quality of life (VS QoL) instrument and to assess the impact of vision
      impairment and eye disease on the quality of life of adults in Papua New Guinea
      (PNG). DESIGN: This study was designed as community based cross-sectional.
      PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred fourteen adults aged 18 and above were included in this
      study. METHODS: Focus groups and interviews guided development of a 41-item
      instrument. Two valid subscales of the instrument were obtained using pilot data
      after an iterative item reduction process guided by Rasch-based parameters. The
      person measures (in logits) of 614 participants were used to assess quality of
      life using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Rasch logits. RESULTS: Rasch analysis confirmed a 17-item instrument
      containing an 8-item activity limitation subscale and a 9-item well-being
      subscale. Both subscales were unidimensional and demonstrated good fit
      statistics, measurement precisions and absence of significant differential item
      functioning. A consistent deterioration in vision-specific quality of life was
      independently and significantly associated with levels of vision. Severity of
      vision impairment and ocular morbidity were independently associated with
      activity limitation and emotional well-being. Participants with refractive error
      had lower quality of life score than those with no ocular abnormality but higher
      score than those with cataract and other eye diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The 17-item
      PNG-VS QoL instrument is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of
      impact of impaired vision on quality of life in PNG. Vision-specific quality of
      life was significantly worse among participants who were older and less-educated,
      had lower income and have had ocular morbidities.

PMID- 25132290
TI  - Carbon dioxide as a protecting group: highly efficient and selective catalytic
      access to cyclic cis-diol scaffolds.
AB  - The efficient and highly selective formation of a wide range of (hetero)cyclic
      cis-diol scaffolds using aminotriphenolate-based metal catalysts is reported. The
      key intermediates are cyclic carbonates, which are obtained in high yield and
      with high levels of diastereo- and chemoselectivity from the parent oxirane
      precursors and carbon dioxide. Deprotection of the carbonate structures affords
      synthetically useful cis-diol scaffolds with different ring sizes that
      incorporate various functional groups. This atom-efficient method allows the
      simple construction of diol synthons using inexpensive and accessible precursors
      and green metal catalysts and showcases the use of CO2 as a temporary protecting
      group. 

PMID- 25132291
TI  - On the International Society of Zoological Sciences: reflections upon a momentous
      decade.

PMID- 25132293
TI  - Predators, energetics and fitness drive neonatal reproductive failure in red
      squirrels.
AB  - Neonatal reproductive failure should occur when energetic costs of parental
      investment outweigh fitness benefits. However, little is known about the drivers
      of neonatal reproductive failure in free-ranging species experiencing continuous
      natural variation in predator abundance and in the energetic and fitness costs
      and benefits associated with parental investment. Long-term comprehensive studies
      are required to better understand how biotic, abiotic and life-history conditions
      interact to drive occurrences of reproductive failure in the wild. Using 24 years
      (1987-2011) of reproductive data from a northern boreal population of North
      American red squirrels in south-western Yukon, we examined the effects of
      predator abundance, energetics (resource availability, ambient temperature and
      litter size) and fitness benefits (probability of overwinter juvenile survival
      and maternal age) on occurrences of neonatal reproductive failure (494/2670
      reproductive attempts; 18.5%). Neonatal reproductive failure was driven by a
      combination of predator abundance, and the energetic and fitness costs and
      benefits of parental investment. The abundance of mustelids and maternal age was
      positively related to the occurrence of neonatal reproductive failure. High
      energy costs associated with a combination of low resource availability and cold
      ambient temperatures or large litters, corresponded to increased occurrences of
      neonatal reproductive failure. However, the strength of these relationships was
      influenced by variation in juvenile overwinter survival (i.e. fitness benefits).
      We provide evidence that predation pressure is an important driver of neonatal
      reproductive failure. In addition, we found a trade-off occurs between resource
      dependent energetic and fitness costs and benefits of raising the current litter
      to independence. 

PMID- 25132292
TI  - Feasibility of near real-time lesion assessment during radiofrequency catheter
      ablation in humans using acoustic radiation force impulse imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visual confirmation of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) lesions during
      clinical cardiac ablation procedures could improve procedure efficacy, safety,
      and efficiency. It was previously shown that acoustic radiation force impulse
      (ARFI) imaging can identify RFA lesions in vitro and in vivo in an animal model.
      This is the "first-in-human" feasibility demonstration of intracardiac ARFI
      imaging of RFA lesions in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial
      flutter (AFL) or atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients
      scheduled for right atrial (RA) ablation for AFL or left atrial (LA) ablation for
      drug refractory AF were eligible for imaging. Diastole-gated intracardiac ARFI
      images were acquired using one of two equipment configurations: (1) a Siemens
      ACUSON S2000TM ultrasound scanner and 8/10Fr AcuNavTM ultrasound catheter, or (2)
      a CARTO 3TM integrated Siemens SC2000TM and 10Fr SoundStarTM ultrasound catheter.
      A total of 11 patients (AFL = 3; AF = 8) were imaged. ARFI images were acquired
      of ablation target regions, including the RA cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI), and the
      LA roof, pulmonary vein ostia, posterior wall, posterior mitral valve annulus,
      and the ridge between the pulmonary vein and LA appendage. ARFI images revealed
      increased relative myocardial stiffness at ablation catheter contact sites after
      RFA and at anatomical mapping-tagged RFA treatment sites. CONCLUSIONS: ARFI
      images from a pilot group of patients undergoing catheter ablation for AFL and AF
      demonstrate the ability of this technique to identify intra-procedure RFA lesion
      formation. The results encourage further refinement of ARFI imaging clinical
      tools and continued investigation in larger clinical trials.

PMID- 25132294
TI  - Comparison of long-term drug survival and safety of biologic agents in patients
      with psoriasis vulgaris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug survival (time to drug discontinuation) has recently emerged as
      an important parameter reflecting the long-term therapeutic performance in a real
      life setting. Biologic drug survival in psoriasis is mainly limited by a gradual
      loss of efficacy over time. Previous studies have been limited by small patient
      population size and short observation times and yielded discrepant survival times
      for different biologics. OBJECTIVES: To calculate the long-term drug survival for
      adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and ustekinumab in a large cohort of real-life
      patients with psoriasis vulgaris and to analyse the factors that influence drug
      survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the prospective registry
      DERMBIO covering all patients with psoriasis vulgaris treated with biologic
      agents in the academic centres in Denmark. Drug survival was analysed using the
      Kaplan-Meier method. The influence of different covariates on drug survival was
      analysed by Cox regression. RESULTS: Included in the analysis were 1867 treatment
      series (adalimumab n = 774, etanercept n = 449, infliximab n = 253, ustekinumab n
      = 391) administered in 1277 patients for up to 10 years. Drug survival was
      significantly longer for ustekinumab than for anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)
      alpha agents (P < 0.001). Etanercept had the shortest survival time [median
      survival 30 months, 95% confidence interval (CI) 25.1-34.9] whereas adalimumab
      and infliximab had comparable survival rates (59 months, 95% CI 45.6-72.4; 44
      months, 95% CI 33-54.9, respectively). Survival was longer in men [odds ratio
      (OR) 1.51, 95% CI 1.31-1.74 vs. women] and in patients who had not previously
      received any biologic agent (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.46). Loss of efficacy
      accounted for 67% of all drug discontinuations. CONCLUSIONS: Ustekinumab has a
      significantly longer drug survival than the anti-TNF-alpha agents. Switching from
      one biologic to another is associated with an impairment of drug survival.
      Preventing loss of efficacy is a major area of medical need in the biologic
      therapy of psoriasis and the strategies that improve drug survival should be
      further investigated.

PMID- 25132295
TI  - The use of enzyme-coupled magnetic nanoparticles for studying the spectra of
      unusual substrates of mushroom tyrosinase by direct surface-assisted laser
      desorption/ionisation and high-resolution electrospray ionisation quadrupole
      quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - RATIONALE: Tyrosinase-coupled magnetic particles (EMPs) were used to demonstrate
      that resorcinol-containing tyrosinase inhibitors are oxidised by tyrosinase only
      in the presence of the enzyme's classic substrate. This shows the potential for
      the application of EMPs as a non-organic matrix for monitoring enzymatic
      conversion of a novel substrate family directly on-the-spot, principally due to
      minimal enzyme requirement per analysis. METHODS: Tyrosinase was covalently
      coupled to core-shell-type silica-coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (EMPs)
      that were applied as non-organic SALDI matrix suitable for studying low-mass
      compounds using a classic matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of
      flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer. Because of the dual function of the EMPs -
      enzyme host and non-organic matrix - we describe this ionisation method as Enzyme
      coupled Nanoparticles-Assisted LDI-MS (ENALDI-MS). Supplementary studies of the
      enzymatic conversion of glabridin and 3-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid
      (DHPA) were conducted by high-resolution electrospray ionisation quadrupole
      quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-QqTOF-MS). RESULTS: The initial
      experiment involving EMPs as non-organic matrix (ENALDI-MS) showed enzymatic
      conversion of glabridin, a strong tyrosinase inhibitor, only in the presence of L
      Tyr, the classic tyrosinase substrate. These findings were evaluated by ESI-QqTOF
      MS proving that glabridin and DHPA are converted into the corresponding quinones
      by tyrosinase only in the presence of the auxiliary monophenol or o-diphenol
      substrates (L-Tyr and catechin, respectively) capable of regenerating the active
      site of tyrosinase. CONCLUSIONS: EMPs were shown to be useful as a non-organic
      matrix to monitor enzymatic conversion of the novel tyrosinase substrate family
      directly on-the-spot with a minimal enzyme consumption (6.5 pmol/spot). Results
      obtained by ENALDI-MS were fully confirmed by ESI-QqTOF-MS demonstrating that
      resorcinol-containing tyrosinase inhibitors may be oxidised by the enzyme in the
      presence of its classic substrates.

PMID- 25132296
TI  - Cleavage of phosphorus-carbon (P-C) bonds of alpha-amino phosphonates with
      intramolecular hydrogen migration in the gas phase using electrospray ionization
      tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - RATIONALE: alpha-Amino phosphonates with intrinsic biological activities have
      been used in a wide variety of applications. Because of the widespread existence
      of natural organophosphorus compounds containing P-C bonds such as the alpha
      amino phosphonates, it is important to investigate the gas-phase chemistry of P-C
      bonds in order to determine their basic properties, which might provide some
      insights into their biosynthesis and catalytic cleavage. METHODS: Twenty alpha
      amino phosphonates were successfully synthesized and their fragmentation behavior
      was systematically investigated using in-solution deuterium labeling in
      combination with high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance
      (FTICR) electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The
      fragmentation pathways of twenty alpha-amino phosphonates with different chemical
      structures were systematically studied. In general, P-C bonds could be easily
      cleaved via a novel intramolecular hydrogen atom migration from the amino group
      to the phosphoryl group through a five-membered-ring intermediate in the gas
      phase. A possible mechanism of the rearrangement of alpha-amino phosphonates is
      proposed. CONCLUSIONS: An interesting intramolecular hydrogen atom migration
      between the amino and phosphoryl groups was observed with cleavage of the P-C
      bond in the molecule through a five-membered-ring intermediate. This
      characteristic fragmentation pathway not only provides some insights into the
      basic chemistry of compounds with P-C bonds, but could also have some
      applications in the structural determination of the alpha-amino phosphonate
      analogues.

PMID- 25132298
TI  - Gravitational sampling electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for real-time
      reaction monitoring.
AB  - RATIONALE: The elucidation of chemical reaction mechanisms has attracted
      tremendous interest in recent years. Here, gravitational sampling electrospray
      ionization mass spectrometry (GS-ESI-MS) is used to explore a simple method for
      the real-time monitoring of chemical and biochemical reactions. METHODS: A sample
      solution in a stainless steel sample well is directly delivered through a fused
      silica capillary due to the forces of gravity, capillary action, and
      electroosmotic flow (EOF). Analyte ions are continuously generated via
      electrospray ionization from the capillary tip when a high voltage is applied on
      the sample well. RESULTS: Liquid solutions (<5 MUL) of small organic compounds
      (e.g., crystal violet) and large biomolecules (e.g., reserpine, angiotensin II,
      and insulin) were directly analyzed via GS-ESI-MS. In addition, the technique was
      successfully applied to continuously monitor chemical [e.g. chelation of
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) with copper(II), and addition-elimination
      of aminophenol and acetic anhydride] and biochemical (e.g., unfolding of
      cytochrome c) reactions in real time, where chelation complexes, reaction
      intermediates, and protein conformation changes were observed. CONCLUSIONS: GS
      ESI-MS is a very simple modification of the ESI technique that does not require
      sample delivery pumps or nebulizer gases. It is particularly suitable for the
      analysis of liquid samples and the real-time monitoring of inorganic/organic
      chemical or biochemical reactions.

PMID- 25132297
TI  - Low-temperature plasma for compositional depth profiling of crosslinking organic
      multilayers: comparison with C60 and giant argon gas cluster sources.
AB  - RATIONALE: For organic electronics, device performance can be affected by
      interlayer diffusion across interfaces. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass
      spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) can resolve buried structures with nanometer resolution,
      but instrument artifacts make this difficult. Low-temperature plasma (LTP) is
      suggested as a way to prepare artifact-free surfaces for accurate determination
      of chemical diffusion. METHODS: A model organic layer system consisting of three
      1 nm delta layers of 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP)
      separated by three 30 nm layers of tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3) was
      used to evaluate the effectiveness of LTP etching for the preparation of crater
      edge surfaces for subsequent compositional depth profile analysis. This was
      compared with depth profiles obtained using an instrument equipped with an argon
      cluster sputter source. RESULTS: The quality of the depth profiles was determined
      by comparing the depth resolutions of the BCP delta layers. The full width at
      half maximum gave depth resolutions of 6.9 nm and 6.0 nm using LTP, and 6.2 nm
      and 5.8 nm using argon clusters. In comparison, the 1/e decay length of the
      trailing edge gave depth resolutions of 2.0 nm and 1.8 nm using LTP, and 3.5 nm
      and 3.4 nm using argon clusters. CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of the 1/e decay
      lengths showed that LTP can determine the thickness and composition of the buried
      structures without instrument artifacts. Although it does suffer from contaminant
      deposition, LTP was shown to be a viable option for preparing crater edges for a
      more accurate determination of buried structures.

PMID- 25132299
TI  - Caution on the use of NBS 30 biotite for hydrogen-isotope measurements with on
      line high-temperature conversion systems.
AB  - RATIONALE: The supply of NBS 30 biotite is nearly exhausted. During measurements
      of NBS 30 and potential replacements, reproducible delta(2)HVSMOW-SLAP values
      could not be obtained by three laboratories using high-temperature conversion
      (HTC) systems. The cause of this issue has been investigated using the silver
      tube technique for hydrogen-isotope measurements of water. METHODS: The
      delta(2)HVSMOW-SLAP values of NBS 30 biotite, other biotites, muscovites, and
      kaolinite with different particle sizes, along with IAEA-CH-7 polyethylene, and
      reference waters and NBS 22 oil that were sealed in silver-tube segments, were
      measured. The effect of absorbed water on mineral surfaces was investigated with
      waters both enriched and depleted in (2)H. The quantitative conversion of
      hydrogen from biotite into gaseous hydrogen as a function of mass and particle
      size was also investigated. RESULTS: The delta(2)HVSMOW-SLAP values of NBS 30
      obtained by three laboratories were as much as 21 0/00 too high compared with the
      accepted value of -65.7 0/00, determined by conventional off-line measurements.
      The experiments showed a strong correlation between grain size and the
      delta(2)HVSMOW-SLAP value of NBS 30 biotite, but not of biotites with lower iron
      content. The delta(2)HVSMOW-SLAP values of NBS 30 as a function of particle size
      show a clear trend toward -65.7 0/00 with finer grain size. CONCLUSIONS:
      Determination of the delta(2)HVSMOW-SLAP values of hydrous minerals and of NBS 30
      biotite by on-line HTC systems coupled to isotope-ratio mass spectrometers may be
      unreliable because hydrogen in this biotite may not be converted quantitatively
      into molecular hydrogen. Extreme caution in the use and interpretation of
      delta(2)HVSMOW-SLAP on-line measurements of hydrous minerals is recommended.

PMID- 25132300
TI  - Interlaboratory assessment of nitrous oxide isotopomer analysis by isotope ratio
      mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy: current status and perspectives.
AB  - RATIONALE: In recent years, research and applications of the N2O site-specific
      nitrogen isotope composition have advanced, reflecting awareness of the
      contribution of N2O to the anthropogenic greenhouse effect, and leading to
      significant progress in instrument development. Further dissemination of N2O
      isotopomer analysis, however, is hampered by a lack of internationally agreed
      gaseous N2O reference materials and an uncertain compatibility of different
      laboratories and analytical techniques. METHODS: In a first comparison approach,
      eleven laboratories were each provided with N2O at tropospheric mole fractions
      (target gas T) and two reference gases (REF1 and REF2). The laboratories analysed
      all gases, applying their specific analytical routines. Compatibility of
      laboratories was assessed based on N2O isotopocule data for T, REF1 and REF2.
      Results for T were then standardised using REF1 and REF2 to evaluate the
      potential of N2O reference materials for improving compatibility between
      laboratories. RESULTS: Compatibility between laboratories depended on the
      analytical technique: isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) results showed
      better compatibility for delta(15)N values, while the performance of laser
      spectroscopy was superior with respect to N2O site preference. This comparison,
      however, is restricted by the small number of participating laboratories applying
      laser spectroscopy. Offset and two-point calibration correction of the N2O
      isotopomer data significantly improved the consistency of position-dependent
      nitrogen isotope data while the effect on delta(15)N values was only minor.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that for future research on N2O isotopocules,
      standardisation against N2O reference material is essential to improve
      interlaboratory compatibility. For atmospheric monitoring activities, we suggest
      N2O in whole air as a unifying scale anchor.

PMID- 25132301
TI  - Fragmentation of negative ions from N-linked carbohydrates: part 6. Glycans
      containing one N-acetylglucosamine in the core.
AB  - RATIONALE: Negative ion collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra of N-glycans
      contain many diagnostic ions that provide more structural information than
      positive ion spectra. EndoH or endoS release of glycans from glycoproteins, as
      used by many investigators, cleaves glycans between the GlcNAc residues of the
      chitobiose core leaving the glycan without the reducing-terminal GlcNAc residue.
      However, their negative ion CID spectra do not appear to have been studied in
      detail. This paper examines the CID and ion mobility properties of these endoH
      released glycans to determine if the missing GlcNAc influences the production of
      diagnostic fragment ions. METHODS: N-Glycans were released from ribonuclease B,
      ovalbumin and gp120 with endoH to give high-mannose and hybrid glycans, and from
      IgG with endoS to produce biantennary complex glycans, all missing the reducing
      terminal GlcNAc residue. Negative ion CID and travelling wave ion mobility
      spectra were recorded with a Waters Synapt G2 mass spectrometer using nanospray
      sample introduction. RESULTS: The majority of glycans yielded CID spectra
      exhibiting the same diagnostic fragments, which were equivalently informative, as
      the fully released structures. However, the ability of ion mobility to separate
      isomers was generally found to be inferior to its use with the full glycans
      despite the smaller nature of the compounds. The exception was the partial
      resolution of a pair of biantennary monogalactosylated glycans from IgG where, as
      chloride adducts, slight separation of the isomers was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results show that the CID spectra of endoH- and endoS-released glycans are as
      useful as the corresponding spectra of the intact glycans (as released by PNGase
      F) in providing structural information on N-glycans.

PMID- 25132302
TI  - Transformation of gas-phase amino acid clusters to dipeptides: a nice approach to
      demonstrate the formation of prebiotic peptides.
AB  - RATIONALE: Exploring prebiotic developments is a fascinating area of research
      which is continually drawing the attention of the scientific community. It is
      probable that first the biomolecules were formed and then they became aggregated
      to generate life. Formation of one such biomolecules (peptide ions) is shown in
      the present experiments. METHODS: All amino acid solutions for recording mass
      spectra were prepared in 3:6.9:0.1 (v/v/v) acetonitrile/water/formic acid at a
      concentration of 50 MUM. The studies were performed using a Bruker MicroTOF QII
      mass spectrometer. Before carrying out experiments in the collision cell,
      atmospheric pressure in-source fragmentations were also performed. The formation
      of different chemical species was detected with high-resolution mass
      spectrometry. RESULTS: Here, we show experimentally the formation of amino acid
      cluster ions of varied populations, when a solution of an amino acid was injected
      into an electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight (ESI-QTOF) mass
      spectrometer. During in-source fragmentation/collision cell fragmentation, the
      non-covalent interaction between two identical amino acids forms either the [M2 +
      H](+) dimer cluster ion and/or the [M2 + K](+) adduct ion which, by elimination
      of one molecule of water, form the covalent linked dipeptide. CONCLUSIONS: After
      the formation of the amino acid cluster, it was established that the creation of
      the dipeptides, by a covalent bond resulting from the loss of a water molecule,
      was the initial step towards the formation of the primordial peptides.

PMID- 25132303
TI  - Modification of a gas chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation
      time-of-flight mass spectrometer as an alternative to automated atmospheric
      pressure solids analysis probe.
AB  - RATIONALE: The atmospheric pressure solids analysis probe (ASAP) has been
      successfully introduced into laboratories as a routine analytical tool but the
      technique is labour-intensive and is not easily automated. This paper describes
      the modifications made to an existing atmospheric pressure gas chromatography
      (APGC) system to enable the automated analysis of samples that would have
      otherwise been analysed by ASAP. METHODS: Liquid samples were injected into a 1 m
      piece of fused silica guard column using a standard split/splitless gas
      chromatography (GC) inlet, oven and autosampler. A novel timing delay circuit was
      developed and integrated into the system to control acquisition start times and a
      bespoke heating block/calibrant delivery system was used to transport either the
      calibration or reference compound into the ionisation source. RESULTS: The
      modified system has allowed the successful analysis of those samples requiring
      ASAP to be carried out in a fully automated manner using APGc. The analysis is
      rapid and can be carried out in less than 2 min. The results obtained are
      directly comparable with those obtained by ASAP. A typical mass accuracy of
      better than 5 mm/z units was achieved, allowing the molecules to be identified
      based on their elemental formulae. CONCLUSIONS: An existing APGC system has been
      successfully modified and is suitable for the automatic analysis of samples
      normally analysed by ASAP. The APGC instrument incorporates the use of a novel
      reference compound and delivery system which allows accurate mass measurements to
      be performed. This and the other modifications described have allowed the
      technique to be incorporated into an existing suite of mass spectrometry-based
      experiments for use in the characterisation of organic molecules.

PMID- 25132304
TI  - Lingual tonsil hypertrophy diagnosed by post-mortem computed tomography in a
      difficult airway case.

PMID- 25132305
TI  - Of low back pain and moxibustion.

PMID- 25132306
TI  - "Moving forward: outlining the plan"-dean's report of the Faculty of Pain
      Medicine of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.

PMID- 25132307
TI  - Report of the NIH Task Force on research standards for chronic low back pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite rapidly increasing intervention, functional disability due to
      chronic low back pain (cLBP) has increased in recent decades. We often cannot
      identify mechanisms to explain the major negative impact cLBP has on patients'
      lives. Such cLBP is often termed non-specific, and may be due to multiple
      biologic and behavioral etiologies. Researchers use varied inclusion criteria,
      definitions, baseline assessments, and outcome measures, which impede comparisons
      and consensus. DESIGN: Expert panel and preliminary evaluation of key
      recommendations. METHODS: The NIH Pain Consortium charged a Research Task Force
      (RTF) to draft standards for research on cLBP. The resulting multidisciplinary
      panel developed a 3-stage process, each with a 2-day meeting. RESULTS: The panel
      recommended using 2 questions to define cLBP; classifying cLBP by its impact
      (defined by pain intensity, pain interference, and physical function); use of a
      minimal data set to describe research subjects (drawing heavily on the PROMIS
      methodology); reporting "responder analyses" in addition to mean outcome scores;
      and suggestions for future research and dissemination. The Pain Consortium has
      approved the recommendations, which investigators should incorporate into NIH
      grant proposals. CONCLUSION: The RTF believes these recommendations will advance
      the field, help to resolve controversies, and facilitate future research
      addressing the genomic, neurologic, and other mechanistic substrates of chronic
      low back pain. Greater consistency in reporting should facilitate comparisons
      among studies and the development of phenotypes. We expect the RTF
      recommendations will become a dynamic document, and undergo continual
      improvement. PERSPECTIVE: A task force was convened by the NIH Pain Consortium
      with the goal of developing research standards for chronic low back pain. The
      results included recommendations for definitions, a minimum dataset, reporting
      outcomes, and future research. Greater consistency in reporting should facilitate
      comparisons among studies and the development of phenotypes.

PMID- 25132310
TI  - Fungal phytases: characteristics and amelioration of nutritional quality and
      growth of non-ruminants.
AB  - Fungal phytases are histidine acid phosphatases, a subclass of acid phosphatases,
      which catalyse the hydrolysis of phytic acid resulting in the release of
      phosphate moieties and thus mitigate its antinutritional properties. The
      supplementation of feed with phytases increases the bioavailability of phosphorus
      and minerals in non-ruminant animals and reduces the phosphorus pollution due to
      phosphorus excretion in the areas of intensive livestock production. Although
      phytases are reported in plants, animals and micro-organisms, fungal sources are
      used extensively for the production of phytases on a commercial scale. Phytases
      have been produced by fungi in both solid-state fermentation (SSF) and submerged
      fermentation (SmF). The fungal phytases are high molecular weight proteins
      ranging from 35 to 500 kDa. They are optimally active within pH and temperature
      ranges between 4.5 and 6.0, and 45 and 70  degrees C respectively. Phytate
      degradation leads to amelioration in the nutritional status of foods and feeds by
      improving the availability of minerals, phosphorus and proteins in non-ruminant
      animals and human beings and thus mitigates the environmental phosphorus
      pollution. Our article focuses on the role of fungal phytases in improving
      nutritional value of foods and feeds with concomitant increase in growth of non
      ruminant animals and mitigating environmental phosphorus pollution. 

PMID- 25132308
TI  - Characterizing heat-sensitization responses in suspended moxibustion with high
      density EEG.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We have reported "heat-sensitization" responses during suspended
      moxibustion, whose occurrence is associated with significantly better therapeutic
      effects. The present study aimed to characterize the electrophysiological
      features of this interesting phenomenon with high-density electroencephalography
      (EEG). METHODS: We performed EEG recording in a group of patients with chronic
      low back pain before, during, and after moxibustion treatment at DU3. RESULTS: 12
      out of 25 subjects experienced strong heat-sensitization during moxibustion,
      which was accompanied by increased power spectral densities (PSDs) at the theta,
      alpha, and beta frequency bands. The scalp topographies of averaged power
      indicated that the theta and beta PSD changes were most obvious in fronto-central
      regions, whereas those of the alpha band were more global. In addition,
      nonsensitized and sensitized groups showed distinct activity patterns, with heat
      sensitization inducing increased phase coherence at the theta and beta ranges.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data were the first objective evidence of heat-sensitization
      responses during suspended moxibustion, which were characterized by widespread
      oscillatory changes in scalp EEG.

PMID- 25132311
TI  - Graphene/polydopamine-modified polytetrafluoroethylene microtube for the
      sensitive determination of three active components in Fructus Psoraleae by online
      solid-phase microextraction with high-performance liquid chromatography.
AB  - Determination of bioactive compounds in traditional Chinese medicines and
      biological samples is usually interfered with by coexisting components in
      matrices. In this work, we prepared novel multilayer functional
      graphene/polydopamine-modified polytetrafluoroethylene microtube for selective
      solid-phase microextraction of three bioactive compounds in Fructus Psoraleae.
      Functional graphene/polydopamine-modified polytetrafluoroethylene microtube
      showed good extraction efficiency toward bavachin, isobavachalcone, and
      bavachinin; enrichment from 357- to 737-fold was obtained for these compounds.
      For qualitative analysis, an online solid-phase microextraction with high
      performance liquid chromatography method was developed, which showed low limits
      of detection of 0.02 ng/mL by using UV detection, which is significantly more
      sensitive than previously reported methods. The proposed method has been used to
      determine bavachin, isobavachalcone, and bavachinin in Fructus Psoraleae, the
      contents of three compounds were quantified to be 64.0, 324.0, and 384.5 MUg/g;
      recoveries were 93.4-101.1%. The proposed method has also been applied to
      determine bavachin, isobavachalcone, and bavachinin in rat plasma samples after
      oral administration of Fructus Psoraleae. 

PMID- 25132312
TI  - Designing the nanobiointerface of fluorescent nanodiamonds: highly selective
      targeting of glioma cancer cells.
AB  - Core-shell nanoparticles based on fluorescent nanodiamonds coated with a
      biocompatible N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer shell were developed
      for background-free near-infrared imaging of cancer cells. The particles showed
      excellent colloidal stability in buffers and culture media. After conjugation
      with a cyclic RGD peptide they selectively targeted integrin alphavbeta3
      receptors on glioblastoma cells with high internalization efficacy. 

PMID- 25132313
TI  - Novel endoscopic diagnosis for bladder cancer.
AB  - Advances in endoscopic imaging technology may improve sensitivity for the
      detection of bladder cancer and provide a more complete understanding of the
      urothelial landscape, and it also may lead to improved short-term and long-term
      cancer control. Fluorescence cystoscopy requires intravesical administration of a
      photosensitizing agent (5-aminolevulinic acid or hexaminolevulinate), and imaging
      with a blue-light endoscopy system demonstrably improves the detection of
      papillary and flat bladder lesions compared with conventional white-light
      cystoscopy. Prospective phase 3 clinical trials have demonstrated improved
      diagnostic ability, enhanced tumor resection, and a small but significant
      reduction in recurrence-free survival. Optical coherence tomography delineates
      subsurface microarchitecture information about bladder lesions in real time and
      has the ability to discriminate between noninvasive and invasive cancers. Narrow
      band imaging may augment white-light cystoscopy by providing increased contrast
      between normal and abnormal tissue on the basis of neovascularity. Confocal laser
      endoscopy has been applied to the urinary tract using thinner probes adapted from
      use in gastrointestinal malignancies and provides exquisite images at microscopic
      resolution. More technology is on the horizon that may further enhance our
      ability to detect and accurately stage bladder tumors and distinguish benign from
      malignant or dysplastic lesions.

PMID- 25132314
TI  - Predictors of unmet needs and psychological distress in adolescent and young
      adult siblings of people diagnosed with cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Predictors of psychological distress and unmet needs amongst adolescents
      and young adults (AYAs) who have a brother or sister diagnosed with cancer were
      examined. METHODS: There were 106 AYAs (12-24 years old) who completed
      questionnaires covering demographics, psychological distress (Kessler 10), unmet
      needs (Sibling Cancer Needs Instrument) and family relationships (Family
      Relationship Index; Adult Sibling Relationship Questionnaire; Sibling Perception
      Questionnaire (SPQ)). Three models were analysed (demographic variables, cancer
      specific variables and family functioning variables) using multiple linear
      regression to determine the role of the variables in predicting psychological
      distress and unmet needs. RESULTS: Unmet needs were higher for AYA siblings when
      treatment was current or a relapse had occurred. Higher scores on the SPQ
      Interpersonal subscale indicating a perceived decrease in the quality of
      relationships with parents and others were associated with higher levels of
      distress and unmet needs. The age and gender of the AYA sibling, whether it was
      their brother or sister who was diagnosed with cancer, the age difference between
      them, the number of parents living with the AYA sibling, parental birth country,
      time since diagnosis, Family Relationship Index, Adult Sibling Relationship
      Questionnaire and the SPQ-Communication subscale did not significantly impact
      outcome variables. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the variables that can
      assist in identifying AYA siblings of cancer patients who are at risk and have a
      greater need for psychosocial assistance. Variables that may be associated with
      increased distress and unmet needs are reported to assist with future research.
      The results are also useful in informing the development of targeted psychosocial
      support for AYA siblings of cancer patients.

PMID- 25132315
TI  - LC-MS/MS analysis of Gegen Qinlian Decoction and its pharmacokinetics after oral
      administration to rats.
AB  - A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed
      and validated for the simultaneous determination of 12 constituents of Gegen
      Qinlian Decoction (GQD), namely puerarin, daidzein, baicalin, wogonoside,
      wogonin, liquiritin, liquiritigenin, berberine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine,
      coptisine and glycyrrhetic acid, in rat plasma. The plasma samples were spiked
      with the internal standard (IS) carbamazepine acidified with HCl and extracted by
      liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Chromatographic separation was
      achieved on a Shiseido Capcell PAK C18 column utilizing a gradient elution
      profile and a mobile phase consisting of (A) 0.1% formic acid in water and (B)
      acetonitrile. Detection was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring mode
      using electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode at a flow rate of 0.3
      mL/min and a run time of 8 min. All of the calibration curves gave good linearity
      (r > 0.9930) over the concentration range from 0.6-360 to 16.2-9720 ng/mL for all
      components. The intra- and inter-day precisions were <15.0% in terms of the
      relative standard deviation, and the accuracies were within +/-13.7% in terms of
      the relative error. The method was successfully applied to investigate the
      pharmacokinetics of the major active compounds of Gegen Qinlian Decoction after
      its oral administration to rats.

PMID- 25132316
TI  - Synaptic plasticity under learning challenge.
AB  - Memory formation requires changes in neuronal networks connectivity based on
      modifications in strength and number of synapses. The mechanisms driving these
      changes have been intensively studied, but mostly under naive conditions, i.e. in
      animals that have not been cognitively challenged. Better characterization of
      synaptic requirements supporting memory formation can emerge from studies
      focusing on synaptic changes in memory-encoding structures while or after the
      animal model is cognitively challenged. Here, with this concept in mind, we
      review the literature describing structural, functional and molecular alterations
      developing in the hippocampus when animals are asked to form memories. We also
      briefly discuss the interest of this approach for disclosing pathological
      mechanisms in memory disorders, which might otherwise not be observed in naive
      conditions.

PMID- 25132317
TI  - APOE epsilon4 allele is associated with worse performance in memory dimensions of
      the mini-mental state examination: the Bambui Cohort Study of Aging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between apolipoprotein
      E (APOE) epsilon4 and the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) dimension in an
      elderly population, using baseline data from the Bambui (Brazil) Cohort Study of
      Aging. DESIGN: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: The
      study took place at Bambui city, Minas Gerais State, Southeast Brazil.
      PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1408 (87.7%) cohort participants had complete
      information on the MMSE and health measures. MEASUREMENTS: The association
      between each of five dimensions (concentration, language/praxis, orientation,
      attention, and memory) underlying the MMSE and APOE epsilon4 allele was assessed
      using multivariate linear regression models. Potential confounding variables
      included sociodemographic factors and selected biomarkers. RESULTS: The main
      finding is a strong negative association between the presence of APOE epsilon4
      allele and memory dimension in the MMSE (fully adjusted beta coefficient = -0.14;
      95% confidence interval: -0.27 to -0.04; p = 0.016). No other cognitive
      dimensions showed significant associations with the APOE epsilon4 allele.
      CONCLUSION: This study is the first to investigate the association between
      dimensions of the MMSE, obtained from principal component analysis and APOE
      epsilon4 carrier status in community-dwelling older adults taking into account a
      range of potential confounding factors. We found a strong negative association
      between the presence of APOE epsilon4 allele and scores on memory dimension of
      the MMSE, but no effect on other dimensions. Our results reinforce previous data
      on the literature that APOE epsilon4 allele has a significant effect on cognitive
      performance that can be detected even in screening tests, such as the MMSE.

PMID- 25132318
TI  - Depression, dementia and cognition in older people.

PMID- 25132319
TI  - Association between inflammatory markers and frailty in institutionalized older
      men.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether higher serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6),
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein
      (CRP) were associated with frailty in the older institutionalized men.
      PARTICIPANTS: The study enrolled 386 residents from a veterans care home in
      northern Taiwan in 2007. All participants were men. Residents younger than 65
      years or with acute illness were excluded. METHODS: Frailty status was determined
      based on the frailty phenotype (indicators include weight loss, exhaustion, and
      low grip strength, slow walking speed). Participants with 3 or more of the
      indicators were defined as frail, with 1 or 2 as intermediate frail, with no as
      non-frail. Serum IL-6, TNF-alpha, and hsCRP levels were measured using enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay and modeled as tertile for severely skewed
      distributions. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 81.5+/-4.9 years.
      The percentages of frail were 33.2%, intermediate frail 59.1% and nonfrail 7.8%.
      Higher IL-6 level was positively associated with the frail status. Adjusting for
      age, body mass index, smoking status, and comorbid conditions, serum IL-6 showed
      significant trend across frailty categories (P=0.03 [95% CI 1.40-5.24]). No
      significant associations of TNF-alpha, and CRP level with frailty were observed.
      An IL-6 level of 1.79pg/mL had the optimal predictive value for frailty, with an
      area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.66 (P=0.01 [95%
      CI 0.53-0.78]). CONCLUSION: Higher serum levels of IL-6 were associated with
      frailty status in the older institutionalized men with multiple comorbidities.

PMID- 25132321
TI  - An octadentate bifunctional chelating agent for the development of stable
      zirconium-89 based molecular imaging probes.
AB  - (89)Zr-based imaging agents hold great promise as novel radio-tracers in nuclear
      medicine. However, insufficient stability of currently used radiometal complexes
      in vivo is a safety concern for clinical applications. We herein report the first
      octadentate bifunctional chelating agent for the development of (89)Zr-labelled
      (bio)conjugates with improved stability. 

PMID- 25132320
TI  - Accuracy of two continuous glucose monitoring systems: a head-to-head comparison
      under clinical research centre and daily life conditions.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the accuracy and reliability of the two most widely used
      continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. METHODS: We studied the Dexcom(r)G4
      Platinum (DG4P; Dexcom, San Diego, CA, USA) and Medtronic Paradigm Veo Enlite
      system (ENL; Medtronic, Northridge, CA, USA) CGM systems, in 24 patients with
      type 1 diabetes. The CGM systems were tested during 6-day home use and a nested 6
      h clinical research centre (CRC) visit. During the CRC visit, frequent venous
      blood glucose samples were used as reference while patients received a meal with
      an increased insulin bolus to induce an aggravated postprandial glucose nadir. At
      home, patients performed at least six reference capillary blood measurements per
      day. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed using all data points >=15 min
      apart. RESULTS: The overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) value
      [standard deviation (s.d.)] measured at the CRC was 13.6 (11.0)% for the DG4P and
      16.6 (13.5)% for the ENL [p < 0.0002, confidence interval of difference (CI
      Delta) 1.7-4.3%, n = 530]. The overall MARD assessed at home was 12.2 (12.0)% for
      the DG4P and 19.9 (20.5)% for the ENL (p < 0.0001, CI Delta = 5.8-8.7%, n = 839).
      During the CRC visit, the MARD in the hypoglycaemic range [<=3.9 mmol/l (70
      mg/dl)], was 17.6 (12.2)% for the DG4P and 24.6 (18.8)% for the ENL (p = 0.005,
      CI Delta 3.1-10.7%, n = 117). Both sensors showed higher MARD values during
      hypoglycaemia than during euglycaemia [3.9-10 mmol/l (70-180 mg/dl)]: for the
      DG4P 17.6 versus 13.0% and for the ENL 24.6 versus 14.2%. CONCLUSIONS: During
      circumstances of intended use, including both a CRC and home phase, the ENL was
      noticeably less accurate than the DG4P sensor. Both sensors showed lower accuracy
      in the hypoglycaemic range. The DG4P was less affected by this negative effect of
      hypoglycaemia on sensor accuracy than was the ENL.

PMID- 25132322
TI  - Three-dimensional characterization of noble-metal nanoparticles and their
      assemblies by electron tomography.
AB  - New developments in the field of nanomaterials drive the need for quantitative
      characterization techniques that yield information down to the atomic scale. In
      this Review, we focus on the three-dimensional investigations of metal
      nanoparticles and their assemblies by electron tomography. This technique has
      become a versatile tool to understand the connection between the properties and
      structure or composition of nanomaterials. The different steps of an electron
      tomography experiment are discussed and we show how quantitative three
      dimensional information can be obtained even at the atomic scale. 

PMID- 25132323
TI  - Avian influenza H9N2 subtype in Poland--characterization of the isolates and
      evidence of concomitant infections.
AB  - In April/May 2013, four outbreaks of avian influenza virus (AIV) infections
      caused by H9N2 subtype were diagnosed in Poland in fattening turkey flocks
      exhibiting a drop in feed and water intake, depression, respiratory signs and
      mortality. The subsequent serological survey carried out on samples collected
      between June 2012 and September 2013 from 92 poultry flocks detected positive
      sera in two additional meat turkey flocks located in the same province. The
      analysis of amino acids in the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase glycoproteins
      revealed that the detected H9N2 viruses possessed molecular profiles suggestive
      of low pathogenicity, avian-like SAalpha2,3 receptor specificity and adaptation
      to domestic poultry. Phylogenetic studies showed that these H9N2 AIVs grouped
      within the Eurasian clade of wild bird-origin AIVs and had no relationship with
      H9N2 AIV circulating in poultry in the Middle East and Far East Asia over the
      past decade. Experimentally infected SPF chickens with the index-case H9N2 virus
      remained healthy throughout the experiment. On the other hand, ten 3-week-old
      commercial turkeys infected via the oculonasal route showed respiratory signs and
      mortality (2/10 birds). Additional diagnostic tests demonstrated the consistent
      presence of DNA/RNA of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, Bordetella avium and,
      less frequently, of astro-, rota-, reo-, parvo- and adenoviruses in turkeys both
      from field outbreaks and laboratory experiment. Although no microbiological
      culture was performed, we speculate that these secondary pathogens could play a
      role in the pathogenicity of the current H9N2 infections. 

PMID- 25132324
TI  - Challenges and potential solutions to educating learners about pediatric complex
      care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify existing challenges and potential strategies for providing
      complex care training to future pediatricians from a national group of educators.
      METHODS: Data were collected from pediatric educators involved in complex care at
      the Pediatric Educational Excellence Across the Continuum national meeting.
      Participants completed an anonymous 15-item survey adapted from the Association
      of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Best Practices for Better Care initiative and
      participated in a focus group to understand the challenges and potential
      solutions to pediatric complex care education. Data were analyzed using grounded
      theory. RESULTS: Of the 15 participants, 9 (60%) were in educational leadership
      positions. All participants provided care to children with medical complexity
      (CMC), although 80% (n = 12) reported no formal training. Thematic analysis
      revealed learners' challenges in 2 domains: 1) a lack of ownership for the
      patient because of decreased continuity, decision-making authority, and autonomy,
      as a result of the multitude of care providers and parents' distrust; and 2) a
      sense of being overwhelmed as a result of lack of preparedness and disruptions in
      work flow. Participants suggested 3 mitigating strategies: being candid about the
      difficulties of complex care, discussing the social mandate to care for CMC, and
      cultivating humility among learners. CONCLUSIONS: Residency education must
      prepare pediatricians to care for all children, regardless of disease. Training
      in complex care involves redefining the physician's role so that they are better
      equipped to participate in collaboration, empathy and advocacy with CMC. This
      study is the first to identify specific challenges and offer potential solutions
      to help establish training guidelines.

PMID- 25132325
TI  - Lymphocytes subsets reference values in childhood.
AB  - Immunophenotyping of blood lymphocyte subsets and activation markers is a basic
      tool in the diagnostic process of primary immunodeficiency diseases, its use
      becoming more and more widespread as the knowledge about these illnesses
      increases. However, the availability of reliable reference values, which need to
      be age-matched for the pediatric population, is a pre-requisite for the reliable
      interpretation of immunophenotyping data. Aim of this study is to analyze the
      lymphocyte subsets and activation markers distribution in children aged 0-18
      years referring to the University Hospital of Padova and to create age-matched
      reference values expressed by percentiles, thus providing a valuable guideline
      for the interpretation of the immunophenotype.

PMID- 25132327
TI  - An EBP mentor and unit-based EBP team: a strategy for successful implementation
      of a practice change to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

PMID- 25132326
TI  - Melatonin treatment further improves adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell
      therapy for acute interstitial cystitis in rat.
AB  - This study tests the hypothesis that combined melatonin and adipose-derived
      mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC, 1.2 * 10(6) given intravenously) treatment offer
      superior protection against cyclophosphamide (CYP 150 mg/kg)-induced acute
      interstitial cystitis (AIC) in rats. Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were treated
      as follows: sham controls, AIC alone, AIC + melatonin, AIC + ADMSC, and AIC +
      melatonin +ADMSC. When melatonin was used, it was given as follows: 20 mg/kg at
      30 min after CYP and 50 mg/kg at 6 and 18 hr after CYP. Twenty-four-hour urine
      volume, urine albumin level, and severity of hematuria were highest in AIC rats
      and lowest in the controls; likewise urine volume was higher in AIC + melatonin
      rats than in AIC + ADMSC and AIC + melatonin + ADMSC treated rats; in all cases,
      P < 0.001. The numbers of CD14+, CD74+, CD68+, MIP+, Cox-2+, substance P+, cells
      and protein expression of IL-6, IL-12, RANTES, TNF-alpha, NF-kappaB, MMP-9, iNOS
      (i.e. inflammatory biomarkers), glycosaminoglycan level, expression of oxidized
      protein, and protein expression of reactive oxygen species (NOX-1, NOX-2, NOX-4)
      in the bladder tissue exhibited an identical pattern compared with that of
      hematuria among the five groups (all P < 0.0001). The integrity of epithelial
      layer and area of collagen deposition displayed an opposite pattern compared to
      that of hematuria among all groups (P < 0.0001). The cellular expressions of
      antioxidants (GR, GPx, HO-1, NQO 1) showed a significant progressive increase
      form controls to AIC + melatonin + ADMSC (all P < 0.0001). Combined regimen of
      melatonin and ADMSC was superior to either alone in protecting against CYP
      induced AIC.

PMID- 25132328
TI  - Development of category-based induction and semantic knowledge.
AB  - Category-based induction is a hallmark of mature cognition; however, little is
      known about its origins. This study evaluated the hypothesis that category-based
      induction is related to semantic development. Computational studies suggest that
      early on there is little differentiation among concepts, but learning and
      development lead to increased differentiation based on taxonomic relatedness.
      This study reports findings from a new task aimed to (a) examine this putative
      increase in semantic differentiation and (b) test whether individual differences
      in semantic differentiation are related to category-based induction in 4- to 7
      year-old children (N = 85). The results provide the first empirical evidence of
      an age-related increase in differentiation of representations of animal concepts
      and suggest that category-based induction is related to increased semantic
      differentiation.

PMID- 25132329
TI  - TPO concentrations and response to romiplostim.

PMID- 25132330
TI  - Comparison of hemodynamic performance of the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 versus
      SAPIEN XT transcatheter valve.
AB  - The SAPIEN 3 valve (S3V) is a new-generation transcatheter valve with enhanced
      anti-paravalvular leak properties, but no data comparing with earlier
      transcatheter valve systems are available. We aimed to compare the hemodynamic
      performance of the S3V and the SAPIEN XT valve (SXTV) in a case-matched study
      with echo core laboratory analysis. A total of 27 patients who underwent
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the S3V were matched for
      prosthesis size (26 mm), aortic annulus area, and mean diameter measured by
      computed tomography, left ventricular ejection fraction, body surface area, and
      body mass index with 50 patients treated with the SXTV. The prosthesis size was
      determined by oversizing of 1% to 15% of annulus area. Doppler echocardiographic
      images collected at baseline and 1-month follow-up were analyzed in a central
      echocardiography core laboratory. The need for postdilation was higher in the
      SXTV group (20% vs 4%, p=0.047), and mean residual gradient and effective orifice
      area were similar in both groups (p>0.05). The incidence of paravalvular aortic
      regurgitation was greater with the SXTV (>=mild: 42%, moderate: 8%) than with the
      S3V (>=mild: 7%, moderate: 0%; p=0.002 for >=mild vs SXTV). The implantation of
      an S3V was the only factor associated with trace or no paravalvular leak after
      TAVR (p=0.007). In conclusion, TAVR with the S3V was associated with a very low
      rate of paravalvular leaks and need for balloon postdilation, much lower than
      that observed with the earlier generation of balloon-expandable valve (SXTV). The
      confirmation of these results in a larger cohort of patients will represent a
      major step forward in using transcatheter valves for the treatment of aortic
      stenosis.

PMID- 25132331
TI  - Characteristics of trabeculated myocardium burden in young and apparently healthy
      adults.
AB  - Increased myocardial trabeculations define noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCC).
      Imaging advancements have led to increasingly common identification of prominent
      trabeculations with unknown implications. We quantified and determined the impact
      of trabeculations' burden on cardiac function and stretch in a population of
      healthy young adults. One hundred adults aged 18 to 35 years (28+/-4 years, 55%
      women) without known cardiovascular disease were prospectively studied by
      cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Left ventricular (LV) volumes, segmental
      function, and ejection fraction (EF) and left atrial volumes were determined.
      Thickness and area of trabeculated (T) and dense (D) myocardium were measured for
      each standardized LV segment. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-pro
      BNP) was measured. Eighteen percent of the subjects had >=1 positive traditional
      criteria for NCC, and 11% meet new proposed NCC cardiovascular magnetic resonance
      criteria. Trabeculated over dense myocardium ratio (T/D) ratios were uniformly
      greater at end-diastole versus end-systole (0.90+/-0.25 vs 0.42+/-0.13,
      p<0.0001), in women versus men (0.85+/-0.24 vs 0.72+/-0.19, p=0.006), at anterior
      versus nonanterior segments (1.41+/-0.59 vs 0.88+/-0.35, p<0.0001), and at apical
      versus nonapical segments (1.31+/-0.56 vs 0.87+/-0.38, p<0.0001). The largest T/D
      ratios were associated with lower LVEF (57.0+/-5.3 vs 62+/-5.5, p=0.0001) and
      greater Nt-pro-BNP (203+/-98 vs 155+/-103, p=0.04). Multivariable regression
      identified greater end-systolic T/D ratios as the strongest independent predictor
      of lower LVEF, beyond age and gender, left atrial or LV volumes, and Nt-pro-BNP
      (beta=-9.9, 95% CI -15 to 4.9, p<0.001). In conclusion, healthy adults possess
      variable amounts of trabeculations that regularly meet criteria for NCC. Greater
      trabeculations are associated with decreased LV function. Apparently healthy
      young adults with increased trabecular burden possess evidence of mildly impaired
      cardiac function.

PMID- 25132332
TI  - Relation of time to coronary reperfusion and the development of acute kidney
      injury after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - Time to coronary reperfusion and acute kidney injury (AKI) are powerful
      prognostic markers in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, no
      information to date is present regarding the association between time to
      reperfusion and AKI. We evaluated whether time to reperfusion predicts the risk
      of developing AKI in patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI. Medical
      records of 417 patients admitted to our department from January 2008 to July
      2013, for STEMI, and treated with primary PCI were reviewed. Patients were
      stratified by time to coronary reperfusion tertiles, and their records were
      assessed for the occurrence of AKI after PCI. Mean age was 61 +/- 13 years, and
      346 patients (83%) were men. The cut-off points for the time to reperfusion
      tertiles were <120, 120 to 300, and >300 minutes. Patients having longer time to
      reperfusion had significantly more AKI complicating the course of STEMI (3% vs
      11% vs 13%, p = 0.007) and had significantly higher serum creatinine change
      throughout hospitalization (0.13 vs 0.18 vs 0.21 mg/dl, p = 0.003). In a
      multivariable regression model, time to coronary reperfusion emerged as an
      independent predictor of AKI and to the maximal change in serum creatinine. In
      conclusion, longer time to coronary reperfusion is an independent risk factor for
      the development of AKI in patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI.

PMID- 25132333
TI  - Transportation behaviour of fluopicolide and its control effect against
      Phytophthora capsici in greenhouse tomatoes after soil application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluopicolide, a novel benzamide fungicide, was registered for control
      of oomycete pathogens, including Phytophthora capsici. In this study,
      fluopicolide (5% SC) was applied in soil at rates of 1.5, 3 and 6 L ha(-1) [the
      normal (ND), double (DD) and quadruple dosages (QD) respectively] to investigate
      its transportation behaviour and control efficiency on tomato blight as a soil
      treatment agent. RESULTS: The results showed that fluopicolide applied to soil
      could be absorbed by tomato roots and then transplanted to stems and leaves. It
      could exist in tomato roots for more than 30 days, and in leaves and stems until
      day 20 after application. The decline in fluopicolide in soil was in accordance
      with a first-order dynamics equation, with half-lives of 5.33, 4.75 and 5.42 days
      for the ND, DD and QD treatments respectively. The control efficiencies of
      fluopicolide were better with soil application than with spraying application,
      and the inhibition ratios were 93.02, 97.67 and 100 on day 21 for the ND, DD and
      QD treatments respectively. CONCLUSION: Soil application of fluopicolide could
      control P. capsici in greenhouse tomatoes with high efficiency and long
      persistence.

PMID- 25132334
TI  - Variation in amphibian response to two formulations of glyphosate-based
      herbicides.
AB  - Variation in toxicity among formulations and species makes it difficult to
      extrapolate results to all species and all formulations of herbicides. The
      authors exposed larval wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) from 4 populations to 2
      glyphosate-based herbicides, Roundup Weed and Grass Control(r) and Roundup
      WeatherMax(r). The 96-h median lethal concentration values for both formulations
      varied among the populations (Roundup Weed and Grass Control, 0.14 mg acid
      equivalents (a.e.)/L to 1.10 mg a.e./L; Roundup WeatherMax, 4.94 mg a.e./L to
      8.26 mg a.e./L), demonstrating that toxicity varies among the formulations and
      that susceptibility may differ among populations.

PMID- 25132335
TI  - Protective properties of a fusion pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) vaccine
      against pneumococcal challenge by five different PspA clades in mice.
AB  - An increase in the appearance of nonvaccine serotypes in both children and adults
      with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) after introduction of pneumococcal
      conjugate vaccine represents a limitation of this vaccine. In this study, we
      generated three recombinant pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) proteins
      comprising PspA families 1 and 2, and we examined the reactivity of antisera
      raised in mice immunized with a PspA fusion protein in combination with CpG
      oligonucleotides plus aluminum hydroxide gel. The protective effects of
      immunization with PspA fusion proteins against pneumococcal challenge by strains
      with five different PspA clades were also examined in mice. Flow cytometry
      demonstrated that PspA3+2-induced antiserum showed the greatest binding of PspA
      specific IgG to all five challenge strains with different clades. PspA2+4- or
      PspA2+5-induced antiserum showed the lowest binding of PspA-specific IgG to clade
      3. Immunization with PspA3+2 afforded significant protection against pneumococcal
      challenge by five strains with different clades in mice, but immunization with
      PspA2+4 or PspA2+5 failed to protect mice from pneumococcal challenge by strains
      with clades 1 and 3. The binding of PspA-specific IgG in antisera raised by three
      PspA fusion proteins was examined in 68 clinical isolates from adult patients
      with IPD. Immunization of mice with PspA3+2-induced antiserum with a high binding
      capacity for clinical isolates expressing clades 1-4, but not clade 5. Our
      results suggest that the PspA3+2 vaccine has an advantage over the PspA2+4 or
      PspA2+5 vaccine in terms of a broad range of cross-reactivity with clinical
      isolates and cross-protection against pneumococcal challenge in mice. 

PMID- 25132336
TI  - Maternal determinants of timely vaccination coverage among infants in rural
      Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Timely vaccination, i.e., the receipt of all scheduled vaccinations
      in an age-appropriate fashion, is critical for the prevention of deadly diseases
      in infants and achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goal to reduce infant
      mortality. Infants, especially in rural or underprivileged settings often receive
      delayed vaccinations leaving them susceptible to vaccine-preventable illnesses
      early in the first year of life. In this study, we examined rates of timely
      vaccination among 24,435 infants born in Gaibandha and Rangpur rural districts of
      Bangladesh from 2001 to 2007. METHODS: Vaccinations due by 14 weeks of age and
      administered through routine government immunization services were assessed using
      interviews with enrolled mothers between 11 and 18 weeks postpartum. We created a
      Timely Vaccination (TV) score to classify infants as vaccinated fully and on
      schedule (TV=1) or not (TV=0), and used multivariable logistic regression to
      identify maternal characteristics associated with infant's timely vaccination
      status. RESULTS: Our results suggest that only 19% of infants in this cohort
      received scheduled vaccinations on time by 11-18 weeks postpartum. Mothers'
      engagement in paid employment [OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.23], receipt of tetanus
      toxoid vaccination [OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.11-1.38], history of antenatal care
      [OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.12-1.32], or higher socioeconomic status [OR=1.07, 95% CI:
      1.03-1.11] were positively associated with timely vaccination of their infants.
      Mother's perception of small infant size at birth was negatively associated with
      timely vaccination [OR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.82-0.97]. CONCLUSION: Timely vaccination
      coverage of infants in rural Gaibandha and Rangpur districts is extremely low.
      This analysis identifies important shortcomings associated with the 1-year
      vaccination benchmark of routine immunization performance and suggests the need
      for specific interventions based on potential maternal determinants as well as
      known system and programmatic barriers of timely vaccination among infants in
      rural Bangladesh.

PMID- 25132337
TI  - Uptake of influenza vaccine in ulcerative colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of vaccine-preventable-disease is increasing. Current
      practice guidelines recommend annual influenza vaccination for all inflammatory
      bowel disease (IBD) patients. STUDY: Using the Business Objects database of
      Clalit Health Services in the Tel Aviv district we identified all patients over
      18 years-old with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) on 31.12.05. This cohort
      was followed until 31.12.12. Subjects over age 50 without IBD who are also
      targeted for influenza vaccination served as controls. The uptake of annual
      influenza vaccination was recorded. RESULTS: 470 UC patients were included (241
      (51.3%) males, age 50.4 +/- 18.4 years, disease duration 158.9 +/- 86.5 months),
      and 2960 controls. During the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012
      the uptake of influenza vaccination was 101 (21.5%), 122 (26.0%), 147 (31.3%),
      181 (38.5%), 177 (37.7%), 170 (36.2%) and 178 (37.9%) amongst UC patients, and
      993 (33.5%), 1360 (45.9%), 1524 (51.5%), 1611 (54.4%), 1446 (48.9%), 1576 (53.2%)
      and 1557 (52.6%) amongst controls (p<0.0001 for every year). Independent
      predictors of vaccination included age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.06; p<0.001) and
      cardiovascular risk (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.31-2.49; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although
      uptake influenza vaccination is consistently lower in UC compared to controls, an
      upward trend was observed over the study period. Public health initiatives should
      target this high-risk population to promote immunization.

PMID- 25132338
TI  - Curcumin attenuates cardiac fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats through
      PPAR-gamma activation.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effects of curcumin (Cur) on cardiac fibrosis in
      spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and the mechanisms underlying the anti
      fibrotic effect of Cur in rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) in vitro. METHODS: SHRs
      were orally treated with Cur (100 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)) or Cur (100 mg.kg(-1).d(-1))
      plus the PPAR-gamma antagonist GW9662 (1 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)) for 12 weeks. Cultured
      CFs were treated with angiotensin II (Ang II, 0.1 MUmol/L) in vitro. The
      expression of relevant proteins and mRNAs was analyzed using Western blotting and
      real-time PCR, respectively. The expression and activity of peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) were detected using Western
      blotting and a DNA-binding assay, respectively. RESULTS: Treatment of SHRs with
      Cur significantly decreased systolic blood pressure, blood Ang II concentration,
      heart weight/body weight ratio and left ventricle weight/body weight ratio, with
      concurrently decreased expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF),
      plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, collagen III (Col III) and fibronectin
      (FN), and increased expression and activity of PPAR-gamma in the left ventricle.
      Co-treatment with GW9662 partially abrogated the anti-fibrotic effects of Cur in
      SHRs. Pretreatment of CFs with Cur (5, 10, 20 MUmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited
      Ang II-induced expression of CTGF, PAI-1, Col III and FN, and increased the
      expression and binding activity of PPAR-gamma. Pretreatment with GW9662 partially
      reversed anti-fibrotic effects of Cur in vitro. Furthermore, pretreatment of CFs
      with Cur inhibited Ang II-induced expression of transforming growth factor-beta1
      (TGF-beta1) and phosphorylation of Smad2/3, which were reversed by GW9662.
      CONCLUSION: Cur attenuates cardiac fibrosis in SHRs and inhibits Ang II-induced
      production of CTGF, PAI-1 and ECM in CFs in vitro. The crosstalk between PPAR
      gamma and TGF-beta1/Smad2/3 signaling is involved in the anti-fibrotic and anti
      proliferative effects of Cur.

PMID- 25132339
TI  - Crotoxin induces apoptosis and autophagy in human lung carcinoma cells in vitro
      via activation of the p38MAPK signaling pathway.
AB  - AIM: Crotoxin (CrTX) is the primary toxin in South American rattlesnake (Crotalus
      durissus terrificus) venom, and exhibits antitumor and other pharmacological
      actions in vivo and in vitro. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of
      the antitumor action of CrTX in human lung carcinoma cells in vitro. METHODS:
      Human lung squamous carcinoma SK-MES-1 cells were tested. The cytotoxicity of
      CrTX was evaluated in both MTT and colony formation assays. Cell cycle was
      investigated with flow cytometry. Cell apoptosis was studied with Hoechst 33258
      and Annexin V-FITC staining. The levels of relevant proteins were analyzed using
      Western blot assays. RESULTS: CrTX (25, 50, 100 MUmol/L) inhibited the growth and
      colony formation of SK-MES-1 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. CrTX
      increased the proportion of S phase cells and dose-dependently induced cell
      apoptosis, accompanied by down-regulating the expression of proliferating cell
      nuclear antigen (PCNA), and increasing the level of cleaved caspase-3.
      Furthermore, CrTX dose-dependently increased the expression of autophagy-related
      proteins LC3-II and beclin 1, and decreased the level of p62 in the cells.
      Moreover, CrTX (50 MUmol/L) significantly increased p38MAPK phosphorylation in
      the cells. Pretreatment of the cells with SB203580, a specific inhibitor of
      p38MAPK, blocked the inhibition of CrTX on cell proliferation, as well as CrTX
      induced apoptosis and cleaved caspase-3 expression. CONCLUSION: The p38MAPK
      signaling pathway mediates CrTX-induced apoptosis and autophagy of human lung
      carcinoma SK-MES-1 cells in vitro.

PMID- 25132341
TI  - Leaf-shape remodeling: programmed cell death in fistular leaves of Allium
      fistulosum.
AB  - Some species of Allium in Liliaceae have fistular leaves. The fistular lamina of
      Allium fistulosum undergoes a process from solid to hollow during development.
      The aims were to reveal the process of fistular leaf formation involved in
      programmed cell death (PCD) and to compare the cytological events in the
      execution of cell death to those in the unusual leaf perforations or plant
      aerenchyma formation. In this study, light and transmission electron microscopy
      were used to characterize the development of fistular leaves and cytological
      events. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling
      (TUNEL) assays and gel electrophoresis were used to determine nuclear DNA
      cleavage during the PCD. The cavity arises in the leaf blade by degradation of
      specialized cells, the designated pre-cavity cells, in the center of the leaves.
      Nuclei of cells within the pre-cavity site become TUNEL-positive, indicating that
      DNA cleavage is an early event. Gel electrophoresis revealed that DNA
      internucleosomal cleavage occurred resulting in a characteristic DNA ladder.
      Ultrastructural analysis of cells at the different stages showed disrupted
      vacuoles, misshapen nuclei with condensed chromatin, degraded cytoplasm and
      organelles and emergence of secondary vacuoles. The cell walls degraded last, and
      residue of degraded cell walls aggregated together. These results revealed that
      PCD plays a critical role in the development of A. fistulosum fistular leaves.
      The continuous cavity in A. fistulosum leaves resemble the aerenchyma in the pith
      of some gramineous plants to improve gas exchange.

PMID- 25132340
TI  - Protocol for a prospective magnetic resonance imaging study on supraspinal lower
      urinary tract control in healthy subjects and spinal cord injury patients
      undergoing intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections for treating neurogenic
      detrusor overactivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The control of the lower urinary tract is a complex, multilevel
      process involving both the peripheral and central nervous system. Due to lesions
      of the neuraxis, most spinal cord injury patients suffer from neurogenic lower
      urinary tract dysfunction, which may jeopardise upper urinary tract function and
      has a negative impact on health-related quality of life. However, the alterations
      to the nervous system following spinal cord injury causing neurogenic lower
      urinary tract dysfunction and potential effects of treatments such as
      intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections on lower urinary tract control are
      poorly understood. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a prospective structural and
      functional magnetic resonance imaging study investigating the supraspinal lower
      urinary tract control in healthy subjects and spinal cord injury patients
      undergoing intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections for treating neurogenic
      detrusor overactivity.Neuroimaging data will include structural magnetic
      resonance imaging (T1-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging) as well as
      functional, i.e. blood oxygen level-dependent sensitive magnetic resonance
      imaging using a 3 T magnetic resonance scanner. The functional magnetic resonance
      imaging will be performed simultaneously to three different bladder stimulation
      paradigms using an automated magnetic resonance compatible and synchronised pump
      system.All subjects will undergo two consecutive and identical magnetic resonance
      imaging measurements. Healthy subjects will not undergo any intervention between
      measurements but spinal cord injury patients will receive intradetrusor
      onabotulinumtoxinA injections for treating neurogenic detrusor
      overactivity.Parameters of the clinical assessment including bladder diary,
      urinalysis, medical history, neuro-urological examination, urodynamic
      investigation as well as standardised questionnaires regarding lower urinary
      tract function and quality of life will serve as co-variates in the magnetic
      resonance imaging analysis. DISCUSSION: This study will identify structural and
      functional alterations in supraspinal networks of lower urinary tract control in
      spinal cord injury patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity compared to
      healthy controls. Post-treatment magnetic resonance imaging measurements in
      spinal cord injury patients will provide further insights into the mechanism of
      action of treatments such as intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections and the
      effect on supraspinal lower urinary tract control. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01768910.

PMID- 25132342
TI  - Hippocampal NMDA receptors and the previous experience effect on memory.
AB  - N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) are thought to be responsible for
      switching synaptic activity specific patterns into long-term changes in synaptic
      function and structure, which would support learning and memory. Hippocampal
      NMDAR blockade impairs memory consolidation in rodents, while NMDAR stimulation
      improves it. Adult rats that explored twice an open field (OF) before a weak
      though overthreshold training in inhibitory avoidance (IA), expressed IA long
      term memory in spite of the hippocampal administration of MK-801, which currently
      leads to amnesia. Those processes would involve different NMDARs. The selective
      blockade of hippocampal GluN2B-containing NMDAR with ifenprodil after training
      promoted memory in an IA task when the training was weak, suggesting that this
      receptor negatively modulates consolidation. In vivo, after 1h of an OF exposure
      with habituation to the environment-, there was an increase in GluN1 and GluN2A
      subunits in the rat hippocampus, without significant changes in GluN2B.
      Coincidentally, in vitro, in both rat hippocampal slices and neuron cultures
      there was an increase in GluN2A-NMDARs surface expression at 30min; an increase
      in GluN1 and GluN2A levels at about 1h after LTP induction was also shown. We
      hypothesize that those changes in NMDAR composition could be involved in the
      "anti-amnesic effect" of the previous OF. Along certain time interval, an
      increase in GluN1 and GluN2A would lead to an increase in synaptic NMDARs,
      facilitating synaptic plasticity and memory; while then, an increase in
      GluN2A/GluN2B ratio could protect the synapse and the already established
      plasticity, perhaps saving the specific trace. 

PMID- 25132343
TI  - Expression of placenta growth factor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, metal
      responsive transcription factor-1, heme oxygenase 1 and hypoxia inducible factor
      1alpha mRNAs in pre-eclampsia placenta and the effect of pre-eclampsia sera on
      their expression of choriocarcinoma cells.
AB  - AIM: We studied the effect of pre-eclampsia sera on the expression of placenta
      growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), metal
      responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and hypoxia
      inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) mRNAs in JEG-3 cells (trophoblast-derived
      cells) and placenta from pre-eclampsia patients to investigate pre-eclampsia
      pathophysiology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Placenta and serum samples were taken from
      pre-eclampsia and normal pregnancy patients. JEG-3 cells were cultured with pre
      eclampsia and normal pregnant sera in 24-well tissue culture plates. RNA was
      purified from placental trophoblast cells and JEG-3 cells 24 h after incubation.
      The expression of mRNA was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction.
      RESULTS: The expression of sFlt-1 mRNA increased, and that of PlGF and HO-1 mRNA
      decreased in JEG-3 cells after incubation with pre-eclampsia sera. The expression
      of PlGF mRNA decreased, and that of sFlt-1mRNA increased in pre-eclampsia
      placenta. The expression of MTF-1 and HO-1 mRNA decreased. A correlation was
      found between PlGF mRNA expression and the expression of MTF-1 and HIF-1alpha
      mRNA. A correlation between sFlt-1 and HIF-1alpha mRNA expression was also found.
      CONCLUSION: Changes in PlGF mRNA expression in pre-eclampsia placenta may relate
      to serum factors and the expression of MTF-1 and HIF-alpha mRNA. Changes in sFlt
      1mRNA expression may relate to serum factors and the expression of HIF-alpha
      mRNA. We suggest that serum factors play a role in PlGF and sFlt-1 expression in
      pre-eclampsia placenta.

PMID- 25132344
TI  - Inflammatory features of melasma lesions in Asian skin.
AB  - Melasma is triggered by various factors including ultraviolet radiation and
      estrogen; however, its pathogenesis is unclear. To investigate the inflammatory
      features of melasma lesions as triggers for this disorder, 197 women with melasma
      who attended Asan Medical Center and Kangskin Clinic, Seoul, from June 2011 to
      October 2011 completed a questionnaire concerning triggering or aggravating
      factors. These cases were divided into "non-inflammatory" and "inflammatory"
      groups. Skin biopsies and immunostaining for CD68, CD117, and leukocyte common
      antigen (LCA) were performed in the lesional and peri-lesional skin of ten cases
      in the non-inflammatory group and nine cases in the inflammatory group. Among the
      197 subjects (mean age, 41.5 years; mean age of melasma onset, 33.8 years), 50
      patients (25.4%) were categorized into the inflammatory group. This group
      comprised cases that had inflammatory symptoms and events that triggered the
      melasma lesions. The lesional dermis contained more CD68(+) melanophages,
      CD117(+) mast cells, and LCA(+) leukocytes in the inflammatory group than in the
      non-inflammatory group. Inflammatory clinical features and an increased number of
      inflammatory cells in the lesion may be involved in the development of melasma in
      Asian skin. 

PMID- 25132346
TI  - Pain at the game: spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

PMID- 25132347
TI  - Neither here nor there: impending paradoxical embolism.

PMID- 25132348
TI  - Ramsay Hunt syndrome presenting with ataxia and syndrome of inappropriate
      antidiuretic hormone secretion.

PMID- 25132345
TI  - Laminar and neurochemical organization of the dorsal cochlear nucleus of the
      human, monkey, cat, and rodents.
AB  - The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) is a brainstem structure that receives input
      from the auditory nerve. Many studies in a diversity of species have shown that
      the DCN has a laminar organization and identifiable neuron types with predictable
      synaptic relations to each other. In contrast, studies on the human DCN have
      found a less distinct laminar organization and fewer cell types, although there
      has been disagreement among studies in how to characterize laminar organization
      and which of the cell types identified in other animals are also present in
      humans. We have reexamined DCN organization in the human using
      immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of several proteins that have been
      useful in delineating the neurochemical organization of other brainstem
      structures in humans: nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein (NPNFP), nitric
      oxide synthase (nNOS), and three calcium-binding proteins. The results for humans
      suggest a laminar organization with only two layers, and the presence of large
      projection neurons that are enriched in NPNFP. We did not observe evidence in
      humans of the inhibitory interneurons that have been described in the cat and
      rodent DCN. To compare humans and other animals directly we used
      immunohistochemistry to examine the DCN in the macaque monkey, the cat, and three
      rodents. We found similarities between macaque monkey and human in the expression
      of NPNFP and nNOS, and unexpected differences among species in the patterns of
      expression of the calcium-binding proteins.

PMID- 25132349
TI  - Left upper pulmonary vein thrombus in a patient with atrial fibrillation and
      prior lobectomy.

PMID- 25132350
TI  - Urinary creatinine-splitting bacteria after ileal-loop diversion causing
      underestimate of glomerular filtration rate.

PMID- 25132351
TI  - What's in a word? Using words carefully.

PMID- 25132352
TI  - The fastest way to make an enemy.

PMID- 25132353
TI  - The importance and role of clinical imaging guidelines: the example of the ACR
      Appropriateness Criteria((r)) on Renal Failure.

PMID- 25132354
TI  - Osteopontin deficiency does not prevent but promotes alcoholic neutrophilic
      hepatitis in mice.
AB  - Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a distinct spectrum of alcoholic liver disease (ALD)
      with intense neutrophilic (polymorphonuclear; PMN) inflammation and high
      mortality. Although a recent study implicates osteopontin (SPP1) in AH, SPP1 is
      also shown to have protective effects on experimental ALD. To address this
      unsettled question, we examined the effects of SPP1 deficiency in male mice given
      40% calories derived from ad libitum consumption of the Western diet high in
      cholesterol and saturated fat and the rest from intragastric feeding of alcohol
      diet without or with weekly alcohol binge. Weekly binge in this new hybrid
      feeding model shifts chronic ASH with macrophage inflammation and perisinusoidal
      and pericellular fibrosis to AH in 57% (15 of 26) of mice, accompanied by
      inductions of chemokines (Spp1, Cxcl1, and interleukin [Il]-17a), progenitor
      genes (Cd133, Cd24, Nanog, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule), PMN
      infiltration, and clinical features of AH, such as hypoalbuminemia,
      bilirubinemia, and splenomegaly. SPP1 deficiency does not reduce AH incidence and
      inductions of progenitor and fibrogenic genes, but rather enhances the Il-17a
      induction and PMN infiltration in some mice. Furthermore, in the absence of SPP1,
      chronic ASH mice without weekly binge begin to develop AH. CONCLUSION: These
      results suggest that SPP1 has a protective, rather than causal, role for
      experimental AH reproduced in our model.

PMID- 25132356
TI  - What is in a name? Nonfinancial influences on the outcomes of systematic reviews
      and guidelines.

PMID- 25132357
TI  - Judging pathological assessment in cancer specimens.
AB  - The pathologist plays a critical role in the multidisciplinary team in charge of
      treating cancer patients, as many of the therapeutic decisions rely on the
      information conveyed through the pathology reports. The task of the pathologist
      includes not only an accurate assessment of pathological T and N categories, but
      also the evaluation of other indicators of prognosis including quality of
      surgery, margins of resection, as well as additional histopathological and
      molecular markers that influence prognosis and could predict response to therapy.

PMID- 25132355
TI  - Differential cellular expression of organic anion transporting peptides OATP1A2
      and OATP2B1 in the human retina and brain: implications for carrier-mediated
      transport of neuropeptides and neurosteriods in the CNS.
AB  - Organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) are polyspecific organic anion
      transporters, which are expressed in the blood-brain barrier, the choroid plexus,
      and other organs. The physiologic function of OATPs in extrahepatic tissues
      remains ambiguous. In rat retina, members of the OATP family are expressed. We
      therefore investigated the human retina for the expression of OATP1A2 and OATP2B1
      and extended the study to human brain. Furthermore, we searched for peptide
      neurotransmitters as novel OATP substrates. OATP1A2 displayed a broad expression
      pattern in human retina as assessed by immunofluorescence localization. It is
      expressed in photoreceptor bodies and somas of amacrine cells. OATP1B2 expression
      is restricted to the inner nuclear layer and to the inner plexiform layer. Using
      paraffin sections from human cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus, OATP1A2 was
      localized to neurons and neuronal processes, while OATP2B1 is expressed in
      endothelial cells of brain capillaries. Substance P and vasoactive intestinal
      peptide were identified as substrates for OATP1A2 and OATP2B1. Double-labeling
      immunofluorescence of human retina demonstrated the presence of substance P and
      of vasoactive intestinal peptides in neurons expressing OATP1A2 and OATP2B1,
      respectively. The expression of OATP1A2 and OATP2B1 in retinal neurons implies a
      role of these transporters in the reuptake of peptide neurotransmitters released
      from retinal neurons. The abundant expression of OATP1A2 in brain neurons points
      to the possibility that OATP1A2 could be involved in the homeostasis of
      neurosteroids. The high expression of OATP2B1 in brain capillaries supports an
      important function of OATPs in substance penetration across the blood-brain
      barrier.

PMID- 25132358
TI  - phylin: an r package for phylogeographic interpolation.
AB  - phylin is a package for the r programming environment which offers different
      methods to spatially interpolate genetic information from phylogeographic data.
      These interpolations can be used to predict the spatial occurrence of different
      lineages within a phylogeny using a modified method of kriging, which allows the
      usage of a genetic distance matrix to derive a model of spatial dependence.
      phylin improves the available methods to generate interpolated surfaces from a
      phylogenetic trees by assessing the autocorrelation structure of the genetic
      information, interpolating the genetic data based on a statistical model,
      estimating the uncertainty of the predictions and identifying lineage occurrence
      and contact zones probability without projection of pairwise genetic distances
      into mid-points between sample locations. The package also includes methods to
      plot interpolation surfaces and provide summary tables from the generated data
      and models. We provide an example of the usefulness of this tool by inferring the
      spatial occurrence of distinct historical evolutionary lineages of the Lataste's
      viper (Vipera latastei Bosca, 1878) in the Iberian Peninsula and identifying
      potential contact areas. The maps of phylogenetic patterns obtained with these
      methods provide a spatial context to test hypotheses related to processes
      underlying the geographic distribution of genetic diversity and to inform
      conservation planning. 

PMID- 25132359
TI  - Cancer research in France.

PMID- 25132360
TI  - Exercise decreases speedball self-administration.
AB  - AIMS: Epidemiological studies report that individuals who exercise are less
      likely to abuse drugs. Preclinical studies report that exercise, in the form of
      treadmill or wheel running, reliably decreases the self-administration of
      psychomotor stimulants and opioids. To date, preclinical studies have only
      examined the effects of exercise on responding maintained by individual drugs and
      not by combinations of multiple drugs. This limits the translational appeal of
      these studies because polydrug abuse is common among substance abusing
      populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on
      the self-administration of speedball, a combination of cocaine and heroin that is
      frequently encountered in intravenous drug abusing populations. MAIN METHODS:
      Female rats were obtained at weaning and assigned to sedentary or exercising
      conditions. Sedentary rats were housed in standard cages that permitted no
      exercise beyond normal cage ambulation; exercising rats were housed in similar
      cages with an activity wheel. After 6weeks, rats were implanted with intravenous
      catheters and trained to self-administer cocaine, heroin, and dose combinations
      of cocaine and heroin (i.e., speedball) on a progressive ratio schedule of
      reinforcement. KEY FINDINGS: Doses of speedball maintained greater levels of
      responding than corresponding doses of cocaine and heroin alone. Importantly,
      responding maintained by cocaine, heroin, and speedball was lower in exercising
      rats than sedentary rats. SIGNIFICANCE: These data indicate that exercise
      decreases the self-administration of speedball and suggest that exercise may
      reduce the abuse of drug combinations that have traditionally been resistant to
      treatment.

PMID- 25132361
TI  - Gastrodin prevents motor deficits and oxidative stress in the MPTP mouse model of
      Parkinson's disease: involvement of ERK1/2-Nrf2 signaling pathway.
AB  - AIMS: Current no effective therapy is available to halt the progression of
      Parkinson's disease (PD). Oxidative stress has been implicated in the etiology of
      PD. The present study evaluates the hypothesis that prevention of 1-methyl-4
      phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced motor deficits by gastrodin
      might mainly result from its antioxidant property via interrupting extracellular
      signal regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related
      factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. MAIN METHODS: Pretreatment of mouse model of
      PD is established by treating C57BL/6 mice with 4 doses of MPTP (30 mg/kg per
      day, i.p.), with gastrodin (60 mg/kg per day) administered by daily
      intraperitoneal injection for 2 weeks. Motor behavior of mice was monitored by
      open-field test and rotarod test. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western
      blotting were used to analyze the expression of genes. KEY FINDINGS: MPTP-induced
      motor deficits were partially and significantly forestalled by gastrodin.
      Gastrodin treatment prevented MPTP-induced oxidative stress, as measured by
      malondialdehyde in midbrain. Interestingly, MPTP-intoxicated mice treated with
      gastrodin robustly increased heme oxygenase 1, superoxide dismutase, glutathione
      levels, and Nrf2 nuclear translocation in striatum of MPTP-intoxicated mice.
      Furthermore, results herein suggest that the antioxidant pathway activated by
      gastrodin involves ERK1/2 phosphorylation. SIGNIFICANCE: Gastrodin protects
      midbrain of MPTP-intoxicated mice against oxidative stress, in part, through
      interrupting ERK1/2-Nrf2 pathway mechanism, which will give us an insight into
      the potential of gastrodin in terms of opening up new therapeutic avenues for PD.

PMID- 25132362
TI  - Animal models of social anxiety disorder and their validity criteria.
AB  - Anxiety disorders pose one of the largest threats to global mental health, and
      they predominantly emerge early in life. Social anxiety disorder, also known as
      social phobia, is the most common of all anxiety disorders. Moreover, it has
      severe consequences and is a disabling disorder that can cause an individual to
      be unable to perform the tasks of daily life. Social anxiety disorder is
      associated with the subsequent development of major depression and other mental
      diseases, as well as increased substance abuse. Although some neurobiological
      alterations have been found to be associated with social anxiety disorder, little
      is known about this disorder. Animal models are useful tools for the
      investigation of this disorder, as well as for finding new pharmacological
      targets for treatment. Thus, this review will highlight the main animal models of
      anxiety associated with social phobia. 

PMID- 25132363
TI  - The flavan-3-ol fraction of cocoa powder suppressed changes associated with early
      stage metabolic syndrome in high-fat diet-fed rats.
AB  - AIMS: Previous epidemiological studies have suggested that ingestion of chocolate
      reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we examined the
      effects of flavan-3-ols derived from cocoa on blood pressure, lipolysis, and
      thermogenesis in rats fed a high-fat diet and that showed early signs of
      metabolic syndrome. MAIN METHODS: The rats were divided into three groups, and
      fed either normal diet (normal), 60% fat high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD containing
      0.2% flavan-3-ols (HFD-flavan) for 4 weeks. At the end of the feeding period,
      blood pressure was measured and animals were sacrificed under anesthesia.
      Lipolysis and thermogenesis-related protein levels were measured in several
      tissues by Western blotting, and mitochondrial DNA copy number was measured by RT
      PCR. KEY FINDINGS: Mean blood pressure and epididymal adipose tissue weight of
      HFD-flavan were significantly lower compared with those of HFD. Uncoupling
      protein (UCP)1 in brown adipose tissue and UCP3 in gastrocnemius of HFD-flavan
      were significantly increased compared with those of HFD group. Carnitine
      palmitoyltransferase (CPT) 2 levels in liver and medium-chain acyl-CoA
      dehydrogenase (MCAD) levels in gastrocnemius and liver were significantly
      increased by the supplementation of flavan-3-ols. SIGNIFICANCE: In addition to
      having hypotensive effects, flavan-3-ols enhance thermogenesis and lipolysis and
      consequently reduce white adipose tissue weight gain in response to high-fat diet
      feeding.

PMID- 25132364
TI  - In-office bleaching gel with 35% hydrogen peroxide enhanced biofilm formation of
      early colonizing streptococci on human enamel.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of 25% and 35% hydrogen peroxide in-office
      bleaching systems on surface roughness and streptococcal biofilm formation on
      human enamel. METHODS: Enamel specimens (3mm*3mm*2mm, n=162) from human permanent
      teeth were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups (n=54 each): (1) control, (2)
      bleached with 25% hydrogen peroxide (Zoom2TM), and (3) bleached with 35% hydrogen
      peroxide (BeyondTM). The enamel surface roughness was measured by a profilometer
      before and after treatments. Subsequently, the treated enamel specimens were
      randomly placed into 3 subgroups (n=18 each) and incubated with: (1) trypticase
      soy broth control, (2) Streptococcus mutans culture and (3) Streptococcus
      sanguinis culture for 24h. Biofilm formation was quantified by crystal violet
      staining. The biofilm structure on three specimens from each group was visualized
      by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann
      Whitney U tests with Bonferroni corrections. Significance level was set at
      p<0.05. RESULTS: Both bleaching systems significantly reduced enamel surface
      roughness comparing to the control group (p<0.001), but there was no difference
      between the two treatment groups. Remarkably, S. sanguinis biofilm formation was
      significantly higher on enamel specimens bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide than
      other treatments (p<0.001), but was lower on those bleached with 25% hydrogen
      peroxide (p<0.001). In contrast, no difference in S. mutans biofilm formation was
      observed among the three treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Both 25% and 35% hydrogen
      peroxide caused similar degrees of reduction in enamel surface roughness.
      Nevertheless, bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide appeared to markedly promote
      S. sanguinis biofilm formation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The increase of early
      colonizer biofilm raised concerns over adverse effects of in-office bleaching on
      plaque formation. This should be further investigated in vivo and efficient
      plaque control should be emphasized after bleaching with high concentrations of
      hydrogen peroxide.

PMID- 25132365
TI  - The strength of sintered and adhesively bonded zirconia/veneer-ceramic bilayers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recently all-ceramic restorative systems have been introduced that
      use CAD/CAM technology to fabricate both the Y-TZP core and veneer-ceramic
      layers. The aim was to identify whether the CAD/CAM approach resulted in more
      favourable stressing patterns in the veneer-ceramic when compared with a
      conventionally sintered Y-TZP core/veneer-ceramic. METHODS: Nominally identical
      Vita VM9 veneer-ceramic disc-shaped specimens (0.7mm thickness, 12mm diameter)
      were fabricated. 20 specimens received a surface coating of resin-cement (Panavia
      21); 20 specimens were bonded with the resin-cement to fully sintered Y-TZP (YZ
      Vita Inceram Vita) discs (0.27mm thickness, 12mm diameter). A final series of 20
      Y-TZP core/veneer-ceramic specimens were manufactured using a conventional
      sintering route. Biaxial flexure strength was determined in a ball-on-ring
      configuration and stress at the fracture origin calculated using multilayer
      closed-form analytical solutions. Fractography was undertaken using scanning
      electron microscopy. The experimental test was simulated using Finite Element
      Analysis. Group mean BFS were compared using a one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey
      tests at a 95% significance level. RESULTS: Resin cement application resulted in
      significant strengthening of the veneer-ceramic and further significant
      strengthening of the veneer-ceramic (p<0.01) occurred following bonding to the Y
      TZP core. The BFS calculated at the failure origin for conventionally sintered
      specimens was significantly reduced when compared with the adhesively bonded Y
      TZP/veneer-ceramic. CONCLUSIONS: Under the test conditions employed adhesive
      cementation between CAD/CAM produced Y-TZP/veneer-ceramic layers appears to offer
      the potential to induce more favourable stress states within the veneer-ceramic
      when compared with conventional sintered manufacturing routes. CLINICAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: The current investigation suggests that the stressing patterns that
      arise in all-ceramic restorations fabricated using CAD/CAM for both the core and
      veneer-ceramic layers differ from those that occur in conventionally sintered
      bilayer restorations. Further work is required to ascertain whether such
      differences will translate into improved clinical outcomes.

PMID- 25132366
TI  - Effect of temperature on post-cure polymerization of bulk-fill composites.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the 24h post-cure polymerization and the effect of
      temperature on the post-cure polymerization of one conventional and three bulk
      fill composite materials. METHODS: A conventional composite GrandioSO (GR) and
      three bulk-fill composites: Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (TECBF), Quixfil (QF) and X
      tra fil (XF) were investigated. The samples were cured for 20s with irradiance of
      1090mW/cm(2). Composite samples were divided into two groups: the "room
      temperature" group (RT, n=5) and the "body-temperature" group (BT, n=5) and they
      were stored in dark at 20 degrees C and 37 degrees C, respectively. Measurements
      of degree of conversion (DC) were made immediately after curing (0h) and 24h post
      cure (24h). To analyse the extent of post-cure DC increase, the DC values of 0h
      RT/24h-RT and 0h-BT/24h-BT were compared. To analyse the difference in DC between
      RT and BT, the DC values of 0h-RT/0h-BT and 24h-RT/24h-BT were compared. RESULTS:
      DC increase 24h post-cure was significant for all composites and ranged between
      6.3% and 8.2% in RT and between 12.5% and 15.7% in BT. All composites
      demonstrated a higher DC in 24h-BT compared to 24h-RT. The difference was
      statistically significant for GR, TECBF and QF. CONCLUSIONS: All composites
      demonstrated a significant post-cure effect after 24h. Post-cure temperature
      increase from 20 degrees C to 37 degrees C yielded a higher post-cure DC
      increase. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Due to the temperature effect on the final DC,
      studies performed at composite samples at room temperature may record more
      inferior properties than these attained in the oral cavity.

PMID- 25132368
TI  - Salivary gland carcinomas in children and adolescents: the Italian TREP project
      experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Salivary gland carcinomas are extremely rare in pediatric age. We
      report the clinical features of a series of children/adolescents with salivary
      gland carcinomas prospectively registered in the Italian TREP (Rare Tumors in
      Pediatric Age) project. PROCEDURES: Diagnostic/therapeutic guidelines were
      developed and shared among Italian pediatric oncology/surgical centers. RESULTS:
      Seventeen patients were registered between 2000 and 2012, representing 19% of the
      cases expected to be seen based on epidemiological data. Tumors arose mainly in
      the parotid gland (14 cases). In most cases they were low-grade tumors (14
      cases), often with a favorable clinical presentation, and low-stage disease. All
      patients underwent surgical resection, achieving histologically free margins in
      9/17 cases. Thirteen of the 14 patients with parotid gland tumors had
      parotidectomy (10 total, 3 superficial), while one had a tumorectomy.
      Postoperative facial nerve lesions were reported in two cases. Adjuvant
      radiotherapy was given to 6 patients. The overall prognosis was good: only one
      patient with a huge high-grade tumor experienced disease progression and died of
      the disease. The other 16 patients were alive in first continuous remission 1-8
      years after diagnosis. In 4/17 cases, the salivary gland carcinoma was a second
      tumor occurring 6-9 years after another primary cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first reported prospective national cooperative series of pediatric salivary
      gland carcinoma patients. Compliance with the TREP recommendations was high.
      These tumors are rarely managed by pediatric oncologists/surgeons. A broader
      international cooperation and better networking with otolaryngologists and head
      neck surgeons expert on adult salivary gland carcinomas would be advisable.

PMID- 25132367
TI  - Marginal integrity and secondary caries of selectively excavated teeth in vitro.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Selective caries removal involves sealing of carious dentine beneath
      restorations, which might decrease their marginal integrity and increase the
      susceptibility for secondary caries and microleakage. The present study compared
      these marginal characteristics of restorations in selectively and completely
      excavated teeth. METHODS: In 32 premolars, shallow and deep artificial lesions
      were created on pulpo-axial walls of mesial-distal-occlusal cavities, with mesial
      and distal margins located in enamel and dentine, respectively. Demineralised
      dentine was either removed or left before adhesively restoring the teeth (n=8),
      which were then submitted to thermo-mechanical cycling. The integrity of gingivo
      cervical margins was assessed using scanning electron microscopy. In half of each
      margin, caries was induced adjacent to restorations using a continuous-culture
      biofilm model, and resulting lesions were evaluated using transversal
      microradiography. The other half of each margin was used to assess microleakage.
      RESULTS: Integrity or microleakage of margins located in enamel did not differ
      significantly between groups, and bacterial biofilms did not induce distinct
      caries lesions in enamel. Dentinal margins in teeth with deep compared with
      shallow lesions showed a significantly higher proportion of marginal
      imperfections, gaps and microleakage (p<=0.05, Mann-Whitney/chi(2)-test). In
      contrast, neither marginal integrity nor microleakage differed significantly
      between completely and selectively excavated teeth (p>0.05). Dentinal mineral
      loss adjacent to restorations did not differ significantly between groups
      (p>0.80). CONCLUSIONS: The marginal characteristics of restorations were affected
      by the depth of sealed or excavated lesions, but not by the performed caries
      excavation. This study did not find selective excavation detrimental for
      restoration integrity in vitro. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Selective excavation of
      deep lesions was shown to reduce pulpal risks, whilst leaving caries beneath
      restorations is feared to compromise the marginal characteristics of the
      subsequently placed restoration. Based on the present in vitro study, such
      assumptions cannot be supported.

PMID- 25132369
TI  - Proton and deuterium nuclear spin relaxation study of the SmA and SmC* phases of
      BP8Cl-d17 : a self-consistent analysis.
AB  - A self-consistent analysis of proton and deuterium nuclear spin relaxation times
      in the smectic phases of a partially deuterated smectogen is presented here.
      Proton spin-lattice relaxation times T(1Z) were measured as a function of Larmor
      frequency over a range of 1 kHz to 300 MHz at selected temperatures. Deuterium
      spin relaxation times T(1Z) and T(1Q) were measured as a function of temperature
      at two different magnetic fields in the smectic A phase. The deuterium data
      provide dynamic parameters such as rotational diffusion constants and internal
      jump rates as well as the nematic order parameter S. The proton data are analyzed
      using a number of relaxation mechanisms, one of which is the molecular
      reorientation. It is found helpful in these latter analyses to use the nematic
      order parameter and to fix the contribution from molecular reorientations
      determined by the deuterium spin relaxation. The fits to the proton T(1)
      frequency and temperature dispersions by the remaining relaxation mechanisms such
      as layer undulations and translational self-diffusion will be discussed for the
      smectic A and chiral smectic C phases.

PMID- 25132370
TI  - Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of RPS19, RPL5, and RPL11 genes in Greek
      patients with Diamond Blackfan Anemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) is a rare congenital, bone marrow
      failure syndrome characterized by normochromic macrocytic anemia,
      reticulocytopenia and absence or insufficiency of erythroid precursors in
      normocellular bone marrow, frequently associated with somatic malformations.
      Here, we present our findings from the study of 17 patients recorded in the Greek
      DBA registry. PROCEDURE: Clinical evaluation of patients and data collection was
      performed followed by the molecular analysis of RPS19, RPL5, and RPL11 genes.
      Mutation screening included PCR amplification, ECMA analysis, and direct
      sequencing. RESULTS: Congenital anomalies were observed in 71% of the patients.
      Six patients (35.2%) were found to carry mutations on either the RPS19 gene
      (three patients,) or the RPL5 gene (three patients). Mutations c.C390G (p.Y130X)
      and c.197_198insA (p.Y66X) detected in the RPL5 gene were novel. No mutations at
      the RPL11 gene were identified in Greek patients with DBA. CONCLUSIONS: The
      clinical course of the patients was similar to previous reports. The occurrence
      of thyroid carcinoma in an adult patient with DBA is the first to be reported in
      DBA.

PMID- 25132371
TI  - Non-disclosure of widowhood in Nepal: implications for women and their children.
AB  - Non-disclosure of significant or emotionally charged information can have
      psychological and physical health consequences. Widowhood in Nepal is highly
      stigmatised and therefore is a sensitive topic. This study sought to understand
      why and to whom women do not disclose their status as widows. Thematic content
      analysis of 31 in-depth interviews and 6 focus groups was conducted with
      primarily high-caste widows of reproductive age from the Kathmandu Valley,
      Surkhet, Chitwan and Kavre districts of Nepal. A codebook was developed based
      upon recurring concepts and applied to all transcripts using Atlas.ti. Due to
      discomfort or stigmatisation, many women concealed their status as widows in the
      community through behaviours impacting their daily lives. Non-disclosure to
      children was frequently described, often as a way to protect them from
      psychological sequelae. Concealment of widowhood is a coping strategy Nepali
      women use to shield themselves against societal stigma and to manage bereavement
      in their children. Efforts are needed to support widows in dealing with mental
      health issues related to disclosure and the psychosocial impact on their
      children. 

PMID- 25132372
TI  - Exposure to rufinamide and risks of CNS adverse events in drug-resistant
      epilepsy: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
AB  - AIM: Epilepsy is a complex disease necessitating continuous development of new
      therapeutic strategies to encounter drug-resistant cases. Among new adjuvant
      antiepileptic drugs, rufinamide is structurally distinct from other antiepileptic
      drugs. It is used to treat partial-onset seizures and seizures associated with
      Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in adult and children. To date, there has been no
      attempt to evaluate systematically the risks of adverse events with rufinamide.
      METHODS: We performed a quantitative risk analysis of central nervous system
      (CNS) adverse events of rufinamide from all randomized, double-blind, add-on,
      placebo-controlled trials. The meta-analysis was undertaken with fixed effects
      models. RESULTS: Of the 886 publications reviewed, 99 papers were retrieved and
      five articles met the inclusion criteria. One thousand two hundred and fifty-two
      patients were included. Our study showed that exposure to rufinamide was
      associated with a significant increase in risk of somnolence [relative ratio (RR)
      1.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33, 2.62; P = 0.0003], dizziness (RR 2.66;
      95% CI 2.00, 3.55; P = 0.00001), fatigue (RR 2.14; 95% CI 1.57, 2.91; P = 0.01)
      and headache (RR 1.28; 95% CI 1.02, 1.59, P = 0.03). In addition, exposure to
      rufinamide was associated with higher treatment discontinuation rates as compared
      with placebo (RR 2.65; 95% CI 1.74, 4.03; P = 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of
      CNS adverse events appears to be increased in patients exposed to rufinamide as
      well as the treatment discontinuation rates. However, although statistical
      associations were significant, additional long term safety studies are required
      to confirm the clinical significance of these findings, as most reports described
      only mild and moderate adverse events.

PMID- 25132373
TI  - Human papillomavirus type-specific prevalence in women referred for colposcopic
      examination in Beijing.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with several disorders of the genital
      tract, skin, and oropharynx. This study investigated the prevalence of infection
      by 37 HPV genotypes among women of the Beijing area in China. Cervical specimens
      from 1,082 patients and 165 healthy controls were tested for HPV genotypes using
      a chip hybridization assay. Based on the local pathology, patients were divided
      into cervicitis and cervical lesion groups. Overall HPV infection rates were
      30.5% for the cervicitis group and 78.4% for the cervical lesion group; whereas
      infection rates for high-risk HPV types (i.e., those associated with cervical
      cancers) were 24.0% and 73.4%, respectively. The most common HPV genotypes were
      HPV 52, 16, 81, 58, and 18 in healthy controls, HPV 52, 61, 55, 16, and 53 in
      those with cervicitis, HPV 52, 16, 33, 39, and 58 in cervical intraepithelial
      neoplasia grade 1, HPV 16, 58, 31, 52, and 33 in cervical intraepithelial
      neoplasia grade 2 or grade 3, and HPV 16, 33, 18, 52, and 58 in cervical cancer.
      Established high-risk HPV showed two peaks, in patients aged 30-34 and 55-79
      years. In Beijing, HPV 16, 52, 58, and 33 are the most prevalent HPV types in
      women with cervical lesions, which should affect development of a cervical cancer
      vaccination for local use.

PMID- 25132374
TI  - Identification and characterization of microRNAs in oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
      responsive to infection with the pathogenic fungus Verticillium longisporum using
      Brassica AA (Brassica rapa) and CC (Brassica oleracea) as reference genomes.
AB  - Verticillium longisporum, a soil-borne pathogenic fungus, causes vascular disease
      in oilseed rape (Brassica napus). We proposed that plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are
      involved in the plant-V. longisporum interaction. To identify oilseed rape
      miRNAs, we deep-sequenced two small RNA libraries made from V. longisporum
      infected/noninfected roots and employed Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea
      genomes as references for miRNA prediction and characterization. We identified
      893 B. napus miRNAs representing 360 conserved and 533 novel miRNAs, and mapped
      429 and 464 miRNAs to the AA and CC genomes, respectively. Microsynteny analysis
      with the conserved miRNAs and their flanking protein coding sequences revealed
      137 AA-CC genome syntenic miRNA pairs and 61 AA and 42 CC genome-unique miRNAs.
      Sixty-two miRNAs were responsive to the V. longisporum infection. We present data
      for specific interactions and simultaneously reciprocal changes in the expression
      levels of the miRNAs and their targets in the infected roots. We demonstrate that
      miRNAs are involved in the plant-fungus interaction and that miRNA168-Argonaute 1
      (AGO1) expression modulation might act as a key regulatory module in a compatible
      plant-V. longisporum interaction. Our results suggest that V. longisporum may
      have evolved a virulence mechanism by interference with plant miRNAs to reprogram
      plant gene expression and achieve infection.

PMID- 25132375
TI  - Type V collagen counteracts osteo-differentiation of human mesenchymal stem
      cells.
AB  - In search of novel gene signatures for osteo-differentiation of mesenchymal stem
      cells (MSCs), we submitted cDNA preparations from undifferentiated and
      differentiating MSCs to differential display- and semiquantitative-PCR and found
      down-regulation of COL5A1 in osteo-induced cultures at days 21 and 28, when the
      mineralized matrix accumulates. We also cultured osteo-differentiating MSCs onto
      type V collagen substrates and found a decrease in the accumulation of
      extracellular calcium compared to those grown in uncoated flasks. To our
      knowledge, this is first evidence that type V collagen might represent a stromal
      component that impairs osteogenesis. 

PMID- 25132376
TI  - Percutaneous carbon dioxide treatment using a gas mist generator enhances the
      collateral blood flow in the ischemic hindlimb.
AB  - AIM: Highly concentrated carbon dioxide (CO2) is thought to be useful for
      ischemic diseases. We investigated whether treatment with a few micrometers of
      CO2 molecules atomized via two fluidnozzles (CO2 mist) exerts an angiogenic
      effect in a mouse ischemic hindlimb model. METHODS: Mice with unilateral hindlimb
      ischemia were divided into untreated (UT), 100% CO2 gas alone-treated (CG), mixed
      air (O2; 20%, N2; 80%) mist-treated (AM) and 100% CO2 mist-treated (CM) groups.
      The lower body of the mice was encased in a polyethylene bag filled with each
      gaseous agent using a gas mist generator for 10 minutes daily. RESULTS: According
      to a laser Doppler analysis, the ischemic hindlimb blood flow was persistently
      higher after the seventh day of induction of ischemia in the CM group than in the
      UT group. The capillary density was also greater in the CM group on day 28
      compared with that observed in the UT group. In addition, the parameters in the
      AM and CG groups were similar to those obtained in the UT group. The observed
      effects were abolished by the administration of an inhibitor of nitric oxide
      synthase (NOS). The vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression and
      protein levels and the phosphorylated endothelial NOS level were increased in the
      CM group compared with that observed in the UT group. A proteomic analysis using
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identified novel protein
      candidates regulated by CO2 mist. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous CO2 mist therapy may
      be useful for treating ischemia-induced angiogenesis.

PMID- 25132377
TI  - The expression of groups IIE and V phospholipase A2 is associated with an
      increased expression of osteogenic molecules in human calcified aortic valves.
AB  - AIM: Eicosanoids play various pathogenic roles in aortic valve calcification.
      Eicosanoids are derived from the arachidonic acid generated by phospholipase A2
      (PLA2). We therefore sought to determine whether PLA2s are expressed in human
      aortic valves and, if so, whether the expression of PLA2s is related to the
      expression of osteogenic molecules in these tissues. METHODS: Histological and
      gene expression analyses of 38 non-rheumatic aortic valves obtained at the time
      of cardiac valve replacement surgery were conducted. Moreover, gene expression
      analyses were performed using valve interstitial cells (VICs) obtained from human
      aortic valves. RESULTS: Among the PLA2s examined, the degree of immunoreactivity
      for PLA2s-IIE and -V was found to significantly correlate with the grade of
      calcification in the aortic valves. The degree of immunoreactivity and gene
      expression levels of PLA2s-IIE and -V significantly correlated with those of bone
      morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, osteopontin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In
      addition, immunoreactivity for cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase,
      downstream enzymes of PLA2 in the arachidonic acid cascade, was co-localized with
      that for PLA2s-IIE and -V in cells expressing alpha-smooth muscle actin and
      macrophages expressing CD68. Furthermore, in the in vitro experiments using
      cultured VICs, the mRNA expression levels of BMP-2, osteopontin and ALP were
      suppressed by the inhibition of the expression of PLA2s-IIE or -V with specific
      siRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of PLA2s-IIE and -V correlates with the
      development of calcification as well as the expression of pro-osteogenic
      molecules in human aortic valves, and inhibiting the expression of PLA2s-IIE and 
      V suppresses the induction of osteogenic molecules in cultured cells. Therefore,
      PLA2s-IIE and -V may play a role in the pathogenesis of valve calcification.

PMID- 25132378
TI  - Antioxidant effects of statins in the management of cardiometabolic disorders.
AB  - Redox systems are key players in vascular health. A shift in redox homeostasis
      that results in an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and
      endogenous antioxidant defenses has the potential to create a state of oxidative
      stress that subsequently plays a role in the pathogenesis of a number of
      diseases, including those of the cardiovascular and metabolic system. Statins,
      which are primarily used to reduce the concentration of low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol, have also been shown to reduce oxidative stress by modulating redox
      systems. Studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo support the role of
      oxidative stress in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular
      diseases. Oxidative stress may also be responsible for various diabetic
      complications and the development of fatty liver. Statins reduce oxidative stress
      by blocking the generation of ROS and reducing the NAD+/NADH ratio. These drugs
      also have effects on nitric oxide synthase, lipid peroxidation and the
      adiponectin levels. It is possible that the antioxidant properties of statins
      contribute to their protective cardiovascular effects, independent of the lipid
      lowering actions of these agents. However, possible adverse effects of statins on
      glucose homeostasis may be related to the redox system. Therefore, studies
      investigating the modulation of redox signaling by statins are warranted.

PMID- 25132380
TI  - Closed suction drainage for treatment of septic peritonitis of confirmed
      gastrointestinal origin in 20 dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine survival rate in dogs with septic peritonitis of
      confirmed gastrointestinal origin treated with closed suction drainage. STUDY
      DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 20) with septic
      peritonitis. METHODS: Medical records (2007-2010) of dogs with septic peritonitis
      of confirmed gastrointestinal origin treated by closed suction drainage were
      reviewed. Information on signalment, clinicopathologic abnormalities, underlying
      cause, surgical procedure performed, postoperative management, complications, and
      outcome was obtained. RESULTS: Dehiscence of a previous anastomosis was the most
      common source of contamination (80%). Drains remained in place, collecting fluid
      produced within the abdomen, for a median of 6 days (range, 2-11 days). Eighteen
      dogs received nutritional support, and 14 received plasma transfusions. Seventeen
      dogs (85%) survived to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Closed suction drainage together
      with resolution of the underlying cause of peritonitis and appropriate
      postoperative management is an effective technique for treatment of septic
      peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin in dogs.

PMID- 25132379
TI  - Impact of eicosapentaenoic acid treatment on the fibrous cap thickness in
      patients with coronary atherosclerotic plaque: an optical coherence tomography
      study.
AB  - AIM: Previous clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of
      eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in preventing cardiovascular events. The aim of the
      present study was to investigate the effects of EPA treatment on the accumulation
      of coronary atherosclerotic plaque using optical coherence tomography (OCT).
      METHODS: A total of 46 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients without
      dyslipidemia were divided into two groups: those who received 1,800 mg/day of EPA
      (n = 15) or the control group (n = 31). Serial OCT examinations were performed at
      baseline and after eight months of follow-up. The target for the OCT analysis was
      non-culprit plaque with a percent diameter of stenosis of 30% to 70% in non
      culprit vessels of ACS. RESULTS: Between the baseline and follow-up visits, the
      serum EPA levels increased (50 +/- 26 mg/dL to 200 +/- 41 mg/dL, p < 0.001) in
      the EPA group, although they did not change in the control group. According to
      the OCT analysis, the lipid arc did not change in the EPA group (131 +/- 52
      degrees to 126 +/- 54 degrees, p = 0.106) or the control group (137 +/- 50
      degrees to 138 +/- 50 degrees, p=0.603). In contrast, the fibrous cap thickness
      significantly increased in both the EPA group (169 +/- 70 MUm to 201 +/- 49 MUm,
      p < 0.001) and the control group (164 +/- 63 MUm to 174 +/- 72 MUm, p=0.018);
      however, the relative change in the fibrous cap thickness was significantly
      greater in the EPA group than in the control group (131 +/- 35% vs. 106 +/- 15%,
      p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the administration of EPA for
      eight months significantly increased the fibrous cap thickness in patients with
      coronary atherosclerotic plaque.

PMID- 25132381
TI  - Photoluminescent nematic liquid crystalline elastomer with a thermomechanical
      emission variation function.
AB  - Nematic liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) microactuators are developed, showing
      simultaneous thermomechanical deformation and photoluminescence (PL) emission
      variation functions. The microactuators are prepared by a method combining soft
      lithography and photo-polymerization/crosslinking. 1,4-Bis(alpha-cyano-4
      methoxystyryl)benzene as the PL dye is synthesized, characterized, and introduced
      into LCEs as a dopant in the preparation process. During the heating process, PL
      emission of the LCE micropillars under blue light excitation becomes
      significantly weak when the micropillars contract. When cooling down, the
      emission completely recovers as the micropillars stretches back to their original
      shape. The PL intensity variation at the transition is proved to be related to
      the thermomechanical deformation.

PMID- 25132383
TI  - How hard is hard enough? An investigation of the force associated with lateral
      blunt force trauma to the porcine cranium.
AB  - Blunt force trauma forms a substantial portion of deaths worldwide. However, few
      studies have attempted to determine the force involved with blunt force trauma to
      the lateral part of the head. Nor have many studies been conducted at velocities
      exceeding 10 m/s. The acquisition of human tissue for experimental studies is
      becoming increasingly difficult. As such, the current study investigates the
      trauma and the force involved with cranial blunt force trauma in a porcine model.
      Thirty whole porcine heads were subjected to single impact tests on the fronto
      parietal region at velocities ranging from 10 m/s to 25 m/s. Half the specimens
      were subjected to impact by a short projectile resembling a hammer head and the
      other half were subjected to impact with a Hopkinson pressure bar (HPB). Both
      implements had the same impact diameter and were machined from the same material.
      The HPB is an apparatus commonly used in material testing. Its use to determine
      fracture force in whole cranial specimens is novel. Fractures appeared similar in
      both the hammer tests and HPB tests. Lacerations and fractures resembled the
      shape of the striker surface with the most common fracture observed being a semi
      circular depressed fracture. The mean peak fracture force was 7760 N (+/- 4150
      N), with a mean displacement of 3.1mm (+/- 1.1mm). Peak fracture forces concur
      well with previous studies although no clear trend appears to exist between level
      of trauma and peak impact force.

PMID- 25132382
TI  - Neutralizing antibodies inhibit HIV-1 infection of plasmacytoid dendritic cells
      by an FcgammaRIIa independent mechanism and do not diminish cytokines production.
AB  - Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) expressing FcgammaRIIa are antigen-presenting
      cells able to link innate and adaptive immunity and producing various cytokines
      and chemokines. Although highly restricted, they are able to replicate HIV-1. We
      determined the activity of anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies (NAb) and non
      neutralizing inhibitory antibodies (NNIAb) on the infection of primary pDC by HIV
      1 primary isolates and analyzed cytokines and chemokines production.
      Neutralization assay was performed with primary pDC in the presence of serial
      antibodies (Ab) concentrations. In parallel, we measured the release of cytokines
      and chemokines by ELISA and CBA Flex assay. We found that NAb, but not NNIAb,
      inhibit HIV-1 replication in pDC. This inhibitory activity was lower than that
      detected for myeloid dendritic cells (mDC) infection and independent of
      FcgammaRIIa expressed on pDC. Despite the complete protection, IFN-alpha
      production was detected in the supernatant of pDC treated with NAb VRC01, 4E10,
      PGT121, 10-1074, 10E8, or polyclonal IgG44 but not with NAb b12. Production of
      MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha by pDC was also maintained in the
      presence of 4E10, b12 and VRC01. These findings suggest that pDC can be protected
      from HIV-1 infection by both NAb and IFN-alpha release triggered by the innate
      immune response during infection. 

PMID- 25132384
TI  - A self-organizing miR-132/Ctbp2 circuit regulates bimodal notch signals and glial
      progenitor fate choice during spinal cord maturation.
AB  - Radial glial progenitors play pivotal roles in the development and patterning of
      the spinal cord, and their fate is controlled by Notch signaling. How Notch is
      shaped to regulate their crucial transition from expansion toward differentiation
      remains, however, unknown. miR-132 in the developing zebrafish dampens Notch
      signaling via a cascade involving the transcriptional corepressor Ctbp2 and the
      Notch suppressor Sirt1. At early embryonic stages, high Ctbp2 levels sustain
      Notch signaling and radial glial expansion and concomitantly induce miR-132
      expression via a double-negative feedback loop involving Rest inhibition. The
      changing balance in miR-132 and Ctbp2 interaction gradually drives the switch in
      Notch output and radial glial progenitor fate as part of the larger developmental
      program involved in the transition from embryonic to larval spinal cord. 

PMID- 25132385
TI  - A MYB-domain protein EFM mediates flowering responses to environmental cues in
      Arabidopsis.
AB  - Plants adjust the timing of the transition to flowering to ensure their
      reproductive success in changing environments. Temperature and light are major
      environmental signals that affect flowering time through converging on the
      transcriptional regulation of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) encoding the florigen in
      Arabidopsis. Here, we show that a MYB transcription factor EARLY FLOWERING MYB
      PROTEIN (EFM) plays an important role in directly repressing FT expression in the
      leaf vasculature. EFM mediates the effect of ambient temperature on flowering and
      is directly promoted by another major FT repressor, SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE. EFM
      interacts with an H3K36me2 demethylase JMJ30, which forms a negative feedback
      regulatory loop with the light-responsive circadian clock, to specifically
      demethylate an active mark H3K36me2 at FT. Our results suggest that EFM is an
      important convergence point that mediates plant responses to temperature and
      light to determine the timing of reproduction. 

PMID- 25132386
TI  - Genomic instability, driver genes and cell selection: Projections from cancer to
      stem cells.
AB  - Cancer cells and stem cells share many traits, including a tendency towards
      genomic instability. Human cancers exhibit tumor-specific genomic aberrations,
      which often affect their malignancy and drug response. During their culture
      propagation, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) also acquire characteristic
      genomic aberrations, which may have significant impact on their molecular and
      cellular phenotypes. These aberrations vary in size from single nucleotide
      alterations to copy number alterations to whole chromosome gains. A prominent
      challenge in both cancer and stem cell research is to identify "driver
      aberrations" that confer a selection advantage, and "driver genes" that underlie
      the recurrence of these aberrations. Following principles that are already well
      established in cancer research, candidate driver genes have also been suggested
      in hPSCs. Experimental validation of the functional role of such candidates can
      uncover whether these are bona fide driver genes. The identification of driver
      genes may bring us closer to a mechanistic understanding of the genomic
      instability of stem cells. Guided by terminologies and methodologies commonly
      applied in cancer research, such understanding may have important ramifications
      for both stem cell and cancer biology. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: Stress as a fundamental theme in cell plasticity. 

PMID- 25132387
TI  - Interobserver variability of cervical cytology in HIV-infected women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to determine the reproducibility of cytological
      specimen interpretation between two pathologists in human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV)-infected women (from the VIHGY, ANRS CO17 study of human papillomavirus
      genital pathology among HIV-positive women) and to analyse the improvement, if
      any, between conventional and liquid-based cytology (LBC) interpretations.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of all abnormal and 40% of randomly selected
      normal Papanicolaou (Pap) tests was randomly ordered and read blindly by a second
      pathologist using the revised Bethesda terminology 2001. For both conventional
      and liquid-based preparations, unweighted and Cicchetti-Allison-weighted kappa
      and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Kappa values were then
      compared using the Altman rule to classify the reproducibility of cytological
      specimen interpretation. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-seven conventional Pap
      tests were reviewed, including 79 abnormal and 10 unsatisfactory results. Overall
      agreement between the two observers was 78%, with an estimated Cicchetti-Allison
      weighted kappa of 0.69 (95%CI, 0.61-0.77). The corresponding values for the 268
      LBCs, including 123 abnormal and two unsatisfactory results, were 84% and 0.82
      (95%CI, 0.76-0.87), respectively. The reproducibility of LBC interpretations was
      significantly higher than that of conventional preparations (P = 0.009) and, for
      both laboratories, the percentages of unsatisfactory results were significantly
      lower for LBC. CONCLUSION: In HIV-infected women in the combination
      antiretroviral therapy era, the strength of agreement was better for LBCs than
      for conventional preparations, with a lower percentage of unsatisfactory results.
      When available, LBC should be preferred because of its higher reproducibility.

PMID- 25132388
TI  - Chronicling changes to the chronic disease prevention landscape in Canada's
      public health system 2004-2010.
AB  - The collective impact of major shifts in public health infrastructure and
      numerous new chronic disease prevention (CDP) capacity-building initiatives that
      have taken place in Canada over the last decade is unknown. The objective of this
      study was to determine if CDP capacity (i.e., skills and resources) and
      involvement in CDP programming improved in public health organizations in Canada
      from 2004 to 2010. Data for this repeated cross-sectional study were drawn from
      two waves of a national census of organizations mandated to carry out primary
      prevention of chronic disease and/or promotion of healthy eating, physical
      activity and tobacco control. Medians for continuous variables and frequencies
      for categorical variables were compared across time. Neither resources nor level
      of priority for CDP increased over time. There was little difference in the
      proportion of organizations with high levels of skills and involvement in core
      CDP practices (i.e., needs assessment, identification of relevant practices,
      planning, evaluation). Skills and involvement in CDP risk factor programming
      showed some gains, some steady states and some losses. Specifically, skill and
      involvement in tobacco control programming declined markedly while the proportion
      of organizations involved in healthy eating and physical activity programming
      increased. Skills to address and involvement in programming related to social
      determinants of health remained low over time as did involvement in programming
      addressing multiple risk factors concurrently. The lack of marked improvement in
      CDP capacity between 2004 and 2010 against a backdrop of initiatives favourable
      to strengthening the preventive health system in Canada suggests that efforts may
      have fallen short. 

PMID- 25132389
TI  - Science and society: vaccines and public health.
AB  - Most public health research is devoted to the measurement of disease burdens and
      of the costs and effectiveness of control measures. The history of immunization
      provides many colourful examples of various ways in which such measurements are
      made, of how they have influenced policies, and of the importance of public
      perception of the magnitudes of the various burdens, benefits and risks.
      Improving the public's ability to evaluate evidence is itself an important aspect
      of public health. 

PMID- 25132391
TI  - Social capital and immunization against the 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic in the American
      States.
AB  - The objective of this paper was to investigate the association between contextual
      social capital and immunization coverage rates. A cross-sectional, ecologic study
      design was used. Three different estimations of contextual social capital in
      American states have been used. Data on immunization coverage rates at state
      level comes from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Correlation
      coefficients were calculated to investigate the bivariate association between the
      independent variable social capital and the dependent variable 2009 A(H1N1)
      immunization coverage rates. A multivariate OLS regression model was used to
      investigate the association between contextual social capital and immunization,
      under control for state-level health care spending per capita, state population,
      population per square mile, and median age in the American States. Results show
      that Social capital was strongly correlated with 2009 A(H1N1) immunization
      acceptance among American States. In a multivariate regression analysis, the
      association remains strong and significant also when controlling state-level
      confounders. In conclusion, social capital, at least in a U.S. context, is shown
      to be associated with the state-level uptake of vaccination against the 2009
      A(H1N1) pandemic. 

PMID- 25132390
TI  - Measuring the burden of disease due to climate change and developing a forecast
      model in South Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Climate change influences human health in various ways, and
      quantitative assessments of the effect of climate change on health at national
      level are becoming essential for environmental health management. STUDY DESIGN:
      This study quantified the burden of disease attributable to climate change in
      Korea using disability-adjusted life years (DALY), and projected how this would
      change over time. METHODS: Diseases related to climate change in Korea were
      selected, and meteorological data for each risk factor of climate change were
      collected. Mortality was calculated, and a database of incidence and prevalence
      was established. After measuring the burden of each disease, the total burden of
      disease related to climate change was assessed by multiplying population
      attributable fractions. Finally, an estimation model for the burden of disease
      was built based on Korean climate data. RESULTS: The total burden of disease
      related to climate change in Korea was 6.85 DALY/1000 population in 2008.
      Cerebrovascular diseases induced by heat waves accounted for 72.1% of the total
      burden of disease (hypertensive disease 1.82 DALY/1000 population, ischaemic
      heart disease 1.56 DALY/1000 population, cerebrovascular disease 1.56 DALY/1000
      population). According to the estimation model, the total burden of disease will
      be 11.48 DALY/1000 population in 2100, which is twice the total burden of disease
      in 2008. CONCLUSIONS: This study quantified the burden of disease caused by
      climate change in Korea, and provides valuable information for determining the
      priorities of environmental health policy in East Asian countries with similar
      climates.

PMID- 25132392
TI  - The effects of depression and chronic diseases on the work outcomes of employees:
      a prospective study in Northwest China.
AB  - A prospective cohort study was conducted to examine the impact of physical and
      mental health status on the job loss and job turnover rates in Northwestern
      China. There were 1778 employees included in the baseline survey at April 2006
      and were followed-up in October 2006. They were classified into four groups:
      those with chronic diseases (n = 205), depression (n = 273), both chronic
      diseases and depression (n = 96), and a control group (n = 1204). Logistic
      regression was used to examine the impact of depression and chronic diseases on
      employment between the baseline and the 6-month follow-up interviews. The results
      of the analyses showed that participants suffering from depression were more
      likely to be unemployed (OR, 1.44; P < 0.05), recently changed jobs (OR, 3.28, P
      < 0.001) and earning a lower salary (B = -135.28RMB, P < 0.001). Depression
      accompanying chronic diseases had an increased risk of unemployment (OR, 2.05; P
      < 0.01). The participants with chronic diseases were more likely to change their
      jobs (OR, 2.53; P < 0.05), but this had no significant impact on unemployment and
      monthly salary. Overall, the findings suggest that people with depression were at
      a higher risk of unemployment and job turnover than people with chronic disease.

PMID- 25132393
TI  - Antibacterial usage in English NHS hospitals as part of a national Antimicrobial
      Stewardship Programme.
AB  - Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global problem for health care
      services, with fewer antimicrobials entering the market and some pathogenic
      organisms becoming resistant to commonly used antimicrobials. Antimicrobial
      stewardship (AS), including evidence-based standard setting, education and
      communication, and audits of practice, has become a key method of preventing the
      rise in the rise in AMR. Data on antibiotic consumption are often obtained
      through prospective and retrospective point prevalence audits of antibiotic
      usage, but such studies are very resource intensive and only provide a snapshot
      of consumption. The objective of the study reported here was to examine
      longitudinal total antibacterial usage at a national level and cross-sectional
      usage at an individual hospital trust level using a commercial database that
      captures antimicrobial prescribing from at least 99% of English hospital Trusts. 

PMID- 25132394
TI  - Radiological predictors of cytoreductive outcomes in patients with advanced
      ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess site of disease on preoperative computed tomography (CT) to
      predict surgical debulking in patients with ovarian cancer. DESIGN: Two-phase
      retrospective cohort study. SETTING: West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre,
      UK. POPULATION: Women with stage 3 or 4, ovarian, fallopian or primary peritoneal
      cancer undergoing cytoreductive surgery. METHODS: Preoperative CT images were
      reviewed by experienced radiologists to assess the presence or absence of disease
      at predetermined sites. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression models
      determined sites of disease which were significantly associated with surgical
      outcomes in the test (n = 111) and validation (n = 70) sets. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Sensitivity and specificity of CT in predicting surgical outcome.
      RESULTS: Stepwise logistic regression identified that the presence of lung
      metastasis, pleural effusion, deposits on the large-bowel mesentery and small
      bowel mesentery, and infrarenal para-aortic nodes were associated with debulking
      status. Logistic regression determined a surgical predictive score which was able
      to significantly predict suboptimal debulking (n = 94, P = 0.0001) with an area
      under the curve (AUC) of 0.749 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.652, 0.846)
      and a sensitivity of 69.2%, specificity of 71.4%, positive predictive value of
      75.0% and negative predictive value of 65.2%. These results remained significant
      in a recent validation set. There was a significant difference in residual
      disease volume in the test and validation sets (P < 0.001) in keeping with
      improved optimal debulking rates. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of disease at some
      sites on preoperative CT scan is significantly associated with suboptimal
      debulking and may be an indication for a change in surgical planning.

PMID- 25132395
TI  - Osteoid osteoma of the phalanx and metacarpal bone: report of 17 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a slowly progressing benign osteoblastic
      tumour. In the hand, this tumour is rare. We propose a review of seventeen cases
      of OO of the phalanx and metacarpal bone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the
      period, between 1998 and 2011, a total of seventeen OO in the hand were confirmed
      by the pathological examination. They were 10 women and 7 men with an average age
      of 29 years (age range 17-76). The most common site of the tumour was the
      proximal phalanx in ten cases, followed by middle phalanx in four cases and
      metacarpal bone in three cases. The diagnosis of OO was highly required by
      clinical history. Standard radiographs showed variable images, but computed
      tomography, and it was useful to facilitate diagnosis and pre-operative planning.
      All patients underwent surgery (the tumour resection and autogenous bone
      grafting). In post-operative, there was an immediate pain relief with complete
      resolution of all symptoms. No recurrence was observed during the last follow-up
      period of 4 years and 2 months. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of OO of the hand can
      be difficult, and it should be considered with bony pain or bony swelling,
      especially when the history is a chronic one. The CT scan allows visualisation
      and precise localisation of such benign tumour of the hand. The care should be
      taken to make the excision complete in order to avoid recurrence.

PMID- 25132396
TI  - Use of structured expert judgment to forecast invasions by bighead and silver
      carp in Lake Erie.
AB  - Identifying which nonindigenous species will become invasive and forecasting the
      damage they will cause is difficult and presents a significant problem for
      natural resource management. Often, the data or resources necessary for
      ecological risk assessment are incomplete or absent, leaving environmental
      decision makers ill equipped to effectively manage valuable natural resources.
      Structured expert judgment (SEJ) is a mathematical and performance-based method
      of eliciting, weighting, and aggregating expert judgments. In contrast to other
      methods of eliciting and aggregating expert judgments (where, for example, equal
      weights may be assigned to experts), SEJ weights each expert on the basis of his
      or her statistical accuracy and informativeness through performance measurement
      on a set of calibration variables. We used SEJ to forecast impacts of
      nonindigenous Asian carp (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) in Lake Erie, where it is
      believed not to be established. Experts quantified Asian carp biomass,
      production, and consumption and their impact on 4 fish species if Asian carp were
      to become established. According to experts, in Lake Erie Asian carp have the
      potential to achieve biomass levels that are similar to the sum of biomasses for
      several fishes that are harvested commercially or recreationally. However, the
      impact of Asian carp on the biomass of these fishes was estimated by experts to
      be small, relative to long term average biomasses, with little uncertainty.
      Impacts of Asian carp in tributaries and on recreational activities, water
      quality, or other species were not addressed. SEJ can be used to quantify key
      uncertainties of invasion biology and also provide a decision-support tool when
      the necessary information for natural resource management and policy is not
      available.

PMID- 25132397
TI  - Interleukin-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor mediates the
      upregulation of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 in RAW264.7
      cells-a process in which p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling has an
      important role.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1
      (sVEGFR1) antagonizes angiogenesis by inhibiting the biological function of
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Immature dendritic cells (imDCs)
      express high levels of sVEGFR1 during development and are antiangiogenic. This
      study aimed to investigate the changes in VEGFR1, sVEGFR1, and VEGF levels during
      the development of imDCs and explore the underlying signaling mechanisms.
      METHODS: To model the differentiation of imDCs from monocytes, RAW264.7 cells, a
      murine monocyte/macrophage cell line, were stimulated by interleukin-4 (IL-4; 10
      ng/mL, 20 ng/mL, and 40 ng/mL) and/or by granulocyte-macrophage colony
      stimulating factor (GM-CSF; 10 ng/mL, 20 ng/mL, and 50 ng/mL) and/or pretreated
      by the p38 inhibitor SB203580. The levels of VEGFR1, sVEGFR1, and VEGF were
      detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western
      blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: IL-4 increased the
      VEGFR1 mRNA and sVEGFR1 levels in RAW264.7 (p < 0.05). This increase was
      inhibited by SB203580. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor increased
      the sVEGFR1 levels, but it had no significant effect on VEGFR1 mRNA levels.
      SB203580 decreased the expression of VEGFR1 mRNA induced by GM-CSF, whereas
      sVEGFR1 was unaffected. IL-4 had a greater effect on sVEGFR1 levels, compared to
      GM-CSF. CONCLUSION: IL-4 and GM-CSF increased sVEGFR1 levels, but did not
      significantly effect VEGF expression, and led to the antiangiogenesis properties
      of monocytes. p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling has an important
      role in the process.

PMID- 25132398
TI  - Comparison of three different techniques for the isolation of viral RNA in
      sputum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality
      worldwide. A high percentage of all respiratory tract infections are caused by
      RNA viruses. Real-time PCR is a highly sensitive method for the detection of
      respiratory viruses in clinical samples. A good RNA isolation protocol is of high
      importance, since RNA is more unstable than DNA and many clinical samples contain
      RNAses. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of three different RNA extraction
      protocols for the extraction of respiratory viral RNA from sputum samples
      obtained from patients with the suspicion of a viral respiratory tract infection.
      STUDY DESIGN: A total of 50 sputum samples, PCR positive for a respiratory RNA
      virus, were used for viral RNA isolation with the phenol/chloroform method,
      RTP((r)) DNA/RNA virus mini kit and the automated MagNa Pure LC (MPLC) extraction
      system. After isolation, real-time PCR was performed for the detection of viral
      RNA in the sputum samples. RESULTS: The MPLC extraction increased the detection
      probability from 82% (phenol/chloroform) and 86% (RTP((r)) DNA/RNA virus mini
      kit) to 94%. In 16% the RTP((r)) DNA/RNA virus mini kit resulted in lower Ct
      values compared to the phenol/chloroform method, while in 32% the
      phenol/chloroform resulted in lower Ct values. CONCLUSIONS: The extraction of
      viral RNA performed with the MPLC extraction method was superior to the
      extraction with the RTP((r)) DNA/RNA virus mini kit and to the extraction with
      phenol/chloroform. In general, there was no difference in the detection of viral
      RNA between the phenol/chloroform extraction method and the RTP((r)) DNA/RNA
      virus mini kit.

PMID- 25132400
TI  - Family support in the transition to adulthood in Portugal--its effects on
      identity capital development, uncertainty management and psychological well
      being.
AB  - In a familistic southern European society such as the Portuguese, the family has
      historically played a prominent role in supporting the negotiation of transition
      pathways into adulthood. The present study aimed at capturing (1) the relative
      weight of parental financial support and autonomy support in contributing to the
      youngsters' psychological well-being (PWB), and (2) the mediating role of
      identity capital and uncertainty management in this relationship. A total of 620
      participants completed measures of parental support, identity capital,
      uncertainty management and PWB. Autonomy support was found to be the strongest
      predictor of PWB, both directly and indirectly through its effects on identity
      capital and the use of target focused uncertainty management strategies.
      Conversely, financial support evidenced only a minor indirect impact through the
      mediation of tangible identity capital. Autonomy stimulation may constitute one
      of the most developmentally determinant family challenges in assisting the
      process of coming of age in Portugal. 

PMID- 25132399
TI  - Evaluation of RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry as tools for detection of
      enterovirus in the human pancreas and islets of Langerhans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enteroviruses have been implicated in the etiology of type 1
      diabetes, supported by immunoreactivity of enteroviral protein in islets, but
      presence of enteroviral genome has rarely been reported. Failure to detect
      enterovirus with RT-PCR has been attributed to the possible presence of PCR
      inhibitors and that only few cells are infected. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this
      study was to evaluate strategies for detection of enterovirus in human islets.
      STUDY DESIGN: A scenario was modeled with defined infected islets among a large
      number of uninfected pancreatic cells and the sensitivity of immunohistochemistry
      and PCR for detection of enterovirus was evaluated. RESULTS: Enterovirus was
      detected with PCR when only one single human islet, infected in vitro with a low
      dose of virus, was mixed with an uninfected pancreatic biopsy. Enterovirus could
      not be detected by immunohistochemistry under the same conditions, demonstrating
      the superior sensitivity of PCR also in pancreatic tissue with only a small
      fraction of infected cells. In addition, we demonstrate that pancreatic cell
      culture supernatant does not cause degradation of enterovirus at 37 degrees C,
      indicating that under normal culture conditions released virus is readily
      detectable. Utilizing PCR, the pancreases of two organ donors that died at onset
      of type 1 diabetes were found negative for enterovirus genome despite islet cells
      being positive using immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that
      PCR should be the preferred screening method for enterovirus in the pancreas and
      suggest cautious interpretation of immunostaining for enterovirus that cannot be
      confirmed with PCR.

PMID- 25132401
TI  - Serum hsCRP and procalcitonin levels in dyspeptic patients infected with CagA
      positive Helicobacter pylori.

PMID- 25132402
TI  - The status of 25-hydroxyvitamin D across the spectrum of glucose tolerance among
      middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals.
AB  - CONTEXT: Although vitamin D status and its inverse association with diabetes
      among White people have been recognized, little research on vitamin D status has
      been well conducted in Chinese individuals based on glucose tolerance. OBJECTIVE:
      To compare the vitamin D status of Chinese individuals aged 40-75 years based on
      the glucose tolerance status. DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum 25OHD was measured in a
      cross-sectional sample of 10 038 individuals aged 40-75 years from Lanzhou city,
      which is located in western China. RESULTS: People with normal glucose tolerance
      (NGT, n = 4744), prediabetes (n = 2808) or diabetes (n = 2486) aged 40-75 years
      were included in the study. The difference in 25OHD concentration between people
      with NGT and prediabetes was not significant (16.5 vs 16.0 ng/ml, P = 0.773), but
      the 25OHD concentration of diabetes was higher than that of subjects with NGT
      (16.5 vs 16.5 ng/ml, P = 0.025) and prediabetes (16.5 vs 16.0 ng/ml, P = 0.032)
      after adjusting confounders. There was no difference in the prevalence of vitamin
      D deficiency between people with NGT and diabetes (74.7% vs 74.0%, P = 0.535),
      but the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency of prediabetes was higher than that of
      people with NGT (77.0% vs 74.7%, P = 0.024) and diabetes (77.0% vs 74.0%, P =
      0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Although vitamin D status was significantly different across
      the spectrum of glucose tolerance in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals,
      the difference was not clinically significant. The results, however, highlight
      the very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this population and should
      raise the awareness of this important public health issue among health-care
      providers.

PMID- 25132403
TI  - SIRT1 directly regulates SOX2 to maintain self-renewal and multipotency in bone
      marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - SOX2 is crucial for the maintenance of the self-renewal capacity and multipotency
      of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); however, the mechanism by which SOX2 is
      regulated remains unclear. Here, we report that RNA interference of sirtuin 1
      (SIRT1) in human bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs leads to a decrease of SOX2
      protein, resulting in the deterioration of the self-renewal and differentiation
      capacities of BM-MSCs. Using immunoprecipitation, we demonstrated direct binding
      between SIRT1 and SOX2 in HeLa cells overexpressing SOX2. We further discovered
      that the RNA interference of SIRT1 induces the acetylation, nuclear export, and
      ubiquitination of SOX2, leading to proteasomal degradation in BM-MSCs. SOX2
      suppression by trichostatin A (TSA), a known histone deacetylase inhibitor, was
      reverted by treatment with resveratrol (0.1 and 1 uM), a known activator of SIRT1
      in BM-MSCs. Furthermore, 0.1 and 1 uM resveratrol reduced TSA-mediated
      acetylation and ubiquitination of SOX2 in BM-MSCs. SIRT1 activation by
      resveratrol enhanced the colony-forming ability and differentiation potential to
      osteogenic and adipogenic lineages in a dose-dependent manner. However, the
      enhancement of self-renewal and multipotency by resveratrol was significantly
      decreased to basal levels by RNA interference of SOX2. These results strongly
      suggest that the SIRT1-SOX2 axis plays an important role in maintaining the self
      renewal capability and multipotency of BM-MSCs. In conclusion, our findings
      provide evidence for positive SOX2 regulation by post-translational modification
      in BM-MSCs through the inhibition of nuclear export and subsequent
      ubiquitination, and demonstrate that SIRT1-mediated deacetylation contributes to
      maintaining SOX2 protein in the nucleus.

PMID- 25132404
TI  - Linking oxygen availability with membrane potential maintenance and K+ retention
      of barley roots: implications for waterlogging stress tolerance.
AB  - Oxygen deprivation is a key determinant of root growth and functioning under
      waterlogging. In this work, changes in net K(+) flux and membrane potential (MP)
      of root cells were measured from elongation and mature zones of two barley
      varieties under hypoxia and anoxia conditions in the medium, and as influenced by
      ability to transport O2 from the shoot. We show that O2 deprivation results in an
      immediate K(+) loss from roots, in a tissue- and time-specific manner, affecting
      root K(+) homeostasis. Both anoxia and hypoxia induced transient membrane
      depolarization; the extent of this depolarization varied depending on severity of
      O2 stress and was less pronounced in a waterlogging-tolerant variety. Intact
      roots of barley were capable of maintaining H(+) -pumping activity under hypoxic
      conditions while disrupting O2 transport from shoot to root resulted in more
      pronounced membrane depolarization under O2 -limited conditions and in anoxia a
      rapid loss of the cell viability. It is concluded that the ability of root cells
      to maintain MP and cytosolic K(+) homeostasis is central to plant performance
      under waterlogging, and efficient O2 transport from the shoot may enable
      operation of the plasma membrane H(+) -ATPase in roots even under conditions of
      severe O2 limitation in the soil solution. 

PMID- 25132405
TI  - Baicalein induces autophagic cell death through AMPK/ULK1 activation and
      downregulation of mTORC1 complex components in human cancer cells.
AB  - Baicalein, a flavonoid and aglycon hydrolyzed from baicalin, has anticancer
      properties in several human carcinomas, but its molecular mechanisms of action
      remain unclear. Here, we show that baicalein leads to human cancer cell death by
      inducing autophagy rather than apoptosis, because cell death induced by baicalein
      was completely reversed by suppressing the expression levels of key molecules in
      autophagy such as Beclin 1, vacuolar protein sorting 34 (Vps34), autophagy
      related (Atg)5 and Atg7, but not by pan-caspase inhibitor. Our data revealed that
      baicalein significantly increased the number of green fluorescence protein
      cytosol-associated protein light chain 3 (GFP-LC3)-containing puncta and LC3B-II
      expression levels, which were further enhanced by chloroquine treatment.
      Furthermore, a luciferase-based reporter assay showed that the ratio of RLuc
      LC3wt/RLuc-LC3G120A was greatly reduced. The data suggested that baicalein
      induced not only autophagosome formation, but also autophagic flux. Experiments
      using short interfering RNAs and pharmacological inhibitors revealed that Beclin
      1, Vps34, Atg5, Atg7 and UNC-51 (Caenorhabditis elegans)-like kinase 1 (ULK1)
      play pivotal roles in mediating baicalein-induced autophagy. Moreover, baicalein
      activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)alpha, leading to ULK1 activation
      through phosphorylation at Ser555, whereas both protein and mRNA levels of
      mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Raptor, upstream inhibitors of ULK1 and
      autophagy, were markedly downregulated by baicalein. Our data suggest that the
      anticancer effects of baicalein are mainly due to autophagic cell death through
      activation of the AMPK/ULK1 pathway and inhibition of mTOR/Raptor complex 1
      expression. These results provide new mechanistic insights into the anticancer
      functions of autophagy inducers, such as baicalein, which may be used as
      potential therapeutics for cancer treatment.

PMID- 25132406
TI  - Prevalence of peri-implant inflammatory disease in patients with a history of
      periodontal disease who receive supportive periodontal therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the status of implants in periodontally compromised
      patients who regularly receive supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and to
      determine the factors associated to peri-implant inflammatory disease in those
      patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical and radiographic data of implants in
      periodontal patients who, after being treated and included in a SPT programme,
      wore implant prostheses for at least 6 months were recorded. The implants were
      classified according to the criteria of the 6th European Workshop on
      Periodontology in health, mucositis and peri-implantitis. Logistic regression
      analysis was performed to analyse the individual and adjusted effects of each
      study variable on mucositis or peri-implantitis, using SUDAAN to account for
      clustering (multiple implants within the patient). RESULTS: A total of 786
      implants were placed in 239 patients. At patient level, 60.3%, 24.7% and 15.1%
      were classified as healthy, mucositis and peri-implantitis patients,
      respectively. At implant level, the respective percentages were 77.4%, 12.8% and
      9.8%. For mucositis, at implant level, the adjusted ORs indicate a significant
      association with plaque index (P = 0.050), type of periodontitis (P = 0.030) and
      location (P = 0.045). For peri-implantitis, the adjusted ORs indicate a
      significant association with plaque index (P < 0.001) and location (P = 0.002).
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of peri-implant inflammatory disease in periodontal
      patients who regularly undergo SPT is clinically significant. The factors
      associated with peri-implant inflammatory disease were plaque index and implant
      location, and mucositis was also affected by the type of periodontitis the
      patient had.

PMID- 25132407
TI  - Comprehensive hands-on training for influenza vaccine manufacturing: a WHO-BARDA
      BTEC partnership for global workforce development.
AB  - The critical need for enhancing influenza pandemic preparedness in many
      developing nations has led the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Biomedical
      Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the U.S. Department
      of Health and Human Services (HHS), to develop an international influenza vaccine
      capacity-building program. Among the critical limitations faced by many of these
      nations is lack of access to training programs for staff supporting operations
      within vaccine production facilities. With support from BARDA, the
      Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) at North Carolina State
      University has addressed this need for training by developing and delivering a
      comprehensive training program, consisting of three courses: Fundamentals of cGMP
      Influenza Vaccine Manufacturing, Advanced Upstream Processes for Influenza
      Vaccine Manufacturing, and Advanced Downstream Processes for Influenza Vaccine
      Manufacturing. The courses cover process design, transfer, and execution at
      manufacturing scale, quality systems, and regulations covering both manufacturing
      and approval of pandemic vaccines. The Fundamentals course focuses on the
      concepts, equipment, applicable regulations, and procedures commonly used to
      produce influenza vaccine. The two Advanced courses focus on process design,
      scale up, validation, and new technologies likely to improve efficiency of
      vaccine production. All three courses rely on a combination of classroom
      instruction and hands-on training in BTEC's various laboratories. Each course
      stands alone, and participants may take one or more of the three courses. Overall
      participant satisfaction with the courses has been high, and follow-up surveys
      show that participants actively transferred the knowledge they gained to the
      workplace. Future plans call for BTEC to continue offering the three courses and
      to create an online version of several modules of the Fundamentals course.

PMID- 25132408
TI  - The sensory world of fish and fisheries: impact of human activities--an
      international conference to evaluate the effects of environmental changes on the
      sensory world of fish/aquatic animals and fisheries.

PMID- 25132409
TI  - Looking deeper than (just) below the surface: response.

PMID- 25132410
TI  - Research review: Polygenic methods and their application to psychiatric traits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite evidence from twin and family studies for an important
      contribution of genetic factors to both childhood and adult onset psychiatric
      disorders, identifying robustly associated specific DNA variants has proved
      challenging. In the pregenomics era the genetic architecture (number, frequency
      and effect size of risk variants) of complex genetic disorders was unknown.
      Empirical evidence for the genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders is
      emerging from the genetic studies of the last 5 years. METHODS AND SCOPE: We
      review the methods investigating the polygenic nature of complex disorders. We
      provide mini-guides to genomic profile (or polygenic) risk scoring and to
      estimation of variance (or heritability) from common SNPs; a glossary of key
      terms is also provided. We review results of applications of the methods to
      psychiatric disorders and related traits and consider how these methods inform on
      missing heritability, hidden heritability and still-missing heritability.
      FINDINGS: Genome-wide genotyping and sequencing studies are providing evidence
      that psychiatric disorders are truly polygenic, that is they have a genetic
      architecture of many genetic variants, including risk variants that are both
      common and rare in the population. Sample sizes published to date are mostly
      underpowered to detect effect sizes of the magnitude presented by nature, and
      these effect sizes may be constrained by the biological validity of the
      diagnostic constructs. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the sample size for genome wide
      association studies of psychiatric disorders will lead to the identification of
      more associated genetic variants, as already found for schizophrenia. These loci
      provide the starting point of functional analyses that might eventually lead to
      new prevention and treatment options and to improved biological validity of
      diagnostic constructs. Polygenic analyses will contribute further to our
      understanding of complex genetic traits as sample sizes increase and as sample
      resources become richer in phenotypic descriptors, both in terms of clinical
      symptoms and of nongenetic risk factors.

PMID- 25132412
TI  - Successful management of chronic postsurgical pain following total knee
      replacement.
AB  - We report reversal of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) along with functional
      restoration after total knee replacement (TKR) in two patients, using a
      combination therapy that included ultrasonography-guided pulsed radiofrequency
      (PRF) of nerves supplying the knee to provide pain relief, along with dry
      needling (DN) to relax myofascial triggers/bands that caused painful stiffness
      and restricted movement of muscles acting across the knee. Both patients showed
      demonstrable pain relief, as evidenced by changes in pain as assessed on the
      Numeric Rating Scale (patient 1: 4-9/10 [pre-treatment] to 0-3/10 [6 months post
      treatment]; patient 2: 5-9/10 to 0-4/10), Oxford Knee Score (patient 1: 17 to 40;
      patient 2: 12 to 39), Self-Administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms
      and Signs score (patient 1: 16 to 0; patient 2: 18 to 0), and Patient Health
      Questionnaire-9 score (patient 1: 17 to 2; patient 2: 20 to 2). The selection of
      the PRF-and-DN combination for treating post-TKR CPSP was based on a new idea
      that CPSP is a neuromyopathic phenomenon involving both sensory and motor
      neuropathy. It has evolved from our experience of 8 years. Physiotherapy worked
      synergistically with DN, optimizing muscle performance and pain relief. 

PMID- 25132411
TI  - Secukinumab administration by pre-filled syringe: efficacy, safety and usability
      results from a randomized controlled trial in psoriasis (FEATURE).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Secukinumab, a fully human anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody,
      demonstrated efficacy and safety in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis when
      administered via subcutaneous injection. Self-administration by pre-filled
      syringe (PFS) can offer patients clinical benefits of a drug, with increased
      convenience. OBJECTIVES: To assess efficacy, safety and usability of secukinumab
      administration via PFS in subjects with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects in this phase 3 trial were randomized 1 : 1 : 1
      to secukinumab 300 or 150 mg or matching placebo. Results to week 12 are
      presented here. Each treatment was delivered using a PFS once weekly to week 4,
      and again at week 8. Co-primary endpoints were secukinumab superiority over
      placebo for week 12 PASI 75 (>= 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity
      Index) and IGA mod 2011 (2011 modified Investigator's Global Assessment) 0/1
      response rates. Secondary endpoints included PFS usability, determined by
      observer rating of successful, hazard-free self-injection and subject rating of
      acceptability by the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ). RESULTS: Co
      primary endpoints were met, with demonstration of superiority for each
      secukinumab dose vs. placebo at week 12 (PASI 75: 75.9%, 69.5% and 0% for
      secukinumab 300 mg, 150 mg and placebo; IGA mod 2011 0/1: 69.0%, 52.5% and 0%,
      respectively; P < 0.0001 for all comparisons vs. placebo). PFS usability was
      high: 100% of subjects successfully self-administered treatment at week 1, and
      subjects reported high SIAQ-assessed acceptability of the PFS throughout the
      trial. No new/unexpected safety signals were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Secukinumab
      administration by PFS was effective, with an acceptable safety profile and high
      usability. The PFS provides a reliable, convenient form of secukinumab
      administration in subjects with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

PMID- 25132413
TI  - Microextraction sample preparation techniques in biomedical analysis.
AB  - Biologically active compounds are found in biological samples at relatively low
      concentration levels. The sample preparation of target compounds from biological,
      pharmaceutical, environmental, and food matrices is one of the most time
      consuming steps in the analytical procedure. The microextraction techniques are
      dominant. Metabolomic studies also require application of proper analytical
      technique for the determination of endogenic metabolites present in biological
      matrix on trace concentration levels. Due to the reproducibility of data,
      precision, relatively low cost of the appropriate analysis, simplicity of the
      determination, and the possibility of direct combination of those techniques with
      other methods (combination types on-line and off-line), they have become the most
      widespread in routine determinations. Additionally, sample pretreatment
      procedures have to be more selective, cheap, quick, and environmentally friendly.
      This review summarizes the current achievements and applications of
      microextraction techniques. The main aim is to deal with the utilization of
      different types of sorbents for microextraction and emphasize the use of new
      synthesized sorbents as well as to bring together studies concerning the
      systematic approach to method development. This review is dedicated to the
      description of microextraction techniques and their application in biomedical
      analysis. 

PMID- 25132414
TI  - Beyond the use of modifiers in selective alkyne hydrogenation: silver and gold
      nanocatalysts in flow mode for sustainable alkene production.
AB  - We report on the excellent stereo and chemoselectivity of nanosized silver and
      gold catalysts in the three-phase hydrogenation of acetylenic compounds under
      flow chemistry conditions. The materials featuring metal nanoparticles in the
      range of 2-21 nm were prepared by spray deposition or incipient wetness
      impregnation of silver nitrate and sol immobilisation of gold chloride on
      different carriers (Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, and carbon), followed by activation in
      various atmospheres. The samples were characterised by ICP-OES, N2 sorption, XPS,
      HAADF-STEM, and HRTEM, and evaluated in a continuous-flow flooded-bed micro
      reactor. Both metals display optimal activities for particles below 5 nm,
      enabling stable operation at T = 373 K and P = 10 bar. While the performance of
      the silver catalysts is less influenced by the support, the gold nanoparticles
      exhibit significant activity only when deposited on TiO2, likely due to the
      strong metal-support interaction. Hydrogenations of functionalised alkynes reveal
      that silver and gold match, and in some cases exceed, the selectivity of
      benchmark palladium-based catalysts. Furthermore, in contrast to Pd, the Ag and
      Au samples require no modifiers, which brings fundamental and practical
      simplifications for their understanding and large scale manufacture. Therefore,
      these materials could be advantageously used for the continuous production of
      olefinic intermediates in the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries. 

PMID- 25132415
TI  - Communicating developmental psychobiology to the masses: why psychobiologists
      should contribute to Wikipedia.

PMID- 25132416
TI  - Breast vs. the rest: a response to Koczwara and Ward.

PMID- 25132417
TI  - Determination of rifampicin in rat plasma by modified large-volume direct
      injection RAM-HPLC and its application to a pharmcokinetic study.
AB  - A direct large volume injection high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
      method with homemade restricted-access media (RAM) pre-column and combined with a
      column-switching valve was established and developed for determination rifampicin
      (RIP) in rat plasma. The rat plasma samples (100 MUL) were injected directly onto
      pre-column, where RIP was retained and pre-concentrated, while proteins were
      washed to waste using a methanol-water (5:95) as the mobile phase at a flow rate
      of 1 mL/min. Then, by rotation of the switching valve at 5 min, the RIP were
      eluted from the pre-column and transferred to an Luna C18 analytical column by
      the chromatographic mobile phase consisting of methanol-acetonitrile-10 mm
      ammonium format (60:5:35) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The total analytical run
      time was 15 min with UV detection wavelength at 254 nm. Carbamazepine was used as
      the internal standard. Excellent linear correlation (r = 0.9993) was obtained in
      the range of 0.25-8 ug/mL for rat plasma. The intra-day and inter-day precisions
      of RIP were all <5.0%. The recoveries were in the range of from 99.98-113.66% for
      plasma. This on-line RAM-HPLC method was successfully applied to the
      pharmacokinetic study of RIP in rat plasma.

PMID- 25132418
TI  - Increased proliferation and decreased membrane permeability as defense mechanisms
      of Fusobacterium nucleatum against human neutrophilic peptide-1.
AB  - Human neutrophilic peptides (HNPs) constitute a class of host defense molecules,
      which contribute to the non-oxidative killing of bacteria and other
      microorganisms. Since the adaptability is crucial to bacterial survival in
      changing environments, it is of interest to know how Fusobacterium nucleatum, the
      major bridge organism connecting early and late colonizers in dental biofilms,
      defends itself against HNPs. This study aimed to examine the planktonic growth,
      membrane permeability, and biofilm formation characteristics as defense
      mechanisms of F. nucleatum against HNP-1. In all experiments, the type strain of
      F. nucleatum (ssp. nucleatum ATCC 25586) and two clinical strains (ssp. nucleatum
      AHN 9508 and ssp. polymorphum AHN 9910) were used. Planktonic growth (measured in
      colony forming units), capsular polysaccharide production (visualized by Ziehl
      Neelsen stain), membrane permeability (demonstrated as N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine
      uptake), biofilm formation, and established biofilm development (measured as
      total mass and polysaccharide levels) were analyzed in the presence of 0 MUg/ml
      (control), 1 MUg/ml, 5 MUg/ml, and 10 MUg/ml of HNP-1. Planktonic growth of the
      strains AHN 9508 and ATCC 25586 were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the
      presence of HNP-1, while their membrane permeability decreased (p<0.005) in the
      planktonic form. HNP-1 decreased the biofilm formation of the strains ATCC 25586
      and AHN 9910, whereas it increased the growth of the strain AHN 9508 in
      established biofilms. Capsule formation and polysaccharide production were not
      observed in any strain. We conclude that the inhibition of the membrane
      permeability and the increase in planktonic and established biofilm growth could
      act as bacterial defense mechanisms against neutrophilic defensins. In addition,
      this strain-dependent survival ability against HNP-1 may explain the variation in
      the virulence of different F. nucleatum strains.

PMID- 25132419
TI  - Diagnosis, management and outcome of early anastomotic leakage following
      colorectal anastomosis using a compression device: is it different?
AB  - AIM: Compression anastomosis has proved to be safe for rectal reconstruction with
      leak rates comparable to those observed using circular stapling devices. However,
      there are no data on whether the metallic compression ring alters the ease of
      diagnosis or the treatment in cases of leakage. In this study, we present our
      experience with early leakage following compression anastomosis. METHOD: A
      prospective registry was used for data review. Patients with anastomotic leakage
      following compression anastomosis between November 2008 and September 2013 were
      included. RESULTS: In all, 197 (92 female) patients were operated using a novel
      compression device. Early leakage was found in 10 (5.1%) patients after a median
      of 5 (3-14) days. The radiologist was able to detect leakage using CT in nine out
      of 10 cases unequivocally. Removal of the ring was necessary in eight of the 10
      cases, and salvage of the anastomosis was feasible on six occasions. In all
      diverted cases with a low anastomosis, a transanal repair of the defect was
      feasible in three cases, including a single patient with complete separation of
      the anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Artefacts on the CT scan caused by the compression
      ring did not hamper the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage. Removal of the ring in
      the early postoperative period is not associated with complete separation of the
      bowel ends. Salvage of anastomosis is feasible in most cases.

PMID- 25132420
TI  - Dye-sensitized solar cell from polyaniline-ZnS nanotubes and its characterization
      through impedance spectroscopy.
AB  - Polyaniline (PANI)-zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanocomposites (PAZs) are synthesized by
      polymerizing aniline in the presence of acetic acid with different concentrations
      of ZnS nanoparticles (NPs). FESEM and TEM images indicate the nanotube morphology
      of PANI and ZnS NPs remain adhered to the nanotube surface, but at higher ZnS
      concentration the nanotube morphology is lost. UV-vis spectra indicate PANI is in
      the doped state and the doping increases with an increase in ZnS concentration.
      Fluorescence intensity passes through a minimum with ZnS content and the dc
      conductivity of the composites gradually increases with an increase in ZnS NP
      concentration. The I-V plot of PAZ composites indicates that the photocurrent is
      higher than that of the dark current at each voltage, and the device exhibits
      reversible turning "on" and "off" by switching the white light illumination "on"
      and "off". Dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated with PAZ composites display a
      reasonably higher power conversion efficiency (eta = 3.38%) than pure ZnS NPs. An
      attempt is made to shed light on the operating mechanism of the DSSC from the
      impedance data using a Cole-Cole plot by drawing an equivalent circuit
      illustrating the different electronic and ionic transport processes within the
      cell. 

PMID- 25132421
TI  - A metal-free strategy to release chemisorbed H2 from hydrogenated boron nitride
      nanotubes.
AB  - Chemisorbed hydrogen on boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) can only be released
      thermally at very high temperatures above 350  degrees C. However, no catalyst
      has been identified that could liberate H2 from hydrogenated BN nanotubes under
      moderate conditions. Using different density functional methods we predict that
      the desorption of chemisorbed hydrogen from hydrogenated BN nanotubes can be
      facilitated catalytically by triflic acid at low free-energy activation barriers
      and appreciable rates under metal free conditions and mildly elevated
      temperatures (40-50  degrees C). Our proposed mechanism shows that the acid is
      regenerated in the process and can further facilitate similar catalytic release
      of H2 , thus suggesting all the chemisorbed hydrogen on the surface of the
      hydrogenated nanotube can be released in the form of H2 . These findings
      essentially raise hope for the development of a sustainable chemical hydrogen
      storage strategy in BN nanomaterials. 

PMID- 25132422
TI  - An analysis of genetic factors related to risk of inflammatory bowel disease and
      colon cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher
      risk of developing colorectal cancer than the general population. Genome-wide
      association studies have identified and replicated several loci associated with
      risk of IBD; however, it is currently unknown whether these loci are also
      associated with colon cancer risk. METHODS: We selected 15 validated SNPs
      associated with risk of either Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or both in
      previous GWAS and tested whether these loci were also associated with colon
      cancer risk in a two-stage study design. RESULTS: We found that rs744166 in STAT3
      was associated with colon cancer risk in two studies; however, the direction of
      the observation was reversed in TP53 mutant tumors possibly due to a
      nullification of the effect by mutant p53. The SNP, which lies within intron 1 of
      the STAT3 gene, was associated with lower expression of STAT3 mRNA in TP53 wild
      type, but not mutant, tumors. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the STAT3
      locus is associated with both IBD and cancer. Further understanding the function
      of this variant in relation to TP53 could possibly explain the role of this gene
      in autoimmunity and cancer. Furthermore, an analysis of this locus, specifically
      in a population with IBD, could help to resolve the relationship between this SNP
      and cancer.

PMID- 25132424
TI  - The growth response of ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) chicks fed on
      diets with three different dietary protein and amino acid concentrations.
AB  - 1. Feeding costs are the largest expense in an ostrich production system, and
      protein is one of the more expensive components of the diet. This study evaluated
      the growth response of ostrich chicks on diets containing different
      concentrations of protein (amino acids). The diets were formulated to contain
      three concentrations of protein (one diet with 20% less protein than the
      conventional concentration, L; one diet with the conventional concentration of
      protein, M and one diet with 20% more protein than the conventional
      concentration, H) for each of the phase diets. The phase diets were pre-starter,
      starter, grower and finisher. 2. This study includes the analysis of ostrich body
      weight (BW) by modelling growth with linear polynomial and non-linear functions
      for all the data not separated for treatments. In total, 3378 BW recordings of 90
      animals were collected weekly from hatch (d 0) to 287 d (41 weeks) of age. 3.
      Seven non-linear growth models and three linear polynomial models were fitted to
      the data. The growth functions were compared by using Akaike's information
      criterion (AIC). For the non-linear models, the Bridges and Janoschek models had
      the lowest AIC values for the H treatment, while the Richards curve had the
      lowest value for M and the von Bertalanffy for the L treatment. 4. For the linear
      polynomial models, the linear polynomial of the third degree had the lowest AIC
      values for all three treatments, thus making it the most suitable model for the
      data; therefore, the predictions of this model were used to interpret the growth
      data. Significant differences were found between treatments for growth data. 5.
      The results from this study can aid in describing the growth of ostriches
      subjected to optimum feeding conditions. This information can also be used in
      research when modelling the nutrient requirements of growing birds.

PMID- 25132423
TI  - Completeness and validity in a national clinical thyroid cancer database:
      DATHYRCA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although a prospective national clinical thyroid cancer database
      (DATHYRCA) has been active in Denmark since January 1, 1996, no assessment of
      data quality has been performed. The purpose of the study was to evaluate
      completeness and data validity in the Danish national clinical thyroid cancer
      database: DATHYRCA. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: National prospective cohort.
      Denmark; population 5.5 million. Completeness of case ascertainment was estimated
      by the independent case ascertainment method using three governmental registries
      as a reference. The reabstracted record method was used to appraise the validity.
      For validity assessment 100 cases were randomly selected from the DATHYRCA
      database; medical records were used as a reference. RESULT: The database held
      1934 cases of thyroid carcinoma and completeness of case ascertainment was
      estimated to 90.9%. Completeness of registration was around or above 90% in most
      instances. Perfect agreement on the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma was found,
      both inter- and intra-observer, and kappa values of selected variables showed
      overall good to excellent agreement. CONCLUSION: In a setup with public health
      insurance, personal identity numbers and extended governmental databases, it is
      possible to establish national clinical cancer databases with a satisfactory
      completeness and validity. The DATHYRCA database is considered reliable in terms
      of describing thyroid carcinoma at a national level.

PMID- 25132425
TI  - Clinical evaluation of ezetimibe on bile lithogenicity in humans: Use of
      transnasal endoscopy for bile sampling.
AB  - AIM: Ezetimibe inhibits cholesterol absorption by blocking Niemann-Pick C1-like 1
      proteins (NPC1L1) expressed in the small intestine. Because NPC1L1 is also
      expressed in human liver, ezetimibe conceivably alters biliary lipid
      compositions. Here, we performed a clinical trial investigating the effect of
      ezetimibe on biliary lipids using transnasal endoscopy for bile collection.
      METHODS: Eight patients with dyslipidemia enrolled in this study completed blood
      and bile sampling before and at 3 months after ezetimibe treatment (10 mg/day),
      and the samples are analyzed. RESULTS: Endoscopic bile sampling was performed
      safely and painlessly. Serum sterol-based biomarkers declared decreased
      cholesterol absorption and increased synthesis. On analysis of biliary lipids,
      four of the eight patients showed relative decrease of cholesterol and increase
      of bile acids with improved lithogenicity while the remainder exhibited the
      symmetrical changes. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that biliary lithogenicity is
      not worsened by ezetimibe. The regulation of biliary cholesterol is presumably
      multifactorial such as body cholesterol pool size and biliary cholesterol
      reabsorption by NPC1L1 in the liver.

PMID- 25132426
TI  - Who benefits most from Head Start? Using latent class moderation to examine
      differential treatment effects.
AB  - Head Start (HS) is the largest federally funded preschool program for
      disadvantaged children. Research has shown relatively small impacts on cognitive
      and social skills; therefore, some have questioned its effectiveness. Using data
      from the Head Start Impact Study (3-year-old cohort; N = 2,449), latent class
      analysis was used to (a) identify subgroups of children defined by baseline
      characteristics of their home environment and caregiver and (b) test whether the
      effects of HS on cognitive, and behavioral and relationship skills over 2 years
      differed across subgroups. The results suggest that the effectiveness of HS
      varies quite substantially. For some children there appears to be a significant,
      and in some cases, long-term, positive impact. For others there is little to no
      effect.

PMID- 25132428
TI  - Cytogenetic studies and their prognostic contribution in 565 Chinese patients
      with primary myelofibrosis.
AB  - To study the feature and prognostic contribution of cytogenetic information in
      Chinese patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF), we analyzed cytogenetic data
      from 565 patients with PMF. One hundred and sixty-two subjects (29%) had abnormal
      karyotypes, including trisomy 8 (45; 28%), deletion of 20q (25; 15%), deletion of
      13q (13; 8%), deletion of 11q (12; 7%), and abnormal chromosome 1 (21; 13%);
      balanced translocations (14; 9%); a complex karyotype (CK; 30; 19%), and a
      monosomal karyotype (MK; 19; 12%). Using these data, we showed that the Dynamic
      International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS)-plus, which includes cytogenetic
      information, is a better survival predictor than the DIPSS. We next used our data
      to construct the following two cytogenetic-based cohorts: (1) favorable karyotype
      subjects with a normal karyotype, a CK that is not a MK, +8 only or a balanced
      translocation only and (2) unfavorable karyotype-all others. The median survival
      times were not reached and were 52 month (95% CI, 32-72 months; P = 0.01) in
      patients with favorable and unfavorable karyotypes, respectively. These data
      provided the detailed cytogenetic information in Chinese patients with PMF and
      confirmed the impact of cytogenetic abnormalities on survival in Chinese
      patients.

PMID- 25132427
TI  - Controlled-rate freezing to regulate the structure of collagen-glycosaminoglycan
      scaffolds in engineered skin substitutes.
AB  - Controlled-rate freezing (CRF) of biopolymer scaffolds may increase
      reproducibility of microstructure compared with analog processes. Freezing of
      collagen-glycosaminoglycan (CG) scaffolds by CRF with liquid nitrogen at chamber
      cooling rates of -80, -40, -20, or -10 degrees C/min, was compared with
      submersion in 95% ethanol at -55 degrees C. Cooling rates of -80 or -40 degrees
      C/min generated scaffolds with pore areas and pore fractions that were comparable
      to scaffolds frozen in ethanol. Test and control scaffolds were populated with
      human dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes to generate engineered skin
      substitutes (ESS) and evaluated for surface hydration and mitochondrial
      metabolism. ESS with scaffolds frozen by CRF at -80 or -40 degrees C/min were
      comparable with, or better than, ESS with control scaffolds (p < 0.05). These
      results demonstrate that fabrication of CG scaffolds by CRF offers advantages of
      digital programming, as well as greater reproducibility, safety, and simplicity
      than submersion in chilled ethanol without compromise of biological properties
      required for biomedical applications.

PMID- 25132430
TI  - Fever, diarrhoea and buttock pain in a 15-year-old female traveller (case
      presentation).

PMID- 25132431
TI  - Editor's comments.

PMID- 25132432
TI  - Fever, diarrhoea and buttock pain in a 15-year-old female traveller (discussion
      and diagnosis).

PMID- 25132433
TI  - [Cancer Plan 3 and molecular pathology: serendipity in pathology?].

PMID- 25132434
TI  - [The Canadian Association of Pathology guidelines for establishing a diagnostic
      telepathology service using whole-slide imaging].

PMID- 25132435
TI  - [Pathology of gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts. Introduction].

PMID- 25132438
TI  - [Pathology of gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts. Case 1. Alcalculous
      gangrenous cholecystitis].

PMID- 25132439
TI  - [Pathology of the gallbladder and extra-hepatic bile ducts. Cases 2 and 3.
      Chronic cholecystitis].

PMID- 25132440
TI  - [Pathology of gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts. Case 4. Sclerosing
      lymphoplasmacytic cholecystitis].

PMID- 25132441
TI  - [Pathology of gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts. Case 5. Clear cell
      vesicular adenocarcinoma, pT1bNx stage (TNM, 7th edition)].

PMID- 25132442
TI  - [Pathology of gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts. Case 6. Well-
      differentiated hilar cholangiocarcinoma pT2bN1].

PMID- 25132443
TI  - [Pathology of gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts. Case 7. Biliary-type
      tubulopapillary adenoma without dysplasia].

PMID- 25132444
TI  - [Pathology of gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts. Case 8. Intraductal
      papillary neoplasm of extrahepatic bile duct without invasive carcinoma (WHO
      2010), with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia/carcinoma in situ (pTisNx, TNM
      7th edition): "Dysplastic degenerated biliary papillomatosis, but non-invasive"].

PMID- 25132445
TI  - [A painful occipital mass revealing a posterior encephalocele].
AB  - Encephalocele is a congenital malformation caused by a neural tube defect during
      embryonic development. We report a case of posterior encephalocele in a 7-month
      old infant with a painful occipital mass known since birth. Pathological
      examination of the mass showed different mature tissues derived from the brain
      and its coverings (e.g., neuroglia, ependymal canals and clusters of
      meningothelial cells). A diagnosis of encephalocele was made. The different forms
      of neural tube defect will be briefly discussed, especially the "aborted" forms
      (e.g., non-specific midline mass lesion or angioma) that the pathologist may
      encounter in his/her daily practice. 

PMID- 25132446
TI  - [Systemic EBV+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disease of childhood].
AB  - Systemic EBV+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disease of childhood is a recent entity
      described in the 2008 World Health Organisation tumours of haematopoietic system
      and lymphoid tissues as a clonal T-cell EBV+ systemic proliferation. It occurs
      after acute or chronic active EBV infection. We report the case of a caucasian,
      immunocompetent 12-year-old girl, with no particular history, who presented with
      hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in the aftermath of an infectious
      mononucleosis. Main symptoms were multiple organ failure, hepatosplenomegaly and
      pancytopenia. Histopathology of peripheral lymph node and bone marrow revealed a
      T-cell, CD8+, EBV+ lymphoproliferation. An elevated viral load was detected in
      blood by PCR. The patient died within 3 weeks. Since most of the cases have been
      reported in Asia and South America, few cases still have been described in
      Europe. Unlike B-cell lymphoproliferation in immunocompromised individuals, T
      cell EBV+ lymphoproliferation occurs in immunocompetent patients and seems to be
      the consequence of a proliferative disorder of EBV-infected T-cells, attributed
      to a cytotoxic T-cell response deficiency. These T-cell proliferations are more
      frequently immunoreactive for CD8 than CD4. A key feature of the diagnosis might
      be EBV viral load. 

PMID- 25132447
TI  - [An unusual renal arterial lesion].

PMID- 25132449
TI  - Identification of putative kdr mutations in the tropical bed bug, Cimex
      hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bed bugs [both Cimex hemipterus (F.) and Cimex lectularius L.] are
      highly resistant to pyrethroids worldwide. An important resistance mechanism
      known as 'knockdown resistance' (kdr) is caused by genetic point mutations on the
      voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene. Previous studies have identified two
      point mutations (V419L and L925I) on the VGSC gene in C. lectularius that are
      responsible for kdr-type resistance. However, the kdr mutations in C. hemipterus
      have not been investigated. RESULTS: Four novel mutations, L899V (leucine to
      valine), M918I (methionine to isoleucine), D953G (aspartic acid to glycine) and
      L1014F (leucine to phenylalanine), were identified in the domain II region of the
      C. hemipterus VGSC gene. This region has been widely investigated for the study
      of kdr-type resistance to pyrethroids in other insect pests. The V419L and L925I
      kdr mutations as previously identified in C. lectularius were not detected in C.
      hemipterus. CONCLUSION: M918I and L1014F are considered to be probable kdr
      mutations and may play essential roles in kdr-type resistance to pyrethroids in
      C. hemipterus. Further studies are under way in the authors' laboratory to
      determine the non-kdr-type resistance mechanisms in C. hemipterus.

PMID- 25132450
TI  - Implementing skin-to-skin contact in the operating room following cesarean birth.
AB  - Immediate skin-to-skin contact (SSC) after birth benefits the health of mothers
      and newborns by increasing breastfeeding rates, stabilizing the newborn's
      temperature, and encouraging bonding (Moore, Anderson, Bergman, & Dowswell,
      2012). Although immediate SSC after a vaginal birth was common practice at our
      hospital, it was rare in the operating room (OR) following a cesarean birth. To
      address this practice problem, we conducted a project to evaluate the feasibility
      of implementing SSC in the OR.

PMID- 25132448
TI  - Mutations in NOTCH1 cause Adams-Oliver syndrome.
AB  - Notch signaling determines and reinforces cell fate in bilaterally symmetric
      multicellular eukaryotes. Despite the involvement of Notch in many key
      developmental systems, human mutations in Notch signaling components have mainly
      been described in disorders with vascular and bone effects. Here, we report five
      heterozygous NOTCH1 variants in unrelated individuals with Adams-Oliver syndrome
      (AOS), a rare disease with major features of aplasia cutis of the scalp and
      terminal transverse limb defects. Using whole-genome sequencing in a cohort of 11
      families lacking mutations in the four genes with known roles in AOS pathology
      (ARHGAP31, RBPJ, DOCK6, and EOGT), we found a heterozygous de novo 85 kb deletion
      spanning the NOTCH1 5' region and three coding variants (c.1285T>C [p.Cys429Arg],
      c.4487G>A [p.Cys1496Tyr], and c.5965G>A [p.Asp1989Asn]), two of which are de
      novo, in four unrelated probands. In a fifth family, we identified a heterozygous
      canonical splice-site variant (c.743-1 G>T) in an affected father and daughter.
      These variants were not present in 5,077 in-house control genomes or in public
      databases. In keeping with the prominent developmental role described for Notch1
      in mouse vasculature, we observed cardiac and multiple vascular defects in four
      of the five families. We propose that the limb and scalp defects might also be
      due to a vasculopathy in NOTCH1-related AOS. Our results suggest that mutations
      in NOTCH1 are the most common cause of AOS and add to a growing list of human
      diseases that have a vascular and/or bony component and are caused by alterations
      in the Notch signaling pathway. 

PMID- 25132451
TI  - Development of a fluoride chronic effects benchmark for aquatic life in
      freshwater.
AB  - Canada has an interim water-quality guideline for fluoride for protection of
      freshwater aquatic life that dates from 2002, and 1 Canadian province has a
      different interim water-quality guideline for fluoride that dates to 1995. The
      United States does not have a national benchmark for fluoride in freshwater, and
      only 1 US state has such a benchmark. There are no other national or regional
      benchmarks for fluoride chronic toxicity in freshwater. In the present study,
      available data on the acute and chronic toxicity of fluoride to freshwater
      aquatic life were compiled and reviewed. Acute toxicity was reported to occur at
      concentrations ranging from 11.5 to >800 mg/L fluoride (F(-) ). The majority of
      chronic effects occur at concentrations between 1.8 mg/L and 195 mg/L. A total of
      10 chronic studies representing 16 species (5 fish, 7 invertebrates, and 4
      algae/aquatic plants) were used to derive a chronic effects benchmark of 1.94
      mg/L F(-) , applying the species sensitivity distribution approach.

PMID- 25132452
TI  - A B-1a cell subset induces Foxp3(-) T cells with regulatory activity through an
      IL-10-independent pathway.
AB  - Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a critical role in the maintenance of tolerance. B
      1a cells belong to a specific and functionally important B-cell subset that
      exerts its regulatory role through the production of IL-10. While IL-10 has been
      correlated with the induction of type 1 Treg (Tr1) cells or Tr1-like cells,
      whether IL-10-producing B-1a cells are able to induce Treg cells, especially the
      Tr1 lineage, is poorly understood. We have demonstrated that, similar to the
      reported B-2 cells, B-1a cells are able to convert naive CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells
      into a subset of T cells with suppressive function, which we called 'Treg-of-B1a'
      cells. Treg-of-B1a cells do not express Foxp3, but upregulate the Treg markers
      OX40, programmed death 1 (PD-1), inducible costimulator (ICOS) and IL-10R.
      Moreover, Treg-of-B1a cells do not express Foxp3 and produce high levels of IFN
      gamma and IL-10, but minimal amounts of IL-4; therefore, they resemble Tr1 cells.
      However, utilizing IL-10(-/-) mice, we showed that IL-10 was not involved in the
      induction of Treg-of-B1a cells. On the contrary, CD86-mediated costimulation was
      essential for B-1a cells to drive the induction of Treg-of-B1a cells. Finally, we
      demonstrated that, in contrast to the Treg cells generated by B-2 cells that
      mediate contact-dependent suppression, Treg-of-B1a cells suppress through
      secreting soluble factors. While Tr1 cells mediate suppression mainly through IL
      10 or TGF-beta secretion, Treg-of-B1a cells mediate suppression through an IL-10-
      and TGF-beta-independent pathway. Together, these findings suggest that B-1a
      cells induce a functionally and phenotypically distinct Treg population that is
      dissimilar to the reported Foxp3(+) Treg or Tr1 cells.

PMID- 25132453
TI  - Adrenomedullin and endocrine control of immune cells during pregnancy.
AB  - The immunology of pregnancy is complex and incompletely understood. Aberrant
      immune activity in the decidua and in the placenta is believed to play a role in
      diseases of pregnancy, such as infertility, miscarriage, fetal growth restriction
      and preeclampsia. Here, we briefly review the endocrine control of uterine
      natural killer cell populations and their functions by the peptide hormone
      adrenomedullin. Studies in genetic animal models have revealed the critical
      importance of adrenomedullin dosage at the maternal-fetal interface, with cells
      from both the maternal and fetal compartments contributing to essential aspects
      underlying appropriate uterine receptivity, implantation and vascular remodeling
      of spiral arteries. These basic insights into the crosstalk between the endocrine
      and immune systems within the maternal-fetal interface may ultimately translate
      to a better understanding of the functions and consequences of dysregulated
      adrenomedullin levels in clinically complicated pregnancies. 

PMID- 25132455
TI  - Practical knowledge of experienced nurses in critical care: a qualitative study
      of their narratives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scholars of nursing practices have claimed practical knowledge is
      source of knowledge in its own right, nevertheless we know little about this
      knowledge associated with day-to-day practice. The purpose of this study is to
      describe knowledge that the more experienced nurses the in ICU make use of and
      discover the components of care it includes. Understanding this knowledge can
      contribute to improving the working practices of nurses with less experience.
      METHODS: We used a phenomenologic and hermeneutic approach to conduct a
      qualitative study. Open in-depth dialogue interviews were conducted with 13
      experienced ICU nurses selected by intentional sampling. Data was compiled on
      significant stories of their practice. The data analysis enabled units of meaning
      to be categorised and grouped into topics regarding everyday practical knowledge.
      RESULTS: Knowledge related to everyday practice was evaluated and grouped into
      seven topics corresponding to how the ICU nurses understand their patient care:
      1) Connecting with, calming and situating patients who cannot communicate; 2)
      Situating and providing relief to patients in transitions of mechanical
      respiration and non-invasive ventilation; 3) Providing reassurance and
      guaranteeing the safety of immobilised patients; 4) The "connection" with
      patients in comas; 5) Taking care of the body; 6) The transition from saving life
      to palliative care; and 7) How to protect and defend the patient from errors. The
      components of caretaking that guarantee success include: the calm, care and
      affection with which they do things; the time devoted to understanding, situating
      and comforting patients and families; and the commitment they take on with new
      staff and doctors for the benefit of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: These results show
      that stories of experiences describe a contextual practical knowledge that the
      more experienced nurses develop as a natural and spontaneous response. In
      critical patients the application of everyday practical knowledge greatly
      influences their well-being. In those cases in which the nurses describe how they
      have protected the patients from error, this practical knowledge can mean the
      difference between life and death. The study highlights the need to manage
      practical knowledge and undertake further research. The study is useful in
      keeping clinical practice up-to-date.

PMID- 25132456
TI  - Desiccation enhances phosphorylation of PSII and affects the distribution of
      protein complexes in the thylakoid membrane.
AB  - Desiccation has significant effects on photosynthetic processes in intertidal
      macro-algae. We studied an intertidal macro-alga, Ulva sp., which can tolerate
      desiccation, to investigate changes in photosynthetic performance and the
      components and structure of thylakoid membrane proteins in response to
      desiccation. Our results demonstrate that photosystem II (PSII) is more sensitive
      to desiccation than photosystem I (PSI) in Ulva sp. Comparative proteomics of the
      thylakoid membrane proteins at different levels of desiccation suggested that
      there were few changes in the content of proteins involved in photosynthesis
      during desiccation. Interestingly, we found that both the PSII subunit, PsbS
      (Photosystem II S subunit) (a four-helix protein in the LHC superfamily), and
      light-harvesting complex stress-related (LHCSR) proteins, which are required for
      non-photochemical quenching in land plants and algae, respectively, were present
      under both normal and desiccation conditions and both increased slightly during
      desiccation. In addition, the results of immunoblot analysis suggested that the
      phosphorylation of PSII and LHCII increases during desiccation. To investigate
      further, we separated out a supercomplex formed during desiccation by blue native
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and identified the components by mass
      spectrometry analysis. Our results show that phosphorylation of the complex
      increases slightly with decreased water content. All the results suggest that
      during the course of desiccation, few changes occur in the content of thylakoid
      membrane proteins, but a rearrangement of the protein complex occurs in the
      intertidal macro-alga Ulva sp. 

PMID- 25132454
TI  - The immunology of human cytomegalovirus latency: could latent infection be
      cleared by novel immunotherapeutic strategies?
AB  - While the host immune response following primary human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)
      infection is generally effective at stopping virus replication and dissemination,
      virus is never cleared by the host and like all herpesviruses, persists for life.
      At least in part, this persistence is known to be facilitated by the ability of
      HCMV to establish latency in myeloid cells in which infection is essentially
      silent with, importantly, a total lack of new virus production. However, although
      the viral transcription programme during latency is much suppressed, a number of
      viral genes are expressed during latent infection at the protein level and many
      of these have been shown to have profound effects on the latent cell and its
      environment. Intriguingly, many of these latency-associated genes are also
      expressed during lytic infection. Therefore, why the same potent host immune
      responses generated during lytic infection to these viral gene products are not
      recognized during latency, thereby allowing clearance of latently infected cells,
      is far from clear. Reactivation from latency is also a major cause of HCMV
      mediated disease, particularly in the immune compromised and immune naive, and is
      also likely to be a major source of virus in chronic subclinical HCMV infection
      which has been suggested to be associated with long-term diseases such as
      atherosclerosis and some neoplasias. Consequently, understanding latency and why
      latently infected cells appear to be immunoprivileged is crucial for an
      understanding of the pathogenesis of HCMV and may help to design strategies to
      eliminate latent virus reservoirs, at least in certain clinical settings. 

PMID- 25132458
TI  - Group-IV nanosheets with vacancies: a tight-binding extended Huckel study.
AB  - In this work, we present a theoretical study of the electronic properties of
      group-IV element nanosheets, namely graphene, silicene, germanene and the
      corresponding hydrogenated structures for the two latter, silicane and germanane.
      We compare the results of two different calculation methods, Density Functional
      Theory (DFT) and Extended Huckel Theory (EHT), for both pristine sheets and
      sheets of silicene and germanene with a single-atom vacancy. We show that EHT
      offers a remarkably reliable description of the electronic structure of these
      materials for all cases, thus offering an affordable way for studying large
      systems for which DFT calculations would be expensive and lengthy. 

PMID- 25132457
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency decreases adiposity in rats and causes altered expression of
      uncoupling proteins and steroid receptor coactivator3.
AB  - The vitamin D endocrine system is functional in the adipose tissue, as
      demonstrated in vitro, in cultured adipocytes, and in vivo in mutant mice that
      developed altered lipid metabolism and fat storage in the absence of either 1,25
      dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] or the vitamin D receptor. The aim of the
      present study was to examine the role of vitamin D and calcium on body adiposity
      in a diet-induced vitamin D deficient rat model. Vitamin D-deficient rats gained
      less weight and had lower amounts of visceral fat. Consistent with reduced
      adipose tissue mass, the vitamin D-deficient rats had low circulating levels of
      leptin, which reflects body fat stores. Expression of vitamin D and calcium
      sensing receptors, and that of genes involved in adipogenesis such as peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor, fatty acid synthase and leptin were
      significantly reduced in white adipose tissue of deficient rats compared to
      vitamin D-sufficient rats. Furthermore, the expression of uncoupling proteins
      (Ucp1 and Ucp2) was elevated in the white adipose tissue of the deficient rat
      indicative of higher energy expenditure, thereby leading to a lean phenotype.
      Expression of the p160 steroid receptor coactivator3 (SRC3), a key regulator of
      adipogenesis in white adipose tissue was decreased in vitamin D-deficient state.
      Interestingly, most of the changes observed in vitamin D deficient rats were
      corrected by calcium supplementation alone. Our data demonstrates that dietary
      vitamin D and calcium regulate adipose tissue function and metabolism. 

PMID- 25132460
TI  - Mapping support policies for informal carers across the European Union.
AB  - BACKGROUND: At a time when health and social care services in European countries
      are under pressure to contain or cut costs, informal carers are relied upon as
      the main providers of long-term care. However, still little is known about the
      availability of direct and indirect support for informal carers across the
      European Union. METHODS: Primary data collection in all EU member states was
      supplemented with an extensive review of the available literature. RESULTS:
      Various forms and levels of support have been implemented across Europe to
      facilitate the role of informal caregivers. Financial support is the most common
      type of support provided, followed by respite care and training. Most countries
      do not have a process in place to systematically identify informal carers and to
      assess their needs. Policies are often at an early stage of development and the
      breadth of support varies significantly across the EU. CONCLUSIONS: Policy
      developments are uneven across the member states, with some countries having
      mechanisms in place to assess the needs and support informal carers while others
      are only starting to take an interest in developing support services. Given the
      unprecedented challenges posed by population ageing, further research and better
      data are needed to capture and monitor information on informal carers, to help
      design adequate support policies and eventually to evaluate their impact across
      the EU.

PMID- 25132459
TI  - Intravenous infusion of paracetamol for intrapartum analgesia.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of an i.v. infusion of
      paracetamol during the active phase of labor as compared with sterile water
      (placebo) as a method for intrapartum analgesia. METHODS: In a triple-blind,
      randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 120 low-risk primiparous women presenting
      in active labor at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, between
      August 2011 and October 2012, were allocated to receive either 1000 mg i.v. of
      paracetamol (n = 60) or sterile water (n = 60). The primary outcomes were the
      efficacy of the drug to supply adequate analgesia as measured by a change in the
      visual analog scale (VAS) pain intensity score at various time points after drug
      administration and the need for additional rescue analgesia. The secondary
      outcomes included the presence of adverse maternal or fetal events. RESULTS:
      Compared to controls, i.v. infusion of paracetamol was associated with
      significantly lower VAS score 15 and 30 min after the start of medication; also,
      there was a significantly lower incidence of need for rescue medication (8/57
      [14%] vs 49/59 [83.1%], P < 0.001) at 60 min after the start of medication. There
      were no recorded maternal adverse effects in either group. There were no
      differences in occurrence of intrapartum fetal distress or neonatal Apgar scores
      between both groups. CONCLUSION: Paracetamol appears to be a safe and effective
      medicine that can be used during the intrapartum period.

PMID- 25132461
TI  - Is benzoyl peroxide 3% topical gel effective and safe in the treatment of acne
      vulgaris in Japanese patients? A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle
      controlled, parallel-group study.
AB  - Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an anti-acne medication is not yet approved in Japan.
      This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a once-daily topical application
      of BPO 3% gel versus an inert vehicle gel in Japanese acne patients. Three
      hundred and sixty patients were randomized to receive BPO 3% or vehicle for 12
      weeks. The primary efficacy end-point was absolute change in number of total
      lesions (TL) from baseline to week 12 to demonstrate the superiority of BPO 3%
      versus vehicle. Secondary efficacy end-points were absolute and percent change in
      TL, inflammatory lesions (IL), non-inflammatory lesions (non-IL) and
      Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA). Change in TL counts from baseline
      to week 12 for BPO 3% was superior to vehicle (difference, -21.0; P < 0.001).
      Absolute and percent reductions in TL, IL and non-IL counts were greater for BPO
      3% at all study visits. The proportion of patients with improvement in ISGA
      scores was significantly higher with BPO 3% than with vehicle from week 2. All
      adverse events were mild or moderate. Adverse drug-related reactions were higher
      for BPO 3% (30%) than with vehicle (5%). Local tolerability scores of grade 1 or
      more (slight to moderate) were more frequent with BPO 3% than vehicle with the
      most significant differences observed in dryness (56% vs 27% at week 1-4),
      peeling (19% vs 9% at week 1-2) and burning/stinging (58% vs 15% at week 1-12).
      These results indicate that BPO 3% is effective while maintaining a favorable
      safety and tolerability profile in Japanese acne patients. 

PMID- 25132462
TI  - Same-day discharge is feasible and safe in patients undergoing minimally invasive
      staging for gynecologic malignancies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety
      of same-day discharge of patients undergoing minimally invasive comprehensive
      surgical staging for endometrial and cervical cancer. STUDY DESIGN: We performed
      a retrospective review of consecutive patients from January 2008 to December 2011
      undergoing comprehensive staging for endometrial or cervical cancer by
      traditional laparoscopy or robotic-assisted laparoscopy and intended for same-day
      discharge. Patients accomplishing same-day discharge were compared with those who
      required admission. Clinical and demographic data, perioperative outcomes, and
      postoperative patient contacts within 6 weeks were collected. Multivariate
      logistic regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with
      admission and unscheduled patient contacts within 2 weeks of surgery. RESULTS: A
      total of 141 patients were identified. One hundred eighteen patients (83.7%)
      underwent same-day discharge and 23 (16.3%) required overnight admission. The
      variables that significantly predicted overnight admission were severe pain in
      the postanesthesia care unit (odds ratio [OR], 6.81; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 1.74-26.6; P = .006), delayed ability to tolerate oral intake (OR, 9.3; 95%
      CI, 2.25-38.6, P = .002), traditional laparoscopic vs robotic-assisted surgical
      approach (OR, 9.05; 95% CI, 2.34-35.1; P = .001), and surgery start time at 2:00
      pm or later (OR, 36.8; 95% CI, 6.19-219.3; P < .0001). There was no difference in
      the readmission rate between patients undergoing same-day discharge compared with
      overnight admission (11% vs 17%, P = .48). No variables significantly predicted
      unscheduled patient contact within 2 weeks of surgery at P < .01. CONCLUSION:
      Same-day discharge for patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic-assisted
      laparoscopic staging for endometrial or cervical cancer is feasible and safe.
      There are low complication rates and few readmissions or unscheduled patient
      contacts within 2 weeks of surgery.

PMID- 25132463
TI  - Increased glucose and placental GLUT-1 in large infants of obese nondiabetic
      mothers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obese women are at increased risk to deliver a large infant, however,
      the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Fetal glucose availability is
      critically dependent on placental transfer and is linked to fetal growth by
      regulating the release of fetal growth hormones such as insulin. We hypothesized
      that (1) umbilical vein glucose and insulin levels and (2) placental glucose
      transporter (GLUT) expression and activity are positively correlated with early
      pregnancy maternal body mass index and infant birthweight. STUDY DESIGN: Subjects
      in this prospective observational cohort study were nondiabetic predominantly
      Hispanic women delivered at term. Fasting maternal and umbilical vein glucose and
      insulin concentrations were determined in 29 women with varying early pregnancy
      body mass index (range, 18.0-54.3) who delivered infants with birthweights
      ranging from 2800-4402 g. We isolated syncytiotrophoblast microvillous and basal
      plasma membranes from 33 placentas and determined the expression of GLUT-1 and -9
      (Western blot) and glucose uptake (radiolabeled glucose). RESULTS: Birthweight
      was positively correlated with umbilical vein glucose and insulin and maternal
      body mass index. Umbilical vein glucose levels were positively correlated with
      placental weight and maternal body mass index, but not with maternal fasting
      glucose. Basal plasma membranes GLUT-1 expression was positively correlated with
      birthweight. In contrast, syncytiotrophoblast microvillous GLUT-1 and -9, basal
      plasma membranes GLUT-9 expression and syncytiotrophoblast microvillous and basal
      plasma membranes glucose transport activity were not correlated with birthweight.
      CONCLUSION: Because maternal fasting glucose levels and placental glucose
      transport capacity were not increased in obese women delivering larger infants,
      we speculate that increased placental size promotes glucose delivery to these
      fetuses.

PMID- 25132464
TI  - Sonography-guided hydrostatic reduction of ileocolic intussusception in children:
      analysis of failure and success in consecutive patients presenting timely to the
      hospital.
AB  - In children with ileocolic intussusception sonography is increasingly being used
      for diagnosis, whereas fluoroscopy is frequently used for guiding non-invasive
      reduction. This study assessed the success rate of radiation-free sonography
      guided hydrostatic reduction in children with ileocolic intussusception, using
      novel well-defined success rate indices. All children were evaluated who
      presented from 2005 to 2013 to the local university hospital with ileocolic
      intussusception. The patients were treated with sonography-guided hydrostatic
      reduction unless primary surgery was clinically indicated. The according success
      rate was determined by indices of Bekdash et al. They represent the ratio of
      persistently successful non-surgical reductions versus four different
      denominators, depending on including/excluding cases with primary surgery and
      including/excluding cases requiring bowel resection/intervention. Fifty-six
      consecutive patients were included (age, 3 months to 7.8 years). About 80% of the
      patients presented until 24 h and 20% until 48 h after the onset of symptoms.
      Seven patients underwent primary surgery, with bowel resection required in three
      cases. Hydrostatic reduction was attempted in 49 patients, being permanently
      successful in 41 cases (selective reduction rate 41/49 = 83.7%; crude reduction
      rate 41/56 = 73.2%). The remaining eight patients underwent secondary surgery,
      with just two patients not requiring surgical bowel resection/intervention
      (corrected selective reduction rate 41/43 = 95.3%). The composite reduction rate
      was 87.2% (successful/feasible reductions, 41/47). CONCLUSION: Radiation-free
      sonography-guided hydrostatic reduction has a good success rate in children with
      ileocolic intussusception. It may be particularly valuable in centers that are
      already experienced with using sonography for the diagnosis.

PMID- 25132465
TI  - Binding isotope effects as a tool for distinguishing hydrophobic and hydrophilic
      binding sites of HIV-1 RT.
AB  - The current treatment for HIV-1 infected patients consists of a cocktail of
      inhibitors, in an attempt to improve the potency of the drugs by adding the
      possible effects of each supplied compound. In this contribution, nine different
      inhibitors of HIV-1 RT, one of the three key proteins responsible for the virus
      replication, have been selected to develop and test a computational protocol that
      allows getting a deep insight into the inhibitors' binding mechanism. The
      interaction between the inhibitors and the protein have been quantified by
      computing binding free energies through FEP calculations, while a more detailed
      characterization of the kind of inhibitor-protein interactions is based on
      frequency analysis of the ligands in the initial and final state, i.e. in
      solution and binding the protein. QM/MM calculation of heavy atoms ((13)C, (15)N,
      and (18)O) binding isotope effects (BIE) have been used to identify the binding
      sites of the different inhibitors. Specific interactions between the isotopically
      labeled atoms of the inhibitors and polar residues and magnesium cations on the
      hydrophilic pocket of the protein are responsible for the frequencies shifting
      that can be detected when comparing the IR spectra of the compounds in solution
      and in the protein. On the contrary, it seems that changes in vdW interactions
      from solution to the final state when the ligand is interacting with residues of
      the hydrophobic cavity, does not influence frequency modes and then no BIE are
      observed. Our results suggest that a proper computational protocol can be a
      valuable tool which in turn can be used to increase the efficiency of anti AIDS
      drugs. 

PMID- 25132466
TI  - Juvenile antioxidant treatment prevents adult deficits in a developmental model
      of schizophrenia.
AB  - Abnormal development can lead to deficits in adult brain function, a trajectory
      likely underlying adolescent-onset psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia.
      Developmental manipulations yielding adult deficits in rodents provide an
      opportunity to explore mechanisms involved in a delayed emergence of anomalies
      driven by developmental alterations. Here we assessed whether oxidative stress
      during presymptomatic stages causes adult anomalies in rats with a neonatal
      ventral hippocampal lesion, a developmental rodent model useful for schizophrenia
      research. Juvenile and adolescent treatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl
      cysteine prevented the reduction of prefrontal parvalbumin interneuron activity
      observed in this model, as well as electrophysiological and behavioral deficits
      relevant to schizophrenia. Adolescent treatment with the glutathione peroxidase
      mimic ebselen also reversed behavioral deficits in this animal model. These
      findings suggest that presymptomatic oxidative stress yields abnormal adult brain
      function in a developmentally compromised brain, and highlight redox modulation
      as a potential target for early intervention.

PMID- 25132467
TI  - A common structure underlies low-frequency cortical dynamics in movement, sleep,
      and sedation.
AB  - Upper-limb movements are often composed of regular submovements, and neural
      correlates of submovement frequencies between 1 and 4 Hz have been found in the
      motor cortex. The temporal profile of movements is usually assumed to be
      determined by extrinsic factors such as limb biomechanics and feedback delays,
      but another possibility is that an intrinsic rhythmicity contributes to low
      frequencies in behavior. We used multielectrode recordings in monkeys performing
      an isometric movement task to reveal cyclic activity in primary motor cortex
      locked to submovements, and a distinct oscillation in premotor cortex. During
      ketamine sedation and natural sleep, cortical activity traversed similar cycles
      and became synchronized across areas. Because the same cortical dynamics are
      coupled to submovements and also observed in the absence of behavior, we conclude
      that the motor networks controlling the upper limb exhibit an intrinsic
      periodicity at submovement frequencies that is reflected in the speed profile of
      movements.

PMID- 25132469
TI  - TNF and increased intracellular iron alter macrophage polarization to a
      detrimental M1 phenotype in the injured spinal cord.
AB  - Macrophages and microglia can be polarized along a continuum toward a detrimental
      (M1) or a beneficial (M2) state in the injured CNS. Although phagocytosis of
      myelin in vitro promotes M2 polarization, macrophage/microglia in the injured
      spinal cord retain a predominantly M1 state that is detrimental to recovery. We
      have identified two factors that underlie this skewing toward M1 polarization in
      the injured CNS. We show that TNF prevents phagocytosis-mediated conversion from
      M1 to M2 cells in vitro and in vivo in spinal cord injury (SCI). Additionally,
      iron that accumulates in macrophages in SCI increases TNF expression and the
      appearance of a macrophage population with a proinflammatory mixed M1/M2
      phenotype. In addition, transplantation experiments show that increased loading
      of M2 macrophages with iron induces a rapid switch from M2 to M1 phenotype. The
      combined effect of this favors predominant and prolonged M1 macrophage
      polarization that is detrimental to recovery after SCI.

PMID- 25132470
TI  - Predictors of postoperative morbidity after laparoscopic versus open radical
      hysterectomy plus external beam radiotherapy: a propensity-matched comparison.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of peri-operative variables predicting postoperative
      morbidity may improve postoperative patients' care. We aimed to identify
      patients' characteristics and operative factors predictive of early (<= 30-day)
      and late (<= 6-month) morbidity in cervical cancer patients undergoing surgery
      plus external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). METHODS: We studied 45 propensity-matched
      patient pairs (90 patients) undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH)
      plus EBRT vs. abdominal radical hysterectomy (RAH) plus EBRT. Basic descriptive,
      multivariable and artificial neuronal network analyses (ANN) were used to design
      predicting models influencing outcomes. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the
      study populations were similar. Patients undergoing LRH experienced lower blood
      loss (200 (range, 10-700) vs. 400 (range, 100-2000) ml; P < 0.001), shorter
      length of hospital stay (4 (range, 1-10) vs. 8 (range, 5-52) days; P < 0.001) and
      similar operative time (235 (+/- 67.3) vs. 258 (+/- 70.2) min; P = 0.14) than
      patients undergoing RAH. We observed that, at multivariate analysis, open
      approach correlated with overall (OR: 1.2; 95%CI: 1.03-1.46), early (OR: 1.14;
      95%CI:0.99-1.3) and late (OR: 1.13; 95%CI: 1.001-1.28) postoperative
      complications. CONCLUSIONS: Open approach is the main predictor for developing
      morbidity among cervical cancer patients undergoing radical hysterectomy followed
      by adjuvant radiotherapy. Laparoscopic surgery enhances peri-operative surgical
      results and minimizes the occurrence of late complications.

PMID- 25132471
TI  - Systemic toxicity related to metal hip prostheses.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One in eight of all total hip replacements requires revision within
      10 years, 60% because of wear-related complications. The bearing surfaces may be
      made of cobalt/chromium, stainless steel, ceramic, or polyethylene. Friction
      between bearing surfaces and corrosion of non-moving parts can result in
      increased local and systemic metal concentrations. OBJECTIVES: To identify and
      systematically review published reports of systemic toxicity attributed to metal
      released from hip implants and to propose criteria for the assessment of these
      patients. METHODS: Medline (from 1950) and Embase (from 1980) were searched to 28
      February 2014 using the search terms (text/abstract) chrom* or cobalt* and
      [toxic* or intox* or poison* or adverse effect or complication] and [prosthes* or
      'joint replacement' or hip or arthroplast*] and PubMed (all available years) was
      searched using the search term (("Chromium/adverse effects"[Mesh] OR
      "Chromium/poisoning"[Mesh] OR "Chromium/toxicity"[Mesh]) OR ("Cobalt/adverse
      effects"[Mesh] OR "Cobalt/poisoning"[Mesh] OR "Cobalt/toxicity"[Mesh])) AND
      ("Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip"[Mesh] OR "Hip Prosthesis"[Mesh]). These
      searches identified 281 unique references, of which 23 contained original case
      data. Three further reports were identified from the bibliographies of these
      papers. As some cases were reported repeatedly the 26 papers described only 18
      individual cases. Systemic toxicity. Ten of these eighteen patients had undergone
      revision from a ceramic-containing bearing to one containing a metal component.
      The other eight had metal-on-metal prostheses. Systemic toxicity was first
      manifest months and often several years after placement of the metal-containing
      joint. The reported systemic features fell into three main categories: neuro
      ocular toxicity (14 patients), cardiotoxicity (11 patients) and thyroid toxicity
      (9 patients). Neurotoxicity was manifest as peripheral neuropathy (8 cases),
      sensorineural hearing loss (7) and cognitive decline (5); ocular toxicity
      presented as visual impairment (6). All these neurological features, except
      cognitive decline, have been associated with cobalt poisoning previously. Type of
      prosthesis and blood metal concentrations. Where blood or serum metal
      concentrations were reported (n = 17 for cobalt and n = 14 for chromium), the
      median cobalt concentration was 398 (range, 13.6-6521) MUg/L and the median
      chromium concentration was 48 MUg/L (in whole blood) (range, 4.1-221 MUg/L
      including serum and blood values). Those patients reported to have systemic
      features who had received a metal-on-metal prosthesis (n = 8) had a median peak
      blood cobalt concentration of 34.5 (range, 13.6-398.6) MUg/L; those with a metal
      containing revision of a failed ceramic prosthesis (n = 10) had a median blood
      cobalt concentration of 506 (range, 353-6521) MUg/L. Management. The most common
      treatment was removal of the metal-containing prosthesis, undertaken in all but 2
      patients. This was usually associated with a fall in circulating cobalt
      concentration and improvement in some or all features. Clinical and toxicological
      assessment of systemic features. We propose the following criteria for assessing
      the likelihood that clinical features are related to cobalt toxicity: clinical
      effects consistent with the known neurological, cardiac, or thyroidal effects of
      cobalt, and for which any other explanation is less likely; increased blood
      cobalt concentrations (substantially higher than those in patients with well
      functioning prostheses) several months after hip replacement; a fall in the blood
      cobalt concentration, usually accompanied by signs of improvement in features.
      When judged by these criteria, the systemic features in 10 of the reported cases
      are likely to be related to cobalt exposure from a metal-containing hip
      prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Rarely, patients exposed to high circulating
      concentrations of cobalt from failed hip replacements develop neurological
      damage, hypothyroidism and/or cardiomyopathy, which may not resolve completely
      even after removal of the prosthesis. The greatest risk of systemic cobalt
      toxicity seems to result from accelerated wear of a cobalt-containing revision of
      a failed ceramic prosthesis, rather than from primary failure of a metal-on-metal
      prosthesis.

PMID- 25132468
TI  - Discovery of a biomarker and lead small molecules to target r(GGGGCC)-associated
      defects in c9FTD/ALS.
AB  - A repeat expansion in C9ORF72 causes frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (c9FTD/ALS). RNA of the expanded repeat (r(GGGGCC)exp) forms
      nuclear foci or undergoes repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation, producing
      "c9RAN proteins." Since neutralizing r(GGGGCC)exp could inhibit these potentially
      toxic events, we sought to identify small-molecule binders of r(GGGGCC)exp.
      Chemical and enzymatic probing of r(GGGGCC)8 indicate that it adopts a hairpin
      structure in equilibrium with a quadruplex structure. Using this model, bioactive
      small molecules targeting r(GGGGCC)exp were designed and found to significantly
      inhibit RAN translation and foci formation in cultured cells expressing
      r(GGGGCC)66 and neurons transdifferentiated from fibroblasts of repeat expansion
      carriers. Finally, we show that poly(GP) c9RAN proteins are specifically detected
      in c9ALS patient cerebrospinal fluid. Our findings highlight r(GGGGCC)exp-binding
      small molecules as a possible c9FTD/ALS therapeutic and suggest that c9RAN
      proteins could potentially serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker to assess
      efficacy of therapies that target r(GGGGCC)exp.

PMID- 25132473
TI  - Local lay rescuers with AEDs, alerted by text messages, contribute to early
      defibrillation in a Dutch out-of-hospital cardiac arrest dispatch system.
AB  - AIM: Public access defibrillation rarely reaches out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
      (OHCA) patients in residential areas. We developed a text message (TM) alert
      system, dispatching local lay rescuers (TM-responders). We analyzed the
      functioning of this system, focusing on response times and early defibrillation
      in relation to other responders. METHODS: In July 2013, 14112 TM-responders and
      1550 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were registered in a database
      residing with the dispatch center of two regions of the Netherlands. TM
      responders living <1000m radius of the patient received a TM to go to the patient
      directly, or were directed to retrieve an AED first. We analyzed 1536 OHCA
      patients where a defibrillator was connected from February 2010 until July 2013.
      Electrocardiograms from all defibrillators were analyzed for connection and
      defibrillation time. RESULTS: Of all OHCAs, the dispatcher activated the TM-alert
      system 893 times (58.1%). In 850 cases >=1 TM-responder received a TM-alert and
      in 738 cases >=1 AED was available. A TM-responder AED was connected in 184 of
      all OHCAs (12.0%), corresponding with 23.1% of all connected AEDs. Of all used TM
      responder AEDs, 87.5% were used in residential areas, compared to 71.6% of all
      other defibrillators. TM-responders with AEDs defibrillated mean 2:39 (min:sec)
      earlier compared to emergency medical services (median interval 8:00 [25-75th
      percentile, 6:35-9:49] vs. 10:39 [25-75th percentile, 8:18-13:23], P<0.001). Of
      all shocking TM-responder AEDs, 10.5% delivered a shock <=6min after call.
      CONCLUSION: A TM-alert system that includes local lay rescuers and AEDs
      contributes to earlier defibrillation in OHCA, particularly in residential areas.

PMID- 25132474
TI  - EuReCa ONE - ONE month - ONE Europe - ONE goal.

PMID- 25132472
TI  - Lymphatic fate specification: an ERK-controlled transcriptional program.
AB  - Lymphatic vessels are intimately involved in the regulation of water and solute
      homeostasis by returning interstitial fluid back to the venous circulation and
      play an equally important role in immune responses by providing avenues for
      immune cell transport. Defects in the lymphatic vasculature result in a number of
      pathological conditions, including lymphedema and lymphangiectasia. Knowledge of
      molecular mechanisms underlying lymphatic development and maintenance is
      therefore critical for understanding, prevention and treatment of lymphatic
      circulation-related diseases. Research in the past two decades has uncovered
      several key transcriptional factors (Prox1, Sox18 and Coup-TFII) controlling
      lymphatic fate specification. Most recently, ERK signaling has emerged as a
      critical regulator of this transcriptional program. This review summarizes our
      current understanding of lymphatic fate determination and its transcriptional
      controls. 

PMID- 25132475
TI  - Therapeutic temperature management after cardiac arrest and the risk of bleeding:
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: Prognosis after cardiac arrest in the era of modern critical care is still
      poor with a high mortality of approximately 90%. Around 30% of the survivors have
      neurological impairments. Targeted temperature management (TTM) is the only
      treatment option which can improve mortality and neurological outcome. It is so
      far unclear if bleeding complications occur more often in patients undergoing TTM
      treatment. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature research in September
      2013 including three major databases i.e. MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL. All
      studies were rated in respect to the ILCOR Guidelines and concerning their level
      of evidence and quality. We then performed a meta-analysis on bleeding
      disposition under TTM. RESULTS: We initially found 941 studies out of which 34
      matched our requirements and were thus included in our overview. Five studies
      including 599 patients were summarized in a meta-analysis concerning bleeding
      complications of all severities. There was a trend toward higher bleeding in
      patients treated with TTM (RR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.97-1.74) which did not reach
      significance (p=0.085). Seven studies with an overall 599 patients were included
      in our meta-analysis on bleeding requiring transfusion. There was no significant
      difference in the incidence of severe bleeding with a risk ratio of 0.97 (95% CI:
      0.61-1.56, p=0.909). CONCLUSIONS: The data included in our meta-analysis indicate
      that, concerning the risk of bleeding, TTM is a safe method for patients after
      cardiac arrest. We did not observe a significantly higher risk for bleeding in
      patients undergoing TTM.

PMID- 25132476
TI  - Reply to Letter: Adrenaline in out-of hospital cardiac arrest.

PMID- 25132477
TI  - Real-time video communication improves provider performance in a simulated
      neonatal resuscitation.
AB  - AIM: To determine if a real-time audiovisual link with a neonatologist, termed
      video-assisted resuscitation or VAR, improves provider performance during a
      simulated neonatal resuscitation scenario. METHODS: Using high-fidelity
      simulation, 46 study participants were presented with a neonatal resuscitation
      scenario. The control group performed independently, while the intervention group
      utilized VAR. Time to effective ventilation was compared using Wilcoxon rank sum
      tests. Providers' use of the corrective steps for ineffective ventilation per the
      NRP algorithm was compared using Cochran-Armitage trend tests. RESULTS: The time
      needed to establish effective ventilation was significantly reduced in the
      intervention group when compared to the control group (mean time 2 min 42 s
      versus 4 min 11 s, p<0.001). In the setting of ineffective ventilation, only 35%
      of control subjects used three or more of the first five corrective steps and
      none of them used all five steps. Providers in the control group most frequently
      neglected to open the mouth and increase positive pressure. In contrast, all of
      those in the intervention group used all of the first five corrective steps,
      p<0.001. All participants in the control group decided to intubate the infant to
      establish effective ventilation, compared to none in the intervention group,
      p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Using VAR during a simulated neonatal resuscitation scenario
      significantly reduces the time to establish effective ventilation and improves
      provider adherence to NRP guidelines. This technology may be a means for regional
      centers to support local providers during a neonatal emergency to improve patient
      safety and improve neonatal outcomes.

PMID- 25132478
TI  - Rhythm not ST elevation may be the key for post-resuscitation therapeutic
      success.

PMID- 25132479
TI  - Adrenaline in out-of hospital cardiac arrest.

PMID- 25132480
TI  - BRAF mutation testing in solid tumors: a methodological comparison.
AB  - Solid tumor genotyping has become standard of care for the characterization of
      proto-oncogene mutational status, which has traditionally been accomplished with
      Sanger sequencing. However, companion diagnostic assays and comparable laboratory
      developed tests are becoming increasingly popular, such as the cobas 4800 BRAF
      V600 Mutation Test and the INFINITI KRAS-BRAF assay, respectively. This study
      evaluates and validates the analytical performance of the INFINITI KRAS-BRAF
      assay and compares concordance of BRAF status with two reference assays, the
      cobas test and Sanger sequencing. DNA extraction from FFPE tissue specimens was
      performed followed by multiplex PCR amplification and fluorescent label
      incorporation using allele-specific primer extension. Hybridization to a
      microarray, signal detection, and analysis were then performed. The limits of
      detection were determined by testing dilutions of mutant BRAF alleles within wild
      type background DNA, and accuracy was calculated based on these results. The
      INFINITI KRAS-BRAF assay produced 100% concordance with the cobas test and Sanger
      sequencing and had sensitivity equivalent to the cobas assay. The INFINITI assay
      is repeatable with at least 95% accuracy in the detection of mutant and wild-type
      BRAF alleles. These results confirm that the INFINITI KRAS-BRAF assay is
      comparable to traditional sequencing and the Food and Drug Administration
      approved companion diagnostic assay for the detection of BRAF mutations.

PMID- 25132483
TI  - Postsacral vertebral morphology in relation to tail length among primates and
      other mammals.
AB  - Tail reduction/loss independently evolved in a number of mammalian lineages,
      including hominoid primates. One prerequisite to appropriately contextualizing
      its occurrence and understanding its significance is the ability to track
      evolutionary changes in tail length throughout the fossil record. However, to
      date, the bony correlates of tail length variation among living taxa have not
      been comprehensively examined. This study quantifies postsacral vertebral
      morphology among living primates and other mammals known to differ in relative
      tail length (RTL). Linear and angular measurements with known biomechanical
      significance were collected on the first, mid-, and transition proximal
      postsacral vertebrae, and their relationship with RTL was assessed using
      phylogenetic generalized least-squares regression methods. Compared to shorter
      tailed primates, longer-tailed primates possess a greater number of postsacral
      vertebral features associated with increased proximal tail flexibility (e.g.,
      craniocaudally longer vertebral bodies), increased intervertebral body joint
      range of motion (e.g., more circularly shaped cranial articular surfaces), and
      increased leverage of tail musculature (e.g., longer spinous processes). These
      observations are corroborated by the comparative mammalian sample, which shows
      that distantly related short-tailed (e.g., Phascolarctos, Lynx) and long-tailed
      (e.g., Dendrolagus, Acinonyx) nonprimate mammals morphologically converge with
      short-tailed (e.g., Macaca tonkeana) and long-tailed (e.g., Macaca fascicularis)
      primates, respectively. Multivariate models demonstrate that the variables
      examined account for 70% (all mammals) to 94% (only primates) of the variance in
      RTL. Results of this study may be used to infer the tail lengths of extinct
      primates and other mammals, thereby improving our understanding about the
      evolution of tail reduction/loss.

PMID- 25132482
TI  - Real-time assessment of hybridization between wolves and dogs: combining
      noninvasive samples with ancestry informative markers.
AB  - Wolves and dogs provide a paradigmatic example of the ecological and conservation
      implications of hybridization events between wild and domesticated forms.
      However, our understanding of such implications has been traditionally hampered
      by both high genetic similarity and the difficulties in obtaining tissue samples
      (TS), which limit our ability to assess ongoing hybridization events. To assess
      the occurrence and extension of hybridization in a pack of wolf-dog hybrids in
      northwestern Iberia, we compared the power of 52 nuclear markers implemented on
      TS with a subset of 13 ancestry informative markers (AIMs) typed in noninvasive
      samples (NIS). We demonstrate that the 13 AIMs are as accurate as the 52 markers
      that were chosen without regard to the power to differentiate between wolves and
      dogs, also having the advantage of being rapidly screened on NIS. The efficiency
      of AIMs significantly outperformed ten random sets of similar size and an
      additional commercial set of 18 markers. Bayesian clustering analysis implemented
      on AIMs and NIS identified nine hybrids, two wolves and two dogs. Four hybrids
      were unambiguously assigned to F1xWolf backcrosses. Our approach (AIMs + NIS)
      overcomes previous difficulties related to sample availability and informative
      power of markers, allowing a quick identification of wolf-dog hybrids in the
      first phases of hybridization episodes. This provides managers with a reliable
      tool to evaluate hybridization and estimate the success of their actions. This
      approach may be easily adapted for other pairs of wild/domesticated species, thus
      improving our understanding of the introgression of domestication genes into
      natural populations. 

PMID- 25132481
TI  - Haplotype counting by next-generation sequencing for ultrasensitive human DNA
      detection.
AB  - Human identity testing is critical to the fields of forensics, paternity, and
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Most bone marrow (BM) engraftment
      testing currently uses microsatellites or short tandem repeats that are resolved
      by capillary electrophoresis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are
      theoretically a better choice among polymorphic DNA; however, ultrasensitive
      detection of SNPs using next-generation sequencing is currently not possible
      because of its inherently high error rate. We circumvent this problem by
      analyzing blocks of closely spaced SNPs, or haplotypes. As proof-of-principle, we
      chose the HLA-A locus because it is highly polymorphic and is already genotyped
      to select proper donors for BM transplant recipients. We aligned common HLA-A
      alleles and identified a region containing 18 closely spaced SNPs, flanked by
      nonpolymorphic DNA for primer placement. Analysis of cell line mixtures shows
      that the assay is accurate and precise, and has a lower limit of detection of
      approximately 0.01%. The BM from a series of hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation patients who tested as all donor by short tandem repeat analysis
      demonstrated 0% to 1.5% patient DNA. Comprehensive analysis of the human genome
      using the 1000 Genomes database identified many additional loci that could be
      used for this purpose. This assay may prove useful to identify hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation patients destined to relapse, microchimerism associated with
      solid organ transplantation, forensic applications, and possibly patient
      identification. 

PMID- 25132484
TI  - Immune thrombocytopenia and alopecia areata: spontaneous occurrence and
      resolution in the same patient.
AB  - Alopecia areata (AA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are autoimmune conditions
      occasionally encountered by pediatricians, but their simultaneous occurrence is
      rare. We describe here a 7-year-old female who acutely developed both AA and ITP.
      Within 3 months both conditions resolved spontaneously, suggesting a
      pathophysiologic relationship.

PMID- 25132485
TI  - Water and temperature relations of soil Actinobacteria.
AB  - Actinobacteria perform essential functions within soils, and are dependent on
      available water to do so. We determined the water-activity (aw ) limits for cell
      division of Streptomyces albidoflavus, Streptomyces rectiviolaceus,
      Micromonospora grisea and Micromonospora (JCM 3050) over a range of temperatures,
      using culture media supplemented with a biologically permissive solute
      (glycerol). Each species grew optimally at 0.998 aw (control; no added glycerol)
      and growth rates were near-optimal in the range 0.971-0.974 (1 M glycerol) at
      permissive temperatures. Each was capable of cell division at 0.916-0.924 aw (2 M
      glycerol), but only S. albidoflavus grew at 0.895 or 0.897 aw (3 M glycerol, at
      30 and 37 degrees C respectively). For S. albidoflavus, however, no growth
      occurred on media at <= 0.870 (4 M glycerol) during the 40-day assessment period,
      regardless of temperature, and a theoretical limit of 0.877 aw was derived by
      extrapolation of growth curves. This level of solute tolerance is high for non
      halophilic bacteria, but is consistent with reported limits for the growth and
      metabolic activities of soil microbes. The limit, within the range 0.895-0.870 aw
      , is very much inferior to those for obligately halophilic bacteria and extremely
      halophilic or xerophilic fungi, and is inconsistent with earlier reports of cell
      division at 0.500 aw . These findings are discussed in relation to planetary
      protection policy for space exploration and the microbiology of arid soils. 

PMID- 25132486
TI  - Reply: Should we encourage exercise and sports in children and adolescents with
      cancer?

PMID- 25132487
TI  - Health governance in India: citizenship as situated practice.
AB  - Despite the impressive growth of the Indian economy over the past decades, the
      country struggles to deal with multiple and overlapping forms of inequality. One
      of the Indian government's main policy responses to this situation has been an
      increasing engagement with the 'rights regime', witnessed by the formulation of a
      plethora of rights-based laws as policy instruments. Important among these are
      the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Grounded in ethnographic research in
      Rajasthan focused on the management of maternal and child health under NRHM, this
      paper demonstrates how women, as mothers and health workers, organise themselves
      in relation to rights and identities. I argue that the rights of citizenship are
      not solely contingent upon the existence of legally guaranteed rights but also
      significantly on the social conditions that make their effective exercise
      possible. This implies that while citizenship is in one sense a membership status
      that entails a package of rights, duties, and obligations as well as equality,
      justice, and autonomy, its development and nature can only be understood through
      a careful consideration and analysis of contextually specific social conditions. 

PMID- 25132488
TI  - Characterization of overt and occult hepatitis B virus infection among HTLV-1
      positive healthy carriers in the Northeast of Iran; AN HTLV-I endemic area.
AB  - To date, no studies have provided data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence
      among asymptomatic, healthy human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-I) positive
      carriers. This sero- and molecular epidemiology study was performed on patients
      in the Northeast of Iran, which is an endemic area for HTLV-I infection. A total
      of 109 sera were collected from HTLV-I positive healthy carriers who were
      admitted to Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad City. All were tested for HBV serology and
      subsequently, real time PCR was carried out on the samples, regardless of the
      results of the serology. Standard PCR and direct sequencing were applied on
      positive samples. All cases were negative for HBsAg, Anti-HBc, and anti-HBs were
      positive in 34 (31.1%), and 35 (32%) individuals, respectively. There were 19
      (17.4%) cases that were positive only for anti-HBs, and they had already received
      HBV vaccine. 16 (15%) were positive for both anti-HBs and anti-HBc, indicating a
      past-resolved HBV infection. 18 (16.5%) were isolated as anti-HBc, and 56 (51.3%)
      were negative for all HBV serological markers. Only one subject (0.9%) had
      detectable HBV DNA (2153 copy/ml), and assigned as being an occult HBV infection.
      The low prevalence of HBsAg, despite the high percentage of anti-HBc positive
      cases, might be related to the suppression effect of HTLV-I on surface protein
      expression. The low prevalence of HBV infection among HTLV-I positive healthy
      carriers from an endemic region, indicates that the epidemiology of HTLV-I and
      HBV coinfection is related to the endemicity of HBV in that region, rather than
      HTLV-I endemicity.

PMID- 25132489
TI  - Identification and functional characterization of a sulfate transporter induced
      by both sulfur starvation and mycorrhiza formation in Lotus japonicus.
AB  - Arbuscular mycorrhizas (AMs) are one of the most widespread symbioses in the
      world. They allow plants to receive mineral nutrients from the symbiotic fungus
      which in turn gets back up to 20% of plant carbon and completes its life cycle.
      Especially in low-nutrient conditions, AM fungi are capable of significantly
      improving plant phosphate and nitrogen acquisition, but fewer data are available
      about sulfur (S) nutrition. We focused on S metabolism in Lotus japonicus upon
      mycorrhizal colonization under sulfur starvation or repletion. We investigated
      both tissue sulfate concentrations and S-related gene expression, at cell-type or
      whole-organ level. Gene expression and sulfate tissue concentration showed that
      Rhizophagus irregularis colonization can improve plant S nutritional status under
      S starvation. A group 1 sulfate transporter, LjSultr1;2, induced by both S
      starvation and mycorrhiza formation, was identified. Its transcript was localized
      in arbuscule-containing cells, which was confirmed with a promoter-GUS assay, and
      its function was verified through phenotyping of TILLING mutants in
      nonmycorrhizal seedlings. LjSultr1;2 thus appears to encode a key protein
      involved in plant sulfate uptake. In contrast to phosphate transporters, a single
      gene, LjSultr1;2, seems to mediate both direct and symbiotic pathways of S uptake
      in L. japonicus. 

PMID- 25132490
TI  - Time since onset of walking predicts tibial bone strength in early childhood.
AB  - Bone strength in adulthood is known to be affected by health at birth and early
      childhood. Habitual bone loading is a primary determinant of bone strength in
      later childhood and adulthood. However, the effects of physical activity in early
      childhood (e.g. crawling, standing and walking) on bone strength are unknown.
      Fifty-three children (twenty-seven males) were included in a longitudinal study
      in their early infancy. Shortly after birth (0.3+/-0.3months), details of mass
      and height were obtained along with a pQCT scan at 20% distal-proximal tibia
      length. At 14.8+/-0.5months of age the same data were collected, along with
      details of age at onset of standing, crawling, supported and unsupported walking.
      Time since onset of walking unsupported was associated with greater bone mass,
      cortical bone area, pericortical circumference and polar moment of inertia of
      both total and cortical bone (all P<0.05). There were no significant associations
      between other physical activity timepoints and bone measures. Age at onset of
      walking was not significantly related to mass, length or bone measures at birth.
      The results suggest that time since attainment of independent walking -
      representing exposure of the tibia to the large reaction and muscular forces
      associated with locomotion - is a primary determinant of bone strength in early
      childhood. This finding raises the possible opportunity of physical activity
      interventions at young age in paediatric populations associated with low
      childhood bone strength and late walking (e.g. low birth weight, cerebral palsy
      and Down's Syndrome, etc.). 

PMID- 25132492
TI  - An in vitro biomechanical comparison of hydroxyapatite coated and uncoated ao
      cortical bone screws for a limited contact: dynamic compression plate fixation of
      osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal bones.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the monotonic biomechanical properties of a broad 4.5 mm
      limited contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) fixation secured with
      hydroxyapatite (HA) coated cortical bone screws (HA-LC-DCP) versus uncoated
      cortical bone screws (AO-LC-DCP) to repair osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal
      (MC3) bones. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. SAMPLE POPULATION: Adult equine
      cadaveric MC3 bones (n = 12 pair). METHODS: Twelve pairs of equine MC3 were
      divided into 3 test groups (4 pairs each) for: (1) 4 point bending single cycle
      to failure testing; (2) 4 point bending cyclic fatigue testing; and (3) torsional
      single cycle to failure testing. For the HA-LC-DCP-MC3 construct, an 8-hole broad
      LC-DCP (Synthes Ltd, Paoli, PA) was secured on the dorsal surface of each
      randomly selected MC3 bone with a combination of four 5.5 mm and four 4.5 mm HA
      coated cortical screws. For the AO-LC-DCP-MC3 construct, an 8-hole 4.5 mm broad
      LC-DCP was secured on the dorsal surface of the contralateral MC3 bone with a
      combination of four 5.5 mm and four 4.5 mm uncoated cortical screws. All MC3
      bones had mid-diaphyseal osteotomies. Mean test variable values for each method
      were compared using a paired t-test within each group. Significance was set at P
      < .05. RESULTS: Mean yield load, yield bending moment, composite rigidity,
      failure load, and failure bending moment, under 4 point bending, single cycle to
      failure, of the HA-LC-DCP fixation were significantly greater than those of the
      AO-LC-DCP fixation. Mean +/- SD values for the HA-LC-DCP and the AO-LC-DCP
      fixation techniques, respectively, in single cycle to failure under 4 point
      bending were: yield load, 26.7 +/- 2.15 and 16.3 +/- 1.38 kN; yield bending
      moment, 527.4 +/- 42.4 and 322.9 +/- 27.2 N-m; composite rigidity, 5306 +/- 399
      and 3003 +/- 300 N-m/rad; failure load, 40.6 +/- 3.94 and 26.5 +/- 2.52 kN; and
      failure bending moment, 801.9 +/- 77.9 and 522.9 +/- 52.2 N-m. Mean cycles to
      failure in 4 point bending of the HA-LC-DCP fixation (116,274 +/- 13,211) was
      significantly greater than that of the AO-LC-DCP fixation 47,619 +/- 6580. Mean
      yield load, mean composite rigidity, and mean failure load under torsional
      testing, single cycle to failure was significantly greater for the broad HA-LC
      DCP fixation compared with the AO-LC-DCP fixation. In single cycle to failure
      under torsion, mean +/- SD values for the HA-LC-DCP and the AO-LC-DCP fixation
      techniques, respectively, were: yield load, 101.3 +/- 14.68 and 70.54 +/- 10.20 N
      m; composite rigidity, 437.9 +/- 32.9 and 220.7 +/- 17.6 N-m/rad; and failure
      load: 105.7 +/- 15.5 and 75.28 +/- 10.1 N-m. CONCLUSION: HA-LC-DCP was superior
      to AO-LC-DCP in resisting the static overload forces (palmarodorsal 4 point
      bending and torsional) and in resisting cyclic fatigue under palmarodorsal 4
      point bending.

PMID- 25132493
TI  - Graphene on mica - intercalated water trapped for life.
AB  - In this work we study the effect of thermal processing of exfoliated graphene on
      mica with respect to changes in graphene morphology and surface potential. Mild
      annealing to temperatures of about 200 degrees C leads to the removal of small
      amounts of intercalated water at graphene edges. By heating to 600 degrees C the
      areas without intercalated water are substantially increased enabling a
      quantification of the charge transfer properties of the water layer by locally
      resolved Kelvin probe force microscopy data. A complete removal on a global scale
      cannot be achieved because mica begins to decompose at temperatures above 600
      degrees C. By correlating Kelvin probe force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy
      maps we find a transition from p-type to n-type doping of graphene during thermal
      processing which is driven by the dehydration of the mica substrate and an
      accumulation of defects in the graphene sheet. 

PMID- 25132494
TI  - Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of polyphenols from spruce wood
      bark.
AB  - Here we describe the ultrasound-assisted extraction of the phenolic compounds
      from spruce wood bark and present a straight-forward experimental planning
      method, allowing the optimisation of the process. The effect of ethanol
      concentration, temperature and extraction time were evaluated through a 3(2).2
      experimental planning. The efficiency of the extraction process was appreciated
      based on factorial ANOVA results. The maximum extraction yield of total
      polyphenols (13.232mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of spruce bark tested) was
      obtained using a process time of 60min, an extraction temperature of 54 degrees C
      and a concentration of ethanol of 70% respectively. These results indicate that
      an important quantity of bioactive compounds can be extracted from spruce wood
      bark by ultrasound assisted extraction technology. 

PMID- 25132495
TI  - Decolorization of azo dye Orange G by aluminum powder enhanced by ultrasonic
      irradiation.
AB  - In this work, the decolorization of azo dye Orange G (OG) in aqueous solution by
      aluminum powder enhanced by ultrasonic irradiation (AlP-UI) was investigated. The
      effects of various operating operational parameters such as the initial pH,
      initial OG concentration, AlP dosage, ultrasound power and added hydrogen
      peroxide (H2O2) concentration were studied. The results showed that the
      decolorization rate was enhanced when the aqueous OG was irradiated
      simultaneously by ultrasound in the AlP-acid systems. The decolorization rate
      decreased with the increase of both initial pH values of 2.0-4.0 and OG initial
      concentrations of 10-80mg/L, increased with the ultrasound power enhancing from
      500 to 900W. An optimum value was reached at 2.0g/L of the AlP dosage in the
      range of 0.5-2.5g/L. The decolorization rate enhanced significantly by the
      addition of hydrogen peroxide in the range of 10-100mM to AlP-UI system reached
      an optimum value of 0.1491min(-1). The decolorization of OG appears to involve
      primarily oxidative steps, the cleavage of NN bond, which were verificated by the
      intermediate products of OG under the optimal tested degradation system, aniline
      and 1-amino-2-naphthol-6,8-disulfonate detected by the LC-MS. 

PMID- 25132496
TI  - ER stress cooperates with hypernutrition to trigger TNF-dependent spontaneous HCC
      development.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of
      viral hepatitis, insulin resistance, hepatosteatosis, and nonalcoholic
      steatohepatitis (NASH), disorders that increase risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC). To determine whether and how ER stress contributes to obesity-driven
      hepatic tumorigenesis we fed wild-type (WT) and MUP-uPA mice, in which hepatocyte
      ER stress is induced by plasminogen activator expression, with high-fat diet.
      Although both strains were equally insulin resistant, the MUP-uPA mice exhibited
      more liver damage, more immune infiltration, and increased lipogenesis and, as a
      result, displayed classical NASH signs and developed typical steatohepatitic HCC.
      Both NASH and HCC development were dependent on TNF produced by inflammatory
      macrophages that accumulate in the MUP-uPA liver in response to hepatocyte ER
      stress. 

PMID- 25132498
TI  - Stem cell therapy for glaucoma: science or snake oil?
AB  - In recent years there has been substantial progress in developing stem cell
      treatments for glaucoma. As a downstream approach that targets the underlying
      susceptibility of retinal ganglion and trabecular meshwork cells, stem cell
      therapy has the potential to both replace lost, and protect damaged, cells by
      secreting neurotrophic factors. A variety of sources, including embryonic cells,
      adult cells derived from the central nervous system, and induced pluripotent stem
      cells show promise as therapeutic approaches. Even though safety concerns and
      ethical controversies have limited clinical implementation, some institutions
      have already commercialized stem cell therapy and are using direct-to-consumer
      advertising to attract patients with glaucoma. We review the progress of stem
      cell therapy and its current commercial availability. 

PMID- 25132499
TI  - To What did They Consent? Understanding Consent Among Low Literacy Participants
      in a Microbicide Feasibility Study in Mazabuka, Zambia.
AB  - We conducted a study to review the consenting process in a vaginal microbicide
      feasibility study conducted in Mazabuka, Zambia. Participants were drawn from
      those participating in the microbicide study. A questionnaire and focus group
      discussion were used to collect information on participants' understanding of
      study aims, risks and benefits. Altogether, 200 participants took part in this
      study. The results of the study showed that while all participants signed or
      endorsed their thumbprints to the consent forms, full informed consent was not
      attained from most of the participants since 77% (n = 154) of the participants
      had numerous questions about the study and 34% (n = 68) did not know who to get
      in touch with concerning the study. Study objectives were not fully understood by
      over 61% of the participants. Sixty four percent of the participants were not
      sure of the risks of taking part in the microbicide study. A significant number
      thought the study was all about determining their HIV status. Some participants
      were concerned that their partners were not on the trial as they were convinced
      that being on the study meant that that they had a lifetime protection from HIV
      infection. The process of obtaining consent was inadequate as various phases of
      the study were not fully understood. We recommend the need for researchers to
      reinforce the consenting process in all studies and more so when studies are
      conducted in low literacy populations.

PMID- 25132497
TI  - BCR-ABL1 compound mutations combining key kinase domain positions confer clinical
      resistance to ponatinib in Ph chromosome-positive leukemia.
AB  - Ponatinib is the only currently approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that
      suppresses all BCR-ABL1 single mutants in Philadelphia chromosome-positive
      (Ph(+)) leukemia, including the recalcitrant BCR-ABL1(T315I) mutant. However,
      emergence of compound mutations in a BCR-ABL1 allele may confer ponatinib
      resistance. We found that clinically reported BCR-ABL1 compound mutants center on
      12 key positions and confer varying resistance to imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib,
      ponatinib, rebastinib, and bosutinib. T315I-inclusive compound mutants confer
      high-level resistance to TKIs, including ponatinib. In vitro resistance profiling
      was predictive of treatment outcomes in Ph(+) leukemia patients. Structural
      explanations for compound mutation-based resistance were obtained through
      molecular dynamics simulations. Our findings demonstrate that BCR-ABL1 compound
      mutants confer different levels of TKI resistance, necessitating rational
      treatment selection to optimize clinical outcome. 

PMID- 25132502
TI  - Genetic targeting of microglia.
AB  - Genetic targeting of microglia and other myeloid cells in the central nervous
      system (CNS) is highly desirable as they are critical effectors and regulators of
      changes in CNS homeostasis during development as well as in health and disease.
      Therefore, genetic reprogramming of microglia could constitute a central approach
      for potentially reducing disease burden. Previous attempts to target only
      microglia in vivo failed because of the similarities to their hematopoietic
      relatives in the circulation. However, this concept has been challenged by recent
      results of developmental and gene expression profiling studies which used novel
      molecular biological tools to unravel the origin of microglia and to define their
      role as specialized tissue macrophages clearly distinct from monocytes or
      monocyte-derived macrophages. The aim of this review is to recapitulate the
      history of microglia targeting approaches and finally highlight recent
      achievements in the field. We will discuss the pros and cons of the newly
      available genetic tools, their potential for future microglia research and
      genetic strategies.

PMID- 25132500
TI  - Impaired hypercarbic and hypoxic responses from developmental loss of cerebellar
      Purkinje neurons: implications for sudden infant death syndrome.
AB  - Impaired responsivity to hypercapnia or hypoxia is commonly considered a
      mechanism of failure in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The search for
      deficient brain structures mediating flawed chemosensitivity typically focuses on
      medullary regions; however, a network that includes Purkinje cells of the
      cerebellar cortex and its associated cerebellar nuclei also helps mediate
      responses to carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) challenges and assists
      integration of cardiovascular and respiratory interactions. Although cerebellar
      nuclei contributions to chemoreceptor challenges in adult models are well
      described, Purkinje cell roles in developing models are unclear. We used a model
      of developmental cerebellar Purkinje cell loss to determine if such loss
      influenced compensatory ventilatory responses to hypercapnic and hypoxic
      challenges. Twenty-four Lurcher mutant mice and wild-type controls were
      sequentially exposed to 2% increases in CO2 (0-8%) or 2% reductions in O2 (21
      13%) over 4 min, with return to room air (21% O2/79% N2/0% CO2) between each
      exposure. Whole body plethysmography was used to continuously monitor tidal
      volume (TV) and breath frequency (f). Increased f to hypercapnia was
      significantly lower in mutants, slower to initiate, and markedly lower in
      compensatory periods, except for very high (8%) CO2 levels. The magnitude of TV
      changes to increasing CO2 appeared smaller in mutants but only approached
      significance. Smaller but significant differences emerged in response to hypoxia,
      with mutants showing smaller TV when initially exposed to reduced O2 and lower f
      following exposure to 17% O2. Since cerebellar neuropathology appears in SIDS
      victims, developmental cerebellar neuropathology may contribute to SIDS
      vulnerability.

PMID- 25132501
TI  - Markers of angiogenesis associated with surgical attenuation of congenital
      portosystemic shunts in dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) have hypoplasia of
      the intrahepatic portal veins. Surgical CPSS attenuation results in the
      development of the intrahepatic portal vasculature, the precise mechanism for
      which is unknown, although new vessel formation by angiogenesis is suspected.
      HYPOTHESIS: That the degree of portal vascular development and the increase in
      portal vascularization after CPSS attenuation is significantly associated with
      hepatic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2)
      gene expression and serum VEGF concentration. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs with
      CPSS undergoing surgical treatment. Forty-nine dogs were included in the gene
      expression data and 35 in the serum VEGF data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs
      surgically treated by partial or complete CPSS attenuation were prospectively
      recruited. Relative gene expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 was measured in liver
      biopsy samples taken at initial and follow-up surgery using quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction. Serum VEGF concentration was measured before and after
      CPSS attenuation using a canine specific ELISA. Statistical significance was set
      at the 5% level (P <= .05). RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the mRNA
      expression of VEGFR2 after partial attenuation (P = .006). Dogs that could
      tolerate complete attenuation had significantly greater VEGFR2 mRNA expression
      than those that only tolerated partial attenuation (P = .037). Serum VEGF
      concentration was significantly increased at 24 (P < .001) and 48 (P = .003)
      hours after attenuation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These findings
      suggest that intrahepatic angiogenesis is likely to occur after the surgical
      attenuation of CPSS in dogs, and contributes to the development of the
      intrahepatic vasculature postoperatively.

PMID- 25132503
TI  - Reduced beta-cell reserve and pancreatic volume in survivors of childhood acute
      lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with bone marrow transplantation and total body
      irradiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes mellitus (DM) occur
      more frequently after bone marrow transplantation and total body irradiation
      (BMT/TBI), but the mechanism is unclear. This study investigates insulin
      sensitivity, beta-cell reserve and pancreatic volume in adult survivors of
      childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). METHOD: Survivors (aged 16-26
      years) of ALL treated with BMT/TBI (10-14.4 Gy) Group 1 (n = 20, 10 m) were
      compared with a chemotherapy-only Group 2 (n = 28, 11 m). Participants underwent
      assessments of insulin sensitivity by whole body composite-insulin-sensitivity
      index (ISIcomp ) from oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs); first (AIRarg , AIRg
      , AUCin10 ) and second (AUC in second phase ) phase insulin responses from
      arginine-intravenous glucose tolerance tests; and pancreatic volume by abdominal
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data were analysed by odds ratio, Chi-square or
      Fisher's exact tests, Student's t-tests, analysis of covariance (ancova) and
      Pearson's or partial correlations (5% significance). RESULTS: Abnormal OGTTs were
      documented in Group 1 (DM = 2, IGT = 7). Insulin secretion adjusted for insulin
      sensitivity was lower in Group 1 than Group 2 as a whole [LogAIRarg (P = 0.008),
      logAIRg (P = 0.013) and logAUCin10 (P = 0.014)] and after exclusion of those with
      abnormal glucose tolerance [logAIRarg (P = 0.011), logAIRg (P = 0.007) and
      logAUCin10 (P = 0.006)]. Group 1 had lower pancreatic volume than Group 2 [52.0
      (14.2) vs 72.8 (23.5), P = 0.001] cm(3) , and results were consistent after
      adjustment for size by body surface area (P = 0.019). Pancreatic volume
      correlated with logAIRarg adjusted log ISIcomp (partial correlation = 0.34, P =
      0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Adult survivors of childhood BMT/TBI for ALL demonstrated
      reduced beta-cell reserve and smaller pancreatic volume, both likely additional
      aetiological factors, with reduced insulin sensitivity, in their increased risk
      of diabetes.

PMID- 25132504
TI  - Gas in the retropharyngeal space: descending necrotising mediastinitis.

PMID- 25132505
TI  - Israel-Gaza conflict.

PMID- 25132506
TI  - Chikungunya virus control: is a vaccine on the horizon?

PMID- 25132508
TI  - Utilizing intraspecific variation in phenotypic plasticity to bolster
      agricultural and forest productivity under climate change.
AB  - Climate change threatens the ability of agriculture and forestry to meet growing
      global demands for food, fibre and wood products. Information gathered from
      genotype-by-environment interactions (G * E), which demonstrate intraspecific
      variation in phenotypic plasticity (the ability of a genotype to alter its
      phenotype in response to environmental change), may prove important for
      bolstering agricultural and forest productivity under climate change.
      Nonetheless, very few studies have explicitly quantified genotype plasticity
      productivity relationships in agriculture or forestry. Here, we conceptualize the
      importance of intraspecific variation in agricultural and forest species
      plasticity, and discuss the physiological and genetic factors contributing to
      intraspecific variation in phenotypic plasticity. Our discussion highlights the
      need for an integrated understanding of the mechanisms of G * E, more extensive
      assessments of genotypic responses to climate change under field conditions, and
      explicit testing of genotype plasticity-productivity relationships. Ultimately,
      further investigation of intraspecific variation in phenotypic plasticity in
      agriculture and forestry may prove important for identifying genotypes capable of
      increasing or sustaining productivity under more extreme climatic conditions. 

PMID- 25132507
TI  - Safety and tolerability of chikungunya virus-like particle vaccine in healthy
      adults: a phase 1 dose-escalation trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chikungunya virus--a mosquito-borne alphavirus--is endemic in Africa
      and south and southeast Asia and has recently emerged in the Caribbean. No drugs
      or vaccines are available for treatment or prevention. We aimed to assess the
      safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a new candidate vaccine. METHODS: VRC
      311 was a phase 1, dose-escalation, open-label clinical trial of a virus-like
      particle (VLP) chikungunya virus vaccine, VRC-CHKVLP059-00-VP, in healthy adults
      aged 18-50 years who were enrolled at the National Institutes of Health Clinical
      Center (Bethesda, MD, USA). Participants were assigned to sequential dose level
      groups to receive vaccinations at 10 MUg, 20 MUg, or 40 MUg on weeks 0, 4, and
      20, with follow-up for 44 weeks after enrolment. The primary endpoints were
      safety and tolerability of the vaccine. Secondary endpoints were chikungunya
      virus-specific immune responses assessed by ELISA and neutralising antibody
      assays. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01489358. FINDINGS:
      25 participants were enrolled from Dec 12, 2011, to March 22, 2012, into the
      three dosage groups: 10 MUg (n=5), 20 MUg (n=10), and 40 MUg (n=10). The protocol
      was completed by all five participants at the 10 MUg dose, all ten participants
      at the 20 MUg dose, and eight of ten participants at the 40 MUg dose; non
      completions were for personal circumstances unrelated to adverse events. 73
      vaccinations were administered. All injections were well tolerated, with no
      serious adverse events reported. Neutralising antibodies were detected in all
      dose groups after the second vaccination (geometric mean titres of the half
      maximum inhibitory concentration: 2688 in the 10 MUg group, 1775 in the 20 MUg
      group, and 7246 in the 40 MUg group), and a significant boost occurred after the
      third vaccination in all dose groups (10 MUg group p=0.0197, 20 MUg group
      p<0.0001, and 40 MUg group p<0.0001). 4 weeks after the third vaccination, the
      geometric mean titres of the half maximum inhibitory concentration were 8745 for
      the 10 MUg group, 4525 for the 20 MUg group, and 5390 for the 40 MUg group.
      INTERPRETATION: The chikungunya VLP vaccine was immunogenic, safe, and well
      tolerated. This study represents an important step in vaccine development to
      combat this rapidly emerging pathogen. Further studies should be done in a larger
      number of participants and in more diverse populations. FUNDING: Intramural
      Research Program of the Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy
      and Infectious Diseases, and National Institutes of Health.

PMID- 25132509
TI  - Production of D-lactic acid in a continuous membrane integrated fermentation
      reactor by genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae: enhancement in D-lactic
      acid carbon yield.
AB  - Poly d-lactic acid is an important polymer because it improves the
      thermostability of poly l-lactic acid by stereo complex formation. To demonstrate
      potency of continuous fermentation using a membrane-integrated fermentation
      reactor (MFR) system, continuous fermentation using genetically modified
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae which produces d-lactic acid was performed at the low pH
      and microaerobic conditions. d-Lactic acid continuous fermentation using the MFR
      system by genetically modified yeast increased production rate by 11-fold
      compared with batch fermentation. In addition, the carbon yield of d-lactic acid
      in continuous fermentation was improved to 74.6 +/- 2.3% compared to 39.0 +/-
      1.7% with batch fermentation. This dramatic improvement in carbon yield could not
      be explained by a reduction in carbon consumption to form cells compared to batch
      fermentation. Further detailed analysis at batch fermentation revealed that the
      carbon yield increased to 76.8% at late stationary phase. S. cerevisiae, which
      exhibits the Crabtree-positive effect, demonstrated significant changes in
      metabolic activities at low sugar concentrations (Rossignol et al., Yeast, 20,
      1369-1385, 2003). Moreover, lactate-producing S. cerevisiae requires ATP supplied
      not only from the glycolytic pathway but also from the TCA cycle (van Maris et
      al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 70, 2898-2905, 2004). Our finding was revealed
      that continuous fermentation, which can maintain the conditions of both a low
      sugar concentration and air supply, results in Crabtree-positive and lactate
      producing S. cerevisiae for suitable conditions of d-lactic acid production with
      respect to redox balance and ATP generation because of releasing the yeast from
      the Crabtree effect. 

PMID- 25132510
TI  - [Premature constriction of the ductus arteriosus].

PMID- 25132511
TI  - [Therapeutic approach to paediatric septic arthritis: are we too aggressive?].

PMID- 25132513
TI  - 17beta-Estradiol administration promotes delayed cutaneous wound healing in 40
      week ovariectomised female mice.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of 17beta-estradiol on wound healing in 40
      week ovariectomised female mice. Thirty-six-week-old female mice were divided
      into three groups: medication with 17beta-estradiol after ovariectomy (OVX +
      17beta-estradiol), ovariectomy (OVX) and sham (SHAM). The mice received two full
      thickness wounds, and the OVX + 17beta-estradiol group was administered 17beta
      estradiol at 0.01 g/day until healing. In the OVX + 17beta-estradiol group, the
      ratio of wound area was significantly smaller than those of the OVX and SHAM
      groups on days 1-3, 5, 6, 8-12 and 9-12, respectively, the numbers of neutrophils
      and macrophages were significantly smaller than those on days 3 and 7, the ratio
      of re-epithelialisation was significantly higher than those on days 3 and 11, the
      ratio of myofibroblasts was significantly higher than those on day 11 and smaller
      on day 14, and the ratio of collagen fibres was significantly larger than that of
      the OVX group on days 7-14. We found that 17beta-estradiol administration
      promotes cutaneous wound healing in 40-week female mice by reducing wound area,
      shortening inflammatory response, and promoting re-epithelialisation, collagen
      deposition and wound contraction. Our results suggest that cutaneous wound
      healing that is delayed because of ageing is promoted by exogenous and continuous
      17beta-estradiol administration. 

PMID- 25132514
TI  - Oxidative damage in diabetics: insights from a graduate study in La Reunion
      University.
AB  - Due to the growing incidence of diabetes in developed nations, there is a
      compelling case to be made for teaching graduate students more deeply about
      mechanisms underlying this disease. Diabetes is associated with enhanced
      oxidative stress and protein glycation via the covalent binding of glucose
      molecules. Albumin represents the major plasmatic protein and undergoes enhanced
      glycoxidative modifications in diabetic condition. La Reunion Island, a French
      department located in the Indian Ocean exhibit a growing incidence of diabetes.
      At the University of La Reunion, our research group named GEICO (Groupe d'Etude
      sur l'Inflammation Chronique et l'Obesite) participated to foster research and
      training in diabetes context and focuses on the impact of glycated albumin
      mediated oxidative stress on cell physiopathology. A laboratory course was
      designed by our group to introduce graduate students to cutting edge techniques
      in redox biology while providing insights into scientific processes and methods.
      This two weeks research laboratory training took place at CYROI, a local
      biotechnology center that provides advanced facilities for research, business,
      and education. Using histochemistry, molecular biology, biochemical techniques,
      student investigated oxidative damages in liver from leptin receptor deficient
      diabetic mice compared to control littermates. In addition, they used an in vitro
      model by assaying oxidative impact of glycated albumin on hepatoma carcinoma
      HepG2 cells. This article gives an overview of the organization and protocol used
      by the students during their two weeks training in the laboratory. Therefore, it
      may be helpful for teaching graduate students techniques used in research
      laboratory working on redox biology.

PMID- 25132512
TI  - Lactate dehydrogenase and caspase activity in nasopharyngeal secretions are
      predictors of bronchiolitis severity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants.
      Biomarkers of disease severity might help in clinical management. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the clinical predictiveness of NW-LDH, NW-caspase 3/7, and NW-LDH/NW
      caspase 3/7 ratio in bronchiolitis. METHODS: Previously healthy children less
      than 24 months of age with bronchiolitis were recruited from the Texas Children's
      emergency room and intensive care unit from October 2010 to April 2011.
      Demographic, clinical information, and NW samples were obtained at enrollment. NW
      samples were analyzed for respiratory viruses, caspase 3/7, and LDH. RESULTS: A
      viral pathogen was detected in 91.6% of 131 children, with the most common being
      respiratory syncytial virus and human rhinovirus. A single infection was found in
      61.8% of subjects and co-infection in 29.8%. Children admitted to ICU had
      significantly higher NW-LDH than children sent home from the ER or admitted to
      the general floor (P = 0.02). Children infected with RSV had the highest NW-LDH
      concentration (P = 0.03) compared with other viral infections. NW-LDH and NW
      caspase were significantly correlated (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001). The univariate
      models showed NW-LDH and NW-LDH/NW- caspase 3/7 ratio were directly associated
      with hospitalization. Mutivariate regression analyses suggested a complex
      interaction between the biomarkers, demographics, and disposition. CONCLUSIONS:
      NW-LDH, NW-caspase 3/7 and NW-LDH/NW-caspase 3/7 ratio and their interactions
      with demographic factors are predictive of bronchiolitis severity and can help
      distinguish children requiring ICU-level care from those admitted to the general
      floor, or discharged home from the emergency center.

PMID- 25132515
TI  - Magnetic ring anastomosis of suprahepatic vena cava: novel technique for liver
      transplantation in rat.
AB  - To improve the technique of suprahepatic vena cava (SHVC) reconstruction in rat
      OLT, novel magnetic rings were designed and manufactured to facilitate
      reconstruction of SHVC and shorten the anhepatic time. One-hundred and twenty
      adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: rings group (n =
      30), using magnetic rings for SHVC reconstruction; suture group (n = 30), 7/0
      prolene suture was used for SHVC running anastomosis as control. Cuff techniques
      were used for portal vein and infrahepatic vena cava reconstruction as Kamada and
      Calne described. The bile duct was reconnected with a stent. The hepatic re
      arterialization was omitted. In the rings group, the SHVC reconstruction took
      0.91 +/- 0.24 (mean +/- SD) min; the anhepatic phase and the recipient operation
      time were 5.63 +/- 0.65 min and 36.02 +/- 8.02 min, respectively. In suture
      group, the anastomotic time of SHVC was 10.40 +/- 2.11 min; the anhepatic phase
      and the recipient operation time were 17.76 +/- 2.51 and 49.38 +/- 12.06 min,
      respectively, and there was statistically significant difference between the two
      groups. The ALT levels reached peak at 24 h post-OLT (186.2 +/- 32.5 IU/l) and
      restored to normal level at 96 h gradually. In the rings group, 29 of 30 rats
      survived at day 7 and 28 of 30 rats survived at day 30. In contrast, only 25 of
      30 recipients in suture group remained alive at day 7 and 22 of 30 remained alive
      at day 30 (P < 0.05). Better anastomotic healing was founded in rings group by
      pathology and scanning electron microscope. The magnetic rings technique provides
      a novel, simple method for SHVC reconstruction of OLT in rat. It significantly
      shortens anhepatic phase, while the success rate of the operation is
      satisfactory.

PMID- 25132516
TI  - A randomised controlled trial of PEGASUS, a psychoeducational programme for young
      people with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychoeducation is an essential component of postdiagnostic care for
      people with ASD (autism spectrum disorder), but there is currently no evidence
      base for clinical practice. We designed, manualised and evaluated PEGASUS
      (psychoeducation group for autism spectrum understanding and support), a group
      psychoeducational programme aiming to enhance the self-awareness of young people
      with ASD by teaching them about their diagnosis. METHODS: This single-blind RCT
      (randomised control trial) involved 48 young people (9-14 years) with high
      functioning ASD. Half were randomly assigned to PEGASUS, administered in six
      weekly group sessions, with the others receiving no additional intervention. ASD
      related self-awareness, the primary outcome, was evaluated using the bespoke
      Autism Knowledge Quiz (AKQ). Secondary outcome measures included the Rosenberg
      Self-Esteem Scale. All measures were collected during home visits and scored by
      researchers blind to group assignment. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials
      (NCT01187940, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) and was funded by the Baily Thomas
      Charitable Trust. RESULTS: Bootstrap multiple regression showed ASD knowledge
      (beta = .29, p < .001, 95% CIs [0.13, 0.44]) and ASD self-awareness (beta = .42,
      p = .001, 95% CIs [0.17, 0.67]), measured by number of ASD-related personal
      strengths and difficulties listed by participants, increased for those who
      attended PEGASUS (n = 24) compared with controls (n = 24). There was no effect of
      PEGASUS on self-esteem by self-report (beta = .10, p = .404, 95% CIs [-0.14,
      0.35]) or parent report (beta = .12, p = .324, 95% CIs [-0.12, 0.36]).
      CONCLUSIONS: After PEGASUS, participants had more general knowledge about ASD,
      and showed a greater awareness of their collection of unique strengths and
      difficulties associated with ASD. Psychoeducation did not lower self-esteem. This
      RCT provides initial evidence for PEGASUS's efficacy as a psychoeducation
      programme for people with ASD.

PMID- 25132517
TI  - Advances in classification, basic mechanisms and clinical science in ankylosing
      spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis.
AB  - The field of spondyloarthritis (SpA) has seen huge advances over the past 5
      years. The classification of axial disease has been redefined by the axial SpA
      criteria that incorporate disease captured before radiographic damage is evident
      as well as established erosive sacroiliac joint disease. Our knowledge of
      genetics and basic immunological pathways has progressed significantly. In
      addition, revolutionary progress has been achieved with the availability of
      tumour necrosis factor inhibitors for treating patients with moderate to severe
      disease. In parallel, several of novel biomarkers have been identified that show
      significant promise for the future. Advances in magnetic resonance imaging have
      helped define positive disease. We have identified that T1 and short tau
      inversion recovery sequences are best for the diagnosis of axial SpA, and
      gadolinium contrast is not additive for diagnosis. Progress has been made in
      identifying potential agents and strategies that reduce radiographic progression.
      Several referral strategies aimed at appropriate identification of patients have
      been trialled and found to be effective. There is still substantial work ahead,
      but the advances of the last 5 years have made a huge and tangible difference at
      the clinical coalface, and we suggest that this trend will continue.

PMID- 25132518
TI  - Altered manifestations of skin disease at sites affected by neurological deficit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The contribution of the nervous system to inflammation in general and
      inflammatory skin disease in particular has been underappreciated. It is now
      apparent that an intact neural component is required for the conventional
      clinical manifestations of many inflammatory skin diseases. OBJECTIVES: To
      investigate the relationship between nerve damage and skin disease. METHODS:
      Previous individual reports since 1966 were collected systematically and the
      clinical observations described therein were placed within current concepts of
      neurogenic inflammation. RESULTS: We reviewed the literature and identified 23
      cases of alterations in the appearance or distribution of skin disorders in
      patients with acquired central or peripheral neural damage or dysfunction. In 19
      cases, near or complete resolution of pre-existing skin lesions occurred in areas
      directly or indirectly supplied by a subsequently injured nervous system.
      Exacerbation or new onset of skin lesions occurred in only four cases. The neural
      deficits described included damage within the peripheral or central nervous
      system resulting in pure sensory, pure motor or combined sensory and motor
      deficits. CONCLUSIONS: These cases highlight the importance of neural innervation
      and neurogenic inflammation in the development of inflammatory skin disease and
      prompt further examination of the use of neural blockade as an adjunctive therapy
      in the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses.

PMID- 25132519
TI  - Efficacy and tolerability of treatment with azacitidine for 5 days in elderly
      patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients aged >= 60 years tolerate standard
      induction chemotherapy poorly. Therapy with azacitidine at a dose of 75
      mg/m(2)/day for 7 days appears to be better tolerated, and is approved by the
      Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of elderly AML patients with
      bone marrow (BM) blast counts of 20-30%. Here, we report the results of a
      prospective, phase 2, open-label study that evaluated the tolerability and
      efficacy of a 5-day regimen of single-agent subcutaneous azacitidine 100
      mg/m(2)/day administered every 28 days in 15 elderly patients with newly
      diagnosed AML, 14 of whom had BM blast counts >30%. The overall response rate was
      47%. Complete remission, partial remission, and hematologic improvement were
      achieved by 20, 13, and 13% of patients, respectively. Median overall survival
      was 355 days for the entire cohort, and 532 days for responders. Median time to
      best response was 95 days, and median treatment duration was 198 days (range = 13
      724 days). Grade 3-4 hematologic toxicities comprised predominantly febrile
      neutropenia (40%) and thrombocytopenia (20%). Febrile neutropenia was the most
      common cause of hospitalization. Nonhematologic toxicities, consisting of
      injection-site skin reactions and fatigue (Grades 1-2), occurred in 73% (n = 11)
      of patients. No treatment-related deaths occurred during the study. The dose and
      schedule of therapy remained constant in all but four patients. The findings of
      this study suggest that administration of subcutaneous azacitidine 100
      mg/m(2)/day for 5 days every 28 days is a feasible, well-tolerated, and effective
      alternative to standard induction chemotherapy in elderly patients with AML.

PMID- 25132520
TI  - A pilot validation of multi-echo based echo-planar correlated spectroscopic
      imaging in human calf muscles.
AB  - A current limitation of MR spectroscopic imaging of multiple skeletal muscles is
      prolonged scan duration. A significant reduction in the total scan duration using
      the echo-planar correlated spectroscopic imaging (EP-COSI) sequence was
      accomplished using two bipolar readout trains with different phase-encoded echoes
      for one of two spatial dimensions within a single repetition time (TR). The
      second bipolar readout was used for spatially encoding the outer k-space, whereas
      the first readout was used for the central k-space only. The performance of this
      novel sequence, called multi-echo based echo-planar correlated spectroscopic
      imaging (ME-EPCOSI), was demonstrated by localizing specific key features in calf
      muscles and bone marrow of 11 healthy volunteers and five subjects with type 2
      diabetes (T2D). A 3 T MRI-MRS scanner equipped with a transmit-receive extremity
      coil was used. Localization of the ME-EPCOSI sequence was in good agreement with
      the earlier single-readout based EP-COSI sequence and the required scan time was
      reduced by a factor of two. In agreement with an earlier report using single
      voxel based 2D MRS, significantly increased unsaturated pools of intramyocellular
      lipid (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) and decreased IMCL and EMCL
      unsaturation indices (UIs) were observed in the soleus and tibialis anterior
      muscle regions of subjects with T2D compared with healthy controls. In addition,
      significantly decreased choline content was observed in the soleus of T2D
      subjects compared with healthy controls. Multi-voxel characterization of IMCL and
      EMCL ratios and UI in the calf muscle may be useful for the non-invasive
      assessment of altered lipid metabolism in the pathophysiology of T2D.

PMID- 25132521
TI  - Prevalence of postpartum infections: a population-based observational study.
AB  - We investigated the prevalence of postpartum infections among women giving birth
      during 1 year in a population-based observational/questionnaire study at seven
      hospitals in the southeast region of Sweden. Of the women >99% (n = 11,124)
      received a questionnaire to inquire if they had endometritis, mastitis, or wound,
      urinary tract or any other infection within 2 months postpartum and whether they
      received antibiotics for this. Prevalence rates for infections and antibiotic
      treatment were estimated. The response rate was 60.1%. At least one infectious
      episode was reported by 10.3% of the women and 7.5% had received antibiotics. The
      prevalence for infections with and without antibiotics were, respectively,
      mastitis 4.7% and 2.9%, urinary tract infection 3.0% and 2.4%, endometritis 2.0%
      and 1.7%, wound infection 1.8% and 1.2%. There was no inter-county difference in
      infection prevalence. Clinical postpartum infections in a high-resource setting
      are relatively common.

PMID- 25132523
TI  - Bias induced transition from an ohmic to a non-ohmic interface in supramolecular
      tunneling junctions with Ga2O3/EGaIn top electrodes.
AB  - This study describes that the current rectification ratio, R = |J|(-2.0
      V)/|J|(+2.0 V) for supramolecular tunneling junctions with a top-electrode of
      eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) that contains a conductive thin (0.7 nm)
      supporting outer oxide layer (Ga2O3), increases by up to four orders of magnitude
      under an applied bias of >+1.0 V up to +2.5 V; these junctions did not change
      their electrical characteristics when biased in the voltage range of +/-1.0 V.
      The increase in R is caused by the presence of water and ions in the
      supramolecular assemblies which react with the Ga2O3/EGaIn layer and increase the
      thickness of the Ga2O3 layer. This increase in the oxide thickness from 0.7 nm to
      ~2.0 nm changed the nature of the monolayer-top-electrode contact from an ohmic
      to a non-ohmic contact. These results unambiguously expose the experimental
      conditions that allow for a safe bias window of +/-1.0 V (the range of biases
      studies of charge transport using this technique are normally conducted) to
      investigate molecular effects in molecular electronic junctions with Ga2O3/EGaIn
      top-electrodes where electrochemical reactions are not significant. Our findings
      also show that the interpretation of data in studies involving applied biases of
      >1.0 V may be complicated by electrochemical side reactions which can be
      recognized by changes of the electrical characteristics as a function voltage
      cycling or in current retention experiments. 

PMID- 25132522
TI  - Ranolazine attenuates mechanical allodynia associated with demyelination injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether ranolazine, a new
      medication that targets sodium channels to improve cardiac ischemia and angina,
      could be an effective analgesic agent for pain associated with demyelination
      injury. BACKGROUND: Many agents have been used to treat neuropathic pain but not
      all neuropathic conditions respond similarly to treatment. We have demonstrated
      that ranolazine, an agent that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels Nav 1.4, 1.5,
      1.7, and 1.8, is effective in attenuating mechanical hyperalgesia in both
      complete Freund's adjuvant and spared nerve injury preclinical models of
      inflammatory and neuropathic pain, respectively. Here we test the efficacy of
      this drug in a newly validated model of demyelination injury that responds
      uniquely to a number of treatment options. METHODS: After determination of
      baseline nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) and withdrawal responses from heat
      and mechanical stimulation in male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-350 g), 1 MUg/30 MUL
      of doxorubicin was injected into one sciatic nerve. The contralateral nerve
      provided a sham-injected control. Two weeks after doxorubicin injection, NCV and
      sensitivity to heat and mechanical stimulation were reassessed before and after
      treatment with ranolazine (10, 30, 50 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally using
      an experimenter-blinded, randomized design. RESULTS: Doxorubicin injection
      produced a significant hyperalgesic effect in response to mechanical but not heat
      stimulation. Conduction velocities in the injected limbs were reduced when
      compared with controls. Ranolazine reduced mechanical allodynia with peak
      efficacy at 30 mg/kg. Fifty milligram/kilogram ranolazine restored NCVs by
      approximately 50%, but had no effect in the uninjected limb. CONCLUSIONS:
      Ranolazine exerts broad-spectrum actions to reduce mechanical allodynia that is
      associated with peripheral demyelination injury.

PMID- 25132524
TI  - Determinants of Gli2 co-activation of wildtype and naturally truncated androgen
      receptors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gli2, a transcription factor in the Hedgehog pathway, is
      overexpressed in castrate-resistant prostate cancer (PCa). Previously we showed
      that Gli2 overexpression increased transcriptional activity of androgen receptor
      (AR) and conferred androgen growth-independence to normally growth-dependent PCa
      cells. Here we localized the regions of AR-Gli2 protein interaction and
      determined the domains within Gli2 needed for AR co-activation. METHODS: Co
      immunoprecipitation and GST-pulldown assays were used to define AR-Gli binding
      domains. Co-activation assays using androgen-responsive promoter reporters were
      used to define Gli2 regions needed for AR co-activation. Chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to confirm nuclear interactions of
      Gli2 with AR in PCa cells. RESULTS: The Gli2 C-terminal domain (CTD) is
      sufficient for AR co-activation. Two elements within the CTD were required: (1)
      an AR binding domain within aa628-897; and (2) at least part of the Gli2
      transactivation domain within aa1252-1586. In turn, Gli2 binds the tau5/AF5
      ligand-independent activation domain in the AR N-terminus. Mutations in the WxxLF
      motif in tau5/AF5 greatly diminished binding to Gli2-CTD. Gli2 interaction with
      AR tau5/AF5 was further substantiated by the ability of Gli2/Gli2-CTD to co
      activate truncated AR splice variants (AR-V7/ARV567es). ChIP assays confirmed
      that Gli2 associates with chromatin at androgen response elements found near
      androgen-responsive genes in LNCaP cells. These assays also showed that AR
      associates with chromatin containing a Gli-response element near a Gli-responsive
      gene. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that Gli2 overexpression in PCa cells
      might support development of castration resistant PCa through AR co-activation
      and suggests that AR might modulate transcription from Gli2.

PMID- 25132527
TI  - Host-derived CD8+ dendritic cells protect against acute graft-versus-host disease
      after experimental allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
AB  - Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent life-threatening complication
      after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and induced by
      donor-derived T cells that become activated by host antigen-presenting cells. To
      address the relevance of host dendritic cell (DC) populations in this disease, we
      used mouse strains deficient in CD11c(+) or CD8alpha(+) DC populations in a model
      of acute GVHD where bone marrow and T cells from BALB/c donors were transplanted
      into C57BL/6 hosts. Surprisingly, a strong increase in GVHD-related mortality was
      observed in the absence of CD11c(+) cells. Likewise, Batf3-deficient (Batf3(-/-))
      mice that lack CD8alpha(+) DCs also displayed a strongly increased GVHD-related
      mortality. In the absence of CD8alpha(+) DCs, we detected an increased activation
      of the remaining DC populations after HSCT, leading to an enhanced priming of
      allogeneic T cells. Importantly, this was associated with reduced numbers of
      regulatory T cells and transforming growth factor-beta levels, indicating an
      aggravated failure of peripheral tolerance mechanisms after HSCT in the absence
      of CD8alpha(+) DCs. In summary, our results indicate a critical role of
      CD8alpha(+) DCs as important inducers of regulatory T cell-mediated tolerance to
      control DC activation and T cell priming in the initiation phase of GVHD.

PMID- 25132528
TI  - Crime event 3D reconstruction based on incomplete or fragmentary evidence
      material--case report.
AB  - Using our own experience in 3D analysis, the authors will demonstrate the
      possibilities of 3D crime scene and event reconstruction in cases where
      originally collected material evidence is largely insufficient. The necessity to
      repeat forensic evaluation is often down to the emergence of new facts in the
      course of case proceedings. Even in cases when a crime scene and its surroundings
      have undergone partial or complete transformation, with regard to elements
      significant to the course of the case, or when the scene was not satisfactorily
      secured, it is still possible to reconstruct it in a 3D environment based on the
      originally-collected, even incomplete, material evidence. In particular cases
      when no image of the crime scene is available, its partial or even full
      reconstruction is still potentially feasible. Credibility of evidence for such
      reconstruction can still satisfy the evidence requirements in court.
      Reconstruction of the missing elements of the crime scene is still possible with
      the use of information obtained from current publicly available databases. In the
      study, we demonstrate that these can include Google Maps((r)*), Google Street
      View((r)*) and available construction and architecture archives. 

PMID- 25132529
TI  - Preterm birth and neonatal mortality in China in 2011.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of preterm birth, its regional
      distribution, and associated neonatal mortality in mainland China. METHODS: In a
      multicenter, hospital-based investigation of preterm birth, 2011 data were
      obtained from the seven administrative regions of mainland China. Between one and
      three subcenters were randomly selected for each administrative region, followed
      by secondary and tertiary hospitals within the chosen subcenters. Data were
      obtained from women's medical records, and obstetric and perinatal events were
      summarized. RESULTS: Data for 107,905 deliveries were analyzed, which included
      7769 (7.1%) preterm births (occurring between 28 and 37 weeks of pregnancy). The
      incidence varied among regions. Late preterm birth (between 34 and 37 weeks)
      accounted for 5495 (70.7%) of preterm births. The neonatal mortality rate was 33
      deaths per 1000 live preterm births. Of the 254 neonatal deaths, 147 (57.9%)
      occurred after very preterm birth (between 28 and 32 weeks). Overall, 4519
      (58.2%) preterm births occurred by cesarean. CONCLUSION: The distribution of
      preterm birth across China is unbalanced, and neonatal mortality associated with
      preterm birth is high.

PMID- 25132530
TI  - Unilateral microphthalmia or anophthalmia in eight pythons (Pythonidae).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide morphological descriptions of microphthalmia or
      anophthalmia in eight pythons using microcomputerized tomography (MUCT), magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI), and histopathology. ANIMALS STUDIED: Seven Burmese
      pythons (Python bivittatus) and one ball python (P. regius) with clinically
      normal right eyes and an abnormal or missing left eye. PROCEDURE: At the time of
      euthanasia, four of the eight snakes underwent necropsy. Hereafter, the heads of
      two Burmese pythons and one ball python were examined using MUCT, and another
      Burmese python was subjected to MRI. Following these procedures, the heads of
      these four pythons along with the heads of an additional three Burmese pythons
      were prepared for histology. RESULTS: All eight snakes had left ocular openings
      seen as dermal invaginations between 0.2 and 2.0 mm in diameter. They also had
      varying degrees of malformations of the orbital bones and a limited presence of
      nervous, glandular, and muscle tissue in the posterior orbit. Two individuals had
      small but identifiable eyes. Furthermore, remnants of the pigmented embryonic
      framework of the hyaloid vessels were found in the anophthalmic snakes.
      Necropsies revealed no other macroscopic anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: Eight pythons
      with unilateral left-sided microphthalmia or anophthalmia had one normal eye and
      a left orbit with malformed or incompletely developed ocular structures along
      with remnants of fetal structures. These cases lend further information to a
      condition that is often seen in snakes, but infrequently described.

PMID- 25132531
TI  - The influence of hydrogen bonding on the nonlinear optical properties of a
      semiorganic material NH4B[D-(+)-C4H4O5]2.H2O: a theoretical perspective.
AB  - In this work, a potential semiorganic nonlinear optical candidate NH4B[D-(+)
      (C4H4O5)]2.H2O (NBC) has been studied using Density Functional Theory. The origin
      of the second harmonic generation (SHG) effect of NBC crystals for the NH4B[D-(+)
      (C4H4O5)]2.H2O molecular complex is explained by employing a combination of the
      density of states, SHG density and molecular orbital analysis. It reveals a way
      in which the organic and ammonium groups affect the SHG processes in a
      significantly different manner in the crystals and the molecular complex. In
      particular, the role of hydrogen bonding interaction in influencing the
      electronic structure and nonlinear optical properties is explicitly identified
      and explained.

PMID- 25132526
TI  - Detecting local residue environment similarity for recognizing near-native
      structure models.
AB  - We developed a new representation of local amino acid environments in protein
      structures called the Side-chain Depth Environment (SDE). An SDE defines a local
      structural environment of a residue considering the coordinates and the depth of
      amino acids that locate in the vicinity of the side-chain centroid of the
      residue. SDEs are general enough that similar SDEs are found in protein
      structures with globally different folds. Using SDEs, we developed a procedure
      called PRESCO (Protein Residue Environment SCOre) for selecting native or near
      native models from a pool of computational models. The procedure searches similar
      residue environments observed in a query model against a set of representative
      native protein structures to quantify how native-like SDEs in the model are. When
      benchmarked on commonly used computational model datasets, our PRESCO compared
      favorably with the other existing scoring functions in selecting native and near
      native models.

PMID- 25132532
TI  - Antifreezes act as catalysts for methane hydrate formation from ice.
AB  - Contrary to the thermodynamic inhibiting effect of methanol on methane hydrate
      formation from aqueous phases, hydrate forms quickly at high yield by exposing
      frozen water-methanol mixtures with methanol concentrations ranging from 0.6-10
      wt% to methane gas at pressures from 125 bars at 253 K. Formation rates are some
      two orders of magnitude greater than those obtained for samples without methanol
      and conversion of ice is essentially complete. Ammonia has a similar catalytic
      effect when used in concentrations of 0.3-2.7 wt%. The structure I methane
      hydrate formed in this manner was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and
      Raman spectroscopy. Steps in the possible mechanism of action of methanol were
      studied with molecular dynamics simulations of the Ih (0001) basal plane exposed
      to methanol and methane gas. Simulations show that methanol from a surface
      aqueous layer slowly migrates into the ice lattice. Methane gas is preferentially
      adsorbed into the aqueous methanol surface layer. Possible consequences of the
      catalytic methane hydrate formation on hydrate plug formation in gas pipelines,
      on large scale energy-efficient gas hydrate formation, and in planetary science
      are discussed.

PMID- 25132525
TI  - Neonatal handling: an overview of the positive and negative effects.
AB  - As one of the first rodent models designed to investigate the effects of early
      life experiences, the neonatal handling paradigm has helped us better understand
      how subtle changes in the infant environment can powerfully drive
      neurodevelopment of the immature brain in typical or atypical trajectories. Here,
      we review data from more than 50 years demonstrating the compelling effects of
      neonatal handling on behavior, physiology, and neural function across the
      lifespan. Moreover, we present data that challenge the classical view of neonatal
      handling as an animal model that results only in positive/beneficial outcomes.
      Indeed, the overall goal of this review is to offer the suggestion that the
      effects of early-life experiences-including neonatal handling-are nuanced rather
      than unidirectional. Both beneficial and negative outcomes may occur, depending
      on the parameters of testing, sex of the subject, and neurobehavioral system
      analyzed.

PMID- 25132533
TI  - Fine needle cytology of intrathyroid epidermoid cyst.

PMID- 25132534
TI  - Evaluation of microbial communities and symbionts in Ixodes ricinus and ungulate
      hosts (Cervus elaphus and Ovis aries) from shared habitats on the west coast of
      Norway.
AB  - Recent reports suggest a potential for transmission of a newly discovered
      rickettsial endosymbiont, Midichloria mitochondrii, to animals and humans from
      feeding ticks (Ixodes ricinus). Using molecular methods; I. ricinus, sheep and
      red deer in Anaplasma phagocytophilum-endemic areas of Norway, were examined to
      see if they were infected by M. mitochondrii or related organisms like Wolbachia
      pipientis and Rickettsia spp. A total of 532 ticks collected from pastures, 76
      blood samples from grazing lambs and 12 organ samples from hunted deer, were
      analyzed during the study. All larval pools, 60.4% pooled nymphs and 35.1% of
      adult ticks were positive for M. mitochondrii. There was a significant difference
      between geographical areas in the prevalence of M. mitochondrii infection among
      nymphs. A total of 2.2% pooled nymphs and 5.3% adult ticks were positive for A.
      phagocytophilum. Eleven percent of pooled nymphs were positive for Borrelia spp,
      2.2% of pooled nymphs and 3.5% of adult ticks were positive for Rickettsia spp.
      and none of the ticks were positive for W. pipientis. The prevalence of A.
      phagocytophilum infection was 54% and 75% in grazing lambs and deer,
      respectively. No animals were positive for Borrelia spp., M. mitochondrii,
      Rickettsia spp. or W. pipientis. The reported findings suggest that M.
      mitochondrii is widespread in tick populations at different geographical sites,
      and may appear in co-infection with A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp. and
      Rickettsia spp. in ticks. 

PMID- 25132535
TI  - Detection of an undescribed Rickettsia sp. in Ixodes boliviensis from Costa Rica.
AB  - Ixodes boliviensis is a tick of carnivores that is common on domestic dogs. The
      only Rickettsia that has been detected previously in this species is 'Candidatus
      Rickettsia andeanae'. We report the detection of an undescribed Rickettsia sp.,
      named strain IbR/CRC, in I. boliviensis collected from dogs in Costa Rica.
      Analyses of gltA, ompA, and htrA partial sequences place Rickettsia sp. strain
      IbR/CRC in the group of R. monacensis, also close to an endosymbiont of Ixodes
      scapularis and other undescribed rickettsiae. It was not possible to isolate
      Rickettsia sp. strain IbR/CRC in Vero E6 or C6/36 cell lines. Isolation and
      further characterization of Rickettsia sp. strain IbR/CRC and the other
      undescribed rickettsiae are required to determine their taxonomic status and
      pathogenic potential. 

PMID- 25132536
TI  - Use of plastic tips in artificial feeding of Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens
      females Neumann, 1897 (Acari: Ixodidae).
AB  - The establishment of laboratory colonies of ticks is often hampered by their lack
      of adaptation to alternative hosts. The aim of this study was to artificially
      feed partially engorged Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens females through plastic
      tips, and to identify what are the optimal conditions of application of this
      technique to get as much as possible close to the natural conditions. The
      technique of artificial feeding through plastic tips allowed the engorgement of
      D. nitens ticks to a final weight within the normal range for the species. 

PMID- 25132537
TI  - High-dose alcohol intoxication differentially modulates cognitive subprocesses
      involved in response inhibition.
AB  - Aside from well-known physiological effects, high-dose alcohol intoxication
      (a.k.a. binge drinking) can lead to aversive social and legal consequences
      because response inhibition is usually compromised under the influence of
      alcohol. Although the behavioral aspects of this phenomenon were reported on
      extensively, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms mediating this
      disinhibition are unclear. To close this gap, we used both behavioral and
      neurophysiological measures (event-related potentials, ERPs) to investigate which
      subprocesses of response inhibition are altered under the influence of high-dose
      alcohol intoxication. Using a within-subject design, we asked young healthy
      participants (n = 27) to complete a GO/NOGO task once sober and once intoxicated
      (approximately 1.20/00). During intoxication, high-dose alcohol effects were
      highest in a condition where the participants could not rely on automated
      stimulus-response mapping processes during response inhibition. In this context,
      the NOGO-P3 (ERP), that likely depends on dopaminergic signaling within
      mesocorticolimbic pathways and is thought to reflect motor inhibition and/or the
      evaluation of inhibitory processes, was altered in the intoxicated state. In
      contrast to this, the N2 component, which largely depends on nigrostriatal
      dopamine pathways and is thought to reflect inhibition on a pre-motor level, was
      not altered. Based on these results, we demonstrate that alcohol-induced changes
      of dopaminergic neurotransmission do not exert a global effect on response
      inhibition. Instead, changes are highly subprocess-specific and seem to mainly
      target mesocorticolimbic pathways that contribute to motor inhibition and the
      evaluation of such. 

PMID- 25132538
TI  - Sequential infusion of donor-derived dendritic cells with donor lymphocyte
      infusion for relapsed hematologic cancers after allogeneic hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation.
AB  - Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is often given to induce a graft-versus-leukemia
      (GVL) effect after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
      However, efficacy of DLI is limited in most hematologic cancers. As antigen
      presenting cells, dendritic cells (DC) bolster immune responses. We conducted a
      Phase I trial testing the coinfusion of DC followed by DLI. DC were generated by
      culturing peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HLA matched-related donors in
      GM-CSF and IL-4 for 7 days, followed by TNF-alpha for 3 days. DC were
      administered intravenously on 3 dose levels (5 * 10(6) ; 1 * 10(7) ; 5 * 10(7)
      cells). DLI (3 * 10(7) CD3+ cells/kg) was administered intravenously 1 day after
      the DC. Sixteen patients with hematologic cancers relapsed after HSCT were
      treated. A maximum tolerated dose for DC was not reached. Two of 16 patients met
      criteria for DLT within 10 weeks of the infusion: 1 idiopathic respiratory
      failure, 1 ventricular cardiac arrest. None developed grade III/IV GVHD. One
      patient developed grade II acute intestinal graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) and 1
      chronic GVHD within 6 months of the infusion. Both resolved with corticosteroids.
      Four of 14 patients evaluable for disease response achieved durable remissions
      and are alive and cancer free 6.7, 8.4, 8.8, and 10.1 years from infusion.
      Sequential infusion of donor-derived DC with DLI is feasible in patients with
      relapsed hematologic cancers after allogeneic HSCT. Future studies may consider
      donor DC preloaded with tumor antigens to investigate whether DC infusion could
      augment the GVL effect.

PMID- 25132539
TI  - Safety and efficacy of balloon-occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization
      using miriplatin for hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - AIM: Balloon-occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (B-TACE) using a
      microballoon catheter was performed to administrate miriplatin, and the early
      therapeutic efficacy and safety of the procedure were evaluated. METHODS: Out of
      158 patients who received miriplatin using B-TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma,
      49 patients with a single lesion at either stage I or II (according to the Liver
      Cancer Study Group of Japan) were evaluated in comparison with 48 matched
      patients who received miriplatin using conventional TACE (C-TACE). RESULTS: The
      mean total dose and median dose of miriplatin in each group were 32.5 +/- 31.7 mg
      and 20 mg (C-TACE) and 50.1 +/- 31.3 mg and 40 mg (B-TACE), respectively (P <
      0.01). The treatment effect (TE) on the target nodule classified as TE4, TE3, TE2
      or TE1 was 39.6%, 33.3%, 25.0% and 2.1%, respectively, in the C-TACE group, and
      55.1%, 38.8%, 4.1% and 2.0%, respectively, in the B-TACE group. Therefore, the TE
      was significantly higher in the B-TACE group (P < 0.05). Although abdominal blood
      tests revealed adverse, increased levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
      in a significantly higher number of B-TACE-treated patients, serum ALT levels
      returned to baseline levels in all patients within 1 month. There were no
      significant differences in clinical symptoms between the two groups. CONCLUSION:
      Compared with C-TACE, B-TACE significantly improved cancer nodule control, and it
      was satisfactory in terms of safety. B-TACE is an effective procedure that
      enhances the effects of catheterization with miriplatin.

PMID- 25132540
TI  - Influence of fluoride in poly(d,l-lactide)/apatite composites on bone formation.
AB  - The influence of fluoride in poly(d,l-lactide)/apatite composites on ectopic bone
      formation was evaluated in sheep. Nano-apatite powders with different replacement
      levels of OH groups by fluoride (F) (0% (F0), 50% (F50), 100% (F100), and
      excessive (F200)) were co-extruded with poly (d,l-lactide) at a weight ratio of
      1:1. Fluoride release from the composites (CF0, CF50, CF100, and CF200) was
      evaluated in vitro and bone formation was assessed after intramuscular
      implantation in sheep. After 24 weeks in simulated physiological solution, CF0
      and CF50 showed negligible fluoride release, whereas it was considerable from the
      CF100 and CF200 composites. Histology showed that the incidence of de novo bone
      formation decreased in implants with increasing fluoride content indicating a
      negative influence of fluoride on ectopic bone formation. Furthermore, a
      significant decrease in resorption of the high fluoride-content composites and a
      reduction in the number of multinucleated giant cells were seen. These results
      show that instead of promoting, the presence of fluoride in poly(d,l
      lactide)/apatite composites seemed to suppresses their resorption and
      osteoinductive potential in non-osseous sites.

PMID- 25132541
TI  - Interparental violence and childhood adjustment: how and why maternal sensitivity
      is a protective factor.
AB  - This study examined sensitive parenting as a protective factor in relations
      between interparental violence (IPV) and children's coping and psychological
      adjustment. Using a multimethod approach, a high-risk sample of 201 two-year-olds
      and their mothers participated in three annual waves of data collection.
      Moderator analyses revealed that sensitive parenting buffered the risk posed by
      IPV on children's changes in externalizing and prosocial development over a 2
      year period. Tests of mediated moderation further indicated that sensitive
      parenting protected children from the vulnerability of growing up in a violent
      home through its association with lower levels of children's angry reactivity to
      interparental conflict. Results highlight the significance of identifying the
      mechanisms that mediate protective factors in models of family adversity. 

PMID- 25132543
TI  - Community perceptions of rape and child sexual abuse: a qualitative study in
      rural Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rape of women and children is recognized as a health and human rights
      issue in Tanzania and internationally. Exploration of the prevailing perceptions
      in rural areas is needed in order to expand the understanding of sexual violence
      in the diversity of Tanzania's contexts. The aim of this study therefore was to
      explore and understand perceptions of rape of women and children at the community
      level in a rural district in Tanzania with the added objective of exploring those
      perceptions that may contribute to perpetuating and/or hindering the disclosure
      of rape incidences. METHODS: A qualitative design was employed using focus group
      discussions with male and female community members including religious leaders,
      professionals, and other community members. The discussions centered on causes of
      rape, survivors of rape, help-seeking and reporting, and gathered suggestions on
      measures for improvement. Six focus group discussions (four of single gender and
      two of mixed gender) were conducted. The focus group discussions were recorded,
      transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using manifest qualitative content analysis.
      RESULTS: The participants perceived rape of women and children to be a frequent
      and hidden phenomenon. A number of factors were singled out as contributing to
      rape, such as erosion of social norms, globalization, poverty, vulnerability of
      children, alcohol/drug abuse and poor parental care. Participants perceived the
      need for educating the community to raise their knowledge of sexual violence and
      its consequences, and their roles as preventive agents. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      rural context, social norms reinforce sexual violence against women and children,
      and hinder them from seeking help from support services. Addressing the
      identified challenges may promote help-seeking behavior and improve care of
      survivors of sexual violence, while changes in social and cultural norms are
      needed for the prevention of sexual violence.

PMID- 25132542
TI  - Description of Kuraishia piskuri f.a., sp. nov., a new methanol assimilating
      yeast and transfer of phylogenetically related Candida species to the genera
      Kuraishia and Nakazawaea as new combinations.
AB  - The new anamorphic yeast Kuraishia piskuri, f.a., sp. nov. is described for three
      strains that were isolated from insect frass from trees growing in Florida, USA
      (type strain, NRRL YB-2544, CBS 13714). Species placement was based on
      phylogenetic analysis of nuclear gene sequences for the D1/D2 domains of large
      subunit rRNA, small subunit rRNA, translation elongation factor-1alpha, and
      subunits B1 and B2 of RNA polymerase II B. From this analysis, the anamorphic
      species Candida borneana, Candida cidri, Candida floccosa, Candida hungarica, and
      Candida ogatae were transferred to the genus Kuraishia as new combinations and
      Candida anatomiae, Candida ernobii, Candida ishiwadae, Candida laoshanensis,
      Candida molendini-olei, Candida peltata, Candida pomicola, Candida populi,
      Candida wickerhamii, and Candida wyomingensis were transferred to the genus
      Nakazawaea. 

PMID- 25132544
TI  - Role of sediments in modifying the toxicity of two Roundup formulations to six
      species of larval anurans.
AB  - The role of sediment in modifying the toxicity of the original formulation of
      Roundup(r) and Roundup WeatherMAX(r) was examined in aqueous laboratory tests.
      Six species of anurans (Bufo fowleri, Hyla chrysoscelis, Rana catesbeiana, Rana
      clamitans, Rana sphenocephala, and Rana pipiens) were exposed at Gosner stage 25
      to concentrations of the 2 herbicide formulations in 96-h, static, nonrenewal
      experiments in the presence and absence of sediment. All species tested had lower
      median lethal concentration values in water-only exposures of both formulations
      compared with exposures with sediment. Sediment significantly altered the potency
      slopes in all tests with the exceptions of H. chrysoscelis and R. clamitans when
      exposed to the original formulation of Roundup and H. chrysoscelis and R.
      sphenocephala when exposed to Roundup WeatherMAX. Thresholds were significantly
      different in all tests, including those in which potency slopes did not differ.
      Based on water-sediment exposures of the original formulation of Roundup, all 6
      species tested had a margin of safety when compared with the predicted
      environmental concentration of the highest label application rate. Of the 6
      species, 5 had a margin of safety when exposed to Roundup WeatherMAX. During
      incidental exposures in the field, sediments and organic matter present in
      aquatic systems provide significant sources of environmental ligands. If used
      according to label instructions, both herbicides should pose minimal risk to
      anuran amphibians in actual field applications. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2616
      2620. (c) 2014 SETAC. 

PMID- 25132545
TI  - Structure and mechanism of Zn2+-transporting P-type ATPases.
AB  - Zinc is an essential micronutrient for all living organisms. It is required for
      signalling and proper functioning of a range of proteins involved in, for
      example, DNA binding and enzymatic catalysis. In prokaryotes and photosynthetic
      eukaryotes, Zn(2+)-transporting P-type ATPases of class IB (ZntA) are crucial for
      cellular redistribution and detoxification of Zn(2+) and related elements. Here
      we present crystal structures representing the phosphoenzyme ground state (E2P)
      and a dephosphorylation intermediate (E2.Pi) of ZntA from Shigella sonnei,
      determined at 3.2 A and 2.7 A resolution, respectively. The structures reveal a
      similar fold to Cu(+)-ATPases, with an amphipathic helix at the membrane
      interface. A conserved electronegative funnel connects this region to the
      intramembranous high-affinity ion-binding site and may promote specific uptake of
      cellular Zn(2+) ions by the transporter. The E2P structure displays a wide
      extracellular release pathway reaching the invariant residues at the high
      affinity site, including C392, C394 and D714. The pathway closes in the E2.Pi
      state, in which D714 interacts with the conserved residue K693, which possibly
      stimulates Zn(2+) release as a built-in counter ion, as has been proposed for
      H(+)-ATPases. Indeed, transport studies in liposomes provide experimental support
      for ZntA activity without counter transport. These findings suggest a mechanistic
      link between PIB-type Zn(2+)-ATPases and PIII-type H(+)-ATPases and at the same
      time show structural features of the extracellular release pathway that resemble
      PII-type ATPases such as the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase
      (SERCA) and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase. These findings considerably increase our
      understanding of zinc transport in cells and represent new possibilities for
      biotechnology and biomedicine. 

PMID- 25132546
TI  - Hallucigenia's onychophoran-like claws and the case for Tactopoda.
AB  - The Palaeozoic form-taxon Lobopodia encompasses a diverse range of soft-bodied
      'legged worms' known from exceptional fossil deposits. Although lobopodians
      occupy a deep phylogenetic position within Panarthropoda, a shortage of derived
      characters obscures their evolutionary relationships with extant phyla
      (Onychophora, Tardigrada and Euarthropoda). Here we describe a complex feature in
      the terminal claws of the mid-Cambrian lobopodian Hallucigenia sparsa--their
      construction from a stack of constituent elements--and demonstrate that
      equivalent elements make up the jaws and claws of extant Onychophora. A cladistic
      analysis, informed by developmental data on panarthropod head segmentation,
      indicates that the stacked sclerite components in these two taxa are homologous
      resolving hallucigeniid lobopodians as stem-group onychophorans. The results
      indicate a sister-group relationship between Tardigrada and Euarthropoda, adding
      palaeontological support to the neurological and musculoskeletal evidence uniting
      these disparate clades. These findings elucidate the evolutionary transformations
      that gave rise to the panarthropod phyla, and expound the lobopodian-like
      morphology of the ancestral panarthropod.

PMID- 25132547
TI  - Synaptic dysregulation in a human iPS cell model of mental disorders.
AB  - Dysregulated neurodevelopment with altered structural and functional connectivity
      is believed to underlie many neuropsychiatric disorders, and 'a disease of
      synapses' is the major hypothesis for the biological basis of schizophrenia.
      Although this hypothesis has gained indirect support from human post-mortem brain
      analyses and genetic studies, little is known about the pathophysiology of
      synapses in patient neurons and how susceptibility genes for mental disorders
      could lead to synaptic deficits in humans. Genetics of most psychiatric disorders
      are extremely complex due to multiple susceptibility variants with low penetrance
      and variable phenotypes. Rare, multiply affected, large families in which a
      single genetic locus is probably responsible for conferring susceptibility have
      proven invaluable for the study of complex disorders. Here we generated induced
      pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from four members of a family in which a frameshift
      mutation of disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) co-segregated with major
      psychiatric disorders and we further produced different isogenic iPS cell lines
      via gene editing. We showed that mutant DISC1 causes synaptic vesicle release
      deficits in iPS-cell-derived forebrain neurons. Mutant DISC1 depletes wild-type
      DISC1 protein and, furthermore, dysregulates expression of many genes related to
      synapses and psychiatric disorders in human forebrain neurons. Our study reveals
      that a psychiatric disorder relevant mutation causes synapse deficits and
      transcriptional dysregulation in human neurons and our findings provide new
      insight into the molecular and synaptic etiopathology of psychiatric disorders. 

PMID- 25132548
TI  - Structure of malaria invasion protein RH5 with erythrocyte basigin and blocking
      antibodies.
AB  - Invasion of host erythrocytes is essential to the life cycle of Plasmodium
      parasites and development of the pathology of malaria. The stages of erythrocyte
      invasion, including initial contact, apical reorientation, junction formation,
      and active invagination, are directed by coordinated release of specialized
      apical organelles and their parasite protein contents. Among these proteins, and
      central to invasion by all species, are two parasite protein families, the
      reticulocyte-binding protein homologue (RH) and erythrocyte-binding like
      proteins, which mediate host-parasite interactions. RH5 from Plasmodium
      falciparum (PfRH5) is the only member of either family demonstrated to be
      necessary for erythrocyte invasion in all tested strains, through its interaction
      with the erythrocyte surface protein basigin (also known as CD147 and EMMPRIN).
      Antibodies targeting PfRH5 or basigin efficiently block parasite invasion in
      vitro, making PfRH5 an excellent vaccine candidate. Here we present crystal
      structures of PfRH5 in complex with basigin and two distinct inhibitory
      antibodies. PfRH5 adopts a novel fold in which two three-helical bundles come
      together in a kite-like architecture, presenting binding sites for basigin and
      inhibitory antibodies at one tip. This provides the first structural insight into
      erythrocyte binding by the Plasmodium RH protein family and identifies novel
      inhibitory epitopes to guide design of a new generation of vaccines against the
      blood-stage parasite. 

PMID- 25132552
TI  - A 400-solar-mass black hole in the galaxy M82.
AB  - M82 X-1, the brightest X-ray source in the galaxy M82, has been thought to be an
      intermediate-mass black hole (100 to 10,000 solar masses) because of its
      extremely high luminosity and variability characteristics, although some models
      suggest that its mass may be only about 20 solar masses. The previous mass
      estimates were based on scaling relations that use low-frequency characteristic
      timescales which have large intrinsic uncertainties. For stellar-mass black
      holes, we know that the high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (100-450
      hertz) in the X-ray emission that occur in a 3:2 frequency ratio are stable and
      scale in frequency inversely with black hole mass with a reasonably small
      dispersion. The discovery of such stable oscillations thus potentially offers an
      alternative and less ambiguous means of mass determination for intermediate-mass
      black holes, but has hitherto not been realized. Here we report stable, twin-peak
      (3:2 frequency ratio) X-ray quasi-periodic oscillations from M82 X-1 at
      frequencies of 3.32 +/- 0.06 hertz and 5.07 +/- 0.06 hertz. Assuming that we can
      extrapolate the inverse-mass scaling that holds for stellar-mass black holes, we
      estimate the black hole mass of M82 X-1 to be 428 +/- 105 solar masses. In
      addition, we can estimate the mass using the relativistic precession model, from
      which we get a value of 415 +/- 63 solar masses. 

PMID- 25132549
TI  - Contrasting roles of histone 3 lysine 27 demethylases in acute lymphoblastic
      leukaemia.
AB  - T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is a haematological malignancy with
      a dismal overall prognosis, including a relapse rate of up to 25%, mainly because
      of the lack of non-cytotoxic targeted therapy options. Drugs that target the
      function of key epigenetic factors have been approved in the context of
      haematopoietic disorders, and mutations that affect chromatin modulators in a
      variety of leukaemias have recently been identified; however, 'epigenetic' drugs
      are not currently used for T-ALL treatment. Recently, we described that the
      polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) has a tumour-suppressor role in T-ALL. Here
      we delineated the role of the histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylases JMJD3 and
      UTX in T-ALL. We show that JMJD3 is essential for the initiation and maintenance
      of T-ALL, as it controls important oncogenic gene targets by modulating H3K27
      methylation. By contrast, we found that UTX functions as a tumour suppressor and
      is frequently genetically inactivated in T-ALL. Moreover, we demonstrated that
      the small molecule inhibitor GSKJ4 (ref. 5) affects T-ALL growth, by targeting
      JMJD3 activity. These findings show that two proteins with a similar enzymatic
      function can have opposing roles in the context of the same disease, paving the
      way for treating haematopoietic malignancies with a new category of epigenetic
      inhibitors. 

PMID- 25132550
TI  - RIPK1 maintains epithelial homeostasis by inhibiting apoptosis and necroptosis.
AB  - Necroptosis has emerged as an important pathway of programmed cell death in
      embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, immunity and inflammation. RIPK1 is
      implicated in inflammatory and cell death signalling and its kinase activity is
      believed to drive RIPK3-mediated necroptosis. Here we show that kinase
      independent scaffolding RIPK1 functions regulate homeostasis and prevent
      inflammation in barrier tissues by inhibiting epithelial cell apoptosis and
      necroptosis. Intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-specific RIPK1 knockout caused IEC
      apoptosis, villus atrophy, loss of goblet and Paneth cells and premature death in
      mice. This pathology developed independently of the microbiota and of MyD88
      signalling but was partly rescued by TNFR1 (also known as TNFRSF1A) deficiency.
      Epithelial FADD ablation inhibited IEC apoptosis and prevented the premature
      death of mice with IEC-specific RIPK1 knockout. However, mice lacking both RIPK1
      and FADD in IECs displayed RIPK3-dependent IEC necroptosis, Paneth cell loss and
      focal erosive inflammatory lesions in the colon. Moreover, a RIPK1 kinase
      inactive knock-in delayed but did not prevent inflammation caused by FADD
      deficiency in IECs or keratinocytes, showing that RIPK3-dependent necroptosis of
      FADD-deficient epithelial cells only partly requires RIPK1 kinase activity.
      Epidermis-specific RIPK1 knockout triggered keratinocyte apoptosis and
      necroptosis and caused severe skin inflammation that was prevented by RIPK3 but
      not FADD deficiency. These findings revealed that RIPK1 inhibits RIPK3-mediated
      necroptosis in keratinocytes in vivo and identified necroptosis as a more potent
      trigger of inflammation compared with apoptosis. Therefore, RIPK1 is a master
      regulator of epithelial cell survival, homeostasis and inflammation in the
      intestine and the skin. 

PMID- 25132551
TI  - Transcriptional interference by antisense RNA is required for circadian clock
      function.
AB  - Eukaryotic circadian oscillators consist of negative feedback loops that generate
      endogenous rhythmicities. Natural antisense RNAs are found in a wide range of
      eukaryotic organisms. Nevertheless, the physiological importance and mode of
      action of most antisense RNAs are not clear. frequency (frq) encodes a component
      of the Neurospora core circadian negative feedback loop, which was thought to
      generate sustained rhythmicity. Transcription of qrf, the long non-coding frq
      antisense RNA, is induced by light, and its level oscillates in antiphase to frq
      sense RNA. Here we show that qrf transcription is regulated by both light
      dependent and light-independent mechanisms. Light-dependent qrf transcription
      represses frq expression and regulates clock resetting. Light-independent qrf
      expression, on the other hand, is required for circadian rhythmicity. frq
      transcription also inhibits qrf expression and drives the antiphasic rhythm of
      qrf transcripts. The mutual inhibition of frq and qrf transcription thus forms a
      double negative feedback loop that is interlocked with the core feedback loop.
      Genetic and mathematical modelling analyses indicate that such an arrangement is
      required for robust and sustained circadian rhythmicity. Moreover, our results
      suggest that antisense transcription inhibits sense expression by mediating
      chromatin modifications and premature termination of transcription. Taken
      together, our results establish antisense transcription as an essential feature
      in a circadian system and shed light on the importance and mechanism of antisense
      action. 

PMID- 25132553
TI  - Proteomic and metabolomic profiling of Valencia orange fruit after natural frost
      exposure.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of orange fruit (Citrus
      sinensis var. Valencia Late) to freezing stress in planta, both immediately after
      the natural event and after a week, in order to understand the biochemical and
      molecular basis of the changes that later derive in internal and external damage
      symptoms. Using two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis to analyze
      exposed and non-exposed fruit, 27 differential protein spots were detected in
      juice sacs and flavedo, among all comparisons made. Also, primary and secondary
      metabolites relative contents were analyzed in both tissues by gas chromatography
      mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively.
      Proteins and compounds involved in regulatory functions, iron metabolism,
      oxidative damage and carbohydrate metabolism were the most affected.
      Interestingly, three glycolytic enzymes were induced by cold, and there was an
      increase in fermentation products (volatiles); all of that suggests that more
      energy generation might be required from glycolysis to counter the cold stress.
      Moreover, a notable increase in sugar levels was observed after frost, but it was
      not at the expense of organic acids utilization. Consequently, these results
      suggest a probable redistribution of photoassimilates in the frost-exposed
      plants, tending to restore the homeostasis altered by that severe type of stress.
      Isosinensetin was the most cold-sensitive secondary metabolite because it could
      not be detected at all after the frost, constituting a possible tool to early
      diagnose freezing damage. 

PMID- 25132555
TI  - Expression, pharmacology and functional activity of adenosine A1 receptors in
      genetic models of Huntington's disease.
AB  - Adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) stimulation exerts beneficial effects in response to
      various insults to the brain and, although it was found neuroprotective in a
      lesional model of Huntington's disease (HD), the features of this receptor in
      genetic models of HD have never been explored. In the present study we
      characterized the expression, affinity and functional effects of A1Rs in R6/2
      mice (the most widely used transgenic model of HD) and in a cellular model of HD.
      Binding studies revealed that the density of A1Rs was significantly reduced in
      the cortex and the striatum of R6/2 mice compared to age-matched wild-type (WT),
      while receptor affinity was unchanged. The selective A1R agonist
      cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, 300nM) was significantly more effective in reducing
      synaptic transmission in corticostriatal slices from symptomatic R6/2 than in age
      matched WT mice. Such an effect was due to a stronger inhibition of glutamate
      release from the pre-synaptic terminal. The different functional activities of
      A1Rs in HD mice were associated also to a different intracellular signaling
      pathway involved in the synaptic effect of CPA. In fact, while the PKA pathway
      was involved in both genotypes, p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 partially prevented
      synaptic effects of CPA in R6/2, but not in WT, mice; moreover, CPA differently
      modulated the phosphorylation status of p38 in the two genotypes. In vitro
      studies confirmed a different behavior of A1Rs in HD: CPA (100 nM for 5h)
      modulated cell viability in STHdh(Q111/Q111) (mhttHD cells), without affecting
      the viability of STHdh(Q7/Q7) (wthtt cells). This effect was prevented by the
      application of SB203580. Our results demonstrate that in the presence of the HD
      mutation A1Rs undergo profound changes in terms of expression, pharmacology and
      functional activity. These changes have to be taken in due account when
      considering A1Rs as a potential therapeutic target for this disease. 

PMID- 25132556
TI  - Effects of diet-induced obesity and voluntary exercise in a tauopathy mouse
      model: implications of persistent hyperleptinemia and enhanced astrocytic leptin
      receptor expression.
AB  - The number of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing worldwide, and
      available drugs have shown limited efficacy. Hence, preventive interventions and
      treatments for presymptomatic AD are currently considered very important. Obesity
      rates have also been increasing dramatically and it is an independent risk factor
      of AD. Therefore, for the prevention of AD, it is important to elucidate the
      pathomechanism between obesity and AD. We generated high calorie diet (HCD)
      induced obese tauopathy model mice (PS19), which showed hyperleptinemia but
      limited insulin resistance. HCD enhanced tau pathology and glial activation.
      Conversely, voluntary exercise with a running wheel normalized the serum leptin
      concentration without reducing body weight, and restored the pathological changes
      induced by HCD. Thus, we speculated that persistent hyperleptinemia played an
      important role in accelerating pathological changes in PS19 mice. Leptin
      primarily regulates food intake and body weight via leptin receptor b (LepRb).
      Interestingly, the nuclear staining for p-STAT3, which was activated by LepRb,
      was decreased in hippocampal neurons in HCD PS19 mice, indicating leptin
      resistance. Meanwhile, astroglial activation and the astrocytic expression of a
      short LepR isoform, LepRa, were enhanced in the hippocampus of HCD PS19 mice.
      Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that leptin increased mRNA levels for pro
      inflammatory cytokines including IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in primary cultured
      astrocytes from wild type and LepRb-deficient mice. These observations suggest
      that persistent hyperleptinemia caused by obesity induces astrocytic activation,
      astrocytic leptin hypersensitivity with enhanced LepRa expression, and enhanced
      inflammation, consequently accelerating tau pathology in PS19 mice. 

PMID- 25132558
TI  - Self-consistent Green's function method for dilute nitride conduction band
      structure.
AB  - We present a self-consistent Green's function (SCGF) approach for the Anderson
      many-impurity model to calculate the band dispersion and density of states near
      the conduction band edge in GaN(x)As(1-x) dilute nitride alloys. Two different
      models of the N states have been studied to investigate the band structure of
      these materials: (1) the two-band model, which assumes all N states have the same
      energy, EN; (2) a model which includes a full distribution of N states obtained
      by allowing for direct interaction between N sites. The density of states,
      projected onto extended and localised states, calculated by the SCGF two-band
      model, are in excellent agreement with those previously obtained in supercell
      calculations and reveal a gap in the density of states just above E(N), in
      contrast with the results of previous non-self-consistent Green's function
      calculations. However, including the full distribution of N states in a SCGF
      calculation removes this gap, in agreement with experiment.

PMID- 25132554
TI  - Animal models of absence epilepsies: what do they model and do sex and sex
      hormones matter?
AB  - While epidemiological data suggest a female prevalence in human childhood- and
      adolescence-onset typical absence epilepsy syndromes, the sex difference is less
      clear in adult-onset syndromes. In addition, although there are more females than
      males diagnosed with typical absence epilepsy syndromes, there is a paucity of
      studies on sex differences in seizure frequency and semiology in patients
      diagnosed with any absence epilepsy syndrome. Moreover, it is unknown if there
      are sex differences in the prevalence or expression of atypical absence epilepsy
      syndromes. Surprisingly, most studies of animal models of absence epilepsy either
      did not investigate sex differences, or failed to find sex-dependent effects.
      However, various rodent models for atypical syndromes such as the AY9944 model
      (prepubertal females show a higher incidence than prepubertal males), BN model
      (also with a higher prevalence in males) and the Gabra1 deletion mouse in the
      C57BL/6J strain offer unique possibilities for the investigation of the
      mechanisms involved in sex differences. Although the mechanistic bases for the
      sex differences in humans or these three models are not yet known, studies of the
      effects of sex hormones on seizures have offered some possibilities. The sex
      hormones progesterone, estradiol and testosterone exert diametrically opposite
      effects in genetic absence epilepsy and pharmacologically-evoked convulsive types
      of epilepsy models. In addition, acute pharmacological effects of progesterone on
      absence seizures during proestrus are opposite to those seen during pregnancy.
      17beta-Estradiol has anti-absence seizure effects, but it is only active in
      atypical absence models. It is speculated that the pro-absence action of
      progesterone, and perhaps also the delayed pro-absence action of testosterone,
      are mediated through the neurosteroid allopregnanolone and its structural and
      functional homolog, androstanediol. These two steroids increase extrasynaptic
      thalamic tonic GABAergic inhibition by selectively targeting neurosteroid
      selective subunits of GABAA receptors (GABAARs). Neurosteroids also modulate the
      expression of GABAAR containing the gamma2, alpha4, and delta subunits. It is
      hypothesized that differences in subunit expression during pregnancy and ovarian
      cycle contribute to the opposite effects of progesterone in these two hormonal
      states.

PMID- 25132559
TI  - Lead and trace element levels in placenta, maternal and cord blood: a cross
      sectional pilot study.
AB  - AIM: To determine lead (Pb) and trace element (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg) levels in
      placenta, maternal and cord blood; further, to assess the interactions between Pb
      and trace elements, if any. METHODS: A cluster of 'at term pregnant women' from
      rural and urban areas (n = 30 each, total n = 60) as well as their neonates after
      delivery were recruited. Maternal blood, heel prick neonatal blood, placenta and
      cord blood were collected at the time of parturition. Pb and trace element levels
      in blood/serum, placenta were determined on graphite furnace atomic absorption
      (AAS) and flame AAS respectively. Due to sample constraints, only Pb levels were
      determined in heel prick blood samples of neonates. RESULTS: There were no major
      abnormal signs and symptoms, however, 38% had pale conjunctiva and 13% had
      pigmented tongue. The blood lead levels (BLL) were significantly (P < 0.05)
      higher in urban post-partum women compared to their rural counterparts. Higher
      BLL did not correlate with either pregnancy outcome or neonatal anthropometry.
      Maternal serum trace element levels were deficient in both rural and urban women.
      Significant (P < 0.01) positive correlation between maternal and neonatal BLL as
      well as significant (P < 0.05) inverse correlation between cord BLL and placental
      Pb levels were observed. Maternal and cord BLL correlated inversely (P < 0.05)
      with maternal and cord serum Fe levels, respectively. CONCLUSION: Urban post
      partum women and their neonates were at higher risk with elevated BLL. Estimate
      of cord blood Pb may not be the true index of neonatal BLL. These observations
      must be confirmed in a larger cohort because prenatal/neonatal screening avoids
      the risks associated with rest of life.

PMID- 25132557
TI  - Combinatorial targeting of early pathways profoundly inhibits neurodegeneration
      in a mouse model of glaucoma.
AB  - The endothelin system is implicated in various human and animal glaucomas.
      Targeting the endothelin system has great promise as a treatment for human
      glaucoma, but the cell types involved and the exact mechanisms of action are not
      clearly elucidated. Here, we report a detailed characterization of the endothelin
      system in specific cell types of the optic nerve head (ONH) during glaucoma in
      DBA/2J mice. First, we show that key components of the endothelin system are
      expressed in multiple cell types. We discover that endothelin 2 (EDN2) is
      expressed in astrocytes as well as microglia/monocytes in the ONH. The endothelin
      receptor type A (Ednra) is expressed in vascular endothelial cells, while the
      endothelin receptor type B (Ednrb) receptor is expressed in ONH astrocytes.
      Second, we show that Macitentan treatment protects from glaucoma. Macitentan is a
      novel, orally administered, dual endothelin receptor antagonist with greater
      affinity, efficacy and safety than previous antagonists. Finally, we test the
      combinatorial effect of targeting both the endothelin and complement systems as a
      treatment for glaucoma. Similar to endothelin, the complement system is
      implicated in a variety of human and animal glaucomas, and has great promise as a
      treatment target. We discovered that combined targeting of the endothelin
      (Bosentan) and complement (C1qa mutation) systems is profoundly protective.
      Remarkably, 80% of DBA/2J eyes subjected to this combined inhibition developed no
      detectable glaucoma. This opens an exciting new avenue for neuroprotection in
      glaucoma. 

PMID- 25132560
TI  - Antagonistic evolution in an aposematic predator-prey signaling system.
AB  - Warning signals within species, such as the bright colors of chemically defended
      animals, are usually considered mutualistic, monomorphic traits. Such a view is
      however increasingly at odds with the growing empirical literature, showing
      nontrivial levels of signal variation within prey populations. Key to
      understanding this variation, we argue, could be a recognition that toxicity
      levels frequently vary within populations because of environmental heterogeneity.
      Inequalities in defense may undermine mutualistic monomorphic signaling, causing
      evolutionary antagonism between loci that determine appearance of less well
      defended and better defended prey forms within species. In this article, we apply
      a stochastic model of evolved phenotypic plasticity to the evolution of prey
      signals. We show that when toxicity levels vary, then antagonistic interactions
      can lead to evolutionary conflict between alleles at different signaling loci,
      causing signal evolution, "red queen-like" evolutionary chase, and one or more
      forms of signaling equilibria. A key prediction is that variation in the way that
      predators use information about toxicity levels in their attack behaviors
      profoundly affects the evolutionary characteristics of the prey signaling
      systems. Environmental variation is known to cause variation in many qualities
      that organisms signal; our approach may therefore have application to other
      signaling systems. 

PMID- 25132562
TI  - Development of a sensitive amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay to
      monitor the interactions between pTEFb and Tat.
AB  - The viral transactivator protein (Tat) plays an essential role in the replication
      of human immunodeficiency type 1 virus (HIV-1) by recruiting the host positive
      transcription elongation factor (pTEFb) to the RNA polymerase II transcription
      machinery to enable an efficient HIV-1 RNA elongation process. Blockade of the
      interaction between Tat and pTEFb represents a novel strategy for developing a
      new class of antiviral agents. In this study, we developed a homogeneous assay in
      AlphaLISA (amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay) format using His
      tagged pTEFb and biotinylated Tat to monitor the interaction between Tat and
      pTEFb. On optimizing the assay conditions, the signal-to-background ratio was
      found to be greater than 10-fold. The assay was validated with untagged Tat and
      peptides known to compete with Tat for pTEFb binding. The Z' of the assay is
      greater than 0.5, indicating that the assay is robust and can be easily adapted
      to a high-throughput screening format. Furthermore, the affinity between Tat and
      pTEFb was determined to be approximately 20 pM, and only 7% of purified Tat was
      found to be active in forming tertiary complex with pTEFb. Development of this
      assay should facilitate the discovery of a new class of antiviral agents
      providing HIV-1 patients with broader treatment choices.

PMID- 25132563
TI  - Sensitive detection of acetylcholine based on a novel boronate intramolecular
      charge transfer fluorescence probe.
AB  - A highly sensitive and selective fluorescence method for the detection of
      acetylcholine (ACh) based on enzyme-generated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and a new
      boronate intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) fluorescence probe, 4-(4,4,5,5
      tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-N-butyl-1,8-naphthalimide (BN), was
      developed. This strategy involves the reaction of ACh with acetylcholinesterase
      (AChE) to produce choline, which is further oxidized by choline oxidase (ChOx) to
      obtain betaine and H2O2. The enzyme-generated H2O2 reacts with BN and results in
      hydrolytic deprotection of BN to generate fluorescent product (4-hydroxyl-N-butyl
      1,8-naphthalimide, ON). Two consecutive linear response ranges allow determining
      ACh in a wide concentration range with a low detection limit of 2.7 nM
      (signal/noise=3). Compared with other fluorescent probes based on the mechanism
      of nonspecific oxidation, this reported boronate probe has the advantage of no
      interference from other biologically relevant reactive oxygen species (ROS) on
      the detection of ACh. This study provides a new method for the detection of ACh
      with high selectivity and sensitivity.

PMID- 25132564
TI  - Capillary isoelectric focusing of a difficult-to-denature tetrameric enzyme using
      alkylurea-urea mixtures.
AB  - Capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) is normally run under denaturing conditions
      using urea to expose any buried protein residues that may contribute to the
      overall charge. However, urea does not completely denature some proteins, such as
      the tetrameric enzyme Erwinia chrysanthemil-asparaginase (ErA), in which case
      electrophoresis-compatible alternative denaturants are required. Here, we show
      that alkylureas such as N-ethylurea provide increased denaturation during cIEF.
      The cIEF analysis of ErA in 8 M urea alone resulted in a cluster of ill-resolved
      peaks with isoelectric points (pI values) in the range 7.4 to 8.5. A combination
      of 2.0 to 2.2 M N-ethylurea and 8M urea provided sufficient denaturation of ErA,
      resulting in a main peak with a pI of 7.35 and an acidic species minor peak at
      7.0, both comparing well with predicted pI values based on the sum of protein
      residue pKa values. Recombinant deamidated ErA mutants were also demonstrated to
      migrate to pI values consistent with predictions (pI 7.0 for one deamidation).
      The quantitation of ErA acidic species in samples from full-scale manufacturing
      (1.0-3.5% of total peak area) was found to be reproducible and linear. Use of
      alkylureas as denaturing agents in capillary electrophoresis and cIEF should be
      considered during biopharmaceutical assay development.

PMID- 25132565
TI  - Correction for concentration overestimation of nucleic acids with phenol.
AB  - We report a computational method based on ultraviolet (UV) spectra for correcting
      the overestimated concentrations of nucleic acid samples contaminated with
      TRIzol/phenol. The derived correction formulas were validated using RNA
      solutions, double-stranded DNA solutions, and single-stranded oligonucleotide
      solutions. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)
      with SYBR Green was performed to assess the level of TRIzol contamination that
      can be tolerated for gene expression quantification. After the correction, the
      accuracy of the RNA concentrations was greatly improved and there was no
      significant difference in the threshold cycle (Ct) values for GAPDH and ACAN
      genes in RT-qPCR obtained for RNA contaminated with up to 0.1% TRIzol (phenol
      level index [PLI]~5.8-5.9). Similarly, accuracy improvements were also observed
      for DNA or oligonucleotides contaminated with phenol using different
      concentration correction formulas. In addition, the Ct values and amplification
      efficiency of DNA in qPCR were not affected by TRIzol contamination below 1%.
      This computational method is easy and convenient to use and reduces the
      concentration overestimations greatly.

PMID- 25132561
TI  - Connections between TET proteins and aberrant DNA modification in cancer.
AB  - DNA methylation has been linked to aberrant silencing of tumor suppressor genes
      in cancer, and an imbalance in DNA methylation-demethylation cycles is intimately
      implicated in the onset and progression of tumors. Ten-eleven translocation (TET)
      proteins are Fe(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent dioxygenases that
      successively oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5
      formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC), thereby mediating active DNA
      demethylation. In this review, we focus on the pathophysiological role of TET
      proteins and 5hmC in cancer. We present an overview of loss-of-function mutations
      and abnormal expression and regulation of TET proteins in hematological
      malignancies and solid tumors, and discuss the potential prognostic value of
      assessing TET mutations and 5hmC levels in cancer patients. We also address the
      crosstalk between TET and two critical enzymes involved in cell metabolism: O
      linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) and isocitrate dehydrogenase
      (IDH). Lastly, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting TET proteins and
      aberrant DNA methylation in cancer. 

PMID- 25132566
TI  - Molecular identification and phylogenetic study of Demodex caprae.
AB  - The DNA barcode has been widely used in species identification and phylogenetic
      analysis since 2003, but there have been no reports in Demodex. In this study, to
      obtain an appropriate DNA barcode for Demodex, molecular identification of
      Demodex caprae based on mitochondrial cox1 was conducted. Firstly, individual
      adults and eggs of D. caprae were obtained for genomic DNA (gDNA) extraction;
      Secondly, mitochondrial cox1 fragment was amplified, cloned, and sequenced;
      Thirdly, cox1 fragments of D. caprae were aligned with those of other Demodex
      retrieved from GenBank; Finally, the intra- and inter-specific divergences were
      computed and the phylogenetic trees were reconstructed to analyze phylogenetic
      relationship in Demodex. Results obtained from seven 429-bp fragments of D.
      caprae showed that sequence identities were above 99.1% among three adults and
      four eggs. The intraspecific divergences in D. caprae, Demodex folliculorum,
      Demodex brevis, and Demodex canis were 0.0-0.9, 0.5-0.9, 0.0-0.2, and 0.0-0.5%,
      respectively, while the interspecific divergences between D. caprae and D.
      folliculorum, D. canis, and D. brevis were 20.3-20.9, 21.8-23.0, and 25.0-25.3,
      respectively. The interspecific divergences were 10 times higher than
      intraspecific ones, indicating considerable barcoding gap. Furthermore, the
      phylogenetic trees showed that four Demodex species gathered separately,
      representing independent species; and Demodex folliculorum gathered with canine
      Demodex, D. caprae, and D. brevis in sequence. In conclusion, the selected 429-bp
      mitochondrial cox1 gene is an appropriate DNA barcode for molecular
      classification, identification, and phylogenetic analysis of Demodex. D. caprae
      is an independent species and D. folliculorum is closer to D. canis than to D.
      caprae or D. brevis.

PMID- 25132567
TI  - Silver nanoparticles: a possibility for malarial and filarial vector control
      technology.
AB  - Green synthesis technology is one of the rapid, reliable and best routes for the
      synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). There are bioactive compounds with
      enormous potential in Azadirachta indica (Neem). The extraordinary mosquitoes
      warrant nanotechnology to integrate with novel molecules. This will be
      sustainable technology for future. Here, we synthesized AgNPs using aqueous
      extracts of leaves and bark of Az. indica (Neem). We tested AgNPs as larvicides,
      pupicides and adulticides against the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi and
      filariasis vector Culex quinquefasciatus. The results were obtained using UV
      visible spectrophotometer and the images were recorded with a transmission
      electron microscope (TEM). The efficacy tests were then performed at different
      concentrations varying many hours by probit analysis. The synthesized AgNPs were
      spherical in shape and with varied sizes (10.47-nm leaf and 19.22-nm bark). The
      larvae, pupae and adults of filariasis vector C. quinquefasciatus were found to
      be more susceptible to our AgNPs than the malaria vector An. stephensi. The first
      and the second instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus show a mortality rate of 100%
      after 30 min of exposure. The results against the pupa of C. quinquefasciatus
      were recorded as LC50 4 ppm, LC90 11 ppm and LC99 13 ppm after 3 h of exposure.
      In the case of adult mosquitoes, LC50 1.06 MUL/cm(2), LC90 2.13 MUL/cm(2) and
      LC99 2.4 MUL/cm(2) were obtained after 4 h of exposure. These results suggest
      that our AgNPs are environment-friendly for controlling malarial and filarial
      vectors.

PMID- 25132569
TI  - Repair of oral mucosal defects with cryopreserved human amniotic membrane grafts:
      prospective clinical study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of the surgical repair
      of oral mucosal defects using cryopreserved human amniotic membrane (HAM) as a
      graft material. Thirty-four patients with precancerous lesions such as
      leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and verrucous hyperplasia were included. Fresh
      amniotic membrane was obtained from women undergoing elective caesarean section;
      the membrane was cleaned, prepared in antibiotic solutions, and preserved at -80
      degrees C. Results suggested that HAM promotes healing and epithelialization
      without specific complications. Thus we conclude that the use of HAM gives
      promising results in the repair of post-surgical oral mucosal defects. 

PMID- 25132568
TI  - The metabolite profiles of the obese population are gender-dependent.
AB  - Studies have identified that several amino acids, in particular, branched-chain
      amino acids (BCAAs), have increased significantly in obese individuals when
      compared to lean individuals. Additionally, these metabolites were strongly
      associated with future diabetes, which rendered them prognostic markers suitable
      for obese populations. Here we report a metabonomic study that reveals new
      findings on the role of these amino acid markers, particularly BCAAs, in a
      Chinese cohort including 106 healthy obese and 105 healthy lean participants. We
      found that the BCAAs were correlated with insulin resistance and differentially
      expressed in obese men, but not in obese women. The results were verified with
      two independent groups of participants (Chinese, n = 105 and American, n = 72)
      and demonstrate that the serum metabolite profiles of the obese population are
      gender-dependent. The study supports the previous findings of a panel of several
      key metabolites as prognostic markers of the obese population and highlights the
      need to take into account gender differences when using these markers for risk
      assessment. 

PMID- 25132570
TI  - Clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of thyroglossal duct cysts: a
      systematic review.
AB  - The aim of the present review was to analyze the main clinical signs and symptoms
      observed in patients with thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs). Secondarily we
      investigated the outcomes following the different types of treatment of TGDCs in
      children and adults. Three selected strings were run on the PubMed database to
      retrieve articles on these topics. A double cross-check was performed on
      citations and full-text articles were identified using the study inclusion and
      exclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was performed of the data obtained. Overall,
      356 articles were identified; 24 (comprising a total of 1371 subjects) satisfied
      the inclusion and exclusion criteria. On the basis of the meta-analysis, the
      presence of a neck cystic mass was the main clinical presentation of TGDCs, with
      a mean rate of 75% (95% confidence interval 72-79%). The mean local wound
      infection rate was 4% (95% confidence interval 3-6%), this being the most
      frequent complication following treatment. The mean rate of overall recurrence
      was 11% (95% confidence interval 9-14%). The Sistrunk procedure appears to be the
      better choice for the therapy of TGDCs to avoid recurrences. Further studies on
      larger cohorts of patients regarding the minimally invasive treatment options
      would be helpful to elucidate and endorse their utilization in selected cases. 

PMID- 25132571
TI  - Reply to comments on "New protocol to prevent TMJ reankylosis and potentially
      life threatening complications in triad patients".

PMID- 25132572
TI  - Facial injuries following hyena attack in rural eastern Ethiopia.
AB  - Hyenas are effective hunters and will consider humans as potential prey if the
      need and opportunity arise. This study describes the circumstances of hyena
      attacks, the patterns of injuries sustained, and reconstruction in a resource
      poor setting. As part of a charitable surgical mission to Ethiopia in 2012, 45
      patients with facial deformities were reviewed, of whom four were victims of
      hyena attacks. A semi-structured interview was performed to ascertain the
      circumstances of the attack and the subsequent consequences. The age of the
      victims at the time of attack varied from 5 to 50 years. The attacks occurred
      when the victims were alone and vulnerable and took place in outdoor open spaces,
      during the evening or at night. The initial lunge was made to the facial area; if
      the jaws closed on the facial bones they were crushed, but in all cases the soft
      tissues were grasped and torn from the underlying bone. Reconstruction was
      dictated by the extent of soft tissue loss but could normally be obtained by use
      of local or regional flaps. Hyenas have been shown to attack humans in a
      predictable way and cause injuries that typically involve the soft tissues of the
      face. 

PMID- 25132573
TI  - Multiple mantleomas: an unusual clinical presentation of an intriguing tumour.

PMID- 25132575
TI  - Modes of executive function and their coordination: introduction to the special
      section.

PMID- 25132574
TI  - Stromal microRNA-21 levels predict response to 5-fluorouracil in patients with
      pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is upregulated and inversely
      associated with survival in many cancer types, including pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We studied the predictive value of miR-21 levels for
      gemcitabine or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) response in tumor cells (TCs) or cancer
      associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in a cohort of PDAC patients from the RTOG 9704
      trial. METHODS: MiR-21 expression in CAFs and TCs, determined by in situ
      hybridization, of the 229 PDAC subset from RTOG 9704 was correlated with (i)
      histopathology characteristics using a chi-square test; and (ii) patient overall
      survival (OS) using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: MiR-21 was
      strongly expressed in TCs and CAFs in 137/182 (75%) and 152/181 (84%) PDACs,
      respectively. MiR-21 expression in CAFs for the group given 5-FU for OS: (i)
      approached significance in a univariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.95-2.57; P = 0.07); and (ii) was significant in the
      multivariate model (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.03-2.82; P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: MiR-21
      expression in CAFs was associated with decreased OS in PDAC patients who received
      5-FU, but not gemcitabine. These findings begin to identify stromal miR-21 as a
      marker to guide chemotherapy choice in PDAC patients.

PMID- 25132576
TI  - Associations between salivary alpha-amylase and catecholamines--a multilevel
      modeling approach.
AB  - Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) serves as indicator for sympathetic activity.
      However, previous findings on the association between aggregated sAA and other
      sympathetic markers, namely norepinephrine and epinephrine, were mixed. We
      therefore assumed that time-sensitive statistical analyses might help identifying
      possible associations of sAA and catecholamines. Data from two studies were
      analyzed. In Study 1, 13 men were examined in a randomized repeated within
      subjects double-blind study with yohimbine/placebo. In Study 2, 30 men were
      randomized in a repeated within-subjects design to psychosocial stress/rest.
      Associations of repeatedly assessed sAA, norepinephrine, and epinephrine in blood
      were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Over the time course, sAA was
      significantly associated with the catecholamines (Study 1: R(2)=.43, Study 2:
      R(2)=.09) and both served as mediators of sAA increases. Additional exploratory
      analyses suggest stronger associations during challenge/stress than during
      placebo/rest. These findings further support sAA as marker of sympathetic
      activity. 

PMID- 25132577
TI  - Virtual reconstruction and geometric morphometrics as tools for paleopathology: a
      new approach to study rare developmental disorders of the skeleton.
AB  - Survey studies of osteoarchaeological collections occasionally yield specimens
      exhibiting rare skeletal developmental disorders. Beyond paleopathological
      diagnosis, however, it is often difficult to gain insight into the processes,
      mechanisms, and consequences of the pathology, notably because archaeological
      specimens are often fragmentary. Here, we propose a combination of virtual
      reconstruction (VR) and geometric morphometrics (GM) to address these issues. As
      an example, we use VR to reconstruct the only known archaeological specimen
      exhibiting persistence of the pelvic triradiate cartilage and compare it via GM
      with a set of healthy pelvises representing both sexes and different ontogenetic
      stages. Our results evidence (i) a marked deviation of the pathological pelvis
      from the adult mean shape, (ii) the retention of typical male features, and (iii)
      the retention of a paedomorphic ratio between iliac and ischiopubic size.
      Altogether, such data offer new insights into the modularity and integration of
      pelvic ontogeny, while at the same time demonstrating the usefulness of a
      combined VR/GM approach as complement to classical methods of paleopathology.

PMID- 25132578
TI  - Degenerate adaptor sequences for detecting PCR duplicates in reduced
      representation sequencing data improve genotype calling accuracy.
AB  - RAD-tag is a powerful tool for high-throughput genotyping. It relies on PCR
      amplification of the starting material, following enzymatic digestion and
      sequencing adaptor ligation. Amplification introduces duplicate reads into the
      data, which arise from the same template molecule and are statistically
      nonindependent, potentially introducing errors into genotype calling. In shotgun
      sequencing, data duplicates are removed by filtering reads starting at the same
      position in the alignment. However, restriction enzymes target specific locations
      within the genome, causing reads to start in the same place, and making it
      difficult to estimate the extent of PCR duplication. Here, we introduce a slight
      change to the Illumina sequencing adaptor chemistry, appending a unique four-base
      tag to the first index read, which allows duplicate discrimination in aligned
      data. This approach was validated on the Illumina MiSeq platform, using double
      digest libraries of ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) and yeast (Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae) with known genotypes, producing modest though statistically
      significant gains in the odds of calling a genotype accurately. More importantly,
      removing duplicates also corrected for strong sample-to-sample variability of
      genotype calling accuracy seen in the ant samples. For libraries prepared from
      low-input degraded museum bird samples (Mixornis gularis), which had low
      complexity, having been generated from relatively few starting molecules, adaptor
      tags show that virtually all of the genotypes were called with inflated
      confidence as a result of PCR duplicates. Quantification of library complexity by
      adaptor tagging does not significantly increase the difficulty of the overall
      workflow or its cost, but corrects for differences in quality between samples and
      permits analysis of low-input material. 

PMID- 25132579
TI  - Investigation of sporulation in the Desulfotomaculum genus: a genomic comparison
      with the genera Bacillus and Clostridium.
AB  - The genus Desulfotomaculum, belonging to the Firmicutes, comprises strictly
      anaerobic and endospore-forming bacteria capable of dissimilatory sulfate
      reduction. These microorganisms are metabolically versatile and are widely
      distributed in the environment. Spore formation allows them to survive prolonged
      environmental stress. Information on the mechanism of sporulation in
      Desulfotomaculum species is scarce. Herein, this process was probed from a
      genomic standpoint, using the Bacillus subtilis model system as a reference and
      clostridial sporulation for comparison. Desulfotomaculum falls somewhere in
      between the Bacillus and Clostridium in terms of conservation of sporulation
      proteins. Furthermore, it showcased the conservation of a core regulatory cascade
      throughout genera, while uncovering variability in the initiation of sporulation
      and the structural characteristics of spores from different genera. In
      particular, while in Clostridium species sporulation is not initiated by a
      phosphorelay, Desulfotomaculum species harbour homologues of the B. subtilis
      proteins involved in this process. Conversely, both Clostridium and
      Desulfotomaculum species conserve very few B. subtilis structural proteins,
      particularly those found in the outer layers of the spore. Desulfotomaculum
      species seem to share greater similarity to the outer layers of Clostridium
      difficile. 

PMID- 25132580
TI  - Pectoralis major myofascial onlay and myocutaneous flaps and pharyngocutaneous
      fistula in salvage laryngectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To review the fistula rate in irradiated patients
      undergoing salvage laryngectomy, compare the effect of closure type on fistula
      rate, and examine possible perioperative risk factors that might contribute to an
      increased fistula rate. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective review of the University of Pittsburgh head and neck
      tumor registry and identified 73 patients from 1998 to 2011 who had received
      prior radiation before total laryngectomy or salvage laryngectomy and who had
      either primary closure, pectoralis major myofascial (PMMF) flap onlay, or
      pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap. RESULTS: Fistula was more common in
      patients who underwent initial primary closure (45%) than in patients who had
      immediate PMMF onlay (10.5%). The fistula rate for patients who underwent
      immediate PMMC flap was 28.6%, intermediate to primary closure and PMMF flap.
      Several factors were evaluated for relationship to fistula, but no significant
      associations were identified. However, patients with fistula tended to have
      longer inpatient stays and may have been more likely to have a history of
      cardiovascular or hypoxic disease. CONCLUSION: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a
      well-established complication of total laryngectomy and is especially a concern
      in patients with a previous history of radiation. Our retrospective review
      demonstrates that PMMF onlay flap appears to be more effective in reducing the
      rate of fistula compared to primary closure in these patients. Myocutaneous
      augmentation flaps, in contrast, have a fairly high fistula rate and may be
      better replaced with alternative closures such as free flaps. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      4.

PMID- 25132581
TI  - Abnormalities in renal tubular phosphate handling in children with sickle cell
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms responsible for the hyperphosphatemia in patients with
      sickle cell disease (SCD) and preserved glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are not
      fully understood. The role of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a phosphaturic
      hormone has not been investigated in SCD. Hence, we evaluated parameters of renal
      tubular phosphorus handling and their relation to prevailing FGF23 levels in a
      cohort of young SCD patients. METHODS: Renal tubular phosphate handling and
      circulating levels of various analytes including FGF23 and parathyroid hormone
      (PTH) were measured in 24 children with SCD and normal estimated GFR in a cross
      sectional study. Correlation and regression analysis were employed to derive
      relationships between serum phosphorus and several variables. RESULTS: Most
      children showed elevated age- adjusted serum phosphorus (5.1 +/- 0.7 mg/dl)
      levels. Tubular re-absorption of phosphorus(TRP) (96.3 +/- 2.1%) and tubular
      maximum re-absorption of phosphorus per unit volume of GFR (TMP/GFR) (4.9 +/- 0.6
      mg/dl) were both elevated. Plasma intact FGF23 concentrations were elevated (81
      +/- 38 pg/ml) while the average PTH values were normal in most patients (50 +/-
      27 pg/ml). Univariate analysis showed significant correlations of serum
      phosphorus with TMP/GFR, alkaline phosphatase, age, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),
      and log intact FGF23. TMP/GFR correlated with log intact FGF23 (r = 0.5, P< or =
      0.01) but not with PTH. Multiple regression analysis yielded an independent
      relationship of serum phosphorus with TMP/GFR. CONCLUSION: The elevated serum
      phosphorus concentrations with simultaneously increased TMP/GFR and elevated
      FGF23 levels collectively suggest that patients with SCD display proximal tubular
      resistance to the action of FGF23 before any decline in GFR.

PMID- 25132583
TI  - Incidence and dynamics of active cytomegalovirus infection in allogeneic stem
      cell transplant patients according to single nucleotide polymorphisms in donor
      and recipient CCR5, MCP-1, IL-10, and TLR9 genes.
AB  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in the activation or
      regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses may modulate the
      susceptibility to and the natural history of certain chronic viral infections.
      The current study aimed to investigate whether donor and recipient SNPs in the
      chemokine receptor 5 (rs1800023), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (rs13900),
      interleukin-10 (rs1878672), and Toll-like receptor 9 (rs352140) genes would exert
      any influence on the rate of incidence and features of CMV DNAemia in the
      allogeneic stem cell transplantation setting. This was a retrospective
      observational multicenter study. The cohort consisted of 102 non-consecutive
      allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients. SNP genotyping was performed by
      allele-specific real-time PCR. CMV surveillance was performed by the pp65
      antigenemia assay/and or by real-time PCR. Seventy-three patients developed CMV
      DNAemia within the first 100 days after transplantation (71.5%). Neither donor
      nor recipient SNPs were associated significantly with the rate of incidence of
      active CMV infection, nor with the need for pre-emptive antiviral therapy. Both
      the duration of CMV DNAemia and the plasma CMV DNA peak load during episodes were
      significantly higher in patients harboring the donor (but not the recipient)
      chemokine receptor 5 A/A genotype, than in their A/G and G/G counterparts (P =
      0.022 and P = 0.045, respectively). The data reported suggest that SNPs in
      chemokine receptor 5 may influence the dynamics of CMV infection in the Allo-SCT
      setting.

PMID- 25132585
TI  - Gene expression profiling of lung myofibroblasts reveals the anti-fibrotic
      effects of cyclosporine.
AB  - Cyclosporine, a calcineurin inhibitor, is a potent immunosuppressive agent that
      acts chiefly through the inactivation of T-lymphocytes. Several clinical studies
      have demonstrated the effectiveness of cyclosporine for treating fibrotic lung
      disease, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. We hypothesized that
      cyclosporine exerts direct effects against fibrogenesis of lung myofibroblasts,
      and aimed to elucidate the mechanism of this anti-fibrotic effect through gene
      expression profiling using DNA microarray analysis. We found that cyclosporine
      suppressed the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I in
      myofibroblasts that had been differentiated from a fetal human lung fibroblast
      cell line by induction with transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. Furthermore,
      microarray analysis revealed that cyclosporine down-regulated 57 genes whose
      expression levels were increased by TGF-beta, and up-regulated 73 genes, whose
      expression was decreased by TGF-beta. Classifying these 57 down-regulated and 73
      up-regulated genes with the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated
      Discovery (DAVID) web tool, we have identified the involvement of several
      functional categories, including innate immunity, cytokine interaction, growth
      factor, and cancer pathway. Of the identified genes, we selected three fibrosis
      related genes, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), inhibitor
      of DNA binding 1 (ID1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      (PPARG), and validated their expression patterns by quantitative reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Cyclosporine treatment decreased the
      expression levels of IGFBP2 and ID1, but increased PPARG expression. These
      results suggest that cyclosporine is a potent anti-fibrotic agent acting on
      myofibroblasts. Therefore, cyclosporine shows potential as a novel remedy for
      fibrotic lung disease. 

PMID- 25132582
TI  - Pancreatic stem cells remain unresolved.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is caused by absolute (type 1) or relative (type 2) deficiency
      of insulin-secreting islet beta cells. An ideal treatment of diabetes would,
      therefore, be to replace the lost or deficient beta cells, by transplantation of
      donated islets or differentiated endocrine cells or by regeneration of endogenous
      islet cells. Due to their ability of unlimited proliferation and differentiation
      into all functional lineages in our body, including beta cells, embryonic stem
      cells and induced pluripotent stem cells are ideally placed as cell sources for a
      diabetic transplantation therapy. Unfortunately, the inability to generate
      functional differentiated islet cells from pluripotent stem cells and the poor
      availability of donor islets have severely restricted the broad clinical use of
      the replacement therapy. Therefore, endogenous sources that can be directed to
      becoming insulin-secreting cells are actively sought after. In particular, any
      cell types in the developing or adult pancreas that may act as pancreatic stem
      cells (PSC) would provide an alternative renewable source for endogenous
      regeneration. In this review, we will summarize the latest progress and knowledge
      of such PSC, and discuss ways that facilitate the future development of this
      often controversial, but crucial research. 

PMID- 25132586
TI  - Assessment of the relationship between transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and
      severity of clinical signs (CADESI-03) in atopic dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common allergic skin disease of dogs.
      Objective documentation of disease severity is important for the assessment of
      responses to therapeutic interventions. One common means of assessing the
      severity of clinical signs is the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity
      Index (CADESI)-03. In addition, studies of the biophysical parameters of the skin
      suggest that assessment of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) may also have value
      for estimation of disease severity. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present
      study was to verify the correlation between TEWL and CADESI-03 measured at 10
      different body sites. ANIMALS: Twenty-six dogs with AD (age range 1-7 years,
      median age 3 years). METHODS: The assessment was performed at the following 10
      body sites: the lumbar, inguinal, ventral abdominal, interdigital regions,
      axillary fossa, lateral thorax, lateral aspect of the antebrachium, concave
      surface of the auricle, cheek and bridge of the nose. RESULTS: Positive
      correlations were found between TEWL and the total CADESI-03 for the auricle (r =
      0.59), bridge of nose (r = 0.62) and interdigital skin (r = 0.47). Positive
      correlations were also observed between TEWL and local CADESI-03 scores for the
      axillary fossa (r = 0.73), inguinal region (r = 0.55) and interdigital skin (r =
      0.77). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The results indicate that it may be
      possible to use measurement of TEWL to assess the severity of skin lesions, but a
      positive correlation was found in only five of 10 body regions examined.

PMID- 25132587
TI  - Construction of recombinant adenovirus vector containing hBMP2 and hVEGF165 genes
      and its expression in rabbit Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - To construct an adenovirus vector co-expressing human bone morphogenetic protein
      (hBMP2) and human vascular endothelial growth factor (hVEGF165) as well as green
      fluorescence protein (GFP) as a marker, with which the intracellular expression
      of the inserted genes could be identified in Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
      (BM-MSCs). BMP2 and VEGF165 genes were PCR amplified from a cDNA library and
      inserted to the polyclonal site of adenovirus shuttle plasmid pAd-MCMV-GFP. The
      virus solution (Ad-BMP2-VEGF165) was generated by co-transfecting HEK293 cells
      with the constructed recombinant shuttle plasmid pAd-MCMV-BMP2-VEGF165 and
      adenovirus helper plasmid pBHGloxDelta (delta) E1, 3Cre. The virus solution was
      further purified and virus titer was determined accordingly. The expression of
      the target genes was subsequently detected and quantified in rabbit BM-MSCs by
      using real time PCR, ELISA and Western blotting. The recombinant adenovirus
      vector containing BMP2 and VEGF165 (Ad-BMP2-VEGF165) was successfully
      constructed, which was confirmed by Sanger sequencing, colony PCR, as well as
      visually detection of GFP, and the titer of the adenovirus was 1*10(10)PFU/mL,
      and the proteins level of BMP2 and VEGF165 secreted in the supernatant are
      significantly higher than the control. Recombinant adenovirus vector containing
      hBMP2 and hVEGF165 genes was successfully constructed. The transfection rate of
      BM-MSCs by the adenovirus was high (95% at 100 MOI) and the BMP2 and VEGF165
      genes was highly expressed in the cells. The present study provides a method to
      efficiently express the target genes in BM-MSCs and an vector for further
      research of bone defect repair using dual genes of BMP2 and VEGF165.

PMID- 25132589
TI  - [The role of the psychiatrist in the new mental health care].

PMID- 25132588
TI  - A randomized trial comparing dual axis rotational versus conventional coronary
      angiography in a population with a high prevalence of coronary artery disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety, radiation dose, and contrast volume between
      dual axis rotational coronary angiography (DARCA) and conventional coronary
      angiography (CCA). BACKGROUND: CCA is performed in multiple, predefined
      stationary views, at different angulations around the patient, for both the left
      and right coronary arteries. DARCA (AlluraXperSwingTM, Philips, the Netherlands)
      involves a pre-set rotation of the C-arm around the patient and allows for the
      visualization of each coronary artery in different views, using a single
      automatic pump contrast injection. METHODS: From November 2012 to February 2013,
      201 patients were randomly assigned to either CCA (n = 100) or DARCA (n = 101).
      Exclusion criteria included acute coronary syndrome (ACS), prior PCI or CABG.
      CCAs were performed in 4 acquisition runs for the left coronary artery and 2 to 3
      acquisition runs for the right coronary artery, whereas DARCAs were performed in
      a single run for each coronary artery. RESULTS: Baseline demographics and
      clinical characteristics were similar for both groups. The overall prevalence of
      CAD was 77.6%. The DARCA group had a significant reduction in the amount of
      contrast, 60 ml (IQR: 52.5-71.5 ml) versus 76 ml (IQR: 68-87 ml), P < 0.0001; and
      radiation dose by Air Kerma, 269.5 mGy (IQR: 176-450.5) versus 542.1 mGy (IQR:
      370.7-720.8), P < 0.0001. There were fewer patients requiring additional
      projections in the DARCA group: 54.0% versus 75.0%; P = 0.002. CONCLUSIONS: In a
      population with a high prevalence of CAD, DARCA was safe and resulted in a
      significant decrease in contrast volume and radiation dose.

PMID- 25132591
TI  - [The working alliance in inpatient treatment for personality disorders and its
      connection with patient characteristics: an exploratory study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The working alliance between therapist and patient has been
      investigated frequently, but much less is known about the working alliance in
      specific patient groups in specific settings. AIM: To obtain insight into the
      characteristics of the working alliance in intensive inpatient psychotherapy
      involving patients with severe personality disorders, and to pay special
      attention to patient characteristics such as diagnosis and attachment. METHOD: At
      the end of the first phase of treatment we collected, on the basis of
      questionnaires, information about the working alliance and attachment of 60
      patients with a severe personality disorders who had received inpatient
      psychotherapy. RESULTS: Working alliances with therapist and team were found to
      be weaker than in outpatient populations; working alliances with the therapist
      proved to be stronger than working alliances with the treatment team. Cluster C
      patients developed a better working alliance with the treatment team than did
      cluster B patients, particularly in the domain of treatment goals. Patients in
      this study turned out to be attached more anxiously and 'avoidantly' than
      patients in general outpatient populations; no correlation was found between
      patients' attachment and the strength of the working alliance. However, when a
      distinction was made between patients with extreme scores and patients with
      average scores, results showed that the more anxiously patients felt attached,
      the higher were their scores for their working alliance with the treatment team.
      CONCLUSION: It is more difficult to establish a working alliance with patients
      who have a severe personality disorder than with patients suffering from a less
      severe personality disorder. Patients with a severe personality disorder seemed
      to show a higher degree of anxious attachment and to have a more critical
      attitude to the working alliance.

PMID- 25132592
TI  - [Body dysmorphic disorder in cosmetic surgery - prevalence, psychiatric
      comorbidity and outcome].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (bdd) are
      preoccupied with a slight or imagined defect in appearance. AIM: First of all, to
      review the literature on the prevalence of bdd in cosmetic surgery and thereafter
      to review the literature on psychiatric comorbidity and the outcome of surgical
      interventions. METHOD: We based our search strategy on Embase, Medline and
      PubMed, using the search terms 'body dysmorphic disorder', 'cosmetic surgery',
      'prevalence', 'comorbidity' and 'outcome'. Our search covered English and Dutch
      literature published after the introduction of bdd in dsm-iii-r and before 1
      November, 2013. A study of the relevant articles enabled us to access additional
      articles mentioned in these texts. RESULTS: Our initial search strategy turned
      out to be too narrow. It was therefore broadened to include 'body dysmorphic
      disorder', 'cosmetic surgery', and 'prevalence'. Eventually we included 23
      original articles. In 11 of these the prevalence of bdd varied from 3.2 to 53.6%.
      Twelve articles on psychiatric comorbidity revealed predominantly mood and
      anxiety disorders on axis I and cluster C personality disorders on axis II. Only
      two studies reported on the outcome of cosmetic surgery performed on bdd
      patients; surgical interventions, however, seemed to result in new preoccupations
      with the prolongation of psychiatric comorbidity. CONCLUSION: bdd is a common
      psychiatric disorder that can sometimes lead to cosmetic surgery. However, pre
      operative screening of bdd patients is vital so that efficient psychiatric
      treatment can be initiated and patients are not subjected to surgical
      interventions which may be ineffective or even harmful.

PMID- 25132594
TI  - [Diagnosis should not be confused with classification in psychiatry].

PMID- 25132593
TI  - [Should diagnosis and classification be kept separate in psychiatry?].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In medicine it is common practice to diagnose patients before
      classifying their symptoms. In psychiatry, however, the two procedures cannot be
      kept separate; they overlap and are interlinked. AIM: To discuss relevant
      classification systems and the relationship between diagnosis and classification
      and to find out what kind of relationship is the best one for psychiatry. METHOD:
      The literature was searched and a conceptual analysis was performed on the basis
      of relevant literature, manuals and principles formulated by psychiatrists.
      RESULTS: It is argued that deliberation, an important part of the diagnostic
      process, can only play a significant role if diagnosis and symptom classification
      are kept completely separate. In this process of deliberation there should be a
      role for clinical phenomena such as improvement of symptoms, worsening of
      symptoms, objectification and reification, and psychiatrists should have the
      opportunity to consider whether these aspects really belong to the field of
      psychiatry. CONCLUSION: In psychiatry the relationship between diagnosis and
      symptom classification is not clear-cut. However, since deliberation plays a
      major role in psychiatric diagnosis, it is important that psychiatrists continue
      to keep diagnosis separate from symptom classification. Unlike other medical
      specialists, psychiatrists sometimes classify an illness before making a
      diagnosis. Existing guidelines and an all-embracing guideline regarding diagnosis
      need to be harmonised. Confusion and misdiagnosis could be reduced if
      classifications from two classification systems were to be included in medico
      psychiatric diagnosis.

PMID- 25132595
TI  - [Good clinical practice and the maintenance of ethical standards in medical
      research: advice for junior researchers working in mental health care].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In mental health care, more and more research is being done,
      particularly in the field of educational programmes. Unfortunately, junior
      researchers are often not fully informed about the rules and regulations relating
      to research and about medical ethics. Therefore, they are not in a position to
      make considered judgements that conform to good clinical practice and acceptable
      medical ethics.<br/> AIM: To give practical advice to trainees, stimulating them
      to think carefully about ethical standards in patient-related research in mental
      health care. METHODS The article provides a practice-based overview of practical
      advice and ethical considerations.<br/> RESULTS: We stress that before beginning
      their research, researchers should think very carefully about the ethics of
      medical research. Instructions and guidelines relating to medical and ethical
      standards are to be found in: directive for good clinical practice compiled by
      the central committee for human research (CCMO) with the accompanying e-learning
      module and in the basic course 'rules and organisation for clinical researchers'
      (BROK). Practical tips, illustrated with examples, provide a framework for
      stimulating thoughts on medical ethics. Finally, it is important to improve the
      ways in which research is embedded in the organisational structure of teaching
      programmes.<br/> CONCLUSION: Basic information about GCP and the upholding of
      medical and ethical standards in patient-related research can be obtained from
      various sources. The main challenge is to ensure that GCP is firmly embedded in
      patient-related research undertaken by junior researchers.

PMID- 25132596
TI  - [Cryptococcal meningitis and neuropsychiatric consequences of HIV-infection].
AB  - A 49-year-old African-born male was admitted to hospital with an acute psychosis.
      He had been treated by an internist after being found to have hiv; as a result of
      non-compliance over a period of about four months his cd4-count had dropped to
      40. Six months earlier he had developed a cryptococcal meningitis, which left him
      a number of neurological and psychiatric symptoms. During his stay in hospital
      there had to be good collaboration with the specialist in internal medicine whose
      dual task was to manage the patient's dramatically low cd4-account as well as his
      psychosis. Cryptococcal meningitis is a risk factor for psychiatric disorders and
      mortality in hiv-infected persons. 

PMID- 25132597
TI  - [Reaction on 'Contribution to quality of care or caught in a digital labyrinth?
      Experience with electronic records of patients receiving long-term mental health
      care' (1)].

PMID- 25132598
TI  - [Reaction on 'Minocycline for schizophrenia: a brief overview'].

PMID- 25132599
TI  - Suppression of TDO-mediated tryptophan catabolism in glioblastoma cells by a
      steroid-responsive FKBP52-dependent pathway.
AB  - Tryptophan catabolism is increasingly recognized as a key and druggable molecular
      mechanism active in cancer, immune, and glioneural cells and involved in the
      modulation of antitumor immunity, autoimmunity and glioneural function. In
      addition to the pivotal rate limiting enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase,
      expression of tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) has recently been described as an
      alternative pathway responsible for constitutive tryptophan degradation in
      malignant gliomas and other types of cancer. In addition, TDO has been implicated
      as a key regulator of neurotoxicity involved in neurodegenerative diseases and
      ageing. The pathways regulating TDO expression, however, are largely unknown.
      Here, a siRNA-based transcription factor profiling in human glioblastoma cells
      revealed that the expression of human TDO is suppressed by endogenous
      glucocorticoid signaling. Similarly, treatment of glioblastoma cells with the
      synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone led to a reduction of TDO expression and
      activity in vitro and in vivo. TDO inhibition was dependent on the immunophilin
      FKBP52, whose FK1 domain physically interacted with the glucocorticoid receptor
      as demonstrated by bimolecular fluorescence complementation and in situ proximity
      ligation assays. Accordingly, gene expression profile analyses revealed negative
      correlation of FKBP52 and TDO in glial and neural tumors and in normal brain.
      Knockdown of FKBP52 and treatment with the FK-binding immunosuppressant FK506
      enhanced TDO expression and activity in glioblastoma cells. In summary, we
      identify a novel steroid-responsive FKBP52-dependent pathway suppressing the
      expression and activity of TDO, a central and rate-limiting enzyme in tryptophan
      metabolism, in human gliomas.

PMID- 25132600
TI  - The inhibition effects of insulin on BMP2-induced muscle heterotopic
      ossification.
AB  - Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play an important role in regulating
      osteoblastic differentiation and bone formation. But the diffuse of BMPs into
      muscle tissues around bone injury sites often leads to heterotopic ossification,
      which has been regarded as one of major side-effects of BMP implementation in
      bone defect patients. It raises great demands for exploring effective methods
      that preventing BMP-induced heterotopic ossification while not interrupting the
      osteoinductive activity of BMPs for in situ bone defect repair. Here we found
      insulin, a positive regulator for bone regeneration, inhibited BMP2-induced
      muscle heterotopic ossification by suppressing the expression of bone
      transcription factor Osterix. By analyzing downstream molecules of insulin
      pathway, we found AKT/mTOR/GSK3 signaling was responsible for the inhibition of
      insulin on BMP2-induced ossification, and GSK3 inhibitor SB216763 attenuated BMP2
      induced muscle heterotopic ossification. The data might shed light on developing
      effective clinical therapy for inhibiting muscle heterotopic ossification when
      BMPs were used bone defect repair. 

PMID- 25132601
TI  - Nanovesicles engineered from ES cells for enhanced cell proliferation.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles (Exosomes and microvesicles) have drawn wide attentions in
      both diagnostic and therapeutic applications, since they are considered to
      shuttle biological signals intercellularly. However, further research on exosomes
      is limited by their rarity and heterogeneity even after lengthy isolation
      processes. In particular, these limitations are challenging in therapeutic
      applications. To meet these demands, cell-derived nanovesicles that mimic
      exosomes were generated by extruding living embryonic stem cells through micro
      filters. These nanovesicles have an enclosed lipid bilayer and contain cellular
      contents. The present study investigated the ability of these nanovesicles to
      improve proliferation by treating primary murine skin fibroblasts with the
      nanovesicles. The treated skin fibroblasts showed higher expression levels of
      mRNA, VEGF-alpha, protein levels of TGF-beta collagen I, PCNA, and Ki-67, as well
      as enhanced cell proliferation rate and number, compared to non-treated cells.
      The results indicate that treatment with the nanovesicles could potentially
      contribute to recovery or wound healing process of tissues.

PMID- 25132603
TI  - Carbon nanodots featuring efficient FRET for two-photon photodynamic cancer
      therapy with a low fs laser power density.
AB  - The 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl 4-pyridinio) porphyrins (TMPyP), a
      photosensitizer used for photodynamic therapy of cancers (PDT), were linked to
      carbon dots (CDots) to form the conjugates of CDot-TMPyP by the electrostatic
      force. The 415 nm emission band of CDots was well overlapped with the absorption
      band of TMPyP, so that the Cdots in conjugates can work as donor to transfer the
      energy to TMPyP moiety by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) with an
      FRET efficiency of 45%, determined by the fluorescence lifetime change between
      the free CDots and conjugated CDots. The two-photon absorption cross section
      (TPACS) of TMPyP is as low as 110 GM and the TMPyP thus be not suitable for two
      photon PDT. Whereas the CDots have high TPACS, and their TPACS are excitation
      wavelength dependent with the maximum value of 15000 GM at 700 nm. Therefore, the
      conjugates of CDot-TMPyP were explored for two-photon excitation (TPE) PDT. The
      two-photon image of CDot-TMPyP in Hela cells was clearly seen under the
      excitation of a 700 nm femto-second (fs) laser. The singlet oxygen production of
      CDot-TMPyP was also much higher than that of TMPyP alone under TPE of a 700 nm fs
      laser. The in vitro PDT killing was further achieved with CDot-TMPyP by TPE of
      the 700 nm fs laser. Particularly herein the low power density of fs laser from
      unfocused laser beam was successfully used to carry out the TPE PDT, because of
      the high TPACS of CDots. These results demonstrate that the CDot-TMPyP conjugates
      are promising for TPE PDT and needed to investigate further.

PMID- 25132602
TI  - Nucleotide biosynthesis arrest by silencing SHMT1 function via vitamin B6-coupled
      vector and effects on tumor growth inhibition.
AB  - Serine hydroxymethyltransferase isoforms (SHMT1 & SHMT2alpha), which serve as
      scaffold protein for the formation of a multi-enzyme complex and generate one
      carbon unit for the de novo thymidylate biosynthesis pathway during DNA
      synthesis, are vitamin B6 (VB6)-dependent enzyme. Cancer cells with high
      proliferation intensity need increased SHMT activation which enforces the
      facilitated-diffusion of VB6 for the continuous functioning of thymidylate
      synthase cycle. Therefore, SHMT knockdown presents an alternative approach to
      prevent DNA synthesis in cancer cells; however, its potential to inhibit cancer
      growth remains unknown so far. Here we demonstrated that VB6 coupled to
      poly(ester amine) (VBPEA) enforces a high level of VTC (VB6-transporting membrane
      carriers)-mediated endocytosis of the complexed SHMT1 siRNA (siSHMT1) to
      interrupt the thymidylate biosynthesis pathway of cancer cells. The detrimental
      effect of SHMT1 knockdown on the disintegration of multi-enzyme complex resulted
      in cell cycle arrest and a decrease in cell's genomic DNA content, leading to
      enhanced apoptotic events in cancer cells. A reduction in tumor size was observed
      with constant SHMT1 suppression in xenograft mice. This study illustrates how
      silencing the SHMT1 expression inhibits cancer growth and the increased VB6
      channeling for sustenance of cancer cells promotes VB6-coupled vector to elicit
      enhanced delivery of siSHMT1. 

PMID- 25132604
TI  - A microwell pattern for C17.2 cell aggregate formation with concave cylindrical
      surface induced cell peeling.
AB  - We have developed a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pattern with arrays of microwells
      for the formation of multicellular aggregates by C17.2 neural stem cells. Upon
      interfacing with the patterns, the neural stem cells would firstly attach to the
      microwell sidewalls, forming cellular strips on day 1 after plating. For channel
      connected microwells, cellular strips on the concave semi-cylindrical sidewall
      surfaces continued among wells and through channels, followed by strip peeling
      due to prestress arising from actin filaments and assembly of suspending cellular
      aggregates within the microwells in the following 1-2 days. Our results also
      suggested that a small microwell diameter of 80 and 100 MUm and a narrow channel
      width of 20 MUm would facilitate the aggregate formation among the structural
      dimensions tested. Finite element method (FEM) simulation revealed that cellular
      strips on the semi-cylindrical sidewall surfaces peeled under significantly
      smaller prestresses (critical peeling prestress, CPP), than cells on flat
      substrates. However, the CPP by itself failed to fully account for the difference
      in aggregate inducing capability among the patterns addressed, suggesting cell
      growth behaviors might play a role. This study thus justified the current
      patterning method as a unique and practical approach for establishing 3D neural
      stem cell-based assay platforms.

PMID- 25132605
TI  - Enhanced angiogenic effect of adipose-derived stromal cell spheroid with low
      level light therapy in hind limb ischemia mice.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy
      (LLLT) on transplanted human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs)
      spheroid in a hind limb ischemia animal model. LLLT, hASCs spheroid and hASCs
      spheroid transplantation with LLLT (spheroid + LLLT) were applied to the ischemic
      hind limbs in athymic mice. The survival, differentiation and secretion of
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF),
      and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) of the spheroid ASCs were evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry and western blots. Spheroid + LLLT group had enhanced the
      tissue regeneration, including angiogenesis, compared with the ASC group. The
      spheroid ASCs contributed to tissue regeneration via differentiation and
      secretion of growth factors. In the spheroid + LLLT group, the survival of
      spheroid hASCs increased with a concomitant decrease in apoptosis of spheroid
      hASCs in the ischemic hind limb. The secretion of growth factors was stimulated
      in the spheroid + LLLT group compared with the ASCs and spheroid group. These
      data suggested that LLLT is an effective biostimulator of spheroid hASCs in
      tissue regeneration that enhanced the survival of ASCs and stimulated the
      secretion of growth factors in the ischemic hind limb.

PMID- 25132606
TI  - An albumin-based theranostic nano-agent for dual-modal imaging guided
      photothermal therapy to inhibit lymphatic metastasis of cancer post surgery.
AB  - A large variety of cancers are associated with a high incidence of lymph node
      metastasis, which leads to a high risk of cancer death. Herein, we demonstrate
      that multimodal imaging guided photothermal therapy can inhibit tumor metastasis
      after surgery by burning the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) with metastatic tumor
      cells. A near-infrared dye, IR825, is absorbed onto human serum albumin (HSA),
      which is covalently linked with diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)
      molecules to chelate gadolinium. The formed HSA-Gd-IR825 nanocomplex exhibits
      strong fluorescence together with high near-infrared (NIR) absorbance, and in the
      mean time could serve as a T1 contrast agent in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
      In vivo bi-modal fluorescence and MR imaging uncovers that HSA-Gd-IR825 after
      being injected into the primary tumor would quickly migrate into tumor-associated
      SLNs through lymphatic circulation. Utilizing the strong NIR absorbance of HSA-Gd
      IR825, SLNs with metastatic cancer cells can be effectively ablated under
      exposure to a NIR laser. Such treatment when combined with surgery to remove the
      primary tumor offers remarkable therapeutic outcomes in greatly inhibiting
      further metastatic spread of cancer cells and prolonging animal survival. Our
      work presents an albumin-based theranostic nano-probe with functions of
      multimodal imaging and photothermal therapy, together with a 'photothermal
      ablation assisted surgery' strategy, promising for future clinical cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 25132607
TI  - PAIN OUT: the making of an international acute pain registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About 240 million patients undergo surgery every year, worldwide.
      Roughly 50% of these patients report clinically significant pain. Numerous
      barriers impede provision of adequate management. Lack of evidence about
      appropriateness and effectiveness of interventions is one. A registry can provide
      such information, eventually facilitating better management. This paper reports
      the development and feasibility of PAIN OUT, the first international acute pain
      registry, established with funds from the European Commission, and presents
      preliminary analysis to illustrate the nature of investigations that registry
      data make possible. METHODS: On the first postoperative day, 6347 adult patients
      undergoing orthopaedic or general surgery, in 11 medical centres in Europe and
      Israel, provided Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) using a validated
      questionnaire. Clinical data were abstracted from the patient's chart. RESULTS:
      Feasibility worked well. Over a period of 1 year, surveyors accrued targeted data
      sets and entered them into an online browser. Collaborators could receive online
      feedback comparing their findings about PROs against anonymized findings from
      other centres. Missing data for the majority of variables were low. Despite
      considerable variability between institutions, a large number of patients were
      treated according to the generic, evidence-based recommendations we assessed.
      However, this was not sufficient to result in acceptable outcomes for the
      majority of patients. CONCLUSION: The initial development of PAIN OUT has been
      achieved. From 2013, it continues as a not-for-profit academic project, open to
      clinicians and researchers worldwide. The International Association for Study of
      Pain and PAIN OUT will work together to maintain, disseminate and develop the
      registry.

PMID- 25132608
TI  - Effects of different sleep deprivation protocols on sleep perception in healthy
      volunteers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether different protocols of sleep deprivation
      modify sleep perception. METHODS: The effects of total sleep deprivation (TD) and
      selective rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation (RD) on sleep perception
      were analyzed in normal volunteers. Thirty-one healthy males with normal sleep
      were randomized to one of three conditions: (i) normal uninterrupted sleep; (ii)
      four nights of RD; or (iii) two nights of TD. Morning perception of total sleep
      time was evaluated for each condition. Sleep perception was estimated using total
      sleep time (in hours) as perceived by the volunteer divided by the total sleep
      time (in hours) measured by polysomnography (PSG). The final value of this
      calculation was defined as the perception index (PI). RESULTS: There were no
      significant differences among the three groups of volunteers in the total sleep
      time measured by PSG or in the perception of total sleep time at baseline
      condition. Volunteers submitted to RD exhibited lower sleep PI scores as compared
      with controls during the sleep deprivation period (P <0.05). Both RD and TD
      groups showed PI similar to controls during the recovery period. CONCLUSION:
      Selective REM sleep deprivation reduced the ability of healthy young volunteers
      to perceive their total sleep time when compared with time measured by PSG. The
      data reinforce the influence of sleep deprivation on sleep perception.

PMID- 25132609
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Sleep quality changes in chronically depressed patients treated with
      mindfulness-based cognitive therapy or cognitive behavioral analysis system for
      psychotherapy: a pilot study.
AB  - This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor.
      The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier
      Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at
      http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

PMID- 25132610
TI  - Sleep architecture in infants with spinal muscular atrophy type 1.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Few reports on sleep patterns of patients with spinal muscular atrophy
      type 1 (SMA1) have been published and none on sleep microstructure. The aim of
      this study was to analyze sleep architecture and microstructure in a group of
      infants with SMA1, compared with age- and sex-matched controls. METHODS: Twelve
      SMA1 patients (six males, mean age 5.9 months) and 10 controls (five males, mean
      age 4.8 months) underwent full polysomnography to evaluate their sleep
      architecture and microstructure by means of the cyclic alternating pattern (CAP).
      RESULTS: Compared with control children, SMA1 patients showed increased sleep
      latency and apnea/hypopnea index. CAP analysis revealed a significant increase in
      the percentage of A1 CAP subtypes, a reduction of that of A3 subtypes and of A2
      and A3 indexes (number/h), indicating a dysfunction of the arousal system in
      these patients. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the presence of an abnormality
      of sleep microstructure in SMA1 patients, characterized by a reduction of A2 and
      A3 CAP subtypes. We hypothesize that SMA1 patients have reduced arousability
      during non-rapid eye movement sleep, which could be interpreted as additional
      evidence of central nervous system involvement in this disease.

PMID- 25132613
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 25132614
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 25132615
TI  - Author response.

PMID- 25132616
TI  - Picking up myelodysplastic syndromes and megaloblastic anemias on peripheral
      blood: use of NEUT-X and NEUT-Y in guiding smear reviews.

PMID- 25132617
TI  - Scarless outpatient ablation of pilonidal sinus: a pilot study of a new minimally
      invasive treatment.
AB  - Pain and secretion of purulent materials are symptoms that are often associated
      with the pilonidal sinus. Generally, these symptoms are neglected by patients for
      a long time. Patients seek medical attention too late, fearing a prolonged period
      of pain and inability after surgery. The optimal therapy for pilonidal sinus
      should have the following characteristics: high healing rate, low recurrence
      rate, minimal postoperative pain and low cost. The aim of this study is to
      explore the effectiveness and safety of a new minimally invasive treatment: the
      scarless outpatient ablation of pilonidal sinus (SOAP). A total of 31 consecutive
      patients were enrolled; 27 of 31 patients were declared healed after the surgery
      (87.09%). After 1 year, only 4 of 27 patients (14.81%) reported symptoms related
      to recurrence of the disease. The average duration of the operation was 7.47
      minutes. Patients reported the disappearance of painful symptoms after
      approximately 2.62 days and had been away from work for 0.53 days. No
      complications were recorded during the period of study. The advantages of the
      procedure examined in this study are its simplicity and rapidity of execution,
      its outpatient setting, its low cost and lack of complications. In our opinion, a
      randomised controlled trial should be conducted to validate the results related
      to this technique. 

PMID- 25132618
TI  - Is metformin ready for prime time in pregnancy? Probably not yet.
AB  - Metformin is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat type 2 diabetes and is
      safe and effective. Its main mechanism of action is thought to be the activation
      of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) via inhibition of mitochondrial ATP
      generation. Recent use of metformin as an 'insulin sensitizer' in women with
      polycystic ovarian syndrome to increase fertility has been successful and
      resulted in the chance observation that continued use during pregnancy appeared
      to be safe. There are few studies of metformin in animal models of diabetic
      pregnancy. However, some data have implicated fetal AMPK activation in neural
      tube defects. While a recent report suggests that metformin may not activate
      fetal AMPK, which is reassuring, studies in pregnant woman with gestational
      diabetes and type 2 diabetes, which are ongoing, require completion before we can
      conclude that its use in pregnancy is safe. Furthermore, follow-up of the
      offspring will be critical to determine whether such treatment decreases or
      increases the development of obesity and diabetes.

PMID- 25132619
TI  - Outcomes of haematology/oncology patients admitted to intensive care unit at The
      Canberra Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outcomes for haematology/oncology patients have improved; however,
      determining their suitability for intensive care unit (ICU) admission remains
      challenging and controversial. AIM: Examine outcomes of patients admitted to an
      Australian tertiary hospital ICU and explore potential prognostic factors.
      METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with haematological and solid tumour
      malignancies non-electively admitted to The Canberra Hospital (TCH) ICU, between
      January 2008 and December 2012. Patient demographics, cancer details, reasons for
      ICU admission and Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II
      scores were collected, and survival rates calculated and correlated with
      potential prognostic factors. RESULTS: Of 205 patients, 113 (55%) had
      haematological malignancies, and 92 (45%) had solid tumours: 58% male and mean
      age 60.3 years (standard deviation (SD) 13.4). Eighty-two per cent of solid
      tumour patients had metastatic disease and 55% received palliative chemotherapy.
      Primary reasons for ICU admission included sepsis (59%), respiratory distress
      (37%) and hypotension/shock (18%). Mean APACHE II score was 20.1(SD 0.55); mean
      length of stay in ICU, 4 days (SD 5.2); ICU survival was 76% with 62% and 41%
      alive at 30 days and 6 months respectively. Overall 1-year survival was 36%. High
      APACHE II scores and >=2 organs failing were significant risk factors for 30-day
      mortality. CONCLUSION: Short-term outcomes were similar to contemporary studies
      from a general tertiary hospital setting and better than historical data. Sixty
      two per cent of patients were alive 30 days post-ICU admission, with a
      significant minority alive at 12 months, confirming some patients achieved
      worthwhile outcomes. Further research is needed to ensure appropriate patient
      selection and to explore quality of life post ICU.

PMID- 25132620
TI  - In vivo 1H MRS of human gallbladder bile at 3 T in one and two dimensions:
      detection and quantification of major biliary lipids.
AB  - In vitro (1)H MRS of human bile has shown potential in the diagnosis of various
      hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) diseases. Previously, in vivo (1)H MRS of human bile
      in gallbladder using a 1.5 T scanner demonstrated the possibility of
      quantification of choline-containing phospholipids (chol-PLs). However, other
      lipid components such as bile acids play an important role in the pathophysiology
      of the HPB system. We have employed a higher magnetic field strength (3 T), and a
      custom-built receive array coil, to improve the quality of in vivo (1)H MRS of
      human bile in the gallbladder. We obtained significant improvement in the quality
      of 1D spectra (17 healthy volunteers) using a respiratory-gated PRESS sequence
      with well distinguished signals for total bile acids (TBAs) plus cholesterol
      resonating at 0.66 ppm, taurine-conjugated bile acids (TCBAs) at 3.08 ppm, chol
      PLs at 3.22 ppm, glycine-conjugated bile acids (GCBAs) at 3.74 ppm, and the amide
      proton (-NH) arising from GCBAs and TCBAs in the region 7.76-8.05 ppm. The peak
      areas of these signals were measured by deconvolution, and subsequently the molar
      concentrations of metabolites were estimated with good accuracy, except for that
      of TBAs plus cholesterol. The concentration of TBAs plus cholesterol was
      overestimated in some cases, which could be due to lipid contamination. In
      addition, we report the first 2D L-COSY spectra of human gallbladder bile in vivo
      (obtained in 15 healthy volunteers). 2D L-COSY spectra will be helpful in
      differentiating various biliary chol-PLs in pathological conditions of the HPB
      system.

PMID- 25132621
TI  - Abusive supervision and links to nurse intentions to quit.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate forms of abusive supervision, namely personal attacks,
      task attacks, and isolation, and their links to outcomes for nurses, including
      job satisfaction, psychological strain, and intentions to quit. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional survey design. Data collected from July to November 2012. METHODS: Two
      hundred and fifty public sector nurses employed at five general acute Australian
      hospitals completed the survey (response rate of 33%). FINDINGS: Structural
      equation modeling on the forms of abusive supervision (personal, task, isolation)
      and nurse outcomes indicated goodness of fit statistics that confirmed a well
      fitting model, explaining 40% of the variance in intent to quit, 30% in job
      satisfaction, and 33% in strain. An indirect relationship from personal attacks
      to intentions to quit, via strain, was observed. Task attacks were related
      directly, and indirectly via job satisfaction, to increased intentions to quit.
      Surprisingly, isolation was positively related to job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS:
      Abusive supervision impacted nurse outcomes. Specifically, personal abuse had
      personal and health impacts; work-focused abuse had work-oriented effects.
      Applying appraisal theory suggests that personal attacks are primarily assessed
      as stressful and unchangeable; task-oriented attacks are assessed as stressful,
      but changeable; and isolation is assessed as benign. The findings highlight the
      impact of abusive supervision, especially task attacks, on outcomes important to
      nurse retention. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings can be used to devise programs
      to educate, train, and support supervisors and their subordinates to adhere to
      zero tolerance policies toward antisocial workplace behaviors and encourage
      reporting incidents.

PMID- 25132623
TI  - The role of a nanoparticle monolayer on the flow of polymer melts in
      nanochannels.
AB  - Understanding and controlling the flow properties of polymer melts at the
      nanoscale is of great relevance in fundamental research and in a variety of
      applications. In the present study we have analysed experimentally the flow
      behaviour of polymers in nanochannels of varying roughness, produced by gold
      nanoparticle absorption. The experimental results show that nanochannel roughness
      has a significant influence on surface energy and on the flow behaviour of
      polymer melts. These results provide fundamental information on the preparation
      of one-dimensional polymer nanochannels applicable in both micro- and nano
      injection technology. 

PMID- 25132622
TI  - Patient preferences for treatments to delay bone metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) develop bone
      metastases (BM) and present with bone complications like fracture. Bone-targeted
      agents that prevent metastasis-induced bone complications can cause adverse
      events. Understanding how patients view treatment options may optimize care. This
      study aimed to quantify how PCa patients value a hypothetical treatment that
      delays BM but can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). The study also assessed
      the value patients place on avoiding metastasis-induced bone complications versus
      increased survival. METHODS: PCa patients from the United Kingdom (n = 201) and
      Sweden (n = 200) on androgen-deprivation therapy or hormone therapy for >= 3
      years completed a 10-question discrete-choice-experiment survey examining whether
      patients would accept a BM-delaying treatment. Two time-tradeoff questions
      assessed patients' willingness to tradeoff between survival and bone
      complications. Percentages of patients choosing treatment were summarized by
      levels of treatment efficacy and ONJ risk. Odds ratios from a logit model were
      used to evaluate how patient and medication characteristics affected treatment
      choice. Proportions of patients choosing each tradeoff scenario were calculated.
      RESULTS: A majority of patients accepted treatment at the lowest benefit level (5
      month BM delay) and highest risk level (9% ONJ risk). PCa symptoms and prior
      treatment affected patient preferences. Nearly 80% of patients would tradeoff at
      least 3 months of survival to avoid bone complications. CONCLUSIONS: PCa patients
      in the U.K and Sweden may value a medication that delays BM, despite the risk of
      ONJ. Furthermore, patients were willing to tradeoff up to 5 months of survival
      for prevention of bone complications.

PMID- 25132624
TI  - Physiological and biochemical responses of three Veneridae clams exposed to
      salinity changes.
AB  - Given their global importance, coastal marine environments are a major focus of
      concern regarding the potential impacts of climate change, namely due to
      alterations in seawater salinity. It is known that environmental characteristics,
      such as salinity, affect immune and physiological parameters of bivalves.
      Nevertheless, scarce information is available concerning the biochemical
      alterations associated with salinity changes. For this reason, the present work
      aimed to evaluate the biochemical responses of three venerid clam species
      (Venerupis decussata, Venerupis corrugata, Venerupis philippinarum) submitted to
      salinity changes. The effects on the native (V. decussata and V. corrugata) and
      invasive (V. philippinarum) species collected from the same sampling site and
      submitted to the same salinity gradient (0 to 42g/L) were compared. The results
      obtained demonstrated that V. corrugata is the most sensitive species to salinity
      changes and V. decussata is the species that can tolerate a wider range of
      salinities. Furthermore, our work showed that clams under salinity associated
      stress can alter their biochemical mechanisms, such as increasing their
      antioxidant defenses, to cope with the higher oxidative stress resulting from
      hypo and hypersaline conditions. Among the physiological and biochemical
      parameters analyzed (glycogen and protein content; lipid peroxidation levels,
      antioxidant enzymes activity; total, reduced and oxidized glutathione) Catalase
      (CAT) and especially superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed to be useful biomarkers to
      assess salinity impacts in clams. 

PMID- 25132625
TI  - Dynamic switching of the circularly polarized luminescence of disubstituted
      polyacetylene by selective transmission through a thermotropic chiral nematic
      liquid crystal.
AB  - The circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) of chiral disubstituted liquid
      crystalline polyacetylene (di-LCPA) can be dynamically switched and amplified
      from left- to right-handed CPL and vice versa through the selective transmission
      of CPL across a thermotropic chiral nematic liquid crystal (N*-LC) phase. By
      combining a chiral di-LCPA CPL-emitting film with an N*-LC cell and tuning the
      selective reflection band of the N*-LC phase to coincide with the CPL emission
      band, a CPL-switchable cell was constructed. The phase change induced by the
      thermotropic N*-LC cell by varying the temperature leads to a change in the
      selective transmission of CPL, which enables the dynamic switching and
      amplification of CPL. It is anticipated that CPL-switchable devices might find
      applications in switchable low-threshold lasers and optical memory devices. 

PMID- 25132628
TI  - Repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate: an overview for surgeons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula is used to control
      Medicare spending on physician services. Under the current SGR formula,
      physicians face an almost 24% cut to the Medicare fee schedule on April 1, 2015.
      The US House Way & Means and Energy & Commerce Committees and the Senate Finance
      Committee released jointly proposed legislation to permanently repeal the SGR,
      and transition Medicare physician payment to a value-based payment method. This
      review summarizes the key components of the proposed legislation, and discusses
      some of the political challenges ahead. DATA SOURCES: House Committees on Energy
      & Commerce and Ways & Means, and the Senate Committee on Finance staff write-ups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Physician Medicare reimbursement will move from a volume-based model
      to a value-based model over the next decade. Surgeons should remain engaged with
      the political process to ensure repeal of the SGR.

PMID- 25132627
TI  - Management of the pediatric spontaneous pneumothorax: is primary surgery the
      treatment of choice?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgery as the primary management strategy for pediatric primary
      spontaneous pneumothorax is controversial. This study aims to evaluate the
      outcomes and effectiveness of management approaches for pediatric spontaneous
      pneumothorax. METHODS: Outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing initial
      nonoperative treatment versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with
      blebectomy and mechanical pleurodesis were compared via a retrospective review.
      RESULTS: We identified 96 patients with 108 pneumothoraces. Of 98 pneumothoraces
      with initial nonoperative management, 37% had surgery during their initial
      hospitalization for persistent air leak. Of those discharged home without video
      assisted thoracoscopic surgery, 40% recurred. Initial nonoperative management
      resulted in more total hospital days (median: 11 vs 5 days, P < .001). No
      significant predictors of recurrence were identified on multivariate analysis.
      Sixty-three percent of all patients ultimately required surgery. CONCLUSIONS:
      Fewer than 40% of primary spontaneous pneumothorax patients are definitively
      treated with nonoperative management. A prospective study is needed to determine
      whether primary surgery with blebectomy/mechanical pleurodesis is a more
      effective treatment strategy.

PMID- 25132629
TI  - Invited commentary on "Evaluation of a predictive model for pancreatic fistula
      based on amylase value in drains after pancreatic resection" by Partelli et al.

PMID- 25132626
TI  - Infant perceptual development for faces and spoken words: an integrated approach.
AB  - There are obvious differences between recognizing faces and recognizing spoken
      words or phonemes that might suggest development of each capability requires
      different skills. Recognizing faces and perceiving spoken language, however, are
      in key senses extremely similar endeavors. Both perceptual processes are based on
      richly variable, yet highly structured input from which the perceiver needs to
      extract categorically meaningful information. This similarity could be reflected
      in the perceptual narrowing that occurs within the first year of life in both
      domains. We take the position that the perceptual and neurocognitive processes by
      which face and speech recognition develop are based on a set of common
      principles. One common principle is the importance of systematic variability in
      the input as a source of information rather than noise. Experience of this
      variability leads to perceptual tuning to the critical properties that define
      individual faces or spoken words versus their membership in larger groupings of
      people and their language communities. We argue that parallels can be drawn
      directly between the principles responsible for the development of face and
      spoken language perception.

PMID- 25132630
TI  - Flow cytometry detection of minimal residual disease in multiple myeloma: Lessons
      learned at FDA-NCI roundtable symposium.

PMID- 25132631
TI  - Bridging of anions by hydrogen bonds in nest motifs and its significance for
      Schellman loops and other larger motifs within proteins.
AB  - The nest is a protein motif of three consecutive amino acid residues with
      dihedral angles 1,2-alphaR alphaL (RL nests) or 1,2-alphaL alphaR (LR nests).
      Many nests form a depression in which an anion or delta-negative acceptor atom is
      bound by hydrogen bonds from the main chain NH groups. We have determined the
      extent and nature of this bridging in a database of protein structures using a
      computer program written for the purpose. Acceptor anions are bound by a pair of
      bridging hydrogen bonds in 40% of RL nests and 20% of LR nests. Two thirds of the
      bridges are between the NH groups at Positions 1 and 3 of the motif (N1N3
      bridging)-which confers a concavity to the nest; one third are of the N2N3 type
      which does not. In bridged LR nests N2N3-bridging predominates (14% N1N3: 75%
      N2N3), whereas in bridged RL nests the reverse is true (69% N1N3: 25% N2N3). Most
      bridged nests occur within larger motifs: 45% in (hexapeptide) Schellman loops
      with an additional 4 -> 0 hydrogen bond (N1N3), 11% in Schellman loops with an
      additional 5 -> 1 hydrogen bond (N2N3), 12% in a composite structure including a
      type 1beta-bulge loop and an asx- or ST- motif (N1N3)-remarkably homologous to
      the N1N3-bridged Schellman loop-and 3% in a composite structure including a type
      2beta-bulge loop and an asx-motif (N2N3). A third hydrogen bond is a previously
      unrecognized feature of Schellman loops as those lacking bridged nests have an
      additional 4 -> 0 hydrogen bond.

PMID- 25132632
TI  - Environmental azole fungicide, prochloraz, can induce cross-resistance to medical
      triazoles in Candida glabrata.
AB  - Acquisition of azole resistance by clinically relevant yeasts in nature may
      result in a significant, yet undetermined, impact in human health. The main goal
      of this study was to assess the development of cross-resistance between
      agricultural and clinical azoles by Candida spp. An in vitro induction assay was
      performed, for a period of 90 days, with prochloraz (PCZ) - an agricultural
      antifungal. Afterward, the induced molecular resistance mechanisms were unveiled.
      MIC value of PCZ increased significantly in all Candida spp. isolates. However,
      only C. glabrata developed cross-resistance to fluconazole and posaconazole. The
      increased MIC values were stable. Candida glabrata azole resistance acquisition
      triggered by PCZ exposure involved the upregulation of the ATP binding cassette
      multidrug transporter genes and the transcription factor, PDR1. Single mutation
      previously implicated in azole resistance was found in PDR1 while ERG11 showed
      several synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms. These results might explain
      why C. glabrata is so commonly less susceptible to clinical azoles, suggesting
      that its exposure to agricultural azole antifungals may be associated to the
      emergence of cross-resistance. Such studies forward potential explanations for
      the worldwide increasing clinical prevalence of C. glabrata and the associated
      worse prognosis of an infection by this species. 

PMID- 25132633
TI  - Numerical investigations of the haemodynamic changes associated with stent
      malapposition in an idealised coronary artery.
AB  - The deployment of a coronary stent near complex lesions can sometimes lead to
      incomplete stent apposition (ISA), an undesirable side effect of coronary stent
      implantation. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations
      are performed on simplified stent models (with either square or circular cross
      section struts) inside an idealised coronary artery to analyse the effect of
      different levels of ISA to the change in haemodynamics inside the artery. The
      clinical significance of ISA is reported using haemodynamic metrics like wall
      shear stress (WSS) and wall shear stress gradient (WSSG). A coronary stent with
      square cross-sectional strut shows different levels of reverse flow for
      malapposition distance (MD) between 0mm and 0.12 mm. Chaotic blood flow is
      usually observed at late diastole and early systole for MD=0mm and 0.12 mm but
      are suppressed for MD=0.06 mm. The struts with circular cross section delay the
      flow chaotic process as compared to square cross-sectional struts at the same MD
      and also reduce the level of fluctuations found in the flow field. However,
      further increase in MD can lead to chaotic flow not only at late diastole and
      early systole, but it also leads to chaotic flow at the end of systole. In all
      cases, WSS increases above the threshold value (0.5 Pa) as MD increases due to
      the diminishing reverse flow near the artery wall. Increasing MD also results in
      an elevated WSSG as flow becomes more chaotic, except for square struts at
      MD=0.06 mm.

PMID- 25132634
TI  - Microsporidiosis in pediatric renal transplant patients in Cape Town, South
      Africa: two case reports.
AB  - Microsporidia are an emerging group of pathogens associated with life-threatening
      opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts, particularly human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. There have, however, been
      recent reports of infection in adult solid organ transplant recipients. We report
      two cases in children, to our knowledge the first in the paediatric literature.
      Two 13-yr-old, HIV-seronegative females received deceased donor renal transplants
      from the same donor. Both patients suffered acute cell-mediated rejection and CMV
      infection reactivation, managed with intensified immunosuppression and
      ganciclovir. Pyrexia of unknown origin and intermittent diarrhea in both prompted
      extensive investigations. In both patients, numerous spores of a microsporidial
      species were demonstrated in renal tissue on biopsy and in the urine, using
      modified trichrome and quick-hot Gram-chromotrope staining. Electron microscopy
      and PCR confirmed Encephalitozoon cuniculi infections. Both patients were
      successfully treated with 400 mg twice daily of albendazole, with sustained
      clinical improvement. We recommend that microsporidiosis be considered in the
      differential diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin in severely immunocompromised
      pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, particularly when associated with
      diarrhea. 

PMID- 25132635
TI  - Citrate versus heparin for apheresis catheter locks: an efficacy analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of medical literature regarding the efficacy of
      lock solutions in preventing catheter thrombosis. Traditionally, heparin has been
      used as the anticoagulant of choice for catheter locking, but it has many adverse
      effects associated with its use. Sodium citrate 4% is an attractive alternative
      to heparin. METHODS: Our plasmapheresis unit converted to locking all central
      venous catheters with sodium citrate 4% in place of heparin 100 units/mL in May
      2010. We conducted a 2-year period retrospective observational cohort study
      comparing the outcomes of using heparin versus citrate locks. Outcomes examined
      were catheter patency, catheter exchanges, alteplase usage, and catheter
      infections. RESULTS: During the study period, 84 patients who underwent a total
      of 554 plasmapheresis treatments were identified. Flow problems among the citrate
      treatments were more frequent than those among the heparin group (6.5% vs. 3.2%,
      P = 0.11, n = 554) but this did not reach statistical significance. The frequency
      of more severe flow problems requiring catheter exchange or alteplase infusion
      was higher among the citrate group than the heparin group (3.2% vs. 1.3%, P =
      0.11, n = 554). Subgroup analysis, stratified by diagnosis, demonstrated that
      there was a statistically significant difference in flow problems when comparing
      myasthenia gravis (MG) patients to non-MG patients. There was no difference in
      catheter infections between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of our
      study, we conclude that citrate and heparin locks have similar efficacy in
      maintaining catheter patency in plasmapheresis patients. Further research is
      needed to examine the differences observed between MG patients versus all other
      patients.

PMID- 25132636
TI  - Mechanical properties and microstructure analysis of mineral trioxide aggregate
      mixed with hydrophilic synthetic polymer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In dentistry, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been widely used
      for root perforation, retrograde filling, pulp capping and regenerative
      endodontics. Despite its superior sealing ability and biocompatibility, MTA has
      critical drawbacks regarding handling property such as sandy property, lacking
      cohesive properties and wash-out tendency. So, it is necessary to improve the
      fluidity of MTA in order to improve its handling properties. In this study, we
      applied modified liquid to improve handling properties of MTA. METHODS: Polyvinyl
      alcohol (PVA; 3 and 5 wt %) aqueous solutions were prepared and the samples were
      divided into three groups: DW group (MTA mixed with distilled water), P3 group
      (MTA mixed with 3% PVA), and P5 group (MTA mixed with 5% PVA). Handling property,
      initial setting time, and compressive strength were evaluated. The
      microstructures were observed by Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE
      SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) phase analyses were performed. RESULTS: PVA
      modified group showed similar behavior of IRM compared to DW group. The initial
      setting time of P3 or P5 group was significantly longer than that of DW group (p
      < 0.05). The compressive strength of DW group was higher than that of P3 or P5
      groups (p < 0.05). Experimental groups (P3 and P5) showed no microstructural
      differences compared with DW group when the fractured surfaces were observed by
      FE-SEM with XRD patterns after 3 and 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: Polyvinyl alcohol, a
      modified liquid for MTA, improved the handling properties of the material without
      violating its microstructure.

PMID- 25132637
TI  - Photoinitiated [corrected] charge separation in a hybrid titanium dioxide
      metalloporphyrin peptide material.
AB  - In natural systems, electron flow is mediated by proteins that spatially organize
      donor and acceptor molecules with great precision. Achieving this guided,
      directional flow of information is a desirable feature in photovoltaic media.
      Here, we design self-assembled peptide materials that organize multiple
      electronic components capable of performing photoinduced charge separation. Two
      peptides, c16-AHL3K3-CO2H and c16-AHL3K9-CO2H, self-assemble into fibres and
      provide a scaffold capable of binding a metalloporphyrin via histidine axial
      ligation and mineralize titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the lysine-rich surface of the
      resulting fibrous structures. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies of this
      self-assembled material under continuous light excitation demonstrate charge
      separation induced by excitation of the metalloporphyrin and mediated by the
      peptide assembly structure. This approach to dye-sensitized semiconducting
      materials offers a means to spatially control the dye molecule with respect to
      the semiconducting material through careful, strategic peptide design. 

PMID- 25132638
TI  - Bionanotechnology: arrays in the future prospects of the field.

PMID- 25132639
TI  - Molecular fingerprint similarity search in virtual screening.
AB  - Molecular fingerprints have been used for a long time now in drug discovery and
      virtual screening. Their ease of use (requiring little to no configuration) and
      the speed at which substructure and similarity searches can be performed with
      them - paired with a virtual screening performance similar to other more complex
      methods - is the reason for their popularity. However, there are many types of
      fingerprints, each representing a different aspect of the molecule, which can
      greatly affect search performance. This review focuses on commonly used
      fingerprint algorithms, their usage in virtual screening, and the software
      packages and online tools that provide these algorithms. 

PMID- 25132640
TI  - SFAPS: an R package for structure/function analysis of protein sequences based on
      informational spectrum method.
AB  - The R package SFAPS has been developed for structure/function analysis of protein
      sequences based on information spectrum method. The informational spectrum method
      employs the electron-ion interaction potential parameter as the numerical
      representation for the protein sequence, and obtains the characteristic frequency
      of a particular protein interaction after computing the Discrete Fourier
      Transform for protein sequences. The informational spectrum method is often used
      to analyze protein sequences, so we developed this software tool, which is
      implemented as an add-on package to the freely available and widely used
      statistical language R. Our package is distributed as open source code for Linux,
      Unix and Microsoft Windows. It is released under the GNU General Public License.
      The R package along with its source code and additional material are freely
      available at http://mlsbl.tongji.edu.cn/DBdownload.asp. 

PMID- 25132641
TI  - Predictors and incidence of post-partum depression: a longitudinal cohort study.
AB  - AIM: This study was designed to identify the incidence and the related factors
      contributing to post-partum depression (PPD) in women in Iran for the first time.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 2279 eligible pregnant women from 32-42 weeks of
      pregnancy to 12 weeks post-partum (2009) who attended primary health centers in
      Mazandaran province were screened for depression using the Iranian version of the
      Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Pregnant women free from depression were
      assessed using validated questionnaires, including the Premenstrual Syndrome
      Questionnaire, Social Support Appraisal Scale, Network Orientation Scale, General
      Health Questionnaire, Marital Inventory, Life Events Rating Scale and Parental
      Expectation Survey. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk
      factors of PPD. RESULTS: Of 1801 women who screened negative for depression at 32
      42 weeks' gestation, cumulative incidence proportions were 6.7%, 4.3% and 4.5%
      during 0-2, >2-8 and >8-12 weeks post-partum, respectively. The factors
      predictive of PPD were: history of depression during the first two trimesters of
      pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.59-4.1);
      psychiatric disorder during pregnancy (OR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.06-1.11); gestational
      diabetes (OR = 2.93, 95%CI = 1.46-5.88); recurrent urinary infection (OR = 2.25,
      95%CI = 1.44-3.52); unwanted pregnancy (OR = 2.5, 95%CI = 1.69-3.7) and low
      household income (OR = 3.57, 95%CI = 1.49-8.5). The risk was decreased with
      increasing age (OR = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.84-0.92) and those with high self-efficacy
      for mothering (OR = 0.7, 95%CI = 0.62-0.78). CONCLUSION: A high rate of new cases
      of PPD was identified in Iranian women. A combination of psychological,
      sociological, obstetric and sociodemographic factors can render mothers
      vulnerable to post-partum depression.

PMID- 25132643
TI  - Mechanism of 2',3'-dimethoxyflavanone-induced apoptosis in breast cancer stem
      cells: role of ubiquitination of caspase-8 and LC3.
AB  - Accumulating evidence has displayed that targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) is a
      very promising way for anti-cancer therapies. 2',3'-Dimethoxyflavanone (2',3'
      DMF) showed the most potent toxicity of a group of 42 flavonoids tested in MCF-7
      SC breast cancer stem cells. 2',3'-DMF triggered intrinsic and extrinsic
      apoptosis by stimulating the cleavage of PARP and the activation of caspase-9, 
      8, and -3. Interestingly, 2',3'-DMF induces a dramatic increase in the conversion
      of LC3, a well-known marker for autophagy. However, acidic vesicular organelles
      (AVOs), one of the autophagic flux markers were not detected. Co-treatment with
      chloroquine, the lysosomal inhibitor that blocks autophagic degradation did not
      show any change in the degree of LC3 conversion, implying that LC3 could play a
      role in the non-autophagic cell death of MCF-7-SC. We found that 2',3'-DMF
      induces the ubiquitination of caspase-8, this resulted in an interaction between
      caspase-8 and LC3, which led to the aggregation and activation of caspase-8. Co
      treating cells with 2',3'-DMF and 3-methyladenine, an inhibitor of LC3
      lipidation, reduced the activation of caspase-8. These findings provide novel
      insights into the anti-cancer effects of 2',3'-DMF in breast cancer stem cells by
      revealing that it induced apoptosis in accompany with the activation of caspase-8
      mediated by LC3 conversion.

PMID- 25132642
TI  - Targeting melanocyte and melanoma stem cells by 8-hydroxy-2
      dipropylaminotetralin.
AB  - Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) is cytotoxic towards melanocytes. Its
      treatment efficacy is limited by an inability to eradicate stem cells. By
      contrast, 8-hydroxy-N,N-dipropyl-2-aminotetralin (8-DPAT) affects melanocyte stem
      cell survival. MBEH and 8-DPAT were added to melanocytes and melanoma cells to
      compare cytotoxicity. Stem cell content among viable cells was determined by
      fluorocytometry using markers CD34, Pax3, and CD271. Immunostaining was used to
      identify stem cells in skin explants treated with MBEH or 8-DPAT ex vivo. Mice
      were exposed to MBEH or 8-DPAT and scanned for depigmentation before harvesting
      skin. MBEH exposure prompted a relative increase in stem cells among cultured
      melanocytes and melanoma cells, as treatment preferentially eliminated
      differentiated cells and spared the stem cells. Viability of this remaining,
      enriched stem cell population was however rapidly reduced by exposure to 8-DPAT
      within melanocyte and melanoma cell cultures. In human skin explants, the
      abundance of melanocyte stem cells was also visibly reduced after 8-DPAT
      treatment, in contrast to tissue exposed to MBEH. Meanwhile, significant
      depigmentation of the mouse pelage and loss of differentiated melanocytes was
      observed in vivo in response to topical application of MBEH, but not 8-DPAT.
      Prolonged application of the latter agent instead appeared to effectively reduce
      the abundance of melanocyte stem cells in the dermis. This furthers the idea that
      MBEH and 8-DPAT target complementary cell populations. Results indicate that
      combination treatment may demonstrate superior therapeutic activity by
      eliminating both differentiated and tumor initiating populations. 

PMID- 25132644
TI  - Hyper-coupling between working memory task-evoked activations and amplitude of
      spontaneous fluctuations in first-episode schizophrenia.
AB  - Working memory (WM) deficit is an important component of impaired cognition in
      schizophrenia. However, between-studies inconsistencies as to the specific
      functional substrate imply that inter-individual variability (IIV) in the WM
      performance is associated with IIV in brain activity in schizophrenia. To examine
      the neural substrate of this WM IIV, we studied whether the neural mechanisms
      that underlie individual differences in WM capacity are the same in schizophrenia
      patients and healthy people. We correlated the IIV of the task-evoked brain
      activity and task performance during an n-back WM task with the IIV of the moment
      to-moment variability in intrinsic resting-state activity, as measured by the
      amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) and further compared this
      relationship between 17 patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) and 18
      healthy controls. Between-group comparisons of the correlation patterns indicated
      aberrant ALFF-WM activation correlations and ALFF-WM performance correlations in
      the FES patients, but no significant changes were detected in any single
      measurement of these three characteristics. Specifically, we found increased
      positive ALFF-WM activation correlations in the bilateral lateral prefrontal
      cortices, posterior parietal cortices and fusiform gyri in the FES patients. We
      also observed significant increases in positive ALFF-WM performance correlations
      in the bilateral ventromedial prefrontal cortices in the FES patients. This hyper
      coupling between the ALFF and fMRI measures during a WM task may indicate that it
      was difficult for the patients to detach themselves from one state to transition
      to another and suggests that the inefficient cortical function in schizophrenia
      stems from the intrinsic functional architecture of the brain. 

PMID- 25132645
TI  - Oncoplastic mammaplasty with geometric compensation--a technique for breast
      conservation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique of oncoplastic mammaplasty, referred to as
      geometric compensation, which is suitable for tumors close to the skin in areas
      not included in the classic preoperative drawings for mammaplasty. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Seventeen patients with malignant tumors were included. Preoperative
      markings followed the "Wise-pattern" technique. The resection of affected skin
      was geometrically compensated with another area of preserved skin. RESULTS: The
      mean age of the patients was 52.88 +/- 12.14 years. Mean pathological tumor size
      was 43.82 +/- 31.39 mm. There were 7 (41.18%) locally advanced tumors. Six
      patients (35.29%) were submitted to neoadjuvant and the remainder to adjuvant
      chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was indicated in all cases. Fifteen patients (88.24%)
      received hormone therapy. Ptosis was corrected in all cases. The aesthetic result
      was rated excellent in seven cases (41.18%), good in 7 (41.18%), and fair in
      three cases (17.65%). Surgical margins were free. A seroma developed in one case
      (5.88%), small fat necrosis in three (17.65%), and enlarged scar in one (5.88%).
      There were no recurrences within 28.24 +/- 18.02 months. CONCLUSIONS: The
      technique allowed breast conservation in situations requiring large resection of
      affected skin, with free surgical margins, correction of ptosis, satisfactory
      symmetry, and few complications.

PMID- 25132646
TI  - Upper bounds on FST in terms of the frequency of the most frequent allele and
      total homozygosity: the case of a specified number of alleles.
AB  - FST is one of the most frequently-used indices of genetic differentiation among
      groups. Though FST takes values between 0 and 1, authors going back to Wright
      have noted that under many circumstances, FST is constrained to be less than 1.
      Recently, we showed that at a genetic locus with an unspecified number of
      alleles, FST for two subpopulations is strictly bounded from above by functions
      of both the frequency of the most frequent allele (M) and the homozygosity of the
      total population (HT). In the two-subpopulation case, FST can equal one only when
      the frequency of the most frequent allele and the total homozygosity are 1/2.
      Here, we extend this work by deriving strict bounds on FST for two subpopulations
      when the number of alleles at the locus is specified to be I. We show that
      restricting to I alleles produces the same upper bound on FST over much of the
      allowable domain for M and HT, and we derive more restrictive bounds in the
      windows M?[1/I,1/(I-1)) and HT?[1/I,I/(I(2)-1)). These results extend our
      understanding of the behavior of FST in relation to other population-genetic
      statistics. 

PMID- 25132648
TI  - Oxygen sensing and metabolic homeostasis.
AB  - Oxygen-sensing mechanisms have evolved to maintain cell and tissue homeostasis
      since the ability to sense and respond to changes in oxygen is essential for
      survival. The primary site of oxygen sensing occurs at the level of the carotid
      body which in response to hypoxia signals increased ventilation without the need
      for new protein synthesis. Chronic hypoxia activates cellular sensing mechanisms
      which lead to protein synthesis designed to alter cellular metabolism so cells
      can adapt to the low oxygen environment without suffering toxicity. The master
      regulator of the cellular response is hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Activation
      of this system under condition of hypobaric hypoxia leads to weight loss
      accompanied by increased basal metabolic rate and suppression of appetite. These
      effects are dose dependent, gender and genetic specific, and results in adverse
      effects if the exposure is extreme. Hypoxic adipose tissue may represent a
      unified cellular mechanism for variety of metabolic disorders, and insulin
      resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome. 

PMID- 25132647
TI  - The expression of aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase-interacting multifunctional protein-1
      (Aimp1) is regulated by estrogen in the mouse uterus.
AB  - Aimp1 is known as a multifunctional cytokine in various cellular events. Recent
      study showed Aimp1 is localized in glandular epithelial, endothelial, and stromal
      cells in functionalis and basalis layers of the endometrium. However, the
      regulatory mechanism of Aimp1 in the uterus remains unknown. In the present
      study, we found that Aimp1 is expressed in the mouse uterus. Aimp1 transcripts
      were decreased at diestrus stage. However, the level of Aimp1 protein was
      significantly increased in the luminal epithelium in the uterine endometrium at
      estrus stage during the estrous cycle. We found that treatment of estrogen
      increased the expression of Aimp1 in the uterus in ovarectomized mice. We
      identified one estrogen receptor binding element (ERE) on mouse Aimp1 promoter.
      The activity of Aimp1 promoter was increased with estrogen treatment. Our
      findings indicate that Aimp1 might act as an important regulator to remodel the
      uterine endometrium and its expression might be regulated by estrogen during the
      estrous cycle. This will give us better understanding of the dynamic change of
      uterine remodeling during the estrous cycle. 

PMID- 25132649
TI  - The three-factor structure of the Levenson self-report psychopathy scale: fool's
      gold or true gold? A study in a sample of Italian adult non-clinical
      participants.
AB  - The major aim of this study was to evaluate the factor structure of the Italian
      translation of the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP) in a sample of
      740 community dwelling adult participants. Hull method, minimum average partial
      analysis and quasi-inferential parallel analysis techniques were used to identify
      a three-factor solution that appeared broadly consistent with previous work. The
      three factors exhibited reliability coefficients >0.70, and the three-factor
      structure was adequately reproduced across gender, educational level and civil
      status strata (median congruence coefficients = 0.94, 0.93 and 0.95 respectively)
      and remained largely unchanged when the effect of participants' age was
      controlled for (median factor score correlation = 0.99). Although Factor 3 in our
      study was demarcated mainly by reverse-keyed items, the LSRP factors yielded
      meaningful relations with retrospective measures of antisocial behaviour in
      adolescence and HEXACO personality traits and were conceptually consistent with
      the triarchic model of psychopathy of Patrick, Fowles and Krueger (2009).

PMID- 25132650
TI  - Prophylactic stretching is unlikely to prevent nocturnal leg cramps.

PMID- 25132651
TI  - Depression and psychosocial correlates of liver transplant candidates: a
      systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Liver transplant candidates are vulnerable to develop depression.
      This paper aims to ascertain the prevalence of depression in liver transplant
      candidates and its psychosocial factors in a systematic review. METHODS: An
      extensive review via electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL) and hand
      search were carried out to retrieve published articles up to December 15, 2013,
      using (Incidence OR Prevalence) AND Depress* AND liver transplant as the
      keywords. Information on the study design, patient characteristics, prevalence of
      depression, and its associated risk factors were extracted from included studies.
      RESULTS: There were 22 studies included in this review with a total of 3055
      patients. The prevalence of depression in the liver transplant candidates ranges
      between 2% and 80%. Studies that used diagnostic tools found a narrower range of
      prevalence (4.5-43%) as compared to the self-administered questionnaires (2-80%).
      Studies that used Beck Depression Inventory reported a higher prevalence than
      those studies which used Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (median = 28%,
      range = 2-80% versus median 17%, range 6.1-25.8%). A number of socio-demographic
      factors, illness-related and psychosocial factors were found to be associated
      with depression. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of depression in liver transplant
      candidates is high, and early detection will improve survival and quality of
      life.

PMID- 25132652
TI  - Distinct driver mutation profiles of childhood and adolescent essential
      thrombocythemia.

PMID- 25132654
TI  - Effect of thrombopoietin receptor agonists on the apoptotic profile of platelets
      in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia.
AB  - Platelet survival depends upon mediators of apoptosis e.g., Bcl-xL, Bax, and Bak,
      which are regulated by thrombopoietin (TPO)-mediated AKT signaling.
      Thrombopoietin receptor (TPO-R) signaling might decrease platelet and/or
      megakaryocyte apoptosis and increase the platelet count. This study therefore
      explored anti-apoptotic effects of TPO-R-agonists in vivo on platelets of
      patients with immune thrombocytopenia. Patients received eltrombopag or
      romiplostim for two weeks. Total, immature, and large platelet counts were
      assessed as were Bcl-xL inhibitor assay; Bcl-xL Western blot; and flow cytometric
      (FACS) analysis of the AKT-signaling pathway. Eight/ten patients had platelet
      responses to eltrombopag and all three to romiplostim. Platelet sensitivity to
      apoptosis by Bcl-xL inhibition was greater in pretreatment patients than
      controls. This sensitivity normalized after one week of therapy, but surprisingly
      returned to pretreatment levels at week two. FACS analysis revealed increased AKT
      pathway signaling after one week, followed by a decrease at week two. Platelet
      counts correlated with the Bcl-xL /Bak ratio. Platelet survival may be enhanced
      by TPO-R-agonists as a transient decrease in platelet sensitivity to apoptosis
      was accompanied by transient activation of AKT. However, this mechanism has only
      a short-lived effect. Megakaryocytes and platelets already present at the start
      of TPO-R-agonist treatment appear to respond differently than those generated de
      novo.

PMID- 25132653
TI  - Childhood maltreatment and combat posttraumatic stress differentially predict
      fear-related fronto-subcortical connectivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adult posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been characterized by
      altered fear-network connectivity. Childhood trauma is a major risk factor for
      adult PTSD, yet its contribution to fear-network connectivity in PTSD remains
      unexplored. We examined, within a single model, the contribution of childhood
      maltreatment, combat exposure, and combat-related posttraumatic stress symptoms
      (PTSS) to resting-state connectivity (rs-FC) of the amygdala and hippocampus in
      military veterans. METHODS: Medication-free male veterans (n = 27, average 26.6
      years) with a range of PTSS completed resting-state fMRI. Measures including the
      Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ),
      and Combat Exposure Scale (CES) were used to predict rs-FC using multilinear
      regression. Fear-network seeds included the amygdala and hippocampus. RESULTS:
      Amygdala: CTQ predicted lower connectivity to ventromedial prefrontal cortex
      (vmPFC), but greater anticorrelation with dorsal/lateral PFC. CAPS positively
      predicted connectivity to insula, and loss of anticorrelation with
      dorsomedial/dorsolateral (dm/dl)PFC. Hippocampus: CTQ predicted lower
      connectivity to vmPFC, but greater anticorrelation with dm/dlPFC. CES predicted
      greater anticorrelation, whereas CAPS predicted less anticorrelation with dmPFC.
      CONCLUSIONS: Childhood trauma, combat exposure, and PTSS differentially predict
      fear-network rs-FC. Childhood maltreatment may weaken ventral prefrontal
      subcortical circuitry important in automatic fear regulation, but, in a
      compensatory manner, may also strengthen dorsal prefrontal-subcortical pathways
      involved in more effortful emotion regulation. PTSD symptoms, in turn, appear to
      emerge with the loss of connectivity in the latter pathway. These findings
      suggest potential mechanisms by which developmental trauma exposure leads to
      adult PTSD, and which brain mechanisms are associated with the emergence of PTSD
      symptoms.

PMID- 25132655
TI  - The heat-compression technique for the conversion of platelet-rich fibrin
      preparation to a barrier membrane with a reduced rate of biodegradation.
AB  - Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) was developed as an advanced form of platelet-rich
      plasma to eliminate xenofactors, such as bovine thrombin, and it is mainly used
      as a source of growth factor for tissue regeneration. Furthermore, although a
      minor application, PRF in a compressed membrane-like form has also been used as a
      substitute for commercially available barrier membranes in guided-tissue
      regeneration (GTR) treatment. However, the PRF membrane is resorbed within 2
      weeks or less at implantation sites; therefore, it can barely maintain sufficient
      space for bone regeneration. In this study, we developed and optimized a heat
      compression technique and tested the feasibility of the resulting PRF membrane.
      Freshly prepared human PRF was first compressed with dry gauze and subsequently
      with a hot iron. Biodegradability was microscopically examined in vitro by
      treatment with plasmin at 37 degrees C or in vivo by subcutaneous implantation in
      nude mice. Compared with the control gauze-compressed PRF, the heat-compressed
      PRF appeared plasmin-resistant and remained stable for longer than 10 days in
      vitro. Additionally, in animal implantation studies, the heat-compressed PRF was
      observed at least for 3 weeks postimplantation in vivo whereas the control PRF
      was completely resorbed within 2 weeks. Therefore, these findings suggest that
      the heat-compression technique reduces the rate of biodegradation of the PRF
      membrane without sacrificing its biocompatibility and that the heat-compressed
      PRF membrane easily could be prepared at chair-side and applied as a barrier
      membrane in the GTR treatment.

PMID- 25132656
TI  - Interobserver reproducibility and accuracy of p16/Ki-67 dual-stain cytology in
      cervical cancer screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dual-stain cytology for p16 and Ki-67 has been proposed as a
      biomarker in cervical cancer screening. The authors evaluated the reproducibility
      and accuracy of dual-stain cytology among 10 newly trained evaluators. METHODS:
      In total, 480 p16/Ki-67-stained slides from human papillomavirus-positive women
      were evaluated in masked fashion by 10 evaluators. None of the evaluators had
      previous experience with p16 or p16/Ki-67 cytology. All participants underwent
      p16/Ki-67 training and subsequent proficiency testing. Reproducibility of dual
      stain cytology was measured using the percentage agreement, individual and
      aggregate kappa values, as well as McNemar statistics. Clinical performance for
      the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or greater (CIN2+)
      was evaluated for each individual evaluator and for all evaluators combined
      compared with the reference evaluation by a cytotechnologist who had extensive
      experience with dual-stain cytology. RESULTS: The percentage agreement of
      individual evaluators with the reference evaluation ranged from 83% to 91%, and
      the kappa values ranged from 0.65 to 0.81. The combined kappa value was 0.71 for
      all evaluators and 0.73 for cytotechnologists. The average sensitivity and
      specificity for the detection of CIN2+ among novice evaluators was 82% and 64%,
      respectively; whereas the reference evaluation had 84% sensitivity and 63%
      specificity, respectively. Agreement on dual-stain positivity increased with
      greater numbers of p16/Ki-67-positive cells on the slides. CONCLUSIONS: Good to
      excellent reproducibility of p16/Ki-67 dual-stain cytology was observed with
      almost identical clinical performance of novice evaluators compared with
      reference evaluations. The current findings suggest that p16/Ki-67 dual-stain
      evaluation can be implemented in routine cytology practice with limited training.

PMID- 25132658
TI  - Cell culture media supplementation of uncommonly used sugars sucrose and tagatose
      for the targeted shifting of protein glycosylation profiles of recombinant
      protein therapeutics.
AB  - Protein glycosylation is an important post-translational modification toward the
      structure and function of recombinant therapeutics. The addition of
      oligosaccharides to recombinant proteins has been shown to greatly influence the
      overall physiochemical attributes of many proteins. It is for this reason that
      protein glycosylation is monitored by the developer of a recombinant protein
      therapeutic, and why protein glycosylation is typically considered a critical
      quality attribute. In this work, we highlight a systematic study toward the
      supplementation of sucrose and tagatose into cell culture media for the targeted
      modulation of protein glycosylation profiles on recombinant proteins. Both sugars
      were found to affect oligosaccharide maturation resulting in an increase in the
      percentage of high mannose N-glycan species, as well as a concomitant reduction
      in fucosylation. The latter effect was demonstrated to increase antibody
      dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity for a recombinant antibody. These
      aforementioned results were found to be reproducible at different scales, and
      across different Chinese hamster ovary cell lines. Through the selective
      supplementation of these described sugars, the targeted modulation of protein
      glycosylation profiles is demonstrated, as well as yet another tool in the cell
      culture toolbox for ensuring product comparability.

PMID- 25132659
TI  - Thyroid nodules with KRAS mutations are different from nodules with NRAS and HRAS
      mutations with regard to cytopathologic and histopathologic outcome
      characteristics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutations in the RAS gene in the thyroid gland result in the
      activation of signaling pathways and are associated with a follicular growth
      pattern and the probability of a carcinoma outcome ranging from 74% to 87%. In
      the current study, the authors investigated the cytopathologic and
      histopathologic features of common RAS mutation subtypes. METHODS: Malignant,
      indeterminate, and selected benign thyroid cytology cases were tested
      prospectively for the presence of NRAS61, HRAS61, and KRAS12/13 mutations. For
      each case, the Bethesda System for thyroid cytopathology diagnosis, additional
      cytologic descriptors, and surgical pathology outcomes were documented. The
      Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon 2-sample test were used for statistical comparison
      between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 204 thyroid fine-needle aspiration cases
      with RAS mutations (93.6% of which were associated with indeterminate
      cytopathology diagnoses) and corresponding surgical pathology resection specimens
      were identified. The KRAS12/13 mutation was associated with a significantly lower
      carcinoma outcome (41.7%) when compared with HRAS61 (95.5%) and NRAS61 (86.8%)
      mutations (P<.0001). Furthermore, oncocytic change was observed in a
      significantly higher percentage of cytology and resection specimens with
      KRAS12/13 mutations (66.7% and 75.0%, respectively) in comparison with those with
      HRAS61 (4.5% and 4.5%, respectively) and NRAS61 (15.4% and 14.7%, respectively)
      mutations (P<.0001). RAS mutations also were identified in cases of poorly
      differentiated carcinoma (NRAS61), anaplastic carcinoma (HRAS61), and medullary
      thyroid carcinoma (HRAS61 and KRAS12/13). CONCLUSIONS: Subclassification of RAS
      mutations in conjunction with cytopathologic evaluation improves presurgical risk
      stratification, provides better insight into lesional characteristics, and may
      influence patient management. In particular, KRAS12/13-mutated thyroid nodules
      were found to be different from HRAS61-mutated and NRAS61-mutated nodules with
      regard to cytopathologic and surgical outcome characteristics.

PMID- 25132657
TI  - Decreased in vivo virulence and altered gene expression by a Brucella melitensis
      light-sensing histidine kinase mutant.
AB  - Brucella species utilize diverse virulence factors. Previously, Brucella abortus
      light-sensing histidine kinase was identified as important for cellular
      infection. Here, we demonstrate that a Brucella melitensis LOV-HK (BM-LOV-HK)
      mutant strain has strikingly different gene expression than wild type. General
      stress response genes including the alternative sigma factor rpoE1 and its anti
      anti-sigma factor phyR were downregulated, while flagellar, quorum sensing (QS),
      and type IV secretion system genes were upregulated in the DeltaBM-LOV-HK strain
      vs. wild type. Contextually, expression results agree with other studies of
      transcriptional regulators involving DeltarpoE1, DeltaphyR, DeltavjbR, and
      DeltablxR (DeltababR) Brucella strains. Additionally, deletion of BM-LOV-HK
      decreases virulence in mice. During C57BL/6 mouse infection, the DeltaBM-LOV-HK
      strain had 2 logs less CFUs in the spleen 3 days postinfection, but similar
      levels 6 days post infection compared to wild type. Infection of IRF-1(-/-) mice
      more specifically define DeltaBM-LOV-HK strain attenuation with fewer bacteria in
      spleens and significantly increased survival of mutant vs. wild-type infected IRF
      1(-/-) mice. Upregulation of flagella, QS, and VirB genes, along with
      downregulation of rpoE1 and related sigma factor, rpoH2 (BMEI0280) suggest that
      BM-LOV-HK modulates both QS and general stress response regulatory components to
      control Brucella gene expression on a global level.

PMID- 25132660
TI  - Interactions between patients, providers, and health systems and technical
      quality of care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prior studies have established disparities by race/ethnicity and
      socioeconomic status (SES) in the kind, quantity, and technical quality of
      systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) care and outcomes. In this study we evaluate
      whether disparities exist in assessments of interactions with health care
      providers and health plans and whether such interactions affect the technical
      quality of SLE care. METHODS: Data derive from the Lupus Outcomes Study (LOS).
      Principal data collection is an annual structured phone interview including items
      from the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans and Interpersonal Processes of Care
      Scale measuring dimensions of health care interactions. We use general estimating
      equations to assess whether disparities exist by race/ethnicity and SES in being
      in the lowest quartile of ratings of such interactions and whether ratings in the
      lowest quartile of interactions are associated with technical quality of care
      after adjustment for sociodemographic and disease characteristics. RESULTS: In
      the 2012 LOS interview, there were 793 respondents, of whom 640 had >=1 visit to
      their principal SLE provider. Nonwhite race/ethnicity and education were not
      associated with low ratings on any dimension of provider or system interaction;
      poverty was associated only with low ratings of health plan interactions. After
      adjustment for demographics, SLE status, and health care variables, ratings in
      the lowest quartile on all dimensions were associated with significantly lower
      technical quality of care. CONCLUSION: Ratings in the lowest quartile on all
      dimensions of interactions with providers and the health care system were
      associated with lower technical quality of care, potentially resulting in poorer
      SLE outcomes.

PMID- 25132661
TI  - Integration of medical imaging including ultrasound into a new clinical anatomy
      curriculum.
AB  - In 2008 a new clinical anatomy curriculum with integrated medical imaging
      component was introduced into the University of Sydney Medical Program. Medical
      imaging used for teaching the new curriculum included normal radiography, MRI, CT
      scans, and ultrasound imaging. These techniques were incorporated into teaching
      over the first two years of the program as a part of anatomy practical sessions,
      in addition to dedicated lectures and tutorials given by imaging specialists.
      Surveys were conducted between 2009 and 2012 to evaluate the student acceptance
      of the integration. Students were asked to rate individual activities as well as
      provide open-ended comments. The number of students who responded to the surveys
      varied from 40% to 98%. Over 90% of the respondents were satisfied with the
      overall quality of teaching in the anatomy units. In summary, 48% to 63% of the
      responding students thought that the specialist imaging lectures helped them
      learn effectively; 72% to 77% of students thought that the cross-sectional
      practical sessions helped them to better understand the imaging modalities of CT,
      MRI, and ultrasound; 76% to 80% of students considered hands-on ultrasound
      session to be useful in understanding the application of ultrasound in abdominal
      imaging. The results also revealed key similarities and differences in student
      perceptions of the new integrated curriculum for students with both a high and
      low prior exposure to anatomy. Further evaluation will aid in refining the
      integrated medical imaging program and providing its future direction.

PMID- 25132663
TI  - Incidence of giant cell arteritis and characteristics of patients: data-driven
      analysis of comorbidities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the incidence of giant cell arteritis (GCA), cumulative
      use of prednisolone, and comorbidities most associated with GCA. METHODS: The
      data source was the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Selection criteria
      included >=1 record of a diagnostic term for GCA between January 1, 2000 and
      December 31, 2011, age >=50 years, and >=1 prescription of oral or systemic
      corticosteroid. Controls were selected randomly (2:1), with year of birth,
      practice, and followup duration (<2 or >=2 years) as matching variables. Analysis
      was data driven; all comorbidities were identified in a 2-year window, with
      relative risk (RR) calculated and rank ordered. RESULTS: A total of 4,671
      patients fulfilled the definition of GCA (incidence, 1.0 per 10,000 person
      years), with highest incidence (7.4 per 10,000 person-years) in women ages 70-79
      years. Of the 4,671 patients, 4,655 (99.7%) were prescribed prednisolone. In the
      group with >=2 years' followup (n = 3,074), the mean number of prednisolone
      prescriptions was 32.1, and the mean cumulative dose was 8,640 mg; 1,034 patients
      (33.4%) received a cumulative dose of >=10,000 mg. Comorbidities strongly
      associated with GCA were polymyalgia rheumatica (RR 14.9, 95% confidence interval
      [95% CI] 11.9-18.7), visual disturbances (RR 4.6, 95% CI 2.7-7.8), facial pain
      (RR 3.3, 95% CI 2.1-5.3), osteoporosis (RR 2.9, 95% 2.3-3.7), hypokalemia (RR
      2.5, 95% CI 1.6-3.9), and various infections such as oral/esophageal thrush (RR
      3.7, 95% CI 2.2-6.0) and herpes zoster (RR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6-4.1). CONCLUSION: GCA
      is relatively uncommon; its incidence peaks at age 70-79 years in women. Overall,
      GCA patients in the UK are treated with high cumulative prednisolone doses. Many
      conditions are associated with GCA, including several related to corticosteroid
      use.

PMID- 25132664
TI  - Integration of gross anatomy in an organ system-based medical curriculum:
      strategies and challenges.
AB  - The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UASOM) instituted a fully
      integrated, organ system-based preclinical curriculum in 2007. Gross anatomy and
      embryology were integrated with other basic science disciplines throughout the
      first two years of undergraduate medical education. Here we describe the methods
      of instruction and integration of gross anatomy and embryology in this curriculum
      as well as challenges faced along the way. Gross anatomy and embryology are
      taught through a combination of didactic lectures, team-based learning
      activities, and cadaveric dissection laboratories. Vertical integration occurs
      through third- and fourth-year anatomy and embryology elective courses. Radiology
      is integrated with anatomy instruction through self-study modules and hands-on
      ultrasound sessions. Our model of anatomy instruction is time efficient,
      clinically relevant, and effective as demonstrated by student performance on the
      United States Medical Licensing Examination((r)) (USMLE((r)) ) Step 1
      examination. We recommend that medical schools considering full integration of
      gross anatomy and embryology (1) carefully consider the sequencing of organ
      system modules, (2) be willing to sacrifice anatomical detail for clinical
      application, (3) provide additional electives to third- and fourth-year students,
      and (4) integrate radiology with anatomical education.

PMID- 25132662
TI  - Using surgical appropriateness criteria to examine outcomes of total knee
      arthroplasty in a United States sample.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We determined outcomes for patients classified as appropriate,
      inconclusive, or inappropriate for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a modified
      version of a validated appropriateness algorithm. Outcome measurement was
      conceptualized as short-term postoperative change attributable primarily to
      surgery and rehabilitation (2 months) and as longer-term postoperative change and
      recovery (1 and 2 years). METHODS: Preoperative and yearly postoperative Western
      Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function, Knee
      Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) symptoms and KOOS pain scores were
      examined for persons undergoing primary TKA in the Osteoarthritis Initiative.
      Multigroup, 2-piece latent growth curve modeling was used to determine
      differences in outcome variable changes for each group from presurgery to 2
      months postsurgery, as well as over a 2-year postoperative period. RESULTS: Data
      from 167 persons with primary TKA were examined. Prevalence rates of appropriate,
      inconclusive, and inappropriate judgments were 47.9%, 20.8%, and 31.3%,
      respectively. The inappropriate group showed no change at 2 months following
      surgery, while appropriate and inconclusive groups had substantial improvement in
      all outcomes. One-year and 2-year postoperative recovery outcomes were not
      significantly different among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: The inappropriate group
      was unchanged 2 months after surgery and on average improved by 2.3 WOMAC
      function points from presurgery to 1 year following surgery based on our models.
      Appropriate and inconclusive groups improved by an average of 19.8 WOMAC function
      points at 1-year postsurgery. These data provide a compelling case for consensus
      building efforts to define eligibility criteria for TKA with the goals of
      reducing variation in patient selection and optimizing both change over time and
      final outcomes.

PMID- 25132665
TI  - Highly active macromolecular prodrugs inhibit expression of the hepatitis C virus
      genome in the host cells.
AB  - Efficacious, potent, and at the same time nontoxic macromolecular prodrugs of
      ribavirin are designed taking advantage over prodrug activation by the
      intracellular milieu. Activity of these prodrugs is illustrated in the cells
      hosting hepatitis C virus replication and also in the cells implicated in the
      inflammatory response to the viral infection. 

PMID- 25132666
TI  - Cross-sectional evidence for a decrease in cognitive function with age in
      children with autism spectrum disorders?
AB  - Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with early disturbances in brain
      maturation processes and these interferences presumably have their consequences
      for the progressive emergence of cognitive deficits later in life, as expressed
      in intelligence profiles. In this study, we addressed the impact of age on
      cognitive functioning of 6- to 15-year-old children and adolescents with ASD.
      Intelligence profiles were measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for
      Children and compared among four consecutive age cohorts (children aged 6.17-8.03
      years, 8.04-9.61 years, and 9.68-11.50 years and adolescents aged 11.54-15.85
      years) of 237 high-functioning boys with ASD. The results clearly demonstrated
      that the global intelligence level was lower in children aged 8 years and older,
      when compared with 6- and 7-year-old children with ASD. This is mostly due to the
      Freedom From Distractibility factor, suggesting that older children were less
      able to sustain their attention, they were more distractible, or had more graph
      motor difficulties. Moreover, an effect of age was also found with respect to the
      relatively poor performance on the subtest Comprehension when compared with other
      verbal comprehension subtests, indicating that specifically the impairments in
      verbal comprehension and social reasoning abilities were more profound in older
      children when compared with 6- and 7-year-old children with ASD. Findings of this
      cross-sectional study showed that it is relevant to take age into account when
      evaluating the impact of cognitive impairments on intelligence in children with
      ASD, because the impact of these developmental disorders might be different at
      different ages.

PMID- 25132669
TI  - Is the modified disease activity score superior to the disease activity score in
      early arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? Comment on the article by Baker et al.

PMID- 25132667
TI  - Disease mechanisms in rheumatology--tools and pathways: defining functional
      genetic variants in autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 25132670
TI  - The use of dried blood spots for quantification of 15 antipsychotics and 7
      metabolites with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Therapeutic drug monitoring of antipsychotics is important in optimizing
      individual therapy. In psychiatric populations, classical venous blood sampling
      is experienced as frightening. Interest in alternative techniques, like dried
      blood spots (DBS), has consequently increased. A fast and easy to perform DBS
      method for quantification of 16 antipsychotics (amisulpride, aripiprazole,
      asenapine, bromperidol, clozapine, haloperidol, iloperidone, levosulpiride,
      lurasidone, olanzapine, paliperidone, pipamperone, quetiapine, risperidone,
      sertindole and zuclopenthixol) and 8 metabolites was developed. DBS were prepared
      using 25 MUL of whole blood and extraction of complete spots was performed using
      methanol: methyl-t-butyl-ether (4:1). After evaporation, the extract was
      reconstituted in the mobile phase and 10 MUL were injected on an ultra-high
      performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS).
      Separation using a C18 column and gradient elution with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min
      resulted in a 6-min run-time. Ionization was performed in positive mode and a
      dynamic MRM method was applied. Median recovery was 66.4 % (range 28.7-84.5%).
      Accuracy was within the acceptance criteria, except for pipamperone (LLOQ and low
      concentration) and lurasidone (low concentration). Imprecision was only aberrant
      for lurasidone at low and medium concentration. All compounds were stable during
      1 month at room temperature, 4  degrees C and -18  degrees C. Lurasidone was
      unstable when the extract was stored for 12 h on the autosampler. Absolute matrix
      effects (ME) (median 66.1%) were compensated by the use of deuterated IS (median
      98.8%). The DBS method was successfully applied on 25-MUL capillary DBS from
      patients and proved to be a reliable alternative for quantification of all
      antipsychotics except for olanzapine and N-desmethylolanzapine.

PMID- 25132671
TI  - Development of an autoimmune syndrome affecting the skin and internal organs in P
      selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 leukocyte receptor-deficient mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define and characterize the progression of the spontaneous
      autoimmune disease that develops in mice in the absence of the leukocyte adhesion
      receptor P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1). METHODS: Skin-resident immune
      cells from PSGL-1-deficient mice and C57BL/6 control mice of different ages were
      isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry. Biochemical parameters were analyzed in
      mouse serum and urine, and the presence of serum autoantibodies was investigated.
      Skin and internal organs were extracted, and their structure was analyzed
      histologically. RESULTS: Skin-resident innate and adaptive immune cells from PSGL
      1(-/-) mice had a proinflammatory phenotype with an imbalanced T effector
      cell:Treg cell ratio. Sera from PSGL-1(-/-) mice had circulating autoantibodies
      commonly detected in connective tissue-related human autoimmune diseases.
      Biochemical and histologic analysis of skin and internal organs revealed skin
      fibrosis and structural and functional abnormalities in the lungs and kidneys.
      Furthermore, PSGL-1(-/-) mice exhibited vascular alterations, showing loss of
      dermal vessels, small vessel medial layer remodeling in the lungs and kidneys,
      and ischemic processes in the kidney that promote renal infarcts. CONCLUSION: Our
      study demonstrates that immune system overactivation due to PSGL-1 deficiency
      triggers an autoimmune syndrome with characteristics similar to systemic
      sclerosis, including skin fibrosis, vascular alterations, and systemic organ
      involvement. These results suggest that PSGL-1 expression contributes to the
      maintenance of the homeostasis of the immune system and could act as a barrier
      for autoimmunity in mice.

PMID- 25132673
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24757132.

PMID- 25132674
TI  - Micro-scale blood particulate dynamics using a non-uniform rational B-spline
      based isogeometric analysis.
AB  - The current research presents a novel method in which blood particulates -
      biconcave red blood cells (RBCs) and spherical cells are modeled using
      isogeometric analysis, specifically Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) in 3
      D. The use of NURBS ensures that even with a coarse representation, the geometry
      of the blood particulates maintains an accurate description when subjected to
      large deformations. The fundamental advantage of this method is the coupling of
      the geometrical description and the stress analysis of the cell membrane into a
      single, unified framework. Details on the modeling approach, implementation of
      boundary conditions and the membrane mechanics analysis using isogeometric
      modeling are presented, along with validation cases for spherical and biconcave
      cells. Using NURBS - based isogeometric analysis, the behavior of individual
      cells in fluid flow is presented and analyzed in different flow regimes using as
      few as 176 elements for a spherical cell and 220 elements for a biconcave RBC.
      This work provides a framework for modeling a large number of 3-D deformable
      biological cells, each with its own geometric description and membrane
      properties. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first application
      of the NURBS - based isogeometric analysis to model and simulate blood
      particulates in flow in 3D.

PMID- 25132672
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum degradation-enhancing alpha-mannosidase-like protein 1
      targets misfolded HLA-B27 dimers for endoplasmic reticulum-associated
      degradation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: HLA-B27 forms misfolded heavy chain dimers, which may predispose
      individuals to inflammatory arthritis by inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
      stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR). This study was undertaken to
      define the role of the UPR-induced ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway in
      the disposal of HLA-B27 dimeric conformers. METHODS: HeLa cell lines expressing
      only 2 copies of a carboxy-terminally Sv5-tagged HLA-B27 were generated. The ER
      stress-induced protein ER degradation-enhancing alpha-mannosidase-like protein 1
      (EDEM1) was overexpressed by transfection, and dimer levels were monitored by
      immunoblotting. EDEM1, the UPR-associated transcription factor X-box binding
      protein 1 (XBP-1), the E3 ubiquitin ligase hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A
      reductase degradation 1 (HRD1), and the degradation-associated proteins derlin 1
      and derlin 2 were inhibited using either short hairpin RNA or dominant-negative
      mutants. The UPR-associated ERAD of HLA-B27 was confirmed using ER stress
      inducing pharamacologic agents in kinetic and pulse chase assays. RESULTS: We
      demonstrated that UPR-induced machinery can target HLA-B27 dimers and that dimer
      formation can be controlled by alterations to expression levels of components of
      the UPR-induced ERAD pathway. HLA-B27 dimers and misfolded major
      histocompatibility complex class I monomeric molecules bound to EDEM1 were
      detected, and overexpression of EDEM1 led to inhibition of HLA-B27 dimer
      formation. EDEM1 inhibition resulted in up-regulation of HLA-B27 dimers, while
      UPR-induced ERAD of dimers was prevented in the absence of EDEM1. HLA-B27 dimer
      formation was also enhanced in the absence of XBP-1, HRD1, and derlins 1 and 2.
      CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that the UPR ERAD pathway can dispose
      of HLA-B27 dimers, thus presenting a potential novel therapeutic target for
      modulation of HLA-B27-associated inflammatory disease.

PMID- 25132675
TI  - Fibromyalgia syndrome and small-fiber neuropathy: comment on the article by Caro
      and Winter.

PMID- 25132676
TI  - Impact of complex blast waves on the human head: a computational study.
AB  - Head injuries due to complex blasts are not well examined because of limited
      published articles on the subject. Previous studies have analyzed head injuries
      due to impact from a single planar blast wave. Complex or concomitant blasts
      refer to impacts usually caused by more than a single blast source, whereby the
      blast waves may impact the head simultaneously or consecutively, depending on the
      locations and distances of the blast sources from the subject, their blast
      intensities, the sequence of detonations, as well as the effect of blast wave
      reflections from rigid walls. It is expected that such scenarios will result in
      more serious head injuries as compared to impact from a single blast wave due to
      the larger effective duration of the blast. In this paper, the utilization of a
      head-helmet model for blast impact analyses in Abaqus(TM) (Dassault Systemes,
      Singapore) is demonstrated. The model is validated against studies published in
      the literature. Results show that the skull is capable of transmitting the blast
      impact to cause high intracranial pressures (ICPs). In addition, the pressure
      wave from a frontal blast may enter through the sides of the helmet and wrap
      around the head to result in a second impact at the rear. This study recommended
      better protection at the sides and rear of the helmet through the use of foam
      pads so as to reduce wave entry into the helmet. The consecutive frontal blasts
      scenario resulted in higher ICPs compared with impact from a single frontal
      blast. This implied that blast impingement from an immediate subsequent pressure
      wave would increase severity of brain injury. For the unhelmeted head case, a
      peak ICP of 330 kPa is registered at the parietal lobe which exceeds the 235 kPa
      threshold for serious head injuries. The concurrent front and side blasts
      scenario yielded lower ICPs and skull stresses than the consecutive frontal
      blasts case. It is also revealed that the additional side blast would only
      significantly affect ICPs at the temporal and parietal lobes when compared with
      results from the single frontal blast case. By analyzing the pressure wave flow
      surrounding the head and correlating them with the consequential evolution of ICP
      and skull stress, the paper provides insights into the interaction mechanics
      between the concomitant blast waves and the biological head model.

PMID- 25132677
TI  - Reply: To PMID 24719395.

PMID- 25132678
TI  - Chronic rhinosinusitis patients have decreased lung function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between upper and lower airway diseases has been
      reported. However, the pulmonary function of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
      (CRS) has not been fully examined. METHODS: Pulmonary function was measured in
      273 patients with CRS and 100 age-matched normal control subjects. No patients
      with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were included in this study.
      The patients with CRS were divided into 8 subgroups based on the presence of
      asthma, sensitization to common inhaled antigens, and nasal polyposis. The
      relationships between pulmonary function and clinical parameters, including
      radiographic severity of CRS according to the Lund-Mackay computed tomography
      (CT) staging system, eosinophil count in the peripheral blood, and serum total
      immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, were assessed. RESULTS: In pulmonary function
      testing, the CRS patients had affected pulmonary function. The CRS patients
      without asthma showed latent obstructive pulmonary function changes when compared
      to normal controls. No significant correlations were observed between pulmonary
      function and any clinical parameters (Lund-Mackay CT staging score, eosinophil
      count in the peripheral blood, and serum total IgE levels). CONCLUSION: CRS
      patients had significant obstructive lung function changes regardless of the
      presence of asthma. The patients with CRS who had not been clinically diagnosed
      as having lower respiratory tract diseases might have had subclinical lower
      airway diseases. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of pulmonary function and
      lower lung diseases in patients with CRS.

PMID- 25132679
TI  - Regulation of cytokine polarization and T cell recruitment to inflamed paws in
      mouse collagen-induced arthritis by the chemokine receptor CXCR6.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The chemokine receptor CXCR6 is highly expressed on lymphocytes
      isolated from the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic
      arthritis, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, suggesting that CXCR6 regulates
      immune cell activation or infiltration into arthritic joints. This study was
      undertaken to examine the role of CXCR6 in T cell activation and arthritis
      development. METHODS: A collagen-induced arthritis model was used to examine
      arthritis development in wild-type and CXCR6(-/-) mice. CXCR6 expression,
      lymphocyte accumulation, and intracellular cytokine production were examined by
      flow cytometry. Collagen-specific antibodies were measured in the serum. Collagen
      specific recall responses were examined in vitro via proliferation and cytokine
      release assays. T cell homing to inflamed joints was examined using competitive
      adoptive transfer of dye-labeled lymphocytes from wild-type and CXCR6(-/-) mice.
      RESULTS: The numbers of CXCR6+ T cells were increased in the paws and draining
      lymph nodes of arthritic mice. The incidence of arthritis, disease severity,
      extent of T cell accumulation, and levels of collagen-specific IgG2a antibodies
      were significantly reduced in CXCR6(-/-) mice compared to wild-type mice. T cells
      from wild-type mice exhibited Th1 (interferon-gamma [IFNgamma]) polarization in
      the inguinal lymph nodes following immunization. At disease peak, this shifted to
      a Th17 (interleukin-17A [IL-17A]) response in the popliteal lymph nodes. T cells
      in CXCR6(-/-) mice exhibited impaired cytokine polarization, resulting in a
      decreased frequency and number of IL-17A- and IFNgamma-producing cells.
      Recruitment of activated CXCR6(-/-) mouse T cells to the inflamed paws was
      impaired compared to recruitment of wild-type mouse T cells. CONCLUSION: These
      experiments demonstrate that CXCR6 plays important roles in the pathogenesis of
      arthritis through its effects on both T cell cytokine polarization and homing of
      T cells to inflamed joints.

PMID- 25132680
TI  - How does pharmacogenetic testing alter the treatment course and patient response
      for chronic-pain patients in comparison with the current "trial-and-error"
      standard of care?
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate if pharmacogenetic testing (PT) holds value for pain
      management practitioners by identifying the potential applications of
      pharmacogenetic research as well as applications in practice. DATA SOURCES: A
      review of the literature was conducted utilizing the databases EBSCOhost,
      Biomedical Reference Collection, CINAHL, Health Business: Full Text, Health
      Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and MEDLINE with the keywords, personalized
      medicine, cytochrome P450, and phamacogenetics. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic-pain
      patients present some of the most challenging patients to manage medically. Often
      paired with persistent, life-altering pain, they might also have oncologic and
      psychological comorbidities that can further complicate their management. One
      step in-office PT is now widely available to optimize management of complicated
      patients and affectively remove the "trial-and-error" process of medication
      therapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Practitioners must be familiar with the
      genetic determinants that affect a patient's response to medications in order to
      decrease preventable morbidity and mortality associated with drug-drug and
      patient-drug interactions, and to provide cost-effective care through avoidance
      of inappropriate medications. Improved pain managements will impove patient
      outcomes and satisfaction.

PMID- 25132682
TI  - Collaborative arrangements for Australian nurse practitioners: a policy analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: In Australia in 2010, nurse practitioners (NPs) were granted legislated
      access to the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
      (PBS) as providers. These schemes are the federal schemes for third-party
      reimbursement for health care and medications. As a condition of access to the
      schemes, it was determined that collaborative arrangements needed to be in place
      as part of eligibility criteria for NPs. This article is the first published
      policy analysis of this determination. DATA SOURCES: Published literature and
      available grey literature (including meeting minutes), and media content, was
      accessed and analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The policy that was the National Health
      Collaborative arrangements for Nurse Practitioners Determination to amend the
      Australian National Health Act 1953 was a success. The policy led to NP access as
      providers to the MBS and PBS in Australia. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:
      Understanding the policy process as it relates to the determination of the need
      for collaborative arrangements demystifies the process and origins of the policy
      for NPs in Australia. Understanding the determination means NPs in Australia will
      not artificially reduce scope of practice based on recommendations from the
      medical lobby. Clear research direction is provided that may inform the next
      policy cycle.

PMID- 25132681
TI  - Serum phytanic and pristanic acid levels and prostate cancer risk in Finnish
      smokers.
AB  - Phytanic acid is a saturated branched-chain fatty acid found predominantly in red
      meat and dairy products, and may contribute to the elevated risks of prostate
      cancer associated with higher consumption of these foods. Pristanic acid is
      formed during peroxisomal oxidation of phytanic acid, and is the direct substrate
      of alpha-Methyl-CoA-Racemase (AMACR)--an enzyme that is consistently
      overexpressed in prostate tumors relative to benign tissue. We measured phytanic
      and pristanic acids as percentages of total fatty acids by gas chromatography
      mass spectrometry in prediagnostic blood samples from 300 prostate cancer cases
      and 300 matched controls, all of whom were participants in the Alpha-Tocopherol,
      Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study supplementation trial and follow-up
      cohort. In addition to providing a fasting blood sample at baseline, all men
      completed extensive diet, lifestyle, and medical history questionnaires. Among
      controls, the strongest dietary correlates of serum phytanic and pristanic acids
      were saturated fat, dairy fat, and butter (r = 0.50 and 0.40, 0.46 and 0.38, and
      0.40 and 0.37, respectively; all P-values <0.001). There was no association
      between serum phytanic acid and risk of total or aggressive prostate cancer in
      multivariate logistic regression models (for increasing quartiles, odds ratios
      (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for aggressive cancer were 1.0 (referent),
      1.62 (0.97-2.68), 1.12 (0.66-1.90), and 1.14 (0.67-1.94), P(trend) = 0.87).
      Pristanic acid was strongly correlated with phytanic acid levels (r = 0.73, P <
      0.0001), and was similarly unrelated to prostate cancer risk. Significant
      interactions between phytanic and pristanic acids and baseline circulating beta
      carotene concentrations were noted in relation to total and aggressive disease
      among participants who did not receive beta-carotene supplements as part of the
      original ATBC intervention trial. In summary, we observed no overall association
      between serum phytanic and pristanic acid levels and prostate cancer risk.
      Findings indicating that the direction and magnitude of these associations
      depended upon serum levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene among men not taking
      beta-carotene supplements should be interpreted cautiously, as they are likely
      due to chance.

PMID- 25132684
TI  - Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of a posterior neck dedifferentiated
      liposarcoma with MDM2 fluorescence in situ hybridization performed on a Pap
      stained smear.
AB  - Head and neck liposarcomas, while rare, tend to be subcutaneous and well
      differentiated. Dedifferentiated liposarcomas of the head and neck are
      exceedingly rare in the literature. We present a case of a dedifferentiated
      liposarcoma arising in the soft tissue of the posterior neck of an 86-year-old
      man and diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration. Aspirate smears showed a dual
      population of atypical lipomatous and spindled cells. MDM2 (murine double minute
      2) amplification was demonstrated on a Pap-stained smear using fluorescence in
      situ hybridization (FISH). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report
      of MDM2 FISH amplification in a liposarcoma performed on an aspirate smear.

PMID- 25132683
TI  - Suppression of Aggrus/podoplanin-induced platelet aggregation and pulmonary
      metastasis by a single-chain antibody variable region fragment.
AB  - Almost all highly metastatic tumor cells possess high platelet aggregating
      abilities, thereby form large tumor cell-platelet aggregates in the
      microvasculature. Embolization of tumor cells in the microvasculature is
      considered to be the first step in metastasis to distant organs. We previously
      identified the platelet aggregation-inducing factor expressed on the surfaces of
      highly metastatic tumor cells and named as Aggrus. Aggrus was observed to be
      identical to the marker protein podoplanin (alternative names, T1alpha, OTS-8,
      and others). Aggrus is frequently overexpressed in several types of tumors and
      enhances platelet aggregation by interacting with the platelet receptor C-type
      lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2). Here, we generated a novel single-chain antibody
      variable region fragment (scFv) by linking the variable regions of heavy and
      light chains of the neutralizing anti-human Aggrus monoclonal antibody MS-1 with
      a flexible peptide linker. Unfortunately, the generated KM10 scFv failed to
      suppress Aggrus-induced platelet aggregation in vitro. Therefore, we performed
      phage display screening and finally obtained a high-affinity scFv, K-11. K-11
      scFv was able to suppress Aggrus-induced platelet aggregation in vitro. Moreover,
      K-11 scFv prevented the formation of pulmonary metastasis in vivo. These results
      suggest that K-11 scFv may be useful as metastasis inhibitory scFv and is
      expected to aid in the development of preclinical and clinical examinations of
      Aggrus-targeted cancer therapies. 

PMID- 25132685
TI  - Catalytic Activity of Ultrathin Pt Films on Aligned Carbon Nanotube Arrays.
AB  - Uniform ultrathin Pt films were electrodeposited onto an aligned array of carbon
      nanotubes (CNTs) for high-area chemically stable methanol fuel cell anodes.
      Electrochemical treatment of the graphitic CNT surfaces by diazoniumbenzoic acid
      allowed for uniform Pt electroplating. The mass activity of the Pt thin film can
      reach 400 A/g at a scan rate of 20 mV/s and in a solution of 1 M CH3OH/0.5 M
      H2SO4. A programmed pulse potential at 0V was also seen to nearly eliminate the
      effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. The mass activity of Pt for methanol
      oxidation can be maintained at 300 A/g for more than 3000 s, which is 19 times of
      that under a constant potential of 0.7 V (vs Ag/AgCl).

PMID- 25132686
TI  - The Role of Distal Variables in Behavior Change: Effects of Adolescents' Risk for
      Marijuana Use on Intention to Use Marijuana.
AB  - This study uses an integrative model of behavioral prediction as an account of
      adolescents' intention to use marijuana regularly. Adolescents' risk for using
      marijuana regularly is examined to test the theoretical assumption that distal
      variables affect intention indirectly. Risk affects intention indirectly if low
      risk and high-risk adolescents differ on the strength with which beliefs about
      marijuana are held, or if they differ on the relative importance of predictors of
      intention. A model test confirmed that the effect of risk on intention is
      primarily indirect. Adolescents at low and high risk particularly differed in
      beliefs concerning social costs and costs to self-esteem. Not surprisingly, at
      risk adolescents took a far more positive stand toward using marijuana regularly
      than did low-risk adolescents. On a practical level, the integrative model proved
      to be an effective tool for predicting intention to use marijuana, identifying
      key variables for interventions, and discriminating between target populations in
      terms of determinants of marijuana use.

PMID- 25132687
TI  - Dual Studies on a Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange of Resorcinol and the Subsequent
      Kinetic Isotope Effect.
AB  - An efficient laboratory experiment has been developed for undergraduate students
      to conduct hydrogen-deuterium (H-D) exchange of resorcinol by electrophilic
      aromatic substitution using D2O and a catalytic amount of H2SO4. The resulting
      labeled product is characterized by 1H NMR. Students also visualize a significant
      kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD ~ 3 to 4) by adding iodine tincture to solutions of
      unlabeled resorcinol and the H-D exchange product. This method is highly
      adaptable to fit a target audience and has been successfully implemented in a
      pedagogical capacity with second-year introductory organic chemistry students as
      part of their laboratory curriculum. It was also adapted for students at the
      advanced high school level.

PMID- 25132688
TI  - Modeling Oral Reading Fluency Development in Latino Students: A Longitudinal
      Study Across Second and Third Grade.
AB  - This study examines growth in oral reading fluency across 2nd and 3rd grade for
      Latino students grouped in 3 English proficiency levels: students receiving
      English as a second language (ESL) services (n = 2,182), students exited from ESL
      services (n = 965), and students never designated as needing services (n =
      1,857). An important focus was to learn whether, within these 3 groups,
      proficiency levels and growth were reliably related to special education status.
      Using hierarchical linear modeling, the authors compared proficiency levels and
      growth in oral reading fluency in English between and within groups and then to
      state reading benchmarks. Findings indicate that oral reading fluency scores
      reliably distinguished between students with learning disabilities and typically
      developing students within each group (effect sizes ranging from 0.96 to 1.51).
      The growth trajectory included a significant quadratic trend (generally slowing
      over time). These findings support the effectiveness of using oral reading
      fluency in English to screen and monitor reading progress under Response to
      Intervention models, but also suggest caution in interpreting oral reading
      fluency data as part of the process in identifying students with learning
      disabilities.

PMID- 25132689
TI  - Canalization of body size matters for lifetime reproductive success of male
      predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae).
AB  - The adaptive canalization hypothesis predicts that highly fitness-relevant traits
      are canalized via past selection, resulting in low phenotypic plasticity and high
      robustness to environmental stress. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the level
      of phenotypic plasticity of male body size of the predatory mites Phytoseiulus
      persimilis (low plasticity) and Neoseiulus californicus (high plasticity)
      reflects the effects of body size variation on fitness, especially male lifetime
      reproductive success (LRS). We first generated small and standard-sized males of
      P. persimilis and N. californicus by rearing them to adulthood under limited and
      ample prey supply, respectively. Then, adult small and standard-sized males were
      provided with surplus virgin females throughout life to assess their mating and
      reproductive traits. Small male body size did not affect male longevity or the
      number of fertilized females but reduced male LRS of P. persimilis but not N.
      californicus. Proximately, the lower LRS of small than standard-sized P.
      persimilis males correlated with shorter mating durations, probably decreasing
      the amount of transferred sperm. Ultimately, we suggest that male body size is
      more strongly canalized in P. persimilis than N. californicus because deviation
      from standard body size has larger detrimental fitness effects in P. persimilis
      than N. californicus.

PMID- 25132690
TI  - Variable Selection in Generalized Functional Linear Models.
AB  - Modern research data, where a large number of functional predictors is collected
      on few subjects are becoming increasingly common. In this paper we propose a
      variable selection technique, when the predictors are functional and the response
      is scalar. Our approach is based on adopting a generalized functional linear
      model framework and using a penalized likelihood method that simultaneously
      controls the sparsity of the model and the smoothness of the corresponding
      coefficient functions by adequate penalization. The methodology is characterized
      by high predictive accuracy, and yields interpretable models, while retaining
      computational efficiency. The proposed method is investigated numerically in
      finite samples, and applied to a diffusion tensor imaging tractography data set
      and a chemometric data set.

PMID- 25132691
TI  - Multidimensional Screening and Methodology Development for Condensations
      Involving Complex 1,2-Diketones.
AB  - Multidimensional reaction screening employing complex 1,2-cycloheptanediones is
      described. The studies have enabled the discovery of regioselective, Lewis acid
      mediated condensations with substituted ureas and a diastereoselective
      hydrogenation process which proceeds via an interesting allylpalladium hydride
      isomerization.

PMID- 25132692
TI  - Alkylphenols in Surface Sediments of the Gulf of Gdansk (Baltic Sea).
AB  - The widespread use of alkylphenols in European industry has led to their presence
      in the environment and the living organisms of the Baltic Sea. The present study
      (2011-2012) was designed to determine the concentrations of alkylphenols, 4
      nonylphenol (NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), in surface sediments of the Gulf of
      Gdansk, a section of the Baltic that lies in close proximity to industrial and
      agricultural areas and borders with an agglomeration of nearly one million
      inhabitants. It is also where the Vistula, the largest Polish river, ends its
      course. In spring, large concentrations of 4-nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol
      were washed off into the coastal zone with meltwater. In summertime, sediments
      near the beach had the highest alkylphenol concentrations (NP-2.31 ng g-1 dw, OP
      13.09 ng g-1 dw), which was related to tourism and recreational activity. In silt
      sediments located off the coast, the highest NP (1.46 ng g-1 dw) and OP (6.56 ng
      g-1 dw) amounts were observed in autumn. The origin of OP and NP at those test
      stations was linked to atmospheric transport of black carbon along with adsorbed
      alkylphenols.

PMID- 25132693
TI  - Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 Exopolysaccharide as a Flocculant Improving
      Chromium(III) Oxide Removal from Aqueous Solutions.
AB  - Chromium(III) oxide is an amphoteric, dark green solid. This most stable dye is
      widely used in construction and ceramic industries as well as in painting. In
      this study, the attempt is made to determine flocculating properties of
      exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesized by the bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021,
      which would increase the efficiency of chromium(III) oxide removal from sewages
      and wastewaters. The conditions under which EPS is the most effective
      destabilizing component of chromium(III) oxide suspension have been determined
      too. In order to characterize the structure of electric double layer formed at
      the solid/supporting electrolyte (EPS) solution interface, electrokinetic
      potential measurements and potentiometric titration were performed. The EPS
      amount adsorbed on the chromium(III) oxide surface as a solution pH function was
      also measured. Moreover, the stability of Cr2O3 suspension in the absence and
      presence of S. meliloti 1021 EPS was estimated. The pooled analysis of all
      obtained results showed that EPS causes chromium(III) oxide suspension
      destabilization in the whole examined pH range. The largest change in the system
      stability before and after the polymer addition was observed at pH 9. It is
      probable that under these conditions bridging flocculation occurs in the examined
      system.

PMID- 25132694
TI  - Coexistence of Legionella pneumophila Bacteria and Free-Living Amoebae in Lakes
      Serving as a Cooling System of a Power Plant.
AB  - The study was aimed at determining whether potentially pathogenic free-living
      amoebae (FLA) and Legionella pneumophila can be found in lakes serving as a
      natural cooling system of a power plant. Water samples were collected from five
      lakes forming the cooling system of the power plants Patnow and Konin (Poland).
      The numbers of investigated organisms were determined with the use of a very
      sensitive molecular method-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The result
      of the present study shows that thermally altered aquatic environments provide
      perfect conditions for the growth of L. pneumophila and amoebae. The bacteria
      were identified in the biofilm throughout the entire research period and in the
      subsurface water layer in July and August. Hartmanella sp. and/or Naegleria
      fowleri were identified in the biofilm throughout the entire research period.

PMID- 25132695
TI  - A Cognitive-Social Model of Fertility Intentions.
AB  - We examine the use and value of fertility intentions against the backdrop of
      theory and research in the cognitive and social sciences. First, we draw on
      recent brain and cognition research to contextualize fertility intentions within
      a broader set of conscious and unconscious mechanisms that contribute to mental
      function. Next, we integrate this research with social theory. Our
      conceptualizations suggest that people do not necessarily have fertility
      intentions; they form them only when prompted by specific situations. Intention
      formation draws on the current situation and on schemas of childbearing and
      parenthood learned through previous experience, imbued by affect, and organized
      by self-representation. Using this conceptualization, we review apparently
      discordant knowledge about the value of fertility intentions in predicting
      fertility. Our analysis extends and deepens existing explanations for the weak
      predictive validity of fertility intentions at the individual level and provides
      a social-cognitive explanation for why intentions predict as well as they do.
      When focusing on the predictive power of intentions at the aggregate level, our
      conceptualizations lead us to focus on how social structures frustrate or
      facilitate intentions and how the structural environment contributes to the
      formation of reported intentions in the first place. Our analysis suggests that
      existing measures of fertility intentions are useful but to varying extents and
      in many cases despite their failure to capture what they seek to measure.

PMID- 25132696
TI  - The Impact of School Connectedness and Teacher Support on Depressive Symptoms in
      Adolescents: A Multilevel Analysis.
AB  - Using data from Waves I and II of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent
      Health (Add Health), this study examined the association between school
      connectedness and teacher support and depressive symptoms in a weighted sample of
      11,852 adolescents from 132 schools. To account for the nested data, multilevel
      regression was utilized. The results indicated higher school connectedness and
      getting along with teachers were significantly associated with fewer depressive
      symptoms. Findings offer implications for school social work practice and future
      research. Suggestions for future research are described and strategies to enhance
      school connectedness and teacher support are discussed.

PMID- 25132697
TI  - Complex Inequality: A Contextual Parenting Framework for Latino Infants.

PMID- 25132698
TI  - Are there meaningful individual differences in temporal inconsistency in self
      reported personality?
AB  - The current project had three goals. The first was to examine whether it is
      meaningful to refer to across-time variability in self-reported personality as an
      individual differences characteristic. The second was to investigate whether
      negative affect was associated with variability in self-reported personality,
      while controlling for mean levels, and correcting for measurement errors. The
      third goal was to examine whether variability in self-reported personality would
      be larger among young adults than among older adults, and whether the relation of
      variability with negative affect would be stronger at older ages than at younger
      ages. Two moderately large samples of participants completed the International
      Item Pool Personality questionnaire assessing the Big Five personality dimensions
      either twice or thrice, in addition to several measures of negative affect.
      Results were consistent with the hypothesis that within-person variability in
      self-reported personality is a meaningful individual difference characteristic.
      Some people exhibited greater across-time variability than others after removing
      measurement error, and people who showed temporal instability in one trait also
      exhibited temporal instability across the other four traits. However, temporal
      variability was not related to negative affect, and there was no evidence that
      either temporal variability or its association with negative affect varied with
      age.

PMID- 25132700
TI  - Using satellite remote sensing and household survey data to assess human health
      and nutrition response to environmental change.
AB  - Climate change and degradation of ecosystem services functioning may threaten the
      ability of current agricultural systems to keep up with demand for adequate and
      inexpensive food and for clean water, waste disposal and other broader ecosystem
      services. Human health is likely to be affected by changes occurring across
      multiple geographic and time scales. Impacts range from increasing
      transmissibility and the range of vectorborne diseases, such as malaria and
      yellow fever, to undermining nutrition through deleterious impacts on food
      production and concomitant increases in food prices. This paper uses case studies
      to describe methods that make use of satellite remote sensing and Demographic and
      Health Survey data to better understand individual-level human health and
      nutrition outcomes. By bringing these diverse datasets together, the connection
      between environmental change and human health outcomes can be described through
      new research and analysis.

PMID- 25132699
TI  - Collaborative Mother-Toddler Communication and Theory of Mind Development at Age
      4.
AB  - Focusing on social pragmatics, this longitudinal study investigated the
      contribution of mother-toddler collaborative communication to theory of mind
      (ToM) development at age 4. At age 21/2, 78 toddlers' (42 boys) and their mothers
      were observed during pretend play. At age 4, children were tested using 4 false
      belief understanding tasks. Both mothers and toddlers engaged in more
      collaborative (inform, guide/request, and support/confirm) than non-collaborative
      communication acts. Other-focused collaborative acts of support/confirm by
      mothers and toddlers predicted children's false belief understanding, even after
      controlling for 5 covariates. In addition, as active agents in their own ToM
      development, the contribution of toddlers' collaborative acts to false belief
      understanding was independent of their mothers. Finally, the way toddlers and
      their mothers co-constructing their communication mattered. Only when toddlers
      engaged in high levels of collaborative acts, the mothers' high levels of
      collaborative acts demonstrated a positive effect on children's ToM development.
      The applied implications of these findings were discussed.

PMID- 25132701
TI  - Empirical research on international environmental migration: a systematic review.
AB  - This paper presents the findings of a systematic review of scholarly publications
      that report empirical findings from studies of environmentally-related
      international migration. There exists a small, but growing accumulation of
      empirical studies that consider environmentally-linked migration that spans
      international borders. These studies provide useful evidence for scholars and
      policymakers in understanding how environmental factors interact with political,
      economic and social factors to influence migration behavior and outcomes that are
      specific to international movements of people, in highlighting promising future
      research directions, and in raising important considerations for international
      policymaking. Our review identifies countries of migrant origin and destination
      that have so far been the subject of empirical research, the environmental
      factors believed to have influenced these migrations, the interactions of
      environmental and non-environmental factors as well as the role of context in
      influencing migration behavior, and the types of methods used by researchers. In
      reporting our findings, we identify the strengths and challenges associated with
      the main empirical approaches, highlight significant gaps and future
      opportunities for empirical work, and contribute to advancing understanding of
      environmental influences on international migration more generally. Specifically,
      we propose an exploratory framework to take into account the role of context in
      shaping environmental migration across borders, including the dynamic and complex
      interactions between environmental and non-environmental factors at a range of
      scales.

PMID- 25132702
TI  - Reassessing the Effects of Early Adolescent Alcohol Use on Later Antisocial
      Behavior: A Longitudinal Study of Students in Victoria, Australia and Washington
      State, United States.
AB  - The effect of early adolescent alcohol use on antisocial behavior was examined at
      one- and two-year follow-up in Washington, United States and Victoria, Australia.
      Each state used the same methods to survey statewide representative samples of
      students (N = 1,858, 52% female) in 2002 (Grade 7 [G7]), 2003 (Grade 8 [G8]), and
      2004 (Grade 9 [G9]). Rates of lifetime, current, frequent, and heavy episodic
      alcohol use were higher in Victoria than Washington State, whereas rates of five
      antisocial behaviors were generally comparable across states. After controlling
      for established risk factors, few associations between alcohol use and antisocial
      behavior remained, except that G7 current use predicted G8 police arrests and
      stealing and G9 carrying a weapon and stealing; G7 heavy episodic use predicted
      G8 and G9 police arrests; and G7 lifetime use predicted G9 carrying a weapon.
      Hence, risk factors other than alcohol were stronger predictors of antisocial
      behaviors.

PMID- 25132704
TI  - Marine actinomycete Streptomyces sp. ISP2-49E, a new source of Rhamnolipid.

PMID- 25132703
TI  - Comparison of different blood collection, sample matrix, and immunoassay methods
      in a prenatal screening setting.
AB  - We compared how measurements of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A)
      and the free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (fbeta-hCG) in maternal
      blood are influenced by different methods for blood collection, sample matrix,
      and immunoassay platform. Serum and dried blood spots (DBS) were obtained by
      venipuncture and by finger prick of 19 pregnant women. PAPP-A and fbeta-hCG from
      serum and from DBS were measured by conventional indirect immunoassay on an
      AutoDELFIA platform and by antibody microarray. We compared methods based on the
      recoveries for both markers as well as marker levels correlations across samples.
      All method comparisons showed high correlations for both marker concentrations.
      Recovery levels of PAPP-A from DBS were 30% lower, while those of fbeta-hCG from
      DBS were 50% higher compared to conventional venipuncture serum. The recoveries
      were not affected by blood collection or immunoassay method. The high correlation
      coefficients for both markers indicate that DBS from finger prick can be used
      reliably in a prenatal screening setting, as a less costly and minimally invasive
      alternative for venipuncture serum, with great logistical advantages.
      Additionally, the use of antibody arrays will allow for extending the number of
      first trimester screening markers on maternal and fetal health. 

PMID- 25132705
TI  - Effect of initial conditions on reproducibility of scientific research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is estimated that about half of currently published research
      cannot be reproduced. Many reasons have been offered as explanations for failure
      to reproduce scientific research findings- from fraud to the issues related to
      design, conduct, analysis, or publishing scientific research. We also postulate a
      sensitive dependency on initial conditions by which small changes can result in
      the large differences in the research findings when attempted to be reproduced at
      later times. METHODS: We employed a simple logistic regression equation to model
      the effect of covariates on the initial study findings. We then fed the input
      from the logistic equation into a logistic map function to model stability of the
      results in repeated experiments over time. We illustrate the approach by modeling
      effects of different factors on the choice of correct treatment. RESULTS: We
      found that reproducibility of the study findings depended both on the initial
      values of all independent variables and the rate of change in the baseline
      conditions, the latter being more important. When the changes in the baseline
      conditions vary by about 3.5 to about 4 in between experiments, no research
      findings could be reproduced. However, when the rate of change between the
      experiments is <=2.5 the results become highly predictable between the
      experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Many results cannot be reproduced because of the
      changes in the initial conditions between the experiments. Better control of the
      baseline conditions in-between the experiments may help improve reproducibility
      of scientific findings.

PMID- 25132706
TI  - Sensitivity of EUS and ERCP Endoscopic Procedures in the Detection of Pancreatic
      Cancer During Preoperative Staging Correlated with CT and CT Angiography Imaging
      Methods.
AB  - THE GOAL: The goal of this work was to give advantage to EUS as endoscopic method
      in diagnosis and following therapeutic treatment of pancreatic cancer in relation
      to radiological methods of CT and CTA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included
      49 patients, 20 women and 29 men hospitalized at the Clinic for
      gastroenterohepatology, due to suspicion on pancreatic cancer during observed 2
      years period. All cancers were histologically and cytologically confirmed. The
      patients underwent ERCP as a mandatory part of staging and all patients underwent
      endoscopic ultrasound as well as CT or CT angiography. RESULTS: Testing of
      differences was carried out using Fisher's exact test in open-source software R.
      The following characteristics were tested: involvement of the blood vessels,
      lymph nodes, metastases, tumor size and duodenum infiltration. Results showed
      statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level for EUS, CT and CT
      angiography. Risk ratio showed that EUS is less effective in detecting
      infiltration of blood vessels within a malignant process then CTA where RR=0.52,
      CI 0.2-1.38, p-value=0.33. EUS and CTA are equal in the diagnosis of enlarged
      lymph nodes affected by malignancy where RR=1.3, CI 0.75-1.42, p-value=0.09.
      Comparison according to distant metastases showed that EUS is less effective
      compared to CT in approximately 30% of cases. In the diagnosis of duodenal
      infiltration EUS is in 5% of cases less accurate than the CT with the RR=0.95, CI
      0.27-3.32, p-value=0.76, but the CTA method is more efficient because the
      comparison of EUS and CTA showed RR=12.52, CI 0.2-1.38, p-value=0.33. EUS as a
      diagnostic method is dominant in determining the size of malignant lesions
      located in the pancreas as compared to CT and CTA. CONCLUSION: EUS as endoscopic
      method compared to CT and CTA is one of the more invasive methods of examination
      but due to its ability to be performed immediately, to locate a changes smaller
      than 5 mm and the target biopsy option, to measure the change and that in many
      cases determine the relationship of malignant lesions with blood vessels, along
      with visualization of the surrounding lymph nodes and metastases in neighboring
      organs, we may give this method an advantage over other methods in the
      preoperative staging of patients with pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 25132707
TI  - Colonoscopy as a method of choice in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological characteristics of colorectal cancer indicate that
      in the U.S. colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from
      malignancy, just behind lung cancer. In the 2000 there were approximately 130,200
      new cases, of which 56,300 had lethal outcome. In the past 15 years, the
      incidence and mortality rate has been declining, especially in women. Colorectal
      cancer is mainly found in people older than 50 years. Carcinoembryonic antigen
      (CEA) is insufficiently specific for the early detection of the disease. Its
      normal value is less than 5 g/L in the serum. Elevated levels of CEA after
      surgery indicate a lack of radical surgery, residual neoplasm, hidden distant
      metastases or recurrent disease. Unfortunately, only 10-15% of patients with
      recurrent disease can be successfully re-operated (isolated metastases in the
      liver or lungs). Colorectal cancer is predominantly adenocarcinoma, the tumor has
      relatively slow growth. While symptoms occur relatively early, distant metastases
      have relatively late appearance. GOALS: The goals of this study were to remind
      the fundamental facts about the nature of this disease, to stress the importance
      of early detection of BC-screening programs, to draw attention to contemporary
      attitudes in the field of diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer, and to
      show the experience in the treatment of this disease at the Surgical Departments
      of the General Hospital in Konjic. RESULTS: In the period from 2008-2012 years,
      at the Surgical Department of the General Hospital in Konjic surgically treated
      are 34 patients who had colorectal malignancy. There were 21 (65 %) male and 13
      females (35%). All patients belonged to the age group of 50-75 years. Only five
      patients or 15 % prior to admission to the hospital had been diagnosed with a
      malignant process. All others, or 85% of the total sample, were admitted to the
      hospital as emergency cases (erosive gastritis), and after, shorter preparation
      underwent surgery. Only five (15%) of patients were admitted electively, already
      diagnosed with colorectal tumors by colonoscopy. Total number of lethal outcomes
      at the department was 8 (24%). Three patients died due to cardio-respiratory
      failure and MOF, and 5 patients due to anastomotic failure and septic shock.
      CONCLUSION: In conclusion we can say that in our institution it is necessary to
      obtain the proper equipment (colonoscope) and educate personnel, so we can
      introduce colonoscopy as the mandatory screening method of examination,
      particularly for vulnerable groups.

PMID- 25132708
TI  - Endoscopic management of vesicoureteral reflux in children in kosova.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children has been treated with
      subureteric deflux injection of Deflux (dextranomer hyaluronic acid copolymer)
      since 2009. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of endoscopic
      treatment of VUR in our clinic. METHODS: Between March 2009 and December 2013,
      fifty-five children underwent endoscopic subureteral injection of Deflux in 78
      ureters. Two months postoperatively voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) was
      performed. This study examined the disappearance of VUR and urinary tract
      infection (UTI) as well as the quality of life during long-term follow-up.
      RESULTS: The study included 55 patients (40 females and 15 males) with 78
      refluxing ureters. There were 22 refluxed ureters altogether and 33 children had
      a unilateral reflux (two duplicated systems). All patients were treated, from the
      age 6 months up to 12 years old. The mean age of patients was 5.2 years. There
      has been no complications, but with few recurrences. In 6 patients (16.6%),
      endoscopic treatment with deflux was done twice, while in three patients (8.5%),
      the endoscopic treatment with deflux was performed three times, because of
      recurrence. CONCLUSION: We recommend the use of endoscopic Deflux injection as
      first line treatment for children with VUR. Endoscopic subureteral injection of
      Deflux is a minimally invasive method for VUR treatment in pediatric patients and
      is associated with low morbidity.

PMID- 25132709
TI  - Potential Role of Lung Ventilation Scintigraphy in the Assessment of COPD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To highlight the importance of the lung ventilation scintigraphy (LVS)
      to study the regional distribution of lung ventilation and to describe most
      frequent abnormal patterns of lung ventilation distribution obtained by this
      technique in COPD and to compare the information obtained by LVS with the that
      obtained by traditional lung function tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research
      was done in 20 patients with previously diagnosed COPD who were treated in
      Intensive care unit of Clinic for pulmonary diseases and TB "Podhrastovi"
      Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo in exacerbation of COPD during first
      three months of 2014. Each patient was undergone to testing of pulmonary function
      by body plethysmography and ventilation/perfusion lung scintigraphy with radio
      pharmaceutics Technegas, 111 MBq Tc -99m-MAA. We compared the results obtained by
      these two methods. RESULTS: All patients with COPD have a damaged lung function
      tests examined by body plethysmography implying airflow obstruction, but LVS
      indicates not only airflow obstruction and reduced ventilation, but also
      indicates the disorders in distribution in lung ventilation. CONCLUSION: LVS may
      add further information to the functional evaluation of COPD to that provided by
      traditional lung function tests and may contribute to characterizing the
      different phenotypes of COPD.

PMID- 25132710
TI  - Importance of Alpha-adrenergic Receptor Subtypes in Regulating of Airways Tonus
      at Patients with Bronchial Asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this work, effect of Tamsulosin hydrochloride as antagonist of
      alpha1A and alpha1B- adrenergic receptor and effect of Salbutamol as agonist of
      beta2- adrenergic receptor in patients with bronchial asthma and increased
      bronchial reactibility was studied. METHODS: Parameters of the lung function are
      determined by Body plethysmography. Raw and ITGV were registered and specific
      resistance (SRaw) was also calculated. Tamsulosin was administered in per os way
      as a preparation in the form of the capsules with a brand name of "Prolosin",
      producer: Niche Generics Limited, Hitchin, Herts. RESULTS: Results gained from
      this research show that blockage of alpha1A and alpha1B- adrenergic receptor with
      Tamsulosin hydrochloride (0.4 mg and 0.8 mg in per os way) has not changed
      significantly (p > 0.1) the bronchomotor tonus of tracheobronchial tree in
      comparison to the inhalation of Salbutamol as agonist of beta2- adrenergic
      receptor (2 inh. x 0.2 mg), (p < 0.05). Arterial blood pressure showed no
      significant decrease following the administration of the dose of 0.8 mg
      Tamsulosin. CONCLUSION: This suggests that the activity of alpha1A and alpha1B-
      adrenergic receptor in the smooth musculature is not a primary mechanism which
      causes reaction in patients with increased bronchial reactibility, in comparison
      to agonists of beta2 - adrenergic receptor which emphasizes their significant
      action in the reduction of specific resistance of airways.

PMID- 25132711
TI  - A Survey on the Users' Satisfaction with the Hospital Information Systems (HISs)
      based on DeLone and McLean's Model in the Medical-Teaching Hospitals in Isfahan
      City.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The user's satisfaction with information system in fact
      denotes the extent the user is satisfied with the system's achievement in
      fulfilling his/her information requirements. This study tries to explore the
      users' satisfaction with hospital information systems (HISs) based on DeLone and
      McLean's model focusing on the medical-teaching hospitals of Isfahan city.
      METHODOLOGY: This study which was applied and descriptive-analytical in nature
      was carried out in the medical-teaching hospitals of Isfahan city in 2009.
      Research population consisted of the system users from which a sample was
      selected using random sampling method. The size of the sample was 228. Data
      collection instrument was a self-developed questionnaire produced based on the
      satisfaction criterion in the DeLone and McLean's model. Its content validity was
      assessed based on the opinions given by the computer sciences professionals with
      its estimated Cronbach's alpha found to be 92.2%. The data were analyzed using
      SPSS software. FINDINGS: As the findings of the study showed, the differences
      among the mean scores obtained for the satisfaction with different kinds of HISs
      in use in the hospitals were statistically significant (p value<=0.05).
      Generally, Kowsar System (old version) and Pouya Samaneh Diva system gained the
      highest and lowest mean scores for the criterion in question, respectively. The
      overall mean score for the satisfaction was 54.6% for different types of systems
      and 55.6% among the hospitals. CONCLUSION: Given the findings of the study, it
      can be argued that based on the used model, the level of users' satisfaction with
      the systems in question was relatively good. However, to achieve the total
      optimum condition, when designing the system, the factors affecting the
      enhancement of the users' satisfaction and the type of hospital activity and
      specialty must be given special consideration.

PMID- 25132712
TI  - Quality assessment of persian mental disorders websites using the webmedqual
      scale.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, anyone with any level of Internet knowledge can act as
      producer and distributor of information. It differs from most traditional media
      of information transmission, lack of information control and lack of quality
      management to contents. This leads to quality of health information on the
      internet is doubtful. The object of this study is guidance patients to select
      valid mental disorders and determine the quality of Persian mental disorders
      websites. METHODS: The sample of this study comprised 29 Persian mental disorders
      websites that were chosen by searching the Google, Yahoo and AltaVista search
      engines for the Persian equivalents of the three concepts "depression,"
      "anxiety," and "obsession". website was created by individuals or organizations.
      Data collection was performed with the WebMedQual checklist. Websites was
      assessed based on indicators as content, authority of source, design,
      accessibility and availability, links, user support, and confidentiality and
      privacy (Maximum score for any website was 83, mean score 41.5 and minimum score
      was 0). Collected data analyzed by one sample T- test in SPSS 20. Findings
      presented by Mean score and optimal score. RESULTS: Based on the WebMedQual scale
      the mean score of Persian mental disorders websites in sex constructs including
      "content" (7.02+/-2.10), "authority of source" (4.71+/-1.96),"accessibility and
      availability" (2.19+/-0.47), "links" (1.45+/-0.97), "user support" (4.28+/-1.33),
      and"confidentiality and privacy" (2.81+/-2.81) are poor and below average, but
      the score for the "design" (9.17+/- 1.59) is above average. The best website of
      mental disorders was that of the "IranianPsychological Association". CONCLUSIONS:
      According to the results, only one website obtained the average score, so the
      quality of Persian mental disorders websites is low. Therefore, it is essential
      for users to criticize websites' content and not trust them before evaluating
      them. It is better to use the ranked list websites or search on the internet by
      help information experts.

PMID- 25132713
TI  - Medical universities educational and research online services: benchmarking
      universities' website towards e-government.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Websites as one of the initial steps towards an e-government adoption
      do facilitate delivery of online and customer-oriented services. In this study we
      intended to investigate the role of the websites of medical universities in
      providing educational and research services following the E-government maturity
      model in the Iranian universities. METHODS: This descriptive and cross- sectional
      study was conducted through content analysis and benchmarking the websites in
      2012. The research population included the entire medical university website
      (37). Delivery of educational and research services through these university
      websites including information, interaction, transaction, and Integration were
      investigated using a checklist. The data were then analyzed by means of
      descriptive statistics and using SPSS software. RESULTS: Level of educational and
      research services by websites of the medical universities type I and II was
      evaluated medium as 1.99 and 1.89, respectively. All the universities gained a
      mean score of 1 out of 3 in terms of integration of educational and research
      services. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study indicated that Iranian universities
      have passed information and interaction stages, but they have not made much
      progress in transaction and integration stages. Failure to adapt to e-government
      in Iranian medical universities in which limiting factors such as users' e
      literacy, access to the internet and ICT infrastructure are not so crucial as in
      other organizations, suggest that e-government realization goes beyond technical
      challenges.

PMID- 25132714
TI  - Scientific production of Sports Science in Iran: A Scientometric Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical education and sports science is one of the branches of
      humanities. The purpose of this study is determining the quantitative and
      qualitative rate of progress in scientific Production of Iran's researcher in Web
      of Science. METHODS: Research Methods is Scientometric survey and Statistical
      Society Includes 233 Documents From 1993 to 2012 are indexed in ISI. RESULTS:
      Results showed that the time of this study, Iranian researchers' published 233
      documents in this base during this period of time which has been cited 1106(4.76
      times on average). The H- index has also been 17. Iran's most scientific
      productions in sports science realm was indexed in 2010 with 57 documents and the
      least in 2000. CONCLUSIONS: By considering the numbers of citations and the
      obtained H- index, it can be said that the quality of Iranian's articles is
      rather acceptable but in comparison to prestigious universities and large number
      of professors and university students in this field, the quantity of outputted
      articles is very low.

PMID- 25132715
TI  - Contribution of Indian pediatric dentists to scientific literature during 2002
      2012: a bibliometric analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bibliometric analysis of publications is necessary to enable
      clinicians to make evidence based sound clinical decisions. It will also help
      policy makers & institutions to frame their decisions and policies so as to
      improve the quality of dental research in India. AIM: The purpose of this study
      is to identify publication output as well as descriptively and quantitatively
      characterize the contribution of Indian pediatric dentists to scientific
      literature through publication trend analysis from 2002 to 2012. SETTINGS AND
      DESIGN: Cross sectional analytical study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A bibliometric
      analysis of publications by Indian pediatric dentists during 2002 to 2012 was
      performed on data collected from PubMed - MEDLINE database. Only the first
      author's affiliations were considered and the publications were categorized
      according to the following variables: year of publication, number of authors,
      state of origin, type of article, reach of journal and country of publication.
      RESULTS: There were 817 articles by Indian pediatric dentists during the study
      period. Of all the articles 399 (48.8%) were original research, 377(46.1%) were
      case reports and 41 (5.0%) were reviews. The inter-annual variation between the
      reach, country of publication of the journal and type of articles is presented.
      The growth trend analysis was performed and predictions are presented.
      CONCLUSION: There has been an increase in the number of publications by Indian
      pediatric dentists and most of the published work comprises of original research.
      The potential use of this data is discussed.

PMID- 25132716
TI  - Changes in the Muscle Strength of the Elbow Flexors Following a Six-week
      Experimental Procedure in Adolescents Monitored Through Isokinetic and Motor
      Tests.
AB  - A group of 7 subjects underwent an experimental procedure which studied the
      potential changes in the maximal strength of the non-dominant arm elbow flexors.
      The programme duration was limited to 6 weeks during which the subjects practiced
      exercises 3 times a week, 3 series, on a Scott bench. Individual approach was
      applied to the external load and it was designed so that the weight being lifted
      would increase if the number of lifts in one series would exceed 3. The subjects
      were monitored through the one-repetition maximum 1 RM motor test and the
      isokinetic tests performed on biodex system, tested in 3 time periods (at the
      beginning, after 3 weeks, and after the 6th week). Of the 6 isokinetic tests,
      only the test for the maximum torque and the time for achieving the maximum
      torque have shown statistically important changes in terms of reduction in
      values, which was not expected. The one-repetition maximum test, unlike the
      isokinetic tests, has shown statistically important increase of the maximal
      muscle strength of 32.1% after the third week of exercising, and 46.8% after the
      six weeks of exercising. The statistical test for the correlation between the two
      variables has shown low correlation between these two tests. The values of the
      data of the two test types have not shown any correspondence among the subjects
      possibly due to the type of performance of the maximal muscle load during
      exercises, performed in conditions identical to the one-repetition maximum test,
      with similar and yet different conditions in the case of isokinetic tests. Most
      probably, due to the conditions in which the exercises and the tests took place,
      there is difference in the obtained results. 

PMID- 25132717
TI  - The Use of Smart phones in Ophthalmology.
AB  - Smart phones are being increasingly used among health professionals.
      Ophthalmological applications are widely available and can turn smart phones into
      sophisticated medical devices. Smart phones can be useful instruments for the
      practice of evidence-based medicine, professional education, mobile clinical
      communication, patient education, disease self-management, remote patient
      monitoring or as powerful administrative tools. Several applications are
      available for different ophthalmological examinations that can assess visual
      acuity, color vision, astigmatism, pupil size, Amsler grid test and more. Smart
      phones can be useful ophthalmic devices for taking images of anterior and
      posterior eye segment. Professional literature and educational material for
      patients are easily available with use of smart phones. Smart phones can store
      great amount of informations and are useful for long term monitoring with caution
      for patient confidentiality. The use of smart phones especially as diagnostic
      tools is not standardized and results should be carefully considered. Innovative
      role of smartphone technology and its use in research, education and information
      sharing makes smart phones a future of ophthalmology and medicine. 

PMID- 25132718
TI  - EASE Guidelines for Authors and Translators of Scientific Articles to be
      Published in English.
AB  - This concise and readable set of editorial guidelines was first published by the
      European Association of Science Editors (EASE) in 2010 and is updated annually.
      It is freely available in more than 20 languages at
      http://ease.org.uk/publications/author-guidelines. The document is aimed to help
      scientists worldwide in successful presentation of their research results and in
      correct translation of manuscripts into English. Moreover, it draws attention to
      ethical issues, like authorship criteria, plagiarism, conflict of interests, etc.
      Eight appendices provide examples or more detailed information on selected topics
      (Abstracts, Ambiguity, Cohesion, Ethics, Plurals, Simplicity, Spelling, and Text
      tables). Widespread use of EASE Guidelines should increase the efficiency of
      international scientific communication. 

PMID- 25132719
TI  - Enhanced Electro-Static Modulation of Ionic Diffusion through Carbon Nanotube
      Membranes by Diazonium Grafting Chemistry.
AB  - A membrane structure consisting of an aligned array of open ended carbon
      nanotubes (~ 7 nm i.d.) spanning across an inert polymer matrix allows the
      diffusive transport of aqueous ionic species through CNT cores. The plasma
      oxidation process that opens CNTs tips inherently introduces carboxylic acid
      groups at the CNT tips, which allows for a limited amount of chemical functional
      at the CNT pore entrance. However for numerous applications, it is important to
      increase the density of carboxylic acid groups at the pore entrance for effective
      separation processes. Aqueous diazonium based electro-chemistry significantly
      increases the functional density of carboxylic acid groups. pH dependent dye
      adsorption-desorption and interfacial capacitance measurements indicate ~ 5-6
      times increase in functional density. To further control the spatial location of
      the functional chemistry, a fast flowing inert liquid column inside the CNT core
      is found to restrict the diazonium grafting to the CNT tips only. This is
      confirmed by the increased flux of positively charged Ru(bi-py)3+2 with anionic
      functionality. The electrostatic enhancement of ion diffusion is readily screened
      in 0.1(M) electrolyte solution consistent with the membrane pore geometry and
      increased functional density.

PMID- 25132720
TI  - Psychometric Evaluation of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory- Revised among
      Overweight or Obese Adults.
AB  - Problem solving is a key component of weight loss programs. The Social Problem
      Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R) has not been evaluated in weight loss studies.
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometrics of the SPSI-R.
      Cronbach's alpha (.95 for total score; .67 - .92 for subscales) confirmed
      internal consistency reliability. The SPSI-R score was significantly associated
      (ps<.05) with decreased eating barriers and binge eating, increased self-efficacy
      in following a cholesterol-lowering diet, consumption of fewer calories and fat
      grams, more frequent exercise, lower psychological distress, and higher mental
      quality of life; all suggesting concurrent validity with other instruments used
      in weight loss studies. However, confirmatory factor analysis of the hypothesized
      5-factor structure did not fit the data well (chi2=350, p<.001).

PMID- 25132721
TI  - Novel Method of Measuring Cantilever Deflection during an AFM Force Measurement.
AB  - A combination of a reflection interference contrast microscope (RICM) and the
      atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to monitor the cantilever-surface
      separation distance during force measurements using the streptavidin-biotin
      recognition pairs. The RICM showed that the cantilever loses contact with the
      surface before the final rupture of the adhesive bonds is measured by the AFM
      detection system. This finding suggests that the immobilization of biotin by
      physisorbed albumin and subsequent binding of streptavidin might have created a
      cross-linked protein network whose cohesion is tested by the AFM cantilever with
      the immobilized biotin ligands.

PMID- 25132722
TI  - Writing fluency and quality in kindergarten and first grade: The role of
      attention, reading, transcription, and oral language.
AB  - In the present study, we examined the influence of kindergarten component skills
      on writing outcomes, both concurrently and longitudinally to first grade. Using
      data from 265 students, we investigated a model of writing development including
      attention regulation along with students' reading, spelling, handwriting fluency,
      and oral language component skills. Results from structural equation modeling
      demonstrated that a model including attention was better fitting than a model
      with only language and literacy factors. Attention, a higher-order literacy
      factor related to reading and spelling proficiency, and automaticity in letter
      writing were uniquely and positively related to compositional fluency in
      kindergarten. Attention and higher-order literacy factor were predictive of both
      composition quality and fluency in first grade, while oral language showed unique
      relations with first grade writing quality. Implications for writing development
      and instruction are discussed.

PMID- 25132723
TI  - Abnormal Image Detection in Endoscopy Videos Using a Filter Bank and Local Binary
      Patterns.
AB  - Finding mucosal abnormalities (e.g., erythema, blood, ulcer, erosion, and polyp)
      is one of the most essential tasks during endoscopy video review. Since these
      abnormalities typically appear in a small number of frames (around 5% of the
      total frame number), automated detection of frames with an abnormality can save
      physician's time significantly. In this paper, we propose a new multi-texture
      analysis method that effectively discerns images showing mucosal abnormalities
      from the ones without any abnormality since most abnormalities in endoscopy
      images have textures that are clearly distinguishable from normal textures using
      an advanced image texture analysis method. The method uses a "texton histogram"
      of an image block as features. The histogram captures the distribution of
      different "textons" representing various textures in an endoscopy image. The
      textons are representative response vectors of an application of a combination of
      Leung and Malik (LM) filter bank (i.e., a set of image filters) and a set of
      Local Binary Patterns on the image. Our experimental results indicate that the
      proposed method achieves 92% recall and 91.8% specificity on wireless capsule
      endoscopy (WCE) images and 91% recall and 90.8% specificity on colonoscopy
      images.

PMID- 25132724
TI  - Feasibility of measuring antigen-antibody interaction forces using a scanning
      force microscope.
AB  - The molecular affinity scanning force microscopy (MASFM) described in this study
      was developed in an effort to test the possibility of antigen-antibody binding
      measurement using force-separation distance profiles. The MASFM configuration was
      comprised of a spherical glass bead as an MASFM probe, to which the fluorescein
      antigen has been covalently attached, and a silicon dioxide-based substrate, to
      which the antifluorescyl IgG antibody was covalently bound. The bead was glued to
      the tip of a commercial SFM cantilever. Adhesion forces have been measured
      between two different specific antigen-antibody pairs and between nonspecific
      surfaces bearing only glycidoxypropylsilane immobilization chemistry. In force
      separation (F-s) measurements, nonspecific forces displayed relatively few force
      discontinuities and mean adhesion forces lower than those found for specific
      antigen-antibody measurements. Force-separation profiles measured between
      specific antigen-antibody pairs showed many discontinuities and had higher mean
      forces. Positive controls revealed that the mean forces were slightly reduced by
      the addition of free ligand. The magnitude of mean forces did not correlate with
      the respective activation enthalpies of the proteins, as would be expected. At
      lower force values the force histograms for the specific pairs and for positive
      controls were indistinguishable. None of the force-separation data sets could fit
      a Poisson discrete-force model. This statistical analysis showed a large relative
      contribution from nonspecific interactions. It is concluded that the use of the
      large sphere as an SFM probe is counterproductive: while the large sphere does
      sample a larger number of specific interactions during each measurement, it also
      samples at the same time a large proportion of nonspecific forces. The presence
      of the nonspecific force contributions is likely due to the deformation of the
      polymerized GPS spacer layer which is thought to be delaminated from the surface
      upon the application of tension across the specific antigen-antibody bonds.

PMID- 25132725
TI  - The desorption of ribonuclease A from charge density gradient surfaces studied by
      spatially-resolved total internal reflection fluorescence.
AB  - A quaternary amine surface gradient was prepared on fused silica by a three-step
      surface modification process. The gradient surface displayed a transition of
      surface charges along the gradient dimension from a net negative surface charge
      of silica to a net positive surface charge at the quaternary amine end. The
      gradient surface was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,
      ellipsometry, colloidal gold decoration, and dynamic contact angle measurements.
      It displayed an increased adhesion of negatively charged gold particles towards
      the quaternary amine end. The water contact angles also increased with the
      increased surface density of aminopropylsilyl groups. The desorption of
      ribonuclease A labeled with fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC-RNase) from the
      quaternary amine gradient surface was measured using spatially resolved total
      internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) spectroscopy. The experimental FITC-RNase
      desorption results fitted exceptionally well to a two adsorbed protein
      populations model. A tentative assignment of the two adsorbed protein populations
      is proposed based on the effect of the ionic strength of the desorbing buffer.
      The faster desorption population interacted primarily with the quaternary amine
      gradient surface sites through electrostatic interactions. The slower desorption
      population interacted with the surface sites via hydrophobic and possibly some
      electrostatic interactions.

PMID- 25132726
TI  - Chemical pattern on silica surface prepared by UV irradiation of 3
      mercaptopropyltriethoxy silane layer: surface characterization and fibrinogen
      adsorption.
AB  - A flat silica surface modified with 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxy silane (MTS) was
      patterned using UV irradiation and a custom-designed mask. The irradiated surface
      was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning force
      microscopy (SFM) and water contact angle measurements. The XPS S2p spectra
      indicated that the UV treatment resulted in the oxidation of MTS sulfur. The
      optimal UV irradiation dose for patterning, estimated from the XPS S2p binding
      energy shifts and water contact angles of irradiated surfaces, was 4.8 J cm-2 at
      270 nm. The surface patterns were visualized by total internal reflection
      fluorescence microscopy, while exposing the pattern to a solution of acridine
      orange, by water vapor condensation, and by SFM lateral force imaging in dilute
      electrolyte solution. The adhesion SFM measurements revealed the adhesion force
      only on the areas which were not UV-irradiated. The adsorption of fluorescein
      labeled fibrinogen (FITC-Fgn) from dilute buffer solution also produced visual
      information on the pattern. The kinetics of FITC-Fgn adsorption onto the oxidized
      and unoxidized MTS-silica surfaces from dilute protein solution proceeded with
      identical initial adsorption rates. The steady-state FITC-Fgn adsorption was
      twice as large on the unoxidized MTS-silica than on the oxidized MTS-silica
      surface.

PMID- 25132727
TI  - Maternal Social Coaching Quality Interrupts the Development of Relational
      Aggression During Early Childhood.
AB  - Previous research has shown that parents of socially competent young children
      provide them with elaborative, explicit, appropriate and emotion-laden advice
      about peer interactions. The current study analyzed mothers' conversations with
      preschoolers (N=175; 52% female; M age = 52 months, SD = 7 months) about peer
      conflicts involving relational aggression. Conversations were coded for maternal
      elaboration, emotion references, and discussion of norm violations. Information
      about relational and physical aggression was collected from teachers at two
      assessments approximately 12 months apart for a subsample of 136 children.
      Regression analyses, controlling for physical aggression, showed that average and
      high levels of effective coaching operated as a protective factor against stable
      high levels of relational aggression. Theoretical and practical implications for
      our understanding of the early development of relational aggression are
      discussed.

PMID- 25132728
TI  - YKL-40 as a novel factor associated with inflammation and catabolic mechanisms in
      osteoarthritic joints.
AB  - YKL-40 is associated with tissue injury and inflammation, and consequently to
      diseases in which these mechanisms lead to tissue degradation, for example,
      asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of the present study was to
      investigate if YKL-40 is also a significant factor in osteoarthritis (OA) by
      assessing associations of YKL-40 with mediators related to the pathogenesis of
      OA: cartilage destructing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and proinflammatory
      cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17). Cartilage, synovial
      fluid (SF), and plasma samples were obtained from 100 OA patients undergoing
      total knee replacement surgery. SF levels of YKL-40 (1027.9 +/- 78.3 ng/mL) were
      considerably higher than plasma levels (67.2 +/- 4.5 ng/mL) and correlated with
      YKL-40 released from cartilage samples obtained from the same patients (r = 0.37,
      P = 0.010), indicating that YKL-40 is produced by OA cartilage. Interestingly,
      YKL-40 concentrations in OA SF correlated positively with MMP-1 (r = 0.36, P =
      0.014), MMP-3 (r = 0.46, P = 0.001), IL-6 (r = 0.57, P < 0.001), and IL-17 (r =
      0.52, P = 0.010) levels. Moreover, IL-6 and IL-17 enhanced YKL-40 production in
      human primary chondrocyte cultures. The present study introduces YKL-40 as a
      cartilage-derived factor associated with mediators of inflammation and cartilage
      destruction involved in the pathogenesis of OA. 

PMID- 25132729
TI  - Relationship between early inflammatory response and clinical evolution of the
      severe multiorgan failure in mechanical circulatory support-treated patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is an effective treatment in
      critically ill patients with end-stage heart failure (ESHF) that, however, may
      cause a severe multiorgan failure syndrome (MOFS) in these subjects. The impact
      of altered inflammatory response, associated to MOFS, on clinical evolution of
      MCS postimplantation patients has not been yet clarified. METHODS: Circulating
      cytokines, adhesion molecules, and a marker of monocyte activation (neopterin)
      were determined in 53 MCS-treated patients, at preimplant and until 2 weeks. MOFS
      was evaluated by total sequential organ failure assessment score (tSOFA).
      RESULTS: During MCS treatment, 32 patients experienced moderate MOFS (tSOFA < 11;
      A group), while 21 patients experienced severe MOFS (tSOFA >= 11) with favorable
      (B group) or adverse (n = 13, C group) outcomes. At preimplant, higher values of
      left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and estimated glomerular filtration
      rate (eGFR) were the only parameter independently associated with A group. In C
      group, during the first postoperative week, high levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8)
      and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and an increase of neopterin and adhesion
      molecules, precede tSOFA worsening and exitus. CONCLUSIONS: The MCS patients of C
      group show an excessive release to IL-8 and TNF-alpha, and monocyte-endothelial
      activation after surgery, that might contribute to the unfavourable evolution of
      severe MOFS.

PMID- 25132730
TI  - Macrophage trafficking as key mediator of adenine-induced kidney injury.
AB  - Macrophages play a special role in the onset of several diseases, including acute
      and chronic kidney injuries. In this sense, tubule interstitial nephritis (TIN)
      represents an underestimated insult, which can be triggered by different stimuli
      and, in the absence of a proper regulation, can lead to fibrosis deposition.
      Based on this perception, we evaluated the participation of macrophage
      recruitment in the development of TIN. Initially, we provided adenine-enriched
      food to WT and searched for macrophage presence and action in the kidney. Also, a
      group of animals were depleted of macrophages with the clodronate liposome while
      receiving adenine-enriched diet. We collected blood and renal tissue from these
      animals and renal function, inflammation, and fibrosis were evaluated. We
      observed higher expression of chemokines in the kidneys of adenine-fed mice and a
      substantial protection when macrophages were depleted. Then, we specifically
      investigated the role of some key chemokines, CCR5 and CCL3, in this TIN
      experimental model. Interestingly, CCR5 KO and CCL3 KO animals showed less renal
      dysfunction and a decreased proinflammatory profile. Furthermore, in those
      animals, there was less profibrotic signaling. In conclusion, we can suggest that
      macrophage infiltration is important for the onset of renal injury in the adenine
      induced TIN. 

PMID- 25132731
TI  - Oral administration of herbal mixture extract inhibits 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene
      induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice.
AB  - CP001 is four traditional herbal medicine mixtures with anti-inflammatory
      properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of oral administration of
      CP001 ethanol extract on the 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene- (DNCB-) induced AD mouse
      models. For that purpose, we observed the effects of oral administration of CP001
      on skin inflammatory cell infiltration, skin mast cells, production of serum IgE,
      and expression of Th2 cytokine mRNA in the AD skin lesions of DNCB treated BALB/c
      mice. Histological analyses demonstrated that CP001 decreased dermis and
      epidermis thickening as well as dermal infiltration induced by inflammatory
      cells. In addition, CP001 decreased mast cell infiltration in count as well as
      dermal infiltration induced by inflammatory cells. In the skin lesions, mRNA
      expression of interleukin- (IL-) 4 and IL-13 was inhibited by CP001. CP001 also
      reduced the production of IgE level in mouse plasma. In addition, we investigated
      the effect of CP001 on the inflammatory allergic reaction using human mast cells
      (HMC-1). In HMC-1, cytokine production and mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-13, IL-6, and
      IL-8 were suppressed by CP001. Taken together, our results showed that oral
      administration of CP001 exerts beneficial effects in AD symptoms, suggesting that
      CP001 might be a useful candidate for the treatment of AD. 

PMID- 25132735
TI  - Circumsporozoite protein-specific K(d)-restricted CD8+ T cells mediate protective
      antimalaria immunity in sporozoite-immunized MHC-I-K(d) transgenic mice.
AB  - Although the roles of CD8+ T cells and a major preerythrocytic antigen, the
      circumsporozoite (CS) protein, in contributing protective antimalaria immunity
      induced by radiation-attenuated sporozoites, have been shown by a number of
      studies, the extent to which these players contribute to antimalaria immunity is
      still unknown. To address this question, we have generated C57BL/6 (B6)
      transgenic (Tg) mice, expressing K(d) molecules under the MHC-I promoter, called
      MHC-I-K(d)-Tg mice. In this study, we first determined that a single immunizing
      dose of IrPySpz induced a significant level of antimalaria protective immunity in
      MHC-I-K(d)-Tg mice but not in B6 mice. Then, by depleting various T-cell subsets
      in vivo, we determined that CD8+ T cells are the main mediator of the protective
      immunity induced by IrPySpz. Furthermore, when we immunized (MHC-I-K(d)-Tg * CS
      Tg) F1 mice with IrPySpz after crossing MHC-I-K(d)-Tg mice with PyCS-transgenic
      mice (CS-Tg), which are unable to mount PyCS-specific immunity, we found that
      IrPySpz immunization failed to induce protective antimalaria immunity in (MHC-I
      K(d)-Tg * CS-Tg) F1 mice, thus indicating the absence of PyCS antigen-dependent
      immunity in these mice. These results indicate that protective antimalaria
      immunity induced by IrPySpz in MHC-I-K(d)-Tg mice is mediated by CS protein
      specific, K(d)-restricted CD8+ T cells. 

PMID- 25132732
TI  - Purinergic receptors in ocular inflammation.
AB  - Inflammation is a complex process that implies the interaction between cells and
      molecular mediators, which, when not properly "tuned," can lead to disease. When
      inflammation affects the eye, it can produce severe disorders affecting the
      superficial and internal parts of the visual organ. The nucleoside adenosine and
      nucleotides including adenine mononucleotides like ADP and ATP and dinucleotides
      such as P(1),P(4)-diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A), and P(1),P(5)-diadenosine
      pentaphosphate (Ap5A) are present in different ocular locations and therefore
      they may contribute/modulate inflammatory processes. Adenosine receptors, in
      particular A2A adenosine receptors, present anti-inflammatory action in acute and
      chronic retinal inflammation. Regarding the A3 receptor, selective agonists like
      N(6)-(3-iodobenzyl)-5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine (CF101) have been used for
      the treatment of inflammatory ophthalmic diseases such as dry eye and
      uveoretinitis. Sideways, diverse stimuli (sensory stimulation, large intraocular
      pressure increases) can produce a release of ATP from ocular sensory innervation
      or after injury to ocular tissues. Then, ATP will activate purinergic P2
      receptors present in sensory nerve endings, the iris, the ciliary body, or other
      tissues surrounding the anterior chamber of the eye to produce
      uveitis/endophthalmitis. In summary, adenosine and nucleotides can activate
      receptors in ocular structures susceptible to suffer from inflammatory processes.
      This involvement suggests the possible use of purinergic agonists and antagonists
      as therapeutic targets for ocular inflammation. 

PMID- 25132734
TI  - Endocan levels in peripheral blood predict outcomes of acute respiratory distress
      syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic significance of endocan, compared with
      procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP),white blood cells (WBC),
      neutrophils (N), and clinical severity scores in patients with ARDS. METHODS: A
      total of 42 patients with ARDS were initially enrolled, and there were 20
      nonsurvivors and 22 survivors based on hospital mortality. Plasma levels of
      biomarkers were measured and the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation
      II (APACHE II) was calculated on day 1 after the patient met the defining
      criteria of ARDS. RESULTS: Endocan levels significantly correlated with the
      APACHE II score in the ARDS group (r = 0.676, P = 0.000, n = 42). Of 42
      individuals with ARDS, 20 were dead, and endocan was significantly higher in
      nonsurvivors than in survivors (median (IQR) 5.01 (2.98-8.44) versus 3.01 (2.36
      4.36) ng/mL, P = 0.017). According to the results of the ROC-curve analysis and
      COX proportional hazards models, endocan can predict mortality of ARDS
      independently with a hazard ratio of 1.374 (95% CI, 1.150-1.641) and an area of
      receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.715 (P = 0.017). Moreover,
      endocan can predict the multiple-organ dysfunction of ARDS. CONCLUSION: Endocan
      is a promising biomarker to predict the disease severity and mortality in
      patients with ARDS.

PMID- 25132736
TI  - Intestinal mucosal barrier is injured by BMP2/4 via activation of NF-kappaB
      signals after ischemic reperfusion.
AB  - Intestinal ischemic reperfusion (I/R) can cause dysfunction of the intestinal
      mucosal barrier; however, the mechanism of the intestinal mucosal barrier
      dysfunction caused by I/R remains unclear. In this study, using intestinal
      epithelial cells under anaerobic cultivation and an in vivo rat intestinal I/R
      model, we found that hypoxia and I/R increased the expression of BMP2/4 and
      upregulated BMP type Ia receptor and BMP type II receptor expression. We also
      found that exogenous BMP2/4 can activate the ERK and AKT signaling pathways in
      rat small intestine (IEC-6) cells, thereby activating NF-kappaB signaling, which
      leads to increased levels of inflammatory factors, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6.
      Furthermore, recombinant BMP2/4 decreased the expression of the tight junction
      protein occludin via the activation of the NF-kappaB pathway; these effects were
      abolished by treatment with the BMP-specific antagonist noggin or the NF-kappaB
      inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). All these factors can destroy the
      intestinal mucosal barrier, thereby leading to weaker barrier function. On the
      basis of these data, we conclude that BMP2/4 may act as the pathogenic basis for
      intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction when the intestines suffer an I/R injury.
      Our results provide background for the development pharmacologic interventions in
      the management of I/R injury. 

PMID- 25132738
TI  - Diagnostics for Statistical Variable Selection Methods for Prediction of Peptic
      Ulcer Disease in Helicobacter pylori Infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of accurate classification models depends upon the
      methods used to identify the most relevant variables. The aim of this article is
      to evaluate variable selection methods to identify important variables in
      predicting a binary response using nonlinear statistical models. Our goals in
      model selection include producing non-overfitting stable models that are
      interpretable, that generate accurate predictions and have minimum bias. This
      work was motivated by data on clinical and laboratory features of Helicobacter
      pylori infections obtained from 60 individuals enrolled in a prospective
      observational study. RESULTS: We carried out a comprehensive performance
      comparison of several nonlinear classification models over the H. pylori data
      set. We compared variable selection results by Multivariate Adaptive Regression
      Splines (MARS), Logistic Regression with regularization, Generalized Additive
      Models (GAMs) and Bayesian Variable Selection in GAMs. We found that the MARS
      model approach has the highest predictive power because the nonlinearity
      assumptions of candidate predictors are strongly satisfied, a finding
      demonstrated via deviance chi-square testing procedures in GAMs. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that the physiological free amino acids citrulline, histidine,
      lysine and arginine are the major features for predicting H. pylori peptic ulcer
      disease on the basis of amino acid profiling.

PMID- 25132733
TI  - Role of microglia adenosine A(2A) receptors in retinal and brain
      neurodegenerative diseases.
AB  - Neuroinflammation mediated by microglial cells in the brain has been commonly
      associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Whether this microglia-mediated
      neuroinflammation is cause or consequence of neurodegeneration is still a matter
      of controversy. However, it is unequivocal that chronic neuroinflammation plays a
      role in disease progression and halting that process represents a potential
      therapeutic strategy. The neuromodulator adenosine emerges as a promising
      targeting candidate based on its ability to regulate microglial proliferation,
      chemotaxis, and reactivity through the activation of its G protein coupled A2A
      receptor (A2AR). This is in striking agreement with the ability of A2AR blockade
      to control several brain diseases. Retinal degenerative diseases have been also
      associated with microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, but the role of A2AR has
      been scarcely explored. This review aims to compare inflammatory features of
      Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases with glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy,
      discussing the therapeutic potential of A2AR in these degenerative conditions. 

PMID- 25132739
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasound and paracentesis in the evaluation of small volume ascites
      in patients with intra-abdominal malignancies.
AB  - The evaluation of ascites in patients with known or suspected malignancy is a
      critical aspect of preoperative staging. Endoscopic evaluation by ultrasound of
      low volume ascites and sampling of the ascitic fluid by endoscopic ultrasound
      guided paracentesis (EUS-P) is both a sensitive and specific modality for the
      determination of peritoneal implants, which is not only an important prognostic
      indicator but a crucial factor in determining treatment strategy. It is common
      practice to utilize EUS for gastrointestinal malignancies such as pancreatic or
      gastric masses, with the performance of paracentesis during the same procedure
      for the purpose of imaging the abnormality and possibly performing fine needle
      aspiration for biopsy of the neoplasm itself. However, given the ability of EUS-P
      to adequately sample even minimal ascites, detecting much smaller volumes than
      traditional computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, EUS-P may be a
      useful modality for the standard metastatic workup of any newly diagnosed or
      suspected malignancy. In this "Field of Vision" commentary, we discuss the role
      of EUS-P, including the article by Suzuki et al reporting their experience with
      EUS-P using an automated spring-loaded needle device. We also review the utility
      of EUS-P for non-gastrointestinal malignancies, such as ovarian cancer, which has
      a high incidence of malignant ascites. 

PMID- 25132737
TI  - Untangling the web of systemic autoinflammatory diseases.
AB  - The innate immune system is involved in the pathophysiology of systemic
      autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs), an enlarging group of disorders caused by
      dysregulated production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta
      and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in which autoreactive T-lymphocytes and
      autoantibodies are indeed absent. A widely deranged innate immunity leads to
      overactivity of proinflammatory cytokines and subsequent multisite inflammatory
      symptoms depicting various conditions, such as hereditary periodic fevers,
      granulomatous disorders, and pyogenic diseases, collectively described in this
      review. Further research should enhance our understanding of the genetics behind
      SAIDs, unearth triggers of inflammatory attacks, and result in improvement for
      their diagnosis and treatment. 

PMID- 25132740
TI  - Current management of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and
      leading cause of death among patients with cirrhosis. Treatment guidelines are
      based according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system. The choice
      among therapeutic options that include liver resection, liver transplantation,
      locoregional, and systemic treatments must be individualized for each patient.
      The aim of this paper is to review the outcomes that can be achieved in the
      treatment of HCC with the heterogeneous therapeutic options currently available
      in clinical practice. 

PMID- 25132741
TI  - Hepatitis B virus, HBx mutants and their role in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of death induced by
      cancer in the modern world and majority of the cases are related to chronic
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HBV-encoded X protein (HBx) is known to play a
      pivotal role in the pathogenesis of viral induced HCC. HBx is a multifunctional
      protein of 17 kDa which modulates several cellular processes by direct or
      indirect interaction with a repertoire of host factors resulting in HCC. HBX
      might interfere with several cellular processes such as oxidative stress, DNA
      repair, signal transduction, transcription, protein degradation, cell cycle
      progression and apoptosis. A number of reports have indicated that HBx is one of
      the most common viral ORFs that is often integrated into the host genome and its
      sequence variants play a crucial role in HCC. By mutational or deletion analysis
      it was shown that carboxy terminal of HBx has a likely role in protein-protein
      interactions, transcriptional transactivation, DNA repair, cell, signaling and
      pathogenesis of HCC. The accumulated evidence thus far suggests that it is
      difficult to understand the mechanistic nature of HBx associated HCC, and HBx
      mediated transcriptional transactivation and signaling pathways may be a major
      determinant. This article addresses the role of HBx in the development of HCC
      with particular emphasis on HBx mutants and their putative targets. 

PMID- 25132742
TI  - Implications of biomarkers in human hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis and
      therapy.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent tumors worldwide and
      accounts for approximately one-third of all malignancies. In the past decade,
      advances have been made to improve the prognosis of HCC, including improvement in
      the clinical diagnosis of early-stage HCC using molecular biomarkers and
      molecular-targeted therapy to treat advanced HCC. However, the diagnosis,
      pathogenesis and targeted therapy of HCC are not completely independent, and
      should be comprehensively studied. For example, a number of tumor markers provide
      useful clinical information not only for prognosis, but also in pathogenesis and
      treatment efficacy. Therefore, this review will focus on the role of several
      specific biomarkers implicated in the pathogenesis of HCC and several promising
      molecular-targeted drugs that target the biomarkers of HCC. 

PMID- 25132745
TI  - Rationally designed treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer: current drug
      development strategies.
AB  - The therapeutic landscape of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has changed
      substantially with the emergence of new molecularly targeted agents (MTA) used as
      single agents or alongside standard chemotherapy. The use of these MTAs extended
      the overall survival of patients with mCRC to a level that current
      chemotherapeutics alone could not achieve. In addition, improvement in surgical
      techniques and ablation modalities offer cure to a limited subset of patients
      with mCRC and MTAs have been found to have a significant role here too, as they
      aid resectability. However, for the majority of patients, mCRC remains an
      invariably incurable disease necessitating continued courses of combined
      treatment modalities. During the course of these treatments, either cytotoxic or
      biological, cancer cells maintain their ability to acquire mitogenic mutations
      which render them resistant to treatment. Key challenges remain to identify
      appropriate subsets of patients who will most likely benefit from these new MTAs
      and effectively select these based on validated biomarkers. Moreover, better
      knowledge of the biology of colorectal cancer and the mechanisms via which it
      bypasses blockade of known signalling pathways will help us design better and
      more rational sequencing of these treatments, so that we can maximise the
      survivorship of mCRC patients. This review outlines treatment strategies for
      known molecular alterations with new MTAs and highlights some promising
      strategies. 

PMID- 25132744
TI  - STAT3 and sphingosine-1-phosphate in inflammation-associated colorectal cancer.
AB  - Accumulated evidences have demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of
      transcription 3 (STAT3) is a critical link between inflammation and cancer.
      Multiple studies have indicated that persistent activation of STAT3 in
      epithelial/tumor cells in inflammation-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) is
      associated with sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor signaling. In inflammatory
      response whereby interleukin (IL)-6 production is abundant, STAT3-mediated
      pathways were found to promote the activation of sphingosine kinases (SphK1 and
      SphK2) leading to the production of S1P. Reciprocally, S1P encourages the
      activation of STAT3 through a positive autocrine-loop signaling. The crosstalk
      between IL-6, STAT3 and sphingolipid regulated pathways may play an essential
      role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression in inflamed intestines. Therapeutics
      targeting both STAT3 and sphingolipid are therefore likely to contribute novel
      and more effective therapeutic strategies against inflammation-associated CRC. 

PMID- 25132743
TI  - Inflammatory bowel disease in pediatric and adolescent patients: a biomolecular
      and histopathological review.
AB  - Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two main forms of
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with both overlapping and distinct clinical,
      pathological and biomolecular features. It has been suggested that pediatric IBD
      is a distinct disease entity, with probably different disease subtypes.The aim of
      this study is to review and summarize the evolution of the current concept of
      pediatric IBD. The results of this review reinforce the idea that pediatric CD
      and UC may be further classified in various clinicopathologic entities. For
      clinicians and pathologists convenience, practical algorithms for the distinction
      of the various subphenotypes of pediatric IBD are also provided. 

PMID- 25132746
TI  - Prognostic relevance of minimal residual disease in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Presence of occult minimal residual disease in patients with colorectal cancer
      (CRC) has a strong prognostic impact on survival. Minimal residual disease plays
      a major role in disease relapse and formation of metastases in CRC. Analysis of
      circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the blood is increasingly used in clinical
      practice for disease monitoring of CRC patients. In this review article the role
      of CTC, disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in the bone marrow and micrometastases and
      isolated tumor cells (ITC) in the lymph nodes will be discussed, including
      literature published until September 2013. Occult disease is a strong prognostic
      marker for patient survival in CRC and defined by the presence of CTC in the
      blood, DTC in the bone marrow and/or micrometastases and ITC in the lymph nodes.
      Minimal residual disease could be used in the future to identify patient groups
      at risk, who might benefit from individualized treatment options. 

PMID- 25132747
TI  - Bowman-Birk inhibitors from legumes as colorectal chemopreventive agents.
AB  - Aberrant functioning of serine proteases in inflammatory and carcinogenic
      processes within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) has prompted scientists to
      investigate the potential of serine protease inhibitors, both natural and
      synthetic, as modulators of their proteolytic activities. Protease inhibitors of
      the Bowman-Birk type, a major protease inhibitor family in legume seeds, which
      inhibit potently and specifically trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like proteases, are
      currently being investigated as colorectal chemopreventive agents.
      Physiologically relevant amounts of Bowman-Birk inhibitors (BBI) can reach the
      large intestine in active form due to their extraordinary resistance to extreme
      conditions within the GIT. Studies in animal models have proven that dietary BBI
      from several legume sources, including soybean, pea, lentil and chickpea, can
      prevent or suppress carcinogenic and inflammatory processes within the GIT.
      Although the therapeutic targets and the action mechanism of BBI have not yet
      been elucidated, the emerging evidence suggests that BBI exert their preventive
      properties via protease inhibition; in this sense, serine proteases should be
      considered as primary targets in early stages of carcinogenesis. The validation
      of candidate serine proteases as therapeutic targets together with the
      identification, within the wide array of natural BBI variants, of the most potent
      and specific protease inhibitors, are necessary to better understand the
      potential of this protein family as colorectal chemopreventive agents. 

PMID- 25132749
TI  - Helicobacter pylori infection and drugs malabsorption.
AB  - Drug absorption represents an important factor affecting the efficacy of oral
      drug treatment. Gastric secretion and motility seem to be critical for drug
      absorption. A causal relationship between impaired absorption of orally
      administered drugs and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been
      proposed. Associations have been reported between poor bioavailability of l
      thyroxine and l-dopa and H. pylori infection. According to the Maastricht
      Florence Consensus Report on the management of H. pylori infection, H. pylori
      treatment improves the bioavailability of both these drugs, whereas the direct
      clinical benefits to patients still await to be established. Less strong seems
      the association between H. pylori infection and other drugs malabsorption, such
      as delavirdine and ketoconazole. The exact mechanisms forming the basis of the
      relationship between H. pylori infection and impaired drugs absorption and/or
      bioavailability are not fully elucidated. H. pylori infection may trigger a
      chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, and impaired gastric acid secretion
      often follows. The reduction of acid secretion closely relates with the wideness
      and the severity of the damage and may affect drug absorption. This minireview
      focuses on the evidence of H. pylori infection associated with impaired drug
      absorption. 

PMID- 25132748
TI  - FOLFOX/FOLFIRI pharmacogenetics: the call for a personalized approach in
      colorectal cancer therapy.
AB  - While 5-fluorouracil used as single agent in patients with metastatic colorectal
      cancer has an objective response rate around 20%, the administration of
      combinations of irinotecan with 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid or oxaliplatin with 5
      fluorouracil/folinic acid results in significantly increased response rates and
      improved survival. However, the side effects of systemic therapy such as
      myelotoxicity, neurotoxicity or gastrointestinal toxicity may lead to life
      threatening complications and have a major impact on the quality of life of the
      patients. Therefore, biomarkers that would be instrumental in the choice of
      optimal type, combination and dose of drugs for an individual patient are
      urgently needed. The efficacy and toxicity of anticancer drugs in tumor cells is
      determined by the effective concentration in tumor cells, healthy tissues and by
      the presence and quantity of the drug targets. Enzymes active in drug metabolism
      and transport represent important determinants of the therapeutic outcome. The
      aim of this review was to summarize published data on associations of gene and
      protein expression, and genetic variability of putative biomarkers with response
      to therapy of colorectal cancer to 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/oxaliplatin and 5
      fluorouracil/leukovorin/irinotecan regimens. Gaps in the knowledge identified by
      this review may aid the design of future research and clinical trials. 

PMID- 25132750
TI  - Optimizing clarithromycin-containing therapy for Helicobacter pylori in the era
      of antibiotic resistance.
AB  - The efficacy of triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection has dramatically
      declined over the last decade, largely related to increasing clarithromycin
      resistance rates. From a microbiological standpoint, bismuth quadruple therapy is
      the ideal replacement since it combines drugs for which resistance does not
      impair its efficacy. Nonetheless, several obstacles such as availability,
      complexity or tolerance prevent a general implementation of bismuth quadruple
      therapy, so non-bismuth quadruple regimens remain the best first-line treatment
      in clinical practice in many geographical areas. We review the rationale and
      efficacy of several optimization tools (increasing the length of duration, high
      dose acid suppression, probiotics), which have been largely evaluated over the
      last 5 years to increase the effectiveness of standard triple therapy. Then, we
      update available evidence on the effectiveness of several non-bismuth quadruple
      therapies (sequential, concomitant, hybrid, miscellaneous therapy), which have
      gained interest lately. We also revise evidence on the efficacy of the
      aforementioned optimization tools for non-bismuth quadruples schemes and, finally
      we provide a novel regionalized therapeutic algorithm, based on novel formulas
      recently developed for predicting the outcome of non-bismuth quadruple regimens,
      upon local antibiotic resistance rates. 

PMID- 25132751
TI  - Prevention of Helicobacter pylori infection in childhood.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is one of the most common infections
      worldwide. Although infection rates are falling in the developed and developing
      countries, H. pylori is still widespread in the world. This article has reviewed
      the important publications on H. pylori in childhood with a focus on its evolving
      transmission route and the source of infection and preventive strategies in
      childhood, PubMed was searched up to identify eligible studies. Relevant
      publications were searched using the following. 

PMID- 25132752
TI  - Helicobacter pylori eradication in West Asia: a review.
AB  - The efficacy of first- and second-line Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
      eradication regimens varies considerably in West Asian countries, mainly due to
      the variable prevalence of resistant organisms. However, no review article has
      yet evaluated and compared the efficacy of different regimens among different
      countries of this region. Therefore, we conducted a review to select the best
      options and provide recommendations for H. pylori treatment in this geographic
      region. A search through PubMed was carried out to obtain relevant randomized
      clinical trials published in English language up to June 2013. According to the
      results, among different therapeutic regimens used as the first-line protocols,
      10-d Bismuth-Furazolidone/Metronidazole quadruple therapy, 14-d Clarithromycin
      containing hybrid therapy and 14-d quadruple therapy including a proton pump
      inhibitor + Bismuth + Tetracycline (500 mg QID) + Metronidazole (500 mg TDS)
      seemed to be appropriate options. Among second-line therapeutic regimens, Bismuth
      based quadruple therapies containing Tetracycline and Furazolidone/Metronidazole,
      triple therapy containing Amoxicillin and Gatifloxacin and Quadruple therapy
      including Bismuth + Azithromycin and Ofloxacin seemed to be effective options.
      Third-line therapies were not evaluated in West Asia; most guidelines, however,
      recommend choosing optimal eradication regimen according to the pattern of
      antibiotic susceptibility of H. pylori. Although we limited our investigation to
      H. pylori eradication regimens in West Asia, the clinical significance of the
      results goes beyond the countries situated in this geographic region. In fact,
      the results are transferrable to any region as long as the patterns of resistance
      are the same. 

PMID- 25132753
TI  - Medicinal plant activity on Helicobacter pylori related diseases.
AB  - More than 50% of the world population is infected with Helicobacter pylori (H.
      pylori). The bacterium highly links to peptic ulcer diseases and duodenal ulcer,
      which was classified as a group I carcinogen in 1994 by the WHO. The pathogenesis
      of H. pylori is contributed by its virulence factors including urease, flagella,
      vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), cytotoxin-associated gene antigen (Cag A), and
      others. Of those virulence factors, VacA and CagA play the key roles. Infection
      with H. pylori vacA-positive strains can lead to vacuolation and apoptosis,
      whereas infection with cagA-positive strains might result in severe gastric
      inflammation and gastric cancer. Numerous medicinal plants have been reported for
      their anti-H. pylori activity, and the relevant active compounds including
      polyphenols, flavonoids, quinones, coumarins, terpenoids, and alkaloids have been
      studied. The anti-H. pylori action mechanisms, including inhibition of enzymatic
      (urease, DNA gyrase, dihydrofolate reductase, N-acetyltransferase, and
      myeloperoxidase) and adhesive activities, high redox potential, and
      hydrophilic/hydrophobic natures of compounds, have also been discussed in detail.
      H. pylori-induced gastric inflammation may progress to superficial gastritis,
      atrophic gastritis, and finally gastric cancer. Many natural products have anti
      H. pylori-induced inflammation activity and the relevant mechanisms include
      suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway
      activation and inhibition of oxidative stress. Anti-H. pylori induced gastric
      inflammatory effects of plant products, including quercetin, apigenin,
      carotenoids-rich algae, tea product, garlic extract, apple peel polyphenol, and
      finger-root extract, have been documented. In conclusion, many medicinal plant
      products possess anti-H. pylori activity as well as an anti-H. pylori-induced
      gastric inflammatory effect. Those plant products have showed great potential as
      pharmaceutical candidates for H. pylori eradication and H. pylori induced related
      gastric disease prevention.

PMID- 25132755
TI  - Natural history of chronic hepatitis B: phases in a complex relationship.
AB  - Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a condition of global prevalence and its sequelae
      include cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The natural history of CHB is a
      complex interplay of virological, environmental and host factors. The dynamic
      relationship between the virus and host evolves over the duration of the
      infection and different phases of the disease have been observed and described.
      These have been conceptualized in terms of the state of balance between the host
      immune system and the hepatitis B virus and have been given the labels immune
      tolerant, immune clearance, immune control and immune escape although other
      nomenclature is also used. Host factors, such as age at infection, determine
      progression to chronicity. Virological factors including hepatitis B viral load,
      mutations and genotype also have an impact on the adverse outcomes of the
      infection, as do hepatotoxic cofactors such as alcohol. Our understanding of the
      natural history of CHB has evolved significantly over the past few decades and
      characterizing the phase of disease of CHB remains an integral part of managing
      this virus in the clinic. 

PMID- 25132754
TI  - Hepatitis B vaccine by intradermal route in non responder patients: an update.
AB  - Vaccination is the main prophylactic measure to reduce the mortality caused by
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in healthy subjects since the immune response
      to hepatitis B recombinant vaccination occurs in over 90% of general population.
      Individuals who develop an anti-HBs titer less than 10 mIU/mL after primary
      vaccination cycle are defined "no responders". Many factors could cause a non
      response to the HBV vaccination, such as administration of the vaccine in
      buttocks, impaired vaccine storage conditions, drug abuse, smoking, infections
      and obesity. Moreover there are some diseases, like chronic kidney disease, human
      immunodeficiency virus infection, chronic liver disease, celiac disease,
      thalassaemia, type I diabetes mellitus, down's syndrome and other forms of mental
      retardation that are characterized by a poorer response to HBV vaccination than
      healthy subjects. To date it is still unclear how to treat this group of patients
      at high risk of hepatitis B infection. Recent studies seem to indicate that the
      administration of HBV recombinant vaccine by the intradermal route is very
      effective and could represent a more useful strategy than intramuscular route.
      This review focuses on the use of anti hepatitis B vaccine by intradermal route
      as alternative to conventional intramuscular vaccine in all non responder
      patients. A comprehensive review of the literature using PubMed database, with
      appropriate terms, was undertaken for articles in English published since 1983.
      The literature search was undertaken in September 2013. 

PMID- 25132757
TI  - Proton pump inhibitor responsive esophageal eosinophilia, a distinct disease
      entity?
AB  - Recent studies have suggested the existence of a patient population with
      esophageal eosinophilia that responds to proton pump inhibitor therapy. These
      patients are being referred to as having proton pump inhibitor responsive
      esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE), which is currently classified as a distinct
      and separate disease entity from both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and
      eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The therapeutic effect of proton pump inhibitor
      (PPI) on PPI-REE is thought to act directly at the level of the esophageal mucosa
      with an anti-inflammatory capacity, and completely independent of gastric acid
      suppression. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the mechanistic data of
      the proposed immune modulation/anti-inflammatory role of the PPI at the
      esophageal mucosa, and the existence of PPI-REE as a distinct disease entity from
      GERD and EoE. 

PMID- 25132756
TI  - Pancreatic cancer-improved care achievable.
AB  - Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive cancers, and the decline
      in mortality observed in most other cancer diseases, has so far not taken place
      in pancreatic cancer. Complete tumor resection is a requirement for potential
      cure, and the reorganization of care in the direction of high patient-volume
      centers, offering multimodal treatment, has improved survival and Quality of
      Life. Also the rates and severity grade of complications are improving in high
      volume pancreatic centers. One of the major problems worldwide is
      underutilization of surgery in resectable pancreatic cancer. Suboptimal
      investigation, follow up and oncological treatment outside specialized centers
      are additional key problems. New chemotherapeutic regimens like FOLFIRINOX have
      improved survival in patients with metastatic disease, and different adjuvant
      treatment options result in well documented survival benefit. Neoadjuvant
      treatment is highly relevant, but needs further evaluation. Also adjuvant
      immunotherapy, in the form of vaccination with synthetic K-Ras-peptides, has been
      shown to produce long term immunological memory in cytotoxic T-cells in long term
      survivors. Improvement in clinical outcome is already achievable and further
      progress is expected in the near future for patients treated with curative as
      well as palliative intention. 

PMID- 25132758
TI  - Personalizing medicine for metastatic colorectal cancer: current developments.
AB  - Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is still one of the tumor types with the
      highest incidence and mortality. In 2012, colorectal cancer was the second most
      prevalence cancer among males (9%) and the third among females (8%). In this
      disease, early diagnosis is important to improve treatment outcomes. However, at
      the time of diagnosis, about one quarter of patients already have metastases, and
      overall survival of these patients at 5-years survival is very low. Because of
      these poor statistics, the development of new drugs against specific targets,
      including the pathway of angiogenesis, has witnessed a remarkable increase. So,
      targets therapies through epidermal growth factor and its receptor and also KRAS
      pathways modulation acquired a main role whether in association with standard
      chemotherapy and radiotherapy. With the current knowledge in the field of
      molecular biology, including genetic mutations and polymorphisms, we know better
      why patients respond so differently to the same treatments. So, in the future we
      can develop increasingly personalized treatments to the patient and not the
      disease. This review aims to summarize some molecular pathways and their relation
      to tumor growth, as well as novel targeted developing drugs and recently approved
      for mCRC. 

PMID- 25132759
TI  - MiRNA as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in the world.
      Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is the hallmark of this disease. MiRNAs
      are endogenous non-coding RNAs that are involved in many biological processes
      (e.g., cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, invasion and development)
      through gene repression. Deregulation of miRNA expression in gastric tumors and
      cancer cell lines have been documented to contribute in tumorigenesis, and the
      expression signature may correlate with different cancer types and
      clinicopathological features. Here, we summarized the updated gastric cancer
      associated miRNAs and the downstream targets in the process of tumorigenesis.
      Recently, many researchers make use of the miRNA microarray platform to profile
      miRNA expression in gastric cancer and correlated with different clinical
      parameters. Its application on cancer diagnosis, prognosis and predicting
      treatment response rate are still underway and needs further investigation.
      Emerging roles of miRNAs with oncogenic or tumor suppressive properties in
      gastric tumorigenesis were discussed. Epigenetic silencing of miRNA by
      hypermethylation of promoter CpG island was also observed in gastric cancer.
      However, detailed mechanisms of how miRNAs regulate gene expression in gastric
      cancer has not been well studied. In this review, we highlight the up-to-date
      findings on the deregulated miRNAs in gastric cancer, and the potential use of
      miRNA in the clinical settings, such as diagnostic/prognostic markers and
      chemotherapeutic tools. 

PMID- 25132760
TI  - Osteopontin knockdown suppresses the growth and angiogenesis of colon cancer
      cells.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effects of osteopontin (OPN) gene expression knockdown on
      colon cancer Lovo cells in vitro. METHODS: Four candidate small interfering RNA
      (siRNA) constructs targeting the OPN gene and a scrambled control sequence (NC
      siRNA) were synthesized and inserted into a pGPU6/GFP/Neo expression vector.
      After confirmation by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing, the
      recombinant plasmids were subsequently transfected into a human colon cancer cell
      line (Lovo) using a liposome transfection method. Stably transfected cells were
      maintained with G418 selection and referred to as Lovo-OPN-1, -2, -3, -4, and
      Lovo-NC cells. Knockdown efficiency of each of the four siRNA constructs was
      determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays
      and western blotting, and the construct with the most effective silencing was
      used for subsequent experiments. Cell proliferation, adhesion, and Matrigel
      invasion assays were performed to analyze the effects of OPN knockdown in stably
      transfected Lovo cells. The levels of four angiogenic factors, namely vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and
      urokinase plasminogen activator were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assays (ELISA). RESULTS: Recombinant vectors containing OPN-specific and
      scrambled siRNA sequences were successfully constructed and stably transfected
      into Lovo cells. Compared with the control Lovo and Lovo-NC cells, the levels of
      OPN mRNA and protein expression in Lovo-OPN-1, -2, -3, and -4 were significantly
      reduced (all P < 0.05), with the most efficient reduction observed in Lovo-OPN-4
      cells (P < 0.05). Relative to untransfected Lovo cells, OPN mRNA expression
      levels in Lovo-NC and Lovo-OPN-4 cells were 1.008 +/- 0.067 and 0.160 +/- 0.023,
      respectively. The relative OPN protein expression levels in Lovo, Lovo-NC, and
      Lovo-OPN-4 cells were 3.024 +/- 0.211, 2.974 +/- 0.630, and 0.121 +/- 0.008,
      respectively. Moreover, transfection with the scrambled sequence had no effect on
      the expression of OPN. After 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of cultivation, absorption
      values at 450 nm to assess proliferation of Lovo-OPN-4 cells were 0.210 +/-
      0.017, 0.247 +/- 0.024, 0.314 +/- 0.037, and 0.359 +/- 0.043, respectively, which
      were significantly lower than those of Lovo (0.244 +/- 0.031, 0.313 +/- 0.024,
      0.513 +/- 0.048 and 0.783 +/- 0.051) and Lovo-NC cells (0.241 +/- 0.029, 0.309 +/
      0.022, 0.563 +/- 0.023, and 0.735 +/- 0.067) (all P < 0.05). The absorption
      values at 595 nm, which were measured in a cell adhesion assay, showed that
      adhesion of Lovo-OPN-4 cells (0.215 +/- 0.036) was significantly decreased
      compared to Lovo (0.490 +/- 0.037) and Lovo-NC cells (0.462 +/- 0.043) (P <
      0.05). The number of invasive Lovo-OPN-4 cells (16.1 +/- 1.9) was also
      significantly decreased compared to Lovo (49.9 +/- 5.4) and Lovo-NC cells (48.8
      +/- 4.5) (P < 0.05). ELISA assays showed significant reductions in Lovo-OPN-4
      cells compared to Lovo and Lovo-NC cells with regard to the expression of VEGF
      (1687.85 +/- 167.84 ng/L vs 2348.54 +/- 143.80 ng/L and 2284.39 +/- 138.62 ng/L,
      respectively), MMP-2 (2966.07 +/- 177.36 MUg/L vs 4084.74 +/- 349.54 MUg/L and
      4011.41 +/- 424.48 MUg/L, respectively), MMP-9 (3782.89 +/- 300.64 MUg/L vs
      5062.90 +/- 303.02 MUg/L and 4986.38 +/- 300.75 MUg/L, respectively) and uPA
      (1152.69 +/- 120.79 MUg/L vs 1380.90 +/- 147.25 MUg/L and 1449.80 +/- 189.92
      MUg/L, respectively) (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Knockdown of OPN gene expression
      suppresses colon cancer cell growth, adherence, invasion, and expression of
      angiogenic factors.

PMID- 25132761
TI  - Insulin resistance, adipokine profile and hepatic expression of SOCS-3 gene in
      chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - AIM: To analyze adipokine concentrations, insulin resistance and hepatic
      expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3) in patients with
      chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 with normal body weight, glucose and lipid
      profile. METHODS: The study group consisted of 31 patients with chronic hepatitis
      C and 9 healthy subjects. Total levels of adiponectin, leptin, resistin,
      visfatin, omentin, osteopontin and insulin were measured using an ELISA kit. The
      hepatic expression of SOCS-3 was determined by the use of the reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: Homeostasis model
      assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values were significantly higher in
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients without metabolic disorders compared to
      healthy controls (2.24 vs 0.59, P = 0.0003). Hepatic steatosis was observed in
      32.2% of patients with HCV infection and was found in patients with increased
      HOMA-IR index (2.81 vs 1.99, P = 0.05) and reduced adiponectin level (5.96 vs
      8.37, P = 0.04). Inflammatory activity (G >= 2) was related to increased
      osteopontin concentration (34.04 vs 23.35, P = 0.03). Advanced liver fibrosis (S
      >= 2) was associated with increased levels of omentin and osteopontin (436.94 vs
      360.09, P = 0.03 and 32.84 vs 20.29, P = 0.03) and reduced resistin concentration
      (1.40 vs 1.74, P = 0.047). No correlations were reported between adipokine
      profile, HOMA-IR values and hepatic expression of the SOCS-3 gene. CONCLUSION: We
      speculated that no relationship between adipokines and HOMA-IR values may
      indicate that HCV can induce insulin resistance itself. Some adipokines appear to
      be biochemical markers of steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in patients with
      chronic HCV infection. (c) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights
      reserved.

PMID- 25132762
TI  - Caspase-1 inhibition alleviates acute renal injury in rats with severe acute
      pancreatitis.
AB  - AIM: To assess the effect of inhibition of caspase-1 on acute renal injury in
      rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats
      were randomly divided into three groups: healthy controls (HC, n = 6), SAP rats
      treated with saline (SAP-S, n = 18), or SAP rats treated with a caspase
      1/interleukin (IL)-1beta-converting-enzyme (ICE) inhibitor (SAP-I-ICE, n = 18).
      SAP was induced by retrograde infusion of 5% sodium taurocholate into the bile
      pancreatic duct. HC rats were subjected to identical treatment and surgical
      procedures without sodium taurocholate. Rats received an intraperitoneal
      injection of isotonic saline (SAP-S) or the inhibitor (SAP-ICE-I) at 2 and 12 h
      after induction of acute pancreatitis. Surviving rats were sacrificed at
      different time points after SAP induction; all samples were obtained and stored
      for subsequent analyses. The levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine
      (Cr) were measured using automatic methods, and serum IL-1beta concentrations
      were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intrarenal expression of
      IL-1beta, IL-18 and caspase-1 mRNAs was detected by RT-PCR. IL-1beta protein
      expression and the pathologic changes in kidney tissues were observed by
      microscopy after immunohistochemical or hematoxylin and eosin staining,
      respectively. RESULTS: The serum levels of BUN and Cr in the SAP-S group were
      12.48 +/- 2.30 mmol/L and 82.83 +/- 13.89 MUmol/L at 6 h, 23.53 +/- 2.58 mmol/L
      and 123.67 +/- 17.67 MUmol/L at 12 h, and 23.60 +/- 3.33 mmol/L and 125.33 +/-
      21.09 MUmol/L at 18 h, respectively. All were significantly increased compared to
      HC rats (P < 0.01 for all). Levels in SAP-ICE-I rats were significantly decreased
      compared to SAP-S rats both at 12 and 18 h (P < 0.01 for all). Serum IL-1beta
      levels in the SAP-S group were 276.77 +/- 44.92 pg/mL at 6 h, 308.99 +/- 34.95
      pg/mL at 12 h, and 311.60 +/- 46.51 pg/mL at 18 h; all significantly higher than
      those in the HC and SAP-ICE-I groups (P < 0.01 for all). Intrarenal expression of
      IL-1beta mRNA was weak in HC rats, but increased significantly in SAP-S rats (P <
      0.01). ICE inhibition significantly decreased the expression of IL-1beta and IL
      18 mRNAs (P < 0.05 for all vs SAP-S), whereas caspase-1 mRNA expression was not
      significantly different. Weak IL-1beta immunostaining was observed in HC animals,
      and marked staining was found in the SAP-S group mainly in renal tubular
      epithelial cells. IL-1beta immunostaining was significantly descended in SAP-ICE
      I rats compared to SAP-S rats (P < 0.05). Caspase-1 inhibition had no effect on
      the severity of kidney tissue destruction. CONCLUSION: The expression of caspase
      1-activated cytokines IL-1beta and IL-18 plays a pivotal role in acute renal
      injury in rats with experimental SAP. Caspase-1 inhibition improves renal
      function effectively.

PMID- 25132763
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of beta-blockers vs endoscopic surveillance in
      patients with cirrhosis and small varices.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the most cost-effectiveness strategy for preventing variceal
      growth and bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and small esophageal varices.
      METHODS: A stochastic analysis based on decision trees was performed to compare
      the cost-effectiveness of beta-blockers therapy starting from a diagnosis of
      small varices (Strategy 1) with that of endoscopic surveillance followed by beta
      blockers treatment when large varices are demonstrated (Strategy 2), for
      preventing variceal growth, bleeding and death in patients with cirrhosis and
      small esophageal varices. The basic nodes of the tree were gastrointestinal
      endoscopy, inpatient admission and treatment for bleeding, as required. All
      estimates were performed using a Monte Carlo microsimulation technique,
      consisting in simulating observations from known probability distributions
      depicted in the model. Eight-hundred-thousand simulations were performed to
      obtain the final estimates. All estimates were then subjected to Monte Carlo
      Probabilistic sensitivity analysis, to assess the impact of the variability of
      such estimates on the outcome distributions. RESULTS: The event rate (considered
      as progression of varices or bleeding or death) in Strategy 1 [24.09% (95%CI:
      14.89%-33.29%)] was significantly lower than in Strategy 2 [60.00% (95%CI: 48.91%
      71.08%)]. The mean cost (up to the first event) associated with Strategy 1 [823 L
      (95%CI: 106 L-2036 L)] was not significantly different from that of Strategy 2
      [799 L (95%CI: 0 L-3498 L)]. The cost-effectiveness ratio with respect to this
      endpoint was equal to 50.26 L (95%CI: -504.37 L-604.89 L) per event avoided over
      the four-year follow-up. When bleeding episodes/deaths in subjects whose varices
      had grown were included, the mean cost associated with Strategy 1 was 1028 L
      (95%CI: 122 L-2581 L), while 1699 L (95%CI: 171 L-4674 L) in Strategy 2.
      CONCLUSION: Beta-blocker therapy turn out to be more effective and less expensive
      than endoscopic surveillance for primary prophylaxis of bleeding in patients with
      cirrhosis and small varices.

PMID- 25132764
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography for rectal neuroendocrine
      neoplasms.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)
      for rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) and the differential diagnosis of
      rectal NENs from other subepithelial lesions (SELs). METHODS: The study group
      consisted of 36 consecutive patients with rectal NENs histopathologically
      diagnosed using biopsy and/or resected specimens. The control group consisted of
      31 patients with homochronous rectal non-NEN SELs confirmed by pathology.
      Epithelial lesions such as cancer and adenoma were excluded from this study. One
      EUS expert blinded to the histological results reviewed the ultrasonic images.
      The size, original layer, echoic intensity and homogeneity of the lesions and the
      perifocal structures were investigated. The single EUS diagnosis recorded by the
      EUS expert was compared with the histological results. RESULTS: All NENs were
      located at the rectum 2-10 cm from the anus and appeared as nodular (n = 12),
      round (n = 19) or egg-shaped (n = 5) lesions with a hypoechoic (n = 7) or
      intermediate (n = 29) echo pattern and a distinct border. Tumors ranged in size
      from 2.3 to 13.7 mm, with an average size of 6.8 mm. Homogeneous echogenicity was
      seen in all tumors except three. Apart from three patients (stage T2 in two and
      stage T3 in one), the tumors were located in the second and/or third wall layer
      without involvement of the fourth and fifth layers. In the patients with stage T1
      disease, the tumors were located in the second wall layer only in seven cases,
      the third wall layer only in two cases, and both the second and third wall layers
      in 27 cases. Approximately 94.4% (34/36) of rectal NENs were diagnosed correctly
      by EUS, and 74.2% (23/31) of other rectal SELs were classified correctly as non
      NENs. Eight cases of other SELs were misdiagnosed as NENs, including two cases of
      inflammatory lesions and one case each of gastrointestinal tumor, endometriosis,
      metastatic tumor, lymphoma, neurilemmoma, and hemangioma. The positive predictive
      value of EUS for rectal NENs was 80.9% (34/42), the negative predictive value was
      92.0% (23/25), and the diagnostic accuracy was 85.1%. CONCLUSION: EUS has
      satisfactory diagnostic accuracy for rectal NENs with good sensitivity, but
      unfavorable specificity, making the differential diagnosis of NENs from other
      SELs challenging.

PMID- 25132765
TI  - Comparision of modified and conventional delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy in
      totally laparoscopic surgery.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of a modified delta-shaped
      gastroduodenostomy (DSG) in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG).
      METHODS: We performed a case-control study enrolling 63 patients with distal
      gastric cancer (GC) undergoing TLDG with a DSG from January 2013 to June 2013.
      Twenty-two patients underwent a conventional DSG (Con-Group), whereas the other
      41 patients underwent a modified version of the DSG (Mod-Group). The modified
      procedure required only the instruments of the surgeon and assistant to complete
      the involution of the common stab incision and to completely resect the duodenal
      cutting edge, resulting in an anastomosis with an inverted T-shaped appearance.
      The clinicopathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, anastomosis time and
      complications of the two groups were retrospectively analyzed using a
      prospectively maintained comprehensive database. RESULTS: DSG procedures were
      successfully completed in all of the patients with histologically complete (R0)
      resections, and none of these patients required conversion to open surgery. The
      clinicopathological characteristics of the two groups were similar. There were no
      significant differences between the groups in the operative time, intraoperative
      blood loss, extension of the lymph node (LN) dissection and number of dissected
      LNs (150.8 +/- 21.6 min vs 143.4 +/- 23.4 min, P = 0.225 for the operative time;
      26.8 +/- 11.3 min vs 30.6 +/- 14.8 mL, P = 0.157 for the intraoperative blood
      loss; 4/18 vs 3/38, P = 0.375 for the extension of the LN dissection; and 43.9 +/
      13.4 vs 39.5 +/- 11.5 per case, P = 0.151 for the number of dissected LNs). The
      anastomosis time, however, was significantly shorter in the Mod-Group than in the
      Con-Group (13.9 +/- 2.8 min vs 23.9 +/- 5.6 min, P = 0.000). The postoperative
      outcomes, including the times to out-of-bed activities, first flatus, resumption
      of soft diet and postoperative hospital stay, as well as the anastomosis size,
      did not differ significantly (1.9 +/- 0.6 d vs 2.3 +/- 1.5 d, P = 0.228 for the
      time to out-of-bed activities; 3.2 +/- 0.9 d vs 3.5 +/- 1.3 d, P = 0.295 for the
      first flatus time; 7.5 +/- 0.8 d vs 8.1 +/- 4.3 d, P = 0.489 for the resumption
      of a soft diet time; 14.3 +/- 10.6 d vs 11.5 +/- 4.9 d, P = 0.148 for the
      postoperative hospital stay; and 30.5 +/- 3.6 mm vs 30.1 +/- 4.0 mm, P = 0.730
      for the anastomosis size). One patient with minor anastomotic leakage in the Con
      Group was managed conservatively; no other patients experienced any complications
      around the anastomosis. The operative complication rates were similar in the Con-
      and Mod-Groups (9.1% vs 7.3%, P = 1.000). CONCLUSION: The modified DSG, an
      alternative reconstruction in TLDG for GC, is technically safe and feasible, with
      a simpler process that reduces the anastomosis time.

PMID- 25132766
TI  - Clinical epidemiology of gastric cancer in Hehuang valley of China: a 10-year
      epidemiological study of gastric cancer.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the clinical epidemiological characteristics of gastric
      cancer in the Hehuang valley, China, to provide a reference for treatment and
      prevention of regional gastric cancer. METHODS: Between February 2003 and
      February 2013, the records of 2419 patients with gastric cancer were included in
      this study. The patient's characteristics, histological and pathological
      features, as well as the dietary habits of the patients, were investigated.
      RESULTS: The clinical data showed that adenocarcinoma was the leading
      histological type of gastric cancer in this area. Characteristics of gastric
      cancer in different ethnic groups and age showed that the 60.55-65.50 years group
      showed the high incidence of gastric cancer in all ethnic groups. There were more
      male gastric cancer patients than female. Intestinal was the most common type of
      gastric cancer in the Hehuang valley. There was no significant difference in the
      proportion of sex in terms of Helicobacter pylori infection. The impact of
      dietary habits on gastric cancer showed that regular consumption of fried or
      grilled food, consumption of high-salt, high-fat and spicy food and drinking
      strong Boiled brick-tea were three important factors associated with gastric
      cancer in males and females. CONCLUSION: Differences existed in race, sex, and
      age of patients according to the epidemiology of gastric cancer in the Hehuang
      valley. Moreover, dietary habits was also an important factor contributing to
      gastric cancer.

PMID- 25132767
TI  - Comparative analysis of ERCP, IDUS, EUS and CT in predicting malignant bile duct
      strictures.
AB  - AIM: To compare endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP),
      intraductal ultrasound (IDUS), endosonography (EUS), endoscopic transpapillary
      forceps biopsies (ETP) and computed tomography (CT) with respect to diagnosing
      malignant bile duct strictures. METHODS: A patient cohort with bile duct
      strictures of unknown etiology was examined by ERCP and IDUS, ETP, EUS, and CT.
      The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates of the diagnostic procedures
      were calculated based on the definite diagnoses proved by histopathology or long
      term follow-up in those patients who did not undergo surgery. For each of the
      diagnostic measures, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates were
      calculated. In all cases, the gold standard was the histopathologic staging of
      specimens or long-term follow-up of at least 12 mo. A comparison of the accuracy
      rates between the localization of strictures was performed by using the Mann
      Whitney U-test and the chi(2) test as appropriate. A comparison of the accuracy
      rates between the diagnostic procedures was performed by using the McNemar's
      test. Differences were considered statistically significant if P < 0.05. RESULTS:
      A total of 234 patients (127 males, 107 females, median age 64, range 20-90
      years) with indeterminate bile duct strictures were included. A total of 161
      patients underwent operative exploration; thus, a surgical histopathological
      correlation was available for those patients. A total of 113 patients had
      malignant disease proven by surgery; in 48 patients, benign disease was
      surgically found. In these patients, the decision for surgical exploration was
      made due to the suspicion of malignant disease in multimodal diagnostics (ERCP,
      CT, or EUS). Fifty patients had a benign diagnosis and were followed by a
      surveillance protocol with a follow-up of at least 12 mo; the median follow-up
      was 34 mo. Twenty-three patients had extended malignant disease, and thus were
      considered palliative. A comparison of the different diagnostic tools for
      detecting bile duct malignancy resulted in accuracy rates of 91% (ERCP/IDUS), 59%
      (ETP), 92% (IDUS + ETP), 74% (EUS), and 73% (CT), respectively. In the subgroup
      analysis, the accuracy rates (%, ERCP + IDUS/ETP/IDUS + ETP; EUS; CT) for each
      tumor entity were as follows: cholangiocellular carcinoma: 92%/74%/92%/70%/79%;
      pancreatic carcinoma: 90%/68%/90%/81%/76%; and ampullary carcinoma:
      88%/90%/90%/76%/76%. The detection rate of malignancy by ERCP/IDUS was superior
      to ETP (91% vs 59%, P < 0.0001), EUS (91% vs 74%, P < 0.0001) and CT (91% vs 73%,
      P < 0.0001); EUS was comparable to CT (74% vs 73%, P = 0.649). When analyzing
      accuracy rates with regard to localization of the bile duct stenosis, the
      accuracy rate of EUS for proximal vs distal stenosis was significantly higher for
      distal stenosis (79% vs 57%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: ERCP/IDUS is superior to
      EUS and CT in providing accurate diagnoses of bile duct strictures of uncertain
      etiology. Multimodal diagnostics is recommended.

PMID- 25132768
TI  - One fifth of hospitalizations for peptic ulcer-related bleeding are potentially
      preventable.
AB  - AIM: To calculate the proportion of potentially preventable hospitalizations due
      to peptic ulcer disease (PUD), erosive gastritis (EG) or duodenitis (ED).
      METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using ICD-10 codes to identify all patients
      with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to endoscopically proven PUD, EG
      or ED during the period from March 2007 to October 2010 in three major
      metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Patients were divided into "high
      risk" (those who would benefit from gastroprotection) and "not high risk" groups
      as defined by established guidelines. Mean Rockall score, transfusion
      requirement, length of stay, rebleeding rates, need for surgery and in-hospital
      mortality was compared between "high risk" and "not high risk" groups. Within the
      "high risk" group, those on gastroprotection and those with no gastroprotection
      were also compared. RESULTS: Five hundred and seven patients were included for
      analysis of which 174 were classified as high risk. Median values of complete
      Rockall Score (5 vs 4, P = 0.002) and length of stay (5 d vs 4 d, P = 0.04) were
      higher in the high risk group but in-hospital mortality was lower (0.6% vs 3.9%,
      P = 0.03). 130 out of the 174 patients in the high risk group were not taking
      recommended gastroprotective therapy prior to hospitalization. Past history of
      PUD (OR = 3.7, P = 0.006) and clopidogrel use (OR = 3.2, P = 0.007) significantly
      predicted prescription of gastroprotective therapy. Using proton pump inhibitor
      protection rates of 50%-85% from published studies, an estimation of 13% to 22%
      of the total number of the hospitalizations due to PUD or EG/ED related bleeding
      may have been preventable. CONCLUSION: Up to one fifth of all hospitalizations
      for bleeding secondary to PUD or EG/ED are potentially preventable.

PMID- 25132769
TI  - Phenol-based endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis for East Asian
      alcohol-intolerant upper gastrointestinal cancer patients: a pilot study.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of phenol for the relief of cancer pain by
      endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (EUS-CPN). METHODS: Twenty
      two patients referred to our hospital with cancer pain from August 2009 to July
      2011 for EUS-CPN were enrolled in this study. Phenol was used for 6 patients with
      alcohol intolerance and ethanol was used for 16 patients without alcohol
      intolerance. The primary endpoint was the positive response rate (pain score
      decreased to <= 3) on postoperative day 7. Secondary endpoints included the time
      to onset of pain relief, duration of pain relief, and complication rates.
      RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the positive response rate on day
      7. The rates were 83% and 69% in the phenol and ethanol groups, respectively.
      Regarding the time to onset of pain relief, in the phenol group, the median pre
      treatment pain score was 5, whereas the post-treatment scores decreased to 1.5,
      1.5, and 1.5 at 2, 8, and 24 h, respectively (P < 0.05). In the ethanol group,
      the median pre-treatment pain score was 5.5, whereas the post-treatment scores
      significantly decreased to 2.5, 2.5, and 2.5 at 2, 8, and 24 h, respectively (P <
      0.01). There was no significant difference in the duration of pain relief between
      the phenol and ethanol groups. No significant difference was found in the rate of
      complications between the 2 groups; however, burning pain and inebriation
      occurred only in the ethanol group. CONCLUSION: Phenol had similar pain-relieving
      effects to ethanol in EUS-CPN. Comparing the incidences of inebriation and
      burning pain, phenol may be superior to ethanol in EUS-CPN procedures.

PMID- 25132770
TI  - Length of negative resection margin does not affect local recurrence and survival
      in the patients with gastric cancer.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the influence of the resection margin on local recurrence and
      survival in gastric cancer patients. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of
      1788 patients who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer at the Seoul
      National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea, between May 2003 and July
      2009. The patients were divided into early and advanced gastric cancer groups. In
      each group, we analyzed the relationship between clinicopathologic factors and
      survival outcomes, and compared the hazard rates of event occurrence between
      patients with resection margins above and below the cut-off value, using a Cox
      proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The early and advanced gastric cancer groups
      included 1001 and 787 patients, respectively. The hazard rates of event
      occurrence did not significantly differ between the patients with resection
      margins above the cut-off value and those with resection margins below the cut
      off value (P > 0.05, in all comparisons). Based on the multivariable analyses,
      the proximal and distal resection margins were not significantly associated with
      survival outcomes and local recurrence (P > 0.05, in all analyses). CONCLUSION:
      The proximal or distal resection margins did not affect the prognosis of patients
      with gastric cancer if the margins were pathologically negative.

PMID- 25132771
TI  - Refeeding syndrome in Southeastern Taiwan: our experience with 11 cases.
AB  - AIM: To present our experience with refeeding syndrome in southeastern Taiwan.
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study during a 2-year period at the Mackay
      Memorial Hospital, Taitung Branch. We enrolled patients with very little or no
      nutrition intake for more than 10 d, a high risk group of refeeding syndrome,
      including those suffering from alcohol abuse, cancerous cachexia, chronic
      malnutrition, and prolonged starvation. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients (7 males,
      4 females) with nasogastric feeding were included as having refeeding syndrome.
      Most of them had the symptoms of diarrhea, lethargy, and leg edema. The initial
      nutritional supplement was found to be relatively high in calories (1355.1 +/-
      296.2 kcal/d), high in protein (47.3 +/- 10.4 gm/d), low in vitamin B1 (2.0 +/-
      0.5 mg/d), low in potassium (1260.4 +/- 297.7 mg/d), and low in phosphorus (660.1
      +/- 151.8 mg/d). Furthermore, hypophosphatemia (2.4 +/- 0.9 mg/dL) was noted
      during follow-up. Based on the suggestions of a dietician and a
      gastroenterologist, the clinical disorders of diarrhea, malaise and leg edema
      were significantly improved. The level of phosphate was also increased (3.3 +/-
      0.6 mg/dL). CONCLUSION: Refeeding syndrome is an overlooked and risky disorder
      that has some potentially fatal complications. Nasogastric feeding in nursing
      homes is an important risk factor for patients and deserves greater attention
      based on the initial results of this study.

PMID- 25132772
TI  - Techniques and feasibility of laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with D3
      lymphadenectomy.
AB  - AIM: To illustrate the critical techniques and feasibility of laparoscopic
      extended right hemicolectomy (LERH), according to our previous experience.
      METHODS: Anatomical relationship and operative techniques were demonstrated. One
      hundred and five consecutive patients who underwent extended right hemicolectomy
      with D3 lymphadenectomy between January 2008 and May 2011 were included in the
      present study [laparoscopic group (n = 48) vs open group (n = 57)]. RESULTS: The
      right retrocolic space was the main surgical plan of the LERH. The superior
      mesenteric vein was the most important anatomical landmark for vascular
      dissection. The medial-to-lateral dissection approach made the LERH performed
      efficiently. Compared with the open group, the LERH group had less blood loss
      (111.7 +/- 127.8 mL vs 170.2 +/- 49.7 mL, P = 0.023), faster return of flatus
      (3.0 +/- 1.6 d vs 3.7 +/- 1.3 d, P = 0.019), and earlier diet (4.2 +/- 1.4 d vs
      5.0 +/- 1.2 d, P = 0.005). Five patients (10.4%) underwent conversion during
      laparoscopic surgery. The cancer recurrence rates between the two groups were
      comparable (laparoscopic vs open, 8.6% vs 9.1%, P = 0.335). CONCLUSION: For an
      advanced tumor located at the hepatic flexure or proximal transverse colon, LERH
      with D3 lymphadenectomy using a medial-to-lateral approach seems to be safe and
      feasible when the superior mesenteric vein serves as the main anatomical landmark
      and the right retrocolic space severed as the surgical plan.

PMID- 25132773
TI  - Prognostic nutritional index predicts postoperative complications and long-term
      outcomes of gastric cancer.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the impact of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on the
      postoperative complications and long-term outcomes in gastric cancer patients
      undergoing total gastrectomy. METHODS: The data for 386 patients with gastric
      cancer were extracted and analyzed between January 2003 and December 2008 in our
      center. The patients were divided into two groups according to the cutoff value
      of the PNI: those with a PNI >= 46 and those with a PNI < 46. Clinicopathological
      features were compared between the two groups and potential prognostic factors
      were analyzed. The relationship between postoperative complications and PNI was
      analyzed by logistic regression. The univariate and multivariate hazard ratios
      were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The optimal
      cutoff value of the PNI was set at 46, and patients with a PNI >= 46 and those
      with a PNI < 46 were classified into PNI-high and PNI-low groups, respectively.
      Patients in the PNI-low group were more likely to have advanced tumor (T), node
      (N), and TNM stages than patients in the PNI-high group. The low PNI is an
      independent risk factor for the incidence of postoperative complications (OR =
      2.223). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 54.1% and 21.1% for patients
      with a PNI >= 46 and those with a PNI < 46, respectively. The OS rates were
      significantly lower in the PNI-low group than in the PNI-high group among
      patients with stages II (P = 0.001) and III (P < 0.001) disease. CONCLUSION: The
      PNI is a simple and useful marker not only to identify patients at increased risk
      for postoperative complications, but also to predict long-term survival after
      total gastrectomy. The PNI should be included in the routine assessment of
      advanced gastric cancer patients.

PMID- 25132774
TI  - Risk factors associated with early and late HAT after adult liver
      transplantation.
AB  - AIM: To identify risk factors that might contribute to hepatic artery thrombosis
      (HAT) after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: The perioperative and follow-up
      data of a total of 744 liver transplants, performed from February 1999 to July
      2010, were retrospectively reviewed. HAT developed in 20 patients (2.7%). HAT was
      classified as early (occurring in fewer than 30 d post LT) or late (occurring
      more than 30 d post LT). Early HAT developed in 14 patients (1.9%). Late HAT
      developed in 6 patients (0.8%). Risk factors associated with HAT were analysed
      using the chi(2) test for univariate analysis and logistic regression for
      multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Lack of ABO compatibility, recipient/donor weight
      ratio >= 1.15, complex arterial reconstruction, duration time of hepatic artery
      anastomosis > 80 min, duration time of operation > 10 h, dual grafts, number of
      units of blood received intraoperatively >= 7, number of units of fresh frozen
      plasma (FFP) received intraoperatively >= 6, postoperative blood transfusion and
      postoperative FFP use were significantly associated with early HAT in the
      univariate analysis (P < 0.1). After logistic regression, independent risk
      factors associated with early HAT were recipient/donor weight ratio >= 1.15 (OR =
      4.499), duration of hepatic artery anastomosis > 80 min (OR = 5.429), number of
      units of blood received intraoperatively >= 7 (OR = 4.059) and postoperative
      blood transfusion (OR = 6.898). Graft type (whole/living-donor/split), duration
      of operation > 10 h, retransplantation, rejection reaction, recipients with
      diabetes preoperatively and recipients with a high level of blood glucose or
      diabetes postoperatively were significantly associated with late HAT in the
      univariate analysis (P < 0.1). After logistic regression, the independent risk
      factors associated with early HAT were duration of operation > 10 h (OR = 6.394),
      retransplantation (OR = 21.793) and rejection reactions (OR = 16.936).
      CONCLUSION: Early detection of these risk factors, strict surveillance protocols
      by Doppler ultrasound and prophylactic anticoagulation for recipients at risk
      might be determined prospectively.

PMID- 25132776
TI  - Chronic permanent hypoxemia predisposes to mild elevation of liver stiffness.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the impact of long term permanent hypoxemia noticed in patients
      with non operated congenital cyanogenic cyanotic cardiopathy on liver stiffness.
      METHODS: We included ten adult patients with non operated inoperate cyanotic
      cardiopathy and ten matched patients for age and gender admitted to the
      gastroenterology department for proctologic diseases; Clinical and laboratory
      data were collected [age, gender, body mass index, oxygen saturation, glutamate
      oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glycemia
      and cholesterol]. Measurement of hepatic stiffness by transient elastography was
      carried out in all patients using the Fibroscan device. All patients underwent an
      echocardiography to eliminate congestive heart failure. RESULTS: Among the
      patients with cyanotic cardiopathy, median liver stiffness 5.9 +/- 1.3 kPa was
      greater than control group (4.7 +/- 0.4 kPa) (P = 0.008). Median levels of GOT,
      GPT, gamma-glutamyltransferase, glycemia and cholesterol were comparable in
      cardiopathy and control group. In regression analysis including age, gender, body
      mass index, oxygen saturation, GOT, GPT, glycemia, cholesterol showed that only
      oxygen saturation was related to liver stiffness (r = -0.63 P = 0.002).
      CONCLUSION: Chronic permanent hypoxemia can induce mild increase of liver
      stiffness, but further studies are needed to explore the histological aspects of
      liver injury induced by chronic permanent hypoxemia.

PMID- 25132775
TI  - Human liver stem/progenitor cells decrease serum bilirubin in hyperbilirubinemic
      Gunn rat.
AB  - AIM: To test the ability of adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells
      (ADHLSC) from large scale cultures to conjugate bilirubin in vitro and in
      bilirubin conjugation deficient rat. METHODS: ADHLSC from large scale cultures
      were tested for their phenotype and for their capacity to conjugate bilirubin in
      vitro after hepatogenic differentiation. In vivo, Gunn rats [uridine diphosphate
      glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) deficient animal] were injected with ADHLSC
      and cryopreserved hepatocytes (positive control). Two, 4, 13 and 27 wk post
      transplantation, transplanted Gunn rat bilirubin serum levels were determined by
      high performance liquid chromatography. Human transplanted cell engraftment was
      assessed 27 wk post-transplantation using immunohistochemistry and RTqPCR.
      RESULTS: Large scale culture conditions do not modify ADHLSC phenotype, ADHLSC
      were able to specifically conjugate bilirubin. ADHLSC were intraportally injected
      into Gunn rats and blood UCB was measured at different times post
      transplantation, infused-Gunn rats exhibited a metabolic effect 3 mo post
      transplantation and maintained over a 6 mo period. ADHLSC engraftment into Gunn
      rat's liver was demonstrated by RTqPCR and immunohistochemistry against albumin
      and UGT1A1. CONCLUSION: ADHLSC from large scale cultures are efficient in
      conjugating bilirubin in vitro and in restoring a deficient metabolic function
      (reducing bilirubin level) in hyperbilirubinemic rats.

PMID- 25132777
TI  - Preoperative colonoscopy through the colonic stent in patients with colorectal
      cancer obstruction.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of a preoperative colonoscopy through a self
      expendable metallic stent (SEMS) and to identify the factors that affect complete
      colonoscopy. METHODS: A total of 48 patients who had SEMS placement because of
      acute malignant colonic obstruction underwent preoperative colonoscopy. After
      effective SEMS placement, patients who showed complete resolution of radiological
      findings and clinical signs of acute colon obstruction underwent a standard bowel
      preparation. Preoperative colonoscopy was then performed using a standard
      colonoscope. If the passage of colonoscope was not feasible gastroscope was used.
      After colonoscopy, cecal intubation time, grade of bowel preparation, tumor
      location, stent location, presence of synchronous polyps or cancer, damage to
      colonoscopy and bleeding, and stent migration after colonoscopy were recorded.
      RESULTS: Complete evaluation with colonoscope was possible in 30 patients
      (62.5%). In this group, adenoma was detected in 13 patients (43.3%). The factors
      that affected complete colonoscopy were also analyzed: Tumor location at an
      angle; stent placement at an angle; and stent expansion diameter, which affected
      complete colonoscopy significantly. However in multivariate analysis, stent
      expansion diameter was the only significant factor that affected complete
      colonoscopy. Complete evaluation using additional gastroscope was feasible in 42
      patients (87.5%). CONCLUSION: Preoperative colonoscopy through the colonic stent
      using only conventional colonoscope was unfavorable. The narrow expansion
      diameter of the stent may predict unfavorable outcome. In such a case, using
      small caliber scope should be considered and may expect successful outcome.

PMID- 25132778
TI  - Aerobic exercise improves gastrointestinal motility in psychiatric inpatients.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the benefit of aerobic exercise on colonic transit time (CTT)
      for psychiatric inpatients in a closed ward. METHODS: Sixty consecutive adult
      inpatients of the Somang Hospital Psychiatry Unit (Eumsung-gun, South Korea),
      without CTT-related diseases or drug therapies, were recruited for study from
      March to June of 2012. Upon enrollment, the patients were randomly assigned to
      partake in a 12-wk instructor-led group aerobic exercise program (exercise group;
      n = 30) or to maintain their ordinary daily activities (control group; n = 30).
      The exercise program was structured as 10 min warm-up (stretching), 40 min
      exercise, and 10 min cool-down (stretching) for three days each week. The
      exercise sessions consisted of walking only in week one and aerobics from weeks
      two to 12, with increasing intensity (50% heart rate reserve (HRR) for weeks one
      to four, 60% HRR for weeks five to eight, and 70% HRR for weeks nine to 12). CTT
      was measured before (baseline) and after (week 12) the exercise program, in
      duplicate (on days four and seven), using abdominal radiography and the multiple
      radio-opaque marker technique. Changes in the exercising patients' CTT and weight
      , cardiovascular- and fitness-related parameters were statistically assessed.
      RESULTS: The study dropout rate was 30.0%, with 23 patients in the exercise group
      and 19 patients in the control group completing the study. At week 12, the
      exercise group showed decreases in body weight (mean +/- SE) baseline: 69.4 +/-
      2.8 vs study-end: 67.6 +/- 2.7; P < 0.635) and body mass index (BMI) (25.2 +/-
      1.1 vs 24.9 +/- 0.8; P < 0.810), but the extent of change was not significantly
      different from that experienced by the control group (body weight: 68.8 +/- 4.0
      vs 68.8 +/- 3.9; BMI: 24.3 +/- 1.1 vs 24.4 +/- 1.2). However, the exercise group
      showed significant improvements in leg muscle strength (baseline: 41.7 +/- 4.3 vs
      study-end: 64.1 +/- 5.0; P < 0.001), cardio-respiratory endurance (120.5 +/- 4.5
      vs 105.4 +/- 2.8; P < 0.004), and leg muscle elasticity and power output (21.5 +/
      2.6 vs 30.6 +/- 2.8; P < 0.001). The exercise group showed an exercise-induced
      reduction in total CTT (baseline: 54.2 +/- 8.0 vs 30.3 +/- 6.1), which was
      significantly different from that experienced by the control group over the 12-wk
      period (48.6 +/- 9.3 vs 48.3 +/- 12.3; P = 0.027); however, the exercise-induced
      decreases in CTT involving the three colonic segments examined (right, left and
      recto-sigmoid) showed no significant differences from the control group.
      CONCLUSION: A 12-wk aerobic exercise program can benefit psychiatric inpatients
      by increasing intestinal motility, possibly decreasing risk of metabolic- and
      cardiovascular-related disease.

PMID- 25132779
TI  - Diagnostic value of controlled attenuation parameter for liver steatosis in
      patients with chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - AIM: To study the diagnostic value of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP),
      evaluated by transient elastography, for liver steatosis in patients with chronic
      hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with CHB were enrolled in this
      study. All of the patients were subjected to transient elastography to determine
      CAP. These patients also underwent liver biopsy in the same period. Using liver
      biopsy as a reference, we determined receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
      curves for different endpoints. Areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were used to
      evaluate the diagnostic importance of CAP for liver steatosis in patients with
      CHB. RESULTS: A positive correlation was observed between the AUCs of CAP and
      liver pathological stage (r = 0.582, P < 0.05). CAP was not correlated with
      inflammation degree and fibrosis degree (r = -0.025, P > 0.05; r = 0. 068, P >
      0.05). The mean CAP value at S0 was 209.59 +/- 41.25 dB/m, 223.84 +/- 35.28 dB/m
      at S1, 274.17 +/- 43.69 dB/m at S2, and 312.50 +/- 25.44 dB/m at S3. CAP values
      among S0, S1, S2, and S3 were significantly different (F = 17.79, P < 0.01). The
      AUC values for CAP were 0.711 (0.592-0.870), 0.868 (0.748-0.989), and 0.974
      (0.922-1.026) for S1, S2, and S3, respectively. The optimal cut-off values were
      219.5, 230.0, and 283.5 dB/m. CONCLUSION: CAP is a novel tool that can be used to
      assess the degree of steatosis.

PMID- 25132780
TI  - Relationship between methylation and colonic inflammation in inflammatory bowel
      disease.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the relationship between the methylation status in the SLIT2
      and TGFB2 promoters and colonic inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease
      patients. METHODS: We evaluated the methylation status of 2 genes (SLIT2 and
      TGFB2) in 226 biopsies taken from 62 colonoscopies of 38 patients (29 ulcerative
      colitis and 9 Crohn's colitis) using methylation-specific melting curve analysis.
      The relationships between methylation status and clinical, biological, endoscopic
      and histological activities were evaluated. Twenty-three of the 38 patients had a
      second colonoscopy and were included in a longitudinal analysis. Numerical
      results were given as the means +/- SD of the sample and range, except when
      specified. Student t analysis, U Mann Whitney and ANOVA factor were used to
      compare the means. Qualitative results were based on the chi(2) test. RESULTS:
      SLIT2 methylation was more frequent in samples with endoscopic activity than with
      endoscopic remission (55% vs 18%, P < 0.001). SLIT2 methylation was also higher
      in samples with acute inflammation (56.5%) than in samples with chronic (24%) or
      absent inflammation (15%) (P < 0.001). For TGFB2 methylation, the correlation was
      only significant with endoscopic activity. Methylation was higher in the distal
      colon for both genes (P < 0.001 for SLIT2 and P = 0.022 for TGFB2). In the
      multivariate analysis, only inflammation status (and not disease duration or
      extension) was independently associated with SLIT2 methylation [OR = 6.6 (95%CI:
      1.65-27.36), P = 0.009]. In the longitudinal analysis, the maintenance of
      endoscopic remission was protective for methylation. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic and
      histological inflammation are predictive for SLIT2 methylation.

PMID- 25132781
TI  - Early viral kinetics during hepatitis C virus genotype 6 treatment according to
      IL28B polymorphisms.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the early viral kinetics and interleukin-28B (IL28B)
      polymorphisms of hepatitis C genotype 6 during pegylated interferon and ribavirin
      therapy. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      infection treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) were
      included, of whom 15 (23.1%), 16 (24.6%) and 34 (52.3%) patients were infected
      with hepatitis C genotype 1 (HCV-1), genotype 3 (HCV-3) and genotype 6 (HCV-6),
      respectively. Serum HCV-RNA levels were measured frequently during the first 4-wk
      of therapy. DNA extracted from samples was analyzed for the IL28B single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12979860 by polymerase chain reaction and direct
      sequencing. RESULTS: During the first 4-wk of therapy, the mean viral decline for
      patients with HCV-6 (5.55 +/- 1.82 log10IU/mL) was comparable to that of patients
      with HCV-3 (5.55 +/- 1.82 log10IU/mL vs 5.86 +/- 1.02 log10IU/mL, P = 0.44) and
      was significantly higher than patients with HCV-1 (5.55 +/- 1.82 log10IU/mL vs
      4.23 +/- 1.99 log10IU/mL, P = 0.04). In the HCV-6 group, the first phase (days 0
      2) viral decline was significantly higher in patients with the favorable
      rs12979860 CC than non-CC genotypes (2.46 +/- 1.01 log10IU/mL/wk vs 1.70 +/- 0.67
      log10IU/mL, respectively, P = 0.045). A statistically insignificant decrease in
      the second-phase (days 7-28) decline was also found in patients with the CC
      genotype than those with the non-CC genotype, though not significantly different
      (1.24 +/- 0.64 log10IU/mL/wk vs 0.80 +/- 0.65 log10IU/mL/wk, respectively, P =
      0.172). At baseline, the SNP genotype was an independent predictor of rapid
      virological response but not of sustained virological response. CONCLUSION: The
      IL28B genotype was linked to an impact on early viral kinetics in response to PEG
      IFN/RBV therapy in HCV-6 infected patients.

PMID- 25132782
TI  - Coagulopathy in a subtype of choledochal cyst and management strategy.
AB  - AIM: To evaluated our management algorithm of the coagulopathy. We evaluated our
      management algorithm of the coagulopathy. METHODS: Between October 2001 and
      January 2013, 160 CDC children with coagulopathy (fibrinogen, FIB < 2 g/L) were
      recruited. FIB >= 1 g/L is generally required for safe elective surgery. We used
      FIB level as an indicator when: (1) patients with FIB levels between 1-2 g/L
      underwent one-stage definitive operation; and (2) patients with FIB < 1 g/L
      underwent 3 d of medical treatment. Thereafter, those with FIB >= 1 g/L underwent
      one-stage definitive operation whereas those with FIB < 1 g/L underwent external
      biliary drainage to allow liver function improvement. Those patients with liver
      function improvements underwent definitive operation after 7 d of drainage.
      RESULTS: After preoperative optimization, 92.5% of CDC children with coagulopathy
      underwent successful one-stage definitive operation. The remaining 7.5% of CDC
      children required initial external bile drainage, and underwent definitive
      operation 11 d after the admission. The mean operative time and postoperative
      recovery duration were comparable to those with normal coagulations. The median
      follow-up period was 57 mo. No blood transfusion or other postoperative
      complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Following our management protocol,
      the majority of CDC children with coagulopathy can be managed with one-stage
      definitive operation.

PMID- 25132783
TI  - Predictors for failure of stent treatment for benign esophageal perforations - a
      single center 10-year experience.
AB  - AIM: To investigate possible predictors for failed self-expandable metallic stent
      (SEMS) therapy in consecutive patients with benign esophageal perforation-rupture
      (EPR). METHODS: All patients between 2003-2013 treated for EPR at the Karolinska
      University Hospital, a tertiary referral center, were studied with regard to
      initial management with SEMS. Patients with malignancy as an underlying cause and
      those with anastomotic leakages were excluded. Sealing of the perforation with a
      covered SEMS was the primary strategy whenever feasible. Stent therapy failure
      was defined as a radical change of treatment strategy due to uncontrolled
      mediastinitis, which in this setting consisted of emergency esophagectomy with
      end-esophagostomy or death as a consequence of the perforation and subsequent
      uncontrolled sepsis. Patient and lesion characteristics were analyzed and are
      presented as median and interquartile range. Possible predictors for failed stent
      therapy were analyzed with uni-variate logistic regression, while variables with
      P < 0.2 were further analyzed with multi-variate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of
      the total number of 48 patients presenting with EPR, 40 patients (83.3%) were
      treated with SEMS at the time of admission, with an intention to heal the
      perforation. Twenty-three patients had Boerhaave's syndrome (58%), 16 had an
      iatrogenic perforation (40%) and 1 had external trauma to the esophagus (3%). The
      total in-hospital mortality, including the cases that had other initial
      treatments (n = 8), was 10.4% and 7.5% among those who were subjected to the SEMS
      based strategy. In 33 of the 40 patients (82.5%) who were treated with stent, the
      EPR healed without further change in treatment strategy. Patients classified as
      treatment success received a SEMS at a median time of 1 (1-1) d after the actual
      EPR, compared to 3 (1-10) d among those where the initial treatment failed, P =
      0.039 in uni-variate analysis and P = 0.052 in multi-variate analysis. No other
      significant factors emerged, indicating an increased risk for failure. Six of 7
      patients, where stent treatment of the defect failed, underwent an emergency
      esophagectomy with end esophagostomy and one patient died. CONCLUSION: SEMS as an
      upfront therapeutic strategy seems to be a successful concept, when applied to an
      unselected group of patients with EPR.

PMID- 25132784
TI  - Efficacy of morning-only 4 liter sulfa free polyethylene glycol vs 2 liter
      polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid for afternoon colonoscopy.
AB  - AIM: To compare the bowel cleansing efficacy of same day ingestion of 4-L sulfa
      free polyethylene glycol (4-L SF-PEG) vs 2-L polyethylene glycol solution with
      ascorbic acid (2-L PEG + Asc) in patients undergoing afternoon colonoscopy.
      METHODS: 206 patients (mean age 56.7 years, 61% male) undergoing outpatient
      screening or surveillance colonoscopies were prospectively randomized to receive
      either 4-L SF-PEG (n = 104) or 2-L PEG + Asc solution (n = 102). Colonoscopies
      were performed by two blinded endoscopists. Bowel preparation was graded using
      the Ottawa scale. Each participant completed a satisfaction and side effect
      survey. RESULTS: There was no difference in patient demographics amongst groups.
      4-L SF-PEG resulted in better Ottawa scores compared to 2-L PEG + Asc, 4.2 vs 4.9
      (P = 0.0186); left colon: 1.33 vs 1.57 respectively (P = 0.0224), right colon:
      1.38 vs 1.63 respectively (P = 0.0097). No difference in Ottawa scores was found
      for the mid colon or amount of fluid. Patient satisfaction was similar for both
      arms but those assigned to 4-L SF-PEG reported less bloating: 23.1% vs 11.5% (P =
      0.0235). Overall polyp detection, adenomatous polyp and advanced adenoma
      detection rates were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Morning only 4-L
      SF-PEG provided superior cleansing with less bloating as compared to 2-L PEG +
      Asc bowel preparation for afternoon colonoscopy. Thus, future studies evaluating
      efficacy of morning only preparation for afternoon colonoscopy should use 4-L SF
      PEG as the standard comparator.

PMID- 25132785
TI  - Selection of treatment modalities for Budd-Chiari Syndrome in China: a
      preliminary survey of published literature.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the frequency of use of various treatment modalities for Budd
      Chiari syndrome (BCS) in China by conducting a preliminary survey of relevant
      literature. METHODS: All papers regarding the treatment of BCS in Chinese
      patients were identified by searching PubMed, Chinese Scientific and
      Technological Journal, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases.
      Data regarding the number of BCS patients treated with different treatment
      modalities over time were collected. The proportions of BCS patients undergoing
      various treatment modalities were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 300 of 3005
      papers initially retrieved were included. These papers included 23352 BCS
      patients treated with different treatment modalities. The treatment modalities
      include surgery (n = 8625), interventional treatment (n = 13940), surgery
      combined with interventional treatment (n = 363), medical therapy (n = 277),
      other treatments (n = 91), and no treatment (n = 56). After 2005, the number of
      BCS patients treated with surgery was drastically decreased, but the number of
      BCS patients who underwent interventional treatment was almost maintained. Shunt
      surgery was the most common type of surgery (n = 3610). Liver transplantation was
      rarely employed (n = 2). Balloon angioplasty with or without stenting was the
      most common type of interventional treatment (n = 13747). Transjugular
      intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was rarely employed (n = 81). CONCLUSION:
      Selection of treatment modalities for BCS might be different between China and
      Western countries. Further work should be necessary to establish a unanimous
      therapeutic strategy for BCS in China.

PMID- 25132786
TI  - Symptomatic multinodular splenic hamartoma preoperatively suspected as metastatic
      tumor: a case report.
AB  - Splenic hamartoma (SH) is a rare benign tumor usually detected accidentally,
      which is composed of an aberrant mixture of normal splenic elements. Here, we
      report a case of 54-year-old man who presented with symptomatic multinodular SH
      and was admitted initially for thrombocytopenia and anemia. Physical examination
      revealed that the patients had an anemic appearance and palpable spleen,
      extending 10 cm below the costal margin. Preoperative ultrasound and computed
      tomography (CT) indicated splenomegaly with multinodular lesions. On enhanced CT
      scanning, during the arterial phase, the lesions demonstrated inhomogeneous
      enhancement, and in the portal phase the lesions were more hyperdense than the
      splenic parenchyma. The images were highly suggestive of a metastatic tumor.
      Splenectomy was performed 1 wk later. The tumor was eventually diagnosed as SH
      according to the morphological features and immunohistochemical detection, by
      which CD34 was positive in lining cells and some spindle cells, vimentin was
      positive in the tumor, factor-VIII-related antigen was positive multifocally in
      lining cells, and smooth muscle actin was positive in some spindle cells.
      Thrombocytopenia and anemia were cured after splenectomy. 

PMID- 25132788
TI  - Collaborative work between the West and Asia.
AB  - The "Collaborative Work between the West and Asia" session was chaired by Dr. Yih
      Ing Hser and had three speakers. The speakers (and their topics) were: Dr. Gavin
      Bart (Collaborative Addiction Research in Asian Populations Home and Abroad), Dr.
      Li Li (Implementing Intervention Research Projects in Asia), and Dr. Le Minh
      Giang (Building Research Infrastructure for International Collaborative Studies
      on Substance Use Disorder and HIV: The Case of Hanoi Medical University/Vietnam).

PMID- 25132787
TI  - Acute acalculous cholecystitis immediately after gastric operation: case report
      and literatures review.
AB  - Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is a rare complication of gastric surgery.
      The most commonly accepted concepts regarding its pathogenesis are bile stasis,
      sepsis and ischemia, but it has not been well described how to identify and
      manage this disease in the early stage. We report three cases of AAC in elderly
      patients immediately after gastric surgery, which were treated with three
      different strategies. One patient died 42 d after emergency cholecystectomy, and
      the other two finally recovered through timely cholecystostomy and percutaneous
      transhepatic gallbladder drainage, respectively. These cases informed us of the
      value of early diagnosis and proper treatment for perioperative AAC after gastric
      surgery. We further reviewed reported cases of AAC immediately after gastric
      operation, which may expand our knowledge of this disease. 

PMID- 25132789
TI  - Synthesis, central nervous system activity, and structure-activity relationship
      of 1-aryl-6-benzyl-7-hydroxy-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine-5(1H)-ones.
AB  - A series of 24 1-aryl-6-benzyl-7-hydroxy-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine
      5(1H)-ones was designed as antinociceptive compounds acting through opioid
      receptors with additional serotoninergic activity. The compounds, similarly as
      previously published series, lack the protonable nitrogen atom which is a part of
      classical opioid receptor pharmacophore and is necessary to interact with the
      conserved Asp(3.32) in the opioid receptor binding pocket. The compounds were
      obtained in one-step cyclocondensation of 1-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amines
      diethyl 2-benzylmalonate or diethyl 2-(2-chlorobenzyl)malonate under basic
      conditions. Almost all the tested compounds exerted strong antinociceptive
      activity, but surprisingly, it was not reversed by naloxone; thus, it is not
      mediated through opioid receptors. It makes it possible to conclude that addition
      of one more aromatic moiety to the non-classical opioid receptor pharmacophore
      results in the compounds which are not opioid receptor ligands. The lack of
      activity of one of the tested compounds may be attributed to low blood-brain
      barrier permeation or unfavorable distribution of electrostatic potential and
      HOMO and LUMO orbitals.

PMID- 25132790
TI  - THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MALE-PERPETRATED INTERPARENTAL AGGRESSION, PATERNAL
      CHARACTERISTICS, AND CHILD PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONING.
AB  - It is well established that children in homes where interparental violence is
      present are at increased risk for psychosocial (i.e., internalizing,
      externalizing, and attention) difficulties. However, previous studies have
      provided a limited view on the variety of factors that commonly co-occur in these
      environments (e.g., other characteristics of the parents and family) and how they
      may collectively impact children. Knowing this information could have
      implications for parental interventions aimed at preventing the continuation or
      initiation of psychosocial problems in children. Thus, the present study
      simultaneously examined the association between father-perpetrated interparental
      aggression, father characteristics, and child psychosocial functioning in a
      sample of 145 men arrested for domestic violence. Results showed that of all the
      variables examined, paternal antisocial personality traits and interpersonal
      hostility were uniquely associated with overall child psychosocial impairment,
      externalizing problems, and attention problems. Implications for intervention
      programs are discussed.

PMID- 25132791
TI  - Robust measurement of individual localized changes to the aging hippocampus.
AB  - Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is characterized by a stereotypical spatial pattern of
      hippocampus (HP) atrophy over time, but reliable and precise measurement of
      localized longitudinal change to individual HP in AD have been elusive. We
      present a method for quantifying subject-specific spatial patterns of
      longitudinal HP change that aligns serial HP surface pairs together, cuts slices
      off the ends of the HP that were not shared in the two delineations being
      aligned, estimates weighted correspondences between baseline and follow-up HP,
      and finds a concise set of localized spatial change patterns that explains HP
      changes while down-weighting HP surface points whose estimated changes are
      biologically implausible. We tested our method on a synthetic HP change dataset
      as well as a set of 320 real elderly HP measured at 1-year intervals. Our results
      suggests that the proposed steps reduce the amount of implausible HP changes
      indicated among individual HP, increase the strength of association between HP
      change and cognitive function related to AD, and enhance the estimation of
      reliable spatially-localized HP change patterns.

PMID- 25132792
TI  - ISOLATION OF GLYCOSIDES FROM THE BARKS OF ILEX ROTUNDA BY HIGH-SPEED COUNTER
      CURRENT CHROMATOGRAPHY.
AB  - Semi-preparative and preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography
      (HSCCC) were successfully used for isolation of glycosides from 50% ethanol
      extract of the dried barks of Ilex rotunda Thunb. (Aquifoliaceae) by using a two
      phase solvent system composed of ethyl acetate-n-butanol-water (1:6:7, v/v/v).
      From 1.0 g of the extract, syringaresinol 4',4"-di-o-beta-d-glucopyranoside (I,
      20.2 mg),, syringin (II, 56.8 mg), sinapaldehyde glucoside (III, 26.2 mg),,
      syringaresinol 4'-o-beta-d-glucopyranoside (IV, 20.4 mg), and pedunculoside (V,
      45.1 mg) were obtained by one run of TBE-1000A HSCCC instrument with 1000 mL of
      column volume. Their structures were identified by IR, MS, and 1H and 13C NMR
      studies. Glycoside I was isolated from this plant for the first time.

PMID- 25132793
TI  - Disclosure of Positive BRCA1/2-Mutation Status in Young Couples: The Journey From
      Uncertainty to Bonding Through Partner Support.
AB  - BRCA1/2-positive women who learn their mutation status early in the life-course
      face unique challenges related to navigating the tasks of young adulthood. Using
      qualitative methods and grounded theory, the authors analyzed in-depth interviews
      with 11 women aged 26 to 35 who learned their mutation status before marriage.
      Their narratives illustrate the complexity of relationship formation, and
      highlight the potential for relationship-bonding and intimacy-building in the
      course of sharing mutation information. Disclosing BRCA mutation status to dating
      partners is often preceded by feelings of fear and anxiety, yet many participants
      reported that doing so has positive effects on relationships. Partners' abilities
      to respond with interest, empathy, and affection are associated with in creased
      future intimacy, consistent with generally accepted principles within the
      family/couple systems field. Individual cancer risk perception and familial
      cancer experiences may affect the disclosure experience, which can be understood
      via Attachment Theory. Our findings provide clinical insight, identify new areas
      for research, and suggest ways to assist this unique population in their
      adjustment to being BRCA mutation-positive.

PMID- 25132794
TI  - Spatial Resolution Requirements for Traffic-Related Air Pollutant Exposure
      Evaluations.
AB  - Vehicle emissions represent one of the most important air pollution sources in
      most urban areas, and elevated concentrations of pollutants found near major
      roads have been associated with many adverse health impacts. To understand these
      impacts, exposure estimates should reflect the spatial and temporal patterns
      observed for traffic-related air pollutants. This paper evaluates the spatial
      resolution and zonal systems required to estimate accurately intraurban and near
      road exposures of traffic-related air pollutants. The analyses use the detailed
      information assembled for a large (800 km2) area centered on Detroit, Michigan,
      USA. Concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) due to vehicle emissions were
      estimated using hourly traffic volumes and speeds on 9,700 links representing all
      but minor roads in the city, the MOVES2010 emission model, the RLINE dispersion
      model, local meteorological data, a temporal resolution of 1 hr, and spatial
      resolution as low as 10 m. Model estimates were joined with the corresponding
      shape files to estimate residential exposures for 700,000 individuals at property
      parcel, census block, census tract, and ZIP code levels. We evaluate joining
      methods, the spatial resolution needed to meet specific error criteria, and the
      extent of exposure misclassification. To portray traffic-related air pollutant
      exposure, raster or inverse distance-weighted interpolations are superior to
      nearest neighbor approaches, and interpolations between receptors and points of
      interest should not exceed about 40 m near major roads, and 100 m at larger
      distances. For census tracts and ZIP codes, average exposures are overestimated
      since few individuals live very near major roads, the range of concentrations is
      compressed, most exposures are misclassified, and high concentrations near roads
      are entirely omitted. While smaller zones improve performance considerably, even
      block-level data can misclassify many individuals. To estimate exposures and
      impacts of traffic-related pollutants accurately, data should be geocoded or
      estimated at the most-resolved spatial level; census tract and larger zones have
      little if any ability to represent intraurban variation in traffic-related air
      pollutant concentrations. These results are based on one of the most
      comprehensive intraurban modeling studies in the literature and results are
      robust. Recommendations address the value of dispersion models to portray spatial
      and temporal variation of air pollutants in epidemiology and other studies;
      techniques to improve accuracy and reduce the computational burden in urban scale
      modeling; the necessary spatial resolution for health surveillance, demographic,
      and pollution data; and the consequences of low resolution data in terms of
      exposure misclassification.

PMID- 25132796
TI  - Endogenous retroviruses in domestic animals.
AB  - Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are genomic elements that are present in a wide
      range of vertebrates. Although the study of ERVs has been carried out mainly in
      humans and model organisms, recently, domestic animals have become important, and
      some species have begun to be analyzed to gain further insight into ERVs. Due to
      the availability of complete genomes and the development of new computer tools,
      ERVs can now be analyzed from a genome-wide viewpoint. In addition, more
      experimental work is being carried out to analyze the distribution, expression
      and interplay of ERVs within a host genome. Cats, cattle, chicken, dogs, horses,
      pigs and sheep have been scrutinized in this manner, all of which are interesting
      species in health and economic terms. Furthermore, several studies have noted
      differences in the number of endogenous retroviruses and in the variability of
      these elements among different breeds, as well as their expression in different
      tissues and the effects of their locations, which, in some cases, are near genes.
      These findings suggest a complex, intriguing relationship between ERVs and host
      genomes. In this review, we summarize the most important in silico and
      experimental findings, discuss their implications and attempt to predict future
      directions for the study of these genomic elements. 

PMID- 25132797
TI  - Using current data to define new approach in age related macular degeneration:
      need to accelerate translational research.
AB  - Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the major retinal degenerative
      disease of ageing whose complex genetic basis remains undeciphered. The
      involvement of various other factors like mitochondrial genes, cytoskeletal
      proteins and the role of epigenetics has been described in this review. Several
      population based AMD genetic studies have been carried out worldwide. Despite the
      increased publication of reports, clinical translation still eludes this
      davastating disease. We suggest models to address roadblocks in clinical
      translation hoping that these would be beneficial to drive AMD research towards
      innovative biomarkers and therapeutics Therefore, addressing the need large
      autopsy studies and combining it with efficient use of bioinformatic tools,
      statistical modeling and probing SNP-biomarker association are key to time bound
      resolution of this disease. 

PMID- 25132795
TI  - Spatial and temporal simulation of human evolution. Methods, frameworks and
      applications.
AB  - Analyses of human evolution are fundamental to understand the current gradients
      of human diversity. In this concern, genetic samples collected from current
      populations together with archaeological data are the most important resources to
      study human evolution. However, they are often insufficient to properly evaluate
      a variety of evolutionary scenarios, leading to continuous debates and
      discussions. A commonly applied strategy consists of the use of computer
      simulations based on, as realistic as possible, evolutionary models, to evaluate
      alternative evolutionary scenarios through statistical correlations with the real
      data. Computer simulations can also be applied to estimate evolutionary
      parameters or to study the role of each parameter on the evolutionary process.
      Here we review the mainly used methods and evolutionary frameworks to perform
      realistic spatially explicit computer simulations of human evolution. Although we
      focus on human evolution, most of the methods and software we describe can also
      be used to study other species. We also describe the importance of considering
      spatially explicit models to better mimic human evolutionary scenarios based on a
      variety of phenomena such as range expansions, range shifts, range contractions,
      sex-biased dispersal, long-distance dispersal or admixtures of populations. We
      finally discuss future implementations to improve current spatially explicit
      simulations and their derived applications in human evolution. 

PMID- 25132798
TI  - Temporally and spatially restricted gene expression profiling.
AB  - Identifying gene function in specific cells is critical for understanding the
      processes that make cells unique. Several different methods are available to
      isolate actively transcribed RNA or actively translated RNA in specific cells at
      a chosen time point. Cell-specific mRNA isolation can be accomplished by the
      expression of transgenes in cells of interest, either directly from a specific
      promoter or using a modular system such as Gal4/UAS or Cre/lox. All of the
      methods described in this review, namely thiol-labeling of RNA (TU-tagging or
      RABT), TRAP (translating ribosome affinity purification) and INTACT (isolation of
      nuclei tagged in specific cell types), allow next generation sequencing,
      permitting the identification of enriched gene transcripts within the specific
      cell-type. We describe here the general concept of each method, include examples,
      evaluate possible problems related to each technique, and suggest the types of
      questions for which each method is best suited. 

PMID- 25132801
TI  - Electron Cryo-Microscopy Studies of Helminthosporium victoriae Virus 190S.

PMID- 25132799
TI  - Impact of next generation sequencing techniques in food microbiology.
AB  - Understanding the Maxam-Gilbert and Sanger sequencing as the first generation, in
      recent years there has been an explosion of newly-developed sequencing
      strategies, which are usually referred to as next generation sequencing (NGS)
      techniques. NGS techniques have high-throughputs and produce thousands or even
      millions of sequences at the same time. These sequences allow for the accurate
      identification of microbial taxa, including uncultivable organisms and those
      present in small numbers. In specific applications, NGS provides a complete
      inventory of all microbial operons and genes present or being expressed under
      different study conditions. NGS techniques are revolutionizing the field of
      microbial ecology and have recently been used to examine several food ecosystems.
      After a short introduction to the most common NGS systems and platforms, this
      review addresses how NGS techniques have been employed in the study of food
      microbiota and food fermentations, and discusses their limits and perspectives.
      The most important findings are reviewed, including those made in the study of
      the microbiota of milk, fermented dairy products, and plant-, meat- and fish
      derived fermented foods. The knowledge that can be gained on microbial diversity,
      population structure and population dynamics via the use of these technologies
      could be vital in improving the monitoring and manipulation of foods and
      fermented food products. They should also improve their safety. 

PMID- 25132802
TI  - Public discourse on HIV/AIDS: an archival analysis of national newspaper
      reporting in Uganda, 1996-2011.
AB  - Uganda is recognised as an early success story in the HIV epidemic at least in
      part due to an open and vigorous national dialogue about HIV prevention. This
      study examined the national discourse about HIV, AIDS, and young people in New
      Vision, Uganda's leading national newspaper between 1996 and 2011, building from
      a previous archival analysis of New Vision reporting by Kirby (1986-1995). We
      examined the continuing evolution in the public discourse in Uganda, focusing on
      reporting about young people. An increase in reporting on HIV and AIDS occurred
      after 2003, as antiretroviral treatment was becoming available. While the
      emphasis in newspaper reporting about adults and the population at large evolved
      to reflect the development of new HIV treatment and prevention methods, the
      majority of the articles focused on young people did not change. Articles about
      young people continued to emphasise HIV acquisition due to early and premarital
      sexual activity and the need for social support services for children affected by
      HIV and AIDS. Articles often did not report on the complex social conditions that
      shape HIV-related risk among young people, or address young people who are
      sexually active, married, and/or HIV infected. With HIV prevalence now increasing
      among young people and adults in Uganda, greater attention to HIV prevention is
      needed.

PMID- 25132800
TI  - A Comprehensive Review of Dysregulated miRNAs Involved in Cervical Cancer.
AB  - MicroRNAs(miRNAs) have become the center of interest in oncology. In recent
      years, various studies have demonstrated that miRNAs regulate gene expression by
      influencing important regulatory genes and thus are responsible for causing
      cervical cancer. Cervical cancer being the third most diagnosed cancer among the
      females worldwide, is the fourth leading cause of cancer related mortality.
      Prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and new HPV screening tests,
      combined with traditional Pap test screening have greatly reduced cervical
      cancer. Yet, thousands of women continue to be diagnosed with and die of this
      preventable disease annually. This has necessitated the scientists to ponder over
      ways of evolving new methods and chalk out novel treatment protocols/strategies.
      As miRNA deregulation plays a key role in malignant transformation of cervical
      cancer along with its targets that can be exploited for both prognostic and
      therapeutic strategies, we have collected and reviewed the role of miRNA in
      cervical cancer. A systematic search was performed using PubMed for articles that
      report aberrant expression of miRNA in cervical cancer. The present review
      provides comprehensive information for 246 differentially expressed miRNAs
      gathered from 51 published articles that have been implicated in cervical cancer
      progression. Of these, more than 40 miRNAs have been reported in the literature
      in several instances signifying their role in the regulation of cancer. We also
      identified 40 experimentally validated targets, studied the cause of miRNAs
      dysregulation along with its mechanism and role in different stages of cervical
      cancer. We also identified and analysed miRNA clusters and their expression
      pattern in cervical cancer. This review is expected to further enhance our
      understanding in this field and serve as a valuable reference resource. 

PMID- 25132804
TI  - Eating fish for two.
AB  - This article is based on the British Nutrition Foundation's Annual Lecture, which
      focused on maternal fish consumption and the effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on
      fetal development, with respect to current guidance and policy on fish
      consumption during pregnancy. Fish makes a valuable contribution to nutrient
      intakes across the globe and is the primary protein source for many individuals,
      particularly those in the developing world. Populations with a high fish
      consumption, such as in the Republic of the Seychelles, have a greater exposure
      to MeHg, which is present in varying amounts in all fish. Methylmercury is a
      toxic pollutant, which is known to impair neurodevelopment. The dose of MeHg from
      fish consumption, however, needed to impair neurodevelopment is unknown. Current
      UK and US guidance on fish consumption during pregnancy tend to focus more on
      avoiding risks rather than highlighting the benefits which can be obtained from
      eating fish. Such recommendations have been mainly based on data arising from
      epidemiological studies in the Faroe Islands, where methylmercury exposure was
      largely from pilot whale consumption. Although small adverse effects on child
      development have been reported in data from the Faroe Islands, data from the on
      going Seychelles Child Development Studies have shown no adverse effects of
      prenatal methlymercury exposure from high maternal fish consumption (9-12 meals
      containing fish per week) on developmental outcomes. Instead these data suggest
      that nutrients, including long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs),
      provided by fish may offer a beneficial effect and attenuate or modify any
      effects of MeHg on developmental outcomes. Recent expert consultations have
      concluded that the health benefits of fish consumption outweigh the risks posed
      by MeHg exposure and have argued the need for improved education and guidance to
      highlight the importance of consuming nutrients, including LC-PUFAs, from fish
      for optimal child development and to encourage fish consumption during pregnancy.

PMID- 25132803
TI  - Effect of ischemic and pharmacological preconditioning of lower limb muscle
      tissue on tissue oxygenation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy--a pilot
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemic or volatile anesthetic preconditioning is defined as tissue
      protection from impending ischemic cell damage by repetitive short periods of
      tissue exposure to ischemia or volatile anesthetics. Objective of this study was
      to elucidate, if ischemic preconditioning and pharmacological preconditioning
      with sevoflurane have effects on muscle tissue oxygen saturation in patients
      undergoing surgical revascularization of the lower limb. METHODS: In this
      prospective randomized pilot study ischemic and pharmacological (sevoflurane)
      preconditioning was performed in 40 patients with lower limb arterial occlusive
      disease undergoing surgical revascularization. Sevoflurane preconditioning was
      performed in one group (N = 20) by repetitive application of sevoflurane for six
      minutes interspersed by six minutes of washout. Thereafter, ischemic
      preconditioning was performed in all patients (N = 40) by repetitive clamping of
      the femoral artery for six minutes interspersed by six minutes of reperfusion.
      The effect of both procedures on leg muscle tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) was
      measured by near-infrared spectroscopy during both procedures and during surgery
      and reperfusion (INVOS(r) 5100C Oxymeter with Small Adult SomaSensor(r) SAFB-SM,
      Somanetics, Troy, Michigan, USA). RESULTS: Repetitive clamping and reperfusion of
      the femoral artery resulted in significant cyclic decrease and increase of muscle
      rSO2 (p < 0.0001). Pharmacological preconditioning with sevoflurane resulted in a
      faster and higher increase of rSO2 during postoperative reperfusion (Maximal 111%
      baseline +/- 20 versus 103% baseline +/- 14, p = 0.008) consistent with an
      additional effect of pharmacological preconditioning on leg perfusion.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic preconditioning of lower limb muscle tissue and
      pharmacological preconditioning with sevoflurane have an effect on tissue
      oxygenation in patients with lower limb occlusive arterial disease. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: The trial has been registrated at http://www.ClinicalTrial.gov,
      TRIAL NUMBER: NCT02038062 at 14 January 2014.

PMID- 25132805
TI  - Facilitators and barriers influencing patient safety in Swedish hospitals: a
      qualitative study of nurses' perceptions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sweden has undertaken many national, regional, and local initiatives
      to improve patient safety since the mid-2000s, but solid evidence of
      effectiveness for many solutions is often lacking. Nurses play a vital role in
      patient safety, constituting 71% of the workforce in Swedish health care. This
      interview study aimed to explore perceived facilitators and barriers influencing
      patient safety among nurses involved in the direct provision of care. Considering
      the importance of nurses with regard to patient safety, this knowledge could
      facilitate the development and implementation of better solutions. METHODS: A
      qualitative study with semi-structured individual interviews was carried out. The
      study population consisted of 12 registered nurses at general hospitals in
      Sweden. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The
      nurses identified 22 factors that influenced patient safety within seven
      categories: 'patient factors', 'individual staff factors', 'team factors', 'task
      and technology factors', 'work environment factors', 'organizational and
      management factors', and 'institutional context factors'. Twelve of the 22
      factors functioned as both facilitators and barriers, six factors were perceived
      only as barriers, and four only as facilitators. There were no specific patterns
      showing that barriers or facilitators were more common in any category.
      CONCLUSION: A broad range of factors are important for patient safety according
      to registered nurses working in general hospitals in Sweden. The nurses
      identified facilitators and barriers to improved patient safety at multiple
      system levels, indicating that complex multifaceted initiatives are required to
      address patient safety issues. This study encourages further research to achieve
      a more explicit understanding of the problems and solutions to patient safety.

PMID- 25132807
TI  - Separating Octadecyltrimethoxysilane Hydrolysis and Condensation at the Air/Water
      Interface through Addition of Methyl Stearate.
AB  - The hydrolysis and condensation of octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS) at the
      air/water interface were monitored through molecular area changes at a constant
      surface pressure of 10 mN/m. The onset of condensation was delayed through the
      addition of methyl stearate (SME) acting as an inert filler molecule. In the
      absence of SME, complete gelation of OTMS required 30 h, during which time OTMS
      condensation occurred concomitantly with hydrolysis. In the presence of SME, the
      OTMS monolayer gelation rate increased in proportion to the amount of SME
      present. A 1:6 OTMS:SME molar ratio resulted in monolayer gelation within 30 min,
      suggesting completion of monomer hydrolysis prior to condensation. These findings
      indicate that lability of OTMS to hydrolysis at the air/water interface is
      governed by steric and conformational constraints at the silicon atom site, with
      monomeric OTMS being much more reactive than oligomeric OTMS. Fluorescence
      microscope images demonstrated that the OTMS condensed domain size also decreased
      with increasing SME concentrations, further implicating SME's role as an inert
      filler.

PMID- 25132806
TI  - Decreased percentage of CD4(+)Foxp3(+)TGF-beta(+) and increased percentage of
      CD4(+)IL-17(+) cells in bronchoalveolar lavage of asthmatics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways with the
      proven role of Th2 cells in its pathogenesis. The role and characteristic of
      different subsets of CD4(+) cells is much less known. AIM: The aim of the study
      was to analyze the incidence of different subsets of CD4(+) T cells, in
      particular different subsets of CD4(+) cells with the co-expression of different
      cytokines. METHODS: Twenty five stable asthmatic and twelve age-matched control
      subjects were recruited to the study. Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage
      (BAL) were performed in all study subjects. CD4(+) T cells were isolated from BAL
      fluid by positive magnetic selection. After stimulation simultaneous expression
      of TGF-beta, FoxP3, CD25, IFN-gamma, IL-4, TNF-alpha (set 1); IL-10, FoxP3, CD25,
      IFN-gamma, IL-4, MIP-1beta (set 2); IL-17A, IL-8, IFN-gamma, IL-4, MIP-1beta (set
      3) were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The percentage of CD4(+) cells co
      expressing Foxp3 and TGF-beta (CD4(+)Foxp3(+)TGF-beta(+) cells) was significantly
      lower (P = 0.03), whereas the percentage of CD4(+)IL-17(+) cells (P = 0.008),
      CD4(+)IL-17(+) IFN-gamma(+) cells (P = 0.047) and CD4(+)IL-4(+) cells (P = 0.01)
      were significantly increased in asthmatics compared with that seen in healthy
      subjects. A significantly higher percentage of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) cells from asthma
      patients expressed IFN-gamma (P = 0.01), IL-4 (P = 0.004) and CD25 (P = 0.04),
      whereas the percentage of CD4(+)IL-10(+) cells expressing Foxp3 was significantly
      decreased in asthmatics (P = 0.03). FEV1% predicted correlated negatively with
      the percentage of CD4(+)IL-17(+) cells (r = -0.33; P = 0.046) and positively with
      CD4(+)Foxp3(+)TGF-beta(+) cells (r = 0.43; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggest that in the airways of chronic asthma patients there is an imbalance
      between increased numbers of CD4(+)IL-17(+) cells and Th2 cells and decreased
      number of CD4(+)Foxp3(+)TGF-beta(+).

PMID- 25132808
TI  - MRI-Derived 3-D-Printed Breast Phantom for Microwave Breast Imaging Validation.
AB  - We propose a 3-D-printed breast phantom for use in preclinical experimental
      microwave imaging studies. The phantom is derived from an MRI of a human subject;
      thus, it is anthropomorphic, and its interior is very similar to an actual
      distribution of fibroglandular tissues. Adipose tissue in the breast is
      represented by the solid plastic (printed) regions of the phantom, while
      fibroglandular tissue is represented by liquid-filled voids in the plastic. The
      liquid is chosen to provide a biologically relevant dielectric contrast with the
      printed plastic. Such a phantom enables validation of microwave imaging
      techniques. We describe the procedure for generating the 3-D-printed breast
      phantom and present the measured dielectric properties of the 3-D-printed plastic
      over the frequency range 0.5-3.5 GHz. We also provide an example of a suitable
      liquid for filling the fibroglandular voids in the plastic.

PMID- 25132810
TI  - On the Existence and Uniqueness of the Scientific Method.
AB  - The ultimate utility of science is widely agreed upon: the comprehension of
      reality. But there is much controversy about what scientific understanding
      actually means, and how we should proceed in order to gain new scientific
      understanding. Is there a method for acquiring new scientific knowledge? Is this
      method unique and universal? There has been no shortage of proposals, but neither
      has there been a shortage of skeptics about these proposals. This article
      proffers for discussion a potential scientific method that aspires to be unique
      and universal and is rooted in the recent and ancient history of scientific
      thinking. Curiously, conclusions can be inferred from this scientific method that
      also concern education and the transmission of science to others.

PMID- 25132809
TI  - L-leucine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyric acid (HMB) and creatine monohydrate
      prevent myostatin-induced Akirin-1/Mighty mRNA down-regulation and myotube
      atrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine if L-leucine (Leu), beta
      hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), or creatine monohydrate (Crea) prevented
      potential atrophic effects of myostatin (MSTN) on differentiated C2C12 myotubes.
      METHODS: After four days of differentiation, myotubes were treated with MSTN (10
      ng/ml) for two additional days and four treatment groups were studied: 1) 3x per
      day 10 mM Leu, 2) 3x per day 10 mM HMB, 3) 3x per day 10 mM Crea, 4) DM only.
      Myotubes treated with DM without MSTN were analyzed as the control condition
      (DM/CTL). Following treatment, cells were analyzed for total protein, DNA
      content, RNA content, muscle protein synthesis (MPS, SUnSET method), and fiber
      diameter. Separate batch treatments were analyzed for mRNA expression patterns of
      myostatin-related genes (Akirin-1/Mighty, Notch-1, Ski, MyoD) as well as
      atrogenes (MuRF-1, and MAFbx/Atrogin-1). RESULTS: MSTN decreased fiber diameter
      approximately 30% compared to DM/CTL myotubes (p < 0.001). Leu, HMB and Crea
      prevented MSTN-induced atrophy. MSTN did not decrease MPS levels compared to
      DM/CTL myotubes, but MSTN treatment decreased the mRNA expression of Akirin
      1/Mighty by 27% (p < 0.001) and MyoD by 26% (p < 0.01) compared to DM/CTL
      myotubes. shRNA experiments confirmed that Mighty mRNA knockdown reduced myotube
      size, linking MSTN treatment to atrophy independent of MPS. Remarkably, MSTN +
      Leu and MSTN + HMB myotubes had similar Akirin-1/Mighty and MyoD mRNA levels
      compared to DM/CTL myotubes. Furthermore, MSTN + Crea myotubes exhibited a 36% (p
      < 0.05) and 86% (p < 0.001) increase in Akirin-1/Mighty mRNA compared to DM/CTL
      and MSTN-only treated myotubes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Leu, HMB and Crea may
      reduce MSTN-induced muscle fiber atrophy by influencing Akirin-1/Mighty mRNA
      expression patterns. Future studies are needed to examine if Leu, HMB and Crea
      independently or synergistically affect Akirin-1/Mighty expression, and how
      Akirin-1/Mighty expression mechanistically relates to skeletal muscle hypertrophy
      in vivo.

PMID- 25132811
TI  - Silicon/organic hybrid heterojunction infrared photodetector operating in the
      telecom regime.
AB  - The authors report on the fabrication of a silicon/organic heterojunction based
      IR photodetector. It is demonstrated that an Al/p-Si/perylene-derivative/Al
      heterostructure exhibits a photovoltaic effect up to 2.7 MUm (0.46 eV), a value
      significantly lower than the bandgap of either material. Although the devices are
      not optimized, at room temperature a rise time of 300 ns, a responsivity of ~0.2
      mA/W with a specific detectivity of D* ~ 7 * 107 Jones at 1.55 MUm is found. The
      achieved responsivity is two orders of magnitude higher compared to our previous
      efforts [1,2]. It will be outlined that the photocurrent originates from an
      absorption mechanism involving excitation of an electron from the Si valence band
      into the extended LUMO state in the perylene-derivative, with possible
      participation of intermediate localized surface state in the organic material.
      The non-invasive deposition of the organic interlayer onto the Si results in
      compatibility with the CMOS process, making the presented approach a potential
      alternative to all inorganic device concepts.

PMID- 25132812
TI  - Jumping on the Train of Personalized Medicine: A Primer for Non-Geneticist
      Clinicians: Part 1. Fundamental Concepts in Molecular Genetics.
AB  - With the decrease in sequencing cost and the rise of companies providing
      sequencing services, it is likely that personalized whole-genome sequencing will
      eventually become an instrument of common medical practice. We write this series
      of three reviews to help non-geneticist clinicians get ready for the major
      breakthroughs that are likely to occur in the coming years in the fast-moving
      field of personalized medicine. This first paper focuses on the fundamental
      concepts of molecular genetics. We review how recombination occurs during
      meiosis, how de novo genetic variations including single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs), insertions and deletions are generated and how they are inherited from
      one generation to the next. We detail how genetic variants can impact protein
      expression and function, and summarize the main characteristics of the human
      genome. We also explain how the achievements of the Human Genome Project, the
      HapMap Project, and more recently, the 1000 Genomes Project, have boosted the
      identification of genetic variants contributing to common diseases in human
      populations. The second and third papers will focus on genetic epidemiology and
      clinical applications in personalized medicine.

PMID- 25132813
TI  - Gender effects and sexual-orientation impact on androstadienone-evoked behavior
      and neural processing.
AB  - In humans, the most established and investigated substance acting as a
      chemosignal, i.e., a substance that is excreted from the body, is 4,16
      androstadien-3-one (AND). AND, which is found in sweat and saliva, is known to be
      responsible for influencing several variables, such as psychophysiological
      status, behavior, as well as cortical processing. The aim of the present review
      is to give insight into the variety of AND effects, with special regard to
      specific cross-sexual characteristics of this putative human chemosignal,
      emphasizing the neural activation patterns and factors such as contextual
      conditions. This review highlights the importance of including those contributing
      factors into the analysis of behavioral as well as brain-related studies. 

PMID- 25132815
TI  - Quantification of a secondary task-specific tremor in a violinist after a
      temporal lobectomy.
AB  - Task-specific tremors (TSTs) occur mainly during certain tasks and may be highly
      disabling. In this case study, we report on a 66-year-old violinist who developed
      a TST of the right arm only while playing the violin 4 weeks after a temporal
      lobectomy, which had been performed as a result of his temporal lobe epilepsy.
      Since a similar case, to our knowledge, has not been reported so far, our aim was
      to quantitatively assess and describe the tremor by measuring (a) the
      electromyography (EMG) activity of the wrist flexor and extensor as well as (b)
      an accelerometer signal of the hand. We found a tremor-related frequency of about
      7 Hz. Furthermore, at a similar frequency of about 7 Hz, there was coherence
      between the tremor acceleration and EMG-activity of the wrist flexor and extensor
      as well as between the tremor acceleration and coactivation. The tremorgenesis
      remains unclear, and possible explanations can only be speculative. 

PMID- 25132816
TI  - Understanding human perception by human-made illusions.
AB  - IT MAY BE FUN TO PERCEIVE ILLUSIONS, BUT THE UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THEY WORK IS
      EVEN MORE STIMULATING AND SUSTAINABLE: They can tell us where the limits and
      capacity of our perceptual apparatus are found-they can specify how the
      constraints of perception are set. Furthermore, they let us analyze the cognitive
      sub-processes underlying our perception. Illusions in a scientific context are
      not mainly created to reveal the failures of our perception or the dysfunctions
      of our apparatus, but instead point to the specific power of human perception.
      The main task of human perception is to amplify and strengthen sensory inputs to
      be able to perceive, orientate and act very quickly, specifically and
      efficiently. The present paper strengthens this line of argument, strongly put
      forth by perceptual pioneer Richard L. Gregory (e.g., Gregory, 2009), by
      discussing specific visual illusions and how they can help us to understand the
      magic of perception. 

PMID- 25132817
TI  - Inter-individual cognitive variability in children with Asperger's syndrome.
AB  - Multiple studies have tried to establish the distinctive profile of individuals
      with Asperger's syndrome (AS). However, recent reports suggest that adults with
      AS feature heterogeneous cognitive profiles. The present study explores inter
      individual variability in children with AS through group comparison and multiple
      case series analysis. All participants completed an extended battery including
      measures of fluid and crystallized intelligence, executive functions, theory of
      mind, and classical neuropsychological tests. Significant group differences were
      found in theory of mind and other domains related to global information
      processing. However, the AS group showed high inter-individual variability (both
      sub- and supra-normal performance) on most cognitive tasks. Furthermore, high
      fluid intelligence correlated with less general cognitive impairment, high
      cognitive flexibility, and speed of motor processing. In light of these findings,
      we propose that children with AS are characterized by a distinct, uneven pattern
      of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. 

PMID- 25132814
TI  - The ubiquitin-proteasome system in neurodegenerative diseases: precipitating
      factor, yet part of the solution.
AB  - The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) has been implicated in neurodegenerative
      diseases based on the presence of deposits consisting of ubiquitylated proteins
      in affected neurons. It has been postulated that aggregation-prone proteins
      associated with these disorders, such as alpha-synuclein, beta-amyloid peptide,
      and polyglutamine proteins, compromise UPS function, and delay the degradation of
      other proteasome substrates. Many of these substrates play important regulatory
      roles in signaling, cell cycle progression, or apoptosis, and their inadvertent
      stabilization due to an overloaded and improperly functioning UPS may thus be
      responsible for cellular demise in neurodegeneration. Over the past decade,
      numerous studies have addressed the UPS dysfunction hypothesis using various
      model systems and techniques that differ in their readout and sensitivity. While
      an inhibitory effect of some disease proteins on the UPS has been demonstrated,
      increasing evidence attests that the UPS remains operative in many disease
      models, which opens new possibilities for treatment. In this review, we will
      discuss the paradigm shift that repositioned the UPS from being a prime suspect
      in the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration to an attractive therapeutic target
      that can be harnessed to accelerate the clearance of disease-linked proteins. 

PMID- 25132818
TI  - The neural architecture of age-related dual-task interferences.
AB  - In daily life elderly adults exhibit deficits when dual-tasking is involved. So
      far these deficits have been verified on a behavioral level in dual-tasking. Yet,
      the neuronal architecture of these deficits in aging still remains to be explored
      especially when late-middle aged individuals around 60 years of age are
      concerned. Neuroimaging studies in young participants concerning dual-tasking
      were, among others, related to activity in middle frontal (MFG) and superior
      frontal gyrus (SFG) and the anterior insula (AI). According to the frontal lobe
      hypothesis of aging, alterations in these frontal regions (i.e., SFG and MFG)
      might be responsible for cognitive deficits. We measured brain activity using
      fMRI, while examining age-dependent variations in dual-tasking by utilizing the
      PRP (psychological refractory period) test. Behavioral data showed an increasing
      PRP effect in late-middle aged adults. The results suggest the age-related
      deteriorated performance in dual-tasking, especially in conditions of risen
      complexity. These effects are related to changes in networks involving the AI,
      the SFG and the MFG. The results suggest that different cognitive subprocesses
      are affected that mediate the observed dual-tasking problems in late-middle aged
      individuals. 

PMID- 25132819
TI  - Inhibiting lung lining fluid glutathione metabolism with GGsTop as a novel
      treatment for asthma.
AB  - Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation. Inflammation is associated with
      oxidant stress. Airway epithelial cells are shielded from this stress by a thin
      layer of lung lining fluid (LLF) which contains an abundance of the antioxidant
      glutathione. LLF glutathione metabolism is regulated by gamma-glutamyl
      transferase (GGT). Loss of LLF GGT activity in the mutant GGT(enu1) mouse causes
      an increase in baseline LLF glutathione content which is magnified in an IL-13
      model of allergic airway inflammation and protective against asthma. Normal mice
      are susceptible to asthma in this model but can be protected with acivicin, a GGT
      inhibitor. GGT is a target to treat asthma but acivicin toxicity limits clinical
      use. GGsTop is a novel GGT inhibitor. GGsTop inhibits LLF GGT activity only when
      delivered through the airway. In the IL-13 model, mice treated with IL-13 and
      GGsTop exhibit a lung inflammatory response similar to that of mice treated with
      IL-13 alone. But mice treated with IL-13 and GGsTop show attenuation of
      methacholine-stimulated airway hyper-reactivity, inhibition of Muc5ac and Muc5b
      gene induction, decreased airway epithelial cell mucous accumulation and a
      fourfold increase in LLF glutathione content compared to mice treated with IL-13
      alone. Mice treated with GGsTop alone are no different from that of mice treated
      with saline alone, and show no signs of toxicity. GGsTop could represent a
      valuable pharmacological tool to inhibit LLF GGT activity in pulmonary disease
      models. The associated increase in LLF glutathione can protect lung airway
      epithelial cells against oxidant injury associated with inflammation in asthma. 

PMID- 25132822
TI  - microRNA and skeletal muscle function: novel potential roles in exercise,
      diseases, and aging.

PMID- 25132820
TI  - Mitochondrial and cellular mechanisms for managing lipid excess.
AB  - Current scientific debates center on the impact of lipids and mitochondrial
      function on diverse aspects of human health, nutrition and disease, among them
      the association of lipotoxicity with the onset of insulin resistance in skeletal
      muscle, and with heart dysfunction in obesity and diabetes. Mitochondria play a
      fundamental role in aging and in prevalent acute or chronic diseases. Lipids are
      main mitochondrial fuels however these molecules can also behave as uncouplers
      and inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation. Knowledge about the functional
      composition of these contradictory effects and their impact on mitochondrial
      cellular energetics/redox status is incomplete. Cells store fatty acids (FAs) as
      triacylglycerol and package them into cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs). New
      emerging data shows the LD as a highly dynamic storage pool of FAs that can be
      used for energy reserve. Lipid excess packaging into LDs can be seen as an
      adaptive response to fulfilling energy supply without hindering mitochondrial or
      cellular redox status and keeping low concentration of lipotoxic intermediates.
      Herein we review the mechanisms of action and utilization of lipids by
      mitochondria reported in liver, heart and skeletal muscle under relevant
      physiological situations, e.g., exercise. We report on perilipins, a family of
      proteins that associate with LDs in response to loading of cells with lipids.
      Evidence showing that in addition to physical contact, mitochondria and LDs
      exhibit metabolic interactions is presented and discussed. A hypothetical model
      of channeled lipid utilization by mitochondria is proposed. Direct delivery and
      channeled processing of lipids in mitochondria could represent a reliable and
      efficient way to maintain reactive oxygen species (ROS) within levels compatible
      with signaling while ensuring robust and reliable energy supply. 

PMID- 25132824
TI  - How Traumatic Experiences Leave Their Signature on the Genome: An Overview of
      Epigenetic Pathways in PTSD.

PMID- 25132821
TI  - Functional insights into modulation of BKCa channel activity to alter myometrial
      contractility.
AB  - The large-conductance voltage- and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (BKCa) is an
      important regulator of membrane excitability in a wide variety of cells and
      tissues. In myometrial smooth muscle, activation of BKCa plays essential roles in
      buffering contractility to maintain uterine quiescence during pregnancy and in
      the transition to a more contractile state at the onset of labor. Multiple
      mechanisms of modulation have been described to alter BKCa channel activity,
      expression, and cellular localization. In the myometrium, BKCa is regulated by
      alternative splicing, protein targeting to the plasma membrane, compartmentation
      in membrane microdomains, and posttranslational modifications. In addition,
      interaction with auxiliary proteins (i.e., beta1- and beta2-subunits),
      association with G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways, such as those
      activated by adrenergic and oxytocin receptors, and hormonal regulation provide
      further mechanisms of variable modulation of BKCa channel function in myometrial
      smooth muscle. Here, we provide an overview of these mechanisms of BKCa channel
      modulation and provide a context for them in relation to myometrial function. 

PMID- 25132825
TI  - Morphometric differences in planum temporale in schizophrenia and bipolar
      disorder revealed by statistical analysis of labeled cortical depth maps.
AB  - Differences in cortical thickness in the lateral temporal lobe, including the
      planum temporale (PT), have been reported in MRI studies of schizophrenia (SCZ)
      and bipolar disorder (BPD) patients. Most of these studies have used a single
      valued global or local measure for thickness. However, additional and
      complementary information can be obtained by generating labeled cortical distance
      maps (LCDMs), which are distances of labeled gray matter (GM) voxels from the
      nearest point on the GM/white matter (WM) (inner) cortical surface. Statistical
      analyses of pooled and censored LCDM distances reveal subtle differences in PT
      between SCZ and BPD groups from data generated by Ratnanather et al.
      (Schizophrenia Research, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2013.08.014). These
      results confirm that the left planum temporale (LPT) is more sensitive than the
      right PT in distinguishing between SCZ, BPD, and healthy controls. Also confirmed
      is a strong gender effect, with a thicker PT seen in males than in females. The
      differences between groups at smaller distances in the LPT revealed by pooled and
      censored LCDM analysis suggest that SCZ and BPD have different effects on the
      cortical mantle close to the GM/WM surface. This is consistent with reported
      subtle changes in the cortical mantle observed in post-mortem studies. 

PMID- 25132826
TI  - Representational shifts made visible: movement away from the prototype in memory
      for hue.
AB  - In four experiments, a total of 205 participants studied individual color patches
      and were given an old-new recognition test after a brief retention interval (0.5
      or 5.0 s). The pattern of hue sensitivity (d') revealed hue memory shifting away
      from the prototype of the hue's basic color category. The shifts demonstrate that
      hue memory is influenced by categorization early in processing. The shifts did
      not depend on intentional categorization; the shifts were found even when
      participants made preference ratings at encoding rather than labeling judgments.
      Overall, we found that categorization and memory are deeply intertwined from
      perception onward. We discuss the impact of the results on theories of memory and
      categorization, including the effects of category labels on memory (e.g., Lupyan,
      2008). We also put forward the hypothesis that atypical shifts in hue are related
      to atypical shifts that have previously observed in face recognition (Rhodes et
      al., 1987). 

PMID- 25132823
TI  - Cannabinoid Regulation of Brain Reward Processing with an Emphasis on the Role of
      CB1 Receptors: A Step Back into the Future.
AB  - Over the last decades, the endocannabinoid system has been implicated in a large
      variety of functions, including a crucial modulation of brain-reward circuits and
      the regulation of motivational processes. Importantly, behavioral studies have
      shown that cannabinoid compounds activate brain reward mechanisms and circuits in
      a similar manner to other drugs of abuse, such as nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, and
      heroin, although the conditions under which cannabinoids exert their rewarding
      effects may be more limited. Furthermore, there is evidence on the involvement of
      the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of cue- and drug-induced relapsing
      phenomena in animal models. The aim of this review is to briefly present the
      available data obtained using diverse behavioral experimental approaches in
      experimental animals, namely, the intracranial self-stimulation paradigm, the
      self-administration procedure, the conditioned place preference procedure, and
      the reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior procedure, to provide a comprehensive
      picture of the current status of what is known about the endocannabinoid system
      mechanisms that underlie modification of brain-reward processes. Emphasis is
      placed on the effects of cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor agonists, antagonists, and
      endocannabinoid modulators. Further, the role of CB1 receptors in reward
      processes is investigated through presentation of respective genetic ablation
      studies in mice. The vast majority of studies in the existing literature suggest
      that the endocannabinoid system plays a major role in modulating motivation and
      reward processes. However, much remains to be done before we fully understand
      these interactions. Further research in the future will shed more light on these
      processes and, thus, could lead to the development of potential pharmacotherapies
      designed to treat reward-dysfunction-related disorders. 

PMID- 25132828
TI  - An analysis of post-vocalic /s-?/ neutralization in Augsburg German: evidence for
      a gradient sound change.
AB  - The study is concerned with a sound change in progress by which a post-vocalic,
      pre-consonantal /s-?/ contrast in the standard variety of German (SG) in words
      such as west/wascht (/vEst/~/vE?t/, west/washes) is influencing the Augsburg
      German (AG) variety in which they have been hitherto neutralized as /ve?t/. Two
      of the main issues to be considered are whether the change is necessarily
      categorical; and the extent to which the change affects both speech production
      and perception equally. For the production experiment, younger and older AG and
      SG speakers merged syllables of hypothetical town names to create a blend at the
      potential neutralization site. These results showed a trend for a progressively
      greater /s-?/ differentiation in the order older AG, younger AG, and SG speakers.
      For the perception experiment, forced-choice responses were obtained from the
      same subjects who had participated in the production experiment to a 16-step /s
      ?/ continuum that was embedded into two contexts: /mIst-mI?t/ in which /s-?/ are
      neutralized in AG and /ve'mIse/-/ve'mI?e/ in which they are not. The results from
      both experiments are indicative of a sound change in progress such that the
      neutralization is being undone under the influence of SG, but in such a way that
      there is a gradual shift between categories. The closer approximation of the
      groups on perception suggests that the sound change may be more advanced on this
      modality than in production. Overall, the findings are consistent with the idea
      that phonological contrasts are experience-based, i.e., a continuous function of
      the extent to which a subject is exposed to, and makes use of, the distinction
      and are thus compatible with exemplar models of speech. 

PMID- 25132829
TI  - Contrasting group analysis of Brazilian students with dyslexia and good readers
      using the computerized reading and writing assessment battery "BALE".
AB  - The analysis of cognitive processes underpinning reading and writing skills may
      help to distinguish different reading ability profiles. The present study used a
      Brazilian reading and writing battery to compare performance of students with
      dyslexia with two individually matched control groups: one contrasting on reading
      competence but not age and the other group contrasting on age but not reading
      competence. Participants were 28 individuals with dyslexia (19 boys) with a mean
      age of 9.82 (SD +/- 1.44) drawn from public and private schools. These were
      matched to: (1) an age control group (AC) of 26 good readers with a mean age of
      9.77 (SD +/- 1.44) matched by age, sex, years of schooling, and type of school;
      (2) reading control group (RC) of 28 younger controls with a mean age of 7.82 (SD
      +/- 1.06) matched by sex, type of school, and reading level. All groups were
      tested on four tasks from the Brazilian Reading and Writing Assessment battery
      ("BALE"): Written Sentence Comprehension Test (WSCT); Spoken Sentence
      Comprehension Test (OSCT); Picture-Print Writing Test (PPWT 1.1-Writing); and the
      Reading Competence Test (RCT). These tasks evaluate reading and listening
      comprehension for sentences, spelling, and reading isolated words and pseudowords
      (non-words). The dyslexia group scored lower and took longer to complete tasks
      than the AC group. Compared with the RC group, there were no differences in total
      scores on reading or oral comprehension tasks. However, dyslexics presented
      slower reading speeds, longer completion times, and lower scores on spelling
      tasks, even compared with younger controls. Analysis of types of errors on word
      and pseudoword reading items showed students with dyslexia scoring lower for
      pseudoword reading than the other two groups. These findings suggest that the
      dyslexics overall scores were similar to those of younger readers. However,
      specific phonological and visual decoding deficits showed that the two groups
      differ in terms of underpinning reading strategies. 

PMID- 25132827
TI  - Toward a dual-learning systems model of speech category learning.
AB  - More than two decades of work in vision posits the existence of dual-learning
      systems of category learning. The reflective system uses working memory to
      develop and test rules for classifying in an explicit fashion, while the
      reflexive system operates by implicitly associating perception with actions that
      lead to reinforcement. Dual-learning systems models hypothesize that in learning
      natural categories, learners initially use the reflective system and, with
      practice, transfer control to the reflexive system. The role of reflective and
      reflexive systems in auditory category learning and more specifically in speech
      category learning has not been systematically examined. In this article, we
      describe a neurobiologically constrained dual-learning systems theoretical
      framework that is currently being developed in speech category learning and
      review recent applications of this framework. Using behavioral and computational
      modeling approaches, we provide evidence that speech category learning is
      predominantly mediated by the reflexive learning system. In one application, we
      explore the effects of normal aging on non-speech and speech category learning.
      Prominently, we find a large age-related deficit in speech learning. The
      computational modeling suggests that older adults are less likely to transition
      from simple, reflective, unidimensional rules to more complex, reflexive, multi
      dimensional rules. In a second application, we summarize a recent study examining
      auditory category learning in individuals with elevated depressive symptoms. We
      find a deficit in reflective-optimal and an enhancement in reflexive-optimal
      auditory category learning. Interestingly, individuals with elevated depressive
      symptoms also show an advantage in learning speech categories. We end with a
      brief summary and description of a number of future directions. 

PMID- 25132830
TI  - Cognition-emotion interactions: patterns of change and implications for math
      problem solving.
AB  - Surprisingly little is known about whether relationships between cognitive and
      emotional states remain stable or change over time, or how different patterns of
      stability and/or change in the relationships affect problem solving abilities.
      Nevertheless, cross-sectional studies show that anxiety/worry may reduce working
      memory (WM) resources, and the ability to minimize the effects anxiety/worry is
      higher in individuals with greater WM capacity. To investigate the patterns of
      stability and/or change in cognition-emotion relations over time and their
      implications for problem solving, 126 14-year-olds' algebraic WM and worry levels
      were assessed twice in a single day before completing an algebraic math problem
      solving test. We used latent transition analysis to identify stability/change in
      cognition-emotion relations, which yielded a six subgroup solution. Subgroups
      varied in WM capacity, worry, and stability/change relationships. Among the
      subgroups, we identified a high WM/low worry subgroup that remained stable over
      time and a high WM/high worry, and a moderate WM/low worry subgroup that changed
      to low WM subgroups over time. Patterns of stability/change in subgroup
      membership predicted algebraic test results. The stable high WM/low worry
      subgroup performed best and the low WM capacity-high worry "unstable across time"
      subgroup performed worst. The findings highlight the importance of assessing
      variations in cognition-emotion relationships over time (rather than assessing
      cognition or emotion states alone) to account for differences in problem solving
      abilities. 

PMID- 25132831
TI  - Medical management of hereditary optic neuropathies.
AB  - Hereditary optic neuropathies are diseases affecting the optic nerve. The most
      common are mitochondrial hereditary optic neuropathies, i.e., the maternally
      inherited Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and dominant optic atrophy
      (DOA). They both share a mitochondrial pathogenesis that leads to the selective
      loss of retinal ganglion cells and axons, in particular of the papillo-macular
      bundle. Typically, LHON is characterized by an acute/subacute loss of central
      vision associated with impairment of color vision and swelling of retinal nerve
      fibers followed by optic atrophy. DOA, instead, is characterized by a childhood
      onset and slowly progressive loss of central vision, worsening over the years,
      leading to optic atrophy. The diagnostic workup includes neuro-ophthalmologic
      evaluation and genetic testing of the three most common mitochondrial DNA
      mutations affecting complex I (11778/ND4, 3460/ND1, and 14484/ND6) for LHON and
      sequencing of the nuclear gene OPA1 for DOA. Therapeutic strategies are still
      limited including agents that bypass the complex I defect and exert an
      antioxidant effect (idebenone). Further strategies are aimed at stimulating
      compensatory mitochondrial biogenesis. Gene therapy is also a promising avenue
      that still needs to be validated. 

PMID- 25132832
TI  - Biosphere frontiers of subsurface life in the sedimented hydrothermal system of
      Guaymas Basin.
AB  - Temperature is one of the key constraints on the spatial extent, physiological
      and phylogenetic diversity, and biogeochemical function of subsurface life. A
      model system to explore these interrelationships should offer a suitable range of
      geochemical regimes, carbon substrates and temperature gradients under which
      microbial life can generate energy and sustain itself. In this theory and
      hypothesis article, we make the case for the hydrothermally heated sediments of
      Guaymas Basin in the Gulf of California as a suitable model system where
      extensive temperature and geochemical gradients create distinct niches for active
      microbial populations in the hydrothermally influenced sedimentary subsurface
      that in turn intercept and process hydrothermally generated carbon sources. We
      synthesize the evidence for high-temperature microbial methane cycling and
      sulfate reduction at Guaymas Basin - with an eye on sulfate-dependent oxidation
      of abundant alkanes - and demonstrate the energetic feasibility of these latter
      types of deep subsurface life in previously drilled Guaymas Basin locations of
      Deep-Sea Drilling Project 64. 

PMID- 25132834
TI  - Imposition of encapsulated non-indigenous probiotics into intestine may disturb
      human core microbiome.

PMID- 25132833
TI  - Aspergillus flavus infection induces transcriptional and physical changes in
      developing maize kernels.
AB  - Maize kernels are susceptible to infection by the opportunistic pathogen
      Aspergillus flavus. Infection results in reduction of grain quality and
      contamination of kernels with the highly carcinogenic mycotoxin, aflatoxin. To
      understanding host response to infection by the fungus, transcription of
      approximately 9000 maize genes were monitored during the host-pathogen
      interaction with a custom designed Affymetrix GeneChip(r) DNA array. More than
      4000 maize genes were found differentially expressed at a FDR of 0.05. This
      included the up regulation of defense related genes and signaling pathways.
      Transcriptional changes also were observed in primary metabolism genes. Starch
      biosynthetic genes were down regulated during infection, while genes encoding
      maize hydrolytic enzymes, presumably involved in the degradation of host
      reserves, were up regulated. These data indicate that infection of the maize
      kernel by A. flavus induced metabolic changes in the kernel, including the
      production of a defense response, as well as a disruption in kernel development. 

PMID- 25132837
TI  - A complex immunological idiotypic network for maintenance of tolerance.

PMID- 25132835
TI  - Insights into the Relationship between Toll Like Receptors and Gamma Delta T Cell
      Responses.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment is an important aspect of cancer biology that
      contributes to tumor initiation, tumor progression and responses to therapy. The
      composition and characteristics of the tumor microenvironment vary widely and are
      important in determining the anti-tumor immune response. Successful immunization
      requires activation of both innate and adaptive immunity. Generally, immune
      system is compromised in patients with cancer due to immune suppression, loss of
      tumor antigen expression and dysfunction of antigen presenting cells (APC). Thus,
      therapeutic immunization leading to cancer regression remains a significant
      challenge. Certain cells of the immune system, including dendritic cells (DCs)
      and gamma delta (gammadelta) T cells are capable of driving potent anti-tumor
      responses. The property of MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity, high potential of
      cytokine release, tissue tropism and early activation in infections and malignant
      disease makes gammadelta T cells as an emerging candidate for immunotherapy.
      Various strategies are being developed to enhance anti-tumor immune responses of
      gammadelta T cells and DCs one of them is the use of novel adjuvants like toll
      like receptors (TLR) agonists, which enhance gammadelta T cell function directly
      or through DC activation, which has ability to prime gammadelta T cells. TLR
      agonists are being used clinically either alone or in combination with tumor
      antigens and has shown initial success in both enhancing immune responses and
      eliciting anti-tumor activity. TLR activated gammadelta T cells and DCs nurture
      each other's activation. This provides a potent base for first line of defense
      and manipulation of the adaptive response against pathogens and cancer. The
      available data provides a strong rationale for initiating combinatorial therapy
      for the treatment of diseases and this review will summarize the application of
      adjuvants (TLRs) for boosting immune response of gammadelta T cells to treat
      cancer and infectious diseases and their use in combinatorial therapy. 

PMID- 25132836
TI  - Toll-Like Receptors and Cancer: MYD88 Mutation and Inflammation.
AB  - Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed on immune cells are crucial for
      the early detection of invading pathogens, in initiating early innate immune
      response and in orchestrating the adaptive immune response. PRRs are activated by
      specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns that are present in pathogenic
      microbes or nucleic acids of viruses or bacteria. However, inappropriate
      activation of these PRRs, such as the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), due to genetic
      lesions or chronic inflammation has been demonstrated to be a major cause of many
      hematological malignancies. Gain-of-function mutations in the TLR adaptor protein
      MYD88 found in 39% of the activated B cell type of diffuse large B cell lymphomas
      and almost 100% of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia further highlight the
      involvement of TLRs in these malignancies. MYD88 mutations result in the chronic
      activation of TLR signaling pathways, thus the constitutive activation of the
      transcription factor NFkappaB to promote cell survival and proliferation. These
      recent insights into TLR pathway driven malignancies warrant the need for a
      better understanding of TLRs in cancers and the development of novel anti-cancer
      therapies targeting TLRs. This review focuses on TLR function and signaling in
      normal or inflammatory conditions, and how mutations can hijack the TLR signaling
      pathways to give rise to cancer. Finally, we discuss how potential therapeutic
      agents could be used to restore normal responses to TLRs and have long lasting
      anti-tumor effects. 

PMID- 25132839
TI  - Beyond grasses: the potential benefits of studying silicon accumulation in non
      grass species.

PMID- 25132841
TI  - Freedom in bioinformatics.

PMID- 25132840
TI  - Exploring the function of protein kinases in schistosomes: perspectives from the
      laboratory and from comparative genomics.
AB  - Eukaryotic protein kinases are well conserved through evolution. The genome of
      Schistosoma mansoni, which causes intestinal schistosomiasis, encodes over 250
      putative protein kinases with all of the main eukaryotic groups represented.
      However, unraveling functional roles for these kinases is a considerable
      endeavor, particularly as protein kinases regulate multiple and sometimes
      overlapping cell and tissue functions in organisms. In this article, elucidating
      protein kinase signal transduction and function in schistosomes is considered
      from the perspective of the state-of-the-art methodologies used and comparative
      organismal biology, with a focus on current advances and future directions. Using
      the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a comparator we predict roles
      for various schistosome protein kinases in processes vital for host invasion and
      successful parasitism such as sensory behavior, growth and development. It is
      anticipated that the characterization of schistosome protein kinases in the
      context of parasite function will catalyze cutting edge research into host
      parasite interactions and will reveal new targets for developing drug
      interventions against human schistosomiasis. 

PMID- 25132842
TI  - Repair and regeneration properties of Ginkgo biloba after ischemic brain injury.

PMID- 25132843
TI  - Automatic labeling of vertebral levels using a robust template-based approach.
AB  - Context. MRI of the spinal cord provides a variety of biomarkers sensitive to
      white matter integrity and neuronal function. Current processing methods are
      based on manual labeling of vertebral levels, which is time consuming and prone
      to user bias. Although several methods for automatic labeling have been
      published; they are not robust towards image contrast or towards susceptibility
      related artifacts. Methods. Intervertebral disks are detected from the 3D
      analysis of the intensity profile along the spine. The robustness of the disk
      detection is improved by using a template of vertebral distance, which was
      generated from a training dataset. The developed method has been validated using
      T1- and T2-weighted contrasts in ten healthy subjects and one patient with spinal
      cord injury. Results. Accuracy of vertebral labeling was 100%. Mean absolute
      error was 2.1 +/- 1.7 mm for T2-weighted images and 2.3 +/- 1.6 mm for T1
      weighted images. The vertebrae of the spinal cord injured patient were correctly
      labeled, despite the presence of artifacts caused by metallic implants.
      Discussion. We proposed a template-based method for robust labeling of vertebral
      levels along the whole spinal cord for T1- and T2-weighted contrasts. The method
      is freely available as part of the spinal cord toolbox. 

PMID- 25132844
TI  - Nonreference medical image edge map measure.
AB  - Edge detection is a key step in medical image processing. It is widely used to
      extract features, perform segmentation, and further assist in diagnosis. A poor
      quality edge map can result in false alarms and misses in cancer detection
      algorithms. Therefore, it is necessary to have a reliable edge measure to assist
      in selecting the optimal edge map. Existing reference based edge measures require
      a ground truth edge map to evaluate the similarity between the generated edge map
      and the ground truth. However, the ground truth images are not available for
      medical images. Therefore, a nonreference edge measure is ideal for medical image
      processing applications. In this paper, a nonreference reconstruction based edge
      map evaluation (NREM) is proposed. The theoretical basis is that a good edge map
      keeps the structure and details of the original image thus would yield a good
      reconstructed image. The NREM is based on comparing the similarity between the
      reconstructed image with the original image using this concept. The edge measure
      is used for selecting the optimal edge detection algorithm and optimal parameters
      for the algorithm. Experimental results show that the quantitative evaluations
      given by the edge measure have good correlations with human visual analysis. 

PMID- 25132838
TI  - Leaf development: a cellular perspective.
AB  - Through its photosynthetic capacity the leaf provides the basis for growth of the
      whole plant. In order to improve crops for higher productivity and resistance for
      future climate scenarios, it is important to obtain a mechanistic understanding
      of leaf growth and development and the effect of genetic and environmental
      factors on the process. Cells are both the basic building blocks of the leaf and
      the regulatory units that integrate genetic and environmental information into
      the developmental program. Therefore, to fundamentally understand leaf
      development, one needs to be able to reconstruct the developmental pathway of
      individual cells (and their progeny) from the stem cell niche to their final
      position in the mature leaf. To build the basis for such understanding, we review
      current knowledge on the spatial and temporal regulation mechanisms operating on
      cells, contributing to the formation of a leaf. We focus on the molecular
      networks that control exit from stem cell fate, leaf initiation, polarity,
      cytoplasmic growth, cell division, endoreduplication, transition between division
      and expansion, expansion and differentiation and their regulation by
      intercellular signaling molecules, including plant hormones, sugars, peptides,
      proteins, and microRNAs. We discuss to what extent the knowledge available in the
      literature is suitable to be applied in systems biology approaches to model the
      process of leaf growth, in order to better understand and predict leaf growth
      starting with the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. 

PMID- 25132845
TI  - Neural networks and fault probability evaluation for diagnosis issues.
AB  - This paper presents a new FDI technique for fault detection and isolation in
      unknown nonlinear systems. The objective of the research is to construct and
      analyze residuals by means of artificial intelligence and probabilistic methods.
      Artificial neural networks are first used for modeling issues. Neural networks
      models are designed for learning the fault-free and the faulty behaviors of the
      considered systems. Once the residuals generated, an evaluation using
      probabilistic criteria is applied to them to determine what is the most likely
      fault among a set of candidate faults. The study also includes a comparison
      between the contributions of these tools and their limitations, particularly
      through the establishment of quantitative indicators to assess their performance.
      According to the computation of a confidence factor, the proposed method is
      suitable to evaluate the reliability of the FDI decision. The approach is applied
      to detect and isolate 19 fault candidates in the DAMADICS benchmark. The results
      obtained with the proposed scheme are compared with the results obtained
      according to a usual thresholding method. 

PMID- 25132847
TI  - The incidence and risk factors for lower limb skin graft failure.
AB  - Lower limb skin grafts are thought to have higher failure rates than skin grafts
      in other sites of the body. Currently, there is a paucity of literature on
      specific factors associated with lower limb skin graft failure. We present a
      series of 70 lower limb skin grafts in 50 patients with outcomes at 6 weeks. One
      third of lower limb skin grafts went on to fail with increased BMI, peripheral
      vascular disease, and immunosuppressant medication use identified as significant
      risk factors. 

PMID- 25132846
TI  - Cosmetic contact sensitivity in patients with melasma: results of a pilot study.
AB  - Background. Some of the patients with melasma perhaps have pigmented cosmetic
      dermatitis. However, cosmetic contact sensitivity in melasma remains poorly
      studied particularly in the Indian context. Objectives. To study cosmetic contact
      sensitivity in patients with melasma. Materials and Methods. 67 (F : M = 55 : 12)
      consecutive patients with melasma between 19 and 49 years of age were patch
      tested sequentially during January-December, 2012, with Indian Cosmetic and
      Fragrance Series, Indian Sunscreen Series, p-phenylenediamine, and patient's own
      cosmetic products. Results. 52 (78%) patients were in the age group of 20-40
      years. The duration of melasma varied from 1 month to 20 years. Centrofacial,
      malar, and mandibular patterns were observed in 48 (72%), 18 (27%), and 1 (1%)
      patients, respectively. Indian Cosmetics and Fragrance Series elicited positive
      reactions in 29 (43.3%) patients. Cetrimide was the most common contact
      sensitizers eliciting positivity in 15 (52%) patients, followed by gallate mix in
      9 (31%) patients and thiomersal in 7 (24%) patients. Only 2 of the 42 patients
      showed positive reaction from their own cosmetics while the other 5 patients had
      irritant reaction. Indian Sunscreen Series did not elicit any positive reaction.
      Conclusion. Cosmetics contact sensitivity appears as an important cause of
      melasma not associated with pregnancy, lactation, or hormone therapy. 

PMID- 25132848
TI  - Online medicine for pregnant women.
AB  - Objective. To assess the use of cell phones and email as means of communication
      between pregnant women and their gynecologists and family physicians. Study
      Design. A cross-sectional study of pregnant women at routine followup. One
      hundred and twenty women participated in the study. Results. The mean age was
      27.4 +/- 3.4 years. One hundred nineteen women owned a cell phone and 114 (95%)
      had an email address. Seventy-two women (60%) had their gynecologist's cell phone
      number and 50 women (42%) had their family physician's cell phone number. More
      women contacted their gynecologist via cell phone or email during pregnancy
      compared to their family physician (P = 0.005 and 0.009, resp.). Most preferred
      to communicate with their physician via cell phone at predetermined times, but by
      email at any time during the day (P < 0.0001). They would use cell phones for
      emergencies or unusual problems but preferred email for other matters (P <
      0.0001). Conclusions. Pregnant women in the Negev region do not have a preference
      between the use of cell phones or email for medical consultation with their
      gynecologist or family physician. The provision of the physician's cell phone
      numbers or email address together with the provision of guidelines and resources
      could improve healthcare services. 

PMID- 25132849
TI  - IN-MACA-MCC: Integrated Multiple Attractor Cellular Automata with Modified Clonal
      Classifier for Human Protein Coding and Promoter Prediction.
AB  - Protein coding and promoter region predictions are very important challenges of
      bioinformatics (Attwood and Teresa, 2000). The identification of these regions
      plays a crucial role in understanding the genes. Many novel computational and
      mathematical methods are introduced as well as existing methods that are getting
      refined for predicting both of the regions separately; still there is a scope for
      improvement. We propose a classifier that is built with MACA (multiple attractor
      cellular automata) and MCC (modified clonal classifier) to predict both regions
      with a single classifier. The proposed classifier is trained and tested with
      Fickett and Tung (1992) datasets for protein coding region prediction for DNA
      sequences of lengths 54, 108, and 162. This classifier is trained and tested with
      MMCRI datasets for protein coding region prediction for DNA sequences of lengths
      252 and 354. The proposed classifier is trained and tested with promoter
      sequences from DBTSS (Yamashita et al., 2006) dataset and nonpromoters from EID
      (Saxonov et al., 2000) and UTRdb (Pesole et al., 2002) datasets. The proposed
      model can predict both regions with an average accuracy of 90.5% for promoter and
      89.6% for protein coding region predictions. The specificity and sensitivity
      values of promoter and protein coding region predictions are 0.89 and 0.92,
      respectively. 

PMID- 25132850
TI  - Analysis and Determination of Trace Metals (Nickel, Cadmium, Chromium, and Lead)
      in Tissues of Pampus argenteus and Platycephalus indicus in the Hara Reserve,
      Iran.
AB  - The accumulations of Cd, Ni, Pb, and Cr were measured in muscle, gill, kidney,
      and liver of Platycephalus indicus and Pampus argenteus. Our results indicated
      that all metals were found to be the highest in tissues in P. indicus (benthic
      species). Except Ni in P. indicus, concentrations of metals and bioaccumulation
      factor were in the following sequence: liver > kidney > gill > muscle. The data
      revealed that there is a significant negative correlation between concentrations
      of metals and size and age factors. The Ni and Cr levels in the muscles were
      higher than the maximum acceptable limit recommended by WHO and FEPA. Similarly,
      the concentration of Pb measured in P. indicus muscle exceeded the FAO standard
      limit. 

PMID- 25132851
TI  - Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumors.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate the indication and the clinical value of laparoscopic
      adrenalectomy of different types of adrenal tumor. Methods. From 2009 to 2014, a
      total of 110 patients were diagnosed with adrenal benign tumor by CT scan and we
      performed laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The laparoscopic approach has been the
      procedure of choice for surgery of benign adrenal tumors, and the upper limit of
      tumor size was thought to be 6 cm. Results. 109 of 110 cases were successful;
      only one was converted to open surgery due to bleeding. The average operating
      time and intraoperative blood loss of pheochromocytoma were significantly more
      than the benign tumors (P < 0.05). After 3 months of follow-up, the preoperative
      symptoms were relieved and there was no recurrence. Conclusions. Laparoscopic
      adrenalectomy has the advantages of minimal invasion, less blood loss, fewer
      complications, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stay. The full preparation
      before operation can decrease the average operating time and intraoperative blood
      loss of pheochromocytomas. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy should be considered as the
      first choice treatment for the resection of adrenal benign tumor. 

PMID- 25132852
TI  - MTNR1B Genetic Variability Is Associated with Gestational Diabetes in Czech
      Women.
AB  - The gene MTNR1B encodes a receptor for melatonin. Melatonin receptors are
      expressed in human beta-cells, which implies that genetic variants might affect
      glucose tolerance. Meta-analysis confirmed that the rs10830963 shows the most
      robust association. The aim of the study was to assess the rs10830963 in Czech
      GDM patients and controls and to study relations between the SNP and biochemical
      as well as anthropometric characteristics. Our cohort consisted of 880 women; 458
      were diagnosed with GDM, and 422 were normoglycemic controls without history of
      GDM. Despite similar BMI, the GDM group showed higher WHR, waist circumference,
      abdominal circumference, and total body fat content. The risk allele G was more
      frequent in the GDM group (38.3 versus 29.4% in controls, OR 1.49 CI95% [1.22;
      1.82]; P OR = 0.0001). In spite of higher frequency, the G allele in the GDM
      group was not associated with any markers of glucose metabolism. In contrast,
      controls showed significant association of the allele G with FPG and with
      postchallenge glycemia during the oGTT. Frequency analysis indicates that
      rs10830963 is involved in gestational diabetes in Czech women. However, the
      association of the SNP with glucose metabolism, which is obvious in controls, is
      covert in women who have experienced GDM. 

PMID- 25132853
TI  - FBP1 Is an Interacting Partner of Menin.
AB  - Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a syndrome characterized by tumors
      in multiple endocrine tissues such as the parathyroid glands, the pituitary
      gland, and the enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tissues. MEN1 is usually caused by
      mutations in the MEN1 gene that codes for the protein menin. Menin interacts with
      proteins that regulate transcription, DNA repair and processing, and maintenance
      of cytoskeletal structure. We describe the identification of FBP1 as an
      interacting partner of menin in a large-scale pull-down assay that also
      immunoprecipitated RBBP5, ASH2, and LEDGF, which are members of complex proteins
      associated with SET1 (COMPASS), a protein complex that methylates histone H3.
      This interaction was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and Flag-pull-down
      assays. Furthermore, menin localized to the FUSE site on the MYC promoter, a site
      that is transactivated by FBP1. This investigation therefore places menin in a
      pathway that regulates MYC gene expression and has important implications for the
      biological function of menin. 

PMID- 25132854
TI  - Fasting hyperglycemia increases in-hospital mortality risk in nondiabetic female
      patients with acute myocardial infarction: a retrospective study.
AB  - Previous studies had shown that elevated admission plasma glucose (APG) could
      increase mortality rate and serious complications of acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI), but whether fasting plasma glucose (FPG) had the same role remains
      controversial. In this retrospective study, 253 cases of AMI patients were
      divided into diabetic (n = 87) and nondiabetic group (n = 166). Our results
      showed that: compared with the nondiabetic patients, diabetic patients had higher
      APG, FPG, higher plasma triglyceride, higher rates of painless AMI (P < 0.01),
      non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and reinfraction (P <
      0.05). They also had lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol and rate of
      malignant arrhythmia, but in-hospital mortality rate did not differ significantly
      (P > 0.05). While nondiabetic patients were subgrouped in terms of APG and FPG
      (cut points were 11.1 mmol/L and 7.0 mmol/L, resp.), the mortality rate had
      significant difference (P < 0.01), whereas glucose level lost significance in
      diabetic group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that FPG (OR:
      2.014; 95% confidence interval: 1.296-3.131; p < 0.01) but not APG was
      independent predictor of in-hospital mortality for nondiabetic patients. These
      results indicate that FPG can be an independent predictor for mortality in
      nondiabetic female patients with AMI. 

PMID- 25132855
TI  - Radiological assessment of the Indian children with congenital sensorineural
      hearing loss.
AB  - Introduction. Congenital sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most common
      birth defects with incidence of approximately 1 : 1000 live births. Imaging of
      cases of congenital sensorineural hearing loss is frequently performed in an
      attempt to determine the underlying pathology. There is a paucity of literature
      from India and for this reason we decided to conduct this study in Indian context
      to evaluate the various cochleovestibular bony and nerve anomalies by HRCT scan
      of temporal bone and MRI with 3D scan of inner ear in a tertiary care centre.
      Material and Methods. A total of 280 children with congenital deafness (158 males
      and 122 females), between January 2002 to June 2013 were included in the study
      and they were assessed radiologically by HRCT scan of temporal bone and MRI with
      3D scan of inner ear. Results. In the present study we found various congenital
      anomalies of bony labyrinth and vestibulocochlear nerve. Out of 560 inner ears we
      found 78 anomalous inner ears. Out of these 78 inner ears 57 (73%) had cochlear
      anomaly, 68 (87.1%) had anomalous vestibule, 44 (56.4%) had abnormal vestibular
      aqueduct, 24 (30.7%) had anomalous IAC, and 23 (29.4%) had abnormal
      cochleovestibular nerves. Conclusion. In present study, we found lower incidences
      of congenital anomalies comparative to existing literature. 

PMID- 25132857
TI  - The Secretome of Bone Marrow and Wharton Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
      Induces Differentiation and Neurite Outgrowth in SH-SY5Y Cells.
AB  - The goal of this study was to determine and compare the effects of the secretome
      of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from human bone-marrow (BMSCs) and the
      Wharton jelly surrounding the vein and arteries of the umbilical cord (human
      umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVCs)) on the survival and differentiation
      of a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y). For this purpose, SH-SY5Y cells
      were differentiated with conditioned media (CM) from the MSCs populations
      referred above. Retinoic acid cultured cells were used as control for neuronal
      differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. SH-SY5Y cells viability assessment revealed that
      the secretome of BMSCs and HUCPVCs, in the form of CM, was able to induce their
      survival. Moreover, immunocytochemical experiments showed that CM from both MSCs
      was capable of inducing neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells. Finally,
      neurite lengths assessment and quantitative real-time reverse-transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis demonstrated that CM from BMSCs and
      HUCPVCs differently induced neurite outgrowth and mRNA levels of neuronal markers
      exhibited by SH-SY5Y cells. Overall, our results show that the secretome of both
      BMSCs and HUCPVCs was capable of supporting SH-SY5Y cells survival and promoting
      their differentiation towards a neuronal phenotype. 

PMID- 25132858
TI  - Wrist-ankle acupuncture for the treatment of pain symptoms: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - Routine acupuncture incorporates wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) for its analgesic
      effect, but WAA is not widely used in clinics due to incomplete knowledge of its
      effectiveness and concerns about less clinical research and because less people
      know it. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and possible adverse effects of
      WAA or WAA adjuvants in the treatment of pain symptoms. This study compared WAA
      or WAA adjuvant with the following therapies: western medication (WM), sham
      acupuncture (SA), or body acupuncture (BA). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
      were searched systematically in related electronic databases by two independent
      reviewers. 33 RCTs were finally included, in which 7 RCTs were selected for meta
      analysis. It was found that WAA or WAA adjuvant was significantly more effective
      than WM, SA, or BA in pain relief. There was nothing different between WAA and SA
      in adverse events, but WAA was marginally significantly safer than WM. Although
      both WAA and WAA adjuvant appeared to be more effective than WM, SA, or BA in the
      treatment of pain symptoms with few side effects, further studies with better and
      more rigorously designed are still necessary to ensure the efficacy and safety
      issue of WAA due to the poor methodology and small sample size of previous
      studies. 

PMID- 25132856
TI  - Management of fibrosis: the mesenchymal stromal cells breakthrough.
AB  - Fibrosis is the endpoint of many chronic inflammatory diseases and is defined by
      an abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix components. Despite its slow
      progression, it leads to organ malfunction. Fibrosis can affect almost any
      tissue. Due to its high frequency, in particular in the heart, lungs, liver, and
      kidneys, many studies have been conducted to find satisfactory treatments.
      Despite these efforts, current fibrosis management therapies either are
      insufficiently effective or induce severe adverse effects. In the light of these
      facts, innovative experimental therapies are being investigated. Among these,
      cell therapy is regarded as one of the best candidates. In particular,
      mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have great potential in the treatment of
      inflammatory diseases. The value of their immunomodulatory effects and their
      ability to act on profibrotic factors such as oxidative stress, hypoxia, and the
      transforming growth factor-beta1 pathway has already been highlighted in
      preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, their propensity to act depending
      on the microenvironment surrounding them enhances their curative properties. In
      this paper, we review a large range of studies addressing the use of MSCs in the
      treatment of fibrotic diseases. The results reported here suggest that MSCs have
      antifibrotic potential for several organs. 

PMID- 25132859
TI  - Syndrome Differentiation of Diabetes by the Traditional Chinese Medicine
      according to Evidence-Based Medicine and Expert Consensus Opinion.
AB  - In Chinese medicine, diabetes belongs to the category of "Xiaoke disease (disease
      with symptoms of frequent drinking and urination)"; in the traditional sense, its
      pathogenesis is "Yin deficiency and dryness-heat." However, over time, changes in
      the social environment and lifestyle have also changed the use of traditional
      Chinese medicine (TCM) in diabetes. In this study, we performed diabetes syndrome
      differentiation using TCM according to evidence-based medicine and expert
      consensus opinion. 

PMID- 25132860
TI  - IKK beta -Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Activities of a Butanol Fraction of
      Artificially Cultivated Cordyceps pruinosa Fruit Bodies.
AB  - The inhibitory activities of the Cordyceps pruinosa butanol fraction (Cp-BF) were
      investigated by determining inflammatory responses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      treated RAW264.7 macrophage cells and by evaluating HCl/ethanol (EtOH)-triggered
      gastric ulcers in mice. The molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of Cp
      BF were investigated by identifying target enzymes using biochemical and
      molecular biological approaches. Cp-BF strongly inhibited the production of NO
      and TNF-alpha, release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), phagocytic uptake of
      FITC-dextran, and mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, inducible NO
      synthase (iNOS), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-alpha in activated
      RAW264.7 cells. Cp-BF also strongly downregulated the NF-kappaB pathway by
      suppressing IKKbeta according to luciferase reporter assays and immunoblot
      analysis. Furthermore, Cp-BF blocked both increased levels of NF-kappaB-mediated
      luciferase activities and phosphorylation of p65/p50 observed by IKKbeta
      overexpression. Finally, orally administered Cp-BF was found to attenuate gastric
      ulcer and block the phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha induced by HCl/EtOH.
      Therefore, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of Cp-BF may
      be mediated by suppression of IKKalpha and its downstream NF-kappaB activation.
      Since our group has established the mass cultivation conditions by developing
      culture conditions for Cordyceps pruinosa, the information presented in this
      study may be useful for developing new anti-inflammatory agents. 

PMID- 25132861
TI  - Effect of ST36 Acupuncture on Hyperventilation-Induced CO 2 Reactivity of the
      Basilar and Middle Cerebral Arteries and Heart Rate Variability in Normal
      Subjects.
AB  - This study was conducted to verify the effect of acupuncture on cerebral
      haemodynamics to provide evidence for the use of acupuncture treatment as a
      complementary therapy for the high-risk stroke population. The effect of ST36
      acupuncture treatment on the hyperventilation-induced CO2 reactivity of the
      basilar and middle cerebral arteries was studied in 10 healthy male volunteers
      (mean age, 25.2 +/- 1.5 years) using a transcranial Doppler sonography with an
      interval of 1 week between measurements, and a portable ECG monitoring system was
      used to obtain ECG data simultaneously. The CO2 reactivity of the basilar and
      middle cerebral arteries increased significantly after ST36 acupuncture
      treatment, whereas the mean arterial blood pressure and pulse rate did not change
      significantly. The high-frequency power significantly increased after ST36
      acupuncture treatment, and the percentage increase of high-frequency power
      correlated significantly with the percentage increase in the CO2 reactivity of
      the contralateral middle cerebral artery. These data suggest that ST36
      acupuncture treatment increases CO2 reactivity, indicating improvement of
      vasodilatory potential of the cerebral vasculature to compensate for fluctuations
      caused by changes in external conditions. The increase in parasympathetic tone by
      ST36 acupuncture treatment is responsible for this therapeutic effect. 

PMID- 25132863
TI  - A note regarding problems with interaction and varying block sizes in a
      comparison of endotracheal tubes.
AB  - A randomized clinical experiment to compare two types of endotracheal tubes
      utilized a block design where each of the six participating anesthesiologists
      performed tube insertions for an equal number of patients for each type of tube.
      Five anesthesiologists intubated at least three patients with each tube type, but
      one anesthesiologist intubated only one patient per tube type. Overall, one type
      of tube outperformed the other on all three effectiveness measures. However,
      analysis of the data using an interaction model gave conflicting and misleading
      results, making the tube with the better performance appear to perform worse.
      This surprising result was caused by the undue influence of the data for the
      anesthesiologist who intubated only two patients. We therefore urge caution in
      interpreting results from interaction models with designs containing small
      blocks. 

PMID- 25132864
TI  - A necessary evil? Intra-abdominal hypertension complicating burn patient
      resuscitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Severe burns are devastating injuries that result in considerable
      systemic inflammation and often require resuscitation with large volumes of
      fluid. The result of massive resuscitation is often raised intra-abdominal
      pressures leading to Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and the secondary
      abdominal compartment syndrome. The objective of this study is to conduct (1) a
      10 year retrospective study to investigate epidemiological factors contributing
      to burn injuries in Alberta, (2) to characterize fluid management and incidence
      of IAH and ACS and (3) to review fluid resuscitation with a goal to identify
      optimal strategies for fluid resuscitation. DESIGN: A comprehensive 10-year
      retrospective review of burn injuries from 1999. OUTCOME MEASURES: Age, sex,
      date, mechanism of injury, location of incident, on scene vitals and GCS, type of
      transport to hospital and routing, ISS, presenting vitals and GCS, diagnoses,
      procedures, complications, hospital LOS, ICU LOS, and events surrounding the
      injury. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy five patients (79.4% M, 20.6% F) were
      identified as having traumatic burn injuries with a mean ISS score of 21.8 (+/
      8.3). The mean age was 41.6 (+/-17.5) (range 14-94) years. Nearly half (49.7%) of
      patients suffered their injuries at home, 17.7% were related to industrial
      incidents and 14.3% were MVC related. One hundred and ten patients required ICU
      admission. ICU LOS 18.5 (+/-8.8) days. Hospital LOS 38.0 (+/-37.8) days. The mean
      extent of burn injury was 31.4 (+/-20.9) % TBSA. Nearly half of the patients
      suffered inhalational injuries (mild 12.5%, moderate 13.7%, severe 9.1%). Thirty
      nine (22.2%) of patients died from their injuries. Routine IAP monitoring began
      in September, 2005 with 15 of 28 patients having at least two IAP measurements.
      The mean IAP was 16.5 (+/-5.7) cm H2O (range: 1-40) with an average of 58 (+/-97)
      IAP measurements per patient. Those patients with IAP monitoring had an average
      TBSA of 35.0 (+/-16.0)%, ISS of 47.5 (+/-7.5). The mean 48 hr fluid balance was
      25.6 (+/-11.1)L exceeding predicted Parkland formula estimates by 86 (+/-32)%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Further evaluation of IAP monitoring is needed to further
      characterize IAP and fluid resuscitation in patients with burn injuries.

PMID- 25132865
TI  - Heat Stress Increases Long-term Human Migration in Rural Pakistan.
AB  - Human migration attributable to climate events has recently received significant
      attention from the academic and policy communities (1-2). Quantitative evidence
      on the relationship between individual, permanent migration and natural disasters
      is limited (3-9). A 21-year longitudinal survey conducted in rural Pakistan (1991
      2012) provides a unique opportunity to understand the relationship between
      weather and long-term migration. We link individual-level information from this
      survey to satellite-derived measures of climate variability and control for
      potential confounders using a multivariate approach. We find that flooding-a
      climate shock associated with large relief efforts-has modest to insignificant
      impacts on migration. Heat stress, however-which has attracted relatively little
      relief-consistently increases the long-term migration of men, driven by a
      negative effect on farm and non-farm income. Addressing weather-related
      displacement will require policies that both enhance resilience to climate shocks
      and lower barriers to welfare-enhancing population movements.

PMID- 25132866
TI  - Treatment of Crohn's disease complicated with myelodysplastic syndrome via
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: case report and literature
      review.
AB  - Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal
      tract arising in individuals with genetic predisposing factors and abnormalities
      of the immune system. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), an acquired clonal
      hematologic disorder, is characterized by peripheral blood cytopenia, dysplastic
      changes in several types of hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow and peripheral
      blood, and a high risk of transformation to acute leukemia. CD rarely occurs in
      combination with MDS, and MDS treatment with hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) has not been frequently reported. We report the case of a
      50-year-old Chinese male who presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and
      fatigue. CD was diagnosed by colonoscopy, imaging studies, and pathological
      examination. He was initially treated with mesalazine and prednisone and
      thereafter he presented with pancytopenia. MDS (RAEB-I) was diagnosed by bone
      marrow examination, and karyotyping revealed 47, XY, +8. The patient was treated
      with thalidomide, andriol, and decitabine. Allogeneic HSCT was performed with a
      human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling as the donor. The patient is currently
      well at 14 months after HSCT, without abdominal pain, diarrhea, or fatigue. HSCT
      may be a promising treatment option for patients with combined CD and MDS.

PMID- 25132868
TI  - Basic aspects of the pharmacodynamics of tolperisone, a widely applicable
      centrally acting muscle relaxant.
AB  - Tolperisone (2-methyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-3-piperidin-1-ylpropan-1-one hydro
      chloride) was introduced in the clinical practice more than forty years ago and
      is still evaluated as a widely applicable compound in pathologically elevated
      skeletal muscle tone (spasticity) and related pains of different origin. In the
      present review, basic pharmacodynamic effects measured on whole animals, analyses
      of its actions on cell and tissue preparations and molecular mechanism of action
      on sodium and calcium channels are summarized as recently significantly new data
      were reported. 

PMID- 25132867
TI  - Successful natural interferon-beta plus ribavirin therapy in a chronic hepatitis
      C patient after discontinuation of interferon-alpha treatment due to arrhythmia
      and interstitial pneumonia.
AB  - A 71-year-old female patient with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 had previously
      discontinued interferon (IFN)-alpha plus ribavirin therapy, pegylated IFN-alpha
      (pegIFN-alpha) monotherapy, and natural IFN-alpha monotherapy because of
      arrhythmia, interstitial pneumonia, and severe neurovegetative symptoms. She
      subsequently completed 72 weeks of natural IFN-beta plus ribavirin therapy
      without remarkable adverse effects and achieved a sustained viral response,
      suggesting differences in the pharmacological properties and biological effects
      of IFN-alpha and IFN-beta. Thus, natural IFN-beta plus ribavirin therapy may be a
      treatment option for patients with poor tolerance to IFN-alpha or pegIFN-alpha
      treatments.

PMID- 25132862
TI  - Challenges associated with Penetration of Nanoparticles across Cell and Tissue
      Barriers: A Review of Current Status and Future Prospects.
AB  - Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as an effective modality for the treatment of
      various diseases including cancer, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.
      Various forms of NPs including liposomes, polymer particles, micelles,
      dendrimers, quantum dots, gold NPs and carbon nanotubes have been synthesized and
      tested for therapeutic applications. One of the greatest challenges that limit
      the success of NPs is their ability to reach the therapeutic site at necessary
      doses while minimizing accumulation at undesired sites. The biodistribution of
      NPs is determined by body's biological barriers that manifest in several distinct
      ways. For intravascular delivery of NPs, the barrier manifests in the form of:
      (i) immune clearance in the liver and spleen, (ii) permeation across the
      endothelium into target tissues, (iii) penetration through the tissue
      interstitium, (iv) endocytosis in target cells, (v) diffusion through cytoplasm
      and (vi) eventually entry into the nucleus, if required. Certain applications of
      NPs also rely on delivery through alternate routes including skin and mucosal
      membranes of the nose, lungs, intestine and vagina. In these cases, the diffusive
      resistance of these tissues poses a significant barrier to delivery. This review
      focuses on the current understanding of penetration of NPs through biological
      barriers. Emphasis is placed on transport barriers and not immunological
      barriers. The review also discusses design strategies for overcoming the barrier
      properties.

PMID- 25132869
TI  - Contribution of neuraminidase of influenza viruses to the sensitivity to sera
      inhibitors and reassortment efficiency.
AB  - Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) represent reassortant viruses with
      hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) gene segments inherited from
      circulating wild-type (WT) parental influenza viruses recommended for inclusion
      into seasonal vaccine formulation, and the 6 internal protein-encoding gene
      segments from cold-adapted attenuated master donor viruses (genome composition
      6:2). In this study, we describe the obstacles in developing LAIV strains while
      taking into account the phenotypic peculiarities of WT viruses used for
      reassortment. Genomic composition analysis of 849 seasonal LAIV reassortants
      revealed that over 80% of reassortants based on inhibitor-resistant WT viruses
      inherited WT NA, compared to 26% of LAIV reassortants based on inhibitor
      sensitive WT viruses. In addition, the highest percentage of LAIV genotype
      reassortants was achieved when WT parental viruses were resistant to non-specific
      serum inhibitors. We demonstrate that NA may play a role in influenza virus
      sensitivity to non-specific serum inhibitors. Replacing NA of inhibitor-sensitive
      WT virus with the NA of inhibitor-resistant master donor virus significantly
      decreased the sensitivity of the resulting reassortant virus to serum heat-stable
      inhibitors. 

PMID- 25132870
TI  - Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in High-risk Infants - an Update on
      Palivizumab Prophylaxis.
AB  - Morbidity due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease is still high in
      infants and children worldwide during the first two to five years of life.
      Certain categories of high-risk infants with increased morbidity and mortality
      attributed to RSV disease have been identified and are included in national
      recommendations for prophylaxis with the monoclonal RSV antibody palivizumab.
      Most guidelines recommend palivizumab for preterm infants born less than or equal
      to 32 weeks gestational age with or without bronchopulmonary dysplasia, those
      born between 33 and 35 weeks gestational age with additional risk factors, and
      infants and children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease.
      Over the last years several rare diseases have been identified demonstrating high
      morbidity associated with RSV disease, thus, extension of guidelines for the
      prophylaxis with palivizumab for these patients with rare diseases including
      children with malignancy, congenital and acquired immune deficiency, Down
      syndrome, neuromuscular impairment, cystic fibrosis, congenital diaphragmatic
      hernia and other severe respiratory disease is increasingly discussed. Efficacy
      of palivizumab prophylaxis is documented by meta-analysis, and different economic
      analyses demonstrate cost-effectiveness of palivizumab for the most common
      indications during the first RSV season. 

PMID- 25132871
TI  - Classification of distal radius physeal fractures not included in the salter
      harris system.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The most commonly used classification for pediatric physeal
      fractures has been proposed by Salter and Harris. Among the most suitable
      classification schemes are those proposed by Ogden and Peterson who added several
      new types of injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the value of both
      schemes to classify all different types of physeal injuries of the distal radius
      that are not included in the Salter-Harris system and to test a new nomenclature
      to classify and guide treatment for the whole spectrum of these injuries.
      METHODS: A total of 292 children who were admitted for a physeal fracture of the
      distal radius that could not be classified according to the Salter-Harris system
      were identified from the hospital database. All radiographs were carefully
      examined and classified according to the existing classifications of Ogden and
      Peterson and a modified classification scheme. The results of the treatment were
      also evaluated. RESULTS: Ninety-six physeal injuries could not be classified
      using the classification schemes of Ogden and Peterson. All injuries could be
      classified in five types using the new, modified nomenclature. Growth
      abnormalities of the distal radius were evaluated after an average follow-up time
      of 11 years. Growth arrest due to a physeal bar was detected only in one patient.
      DISCUSSION: The proposed modified scheme is practical, incorporates all previous
      classification systems, allows classification of all physeal injuries of the
      distal radius that are not included in the Salter-Harris system and may assist
      comparison of treatment outcomes.

PMID- 25132872
TI  - Tranexamic Acid Reduces Blood Loss and Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Total
      Knee Arthroplasty without Tourniquet: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Blood loss during and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can lead
      to substantial morbidity and the need for blood transfusions. There are several
      methods to minimize blood loss and to decrease transfusion rates in patients
      undergoing TKA. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent with known efficacy
      for achieving these goals. Currently, many surgeons are performing TKA without
      the use of tourniquet. Consequently, the aim of the study is to evaluate whether
      tranexamic acid reduces blood loss during and after TKA without the adjunctive
      use of above-the-knee tourniquet. METHODS: We performed a prospective randomized
      controlled trial (1:1 fashion) on the use of tranexamic acid versus placebo in 50
      patients undergoing TKA (without tourniquet). The treatment group received two
      (preoperative and postoperative) 15 mg/kg doses. The primary endpoint was blood
      transfusion rate. We collected data about demographic and procedural
      characteristics, hemoglobin and hematocrit values, drain blood loss at 24 hours
      as well as adverse events. RESULTS: There were no transfusions in the treatment
      group, whereas 32% of the control group required transfusion (p<0.01). The
      treatment group had higher hematocrit and hemoglobin levels at 24, 48 and 72
      hours after surgery (all p<0.01) and lower drain loss at 24hours (363.4+/-141 vs
      626+/-260ml, p=<0,001). There were no in-hospital or six-month thromboembolic
      complications. DISCUSSION: A double-dose of tranexamic acid was safe and
      effective, reducing blood loss and preventing the need of blood transfusion in
      patients undergoing TKA without above-the-need tourniquet.

PMID- 25132873
TI  - Social Variations in Perceived Parenting Styles among Norwegian Adolescents.
AB  - Previous research has documented the associations between parenting and parenting
      styles and child and adolescent outcomes. Little is known, however, about the
      social structuring of parenting in contemporary Nordic welfare states. A possible
      hypothesis is that socioeconomic variations in parenting styles in present-day
      Norway will be small because of material affluence, limited income inequality,
      and an active welfare state. This study examines social variations in parenting
      as perceived by Norwegian adolescents (N = 1362), with a focus on four parenting
      style dimensions: responsiveness, demandingness, neglecting, and intrusive.
      Responsiveness seems to capture major divisions in parenting. Adolescents in
      families with fewer economic resources experienced their parents as somewhat less
      responsive, but responsiveness was not related to parents' education. Low
      parental education was on the other hand associated with perceptions of parents
      as neglecting and intrusive. Viewing parents as demanding did neither vary with
      parental education nor with family economy. Substantial variations in parenting
      styles persist in present-day Norway, and these variations correspond moderately
      with the families' placement in the social structure. Indicators of parenting and
      parenting styles may be useful indicators of some aspects of child and adolescent
      well-being.

PMID- 25132874
TI  - Medication adherence and community pharmacy: a review of education, policy and
      research in England.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this narrative review was to identify and describe
      the current policy, education and research related to community pharmacy and
      medication adherence in England. METHODS: Medline, Embase, International
      Pharmaceutical Abstracts and Pharmline were used to search for relevant research
      articles. Current policy documents were identified via the websites of the
      Department of Health in England, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great
      Britain, the National Pharmacy Association, the Pharmaceutical Services
      Negotiating Committee and NHS Employers. All pharmacy schools in England were
      contacted to obtain information about the adherence-related courses they provide
      to undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy students. RESULTS: National policies
      and guidelines in England are conducive to an increasing role for community
      pharmacists to support patients with medication adherence. Many pharmacy schools
      cover the issue of adherence in their undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
      Research in this area has tested the effectiveness of pharmacists providing
      adherence support in the form of compliance aids, education, involvement in
      discharge planning, and tailored interventions. CONCLUSION: In community pharmacy
      in England, current policy and funding arrangements suggest there is great scope
      for pharmacists to support patients with medication adherence. Further research
      is necessary to identify the most useful, cost-effective and sustainable approach
      in practice.

PMID- 25132875
TI  - Pharmacists' perceptions of the impact of care they provide.
AB  - Limitations on health care resources necessitate careful focus on activities that
      lead to the greatest improvement in patient outcomes. Despite the importance of
      aligning pharmacists' time with activities deriving the most impact, there is a
      paucity of literature on the correlations between pharmacists' perceptions of the
      impact of their activities, how they actually spend their time and how these
      align with published evidence of impacts on patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To
      reveal hospital pharmacists' perceptions of the impacts of their clinical
      activities and to characterize the correlation between the activities performed
      and both their perceptions of and the published evidence for their impacts on
      patient care. METHODS: Observational qualitative interviews and quantitative
      questionnaires were conducted with each participant (N=21) to characterize their
      work day and determine their perceptions of the impact of their activities. A
      systematic literature review catalogued pharmacists' activities with impact on
      patient outcomes. Primary endpoint: degree of correlation in three pair-wise
      comparisons between pharmacists' perceptions of impact, time allotted to
      activities, and published evidence of impact. RESULTS: Pharmacists' time spent
      was positively and significantly correlated with their perception of impact
      (P=0.037) but not with the published evidence of impact (in either of the two
      analytical scenarios). The correlation between published evidence and
      pharmacists' perceptions of impacts was on the threshold of statistical
      significance with a moderate strength of association in one of the two analytical
      scenarios used. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists dedicate more of their clinical time to
      activities they perceive to have greater impact. However, these perceptions and
      their time allocation does not correlate well with published evidence, and some
      misperceptions about impacts deserve correction. More rigorous research is needed
      to quantify the value of pharmacist services to the health care system, however
      designing such studies to isolate the value of specific activities will be
      challenging.

PMID- 25132876
TI  - Parent's knowledge and management of their children's ailments in Malaysia.
AB  - Minor ailments like sore throat, fever, cough and diarrhea can be relieved with
      over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as paracetamol or other traditional
      remedies, without seeking for consultation from general practitioners. Parents
      usually take the responsibility to come up with some kind of treatment for their
      children. OBJECTIVE: (1) to evaluate the parents' medical knowledge about OTC
      medicines which are usually used by the parents to treat their children and (2)
      to evaluate the parents' management in dealing with their children's ailments,
      and (3) to evaluate the association between medical knowledge and the management
      of children's ailments related to medicine use among the parents. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional survey was conducted to measure the parents' knowledge about
      their children's ailments. Subjects were selected and information was obtained in
      September 2008. Non-probability convenient sampling method was used. Parents were
      recruited from the general public to answer the questionnaires. RESULTS: 197
      parents filled in the questionnaires. From the total respondents, 48.2% of them
      were male. This study showed that most respondents have medium knowledge (6.11
      SD=3.6) and a moderate management (4.39 SD=2.7). The results showed that there is
      a significant difference between the knowledge and the management level of
      ailments (P=0.033). Regarding the education level of the parents and the
      socioeconomic status, the p-value showed there was a significant difference
      between parents' knowledge and their education level (P=0.012). CONCLUSION: This
      study showed that parents have inadequate knowledge and some misconception about
      how to go about treating their children when they are unwell. It is hoped that by
      identifying weak areas in parents' management to their children's ailments,
      better planned educational and behavioral modification efforts can be made to
      elevate the knowledge level among the parents when they medically treat their
      children.

PMID- 25132877
TI  - The impact of an immunization training certificate program on the perceived
      knowledge, skills and attitudes of pharmacy students toward pharmacy-based
      immunizations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a national immunization training certificate
      program on the perceived knowledge, skills and attitudes of pharmacy students
      toward pharmacy-based immunizations. METHODS: The study design utilized a pre-
      and post-survey administered to pharmacy students before and after the American
      Pharmacists Association's (APhA) Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery program.
      The primary outcome explored was a change in the perceived knowledge, skills, and
      attitudes of the pharmacy students. A five-point Likert scale (i.e. strongly
      agree = 5, strongly disagree = 1) was used for measuring the main outcomes, which
      was summated by adding the individual item scores in each section to form a
      composite score for each outcome. RESULTS: The certificate training program
      resulted in a significant improvement in knowledge (38.5% increase in score,
      p<0.001) and skills (34.5% increase in score, p<0.001), but not attitudes (1%
      increase in score, p=0.210). CONCLUSIONS: The national immunization training
      certificate program had a positive impact on the perceived knowledge and skills
      of pharmacy students. However, no change was observed regarding students'
      perceived attitudes toward pharmacy-based immunizations.

PMID- 25132879
TI  - Willingness to pay for a pharmacist's dispensing service: a cross-sectional pilot
      study in the state of Penang, Malaysia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the value of the dispensing
      service of pharmacists from the general public's perspective using the contingent
      valuation technique in the State of Penang, Malaysia. METHODS: Participants were
      conveniently sampled from malls and were given a self-completed questionnaire
      that collected the patient's demographic information and their knowledge about
      the pharmacist's dispensing service. They were then presented with a description
      of the pharmacist's dispensing service, the risk of medication errors in
      prescriptions and their consequences, and the risk reduction of medication errors
      associated with pharmacist intervention. The willingness to pay (WTP) of the
      participants was later assessed using a contingent valuation interview that asked
      the likelihood and maximum amount they were willing to pay. RESULTS: In the
      study, 100 people participated, and 57% were aged between 18 and 35 years. Of
      these participants, 51% were women, and 46% of them earned more than 1000 MYR
      (285.71USD) per month. In addition, 8% of the participants had never visited a
      community pharmacy. Finally, 67% of the participants were willing to pay for the
      pharmacists' dispensing service, and the median amount that the participants were
      willing to pay was 10 MYR (2.86USD). The WTP amount was moderately correlated
      with their knowledge of the community pharmacist's dispensing services (r=0.377,
      p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Generally, the public valued the pharmacist's dispensing
      service. Their acceptance can be further improved by educating the public on the
      role of the pharmacist.

PMID- 25132878
TI  - Pharmacists' attitude, perceptions and knowledge towards the use of herbal
      products in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to assess pharmacists' current practice,
      perception and knowledge towards the use of herbal products in Abu Dhabi, United
      Arab Emirates (UAE). The study assessed the need for incorporating herbal
      medicine as a separate topic in under- graduate pharmacy student curricula.
      METHODS: The study was done on 600 pharmacists employed in Abu Dhabi, who were
      contacted electronically, out of which 271 had completed the survey. The data was
      collected using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Pharmacists' use of herbal
      products is high in the UAE, as they have a high belief on the effectiveness of
      herbal products, and only age was found to be the most predominant variable that
      was influencing pharmacists' personal use of herbal products (p-value=0.0171).
      Pharmacists were more knowledgeable on the uses/indications of herbal products
      (47%) rather than on other areas. Knowledge of the dispensing mode (prescription
      only or over the counter medicines) mandated by the Ministry of Health was quite
      good, however, it is to be noted that the source of information on the dispensing
      mode was provided by medical representatives (48%). Knowledge of dispensing mode
      of herbal products was found to be significantly influenced by the place of work
      with more knowledge of the dispensing mode by pharmacists working in the private
      sector (p-value 0.0007). The results from the study also underscores the need for
      including herbal medicine as a separate topic in pharmacy college curriculum and
      to provide for more seminars and continuing pharmacy education programs targeting
      pharmacists in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists need to be
      informed on indications, drug interactions, adverse events and precautions of
      herbal products. Concerned bodies must also provide them with regular continuing
      education programs apart from putting their efforts to incorporate relevant
      topics on herbal medicine in the pharmacy students' curriculum.

PMID- 25132880
TI  - Barriers to medication counselling for people with mental health disorders: a six
      country study.
AB  - Provision of medication information may improve adherence and prevent medication
      related problems. People with mental health disorders commonly receive less
      medication counselling from pharmacists than people with other common long term
      and persistent disorders. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare
      and contrast barriers pharmacy students perceive toward providing medication
      counselling for people with mental health disorders in Australia, Belgium,
      Estonia, Finland, India and Latvia. METHODS: Barriers identified by third-year
      pharmacy students as part of the International Pharmacy Students' Health Survey
      were content analysed using a directed approach. Students' responses were
      categorised as pharmacist related, patient related, health-system related, or
      social or cultural related. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version
      14.0. RESULTS: Survey instruments were returned by 649 students. Of the
      respondents, 480 identified one or more barriers to medication counselling for
      people with mental health disorders. Patient related factors accounted for
      between 25.3% and 36.2% of barriers identified by the pharmacy students.
      Pharmacist related factors accounted for between 17.6% and 45.1% of the barriers
      identified by the pharmacy students. Students in India were more likely to
      attribute barriers to pharmacist and social and cultural related factors, and
      less likely to health-system related factors, than students studying in other
      countries. CONCLUSION: The nature of barriers identified by pharmacy students
      differed according to the country in which they studied. Undergraduate and
      postgraduate pharmacy education programs may need to be amended to address common
      misconceptions among pharmacy students.

PMID- 25132881
TI  - Comparison of prescribing criteria in hospitalised Australian elderly.
AB  - The Beers criteria (2003) and McLeod criteria (1997) have been applied
      internationally to quantify inappropriate prescribing in elderly populations.
      Similarly, guidelines have been published locally by the National Prescribing
      Service (NPS). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to adapt, evaluate and compare the
      utility of these three established criteria in measuring prescribing
      appropriateness in a sample of hospitalised elderly patients. METHODS: Initial
      refinement of the criteria produced versions applicable to Australian practice.
      Inpatient records of 202 patients aged 65 years or older in six wards of the
      Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia, were reviewed using the adapted
      criteria. 'Potentially inappropriate' prescribing was descriptively analysed
      using relevant denominators. RESULTS: The adapted criteria collectively listed 70
      'potentially inappropriate' medicines or drug groups and 116 'potentially
      inappropriate' prescribing practices. Patients (mean age 80.0; SD=8.3 years) were
      prescribed, a median of eight medicines (SD=4.0). At least one 'potentially
      inappropriate' medicine was identified in 110 (55%) patients. 'Potentially
      inappropriate' prescribing practices averaged 1.1 per patient (range 1-6). The
      adapted Beers criteria identified more 'potentially inappropriate'
      medicines/practices (44%, 101/232) than the McLeod criteria (41%) and NPS
      criteria (16%). Aspirin, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers and dipyridamole were
      most commonly identified. CONCLUSION: The Beers and McLeod criteria, developed
      internationally, required considerable modification for local prescribing. The
      three criteria differed in their focus and approaches, such that development and
      validation of national criteria, using the key features of these models, is
      recommended. There is potential to apply validated guidelines in clinical
      practice and review of prescribing, but only to supplement clinical judgement.

PMID- 25132882
TI  - Pharmacists' participation in the documentation of medication history in a
      developing setting: An exploratory assessment with new criteria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of pharmacists' participation on the frequency
      and depth of medication history information documented in a developing setting
      like Nigeria. METHOD: The study consisted of two phases. The first phase was a
      baseline cross-sectional assessment of the frequency and depth of medication
      history information documented by physicians in case notes of systematic samples
      of 900 patients that were stratified over 9 Medical outpatients Units at a
      premier teaching hospital in south western Nigeria. The second phase was an
      exploratory study involving 10 pharmacists who conducted cross-sectional
      medication history interview for 324 randomly selected patients. RESULTS: 49.2%
      of patients, whose medication history were documented at the baseline, by
      physicians, were males; while 50.3% of patient interviewed by pharmacists were
      male. Mean age (SD) of males and females whose medication histories were
      documented by physicians and pharmacists were 43.2 (SD=18.6), 43.1 (SD=17.9)
      years and 51.5 (SD=17.6), 52.1 (SD=17.4) years respectively. The frequency of
      medication history information documented by pharmacists was significantly higher
      for twelve of the thirteen medication history components (P < 0.0001). These
      include prescription medicines; over the counter medicines; source of medicines;
      adverse drug reactions; allergy to drugs, allergy to foods, allergy to chemicals;
      patient adherence; alcohol use; cigarette smoking; dietary restrictions and
      herbal medicine use. The depth of medication history information acquired and
      documented by pharmacist was significantly better for all the thirteen medication
      history components (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Pharmacists' participation resulted in
      significant increase in frequency and depth of medication history information
      documented in a developing setting like Nigeria. The new medication history
      evaluation criteria proved useful in assessing the impact of pharmacists'
      participation.

PMID- 25132883
TI  - Evaluating the impact of new anticoagulants in the hospital setting.
AB  - The short-comings of current anticoagulants have led to the development of newer,
      albeit more expensive, oral alternatives. OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential
      impact the new anticoagulants dabigatran and rivaroxaban in the local hospital
      setting, in terms of utilisation and subsequent costing. METHOD: A preliminary
      costing analysis was performed based on a prospective 2-week clinical audit (29th
      June - 13th July 2009). Data regarding current anticoagulation management were
      extracted from the medical files of patients admitted to Ryde Hospital. To model
      potential costing implications of using the newer agents, the reported incidence
      of VTE/stroke and bleeding events were obtained from key clinical trials.
      RESULTS: Data were collected for 67 patients treated with either warfarin (n=46)
      or enoxaparin (n=21) for prophylaxis of VTE/stroke. At least two-thirds of all
      patients were deemed suitable candidates for the use of newer oral anticoagulants
      (by current therapy: warfarin: 65.2% (AF), 34.8% (VTE); enoxaparin: 100%, (VTE)).
      The use of dabigatran in VTE/stroke prevention was found to be more cost-
      effective than warfarin and enoxaparin due to significantly lower costs of
      therapeutic monitoring and reduced administration costs. Rivaroxaban was more
      cost-effective than warfarin and enoxaparin for VTE/stroke prevention when
      supplier-rebates (33%) were factored into costing. CONCLUSION: This study
      highlights the potential cost- effectiveness of newer anticoagulants, dabigatran
      and rivaroxaban, compared to warfarin and enoxaparin. These agents may offer
      economic advantages, as well as clinical benefits, in the hospital-based
      management of anticoagulated patients.

PMID- 25132884
TI  - Evaluation of pharmacy students' clinical interventions on a general medicine
      practice experience.
AB  - As colleges of pharmacy prepare a new generation of practitioners, it is
      important that during practice experiences students learn the impact of clinical
      interventions. For over ten years, pharmacy students have been a vital part of
      the multidisciplinary team at the military treatment facility. The overall impact
      of the student interventions on patient care has not been evaluated. To evaluate
      the impact, the students began documenting their clinical interventions in
      Medkeeper RxInterventionsTM, an online database. The program is used to document
      faculty and fourth year pharmacy students' pharmaceutical interventions.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the interventions completed
      by fourth year pharmacy students during a general medicine advanced pharmacy
      practice experience at a military treatment facility. METHODS: The students
      completing their general medicine advanced pharmacy practice experience at the
      military treatment facility are responsible for self reporting all interventions
      made during clinical rounds into the Medkeeper RxInterventionTM database. The
      researchers retrospectively collected and analyzed interventions made from June
      2008 to June 2009. RESULTS: The total number of interventions recorded by 8
      fourth year pharmacy students was 114. Students averaged a number of 14.3
      interventions during an eight week practice experience. Students spent an average
      of 5 minutes per intervention. Ninety- five percent of the interventions were
      accepted. CONCLUSION: Fourth year pharmacy students' recommendations were
      accepted at a high rate by resident physicians. The high acceptance rate may have
      the ability to positively impact patient care.

PMID- 25132885
TI  - Defining bioidentical hormones for menopause-related symptoms.
AB  - In the last decade, the use of bioidentical hormones (BHs) to treat menopause
      related symptoms has become increasingly popular. However, the many different
      definitions of BHs have led to a great deal of confusion often making it
      difficult for health care providers to discuss this area with patients.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper was to produce a concise definition of
      bioidentical hormones, based on a review of the literature. METHODS: Searches,
      using systematic review methodology, were conducted from inception to June 2010
      in PubMed, EMBASE, IPA, The Journal of International Compounding and the Internet
      to identify definitions of bioidentical hormones. There were no restrictions on
      type, date or language of publication. Included papers/website included those
      that contained a definition of BHs. Definitions were extracted, similarities and
      differences summarized, and these were then examined to produce a concise
      definition. RESULTS: Sixty-three definitions were found. Based on the analysis of
      similarities and differences, the following definition, comprised of three
      components (term being defined; category to which term belongs; distinctive
      characteristics of term) was produced: "Bioidentical hormones are chemical
      substances that are identical in molecular structure to human hormones."
      CONCLUSIONS: This definition clearly and concisely explains the meaning of BHs
      which should lead to a common understanding of the term and limit confusion among
      health care providers, the general public and the scientific community.

PMID- 25132886
TI  - Comparison of prescribing and dispensing processes between veterinarians and
      pharmacists in New Zealand: Are there opportunities for cooperation?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prescribing and dispensing of medicines are fundamental processes in
      providing healthcare for both human and animal patients. There has been recent
      discussion in the literature to advocate for increased co-operation between
      pharmacists and veterinarians, however there is little data available about
      veterinary prescribing and dispensing processes. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this
      study were to gain information on veterinary prescribing and dispensing processes
      for companion animals in the Dunedin region of New Zealand. METHODS: Open
      interviews were conducted with a selection of five veterinarians at practices in
      Dunedin. All interviews were transcribed verbatim. RESULTS: In New Zealand almost
      all dispensing of medicines for animals is carried out by veterinarians or their
      staff. There is a lack of standard treatment guidelines and a lack of regulation
      around the treatment period for which medicines can be dispensed at one time
      (i.e. period of supply). Medicines for animals are sometimes dispensed by
      community pharmacies, where clients are experiencing financial difficulties or
      when particular medicines are not held by veterinary practices. Record keeping
      requirements and practices for veterinarians are similar to those for community
      pharmacies. CONCLUSIONS: Processes undertaken by veterinarians in terms of
      prescribing and dispensing were similar to pharmacists' practices for human
      patients and so there is opportunity for collaboration between the two
      professions. Pharmacists also have complementary knowledge about dosing and
      formulating medicines that can assist in delivering optimal healthcare to animal
      patients.

PMID- 25132887
TI  - Hyperlipidemia medication management in patients admitted for a myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to determine the percentage of patients
      admitted for acute myocardial infarction currently prescribed a statin, with low
      density lipoprotein (LDL) <100 mg/dL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) <50
      mg/dL for men and <55 mg/dL for women and evaluate their medication management
      with a focus on niacin initiation. METHODS: This was a retrospective study from
      12/07 to 12/09, conducted at a private, community hospital. Inclusion criteria
      required patients to have an acute myocaridal infarction (AMI) ICD-9 code,
      troponin >=0.2 ng/dL and lipid panel performed within 96 hours of troponin.
      Patients with a triglyceride level > 400 mg/dL were excluded. The residual risk
      population consisted of patients currently taking a statin with LDL <100 mg/dL
      and HDL <50/55 mg/dL. Patients were excluded from the residual risk population if
      they were on niacin, had an allergy to or previously failed niacin therapy, or
      expired within 72 hours. RESULTS: A total of 553 patients experiencing an AMI had
      lipid panels available for evaluation. The mean LDL was 97.3 +/- 36.0 mg/dL, mean
      HDL was 33.5 +/- 11.1 mg/dL, and mean triglycerides were 133.1 +/- 71.3 mg/dL.
      The majority of patients (n=521, 94.2%) had an HDL < 50 or 55 mg/dL respective of
      gender. Ninety-two (80.0%) residual risk patients had no change in their home
      lipid medications post AMI. Fifteen (13.0%) residual risk patients had their dose
      of statin medication increased. Seven (6.1%) residual risk patients were
      initiated on niacin. CONCLUSIONS: The study results confirm an existence of a
      residual risk population with nearly 25% of AMI patients meeting the criteria.
      The results also confirm a low incidence of medication intervention in the
      residual risk population post AMI (20.0%) regarding lipid therapy, including the
      initiation of niacin in only 6.1% of patients.

PMID- 25132889
TI  - Unlocking the condoms: The effect on sales and theft.
AB  - Community pharmacies may place condoms in locked displays or behind glass,
      thereby reducing access and consequent use. OBJECTIVE: Quantify sales and theft
      of condoms when condoms were unlocked and removed from behind glass in grocery
      pharmacies. METHODS: Design. In this pilot study, condom displays were unlocked
      in selected pharmacies for three months. Participants. Eight grocery pharmacies
      in central Iowa agreed to participate. Intervention. Stores provided inventory at
      baseline, sales/theft thereafter in three monthly reports and sales for the same
      period one-year earlier. Outcome measures. Descriptive statistics quantified
      condom theft and sales. Number of pharmacies leaving condoms unlocked after the
      intervention was determined. RESULTS: Theft varied by pharmacy and ranged from an
      average of 1.33 boxes (units) per month to 27.33 per month. All stores
      experienced some increase in sales during the intervention. Two locations decided
      to re-lock their displays, only one indicated theft as the reason. CONCLUSION:
      After removing condoms from locked displays, more condoms were purchased and
      stolen from the study pharmacies. Sales outweighed theft in all pharmacies.

PMID- 25132888
TI  - Evaluation of the community pharmacist's behavior towards a prescription of
      antidiabetic and antiasthma drugs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the performance of community
      pharmacist towards antidiabetic and antiasthma prescriptions, and also to assess
      the lack of information provided by community pharmacists regarding patient
      counseling and missing data, using a simulated patient technique. METHODS: A
      prescription including antidiabetic and antiasthma drugs was used by simulated
      patient to assess community pharmacist's performance in 194 pharmacies. A
      performance assessment sheet was used to measure the patient counseling process.
      A quantitative descriptive and comparative analysis was done for the collected
      data. Pearson chi-square test (crosstabs) was used with a level of significance
      95%). RESULTS: The analysis of the 194 pharmacies visited revealed that most of
      the pharmacists were male (61%), Arabs (35%) and Indians (55%) with some other
      nationalities. The dispensing time in the pharmacy ranged between 2 to 10
      minutes. Spending time with patients was not affected by gender (p-value 0.087),
      slightly affected by nationality (p-value 0.04), and highly affected by age (p
      value 0.002) leaning towards older pharmacists who spent more time with patients
      than younger pharmacists. Most pharmacists (90%) started preparing the
      prescription once they received the prescription with no actual prescription
      screening. fifty five percent of the pharmacists asked about the duration of the
      treatment after preparing the prescription. ninety six percent did not counsel
      patients about diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Less than 40% asked if the
      prescription was intended to be used for the same patient. CONCLUSION: This study
      recommends that health authorities consider follow up plans in order to ensure
      the best pharmaceutical care is provided by community pharmacies.

PMID- 25132890
TI  - RETRACTED by plagiarism: Highly active antiretroviral therapy induced adverse
      drug reactions in Indian human immunodeficiency virus positive patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence, severity pattern, causality, predictability
      and preventability of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and to identify risk factors
      for adverse drug reactions in highly active antiretroviral therapy. METHODS:
      Enrolled patients were intensively monitored for ADRs to highly active
      antiretroviral therapy. Predictability was assessed based on history of previous
      exposure to the drug or literature incidence of ADRs. Preventability was assessed
      using Schumock and Thornton criteria and severity was assessed using modified
      Hartwig and Siegel scale. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify
      the risk factors for ADRs. RESULTS: Monitoring of 130 retropositive patients by
      active pharmacovigilance identified 74 ADRs from 57 patients. Anemia and
      hepatotoxicity were the most commonly observed ADRs. The organ system commonly
      affected by ADR was red blood cell (21.4%). The ADRs were moderate in 77% of
      cases. Type A reactions (77%) were more common. A total of 10.8% ADRs were
      definitely preventable. The incidence rate of ADRs (65.9%) was highest with
      Zidovudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine combination. A total of 84% interruptions to
      highly active antiretroviral therapy were due to toxicity. CD4 less than 200
      cells/MUl, female gender and tuberculosis were observed as risk factors for ADRs.
      CONCLUSION: Incidence of ADRs in intensively monitored patients was found to be
      43.8%. Anemia in HIV patients is an influential risk factor for occurrence of
      ADRs. With the increasing access to antiretroviral in India, clinicians must
      focus on early detection and prevention of ADRs to highly active antiretroviral
      therapy.

PMID- 25132891
TI  - Comparison of robotic and open partial nephrectomy: Single-surgeon matched cohort
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We present comparative outcomes among matched patients who
      underwent robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) or open partial nephrectomy (OPN) by
      a single surgeon at a single institution. METHODS: We reviewed the medical
      records of 200 patients who underwent RPN (n = 100) or OPN (n = 100) between May
      2003 and May 2013. The patients who underwent RPN were matched for age, gender,
      body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, as well
      as tumour size, side and location. Perioperative outcomes were compared. RESULTS:
      There was no significant difference between the 2 cohorts with respect to patient
      age, BMI, ASA score, preoperative glomerular filtration rate, tumour size and the
      R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score. The mean operative time was longer in the RPN
      group, but there were no significant differences with respect to warm ischemic
      time and postoperative renal function. The length of hospitalization and use of
      postoperative analgesics (ketoprofen) were more favourable in the RPN cohort.
      There was no significant difference in the mean estimated blood loss, transfusion
      rate, or complications between the cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the
      perioperative and postoperative parameters, RPN is a viable option as a nephron
      sparing surgical procedure for small renal masses that yields outcomes comparable
      to those achieved with OPN. Despite matched cohort analysis among patients who
      underwent PN by a single surgeon, there may be inherent selection bias; therefore
      future prospective trials are needed.

PMID- 25132893
TI  - High-grade microscopic hematuria in adult men can predict urothelial malignancy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Microscopic hematuria in men younger than 40 is a confusing issue
      to urologists, especially when these men have normal radiological findings. We
      report our experience in looking for urologic malignancy in this group of
      patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study for men with vague urological
      symptoms. We included men under 40 years old, men with microscopic hematuria
      greater than 25 red blood cells/high power field in 2 properly collected mid
      stream urine samples, and men with free urine culture and normal multiphasic
      computed tomography abdomen and pelvis studies. All patients underwent diagnostic
      cystoscurethroscopy. If there were no lesions, multiple random biopsies were
      taken. In cases of apparently normal cystoscopic findings and associated renal
      colic, uretroscopy was done to the suspected side. RESULTS: Only 20 patients
      fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients were 34; 2
      patients presented with pain. The other 18 patients were presenting with mild
      recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms. Cystoscopy showed small papillary low
      grade tumour in 3 patients. All random biopsies were free of malignancy.
      Unilateral uretroscopy for the 2 cases presented with pain detected carcinoma in
      situ in one of them. CONCLUSION: Cystoscopy is highly recommended for young adult
      men, with significant levels of microscopic hematuria, due to the 20% incidence
      rate of associated urological malignancy. Random bladder biopsies, in the absence
      of suspicious lesions, have no diagnostic role, and should not be done.
      Uretroscopy is advised for patients with microscopic hematuria and loin pain,
      even in the absence of suspicious radiological findings.

PMID- 25132894
TI  - A clinical study comparing BIVAP saline vaporization of the prostate with bipolar
      TURP in patients with prostate volume 30 to 80 mL: Early complications,
      physiological changes and postoperative follow-up outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We compare BIVAP saline vaporization of the prostate with bipolar
      transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in the treatment of benign
      prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: In total, we included 86 patients treated with
      BIVAP (n = 44) and bipolar TURP (n = 42). The inclusion criteria were maximum
      urinary flow rate (Qmax) <=10 mL/s, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)
      >=16, and prostate volume measured with transrectal ultrasound scan between 30
      and 80 mL. Serum electrolyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels were determined
      preoperatively and postoperatively. All patients were evaluated at the
      postoperative first and third months and the IPSS score, post-void residual
      urinary volume (PVR), Qmax, and average urinary flow rate (Qave) were compared.
      Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 16.0 program and statistical
      significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Preoperative demographic
      characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. The mean operation time was
      significantly higher (p = 0.02) and hospitalization time was significantly lower
      (p = 0.04) in the BIVAP group when compared to the bipolar TURP group. There was
      no significant difference between 2 groups in terms of preoperative and
      postoperative serum electrolyte, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Postoperative
      complication rates were similar in the 2 groups. The only exception was the rate
      of severe dysuria, which was significantly higher in the BIVAP group. No
      statistical difference was noted between the groups in terms of postoperative
      follow-up results. CONCLUSION: Bipolar TURP is a safe and highly effective
      technique which can be used in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic
      obstruction with minimal side effects. BIVAP saline vaporization of the prostate
      seems to be a potential alternative to bipolar TURP with shorter hospitalization
      time.

PMID- 25132892
TI  - Predicting the Gleason sum of a patient with a prostate biopsy core Gleason <=7
      and a prostate biopsy core Gleason >=8.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We review a subset of men who had discordant prostate biopsy sums
      and were treated with radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Consecutive patients
      treated with radical prostatectomy at The Ottawa Hospital between 2000 and 2012
      were reviewed. Those with at least 1 prostate biopsy core of Gleason sum >=8 and
      at least 1 prostate biopsy core of Gleason sum <=7 cancer were included. RESULTS:
      Of the 764 radical prostatectomies, 661 (87%) were eligible for the study and 35
      (5%) met inclusion criteria. Of these, only 16 (46%) had prostatectomy Gleason
      sum of >=8. When the highest biopsy core was Gleason sum 8 (n = 24), only 7 (29%)
      had a prostatectomy Gleason sum >=8. When the highest biopsy core was Gleason 9
      (n = 11), 9 (82%) had a prostatectomy Gleason sum >=8 (relative risk [RR] 2.8; p
      = 0.004). Patients with clinical T3 tumours were at higher risk of Gleason sum
      >=8 compared to cT1 patients (RR 3.7; p = 0.008). Patient age (p = 0.89),
      preoperative prostate-specific antigen (p = 0.34), prostate volume (p = 0.86),
      number of biopsy cores (p = 0.18), and proportion of biopsy cores with cancer (p
      = 0.96) were not strongly associated with risk of prostatectomy Gleason sum >=8.
      CONCLUSION: These data should be considered when assigning patients into
      prognostic risk categories based on prostate biopsy information. Further study to
      verify our findings using larger samples is warranted.

PMID- 25132895
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 25132896
TI  - Retention of robot-assisted surgical skills in urological surgeons acquired using
      Mimic dV-Trainer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We assess the retention of robot-assisted surgical skills among
      urologic surgeons. METHODS: The robot-assisted surgery skills of 20 urologic
      surgeons were assessed using a Mimic dV-Trainer program (Mimic Technologies,
      Inc., Seattle, WA) consisting of 6 tasks. These 20 surgeons had no previous
      experience either using the Mimic dV-Trainer or acting as the main surgeon in
      robot-assisted surgery. The surgeons completed the program 4 times in a row;
      after 1 year, they completed it again for a fifth time. Performance scores were
      recorded using the Mimic dV-Trainer's built-in algorithm. RESULTS: For all 6
      tasks, there were significant improvements to the scores in the fourth trials
      compared with those in the first trials. The scores in the fifth trials did not
      significantly decline compared with those in the fourth trials. There was no
      significant difference between the fifth trial scores of surgeons with
      laparoscopic surgery skills/experience and those without. CONCLUSION: Our results
      indicate that fundamental robot-assisted surgical skills can be retained in the
      long-term after they are acquired.

PMID- 25132897
TI  - Emphysematous cystitis and necrotizing fasciitis.
AB  - Emphysematous cystitis is an uncommon and often severe infectious condition of
      the bladder that usually affects women and diabetics. We report a case of a 62
      year-old male patient who presented with concomitant emphysematous cystitis and
      necrotizing fasciitis of the right leg. The patient was initially managed with
      emergent disarticulation of the right leg. Tissue cultures were positive for
      Ciprofloxacin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. He was treated with Piperacillin
      Tazobactam; however, due to the failure of conservative management of the
      condition, the patient underwent a cystoprostatectomy with ileal conduit. To our
      knowledge, this is the first report of concomitant emphysematous cystitis and
      necrotizing fasciitis requiring aggressive surgical intervention for both
      diseases. 

PMID- 25132898
TI  - A surgical challenge: Idiopathic scrotal elephantiasis.
AB  - Scrotal elephantiasis is a condition rarely encountered in developed nations. It
      is endemic in tropical regions due to the presence of filariasis (Wucheria
      bancrofti). We report 2 cases of idiopathic scrotal elephantiasis in Canadian
      citizens with no history of travel to endemic filariasis regions, malignancy,
      surgery or radiation. Both patients underwent complete excision of the involved
      tissue with reconstruction. We found that for advanced cases of scrotal
      lymphedema, surgery is currently the only solution. In our cases of advanced
      idiopathic disease, surgical treatment combining the expertise of a plastic
      surgeon and a urologist provided a successful functional and cosmetic result. 

PMID- 25132899
TI  - Standardized follow-up program may reduce emergency room and urgent care visits
      for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of the current study was to determine the impact of a
      standardized follow-up program on the morbidity and rates of hospital visits
      following radical prostatectomy (RP) in a tertiary, non-teaching urologic centre.
      METHODS: Patients who underwent a RP in 2008 were retrospectively evaluated in
      this study. Postoperative morbidity for the entire cohort was assessed using the
      Modified Clavien Scale (MCS). Those patients readmitted to hospital or who
      visited an urban or rural emergency department (ED) within 90 days of surgery
      were further evaluated to determine the reason for readmission. RESULTS: At our
      centre, 321 patients underwent RP in 2008 by 11 surgeons. Of the 321 patients, 77
      (24.0%) visited an ED within 90 days, and 14 were readmitted to hospital, with an
      additional patient readmitted directly (with a total 15 readmissions, 4.7%
      overall). No patients died within the study period. In 2009 we launched a pilot
      study wherein 115 RP patients received scheduled and on-demand follow-up care by
      a dedicated nurse between May and November. We found that 90-day readmission
      rates among this cohort dropped to 5% and 2.6% for ED visits and hospital
      readmission, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: At our tertiary non-teaching centre, a
      significant number of patients presented back to hospital within 90 days
      following RP. Most of these patients (80.8%) were managed entirely through an
      outpatient ED, and many visits were for routine postoperative care. Only 18.2%
      (4.7% of the 321 prostatectomy patients) were readmitted to hospital. These data
      point to a need for enhanced postoperative support of patients to reduce costly
      and often unnecessary visits to acute care EDs. This conclusion is supported by
      our early experience. Limitations include retrospective design, and variability
      in practice of surgeons in this study.

PMID- 25132900
TI  - Squamous cell carcinoma of the suprapubic tract: A rare presentation in patients
      with chronic indwelling urinary catheters.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder is uncommon, but can arise in the
      setting of long-term bladder catheterization and chronic inflammation. SCC can
      arise primarily from the suprapubic catheter tract, but fewer than 10 such cases
      have been reported. We document 2 cases of SCC arising from the suprapubic tract
      associated with chronic indwelling urinary catheters. SCC must be differentiated
      from granulomatous conditions, which are quite common in patients with suprapubic
      catheters. 

PMID- 25132901
TI  - Entertainment Venue Visiting and Commercial Sex in China.
AB  - Entertainment venues in China play an important role in the sexually transmitted
      disease (STD)/HIV epidemic. Most previous studies have focused on sex workers
      working in entertainment venues, but little is known about their clients. This
      study investigated the perceptions and behavior of the patrons visiting
      entertainment venues. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 male
      market vendors who visited entertainment venues at least once in the past 3
      months in an eastern city in China. Information about their risky behavior,
      attitude toward commercial sex, and STD/HIV prevention approaches was collected.
      Saunas, karaoke bars, and massage centers are the most frequently visited
      entertainment venues. Seventy-three percent of study participants reported
      purchasing commercial sex at these entertainment venues. Participants expressed a
      very liberal attitude toward commercial sex. Seeking commercial sex was perceived
      as a characteristic of a male's nature. The perceived risks of STD/HIV infection
      do not deter participants from engaging in commercial sex. Commercial sex clients
      reported irregular condom use and a number of other misperceptions and improper
      practices toward preventing STD/HIV infection. Venue-based intervention is
      urgently needed to target the population. The sex workers themselves could
      potentially serve as "health educators" to communicate prevention information to
      their clients and encourage safer sex behavior.

PMID- 25132902
TI  - Aortic arch calcification, procedural times, and outcomes of endovascular
      treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of aortic arch calcification and it's
      relationship with procedural times, angiographic recanalization, and discharge
      outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment.
      METHODS: The thoracic component of computed tomographic (CT) angiogram were
      reviewed by an independent reviewer to determine presence of any calcification;
      and the severity of calcification was graded as follows: mild, single small
      calcifications; moderate, multiple small calcifications; or severe, one or more
      large calcifications. RESULTS: Aortic arch calcification was present in 120
      (62.4%) of 188 patients and severity was graded as mild (n=24), moderate (n=44),
      and severe (n=52). Compared with patients without calcification, the mean
      intracranial access time (minutes +/- SD) was similar among patients with aortic
      arch calcification (70 +/- 31 versus 64 +/- 31, p=0.9). The mean time
      intracranial access time increased with increasing severity of aortic arch
      calcification (61+/-27, 67+/-29, and 74+/-34, p=0.3). Patients with aortic arch
      calcification had similar rates of complete or partial recanalization [85 (71%)
      versus 50 (76%)], p=0.6) but lower rates of favorable outcomes [modified Rankin
      scale 0-2] at discharge 27 (22%) versus 26 (39%), p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A high
      proportion of acute ischemic stroke patients have aortic arch calcification which
      is associated with lower rates of favorable outcome following endovascular
      treatment. ABBREVIATIONS: SDstandard deviationICHintracerebral
      hemorrhageNIHSSNational Institutes of Health Stroke ScaleTIAtransient ischemic
      attackICHintracerebral hemorrhagemRSmodified Rankin scale.

PMID- 25132903
TI  - Case report: Intra-procedural aneurysm rupture during endovascular treatment
      causing immediate, transient angiographic vasospasm.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cerebral vasospasm is a major cause of delayed ischemic cerebral
      injury, typically occurring 3-14 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Ultra
      early vasospasm is defined as angiographic vasospasm observed within 48 h of SAH
      onset. Immediate vasospasm at the time of aneurysmal rupture has been suspected,
      but has not been previously reported. We describe a case of immediate, transient
      vasospasm following intra-procedural aneurysmal rupture. METHODS: A 55-year-old
      woman presented with SAH from a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm.
      Subsequent coil embolization was complicated by an intra-procedural rupture
      following placement of the initial coil. A follow-up angiogram obtained after 9
      min demonstrated moderate-to-severe vasospasm in the A2 segments of both anterior
      cerebral arteries. RESULTS: A repeat angiogram 20 min later demonstrated complete
      resolution of the vasospasm. The aneurysm was successfully obliterated with coil
      embolization. Post-procedure, the patient manifested no clinical vasospasm and
      made a good neurological recovery. CONCLUSION: We document a case of ultra-early
      cerebral vasospasm that occurred immediately after an intra-procedural aneurysmal
      rupture. Catheter-induced vasospasm from mechanical manipulation of extracranial
      vasculature is well described. However, immediate vasospasm related to
      extravascular blood has never before been reported. This finding suggests that
      extravascular blood can have a local direct effect (presumably mechanical) on
      cerebral blood vessels, and may be an important mechanism for vasospasm.

PMID- 25132904
TI  - Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms by interventional neurologists:
      first year single-center experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endovascular embolization of ruptured intracranial aneurysms provides
      an adequate treatment and long-term results with less morbidity and mortality
      (M&M) compared with surgical treatment. Since the last decade more and more
      ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IA) undergo endovascular
      embolization in the United States. We present our experience of the initial one
      year periprocedural M&M at Paul L. Foster School of Medicine (PLFSM), Texas Tech
      Health Science Center (TTUHSC) in El Paso, Texas. METHODS: Demographics,
      technical aspects of the endovascular procedure and clinical assessment,
      including several commonly used scales to assess the severity in case of
      subarachnoid hemorrhage were collected. Perioperative complications were
      classified as minor and major. All data is prospectively collected in a local
      database. Only endovascular treated aneurysms were included in the study.
      RESULTS: During the first year of opening of the interventional neurology program
      at our school of medicine (March 2011 and March 2012), a total 45 ruptured and
      unruptured intracranial aneurysms were treated with endovascular embolization.
      Two thirds of the patients (n = 27) presented with a ruptured IA. Within those
      with a ruptured aneurysm, the most median Hunt and Hess grade was 3. By large the
      vast majority of treated IA were in the anterior circulation and more than half
      measured 7-12 mm. Only three unruptured IA were <7 mm (average 5.5 mm).
      Complications occurred in seven patients (15%), four of them were minor without
      any clinical sequelae. The remaining three included; intracranial dissection and
      aneurysmal rupture resulting in both hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke and death in
      only one patient. CONCLUSION: The first year experience of interventional
      neurology services at Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso, Texas
      demonstrates successful treatments with comparable national rates of morbidity
      and mortality. ABBREVIATIONS: ACAAnterior cerebral arteryAcommAnterior
      communicating arteryESNEndovascular surgical neuroradiologyH&HHunt and Hess
      scaleIAIntracranial aneurysmICAInternal carotid arteryMCAMiddle cerebral
      arteryM&MMorbidity and mortalitySAHSubarachnoid hemorrhagePcommPosterior
      communicating arteryPLFSMPaul L. Foster School of MedicineTTUHSCTexas Tech
      University Health Science CenterVAVertebral artery.

PMID- 25132905
TI  - Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and nonaneurysmal subarachnoid
      hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome was first described by
      Call, Fleming, and colleagues. Clinically this entity presents acutely, with
      severe waxing and waning headaches ("thunderclap"), and occasional fluctuating
      neurological signs. CASE PRESENTATION: We present four subsequent cases of
      patients with severe thunderclap headache and brain tomography with evidence of
      subarachnoid hemorrhage. The brain angiogram showed no aneurysm but intracranial
      vasculopathy consistent with multiple areas of stenosis and dilatation
      (angiographic beading) in different territories. CONCLUSION: Neurologists should
      be aware of Call Fleming syndrome presenting with severe headache and associated
      convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage. After other diagnoses are excluded, patients
      can be reassured about favorable prognosis with symptomatic management.
      ABBREVIATIONS: RCVSReversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromeCTComputed
      tomographySAHSubarachnoid hemorrhageMRMagnetic resonanceCTAComputed tomography
      angiographyMRAMagnetic resonance angiography.

PMID- 25132906
TI  - Pattern of informed consent acquisition in patients undergoing emergent
      endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Telephone consent and two physician consents based on medical
      necessity are alternate strategies for time sensitive medical decisions but are
      not uniformly accepted for clinical practice or recruitment into clinical trials.
      We determined the rate of and associated outcomes with alternate consenting
      strategies in consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients receiving emergent
      endovascular treatment. METHODS: We divided patients into those treated based on
      in-person consent and those based on alternate strategies. We identified clinical
      and procedural differences and differences in hospital outcomes: symptomatic ICH
      and favorable outcome (defined by modified Rankin Scale of 0-2 at discharge)
      based on consenting methodology. RESULTS: Of a total of 159 patients treated, 119
      were treated based on in-person consent (by the patient in 27 and legally
      authorized representative in 92 procedures). Another 40 patients were treated
      using alternate strategies (20 telephone consents and 20 two physician consents
      based on medical necessity). There was no difference in the mean ages and
      proportion of men among the two groups based on consenting methodology. There was
      a significantly greater time interval incurred between CT scan and initiation of
      endovascular procedure in those in whom in-person consent was obtained (117 +/-
      65 min versus 101 +/- 45 min, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in
      rates of ICH (9% versus 8%, p = 0.9), or favorable outcome at discharge (28%
      versus 30%, p = 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Consent through alternate strategies does not
      adversely affect procedural characteristics or outcome of patients and may be
      more time efficient than in-person consenting process.

PMID- 25132907
TI  - Right anterior choroidal artery syndrome: revisited.

PMID- 25132908
TI  - Ulcerative colitis presenting with bilateral thalamic infarcts due to cerebral
      sinus thrombosis.

PMID- 25132909
TI  - Prevalence of vertebral artery origin stenosis and occlusion in outpatient
      extracranial ultrasonography.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vertebral artery origin stenosis prevalence. Most data on
      the prevalence of vertebral artery origin (VAo) disease is derived from hospital
      based studies of patients with posterior circulation strokes and TIA. The
      prevalence of VAo disease in patients without posterior circulation symptoms or
      asymptomatic patients is poorly characterized. Our objective was to examine the
      prevalence of VAo stenosis and occlusion in consecutive patients, presenting for
      extracranial ultrasonography at an outpatient laboratory. METHODS: We
      retrospectively identified 2490 consecutive extracranial duplex studies performed
      in an ambulatory neurovascular ultrasound laboratory. All studies were reviewed
      for the presence of >50% VAo stenosis, defined as a PSV > 114 cm/s, and VA
      occlusion. We also reviewed the prevalence of >50% carotid stenosis, defined as a
      PSV > 120 cm/s, in the same population, to draw comparisons with VAo stenosis
      prevalence. RESULTS: We identified right VAo stenosis in 52/1955 (2.7%) and
      occlusion in 74/ 1955 (3.9%) and left-sided VAo stenosis in 45/1973 (2.5%) and
      occlusion in 64/1973 (3.6%). The prevalence of having any (either right or left)
      VAo stenosis or occlusion was 8.2% and 1.4% had bilateral VAo stenosis or
      occlusion. Right carotid stenosis and occlusion was found in 236/2399 (9.8%) and
      53/2399 (2.2%), and left carotid stenosis and occlusion in 236/2397 (9.8%) and
      45/2397 (1.9%), respectively. Any carotid disease, either right or left, was
      present in 18.9% and 4.7% had bilateral carotid disease. CONCLUSION: Although
      less prevalent than cervical carotid disease, we found that approximately 8% of
      patients who reported to an ambulatory ultrasound laboratory had >50% VAo
      disease.

PMID- 25132910
TI  - Interpretation and Implementation of Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute
      Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial (INTERACT II).

PMID- 25132911
TI  - Subclinical Myocardial Disease in Heart Failure Detected by CMR.
AB  - Noninvasive cardiac imaging plays a central role in the assessment of patients
      with heart failure at all stages of disease. Moreover, this role can be even more
      important for individuals with asymptomatic cardiac functional or structural
      abnormalities-subclinical myocardial disease - because they could have benefits
      from early interventions before the onset of clinical heart failure. In this
      sense, cardiac magnetic resonance offers not only precise global cardiac function
      and cardiac structure, but also more detailed regional function and tissue
      characterization by recent developing methods. In this section, some of the main
      methods available for subclinical myocardial disease detection are reviewed in
      terms of what they can provide and how they can improve heart failure assessment.

PMID- 25132914
TI  - Linking the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System with Medicare, Medicaid,
      and Clinical Data from Home Health Care and Long Term Care Assessment
      Instruments: Paving the Way for New Research Endeavors in Geriatric Oncology.
AB  - This study describes the Ohio Cancer-Aging Linked Database, which mirrors in
      structure the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER)-Medicare
      files, but also incorporates data from Medicaid enrollment and claims files, the
      home health care (HHC) Outcome Assessment Information Set (OASIS), and the long
      term care (LTC) Minimum Data Set (MDS). This article also discusses the potential
      uses of this database, particularly in addressing new research questions emerging
      from the nascent and rapidly developing field of geriatric oncology.

PMID- 25132915
TI  - SEGMENTATION OF MITOCHONDRIA IN ELECTRON MICROSCOPY IMAGES USING ALGEBRAIC
      CURVES.
AB  - High-resolution microscopy techniques have been used to generate large volumes of
      data with enough details for understanding the complex structure of the nervous
      system. However, automatic techniques are required to segment cells and
      intracellular structures in these multi-terabyte datasets and make anatomical
      analysis possible on a large scale. We propose a fully automated method that
      exploits both shape information and regional statistics to segment irregularly
      shaped intracellular structures such as mitochondria in electron microscopy (EM)
      images. The main idea is to use algebraic curves to extract shape features
      together with texture features from image patches. Then, these powerful features
      are used to learn a random forest classifier, which can predict mitochondria
      locations precisely. Finally, the algebraic curves together with regional
      information are used to segment the mitochondria at the predicted locations. We
      demonstrate that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithms in
      segmentation of mitochondria in EM images.

PMID- 25132913
TI  - Expression of senescence-associated microRNAs and target genes in cellular aging
      and modulation by tocotrienol-rich fraction.
AB  - Emerging evidences highlight the implication of microRNAs as a
      posttranscriptional regulator in aging. Several senescence-associated microRNAs
      (SA-miRNAs) are found to be differentially expressed during cellular senescence.
      However, the role of dietary compounds on SA-miRNAs remains elusive. This study
      aimed to elucidate the modulatory role of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on SA
      miRNAs (miR-20a, miR-24, miR-34a, miR-106a, and miR-449a) and established target
      genes of miR-34a (CCND1, CDK4, and SIRT1) during replicative senescence of human
      diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). Primary cultures of HDFs at young and senescent were
      incubated with TRF at 0.5 mg/mL. Taqman microRNA assay showed significant
      upregulation of miR-24 and miR-34a and downregulation of miR-20a and miR-449a in
      senescent HDFs (P < 0.05). TRF reduced miR-34a expression in senescent HDFs and
      increased miR-20a expression in young HDFs and increased miR-449a expression in
      both young and senescent HDFs. Our results also demonstrated that ectopic
      expression of miR-34a reduced the expression of CDK4 significantly (P < 0.05).
      TRF inhibited miR-34a expression thus relieved its inhibition on CDK4 gene
      expression. No significant change was observed on the expression of CCND1, SIRT1,
      and miR-34a upstream transcriptional regulator, TP53. In conclusion tocotrienol
      rich fraction prevented cellular senescence of human diploid fibroblasts via
      modulation of SA-miRNAs and target genes expression.

PMID- 25132912
TI  - New insights into the role of mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy during
      oxidative stress and aging in the heart.
AB  - The heart is highly sensitive to the aging process. In the elderly, the heart
      tends to become hypertrophic and fibrotic. Stiffness increases with ensuing
      systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Aging also affects the cardiac response to
      stress. At the molecular level, the aging process is associated with accumulation
      of damaged proteins and organelles, partially due to defects in protein quality
      control systems. The accumulation of dysfunctional and abnormal mitochondria is
      an important pathophysiological feature of the aging process, which is associated
      with excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Mitochondrial fusion and
      fission and mitochondrial autophagy are crucial mechanisms for maintaining
      mitochondrial function and preserving energy production. In particular,
      mitochondrial fission allows for selective segregation of damaged mitochondria,
      which are afterward eliminated by autophagy. Unfortunately, recent evidence
      indicates that mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy are progressively impaired
      over time, contributing to the aging process. This suggests that restoration of
      these mechanisms could delay organ senescence and prevent age-associated cardiac
      diseases. Here, we discuss the current understanding of the close relationship
      between mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, oxidative stress, and aging, with a
      particular focus on the heart. 

PMID- 25132917
TI  - Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with altered anatomy:
      How to deal with the challenges?
AB  - Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically
      altered anatomy is challenging. Several operative interventions of both the
      gastrointestinal tract and the biliary and/or pancreatic system lead to altered
      anatomy, rendering ERCP more difficult or even impossible with a conventional
      side-viewing duodenoscope. Adapted endoscopes are available to reach the
      biliopancreatic system and to perform ERCP in patients with altered anatomy.
      However, both technical difficulties and complications determine the procedure's
      success. Different technical approaches have been described and are highly
      dependent on local expertise and endoscopic equipment. Standardized practical
      guidelines are currently unavailable. This review focuses on the challenges
      encountered during ERCP in patients with altered anatomy and how to deal with
      them. The first challenge is reaching the papilla or the
      bilioenteric/pancreatoenteric anastomosis in the patient with postoperative
      altered anatomy. The second challenge is the cannulation of the biliopancreatic
      system and performing all conventional ERCP interventions and the third challenge
      is the control of possible complications. The available literature data on this
      topic is reviewed and illustrated with clinical cases. 

PMID- 25132916
TI  - New aspects of modern endoscopy.
AB  - The prognosis for patients with malignancies of the gastrointestinal-tract is
      strictly dependent on early detection of premalignant and malignant lesions.
      However, small, flat or depressed neoplastic lesions remain difficult to detect
      with these technologies thereby limiting their value for polyp and cancer
      screening. At the same time computer and chip technologies have undergone major
      technological changes which have greatly improved endoscopic diagnostic
      investigation. New imaging modalities and techniques are very notable aspects of
      modern endoscopy. Chromoendoscopy or filter-aided colonoscopy (virtual
      chromoendoscopy) with high definition endoscopes is able to enhance the detection
      and characterization of lesions. Finally, confocal laser endomicroscopy provides
      histological confirmation of the presence of neoplastic changes. The developing
      techniques around colonoscopy such as the retro-viewing colonoscope, the balloon
      colonoscope or the 330-degrees-viewing colonoscope try to enhance the efficacy by
      reducing the adenoma miss rate in right-sided, non-polypoid lesions. Colon
      capsule endoscopy is limited to identifying cancer and not necessarily small
      adenomas. Preliminary attempts have been made to introduce this technique in
      clinical routine. 

PMID- 25132918
TI  - Continued evidence for safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
      during pregnancy.
AB  - AIM: To report the safety of continued use of endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during pregnancy at various maternal ages.
      METHODS: A retrospective chart review of pregnant patients who underwent ERCP at
      a tertiary academic center was undertaken between 2002 and 2012. Pertinent past
      medical history and initial presenting laboratory data were collected. Review of
      the procedure note for each ERCP performed provided documentation of lead
      shielding, type of sedation, fluoroscopy time, and post-procedure complications.
      Patients' clinical courses were reviewed until the time of delivery and pregnancy
      complications with fetal outcomes were examined. Data was stratified based upon
      the mother's age at the time of ERCP: 18-21, 22-29, and >= 30 years of age.
      RESULTS: Twenty pregnant patients who underwent ERCP between 2002 and 2012 were
      identified. The mean age at the time of ERCP was 26.4 years (18-38 years) and the
      average trimester was the second. The indications for ERCP were
      choledocholithiasis in 17 patients, gallstone pancreatitis in 2 patients, and
      cholangitis in 1 patient. The mean fluoroscopy time of ERCP was 3.8 min (0.3-23.6
      min). Sphincterotomy was performed in 18 patients with therapeutic intent and not
      as a prophylactic measure to prevent recurrences. Clinical documentation of use
      of protective shielding was found in only 8 notes (40%). Post procedure
      complications were limited to two cases of post-ERCP pancreatitis (10%). Elective
      cholecystectomy was performed shortly after ERCP in 11 of the pregnant patients.
      Birth records were available for 16 patients, of which 15 had full-term
      pregnancies. Cesarean sections were performed in 5 (31%) patients. Term birth
      weight was greater than 2500 g in all cases except one in which the mother had a
      known hypercoagulable state. CONCLUSION: ERCP during pregnancy is both safe and
      efficacious regardless of maternal age or trimester.

PMID- 25132919
TI  - Virtual chromoendoscopy in small bowel capsule endoscopy: New light or a cast of
      shadow?
AB  - AIM: To evaluate whether virtual chromoendoscopy can improve the delineation of
      small bowel lesions previously detected by conventional white light small bowel
      capsule endoscopy (SBCE). METHODS: Retrospective single center study. One hundred
      lesions selected from forty-nine consecutive conventional white light SBCE (SBCE
      WL) examinations were included. Lesions were reviewed at three Flexible Spectral
      Imaging Color Enhancement (FICE) settings and Blue Filter (BF) by two
      gastroenterologists with experience in SBCE, blinded to each other's findings,
      who ranked the quality of delineation as better, equivalent or worse than
      conventional SBCE-WL. Inter-observer percentage of agreement was determined and
      analyzed with Fleiss Kappa (kappa) coefficient. Lesions selected for the study
      included angioectasias (n = 39), ulcers/erosions (n = 49) and villous
      edema/atrophy (n = 12). RESULTS: Overall, the delineation of lesions was improved
      in 77% of cases with FICE 1, 74% with FICE 2, 41% with FICE 3 and 39% with the
      BF, with a percentage of agreement between investigators of 89% (kappa = 0.833),
      85% (kappa = 0.764), 66% (kappa = 0.486) and 79% (kappa = 0.593), respectively.
      FICE 1 improved the delineation of 97.4% of angioectasias, 63.3% of
      ulcers/erosions and 66.7% of villous edema/atrophy with a percentage of agreement
      of 97.4% (kappa = 0.910), 81.6% (kappa = 0.714) and 91.7% (kappa = 0.815),
      respectively. FICE 2 improved the delineation of 97.4% of angioectasias, 57.1% of
      ulcers/erosions and 66.7% of villous edema/atrophy, with a percentage of
      agreement of 89.7% (kappa = 0.802), 79,6% (kappa = 0.703) and 91.7% (kappa =
      0.815), respectively. FICE 3 improved the delineation of 46.2% of angioectasias,
      24.5% of ulcers/erosions and none of the cases of villous edema/atrophy, with a
      percentage of agreement of 53.8% [kappa = not available (NA)], 75.5% (kappa = NA)
      and 66.7% (kappa = 0.304), respectively. The BF improved the delineation of 15.4%
      of angioectasias, 61.2% of ulcers/erosions and 25% of villous edema/atrophy, with
      a percentage of agreement of 76.9% (kappa = 0.558), 81.6% (kappa = 0.570) and
      25.0% (kappa = NA), respectively. CONCLUSION: Virtual chromoendoscopy can improve
      the delineation of angioectasias, ulcers/erosions and villous edema/atrophy
      detected by SBCE, with almost perfect interobserver agreement for FICE 1.

PMID- 25132921
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pelvic abscess: A case series of 8
      patients.
AB  - AIM: To show the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided
      drainage of pelvic abscess that were inaccessible for percutaneous drainage.
      METHODS: Eight consecutive patients with pelvic abscess that were not amenable to
      drainage under computed tomography (CT) guidance were referred for EUS-guided
      drainage. The underlying cause of the abscesses included diverticulitis in 4,
      postsurgical surgical complications in 2, iatrogenic after enema in 1, and
      Crohn's disease in 1 patient. Abscesses were all drained under EUS guidance via a
      transrectal or transsigmoidal approach. RESULTS: EUS-guided placement of one or
      two 7 Fr pigtail stents was technically successful and uneventful in all 8
      patients (100%). The abscess was perisigmoidal in 2 and was multilocular in 4
      patients. All procedures were performed under conscious sedation and without
      fluoroscopic monitoring. Fluid samples were successfully retrieved for
      microbiological studies in all cases and antibiotic policy was adjusted according
      to culture results in 5 patients. Follow-up CT showed complete recovery and
      disappearance of abscess. The stents were retrieved by sigmoidoscopy in only two
      patients and had spontaneously migrated to outside in six patients. All drainage
      procedures resulted in a favourable clinical outcome. All patients became
      afebrile within 24 h after drainage and the mean duration of the postprocedure
      hospital stay was 8 d (range 4-14). Within a median follow up period of 38 mo
      (range 12-52) no recurrence was reported. CONCLUSION: We conclude that EUS-guided
      drainage of pelvic abscesses without fluoroscopic monitoring is a minimally
      invasive, safe and effective approach that should be considered in selected
      patients.

PMID- 25132920
TI  - Evaluation of diagnostic cytology via endoscopic naso-pancreatic drainage for
      pancreatic tumor.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of cytology of the pancreatic juice obtained via
      the endoscopic naso-pancreatic drainage tube (ENPD-C). METHODS: ENPD was
      performed in cases where a diagnosis could not be made other than by using
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and in cases of pancreatic
      neoplasms or cystic tumors, including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
      (IPMN) suspected to have malignant potential. 35 patients (21 males and 14
      females) underwent ENPD between January 2007 and June 2013. The pancreatic duct
      was imaged and the procedure continued in one of ENPD-C or ENPD-C plus brush
      cytology (ENPD-BC). We checked the cytology result and the final diagnosis.
      RESULTS: The mean patient age was 69 years (range, 48-86 years). ENPD-C was
      performed in 24 cases and ENPD-C plus brush cytology (ENPD-BC) in 11 cases. The
      ENPD tube was inserted for an average of 3.5 d. The final diagnosis was confirmed
      on the basis of the resected specimen in 18 cases and of follow-up findings at
      least 6 mo after ENPD in the 18 inoperable cases. Malignancy was diagnosed in 21
      cases and 14 patients were diagnosed as having a benign condition. The ratios of
      class V/IV:III:II/I findings were 7:7:7 in malignant cases and 0:3:11 in benign
      cases. The sensitivity and specificity for all patients were 33.3% and 100%,
      respectively. The cytology-positive rate was 37.5% (6/16) for pancreatic cancer.
      For IPMN cases, the sensitivity and specificity were 33% and 100%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Sensitivity may be further increased by adding brush cytology.
      Although we can diagnosis cancer in cases of a positive result, the accuracy of
      ENPD-C remains unsatisfactory.

PMID- 25132922
TI  - Bowel preparation for colonoscopy using standard vs reduced doses of sodium
      phosphate: A single-blind randomized controlled study.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a colonoscopy preparation that utilizes a
      reduced dose of sodium phosphate (NaP) and an adjunct. METHODS: Sixty-two
      patients requiring screening colonoscopies were studied. Each patient was
      randomly allocated to receive either 50 NaP tablets (50 g) or 30 NaP tablets (30
      g) with 10 mL of 0.75% sodium picosulfate for bowel preparation. NaP was
      administered at a rate of five tablets (5 g) or three tablets (3 g) every 15 min
      with 200 mL of water, beginning five to six hours before colonoscopy. The sodium
      picosulfate was administered with 200 mL of water on the night before the
      procedure. Both groups were compared in term of the efficacies of colonic
      cleansing, the time required for completion of the bowel preparation, and
      acceptability of the preparation. RESULTS: Sixty patients (n = 30 for each group)
      were analyzed. The cleansing efficacy tended to be higher in the 30 g NaP plus
      sodium picosulfate group as assessed by the mean total Ottawa scale score (50 g
      NaP 6.70 +/- 1. 42 vs 30 g NaP plus sodium picosulfate 6.17 +/- 1.18 P = 0.072).
      The mean time for bowel preparation tended to be shorter in the 30 g NaP plus
      sodium picosulfate group (50 g NaP 189.9 +/- 64.0 min vs 30 g NaP plus sodium
      picosulfate 161.8 +/- 57.6 min, P = 0.065). There were no significant differences
      between the two groups in the acceptability of the preparations (50 g NaP 83.3%
      vs 30 g NaP plus sodium picosulfate 86.7%, P = 0.500). There were no adverse
      events related to bowel preparation in either of the groups. CONCLUSION: The
      colonoscopy preparation that utilized 30 g NaP with sodium picosulfate was
      comparable to that utilizing 50 g NaP. This novel bowel preparation might be
      useful before colonoscopy.

PMID- 25132923
TI  - Lymphoepithelioma-like esophageal carcinoma with macroscopic reduction.
AB  - Esophageal lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is extremely rare. We report
      the first case of esophageal LELC showing macroscopic reduction. A 67-year-old
      male presented with dysphagia and, by endoscopic examination, was found to have a
      significantly raised tumor of 10 mm in diameter in the thoracic esophagus. The
      biopsied material showed esophageal cancer. We performed endoscopic submucosal
      dissection. However, the tumor became flattened, similar to a scar, in only 2 mo.
      Histologically, the carcinoma cells had infiltrated the submucosal layer.
      Prominent infiltration of T lymphoid cells that stained positive for CD8 was
      observed around the carcinoma cells. Therefore, this lesion was considered to be
      an LELC with poorly differentiated squamous cells. Because the margin was
      positive, an esophagectomy was performed. Carcinoma cells were detected in the
      neck in one lymph node. The staging was T1N0M1b. However, the patient has been
      well, without adjuvant therapy or recurrence, for more than 5 years. 

PMID- 25132924
TI  - Esophageal cancer management controversies: Radiation oncology point of view.
AB  - Esophageal cancer treatment has evolved from single modality to trimodality
      therapy. There are some controversies of the role, target volumes and dose of
      radiotherapy (RT) in the literature over decades. The present review focuses
      primarily on RT as part of the treatment modalities, and highlight on the RT
      volume and its dose in the management of esophageal cancer. The randomized
      adjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) trial, intergroup trial (INT 0116) enrolled 559
      patients with resected adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal
      junction. They were randomly assigned to surgery plus postoperative CRT or
      surgery alone. Analyses show robust treatment benefit of adjuvant CRT in most
      subsets for postoperative CRT. The Chemoradiotherapy for Oesophageal Cancer
      Followed by Surgery Study (CROSS) used a lower RT dose of 41.4 Gray in 23
      fractions with newer chemotherapeutic agents carboplatin and paclitaxel to
      achieve an excellent result. Target volume of external beam radiation therapy and
      its coverage have been in debate for years among radiation oncologists. Pre
      operative and post-operative target volumes are designed to optimize for disease
      control. Esophageal brachytherapy is effective in the palliation of dysphagia,
      but should not be given concomitantly with chemotherapy or external beam RT. The
      role of brachytherapy in multimodality management requires further investigation.
      On-going studies of multidisciplinary treatment in locally advanced cancer
      include: ZTOG1201 trial (a phase II trial of neoadjuvant and adjuvant CRT) and
      QUINTETT (a phase III trial of neoadjuvant vs adjuvant therapy with quality of
      life analysis). These trials hopefully will shed more light on the future
      management of esophageal cancer. 

PMID- 25132925
TI  - Endoscopic assessment and management of early esophageal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Esophageal carcinoma affects more than 450000 people worldwide and the incidence
      is rapidly increasing. In the United States and Europe, esophageal adenocarcinoma
      has superseded esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in its incidence. Esophageal
      cancer has a high mortality rates secondary to the late presentation of most
      patients at advanced stages. Endoscopic screening is recommended for patients
      with multiple risk factors for cancer in Barrett's esophagus. These risk factors
      include chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia, advanced age,
      male sex, white race, cigarette smoking, and obesity. The annual risk of
      esophageal cancer is approximately 0.25% for patients without dysplasia and 6%
      for patients with high-grade dysplasia. Twenty percent of all esophageal
      adenocarcinoma in the United States is early stage with disease confined to the
      mucosa or submucosa. The significant morbidity and mortality of esophagectomy
      make endoscopic treatment an attractive option. The American Gastroenterological
      Association recommends endoscopic eradication therapy for patients with high
      grade dysplasia. Endoscopic modalities for treatment of early esophageal
      adenocarcinoma include endoscopic resection techniques and endoscopic ablative
      techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, photodynamic therapy and
      cryoablation. Endoscopic therapy should be precluded to patients with no evidence
      of lymphovascular invasion. Local tumor recurrence is low after endoscopic
      therapy and is predicted by poor differentiation of tumor, positive lymph node
      and submucosal invasion. Surgical resection should be offered to patients with
      deep submucosal invasion. 

PMID- 25132927
TI  - Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract: Case reports and literature
      review.
AB  - Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) previously called carcinoid tumors are neoplasms of
      enterochromaffin/neuroendocrine cell origin which display neurosecretory capacity
      that may result in the carcinoid syndrome. The annual incidence of patients with
      NET is 8.4 per 100000; yet many NET remain asymptomatic and clinically
      undetected. A majority of NET follows a benign course; however, some will display
      malignant characteristics. NET most commonly occur in the gastrointestinal tract
      (67%) and bronchopulmonary system (25%). Gastrointestinal NET occur within the
      stomach, small intestine, liver, and rectum. We report a retrospective study of
      11 subjects: Eight with benign carcinoid tumors: duodenal bulb (n = 2), terminal
      ileum (n = 1), sigmoid colon (n = 2), and rectum (n = 3); three with malignant
      carcinoid: liver (n = 1) and intra-abdominal site (n = 2). The diagnosis,
      endoscopic images, outcome, treatment and review of the literature are presented.

PMID- 25132928
TI  - Matrix Degradative Enzymes and Their Inhibitors during Annular Inflammation:
      Initial Step of Symptomatic Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic disc degeneration develops from inflammatory reactions in
      the annulus fibrosus (AF). Although inflammatory mediators during annular
      inflammation have been studied, the roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and
      their inhibitors have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the
      production of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) during
      annular inflammation using an in vitro co-culture system. We also examined the
      effect of notochordal cells on annular inflammation. METHODS: Human AF (hAF)
      pellet was co-cultured for 48 hours with phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated
      macrophage-like THP-1 cells. hAF pellet and conditioned media (CM) from co
      cultured cells were assayed for MMPs, TIMPs, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)
      1 levels using real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and
      enzyem-linked immunosorbent assay. To evaluate whether notochordal cells affected
      MMPs or TIMPs production on annular inflammation, hAF co-cultured with
      notochordal cells from adult New Zealand White rabbits, were assayed. RESULTS:
      MMP-1, -3, -9; and TIMP-1 levels were significantly increased in CM of hAF co
      cultured with macrophage-like cells compared with hAF alone, whereas TIMP-2 and
      IGF-1 levels were significantly decreased (p<0.05). After macrophage exposure,
      hAF produced significantly more MMP-1 and -3 and less TIMP-1 and -2. Interleukin
      1beta stimulation enhanced MMP-1 and -3 levels, and significantly diminished TIMP
      2 levels. Co-culturing with rabbit notochordal cells did not significantly
      influence MMPs and TIMPs production or COL1A2 gene expression. CONCLUSION: Our
      results indicate that macrophage-like cells evoke annular degeneration through
      the regulation of major degradative enzymes and their inhibitors, produced by
      hAF, suggesting that the selective regulation of these enzymes provides future
      targets for symptomatic disc degeneration therapy.

PMID- 25132926
TI  - In vitro effects of polyphenols on colorectal cancer cells.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effects of quercetin and genistein on colon cancer cell
      proliferation and their estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) expression. METHODS:
      Colon cancer cells were stably transfected with a mammalian expression vector to
      overexpress ERbeta (HCT8-beta8-expressing cells) or a control vector (HCT8
      pSV2neo-expressing cells). The proliferation of these cells was examined after
      treatment with quercetin or genistein (5-100 MUmol/L), or 10 nmol/L 17beta
      estradiol (17beta-E2). Cell viability was examined by acridine orange staining
      following treatments for 48 or 144 h. Effects of quercetin and genistein on
      ERbeta transcriptional transactivation were examined by luciferase activity in
      HCT8-beta8-expressing cells transiently transfected with a pEREtkLUC reporter
      vector. In addition, the regulation of ERbeta transcription by phytoestrogens and
      17beta-E2 was examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS:
      Proliferation of HCT8-beta8-expressing cells was not reduced low doses (5
      MUmol/L) of quercetin and genistein, while it was reduced at 25-50 MUmol/L with
      an effect similar to 10 nmol/L 17beta-E2. Treatment with doses of phytoestrogens
      >= 75 MUmol/L completely blocked cell growth and reduced overall cell counts,
      however no effects at any dose were observed in HCT8-pSV2neo-expressing cells.
      These results were supported by viability staining that revealed acridine orange
      stained lysosomes with high doses or extended treatment periods. Genistein and
      quercetin (50 MUmol/L) significantly increased ER-responsive luciferase activity
      similar to 10 nmol/L 17beta-E2 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, genistein and quercetin
      (50 MUmol/L), as well as 10 nmol/L 17beta-E2 significantly increased ERbeta mRNA
      levels in HCT8-beta8-expressing cells (P < 0.05). In addition, treatment of HCT8
      pSV2neo-expressing cells with 50 umol/L quercetin or 10 nmol/L 17beta-E2
      significantly increased ERbeta mRNA levels compared to untreated controls (P <
      0.05), though the absolute levels were much lower than in HCT8-beta8-expressing
      cells. CONCLUSION: The antitumorigenic effects of the phytoestrogenic compounds
      quercetin and genistein on colon cancers cells occur through ERbeta activity and
      expression.

PMID- 25132929
TI  - Microanatomy and histological features of central myelin in the root exit zone of
      facial nerve.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microanatomy and
      histological features of the central myelin in the root exit zone of facial
      nerve. METHODS: Forty facial nerves with brain stem were obtained from 20
      formalin fixed cadavers. Among them 17 facial nerves were ruined during
      preparation and 23 root entry zone (REZ) of facial nerves could be examined. The
      length of medial REZ, from detach point of facial nerve at the brain stem to
      transitional area, and the thickness of glial membrane of central myelin was
      measured. We cut brain stem along the facial nerve and made a tissue block of
      facial nerve REZ. Each tissue block was embedded with paraffin and serially
      sectioned. Slices were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid
      Schiff, and glial fibrillary acid protein. Microscopy was used to measure the
      extent of central myelin and thickness of outer glial membrane of central myelin.
      Thickness of glial membrane was examined at two different points, the thickest
      area of proximal and distal REZ. RESULTS: Special stain with PAS and GFAP could
      be differentiated the central and peripheral myelin of facial nerve. The length
      of medial REZ was mean 2.6 mm (1.6-3.5 mm). The glial limiting membrane of brain
      stem is continued to the end of central myelin. We called it glial sheath of REZ.
      The thickness of glial sheath was mean 66.5 um (40-110 um) at proximal REZ and
      7.4 um (5-10 um) at distal REZ. CONCLUSION: Medial REZ of facial nerve is mean
      2.6 mm in length and covered by glial sheath continued from glial limiting
      membrane of brain stem. Glial sheath of central myelin tends to become thin
      toward transitional zone.

PMID- 25132930
TI  - Direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion: clinical and radiological outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: According to the recent development of minimally invasive spinal
      surgery, direct lumbar interbody fusion (DLIF) was introduced as an effective
      option to treat lumbar degenerative diseases. However, comprehensive results of
      DLIF have not been reported in Korea yet. The object of this study is to
      summarize radiological and clinical outcomes of our DLIF experience. METHODS: We
      performed DLIF for 130 patients from May 2011 to June 2013. Among them, 90
      patients, who could be followed up for more than 6 months, were analyzed
      retrospectively. Clinical outcomes were compared using visual analog scale (VAS)
      score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Bilateral foramen areas, disc height,
      segmental coronal and sagittal angle, and regional sagittal angle were measured.
      Additionally, fusion rate was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients, 116
      levels, were underwent DLIF. The VAS and ODI improved statistically significant
      after surgery. All the approaches for DLIF were done on the left side. The left
      and right side foramen area changed from 99.5 mm(2) and 102.9 mm(2) to 159.2
      mm(2) and 151.2 mm(2) postoperatively (p<0.001). Pre- and postoperative segmental
      coronal and sagittal angles changed statistically significant from 4.1 degrees 
      and 9.9 degrees  to 1.1 degrees  and 11.1 degrees . Fusion rates of 6 and 12
      months were 60.9% and 87.8%. Complications occurred in 17 patients (18.9%).
      However, most of the complications were resolved within 2 months. CONCLUSION:
      DLIF is not only effective for indirect decompression and deformity correction
      but also shows satisfactory mechanical stability and fusion rate.

PMID- 25132931
TI  - Comparison of outcomes after atlantoaxial fusion with transarticular screws and
      screw-rod constructs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the radiological and
      neurological outcomes between two atlantoaxial fusion method for atlantoaxial
      stabilization; C1 lateral mass-C2 pedicle screws (screw-rod constructs, SRC)
      versus C1-2 transarticular screws (TAS). METHODS: Forty-one patients in whom
      atlantoaxial instability was treated with atlantoaxial fixation by SRC group (27
      patients, from March 2005 to May 2011) or TAS group (14 patients, from May 2000
      to December 2005) were retrospectively reviewed. Numeric rating scale (NRS) for
      pain assessment, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Frankel grade were also
      checked for neurological outcome. In radiologic outcome assessment, proper screw
      position and fusion rate were checked. Perioperative parameters such as blood
      loss during operation, operation time, and radiation exposure time were also
      reviewed. RESULTS: The improvement of NRS and ODI were not different between both
      groups significantly. Good to excellent response in Frankel grade is shown
      similarly in both groups. Proper screw position and fusion rate were also
      observed similarly between two groups. Total bleeding amount during operation is
      lesser in SRC group than TAS group, but not significantly (p=0.06). Operation
      time and X-ray exposure time were shorter in SRC group than in TAS group (all
      p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Both TAS and SRC could be selected as safe and effective
      treatment options for C1-2 instability. But the perioperative result, which is
      technical demanding and X-ray exposure might be expected better in SRC group
      compared to TAS group.

PMID- 25132932
TI  - A morphometric study of the lumbar interspinous space in 100 stanford university
      medical center patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: With the increased use of interspinous spacers in the treatment of
      lumbar stenosis, knowledge of the geometry of the interspinous space is
      important. To prevent dislodgment of an interspinous spacer, the accurate depth
      and width of the interspinous space needs to be established to facilitate the
      best intraoperative selection of correct spacer size. METHODS: To determine the
      depth and width of the interspinous space, two methods are available which
      utilize plain film and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data analysis of the
      interspinous depth and width was undertaken in 100 patients. RESULTS: The
      standard deviations were variable, since skin thickness (zone 1) was altered by
      sex and age. The difference in the zone 1 distance between adjacent interspinous
      processes varied according to gender (p<0.05), but was not influenced by age
      [p=0.32 by analysis of variance between groups (ANOVA)]. Zone 2, the
      supraspinous, and zone 3, the interspinous ligament depths, comprise the
      operative working area during insertion of an interspinous spacer. There were no
      differences with regard to gender or age (p>0.05). For zones 6 and 7, the
      interspinous distances at the narrowest and widest points, respectively, were
      found to decrease with the aging process, but the decrease was not statistically
      significant. There were no differences with regard to gender (p>0.05).
      CONCLUSION: This study provides additional information on the interspinous space.
      This statistical data are valuable for use in the design of interspinous spacers.

PMID- 25132933
TI  - Preoperative weakness and demyelination of the corticospinal tract in meningioma
      patients : changes in diffusion parameters using diffusion tensor imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Differentiation of demyelination in white matter from axonal damage
      can be determined using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). In this study using
      meningioma patients an attempt was made to evaluate the relationship between
      preoperative weakness and the changes of diffusion parameters in the
      corticospinal tract (CST) using DTI. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with meningioma
      were enrolled in this study. Eleven of them suffered from objective motor
      weakness and were classified as Group 1. The remaining 15 patients did not
      present motor weakness and were classified as Group 2. Fiber tractography and CST
      diffusion parameters were obtained using DTIStudio. The ratios (lesion side mean
      value/contralateral side mean value) of CST diffusion parameters were compared
      with 1.0 as a test value using a one-sample t-test. RESULTS: In Group 1,
      fractional anisotropy (FA), tensor trace (TT), and radial diffusivity (RD,
      lambda2 and lambda3) of the CST were significantly different between two
      hemispheres, but axial diffusivity (AD, lambda1) of the CST was not significantly
      different between two hemispheres. In Group 2, FA and lambda3 of CST did not
      differ significantly between the hemispheres. In Group 2, TT, lambda1, and
      lambda2 of CST in the ipsilateral hemisphere were significantly higher than those
      of the unaffected hemisphere. However, the differences were small. CONCLUSION:
      Motor weakness was related to a low FA and high TT resulting from increased RD of
      the CST fibers. CST diffusion changes in patients with weakness are similar to
      those for demyelination.

PMID- 25132934
TI  - Endovascular Treatment of a Ruptured Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery
      Aneurysm during Pregnancy.
AB  - Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) during pregnancy is quite rare, however
      it has a high maternal mortality rate. A pregnant woman in the 16th gestational
      week was admitted to our hospital with a drowsy level of consciousness. A brain
      magnetic resonance (MR) image showed hemorrhage on the prepontine cistern, and
      both sylvian fissures, and MR angiography and cerebral digital subtraction
      angiography demonstrated an aneurysm at the left posterior inferior cerebellar
      artery (PICA). We performed endovascular coil embolization attempting to minimize
      radiation exposure. She was discharged with no neurologic deficit and delivered a
      healthy baby by cesarean section at the 38th week of gestation. This case study
      reported the shortest gestational period and this is the first report on an
      aneurysmal rupture arising from PICA which was treated using an endovascular
      method. Using an appropriate technique for reduced radiation exposure to the
      fetus and limited alterations in maternal-fetal physiology, endovascular coil
      embolization could guarantee good results in treatment of aneurysmal SAH in
      pregnant women. 

PMID- 25132935
TI  - Acute Onset of Intracerebral Hemorrhage due to Autonomic Dysreflexia.
AB  - Autonomic dysreflexia is a clinical emergency syndrome of uncontrolled
      sympathetic output that can occur in patients who have a history of spinal cord
      injury. Despite its frequency in spinal cord injury patients, central nervous
      system complications are very rare. We report a man with traumatic high level
      incomplete spinal cord injury who suffered hypertensive right thalamic hemorrhage
      secondary to an episode of autonomic dysreflexia. Prompt recognition and removal
      of the triggering factor, the suprapubic catheter obstruction which led to
      hypertensive attack, the patient had a favorable functional outcome after the
      resorption of the hematoma and effective rehabilitation programme. 

PMID- 25132936
TI  - Thrombosis and recanalization of small saccular cerebral aneurysm : two case
      reports and a suggestion for possible mechanism.
AB  - Reports of thrombosis and recanalization of cerebral aneurysm are rare. We report
      two cases of small, saccular aneurysms in which spontaneous thrombosis had
      occurred during the preparation for endovascular coiling. Also, we review
      reported cases and propose the presumed pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25132937
TI  - A morphologically atypical case of atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation.
AB  - A rare case of atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation occurred after pediatric
      cervical spine surgery performed to remove a dumbbell-shaped meningioma at the
      level of the C1/C2 vertebrae. This case is classified as a post-surgical
      atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation, but has a very rare morphology that has not
      previously been reported. Although there are several reports about post-surgical
      atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation, an important point of this case is that it
      might be directly related to the spinal cord surgery in C1/C2 level. On day 6
      after surgery, the patient presented with the Cock Robin position, and a computed
      tomography scan revealed a normal type of atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation.
      Manual reduction was performed followed by external fixation with a neck collar.
      About 7 months after the first surgery, the subluxation became severe,
      irreducible, and assumed an atypical form where the anterior tubercle of C1
      migrated to a cranial position, and the posterior tubercle of C1 and the
      occipital bone leaned in a caudal direction. The pathogenic process suggested
      deformity of the occipital condyle and bilateral C2 superior facets with
      atlantooccipital subluxation. A second operation for reduction and fixation was
      performed, and the subluxation was stabilized by posterior fixation. We
      encountered an unusual case of a refractory subluxation that was associated with
      an atypical deformity of the upper spine. The case was successfully managed by
      posterior fixation. 

PMID- 25132938
TI  - Management of traumatic c6-7 spondyloptosis with cord compression.
AB  - A case of total spondyloptosis of the cervical spine at C6-7 level with cord
      compression is described in a 51-year-old male. Because the bodies of C6 and 7
      were tightly locked together, cervical traction failed. Then the patient was
      operated on by a posterior approach. Posterior stabilization and fusion were
      performed by C4-5 lateral mass and C7-T1 pedicle screw fixation and rod
      instrumentation with bridging both C4-5's rods to the C7-T1's extended ones.
      After C6 total laminectomy and foraminotomy, the C6 body was returned to its
      proper position. Secondly, anterior stabilization and fusion were performed by C6
      7 discectomy with a screw-plate system. A postoperative lateral plain radiograph
      showed good realignment. In this case, we report the clinical presentation and
      discuss the surgical modalities of C6-7 total spondyloptosis and the failed close
      reduction. 

PMID- 25132939
TI  - Post-traumatic cerebral infarction following low-energy penetrating
      craniocerebral injury caused by a nail.
AB  - Post-traumatic cerebral infarction (PTCI) is a secondary insult which causes
      global cerebral hypoxia or hypoperfusion after traumatic brain injury, and
      carries a remarkable high mortality rate. PTCI is usually caused by blunt brain
      injury with gross hematoma and/or brain herniation. Herein, we present the case
      of a 91-year-old male who had sustained PTCI following a low-energy penetrating
      craniocerebral injury due to a nail without evidence of hematoma. The patient
      survived after a decompressive craniectomy, but permanent neurological damage
      occurred. This is the first case of profound PTCI following a low-energy
      penetrating craniocerebral nail injury and reminds clinicians of possibility this
      rare dreadful complication for care of head-injured patients. 

PMID- 25132940
TI  - Early surgical treatment of pronator teres syndrome.
AB  - We report a rare case of pronator teres syndrome in a young female patient. She
      reported that her right hand grip had weakened and development of tingling
      sensation in the first-third fingers two months previous. Thenar muscle atrophy
      was prominent, and hypoesthesia was also examined on median nerve territory. The
      pronation test and Tinel sign on the proximal forearm were positive. Severe pinch
      grip power weakness and production of a weak "OK" sign were also noted. Routine
      electromyography and nerve conduction velocity showed incomplete median
      neuropathy above the elbow level with severe axonal loss. Surgical treatment was
      performed because spontaneous recovery was not seen one month later. 

PMID- 25132941
TI  - IgG4-Related Intracranial Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis : A Case Report and Review
      of the Literature.
AB  - Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is an uncommon disorder that causes a localized or
      diffuse thickening of the dura mater. Recently, the possibility that IgG4-related
      sclerosing disease may underlie some cases of intracranial hypertrophic
      pachymeningitis has been suggested. We herein report the tenth case of IgG4
      related intracranial hypertrophic pachymeningitis and review the previous
      literature. A 45-year-old male presented with left-sided focal seizures with
      generalization. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a diffuse thickening
      and enhancement of the right convexity dura matter and falx with focal
      nodularity. The surgically resected specimens exhibited the proliferation of
      fibroblast-like spindle cells and an infiltration of mononuclear cells, including
      predominantly plasma cells. The ratio of IgG4-positive plasma cells to the
      overall IgG-positive cells was 45% in the area containing the highest
      infiltration of plasma cells. On the basis of the above findings, IgG4-related
      sclerosing disease arising from the dura mater was suspected. IgG4-related
      sclerosing disease should be added to the pachymeningitis spectrum. 

PMID- 25132942
TI  - Current status of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in pediatric urology.
AB  - Laparoscopic procedures for urological diseases in children have been proven to
      be safe and effective. However, the availability of laparoscopic procedures is
      still partly limited to experienced, high-volume centers because the procedures
      are technically demanding. The da Vinci robot system is being used for an
      increasing variety of reconstructive procedures because of the advantages of this
      approach, such as motion scaling, greater optical magnification, stereoscopic
      vision, increased instrument tip dexterity, and tremor filtration. Particularly
      in pediatric urologic surgery, where the operational field is limited owing to
      the small abdominal cavity of children, robotic surgical technology has its own
      strengths. Currently, robots are used to perform most surgeries in children that
      can be performed laparoscopically. In this review, we aimed to provide a
      comprehensive overview of the current role of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery
      in Pediatric Urology by analyzing the published data in this field. A growing
      body of evidence supports the view that robotic technology is technically
      feasible and safe in pediatric urological surgery. Robotic technology provides
      additional benefits for performing reconstructive urologic surgery, such as in
      pyeloplasty, ureteral reimplantation, and enterocystoplasty procedures. The main
      limitations to robotic surgery are its high purchase and maintenance costs and
      that the cost-effectiveness of this technology remains to be validated. 

PMID- 25132943
TI  - Associations between presenting symptoms, clinicopathological parameters, and
      prognosis in a contemporary series of patients with renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of presenting symptoms on survival in a
      contemporary series of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We prospectively recorded data on the presenting symptoms, pathology,
      and RCC-specific survival of 633 consecutive RCC patients who underwent surgery
      between 2003 and 2012. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-three RCCs (68%) were
      incidental, 111 (18%) were associated with local symptoms, and 89 (14%) were
      associated with systemic symptoms. Among those with incidental RCC, 317 patients
      (73%) were completely asymptomatic and 116 patients (27%) presented with symptoms
      not related to the tumor. During a median follow-up interval of 40 months
      (interquartile range: 39 to 69 months), 77 patients died from RCC. In univariate
      analyses, symptom classification was significantly associated with RCC-specific
      survival (p<0.001). Patients with incidental RCC and unrelated symptoms tended to
      have worse prognosis than did patients who were completely asymptomatic, although
      this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.057). The symptom
      classification was associated with advanced TNM stages (p<0.001) and grade
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that presenting symptoms are
      associated with tumor characteristics and survival. The majority of RCCs are
      diagnosed incidentally in patients without any symptoms or with symptoms not
      related to RCC. Patients in the latter group tend to have a worse prognosis than
      do patients who are completely asymptomatic. With the increasing number of
      incidentally diagnosed RCCs, substratification of patients with incidental tumors
      may be prognostically relevant.

PMID- 25132944
TI  - Should we place ureteral stents in retroperitoneal laparoscopic
      ureterolithotomy?: Consideration of surgical techniques and complications.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is some debate over the necessity of ureteral stenting after
      laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. We evaluated the need for ureteral stenting after
      retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RLU). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Between January 2009 and January 2013, 41 patients underwent RLU to remove upper
      ureteral stones. The retroperitoneal approach was used in all patients by a
      single surgeon. A double J (D-J) stent was placed in the first 17 patients after
      the procedure but not in any of the next 24 patients. RESULTS: The mean patient
      age, serum creatinine levels, and stone size were not significantly different
      between the two groups. The stone-free rate was 100%. The mean operative time was
      significantly shorter in the stentless group than in the stent group (59.48
      minutes vs. 77.88 minutes, p<0.001). Parenteral analgesic use and anticholinergic
      medication use were observed in the stent group only. The blood loss, drain
      removal day, and hospital stay were not significantly different between the two
      groups. No other significant complications occurred during or after the operation
      in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: RLU is a safe and effective treatment modality for
      large impacted ureteral stones. In this study, D-J stent placement was not
      necessary after RLU. In the future, large-scale studies of RLU without D-J
      stenting, especially on the frequency of the development of complications
      according to the surgical technique, may be needed.

PMID- 25132945
TI  - Multimodal treatments of cystine stones: an observational, retrospective single
      center analysis of 14 cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To document the experiences of a single institution in evaluating the
      clinical courses and treatment outcomes of patients with cystine stones.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 14 patients with cystine stones who
      were treated at our institution from March 1994 to July 2012 were reviewed. These
      data included age at first visit, gender, family history, body mass index,
      presence of a single kidney, stone locations, stone burden, routine urinalysis,
      and culture. In addition, we also analyzed data on surgery, shock wave
      lithotripsy, medical treatment, stone recurrence or regrowth, and overall
      treatment success rates. RESULTS: The mean age of our patients at their first
      visit was 19.6+/-5.0 years, and eight patients were males. The median stone
      burden and mean urine pH before each surgery were 6.5 cm(2) and 6.5+/-0.9,
      respectively. Two patients had a family history of cystine stones. Patients
      underwent surgery an average of 2.7 times. The median interval between surgeries
      was 27.3 months, and 1 open surgery, 12 percutaneous nephrolithotomies, and 25
      ureterorenoscopies were performed. Potassium citrate or sodium bicarbonate was
      used in nine cases. D-Penicillamine was continuously used in three patients.
      Patients had an average incidence of 3.2 recurrences or regrowth of stones during
      the median follow-up period of 60.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cystine
      stones have high recurrence or regrowth rates and relatively large stone burdens.
      Adequate treatment schedules must therefore be established in these cases to
      prevent possible deterioration of renal function.

PMID- 25132946
TI  - Impact of transobturator tape treatment on overactive bladder symptoms,
      particularly nocturia, in patients with mixed urinary incontinence.
AB  - PURPOSE: We assessed the impact of transobturator tape (TOT) treatment on
      overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms with a particular focus on nocturia in patients
      with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      retrospective cohort study, the medical records of 237 women who underwent TOT
      surgery for the treatment of MUI were reviewed. Of these, 86 patients (36.4%) had
      preoperative nocturia. Patients with neurological diseases or sleep disorders
      that could affect the voiding pattern were excluded. Patients who were being
      treated with anticholinergics and antidiuretic hormones were also excluded, which
      left 70 subjects eligible for analysis. Pre- and postoperative evaluations
      consisted of a physical examination, 3-day frequency-volume chart, and health
      related quality of life questionnaires (King's health questionnaire, overactive
      bladder symptom score, and OAB-questionnaire). RESULTS: TOT treatment resulted in
      an overall significant improvement in OAB symptoms including nocturia. Frequency
      volume charts revealed that TOT treatment significantly decreased the actual
      number of nightly voids (ANV) and the nocturnal bladder capacity index (NBCi) in
      the entire cohort. However, in a subgroup of women with nocturnal polyuria, there
      was no significant change in ANV or NBCi after the sling operation. Correlation
      analysis of the whole cohort revealed that the postoperative changes in NBCi
      correlated positively with postoperative changes in ANV. The nocturia-persisting
      group was more likely to have nocturnal polyuria and lower preoperative
      functional bladder capacity compared with the nocturia-improved group (p=0.024
      and p=0.023, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that the TOT
      procedure resulted in an overall significant improvement in OAB symptoms
      including OAB-related nocturia in patients who presented with MUI.

PMID- 25132947
TI  - Effect of histological inflammation on total and free serum prostate-specific
      antigen values in patients without clinically detectable prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: We are often confronted with patients in the "gray zone" (prostate
      specific antigen [PSA]<10 ng/mL) whose biopsies reveal no malignancy but only
      inflammation. We investigated the relationship between histological inflammation
      and total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), and percentage of free PSA (f/tPSA) levels
      in patients without prostate cancer (PC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 106
      men with tPSA<10 ng/mL who had undergone biopsy that was negative for PC and who
      had no clinical prostatitis. Inflammation observed at biopsies was scored for
      inflammation type in each biopsy core by use of a four-point scale and was then
      correlated with tPSA, fPSA, and f/tPSA. RESULTS: Different patterns of
      inflammation were found in each set of biopsies. Regression factor analysis was
      used to form two groups according to inflammation type: more chronic and more
      acute. Median tPSA, fPSA, and f/tPSA levels in the more chronic and more acute
      inflammation groups were 6.4 ng/mL, 1.09 ng/mL, and 15%, and 7.3 ng/mL, 0.79
      ng/mL, and l2%, respectively. A significant difference was found in fPSA
      (p=0.003) and f/tPSA (p<0.001), whereas the difference in tPSA was not
      significant (p=0.200). Total PSA correlated with fPSA (r=0.4, p<0.001) but not
      with inflammation type (r=0.12, p>0.010). A correlation existed between
      inflammation type and fPSA (r=-0.31, p=0.001) and f/tPSA (r=-0.43, p<0.001) in
      that the fPSA and f/tPSA were lower in the group with more acute inflammation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical inflammation has a significant influence on fPSA in
      patients with tPSA<10 ng/mL but without PC or clinical prostatitis. Subclinical
      inflammation is not characterized by elevated tPSA alone but also by a decreased
      fPSA, a tendency similar to that in PC.

PMID- 25132948
TI  - Adolescent varicocele: are somatometric parameters a cause?
AB  - PURPOSE: It has been reported that varicocele is found less frequently in obese
      men. Accordingly, we evaluated varicocele patients and statistically analyzed the
      correlation between varicocele and somatometric parameters. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 211 patients underwent surgery for varicoceles. All patients
      underwent history taking, physical examination, and scrotal ultrasound to
      determine the presence and severity of varicocele. An age-matched control group
      consisted of 102 patients who were found not to have varicocele according to
      physical examinations and scrotal ultrasound. The age, weight, height, and body
      mass index (BMI) of the two groups were compared. The statistical analyses were
      performed by use of PASW Statistics ver. 18.0. A p-value of less than 0.05 was
      used for statistical significance. RESULTS: In the varicocele group, the mean
      age, height, weight, and BMI were 29.42+/-14.01 years, 168.53+/-9.97 cm, 62.14+/
      13.17 kg, and 21.66+/-3.21 kg/m(2), respectively. The distribution of varicocele
      grade was as follows: 103 (48.8%) grade III, 72 (34.1%) grade II, and 36 (17.1%)
      grade I. In the control group, the mean age, height, weight, and BMI were 30.83+/
      17.31 years, 161.93+/-19.83 cm, 64.69+/-17.86 kg, and 24.04+/-3.64 kg/m(2),
      respectively. Analyzing these data specifically in adolescents, they showed
      significant differences in age, height, and BMI (p=0.000, p=0.000, and p=0.004,
      respectively) between two groups. There were no significant differences in
      somatometric parameters between patients with different grades of varicocele.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that patients with varicoceles were significantly
      taller and had a lower BMI than did patients without varicoceles, especially
      among adolescents. Carefully designed future studies may be needed.

PMID- 25132949
TI  - Are clinical, laboratory, and imaging markers suitable predictors of
      vesicoureteral reflux in children with their first febrile urinary tract
      infection?
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the predictive value of clinical,
      laboratory, and imaging variables for the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux in
      children with their first febrile urinary tract infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      One hundred fifty-three children with their first febrile urinary tract infection
      were divided into two groups according to the results of voiding
      cystourethrography: 60 children with vesicoureteral reflux and 93 children
      without. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value,
      likelihood ratio (positive and negative), and accuracy of the clinical,
      laboratory, and imaging variables for the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux were
      determined. RESULTS: Of the 153 children with febrile urinary tract infection, 60
      patients (39.2%) had vesicoureteral reflux. There were significant differences
      between the two groups regarding fever>38C, suprapubic pain, C-reactive protein
      quantitative level, number of red blood cells in the urine, and results of renal
      ultrasound and dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scanning (p<0.05). There were
      significant positive correlations between fever>38.2C and dimercaptosuccinic acid
      renal scanning and vesicoureteral reflux. Also, there were significant positive
      correlations between the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive urinary nitrite
      test, hyaline cast, and renal ultrasound and high-grade vesicoureteral reflux.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed fever>38.2C and dimercaptosuccinic acid renal
      scanning as the best predictive markers for vesicoureteral reflux in children
      with their first febrile urinary tract infection. In addition, erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate, positive urinary nitrite test, hyaline cast, and renal
      ultrasound are the best predictive markers for high-grade vesicoureteral reflux.

PMID- 25132950
TI  - Altered gene expression profile after exposure to transforming growth factor
      beta1 in the 253J human bladder cancer cell line.
AB  - PURPOSE: Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) inhibits the growth of
      bladder cancer cells and this effect is prominent and constant in 253J bladder
      cancer cells. We performed a microarray analysis to search for genes that were
      altered after TGF-beta1 treatment to understand the growth inhibitory action of
      TGF-beta1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 253J bladder cancer cells were exposed to TGF
      beta1 and total RNA was extracted at 6, 24, and 48 hours after exposure. The RNA
      was hybridized onto a human 22K oligonucleotide microarray and the data were
      analyzed by using GeneSpring 7.1. RESULTS: In the microarray analysis, a total of
      1,974 genes showing changes of more than 2.0 fold were selected. The selected
      genes were further subdivided into five highly cohesive clusters with high
      probability according to the time-dependent expression pattern. A total of 310
      genes showing changes of more than 2.0 fold in repeated arrays were identified by
      use of simple t-tests. Of these genes, those having a known function were listed
      according to clusters. Microarray analysis showed increased expression of
      molecules known to be related to Smad-dependent signal transduction, such as SARA
      and Smad4, and also those known to be related to the mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MAPK) pathway, such as MAPKK1 and MAPKK4. CONCLUSIONS: A list of genes
      showing significantly altered expression profiles after TGF-beta1 treatment was
      made according to five highly cohesive clusters. The data suggest that the growth
      inhibitory effect of TGF-beta1 in bladder cancer may occur through the Smad
      dependent pathway, possibly via activation of the extracellular signal-related
      kinase 1 and Jun amino-terminal kinases Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

PMID- 25132952
TI  - Management of an iatrogenic injury in a crossed ectopic kidney without fusion.
AB  - Crossed renal ectopia is a condition in which a kidney is located on the side
      opposite of its ureteral insertion. Ninety percent of crossed ectopic kidneys are
      fused to their ipsilateral uncrossed renal unit. Crossed renal ectopia without
      fusion is rare, with only 62 patients reported in the literature to date. These
      kidneys may suffer iatrogenic injury during an unrelated surgical intervention.
      The injury, unless self-limiting, may necessitate the removal of the ectopic
      kidney. We present a unique case of a dual injury, renal as well as ureteric, in
      a crossed ectopic kidney without fusion that was successfully managed without
      surgical excision. 

PMID- 25132951
TI  - Adrenal cortical scintigraphy for lateralization of bilateral adrenal nodules in
      primary aldosteronism.

PMID- 25132953
TI  - Evaluating the impacts of stressors of Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato on
      the effectiveness of multi-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis and multi
      locus sequence typing in microbial forensic investigations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crops in the USA are vulnerable to natural and criminal threats
      because of their widespread cultivation and lack of surveillance, and because of
      implementation of growing practices such as monoculture. To prepare for
      investigation and attribution of such events, forensic assays, including
      determination of molecular profiles, are being adapted for use with plant
      pathogens. The use of multi-locus variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis
      (MLVA) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) in investigations involving plant
      pathogens may be problematic because the long lag periods between pathogen
      introduction and discovery of associated disease may provide enough time for
      evolution to occur in the regions of the genome employed in each assay. Thus,
      more information on the stability of the loci employed in these methods is
      needed. RESULTS: The MLVA fingerprints and MLST profiles were consistent
      throughout the experiment, indicating that, using a specific set of primers and
      conditions, MLVA and MLST typing systems reliably identify P.s. tomato DC3000.
      This information is essential to forensic investigators in interpreting
      comparisons between MLVA and MLST typing profiles observed in P.s. tomato
      isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that MLVA and MLST typing systems,
      utilizing the specified primers and conditions, could be employed successfully in
      forensics investigations involving P.s. tomato. Similar experiments should be
      conducted in the field and with other high-consequence plant pathogens to ensure
      that the assays are reliable for pathogens infecting plants in their natural
      environment and for organisms that may display faster rates of mutation.

PMID- 25132954
TI  - Study design considerations for evaluating the efficacy and safety of pancreatic
      enzyme replacement therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - In 2006, the US FDA issued a 'Guidance for Industry' regarding submission of New
      Drug Applications for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) products. Five
      oral delayed-release PERT products have been approved by the FDA, and several
      others are under development and/ or evaluation for New Drug Application
      submission. We present in this paper recommendations of the Cystic Fibrosis
      Foundation's Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Therapeutics Development Network and Data
      Safety Monitoring Board regarding study design considerations for evaluating PERT
      products in patients with CF. Careful attention to study design and accuracy of
      the outcome measures has confirmed our understanding of the efficacy and safety
      of PERT for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency of CF.

PMID- 25132955
TI  - Characterization and assessment of the sensitivity and resistance of a newly
      established human gastrointestinal stromal tumour xenograft model to treatment
      with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in
      gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) is most commonly caused by secondary KIT
      or PDGFRA mutations. In this study we characterize a newly established GIST
      xenograft model, UZLX-GIST9, and evaluate the in vivo response of the model to
      standard TKIs (imatinib, sunitinib, and regorafenib). METHODS: Tumour fragments
      from a metastatic lesion of a GIST patient clinically progressing after treatment
      with imatinib, sunitinib and regorafenib were engrafted in a nude,
      immunodeficient mouse. Upon sequential passaging from mouse to mouse, tumour
      fragments were collected for histopathological and molecular characterization.
      The sensitivity of the model to treatment with TKIs was evaluated in 28 mice
      [passage 2 (n = 8), passage 4 (n = 20), 41 tumours]. Mice were grouped as
      follows: control (untreated), imatinib (50 mg/kg/BID), imatinib (100 mg/kg/BID),
      sunitinib (40 mg/kg/QD), and regorafenib (30 mg/kg/QD). After three weeks of oral
      treatment, tumours were collected for subsequent analysis. The efficacy of
      treatment was assessed by tumour volume, histopathology and Western
      immunoblotting. RESULTS: UZLX-GIST9 maintains the same typical morphological
      features and immunohistochemical characteristics as the original patient biopsy
      and expresses CD117 and DOG1. The KIT mutational profile (p.P577del + W557LfsX5+
      D820G) remains the same as the original tissue sample originating from an
      intraspinal metastatic site. Three week treatment with different TKIs showed that
      the model is resistant to imatinib. Sunitinib induces tumour growth delay and
      regorafenib reduces the tumour burden by 30% as compared to control animals.
      While none of the TKIs had a significant effect on cell proliferation or cell
      survival, a remarkable increase of necrosis and significant reduction of
      microvessel density was observed under sunitinib and regorafenib. Western
      immunoblotting showed a mild reduction in KIT and AKT activation only in
      regorafenib treated tumours. CONCLUSIONS: We established a novel human GIST
      xenograft, UZLX-GIST9, harbouring KIT exon 11 and 17 mutations and maintaining
      the pheno-and genotype of the original tumour. UZLX-GIST9 shows different levels
      of response to standard TKIs. This model will help to study TKI resistance and to
      explore novel treatment approaches for patients with TKI-resistant GIST.

PMID- 25132957
TI  - Systemic fungal infection in a dog: a unique case in Ireland.
AB  - A three year old male entire Staffordshire bull terrier was referred to
      University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital, with a two week history of fever,
      inflammation of the right hock, lameness on the right hindlimb, peripheral
      lymphadenopathy and gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and diarrhoea). For the
      preceding three months the dog had been treated for atopic dermatitis with oral
      ciclosporin (5 mg/kg, PO, q 24 hours). Cytological analysis of the affected lymph
      nodes demonstrated fungal-like organisms predominantly contained within
      macrophages. Subsequent fungal culture and microscopic identification confirmed
      the presence of a Byssochlamys sp. This fungus is a saprophytic organism which
      has been associated with mycotoxin production. It has not previously been
      identified as a cause of systemic infection in animals or humans. Ciclosporin was
      discontinued, and a second generation triazole, voriconazole prescribed at a dose
      of 6 mg/kg for the first two doses, and continued at 3 mg/kg every 12 hours for
      six months. There was an excellent response. Follow-up examination five weeks
      after treatment was completed confirmed remission of the disease. The dog remains
      alive and well three years later. The present case represents an unusual fungal
      infection in a dog secondary to immunosuppressive therapy with ciclosporin. Such
      a possibility should be considered in animals presenting with signs consistent
      with systemic infection when receiving immunosuppressive medication. 

PMID- 25132956
TI  - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy fails to reduce hydrocephalus formation following
      subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND & PURPOSE: Approximately 40% of hemorrhagic stroke survivors develop
      hydrocephalus. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been shown to be anti-inflammation
      following experimental stroke; however, its effect upon post-hemorrhagic
      hydrocephalus formation is not known. The objective of this study is to
      investigate whether HBO therapy can effectively reduce hydrocephalus formation
      and improve neurobehavioral functions in a rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage
      (SAH). METHOD: Thirty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-320 g) rats survived
      for 21 days from SAH by endovascular perforation or sham surgery were used. At 24
      hours after SAH, HBO (3 atmospheres absolute) or normobaric oxygen (NBO)
      administrated for 1 hour once daily for a total of 7 days. Wire hanging and
      rotarod testing were conducted at 14 days after SAH, and cognitive functions were
      evaluated via the Morris water maze, between day 17 to day 21 after surgery. At
      day 21, rats were sacrificed and cerebroventricular volumes were measured
      histologically. RESULTS: Hydrocephalus exacerbated neurological deficits after
      SAH, and HBO multiple treatment tendentially improved the neurobehavioral
      functions. Spatial learning and memory deficits were noticed after SAH, and rats
      with hydrocephalus showed worse learning and memory abilities and HBO treatment
      showed a minor improvement. In the SAH group (room air) 4 rats showed an
      increased ventricular volume at day 21 after SAH-induction (n = 10). HBO or NBO
      therapy did not alter the occurrence of hydrocephalus after SAH, as 4 rats in
      each of these groups showed an increased ventricular volume (n = 10 per group).
      CONCLUSION: Multiple HBO therapy does not ameliorate hydrocephalus formation in a
      rat model of SAH; however, HBO tendentially improved the neurological functions
      and spatial learning and memory abilities in rats with hydrocephalus.

PMID- 25132958
TI  - Short- and long-term habituation of auditory event-related potentials in the rat.
AB  - An auditory oddball paradigm in humans generates a long-duration cortical
      negative potential, often referred to as mismatch negativity. Similar negativity
      has been documented in monkeys and cats, but it is controversial whether mismatch
      negativity also exists in awake rodents. To this end, we recorded cortical and
      hippocampal evoked responses in rats during alert immobility under a typical
      passive oddball paradigm that yields mismatch negativity in humans. The standard
      stimulus was a 9 kHz tone and the deviant either 7 or 11 kHz tone in the first
      condition. We found no evidence of a sustained potential shift when comparing
      evoked responses to standard and deviant stimuli. Instead, we found repetition
      induced attenuation of the P60 component of the combined evoked response in the
      cortex, but not in the hippocampus. The attenuation extended over three days of
      recording and disappeared after 20 intervening days of rest. Reversal of the
      standard and deviant tones resulted is a robust enhancement of the N40 component
      not only in the cortex but also in the hippocampus. Responses to standard and
      deviant stimuli were affected similarly. Finally, we tested the effect of
      scopolamine in this paradigm. Scopolamine attenuated cortical N40 and P60 as well
      as hippocampal P60 components, but had no specific effect on the deviant
      response. We conclude that in an oddball paradigm the rat demonstrates repetition
      induced attenuation of mid-latency responses, which resembles attenuation of the
      N1-component of human auditory evoked potential, but no mismatch negativity. 

PMID- 25132959
TI  - Testicular artery pseudoaneurysm: a case report.
AB  - This is a case of an unusual cause of a testicular mass and the clinical features
      associated with its presentation and management.  The patient presented with
      testicular pain and was found to have a testicular mass on ultrasound with a
      central 1cm anechoic region with arterial wave-form concerning for a
      pseudoaneurysm. The patient underwent orchiectomy with resolution of his
      symptoms. This case highlights the presentation of testicular artery
      pseudoaneurysm and outcome following orchiectomy. 

PMID- 25132962
TI  - Visual record of intertidal disturbance caused by drift ice in the spring on the
      Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia.
AB  - In the early spring of 2014, an unusually large amount of sea ice drifted from
      the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where it had been produced, towards the open Atlantic
      Ocean through the Cabot Strait, between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Canada. In
      early April, significant amounts of drift ice reached the Atlantic coast of
      mainland Nova Scotia. The ice floes persisted in those coastal waters for up to
      16 days, depending on the location. During that time, the ice fragments caused
      extensive physical disturbance in rocky intertidal communities, removing high
      quantities of seaweeds and invertebrates. For example, at a location where the
      ice stayed for 9 days, the loss of macroalgal and invertebrate biomass was almost
      total. At a location where the ice stayed for 4 days, losses were lower, albeit
      still high overall. Such a magnitude of disturbance is not common on this coast,
      as sea ice had not reached the surveyed locations in the previous 4-5 years. We
      suggest that the frequency of ice scour events may help to predict intertidal
      community structure. This notion could be tested through multiannual surveys of
      ice conditions and biological communities along the Atlantic coast of Nova
      Scotia. 

PMID- 25132961
TI  - Colonoscopic polyp detection rate is stable throughout the workday including
      evening colonoscopy sessions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Polyp detection rate (PDR) is an accepted measure of colonoscopy
      quality. Several factors may influence PDR including time of procedure and order
      of colonoscopy within a session. Our unit provides evening colonoscopy lists (6-9
      pm). We examined whether colonoscopy performance declines in the evening. DESIGN:
      Data for all National Health Service (NHS) outpatient colonoscopies performed at
      Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in 2011 were examined. Timing,
      demographics, indication and colonoscopy findings were recorded. Statistical
      analysis was performed using multivariate regression. RESULTS: Data from 2576
      colonoscopies were included: 1163 (45.1%) in the morning, 1123 (43.6%) in the
      afternoon and 290 (11.3%) in the evening.  Overall PDR was 40.80%. Males,
      increasing age and successful caecal intubation were all significantly associated
      with higher polyp detection. The indications 'faecal occult blood screening'
      (p<0.001) and 'polyp surveillance' (p<0.001) were strongly positively associated
      and 'anaemia' (p=0.01) was negatively associated with PDR. Following adjustment
      for  covariates, there was no significant difference in PDR between sessions.
      With the morning as the reference value, the odds ratio for polyp detection in
      the afternoon and evening were 0.93 (95% CI = 0.72-1.18) and 1.15 (95%CI = 0.82
      1.61) respectively. PDR was not affected by rank of colonoscopy within a list,
      sedation dose or trainee-involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Time of day did not affect
      polyp detection rate in clinical practice. Evening colonoscopy had equivalent
      efficacy and is an effective tool in meeting increasing demands for endoscopy.
      Standardisation was shown to have a considerable effect as demographics,
      indication and endoscopist varied substantially between sessions. Evening
      sessions were popular with a younger population.

PMID- 25132960
TI  - Exercise-induced arterial hypertension - an independent factor for hypertrophy
      and a ticking clock for cardiac fatigue or atrial fibrillation in athletes?
AB  - Background : Exercise-induced arterial hypertension (EIAH) leads to myocardial
      hypertrophy and is associated with a poor prognosis. EIAH might be related to the
      "cardiac fatigue" caused by endurance training. The goal of this study was to
      examine whether there is any relationship between EIAH and left ventricular
      hypertrophy in Ironman-triathletes. METHODS: We used echocardiography and
      spiroergometry to determine the left ventricular mass (LVM), the
      aerobic/anaerobic thresholds and the steady-state blood pressure of 51 healthy
      male triathletes. The main inclusion criterion was the participation in at least
      one middle or long distance triathlon. RESULTS: When comparing triathletes with
      LVM <220g  and athletes with LVM >220g there was a significant difference between
      blood pressure values (BP) at the anaerobic threshold (185.2+/- 21.5 mmHg vs.
      198.8 +/-22.3 mmHg, p=0.037). The spiroergometric results were: maximum oxygen
      uptake (relative VO 2max) 57.3 +/-7.5ml/min/kg vs. 59.8+/-9.5ml/min/kg (p=ns).
      Cut-point analysis for the relationship of BP >170 mmHg at the aerobic threshold
      and the probability of LVM >220g showed a sensitivity of 95.8%, a specificity of
      33.3%, with a positive predictive value of 56.8 %, a good negative predictive
      value of 90%. The probability of LVM >220g increased with higher BP during
      exercise (OR: 1.027, 95% CI 1.002-1.052, p= 0.034) or with higher training volume
      (OR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.04 -1.47, p = 0.019). Echocardiography showed predominantly
      concentric remodelling, followed by concentric hypertrophy. CONCLUSION:
      Significant left ventricular hypertrophy with LVM >220g is associated with higher
      arterial blood pressure at the aerobic or anaerobic threshold. The endurance
      athletes with EIAH may require a therapeutic intervention to at least prevent
      extensive stiffening of the heart muscle and exercise-induced cardiac fatigue.

PMID- 25132963
TI  - Recent trends in airway management: we are not ready to give up fiberoptic
      endoscopy.
AB  - The purpose of this correspondence is to discuss recent findings related to
      current trends in airway management and to discuss the utilization rates of video
      laryngoscopes versus traditional techniques in USA, UK, and Canada. To highlight
      the increased use of video laryngoscopes in difficult airway situations, data on
      the use of alternative airway devices at our institution collected from 2008 to
      2010 are presented alongside the results of previously published surveys
      collected from 2002 to 2013. 

PMID- 25132964
TI  - Early integration of the individual student in academic activities: a novel
      classroom concept for graduate education in molecular biophysics and structural
      biology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A key challenge in interdisciplinary research is choosing the best
      approach from a large number of techniques derived from different disciplines and
      their interfaces. RESULTS: To address this challenge in the area of Biophysics
      and Structural Biology, we have designed a graduate level course to teach
      students insightful use of experimental biophysical approaches in relationship to
      addressing biological questions related to biomolecular interactions and
      dynamics. A weekly seminar and data and literature club are used to compliment
      the training in class. The course contains wet-laboratory experimental
      demonstration and real-data analysis as well as lectures, grant proposal
      preparation and assessment, and student presentation components. Active student
      participation is mandatory in all aspects of the class. Students prepare
      materials for the class receiving individual and iterative feedback from course
      directors and local experts generating high quality classroom presentations.
      CONCLUSIONS: The ultimate goal of the course is to teach students the skills
      needed to weigh different experimental approaches against each other in
      addressing a specific biological question by thinking and executing academic
      tasks like faculty.

PMID- 25132965
TI  - The occurrence of Enterobacteriaceae producing KPC carbapenemases in a general
      hospital in Curacao.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the presence of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae
      (CPE) are extensively documented in North and South America. CPE have not been
      reported from Curacao. However, recently intercontinental spread was suggested of
      a KPC carbapenemase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a patient in the United
      Kingdom with previous admission to a hospital in Curacao in 2009. FINDINGS: After
      the introduction of the CLSI 2010 revised breakpoints, seven patients with
      carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were found in a general hospital in
      Curacao over a period of 16 months. Four patients carried KPC-2 positive
      Klebsiella pneumoniae, ST11. Two patients carried KPC-3 positive Klebsiella
      pneumoniae ST258 and one patient carried a KPC-3 positive Citrobacter freundii.
      Furthermore, our Klebsiella pneumoniae KPC-2 ST11 strain was matched to the
      Klebsiella pneumoniae KPC-2 ST11 strain in the United Kingdom. CONCLUSIONS:
      Introduction of new laboratory methods, and adoption of new guidelines and
      breakpoints led to the first detection of CPE in Curacao. By matching our
      Klebsiella pneumoniae KPC-2 ST11 strain to a Klebsiella pneumoniae KPC-2 ST11
      strain in the United Kingdom, we suggest that carbapenemase-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae are probably more prevalent in Curacao than previously
      recognized.

PMID- 25132966
TI  - Development of Superoxide Dismutase Mimetic Surfaces to Reduce Accumulation of
      Reactive Oxygen Species for Neural Interfacing Applications.
AB  - Despite successful initial recording, neuroinflammatory-mediated oxidative stress
      products can contribute to microelectrode failure by a variety of mechanisms
      including: inducing microelectrode corrosion, degrading insulating/passivating
      materials, promoting blood-brain barrier breakdown, and directly damaging
      surrounding neurons. We have shown that a variety of anti-oxidant treatments can
      reduce intracortical microelectrode-mediated oxidative stress, and preserve
      neuronal viability. Unfortunately, short-term soluble delivery of anti-oxidant
      therapies may be unable to provide sustained therapeutic benefits due to low bio
      availability and fast clearance rates. In order to develop a system to provide
      sustained neuroprotection, we investigated modifying the microelectrode surface
      with an anti-oxidative coating. For initial proof of concept, we chose the
      superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic Mn(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin
      (MnTBAP). Our system utilizes a composite coating of adsorbed and immobilized
      MnTBAP designed to provide an initial release followed by continued presentation
      of an immobilized layer of the antioxidant. Surface modification was confirmed by
      XPS and QCMB-D analysis. Antioxidant activity of composite surfaces was
      determined using a Riboflavin/NitroBlue Tetrazolium (RF/NBT) assay. Our results
      indicate that the hybrid modified surfaces provide several days of anti-oxidative
      activity. Additionally, in vitro studies with BV-2 microglia cells indicated a
      significant reduction of intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species
      when cultured on composite MnTBAP surfaces.

PMID- 25132968
TI  - Indications and outcomes in adult lung transplantation.
AB  - Lung transplantation (LTx) is a treatment option for end-stage lung disease that
      would be otherwise fatal for specific patient populations. The most common
      indications for LTx in adults remain to be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency,
      and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Recent trends include performing
      re-transplantation while more patients over the age of 65 years are undergoing
      LTx. Even with these tendencies, slight improvements in survival have occurred.
      This article briefly reviews recent developments in adults undergoing LTx. 

PMID- 25132967
TI  - Directed cardiomyogenesis of autologous human induced pluripotent stem cells
      recruited to infarcted myocardium with bioengineered antibodies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Myocardial infarctions constitute a major factor contributing to non
      natural mortality world-wide. Clinical trials of myocardial regenerative therapy,
      currently pursued by cardiac surgeons, involve administration of stem cells into
      the hearts of patients suffering from myocardial infarctions. Unfortunately,
      surgical acquisition of these cells from bone marrow or heart is traumatic,
      retention of these cells to sites of therapeutic interventions is low, and
      directed differentiation of these cells in situ into cardiomyocytes is difficult.
      The specific aims of this work were: (1) to generate autologous, human,
      pluripotent, induced stem cells (ahiPSCs) from the peripheral blood of the
      patients suffering myocardial infarctions; (2) to bioengineer heterospecific
      antibodies (htAbs) and use them for recruitment of the ahiPSCs to infarcted
      myocardium; (3) to initiate in situ directed cardiomyogenesis of the ahiPSCs
      retained to infarcted myocardium. METHODS: Peripheral blood was drawn from six
      patients scheduled for heart transplants. Mononuclear cells were isolated and
      reprogrammed, with plasmids carrying six genes (NANOG, POU5F1, SOX2, KLF4,
      LIN28A, MYC), to yield the ahiPSCs. Cardiac tissues were excised from the injured
      hearts of the patients, who received transplants during orthotopic surgery. These
      tissues were used to prepare in vitro models of stem cell therapy of infarcted
      myocardium. The htAbs were bioengineered, which simultaneously targeted receptors
      displayed on pluripotent stem cells (SSEA-4, SSEA-3, TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81) and
      proteins of myocardial sarcomeres (myosin, alpha-actinin, actin, titin). They
      were used to bridge the ahiPSCs to the infarcted myocardium. The retained ahiPSCs
      were directed with bone morphogenetic proteins and nicotinamides to differentiate
      towards myocardial lineage. RESULTS: The patients' mononuclear cells were
      efficiently reprogrammed into the ahiPSCs. These ahiPSCs were administered to
      infarcted myocardium in in vitro models. They were recruited to and retained at
      the treated myocardium with higher efficacy and specificity, if were preceded
      with the htAbs, than with isotype antibodies or plain buffers. The retained cells
      differentiated into cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The proof of concept has been
      attained, for reprogramming the patients' blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into
      the ahiPSCs, recruiting these cells to infarcted myocardium, and initiating their
      cardiomyogenesis. This novel strategy is ready to support the ongoing clinical
      trials aimed at regeneration of infarcted myocardium.

PMID- 25132969
TI  - Pediatric lung transplantation: indications and outcomes.
AB  - Lung transplantation (LTx) is a treatment option for infants and children with
      untreatable and otherwise fatal pulmonary diseases. To date, over 1,800 lung
      transplants have been performed, most frequently in children over the age of five
      years. The most common indications for transplantation in children overall are
      cystic fibrosis (CF) and idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (PH). The surfactant
      protein deficiencies, other interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), and congenital
      heart disease are important indications among young children and infants. Re
      transplantation is an option for selected recipients with chronic allograft
      rejection. Overall survival following pediatric LTx is similar to that
      encountered in adult patients, with recent registry data indicating a median
      survival of 4.9 years. Other outcomes such as the incidence of bronchiolitis
      obliterans (BO) and the presence of key post-transplant co-morbid conditions are
      also similar to the experience in adult lung transplant recipients. 

PMID- 25132970
TI  - Lung donor selection criteria.
AB  - The criteria that define acceptable physiologic and social parameters for lung
      donation have remained constant since their empiric determination in the 1980s.
      These criteria include a donor age between 25-40, a arterial partial pressure of
      oxygen (PaO2)/FiO2 ratio greater than 350, no smoking history, a clear chest X
      ray, clean bronchoscopy, and a minimal ischemic time. Due to the paucity of organ
      donors, and the increasing number of patients requiring lung transplant, finding
      a donor that meets all of these criteria is quite rare. As such, many transplants
      have been performed where the donor does not meet these stringent criteria. Over
      the last decade, numerous reports have been published examining the effects of
      individual acceptance criteria on lung transplant survival and graft function.
      These studies suggest that there is little impact of the historical criteria on
      either short or long term outcomes. For age, donors should be within 18 to 64
      years old. Gender may relay benefit to all female recipients especially in male
      to female transplants, although results are mixed in these studies. Race matched
      donor/recipients have improved outcomes and African American donors convey worse
      prognosis. Smoking donors may decrease recipient survival post transplant, but
      provide a life saving opportunity for recipients that may otherwise remain on the
      transplant waiting list. No specific gram stain or bronchoscopic findings are
      reflected in recipient outcomes. Chest radiographs are a poor indicator of lung
      donor function and should not adversely affect organ usage aside for concerns
      over malignancy. Ischemic time greater than six hours has no documented adverse
      effects on recipient mortality and should not limit donor retrieval distances.
      Brain dead donors and deceased donors have equivalent prognosis. Initial
      PaO2/FiO2 ratios less than 300 should not dissuade donor organ usage, although
      recruitment techniques should be implemented with intent to transplant. 

PMID- 25132972
TI  - Ex vivo lung perfusion.
AB  - Lung transplantation (LTx) is an established treatment option for eligible
      patients with end-stage lung disease. Nevertheless, the imbalance between
      suitable donor lungs available and the increasing number of patients considered
      for LTx reflects in considerable waitlist mortality. Among potential alternatives
      to address this issue, ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has emerged as a modern
      preservation technique that allows for more accurate lung assessment and also
      improvement of lung function. Its application in high-risk donor lungs has been
      successful and resulted in safe expansion of the donor pool. This article will:
      (I) review the technical details of EVLP; (II) the rationale behind the method;
      (III) report the worldwide clinical experience with the EVLP, including the
      Toronto technique and others; (IV) finally, discuss the growing literature on
      EVLP application for donation after cardiac death (DCD) lungs. 

PMID- 25132973
TI  - The surgical technique of bilateral sequential lung transplantation.
AB  - Since the first successful lung transplant performed three decades ago, the
      technique of lung transplantation has evolved with acceptable short- and long
      term outcomes such that it has become the standard for those with end stage
      pulmonary disease. Herein, we describe our current favored approach and discuss
      some of the current areas in need of further investigation as they relate to the
      technical aspects of the operation. 

PMID- 25132971
TI  - Immunosuppression in lung transplantation.
AB  - Lung transplantation can be a life-saving procedure for those with end-stage lung
      diseases. Unfortunately, long term graft and patient survival are limited by both
      acute and chronic allograft rejection, with a median survival of just over 6
      years. Immunosuppressive regimens are employed to reduce the rate of rejection,
      and while protocols vary from center to center, conventional maintenance therapy
      consists of triple drug therapy with a calcineurin inhibitor (cyclosporine or
      tacrolimus), antiproliferative agents [azathioprine (AZA), mycophenolate,
      sirolimus (srl), everolimus (evl)], and corticosteroids (CS). Roughly 50% of lung
      transplant centers also utilize induction therapy, with polyclonal antibody
      preparations [equine or rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)], interleukin 2
      receptor antagonists (IL2RAs) (daclizumab or basiliximab), or alemtuzumab. This
      review summarizes these agents and the data surrounding their use in lung
      transplantation, as well as additional common and novel therapies in lung
      transplantation. Despite the progression of the management of lung transplant
      recipients, they continue to be at high risk of treatment-related complications,
      and poor graft and patient survival. Randomized clinical trials are needed to
      allow for the development of better agents, regimens and techniques to address
      above mentioned issues and reduce morbidity and mortality among lung transplant
      recipients. 

PMID- 25132974
TI  - Bridge to lung transplantation and rescue post-transplant: the expanding role of
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
AB  - Over the last several decades, the growth of lung transplantation has been
      hindered by a much higher demand for donor lungs than can be supplied, leading to
      considerable waiting time and mortality among patients waiting for transplant.
      This has led to the search for an alternative bridging strategy in patients with
      end-stage lung disease. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as
      a bridge to lung transplantation as well as a rescue strategy post-transplant for
      primary graft dysfunction (PGD) has been studied previously, however due to
      initially poor outcomes, its use was not heavily instituted. In recent years,
      with significant improvement in technologies, several single and multi-center
      studies have shown promising outcomes related to the use of ECMO as a bridging
      strategy as well as a therapy for patients suffering from PGD post-transplant.
      These results have challenged our current notion on ECMO use and hence forced us
      to reexamine the utility, efficacy and safety of ECMO in conjunction with lung
      transplantation. Through this review, we will address the various aspects related
      to ECMO use as a bridge to lung transplantation as well as a rescue post
      transplant in the treatment of PGD. We will emphasize newer technologies related
      to ECMO use, examine recent observational studies and randomized trials of ECMO
      use before and after lung transplantation, and reflect upon our own institutional
      experience with the use of ECMO in these difficult clinical situations. 

PMID- 25132977
TI  - Heart transplantation.
AB  - Heart failure remains a major global problem with approximately 6 million
      individuals suffering from heart failure in the United States alone. The surgical
      technique of heart transplantation, popularized by Dr. Norman Shumway, has led to
      its success and currently remains the best treatment options for patients with
      end-stage. However, with the continued limitation of donor organs and the rapid
      development of ventricular assist device technology, the number of patients
      bridged to transplant with mechanical circulatory support has increased
      significantly. This has created some new technical challenges for heart
      transplantation. Therefore, it is now important to be familiar with multiple new
      technical challenges associated with the surgical techniques of heart
      transplantation with an ultimate goal in reducing donor heart ischemic time,
      recipient cardiopulmonary bypass time and post-operative complications. In this
      review, we described our technique of heart transplantation including the timing
      of the operation, recipient cardiectomy and donor heart implantation. 

PMID- 25132976
TI  - Donor selection in heart transplantation.
AB  - There is increased scrutiny on the quality in health care with particular
      emphasis on institutional heart transplant survival outcomes. An important aspect
      of successful transplantation is appropriate donor selection. We review the
      current guidelines as well as areas of controversy in the selection of
      appropriate hearts as donor organs to ensure optimal outcomes. This decision is
      paramount to the success of a transplant program as well as recipient survival
      and graft function post-transplant. 

PMID- 25132975
TI  - Pediatric heart transplantation-indications and outcomes in the current era.
AB  - Pediatric heart transplantation (HTx) remains an important treatment option in
      the care of children with end-stage heart disease, whether it is secondary to
      cardiomyopathy or congenital heart disease (CHD). As surgical outcomes for CHD
      have improved, the indications for pediatric HTx have had to be dynamic, not only
      for children with CHD but also for the growing population of adults with CHD. As
      the field of pediatric HTx has evolved, the outcomes for children undergoing HTx
      have improved. This is undoubtedly due to the continued research efforts of both
      single-center studies, as well as research collaboratives such as the
      International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) and the
      Pediatric Heart Transplant Study (PHTS) group. Research collaboratives are
      increasingly important in pediatric HTx as single center studies for a limited
      patient population may not elicit strong enough evidence for practice evolution.
      Similarly, complications that limit the long term graft survival may occur in a
      minority of patients thus pooled experience is essential. This review focuses on
      the indications and outcomes for pediatric HTx, with a special emphasis on
      studies generated by these research collaboratives. 

PMID- 25132978
TI  - Left ventricular assist devices as a bridge to cardiac transplantation.
AB  - Heart failure remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting
      over five million patients in the United States. Continuous-flow left ventricular
      assist devices (LVAD) have become the standard of care for patients with end
      stage heart failure. This review highlights the current state of LVAD as a bridge
      to transplant (BTT) in patients requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS). 

PMID- 25132979
TI  - Adult heart transplant: indications and outcomes.
AB  - Cardiac transplantation is the treatment of choice for many patients with end
      stage heart failure (HF) who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy.
      For carefully selected patients, heart transplantation offers markedly improved
      survival and quality of life. Risk stratification of the large group of patients
      with end-stage HF is essential for identifying patients who are most likely to
      benefit, particularly as the number of suitable donors is insufficient to meet
      demand. The indications for heart transplant and review components of the pre
      transplant evaluation, including the role for exercise testing and risk scores
      such as the Heart Failure Survival Score (HFSS) and Seattle Heart Failure Model
      (SHFM) are summarized. Common contraindications are also discussed. Outcomes,
      including survival and common complications such as coronary allograft
      vasculopathy are reviewed. 

PMID- 25132980
TI  - Heart-lung transplantation: pediatric indications and outcomes.
AB  - As indications for heart-lung transplant (HLT) have changed to some degree in the
      past 30 years, this treatment is being used less frequently in children due to
      more advanced care of severe heart and lung disease. This is fortunate as the
      outcomes for HLT are poor compared to other solid organ transplants and this is
      mainly due to the poorer outcome of the lung graft. 

PMID- 25132981
TI  - Heart-lung transplantation: adult indications and outcomes.
AB  - Combined heart-lung transplantation remains the only definitive therapy for
      patients who have both end-stage heart failure and end-stage lung failure. The
      most common indication is congenital heart disease (CHD) and the proportion is
      increasing for acquired heart disease concomitant with pulmonary hypertension
      and/or intrinsic lung diseases. Previously, idiopathic pulmonary hypertension was
      the most common indication. However, it has been shown that right ventricular
      failure can be reversed after double lung transplantation. Therefore, patients
      with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) should not undergo
      combined heart-lung transplantation unless left ventricular dysfunction co
      exists. The ISHLT registry data shows survival after heart-lung transplantation
      is improving, but still its survival rates are 71% at 3 months, 63% at 1 year,
      44% at 5 years and 31% at 10 years. With appropriate patient selection and
      surgical expertise, these outcomes should improve further. 

PMID- 25132983
TI  - Heart-lung transplantation.
AB  - Heart-lung transplantation itself is not a particularly difficult operation
      technically. It is the setting in which this procedure is performed which is
      difficult. The three issues of importance in a successful outcome are appropriate
      harvest of the heart-lung bloc from the donor, careful explant of the heart and
      lungs of the recipient, and finally the implant of the heart-lung bloc into the
      recipient. None of this requires extraordinary technical skill, but does require
      careful coordination and planning as well as adhering to some fundamental
      principles. One of the major pitfalls encountered is bleeding related to the
      explant procedure. Another is graft failure related to harvest and/or the implant
      procedure. The third is injury to either the phrenic nerve(s) or the left
      recurrent laryngeal nerve related to the explant procedure. Heart-lung
      transplantation is a major investment in resources of all sorts including
      financial, personnel, as well as the organs themselves. It is absolutely
      imperative that this procedure be performed only by experienced surgeons in
      centers with established expertise. 

PMID- 25132982
TI  - Preservation solutions for cardiac and pulmonary donor grafts: a review of the
      current literature.
AB  - Hypothermic preservation of donor grafts is imperative to ameliorate ischemia
      related cellular damage prior to organ transplantation. Numerous solutions are in
      existence with widespread variability among transplant centers as to a consensus
      regarding the optimal preservation solution. Here, we present a concise review of
      pertinent preservation studies involving cardiac and pulmonary allografts in an
      attempt to minimize the variability among institutions and potentially improve
      graft and patient survival. A biochemical comparison of common preservation
      solutions was undertaken with an emphasis on Euro Collins (EC), University of
      Wisconsin (UW), histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK), Celsior (CEL), Perfadex
      (PER), Papworth, and Plegisol. An appraisal of the literature ensued containing
      the aforementioned preservation solutions in the setting of cardiac and pulmonary
      transplantation. Available evidence supports UW solution as the preservation
      solution of choice for cardiac transplants with encouraging outcomes relative to
      notable contenders such as CEL. Despite its success in the setting of cardiac
      transplantation, its use in pulmonary transplantation remains suboptimal and
      improved outcomes may be seen with PER. Together, we suggest, based on the
      literature that the use of UW solution and PER for cardiac and pulmonary
      transplants, respectively may improve transplant outcomes such as graft and
      patient survival. 

PMID- 25132984
TI  - Overview of paediatric heart-lung transplantation: a global perspective.

PMID- 25132985
TI  - The Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant SkQ1 Downregulates Aryl Hydrocarbon
      Receptor-Dependent Genes in the Retina of OXYS Rats with AMD-Like Retinopathy.
AB  - The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 is a novel drug thought to retard
      development of age-related diseases. It has been shown that SkQ1 reduces clinical
      signs of retinopathy in senescence-accelerated OXYS rats, which are a known
      animal model of human age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The aim of this
      work was to test whether SkQ1 affects transcriptional activity of AhR (aryl
      hydrocarbon receptor) and Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2),
      which are considered as AMD-associated genes in the retina of OXYS and Wistar
      rats. Our results showed that only AhR and AhR-dependent genes were sensitive to
      SkQ1. Dietary supplementation with SkQ1 decreased the AhR mRNA level in both OXYS
      and Wistar rats. At baseline, the retinal Cyp1a1 mRNA level was lower in OXYS
      rats. SkQ1 supplementation decreased the Cyp1a1 mRNA level in Wistar rats, but
      this level remained unchanged in OXYS rats. Baseline Cyp1a2 and Cyp1b1 mRNA
      expression was stronger in OXYS than in Wistar rats. In the OXYS strain, Cyp1a2
      and Cyp1b1 mRNA levels decreased as a result of SkQ1 supplementation. These data
      suggest that the Cyp1a2 and Cyp1b1 enzymes are involved in the pathogenesis of
      AMD-like retinopathy of OXYS rats and are possible therapeutic targets of SkQ1. 

PMID- 25132987
TI  - Subclinical Iodine Deficiency among Pregnant Women in Haramaya District, Eastern
      Ethiopia: A Community-Based Study.
AB  - Background. Iodine deficiency in pregnancy is a worldwide problem. This study
      aimed to assess prevalence and predictors of subclinical iodine deficiency among
      pregnant women in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia. Methods. A cross
      sectional, community-based study was conducted on 435 pregnant women existing in
      ten randomly selected rural kebeles (kebele is the smallest administrative unit
      in Ethiopia). Data on the study subjects' background characteristics, dietary
      habits, and gynecological/obstetric histories were collected via a structured
      questionnaire. UIC of <150 MUg/L defined subclinical iodine deficiency. Data were
      analyzed by Stata 11. A multivariable logistic regression was used to identify
      the predictors of subclinical iodine deficiency. Results. The median urinary
      iodine concentration (MUIC) was 58.1 MUg/L and 82.8% of the women who had
      subclinical iodine deficiency. The risk of subclinical iodine deficiency was
      reduced by the use of iodized salt (AOR = 0.13) and by intake of milk twice a
      month or more (AOR = 0.50), but it was increased by maternal illiteracy (AOR =
      3.52). Conclusion. Iodine nutritional status of the pregnant women was poor. This
      shows that women and their children are exposed to iodine deficiency and its
      adverse effects. Thus, they need urgent supplementation with iodine and improved
      access to and intake of iodized salt and milk during pregnancy. 

PMID- 25132988
TI  - Lovastatin as an adjuvant to lithium for treating manic phase of bipolar
      disorder: a 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
AB  - Objectives. Many patients with bipolar disorder suffer from metabolic disorder.
      Lovastatin is effective for treating major depression. This double-blind
      randomized placebo controlled clinical trial investigates whether lovastatin is a
      useful adjuvant to lithium for treating mania. Methods. Fifty-four patients with
      bipolar disorder-manic phase were randomly allocated into lovastatin or placebo
      group. The clinical symptoms were assessed at baseline, week 2, and week 4 using
      Young Mania Rating Scale. Adverse effects were checked. Results. Forty-six out of
      54 patients completed this trial. The mania score in the lovastatin group
      decreased from 40.6 (11.1) at baseline to 12.9 (8.7) and 4.1 (5.4) at weeks 2 and
      4, respectively. The score in the placebo group decreased from 41.0 (11.2) at
      baseline to 12.8 (8.07) and 5.8 (4.6) at weeks 2 and 4, respectively. However,
      there was no significant difference between groups at week 2 and week 4. The
      adverse effects rates were comparable between the two groups. No serious adverse
      effect was found. Tremor and nausea were the most common adverse effects.
      Conclusions. Lovastatin neither exacerbated nor decreased the symptoms of mania
      in patients with bipolar disorder. Current results support that the combination
      of lovastatin with lithium is tolerated well in bipolar disorder. The trial was
      registered with the Iranian Clinical Trials Registry (IRCT201302203930N18). 

PMID- 25132986
TI  - Cardiometabolic risk assessments by body mass index z-score or waist-to-height
      ratio in a multiethnic sample of sixth-graders.
AB  - Convention defines pediatric adiposity by the body mass index z-score (BMIz)
      referenced to normative growth charts. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) does not
      depend on sex-and-age references. In the HEALTHY Study enrollment sample, we
      compared BMIz with WHtR for ability to identify adverse cardiometabolic risk.
      Among 5,482 sixth-grade students from 42 middle schools, we estimated explanatory
      variations (R (2)) and standardized beta coefficients of BMIz or WHtR for
      cardiometabolic risk factors: insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipids, blood
      pressures, and glucose. For each risk outcome variable, we prepared adjusted
      regression models for four subpopulations stratified by sex and high versus lower
      fatness. For HOMA-IR, R (2) attributed to BMIz or WHtR was 19%-28% among high
      fatness and 8%-13% among lower-fatness students. R (2) for lipid variables was 4%
      9% among high-fatness and 2%-7% among lower-fatness students. In the lower
      fatness subpopulations, the standardized coefficients for total cholesterol/HDL
      cholesterol and triglycerides tended to be weaker for BMIz (0.13-0.20) than for
      WHtR (0.17-0.28). Among high-fatness students, BMIz and WHtR correlated with
      blood pressures for Hispanics and whites, but not black boys (systolic) or girls
      (systolic and diastolic). In 11-12 year olds, assessments by WHtR can provide
      cardiometabolic risk estimates similar to conventional BMIz without requiring
      reference to a normative growth chart. 

PMID- 25132989
TI  - Validation of a new instrument for self-assessment of nurses' core competencies
      in palliative care.
AB  - Competence can be seen as a prerequisite for high quality nursing in clinical
      settings. Few research studies have focused on nurses' core competencies in
      clinical palliative care and few measurement tools have been developed to explore
      these core competencies. The purpose of this study was to test and validate the
      nurses' core competence in palliative care (NCPC) instrument. A total of 122
      clinical nurse specialists who had completed a postbachelor program in palliative
      care at two university colleges in Norway answered the questionnaire. The initial
      analysis, with structural equation modelling, was run in Mplus 7. A modified
      confirmatory factor analysis revealed the following five domains: knowledge in
      symptom management, systematic use of the Edmonton symptom assessment system,
      teamwork skills, interpersonal skills, and life closure skills. The actual
      instrument needs to be tested in a practice setting with a larger sample to
      confirm its usefulness. The instrument has the potential to be used to refine
      clinical competence in palliative care and be used for the training and
      evaluation of palliative care nurses. 

PMID- 25132990
TI  - Implementation intentions as a strategy to increase the notification rate of
      potential ocular tissue donors by nurses: a clustered randomized trial in
      hospital settings.
AB  - Aim. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact, among nurses in
      hospital settings, of a questionnaire-based implementation intentions
      intervention on notification of potential ocular tissue donors to donation
      stakeholders. Methods. This randomized intervention was clustered at the level of
      hospital departments with two study arms: questionnaire-based implementation
      intentions intervention and control. In the intervention group, nurses were asked
      to plan specific actions if faced with a number of barriers when reporting
      potential ocular donors. The primary outcome was the potential ocular tissue
      donors' notification rate before and after the intervention. Analysis was based
      on a generalized linear model with an identity link and a binomial distribution.
      Results. We compared outcomes in 26 departments from 5 hospitals, 13 departments
      per condition. The implementation intentions intervention did not significantly
      increase the notification rate of ocular tissue donors (intervention: 23.1%
      versus control: 21.1%; chi (2) = 1.14, 2; P = 0.56). Conclusion. A single and
      brief implementation intentions intervention among nurses did not modify the
      notification rate of potential ocular tissue donors to donation stakeholders. Low
      exposure to the intervention was a major challenge in this study. Further studies
      should carefully consider a multicomponent intervention to increase exposure to
      this type of intervention. 

PMID- 25132992
TI  - Endovascular embolisation of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate the technical success, safety, and outcome of endovascular
      embolization procedure in management of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms.
      Materials and Methods. 46 patients were treated for 53 visceral pseudoaneurysms
      at our institution. Preliminary diagnostic workup in all cases was performed by
      contrast enhanced abdominal CT scan and/or duplex ultrasound. In all patients,
      embolization was performed as per the standard departmental protocol. For data
      collection, medical records and radiology reports of all patients were
      retrospectively reviewed. Technical success, safety, and outcome of the procedure
      were analyzed. Results. Out of 46 patients, 13 were females and 33 were males.
      Mean patient age was 44.79 +/- 13.9 years and mean pseudoaneurysm size was 35 +/-
      19.5 mm. Technical success rate for endovascular visceral pseudoaneurysm coiling
      was 93.47% (n = 43). Complication rate was 6.52% (n = 3). Followup was done for a
      mean duration of 21 +/- 1.6 months (0.5-69 months). Complete resolution of
      symptoms or improvement in clinical condition was seen in 36 patients (80%) out
      of those 45 in whom procedure was technically successful. Conclusion. Results of
      embolization of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms with coils at our center showed
      high success rate and good short term outcome. 

PMID- 25132993
TI  - Psychological Impacts among Older and Younger People Living with HIV/AIDS in
      Nanning, China.
AB  - Objectives. The HIV epidemic has drastically increased among older adults in
      China, yet little research has examined the psychological impacts among older and
      younger people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). This study examined and compared
      self-efficacy, depression, well-being, and quality of life among older and
      younger PLWHAs in China. Method. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to
      recruit a final sample of 148 participants. Older adults were defined as age 50
      and older. Result. Compared to younger PLWHAs aged 18-49 years old, older PLWHAs
      reported lower levels of well-being (7.6 versus 11.4), higher levels of
      depression (18.6 versus 15.8), and poorer quality of life. Self-efficacy was
      similar among older (23.9) and younger (24.6) PLWHAs. A higher level of
      depression among older PLWHAs was associated with much lower levels of subjective
      well-being and quality of life (physical health and psychological health).
      Conclusion. The findings suggest that older PLWHAs face psychological problems
      and mental health challenges beyond those experienced by younger PLWHAs.
      Intervention programs dedicated to improving mental health and quality of life
      are greatly needed for HIV infected older adults. 

PMID- 25132991
TI  - The epidemiology of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria: data from a general
      hospital in Athens, Greece, 2007-2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in
      Greece is largely unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and the
      demographic, microbiological, and clinical characteristics of patients with
      pulmonary NTM infection and pulmonary NTM disease. METHODS: A retrospective
      review of the demographic, microbiological, and clinical characteristics of
      patients with NTM culture-positive respiratory specimens from January 2007 to May
      2013. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were identified with at least one
      respiratory NTM isolate and 56 patients (46%) fulfilled the microbiological
      ATS/IDSA criteria for NTM disease. Of patients with adequate data, 16% fulfilled
      the complete ATS/IDSA criteria for NTM disease. The incidence of pulmonary NTM
      infection and disease was 18.9 and 8.8 per 100.000 inpatients and outpatients,
      respectively. The spectrum of NTM species was high (13 species) and predominated
      by M. avium-intracellulare complex (M. avium (13%), M. intracellulare (10%)), M.
      gordonae (14%), and M. fortuitum (12%). The ratio of isolation of NTM to M.
      tuberculosis in all hospitalized patients was 0.59. CONCLUSIONS: The first data
      on the epidemiology of pulmonary NTM in Athens, Greece, are presented. NTM
      infection is common in patients with chronic respiratory disease. However, only a
      significantly smaller proportion of patients fulfill the criteria for NTM
      disease.

PMID- 25132994
TI  - Sound Lateralization Test Distinguishes Unimpaired MS Patients from Healthy
      Controls.
AB  - There is an urgent need to develop a practical and reliable clinical measure of
      disease progression in early and mild MS. We hypothesized that a test of sound
      lateralization, which is exquisitely sensitive to transmission delays in auditory
      brainstem, could be more useful for detecting processing speed deficits in mildly
      impaired MS subjects than standard cognitive tasks. Objective. To develop a
      practical test of sound lateralization for the clinic and to compare performance
      of MS subjects with variable disability and healthy subjects on Sound
      Lateralization Test (SLT) and two speed-of-processing tasks. Design. 42 healthy
      controls and 90 subjects with clinically definite MS, divided into no, mild, and
      moderate disability strata, were administered the Symbol Digit Modalities Test
      (SDMT), and 3-second Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). Results. All of
      the tests showed an overall difference in performance between controls and the
      three MS groups, but only the SLT measured a significant difference between
      controls and the no disability group. Conclusion. SLT is rapidly applied,
      technically simple, and superior to standard processing speed tests for
      discriminating between healthy controls and nondisabled MS subjects. SLT should
      be investigated as an outcome measure in early-phase trials and for monitoring
      early disease progression in the clinic. 

PMID- 25132995
TI  - Similarity of fibroglandular breast tissue content measured from magnetic
      resonance and mammographic images and by a mathematical algorithm.
AB  - Women with high breast density (BD) have a 4- to 6-fold greater risk for breast
      cancer than women with low BD. We found that BD can be easily computed from a
      mathematical algorithm using routine mammographic imaging data or by a curve
      fitting algorithm using fat and nonfat suppression magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) data. These BD measures in a strictly defined group of premenopausal women
      providing both mammographic and breast MRI images were predicted as well by the
      same set of strong predictor variables as were measures from a published
      laborious histogram segmentation method and a full field digital mammographic
      unit in multivariate regression models. We also found that the number of
      completed pregnancies, C-reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, and
      progesterone were more strongly associated with amounts of glandular tissue than
      adipose tissue, while fat body mass, alanine aminotransferase, and insulin like
      growth factor-II appear to be more associated with the amount of breast adipose
      tissue. Our results show that methods of breast imaging and modalities for
      estimating the amount of glandular tissue have no effects on the strength of
      these predictors of BD. Thus, the more convenient mathematical algorithm and the
      safer MRI protocols may facilitate prospective measurements of BD. 

PMID- 25132996
TI  - Diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and an in situ hybridization
      approach to detect an "unidentified" pathogen.
AB  - Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and severe complication in
      cirrhotic patients with ascites. Although identifying the pathogen(s) plays a
      major role in the management of infectious diseases, ascitic fluid cultures often
      show negative results in patients with clinical signs and symptoms of SBP, and
      ascitic fluid cell analyses are the gold standard method for diagnosing SBP. SBP
      is generally diagnosed based on an increased number of polymorphonuclear
      neutrophils in the ascitic fluid (>250/mm(3)), and the identification of the
      causal pathogen may not be given consideration. We newly developed an in situ
      hybridization (ISH) method to provide early and direct evidence of bacterial
      infection in ascites in patients with SBP. This paper will review the diagnosis
      of SBP, including our novel approach with ISH method to detect bacterial DNA in
      SBP ascitic fluid. 

PMID- 25132999
TI  - Ectopic 3rd molar tooth in the maxillary antrum.
AB  - Location of ectopic tooth in a nondentate area like the maxillary antrum is rare.
      A 17-year-old boy, with one year history of recurrent right facial swelling and
      radiographic finding of a maxillary third molar tooth located at the posterior
      wall of the maxillary antrum, is presented. Under endotracheal intubation, the
      tooth was extracted through a Caldwell-Luc antrostomy approach and patient had an
      uneventful recovery and has been symptom free for eight months. Ectopic tooth in
      the maxillary antrum is rare and is commonest with maxillary third molar. It may
      be symptomless but is more commonly associated with inflammatory symptoms. The
      treatment of choice is surgical excision which is mostly carried out with
      Caldwell-Luc approach, even though endoscopic approach is being reported. 

PMID- 25132998
TI  - Cholangiocarcinoma with respect to IgG4 Reaction.
AB  - IgG4 reactions marked by infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in affected
      organs occur in cancer patients and in patients with IgG4-related diseases.
      Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas including gall bladder cancer are often
      accompanied by significant IgG4 reactions; these reactions show a negative
      correlation with CD8-positive cytotoxic T cells, suggesting that the evasion of
      immune surveillance is associated with cytotoxic T cells. The regulatory cytokine
      IL-10 may induce IgG4-positive plasma cell differentiation or promote B cell
      switching to IgG4 in the presence of IL-4. Cholangiocarcinoma cells may function
      as nonprofessional antigen presenting cells that indirectly induce IgG4 reactions
      via the IL-10-producing cells and/or these may act as Foxp3-positive and IL-10
      producing cells that directly induce IgG4 reactions. Moreover, IgG4-related
      disease is a high-risk factor for cancer development; IgG4-related sclerosing
      cholangitis (IgG4-SC) cases associated with cholangiocarcinoma or its precursor
      lesion biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) have been reported. IgG4
      positive cell infiltration is an important finding of IgG4-SC but is not a
      histological hallmark of IgG4-SC. For the diagnosis of IgG4-SC, its
      differentiation from cholangiocarcinoma remains important. 

PMID- 25133000
TI  - Nonsurgical treatment of two periapical lesions with calcium hydroxide using two
      different vehicles.
AB  - Calcium hydroxide is used extensively as an intracanal medicament in endodontics
      for many years. It is used in various clinical situations such as to promote
      apexification, to repair perforation, to enhance healing of periapical lesions,
      to control root resorption, and to control exudation in teeth with persistent
      periapical inflammation. This paper presents a case report in which Ca(OH)2 was
      used as an intracanal medicament for treatment of periradicular lesions using two
      different vehicles in two different teeth of same patient. 

PMID- 25132997
TI  - Genetic diseases that predispose to early liver cirrhosis.
AB  - Inherited liver diseases are a group of metabolic and genetic defects that
      typically cause early chronic liver involvement. Most are due to a defect of an
      enzyme/transport protein that alters a metabolic pathway and exerts a pathogenic
      role mainly in the liver. The prevalence is variable, but most are rare
      pathologies. We review the pathophysiology of such diseases and the diagnostic
      contribution of laboratory tests, focusing on the role of molecular genetics. In
      fact, thanks to recent advances in genetics, molecular analysis permits early and
      specific diagnosis for most disorders and helps to reduce the invasive approach
      of liver biopsy. 

PMID- 25133001
TI  - Cardiac failure as an unusual presentation in a patient with history of
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most well-known form of motor neuron
      diseases in which both upper and lower motor neurons are involved in this
      disease. We presented an unusual case of ALS whom had presented with chief
      complaint of dyspnea. Cardiac failure was diagnosed at the final stage of the ALS
      disease. The pathogenetic mechanism leading to an elevated occurrence of
      cardiomyopathy in ALS is not comprehensible. Dilated cardiomyopathy has been
      explained in some previous studies. Based on the collected data, it was
      hypothesized that cardiomyopathy is underdiagnosed in the ALS population,
      probably because symptoms are masqueraded as a result of the patients'
      disability. It was suggested that in all motor neuron diseases a serial
      cardiological evaluation should be executed, including annual echocardiography. 

PMID- 25133002
TI  - Carcinoma buccal mucosa underlying a giant cutaneous horn: a case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Cutaneous horn is a conical, dense, and hyperkeratotic protrusion that often
      appears similar to the horn of an animal. Giant cutaneous horns are rare; no
      incidence or prevalence has been reported. The significance of cutaneous horns is
      that they occur in association with, or as a response to, a wide variety of
      underlying benign, premalignant, and malignant cutaneous diseases. A case of
      giant cutaneous horn of left oral commissure along with carcinoma left buccal
      mucosa is reported here as an extremely rare oral/perioral pathology. 

PMID- 25133004
TI  - Primary renal angiosarcoma with extensive necrosis: a difficult diagnosis.
AB  - Angiosarcoma of the kidney is an exceedingly rare and aggressive neoplasm. Very
      few cases have been reported in the English literature to date. We report a case
      of primary renal angiosarcoma with extensive necrosis and discuss its diagnostic
      difficulties. An 86-year-old male presented with a 12 cm necrotic renal mass and
      multiple pulmonary and hepatic nodules. A CT guided renal biopsy revealed
      extensive necrosis and few vascular channels lined by malignant endothelial
      cells. Diagnosis was given on a morphologic base and proven by an
      immunohistochemical study. Primary renal angiosarcoma should be included among
      the differential diagnosis of necrotic renal lesions. 

PMID- 25133003
TI  - Thyroid-like follicular carcinoma of the kidney in a young patient with history
      of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Thyroid-like follicular carcinoma of the kidney (TLFCK) is a rare histological
      variant of renal cell carcinoma not currently included in the World Health
      Organization classification of renal tumors. Only 24 previous cases of TLFCK have
      been reported to date. We report a case of TLFCK in a 19-year-old woman with
      history of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This patient is the youngest
      with TLFCK to be reported to date and the first with history of lymphoblastic
      leukemia. The development of TLFCK in a young patient with history of
      lymphoblastic leukemia is interesting and suggests that genes involved in
      leukemogenesis may also be important for TLFCK pathogenesis. Recognition of TLFCK
      is important to distinguish it from other conditions that show thyroid-like
      features, as a misdiagnosis can result in adverse patient care. 

PMID- 25133005
TI  - Primary hairy cell leukemia/lymphoma of the breast: a case report and review of
      the literature.
AB  - Hairy cell leukemia/lymphoma (HCL) is a rare B-cell neoplasm primarily involving
      spleen, bone marrow, and blood. However, other sites of primary involvement do
      occur and can present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present an
      unusual case of HCL involving predominantly the breast that was diagnosed as an
      incidental finding during an elective reduction mammoplasty in an otherwise
      healthy asymptomatic woman. Bone marrow performed for staging revealed limited
      involvement by HCL. Notably, there was no splenomegaly and/or involvement of
      other extramedullary sites. The peripheral blood revealed minimal involvement
      detected by flow cytometry. Extensive immunohistochemical studies supported by
      positive BRAF V600E mutational status confirmed the diagnosis of HCL. The patient
      remains asymptomatic without treatment one year following the diagnosis. This is
      the first case of a well-documented HCL presenting primarily in the breast in an
      asymptomatic patient. We review the literature on extramedullary, extrasplenic
      involvement by HCL and discuss the diagnostic challenges as well as the utility
      of immunohistochemistry and molecular studies in the diagnosis of atypical
      presentations of HCL. 

PMID- 25133006
TI  - MRI in diagnosis of a giant prostatic utricle.
AB  - A prostatic utricle cyst is an epithelial lined diverticulum arising from the
      prostatic urethra and usually asymptomatic when small. When enlarged, it may be
      symptomatic and is typically accompanied by hypospadias. We present a case of a
      markedly enlarged prostatic utricle in a neonate without hypospadias,
      demonstrated on voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), ultrasound, and 1.5 Tesla MRI.

PMID- 25133007
TI  - Digital vasculitis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis responded well to
      adalimumab.
AB  - 42-year-old old female patient, followed up with diagnosis of rheumatoid
      arthritis for 15 years, was admitted with necrotising ulcer of left hand 1st and
      2nd fingertips and pain, swelling, limitation of movement, and morning stiffness
      at bilateral wrist, and metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints.
      Laboratory tests revealed elevated acute phase reactants. Radial and ulnar
      arteries were clear in upper extremity Doppler ultrasound. The patient was
      diagnosed as RA activation and digital ulcer and administered iloprost infusion
      for five days and 1 mg/kg corticosteroid and 20 mg/week methotrexate (MTX). After
      one month, a partial regression of clinical and laboratory findings was observed.
      However, 6 months later, due to relapsed and increased complaints and findings,
      adalimumab 40 mg was administered. Two months later, clinical and laboratory
      findings apparently decreased. 

PMID- 25133009
TI  - Concomitant urothelial cancer and renal tuberculosis.
AB  - We report a case of coexisting urothelial cancer and renal tuberculosis in the
      same kidney. The patient is a 72-year-old female with a remote history of treated
      pulmonary tuberculosis who presented with haematuria, initial investigation of
      which elucidated no definitive cause. Almost 1 year later, a diagnosis of
      metastatic urinary tract cancer was made. The patient received chemotherapy for
      advanced collecting duct type renal cell carcinoma, based on histological
      features of renal biopsy. Subsequent confirmatory immunostains however led to a
      revised diagnosis of urothelial cancer, necessitating a change in chemotherapy
      regimen. A diagnosis of ipsilateral renal tuberculosis was made based on TB-PCR
      testing of renal biopsy tissue and anti-TB therapy was coadministered with
      chemotherapy. The patient died 9 months after diagnosis of metastatic urothelial
      cancer. 

PMID- 25133008
TI  - Achalasia Secondary to Submucosal Invasion by Poorly Differentiated
      Adenocarcinoma of the Cardia, Siewert II: Consideration on Preoperative Workup.
AB  - Secondary achalasia due to submucosal invasion of cardia by gastric cancer is a
      rare condition. We report a case of pseudoachalasia, secondary to the involvement
      of gastroesophageal junction by poorly differentiated gastric cancer, initially
      mistaken as idiopathic form. We focus on the difficulty to establish differential
      diagnosis only on the basis of routine exams and we stress the necessity of
      "second level" instrumental exams; EUS in routine workup in selected patients
      should be considered. We support that routine workup based on history, clinical
      presentation, radiological and endoscopic findings, and certainly manometry could
      be insufficient for a correct differential diagnosis between primary and
      secondary forms in some patients. 

PMID- 25133010
TI  - Bridging endovascular therapy and subsequent surgical repair for the treatment of
      infected aneurysms after percutaneous cardiac intervention.
AB  - Bridging endovascular therapy, accompanied by a second stage open surgical repair
      was used to treat a rare case of infected aneurysms alongside external iliac
      artery after a percutaneous cardiac intervention. Because these aneurysms require
      early treatment, we suggest this approach, in order to avoid immediate, major
      surgery in a recently symptomatic cardiac and bacteremic patient receiving dual
      antiplatelet therapy. The approach seems to be safe and durable. 

PMID- 25133011
TI  - Poststroke muscle architectural parameters of the tibialis anterior and the
      potential implications for rehabilitation of foot drop.
AB  - Poststroke dorsiflexor weakness and paretic limb foot drop increase the risk of
      stumbling and falling and decrease overall functional mobility. It is of interest
      whether dorsiflexor muscle weakness is primarily neurological in origin or
      whether morphological differences also contribute to the impairment. Ten
      poststroke hemiparetic individuals were imaged bilaterally using noninvasive
      medical imaging techniques. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to identify
      changes in tibialis anterior muscle volume and muscle belly length.
      Ultrasonography was used to measure fascicle length and pennation angle in a
      neutral position. We found no clinically meaningful bilateral differences in any
      architectural parameter across all subjects, which indicates that these subjects
      have the muscular capacity to dorsiflex their foot. Therefore, poststroke
      dorsiflexor weakness is primarily neural in origin and likely due to muscle
      activation failure or increased spasticity of the plantar flexors. The current
      finding suggests that electrical stimulation methods or additional neuromuscular
      retraining may be more beneficial than targeting muscle strength (i.e.,
      increasing muscle mass). 

PMID- 25133013
TI  - Prevalence of bla NDM, bla PER, bla VEB, bla IMP, and bla VIM Genes among
      Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Two Hospitals of Tehran, Iran.
AB  - Background and Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency
      of bla NDM, bla PER, bla VEB, bla IMP, and bla VIM type genes among A. baumannii
      isolates from hospitalized patients in two hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Patients
      and Methods. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed by Kirby-Bauer disc
      diffusion and Broth microdilution methods. The frequency of MBL (metallo-beta
      lactamase) and ESBL (extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase) producers was evaluated by
      CDDT. The beta -lactamases genes were detected by PCR and sequencing methods.
      Results. The resistance of A. baumannii isolates against tested antibiotics was
      as follows: 103 (95.4%) to ceftazidime, 108 (100%) to cefotaxime, 105 (95.7%) to
      cefepime, 99 (91.7%) to imipenem, 99 (91.7%) to meropenem, 87 (80.6%) to
      amikacin, 105 (97.2%) to piperacillin, 100 (92.6%) to ciprofloxacin, 103 (95.4%)
      to piperacillin/tazobactam, 44 (40.7%) to gentamicin, 106 (98.1%) to
      ampicillin/sulbactam, 106 (98.1%) to co-trimoxazole, 87 (80.6%) to tetracycline,
      and 1 (1.8%) to colistin. Using combined disk diffusion test, 91 (84.2%) and 86
      (86.86%) were ESBL and MBL producers, respectively. The prevalence of bla PER-1,
      bla VEB-1, bla IMP-1, and bla VIM-1 genes was 71 (78.03%), 36 (39.5%), 3 (3.48%),
      and 15 (17.44%), respectively. Conclusions. The prevalence of ESBLs and MBLs
      producing A. baumannii strains detected in this study is a major concern and
      highlights the need of infection control measures. 

PMID- 25133012
TI  - Claw lesions causing clinical lameness in lactating holstein frisian crossbred
      cows.
AB  - The objective of this study was to identify claw lesions causing clinical
      lameness in lactating Holstein Frisian (HF) crossbred cows in dairy cattle.
      Seventy dairy farmers were interviewed at the monthly meetings of Progressive
      Dairy Farmers Association of Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Ten dairy farms were
      randomly selected as per probability proportional to size and a total of 450
      lactating HF crossbred cows were taken into the study. All the lactating cows
      were scored for locomotion and rear leg view index. Trimming was done in all the
      clinically lame animals (animals with locomotion scores 2 and 3) and equal number
      of animals selected randomly from those with locomotion scores 0 and 1. Various
      claw lesions were evaluated in both the groups. There was a significant
      relationship between locomotion score and rear leg view index to identify
      lameness. Sole ulcers and white line fissures were the lesions responsible for
      clinical lameness. Other lesions did not cause clinical lameness but increased
      the asymmetry in lactating HF crossbred cows. Both locomotion score and rear leg
      view index could be reliably used to identify clinical lameness in lactating
      cattle. 

PMID- 25133014
TI  - Detection of circulating tumor cells.
AB  - The increasing number of treatment options for patients with metastatic
      carcinomas has created an accompanying need for methods to determine if the tumor
      will be responsive to the intended therapy and to monitor its effectiveness.
      Ideally, these methods would be noninvasive and provide quantitative real-time
      analysis of tumor activity in a variety of carcinomas. Assessment of circulating
      tumor cells shed into the blood during metastasis may satisfy this need. Here we
      review the CellSearch technology used for the detection of circulating tumor
      cells and discuss potential future directions for improvements. 

PMID- 25133015
TI  - Biofilms and Helicobacter pylori: Dissemination and persistence within the
      environment and host.
AB  - The presence of viable Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the environment is
      considered to contribute to the levels of H. pylori found in the human
      population, which also aids to increase its genetic variability and its
      environmental adaptability and persistence. H. pylori form biofilms both within
      the in vitro and in vivo environment. This represents an important attribute that
      assists the survival of this bacterium within environments that are both hostile
      and adverse to proliferation. It is the aim of this paper to review the ability
      of H. pylori to form biofilms in vivo and in vitro and to address the inherent
      mechanisms considered to significantly enhance its persistence within the host
      and in external environments. Furthermore, the dissemination of H. pylori in the
      external environment and within the human body and its impact upon infection
      control will be discussed. 

PMID- 25133016
TI  - Role of Toll-like receptors in Helicobacter pylori infection and immunity.
AB  - The gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects the stomachs
      of approximately half of the world's population. Although infection induces an
      immune response that contributes to chronic gastric inflammation, the response is
      not sufficient to eliminate the bacterium. H. pylori infection causes peptic
      ulcers, gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Disease
      outcome is linked to the severity of the host inflammatory response. Gastric
      epithelial cells represent the first line of innate immune defence against H.
      pylori, and respond to infection by initiating numerous cell signalling cascades,
      resulting in cytokine induction and the subsequent recruitment of inflammatory
      cells to the gastric mucosa. Pathogen recognition receptors of the Toll-like
      receptor (TLR) family mediate many of these cell signalling events. This review
      discusses recent findings on the role of various TLRs in the recognition of H.
      pylori in distinct cell types, describes the TLRs responsible for the recognition
      of individual H. pylori components and outlines the influence of innate immune
      activation on the subsequent development of the adaptive immune response. The
      mechanistic identification of host mediators of H. pylori-induced pathogenesis
      has the potential to reveal drug targets and opportunities for therapeutic
      intervention or prevention of H. pylori-associated disease by means of vaccines
      or immunomodulatory therapy. 

PMID- 25133017
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of alcohol associated pancreatitis.
AB  - Alcohol abuse is commonly associated with the development of both acute and
      chronic pancreatitis. Despite this close association, the fact that only a small
      percentage of human beings who abuse alcohol develop pancreatitis indicates that
      alcohol abuse alone is not sufficient to initiate clinical pancreatitis. This
      contention is further supported by the fact that administration of ethanol to
      experimental animals does not cause pancreatitis. Because of these findings, it
      is widely believed that ethanol sensitizes the pancreas to injury and additional
      factors trigger the development of overt pancreatitis. How ethanol sensitizes the
      pancreas to pancreatitis is not entirely known. Numerous studies have
      demonstrated that ethanol and its metabolites have a number of deleterious
      effects on acinar cells. Important acinar cells properties that are affected by
      ethanol include: calcium signaling, secretion of zymogens, autophagy, cellular
      regeneration, the unfolded protein response, and mitochondrial membrane
      integrity. In addition to the actions of ethanol on acinar cells, it is apparent
      that ethanol also affects pancreatic stellate cells. Pancreatic stellate cells
      have a critical role in normal tissue repair and the pathologic fibrotic
      response. Given that ethanol and its metabolites affect so many pancreatic
      functions, and that all of these effects occur simultaneously, it is likely that
      none of these effects is "THE" effect. Instead, it is most likely that the
      cumulative effect of ethanol on the pancreas predisposes the organ to
      pancreatitis. The focus of this article is to highlight some of the important
      mechanisms by which ethanol alters pancreatic functions and may predispose the
      pancreas to disease. 

PMID- 25133018
TI  - Early phase of acute pancreatitis: Assessment and management.
AB  - Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a potentially life-threatening disease with a wide
      spectrum of severity. The overall mortality of AP is approximately 5%. According
      to the revised Atlanta classification system, AP can be classified as mild,
      moderate, or severe. Severe AP often takes a clinical course with two phases, an
      early and a late phase, which should both be considered separately. In this
      review article, we first discuss general aspects of AP, including incidence,
      pathophysiology, etiology, and grading of severity, then focus on the assessment
      of patients with suspected AP, including diagnosis and risk stratification,
      followed by the management of AP during the early phase, with special emphasis on
      fluid therapy, pain management, nutrition, and antibiotic prophylaxis. 

PMID- 25133019
TI  - Potential role of NADPH oxidase in pathogenesis of pancreatitis.
AB  - Studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are closely related
      to inflammatory disorders. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase
      (NOX), originally found in phagocytes, is the main source of ROS in nonphagocytic
      cells. Besides directly producing the detrimental highly reactive ROS to act on
      biomolecules (lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids), NOX can also activate
      multiple signal transduction pathways, which regulate cell growth, proliferation,
      differentiation and apoptosis by producing ROS. Recently, research on pancreatic
      NOX is no longer limited to inflammatory cells, but extends to the aspect of
      pancreatic acinar cells and pancreatic stellate cells, which are considered to be
      potentially associated with pancreatitis. In this review, we summarize the
      literature on NOX protein structure, activation, function and its role in the
      pathogenesis of pancreatitis. 

PMID- 25133020
TI  - Barrett's oesophagus: Evidence from the current meta-analyses.
AB  - Guidelines have been published regarding the management of Barrett's oesophagus
      (columnar-lined oesophagus). These have examined the role of surveillance in an
      effort to detect dysplasia and early cancer. The guidelines have provided
      criteria for enrolment into surveillance and some risk stratification with regard
      to surveillance interval. The research basis for the decisions reached with
      regard to cancer risk is weak and this manuscript has examined the available data
      published from meta-analyses up to 25(th) April 2013 (much of which has been
      published since the guidelines and their most recent updates have been written).
      There were 9 meta-analyses comparing patients with Barrett's oesophagus to
      control populations. These have demonstrated that Barrett's oesophagus is more
      common in males than females, in subjects who have ever smoked, in subjects with
      obesity, in subjects with prolonged symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux
      disease, in subjects who do not have infection with Helicobacter pylori and in
      subjects with hiatus hernia. These findings should inform public health measures
      in reducing the risk of Barrett's oesophagus and subsequent surveillance burden
      and cancer risk. There were 8 meta-analyses comparing different groups of
      patients with Barrett's oesophagus with regard to cancer risk. These have
      demonstrated that there was no statistically significant benefit of antireflux
      surgery over medical therapy, that endoscopic ablative therapy was effective in
      reducing cancer risk that there was similar cancer risk in patients with
      Barrett's oesophagus independent of geographic origin, that the adenocarcinoma
      incidence in males is twice the rate in females, that the cancer risk in long
      segment disease showed a trend to be higher than in short segment disease, that
      there was a trend for higher cancer risk in low-grade dysplasia over non
      dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus, that there is a lower risk in patients with
      Helicobacter pylori infection and that there is a significant protective effect
      of aspirin and statins. There were no meta-analyses examining the role of
      intestinal metaplasia. These results demonstrate that guidance regarding
      surveillance based on the presence of intestinal metaplasia, segment length and
      the presence of low-grade dysplasia has a weak basis, and further consideration
      should be given to gender and helicobacter status, ablation of the metaplastic
      segment as well as the chemoprotective role of aspirin and statins. 

PMID- 25133021
TI  - Review to better understand the macroscopic subtypes and histogenesis of
      intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is macroscopically classified into three
      subtypes, mass-forming-type, periductal infiltrating-type, and intraductal growth
      type. Each subtype should be preoperatively differentiated to perform the valid
      surgical resection. Recent researches have revealed the clinical, radiologic,
      pathobiological characteristics of each subtype. We reviewed recently published
      studies covering various aspects of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC),
      focusing especially on the macroscopic subtypes and stem cell features to better
      understand the pathophysiology of ICC and to establish the valid therapeutic
      strategy. 

PMID- 25133022
TI  - Laparoscopic surgery in the management of Crohn's disease.
AB  - Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with surgery still
      frequently necessary in its treatment. Since the 1990's, laparoscopic surgery has
      become increasingly common for primary resections in patients with Crohn's
      disease and has now become the standard of care. Studies have shown no difference
      in recurrence rates when compared to open surgery and benefits include shorter
      hospital stay, lower rates of wound infection and decreased time to bowel
      function. This review highlights studies comparing the laparoscopic approach to
      the open approach in specific situations, including cases of complicated Crohn's
      disease. 

PMID- 25133023
TI  - Pathophysiology of fistula formation in Crohn's disease.
AB  - Fistulae represent an important complication in patient suffering from Crohn's
      disease (CD). Cumulative incidence of fistula formation in CD patients is 17%-50%
      and about one third of patients suffer from recurring fistulae formation. Medical
      treatment options often fail and also surgery frequently is not successful.
      Available data indicate that CD-associated fistulae originate from an epithelial
      defect that may be caused by ongoing inflammation. Having undergone epithelial to
      mesenchymal transition (EMT), intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) penetrate into
      deeper layers of the mucosa and the gut wall causing localized tissue damage
      formation of a tube like structure and finally a connection to other organs or
      the body surface. EMT of IEC may be initially aimed to improve wound repair
      mechanisms since "conventional" wound healing mechanisms, such as migration of
      fibroblasts, are impaired in CD patients. EMT also enhances activation of matrix
      remodelling enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-9 causing
      further tissue damage and inflammation. Finally, soluble mediators like TNF and
      interleukin-13 further induce their own expression in an autocrine manner and
      enhance expression of molecules associated with cell invasiveness aggravating the
      process. Additionally, pathogen-associated molecular patterns also seem to play a
      role for induction of EMT and fistula development. Though current knowledge
      suggests a number of therapeutic options, new and more effective therapeutic
      approaches are urgently needed for patients suffering from CD-associated
      fistulae. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of fistula formation,
      however, is a prerequisite for the development of more efficacious medical anti
      fistula treatments. 

PMID- 25133024
TI  - Escherichia coli in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases: An update on adherent
      invasive Escherichia coli pathogenicity.
AB  - Escherichia coli (E. coli), and particularly the adherent invasive E. coli (AIEC)
      pathotype, has been increasingly implicated in the ethiopathogenesis of Crohn's
      disease (CD). E. coli strains with similar pathogenic features to AIEC have been
      associated with other intestinal disorders such as ulcerative colitis, colorectal
      cancer, and coeliac disease, but AIEC prevalence in these diseases remains
      largely unexplored. Since AIEC was described one decade ago, substantial progress
      has been made in deciphering its mechanisms of pathogenicity. However, the
      molecular bases that characterize the phenotypic properties of this pathotype are
      still not well resolved. A review of studies focused on E. coli populations in
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is presented here and we discuss about the
      putative role of this species on each IBD subtype. Given the relevance of AIEC in
      CD pathogenesis, we present the latest research findings concerning AIEC host
      microbe interactions and pathogenicity. We also review the existing data
      regarding the prevalence and abundance of AIEC in CD and its association with
      other intestinal diseases from humans and animals, in order to discuss the AIEC
      disease- and host-specificity. Finally, we highlight the fact that dietary
      components frequently found in industrialized countries may enhance AIEC
      colonization in the gut, which merits further investigation and the
      implementation of preventative measures. 

PMID- 25133025
TI  - Similarities and differences between Behcet's disease and Crohn's disease.
AB  - Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory condition with multisystem
      involvement. Approximately 10%-15% of patients present with gastrointestinal
      involvement. Involved sites and the endoscopic view usually resemble Crohn's
      disease (CD). In addition to intestinal involvement, oral mucosa, the eyes, skin,
      and joints are commonly affected. No pathognomonic laboratory test is available
      for the diagnosis of either disease. Management approaches are also similar in
      various aspects. Differentiating BD from CD is highly challenging. In this
      article, the similarities and differences between BD and CD in terms of
      epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical and imaging findings, and
      histopathological and therapeutic approaches are reviewed. 

PMID- 25133027
TI  - Pancreatitis-imaging approach.
AB  - Pancreatitis is defined as the inflammation of the pancreas and considered the
      most common pancreatic disease in children and adults. Imaging plays a
      significant role in the diagnosis, severity assessment, recognition of
      complications and guiding therapeutic interventions. In the setting of
      pancreatitis, wider availability and good image quality make multi-detector
      contrast-enhanced computed tomography (MD-CECT) the most used imaging technique.
      However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers diagnostic capabilities similar
      to those of CT, with additional intrinsic advantages including lack of ionizing
      radiation and exquisite soft tissue characterization. This article reviews the
      proposed definitions of revised Atlanta classification for acute pancreatitis,
      illustrates a wide range of morphologic pancreatic parenchymal and associated
      peripancreatic changes for different types of acute pancreatitis. It also
      describes the spectrum of early and late chronic pancreatitis imaging findings
      and illustrates some of the less common types of chronic pancreatitis, with
      special emphasis on the role of CT and MRI. 

PMID- 25133026
TI  - Multidisciplinary and evidence-based management of fistulizing perianal Crohn's
      disease.
AB  - Perianal symptoms are common in patients with Crohn's disease and cause
      considerable morbidity. The etiology of these symptoms include skin tags, ulcers,
      fissures, abscesses, fistulas or stenoses. Fistula is the most common perianal
      manifestation. Multiple treatment options exist although very few are evidence
      based. The phases of treatment include: drainage of infection, assessment of
      Crohn's disease status and fistula tracts, medical therapy, and selective
      operative management. The impact of biological therapy on perianal Crohn's
      disease is uncertain given that outcomes are conflicting. Operative treatment to
      eradicate the fistula tract can be attempted once infection has resolved and
      Crohn's disease activity is controlled. The operative approach should be tailored
      according to the anatomy of the fistula tract. Definitive treatment is
      challenging with medical and operative treatment rarely leading to true healing
      with frequent complications and recurrence. Treatment success must be weighed
      against the risk of complications, specially anal sphincter injury. A full
      understanding of the etiology and all potential therapeutic options is critical
      for success. Multidisciplinary management of fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease
      is crucial to improve outcomes. 

PMID- 25133029
TI  - Role of hemostatic powders in the endoscopic management of gastrointestinal
      bleeding.
AB  - Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (AGIB) is a prevalent condition with significant
      influence on healthcare costs. Endoscopy is essential for the management of AGIB
      with a pivotal role in diagnosis, risk stratification and management. Recently,
      hemostatic powders have been added to our endoscopic armamentarium to treat
      gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. These substances are intended to control active
      bleeding by delivering a powdered product over the bleeding site that forms a
      solid matrix with a tamponade function. Local activation of platelet aggregation
      and coagulation cascade may be also boosted. There are currently three powders
      commercially available: hemostatic agent TC-325 (Hemospray((r))), EndoClotTM
      polysaccharide hemostatic system, and Ankaferd Bloodstopper((r)). Although the
      available evidence is based on short series of cases and there is no randomized
      controlled trial yet, these powders seem to be effective in controlling GI
      bleeding from a variety of origins with a very favorable side effects profile.
      They can be used either as a primary therapy or a second-line treatment, and they
      seem to be especially indicated in cases of cancer-related bleeding and lesions
      with difficult access. In this review, we will comment on the mechanism of
      action, efficacy, safety and technical challenges of the use of powders in
      several clinical scenarios and we will try to define the main current indications
      of use and propose new lines of research in this area. 

PMID- 25133028
TI  - New insights to occult gastrointestinal bleeding: From pathophysiology to
      therapeutics.
AB  - Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is still a clinical challenge for
      gastroenterologists. The recent development of novel technologies for the
      diagnosis and treatment of different bleeding causes has allowed a better
      management of patients, but it also determines the need of a deeper comprehension
      of pathophysiology and the analysis of local expertise in order to develop a
      rational management algorithm. Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding can be divided
      in occult, when a positive occult blood fecal test is the main manifestation, and
      overt, when external sings of bleeding are visible. In this paper we are going to
      focus on overt gastrointestinal bleeding, describing the physiopathology of the
      most usual causes, analyzing the diagnostic procedures available, from the most
      classical to the novel ones, and establishing a standard algorithm which can be
      adapted depending on the local expertise or availability. Finally, we will review
      the main therapeutic options for this complex and not so uncommon clinical
      problem. 

PMID- 25133030
TI  - Predictors of response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in ulcerative
      colitis.
AB  - Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-mediated, chronic inflammatory disease of
      the large intestine. Its course is characterized by flares of acute inflammation
      and periods of low-grade chronic inflammatory activity or remission. Monoclonal
      antibodies against tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) are part of the therapeutic
      armamentarium and are used in cases of moderate to severe UC that is refractory
      to conventional treatment with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants.
      Therapeutic response to these agents is not uniform and a large percentage of
      patients either fail to improve (primary non-response) or lose response after a
      period of improvement (secondary non-response/loss of response). In addition, the
      use of anti-TNF agents has been related to uncommon but potentially serious
      adverse effects that preclude their administration or lead to their
      discontinuation. Finally, use of these medications is associated with a
      considerable cost for the health system. The identification of parameters that
      may predict response to anti-TNF drugs in UC would help to better select for
      patients with a high probability to respond and minimize risk and costs for those
      who will not respond. Analysis of the major clinical trials and the accumulated
      experience with the use of anti-TNF drugs in UC has resulted to the report of
      such prognostic factors. Included are clinical and epidemiological
      characteristics, laboratory markers, endoscopic indicators and molecular
      (immunological/genetic) signatures. Such predictive parameters of long-term
      outcomes may either be present at the commencement of treatment or determined
      during the early period of therapy. Validation of these prognostic markers in
      large cohorts of patients with variable characteristics will facilitate their
      introduction into clinical practice and the best selection of UC patients who
      will benefit from anti-TNF therapy. 

PMID- 25133032
TI  - Current status of predictive biomarkers for neoadjuvant therapy in esophageal
      cancer.
AB  - Neoadjuvant therapy has been proven to be extremely valuable and is widely used
      for advanced esophageal cancer. However, a significant proportion of treated
      patients (60%-70%) does not respond well to neoadjuvant treatments and develop
      severe adverse effects. Therefore, predictive markers for individualization of
      multimodality treatments are urgently needed in esophageal cancer. Recently,
      molecular biomarkers that predict the response to neoadjuvant therapy have been
      explored in multimodal approaches in esophageal cancer and successful examples of
      biomarker identification have been reported. In this review, promising candidates
      for predictive molecular biomarkers developed by using multiple molecular
      approaches are reviewed. Moreover, treatment strategies based on the status of
      predicted biomarkers are discussed, while considering the international
      differences in the clinical background. However, in the absence of adequate
      treatment options related to the results of the biomarker test, the usefulness of
      these diagnostic tools is limited and new effective therapies for biomarker
      identified nonresponders to cancer treatment should be concurrent with the
      progress of predictive technologies. Further improvement in the prognosis of
      esophageal cancer patients can be achieved through the introduction of novel
      therapeutic approaches in clinical practice. 

PMID- 25133033
TI  - Epidemiological studies of esophageal cancer in the era of genome-wide
      association studies.
AB  - Esophageal cancer (EC) caused about 395000 deaths in 2010. China has the most
      cases of EC and EC is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in China.
      Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant histologic type (90%
      95%), while the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) remains extremely
      low in China. Traditional epidemiological studies have revealed that
      environmental carcinogens are risk factors for EC. Molecular epidemiological
      studies revealed that susceptibility to EC is influenced by both environmental
      and genetic risk factors. Of all the risk factors for EC, some are associated
      with the risk of ESCC and others with the risk of EAC. However, the details and
      mechanisms of risk factors involved in the process for EC are unclear. The
      advanced methods and techniques used in human genome studies bring a great
      opportunity for researchers to explore and identify the details of those risk
      factors or susceptibility genes involved in the process of EC. Human genome
      epidemiology is a new branch of epidemiology, which leads the epidemiology study
      from the molecular epidemiology era to the era of genome wide association studies
      (GWAS). Here we review the epidemiological studies of EC (especially ESCC) in the
      era of GWAS, and provide an overview of the general risk factors and those
      genomic variants (genes, SNPs, miRNAs, proteins) involved in the process of ESCC.

PMID- 25133031
TI  - Genetic update on inflammatory factors in ulcerative colitis: Review of the
      current literature.
AB  - Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the main types of inflammatory bowel disease,
      which is caused by dysregulated immune responses in genetically predisposed
      individuals. Several genetic factors, including interleukin and interleukin
      receptor gene polymorphisms and other inflammation-related genes play central
      role in mediating and modulating the inflammation in the human body, thereby
      these can be the main cause of development of the disease. It is clear these data
      are very important for understanding the base of the disease, especially in terms
      of clinical utility and validity, but summarized literature is exiguous for
      challenge health specialist that can used in the clinical practice nowadays. This
      review summarizes the current literature on inflammation-related genetic
      polymorphisms which are associated with UC. We performed an electronic search of
      Pubmed Database among publications of the last 10 years, using the following
      medical subject heading terms: UC, ulcerative colitis, inflammation, genes,
      polymorphisms, and susceptibility. 

PMID- 25133035
TI  - Helicobacter pylori as a risk factor for central serous chorioretinopathy:
      Literature review.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a Gram-negative bacterium, is one of the most
      frequent causes of gastrointestinal infections worldwide. It has been associated
      as a pathogen for the human body with many systemic diseases, including different
      eye diseases. We will focus on a specific eye disease called idiopathic central
      serous chorioretinopathy (ICSCR). This disease is characterized by a serous
      detachment of the neurosensory retina in the macular region, which affects the
      vision to different degrees. Currently, the pathophysiology of ICSCR is not clear
      and there is no effective treatment. However, several potential risk factors have
      been elucidated. One of the factors that has more frequently been associated with
      ICSCR is stress. As H. pylori was identified as a possible etiological factor for
      occlusive arterial diseases in young people who were particularly stressed, it
      was thought that H. pylori might also be present in ICSCR. Therefore, some
      physicians started to test its presence in patents with ICSCR. If H. pylori
      happened to be associated with ICSCR, the treatment of gastrointestinal infection
      could also improve visual symptoms and help to remediate this eye disease.
      Although H. pylori is highly prevalent in the general population, a true
      correlation seems to exist. We present a review on the relationship between ICSCR
      and H. pylori. 

PMID- 25133034
TI  - Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: Current therapy.
AB  - Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, which is a rare primary malignancy, originates from
      the epithelial cells of the bile duct. Usually invading the periductal tissues
      and the lymph nodes, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is commonly diagnosed in the
      advanced stage of the disease and has a dismal prognosis. Currently, complete
      hepatectomy is the primary therapy for curing this disease. Perioperative
      assessment and available surgical procedures can be considered for achieving a
      negative margin resection, which is associated with long-term survival and better
      quality of life. For patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, several
      palliative treatments have been demonstrated to produce a better outcome; and
      liver transplantation for selected patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is
      promising and desirable. However, the role of palliative treatments and liver
      transplantation was controversial and requires more evidence and substantial
      validity from multiple institutions. In this article, we summarize the data from
      multiple institutions and discuss the resectability, mortality, morbidity and
      outcome with different approaches. 

PMID- 25133036
TI  - Risk of cardiovascular disease in inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Abundant scientific evidence supporting an association between inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD) and venous thromboembolic events, caused by an IBD related
      hypercoagulability, is acknowledged and thromboprophylactic treatment strategies
      are now implemented in the management of IBD patients. In contrary, the risk of
      arterial thromboembolic disease, as ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular
      events, and mesenteric ischemia in patients with IBD remains uncertain and the
      magnitude of a potentially increased risk is continuously debated, with ambiguous
      risk estimates among studies. The evident role of inflammation in the
      pathogenesis of atherosclerosis forms the basis of a biological plausible link;
      the chronic systemic inflammation in IBD patients increases the risk of
      atherosclerosis and thereby the risk of thrombotic events. Further, studies have
      shown that the burden of traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as
      obesity, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia is lower in IBD populations, thus
      further strengthen the role of non-traditional risk factors, as chronic
      inflammation in the linking of the two disease entities. Likewise, mortality from
      cardiovascular disease in IBD remains questioned. The aim of the current review
      is to give an up-date on the existing evidence of the possible association
      between IBD and cardiovascular disease and to discuss traditional and non
      traditional risk factors. 

PMID- 25133037
TI  - Cancer stem cells in Helicobacter pylori infection and aging: Implications for
      gastric carcinogenesis.
AB  - AIM: To demonstrated the combined effects of aging and carcinogen treatment on
      cancer stem/stem-like cells (CSCs) of gastric mucosa in an animal model. METHODS:
      In this study we investigated the effects of aging and Helicobacter pylori (H.
      pylori) inflammation as a model for inflammation induced carcinogenesis in human
      and rat gastric mucosa samples. In aging studies, we compared 4-mo old (young)
      with 22 mo (aged) old Fischer-344 rats. For human studies, gastric biopsies and
      resection specimens representing normal mucosa or different stages of H. pylori
      gastritis and gastric adenocarcinomas were used for determining the expression of
      stem cell markers CD166, ALDH1 and LGR5. In addition we performed
      immunofluorescent double labeling for B-catenin and Lgr5 in both rat and human
      gastric tissues to examine the status of Wnt signaling in these cells. RESULTS:
      CSC markers ALDH1, LGR5, and CD166 were expressed in very low levels in normal
      human gastric mucosa or young rat gastric mucosa. In contrast, level of
      expression for all three markers significantly increased in H. pylori gastritis
      and gastric adenocarcinomas as well as in normal gastric mucosa in aged rats. We
      also observed cytoplasmic B-catenin staining in both aged rat and human H. pylori
      inflamed gastric mucosa, which were found to be colocalized with Lgr5
      immunoreactive cells. The increased number of ALDH1, CD166 and LGR5 positive
      cells in H. pylori gastritis indicates that increased number of stem-like cells
      in gastric mucosa is an early event, and may constitute an important step in the
      progression to neoplasia. CONCLUSION: Our observation of the age-related increase
      in cancer stem/stem-like cells in the gastric mucosa may explain the increased
      incidence of gastric cancer during aging. Combination of aging and H. pylori
      infection may have additive effects in progression to neoplasia.

PMID- 25133038
TI  - Oxidative and nitrosative stress enzymes in relation to nitrotyrosine in
      Helicobacter pylori-infected humans.
AB  - AIM: To compare a possible relation between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and
      the oxygen- and nitrogen radical system in humans. METHODS: Mechanisms for H.
      pylori to interfere with the oxygen and nitrogen radical system is of great
      importance for understanding of the H. pylori persistence and pathogenesis.
      Biopsies were obtained from the gastric wall of 21 individuals. Ongoing infection
      with H. pylori was detected using direct analyze from the biopsies using
      campylobacter-like organism test (CLO-test) and/or by using (14)C-urea breath
      test. The individuals were divided in a negative H. pylori and a positive H.
      pylori group. Expression in the gastric mucosa of inducible nitric oxide syntase
      (iNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase (NADPH-oxidase)
      myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitrotyrosine were assessed by Western blotting.
      RESULTS: The individuals who undervent gastroscopy were divided in a H. pylori
      neg. [n = 13, m/f = 7/6, age (mean) = 39] and a H. pylori pos. group [n= 8, m/f =
      5/3, age (mean) = 53]. Using western blot analysis iNOS was detected as a 130 kDa
      band. The iNOS expression was upregulated in the antrum of H. pylori infected
      individuals in comparison to the controls, mean +/- SD being 12.6 +/- 2.4 vs 8.3
      +/- 3.1, P < 0.01. There was a markedly upregulated expression of MPO in the
      antrum of H. pylori infected individuals in comparison to the control group
      without infection. In several of non-infected controls it was not possible to
      detect any MPO expression at all, whereas the expression was high in all the
      infected subjects, mean +/- SD being 5.1 +/- 3.4 vs 2.1 +/- 1.9, P < 0.05. The
      NADPH-oxidase expression was analysed by detecting the NADPH-oxidase subunit p47
      phox expression. P47-phox was detected as a 47 kDa band using Western blot, and
      showed a significantly higher expression of p47-phox in the antrum of the H.
      pylori infected individuals compared to the controls, mean +/- SD being 3.1 +/-
      2.2 vs 0.3 +/- 0.2, P < 0.01. Regarding nitrotyrosine formation, Western blot did
      not show any significant increase or decrease compared to controls, 7.0 +/- 0.9
      vs 6.9 +/- 1.1, not significant. CONCLUSION: iNOS, MPO and NADPH-oxidase was up
      regulated among H. pylori infected. Regarding nitrotyrosine no difference was
      found. This support an H. pylori related inhibition of radical formation.

PMID- 25133039
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
AB  - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease with a prevalence as
      high as 10%-20% in the western world. The disease can manifest in various
      symptoms which can be grouped into typical, atypical and extra-esophageal
      symptoms. Those with the highest specificity for GERD are acid regurgitation and
      heartburn. In the absence of alarm symptoms, these symptoms can allow one to make
      a presumptive diagnosis and initiate empiric therapy. In certain situations,
      further diagnostic testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis as well as to
      assess for complications or alternate causes for the symptoms. GERD complications
      include erosive esophagitis, peptic stricture, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal
      adenocarcinoma and pulmonary disease. Management of GERD may involve lifestyle
      modification, medical therapy and surgical therapy. Lifestyle modifications
      including weight loss and/or head of bed elevation have been shown to improve
      esophageal pH and/or GERD symptoms. Medical therapy involves acid suppression
      which can be achieved with antacids, histamine-receptor antagonists or proton
      pump inhibitors. Whereas most patients can be effectively managed with medical
      therapy, others may go on to require anti-reflux surgery after undergoing a
      proper pre-operative evaluation. The purpose of this review is to discuss the
      current approach to the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux
      disease. 

PMID- 25133040
TI  - Use of methotrexate in inflammatory bowel disease in 2014: A User's Guide.
AB  - Methotrexate has been used an immunomodulator in many autoimmune diseases,
      including inflammatory bowel disease. However, many physicians are unfamiliar or
      uncomfortable with its use in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. We
      summarize the data for use of methotrexate in common clinical scenarios: (1)
      steroid dependant Crohn's disease (CD); (2) maintenance of remission in steroid
      free CD; (3) azathioprine failures in CD; (4) in combination therapy with Anti
      TNF agents in CD; (5) decreasing antibody formation to Anti-TNF therapy in CD;
      (6) management of fistulizing disease in CD; and (7) as well as induction and
      maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis. An easy to use algorithm is
      provided for the busy clinician to access and safely prescribe methotrexate for
      their inflammatory bowel disease patients. 

PMID- 25133042
TI  - Approach to Helicobacter pylori infection in geriatric population.
AB  - The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and its complications
      increase with age. The majority of infected individuals remain asymptomatic
      throughout the life but 10%-20% develops peptic ulcer disease and 1% gastric
      malignancies. The incidence of ulcers and their complications are more common in
      the older population resulting in higher hospitalization and mortality rates. The
      increased use of medications causing gastric mucosal damage and the decreased
      secretion of protective prostaglandins in elderly are major factors increasing
      gastric mucosal sensitivity to the destructive effects of H. pylori. Due to
      higher prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, upper GI endoscopy is
      mostly preferred in elderly for the diagnosis of infection. Therefore, "endoscopy
      and treat" strategy may be more appropriate instead of "test and treat" strategy
      for dyspeptic patients in older age. Urea breath test and stool antigen test can
      be used for control of eradication, except for special cases requiring follow-up
      with endoscopy. The indications for treatment and suggested eradication regimens
      are similar with other age groups; however, the eradication failure may be a more
      significant problem due to high antibiotic resistance and low compliance rate in
      elderly. Multidrug usage and drug interactions should always be considered before
      starting the treatment. This paper reviews briefly the epidemiology, diagnosis,
      disease manifestations, and treatment options of H. pylori in the geriatric
      population. 

PMID- 25133043
TI  - Pharmacological therapy of feed intolerance in the critically ills.
AB  - Feed intolerance in the setting of critical illness is associated with higher
      morbidity and mortality, and thus requires promptly and effective treatment.
      Prokinetic agents are currently considered as the first-line therapy given issues
      relating to parenteral nutrition and post-pyloric placement. Currently, the
      agents of choice are erythromycin and metoclopramide, either alone or in
      combination, which are highly effective with relatively low incidence of cardiac,
      hemodynamic or neurological adverse effects. Diarrhea, however, can occur in up
      to 49% of patients who are treated with the dual prokinetic therapy, which is not
      associated with Clostridium difficile infection and settled soon after the
      cessation of the drugs. Hence, the use of prokinetic therapy over a long period
      or for prophylactic purpose must be avoided, and the indication for ongoing use
      of the drug(s) must be reviewed frequently. Second line therapy, such as total
      parenteral nutrition and post-pyloric feeding, must be considered once adverse
      effects relating the prokinetic therapy develop. 

PMID- 25133045
TI  - Inflammatory bowel diseases: Current problems and future tasks.
AB  - Current knowledge on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is mainly endorsed by
      controlled trials and epidemiologic studies. Yet, we seldom look at the messages
      from real-world practice. Among a patient population followed since 2008, we
      looked at an unselected sample of 64 IBD patients [26 Crohn's disease (CD) and 38
      ulcerative colitis (UC)] who had been seen as out-patients in the last year.
      Inducing remission, mesalamines (86% for UC/69% for CD/33%-16% as MMX
      formulation) prevailed as prescriptions; steroids (55%/19% for UC/CD) ranked
      second. Prescription of third-party drugs (antibiotics, NSAIDs, biologics) and
      adherence, were issues in the maintenance. 34% of CD, and 23% of UC patients
      showed accompanying immunologic diseases: CD-associated familiar psoriasis (4:9)
      ranked first. Main Message. The association between IBD (CD mainly) and
      psoriasis, now found in our practice, matches current basic science gathering IBD
      together with psoriasis (and perhaps chronic respiratory disease) under the
      comprehensive term "barrier organ disease" wherein an epithelial surface with
      sensor systems rules contacts between outer antigens and a reactive underneath
      tissue, with the balance between inflammation and quiescence kept at any time by
      mucosal permeability. IBD is thus viewed as a polyfactorial/polygenic/syndromic
      disorder, embedded into a galaxy of immune conditions offering multiple points of
      attack. This mindset of splitting the IBDs into pathogenic categories may allow
      overcoming the uniformly targeting of a single cytokine by biological drugs, in
      favor of demarcating the boundaries between different disease-subtype-specific
      indications, and paving the way to future personalized strategies. 

PMID- 25133041
TI  - Visceral hypersensitivity and electromechanical dysfunction as therapeutic
      targets in pediatric functional dyspepsia.
AB  - Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are common clinical syndromes
      diagnosed in the absence of biochemical, structural, or metabolic abnormalities.
      They account for significant morbidity and health care expenditures and are
      identifiable across variable age, geography, and culture. Etiology of abdominal
      pain associated FGIDs, including functional dyspepsia (FD), remains incompletely
      understood, but growing evidence implicates the importance of visceral
      hypersensitivity and electromechanical dysfunction. This manuscript explores data
      supporting the role of visceral hypersensitivity and electromechanical
      dysfunction in FD, with focus on pediatric data when available, and provides a
      summary of potential therapeutic targets. 

PMID- 25133044
TI  - Renal dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis: Where do we stand?
AB  - Patients with cirrhosis and renal failure are high-risk patients who can hardly
      be grouped to form precise instructions for diagnosis and treatment. When it
      comes to evaluate renal function in patients with cirrhosis, determination of
      acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD) or AKI on CKD should be
      made. First it should be excluded the prerenal causes of AKI. All cirrhotic
      patients should undergo renal ultrasound for measurement of renal resistive index
      in every stage of liver dysfunction and urine microscopy for differentiation of
      all causes of AKI. If there is history of dehydration on the ground of normal
      renal ultrasound and urine microscopy the diuretics should be withdrawn and
      plasma volume expansion should be tried with albumin. If the patient does not
      respond, the correct diagnosis is HRS. In case there is recent use of nephrotoxic
      agents or contrast media and examination shows shock, granular cast in urinary
      sediment and proteinuria above 0.5 g daily, acute tubular necrosis is the
      prominent diagnosis. Renal biopsy should be performed when glomerular filtration
      rate is between 30-60 mL/min and there are signs of parenchymal renal disease.
      The acute renal function is preferable to be assessed with modified AKIN.
      Patients with AKIN stage 1 and serum creatinine >= 1.5 mg/dL should be at close
      surveillance. Management options include hemodynamic monitoring and management of
      fluid balance and infections, potentially driving to HRS. Terlipressin is the
      treatment of choice in case of established HRS, administered until there are
      signs of improvement, but not more than two weeks. Midodrine is the alternative
      for therapy continuation or when terlipressin is unavailable. Norepinephrine has
      shown similar effect with terlipressin in patients being in Intensive Care Unit,
      but with much lower cost than that of terlipressin. If the patient meets the
      requirements for transplantation, dialysis and transjugular intrahepatic
      portosystemic shunt are the bridging therapies to keep the transplant candidate
      in the best clinical status. The present review clarifies the latest therapeutic
      modalities and the proposed recommendations and algorithms in order to be applied
      in clinical practice. 

PMID- 25133046
TI  - Prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - Patients with chronic hepatitis B are at significant risk for hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC). Globally, over half a million people each year are diagnosed
      with HCC, with marked geographical variations. Despite overwhelming evidence for
      a causal role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the development of HCC and
      a well-established relationship between high baseline hepatitis B viral load and
      cumulative risk of HCC, the molecular basis for this association has not been
      fully elucidated. In addition, a beneficial role for antiviral therapy in
      preventing the development of HCC has been difficult to establish. This review
      examines the biological and molecular mechanisms of HBV-related
      hepatocarcinogenesis, recent results on the effect of modern nucleos(t)ides on
      the rate of HCC development in high risk HBV cohorts and the potential mechanisms
      by which long-term antiviral therapy with potent inhibitors of HBV replication
      might reduce the risk of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Although
      evidence from randomized controlled trials shows the favourable effects of
      antiviral agents in achieving profound and durable suppression of HBV DNA levels
      while improving liver function and histology, robust evidence of other long-term
      clinical outcomes, such as prevention of HCC, are limited. 

PMID- 25133047
TI  - Ischemic heart disease, factor predisposing to Barrett's adenocarcinoma: A case
      control study.
AB  - AIM: To define the significance of ischemic heart disease (IHD) (stable angina to
      infarction) co-existance in Barrett esophagus (BE) patients and patients with
      esophageal adenocarcinoma (AdE). METHODS: All BE/AdE patients in Blackpool-Wyre
      Fylde area and Trikala prefecture identified from medical records. Patient
      clinical details were obtained from hospital and General Practitioner records.
      Additional information was gathered from validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty
      (33%) AdE and 83 (19%) BE patients had IHD (P = 0.002). Eighteen (15%) AdE and 34
      (8%) BE patients had suffered a myocardial infarction (P = 0.03). Three (3%) AdE
      and 7 (2%) BE patients had severe heart failure (P = 0.82). Thirty-nine (47%) BE
      with IHD and 8 (20%) AdE patients with IHD consumed aspirin daily (P = 0.004).
      Seventh-seven (93%) BE patients with IHD and 36 (90%) AdE patients with IHD were
      on statins (P = 0.86). Logistic regression analysis: AdE was more frequent in the
      elderly, with long term reflux, long BE and concurrent IHD (odds ratio: 2.086, P
      = 0.001) not consuming statins. Eighteen (22%) BE patients with IHD [16 (84%)
      with myocardial infarction] vs 33 (10%) without IHD died from non-neoplastic
      causes within 24 mo from BE diagnosis (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: IHD is more
      prevalent in AdE than BE patients. Increased prevalence of AdE is related with
      the presence of myocardial infarction but not severe heart failure, possibly
      because patients with BE and severe IHD have low life expectancy.

PMID- 25133048
TI  - Statins and their role in acute pancreatitis: Case report and literature review.
AB  - Statin induced pancreatitis has historically been considered a diagnosis of
      exclusion, with literature references typically in the form of case reports and
      observational studies. Recently, larger studies have challenged the correlations
      made by earlier case reports, and instead demonstrate a mild protective effect in
      statin users. We present a case report of likely statin induced pancreatitis in a
      58-year-old male (which we have attributed to drug-drug interaction with
      resulting inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes) and have reviewed the
      apparent dichotomy in the available literature. 

PMID- 25133049
TI  - Rhabdomyolysis after midazolam administration in a cirrhotic patient treated with
      atorvastatin.
AB  - The administration of statins in patients with liver disease is not an absolute
      contraindication. Hepatotoxicity is a rare and often dose-related event and in
      the literature there are only a few described cases of fatal rhabdomyolysis in
      patients with chronic liver disease after statin administration. During treatment
      with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, the factors
      responsible for myopathy may either be related to the patient, or due to
      interactions with other medications that are metabolic substrates of the same
      isozymes and therefore able to increase blood statin concentration. The most
      important side effects consist of increased transaminase levels, abdominal pain
      or muscle weakness, increased serum levels of creatine kinase and rhabdomyolysis.
      In this article we report a case of fatal rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure
      after gastric endoscopy, where midazolam was used as a sedation agent in a
      patient with chronic liver disease treated with a high dose of atorvastatin.
      Therefore, we suggest paying particular attention to the potential risks of
      associating atorvastatin and midazolam in patients with chronic liver disease who
      need to undergo gastric endoscopy. 

PMID- 25133050
TI  - Can primary care sleep medicine integration work?
AB  - Sleep disorders are common in the veteran population. There is an increasing need
      for sleep medicine services in returning veterans. Primary care providers are
      uncomfortable diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Patients often have to
      wait several days before they can be seen by a sleep clinician. This pilot
      project evaluated the feasibility of providing sleep medicine services to
      patients in a primary care setting. Primary care providers were involved in
      decision-making, resulting in improved satisfaction with sleep medicine services
      among primary care clinicians. 

PMID- 25133051
TI  - Negative rumor: contagion of a psychiatric department.
AB  - Over the past few decades, a sizable body of literature on the effects of rumors
      and gossip has emerged. Addressing rumors in the workplace is an important
      subject, as rumors have a direct impact on the quality of the work environment
      and also on the productivity and creativity of the employees. To date, little has
      been written on the effect of rumors and gossip in psychiatric hospitals. This
      article presents case vignettes of rumors spread in psychiatric hospitals and the
      impact on team cohesion and morale among the staff implicated in these, too
      often, neglected occurrences. Dynamic aspects with particular focus on rumors in
      psychiatric units and suggestions for remedy and treatment are presented. 

PMID- 25133053
TI  - Lithium-induced fixed drug eruption in a case of bipolar mania.

PMID- 25133054
TI  - DSM-5 Drops the 5 Axes of Mysticism: A Supportive Survey.

PMID- 25133052
TI  - Psychotic disorders in children and adolescents: a primer on contemporary
      evaluation and management.

PMID- 25133055
TI  - Lithium-induced transient euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia: a case report.

PMID- 25133056
TI  - A new perspective on gender dysphoria and repetitive sex reassignment surgeries:
      a case report.

PMID- 25133057
TI  - Secondary psychosis 3 months prior to the overt symptoms of multiple myeloma: a
      case report.

PMID- 25133058
TI  - A case report of the use of vilazodone in pregnancy.

PMID- 25133059
TI  - Nystagmus as a discontinuation symptom after antidepressant therapy: a case
      report.

PMID- 25133060
TI  - A survey of patients' knowledge about lithium therapy in the elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lithium is commonly used in the treatment of various psychiatric
      disorders. It has a narrow therapeutic range and a mortality rate of 9% in
      patients intoxicated during maintenance therapy. Therefore, for lithium to be
      prescribed safely, clinicians must ensure that patients are aware of features of
      lithium toxicity. We aim to identify patients' knowledge of lithium in the
      elderly population and associated factors that may influence this knowledge.
      METHOD: The Lithium Knowledge Test (LKT) is a brief questionnaire that was
      developed as a means of identifying patients' practical and pharmacologic
      knowledge, which is important if therapy is to be safe and effective. The survey
      was conducted in the outpatient service of the Department of Old Age Psychiatry
      attached to a university teaching hospital in an urban area in Ireland between
      January 2011 and July 2011. A total of 33 patients participated in the survey,
      and the LKT questionnaires were completed by all participants. The LKT scores are
      obtained by adding up the responses to the questions, while the LKT hazard scores
      are obtained by adding together the responses to the questions on symptoms of
      toxicity. The result was analyzed using SPSS version 20 (SPSS Inc, Chicago,
      Illinois), and the relationships between LKT scores and LKT hazard scores as well
      as other variables were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient.
      RESULTS: The mean LKT score of our sample population was 4.45, suggestive of poor
      knowledge of lithium, and the mean LKT hazard score was 5.85, highly suggestive
      of potentially hazardous lack of knowledge. There was a significant negative
      correlation between the LKT score and hazard score (r = -0.65, P < .01 [1
      tailed]). CONCLUSIONS: The survey results highlight the need for patients to be
      given comprehensive information about lithium prior to commencement of treatment
      and a refresher educational program during lithium therapy.

PMID- 25133061
TI  - Association of hypnotics with stroke risk: a population-based case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine what association, if any,
      hypnotics have on the risk of stroke events. METHOD: In a nationwide population
      based case-control study, cases were patients with incident stroke diagnosed
      between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2006. Patients with hemorrhagic or
      ischemic stroke diagnosis codes (ICD-9-CM codes 430-438) and who had been
      hospitalized for further treatment were included in the study. Patients with any
      type of stroke diagnosed before 2006 were excluded. The authors selected 2,779
      stroke patients and 27,790 controls matched for age, gender, physician visit
      date, and comorbidities. The impact of hypnotics on stroke was examined by
      multiple logistic regression models and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS:
      Individuals prescribed any hypnotic had elevated risk of stroke compared to those
      prescribed no hypnotics. For groups prescribed 1-27, 28-148, and >= 149 pills,
      odds ratios for stroke were 1.71 (95% CI, 1.49-1.96), 1.84 (95% CI, 1.62-2.11),
      and 1.45 (95% CI, 1.26-1.68), respectively. Adjusted odds ratios were elevated in
      separate analyses for zolpidem and estazolam. The observed results were robust
      with stratification by comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes, and
      using ischemic stroke as the case group. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that, in a
      case-control study matched for age, gender, and comorbidities using multiple
      logistic regression and sensitivity tests, zolpidem and estazolam were slightly
      associated with an increased risk of stroke. Further large-scale and in-depth
      studies should be performed. Use of hypnotics should always be determined by
      specialists, and adverse effects should be continuously monitored.

PMID- 25133062
TI  - Acute interventions and referral of patients with bipolar disorder by the
      psychiatric consultation liaison service in a general hospital in Germany: a
      retrospective analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the population of bipolar patients in a general
      hospital in Germany who required treatment by a consultant psychiatrist. METHOD:
      A retrospective analysis was conducted of the clinical records of 47 patients
      diagnosed with bipolar disorder (DSM-IV-TR criteria) who were treated by a
      consultant psychiatrist between 2009 and 2012 in one of the general hospitals of
      Charite Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany. We investigated the
      sections of the hospital that requested psychiatric consultations for bipolar
      patients, the status of these patients, and their primary cause of treatment, as
      well as the intervention (including pharmacotherapy) recommended by the
      consultant psychiatrist. RESULTS: For more than half of the patients, their
      psychiatric illness was either directly or indirectly the reason they presented
      to the hospital. The remaining bipolar patients were treated for various somatic
      illnesses unrelated to their bipolar disorder throughout the hospital, with a
      relative overrepresentation of patients in the neurology department. More than
      half of the patients were referred to a psychiatric hospital by the consultant
      psychiatrist. Benzodiazepines were the most commonly administered drugs for acute
      pharmacologic intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric consultations are not
      frequently requested for bipolar patients compared to those with other
      psychiatric disorders. However, more than half of the bipolar patients needed
      further psychiatric treatment in a psychiatric hospital. This finding emphasizes
      the importance of psychiatric consultations in a general hospital for bipolar
      patients. The administration of benzodiazepines as an acute treatment seems to be
      the standard pharmacologic procedure, not a specific pharmacotherapy like mood
      stabilizers.

PMID- 25133063
TI  - Mixed Specifier for Bipolar Mania and Depression: Highlights of DSM-5 Changes and
      Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment in Primary Care.
AB  - Bipolar disorder, while commonly encountered in the primary care setting, is
      often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. In the DSM-IV-TR, patients could be diagnosed
      as being in a mixed state only if they had concurrent manic and depressive
      symptoms; while this occurs in some patients, many more experience subsyndromal
      mixed symptoms that would disqualify a "mixed state" diagnosis. The recently
      released DSM-5 attempts to capture this large proportion of patients with
      subsyndromal mixed symptoms with the inclusion of the "mixed specifier." The
      presence of such subsyndromal mixed symptoms has significant implications for
      both diagnosis and treatment. For those presenting with major depressive disorder
      with subsyndromal manic symptoms, clinicians must be vigilant for the development
      of full-blown bipolar disease. In treating this group, selective serotonin
      reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors remain first
      line therapy, but augmentation with other therapies is often required. If a
      diagnosis of bipolar disorder is confirmed and the patient is experiencing a
      depressive phase, traditional antidepressants should be avoided. For those
      presenting with mania and mixed depressive symptoms, treatment with a combination
      of atypical antipsychotics and mood stabilizers is best. 

PMID- 25133064
TI  - Coping with helplessness.

PMID- 25133065
TI  - Multimedia Informed Consent Tool for a Low Literacy African Research Population:
      Development and Pilot-Testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: International guidelines recommend the use of appropriate informed
      consent procedures in low literacy research settings because written information
      is not known to guarantee comprehension of study information. OBJECTIVES: This
      study developed and evaluated a multimedia informed consent tool for people with
      low literacy in an area where a malaria treatment trial was being planned in The
      Gambia. METHODS: We developed the informed consent document of the malaria
      treatment trial into a multimedia tool integrating video, animations and audio
      narrations in three major Gambian languages. Acceptability and ease of use of the
      multimedia tool were assessed using quantitative and qualitative methods. In two
      separate visits, the participants' comprehension of the study information was
      measured by using a validated digitised audio questionnaire. RESULTS: The
      majority of participants (70%) reported that the multimedia tool was clear and
      easy to understand. Participants had high scores on the domains of adverse
      events/risk, voluntary participation, study procedures while lowest scores were
      recorded on the question items on randomisation. The differences in mean scores
      for participants' 'recall' and 'understanding' between first and second visits
      were statistically significant (F (1,41)=25.38, p<0.00001 and (F (1, 41) = 31.61,
      p<0.00001 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our locally developed multimedia tool was
      acceptable and easy to administer among low literacy participants in The Gambia.
      It also proved to be effective in delivering and sustaining comprehension of
      study information across a diverse group of participants. Additional research is
      needed to compare the tool to the traditional consent interview, both in The
      Gambia and in other sub-Saharan settings.

PMID- 25133066
TI  - Microbial Infection and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease affecting 1-2% of
      general worldwide population. The etiopathogenesis of RA involves the interplay
      of multiple genetic risk factors and environmental triggers. Microbial infections
      are believed to play an important role in the initiation and perpetuation of RA.
      Recent clinical studies have shown the association of microbial infections with
      RA. Accumulated studies using animal models have also found that microbial
      infections can induce and/or exaggerate the symptoms of experimental arthritis.
      In this review, we have identified the most common microbial infections
      associated with RA in the literature and summarized the current evidence
      supporting their pathogenic role in RA. We also discussed the potential
      mechanisms whereby infection may promote the development of RA, such as
      generation of neo-autoantigens, induction of loss of tolerance by molecular
      mimicry, and bystander activation of the immune system.

PMID- 25133067
TI  - Astrocyte Reactivity: A Biomarker for Retinal Ganglion Cell Health in Retinal
      Neurodegeneration.
AB  - Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss in glaucoma is sectorial in nature and preceded
      by deficits in axonal transport. Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the
      pathophysiology of glaucoma in the retina, optic nerve and visual centers of the
      brain, where it similarly appears to be regulated spatially. In a murine model,
      we examined the spatial characteristics of astrocyte reactivity
      (migration/proliferation, hypertrophy and GFAP expression) in healthy retina,
      retina with two glaucoma-related risk factors (aging and genetic predisposition)
      and glaucomatous retina and established relationships between these reactivity
      indices and the spatial organization of astrocytes as well as RGC health.
      Astrocyte reactivity was quantified by morphological techniques and RGC health
      was determined by uptake and transport of the neural tracer cholera toxin beta
      subunit (CTB). We found that: (1) astrocyte reactivity occurs in microdomains
      throughout glaucomatous retina as well as retina with risk factors for glaucoma,
      (2) these astrocyte microdomains are primarily differentiated by the degree of
      retinal area covered by the astrocytes within them and (3) percent retinal area
      covered by astrocytes is highly predictive of RGC health. Our findings suggest
      that microdomains of astrocyte reactivity are biomarkers for functional decline
      of RGCs. Based on current and emerging imaging technologies, diagnostic
      assessment of astrocytes in the nerve fiber layer could succeed in translating
      axonal transport deficits to a feasible clinical application.

PMID- 25133069
TI  - Elevating quality with manditory use of standard reporting guidelines.
AB  - The Editorial staff of The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
      (IJSPT) is dedicated to the review, critical appraisal, and publication of high
      quality scientific and clinical research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and
      case reports. As IJSPT progresses through its' ninth year of providing high
      quality research evidence as well as relevant clinical commentary and suggestions
      for the international sports physical therapy community, we offer the following
      editorial. We, along with many other prestigious journals are committed to
      elevating the quality of published research related to disability and
      rehabilitation and agree to adherence to the following reporting guidelines,
      which will be required by IJSPT as of January 1, 2015. Many of these guidelines
      are all ready in place and have been implemented by IJSPT. This Editorial is a
      reprint of a previously published Editorial in The Archives of Physical Medicine
      and Rehabilitation, and is used with permission.
      (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2013.12.010) FOR CITATION PURPOSES, PLEASE USE
      THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DETAILS: Chan L, Heinemann AW, and Roberts J, Elevating
      the Quality of Disability and Rehabilitation Research: Mandatory use of the
      Reporting Guidelines. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2014: 95:
      414-417. 

PMID- 25133068
TI  - The Pathogenesis of Lupus Nephritis.
AB  - Lupus nephritis is a serious potential feature of systemic lupus erythematous
      (SLE). Though SLE typically cycles through periods of flares and remission,
      patients often eventually succumb to end-stage kidney or cardiovascular damage.
      This review of the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis examines the role of the
      complement cascade; the significance of autoantibodies, the breaking of
      tolerance, and the implications of altered apoptosis in breaking tolerance; and
      the contributions of adaptive immunity and cross-talk with the innate immune
      system in driving renal damage. Delineation of basic mechanisms underlying the
      development of acute and chronic renal damage in lupus nephritis can result in
      the continued development of more specific and effective treatments.

PMID- 25133070
TI  - The validity of 2-dimensional measurement of trunk angle during dynamic tasks.
AB  - PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Injury screening methods that use three-dimensional (3D)
      motion analysis accurately predict the risk of injuries, yet are expensive. There
      is great need for valid, cost-effective techniques that can be used in large
      scale assessments. Utilizing two-dimensional (2D) measures of lateral trunk
      motion may identify athletes at risk for lower extremity injury. The purpose of
      this research was to determine the strength of the relationships between 2D and
      3D calculations of lateral trunk angle for female athletes performing a single
      leg cross drop landing. METHODS: Twenty-one high-school female volleyball players
      performed a single-leg cross drop landing onto a force plate. The 3D angular
      trunk motion was calculated, and four different 2D measures of lateral trunk
      angle were calculated for both left and right landing leg. A one-way multivariate
      analysis of variance was used to compare 2D measures to the 3D measurements, and
      Pearson correlations were used to determine the strength of these relationships.
      RESULTS: The angle formed by the medial shoulder joint center, medial ASIS, and
      vertical line (LTA4) was similar to the 3D measures of lateral trunk angle during
      landing (r-values >= 0.62; p-values <= 0.003; mean differences, -1.0 degrees  to
      1.2 degrees ). CONCLUSIONS: Given the recent focus on the role of the trunk in
      lower extremity injury, using the 2D LTA4 assessment may expand existing
      assessments into a composite model that can more accurately assess female
      athletes at risk for injury than models that do not include trunk analysis.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Existing models that enable clinicians to effectively
      identify female athletes at risk for lower extremity injury may be enhanced by
      including accurate assessments of lateral trunk motion.

PMID- 25133071
TI  - Comparison of the immediate effect of different types of trunk exercise on the
      star excursion balance test in male adolescent soccer players.
AB  - PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Trunk exercises, such as trunk stabilization exercises (SE)
      and conventional trunk exercises (CE), are performed to improve static or dynamic
      balance. Recently, trunk exercises have also been often used as part of warm-up
      programs. A few studies have demonstrated the immediate effects of SE and CE on
      static balance. However, immediate effects on dynamic balance are not yet known.
      Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effect of SE
      with that of CE on the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). METHODS: Eleven
      adolescent male soccer players (17.9 +/- 0.3 years, 168.5 +/- 5.4 cm, and 60.1 +/
      5.1 kg) participated in this study. A crossover design was used, and each
      participant completed three kinds of testing sessions: SE, CE, and non-exercise
      (NE). Experiments took place for three weeks with three testing sessions, and a 1
      week interval was provided between different conditions. Each testing session
      consisted of three steps: pretest, intervention, and posttest. To assess dynamic
      balance, the SEBT score in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral
      directions was measured before and 5 minutes after each intervention program. The
      data of reach distance were normalized with the leg length to exclude the
      influence of the leg length on the analysis. RESULTS: The SEBT composite score
      was significantly improved after the SE (p < 0.05) but did not change after the
      CE and NE (p > 0.05). Furthermore, in the SE condition, SEBT scores of the
      posterolateral and posteromedial directions were significantly improved at the
      posttest, compared with those at the pretest (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrated the immediate improvements in the posteromedial and posterolateral
      directions of the SEBT only after the SE. This result suggests that the SE used
      in this study is effective in immediately improving dynamic balance. LEVELS OF
      EVIDENCE: 3b.

PMID- 25133072
TI  - Effects of postural control manipulation on visuomotor training performance:
      comparative data in healthy athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Visuomotor ability is an important parameter for neurologic
      function and effective sport performance. Adding a balance challenge during a
      structured eye-hand coordination task, such as hitting lights on a light board
      (DynavisionTM), has not been previously reported. Using Division I football
      players, the aim of this study was to determine normative data on a dual-task
      performance regimen combining a visuomotor light board task with a balance task.
      The intent is to use such normative data and baseline data as part of a
      concussion management program. METHODS: Division I college football team members,
      n=105, were consented. Subjects first performed DynavisionTM D2TM Visuomotor
      Training Device (D2TM) eye-hand coordination tasks, the A* and the RT; they then
      performed the same tasks with an added balance challenge, standing on a BOSU(r)
      ball. RESULTS: Ninety-four athletes completed the full testing procedure on the
      D2TM system. The mean score of the A* test was 93 +/- 11.0 hits per minute; and
      the mean on the A* test with the added BOSU(r) balance challenge was 83.7 +/- 9.2
      hits per minute. The mean RT time was 0.33 +/- 0.036 seconds. Mean reaction time
      increased to 0.38 +/- 0.063 while the subject stood on the BOSU(r) ball.
      Performance on the D2TM A* and RT were both statistically significantly different
      in the dual task condition (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results show an approximate 10%
      decline in D2TM performance when healthy individuals stand on a BOSU(r) ball.
      From the data presented here, the authors determined that there is a 10%
      decrement in performance when one's balance is challenged on the BOSU(r) ball. A
      fall in performance of substantially greater than 10% may indicate abnormal
      vestibulocerebellar regulatory processing of balance and motion. Further
      research, using these normative data is needed to determine more specific
      parameters for definitions of impairment and return-to-play and if there is
      utility for such studies as part of a concussion management program. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 25133073
TI  - Off-season training habits and preseason functional test measures of division iii
      collegiate athletes: a descriptive report.
AB  - PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Division III (D III) collegiate coaches are challenged to
      assess athletic readiness and condition their athletes during the preseason.
      However, there are few reports on off-season training habits and normative data
      of functional assessment tests among D III athletes. The purpose of this study
      was to examine off-season training habits of D III athletes and their
      relationships to the standing long jump (SLJ) and single-leg hop (SLH) tests.
      METHODS: One-hundred and ninety-three athletes (110 females, age 19.1 +/- 1.1 y;
      83 males, age 19.5 +/- 1.3 y) were tested prior to the start of their sports
      seasons. Athletes reported their off-season training habits (weightlifting,
      cardiovascular exercise, plyometric exercise, and scrimmage) during the six weeks
      prior to the preseason. Athletes also performed three maximal effort SLJs and
      three SLHs. RESULTS: Male athletes reported training more hours per exercise
      category than their female counterparts. Mean SLJ distances (normalized to
      height) were 0.79 +/- 0.10 for females and 0.94 +/- 0.12 for males. Mean SLH
      distances for female athletes' right and left limbs were 0.66 (+/- 0.10) and 0.65
      (+/- 0.10), respectively. Mean SLH distances for male athletes' right and left
      limbs were 0.75 (+/- 0.13) and 0.75 (+/- 0.12), respectively. Several significant
      differences between off-season training habits and functional test measures were
      found for both sexes: males [SLJ and weightlifting (p = 0.04); SLH and
      weightlifting (p = 0.04), plyometrics (p = 0.05)]; females [SLJ and plyometrics
      (p = 0.04); SLH and scrimmage (p = 0.02)]. CONCLUSION: This study provides
      normative data for off-season training habits and preseason functional test
      measures in a D III athlete population. Greater SLJ and SLH measures were
      associated with increased time during off-season training. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      The findings between functional tests and off-season training activities may be
      useful for sports medicine professionals and strength coaches when designing
      their preseason training programs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 25133074
TI  - Reduced hip strength is associated with increased hip motion during running in
      young adult and adolescent male long-distance runners.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Anterior knee
      pain is one of the most common running symptoms reported in the literature. While
      the exact etiology is unknown, a lack of hip strength is suggested to contribute
      to abnormal running mechanics. The purpose of this research study was to evaluate
      the association between isokinetic hip strength and 3-D running kinematics.
      METHODS: 33 male high school and collegiate cross country runners participated in
      this study. Peak isokinetic hip abductor and hip extensor strength were assessed.
      Each subject also completed a treadmill running protocol at a self-selected speed
      (mean = 3.8 m/s). 3-D kinematic data were collected at 240 Hz using a 10-camera
      motion capture system. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine
      the relationship between hip strength and hip range of motion (ROM) during the
      stance phase of running (p<0.05). RESULTS: Peak isokinetic hip extensor torque
      was inversely correlated with transverse plane hip ROM (r = -.387, p = .026) but
      was not significantly related to sagittal plane hip ROM or frontal plane hip ROM.
      Peak isokinetic hip abductor torque was inversely correlated with frontal plane
      hip ROM (r=-.462, p=.008) but was not significantly related to either sagittal
      plane hip ROM or transverse plane hip ROM. Peak isokinetic hip extensor torque
      and peak isokinetic hip abductor torque were not significantly related to knee
      kinematics in any plane. CONCLUSIONS: Peak isokinetic hip extensor torque and
      peak isokinetic hip abductor torque are associated with transverse plane and
      frontal plane hip kinematics, but not knee kinematics. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level
      3b.

PMID- 25133075
TI  - Patellofemoral pain subjects exhibit decreased passive hip range of motion
      compared to controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain is a common condition without a clear mechanism
      for its presentation. Recently significant focus has been placed on the hip and
      its potential role in patellofemoral pain (PFP). The majority of the research has
      examined hip strength and neuromuscular control. Less attention has been given to
      hip mobility and its potential role in subjects with PFP. PURPOSE/AIM: The
      purpose of this study was to compare passive hip range of motion (ROM) of hip
      extension and hip internal and external rotation in subjects with PFP and healthy
      control subjects. The hypothesis was that subjects with PFP would present with
      less total hip ROM and greater asymmetry than controls. DESIGN: Two groups, case
      controlled. SETTING: Clinical research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 30 healthy
      subjects without pain, radicular symptoms or history of surgery in the low back
      or lower extremity joints and 30 subjects with a diagnosis of PFP. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Passive hip extension, hip internal rotation (IR) and hip external
      rotation (ER). A digital inclinometer was used for measurements. RESULTS: There
      was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in hip passive extension
      between the control group and the PFP group bilaterally. Mean hip extension for
      the control group was 6.8 degrees  bilaterally. For the PFP group, the mean hip
      extension was -4.0 degrees  on the left and -4.3 degrees  on the right. This
      corresponds to a difference of means between groups of 10.8 degrees  on the left
      and 11.1 degrees  on the right with a standard error of 2.1 degrees . There was
      no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in either hip IR or ER ROM or
      total rotation between or within groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study
      indicate that a significant difference in hip extension exists in subjects with
      PFP compared to controls. These findings suggest that passive hip extension is a
      variable that should be included within the clinical examination of people with
      PFP. It may be valuable to consider hip mobility restrictions and their potential
      impact on assessment of strength and planned intervention in subjects with PFP.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

PMID- 25133076
TI  - Effect of ankle braces on lower extremity muscle activation during functional
      exercises in participants with chronic ankle instability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ankle bracing and rehabilitation are common methods to reduce the
      rate of recurrent ankle sprain in participants with chronic ankle instability
      (CAI). CAI participants utilize less muscle activity when performing functional
      exercises compared to healthy controls. The effect of ankle braces on muscle
      activity during functional exercises in participants with CAI has not been
      previously studied. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of bracing on motor output
      as demonstrated by surface EMG amplitudes in participants with CAI during single
      limb, eyes closed balance, star excursion balance, forward lunge, and lateral hop
      exercises. METHODS: A descriptive laboratory study was performed. Fifteen young
      adults with CAI performed functional exercises with and without ankle braces
      while surface EMG signals were recorded from the tibialis anterior, peroneus
      longus, lateral gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gluteus
      medius. The main outcome measures were normalized surface EMG amplitudes (root
      mean square area) for each muscle, muscles of the shank (distal three muscles),
      muscles of the thigh (proximal three muscles), and total muscle activity (all six
      muscles) of the lower extremity. A paired t-test was performed for each dependent
      variable to compare conditions. The level of significance was set a priori at p
      <= 0.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: During the forward lunge, bracing
      significantly reduced muscle activity pre-initial contact in the lateral
      gastrocnemius and post-initial contact in the peroneus longus. During the star
      excursion balance anterior reach the peroneus longus, lateral gastrocnemius,
      rectus femoris, and gluteus medius had significantly less muscle activity during
      braced trials. Bracing significantly reduced thigh and total muscle activity
      during the anterior reach and gluteus medius activity during the posterolateral
      reach. There were no differences between braced and unbraced conditions during
      the single limb eyes closed balance, star excursion balance posteromedial reach,
      or during lateral hop exercises. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of the
      decreased muscle activity that occurs during common rehabilitation exercises when
      patients with CAI complete those activities while wearing ankle braces. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID- 25133077
TI  - The effects of conventional physical therapy and eccentric strengthening for
      insertional achilles tendinopathy.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Single-blind, randomized, clinical trial. BACKGROUND: The effect of
      eccentric training for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy is well documented;
      however, its effect on insertional Achilles tendinopathy is inconclusive. The
      primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eccentric training
      on pain and function for individuals with insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
      METHODS: All patients received a 12-week conventional strengthening protocol.
      Patients who were randomly assigned to the experimental group received additional
      eccentric exercises. Patients completed the Short Form-36 Health and Bodily Pain
      Surveys, the Foot and Ankle Outcomes Questionnaire, and the Visual Analog Scale
      at initial evaluation, after 6 weeks of therapy, and at 12 weeks after therapy.
      RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (20 control and 16 experimental; average age 54
      years; 72% women) completed the study. Both groups experienced statistically
      significant decreases in pain and improvements in function. No statistically
      significant differences were noted between the groups for any of the outcome
      measures. CONCLUSION: Conventional physical therapy consisting of gastrocnemius,
      soleus and hamstring stretches, ice massage on the Achilles tendon, and use of
      heel lifts and night splints with or without eccentric training is effective for
      treating insertional Achilles tendinopathy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2.

PMID- 25133078
TI  - A comparison of range of motion change across four posterior shoulder tightness
      measurements after external rotator fatigue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several glenohumeral joint (GHJ) positions have been recommended for
      assessing and correcting posterior shoulder tightness (PST) however, there is no
      agreement on which position is better for differentiating posterior muscle
      tightness from posterior capsular tightness. The purpose of this study was to
      compare the range of motion change before and after an external humeral rotator
      muscle fatigue protocol in order to identify a position that shows maximum range
      of motion change. METHODS: ROM changes across four PST measurements were compared
      before, immediately after, at 24 hours after, and 48 hours after an external
      rotator fatigue protocol. Muscle stiffness of the infraspinatus and the teres
      minor (using a myotonometer) and external rotation force production (using hand
      held dynamometry) were measured to verify muscle fatigue. RESULTS: There was a
      statistically significant interaction between measurement and condition (F =
      2.47, p = 0.02). The planned one factor repeated measure ANOVA for each condition
      revealed that ROM change was statistically significant between PST measurements
      for all conditions. Post hoc comparisons indicated statistically significant
      greater overall ROM changes in a measurement combining GHJ extension and internal
      rotation compared to other tested measurements. There was also a main effect of
      time on infraspinatus muscle stiffness (F = 10.5, p < 0.0001). Post hoc
      comparison indicated a statistically significant increase in infraspinatus
      stiffness immediately after the fatigue protocol (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Immediate ROM reduction was observed across all the measurements except
      horizontal adduction (HAD). Maximum ROM reduction after an external rotation
      fatigue protocol was measured in a position of GHJ extension. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      Posterior muscle tightness may influence the internal rotation range of motion to
      a greater extent when measured in glenohumeral joint extension. LEVELS OF
      EVIDENCE: II-B.

PMID- 25133079
TI  - A total motion release warm-up improves dominant arm shoulder internal and
      external rotation in baseball players.
AB  - CONTEXT: Current literature indicates a correlation between decreased total
      shoulder range of motion (ROM) and internal rotation (IR) of the dominant arm and
      increased injury risk in throwers. The optimal method for increasing shoulder
      ROM, improving performance, and preventing injury is unknown. It is also unknown
      if treating the non-dominant arm may affect ROM on the dominant side. PURPOSE: To
      explore the effect of the Total Motion Release (TMR(r)) Trunk Twist (TT) and Arm
      Raise (AR) on IR and external rotation (ER) of the dominant shoulder in baseball
      players compared to a traditional dynamic warm-up. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING:
      University athletic training clinic and baseball field. PARTICIPANTS: Pitchers
      (males, n = 10; age, 18.6 +/- 1.3) recruited from local baseball teams were
      randomly assigned two one of two groups: TMR(r) treatment group (TMRG; n = 5) or
      traditional warm-up group (TWG; n = 5). INTERVENTIONS: Baseline IR and ER
      goniometry range of motion (ROM) measurements were recorded. The TMRG then
      completed the TMR(r) exercises and post-intervention measurements. The TWG
      completed a traditional static and dynamic warm-up (e.g., lunges, power skips,
      sprints, sleeper stretch) and then completed post-intervention measurements.
      Following the completion of those measurements, the TWG completed the TMR(r)
      Trunk Twist and Arm Raise protocol and had post-intervention measurements
      recorded once more. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ROM measures for IR and ER of the
      dominant shoulder. Alpha level was set at p <= 0.05. RESULTS: Significant
      differences were present for IR (p = 0.025) and ER (p = 0.014) between the TMRG
      and the TWG after initial intervention. Significant differences for IR were
      present in the TWG between baseline and TMR(r) intervention and traditional warm
      up and TMR(r) intervention. For the TWG, changes in ER were not statistically
      significant at baseline, post-warm-up, or post- TMR(r) intervention. Significant
      differences were not present for IR (p = 0.44) or ER (p = 0.23) between groups
      once TMR(r) had been completed by both groups. CONCLUSIONS: TMR(r) produced
      larger increases in IR and ER of the throwing shoulder when compared to the TWG.
      Generalizability is limited, however, by the low number of participants in each
      group and a potential ceiling effect of attainable ROM gains. Future studies
      should examine if using a full TMR(r) treatment process is more beneficial.
      Additionally, future research should compare TMR(r) intervention to other warm-up
      activities or stretching protocols (e.g. resistance tubing, weighted balls) and
      examine its effect across other variables (e.g., injury rates, throwing
      velocity). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Clinical Evidence Based Level 2b.

PMID- 25133080
TI  - Bilateral differences in the upper quarter function of high school aged baseball
      and softball players.
AB  - PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: The Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-UQ) was developed as a
      way to identify upper extremity and trunk mobility in the open kinetic chain in
      the reaching limb as well as midrange limitations and asymmetries of upper
      extremity and core stability in the closed kinetic chain on the stabilizing limb.
      Performance on the YBT-UQ is similar between genders and between limbs; however,
      this has not been examined in athletes who participate in sports that result in
      upper extremity asymmetries. The primary purpose of this study is to determine if
      differences exist between the throwing vs. non-throwing sides in high-school
      baseball and softball athletes on the YBT-UQ. METHODS: In order to complete this
      forty-eight male high school baseball players and seventeen female high school
      softball players were tested on the YBT-UQ. Reach distances were normalized to
      arm length (% AL). Comparisons were made between the throwing (T) and non
      throwing (NT) arm for each direction as well as the composite score. RESULTS: No
      significant differences were observed between the T and NT arm for the medial
      (NT: 98.4 +/- 8.6 %AL, T: 99.1 +/- 8.6 %AL, p=0.42), inferolateral (NT: 90.8 +/-
      11.8 %AL, T: 90.3 +/- 11.5 %AL, p =0.61), superolateral (NT: 70.6 +/- 10.9 %AL,
      T: 70.4 +/- 11.1 % AL, p=0.91) reaches, or the composite score (NT: 87.2 +/- 8.9
      % AL, T: 86.6 +/- 8.1 %AL, p=0.72). Similarly, no differences were observed
      between the male baseball and female softball players (p=0.30-0.90). CONCLUSIONS:
      Based on these findings, it was concluded that there was no difference in
      performance on the YBT-UQ between throwing and non-throwing limbs in high school
      baseball and softball players. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 25133082
TI  - A modified mobilization-with-movement to treat a lateral ankle sprain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are common in sports
      medicine and can result in a high rate of re-injury and chronic ankle instability
      (CAI). Recent evidence supports the use on mobilizations directed at the ankle in
      patients who have suffered a LAS. The Mulligan Concept of Mobilization-with
      Movement (MWM) provides an intervention strategy for LASs, but requires pain-free
      mobilization application and little literature exists on modifications of these
      techniques. PURPOSE: To present the use of a modified MWM to treat LASs when the
      traditional MWM technique could not be performed due to patient reported pain and
      to assess outcomes of the treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: The subject of this case
      report is a 23 year-old female collegiate basketball player who had failed to
      respond to initial conservative treatments after being diagnosed with a lateral
      ankle sprain. The initial management and subsequent interventions are presented.
      After re-examination, the addition of a modification of a MWM technique produced
      immediate and clinically significant changes in patient symptoms. The use of the
      modified-MWM resulted in full resolution of symptoms and a rapid return to full
      athletic participation. OUTCOMES: After the initial application of the modified
      MWM, the patient reported immediate pain-free ankle motion and ambulation.
      Following a total of 5 treatments, using only the modified MWM and taping
      technique, the patient was discharged with equal range of motion (ROM)
      bilaterally, a decreased Disablement in the Physically Active (DPA) Scale score,
      and an asymptomatic physical exam. Follow-up exam 6 weeks later indicated a full
      maintenance of these results. DISCUSSION: Recent evidence has been presented to
      support the use of mobilization techniques to treat patient limitations following
      ankle injury; however, the majority of evidence is associated with addressing the
      talar and dorsiflexion limitations. Currently, little evidence is available
      regarding the use of the MWM technique designed for LASs and the expected
      outcomes. This case adds to the emerging evidence supporting the use for MWMs to
      treat ankle pathology and introduces a modification that may be applied in cases
      where patient reported pain prevents traditional application. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level 5; Single case report.

PMID- 25133081
TI  - Diagnosis and management of acute medial tibial stress syndrome in a 15 year old
      female surf life-saving competitor.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As the profound health and cost benefits of physical
      activity to society are established and participation guidelines implemented,
      health practitioners are increasingly expected to utilize efficacious and
      justified injury management and prevention strategies. The complex and
      multifactorial nature of sports injury makes elucidation of multiple risk factors
      and how they may subtly and variably interact, difficult. The purpose of this
      case report is to discuss the differential diagnosis, acute management and
      rehabilitation of a case of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) in a surf life
      saving athlete, in the context of sports injury prevention. CASE DESCRIPTION: The
      subject of this case study, a 15 year old female surf life-saving competitor,
      presented to the physiotherapist (PT) with recent onset, first episode,
      bilateral, diffuse posteromedial shin pain. Differential diagnosis, acute
      management, rehabilitation and preventative strategies for the subject are
      presented. DISCUSSION: Emerging injury surveillance research in surf life-saving
      suggests minor and major trauma as primary causative factors, however, the
      significance of high training volumes is likely underestimated. The influence of
      biomechanical, and subtle arthrokinematic dysfunctions on established risk
      factors for MTSS injury and prevention of re-injury for this subject, are also
      discussed. Furthermore, the concept of preventing tibial stress fracture (TSF) by
      successfully managing acute MTSS, is presented. Lastly, a critical analysis of
      reliability of clinical assessment methodologies utilised with the subject is
      provided. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5; Single case report.

PMID- 25133083
TI  - Functional movement screening: the use of fundamental movements as an assessment
      of function-part 2.
AB  - Part 1 of this two-part series (presented in the June issue of IJSPT) provided an
      introduction to functional movement screening, as well as the history,
      background, and a summary of the evidence regarding the reliability of the
      Functional Movement Screen (FMSTM). Part 1 presented three of the seven
      fundamental movement patterns that comprise the FMSTM, and the specific ordinal
      grading system from 0-3, used in the their scoring. Specifics for scoring each
      test are presented. Part 2 of this series provides a review of the concepts
      associated with the analysis of fundamental movement as a screening system for
      functional movement competency. In addition, the four remaining movements of the
      FMSTM, which complement those described in Part 1, will be presented (to complete
      the total of seven fundamental movements): Shoulder Mobility, the Active Straight
      Leg Raise, the Trunk Stability Push-up, and Rotary Stability. The final four
      patterns are described in detail, and the specifics for scoring each test are
      presented, as well as the proposed clinical implications for receiving a grade
      less than a perfect "3". The intent of this two part series is to present the
      concepts associated with screening of fundamental movements, whether it is the
      FMSTM system or a different system devised by another clinician. Such a
      fundamental screen of the movement system should be incorporated into pre
      participation screening and return to sport testing in order to determine whether
      an athlete has the essential movements needed to participate in sports activities
      at a level of minimum competency. Part 2 concludes with a discussion of the
      evidence related to functional movement screening, myths related to the FMSTM,
      the future of functional movement screening, and the concept of movement as a
      system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

PMID- 25133084
TI  - PERMANENT MIGRANTS TO CITIES IN CHINA: HUKOU ORIGIN AND EARNINGS AMONG MEN IN AN
      ERA OF ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION.
AB  - The massive volume of internal migration in China since the late 1970s has
      attracted considerable research attention. However, the integration of permanent
      migrants in cities during a time of economic transformation is understudied.
      Using information on earnings from the 2003 General Social Survey of China, this
      research examines whether permanent migrants are economically advantaged or
      disadvantaged in comparison to non-migrants in cities. We find that permanent
      migrants in cities tend to be economically advantaged and that their advantage
      depends more on human capital than on political capital. Nevertheless, this does
      not mean that political capital can be ignored. A nuanced view requires attention
      to how political and human capital jointly affect earnings in specific economic
      sectors.

PMID- 25133085
TI  - Impairment and Functional Interventions for Aphasia: Having it All.
AB  - Aphasia, a cognitive-linguistic disorder secondary to stroke, is a frequent and
      often chronic consequence of stroke with detrimental effects on autonomy and
      health-related quality of life. Treatment of aphasia can be approached in a
      number of ways. Impairment-based approaches that focus on training a specific
      linguistic form can be implemented. Additionally, functionally oriented
      intervention such as supported conversation and aphasia groups are also
      frequently utilized when providing a treatment program for an individual with
      aphasia. Creating a treatment approach that includes both impairment and
      functional methodologies and considers how these relate to the three domains
      proposed by the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health
      (ICF)-body functions and structure, activity, and participation-can provide an
      individual with aphasia an optimal treatment program that is person-centered and
      multi-faceted.

PMID- 25133086
TI  - Adaboost face detector based on Joint Integral Histogram and Genetic Algorithms
      for feature extraction process.
AB  - Recently, many classes of objects can be efficiently detected by the way of
      machine learning techniques. In practice, boosting techniques are among the most
      widely used machine learning for various reasons. This is mainly due to low false
      positive rate of the cascade structure offering the possibility to be trained by
      different classes of object. However, it is especially used for face detection
      since it is the most popular sub-problem within object detection. The challenges
      of Adaboost based face detector include the selection of the most relevant
      features from a large feature set which are considered as weak classifiers. In
      many scenarios, however, selection of features based on lowering classification
      errors leads to computation complexity and excess of memory use. In this work, we
      propose a new method to train an effective detector by discarding redundant weak
      classifiers while achieving the pre-determined learning objective. To achieve
      this, on the one hand, we modify AdaBoost training so that the feature selection
      process is not based any more on the weak learner's training error. This is by
      incorporating the Genetic Algorithm (GA) on the training process. On the other
      hand, we make use of the Joint Integral Histogram in order to extract more
      powerful features. Experimental performance on human faces show that our proposed
      method requires smaller number of weak classifiers than the conventional learning
      algorithm, resulting in higher learning and faster classification rates. So, our
      method outperforms significantly state-of-the-art cascade methods in terms of
      detection rate and false positive rate and especially in reducing the number of
      weak classifiers per stage. 

PMID- 25133087
TI  - Investigation of strained deformed state of variable stiffness rod.
AB  - An equation for bending of a weighable rod with variable transversal stiffness
      was proposed. On the basis of this analyses the conclusions were drawn about the
      influence of parameters of construction on values of maximum sag and maximum
      bending moment. The recommendations for the usage of the simplified model were
      done. The example of the construction with given parameters for calculation of
      stiffness and strength according to the represented mathematical models was
      considered. 

PMID- 25133089
TI  - A characterization of Chover-type law of iterated logarithm.
AB  - ABSTRACT: Let 0 < alpha <= 2 and - infinity <beta <infinity. Let {X n ;n >= 1} be
      a sequence of independent copies of a real-valued random variable X and set S n =
      X 1+?+X n , n >= 1. We say X satisfies the (alpha,beta)-Chover-type law of the
      iterated logarithm (and write X?C T L I L(alpha,beta)) if [Formula: see text]
      almost surely. This paper is devoted to a characterization of X ?C T L I
      L(alpha,beta). We obtain sets of necessary and sufficient conditions for X?C T L
      I L(alpha,beta) for the five cases: alpha = 2 and 0 < beta <infinity, alpha = 2
      and beta = 0, 1<alpha<2 and -infinity<beta<infinity, alpha = 1 and -infinity
      <beta <infinity, and 0 < alpha <1 and -infinity <beta <infinity. As for the case
      where alpha = 2 and -infinity <beta <0, it is shown that X?C T L I L(2,beta) for
      any real-valued random variable X. As a special case of our results, a simple and
      precise characterization of the classical Chover law of the iterated logarithm
      (i.e., X?C T L I L(alpha,1/alpha)) is given; that is, X?C T L I L(alpha,1/alpha)
      if and only if [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] whenever 1< alpha <=
      2. MATHEMATICS SUBJECT CLASSIFICATION 2000: Primary: 60F15; Secondary: 60G50.

PMID- 25133088
TI  - Suggestion of suitable animal models for in vivo studies of protein tyrosine
      phosphatase 1b (PTP1B) inhibitors using computational approaches.
AB  - PTP1B is a prototypic enzyme of the superfamily protein tyrosine phosphatases
      (PTPs) which are critical regulators of tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent
      signaling events. It is a highly plausible candidate for designing therapeutic
      inhibitors of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this study, a detailed
      comparative analysis to reveal the evolutionary relationship of human PTP1B among
      related vertebrates has been addressed. The phylogenetic trees were constructed
      with maximum likelihood algorithm by PhyML package on the basis of multiple
      sequence alignment (MSA) by ClustalOmega and T-coffee. Mutational variability of
      the sequences corresponding to the 3D structure (pdb: 2vev) was analyzed with
      Consurf software. The comparative analysis by inhibitor docking to different
      models was made to confirm the suitability of models. As a result, the PTP1B or
      PTP non-receptor type 1 homologies show high conservativity where about 70%
      positions on primary structures are conserved. Within PTP domain (3-277), the
      most variable positions are 12, 13, 19 and 24 which is a part of the second aryl
      binding site. Moreover, there are important evolutional mutations that can change
      the conformation of the proteins, for instance, hydrophilic N139 changed to
      hydrophobic Gly (mPTP1B); E132 to proline in the hydrophobic core structure or
      Y46 to cystein in pTyr recognition loop. These variations/differences should be
      taken into account for rational inhibitor design and in choosing suitable animal
      models for drug testing and evaluation. Moreover, our study suggests critically
      potential models which are Heterocephalus glaber, Tupaia chinensis, Sus scrofa,
      and Rattus norvegicus in addition to the best one Macaca fascicularis. Among
      these models, the H.glaber and R.norvegicus are preferable over M.musculus thanks
      to their similarity in binding affinity and binding modes to investigated PTP1B
      inhibitors. 

PMID- 25133090
TI  - Gastrointestinal perforation due to vasculitis at primary diagnosis of
      eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) despite a high dose
      glucocorticosteroids treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) belongs to the
      systemic ANCA-associated vasculitides which may develop life-threatening major
      organ involvement, such as eosinophilic pulmonary infiltration, neuropathy, acute
      nephritis, myocarditis, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement. Here, two
      cases of EGPA are presented developing perforation of the bowel at primary
      diagnosis after 7 respectively 10 days of initiation of high-dose
      glucocorticosteroides (GC) therapy. FINDINGS: Two male patients, aged 32 (case 1)
      and 36 years (case 2), were admitted to the hospital with the symptoms of
      dyspnea, fatigue, fever, and chest pain. The patients completed the previously
      published revised international Chapel Hill nomenclature of EGPA. The two
      patients (case 1 and 2) developed acute abdominal pain after 7 (case 1) and ten
      days (case 2) on GC treatment. Computed tomography followed by surgery detected
      acute perforation of the small intestine (middle part of jejunum, case 1) and
      colon transversum (case 2). The resected specimens disclosed bowel perforation
      with severe transmural inflammation, edema, hemorrhage and vasculitis typically
      of EGPA. On the first post-operative day, therapy with cyclophosphamide
      (according to the Austin protocol) with a dosage of 750 mg/qm every 3 weeks (for
      8 cycles) was initiated with good response within three months of treatment.
      CONCLUSION: The course of disease of the two presented EGPA patients suggest that
      very early initiation of intensified immunosuppressive treatment, preferentially
      with cyclophophomide or B cell depletion strategies, needs to be considered to
      avoid life-threatening complications of GI involvement.

PMID- 25133091
TI  - Is radiotherapy necessary for intermediate risk ductal carcinoma in situ after
      breast conserving surgery?
AB  - Identifying ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients at highest risk for
      recurrence after breast conserving surgery (BCS) remains a clinical concern.
      Subjecting all such patients to radiotherapy may be unnecessary. The Van Nuys
      Prognostic Index (VNPI) is a simple scoring system for predicting the risk of
      local recurrence in patients with DCIS. We reviewed patients with DCIS applying
      the VNPI score system. A total of 184 DCIS patients who underwent surgery at our
      institution between January 2003 and December 2011 were identified. Patients were
      not treated according to VNPI guidelines; rather, radiation therapy was applied
      at each surgeon's discretion. All patients with hormonal receptor positive tumors
      were treated with hormonal therapy. Pathology reports were reviewed and VNPI
      scores of each DCIS calculated. Of the 184 patients, 52 (28.3%), 115 (62.5%) and
      17 (9.2%) had low, intermediate and high VNPI scores, respectively. Six of the
      184 patients (3.3%) developed ipsilateral local recurrence, five in the
      intermediate and one in the high VNPI score group. Of the five in the
      intermediate group, three (60%) were in patients with ER-negative tumors. VNPI
      score itself was not associated with recurrence (P = 0.145). Factors associated
      with recurrence included tumor size (hazard ratio [HR] 6.88), grade (HR 9.07) and
      hormone receptor status (HR 11.75). Radiotherapy did not significantly improve
      recurrence rates in patients with low and intermediate risk DCIS, especially in
      those with ER-positive tumors. Radiotherapy can be omitted in patients with ER
      positive intermediate score DCIS and in patients with low score DCIS. 

PMID- 25133092
TI  - Effects of acute bouts of physical activity on children's attention: a systematic
      review of the literature.
AB  - The aim of this review was to describe the effects of acute bouts of physical
      activity on attention levels of children. A systematic review was performed of
      English studies from searches in PubMed, Sportdiscus and PsycINFO from 1990 to
      (May) 2014 according to the PRISMA statement. Only prospective studies of
      children aged 4-18 years old were included, detailing acute effects of physical
      activity bouts with the primary outcome attention. One reviewer extracted data on
      the study characteristics. Two reviewers conducted the methodological quality
      assessment independently using a criteria checklist, which was based on the Downs
      and Black checklist for non-randomised studies. Overall the evidence is thin and
      inconclusive. The methodological differences in study sample (size and age),
      study design and measurement of attention make it difficult to compare results.
      There is weak evidence for the effect of acute bouts of physical activity on
      attention. More experimental studies with a comparable methodology, especially in
      the school setting, are needed to strengthen this evidence. 

PMID- 25133094
TI  - Oral and sublingual immunotherapy.
AB  - Allergic diseases have continued to increase throughout the developed world.
      Subcutaneous immunotherapy has been a mainstay of treatment for allergic rhinitis
      and asthma, however, some patients are precluded from treatment. On the other
      hand, in the case of food allergy, treatments simply do not exist. Oral and
      sublingual immunotherapy, with its superior safety and ease of administration,
      offers an alternative for patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma and has also
      been promising as a potential treatment for food allergy. The review summarizes
      significant advances from the past year including further data on the
      effectiveness of existing treatments, preliminary data on novel treatments, and
      further understanding of the mechanisms of these new therapies.

PMID- 25133095
TI  - Severe Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus Infection in a Child with Undiagnosed
      Addison's Disease.

PMID- 25133093
TI  - Comments on the mechanisms of action of radiation protective agents: basis
      components and their polyvalence.
AB  - PURPOSE: These comments suggest a division of radiation protective agents on the
      grounds of their mechanism of action that increase the radio resistance of an
      organism. CONCLUSION: Given below is the division of radiation protective agents
      on the basis of their mechanism of action into 3 groups: 1) Radiation protective
      agents, with the implementation of radiation protective action taking place at
      the cellular level in the course of rapidly proceeding radiation-chemical
      reactions. At the same time, when the ionizing radiation energy is absorbed,
      these agents partially neutralize the "oxygen effect" as a radiobiological
      phenomenon, especially in the radiolysis of DNA; 2) Radiation protective agents
      that exert their effect at the system level by accelerating the post-radiation
      recovery of radiosensitive tissues through activation of a number of pro
      inflammatory signaling pathways and an increase in the secretion of hematopoietic
      growth factors, including their use as mitigators in the early period after
      irradiation prior to the clinical development of acute radiation syndrome (ARS).
      3) Radiomodulators including drugs and nutritional supplements that can elevate
      the resistance of the organism to adverse environmental factors, including
      exposure to ionization by means of modulating the gene expression through a
      hormetic effect of small doses of stressors and a "substrate" maintenance of
      adaptive changes, resulting in an increased antioxidant protection of the
      organism. Radiation protective agents having polyvalence in implementation of
      their action may simultaneously induce radioprotective effect by various routes
      with a prevalence of basis mechanisms of the action.

PMID- 25133097
TI  - Open surgical repair for chronic type B aortic dissection: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment of chronic type B aortic dissection (CBAD) remains
      complicated. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has supplanted open
      surgical repair (OSR) as the preferred surgical treatment for CBAD. Despite
      TEVAR's superior short-term results, much less is understood about its long-term
      outcomes. As much of the understanding of OSR originates from historical report,
      contemporary series, with modern surgical techniques and technologies, may
      present an alternative to TEVAR. The present systematic review will assess the
      short- and long-term outcomes of historic and contemporary series of OSR for
      CBAD. METHODS: Electronic searches were performed using six databases from their
      inception to March 2014. Relevant studies with OSRs for chronic type B dissection
      were identified. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and analyzed
      according to predefined clinical endpoints. Studies were sub-classified into the
      pre-endovascular (historic series) and endovascular era (contemporary series)
      depending on whether the majority of cases were performed after 1999. RESULTS:
      Nineteen studies were identified for inclusion for quantitative analysis. Pooled
      short-term mortality was 11.1% overall, and 7.5% in the nine contemporary
      studies. Stroke, spinal cord ischemia, renal dysfunction, and reoperation for
      bleeding were 5.9%, 4.9%, 8.1%, and 8.1%, respectively, for the contemporary
      series. Absolute late reintervention was identified in 13.3% of patients overall,
      and in 11.3% of patients in the contemporary series. Aggregated survival at 1-, 3
      , 5-, and 10-years of all patients were 82.1%, 74.1%, 66.3%, and 50.8%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: OSR for chronic type B dissection in the contemporary
      era offers acceptable results. Management approaches should be considered
      carefully, taking into account both short-term and long-term complications. More
      research is required to clarify specific indications for OSR and TEVAR in chronic
      type B dissections.

PMID- 25133098
TI  - Lower limb malperfusion in type B aortic dissection: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lower limb malperfusion (LLM) syndrome occurs in up to 40% of
      complicated type B aortic dissections (TBAD) and in up to 71% of TBAD with
      malperfusion syndrome. This syndrome is associated with higher 30-day mortality.
      The aim of this systematic review was to provide clinical and procedural data of
      patients with LLM syndrome secondary to TBAD. METHODS: The PubMed database was
      systematically searched from January 2000 to June 2014 for English-language
      publications reporting on demographic data of patients with LLM secondary to
      TBAD. RESULTS: A total of 29 papers were included (10 original articles and 19
      case reports), reporting on a total of 138 patients (mean age =58+/-12 years;
      male =87%). Lower limb complications developed in acute and chronic TBAD in 134
      (97%) and 4 (3%) cases, respectively. LLM presented with acute limb ischemia in
      120 (87%) patients. Bilateral clinical presentation occurred in 56% (40/72) of
      cases. LLM was the only clinically detected malperfusion in 52% of cases (44/84).
      In 40% (35/84) and 25% (21/84) of cases, LLM was clinically associated with renal
      and visceral malperfusion, respectively. Radiological imaging showed renal,
      celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery involvement in 53% (47/88), 31%
      (27/88) and 34% (30/88) of cases, respectively. Medical, surgical and
      endovascular treatments were performed in 22 (16%), 51 (37%) and 65 (47%)
      patients, respectively. Thirty-day morbidity was 31% (13/42) and 46% (6/13)
      following surgical and endovascular treatment, respectively. Thirty-day mortality
      was 14% (5/36) and 8% (2/26) following surgical and endovascular treatment,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LLM syndrome secondary to TBAD usually developed
      during the acute phase and, in most cases, presented with acute limb ischemia.
      Bilateral clinical presentation occurred in more than half of cases. Renal and
      visceral malperfusion were frequently associated with lower limb flow reduction
      but LLM was the only clinically detected malperfusion in more than half of
      patients. Surgical fenestration was burdened with significant complication rates
      and 30-day mortality. Endovascular procedures showed lower mortality but
      complication rates remained high.

PMID- 25133099
TI  - Acute type B aortic dissection: insights from the International Registry of Acute
      Aortic Dissection.
AB  - Acute type B aortic dissection comprises approximately one-third of all aortic
      dissection cases. Although this catastrophic cardiovascular condition was first
      described in the medical literature over two centuries ago, data on the optimal
      diagnostic and treatment modalities for type B dissection was slow to evolve
      throughout the latter half of the twentieth century, even as newer diagnostic
      techniques and management strategies became commonplace. To further elucidate
      contemporary practice patterns and outcomes of aortic dissection, the
      International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) was established in 1996.
      Over the past two decades, IRAD publications have steadily increased our
      knowledge and understanding about aortic dissection. Specifically in recent
      years, analyses of IRAD data have gone beyond simply characterizing the patient
      with acute type B aortic dissection and have attempted to identify the means by
      which the outcome of such a patient could be improved. Thus, we present herein
      three areas in which IRAD data has recently advanced our understanding of acute
      type B aortic dissection: temporal classification especially for the subacute
      time period, risk stratification for identifying complicated cases, and thoracic
      endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). 

PMID- 25133096
TI  - TGF-beta mediated DNA methylation in prostate cancer.
AB  - Almost all tumors harbor a defective negative feedback loop of signaling by
      transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Epigenetic mechanisms of gene
      regulation, including DNA methylation, are fundamental to normal cellular
      function and also play a major role in carcinogenesis. Recent evidence
      demonstrated that TGF-beta signaling mediates cancer development and progression.
      Many key events in TGF-beta signaling in cancer included auto-induction of TGF
      beta1 and increased expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), suggesting that
      DNA methylation plays a significant role in cancer development and progression.
      In this review, we performed an extensive survey of the literature linking TGF
      beta signaling to DNA methylation in prostate cancer. It appeared that almost all
      DNA methylated genes detected in prostate cancer are directly or indirectly
      related to TGF-beta signaling. This knowledge has provided a basis for our future
      directions of prostate cancer research and strategies for prevention and therapy
      for prostate cancer.

PMID- 25133100
TI  - Open repair of chronic complicated type B aortic dissection using the open distal
      technique.
AB  - AIM: The present study aimed to analyze early and late outcomes after open repair
      of chronic type B aortic dissection. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our
      cases of open descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) with chronic dissection
      from 1991-2013. Long-term survival and aortic reinterventions were analyzed and
      patient comorbidities were evaluated in order to determine the risk of adverse
      outcomes. Furthermore, the technique for "distal first approach" is described.
      RESULTS: Between 1991 and 2013, 240 (40%) descending thoracic aortic repairs with
      associated chronic dissection were performed. Mean age is 59 years and 178 (74%)
      are men. The majority of patients (218, 91%) underwent repair using the adjunct
      of distal aortic perfusion with cerebral spinal fluid drainage. Early mortality
      was 8.3% (20/240). Permanent neurologic deficit occurred in 1.3% (3/240). Stroke
      occurred in 2.9% (7/240), and dialysis on discharge in 6% (12/240). 5-, 10-, 15-,
      and 20-year survival was 72%, 60%, 45%, and 39%, respectively. Freedom from
      reoperation on the operated segment was 97%, 94%, 94% and 94% at 5, 10, 15 and 20
      years. CONCLUSIONS: Open repairs of chronic descending thoracic dissections can
      be performed with respectable morbidity and mortality. Risk of neurologic deficit
      remains low with use of adjuncts, and risk of reintervention on the involved
      aortic segment is also low. These results allow comparison with endovascular
      repair for chronic aortic dissection.

PMID- 25133101
TI  - Long-term outcomes in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair for chronic type B
      dissection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Open repair for chronic aortic dissection remains a challenging
      surgical option. Different centers report diverse experiences and outcomes
      pertaining to thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (TAAAR) for chronic type B
      dissection. We highlight our center's experience and results on a background of
      published literature and current evidence. METHODS: We reviewed 214 open TAAAR
      performed between October 1998 and February 2014. Of these, chronic type B
      dissection was present in 62 (29.0%) patients. We reviewed these patients in
      terms of demographics, operative characteristics and outcomes. Thirteen (21.0%)
      patients had surgery on the descending thoracic aorta [Category A =2 (3.2%), B =0
      (0%), C =11 (17.7%)] and 49 (79.0%) in the thoracoabdominal thoracic aorta
      [Crawford extent I =5 (8.1%), extent II =39 (62.9%), extent III =4 (6.5%), extent
      IV =1 (1.6%)]. Left heart bypass was used in 12 (19.4%) patients. RESULTS: The
      composite in-hospital endpoint, adverse outcome-defined as operative death, renal
      failure necessitating dialysis at discharge, stroke, or permanent paraplegia or
      paraparesis-occurred after 28 (45.2%) procedures. There were 14 (22.6%) operative
      deaths. In-hospital mortality was seven (16.3%) out of 43 elective patients, and
      increased to seven (36.8%) of the 19 non-elective ones. Permanent paraplegia or
      paraparesis occurred after two (3.2%) cases, stroke occurred after seven (11.3%)
      and renal failure requiring dialysis occurred after 16 (25.8%). Mean follow-up
      time was 3.2 years and actuarial 5-year mortality was 27.4% [nine (14.5%)
      elective and eight (12.9%) non-elective patients]. CONCLUSIONS: TAAAR in chronic
      type B dissection carries a substantial risk of early adverse outcomes. The
      results could be well alleviated with cases directed towards specialized regional
      and supra-regional centers. Although the endovascular approaches offer relatively
      low mortality and morbidity, there is a lack of long-term data and guidelines on
      their use. There is a need for a multidisciplinary international registry on the
      management of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and dissection. This would
      provide a degree of guidance on relevant clinical and surgical judgments and
      outcomes.

PMID- 25133102
TI  - Possible graft-related complications in visceral debranching for hybrid B
      dissection repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hybrid repair (HR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) and
      dissection (TAAD), consisting of rerouting renovisceral branches followed by
      endograft aortic repair, has been shown to be a feasible option. It is especially
      appealing in patients unfit for both open and total endovascular repair. In order
      to determine the role of dissecting etiology and intraoperative variables as risk
      factors for graft-related complications in visceral debranching, we
      retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes, patency rate and hemodynamic
      alterations of the renovisceral debranching grafts in our series. METHODS: We
      analyzed 55 consecutive patients who underwent thoracoabdominal aortic HR between
      2001 and 2013 in our center. Forty-four procedures were performed for TAAA and 11
      procedures for TAAD. In TAAD patients, dissection involved 9/44 (20.5%)
      renovisceral vessels. One hundred and fifty-nine visceral bypasses were made (156
      retrograde; three anterograde). RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 12.7% (n=7).
      Potential graft-related complications included four cases of pancreatitis (7.3%)
      and five of peri-operative renal failure (9.1%). At a mean follow-up of 36.1
      months, the global rate of visceral graft occlusion was 9.4% (15/159), leading to
      fatal bowel infarction in two patients and kidney loss in seven patients.
      Actuarial primary patency in renovisceral grafts at 12, 24, and 36 months was
      96.3%, 92.6%, and 90.2% respectively. At the level of the anastomosis of the
      graft to the superior mesenteric artery, significant flow alterations (systolic
      peak velocity >250 cm/s) were observed during computed flow dynamics analysis in
      18.5% of cases. Overall, an additional procedure to ensure patency was required
      in 19 bypasses intraoperatively and three during follow-up. The presence of
      aortic dissection had no significant impact on debranching graft-related
      complications. During multivariate analysis, retropancreatic routing to CT was
      the only independent predictor of graft-related complications (P=0.006).
      CONCLUSIONS: Specific visceral graft-related complications were not uncommon in
      our series and were often associated with clinical consequences. Hemodynamic
      alterations of debranching grafts were observed in particular at the level of the
      anastomosis with the superior mesenteric artery. Careful follow-up is mandatory
      in order to monitor visceral bypasses and facilitate patency when required.

PMID- 25133103
TI  - Frozen elephant trunk surgery in type B aortic dissection.

PMID- 25133104
TI  - Role of entry tear size in type B aortic dissection.

PMID- 25133105
TI  - Best surgical option for arch extension of type B aortic dissection: the open
      approach.
AB  - Arch extension of aortic dissection (AD) is reported to occur in 4-25% of
      patients presenting with acute type B AD. The DeBakey and Stanford
      classifications do not specifically account for this subset, however, recent
      studies have demonstrated that the prognosis of patients with arch extension in
      acute type B AD is virtually identical to that of others with type B AD. In this
      sense, it seems reasonable to extend the general management principles that are
      applied to classic acute type B AD even to patients with arch extension. This may
      be because even in patients with arch extension, most complications occur at
      locations distal to the arch, and therefore treatment of these patients is
      similar to that of complicated type B AD, namely thoracic endovascular aortic
      repair (TEVAR). Conversely, 10% of patients with acute type B AD and arch
      extension develop complications that are directly related to the arch pathology.
      This clinical scenario generally necessitates surgical arch repair through a
      sternotomy approach. The frozen elephant trunk technique combined with arch
      repair is a very reasonable option to treat this unique clinical entity that
      involves relatively distal locations of the aortic diseases. Combined arch and
      descending aorta replacement through thoracotomy is an alternative option
      particularly when the anatomical features of the target lesions are not suitable
      for a sternotomy approach or TEVAR. Nonetheless, the reported mortality
      associated with this approach has been exceedingly high. Hybrid arch repair is
      another consideration in treating these patients to reduce the treatment-related
      mortality and morbidity, especially when the arch pathology is limited to the
      distal part. Nevertheless, the safety and efficacy of this procedure in cases
      with more extensive arch involvement needs to be assessed in further studies in
      comparison with other treatment modalities. 

PMID- 25133106
TI  - Medical management in type B aortic dissection.
AB  - Medical management is generally the preferred treatment for uncomplicated type B
      acute aortic dissection cases. It is often centered on the use of
      antihypertensive agents, which alleviates hemodynamic stress on the damaged
      aortic wall. Methods of medical management and drug selection are still based
      mainly on personal experience, expert opinion and historical observational
      studies as randomized controlled studies are lacking. Guidelines from European
      (ESC), American (ACC/AHA) and Asian (Japan) societies in the last decade have
      made recommendations on use of medications, but also reaffirmed the lack of
      evidence for therapeutic approaches and targeted medical management. More recent
      evidence suggests that there may be type-selective benefits for antihypertensive
      medications. Here, we will discuss the present understanding of medical
      management of acute aortic dissection. 

PMID- 25133107
TI  - Open fenestration for complicated acute aortic B dissection.
AB  - Acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD) is a serious cardiovascular emergency in
      which morbidity and mortality are often related to the presence of complications
      at clinical presentation. Visceral, renal, and limb ischemia occur in up to 30%
      of patients with ABAD and are associated with higher in-hospital mortality. The
      aim of the open fenestration is to resolve the malperfusion by creating a single
      aortic lumen at the suprarenal or infrarenal level. This surgical procedure is
      less invasive than total aortic replacement, thus not requiring extracorporeal
      support and allowing preservation of the intercostal arteries, which results in
      decreased risk of paraplegia. Surgical aortic fenestration represents an
      effective and durable option for treating ischemic complications of ABAD,
      particularly for patients with no aortic dilatation. In the current endovascular
      era, this open technique serves as an alternative option in case of
      contraindications or failure of endovascular management of complicated ABAD. 

PMID- 25133108
TI  - TEVAR for complicated acute type B dissection with malperfusion.

PMID- 25133109
TI  - Central cannulation (aortic and pulmonary artery) and sequential clamping from
      distal to proximal in the surgical management of chronic type B dissection
      utilizing hypothermic circulatory arrest.

PMID- 25133110
TI  - Pitfalls in the hybrid approach of type B aortic dissection with arch
      involvement.

PMID- 25133112
TI  - Marfan syndrome.

PMID- 25133113
TI  - Highlights from the 50th seminar of the korean society of gastrointestinal
      endoscopy.
AB  - The July issue of Clinical Endoscopy deals with selected articles covering the
      state-of-the-art lectures delivered during the 50th seminar of the Korean Society
      of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (KSGE) on March 30, 2014, highlighting educational
      contents pertaining to either diagnostic or therapeutic gastrointestinal (GI)
      endoscopy, which contain fundamental and essential points in GI endoscopy. KSGE
      is very proud of its seminar, which has been presented twice a year for the last
      25 years, and hosted more than 3,500 participants at the current meeting. KSGE
      seminar is positioned as one of premier state-of-the-art seminars for endoscopy,
      covering topics for novice endoscopists and advanced experts, as well as
      diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. The 50th KSGE seminar consists of more than
      20 sessions, including a single special lecture, concurrent sessions for GI
      endoscopy nurses, and sessions exploring new technologies. Nine articles were
      selected from these prestigious lectures, and invited for publication in this
      special issue. This introductory review, prepared by the editors of Clinical
      Endoscopy, highlights core contents divided into four sessions: upper GI tract,
      lower GI tract, pancreatobiliary system, and other specialized topic sessions,
      including live demonstrations and hands-on courses. 

PMID- 25133114
TI  - Plastic and biodegradable stents for complex and refractory benign esophageal
      strictures.
AB  - Endoscopic stent placement is a well-accepted and effective alternative treatment
      modality for complex and refractory esophageal strictures. Among the currently
      available types of stents, the partially covered self-expanding metal stent
      (SEMS) has a firm anchoring effect, preventing stent migration and ensuring
      effective covering of a narrowed segment. However, hyperplastic tissue reaction
      driven by the uncovered mesh may prevent easy and safe stent removal. As an
      alternative, a fully covered SEMS decreases the recurrence of dysphagia caused by
      hyperplastic tissue ingrowth; however, it has a high migration rate. Likewise,
      although a self-expanding plastic stent (SEPS) reduces reactive hyperplasia, the
      long-term outcome is disappointing because of the high rate of stent migration. A
      biodegradable stent has the main benefit of not requiring stent removal in
      comparison with SEMS and SEPS. However, it still has a somewhat high rate of
      hyperplastic reaction, and the long-term outcome does not satisfy expectations.
      Up to now, the question of which type of stent should be recommended for the
      effective treatment of complex and refractory benign strictures has no clear
      answer. Therefore, the selection of stent type for endoscopic treatment should be
      individualized, taking into consideration the endoscopist's experience as well as
      patient and stricture characteristics. 

PMID- 25133115
TI  - Evaluation and management of caustic injuries from ingestion of Acid or alkaline
      substances.
AB  - Although the numbers have decreased compared with in the past, cases of patients
      who ingest caustic substances and visit the emergency room are not rare. However,
      well-summarized data about caustic injuries are insufficient. Therefore, in this
      article, I will discuss the etiologic causative agents, injury mechanism, and
      clinical characteristics, as well as the endoscopic evaluation of the degree of
      injury and proper management of the patient, in gastrointestinal caustic injury. 

PMID- 25133116
TI  - Management of acute variceal bleeding.
AB  - Acute variceal bleeding could be a fatal complication in patients with liver
      cirrhosis. In patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis accompanied by ascites
      or hepatic encephalopathy, acute variceal bleeding is associated with a high
      mortality rate. Therefore, timely endoscopic hemostasis and prevention of relapse
      of bleeding are most important. The treatment goals for acute variceal bleeding
      are to correct hypovolemia; achieve rapid hemostasis; and prevent early
      rebleeding, complications related to bleeding, and deterioration of liver
      function. If variceal bleeding is suspected, treatment with vasopressors and
      antibiotics should be initiated immediately on arrival to the hospital.
      Furthermore, to obtain hemodynamic stability, the hemoglobin level should be
      maintained at >8 g/dL, systolic blood pressure >90 to 100 mm Hg, heart rate
      <100/min, and the central venous pressure from 1 to 5 mm Hg. When the patient
      becomes hemodynamically stable, hemostasis should be achieved by performing
      endoscopy as soon as possible. For esophageal variceal bleeding, endoscopic
      variceal ligation is usually performed, and for gastric variceal bleeding,
      endoscopic variceal obturation is performed primarily. If it is considered
      difficult to achieve hemostasis through endoscopy, salvage therapy may be carried
      out while keeping the patient hemodynamically stable. 

PMID- 25133117
TI  - Endoscopy for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
AB  - Endoscopy for acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding plays an
      important role in primary diagnosis and management, particularly with respect to
      identification of high-risk stigmata lesions and to providing endoscopic
      hemostasis to reduce the risk of rebleeding and mortality. Early endoscopy,
      defined as endoscopy within the first 24 hours after presentation, improves
      patient outcome and reduces the length of hospitalization when compared with
      delayed endoscopy. Various endoscopic hemostatic methods are available, including
      injection therapy, mechanical therapy, and thermal coagulation. Either single
      treatment with mechanical or thermal therapy or a treatment that combines more
      than one type of therapy are effective and safe for peptic ulcer bleeding. Newly
      developed methods, such as Hemospray powder and over-the-scope clips, may provide
      additional options. Appropriate decisions and specific treatment are needed
      depending upon the conditions. 

PMID- 25133118
TI  - Management of Antithrombotic Therapy for Gastroenterological Endoscopy from a
      Cardio-Cerebrovascular Physician's Point of View.
AB  - Periprocedural management of antithrombotics for gastroenterological endoscopy is
      a common clinical issue. To decide how to manage the use of antithrombotics in
      patients undergoing endoscopy, the risk for hemorrhage and thromboembolism during
      the procedure must be considered. For low-risk procedures, no adjustments in
      antithrombotics are needed. For high-risk procedures with a low thromboembolic
      risk, discontinuation of warfarin at 5 days, and clopidogrel at 5 to 7 days
      before the procedure has been recommended. However, it is better to continue
      aspirin use even during high-risk procedures. A heparin bridging therapy may be
      considered before endoscopy in patients with a high thromboembolic risk. The
      management of patients taking antithrombotics remains complex, especially in high
      risk settings. 

PMID- 25133119
TI  - Prerequisites of colonoscopy.
AB  - Colonoscopy is a widely accepted method for the evaluation of the colon and
      terminal ileum. Its diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic safety are influenced by
      prerequisites, including modulation of medication and bowel cleansing.
      Appropriate choices of sedative medication and bowel-cleansing regimen, together
      with diet modification, should be made based on the patient's underlying disease,
      age, and medication intake. Moreover, effective methods for patient education
      regarding bowel preparation should be considered. 

PMID- 25133120
TI  - Equipment-based image-enhanced endoscopy for differentiating colorectal polyps.
AB  - The use of colonoscopy for the screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer
      has increased. However, the miss rate of advanced colorectal neoplasm is known to
      be 2% to 6%, which could be affected by the image intensity of colorectal
      lesions. Image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) is capable of highlighting lesions, which
      can improve the colorectal adenoma detection rate and diagnostic accuracy.
      Equipment-based IEE methods, such as narrow band imaging (NBI), Fujinon
      intelligent color enhancement (FICE), and i-Scan, are used to observe the mucosal
      epithelium of the microstructure and capillaries of the lesion, and are helpful
      in the detection and differential diagnosis of colorectal tumors. Although NBI is
      similar to chromoendoscopy in terms of adenoma detection rates, NBI can be used
      to differentiate colorectal polyps and to predict the submucosal invasion of
      malignant tumors. It is also known that FICE and i-Scan are similar to NBI in
      their detection rates of colorectal lesions. Through more effective and advanced
      endoscopic equipment, diagnostic accuracy could be improved and new treatment
      paradigms developed. 

PMID- 25133121
TI  - Preparation of high-risk patients and the choice of guidewire for a successful
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure.
AB  - Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an essential technique
      for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatobiliary diseases. However, ERCP
      related complications such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, hemorrhage, and
      perforation may be problematic. For a successful and safe ERCP, preprocedural
      evaluations of the patients and intervention-related risk factors are needed.
      Furthermore, in light of the recent population aging and increase in chronic
      cardiopulmonary diseases in Korea, precautions including endoscopic sedation and
      prevention of cardiopulmonary complications should be considered. In this
      literature review, we describe these risk factors and the use of endoscopic
      sedation. In addition, we reviewed the commonly available guidewires, including
      their materials and options, used as a basic accessory for ERCP procedures. 

PMID- 25133122
TI  - The management of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related duodenal
      perforation.
AB  - Uneventful duodenal perforation during endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an uncommon but occasionally fatal
      complication. ERCP-related perforations may occur during sphincterotomy and
      improper manipulation of the equipment and scope. Traditionally, duodenal
      perforation has been treated with early surgical repair. Recently, nonoperative
      early endoscopic management techniques including clips or fibrin glue have been
      reported. In the present paper we review the literature pertaining to the
      treatment of perforations. 

PMID- 25133123
TI  - A case report of primary duodenal tuberculosis mimicking a malignant tumor.
AB  - Tuberculosis remains a serious infectious disease with primary features of
      pulmonary manifestation in Korea. However, duodenal tuberculosis is rare in
      gastrointestinal cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Here, we report a case of
      primary duodenal tuberculosis mistaken as a malignant tumor and diagnosed with
      QuantiFERON-TB GOLD (Cellestis Ltd.) in an immunocompetent male patient. 

PMID- 25133124
TI  - Primary papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosed by using endoscopic ultrasound with
      fine needle aspiration.
AB  - There is paucity in the literature on the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for
      evaluating the thyroid gland. We report the first case of primary papillary
      thyroid cancer diagnosed by using EUS and fine needle aspiration (FNA). A 66-year
      old man underwent EUS for the evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy. FNA of
      the lymph nodes showed benign findings. A hypoechoic mass was noted in the right
      lobe of the thyroid gland. Therefore, FNA was performed. The cytological results
      were consistent with primary papillary thyroid cancer. 

PMID- 25133125
TI  - A case of endoscopic full-thickness resection in a patient with gastric high
      grade dysplasia unsuitable for endoscopic submucosal dissection.
AB  - Gastric high-grade dysplasia is an important premalignant lesion in gastric
      epithelial cells and has a high possibility of transforming to adenocarcinoma.
      Therefore, biopsy-proven high-grade dysplasia should be treated with en bloc
      resection methods such as endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal
      dissection (ESD). We report the case of a 63-year-old male patient, diagnosed
      with gastric high-grade dysplasia at the angle and lesser curvature side of the
      lower body. The patient was initially treated with ESD, although histopathology
      subsequently showed horizontal margin involvement. Since the lesion was diffusely
      edematous and margins were uncertain because of the previous ESD treatment, we
      chose to treat the patient with laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic full-thickness
      resection (EFTR). EFTR is a recently developed procedure, which uses both
      endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques to resect the full-thickness of the
      tissue. The final pathologic report revealed high-grade dysplasia and a focal
      intramucosal carcinoma of 0.8*0.7 cm. We conclude that EFTR can be an effective
      alternative treatment in gastric high-grade dysplasia unsuitable for ESD. 

PMID- 25133126
TI  - Xanthoma of the esophagus.
AB  - Xanthoma is an uncommon nonneoplastic lesion resulting from the accumulation of
      histiocytes. It predominantly shows cutaneous manifestations associated with
      dyslipidemia. However, xanthoma of the esophagus is extremely rare. To the best
      of our knowledge, only 14 cases have been reported thus far. The clinical
      significance of this lesion has not been established. However, this lesion should
      be distinguished grossly from ectopic sebaceous glands and small subepithelial
      tumors such as carcinoid and granular cell tumor. Moreover, signet ring cell
      carcinoma, which contains round cells with abundant cytoplasm and has similar
      histologic features to xanthoma, should be distinguished microscopically. 

PMID- 25133127
TI  - Endoscopic Management of Rectal Dieulafoy's Lesion: A Case Series and Optimal
      Treatment.
AB  - Rectal Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is rare cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
      Because of its rarity, there is no consensus on the optimal endoscopic hemostasis
      technique for rectal DL. We analyzed six patients who underwent endoscopic
      management for rectal DL after presenting with hematochezia at a single institute
      over 10 years. Of the six patients, three underwent endoscopic band ligation
      (EBL) and three underwent endoscopic hemoclip placement (EHP). Only one patient
      was treated with thermocoagulation. There were no immediate complications in any
      of the patients. None of the patients required a procedure or surgery for the
      treatment of rebleeding. Mean procedure times of EBL and EHP were 5.25 minutes
      and 7 minutes, respectively. Both EHP and EBL are shown to be effective in the
      treatment of bleeding rectal DL. We suggest that EBL may have potential as the
      preferred therapy owing to its superiority in technical and economic aspects,
      especially in elderly and high-risk patients. 

PMID- 25133129
TI  - Reader's Forum.

PMID- 25133128
TI  - Electrohydraulic lithotripsy of an impacted enterolith causing acute afferent
      loop syndrome.
AB  - Afferent loop syndrome caused by an impacted enterolith is very rare, and
      endoscopic removal of the enterolith may be difficult if a stricture is present
      or the normal anatomy has been altered. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy is commonly
      used for endoscopic fragmentation of biliary and pancreatic duct stones. A 64
      year-old man who had undergone subtotal gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy
      presented with acute, severe abdominal pain for a duration of 2 hours. Initially,
      he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis because of an elevated amylase level and
      pain, but was finally diagnosed with acute afferent loop syndrome when an
      impacted enterolith was identified by computed tomography. We successfully
      removed the enterolith using direct electrohydraulic lithotripsy conducted using
      a transparent cap-fitted endoscope without complications. We found that this
      procedure was therapeutically beneficial. 

PMID- 25133130
TI  - Comparison of frictional forces between aesthetic orthodontic coated wires and
      self-ligation brackets.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of
      polymer- and rhodium-coated wires compared to uncoated wires by measuring the
      frictional forces using self-ligation brackets. METHODS: 0.016-inch nickel
      titanium (NiTi) wires and 0.017 * 0.025-inch stainless steel (SS) wires were
      used, and the angulations between the brackets and wires were set to 0 degrees ,
      5 degrees , and 10 degrees . Upper maxillary premolar brackets (Clippy-C(r)) with
      a 0.022-inch slot were selected for the study and a tensile test was performed
      with a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. The maximum static frictional forces and
      kinetic frictional forces were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The maximum static
      frictional forces and the kinetic frictional forces of coated wires were equal to
      or higher than those of the uncoated wires (p < 0.05). The maximum static
      frictional forces of rhodium-coated wires were significantly higher than those of
      polymer-coated wires when the angulations between the brackets and wires were set
      to (i) 5 degrees  in the 0.016-inch NiTi wires and (ii) all angulations in the
      0.017 * 0.025-inch SS wires (p < 0.05). The kinetic frictional forces of rhodium
      coated wires were higher than those of polymer-coated wires, except when the
      angulations were set to 0 degrees  in the 0.016-inch NiTi wires (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the frictional forces of the coated wires with regards to
      aesthetics were equal to or greater than those of the uncoated wires, a study
      under similar conditions regarding the oral cavity is needed in order to
      establish the clinical implications.

PMID- 25133131
TI  - Randomized controlled clinical trial of oral health-related quality of life in
      patients wearing conventional and self-ligating brackets.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare
      oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients treated with
      conventional, active self-ligating (ASL), and passive self-ligating (PSL)
      brackets in different therapeutic phases. METHODS: Sixty patients (mean age 18.3
      years; 29 males and 31 females) requiring orthodontic treatment were randomly and
      equally assigned to receive conventional (Victory Series), ASL (In-Ovation R), or
      PSL (Damon 3MX) brackets. OHRQoL was measured with a self-administered modified
      16-item Malaysian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile for immediate (soon
      after the visit) and late (just before the subsequent visit) assessments of the
      bonding and activation phases. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and chi
      square tests. RESULTS: The PSL and ASL groups showed more immediate and late
      impacts in the bonding phase, respectively; the conventional group was affected
      in both the assessments. The first activation phase had similar impacts in the
      groups. After the second activation, the conventional group showed more immediate
      impacts, whereas the PSL and ASL groups had more late impacts. The commonly
      affected domains were "physical disability," "functional limitation," "physical
      pain," and "psychological discomfort." No significant differences in the
      prevalence and severity of immediate and late impacts on OHRQoL of the patients
      were noted in any therapeutic phase. CONCLUSIONS: No bracket system seems to
      ensure superior OHRQoL. This information could be useful for explaining the
      therapeutic phases, especially the initial one, and selecting the optimal bracket
      system based on the patient's preference.

PMID- 25133132
TI  - Geometrical design characteristics of orthodontic mini-implants predicting
      maximum insertion torque.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the unique contribution of geometrical design
      characteristics of orthodontic mini-implants on maximum insertion torque while
      controlling for the influence of cortical bone thickness. METHODS: Total number
      of 100 cylindrical orthodontic mini-implants was used. Geometrical design
      characteristics of ten specimens of ten types of cylindrical self-drilling
      orthodontic mini-implants (Ortho Easy(r), Aarhus, and Dual TopTM) with diameters
      ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 mm and lengths of 6 and 8 mm were measured. Maximum
      insertion torque was recorded during manual insertion of mini-implants into bone
      samples. Cortical bone thickness was measured. Retrieved data were analyzed in a
      multiple regression model. RESULTS: Significant predictors for higher maximum
      insertion torque included larger outer diameter of implant, higher lead angle of
      thread, and thicker cortical bone, and their unique contribution to maximum
      insertion torque was 12.3%, 10.7%, and 24.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The
      maximum insertion torque values are best controlled by choosing an implant
      diameter and lead angle according to the assessed thickness of cortical bone.

PMID- 25133133
TI  - Facial profile parameters and their relative influence on bilabial prominence and
      the perceptions of facial profile attractiveness: A novel approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relative importance of bilabial prominence in relation
      to other facial profile parameters in a normal population. METHODS: Profile
      stimulus images of 38 individuals (28 female and 10 male; ages 19-25 years) were
      shown to an unrelated group of first-year students (n = 42; ages 18-24 years).
      The images were individually viewed on a 17-inch monitor. The observers received
      standardized instructions before viewing. A six-question questionnaire was
      completed using a Likert-type scale. The responses were analyzed by ordered
      logistic regression to identify associations between profile characteristics and
      observer preferences. The Bayesian Information Criterion was used to select
      variables that explained observer preferences most accurately. RESULTS: Nasal,
      bilabial, and chin prominences; the nasofrontal angle; and lip curls had the
      greatest effect on overall profile attractiveness perceptions. The lip-chin
      throat angle and upper lip curl had the greatest effect on forehead prominence
      perceptions. The bilabial prominence, nasolabial angle (particularly the lower
      component), and mentolabial angle had the greatest effect on nasal prominence
      perceptions. The bilabial prominence, nasolabial angle, chin prominence, and
      submental length had the greatest effect on lip prominence perceptions. The
      bilabial prominence, nasolabial angle, mentolabial angle, and submental length
      had the greatest effect on chin prominence perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: More
      prominent lips, within normal limits, may be considered more attractive in the
      profile view. Profile parameters have a greater influence on their neighboring
      aesthetic units but indirectly influence related profile parameters, endorsing
      the importance of achieving an aesthetic balance between relative prominences of
      all aesthetic units of the facial profile.

PMID- 25133134
TI  - Modification of surface pretreatment of white spot lesions to improve the safety
      and efficacy of resin infiltration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A low-viscosity resin (infiltrant) was used to inhibit the progression
      of white spot lesions (WSLs) and resolve associated esthetic issues. An
      alternative pretreatment was explored to increase the pore volume of the surface
      layer of the WSLs. Also, the penetration effects of the infiltrant were evaluated
      for various pretreatments. METHODS: Sixty two artificial lesions were fabricated
      on bovine teeth. As a positive control, 15% HCl gel was applied for 120 seconds.
      Further, 37% H3PO4 gel was applied for 30 seconds using three methods. The
      samples were divided as follows: H3PO4 only group, H3PO4 sponge group, and H3PO4
      brush group. The acid was gently rubbed with the applicators (i.e., a sponge or
      brush) throughout the application time. To compare the effects of resin
      infiltration, twenty paired halves of specimens were treated with an infiltrant
      (ICON(r)). RESULTS: Thicknesses of the removed surface layers and infiltrated
      areas were evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscope. The positive control
      and the 37% H3PO4 brush group failed to show significant differences in the
      removed thickness (p > 0.05); however, the mean percentage of the infiltrated
      area was higher in the 37% H3PO4 brush group (84.13 +/- 7.58%) than the positive
      control (63.51 +/- 7.62%, p < 0.001). Scanning electron microscope observations
      indicate higher pore volumes for the 37% H3PO4 brush group than for the positive
      control. CONCLUSIONS: Application of 37% H3PO4 with a brush for 30 seconds
      increased the pore volume of WSL surface layers and the percentage of infiltrated
      areas in comparison to the use of 15% HCl for 120 seconds.

PMID- 25133135
TI  - Treatment and retention of relapsed anterior open-bite with low tongue posture
      and tongue-tie: A 10-year follow-up.
AB  - The purpose of the current report is to present 6-year long-term stability and 10
      year follow-up data for an adult patient who was treated with a tongue elevator
      for relapsed anterior open-bite. The 19-year-old male patient presented with the
      chief complaint of difficulty in chewing his food. Collectively, clinical and
      radiographic examinations revealed an anterior open-bite, low tongue posture, and
      tongue-tie. The patient opted for orthodontic treatment alone, without any
      surgical procedure. A lingual frenectomy was recommended to avoid the risk of
      relapse, but the patient declined because he was not experiencing tongue
      discomfort. Initial treatment of the anterior open-bite with molar intrusion and
      tongue exercises was successful, but relapse occurred during the retention
      period. A tongue elevator was used for retreatment, because the approach was
      minimally invasive and suited the patient's requirements regarding discomfort,
      cost, and time. The appliance changed the tongue posture and generated an altered
      tongue force, which ultimately resulted in intrusive dentoalveolar effects, and a
      subsequent counterclockwise rotation of the mandible. The results showed long
      term stability and were maintained for six years through continual use of the
      tongue elevator. The results of this case indicated that a tongue elevator could
      be used not only as an alternative treatment for open-bite, but also as an active
      retainer. 

PMID- 25133136
TI  - Interdisciplinary rehabilitation of a root-fractured maxillary central incisor: A
      12-year follow-up case report.
AB  - Single-tooth implantation has become a common treatment solution for replacement
      of a root-fractured maxillary incisor in adults, but the long-term esthetic
      results can be unfavorable due to progressive marginal bone loss, resulting in
      gingival recession. In this case report, a maxillary central incisor with a root
      fracture in its apical one-third was orthodontically extruded and extracted in a
      21-year-old female. Implant surgery was performed after a 3-month healing period,
      and the final crown was placed about 12 months after extraction. After 12 years,
      favorable osseous and gingival architectures were visible with adequate bone
      height and thickness at the buccal cortical plate, and no gingival recession was
      seen around the implant-supported crown. Although modern dentistry has been
      shifting toward simplified, clinical procedures and shorter treatment times, both
      general dentists and orthodontists should be aware of the possible long-term
      esthetic advantages of orthodontic extrusion of hopelessly fractured teeth for
      highly esthetically demanding areas and should educate and motivate patients
      regarding the choice of this treatment solution, if necessary. 

PMID- 25133138
TI  - Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Severity of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
      Disorder in Preschoolers: A Pilot Investigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Less is known about the effects of secondhand smoke (SHS) on mental
      health as compared with other medical disorders. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this
      study were to examine the following: 1) the association of SHS exposure with
      childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) and disruptive disorders; and 2)
      the association of maternal recall of a child's SHS exposure and that child's
      exposure as measured by bioassay. METHOD: Sixty children had their saliva
      collected and assayed for cotinine when they were 4 years old and again when they
      were 6 years old. Phone interview data were collected to assess maternal recall
      of the children's exposure to SHS at these ages. The children were assessed
      annually for ADHD and disruptive disorders. Repeated measures analysis of
      exposure level by child characteristics was performed. RESULTS: Greater ADHD and
      conduct disorder severity scores were associated with greater child smoke
      exposure (ADHD severity, P = .043; conduct disorder severity, P = .035). A large
      proportion of mothers reported that their children had no exposure to SHS,
      despite high levels of measured cotinine in the children's saliva. CONCLUSIONS:
      An association between SHS exposure and ADHD and conduct disorder symptoms was
      found. Children and parents may benefit from parent education regarding the
      deleterious effects of SHS.

PMID- 25133137
TI  - Dielectrophoretic capture and genetic analysis of single neuroblastoma tumor
      cells.
AB  - Our understanding of the diversity of cells that escape the primary tumor and
      seed micrometastases remains rudimentary, and approaches for studying circulating
      and disseminated tumor cells have been limited by low throughput and sensitivity,
      reliance on single parameter sorting, and a focus on enumeration rather than
      phenotypic and genetic characterization. Here, we utilize a highly sensitive
      microfluidic and dielectrophoretic approach for the isolation and genetic
      analysis of individual tumor cells. We employed fluorescence labeling to isolate
      208 single cells from spiking experiments conducted with 11 cell lines, including
      8 neuroblastoma cell lines, and achieved a capture sensitivity of 1 tumor cell
      per 10(6) white blood cells (WBCs). Sample fixation or freezing had no detectable
      effect on cell capture. Point mutations were accurately detected in the whole
      genome amplification product of captured single tumor cells but not in negative
      control WBCs. We applied this approach to capture 144 single tumor cells from 10
      bone marrow samples of patients suffering from neuroblastoma. In this pediatric
      malignancy, high-risk patients often exhibit wide-spread hematogenous metastasis,
      but access to primary tumor can be difficult or impossible. Here, we used flow
      based sorting to pre-enrich samples with tumor involvement below 0.02%. For all
      patients for whom a mutation in the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase gene had already
      been detected in their primary tumor, the same mutation was detected in single
      cells from their marrow. These findings demonstrate a novel, non-invasive, and
      adaptable method for the capture and genetic analysis of single tumor cells from
      cancer patients. 

PMID- 25133139
TI  - Current Perspectives on Viable but Non-Culturable (VBNC) Pathogenic Bacteria.
AB  - Under stress conditions, many species of bacteria enter into starvation mode of
      metabolism or a physiologically viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. Several
      human pathogenic bacteria have been reported to enter into the VBNC state under
      these conditions. The pathogenic VBNC bacteria cannot be grown using conventional
      culture media, although they continue to retain their viability and express their
      virulence. Though there have been debates on the VBNC concept in the past,
      several molecular studies have shown that not only can the VBNC state be induced
      under in vitro conditions but also that resuscitation from this state is possible
      under appropriate conditions. The most notable advance in resuscitating VBNC
      bacteria is the discovery of resuscitation-promoting factor (Rpf), which is a
      bacterial cytokines found in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. VBNC
      state is a survival strategy adopted by the bacteria, which has important
      implication in several fields, including environmental monitoring, food
      technology, and infectious disease management; and hence it is important to
      investigate the association of bacterial pathogens under VBNC state and the
      water/foodborne outbreaks. In this review, we describe various aspects of VBNC
      bacteria, which include their proteomic and genetic profiles under the VBNC
      state, conditions of resuscitation, methods of detection, antibiotic resistance,
      and observations on Rpf. 

PMID- 25133142
TI  - Dissociative symptoms and dissociative disorders comorbidity in obsessive
      compulsive disorder: Symptom screening, diagnostic tools and reflections on
      treatment.
AB  - Borderline personality disorder, conversion disorder and obsessive compulsive
      disorder frequently have dissociative symptoms. The literature has demonstrated
      that the level of dissociation might be correlated with the severity of obsessive
      compulsive disorder (OCD) and that those not responding to treatment had high
      dissociative symptoms. The structured clinical interview for DSM-IV dissociative
      disorders, dissociation questionnaire, somatoform dissociation questionnaire and
      dissociative experiences scale can be used for screening dissociative symptoms
      and detecting dissociative disorders in patients with OCD. However, a history of
      neglect and abuse during childhood is linked to a risk factor in the pathogenesis
      of dissociative psychopathology in adults. The childhood trauma questionnaire-53
      and childhood trauma questionnaire-40 can be used for this purpose. Clinicians
      should not fail to notice the hidden dissociative symptoms and childhood
      traumatic experiences in OCD cases with severe symptoms that are resistant to
      treatment. Symptom screening and diagnostic tools used for this purpose should be
      known. Knowing how to treat these pathologies in patients who are diagnosed with
      OCD can be crucial. 

PMID- 25133141
TI  - Progress in sensorimotor rehabilitative physical therapy programs for stroke
      patients.
AB  - Impaired motor and functional activity following stroke often has negative
      impacts on the patient, the family and society. The available rehabilitation
      programs for stroke patients are reviewed. Conventional rehabilitation strategies
      (Bobath, Brunnstrom, proprioception neuromuscular facilitation, motor relearning
      and function-based principles) are the mainstream tactics in clinical practices.
      Numerous advanced strategies for sensory-motor functional enhancement, including
      electrical stimulation, electromyographic biofeedback, constraint-induced
      movement therapy, robotics-aided systems, virtual reality, intermittent
      compression, partial body weight supported treadmill training and thermal
      stimulation, are being developed and incorporated into conventional
      rehabilitation programs. The concept of combining valuable rehabilitative
      procedures into "a training package", based on the patient's functional status
      during different recovery phases after stroke is proposed. Integrated
      sensorimotor rehabilitation programs with appropriate temporal arrangements might
      provide great functional benefits for stroke patients. 

PMID- 25133143
TI  - Metabolic syndrome and childhood trauma: Also comorbidity and complication in
      mood disorder.
AB  - Studies for prevalence and causal relationship established that addressing
      comorbidities of mental illnesses with medical disease will be another revolution
      in psychiatry. Increasing number of evidence shows that there is a bidirectional
      connection between mood disorders and some medical diseases.
      Glucocorticoid/insulin signal mechanisms and immunoenflammatory effector systems
      are junction points that show pathophysiology between bipolar disorder and
      general medical situations susceptible to stress. A subgroup of mood disorder
      patients are under risk of developing obesity and diabetes. Their habits and life
      styles, genetic predisposition and treatment options are parameters that define
      this subgroup. Medical disease in adults had a significant relationship to
      adverse life experiences in childhood. This illustrates that adverse experiences
      in childhood are related to adult disease by two basic etiologic mechanisms: (1)
      conventional risk factors that actually are compensatory behaviors, attempts at
      self-help through the use of agents and foods; and (2) the effects of chronic
      stress. 

PMID- 25133140
TI  - Psychosocial perspectives and the issue of prevention in childhood obesity.
AB  - A dramatic increase in childhood overweight/obesity has been recognized globally
      over the past 50 years. This observed increase may reflect genetic, as well as
      psychological, environmental, and socio-cultural influences. In the first part of
      this review, we present an updated summary of the psychosocial factors associated
      with this change and discuss possible ways in which they operate. Among these
      factors, lower socio economic status (in both industrialized and non
      industrialized countries), being female, belonging to a minority group, and being
      exposed to adverse life events may all be associated with a greater risk of
      childhood overweight/obesity. These influences may be mediated via a variety of
      mechanisms, in particular above-average food intake of low nutritional quality
      and reduction in physical activity. Other important psychosocial mediators
      include the influence of the family and peer environment, and exposure to the
      media. In the second part of the review, we discuss the potential of psychosocial
      prevention programs to intervene in the processes involved in the rise of
      childhood overweight/obesity. Two points are emphasized. First, prevention
      programs should be multidisciplinary, combining the knowledge of experts from
      different professions, and taking into consideration the important role of the
      family environment and relevant influential social organizations, particularly
      school. Second, effective change is unlikely to occur without large-scale
      programs carried out on a public policy level. 

PMID- 25133144
TI  - Pseudocyesis, delusional pregnancy, and psychosis: The birth of a delusion.
AB  - Both pseudocyesis and delusional pregnancy are said to be rare syndromes, but are
      reported frequently in developing countries. A distinction has been made between
      the two syndromes, but the line of demarcation is blurred. The aim of this paper
      is to review recent cases of pseudocyesis/delusional pregnancy in order to learn
      more about biopsychosocial antecedents. The recent world literature (2000-2014)
      on this subject (women only) was reviewed, making no distinction between
      pseudocyesis and delusional pregnancy. Eighty case histories were found, most of
      them originating in developing countries. Fifty patients had been given a
      diagnosis of psychosis, although criteria for making the diagnosis were not
      always clear. The psychological antecedents included ambivalence about pregnancy,
      relationship issues, and loss. Very frequently, pseudocyesis/delusional pregnancy
      occurred when a married couple was infertile and living in a pronatalist society.
      The infertility was attributed to the woman, which resulted in her experiencing
      substantial distress and discrimination. When antipsychotic medication was used
      to treat psychotic symptoms in these women, it led to high prolactin levels and
      apparent manifestations of pregnancy, such as amenorrhea and galactorrhea, thus
      reinforcing a false conviction of pregnancy. Developing the erroneous belief that
      one is pregnant is an understandable process, making the delusion of pregnancy a
      useful template against which to study the evolution of other, less explicable
      delusions. 

PMID- 25133145
TI  - Tree stand falls: A persistent cause of neurological injury in hunting.
AB  - AIM: To characterize and compare our current series of patients to prior reports
      in order to identify any changes in the incidence of neurological injury related
      to hunting accidents in Rochester, New York. METHODS: All tree stand-related
      injuries referred to our regional trauma center from September 2003 through
      November 2011 were reviewed. Information was obtained from the hospital's trauma
      registry and medical records were retrospectively reviewed for data pertaining to
      the injuries. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were identified. Ninety-six percent of
      patients were male with a mean age of 47.9 years (range 15-69). The mean Injury
      Severity Score was 12.53 +/- 1.17 (range 2-34). The average height of fall was
      18.2 feet (range 4-40 feet). All patients fell to the ground with the exception
      of one who landed on rocks, and many hit the tree or branches on the way down. A
      reason for the fall was documented in only 13 patients, and included tree stand
      construction (3), loss of balance (3), falling asleep (3), structural failure
      (2), safety harness breakage (3) or light-headedness (1). The most common
      injuries were spinal fractures (54%), most commonly in the cervical spine (69%),
      followed by the thoracic (38%) and lumbar (21%) spine. Eight patients required
      operative repair. Head injuries occurred in 22%. Other systemic injuries include
      rib/clavicular fractures (47%), pelvic fractures (11%), solid organ injury (23%),
      and pneumothorax or hemothorax (19%). No patient deaths were reported. The
      average hospital length of stay was 6.56 +/- 1.07 d. Most patients were
      discharged home without (72%) or with (11%) services and 17% required
      rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Falls from hunting tree stands are still common, with
      a high rate of neurological injury. Compared to a decade ago we have made no
      progress in preventing these neurological injuries, despite an increase in safety
      advances. Neurosurgeons must continue to advocate for increased safety awareness
      and participate in leadership roles to improve outcomes for hunters.

PMID- 25133146
TI  - Intracerebroventricular opiate infusion for refractory head and facial pain.
AB  - AIM: To study the risks and benefits of intracerebroventricular (ICV) opiate
      pumps for the management of benign head and face pain. METHODS: SSix patients
      with refractory trigeminal neuralgia and/or cluster headaches were evaluated for
      implantation of an ICV opiate infusion pump using either ICV injections through
      an Ommaya reservoir or external ventricular drain. Four patients received
      morphine ICV pumps and two patientS received a hydromorphone pump. Of the Four
      patients with morphine ICV pumps, one patient had the medication changed to
      hydromorphone. Preoperative and post-operative visual analog scores (VAS) were
      obtained. Patients were evaluated post-operatively for a minimum of 3 mo and the
      pump dosage was adjusted at each outpatient clinic visit according to the
      patient's pain level. RESULTS: All 6 patients had an intracerebroventricular
      opiate injection trial period, using either an Ommaya reservoir or an external
      ventricular drain. There was an average VAS improvement of 75.8%. During the
      trial period, no complications were observed. Pump implantation was performed an
      average of 3.7 wk (range 1-7) after the trial injections. After implantation, an
      average of 20.7 +/- 8.3 dose adjustments were made over 3-56 mo after surgery to
      achieve maximal pain relief. At the most recent follow-up (26.2 mo, range 3-56),
      VAS scores significantly improved from an average of 7.8 +/- 0.5 (range 6-10) to
      2.8 +/- 0.7 (range 0-5) at the final dose (mean improvement 5.0 +/- 1.0, P <
      0.001). All patients required a stepwise increase in opiate infusion rates to
      achieve maximal benefit. The most common complications were nausea and
      drowsiness, both of which resolved with pump adjustments. On average, infusion
      pumps were replaced every 4-5 years. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that ICV
      delivery of opiates may potentially be a viable treatment option for patients
      with intractable pain from trigeminal neuralgia or cluster headache.

PMID- 25133147
TI  - Distal biceps tendon rupture reconstruction using muscle-splitting double
      incision approach.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the clinical and functional results after repair of distal
      biceps tendon tears, following the Morrey's modified double-incision approach.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 47 patients with distal rupture of biceps
      brachii treated between 2003 and 2012 in our Orthopedic Department with muscle
      splitting double-incision technique. Outcome measures included the Mayo elbow
      performance, the DASH questionnaire, patient's satisfaction, elbow and forearm
      motion, grip strength and complications occurrence. RESULTS: At an average 18 mo
      follow-up (range, 7 mo-10 years) the average Mayo elbow performance and DASH
      score were respectively 97.2 and 4.8. The elbow flexion range was 94%, extension
      was -2 degrees , supination was 93% and pronation 96% compared with the uninjured
      limb. The mean grip strength, expressed as percentage of respective contralateral
      limb, was 83%. The average patient satisfaction rating on a Likert scale (from 0
      to 10) was 9.4. The following complications were observed: 3 cases of heterotopic
      ossification (6.4%), one (2.1%) re-rupture of the tendon at the site of
      reattachment and 2 cases (4.3%) of posterior interosseous nerve palsy. No
      complication required further surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: This technique
      allows an anatomic reattachment of distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity
      providing full functional recovery with low complication rate.

PMID- 25133148
TI  - Dabigatran etixilate and traumatic brain injury: Evolving anticoagulants require
      evolving care plans.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the outcomes of trauma patients with traumatic brain injury
      (TBI) on Dabigatran Etexilate (DE). METHODS: Following IRB approval, all patients
      taking DE who were admitted to our level 1 trauma service were enrolled in the
      study. Injury complexity, length of stay (LOS), intensive care length of stay,
      operative intervention, therapeutic interventions and outcomes were analyzed
      retrospectively. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 4310 admissions were taking DE. Eleven
      patients were excluded on concurrent antiplatelet therapy. Average age was 77.14
      years (64-94 years), and average LOS was 4.7 d (1-35 d). Thirty-two percent were
      admitted with intracranial hemorrhage. Eighteen percent received factor VII, and
      22% received dialysis in attempts to correct coagulopathy. Mortality was 21%.
      CONCLUSION: The low incidence, absence of reversal agents, and lack of practice
      guidelines makes managing patients with TBI taking DE frustrating and provider
      specific. Local practice guidelines may be helpful in managing such patients.

PMID- 25133149
TI  - Desmoplastic small round cell tumor with atypical immunohistochemical profile and
      rhabdoid-like differentiation.
AB  - Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, aggressive malignant
      neoplasm of unknown origin, and is comprised of small round cells with a
      characteristic desmoplastic stroma. DSRCT typically expresses epithelial,
      mesenchymal and neural markers simultaneously. We describe a case of DSRCT with
      an atypical immunohistochemical profile and rhabdoid-like tumor cells on electron
      microscopy. In the present case, the neoplastic cells were positive only for
      vimentin, desmin (cytoplasmic membranous pattern) and CD56, and negative for
      smooth muscle actin, synaptophysin, CD117, CD45, myogenin, CAM5.2,
      pancytokeratin, WT1, EMA, CD99, neurofilament, CD34 and p53. Ki67 showed a low
      proliferative activity. Electron microscopy showed focal rhabdoid
      differentiation. However, INI-1 (SNF-5/BAF47) demonstrated preservation of
      nuclear positivity in the neoplastic cells. Cytogenetic studies showed
      translocation t(11;22)(p13;q12) confirming an EWSR1-WT1 translocation
      characteristic for DSRCT, and t(1;15)(q11;p11.2) of unknown significance. This
      case is a diagnostic challenge because of atypical immunohistochemical profile
      and cytogenetic study is crucial in rendering the correct diagnosis. 

PMID- 25133150
TI  - Resolution of hemolysis from pump thrombus during left ventricular assist device
      exchange.
AB  - A 50-year-old male who underwent a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device
      placement for ischemic cardiomyopathy presented with discolored urine and
      hemolysis 3 mo after the operation. His hemolysis was thought to be due to
      thrombosis within the pump. Imaging studies were not able to visualize a left
      ventricular thrombus. Medical management with anticoagulation failed and he
      underwent surgery for a pump exchange. Intraoperatively, a firm thrombus was
      found within the pump of the HeartMate II, and the color of the urine changed
      dramatically from cola-colored to yellow which enabled us to confirm the
      diagnosis. 

PMID- 25133151
TI  - Transthoracic echo: A sensitive tool for detecting cardiac extension of renal
      cell carcinoma?
AB  - Renal cell carcinoma is a common urological malignancy with the unique ability to
      invade the inferior vena cava (IVC) and to extend into the right atrium of the
      heart. Of those with Renal cell carcinoma only 4%-25% are found to have IVC
      invasion and of those only 2%-10% extend into the right atrium. If treated
      surgically, extension of tumor thrombus is not a determinant of survival;
      therefore it is imperative to determine the presence and extent of tumor thrombus
      in order to determine surgical approach and tumor resection. To date this has
      been primarily accomplished by magnetic resonance imaging and computed
      tomography. We present a case of 61 years old African American woman in which
      transthoracic echocardiography provided a more accurate
      determination/characterization of the presence and degree of tumor thrombus and
      extension. 

PMID- 25133152
TI  - Prucalopride-associated acute tubular necrosis.
AB  - We report the first case of acute renal failure secondary to prucalopride, a
      novel agent for the treatment of chronic constipation. The 75 years old male
      patient was initiated on prucalopride after many failed treatments for
      constipation following a Whipple's procedure for pancreatic cancer. Within four
      months of treatment his creatinine rose from 103 to 285 MUmol/L (eGFR 61 decrease
      to 19 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)). He was initially treated with prednisone for
      presumed acute interstitial nephritis as white blood casts were seen on urine
      microscopy. When no improvement was detected, a core biopsy was performed and
      revealed interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. The presence of oxalate and
      calcium phosphate crystals were also noted. These findings suggest acute tubular
      necrosis which may have been secondary to acute interstitial nephritis or
      hemodynamic insult. The use of prednisone may have suppressed signs of
      inflammation and therefore the clinical diagnosis was deemed acute interstitial
      nephritis causing acute tubular necrosis. There are no previous reports of
      prucalopride associated with acute renal failure from the literature, including
      previous Phase II and III trials. 

PMID- 25133153
TI  - Actinic prurigo of the lip: Two case reports.
AB  - Actinic prurigo is a photodermatosis that can affect the skin, conjunctiva and
      lips. It is caused by an abnormal reaction to sunlight and is more common in high
      altitude living people, mainly in indigenous descendants. The diagnosis of
      actinic prurigo can be challenging, mainly when lip lesions are the only
      manifestation, which is not a common clinical presentation. The aim of this
      article is to report two cases of actinic prurigo showing only lip lesions. The
      patients were Afro-American and were unaware of possible Indian ancestry.
      Clinical exam, photographs, videoroscopy examination and biopsy were performed,
      and the diagnosis of actinic prurigo was established. Topical corticosteroid and
      lip balm with ultraviolet protection were prescribed with excellent results. The
      relevance of this report is to show that although some patients may not
      demonstrate the classical clinical presentation of actinic prurigo, the
      associated clinical and histological exams are determinants for the correct
      diagnosis and successful treatment of this disease. 

PMID- 25133154
TI  - Appendicitis in double cecal appendix: Case report.
AB  - Double cecal appendix is a rare anatomical variation. Approximately 100 cases
      have been reported worldwide. It is usually diagnosed incidentally during
      emergency appendectomies due to inflammatory processes in the cecal appendix.
      CASE PRESENTATION: male, white, 36 years old, obese, presenting with pain in the
      lower abdomen for 24 h followed by nausea, vomiting and mild fever. He was
      subjected to additional tests, with the leukogram showing leukocytosis and
      abdominal ultrasonography depicting cecal appendix with thickened wall, locally
      associated with small quantities of liquid and intestinal loop obstruction. He
      underwent laparotomy, revealing acute appendicitis. Another intestinal loop
      obstruction was identified next to the ileum, leading to recognizing another
      cecal appendix after local dissection. Double appendectomy and segmental
      iliectomy were performed although not needed. Results of the anatomopathological
      examination of the surgical samples showed acute inflammation in the two cecal
      appendices. So, performing a routine retroperitoneal release and a complete cecum
      evaluation during such surgical procedures is recommended and suggested due to
      the possibility of not identifying a second cecal appendix.

PMID- 25133155
TI  - Rare large homozygous CFTR gene deletion in an Iranian patient with cystic
      fibrosis.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis, a common autosomal recessive genetic disorder among Caucasians,
      is caused by defects in the transmembrane conductance regulatory (CFTR) gene. The
      analysis of CFTR gene mutations is useful to better characterize the disease, and
      for preconceptional screening, prenatal and preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
      Here we report the results of a genetic analysis in a 16-year-old boy from
      southwestern Iran diagnosed as having cystic fibrosis in infancy based on
      gastrointestinal and pulmonary manifestations, with positive sweat chloride
      tests. He lacked both normal and mutant forms of the fragment corresponding to
      the ?F508 allele in initial genetic studies. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe
      amplification-based testing revealed a homozygous deletion spanning exons 4 to 10
      of the CFTR gene. We predict an in-frame deletion removing 373 amino acids based
      on our sequencing results. Determining CFTR gene mutations in patients and their
      family members would be helpful to prevent the occurrence of new cases,
      especially in populations in which consanguinity is common. 

PMID- 25133156
TI  - Gastric conduit perforation.
AB  - As patients with carcinoma of the esophagus live longer, complications associated
      with the use of a gastric conduit are increasing. Ulcers form in the gastric
      conduit in 6.6% to 19.4% of patients. There are a few reports of perforation of a
      gastric conduit in the English literature. Almost all of these were associated
      with serious complications. We report a patient who developed a tension
      pneumothorax consequent to spontaneous perforation of an ulcer in the gastric
      conduit 7 years after the index surgery in a patient with carcinoma of the
      gastroesophageal junction. He responded well to conservative management.
      Complications related to a gastric conduit can be because of multiple factors.
      Periodic endoscopic surveillance of gastric conduits should be considered as
      these are at a higher risk of ulcer formation than a normal stomach. Long term
      treatment with proton pump inhibitors may decrease complications. There are no
      guidelines for the treatment of a perforated gastric conduit ulcer and the
      management should be individualized. 

PMID- 25133158
TI  - Circuit models and experimental noise measurements of micropipette amplifiers for
      extracellular neural recordings from live animals.
AB  - Glass micropipettes are widely used to record neural activity from single neurons
      or clusters of neurons extracellularly in live animals. However, to date, there
      has been no comprehensive study of noise in extracellular recordings with glass
      micropipettes. The purpose of this work was to assess various noise sources that
      affect extracellular recordings and to create model systems in which novel
      micropipette neural amplifier designs can be tested. An equivalent circuit of the
      glass micropipette and the noise model of this circuit, which accurately describe
      the various noise sources involved in extracellular recordings, have been
      developed. Measurement schemes using dead brain tissue as well as extracellular
      recordings from neurons in the inferior colliculus, an auditory brain nucleus of
      an anesthetized gerbil, were used to characterize noise performance and
      amplification efficacy of the proposed micropipette neural amplifier. According
      to our model, the major noise sources which influence the signal to noise ratio
      are the intrinsic noise of the neural amplifier and the thermal noise from
      distributed pipette resistance. These two types of noise were calculated and
      measured and were shown to be the dominating sources of background noise for in
      vivo experiments. 

PMID- 25133159
TI  - Some physicochemical remarks on spontaneous emulsification of vitreal tamponades.
AB  - The importance of gravitational instability in determining the emulsification of
      vitreal tamponades is discussed. Theoretical results and numerical simulations
      indicate that the spontaneous formation of water-silicon oil is a rare event and
      that the very low concentration of surface active agents cannot justify the
      systematic formation of emulsions. The gravitational instabilities seem to play
      the main role. Our theoretical results seem in agreement with the experimental
      evidences; furthermore they indicate a future research line for the improvement
      of endotamponades. Indeed, the use of biodegradable antifoam may avoid the
      formation of bubbles and delay the formation of emulsions. 

PMID- 25133157
TI  - Postactivation potentiation biases maximal isometric strength assessment.
AB  - Postactivation potentiation (PAP) is known to enhance force production. Maximal
      isometric strength assessment protocols usually consist of two or more maximal
      voluntary isometric contractions (MVCs). The objective of this study was to
      determine if PAP would influence isometric strength assessment. Healthy male
      volunteers (n = 23) performed two five-second MVCs separated by a 180-seconds
      interval. Changes in isometric peak torque (IPT), time to achieve it (tPTI),
      contractile impulse (CI), root mean square of the electromyographic signal during
      PTI (RMS), and rate of torque development (RTD), in different intervals, were
      measured. Significant increases in IPT (240.6 +/- 55.7 N.m versus 248.9 +/- 55.1
      N.m), RTD (746 +/- 152 N.m.s(-1) versus 727 +/- 158 N.m.s(-1)), and RMS (59.1 +/-
      12.2% RMSMAX  versus 54.8 +/- 9.4% RMSMAX) were found on the second MVC. tPTI
      decreased significantly on the second MVC (2373 +/- 1200 ms versus 2784 +/- 1226
      ms). We conclude that a first MVC leads to PAP that elicits significant
      enhancements in strength-related variables of a second MVC performed 180 seconds
      later. If disconsidered, this phenomenon might bias maximal isometric strength
      assessment, overestimating some of these variables. 

PMID- 25133161
TI  - The bacterial contamination of allogeneic bone and emergence of multidrug
      resistant bacteria in tissue bank.
AB  - Present study was carried out for the microbiological evaluation of allogeneic
      bone processed from femoral heads. A total 60 bacterial isolates comprising five
      different species including Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella
      spp., Bacillus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. were characterized based on their
      cultural and biochemical characteristics. Average bioburden was ranged from 5.7 *
      10(1) to 3.9 * 10(4) cfu/gm. The majority (81.7%) of the microbial contaminants
      were detected as Gram positive with the predominant organism being skin commensal
      coagulase negative Staphylococci (43.3%). Antimicrobial resistance was evaluated
      by the activities of 14 broad and narrow spectrum antibiotic discs. Comparing the
      overall pattern, marked resistance was noted against Penicillin and Amoxicillin
      100% (60/60). The most effective single antibiotics were Gentamicin, Tobramycin,
      and Ofloxacin which were bactericidal against 100% (60/60) isolates. Multidrug
      resistance (MDR) was confirmed in 70% (42/60) of the samples. Among them, the
      most prevalent antibiotypes were Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Oxacillin, Polymyxin,
      and Cefpodoxime (80% of total MDR). The study results revealed higher
      contamination rate on bone allografts and recommend the implementation of good
      tissue banking practices during tissue procurement, processing, and storage in
      order to minimize the chances of contamination. 

PMID- 25133160
TI  - The role of neurotrophic factors conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles in
      peripheral nerve regeneration: in vitro studies.
AB  - Local delivery of neurotrophic factors is a pillar of neural repair strategies in
      the peripheral nervous system. The main disadvantage of the free growth factors
      is their short half-life of few minutes. In order to prolong their activity, we
      have conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles three neurotrophic factors: nerve
      growth factor (betaNGF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and basic
      fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). Comparative stability studies of free versus
      conjugated factors revealed that the conjugated neurotrophic factors were
      significantly more stable in tissue cultures and in medium at 37 degrees C. The
      biological effects of free versus conjugated neurotrophic factors were examined
      on organotypic dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cultures performed in NVR-Gel, composed
      mainly of hyaluronic acid and laminin. Results revealed that the conjugated
      neurotrophic factors enhanced early nerve fiber sprouting compared to the
      corresponding free factors. The most meaningful result was that conjugated-GDNF,
      accelerated the onset and progression of myelin significantly earlier than the
      free GDNF and the other free and conjugated factors. This is probably due to the
      beneficial and long-acting effect that the stabilized conjugated-GDNF had on
      neurons and Schwann cells. These conclusive results make NVR-Gel enriched with
      conjugated-GDNF, a desirable scaffold for the reconstruction of severed
      peripheral nerve. 

PMID- 25133162
TI  - Hypoxia-pretreated human MSCs attenuate acute kidney injury through enhanced
      angiogenic and antioxidative capacities.
AB  - Hypoxia preconditioning has been confirmed as an effective strategy to enhance
      the therapeutic potentials of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), such as for
      myocardial ischemia. However, whether hypoxia preconditioning would produce
      beneficial effects on MSC-based renal repair has not been demonstrated. In the
      study, we aimed to determine the feasibility and efficacy of hypoxia
      preconditioning to enhance MSC-based therapy of acute kidney injury (AKI). MSCs
      were isolated from human adipose tissues. The paracrine effects of MSCs under
      normoxia and hypoxia were determined in vitro. Rats of AKI were induced by kidney
      I/R surgery and randomly divided into three groups: I/R control receiving PBS
      injection; MSC group receiving normal MSC injection; hypoMSC group receiving
      hypoxia-preconditioned MSC injection. It was demonstrated in vitro that paracrine
      effects of MSCs were significantly enhanced, especially angiogenic factors.
      Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining showed that antioxidative activities of MSCs were
      significantly enhanced by hypoxia stimulation. Vascularization, apoptosis, and
      histological injury were all significantly improved in hypoMSC injected group
      compared with that in control and MSC injected groups. Finally, the renal
      function was also significantly improved in hypoMSC injected group compared with
      that in the other two groups as assessed by the serum creatinine and BUN levels. 

PMID- 25133163
TI  - Identification of modules related to programmed cell death in CHD based on EHEN.
AB  - The formation and death of macrophages and foam cells are one of the major
      factors that cause coronary heart disease (CHD). In our study, based on the
      Edinburgh Human Metabolic Network (EHMN) metabolic network, we built an enzyme
      network which was constructed by enzymes (nodes) and reactions (edges) called the
      Edinburgh Human Enzyme Network (EHEN). By integrating the subcellular location
      information for the reactions and refining the protein-reaction relationships
      based on the location information, we proposed a computational approach to select
      modules related to programmed cell death. The identified module was in the EHEN
      mitochondria (EHEN-M) and was confirmed to be related to programmed cell death,
      CHD pathogenesis, and lipid metabolism in the literature. We expected this method
      could analyze CHD better and more comprehensively from the point of programmed
      cell death in subnetworks. 

PMID- 25133164
TI  - Consumption of green coffee reduces blood pressure and body composition by
      influencing 11beta-HSD1 enzyme activity in healthy individuals: a pilot crossover
      study using green and black coffee.
AB  - Dietary polyphenols may have a protective role against the development of CVD.
      Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of green coffee (GC), rich in
      chlorogenic acid, and black coffee (BC) on cardiovascular markers. A randomised
      pilot crossover study was performed on healthy subjects who consumed both coffees
      for 2 weeks. We measured anthropometry, blood pressure, and arterial elasticity
      after each intervention and collected urine samples to monitor antioxidant
      capacity. Free cortisol and cortisone levels were obtained from urine and
      analysed by specific ELISA methods. Systolic blood pressure (P = 0.018) and
      arterial elasticity (P = 0.001) were significantly reduced after GC. BMI (P =
      0.04 for BC; P = 0.01 for GC) and abdominal fat (P = 0.01 for BC; P = 0.009 for
      GC) were also significantly reduced with no changes in energy intake. Urinary
      free cortisol was significantly reduced from 125.6 +/- 85.9 nmol/day to 76.0 +/-
      54.9 nmol/day following GC and increased to 132.1 +/- 89.1 nmol/day after BC.
      Urinary free cortisone increased by 18% following BC and 9% following GC
      (nonsignificant). Cortisol/cortisone ratio (indicating 11beta-HSD1 activity) was
      reduced after GC (from 3.5 +/- 1.9 to 1.7 +/- 1.04, P = 0.002). This suggests
      that GC can play a role in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Further research
      including hypertensive and overweight individuals will now be justified to
      clarify whether GC could have a therapeutic role in CVD. 

PMID- 25133165
TI  - Factors associated with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus in Chinese
      population.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections spontaneously clear in approximately 15-45% of
      infected individuals. Factors which influence spontaneous HCV clearance remain to
      be identified. The purpose of the present study was to identify variables
      associated with spontaneous HCV clearance in a referred population of Chinese
      patients. The prevalence of host, viral, and environmental factors known to
      influence the outcome of HCV infections was compared in 92 HCV spontaneous
      clearance subjects and 318 HCV persistent infection subjects. Univariate and
      multivariate analyses were performed to identify those factors associated with
      spontaneous HCV clearance. In univariate analysis, female gender, a history of
      icteric hepatitis, serologic evidence of concurrent HBV infection, and rs12979860
      CC genotype were positively associated with spontaneous HCV clearance, while
      alcohol consumption was negatively associated with clearance. In multivariate
      analysis, female gender, a history of icteric hepatitis, concurrent HBV
      infection, and rs12979860 CC genotype remained independent variables associated
      with spontaneous HCV clearance. Spontaneous HCV clearance is more likely to occur
      in females, subjects with a history of icteric hepatitis, HBV coinfections, and
      those with the rs12979860 CC genotype. 

PMID- 25133166
TI  - Dabigatran in secondary stroke prevention: clinical experience with 106 patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to analyze our clinical experience with dabigatran
      etexilate in secondary stroke prevention. METHODS: We retrospectively included
      patients starting dabigatran etexilate for secondary stroke prevention from March
      2010 to December 2012. Efficacy and safety variables were registered. RESULTS:
      106 patients were included, median follow-up of 12 months (range 1-31). Fifty-six
      females (52.8%), mean age 76.4 (range 50-95, SD 9.8), median CHADS2 4 (range 2
      6), CHA2DS2-VASc 5 (range 2-9), and HAS-BLED 2 (range 1-5). Indication for
      dabigatran etexilate was ischemic stroke in 101 patients and acute cerebral
      hemorrhage (CH) due to warfarin in 5 (4.7%). Dabigatran etexilate 110 mg bid was
      prescribed in 71 cases (67%) and 150 mg bid was prescribed in the remaining.
      Seventeen patients (16%) suffered 20 complications during follow-up. Ischemic
      complications (10) were 6 transient ischemic attacks (TIA), 3 ischemic strokes,
      and 1 acute coronary syndrome. Hemorrhagic complications (10) were CH (1),
      gastrointestinal bleeding (6), mild hematuria (2), and mild metrorrhagia (1),
      leading to dabigatran etexilate discontinuation in 3 patients. Patients with
      previous CH remained uneventful. Three patients died (pneumonia, congestive heart
      failure, and acute cholecystitis) and 9 were lost during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      Dabigatran etexilate was safe and effective in secondary stroke prevention in
      clinical practice, including a small number of patients with previous history of
      CH.

PMID- 25133167
TI  - Serum osteopontin level correlates with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity in
      geriatric persons.
AB  - Osteopontin (OPN) is involved in the regulation of vascular calcification
      processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between fasting
      serum OPN concentration and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in
      geriatric persons. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 93 geriatric persons.
      cfPWV were performed by SphygmoCor system. Serum OPN levels were measured using a
      commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Geriatric adults who
      had diabetes (P = 0.007) or dyslipidemia (P = 0.029) had higher cfPWV levels than
      those without diabetes or dyslipidemia. The univariable linear regression
      analysis showed that age (P = 0.002), waist circumference (P = 0.048), body mass
      index (P = 0.004), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure
      (P = 0.036), pulse pressure (P = 0.017), creatinine (P = 0.002), and log-OPN
      level (P = 0.001) were positively correlated with cfPWV levels, while the high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) level (P = 0.007) and
      glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.001) were negatively correlated with cfPWV
      levels among the geriatric adults. Multivariable forward stepwise linear
      regression analysis of the significant variables also showed that log-OPN (beta =
      0.233, R (2) = 0.123, regression coefficient: 1.868, P = 0.011) was still an
      independent predictor of cfPWV levels in geriatric persons. 

PMID- 25133168
TI  - Pharmaceutical options for triggering of final oocyte maturation in ART.
AB  - Since the pioneering days of in vitro fertilization, hCG has been the gold
      standard to induce final follicular maturation. We herein reviewed different
      pharmaceutical options for triggering of final oocyte maturation in ART. The new
      upcoming agent seems to be GnRHa with its potential advantages over hCG trigger.
      GnRHa triggering elicits a surge of gonadotropins resembling the natural midcycle
      surge of gonadotropins, without the prolonged action of hCG, resulting in the
      retrieval of more mature oocytes and a significant reduction in or elimination of
      OHSS as compared to hCG triggering. The induction of final follicular maturation
      using GnRHa represents a paradigm shift in the ovulation triggering concept in
      ART and, thus, a way to develop a safer IVF procedure. Kisspeptins are key
      central regulators of the neuroendocrine mechanisms of human reproduction, who
      have been shown to effectively elicit an LH surge and to induce final oocyte
      maturation in IVF cycles. This new trigger concept may, therefore, offer a
      completely new, "natural" pharmacological option for ovulation induction. Whether
      kisspeptins will be the future agent to trigger ovulation remains to be further
      explored. 

PMID- 25133169
TI  - Cystic fibrosis and new trends by ophthalmological evaluation: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by hypoxia that affects several
      organic tissues. Retinal ganglion cells may suffer from the hypoxic status, and
      this may lead to alterations of retinal nerve fiber. METHODS: Twenty-two eyes in
      CF patients were analyzed. A complete ocular evaluation and visual field exams of
      the 30 central degrees were performed using the frequency doubling technology
      (FDT). Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%), forced vital capacity
      (FVC%), oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2%), and hematocrit (Ht%) have been
      calculated. FDT analyzed parameters were mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard
      deviation (PSD). Pearson's correlation was chosen as statistical analysis.
      RESULTS: Data showed statistically significant relationship between MD and Ht% (r
      value -0.18; P = 0.04), MD and FEV1% (r value -0.68; P = 0.001), and MD and FVC%
      (r value -0.45; P = 0.005). Moreover, there were correlations between PSD and Ht%
      (r value 0.29; P = 0.03), PSD and SpO2% (r value -0.31; P = 0.01), PSD and FEV1%
      (r value 0.71; P = 0.0005), and PSD and FVC% (r value 0.63; P = 0.003).
      CONCLUSIONS: The oxygen supply alterations might determine hypoxia of the
      ganglion cells causing a decrease of receptive optic nerve fiber activity. This
      method could be also useful to evaluate indirectly pulmonary activity of the CF
      disease.

PMID- 25133171
TI  - UVA-UVB photoprotective activity of topical formulations containing Morinda
      citrifolia extract.
AB  - Exposure to solar radiation, particularly its ultraviolet (UV) component, has a
      variety of harmful effects on human health. Some of these effects include sunburn
      cell formations, basal and squamous cell cancers, melanoma, cataracts, photoaging
      of the skin, and immune suppression. The beneficial photoprotective effects of
      topical formulations with the extract, Morinda citrifolia, have not been
      investigated. This present study aims to investigate the potential benefits of M.
      citrifolia topical application on the dorsal skin of mice, exposed to UVA-UVB
      light. Using 7 days of treatment, [before (baseline values) and 20 h after UV
      exposure], the thickness, skin barrier damage (TEWL), erythema, and histological
      alterations were evaluated. The results showed that the formulations containing
      the extract protected the skin against UV-induced damage. 

PMID- 25133172
TI  - Biomarkers in women's cancers, gynecology, and obstetrics.

PMID- 25133170
TI  - Intra-QT spectral coherence as a possible noninvasive marker of sustained
      ventricular tachycardia.
AB  - Sudden cardiac death is the main cause of mortality in patients affected by
      chronic heart failure (CHF) and with history of myocardial infarction. No study
      yet investigated the intra-QT phase spectral coherence as a possible tool in
      stratifying the arrhythmic susceptibility in patients at risk of sudden cardiac
      death (SCD). We, therefore, assessed possible difference in spectral coherence
      between the ECG segment extending from the q wave to the T wave peak (QTp) and
      the one from T wave peak to the T wave end (Te) between patients with and without
      Holter ECG-documented sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). None of the QT
      variability indexes as well as most of the coherences and RR power spectral
      variables significantly differed between the two groups except for the QTp-Te
      spectral coherence. The latter was significantly lower in patients with sustained
      VT than in those without (0.508 +/- 0.150 versus 0.607 +/- 0.150, P < 0.05).
      Although the responsible mechanism remains conjectural, the QTp-Te spectral
      coherence holds promise as a noninvasive marker predicting malignant ventricular
      arrhythmias.

PMID- 25133173
TI  - Molecular epidemiology of genogroup II noroviruses infection in outpatients with
      acute gastroenteritis in Nanjing, China (2010-2013).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Human noroviruses (NoVs) of genogroup II are the most common strains
      detected in sporadic cases of acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis in outpatients
      in Nanjing. To gain insight into the molecular epidemiology of GII strains, we
      analyzed 75 positive NoV cases from 2010 to 2013. METHODS: The sporadic cases
      were detected by real-time PCR with specific primers and probes to human NoVs of
      genogroup I or II, human sapovirus, human rotavirus, human astrovirus, and human
      enteric adenovirus. Human NoVs of genogroup II were further studied by VP1
      amplification (RT- PCR), cloning, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS:
      Rotavirus and human NoVs were more frequently detected in all the cases from 2010
      to 2013. Human NoVs infection was more frequent since 2011 and more frequent than
      rotavirus infection after 2012. Out of the 75 NoV cases of genogroup II, there
      were 5 GII.6, 11 GII.3, and 59 GII.4. Of the 59 GII.4, 27 cases were previous
      GII.4.2006b strains that circulated between 2010 and 2012; while 32 cases were
      the newly emerging GII.4 strains GII.4.2012 from 2011 to 2013. CONCLUSION: Our
      data confirm other studies on the rapid emergence and displacement of highly
      virulent GII.4 strains.

PMID- 25133175
TI  - Adrenergic activation of melatonin secretion in ovine pineal explants in short
      term superfusion culture occurs via protein synthesis independent and dependent
      phenomena.
AB  - The ovine pineal is generally considered as an interesting model for the study on
      adrenergic regulation of melatonin secretion due to some functional similarities
      with this gland in the human. The present investigations, performed in the
      superfusion culture of pineal explants, demonstrated that the norepinephrine
      induced elevation of melatonin secretion in ovine pinealocytes comprised of two
      subsequent periods: a rapid increase phase and a slow increase phase. The first
      one included the quick rise in release of N-acetylserotonin and melatonin,
      occurring parallel to elevation of NE concentration in the medium surrounding
      explants. This rapid increase phase was not affected by inhibition of
      translation. The second, slow increase phase began after NE level had reached the
      maximum concentration in the culture medium and lasted about two hours. It was
      completely abolished by the treatment with translation inhibitors. The obtained
      results showed for the first time that the regulation of N-acetylserotonin
      synthesis in pinealocytes of some species like the sheep involves the on/off
      mechanism, which is completely independent of protein synthesis and works very
      fast. They provided strong evidence pointing to the need of revision of the
      current opinion that arylalkylamines N-acetyltransferase activity in pinealocytes
      is controlled exclusively by changes in enzyme abundance. 

PMID- 25133174
TI  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate transporters as targets for cancer therapy.
AB  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a pleiotropic lipid mediator that regulates cell
      survival, migration, the recruitment of immune cells, angiogenesis, and
      lymphangiogenesis, all of which are involved in cancer progression. S1P is
      generated inside cancer cells by sphingosine kinases then exported outside of the
      cell into the tumor microenvironment where it binds to any of five G protein
      coupled receptors and proceeds to regulate a variety of functions. We have
      recently reported on the mechanisms underlying the "inside-out" signaling of S1P,
      its export through the plasma membrane, and its interaction with cell surface
      receptors. Membrane lipids, including S1P, do not spontaneously exchange through
      lipid bilayers since the polar head groups do not readily go through the
      hydrophobic interior of the plasma membrane. Instead, specific transporter
      proteins exist on the membrane to exchange these lipids. This review summarizes
      what is known regarding S1P transport through the cell membrane via ATP-binding
      cassette transporters and the spinster 2 transporter and discusses the roles for
      these transporters in cancer and in the tumor microenvironment. Based on our
      research and the emerging understanding of the role of S1P signaling in cancer
      and in the tumor microenvironment, S1P transporters and S1P signaling hold
      promise as new therapeutic targets for cancer drug development. 

PMID- 25133176
TI  - Sensoric protection after median nerve injury: babysitter-procedure prevents
      muscular atrophy and improves neuronal recovery.
AB  - The babysitter-procedure might offer an alternative when nerve reconstruction is
      delayed in order to overcome muscular atrophy due to denervation. In this study
      we aimed to show that a sensomotoric babysitter-procedure after median nerve
      injury is capable of preserving irreversible muscular atrophy. The median nerve
      of 20 female Wistar rats was denervated. 10 animals received a sensory protection
      with the N. cutaneous brachii. After six weeks the median nerve was reconstructed
      by autologous nerve grafting from the contralateral median nerve in the
      babysitter and the control groups. Grasping tests measured functional recovery
      over 15 weeks. At the end of the observation period the weight of the flexor
      digitorum sublimis muscle was determined. The median nerve was excised for
      histological examinations. Muscle weight (P < 0.0001) was significantly superior
      in the babysitter group compared to the control group at the end of the study.
      The histological evaluation revealed a significantly higher diameter of axons (P
      = 0.0194), nerve fiber (P = 0.0409), and nerve surface (P = 0.0184) in the
      babysitter group. We conclude that sensory protection of a motor nerve is capable
      of preserving muscule weight and we may presume that metabolism of the sensory
      nerve was sufficient to keep the target muscle's weight and vitality. 

PMID- 25133177
TI  - Comparison of the effects of low volume prilocaine and alkalinized prilocaine for
      the regional intravenous anesthesia technique in hand and wrist surgery.
AB  - AIM: Comparing the effectivity of prilocaine and prilocaine alkalinized with 8.4%
      NaHCO3 in terms of sensory and motor block onset and termination durations in
      RIVA technique considering patients' satisfaction and tolerance with application
      of tourniquet undergoing hand-wrist surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 64 patients
      were randomised into two groups. First group (Group P) was administered
      prilocaine and second group (Group PN) was administered prilocaine + %8.4 NaHCO3.
      Sensory and motor block onset and termination times and onset of tourniquet pain
      were recorded. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two
      groups in terms of onset and termination of sensory block and the onset of motor
      block. The duration of the motor block was longer in Group PN than in Group P (P
      < 0.05). Tourniquet pain was more intense in Group P (P = 0.036). In Group PN,
      the use of additional drugs was recorded at a lower rate and patients'
      satisfaction was higher than Group P. CONCLUSION: In the present study, it was
      established that alkalinization of prilocaine had no effect on the duration of
      sensory block and it prolonged the duration of motor block, increased patients'
      satisfaction, and decreased tourniquet pain. It is our suggestion that future
      studies should be carried out on the issue by using different volumes.

PMID- 25133178
TI  - Physiological and biochemical changes in Brassica juncea plants under Cd-induced
      stress.
AB  - Plants of Brassica juncea L. var. RLC-1 were exposed for 30 days to different
      concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mM) of cadmium (Cd) to analyze the Cd
      uptake, H2O2 content, hormonal profiling, level of photosynthetic pigments
      (chlorophyll, carotenoid, and flavonoid), gaseous exchange parameters
      (photosynthetic rate, vapour pressure deficit, intercellular CO2 concentration,
      and intrinsic mesophyll rate), antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase,
      polyphenol oxidase, glutathione-S transferase, and glutathione peroxidase),
      antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and total phenolic content), and polyphenols.
      Results of the present study revealed the increased H2O2 content and Cd uptake
      with increasing metal doses. UPLC analysis of plants showed the presence of
      various polyphenols. Gaseous exchange measurements were done by infrared gas
      analyzer (IRGA), which was negatively affected by metal treatment. In addition,
      LC/MS study showed the variation in the expression of plant hormones. Level of
      photosynthetic pigments and activities of antioxidative enzymes were altered
      significantly in response to metal treatment. In conclusion, the antioxidative
      defence system of plants got activated due to heavy metal stress, which protects
      the plants by scavenging free radicals. 

PMID- 25133180
TI  - Analysis of EEG signals related to artists and nonartists during visual
      perception, mental imagery, and rest using approximate entropy.
AB  - In this paper, differences between multichannel EEG signals of artists and
      nonartists were analyzed during visual perception and mental imagery of some
      paintings and at resting condition using approximate entropy (ApEn). It was found
      that ApEn is significantly higher for artists during the visual perception and
      the mental imagery in the frontal lobe, suggesting that artists process more
      information during these conditions. It was also observed that ApEn decreases for
      the two groups during the visual perception due to increasing mental load;
      however, their variation patterns are different. This difference may be used for
      measuring progress in novice artists. In addition, it was found that ApEn is
      significantly lower during the visual perception than the mental imagery in some
      of the channels, suggesting that visual perception task requires more cerebral
      efforts. 

PMID- 25133179
TI  - Metabolic variations, antioxidant potential, and antiviral activity of different
      extracts of Eugenia singampattiana (an endangered medicinal plant used by Kani
      tribals, Tamil Nadu, India) leaf.
AB  - Eugenia singampattiana is an endangered medicinal plant used by the Kani tribals
      of South India. The plant had been studied for its antioxidant, antitumor,
      antihyperlipidemic, and antidiabetic activity. But its primary and secondary
      metabolites profile and its antiviral properties were unknown, and so this study
      sought to identify this aspect in Eugenia singampattiana plant through different
      extraction methods along with their activities against porcine reproductive and
      respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The GC-MS analysis revealed that 11 primary
      metabolites showed significant variations among the extracts. Except for fructose
      all other metabolites were high with water extract. Among 12 secondary
      metabolites showing variations, the levels of 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, caffeic
      acid, rutin, ferulic acid, coumaric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin,
      myricetin, and kaempferol were high with methanol extract. Since the flavonoid
      content of methanol extracts was high, the antioxidant potential, such as ABTS,
      and phosphomolybdenum activity increased. The plants antiviral activity against
      PRRSV was for the first time confirmed and the results revealed that methanol 25
      ug and 75 to 100 ug in case of water extracts revealed antiviral activity. 

PMID- 25133182
TI  - Novel psychoactive substances in young adults with and without psychiatric
      comorbidities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Comorbidities between psychiatric diseases and consumption of
      traditional substances of abuse (alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and cocaine) are
      common. Nevertheless, there is no data regarding the use of novel psychoactive
      substances (NPS) in the psychiatric population. The purpose of this multicentre
      survey is to investigate the consumption of a wide variety of psychoactive
      substances in a young psychiatric sample and in a paired sample of healthy
      subjects. METHODS: A questionnaire has been administered, in different Italian
      cities, to 206 psychiatric patients aged 18 to 26 years and to a sample of 2615
      healthy subjects matched for sex, gender, and living status. RESULTS: Alcohol
      consumption was more frequent in the healthy young population compared to age
      matched subjects suffering from mental illness (79.5% versus 70.7%; P < 0.003).
      Conversely, cocaine and NPS use was significantly more common in the psychiatric
      population (cocaine 8.7% versus 4.6%; P = 0.002) (NPS 9.8% versus 3%; P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of novel psychoactive substances in a young psychiatric
      population appears to be a frequent phenomenon, probably still underestimated.
      Therefore, careful and constant monitoring and accurate evaluations of possible
      clinical effects related to their use are necessary.

PMID- 25133183
TI  - Upregulation of relaxin after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although relaxin causes vasodilatation in systemic arteries, little
      is known about its role in cerebral arteries. We investigated the expression and
      role of relaxin in basilar arteries after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in
      rabbits. METHODS: Microarray analysis with rabbit basilar artery RNA was
      performed. Messenger RNA expression of relaxin-1 and relaxin/insulin-like family
      peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) was investigated with quantitative RT-PCR. RXFP1
      expression in the basilar artery was investigated with immunohistochemistry.
      Relaxin concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were investigated
      with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Using human brain vascular smooth
      muscle cells (HBVSMC) preincubated with relaxin, myosin light chain
      phosphorylation (MLC) was investigated with immunoblotting after endothelin-1
      stimulation. RESULTS: After SAH, RXFP1 mRNA and protein were significantly
      downregulated on day 3, whereas relaxin-1 mRNA was significantly upregulated on
      day 7. The relaxin concentration in CSF was significantly elevated on days 5 and
      7. Pretreatment with relaxin reduced sustained MLC phosphorylation induced by
      endothelin-1 in HBVSMC. CONCLUSION: Upregulation of relaxin and downregulation of
      RXFP1 after SAH may participate in development of cerebral vasospasm.
      Downregulation of RXFP1 may induce a functional decrease in relaxin activity
      during vasospasm. Understanding the role of relaxin may provide further insight
      into the mechanisms of cerebral vasospasm.

PMID- 25133185
TI  - Amino-functionalization of carbon nanotubes by using a factorial design: human
      cardiac troponin T immunosensing application.
AB  - A simple amino-functionalization method for carbon nanotubes and its application
      in an electrochemical immunosensor for detection of the human cardiac troponin T
      are described. Amino-functionalized carbon nanotubes allow oriented antibodies
      immobilization via their Fc regions, improving the performance of an
      immunosensor. Herein multiwalled carbon nanotubes were amino-functionalized by
      using the ethylenediamine reagent and assays were designed by fractional
      factorial study associated with Doehlert matrix. Structural modifications in the
      carbon nanotubes were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. After
      amino-functionalization the carbon nanotubes were attached to screen-printed
      carbon electrode and a sandwich-type immunoassay was performed for measuring the
      cardiac troponin T. The electrochemical measurements were obtained through
      hydrogen peroxide reaction with peroxidase conjugated to the secondary antibody.
      Under optimal conditions, troponin T immunosensor was evaluated in serum samples,
      which showed a broad linear range (0.02 to 0.32 ng mL(-1)) and a low limit of
      detection, 0.016 ng mL(-1). This amino platform can be properly used as clinical
      tool for cardiac troponin T detection in the acute myocardial infarction
      diagnosis. 

PMID- 25133186
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of the green fruit extract of Solanum
      integrifolium Poir.
AB  - The green fruit of Solanum integrifolium Poir. has been used traditionally as an
      anti-inflammatory and analgesic remedy in Taiwanese aboriginal medicine. The goal
      of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of the
      green fruit extract of S. integrifolium. A bioactivity-guided fractionation
      procedure was developed to identify the active partition fraction. The methanol
      fraction (ME), with the highest phenolic content, exhibited the strongest
      inhibitory effect against LPS-mediated nitric oxide (NO) release and cytotoxicity
      in RAW264.7 macrophages. ME also significantly downregulated the expression of
      LPS-induced proinflammatory genes, such as iNOS, COX-2, IL-1beta, IL-6, CCL2/MCP
      1, and CCL3/MIP1alpha. Moreover, ME significantly upregulated HO-1 expression and
      stimulated the activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2).
      Pretreatment of cells with the HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin and MEK/ERK
      inhibitor U0126 attenuated ME's inhibitory activity against LPS-induced NO
      production. Taken together, this is the first study to demonstrate the anti
      inflammatory activity of green fruit extract of S. integrifolium and its activity
      may be mediated by the upregulation of HO-1 expression and activation of ERK1/2
      pathway. 

PMID- 25133184
TI  - Behavioral and psychological symptoms in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) such as depression, apathy, aggression, and
      psychosis are now recognized as core features of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and
      there is a general consensus that greater symptom severity is predictive of
      faster cognitive decline, loss of independence, and even shorter survival.
      Whether these symptoms result from the same pathogenic processes responsible for
      cognitive decline or have unique etiologies independent of AD-associated
      neurodegeneration is unclear. Many structural and metabolic features of the AD
      brain are associated with individual neuropsychiatric symptoms or symptom
      clusters. In addition, many genes have been identified and confirmed that are
      associated with symptom risk in a few cases. However, there are no single genes
      strongly predictive of individual neuropsychiatric syndromes, while functional
      and structural brain changes unique to specific symptoms may reflect variability
      in progression of the same pathological processes. Unfortunately, treatment
      success for these psychiatric symptoms may be lower when comorbid with AD,
      underscoring the importance of future research on their pathobiology and
      treatment. This review summarizes some of the most salient aspects of NPS
      pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25133188
TI  - Gravity affects the closure of the traps in Dionaea muscipula.
AB  - Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula Ellis) is a carnivorous plant known for its
      ability to capture insects thanks to the fast snapping of its traps. This fast
      movement has been long studied and it is triggered by the mechanical stimulation
      of hairs, located in the middle of the leaves. Here we present detailed
      experiments on the effect of microgravity on trap closure recorded for the first
      time during a parabolic flight campaign. Our results suggest that gravity has an
      impact on trap responsiveness and on the kinetics of trap closure. The possible
      role of the alterations of membrane permeability induced by microgravity on trap
      movement is discussed. Finally we show how the Venus flytrap could be an easy and
      effective model plant to perform studies on ion channels and aquaporin
      activities, as well as on electrical activity in vivo on board of parabolic
      flights and large diameter centrifuges. 

PMID- 25133187
TI  - Molecular mechanisms for biliary phospholipid and drug efflux mediated by ABCB4
      and bile salts.
AB  - On the canalicular membranes of hepatocytes, several ABC transporters are
      responsible for the secretion of bile lipids. Among them, ABCB4, also called
      MDR3, is essential for the secretion of phospholipids from hepatocytes into bile.
      The biliary phospholipids are associated with bile salts and cholesterol in mixed
      micelles, thereby reducing the detergent activity and cytotoxicity of bile salts
      and preventing cholesterol crystallization. Mutations in the ABCB4 gene result in
      progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3, intrahepatic cholestasis of
      pregnancy, low-phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis, primary biliary cirrhosis,
      and cholangiocarcinoma. In vivo and cell culture studies have demonstrated that
      the secretion of biliary phospholipids depends on both ABCB4 expression and bile
      salts. In the presence of bile salts, ABCB4 located in nonraft membranes mediates
      the efflux of phospholipids, preferentially phosphatidylcholine. Despite high
      homology with ABCB1, ABCB4 expression cannot confer multidrug resistance. This
      review summarizes our current understanding of ABCB4 functions and physiological
      relevance, and discusses the molecular mechanism for the ABCB4-mediated efflux of
      phospholipids. 

PMID- 25133190
TI  - Compensatory mechanisms of pancreatic beta cells: insights into the therapeutic
      perspectives for diabetes.

PMID- 25133189
TI  - Harnessing the helminth secretome for therapeutic immunomodulators.
AB  - Helminths are the largest and most complex pathogens to invade and live within
      the human body. Since they are not able to outpace the immune system by rapid
      antigen variation or faster cell division or retreat into protective niches not
      accessible to immune effector mechanisms, their long-term survival depends on
      influencing and regulating the immune responses away from the mode of action most
      damaging to them. Immunologists have focused on the excretory and secretory
      products that are released by the helminths, since they can change the host
      environment by modulating the immune system. Here we give a brief overview of the
      helminth-associated immune response and the currently available helminth
      secretome data. We introduce some major secretome-derived immunomodulatory
      molecules and describe their potential mode of action. Finally, the applicability
      of helminth-derived therapeutic proteins in the treatment of allergic and
      autoimmune inflammatory disease is discussed. 

PMID- 25133191
TI  - Chicken embryos as a potential new model for early onset type I diabetes.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness among the American
      working population. The purpose of this study is to establish a new diabetic
      animal model using a cone-dominant avian species to address the distorted color
      vision and altered cone pathway responses in prediabetic and early diabetic
      patients. Chicken embryos were injected with either streptozotocin (STZ), high
      concentration of glucose (high-glucose), or vehicle at embryonic day 11.
      Cataracts occurred in varying degrees in both STZ- and high glucose-induced
      diabetic chick embryos at E18. Streptozotocin-diabetic chicken embryos had
      decreased levels of blood insulin, glucose transporter 4 (Glut4), and
      phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT). In STZ-injected E20 embryos, the ERG
      amplitudes of both a- and b-waves were significantly decreased, the implicit time
      of the a-wave was delayed, while that of the b-wave was significantly increased.
      Photoreceptors cultured from STZ-injected E18 embryos had a significant decrease
      in L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (L-VGCC) currents, which was reflected in
      the decreased level of L-VGCCalpha1D subunit in the STZ-diabetic retinas. Through
      these independent lines of evidence, STZ-injection was able to induce
      pathological conditions in the chicken embryonic retina, and it is promising to
      use chickens as a potential new animal model for type I diabetes. 

PMID- 25133192
TI  - Association of serum vaspin and adiponectin levels with renal function in
      patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Vaspin and adiponectin are two adipocytokines with antidiabetic effects. Some
      studies reported that levels of adiponectin and vaspin were correlated with
      decreased glomerular filtration rate (FGR) and increased albuminuria. We
      therefore evaluated the vaspin and adiponectin levels in renal insufficiency (RI)
      patients with or without T2DM. Serum vaspin, adiponectin levels were measured in
      416 subjects with or without T2DM. Analysis was made between groups divided by
      these subjects presence or absence of RI. We found that serum adiponectin level
      was significantly higher in nondiabetic patients with RI than in nondiabetic
      subjects without RI; however, there were no statistical differences between the
      diabetic patients with RI and without RI. In all the subjects, the serum
      adiponectin level was also higher in 50 individuals with RI than that in 366
      subjects without RI. The serum vaspin levels showed no significant differences
      between the diabetic patients or nondiabetics subjects with RI and without RI.
      Contrary to adiponectin, the serum vaspin level was lower in 169 patients with
      T2DM than in 247 individuals without T2DM. Our data suggested that both of T2DM
      and renal insufficiency were correlated with the serum level of adiponectin.
      However, the serum vaspin levels showed no significant difference between the
      individuals with renal insufficiency and without renal insufficiency. 

PMID- 25133193
TI  - Tribbles 3 regulates the fibrosis cytokine TGF- beta 1 through ERK1/2-MAPK
      signaling pathway in diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - To reveal the expression and possible role of tribbles homolog 3 (TRB3) in the
      incidence of type 2 diabetic nephropathy, we used immunohistochemistry, real-time
      quantitative PCR, western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) to study the expression of TRB3, extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2 MAPK), transforming growth factor
      beta1 (TGF-beta1), and collagen type IV in kidneys of db/db diabetic mice and in
      murine renal mesangial cells stimulated with high glucose. The expression of
      TRB3, TGF-beta1, and collagen type IV was increased in kidneys of db/db diabetic
      mice. TGF-beta1 and collagen type IV regulated by high glucose through ERK1/2
      MAPK were downregulated by silencing TRB3 in renal mesangial cells. TRB3 may be
      involved in diabetic nephropathy by regulating the fibrosis cytokine TGF-beta1
      and collagen type IV through the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway. 

PMID- 25133194
TI  - Activation effects of polysaccharides of Flammulina velutipes mycorrhizae on the
      T lymphocyte immune function.
AB  - Flammulina velutipes mycorrhizae have increasingly been produced with increasing
      of F. velutipes production. A mouse model was thus used to examine potential
      effect of F. velutipes mycorrhizae on the immune function. Fifty female Wistar
      mice (5-weeks-old) weighed 15-20 g were randomly allocated into five groups.
      Polysaccharide of F. velutipes mycorrhizae were treated with mice and mice spleen
      lymphocytes. The levels of CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) T lymphocyte, interleukin-2
      (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-alpha) were determined. The results
      showed that the proportions of CD3(+), and CD4(+) T lymphocyte, the ratio of
      CD4(+)/CD8(+), and the levels of IL-2 and TNF-a were significantly increased in
      polysaccharide of F. velutipes mycorrhizae, while the proportion of CD8(+) T
      lymphocyte was decreased in polysaccharide of F. velutipes mycorrhizae-dose
      dependent manner. Our findings indicated that a long term exposure of
      polysaccharide of F. velutipes mycorrhizae could activate the T lymphocyte immune
      function. Polysaccharide of F. velutipes mycorrhizae was expected to develop into
      the immune health products.

PMID- 25133195
TI  - Cardiovascular risk factors in the antiphospholipid syndrome.
AB  - A major cause of morbidity and mortality in the context of the antiphospholipid
      syndrome (APS) is the occurrence of thrombotic events. Besides the pathogenic
      roles of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), other risk factors and medical
      conditions, which are conditions for traditional risk of an individual without
      the APS, can coexist in this patient, raising their risk of developing
      thrombosis. Therefore, the clinical and laboratory investigation of comorbidities
      known to increase cardiovascular risk in patients with antiphospholipid antibody
      syndrome is crucial for the adoption of a more complete and effective treatment.
      Experimental models and clinical studies show evidence of association between APS
      and premature formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Atherosclerosis has major
      traditional risk factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia,
      smoking, and sedentary lifestyle that may be implicated in vascular involvement
      in patients with APS. The influence of nontraditional risk factors as
      hyperhomocysteinemia, increased lipoprotein a, and anti-oxLDL in the development
      of thromboembolic events in APS patients has been studied in scientific
      literature. Metabolic syndrome with all its components also has been recently
      studied in antiphospholipid syndrome and is associated with arterial events. 

PMID- 25133196
TI  - T CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes are more susceptible for apoptosis in the first trimester
      of normal human pregnancy.
AB  - AIMS: Normal human pregnancy is a complex process of many immunoregulatory
      mechanisms which protect fetus from the activation of the maternal immune system.
      The aim of the study was to investigate the apoptosis of lymphocytes in
      peripheral blood of normal pregnant patients and healthy nonpregnant women.
      METHODS: Sixty pregnant women and 17 nonpregnant women were included in the
      study. Lymphocytes were isolated and labeled with anti-CD3, anti-CD4, and anti
      CD8 monoclonal antibodies. Apoptosis was detected by CMXRos staining and analyzed
      using the flow cytometric method. RESULTS: We found significantly higher
      apoptosis of total lymphocytes in peripheral blood of pregnant patients when
      compared to healthy nonpregnant women. The percentage of apoptotic T CD3(+)CD8(+)
      cells in the first trimester was significantly higher when compared to the third
      trimester of normal pregnancy. The ratio of T CD3(+)CD4(+) : T CD3(+)CD8(+)
      apoptotic lymphocytes was significantly lower in the first trimester when
      compared to other trimesters of pregnancy and to both of the phases of the
      menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: The higher apoptosis of T CD3(+)CD8(+) lymphocytes
      and the lower ratio of T CD3(+)CD4(+) : T CD3(+)CD8(+) apoptotic cells in the
      first trimester of normal pregnancy may suggest a higher susceptibility of T
      CD3(+)CD8(+) cells for apoptosis as a protective mechanism at the early stage of
      pregnancy.

PMID- 25133197
TI  - Clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic analyses of 21 patients with neonatal
      thrombosis and antiphospholipid antibodies: a literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A review of the literature reports neonatal thrombosis and
      antiphospholipid antibodies cases through a retrospective study that focuses on
      the pathogenesis and main clinical and laboratory manifestations of this disease.
      METHODS: The case reports were selected from PubMed. The keywords used to search
      were neonatal, antiphospholipid syndrome, thrombosis, and antiphospholipid
      antibodies. References that were published from 1987 to 2013 were reviewed.
      RESULTS: Twenty-one cases of neonatal thrombosis and antiphospholipid antibodies
      were identified. Ten children were born preterm (before 37 weeks). Arterial
      involvement (17/21) was predominant, of which stroke (12/17) was the most
      prevalent clinical manifestation. Anti-cardiolipin antibodies were predominant
      (13/21) in the antiphospholipid antibody profiles. Treatments were based on the
      use of symptomatics such as antiepileptics (8/21), and 6/21 patients received
      heparin. There were 4 deaths (4/21); otherwise, the children recovered well,
      especially the neonates who suffered from strokes (9/12). CONCLUSION: Neonatal
      thrombosis and antiphospholipid antibodies are rare. The development of
      thrombotic manifestations in neonates seems not to be associated exclusively with
      the aPL, but their etiology may be linked to pre- and perinatal events. We noted
      good therapeutic responses, especially in stroke patients, who presented with
      favorable outcomes in 82% of the cases.

PMID- 25133198
TI  - Uncomplicated diverticular disease: innate and adaptive immunity in human gut
      mucosa before and after rifaximin.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Uncomplicated diverticular disease (UDD) is a frequent condition
      in adults. The pathogenesis of symptoms remains unknown. Bacteria are able to
      interact with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and to induce inflammation through both
      innate immunity and T-cell recruitment. We investigated the pattern of TLRs 2 and
      4 and the intestinal homing in patients with UDD before and after a course of
      Rifaximin. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with UDD and 20 healthy
      asymptomatic subjects were enrolled. Among UDD patients, 20 were assigned to a 2
      month course of treatment with Rifaximin 1.2 g/day for 15 days/month and 20
      received placebo. Blood sample and colonic biopsies were obtained from patients
      and controls. The samples were collected and analyzed at baseline and at the end
      of treatment. Flow cytometry was performed using monoclonal antibodies (CD3, CD4,
      CD8, CD103, TCR-gamma/delta, CD14, TLR2, and TLR4). RESULTS: In UDD, TLR2 and
      TLR4 expression on immune cell subpopulations from blood and mucosa of the
      affected colon are altered as compared with controls. Rifaximin treatment induced
      significant modifications of altered conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show the
      role of TLRs in the development of inflammation in UDD. TLRs distribution is
      altered in UDD and these alterations are reversed after antibiotic treatment.
      This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02068482.

PMID- 25133199
TI  - SOCS1 and regulation of regulatory T cells plasticity.
AB  - Several reports have suggested that natural regulatory T cells (Tregs) lose
      Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression and suppression activity under certain
      inflammatory conditions. Treg plasticity has been studied because it may be
      associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. Some studies showed that a
      minor uncommitted Foxp3(+) T cell population, which lacks hypomethylation at Treg
      specific demethylation regions (TSDRs), may convert to effector/helper T cells.
      Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), a negative regulator of cytokine
      signaling, has been reported to play an important role in Treg cell integrity and
      function by protecting the cells from excessive inflammatory cytokines. In this
      review, we discuss Treg plasticity and maintenance of suppression functions in
      both physiological and pathological settings. In addition, we discuss molecular
      mechanisms of maintaining Treg plasticity by SOCS1 and other molecules. Such
      information will be useful for therapy of autoimmune diseases and reinforcement
      of antitumor immunity. 

PMID- 25133200
TI  - Optical imaging in an Alzheimer's mouse model reveals amyloid-beta-dependent
      vascular impairment.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease are often comorbid
      conditions, but the relationship between amyloid-beta and in vivo vascular
      pathophysiology is poorly understood. We utilized a multimodal, multiscale
      optical imaging approach, including spatial frequency domain imaging, Doppler
      optical coherence tomography, and confocal microscopy, to quantify AD-dependent
      changes in a triple transgenic mouse model (3xTg-AD) and age-matched controls.
      From three months of age (naive) to 20 months (severe AD), the brain tissue
      concentration of total and oxy-hemoglobin (Total Hb, ctO2Hb) decreased 50 and
      70%, respectively, in 3xTg-AD mice. Compared to age-matched controls, significant
      differences in brain hemoglobin concentrations occurred as early as eight months
      (Total Hb: 126 +/- 5 MUM versus 108 +/- 4 MUM; ctO2Hb: 86 +/- 5 MUM versus 70 +/-
      3 MUM; for control and AD, respectively). These changes were linked to a 29%
      vascular volume fraction decrease and 35% vessel density reduction in the 20
      month-old 3xTg-AD versus age-matched controls. Vascular reduction coincided with
      increased brain concentration of amyloid-beta protein, vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) at eight and
      20 months compared to the three-month baseline. Our results suggest that amyloid
      beta blocks the normally reparative effects of upregulated VEGF and eNOS, and may
      accelerate in vivo vascular pathophysiology in AD.

PMID- 25133202
TI  - Malware analysis using visualized image matrices.
AB  - This paper proposes a novel malware visual analysis method that contains not only
      a visualization method to convert binary files into images, but also a similarity
      calculation method between these images. The proposed method generates RGB
      colored pixels on image matrices using the opcode sequences extracted from
      malware samples and calculates the similarities for the image matrices.
      Particularly, our proposed methods are available for packed malware samples by
      applying them to the execution traces extracted through dynamic analysis. When
      the images are generated, we can reduce the overheads by extracting the opcode
      sequences only from the blocks that include the instructions related to staple
      behaviors such as functions and application programming interface (API) calls. In
      addition, we propose a technique that generates a representative image for each
      malware family in order to reduce the number of comparisons for the
      classification of unknown samples and the colored pixel information in the image
      matrices is used to calculate the similarities between the images. Our
      experimental results show that the image matrices of malware can effectively be
      used to classify malware families both statically and dynamically with accuracy
      of 0.9896 and 0.9732, respectively. 

PMID- 25133203
TI  - Bird diversity and distribution in relation to urban landscape types in northern
      Rwanda.
AB  - Using the point count method, linear mixed models, Shannon's diversity index, and
      Bray-Curtis cluster analysis, we conducted a study of the effect of urban fabric
      layout on bird diversity and distribution in northern Rwanda. The results showed
      a significant effect of city landscapes on bird richness and relative abundance;
      residential neighborhoods, institutional grounds, and informal settlements had
      the highest species diversity in comparison to other microlandscape types.
      Riversides were characterized by specialized bird species, commonly known to be
      restricted to wetland environments. Built-up areas and open field landscapes had
      comparable results. One Albertine Rift endemic bird species, the Ruwenzori Double
      collared Sunbird (Cinnyris stuhlmanni), was recorded. Three migratory birds were
      found in Musanze city for the first time: the Common Sandpiper (Actitis
      hypoleucos), the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), and the Willow Warbler
      (Phylloscopus trochilus). Two bird species have not been previously reported in
      Rwanda: the Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) and the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila
      pomarina). The implications of this study are particularly relevant to urban
      decision makers who should consider the existence of a great diversity of avian
      fauna when developing and implementing master plans, especially when villages and
      cities are in proximity of protected areas or natural reserves. 

PMID- 25133201
TI  - TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR GLI-SIMILAR 3 (GLIS3): IMPLICATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
      CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM.
AB  - Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most frequent endocrine disorder in
      neonates. While several genetic mutations have been identified that result in
      developmental defects of the thyroid gland or thyroid hormone synthesis, genetic
      factors have yet to be identified in many CH patients along with the mechanisms
      underlying their pathophysiology. Mutations in the gene encoding the Kruppel-like
      transcription factor, GLI-similar 3 (GLIS3) have been associated with the
      development of a syndrome characterized by congenital hypothyroidism and neonatal
      diabetes and similar phenotypes were observed in mouse knockout models of Glis3.
      Patients with GLIS3-mediated CH exhibit diminished serum levels of thyroxine (T4)
      and triiodothyronine (T3) and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and
      thyroglobulin (TG). However, the inconsistent presentation of clinical features
      associated with this CH has made it difficult to ascertain a causative mechanism.
      Future elucidation of the biological functions of GLIS3 in the thyroid will be
      crucial to the discovery of new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of
      CH.

PMID- 25133204
TI  - A community-based walk-in screening of depression in Taiwan.
AB  - Depression is a crucial public health problem because of its relatively high
      association with suicidal attempts, prolonged social isolation, poor physical
      health, and dementia. However, the available data and study on the prevalence of
      depression in Taiwan were mostly completed within the previous 1 to 2 decades,
      and these studies were limited to certain areas or populations. Little is known
      regarding the current status of depression in Taiwan. We used a brief tool, the
      Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), to screen depression
      in 4 areas among the general and aged population. The results showed a higher CES
      D score in the southern area among general (mean +/- SD: 7.8 +/- 8.4) or aged
      participants (mean +/- SD: 7.2 +/- 8.0) compared with other areas. The ratio of
      suspected depression patients was 16.4% of all recruited participants and 13.3%
      of aged participants. These results may provide information for this public
      health issue. 

PMID- 25133206
TI  - A sequential optimization sampling method for metamodels with radial basis
      functions.
AB  - Metamodels have been widely used in engineering design to facilitate analysis and
      optimization of complex systems that involve computationally expensive simulation
      programs. The accuracy of metamodels is strongly affected by the sampling
      methods. In this paper, a new sequential optimization sampling method is
      proposed. Based on the new sampling method, metamodels can be constructed
      repeatedly through the addition of sampling points, namely, extrema points of
      metamodels and minimum points of density function. Afterwards, the more accurate
      metamodels would be constructed by the procedure above. The validity and
      effectiveness of proposed sampling method are examined by studying typical
      numerical examples. 

PMID- 25133207
TI  - Vague congruences and quotient lattice implication algebras.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to further develop the congruence theory on lattice
      implication algebras. Firstly, we introduce the notions of vague similarity
      relations based on vague relations and vague congruence relations. Secondly, the
      equivalent characterizations of vague congruence relations are investigated.
      Thirdly, the relation between the set of vague filters and the set of vague
      congruences is studied. Finally, we construct a new lattice implication algebra
      induced by a vague congruence, and the homomorphism theorem is given. 

PMID- 25133208
TI  - Utilizing optical coherence tomography in the nondestructive and noncontact
      measurement of egg shell thickness.
AB  - The goal of this study was to measure the thickness of egg shells without any
      contact and by utilizing a nondestructive method that sends infrared light beam
      on the egg. We obtain measurement resolutions on the order of 7 MUm up to a
      penetration depth of 1.7 mm from the actual surface of the egg shell. The
      measurement results we obtained show that optical coherence tomography can be
      used to accurately determine the egg shell thickness. Scanning the light beam
      over the surface allows for measuring the egg profile and monitoring the
      variations of shell thickness. Since this information gives a quantitative value
      for the uniformity of the egg shell structure, we anticipate that optical
      coherence tomography may be used in the quantitative evaluation of egg quality in
      in-line automated inspection systems.

PMID- 25133205
TI  - Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 regulates LPS induced inflammation in rat
      macrophages through autophagy activation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms by which plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)
      regulates inflammation, especially in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS),
      are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between PAI-1 and
      autophagy in inflammatory reactions induced by LPS in rat NR8383 cells. METHODS:
      ELISA was used to assess the amounts of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and PAI-1 in cell
      culture supernatants; TLR4, MyD88, PAI-1, LC3, Beclin1, and mTOR protein and mRNA
      levels were determined by western blot and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively;
      western blot was used to determine NF-kappaB protein levels. To further evaluate
      the role of PAI-1, the PAI-1 gene was downregulated and overexpressed using the
      siRNA transfection technology and the pCDH-PAI-1, respectively. Finally, the GFP
      Positive Expression Rate Method was used to determine the rate of GFP-LC3
      positive NR8383 cells. RESULTS: In LPS-induced NR8383 cells, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta,
      and PAI-1 expression levels increased remarkably. Upon PAI-1 knockdown, TNF
      alpha, IL-1beta, PAI-1, TLR4, MyD88, NF-kappaB, LC3, and Beclin1 levels were
      decreased, while mTOR increased. Conversely, overexpression of PAI-1 resulted in
      increased amounts of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, PAI-1, TLR4, MyD88, NF-kappaB, LC3, and
      Beclin1. However, no significant change was observed in mTOR expression.
      CONCLUSIONS: In NR8383 cells, PAI-1 contributes in the regulation of LPS-induced
      inflammation, likely by promoting autophagy.

PMID- 25133209
TI  - Modeling the propagation of mobile phone virus under complex network.
AB  - Mobile phone virus is a rogue program written to propagate from one phone to
      another, which can take control of a mobile device by exploiting its
      vulnerabilities. In this paper the propagation model of mobile phone virus is
      tackled to understand how particular factors can affect its propagation and
      design effective containment strategies to suppress mobile phone virus. Two
      different propagation models of mobile phone viruses under the complex network
      are proposed in this paper. One is intended to describe the propagation of user
      tricking virus, and the other is to describe the propagation of the vulnerability
      exploiting virus. Based on the traditional epidemic models, the characteristics
      of mobile phone viruses and the network topology structure are incorporated into
      our models. A detailed analysis is conducted to analyze the propagation models.
      Through analysis, the stable infection-free equilibrium point and the stability
      condition are derived. Finally, considering the network topology, the numerical
      and simulation experiments are carried out. Results indicate that both models are
      correct and suitable for describing the spread of two different mobile phone
      viruses, respectively. 

PMID- 25133210
TI  - Features extraction of flotation froth images and BP neural network soft-sensor
      model of concentrate grade optimized by shuffled cuckoo searching algorithm.
AB  - For meeting the forecasting target of key technology indicators in the flotation
      process, a BP neural network soft-sensor model based on features extraction of
      flotation froth images and optimized by shuffled cuckoo search algorithm is
      proposed. Based on the digital image processing technique, the color features in
      HSI color space, the visual features based on the gray level cooccurrence matrix,
      and the shape characteristics based on the geometric theory of flotation froth
      images are extracted, respectively, as the input variables of the proposed soft
      sensor model. Then the isometric mapping method is used to reduce the input
      dimension, the network size, and learning time of BP neural network. Finally, a
      shuffled cuckoo search algorithm is adopted to optimize the BP neural network
      soft-sensor model. Simulation results show that the model has better
      generalization results and prediction accuracy. 

PMID- 25133212
TI  - A mobile anchor assisted localization algorithm based on regular hexagon in
      wireless sensor networks.
AB  - Localization is one of the key technologies in wireless sensor networks (WSNs),
      since it provides fundamental support for many location-aware protocols and
      applications. Constraints of cost and power consumption make it infeasible to
      equip each sensor node in the network with a global position system (GPS) unit,
      especially for large-scale WSNs. A promising method to localize unknown nodes is
      to use several mobile anchors which are equipped with GPS units moving among
      unknown nodes and periodically broadcasting their current locations to help
      nearby unknown nodes with localization. This paper proposes a mobile anchor
      assisted localization algorithm based on regular hexagon (MAALRH) in two
      dimensional WSNs, which can cover the whole monitoring area with a boundary
      compensation method. Unknown nodes calculate their positions by using
      trilateration. We compare the MAALRH with HILBERT, CIRCLES, and S-CURVES
      algorithms in terms of localization ratio, localization accuracy, and path
      length. Simulations show that the MAALRH can achieve high localization ratio and
      localization accuracy when the communication range is not smaller than the
      trajectory resolution. 

PMID- 25133211
TI  - Detoxification of corncob acid hydrolysate with SAA pretreatment and xylitol
      production by immobilized Candida tropicalis.
AB  - Xylitol fermentation production from corncob acid hydrolysate has become an
      attractive and promising process. However, corncob acid hydrolysate cannot be
      directly used as fermentation substrate owing to various inhibitors. In this
      work, soaking in aqueous ammonia (SAA) pretreatment was employed to reduce the
      inhibitors in acid hydrolysate. After detoxification, the corncob acid
      hydrolysate was fermented by immobilized Candida tropicalis cell to produce
      xylitol. Results revealed that SAA pretreatment showed high delignification and
      efficient removal of acetyl group compounds without effect on cellulose and xylan
      content. Acetic acid was completely removed, and the content of phenolic
      compounds was reduced by 80%. Furthermore, kinetic behaviors of xylitol
      production by immobilized C. tropicalis cell were elucidated from corncob acid
      hydrolysate detoxified with SAA pretreatment and two-step adsorption method,
      respectively. The immobilized C. tropicalis cell showed higher productivity
      efficiency using the corncob acid hydrolysate as fermentation substrate after
      detoxification with SAA pretreatment than by two-step adsorption method in the
      five successive batch fermentation rounds. After the fifth round fermentation,
      about 60 g xylitol/L fermentation substrate was obtained for SAA pretreatment
      detoxification, while about 30 g xylitol/L fermentation substrate was obtained
      for two-step adsorption detoxification.

PMID- 25133213
TI  - Hydraulic transients in the long diversion-type hydropower station with a complex
      differential surge tank.
AB  - Based on the theory of hydraulic transients and the method of characteristics
      (MOC), a mathematic model of the differential surge tank with pressure-reduction
      orifices (PROs) and overflow weirs for transient calculation is proposed. The
      numerical model of hydraulic transients is established using the data of a
      practical hydropower station; and the probable transients are simulated. The
      results show that successive load rejection is critical for calculating the
      maximum pressure in spiral case and the maximum rotating speed of runner when the
      bifurcated pipe is converging under the surge tank in a diversion-type hydropower
      station; the pressure difference between two sides of breast wall is large during
      transient conditions, and it would be more serious when simultaneous load
      rejections happen after load acceptance; the reasonable arrangement of PROs on
      breast wall can effectively decrease the pressure difference. 

PMID- 25133214
TI  - A novel user classification method for femtocell network by using affinity
      propagation algorithm and artificial neural network.
AB  - An artificial neural network (ANN) and affinity propagation (AP) algorithm based
      user categorization technique is presented. The proposed algorithm is designed
      for closed access femtocell network. ANN is used for user classification process
      and AP algorithm is used to optimize the ANN training process. AP selects the
      best possible training samples for faster ANN training cycle. The users are
      distinguished by using the difference of received signal strength in a
      multielement femtocell device. A previously developed directive microstrip
      antenna is used to configure the femtocell device. Simulation results show that,
      for a particular house pattern, the categorization technique without AP algorithm
      takes 5 indoor users and 10 outdoor users to attain an error-free operation.
      While integrating AP algorithm with ANN, the system takes 60% less training
      samples reducing the training time up to 50%. This procedure makes the femtocell
      more effective for closed access operation. 

PMID- 25133215
TI  - A parametric study of nonlinear seismic response analysis of transmission line
      structures.
AB  - A parametric study of nonlinear seismic response analysis of transmission line
      structures subjected to earthquake loading is studied in this paper. The
      transmission lines are modeled by cable element which accounts for the
      nonlinearity of the cable based on a real project. Nonuniform ground motions are
      generated using a stochastic approach based on random vibration analysis. The
      effects of multicomponent ground motions, correlations among multicomponent
      ground motions, wave travel, coherency loss, and local site on the responses of
      the cables are investigated using nonlinear time history analysis method,
      respectively. The results show the multicomponent seismic excitations should be
      considered, but the correlations among multicomponent ground motions could be
      neglected. The wave passage effect has a significant influence on the responses
      of the cables. The change of the degree of coherency loss has little influence on
      the response of the cables, but the responses of the cables are affected
      significantly by the effect of coherency loss. The responses of the cables change
      little with the degree of the difference of site condition changing. The effect
      of multicomponent ground motions, wave passage, coherency loss, and local site
      should be considered for the seismic design of the transmission line structures. 

PMID- 25133216
TI  - Effects of soil temperature, flooding, and organic matter addition on N2O
      emissions from a soil of Hongze Lake wetland, China.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to test the effects of soil temperature,
      flooding, and raw organic matter input on N2O emissions in a soil sampled at
      Hongze Lake wetland, Jiangsu Province, China. The treatments studied were-peat
      soil (I), peat soil under flooding (II), peat soil plus raw organic matter (III),
      and peat soil under flooding plus organic matter. These four treatments were
      incubated at 20 degrees C and 35 degrees C. The result showed that temperature
      increase could enhance N2O emissions rate and cumulative emissions significantly;
      moreover, the flooded soil with external organic matter inputs showed the lowest
      cumulative rise in N2O emissions due to temperature increment. Flooding might
      inhibit soil N2O emissions, and the inhibition was more pronounced after organic
      matter addition to the original soil. Conversely, organic matter input explained
      lower cumulative N2O emissions under flooding. Our results suggest that complex
      interactions between flooding and other environmental factors might appear in
      soil N2O emissions. Further studies are needed to understand potential synergies
      or antagonisms between environmental factors that control N2O emissions in
      wetland soils. 

PMID- 25133218
TI  - Flavonoids in Juglans regia L. leaves and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant
      activity via intracellular and chemical methods.
AB  - Flavonoids are rich in Juglans regia L. leaves. They have potent antioxidant
      properties, which have been related to regulating immune function and enhancing
      anticancer activity. Herein, qualitative and quantitative determination of
      flavonoids from J. regia leaves was carried out using high performance liquid
      chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization
      and negative ion detection (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) by comparison of the retention times
      and mass spectral fragments with standard substances or related literatures.
      Seventeen compounds were identified and major components are quercetin-3-O
      rhamnoside (453.11 MUg/g, dry weight), quercetin-3-O-arabinoside (73.91 MUg/g),
      quercetin-3-O-xyloside (70.04 MUg/g), kaempferol-O-pentoside derivative (49.04
      MUg/g), quercetin-3-O-galactoside (48.61 MUg/g), and kaempferol-O-pentoside
      (48.46 MUg/g). The in vitro intracellular antioxidation indicated that flavonoids
      from J. regia leaves could reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in
      RAW264.7 cells and showed good radical scavenging activities. These results
      proved to be more related to the flavonoids that could be considered in the
      design of new formulations of dietary supplements or functional foods.

PMID- 25133219
TI  - Multicriteria group decision making by using trapezoidal valued hesitant fuzzy
      sets.
AB  - The concept of trapezoidal valued hesitant fuzzy set is introduced. Notion for
      distance between any two trapezoidal valued hesitant fuzzy elements is given.
      Using this proposed distance measure, we extend the technique for order
      preference by similarity to ideal solution for trapezoidal valued hesitant fuzzy
      sets. An example is constructed to show usefulness of this extension for
      multicriteria group decision making, where the opinions about the criteria values
      are expressed as trapezoidal valued hesitant fuzzy set. 

PMID- 25133217
TI  - Comparison of clinical safety and outcomes of early versus delayed laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical safety and outcomes of early laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute
      cholecystitis. METHODS: Pertinent studies were selected from the Medline, EMBASE,
      and Cochrane library databases, references from published articles, and reviews.
      Seven randomized controlled trials (early laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus
      delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy) were selected. Conventional meta-analysis
      according to Cochrane Collaboration was used for the pooling of the results.
      RESULTS: Seven trials with 1106 patients were included. There was no significant
      difference between the two groups in terms of bile duct injury (Peto odds ratio
      0.49 (95% confidence interval 0.05 to 4.72); P = 0.54) or conversion to open
      cholecystectomy (risk ratio 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.20); P =
      0.50). The total hospital stay was shorter by 4 days for early laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy (mean difference -4.12 (95% confidence interval -5.22 to -3.03)
      days; P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy during acute
      cholecystitis is safe and shortens the total hospital stay.

PMID- 25133220
TI  - New ray tracing method to investigate the various effects on wave propagation in
      medical scenario: an application of wireless body area network.
AB  - The advent of technology with the increasing use of wireless network has led to
      the development of Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) to continuously monitor the
      change of physiological data in a cost efficient manner. As numerous researches
      on wave propagation characterization have been done in intrabody communication,
      this study has given emphasis on the wave propagation characterization between
      the control units (CUs) and wireless access point (AP) in a hospital scenario.
      Ray tracing is a tool to predict the rays to characterize the wave propagation.
      It takes huge simulation time, especially when multiple transmitters are involved
      to transmit physiological data in a realistic hospital environment. Therefore,
      this study has developed an accelerated ray tracing method based on the nearest
      neighbor cell and prior knowledge of intersection techniques. Beside this, Red
      Black tree is used to store and provide a faster retrieval mechanism of objects
      in the hospital environment. To prove the superiority, detailed complexity
      analysis and calculations of reflection and transmission coefficients are also
      presented in this paper. The results show that the proposed method is about 1.51,
      2.1, and 2.9 times faster than the Object Distribution Technique (ODT), Space
      Volumetric Partitioning (SVP), and Angular Z-Buffer (AZB) methods, respectively.
      To show the various effects on received power in 60 GHz frequency, few
      comparisons are made and it is found that on average -9.44 dBm, -8.23 dBm, and 
      9.27 dBm received power attenuations should be considered when human, AP, and CU
      move in a given hospital scenario.

PMID- 25133221
TI  - Prediction of the reference evapotranspiration using a chaotic approach.
AB  - Evapotranspiration is one of the most important hydrological variables in the
      context of water resources management. An attempt was made to understand and
      predict the dynamics of reference evapotranspiration from a nonlinear dynamical
      perspective in this study. The reference evapotranspiration data was calculated
      using the FAO Penman-Monteith equation with the observed daily meteorological
      data for the period 1966-2005 at four meteorological stations (i.e., Baotou,
      Zhangbei, Kaifeng, and Shaoguan) representing a wide range of climatic conditions
      of China. The correlation dimension method was employed to investigate the
      chaotic behavior of the reference evapotranspiration series. The existence of
      chaos in the reference evapotranspiration series at the four different locations
      was proved by the finite and low correlation dimension. A local approximation
      approach was employed to forecast the daily reference evapotranspiration series.
      Low root mean square error (RSME) and mean absolute error (MAE) (for all
      locations lower than 0.31 and 0.24, resp.), high correlation coefficient (CC),
      and modified coefficient of efficiency (for all locations larger than 0.97 and
      0.8, resp.) indicate that the predicted reference evapotranspiration agrees well
      with the observed one. The encouraging results indicate the suitableness of
      chaotic approach for understanding and predicting the dynamics of the reference
      evapotranspiration. 

PMID- 25133222
TI  - Node deployment algorithm based on viscous fluid model for wireless sensor
      networks.
AB  - With the scale expands, traditional deployment algorithms are becoming
      increasingly complicated than before, which are no longer fit for sensor
      networks. In order to reduce the complexity, we propose a node deployment
      algorithm based on viscous fluid model. In wireless sensor networks, sensor nodes
      are abstracted as fluid particles. Similar to the diffusion and self-propagation
      behavior of fluid particles, sensor nodes realize deployment in unknown region
      following the motion rules of fluid. Simulation results show that our algorithm
      archives good coverage rate and homogeneity in large-scale sensor networks. 

PMID- 25133223
TI  - Investigation of antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of standardized
      Curcuma xanthorrhiza rhizome in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damaged
      rats.
AB  - Curcuma xanthorrhiza (CX) has been used for centuries in traditional system of
      medicine to treat several diseases such as hepatitis, liver complaints, and
      diabetes. It has been consumed as food supplement and "jamu" as a remedy for
      hepatitis. Hence, CX was further explored for its potential as a functional food
      for liver related diseases. As such, initiative was taken to evaluate the
      antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of CX rhizome. Antioxidant activity of
      the standardized CX fractions was determined using in vitro assays.
      Hepatoprotective assay was conducted against carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-)
      induced hepatic damage in rats at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of hexane
      fraction. Highest antioxidant activity was found in hexane fraction. In the case
      of hepatoprotective activity, CX hexane fraction showed significant improvement
      in terms of a biochemical liver function, antioxidative liver enzymes, and lipid
      peroxidation activity. Good recovery was observed in the treated hepatic tissues
      histologically. Hence, the results concluded that CX hexane fraction possessed
      prominent hepatoprotective activities which might be due to its in vitro
      antioxidant activity. These findings also support the use of CX as a functional
      food for hepatitis remedy in traditional medicinal system.

PMID- 25133224
TI  - Reliable multihop broadcast protocol with a low-overhead link quality assessment
      for ITS based on VANETs in highway scenarios.
AB  - Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) have been identified as a key technology to
      enable intelligent transport systems (ITS), which are aimed to radically improve
      the safety, comfort, and greenness of the vehicles in the road. However, in order
      to fully exploit VANETs potential, several issues must be addressed. Because of
      the high dynamic of VANETs and the impairments in the wireless channel, one key
      issue arising when working with VANETs is the multihop dissemination of broadcast
      packets for safety and infotainment applications. In this paper a reliable low
      overhead multihop broadcast (RLMB) protocol is proposed to address the well-known
      broadcast storm problem. The proposed RLMB takes advantage of the hello messages
      exchanged between the vehicles and it processes such information to intelligently
      select a relay set and reduce the redundant broadcast. Additionally, to reduce
      the hello messages rate dependency, RLMB uses a point-to-zone link evaluation
      approach. RLMB performance is compared with one of the leading multihop broadcast
      protocols existing to date. Performance metrics show that our RLMB solution
      outperforms the leading protocol in terms of important metrics such as packet
      dissemination ratio, overhead, and delay. 

PMID- 25133225
TI  - A memristive hyperchaotic system without equilibrium.
AB  - A new memristive system is presented in this paper. The peculiarity of the model
      is that it does not display any equilibria and exhibits periodic, chaotic, and
      also hyperchaotic dynamics in a particular range of the parameters space. The
      behavior of the proposed system is investigated through numerical simulations,
      such as phase portraits, Lyapunov exponents, and Poincare sections, and circuital
      implementation confirmed the hyperchaotic dynamic. 

PMID- 25133226
TI  - Some gastrointestinal tract characteristics of Karayaka ram lambs slaughtered at
      different weights.
AB  - Thirty-one Karayaka ram lambs were slaughtered at different body weights (30 (n =
      7), 35 (n =  6), 40 (n =  7), 45 (n =  6), and 50 (n =  5) kg of body weight at
      fast) to evaluate the growth of their gastrointestinal tract (GIT)
      characteristics, to determine the relationship among slaughter body weight (SBW)
      and empty body weight (EBW), whole GIT and segments, and the influence of
      slaughter weight on the pH of rumen, jejunum, and cecal contents. The effects of
      the SBW on GIT weight (P <  0.05), stomach (P <  0.001), and intestine (P < 
      0.05), the body length (P <  0.001) and caecum (P <  0.05), and the relative
      weights of GIT (P <  0.05), stomach (P <  0.001), and intestine (P <  0.001) were
      linear whereas that for the length of intestine were quadratic. The effect of SBW
      were quadratic (P <  0.05) on ratios of stomach to GIT weight and intestine
      length to intestine weight and rumen pH while, for the intestine to GIT weight
      ratio (P <  0.001) and caecum pH (P <  0.05), this effect was linear. The results
      indicated that for all parameters studied, with the exception of intestinal
      length and cecal pH, linear relationships were observed with SBW indicating
      steady growth rates for these tissues.

PMID- 25133227
TI  - Online handwritten signature verification using neural network classifier based
      on principal component analysis.
AB  - One of the main difficulties in designing online signature verification (OSV)
      system is to find the most distinctive features with high discriminating
      capabilities for the verification, particularly, with regard to the high
      variability which is inherent in genuine handwritten signatures, coupled with the
      possibility of skilled forgeries having close resemblance to the original
      counterparts. In this paper, we proposed a systematic approach to online
      signature verification through the use of multilayer perceptron (MLP) on a subset
      of principal component analysis (PCA) features. The proposed approach illustrates
      a feature selection technique on the usually discarded information from PCA
      computation, which can be significant in attaining reduced error rates. The
      experiment is performed using 4000 signature samples from SIGMA database, which
      yielded a false acceptance rate (FAR) of 7.4% and a false rejection rate (FRR) of
      6.4%. 

PMID- 25133228
TI  - Part-based visual tracking via online weighted P-N learning.
AB  - We propose a novel part-based tracking algorithm using online weighted P-N
      learning. An online weighted P-N learning method is implemented via considering
      the weight of samples during classification, which improves the performance of
      classifier. We apply weighted P-N learning to track a part-based target model
      instead of whole target. In doing so, object is segmented into fragments and
      parts of them are selected as local feature blocks (LFBs). Then, the weighted P-N
      learning is employed to train classifier for each local feature block (LFB). Each
      LFB is tracked through the corresponding classifier, respectively. According to
      the tracking results of LFBs, object can be then located. During tracking
      process, to solve the issues of occlusion or pose change, we use a substitute
      strategy to dynamically update the set of LFB, which makes our tracker robust.
      Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the state
      of-the-art trackers. 

PMID- 25133229
TI  - Greenhouse gas emissions from cotton field under different irrigation methods and
      fertilization regimes in arid northwestern China.
AB  - Drip irrigation is broadly extended in order to save water in the arid cotton
      production region of China. Biochar is thought to be a useful soil amendment to
      reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Here, a field study was conducted to
      compare the emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) under different
      irrigation methods (drip irrigation (D) and furrow irrigation (F)) and
      fertilization regimes (conventional fertilization (C) and conventional
      fertilization + biochar (B)) during the cotton growth season. The accumulated N2O
      emissions were significantly lower with FB, DC, and DB than with FC by 28.8%,
      36.1%, and 37.6%, while accumulated CH4 uptake was 264.5%, 226.7%, and 154.2%
      higher with DC, DB, and FC than that with FB, respectively. Irrigation methods
      showed a significant effect on total global warming potential (GWP) and yield
      scaled GWP (P < 0.01). DC and DB showed higher cotton yield, water use efficiency
      (WUE), and lower yield-scaled GWP, as compared with FC and FB. This suggests that
      in northwestern China mulched-drip irrigation should be a better approach to
      increase cotton yield with depressed GHG. In addition, biochar addition increased
      CH4 emissions while it decreased N2O emissions.

PMID- 25133230
TI  - Simple BiCMOS CCCTA design and resistorless analog function realization.
AB  - The simple realization of the current-controlled conveyor transconductance
      amplifier (CCCTA) in BiCMOS technology is introduced. The proposed BiCMOS CCCTA
      realization is based on the use of differential pair and basic current mirror,
      which results in simple structure. Its characteristics, that is, parasitic
      resistance (R x) and current transfer (i o/i z), are also tunable electronically
      by external bias currents. The realized circuit is suitable for fabrication using
      standard 0.35 MUm BiCMOS technology. Some simple and compact resistorless
      applications employing the proposed CCCTA as active elements are also suggested,
      which show that their circuit characteristics with electronic controllability are
      obtained. PSPICE simulation results demonstrating the circuit behaviors and
      confirming the theoretical analysis are performed.

PMID- 25133231
TI  - Cyclic soft groups and their applications on groups.
AB  - In crisp environment the notions of order of group and cyclic group are well
      known due to many applications. In this paper, we introduce order of the soft
      groups, power of the soft sets, power of the soft groups, and cyclic soft group
      on a group. We also investigate the relationship between cyclic soft groups and
      classical groups. 

PMID- 25133232
TI  - An efficient approach to obtain optimal load factors for structural design.
AB  - An efficient optimization approach is described to calibrate load factors used
      for designing of structures. The load factors are calibrated so that the
      structural reliability index is as close as possible to a target reliability
      value. The optimization procedure is applied to find optimal load factors for
      designing of structures in accordance with the new version of the Mexico City
      Building Code (RCDF). For this aim, the combination of factors corresponding to
      dead load plus live load is considered. The optimal combination is based on a
      parametric numerical analysis of several reinforced concrete elements, which are
      designed using different load factor values. The Monte Carlo simulation technique
      is used. The formulation is applied to different failure modes: flexure, shear,
      torsion, and compression plus bending of short and slender reinforced concrete
      elements. Finally, the structural reliability corresponding to the optimal load
      combination proposed here is compared with that corresponding to the load
      combination recommended by the current Mexico City Building Code. 

PMID- 25133233
TI  - Effect of temperature shock and inventory surprises on natural gas and heating
      oil futures returns.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of temperature shock on both near
      month and far-month natural gas and heating oil futures returns by extending the
      weather and storage models of the previous study. Several notable findings from
      the empirical studies are presented. First, the expected temperature shock
      significantly and positively affects both the near-month and far-month natural
      gas and heating oil futures returns. Next, significant temperature shock has
      effect on both the conditional mean and volatility of natural gas and heating oil
      prices. The results indicate that expected inventory surprises significantly and
      negatively affects the far-month natural gas futures returns. Moreover,
      volatility of natural gas futures returns is higher on Thursdays and that of near
      month heating oil futures returns is higher on Wednesdays than other days.
      Finally, it is found that storage announcement for natural gas significantly
      affects near-month and far-month natural gas futures returns. Furthermore, both
      natural gas and heating oil futures returns are affected more by the weighted
      average temperature reported by multiple weather reporting stations than that
      reported by a single weather reporting station. 

PMID- 25133235
TI  - Event-based user classification in Weibo media.
AB  - Weibo media, known as the real-time microblogging services, has attracted massive
      attention and support from social network users. Weibo platform offers an
      opportunity for people to access information and changes the way people acquire
      and disseminate information significantly. Meanwhile, it enables people to
      respond to the social events in a more convenient way. Much of the information in
      Weibo media is related to some events. Users who post different contents, and
      exert different behavior or attitude may lead to different contribution to the
      specific event. Therefore, classifying the large amount of uncategorized social
      circles generated in Weibo media automatically from the perspective of events has
      been a promising task. Under this circumstance, in order to effectively organize
      and manage the huge amounts of users, thereby further managing their contents, we
      address the task of user classification in a more granular, event-based approach
      in this paper. By analyzing real data collected from Sina Weibo, we investigate
      the Weibo properties and utilize both content information and social network
      information to classify the numerous users into four primary groups: celebrities,
      organizations/media accounts, grassroots stars, and ordinary individuals. The
      experiments results show that our method identifies the user categories
      accurately. 

PMID- 25133234
TI  - Protein binding site prediction by combining hidden Markov support vector machine
      and profile-based propensities.
AB  - Identification of protein binding sites is critical for studying the function of
      the proteins. In this paper, we proposed a method for protein binding site
      prediction, which combined the order profile propensities and hidden Markov
      support vector machine (HM-SVM). This method employed the sequential labeling
      technique to the field of protein binding site prediction. The input features of
      HM-SVM include the profile-based propensities, the Position-Specific Score Matrix
      (PSSM), and Accessible Surface Area (ASA). When tested on different data sets,
      the proposed method showed promising results, and outperformed some closely
      relative methods by more than 10% in terms of AUC. 

PMID- 25133236
TI  - Fuzzy-based trust prediction model for routing in WSNs.
AB  - The cooperative nature of multihop wireless sensor networks (WSNs) makes it
      vulnerable to varied types of attacks. The sensitive application environments and
      resource constraints of WSNs mandate the requirement of lightweight security
      scheme. The earlier security solutions were based on historical behavior of
      neighbor but the security can be enhanced by predicting the future behavior of
      the nodes in the network. In this paper, we proposed a fuzzy-based trust
      prediction model for routing (FTPR) in WSNs with minimal overhead in regard to
      memory and energy consumption. FTPR incorporates a trust prediction model that
      predicts the future behavior of the neighbor based on the historical behavior,
      fluctuations in trust value over a period of time, and recommendation
      inconsistency. In order to reduce the control overhead, FTPR received
      recommendations from a subset of neighbors who had maximum number of interactions
      with the requestor. Theoretical analysis and simulation results of FTPR protocol
      demonstrate higher packet delivery ratio, higher network lifetime, lower end-to
      end delay, and lower memory and energy consumption than the traditional and
      existing trust-based routing schemes. 

PMID- 25133237
TI  - Capacitance-based frequency adjustment of micro piezoelectric vibration
      generator.
AB  - Micro piezoelectric vibration generator has a wide application in the field of
      microelectronics. Its natural frequency is unchanged after being manufactured.
      However, resonance cannot occur when the natural frequencies of a piezoelectric
      generator and the source of vibration frequency are not consistent. Output
      voltage of the piezoelectric generator will sharply decline. It cannot normally
      supply power for electronic devices. In order to make the natural frequency of
      the generator approach the frequency of vibration source, the capacitance FM
      technology is adopted in this paper. Different capacitance FM schemes are
      designed by different locations of the adjustment layer. The corresponding
      capacitance FM models have been established. Characteristic and effect of the
      capacitance FM have been simulated by the FM model. Experimental results show
      that the natural frequency of the generator could vary from 46.5 Hz to 42.4 Hz
      when the bypass capacitance value increases from 0 nF to 30 nF. The natural
      frequency of a piezoelectric vibration generator could be continuously adjusted
      by this method.

PMID- 25133238
TI  - Functioning of women with migraine headaches.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Migraines are one of the most commonly occurring ailments affecting
      the nervous system. The aim of this research paper was to evaluate the effect
      migraines have on the everyday functioning of women. METHOD: The study involved
      women with diagnosed migraine headaches (IHS-2004) undergoing treatment at a
      neurological clinic. In order to evaluate the influence of headaches on the
      everyday functioning of women, a MSQ v.2 questionnaire was used, whereas pain
      severity was assessed on a linear VAS scale. RESULTS: Among the clinical factors,
      the most influential was the frequency of headaches. Headache duration was
      particularly significant for women below the age of 40. Pain severity cited at 8
      10 pts on the VAS significantly disrupted and limited everyday functioning. On
      the emotional function subscale, the most influential factors were age,
      education, and the frequency of headaches. CONCLUSIONS: On account of headache
      frequency emerging as the most significant influencing factor, it is of the
      utmost importance to inform patients of the value of taking prophylactic
      measures. Central to this is the identification of factors that trigger the onset
      of migraines. This approach would greatly aid the individual in choosing the
      appropriate treatment, either pharmacological or others.

PMID- 25133239
TI  - Effects of dimethylaminoethanol and compound amino acid on D-galactose induced
      skin aging model of rat.
AB  - A lasting dream of human beings is to reverse or postpone aging. In this study,
      dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) and compound amino acid (AA) in Mesotherapy were
      investigated for their potential antiaging effects on D-galactose induced aging
      skin. At 18 days after D-gal induction, each rat was treated with intradermal
      microinjection of saline, AA, 0.1% DMAE, 0.2% DMAE, 0.1% DMAE + AA, or 0.2% DMAE
      + AA, respectively. At 42 days after treatment, the skin wound was harvested and
      assayed. Measurement of epidermal and dermal thickness in 0.1% DMAE + AA and 0.2%
      DMAE + AA groups appeared significantly thicker than aging control rats. No
      differences were found in tissue water content among groups. Hydroxyproline in
      0.1% DMAE + AA, 0.2% DMAE + AA, and sham control groups was much higher than all
      other groups. Collagen type I, type III, and MMP-1 expression was highly
      upregulated in both 0.1% DMAE + AA and 0.2% DMAE + AA groups compared with aging
      control. In contrast, TIMP-1 expression levels of various aging groups were
      significantly reduced when compared to sham control. Coinjection of DMAE and AA
      into target tissue has marked antiaging effects on D-galactose induced skin aging
      model of rat. 

PMID- 25133240
TI  - Modelling hydrology of a single bioretention system with HYDRUS-1D.
AB  - A study was carried out on the effectiveness of bioretention systems to abate
      stormwater using computer simulation. The hydrologic performance was simulated
      for two bioretention cells using HYDRUS-1D, and the simulation results were
      verified by field data of nearly four years. Using the validated model, the
      optimization of design parameters of rainfall return period, filter media depth
      and type, and surface area was discussed. And the annual hydrologic performance
      of bioretention systems was further analyzed under the optimized parameters. The
      study reveals that bioretention systems with underdrains and impervious
      boundaries do have some detention capability, while their total water retention
      capability is extremely limited. Better detention capability is noted for smaller
      rainfall events, deeper filter media, and design storms with a return period
      smaller than 2 years, and a cost-effective filter media depth is recommended in
      bioretention design. Better hydrologic effectiveness is achieved with a higher
      hydraulic conductivity and ratio of the bioretention surface area to the
      catchment area, and filter media whose conductivity is between the conductivity
      of loamy sand and sandy loam, and a surface area of 10% of the catchment area is
      recommended. In the long-term simulation, both infiltration volume and
      evapotranspiration are critical for the total rainfall treatment in bioretention
      systems. 

PMID- 25133241
TI  - A single-phase embedded Z-source DC-AC inverter.
AB  - In the conventional DC-AC inverter consisting of two DC-DC converters with
      unipolar output capacitors, the output capacitor voltages of the DC-DC converters
      must be higher than the DC input voltage. To overcome this weakness, this paper
      proposes a single-phase DC-AC inverter consisting of two embedded Z-source
      converters with bipolar output capacitors. The proposed inverter is composed of
      two embedded Z-source converters with a common DC source and output AC load.
      Though the output capacitor voltages of the converters are relatively low
      compared to those of a conventional inverter, an equivalent level of AC output
      voltages can be obtained. Moreover, by controlling the output capacitor voltages
      asymmetrically, the AC output voltage of the proposed inverter can be higher than
      the DC input voltage. To verify the validity of the proposed inverter,
      experiments were performed with a DC source voltage of 38 V. By controlling the
      output capacitor voltages of the converters symmetrically or asymmetrically, the
      proposed inverter can produce sinusoidal AC output voltages. The experiments show
      that efficiencies of up to 95% and 97% can be achieved with the proposed inverter
      using symmetric and asymmetric control, respectively.

PMID- 25133242
TI  - A novel method for functional annotation prediction based on combination of
      classification methods.
AB  - Automated protein function prediction defines the designation of functions of
      unknown protein functions by using computational methods. This technique is
      useful to automatically assign gene functional annotations for undefined
      sequences in next generation genome analysis (NGS). NGS is a popular research
      method since high-throughput technologies such as DNA sequencing and microarrays
      have created large sets of genes. These huge sequences have greatly increased the
      need for analysis. Previous research has been based on the similarities of
      sequences as this is strongly related to the functional homology. However, this
      study aimed to designate protein functions by automatically predicting the
      function of the genome by utilizing InterPro (IPR), which can represent the
      properties of the protein family and groups of the protein function. Moreover, we
      used gene ontology (GO), which is the controlled vocabulary used to
      comprehensively describe the protein function. To define the relationship between
      IPR and GO terms, three pattern recognition techniques have been employed under
      different conditions, such as feature selection and weighted value, instead of a
      binary one. 

PMID- 25133243
TI  - A new solution to the matrix equation X - AXB = C.
AB  - We investigate the matrix equation X - AXB = C. For convenience, the matrix
      equation X - AXB = C is named as Kalman-Yakubovich-conjugate matrix equation. The
      explicit solution is constructed when the above matrix equation has unique
      solution. And this solution is stated as a polynomial of coefficient matrices of
      the matrix equation. Moreover, the explicit solution is also expressed by the
      symmetric operator matrix, controllability matrix, and observability matrix. The
      proposed approach does not require the coefficient matrices to be in arbitrary
      canonical form. At the end of this paper, the numerical example is shown to
      illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

PMID- 25133244
TI  - Effect of zirconium oxide nanofiller and dibutyl phthalate plasticizer on ionic
      conductivity and optical properties of solid polymer electrolyte.
AB  - New solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) doped
      with lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3), dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
      plasticizer, and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles were prepared by solution
      casting technique. The conductivity was enhanced by addition of dibutyl phthalate
      (DBP) plasticizer and ZrO2 nanofiller with maximum conductivity (1.38 * 10(-4)
      Scm(-1)). The absorption edge and band gap values showed decreases upon addition
      of LiSO3CF3, DBP, and ZrO2 due to the formation of localized states in the SPE
      and the degree of disorder in the films increased.

PMID- 25133245
TI  - Design and realization of a planar ultrawideband antenna with notch band at 3.5
      GHz.
AB  - A small antenna with single notch band at 3.5 GHz is designed for ultrawideband
      (UWB) communication applications. The fabricated antenna comprises a radiating
      monopole element and a perfectly conducting ground plane with a wide slot. To
      achieve a notch band at 3.5 GHz, a parasitic element has been inserted in the
      same plane of the substrate along with the radiating patch. Experimental results
      shows that, by properly adjusting the position of the parasitic element, the
      designed antenna can achieve an ultrawide operating band of 3.04 to 11 GHz with a
      notched band operating at 3.31-3.84 GHz. Moreover, the proposed antenna achieved
      a good gain except at the notched band and exhibits symmetric radiation patterns
      throughout the operating band. The prototype of the proposed antenna possesses a
      very compact size and uses simple structures to attain the stop band
      characteristic with an aim to lessen the interference between UWB and worldwide
      interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) band.

PMID- 25133247
TI  - Dynamic finite element analysis of mobile bearing type knee prosthesis under deep
      flexional motion.
AB  - The primary objective of this study is to distinguish between mobile bearing and
      fixed bearing posterior stabilized knee prostheses in the mechanics performance
      using the finite element simulation. Quantifying the relative mechanics
      attributes and survivorship between the mobile bearing and the fixed bearing
      prosthesis remains in investigation among researchers. In the present study, 3
      dimensional computational model of a clinically used mobile bearing PS type knee
      prosthesis was utilized to develop a finite element and dynamic simulation model.
      Combination of displacement and force driven knee motion was adapted to simulate
      a flexion motion from 0 degrees  to 135 degrees  with neutral, 10 degrees , and
      20 degrees  internal tibial rotation to represent deep knee bending. Introduction
      of the secondary moving articulation in the mobile bearing knee prosthesis has
      been found to maintain relatively low shear stress during deep knee motion with
      tibial rotation.

PMID- 25133246
TI  - Genome wide analysis of sex difference in gene expression profiles of bone
      formations using sfx mice and BXD RI strains.
AB  - The objective of this study is to identify sex differentially expressed genes in
      bone using a mouse model of spontaneous fracture, sfx, which lacks the gene for L
      gulonolactone oxidase (Gulo), a key enzyme in the ascorbic acid (AA) synthesis
      pathway. We first identified the genes that are differentially expressed in the
      femur between female and male in sfx mice. We then analyzed the potential gene
      network among those differentially expressed genes with whole genome expression
      profiles generated using spleens of female and male mice of a total of 67 BXD
      (C57BL/6J X DBA/2J) recombinant inbred (RI) and other strains. Our result
      indicated that there was a sex difference in the whole genome profiles in sfx
      mice as measured by the proportion of up- and downregulated genes. Several genes
      in the pathway of bone development are differentially expressed between the male
      and female of sfx mice. Comparison of gene network of up- and downregulated bone
      relevant genes also suggests a sex difference. 

PMID- 25133248
TI  - Automated long-term monitoring of parallel microfluidic operations applying a
      machine vision-assisted positioning method.
AB  - As microfluidics has been applied extensively in many cell and biochemical
      applications, monitoring the related processes is an important requirement. In
      this work, we design and fabricate a high-throughput microfluidic device which
      contains 32 microchambers to perform automated parallel microfluidic operations
      and monitoring on an automated stage of a microscope. Images are captured at
      multiple spots on the device during the operations for monitoring samples in
      microchambers in parallel; yet the device positions may vary at different time
      points throughout operations as the device moves back and forth on a motorized
      microscopic stage. Here, we report an image-based positioning strategy to realign
      the chamber position before every recording of microscopic image. We fabricate
      alignment marks at defined locations next to the chambers in the microfluidic
      device as reference positions. We also develop image processing algorithms to
      recognize the chamber positions in real-time, followed by realigning the chambers
      to their preset positions in the captured images. We perform experiments to
      validate and characterize the device functionality and the automated realignment
      operation. Together, this microfluidic realignment strategy can be a platform
      technology to achieve precise positioning of multiple chambers for general
      microfluidic applications requiring long-term parallel monitoring of cell and
      biochemical activities. 

PMID- 25133249
TI  - Investigation of a novel common subexpression elimination method for low power
      and area efficient DCT architecture.
AB  - A wide interest has been observed to find a low power and area efficient hardware
      design of discrete cosine transform (DCT) algorithm. This research work proposed
      a novel Common Subexpression Elimination (CSE) based pipelined architecture for
      DCT, aimed at reproducing the cost metrics of power and area while maintaining
      high speed and accuracy in DCT applications. The proposed design combines the
      techniques of Canonical Signed Digit (CSD) representation and CSE to implement
      the multiplier-less method for fixed constant multiplication of DCT coefficients.
      Furthermore, symmetry in the DCT coefficient matrix is used with CSE to further
      decrease the number of arithmetic operations. This architecture needs a single
      port memory to feed the inputs instead of multiport memory, which leads to
      reduction of the hardware cost and area. From the analysis of experimental
      results and performance comparisons, it is observed that the proposed scheme uses
      minimum logic utilizing mere 340 slices and 22 adders. Moreover, this design
      meets the real time constraints of different video/image coders and peak-signal
      to-noise-ratio (PSNR) requirements. Furthermore, the proposed technique has
      significant advantages over recent well-known methods along with accuracy in
      terms of power reduction, silicon area usage, and maximum operating frequency by
      41%, 15%, and 15%, respectively. 

PMID- 25133250
TI  - Structural health monitoring of civil infrastructure using optical fiber sensing
      technology: a comprehensive review.
AB  - In the last two decades, a significant number of innovative sensing systems based
      on optical fiber sensors have been exploited in the engineering community due to
      their inherent distinctive advantages such as small size, light weight, immunity
      to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and corrosion, and embedding capability. A
      lot of optical fiber sensor-based monitoring systems have been developed for
      continuous measurement and real-time assessment of diversified engineering
      structures such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, pipelines, wind turbines, railway
      infrastructure, and geotechnical structures. The purpose of this review article
      is devoted to presenting a summary of the basic principles of various optical
      fiber sensors, innovation in sensing and computational methodologies, development
      of novel optical fiber sensors, and the practical application status of the
      optical fiber sensing technology in structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil
      infrastructure. 

PMID- 25133252
TI  - 50 MHz-10 GHz low-power resistive feedback current-reuse mixer with inductive
      peaking for cognitive radio receiver.
AB  - A low-power wideband mixer is designed and implemented in 0.13 um standard CMOS
      technology based on resistive feedback current-reuse (RFCR) configuration for the
      application of cognitive radio receiver. The proposed RFCR architecture
      incorporates an inductive peaking technique to compensate for gain roll-off at
      high frequency while enhancing the bandwidth. A complementary current-reuse
      technique is used between transconductance and IF stages to boost the conversion
      gain without additional power consumption by reusing the DC bias current of the
      LO stage. This downconversion double-balanced mixer exhibits a high and flat
      conversion gain (CG) of 14.9 +/- 1.4 dB and a noise figure (NF) better than 12.8
      dB. The maximum input 1-dB compression point (P1dB) and maximum input third-order
      intercept point (IIP3) are -13.6 dBm and -4.5 dBm, respectively, over the desired
      frequency ranging from 50 MHz to 10 GHz. The proposed circuit operates down to a
      supply headroom of 1 V with a low-power consumption of 3.5 mW.

PMID- 25133251
TI  - Highly effective ex vivo gene manipulation to study kidney development using self
      complementary adenoassociated viruses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ex vivo culture of intact embryonic kidney has become a powerful
      system for studying renal development. However, few methods have been available
      for gene manipulation and have impeded the identification and investigation of
      genes in this developmental process. RESULTS: Here we systemically compared eight
      different serotypes of pseudotyped self-complementary adenoassociated viruses
      (scAAVs) transduction in cultured embryonic kidney with a modified culture
      procedure. We demonstrated that scAAV was highly effective in delivering genes
      into and expressing in compacted tissues. scAAV serotypes 2 and 8 exhibited
      higher efficiency of transduction compared to others. Expression kinetics assay
      revealed that scAAV can be used for gene manipulation at the study of UB
      branching and nephrogenesis. Repressing WT1 in cultured kidney using shRNA
      impairs tubule formation. We for the first time employed and validated scAAV as a
      gene delivery tool in cultured kidney. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are expected
      to expedite the use of the ex vivo embryonic kidney cultures for kidney
      development research. For other ex vivo cultured organ models, scAAV could also
      be a promising tool for organogenesis study.

PMID- 25133253
TI  - Video texture synthesis based on flow-like stylization painting.
AB  - The paper presents an NP-video rendering system based on natural phenomena. It
      provides a simple nonphotorealistic video synthesis system in which user can
      obtain a flow-like stylization painting and infinite video scene. Firstly, based
      on anisotropic Kuwahara filtering in conjunction with line integral convolution,
      the phenomena video scene can be rendered to flow-like stylization painting.
      Secondly, the methods of frame division, patches synthesis, will be used to
      synthesize infinite playing video. According to selection examples from different
      natural video texture, our system can generate stylized of flow-like and infinite
      video scenes. The visual discontinuities between neighbor frames are decreased,
      and we also preserve feature and details of frames. This rendering system is easy
      and simple to implement. 

PMID- 25133254
TI  - Design and performance evaluation of a distributed OFDMA-based MAC protocol for
      MANETs.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a distributed MAC protocol for OFDMA-based wireless
      mobile ad hoc multihop networks, in which the resource reservation and data
      transmission procedures are operated in a distributed manner. A frame format is
      designed considering the characteristics of OFDMA that each node can transmit or
      receive data to or from multiple nodes simultaneously. Under this frame
      structure, we propose a distributed resource management method including network
      state estimation and resource reservation processes. We categorize five types of
      logical errors according to their root causes and show that two of the logical
      errors are inevitable while three of them are avoided under the proposed
      distributed MAC protocol. In addition, we provide a systematic method to
      determine the advertisement period of each node by presenting a clear relation
      between the accuracy of estimated network states and the signaling overhead. We
      evaluate the performance of the proposed protocol in respect of the reservation
      success rate and the success rate of data transmission. Since our method focuses
      on avoiding logical errors, it could be easily placed on top of the other
      resource allocation methods focusing on the physical layer issues of the resource
      management problem and interworked with them. 

PMID- 25133255
TI  - Method to eliminate flux linkage DC component in load transformer for static
      transfer switch.
AB  - Many industrial and commercial sensitive loads are subject to the voltage sags
      and interruptions. The static transfer switch (STS) based on the thyristors is
      applied to improve the power quality and reliability. However, the transfer will
      result in severe inrush current in the load transformer, because of the DC
      component in the magnetic flux generated in the transfer process. The inrush
      current which is always 2 ~ 30 p.u. can cause the disoperation of relay
      protective devices and bring potential damage to the transformer. The way to
      eliminate the DC component is to transfer the related phases when the residual
      flux linkage of the load transformer and the prospective flux linkage of the
      alternate source are equal. This paper analyzes how the flux linkage of each
      winding in the load transformer changes in the transfer process. Based on the
      residual flux linkage when the preferred source is completely disconnected, the
      method to calculate the proper time point to close each phase of the alternate
      source is developed. Simulation and laboratory experiments results are presented
      to show the effectiveness of the transfer method.

PMID- 25133256
TI  - On the generalization of Lehmer problem and high-dimension Kloosterman sums.
AB  - For any fixed integer k >= 2 and integer r with (r, p) = 1, it is clear that
      there exist k integers 1 <= a i <= p - 1(i = 1, 2, ..., k) such that a 1 a 2 ? a
      k = r mod p. Let N(k, r; p) denote the number of all (a 1, a 2, ? a k ) such that
      a 1 a 2 ? a k = r mod p and 2?(a 1 + a 2 + ? + a k ). In this paper, we will use
      the analytic method and the estimate for high-dimension Kloosterman sums to study
      the asymptotic properties of N(k, r; p) and give two interesting asymptotic
      formulae for it.

PMID- 25133257
TI  - Mathematical model relating uniaxial compressive behavior of manufactured sand
      mortar to MIP-derived pore structure parameters.
AB  - The uniaxial compression response of manufactured sand mortars proportioned using
      different water-cement ratio and sand-cement ratio is examined. Pore structure
      parameters such as porosity, threshold diameter, mean diameter, and total amounts
      of macropores, as well as shape and size of micropores are quantified by using
      mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) technique. Test results indicate that strains
      at peak stress and compressive strength decreased with the increasing sand-cement
      ratio due to insufficient binders to wrap up entire sand. A compression stress
      strain model of normal concrete extending to predict the stress-strain
      relationships of manufactured sand mortar is verified and agreed well with
      experimental data. Furthermore, the stress-strain model constant is found to be
      influenced by threshold diameter, mean diameter, shape, and size of micropores. A
      mathematical model relating stress-strain model constants to the relevant pore
      structure parameters of manufactured sand mortar is developed. 

PMID- 25133258
TI  - Cost-benefit analysis and emission reduction of energy efficient lighting at the
      Universiti Tenaga Nasional.
AB  - This paper reports the result of an investigation on the potential energy saving
      of the lighting systems at selected buildings of the Universiti Tenaga Nasional.
      The scope of this project includes evaluation of the lighting system in the
      Library, Admin Building, College of Engineering, College of Information
      Technology, Apartments, and COE Food court of the university. The main objectives
      of this project are to design the proper retrofit scenario and to calculate the
      potential electricity saving, the payback period, and the potential environmental
      benefits. In this survey the policy for retrofitting the old lighting system with
      the new energy saving LEDs starts with 10% for the first year and continues
      constantly for 10 years until all the lighting systems have been replaced. The
      result of the life cycle analysis reveals that after four years, the selected
      buildings will bring profit for the investment. 

PMID- 25133259
TI  - Feasibility of using phase change materials to control the heat of hydration in
      massive concrete structures.
AB  - This paper presents experimental results that can be applied to select a possible
      phase change material (PCM), such as a latent heat material (LHM), to control the
      hydration heat in mass concrete structures. Five experimental tests
      (microconduction, simplified adiabatic temperature rise, heat, and compressive
      strength tests) were conducted to select the most desirable LHM out of seven
      types of inorganic PCM used in cement mortar and to determine the most suitable
      mix design. The results of these experimental tests were used to assess the
      feasibility of using PCM to reduce hydration heat in mass concrete that was
      examined. The experimental results show that cement mortar containing barium-
      [Ba(OH)2 . 8H2O] based PCM has the lowest amount of total hydration heat of the
      cement pastes. The barium-based PCM provides good latent heat properties that
      help to prevent volume change and microcracks caused by thermal stress in mass
      concrete.

PMID- 25133260
TI  - Assessment model of ecoenvironmental vulnerability based on improved entropy
      weight method.
AB  - Assessment of ecoenvironmental vulnerability plays an important role in the
      guidance of regional planning, the construction and protection of ecological
      environment, which requires comprehensive consideration on regional resources,
      environment, ecology, society and other factors. Based on the driving mechanism
      and evolution characteristics of ecoenvironmental vulnerability in cold and arid
      regions of China, a novel evaluation index system on ecoenvironmental
      vulnerability is proposed in this paper. For the disadvantages of conventional
      entropy weight method, an improved entropy weight assessment model on
      ecoenvironmental vulnerability is developed and applied to evaluate the
      ecoenvironmental vulnerability in western Jilin Province of China. The assessing
      results indicate that the model is suitable for ecoenvironmental vulnerability
      assessment, and it shows more reasonable evaluation criterion, more distinct
      insights and satisfactory results combined with the practical conditions. The
      model can provide a new method for regional ecoenvironmental vulnerability
      evaluation. 

PMID- 25133261
TI  - The laws of natural deduction in inference by DNA computer.
AB  - We present a DNA-based implementation of reaction system with molecules encoding
      elements of the propositional logic, that is, propositions and formulas. The
      protocol can perform inference steps using, for example, modus ponens and modus
      tollens rules and de Morgan's laws. The set of the implemented operations allows
      for inference of formulas using the laws of natural deduction. The system can
      also detect whether a certain proposition a can be deduced from the basic facts
      and given rules. The whole protocol is fully autonomous; that is, after
      introducing the initial set of molecules, no human assistance is needed. Only one
      restriction enzyme is used throughout the inference process. Unlike some other
      similar implementations, our improved design allows representing simultaneously a
      fact a and its negation ~a, including special reactions to detect the
      inconsistency, that is, a simultaneous occurrence of a fact and its negation. An
      analysis of correctness, completeness, and complexity is included. 

PMID- 25133262
TI  - Light-output enhancement of GaN-based light-emitting diodes with three
      dimensional backside reflectors patterned by microscale cone array.
AB  - Three-dimensional (3D) backside reflector, compared with flat reflectors, can
      improve the probability of finding the escape cone for reflecting lights and thus
      enhance the light-extraction efficiency (LEE) for GaN-based light-emitting diode
      (LED) chips. A triangle-lattice of microscale SiO2 cone array followed by a 16
      pair Ti3O5/SiO2 distributed Bragg reflector (16-DBR) was proposed to be attached
      on the backside of sapphire substrate, and the light-output enhancement was
      demonstrated by numerical simulation and experiments. The LED chips with flat
      reflectors or 3D reflectors were simulated using Monte Carlo ray tracing method.
      It is shown that the LEE increases as the reflectivity of backside reflector
      increases, and the light-output can be significantly improved by 3D reflectors
      compared to flat counterparts. It can also be observed that the LEE decreases as
      the refractive index of the cone material increases. The 3D 16-DBR patterned by
      microscale SiO2 cone array benefits large enhancement of LEE. This microscale
      pattern was prepared by standard photolithography and wet-etching technique.
      Measurement results show that the 3D 16-DBR can provide 12.1% enhancement of wall
      plug efficiency, which is consistent with the simulated value of 11.73% for the
      enhancement of LEE. 

PMID- 25133263
TI  - Comparative studies on bioactive constituents in hawk tea infusions with
      different maturity degree and their antioxidant activities.
AB  - Hawk tea (Litsea coreana var. lanuginose) is a very popular herbal tea in the
      southwest of China. According to the maturity degree of raw materials, Hawk tea
      can usually be divided into three types: Hawk bud tea (HB), Hawk primary leaf tea
      (HP), and Hawk mature leaf tea (HM). In this study, some of the bioactive
      constituents and antioxidant properties of the three kinds of Hawk tea infusions
      were comparatively investigated. The results showed that the contents of total
      flavonoids, vitamin C, and carbohydrates in Hawk bud tea infusion (HBI) were
      higher than those in Hawk primary leaf tea infusion (HPI) and Hawk mature leaf
      tea infusion (HMI). HPI had higher contents of total polyphenols and exhibited
      better DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing activity power. HBI
      could provide more effective protection against erythrocyte hemolysis. As age is
      going from bud to mature leaf, the ability to inhibit the formation of low
      density lipoprotein (LDL) conjugated diene and the loss of tryptophan
      fluorescence decreased. The bioactive constituents and antioxidant activities of
      Hawk tea infusions were significantly affected by the maturity degree of the raw
      material. 

PMID- 25133264
TI  - Expression profiles of 12 late embryogenesis abundant protein genes from Tamarix
      hispida in response to abiotic stress.
AB  - Twelve embryogenesis abundant protein (LEA) genes (named ThLEA-1 to -12) were
      cloned from Tamarix hispida. The expression profiles of these genes in response
      to NaCl, PEG, and abscisic acid (ABA) in roots, stems, and leaves of T. hispida
      were assessed using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT
      PCR). These ThLEAs all showed tissue-specific expression patterns in roots,
      stems, and leaves under normal growth conditions. However, they shared a high
      similar expression patterns in the roots, stems, and leaves when exposed to NaCl
      and PEG stress. Furthermore, ThLEA-1, -2, -3, -4, and -11 were induced by NaCl
      and PEG, but ThLEA-5, -6, -8, -10, and -12 were downregulated by salt and drought
      stresses. Under ABA treatment, some ThLEA genes, such as ThLEA-1, -2, and -3,
      were only slightly differentially expressed in roots, stems, and leaves,
      indicating that they may be involved in the ABA-independent signaling pathway.
      These findings provide a basis for the elucidation of the function of LEA genes
      in future work. 

PMID- 25133265
TI  - A simple quality assessment index for stereoscopic images based on 3D gradient
      magnitude.
AB  - We present a simple quality assessment index for stereoscopic images based on 3D
      gradient magnitude. To be more specific, we construct 3D volume from the
      stereoscopic images across different disparity spaces and calculate pointwise 3D
      gradient magnitude similarity (3D-GMS) along three horizontal, vertical, and
      viewpoint directions. Then, the quality score is obtained by averaging the 3D-GMS
      scores of all points in the 3D volume. Experimental results on four publicly
      available 3D image quality assessment databases demonstrate that, in comparison
      with the most related existing methods, the devised algorithm achieves high
      consistency alignment with subjective assessment. 

PMID- 25133266
TI  - Low power upconversion mixer for medical remote sensing.
AB  - This work presents the design of a low power upconversion mixer adapted in
      medical remote sensing such as wireless endoscopy application. The proposed
      upconversion mixer operates in ISM band of 433 MHz. With the carrier power of -5
      dBm, the proposed mixer has an output inferred 1 dB compression point of -0.5 dBm
      with a corresponding output third-order intercept point (OIP3) of 7.1 dBm. The
      design of the upconversion mixer is realized on CMOS 0.13 MUm platform, with a
      current consumption of 594 MUA at supply voltage headroom of 1.2 V.

PMID- 25133267
TI  - Differential responses of net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide to light and
      temperature between spring and neap tides in subtropical mangrove forests.
AB  - The eddy flux data with field records of tidal water inundation depths of the
      year 2010 from two mangroves forests in southern China were analyzed to
      investigate the tidal effect on mangrove carbon cycle. We compared the net
      ecosystem exchange (NEE) and its responses to light and temperature,
      respectively, between spring tide and neap tide inundation periods. For the most
      time of the year 2010, higher daytime NEE values were found during spring tides
      than during neap tides at both study sites. Regression analysis of daytime NEE to
      photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) using the Landsberg model showed
      increased sensitivity of NEE to PAR with higher maximum photosynthetic rate
      during spring tides than neap tides. In contrast, the light compensation points
      acquired from the regression function of the Landsberg model were smaller during
      spring tides than neap tides in most months. The dependence of nighttime NEE on
      soil temperature was lower under spring tide than under neap tides. All these
      results above indicated that ecosystem carbon uptake rates of mangrove forests
      were strengthened, while ecosystem respirations were inhibited during spring
      tides in comparison with those during neap tides, which needs to be considered in
      modeling mangrove ecosystem carbon cycle under future sea level rise scenarios. 

PMID- 25133268
TI  - Antihepatoma activity of Artocarpus communis is higher in fractions with high
      artocarpin content.
AB  - Extracts from natural plants have been used in traditional medicine for many
      centuries worldwide. Artocarpus communis is one such plant that has been used to
      treat liver cirrhosis, hypertension, and diabetes. To our knowledge, this study
      is the first to investigate the antihepatoma activity of A. communis toward HepG2
      and PLC/PRF/5 cells and the first to explore the relationship between
      antihepatoma activity and the active compound artocarpin content in different
      fractions of A. communis. A. communis methanol extract and fractions induced dose
      dependent reduction of tumor cell viability. DNA laddering analysis revealed that
      A. communis extract and fractions did not induce apoptosis in HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5
      cells. Instead, acridine orange staining revealed that A. communis triggered
      autophagic cell death in a dose-dependent manner. The antihepatoma activity of A.
      communis is attributable to artocarpin. The fractions with the highest artocarpin
      content were also the fractions with the highest antihepatoma activity in the
      following order: dichloromethane fraction > methanol extract > ethyl acetate
      fraction > n-butanol fraction > n-hexane fraction. Taken together, A. communis
      showed antihepatoma activity through autophagic cell death. The effect was
      related to artocarpin content. Artocarpin could be considered an indicator of the
      anticancer potential of A. communis extract. 

PMID- 25133269
TI  - Influence of the number of adhesive layers on adhesive interface properties under
      cariogenic challenge using streptococcus mutans.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that the number of adhesive layers influences the
      adhesive interface properties under cariogenic challenge conditions using a
      Streptococcus mutans model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine teeth (n = 90) were
      sectioned into blocks of 5 mm and divided into two groups for microleakage
      testing (n = 60) and tensile bond strength testing (n = 30). In each group, the
      samples were subdivided into subgroups according to the number of adhesive layers
      applied on the dentin: one (SB1), two (SB2), and three adhesive layers (SB3). The
      samples of the control groups were placed in BHI broth medium supplemented with
      2% sucrose without microorganisms, and the experimental groups were submitted to
      Streptococcus mutans American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) for 5 days. For the
      tensile strength test, samples were sectioned into 1-mm-thick slices and
      submitted to a constant load of 0.5 mm/min in a universal testing machine.
      Fractured surfaces were analyzed and characterized as adhesive, cohesive, or
      mixed. The microleakage test was performed with silver nitrate solution. RESULTS:
      In experimental groups, the tensile test revealed a statistically significant
      difference between the one- (18.59 +/- 5.3) and three-layer (11.28 +/- 5.0)
      groups (p < 0.001; ANOVA and Tukey's test). The adhesive failure mode was
      slightly more frequent in the one- (60%) and three-layer (80%) adhesive
      application groups. On the other hand, the microleakage levels of all
      experimental groups were statistically similar (Kruskal-Wallis; p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The experimental conditions influenced tensile properties and failure
      modes of different adhesive interfaces; however, they did not influence
      microleakage.

PMID- 25133270
TI  - Influence of PEEK surface modification on surface properties and bond strength to
      veneering resin composites.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test the impact of mechanical and chemical treatments of PEEK on
      surface roughness (SR), surface free energy (SFE), and tensile bond strength
      (TBS) to veneering resin composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PEEK specimens (N =
      680) were fabricated and divided into treatment groups (n = 170/group): 1. air
      abrasion (AIA); 2. etching with piranha solution (PIS); 3. air abrasion + piranha
      acid etching (AIP); and 4. no treatment (NO). Ten specimens of each treatment
      group were assessed with a contact angle measuring device and profilometer to
      determine SFE and SR, respectively. The remaining 160 specimens of each group
      were divided into subgroups according to coupling method (n = 32/subgroup): 1.
      Monobond Plus/ Heliobond (MH); 2. Visio.link (VL); 3. Clearfil Ceramic Primer
      (CCP); 4. Signum PEEK Bond (SPB); and 5. control, no coupling (CG). Specimens
      were veneered using Signum Composite/SiCo or Signum Ceramis/SiCe (both: n = 16),
      incubated in water (60 days at 37 degrees C) and thermocycled (5000 cycles of 5
      degrees C/55 degrees C). TBS was measured and data analyzed by three- and one-way
      ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A significant
      effect of surface treatment (p < 0.001) and coupling agent application (p <
      0.001) on TBS was observed. AIA specimens with/without PIS showed the highest
      SFE, SR, and TBS. No differences were measured between PIS and NO, and between
      AIA and AIP. When no coupling agent was used, no adhesion was obtained. CCP
      resulted in low adhesion values, whereas MH, SPB, and VL exhibited increased TBS.
      No significant impact of the veneering resin composite on TBS was found (p =
      0.424). CONCLUSION: AIA and AIP combined with VL, SPB, and MH can be recommended
      for clinical use.

PMID- 25133271
TI  - PI3 kinase enzymology on fluid lipid bilayers.
AB  - We report the use of fluid lipid bilayer membrane as a model platform to study
      the influence of the bilayer microenvironment and composition on the enzymology
      in membrane. As a model system we determined the enzyme kinetics on membranes for
      the transformation of bilayers containing phosphoinositol(4,5)-bisphosphate
      (PI(4,5)P2) to phosphoinositol(3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3) by the enzyme
      phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) using radiolabeled ATP. The activity of the
      enzyme was monitored as a function of the radioactivity incorporated within the
      bilayer. The transformation of PI(4,5)P2 to PI(3,4,5)P3 was determined using a
      mass strip assay. The fluidity of the bilayer was confirmed by Fluorescence
      Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) experiments. Kinetic simulations were
      performed based on Langmuir adsorption and Michaelis-Menton kinetics equations to
      generate the rate constants for the enzymatic reaction. The effect of cholesterol
      on the enzyme kinetics was studied by doping the bilayer with 1% cholesterol.
      This leads to significant reduction in reaction rate due to change in membrane
      microenvironment. This strategy provides a method to study the enzymology of
      various kinases and phosphatases occurring at the membrane and also how these
      reactions are affected by the membrane composition and surface microenvironment. 

PMID- 25133272
TI  - Multiplex single particle analysis in microfluidics.
AB  - A straightforward way to measure separated micrometric sized particles in
      microfluidic flow is reported. The light scattering profile (LSP) of each single
      particle is fully characterized by using a CMOS-camera based small angle light
      scattering (SALS) apparatus, ranging from 2 degrees  up to 30 degrees . To ensure
      controlled particle passage through the incident laser, a viscoelastic 3D
      alignment effect by viscoelastic induced particle migration has been implemented
      in a simple and cost-effective microfluidic device. Different polystyrene
      particle sizes are measured in microfluidic flows and the obtained scattering
      signatures are matched with the Lorenz-Mie based scattering theory. The results
      confirm the possibility of using this apparatus for real multiplex particle
      analyses in microfluidic particle flows. 

PMID- 25133274
TI  - An asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of alkynes with oxiranes by selective C-C bond
      cleavage of epoxides: highly efficient synthesis of chiral furan derivatives.
AB  - An efficient enantioselective [3+2] cycloaddition of alkynes with oxiranes via
      selective C-C bond cleavage of epoxides was developed. A number of optically
      active 2,5-dihydrofurans were obtained in excellent yields (up to 99%) and
      enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee) under mild reaction conditions. Moreover,
      chiral tetrahydrofuran could also be obtained by cycloaddition of alkene and
      oxirane or hydrogenation of chiral 2,5-dihydrofuran. 

PMID- 25133275
TI  - A selective and sensitive fluorescent albumin probe for the determination of
      urinary albumin.
AB  - In this communication, we report a simple albumin probe based on a fluorescent
      molecular rotor for the detection of trace albumin levels in urine. In the
      presence of albumin, the probe exhibits remarkable 400-fold fluorescence
      enhancement with high selectivity and sensitivity. The probe was successfully
      applied in the quantitative detection of urinary albumin. 

PMID- 25133273
TI  - Desalting protein ions in native mass spectrometry using supercharging reagents.
AB  - Effects of the supercharging reagents m-NBA and sulfolane on sodium ion adduction
      to protein ions formed using native mass spectrometry were investigated. There is
      extensive sodium adduction on protein ions formed by electrospray ionization from
      aqueous solutions containing millimolar concentrations of NaCl, which can lower
      sensitivity by distributing the signal of a given charge state over multiple
      adducted ions and can reduce mass measuring accuracy for large proteins and non
      covalent complexes for which individual adducts cannot be resolved. The average
      number of sodium ions adducted to the most abundant ion formed from ten small
      (8.6-29 kDa) proteins for which adducts can be resolved is reduced by 58% or 80%
      on average, respectively, when 1.5% m-NBA or 2.5% sulfolane are added to aqueous
      solutions containing sodium compared to without the supercharging reagent.
      Sulfolane is more effective than m-NBA at reducing sodium ion adduction and at
      preserving non-covalent protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions.
      Desalting with 2.5% sulfolane enables detection of several glycosylated forms of
      79.7 kDa holo-transferrin and NADH bound to the 146 kDa homotetramer LDH, which
      are otherwise unresolved due to peak broadening from extensive sodium adduction.
      Although sulfolane is more effective than m-NBA at protein ion desalting, m-NBA
      reduces salt clusters at high m/z and can increase the signal-to-noise ratios of
      protein ions by reducing chemical noise. Desalting is likely a result of these
      supercharging reagents binding sodium ions in solution, thereby reducing the
      sodium available to adduct to protein ions. 

PMID- 25133277
TI  - Ankle-brachial index in patients with  ischaemic stroke.

PMID- 25133278
TI  - Pure hereditary spastic paraplegia  due to a de novo mutation in the  NIPA1 gene.

PMID- 25133276
TI  - Recombinant murine growth hormone particles are more immunogenic with intravenous
      than subcutaneous administration.
AB  - Evaluation and mitigation of the risk of immunogenicity to protein aggregates and
      particles in therapeutic protein products remains a primary concern for drug
      developers and regulatory agencies. To investigate how the presence of protein
      particles and the route of administration influence the immunogenicity of a model
      therapeutic protein, we measured the immune response in mice to injections of
      formulations of recombinant murine growth hormone (rmGH) that contained
      controlled levels of protein particles. Mice were injected twice over 6 weeks
      with rmGH formulations via the subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, or intravenous
      (i.v.) routes. In addition to soluble, monomeric rmGH, the samples prepared
      contained either nanoparticles of rmGH or both nano- and microparticles of
      rmGH.The appearance of anti-rmGH IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG2c, and IgG3 titers
      following the second injection of both preparations implies that multiple
      mechanisms contributed to the immune response. No dependence of the immune
      response on particle size and distribution was observed. The immune response
      measured after the second injection was most pronounced when i.v. administration
      was used. Despite producing high anti-rmGH titers mice appeared to retain the
      ability to properly regulate and use endogenous growth hormone.

PMID- 25133279
TI  - Intravenous thrombolysis in stroke  patients receiving rivaroxaban.

PMID- 25133280
TI  - Paraneoplastic motor neuron disease associated with breast cancer.

PMID- 25133281
TI  - Inquiry to inclusion of papers among Turkey's 2012 cardiovascular publications.
      Author's reply.

PMID- 25133282
TI  - Mean platelet volume may not be related to clopidogrel resistance in patients
      with acute coronary syndrome. Author's reply.

PMID- 25133283
TI  - Health warnings about obesity: King's Festival of Food and Ideas.

PMID- 25133284
TI  - [Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in patients with acute chest pain].
AB  - Acute chest pain is a common reason for presentation to the emergency department.
      It can be caused by a wide variety of diseases, some of which are potentially
      lethal, so it must be diagnosed quickly. The rise of computed tomography to
      evaluate patients with acute chest pain is noteworthy. However, computed
      tomography is not without limitations in this context. Cardiovascular magnetic
      resonance imaging is a potentially useful technique in this group of patients,
      although its availability and the time required for examinations restrict its use
      to specific indications.

PMID- 25133285
TI  - Wnt-signalling: A new direction for alzheimer disease?

PMID- 25133286
TI  - Why are cancer drugs so costly?

PMID- 25133287
TI  - [Acute perforated eardrum - patching with hyaluronic acid or spontaneous
      healing?].

PMID- 25133288
TI  - [Lesions of the submandibular glands - contrast-enhanced ultrasound for non
      invasive diagnosis].

PMID- 25133289
TI  - [Tips & tricks--collar button technique: safe and patient friendly myringoplasty
      technique].
AB  - Background: The inlay cartilage butterfly myringoplasty is a simple technique
      with few complications for closure of tympanic membrane defects introduced by
      Eavey 1998, but still not often used. Its advantages consist in avoiding of
      exposure the tympanic cavity and possible blunting, option to operate both ears
      at once, safe local anaesthesia, reduction of operation time and cost, minimal
      postoperative care and patient comfort. Patients and Methods: We operated 10
      patients using a to date not described simple cartilage transplant without
      perichondrium. Reason, localisation, extent and duration of the defect as well as
      complications, patient assessment and pure tone audiogram were analysed. Results:
      All defects were closed six months postoperative. Seven patients rated hearing as
      improved, two as non-changed and one patient showed deafness in the pure tone
      audiogram pre- and postoperative. The average air-bone gap of the thresholds at
      frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz was 8.6 dB postoperative as compared to 16.3 dB
      preoperative. It could be shown that pure cartilage transplants without
      perichondrium used for defects up to 6mm in diameter were enwrapped by the
      tympanic membrane and covered by capillaries. Conclusion: The inlay cartilage
      butterfly myringoplasty is a safe and gentle technique for tympanic membrane
      defect closure.

PMID- 25133290
TI  - Comparison of oxidation resistance of UHMWPE and POM in H2O2 solution from ReaxFF
      reactive molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - The oxidation mechanism of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and
      polyoxymethylene (POM) in hydrogen peroxide solution was investigated by
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations via reactive force field (ReaxFF) method. MD
      results from ReaxFF suggested that UHMWPE provided better antioxidation activity
      at high temperature (>373 K) than its POM counterpart in the same concentration
      of hydrogen peroxide solution. Furthermore, POM was relatively more susceptible
      to erosion and swelling because of the infiltration of H2O2 solution.
      Calculations of the diffusion coefficient at different temperatures permit
      further understanding of the chemical phenomena involved in the level of
      oxidation in the course of MD simulations. Results of the simulations are
      generally consistent with the previous experimental available in literature. The
      simulations also provide new insights into understanding the mechanism resulting
      oxidation products among the interested polymers. 

PMID- 25133292
TI  - Development of bifunctional chelates bearing hydroxamate arms for highly
      efficient (64)Cu radiolabeling.
AB  - Convenient approaches for the synthesis of DOTHA2 and NOTHA2, two cyclic
      bifunctional chelates (BFCs) bearing hydroxamate arms, have been developed. These
      novel BFCs coordinate (64)Cu with fast kinetics at room temperature in a wide
      range of concentrations and pH. The corresponding radiochemical complexes showed
      high stability, low residual activity in various tissues, and fast clearance in
      normal mice. The ability to conjugate DOTHA2 to both a small peptide and a large
      protein is also reported. 

PMID- 25133293
TI  - Preparation of biointeractive glycoprotein-conjugated hydrogels through metabolic
      oligosacchalide engineering.
AB  - In the current study, synthetic hydrogels containing metabolically engineered
      glycoproteins of mammalian cells were prepared for the first time and selectin
      mediated cell adhesion on the hydrogel was demonstrated. A culture of HL-60 cells
      was supplemented with an appropriate volume of aqueous solution of N-methacryloyl
      mannosamine (ManMA) to give a final concentration of 5 mM. The cells were then
      incubated for 3 days to deliver methacryloyl groups to the glycoproteins of the
      cells. A transparent hydrogel was formed via redox radical polymerization of
      methacryloyl functionalized glycoproteins with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl
      phosphorylcholine and a cross-linker. Conjugation of the glycoproteins into the
      hydrogel was determined using Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) and periodic acid
      Schiff (PAS) staining. The surface density of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1
      (PSGL-1) on the hydrogels was also detected using gold-colloid-labeled
      immunoassay. Finally, selectin-mediated cell adhesion on hydrogels containing
      glycoproteins was demonstrated. Selectin-mediated cell adhesion is considered an
      essential step in the progression of various diseases; therefore, hydrogels
      having glycoproteins could be useful in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. 

PMID- 25133294
TI  - Peroxides as "switches" of dialkyl H-phosphonate: two mild and metal-free methods
      for preparation of 2-acylbenzothiazoles and dialkyl benzothiazol-2
      ylphosphonates.
AB  - Two mild and metal-free methods for the preparation of two kinds of important
      benzothiazole derivatives, 2-acylbenzothiazoles and dialkyl benzothiazol-2
      ylphosphonates, respectively, were developed. The dialkyl H-phosphonate
      (RO)2P(O)H exists in equilibrium with its tautomer dialkyl phosphite (RO)2POH.
      TBHP triggered alpha-carbon-centered phosphite radical formation, whereas DTBP
      triggered phosphorus-centered phosphonate radical formation. The two types of
      radicals led respectively to two different reaction processes, the direct C2
      acylation of benzothiazoles and C2-phosphonation of benzothiazoles. 

PMID- 25133295
TI  - Discovery of a highly selective caspase-3 substrate for imaging live cells.
AB  - Caspases are a family of cysteine proteases that are well-known for their roles
      in apoptosis and inflammation. Recent studies provide evidence that caspases are
      also integral to many additional cellular processes, such as differentiation and
      proliferation. Likewise, aberrant caspase activity has been implicated in the
      progression of several diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer,
      cardiovascular disease, and sepsis. These observations establish the importance
      of caspases to a diverse array of physiological functions and future endeavors
      will undoubtedly continue to elucidate additional processes that require caspase
      activity. Unfortunately, the existence of 11 functional human caspases, with
      overlapping substrate specificities, confounds the ability to confidently assign
      one or more isoforms to biological phenomena. Herein, we characterize a first-in
      class FRET substrate that is selectively recognized by active caspase-3 over
      other initiator and executioner caspases. We further apply this substrate to
      specifically image caspase-3 activity in live cells undergoing apoptosis. 

PMID- 25133296
TI  - Dynamics of ADHD in familial contexts: perspectives from children and parents and
      implications for practitioners.
AB  - This article provides in-depth insights on the bidirectional dynamics between
      parents and their children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
      Five family units (8 parents, 5 children, N = 13) participated in this study.
      Parents and their child with ADHD were interviewed individually in their homes.
      Stressful moments of parent-child dynamics revolved around managing their child's
      behavior and doing homework. Findings highlight the child's agency and power of
      influence, and the possible recovery of negative dynamics. It is recommended that
      practitioners adopt the strengths perspective in working with these families and
      incorporate child's agency and bidirectional dynamics in interventions. 

PMID- 25133297
TI  - In the front line: the impact of specialist training for hospital physicians in
      children at risk on their collaboration with social workers.
AB  - Until recently, dealing with children at risk in Israeli hospitals was almost
      exclusively the domain of medical social workers. Suspected cases of abuse or
      neglect must be identified in real-time, during the child's short stay in the
      hospital, and the decision of whether or not to report the case, and to whom (law
      enforcement or welfare authorities), must be made. The recognition that effective
      treatment also demands the involvement of physicians led to the development of an
      intensive training program for hospital-pediatricians. The current study, based
      on in-depth interviews with the doctors who participated in the program and the
      social workers who work with them at 14 hospitals in Israel, examined the impact
      of the training on cooperation between the two groups, seeking to determine
      whether the doctors' increased familiarity with the social work profession
      enhanced team-work. Phenomenological analysis of the interviews revealed several
      themes, indicating greater collaboration between the doctors and social workers.
      However, the participants also noted increased friction between the two groups.
      Possible explanations and practical recommendations for enhancing the potential
      effectiveness of such collaborations are offered. The study has implications for
      designing similar training programs as well as for improving the dynamics between
      the two professions. 

PMID- 25133298
TI  - Families with children with medical complexity and self-management of care: a
      systematic review of the literature.
AB  - This review analyzes the quantitative literature on children with medical
      complexity (CMC). Using the Pediatric Self-Management Model, evidence is
      summarized into facilitators and barriers to self-management. Current
      quantitative research focuses on the caregiver burden in families with CMC. A
      model for social work with families with CMC was introduced in response to these
      findings. A re-envisioned model allows the child with medical complexity to be
      seen as whole rather than focusing on typically deficit-based areas of medical
      specialty or service provision. 

PMID- 25133299
TI  - Screening, testing, and reporting for drug and alcohol use on labor and delivery:
      a survey of Maryland birthing hospitals.
AB  - Recent amendments to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act tie the receipt
      of federal block grants to mandatory reporting of substance-exposed newborns. To
      determine rates of screening, testing, and reporting of drug and alcohol use at
      the time of delivery, we administered a telephone survey of nursing managers and
      perinatal social workers at Maryland birthing hospitals. Of the 34 hospitals, 31
      responded (response rate 91%). Although 97% of hospitals reported universal
      screening, only 6% used a validated instrument. Testing was reported by 94% with
      45% reporting universal maternal testing and 7% universal newborn testing. Only
      32% reported obtaining maternal consent prior to testing. There is significant
      heterogeneity in screening and testing for substance use in birthing hospitals.
      Given federal reporting mandates, state-level practices need to be standardized. 

PMID- 25133300
TI  - Caregivers' experience in patients with chronic diseases.
AB  - The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of caregivers of
      patients with chronic diseases, assess their perceived burden, and investigate
      factors influencing this burden. Seventy-three patient-attendants (43 men and 30
      women) participated in the pilot-research conducted by two clinics. Of them, 68%
      attended patients with a malignant disease and 32% attended patients in the end
      stage of renal disease. Based on questionnaire data, the influence of the social
      support was studied, in particular that of family members or through state
      programmers. Family members are the primary caregivers (spouses 51%, children
      29%, and others 20%). Psychological support is the main important help that they
      need and there are a small number of caregivers who have access to a network of
      medical and social support. It is found that the family still remains the main
      supporting mechanism for attendants and patients in our population. 

PMID- 25133301
TI  - Long-term care insurance in China: public or private?
AB  - China faces an overwhelming and urgent need for long-term care (LTC). We explored
      long-term care insurance (LTCI) plans in China and the factors associated with
      each plan's contribution rate. A cross-sectional survey of 814 residents (18-59
      years) was conducted to assess the expectations of elderly care, public and
      private LTCI features. Public LTCI may be more popular whether in terms of
      participation or contribution. The factors associated with public LTCI
      contribution rate were healthcare costs, household income, and number of
      daughters; for private LTCI, the factors were the proportion of living
      expenditures, worry about future care problems, and healthcare costs.
      Policymakers should develop public LTCI as a solid foundation and improve private
      LTCI as a substitute to meet the urgent LTC needs in China. 

PMID- 25133302
TI  - Nanocrystal grain growth and device architectures for high-efficiency CdTe ink
      based photovoltaics.
AB  - We study the use of cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanocrystal colloids as a solution
      processable "ink" for large-grain CdTe absorber layers in solar cells. The
      resulting grain structure and solar cell performance depend on the initial
      nanocrystal size, shape, and crystal structure. We find that inks of
      predominantly wurtzite tetrapod-shaped nanocrystals with arms ~5.6 nm in diameter
      exhibit better device performance compared to inks composed of smaller tetrapods,
      irregular faceted nanocrystals, or spherical zincblende nanocrystals despite the
      fact that the final sintered film has a zincblende crystal structure. Five
      different working device architectures were investigated. The indium tin oxide
      (ITO)/CdTe/zinc oxide structure leads to our best performing device architecture
      (with efficiency >11%) compared to others including two structures with a cadmium
      sulfide (CdS) n-type layer typically used in high efficiency sublimation-grown
      CdTe solar cells. Moreover, devices without CdS have improved response at short
      wavelengths. 

PMID- 25133303
TI  - A longitudinal study of an intervention to improve road safety climate: climate
      as an organizational boundary spanner.
AB  - This study presents and tests an intervention to enhance organizational climate
      and expands existing conceptualization of organizational climate to include its
      influence on employee behaviors outside the organization's physical boundaries.
      In addition, by integrating the literatures of climate and work-family interface,
      the study explored climate spillover and crossover from work to the home domain.
      Focusing on an applied practical problem within organizations, we investigated
      the example of road safety climate and employees' and their families' driving,
      using a longitudinal study design of road safety intervention versus control
      groups. Results demonstrated that the intervention increased road safety climate
      and decreased the number of traffic violation tickets and that road safety
      climate mediated the relationship between the intervention and the number of
      traffic violation tickets. Road safety climate spilled over to the family domain
      but did not cross over to influence family members' driving.

PMID- 25133304
TI  - A meta-analysis of the relationship between general mental ability and nontask
      performance.
AB  - Although one of the most well-established research findings in industrial
      organizational psychology is that general mental ability (GMA) is a strong and
      generalizable predictor of job performance, this meta-analytically derived
      conclusion is based largely on measures of task or overall performance. The
      primary purpose of this study is to address a void in the research literature by
      conducting a meta-analysis to determine the direction and magnitude of the
      correlation of GMA with 2 dimensions of nontask performance: counterproductive
      work behaviors (CWB) and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB). Overall, the
      results show that the true-score correlation between GMA and CWB is essentially 0
      (-.02, k = 35), although rating source of CWB moderates this relationship. The
      true-score correlation between GMA and OCB is positive but modest in magnitude
      (.23, k = 43). The 2nd purpose of this study is to conduct meta-analytic relative
      weight analyses to determine the relative importance of GMA and the five-factor
      model (FFM) of personality traits in predicting nontask and task performance
      criteria. Results indicate that, collectively, the FFM traits are substantially
      more important for CWB than GMA, that the FFM traits are roughly equal in
      importance to GMA for OCB, and that GMA is substantially more important for task
      and overall job performance than the FFM traits. Implications of these findings
      for the development of optimal selection systems and the development of
      comprehensive theories of job performance are discussed along with study
      limitation and future research directions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014
      APA, all rights reserved). 

PMID- 25133305
TI  - DUI offenders' experience with an ignition interlock program: comparing those who
      have and have not adapted from their primary drinking location.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare driving under the influence
      (DUI) offenders on an alcohol ignition interlock program who had or had not
      changed their primary drinking context from a bar/restaurant where they might be
      required to drive after drinking before the interlock was installed to drinking
      at home where driving would not be likely to be required following interlock
      installation. METHODS: A total of 171 DUI offenders who were on an ignition
      interlock program completed a web-based survey. All of these offenders reported
      that they drank primarily in a bar/restaurant before the interlock was installed.
      These offenders were classified into 2 groups: adapters who said they currently
      drink at home and nonadapters who said they still drink in a bar/restaurant.
      Measures were made of their reported drinking, driving patterns, perceptions of
      the likely outcomes of being on the interlock, perceived effectiveness of various
      prevention strategies, and demographic characteristics. Chi-square and t-test
      analyses were used to compare these 2 groups. RESULTS: Adapters and nonadapters
      did not differ with regard to any of the demographic characteristics, whether
      they were a first-time DUI offender, the length of time in the interlock program,
      number of lockouts (being blocked from starting their cars) they had experienced,
      miles driven per week, or current driving patterns since being on the interlock
      program. Adapters were more likely to report changing their drinking plans and
      habits. Currently they reported fewer drinks per occasion than nonadapters. They
      were more likely to report reducing the amount they drink, solo drinking or only
      drinking with a spouse/significant other, and changing their drinking plans and
      habits. They were also more likely to say that the interlock reminded them to
      limit their drinking after it is removed and that it might have longer term
      benefits in preventing future DUIs. They were also more receptive to
      interventions that might help them separate their drinking from their driving.
      CONCLUSIONS: Interlock clients who report that they have altered their drinking
      context and a willingness to receive programs that help them separate their
      drinking from their driving may be more receptive to and benefit from ignition
      interlock programs.

PMID- 25133306
TI  - Is cerebrospinal fluid obtained for diagnostic purpose a good material for
      biomarker studies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
AB  - The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) used for identification of molecular biomarkers in
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is mainly obtained from lumbar puncture (LP)
      performed to exclude other causes of motor neuron damage. AIM: The aim of the
      study was to analyze whether CSF of ALS patients obtained for diagnostic purposes
      is suitable for biomarker studies in the entire ALS population. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: We analyzed the medical data, LP frequency and CSF parameters in 568 ALS
      patients. RESULTS: LP was performed in 34% of cases. Patients who underwent LP
      were significantly younger and more frequently presented limb onset ALS, there
      were no differences in the clinical phenotypes. CONCLUSION: CSF obtained for
      diagnostic purposes can be used for biomarkers studies in ALS.

PMID- 25133309
TI  - 3D artificial bones for bone repair prepared by computed tomography-guided fused
      deposition modeling for bone repair.
AB  - The medical community has expressed significant interest in the development of
      new types of artificial bones that mimic natural bones. In this study, computed
      tomography (CT)-guided fused deposition modeling (FDM) was employed to fabricate
      polycaprolactone (PCL)/hydroxyapatite (HA) and PCL 3D artificial bones to mimic
      natural goat femurs. The in vitro mechanical properties, in vitro cell
      biocompatibility, and in vivo performance of the artificial bones in a long load
      bearing goat femur bone segmental defect model were studied. All of the results
      indicate that CT-guided FDM is a simple, convenient, relatively low-cost method
      that is suitable for fabricating natural bonelike artificial bones. Moreover,
      PCL/HA 3D artificial bones prepared by CT-guided FDM have more close mechanics to
      natural bone, good in vitro cell biocompatibility, biodegradation ability, and
      appropriate in vivo new bone formation ability. Therefore, PCL/HA 3D artificial
      bones could be potentially be of use in the treatment of patients with clinical
      bone defects. 

PMID- 25133308
TI  - Early-lethal Costello syndrome due to rare HRAS Tandem Base substitution
      (c.35_36GC>AA; p.G12E)-associated pulmonary vascular disease.
AB  - Costello syndrome is a rare, autosomal-dominant syndrome caused by activating
      missense mutations in the Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (HRAS), most
      often p.G12S. Several rare mutations have consistently been associated with a
      more severe phenotype that is often lethal in infancy. Cause of death is most
      often respiratory failure, with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy playing a significant
      role in morbidity. Impaired fibroblast elastogenesis is thought to contribute to
      the Costello phenotype, but reports of histologic evidence of disordered
      elastogenesis at autopsy are limited. We report a patient with Costello syndrome
      due to a rare tandem base substitution (c.35_36GC>AA) resulting in the p.G12E
      missense change. The proband died at the age of 3 months from respiratory
      failure, with minimal evidence of cardiomyopathy. The autopsy disclosed pulmonary
      vascular dysplasia affecting small arteries and veins associated with abnormal
      elastin distribution in tortuous dilated arteries and veins, with nonuniform wall
      thickness and semiobstructive lesions at artery branch points typical of early
      pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease. Elastic fibers in the dermis were
      abnormally short and fragmented. This case suggests that disordered elastogenesis
      in the pulmonary vasculature and undiagnosed (or underdiagnosed) pulmonary
      hypertension may contribute to morbidity in patients with Costello syndrome.

PMID- 25133311
TI  - Emergence of DNA-encapsulating liposomes from a DNA-lipid blend film.
AB  - Spontaneous generation of DNA-enclosing liposomes from a DNA-lipid blend film is
      investigated. The special properties of the lipid vesicles, namely, micrometer
      size, unilamellarity, and dense polymer encapsulation acquired by the dehydration
      rehydration process, are physicochemically revealed. We found that the formation
      of giant unilamellar vesicles encapsulating DNAs are governed by micropatterns of
      the films, such as dots and network patterns. From the results, we proposed a
      plausible physical mechanism for the dehydration-rehydration process, making it
      possible to optimize the encapsulation of any agent. 

PMID- 25133310
TI  - NanoScript: a nanoparticle-based artificial transcription factor for effective
      gene regulation.
AB  - Transcription factor (TF) proteins are master regulators of transcriptional
      activity and gene expression. TF-based gene regulation is a promising approach
      for many biological applications; however, several limitations hinder the full
      potential of TFs. Herein, we developed an artificial, nanoparticle-based
      transcription factor, termed NanoScript, which is designed to mimic the structure
      and function of TFs. NanoScript was constructed by tethering functional peptides
      and small molecules called synthetic transcription factors, which mimic the
      individual TF domains, onto gold nanoparticles. We demonstrate that NanoScript
      localizes within the nucleus and initiates transcription of a reporter plasmid by
      over 15-fold. Moreover, NanoScript can effectively transcribe targeted genes on
      endogenous DNA in a nonviral manner. Because NanoScript is a functional replica
      of TF proteins and a tunable gene-regulating platform, it has great potential for
      various stem cell applications. 

PMID- 25133312
TI  - Dehalogenation of aromatics by nucleophilic aromatic substitution.
AB  - Nucleophilic aromatic substitution has been implicated as a mechanism for both
      the biotic and abiotic hydrodehalogenation of aromatics. Two mechanisms for the
      aqueous dehalogenation of aromatics involving nucleophilic aromatic substitution
      with hydride as a nucleophile are investigated using a validated density
      functional and continuum solvation protocol. For chlorinated and brominated
      aromatics, nucleophilic addition ortho to carbon-halogen bonds via an anionic
      intermediate is predicted to be the preferred mechanism in the majority of cases,
      while concerted substitution is predicted to be preferred for most fluorinated
      aromatics. Nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions with the hydroxide and
      hydrosulfide anions as nucleophiles are also investigated and compared. 

PMID- 25133307
TI  - Role of protein-protein interactions in cytochrome P450-mediated drug metabolism
      and toxicity.
AB  - Through their unique oxidative chemistry, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs)
      catalyze the elimination of most drugs and toxins from the human body. Protein
      protein interactions play a critical role in this process. Historically, the
      study of CYP-protein interactions has focused on their electron transfer partners
      and allosteric mediators, cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome b5. However,
      CYPs can bind other proteins that also affect CYP function. Some examples include
      the progesterone receptor membrane component 1, damage resistance protein 1,
      human and bovine serum albumin, and intestinal fatty acid binding protein, in
      addition to other CYP isoforms. Furthermore, disruption of these interactions can
      lead to altered paths of metabolism and the production of toxic metabolites. In
      this review, we summarize the available evidence for CYP protein-protein
      interactions from the literature and offer a discussion of the potential impact
      of future studies aimed at characterizing noncanonical protein-protein
      interactions with CYP enzymes. 

PMID- 25133313
TI  - Ligularia fischeri extract protects against oxidative-stress-induced
      neurotoxicity in mice and PC12 cells.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is pathologically characterized by the presence of
      amyloid plaques in brain and the overproduction of amyloid beta (Abeta), leading
      to learning and memory impairment and intense oxidative stress. In this study,
      the protective effect of Ligularia fischeri extract was investigated using PC12
      cells. L. fischeri extract attenuated hydrogen-peroxide-induced DNA fragmentation
      in cells. In vivo behavioral tests were performed to examine the effects of the
      extract on amyloid-beta peptide1-42-induced impairment of learning and memory in
      mice. A diet containing the extract increased alternation behaviors in the Y-maze
      test and step-through latency of passive avoidance task. Moreover, we found that
      consumption of the extract decreased lipid peroxidation in a biochemical study of
      brain tissue in mice. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to identify
      the active compounds in the extract. These results suggest that L. fischeri
      extract could be protective against Abeta-induced neurotoxicity, possibly due to
      the antioxidative capacity of its constituent, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid.

PMID- 25133315
TI  - Effects of urban sprawl and vehicle miles traveled on traffic fatalities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous research suggests that urban sprawl increases auto-dependency
      and that excessive auto use increases the risk of traffic fatalities. This
      indirect effect of urban sprawl on traffic fatalities is compared to non-vehicle
      miles traveled (VMT)-related direct effect of sprawl on fatalities. METHODS: We
      conducted a path analysis to examine the causal linkages among urban sprawl, VMT,
      traffic fatalities, income, and fuel cost. The path diagram includes 2 major
      linkages: the direct relationship between urban sprawl and traffic fatalities and
      the indirect effect on fatalities through increased VMT in sprawling urban areas.
      To measure the relative strength of these causal linkages, path coefficients are
      estimated using data collected nationally from 147 urbanized areas in the United
      States. RESULTS: Through both direct and indirect paths, urban sprawl is
      associated with greater numbers of traffic fatalities, but the direct effect of
      sprawl on fatalities is more influential than the indirect effect. CONCLUSIONS:
      Enhancing traffic safety can be achieved by impeding urban sprawl and encouraging
      compact development. On the other hand, policy tools reducing VMT may be less
      effective than anticipated for traffic safety.

PMID- 25133316
TI  - Synthesis and arm dissociation in molecular stars with a spoked wheel core and
      bottlebrush arms.
AB  - Unique star-like polymeric architectures composed of bottlebrush arms and a
      molecular spoked wheel (MSW) core were prepared by atom transfer radical
      polymerization (ATRP). A hexahydroxy-functionalized MSW (MSW(6-OH)) was
      synthesized and converted into a six-fold ATRP initiator (MSW(6-Br)). Linear
      chain arms were grafted from MSW(6-Br) and subsequently functionalized with ATRP
      moieties to form six-arm macroinitiators. Grafting of side chains from the
      macroinitiators yielded four different star-shaped bottlebrushes with varying
      lengths of arms and side chains, i.e., (450-g-20)6, (450-g-40)6, (300-g-60)6, and
      (300-g-150)6. Gel permeation chromatography analysis and molecular imaging by
      atomic force microscopy confirmed the formation of well-defined macromolecules
      with narrow molecular weight distributions. Upon adsorption to an aqueous
      substrate, the bottlebrush arms underwent prompt dissociation from the MSW core,
      followed by scission of covalent bonds in the bottlebrush backbones. The
      preferential cleavage of the arms is attributed to strong steric repulsion
      between bottlebrushes at the MSW branching center. Star-shaped macroinitiators
      may undergo aggregation which can be prevented by sonication.

PMID- 25133314
TI  - SIN3 is critical for stress resistance and modulates adult lifespan.
AB  - Coordinate control of gene activity is critical for fitness and longevity of an
      organism. The SIN3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex functions as a
      transcriptional repressor of many genes. SIN3-regulated genes include those that
      encode proteins affecting multiple aspects of mitochondrial function, such as
      energy production and stress responsiveness, important for health maintenance.
      Here we used Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to examine the role of
      SIN3 in the regulation of fitness and longevity. Adult flies with RNA
      interference (RNAi) induced knockdown expression of Sin3A have reduced climbing
      ability; an activity that likely requires fully functional mitochondria.
      Additionally, compared to wild type, adult Sin3A knockdown flies were more
      sensitive to oxidative stress. Interestingly, media supplementation with the
      antioxidant glutathione largely restored fly tolerance to oxidative stress.
      Although Sin3A knockdown flies exhibited decreased longevity compared to wild
      type, no significant changes in expression of many well-categorized aging genes
      were observed. We found, however, that Sin3A knockdown corresponded to a
      significant reduction in expression of genes encoding proteins involved in the de
      novo synthesis of glutathione. Taken together, the data support a model whereby
      SIN3 regulates a gene expression program required for proper mitochondrial
      function and effective stress response during adulthood.

PMID- 25133318
TI  - Interhemispheric collaboration during digit and dot number-matching in younger
      and older adults.
AB  - Digit and dot number-matching stimuli were used to replicate findings reported
      for younger adults by Patel and Hellige (2007) and to explore whether performance
      would differ for younger versus older participants. Participants were to make
      numerical matches of digits only, dots only, and digits and dots mixed conditions
      to determine whether reaction time (RT), percentage error, and efficiency scores
      that combine latency and accuracy for match trials were better on within- versus
      across-hemisphere trials. Sixty-six younger and 42 older participants were
      screened with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Geriatric
      Depression Scale. They performed the three experimental conditions and were
      assessed with Digit Span Forward and Backward subscales from the Wechsler Adult
      Intelligence Scale-III. Results for younger adults demonstrated a within
      hemisphere advantage for the Digits and Mixed conditions and an across-hemisphere
      advantage for the Dots condition, consistent with previous literature. Older
      participants showed a stronger within-hemisphere advantage for the Digits
      condition compared with younger participants and no advantage for within- or
      across-hemisphere processing for the Mixed condition when RT was considered, but
      they performed similarly to younger adults when efficiency scores were used and
      showed a relative across-hemisphere advantage for the Dots condition. Although RT
      suggests age-related differences in how information is distributed across the
      hemispheres of the brain, more comprehensive efficiency scores indicate that
      younger and older adults appear to use similar strategies in the coordination of
      interhemispheric transfer of information. MMSE scores regardless of age were
      related to type of task but not to across- versus within-hemisphere performance.

PMID- 25133317
TI  - The posteromedial region of the default mode network shows attenuated task
      induced deactivation in psychopathic prisoners.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Psychopathy is a personality disorder with symptoms that include lack
      of empathy or remorse, antisocial behavior, and excessive self-focus. Previous
      neuroimaging studies have linked psychopathy to dysfunction in the default mode
      network (DMN), a brain network that deactivates during externally focused tasks
      and is more engaged during self-referential processing. Specifically, the DMN has
      been found to remain relatively active in individuals with psychopathic
      tendencies during externally focused tasks, suggesting a failure to properly
      deactivate. However, the exact extent and nature of task-induced DMN dysfunction
      is poorly understood, including (a) the degree to which specific DMN subregions
      are affected in criminal psychopaths, and (b) how activity in these subregions
      relates to affective/interpersonal and antisocial/lifestyle traits of
      psychopathy. METHOD: We performed a group independent component analysis to
      assess DMN activation during a Go/NoGo task in a group of 22 high-psychopathy and
      22 low-psychopathy prisoners. The identified group-level DMN was parcellated into
      6 subregions, and group differences in task-induced activity were examined.
      RESULTS: In general, DMN subregions failed to deactivate beneath baseline in the
      high-psychopathy group. A group comparison with the low-psychopathy group
      localized this attenuated task-induced deactivation to the posteromedial cortical
      (mPC) region of the DMN. Moreover, multiple regression analyses revealed that
      activity in the mPC was associated with affective/interpersonal traits of
      psychopathy. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that attenuated deactivation of
      the mPC subregion of the DMN is intrinsic to psychopathy, and is a pattern that
      may be more associated with affective psychopathic traits, including lack of
      concern for others.

PMID- 25133320
TI  - Parenthood and Physical Activity in Young Adults: A Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New parents have to adjust to less sleep, less free time, and more
      responsibility as a result of having a child. The purpose of this study was to
      examine how having a child impacts the physical activity (PA) beliefs and
      behaviors of new parents over a 2- to 3-year time period. METHODS: Participants
      included 49 men and women (31% men, 96% white) who did not have a child at
      baseline (26.3 +/- 1.1 years old) but did have a child at the time of follow-up
      (28.9 +/- 1.7 years old). The child's mean age at follow-up was 12 +/- 7 months
      old. PA was measured via questionnaire at baseline and again at follow-up.
      Interviews regarding PA occurred at follow-up. RESULTS: PA significantly
      decreased in parents across the time period (P < .001), and parents attributed
      this decrease to having a child and being pregnant. Parents mentioned they lack
      time, energy, and motivation for PA as a result of caring for a new child.
      Parents who maintained their activity level stated they prioritized PA and chose
      activities they enjoyed. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that although activity
      levels decrease in individuals who have a child, PA in new parents may be a
      function of priority, intensity, and enjoyment.

PMID- 25133321
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, and swelling behaviors of salt-sensitive maize bran
      poly(acrylic acid) superabsorbent hydrogel.
AB  - A novel composite hydrogel was prepared via UV irradiation copolymerization of
      acrylic acid and maize bran (MB) in the presence of composite initiator (2,2
      dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone and ammonium persulfate) and cross-linker (N,N'
      methylenebis(acrylamide)). Under the optimized conditions, maize bran
      poly(acrylic acid) was obtained (2507 g g(-1) in distilled water and 658 g g(-1)
      in 0.9 wt % NaCl solution). Effects of granularity, salt concentration, and
      various cations and anions on water absorbency were investigated. It was found
      that swelling was extremely sensitive to the ionic strength and cation and anion
      type. Swelling kinetics and water diffusion mechanism in distilled water were
      also discussed. Moreover, the product showed excellent water retention capability
      under the condition of high temperature or high pressure. The salt sensitivity,
      good water absorbency, and excellent water retention capability of the hydrogels
      give this intelligentized polymer wide potential applications. 

PMID- 25133319
TI  - Anosognosia for hemiplegia: The contributory role of right inferior frontal
      gyrus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Awareness of motor functioning is most likely a complex process that
      requires integration of sensory-motor feedback to constantly update the system on
      the functioning of the limb during motor behavior. Using lesion mapping
      procedures and behavioral measures, the current study aimed to evaluate neural
      correlates of anosognosia for hemiplegia (AHP) in the acute stage (first 48 hr)
      of right hemisphere stroke. METHOD: Thirty-five individuals with right hemisphere
      stroke who presented to an urban medical center within 24 hr of symptom onset
      were included in the study. All 35 individuals had hemiplegia, and 8 of these
      individuals exhibited AHP. RESULTS: Fisher's exact test statistical map of lesion
      deficit association (range is between-log(p) 4 to 11) found maximal value of 10.9
      located in pars orbitalis (Brodmann's Area 47; BA). In this selected location, 6
      out of 8 patients with AHP had tissue abnormality, whereas none of the unaffected
      subjects had tissue abnormality in BA 47. Right BA 44/45 was also found to be
      lesioned more frequently in individuals with AHP (75%) than without AHP (11%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The current study findings provide preliminary support for unique
      involvement of the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), pars orbitalis (BA 47) in
      AHP. The current data suggest that frontal operculum may play a key role in
      awareness of limb functioning.

PMID- 25133323
TI  - Detection of low-concentration contaminants in solution by exploiting chemical
      derivatization in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - A simple derivatization methodology is shown to extend the application of surface
      enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to the detection of trace concentration of
      contaminants in liquid form. Normally in SERS the target analyte species is
      already present in the molecular form in which it is to be detected and is
      extracted from solution to occupy sites of enhanced electromagnetic field on the
      substrate by means of chemisorption or drop-casting and subsequent evaporation of
      the solvent. However, these methods are very ineffective for the detection of low
      concentrations of contaminant in liquid form because the target (ionic) species
      (a) exhibits extremely low occupancy of enhancing surface sites in the bulk
      liquid environment and (b) coevaporates with the solvent. In this study, the
      target analyte species (acid) is detected via its solid derivative (salt)
      offering very significant enhancement of the SERS signal because of preferential
      deposition of the salt at the enhancing surface but without loss of chemical
      discrimination. The detection of nitric acid and sulfuric acid is demonstrated
      down to 100 ppb via reaction with ammonium hydroxide to produce the corresponding
      ammonium salt. This yields an improvement of ~4 orders of magnitude in the low
      concentration detection limit compared with liquid phase detection.

PMID- 25133322
TI  - Electroporation-delivered fluorescent protein biosensors for probing molecular
      activities in cells without genetic encoding.
AB  - Fluorescent protein biosensors are typically implemented via genetic encoding
      which makes the examination of scarce cell samples impractical. By directly
      delivering the protein form of the biosensor into cells using electroporation, we
      detected intracellular molecular activity with the sample size down to ~100 cells
      with high spatiotemporal resolution. 

PMID- 25133324
TI  - Health threat associated with Caucasian giant hogweeds: awareness among doctors
      and general public in Poland.
AB  - CONTEXT: The Caucasian giant hogweeds (Heracleum sosnowskyi and H.
      mantegazzianum) are aggressive invaders successfully spreading across different
      parts of Europe. Their sap containing linear furanocoumarins can lead to a
      persisting cutaneous dermatitis and massive skin necrosis. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to
      assess the awareness of the giant hogweeds' threat among physicians and general
      public in Poland. METHODS: The level of awareness was assessed using a short
      questionnaire given to different groups of physicians: dermatologists (DMs),
      general practitioners (GPs) and occupational practitioners (OPs). An independent
      questionnaire was also addressed to the general public. RESULTS: Among the
      surveyed physician groups, DMs were the best informed, while OPs were the worst
      informed on health threats associated with the giant hogweeds and treatment
      methods. Most frequently, application of topical corticosteroids was indicated as
      a successful method of treatment following the exposure to hogweeds. In the
      general public, awareness was relatively low with only 57.7% of the surveyed
      having ever heard about these plants. TV, press and Internet were among the most
      frequent sources of information in this regard. CONCLUSIONS: Public and medical
      attention needs to be raised as to the threats associated with giant hogweeds,
      particularly in countries that are highly infested with these plants.

PMID- 25133325
TI  - Infrared and Raman spectra, theoretical calculations, conformations, and two
      dimensional potential energy surface of 2-cyclopenten-1-one ethylene ketal.
AB  - The infrared and Raman spectra of the bicyclic spiro molecule 2-cyclopenten-1-one
      ethylene ketal (CEK) have been recorded. Density functional theory (DFT)
      calculations were used to compute the theoretical spectra, and these agree well
      with the experimental spectra. The structures and conformational energies for the
      two pairs of conformational minima, which can be defined in terms of ring-bending
      (x) and ring-twisting (tau) vibrational coordinates, have also been calculated.
      Utilizing the results from ab initio MP2/cc-PVTZ computations, a two-dimensional
      potential energy surface (PES) was calculated. The energy levels and wave
      functions for this PES were then calculated, and the characteristics of these
      were analyzed. At lower energies, all of the quantum states are doubly degenerate
      and correspond to either the lower-energy conformation L or to conformation H,
      which is 154 cm(-1) higher in energy. At energies above the barrier to
      interconversion of 264 cm(-1), the wave functions show that the quantum levels
      have significant probabilities for both conformations. 

PMID- 25133326
TI  - Natural course vs interventions to clear common bile duct stones: data from the
      Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde
      Cholangiopancreatography (GallRiks).
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The optimal strategy for common bile duct stones (CBDSs) encountered
      during cholecystectomy is yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      outcomes after various interventional techniques to clear the bile ducts and the
      natural course of CBDSs found during intraoperative cholangiography. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In a large retrospective cohort analysis, we analyzed
      data from the Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde
      Cholangiopancreatography (GallRiks). We included all patients with CBDSs found on
      intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy from May 1, 2005, through
      December 31, 2009. EXPOSURES: Presence of CBDSs on intraoperative
      cholangiography. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Relation between strategies for
      handling CBDSs in terms of complication rates and/or incomplete clearance with
      need of intervention (ie, unfavorable outcomes). RESULTS: In 38,864
      cholecystectomies, CBDSs were found in 3969 patients, of whom 3828 underwent
      analysis. Earlier or ongoing symptoms were more common with increasing stone size
      (P < .001). In total, postoperative unfavorable outcomes were found in 14.9% but
      less frequently for patients with smaller stones (P < .01). Among patients in
      whom no intraoperative measures were taken (representing natural course), the
      risk for unfavorable outcomes was 25.3%. This risk was significantly lower in
      patients in whom any measure was taken to clear the ducts (12.7%; odds ratio,
      0.44 [95% CI, 0.35-0.55]). The same was found when small (<4 mm) and medium (4-8
      mm) stones were analyzed separately (odds ratio, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.34-0.79] and
      0.24 [95% CI, 0.17-0.32], respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The high
      rates of unfavorable outcomes associated with taking no measures when CBDSs are
      found during cholecystectomy suggest that the natural course might not be as
      favorable as earlier suggested. This finding implies that, in general, efforts
      should be made to clear the bile ducts.

PMID- 25133340
TI  - Now available: wound care-related quality measures.

PMID- 25133328
TI  - Subcutaneous veltuzumab, a humanized anti-CD20 antibody, in the treatment of
      refractory pemphigus vulgaris.
AB  - IMPORTANCE B-cell depletion with the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab is highly
      effective for pemphigus vulgaris (PV) treatment. However,most patients experience
      relapse, and intravenous rituximab infusions are expensive. Therefore, cost
      effective anti-CD20 therapies are desirable.OBSERVATIONS A compassionate-use
      investigational new drug protocol was approved to administer veltuzumab, a second
      generation humanized anti-CD20 antibody, to a patient with refractory PV.
      Veltuzumab was administered as two 320-mg (188mg/m2) subcutaneous doses 2 weeks
      apart, resulting in complete remission of disease off therapy. The disease
      relapsed 2 years after treatment. A second cycle of subcutaneous veltuzumab,
      using the same dosage regimen, again induced complete remission off therapy,
      which remained at9 months. No serious adverse events occurred during 35 months of
      follow-up. Serum veltuzumab levels were 22 and 29 MUg/mL 2 weeks after the first
      dose of each cycle, and the drug remained detectable in the serum for longer than
      3 months. Relapse and response to veltuzumab generally correlated with desmoglein
      3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay index values. Shortly after a relapse that
      occurred after a long-term remission, the patient demonstrated an elevated naive
      (CD19+CD27-) to memory (CD19+CD27+) B-cell ratio of 19.5 and transitional
      (CD19+CD24+CD38+) B-cell frequency of 12.5%.CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
      Subcutaneous veltuzumab may be a safe, effective, and more economical alternative
      to intravenous rituximab for PV therapy. Clinical trials of subcutaneous
      veltuzumab for PV are warranted.

PMID- 25133341
TI  - Wounds in patients with HIV.
AB  - Highly active antiretroviral therapy has dramatically reduced morbidity and
      mortality among patients who are HIV-positive. A retrospective review of the
      authors' data separated subjects into cohorts based on HIV status and matched
      them for age and gender. The authors' data reveal a higher fraction of venous
      ulcers compared with a lower fraction of pressure ulcers in the seropositive
      population. 

PMID- 25133327
TI  - Association between occupational exposure and lung function, respiratory
      symptoms, and high-resolution computed tomography imaging in COPDGene.
AB  - RATIONALE: Although occupational exposure to dust and fumes is considered a risk
      factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, this determination has been
      limited by reliance on spirometry alone to assess disease severity in
      predominantly male populations. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of
      occupational exposure on lung function, respiratory symptoms, and findings of
      emphysema and airway wall thickness measured using quantitative computed
      tomography in men and women. METHODS: COPDGene is a multicenter study of current
      and former smokers that underwent standardized volumetric chest computed
      tomography scans to assess airways, % emphysema, and % gas trapping. Spirometry
      and a respiratory questionnaire including occupational history were also analyzed
      in 9,614 subjects (4,496 women). Logistic regression and analysis of covariance
      was used to assess associations with exposure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      Occupational exposure to both dust and fumes was reported by 47.9% of men and
      20.1% of women. Adjusting for age, race, body mass index, education, and current
      and lifetime smoking, the odds ratios for persons with dust and fume exposures
      for chronic cough, chronic phlegm, persistent wheeze, and Global Initiative for
      Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages 2 and higher chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease were significantly elevated and similar for men (1.83, 1.84,
      2.0, 1.61, respectively) and women (1.65, 1.82, 1.98, 1.90, respectively). The %
      predicted FEV1 was similarly lower in those with exposure in men (70.7 +/- 0.8
      vs. 76.0 +/- 0.9; P < 0.001) and women (70.5 +/- 0.8 vs. 77.2 +/- 0.8; P <
      0.001). Percent emphysema and gas trapping was greater in those exposed to dust
      and fumes in men and women. In men, but not in women, persons with exposure had a
      greater mean square root wall area of 10-mm internal perimeter airways.
      CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to dust and fumes in men and women is
      similarly associated with airflow obstruction, respiratory symptoms, more
      emphysema, and gas trapping in men and women.

PMID- 25133342
TI  - Excision, skin grafting, corticosteroids, adjuvant radiotherapy, pressure
      therapy, and emancipation: the ESCAPE model for successful taming of giant
      auricular keloids.
AB  - The authors treated 24 giant auricular keloids (mean size, 11 cm) from January
      2008 to July 2012 using a novel protocol consisting of complete excision, skin
      grafting, a 1-time intraoperative injection of triamcinolone, immediate
      radiotherapy, and sustained pressure therapy. At 1 year, the success rate was
      87.5%. 

PMID- 25133343
TI  - The Pieper-Zulkowski pressure ulcer knowledge test.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and initial testing of the Pieper
      Zulkowski Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test (PZ-PUKT). DESIGN: Cross-sectional,
      instrument testing. SETTING: Hospital association pressure ulcer educational
      program conference. METHODS: Pressure ulcer research and guidelines from the last
      5 years were examined for test item content. The initial PZ-PUKT had 115 items;
      response options were "true," "false," and "don't know." Registered nurses (N =
      108) were randomly divided into 2 groups to take either the 60 prevention/risk
      and staging items or the 55 wound description items. Analyses of these responses
      resulted in 72 items, which were administered in total to a second cohort of 98
      nurses for reliability. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha was .80 for the 72-item PZ
      PUKT. Cronbach's alpha values for the subscales were as follows: staging, .67;
      wound description, .64; and prevention/risk, .56. The mean correct scores were as
      follows: total, 80%; prevention, 77%; staging, 86%; and wound description, 77%.
      Nurses with wound care certification scored significantly higher on the PZ-PUKT
      than did nurses with other clinical certifications or with nurses who lacked
      certification. CONCLUSIONS: The PZ-PUKT has updated content about pressure ulcer
      prevention/risk, staging, and wound description. Reliability values are highest
      for the total test. Further use of the instrument in diverse settings will add to
      reliability testing and may provide direction for determination of a passing
      cutoff score.

PMID- 25133344
TI  - Arterial disease ulcers, part 1: clinical diagnosis and investigation.
AB  - Arterial disease (peripheral vascular disease) is the result of narrowing of the
      blood vessel lumen. The classic clinical signs need to be recognized early before
      progression to arterial predominant disease and limb ischemia. Arterial ulcers or
      tissue breakdown can result from trauma, infection, or other etiologies with
      diabetes, smoking, increasing age, and hypertension the most important risk
      factors. Diagnostic testing starts with a palpable pulse with special
      investigation including handheld Doppler for ankle brachial pressure index
      ratios, segmental duplex leg Doppler waveforms, and more specialized procedures,
      including transcutaneous oxygen saturation.

PMID- 25133346
TI  - Meaningful use audit checklist.

PMID- 25133347
TI  - Phytoextraction and dissipation of lindane by Spinacia oleracea L.
AB  - Remediation and management of organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) contaminated soil
      is becoming a global priority as they are listed in the Stockholm list of
      persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for global elimination. Lindane is a OCPs
      candidate recently included in the Stockholm list. However, India has an
      exemption to produce lindane for malaria control. Because of its widespread use
      during the last few decades, lindane contaminated soils are found in almost all
      parts of India. Since phytoremediation is widely acknowledged as an innovative
      strategy for the clean-up of contaminated soils; the present study was aimed to
      evaluate the phytoextraction and dissipation of lindane by a leafy vegetable
      Spinacia oleracea L (Spinach). The test plant was grown in different
      concentrations of lindane (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg kg(-1)) and harvested at 10, 30
      and 45 days. At 45 days, the concentrations of lindane in root and leaf of
      Spinach growing in four different concentrations were reached up to 3.5, 5.4, 7.6
      and 12.3 mg kg(-1) and 1.8, 2.2, 3 and 4.9 mg kg(-1), respectively. There was a
      significant difference (p<0.01) in the dissipation of lindane in vegetated and
      non-vegetated soil. Moreover, the residual lindane in four experiments was
      reduced to 81, 76, 69 and 61 percent, respectively. The experimental results
      indicate that Spinach can be used for the phytoremediation of lindane. However,
      more studies are required to prevent the toxicity of harvested parts.

PMID- 25133348
TI  - Antibiotic resistance monitoring in heterotrophic bacteria from anthropogenic
      polluted seawater and the intestines of oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis.
AB  - A total of 1,050 strains of heterotrophic bacteria isolated from farming seawater
      and the intestines of oyster species Crassostrea hongkongensis were tested for
      resistance to 10 antibiotics by the Kirby-Bauer diffusion method. The resistant
      rates of seawater-derived bacteria to chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin, and
      ciprofloxacin were low (less than 20%), whereas the bacteria obtained from
      oysters showed low resistance to chloramphenicol and enrofloxacin. Many strains
      showed high resistant rates (more than 40%) to furazolidone, penicillin G, and
      rifampin. A total of 285 strains from farming seawater and oysters were resistant
      to more than three antibiotics. Several strains showed resistance to more than
      nine antibiotics. Furthermore, the peak resistant rates of the seawater-derived
      strains to multiple antibiotics overlapped in April, June, September, and
      November, and those of oyster-derived strains overlapped during April, July, and
      September. The multi-resistant rate patterns of strains from farming seawater and
      oyster intestines were similar. 

PMID- 25133349
TI  - An ethically appropriate strategy to combat obesity and food insecurity: the
      urban food initiative.

PMID- 25133351
TI  - Prognostic value of the Duke treadmill score in octogenarians undergoing
      myocardial perfusion imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND: Although Duke treadmill score (DTS) is the most widely
      used risk stratification method in younger patients undergoing exercise treadmill
      test (ETT) its specific value in the elderly is not established. METHODS: 137
      patients aged >=80 years who underwent ETT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI)
      were studied. DTS and MPI (including summed stress scores, SSS) related data were
      registered per patient and follow up was performed to document cardiac death
      (CD), myocardial infarction (MI) and late (>3 months) revascularization (LR).
      Kaplan Meir and Cox regression survival analysis were employed to determine the
      prognostic value of DTS in relation to MPI data for these endpoints. RESULTS:
      After a median follow up duration of 6.7 years 28 deaths, 7 CDs, 4 non fatal MIs
      and 12 LRs were observed. Incidence rates of CD/MI were significantly different
      only between low and high risk SSS categories (p = 0.044). Risk groups by DTS had
      no significant differences in survival free of CD/MI (p = 0.743) in contrast to
      risk groups according to SSS (p = 0.026), while both DTS and SSS based risk
      groups had significantly different survival free of CD/MI or LR. SSS was a
      significant univariate predictor of both CD/MI (HR 1.088, p = 0.019) and CD/MI or
      LR (HR 1.095, p < 0.001), but DTS only of the latter endpoint (HR 0.909, p =
      0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In octogenarians DTS was found to be a significant predictor
      of the LR related endpoint but not of the hard endpoint of CD/MI, in contrast to
      SSS which was a powerful predictor of both soft and hard cardiac endpoints.

PMID- 25133350
TI  - Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in murine brachiocephalic and carotid
      atherosclerotic lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hypothesis that COMP can influence the morphology,
      stability and size of murine atherosclerotic lesions. METHODS: ApoE- and
      ApoE/COMP-knockout mice were fed a high-fat diet to develop atherosclerotic
      plaques at lesion sites of three different types; inflammatory and fibrous
      plaques induced in the carotid artery by low or oscillatory shear stress,
      respectively, and spontaneously developing plaques in the brachiocephalic artery.
      The localization of COMP in the plaques and the effect of COMP deficiency on
      plaque development were evaluated. RESULTS: COMP immunoreactivity was observed in
      about half of the investigated plaques from the ApoE null mice, mainly located
      along the intima-medial border. There were no significant differences in the size
      of inflammatory and fibrous carotid plaques between the genotypes. Plaques in the
      brachiocephalic artery from ApoE mice lacking COMP were increased in size with
      54%. In these plaques the collagen content was also increased by 48%. There were
      no differences in relative collagen content in inflammatory and fibrous carotid
      plaques between genotypes. Polarized light microscopy showed that the increase in
      total collagen in brachiocephalic plaques was more than proportionally accounted
      for by an increase in thicker collagen fibrils. CONCLUSION: We have shown that
      COMP deficiency has a significant impact on atherosclerotic plaque morphology and
      size. Our data also suggest that an altered collagen metabolism may be an
      important mechanism in this finding.

PMID- 25133352
TI  - Prognostic value of flow-mediated dilation in patients with systemic lupus
      erythematosus: a pilot prospective cohort study.
AB  - This pilot study evaluated the predictive value of flow-mediated dilation (FMD)
      for damage accrual in a cohort of SLE patients. Thirty-eight female SLE patients
      without cardiovascular involvement were enrolled. Clinical history, traditional
      cardiovascular risk factors, laboratory parameters, disease activity and damage
      and brachial artery FMD were collected at study entry and after a mean follow-up
      of 4.5 years. At enrollment, 18 patients (47%) presented active disease; mean FMD
      was 7.9 +/- 3.1%, with no statistically significant differences between women
      with active and inactive disease. During the follow-up, 3 patients died and 14
      accrued organ damage. Baseline FMD did not predict death and damage accrual. FMD
      showed significant decline over time, which was greater in patients with poor
      outcome (-3.9% vs -1.9%, p = 0.03). In conclusion, in a cohort of SLE patients,
      baseline FMD was not predictive of damage accrual. However, the latter was
      associated with progressive loss of FMD. 

PMID- 25133353
TI  - Occupational risk factors for low back pain among drivers of three-wheelers in
      Sri Lanka.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approximately 5% of all households in Sri Lanka operate a three
      wheeler as their primary source of income. However, very little is known about
      the occupational health risks associated with driving these vehicles. OBJECTIVES:
      The aim of this study was to assess occupational risk factors, including the
      number of hours worked associated with the 4-week prevalence of low back pain
      (LBP) among drivers of three-wheelers. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered
      to 200 full-time drivers of three-wheelers from the Galle District in Sri Lanka.
      Occupational, psychological, socio-demographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric
      variables were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to
      investigate the correlation between occupational risk factors of the prevalence
      of LBP. RESULTS: 15.5% of respondents reported experiencing LBP in the previous 4
      months. Univariate analysis revealed that the number of hours worked per week,
      feeling pressure to compete with other drivers, and perceived stress scale scores
      were significantly associated with the 4-week prevalence of LBP. Multivariate
      analysis found that the number of hours worked per week and engine type were
      significantly associated with LBP. CONCLUSIONS: LBP is common among drivers of
      three-wheelers in Sri Lanka. Long work hours and two-stroke engines were
      significantly associated with LBP. Results from this study point towards a role
      for educational, behavioral health, and policy interventions to help prevent and
      reduce LBP among these drivers.

PMID- 25133354
TI  - Structural stability of E. coli trigger factor studied by synchrotron small-angle
      X-ray scattering.
AB  - Solution small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is an effective technique for
      quantitatively measuring the compactness and shape of proteins. We use SAXS to
      study the structural characteristics and unfolding transitions induced by urea
      for full length Escherichia coli trigger factor (TF) and a series of truncation
      mutants, obtaining and comparing the radiuses of gyration (Rg), the distance
      distribution function (P(r) function) and integrated intensity of TF variants in
      native and unfolding states. The C-terminal 72-residue truncated mutant TF360
      exhibited dramatic structural differences and reduced stability compared with the
      whole TF molecule, while the N-domain truncated mutant MC maintained its compact
      structure with reduced stability. These results indicate that the C-terminal
      region of TF plays an important role in the structural and conformational
      stabilities of the TF molecule, while the N-domain is relatively independent. 

PMID- 25133355
TI  - Exit interviews to reduce turnover amongst healthcare professionals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exit interviews are widely used in healthcare organisations to
      identify reasons for staff attrition, yet their usefulness in limiting turnover
      is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of various exit interview
      strategies in decreasing turnover rates amongst healthcare professionals. SEARCH
      METHODS: We searched the Cochrane EPOC Group Specialised Register; Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Issue 11, 2012; MEDLINE, Ovid
      (1950- ); EMBASE, Ovid (1947- ); CINAHL, EbscoHost (1980- ), and PsycINFO, OVID
      (1806-) between October 31 and November 6, 2012. We also screened the reference
      lists of included studies and relevant reviews; and searched trial registries for
      planned and on-going studies. We did not restrict searches by language or
      publication date. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials, controlled
      clinical trials, controlled before-after studies and interrupted time series
      studies comparing turnover rates between healthcare professionals who had
      undergone one form of exit interview with another form of exit interview or with
      no interview. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently
      assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: The original search
      identified 1560 citations, of which we considered 19 potentially relevant. The
      two authors independently reviewed the abstracts of these studies and retrieved
      the full texts of eight studies. We excluded all eight following independent
      assessment; they were either interviews, commentaries on how to do an exit
      interview or descriptive studies about reasons for leaving. We found no studies
      that matched our inclusion criteria. For this first update, we screened 2220
      citations and identified no new studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Evidence about the
      effectiveness of exit interviews to reduce turnover is currently not available.
      However, exit interviews may provide useful information about the work
      environment which, in turn, may be useful in the development of interventions to
      reduce turnover.

PMID- 25133358
TI  - Patients' understanding of their hospitalizations and association with
      satisfaction.

PMID- 25133360
TI  - Atypical antipsychotic drugs and the risk for acute kidney injury and other
      adverse outcomes in older adults: a population-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several adverse outcomes attributed to atypical antipsychotic drugs,
      specifically quetiapine, risperidone, and olanzapine, are known to cause acute
      kidney injury (AKI). Such outcomes include hypotension, acute urinary retention,
      and the neuroleptic malignant syndrome or rhabdomyolysis. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the risk for AKI and other adverse outcomes associated with use of
      atypical antipsychotic drugs versus nonuse. DESIGN: Population-based cohort
      study. SETTING: Ontario, Canada, from 2003 to 2012. PATIENTS: Adults aged 65
      years or older who received a new outpatient prescription for an oral atypical
      antipsychotic drug (n=97,777) matched 1:1 with those who did not receive such a
      prescription. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was hospitalization with AKI
      (assessed by using a hospital diagnosis code and, in a subpopulation, serum
      creatinine levels) within 90 days of prescription for atypical antipsychotic
      drugs. RESULTS: Atypical antipsychotic drug use versus nonuse was associated with
      a higher risk for hospitalization with AKI (relative risk [RR], 1.73 [95% CI,
      1.55 to 1.92]). This association was consistent when AKI was assessed in a
      subpopulation for which information on serum creatinine levels was available
      (5.46% vs. 3.34%; RR, 1.70 [CI, 1.22 to 2.38]; absolute risk increase, 2.12% [CI,
      0.80% to 3.43%]). Drug use was also associated with hypotension (RR, 1.91 [CI,
      1.60 to 2.28]), acute urinary retention (RR, 1.98 [CI, 1.63 to 2.40]), and all
      cause mortality (RR, 2.39 [CI, 2.28 to 2.50]). LIMITATION: Only older adults were
      included in the study. CONCLUSION: Atypical antipsychotic drug use is associated
      with an increased risk for AKI and other adverse outcomes that may explain the
      observed association with AKI. The findings support current safety concerns about
      the use of these drugs in older adults. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Academic Medical
      Organization of Southwestern Ontario.

PMID- 25133359
TI  - Longevity of patients with cystic fibrosis in 2000 to 2010 and beyond: survival
      analysis of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation patient registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advances in treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF) continue to extend
      survival. An updated estimate of survival is needed for better prognostication
      and to anticipate evolving adult care needs. OBJECTIVE: To characterize trends in
      CF survival between 2000 and 2010 and to project survival for children born and
      diagnosed with the disease in 2010. DESIGN: Registry-based study. SETTING: 110
      Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited care centers in the United States.
      PATIENTS: All patients represented in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient
      Registry (CFFPR) between 2000 and 2010. MEASUREMENTS: Survival was modeled with
      respect to age, age at diagnosis, gender, race or ethnicity, F508del mutation
      status, and symptoms at diagnosis. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2010, the number of
      patients in the CFFPR increased from 21,000 to 26,000, median age increased from
      14.3 to 16.7 years, and adjusted mortality decreased by 1.8% per year (95% CI,
      0.5% to 2.7%). Males had a 19% (CI, 13% to 24%) lower adjusted risk for death
      than females. Median survival of children born and diagnosed with CF in 2010 is
      projected to be 37 years (CI, 35 to 39 years) for females and 40 years (CI, 39 to
      42 years) for males if mortality remains at 2010 levels and more than 50 years if
      mortality continues to decrease at the rate observed between 2000 and 2010.
      LIMITATIONS: The CFFPR does not include all patients with CF in the United
      States, and loss to follow-up and missing data were observed. Additional analyses
      to address these limitations suggest that the survival projections are
      conservative. CONCLUSION: Children born and diagnosed with CF in the United
      States in 2010 are expected to live longer than those born earlier. This has
      important implications for prognostic discussions and suggests that the health
      care system should anticipate greater numbers of adults with CF. PRIMARY FUNDING
      SOURCE: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

PMID- 25133362
TI  - Evidence-based risk communication: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effective communication of risks and benefits to patients is critical
      for shared decision making. PURPOSE: To review the comparative effectiveness of
      methods of communicating probabilistic information to patients that maximize
      their cognitive and behavioral outcomes. DATA SOURCES: PubMed (1966 to March
      2014) and CINAHL, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (1966 to December 2011) using several keywords and structured terms. STUDY
      SELECTION: Prospective or cross-sectional studies that recruited patients or
      healthy volunteers and compared any method of communicating probabilistic
      information with another method. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers
      extracted study characteristics and assessed risk of bias. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eighty
      four articles, representing 91 unique studies, evaluated various methods of
      numerical and visual risk display across several risk scenarios and with diverse
      outcome measures. Studies showed that visual aids (icon arrays and bar graphs)
      improved patients' understanding and satisfaction. Presentations including
      absolute risk reductions were better than those including relative risk
      reductions for maximizing accuracy and seemed less likely than presentations with
      relative risk reductions to influence decisions to accept therapy. The
      presentation of numbers needed to treat reduced understanding. Comparative
      effects of presentations of frequencies (such as 1 in 5) versus event rates
      (percentages, such as 20%) were inconclusive. LIMITATION: Most studies were small
      and highly variable in terms of setting, context, and methods of administering
      interventions. CONCLUSION: Visual aids and absolute risk formats can improve
      patients' understanding of probabilistic information, whereas numbers needed to
      treat can lessen their understanding. Due to study heterogeneity, the superiority
      of any single method for conveying probabilistic information is not established,
      but there are several good options to help clinicians communicate with patients.
      PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: None.

PMID- 25133363
TI  - Cystic fibrosis: recent successes present new challenges.

PMID- 25133364
TI  - Inside special care.

PMID- 25133365
TI  - Aggregate cost of mammography screening in the United States.

PMID- 25133366
TI  - Aggregate cost of mammography screening in the United States.

PMID- 25133367
TI  - Aggregate cost of mammography screening in the United States.

PMID- 25133368
TI  - Prescription drug abuse.

PMID- 25133369
TI  - Prescription drug abuse.

PMID- 25133370
TI  - Prescription drug abuse.

PMID- 25133371
TI  - The dueling obligations of opioid stewardship.

PMID- 25133372
TI  - The dueling obligations of opioid stewardship.

PMID- 25133375
TI  - Summaries for patients. Improved survival of patients with cystic fibrosis.

PMID- 25133376
TI  - Web Exclusives. The consult guys--is that hemoglobin high enough?

PMID- 25133377
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Review: Natriuretic peptide-guided therapy reduces mortality
      more than clinically guided therapy in heart failure.

PMID- 25133378
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Review: Self-collected samples are less accurate for HPV
      testing than clinician-collected samples.

PMID- 25133379
TI  - ACP Journal Club. ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Risk Equations predicted 5-y risk for CV
      events in adults considered for statin initiation.

PMID- 25133380
TI  - ACP Journal Club. ACC/AHA, Adult Treatment Panel III, and ESC guidelines
      overestimated risk for CVD in older adults.

PMID- 25133381
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Review: In diabetes, ACE-Is, but not ARBs, reduce mortality and
      major CV events compared with placebo or active treatment.

PMID- 25133382
TI  - ACP Journal Club. In uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, CBT improved glycemic control
      and reduced depression.

PMID- 25133383
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Bariatric surgery improved HbA1c more than intensive medical
      therapy in obese patients with uncontrolled type 2 DM.

PMID- 25133384
TI  - ACP Journal Club. In noncardiac surgery, perioperative aspirin did not reduce
      death or MI at 30 d but increased major bleeding.

PMID- 25133385
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Methotrexate reduced pain and improved function in symptomatic
      knee osteoarthritis.

PMID- 25133386
TI  - ACP Journal Club. In atrial fibrillation, dabigatran had similar efficacy to
      warfarin but caused less bleeding in higher GFR.

PMID- 25133387
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Review: In COPD, fluticasone or budesonide increases serious
      pneumonia but not mortality.

PMID- 25133388
TI  - ACP Journal Club. Review: Selective digestive decontamination reduces mortality
      more than chlorhexidine in general ICU patients.

PMID- 25133390
TI  - Nanoscale Diblock copolymer micelles: characterizations and estimation of the
      effective diffusion coefficients of biomolecules release through cylindrical
      diffusion model.
AB  - Biomolecules have been widely investigated as potential therapeutics for various
      diseases. However their use is limited due to rapid degradation and poor cellular
      uptake in vitro and in vivo. To address this issue, we synthesized a new nano
      carrier system comprising of cholic acid-polyethylenimine (CA-PEI) copolymer
      micelles, via carbodiimide-mediated coupling for the efficient delivery of small
      interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as model
      protein. The mean particle size of siRNA- or BSA-loaded CA-PEI micelles ranged
      from 100-150 nm, with zeta potentials of +3-+11 mV, respectively. Atomic force,
      transmission electron and field emission scanning electron microscopy
      demonstrated that the micelles exhibited excellent spherical morphology. No
      significant morphology or size changes were observed in the CA-PEI micelles after
      siRNA and BSA loading. CA-PEI micelles exhibited sustained release profile, the
      effective diffusion coefficients were successfully estimated using a
      mathematically-derived cylindrical diffusion model and the release data of siRNA
      and BSA closely fitted into this model. High siRNA and BSA binding and loading
      efficiencies (95% and 70%, respectively) were observed for CA-PEI micelles.
      Stability studies demonstrated that siRNA and BSA integrity was maintained after
      loading and release. The CA-PEI micelles were non cytotoxic to V79 and DLD-1
      cells, as shown by alamarBlue and LIVE/DEAD cell viability assays. RT-PCR study
      revealed that siRNA-loaded CA-PEI micelles suppressed the mRNA for ABCB1 gene.
      These results revealed the promising potential of CA-PEI micelles as a stable,
      safe, and versatile nano-carrier for siRNA and the model protein delivery. 

PMID- 25133389
TI  - Efficacy and day 7 plasma piperaquine concentrations in African children treated
      for uncomplicated malaria with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One promising new Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) is
      dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ). However, the pharmacokinetics of
      piperaquine and the relationship between drug levels and clinical efficacy are
      incompletely characterized, particularly in children. METHODS: We performed a
      single-arm open-label trial in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. A total of 379
      participants aged 6 months or more with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were
      enrolled. Each participant received daily dose of DHA-PQ for three days and
      followed for 42 days. Parasitological efficacy was analyzed, considering rates of
      recrudescence and overall recurrence. PK was an exploratory endpoint and a
      priori, no sample size had been determined. Day 7 capillary and venous plasma
      concentrations of piperaquine were measured in children aged 2-10 years. RESULTS:
      Of the 379 participants, 365 (96.3%) completed 42 days of follow-up. The median
      daily dose of PQ was 18.5 mg/kg [6.5-24]. Treatment with DHA-PQ was well
      tolerated with fever and parasitemia resolution within 48 hours in nearly all
      children. Recurrent malaria within 42 days of follow-up occurred in 31.3% (10/34)
      of children less than 2 years old, 16.0% (16/106) of those aged 2-5 years, 9.4%
      (15/160) of those aged 5-10 years, and none (0/68) of those over 10 years old.
      After genotyping, 3 of 41 recurrent episodes were recrudescence. An exploratory
      analysis shows that children with successful treatment outcomes had significantly
      higher median plasma concentrations of PQ compared to those with recurrent
      malaria within 42 days after therapy, considering either capillary samples (68
      ng/ml [50-85] compared to 48 ng/ml [36-55], p<0.001) or venous samples (42 ng/ml
      [29-59] compared to 25 ng/ml [19-44], p<0.001). CONCLUSION: DHA-PQ was effective
      for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria treatment and offers an alternative to
      other ACTs. Recurrent malaria was mainly due to new infections after treatment
      and was correlated with low day 7 PQ concentration in the youngest patients.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN59761234.

PMID- 25133391
TI  - A rank-based sequence aligner with applications in phylogenetic analysis.
AB  - Recent tools for aligning short DNA reads have been designed to optimize the
      trade-off between correctness and speed. This paper introduces a method for
      assigning a set of short DNA reads to a reference genome, under Local Rank
      Distance (LRD). The rank-based aligner proposed in this work aims to improve
      correctness over speed. However, some indexing strategies to speed up the aligner
      are also investigated. The LRD aligner is improved in terms of speed by storing
      [Formula: see text]-mer positions in a hash table for each read. Another
      improvement, that produces an approximate LRD aligner, is to consider only the
      positions in the reference that are likely to represent a good positional match
      of the read. The proposed aligner is evaluated and compared to other state of the
      art alignment tools in several experiments. A set of experiments are conducted to
      determine the precision and the recall of the proposed aligner, in the presence
      of contaminated reads. In another set of experiments, the proposed aligner is
      used to find the order, the family, or the species of a new (or unknown)
      organism, given only a set of short Next-Generation Sequencing DNA reads. The
      empirical results show that the aligner proposed in this work is highly accurate
      from a biological point of view. Compared to the other evaluated tools, the LRD
      aligner has the important advantage of being very accurate even for a very low
      base coverage. Thus, the LRD aligner can be considered as a good alternative to
      standard alignment tools, especially when the accuracy of the aligner is of high
      importance. Source code and UNIX binaries of the aligner are freely available for
      future development and use at http://lrd.herokuapp.com/aligners. The software is
      implemented in C++ and Java, being supported on UNIX and MS Windows. 

PMID- 25133393
TI  - MiR-152 may silence translation of CaMK II and induce spontaneous immune
      tolerance in mouse liver transplantation.
AB  - Spontaneous immune tolerance in mouse liver transplantation has always been a
      hotspot in transplantation-immune research. Recent studies revealed that
      regulatory T cells (Tregs), hepatic satellite cells and Kupffer cells play a
      potential role in spontaneous immune tolerance, however the precise mechanism of
      spontaneous immune tolerance is still undefined. By using Microarray Chips, we
      investigated different immune regulatory factors to decipher critical mechanisms
      of spontaneous tolerance after mouse liver transplantation. Allogeneic (C57BL/6
      C3H) and syngeneic (C3H-C3H) liver transplantation were performed by 6-8 weeks
      old male C57BL/6 and C3H mice. Graft samples (N = 4 each group) were collected
      from 8 weeks post-operation mice. 11 differentially expressed miRNAs in
      allogeneic grafts (Allografts) vs. syngeneic grafts (Syngrafts) were identified
      using Agilent Mouse miRNA Chips. It was revealed that 185 genes were modified by
      the 11 miRNAs, furthermore, within the 185 target genes, 11 of them were tightly
      correlated with immune regulation after Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of
      Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and Genbank data cross-comparison. Verified by
      real-time PCR and western blot, our results indicated that mRNA expression levels
      of IL-6 and TAB2 were respectively down regulated following miR-142-3p and miR
      155 augment. In addition, increased miR-152 just silenced mRNA of CaMK II and
      down-regulated translation of CaMK II in tolerated liver grafts, which may play a
      critical role in immune regulation and spontaneous tolerance induction of mouse
      liver transplantation. 

PMID- 25133392
TI  - Pyridostigmine restores cardiac autonomic balance after small myocardial
      infarction in mice.
AB  - The effect of pyridostigmine (PYR)--an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor--on
      hemodynamics and cardiac autonomic control, was never studied in conscious
      myocardial infarcted mice. Telemetry transmitters were implanted into the carotid
      artery under isoflurane anesthesia. Seven to ten days after recovery from the
      surgery, basal arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded, while
      parasympathetic and sympathetic tone (DeltaHR) was evaluated by means of methyl
      atropine and propranolol. After the basal hemodynamic recording the mice were
      subjected to left coronary artery ligation for producing myocardial infarction
      (MI), or sham operation, and implantation of minipumps filled with PYR or saline.
      Separate groups of anesthetized (isoflurane) mice previously (4 weeks) subjected
      to MI, or sham coronary artery ligation, were submitted to cardiac function
      examination. The mice exhibited an infarct length of approximately 12%, no change
      in arterial pressure and increased heart rate only in the 1st week after MI.
      Vagal tone decreased in the 1st week, while the sympathetic tone was increased in
      the 1st and 4th week after MI. PYR prevented the increase in heart rate but did
      not affect the arterial pressure. Moreover, PYR prevented the increase in
      sympathetic tone throughout the 4 weeks. Concerning the parasympathetic tone, PYR
      not only impaired its attenuation in the 1st week, but enhanced it in the 4th
      week. MI decreased ejection fraction and increased diastolic and systolic volume.
      Therefore, the pharmacological increase of peripheral acetylcholine availability
      by means of PYR prevented tachycardia, increased parasympathetic and decreased
      sympathetic tone after MI in mice.

PMID- 25133394
TI  - Characterisation of SalRAB a salicylic acid inducible positively regulated efflux
      system of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv viciae 3841.
AB  - Salicylic acid is an important signalling molecule in plant-microbe defence and
      symbiosis. We analysed the transcriptional responses of the nitrogen fixing plant
      symbiont, Rhizobium leguminosarum bv viciae 3841 to salicylic acid. Two MFS-type
      multicomponent efflux systems were induced in response to salicylic acid, rmrAB
      and the hitherto undescribed system salRAB. Based on sequence similarity salA and
      salB encode a membrane fusion and inner membrane protein respectively. salAB are
      positively regulated by the LysR regulator SalR. Disruption of salA significantly
      increased the sensitivity of the mutant to salicylic acid, while disruption of
      rmrA did not. A salA/rmrA double mutation did not have increased sensitivity
      relative to the salA mutant. Pea plants nodulated by salA or rmrA strains did not
      have altered nodule number or nitrogen fixation rates, consistent with weak
      expression of salA in the rhizosphere and in nodule bacteria. However, BLAST
      analysis revealed seventeen putative efflux systems in Rlv3841 and several of
      these were highly differentially expressed during rhizosphere colonisation, host
      infection and bacteroid differentiation. This suggests they have an integral role
      in symbiosis with host plants. 

PMID- 25133395
TI  - Cost of disorders of the brain in Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brain disorders represent a high burden in Europe and worldwide. The
      objective of this study was to provide specific estimates of the economic costs
      of brain disorders in Spain, based on published epidemiological and economic
      evidence. METHODS: A cost-of-illness study with a societal perspective of 19
      brain disorders was carried out. Cost data published between 2004 and 2012 was
      obtained from a systematic literature review. Direct healthcare, direct non
      medical and indirect costs were considered, prioritizing bottom-up information.
      All costs were converted to Euro and to year 2010. The missing values were
      imputed with European estimates. Sensitivity analyses based on qualitative
      assessment of the literature and on a Monte Carlo simulation were performed.
      RESULTS: The review identified 33 articles with information on costs for 11
      disorders (8 neurological, 3 mental). The average per-patient cost ranged from
      36,946 ? for multiple sclerosis to 402 ? for headache. The societal cost of the
      19 brain disorders in Spain in 2010 was estimated in 84 ? billion. Societal costs
      ranged from 15 ? billion for dementia to 65 ? million for eating disorders.
      Mental disorders societal cost were 46 ? billions (55% of the total), while
      neurological disorder added up to 38 ? billion. Healthcare costs represented 37%
      of the societal costs of brain disorders, whereas direct non-medical constituted
      29% and indirect costs 33%. CONCLUSION: Brain disorders have a substantial
      economic impact in Spain (equivalent to almost 8% of the country's GDP). Economic
      data on several important brain disorders, specially mental disorders, is still
      sparse.

PMID- 25133396
TI  - Differential modulation by IL-17A of Cholangitis versus Colitis in IL-2Ralpha
      deleted mice.
AB  - IFN-gamma is a signature Th1 cell associated cytokine critical for the
      inflammatory response in autoimmunity with both pro-inflammatory and potentially
      protective functions. IL-17A is the hallmark of T helper 17 (Th17) cell subsets,
      produced by gammadeltaT, CD8+ T, NK and NKT cells. We have taken advantage of our
      colony of IL-2Ralpha-/- mice that spontaneously develop both autoimmune
      cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease. In this model CD8+ T cells mediate
      biliary ductular damage, whereas CD4+ T cells mediate induction of colon-specific
      autoimmunity. Importantly, IL-2Ralpha-/- mice have high levels of interferon
      gamma (IFN-gamma), and interleukin-17A (IL-17A). We produced unique double
      deletions of mice that were either IL-17A-/-IL-2Ralpha-/- or IFN-gamma-/-IL
      2Ralpha-/- to specifically address the precise role of these two cytokines in the
      natural history of autoimmune cholangitis and colitis. Of note, deletion of IL
      17A in IL-2Ralpha-/- mice led to more severe liver inflammation, but ameliorated
      colitis. In contrast, there were no significant changes in the immunopathology of
      double knock-out IFN-gamma-/- IL-2Ralpha-/- mice, compared to single knock-out IL
      2Ralpha-/- mice with respect to cholangitis or colitis. Furthermore, there was a
      significant increase in pathogenetic CD8+ T cells in the liver of IL-17A-/-IL
      2Ralpha-/- mice. Our data suggest that while IL-17A plays a protective role in
      autoimmune cholangitis, it has a pro-inflammatory role in inflammatory bowel
      disease. These data take on particular significance in the potential use of anti
      IL-17A therapy in humans with primary biliary cirrhosis. 

PMID- 25133397
TI  - Operative rigid bronchoscopy: indications, basic techniques and results.
AB  - Palliative airway treatments are essential to improve quality and length of life
      in lung cancer patients with central airway obstruction. Rigid bronchoscopy has
      proved to be an excellent tool to provide airway access and control in this
      cohort of patients. The main indication for rigid bronchoscopy in adult
      bronchology remains central airway obstruction due to neoplastic or non
      neoplastic disease. We routinely use negative pressure ventilation (NPV) under
      general anaesthesia to prevent intraoperative apnoea and respiratory acidosis.
      This procedure allows opioid sparing, a shorter recovery time and avoids manually
      assisted ventilation, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen needed, while
      maintaining optimal surgical conditions. The major indication for NPV rigid
      bronchoscopy at our institution has been airway obstruction by neoplastic
      tracheobronchial tissue, mainly treated by laser-assisted mechanical dissection.
      When strictly necessary, we use silicone stents for neoplastic or cicatricial
      strictures, reserving metal stents to cover tracheo-oesophageal fistulae. NPV
      rigid bronchoscopy is an excellent tool for the endoscopic treatment of locally
      advanced tumours of the lung, especially when patients have exhausted the
      conventional therapeutic resources. Laser-assisted mechanical resection and stent
      placement are the most effective procedures for preserving quality of life in
      patients with advanced stage cancer. 

PMID- 25133400
TI  - Proteomics-identified Bvg-activated autotransporters protect against bordetella
      pertussis in a mouse model.
AB  - Pertussis is a highly infectious respiratory disease of humans caused by the
      bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Despite high vaccination coverage, pertussis has
      re-emerged globally. Causes for the re-emergence of pertussis include limited
      duration of protection conferred by acellular pertussis vaccines (aP) and
      pathogen adaptation. Pathogen adaptations involve antigenic divergence with
      vaccine strains, the emergence of strains which show enhanced in vitro expression
      of a number of virulence-associated genes and of strains that do not express
      pertactin, an important aP component. Clearly, the identification of more
      effective B. pertussis vaccine antigens is of utmost importance. To identify
      novel antigens, we used proteomics to identify B. pertussis proteins regulated by
      the master virulence regulatory system BvgAS in vitro. Five candidates proteins
      were selected and it was confirmed that they were also expressed in the lungs of
      naive mice seven days after infection. The five proteins were expressed in
      recombinant form, adjuvanted with alum and used to immunize mice as stand-alone
      antigens. Subsequent respiratory challenge showed that immunization with the
      autotransporters Vag8 and SphB1 significantly reduced bacterial load in the
      lungs. Whilst these antigens induced strong opsonizing antibody responses, we
      found that none of the tested alum-adjuvanted vaccines - including a three
      component aP - reduced bacterial load in the nasopharynx, suggesting that
      alternative immunological responses may be required for efficient bacterial
      clearance from the nasopharynx. 

PMID- 25133401
TI  - Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of twenty-four Vitis vinifera
      grapes.
AB  - Grapes are rich in phytochemicals with many proven health benefits. Phenolic
      profiles, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of twenty-four selected
      Vitis vinifera grape cultivars were investigated in this study. Large ranges of
      variation were found in these cultivars for the contents of total phenolics (95.3
      to 686.5 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (94.7 to 1055 mg/100 g) and antioxidant
      activities (oxygen radical absorbance capacity 378.7 to 3386.0 mg of Trolox
      equivalents/100 g and peroxylradical scavenging capacity14.2 to 557 mg of vitamin
      C equivalents/100 g), cellular antioxidant activities (3.9 to 139.9 umol of
      quercetin equivalents/100 g without PBS wash and 1.4 to 95.8 umol of quercetin
      equivalents /100 g with PBS wash) and antiproliferative activities (25 to 82% at
      the concentrations of 100 mg/mL extracts).The total antioxidant activities were
      significantly correlated with the total phenolics and flavonoids. However, no
      significant correlations were found between antiproliferative activities and
      total phenolics or total flavonoids content. Wine grapes and color grapes showed
      much higher levels of phytochemicals and antioxidant activities than table grapes
      and green/yellow grapes. Several germplasm accessions with much high contents of
      phenolics and flavonoids, and total antioxidant activity were identified. These
      germplasm can be valuable sources of genes for breeding grape cultivars with
      better nutritional qualities of wine and table grapes in the future. 

PMID- 25133402
TI  - Comparative proteomics of milk fat globule membrane proteins from transgenic
      cloned cattle.
AB  - The use of transgenic livestock is providing new methods for obtaining
      pharmaceutically useful proteins. However, the protein expression profiles of the
      transgenic animals, including expression of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM)
      proteins, have not been well characterized. In this study, we compared the MFGM
      protein expression profile of the colostrum and mature milk from three lines of
      transgenic cloned (TC) cattle, i.e., expressing recombinant human alpha
      lactalbumin (TC-LA), lactoferrin (TC-LF) or lysozyme (TC-LZ) in the mammary
      gland, with those from cloned non-transgenic (C) and conventionally bred normal
      animals (N). We identified 1, 225 proteins in milk MFGM, 166 of which were
      specifically expressed only in the TC-LA group, 265 only in the TC-LF group, and
      184 only in the TC-LZ group. There were 43 proteins expressed only in the
      transgenic cloned animals, but the concentrations of these proteins were below
      the detection limit of silver staining. Functional analysis also showed that the
      43 proteins had no obvious influence on the bovine mammary gland. Quantitative
      comparison revealed that MFGM proteins were up- or down-regulated more than
      twofold in the TC and C groups compared to N group: 126 in colostrum and 77 in
      mature milk of the TC-LA group; 157 in colostrum and 222 in mature milk of the TC
      LF group; 49 in colostrum and 98 in mature milk of the TC-LZ group; 98 in
      colostrum and 132 in mature milk in the C group. These up- and down-regulated
      proteins in the transgenic animals were not associated with a particular
      biological function or pathway, which appears that expression of certain
      exogenous proteins has no general deleterious effects on the cattle mammary
      gland. 

PMID- 25133403
TI  - Hydrocortisone fails to abolish NF-kappaB1 protein nuclear translocation in
      deletion allele carriers of the NFKB1 promoter polymorphism (-94ins/delATTG) and
      is associated with increased 30-day mortality in septic shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous investigations and meta-analyses on the effect of
      glucocorticoids on mortality in septic shock revealed mixed results. This
      heterogeneity might be evoked by genetic variations. Such candidate is a promoter
      polymorphism (-94ins/delATTG) of the gene encoding the ubiquitous transcription
      factor nuclear-factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) which binds to recognition elements in
      the promoter of several genes encoding for the innate immune-system. In turn,
      hydrocortisone inhibits NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and thus transcription of
      key immune-response regulators. Accordingly, we tested the hypotheses that
      hydrocortisone has a NFKB1 genotype dependent effect on 1) NF-kappaB1 nuclear
      translocation evoked by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in monocytes in vitro, and 2)
      mortality in septic shock. METHODS: Monocytes of volunteers with the homozygous
      insertion (II; n = 5) or deletion (DD; n = 6) NFKB1 genotype were incubated with
      10 ugml-1 LPS +/- hydrocortisone (10-5M), and NF-kappaB1 nuclear translocation
      was assessed (immunofluorescence). Furthermore, we analyzed 30-day-mortality in
      160 patients with septic shock stratified for both genotype and hydrocortisone
      therapy. RESULTS: Hydrocortisone inhibited LPS induced nuclear translocation of
      NF-kappaB1 in II (25%+/-11;p = 0.0001) but not in DD genotypes (51%+/-15;p =
      n.s.). Onehundredandfour of 160 patients with septic shock received
      hydrocortisone, at the discretion of the intensivist. NFKB1 deletion allele
      carriers (ID/DD) receiving hydrocortisone had a much greater 30-day-mortality
      (57.6%) than II genotypes (24.4%; HR:3.18, 95%-CI:1.61-6.28;p = 0.001). In
      contrast, 30-day mortality was 22.2% in ID/DD and 25.0% in II genotypes without
      hydrocortisone therapy. Results were similar when using propensity score matching
      to account for possible bias in the intensivists' decision to administer
      hydrocortisone. CONCLUSION: Hydrocortisone fails to inhibit LPS induced nuclear
      NF-kappaB1 translocation in deletion allele carriers of the NFKB1 promoter
      polymorphism (-94ins/delATTG). In septic shock, hydrocortisone treatment is
      associated with markedly increased 30-day-mortality only in such carriers.
      Accordingly, previous heterogeneous results regarding the benefit of
      hydrocortisone in septic shock may be reconciled by genetic variation of the
      NFKB1 promoter polymorphism.

PMID- 25133404
TI  - Distinctly different dynamics and kinetics of two steroid receptors at the same
      response elements in living cells.
AB  - Closely related transcription factors (TFs) can bind to the same response
      elements (REs) with similar affinities and activate transcription. However, it is
      unknown whether transcription is similarly orchestrated by different TFs bound at
      the same RE. Here we have compared the recovery half time (t1/2), binding site
      occupancy and the resulting temporal changes in transcription upon binding of two
      closely related steroid receptors, the androgen and glucocorticoid receptors (AR
      and GR), to their common hormone REs (HREs). We show that there are significant
      differences at all of these levels between AR and GR at the MMTV HRE when
      activated by their ligands. These data show that two TFs bound at the same RE can
      have significantly different modes of action that can affect their responses to
      environmental cues. 

PMID- 25133407
TI  - Identification of Trueperella pyogenes isolated from bovine mastitis by Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - The present study was designed to investigate the potential of Fourier transform
      infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to identify Trueperella (T.) pyogenes isolated from
      bovine clinical mastitis. FT-IR spectroscopy was applied to 57 isolates obtained
      from 55 cows in a period from 2009 to 2012. Prior to FT-IR spectroscopy these
      isolates were identified by phenotypic and genotypic properties, also including
      the determination of seven potential virulence factor encoding genes. The FT-IR
      analysis revealed a reliable identification of all 57 isolates as T. pyogenes and
      a clear separation of this species from the other species of genus Trueperella
      and from species of genus Arcanobacterium and Actinomyces. The results showed
      that all 57 isolates were assigned to the correct species indicating that FT-IR
      spectroscopy could also be efficiently used for identification of this bacterial
      pathogen. 

PMID- 25133408
TI  - Workplace discrimination predicting racial/ethnic socialization across African
      American, Latino, and Chinese families.
AB  - Informed by Kohn and Schooler's (1969) occupational socialization framework, this
      study examined linkages between racial/ethnic minority mothers' perceptions of
      racial/ethnic discrimination in the workplace and adolescents' accounts of
      racial/ethnic socialization in the home. Data were collected from 100 mother
      early adolescent dyads who participated in a longitudinal study of urban
      adolescents' development in the Northeastern United States, including African
      American, Latino, and Chinese families. Mothers and adolescents completed surveys
      separately. We found that when mothers reported more frequent institutional
      discrimination at work, adolescents reported more frequent preparation for bias
      messages at home, across racial/ethnic groups. Mothers' experiences of
      interpersonal prejudice at work were associated with more frequent cultural
      socialization messages among African American and Latino families. Chinese youth
      reported fewer cultural socialization messages when mothers perceived more
      frequent interpersonal prejudice at work. Findings are discussed in the context
      of minority groups' distinct social histories and economic status in the United
      States.

PMID- 25133409
TI  - Selective incivility: immigrant groups experience subtle workplace discrimination
      at different rates.
AB  - Immigrants play an increasingly important role in local labor markets. Not only
      do they grow steadily in number but also in cultural, educational, and skill
      diversity, underlining the necessity to distinguish between immigrant groups when
      studying discrimination against immigrants. We examined immigrant employees'
      subtle discrimination experiences in a representative sample in Switzerland,
      controlling for dispositional influences. Results showed that mainly members of
      highly competitive immigrant groups, from immediate neighbor countries,
      experienced workplace incivility and that these incivility experiences were
      related to higher likelihoods of perceived discrimination at work. This research
      confirms recent accounts that successful but disliked groups are particularly
      likely to experience subtle interpersonal discrimination.

PMID- 25133410
TI  - The acculturation gap-distress model: Extensions and application to Arab Canadian
      families.
AB  - Using a multidomain and bidimensional approach, the present study applied and
      extended the acculturation gap-distress model with an immigrant Arab Canadian
      sample. Consistent with this model, immigrant Arab emerging adults (n = 113)
      perceived acculturation gaps between themselves and their parents with respect to
      their heritage and settlement culture orientation and values. Some of these gaps,
      in turn, were associated with poorer outcomes. Extending the model, the most
      problematic acculturation gaps were those in which the emerging adult perceived
      themselves to be more oriented to Arab culture and values than their parents. We
      also found some support for the moderating role of parent-emerging adult
      relationships.

PMID- 25133405
TI  - Cardiac sympathetic denervation in 6-OHDA-treated nonhuman primates.
AB  - Cardiac sympathetic neurodegeneration and dysautonomia affect patients with
      sporadic and familial Parkinson's disease (PD) and are currently proposed as
      prodromal signs of PD. We have recently developed a nonhuman primate model of
      cardiac dysautonomia by iv 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Our in vivo findings
      included decreased cardiac uptake of a sympathetic radioligand and circulating
      catecholamines; here we report the postmortem characterization of the model. Ten
      adult rhesus monkeys (5-17 yrs old) were used in this study. Five animals
      received 6-OHDA (50 mg/kg i.v.) and five were age-matched controls. Three months
      post-neurotoxin the animals were euthanized; hearts and adrenal glands were
      processed for immunohistochemistry. Quantification of immunoreactivity (ir) of
      stainings was performed by an investigator blind to the treatment group using NIH
      ImageJ software (for cardiac bundles and adrenals, area above threshold and
      optical density) and MBF StereoInvestigator (for cardiac fibers, area fraction
      fractionator probe). Sympathetic cardiac nerve bundle analysis and fiber area
      density showed a significant reduction in global cardiac tyrosine hydroxylase-ir
      (TH; catecholaminergic marker) in 6-OHDA animals compared to controls.
      Quantification of protein gene protein 9.5 (pan-neuronal marker) positive cardiac
      fibers showed a significant deficit in 6-OHDA monkeys compared to controls and
      correlated with TH-ir fiber area. Semi-quantitative evaluation of human leukocyte
      antigen-ir (inflammatory marker) and nitrotyrosine-ir (oxidative stress marker)
      did not show significant changes 3 months post-neurotoxin. Cardiac nerve bundle
      alpha-synuclein-ir (presynaptic protein) was reduced (trend) in 6-OHDA treated
      monkeys; insoluble proteinase-K resistant alpha-synuclein (typical of PD
      pathology) was not observed. In the adrenal medulla, 6-OHDA monkeys had
      significantly reduced TH-ir and aminoacid decarboxylase-ir. Our results confirm
      that systemic 6-OHDA dosing to nonhuman primates induces cardiac sympathetic
      neurodegeneration and loss of catecholaminergic enzymes in the adrenal medulla,
      and suggests that this model can be used as a platform to evaluate disease
      modifying strategies aiming to induce peripheral neuroprotection.

PMID- 25133411
TI  - Identity threat at work: how social identity threat and situational cues
      contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in the workplace.
AB  - Significant disparities remain between racial and ethnic minorities' and Whites'
      experiences of American workplaces. Traditional prejudice and discrimination
      approaches explain these gaps in hiring, promotion, satisfaction, and well-being
      by pointing to the prejudice of people within organizations such as peers,
      managers, and executives. Grounded in social identity threat theory, this
      theoretical review instead argues that particular situational cues-often
      communicated by well-meaning, largely unprejudiced employees and managers-signal
      to stigmatized groups whether their identity is threatened and devalued or
      respected and affirmed. First, we provide an overview of how identity threat
      shapes the psychological processes of racial and ethnic minorities by heightening
      vigilance to certain situational cues in the workplace. Next, we outline several
      of these cues and their role in creating and sustaining perceptions of identity
      threat (or safety). Finally, we provide empirically grounded suggestions that
      organizations may use to increase identity safety among their employees of color.
      Taken together, the research demonstrates how situational cues contribute to
      disparate psychological experiences for racial and ethnic minorities at work, and
      suggests that by altering threatening cues, organizations may create more
      equitable, respectful, and inclusive environments where all people may thrive.

PMID- 25133412
TI  - Chinese American immigrant parents' emotional expression in the family: Relations
      with parents' cultural orientations and children's emotion-related regulation.
AB  - The present study examined 2 measures of Chinese American immigrant parents'
      emotional expression in the family context: self-reported emotional expressivity
      and observed emotional expression during a parent-child interaction task. Path
      analyses were conducted to examine the concurrent associations between measures
      of emotional expression and (a) parents' American and Chinese cultural
      orientations in language proficiency, media use, and social affiliation domains,
      and (b) parents' and teachers' ratings of children's emotion-related regulation.
      Results suggested that cultural orientations were primarily associated with
      parents' self-reported expressivity (rather than observed emotional expression),
      such that higher American orientations were generally associated with higher
      expressivity. Although parents' self-reported expressivity was only related to
      their own reports of children's regulation, parents' observed emotional
      expression was related to both parents' and teachers' reports of children's
      regulation. These results suggest that self-reported expressivity and observed
      emotional expression reflect different constructs and have differential relations
      to parents' cultural orientations and children's regulation.

PMID- 25133413
TI  - A randomized controlled trial to promote volunteering in older adults.
AB  - Volunteering is presumed to confer health benefits, but interventions to
      encourage older adults to volunteer are sparse. Therefore, a randomized
      controlled trial with 280 community-dwelling older German adults was conducted to
      test the effects of a theory-based social-cognitive intervention against a
      passive waiting-list control group and an active control intervention designed to
      motivate physical activity. Self-reports of weekly volunteering minutes were
      assessed at baseline (5 weeks before the intervention) as well as 2 and 6 weeks
      after the intervention. Participants in the treatment group increased their
      weekly volunteering minutes to a greater extent than participants in the control
      groups 6 weeks after the intervention. We conclude that a single, face-to-face
      group session can increase volunteering among older community-dwelling adults.
      However, the effects need some time to unfold because changes in volunteering
      were not apparent 2 weeks after the intervention.

PMID- 25133415
TI  - Longitudinal associations between activity and cognition vary by age, activity
      type, and cognitive domain.
AB  - The demonstration of correlated change is critical to understanding the
      relationship between activity engagement and cognitive functioning in older
      adulthood. Changes in activity have been shown to be related to changes in
      cognition, but little attention has been devoted to how this relationship may
      vary between specific activity types, cognitive domains, and age groups.
      Participants initially aged 65-98 years (M = 77.46 years) from the Australian
      Longitudinal Study of Ageing (n = 1,321) completed measurements of activity
      (i.e., cognitive, group social, one-on-one social, and physical) and cognition
      (i.e., perceptual speed, and immediate and delayed episodic memory) at baseline,
      2, 8, 11, and 15 years later. Bivariate latent growth curve models covarying for
      education, sex, and baseline age and medical conditions revealed multiple
      positive-level relations between activity and cognitive performance, but activity
      level was not related to later cognitive change. Change in perceptual speed over
      15 years was positively associated with change in cognitive activity, and change
      in immediate episodic memory was positively associated with change in one-on-one
      social activity. Old-old adults showed a stronger change-change covariance for
      mentally stimulating activity in relation to perceptual speed than did young-old
      adults. The differentiation by activity type, cognitive domain, and age
      contributes to the growing evidence that there is variation in the way cognitive
      ability at different ages is related to activity.

PMID- 25133414
TI  - Why does placement of persons with Alzheimer's disease into long-term care
      improve caregivers' well-being? Examination of psychological mediators.
AB  - Caregiving for individuals with Alzheimer's disease is associated with chronic
      stress and elevated symptoms of depression. Placement of the care receiver (CR)
      into a long-term care setting may be associated with improved caregiver well
      being; however, the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship are
      unclear. This study evaluated whether decreases in activity restriction and
      increases in personal mastery mediated placement-related reductions in caregiver
      depressive symptoms. In a 5-year longitudinal study of 126 spousal Alzheimer's
      disease caregivers, we used multilevel models to evaluate placement-related
      changes in depressive symptoms (short form of the Center for Epidemiologic
      Studies Depression scale), activity restriction (Activity Restriction Scale), and
      personal mastery (Pearlin Mastery Scale) in 44 caregivers who placed their
      spouses into long-term care relative to caregivers who never placed their CRs.
      The Monte Carlo method for assessing mediation was used to evaluate the
      significance of the indirect effect of activity restriction and personal mastery
      on postplacement changes in depressive symptoms. Placement of the CR was
      associated with significant reductions in depressive symptoms and activity
      restriction and was also associated with increased personal mastery. Lower
      activity restriction and higher personal mastery were associated with reduced
      depressive symptoms. Furthermore, both variables significantly mediated the
      effect of placement on depressive symptoms. Placement-related reductions in
      activity restriction and increases in personal mastery are important
      psychological factors that help explain postplacement reductions in depressive
      symptoms. The implications for clinical care provided to caregivers are
      discussed.

PMID- 25133416
TI  - Aerobic Fitness Indices of Children Differed Not by Body Weight Status but by
      Level of Engagement in Physical Activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) improves aerobic
      fitness in children, which is usually assessed by maximal oxygen consumption.
      However, other indices of aerobic fitness have been understudied. OBJECTIVE: To
      compare net oxygen (VO2net), net energy consumption (Enet), net mechanical
      efficiency (MEnet), and lipid oxidation rate in active and inactive children
      across body weight statuses. DESIGN: The sample included normal-weight,
      overweight, and obese children of whom 44 are active (>=30 min of MVPA/d) and 41
      are inactive (<30 min of MVPA/d). VO2net, Enet, MEnet and lipid oxidation rate
      were determined during an incremental maximal cycling test. RESULTS: Active obese
      participants had significantly lower values of VO2net and Enet and higher MEnet
      than inactive obese participants at all load stages. In addition, active obese
      participants showed a significantly higher lipid oxidation rate compared with
      inactive obese and active overweight and normal-weight participants. VO2net,
      Enet, and MEnet were similar across active children, regardless of body weight
      status. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty minutes or more of MVPA per day is associated with a
      potentiation of aerobic fitness indicators in obese prepubertal children.
      Moreover, the indices of aerobic fitness of inactive obese children are
      significantly different from those of active obese and nonobese ones.

PMID- 25133418
TI  - IL-1beta inhibition in autoimmune inner ear disease: can you hear me now?
AB  - Clinical vignette: A 51-year-old man with right-sided sudden hearing loss
      presents to the otology clinic. He has a 4-year history of episodic vertigo of
      several hours' duration and fluctuating, progressive sensorineural hearing loss
      in his left ear. The vertigo attacks have not occurred for the last 18 months,
      and the left ear hearing is consistently poor. The patient's right ear hearing
      has dropped in the last 36 hours. MRI imaging of brain and temporal bone are
      normal. A 2-week "burst and taper" of oral prednisone is administered with no
      effect. Over the next 3 months, serial audiograms show rapidly progressive loss
      of threshold and word recognition scores on the right side. A trial of high-dose
      prednisone (60 mg/d for 30 days) results in full recovery of the right ear
      hearing and substantial improvement in the left ear. As the prednisone dose is
      slowly tapered over several months, the hearing drops again. 

PMID- 25133419
TI  - Too much of a good thing: immunodeficiency due to hyperactive PI3K signaling.
AB  - Primary immune deficiency diseases arise due to heritable defects that often
      involve signaling molecules required for immune cell function. Typically, these
      genetic defects cause loss of gene function, resulting in primary immune
      deficiencies such as severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) and X-linked
      agammaglobulinemia (XLA); however, gain-of-function mutations may also promote
      immune deficiency. In this issue of the JCI, Deau et al. establish that gain-of
      function mutations in PIK3R1, which encodes the p85alpha regulatory subunit of
      class IA PI3Ks, lead to immunodeficiency. These observations are consistent with
      previous reports that hyperactivating mutations in PIK3CD, which encodes the
      p110delta catalytic subunit, are capable of promoting immune deficiency.
      Mutations that reduce PI3K activity also result in defective lymphocyte
      development and function; therefore, these findings support the notion that too
      little or too much PI3K activity leads to immunodeficiency. 

PMID- 25133417
TI  - Providers' perspectives regarding the development of a web-based depression
      intervention for Latina/o youth.
AB  - Latina/o youth appear to be at significant risk for depression and, of concern,
      is the high underutilization of mental health services observed in this
      population. There is a tremendous need for novel intervention methods to better
      serve the unique needs of this population. This article describes the development
      of Rise Above (Siempre Sale el Sol), a Web-based, self-help, depression
      intervention for Latina/o adolescents funded by the National Institute of Mental
      Health. We applied a cultural adaptation model to an evidence-based depression
      treatment to reduce potential service barriers and increase the relevance and
      potential efficacy of the intervention for Latina/o youth. We conducted thematic
      interviews with 32 national experts to obtain feedback that would inform our
      application of the cultural adaptation model, the potential efficacy of the
      intervention, and the feasibility of implementation. Future directions for the
      evaluation of Rise Above (Siempre Sale el Sol) are described.

PMID- 25133420
TI  - Play down protein to play up metabolism?
AB  - Who among us hasn't fantasized about a diet that allows ingestion of a surfeit of
      calories that are burned off effortlessly by ramping up energy expenditure? In
      this issue of the JCI, research led by Christopher Morrison suggests that this
      dream may become a reality; however, a complete understanding of the molecular
      interface that connects nutrient choices with our cellular metabolism will be
      required. Laeger et al. show that the expression and secretion of the weight
      reducing hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is regulated by dietary
      proteins and not, as has been heretofore assumed, simply triggered by reduced
      caloric intake. This study not only sheds new light on the role of FGF21 in
      systems metabolism, but also on the ways our bodies cope with the ever-changing
      availability of different dietary macronutrients. 

PMID- 25133421
TI  - Healing the injured vessel wall using microRNA-facilitated gene delivery.
AB  - Drug-eluting stents have emerged as potent weapons in the treatment of patients
      with symptomatic coronary artery disease by reducing restenosis rates; however, a
      significant clinical consequence of these stents is delayed reendothelialization,
      which may increase the risk of late stent thrombosis. In this issue of the JCI,
      Santulli and colleagues generated an adenovirus that expresses the cyclin
      dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1) (p27) and bears four tandem copies of target
      sequences for the endothelial cell-enriched microRNA (miRNA) miR-126-3p (Ad-p27
      126TS) in an attempt to specifically reduce proliferation of vascular smooth
      muscle cells, but not endothelial cells. Indeed, delivery of Ad-p27-126TS to
      balloon-injured arteries in rats not only induced faster and more complete
      reendothelialization, but also effectively improved neointimal hyperplasia,
      hypercoagulability, and vasoreactivity. Collectively, these findings provide a
      cogent foundation for the potential therapeutic use of miRNA-facilitated gene
      delivery strategies to heal vessel wall injury.

PMID- 25133422
TI  - "RAS"ling beta cells to proliferate for diabetes: why do we need MEN?
AB  - Adult human pancreatic beta cells are refractory to current therapeutic
      approaches to enhance proliferation. This reluctance to expand is problematic,
      especially for people with diabetes who lack sufficient numbers of functional
      insulin-producing beta cells and could therefore benefit from therapies for beta
      cell expansion. In this issue of the JCI, Chamberlain et al. describe a
      surprising series of observations that involve two downstream arms of the RAS
      signaling pathway, MAPK and RASSF proteins, which also involve the tumor
      suppressor menin. The findings of this study may help explain the difficulty of
      inducing beta cell proliferation and may provide leads for therapeutic expansion
      of human beta cells. 

PMID- 25133423
TI  - Inflammatory lymphangiogenesis in postpartum breast tissue remodeling.
AB  - Like many cancers, mammary carcinomas use lymphatic vessels to disseminate, and
      numerous clinical and experimental studies have documented a strong correlation
      between peritumoral lymphangiogenesis and tumor dissemination. At the same time,
      many other factors can affect the incidence, invasiveness, and mortality of
      breast cancer, including lactation history. Although lactation reduces overall
      cancer risk, patients diagnosed within 5 years of pregnancy have an increased
      incidence of metastatic disease. In this issue of the JCI, Lyons and colleagues
      demonstrate that postpartum breast tissue remodeling during involution coincides
      with inflammatory lymphangiogenesis. In mouse models, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
      inhibition during involution reduced the risk of cancer metastasis and correlated
      with decreased lymphangiogenesis. In addition to lymphangiogenesis, COX-2
      inhibition reduces many of the immune-suppressive features of the tumor
      microenvironment, including development of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and
      regulatory T cells; therefore, these results support the notion that inhibiting
      COX-2 during lactation weaning may lessen the incidence of breast cancer
      metastasis. 

PMID- 25133424
TI  - Menin determines K-RAS proliferative outputs in endocrine cells.
AB  - Endocrine cell proliferation fluctuates dramatically in response to signals that
      communicate hormone demand. The genetic alterations that override these controls
      in endocrine tumors often are not associated with oncogenes common to other tumor
      types, suggesting that unique pathways govern endocrine proliferation. Within the
      pancreas, for example, activating mutations of the prototypical oncogene KRAS
      drive proliferation in all pancreatic ductal adenocarcimomas but are never found
      in pancreatic endocrine tumors. Therefore, we asked how cellular context impacts
      K-RAS signaling. We found that K-RAS paradoxically suppressed, rather than
      promoted, growth in pancreatic endocrine cells. Inhibition of proliferation by K
      RAS depended on antiproliferative RAS effector RASSF1A and blockade of the RAS
      activated proproliferative RAF/MAPK pathway by tumor suppressor menin. Consistent
      with this model, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) agonist, which stimulates
      ERK1/2 phosphorylation, did not affect endocrine cell proliferation by itself,
      but synergistically enhanced proliferation when combined with a menin inhibitor.
      In contrast, inhibition of MAPK signaling created a synthetic lethal interaction
      in the setting of menin loss. These insights suggest potential strategies both
      for regenerating pancreatic beta cells for people with diabetes and for targeting
      menin-sensitive endocrine tumors. 

PMID- 25133425
TI  - Periderm prevents pathological epithelial adhesions during embryogenesis.
AB  - Appropriate development of stratified, squamous, keratinizing epithelia, such as
      the epidermis and oral epithelia, generates an outer protective permeability
      barrier that prevents water loss, entry of toxins, and microbial invasion. During
      embryogenesis, the immature ectoderm initially consists of a single layer of
      undifferentiated, cuboidal epithelial cells that stratifies to produce an outer
      layer of flattened periderm cells of unknown function. Here, we determined that
      periderm cells form in a distinct pattern early in embryogenesis, exhibit highly
      polarized expression of adhesion complexes, and are shed from the outer surface
      of the embryo late in development. Mice carrying loss-of-function mutations in
      the genes encoding IFN regulatory factor 6 (IRF6), IkappaB kinase-alpha
      (IKKalpha), and stratifin (SFN) exhibit abnormal epidermal development, and we
      determined that mutant animals exhibit dysfunctional periderm formation,
      resulting in abnormal intracellular adhesions. Furthermore, tissue from a fetus
      with cocoon syndrome, a lethal disorder that results from a nonsense mutation in
      IKKA, revealed an absence of periderm. Together, these data indicate that
      periderm plays a transient but fundamental role during embryogenesis by acting as
      a protective barrier that prevents pathological adhesion between immature,
      adhesion-competent epithelia. Furthermore, this study suggests that failure of
      periderm formation underlies a series of devastating birth defects, including
      popliteal pterygium syndrome, cocoon syndrome, and Bartsocas-Papas syndrome. 

PMID- 25133426
TI  - Cyclooxygenase-2-dependent lymphangiogenesis promotes nodal metastasis of
      postpartum breast cancer.
AB  - Breast involution following pregnancy has been implicated in the high rates of
      metastasis observed in postpartum breast cancers; however, it is not clear how
      this remodeling process promotes metastasis. Here, we demonstrate that human
      postpartum breast cancers have increased peritumor lymphatic vessel density that
      correlates with increased frequency of lymph node metastases. Moreover, lymphatic
      vessel density was increased in normal postpartum breast tissue compared with
      tissue from nulliparous women. In rodents, mammary lymphangiogenesis was
      upregulated during weaning-induced mammary gland involution. Furthermore, breast
      cancer cells exposed to the involuting mammary microenvironment acquired
      prolymphangiogenic properties that contributed to peritumor lymphatic expansion,
      tumor size, invasion, and distant metastases. Finally, in rodent models of
      postpartum breast cancer, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition during the
      involution window decreased normal mammary gland lymphangiogenesis, mammary tumor
      associated lymphangiogenesis, tumor cell invasion into lymphatics, and
      metastasis. Our data indicate that physiologic COX-2-dependent lymphangiogenesis
      occurs in the postpartum mammary gland and suggest that tumors within this
      mammary microenvironment acquire enhanced prolymphangiogenic activity. Further,
      our results suggest that the prolymphangiogenic microenvironment of the
      postpartum mammary gland has potential as a target to inhibit metastasis and
      suggest that further study of the therapeutic efficacy of COX-2 inhibitors in
      postpartum breast cancer is warranted. 

PMID- 25133428
TI  - A human immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the PIK3R1 gene.
AB  - Recently, patient mutations that activate PI3K signaling have been linked to a
      primary antibody deficiency. Here, we used whole-exome sequencing and
      characterized the molecular defects in 4 patients from 3 unrelated families
      diagnosed with hypogammaglobulinemia and recurrent infections. We identified 2
      different heterozygous splice site mutations that affect the same splice site in
      PIK3R1, which encodes the p85alpha subunit of PI3K. The resulting deletion of
      exon 10 produced a shortened p85alpha protein that lacks part of the PI3K p110
      binding domain. The hypothetical loss of p85alpha-mediated inhibition of p110
      activity was supported by elevated phosphorylation of the known downstream
      signaling kinase AKT in patient T cell blasts. Analysis of patient blood revealed
      that naive T and memory B cell counts were low, and T cell blasts displayed
      enhanced activation-induced cell death, which was corrected by addition of the
      PI3Kdelta inhibitor IC87114. Furthermore, B lymphocytes proliferated weakly in
      response to activation via the B cell receptor and TLR9, indicating a B cell
      defect. The phenotype exhibited by patients carrying the PIK3R1 splice site
      mutation is similar to that of patients carrying gain-of-function mutations in
      PIK3CD. Our results suggest that PI3K activity is tightly regulated in T and B
      lymphocytes and that various defects in the PI3K-triggered pathway can cause
      primary immunodeficiencies. 

PMID- 25133427
TI  - FGF21 is an endocrine signal of protein restriction.
AB  - Enhanced fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) production and circulation has been
      linked to the metabolic adaptation to starvation. Here, we demonstrated that
      hepatic FGF21 expression is induced by dietary protein restriction, but not
      energy restriction. Circulating FGF21 was increased 10-fold in mice and rats fed
      a low-protein (LP) diet. In these animals, liver Fgf21 expression was increased
      within 24 hours of reduced protein intake. In humans, circulating FGF21 levels
      increased dramatically following 28 days on a LP diet. LP-induced increases in
      FGF21 were associated with increased phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation
      factor 2alpha (eIF2alpha) in the liver, and both baseline and LP-induced serum
      FGF21 levels were reduced in mice lacking the eIF2alpha kinase general control
      nonderepressible 2 (GCN2). Finally, while protein restriction altered food
      intake, energy expenditure, and body weight gain in WT mice, FGF21-deficient
      animals did not exhibit these changes in response to a LP diet. These and other
      data demonstrate that reduced protein intake underlies the increase in
      circulating FGF21 in response to starvation and a ketogenic diet and that FGF21
      is required for behavioral and metabolic responses to protein restriction. FGF21
      therefore represents an endocrine signal of protein restriction, which acts to
      coordinate metabolism and growth during periods of reduced protein intake. 

PMID- 25133429
TI  - PAX7 expression defines germline stem cells in the adult testis.
AB  - Spermatogenesis is a complex, multistep process that maintains male fertility and
      is sustained by rare germline stem cells. Spermatogenic progression begins with
      spermatogonia, populations of which express distinct markers. The identity of the
      spermatogonial stem cell population in the undisturbed testis is controversial
      due to a lack of reliable and specific markers. Here we identified the
      transcription factor PAX7 as a specific marker of a rare subpopulation of
      A(single) spermatogonia in mice. PAX7+ cells were present in the testis at birth.
      Compared with the adult testis, PAX7+ cells constituted a much higher percentage
      of neonatal germ cells. Lineage tracing in healthy adult mice revealed that PAX7+
      spermatogonia self-maintained and produced expanding clones that gave rise to
      mature spermatozoa. Interestingly, in mice subjected to chemotherapy and
      radiotherapy, both of which damage the vast majority of germ cells and can result
      in sterility, PAX7+ spermatogonia selectively survived, and their subsequent
      expansion contributed to the recovery of spermatogenesis. Finally, PAX7+
      spermatogonia were present in the testes of a diverse set of mammals. Our data
      indicate that the PAX7+ subset of A(single) spermatogonia functions as robust
      testis stem cells that maintain fertility in normal spermatogenesis in healthy
      mice and mediate recovery after severe germline injury, such as occurs after
      cancer therapy.

PMID- 25133432
TI  - Histologic features mimicking mycosis fungoides induced by imiquimod, 5%: a
      potential pitfall for dermatopathologists.

PMID- 25133430
TI  - A selective microRNA-based strategy inhibits restenosis while preserving
      endothelial function.
AB  - Drugs currently approved to coat stents used in percutaneous coronary
      interventions do not discriminate between proliferating vascular smooth muscle
      cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). This lack of discrimination delays
      reendothelialization and vascular healing, increasing the risk of late thrombosis
      following angioplasty. We developed a microRNA-based (miRNA-based) approach to
      inhibit proliferative VSMCs, thus preventing restenosis, while selectively
      promoting reendothelialization and preserving EC function. We used an adenoviral
      (Ad) vector that encodes cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1) (p27) with
      target sequences for EC-specific miR-126-3p at the 3' end (Ad-p27-126TS).
      Exogenous p27 overexpression was evaluated in vitro and in a rat arterial balloon
      injury model following transduction with Ad-p27-126TS, Ad-p27 (without miR-126
      target sequences), or Ad-GFP (control). In vitro, Ad-p27-126TS protected the
      ability of ECs to proliferate, migrate, and form networks. At 2 and 4 weeks after
      injury, Ad-p27-126TS-treated animals exhibited reduced restenosis, complete
      reendothelialization, reduced hypercoagulability, and restoration of the
      vasodilatory response to acetylcholine to levels comparable to those in uninjured
      vessels. By incorporating miR-126-3p target sequences to leverage endogenous EC
      specific miR-126, we overexpressed exogenous p27 in VSMCs, while selectively
      inhibiting p27 overexpression in ECs. Our proof-of-principle study demonstrates
      the potential of using a miRNA-based strategy as a therapeutic approach to
      specifically inhibit vascular restenosis while preserving EC function.

PMID- 25133431
TI  - Early efficacy trial of anakinra in corticosteroid-resistant autoimmune inner ear
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is a rare disease that results in
      progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Patients with AIED initially respond to
      corticosteroids; however, many patients become unresponsive to this treatment
      over time, and there is no effective alternative therapy for these individuals.
      METHODS: We performed a phase I/II open-label, single-arm clinical trial of the
      IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra in corticosteroid-resistant AIED patients.
      Given that the etiology of corticosteroid resistance is likely heterogeneous, we
      used a Simon 2-stage design to distinguish between an unacceptable (<=10%) and an
      acceptable (>=30%) response rate to anakinra therapy. Subjects received 100 mg
      anakinra by subcutaneous injection for 84 days, followed by a 180-day
      observational period. RESULTS: Based on patient responses, the Simon 2-stage rule
      permitted premature termination of the trial after 10 subjects completed the 84
      day drug period, as the target efficacy for the entire trial had been achieved.
      Of these 10 patients, 7 demonstrated audiometric improvement, as assessed by pure
      tone average (PTA) and word recognition score (WRS). In these 7 responders,
      reduced IL-1beta plasma levels correlated with clinical response. Upon
      discontinuation of treatment, 3 subjects relapsed, which correlated with
      increased IL-1beta plasma levels. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that IL-1beta
      inhibition in corticosteroid-resistant AIED patients was effective in a small
      cohort of patients and that IL-1beta plasma levels associated with both clinical
      hearing response and disease relapse. These results suggest that a larger phase
      II randomized clinical trial of IL-1beta inhibition is warranted. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01267994. FUNDING: NIH, Merrill & Phoebe
      Goodman Otology Research Center, and Long Island Hearing & Speech Society.

PMID- 25133433
TI  - Ebola hemorrhagic fever in 2014: the tale of an evolving epidemic.

PMID- 25133434
TI  - Patterns of injury, outcomes, and predictors of in-hospital and 1-year mortality
      in nonagenarian and centenarian trauma patients.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: With the dramatic growth in the very old population and their
      concomitant heightened exposure to traumatic injury, the trauma burden among this
      patient population is estimated to be exponentially increasing. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the clinical outcomes and predictors of in-hospital and 1-year
      mortality in nonagenarian and centenarian trauma patients (NCTPs). DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: All patients 90 years or older admitted to a level 1
      academic trauma center between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010, with a
      primary diagnosis of trauma were included. Standard trauma registry data
      variables were supplemented by systematic medical record review. Cumulative
      mortality rates at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge were investigated using
      the Social Security Death Index. Univariate and multivariable analyses were
      performed to identify the predictors of in-hospital and 1-year postdischarge
      cumulative mortalities. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Length of hospital stay, in
      hospital mortality, and cumulative mortalities at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after
      discharge. RESULTS: Four hundred seventy-four NCTPs were included; 71.7% were
      female, and a fall was the predominant mechanism of injury (96.4%). The mean
      patient age was 93 years, the mean Injury Severity Score was 12, and the mean
      number of comorbidities per patient was 4.4. The in-hospital mortality was 9.5%
      but cumulatively escalated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge to 18.5%,
      26.4%, 31.3%, and 40.5%, respectively. Independent predictors of in-hospital
      mortality were the Injury Severity Score (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02
      1.16; P = .01), mechanical ventilation (OR, 6.23; 95% CI, 1.42-27.27; P = .02),
      and cervical spine injury (OR, 4.37; 95% CI, 1.41-13.50; P = .01). Independent
      predictors of cumulative 1-year mortality were head injury (OR, 2.65; 95% CI,
      1.24-5.67; P = .03) and length of hospital stay (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11; P =
      .005). Cumulative 1-year mortality in NCTPs with a head injury was 51.1% and
      increased to 73.2% if the Injury Severity Score was 25 or higher and to 78.7% if
      mechanical ventilation was required. Most NCTPs required rehabilitation; only
      8.9% were discharged to home. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Despite low in-hospital
      mortality, the cumulative mortality rate among NCTPs at 1 year after discharge is
      significant, particularly in the presence of head injury, spine injury,
      mechanical ventilation, high injury severity, or prolonged length of hospital
      stay. These considerations can help guide clinical decisions and family
      discussions.

PMID- 25133435
TI  - Breast cancer risk and use of calcium channel blockers using Swedish population
      registries.

PMID- 25133439
TI  - Demystifying Merkel.

PMID- 25133440
TI  - Divine skin.

PMID- 25133441
TI  - Solving the mystery of Jimmy's red sweat.

PMID- 25133442
TI  - Circulating adiponectin levels and risk of type 2 diabetes in the Japanese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties.
      Prospective studies have consistently shown a lower risk of type 2 diabetes among
      those with higher circulating adiponectin levels. OBJECTIVE: We examined
      prospectively the association between serum adiponectin levels and type 2
      diabetes risk among Japanese workers, taking visceral fat mass into account.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects were 4591 Japanese employees who attended a
      comprehensive health screening in 2008; had biochemical data including serum
      adiponectin; were free of diabetes at baseline; and received health screening in
      2011. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association
      between adiponectin and incidence of diabetes among overall subjects, as well as
      subgroups. Stratified analyses were carried out according to variables including
      visceral fat area (VFA). RESULTS: During 3 years of follow-up, 217 diabetic cases
      were newly identified. Of these, 87% had a prediabetes at baseline. Serum
      adiponectin level was significantly, inversely associated with incidence of
      diabetes, with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) adjusted for age, sex,
      family history, smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity and body mass index
      (BMI) for the lowest through highest quartile of adiponectin of 1 (reference),
      0.79 (0.55-1.12), 0.60 (0.41-0.88) and 0.40 (0.25-0.64), respectively (P-value
      for trend <0.01). This association was materially unchanged with adjustment for
      VFA instead of BMI. After further adjustment for both homeostasis model
      assessment of insulin resistance and hemoglobin A1c, however, the association
      became statistically nonsignificant (P-value for trend=0.18). Risk reduction
      associated with higher adiponectin levels was observed in both participants with
      and without obesity or insulin resistance at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: RESULTS
      suggest that higher levels of circulating adiponectin are associated with a lower
      risk of type 2 diabetes, independently of overall and intra-abdominal fat
      deposition, and that adiponectin may confer a benefit in both persons with and
      without insulin resistance.

PMID- 25133449
TI  - Low serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D is associated with poor clinicopathologic
      characteristics in female patients with papillary thyroid cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D has recently attracted attention because reduced levels are
      associated with the prevalence and aggressiveness of several cancers. This study
      aimed to evaluate the relationship between preoperative serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D
      (25(OH) vitamin D) levels and clinicopathologic characteristics in female
      patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). METHODS: A total of 548 female
      patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for PTC between June 2012 and May 2013
      were included. Blood samples were obtained within two weeks prior to surgery.
      Patients were categorized into four quartiles by preoperative serum 25(OH)
      vitamin D levels. The clinicopathologic features of PTC were analyzed
      retrospectively. RESULTS: Preoperative 25(OH) vitamin D was significantly lower
      in patients with a tumor size of >1 cm (p = 0.041) or lymph node metastasis (LNM;
      p = 0.043). No significant trends in several clinicopathologic features were
      observed in relation to increasing serum vitamin D concentrations except
      decreasing tumor size (p = 0.010). Patients in the second quartile had a greater
      occurrence of T stage 3/4 (odds ratio (OR) 2.03 [confidence interval (CI) 1.19
      3.44]; p = 0.009), LNM (OR 2.03 [CI 1.19-3.44]; p = 0.009), lateral LNM (OR 5.03
      [CI 1.66-15.28]; p = 0.004), and extrathyroidal extension (ETE; OR 1.95 [CI 1.15
      3.29]; p = 0.013) than those in the fourth quartile. Multivariate analysis showed
      that patients in the second quartile had a greater occurrence of T stage 3/4 (OR
      1.89 [CI 1.08-3.30]; p = 0.026), LNM (OR 2.04 [CI 1.20-3.47]; p = 0.009), lateral
      LNM (OR 5.12 [CI 1.68-15.59]; p = 0.004), and ETE (OR 1.81 [CI 1.04-3.15]; p =
      0.036) than those in the fourth quartile. When the subjects were recategorized
      into two groups by median 25(OH) vitamin D levels, those with values below the
      median had a significantly higher risk of T stage 3/4, LNM, lateral LNM, stage
      III/IV, and ETE. All values except ETE sustained significance after adjustment.
      CONCLUSION: Lower preoperative serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels appear to be
      associated with poor clinicopathologic features in female patients with PTC.

PMID- 25133451
TI  - Decalepisarayalpathra (J. Joseph & V. Chandras.) Venter, an endemic and
      endangered ethno medicinal plant from Western Ghats, India.
AB  - Decalepis arayalpatra is an endemic and critically endangered plant of India. May
      2014 issue of Natural Products Research publishes the findings of R. S. Verma et
      al. on the chemical composition of D. arayalpatra. This study was conducted to
      characterise the root aroma of this plant for possible industrial applications.
      The authors suggest that due to its peculiar vanilla flavour, the plant could be
      explored as a potential substitute of vanillin-aroma in the flavour industry.
      Owing to the fact that D. arayalpatra is a critically endangered plant species,
      and its habitat is now limited to only the protected areas and reserve forest in
      southern part of India, and that collecting any plant from such reserve forests
      for commercial activities is illegal as per the law of the country, this specific
      conclusion of the authors is totally un-substantiated by the law of land, hence,
      calls for further review. 

PMID- 25133450
TI  - Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] leaf sheath dye protects against cisplatin
      induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats.
AB  - This study sought to determine the protective effect of dietary inclusion of
      sorghum leaf sheath dye on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress
      in rats. Adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups with six animals
      in each group. Groups I and II were fed a basal diet, while groups III and IV
      were fed diets containing 0.5% and 1% sorghum leaf sheath dye, respectively, for
      20 days before cisplatin administration. Hepatotoxicity was induced by a single
      dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg body weight, i.p.), and the experiment was terminated
      at 3 days after cisplatin injection. The liver and plasma were studied for
      hepatotoxicity and antioxidant capacity. Cisplatin caused a significant (P<.05)
      alteration in plasma and liver enzymatic (catalase, glutathione-S-transferase
      [GST], and superoxide dismutase [SOD]) and nonenzymatic (glutathione [GSH] and
      vitamin C) antioxidant indices with a concomitant increase in the malondialdehyde
      (MDA) content; however, there was a significant (P<.05) restoration of the
      antioxidant status coupled with a significant (P<.05) decrease in the tissue MDA
      content, after consumption of diets containing sorghum leaf sheath dye.
      Furthermore, dietary inclusion of sorghum leaf sheath dye caused a marked
      reduction in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate
      aminotransferase after cisplatin administration. However, the ability of the dye
      to prevent significant cisplatin-induced alteration of both plasma and liver
      antioxidant indices suggests an antioxidant mechanism of action. Hence, this
      protective effect of Sorghum bicolor leaf sheath dye against cisplatin-induced
      hepatotoxicity in rats reflects its potential and beneficial role in the
      prevention of liver damage associated with cisplatin administration.

PMID- 25133452
TI  - Actinomycotic mastoiditis complicated by sigmoid sinus thrombosis and
      labyrinthine fistula.
AB  - Actinomyces is a rare pathogen that can be the cause of infections in the
      digestive and urinary tracts, skin, genitalia, and lungs, which generally have an
      indolent clinical course. However, in some cases these can be locally destructive
      and become generalized infections. Actinomyces has been previously implicated in
      infections of the middle ear, nasopharynx, and sinuses, occasionally causing
      complications such as chronic mastoiditis. Here we describe the case of a 10-year
      old-male presenting with nausea, vomiting, and headache who developed
      intracranial complications of actinomycotic mastoiditis. 

PMID- 25133455
TI  - Effectiveness of electronic stability control on single-vehicle accidents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness of electronic
      stability control (ESC) on single-vehicle injury accidents while controlling for
      a number of confounders influencing the accident risk. METHODS: Using police
      registered injury accidents from 2004 to 2011 in Denmark with cars manufactured
      in the period 1998 to 2011 and the principle of induced exposure, 2 measures of
      the effectiveness of ESC were calculated: The crude odds ratio and the adjusted
      odds ratio, the latter by means of logistic regression. The logistic regression
      controlled for a number of confounding factors, of which the following were
      significant. For the driver: Age, gender, driving experience, valid driving
      license, and seat belt use. For the vehicle: Year of registration, weight, and
      ESC. For the accident surroundings: Visibility, light, and location. Finally, for
      the road: Speed limit, surface, and section characteristics. RESULTS: The present
      study calculated the crude odds ratio for ESC-equipped cars of getting in a
      single-vehicle injury accident as 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.47)
      and the adjusted odds ratio as 0.69 (95% CI, 0.54-0.88). No difference was found
      in the effectiveness of ESC across the injury severity categories (slight,
      severe, and fatal). CONCLUSIONS: In line with previous results, this study
      concludes that ESC reduces the risk for single-vehicle injury accidents by 31%
      when controlling for various confounding factors related to the driver, the car,
      and the accident surroundings. Furthermore, it is concluded that it is important
      to control for human factors (at a minimum age and gender) in analyses where
      evaluations of this type are performed.

PMID- 25133456
TI  - Metadata checklist: identification of CHI3L1 and MASP2 as a biomarker pair for
      liver cancer through integrative secretome and transcriptome analysis.

PMID- 25133457
TI  - Detection of Salmonella bacterium in drinking water using microring resonator.
AB  - A new microring resonator system is proposed for the detection of the Salmonella
      bacterium in drinking water, which is made up of SiO2-TiO2 waveguide embedded
      inside thin film layer of the flagellin. The change in refractive index due to
      the binding of the Salmonella bacterium with flagellin layer causes a shift in
      the output signal wavelength and the variation in through and drop port's
      intensities, which leads to the detection of Salmonella bacterium in drinking
      water. The sensitivity of proposed sensor for detecting of Salmonella bacterium
      in water solution is 149 nm/RIU and the limit of detection is 7 * 10(-4)RIU.

PMID- 25133458
TI  - Estimated medical cost reductions associated with use of novel oral
      anticoagulants vs warfarin in a real-world non-valvular atrial fibrillation
      patient population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: RESULTS of randomized clinical trials (RCT) demonstrate that novel
      oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are effective therapies for reducing the risk of
      stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Prior medical cost avoidance
      studies have used warfarin event rates from RCTs, which may differ from patients
      receiving treatment in a real-world (RW) setting, where the quality of care may
      not be the same as in a RCT. The purpose of this study was to estimate the change
      in medical costs related to stroke and major bleeding for each NOAC (apixaban,
      dabigatran, and rivoraxaban) relative to warfarin in a RW NVAF population.
      METHODS: Patients (n = 23,525) with a diagnosis of NVAF during 2007-2010 were
      selected from a Medco population of US health plans. Stroke and major bleeding
      excluding intracranial hemorrhage (MBEIH) events were identified using diagnosis
      codes on medical claims. RW reference event rates were calculated during periods
      of warfarin exposure. RW event rates for NOACs were estimated by multiplying the
      corresponding relative risk (RR) from the RCTs by each reference rate. Absolute
      risk reductions (ARR) or number of events avoided per patient year were then
      estimated. Changes in medical costs associated with each NOAC were calculated by
      applying the ARR to the 1-year cost for each event. Costs for stroke and MBEIH
      were obtained from the literature. Drug and international normalized ratio
      monitoring costs were not considered in this analysis. RESULTS: Compared to RW
      warfarin, use of apixaban and dabigatran resulted in total (stroke plus MBEIH)
      medical cost reductions of $1245 and $555, respectively, during a patient year.
      Rivaroxaban resulted in a medical cost increase of $144. CONCLUSIONS: If relative
      risk reductions demonstrated in RCTs persist in a RW setting, apixaban would
      confer the greatest medical cost savings vs warfarin, resulting from
      significantly lower rates of both stroke and MBEIH.

PMID- 25133459
TI  - Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-2-restructured form (MMPI-2-RF)
      predictors of violating probation after felonious crimes.
AB  - We compared Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI
      2-RF) scores of 25 individuals convicted of felonies who violated probation
      within 1 year of sentencing with those of 45 similarly sentenced defendants who
      completed probation successfully. The sample (51 males, 19 females) ranged in age
      from 18 to 81 years (M = 35.2, SD = 13.8) and had 8 to 16 years of education (M =
      11.7, SD = 2.1). The majority were Caucasian (85.7%), but African Americans were
      also represented (14.3%). Individuals in the sample were primarily convicted of
      mid-level felonies (F-1: 2.9%; F-2: 14.3%; F-3: 22.9%; F-4: 31.4%; F-5: 12.9%).
      As hypothesized, moderate to large statistically significant differences between
      probation completers and violators were found on several MMPI-2-RF scales,
      including Behavioral/Externalizing Dysfunction, Antisocial Behavior, Juvenile
      Conduct Problems, Substance Abuse, Aggression, Activation, and Disconstraint.
      Relative risk ratio analyses indicated that probationers who produced elevated
      scores on these scales were up to 3 times more likely to violate probation than
      were those with non-elevated scores. Implications of these results and
      limitations of our findings are discussed.

PMID- 25133460
TI  - Measurement of math beliefs and their associations with math behaviors in college
      students.
AB  - Our purpose in the present study was to expand understanding of math beliefs in
      college students by developing 3 new psychometrically tested scales as guided by
      expectancy-value theory, self-efficacy theory, and health belief model.
      Additionally, we identified which math beliefs (and which theory) best explained
      variance in math behaviors and performance by college students and which students
      were most likely to have problematic math beliefs. Study participants included
      368 college math students who completed questionnaires to report math behaviors
      (attending class, doing homework, reading textbooks, asking for help) and used a
      5-point rating scale to indicate a variety of math beliefs. For a subset of 84
      students, math professors provided final math grades. Factor analyses produced a
      10-item Math Value Scale with 2 subscales (Class Devaluation, No Future Value), a
      7-item single-dimension Math Confidence Scale, and an 11-item Math Barriers Scale
      with 2 subscales (Math Anxiety, Discouraging Words). Hierarchical multiple
      regression revealed that high levels of the newly discovered class devaluation
      belief (guided by expectancy-value theory) were most consistently associated with
      poor math behaviors in college students, with high math anxiety (guided by health
      belief model) and low math confidence (guided by self-efficacy theory) also found
      to be significant. Analyses of covariance revealed that younger and male students
      were at increased risk for class devaluation and older students were at increased
      risk for poor math confidence.

PMID- 25133461
TI  - Examining the validity of the Homework Performance Questionnaire: Multi-informant
      assessment in elementary and middle school.
AB  - Methods for measuring homework performance have been limited primarily to parent
      reports of homework deficits. The Homework Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) was
      developed to assess the homework functioning of students in Grades 1 to 8 from
      the perspective of both teachers and parents. The purpose of this study was to
      examine the factorial validity of teacher and parent versions of this scale, and
      to evaluate gender and grade-level differences in factor scores. The HPQ was
      administered in 4 states from varying regions of the United States. The
      validation sample consisted of students (n = 511) for whom both parent and
      teacher ratings were obtained (52% female, mean of 9.5 years of age, 79% non
      Hispanic, and 78% White). The cross-validation sample included 1,450 parent
      ratings and 166 teacher ratings with similar demographic characteristics. The
      results of confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the best-fitting model
      for teachers was a bifactor solution including a general factor and 2 orthogonal
      factors, referring to student self-regulation and competence. The best-fitting
      model for parents was also a bifactor solution, including a general factor and 3
      orthogonal factors, referring to student self-regulation, student competence, and
      teacher support of homework. Gender differences were identified for the general
      and self-regulation factors of both versions. Overall, the findings provide
      strong support for the HPQ as a multi-informant, multidimensional measure of
      homework performance that has utility for the assessment of elementary and middle
      school students.

PMID- 25133462
TI  - Measuring annual growth using written expression curriculum-based measurement: An
      examination of seasonal and gender differences.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine annual growth patterns and gender
      differences in written expression curriculum-based measurement (WE-CBM) when used
      in the context of universal screening. Students in second through fifth grade (n
      = 672) from 2 elementary schools that used WE-CBM as a universal screener
      participated in the study. Student writing samples were scored for production
      dependent, production-independent, and accurate-production indicators. Results of
      latent growth models indicate that for most WE-CBM outcome indicators across most
      grade levels, average growth was curvilinear, with increasing curvilinearity on
      all indicators as grade level increased. Evidence of gender differences was mixed
      with girls having higher initial scores on all WE-CBM indicators except for total
      words written (second and third grades), correct minus incorrect writing
      sequences (fourth grade only), and percent correct writing sequences (second
      fourth grades) where differences were not statistically significant. Despite
      differences in initial level, there were few gender differences in growth and
      limited overall between-student variability in linear slope. The results of this
      study extend research on annual patterns of growth and gender differences in WE
      CBM by analyzing all 3 types of WE-CBM indicators, including upper elementary
      grades, and assessing skills more frequently (i.e., 4 to 5 times in 1 year) than
      in prior research on annual growth. The findings have implications for universal
      screening in WE-CBM and for understanding gender differences in writing
      performance.

PMID- 25133463
TI  - The role of odors and ultrasonic vocalizations in female rat (Rattus norvegicus)
      partner choice.
AB  - Intrasexual competition for access to a female mate is believed to be unusual in
      wild male rats, which suggests that female choosiness could be more important. It
      has been shown that females spend more time with one male than with others when
      tested in a multiple partner paradigm. The male of first entry is visited most.
      The role of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and male odors in the female rat's
      initial choice to approach one male instead of another are studied in these
      experiments. In Experiment 1, female rats were allowed to choose between 3
      different intact males, whereas in Experiment 2, females could choose between a
      devocalized male and 2 intact males. Both experiments started with a 15-min
      period with inaccessible males followed by a 15-min period with accessible males
      in which the female could copulate with the males of her choice. The results
      showed that female rats spent more time with the male of first entry over the
      males visited subsequently. No differences were found in USV subtype patterns
      emitted by the different males or the time spent sniffing the different males in
      the period preceding the choice. In addition, the results of Experiment 2 showed
      that females visited the silent males as much as the vocalizing males. Thus, the
      present experiments did not offer any evidence suggesting that USVs or individual
      differences in male odors play any role in female mate choice. Other factors that
      were not investigated in this study might be involved in female rat mate
      selection, but it should also be considered that mate selection could be random.

PMID- 25133464
TI  - Do primates see the solitaire illusion differently? A comparative assessment of
      humans (Homo sapiens), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), rhesus monkeys (Macaca
      mulatta), and capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella).
AB  - An important question in comparative psychology is whether human and nonhuman
      animals share similar principles of perceptual organization. Despite much
      empirical research, no firm conclusion has been drawn. The Solitaire illusion is
      a numerosity illusion in humans that occurs when one misperceives the relative
      number of 2 types of items presented in intermingled sets. To date, no study has
      investigated whether nonhuman animals perceive the Solitaire illusion as humans
      do. Here, we compared the perception of the Solitaire illusion in human and
      nonhuman primates in 3 experiments. We first observed (Experiment 1) the
      spontaneous behavior of chimpanzees when presented with 2 arrays composed of a
      different number of preferred and nonpreferred food items. In probe trials,
      preferred items were presented in the Solitaire pattern in 2 different spatial
      arrangements (either clustered centrally or distributed on the perimeter).
      Chimpanzees did not show any misperception of quantity in the Solitaire pattern.
      Next, humans, chimpanzees, rhesus monkeys, and capuchin monkeys underwent the
      same testing of relative quantity judgments in a computerized task that also
      presented the Solitaire illusion (Experiments 2 and 3). Unlike humans,
      chimpanzees did not appear to perceive the illusion, in agreement with Experiment
      1. The performance of rhesus monkeys and capuchin monkeys was also different from
      that of humans, but was slightly more indicative of a potential Solitaire
      illusion. On the whole, our results suggest a potential discontinuity in the
      visual mechanisms underlying the Solitaire illusion between human and nonhuman
      primates.

PMID- 25133465
TI  - Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) instrumentally help but do not communicate in a
      mutualistic cooperative task.
AB  - Chimpanzees cooperate in a variety of contexts, but communicating to influence
      and regulate cooperative activities is rare. It is unclear whether this reflects
      chimpanzees' general inability or whether they have found other means to
      coordinate cooperative activities. In the present study chimpanzees could help a
      partner play her role in a mutually beneficial food-retrieval task either by
      transferring a needed tool (transfer condition) or by visually or acoustically
      communicating the hiding-location of the needed tool (communication condition).
      Overall, chimpanzees readily helped their partner by delivering the needed tool,
      but none of them communicated the hiding location of the tool to their partner
      reliably across trials. These results demonstrate that although chimpanzees can
      coordinate their cooperative activities by instrumentally helping their partner
      in her role, they do not readily use communication with their partner for this
      same end.

PMID- 25133466
TI  - Discrimination of holograms and real objects by pigeons (Columba livia) and
      humans (Homo sapiens).
AB  - The type of stimulus material employed in visual tasks is crucial to all
      comparative cognition research that involves object recognition. There is
      considerable controversy about the use of 2-dimensional stimuli and the impact
      that the lack of the 3rd dimension (i.e., depth) may have on animals' performance
      in tests for their visual and cognitive abilities. We report evidence of
      discrimination learning using a completely novel type of stimuli, namely,
      holograms. Like real objects, holograms provide full 3-dimensional shape
      information but they also offer many possibilities for systematically modifying
      the appearance of a stimulus. Hence, they provide a promising means for
      investigating visual perception and cognition of different species in a
      comparative way. We trained pigeons and humans to discriminate either between 2
      real objects or between holograms of the same 2 objects, and we subsequently
      tested both species for the transfer of discrimination to the other presentation
      mode. The lack of any decrements in accuracy suggests that real objects and
      holograms were perceived as equivalent in both species and shows the general
      appropriateness of holograms as stimuli in visual tasks. A follow-up experiment
      involving the presentation of novel views of the training objects and holograms
      revealed some interspecies differences in rotational invariance, thereby
      confirming and extending the results of previous studies. Taken together, these
      results suggest that holograms may not only provide a promising tool for
      investigating yet unexplored issues, but their use may also lead to novel
      insights into some crucial aspects of comparative visual perception and
      categorization.

PMID- 25133467
TI  - Partner attractiveness moderates the relationship between number of sexual rivals
      and in-pair copulation frequency in humans (Homo sapiens).
AB  - Nonhuman males attend to the number of potential sexual rivals in the local
      environment to assess sperm competition risk. Males of these species sometimes
      perform more frequent in-pair copulations to increase the likelihood of success
      in sperm competition. Here, we extend this research to humans, Homo sapiens. We
      secured self-report data from 393 men in a committed, sexual, heterosexual
      relationship. The results indicate that men whose in-pair partner has more male
      coworkers and friends (i.e., potential sexual rivals) also perform more frequent
      in-pair copulations, but only among men who perceive their partner to be
      particularly attractive relative to assessments of partners by other men in the
      sample. This research is the first to empirically investigate the number of
      potential male rivals in the local environment as a cue to sperm competition risk
      in humans. Discussion addresses limitations of the current research and
      highlights directions for future research.

PMID- 25133468
TI  - Novel perspectives on arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy: pathophysiology,
      clinical manifestations and an update on invasive management strategies.
AB  - Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy is a partially or completely reversible form of
      myocardial dysfunction due to sustained supraventricular and ventricular
      arrhythmias. Asynchrony, rapid cardiac rates and rhythm irregularities are the
      main factors involved in the development of the disease. The reversible nature of
      arrhythmia-induced cardiac dysfunction allows only for a retrospective diagnosis
      of the disease once cardiac function is restored following heart rate control. A
      high level of suspicion is needed to make a diagnosis at an early stage and
      prevent further progression of the disease. Although reversible, arrhythmia
      induced cellular and molecular changes may remain, increasing the risk for sudden
      death even when normal ejection fraction is restored as well as causing rapid
      deterioration of cardiac function and development of heart failure symptoms if
      arrhythmia recurs. Appropriate management based on a combination of pharmacologic
      and nonpharmacologic strategies to achieve rate control and prevent arrhythmia
      recurrence is pivotal to avoid further cardiac function deterioration and to
      control symptoms, significantly reducing the risk of heart failure and sudden
      cardiac death.

PMID- 25133469
TI  - Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and short-term morbidity in patients undergoing
      mastectomy with and without breast reconstruction.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) is increasingly being used in patients
      with breast cancer, and evidence-based reports related to its independent effects
      on morbidity after mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction are limited.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of NC on 30-day postoperative morbidity in
      women undergoing mastectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction.
      DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: All women undergoing mastectomy with or
      without immediate breast reconstruction from January 1, 2005, through December
      31, 2011, at university and private hospitals internationally were analyzed using
      the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
      2005-2011 databases. Patients who received NC were compared with those without a
      history of NC to estimate the relative odds of 30-day postoperative overall,
      systemic, and surgical site morbidity using model-wise multivariable logistic
      regression. EXPOSURE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:
      Thirty-day postoperative morbidity (overall, systemic, and surgical site).
      RESULTS: Of 85,851 women, 66,593 (77.6%) underwent mastectomy without breast
      reconstruction, with 2876 (4.3%) receiving NC; 7893 patients were excluded
      because of missing exposure data. The immediate breast reconstruction population
      included 19,258 patients (22.4%), with 820 (4.3%) receiving NC. After univariable
      analysis, NC was associated with a 20% lower odds of overall morbidity in the
      group undergoing mastectomy without breast reconstruction (odds ratio [OR], 0.80;
      95% CI, 0.71-0.91) but had no significant effect in the immediate breast
      reconstruction group (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.79-1.23). After adjustment for
      confounding, NC was independently associated with lower overall morbidity in the
      group undergoing mastectomy without breast reconstruction (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.51
      0.73) and the immediate tissue expander reconstruction subgroup (OR, 0.49; 95%
      CI, 0.30-0.84). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with decreased odds of
      systemic morbidity in 4 different populations: complete sample (OR, 0.59; 95% CI,
      0.49-0.71), mastectomy without breast reconstruction (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.48
      0.72), any immediate breast reconstruction (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37-0.88), and the
      tissue expander subgroup (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.23-0.72). CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Our study supports the safety of NC in women undergoing mastectomy
      with or without immediate breast reconstruction. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is
      associated with lower overall morbidity in the patients undergoing mastectomy
      without breast reconstruction and in those undergoing tissue expander breast
      reconstruction. In addition, the odds of systemic morbidity were decreased in
      patients undergoing mastectomy with and without immediate breast reconstruction.
      The mechanisms behind the protective association of NC remain unknown and warrant
      further investigation.

PMID- 25133470
TI  - The Association Between Exergaming and Physical Activity in Young Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Compared with traditional nonactive video games, exergaming
      contributes significantly to overall daily physical activity (PA) in experimental
      studies, but the association in observational studies is not clear. METHODS: Data
      were available in the 2011 to 2012 wave of the Nicotine Dependence in Teens
      (NDIT) study (N = 829). Multivariable sex-stratified models assessed the
      association between exergaming (1-3 times per month in the past year) and minutes
      of moderate and vigorous physical activity in the previous week, and the
      association between exergaming and meeting PA recommendations. RESULTS: Compared
      with male exergamers, female exergamers were more likely to believe exergames
      were a good way to integrate PA into their lives (89% vs 62%, P = .0001). After
      we adjusted for covariates, male exergamers were not significantly different from
      male nonexergamers in minutes of PA. Female exergamers reported 47 more minutes
      of moderate PA in the previous week compared with female nonexergamers (P = .03).
      There was no association between exergaming and meeting PA recommendations.
      CONCLUSIONS: Exergaming contributes to moderate minutes of PA among women but not
      among men. Differences in attitudes toward exergaming should be further explored.

PMID- 25133472
TI  - Long-term follow-up of hearing preservation in electric-acoustic stimulation
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hearing preservation (HP) surgery was initiated more than 10 years
      ago for combined electric and acoustic stimulation (EAS). Preserved residual low
      frequency hearing has been demonstrated to improve speech perception in noise as
      well as music appreciation in EAS users up to 2 years. Multiple study groups
      aimed to evaluate initial loss of residual hearing (RH) as a consequence of HP
      surgery. However, after 1 year and 2 years of follow-up, further decline was
      reported. This study aimed to determine RH, speech perception, and the subjective
      benefits of EAS 10 years after HP surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nine postlingual
      EAS partially deaf patients who underwent HP surgery at Antwerp University
      Hospital were included in this study (11 implanted ears). Hearing preservation
      (0% = loss of hearing; >0%-25% = minimal HP; >25%-75% = partial HP; >75% =
      complete HP), speech perception and subjective benefits were evaluated
      preoperatively; at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively; and annually
      thereafter. RESULTS: Complete HP was obtained in three of 11 ears; partial HP in
      five of 11 ears; and minimal HP in two of 11 ears, measured during their most
      recent follow-up. One subject lost his RH completely across time. The mean rate
      of HP was 48% (ranging from 6 months up to 10 years postoperatively). Speech
      perception analysis up to 10 years showed a continuous statistically significant
      improvement. The maximum subjective benefit was reached 3 months after
      implantation and subsequently remained statistically significant unchanged for
      the next 10 years. CONCLUSION: Long-term HP in EAS users after HP surgery is
      feasible, although a small continuous decline of HP rate of 3% per year was
      observed (measured from first fitting up to 6 years postoperative). Nevertheless,
      a continuous improvement was found in the speech perception results of the EAS
      users across 10 years. Moreover, the positive subjective benefit, assessed 3
      months postoperative, remained stable up to 10 years.

PMID- 25133471
TI  - Karyotype-specific ear and hearing problems in young adults with Turner syndrome
      and the effect of oxandrolone treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate karyotype-specific ear and hearing problems in young-adult
      patients with Turner syndrome (TS) and assess the effects of previous treatment
      with oxandrolone (Ox). STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind follow-up study. SETTING:
      University hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty-five TS patients (mean age, 24.3 yr)
      previously treated with growth hormone combined with placebo, Ox 0.03 mg/kg per
      day, or Ox 0.06 mg/kg per day from the age of 8 years and estrogen from the age
      of 12 years. INTERVENTION: Ear examination was performed according to standard
      clinical practice. Air- and bone conduction thresholds were measured in decibel
      hearing level. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We compared patients with total monosomy of
      the short arm of the X chromosome (Xp), monosomy 45,X and isochromosome
      46,X,i(Xq), with patients with a partial monosomy Xp, mosaicism or other
      structural X chromosomal anomalies. We assessed the effect of previous Ox
      treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of the patients had a history of recurrent
      otitis media. We found hearing loss in 66% of the ears, including pure
      sensorineural hearing loss in 32%. Hearing thresholds in patients with a complete
      monosomy Xp were about 10 dB worse compared with those in patients with a partial
      monosomy Xp. Air- and bone conduction thresholds were not different between the
      placebo and Ox treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Young-adult TS individuals
      frequently have structural ear pathology, and many suffer from hearing loss. This
      indicates that careful follow-up to detect ear and hearing problems is necessary,
      especially for those with a monosomy 45,X or isochromosome 46,X,i(Xq). Ox does
      not seem to have an effect on hearing.

PMID- 25133473
TI  - Ebola, ethics, and public health: what next?

PMID- 25133474
TI  - Rapidly enlarging nodular plaque on the leg.

PMID- 25133475
TI  - Gastrointestinal bleeding.
AB  - A number of interesting abstracts on gastrointestinal bleeding and endoscopy were
      presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) this year (3 - 6 May 2014, Chicago,
      Illinois). The following abstracts are those that have particular high clinical
      importance and the potential for direct impact on the endoscopic care of patients
      with gastrointestinal bleeding. 

PMID- 25133476
TI  - Colonoscopy.

PMID- 25133477
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasound.
AB  - Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) continues to present a rich source of innovation,
      allowing it to evolve from a diagnostic procedure to a therapeutic modality. This
      was obvious from the numerous high-quality presentations at the 2014 Digestive
      Disease Week (DDW) held in Chicago, Illinois. This review discusses several of
      the presented abstracts of innovations in the field of EUS. 

PMID- 25133478
TI  - Capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy.
AB  - During the 2014 Digestive Disease Week in Chicago, many high-quality studies on
      small-bowel endoscopy were presented. The most relevant abstracts from around the
      world of two complementary procedures - capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy -
      which have seen rapid changes in recent years, have been selected for this
      review. 

PMID- 25133479
TI  - Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
AB  - New technological developments in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
      (ERCP) for diagnosis and treatment have been slow to progress. However, several
      informative study results were presented during the 2014 Digestive Disease Week
      (DDW; 3 - 6 May; Chicago, Illinois, USA) in specific ERCP areas, such as
      prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      and pancreatic duct stenting. Novel and interesting study results regarding
      preoperative stent selection for periampullary tumors, metal stents for hilar
      stricture or for prevention of duodenal reflux, and intraductal biliary tumor
      ablation using photodynamic therapy or radiofrequency ablation were discussed.
      Study results presented at the meeting regarding single-operator cholangioscopy
      using the SpyGlass system or direct peroral cholangioscopy have indicated the
      possibility of future development. Results using peroral pancreatoscopy and
      confocal laser endomicroscopy for biliary lesions, including strictures, were
      also presented. 

PMID- 25133480
TI  - Endoscopy innovations.
AB  - Innovation everywhere for everybody - this is the way we can summarize the 2014
      Digestive Disease Week, which was held in Chicago, Illinois, last May. Many
      sessions introduced new innovative materials and concepts. From the robot of the
      future to the simplest ideas, the congress was fertile and sometimes full of
      surprises. Abstracts representing significant progress and innovations in the
      field of digestive endoscopy are reviewed here. 

PMID- 25133481
TI  - Esophageal diseases.

PMID- 25133482
TI  - Lyn tyrosine kinase regulates androgen receptor expression and activity in
      castrate-resistant prostate cancer.
AB  - Castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression is a complex process by
      which prostate cells acquire the ability to survive and proliferate in the
      absence or under very low levels of androgens. Most CRPC tumors continue to
      express the androgen receptor (AR) as well as androgen-responsive genes owing to
      reactivation of AR. Protein tyrosine kinases have been implicated in supporting
      AR activation under castrate conditions. Here we report that Lyn tyrosine kinase
      expression is upregulated in CRPC human specimens compared with hormone naive or
      normal tissue. Lyn overexpression enhanced AR transcriptional activity both in
      vitro and in vivo and accelerated CRPC. Reciprocally, specific targeting of Lyn
      resulted in a decrease of AR transcriptional activity in vitro and in vivo and
      prolonged time to castration. Mechanistically, we found that targeting Lyn kinase
      induces AR dissociation from the molecular chaperone Hsp90, leading to its
      ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. This work indicates a novel mechanism
      of regulation of AR stability and transcriptional activity by Lyn and justifies
      further investigation of the Lyn tyrosine kinase as a therapeutic target for the
      treatment of CRPC.Oncogenesis (2014) 3, e115; doi:10.1038/oncsis.2014.30;
      published online 18 August 2014. 

PMID- 25133485
TI  - The promise of curcumin-phosphatidylcholine complex for cardiometabolic diseases:
      more than just 'more curcumin'.

PMID- 25133483
TI  - The inhibitor of kappa B kinase-epsilon regulates MMP-3 expression levels and can
      promote lung metastasis.
AB  - The factors that determine the ability of metastatic tumor cells to expand and
      grow in specific secondary site(s) are not yet fully understood. Matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMP) were identified as potential regulators of the site
      specificity of metastasis. We found that lung carcinoma cells ectopically
      expressing high levels of the receptor for the type I insulin like growth factor
      receptor (M27(R) cells) had a significant reduction in MMP-3 expression levels
      and this coincided with reduced metastasis to the lung. We used these cells to
      further investigate signaling pathways regulating MMP-3 expression and the role
      that MMP-3 plays in lung metastasis. We show that ectopic IkappaB kinase E (IKKE)
      expression in these cells partly restored MMP-3 expression levels and also
      sensitized MMP-3 transcription to induction by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate
      (PMA). This increase in MMP-3 production was due to increased activation of
      several signal transduction mediators, including protein kinase C alpha, ERK2,
      Akt and the transcription factor p65. Furthermore, reconstitution of MMP-3
      expression in M27(R) cells restored their ability to colonize the lung whereas
      silencing of MMP-3 in M27 cells reduced metastases. Collectively, our results
      implicate IKKE as a central regulator of PMA-induced cell signaling and MMP-3
      expression and identify MMP-3 as an enabler of tumor cell expansion in the
      lung.Oncogenesis (2014) 3, e116; doi:10.1038/oncsis.2014.28; published online 18
      August 2014. 

PMID- 25133484
TI  - Dual targeting of ErbB-2/ErbB-3 results in enhanced antitumor activity in
      preclinical models of pancreatic cancer.
AB  - ErbB-3 and its ligand NRG-1beta are key players in driving oncogenic signaling
      and resistance to therapy through the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. We have
      recently reported that EV20, a humanized anti-ErbB3 antibody, possesses a marked
      antitumor activity in a variety of human tumor models, including pancreatic
      cancer (PC). Here, we report that despite epidermal growth factor receptor
      overexpression, PC cells are more sensitive to NRG-1beta than EGF in terms of Akt
      activation and cell proliferation. Using stable ErbB-3-knocked down cells and
      EV20 in combination with trastuzumab, we showed that dual targeting of ErbB-2 and
      ErbB-3 was necessary to completely abrogate ErbB-3 signaling and to impair cell
      proliferation. Similarly, enhanced therapeutic efficacy of the antibody
      combination was seen in xenografts originating from K-Ras-mutated HPAF-II and
      SW1990 cells, without increasing the toxicity. These results indicate that dual
      targeting of ErbB-2 and ErbB-3 could represent a new therapeutic approach in
      PC.Oncogenesis (2014) 3, e117; doi:10.1038/oncsis.2014.31; published online 18
      August 2014. 

PMID- 25133486
TI  - Prevalence of and attitudes about distracted driving in college students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify current distracted driving (DD) behaviors among college
      students, primarily those involving cell phone use, and elucidate the opinions of
      the students on the most effective deterrent or intervention for reducing cell
      phone use. METHODS: Students enrolled at 12 colleges and universities were
      recruited to participate in an online, anonymous survey. Recruitment was done via
      school-based list-serves and posters. School sizes ranged from 476 to over
      30,000. The validated survey included 38 questions; 17 were specifically related
      to distracted driving. RESULTS: Four thousand nine hundred sixty-four
      participants completed the surveys; the average age was 21.8, 66% were female,
      82.7% were undergraduates, and 47% were white/non-Hispanic. Additionally, 4,517
      (91%) reported phoning and/or texting while driving; 4,467 (90%) of drivers said
      they talk on the phone while driving; 1,241 (25%) reported using a hands-free
      device "most of the time"; 4,467 (90%) of drivers reported texting while driving;
      2,488 (50%) reported sending texts while driving on the freeway; 2,978 (60%)
      while in stop-and-go traffic or on city streets; and 4,319 (87%) at traffic
      lights. Those who drove more often were more likely to drive distracted. When
      asked about their capability to drive distracted, 46% said they were capable or
      very capable of talking on a cell phone and driving, but they felt that only 8.5%
      of other drivers were capable. In a multivariate model, 9 predictors explained
      44% of the variance in DD, which was statistically significant, F (17, 4945) =
      224.31; P <.0001; R(2) = 0.44. The four strongest predictors (excluding driving
      frequency) were self-efficacy (i.e., confidence) in driving while multitasking
      (beta = 0.37), perception of safety of multitasking while driving (beta = 0.19),
      social norms (i.e., observing others multitasking while driving; beta = 0.29),
      and having a history of crashing due to multitasking while driving (beta = 0.11).
      CONCLUSIONS: Distracted driving is a highly prevalent behavior among college
      students who have higher confidence in their own driving skills and ability to
      multitask than they have in other drivers' abilities. Drivers' self-efficacy for
      driving and multitasking in the car, coupled with a greater likelihood of having
      witnessed DD behaviors in others, greatly increased the probability that a
      student would engage in DD. Most students felt that policies, such as laws
      impacting driving privilege and insurance rate increases, would influence their
      behavior.

PMID- 25133487
TI  - Home visit program improves technique survival in peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a home therapy, and technique survival is
      related to the adherence to PD prescription at home. The presence of a home visit
      program could improve PD outcomes. We evaluated its effects on clinical outcome
      during 1 year of follow-up. METHODS: This was a case-control study. The case
      group included all 96 patients who performed PD in our center on January 1, 2013,
      and who attended a home visit program; the control group included all 92 patients
      who performed PD on January 1, 2008. The home visit program consisted of several
      additional visits to reinforce patients' confidence in PD management in their own
      environment. Outcomes were defined as technique failure, peritonitis episode, and
      hospitalization. Clinical and dialysis features were evaluated for each patient.
      RESULTS: The case group was significantly older (p = 0.048), with a lower grade
      of autonomy (p = 0.033), but a better hemoglobin level (p = 0.02) than the
      control group. During the observational period, we had 11 episodes of technique
      failure. We found a significant reduction in the rate of technique failure in the
      case group (p = 0.004). Furthermore, survival analysis showed a significant
      extension of PD treatment in the patients supported by the home visit program (52
      vs. 48.8 weeks, p = 0.018). We did not find any difference between the two groups
      in terms of peritonitis and hospitalization rate; however, trends toward a
      reduction of Gram-positive peritonitis rates as well as prevalence and duration
      of hospitalization related to PD problems were identified in the case group. The
      retrospective nature of the analysis was a limitation of this study. CONCLUSION:
      The home visit program improves the survival of PD patients and could reduce the
      rate of Gram-positive peritonitis and hospitalization. Video Journal Club
      "Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco" at http://www.karger.com/?doi=365168.

PMID- 25133489
TI  - Maternal and fetal signs and symptoms associated with uterine rupture in women
      with prior cesarean delivery.
AB  - Abstract Objective: To describe the association between maternal and fetal
      physical signs and symptoms (signs/symptoms) and childbirth outcomes in women
      with prior cesarean delivery (CD). Methods: Cases of uterine rupture at a single
      institution were reviewed to examine risk factors for experiencing signs/symptoms
      and poor childbirth outcomes. Results: Among 21 014 deliveries, 3252 (15.5%) had
      prior CD, and 75 (2.3%) had uterine rupture. Of these, 66 (88.0%) labored. Among
      those who labored, 51 (77.3%) demonstrated signs/symptoms prior to delivery.
      Signs/symptoms included vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, fetal bradycardia and
      decreased fetal heart rate (FHR) variability. Laboring patients with
      signs/symptoms were seven times more likely than those without them to have poor
      maternal/neonatal outcome (27/51 [52.9%] versus 2/15 [13.3%], OR = 7.31 [95% CI
      1.34-52.43], p = 0.0155). In multivariate analysis, risk factors for poor fetal
      outcome were cervical ripening (OR 4.99 [95% CI 0.86-28.99, p = 0.0735) and
      prolonged FHR deceleration/bradycardia (OR 2.78 [95% CI 0.86-9.10], p = 0.0905).
      Fetal tachycardia was a risk factor for poor maternal outcome (OR 8.10 [95% CI
      1.40-46.84], p = 0.0195). Conclusions: Among laboring women with uterine rupture,
      77% demonstrated maternal or fetal signs/symptoms before delivery. The presence
      of at least one sign/symptom identified nearly all laboring patients (27/29
      [93.1%]) with poor outcomes.

PMID- 25133488
TI  - Hospital performance for pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and
      rate of venous thromboembolism : a cohort study.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Hospitalization for acute medical illness is associated with
      increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although efforts designed to
      increase use of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis are intended to reduce hospital
      associated VTE, whether higher rates of prophylaxis reduce VTE in medical
      patients is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between pharmacologic
      VTE prophylaxis rates and hospital-associated VTE. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective, multicenter cohort study conducted at 35 Michigan
      hospitals participating in a statewide quality collaborative from January 1,
      2011, through September 13, 2012. Trained medical record abstractors at each
      hospital collected data from 31 260 general medical patients. Use of VTE
      prophylaxis on admission, VTE risk factors, and VTE events 90 days after hospital
      admission were recorded using a combination of medical record review and
      telephone follow-up. Hospitals were grouped into tertiles of performance based on
      rate of pharmacologic prophylaxis use on admission for at-risk patients. MAIN
      OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Association between hospital performance and time to
      development of VTE within 90 days of hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 14
      563 of 20 794 patients (70.0%) eligible for pharmacologic prophylaxis received
      prophylaxis on admission. The rates of pharmacologic prophylaxis use at hospitals
      in the high-, moderate-, and low-performance tertiles were 85.8%, 72.6%, and
      55.5%, respectively. A total of 226 VTE events occurred during 1 765 449 days of
      patient follow-up. Compared with patients at hospitals in the highest-performance
      tertile, the hazard of VTE in patients at hospitals in moderate-performance
      (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.74-1.62) and low-performance (hazard ratio, 0.96,
      95% CI, 0.63-1.45) tertiles did not differ after adjusting for potential
      confounders. Results remained robust when examining mechanical prophylaxis,
      prophylaxis use throughout the hospitalization, and subsequent inpatient stays
      after discharge from the index hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The
      occurrence of 90-day VTE in medical patients after hospitalization is low.
      Patients who receive care at hospitals that have lower rates of pharmacologic
      prophylaxis do not have higher adjusted hazards of VTE, even after accounting for
      individual receipt of pharmacologic prophylaxis. Efforts to increase rates of
      pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized medical patients may not
      substantively reduce this adverse outcome.

PMID- 25133490
TI  - Neurolysis and upper trunk brachial plexus birth palsy. Response.

PMID- 25133492
TI  - Effects of a six-month walking intervention on depression in inactive post
      menopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Physical inactivity and advanced age are associated with risk of
      depressive disorders. Physical activity can reduce depressive symptoms in older
      subjects with depressive disorders. We investigated whether a walking
      intervention program may decrease the occurrence of depressive symptoms in
      inactive post-menopausal women without depression. METHOD: A total of 121
      participants aged 57-75 years were randomly assigned to a six-month moderate
      intensity walking intervention (three times a week, 40 minutes per session,
      supervised and home-based) or to a control group (waiting list). Inactivity was
      assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly. Depression
      levels were measured pre- and post-intervention with the Beck depression
      inventory (BDI). Several baseline measures were considered as possible predictors
      of post-intervention BDI score. RESULTS: Participants in the walking intervention
      showed a significant decrease in depression as compared with controls. Baseline
      cognitive-BDI subscore, subjective health status, body mass index and adherence
      were post-intervention BDI score predictors. CONCLUSION: A six-month, three
      session per week, moderate intensity walking intervention with a minimal 50%
      adherence rate reduces depression in post-menopausal women at risk for depression
      due to physical inactivity. This type of walking intervention could be considered
      as a widely accessible prevention strategy to prevent depressive symptoms in post
      menopausal women at risk of depression.

PMID- 25133491
TI  - Effect of topical tranexamic acid on bleeding and quality of surgical field
      during functional endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic
      rhinosinusitis: a triple blind randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on bleeding and improvement of
      surgical field during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is not clear
      yet. This study was conducted to answer this question. METHODS: This trial was
      conducted on 60 patients with chronic sinusitis at Beasat Hospital, Hamadan,
      Iran, from April to November 2013. Thirty patients in the intervention group
      received three pledgets soaked with TXA 5% and phenylephrine 0.5% for 10 minutes
      in each nasal cavity before surgery. Thirty patients in the control group
      received phenylephrine 0.5% with the same way. The amount of bleeding and the
      quality of surgical field were evaluated at 15, 30, and 45 minutes after the
      start of surgery using Boezaart grading. RESULTS: The quality of the surgical
      field in the intervention group compared to the control group was significantly
      better in the first quarter (P = 0.002) and the second quarter (P = 0.003) but
      not in the third quarter (P = 0.163). Furthermore, the amount of bleeding was
      much less during all periods in the intervention group than in the control group
      (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Topical TXA can efficiently reduce bleeding and improve
      the surgical field in FESS in patients with rhinosinusitis. Based on these
      findings, topical TXA may be a useful method for providing a suitable surgical
      field during the first 30 minutes after use. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry
      of Clinical Trials IRCT201212139014N15.

PMID- 25133493
TI  - Prognosis evaluation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy:
      comparison of BCLC, TNM and Hangzhou criteria staging systems.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study is to evaluate the Hangzhou criteria (HC) for patients with
      HCC undergoing surgical resection and to identify whether this staging system is
      superior to other staging systems in predicting the survival of resectable HCC.
      METHOD: 774 HCC patients underwent surgical resection between 2007 and 2009 in
      West China Hospital were enrolled retrospectively. Predictors of survival were
      identified using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox model. The disease state was
      staged by the HC, as well as by the TNM and BCLC staging systems. Prognostic
      powers were quantified using a linear trend chi2 test, c-index, and the
      likelihood ratio (LHR) chi2 test and correlated using Cox's regression model
      adjusted using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). RESULTS: Serum AFP level
      (P = 0.02), tumor size (P<0.001), tumor number (P<0.001), portal vein invasion
      (P<0.001), hepatic vein invasion (P<0.001), tumor differentiation (P<0.001), and
      distant organ (P = 0.016) and lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) were identified as
      independent risk factors of survival after resection by multivariate analysis.
      The comparison of the different staging system results showed that BCLC had the
      best homogeneity (likelihood ratio chi2 test 151.119, P<0.001), the TNM system
      had the best monotonicity of gradients (linear trend chi2 test 137.523, P<0.001),
      and discriminatory ability was the highest for the BCLC (the AUCs for 1-year
      mortality were 0.759) and TNM staging systems (the AUCs for 3-, and 5-year
      mortality were 0.738 and 0.731, respectively). However, based on the c-index and
      AIC, the HC was the most informative staging system in predicting survival (c
      index 0.6866, AIC 5924.4729). CONCLUSIONS: The HC can provide important
      prognostic information after surgery. The HC were shown to be a promising
      survival predictor in a Chinese cohort of patients with resectable HCC.

PMID- 25133494
TI  - Fine-tuning of Smad protein function by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases and poly(ADP
      ribose) glycohydrolase during transforming growth factor beta signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Initiation, amplitude, duration and termination of transforming
      growth factor beta (TGFbeta) signaling via Smad proteins is regulated by post
      translational modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination and
      acetylation. We previously reported that ADP-ribosylation of Smads by poly(ADP
      ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) negatively influences Smad-mediated transcription.
      PARP-1 is known to functionally interact with PARP-2 in the nucleus and the
      enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) can remove poly(ADP-ribose) chains
      from target proteins. Here we aimed at analyzing possible cooperation between
      PARP-1, PARP-2 and PARG in regulation of TGFbeta signaling. METHODS: A robust
      cell model of TGFbeta signaling, i.e. human HaCaT keratinocytes, was used.
      Endogenous Smad3 ADP-ribosylation and protein complexes between Smads and PARPs
      were studied using proximity ligation assays and co-immunoprecipitation assays,
      which were complemented by in vitro ADP-ribosylation assays using recombinant
      proteins. Real-time RT-PCR analysis of mRNA levels and promoter-reporter assays
      provided quantitative analysis of gene expression in response to TGFbeta
      stimulation and after genetic perturbations of PARP-1/-2 and PARG based on RNA
      interference. RESULTS: TGFbeta signaling rapidly induces nuclear ADP-ribosylation
      of Smad3 that coincides with a relative enhancement of nuclear complexes of Smads
      with PARP-1 and PARP-2. Inversely, PARG interacts with Smads and can de-ADP
      ribosylate Smad3 in vitro. PARP-1 and PARP-2 also form complexes with each other,
      and Smads interact and activate auto-ADP-ribosylation of both PARP-1 and PARP-2.
      PARP-2, similar to PARP-1, negatively regulates specific TGFbeta target genes
      (fibronectin, Smad7) and Smad transcriptional responses, and PARG positively
      regulates these genes. Accordingly, inhibition of TGFbeta-mediated transcription
      caused by silencing endogenous PARG expression could be relieved after
      simultaneous depletion of PARP-1. CONCLUSION: Nuclear Smad function is negatively
      regulated by PARP-1 that is assisted by PARP-2 and positively regulated by PARG
      during the course of TGFbeta signaling.

PMID- 25133495
TI  - Is there a benefit in receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy for elderly patients
      with inoperable thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The benefit of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in
      elderly patients with inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is
      controversial. This study aimed to assess the efficiency and safety of CCRT in
      elderly thoracic esophageal cancer patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between
      January 2002 and December 2011, 128 patients aged 65 years or older treated with
      CCRT or radiotherapy (RT) alone for inoperable thoracic esophageal SCC were
      analyzed retrospectively (RT alone, n = 55; CCRT, n = 73). RESULTS: No treatment
      related deaths occurred and no patients experienced any acute grade 4 non
      hematologic toxicities. Patients treated with CCRT developed more severe acute
      toxicities than patients who received RT alone. The 3-year overall survival (OS)
      rate was 36.1% for CCRT compared with 28.5% following RT alone (p = 0.008).
      Multivariate analysis identified T stage and treatment modality as independent
      prognostic factors for survival. Further analysis revealed that survival was
      significantly better in the CCRT group than in the RT alone group for patients <=
      72 years. Nevertheless, the CCRT group had a similar OS to the RT group for
      patients > 72 years. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that elderly patients with
      inoperable thoracic esophageal SCC could benefit from CCRT, without major
      toxicities. However, for patients older than 72 years, CCRT is not superior to RT
      alone in terms of survival benefit.

PMID- 25133496
TI  - GPCRsort-responding to the next generation sequencing data challenge: prediction
      of G protein-coupled receptor classes using only structural region lengths.
AB  - Next generation sequencing (NGS) and the attendant data deluge are increasingly
      impacting molecular life sciences research. Chief among the challenges and
      opportunities is to enhance our ability to classify molecular target data into
      meaningful and cohesive systematic nomenclature. In this vein, the G protein
      coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most divergent receptor family that
      plays a crucial role in a host of pathophysiological pathways. For the
      pharmaceutical industry, GPCRs are a major drug target and it is estimated that
      60%-70% of all medicines in development today target GPCRs. Hence, they require
      an efficient and rapid classification to group the members according to their
      functions. In addition to NGS and the Big Data challenge we currently face, an
      emerging number of orphan GPCRs further demand for novel, rapid, and accurate
      classification of the receptors since the current classification tools are
      inadequate and slow. This study presents the development of a new classification
      tool for GPCRs using the structural features derived from their primary
      sequences: GPCRsort. Comparison experiments with the current known GPCR
      classification techniques showed that GPCRsort is able to rapidly (in the order
      of minutes) classify uncharacterized GPCRs with 97.3% accuracy, whereas the best
      available technique's accuracy is 90.7%. GPCRsort is available in the public
      domain for postgenomics life scientists engaged in GPCR research with NGS:
      http://bioserver.ceng.metu.edu.tr/GPCRSort .

PMID- 25133497
TI  - Multi-scales analysis of primate diversity and protected areas at a megadiverse
      region.
AB  - In this paper, we address the question of what proportion of biodiversity is
      represented within protected areas. We assessed the effectiveness of different
      protected area types at multiple scales in representing primate biodiversity in
      the Brazilian Legal Amazon. We used point locality data and distribution data for
      primate species within 1 degrees , 0.5 degrees , and 0.25 degrees  spatial
      resolution grids, and computed the area of reserves within each cell. Four
      different approaches were used - no reserves (A), exclusively strict use reserves
      (B), strict and sustainable use reserves (C), and strict and sustainable use
      reserves and indigenous lands (D). We used the complementarity concept to select
      reserve networks. The proportions of cells that were classified as reserves at a
      grid resolution of 1 degrees  were 37%, 64%, and 88% for approaches B, C and D,
      respectively. Our comparison of these approaches clearly showed the effect of an
      increase in area on species representation. Representation was consistently
      higher at coarser resolutions, indicating the effect of grain size. The high
      number of irreplaceable cells for selected networks identified based on approach
      A could be attributed to the use of point locality occurrence data. Although the
      limited number of point occurrences for some species may have been due to a
      Wallacean shortfall, in some cases it may also be the result of an actual
      restricted geographic distribution. The existing reserve system cannot be
      ignored, as it has an established structure, legal protection status, and
      societal recognition, and undoubtedly represents important elements of
      biodiversity. However, we found that strict use reserves (which are exclusively
      dedicated to biodiversity conservation) did not effectively represent primate
      species. This finding may be related to historical criteria for selecting
      reserves based on political, economic, or social motives. 

PMID- 25133498
TI  - Extracorporeal treatment for acetaminophen poisoning: recommendations from the
      EXTRIP workgroup.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Extracorporeal Treatments in Poisoning (EXTRIP) workgroup was
      created to provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of extracorporeal
      treatments (ECTR) in poisoning and the results are presented here for
      acetaminophen (APAP). METHODS: After a systematic review of the literature, a
      subgroup selected and reviewed the articles and summarized clinical and
      toxicokinetic data in order to propose structured voting statements following a
      pre-determined format. A two-round modified Delphi method was chosen to reach a
      consensus on voting statements, and the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was used
      to quantify disagreement. Following discussion, a second vote determined the
      final recommendations. RESULTS: Twenty-four articles (1 randomized controlled
      trial, 1 observational study, 2 pharmacokinetic studies, and 20 case reports or
      case series) were identified, yielding an overall very low quality of evidence
      for all recommendations. Clinical data on 135 patients and toxicokinetic data on
      54 patients were analyzed. Twenty-three fatalities were reviewed. The workgroup
      agreed that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the mainstay of treatment, and that ECTR is
      not warranted in most cases of APAP poisoning. However, given that APAP is
      dialyzable, the workgroup agreed that ECTR is suggested in patients with
      excessively large overdoses who display features of mitochondrial dysfunction.
      This is reflected by early development of altered mental status and severe
      metabolic acidosis prior to the onset of hepatic failure. Specific
      recommendations for ECTR include an APAP concentration over 1000 mg/L if NAC is
      not administered (1D), signs of mitochondrial dysfunction and an APAP
      concentration over 700 mg/L (4630 mmol/L) if NAC is not administered (1D) and
      signs of mitochondrial dysfunction and an APAP concentration over 900 mg/L (5960
      mmol/L) if NAC is administered (1D). Intermittent hemodialysis (HD) is the
      preferred ECTR modality in APAP poisoning (1D). CONCLUSION: APAP is amenable to
      extracorporeal removal. Due to the efficacy of NAC, ECTR is reserved for rare
      situations when the efficacy of NAC has not been definitively demonstrated.

PMID- 25133500
TI  - High throughput micro-well generation of hepatocyte micro-aggregates for tissue
      engineering.
AB  - The main challenge in hepatic tissue engineering is the fast dedifferentiation of
      primary hepatocytes in vitro. One successful approach to maintain hepatocyte
      phenotype on the longer term is the cultivation of cells as aggregates. This
      paper demonstrates the use of an agarose micro-well chip for the high throughput
      generation of hepatocyte aggregates, uniform in size. In our study we observed
      that aggregation of hepatocytes had a beneficial effect on the expression of
      certain hepatocyte specific markers. Moreover we observed that the beneficial
      effect was dependent on the aggregate dimensions, indicating that aggregate
      parameters should be carefully considered. In a second part of the study, the
      selected aggregates were immobilized by encapsulation in methacrylamide-modified
      gelatin. Phenotype evaluations revealed that a stable hepatocyte phenotype could
      be maintained during 21 days when encapsulated in the hydrogel. In conclusion we
      have demonstrated the beneficial use of micro-well chips for hepatocyte
      aggregation and the size-dependent effects on hepatocyte phenotype. We also
      pointed out that methacrylamide-modified gelatin is suitable for the
      encapsulation of these aggregates. 

PMID- 25133501
TI  - Sexually transmitted infection related stigma and shame among African American
      male youth: implications for testing practices, partner notification, and
      treatment.
AB  - A self-administered, street intercept survey was conducted in order to examine
      the relation of stigma and shame associated with sexually transmitted infections
      (STI) to STI testing practices, partner notification, and partner-delivered
      treatment among young African American men (n=108) in a low-income, urban
      community in San Francisco with high STI burden. Multivariate logistic regression
      revealed that increasing STI-related stigma was significantly associated with a
      decreased odds of STI testing, such that every standard deviation increase in
      stigma score was associated with 0.62 decreased odds of having been tested (aOR:
      0.62, 95% CI: 0.38-1.00), controlling for age. STI stigma was also significantly
      associated with a decreased willingness to notify non-main partners of an STI
      (aOR: 0.64 95% CI: 0.41-0.99). Participants with higher levels of stigma and
      shame were also significantly less likely to be willing to deliver STI medication
      to a partner (stigma aOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37-0.88; shame aOR 0.53 95% CI: 0.34
      0.83). Findings suggest that STI-related stigma and shame, common in this
      population, could undermine STI testing, treatment, and partner notification
      programs. The medical establishment, one of the institutional factors to have
      reinforced this culture of stigma, must aid efforts to reduce its effects through
      providing integrated services, reframing sexual health in campaigns, educating
      clients, and providing wider options to aid disclosure and partner notification
      practices.

PMID- 25133502
TI  - Hospital-based program to increase child safety restraint use among birthing
      mothers in China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a hospital-based educational program to increase child
      safety restraint knowledge and use among birthing mothers. METHODS: A prospective
      experimental and control study was performed in the Obstetrics department of
      hospitals. A total of 216 new birthing mothers from two hospitals (114 from
      intervention hospital and 102 from comparison hospital) were recruited and
      enrolled in the study. Intervention mothers received a height chart, an 8-minute
      video and a folded pamphlet regarding child safety restraint use during their
      hospital stay after giving birth. Evaluation data on the child safety seat (CSS)
      awareness, attitudes, and use were collected among both groups before and after
      the intervention. An additional phone interview was conducted among the
      intervention mothers two months after discharge. RESULTS: No significant
      differences existed between groups when comparing demographics. Over 90% of the
      intervention mothers found the educational intervention to be helpful to some
      extent. A significantly higher percentage of mothers in the intervention than the
      comparison group reported that CSS are necessary and are the safest seating
      practice. Nearly 20% of the intervention mothers actually purchased CSS for their
      babies after the intervention. While in both the intervention and comparison
      group, over 80% of mothers identified the ages of two through five as needing
      CSS, fewer than 50% of both groups identified infants as needing CSS, even after
      the intervention. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that child safety restraint
      education implemented in hospitals helps increase birthing mothers' overall
      knowledge and use of CSS. Further efforts are needed to address specific age
      related needs to promote car seats use among infants.

PMID- 25133503
TI  - Copy number variation analysis on a non-Hodgkin lymphoma case-control study
      identifies an 11q25 duplication associated with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
AB  - Recent GWAS have identified several susceptibility loci for NHL. Despite these
      successes, much of the heritable variation in NHL risk remains to be explained.
      Common copy-number variants are important genomic sources of variability, and
      hence a potential source to explain part of this missing heritability. In this
      study, we carried out a CNV analysis using GWAS data from 681 NHL cases and 749
      controls to explore the relationship between common structural variation and
      lymphoma susceptibility. Here we found a novel association with diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma (DLBCL) risk involving a partial duplication of the C-terminus
      region of the LOC283177 long non-coding RNA that was further confirmed by
      quantitative PCR. For chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma
      (CLL/SLL), known somatic deletions were identified on chromosomes 13q14, 11q22
      23, 14q32 and 22q11.22. Our study shows that GWAS data can be used to identify
      germline CNVs associated with disease risk for DLBCL and somatic CNVs for
      CLL/SLL. 

PMID- 25133504
TI  - Pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBDs) do not bind to DNA G-quadruplexes.
AB  - The pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4] benzodiazepines (PBDs) are a family of sequence
      selective, minor-groove binding DNA-interactive agents that covalently attach to
      guanine residues. A recent publication in this journal (Raju et al, PloS One,
      2012, 7, 4, e35920) reported that two PBD molecules were observed to bind with
      high affinity to the telomeric quadruplex of Tetrahymena glaucoma based on
      Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), Circular Dichroism, UV
      Visible and Fluorescence spectroscopy data. This was a surprising result given
      the close 3-dimensional shape match between the structure of all PBD molecules
      and the minor groove of duplex DNA, and the completely different 3-dimensional
      structure of quadruplex DNA. Therefore, we evaluated the interaction of eight PBD
      molecules of diverse structure with a range of parallel, antiparallel and mixed
      DNA quadruplexes using DNA Thermal Denaturation, Circular Dichroism and Molecular
      Dynamics Simulations. Those PBD molecules without large C8-substitutents had an
      insignificant affinity for the eight quadruplex types, although those with large
      pi-system-containing C8-substituents (as with the compounds evaluated by Raju and
      co-workers) were found to interact to some extent. Our molecular dynamics
      simulations support the likelihood that molecules of this type, including those
      examined by Raju and co-workers, interact with quadruplex DNA through their C8
      substituents rather than the PBD moiety itself. It is important for the
      literature to be clear on this matter, as the mechanism of action of these agents
      will be under close scrutiny in the near future due to the growing number of PBD
      based agents entering the clinic as both single-agents and as components of
      antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). 

PMID- 25133505
TI  - The mutational spectrum of Lynch syndrome in cyprus.
AB  - Lynch syndrome is the most common form of hereditary colorectal cancer and is
      caused by germline mutations in the mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6
      and PMS2. Mutation carriers have an increased lifetime risk of developing
      colorectal cancer as well as other extracolonic tumours. The aim of the current
      study was to evaluate the frequency and distribution of mutations in the MLH1,
      MSH2 and MSH6 genes within a cohort of Cypriot families that fulfilled the
      revised Bethesda guidelines. The study cohort included 77 patients who fulfilled
      at least one of the revised Bethesda guidelines. Mutational analysis revealed the
      presence of 4 pathogenic mutations, 3 in the MLH1 gene and 1 in the MSH2 gene, in
      5 unrelated individuals. It is noted that out of the 4 pathogenic mutations
      detected, one is novel (c.1610delG in exon 14 of the MLH1) and has been detected
      for the first time in the Cypriot population. Overall, the pathogenic mutation
      detection rate in our patient cohort was 7%. This percentage is relatively low
      but could be explained by the fact that the sole criterion for genetic screening
      was compliance to the revised Bethesda guidelines. Larger numbers of Lynch
      syndrome families and screening of the two additional predisposition genes, PMS2
      and EPCAM, are needed in order to decipher the full spectrum of mutations
      associated with Lynch syndrome predisposition in Cyprus. 

PMID- 25133506
TI  - Consideration of sex in clinical trials of transdermal nicotine patch: a
      systematic review.
AB  - Transdermal nicotine patch (TNP) is 1 of the most commonly used smoking cessation
      treatments; however, the efficacy of TNP by sex is not yet clear. The purpose of
      the current review was to synthesize how sex has been considered in published
      clinical trials of TNP for smoking cessation. The specific aims of the study were
      to examine the inclusion of sex in analyses of cessation outcomes, TNP-related
      variables (compliance, side effects), and quit-related variables (withdrawal,
      cravings); to review the consideration of sex-related variables (menstrual cycle
      phase, pregnancy); and to identify needs for future research. Potential articles
      published through December 31, 2013 were identified through a MEDLINE search of
      the terms "clinical trial," "nicotine patch," and "smoking cessation." Forty-two
      studies used all 3 terms and met the inclusion criteria. Approximately half of
      the studies reported that they considered sex in smoking cessation outcomes, with
      15 studies finding no difference by sex and 7 studies finding better outcomes for
      men versus women. Only 5 studies reported data on outcomes by sex in their
      publications. No studies reported analysis of TNP compliance or withdrawal by
      sex. In the 1 study that examined side effects by sex, more women than men
      reported discontinuing TNP because of skin irritation. No study examined the
      association of cessation outcomes with menstrual cycle phase. There is a need to
      include sex in research on TNP, as well as other pharmacological and behavioral
      smoking treatments, to clarify the picture of treatment efficacy for women
      compared with men.

PMID- 25133509
TI  - MCP/CCR2 signaling is essential for recruitment of mesenchymal progenitor cells
      during the early phase of fracture healing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate chemokine profiles and
      their functional roles in the early phase of fracture healing in mouse models.
      METHODS: The expression profiles of chemokines were examined during fracture
      healing in wild-type (WT) mice using a polymerase chain reaction array and
      histological staining. The functional effect of monocyte chemotactic protein-1
      (MCP-1) on primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells (mBMSCs) was evaluated using
      an in vitro migration assay. MCP-1-/- and C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)-/- mice
      were fractured and evaluated by histological staining and micro-computed
      tomography (micro-CT). RS102895, an antagonist of CCR2, was continuously
      administered in WT mice before or after rib fracture and evaluated by
      histological staining and micro-CT. Bone graft exchange models were created in WT
      and MCP-1-/- mice and were evaluated by histological staining and micro-CT.
      RESULTS: MCP-1 and MCP-3 expression in the early phase of fracture healing were
      up-regulated, and high levels of MCP-1 and MCP-3 protein expression observed in
      the periosteum and endosteum in the same period. MCP-1, but not MCP-3, increased
      migration of mBMSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Fracture healing in MCP-1-/- and
      CCR2-/- mice was delayed compared with WT mice on day 21. Administration of
      RS102895 in the early, but not in the late phase, caused delayed fracture
      healing. Transplantation of WT-derived graft into host MCP-1-/- mice
      significantly increased new bone formation in the bone graft exchange models.
      Furthermore, marked induction of MCP-1 expression in the periosteum and endosteum
      was observed around the WT-derived graft in the host MCP-1-/- mouse. Conversely,
      transplantation of MCP-1-/- mouse-derived grafts into host WT mice markedly
      decreased new bone formation. CONCLUSIONS: MCP-1/CCR2 signaling in the periosteum
      and endosteum is essential for the recruitment of mesenchymal progenitor cells in
      the early phase of fracture healing.

PMID- 25133510
TI  - Prognostic value of red blood cell distribution width for patients with heart
      failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.
AB  - AIMS: Multiple studies have investigated the prognostic role of red blood cell
      distribution width (RDW) for patients with heart failure (HF), but the results
      have been inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to estimate the impact
      of RDW on the prognosis of HF by performing a systematic review and meta
      analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases
      were searched up to November 16, 2013 to identify eligible cohort studies. The
      quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The
      association between RDW, either on admission or at discharge, and HF outcomes
      (all-cause mortality [ACM], heart transplantation, cardiovascular mortality, and
      rehospitalization, etc.) were reviewed. The overall hazard ratio (HR) for the
      effect of RDW on ACM was pooled using a random-effects model, and the publication
      bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Eggers' tests. Seventeen studies, with
      a total of 18288 HF patients, were included for systematic review. All eligible
      studies indicated that RDW on admission and RDW at discharge, as well as its
      change during treatment, were of prognostic significance for HF patients. The HR
      for the effect of a 1% increase in baseline RDW on ACM was 1.10 (95% confidence
      interval: 1.07-1.13), based on pooling of nine studies that provided related
      data. However, publication bias was observed among these studies. CONCLUSIONS: HF
      patients with higher RDW may have poorer prognosis than those with lower RDW.
      Further studies are needed to explore the potential mechanisms underlying this
      association.

PMID- 25133511
TI  - Insulin, CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins and lactate regulate the human 11beta
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 gene expression in colon cancer cell lines.
AB  - 11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11beta-HSD) modulate mineralocorticoid
      receptor transactivation by glucocorticoids and regulate access to the
      glucocorticoid receptor. The isozyme 11beta-HSD2 is selectively expressed in
      mineralocorticoid target tissues and its activity is reduced in various disease
      states with abnormal sodium retention and hypertension, including the apparent
      mineralocorticoid excess. As 50% of patients with essential hypertension are
      insulin resistant and hyperinsulinemic, we hypothesized that insulin
      downregulates the 11beta-HSD2 activity. In the present study we show that insulin
      reduced the 11beta-HSD2 activity in cancer colon cell lines (HCT116, SW620 and HT
      29) at the transcriptional level, in a time and dose dependent manner. The
      downregulation was reversible and required new protein synthesis. Pathway
      analysis using mRNA profiling revealed that insulin treatment modified the
      expression of the transcription factor family C/EBPs (CCAAT/enhancer-binding
      proteins) but also of glycolysis related enzymes. Western blot and real time PCR
      confirmed an upregulation of C/EBP beta isoforms (LAP and LIP) with a more
      pronounced increase in the inhibitory isoform LIP. EMSA and reporter gene assays
      demonstrated the role of C/EBP beta isoforms in HSD11B2 gene expression
      regulation. In addition, secretion of lactate, a byproduct of glycolysis, was
      shown to mediate insulin-dependent HSD11B2 downregulation. In summary, we
      demonstrate that insulin downregulates HSD11B2 through increased LIP expression
      and augmented lactate secretion. Such mechanisms are of interest and potential
      significance for sodium reabsorption in the colon. 

PMID- 25133512
TI  - Multivariable logistic regression model: a novel mathematical model that predicts
      visual field sensitivity from macular ganglion cell complex thickness in
      glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To design a mathematical model that can predict the relationship between
      the ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness and visual field sensitivity (VFS) in
      glaucoma patients. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional case series. METHOD:
      Within 3 months from VFS measurements by the Humphrey field analyzer 10-2
      program, 83 eyes underwent macular GCC thickness measurements by spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Data were used to construct a multiple
      logistic model that depicted the relationship between the explanatory variables
      (GCC thickness, age, sex, and spherical equivalent of refractive errors)
      determined by a regression analysis and the mean VFS corresponding to the SD-OCT
      scanned area. Analyses were performed in half or 8 segmented local areas as well
      as in whole scanned areas. A simple logistic model that included GCC thickness as
      the single explanatory variable was also constructed. The ability of the logistic
      models to depict the real GCC thickness/VFS in SAP distribution was analyzed by
      the chi2 test of goodness-of-fit. The significance of the model effect was
      analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Scatter plots between the GCC
      thickness and the mean VFS showed sigmoid curves. The chi2 test of goodness-of
      fit revealed that the multiple logistic models showed a good fit for the real GCC
      thickness/VFS distribution in all areas except the nasal-inferior-outer area.
      ANOVA revealed that all of the multiple logistic models significantly predicted
      the VFS based on the explanatory variables. Although simple logistic models also
      exhibited significant VFS predictability based on the GCC thickness, the model
      effect was less than that observed for the multiple logistic models. CONCLUSIONS:
      The currently proposed logistic models are useful methods for depicting
      relationships between the explanatory variables, including the GCC thickness, and
      the mean VFS in glaucoma patients.

PMID- 25133514
TI  - "The mask who wasn't there": visual masking effect with the perceptual absence of
      the mask.
AB  - Does a visual mask need to be perceptually present to disrupt processing? In the
      present research, we proposed to explore the link between perceptual and memory
      mechanisms by demonstrating that a typical sensory phenomenon (visual masking)
      can be replicated at a memory level. Experiment 1 highlighted an interference
      effect of a visual mask on the categorization of auditory targets and confirmed
      the multimodal nature of knowledge. In Experiment 2, we proposed to reactivate
      this mask in a categorization task on visual targets. Results showed that the
      sensory mask has disrupted (slower reaction times) the processing of the targets
      whether the mask was perceptually present or reactivated in memory. These results
      support a sensory-based conception of memory processing and suggest that the
      difference between perceptual processes and memory processes is characterized by
      the presence (perception) or the absence (memory) of the sensory properties
      involved in the activity.

PMID- 25133513
TI  - Identification and functional analysis of pheromone and receptor genes in the B3
      mating locus of Pleurotus eryngii.
AB  - Pleurotus eryngii has recently become a major cultivated mushroom; it uses
      tetrapolar heterothallism as a part of its reproductive process. Sexual
      development progresses only when the A and B mating types are compatible. Such
      mating incompatibility occasionally limits the efficiency of breeding programs in
      which crossing within loci-shared strains or backcrossing strategies are
      employed. Therefore, understanding the mating system in edible mushroom fungi
      will help provide a short cut in the development of new strains. We isolated and
      identified pheromone and receptor genes in the B3 locus of P. eryngii and
      performed a functional analysis of the genes in the mating process by
      transformation. A genomic DNA library was constructed to map the entire mating
      type locus. The B3 locus was found to contain four pheromone precursor genes and
      four receptor genes. Remarkably, receptor PESTE3.3.1 has just 34 amino acid
      residues in its C-terminal cytoplasmic region; therefore, it seems likely to be a
      receptor-like gene. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR (real-time qRT-PCR) revealed
      that most pheromone and receptor genes showed significantly higher expression in
      monokaryotic cells than dikaryotic cells. The pheromone genes PEphb3.1 and
      PEphb3.3 and the receptor gene PESTE3.3.1 were transformed into P5 (A3B4). The
      transformants were mated with a tester strain (A4B4), and the progeny showed
      clamp connections and a normal fruiting body, which indicates the proposed role
      of these genes in mating and fruiting processes. This result also confirms that
      PESTE3.3.1 is a receptor gene. In this study, we identified pheromone and
      receptor genes in the B3 locus of P. eryngii and found that some of those genes
      appear to play a role in the mating and fruiting processes. These results might
      help elucidate the mechanism of fruiting differentiation and improve breeding
      efficiency. 

PMID- 25133515
TI  - The efficacy of self-paced study in multitrial learning.
AB  - In 2 experiments we investigated the efficacy of self-paced study in multitrial
      learning. In Experiment 1, native speakers of English studied lists of Dutch
      English word pairs under 1 of 4 imposed fixed presentation rate conditions (24 *
      1 s, 12 * 2 s, 6 * 4 s, or 3 * 8 s) and a self-paced study condition. Total study
      time per list was equated for all conditions. We found that self-paced study
      resulted in better recall performance than did most of the fixed presentation
      rates, with the exception of the 12 * 2 s condition, which did not differ from
      the self-paced condition. Additional correlational analyses suggested that the
      allocation of more study time to difficult pairs than to easy pairs might be a
      beneficial strategy for self-paced learning. Experiment 2 was designed to test
      this hypothesis. In 1 condition, participants studied word pairs in a self-paced
      fashion without any restrictions. In the other condition, participants studied
      word pairs in a self-paced fashion but total study time per item was equated. The
      results showed that allowing self-paced learners to freely allocate study time
      over items resulted in better recall performance.

PMID- 25133516
TI  - Indanthrone dye revisited after sixty years.
AB  - Indanthrone, an old, insoluble dye can be converted into a solution processable,
      self-assembling and electroluminescent organic semiconductor, namely
      tetraoctyloxydinaptho[2,3-a:2',3'-h]phenazine (P-C8), in a simple one-pot process
      consisting of the reduction of the carbonyl group by sodium dithionite followed
      by the substitution with solubility inducing groups under phase transfer
      catalysis conditions.

PMID- 25133517
TI  - Scorpions: a presentation.
AB  - Scorpions, at least the species of the family Buthidae whose venoms are better
      known, appear as animals that have evolved very little over time. The composition
      of their venoms is relatively simple as most toxins have a common structural
      motif that is found in other venoms from primitive species. Moreover, all the
      scorpion venom toxins principally act on membrane ionic channels of excitable
      cells. The results of recent works lead to the conclusion that in scorpions there
      is a close relationship between venomous function and innate immune function both
      remarkably efficient. 

PMID- 25133518
TI  - Solid-state NMR analysis of a complex crystalline phase of ronacaleret
      hydrochloride.
AB  - A crystalline phase of the pharmaceutical compound ronacaleret hydrochloride is
      studied by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy and single
      crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure is determined to contain two
      independent cationic molecules and chloride anions in the asymmetric unit, which
      combine with the covalent structure of the molecule to yield complex SSNMR
      spectra. Experimental approaches based on dipolar correlation, chemical shift
      tensor analysis, and quadrupolar interaction analysis are employed to obtain
      detailed information about this phase. Density functional theory (DFT)
      calculations are used to predict chemical shielding and electric field gradient
      (EFG) parameters for comparison with experiment. (1)H SSNMR experiments performed
      at 16.4 T using magic-angle spinning (MAS) and homonuclear dipolar decoupling
      provide information about hydrogen bonding and molecular connectivity that can be
      related to the crystal structure. (19)F and (13)C assignments for the Z' = 2
      structure are obtained using DFT calculations, (19)F homonuclear dipolar
      correlation, and (13)C-(19)F heteronuclear dipolar correlation experiments.
      (35)Cl MAS experiments at 16.4 T observe two chlorine sites that are assigned
      using calculated chemical shielding and EFG parameters. SSNMR dipolar correlation
      experiments are used to extract (1)H-(13)C, (1)H-(15)N, (1)H-(19)F, (13)C-(19)F,
      and (1)H-(35)Cl through-space connectivity information for many positions of
      interest. The results allow for the evaluation of the performance of a suite of
      SSNMR experiments and computational approaches as applied to a complex but
      typical pharmaceutical solid phase. 

PMID- 25133519
TI  - Effects of Acute Active Video Games on Endothelial Function Following a High-Fat
      Meal in Overweight Adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We tested the hypothesis that an active video game following a high
      fat meal would partially prevent the unfavorable effect of a high-fat meal on
      vascular function in overweight adolescents. METHODS: Twenty-four overweight
      adolescents were randomized to either a 60-minute active video game (AVG) group
      (n = 12) or seated rest (SR) as a control group (n = 12) after a high-fat meal.
      Blood parameters were measured, and vascular function was measured using brachial
      artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) at baseline and 3 hours after a high-fat
      meal. RESULTS: No significant interaction was found in any blood parameter. A
      high-fat meal significantly increased blood triglyceride and glucose
      concentrations in both groups in a similar manner. Brachial artery FMD
      significantly decreased in the SR group (13.8 +/- 3.2% to 11.8 +/- 2.5), but
      increased in the AVG group (11.4 +/- 4.0% to 13.3 +/- 3.5), with a significant
      interaction (P = .034). CONCLUSION: These findings show that an active video game
      attenuated high-fat meal-induced endothelial dysfunction. This suggests that an
      active video game may have a cardioprotective effect on endothelial function in
      overweight adolescents when exposed to a high-fat meal.

PMID- 25133520
TI  - Molecular and phytochemical investigation of Angelica dahurica and Angelica
      pubescentis essential oils and their biological activity against Aedes aegypti,
      Stephanitis pyrioides, and Colletotrichum species.
AB  - In this study, Angelica dahurica and Angelica pubescentis root essential oils
      were investigated as pest management perspectives, and root samples were also
      analyzed genetically using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer
      (ITS) region as a DNA barcode marker. A. pubescentis root essential oil
      demonstrated weak antifungal activity against Colletotrichum acutatum,
      Colletotrichum fragariae, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, whereas A. dahurica
      root essential oil did not show antifungal activity. Conversely, A. dahurica root
      essential oil demonstrated better biting deterrent and insecticidal activity
      against yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and azalea lace bugs, Stephanitis
      pyrioides, than A. pubescentis root oil. The major compounds in the A. dahurica
      oil were found as alpha-pinene (46.3%), sabinene (9.3%), myrcene (5.5%), 1
      dodecanol (5.2%), and terpinen-4-ol (4.9%). alpha-Pinene (37.6%), p-cymene
      (11.6%), limonene (8.7%), and cryptone (6.7%) were the major compounds found in
      the A. pubescentis oil. In mosquito bioassays, 1-dodecanol and 1-tridecanol
      showed antibiting deterrent activity similar to the positive control DEET (N,N
      diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) at 25 nmol/cm(2) against Ae. aegypti, whereas only 1
      tridecanol showed repellent activity in human-based cloth patch bioassay with
      minimum effective dosages (MED) of 0.086 +/- 0.089 mg/cm(2) (DEET = 0.007 +/-
      0.003 mg/cm(2)). In larval bioassays, 1-tridecanol was more toxic with an LC50
      value of 2.1 ppm than 1-dodecanol having an LC50 value of 5.2 ppm against 1-day
      old Ae. aegypti larvae. 1-Dodecanol and 1-tridecanol could be useful for the
      natural mosquito control agents. 

PMID- 25133521
TI  - V-shaped bis-coumarins: synthesis and optical properties.
AB  - A highly efficient procedure for the synthesis of bis-coumarins fused at the
      pyranone ring has been developed. The electron-rich phenols reacted with esters
      of coumarin-3-carboxylic acids, leading to substituted chromeno[3,4-c]chromene
      6,7-diones. The reaction is catalyzed by both Lewis acids and 4
      dimethylaminopyridine. The most probable mechanistic pathway involves Lewis acid
      catalyzed or DMAP catalyzed transesterification, followed by intramolecular
      conjugate addition of alpha,beta-unsaturated esters to phenols and subsequent
      oxidation of the initially formed intermediate. The reaction is compatible with
      various functionalities such as NO2, Br, and OMe. Not only benzene derivatives
      but also dihydroxynaphthalenes are reactive in this reaction, and the structure
      of the product can be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions.
      Furthermore, a double addition is possible, leading to a horseshoe-shaped system
      comprised of seven conjugated rings. Compounds with four structurally unique
      skeletons have been obtained and have been shown to strongly absorb in the
      violet, blue, and/or green regions of the visible spectrum. Most of them display
      strong greenish yellow fluorescence, which can be modulated by both structural
      changes and the character of the solvents. Again, introduction of an electron
      donating group in the chromeno[3,4-c]chromene-6,7-diones caused a significant red
      shift in both the absorption and emission maxima, and the effect became
      especially noteworthy in the case of amino substituents. 

PMID- 25133523
TI  - Nonstoichiometric nucleation and growth of multicomponent nanocrystals in
      solution.
AB  - The ability to assemble nanoscale functional building blocks is a useful and
      modular way for scientists to design valuable materials with specific physical
      and chemical properties. Chemists expect multicomponent, heterostructured
      nanocrystals to show unique electrical, thermal, and optical properties not seen
      in homogeneous, single-phase nanocrystals. Although researchers have made
      remarkable advances in heterogeneous nucleation and growth, design of synthetic
      conditions for obtaining nanocrystals with a target composition and shape is
      still a big challenge. There are several outstanding issues that chemists need to
      address before they can successfully carry out the design-based synthesis of
      multicomponent nanocrystals. For instance, small changes in the reaction
      parameters, such as the precursor, solvent, surfactant, reducing agent, and the
      reaction temperature, often result in changes in the structure and chemical
      composition of the final product. Although scientists do not fully understand the
      mechanisms underlying the nucleation and growth processes involved in the
      synthesis of these multicomponent nanocrystals, recent progress in understanding
      of the thermodynamic and kinetic factors have improved our control over their
      final structure and chemical composition. In this Account, we summarize our
      recent advances in understanding of the nucleation and growth mechanisms involved
      in the solution-based synthesis of multicomponent nanocrystals. We also discuss
      the various challenges encountered in their synthesis, emphasizing what still
      needs special consideration. We first discuss the three different nucleation
      paths from a thermodynamics perspective: amorphous nucleation, crystalline
      nucleation, and two-step nucleation. Amorphous nucleation and two-step nucleation
      involve the generation of nonstoichiometric nuclei. We initiate this process
      mainly by introducing an imbalance in the concentrations of the reduced elements.
      When the nonstoichiometric nuclei grow, we can add secondary elements to the
      growing nonstoichiometric nuclei. This leads to either the physical deposition or
      atomic mixture formation through the diffusion and rearrangement of constituents.
      The processes of mixture formation and the physical deposition of the secondary
      constituent element also compete and determine the shape and chemical composition
      of the final product. If the free energy change by mixture formation is positive
      (DeltaGAB >= 0), physical deposition takes place predominantly, and the spreading
      coefficient (S) determines the structure of the nanocrystals. However, when
      mixture formation is highly spontaneous (DeltaGAB < -xi), the chemical
      composition of the final product is usually stoichiometric, and its shape then
      depends on the size of the primary nanocrystals. When the mixture formation and
      physical deposition are in competition (-xi <= DeltaGAB < 0), as commonly seen
      for many nanoalloy systems, both the chemical composition and the structure are
      determined by the size of the primary nanocrystals as well as the degree of
      mixture formation at the interface of the constituent components. Finally, we
      discuss the challenges and caveats that one needs to take into account when
      synthesizing multicomponent nanocrystals.

PMID- 25133524
TI  - Team-based surgical care: an important role for academic health centers.

PMID- 25133522
TI  - Promises and pitfalls of intracellular delivery of proteins.
AB  - The direct delivery of functional proteins into the cell cytosol is a key issue
      for protein therapy, with many current strategies resulting in endosomal
      entrapment. Protein delivery to the cytosol is challenging due to the high
      molecular weight and the polarity of therapeutic proteins. Here we review
      strategies for the delivery of proteins into cells, including cell-penetrating
      peptides, virus-like particles, supercharged proteins, nanocarriers, polymers,
      and nanoparticle-stabilized nanocapsules. The advantages and disadvantages of
      these approaches including cytosolar delivery are compared and contrasted, with
      promising pathways forward identified. 

PMID- 25133525
TI  - Surface coating mediated swelling and fracture of silicon nanowires during
      lithiation.
AB  - Surface passivation of silicon anodes is an appealing design strategy for the
      development of reliable, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. However, the
      structural stability of the coating layer and its influence on the lithiation
      process remain largely unclear. Herein, we show that surface coating mediates the
      swelling dynamics and the fracture pattern during initial lithiation of
      crystalline silicon nanopillars. We choose conformally nickel coated silicon
      architectures as a model system. Experimental findings are interpreted based on a
      chemomechanical model. Markedly different swelling and fracture regimes have been
      identified, depending on the coating thickness and silicon nanopillar diameter.
      Nanopillars with relatively thin coating display anisotropic swelling similar to
      pristine nanopillars, but with different preferred fracture sites. As the coating
      thickness increases, the mechanisms become isotropic, with one randomly oriented
      longitudinal crack that unzips the core-shell structure. The morphology of
      cracked pillars resembles that of a thin-film electrode on a substrate, which is
      more amenable to cyclic lithiation without fracture. The knowledge provided here
      helps clarify the cycling results of coated nanosilicon electrodes and further
      suggests design rules for better performance electrodes through proper control of
      the lithiation and fracture. 

PMID- 25133526
TI  - Systematic genetic analysis identifies Cis-eQTL target genes associated with
      glioblastoma patient survival.
AB  - Prior expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies have demonstrated
      heritable variation determining differences in gene expression. The majority of
      eQTL studies were based on cell lines and normal tissues. We performed cis-eQTL
      analysis using glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) data sets obtained from The Cancer
      Genome Atlas (TCGA) to systematically investigate germline variation's
      contribution to tumor gene expression levels. We identified 985 significant cis
      eQTL associations (FDR<0.05) mapped to 978 SNP loci and 159 unique genes.
      Approximately 57% of these eQTLs have been previously linked to the gene
      expression in cell lines and normal tissues; 43% of these share cis associations
      known to be associated with functional annotations. About 25% of these cis-eQTL
      associations are also common to those identified in Breast Cancer from a recent
      study. Further investigation of the relationship between gene expression and
      patient clinical information identified 13 eQTL genes whose expression level
      significantly correlates with GBM patient survival (p<0.05). Most of these genes
      are also differentially expressed in tumor samples and organ-specific controls
      (p<0.05). Our results demonstrated a significant relationship of germline
      variation with gene expression levels in GBM. The identification of eQTLs-based
      expression associated survival might be important to the understanding of genetic
      contribution to GBM cancer prognosis. 

PMID- 25133527
TI  - Characterization of the SUMO-binding activity of the myeloproliferative and
      mental retardation (MYM)-type zinc fingers in ZNF261 and ZNF198.
AB  - SUMO-binding proteins interact with SUMO modified proteins to mediate a wide
      range of functional consequences. Here, we report the identification of a new
      SUMO-binding protein, ZNF261. Four human proteins including ZNF261, ZNF198,
      ZNF262, and ZNF258 contain a stretch of tandem zinc fingers called
      myeloproliferative and mental retardation (MYM)-type zinc fingers. We
      demonstrated that MYM-type zinc fingers from ZNF261 and ZNF198 are necessary and
      sufficient for SUMO-binding and that individual MYM-type zinc fingers function as
      SUMO-interacting motifs (SIMs). Our binding studies revealed that the MYM-type
      zinc fingers from ZNF261 and ZNF198 interact with the same surface on SUMO-2
      recognized by the archetypal consensus SIM. We also present evidence that MYM
      type zinc fingers in ZNF261 contain zinc, but that zinc is not required for SUMO
      binding. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies using truncated fragments of
      ZNF198 revealed that MYM-type zinc fingers of ZNF198 are necessary for
      localization to PML-nuclear bodies (PML-NBs). In summary, our studies have
      identified and characterized the SUMO-binding activity of the MYM-type zinc
      fingers in ZNF261 and ZNF198. 

PMID- 25133528
TI  - A method to evaluate genome-wide methylation in archival formalin-fixed, paraffin
      embedded ovarian epithelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of DNA from archival formalin and paraffin embedded (FFPE)
      tissue for genetic and epigenetic analyses may be problematic, since the DNA is
      often degraded and only limited amounts may be available. Thus, it is currently
      not known whether genome-wide methylation can be reliably assessed in DNA from
      archival FFPE tissue. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Ovarian tissues, which were
      obtained and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded in either 1999 or 2011, were
      sectioned and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E).Epithelial cells were captured
      by laser micro dissection, and their DNA subjected to whole genomic bisulfite
      conversion, whole genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and
      purification. Sequencing and software analyses were performed to identify the
      extent of genomic methylation. We observed that 31.7% of sequence reads from the
      DNA in the 1999 archival FFPE tissue, and 70.6% of the reads from the 2011
      sample, could be matched with the genome. Methylation rates of CpG on the Watson
      and Crick strands were 32.2% and 45.5%, respectively, in the 1999 sample, and
      65.1% and 42.7% in the 2011 sample. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We have developed
      an efficient method that allows DNA methylation to be assessed in archival FFPE
      tissue samples.

PMID- 25133532
TI  - MALDI-guided SIMS: multiscale imaging of metabolites in bacterial biofilms.
AB  - Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a versatile tool for visualizing molecular
      distributions in complex biological specimens, but locating microscopic chemical
      features of interest can be challenging in samples that lack a well-defined
      anatomy. To address this issue, we developed a correlated imaging approach that
      begins with performing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MSI to
      obtain low-resolution molecular maps of a sample. The resulting maps are then
      used to direct subsequent microscopic secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)
      imaging and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments to examine selected
      chemical regions of interest. By employing MALDI undersampling, the sample
      surface is left mostly unperturbed and available for the SIMS analysis, while
      also generating an ablation array that can be used for navigation in SIMS. We
      validated this MALDI-guided SIMS approach using cultured biofilms of the
      opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa; bioactive secondary metabolites,
      including rhamnolipids and quinolones, were detected and visualized on both macro
      and microscopic size scales. MSI mass assignments were confirmed with in situ
      MALDI MS/MS and capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization MS/MS analysis
      of biofilm extracts. Two strains of P. aeruginosa were compared, wild type and a
      quorum sensing mutant, and differences in metabolite abundance and distribution
      were observed. 

PMID- 25133529
TI  - Global metabolomic analysis of human saliva and plasma from healthy and diabetic
      subjects, with and without periodontal disease.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus are
      bi-directionally associated. Identification of a molecular signature for
      periodontitis using unbiased metabolic profiling could allow identification of
      biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of both diabetes and
      periodontal disease. This cross-sectional study identified plasma and salivary
      metabolic products associated with periodontitis and/or diabetes in order to
      discover biomarkers that may differentiate or demonstrate an interaction of these
      diseases. Saliva and plasma samples were analyzed from 161 diabetic and non
      diabetic human subjects with a healthy periodontium, gingivitis and
      periodontitis. Metabolite profiling was performed using Metabolon's platform
      technology. A total of 772 metabolites were found in plasma and 475 in saliva.
      Diabetics had significantly higher levels of glucose and alpha-hydroxybutyrate,
      the established markers of diabetes, for all periodontal groups of subjects.
      Comparison of healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis saliva samples within the non
      diabetic group confirmed findings from previous studies that included increased
      levels of markers of cellular energetic stress, increased purine degradation and
      glutathione metabolism through increased levels of oxidized glutathione and
      cysteine-glutathione disulfide, markers of oxidative stress, including increased
      purine degradation metabolites (e.g. guanosine and inosine), increased amino acid
      levels suggesting protein degradation, and increased omega-3 (docosapentaenoate)
      and omega-6 fatty acid (linoleate and arachidonate) signatures. Differences in
      saliva between diabetic and non-diabetic cohorts showed altered signatures of
      carbohydrate, lipid and oxidative stress exist in the diabetic samples. Global
      untargeted metabolic profiling of human saliva in diabetics replicated the
      metabolite signature of periodontal disease progression in non-diabetic patients
      and revealed unique metabolic signatures associated with periodontal disease in
      diabetics. The metabolites identified in this study that discriminated the
      periodontal groups may be useful for developing diagnostics and therapeutics
      tailored to the diabetic population. 

PMID- 25133533
TI  - Peripheral arterial disease among adult diabetic patients attending a large
      outpatient diabetic clinic at a national referral hospital in Uganda: a
      descriptive cross sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is one of the recognised diabetic
      macro vascular complications. It is a marker of generalised systemic
      atherosclerosis and is closely associated with symptomatic coronary and
      cerebrovascular disease, hence significant morbidity and mortality. Among African
      adult diabetic populations, screening and diagnosis of PAD is frequently
      suboptimal. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated
      clinical factors of PAD in adult ambulatory diabetic patients attending the
      outpatient diabetic clinic of Mulago national referral and teaching hospital,
      Kampala Uganda. METHODS: In this descriptive cross sectional study, 146
      ambulatory adult diabetic patients were studied. Information about their socio
      demographic and clinical characteristics, fasting lipid profile status, blood
      pressure, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and presence of albuminuria was
      collected using a pre tested questionnaire. Measurement of ankle brachial index
      (ABI) to assess for PAD, defined as a ratio less than 0.9 was performed using a
      portable 5-10 MHz Doppler device. Clinical factors associated with PAD were
      determined by comparing specific selected characteristics in patients with PAD
      and those without. RESULTS: The mean age/standard deviation of the study
      participants was 53.9/12.4 years with a male predominance (75, 51.4%). PAD was
      prevalent in 57 (39%) study participants. Of these, 34 (59.6%) had symptomatic
      PAD. The noted clinical factors associated with PAD in this study population were
      presence of symptoms of intermittent claudication and microalbuminuria.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study documents a high prevalence of PAD among adult ambulatory
      Ugandan diabetic patients. Aggressive screening for PAD using ABI measurement in
      adult diabetic patients should be emphasised in Uganda especially in the presence
      of symptoms of intermittent claudication and microalbuminuria.

PMID- 25133534
TI  - Breast contrast-enhanced ultrasound: is a scoring system feasible? A preliminary
      study in China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although many studies about breast contrast-enhanced ultrasound had
      been conducted, clear diagnostic criteria for evaluating enhancement patterns are
      still lacking. This study aims to identify significant indicators for breast
      contrast-enhanced ultrasound and to establish an initial scoring system.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally 839 patients were included in the study. This
      study was divided into two parts. 364 patients were included in part 1 while 475
      in part 2. Conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were used to
      examine each lesion. Only the cases in part 2 were also examined by elastography.
      In part 1, Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict significant
      variables. A 5-point scoring system was developed based on the results. In part
      2, the scoring system was used to evaluate all the breast lesions. To evaluate
      the diagnostic efficacy of the new scoring system, it was compared with the
      system established for elastography and conventional ultrasound (BI-RADS).
      RESULTS: Three independent variables, namely, lesion scope, margin, and shape
      were selected in the final step of the logistic regression analysis in part 1. In
      part 2, the area under the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve for the
      contrast-enhanced scoring system was 0.912. The difference in the diagnostic
      capabilities of the contrast-enhanced scoring system and elastography was not
      statistically significant (P = 0.17). The difference in the diagnostic
      capabilities of the contrast-enhanced scoring system and BI-RADS was
      statistically significant (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The contrast-enhanced patterns
      of benign and malignant breast tumors are different. The application of a 5-point
      scoring system for contrast-enhanced ultrasound is clinically promising.

PMID- 25133537
TI  - Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for medical patients: who needs it?

PMID- 25133535
TI  - Habitual functional electrical stimulation therapy improves gait kinematics and
      walking performance, but not patient-reported functional outcomes, of people with
      multiple sclerosis who present with foot-drop.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) often experience a disturbed
      gait function such as foot-drop. The objective of this pilot study was to
      investigate the medium term effects of using Functional Electrical Stimulation
      (FES) to treat foot-drop over a period 12 weeks on gait and patient reported
      outcomes of pwMS. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Nine pwMS aged 35 to 64 (2 males, 7
      females) were assessed on four occasions; four weeks before baseline, at baseline
      and after six weeks and twelve weeks of FES use. Joint kinematics and performance
      on the 10 meter and 2 minute walk tests (10WT, 2 minWT) were assessed with and
      without FES. Participants also completed the MS walking Scale (MSWS), MS impact
      scale (MSIS29), Fatigue Severity Score (FSS) and wore an activity monitor for
      seven days after each assessment. Compared to unassisted walking, FES resulted in
      statistically significant improvements in peak dorsiflexion in swing (p = 0.006),
      10MWT (p = 0.006) and 2 minWT (p = 0.002). Effect sizes for the training effect,
      defined as the change from unassisted walking at baseline to that at 12 weeks,
      indicated improved ankle angle at initial contact (2.6 degrees , 95% CI -1
      degrees  to 4 degrees , d = 0.78), and a decrease in perceived exertion over the
      2 min walking tests (-1.2 points, 95% CI -5.7 to 3.4, d = -0.86). Five
      participants exceeded the Minimally Detectable Change (MDC) for a training effect
      on the 10mWT, but only two did so for the 2 minWT. No effects of the use of FES
      for 12 weeks were found for MSWS, MSIS29, FSS or step count. CONCLUSION: Although
      FES to treat foot-drop appears to offer the potential for a medium term training
      effect on ankle kinematics and walking speed, this was not reflected in the
      patient reported outcomes. This observed lack of relationship between objective
      walking performance and patient reported outcomes warrants further investigation.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01977287.

PMID- 25133536
TI  - CSF and blood oxytocin concentration changes following intranasal delivery in
      macaque.
AB  - Oxytocin (OT) in the central nervous system (CNS) influences social cognition and
      behavior, making it a candidate for treating clinical disorders such as
      schizophrenia and autism. Intranasal administration has been proposed as a
      possible route of delivery to the CNS for molecules like OT. While intranasal
      administration of OT influences social cognition and behavior, it is not well
      established whether this is an effective means for delivering OT to CNS targets.
      We administered OT or its vehicle (saline) to 15 primates (Macaca mulatta), using
      either intranasal spray or a nebulizer, and measured OT concentration changes in
      the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and in blood. All subjects received both delivery
      methods and both drug conditions. Baseline samples of blood and CSF were taken
      immediately before drug administration. Blood was collected every 10 minutes
      after administration for 40 minutes and CSF was collected once post-delivery, at
      the 40 minutes time point. We found that intranasal administration of exogenous
      OT increased concentrations in both CSF and plasma compared to saline. Both
      delivery methods resulted in similar elevations of OT concentration in CSF, while
      the changes in plasma OT concentration were greater after nasal spray compared to
      nebulizer. In conclusion our study provides evidence that both nebulizer and
      nasal spray OT administration can elevate CSF OT levels. 

PMID- 25133539
TI  - Novel mechanisms of sildenafil in pulmonary hypertension involving
      cytokines/chemokines, MAP kinases and Akt.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) is associated with high mortality due to
      right ventricular failure and hypoxia, therefore to understand the mechanism by
      which pulmonary vascular remodeling initiates these processes is very important.
      We used a well-characterized monocrotaline (MCT)-induced rat PH model, and
      analyzed lung morphology, expression of cytokines, mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt (PI-3k-Akt)
      pathway and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation in order to elucidate the
      mechanisms by which sildenafil's protective effect in PH is exerted. Besides its
      protective effect on lung morphology, sildenafil suppressed multiple cytokines
      involved in neutrophil and mononuclear cells recruitment including cytokine
      induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1, CINC-2alpha/beta, tissue inhibitor
      of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, interleukin (IL)-1alpha, lipopolysaccharide
      induced CXC chemokine (LIX), monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG),
      macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, and MIP-3alpha. NF-kappaB
      activation and phosphorylation were also attenuated by sildenafil. Furthermore,
      sildenafil reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 MAPK
      activation while enhanced activation of the cytoprotective Akt pathway in PH.
      These data suggest a beneficial effect of sildenafil on inflammatory and kinase
      signaling mechanisms that substantially contribute to its protective effects, and
      may have potential implications in designing future therapeutic strategies in the
      treatment of pulmonary hypertension. 

PMID- 25133540
TI  - Redox-sensitive induction of Src/PI3-kinase/Akt and MAPKs pathways activate eNOS
      in response to EPA:DHA 6:1.
AB  - AIMS: Omega-3 fatty acid products containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have vasoprotective effects, in part, by stimulating
      the endothelial formation of nitric oxide (NO). This study determined the role of
      the EPA:DHA ratio and amount, and characterized the mechanism leading to
      endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activation. METHODS AND RESULTS: EPA:DHA 6?1 and
      9?1 caused significantly greater endothelium-dependent relaxations in porcine
      coronary artery rings than EPA:DHA 3?1, 1?1, 1?3, 1?6, 1?9, EPA and DHA alone,
      and EPA:DHA 6?1 with a reduced EPA + DHA amount, which were inhibited by an eNOS
      inhibitor. Relaxations to EPA:DHA 6?1 were insensitive to cyclooxygenase
      inhibition, and reduced by inhibitors of either oxidative stress, Src kinase, PI3
      kinase, p38 MAPK, MEK, or JNK. EPA:DHA 6?1 induced phosphorylation of Src, Akt,
      p38 MAPK, ERK, JNK and eNOS; these effects were inhibited by MnTMPyP. EPA:DHA 6?1
      induced the endothelial formation of ROS in coronary artery sections as assessed
      by dihydroethidium, and of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide in cultured
      endothelial cells as assessed by electron spin resonance with the spin probe CMH,
      and the Amplex Red based assay, respectively. CONCLUSION: Omega-3 fatty acids
      cause endothelium-dependent NO-mediated relaxations in coronary artery rings,
      which are dependent on the EPA:DHA ratio and amount, and involve an intracellular
      activation of the redox-sensitive PI3-kinase/Akt and MAPKs pathways to activate
      eNOS.

PMID- 25133541
TI  - Osteopontin is expressed in the mouse uterus during early pregnancy and promotes
      mouse blastocyst attachment and invasion in vitro.
AB  - Embryo implantation into the maternal uterus is a decisive step for successful
      mammalian pregnancy. Osteopontin (OPN) is a member of the small integrin-binding
      ligand N-linked glycoprotein family and participates in cell adhesion and
      invasion. In this study, we showed that Opn mRNA levels are up-regulated in the
      mouse uterus on day 4 and at the implantation sites on days 5 and 8 of pregnancy.
      Immunohistochemistry localized the OPN protein to the glandular epithelium on day
      4 and to the decidual zone on day 8 of pregnancy. OPN mRNA and proteins are
      induced by in vivo and in vitro decidualization. OPN expression in the
      endometrial stromal cells is regulated by progesterone, a key regulator during
      decidualization. As a secreted protein, the protein level of OPN in the uterine
      cavity is enriched on day 4, and in vitro embryo culturing has indicated that OPN
      can facilitate blastocyst hatching and adhesion. Knockdown of OPN attenuates the
      adhesion and invasion of blastocysts in mouse endometrial stromal cells by
      suppressing the expression and enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9
      in the trophoblast. Our data indicated that OPN expression in the mouse uterus
      during early pregnancy is essential for blastocyst hatching and adhesion and that
      the knockdown of OPN in mouse endometrial stroma cells could lead to a restrained
      in vitro trophoblast invasion. 

PMID- 25133542
TI  - Coptidis rhizome and Si Jun Zi Tang can prevent Salmonella enterica serovar
      Typhimurium infection in mice.
AB  - Salmonella, a common zoonotic pathogen, causes gastroenteritis in both humans and
      animals. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used to improve
      gastrointestinal dysfunction and to modify the immune response to inflammation
      for centuries. This study used six herbal plants and four TCM formulae to rate
      their efficacy in preventing S. Typhimurium infection via mouse model. Minimum
      bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Coptidis rhizome (CR) against the reference
      strain tallied 12.5 mg/ml and against clinical isolate ST21 was 25 mg/ml. MBCs of
      other herbal extracts and formulae on Salmonella Typhimurium strains were above
      50 mg/ml. In the mice model, CR and Si Jun Zi Tang (SJZT) could significantly
      decrease the bacterial load in organs and blood after being challenged, along
      with body weight loss due to the infection. CR and SJZT alleviated infection
      induced interferon-gamma levels in the serum and tissues, and tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels in intestinal tissues. CR and SJZT serum
      metabolites could suppress S. Typhimurium invasion and TNF-alpha expression in
      RAW264.7 cells. The therapeutic activity of CR and SJZT may involve berberine,
      ginsenoside Rb1, and glycyrrhizin, interfering with Salmonella when invading
      macrophages. CR and SJZT has shown potential in preventing S. Typhimurium
      infection through the regulation of the immune response. 

PMID- 25133543
TI  - The global trade in fresh produce and the vagility of plant viruses: a case study
      in garlic.
AB  - As cuisine becomes globalized, large volumes of fresh produce are traded
      internationally. The potential exists for pathogens infecting fresh produce to
      hitchhike to new locations and perhaps to establish there. It is difficult to
      identify them using traditional methods if pathogens are novel, scarce, and/or
      unexpected. In an attempt to overcome this limitation, we used high-throughput
      sequencing technology as a means of detecting all RNA viruses infecting garlic
      (Allium sativum L.) bulbs imported into Australia from China, the USA, Mexico,
      Argentina and Spain, and those growing in Australia. Bulbs tested were grown over
      multiple vegetative generations and all were stably infected with one or more
      viruses, including two species not previously recorded in Australia. Present in
      various combinations from 10 garlic bulbs were 41 virus isolates representing
      potyviruses (Onion yellow dwarf virus, Leek yellow stripe virus), carlaviruses
      (Shallot latent virus, Garlic common latent virus) and allexiviruses (Garlic
      virus A, B, C, D, and X), for which 19 complete and 22 partial genome sequences
      were obtained, including the first complete genome sequences of two isolates of
      GarVD. The most genetically distinct isolates of GarVA and GarVX described so far
      were identified from Mexico and Argentina, and possible scenarios explaining this
      are presented. The complete genome sequence of an isolate of the potexvirus
      Asparagus virus 3 (AV3) was obtained in Australia from wild garlic (A. vineale
      L.), a naturalized weed. This is first time AV3 has been identified from wild
      garlic and the first time it has been identified beyond China and Japan. The need
      for routine generic diagnosis and appropriate legislation to address the risks to
      primary production and wild plant communities from pathogens spread through the
      international trade in fresh produce is discussed. 

PMID- 25133544
TI  - Are articulatory settings mechanically advantageous for speech motor control?
AB  - We address the hypothesis that postures adopted during grammatical pauses in
      speech production are more "mechanically advantageous" than absolute rest
      positions for facilitating efficient postural motor control of vocal tract
      articulators. We quantify vocal tract posture corresponding to inter-speech
      pauses, absolute rest intervals as well as vowel and consonant intervals using
      automated analysis of video captured with real-time magnetic resonance imaging
      during production of read and spontaneous speech by 5 healthy speakers of
      American English. We then use locally-weighted linear regression to estimate the
      articulatory forward map from low-level articulator variables to high-level
      task/goal variables for these postures. We quantify the overall magnitude of the
      first derivative of the forward map as a measure of mechanical advantage. We find
      that postures assumed during grammatical pauses in speech as well as speech-ready
      postures are significantly more mechanically advantageous than postures assumed
      during absolute rest. Further, these postures represent empirical extremes of
      mechanical advantage, between which lie the postures assumed during various
      vowels and consonants. Relative mechanical advantage of different postures might
      be an important physical constraint influencing planning and control of speech
      production. 

PMID- 25133545
TI  - Decontamination of adsorbed chemical warfare agents on activated carbon using
      hydrogen peroxide solutions.
AB  - Mild treatment with hydrogen peroxide solutions (3-30%) efficiently decomposes
      adsorbed chemical warfare agents (CWAs) on microporous activated carbons used in
      protective garments and air filters. Better than 95% decomposition of adsorbed
      sulfur mustard (HD), sarin, and VX was achieved at ambient temperatures within 1
      24 h, depending on the H2O2 concentration. HD was oxidized to the nontoxic HD
      sulfoxide. The nerve agents were perhydrolyzed to the respective nontoxic
      methylphosphonic acids. The relative rapidity of the oxidation and perhydrolysis
      under these conditions is attributed to the microenvironment of the micropores.
      Apparently, the reactions are favored due to basic sites on the carbon surface.
      Our findings suggest a potential environmentally friendly route for
      decontamination of adsorbed CWAs, using H2O2 without the need of cosolvents or
      activators. 

PMID- 25133547
TI  - Towards full citizenship: correlates of engagement with the gender identity law
      among transwomen in Argentina.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In May 2012, Argentina passed its "Gender Identity" Law, which
      aimed to address the legal invisibility, discrimination and marginalization that
      transgender individuals have historically faced. The aim of this study was to
      explore factors associated with engagement with the Gender Identity Law among
      transwomen living in Argentina. METHODS: Data were derived from a 2013
      nationwide, cross-sectional study involving transwomen in Argentina. Using
      multivariate logistic regression, we assessed the prevalence and factors
      associated with acquiring a gender-congruent identity card within the first 18
      months of enactment of the Gender Identity Law. RESULTS: Among 452 transwomen,
      260 (57.5%) reported that they had obtained a new gender-congruent identity card.
      In multivariate analysis, factors positively associated with acquiring a new ID
      were: previously experiencing discrimination by healthcare workers (adjusted odd
      ratio [aOR] = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.27-3.20); having engaged in transition procedures
      (aOR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.58-5.93); and having a job other than sex work (aOR =
      1.81, 95% CI: 1.06-3.10). Foreign born transwomen were less likely to have
      obtained a new ID (aOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06-0.33). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of
      transwomen in our sample acquired a new gender-congruent ID within the first 18
      months of enactment of the Gender Identity Law. However, access to and uptake of
      this right has been heterogeneous. In particular, our findings suggest that the
      most empowered transwomen may have been among the first to take advantage of this
      right. Although educational level, housing conditions, HIV status and sex work
      were not associated with the outcome, foreign-born status was a strong negative
      correlate of new ID acquisition. Therefore, additional efforts should be made in
      order to ensure that benefits of this founding policy reach all transwomen in
      Argentina.

PMID- 25133548
TI  - Determinants of patients' choice of provider in accessing brucellosis care among
      pastoral communities adjacent to lake Mburo National Park in Kiruhura District,
      Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is the commonest zoonotic infection worldwide with
      symptoms similar to other febrile syndromes such as malaria and typhoid fever. It
      is often easily misdiagnosed, resulting in underreporting and misdirected
      treatments. Understanding of the factors that influence brucellosis care seeking
      is essential in enhancing its effective management. Our study sought to determine
      the factors associated with choice of provider in accessing care for brucellosis
      among pastoral communities in Uganda. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey
      involving 245 randomly selected respondents previously diagnosed and treated for
      brucellosis, two months before the study. They were enrolled from three sub
      counties neighboring Lake Mburo National Park between December 2012 to April
      2013. Data on socio-demographics, availability, accessibility, affordability and
      acceptability of health services were collected. A multivariable logistic
      regression model was fitted to determine association between independent and
      outcome variables using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals with p
      value<=0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 245
      respondents, 127(51.8%) sought health care at government facilities and the rest
      at private. Respondents who were less likely to choose a government facility were
      either single (OR: 0.50, CI: 0.26-0.97), had general weakness (OR: 0.09, CI: 0.01
      0.72) or whom family took a decision (OR: 0.52, CI: 0.28-0.97). At multivariable
      analysis, choice of government facility was influenced by primary education (aOR:
      0.46, CI: 0.22-0.97), having six to ten household members (aOR:3.71, CI:1.84
      7.49), family advice (aOR:0.64, CI: 0.23-0.91), distance >=10 kms (aOR:0.44, CI:
      0.21-0.92), high costs at private clinics (aOR:0.01, CI:0.02-0.15) and no
      diagnosis at government facility (aOR:0.11, CI:0.01-0.97). Females were more
      likely to seek health care at government facilities, while those with tertiary
      education were less likely, after the first provider. CONCLUSIONS: Females and
      households with six to ten members were more likely to choose government
      facilities. Government facilities need to be equipped to attract more patients.

PMID- 25133546
TI  - Evaluation of uric acid as a prognostic blood-based marker in a large cohort of
      pancreatic cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, chemical blood parameters gain more attraction as potential
      prognostic parameters in pancreatic cancer (PC). In the present study we
      investigated the prognostic relevance of the uric acid (UA) level in blood plasma
      at the time of diagnosis for overall survival (OS) in a large cohort of patients
      with PC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 466 consecutive patients with ductal
      adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were evaluated retrospectively. Overall survival
      (OS) was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. To further evaluate the
      prognostic significance of the UA level, univariate and multivariate Cox
      regression models were calculated. RESULTS: None of the clinicopathological
      parameters (tumour grade, clinical stage, age, CA19-9 level, Karnofski Index (KI)
      or surgical resection) except gender was associated with UA level. In univariate
      analysis we observed the elevated UA level (<5.1 versus >=5.1 mg/dl, p = 0.017)
      as poor prognostic factor for OS. In the multivariate analysis that included age,
      gender, tumour grade, tumour stage, surgical resection, CA19-9 level, the KI and
      UA level we confirmed the UA level as independent prognostic factor for OS (HR =
      1.373%; CI = 1.077-1.751; p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we identified
      the UA level at time of diagnosis as an independent prognostic factor in PC
      patients. Our results indicate that the UA level might represent a novel and
      useful marker for patient stratification in PC management.

PMID- 25133549
TI  - Cross-checking different sources of mobility information.
AB  - The pervasive use of new mobile devices has allowed a better characterization in
      space and time of human concentrations and mobility in general. Besides its
      theoretical interest, describing mobility is of great importance for a number of
      practical applications ranging from the forecast of disease spreading to the
      design of new spaces in urban environments. While classical data sources, such as
      surveys or census, have a limited level of geographical resolution (e.g.,
      districts, municipalities, counties are typically used) or are restricted to
      generic workdays or weekends, the data coming from mobile devices can be
      precisely located both in time and space. Most previous works have used a single
      data source to study human mobility patterns. Here we perform instead a cross
      check analysis by comparing results obtained with data collected from three
      different sources: Twitter, census, and cell phones. The analysis is focused on
      the urban areas of Barcelona and Madrid, for which data of the three types is
      available. We assess the correlation between the datasets on different aspects:
      the spatial distribution of people concentration, the temporal evolution of
      people density, and the mobility patterns of individuals. Our results show that
      the three data sources are providing comparable information. Even though the
      representativeness of Twitter geolocated data is lower than that of mobile phone
      and census data, the correlations between the population density profiles and
      mobility patterns detected by the three datasets are close to one in a grid with
      cells of 2*2 and 1*1 square kilometers. This level of correlation supports the
      feasibility of interchanging the three data sources at the spatio-temporal scales
      considered. 

PMID- 25133551
TI  - Topical prescription contrition.

PMID- 25133552
TI  - Monodisperse colloidal gallium nanoparticles: synthesis, low temperature
      crystallization, surface plasmon resonance and Li-ion storage.
AB  - We report a facile colloidal synthesis of gallium (Ga) nanoparticles with the
      mean size tunable in the range of 12-46 nm and with excellent size distribution
      as small as 7-8%. When stored under ambient conditions, Ga nanoparticles remain
      stable for months due to the formation of native and passivating Ga-oxide layer
      (2-3 nm). The mechanism of Ga nanoparticles formation is elucidated using nuclear
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy and with molecular dynamics simulations. Size
      dependent crystallization and melting of Ga nanoparticles in the temperature
      range of 98-298 K are studied with X-ray powder diffraction, specific heat
      measurements, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption
      spectroscopy. The results point to delta (delta)-Ga polymorph as a single low
      temperature phase, while phase transition is characterized by the large
      hysteresis and by the large undercooling of crystallization and melting points
      down to 140-145 and 240-250 K, respectively. We have observed size-tunable
      plasmon resonance in the ultraviolet and visible spectral regions. We also report
      stable operation of Ga nanoparticles as anode material for Li-ion batteries with
      storage capacities of 600 mAh g(-1), 50% higher than those achieved for bulk Ga
      under identical testing conditions. 

PMID- 25133553
TI  - Mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) prevents oxidative DNA damage induced by cadmium
      exposure in Wistar rats.
AB  - The Mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) is a plant native from South America; it is
      used in the traditional medicine systems for treating bacterial, fungal,
      parasitic and inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities induced by mimosa (M. caesalpiniifolia)
      in multiple rodent organs subjected to intoxication with cadmium chloride. A
      total of 40 Wistar rats (8 weeks old, 250 g) were distributed into eight groups
      (n = 5), as follows: Control group (non-treated group, CTRL); Cadmium exposed
      group (Cd); cadmium exposure and treated with extract at 62.5 mg/kg/day; cadmium
      exposure and treated with extract at 125 mg/kg/day; cadmium exposure and treated
      with extract at 250 mg/kg/day; cadmium exposure and treated with ethyl acetate
      fraction at 62.5 mg/kg/day. For evaluating the toxicogenetic potential of mimosa,
      two groups were included in the study being treated with extract at 250 mg/kg/day
      and acetate fraction of mimosa at 62 mg/kg/day, only. Extract of mimosa at
      concentrations of 62.5 and 125 mg decreased DNA damage in animals intoxicated
      with cadmium when compared to cadmium group. In a similar manner, treatment with
      ethyl acetate fraction of mimosa at 62.5 mg concentration in animals previously
      exposed to cadmium reduced genetic damage in peripheral blood cells. In a similar
      manner, the treatment with ethyl acetate fraction reduced DNA damage in liver
      cells. Oxidative DNA damage was reduced to animals exposed to cadmium and treated
      with 125 mg of extract as well as those intoxicated to cadmium and treated with
      62.5 of acetate fraction of mimosa. Taken together, our results indicate that
      mimosa prevents genotoxicity induced by cadmium exposure in liver and peripheral
      blood cells of rats as a result of antioxidant activity.

PMID- 25133554
TI  - May maternal anti-mullerian hormone levels predict adverse maternal and perinatal
      outcomes in preeclampsia?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prediction of preeclampsia and adverse maternal and perinatal
      outcomes with biomarkers has been proposed previously. Anti-mullerian hormone
      (AMH) is a growth factor, which is primarily responsible of the regression of the
      mullerian duct, but also used to predict ovarian reserve and decreases with age
      similar to the fertility. AIM: To evaluate the predictive role of maternal anti
      mullerian hormone (mAMH) in adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in
      preeclampsia. METHODS: This prospective case-control study was conducted at
      current high-risk pregnancy department in a tertiary research hospital and 45
      cases with preeclampsia classified as study group and 42 as control group. Data
      collected and evaluated were; age, body mass index (BMI), marriage duration (MD),
      gestational weeks (GW), gravidity, parity, mode of delivery, birth weight,
      newborn Apgar score, newborn gender, maternal complication, perinatal outcome,
      some laboratory parameters and mAMH. The association between mAMH levels and
      maternal and fetal outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no statistically
      significant differences between groups in terms of age, BMI, MD, gravidity,
      parity and newborn gender (p > 0.05). GW, vaginal delivery, birth weight, newborn
      Apgar score, were statistically significantly lower in preeclamptic patients when
      compared with non-preeclamptic patients (p < 0.001). Adverse maternal and
      perinatal outcomes were statistically significantly higher in the study group (p
      < 0.001). The laboratory values [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate
      transaminase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, lactic dehydrogenase
      (LDH), uric acid and fibrinogen) were statistically significantly lower in the
      control group (p < 0.001). The mAMH level was significantly lower in the
      preeclamptic group (p: 0.035). There was no correlation between mAMH levels and
      demographic and clinical parameters. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.590
      and the cut-off value was 0.365 ng/ml with sensitivity of 67.4% and specificity
      of 47.1% for mAMH. Logistic regression analysis showed a statistically
      insignificance between mAMH and maternal complication and perinatal outcome (p:
      0.149). CONCLUSION: According to this study, mAMH level was lower in preeclamptic
      patients than in normal pregnants, and is found to be a discriminative factor
      with low sensitivity and specificity. There was no relationship between mAMH and
      adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Further randomized controlled studies
      with more participants are needed to evaluate the accurate effects of mAMH levels
      on preeclampsia and should increase the power of mAMH levels in predicting the
      preeclampsia.

PMID- 25133555
TI  - [Interesting cases in IOL implantation].

PMID- 25133556
TI  - [Recurrent anterior chamber and vitreous bleeding after cataract surgery].

PMID- 25133550
TI  - Tandem RNA chimeras contribute to transcriptome diversity in human population and
      are associated with intronic genetic variants.
AB  - Chimeric RNAs originating from two or more different genes are known to exist not
      only in cancer, but also in normal tissues, where they can play a role in human
      evolution. However, the exact mechanism of their formation is unknown. Here, we
      use RNA sequencing data from 462 healthy individuals representing 5 human
      populations to systematically identify and in depth characterize 81 RNA tandem
      chimeric transcripts, 13 of which are novel. We observe that 6 out of these 81
      chimeras have been regarded as cancer-specific. Moreover, we show that a
      prevalence of long introns at the fusion breakpoint is associated with the
      chimeric transcripts formation. We also find that tandem RNA chimeras have lower
      abundances as compared to their partner genes. Finally, by combining our results
      with genomic data from the same individuals we uncover intronic genetic variants
      associated with the chimeric RNA formation. Taken together our findings provide
      an important insight into the chimeric transcripts formation and open new avenues
      of research into the role of intronic genetic variants in post-transcriptional
      processing events. 

PMID- 25133557
TI  - [Refractive lens exchange with a multifocal lens: well operated, but still
      dissatisfied].

PMID- 25133558
TI  - [Phakic intraocular lens implantation in the case of a large white-to-white
      distance].

PMID- 25133559
TI  - [Alterations of intraocular pressure in comparison of self- and external
      administered topical antiglaucomatosa during diurnal intraocular pressure
      measurements].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The correct self-administration of topical antiglaucomatous eye drops
      is important for the success of glaucoma treatment. Individual impairment, like
      increased age, decreased visual acuity, impaired visual-field perception or the
      frequency of drug appliance may influence a correct application technique and the
      patients compliance and therewith intraocular pressure (IOP). The aim of this
      study was to explore alterations of IOP due to self versus external
      administration (by trained medical personnel) of topical antiglaucomatous eye
      drops due to impairing factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective analysis was
      undertaken of 123 patients with primary chronic open-angle glaucoma receiving a
      diurnal intraocular pressure (DIP) measurement over 72 hours at our department.
      During the first 24 hours, the application of topical eye drops was self
      administered by patients (SA), while the application of eye drops within the
      following 48 hours was performed by trained medical personnel (EA). Alterations
      of mean intraocular pressure (MIP) and diurnal fluctuations (DF) between EA and
      SA were analysed with regard to initial IOP, restrictions of visual field
      perception, visual acuity, age, general health status and frequency of daily eye
      drop administration. RESULTS: Overall comparable MIP in SA and EA was seen. 19.2
      43.9 % of the patients with an initial IOP >= 11 mmHg showed beneficial effects
      of EA with lowering of IOP under 15.5 mmHg. 27.6 % of the patients showed
      lowering of DF < 5 mmHg due to EA. EA influenced DF beneficially in cases of poor
      visual acuity (<= 0.1, - 0.8 mmHg) and frequent drop administration (- 0.75
      mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Subpopulations of investigated patients showed lowering of
      MIP due to EA, although EA showed no MIP lowering effects in comparison with SA
      in general. Glaucoma-impaired patients show decreased DF by EA. Particularly
      beneficial influences to DF by EA were observed due to impaired visual acuity and
      frequent drop administration. We recommend a 72-hour DIP to evaluate individual
      parameters influencing the success of topical glaucomatous treatment. The benefit
      of EA in patients with certain impairments should be the subject of further
      investigations.

PMID- 25133561
TI  - [Treatment of primary open angle glaucoma in a case of multiple chemical
      sensitivity syndrome: a case report].

PMID- 25133560
TI  - [The relationship between the temperature increase caused by phacoemulsification
      and the damage to the corneal endothelium].
AB  - PURPOSE: Endothelial cell damage can be found after a phacoemulsification. The
      reason for this cell damage is not yet known. The temperature rise inside the
      anterior chamber during the emulsification of the lens is considered as a
      potential damage mechanism. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      relationship between the temperature increase and the cell damage. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This study was performed with 86 enucleated porcine eyes, which were
      divided into six groups A-F. Group A served as control group. Phacoemulsification
      was simulated in the groups B-E with different surgically relevant system
      settings. The temperature change was measured simultaneously with temperature
      sensors inside the anterior chamber. Inside the eyes of group F, the instruments
      were positioned and irrigation and aspiration were activated, but no ultrasound
      was applied. For all 86 corneas, the endothelial cell damage was quantified with
      a standardised evaluation protocol using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A
      potential correlation was checked between the observed cell damage and the
      measured temperature rise. RESULTS: The highest temperature increase in group E
      with an obstructed aspiration line and an output power setting of 50 % was 17.77 
      degrees C. The temperature increase in group D with an output power setting of
      100 % and unblocked fluid flow was significantly lower (p = 0.006). The highest
      temperature increase in group D was 8.89  degrees C. In contrast, the cells in
      group D were rated with a significantly lower score value than the cells in group
      E (p < 0.001). No significant correlation between the temperature rise and the
      cell damage could be obtained in due consideration of all measured data. However,
      an increase of the output power setting was connected with a non-linear increase
      of the cell loss. CONCLUSION: The temperature rise was not the main reason for
      the endothelial cell damage in the performed experiments. Therefore, there seems
      to be no causal relationship between the temperature increase inside the anterior
      chamber during a common phacoemulsification and the endothelial cell damage. Due
      to the strong dependence between the output power setting and the cell damage,
      the lowest output power setting should be used during surgery which ensures the
      emulsification of the nucleus.

PMID- 25133562
TI  - [Objective refraction - retinoscopy].

PMID- 25133564
TI  - The rationale for use of Ulipristal Acetate as first line in emergency
      contraception: biological and clinical evidence.
AB  - Ulipristal acetate (UPA) was licensed as an emergency contraceptive (EC) in
      Europe in 2009. By the end of May 2013, over 1.4 million courses had been used.
      The rationale for using UPA for EC in favor of the much more commonly used
      levonorgestrel (LNG) is based on data on efficacy, safety and side effects.
      EFFICACY: In two large clinical trials among women presenting for EC up to 120
      hours after unprotected sex, UPA was as effective as LNG at preventing pregnancy.
      When the two trials were combined in a meta analysis UPA was superior, almost
      halving the risk of pregnancy compared with LNG. Biomedical studies have shown
      that UPA inhibits or delays ovulation more effectively than LNG at a stage of the
      cycle when the risk of pregnancy is highest. Safety and side effects: UPA and LNG
      have similar side effect profiles and to date no serious adverse events have been
      attributed to use of UPA for EC. Data on pregnancies conceived in association
      with UPA use are reassuring. There is no evidence for teratogenesis or for any
      increased risk of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. AVAILABILITY: Use of UPA will
      remain limited until it is available without a doctor's prescription.

PMID- 25133565
TI  - Using skype to conduct interviews for psychosocial research.

PMID- 25133566
TI  - Developing guidelines for mentorship.

PMID- 25133573
TI  - Correlation of [RuCl3(dppb)(VPy)] cytotoxicity with its effects on the cell
      membranes: an investigation using Langmuir monolayers as membrane models.
AB  - One of the major challenges in drug design is to identify compounds with
      potential toxicity toward target cells, preferably with molecular-level
      understanding of their mode of action. In this study, the antitumor property of a
      ruthenium complex, mer-[RuCl3(dppb)(VPy)] (dppb = 1,4
      bis(diphenylphosphine)butane and VPy = 4-vinylpyridine) (RuVPy), was analyzed.
      Results showed that this compound led to a mortality rate of 50% of HEp-2 cell
      with 120 +/- 10 MUmol L(-1), indicating its high toxicity. Then, to prove if its
      mode of action is associated with its interaction with cell membranes, Langmuir
      monolayers were used as a membrane model. RuVPy had a strong effect on the
      surface pressure isotherms, especially on the elastic properties of both the
      zwitterionic dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and the negatively charged
      dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) phospholipids. These data were confirmed
      by polarization-modulated infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS).
      In addition, interactions between the positive group from RuVPy and the phosphate
      group from the phospholipids were corroborated by density functional theory (DFT)
      calculations, allowing the determination of the Ru complex orientation at the air
      water interface. Although possible contributions from receptors or other cell
      components cannot be discarded, the results reported here represent evidence for
      significant effects on the cell membranes which are probably associated with the
      high toxicity of RuVPy.

PMID- 25133574
TI  - A possible link between food and mood: dietary impact on gut microbiota and
      behavior in BALB/c mice.
AB  - Major depressive disorder is a debilitating disease in the Western World. A
      western diet high in saturated fat and refined sugar seems to play an important
      part in disease development. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating
      whether saturated fat or sucrose predisposes mice to develop behavioral symptoms
      which can be interpreted as depression-like, and the possible influence of the
      gut microbiota (GM) in this. Fourty-two mice were randomly assigned to one of
      three experimental diets, a high-fat, a high-sucrose or a control diet for
      thirteen weeks. Mice on high-fat diet gained more weight (p = 0.00009), displayed
      significantly less burrowing behavior than the control mice (p = 0.034), and
      showed decreased memory in the Morris water maze test compared to mice on high
      sucrose diet (p = 0.031). Mice on high-sucrose diet burrowed less goal-oriented,
      showed greater latency to first bout of immobility in the forced swim test when
      compared to control mice (p = 0.039) and high-fat fed mice (p = 0.013), and
      displayed less anxiety than mice on high-fat diet in the triple test (p = 0.009).
      Behavioral changes were accompanied by a significant change in GM composition of
      mice fed a high-fat diet, while no difference between diet groups was observed
      for sucrose preferences, LPS, cholesterol, HbA1c, BDNF and the cytokines IL
      1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-17 and TNF-alpha. A series of
      correlations was found between GM, behavior, BDNF and inflammatory mediators. In
      conclusion, the study shows that dietary fat and sucrose affect behavior,
      sometimes in opposite directions, and suggests a possible association between GM
      and behavior. 

PMID- 25133575
TI  - Cloning and characterization of a Phragmites australis phytochelatin synthase
      (PaPCS) and achieving Cd tolerance in tall fescue.
AB  - The production of phytochelatins (PCs) provides an important means for plants to
      achieve tolerance to cadmium (Cd) toxicity. A reed gene encoding PC synthase
      (PaPCS) was isolated and its function tested through its heterologous expression
      in a strain of yeast sensitive to Cd. Subsequently, the Cd sensitive and high
      biomass accumulating species tall fescue was transformed either with PaPCS or
      PaGCS (a glutamyl cysteine synthetase gene of reed) on their own (single
      transformants), or with both genes together in the same transgene cassette
      (double transformant). The single and double transformants showed greater Cd
      tolerance and accumulated more Cd and PC than wild type plants, and their Cd
      leaf/root ratio content was higher. The ranking in terms of Cd and PC content for
      the various transgenic lines was double transformants>PaGCS single
      transformants>PaPCS single transformants>wild type. Thus PaGCS appears to exert a
      greater influence than PaPCS over PC synthesis and Cd tolerance/accumulation. The
      double transformant has interesting potential for phytoremediation. 

PMID- 25133576
TI  - The burden of influenza and RSV among inpatients and outpatients in rural western
      Kenya, 2009-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Kenya, detailed data on the age-specific burden of influenza and
      RSV are essential to inform use of limited vaccination and treatment resources.
      METHODS: We analyzed surveillance data from August 2009 to July 2012 for
      hospitalized severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and outpatient influenza
      like illness (ILI) at two health facilities in western Kenya to estimate the
      burden of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Incidence rates were
      estimated by dividing the number of cases with laboratory-confirmed virus
      infections by the mid-year population. Rates were adjusted for healthcare-seeking
      behavior, and to account for patients who met the SARI/ILI case definitions but
      were not tested. RESULTS: The average annual incidence of influenza-associated
      SARI hospitalization per 1,000 persons was 2.7 (95% CI 1.8-3.9) among children <5
      years and 0.3 (95% CI 0.2-0.4) among persons >=5 years; for RSV-associated SARI
      hospitalization, it was 5.2 (95% CI 4.0-6.8) among children <5 years and 0.1 (95%
      CI 0.0-0.2) among persons >=5 years. The incidence of influenza-associated
      medically-attended ILI per 1,000 was 24.0 (95% CI 16.6-34.7) among children <5
      years and 3.8 (95% CI 2.6-5.7) among persons >=5 years. The incidence of RSV
      associated medically-attended ILI was 24.6 (95% CI 17.0-35.4) among children <5
      years and 0.8 (95% CI 0.3-1.9) among persons >=5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza
      and RSV both exact an important burden in children. This highlights the possible
      value of influenza vaccines, and future RSV vaccines, for Kenyan children.

PMID- 25133577
TI  - Voxel-based MRI intensitometry reveals extent of cerebral white matter pathology
      in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive loss of upper
      and lower motor neurons. Advanced MRI techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging
      have shown great potential in capturing a common white matter pathology. However
      the sensitivity is variable and diffusion tensor imaging is not yet applicable to
      the routine clinical environment. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) has revealed grey
      matter changes in ALS, but the bias-reducing algorithms inherent to traditional
      VBM are not optimized for the assessment of the white matter changes. We have
      developed a novel approach to white matter analysis, namely voxel-based
      intensitometry (VBI). High resolution T1-weighted MRI was acquired at 1.5 Tesla
      in 30 ALS patients and 37 age-matched healthy controls. VBI analysis at the group
      level revealed widespread white matter intensity increases in the corticospinal
      tracts, corpus callosum, sub-central, frontal and occipital white matter tracts
      and cerebellum. VBI results correlated with disease severity (ALSFRS-R) and
      patterns of cerebral involvement differed between bulbar- and limb-onset. VBI
      would be easily translatable to the routine clinical environment, and once
      optimized for individual analysis offers significant biomarker potential in ALS. 

PMID- 25133578
TI  - Stable, covalent attachment of laminin to microposts improves the contractility
      of mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes.
AB  - The mechanical output of contracting cardiomyocytes, the muscle cells of the
      heart, relates to healthy and disease states of the heart. Culturing
      cardiomyocytes on arrays of elastomeric microposts can enable inexpensive and
      high-throughput studies of heart disease at the single-cell level. However,
      cardiomyocytes weakly adhere to these microposts, which limits the possibility of
      using biomechanical assays of single cardiomyocytes to study heart disease. We
      hypothesized that a stable covalent attachment of laminin to the surface of
      microposts improves cardiomyocyte contractility. We cultured cells on
      polydimethylsiloxane microposts with laminin covalently bonded with the
      organosilanes 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane
      with glutaraldehyde. We measured displacement of microposts induced by the
      contractility of mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes, which attach better than mature
      cardiomyocytes to substrates. We observed time-dependent changes in contractile
      parameters such as micropost deformation, contractility rates, contraction and
      relaxation speeds, and the times of contractions. These parameters were affected
      by the density of laminin on microposts and by the stability of laminin binding
      to micropost surfaces. Organosilane-mediated binding resulted in higher laminin
      surface density and laminin binding stability. 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane
      provided the highest laminin density but did not provide stable protein binding
      with time. Higher surface protein binding stability and strength were observed
      with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane with glutaraldehyde. In cultured
      cardiomyocytes, contractility rate, contraction speeds, and contraction time
      increased with higher laminin stability. Given these variations in contractile
      function, we conclude that binding of laminin to microposts via 3
      aminopropyltriethoxysilane with glutaraldehyde improves contractility observed by
      an increase in beating rate and contraction speed as it occurs during the
      postnatal maturation of cardiomyocytes. This approach is promising for future
      studies to mimic in vivo tissue environments. 

PMID- 25133579
TI  - Visualization of mouse neuronal ganglia infected by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV
      1) using multimodal non-linear optical microscopy.
AB  - Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic virus that causes skin lesions
      and goes on to enter a latent state in neurons of the trigeminal ganglia.
      Following stress, the virus may reactivate from latency leading to recurrent
      lesions. The in situ study of neuronal infections by HSV-1 is critical to
      understanding the mechanisms involved in the biology of this virus and how it
      causes disease; however, this normally requires fixation and sectioning of the
      target tissues followed by treatment with contrast agents to visualize key
      structures, which can lead to artifacts. To further our ability to study HSV-1
      neuropathogenesis, we have generated a recombinant virus expressing a second
      generation red fluorescent protein (mCherry), which behaves like the parental
      virus in vivo. By optimizing the application of a multimodal non-linear optical
      microscopy platform, we have successfully visualized in unsectioned trigeminal
      ganglia of mice both infected cells by two-photon fluorescence microscopy, and
      myelinated axons of uninfected surrounding cells by coherent anti-Stokes Raman
      scattering (CARS) microscopy. These results represent the first report of CARS
      microscopy being combined with 2-photon fluorescence microscopy to visualize
      virus-infected cells deep within unsectioned explanted tissue, and demonstrate
      the application of multimodal non-linear optical microscopy for high spatial
      resolution biological imaging of tissues without the use of stains or fixatives. 

PMID- 25133580
TI  - Expression of wheat high molecular weight glutenin subunit 1Bx is affected by
      large insertions and deletions located in the upstream flanking sequences.
AB  - To better understand the transcriptional regulation of high molecular weight
      glutenin subunit (HMW-GS) expression, we isolated four Glu-1Bx promoters from six
      wheat cultivars exhibiting diverse protein expression levels. The activities of
      the diverse Glu-1Bx promoters were tested and compared with beta-glucuronidase
      (GUS) reporter fusions. Although all the full-length Glu-1Bx promoters showed
      endosperm-specific activities, the strongest GUS activity was observed with the
      1Bx7OE promoter in both transient expression assays and stable transgenic rice
      lines. A 43 bp insertion in the 1Bx7OE promoter, which is absent in the 1Bx7
      promoter, led to enhanced expression. Analysis of promoter deletion constructs
      confirmed that a 185 bp MITE (miniature inverted-repeat transposable element) in
      the 1Bx14 promoter had a weak positive effect on Glu-1Bx expression, and a 54 bp
      deletion in the 1Bx13 promoter reduced endosperm-specific activity. To
      investigate the effect of the 43 bp insertion in the 1Bx7OE promoter, a
      functional marker was developed to screen 505 Chinese varieties and 160 European
      varieties, and only 1Bx7-type varieties harboring the 43 bp insertion in their
      promoters showed similar overexpression patterns. Hence, the 1Bx7OE promoter
      should be important tool in crop genetic engineering as well as in molecular
      assisted breeding. 

PMID- 25133582
TI  - Gemini surfactants affect the structure, stability, and activity of ribonuclease
      Sa.
AB  - Gemini surfactants have important advantages, e.g., low micromolar CMCs and slow
      millisecond monomer <-> micelle kinetics, for membrane mimetics and for
      delivering nucleic acids for gene therapy or RNA silencing. However, as a
      prerequisite, it is important to characterize interactions occurring between
      Gemini surfactants and proteins. Here NMR and CD spectroscopies are employed to
      investigate the interactions of cationic Gemini surfactants with RNase Sa, a
      negatively charged ribonuclease. We find that RNase Sa binds Gemini surfactant
      monomers and micelles at pH values above 4 to form aggregates. Below pH 4, where
      the protein is positively charged, these aggregates dissolve and interactions are
      undetectable. Thermal denaturation experiments show that surfactant lowers RNase
      Sa's conformational stability, suggesting that surfactant binds the protein's
      denatured state preferentially. Finally, Gemini surfactants were found to bind
      RNA, leading to the formation of large complexes. Interestingly, Gemini
      surfactant binding did not prevent RNase Sa from cleaving RNA. 

PMID- 25133581
TI  - Next-generation sequencing of colorectal cancers in chinese: identification of a
      recurrent frame-shift and gain-of-function Indel mutation in the TFDP1 gene.
AB  - Abstract Re-sequencing of target genes is a highly effective approach for
      identifying mutations in cancers. Mutations, including indels (insertions,
      deletions, and the combination of the two), play important roles in
      carcinogenesis. Combining genomic DNA capture using high-density oligonucleotide
      microarrays (NimbleGen, Inc.) with next-generation high-throughput sequencing, we
      identified approximately 1600 indels for colorectal cancers in the Chinese
      population. Among them, 5 indels were localized to exonic regions of genes,
      including the TFDP1 (transcription factor Dp-1) gene. TFDP1 is an important
      transcription factor that coordinates with E2F proteins, thereby promoting
      transcription of E2F target genes and regulating the cell cycle and
      differentiation. We report here the identification of a recurrent frame-shift
      indel mutation (named indel84) in the TFDP1 gene in colorectal cancers by next
      generation sequencing. We found in a validation set that TFDP1 indel84 is present
      in 70% of colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues. Wild-type TFDP1 encodes a protein of
      410 amino acids with a potential DNA binding site at its N-terminal followed by
      several functional protein domains. The TFDP1 indel cDNA would generate an
      alternative TFDP1 protein missing the first 120 amino acids and potentially
      affecting the DNA binding domain. We further demonstrated that the TFDP1 indel84
      mutation generated a gain-of-function phenotype by increasing cell proliferation,
      migration, and invasion of CRC cells. Our study identified a key molecular event
      for CRC that might have great diagnostic and therapeutic potentials. 

PMID- 25133583
TI  - TRPC1 contributes to the Ca2+-dependent regulation of adenylate cyclases.
AB  - SOCE (store-operated Ca2+ entry) is mediated via specific plasma membrane
      channels in response to ER (endoplasmic reticulum) Ca2+ store depletion. This
      route of Ca2+ entry is central to the dynamic interplay between Ca2+ and cAMP
      signalling in regulating the activity of Ca2+-sensitive adenylate cyclase
      isoforms (AC1, AC5, AC6 and AC8). Two proteins have been identified as key
      components of SOCE: STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1), which senses ER Ca2+
      store content and translocates to the plasma membrane upon store depletion, where
      it then activates Orai1, the pore-forming component of the CRAC (Ca2+ release
      activated Ca2+) channel. Previous studies reported that co-expression of STIM1
      and Orai1 in HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney 293) cells enhances Ca2+-stimulated
      AC8 activity and that AC8 and Orai1 directly interact to enhance this regulation.
      Nonetheless, the additional involvement of TRPC (transient receptor potential
      canonical) channels in SOCE has also been proposed. In the present study, we
      evaluate the contribution of TRPC1 to SOCE-mediated regulation of Ca2+-sensitive
      ACs in HEK-293 cells stably expressing AC8 (HEK-AC8) and HSG (human submandibular
      gland) cells expressing an endogenous Ca2+-inhibited AC6. We demonstrate a role
      for TRPC1 as an integral component of SOCE, alongside STIM1 and Orai1, in
      regulating Ca2+ fluxes within AC microdomains and influencing cAMP production.

PMID- 25133585
TI  - Eukaryotic expression system Pichia pastoris affects the lipase catalytic
      properties: a monolayer study.
AB  - Recombinant DNA methods are being widely used to express proteins in both
      prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells for both fundamental and applied research
      purposes. Expressed protein must be well characterized to be sure that it retains
      the same properties as the native one, especially when expressed protein will be
      used in the pharmaceutical field. In this aim, interfacial and kinetic properties
      of native, untagged recombinant and tagged recombinant forms of a pancreatic
      lipase were compared using the monomolecular film technique. Turkey pancreatic
      lipase (TPL) was chosen as model. A kinetic study on the dependence of the
      stereoselectivity of these three forms on the surface pressure was performed
      using three dicaprin isomers spread in the form of monomolecular films at the air
      water interface. The heterologous expression and the N-His-tag extension were
      found to modify the pressure preference and decrease the catalytic hydrolysis
      rate of three dicaprin isomers. Besides, the heterologous expression was found to
      change the TPL regioselectivity without affecting its stereospecificity contrary
      to the N-tag extension which retained that regioselectivity and changed the
      stereospecificity at high surface pressures. The study of parameters, termed
      Recombinant expression Effects on Catalysis (REC), N-Tag Effects on Catalysis
      (TEC), and N-Tag and Recombinant expression Effects on Catalysis (TREC) showed
      that the heterologous expression effects on the catalytic properties of the TPL
      were more deleterious than the presence of an N-terminal tag extension. 

PMID- 25133586
TI  - Photodissociation of pyrene cations: structure and energetics from C16H10(+) to
      C14(+) and almost everything in between.
AB  - The unimolecular dissociation of the pyrene radical cation, C16H10(+*), has been
      explored using a combination of computational techniques and experimental
      approaches, such as multiple photon absorption in the cold ion trap Piege a Ions
      pour la Recherche et l'Etude de Nouvelles Especes Astrochimiques (PIRENEA) and
      imaging photoelectron photoion coincidence spectrometry (iPEPICO). In total, 22
      reactions, involving the fragmentation cascade (H, C2H2, and C4H2 loss) from the
      pyrene radical cation down to the C14(+*) fragment ion, have been studied using
      PIRENEA. Branching ratios have been measured for reactions from C16H10(+*),
      C16H8(+*), and C16H5(+). Density functional theory calculations of the
      fragmentation pathways observed experimentally and postulated theoretically lead
      to 17 unique structures. One important prediction is the opening of the pyrene
      ring system starting from the C16H4(+*) radical. In the iPEPICO experiments, only
      two reactions could be studied, namely, R1 C16H10(+*) -> C16H9(+) + H (m/z = 201)
      and R2 C16H9(+) -> C16H8(+*) + H (m/z = 200). The activation energies for these
      reactions were determined to be 5.4 +/- 1.2 and 3.3 +/- 1.1 eV, respectively. 

PMID- 25133584
TI  - Physiological and genomic features of a novel sulfur-oxidizing
      gammaproteobacterium belonging to a previously uncultivated symbiotic lineage
      isolated from a hydrothermal vent.
AB  - Strain Hiromi 1, a sulfur-oxidizing gammaproteobacterium was isolated from a
      hydrothermal vent chimney in the Okinawa Trough and represents a novel genus that
      may include a phylogenetic group found as endosymbionts of deep-sea gastropods.
      The SSU rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain Hiromi 1 and the gastropod
      endosymbionts was approximately 97%. The strain was shown to grow both
      chemolithoautotrophically and chemolithoheterotrophically with an energy
      metabolism of sulfur oxidation and O2 or nitrate reduction. Under
      chemolithoheterotrophic growth conditions, the strain utilized organic acids and
      proteinaceous compounds as the carbon and/or nitrogen sources but not the energy
      source. Various sugars did not support growth as a sole carbon source. The
      observation of chemolithoheterotrophy in this strain is in line with metagenomic
      analyses of endosymbionts suggesting the occurrence of chemolithoheterotrophy in
      gammaproteobacterial symbionts. Chemolithoheterotrophy and the presence of
      homologous genes for virulence- and quorum sensing-related functions suggest that
      the sulfur-oxidizing chomolithotrophic microbes seek animal bodies and microbial
      biofilm formation to obtain supplemental organic carbons in hydrothermal
      ecosystems. 

PMID- 25133587
TI  - Diastereoselective N-sulfonylaminoalkenylation of azulenes from terminal alkynes
      and azides via N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles.
AB  - The development of rhodium-catalyzed diastereoselective N
      sulfonylaminoalkenylation of azulenes using N-sulfonyltriazoles is described.
      This procedure can be successfully applied to rhodium-catalyzed
      diastereoselective N-sulfonylaminoalkenylation of azulenes starting from terminal
      alkynes and N-sulfonylazides via a three-component semi-one-pot process. 

PMID- 25133588
TI  - Reproducibility and consistency of proteomic experiments on natural populations
      of a non-model aquatic insect.
AB  - Population proteomics has a great potential to address evolutionary and
      ecological questions, but its use in wild populations of non-model organisms is
      hampered by uncontrolled sources of variation. Here we compare the response to
      temperature extremes of two geographically distant populations of a diving beetle
      species (Agabus ramblae) using 2-D DIGE. After one week of acclimation in the
      laboratory under standard conditions, a third of the specimens of each population
      were placed at either 4 or 27 degrees C for 12 h, with another third left as a
      control. We then compared the protein expression level of three replicated
      samples of 2-3 specimens for each treatment. Within each population, variation
      between replicated samples of the same treatment was always lower than variation
      between treatments, except for some control samples that retained a wider range
      of expression levels. The two populations had a similar response, without
      significant differences in the number of protein spots over- or under-expressed
      in the pairwise comparisons between treatments. We identified exemplary proteins
      among those differently expressed between treatments, which proved to be proteins
      known to be related to thermal response or stress. Overall, our results indicate
      that specimens collected in the wild are suitable for proteomic analyses, as the
      additional sources of variation were not enough to mask the consistency and
      reproducibility of the response to the temperature treatments. 

PMID- 25133589
TI  - Exploring the mechanisms of differentiation, dedifferentiation, reprogramming and
      transdifferentiation.
AB  - We explored the underlying mechanisms of differentiation, dedifferentiation,
      reprogramming and transdifferentiation (cell type switchings) from landscape and
      flux perspectives. Lineage reprogramming is a new regenerative method to convert
      a matured cell into another cell including direct transdifferentiation without
      undergoing a pluripotent cell state and indirect transdifferentiation with an
      initial dedifferentiation-reversion (reprogramming) to a pluripotent cell state.
      Each cell type is quantified by a distinct valley on the potential landscape with
      higher probability. We investigated three driving forces for cell fate decision
      making: stochastic fluctuations, gene regulation and induction, which can lead to
      cell type switchings. We showed that under the driving forces the direct
      transdifferentiation process proceeds from a differentiated cell valley to
      another differentiated cell valley through either a distinct stable intermediate
      state or a certain series of unstable indeterminate states. The dedifferentiation
      process proceeds through a pluripotent cell state. Barrier height and the
      corresponding escape time from the valley on the landscape can be used to
      quantify the stability and efficiency of cell type switchings. We also uncovered
      the mechanisms of the underlying processes by quantifying the dominant biological
      paths of cell type switchings on the potential landscape. The dynamics of cell
      type switchings are determined by both landscape gradient and flux. The flux can
      lead to the deviations of the dominant biological paths for cell type switchings
      from the naively expected landscape gradient path. As a result, the corresponding
      dominant paths of cell type switchings are irreversible. We also classified the
      mechanisms of cell fate development from our landscape theory: super-critical
      pitchfork bifurcation, sub-critical pitchfork bifurcation, sub-critical pitchfork
      with two saddle-node bifurcation, and saddle-node bifurcation. Our model showed
      good agreements with the experiments. It provides a general framework to explore
      the mechanisms of differentiation, dedifferentiation, reprogramming and
      transdifferentiation. 

PMID- 25133591
TI  - Potential of cycloaddition reactions to generate cytotoxic metal drugs in vitro.
AB  - Severe general toxicity issues blight many chemotherapeutics utilized in the
      treatment of cancers, resulting in the need for more selective drugs able to
      exert their biological activity at only the required location(s). Toward this
      aim, we report the development of an organometallic ruthenium compound,
      functionalized through a eta(6)-bound arene ligand with a bicyclononyne
      derivative, able to participate in strain-promoted cycloaddition reactions with
      tetrazines. We show that combination of the ruthenium compound with a ditetrazine
      in biological media results in the in situ formation of a dinuclear molecule that
      is more cytotoxic toward cancer cells than the starting mononuclear ruthenium
      compound and tetrazine components. Such an approach may be extended to in vivo
      applications to construct a cytotoxic metallodrug at a tumor site, providing a
      novel approach toward the turn-on cytotoxicity of metallodrugs in the treatment
      of cancer. 

PMID- 25133590
TI  - Lactobacillus casei reduces susceptibility to type 2 diabetes via microbiota
      mediated body chloride ion influx.
AB  - Gut microbiota mediated low-grade inflammation is involved in the onset of type 2
      diabetes (T2DM). In this study, we used a high fat sucrose (HFS) diet-induced pre
      insulin resistance and a low dose-STZ HFS rat models to study the effect and
      mechanism of Lactobacillus casei Zhang in protecting against T2DM onset.
      Hyperglycemia was favorably suppressed by L. casei Zhang treatment. Moreover, the
      hyperglycemia was connected with type 1 immune response, high plasma bile acids
      and urine chloride ion loss. This chloride ion loss was significantly prevented
      by L. casei via upregulating of chloride ion-dependent genes (ClC1-7, GlyRalpha1,
      SLC26A3, SLC26A6, GABAAalpha1, Bestrophin-3 and CFTR). A shift in the caecal
      microflora, particularly the reduction of bile acid 7alpha-dehydroxylating
      bacteria, and fecal bile acid profiles also occurred. These change coincided with
      organ chloride influx. Thus, we postulate that the prevention of T2DM onset by L.
      casei Zhang may be via a microbiota-based bile acid-chloride exchange mechanism. 

PMID- 25133592
TI  - Redox and metabolic regulation of stem/progenitor cells and their niche.
AB  - Stem cells are defined as cells that have the capacity to self-renew and exhibit
      multipotency or pluripotency, whereas progenitor cells are committed to selected
      lineages but retain their self-renewal capacity. The stem or progenitor cell
      niche refers to the microenvironment of the regenerative cells in the bone marrow
      (BM) or other tissues such as the heart. It can regulate self-renewal,
      differentiation, migration, and proliferation of regenerative stem/progenitor
      cells. The precise regulatory mechanisms by which the niche and the
      stem/progenitor cells interact are an active area of research. Reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) are one such niche regulatory mechanism. Quiescent stem cells in a
      hypoxic niche exhibit low ROS levels due to well-organized antioxidant defense
      systems, which protect stem cells from extrinsic oxidative stress, whereas high
      levels of ROS promote the differentiation or migration of stem/progenitor cells.
      In pathophysiological conditions such as diabetes, BM niche dysfunction induced
      by oxidative stress contributes to the reduction of the angiogenic and
      vasculogenic potential of BM-derived regenerative cells, thereby leading to less
      efficient healing and revascularization. Cells have evolved mechanisms to fine
      tune ROS levels by tightly regulated metabolic pathways such as glycolysis rather
      than oxidative phosphorylation to reduce oxidative stress. This Forum will
      summarize the recent progress regarding the redox and metabolic regulation of
      hematopoietic and cardiac stem/progenitor cells, as well as their niche
      interactions involved in tissue regeneration and repair under physiological and
      pathological conditions. Understanding such mechanisms will contribute to the
      development of novel therapeutic strategies to enhance regeneration and repair of
      diseased tissues.

PMID- 25133593
TI  - Synergistic and antagonistic effects of thermal shock, air exposure, and fishing
      capture on the physiological stress of Squilla mantis (Stomatopoda).
AB  - This study is aimed at assessing the effects of multiple stressors (thermal
      shock, fishing capture, and exposure to air) on the benthic stomatopod Squilla
      mantis, a burrowing crustacean quite widespread in the Mediterranean Sea.
      Laboratory analyses were carried out to explore the physiological impairment
      onset over time, based on emersion and thermal shocks, on farmed individuals.
      Parallel field-based studies were carried out to also investigate the role of
      fishing (i.e., otter trawling) in inducing physiological imbalance in different
      seasonal conditions. The dynamics of physiological recovery from physiological
      disruption were also studied. Physiological stress was assessed by analysing
      hemolymph metabolites (L-Lactate, D-glucose, ammonia, and H+), as well as
      glycogen concentration in muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out
      according to a factorial scheme considering the three factors (thermal shock,
      fishing capture, and exposure to air) at two fixed levels in order to explore
      possible synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects among factors. Additive
      effects on physiological parameters were mainly detected when the three factors
      interacted together while synergistic effects were found as effect of the
      combination of two factors. This finding highlights that the physiological
      adaptive and maladaptive processes induced by the stressors result in a dynamic
      response that may encounter physiological limits when high stress levels are
      sustained. Thus, a further increase in the physiological parameters due to
      synergies cannot be reached. Moreover, when critical limits are encountered,
      mortality occurs and physiological parameters reflect the response of the last
      survivors. In the light of our mortality studies, thermal shock and exposure to
      air have the main effect on the survival of S. mantis only on trawled
      individuals, while lab-farmed individuals did not show any mortality during
      exposure to air until after 2 hours. 

PMID- 25133594
TI  - Spontaneous high piezoelectricity in poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanoribbons
      produced by iterative thermal size reduction technique.
AB  - We produced kilometer-long, endlessly parallel, spontaneously piezoelectric and
      thermally stable poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) micro- and nanoribbons using
      iterative size reduction technique based on thermal fiber drawing. Because of
      high stress and temperature used in thermal drawing process, we obtained
      spontaneously polar gamma phase PVDF micro- and nanoribbons without electrical
      poling process. On the basis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, we observed
      that PVDF micro- and nanoribbons are thermally stable and conserve the polar
      gamma phase even after being exposed to heat treatment above the melting point of
      PVDF. Phase transition mechanism is investigated and explained using ab initio
      calculations. We measured an average effective piezoelectric constant as -58.5
      pm/V from a single PVDF nanoribbon using a piezo evaluation system along with an
      atomic force microscope. PVDF nanoribbons are promising structures for
      constructing devices such as highly efficient energy generators, large area
      pressure sensors, artificial muscle and skin, due to the unique geometry and
      extended lengths, high polar phase content, high thermal stability and high
      piezoelectric coefficient. We demonstrated two proof of principle devices for
      energy harvesting and sensing applications with a 60 V open circuit peak voltage
      and 10 MUA peak short-circuit current output. 

PMID- 25133595
TI  - Low-cost experimentation for the study of droplet microfluidics.
AB  - The continued growth of microfluidics into industry settings in areas such as
      point-of-care diagnostics and targeted therapeutics necessitates a workforce
      trained in microfluidic technologies and experimental methods. Laboratory courses
      for students at the university and high school levels will require cost-effective
      in-class demonstrations that instruct in chip design, fabrication, and
      experimentation at the microscale. We present a hand-operated pressure pumping
      system to form monodisperse picoliter to nanoliter droplet streams at low cost,
      and a series of exercises aimed at instructing in the specific art of droplet
      formation. Using this setup, the student is able to generate and observe the
      modes of droplet formation in flow-focusing devices, and the effect of device
      dimensions on the characteristics of formed droplets. Lastly, at ultra-low cost
      we demonstrate large plug formation in a T-junction using coffee stirrers as a
      master mold substitute. Our method reduces the cost of experimentation to enable
      intuitive instruction in droplet formation, with additional implications for
      creating droplets in the field or at point-of-care. 

PMID- 25133596
TI  - Finite element study of human pelvis model in side impact for Chinese adult
      occupants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The occupant's pelvis is very vulnerable to side collision in road
      accidents. Finite element (FE) studies on pelvic injury help to design occupant
      protection devices to improve vehicle safety. This study was aimed to develop a
      highly biofidelic pelvis model of Chinese adults and assess its sensitivity to
      variations in pelvis cortical bone thickness, bone material properties, and
      loading conditions. METHODS: In this study, 4 different FE models of the pelvis
      were developed from the computed tomography (CT) data of a volunteer representing
      the 50th percentile Chinese male. Two of them were meshed using entirely
      hexahedral elements with variable and constant cortical thickness distribution
      (the V-Hex and C-Hex models), and the others were modeled with hexahedral
      elements for cancellous bone and variable or constant thickness shell elements
      for cortical bone (the V-HS and C-HS models). In model developments, the semi
      automatic multiblock meshing approach was employed to maintain the pelvis
      geometric curvature and generate a high-quality hexahedral mesh. Then, several
      simulations with postmortem human subjects (PMHS) tests were performed to obtain
      the most accurate model in predicting pelvic injury. Based on the most accurate
      model, sensitivity studies were conducted to analyze the effects of the cortex
      thickness, Young's modulus of the cortical and cancellous bone, impactor
      velocity, and impactor with or without padding on the biomechanical responses and
      injuries of pelvis. RESULTS: The results indicate that the models with variable
      cortical bone thickness can give more accurate predictions than those with
      constant cortical thickness. Both the V-Hex and V-HS models are favorable for
      simulating pelvic response and injury, but the simulation results of the V-Hex
      model agree with the tests better. The sensitivity study shows that pelvic
      response is more sensitive to alterations in the Young's modulus of cortical bone
      than cancellous bone. Compared to failure displacement, peak force is more
      sensitive to the cortical bone thickness. However, displacement is more sensitive
      to the Young's modulus of cancellous bone than peak force. The padding attached
      on the impactor plays a significant role in absorbing the impact energy and
      alleviating pelvic injury. CONCLUSIONS: The all-hex meshing method with variable
      cortical bone thickness has the highest accuracy but is time-consuming. The
      cortical bone plays a determining role in resisting pelvic fracture. Peak impact
      force appears to be a reasonable injury predictor for pelvic injury assessment.
      Some appropriate energy absorbers installed in the car door can significantly
      reduce pelvic injury and will be beneficial for occupant protection.

PMID- 25133597
TI  - What's new in shock? May 2014.

PMID- 25133598
TI  - The traumatic hemostasis and oxygenation research network remote damage control
      resuscitation (RDCR) symposium.

PMID- 25133599
TI  - Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta: a gap analysis of
      severely injured UK combat casualties.
AB  - The control of torso and junctional zone bleeding in combat casualties is
      particularly challenging because of its noncompressible nature. Resuscitative
      endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has demonstrated promise in
      translational large animal and early clinical series as an effective
      resuscitation and hemorrhage control adjunct. However, it is unknown what
      proportion of combat casualties has an injury pattern and clinical course that is
      amenable to REBOA deployment. The prospective UK Joint Theatre Trauma Registry
      was used to retrospectively identify all UK military personnel who has sustained
      a severe combat injury, defined as an Abbreviated Injury Scale of three or
      greater, in the course of 10 years. Patients were then divided into three groups
      based on Abbreviated Injury Scale injury pattern: no indications for REBOA,
      contraindications (mediastinal, cervical, and axillary hemorrhage), and
      indications (torso and pelvic hemorrhage). From a total of 1,317 patients, 925
      (70.2%) had no indication, 148 (11.2%) had a contraindication, and 244 (18.5%)
      had an indication for REBOA. Within the group with indications for REBOA, there
      were 174 deaths: 79 at the point of wounding, 66 en route to hospital, and 29 in
      hospital deaths. The median (interquartile range) time to death in patients dying
      en route was 75 (42-109) min, and the median prehospital time for casualties
      admitted to hospital was 61 (34-89) min. One-in-five severely injured UK combat
      casualties have a focus of hemorrhage in the abdomen or pelvic junctional region
      potentially amenable to REBOA deployment. The UK military should explore REBOA as
      a potential en route hemorrhage control and resuscitation adjunct. 

PMID- 25133600
TI  - Impact of body mass on outcomes of geriatric postoperative acute kidney injury
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently occurs in hospitalized patients,
      particularly in the elderly. However, studies on outcome-modifying factors in
      geriatric patients with AKI are absent, especially the influence of body mass
      index (BMI). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively
      collected multicenter observational cohort, which enrolled elderly (>=65 years)
      who developed AKI after major surgery in the intensive care units. We analyzed in
      hospital mortality within BMI category utilizing Cox proportional hazard
      regression analysis and generalized additive modeling. RESULTS: Data of a total
      of 2,015 postoperative elderly patients were retrieved and analyzed. Generalized
      additive modeling showed that elderly AKI patients with a BMI between 21 and 31
      kg/m(2) ("normal") had a lower mortality risk than those with a BMI of less than
      21 kg/m(2) ("underweight") or 31 kg/m(2) or greater ("obese"). Both "underweight"
      and "obese" individuals had a greater risk of mortality compared with patients
      with "normal" BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The U-shaped association of BMI with hospital
      mortality in geriatric AKI patients contains a widened base and a shifted nadir
      comparing with chronic dialysis and other AKI patients. This finding is
      interesting and warrants our attention.

PMID- 25133601
TI  - Dried platelets in a swine model of liver injury.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lyophilization may facilitate production of a safe, portable,
      easily storable, and transportable source of platelets for bleeding patients. The
      objective of this study was to examine the impact of lyophilized human and
      porcine platelets in a swine liver injury model of nonsurgical hemorrhage.
      METHODS: Anesthetized pigs (40 kg) had a controlled 35% total blood volume bleed
      from the right jugular vein followed by cooling to 35 degrees C and resuscitation
      with Ringer's lactate to achieve a 3:1 blood withdrawal resuscitation. Through a
      midline laparotomy, the liver was injured with two standardized 5 * 5-cm grids
      with lacerations 1 cm apart and 0.5 cm deep. After 2 min of uncontrolled
      hemorrhage, the animals were treated with placebo (n = 5), lyophilized human (n =
      5, HP), or swine platelets (n = 5, SP). At 15 min, shed blood was calculated. The
      animals then underwent abdominal closure. At 48 h, the animals were killed for
      histopathologic evaluation of the lung, kidney, and heart. RESULTS:
      Intraoperative blood loss at 15 min was significantly higher in the HP arm (SP:
      4.9 +/- 2.9 mL/kg, HP: 12.3 +/- 4.7 mL/kg, and control: 6.1 +/- 2.5 mL/kg; P =
      0.013). Mortality at 48 h was 20% in all three arms, due to uncontrolled intra
      abdominal bleeding. At the time the animals were killed, SP animals had a
      significantly higher hematocrit (SP: 22.0% +/- 3.0%, HP: 15.1% +/- 4.9%, and
      control: 13.9% +/- 0.6%; P = 0.026). No significant difference was found in
      platelet count (SP: 319.3 +/- 62.1 * 10(3)/uL, HP:361.5 +/- 133.6 * 10(3)/uL, and
      control: 242.7 +/- 42.5 * 10(3)/uL; P = 0.259). Histopathology of kidneys, lungs,
      and heart demonstrated no evidence of thromboembolic complications. CONCLUSION:
      In this swine model of liver injury, human lyophilized platelets increased
      intraoperative blood loss. With the use of species-specific lyophilized
      platelets, however, this effect was abolished, with a decrease in blood loss at
      48 h after injury.

PMID- 25133602
TI  - Pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin in experimental sepsis: preservation of beta1
      adrenoreceptor signaling in the heart.

PMID- 25133603
TI  - In situ chemical oxidation of contaminated groundwater by persulfate:
      decomposition by Fe(III)- and Mn(IV)-containing oxides and aquifer materials.
AB  - Persulfate (S2O8(2-)) is being used increasingly for in situ chemical oxidation
      (ISCO) of organic contaminants in groundwater, despite an incomplete
      understanding of the mechanism through which it is converted into reactive
      species. In particular, the decomposition of persulfate by naturally occurring
      mineral surfaces has not been studied in detail. To gain insight into the
      reaction rates and mechanism of persulfate decomposition in the subsurface, and
      to identify possible approaches for improving its efficacy, the decomposition of
      persulfate was investigated in the presence of pure metal oxides, clays, and
      representative aquifer solids collected from field sites in the presence and
      absence of benzene. Under conditions typical of groundwater, Fe(III)- and Mn(IV)
      oxides catalytically converted persulfate into sulfate radical (SO4(*-)) and
      hydroxyl radical (HO(*)) over time scales of several weeks at rates that were 2
      20 times faster than those observed in metal-free systems. Amorphous ferrihydrite
      was the most reactive iron mineral with respect to persulfate decomposition, with
      reaction rates proportional to solid mass and surface area. As a result of
      radical chain reactions, the rate of persulfate decomposition increased by as
      much as 100 times when benzene concentrations exceeded 0.1 mM. Due to its
      relatively slow rate of decomposition in the subsurface, it can be advantageous
      to inject persulfate into groundwater, allowing it to migrate to zones of low
      hydraulic conductivity where clays, metal oxides, and contaminants will
      accelerate its conversion into reactive oxidants. 

PMID- 25133606
TI  - Formulation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of halofantrine-loaded solid lipid
      microparticles.
AB  - Abstract Context: Formulation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation
      of halofantrine-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLMs). Objective: The
      objective of the study was to formulate and evaluate halofantrine-loaded SLMs.
      Materials and methods: Formulations of halofantrine-loaded SLMs were prepared by
      hot homogenization and thereafter lyophilized and characterized using particle
      size, pH stability, loading capacity (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE). In
      vitro release of halofantrine (Hf) from the optimized SLMs was performed in SIF
      and SGF. In vivo study using Peter's Four day suppressive protocol in mice and
      the mice thereafter subjected to histological studies in kidney and liver.
      Results: Results obtained indicated that EE of 76.32% and 61.43% were obtained
      for the SLMs containing 7% and 3% of Hf respectively. The SLMs loaded with 3% of
      Hf had the highest yield of 73.33%. Time-dependent pH stability analysis showed
      little variations in pH ranging from 3.49 +/- 0.04 to 4.03 +/- 0.05. Discussion:
      The SLMs showed pH-dependent release profile; in SIF (43.5% of the drug for each
      of H2 and H3) compared with SGF (13 and 18% for H2 and H3 respectively) after 8
      h. The optimized SLMs formulation and Halfan(r) produced a percentage reduction
      in parasitemia of 72.96% and 85.71% respectively. The histological studies
      revealed that the SLMs formulations have no harmful effects on the kidney and
      liver. Conclusion: SLMs formulations might be an alternative for patients with
      parasitemia as there were no harmful effects on vital organs of the mice.

PMID- 25133605
TI  - Increased sensitivity to inflammatory pain induced by subcutaneous formalin
      injection in serine racemase knock-out mice.
AB  - D-Serine, an endogenous coagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR),
      is widely distributed in the central nervous system and is synthesized from L
      serine by serine racemase (SR). NMDAR plays an important role in pain processing
      including central sensitization that eventually causes hyperalgesia. To elucidate
      the roles of D-serine and SR in pain transmission, we evaluated the behavioral
      changes and spinal nociceptive processing induced by formalin using SR knock-out
      (KO) mice. We found that SR is mainly distributed in lamina II of the dorsal horn
      of the spinal cord in wild-type (WT) mice. Although the formalin injected
      subcutaneously induced the biphasic pain response of licking in SR-KO and WT
      mice, the time spent on licking was significantly longer in the SR-KO mice during
      the second phase of the formalin test. The number of neurons immunopositive for c
      Fos and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), which are
      molecular pain markers, in laminae I-II of the ipsilateral dorsal horn was
      significantly larger in the SR-KO mice. Immunohistochemical staining revealed
      that the distribution of SR changed from being broad to being concentrated in
      cell bodies after the formalin injection. On the other hand, the expression level
      of the cytosolic SR in the ipsilateral dorsal horn significantly decreased. Oral
      administration of 10 mM D-serine in drinking water for one week cancelled the
      difference in pain behaviors between WT and SR-KO mice in phase 2 of the formalin
      test. These findings demonstrate that the SR-KO mice showed increased sensitivity
      to inflammatory pain and the WT mice showed translocation of SR and decreased SR
      expression levels after the formalin injection, which suggest a novel
      antinociceptive mechanism via SR indicating an important role of D-serine in pain
      transmission. 

PMID- 25133604
TI  - Curation and analysis of multitargeting agents for polypharmacological modeling.
AB  - In drug discovery and development, the conventional "single drug, single target"
      concept has been shifted to "single drug, multiple targets"--a concept coined as
      polypharmacology. For studies in this emerging field, dedicated and high-quality
      databases of multitargeting ligands would be exceedingly beneficial. To this end,
      we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the structural and chemical/biological
      profiles of polypharmacological agents and present a Web-based database
      (Polypharma). All of these compounds curated herein have been cocrystallized with
      more than one unique protein with intensive reports of their multitargeting
      activities. The present study provides more insight of drug multitargeting and is
      particularly useful for polypharmacology modeling. This specialized curation has
      been made publically available at http:/imdlab.org/polypharma/

PMID- 25133607
TI  - Addressing mechanism of fibrillization/aggregation and its prevention in presence
      of osmolytes: spectroscopic and calorimetric approach.
AB  - Understanding the mechanism of protein fibrillization/aggregation and its
      prevention is the basis of development of therapeutic strategies for amyloidosis.
      An attempt has been made to understand the nature of interactions of osmolytes L
      proline, 4-hydroxy-L-proline, sarcosine and trimethylamine N-oxide with the
      different stages of fibrillization of hen egg-white lysozyme by using a
      combination of isothermal titration calorimetry, differential scanning
      calorimetry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.
      Based on thioflavin T fluorescence emission intensities and microscopic images,
      the nucleation, elongation, and saturation phases of fibrillization have been
      identified. Isothermal titration calorimetry and differential scanning
      calorimetry have enabled a quantitative analysis of the nature of interactions of
      these osmolytes with various conformational states of lysozyme at different
      stages of fibrillization/aggregation. It is concluded that interaction of the
      osmolytes with lysozyme fibrils at both the nucleation and elongation stages are
      important steps in the prevention of fibrillization/aggregation. Identification
      of the nature of interactions is a key step towards the discovery and synthesis
      of target oriented potential inhibitors of these associations. This study is a
      first report in which calorimetry has been used to address interaction of
      potential inihibitiors with the protein at different stages of fibrillization. 

PMID- 25133608
TI  - Precise engineering of siRNA delivery vehicles to tumors using polyion complexes
      and gold nanoparticles.
AB  - For systemic delivery of siRNA to solid tumors, a size-regulated and reversibly
      stabilized nanoarchitecture was constructed by using a 20 kDa siRNA-loaded unimer
      polyion complex (uPIC) and 20 nm gold nanoparticle (AuNP). The uPIC was
      selectively prepared by charge-matched polyionic complexation of a poly(ethylene
      glycol)-b-poly(L-lysine) (PEG-PLL) copolymer bearing ~40 positive charges (and
      thiol group at the omega-end) with a single siRNA bearing 40 negative charges.
      The thiol group at the omega-end of PEG-PLL further enabled successful
      conjugation of the uPICs onto the single AuNP through coordinate bonding,
      generating a nanoarchitecture (uPIC-AuNP) with a size of 38 nm and a narrow size
      distribution. In contrast, mixing thiolated PEG-PLLs and AuNPs produced a large
      aggregate in the absence of siRNA, suggesting the essential role of the preformed
      uPIC in the formation of nanoarchitecture. The smart uPIC-AuNPs were stable in
      serum-containing media and more resistant against heparin-induced counter
      polyanion exchange, compared to uPICs alone. On the other hand, the treatment of
      uPIC-AuNPs with an intracellular concentration of glutathione substantially
      compromised their stability and triggered the release of siRNA, demonstrating the
      reversible stability of these nanoarchitectures relative to thiol exchange and
      negatively charged AuNP surface. The uPIC-AuNPs efficiently delivered siRNA into
      cultured cancer cells, facilitating significant sequence-specific gene silencing
      without cytotoxicity. Systemically administered uPIC-AuNPs showed appreciably
      longer blood circulation time compared to controls, i.e., bare AuNPs and uPICs,
      indicating that the conjugation of uPICs onto AuNP was crucial for enhancing
      blood circulation time. Finally, the uPIC-AuNPs efficiently accumulated in a
      subcutaneously inoculated luciferase-expressing cervical cancer (HeLa-Luc) model
      and achieved significant luciferase gene silencing in the tumor tissue. These
      results demonstrate the strong potential of uPIC-AuNP nanoarchitectures for
      systemic siRNA delivery to solid tumors.

PMID- 25133610
TI  - Mobile phones: the next step towards healthcare delivery in rural India?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the ubiquity of mobile phones, their use to support healthcare
      in the Indian context is inevitable. It is however necessary to assess end-user
      perceptions regarding mobile health interventions especially in the rural Indian
      context prior to its use in healthcare. This would contextualize the use of
      mobile phone communication for health to 70% of the country's population that
      resides in rural India. OBJECTIVES: To explore the acceptability of delivering
      healthcare interventions through mobile phones among users in a village in rural
      Bangalore. METHODS: This was an exploratory study of 488 mobile phone users,
      residing in a village, near Bangalore city, Karnataka, South India. A pretested,
      translated, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on
      mobile phone usage patterns and acceptability of the mobile phone, as a tool for
      health-related communication. The data is described using basic statistical
      measures. RESULTS: The primary use of mobile phones was to make or receive phone
      calls (100%). Text messaging (SMS) was used by only 70 (14%) of the respondents.
      Most of the respondents, 484 (99%), were willing to receive health-related
      information on their mobile phones and did not consider receiving such
      information, an intrusion into their personal life. While receiving reminders for
      drug adherence was acceptable to most 479 (98%) of our respondents, 424 (89%)
      preferred voice calls alone to other forms of communication. Nearly all were
      willing to use their mobile phones to communicate with health personnel in
      emergencies and 367 (75%) were willing to consult a doctor via the phone in an
      acute illness. Factors such as sex, English literacy, employment status, and
      presence of chronic disease affected preferences regarding mode and content of
      communication. CONCLUSION: The mobile phone, as a tool for receiving health
      information and supporting healthcare through mHealth interventions was
      acceptable in the rural Indian context.

PMID- 25133611
TI  - Mst1 directs Myosin IIa partitioning of low and higher affinity integrins during
      T cell migration.
AB  - Chemokines promote T cell migration by transmitting signals that induce T cell
      polarization and integrin activation and adhesion. Mst1 kinase is a key signal
      mediator required for both of these processes; however, its molecular mechanism
      remains unclear. Here, we present a mouse model in which Mst1 function is
      disrupted by a hypomorphic mutation. Microscopic analysis of Mst1-deficient CD4 T
      cells revealed a necessary role for Mst1 in controlling the localization and
      activity of Myosin IIa, a molecular motor that moves along actin filaments. Using
      affinity specific LFA-1 antibodies, we identified a requirement for Myosin IIa
      dependent contraction in the precise spatial distribution of low and higher
      affinity LFA-1 on the membrane of migrating T cells. Mst1 deficiency or Myosin
      inhibition resulted in multipolar cells, difficulties in uropod detachment and
      mis-localization of low affinity LFA-1. Thus, Mst1 regulates Myosin IIa dynamics
      to organize high and low affinity LFA-1 to the anterior and posterior membrane
      during T cell migration. 

PMID- 25133612
TI  - Experimental virus evolution reveals a role of plant microtubule dynamics and
      TORTIFOLIA1/SPIRAL2 in RNA trafficking.
AB  - The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network composed of filamentous polymers and
      regulatory proteins that provide a flexible structural scaffold to the cell and
      plays a fundamental role in developmental processes. Mutations that alter the
      spatial orientation of the cortical microtubule (MT) array of plants are known to
      cause important changes in the pattern of cell wall synthesis and developmental
      phenotypes; however, the consequences of such alterations on other MT-network
      associated functions in the cytoplasm are not known. In vivo observations
      suggested a role of cortical MTs in the formation and movement of Tobacco mosaic
      virus (TMV) RNA complexes along the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Thus, to probe
      the significance of dynamic MT behavior in the coordination of MT-network
      associated functions related to TMV infection and, thus, in the formation and
      transport of RNA complexes in the cytoplasm, we performed an evolution experiment
      with TMV in Arabidopsis thaliana tor1/spr2 and tor2 mutants with specific defects
      in MT dynamics and asked whether TMV is sensitive to these changes. We show that
      the altered cytoskeleton induced genetic changes in TMV that were correlated with
      efficient spread of infection in the mutant hosts. These observations demonstrate
      a role of dynamic MT rearrangements and of the MT-associated protein
      TORTIFOLIA1/SPIRAL2 in cellular functions related to virus spread and indicate
      that MT dynamics and MT-associated proteins represent constraints for virus
      evolution and adaptation. The results highlight the importance of the dynamic
      plasticity of the MT network in directing cytoplasmic functions in macromolecular
      assembly and trafficking and illustrate the value of experimental virus evolution
      for addressing the cellular functions of dynamic, long-range order systems in
      multicellular organisms. 

PMID- 25133616
TI  - Cautionary case: low Glasgow Coma Scale scores, brainstem involvement,
      decompressive craniectomy, full recovery, and one more reason for
      advocacy/collaboration.
AB  - Presurgical selection criteria for decompressive craniectomy (DC) for treatment
      of severe traumatic brain injury remain controversial. Proposed criteria to
      improve outcomes include high admission Glasgow Coma Scale scores (>=7) and
      exclusion of patients having brainstem involvement. Neurosurgeons may be unaware
      of long-term functional outcomes in their DC patients. Therefore, to underscore
      an exceptional outcome that may have been facilitated by DC, while highlighting
      need for caution in development of potentially overly restrictive presurgical
      selection criteria, this case report of a 21-yr-old premed college student
      admitted with severe traumatic brain injury, Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3, left
      fixed dilated pupil, and brainstem signs, who had emergency DC, is presented.
      Nine years after the trauma, she was employed full time as a physician, and only
      residual symptom, an occasional headache, remained. Thus, caution is necessary in
      the development of DC presurgical selection guidelines, as this case had
      excellent long-term functional outcome that may have been facilitated by DC
      despite initial low Glasgow Coma Scale scores and signs of brainstem involvement.
      Also, this case highlights one more reason for multispecialty physician advocacy,
      collaboration, and comparative effectiveness research. 

PMID- 25133615
TI  - Barriers to early mobility of hospitalized general medicine patients: survey
      development and results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Functional status decline commonly accompanies hospitalization making
      patients vulnerable to complications. Such decline can be mitigated through
      hospital-based early mobility programs. Success in implementing patient mobility
      quality improvement processes requires evaluating providers' knowledge,
      attitudes, and behaviors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey in
      two different hospital settings was completed by 120 nurses and physical and
      occupational therapists (rehabilitation therapists, 38; nurses, 82) from six
      general medicine units. The survey was developed using published guidelines,
      literature review, and provider meetings and refined through pilot testing.
      Psychometric properties were assessed, and regression analyses were conducted to
      examine barriers to early mobility by hospital site, provider discipline, and
      years of experience. RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability, item consistency,
      and discriminant validity psychometric characteristics were acceptable. In
      multivariable regression analysis, overall perceived barriers were similar
      between the two hospitals (P = 0.25) and significantly higher for staff with less
      experience (P = 0.02) and for nurses vs. rehabilitation therapists (P <
      0.001).The survey identified specific barriers common to both nurses and
      rehabilitation therapists and other barriers that were discipline specific.
      CONCLUSIONS: This novel survey identified important barriers to mobilizing
      medical inpatients that were similar across two hospital settings. These results
      can assist with the implementation of quality improvement projects for increasing
      early hospital-based patient mobility.

PMID- 25133613
TI  - Targeted next-generation sequencing reveals novel USH2A mutations associated with
      diverse disease phenotypes: implications for clinical and molecular diagnosis.
AB  - USH2A mutations have been implicated in the disease etiology of several inherited
      diseases, including Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2), nonsyndromic retinitis
      pigmentosa (RP), and nonsyndromic deafness. The complex genetic and phenotypic
      spectrums relevant to USH2A defects make it difficult to manage patients with
      such mutations. In the present study, we aim to determine the genetic etiology
      and to characterize the correlated clinical phenotypes for three Chinese
      pedigrees with nonsyndromic RP, one with RP sine pigmento (RPSP), and one with
      USH2. Family histories and clinical details for all included patients were
      reviewed. Ophthalmic examinations included best corrected visual acuities, visual
      field measurements, funduscopy, and electroretinography. Targeted next-generation
      sequencing (NGS) was applied using two sequence capture arrays to reveal the
      disease causative mutations for each family. Genotype-phenotype correlations were
      also annotated. Seven USH2A mutations, including four missense substitutions
      (p.P2762A, p.G3320C, p.R3719H, and p.G4763R), two splice site variants
      (c.8223+1G>A and c.8559-2T>C), and a nonsense mutation (p.Y3745*), were
      identified as disease causative in the five investigated families, of which three
      reported to have consanguineous marriage. Among all seven mutations, six were
      novel, and one was recurrent. Two homozygous missense mutations (p.P2762A and
      p.G3320C) were found in one individual family suggesting a potential double hit
      effect. Significant phenotypic divergences were revealed among the five families.
      Three families of the five families were affected with early, moderated, or late
      onset RP, one with RPSP, and the other one with USH2. Our study expands the
      genotypic and phenotypic variability relevant to USH2A mutations, which would
      help with a clear insight into the complex genetic and phenotypic spectrums
      relevant to USH2A defects, and is complementary for a better management of
      patients with such mutations. We have also demonstrated that a targeted NGS
      approach is a valuable tool for the genetic diagnosis of USH2 and RP. 

PMID- 25133614
TI  - Is thymidine glycol containing DNA a substrate of E. coli DNA mismatch repair
      system?
AB  - The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system plays a crucial role in the prevention of
      replication errors and in the correction of some oxidative damages of DNA bases.
      In the present work the most abundant oxidized pyrimidine lesion, 5,6-dihydro-5,6
      dihydroxythymidine (thymidine glycol, Tg) was tested for being recognized and
      processed by the E. coli MMR system, namely complex of MutS, MutL and MutH
      proteins. In a partially reconstituted MMR system with MutS-MutL-MutH proteins,
      G/Tg and A/Tg containing plasmids failed to provoke the incision of DNA. Tg
      residue in the 30-mer DNA duplex destabilized double helix due to stacking
      disruption with neighboring bases. However, such local structural changes are not
      important for E. coli MMR system to recognize this lesion. A lack of repair of Tg
      containing DNA could be due to a failure of MutS (a first acting protein of MMR
      system) to interact with modified DNA in a proper way. It was shown that Tg in
      DNA does not affect on ATPase activity of MutS. On the other hand, MutS binding
      affinities to DNA containing Tg in G/Tg and A/Tg pairs are lower than to DNA with
      a G/T mismatch and similar to canonical DNA. Peculiarities of MutS interaction
      with DNA was monitored by Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and
      fluorescence anisotropy. Binding of MutS to Tg containing DNAs did not result in
      the formation of characteristic DNA kink. Nevertheless, MutS homodimer
      orientation on Tg-DNA is similar to that in the case of G/T-DNA. In contrast to
      G/T-DNA, neither G/Tg- nor A/Tg-DNA was able to stimulate ADP release from MutS
      better than canonical DNA. Thus, Tg residue in DNA is unlikely to be recognized
      or processed by the E. coli MMR system. Probably, the MutS transformation to
      active "sliding clamp" conformation on Tg-DNA is problematic. 

PMID- 25133617
TI  - Swallowing appliance: intraoral reshaping prosthesis for dysphagia secondary to
      oral floor cancer: a pilot study.
AB  - Patients with oral floor cancer often have difficulty swallowing solid foods. The
      aim of this study was to improve the propulsion of solid foods using a swallowing
      appliance (SW-A). Subjects comprised three patients with oral floor cancer who
      had undergone curative surgery. Each participant was asked to swallow gelatin
      under three conditions: without an SW-A, with a maxillary SW-A, and with both
      maxillary and mandibular SW-As. This procedure was repeated thrice with three
      volumes of gelatin (2.5, 5, and 7.5 ml), with videofluorographic swallowing
      study. Swallowing was assessed on the basis of whether the participant could
      propel the gelatin from the oral cavity to the pharynx. No subject could propel
      2.5 ml of gelatin to the pharynx without an SW-A or with only a maxillary SW-A in
      place. When both SW-As were used, all subjects could propel all three volumes of
      gelatin. The mandibular SW-A complemented the compensatory effects of the
      maxillary SW-A. 

PMID- 25133618
TI  - Affective state and community integration after traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Previous studies investigating the relationship between affective state and
      community integration have focused primarily on the influence of depression and
      anxiety. In addition, they have focused on frequency of participation in various
      activities, failing to address an individual's subjective satisfaction with
      participation. The purpose of this study was to examine how affective state
      contributes to frequency of participation and satisfaction with participation
      after traumatic brain injury among participants with and without a current major
      depressive episode. Sixty-four community-dwelling participants with a history of
      complicated mild-to-severe traumatic brain injury participated in this cross
      sectional cohort study. High positive affect contributed significantly to
      frequency of participation (beta = 0.401, P = 0.001), and both high positive
      affect and low negative affect significantly contributed to better satisfaction
      with participation (F2,61 = 13.63, P < 0.001). Further investigation to assess
      the direction of these relationships may better inform effective targets for
      intervention. These findings highlight the importance of assessing affective
      state after traumatic brain injury and incorporating a subjective measure of
      participation when considering community integration outcomes. 

PMID- 25133619
TI  - Pneumocephalus during cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections: a case
      report.
AB  - A cervical transforaminal epidural injection of anesthetic and corticosteroids
      (CTFESI) is a frequently used procedure for cervical radiculopathy. Most cases of
      pneumocephalus after an epidural block occur when using an interlaminar approach
      with the loss-of-resistance technique. The authors present the first case of
      pneumocephalus after cervical transforaminal epidural injection of anesthetic and
      corticosteroids. A 64-yr-old woman with left C7 radiculopathy was undergoing C6-7
      transforaminal epidural injection of anesthetic and corticosteroids. The epidural
      spread of contrast was checked by fluoroscope, and 5 mg of dexamethasone in 4 ml
      of 0.1875% ropivacaine was injected. She lost consciousness 5 mins after the
      procedure and regained awareness after manual ventilation. She subsequently
      complained of nausea and headache, and a computed tomography brain scan revealed
      pneumocephalus. After carefully assessing the fluoroscopic images, the authors
      believe that the needle may have punctured the dura mater of the nerve root
      sleeve, allowing air to enter the subdural space. Thus, fluoroscopic images
      should be carefully examined to reduce dural puncture when performing cervical
      transforaminal epidural injection of anesthetic and corticosteroids, and air
      should be completely removed from the needle, extension tube, and syringe. 

PMID- 25133620
TI  - Clinical tests of ankle plantarflexor strength do not predict ankle power
      generation during walking.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between a
      clinical test of ankle plantarflexor strength and ankle power generation (APG) at
      push-off during walking. DESIGN: This is a prospective cross-sectional study of
      102 patients with traumatic brain injury. OUTCOME MEASURES: Handheld dynamometry
      was used to measure ankle plantarflexor strength. Three-dimensional gait analysis
      was performed to quantify ankle power generation at push-off during walking.
      RESULTS: Ankle plantarflexor strength was only moderately correlated with ankle
      power generation at push-off (r = 0.43, P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 0.26
      0.58). There was also a moderate correlation between ankle plantarflexor strength
      and self-selected walking velocity (r = 0.32, P = 0.002; 95% confidence interval,
      0.13-0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Handheld dynamometry measures of ankle plantarflexor
      strength are only moderately correlated with ankle power generation during
      walking. This clinical test of ankle plantarflexor strength is a poor predictor
      of calf muscle function during gait in people with traumatic brain injury.

PMID- 25133621
TI  - Congenital agenesis of the superficial posterior compartment calf muscles in a 13
      month-old infant.
AB  - Muscle agenesis may induce cosmetic and functional deficits, particularly if the
      muscle is an axial limb or a large muscle. Limb muscle agenesis is a rare
      condition. Here, the authors report the case of a 13-mo-old girl with unilateral
      atrophic calf and gait abnormality. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed agenesis
      of the posterior superficial compartment of the calf. The patient showed an out
      toeing calcaneal gait and fibular length discrepancy secondarily during growth.
      Normal embryology and the differential diagnostic point of foot deformity as well
      as the clinical implications of calf agenesis are described. 

PMID- 25133622
TI  - Gluteus maximus calcific tendonosis: a rare cause of sciatic pain.
AB  - Extraspinal causes of radicular pain are rare and are in danger of being
      overlooked. Here, we present a patient with pain radiating into the posterior
      thigh and lateral calf. Although initial differential diagnosis included lumbar
      herniated nucleus pulposus, further imaging revealed the presence of gluteus
      maximus calcific tendonosis. After physical therapy and a potent oral steroid
      regimen, the pain gradually resolved and the patient was able to return to full
      activity. 

PMID- 25133625
TI  - Myasthenis gravis or Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome?

PMID- 25133624
TI  - Targeted rehabilitation after extracellular matrix scaffold transplantation for
      the treatment of volumetric muscle loss.
AB  - Rehabilitation therapy is an important aspect of recovery after volumetric muscle
      loss. However, the traditional rehabilitation approach involves a period of rest
      and passive loading followed by gradual active loading. Extracellular matrix is a
      naturally occurring material consisting of structural proteins that provide
      mechanical strength, structural support, and functional molecules with diverse
      bioactive properties. There is evidence to suggest that the addition of
      aggressive regenerative rehabilitation protocols immediately after surgical
      implantation of an extracellular matrix scaffold to an area of volumetric muscle
      loss has significant benefits for extracellular matrix remodeling. Rehabilitation
      exercises likely provide the needed mechanical signals to encourage cell
      migration and site-specific differentiation in the temporal framework required
      for constructive remodeling. Herein, the authors review the literature and
      present an example of an aggressive rehabilitation program implemented
      immediately after extracellular matrix transplantation into a severely injured
      quadriceps muscle. 

PMID- 25133623
TI  - Allogeneic Articular Chondrocyte Transplantation Downregulates Interleukin 8 Gene
      Expression in the Degenerating Rabbit Intervertebral Disk In Vivo.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether repopulating the
      degenerating intervertebral disk (IVD) with articular chondrocytes will decrease
      inflammation in the degenerating rabbit IVD. DESIGN: This was a biologic study in
      a rabbit IVD-injury model in vivo. Dual cell tracking methods (infrared dye
      labeling and adenovirus transduction) were used to demonstrate the viability of
      allogeneic articular chondrocytes injected into degenerating rabbit IVDs.
      Interleukin 8 gene expression was determined via real-time polymerase chain
      reaction. Infiltrating inflammatory cells (macrophages, T cells, or neutrophils)
      were examined with immunohistochemistry. The IVDs were also examined by routine
      histology. RESULTS: Articular chondrocytes labeled with infrared dye were
      detected in the degenerating IVDs at both 2 and 8 wks after injection. At the 2
      wk time point, interleukin 8 gene expression was comparable in IVDs injected with
      chondrocytes and in intact disks as control (P = 0.647), whereas its expression
      in IVDs injected with saline increased 50-fold (P = 0.028). Transgene expression
      of red fluorescent protein, beta-galactosidase, and human bone morphogenetic
      protein 7 diminished at 8 wks after injection. IVDs injected with chondrocytes
      overexpressing human bone morphogenetic protein 7 did not show lower interleukin
      8 gene expression or improved histology. Macrophages were consistently detected
      by immunohistochemistry in the cartilage formed around the needle insertion sites
      in both the saline and chondrocyte groups, whereas neither T cells nor
      neutrophils were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic rabbit articular chondrocyte
      survived in the degenerating rabbit IVDs for at least 8 wks. Cell treatment
      resulted in reduced IVD inflammation but did not significantly improve IVD
      structure.

PMID- 25133628
TI  - Fluoride free synthesis of anatase TiO2 nanocrystals with exposed active {001}
      facets.
AB  - A novel fluoride free protocol for highly truncated anatase TiO2 nanocrystals
      with exposed {001} facets by preferential adsorption of CO3(2-) ions is
      developed. Experimental observations were corroborated by first principle quantum
      chemical DFT calculations. The synthesized anatase TiO2 showed improved
      photocatalytic activity. 

PMID- 25133626
TI  - Hope for successful implementation of psychosocial/psychiatric rehabilitation in
      the forensic mental health setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore staff perceptions of the successes and barriers to
      implementation of the psychosocial/psychiatric rehabilitation (PSR) model in the
      forensic mental health setting and identify staff supports needed for greater
      implementation. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive design was used and staff focus
      group data was analyzed using the constant comparative method. RESULTS: All
      aspects of PSR are being implemented in the forensic setting. Barriers limiting
      comprehensive implementation include hospital processes and functions, legal
      components, client clinical presentation, staff attributes and interactions, and
      lack of resources. To foster greater implementation, employees require support to
      improve interprofessional interactions and acquire additional resources and
      education. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Strengthening existing
      successes and addressing barriers identified will foster greater PSR
      implementation in the forensic setting. Adjusting the physical environment,
      streamlining documentation, shifting focus from security to rehabilitation goals,
      and adapting PSR principles to various levels of illness acuity and stages of
      treatment would enhance PSR implementation. A management focus on improving staff
      morale, self-care, peer support, team cohesion, and communication would limit
      burnout and increase successful implementation of PSR. Additional educational
      opportunities and ongoing training are suggested to support a unified
      understanding and sustained approach to PSR implementation in the forensic
      setting.

PMID- 25133627
TI  - Nuclear translocation of hARD1 contributes to proper cell cycle progression.
AB  - Arrest defective 1 (ARD1) is an acetyltransferase that is highly conserved across
      organisms, from yeasts to humans. The high homology and widespread expression of
      ARD1 across multiple species and tissues signify that it serves a fundamental
      role in cells. Human ARD1 (hARD1) has been suggested to be involved in diverse
      biological processes, and its role in cell proliferation and cancer development
      has been recently drawing attention. However, the subcellular localization of
      ARD1 and its relevance to cellular function remain largely unknown. Here, we have
      demonstrated that hARD1 is imported to the nuclei of proliferating cells,
      especially during S phase. Nuclear localization signal (NLS)-deleted hARD1
      (hARD1DeltaN), which can no longer access the nucleus, resulted in cell
      morphology changes and cellular growth impairment. Notably, hARD1DeltaN
      expressing cells showed alterations in the cell cycle and the expression levels
      of cell cycle regulators compared to hARD1 wild-type cells. Furthermore, these
      effects were rescued when the nuclear import of hARD1 was restored by exogenous
      NLS. Our results show that hARD1 nuclear translocation mediated by NLS is
      required for cell cycle progression, thereby contributing to proper cell
      proliferation. 

PMID- 25133629
TI  - The cybotactic nematic phase of bent-core mesogens: state of the art and future
      developments.
AB  - The molecular clustering observed in the fluid nematic phase of nonlinear liquid
      crystal molecules underlies exaggerated field effects that portend unique
      technological advances in next-generation liquid crystal displays. However, the
      detailed nature of the molecular organization within the clusters and the
      temporal and spatial persistence of the organization remain unclear. Herein we
      review the evolution of structural studies of this unique nematic phase. The
      mounting experimental evidence points to a converging picture of the microscopic
      nature of this relatively new class of liquid crystals. 

PMID- 25133631
TI  - Region-specific sensitivity of anemophilous pollen deposition to temperature and
      precipitation.
AB  - Understanding relations between climate and pollen production is important for
      several societal and ecological challenges, importantly pollen forecasting for
      pollinosis treatment, forensic studies, global change biology, and high
      resolution palaeoecological studies of past vegetation and climate fluctuations.
      For these purposes, we investigate the role of climate variables on annual-scale
      variations in pollen influx, test the regional consistency of observed patterns,
      and evaluate the potential to reconstruct high-frequency signals from sediment
      archives. A 43-year pollen-trap record from the Netherlands is used to
      investigate relations between annual pollen influx, climate variables (monthly
      and seasonal temperature and precipitation values), and the North Atlantic
      Oscillation climate index. Spearman rank correlation analysis shows that
      specifically in Alnus, Betula, Corylus, Fraxinus, Quercus and Plantago both
      temperature in the year prior to (T-1), as well as in the growing season (T), are
      highly significant factors (TApril rs between 0.30 [P<0.05[ and 0.58 [P<0.0001];
      TJuli-1 rs between 0.32 [P<0.05[ and 0.56 [P<0.0001]) in the annual pollen influx
      of wind-pollinated plants. Total annual pollen prediction models based on
      multiple climate variables yield R2 between 0.38 and 0.62 (P<0.0001). The effect
      of precipitation is minimal. A second trapping station in the SE Netherlands,
      shows consistent trends and annual variability, suggesting the climate factors
      are regionally relevant. Summer temperature is thought to influence the formation
      of reproductive structures, while temperature during the flowering season
      influences pollen release. This study provides a first predictive model for
      seasonal pollen forecasting, and also aides forensic studies. Furthermore,
      variations in pollen accumulation rates from a sub-fossil peat deposit are
      comparable with the pollen trap data. This suggests that high frequency
      variability pollen records from natural archives reflect annual past climate
      variability, and can be used in palaeoecological and -climatological studies to
      bridge between population- and species-scale responses to climate forcing. 

PMID- 25133630
TI  - Evaluation of antimalarial activity and toxicity of a new primaquine prodrug.
AB  - Plasmodium vivax is the most prevalent of the five species causing malaria in
      humans. The current available treatment for P. vivax malaria is limited and
      unsatisfactory due to at least two drawbacks: the undesirable side effects of
      primaquine (PQ) and drug resistance to chloroquine. Phenylalanine-alanine-PQ (Phe
      Ala-PQ) is a PQ prodrug with a more favorable pharmacokinetic profile compared to
      PQ. The toxicity of this prodrug was evaluated in in vitro assays using a human
      hepatoma cell line (HepG2), a monkey kidney cell line (BGM), and human red blood
      cells deficient in the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD). In
      addition, in vivo toxicity assays were performed with rats that received multiple
      doses of Phe-Ala-PQ to evaluate biochemical, hematological, and histopathological
      parameters. The activity was assessed by the inhibition of the sporogonic cycle
      using a chicken malaria parasite. Phe-Ala-PQ blocked malaria transmission in
      Aedes mosquitoes. When compared with PQ, it was less cytotoxic to BGM and HepG2
      cells and caused less hemolysis of G6PD-deficient red blood cells at similar
      concentrations. The prodrug caused less alteration in the biochemical parameters
      than did PQ. Histopathological analysis of the liver and kidney did show
      differences between the control and Phe-Ala-PQ-treated groups, but they were not
      statistically significant. Taken together, the results highlight the prodrug as a
      novel lead compound candidate for the treatment of P. vivax malaria and as a
      blocker of malaria transmission. 

PMID- 25133634
TI  - De novo design of self-assembled hexapeptides as beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide
      inhibitors.
AB  - The ability of peptides to construct specific secondary structures provides a
      useful function for biomaterial design that cannot be achieved with traditional
      organic molecules and polymers. Inhibition of amyloid formation is a promising
      therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Existing
      peptide-based inhibitors are mainly derived from original amyloid sequences,
      which have very limited sequence diversity and activity. It is highly desirable
      to explore other peptide-based inhibitors that are not directly derived from
      amyloid sequences. Here, we develop a hybrid high-throughput computational method
      to efficiently screen and design hexapeptide inhibitors against amyloid-beta
      (Abeta) aggregation and toxicity from the first principle. Computationally
      screened/designed inhibitors are then validated for their inhibition activity
      using biophysical experiments. We propose and demonstrate a proof-of-concept of
      the "like-interacts-like" design principle that the self-assembling peptides are
      able to interact strongly with conformationally similar motifs of Abeta peptides
      and to competitively reduce Abeta-Abeta interactions, thus preventing Abeta
      aggregation and Abeta-induced toxicity. Such a de novo design can also be
      generally applicable to design new peptide inhibitors against other amyloid
      diseases, beyond traditional peptide inhibitors with homologous sequences to
      parent amyloid peptides.

PMID- 25133632
TI  - A conserved cysteine residue of Bacillus subtilis SpoIIIJ is important for
      endospore development.
AB  - During sporulation in Bacillus subtilis, the onset of activity of the late
      forespore-specific sigma factor sigmaG coincides with completion of forespore
      engulfment by the mother cell. At this stage, the forespore becomes a free
      protoplast, surrounded by the mother cell cytoplasm and separated from it by two
      membranes that derive from the asymmetric division septum. Continued gene
      expression in the forespore, isolated from the surrounding medium, relies on the
      SpoIIIA-SpoIIQ secretion system assembled from proteins synthesised both in the
      mother cell and in the forespore. The membrane protein insertase SpoIIIJ, of the
      YidC/Oxa1/Alb3 family, is involved in the assembly of the SpoIIIA-SpoIIQ complex.
      Here we show that SpoIIIJ exists as a mixture of monomers and dimers stabilised
      by a disulphide bond. We show that residue Cys134 within transmembrane segment 2
      (TM2) of SpoIIIJ is important to stabilise the protein in the dimeric form.
      Labelling of Cys134 with a Cys-reactive reagent could only be achieved under
      stringent conditions, suggesting a tight association at least in part through
      TM2, between monomers in the membrane. Substitution of Cys134 by an Ala results
      in accumulation of the monomer, and reduces SpoIIIJ function in vivo. Therefore,
      SpoIIIJ activity in vivo appears to require dimer formation. 

PMID- 25133637
TI  - Genome-wide association studies and heritability estimates of body mass index
      related phenotypes in Bangladeshi adults.
AB  - Many health outcomes are influenced by a person's body mass index, as well as by
      the trajectory of body mass index through a lifetime. Although previous research
      has established that body mass index related traits are influenced by genetics,
      the relationship between these traits and genetics has not been well
      characterized in people of South Asian ancestry. To begin to characterize this
      relationship, we analyzed the association between common genetic variation and
      five phenotypes related to body mass index in a population-based sample of 5,354
      Bangladeshi adults. We discovered a significant association between SNV rs347313
      (intron of NOS1AP) and change in body mass index in women over two years. In a
      linear mixed-model, the G allele was associated with an increase of 0.25 kg/m2 in
      body mass index over two years (p-value of 2.3.10-8). We also estimated the
      heritability of these phenotypes from our genotype data. We found significant
      estimates of heritability for all of the body mass index-related phenotypes. Our
      study evaluated the genetic determinants of body mass index related phenotypes
      for the first time in South Asians. The results suggest that these phenotypes are
      heritable and some of this heritability is driven by variation that differs from
      those previously reported. We also provide evidence that the genetic etiology of
      body mass index related traits may differ by ancestry, sex, and environment, and
      consequently that these factors should be considered when assessing the genetic
      determinants of the risk of body mass index-related disease. 

PMID- 25133638
TI  - Assessment of species diversity and distribution of an ancient diatom lineage
      using a DNA metabarcoding approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Continuous efforts to estimate actual diversity and to trace the
      species distribution and ranges in the natural environments have gone in equal
      pace with advancements of the technologies in the study of microbial species
      diversity from microscopic observations to DNA-based barcoding. DNA metabarcoding
      based on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) constitutes the latest advancement in
      these efforts. Here we use NGS data from different sites to investigate the
      geographic range of six species of the diatom family Leptocylindraceae and to
      identify possible new taxa within the family. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We
      analysed the V4 and V9 regions of the nuclear-encoded SSU rDNA gene region in the
      NGS database of the European ERA-Biodiversa project BioMarKs, collected in
      plankton and sediments at six coastal sites in European coastal waters, as well
      as environmental sequences from the NCBI database. All species known in the
      family Leptocylindraceae were detected in both datasets, but the much larger
      Illumina V9 dataset showed a higher species coverage at the various sites than
      the 454 V4 dataset. Sequences identical or similar to the references of
      Leptocylindrus aporus, L. convexus, L. danicus/hargravesii and Tenuicylindrus
      belgicus were found in the Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean and Black Sea
      as well as at locations outside Europe. Instead, sequences identical or close to
      that of L. minimus were found in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea but
      not in the Mediterranean Sea, while sequences belonging to a yet undescribed
      taxon were encountered only in Oslo Fjord and Baffin Bay.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Identification of Leptocylindraceae species in NGS
      datasets has expanded our knowledge of the species biogeographic distribution and
      of the overall diversity of this diatom family. Individual species appear to be
      widespread, but not all of them are found everywhere. Despite the sequencing
      depth allowed by NGS and the wide geographic area covered by this study, the
      diversity of this ancient diatom family appears to be low, at least at the level
      of the marker used in this study.

PMID- 25133636
TI  - The molecular phenotype of endocapillary proliferation: novel therapeutic targets
      for IgA nephropathy.
AB  - IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a clinically and pathologically heterogeneous disease.
      Endocapillary proliferation is associated with higher risk of progressive
      disease, and clinical studies suggest that corticosteroids mitigate this risk.
      However, corticosteroids are associated with protean cellular effects and
      significant toxicity. Furthermore the precise mechanism by which they modulate
      kidney injury in IgAN is not well delineated. To better understand molecular
      pathways involved in the development of endocapillary proliferation and to
      identify novel specific therapeutic targets, we evaluated the glomerular
      transcriptome of microdissected kidney biopsies from 22 patients with IgAN.
      Endocapillary proliferation was defined according to the Oxford scoring system
      independently by 3 nephropathologists. We analyzed mRNA expression using
      microarrays and identified transcripts differentially expressed in patients with
      endocapillary proliferation compared to IgAN without endocapillary lesions. Next,
      we employed both transcription factor analysis and in silico drug screening and
      confirmed that the endocapillary proliferation transcriptome is significantly
      enriched with pathways that can be impacted by corticosteroids. With this
      approach we also identified novel therapeutic targets and bioactive small
      molecules that may be considered for therapeutic trials for the treatment of
      IgAN, including resveratrol and hydroquinine. In summary, we have defined the
      distinct molecular profile of a pathologic phenotype associated with progressive
      renal insufficiency in IgAN. Exploration of the pathways associated with
      endocapillary proliferation confirms a molecular basis for the clinical
      effectiveness of corticosteroids in this subgroup of IgAN, and elucidates new
      therapeutic strategies for IgAN. 

PMID- 25133639
TI  - Believing is seeing: fixation duration predicts implicit negative attitudes.
AB  - A prototypical finding of social cognition is that social experiences influence
      later performance even though those experiences are not introspectively
      available. Building on social cognition research on implicit attitudes, we
      evaluate whether ethnic category/attribute pairs influence eye movements during
      the Implicit Association Test (IAT, Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz 1998). Results
      show that fixation duration predicted implicit attitudes such that when the
      category/attribute pairs disconfirmed one's implicit negative attitude fixation
      duration toward that pair increased. The present research provides evidence that
      eye movements and implicit processes inherent in the IAT are more broadly
      connected than previously thought. 

PMID- 25133640
TI  - Association between perceived social stigma against mental disorders and use of
      health services for psychological distress symptoms in the older adult
      population: validity of the STIG scale.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To document the reliability, construct and nomological validity of
      the perceived Social Stigmatisation (STIG) scale in the older adult population.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Primary medical health services clinics.
      PARTICIPANTS: Probabilistic sample of older adults aged 65 years and over waiting
      for medical services in the general medical sector (n = 1765). MEASUREMENTS:
      Perceived social stigma against people with a mental health problem was measured
      using the STIG scale composed of seven indicators. RESULTS: A second-order
      measurement model of perceived social stigma fitted adequately the observed data.
      The reliability of the STIG scale was 0.83. According to our results, 39.6% of
      older adults had a significant level of perceived social stigma against people
      with a mental health problem. RESULTS showed that the perception of social stigma
      against mental health problems was not significantly associated with a respondent
      gender and age. RESULTS also showed that the perception of social stigma against
      the mental health problems was directly associated with the respondents' need for
      improved mental health (b = -0.10) and indirectly associated with their use of
      primary medical health services for psychological distress symptoms (b = -0.07).
      CONCLUSION: RESULTS lead us to conclude that social stigma against mental
      disorders perceived by older adults may limit help-seeking behaviours and
      warrants greater public health and public policy attention. Also, results lead us
      to conclude that physicians should pay greater attention to their patients'
      attitudes against mental disorders in order to identify possible hidden mental
      health problems.

PMID- 25133642
TI  - The longitudinal impact of intimate partner aggression and relationship status on
      women's physical health and depression symptoms.
AB  - Intimate partner aggression (IPA) has many detrimental effects, particularly
      among young women. The present study examined the longitudinal effects of IPA
      victimization and relationship status on physical health and depression symptoms
      in a sample of 375 community women between the ages of 18 and 25 years. All
      variables were assessed at 4 occasions over a 12-month period (i.e., 1 assessment
      every 4 months). Multilevel modeling revealed that IPA victimization had both
      between- and within-person effects on women's health outcomes, and relationship
      status had within-person effects when women did not report current IPA. Although
      IPA was generally related to greater physical health problems and depression
      symptoms, these findings varied depending on both the type of aggression
      experienced (i.e., psychological vs. physical) and relationship status (i.e.,
      whether participants were in the same relationship or a new relationship).
      Findings suggest that IPA can be harmful to both physical and mental health,
      particularly among young women who stay in abusive relationships. Results
      highlight the importance of developing effective IPA intervention programs and
      providing help and resources to women who are experiencing physical or
      psychological IPA in their relationships.

PMID- 25133641
TI  - The appropriateness of more intensive colonoscopy screening than recommended in
      Medicare beneficiaries: a modeling study.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Many Medicare beneficiaries undergo more intensive colonoscopy
      screening than recommended. Whether this is favorable for beneficiaries and
      efficient from a societal perspective is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      whether more intensive colonoscopy screening than recommended is favorable for
      Medicare beneficiaries (ie, whether it results in a net health benefit) and
      whether it is efficient from a societal perspective (ie, whether the net health
      benefit justifies the additional resources required). DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Microsimulation modeling study of 65-year-old Medicare
      beneficiaries at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) and with an average
      life expectancy who underwent a screening colonoscopy at 55 years with negative
      results. INTERVENTIONS: Colonoscopy screening as recommended by guidelines (ie,
      at 65 and 75 years) vs scenarios with a shorter screening interval (5 or 3
      instead of 10 years) or in which screening was continued to 85 or 95 years. MAIN
      OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained (measure of net
      health benefit); additional colonoscopies required per additional QALY gained and
      additional costs per additional QALY gained (measures of efficiency). RESULTS:
      Screening previously screened Medicare beneficiaries more intensively than
      recommended resulted in only small increases in CRC deaths prevented and life
      years gained. In comparison, the increases in colonoscopies performed and
      colonoscopy-related complications experienced were large. As a result, all
      scenarios of more intensive screening than recommended resulted in a loss of
      QALYs, rather than a gain (ie, a net harm). The only exception was shortening the
      screening interval from 10 to 5 years, which resulted in 0.7 QALYs gained per
      1000 beneficiaries. However, this scenario was inefficient because it required no
      less than 909 additional colonoscopies and an additional $711 000 per additional
      QALY gained. Results in previously unscreened beneficiaries were slightly less
      unfavorable, but conclusions were identical. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Screening
      Medicare beneficiaries more intensively than recommended is not only inefficient
      from a societal perspective; often it is also unfavorable for those being
      screened. This study provides evidence and a clear rationale for clinicians and
      policy makers to actively discourage this practice.

PMID- 25133643
TI  - Couples and breast cancer: women's mood and partners' marital satisfaction
      predicting support perception.
AB  - Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer can experience an array of
      psychosocial difficulties; however, social support, particularly from a spouse,
      has been shown to have a protective function during this time. This study
      examined the ways in which a woman's daily mood, pain, and fatigue, and her
      spouse's marital satisfaction predict the woman's report of partner support in
      the context of breast cancer. Pretest data from a larger intervention study and
      multilevel modeling were used to examine the effects of women's daily mood, pain,
      and fatigue and average levels of mood, pain, and fatigue on women's report of
      social support received from her partner, as well as how the effects of mood
      interacted with partners' marital satisfaction. Results show that on days in
      which women reported higher levels of negative or positive mood, as well as on
      days they reported more pain and fatigue, they reported receiving more support.
      Women who, on average, reported higher levels of positive mood tended to report
      receiving more support than those who, on average, reported lower positive mood.
      However, average levels of negative mood were not associated with support. Higher
      average levels of fatigue but not pain were associated with higher support.
      Finally, women whose husbands reported higher levels of marital satisfaction
      reported receiving more partner support, but husbands' marital satisfaction did
      not moderate the effect of women's mood on support. Implications of these
      findings are discussed relative to assisting couples during this difficult time
      in their lives.

PMID- 25133644
TI  - A randomized trial comparing time intervals from HCG trigger to intrauterine
      insemination for cycles utilizing GnRH antagonists.
AB  - Intrauterine insemination (IUI) during ovarian stimulation cycles is typically
      performed 36 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. We
      hypothesized that adjusting the time interval to IUI to better coincide with
      ovulation may increase pregnancy rates. Patients undergoing induction of
      ovulation utilizing gonadotropins and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
      antagonists and IUI were divided to three groups based on the time from hCG
      injection to IUI: 36, 42, and 48 hours. Primary outcome was defined as the
      clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes comprised additional parameters
      including multifetal pregnancy rate. A total of 92 patients completed the study.
      Baseline parameters were similar between the groups. The clinical pregnancy rate
      in the three groups was 20%, 38%, and 24%, respectively. While the 42 hour time
      interval had a higher numerical pregnancy rate, the pregnancy rates did not
      differ statistically among the study groups. The multifetal pregnancy rate did
      not differ among the three groups as well. A larger study is necessary to
      ascertain if a 42 hour time interval can indeed improve pregnancy rates.

PMID- 25133646
TI  - Effect of frequent WBC treatments on the back pain therapy in elderly men.
AB  - Cryotherapy is the application of a stimulus of a cryotherapeutic temperature
      below -100  degrees C in a period of 1-3 min in order to stimulate and use
      physiological reactions of human body to cold. It can be applied to specific body
      parts or to a whole body. Whole-body cryotherapy is a treatment method applied in
      treatment of motor organ issues, nervous system diseases, psychiatry, dermatology
      and laryngology. The research group consisted of 80 male in the age range of 65
      77 suffering from chronic, lasting more than 3 months, lower back pain. The
      subjects qualified to the research were divided into two groups. Group A
      consisted of 40 patients who participated in whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) twice a
      week. Group B also contained 40 patients who participated in WBC whole week.
      Examinations were conducted twice. The first one was conducted before the
      commencement of the treatment while the second one after the therapy was over.
      The results of the research did not show any statistically significant
      improvement in patients from Group A. However, the results obtained by Group B
      have proven significant condition improvement and enable the researchers to
      conclude that WBC is effective in treating patients with lower back pain.

PMID- 25133645
TI  - The Nijmegen decision tool for chronic low back pain. Development of a clinical
      decision tool for secondary or tertiary spine care specialists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Western Europe, low back pain has the greatest burden of all
      diseases. When back pain persists, different medical specialists are involved and
      a lack of consensus exists among these specialists for medical decision-making in
      Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP). OBJECTIVE: To develop a decision tool for secondary
      or tertiary spine care specialists to decide which patients with CLBP should be
      seen by a spine surgeon or by other non-surgical medical specialists. METHODS: A
      Delphi study was performed to identify indicators predicting the outcome of
      interventions. In the preparatory stage evidence from international guidelines
      and literature were summarized. Eligible studies were reviews and longitudinal
      studies. Inclusion criteria: surgical or non-surgical interventions and
      persistence of complaints, CLBP-patients aged 18-65 years, reported baseline
      measures of predictive indicators, and one or more reported outcomes had to
      assess functional status, quality of life, pain intensity, employment status or a
      composite score. Subsequently, a three-round Delphi procedure, to reach consensus
      on candidate indicators, was performed among a multidisciplinary panel of 29 CLBP
      professionals (>five years CLBP-experience). The pre-set threshold for general
      agreement was >=70%. The final indicator set was used to develop a clinical
      decision tool. RESULTS: A draft list with 53 candidate indicators (38 with
      conclusive evidence and 15 with inconclusive evidence) was included for the
      Delphi study. Consensus was reached to include 47 indicators. A first version of
      the decision tool was developed, consisting of a web-based screening
      questionnaire and a provisional decision algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first clinical decision tool based on current scientific evidence and formal
      multidisciplinary consensus that helps referring the patient for consultation to
      a spine surgeon or a non-surgical spine care specialist. We expect that this tool
      considerably helps in clinical decision-making spine care, thereby improving
      efficient use of scarce sources and the outcomes of spinal interventions.

PMID- 25133647
TI  - Molecular features contributing to virus-independent intracellular localization
      and dynamic behavior of the herpesvirus transport protein US9.
AB  - Reaching the right destination is of vital importance for molecules, proteins,
      organelles, and cargoes. Thus, intracellular traffic is continuously controlled
      and regulated by several proteins taking part in the process. Viruses exploit
      this machinery, and viral proteins regulating intracellular transport have been
      identified as they represent valuable tools to understand and possibly direct
      molecules targeting and delivery. Deciphering the molecular features of viral
      proteins contributing to (or determining) this dynamic phenotype can eventually
      lead to a virus-independent approach to control cellular transport and delivery.
      From this virus-independent perspective we looked at US9, a virion component of
      Herpes Simplex Virus involved in anterograde transport of the virus inside
      neurons of the infected host. As the natural cargo of US9-related vesicles is the
      virus (or its parts), defining its autonomous, virus-independent role in vesicles
      transport represents a prerequisite to make US9 a valuable molecular tool to
      study and possibly direct cellular transport. To assess the extent of this
      autonomous role in vesicles transport, we analyzed US9 behavior in the absence of
      viral infection. Based on our studies, Us9 behavior appears similar in different
      cell types; however, as expected, the data we obtained in neurons best represent
      the virus-independent properties of US9. In these primary cells, transfected US9
      mostly recapitulates the behavior of US9 expressed from the viral genome.
      Additionally, ablation of two major phosphorylation sites (i.e. Y32Y33 and
      S34ES36) have no effect on protein incorporation on vesicles and on its
      localization on both proximal and distal regions of the cells. These results
      support the idea that, while US9 post-translational modification may be important
      to regulate cargo loading and, consequently, virion export and delivery, no
      additional viral functions are required for US9 role in intracellular transport. 

PMID- 25133648
TI  - Preparing for PrEP: perceptions and readiness of canadian physicians for the
      implementation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.
AB  - Recent evidence has demonstrated the efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
      for HIV prevention, but concerns persist around its use. Little is known about
      Canadian physicians' knowledge of and willingness to prescribe PrEP. We
      disseminated an online survey to Canadian family, infectious disease, internal
      medicine, and public health physicians between September 2012-June 2013 to
      determine willingness to prescribe PrEP. Criteria for analysis were met by 86
      surveys. 45.9% of participants felt "very familiar" with PrEP, 49.4% felt that
      PrEP should be approved by Health Canada, and 45.4% of respondents were willing
      to prescribe PrEP. Self-identifying as an HIV expert (odds ratio, OR = 4.1, 95%
      confidence interval, CI = 1.6-10.2), familiarity with PrEP (OR = 5.0, 95%CI = 1.3
      19.0) and having been asked by patients about PrEP (OR = 4.0, 95%CI = 1.5-10.5)
      were positively associated with willingness to prescribe PrEP on univariable
      analysis. The latter two were the strongest predictors on multivariate analysis.
      Participants cited cost and efficacy as major concerns. 75.3% did not feel that
      information had been adequately disseminated among physicians. In summary,
      Canadian physicians demonstrate varying levels of support for PrEP and express
      concerns about its implementation. Further research on real-world effectiveness,
      continuing medical education, and clinical support is needed to prepare
      physicians for this prevention strategy. 

PMID- 25133649
TI  - Potential therapeutic utility of mesenchymal stem cells in inflammatory bowel
      disease in mice.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were found to provide an effective therapeutic role
      in inflammatory diseases by modulating inflammatory responses and tissue
      regeneration by their differentiation ability. The present work sought to
      demonstrate the potential therapeutic use of MSCs in treating chronic
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice. A new model to induce chronic IBD based
      on alternative administration periods of Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS) was
      established. Mice were divided into 2 groups; one was treated with MSCs and the
      other was treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Assessment of therapeutic
      efficacy of MSCs was by measuring weight, stool scoring, histopathological
      examination, and measuring the gene expression of inflammatory markers:
      Interleukin-23 (IL-23), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interferon-gamma
      (IFN-gamma), and Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). The results showed
      that DSS administration causes bloody and watery stool, weight loss, and altered
      histopathologic picture. MSC treated mice showed a significant improvement in
      stool condition, weight gain, and normal histopathologic picture compared to the
      PBS treated mice. Moreover, gene expressions of inflammatory markers in the
      intestines of the MSC treated mice were also significantly lower than those of
      the PBS treated mice. In conclusion, the data here showed that MSCs have a clear
      potential efficacy in the treatment for IBD, as their immune modulation effects
      include inhibition in the expression of key inflammatory markers that each plays
      an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD. 

PMID- 25133650
TI  - Ketamine inhibits LPS-induced HGMB1 release in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been identified to be a critical mediator
      of severe sepsis. Ketamine has been shown to reduce sepsis-induced pathological
      complications. These effects are because of the reduced expression and release of
      several inflammatory mediators. However, whether ketamine affects the expression
      and release of HMGB1 is not known. We investigated the effect of ketamine on
      HMGB1 release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages in vitro and in
      cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic rats in vivo, and determined its
      molecular mechanism of action. RAW264.7 cells or primary macrophages were
      incubated with or without LPS (500 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of ketamine,
      a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor (SB203580), a nuclear
      factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) inhibitor (pyrimidine dithiocarbamate), or small
      interfering RNA. The protein and expression levels of inflammatory mediators,
      such as HMGB1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1beta were measured
      using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and real-time polymerase chain reaction.
      The effect of ketamine on NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK activation was evaluated using
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, Western blot analysis, and electrophoretic
      mobility shift assay. Western blotting was used to observe changes in
      translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to cytoplasm. In addition, CLP-induced
      septic rats were treated with ketamine (0.5, 5, 10 mg/kg) or saline (10 mL/kg) 3h
      after sepsis, and the levels of HMGB1 and functional parameters of multiple
      organs were determined using several detection kits. Seven-day survival was also
      assessed. Ketamine inhibited HMGB1 release in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells and
      CLP-induced septic rats. Translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to cytosol and
      expression of HMGB1 mRNA were inhibited significantly by ketamine. Ketamine
      inhibited the translocation of NF-kappaB from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and
      phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. Rats treated with
      ketamine improved survival in rats and significantly reduced CLP-induced
      dysfunction/injury of organs. Ketamine suppresses LPS-induced HMGB1 release in
      LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells and a CLP-induced model of sepsis in rats by
      partially inhibiting NF-kappaB/p38 MAPK pathways. Ketamine increased survival
      time induced by CLP and reduced organ dysfunction in septic peritonitis.

PMID- 25133651
TI  - Walking for Transportation and Leisure Among U.S. Adults--National Health
      Interview Survey 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Walking, the most commonly reported physical activity among U.S.
      adults, is undertaken in various domains, including transportation and leisure.
      METHODS: This study examined prevalence, bout length, and mean amount of walking
      in the last week for transportation and leisure, by selected characteristics.
      Self-reported data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (N = 24,017)
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Prevalence of transportation walking was 29.4% (95% CI:
      28.6%-30.3%) and of leisure walking was 50.0% (95% CI: 49.1%-51.0%). Prevalence
      of transportation walking was higher among men; prevalence of leisure walking was
      higher among women. Most (52.4%) transportation walking bouts were 10 to 15
      minutes; leisure walking bouts were distributed more evenly (28.0%, 10-15
      minutes; 17.1%, 41-60 minutes). Mean time spent in transportation walking was
      higher among men, decreased with increasing BMI, and varied by race/ethnicity and
      region of residence. Mean time spent leisure walking increased with increasing
      age and with decreasing BMI. CONCLUSION: Demographic correlates and patterns of
      walking differ by domain. Interventions focusing on either leisure or
      transportation walking should consider correlates for the specific walking
      domain. Assessing prevalence, bout length, and mean time of walking for
      transportation and leisure separately allows for more comprehensive surveillance
      of walking.

PMID- 25133652
TI  - Phase separation of aqueous poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-block-N
      vinylcaprolactams).
AB  - Details of the phase separation of the poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL)
      homopolymers and block copolymers of PVCL and poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl
      methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) were studied in aqueous buffer solutions. Phase
      separation occurred at either one or two temperatures depending on pH. The lower
      critical solution temperature of PVCL can be fine-tuned by varying the molecular
      weight of the block, whereas the phase separation temperature of the PDMAEMA
      block is strongly dependent on pH. The enthalpies of the collapse of the PVCL
      homopolymer and PVCL-b-PDMAEMA block copolymers were measured and show that the
      blocks phase separate independently upon heating. PVCL is known to bind
      amphiphilic cations, and correspondingly, according to light scattering, the
      block copolymers dissolve as single molecules but also form aggregates at room
      temperature. At temperatures above the cloud points of both blocks, only
      homogeneous large aggregates were observed. Zeta potential measurements confirmed
      that, upon heating, PDMAEMA blocks turn out from the collapsed PVCL globule
      toward the aqueous phase. 

PMID- 25133653
TI  - Acid-reducing agents in infants and children: friend or foe?

PMID- 25133656
TI  - Comparative analysis of risky behaviors of electric bicycles at signalized
      intersections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to compare the risky behaviors
      of e-bike, e-scooter, and bicycle riders as they were crossing signalized
      intersections. METHODS: Pearson's chi-square test was used to identify whether
      there were significant differences in the risky behaviors among e-bike, e
      scooter, and bicycle riders. Binary logit models were developed to evaluate how
      various variables affected the behaviors of 2-wheeled vehicle riders at
      signalized intersections. Field data collection was conducted at 13 signalized
      intersections in 2 cities (Nanjing and Kunming) in China. RESULTS: Three
      different types of risky behaviors were identified, including stop beyond the
      stop line, riding in motorized lanes, and riding against traffic. Two-wheeled
      vehicle riders' gender and age and traffic conditions were significantly
      associated with the behaviors of 2-wheeled vehicle riders at the selected
      signalized intersections. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to e-bike and bicycle riders, e
      scooter riders are more likely to take risky behaviors. More specifically, they
      are more likely to ride in motorized lanes and ride against traffic.

PMID- 25133655
TI  - PEGylation of concanavalin A to improve its stability for an in vivo glucose
      sensing assay.
AB  - Competitive binding assays utilizing concanavalin A (ConA) have the potential to
      be the basis of improved continuous glucose monitoring devices. However, the
      efficacy and lifetime of these assays have been limited, in part, by ConA's
      instability due to its thermal denaturation in the physiological environment (37 
      degrees C, pH 7.4, 0.15 M NaCl) and its electrostatic interaction with charged
      molecules or surfaces. These undesirable interactions change the constitution of
      the assay and the kinetics of its behavior over time, resulting in an unstable
      glucose response. In this work, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains are covalently
      attached to lysine groups on the surface of ConA (i.e., PEGylation) in an attempt
      to improve its stability in these environments. Dynamic light scattering
      measurements indicate that PEGylation significantly improved ConA's thermal
      stability at 37  degrees C, remaining stable for at least 30 days. Furthermore,
      after PEGylation, ConA's binding affinity to the fluorescent competing ligand
      previously designed for the assay was not significantly affected and remained at
      ~5.4 * 10(6) M(-1) even after incubation at 37  degrees C for 30 days. Moreover,
      PEGylated ConA maintained the ability to track glucose concentrations when
      implemented within a competitive binding assay system. Finally, PEGylation showed
      a reduction in electrostatic-induced aggregation of ConA with poly(allylamine), a
      positively charged polymer, by shielding ConA's charges. These results indicate
      that PEGylated ConA can overcome the instability issues from thermal denaturation
      and nonspecific electrostatic binding while maintaining the required sugar
      binding characteristics. Therefore, the PEGylation of ConA can overcome major
      hurdles for ConA-based glucose sensing assays to be used for long-term continuous
      monitoring applications in vivo.

PMID- 25133657
TI  - Long-term sustainable aluminum precursor solution for highly conductive thin
      films on rigid and flexible substrates.
AB  - To fabricate the highly conductive Al film via a solution process, AlH3 etherates
      have been a unique Al source despite their chemical instability in solvents and
      thus lack of long-term sustainability. Herein, we suggest an innovative solution
      process to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks in AlH3 etherates; AlH3 aminates
      powder, which can be stored in low temperature surroundings and redissolved in
      solvents whenever it is needed. Since refrigeration of AlH3 aminates,
      AlH3{N(CH3)3}, was very effective to prevent its chemical degradation, Al film
      with excellence and uniformity in electrical and mechanical properties was
      successfully fabricated even by the 180-day stored AlH3{N(CH3)3} dissolved in
      solvents. Moreover, the applicability of long-term stored AlH3{N(CH3)3} to
      electronic devices was experimentally demonstrated by the successful operation of
      LED lamps connected to the Al pattern films on glass, PET, and paper substrates. 

PMID- 25133658
TI  - Accessing 2,1-borazaronaphthols: self-arylation of 1-alkyl-2-aryl-3-bromo-2,1
      borazaronaphthalenes.
AB  - Unlike their B-alkyl counterparts, brominated N-alkyl B-aryl 2,1
      borazaronaphthalenes undergo a self-arylation reaction in the presence of a
      catalytic amount of palladium and base, in which the azaborine serves as both the
      electrophile and the nucleophile. The products of the self-arylation are air- and
      moisture-stable 2,1-borazaronaphthols, previously only observed in basic
      alcoholic solvents. The steric encumbrance of the azaborine appears to prevent
      formation of the corresponding boron acid anhydride, allowing access to a family
      of 2,1-borazaronaphthol derivatives. 

PMID- 25133660
TI  - Cancer screening in older persons: a new age of wonder.

PMID- 25133659
TI  - Peer victimization and peer rejection during early childhood.
AB  - The development and course of the subtypes of peer victimization is a relatively
      understudied topic despite the association of victimization with important
      developmental and clinical outcomes. Moreover, understanding potential
      predictors, such as peer rejection and emotion regulation, in early childhood may
      be especially important to elucidate possible bidirectional pathways between
      relational and physical victimization and rejection. The current study (N = 97)
      was designed to explore several gaps and limitations in the peer victimization
      and peer rejection literature. In particular, the prospective associations
      between relational and physical victimization and peer rejection over the course
      of 3.5 months during early childhood (i.e., 3 to 5 years old) were investigated
      in an integrated model. The study consisted of 97 (42 girls) preschool children
      recruited from four early childhood schools in the northeast of the United
      States. Using observations, research assistant report, and teacher report,
      relational and physical aggression, relational and physical victimization, peer
      rejection, and emotion regulation were measured in a short-term longitudinal
      study. Path analyses were conducted to test the overall hypothesized model. Peer
      rejection was found to predict increases in relational victimization. In
      addition, emotion regulation was found to predict decreases in peer rejection and
      physical victimization. Implications for research and practice are discussed,
      including teaching coping strategies for peer rejection and emotional distress.

PMID- 25133661
TI  - Increasing external effects negate local efforts to control ozone air pollution:
      a case study of Hong Kong and implications for other Chinese cities.
AB  - It is challenging to reduce ground-level ozone (O3) pollution at a given locale,
      due in part to the contributions of both local and distant sources. We present
      direct evidence that the increasing regional effects have negated local control
      efforts for O3 pollution in Hong Kong over the past decade, by analyzing the
      daily maximum 8 h average O3 and Ox (=O3+NO2) concentrations observed during the
      high O3 season (September-November) at Air Quality Monitoring Stations. The
      locally produced Ox showed a statistically significant decreasing trend over 2002
      2013 in Hong Kong. Analysis by an observation-based model confirms this decline
      in in situ Ox production, which is attributable to a reduction in aromatic
      hydrocarbons. However, the regional background Ox transported into Hong Kong has
      increased more significantly during the same period, reflecting contributions
      from southern/eastern China. The combined result is a rise in O3 and a
      nondecrease in Ox. This study highlights the urgent need for close cross-boundary
      cooperation to mitigate the O3 problem in Hong Kong. China's air pollution
      control policy applies primarily to its large cities, with little attention to
      developing areas elsewhere. The experience of Hong Kong suggests that this
      control policy does not effectively address secondary pollution, and that a
      coordinated multiregional program is required. 

PMID- 25133663
TI  - The incorporation of low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose into solid
      dispersion systems.
AB  - While the use of amorphous solid dispersions to improve aqueous solubility is
      well documented, little consideration has traditionally been given to the
      finished dosage form. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dissolution
      performance of amorphous solid dispersions containing a dispersed
      superdisintegrant with binding properties. KinetiSol(r) dispersing was used to
      thermally process hypromellose acetate succinate-based compositions containing
      the drug substance nifedipine (NIF) and a highly compressible grade of low
      substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (New Binder Disintegrants; NBD-grade). Solid
      state analysis demonstrated that compositions were rendered amorphous during
      processing. Tablets containing intra-dispersion NBD were found to exhibit non
      sink dissolution performance similar to milled intermediate, demonstrating
      excellent disintegration characteristics. Conversely, tablets without intra
      dispersion NBD were found to release significantly less NIF during dissolution
      analysis due to particle agglomeration. It was determined that compressibility
      and particle wetting increased as the level of intra-dispersion NBD increased. 

PMID- 25133662
TI  - The effects of obesity and mobility disability in access to breast and cervical
      cancer screening in france: results from the national health and disability
      survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aimed to disentangle the effects of obesity and mobility
      limitation on cervical and breast cancer screening among community dwelling
      women. METHODS: The data source was the French national Health and Disability
      Survey - Household Section, 2008. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to
      categorize obesity status. We constructed a continuous score of mobility
      limitations to assess the severity of disability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84).
      Logistic regressions were performed to examine the association between obesity,
      mobility limitations and the use of Pap test (n = 8 133) and the use of
      mammography (n = 7 561). Adjusted odds ratios were calculated (AOR). Interaction
      terms between obesity and the disability score were included in models testing
      for effect modifications. RESULTS: Compared with non-obese women, the odds of
      having a Pap test in the past 3 years was 24% lower in obese women (AOR = 0.76;
      95% CI: 0.65 to 0.89), the odds of having a mammogram in the past 2 years was 23%
      lower (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.91). Each time the disability score was 5
      points higher, the odds of having a Pap test decreases by 20% (AOR = 0.96; 95%
      CI: 0.94 to 0.98), the odds of having a mammogram decreases by 25% (AOR = 0.95;
      95% CI: 0.94 to 0.97). There was no significant interaction between obesity and
      disability score. CONCLUSION: Obesity and mobility limitation are independently
      associated with a lower likelihood of cervical and breast cancer screening.
      Protective outreach and follow-up are necessary to reduce inequalities and thus
      to reduce health disparities in these vulnerable and high-risk populations of
      obese women with disabilities.

PMID- 25133664
TI  - Increased dissolution of disulfiram by dry milling with silica nanoparticles.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to find a suitable method to increase the
      dissolution of disulfiram (DSF) which is easily decomposed. The dissolution of
      DSF within 1 h was significantly increased from 37% to >90% by co-milling with
      Aerosil(r) 200 pharm (Aerosil) and the increased dissolution remained stable
      during long-term storage while there was no significant degradation of DSF. By
      monitoring the changes in particle size of the grinding mixture, a mosaic DSF-in
      Aerosil structure was demonstrated. The core size of the mosaic DSF/Aerosil
      system was 3.625 um. The particle size of DSF was reduced from 20.75 um to ~200
      nm and the size of the mosaic DSF/Aerosil system (3.625~7.956 um) increased on
      increasing the drug-loading content. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray
      powder diffraction analysis confirmed the largely amorphous state of DSF in the
      mosaic drug/carrier system. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the
      presence of hydrogen bonding between DSF and Aerosil. Scanning electron
      microscopy and transmission electron microscopy verified the DSF-in-Aerosil
      relationship in the particle size determination at different size levels. The
      possible mechanisms of dry milling included the hypothesis that during impact and
      collision, DSF particles melted into the surface of Aerosil turning them into an
      amorphous state or they became inlayed into the interspaces of the Aerosil
      structure with a much smaller size. 

PMID- 25133666
TI  - Maternal and umbilical cord copeptin levels in pregnancies complicated by fetal
      growth restriction.
AB  - Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to compare maternal and fetal serum
      copeptin concentrations in pregnancies complicated by isolated fetal growth
      restriction (FGR), and uncomplicated pregnancies, and to investigate
      relationships between copeptin levels and clinical parameters. Methods: Maternal
      and fetal serum copeptin levels were measured in 21 women with pregnancies
      complicated by isolated FGR and 20 women with normal pregnancies (control group).
      Doppler assessment of the uterine and umbilical arteries was performed in each
      patient. Results: Maternal serum copeptin levels were significantly higher in
      women with isolated FGR compared to controls (p = 0.042). In addition, maternal
      copeptin levels were inversely correlated with the uterine artery pulsatility and
      resistance indices and positively correlated with neonatal birth weight.
      Umbilical vein copeptin levels were significantly increased in neonates with
      adverse outcomes (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Increased maternal copeptin
      concentration may reflect a response to stress, thus serving as a compensatory
      mechanism in pregnancies complicated by FGR.

PMID- 25133667
TI  - Ruthenium-catalyzed allylic alkylations of chelated enolates using vinyl
      dioxolanon-2-ones.
AB  - 4-Vinyl-substituted 1,3-dioxolan-2-ones are found to be good substrates for Ru
      catalyzed allylic alkylations of chelated amino acid ester enolates. cis-1,3
      Dioxolan-2-ones are more reactive than the corresponding trans-isomers. The
      attack occurs preferentially with regioretention at the position of the leaving
      group with perfect chirality transfer. Therefore, this protocol is a good
      complement to the Pd-catalyzed processes, which give only linear products with
      this type of substrate. 

PMID- 25133665
TI  - Abnormal amygdala resting-state functional connectivity in adolescent depression.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Major depressive disorder (MDD) frequently emerges during adolescence
      and can lead to persistent illness, disability, and suicide. The maturational
      changes that take place in the brain during adolescence underscore the importance
      of examining neurobiological mechanisms during this time of early illness.
      However, neural mechanisms of depression in adolescents have been understudied.
      Research has implicated the amygdala in emotion processing in mood disorders, and
      adult depression studies have suggested amygdala-frontal connectivity deficits.
      Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging is an advanced tool that can
      be used to probe neural networks and identify brain-behavior relationships.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine amygdala resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) in
      adolescents with and without MDD using resting-state functional magnetic
      resonance imaging as well as how amygdala RSFC relates to a broad range of
      symptom dimensions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional resting
      state functional magnetic resonance imaging study was conducted within a
      depression research program at an academic medical center. Participants included
      41 adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 19 years with MDD and 29 healthy
      adolescents (frequency matched on age and sex) with no psychiatric diagnoses.
      MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Using a whole-brain functional connectivity approach,
      we examined the correlation of spontaneous fluctuation of the blood oxygen level
      dependent signal of each voxel in the whole brain with that of the amygdala.
      RESULTS: Adolescents with MDD showed lower positive RSFC between the amygdala and
      hippocampus, parahippocampus, and brainstem (z >2.3, corrected P < .05); this
      connectivity was inversely correlated with general depression (R = -.523, P =
      .01), dysphoria (R = -.455, P = .05), and lassitude (R = -.449, P = .05) and was
      positively correlated with well-being (R = .470, P = .03). Patients also
      demonstrated greater (positive) amygdala-precuneus RSFC (z >2.3, corrected P <
      .05) in contrast to negative amygdala-precuneus RSFC in the adolescents serving
      as controls. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Impaired amygdala-hippocampal/brainstem
      and amygdala-precuneus RSFC have not previously been highlighted in depression
      and may be unique to adolescent MDD. These circuits are important for different
      aspects of memory and self-processing and for modulation of physiologic responses
      to emotion. The findings suggest potential mechanisms underlying both mood and
      vegetative symptoms, potentially via impaired processing of memories and visceral
      signals that spontaneously arise during rest, contributing to the persistent
      symptoms experienced by adolescents with depression.

PMID- 25133668
TI  - p53-Dependent apoptosis induced in human bronchial epithelial (16-HBE) cells by
      PM(2.5) sampled from air in Guangzhou, China.
AB  - Epidemiological studies have shown that air pollution particulate matter (PM) is
      associated with increased respiratory morbidity and mortality. However, the
      mechanisms are not fully understood. Oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis plays an
      important role in the occurrence of respiratory diseases. In this study, human
      bronchial epithelial (16-HBE) cells were exposed to different concentrations (16
      128 ug/ml) of PM(2.5) for 24 h to investigate the apoptosis induced by PM(2.5).
      The results showed that PM(2.5) exposure significantly induced apoptosis, DNA
      strand breaks, and oxidative damage in a dose-dependent manner in 16-HBE cells.
      The expression of p53 and p73 increased significantly along with the dose of
      PM(2.5) in 16-HBE cells, whereas the expression of p21(Cip1/WAF1) decreased; the
      expression of mdm2 increased and then decreased, but not significantly. Taken
      together, these observations indicate that PM(2.5) may lead to oxidative damage
      and induce apoptosis through the p53-dependent pathway in 16-HBE cells. p53
      Dependent apoptosis mediated by DNA strand breaks may be an important mechanism
      of PM(2.5)-induced apoptosis in 16-HBE cells.

PMID- 25133669
TI  - Coinfection with human herpesvirus 8 is associated with persistent inflammation
      and immune activation in virologically suppressed HIV-infected patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Infection with co-pathogens is one of the postulated factors
      contributing to persistent inflammation and non-AIDS events in virologically
      suppressed HIV-infected patients. We aimed to investigate the relationship of
      human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), a vasculotropic virus implicated in the pathogenesis
      of Kaposi's sarcoma, with inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV
      infected patients. METHODS: Prospective study including virologically suppressed
      HIV-infected patients. Several blood biomarkers (highly-sensitive C-reactive
      protein [hsCRP], tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, monocyte
      chemoattractant protein-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular cell
      adhesion molecule-1, malondialdehyde, plasminogen activator inhibitor [PAI-1], D
      dimer, sCD14, sCD163, CD4/CD38/HLA-DR, and CD8/CD38/HLA-DR), serological tests
      for HHV-8 and the majority of herpesviruses, carotid intima-media thickness, and
      endothelial function through flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery were
      measured. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients were included, 34.6% of them infected
      with HHV-8. HHV-8-infected patients were more frequently co-infected with herpes
      simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) (P<0.001), and less frequently with hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) (P = 0.045), and tended to be older (P = 0.086). HHV-8-infected
      patients had higher levels of hsCRP (median [interquartile range], 3.63 [1.32
      7.54] vs. 2.08 [0.89-4.11] mg/L, P = 0.009), CD4/CD38/HLA-DR (7.67% [4.10-11.86]%
      vs. 3.86% [2.51-7.42]%, P = 0.035) and CD8/CD38/HLA-DR (8.02% [4.98-14.09]% vs.
      5.02% [3.66-6.96]%, P = 0.018). After adjustment for the traditional
      cardiovascular risk factors, HCV and HSV-2 infection, the associations remained
      significant: adjusted difference between HHV-8 positive and negative patients
      (95% confidence interval) for hsCRP, 74.19% (16.65-160.13)%; for CD4/CD38/HLA-DR,
      89.65% (14.34-214.87)%; and for CD8/CD38/HLA-DR, 58.41% (12.30-123.22)%. Flow
      mediated dilatation and total carotid intima-media thickness were not different
      according to HHV-8 serostatus. CONCLUSION: In virologically suppressed HIV
      infected patients, coinfection with HHV-8 is associated with increased
      inflammation and immune activation. This might contribute to increase the risk of
      non-AIDS events, including accelerated atherosclerotic disease.

PMID- 25133670
TI  - The impact of visual impairment on health-related quality of life in rural
      Africa.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the impact of visual impairment (VI) on utility values in Sub
      Saharan Africa and compare findings with other studies from low- and high-income
      countries. METHODS: Patients with normal vision and various levels of VI were
      recruited from a secondary eye clinic in rural Kenya and interviewed using time
      trade-off (TTO). VI was classified using the World Health Organization definition
      of (normal vision, visual acuity >=20/60, VI 20/80-20/200, severe VI 20/240
      20/400, and blindness <20/400). RESULTS: Mean age of the total sample (N = 303)
      was 50.3 years (standard deviation, SD, +/-18.17 years), and 51.5% of patients
      were male. Most were small-scale farmers and illiteracy was high at 40%. Mean TTO
      scores per group were: normal vision 0.93 (SD +/- 0.10), VI 0.88 (SD +/- 0.14),
      severe VI 0.86 (SD +/- 0.13), blindness 0.73 (SD +/- 0.17; p <= 0.001). Lower TTO
      scores were independently associated with worse visual acuity (p <= 0.001),
      longer duration of disease (p <= 0.001) and illiteracy (p = 0.011), but not with
      cause of VI, age, sex, marital status, socioeconomic status, or systemic
      comorbidities in multivariate analyses. Overall, TTO scores were considerably
      higher than those reported from high-income countries at similar levels of VI.
      CONCLUSION: In this rural African population, duration and extent of vision loss,
      rather than cause, socioeconomic factors and comorbidities affected vision
      related quality of life. Our findings underline the importance of providing sight
      restoring treatment as timely as possible and the necessity of enhancing
      rehabilitation efforts for those with non-curable eye diseases.

PMID- 25133671
TI  - Hemoglobin is associated with retinal vascular fractals in type 1 diabetes
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Retinal vascular fractal dimension, a measure of the density of the
      retinal vasculature, has been suggested as a marker of systemic microvascular
      disorders in diabetes. As hemoglobin concentration is tightly related to vascular
      physiology and hypoxia, the hypothesis was that hemoglobin concentration would be
      associated with retinal vascular fractals in a relevant population. METHODS: In a
      cross-sectional study of 204 long-term type 1 diabetes patients from a population
      based cohort, retinal digital photos were captured and graded for fractal
      dimension (Df) by International Retinal Imaging Software - Fractal (IRIS
      Fractal). Df was calculated from a disc-centered retinal photo from the right
      eye. Hemoglobin concentrations were measured using routine equipment. RESULTS: Of
      175 patients with gradable images, median age was 57.7 years and median duration
      of diabetes was 42 years. Median retinal Df was 1.4606 (inter-quartile range
      0.0264). A positive correlation was found between hemoglobin concentration and
      retinal vascular Df (r = 0.23, p = 0.0018). In a multiple linear regression
      model, Df was associated with hemoglobin (coefficient 0.0054 per 1.0 mmol/L
      increase in hemoglobin, p = 0.01) and age (coefficient -0.0046 for each 10-year
      increase in age, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Hemoglobin correlated independently with
      retinal vascular fractals indicating a relationship between hemoglobin
      availability and retinal vascular structure.

PMID- 25133672
TI  - Modifying effect of a common polymorphism in the interleukin-6 promoter on the
      relationship between long-term exposure to traffic-related particulate matter and
      heart rate variability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) has been associated with an
      increase in many inflammatory markers, including interleukin 6 (IL6). Air
      pollution exposure has also been suggested to induce an imbalance in the
      autonomic nervous system (ANS), such as a decrease in heart rate variability
      (HRV). In this study we aimed to investigate the modifying effect of
      polymorphisms in a major proinflammatory marker gene, interleukin 6 (IL6), on the
      relationship between long-term exposure to traffic-related PM10 (TPM10) and HRV.
      METHODS: For this cross-sectional study we analysed 1552 participants of the
      SAPALDIA cohort aged 50 years and older. Included were persons with valid
      genotype data, who underwent ambulatory 24-hr electrocardiogram monitoring, and
      reported on medical history and lifestyle. Main effects of annual average TPM10
      and IL6 gene variants (rs1800795; rs2069827; rs2069840; rs10242595) on HRV
      indices and their interaction with average annual exposure to TPM10 were tested,
      applying a multivariable mixed linear model. RESULTS: No overall association of
      TPM10 on HRV was found. Carriers of two proinflammatory G-alleles of the
      functional IL6 -174 G/C (rs1800795) polymorphism exhibited lower HRV. An inverse
      association between a 1 ug/m3 increment in yearly averaged TPM10 and HRV was
      restricted to GG genotypes at this locus with a standard deviation of normal-to
      normal intervals (SDNN) (GG-carriers: -1.8%; 95% confidence interval -3.5 to
      0.01; pinteraction(additive) = 0.028); and low frequency power (LF) (GG-carriers:
      -5.7%; 95%CI: -10.4 to -0.8; pinteraction(dominant) = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results are consistent with the hypothesis that traffic-related air pollution
      decreases heart rate variability through inflammatory mechanisms.

PMID- 25133673
TI  - Tumor bioengineering using a transglutaminase crosslinked hydrogel.
AB  - Development of a physiologically relevant 3D model system for cancer research and
      drug development is a current challenge. We have adopted a 3D culture system
      based on a transglutaminase-crosslinked gelatin gel (Col-Tgel) to mimic the tumor
      3D microenvironment. The system has several unique advantages over other
      alternatives including presenting cell-matrix interaction sites from collagen
      derived peptides, geometry-initiated multicellular tumor spheroids, and metabolic
      gradients in the tumor microenvironment. Also it provides a controllable wide
      spectrum of gel stiffness for mechanical signals, and technical compatibility
      with imaging based screening due to its transparent properties. In addition, the
      Col-Tgel provides a cure-in-situ delivery vehicle for tumor xenograft formation
      in animals enhancing tumor cell uptake rate. Overall, this distinctive 3D system
      could offer a platform to more accurately mimic in vivo situations to study tumor
      formation and progression both in vitro and in vivo. 

PMID- 25133675
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed amination of aryl chlorides and bromides with ammonium salts.
AB  - We report the palladium-catalyzed coupling of aryl halides with ammonia and
      gaseous amines as their ammonium salts. The coupling of aryl chlorides and ortho
      substituted aryl bromides with ammonium sulfate forms anilines with higher
      selectivity for the primary arylamine over the diarylamine than couplings with
      ammonia in dioxane. The resting state for the reactions of aryl chlorides is
      different from the resting state for the reactions of aryl bromides, and this
      change in resting states is proposed to account for a difference in selectivities
      for reactions of the two haloarenes. 

PMID- 25133677
TI  - Lithium potential variations for metastable materials: case study of
      nanocrystalline and amorphous LiFePO4.
AB  - Much attention has been paid to metastable materials in the lithium battery
      field, especially to nanocrystalline and amorphous materials. Nonetheless,
      fundamental issues such as lithium potential variations have not been pertinently
      addressed. Using LiFePO4 as a model system, we inspect such lithium potential
      variations for various lithium storage modes and evaluate them thermodynamically.
      The conclusions of this work are essential for an adequate understanding of the
      behavior of electrode materials and even helpful in the search for new energy
      materials. 

PMID- 25133674
TI  - A quantitative proteomic approach to identify significantly altered protein
      networks in the serum of patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).
AB  - Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare and progressive cystic lung condition
      affecting approximately 3.4-7.5/million women, with an average lag time between
      symptom onset and diagnosis of upwards of 4 years. The aim of this work was to
      identify altered proteins in LAM serum which may be potential biomarkers of
      disease. Serum from LAM patient volunteers and healthy control volunteers were
      pooled and analysis carried out using quantitative 4-plex iTRAQ technology.
      Differentially expressed proteins were validated using ELISAs and pathway
      analysis was carried out using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Fourteen proteins were
      differentially expressed in LAM serum compared to control serum (p<0.05). Further
      screening validated the observed differences in extracellular matrix remodelling
      proteins including fibronectin (30% decrease in LAM, p = 0.03), von Willebrand
      Factor (40% reduction in LAM, p = 0.03) and Kallikrein III (25% increase in LAM,
      p = 0.03). Pathway networks elucidated the relationships between the ECM and cell
      trafficking in LAM. This study was the first to highlight an imbalance in
      networks important for remodelling in LAM, providing a set of novel potential
      biomarkers. These understandings may lead to a new effective treatment for LAM in
      the future. 

PMID- 25133676
TI  - Capacity choice in a large market.
AB  - We analyze endogenous capacity formation in a large frictional market with
      perfectly divisible goods. Each seller posts a price and decides on a capacity.
      The buyers base their decision on which seller to visit on both characteristics.
      In this setting we determine the conditions for the existence and uniqueness of a
      symmetric equilibrium. When capacity is unobservable there exists a continuum of
      equilibria. We show that the "best" of these equilibria leads to the same seller
      capacities and the same number of trades as the symmetric equilibrium under
      observable capacity. 

PMID- 25133678
TI  - Phosphorus complexes of meso-triaryl-25-oxasmaragdyrins.
AB  - The aromatic PO2 complexes of meso-triaryl-25-oxasmaragdyrins were synthesized by
      treating the free base 25-oxasmaragdyrins with POCl3 in toluene/triethylamine at
      refluxing temperature. The complexes are stable and characterized by X-ray and
      different spectroscopic techniques. In these complexes, the phosphorus(V) ion was
      bound to two pyrrolic nitrogen atoms of the smaragdyrin macrocycle and two oxygen
      atoms in tetrahedral geometry. The X-ray structure revealed that the smaragdyrin
      macrocycle showed significant distortion upon insertion of a PO2 unit, and the
      phosphorus atom lies 1.339 A above the mean plane defined by three meso-carbon
      atoms of the macrocycle. These complexes absorb strongly in the visible region
      and are 2.5 times more strongly fluorescent than free base 25-oxasmaragdyrins.
      The smaragdyrin macrocycle becomes electron-deficient upon complexation with a
      PO2 unit because these complexes are easier to reduce but difficult to oxidize
      compared to free base smaragdyrins. We designed and synthesized a covalently
      linked BODIPY-PO2-smaragdyrin dyad and demonstrated efficient energy transfer
      from the BODIPY unit to the PO2-smaragdyrin unit. 

PMID- 25133680
TI  - Oleic acid phase behavior from molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - Fatty acid aggregation is important for a number of diverse applications: from
      origins of life research to industrial applications to health and disease.
      Experiments have characterized the phase behavior of oleic acid mixtures, but the
      molecular details are complex and hard to probe with many experiments. Coarse
      grained molecular dynamics computer simulations and free energy calculations are
      used to model oleic acid aggregation. From random dispersions, we observe the
      aggregation of oleic acid monomers into micelles, vesicles, and oil phases,
      depending on the protonation state of the oleic acid head groups. Worm-like
      micelles are observed when all the oleic acid molecules are deprotonated and
      negatively charged. Vesicles form spontaneously if significant amounts of both
      neutral and negative oleic acid are present. Oil phases form when all the fatty
      acids are protonated and neutral. This behavior qualitatively matches
      experimental observations of oleic acid aggregation. To explain the observed
      phase behavior, we use umbrella sampling free energy calculations to determine
      the stability of individual monomers in aggregates compared to water. We find
      that both neutral and negative oleic acid molecules prefer larger aggregates, but
      neutral monomers prefer negatively charged aggregates and negative monomers
      prefer neutral aggregates. Both neutral and negative monomers are most stable in
      a DOPC bilayer, with implications on fatty acid adsorption and cellular membrane
      evolution. Although the CG model qualitatively reproduces oleic acid phase
      behavior, we show that an updated polarizable water model is needed to more
      accurately predict the shift in pKa for oleic acid in model bilayers. 

PMID- 25133682
TI  - Passport officers' errors in face matching.
AB  - Photo-ID is widely used in security settings, despite research showing that
      viewers find it very difficult to match unfamiliar faces. Here we test
      participants with specialist experience and training in the task: passport
      issuing officers. First, we ask officers to compare photos to live ID-card
      bearers, and observe high error rates, including 14% false acceptance of
      'fraudulent' photos. Second, we compare passport officers with a set of student
      participants, and find equally poor levels of accuracy in both groups. Finally,
      we observe that passport officers show no performance advantage over the general
      population on a standardised face-matching task. Across all tasks, we observe
      very large individual differences: while average performance of passport staff
      was poor, some officers performed very accurately--though this was not related to
      length of experience or training. We propose that improvements in security could
      be made by emphasising personnel selection.

PMID- 25133683
TI  - Lipid structure in triolein lipid droplets.
AB  - Lipid droplets (LDs) are primary repositories of esterified fatty acids and
      sterols in animal cells. These organelles originate on the lumenal or cytoplasmic
      side of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and are released to the cytosol. In
      contrast to other intracellular organelles, LDs are composed of a mass of
      hydrophobic lipid esters coved by phospholipid monolayer. The small size and
      unique architecture of LDs makes it complicated to study LD structure by modern
      experimental methods. We discuss coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations of LD formation in systems containing 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero
      3-phosphocholine (POPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine
      (POPE), triolein (TO), cholesterol (CHOL), and water. We find that (1) there is
      more cholesterol in the LD core, than at the interface. (2) No crystallization
      occurs inside the LD core. (3) According to coarse-grained simulations, the
      presence of PE lipids at the interface has a little impact on distribution of
      components and on the overall LD structure. (4) The thickness of the lipid
      monolayer at the surface of the droplet is similar to the thickness of one
      leaflet of a bilayer. Computer simulations are shown to be a mighty tool to
      provide molecular-level insights, which are not available to the experimental
      techniques. 

PMID- 25133679
TI  - Activated CD8+ T lymphocytes inhibit neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation:
      role of interferon-gamma.
AB  - The ability of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) to self-renew, migrate to
      damaged sites, and differentiate into neurons has renewed interest in using them
      in therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. Neurological diseases, including
      viral infections of the brain, are often accompanied by chronic inflammation,
      whose impact on NSC function remains unexplored. We have previously shown that
      chronic neuroinflammation, a hallmark of experimental herpes simplex encephalitis
      (HSE) in mice, is dominated by brain-infiltrating activated CD8 T-cells. In the
      present study, activated CD8 lymphocytes were found to suppress NSC proliferation
      profoundly. Luciferase positive (luc+) NSCs co-cultured with activated, MHC
      matched, CD8+ lymphocytes (luc-) showed two- to five-fold lower luminescence than
      co-cultures with un-stimulated lymphocytes. On the other hand, similarly
      activated CD4+ lymphocytes did not suppress NSC growth. This differential
      lymphocyte effect on proliferation was confirmed by decreased BrdU uptake by NSC
      cultured with activated CD8 T-cells. Interestingly, neutralizing antibodies to
      interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) reversed the impact of CD8 lymphocytes on NSCs.
      Antibodies specific to the IFN-gamma receptor-1 subunit complex abrogated the
      inhibitory effects of both CD8 lymphocytes and IFN-gamma, indicating that the
      inhibitory effect of these cells was mediated by IFN-gamma in a receptor-specific
      manner. In addition, activated CD8 lymphocytes decreased levels of nestin and
      Sox2 expression in NSCs while increasing GFAP expression, suggesting possible
      induction of an altered differentiation state. Furthermore, NSCs obtained from
      IFN-gamma receptor-1 knock-out embryos were refractory to the inhibitory effects
      of activated CD8+ T lymphocytes on cell proliferation and Sox2 expression. Taken
      together, the studies presented here demonstrate a role for activated CD8 T-cells
      in regulating NSC function mediated through the production of IFN-gamma. This
      cytokine may influence neuro-restorative processes and ultimately contribute to
      the long-term sequelae commonly seen following herpes encephalitis. 

PMID- 25133684
TI  - Three-dimensional flash flow microreactor for scale-up production of monodisperse
      PEG-PLGA nanoparticles.
AB  - We present a pressure-tolerant 3D parallel polyimide (PI) film microreactor
      operating at up to ~160 bars with direct 3D flow focusing geometry for mass
      production of PEG-PLGA nanoparticles in a ~10(1) gram-scale (g h(-1)). 

PMID- 25133685
TI  - Relationship between phylogeny and immunity suggests older Caribbean coral
      lineages are more resistant to disease.
AB  - Diseases affect coral species fitness and contribute significantly to the
      deterioration of coral reefs. The increase in frequency and severity of disease
      outbreaks has made evaluating and determining coral resistance a priority.
      Phylogenetic patterns in immunity and disease can provide important insight to
      how corals may respond to current and future environmental and/or biologically
      induced diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine if immunity, number
      of diseases and disease prevalence show a phylogenetic signal among Caribbean
      corals. We characterized the constitutive levels of six distinct innate immune
      traits in 14 Caribbean coral species and tested for the presence of a
      phylogenetic signal on each trait. Results indicate that constitutive levels of
      some individual immune related processes (i.e. melanin concentration, peroxidase
      and inhibition of bacterial growth), as well as their combination show a
      phylogenetic signal. Additionally, both the number of diseases affecting each
      species and disease prevalence (as measures of disease burden) show a significant
      phylogenetic signal. The phylogenetic signal of immune related processes,
      combined with estimates of species divergence times, indicates that among the
      studied species, those belonging to older lineages tend to resist/fight
      infections better than more recently diverged coral lineages. This result,
      combined with the increasing stressful conditions on corals in the Caribbean,
      suggest that future reefs in the region will likely be dominated by older
      lineages while modern species may face local population declines and/or
      geographic extinction. 

PMID- 25133686
TI  - Transferred BCR/ABL DNA from K562 extracellular vesicles causes chronic myeloid
      leukemia in immunodeficient mice.
AB  - Our previous study showed that besides mRNAs and microRNAs, there are DNA
      fragments within extracellular vesicles (EVs). The BCR/ABL hybrid gene, involved
      in the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), could be transferred from
      K562 EVs to neutrophils and decrease their phagocytic activity in vitro. Our
      present study provides evidence that BCR/ABL DNAs transferred from EVs have
      pathophysiological significance in vivo. Two months after injection of K562 EVs
      into the tail vein of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, they showed some characteristics
      of CML, e.g., feeble, febrile, and thin, with splenomegaly and neutrophilia but
      with reduced neutrophil phagocytic activity. These findings were also observed in
      immunodeficient NOD/SCID mice treated with K562 EVs; BCR/ABL mRNA and protein
      were found in their neutrophils. The administration of actinomycin D, an
      inhibitor of de novo mRNA synthesis, prevented the abnormalities caused by K562
      EVs in NOD/SCID mice related to CML, including neutrophilia and bone marrow
      hyperplasia. As a specific inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, imatinib blocked the
      activity of tyrosine kinases and the expression of phospho-Crkl, induced by the
      de novo BCR/ABL protein caused by K562 EVs bearing BCR/ABL DNA. Our current study
      shows the pathophysiological significance of transferred tumor gene from EVs in
      vivo, which may represent an important mechanism for tumorigenesis, tumor
      progression, and metastasis. 

PMID- 25133687
TI  - Galleria mellonella model identifies highly virulent strains among all major
      molecular types of Cryptococcus gattii.
AB  - Cryptococcosis is mainly caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. However, the number
      of cases due to C. gattii is increasing, affecting mainly immunocompetent hosts.
      C. gattii is divided into four major molecular types, VGI to VGIV, which differ
      in their host range, epidemiology, antifungal susceptibility and geographic
      distribution. Besides studies on the Vancouver Island outbreak strains, which
      showed that the subtype VGIIa is highly virulent compared to the subtype VGIIb,
      little is known about the virulence of the other major molecular types. To
      elucidate the virulence potential of the major molecular types of C. gattii,
      Galleria mellonella larvae were inoculated with ten globally selected strains per
      molecular type. Survival rates were recorded and known virulence factors were
      studied. One VGII, one VGIII and one VGIV strain were more virulent (p <0.05)
      than the highly virulent Vancouver Island outbreak strain VGIIa (CDCR265), 11
      (four VGI, two VGII, four VGIII and one VGIV) had similar virulence (p >0.05), 21
      (five VGI, five VGII, four VGIII and seven VGIV) were less virulent (p <0.05)
      while one strain of each molecular type were avirulent. Cell and capsule size of
      all strains increased markedly during larvae infection (p <0.001). No differences
      in growth rate at 37 degrees C were observed. Melanin synthesis was directly
      related with the level of virulence: more virulent strains produced more melanin
      than less virulent strains (p <0.05). The results indicate that all C. gattii
      major molecular types exhibit a range of virulence, with some strains having the
      potential to be more virulent. The study highlights the necessity to further
      investigate the genetic background of more and less virulent strains in order to
      recognize critical features, other than the known virulence factors (capsule,
      melanin and growth at mammalian body temperature), that maybe crucial for the
      development and progression of cryptococcosis. 

PMID- 25133689
TI  - Lack of evidence for lower mercury biomagnification by biomass dilution in more
      productive lakes: comment on "Mercury biomagnification through food webs is
      affected by physical and chemical characteristics of lakes".

PMID- 25133691
TI  - Two-dimensional TaSe2 metallic crystals: spin-orbit scattering length and
      breakdown current density.
AB  - We have determined the spin-orbit scattering length of two-dimensional layered 2H
      TaSe2 metallic crystals by detailed characterization of the weak antilocalization
      phenomena in this strong spin-orbit interaction material. By fitting the observed
      magneto-conductivity, the spin-orbit scattering length for 2H-TaSe2 is determined
      to be 17 nm in the few-layer films. This small spin-orbit scattering length is
      comparable to that of Pt, which is widely used to study the spin Hall effect, and
      indicates the potential of TaSe2 for use in spin Hall effect devices. A material
      must also support large charge currents in addition to strong spin-orbit coupling
      to achieve spin-transfer-torque via the spin Hall effect. Therefore, we have
      characterized the room temperature breakdown current density of TaSe2 in air,
      where the best breakdown current density reaches 3.7 * 10(7) A/cm(2). This large
      breakdown current further indicates the potential of TaSe2 for use in spin-torque
      devices and two-dimensional device interconnect applications. 

PMID- 25133690
TI  - Episodic bradycardia as neurocardiac prodrome to voltage-gated potassium channel
      complex/leucine-rich, glioma inactivated 1 antibody encephalitis.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibody (VGKCc-Ab)
      encephalitis is an immunotherapy-responsive syndrome usually associated with
      causative antibodies that target the leucine-rich, glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1)
      protein. Although it is expressed throughout the brain, LGI1 is not known to be
      expressed in cardiac tissue. We describe a novel neurocardiac prodrome of VGKCc
      Ab/LGI1-encephalitis. OBSERVATIONS: Among 14 patients with VGKCc/LGI1-Ab
      encephalitis evaluated in the University of California, San Francisco Autoimmune
      Encephalitis Clinic and Rapid Dementia Research Program, 3 patients (2 men and 1
      woman; aged 53, 55, and 64 years) exhibited episodic bradycardia that preceded
      the onset of encephalopathy by approximately 2 months and was severe enough to
      lead to pacemaker implantation. Serum LGI1-Ab results were positive when tested
      at the time of the subsequent encephalopathy. All 3 patients developed
      hyponatremia; none had faciobrachial dystonic seizures or malignancy. Brain
      magnetic resonance imaging was abnormal in 2 cases. None of the patients
      experienced further symptomatic bradyarrythmias after 1.7 to 7 years of follow
      up. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Episodic bradycardia is a distinctive neurocardiac
      prodrome of VGKCc/LGI1-Ab encephalitis. The neuroanatomical localization most
      likely relates to insular and temporal lobe involvement, cortical regions that
      modulate cardiac autonomic function. Further study is needed to determine if
      recognition of this neurocardiac prodrome and earlier institution of
      immunosuppression can prevent the development of encephalopathy.

PMID- 25133692
TI  - Diabetes mellitus aggravates hemorrhagic transformation after ischemic stroke via
      mitochondrial defects leading to endothelial apoptosis.
AB  - Diabetes is a crucial risk factor for stroke and is associated with increased
      frequency and poor prognosis. Although endothelial dysfunction is a known
      contributor of stroke, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. The
      aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which chronic hyperglycemia
      may contribute to the worsened prognosis following stroke, especially focusing on
      mitochondrial alterations. We examined the effect of hyperglycemia on hemorrhagic
      transformation at 24 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in
      streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic mice. We also examined the effects of high
      glucose exposure for 6 days on cell death, mitochondrial functions and morphology
      in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) or human endothelial
      cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iCell endothelial cells).
      Hyperglycemia aggravated hemorrhagic transformation, but not infarction following
      stroke. High-glucose exposure increased apoptosis, capase-3 activity, and release
      of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) and cytochrome c in HBMVECs as well as
      affected mitochondrial functions (decreased cell proliferation, ATP contents,
      mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9
      activity, but not reactive oxygen species production). Furthermore, morphological
      aberration of mitochondria was observed in diabetic cells (a great deal of
      fragmentation, vacuolation, and cristae disruption). A similar phenomena were
      seen also in iCell endothelial cells. In conclusion, chronic hyperglycemia
      aggravated hemorrhagic transformation after stroke through mitochondrial
      dysfunction and morphological alteration, partially via MMP-9 activation, leading
      to caspase-dependent apoptosis of endothelial cells of diabetic mice.
      Mitochondria-targeting therapy may be a clinically innovative therapeutic
      strategy for diabetic complications in the future. 

PMID- 25133688
TI  - Targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system in heart disease: the basis for new
      therapeutic strategies.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Novel therapeutic strategies to treat heart failure are greatly
      needed. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) affects the structure and function
      of cardiac cells through targeted degradation of signaling and structural
      proteins. This review discusses both beneficial and detrimental consequences of
      modulating the UPS in the heart. RECENT ADVANCES: Proteasome inhibitors were
      first used to test the role of the UPS in cardiac disease phenotypes, indicating
      therapeutic potential. In early cardiac remodeling and pathological hypertrophy
      with increased proteasome activities, proteasome inhibition prevented or
      restricted disease progression and contractile dysfunction. Conversely, enhancing
      proteasome activities by genetic manipulation, pharmacological intervention, or
      ischemic preconditioning also improved the outcome of cardiomyopathies and
      infarcted hearts with impaired cardiac and UPS function, which is, at least in
      part, caused by oxidative damage. CRITICAL ISSUES: An understanding of the UPS
      status and the underlying mechanisms for its potential deregulation in cardiac
      disease is critical for targeted interventions. Several studies indicate that
      type and stage of cardiac disease influence the dynamics of UPS regulation in a
      nonlinear and multifactorial manner. Proteasome inhibitors targeting all
      proteasome complexes are associated with cardiotoxicity in humans. Furthermore,
      the type and dosage of proteasome inhibitor impact the pathogenesis in nonuniform
      ways. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Systematic analysis and targeting of individual UPS
      components with established and innovative tools will unravel and discriminate
      regulatory mechanisms that contribute to and protect against the progression of
      cardiac disease. Integrating this knowledge in drug design may reduce adverse
      effects on the heart as observed in patients treated with proteasome inhibitors
      against noncardiac diseases, especially cancer.

PMID- 25133695
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the longsnout seahorse Hippocampus
      reidi (Ginsburg, 1933; Gasterosteiformes: Syngnathidae).
AB  - The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the longsnout seahorse Hippocampus
      reidi was fisrt determined in this article. The total length of H. reidi
      mitogenome is 16,529 bp and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22
      tRNA genes and 1 control region. The gene order and composition of H. reidi were
      similar to those of most other vertebrates. The overall base composition of H.
      reidi is 32.47% A, 29.41% T, 14.75% G and 23.37% C, with a slight A + T rich
      feature (61.88%). 

PMID- 25133694
TI  - The minor wall-networks between monolignols and interlinked-phenolics
      predominantly affect biomass enzymatic digestibility in Miscanthus.
AB  - Plant lignin is one of the major wall components that greatly contribute to
      biomass recalcitrance for biofuel production. In this study, total 79
      representative Miscanthus germplasms were determined with wide biomass
      digestibility and diverse monolignol composition. Integrative analyses indicated
      that three major monolignols (S, G, H) and S/G ratio could account for lignin
      negative influence on biomass digestibility upon NaOH and H2SO4 pretreatments.
      Notably, the biomass enzymatic digestions were predominately affected by the non
      KOH-extractable lignin and interlinked-phenolics, other than the KOH-extractable
      ones that cover 80% of total lignin. Furthermore, a positive correlation was
      found between the monolignols and phenolics at p<0.05 level in the non-KOH
      extractable only, suggesting their tight association to form the minor wall
      networks against cellulases accessibility. The results indicated that the non-KOH
      extractable lignin-complex should be the target either for cost-effective biomass
      pretreatments or for relatively simply genetic modification of plant cell walls
      in Miscanthus. 

PMID- 25133693
TI  - Dopamine D2-like receptors modulate unconditioned fear: role of the inferior
      colliculus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A reduction of dopamine release or D2 receptor blockade in the
      terminal fields of the mesolimbic system clearly reduces conditioned fear.
      Injections of haloperidol, a preferential D2 receptor antagonist, into the
      inferior colliculus (IC) enhance the processing of unconditioned aversive
      information. However, a clear characterization of the interplay of D2 receptors
      in the mediation of unconditioned and conditioned fear is still lacking. METHODS:
      The present study investigated the effects of intra-IC injections of the D2
      receptor-selective antagonist sulpiride on behavior in the elevated plus maze
      (EPM), auditory-evoked potentials (AEPs) to loud sounds recorded from the IC,
      fear-potentiated startle (FPS), and conditioned freezing. RESULTS: Intra-IC
      injections of sulpiride caused clear proaversive effects in the EPM and enhanced
      AEPs induced by loud auditory stimuli. Intra-IC sulpiride administration did not
      affect FPS or conditioned freezing. CONCLUSIONS: Dopamine D2-like receptors of
      the inferior colliculus play a role in the modulation of unconditioned aversive
      information but not in the fear-potentiated startle response.

PMID- 25133696
TI  - The complete mitogenome of Xenophysogobio boulengeri (Cypriniformes; Cyprinidae).
AB  - Xenophysogobio boulengeri is an endemic fish to mainstream and most tributaries
      of the upper Yangtze River. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of X.
      boulengeri has been amplified and sequenced. The mitochondrial genome sequence
      was 16,611 bp, and the gene order and contents were identical with that of other
      previously reported fish with 2 rRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA
      genes, and a non-coding control region. Most of genes were encoded by Heavy
      Strand (H-strand), except 8 tRNA and ND6 genes, which were encoded by Light
      Strand (L-strand). Base composition of the genome was A (30.8%), T (27.0%), C
      (25.8%) and G (16.4%) with an A+T rich feature as that of other vertebrate
      mitochondrial genomes. 

PMID- 25133697
TI  - The complete mitochondrial genome of the hybrid of Siniperca chuatsi (?) *
      Siniperca kneri (?).
AB  - In this study, we reported the complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the hybrid
      of Siniperca chuatsi (?)*Siniperca kneri (?). The total length of the
      mitochondrial genome is 16,493 bp, with the base composition of 28.61% A, 29.21%
      C, 16.21% G, and 25.97% T. It contains 2 rRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 22
      tRNA genes, and a major non-coding control region (D-loop region). The
      composition and order of these genes are identical to most of other vertebrates.
      All the protein initiation codons are ATG, except for COX1 that begins with GTG.
      The complete mitogenome of the hybrid of Siniperca chuatsi (?) * Siniperca kneri
      (?) provides an important data set for the study in genetic mechanism. 

PMID- 25133698
TI  - The complete mitogenome of Gnathopogon polytaenia (Cypriniformes; Cyprinidae).
AB  - The complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced from one of the endemic
      freshewater gudgeons (Gnathopogon polytaenia) in China. The mitochondrial genome
      sequence was 16,594 bp in size, and the gene order and contents were identical
      with the congeneric species G. strigatus and G. elongatus. Six genes (COII, ATP6,
      COIII, ND3, ND4, Cytb) had an incomplete stop codon. Base composition of the
      genome is A (29.1%), T (26.9%), C (25.9%) and G (18.1%) with an A + T rich
      feature (56%) as that of other vertebrate mitochondrial genomes. 

PMID- 25133700
TI  - Ultrasound-assisted sequential multicomponent strategy for the combinatorial
      synthesis of novel coumarin hybrids.
AB  - The present investigation reports an easy access to a library of novel spiro
      oxindole-pyrrolizine or pyrrolo[1,2-c]thiazole fused coumarin hybrid heterocycles
      through a one-pot sequential four-component reactions of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane
      4,6-dione, salicylaldehydes, isatins, and cyclic alpha-amino acids under
      ultrasound irradiation. 

PMID- 25133699
TI  - A novel glycated hemoglobin A1c-lowering traditional Chinese medicinal formula,
      identified by translational medicine study.
AB  - Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that has a significant impact on the
      health care system. The reduction of glycated hemoglobin A1c is highly associated
      with the improvements of glycemic control and diabetic complications. In this
      study, we identified a traditional Chinese medicinal formula with a HbA1c
      lowering potential from clinical evidences. By surveying 9,973 diabetic patients
      enrolled in Taiwan Diabetic Care Management Program, we found that Chu-Yeh-Shih
      Kao-Tang (CYSKT) significantly reduced HbA1c values in diabetic patients. CYSKT
      reduced the levels of HbA1c and fasting blood glucose, and stimulated the blood
      glucose clearance in type 2 diabetic mice. CYSKT affected the expressions of
      genes associated with insulin signaling pathway, increased the amount of
      phosphorylated insulin receptor in cells and tissues, and stimulated the
      translocation of glucose transporter 4. Moreover, CYSKT affected the expressions
      of genes related to diabetic complications, improved the levels of renal function
      indexes, and increased the survival rate of diabetic mice. In conclusion, this
      was a translational medicine study that applied a "bedside-to-bench" approach to
      identify a novel HbA1c-lowering formula. Our findings suggested that oral
      administration of CYSKT affected insulin signaling pathway, decreased HbA1c and
      blood glucose levels, and consequently reduced mortality rate in type 2 diabetic
      mice. 

PMID- 25133701
TI  - Zonisamide: pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and adverse events in children with
      epilepsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zonisamide is a new generation antiepileptic drug (AED) widely used
      in children with refractory epilepsy, although until recently, it was used to a
      large extent as off-label or unlicensed medication due to the lack of evidence
      based studies. Children have a different pharmacokinetic profile than adults and
      an adult dose regimen cannot be directly translated into pediatric use. Patients
      and METHODS: In this retrospective noninterventional study of the medical records
      of 75 children with pharmacoresistant epilepsy, the pharmacokinetics, efficacy
      and safety of zonisamide were examined. The dose-to-concentration ratio, the
      daily weight-normalized dose of zonisamide divided by its plasma concentration,
      was used as a measure of clearance. In addition, data on the efficacy of
      zonisamide to reduce seizures and reported adverse events were extracted from the
      medical records and analyzed. RESULTS: Young children (range, 0-4 years) had a
      significantly increased zonisamide clearance compared with older ones (range, 5
      17 years) and those with enzyme-inducing comedication (carbamazepine,
      phenobarbital, or phenytoin) had increased clearance compared with those on
      nonenzyme inducers; the increases were 1.7-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively. No
      significant difference in clearance was found between female and male subjects.
      The clearances of concomitant AEDs were not affected by zonisamide
      administration. The overall efficacy of zonisamide for reducing seizure frequency
      >= 50% was 35% and the most frequent adverse event was fatigue, reported in 23%
      of the patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with enzyme-inducing comedication or of
      young age (range, 0-4 years) might need higher weight-normalized doses to achieve
      the same plasma levels as in patients with no enzyme-inducing comedication or
      patients of older age. Zonisamide was not found to influence the pharmacokinetics
      of concomitant AEDs. The shortage of pharmacokinetic studies of zonisamide in
      children highlights the need for research of this kind.

PMID- 25133702
TI  - Surprising quenching of the spin-orbit interaction significantly diminishes
      H2O...X [X = F, Cl, Br, I] dissociation energies.
AB  - The H2O...X complexes, with X = F, Cl, Br, and I, show considerable viability
      with nonspin-orbit De(D0) dissociation energy values of 3.73(2.42), 3.60(2.68),
      3.54(2.72), and 3.36(2.77) kcal mol(-1) for X = F, Cl, Br, and I, respectively,
      obtained at the CCSD(T)-F12b/aug-cc-pVTZ(-PP) level of theory using relativistic
      pseudopotentials (PPs) for Br and I. Spin-orbit (SO) corrections, computed with
      the Breit-Pauli operator in the interacting states approach at the all-electron
      MRCI+Q/aug-cc-pwCVTZ(-PP) level, are found to depend sensitively and
      unpredictably on the O...X separations. 96% (F), 87% (Cl), 54% (Br), and 30% (I)
      quenching of the SO corrections significantly reduces the dissociation energies
      of the H2O...X complexes, resulting in De(D0) values of 3.38(2.06), 2.86(1.94),
      1.64(0.83), and 1.23(0.64) kcal mol(-1) for X = F, Cl, Br, and I, respectively. 

PMID- 25133703
TI  - Nanoparticle surface characterization and clustering through concentration
      dependent surface adsorption modeling.
AB  - Quantitative characterization of nanoparticle interactions with their surrounding
      environment is vital for safe nanotechnological development and standardization.
      A recent quantitative measure, the biological surface adsorption index (BSAI),
      has demonstrated promising applications in nanomaterial surface characterization
      and biological/environmental prediction. This paper further advances the approach
      beyond the application of five descriptors in the original BSAI to address the
      concentration dependence of the descriptors, enabling better prediction of the
      adsorption profile and more accurate categorization of nanomaterials based on
      their surface properties. Statistical analysis on the obtained adsorption data
      was performed based on three different models: the original BSAI, a concentration
      dependent polynomial model, and an infinite dilution model. These advancements in
      BSAI modeling showed a promising development in the application of quantitative
      predictive modeling in biological applications, nanomedicine, and environmental
      safety assessment of nanomaterials. 

PMID- 25133705
TI  - Detection and molecular characterization of infectious bronchitis-like viruses in
      wild bird populations.
AB  - We examined 884 wild birds mainly from the Anseriformes, Charadriiformes and
      Galliformes orders for infectious bronchitis (IBV)-like coronavirus in Poland
      between 2008 and 2011. Coronavirus was detected in 31 (3.5%) of the tested birds,
      with detection rates of 3.5% in Anseriformes and 2.3% in Charadriiformes and as
      high as 17.6% in Galliformes. From the 31 positive samples, only 10 gave positive
      results in molecular tests aimed at various IBV genome fragments: five samples
      were positive for the RdRp gene, four for gene 3, eight for gene N and eight for
      the 3'-untranslated region fragment. All analysed genome fragments of the
      coronavirus strains shared different evolutionary branches, resulting in a
      different phylogenetic tree topology. Most detected fragment genes seem to be IBV
      like genes of the most frequently detected lineages of IBV in this geographical
      region (i.e. Massachusetts, 793B and QX). Two waves of coronavirus infections
      were identified: one in spring (April and May) and another in late autumn
      (October to December). To our knowledge this is the first report of the detection
      of different fragment IBV-like genes in wild bird populations. 

PMID- 25133704
TI  - Molecular dynamics study of binding of u-conotoxin GIIIA to the voltage-gated
      sodium channel Na(v)1.4.
AB  - Homology models of mammalian voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels based on the
      crystal structures of the bacterial counterparts are needed to interpret the
      functional data on sodium channels and understand how they operate. Such models
      would also be invaluable in structure-based design of therapeutics for diseases
      involving sodium channels such as chronic pain and heart diseases. Here we
      construct a homology model for the pore domain of the NaV1.4 channel and use the
      functional data for the binding of u-conotoxin GIIIA to NaV1.4 to validate the
      model. The initial poses for the NaV1.4-GIIIA complex are obtained using the
      HADDOCK protein docking program, which are then refined in molecular dynamics
      simulations. The binding mode for the final complex is shown to be in broad
      agreement with the available mutagenesis data. The standard binding free energy,
      determined from the potential of mean force calculations, is also in good
      agreement with the experimental value. Because the pore domains of NaV1 channels
      are highly homologous, the model constructed for NaV1.4 will provide an excellent
      template for other NaV1 channels. 

PMID- 25133706
TI  - High-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas: a clinicopathologic study of a group of
      tumors with heterogenous morphologic and genetic features.
AB  - The existence of a "high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma" category of tumors
      has been a controversial subject owing to, among other things, the difficulty in
      establishing consistent diagnostic criteria. Currently, the recommended
      classification for such tumors is undifferentiated uterine/endometrial sarcoma.
      Interest in this subject has recently increased markedly with the identification
      of recurrent molecular genetic abnormalities. At Mayo Clinic, a group of
      neoplasms has been observed that morphologically resemble, either cytologically
      or architecturally, classic "low-grade" endometrial stromal sarcoma but feature
      obvious deviations, specifically, 17 tumors with unequivocally high-grade
      morphology. These high-grade tumors displayed 3 morphologic themes: (1) tumors
      with a component that is identical to low-grade ESS that transitions abruptly
      into an obviously higher-grade component; (2) tumors composed exclusively of high
      grade cells with uniform nuclear features but with a permeative pattern of
      infiltration; (3) tumors similar to the second group but with a different, yet
      characteristic, cytomorphology featuring enlarged round to ovoid cells (larger
      than those found in low-grade ESS) with smooth nuclear membranes and distinct
      chromatin clearing but lacking prominent nucleoli. We collected clinicopathologic
      data, applied immunohistochemical studies, and also tested tumors by fluorescence
      in situ hybridization for abnormalities in JAZF1, PHF1, YWHAE, and CCND1. Tumors
      from these 3 groups were found to be immunohistochemically and genetically
      distinct from one another. Most notable was the fact that category 3 contained
      all the cases that tested positive for YWHAE rearrangement, did not show any
      classic translocations for JAZF1, PHF1, or CCND1, often presented at a high
      stage, and behaved aggressively. This study demonstrates the morphologic,
      immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic heterogeneity that exists within
      "undifferentiated endometrial sarcomas" as currently defined and lends credence
      to the effort of subclassifying some tumors as truly "high-grade endometrial
      stromal sarcomas." Our study also shows that, in the context of undifferentiated
      endometrial sarcomas, recognition of cytomorphologic features on routine
      hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections may be used to select tumors with specific
      molecular genetic changes-that is, translocations involving YWHAE. Our
      conclusions will help further efforts towards proper sub-classification of these
      tumors which will aid in diagnosis and potentially affect clinical management. 

PMID- 25133707
TI  - Assessing the HER2 status in mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer on the basis of
      the 2013 ASCO/CAP guideline update.
AB  - Her2 gene amplification and protein overexpression are important factors in
      predicting clinical sensitivity to anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody therapy in
      breast, gastric, or gastro-esophageal junction cancer patients. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate the HER2 status in the mucinous epithelial ovarian
      cancer (EOC). Adopting the 2013 American Society for Clinical Oncology and the
      College of American Pathologists guideline update for HER2 testing, 49 tissue
      microarray samples of mucinous EOC were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC)
      and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) tests. The prevalence of HER2
      positivity in Asian mucinous EOC was 9 of 49 Asian women (18.37%). The overall
      concordance was 100% between IHC and FISH results. Her2 gene copies before
      chromosome-17 correction increased significantly in a stepwise order through the
      negative, equivocal, and positive IHC result categories (P<0.001), as did the
      Her2 gene copies after chromosome-17 correction (P<0.001). Of the Taiwanese
      cohort (n=21), HER2 heterogeneity was 4.76% (1/21) in all but 14.26% (1/7) in
      HER2-positive cancer. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the prevalence of HER2
      positivity in both Asian and white women was comparable; complete HER2
      concordance existed between IHC and FISH tests for the Her2 gene copies per tumor
      cell either before or after correction of chromosome-17, and this can be applied
      as a potentially valuable tool to analyze the HER2 status. Polysomy-17 was absent
      under the CEP17 cutoff >=3. The existence of HER2 heterogeneity can be discerned
      in certain HER2-expressed primary mucinous EOC in Taiwanese women. 

PMID- 25133708
TI  - Pseudoangiosarcomatous urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder.
AB  - The pseudoangiosarcomatous pattern has been described mostly in cutaneous and
      some visceral squamous cell carcinomas and is unique for its striking morphologic
      resemblance to angiosarcoma. Herein, we describe the clinicopathologic features
      of 7 pseudoangiosarcomatous urothelial carcinomas that occurred in the urinary
      bladder. The patients included 6 men and 1 woman ranging in age from 47 to 87
      years (median 70 y). The pseudoangiosarcomatous morphology was observed in 7
      urothelial carcinomas including 3 with squamous differentiation and comprised 35%
      to 85% of the invasive tumor. Histologically, the pseudoangiosarcomatous
      carcinomas were characterized by tumor cell discohesion and lysis that created
      pseudolumina formations surrounded by attached residual tumor cells. Detached
      degenerating tumor cells variably admixed with inflammatory cells were common in
      the false lumina. Partly intact urothelial carcinoma nests contained irregular or
      cleft-like spaces and disintegrating tumor cells with stretched intercellular
      bridges. The tumor was commonly associated with a dense collagenous matrix, often
      surrounding the lytic nests. Similar tumor cell discohesion and breakdown were
      observed in 3 tumors with foci of squamous cell differentiation, distinguished by
      the presence of dyskeratosis and keratin formation. All 7 tumors contained other
      nonpseudoangiosarcomatous carcinoma components such as conventional urothelial
      carcinoma (5), squamous differentiation (4), sarcomatoid spindle cell carcinoma
      (2), small cell carcinoma (1), micropapillary carcinoma (1), and glandular
      differentiation (1). The pseudoangiosarcomatous urothelial carcinomas were all
      (7/7) diffusely CK7 positive, most (6/7) were GATA3 positive, and none (0/7)
      expressed vascular-associated markers. There was no evidence to suggest that
      apoptosis (by TUNEL assay and cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining) or loss of the
      adhesion molecules CD138 and e-cadherin were possible causes for the tumor cell
      discohesion and breakdown. All 7 tumors were high stage at cystectomy and
      included 1 pT3a, 2 pT3b, and 4 pT4a tumors, and 3 had pelvic lymph node
      involvement. Follow-up data available in 6 cases revealed a poor outcome with an
      overall median survival of 8.5 months. In conclusion, we present an unusual
      morphology of bladder carcinoma that has a striking resemblance to a malignant
      vasoformative tumor. Our series showed that bladder pseudoangiosarcomatous
      carcinoma morphology is associated with a higher tumor stage at cystectomy,
      commonly admixed with other aggressive carcinoma variant morphologies, and
      portend a poorer outcome. Knowledge of this pattern is also important to avoid
      misdiagnosis, particularly in limited tissue samples. 

PMID- 25133709
TI  - Health-related quality of life measurement in siblings of children with physical
      chronic illness: a systematic review.
AB  - The diagnosis of a physical chronic illness during childhood can cause stressors
      and changes within the family system that place family members at-risk for
      impaired functioning. The objective of the present study was to perform a
      systematic review on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of siblings of
      children with physical chronic health conditions. Three independent reviewers
      performed the search in the databases PsycINFO and PubMed, which resulted in 9
      studies meeting full inclusion criteria. Overall, sibling HRQOL was better than
      children with a physical chronic illness. Parents of siblings of children with
      physical chronic illness tended to rate sibling HRQOL better than siblings self
      reports. Greater disease severity emerged as a potential risk factor for impaired
      sibling HRQOL. These data underscore the importance of assessing sibling HRQOL in
      families with a child who has been diagnosed with a physical chronic illness.
      Future research is needed in this area with larger sibling samples and across a
      greater variety of childhood chronic illnesses.

PMID- 25133710
TI  - Protein supplementation increases postexercise plasma myostatin concentration
      after 8 weeks of resistance training in young physically active subjects.
AB  - Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of muscle growth even if some studies
      have shown a counterintuitive positive correlation between MSTN and muscle mass
      (MM). Our aim was to investigate the influence of 2 months of resistance training
      (RT) and diets with different protein contents on plasma MSTN, interleukin 1 beta
      (IL-1beta), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and
      insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Eighteen healthy volunteers were randomly
      divided in two groups: high protein (HP) and normal protein (NP) groups.
      Different protein diet contents were 1.8 and 0.85 g of protein.kg bw(-1).day(-1)
      for HP and NP, respectively. Subjects underwent 8 weeks of standardized
      progressive RT. MSTN, IGF-1, IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were analyzed before
      and after the first and the last training sessions. Lean body mass, MM, upper
      limb muscle area, and strength were measured. Plasma MSTN showed a significant
      increase (P<.001) after the last training in the HP group compared with NP group
      and with starting value. IGF-1 plasma concentration showed a positive correlation
      with MSTN in HP after the last training (r(2)=0.6456; P=.0295). No significant
      differences were found between NP and HP for IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and
      strength and MM or area. These findings suggest a "paradoxical" postexercise
      increase of plasma MSTN after 8 weeks of RT and HP diets. This MSTN elevation
      correlates positively with IGF-1 plasma level. This double increase of opposite
      (catabolic/anabolic) mediators could explain the substantial overlapping of MM
      increases in the two groups.

PMID- 25133712
TI  - Phylogenetic analyses and characterization of RNase X25 from Drosophila
      melanogaster suggest a conserved housekeeping role and additional functions for
      RNase T2 enzymes in protostomes.
AB  - Ribonucleases belonging to the RNase T2 family are enzymes associated with the
      secretory pathway that are almost absolutely conserved in all eukaryotes. Studies
      in plants and vertebrates suggest they have an important housekeeping function in
      rRNA recycling. However, little is known about this family of enzymes in
      protostomes. We characterized RNase X25, the only RNase T2 enzyme in Drosophila
      melanogaster. We found that RNase X25 is the major contributor of ribonuclease
      activity in flies as detected by in gel assays, and has an acidic pH preference.
      Gene expression analyses showed that the RNase X25 transcript is present in all
      adult tissues and developmental stages. RNase X25 expression is elevated in
      response to nutritional stresses; consistent with the hypothesis that this enzyme
      has a housekeeping role in recycling RNA. A correlation between induction of
      RNase X25 expression and autophagy was observed. Moreover, induction of gene
      expression was triggered by oxidative stress suggesting that RNase X25 may have
      additional roles in stress responses. Phylogenetic analyses of this family in
      protostomes showed that RNase T2 genes have undergone duplication events followed
      by divergence in several phyla, including the loss of catalytic residues, and
      suggest that RNase T2 proteins have acquired novel functions. Among those, it is
      likely that a role in host immunosuppression evolved independently in several
      groups, including parasitic Platyhelminthes and parasitoid wasps. The presence of
      only one RNase T2 gene in the D. melanogaster genome, without any other evident
      secretory RNase activity detected, makes this organism an ideal system to study
      the cellular functions of RNase T2 proteins associated with RNA recycling and
      maintenance of cellular homeostasis. On the other hand, the discovery of gene
      duplications in several protostome genomes also presents interesting new avenues
      to study additional biological functions of this ancient family of proteins. 

PMID- 25133715
TI  - The Situational Eight DIAMONDS: a taxonomy of major dimensions of situation
      characteristics.
AB  - Taxonomies of person characteristics are well developed, whereas taxonomies of
      psychologically important situation characteristics are underdeveloped. A working
      model of situation perception implies the existence of taxonomizable dimensions
      of psychologically meaningful, important, and consequential situation
      characteristics tied to situation cues, goal affordances, and behavior. Such
      dimensions are developed and demonstrated in a multi-method set of 6 studies.
      First, the "Situational Eight DIAMONDS" dimensions Duty, Intellect, Adversity,
      Mating, pOsitivity, Negativity, Deception, and Sociality (Study 1) are
      established from the Riverside Situational Q-Sort (Sherman, Nave, & Funder, 2010,
      2012, 2013; Wagerman & Funder, 2009). Second, their rater agreement (Study 2) and
      associations with situation cues and goal/trait affordances (Studies 3 and 4) are
      examined. Finally, the usefulness of these dimensions is demonstrated by
      examining their predictive power of behavior (Study 5), particularly vis-a-vis
      measures of personality and situations (Study 6). Together, we provide extensive
      and compelling evidence that the DIAMONDS taxonomy is useful for organizing major
      dimensions of situation characteristics. We discuss the DIAMONDS taxonomy in the
      context of previous taxonomic approaches and sketch future research directions.

PMID- 25133714
TI  - Observing a movement correction during walking affects evoked responses but not
      unperturbed walking.
AB  - Seeing an action activates neurons in the premotor, motor, and somatosensory
      cortex. Since a significant fraction of these pyramidal neurons project to the
      spinal motor circuits, a central question is why we do not automatically perform
      the actions that we see. Indeed, seeing an action increases both cortical and
      spinal excitability of consistent motor patterns that correspond to the observed
      ones. Thus, it is believed that such imitative motor patterns are either
      suppressed or remain at a sub-threshold level. This would predict, however, that
      seeing someone make a corrective movement while one is actively involved in the
      same action should either suppress evoked responses or suppress or modulate the
      action itself. Here we tested this prediction, and found that seeing someone
      occasionally stepping over an obstacle while walking on a treadmill did not
      affect the normal walking pattern at all. However, cutaneously evoked reflexes in
      the anterior tibial and soleus muscles were modulated as if the subject was
      stepping over an obstacle. This result thus indicates that spinal activation was
      not suppressed and was neither at sub-threshold motor resonance. Rather, the
      spinal modulation from observed stepping reflects an adaptive mechanism for
      regulating predictive control mechanisms. We conclude that spinal excitability
      during action observation is not an adverse side-effect of action understanding
      but reflects adaptive and predictive motor control. 

PMID- 25133716
TI  - Moral character in the workplace.
AB  - Using two 3-month diary studies and a large cross-sectional survey, we identified
      distinguishing features of adults with low versus high levels of moral character.
      Adults with high levels of moral character tend to: consider the needs and
      interests of others and how their actions affect other people (e.g., they have
      high levels of Honesty-Humility, empathic concern, guilt proneness); regulate
      their behavior effectively, specifically with reference to behaviors that have
      positive short-term consequences but negative long-term consequences (e.g., they
      have high levels of Conscientiousness, self-control, consideration of future
      consequences); and value being moral (e.g., they have high levels of moral
      identity-internalization). Cognitive moral development, Emotionality, and social
      value orientation were found to be relatively undiagnostic of moral character.
      Studies 1 and 2 revealed that employees with low moral character committed
      harmful work behaviors more frequently and helpful work behaviors less frequently
      than did employees with high moral character, according to their own admissions
      and coworkers' observations. Study 3 revealed that adults with low moral
      character committed more delinquent behavior and had more lenient attitudes
      toward unethical negotiation tactics than did adults with high moral character.
      By showing that individual differences have consistent, meaningful effects on
      employees' behaviors, after controlling for demographic variables (e.g., gender,
      age, income) and basic attributes of the work setting (e.g., enforcement of an
      ethics code), our results contest situationist perspectives that deemphasize the
      importance of personality. Moral people can be identified by self-reports in
      surveys, and these self-reports predict consequential behaviors months after the
      initial assessment.

PMID- 25133713
TI  - Subchronic treatment of donepezil rescues impaired social, hyperactive, and
      stereotypic behavior in valproic acid-induced animal model of autism.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of pervasive developmental disorders
      with core symptoms such as sociability deficit, language impairment, and
      repetitive/restricted behaviors. Although worldwide prevalence of ASD has been
      increased continuously, therapeutic agents to ameliorate the core symptoms
      especially social deficits, are very limited. In this study, we investigated
      therapeutic potential of donepezil for ASD using valproic acid-induced autistic
      animal model (VPA animal model). We found that prenatal exposure of valproic acid
      (VPA) induced dysregulation of cholinergic neuronal development, most notably the
      up-regulation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the prefrontal cortex of affected
      rat and mouse offspring. Similarly, differentiating cortical neural progenitor
      cell in culture treated with VPA showed increased expression of AChE in vitro.
      Chromatin precipitation experiments revealed that acetylation of histone H3 bound
      to AChE promoter region was increased by VPA. In addition, other histone
      deacetyalse inhibitors (HDACIs) such as trichostatin A and sodium butyrate also
      increased the expression of AChE in differentiating neural progenitor cells
      suggesting the essential role of HDACIs in the regulation of AChE expression. For
      behavioral analysis, we injected PBS or donepezil (0.3 mg/kg) intraperitoneally
      to control and VPA mice once daily from postnatal day 14 all throughout the
      experiment. Subchronic treatment of donepezil improved sociability and prevented
      repetitive behavior and hyperactivity of VPA-treated mice offspring. Taken
      together, these results provide evidence that dysregulation of ACh system
      represented by the up-regulation of AChE may serve as an effective
      pharmacological therapeutic target against autistic behaviors in VPA animal model
      of ASD, which should be subjected for further investigation to verify the
      clinical relevance. 

PMID- 25133718
TI  - "I'd only let you down": Guilt proneness and the avoidance of harmful
      interdependence.
AB  - Five studies demonstrated that highly guilt-prone people may avoid forming
      interdependent partnerships with others whom they perceive to be more competent
      than themselves, as benefitting a partner less than the partner benefits one's
      self could trigger feelings of guilt. Highly guilt-prone people who lacked
      expertise in a domain were less willing than were those low in guilt proneness
      who lacked expertise in that domain to create outcome-interdependent
      relationships with people who possessed domain-specific expertise. These highly
      guilt-prone people were more likely than others both to opt to be paid on their
      performance alone (Studies 1, 3, 4, and 5) and to opt to be paid on the basis of
      the average of their performance and that of others whose competence was more
      similar to their own (Studies 2 and 5). Guilt proneness did not predict people's
      willingness to form outcome-interdependent relationships with potential partners
      who lacked domain-specific expertise (Studies 4 and 5). It also did not predict
      people's willingness to form relationships when poor individual performance would
      not negatively affect partner outcomes (Study 4). Guilt proneness therefore
      predicts whether, and with whom, people develop interdependent relationships. The
      findings also demonstrate that highly guilt-prone people sacrifice financial gain
      out of concern about how their actions would influence others' welfare. As such,
      the findings demonstrate a novel way in which guilt proneness limits free-riding
      and therefore reduces the incidence of potentially unethical behavior. Lastly,
      the findings demonstrate that people who lack competence may not always seek out
      competence in others when choosing partners.

PMID- 25133717
TI  - Sense of control under uncertainty depends on people's childhood environment: a
      life history theory approach.
AB  - Past research found that environmental uncertainty leads people to behave
      differently depending on their childhood environment. For example, economic
      uncertainty leads people from poor childhoods to become more impulsive while
      leading people from wealthy childhoods to become less impulsive. Drawing on life
      history theory, we examine the psychological mechanism driving such diverging
      responses to uncertainty. Five experiments show that uncertainty alters people's
      sense of control over the environment. Exposure to uncertainty led people from
      poorer childhoods to have a significantly lower sense of control than those from
      wealthier childhoods. In addition, perceptions of control statistically mediated
      the effect of uncertainty on impulsive behavior. These studies contribute by
      demonstrating that sense of control is a psychological driver of behaviors
      associated with fast and slow life history strategies. We discuss the
      implications of this for theory and future research, including that environmental
      uncertainty might lead people who grew up poor to quit challenging tasks sooner
      than people who grew up wealthy.

PMID- 25133719
TI  - Accuracy and bias in self-perceptions of responsive behavior: implications for
      security in romantic relationships.
AB  - The current research examined self-perception of responsive behavior as a process
      through which perceivers who highly value romantic partners generate security
      that they are valued by those partners. People hold naive theories that their
      responsive behavior elicits positive sentiments from others, such as
      satisfaction, positive regard, and commitment, and they believe their
      unresponsive behavior elicits negative sentiments. Accordingly, 2 dyadic
      behavioral observation studies, one involving conflict interactions (Study 1) and
      one involving support interactions (Study 2), suggested that people who value
      partners achieve security that they are valued by their partners through both
      accurate and biased self-perceptions of responsive behavior. Perceivers who
      valued partners accurately perceived their more responsive behavior enacted
      toward partners, which bolstered their confidence that they were valued by
      partners (accurate self-perception). In addition, perceivers who valued partners
      had biased and exaggerated perceptions of their own responsive behavior, which
      also bolstered their perceptions of being valued by partners (biased self
      perception). Examination of memories of responsive behavior 2 weeks and 6 months
      following interactions (Study 2) suggested that perceivers' memories of their own
      responsive behavior derived from a mix of accuracy and bias, which predicted
      changes in relationship security over time. These findings underscore the
      importance of perceivers' representations of their responsive behavior, both
      accurate and biased, as determinants of their own relationship security.

PMID- 25133720
TI  - Mean-level personality development across childhood and adolescence: a temporary
      defiance of the maturity principle and bidirectional associations with parenting.
AB  - In this study, we investigated mean-level personality development in children
      from 6 to 20 years of age. Additionally, we investigated longitudinal,
      bidirectional associations between child personality and maternal overreactive
      and warm parenting. In this 5-wave study, mothers reported on their child's
      personality from Time 1 (T1) through Time 4 (T4), and children provided self
      reports from Time 2 (T2) through Time 5 (T5). Mothers reported on their levels of
      overreactive and warm parenting from T2 through T4. Using cohort-sequential
      latent growth curve modeling, we investigated mother reported child personality
      from 6 to 17 years of age and child reported personality from 9 to 20 years of
      age. Extraversion decreased linearly across the entire study. Benevolence and
      conscientiousness increased from middle to late childhood, temporarily declined
      from late childhood to mid-adolescence, and increased again thereafter.
      Imagination decreased from middle childhood to mid-adolescence and also increased
      thereafter. Mothers reported a temporary decline in emotional stability with an
      increase thereafter, whereas children did not. Boys and girls differed in mean
      levels of the personality dimensions and, to a lesser extent, in the degree and
      direction of changes. Latent difference score modeling showed that child
      personality predicted changes in parenting and that, to a lesser extent,
      parenting predicted changes in child traits. Additionally, changes in child
      personality were associated with changes in maternal parenting. Results of the
      present study show that personality change is not directed at increasing maturity
      from childhood to mid-adolescence and that it elicits and is shaped by both
      positive and negative parenting.

PMID- 25133721
TI  - How group-based emotions are shaped by collective emotions: evidence for
      emotional transfer and emotional burden.
AB  - Extensive research has established the pivotal role that group-based emotions
      play in shaping intergroup processes. The underlying implicit assumption in
      previous work has been that these emotions reflect what the rest of the group
      feels (i.e., collective emotions). However, one can experience an emotion in the
      name of her or his group, which is inconsistent with what the collective feels.
      The current research investigated this phenomenon of emotional nonconformity.
      Particularly, we proposed that when a certain emotional reaction is perceived as
      appropriate, but the collective is perceived as not experiencing this emotion,
      people would experience stronger levels of group-based emotion, placing their
      emotional experience farther away from that of the collective. We provided
      evidence for this process across 2 different emotions: group-based guilt and
      group-based anger (Studies 1 and 2) and across different intergroup contexts
      (Israeli-Palestinian relations in Israel, and Black-White relations in the United
      States). In Studies 3 and 4, we demonstrate that this process is moderated by the
      perceived appropriateness of the collective emotional response. Studies 4 and 5
      further provided evidence for the mechanisms underlying this effect, pointing to
      a process of emotional burden (i.e., feeling responsible for carrying the emotion
      in the name of the group) and of emotional transfer (i.e., transferring negative
      feelings one has toward the ingroup, toward the event itself). This work brings
      to light processes that were yet to be studied regarding the relationship between
      group members, their perception of their group, and the emotional processes that
      connect them.

PMID- 25133722
TI  - Evidence for the social role theory of stereotype content: observations of
      groups' roles shape stereotypes.
AB  - In applying social role theory to account for the content of a wide range of
      stereotypes, this research tests the proposition that observations of groups'
      roles determine stereotype content (Eagly & Wood, 2012). In a novel test of how
      stereotypes can develop from observations, preliminary research collected
      participants' beliefs about the occupational roles (e.g., lawyer, teacher, fast
      food worker, chief executive officer, store clerk, manager) in which members of
      social groups (e.g., Black women, Hispanics, White men, the rich, senior
      citizens, high school dropouts) are overrepresented relative to their numbers in
      the general population. These beliefs about groups' typical occupational roles
      proved to be generally accurate when evaluated in relation to data from the
      Bureau of Labor Statistics. Then, correlational studies predicted participants'
      stereotypes of social groups from the attributes ascribed to group members'
      typical occupational roles (Studies 1a, 1b, and 1c), the behaviors associated
      with those roles (Study 2), and the occupational interest profile of the roles
      (Study 3). As predicted by social role theory, beliefs about the attributes of
      groups' typical roles were strongly related to group stereotypes on both
      communion and agency/competence. In addition, an experimental study (Study 4)
      demonstrated that when social groups were described with changes to their typical
      social roles in the future, their projected stereotypes were more influenced by
      these future roles than by their current group stereotypes, thus supporting
      social role theory's predictions about stereotype change. Discussion considers
      the implications of these findings for stereotype change and the relation of
      social role theory to other theories of stereotype content.

PMID- 25133723
TI  - Selfish or selfless? On the signal value of emotion in altruistic behavior.
AB  - Theories that reject the existence of altruism presume that emotional benefits
      serve as ulterior motives for doing good deeds. These theories argue that even in
      the absence of material and reputational benefits, individuals reap utility from
      the feelings associated with doing good. In response to this normative view of
      altruism, this article examines the descriptive question of whether laypeople
      penalize emotional prosocial actors. Six studies find that emotion serves as a
      positive signal of moral character, despite the intrapsychic benefits associated
      with it. This is true when emotion motivates prosocial behavior (Studies 1, 2, 3,
      and 5) and when emotion is a positive outcome of prosocial behavior (i.e., "warm
      glow"; Studies 4, 5, and 6). Emotional actors are considered to be moral because
      people believe emotion provides an honest and direct signal that the actor feels
      a genuine concern for others. Consequently, prosocial actors who are motivated by
      the expectation of emotional rewards are judged differently than prosocial actors
      who are motivated by other benefits, such as reputational or material rewards
      (Study 6). These results suggest that laypeople do not view altruism as
      incompatible with all benefits to the self.

PMID- 25133725
TI  - Religious magnanimity: reminding people of their religious belief system reduces
      hostility after threat.
AB  - The present research tested the hypothesis that many people's ambient religious
      beliefs are non-hostile and magnanimous by assessing whether reminding people of
      their religious belief systems would reduce hostility after threat. Across
      religious affiliations, participants reported that their religious belief systems
      encourage magnanimous behavior. In addition, priming their religious belief
      systems caused them to act more magnanimously, but only when motivated to adhere
      to salient ideals (i.e., after threats; see Gailliot, Stillman, Schmeichel,
      Maner, & Plant, 2008; Jonas et al., 2008). Specifically, in Studies 1-5, we found
      that a general religious belief system prime ("Which religious belief system do
      you identify with?") reduced the hostility of people's thoughts, behaviors, and
      judgments following threat. In Studies 6 and 7, we found that the religious
      belief system prime only reduced hostile reactions to threat among participants
      who held religious beliefs that oriented them toward magnanimous ideals (Study 6)
      and who were dispositionally inclined to adhere to their ideals (Study 7). In
      Study 8, we found support for the role of magnanimous ideals by demonstrating
      that directly priming these ideals yielded effects similar to those produced by a
      religious belief system prime. These studies provide consistent evidence that, by
      invoking magnanimous ideals, a religious belief system prime promotes less
      hostile responses to threat.

PMID- 25133724
TI  - Paying more when paying for others.
AB  - Social behavior is heavily influenced by the perception of the behaviors of
      others. We considered how perceptions (and misperceptions) of kindness can
      increase generosity in economic transactions. We investigated how these
      perceptions can alter behavior in a novel real-life situation that pitted
      kindness against selfishness. That situation, consumer elective pricing, is
      defined by an economic transaction allowing people to purchase goods or services
      for any price (including zero). Field and lab experiments compared how people
      behave in 2 financially identical circumstances: pay-what-you-want (in which
      people are ostensibly paying for themselves) and pay-it-forward (in which people
      are ostensibly paying on behalf of someone else). In 4 field experiments, people
      paid more under pay-it-forward than pay-what-you-want (Studies 1-4). Four
      subsequent lab studies assessed whether the salience of others explains the
      increased payments (Study 5), whether ability to justify lowered payments (Study
      6), and whether the manipulation was operating through changing the perceptions
      of others (Studies 7 and 8). When people rely on ambiguous perceptions, pay-it
      forward leads to overestimating the kindness of others and a corresponding
      increase in personal payment. When those perceptions are replaced with explicit
      descriptive norms (i.e., others' payment amounts), that effect is eliminated.
      Finally, subsequent studies confirmed that the effects were not driven by
      participant confusion (Studies 9A and 9B) and not limited by the specificity of
      the referent other in the pay-it-forward framing (Study 9C).

PMID- 25133726
TI  - The involuntary excluder effect: those included by an excluder are seen as
      exclusive themselves.
AB  - People are highly vigilant for and alarmed by social exclusion. Previous research
      has focused largely on the emotional and motivational consequences of being
      unambiguously excluded by others. The present research instead examines how
      people make sense of a more ambiguous dynamic, 1-person exclusion--situations in
      which one person (the excluder) excludes someone (the rejected) while including
      someone else (the included). Using different methodological paradigms, converging
      outcome measures, and complementary comparison standards, 5 studies present
      evidence of an involuntary excluder effect: Social perceivers are quick to see
      included persons as though they are excluders themselves. Included individuals
      are seen as belonging to an exclusive alliance with the excluder, as liking the
      excluder more than the rejected, and as likely to perpetuate future exclusion
      against the rejected. Behavioral evidence reinforced these findings: The included
      was approached with caution and suspicion. Notably, such perceptions of the
      included as an excluder were drawn by the rejected themselves and outside
      observers alike, did not reflect the attitudes and intentions of included persons
      or those who simulated 1-person exclusion from the vantage point of the included,
      applied specifically to the included (but not someone who simply witnessed the
      rejected's rejection), and arose as a consequence of intentional acts of
      exclusion (and thus, not just because 2 individuals shared an exclusive
      experience). Consistencies with and contributions to literatures on balance
      theory, minimal groups, group entitativity, and the ostracism detection system
      literatures are discussed.

PMID- 25133727
TI  - Addressing the empathy deficit: beliefs about the malleability of empathy predict
      effortful responses when empathy is challenging.
AB  - Empathy is often thought to occur automatically. Yet, empathy frequently breaks
      down when it is difficult or distressing to relate to people in need, suggesting
      that empathy is often not felt reflexively. Indeed, the United States as a whole
      is said to be displaying an empathy deficit. When and why does empathy break
      down, and what predicts whether people will exert effort to experience empathy in
      challenging contexts? Across 7 studies, we found that people who held a malleable
      mindset about empathy (believing empathy can be developed) expended greater
      empathic effort in challenging contexts than did people who held a fixed theory
      (believing empathy cannot be developed). Specifically, a malleable theory of
      empathy--whether measured or experimentally induced--promoted (a) more self
      reported effort to feel empathy when it is challenging (Study 1); (b) more
      empathically effortful responses to a person with conflicting views on personally
      important sociopolitical issues (Studies 2-4); (c) more time spent listening to
      the emotional personal story of a racial outgroup member (Study 5); and (d)
      greater willingness to help cancer patients in effortful, face-to-face ways
      (Study 6). Study 7 revealed a possible reason for this greater empathic effort in
      challenging contexts: a stronger interest in improving one's empathy. Together,
      these data suggest that people's mindsets powerfully affect whether they exert
      effort to empathize when it is needed most, and these data may represent a point
      of leverage in increasing empathic behaviors on a broad scale.

PMID- 25133728
TI  - The psychology of martyrdom: making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of a
      cause.
AB  - Martyrdom is defined as the psychological readiness to suffer and sacrifice one's
      life for a cause. An integrative set of 8 studies investigated the concept of
      martyrdom by creating a new tool to quantitatively assess individuals' propensity
      toward self-sacrifice. Studies 1A-1C consisted of psychometric work attesting to
      the scale's unidimensionality, internal consistency, and temporal stability while
      examining its nomological network. Studies 2A-2B focused on the scale's
      predictive validity, especially as it relates to extreme behaviors and suicidal
      terrorism. Studies 3-5 focused on the influence of self-sacrifice on automatic
      decision making, costly and altruistic behaviors, and morality judgments. Results
      involving more than 2,900 participants from different populations, including a
      terrorist sample, supported the proposed conceptualization of martyrdom and
      demonstrated its importance for a vast repertoire of cognitive, emotional, and
      behavioral phenomena. Implications and future directions for the psychology of
      terrorism are discussed.

PMID- 25133729
TI  - You are so beautiful... to me: seeing beyond biases and achieving accuracy in
      romantic relationships.
AB  - Do romantic partners see each other realistically, or do they have overly
      positive perceptions of each other? Research has shown that realism and
      positivity co-exist in romantic partners' perceptions (Boyes & Fletcher, 2007).
      The current study takes a novel approach to explaining this seemingly paradoxical
      effect when it comes to physical attractiveness--a highly evaluative trait that
      is especially relevant to romantic relationships. Specifically, we argue that
      people are aware that others do not see their partners as positively as they do.
      Using both mean differences and correlational approaches, we test the hypothesis
      that despite their own biased and idiosyncratic perceptions, people have 2 types
      of partner-knowledge: insight into how their partners see themselves (i.e.,
      identity accuracy) and insight into how others see their partners (i.e.,
      reputation accuracy). Our results suggest that romantic partners have some
      awareness of each other's identity and reputation for physical attractiveness,
      supporting theories that couple members' perceptions are driven by motives to
      fulfill both esteem- and epistemic-related needs (i.e., to see their partners
      positively and realistically).

PMID- 25133730
TI  - On the consistency of personality types across adulthood: latent profile analyses
      in two large-scale panel studies.
AB  - Consistency and change in personality were analyzed by examining personality
      types across adulthood and old age using data from 2 nationally representative
      panel studies from Germany (N = 14,718; 16-82 years) and Australia (N = 8,315; 15
      79 years). In both samples, the Big Five personality traits were measured twice
      across a period of 4 years. Latent profile analyses and latent profile transition
      analyses revealed 4 main findings: First, solutions with 3 (in the German sample)
      or 4 (in the Australian sample) personality types were found to be most
      interpretable. Second, measurement invariance tests revealed that these
      personality types were consistent across all age groups but differed slightly
      between men and women. Third, age was related to the number of individuals
      classified within each personality type. Namely, there were more resilients and
      fewer undercontrollers in older compared with younger age groups. Fourth, there
      was strong consistency of personality type membership across a period of 4 years
      in both genders and most age cohorts. Comparatively less consistency across time
      was found for undercontrollers and individuals in old age. Taken together, these
      findings show that in the 2 nations studied here, personality types were highly
      consistent across gender, age, and time.

PMID- 25133731
TI  - A general synthesis of ynones from aldehydes via oxidative C-C bond cleavage
      under aerobic conditions.
AB  - We describe a direct synthesis of various ynones from readily available aldehydes
      and hypervalent alkynyl iodides. In this method, a gold catalyst and a secondary
      amine work synergistically to produce the trisubstituted allenyl aldehyde, which
      can be converted to the desired ynone through an in situ C-C bond oxidative
      cleavage using molecular oxygen. 

PMID- 25133732
TI  - Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for caffeine and theobromine
      production.
AB  - Caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine) and theobromine (3, 7-dimethylxanthine) are
      the major purine alkaloids in plants, e.g., tea (Camellia sinensis) and coffee
      (Coffea arabica). Caffeine is a major component of coffee and is used widely in
      food and beverage industries. Most of the enzymes involved in the caffeine
      biosynthetic pathway have been reported previously. Here, we demonstrated the
      biosynthesis of caffeine (0.38 mg/L) by co-expression of Coffea arabica
      xanthosine methyltransferase (CaXMT) and Camellia sinensis caffeine synthase
      (TCS) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Furthermore, we endeavored to develop this
      production platform for making other purine-based alkaloids. To increase the
      catalytic activity of TCS in an effort to increase theobromine production, we
      identified four amino acid residues based on structural analyses of 3D-model of
      TCS. Two TCS1 mutants (Val317Met and Phe217Trp) slightly increased in theobromine
      accumulation and simultaneously decreased in caffeine production. The application
      and further optimization of this biosynthetic platform are discussed.

PMID- 25133733
TI  - Deprived TLR9 expression in apparently healthy nasal mucosa might trigger polyp
      growth in chronic rhinosinusitis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The origin of nasal polyps in chronic rhinosinusitis is unknown, but
      the role of viral infections in polyp growth is clinically well established. Toll
      like receptors (TLRs) have recently emerged as key players in our local airway
      defense against microbes. Among these, TLR9 has gained special interest in viral
      diseases. Many studies on chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)
      compare polyp tissue with nasal mucosa from polyp-free individuals. Knowledge
      about changes in the turbinate tissue bordering the polyp tissue is limited.
      OBJECTIVES: To analyse the role of TLR9 mediated microbial defense in tissue
      bordering the polyp. METHODS: Nasal polyps and turbinate tissue from 11 patients
      with CRSwNP and turbinate tissue from 11 healthy controls in total were used.
      Five biopsies from either group were analysed immediately with flow cytometry
      regarding receptor expression and 6 biopsies were used for in vitro stimulation
      with a TLR9 agonist, CpG. Cytokine release was analysed using Luminex. Eight
      patients with CRSwNP in total were intranasally challenged with CpG/placebo 24
      hours before surgery and the biopsies were collected and analysed as above.
      RESULTS: TLR9 expression was detected on turbinate epithelial cells from healthy
      controls and polyp epithelial cells from patients, whereas TLR9 was absent in
      turbinate epithelial cells from patients. CpG stimulation increased the
      percentage cells expressing TLR9 and decreased percentage cells expressing VEGFR2
      in turbinate tissue from patients. After CpG stimulation the elevated levels of
      IL-6, G-CSF and MIP-1beta in the turbinate tissue from patients were reduced
      towards the levels demonstrated in healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Defects in the
      TLR9 mediated microbial defense in the mucosa adjacent to the anatomic origin of
      the polyp might explain virus induced polyp growth. CpG stimulation decreased
      VEGFR2, suggesting a role for CpG in polyp formation. The focus on turbinate
      tissue in patients with CRSwNP opens new perspectives in CRSwNP-research.

PMID- 25133738
TI  - Elevated levels of circulating DNA in cardiovascular disease patients:
      metagenomic profiling of microbiome in the circulation.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. An
      expanding body of evidence supports the role of human microbiome in the
      establishment of CVDs and, this has gained much attention recently. This work was
      aimed to study the circulating human microbiome in CVD patients and healthy
      subjects. The levels of circulating cell free DNA (circDNA) was higher in CVD
      patients (n = 80) than in healthy controls (n = 40). More specifically, the
      relative levels of circulating bacterial DNA and the ratio of 16S rRNA/beta
      globin gene copy numbers were higher in the circulation of CVD patients than
      healthy individuals. In addition, we found a higher circulating microbial
      diversity in CVD patients (n = 3) in comparison to healthy individuals (n = 3) by
      deep shotgun sequencing. At the phylum level, we observed a dominance of
      Actinobacteria in CVD patients, followed by Proteobacteria, in contrast to that
      in healthy controls, where Proteobacteria was predominantly enriched, followed by
      Actinobacteria. The circulating virome in CVD patients was enriched with
      bacteriophages with a preponderance of Propionibacterium phages, followed by
      Pseudomonas phages and Rhizobium phages in contrast to that in healthy
      individuals, where a relatively greater abundance of eukaryotic viruses dominated
      by Lymphocystis virus (LCV) and Torque Teno viruses (TTV) was observed. Thus, the
      release of bacterial and viral DNA elements in the circulation could play a major
      role leading to elevated circDNA levels in CVD patients. The increased circDNA
      levels could be either the cause or consequence of CVD incidence, which needs to
      be explored further. 

PMID- 25133740
TI  - Nanodrug-enhanced radiofrequency tumor ablation: effect of micellar or liposomal
      carrier on drug delivery and treatment efficacy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the effect of different drug-loaded nanocarriers (micelles
      and liposomes) on delivery and treatment efficacy for radiofrequency ablation
      (RFA) combined with nanodrugs. MATERIALS/METHODS: Fischer 344 rats were used (n =
      196). First, single subcutaneous R3230 tumors or normal liver underwent RFA
      followed by immediate administration of i.v. fluorescent beads (20, 100, and 500
      nm), with fluorescent intensity measured at 4-24 hr. Next, to study carrier type
      on drug efficiency, RFA was combined with micellar (20 nm) or liposomal (100 nm)
      preparations of doxorubicin (Dox; targeting HIF-1alpha) or quercetin (Qu;
      targeting HSP70). Animals received RFA alone, RFA with Lipo-Dox or Mic-Dox (1 mg
      i.v., 15 min post-RFA), and RFA with Lipo-Qu or Mic-Qu given 24 hr pre- or 15 min
      post-RFA (0.3 mg i.v.). Tumor coagulation and HIF-1alpha or HSP70 expression were
      assessed 24 hr post-RFA. Third, the effect of RFA combined with i.v. Lipo-Dox,
      Mic-Dox, Lipo-Qu, or Mic-Qu (15 min post-RFA) compared to RFA alone on tumor
      growth and animal endpoint survival was evaluated. Finally, drug uptake was
      compared between RFA/Lipo-Dox and RFA/Mic-Dox at 4-72 hr. RESULTS: Smaller 20 nm
      beads had greater deposition and deeper tissue penetration in both tumor (100
      nm/500 nm) and liver (100 nm) (p<0.05). Mic-Dox and Mic-Qu suppressed
      periablational HIF-1alpha or HSP70 rim thickness more than liposomal preparations
      (p<0.05). RFA/Mic-Dox had greater early (4 hr) intratumoral doxorubicin, but
      RFA/Lipo-Dox had progressively higher intratumoral doxorubicin at 24-72 hr post
      RFA (p<0.04). No difference in tumor growth and survival was seen between
      RFA/Lipo-Qu and RFA/Mic-Qu. Yet, RFA/Lipo-Dox led to greater animal endpoint
      survival compared to RFA/Mic-Dox (p<0.03). CONCLUSION: With RF ablation, smaller
      particle micelles have superior penetration and more effective local molecular
      modulation. However, larger long-circulating liposomal carriers can result in
      greater intratumoral drug accumulation over time and reduced tumor growth.
      Accordingly, different carriers provide specific advantages, which should be
      considered when formulating optimal combination therapies.

PMID- 25133742
TI  - Prediction of chemical biodegradability using support vector classifier optimized
      with differential evolution.
AB  - Reliable computer models for the prediction of chemical biodegradability from
      molecular descriptors and fingerprints are very important for making health and
      environmental decisions. Coupling of the differential evolution (DE) algorithm
      with the support vector classifier (SVC) in order to optimize the main parameters
      of the classifier resulted in an improved classifier called the DE-SVC, which is
      introduced in this paper for use in chemical biodegradability studies. The DE-SVC
      was applied to predict the biodegradation of chemicals on the basis of extensive
      sample data sets and known structural features of molecules. Our optimization
      experiments showed that DE can efficiently find the proper parameters of the SVC.
      The resulting classifier possesses strong robustness and reliability compared
      with grid search, genetic algorithm, and particle swarm optimization methods. The
      classification experiments conducted here showed that the DE-SVC exhibits better
      classification performance than models previously used for such studies. It is a
      more effective and efficient prediction model for chemical biodegradability. 

PMID- 25133741
TI  - Mice in Bion-M 1 space mission: training and selection.
AB  - After a 16-year hiatus, Russia has resumed its program of biomedical research in
      space, with the successful 30-day flight of the Bion-M 1 biosatellite (April 19
      May 19, 2013). The principal species for biomedical research in this project was
      the mouse. This paper presents an overview of the scientific goals, the
      experimental design and the mouse training/selection program. The aim of mice
      experiments in the Bion-M 1 project was to elucidate cellular and molecular
      mechanisms, underlying the adaptation of key physiological systems to long-term
      exposure in microgravity. The studies with mice combined in vivo measurements,
      both in flight and post-flight (including continuous blood pressure measurement),
      with extensive in vitro studies carried out shortly after return of the mice and
      in the end of recovery study. Male C57/BL6 mice group housed in space habitats
      were flown aboard the Bion-M 1 biosatellite, or remained on ground in the control
      experiment that replicated environmental and housing conditions in the
      spacecraft. Vivarium control groups were used to account for housing effects and
      possible seasonal differences. Mice training included the co-adaptation in
      housing groups and mice adaptation to paste food diet. The measures taken to co
      adapt aggressive male mice in housing groups and the peculiarities of "space"
      paste food are described. The training program for mice designated for in vivo
      studies was broader and included behavioral/functional test battery and
      continuous behavioral measurements in the home-cage. The results of the
      preliminary tests were used for the selection of homogenous groups. After the
      flight, mice were in good condition for biomedical studies and displayed signs of
      pronounced disadaptation to Earth's gravity. The outcomes of the training program
      for the mice welfare are discussed. We conclude that our training program was
      effective and that male mice can be successfully employed in space biomedical
      research. 

PMID- 25133743
TI  - Hyperspectral reflected light microscopy of plasmonic Au/Ag alloy nanoparticles
      incubated as multiplex chromatic biomarkers with cancer cells.
AB  - A hyperspectral microscopy system based on a reflected light method for plasmonic
      nanoparticle (NP) imaging was designed and compared with a conventional darkfield
      method for spatial localization and spectroscopic identification of single Au, Ag
      and Au/Ag alloy NPs incubated with fixed human cancer cell preparations. A new
      synthesis protocol based on co-reduction of Au and Ag salts combined with the
      seeded growth technique was used for the fabrication of monodispersed alloy NPs
      with sizes ranging from 30 to 100 nm in diameter. We validated theoretically and
      experimentally the performance of 60 nm Au, Ag and Au/Ag (50 : 50) NPs as
      multiplexed biological chromatic markers for biomedical diagnostics and optical
      biosensing. The advantages of the proposed reflected light microscopy method are
      presented for NP imaging in a complex and highly diffusing medium such as a
      cellular environment. The obtained information is essential for the development
      of a high throughput, selective and efficient strategy for cancer detection and
      treatment. 

PMID- 25133744
TI  - Nonstoichiometric perovskite CaMnO(3-delta) for oxygen electrocatalysis with high
      activity.
AB  - Perovskite oxides offer efficient and cheap electrocatalysts for both oxygen
      reduction reactions and oxygen evolution reactions (ORR/OER) in diverse oxygen
      based electrochemical technologies. In this study, we report a facile strategy to
      enhance the electrocatalytic activity of CaMnO3 by introducing oxygen defects.
      The nonstoichiometric CaMnO(3-delta) (0 < delta <= 0.5) was prepared through
      thermal reduction of pristine perovskite microspheres and nanoparticles, which
      were synthesized from thermal-decomposition of carbonate precursors and the
      Pechini route, respectively. The as-prepared samples were analyzed by chemical
      titration, structural refinement, thermogravimetric analysis, and energy
      spectrometry. In 0.1 M KOH aqueous solution, the nonstoichiometric CaMnO(3-delta)
      with delta near 0.25 and an average Mn valence close to 3.5 exhibited the highest
      ORR activity (36.7 A g(-1) at 0.70 V vs RHE, with onset potential of 0.96 V),
      which is comparable to that of benchmark Pt/C. Density functional theory (DFT)
      studies and electrical conductivity measurement revealed that the enhanced ORR
      kinetics is due to facilitated oxygen activation and improved electrical
      properties. Besides high activity, the nonstoichiometric perovskite oxides showed
      respectable catalytic stability. Furthermore, the moderate oxygen-defective
      CaMnO(3-delta) (delta ~ 0.25) favored the OER because of the improved electrical
      conductivity. This study makes nonstoichiometric CaMnO(3-delta) a promising
      active, inexpensive bifunctional catalytic material for reversible ORR and OER.

PMID- 25133745
TI  - A highly selective sulfinate ester probe for thiol bioimaging.
AB  - We describe here hitherto unexplored chemistry of the sulfinate ester functional
      group as being highly selective towards nucleophilic substitution by thiols at
      physiological pH. Using this cleavable trigger, an optical thiol probe that is
      suitable for thiol bioimaging has been developed. 

PMID- 25133746
TI  - Cancer screening rates in individuals with different life expectancies.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Routine cancer screening has unproven net benefit for patients with
      limited life expectancy. OBJECTIVE: To examine the patterns of prostate, breast,
      cervical, and colorectal cancer screening in the United States in individuals
      with different life expectancies. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Data from
      the population-based National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2000 through
      2010 were used and included 27 404 participants aged 65 years or older. Using a
      validated mortality index specific for NHIS, participants were grouped into those
      with low (<25%), intermediate (25%-49%), high (50%-74%), and very high (>=75%)
      risks of 9-year mortality. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Rates of prostate, breast,
      cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. RESULTS: In participants with very
      high mortality risk, 31% to 55% received recent cancer screening, with prostate
      cancer screening being most common (55%). For women who had a hysterectomy for
      benign reasons, 34% to 56% had a Papanicolaou test within the past 3 years. On
      multivariate analysis, very high vs low mortality risk was associated with less
      screening for prostate (odds ratio [OR], 0.65 [95% CI, 0.50-0.85]), breast (OR,
      0.43 [95% CI, 0.35-0.53]), and cervical (OR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.36-0.70]) cancers.
      There was less screening for prostate and cervical cancers in more recent years
      compared with 2000, and there was no significant interaction between calendar
      year and mortality risk for any cancer screening (P > .05 for all cancers). Our
      sensitivity analysis showed that screening was also common in individuals with
      less than 5-year life expectancy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A substantial
      proportion of the US population with limited life expectancy received prostate,
      breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening that is unlikely to provide net
      benefit. These results suggest that overscreening is common in both men and
      women, which not only increases health care expenditure but can lead to net
      patient harm.

PMID- 25133747
TI  - Genome-wide prediction of the polymorphic Ser gene family in Tetrahymena
      thermophila based on motif analysis.
AB  - Even though antigenic variation is employed among parasitic protozoa for host
      immune evasion, Tetrahymena thermophila, a free-living ciliate, can also change
      its surface protein antigens. These cysteine-rich glycosylphosphatidylinositol
      (GPI)-linked surface proteins are encoded by a family of polymorphic Ser genes.
      Despite the availability of T. thermophila genome, a comprehensive analysis of
      the Ser family is limited by its high degree of polymorphism. In order to
      overcome this problem, a new approach was adopted by searching for Ser candidates
      with common motif sequences, namely length-specific repetitive cysteine pattern
      and GPI anchor site. The candidate genes were phylogenetically compared with the
      previously identified Ser genes and classified into subtypes. Ser candidates were
      often found to be located as tandem arrays of the same subtypes on several
      chromosomal scaffolds. Certain Ser candidates located in the same chromosomal
      arrays were transcriptionally expressed at specific T. thermophila developmental
      stages. These Ser candidates selected by the motif analysis approach can form the
      foundation for a systematic identification of the entire Ser gene family, which
      will contribute to the understanding of their function and the basis of T.
      thermophila antigenic variation. 

PMID- 25133748
TI  - Effect of sodium chloride on hydration structures of PMEA and P(MPC-r-BMA).
AB  - The hydration structures of two different types of biomaterials, i.e., poly(2
      methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) and a random copolymer of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl
      phosphorylcholine and n-butyl methacrylate (P(MPC-r-BMA)), were investigated by
      means of attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. The effects
      of the addition of sodium chloride to liquid water in contact with the surfaces
      of the polymer films were examined. The neutral polymer of PMEA was easily
      dehydrated by NaCl addition, whereas the zwitterionic polymer of P(MPC-r-BMA) was
      hardly dehydrated. More specifically, nonfreezing water having a strong
      interaction with the PMEA chain and freezing bound water having an intermediate
      interaction were hardly dehydrated by contacting with normal saline solution,
      whereas freezing water having a weak interaction with the PMEA chain was readily
      dehydrated. In contrast, freezing water in P(MPC-r-BMA) is exchanged for the
      saline solution contacting with the material surface without dehydration. 

PMID- 25133749
TI  - Long-term disease dynamics for a specialized parasite of ant societies: a field
      study.
AB  - Many studies have investigated how social insects behave when a parasite is
      introduced into their colonies. These studies have been conducted in the
      laboratory, and we still have a limited understanding of the dynamics of ant
      parasite interactions under natural conditions. Here we consider a specialized
      parasite of ant societies (Ophiocordyceps camponoti-rufipedis infecting
      Camponotus rufipes) within a rainforest. We first established that the parasite
      is unable to develop to transmission stage when introduced within the host nest.
      Secondly, we surveyed all colonies in the studied area and recorded 100%
      prevalence at the colony level (all colonies were infected). Finally, we
      conducted a long-term detailed census of parasite pressure, by mapping the
      position of infected dead ants and foraging trails (future hosts) in the
      immediate vicinity of the colonies over 20 months. We report new dead infected
      ants for all the months we conducted the census--at an average of 14.5
      cadavers/month/colony. Based on the low infection rate, the absence of colony
      collapse or complete recovery of the colonies, we suggest that this parasite
      represents a chronic infection in the ant societies. We also proposed a "terminal
      host model of transmission" that links the age-related polyethism to the
      persistence of a parasitic infection.

PMID- 25133750
TI  - Activity Patterns of Preschool-Aged Children at Risk for Obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the prevalence of obesity in young children highlights the
      importance of early interventions to promote physical activity (PA), there are
      limited data on activity patterns in this age group. The purpose of this study
      was to describe activity patterns in preschool-aged children and explore
      differences by weight status. METHODS: Analyses use baseline data from Healthy
      Homes/Healthy Kids-Preschool, a pilot obesity prevention trial of preschool-aged
      children who are overweight or at risk for being overweight. A modified parent
      reported version of the previous-day PA recall was used to summarize types of
      activity. Accelerometry was used to summarize daily and hourly activity patterns.
      RESULTS: "Playing with toys" accounted for the largest proportion of a child's
      previous day, followed by "meals and snacks" and "chores." Accelerometry-measured
      daily time spent in sedentary behavior, light PA, and moderate-to-vigorous PA
      (MVPA) was 412, 247, and 69 minutes, respectively. Percentage of hourly time
      spent in MVPA ranged from 3% to 13%, peaking in the late morning and evening
      hours. There were no statistically significant MVPA differences by weight status.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study extends our understanding of activity types, amounts, and
      patterns in preschool-aged children and warrants further exploration of
      differences in PA patterns by weight status.

PMID- 25133751
TI  - Mutation screening of retinal dystrophy patients by targeted capture from tagged
      pooled DNAs and next generation sequencing.
AB  - PURPOSE: Retinal dystrophies are genetically heterogeneous, resulting from
      mutations in over 200 genes. Prior to the development of massively parallel
      sequencing, comprehensive genetic screening was unobtainable for most patients.
      Identifying the causative genetic mutation facilitates genetic counselling,
      carrier testing and prenatal/pre-implantation diagnosis, and often leads to a
      clearer prognosis. In addition, in a proportion of cases, when the mutation is
      known treatment can be optimised and patients are eligible for enrolment into
      clinical trials for gene-specific therapies. METHODS: Patient genomic DNA was
      sheared, tagged and pooled in batches of four samples, prior to targeted capture
      and next generation sequencing. The enrichment reagent was designed against genes
      listed on the RetNet database (July 2010). Sequence data were aligned to the
      human genome and variants were filtered to identify potential pathogenic
      mutations. These were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Molecular analysis
      of 20 DNAs from retinal dystrophy patients identified likely pathogenic mutations
      in 12 cases, many of them known and/or confirmed by segregation. These included
      previously described mutations in ABCA4 (c.6088C>T,p.R2030*; c.5882G>A,p.G1961E),
      BBS2 (c.1895G>C,p.R632P), GUCY2D (c.2512C>T,p.R838C), PROM1 (c.1117C>T,p.R373C),
      RDH12 (c.601T>C,p.C201R; c.506G>A,p.R169Q), RPGRIP1 (c.3565C>T,p.R1189*) and
      SPATA7 (c.253C>T,p.R85*) and new mutations in ABCA4 (c.3328+1G>C), CRB1
      (c.2832_2842+23del), RP2 (c.884-1G>T) and USH2A (c.12874A>G,p.N4292D).
      CONCLUSIONS: Tagging and pooling DNA prior to targeted capture of known retinal
      dystrophy genes identified mutations in 60% of cases. This relatively high
      success rate may reflect enrichment for consanguineous cases in the local
      Yorkshire population, and the use of multiplex families. Nevertheless this is a
      promising high throughput approach to retinal dystrophy diagnostics.

PMID- 25133752
TI  - Relative accuracy evaluation.
AB  - The quality of data plays an important role in business analysis and decision
      making, and data accuracy is an important aspect in data quality. Thus one
      necessary task for data quality management is to evaluate the accuracy of the
      data. And in order to solve the problem that the accuracy of the whole data set
      is low while a useful part may be high, it is also necessary to evaluate the
      accuracy of the query results, called relative accuracy. However, as far as we
      know, neither measure nor effective methods for the accuracy evaluation methods
      are proposed. Motivated by this, for relative accuracy evaluation, we propose a
      systematic method. We design a relative accuracy evaluation framework for
      relational databases based on a new metric to measure the accuracy using
      statistics. We apply the methods to evaluate the precision and recall of basic
      queries, which show the result's relative accuracy. We also propose the method to
      handle data update and to improve accuracy evaluation using functional
      dependencies. Extensive experimental results show the effectiveness and
      efficiency of our proposed framework and algorithms. 

PMID- 25133753
TI  - Adaptive properties of human cementum and cementum dentin junction with age.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate age related changes in
      physical (structure/mechanical properties) and chemical (elemental/inorganic
      mineral content) properties of cementum layers interfacing dentin. METHODS: Human
      mandibular molars (N=43) were collected and sorted by age (younger=19-39,
      middle=40-60, older=61-81 years). The structures of primary and secondary
      cementum (PC, SC) types were evaluated using light and atomic force microscopy
      (AFM) techniques. Chemical composition of cementum layers were characterized
      through gravimetric analysis by estimating ash weight and concentrations of Ca,
      Mn, and Zn trace elements in the analytes through inductively coupled plasma mass
      spectroscopy. The hardness of PC and SC was determined using microindentation and
      site-specific reduced elastic modulus properties were determined using
      nanoindentation techniques. RESULTS: PC contained fibrous 1-3 um wide hygroscopic
      radial PDL-inserts. SC illustrated PC-like structure adjacent to a multilayered
      architecture composing of regions that contained mineral dominant lamellae. The
      width of the cementum dentin junction (CDJ) decreased as measured from the
      cementum enamel junction (CEJ) to the tooth apex (49-21 um), and significantly
      decreased with age (44-23 um; p<0.05). The inorganic ratio defined as the ratio
      of post-burn to pre-burn weight increased with age within primary cementum (PC)
      and secondary cementum (SC). Cementum showed an increase in hardness with age (PC
      (0.40-0.46 GPa), SC (0.37-0.43 GPa)), while dentin showed a decreasing trend
      (coronal dentin (0.70-0.72 GPa); apical dentin (0.63-0.73 GPa)). SIGNIFICANCE:
      The observed physicochemical changes are indicative of increased mineralization
      of cementum and CDJ over time. Changes in tissue properties of teeth can alter
      overall tooth biomechanics and in turn the entire bone-tooth complex including
      the periodontal ligament. This study provides baseline information about the
      changes in physicochemical properties of cementum with age, which can be
      identified as adaptive in nature.

PMID- 25133754
TI  - Parenting and the Family Check-Up: Changes in Observed Parent-Child Interaction
      Following Early Childhood Intervention.
AB  - Coercion theory posits a cyclical relationship between harsh and coercive parent
      child interactions and problem behavior beginning in early childhood. As coercive
      interactions have been theorized and found to facilitate the development and
      growth of early conduct problems, early interventions often target parenting to
      prevent or reduce early disruptive problem behavior. This study utilizes direct
      observations of parent-child interactions from the Early Steps Multisite study (N
      = 731; 369 boys) to examine the effect of the Family Check-Up, a family-centered
      intervention program, on measures of parent-child positive engagement and
      coercion from age 2 through 5, as well as on childhood problem behavior at age 5.
      Results indicate that high levels of parent-child positive engagement were
      associated with less parent-child coercion the following year, but dyadic
      coercion was unrelated to future levels of positive engagement. In addition,
      families assigned to the Family Check-Up showed increased levels of positive
      engagement at ages 3 and 5, and the association between positive engagement at
      age 3 and child problem behavior at age 5 was mediated by reductions in parent
      child coercion at age 4. These findings provide longitudinal confirmation that
      increasing positive engagement in parent-child interaction can reduce the
      likelihood of coercive family dynamics in early childhood and growth in problem
      behavior. 

PMID- 25133756
TI  - Restoration as mitigation: analysis of stream mitigation for coal mining impacts
      in southern Appalachia.
AB  - Compensatory mitigation is commonly used to replace aquatic natural resources
      being lost or degraded but little is known about the success of stream
      mitigation. This article presents a synthesis of information about 434 stream
      mitigation projects from 117 permits for surface mining in Appalachia. Data from
      annual monitoring reports indicate that the ratio of lengths of stream impacted
      to lengths of stream mitigation projects were <1 for many projects, and most
      mitigation was implemented on perennial streams while most impacts were to
      ephemeral and intermittent streams. Regulatory requirements for assessing project
      outcome were minimal; visual assessments were the most common and 97% of the
      projects reported suboptimal or marginal habitat even after 5 years of
      monitoring. Less than a third of the projects provided biotic or chemical data;
      most of these were impaired with biotic indices below state standards and stream
      conductivity exceeding federal water quality criteria. Levels of selenium known
      to impair aquatic life were reported in 7 of the 11 projects that provided Se
      data. Overall, the data show that mitigation efforts being implemented in
      southern Appalachia for coal mining are not meeting the objectives of the Clean
      Water Act to replace lost or degraded streams ecosystems and their functions. 

PMID- 25133755
TI  - Nutritional status in community-dwelling elderly in France in urban and rural
      areas.
AB  - Malnutrition is a frequent condition in elderly people, especially in nursing
      homes and geriatric wards. Its frequency is less well known among elderly living
      at home. The objective of this study was to describe the nutritional status
      evaluated by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) of elderly community-dwellers
      living in rural and urban areas in France and to investigate its associated
      factors. METHODS: Subjects aged 65 years and over from the Approche
      Multidisciplinaire Integree (AMI) cohort (692 subjects living in a rural area)
      and the Three-City (3C) cohort (8,691 subjects living in three large urban zones)
      were included. A proxy version of the MNA was reconstructed using available data
      from the AMI cohort. Sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate the
      agreement between the proxy version and the standard version in AMI. The proxy
      MNA was computed in both cohorts to evaluate the frequency of poor nutritional
      status. Factors associated with this state were investigated in each cohort
      separately. RESULTS: In the rural sample, 38.0% were females and the mean age was
      75.5 years. In the urban sample, 60.3% were females and the mean age was 74.1
      years. Among subjects in living in the rural sample, 7.4% were in poor
      nutritional status while the proportion was 18.5% in the urban sample. Female
      gender, older age, being widowed, a low educational level, low income, low body
      mass index, being demented, having a depressive symptomatology, a loss of
      autonomy and an intake of more than 3 drugs appeared to be independently
      associated with poor nutritional status. CONCLUSION: Poor nutritional status was
      commonly observed among elderly people living at home in both rural and urban
      areas. The associated factors should be further considered for targeting
      particularly vulnerable individuals.

PMID- 25133757
TI  - Evaluating landscape options for corridor restoration between giant panda
      reserves.
AB  - The establishment of corridors can offset the negative effects of habitat
      fragmentation by connecting isolated habitat patches. However, the practical
      value of corridor planning is minimal if corridor identification is not based on
      reliable quantitative information about species-environment relationships. An
      example of this need for quantitative information is planning for giant panda
      conservation. Although the species has been the focus of intense conservation
      efforts for decades, most corridor projects remain hypothetical due to the lack
      of reliable quantitative researches at an appropriate spatial scale. In this
      paper, we evaluated a framework for giant panda forest corridor planning. We
      linked our field survey data with satellite imagery, and conducted species
      occupancy modelling to examine the habitat use of giant panda within the
      potential corridor area. We then conducted least-cost and circuit models to
      identify potential paths of dispersal across the landscape, and compared the
      predicted cost under current conditions and alternative conservation management
      options considered during corridor planning. We found that due to giant panda's
      association with areas of low elevation and flat terrain, human infrastructures
      in the same area have resulted in corridor fragmentation. We then identified
      areas with high potential to function as movement corridors, and our analysis of
      alternative conservation scenarios showed that both forest/bamboo restoration and
      automobile tunnel construction would significantly improve the effectiveness of
      corridor, while residence relocation would not significantly improve corridor
      effectiveness in comparison with the current condition. The framework has general
      value in any conservation activities that anticipate improving habitat
      connectivity in human modified landscapes. Specifically, our study suggested
      that, in this landscape, automobile tunnels are the best means to remove current
      barriers to giant panda movements caused by anthropogenic interferences. 

PMID- 25133758
TI  - Microretroreflector-sedimentation immunoassays for pathogen detection.
AB  - Point-of-care detection of pathogens is medically valuable but poses challenging
      trade-offs between instrument complexity and clinical and analytical sensitivity.
      Here we introduce a diagnostic platform utilizing lithographically fabricated
      micron-scale forms of cubic retroreflectors, arguably one of the most optically
      detectable human artifacts, as reporter labels for use in sensitive immunoassays.
      We demonstrate the applicability of this novel optical label in a simple assay
      format in which retroreflector cubes are first mixed with the sample. The cubes
      are then allowed to settle onto an immuno-capture surface, followed by inversion
      for gravity-driven removal of nonspecifically bound cubes. Cubes bridged to the
      capture surface by the analyte are detected using inexpensive, low-numerical
      aperture optics. For model bacterial and viral pathogens, sensitivity in 10%
      human serum was found to be 10(4) bacterial cells/mL and 10(4) virus
      particles/mL, consistent with clinical utility. 

PMID- 25133759
TI  - Association of poor subjective sleep quality with risk for death by suicide
      during a 10-year period: a longitudinal, population-based study of late life.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Older adults have high rates of sleep disturbance, die by suicide at
      disproportionately higher rates compared with other age groups, and tend to visit
      their physician in the weeks preceding suicide death. To our knowledge, to date,
      no study has examined disturbed sleep as an independent risk factor for late-life
      suicide. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relative independent risk for suicide
      associated with poor subjective sleep quality in a population-based study of
      older adults during a 10-year observation period. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: A longitudinal case-control cohort study of late-life suicide among
      a multisite, population-based community sample of older adults participating in
      the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly. Of 14 456
      community older adults sampled, 400 control subjects were matched (on age, sex,
      and study site) to 20 suicide decedents. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary
      measures included the Sleep Quality Index, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies
      Depression Scale, and vital statistics. RESULTS: Hierarchical logistic
      regressions revealed that poor sleep quality at baseline was significantly
      associated with increased risk for suicide (odds ratio [OR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.14
      1.69; P < .001) by 10 follow-up years. In addition, 2 sleep items were
      individually associated with elevated risk for suicide at 10-year follow-up:
      difficulty falling asleep (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.27-3.93; P < .01) and
      nonrestorative sleep (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.28-3.67; P < .01). Controlling for
      depressive symptoms, baseline self-reported sleep quality was associated with
      increased risk for death by suicide (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.04-1.63; P < .05).
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our results indicate that poor subjective sleep
      quality is associated with increased risk for death by suicide 10 years later,
      even after adjustment for depressive symptoms. Disturbed sleep appears to confer
      considerable risk, independent of depressed mood, for the most severe suicidal
      behaviors and may warrant inclusion in suicide risk assessment frameworks to
      enhance detection of risk and intervention opportunity in late life.

PMID- 25133761
TI  - Multiple DNA architectures with the participation of inorganic metal ions.
AB  - Here we develop a synthetic protocol for assembling DNA with participating metal
      ions into multiple shapes. DNA molecules first form coordination complexes with
      metal ions and these coordination complexes become nucleation sites for primary
      crystals of metal inorganic salt, and then elementary units of space-filling
      architectures based on specific geometry form, and finally elementary units
      assemble into variously larger multiple architectures according to different
      spatial configurations. We anticipate that our strategy for self-assembling
      various custom architectures is applicable to most biomolecules possessing donor
      atoms that can form coordination complexes with metal ions. These multiple
      architectures provide a general platform for the engineering and assembly of
      advanced materials possessing features on the micrometer scale and having novel
      activity. 

PMID- 25133762
TI  - Response to comment on "Mercury biomagnification through food webs is affected by
      physical and chemical characteristics of lakes".

PMID- 25133760
TI  - Left and right lung asynchrony as a physiological indicator for unilateral
      bronchial obstruction in interventional bronchoscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with bronchial obstruction, pulmonary function tests may
      not change significantly after intervention. The airflow asynchrony in both lungs
      due to unilateral bronchial obstruction may be applicable as a physiological
      indicator. The airflow asynchrony is reflected by the difference in the left and
      right lung sound development at tidal breathing. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the
      usefulness of left and right lung asynchrony due to unilateral bronchial
      obstruction as a physiological indicator for interventional bronchoscopy.
      METHODS: Fifty cases with central airway obstruction were classified into three
      groups: tracheal, bronchial and extensive obstruction. The gap index was defined
      as the absolute value of the average of gaps between the left and right lung
      sound intensity peaks for a 12-second duration. RESULTS: Before interventional
      bronchoscopy, the gap index was significantly higher in the bronchial (p<0.05)
      and extensive obstruction groups (p<0.05) than in the tracheal group. The gap
      index in cases with unilateral bronchial obstruction of at least 80% (0.18+/-0.04
      seconds) was significantly higher than in cases with less than 80% obstruction
      (0.02+/-0.01 seconds, p<0.05). After intervention for bronchial obstruction, the
      dyspnea scale (p<0.001) and gap index significantly improved (p<0.05), although
      no significant improvements were found in spirometric assessments. The responder
      rates for dyspnea were 79.3% for gap indexes over 0.06 seconds and 55.6% for gap
      indexes of 0.06 seconds or under. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of left and right lung
      asynchrony in central airway obstruction with bronchial involvement may provide
      useful physiological information for interventional bronchoscopy.

PMID- 25133763
TI  - Creating an effective campaign for change: strategies for teaching value.

PMID- 25133764
TI  - Single molecule DNA intercalation in continuous homogenous elongational flow.
AB  - Sequence-nonspecific staining of DNA with intercalating fluorophores is required
      for fluorescence-based length estimation of elongated DNA in optical mapping
      techniques. However, the observed length of a DNA molecule is affected by the
      relative concentrations of DNA and dye. In some applications, predetermination of
      DNA concentration may not be possible. Here we present a microfluidic approach in
      which individual DNA molecules are entrained by converging laminar sheath flows
      containing the intercalating dye PO-PRO-1. This provides uniform staining
      regardless of DNA concentration, and uniform elastic stretching of DNA in
      continuous elongational flow. On-chip intercalation provides a unique process for
      concentration-independent staining of long DNA fragments for the optical mapping
      method Genome Sequence Scanning (GSS), and normalizes intramolecular elasticity
      across a broad range of molecule lengths. These advances permit accurate mapping
      of observed molecules to sequence derived templates, thus improving detection of
      complex bacterial mixtures using GSS. 

PMID- 25133765
TI  - Issues in online patient self-reporting of health status.
AB  - Patient self-reporting of symptoms and quality of life following surgical
      interventions is generally delivered in the form of paper-based questionnaires to
      be completed in the outpatient clinic or at home. A commonly used tool for
      patient self-reporting of quality of life is the EQ5D health status questionnaire
      which, while limited in scope, has general applicability across a range of health
      interventions. In this article we examine the issues relating to online patient
      self-reporting using this questionnaire and the wider implications for the online
      reporting of health status. 

PMID- 25133766
TI  - Rounds reports: Early experiences of using printed summaries of electronic
      medical records in a large teaching medical hospital.
AB  - This article describes the rationale, processes, technology, and results of
      creating of a paper-based rounds report that is now used by our entire
      institution for efficient inpatient work rounds and checkout rounds that are
      routinely done in virtually every hospital, both academic and private, in the US.
      The results of a survey of clinicians suggests that printed rounds reports have
      markedly improved rounding efficiency, saved substantial amounts of physician
      time, standardized checkout processes, and improved patient safety. 

PMID- 25133767
TI  - What you see is not what you get in the PDF document format.
AB  - The sharing and storage of scientific knowledge, information and data are today
      mainly in digitized form, which will become the predominant means of
      communicating scientific work in the future. One of the best-established formats
      is the open standard of PDF (Portable Document Format), which is renowned for its
      flexibility and stability. In this article, we expose a major flaw in the format
      with respect to the security of confidential information, such that even
      organizations responsible for safeguarding and setting the standards for data
      management were unintentionally revealing confidential patient data. By
      collecting and analysing a random sample of files from a health informatics
      organization, we demonstrate the extent of the problem and determine its cause by
      code analysis of an example. In conclusion, we suggest the development of a
      knowledge-sharing format that does not demand expert skills for safe usage:
      WYSIWYS (What You See Is What You Store). 

PMID- 25133768
TI  - Robotic agents for supporting community-dwelling elderly people with memory
      complaints: Perceived needs and preferences.
AB  - Researchers in robotics have been increasingly focusing on robots as a means of
      supporting older people with cognitive impairment at home. The aim of this study
      is to explore the elderly's needs and preferences towards having an assistive
      robot in the home. In order to ensure the appropriateness of this technology, 30
      subjects aged 60 and older with memory complaints were recruited from the Memory
      Clinic of the Broca Hospital. We conducted an interview-administered
      questionnaire that included questions about their needs and preferences
      concerning robot functions and modes of action. The subjects reported a desire to
      retain their capacity to manage their daily activities, to maintain good health
      and to stimulate their memory. Regarding robot functions, the cognitive
      stimulation programme earned the highest proportion of positive responses,
      followed by the safeguarding functions, fall detection and the automatic help
      call. 

PMID- 25133769
TI  - Matching AIDS and tuberculosis registry data to identify AIDS/tuberculosis
      comorbidity cases in California.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and positive predictive
      value (PPV) of a registry data linkage procedure used in the California AIDS and
      Tuberculosis (TB) Registry Data Linkage Study to identify AIDS/TB comorbidity
      cases in California. The California AIDS registry data from 1981 to 2006 were
      linked to the California TB registry data from 1996 to 2006 using LinkPlus, a
      probabilistic record linkage program developed by the Centers for Disease Control
      and Prevention, and matched results were manually reviewed to determine true or
      false matches. We estimated the sensitivity of this procedure to range from 98.0
      per cent (95% confidence interval, CI: 97.3%, 98.7%) to 98.8 per cent (95% CI:
      98.1%, 99.2%), and the PPV to be 100 per cent (95% CI: 96.8%, 100.0%). Our study
      demonstrated the feasibility of using this linkage procedure to match AIDS and TB
      registry data with a very high degree of accuracy. 

PMID- 25133770
TI  - Electronic patient records in action: Transforming information into
      professionally relevant knowledge.
AB  - The implementation of generic models for organizing information in complex
      institutions like those in healthcare creates a gap between standardization and
      the need for locally relevant knowledge. The present study addresses how this gap
      can be bridged by focusing on the practical work of healthcare staff in
      transforming information in EPRs into knowledge that is useful for everyday work.
      Video recording of shift handovers on a rehabilitation ward serves as the
      empirical case. The results show how extensive selections and reorganizations of
      information in EPRs are carried out in order to transform information into
      professionally relevant accounts. We argue that knowledge about the institutional
      obligations and professional ways of construing information are fundamental for
      these transitions. The findings point to the need to consider the role of
      professional knowledge inherent in unpacking information in efforts to develop
      information systems intended to bridge between institutional and professional
      boundaries in healthcare. 

PMID- 25133771
TI  - Personal health records: Consumer attitudes toward privacy and security of their
      personal health information.
AB  - Personal health record (PHR) systems are a subject of intense interest in the
      move to improve healthcare accessibility and quality. Although a number of
      vendors continue to put forward PHR systems, user-centered design research has
      lagged, and it has not been clear what features are important to prospective PHR
      users. Here, we report on a user-centered design study that combines qualitative
      and quantitative approaches to investigate several dimensions relevant to PHR
      design, and to look at the effect of health status on user needs. The results
      indicate that health status, especially disability and chronic illness, is
      relevant to PHR design. Further, the results provide empirical evidence about the
      role of privacy and security in users' attitudes toward PHR use. The exact nature
      of these attitudes differs from widely held perceptions about consumer values in
      healthcare information management. 

PMID- 25133772
TI  - Maximizing acceptability and usefulness of an automated telephone intervention:
      Lessons from a developmental mixed-methods approach.
AB  - The objective was to describe the utility of mixed methods to inform the
      development of an automated telephone intervention to improve patients'
      compliance with asthma medication. As part of intervention development for a
      larger trial, we conducted 15 focus groups (n = 53) to design and develop calls,
      and to identify factors influencing intervention acceptability and usefulness. We
      piloted four call types and interviewed 64 participants to further improve call
      content and receptivity to the intervention. Feedback led to several changes to
      the intervention scripts and eventual calls, and an initial pilot led us to drop
      one of the calls. During the pilot, we reached 43 percent of target participants;
      74 percent of those stayed on the call until it ended. This process provided key
      insights about automated calls, and may have broader applicability for the
      development of automated interventions designed to help patients manage a variety
      of chronic conditions. 

PMID- 25133774
TI  - Genome-wide characterization of insertion and deletion variation in chicken using
      next generation sequencing.
AB  - Insertion and deletion (INDEL) is one of the main events contributing to genetic
      and phenotypic diversity, which receives less attention than SNP and large
      structural variation. To gain a better knowledge of INDEL variation in chicken
      genome, we applied next generation sequencing on 12 diverse chicken breeds at an
      average effective depth of 8.6. Over 1.3 million non-redundant short INDELs (1-49
      bp) were obtained, the vast majority (92.48%) of which were novel. Follow-up
      validation assays confirmed that most (88.00%) of the randomly selected INDELs
      represent true variations. The majority (95.76%) of INDELs were less than 10 bp.
      Both the detected number and affected bases were larger for deletions than
      insertions. In total, INDELs covered 3.8 Mbp, corresponding to 0.36% of the
      chicken genome. The average genomic INDEL density was estimated as 0.49 per kb.
      INDELs were ubiquitous and distributed in a non-uniform fashion across
      chromosomes, with lower INDEL density in micro-chromosomes than in others, and
      some functional regions like exons and UTRs were prone to less INDELs than
      introns and intergenic regions. Nearly 620,253 INDELs fell in genic regions,
      1,765 (0.28%) of which located in exons, spanning 1,358 (7.56%) unique Ensembl
      genes. Many of them are associated with economically important traits and some
      are the homologues of human disease-related genes. We demonstrate that sequencing
      multiple individuals at a medium depth offers a promising way for reliable
      identification of INDELs. The coding INDELs are valuable candidates for further
      elucidation of the association between genotypes and phenotypes. The chicken
      INDELs revealed by our study can be useful for future studies, including
      development of INDEL markers, construction of high density linkage map, INDEL
      arrays design, and hopefully, molecular breeding programs in chicken. 

PMID- 25133775
TI  - Sirt1 and Sirt6 mediate beneficial effects of rosiglitazone on hepatic lipid
      accumulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sirtuin (Sirt), a sensor of the cell metabolic state, regulates
      glucose and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to address whether
      rosiglitazone (RGZ) alters hepatic Sirt1 and whether Sirt1 and/or Sirt6 have a
      regulatory role in the protective effects of RGZ on hepatocyte steatosis.
      METHODS: To investigate the effect of RGZ on hepatic Sirt1, rats were
      administered with RGZ for 6 weeks. The involvement of Sirt1/6 in the RGZ-mediated
      effect against hepatic steatosis was evaluated by single or double knockdown of
      Sirt1 and Sirt6 in a hepatocyte steatosis model. RESULTS: RGZ in vivo increased
      Sirt1 expression and its activity in rat livers. In a hepatocyte steatosis model,
      RGZ significantly reduced lipid accumulation and activated the Sirt1/6-LKB1-AMPK
      pathway. Sirt1 knockdown abolished the effects of RGZ with regard to hepatocyte
      fat accumulation and the Sirt1/6-LKB1-AMPK pathway, suggesting that Sirt1 is a
      key regulator of RGZ-mediated metabolic processes. Sirt6 knockdown inhibited the
      protective effects of RGZ to a lesser extent than Sirt1, and double knockdown of
      Sirt1/6 showed no synergistic effects. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that
      Sirt1/6 are involved in the RGZ-mediated effects on hepatocyte steatosis, and the
      regulatory effects of Sirt1 and Sirt6 are not synergistic but compensatory for
      improving hepatocyte steatosis.

PMID- 25133776
TI  - Silver-catalyzed domino hydroarylation/cycloisomerization reactions of ortho
      alkynylbenzaldehydes: an entry to functionalized isochromene derivatives.
AB  - A Ag-catalyzed versatile and efficient access to 1H,1-arylisochromenes is
      reported. Starting from ortho-alkynylbenzaldehydes bearing various substitution
      patterns on the benzaldehyde and alkynyl units, the use of silver triflate (10
      mol %) allowed a domino hydroarylation/cycloisomerization reaction process,
      leading to aryl-functionalized 1H-isochromene (>10 compounds, 80-98% yields).
      Notably, the reaction conditions were also compatible with benzaldehydes bearing
      an aliphatic-substituted alkynyl moiety with modest to good yields (34-88%, 10
      compounds). 

PMID- 25133778
TI  - Adaptive evolution and divergence of SERPINB3: a young duplicate in great Apes.
AB  - A series of duplication events led to an expansion of clade B Serine Protease
      Inhibitors (SERPIN), currently displaying a large repertoire of functions in
      vertebrates. Accordingly, the recent duplicates SERPINB3 and B4 located in human
      18q21.3 SERPIN cluster control the activity of different cysteine and serine
      proteases, respectively. Here, we aim to assess SERPINB3 and B4 coevolution with
      their target proteases in order to understand the evolutionary forces shaping the
      accelerated divergence of these duplicates. Phylogenetic analysis of primate
      sequences placed the duplication event in a Hominoidae ancestor (~30 Mya) and the
      emergence of SERPINB3 in Homininae (~9 Mya). We detected evidence of strong
      positive selection throughout SERPINB4/B3 primate tree and target proteases,
      cathepsin L2 (CTSL2) and G (CTSG) and chymase (CMA1). Specifically, in the
      Homininae clade a perfect match was observed between the adaptive evolution of
      SERPINB3 and cathepsin S (CTSS) and most of sites under positive selection were
      located at the inhibitor/protease interface. Altogether our results seem to
      favour a coevolution hypothesis for SERPINB3, CTSS and CTSL2 and for SERPINB4 and
      CTSG and CMA1. A scenario of an accelerated evolution driven by host-pathogen
      interactions is also possible since SERPINB3/B4 are potent inhibitors of
      exogenous proteases, released by infectious agents. Finally, similar patterns of
      expression and the sharing of many regulatory motifs suggest neofunctionalization
      as the best fitted model of the functional divergence of SERPINB3 and B4
      duplicates. 

PMID- 25133777
TI  - HPLC-MS/MS analyses show that the near-Starchless aps1 and pgm leaves accumulate
      wild type levels of ADPglucose: further evidence for the occurrence of important
      ADPglucose biosynthetic pathway(s) alternative to the pPGI-pPGM-AGP pathway.
AB  - In leaves, it is widely assumed that starch is the end-product of a metabolic
      pathway exclusively taking place in the chloroplast that (a) involves plastidic
      phosphoglucomutase (pPGM), ADPglucose (ADPG) pyrophosphorylase (AGP) and starch
      synthase (SS), and (b) is linked to the Calvin-Benson cycle by means of the
      plastidic phosphoglucose isomerase (pPGI). This view also implies that AGP is the
      sole enzyme producing the starch precursor molecule, ADPG. However, mounting
      evidence has been compiled pointing to the occurrence of important sources, other
      than the pPGI-pPGM-AGP pathway, of ADPG. To further explore this possibility, in
      this work two independent laboratories have carried out HPLC-MS/MS analyses of
      ADPG content in leaves of the near-starchless pgm and aps1 mutants impaired in
      pPGM and AGP, respectively, and in leaves of double aps1/pgm mutants grown under
      two different culture conditions. We also measured the ADPG content in wild type
      (WT) and aps1 leaves expressing in the plastid two different ADPG cleaving
      enzymes, and in aps1 leaves expressing in the plastid GlgC, a bacterial AGP.
      Furthermore, we measured the ADPG content in ss3/ss4/aps1 mutants impaired in
      starch granule initiation and chloroplastic ADPG synthesis. We found that,
      irrespective of their starch contents, pgm and aps1 leaves, WT and aps1 leaves
      expressing in the plastid ADPG cleaving enzymes, and aps1 leaves expressing in
      the plastid GlgC accumulate WT ADPG content. In clear contrast, ss3/ss4/aps1
      leaves accumulated ca. 300 fold-more ADPG than WT leaves. The overall data showed
      that, in Arabidopsis leaves, (a) there are important ADPG biosynthetic pathways,
      other than the pPGI-pPGM-AGP pathway, (b) pPGM and AGP are not major determinants
      of intracellular ADPG content, and (c) the contribution of the chloroplastic ADPG
      pool to the total ADPG pool is low. 

PMID- 25133779
TI  - Changes in gastric and lung microflora with acid suppression: acid suppression
      and bacterial growth.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The use of acid suppression has been associated with an increased
      risk of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in the outpatient setting
      but the mechanism behind this increased risk is unknown. We hypothesize that this
      infection risk results from gastric bacterial overgrowth with subsequent seeding
      of the lungs. OBJECTIVES: To determine if acid-suppression use results in gastric
      bacterial overgrowth, if there are changes in lung microflora associated with the
      use of acid suppression, and if changes in lung microflora are related to full
      column nonacid gastroesophageal reflux. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A 5
      year prospective cohort study at a tertiary care center where children ages 1 to
      18 years were undergoing bronchoscopy and endoscopy for the evaluation of chronic
      cough. Acid-suppression use was assessed through questionnaires with confirmation
      using an electronic medical record review. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Our
      primary outcome was to compare differences in concentration and prevalence of
      gastric and lung bacteria between patients who were and were not receiving acid
      suppression therapy. We compared medians using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and
      determined prevalence ratios using asymptotic standard errors and 95% confidence
      intervals. We determined correlations between continuous variables using Pearson
      correlation coefficients and compared categorical variables using the Fisher
      exact test. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of patients taking acid-suppression
      medication had gastric bacterial growth compared with 18% of untreated patients
      (P = .003). Staphylococcus (prevalence ratio, 12.75 [95% CI, 1.72-94.36]),
      Streptococcus (prevalence ratio, 6.91 [95% CI, 1.64-29.02]), Veillonella
      (prevalence ratio, 9.56 [95% CI, 1.26-72.67]), Dermabacter (prevalence ratio,
      4.78 [95% CI, 1.09-21.02]), and Rothia (prevalence ratio, 6.38 [95% CI, 1.50
      27.02]) were found more commonly in the gastric fluid of treated patients. The
      median bacterial concentration was higher in treated patients than in untreated
      patients (P = .001). There was no difference in the prevalence (P > .23) of
      different bacterial genera or the median concentration of total bacteria (P =
      .85) in the lungs between treated and untreated patients. There were significant
      positive correlations between proximal nonacid reflux burden and lung
      concentrations of Bacillus (r = 0.47, P = .005), Dermabacter (r = 0.37, P =
      .008), Lactobacillus (r = 0.45, P = .001), Peptostreptococcus (r = 0.37, P =
      .008), and Capnocytophagia (r = 0.37, P = .008). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Acid
      suppression use results in gastric bacterial overgrowth of genera including
      Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Full-column nonacid reflux is associated with
      greater concentrations of bacteria in the lung. Additional studies are needed to
      determine if acid suppression-related microflora changes predict clinical
      infection risk; these results suggest that acid suppression use may need to be
      limited in patients at risk for infections.

PMID- 25133781
TI  - Programmable resistive-switch nanowire transistor logic circuits.
AB  - Programmable logic arrays (PLA) constitute a promising architecture for
      developing increasingly complex and functional circuits through nanocomputers
      from nanoscale building blocks. Here we report a novel one-dimensional PLA
      element that incorporates resistive switch gate structures on a semiconductor
      nanowire and show that multiple elements can be integrated to realize functional
      PLAs. In our PLA element, the gate coupling to the nanowire transistor can be
      modulated by the memory state of the resistive switch to yield programmable
      active (transistor) or inactive (resistor) states within a well-defined logic
      window. Multiple PLA nanowire elements were integrated and programmed to yield a
      working 2-to-4 demultiplexer with long-term retention. The well-defined,
      controllable logic window and long-term retention of our new one-dimensional PLA
      element provide a promising route for building increasingly complex circuits with
      nanoscale building blocks. 

PMID- 25133780
TI  - Rearing in seawater mesocosms improves the spawning performance of growth hormone
      transgenic and wild-type coho salmon.
AB  - Growth hormone (GH) transgenes can significantly accelerate growth rates in fish
      and cause associated alterations to their physiology and behaviour. Concern
      exists regarding potential environmental risks of GH transgenic fish, should they
      enter natural ecosystems. In particular, whether they can reproduce and generate
      viable offspring under natural conditions is poorly understood. In previous
      studies, GH transgenic salmon grown under contained culture conditions had lower
      spawning behaviour and reproductive success relative to wild-type fish reared in
      nature. However, wild-type salmon cultured in equal conditions also had limited
      reproductive success. As such, whether decreased reproductive success of GH
      transgenic salmon is due to the action of the transgene or to secondary effects
      of culture (or a combination) has not been fully ascertained. Hence, salmon were
      reared in large (350,000 L), semi-natural, seawater tanks (termed mesocosms)
      designed to minimize effects of standard laboratory culture conditions, and the
      reproductive success of wild-type and GH transgenic coho salmon from mesocosms
      were compared with that of wild-type fish from nature. Mesocosm rearing partially
      restored spawning behaviour and success of wild-type fish relative to culture
      rearing, but remained lower overall than those reared in nature. GH transgenic
      salmon reared in the mesocosm had similar spawning behaviour and success as wild
      type fish reared in the mesocosm when in full competition and without
      competition, but had lower success in male-only competition experiments. There
      was evidence of genotype*environmental interactions on spawning success, so that
      spawning success of transgenic fish, should they escape to natural systems in
      early life, cannot be predicted with low uncertainty. Under the present
      conditions, we found no evidence to support enhanced mating capabilities of GH
      transgenic coho salmon compared to wild-type salmon. However, it is clear that GH
      transgenic salmon are capable of successful spawning, and can reproduce with wild
      type fish from natural systems. 

PMID- 25133782
TI  - Stimuli-sensitive breathing of Cucurbit[7]uril cavity: monitoring through the
      environment responsive fluorescence of 1'-hydroxy-2'-acetonaphthone (HAN).
AB  - In this work, we have focused on the supramolecular interactions of a water
      soluble host Cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) with an excited state intramolecular proton
      transfer (ESIPT) probe 1'-hydroxy-2'-acetonaphthone (HAN) through steady-state
      and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. In water HAN is almost
      nonfluorescent in nature with a very low fluorescence quantum yield (Phi =
      0.009). With gradual addition of CB[7] absorption maximum of HAN is red-shifted
      (292 cm(-1)) and hence confirming the formation of an inclusion complex in the
      ground state between HAN and CB[7]. Due to this complexation CB[7] offers a
      hydrophobic microenvironment to the HAN which is completely different from that
      of homogeneous water. Upon encapsulation into the nanocavity of CB[7], HAN
      exhibits a 20-fold increase in fluorescence intensity along with a 36 nm (1618
      cm(-1)) hypsochromic shift in emission maxima. This hypsochromic shift is an
      indication about the modulation of excited state photophysical behavior of HAN
      due to the formation of HAN-CB[7] inclusion complex. Moreover, huge partition
      coefficient of HAN from water to CB[7] along with a~ 12-fold increase in
      fluorescence lifetime confirm the favorable interaction between HAN and CB[7]. We
      have also observed the stimuli-sensitive (temperature and cationic stimuli)
      breathing of CB[7] cavity i.e., in the presence of different additives the
      portals of CB[7] open up to release HAN in water and take up the additives. Time
      resolved anisotropy measurements further indicate about the probable location of
      HAN inside the CB[7]. The observation of a 1.7 ns component in the presence of
      CB[7] signifies the highly restricted rotational motion of HAN inside the cavity
      of CB[7] corroborates our finding. 

PMID- 25133783
TI  - Clinical exome sequencing: the new standard in genetic diagnosis.

PMID- 25133784
TI  - Diffusion and seed shape: intertwined parameters in the synthesis of branched
      metal nanostructures.
AB  - Branched nanocrystals display interesting optical and catalytic properties on
      account of their high surface areas and tips with small radii of curvatures.
      However, many synthetic routes toward branched nanocrystals result in
      inhomogeneous samples on account of asymmetric branching. Seed-mediated
      coreduction is a recently developed route to symmetrically branched nanocrystals
      where the symmetry of the seeds is transferred to the final stellated
      morphologies. Here, general guidelines to stellated nanocrystals are outlined by
      surveying coreduction of Au and Pd precursors in the presence of a variety of
      shape-controlled Au seeds to achieve Au/Pd nanostructures. Single-crystalline,
      twinned, and anisotropic seeds were analyzed to expand the classes of stellated
      nanostructures synthetically accessible. Significantly, single-crystalline Au
      seeds adopt {100}-terminated intermediates prior to branching, regardless of
      initial seed shape. We compared these results with those obtained with shape
      controlled Pd seeds, and seed composition was identified as an important
      synthetic parameter, with Pd seeds being more resistant to shape changes during
      overgrowth. This difference is attributed to the greater diffusion rate of Au
      atoms on Au seeds compared to Au atoms on Pd seeds. These results provide
      guidelines for the seeded synthesis of symmetrically branched nanocrystals and
      architecturally defined bimetallic nanostructures in general. 

PMID- 25133785
TI  - Characteristics and survival to discharge of patients with STEMI between a PPCI
      capable hospital and a non-PPCI hospital: a prospective observational study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is a key
      therapeutic method in the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI). We studied the characteristics and survival to discharge in STEMI
      patients who presented in a PPCI-capable hospital and a non-PPCI hospital.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study included 240
      consecutive patients. One basic questionnaire was distributed along with an
      explanatory letter to the participants, who were followed until discharge from
      the hospital or death. RESULTS: Of the 240 patients, 234 (97.5%) survived to
      hospital discharge. Only 6 (5%) patients who were initially presented to a non
      PPCI hospital died after inter-facility transfer. Also, 36 (92.3%) of the 39
      patients with an intervening time of over 90 min were admitted initially in a non
      PPCI hospital. Although there was a statistically significant correlation between
      the type of the hospital and the delay from the onset of symptoms to PPCI
      (P=0.001), such correlation was not found between the delay PPCI and the outcome
      of the patients (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with STEMI may be transferred to a
      non-PPCI hospital due to the lack of prehospital triage. However, prompt inter
      facility transfer results in good outcome.

PMID- 25133786
TI  - Potential determinants of drink driving in young adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The main purposes of this study were to examine the usefulness of the
      variables of the theory of planned behavior (viz. attitudes, social norms, and
      self-efficacy) and to explore the relationship between optimism bias and drink
      driving in young adults. In addition, we explored gender differences in drink
      driving with provision for the effect of variables such as driving frequency and
      alcohol consumption. METHODS: Data were collected via a questionnaire
      administered to 274 drivers (59.9% females) aged 18-30 years (24.36 +/- 2.96).
      RESULTS: The results obtained with provision for driving frequency revealed
      substantial differences in driving behaviors between genders. Thus, males were
      more prone to drink driving, perceived less disapproval by their significant
      others (parents and peers), and felt less able to avoid drinking-and-driving
      situations. In addition, they self-reported more frequent alcohol consumption and
      driving under the influence. The results also confirm the significance of peers'
      subjective norms and attitudes to drink driving in males. Overconfidence in their
      own driving skills for driving drunk and perceived behavioral control were found
      to be significant predictors for drink driving in females. Optimism bias also
      played a slightly significant role in predicting drink driving but only in
      females. CONCLUSIONS: The important practical implications of these results with
      a view to designing effective interventions to prevent the risks associated with
      drink driving in the young population are discussed. Interventions should focus
      on young people's perceptions of group norms and promoting cautionary driving
      choices and alternatives to drink driving.

PMID- 25133789
TI  - Influence of metal of the applicator on the dose distribution during
      brachytherapy.
AB  - This study explores how the metal materials of the applicator influence the dose
      distribution when performing brachytherapy for cervical cancer. A pinpoint
      ionization chamber, Monte Carlo code MCNPX, and treatment planning system are
      used to evaluate the dose distribution for a single Ir-192 source positioned in
      the tandem and ovoid. For dose distribution in water with the presence of the
      tandem, differences among measurement, MCNPX calculation and treatment planning
      system results are <5%. For dose distribution in water with the presence of the
      ovoid, the MCNPX result agrees with the measurement. But the doses calculated
      from treatment planning system are overestimated by up to a factor of 4. This is
      due to the shielding effect of the metal materials in the applicator not being
      considered in the treatment planning system. This result suggests that the
      treatment planning system should take into account corrections for the metal
      materials of the applicator in order to improve the accuracy of the radiation
      dose delivered. 

PMID- 25133787
TI  - Development of a nuclear transformation system for Oleaginous Green Alga
      Lobosphaera (Parietochloris) incisa and genetic complementation of a mutant
      strain, deficient in arachidonic acid biosynthesis.
AB  - Microalgae are considered a promising source for various high value products,
      such as carotenoids, omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The
      unicellular green alga Lobosphaera (Parietochloris) incisa is an outstanding
      candidate for the efficient phototrophic production of arachidonic acid (AA), an
      essential omega-6 PUFA for infant brain development and a widely used ingredient
      in the baby formula industry. Although phototrophic production of such algal
      products has not yet been established, estimated costs are considered to be 2-5
      times higher than competing heterotrophic production costs. This alga accumulates
      unprecedented amounts of AA within triacylglycerols and the molecular pathway of
      AA biosynthesis in L. incisa has been previously elucidated. Thus, progress in
      transformation and metabolic engineering of this high value alga could be
      exploited for increasing the efficient production of AA at competitive prices. We
      describe here the first successful transformation of L. incisa using the ble gene
      as a selection marker, under the control of the endogenous RBCS promoter.
      Furthermore, we have succeeded in the functional complementation of the L. incisa
      mutant strain P127, containing a mutated, inactive version of the delta-5
      (Delta5) fatty acid desaturase gene. A copy of the functional Delta5 desaturase
      gene, linked to the ble selection marker, was transformed into the P127 mutant.
      The resulting transformants selected for zeocine resistant, had AA biosynthesis
      partially restored, indicating the functional complementation of the mutant
      strain with the wild-type gene. The results of this study present a platform for
      the successful genetic engineering of L. incisa and its long-chain PUFA
      metabolism. 

PMID- 25133790
TI  - Exposure to anticholinergic and sedative drugs, risk of falls, and mortality: an
      elderly inpatient, multicenter cohort.
AB  - This study aimed to assess whether exposure to anticholinergic and sedative
      medications and its evolution was associated with increased risk of in-hospital
      falls and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, results were compared with 2
      definitions of drug burden index (DBI) against the outcomes.This observational,
      multicentric, and longitudinal study was conducted among patients aged 65 years
      or older, in 3 geriatric hospitals, in Francheville, Lyon, and Villeurbanne,
      France (duration of follow-up, 11.6 months). The exposure to anticholinergic and
      sedative medications was quantified using a DBI, at admission and at the end of
      observation for 337 patients. The evolution of exposure was the absolute
      difference between the index at admission and at the end of observation. The
      outcomes were in-hospital falls and all-cause mortality.Overall, 5.9% of patients
      experienced a fall. The risk of fall was nearly 3-fold in patients whose DBI
      increased during hospital stay compared to those with stable or decreased DBI
      (hazard ratio, 2.9 [1.14-7.12]; P = 0.03), after adjustment for comorbidities.The
      overall proportion of mortality was 6.5%. The evolution of DBI during hospital
      stay was not related to the risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 1.9 [0.8-4.4]; P =
      0.14). Results were similar with the 2 definitions of DBI.Increased exposure to
      anticholinergic and sedative medications during hospital stay is associated with
      a higher risk of in-hospital falls but not with mortality. The DBI could be
      implemented in hospital, to guide prescription and reduce anticholinergic and
      sedative drug exposure. 

PMID- 25133791
TI  - Lactulose-associated lithium toxicity: a case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lactulose is commonly used for constipation and hepatic
      encephalopathy. Its adverse effects of dehydration and serum electrolyte
      imbalances are widely known. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe a case
      series of 3 patients receiving lactulose who developed lithium toxicity. METHODS:
      The authors described a case series of 3 patients admitted to a large county
      psychiatric hospital who developed lithium toxicity while taking lactulose for
      constipation or hyperammonemia. RESULTS: In all 3 cases of lithium toxicity, the
      patients were prescribed with lithium for acute mania and lactulose for
      constipation or hyperammonemia. One case required the patient to be transferred
      to a local emergency department for further treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This case
      series shows the interaction between lithium and lactulose. It is postulated that
      lactulose's effects of volume depletion can lead to poor renal excretion of
      lithium.

PMID- 25133792
TI  - Influence of acoustic stimulation on the circadian and ultradian rhythm of
      premature infants.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the development of the circadian
      rhythm of the salivary cortisol in premature infants and its correlation with the
      onset of the sleep-activity behavior pattern during the first 3 weeks of life
      under controlled light:dark conditions. Furthermore, we investigated the
      influence of acoustic stimulation by audiotaped lullabies or the maternal voice
      on the cortisol values and long-term sleep-activity patterns. The study was a
      block-randomized, prospective clinical trial with a study population of 62
      preterm neonates (30<37 gestational age). We compared two study groups who
      listened either to music or to the maternal voice (music: N=20; maternal voice:
      N=20) with a matched control group (N=22). The acoustic stimulation took place
      every evening between 20:00 and 21:00 h for 30 min over a period of 2 weeks. The
      cortisol values and activity-rest behavior of the neonates were determined during
      the first 3 weeks of life on the 1st, 7th and 14th day. Actigraphic monitoring
      was used to record the activity pattern continuously over 24 h and a validated
      algorithm for neonates was used to estimate sleep and wakefulness. The saliva
      samples were obtained 10 min before and 10 min after the acoustic interventions
      for the study groups. Additionally, saliva samples were obtained from the control
      group seven times over a 24-h period (20:00, 21:00, 01:00, 05:00, 08:00, 13:00
      and 17:00 h). The cortisol data were analyzed by fast Fourier transformation to
      assess periodic characteristics and frequencies. Hierarchical linear modeling was
      further performed for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The cortisol rhythm
      analysis indicated a circadian rhythm pattern for only one premature infant, all
      others of the neonates showed no circadian or ultradian rhythm in cortisol.
      Cortisol level of the premature neonates was significantly higher during the
      first day of the study period at night-time (median: 17.1 nmol/L, IQR=9.7-24.4
      nmol/L) than on days 7 (median: 9.6 nmol/L, IQR=4.7-14.6 nmol/L; Tukey-HSD,
      z=4.12, p<0.001) and 14 (IQR=5.8-13.7 nmol/L; Tukey-HSD, z=2.89, p<0.05). No
      significant effect of acoustic stimulation was observed on the cortisol
      concentration and sleep-wake behavior. The activity-sleep rhythm of preterm
      neonates was dominated by ultradian rhythm patterns with a prominent period
      length of 4 h (30.5%). Activity frequencies of neonates were also significantly
      higher overnight on the first study day (mean: 329+/-185.1 U) than of night seven
      (mean: 260.2+/-132.4 U; Tukey-HSD, z=2.50, p<0.05). Quiet-activity patterns
      increased, whereas high-activity patterns decreased during the observation
      period. Average sleep time increased significantly during the study time from day
      1 to day 7 (Tukey-HSD, z=2.51, p<0.05). In conclusion, premature infants showed
      higher cortisol levels - without a circadian rhythmicity - and higher activity
      frequencies in the first days after birth which may reflect an adaptation process
      of neonates after birth. Cortisol concentrations and the activity patterns were
      not influenced by music interventions.

PMID- 25133794
TI  - Effects of fenofibric acid on diabetic macular edema: the MacuFen study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fenofibrate reduced progression of diabetic retinopathy in two large
      randomized studies. The effect of 135 mg fenofibric acid on diabetic macular
      edema (DME) was evaluated in subjects with existing DME. METHODS: In this double
      blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 110 subjects with DME not requiring
      immediate photocoagulation or intraocular treatment with adequate diabetes and
      blood pressure control received either fenofibric acid or placebo once daily for
      1 year. Total macula volume (TMV) and thickness were measured in the worse eye
      and all eligible eyes with time-domain optical coherence tomography at baseline
      and quarterly thereafter. RESULTS: TMV decreased by -0.35 mm(3) (within-group
      difference) after fenofibric acid treatment and by -0.11 mm(3) after placebo. The
      between-group comparison of the change was -0.25 mm(3) (95% confidence interval,
      CI, -0.645-0.155; p = 0.227, worse eye analysis). Weighted inner zone thickness
      and volume decreased by -18.7 um and -0.13 mm(3), respectively, for within group
      difference after fenofibric acid and by -3.1 um and -0.02 mm(3), respectively,
      after placebo. Considering all eligible eyes, thicknesses at central zone, mean
      inner zone, and entire retina decreased by -21.3 um, -19.8 um, and -20.4 um,
      respectively, after fenofibric acid. No between-group difference in changes of
      these measurements was observed. Triglycerides decreased by 23% after fenofibric
      acid (vs 4% after placebo, p = 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      increased by 8% (vs 0.3%, p = 0.014). No safety concern was identified.
      CONCLUSION: Subjects treated with fenofibric acid had a modest improvement in
      TMV, although the study was probably underpowered to detect a benefit over
      placebo after 1 year.

PMID- 25133796
TI  - Application of rapid computer modeling in the analysis of the stabilization
      method in intraoperative femoral bone shaft fracture during revision hip
      arthroplasty - a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fractures of the femoral bone shaft during and after hip arthroplasty
      are a serious clinical problem. CASE REPORT: The paper presents the use of rapid
      computer modeling FEM 2D to optimize the stabilization of femoral shaft fracture
      in case of hip revision arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Using the FEM modeling may be
      helpful for planning and assessment of orthopaedic treatment in similar cases.

PMID- 25133797
TI  - Isolated fracture of the hip stem prosthesis made of austenitic steel - a
      literature review.
AB  - Proper design and functioning of the hip joint ensure smooth motion over the full
      range in multiple planes. Any change in this arrangement may lead to joint
      damage, causing deformation, pain and loss of functionality. Hip replacement is a
      procedure intended to replace the damaged articular surfaces and replacing them
      with artificial components. However, as any surgical intervention, it carries the
      risk of serious complications. One of them are isolated stem fractures,
      consisting of breaking the implant inside the intramedullary canal without
      damaging the surrounding tissue. This article contains a review of the literature
      data concerning the clinical cases of isolated fractures of hip endoprosthesis
      stems made of austenitic stainless steel. Although stem fractures are one of the
      rarest complications of implantation, the lack of clear description of the causes
      of this phenomenon in the literature makes it worthwhile to take up on the
      subject.

PMID- 25133793
TI  - Regenerative medicine for the heart: perspectives on stem-cell therapy.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Despite decades of progress in cardiovascular biology and medicine,
      heart disease remains the leading cause of death, and there is no cure for the
      failing heart. Since heart failure is mostly caused by loss or dysfunction of
      cardiomyocytes (CMs), replacing dead or damaged CMs with new CMs might be an
      ideal way to reverse the disease. However, the adult heart is composed mainly of
      terminally differentiated CMs that have no significant self-regeneration
      capacity. RECENT ADVANCES: Stem cells have tremendous regenerative potential and,
      thus, current cardiac regenerative research has focused on developing stem cell
      sources to repair damaged myocardium. CRITICAL ISSUES: In this review, we examine
      the potential sources of cells that could be used for heart therapies, including
      embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as alternative
      methods for activating the endogenous regenerative mechanisms of the heart via
      transdifferentiation and cell reprogramming. We also discuss the current state of
      knowledge of cell purification, delivery, and retention. FUTURE DIRECTIONS:
      Efforts are underway to improve the current stem cell strategies and
      methodologies, which will accelerate the development of innovative stem-cell
      therapies for heart regeneration.

PMID- 25133798
TI  - A long-term macroecological analysis of the recovery of a waterbird metacommunity
      after site protection.
AB  - We used the so called "land-bridge island" or "nested-subsets" theory to test the
      resilience of a highly fragmented and perturbated waterbird metacommunity, after
      legal protection of 18 wetlands in the western Mediterranean. Sites were
      monitored during 28 years and two seasons per year. The metacommunity was
      composed by 44 species during breeding and 67 species during wintering, including
      shorebirds, ducks, herons, gulls and divers (Podicipedidae). We identified a
      strong nested pattern. Consistent with the fact that the study system was to a
      large extent a spatial biogeographical continuous for thousands of years,
      fragmented only during the last centuries due to human activities. Non-random
      selective extinction was the most likely historical process creating the nested
      pattern, operated by the differential carrying capacity (surface-area) of the
      remaining sites. We also found a positive temporal trend in nestedness and a
      decreasing trend in species turnover among sites (beta-diversity), indicating
      that sites are increasingly more alike to each other (i.e. increased biotic
      homogenization). This decreasing trend in beta-diversity was explained by an
      increasing trend in local (alpha) diversity by range expansion of half the study
      species. Regional (gamma) diversity also increased over time, indicating that
      colonization from outside the study system also occurred. Overall our results
      suggest that the study metacommunity is recovering from historical anthropogenic
      perturbations, showing a high long-term resilience, as expected for highly vagile
      waterbirds. However, not all waterbird groups contributed equally to the
      recovery, with most breeding shorebird species and most wintering duck species
      showing no geographical expansion. 

PMID- 25133799
TI  - Improving facility performance in infectious disease care in Uganda: a mixed
      design study with pre/post and cluster randomized trial components.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of two interventions, Integrated Management of Infectious
      Disease (IMID) training program and On-Site Support (OSS), were tested on 23
      facility performance indicators for emergency triage assessment and treatment
      (ETAT), malaria, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and HIV. METHODS: The trial was
      implemented in 36 primary care facilities in Uganda. From April 2010, two mid
      level practitioners per facility participated in IMID training. Eighteen of 36
      facilities were randomly assigned to Arm A, and received OSS in 2010 (nine
      monthly two-day sessions); 18 facilities assigned to Arm B did not receive OSS in
      2010. Data were collected from Nov 2009 to Dec 2010 using a revised Ministry of
      Health outpatient medical form and nine registers. We analyzed the effect of IMID
      training alone by measuring changes before and during IMID training in Arm B, the
      combined effect of IMID training and OSS by measuring changes in Arm A, and the
      incremental effect of OSS by comparing changes across Arms A and B. RESULTS: IMID
      training was associated with statistically significant improvement in three
      indicators: outpatients triaged (adjusted relative risks (aRR) = 1.29, 99%CI =
      1.01,1.64), emergency and priority patients admitted, detained, or referred (aRR
      = 1.59, 99%CI = 1.04,2.44), and pneumonia suspects assessed (aRR = 2.31, 99%CI =
      1.50,3.55). IMID training and OSS combined was associated with improvements in
      six indicators: three ETAT indicators (outpatients triaged (aRR = 2.03, 99%CI =
      1.13,3.64), emergency and priority patients admitted, detained or referred (aRR =
      3.03, 99%CI = 1.40,6.56), and emergency patients receiving at least one
      appropriate treatment (aRR = 1.77, 99%CI = 1.10,2.84)); two malaria indicators
      (malaria cases receiving appropriate antimalarial (aRR = 1.50, 99%CI =
      1.04,2.17), and patients with negative malaria test results prescribed
      antimalarial (aRR = 0.67, 99%CI = 0.46,0.97)); and enrollment in HIV care (aRR =
      1.58, 99%CI = 1.32,1.89). OSS was associated with incremental improvement in
      emergency patients receiving at least one appropriate treatment (adjusted ratio
      of RR = 1.84,99%CI = 1.09,3.12). CONCLUSION: The trial showed that the OSS
      intervention significantly improved performance in one of 23 facility indicators.

PMID- 25133800
TI  - Evaluation of exome sequencing to estimate tumor burden in plasma.
AB  - Accurate estimation of systemic tumor load from the blood of cancer patients has
      enormous potential. One avenue is to measure the presence of cell-free
      circulating tumor DNA in plasma. Various approaches have been investigated,
      predominantly covering hotspot mutations or customized, patient-specific assays.
      Therefore, we investigated the utility of using exome sequencing to monitor
      circulating tumor DNA levels through the detection of single nucleotide variants
      in plasma. Two technologies, claiming to offer efficient library preparation from
      nanogram levels of DNA, were evaluated. This allowed us to estimate the
      proportion of starting molecules measurable by sequence capture (<5%). As cell
      free DNA is highly fragmented, we designed and provide software for efficient
      identification of PCR duplicates in single-end libraries with a varying size
      distribution. On average, this improved sequence coverage by 38% in comparison to
      standard tools. By exploiting the redundant information in PCR-duplicates the
      background noise was reduced to ~1/35,000. By applying our optimized analysis
      pipeline to a simulation analysis, we determined the current sensitivity limit to
      ~1/2400, starting with 30 ng of cell-free DNA. Subsequently, circulating tumor
      DNA levels were assessed in seven breast- and one prostate cancer patient. One
      patient carried detectable levels of circulating tumor DNA, as verified by break
      point specific PCR. These results demonstrate exome sequencing on cell-free DNA
      to be a powerful tool for disease monitoring of metastatic cancers. To enable a
      broad implementation in the diagnostic settings, the efficiency limitations of
      sequence capture and the inherent noise levels of the Illumina sequencing
      technology must be further improved.

PMID- 25133801
TI  - Mechanisms of analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Annona muricata Linn.
      (Annonaceae) fruit extract in rodents.
AB  - Unripe fruit of Annona muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) (soursop) is used in
      traditional African medicine for the treatment of neuralgia, rheumatism, and
      arthritic pain. This study sought to investigate the analgesic and anti
      inflammatory effects of lyophilized fruit extract of Annona muricata (AM) in
      rodents. The analgesic activity was evaluated using the mouse writhing, formalin,
      and hot-plate tests while the anti-inflammatory action was investigated using the
      carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema tests.
      Pretreatment with AM (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) produced dose-dependent
      (P<.001) inhibition of writhes and formalin-induced pain in the late phase. AM
      and morphine produced time-course increase in pain threshold in hot-plate test.
      However, the analgesic effect elicited by AM was reversed (P<.05) by naloxone
      pretreatment. Similarly, the time-dependent increase in paw circumference induced
      by carrageenan was inhibited by AM treatment with peak effect (0.23+/-0.10 cm;
      P<.001, 200 mg/kg; 6 h), which was comparatively similar to that of diclofenac
      treated. Further, the xylene-induced ear edema was significantly reduced by AM
      (50 or 100 mg/kg) pretreatment; however, the anti-inflammatory effect elicited by
      AM was prevented by pretreatment of mice with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (20 mg/kg,
      i.p., nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor) 15 min before AM (200 mg/kg, p.o.). The in
      vitro cyclooxygenase assay also showed that AM produced concentration-dependent
      inhibition of both cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 activity by 39.44%+/-0.05%
      and 55.71%+/-0.12%, respectively, at 100 MUg/mL. In conclusion, A. muricata
      possesses analgesic effect through interaction with opioidergic pathway and anti
      inflammatory property through inhibition of chemical mediators of inflammation.

PMID- 25133802
TI  - Nanoparticle-based CT imaging technique for longitudinal and quantitative stem
      cell tracking within the brain: application in neuropsychiatric disorders.
AB  - A critical problem in the development and implementation of stem cell-based
      therapy is the lack of reliable, noninvasive means to image and trace the cells
      post-transplantation and evaluate their biodistribution, final fate, and
      functionality. In this study, we developed a gold nanoparticle-based CT imaging
      technique for longitudinal mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) tracking within the brain.
      We applied this technique for noninvasive monitoring of MSCs transplanted in a
      rat model for depression. Our research reveals that cell therapy is a potential
      approach for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. Our results, which demonstrate
      that cell migration could be detected as early as 24 h and up to one month post
      transplantation, revealed that MSCs specifically navigated and homed to distinct
      depression-related brain regions. We further developed a noninvasive quantitative
      CT ruler, which can be used to determine the number of cells residing in a
      specific brain region, without tissue destruction or animal scarification. This
      technique may have a transformative effect on cellular therapy, both for basic
      research and clinical applications. 

PMID- 25133803
TI  - The integrated disease network.
AB  - The growing body of transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic and genomic data
      generated from disease states provides a great opportunity to improve our current
      understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving diseases and shared between
      diseases. The use of both clinical and molecular phenotypes will lead to better
      disease understanding and classification. In this study, we set out to gain novel
      insights into diseases and their relationships by utilising knowledge gained from
      system-level molecular data. We integrated different types of biological data
      including genome-wide association studies data, disease-chemical associations,
      biological pathways and Gene Ontology annotations into an Integrated Disease
      Network (IDN), a heterogeneous network where nodes are bio-entities and edges
      between nodes represent their associations. We also introduced a novel disease
      similarity measure to infer disease-disease associations from the IDN. Our
      predicted associations were systemically evaluated against the Medical Subject
      Heading classification and a statistical measure of disease co-occurrence in
      PubMed. The strong correlation between our predictions and co-occurrence
      associations indicated the ability of our approach to recover known disease
      associations. Furthermore, we presented a case study of Crohn's disease. We
      demonstrated that our approach not only identified well-established connections
      between Crohn's disease and other diseases, but also revealed new, interesting
      connections consistent with emerging literature. Our approach also enabled ready
      access to the knowledge supporting these new connections, making this a powerful
      approach for exploring connections between diseases. 

PMID- 25133805
TI  - Helical versus all-trans conformations of oligo(ethylene glycol)-terminated
      alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers.
AB  - The complex mixture of conformational states exhibited by oligo(ethylene glycol)
      terminated alkanethiols on Ag and Au surfaces is explored by polarization
      dependent X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Three self-assembled monolayers (SAMs)
      with known helical or all-trans conformations are used as references to
      characterize a SAM with unknown conformations. This case study is used as a
      prototype for developing a systematic framework to extract the conformations of
      SAMs from the polarization dependence of several orbitals. In the case at hand,
      these are associated with the C-H/Rydberg bonds of the alkane, the C-H/Rydberg
      bonds of ethylene glycol, and the C-C bonds of the backbone. The C-H/Rydberg
      orbitals of the alkane and ethylene glycol are distinguished via the chemical
      shift of the corresponding C 1s core levels. 

PMID- 25133804
TI  - Contrasting metabolism in perenniating structures of upland and lowland
      switchgrass plants late in the growing season.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is being developed as a bioenergy
      crop for many temperate regions of the world. One way to increase biomass yields
      is to move southern adapted lowland cultivars to more northern latitudes.
      However, many southerly adapted switchgrass germplasm can suffer significant
      winter kill in northerly climes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we have applied
      next-generation sequencing in combination with biochemical analyses to query the
      metabolism of crowns and rhizomes obtained from two contrasting switchgrass
      cultivars. Crowns and rhizomes from field-grown lowland (cv Kanlow) and upland
      (cv Summer) switchgrass cultivars were collected from three randomly selected
      post-flowering plants. Summer plants were senescing, whereas Kanlow plants were
      not at this harvest date. RESULTS: Principal component analysis (PCA)
      differentiated between both the Summer and Kanlow transcriptomes and metabolomes.
      Significant differences in transcript abundances were detected for 8,050 genes,
      including transcription factors such as WRKYs and those associated with
      phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Gene-set enrichment analyses showed that a number
      of pathways were differentially up-regulated in the two populations. For both
      populations, protein levels and enzyme activities agreed well with transcript
      abundances for genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway that were up
      regulated in Kanlow crowns and rhizomes. The combination of these datasets
      suggests that dormancy-related mechanisms had been triggered in the crowns and
      rhizomes of the Summer plants, whereas the crowns and rhizomes of Kanlow plants
      had yet to enter dormancy. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed establishment of dormancy at more
      northerly latitudes could be one factor that reduces winter-survival in the high
      yielding Kanlow plants. Understanding the cellular signatures that accompany the
      transition to dormancy can be used in the future to select plants with improved
      winter hardiness.

PMID- 25133806
TI  - [Changes in the newest recommendations on Asthma Management and Prevention - GINA
      Report 2014. What should we pay attention to?].

PMID- 25133807
TI  - Epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in Poland: part II. What are the causes
      of the different epidemiological situation in various regions of Poland?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The different epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in various
      regions of Poland (higher and lower notification rates) was described previously
      by our group. The patients diagnosed with tuberculosis in the higher notification
      rate areas were younger and there were more cases of primary tuberculosis
      (tuberculous pleurisy and tuberculosis of chest lymph nodes) than in the patients
      diagnosed in the lower notification areas. The aim of the present study was to
      assess the possible causes of the different epidemiological situation of
      tuberculosis in various regions of Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis was
      done at the same regions as in the previous paper. A comparison was made between
      two groups: Group I, which included three voivodeships with higher rates of
      notification, from 23.7 to 32.3/100,000 (mean rates in the analysed period of
      time); and Group II, which included five voivodeships with lower notification
      rates (mean rates from 12.2 to 18.6/100,000). The wealth of the regions (GDP,
      gross domestic product per capita), the level of unemployment, and social status
      of the patients were analysed. We compared the population density in both
      regions. The results of treatment in both regions were also analysed. RESULTS: We
      did not find any differences in GDP and unemployment rates between the compared
      regions. The results of treatment were different in particular regions, but there
      was no clear tendency for worse results in voivodeships in Group I compared to
      voivodeships in Group II. However, the number of patients lost from observation
      was significantly higher in the regions from Group I than in those from Group II.
      There was also a significantly higher death rate from tuberculosis in younger
      patients (L 59 years) from Group I than from Group II. This is additional proof
      that the epidemiological situation in the two regions was different. Finally, we
      found that the mean density of population in the regions from Group I was higher
      than that from Group II. The density of population may influence transmission of
      tuberculosis. There is also the possibility that the differences in the
      epidemiological situation in various regions of Poland are caused by historical
      events. In the past the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis was much worse
      in the east of Europe than in the west. Just after the Second World War,
      according to the changes of the Polish territory, many Polish citizens (mainly
      ancestors of those from Group I) were displaced from the east to the west.
      CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the greater number of patients lost from observation,
      together with the higher density of population in the regions from Group I in
      comparison with those from Group II, seems to be partly responsible for the
      difference in the epidemiological situation in the two regions. It is also
      possible that some patients from Group I are more susceptible to infection and
      disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis due to their ancestors, who lived in
      the east of Europe.

PMID- 25133808
TI  - Bronchoscopy in immediate diagnosis of smear negative tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem. Almost 30% of cases of
      tuberculosis are known to be sputum smear negative. There is a diagnostic dilemma
      in such cases leading to inadvertent delays in management of these cases. The
      present study was planned to assess the role of bronchoscopy in immediate
      diagnosis of smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      present study is a retrospective analysis of 132 sputum smear negative
      tuberculosis suspects who underwent bronchoscopic evaluation during the period
      2002-2013. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was based on the finding of bacilli in
      aspirate or in tissue biopsy or the demonstration of caseous necrosis on tissue
      biopsy. RESULTS: The present study showed that bronchoscopy could lead to
      immediate, accurate diagnosis in 68.2% of suspected smear negative cases.
      Bronchial aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage alone were diagnostic in 51.5% of
      such cases while tissue biopsy added to the yield in another 16.5% cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggests an important place of
      bronchoscopy in immediate diagnosis of suspected smear negative tuberculosis,
      thus avoiding inadvertent delays in diagnosing and instituting appropriate
      treatment.

PMID- 25133809
TI  - Stratification of patients with COPD according to the 2011 GOLD report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The authors aimed to compare the distribution of COPD based on the
      new GOLD grading with stadium based exclusively on spirometry. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Eligible patients had an average age of 64.8 years and smoked at least
      10 pack-years. COPD was defined according to GOLD fixed cut-off criterion
      FEV1/FVC < 0.70. In all patients postbronchodilator spirometry was performed.
      Categories were defined with the mMRC dyspnoea scale and CAT scale. COPD
      exacerbations in the previous year and lung function were evaluated. Statistical
      comparisons were done using t-student test. RESULTS: 315 COPD patients, 99
      (31.4%) women and 216 (68.6%) men, were examined. Mean pack-years in the whole
      group was 47.1 +/- 17.8. In women this figure was less than in men, 43.7 +/- 19.2
      vs 49.5 +/- 16.5 (p > 0.05), respectively. At study entry, 144 subjects (45.7%)
      were current smokers, and the majority of them (n-87, 60.4%) belonged to category
      D - 26/66 (54.5%) women and 51/102 (50%) men. Based on spirometry alone, the
      patients were classified as moderate COPD 144 (45.71%), severe - 154 (48.89%),
      and very severe 17 (5.4%). According to the 2011 GOLD report stratification, 60
      patients (19.04%) were graded as category A, 63 (20%) as category B, 24 (7.62%)
      as category C, and 168 (53.33%) as category D, although 21 (12.5% of them) were
      in category B, but the number of exacerbations classified them as category D.
      CONCLUSIONS: The COPD population is heterogeneous in reference to the symptoms,
      value of FEV1, and susceptibility to exacerbations. Clinical symptoms assessed
      using validated questionnaires characterized COPD patients better than the value
      of spirometric parameters (which are necessary for diagnosis of this disease).
      Some patients were difficult to classify, especially those belonging to category
      C.

PMID- 25133810
TI  - Prognostic value of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokeratin 19 fragments
      (Cyfra 21-1) but not carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in surgically treated
      patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic value of
      cytokeratin 19 fragments (Cyfra 21-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and C
      reactive protein (CRP) in surgically treated NSCLC patients. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: 50 NSCLC patients (25 adenocarcinoma, 21 squamous cell and 4
      adenosquamous), clinical stages I and II, age 42-89 years, entered the study.
      CEA, Cyfra 21-1 and CRP concentrations were measured in serum taken before
      surgery, CEA and Cyfra 21-1 in 50 patients, CRP - in 46 patients. The survival
      was calculated from the date of surgical treatment until death or until the end
      of the observation time. The results were expressed as medians (95%CI). RESULTS:
      Cyfra 21-1 concentration was 2.1 (0.7-14.5) ng/mL. Survival time in the patients
      with Cyfra 21-1 <= 2 ng/mL, and > 2 ng/ /mL was 79 (14.85-88.2) and 29 (5.7-87.6)
      months, (p < 0.026). CEA concentration was 2.68 (0.87-72.7) ng/mL, significantly
      higher in adenocarcinoma than in squamous cell lung cancer - 4.38 ng/mL (1.67
      41.35) vs. 2.2 ng/mL (1.0-6.1), p = 0.002. CRP concentration was 5.45 (0-122.6)
      mg/L. Significant dependence was found between CRP and pathological tumour size
      (pT). Median CRP values in pT1, pT2 and pT3+4 tumours were: 2.8 mg/L, 6.9 mg/L
      and 23.5 mg/L, respectively. Survival time of the patients with CRP <= 10 mg/L
      and CRP > 10 mg/L was 79 (14.85-88.2) and 29.5 (5.7-87.6) months, respectively (p
      = 0.045). CRP > 10 mg/L and Cyfra 21-1 > 2 ng/mL were the only significant
      preoperative prognostic indicators (HR 2.08 and 2.04, respectively). Among the
      postoperative parameters, pathological stage of disease (p-stage) and pT were the
      significant prognostic indicators (HR 2.1 and 2.42, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      In the present study, concerning surgically treated NSCLC patients, preoperative
      CRP > 10 mg/L and Cyfra 21-1 > 2 ng/mL were the only negative prognostic
      indicators, while pT and p-stage were significant postoperative prognostic
      indicators.

PMID- 25133811
TI  - Detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA, based on post-mortem
      examination of hilar lymph nodes with real-time PCR: initial study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: According to the WHO, almost a third of the world population are
      thought to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Some studies of the
      prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) have already been performed in
      Poland, showing that almost a quarter of the Mazovia population could be
      infected. It also indicated a higher prevalence of LTBI among seniors. Those
      studies were based on indirect diagnostic methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We
      randomly collected hilar lymph nodes from decedents aged 40 years and older
      during post-mortem examination. We excluded patients with previous confirmed
      tuberculosis. In addition, an autopsy was performed in all patients. Finally, we
      used real-time PCR Xpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid, USA) for the specific capture of
      mycobacterial DNA. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 23 patients had a negative result of
      the real-time PCR examination and no signs of caseous necrosis in hilar lymph
      nodes. We found the only positive sample in a patient with histopathological
      signs of tuberculosis (the presence of caseous necrosis in the specimens obtained
      from lymph nodes and lung). Due to the change of cartridges from version G3 to
      G4, further reactions were inhibited and no more post-mortem samples were tested.
      CONCLUSIONS: Real-time PCR Xpert MTB/RIF was capable of detecting M. tuberculosis
      complex DNA in a patient with tuberculosis recognised on autopsy. In the
      remaining patients, no M. tuberculosis complex DNA was found, in accordance with
      negative results of histological examination. Since the technology of cartridges
      has changed, it is no longer possible to use real-time PCR Xpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid
      USA) on post-mortem material.

PMID- 25133812
TI  - Methodological recommendations for the diagnostics of EGFR gene mutations and ALK
      gene rearrangement in the selection of non-small-cell lung cancer patients to
      molecularly targeted therapies.
AB  - Testing for EGFR gene mutations and ALK gene rearrangement is routinely used in
      advanced non-small-cell lung cancer for adequate patient selection to molecularly
      targeted therapies. We present Polish methodological recommendations for
      molecular analysis of EGFR and ALK genetic abnormalities. Recommendations specify
      clinical indications for testing, sample types and handling, as well as
      requirements for laboratories performing molecular diagnostics. 

PMID- 25133813
TI  - Immediate hypersensitivity reaction with mango.
AB  - Hypersensitivity to the fruit mango is extremely rare and can exhibit either as
      immediate or delayed reactions. Since 1939, only 22 patients (10 with immediate
      type I reactions and 12 with delayed) have been documented with allergy to mango.
      History of atopy and geographical region may influence the type of reaction.
      Immediate reactions occurred most often in patients with history of atopy, while
      delayed reactions developed in non-atopic individuals. Clustering of delayed
      hypersensitivity reports from Australia and immediate reactions from Europe has
      been documented. We report a 50-year-old man with immediate type I
      hypersensitivity to mango, who developed cough, wheezing dyspnoea, generalised
      itching and abdominal discomfort after ingestion of mango. Life threatening event
      can also happen making it imperative to diagnose on time, so as to prevent
      significant morbidity and potential mortality.

PMID- 25133815
TI  - [Pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV-infected patients with cytomegalovirus co
      infection. Two case reports and a literature review].
AB  - Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is one of the infectious lung diseases diagnosed in
      HIV-infected patients. The pathogen responsible for the development of this
      opportunistic infection is an atypical fungus called Pneumocystis jiroveci. PCP
      remains the most common disorder diagnosed at the onset of acquired
      immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), especially in individuals not aware of their
      HIV infection. The most important risk factor of PCP development in HIV-infected
      person is the decrease of T CD4+ cell number below 200/mcL. Clinical symptoms
      consist of: chronic cough, dyspnoea and weakness. Arterial blood gas analysis
      often reveals the presence of hypoxaemia, and high-resolution computed tomography
      imaging shows diffuse ground glass opacities. Treatment is based on intravenous
      administration of trimetoprim-sulfamethoxasole. In patients with moderate and
      severe symptoms of PCP it is recommended that corticosteroids are used. Co
      infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a poor prognostic sign in PCP. CMV
      related organ disease should be suspected in patients with T CD4+ cell number
      lower than 50/mcL. It is arguable whether CMV infection in symptomatic PCP
      patients should be treated. There are suggestions that corticosteroids used in
      PCP patients with CMV co-infection could promote the development of CMV
      pneumonia. In the present paper we present two patients with PCP, unaware of
      their HIV infection. In both cases a CMV co-infection was found. 

PMID- 25133814
TI  - Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis) with hard palate and
      bronchial perforations treated with rituximab - a case report.
AB  - We present a case of a 57-year-old woman suffering from granulomatosis with
      polyangiitis (GPA), who in the seventh months of immunosuppressive treatment
      (cyclophosphamide) progressed with new pulmonary changes and perforations of the
      hard palate and bronchi. Rituximab was introduced resulting in B-cell depletion
      and disappearance of anti-PR3 antibody. Palatal holes have substantially
      diminished and all bronchial perforations disappeared, covered by fibrous tissue.
      In the fourth month after rituximab administration, large scarring obstruction of
      the right main bronchus with upper and middle lobes atelectasis emerged. Because
      of increasing dyspnoea, stenotic bronchus was re-opened by bronchoscopy.
      Intervention was complicated by bilateral pneumothorax and later, on the seventh
      day, by fatal pulmonary bleeding. To our knowledge, this is the first report of
      GPA refractory to cyclophosphamide complicated by palatal and bronchial
      perforations. 

PMID- 25133816
TI  - [Exercise-induced urticaria and angioedema - case report].
AB  - Urticaria is a heterogeneous group of disorders, with various clinical
      manifestations and intensity of symptoms. Urticaria can be induced with a wide
      variety of environmental stimuli, such as cold, pressure, vibration, sunlight,
      exercise, temperature changes, heat, and water. In a select group of patients,
      exercise can induce a spectrum of urticaria symptoms, ranging from cutaneous
      pruritus and warmth, generalised urticaria, angioedema, and the appearance of
      such additional manifestations as collapse, upper respiratory distress, and
      anaphylaxis. Specific provocation tests should be carried out on an individual
      basis to investigate the suspected cause and proper diagnosis. Modification of
      activities and behaviour is the mainstay of treatment in patients with physical
      urticaria. The aim of this study was to emphasise that primary care
      paediatricians should be able to recognise physical urticaria, supply a patient
      with rescue medications, and refer him/her to a specialist. In the article, the
      authors present a 13-year-old girl with typical urticaria lesions and angioedema
      after exercise. According to the history, physical examination, and provocation
      test, exercise-induced urticaria and angioedema were diagnosed. 

PMID- 25133817
TI  - [Ventilator-associated pneumonia and other infections].
AB  - One of the fundamental elements of therapy in patients hospitalised in the
      Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is mechanical ventilation (MV). MV enables sufficient
      gas exchange in patients with severe respiratory insufficiency, thus preserving
      the proper functioning of organs and systems. However, clinical and experimental
      studies show that mechanical ventilation may cause severe complications, e.g.
      lung injury (VALI, VILI), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and, on
      rare occasions, multiple organ failure (MOF). Mechanical ventilation and
      especially endotracheal intubation are associated also with higher risk of
      infectious complications of the respiratory system: ventilator-associated
      respiratory infection (VARI) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The
      complications of the MV listed above have a significant influence on the length
      of treatment and also on the increase of the costs of therapy and mortality of
      patients who stay in an ICU. These negative effects of supported breathing are
      the reasons for intensive research to find new biological markers of inflammation
      and lung injury, more sensitive and specific diagnostic instruments, more
      effective methods of therapy, and programs of prevention. The purpose of this
      article is the presentation of current knowledge concerning VAP-related
      infections, to allow pulmonologists and general practitioners to become more
      familiar with the problem. Basic and the most important data concerning the
      definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, diagnostics, treatment,
      and prevention of VAP have been included. Additionally, ventilator-associated
      tracheobronchitis (VAT) was discussed. 

PMID- 25133818
TI  - Phylogeny in defining model plants for lignocellulosic ethanol production: a
      comparative study of Brachypodium distachyon, wheat, maize, and Miscanthus x
      giganteus leaf and stem biomass.
AB  - The production of ethanol from pretreated plant biomass during fermentation is a
      strategy to mitigate climate change by substituting fossil fuels. However,
      biomass conversion is mainly limited by the recalcitrant nature of the plant cell
      wall. To overcome recalcitrance, the optimization of the plant cell wall for
      subsequent processing is a promising approach. Based on their phylogenetic
      proximity to existing and emerging energy crops, model plants have been proposed
      to study bioenergy-related cell wall biochemistry. One example is Brachypodium
      distachyon, which has been considered as a general model plant for cell wall
      analysis in grasses. To test whether relative phylogenetic proximity would be
      sufficient to qualify as a model plant not only for cell wall composition but
      also for the complete process leading to bioethanol production, we compared the
      processing of leaf and stem biomass from the C3 grasses B. distachyon and
      Triticum aestivum (wheat) with the C4 grasses Zea mays (maize) and Miscanthus x
      giganteus, a perennial energy crop. Lambda scanning with a confocal laser
      scanning microscope allowed a rapid qualitative analysis of biomass
      saccharification. A maximum of 108-117 mg ethanol.g(-1) dry biomass was yielded
      from thermo-chemically and enzymatically pretreated stem biomass of the tested
      plant species. Principal component analysis revealed that a relatively strong
      correlation between similarities in lignocellulosic ethanol production and
      phylogenetic relation was only given for stem and leaf biomass of the two tested
      C4 grasses. Our results suggest that suitability of B. distachyon as a model
      plant for biomass conversion of energy crops has to be specifically tested based
      on applied processing parameters and biomass tissue type.

PMID- 25133821
TI  - Enantioselective C-H bond addition of pyridines to alkenes catalyzed by chiral
      half-sandwich rare-earth complexes.
AB  - Cationic half-sandwich scandium alkyl complexes bearing monocyclopentadienyl
      ligands embedded in chiral binaphthyl backbones act as excellent catalysts for
      the enantioselective C-H bond addition of pyridines to various 1-alkenes, leading
      to formation of a variety of enantioenriched alkylated pyridine derivatives in
      high yields and excellent enantioselectivity (up to 98:2 er). 

PMID- 25133819
TI  - Effect of late planting and shading on cellulose synthesis during cotton fiber
      secondary wall development.
AB  - Cotton-rapeseed or cotton-wheat double cropping systems are popular in the
      Yangtze River Valley and Yellow River Valley of China. Due to the competition of
      temperature and light resources during the growing season of double cropping
      system, cotton is generally late-germinating and late-maturing and has to suffer
      from the coupling of declining temperature and low light especially in the late
      growth stage. In this study, late planting (LP) and shading were used to fit the
      coupling stress, and the coupling effect on fiber cellulose synthesis was
      investigated. Two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars were grown in the
      field in 2010 and 2011 at three planting dates (25 April, 25 May and 10 June)
      each with three shading levels (normal light, declined 20% and 40% PAR). Mean
      daily minimum temperature was the primary environmental factor affected by LP.
      The coupling of LP and shading (decreased cellulose content by 7.8%-25.5%)
      produced more severe impacts on cellulose synthesis than either stress alone, and
      the effect of LP (decreased cellulose content by 6.7%-20.9%) was greater than
      shading (decreased cellulose content by 0.7%-5.6%). The coupling of LP and
      shading hindered the flux from sucrose to cellulose by affecting the activities
      of related cellulose synthesis enzymes. Fiber cellulose synthase genes expression
      were delayed under not only LP but shading, and the coupling of LP and shading
      markedly postponed and even restrained its expression. The decline of sucrose
      phosphate synthase activity and its peak delay may cause cellulose synthesis
      being more sensitive to the coupling stress during the later stage of fiber
      secondary wall development (38-45 days post-anthesis). The sensitive difference
      of cellulose synthesis between two cultivars in response to the coupling of LP
      and shading may be mainly determined by the sensitiveness of invertase, sucrose
      phosphate synthase and cellulose synthase. 

PMID- 25133820
TI  - The Ca2+ sensor protein swiprosin-1/EFhd2 is present in neurites and involved in
      kinesin-mediated transport in neurons.
AB  - Swiprosin-1/EFhd2 (EFhd2) is a cytoskeletal Ca2+ sensor protein strongly
      expressed in the brain. It has been shown to interact with mutant tau, which can
      promote neurodegeneration, but nothing is known about the physiological function
      of EFhd2 in the nervous system. To elucidate this question, we analyzed EFhd2-/
      /lacZ reporter mice and showed that lacZ was strongly expressed in the cortex,
      the dentate gyrus, the CA1 and CA2 regions of the hippocampus, the thalamus, and
      the olfactory bulb. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting confirmed this
      pattern and revealed expression of EFhd2 during neuronal maturation. In cortical
      neurons, EFhd2 was detected in neurites marked by MAP2 and co-localized with pre-
      and post-synaptic markers. Approximately one third of EFhd2 associated with a
      biochemically isolated synaptosome preparation. There, EFhd2 was mostly confined
      to the cytosolic and plasma membrane fractions. Both synaptic endocytosis and
      exocytosis in primary hippocampal EFhd2-/- neurons were unaltered but transport
      of synaptophysin-GFP containing vesicles was enhanced in EFhd2-/- primary
      hippocampal neurons, and notably, EFhd2 inhibited kinesin mediated microtubule
      gliding. Therefore, we found that EFhd2 is a neuronal protein that interferes
      with kinesin-mediated transport. 

PMID- 25133822
TI  - Financial incentives for increasing uptake of HPV vaccinations: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations by 17- to 18-year
      old girls in England is below (<35%) target (80%). This trial assesses (a) the
      impact of financial incentives on uptake and completion of an HPV vaccination
      program, and (b) whether impacts are moderated by participants' deprivation
      level. It also assesses the impact of incentives on decision quality to get
      vaccinated, as measured by attitudes toward the vaccination and knowledge of its
      consequences. METHOD: One thousand 16- to 18-year-old girls were invited to
      participate in an HPV vaccination program: 500 previously uninvited, and 500
      unresponsive to previous invitations. Girls randomly received either a standard
      invitation letter or a letter including the offer of vouchers worth L 45 (? 56;
      $73) for undergoing 3 vaccinations. Girls attending their first vaccination
      appointment completed a questionnaire assessing decision quality to be
      vaccinated. Outcomes were uptake of the first and third vaccinations and decision
      quality. RESULTS: The intervention increased uptake of the first (first-time
      invitees: 28.4% vs. 19.6%, odds ratio [OR] = 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI;
      1.08, 2.47]; previous nonattenders: 23.6% vs. 10.4%, OR = 2.65, 95% CI [1.61,
      4.38]) and third (first-time invitees: 22.4% vs. 12%, OR = 2.15, 95% CI [1.32,
      3.50]; previous nonattenders: 12.4% vs. 3%, OR = 4.28, 95% CI [1.92, 9.55])
      vaccinations. Impacts were not moderated by deprivation level. Decision quality
      was unaffected by the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Although the intervention
      increased completion of HPV vaccinations, uptake remained lower than the national
      target, which, in addition to cost effectiveness and acceptability issues,
      necessitates consideration of other ways of achieving it.

PMID- 25133823
TI  - Negative appearance evaluation is associated with skin cancer risk behaviors
      among American men and women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to examine links between appearance evaluation
      and skin cancer risk behaviors in men and women. METHOD: Data (N = 1,535; men, n
      = 873; women, n = 662) were extracted from Wave 4 of the National Longitudinal
      Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative, longitudinal dataset of
      U.S. adolescents and young adults. RESULTS: Skin cancer risk (i.e., number of
      hours spent outside for those with a history of severe sunburn and who were
      unlikely to use sunscreen) was significantly associated with participant gender,
      appearance evaluation, and their interaction. Both men and women who negatively
      evaluated their appearance were at significantly increased skin cancer risk, and
      this was particularly true for men. CONCLUSIONS: Negative appearance evaluation
      appears to be a correlate of engaging in behaviors that place individuals at risk
      of developing skin cancer. Future research may benefit from skin cancer
      prevention interventions that directly address appearance-based evaluations.

PMID- 25133824
TI  - Associations between socioeconomic status and obesity in diverse, young
      adolescents: variation across race/ethnicity and gender.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between socioeconomic status (SES)
      and obesity risk during early adolescence, ages 10-13 years, and whether this
      association is present in different racial/ethnic and gender groups during 2 time
      points in early adolescence. METHOD: Data were from the Healthy Passages study,
      which enrolled 4,824 African American, Hispanic, and White 5th graders (ages 10
      11) in a population-based, longitudinal study conducted in 3 U.S. metropolitan
      areas, and assessed them again 2 years later. Weight status was classified from
      measured body mass index using standard criteria into nonobese and obese (27% in
      5th grade). SES was indexed based on highest education attainment in the
      household. RESULTS: Youth in the highest SES had a significantly lower prevalence
      of obesity than those of lower SES at both 5th and 7th grades when disregarding
      race/ethnicity. Within-racial/ethnic group analyses mostly confirmed this pattern
      for Hispanic and White youth, but not for African American youth. When also
      considering gender, the SES differential in obesity risk was more pronounced
      among White girls and 5th-grade Hispanic boys. CONCLUSION: Growing up in a high
      SES home, marked by having a member with at least a college degree, is associated
      with lower risk for obesity among Hispanic and White youth. For African American
      youth, there appears to be no association between SES and obesity. Thus the
      health advantage generally attributed to higher SES does not appear consistently
      across racial/ethnic groups for obesity in youth. Further research should
      identify influences on weight status beyond SES, especially among African
      American youth.

PMID- 25133825
TI  - Short-term affective recovery from hip fracture prospectively predicts depression
      and physical functioning.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goals of the current study were to determine the average affective
      experiences in the weeks and months after a hip fracture and assess how these
      experiences relate to physical and mental health functioning over time. METHOD:
      Positive and negative affect were assessed over time in a sample of older adults
      recruited after surgery for hip fracture (n = 500) and a comparison sample of
      older adults without hip fracture (n = 102) for 1 year longitudinally. RESULTS:
      For most of the individuals with a hip fracture, positive affect tended to
      increase over time and negative affect tended to decrease over time, suggesting
      that most people had at least some recovery of affect. In addition, individuals
      who showed a slower decrease in negative affect had higher levels of depression 1
      year later, and individuals who showed a sharper increase in positive affect had
      superior physical function 1 year later. CONCLUSION: The current study provides
      evidence that both positive and negative affect in the first 12 weeks of recovery
      from hip fracture are potential targets for intervention to maximize
      psychological and physical recovery in the ensuing year.

PMID- 25133826
TI  - The association of metacognitive beliefs with emotional distress after diagnosis
      of cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Emotional distress after a diagnosis of cancer is normal and, for most
      people, will diminish over time. However, a significant minority of patients with
      cancer experience persistent or recurrent symptoms of emotional distress for
      which they need help. A model developed in mental health, the self-regulatory
      executive function model (S-REF), specifies that maladaptive metacognitive
      beliefs and processes, including persistent worry, are key to understanding why
      such emotional problems persist. This cross-sectional study explored, for the
      first, time whether metacognitive beliefs were associated with emotional distress
      in a cancer population, and whether this relationship was mediated by worry, as
      predicted by the S-REF model. METHOD: Two hundred twenty-nine participants within
      3 months of diagnosis of, and before treatment for, primary breast or prostate
      cancer completed self-report questionnaires measuring anxiety, depression,
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, metacognitive beliefs, worry, and
      illness perceptions. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed that metacognitive
      beliefs were associated with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and
      explained additional variance in these outcomes after controlling for age,
      gender, and illness perceptions. Structural equation modeling was consistent with
      cross-sectional hypotheses derived from the theory that metacognitive beliefs
      cause and maintain distress both directly and indirectly by driving worry.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide promising first evidence that the S-REF model
      may be usefully applied in cancer. Further study is required to establish the
      predictive and clinical utility of these findings.

PMID- 25133827
TI  - Does the early feedback of results improve reassurance following diagnostic
      testing? A randomized controlled trial in patients undergoing cardiac
      investigation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Providing reassurance is often a critical component of the medical
      consultation. An important area that has not been addressed in the literature is
      how delay in providing the results of medical tests affects patient reassurance.
      In this study we investigated whether the early provision of a normal diagnostic
      result immediately following medical testing improves patient reassurance
      compared to results provided 4 weeks later. METHOD: We conducted a longitudinal
      randomized controlled trial and 1-month follow-up. Fifty-one cardiology
      outpatients with no known cardiac pathology referred for an echocardiogram test
      were randomized following normal test results to receive their test results from
      a cardiologist either immediately following testing or 4 weeks later. Measures of
      symptoms, anxiety, and health perceptions were taken prior to diagnostic testing.
      Reassurance was assessed immediately after the results were provided and 1 month
      later. RESULTS: Data analysis showed that the provision of early results had no
      impact on patient reassurance. Cardiac anxiety was strongly associated with lower
      reassurance; patients who were more anxious about their heart were significantly
      less reassured by a normal test result, both immediately following feedback and 1
      month later. CONCLUSIONS: The early provision of test results had no impact on
      patient reassurance. The study suggests the identification and targeting of
      patients high in cardiac anxiety may be a better method for improving reassurance
      than reducing the waiting time for results following medical testing.

PMID- 25133828
TI  - Adolescent sexual health communication and condom use: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Condom use is critical for the health of sexually active adolescents,
      and yet many adolescents fail to use condoms consistently. One interpersonal
      factor that may be key to condom use is sexual communication between sexual
      partners; however, the association between communication and condom use has
      varied considerably in prior studies of youth. The purpose of this meta-analysis
      was to synthesize the growing body of research linking adolescents' sexual
      communication to condom use, and to examine several moderators of this
      association. METHOD: A total of 41 independent effect sizes from 34 studies with
      15,046 adolescent participants (M(age) = 16.8, age range = 12-23) were meta
      analyzed. RESULTS: Results revealed a weighted mean effect size of the sexual
      communication-condom use relationship of r = .24, which was statistically
      heterogeneous (Q = 618.86, p < .001, I2 = 93.54). Effect sizes did not differ
      significantly by gender, age, recruitment setting, country of study, or condom
      measurement timeframe; however, communication topic and communication format were
      statistically significant moderators (p < .001). Larger effect sizes were found
      for communication about condom use (r = .34) than communication about sexual
      history (r = .15) or general safer sex topics (r = .14). Effect sizes were also
      larger for communication behavior formats (r = .27) and self-efficacy formats (r
      = .28), than for fear/concern (r = .18), future intention (r = .15), or
      communication comfort (r = -.15) formats. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the
      urgency of emphasizing communication skills, particularly about condom use, in
      HIV/STI prevention work for youth. Implications for the future study of sexual
      communication are discussed.

PMID- 25133831
TI  - Narrative as a knowledge translation tool for facilitating impact: translating
      physical activity knowledge to disabled people and health professionals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Theoretically informed by narrative inquiry, this article examines the
      utility of stories as a possible tool for disseminating synthesized physical
      activity knowledge to adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) and health care
      professionals (HCPs) working with this population. It is the first research to
      systematically examine in this context the use of narratives as a knowledge
      translation tool. METHOD: Forty-three participants (15 adults with SCI; 13 peer
      mentors with SCI; and 15 HCPs) individually listened to an evidence-based story
      set in a rehabilitation hospital about the process of becoming physically active
      following SCI. Individual telephone interviews were conducted to examine
      participants' perceptions of the story. Qualitative data were analyzed using a
      thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five themes were inductively identified: (a)
      effective communication, (b) narrative authenticity, (c) credible messengers, (d)
      narrative format, and (e) narrative as a form of action. Together, the themes
      reveal that the story had utility, the various attributes that help explain why
      this is case, how the utility might be maximized, what the stories could do on
      and for people, and how the narratives can be used to support behavior change.
      CONCLUSIONS: The article advances knowledge by revealing the value of narrative
      as a means for disseminating evidence-based information to people with SCI and to
      HCPs. It also reveals that stories can be used to facilitate dialogue, teach,
      remind, reassure, and reinvigorate people. This article is a resource for
      enabling knowledge to be more effectively shared to different audiences and
      applying what we know in practice to help people live meaningful lives.

PMID- 25133830
TI  - Stressful life events, sexual orientation, and cardiometabolic risk among young
      adults in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to examine whether sexual minority
      young adults are more vulnerable to developing cardiometabolic risk following
      exposure to stressful life events than heterosexual young adults. METHOD: Data
      came from the National Longitudinal Study for Adolescent Health (Shin, Edwards, &
      Heeren, 2009; Brummett et al., 2013), a prospective nationally representative
      study of U.S. adolescents followed into young adulthood. A total of 306 lesbian,
      gay, and bisexual (LGB) respondents and 6,667 heterosexual respondents met
      inclusion criteria for this analysis. Measures of cumulative stressful life
      events were drawn from all 4 waves of data collection; sexual orientation and
      cardiometabolic biomarkers were assessed at Wave 4 (2008-2009). RESULTS:
      Gay/bisexual men exposed to 1-2 (beta = 0.71, p = .01) and 5+ (beta = 0.87, p =
      .01) stressful life events had a statistically significant elevation in
      cardiometabolic risk, controlling for demographics, health behaviors, and
      socioeconomic status. Moreover, in models adjusted for all covariates,
      lesbian/bisexual (beta = 0.52, p = .046) women with 5+ stressful life events had
      a statistically significant elevation in cardiometabolic risk. There was no
      relationship between stressful life events and cardiometabolic risk among
      heterosexual men or women. CONCLUSION: Stressful life events during childhood,
      adolescence, and young adulthood place LGB young adults at heightened risk for
      elevated cardiometabolic risk as early as young adulthood. The mechanisms
      underlying this relationship require future study.

PMID- 25133829
TI  - Cognitive control in preadolescent children with risk factors for metabolic
      syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between cognitive control and
      metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors in preadolescent children while
      controlling for aerobic fitness and weight status. METHODS: Hierarchical
      regression analyses were conducted using aerobic fitness, demographic, and MetS
      risk-factor variables in a sample of 2nd- and 3rd-grade children (n = 139) who
      performed a modified version of a flanker task to assess cognitive control.
      Flanker performance was also compared between children that met no MetS risk
      factor criteria (n = 70), and children who met 1 criterion or more (n = 69).
      RESULTS: Regression analyses indicated that after controlling for demographic
      variables and fitness, HDL cholesterol exhibited an independent negative
      association with flanker reaction time (RT). Group comparisons further revealed
      that children with no risk factors demonstrated overall shorter RT than the at
      risk group. In addition, at-risk children exhibited larger accuracy-interference
      scores (i.e., poorer performance) for the more difficult conditions of the
      flanker task that required the up-regulation of cognitive control to meet
      elevated task demands. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consonant with the
      previous literature reporting a beneficial influence of aerobic fitness on
      cognitive control, and reveal new evidence that children without risk factors for
      MetS exhibit better inhibitory control and increased cognitive flexibility than
      do at-risk children. In addition to aerobic fitness, these risk factors may serve
      as important biomarkers for understanding the potential cognitive implications of
      MetS risk in younger generations.

PMID- 25133832
TI  - Are patient and relationship variables associated with participation of intimate
      partners in couples research?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recruitment of participants for studies focusing on couples facing
      illness is a challenging task and participation decline may be associated with
      nonrandom factors creating bias. This study examines whether patient and
      relationship characteristics are associated with partner participation in
      research. METHOD: Patients invited to participate in a cross-sectional study on
      adaptation and quality of life after renal transplantation were asked to forward
      information about an add-on study to their partners. RESULTS: A total of 456
      participating patients had a partner; 293 of the partners showed interest in the
      study and 206 actually completed the questionnaire. Backward logistic regression
      analyses revealed that demographic, illness, and personal characteristics of the
      patient were not associated with partner interest in the study nor actual partner
      participation. However, partners who indicated interest in the study showed more
      active engagement toward the patients (as reported by the patients). Furthermore,
      patients of partners who actually completed the questionnaire reported less
      negative affect and higher relationship satisfaction than patients whose partner
      did not participate in the study. DISCUSSION: It is encouraging that of the large
      number of variables tested, only 2 were associated with the participation of
      partners. Nevertheless, well-functioning couples appear to be overrepresented in
      our study, calling for specific effort to include marital distressed couples in
      research focusing on dyadic adaptation to illness.

PMID- 25133833
TI  - The myth of comfort food.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: People seek out their own idiosyncratic comfort foods when in negative
      moods, and they believe that these foods rapidly improve their mood. The purpose
      of these studies is to investigate whether comfort foods actually provide
      psychological benefits, and if so, whether they improve mood better than
      comparison foods or no food. METHODS: Participants first completed an online
      questionnaire to indicate their comfort foods and a variety of comparison foods.
      During two lab sessions a week apart from each other (and at least a week after
      the online questionnaire, counterbalanced in order), participants watched films
      that induced negative affect. In one session, participants were then served their
      comfort food. In the other, participants were served an equally liked noncomfort
      food (Study 1), a neutral food (Study 2), or no food (Studies 3 and 4). Short
      term mood changes were measured so that we could seek out psychological effects
      of these foods, rather than biochemical effects on mood from particular food
      components (e.g., sugars or vitamins). RESULTS: Comfort foods led to significant
      improvements in mood, but no more than other foods or no food. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although people believe that comfort foods provide them with mood benefits,
      comfort foods do not provide comfort beyond that of other foods (or no food).
      These results are likely not due to a floor effect because participants' moods
      did not return to baseline levels. Individuals may be giving comfort food
      "credit" for mood effects that would have occurred even in the absence of the
      comfort food.

PMID- 25133834
TI  - Implicit prototypes predict risky sun behavior.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite the fact that skin cancer is highly avoidable, incidence and
      death rates in the United States continue to climb. The pattern is particularly
      problematic among young, White women, who sometimes overexpose themselves to
      harmful ultraviolet rays in hopes of being tan. Research has suggested that
      positivity toward prototypes of individuals who engage in unhealthy behavior,
      like tanning, influences the likelihood that an individual will personally engage
      in those behaviors. Although the prototype-to-behavior link is considered to
      operate automatically, researchers have typically relied on people's self
      reported evaluations of prototypes, which are more controlled and susceptible to
      self-presentational concerns. METHOD: In the present research, we developed a
      measure of implicit prototypes and compared it with measures of explicit
      prototypes in predicting the safe sun behavior of 731 women. RESULTS: Meta
      analysis of 5 different prototypes (i.e., cool, fun, healthy, intelligent, and
      attractive) suggested that implicit prototypes predicted more variance in women's
      current behavior, planned behavior, behavioral willingness, and tanning frequency
      than did explicit prototypes. CONCLUSION: Although some models recognize that
      health behavior may be based on automatic processes, they exclusively use
      measures of self-reported attitudes and prototypes to predict behavior. The
      results suggest that measuring implicit prototypes may provide important
      explanatory power.

PMID- 25133835
TI  - The question-behavior effect: genuine effect or spurious phenomenon? A systematic
      review of randomized controlled trials with meta-analyses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Simply answering questions about a specific behavior may change that
      behavior. This is known as the mere-measurement or question-behavior effect
      (QBE). Our objective was to synthesize the evidence for the QBE on health-related
      behaviors. METHOD: Included studies were randomized controlled trials that tested
      the effect of questionnaires or interviews about health-related behaviors and/or
      related cognitions compared with a no-measurement control condition or another
      form of measurement. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify potential
      moderators. RESULTS: 41 studies were included assessing a range of health
      behaviors. Meta-analyses showed a small overall QBE effect (SMD = 0.09; 95% CI
      [0.04, 0.13]; k = 33). Studies showed moderate heterogeneity, variable risk of
      bias, and evidence of publication bias. No dose-response relationships were found
      from studies comparing more with less intensive measurement conditions. There
      were no significant differences in QBE by behavior, but QBEs for dental flossing,
      physical activity, and screening attendance were significantly different from 0.
      Findings were not altered by whether behavior or cognitions were measured,
      attitudes were or were not measured, studies used questionnaires or interviews,
      or outcomes were objective or self-reported. CONCLUSIONS: There is some evidence
      for the QBE on health-related behavior. However, risk of bias within studies and
      evidence of publication bias indicate that the observed small effect size may be
      overestimated, especially given that some studies included intervention
      techniques in addition to providing questionnaires. Preregistered high-quality
      trials with clear specification of intervention content are needed to confirm if
      and when measurement leads to behavior change.

PMID- 25133836
TI  - Anger, provider responses, and pain: prospective analysis of stem cell transplant
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patient anger can be challenging for providers, and may hinder the
      patient-provider relationship. Research on the relationships among patient anger,
      relationships with health care providers and medical outcomes, however, has been
      limited to anecdotal accounts and cross-sectional studies. This study examined
      relationships among patient anger, perceptions of provider positive support and
      negative interactions, by prospectively studying a sample of stem cell transplant
      (SCT) patients. METHOD: A prospective design was used to study patient anger,
      perceived positive support from providers and perceived negative interactions
      with providers among 88 SCT patients. Data were obtained upon patient's
      hospitalization before SCT and at 1, 2, and 3 month follow up periods. Repeated
      measures mixed models assessed relationships among study variables. RESULTS:
      Patient anger was associated with a gradual decline in perceived positive support
      and higher levels of concurrent perceived negative interactions with providers.
      Further, a significant lagged relationship was found such that patient anger was
      associated with increased perceived negative interactions with providers 1 month
      later. Exploratory analyses revealed that perceived negative interactions were
      also associated with higher levels of physical distress. Perceived positive
      support buffered the relationship between patient anger and physical distress,
      such that anger was not associated significantly with physical distress when
      perceived provider support was high. CONCLUSIONS: Patient anger may contribute to
      a deterioration of the patient-provider relationship, and contribute to negative
      medical outcomes including physical distress. The association between patient
      anger and physical distress may be reduced by supportive providers.

PMID- 25133837
TI  - Weight stigma mediates the association between BMI and self-reported health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Weight stigma is pervasive in the United States. We tested the
      hypothesis that stigma may be a mechanism through which obesity negatively
      affects self-reported health. Two studies examined whether perceived weight-based
      discrimination and concerns over weight stigma mediated the association between
      BMI and self-reported psychological health (Study 1) and physical health (Study
      2). METHOD: In 2 online studies, adult community members completed measures of
      stigma-relevant mediators (perceived weight discrimination, weight stigma
      concerns) and provided their height and weight. In Study 1 (N = 171) participants
      also completed measures of psychological health (depression, self-esteem, quality
      of life), whereas participants in Study 2 (N = 194) also completed a measure of
      self-reported physical health. Process modeling was used to simultaneously test
      for mediation through perceived discrimination and stigma concerns independently
      as well as for serial mediation through both variables. RESULTS: Across both
      studies, we hypothesized and found support for serial mediation such that BMI was
      indirectly related to poorer self-reported health through its effect on perceived
      discrimination and concerns about stigma. Additionally, concerns about stigma
      mediated the association between BMI and health independent of perceived
      discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Weight stigma is an important mediator of the
      association between BMI and self-reported health. Furthermore, results indicate
      that concerns about facing stigma in the future mediate the link between
      perceived past experiences of discrimination and psychological and physical
      health.

PMID- 25133838
TI  - Longitudinal association between child stress and lifestyle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Psychosocial stress has been linked with an unhealthy lifestyle but
      the relation's direction remains unclear. Does stress induce sleeping problems,
      comfort food consumption, and lower physical activity, or do these unhealthy
      lifestyle factors enhance stress? This study examined the bidirectional stress
      lifestyle relation in children. METHOD: The relation between stress and lifestyle
      was examined over 2 years in 312 Belgian children 5-12 years old as part of the
      Children's Body Composition and Stress study. Stress-related aspects were
      measured by questionnaires concerning negative events, negative emotions, and
      behavioral problems. The following lifestyle factors were assessed: physical
      activity (by accelerometers), sleep duration, food consumption (sweet food, fatty
      food, snacks, fruits and vegetables), and eating behavior (emotional, external,
      restrained). Bidirectional relations were examined with cross-lagged analyses.
      RESULTS: Certain stress aspects increased physical activity, sweet food
      consumption, emotional eating, restrained eating, and external eating (betas =
      .140-.319). All relations were moderated by sex and age: Dietary effects were
      mainly in the oldest children and girls; stress increased physical activity in
      the youngest, whereas it tended to decrease physical activity in the oldest. One
      reversed direction effect was found: Maladaptive eating behaviors increased
      anxiety feelings. CONCLUSIONS: Relations were mainly unidirectional: Stress
      influenced children's lifestyle. Stress stimulated eating in the absence of
      hunger, which could facilitate overweight. Consequently, families should realize
      that stress may influence children's diet, and problem-solving coping skills
      should be acquired. In contrast to recent findings, stress might also stimulate
      physical activity in the youngest as positive stress coping style.

PMID- 25133839
TI  - Psychosocial, health-promotion, and neurocognitive interventions for survivors of
      childhood cancer: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Survivors of childhood cancer must contend with a number of medical
      and psychosocial vulnerabilities after their cancer treatment ends. Interventions
      have been developed to alleviate or prevent adverse outcomes among this
      population. This systematic review summarizes the efficacy of psychosocial,
      health behavior, and neurocognitive interventions for survivors of pediatric
      cancer. METHOD: Multiple databases were searched for studies published between
      January 1970 and June 2013. Studies were coded by 2 raters for methodological
      quality using the Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment
      tool. RESULTS: Twenty-four interventions were identified (7 psychosocial, 10
      health behavior, and 7 neurocognitive). Eleven were controlled trials, of which 7
      achieved medium to large effect sizes. Survivor interest, as demonstrated by
      consent rates, was high for interventions that did not require travel.
      CONCLUSIONS: Interventions using delivery methods varying from traditional
      counseling to computers achieved moderate to strong efficacy and merit
      replication. Survivor needs related to transition to adult-oriented health care
      and school reentry were not addressed by existing interventions. This review also
      revealed the absence of health behavior interventions for survivors in middle
      childhood and late adolescence. Intervention formats that are cost-effective and
      reduce participant burden should be prioritized for further testing. To broaden
      the reach and appeal of interventions, alternative delivery methods, such as
      mobile phone software applications, should be evaluated.

PMID- 25133840
TI  - Reflective and impulsive processes explain (in)effectiveness of messages
      promoting physical activity: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study tested whether taking into account both the
      reflective and the impulsive processes of physical activity (PA) is helpful in
      understanding how, and for whom, PA-promoting messages will be (in)effective in
      changing behavior. METHOD: Participants (N = 101) were presented with a
      persuasive message promoting either PA (experimental condition) or healthy eating
      (control condition). Reflective intentions to be physically active were assessed
      both at baseline and after exposure to the message. Impulsive approach tendencies
      toward PA (IAPA) and sedentary behaviors (IASB) were assessed using a manikin
      task. The main outcome variable was accelerometer-assessed free time spent in
      moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over 1 week after exposure to the
      message. RESULTS: Although the PA-promoting message had no direct effect on MVPA,
      the results showed that (a) this message increased intentions to practice PA,
      notably among participants with low or moderate (but not high) baseline
      intentions; (b) objective MVPA was positively predicted by postmessage PA
      intentions and IAPA, and negatively predicted by IASB; and (c) postmessage PA
      intentions predicted MVPA for individuals with low or moderate (but not high)
      IASB. A follow-up moderated mediation analysis corroborated these earlier
      results, showing that PA-promoting messages positively predicted MVPA through
      postmessage intentions only among individuals with low or moderate baseline
      intentions and low or moderate IASB. CONCLUSIONS: By identifying 2 boundary
      conditions, this study revealed important insights in explaining when PA
      promoting messages will be effective to predict objective MVPA and when they will
      not.

PMID- 25133841
TI  - Five-factor personality traits and sleep: evidence from two population-based
      cohort studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study examines associations between five factor
      personality traits and average sleep duration, sleep deficiency, and sleep
      problems. METHOD: The participants were from two population-based samples from
      Australia (n = 1,104, age range 31-41) and Finland (n = 1,623, age range 30-45).
      Self-reports of sleep behavior, sleep problems (Jenkin's scale), and five factor
      model personality traits (NEO-FFI) were collected. Associations between
      personality traits and sleep were analyzed with linear regressions. RESULTS: The
      results showed that higher extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness
      were, in general, associated with better sleep, whereas higher neuroticism was
      associated with sleeping less well. Openness was not associated with sleep. Most
      of the associations were replicable between the samples from the two countries,
      but personality traits explained only small part of the variance in sleep
      behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the knowledge on personality and sleep may
      benefit more personalized treatment of sleep disorders and help in personnel
      selection to jobs in which it is critical to stay alert. However, longitudinal
      research is needed to confirm the current findings.

PMID- 25133842
TI  - How do general practitioners and patients make decisions about cardiovascular
      disease risk?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although current guidelines around the world recommend using absolute
      risk (AR) thresholds to decide whether cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk should
      be managed with lifestyle or medication, the use of AR in clinical practice is
      limited. The aim of this study was to explore the factors that influence general
      practitioner (GP) and patient decision making about CVD risk management,
      including the role of risk perception. METHODS: Qualitative descriptive study
      involving semi-structured interviews with 25 GPs and 38 patients in Australia in
      2011-2012. Transcribed audio-recordings were thematically coded and a Framework
      Analysis method was used. RESULTS: GPs rarely mentioned AR thresholds but were
      influenced by their subjective perception of the patient's risk and motivation,
      and their own attitudes toward prevention, including concerns about medication
      side effects and the efficacy of lifestyle change. Patients were influenced by
      individual risk factors, their own motivation to change lifestyle, and attitudes
      toward medication: initially negative, but this improved if medication was more
      effective than lifestyle. High perceived risk led to medication being recommended
      by GPs and accepted by patients, but this was not necessarily based on AR.
      Patient perceptions of high risk also increased motivation to change lifestyle,
      particularly if they were resistant to the idea of taking medication.
      CONCLUSIONS: Perceived risk, motivation, and attitudes appeared to be more
      important than AR thresholds in this study. CVD risk management guidelines could
      be more useful if they include strategies to help GPs consider patients' risk
      perception, motivation, and attitudes as well as evidence-based recommendations.

PMID- 25133843
TI  - A social rank explanation of how money influences health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Financial resources are a potent determinant of health, yet it remains
      unclear why this is the case. We aimed to identify whether the frequently
      observed association between absolute levels of monetary resources and health may
      occur because money acts an indirect proxy for a person's social rank. METHOD: To
      address this question we examined over 230,000 observations on 40,400 adults
      drawn from two representative national panel studies; the British Household Panel
      Survey and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. We identified each person's
      absolute income/wealth and their objective ranked position of income/wealth
      within a social reference-group. Absolute and rank income/wealth variables were
      then used to predict a series of self-reported and objectively recorded health
      outcomes in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. RESULTS: As anticipated,
      those with higher levels of absolute income/wealth were found to have better
      health than others, after adjustment for age, gender, education, marital status,
      and labor force status. When evaluated simultaneously the ranked position of
      income/wealth but not absolute income/wealth predicted all health outcomes
      examined including: objective measures of allostatic load and obesity, the
      presence of long-standing illness, and ratings of health, physical functioning,
      role limitations, and pain. The health benefits of high rank were consistent in
      cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses and did not depend on the reference
      group used to rank participants. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to
      demonstrate that social position rather than material conditions may explain the
      impact of money on human health.

PMID- 25133845
TI  - The relationship between the belief in a genetic cause for breast cancer and
      bilateral mastectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Most women develop causal beliefs following diagnosis with breast
      cancer and these beliefs can guide decisions around their care and management.
      Bilateral mastectomy rates are increasing, although the benefits of this surgery
      are only established in a small percentage of women. In this study we
      investigated the relationship between causal beliefs and the decision to have a
      bilateral mastectomy. METHOD: Women (N = 2,269) from the Army of Women's breast
      cancer research registry completed an online survey. Women were asked what they
      believed caused their cancer and responses were coded into 8 causal categories.
      Participants were also asked about the type of surgery they underwent following
      their breast cancer diagnosis. The odds ratios for having a double mastectomy
      were calculated for each causal category using random/bad luck as a referent
      category. RESULTS: Hormonal factors (22%) and genetics (19%) were the most common
      causal belief, followed by don't know (19%), environmental toxins (11%), negative
      emotions (9%), poor health behavior (8%), other (6%) and random/bad luck (6%).
      Compared with the referent category, the odds ratio of having a bilateral
      mastectomy was significantly higher in both the genetics and hormonal causal
      belief groups (OR = 2.36, 95% CI [1.38, 4.02] and OR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.16, 3.38],
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Beliefs in a genetic cause for breast cancer are
      common and are associated with high rates of bilateral mastectomy. This is
      despite evidence that the actual genetic contribution to breast cancer is much
      lower than perceived and that bilateral mastectomy is, in most cases, unlikely to
      improve survival. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 25133844
TI  - Variations in sleep characteristics and sleep-related impairment in at-risk
      college drinkers: a latent profile analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sleep disturbance and heavy drinking increase risk of negative
      consequences in college students. Limited research exists on how they act
      synergistically, and the overall nature of sleep and sleep-related impairment in
      college student drinkers is poorly understood. A latent profile analysis was
      conducted on the sleep characteristics and daytime sleep-related consequences of
      college student drinkers who were at-risk based on Alcohol Use Disorders
      Identification Test-Consumption scores. METHODS: Participants (N = 312, mean age
      = 18.90 (0.97) years) consumed a mean (SD) of 20.93 (13.04) drinks per week.
      Scores on the 10 items of the Sleep/Wake Behavior Problems Scale (SWPS) were the
      class indicators. RESULTS: Four classes best described the sleep and sleep
      related consequences of at-risk college drinkers. Classes represented different
      gradients and types of sleep patterns and sleep-related impairment; nearly half
      the sample reported late bedtimes and daytime consequences of insufficient sleep.
      Subsequent validation analyses indicated that these classes were directly
      correspondent with severity of alcohol consumption, alcohol-related consequences
      illicit substance use, and perceived health. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate
      the presence of significant heterogeneity in college drinkers' sleep patterns and
      experiences of sleep-related impairment. Class differences significantly impact
      the level of alcohol and drug use and the consequences members experience.
      Greater alcohol use and sleep/wake problems are associated with increased risk
      for negative consequences for certain classes. These results suggest that college
      drinking interventions could benefit from the incorporation of sleep-related
      content and the value in adding brief alcohol assessments and interventions to
      other college health treatments.

PMID- 25133846
TI  - The impact of self-affirmation on health-behavior change: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Self-affirmation (induced by reflecting upon important values,
      attributes, or social relations) appears to reduce defensive resistance to health
      risk information and increase subsequent readiness for health behavior change.
      However, these effects of self-affirmation have yet to be subjected to formal,
      quantitative integration. Consequently, the current article reports a meta
      analysis of the impact of self-affirmation on outcomes at 3 key points in the
      process of health-behavior change: (a) message acceptance, (b) intentions to
      change, and (c) subsequent behavior. METHOD: The literature search identified 144
      experimental tests of the effects of manipulating self-affirmation on these
      outcomes. Effect sizes were extracted and meta-analyzed. RESULTS: Across 34 tests
      of message acceptance (N = 3,433), 64 tests of intentions (N = 5,564), and 46
      tests of behavior (N = 2,715), random effects models indicated small but reliable
      positive effects of self-affirmation on each outcome: acceptance, d+ = .17(CI =
      .03 to .31); intentions, d+ = .14 (CI = .05 to .23); behavior, d+ = .32 (CI = .19
      to .44). Findings held across a range of health problems and behaviors.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that deploying self-affirmation inductions
      alongside persuasive health information has positive effects, promoting message
      acceptance, intentions to change, and subsequent behavior. Though the effects are
      small in magnitude, they are comparable to those obtained in meta-analyses of
      other health-behavior change interventions. These findings are relevant to
      researchers and practitioners working to understand why people resist beneficial
      health information and how such resistance can be reduced.

PMID- 25133847
TI  - Tricksterdom in narratives of young adult cancer: performances of uncertainty,
      subversion, and possibility.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: As people with cancer attempt the difficult task of giving voice to
      life with illness, they often turn to mythic figures and stories (e.g., when
      people talk about battling cancer or embarking on a journey toward recovery).
      Little attention has been paid to the mythic figure of the trickster, recently
      identified by Arthur Frank (2009) as a prominent trope in some narrative accounts
      of illness. We investigated the prevalence of 3 tricksterly themes expressed
      within young adults' stories of cancer: destabilizing social or cosmic order
      (uncertainty), challenging dominant expectations for human life (subversion), and
      exploring alternative ways of viewing the world (possibility). METHOD: We
      recruited 21 young adults with cancer from across Canada and conducted
      semistructured interviews. We then analyzed their stories using some elements of
      thematic, structural, and dialogical/performative narrative analysis-drawing
      attention to what was told and how/to whom were they told (Crossley, 2000; Frank,
      2012; Riessman, 2008). RESULTS: We describe each of the 3 themes in turn (i.e.,
      uncertainty, subversion, and possibility) using excerpts from 6 interview
      transcripts, and show how they meaningfully converge into an interpretive
      framework of tricksterdom. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the 3 themes of
      uncertainty, subversion, and possibility seem to come together as tricksterly
      performances, disrupting audiences' expectations of more typical forms of cancer
      narratives and calling attention to less familiar, structured, and "tellable"
      ways of narrating illness.

PMID- 25133848
TI  - The roles of self-efficacy and motivation in the prediction of short- and long
      term adherence to exercise among patients with coronary heart disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Poor adherence to regular exercise is a documented challenge among
      people with heart disease. Identifying key determinants of exercise adherence and
      distinguishing between the processes driving short- and long-term adherence to
      regular exercise is a valuable endeavor. The purpose of the present study was to
      test a model of exercise behavior change, which incorporates motivational
      orientations and self-efficacy for exercise behavior, in the prediction of short-
      and long-term exercise adherence. METHOD: Male and female patients (N = 801)
      hospitalized for coronary heart disease were recruited from 3 tertiary care
      cardiac centers and followed for a period of 1 year after hospital discharge. A
      prospective, longitudinal design was used to examine the roles of motivation and
      self-efficacy (measured at recruitment and at 2 and 6 months after discharge) in
      the prediction of exercise behavior at 6 and 12 months. Baseline measures of
      exercise and clinical and demographic covariates were included in the analyses.
      RESULTS: Structural equation modeling showed that both autonomous motivation and
      self-efficacy were important determinants of short-term (6-month) exercise
      behavior regulation, but that only autonomous motivation remained a significant
      predictor of long-term (12-month) exercise behavior. Self-efficacy partially
      mediated the relationship between motivation for exercise and 6-month exercise
      behavior. CONCLUSIONS: This research confirmed the roles of autonomous motivation
      and self-efficacy in the health behavior change process and emphasized the key
      function of autonomous motivation in exercise maintenance. Theoretical and
      cardiac rehabilitation program applications of this research are discussed.

PMID- 25133849
TI  - Synthesis of benzobicycloheptanones via the trap of photogenerated ketene methide
      intermediate with olefins.
AB  - Irradiation of ortho-formyl dienes with UV light led to benzobicycloheptanones in
      high yields and chemoselectivities via a photogenerated ketene methide/Diels
      Alder cascade reaction. The reaction mechanism was proposed to be a [1,5]-H shift
      process rather than a radical pathway based on control experiments. DFT
      calculations indicate that the energy of transition states is responsible for the
      high chemoselectivity observed in this protocol. 

PMID- 25133850
TI  - Bioavailability and biological effect of engineered silver nanoparticles in a
      forest soil.
AB  - The extensive use of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) as antimicrobial in food,
      clothing and medicine, leads inevitably to a loss of such nanomaterial in soil
      and water. Little is known about the effects of soil contamination, in
      particular, on microbial cells, which play a fundamental ecological role. In this
      work, the impact of SNPs on forest soil has been studied, investigating eco
      physiological indicators of microbial biomass and microbial diversity with
      culture-dependent and independent techniques. Moreover, SNPs bioavailability and
      uptake were assessed. Soil samples were spiked with SNPs at two different
      concentrations (10 and 100 MUg g(-1)dw) and incubated with the relative controls
      for 30, 60 and 90 days. The overall parameters showed a significant influence of
      the SNPs on the soil microbial community, revealing a marked shift after 60 days
      of incubation.

PMID- 25133851
TI  - Influence of residual polymer on nanoparticle deposition in porous media.
AB  - Although surface coatings and free polymers are known to affect the mobility of
      nanoparticles in water-saturated porous media, the influence of these compounds
      on nanoparticle deposition behavior has received limited attention. A series of
      column experiments was conducted to evaluate the transport and retention of
      quantum dots (QDs) coated with a synthetic polymer, polyacrylic acid-octylamine
      (PAA-OA). Initial column studies, conducted with three size fractions of Ottawa
      sand, resulted in unusual solid-phase retention profiles, characterized by low QD
      deposition near the column inlet and increasing solid-phase concentrations along
      the column until a plateau or limiting capacity was reached near the column
      midpoint. Mathematical modeling studies indicated that the observed retention
      behavior could not be reproduced using one-dimensional simulators based on either
      clean-bed filtration theory or a modified filtration theory (MFT) model that
      incorporated a maximum retention capacity. Additional column studies demonstrated
      that changes in the inlet end plate configuration designed to ensure uniform flow
      did not alter the observed effluent breakthrough curves (BTCs) or shape of the
      retention profile. Subsequent QD transport experiments, pretreated by flushing
      with a pulse of PAA-OA solution, resulted in almost complete QD breakthrough with
      minimal retention. It is postulated that free polymer was preferentially adsorbed
      onto the solid surface near the column inlet, thereby preventing QD attachment,
      whereas in the down-gradient portion of the column, QDs attached to the solid
      phase without competition from the polymer. These findings reveal the importance
      of accounting for the influence of coconstituents on nanoparticle deposition and
      demonstrate the need to simulate both transport and retention data when assessing
      nanoparticle mobility in porous media. 

PMID- 25133852
TI  - Malignancy risk stratification in thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic results at
      cytologic examination: combination of thyroid imaging reporting and data system
      and the Bethesda System.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the malignancy risks of thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic
      results at ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy ( FNAB fine
      needle aspiration biopsy ) and the criteria for selecting those for repeat US
      guided FNAB fine-needle aspiration biopsy according to the thyroid imaging
      reporting and data system ( TIRADS thyroid imaging reporting and data system ).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional
      review board, and the requirement to obtain informed consent was waived. Five
      hundred forty-eight nondiagnostic nodules were included. US features of internal
      composition, echogenicity, margin, calcifications, shape, and vascularity were
      evaluated, and thyroid nodules were classified according to TIRADS thyroid
      imaging reporting and data system . TIRADS thyroid imaging reporting and data
      system category 3 included nodules without any suspicious features of solidity,
      hypoechogenicity or marked hypoechogenicity, microlobulated or irregular margins,
      microcalcifications, and taller-than-wide shape. Categories 4a, 4b, 4c, and 5
      included nodules with one, two, three or four, or five suspicious US features.
      The malignancy risk was calculated. RESULTS: Of the 548 nodules, 40 (7.3%) were
      malignant and 508 (92.7%) were benign. The malignancy risks of categories 3 and
      4a nodules were 0.8% and 1.8%, respectively, whereas the malignancy risks of
      categories 4b, 4c, and 5 nodules were 6.1%, 14.4%, and 31%. In the 294 nodules
      larger than 10 mm, the malignancy risks of categories 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, and 5
      nodules were 0.9%, 1.3%, 0%, 15%, and 33%, respectively. In the 254 nodules
      measuring 10 mm or smaller, the malignancy risks of categories 3, 4a 4b, 4c, and
      5 nodules were 0%, 2.7%, 14%, 14.3%, and 31%. CONCLUSION: Nondiagnostic thyroid
      nodules without suspicious US features and those with one suspicious feature can
      be followed up with US, but nondiagnostic nodules with two or more suspicious
      features should undergo repeat US-guided FNAB fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

PMID- 25133854
TI  - Temperature-dependent wear mechanisms for magnetron-sputtered AlTiTaN hard
      coatings.
AB  - AlTiTaN coatings have been demonstrated to have high thermal stability at
      temperatures up to 900  degrees C. It has been speculated that the high oxidation
      resistance promotes an improved wear resistance, specifically for dry machining
      applications. This work reports on the influence of temperature up to 900 
      degrees C on the wear mechanisms of AlTiTaN hard coatings. DC magnetron-sputtered
      coatings were obtained from an Al(46)Ti(42)Ta(12) target, keeping the substrate
      bias at -100 V and the substrate temperature at 265  degrees C. The coatings
      exhibited a single-phase face-centered cubic AlTiTaN structure. The dry sliding
      tests revealed predominant abrasion and tribo-oxidation as wear mechanisms,
      depending on the wear debris formed. At room temperature, abrasion leading to
      surface polishing was observed. At 700 and 800  degrees C, slow tribo-oxidation
      and an amorphous oxide formed reduced the wear rate of the coating compared to
      room temperature. Further, an increase in temperature to 900  degrees C increased
      the wear rate significantly due to fast tribo-oxidation accompanied by grooving.
      The friction coefficient was found to decrease with temperature increasing from
      700 to 900  degrees C due to the formation of oxide scales, which reduce adhesion
      of asperity contacts. A relationship between the oxidation and wear mechanisms
      was established using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron
      microscopy, surface profilometry, confocal microscopy, and dynamic secondary ion
      mass spectrometry.

PMID- 25133855
TI  - Therapist adherence in individual cognitive-behavioral therapy for binge-eating
      disorder: assessment, course, and predictors.
AB  - While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-established treatment
      for binge-eating disorder (BED), little is known about process factors
      influencing its outcome. The present study sought to explore the assessment of
      therapist adherence, its course over treatment, and its associations with patient
      and therapist characteristics, and the therapeutic alliance. In a prospective
      multicenter randomized-controlled trial comparing CBT to internet-based guided
      self-help (INTERBED-study), therapist adherence using the newly developed
      Adherence Control Form (ACF) was determined by trained raters in randomly
      selected 418 audio-taped CBT sessions of 89 patients (25% of all sessions).
      Observer-rated therapeutic alliance, interview-based and self-reported patient
      and therapist characteristics were assessed. Three-level multilevel modeling was
      applied. The ACF showed adequate psychometric properties. Therapist adherence was
      excellent. While significant between-therapist variability in therapist adherence
      was found, within-therapist variability was non-significant. Patient and
      therapist characteristics did not predict the therapist adherence. The therapist
      adherence positively predicted the therapeutic alliance. The ACF demonstrated its
      utility to assess therapist adherence in CBT for BED. The excellent levels of
      therapist adherence point to the internal validity of the CBT within the INTERBED
      study serving as a prerequisite for empirical comparisons between treatments.
      Variability between therapists should be addressed in therapist trainings and
      dissemination trials. 

PMID- 25133856
TI  - Short-term effectiveness of an online behavioral training in migraine self
      management: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Behavioral training (BT) is recommended as a supplementary preventive treatment
      for migraine. Online interventions have been successful in promoting health
      behavior change, the evidence for online BT in migraine is limited, however. This
      randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the post-treatment effectiveness
      of online BT (n = 195) compared to a waitlist control group (WLC; n = 173) on
      migraine attack frequency (primary outcome), headache self-efficacy and locus of
      control (secondary outcomes). BT aims to counteract attacks in the prodromal
      stage through early detection of prodromal features and self-management via
      physical relaxation and cognitive behavioral regulation, and was offered with
      minimal e-mail support in eight online lessons. Results showed that 120 (62%)
      participants completed BT. A decrease of 20-25% in migraine attack frequency was
      found in both conditions without a between-group difference (ES = 0.02, p = .71).
      BT participants improved more than WLC participants on migraine related self
      efficacy (ES = 0.86, p < .001), developed more internal (ES = 0.57, p < .001),
      and less external control (ES = 0.78, p < .001). To conclude, results at post
      training did not corroborate that improvements in migraine attack frequency were
      due to online BT, the waitlist control group improved accordingly. However,
      positive effects of BT on self-efficacy and locus of control were established. We
      have to await the long term effects to see if improvements in psychological
      variables translate to a reduction in migraine headache. 

PMID- 25133858
TI  - Synthesis and optophysical properties of dimeric aza-BODIPY dyes with a push-pull
      benzodipyrrolidone core.
AB  - A series of benzodipyrrolidone-based dimeric aza-BODIPY dyes with a push-pull
      structure are synthesized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction demonstrates these
      extended aza-BODIPY dyes are planar. The resulting aza-BODIPY chromophores
      exhibit intense absorption in the 450-800 nm regions and possess lower-lying LUMO
      energy levels. Furthermore, the push-pull substituents on aza-BODIPYs core have a
      positive effect on their optophysical properties. 

PMID- 25133857
TI  - Visual disability rates in a ten-year cohort of patients with anterior visual
      pathway meningiomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the visual outcome of anterior visual pathway meningioma
      (AVPM) patients followed for at least one year. METHODS: Data were collected on
      demographics, clinical course and management. Visual disability was classified at
      the first and last examination as follows: I--no visual disability; II--mild
      visual defect in one eye; III--mild visual defect in both eyes; IV--loss of
      driver's license; V--legally blind. RESULTS: Eight-one AVPM patients had their
      tumor originate in the clinoid process in 23 (28%), sphenoid-wing area in 18
      (22%), cavernous sinus in 15 (19%), tuberculum sellae in 8 (10%), and mixed in 17
      (21%). On last examination, 46 patients (57%) had good visual acuity in one or
      both eyes (Class I or II) and 17 (21%) were mildly affected in both eyes. The
      rate of Class IV disability was 16%, and Class V disability was 6%. CONCLUSIONS:
      Attention needs to be addressed to the considerable proportion of patients with
      AVPM (22% in this study) who may lose their driver's license or become legally
      blind. Occupational therapists should play an important role in the
      multidisciplinary management of those patients to help them adapt to their new
      physical and social situation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Anterior visual
      pathway meningiomas (AVPMs) are commonly not life-threatening but they can lead
      to profound visual disability, especially when the tumor originates in the
      tuberculum sellae and cavernous sinus. Particular attention should be paid to
      visual acuity and visual field deficits, as these can profoundly affect the
      patient's quality of life including ability to drive and activities of daily
      living. The interdisciplinary management of patients with AVPM should include the
      neurosurgeon, neuro-ophthalmologist and occupational therapist. Also, early
      intervention by the occupational therapist can help patients adapt to their
      current physical and social situation and return to everyday tasks more rapidly.

PMID- 25133859
TI  - Highly efficient functional GexPb1-xTe based thermoelectric alloys.
AB  - Methods for enhancement of the direct thermal to electrical energy conversion
      efficiency, upon development of advanced thermoelectric materials, are constantly
      investigated mainly for efficient implementation of thermoelectric devices in
      automotive vehicles, for converting the waste heat generated in such engines into
      useful electrical power and thereby reduction of the fuel consumption and CO2
      emission levels. It was recently shown that GeTe based compounds and specifically
      GeTe-PbTe rich alloys are efficient p-type thermoelectric compositions. In the
      current research, Bi2Te3 doping and PbTe alloying effects in GexPb1-xTe alloys,
      subjected to phase separation reactions, were investigated for identifying the
      phase separation potential for enhancement of the thermoelectric properties
      beyond a pure alloying effect. All of the investigated compositions exhibit
      maximal dimensionless figure of merit, ZT, values beyond 1, with the
      extraordinary value of 2.1 found for the 5% Bi2Te3 doped-Ge0.87Pb0.13Te
      composition, considered as among the highest ever reported. 

PMID- 25133860
TI  - Walking Workstation Use Reduces Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Adults With
      Prehypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The acute effect of low-intensity walking on blood pressure (BP) is
      unclear. PURPOSE: To determine if the acute use of a walking workstation reduces
      ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in prehypertensive men and women. METHODS: Ten
      prehypertensive adults participated in a randomized, cross-over study that
      included a control workday and a walking workstation workday. ABP was measured
      for 7 hour during the workday and for 6 hour after work. RESULTS: Both systolic
      BP (SBP) (134 +/- 14 vs. 137 +/- 16 mmHg; P = .027) and diastolic BP (DBP) (79 +/
      10 vs. 82 +/- 12 mmHg; P = .001) were lower on the walking workstation day.
      Postwork hours (4:00 PM-10:00 PM), SBP (129 +/- 13 vs. 133 +/- 14 mmHg; P =
      .008), and DBP (74 +/- 11 vs. 78 +/- 13 mmHg; P = .001) were also lower on the
      walking workstation day. DBP load was significantly lower during the walking
      workstation day, with only 14% of the readings above 90 mmHg compared with 22% of
      the control day readings (P = .037). CONCLUSION: Accumulation of very-light
      intensity physical activity (~2 METs) over the course of a single work day using
      a walking workstation may reduce BP burden in prehypertensive individuals.

PMID- 25133861
TI  - Automatic generic registration of mass spectrometry imaging data to histology
      using nonlinear stochastic embedding.
AB  - The combination of mass spectrometry imaging and histology has proven a powerful
      approach for obtaining molecular signatures from specific cells/tissues of
      interest, whether to identify biomolecular changes associated with specific
      histopathological entities or to determine the amount of a drug in specific
      organs/compartments. Currently there is no software that is able to explicitly
      register mass spectrometry imaging data spanning different ionization techniques
      or mass analyzers. Accordingly, the full capabilities of mass spectrometry
      imaging are at present underexploited. Here we present a fully automated generic
      approach for registering mass spectrometry imaging data to histology and
      demonstrate its capabilities for multiple mass analyzers, multiple ionization
      sources, and multiple tissue types. 

PMID- 25133862
TI  - Management of Hodgkin's lymphoma with midbrain involvement: A case report and
      review of literature.
AB  - Introduction Primary central nervous system (CNS) involvement of Hodgkin's
      lymphoma is very uncommon. There are only a few previous reports of Hodgkin's
      lymphoma of nodular lymphocyte predominant histology involving the CNS
      concurrently with systemic disease. Case presentation A 12-year-old boy with a
      history of painless left inguinal swelling and acute diplopia. There was an
      intensely enhancing lesion in the right midbrain on magnetic resonance imaging.
      The patient was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma of nodular lymphocyte
      predominance type by routine microscopy and immunohistochemistry of left inguinal
      lymph node biopsy with computed tomography-assisted staging. It was planned to
      treat him with six cycles of chemotherapy with intrathecal methotrexate, followed
      by radiotherapy to the CNS lesions. After two cycles of chemotherapy, the patient
      entered complete remission of all lesions including the CNS lesion documented by
      the positron emission tomography scan. Conclusion We are describing the course of
      this rare presentation of Hodgkin's lymphoma of nodular lymphocyte predominant
      histology involving the CNS and clinical challenge in its diagnosis and
      management of this case. 

PMID- 25133864
TI  - High-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal synthesis, characterization, and
      structural relationships of layered uranyl arsenates.
AB  - Five new uranyl arsenates, Na14[(UO2)5(AsO4)8].2H2O (1), K6[(UO2)5O5(AsO4)2]
      (2a), K4[(UO2)3O2(AsO4)2] (2b), Rb4[(UO2)3O2(AsO4)2] (3), and
      Cs6[(UO2)5O2(AsO4)4] (4), were synthesized by high-temperature, high-pressure
      hydrothermal reactions at about 560  degrees C and 1440 bar and were
      characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis,
      and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Crystal data for compound 1: triclinic, P1, a
      = 7.0005(3) A, b = 12.1324(4) A, c = 13.7428(5) A, alpha = 64.175(2) degrees ,
      beta = 89.092(2) degrees , gamma = 85.548(2) degrees , V = 1047.26(7) A(3), Z =
      1, R1 = 0.0185; compound 2a: monoclinic, P21/c, a = 6.8615(3) A, b = 24.702(1) A,
      c = 7.1269(3) A, beta = 98.749(2) degrees , V = 1193.89(9) A(3), Z = 2, R1 =
      0.0225; compound 2b: monoclinic, P21/c, a = 6.7852(3) A, b = 17.3640(8) A, c =
      7.1151(3) A, beta = 98.801(3) degrees , V = 828.42(6) A(3), Z = 2, R1 = 0.0269;
      compound 3: monoclinic, P21/m, a = 6.9783(3) A, b = 17.4513(8) A, c = 7.0867(3)
      A, beta = 90.808(3) degrees , V = 862.94(7) A(3), Z = 2, R1 = 0.0269; compound 4:
      triclinic, P1, a = 7.7628(3) A, b = 9.3324(4) A, c = 11.9336(4) A, alpha =
      75.611(2) degrees , beta = 73.136(2) degrees , gamma = 86.329(2) degrees , V =
      801.37(5) A(3), Z = 1, R1 = 0.0336. The five compounds have layer structures
      consisting of uranyl square, pentagonal, and hexagonal bipyramids as well as AsO4
      tetrahedra. Compound 1 contains chains of discrete uranyl square and pentagonal
      bipyramids, 2a contains three-polyhedron-wide ribbons of edge- and corner-sharing
      uranyl square and pentagonal bipyramids, 2b and 3 contain dimers of edge-shairing
      pentagonal bipyramids that share edges with hexagonal bipyramids to form chains,
      and 4 contains one-polyhedron-wide zigzag chains of edge-sharing uranyl
      polyhedra. The double sheet structure of 1 is new, but the chain topology has
      been observed in an organically templated uranyl sulfate. Compound 2b is a new
      geometrical isomer of the phosphuranylite group. The sheet anion topologies of 2a
      and 4 can be obtained by splitting the beta-U3O8-type sheet into complex chains
      and connecting the chains by arsenates.

PMID- 25133865
TI  - Biopolymer-based structuring of liquid oil into soft solids and oleogels using
      water-continuous emulsions as templates.
AB  - Physical trapping of a hydrophobic liquid oil in a matrix of water-soluble
      biopolymers was achieved using a facile two-step process by first formulating a
      surfactant-free oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by biopolymers (a protein and a
      polysaccharide) followed by complete removal of the water phase (by either high-
      or low-temperature drying of the emulsion) resulting in structured solid systems
      containing a high concentration of liquid oil (above 97 wt %). The microstructure
      of these systems was revealed by confocal and cryo-scanning electron microscopy,
      and the effect of biopolymer concentrations on the consistency of emulsions as
      well as the dried product was evaluated using a combination of small-amplitude
      oscillatory shear rheometry and large deformation fracture studies. The oleogel
      prepared by shearing the dried product showed a high gel strength as well as a
      certain degree of thixotropic recovery even at high temperatures. Moreover, the
      reversibility of the process was demonstrated by shearing the dried product in
      the presence of water to obtain reconstituted emulsions with rheological
      properties comparable to those of the fresh emulsion. 

PMID- 25133863
TI  - Infection management and multidrug-resistant organisms in nursing home residents
      with advanced dementia.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Infection management in advanced dementia has important implications
      for (1) providing high-quality care to patients near the end of life and (2)
      minimizing the public health threat posed by the emergence of multidrug-resistant
      organisms (MDROs). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective cohort study of
      362 residents with advanced dementia and their health care proxies in 35 Boston
      area nursing homes for up to 12 months. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Data were
      collected to characterize suspected infections, use of antimicrobial agents
      (antimicrobials), clinician counseling of proxies about antimicrobials, proxy
      preference for the goals of care, and colonization with MDROs (methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and multidrug
      resistant gram-negative bacteria). Main outcomes were (1) proportion of suspected
      infections treated with antimicrobials that met minimum clinical criteria to
      initiate antimicrobial treatment based on consensus guidelines and (2) cumulative
      incidence of MDRO acquisition among noncolonized residents at baseline. RESULTS:
      The cohort experienced 496 suspected infections; 72.4% were treated with
      antimicrobials, most commonly quinolones (39.8%) and third- or fourth-generation
      cephalosporins (20.6%). At baseline, 94.8% of proxies stated that comfort was the
      primary goal of care, and 37.8% received counseling from clinicians about
      antimicrobial use. Minimum clinical criteria supporting antimicrobial treatment
      initiation were present for 44.0% of treated episodes and were more likely when
      proxies were counseled about antimicrobial use (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42; 95%
      CI, 1.08-1.86) and when the infection source was not the urinary tract
      (referent). Among noncolonized residents at baseline, the cumulative incidence of
      MDRO acquisition at 1 year was 48%. Acquisition was associated with exposure (>1
      day) to quinolones (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.89; 95% CI, 1.28-2.81) and
      third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins (AHR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.04-2.40).
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Antimicrobials are prescribed for most suspected
      infections in advanced dementia but often in the absence of minimum clinical
      criteria to support their use. Colonization with MDROs is extensive in nursing
      homes and is associated with exposure to quinolones and third- and fourth
      generation cephalosporins. A more judicious approach to infection management may
      reduce unnecessary treatment in these frail patients, who most often have comfort
      as their primary goal of care, and the public health threat of MDRO emergence.

PMID- 25133866
TI  - Examining the Relationship Between Physical Activity Intensity and Adiposity in
      Young Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between
      intensity of physical activity (PA) and body composition in 343 young women.
      METHODS: Physical activity was objectively measured using accelerometers worn for
      7 days in women 17 to 25 years. Body composition was assessed using the BOD POD.
      RESULTS: Young women who spent less than 30 minutes a week performing vigorous PA
      had significantly higher body fat percentages than women who performed more than
      30 minutes of vigorous PA per week (F = 4.54, P = .0113). Young women who spent
      less than 30 minutes per day in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) had significantly
      higher body fat percentages than those who obtained more than 30 minutes per day
      of MVPA (F = 7.47, P = .0066). Accumulating more than 90 minutes of MVPA per day
      was associated with the lowest percent body fat. For every 10 minutes spent in
      MVPA per day, the odds of having a body fat percentage above 32% decreased by 29%
      (P = .0002). CONCLUSION: Vigorous PA and MVPA are associated with lower
      adiposity. Young women should be encouraged to accumulate at least 30 minutes of
      MVPA per day, however getting more than 90 minutes a day is predictive of even
      lower levels of adiposity.

PMID- 25133869
TI  - Nine hundred.

PMID- 25133868
TI  - Cardiac rehabilitation use among veterans with ischemic heart disease.

PMID- 25133870
TI  - Cognitive profiles of elder adult protective services clients living in squalor.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine whether squalor-dwelling Adult
      Protective Services (APS) clients were more cognitively impaired than non-squalor
      dwelling APS clients referred for decision-making capacity assessments. The
      authors performed a retrospective medical record review of neuropsychological and
      demographic data gathered during decisional capacity assessments. Squalor
      dwelling was defined by unsanitary living conditions that posed a danger to the
      occupant's health or safety. Mean neuropsychological test scores were compared
      between squalor-dwelling (n = 50) and non-squalor-dwelling (n = 180) subjects.
      Squalor-dwelling clients were significantly younger than non-squalor-dwelling
      clients. There were no distribution differences among gender, education, race, or
      rural-dwelling status. Although both groups performed poorly on each
      neuropsychological measure, squalor dwellers demonstrated better memory and
      general cognitive performance. Cognition, depression, gender, race, education,
      dementia diagnosis, and rural-dwelling status seem insufficient to explain
      squalor-dwelling behaviors. Other biological and psychosocial variables should be
      considered. 

PMID- 25133872
TI  - Fe-catalyzed direct dithioacetalization of aldehydes with 2-chloro-1,3-dithiane.
AB  - Present methods to synthesize 1,3-dithiane molecules require either harsh
      reaction conditions or highly specialized reagents. We have developed a catalytic
      dithioacetalization process that directly gains access to the corresponding 1,3
      dithianes using aldehydes and 2-chloro-1,3-dithiane in a highly efficient manner.
      This methodology is beneficial due to mildness of the reaction conditions, and
      the dithioacetaliation process results in good to excellent yields by using 15
      mol % of an iron catalyst. 

PMID- 25133871
TI  - Association of serum interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein in childhood with
      depression and psychosis in young adult life: a population-based longitudinal
      study.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Longitudinal studies have linked the systemic inflammatory markers
      interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) with the risk of developing
      heart disease and diabetes mellitus, which are common comorbidities for
      depression and psychosis. Recent meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies have
      reported increased serum levels of these inflammatory markers in depression,
      first-episode psychosis, and acute psychotic relapse; however, the direction of
      the association has been unclear. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that higher
      serum levels of IL-6 and CRP in childhood would increase future risks for
      depression and psychosis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Avon
      Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)is a prospective general
      population birth cohort study based in Avon County, England. We have studied a
      subsample of approximately 4500 individuals from the cohort with data on
      childhood IL-6 and CRP levels and later psychiatric assessments. MEASUREMENT OF
      EXPOSURE: Levels of IL-6 and CRP were measured in nonfasting blood samples
      obtained in participants at age 9 years. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Participants
      were assessed at age 18 years. Depression was measured using the Clinical
      Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R) and Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ),
      thus allowing internal replication; psychotic experiences (PEs) and psychotic
      disorder were measured by a semistructured interview. RESULTS: After adjusting
      for sex, age, body mass index, ethnicity, social class, past psychological and
      behavioral problems, and maternal postpartum depression, participants in the top
      third of IL-6 values compared with the bottom third at age 9 years were more
      likely to be depressed (CIS-R) at age 18 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.55;
      95% CI, 1.13-2.14). Results using the MFQ were similar. Risks of PEs and of
      psychotic disorder at age 18 years were also increased with higher IL-6 levels at
      baseline (adjusted OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.01-3.28; and adjusted OR, 2.40; 95% CI,
      0.88-6.22, respectively). Higher IL-6 levels in childhood were associated with
      subsequent risks of depression and PEs in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS
      AND RELEVANCE: Higher levels of the systemic inflammatory marker IL-6 in
      childhood are associated with an increased risk of developing depression and
      psychosis in young adulthood. Inflammatory pathways may provide important new
      intervention and prevention targets for these disorders. Inflammation might
      explain the high comorbidity between heart disease, diabetes mellitus,
      depression, and schizophrenia.

PMID- 25133873
TI  - Distributed polarizability models for imidazolium-based ionic liquids.
AB  - Quantum chemical calculations are used to derive distributed polarizability
      models sufficiently accurate and compact to be used in classical molecular
      dynamics simulations of imidazolium-based room temperature ionic liquids. Two
      distributed polarizability models are fitted to reproduce the induction energy of
      three imidazolium cations (1,3-dimethyl-, 1-ethyl-3-methyl-, and 1-butyl-3
      methylimidazolium) and four anions (tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate,
      nitrate, and thiocyanate) polarized by a point charge located successively on a
      grid of surrounding points. The first model includes charge-flow polarizabilities
      between first-neighbor atoms and isotropic dipolar polarizability on all atoms
      (except H), while the second model includes anisotropic dipolar polarizabilities
      on all atoms (except H). For the imidazolium cations, particular attention is
      given to the transferability of the distributed polarizability sets. The
      molecular polarizability and its anisotropy rebuilt by the distributed models are
      found to be in good agreement with the exact ab initio values for the three
      cations and 23 additional conformers of 1-ethyl-3-methyl-, 1-butyl-3-methyl-, 1
      pentyl-3-methyl-, and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium cations. 

PMID- 25133875
TI  - A jogged dislocation governed strengthening mechanism in nanotwinned metals.
AB  - Atomistic simulations reveal a new and unique strengthening mechanism in
      nanotwinned metals governed by the collective motion of multiple necklace-like
      extended jogged dislocations. This mechanism prevails in a columnar-grained
      nanotwinned metal subject to an external stress parallel to the twin planes,
      provided the twin boundary spacing falls below a critical value. A theoretical
      model based on the depinning of unit jogs on twin planes is proposed to determine
      the flow stress associated with this deformation mechanism and is shown to be in
      agreement with atomistic simulations. 

PMID- 25133874
TI  - Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is an inherent indicator of the
      dilatory capacity of cerebral arterioles for a vasomotor stimulus for maintaining
      a spontaneous and instant increase of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in response to
      neural activation. The integrity of this mechanism is essential to preserving
      healthy neurovascular coupling; however, to our knowledge, no studies have
      investigated whether there are CVR abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS).
      OBJECTIVE: To use hypercapnic perfusion magnetic resonance imaging to assess CVR
      impairment in patients with MS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 19
      healthy volunteers and 19 patients with MS underwent perfusion magnetic resonance
      imaging based on pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling to measure CBF at
      normocapnia (ie, breathing room air) and hypercapnia. The hypercapnia condition
      is achieved by breathing 5% carbon dioxide gas mixture, which is a potent
      vasodilator causing an increase of CBF. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:
      Cerebrovascular reactivity was calculated as the percent increase of normocapnic
      to hypercapnic CBF normalized by the change in end-tidal carbon dioxide, which
      was recorded during both conditions. Group analysis was performed for regional
      and global CVR comparison between patients and controls. Regression analysis was
      also performed between CVR values, lesion load, and brain atrophy measures in
      patients with MS. RESULTS: A significant decrease of mean (SD) global gray matter
      CVR was found in patients with MS (3.56 [0.81]) compared with healthy controls
      (5.08 [1.56]; P = .001). Voxel-by-voxel analysis showed diffuse reduction of CVR
      in multiple regions of patients with MS. There was a significant negative
      correlation between gray matter CVR and lesion volume (R = 0.6, P = .004) and a
      significant positive correlation between global gray matter CVR and gray matter
      atrophy index (R = 0.5, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our quantitative
      imaging findings suggest impairment in functional cerebrovascular
      pathophysiology, by measuring a diffuse decrease in CVR, which may be the
      underlying cause of neurodegeneration in MS.

PMID- 25133877
TI  - Development of a rapid capture-cum-detection method for Escherichia coli O157
      from apple juice comprising nano-immunomagnetic separation in tandem with surface
      enhanced Raman scattering.
AB  - A combined capture and detection method comprising of nano-immunomagnetic
      separation (NIMS) and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was developed to
      detect Escherichia coli O157 from liquid media including apple juice. The capture
      antibodies (cAbs) were immobilized on magnetite-gold (Fe3O4/Au) magnetic
      nanoparticles (MNPs) which were used for separation and concentration of the E.
      coli O157 cells from model liquid food matrix. The capture efficiency (CE) for E.
      coli O157 using MNP was found to be approximately 84-94%. No cross reactivity was
      observed with background non-target organisms. There was a significant difference
      in the mean CE of bacteria captured by MNP and commercially sourced
      immunomagnetic microbeads (p<0.05). For the detection of target pathogen, SERS
      labels were prepared by conjugating gold nanoparticles with Raman reporter
      molecules and the detector antibody (dAb). Au-Raman label-dAb was interacted with
      gold coated MNP-cAb-E. coli O157 complex. The ability of this immunoassay to
      detect E. coli O157 in apple juice was investigated. We have successfully applied
      the synthesized Fe3O4/Au nanoclusters to E. coli O157 detection in apple juice
      using the SERS method. The lowest detectable bacterial cell concentration in
      apple juice was 10(2)CFU/mL with a total analysis time of less than an hour. This
      method presents a convenient way of preconcentration, separation, and detection
      of low levels of target pathogen from liquid food matrix. 

PMID- 25133876
TI  - Epithelial interleukin-25 is a key mediator in Th2-high, corticosteroid
      responsive asthma.
AB  - RATIONALE: Activation of type 2 cytokine pathways plays a central role in a large
      subset of subjects with asthma. Th2-high and Th2-low asthma have distinct
      clinical, pathologic, and molecular phenotypes and respond differently to
      therapy. The factors that initiate type 2 responses in some subjects with asthma
      are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether expression of epithelial cytokines
      IL-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin are associated with type 2
      responses and predict response to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in asthma.
      METHODS: We analyzed pulmonary function tests, blood, and bronchoscopic biopsies
      from 21 healthy control subjects and 43 subjects with asthma. Subjects with
      asthma underwent an 8-week treatment with inhaled budesonide. MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: Epithelial expression of IL-25, but not IL-33 or thymic stromal
      lymphopoietin, was increased in a subset of subjects with asthma. The IL-25-high
      subset had greater airway hyperresponsiveness, more airway and blood eosinophils,
      higher serum IgE, more subepithelial thickening, and higher expression of Th2
      signature genes. ICS improved FEV1 and hyperresponsiveness in the IL-25-high but
      not the IL-25-low subset. Plasma IL-25 levels correlated with epithelial IL-25
      expression, airway eosinophilia, and beneficial responses to ICS treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: IL-25 measurements identify two subsets of subjects with distinct
      asthma phenotypes and different responses to ICS. Because IL-25 has a major role
      in triggering type 2 responses, bronchial epithelial IL-25 expression is likely a
      key determinant of type 2 response activation in asthma. Plasma IL-25 level
      reflects airway IL-25/type 2 response activation and may be useful for predicting
      responses to asthma therapy.

PMID- 25133878
TI  - The contribution of the Israeli trauma system to the survival of road traffic
      casualties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization, over one million people
      die annually from traffic crashes, in which over half are pedestrians, bicycle
      riders and two-wheel motor vehicles. In Israel, during the last decade, mortality
      from traffic crashes has decreased from 636 in 1998 to 288 in 2011. Professionals
      attribute the decrease in mortality to enforcement, improved infrastructure and
      roads and behavioral changes among road users, while no credit is given to the
      trauma system. Trauma systems which care for severe and critical casualties
      improve the injury outcomes and reduce mortality among road casualties. GOALS: 1)
      To evaluate the contribution of the Israeli Health System, especially the trauma
      system, on the reduction in mortality among traffic casualties. 2) To evaluate
      the chance of survival among hospitalized traffic casualties, according to age,
      gender, injury severity and type of road user. METHODS: A retrospective study
      based on the National Trauma Registry, 1998-2011, including hospitalization data
      from eight hospitals. OUTCOMES: During the study period, the Trauma Registry
      included 262,947 hospitalized trauma patients, of which 25.3% were due to a road
      accident. During the study period, a 25% reduction in traffic related mortality
      was reported, from 3.6% in 1998 to 2.7% in 2011. Among severe and critical (ISS
      16+) casualties the reduction in mortality rates was even more significant, 41%;
      from 18.6% in 1998 to 11.0% in 2011. Among severe and critical pedestrian
      injuries, a 44% decrease was reported (from 29.1% in 1998 to 16.2% in 2011) and a
      65% reduction among bicycle injuries. During the study period, the risk of
      mortality decreased by over 50% from 1998 to 2011 (OR 0.44 95% 0.33-0.59. In
      addition, a simulation was conducted to determine the impact of the trauma system
      on mortality of hospitalized road casualties. Presuming that the mortality rate
      remained constant at 18.6% and without any improvement in the trauma system, in
      2011 there would have been 182 in-hospital deaths compared to the actual 108
      traffic related deaths. A 41% difference was noted between the actual number of
      deaths and the expected number. CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly shows that
      without any improvement in the health system, specifically the trauma system, the
      number of traffic deaths would be considerably greater. Although the health
      system has a significant contribution on reducing mortality, it does not receive
      the appropriate acknowledgment or resources for its proportion in the fight
      against traffic accidents.

PMID- 25133879
TI  - A direct biocombinatorial strategy toward next generation, mussel-glue inspired
      saltwater adhesives.
AB  - Biological materials exhibit remarkable, purpose-adapted properties that provide
      a source of inspiration for designing new materials to meet the requirements of
      future applications. For instance, marine mussels are able to attach to a broad
      spectrum of hard surfaces under hostile conditions. Controlling wet-adhesion of
      synthetic macromolecules by analogue processes promises to strongly impact
      materials sciences by offering advanced coatings, adhesives, and glues. The de
      novo design of macromolecules to mimic complex aspects of mussel adhesion still
      constitutes a challenge. Phage display allows material scientists to design
      specifically interacting molecules with tailored affinity to material surfaces.
      Here, we report on the integration of enzymatic processing steps into phage
      display biopanning to expand the biocombinatorial procedure and enable the direct
      selection of enzymatically activable peptide adhesion domains. Adsorption
      isotherms and single molecule force spectroscopy show that those de novo peptides
      mimic complex aspects of bioadhesion, such as enzymatic activation (by
      tyrosinase), the switchability from weak to strong binders, and adsorption under
      hostile saltwater conditions. Furthermore, peptide-poly(ethylene oxide)
      conjugates are synthesized to generate protective coatings, which possess anti
      fouling properties and suppress irreversible interactions with blood-plasma
      protein cocktails. The extended phage display procedure provides a generic way to
      non-natural peptide adhesion domains, which not only mimic nature but also
      improve biological sequence sections extractable from mussel-glue proteins. The
      de novo peptides manage to combine several tasks in a minimal 12-mer sequence and
      thus pave the way to overcome major challenges of technical wet glues. 

PMID- 25133880
TI  - Tigers and snakes in neuro-ophthalmology.

PMID- 25133881
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid pressure in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar puncture (LP) is a widely-used investigative procedure. It
      allows relatively non-invasive measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) which
      may have a significant impact on diagnosis and/or patient management. Over the
      years there has been considerable discussion about various aspects of the
      procedure, including what constitutes a normal opening pressure, what factors
      might influence this, and how LP is best performed. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A
      review of the literature was carried out by searching PubMed and Medline,
      scanning relevant medical journals for recent publications, and carrying out
      secondary referencing and contacting other clinicians, where appropriate.
      RESULTS: The normal range of ICP measured by LP in adults in a typical clinical
      setting should now be regarded as 6 to 25 cmH2O (95% confidence intervals), with
      a population mean of about 18 cmH2O. There is, however, considerable variability:
      some normal individuals have pressures of 30 cmH2O (or, occasionally, even
      higher) meaning that pressure measurements must be interpreted in the clinical
      context. CONCLUSIONS: This article aims to provide the practicing neuro
      ophthalmologist with up-to-date information about the ways in which various
      factors can influence pressure measurements obtained at LP.

PMID- 25133882
TI  - Interpretation of lumbar puncture opening pressure measurements in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the reference range of cerebrospinal fluid opening
      pressure (CSFOP) in children is essential to the diagnosis of elevated
      intracranial pressure. Recent studies have highlighted several clinical elements
      that need to be considered when interpreting CSFOP measures. EVIDENCE
      ACQUISITION: This review and recommendations are based on peer-reviewed
      literature, primarily from the past decade, as well as the author's clinical and
      research experience. RESULTS: CSFOP measures <=28 cm H2O can be considered
      "normal" for most children. The patient's depth of sedation, body mass index, and
      sedation medication can sometimes result in small increases in CSFOP. Patient age
      and leg position (flexed vs extended) in the lateral decubitus position do not
      seem to significantly impact CSFOP measures. CONCLUSIONS: The threshold of a
      normal CSFOP should not be interpreted in isolation, but instead, in concert with
      other clinical and examination findings to help the physician make a well
      informed assessment of whether a child has elevated intracranial pressure.

PMID- 25133884
TI  - A 16-year-old boy with a suprasellar mass.

PMID- 25133883
TI  - Noninvasive assessment of cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
AB  - Measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) is critical for the evaluation and
      management of many neurological and neurosurgical conditions. The invasiveness of
      ICP measurement limits the frequency with which ICP can be evaluated, hampering
      the clinical care of patients with ICP disorders. Thus, there has been
      substantial interest in developing noninvasive methods for the assessment of ICP.
      Numerous approaches have been applied to the problem, although none seems to
      represent a complete solution. The goal of this review is to familiarize the
      reader with the currently available methods to noninvasively evaluate ICP.

PMID- 25133885
TI  - Do patients with neurologically isolated ocular motor cranial nerve palsies
      require prompt neuroimaging?

PMID- 25133887
TI  - The role of the American Academy of Family Physicians in supporting
      breastfeeding.

PMID- 25133888
TI  - Re: Marchington JM, Burd GP. Author attitudes to professional medical writing
      support. Curr Med Res Opin 2014 Jul 9:1-6.

PMID- 25133890
TI  - Metazoan symbionts of the yellow clam, Mesodesma donacium (Bivalvia), in southern
      Chile: geographical variations.
AB  - Mesodesma donacium is a dominant species on sandy beaches along the Chilean
      coast. However, the only previous parasite records for this species were obtained
      for the northern Chilean coast (20 degrees  S-33 degrees  S), which dealt with
      cestodes, polychaetes, and copepods. In this study, the symbiotic fauna of M.
      donacium in its southern distributional range is reported, and the geographical
      variations in the occurrence of this fauna are evaluated. A total of 565
      individuals of M. donacium were captured by local fishermen from 5 localities:
      Mehuin (MEH) (39 degrees  26' S), Carelmapu (CAR) (41 degrees  44' S), Ancud
      (ANC) (41 degrees  53' S), Cucao (CUC) (42 degrees  35' S), and Quellon (QUE) (43
      degrees  24' S), covering a total distance of 450 km. To collect metazoan
      symbionts, the valves, mantle, gills, gonad, and digestive gland of each specimen
      of yellow clam were examined, and symbiont identifications were made via
      morphological and genetic analyses. The prevalence and mean intensity of
      infestation were calculated for each symbiotic species. Univariate and
      multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the differences in symbiotic
      load between localities. Seven metazoan symbiotic species were recorded. The most
      abundant species were Paranthessius mesodesmatis, Monorchiidae gen. sp., and
      Paravortex sp. The copepod P. mesodesmatis and metacercaria Monorchiidae gen. sp.
      showed a high prevalence in all localities, but their intensity of infection
      varied among localities. The turbellarian Paravortex sp. was most frequently
      associated with ANC and CUC. The digenean Sanguinicolidae gen. sp. was recorded
      only at CAR, and the polychaete Spionidae gen. sp. was recorded only at MEH. In
      its southern distributional range, M. donacium was characterized by an absence of
      cestodes. This absence can be explained by the absence of the definitive host.
      The local environmental conditions in the southern range of the host could
      explain the differences in symbiotic composition among localities.

PMID- 25133889
TI  - Carotid artery blood flow decreases after rapid head rotation in piglets.
AB  - Modification of cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral blood flow (CBF) are
      crucial components of the therapies designed to reduce secondary damage after
      traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previously we documented a robust decrease in CBF
      after rapid sagittal head rotation in our well-validated animal model of diffuse
      TBI. Mechanisms responsible for this immediate (<10 min) and sustained (~24 h)
      reduction in CBF have not been explored. Because the carotid arteries are a major
      source of CBF, we hypothesized that blood flow through the carotid arteries (Q)
      and vessel diameter (D) would decrease after rapid nonimpact head rotation
      without cervical spine injury. Four-week-old (toddler) female piglets underwent
      rapid (<20 msec) sagittal head rotation without impact, previously shown to
      produce diffuse TBI with reductions in CBF. Ultrasonographic images of the
      bilateral carotid arteries were recorded at baseline (pre-injury), as well as
      immediately after head rotation and 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after injury. Diameter
      (D) and waveform velocity (V) were used to calculate blood flow (Q) through the
      carotid arteries using the equation Q=(0.25)piD(2)V. D, V, and Q were normalized
      to the pre-injury baseline values to obtain a relative change after injury in
      right and left carotid arteries. Three-way analysis of variance and post-hoc
      Tukey-Kramer analyses were used to assess statistical significance of injury,
      time, and side. The relative change in carotid artery diameter and flow was
      significantly decreased in injured animals in comparison with uninjured sham
      controls (p<0.0001 and p=0.0093, respectively) and did not vary with side
      (p>0.39). The average carotid blood velocity did not differ between sham and
      injured animals (p=0.91). These data suggest that a reduction in global CBF after
      rapid sagittal head rotation may be partially mediated by a reduction in carotid
      artery flow, via vasoconstriction.

PMID- 25133891
TI  - Good outcome of haploidentical hematopoietic SCT as a salvage therapy in children
      and adolescents with acquired severe aplastic anemia.
AB  - Haploidentical hematopoietic SCT (haplo-HSCT) is to be established in patients
      with acquired severe aplastic anemia (SAA) refractory to immunosuppressive
      therapy and lacking HLA-matched related or unrelated donors. Graft failure (GF)
      and GVHD have been major obstacles to HSCT. A total of 17 children and
      adolescents with SAA underwent haplo-HSCT in our center. The conditioning regimen
      consisted of BU, fludarabine, CY and anti-thymocyte globulin. All patients
      received cyclosporine, short-term MTX, mycophenolate mofetil and basiliximab for
      GVHD prophylaxis. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from unrelated umbilical cord
      were infused on day 1. Neutrophil engraftment was achieved in all 17 patients in
      a median time of 16 days (range 9-25 days). The median time of platelet
      engraftment was 22 days (range 9-95 days) in 16 patients. The cumulative
      incidence (CI) of II-IV acute GVHD (aGVHD) at day +100 was 30.53+/-11.12% and III
      IV aGVHD occurred in only one patient. The CI of chronic GVHD was 21.25+/-13.31%.
      Secondary GF with autologous hematopoiesis recovery occurred in one patient. The
      OS was 71.60+/-17.00% at a median follow-up of 362 (36-1321) days. These limited
      promising data suggest that haplo-HSCT is feasible as a salvage therapy for
      children and adolescents with refractory SAA who lack matched donors. 

PMID- 25133892
TI  - Long-term remission after high-dose chemotherapy followed by auto-SCT as
      consolidation for intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.

PMID- 25133894
TI  - Risk factor analysis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after
      allogeneic hematopoietic SCT in children.

PMID- 25133895
TI  - A golden opportunity.

PMID- 25133893
TI  - Not too little, not too much-just right! (Better ways to give high dose
      melphalan).
AB  - Of the 13 286 autologous haematopoietic cell transplant procedures reported in
      the US in 2010-2012 for plasma cell disorders, 10 557 used single agent, high
      dose melphalan. Despite 30 years of clinical and pharmacokinetic (PK) experience
      with high-dose melphalan, and its continuing central role as cytoreductive
      therapy for large numbers of patients with myeloma, the pharmacodynamics and
      pharmacogenomics of melphalan are still in their infancy. The addition of
      protectant agents such as amifostine and palifermin allows dose escalation to 280
      mg/m(2), but at these doses it is cardiac, rather than gut, toxicity that is dose
      limiting. Although combination with additional alkylating agents is feasible, the
      additional TRM may not be justified when so many post-consolidation therapies are
      available for myeloma patients. Current research should optimise the delivery of
      this single-agent chemotherapy. This includes the use of newer formulations and
      real-time PKs. These strategies may allow a safe and effective platform for
      adding synergistic novel therapies and provide a window of lymphodepletion for
      the addition of immunotherapies.

PMID- 25133896
TI  - Bortezomib/bendamustine/dexamethasone induced good PR in refractory relapse post
      auto-SCT with constitutive RAS activation due to V600E BRAF mutation.

PMID- 25133897
TI  - Tracheobronchomalacia after allogeneic BMT; pulmonary function test findings
      similar to those of bronchiolitis obliterans.

PMID- 25133899
TI  - Salt stress mitigation by seed priming with UV-C in lettuce plants: growth,
      antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds.
AB  - Seeds of Lactuca sativa L. 'Romaine' were subjected to priming treatments with UV
      C radiation at 0.85 or 3.42 kJ m(-2). Seedlings obtained from both primed (Pr)
      and non-primed (NPr) seeds were grown in an hydroponic culture system
      supplemented with 0 (control) or 100 mM NaCl. After 21 days of NaCl treatment,
      root and leaf biomass, root lengths, leaf numbers, and leaf surface area were
      measured. Ions (Na(+) and K(+)) accumulation was determined in roots and leaves.
      Total phenolic compound and flavonoid concentrations, as well as antioxidant and
      antiradical activities were measured in L. sativa leaves. Salt stress resulted in
      a lower increase in fresh weight of roots and leaves, which was more pronounced
      in roots than in leaves, due to reduced root elongation, leaf number and leaf
      expansion, as well as leaf thickness. The lower increase in fresh weight was
      accompanied by a restriction in tissue hydration and K(+) ion uptake, as well as
      an increase in Na(+) ion concentrations in all organs. These effects were
      mitigated in plants from the UV-C primed seeds. The mitigating effect of UV-C was
      more pronounced at 0.85 than at 3.42 kJ m(-2). Salt stress also resulted in an
      increase in total phenolic compounds and flavonoid concentrations and in the
      total antioxidant capacity in leaves. The highest diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical
      (DPPH) scavenging activity was found in the leaves of plants from both Pr seeds.
      Our results suggest that plants grown from seed primed by exposure to moderate UV
      C radiation exhibited a higher tolerance to salinity stress. 

PMID- 25133898
TI  - Sleep quality following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: longitudinal
      trajectories and biobehavioral correlates.
AB  - The present study examined changes in sleep quality following hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation (HSCT) and investigated associations with biobehavioral
      factors. Individuals undergoing HSCT for hematologic malignancies (N=228)
      completed measures of sleep quality and psychological symptoms pre-transplant and
      1, 3, 6 and 12 months post transplant. Circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-6,
      TNF-alpha) were also assessed. Sleep quality was poorest at 1 month post
      transplant, improving and remaining relatively stable after 3 months post
      transplant. However, approximately half of participants continued to experience
      significant sleep disturbance at 6 and 12 months post transplant. Mixed-effects
      linear regression models indicated that depression and anxiety were associated
      with poorer sleep quality, while psychological well-being was associated with
      better sleep. Higher circulating levels of IL-6 were also linked with poorer
      sleep. Subject-level fixed effects models demonstrated that among individual
      participants, changes in depression, anxiety and psychological well-being were
      associated with corresponding changes in sleep after covarying for the effects of
      time since transplant. Sleep disturbance was most severe when depression and
      anxiety were greatest and psychological well-being was lowest. Findings indicate
      that sleep disturbance is a persistent problem during the year following HSCT.
      Patients experiencing depression or anxiety and those with elevated inflammation
      may be at particular risk for poor sleep. 

PMID- 25133900
TI  - Biomass-directed synthesis of 20 g high-quality boron nitride nanosheets for
      thermoconductive polymeric composites.
AB  - Electrically insulating boron nitride (BN) nanosheets possess thermal
      conductivity similar to and thermal and chemical stabilities superior to those of
      electrically conductive graphenes. Currently the production and application of BN
      nanosheets are rather limited due to the complexity of the BN binary compound
      growth, as opposed to massive graphene production. Here we have developed the
      original strategy "biomass-directed on-site synthesis" toward mass production of
      high-crystal-quality BN nanosheets. The strikingly effective, reliable, and high
      throughput (dozens of grams) synthesis is directed by diverse biomass sources
      through the carbothermal reduction of gaseous boron oxide species. The produced
      BN nanosheets are single crystalline, laterally large, and atomically thin.
      Additionally, they assemble themselves into the same macroscopic shapes peculiar
      to original biomasses. The nanosheets are further utilized for making
      thermoconductive and electrically insulating epoxy/BN composites with a 14-fold
      increase in thermal conductivity, which are envisaged to be particularly valuable
      for future high-performance electronic packaging materials. 

PMID- 25133901
TI  - Beneficial health effects of Chios Gum Mastic and peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptors: indications of common mechanisms.
AB  - For thousands of years, Chios Gum Mastic (CGM), the resin produced by the trunk
      of Pistachia lentiscus var Chia, has been used for culinary and medicinal
      purposes and several therapeutic properties have been attributed to it. CGM has
      been used in traditional medicine of various nations in the eastern Mediterranean
      area. This survey was carried out to identify biological mechanisms that could
      explain traditional usage and recent pharmacological findings. We reviewed the
      related scientific literature available from the NCBI PUBMED database on CGM
      studies and on natural products showing peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor (PPAR) agonist effects. We investigated whether CGM qualifies as a PPAR
      modulator. A large number of studies demonstrate that CGM has antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and anticancer properties. Recently, the first
      evidence of CGM antidiabetic effect became known. CGM chemical composition has
      been extensively analyzed and the presence of several compounds, especially
      triterpenoids is well documented. Some of them, oleanonic acid, oleanolic acid,
      and gallic acid are considered to act as PPAR modulators. PPARs are nuclear
      receptors functioning as transcription factors and thereby controlling cellular
      functions at the level of gene expression. PPARs are involved in the pathways of
      significant diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus,
      dyslipidemia, inflammation, atheromatosis, and neoplasias, constituting a key
      target for pharmacological interventions. This article proposes that the
      synergistic action of some constituents of CGM on PPARs and more precisely on
      both PPARs isotypes-alpha and -gamma, may be one of the major biological
      mechanisms via which CGM exerts its multiple effects.

PMID- 25133902
TI  - How we treat our own: the experiences and characteristics of psychology trainees
      with disabilities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To better understand the characteristics and experiences of
      psychologists and trainees with disabilities. METHOD: An invitation to
      participate in a survey of psychologists and psychology trainees with
      disabilities was sent to professional listservs related to psychology and/or
      disability. Fifty-six trainees and psychologists with doctoral training in
      clinical, counseling, school, or rehabilitation psychology completed the survey.
      Over half (57.1%) were practicing psychologists and 42.9% were current trainees.
      The most commonly reported disabilities were physical, sensory, and chronic
      health. RESULTS: The majority of the participants reported experiencing
      disability-related discrimination during their training, and less than one third
      had received mentorship from psychologists with disabilities. Less than half of
      respondents disclosed their disability to a university disability services
      office, and many relied on informal accommodations alone. Most participants did
      not disclose their disability during the graduate school, internship, or
      postdoctoral application processes. CONCLUSIONS: Professional psychology programs
      and training sites should work to remove barriers and provide support for
      trainees with disabilities, especially during preinternship doctoral training.
      Programs should not expect disability services offices to provide all support for
      students with disabilities, especially support related to clinical training.

PMID- 25133903
TI  - Does slowed processing speed account for executive deficits in multiple
      sclerosis? Evidence from neuropsychological performance and structural
      neuroimaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Executive deficits and slow processing speed (PS) are observed in
      persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The question of whether executive deficits
      can be explained by slow PS was examined with neuropsychological measures and a
      neurostructural measure (brain atrophy). METHOD: Fifty MS patients were compared
      with 28 healthy controls (HCs) on tasks of executive functioning with and without
      a PS element (e.g., Trail Making Test and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test). RESULTS:
      The MS group performed worse than HCs on speeded tasks of executive function.
      However, after controlling for speed, group differences on executive tasks
      disappeared. There were also no group differences on executive tasks with no PS
      demands. The effect of disease progression on executive task performance was
      assessed in the MS group. Higher atrophy in MS participants was associated with
      greater deficits on speeded executive tasks, but this association disappeared
      when controlling for PS. There was no association between atrophy and performance
      on nonspeeded executive tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the notion that
      executive deficits in MS may be explained by slow PS. These findings highlight
      the role of slowed PS as a primary impairment underlying other cognitive
      functions. Disentangling the relative contribution of PS to executive function is
      an important step toward the development of appropriate rehabilitation strategies
      for persons with MS.

PMID- 25133904
TI  - Listeners' preference for computer-synthesized speech over natural speech of
      people with disabilities.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: There are few controlled experimental studies that examine
      reactions to people with speech disabilities. We conducted 2 studies designed to
      examine participants' reactions to persuasive appeals delivered by people with
      physical disabilities and mild to moderate dysarthria. RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN:
      Research participants watched video clips delivered by actors with bona fide
      disabilities and subsequently rated the argument, message, and the speaker. The
      first study (n = 165) employed a between-groups design that examined reactions to
      natural dysarthric speech, synthetic speech as entered into a keyboard by hand,
      and synthetic speech as entered into a keyboard with a headwand. The second study
      (n = 27) employed a within-groups design that examined how participants reacted
      to natural dysarthric speech versus synthetic speech as entered into a keyboard
      by hand. RESULTS: Both of these studies provide evidence that people rated the
      argument, message, and speaker more favorably when people with disabilities used
      synthetic speech than when they spoke in their natural voice.
      CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The implications are that although people react
      negatively to computer-synthesized speech, they prefer it to and find it more
      persuasive than the speech of people with disabilities. This appears to be the
      case even if the speech is only moderately impaired and is as intelligible as the
      synthetic speech. Hence, the decision to use synthetic speech versus natural
      speech can be further complicated by an understanding that even the intelligible
      speech of people with disabilities leads to more negative reactions than
      synthetic speech.

PMID- 25133906
TI  - Stability of vocational interests after recent spinal cord injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify the stability of vocational interests among
      persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) first assessed during inpatient
      rehabilitation. DESIGN: Initial assessments were completed during inpatient
      rehabilitation an average of 50 days after SCI onset (n = 521). Follow-up
      measures, collected by mail, were obtained an average of 16.6 months postinjury
      (n = 190) and 29.1 months postinjury (n = 296). Participants (n = 135) completed
      all 3 assessments. Participants completed the 1994 Strong Interest Inventory
      (Campbell, 1971; Harmon, Hansen, Borgen, & Hammer, 1994), Form T317, a 317-item
      measure of vocational interests. RESULTS: Comparison of scale means across 3
      times of measurement indicated significant changes in 2 of 6 general occupational
      themes (GOT), 8 basic interest scales (BIS), and 2 special scales (leadership
      style, risk taking/adventure). With 1 exception, a linear trend indicating an
      increase in reported interests accounted for observed relationships. An age by
      time interaction occurred with 1 GOT and 3 BIS. The average stability coefficient
      was 0.61 for the GOT, 0.59 for the BIS, and 0.70 for the special scales. The
      average coefficients were somewhat lower for the oldest participants. CONCLUSION:
      Interests do not appear to be static when first measured during inpatient
      rehabilitation after SCI. Rather, they evolve with average increases on select
      themes more compatible with the limitations of SCI. Stability coefficients
      suggest that interests are likely to change more than indicated in earlier
      studies.

PMID- 25133905
TI  - Effort in acute traumatic brain injury: considering more than pass/fail.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Performance validity is often conceptualized as a dichotomous
      process. Effort likely lies on a continuum, however, and psychologists' tendency
      to rely on pass/fail descriptors of one's effort may not be the only approach.
      The current study aims to show that when performance validity is considered on a
      continuum, it may provide clinical information related to cognitive functioning.
      RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN: Forty-four patients with moderate or severe traumatic
      brain injury were evaluated with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of
      Neuropsychological Status upon their emergence from posttraumatic amnesia. From
      this data, previously developed effort index scores and "other cognitive
      functions" index scores were calculated. RESULTS: Performance on the effort index
      significantly accounted for the patients' performance on a cognitive composite
      score after considering education and severity of injury.
      CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Findings suggest that more in-depth analysis of
      validity test performance is beneficial to gauge a patient's level of effort and
      is important to consider when interpreting results and in treatment planning.

PMID- 25133907
TI  - Coping strategies and resources as predictors of psychosocial adaptation among
      people with spinal cord injury.
AB  - PURPOSE: The onset of a spinal cord injury (SCI) is accompanied by a massive
      amount of stress, on which professionals in the medical field focus attention and
      care. The subsequent cascade of psychological stressors related to SCI often
      receives lesser attention. When individuals experience new forms of stress, they
      typically respond with attempts to cope, which may or may not be adaptive in
      reducing their stress levels. The twofold purpose of this study was to
      investigate whether SCI survivors' use of coping resources (i.e., hope, sense of
      coherence) and coping strategies (e.g., engagement coping, seeking social
      support) influences their psychosocial adaptation, and whether their use of
      coping strategies moderates the effect of coping resources, after controlling for
      the influence of depression and anxiety, on psychosocial adaptation. DESIGN: This
      cross-sectional study involved a self-report survey of survivors of SCI.
      Inclusion criteria included: (a) being 18 years of age or older, (b) having
      received inpatient rehabilitation services following the SCI, and (c) not having
      traumatic head injury at the time of the SCI onset. PARTICIPANTS: The sample
      consisted of 95 individuals with SCI who received outpatient rehabilitation
      services at a center in the midsouthern United States. RESULTS: Results indicated
      that coping resources and coping strategies were significantly associated with
      psychosocial adaptation. Furthermore, engagement coping explained a significant
      portion of the variance in psychosocial adaptation both individually and as an
      interactive variable with the 2 coping resources of sense of coherence and hope.
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that both coping resources and strategies
      (especially engagement coping) are reliably linked to adaptation to SCI. The
      findings further suggest that engagement coping positively influences
      psychosocial adaptation even when coping resources are mostly absent. Other
      implications for the field of rehabilitation are briefly outlined.

PMID- 25133915
TI  - Symmetrized photoinitiated electron flow within the [myoglobin:cytochrome b5]
      complex on singlet and triplet time scales: energetics vs dynamics.
AB  - We report here that photoinitiated electron flow involving a metal-substituted (M
      = Mg, Zn) myoglobin (Mb) and its physiological partner protein, cytochrome b5
      (cyt b5) can be "symmetrized": the [Mb:cyt b5] complex stabilized by three D/E ->
      K mutations on Mb (D44K/D60K/E85K, denoted MMb) exhibits both oxidative and
      reductive ET quenching of both the singlet and triplet photoexcited MMb states,
      the direction of flow being determined by the oxidation state of the cyt b5
      partner. The first-excited singlet state of MMb ((1)MMb) undergoes ns-time scale
      reductive ET quenching by Fe(2+)cyt b5 as well as ns-time scale oxidative ET
      quenching by Fe(3+)cyt b5, both processes involving an ensemble of structures
      that do not interconvert on this time scale. Despite a large disparity in driving
      force favoring photooxidation of (1)MMb relative to photoreduction (delta(
      DeltaG(0)) ~ 0.4 eV, M = Mg; ~ 0.2 eV, M = Zn), for each M the average rate
      constants for the two reactions are the same within error, (1)k(f) > 10(8) s(-1).
      This surprising observation is explained by considering the driving-force
      dependence of the Franck-Condon factor in the Marcus equation. The triplet state
      of the myoglobin ((3)MMb) created by intersystem crossing from (1)MMb likewise
      undergoes reductive ET quenching by Fe(2+)cyt b5 as well as oxidative ET
      quenching by Fe(3+)cyt b5. As with singlet ET, the rate constants for oxidative
      ET quenching and reductive ET quenching on the triplet time scale are the same
      within error, (3)k(f) ~ 10(5) s(-1), but here the equivalence is attributable to
      gating by intracomplex conversion among a conformational ensemble.

PMID- 25133916
TI  - A false dichotomy? Mental illness and lone-actor terrorism.
AB  - We test whether significant differences in mental illness exist in a matched
      sample of lone- and group-based terrorists. We then test whether there are
      distinct behavioral differences between lone-actor terrorists with and without
      mental illness. We then stratify our sample across a range of diagnoses and again
      test whether significant differences exist. We conduct a series of bivariate,
      multivariate, and multinomial statistical tests using a unique dataset of 119
      lone-actor terrorists and a matched sample of group-based terrorists. The odds of
      a lone-actor terrorist having a mental illness is 13.49 times higher than the
      odds of a group actor having a mental illness. Lone actors who were mentally ill
      were 18.07 times more likely to have a spouse or partner who was involved in a
      wider movement than those without a history of mental illness. Those with a
      mental illness were more likely to have a proximate upcoming life change, more
      likely to have been a recent victim of prejudice, and experienced proximate and
      chronic stress. The results identify behaviors and traits that security agencies
      can utilize to monitor and prevent lone-actor terrorism events. The correlated
      behaviors provide an image of how risk can crystalize within the individual
      offender and that our understanding of lone-actor terrorism should be
      multivariate in nature.

PMID- 25133917
TI  - Short-sighted confession decisions: the role of uncertain and delayed
      consequences.
AB  - Suspects have a propensity to focus on short-term contingencies, giving
      disproportionate weight to the proximal consequences that are delivered by police
      during an interrogation, and too little consideration to the distal (and often
      more severe) consequences that may be levied by the judicial system if they are
      convicted. In this research, the authors examined whether the perceived
      uncertainty and temporal distance of distal consequences contribute to this
      propensity. Using the repetitive question paradigm (Madon et al., 2012),
      participants (N = 209) were interviewed about 20 prior criminal and unethical
      behaviors and were required to admit or deny each one. Participants' denials and
      admissions were paired with both a proximal consequence and a distal consequence,
      respectively. Results indicated that the distal consequence had less impact on
      participants' admission decisions when it was uncertain and temporally remote.
      These results provide evidence that the perceived uncertainty and temporal
      distance of future punishment are key factors that lead suspects to confess to
      crimes in exchange for short-term gains.

PMID- 25133919
TI  - Selecting fillers on emotional appearance improves lineup identification
      accuracy.
AB  - Mock witnesses sometimes report using criminal stereotypes to identify a face
      from a lineup, a tendency known as criminal face bias. Faces are perceived as
      criminal-looking if they appear angry. We tested whether matching the emotional
      appearance of the fillers to an angry suspect can reduce criminal face bias. In
      Study 1, mock witnesses (n = 226) viewed lineups in which the suspect had an
      angry, happy, or neutral expression, and we varied whether the fillers matched
      the expression. An additional group of participants (n = 59) rated the faces on
      criminal and emotional appearance. As predicted, mock witnesses tended to
      identify suspects who appeared angrier and more criminal-looking than the
      fillers. This tendency was reduced when the lineup fillers matched the emotional
      appearance of the suspect. Study 2 extended the results, testing whether the
      emotional appearance of the suspect and fillers affects recognition memory.
      Participants (n = 1,983) studied faces and took a lineup test in which the
      emotional appearance of the target and fillers was varied between subjects.
      Discrimination accuracy was enhanced when the fillers matched an angry target's
      emotional appearance. We conclude that lineup member emotional appearance plays a
      critical role in the psychology of lineup identification. The fillers should
      match an angry suspect's emotional appearance to improve lineup identification
      accuracy.

PMID- 25133918
TI  - Criminogenic factors, psychotic symptoms, and incident arrests among people with
      serious mental illnesses under intensive outpatient treatment.
AB  - Although research robustly indicates that general or "criminogenic" factors
      predict various measures of recidivism, there is controversy about the extent to
      which these factors, versus untreated symptoms, lead to justice involvement for
      people with mental illnesses. Based on a sample of 183 people in intensive
      outpatient treatment followed for an average period of 34.5 months, the present
      study tested whether criminogenic factors (i.e., factor-analytically derived
      proxies of some of the "Central Eight"; Andrews & Bonta, 2010) and psychotic
      symptoms were independently associated with arrest. The study also compared the
      predictive utility of these domains. In the fully adjusted model, the antisocial
      subscale and male sex were associated with increased arrest rates, whereas
      psychosis and age were associated with decreased arrest rates. Criminogenic
      factors and psychotic symptoms had comparable predictive utility. We conclude
      that criminogenic factors-chiefly arrest history-and psychotic symptoms predict
      arrest rates. Both sets of variables appear useful for assessing risk of arrest
      among people with mental illnesses who are not under current correctional
      supervision.

PMID- 25133920
TI  - Examining the impact of sexism on evaluations of social scientific evidence in
      discrimination litigation.
AB  - The present 2 studies involved undergraduate participants and investigated
      whether various types of sexism and other correlated predictors, such as
      political conservatism and scientific discounting, can predict people's
      evaluations of social science research on sex stereotypes, sexism, and sex
      discrimination. In Study 1, participants high in hostile sexism, scientific
      discounting, and/or political conservatism were more critical of scientific
      studies that provided evidence for sexism than identical studies showing null
      results. Study 2 showed that participants high in modern sexism, hostile sexism,
      and political conservatism evaluated social scientific studies more negatively;
      in addition, assessments of social scientific evidence quality mediated the
      effect of modern sexism on admissibility ratings (b = -0.15, z = -4.16, p = .00).
      Overall, these results suggest that sexist beliefs can bias one's judgments of
      social scientific evidence. Future research should explore whether the same
      psychological processes operate for judges and jurors as they evaluate the
      admissibility of evidence and examine ways to attenuate the effect of sexism on
      evaluations.

PMID- 25133921
TI  - Reporting guidance for violence risk assessment predictive validity studies: the
      RAGEE Statement.
AB  - Available reporting guidelines for prognostic and diagnostic accuracy studies
      apply primarily to biological assessment and outcomes, overlooking behavioral
      issues with major public health and safety implications such as violence. The
      present study aimed to develop the first set of reporting guidance for predictive
      validity studies of violence risk assessments: the Risk Assessment Guidelines for
      the Evaluation of Efficacy (RAGEE) Statement. A systematic search of 8 electronic
      databases prior to September 2012 identified 279 reporting guidelines for
      prognostic and diagnostic accuracy studies. Unique items were extracted and
      modified to make them relevant to risk assessment. A 4-wave Delphi process
      involving a multidisciplinary team of 37 international experts resulted in a 50
      item reporting checklist. The panelists endorsed the RAGEE Statement checklist as
      being highly satisfactory and as indicating study features that should be
      reported routinely in manuscripts. Use of these proposed standards has the
      potential to improve the quality of the risk assessment literature.

PMID- 25133922
TI  - First-principles study on doping effects of sodium in kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4.
AB  - A sodium impurity is inevitable for Cu2ZnSnS4 on a substrate of soda-lime glass
      during high-temperature processing. Recently, it was found that a sodium impurity
      could improve the photovoltaic properties of Cu2ZnSnS4-based thin film solar
      cells (including influencing crystallinity, affecting grain growth, increasing
      hole density, shifting the acceptor level closer to the conduction band,
      increasing carrier concentration, elongating minority carrier lifetime, and so
      on). Thus, sodium doping becomes an effective modification means for Cu2ZnSnS4 on
      the flexible substrate. However, there are some examples available in the
      literature that discuss the underlying physical mechanism. In the present work,
      the crystal structure, electronic structure, and optical properties of sodium
      occupying different lattice sites or interstitial sites of kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4
      were systematically calculated by density functional theory within the GGA+U
      method. Na impurity favors occupation of the interstitial sites. If Na impurity
      occupies the cation lattice sites, the band gap of Cu2ZnSnS4 will be broadened,
      which is opposite to the situation of an Na impurity occupying the interstitial
      sites. The doping effects of Na in Cu2ZnSnS4 are mainly exhibited by the
      following aspects: energy band shifting, energy band broadening or narrowing, and
      effective mass of holes on the top of valence band reduction. The calculated
      results in the present work not only confirm experimental observationa in
      published articles but also provide an in-depth understanding of them. Thus, the
      findings could help to promote novel, high-efficiency Cu2ZnSnS4-based thin-film
      solar cells. 

PMID- 25133925
TI  - Electroaddressing of ZnS quantum dots by codeposition with chitosan to construct
      fluorescent and patterned device surface.
AB  - Electroaddressing is an attractive method for triggering assembly of stimuli
      responsive biopolymers with exquisite spatiotemporal control, and it also offers
      a controllable means to concurrently assemble biological materials and
      nanoparticles for a diverse range of applications. Here, we demonstrate a novel
      method to construct fluorescent and patterned device surfaces by
      electroaddressing of quantum dots (QDs)/chitosan composite. First, the surfaces
      of ZnS QDs/chitosan composite on the electrodes are built by electrodeposition
      method. It is shown that the deposited surface displays clear fluorescence under
      UV light, and the fluorescence intensity of the surface can be controlled by
      electrodeposition conditions (e.g., deposition time). Furthermore, a variety of
      fluorescent patterns can be constructed by employing electrodes or substrates
      with various shapes. Specifically, taking advantage of the spatiotemporal
      selectivity of electroaddressing and the pH-responsive property of chitosan, we
      construct diverse fluorescent patterns by electroaddressing QDs/chitosan
      composite at the localized region. It is also found that the fluorescent patterns
      of QDs/chitosan composite have reproducibility. Thus, this work presents a
      convenient, versatile, and controllable method to construct fluorescent and
      patterned device surface by electroaddressing, which has promising applications
      in photoluminescence device, fluorescent and patterned coating, and nanocomposite
      biodevice. 

PMID- 25133926
TI  - Breaking down number syntax: spared comprehension of multi-digit numbers in a
      patient with impaired digit-to-word conversion.
AB  - Can the meaning of two-digit Arabic numbers be accessed independently of their
      verbal-phonological representations? To answer this question we explored the
      number processing of ZN, an aphasic patient with a syntactic deficit in digit-to
      verbal transcoding, who could hardly read aloud two-digit numbers, but could read
      them as single digits ("four, two"). Neuropsychological examination showed that
      ZN's deficit was neither in the digit input nor in the phonological output
      processes, as he could copy and repeat two-digit numbers. His deficit thus lied
      in a central process that converts digits to abstract number words and sends this
      information to phonological retrieval processes. Crucially, in spite of this
      deficit in number transcoding, ZN's two-digit comprehension was spared in several
      ways: (1) he could calculate two-digit additions; (2) he showed good performance
      in a two-digit comparison task, and a continuous distance effect; and (3) his
      performance in a task of mapping numbers to positions on an unmarked number line
      showed a logarithmic (nonlinear) factor, indicating that he represented two-digit
      Arabic numbers as holistic two-digit quantities. Thus, at least these aspects of
      number comprehension can be performed without converting the two-digit number
      from digits to verbal representation. 

PMID- 25133927
TI  - Decoding letter position in word reading.
AB  - A fundamental computation underlying visual word recognition is the ability to
      transform a set of letters into a visual word form. Neuropsychological data
      suggest that letter position within a word may be independently affected by brain
      damage, resulting in a dissociable subtype of peripheral dyslexia. Here we used
      functional magnetic resonance imaging and supervised machine learning techniques
      to classify letter position based on activation patterns evoked during reading
      Hebrew words. Across the entire brain, activity patterns in the left
      intraparietal sulcus provided the best classification accuracy (80%) with respect
      to letter position. Importantly, the same set of voxels that showed highest
      classification performance of letter position using one letter-of-interest also
      showed highest classification performance using a different letter-of-interest. A
      functional connectivity analysis revealed that activity in these voxels co-varied
      with activity in the Visual Word Form Area, confirming cross-talk between these
      regions during covert reading. The results converge with reports of patients with
      acquired letter position dyslexia, who suffer from left occipito-parietal
      lesions. These findings provide direct and novel evidence for the role of left
      IPS within the reading network in processing relative letter positions. 

PMID- 25133923
TI  - Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of (3R)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy
      N-[(1S)-1-[[(3R,4R)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1-piperidinyl]methyl]-2
      methylpropyl]-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide (JDTic) analogues: in vitro pharmacology
      and ADME profile.
AB  - JDTic analogues 4-15 which have the hydroxyl groups replaced with other groups
      were synthesized and their in vitro efficacy at the MU, delta, and kappa opioid
      receptors determined and compared to JDTic using [(35)S]GTPgammaS assays.
      Compounds 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, and 15 had Ke = 0.024, 0.01, 0.039, 0.02, 0.11, and
      0.041 nM compared to the Ke = 0.02 nM for JDTic at the kappa receptor and were
      highly selective for the kappa receptor relative to the MU and delta opioid
      receptors. Unexpectedly, replacement of the 3-hydroxyl substituent of the 4-(3
      hydroxyphenyl) group of JDTic with a H, F, or Cl substituent leads to potent and
      selective KOR antagonists. In vitro studies to determine various ADME properties
      combined with calculated TPSA, clogP, and logBB values suggests that the potent
      and selective kappa opioid receptors 4, 5, 13, and 14 deserve consideration for
      further development toward potential drugs for CNS disorders. 

PMID- 25133929
TI  - Covalency of hydrogen bonds in solids revisited.
AB  - The covalent nature of short hydrogen bonds has been under debate for long. Here
      we show that the crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) bonding indicator
      gives new, complementary evidence of covalent hydrogen...acceptor interactions in
      the molecular solid state.

PMID- 25133928
TI  - Cystine stones: a single tertiary center experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and
      therapeutic outcomes of patients with cystine stones and to compare them with the
      characteristics of patients with calcium oxalate stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      identified 30 patients with cystine stones who were consulted in our department
      from January 1972 until December 2013. These patients were matched and paired,
      based on age and gender, to 30 calcium oxalate stone formers who were diagnosed
      and treated in our department from January 2011 until December 2013. RESULTS:
      Cystine stones were significantly large in size (p<0.001) and most of them were
      found in the kidney (p=0.002). Patients with cystinuria had their first stone
      episode at an early age (p<0.001) compared with patients with calcium oxalate
      stones. No significant differences were observed regarding the frequency and the
      severity of symptoms. Both groups had similar visits per year in outpatient
      clinics, emergency room admissions, and episodes of febrile urinary tract
      infections. Cystine stone formers had undergone significantly higher number of
      procedures for stone removal (p<0.001). No statistical differences were found in
      the compliance rates between the groups. Patients with cystine stones had
      significantly higher serum creatinine levels (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Cystine
      stones present in an earlier age and have the likelihood to be large in size.
      Patients with cystine stones undergo a greater number of procedures, and they
      have a greater risk to develop chronic renal impairment.

PMID- 25133930
TI  - Zinc blende versus wurtzite ZnS nanoparticles: control of the phase and optical
      properties by tetrabutylammonium hydroxide.
AB  - The influence of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide on the phase composition (cubic
      zinc blende versus hexagonal wurtzite) of ZnS nanoparticles was studied. The ZnS
      nanoparticles were prepared by a microwave-assisted solvothermal method, and the
      phase structure and optical properties along with the growth process of ZnS
      nanoparticles were studied. We report XRD, FE-SEM, EDXS, UV-vis and PL
      measurements, and first-principles calculations based on TDDFT methods in order
      to investigate the structural and electronic properties and the growth mechanism
      of ZnS nanostructures. The effects as well as the merits of microwave heating on
      the process and characteristics of the obtained ZnS nanostructures and their
      performance are reported. 

PMID- 25133931
TI  - ALPPS: Short-term Outcome and Functional Changes in the Future Liver Remnant.

PMID- 25133932
TI  - Perioperative hyperglycemia and risk of adverse events among patients with and
      without diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the association between diabetes status, perioperative
      hyperglycemia, and adverse events in a statewide surgical cohort. BACKGROUND:
      Perioperative hyperglycemia may increase the risk of adverse events more
      significantly in patients without diabetes (NDM) than in those with diabetes
      (DM). METHODS: Using data from the Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program,
      a cohort study (2010-2012) evaluated diabetes status, perioperative
      hyperglycemia, and composite adverse events in abdominal, vascular, and spine
      surgery at 53 hospitals in Washington State. RESULTS: Among 40,836 patients (mean
      age, 54 years; 53.6% women), 19% had diabetes; 47% underwent a perioperative
      blood glucose (BG) test, and of those, 18% had BG >=180 mg/dL. DM patients had a
      higher rate of adverse events (12% vs 9%, P < 0.001) than NDM patients. After
      adjustment, among NDM patients, those with hyperglycemia had an increased risk of
      adverse events compared with those with normal BG. Among NDM patients, there was
      a dose-response relationship between the level of BG and composite adverse events
      [odds ratio (OR), 1.3 for BG 125-180 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-1.5); OR,
      1.6 for BG >=180 (95% CI, 1.3-2.1)]. Conversely, hyperglycemic DM patients did
      not have an increased risk of adverse events, including those with a BG 180 or
      more (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6-1.0). NDM patients were less likely to receive insulin
      at each BG level. CONCLUSIONS: For NDM patients, but not DM patients, the risk of
      adverse events was linked to hyperglycemia. Underlying this paradoxical effect
      may be the underuse of insulin, but also that hyperglycemia indicates higher
      levels of stress in NDM patients than in DM patients.

PMID- 25133933
TI  - Coating and enhanced photocurrent of vertically aligned zinc oxide nanowire
      arrays with metal sulfide materials.
AB  - Hybrid nanostructures combining zinc oxide (ZnO) and a metal sulfide (MS)
      semiconductor are highly important for energy-related applications. Controlled
      filling and coating of vertically aligned ZnO nanowire arrays with different MS
      materials was achieved via the thermal decomposition approach of single-source
      precursors in the gas phase by using a simple atmospheric-pressure chemical vapor
      deposition system. Using different precursors allowed us to synthesize
      multicomponent structures such as nanowires coated with alloy shell or multishell
      structures. Herein, we present the synthesis and structural characterization of
      the different structures, as well as an electrochemical characterization and a
      photovoltaic response of the ZnO-CdS system, in which the resulting photocurrent
      upon illumination indicates charge separation at the interface. 

PMID- 25133935
TI  - A pilot study of manual chronic partial exchange transfusion in children with
      sickle disease.
AB  - Objective Red cell exchange transfusion is frequently used in the management of
      patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) either electively or chronically to
      maintain hemoglobin S (HbS) <30%. The purpose of this retrospective study was to
      evaluate the results of manual chronic partial exchange transfusion (MCPET) on
      level of Hb and HbS, on iron load and on the need for chelation, on risk of
      immunization, monitoring transfusion-transmitted viral infection, and clinical
      outcome. Methods We reviewed the long-term effect of MCPET in 10 children (six
      men and four women) with SCD and evaluated the iron balance during a median
      follow-up of 20 months (range: 6-36) in which 248 exchanges were performed.
      Results The pre-exchange median Hb value was 9.5 g/dl (range: 7.7-10.9 g/dl) and
      the median post-exchange value was 9.4 g/dl (range: 8.4-11.1 g/dl).The majority
      of patients reached an HbS of <50% with a median HbS value of 40.04% (range: 30
      54). At start of the MCPET program, the median ferritin was 439 ng/ml (range: 80
      1704 ng/ml). In the final evaluation, the median value of ferritin was 531 ng/ml
      (range: 84-3840 ng/ml). The annual calculated iron balance was 0. 28 +/- 0.08
      mg/kg/day. MCPET was well tolerated, and adverse effects were limited. Discussion
      MCPET in children with SCD is safe to prevent iron overload, and is effective and
      easy to use in our cohort. Conclusion Indication for chronic exchange blood
      transfusion is essential for patients with SCD with recurrent and frequent crises
      who do not respond to hydroxyurea. However, there is no consensual study for the
      period at which chronic transfusion can safely be stopped and further research in
      large population of patients with SCD will need to clarify this question. 

PMID- 25133934
TI  - Development of BODIPY FL vindoline as a novel and high-affinity pregnane X
      receptor fluorescent probe.
AB  - The pregnane X receptor (PXR) regulates the metabolism and excretion of
      xenobiotics and endobiotics by regulating the expression of drug-metabolizing
      enzymes and transporters. The unique structure of PXR allows it to bind many
      drugs and drug leads, possibly causing undesired drug-drug interactions.
      Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate whether chemicals or drugs bind to PXR.
      Fluorescence-based assays are preferred because of their sensitivity and
      nonradioactive nature. On the basis of our previously characterized 4 (BODIPY FL
      vinblastine), a high-affinity PXR probe, we developed 20 (BODIPY FL vindoline)
      and showed that it is a novel and potent PXR fluorescent probe with Kd of 256 nM
      in a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) binding assay
      with PXR. By using 20 (BODIPY FL vindoline) in the PXR TR-FRET assay, we obtained
      a more than 7-fold signal-to-background ratio and high signal stability (signal
      was stable for at least 120 min, and Z'-factor > 0.85 from 30 to 240 min). The
      assay can tolerate DMSO up to 2%. This assay has been used to evaluate a panel of
      PXR ligands for their PXR-binding affinities. The performance of 20 (BODIPY FL
      vindoline) in the PXR TR-FRET assay makes it an ideal PXR fluorescent probe, and
      the newly developed PXR TR-FRET assay with 20 (BODIPY FL vindoline) as a
      fluorescent probe is suitable for high-throughput screening to identify PXR
      binding ligands. 

PMID- 25133936
TI  - Urinary catheterization -- when good intentions go awry: a teachable moment.

PMID- 25133937
TI  - Surface complexation reaction for phase transfer of hydrophobic quantum dot from
      nonpolar to polar medium.
AB  - Chemical reaction between oleate-capped Zn(x)Cd(1-x)S quantum dots (Qdots) and 8
      hydroxyquinoline (HQ) led to formation of a surface complex, which was
      accompanied by transfer of hydrophobic Qdots from nonpolar (hexane) to polar
      (water) medium with high efficiency. The stability of the complex on the surface
      was achieved via involvement of dangling sulfide bonds. Moreover, the transferred
      hydrophilic Qdots--herein called as quantum dot complex (QDC)--exhibited new and
      superior optical properties in comparison to bare inorganic complexes with
      retention of the dimension and core structure of the Qdots. Finally, the new and
      superior optical properties of water-soluble QDC make them potentially useful for
      biological--in addition to light emitting device (LED)--applications.

PMID- 25133938
TI  - A bird's eye view of anisatin induced convulsive seizures in brain by a (1)H NMR
      based metabolic approach.
AB  - Anisatin is the main convulsant component in plants of the genus Illicium, many
      of which are important spices or folk medicines. The neurotoxicity of anisatin
      has been widely investigated, mainly focusing on its action on the gamma-amino
      butyrate (GABA) system; however, little is known about the metabolic alterations
      that it causes. In this study, a NMR-based metabolomic approach was performed on
      the extracts of cortexes and cerebellums of mice administered with anisatin to
      explore the metabolic events associated with its intoxication. Orthogonal partial
      least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) revealed many differential
      metabolites that indicated metabolic disturbance in neurotransmission and
      neuromodulation (GABA, glutamate, glutamine, and taurine), stress of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) (ascorbate, phosphatidylcholine, choline, and ethanolamine),
      energy metabolism (NAD(+)i.e., nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide, lactate,
      citrate, fumarate, creatine/phosphocreatine, and creatinine), amino acid
      metabolism (leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan,
      alanine, threonine, and glycine) and nucleic acid metabolism (NAD(+),
      nicotinamide/niacinamide, adenosine, and guanosine). This pilot metabolomic study
      on anisatin intoxication should help to develop a holistic view of convulsive
      seizures induced by anisatin, and provide a better understanding of the
      mechanisms. 

PMID- 25133939
TI  - Implementing a graduate medical education campaign to reduce or eliminate
      potentially wasteful tests or procedures.

PMID- 25133940
TI  - Efficacy and safety of histamine-2 receptor antagonists.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are frequently used in the
      treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children; however, their
      efficacy and safety is questionable. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the
      literature to assess the efficacy and safety of H2RAs in pediatric GERD. EVIDENCE
      REVIEW: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database were searched for randomized
      clinical trials investigating the efficacy and safety of H2RAs in pediatric GERD.
      Two reviewers independently extracted data from the included articles. The
      quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations,
      Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. When possible, infants and
      children were analyzed separately. FINDINGS: Eight studies with a total of 276
      children (0-15 years of age) were included. Compared with the placebo, H2RAs were
      more effective in the reduction of symptoms in terms of histologic healing and
      increasing gastric pH and had a larger overall treatment effect. In infants,
      H2RAs were only more effective in terms of histologic healing. Comparing H2RAs
      with antacids, H2RAs were more effective in symptom reduction in only 1 study.
      H2RAs compared with proton pump inhibitors were not significantly different in
      any of the outcome measures. For safety analysis, data were not reported in a
      quantitative manner and for all outcomes, the quality of evidence was very low.
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Evidence to support the efficacy and safety of H2RAs
      in infants and children is limited and of poor quality. Well-designed placebo
      controlled trials are needed before thorough conclusions can be drawn.

PMID- 25133941
TI  - Oxygen Cost of Recreational Horse-Riding in Females.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to characterize the physiological
      demands of a riding session comprising different types of recreational horse
      riding in females. METHODS: Sixteen female recreational riders (aged 17 to 54
      years) completed an incremental cycle ergometer exercise test to determine peak
      oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and a 45-minute riding session based upon a British
      Horse Society Stage 2 riding lesson (including walking, trotting, cantering and
      work without stirrups). Oxygen consumption (VO2), from which metabolic equivalent
      (MET) and energy expenditure values were derived, was measured throughout.
      RESULTS: The mean VO2 requirement for trotting/cantering (18.4 +/- 5.1 ml.kg
      1.min-1; 52 +/- 12% VO2peak; 5.3 +/- 1.1 METs) was similar to walking/trotting
      (17.4 +/- 5.1 ml.kg-1.min-1; 48 +/- 13% VO2peak; 5.0 +/- 1.5 METs) and
      significantly higher than for work without stirrups (14.2 +/- 2.9 ml.kg-1.min-1;
      41 +/- 12% VO2peak; 4.2 +/- 0.8 METs) (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The oxygen cost of
      different activities typically performed in a recreational horse riding session
      meets the criteria for moderate intensity exercise (3-6 METs) in females, and
      trotting combined with cantering imposes the highest metabolic demand. Regular
      riding could contribute to the achievement of the public health recommendations
      for physical activity in this population.

PMID- 25133942
TI  - From the editor. Benefits of physical activity in the later years.

PMID- 25133943
TI  - The relationship between physical activity and perceived health status in older
      women: findings from the Woman's College Alumni Study.
AB  - Using data collected from the Woman's College (WC) Alumni Study, the purpose of
      this study was to determine whether perceived health status is related to
      physical activity in older women. A multiple linear regression analysis was
      conducted to examine the relationship between amounts of physical activity and
      self-reported health status. The results of the current study reveal that the
      level of physical activity is significantly correlated with perceived health
      status. The findings of this study have implications for the assessment of older
      individuals' health and may lead to interventions that are tailored to increase
      physical activity among older women. 

PMID- 25133944
TI  - Physical and mental health correlates of self-efficacy in dementia family
      caregivers.
AB  - This study examined whether self-efficacy for controlling upsetting caregiving
      thoughts would longitudinally predict mental and physical health as well as
      utilization of psychotropic medications in help-seeking dementia family
      caregivers (N = 53). Positive associations were found between self-efficacy and
      self-reported mental health and physical health subscales of the Short Form
      Health Questionnaire-12, and negative correlations were found between self
      efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts about caregiving and the number of
      psychotropic medications being utilized both cross-sectionally and
      longitudinally. These results suggest that self-efficacy for controlling
      upsetting thoughts may be a fruitful target area for further intervention
      research with dementia family caregivers. 

PMID- 25133945
TI  - Generational juggling acts in midlife families: gendered and ethnocultural
      intersections.
AB  - This study draws upon a sociocultural stress and coping perspective to examine
      generational demands in midlife families. It examines both the predictors and
      family-related circumstances that contribute to perceptions of greater demand,
      with a focus on gendered and ethnocultural dimensions. Using mixed-methods, data
      are based on a sample of 236 parents collected in 2006/2007 from four cultural
      groups: British-, Chinese-, Southern European-, and South Asian Canadian. Key
      findings reveal that caregiving experiences remain highly gendered and are
      mediated by ethnocultural background and other work/family contextual
      characteristics. Recommendations for those who work directly with culturally
      diverse "sandwiched" generation families are highlighted. 

PMID- 25133946
TI  - Attitudes and stereotypes regarding older women and HIV risk.
AB  - Persons aged 50 years and over will soon disproportionately represent the future
      of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It is estimated that by 2015 older adults will
      represent 50% of persons living with HIV in the United States. Despite the
      HIV/AIDS growing population among older adults, attitudes, beliefs, and
      stereotypes toward older adults that exist in general society have affected HIV
      prevention, education, and care. Specifically, ageist attitudes about the
      sexuality of older adults in general and older women in particular, low clinical
      HIV suspicion among healthcare providers, lack of knowledge about risk among
      older women, and differentials in power related to negotiating sexual practices
      all lead to heightened concerns for the prevention, identification, and treatment
      of HIV disease in mature women. This article examines common attitudes, beliefs,
      and stereotypes that exist within general society as well as health and social
      service providers that place older women at a disadvantage when it comes to HIV
      prevention, education, and treatment. 

PMID- 25133950
TI  - Acquired cutis laxa associated with heavy chain deposition disease involving
      dermal elastic fibers.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Acquired cutis laxa is a rare cutaneous manifestation of hematologic
      malignancy. We report a case of gamma heavy chain deposition disease (HCDD)
      associated with acquired cutis laxa, renal involvement, and hypocomplementemia
      and propose a mechanism of elastic fiber degradation in the skin of this patient
      with HCDD. OBSERVATIONS: To determine the localization of immunoglobulin heavy
      chains and complement activation in the skin of a patient with HCDD, we examined
      her skin biopsy specimens under light and electron microscopy. Analysis
      demonstrated the deposition of gamma heavy chain and complement components C1q
      and C3 on the surfaces of dermal elastic fibers, indicating complement fixation
      by the deposited heavy chains. Electron microscopy revealed finely granular
      electron-dense deposits coating the surfaces of frayed dermal elastic fibers.
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The pathogenesis of cutis laxa in this condition is
      poorly understood. We hypothesize a mechanism of elastic tissue destruction by
      complement fixation with resultant activation of the complement cascade
      ultimately causing elastolysis. Based on our findings and those of other reports,
      we propose that skin heavy chain deposition can serve as a marker of plasma cell
      secretory activity in HCDD, although further studies are needed.

PMID- 25133951
TI  - Regioselective formal hydroamination of styrenes with 1-phenyl-1H-tetrazole-5
      thiol.
AB  - 1-Phenyl-1H-tetrazole-5-thiol 1 (PT-thiol) is employed in a unique Markovnikov
      selective formal hydroamination of styrenyl compounds in the presence of
      catalytic amounts of Ga(OTf)3. This gives rise to the formation of
      tetrazolothione moieties in an atom-economical manner. Mechanistically, we have
      determined that this transformation may occur by kinetically favored
      hydrothiolation, followed by rearrangement to the observed hydroamination
      products. 

PMID- 25133953
TI  - Microthermodynamic interpretation of fluid states from FTIR measurements in lipid
      membranes: a Monte Carlo study.
AB  - Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is usually employed to obtain
      transition temperatures of lipids and lipid mixtures and the effect on it of
      several effectors, such as cholesterol. However, no interpretation of the
      molecular information provided by the frequency shift to higher values observed
      at Tc is available. In this article, we demonstrate that data obtained by means
      of FTIR measurements contain information about the microscopic thermodynamics of
      the lipid-phase transition. By means of Monte Carlo simulation, we have been able
      to show that the frequency shift from low to high values can be taken as a two
      state transition of molecular constituents in a lattice rearrangement. According
      to the model, at temperatures below Tc all of the groups are defined in the
      lowest-energy state defined by the lowest frequency value and therefore they are
      all connected in a gel lattice. Above Tc, some groups may reach different energy
      states depending on the restrictions imposed on the groups. Ideally, when all of
      the groups are able to reach the highest frequency, a fully "fluid" state is
      reached, which is a disordered state. If we take this hypothetical state as a
      reference, it is possible to show that the higher states become less accessible.
      The model is suitable for describing the effect of cholesterol, which is able to
      dump the phase transition and is congruent with previous data denoting that in
      the so-called fluid phase the first four to five methylene groups remain in the
      gel state even above Tc. The frequency value attained above Tc depends on the
      nature of the lipid acyl chain. 

PMID- 25133954
TI  - Polysaccharide-based networks from homogeneous chitosan-tripolyphosphate
      hydrogels: synthesis and characterization.
AB  - Polysaccharide networks, in the form of hydrogels and dried membranes based on
      chitosan and on the cross-linker tripolyphosphate (TPP), were developed using a
      novel approach. TPP was incorporated into chitosan by slow diffusion to favor a
      controlled gelation. By varying chitosan, TPP, and NaCl concentration, transition
      from inhomogeneous to homogeneous systems was achieved. Rheology and uniaxial
      compression tests enabled to identify the best performing hydrogel composition
      with respect to mechanical properties. FTIR, (31)P NMR, and spectrophotometric
      methods were used to investigate the interaction chitosan-TPP, the kinetics of
      phosphates diffusion during the dialysis and the amount of TPP in the hydrogel. A
      freeze-drying procedure enabled the preparation of soft pliable membranes. The
      lactate dehydrogenase assay demonstrated the biocompatibility of the membranes
      toward fibroblasts. Overall, we devised a novel approach to prepare homogeneous
      macroscopic chitosan/TPP-based biomaterials with tunable mechanical properties
      and good biocompatibility that show good potential as novel polysaccharide
      derivatives. 

PMID- 25133955
TI  - Dynamic observation of phase transformation behaviors in indium(III) selenide
      nanowire based phase change memory.
AB  - Phase change random access memory (PCRAM) has been extensively investigated for
      its potential applications in next-generation nonvolatile memory. In this study,
      indium(III) selenide (In2Se3) was selected due to its high resistivity ratio and
      lower programming current. Au/In2Se3-nanowire/Au phase change memory devices were
      fabricated and measured systematically in an in situ transmission electron
      microscope to perform a RESET/SET process under pulsed and dc voltage swept mode,
      respectively. During the switching, we observed the dynamic evolution of the
      phase transformation process. The switching behavior resulted from
      crystalline/amorphous change and revealed that a long pulse width would induce
      the amorphous or polycrystalline state by different pulse amplitudes, supporting
      the improvement of the writing speed, retention, and endurance of PCRAM. 

PMID- 25133956
TI  - Work zone safety analysis and modeling: a state-of-the-art review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Work zone safety is one of the top priorities for transportation
      agencies. In recent years, a considerable volume of research has sought to
      determine work zone crash characteristics and causal factors. Unlike other non
      work zone-related safety studies (on both crash frequency and severity), there
      has not yet been a comprehensive review and assessment of methodological
      approaches for work zone safety. To address this deficit, this article aims to
      provide a comprehensive review of the existing extensive research efforts focused
      on work zone crash-related analysis and modeling, in the hopes of providing
      researchers and practitioners with a complete overview. METHODS: Relevant
      literature published in the last 5 decades was retrieved from the National Work
      Zone Crash Information Clearinghouse and the Transport Research International
      Documentation database and other public digital libraries and search engines.
      Both peer-reviewed publications and research reports were obtained. Each study
      was carefully reviewed, and those that focused on either work zone crash data
      analysis or work zone safety modeling were identified. The most relevant studies
      are specifically examined and discussed in the article. RESULTS: The identified
      studies were carefully synthesized to understand the state of knowledge on work
      zone safety. Agreement and inconsistency regarding the characteristics of the
      work zone crashes discussed in the descriptive studies were summarized. Progress
      and issues about the current practices on work zone crash frequency and severity
      modeling are also explored and discussed. The challenges facing work zone safety
      research are then presented. CONCLUSIONS: The synthesis of the literature
      suggests that the presence of a work zone is likely to increase the crash rate.
      Crashes are not uniformly distributed within work zones and rear-end crashes are
      the most prevalent type of crashes in work zones. There was no across-the-board
      agreement among numerous papers reviewed on the relationship between work zone
      crashes and other factors such as time, weather, victim severity, traffic control
      devices, and facility types. Moreover, both work zone crash frequency and
      severity models still rely on relatively simple modeling techniques and
      approaches. In addition, work zone data limitations have caused a number of
      challenges in analyzing and modeling work zone safety. Additional efforts on data
      collection, developing a systematic data analysis framework, and using more
      advanced modeling approaches are suggested as future research tasks.

PMID- 25133957
TI  - The cyanide ligands of [FeFe] hydrogenase: pulse EPR studies of (13)C and (15)N
      labeled H-cluster.
AB  - The two cyanide ligands in the assembled cluster of [FeFe] hydrogenase originate
      from exogenous l-tyrosine. Using selectively labeled tyrosine substrates, the
      cyanides were isotopically labeled via a recently developed in vitro maturation
      procedure allowing advanced electron paramagnetic resonance techniques to probe
      the electronic structure of the catalytic core of the enzyme. The ratio of the
      isotropic (13)C hyperfine interactions for the two CN(-) ligands-a reporter of
      spin density on their respective coordinating iron ions-collapses from ~5.8 for
      the Hox form of hydrogenase to <2 for the CO-inhibited form. Additionally, when
      the maturation was carried out using [(15)N]-tyrosine, no features previously
      ascribed to the nitrogen of the bridging dithiolate ligand were observed
      suggesting that this bridge is not sourced from tyrosine. 

PMID- 25133959
TI  - Probing local strain at MX(2)-metal boundaries with surface plasmon-enhanced
      Raman scattering.
AB  - Interactions between metal and atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials can
      exhibit interesting physical behaviors that are of both fundamental interests and
      technological importance. In addition to forming a metal-semiconductor Schottky
      junction that is critical for electrical transport, metal deposited on 2D layered
      materials can also generate a local mechanical strain. We investigate the local
      strain at the boundaries between metal (Ag, Au) nanoparticles and MX2 (M = Mo, W;
      X = S) layers by exploiting the strong local field enhancement at the boundary in
      surface plasmon-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). We show that the local
      mechanical strain splits both the in-plane vibration mode E2g(1) and the out-of
      plane vibration mode A1g in monolayer MoS2, and activates the in-plane mode E1g
      that is normally forbidden in backscattering Raman process. In comparison, the
      effects of mechanical strain in thicker MoS2 layers are significantly weaker. We
      also observe that photoluminescence from the indirect bandgap transition (when
      the number of layers is >=2) is quenched with the metal deposition, while a
      softened and broadened shoulder peak emerges close to the original direct-bandgap
      transition because of the mechanical strain. The strain at metal-MX2 boundaries,
      which locally modifies the electronic and phonon structures of MX2, can have
      important effects on electrical transport through the metal-MX2 contact.

PMID- 25133960
TI  - A new library of arsine, stibine-stabilized N-heterocyclic carbene palladium
      complexes: synthesis, structures and activities in C-C and C-N coupling
      reactions.
AB  - A series of new N-heterocyclic carbene palladium complexes bearing AsPh3 and
      SbPh3 functions PdCl2(IMes)(AsPh3) (1a), PdCl2(IMes)(SbPh3) (1b),
      PdCl2(IPr)(AsPh3) (1c), PdCl2(IPr)(SbPh3) (1d), PdCl2(SIMes)(AsPh3) (2a),
      PdCl2(SIMes)(SbPh3) (2b), PdCl2(SIPr)(AsPh3) (2c), and PdCl2(SIPr)(SbPh3) (2d)
      (IMes = N,N'-bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene; IPr = N,N'-bis-(2,6
      di(iso-propyl)phenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene; SIMes = N,N'-bis-(2,4,6
      trimethylphenyl)imidazolidin-2-ylidene; SIPr = N,N'-bis-(2,6-di(iso
      propyl)phenyl)imidazolidin-2-ylidene) was synthesized and fully characterized by
      (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single
      crystal X-ray crystallography. The catalytic potential of these arsine and
      stibine-stabilized carbene palladium complexes for Pd-mediated transformations
      was investigated with various substrates in the Hiyama cross-coupling reactions
      and Buchwald-Hartwig aminations. The results demonstrate that these complexes
      show high catalytic activity and good tolerance to various chemical functions. 

PMID- 25133958
TI  - Exome sequencing in the clinical diagnosis of sporadic or familial cerebellar
      ataxia.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Cerebellar ataxias are a diverse collection of neurologic disorders
      with causes ranging from common acquired etiologies to rare genetic conditions.
      Numerous genetic disorders have been associated with chronic progressive ataxia
      and this consequently presents a diagnostic challenge for the clinician regarding
      how to approach and prioritize genetic testing in patients with such clinically
      heterogeneous phenotypes. Additionally, while the value of genetic testing in
      early-onset and/or familial cases seems clear, many patients with ataxia present
      sporadically with adult onset of symptoms and the contribution of genetic
      variation to the phenotype of these patients has not yet been established.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contribution of genetic disease in a population of
      patients with predominantly adult- and sporadic-onset cerebellar ataxia. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We examined a consecutive series of 76 patients
      presenting to a tertiary referral center for evaluation of chronic progressive
      cerebellar ataxia. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Next-generation exome sequencing
      coupled with comprehensive bioinformatic analysis, phenotypic analysis, and
      clinical correlation. RESULTS: We identified clinically relevant genetic
      information in more than 60% of patients studied (n = 46), including diagnostic
      pathogenic gene variants in 21% (n = 16), a notable yield given the diverse
      genetics and clinical heterogeneity of the cerebellar ataxias. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: This study demonstrated that clinical exome sequencing in patients
      with adult-onset and sporadic presentations of ataxia is a high-yield test,
      providing a definitive diagnosis in more than one-fifth of patients and
      suggesting a potential diagnosis in more than one-third to guide additional
      phenotyping and diagnostic evaluation. Therefore, clinical exome sequencing is an
      appropriate consideration in the routine genetic evaluation of all patients
      presenting with chronic progressive cerebellar ataxia.

PMID- 25133961
TI  - Resource utilization and use of life-extending therapies and corticosteroids in
      prostate cancer patients with corticosteroid-sensitive comorbidities.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Corticosteroids (CSs) are used concomitantly with life-extending
      therapies (LETs) in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
      This study examined time to LETs, LETs and concomitant CS adherence, and monthly
      all-cause healthcare utilization and costs in patients with CPRC with and without
      CS-sensitive comorbidities in the Veterans Health Administration population.
      METHODS: Patients had CRPC if records showed prostate cancer diagnosis,
      medical/surgical castration and >=2 prostate-specific antigen increases through 1
      June 2007-31 May 2012. CS-sensitive comorbidities were assessed 6 months prior to
      the index date. Adherence, defined as medication possession ratio (MPR) >=0.8,
      among patients initiating LETs (cabazitaxel, docetaxel, or abiraterone acetate)
      before 30 November 2011, resource utilization and costs among patients with
      concomitant CS were assessed. Statistical analysis included descriptive, Cox
      proportional hazards, and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Common CS
      sensitive conditions among 12,128 patients with CRPC included hypertension
      (75.74%) and hyperlipidemia (54.69%). Those with glaucoma (hazard ratio [HR] =
      0.67), ischemic heart disease (HR = 0.78), and peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
      (HR = 0.78) were less likely to be prescribed LETs (all p < 0.01). Duration of
      LET was shorter among patients with CS-sensitive comorbidities (125.02 vs 133.08
      days; p = 0.04) in the 6 month follow-up period. Among LET-treated patients with
      and without CS-sensitive comorbidities, less than half had MPR >= 0.8 (LET:
      48.72% vs 54.05%; concomitant CS: 42.19% vs 40.54%, respectively).
      Cerebrovascular disease (odds ratio = 0.107; 95% confidence interval = 0.012 to
      0.966) and PVD (odds ratio = 0.523; 95% confidence interval = 0.276 to 0.991)
      were associated with reduced CS adherence. Among patients with concomitant CS,
      those with CS-sensitive comorbidities had more inpatient stays than those without
      (20.45% vs 12.88%; p = 0.033), incurring higher monthly inpatient costs ($1157 vs
      $342; p < 0.0001) and total costs ($5725 vs $4772; p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: CS
      sensitive conditions influence initiation and duration of LETs, concomitant CS
      adherence, inpatient stays, and total costs. Future efforts should focus on
      specific strategies for treating prostate cancer patients with CS-sensitive
      comorbidities to ensure that they have appropriate access to LETs and to reduce
      costs and inpatient stays. Study limitations include the use of retrospective
      claims data and the relatively restricted subpopulation of older North American
      males.

PMID- 25133962
TI  - Acute postoperative pain relief with immediate-release tapentadol: randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in South Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To broaden the ethnic groups in which tapentadol IR is evaluated for
      treating acute postoperative pain to include Asians. METHODS: In this phase 3,
      multicenter, double-blind, randomized study, 352 Korean adults with moderate-to
      severe pain following hallux valgus surgery received tapentadol IR 50 or 75 mg or
      placebo orally every 4-6 hours for 72 hours. Patients requesting other (rescue)
      analgesics during this period were discontinued for lack of efficacy. The primary
      endpoint, sum of pain intensity difference (SPID) over 48 hours, was evaluated
      based on the difference between tapentadol IR and placebo in least squares (LS)
      mean change from baseline using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Secondary
      endpoints included the time to first rescue medication use and the distribution
      of responder rates. RESULTS: A treatment effect, favoring tapentadol IR, was
      observed for SPID48 (p < 0.001 for both doses vs. placebo, ANCOVA). The between
      group difference (vs. placebo) in LS means of SPID48 was 76.4 (95% CI: 51.0,
      101.7) for tapentadol IR 50 mg and 90.6 (95% CI: 65.1, 116.1) for tapentadol IR
      75 mg. Time to first rescue medication use was delayed for tapentadol IR (p <
      0.001 for both doses vs. placebo; log-rank test). The distribution of responders
      at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours favored tapentadol IR (p <= 0.001 for both doses vs.
      placebo; Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test). Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting were each
      reported in >= 10% tapentadol-treated patients and at an incidence >= 2-fold
      higher vs. placebo. The study findings may be limited by study drug dosing every
      4 to 6 hours and frequent monitoring during treatment, neither of which mimic
      pain treatment in clinical practice. However, any potential bias based on this
      systematic monitoring of patients would be mitigated by the randomized, double
      blind nature of the study, with all treatment groups similarly affected by such
      biases, if any. CONCLUSIONS: Tapentadol IR reduced acute pain intensity,
      significantly more than placebo, after orthopedic surgery in Korean patients.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01516008.

PMID- 25133964
TI  - The latest on optical coherence tomography.

PMID- 25133963
TI  - Etoricoxib in the treatment of Korean patients with osteoarthritis in a double
      blind, randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the COX-2 inhibitors, etoricoxib and celecoxib, in Korean
      patients with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: This study included patients (>= 40
      years of age) with a clinical and radiographic diagnosis of knee OA. Patients
      were randomized to etoricoxib 30 mg (qd) or celecoxib 200 mg (qd) in a 12 week
      randomized, controlled, double-blind study. Prior NSAID users were to demonstrate
      a worsening of symptoms upon withdrawal of medication. Efficacy endpoints
      included the time-weighted average change from baseline in the WOMAC VA 3.0 Pain
      Subscale (100 mm Visual Analog Scale [VAS]; primary endpoint), the WOMAC VA 3.0
      Physical Function Subscale (100 mm VAS), and Patient Global Assessment of Disease
      Status (PGAD) (100 mm VAS). The primary hypothesis was that etoricoxib 30 mg is
      non-inferior to celecoxib 200 mg as assessed by the primary endpoint (the non
      inferiority margin was set at 10 mm VAS). Adverse events (AEs), laboratory
      parameters, and vital signs were monitored. RESULTS: There were 239 patients
      (89.5% female; mean age: 63.3 years) randomized to etoricoxib 30 mg (n = 120) and
      celecoxib 200 mg (n = 119). The differences (etoricoxib vs celecoxib) in least
      square (LS) mean change (95% CI) for WOMAC Pain, WOMAC Physical Function, and
      PGAD were -1.63 mm (-5.37, 2.10), -1.32 mm (-4.88, 2.23), and -1.09 mm (-5.48,
      3.30), respectively. Drug-related clinical AEs occurred in 6.7% (etoricoxib) and
      2.5% (celecoxib) of patients. This study was limited because it was not designed
      or powered to adequately capture and evaluate rare AEs associated with NSAID
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Etoricoxib 30 mg administered once daily in Korean
      patients with knee OA demonstrated non-inferior clinical efficacy to celecoxib
      200 mg over 12 weeks of treatment as assessed by all primary and secondary
      outcomes. Etoricoxib 30 mg qd and celecoxib 200 mg qd were generally safe and
      well tolerated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01554163.

PMID- 25133965
TI  - Optical coherence tomography in papilledema: what am I missing?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Grading of papilledema severity is subjective and based on monocular
      fundus features of the optic nerve. Interobserver agreement on grading the
      severity of papilledema is poor among expert observers, even using well-defined
      criteria such as the Frisen scale, which is a non-continuous ordinal scale of
      grading. Furthermore, non-expert clinicians often find it difficult to properly
      view and interpret features of the optic nerve using ophthalmoscopy, which can
      lead to failure to diagnose papilledema in non-ophthalmologic care settings. This
      may delay treatment, which can result in vision loss. Distinguishing papilledema
      from pseudopapilledema can also be difficult when surface drusen are not easily
      identified. Once papilledema is diagnosed, it is often difficult to determine
      whether a reduction in optic nerve edema is due solely to improvement in the
      status of the nerve or whether this represents concomitant loss of axons and
      viable retinal ganglion cells, leading to a poor visual outcome. Timely
      advancement of treatment would occur if loss of neurons could be diagnosed at an
      earlier stage of evaluation while optic disc edema is still present. This review
      will critically assess the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in solving
      these problems by providing an advanced imaging approach for diagnosis of
      papilledema and evaluating its severity on a continuous scale and evaluating the
      causes of visual loss in the setting of a swollen nerve. METHODS ACQUISITION: The
      published literature (PubMed) was reviewed from 2000 to 2014 on the use of OCT
      for diagnosing papilledema, differentiating it from pseudopapilledema, providing
      a continuous scale of its severity and in evaluating causes of visual loss.
      RESULTS: Recent evidence shows that OCT analysis of the retinal nerve fiber layer
      and retinal ganglion cell layer in papilledema can be associated with misleading
      artifacts due to layer segmentation failures. Newer 3D algorithms using
      neighboring locations help to overcome these problems. Disc volume appears to be
      a promising continuous measure of papilledema that is robust and has less
      associated artifacts. Buried optic disc drusen can be identified using enhanced
      depth OCT imaging, but recent studies have shown poor ability to differentiate
      papilledema from pseudopapilledema using OCT when the degree of disc evaluation
      is similar. Analysis of the retinal ganglion cell layer shows promise of early
      detection of vision loss due to neuronal injury. Subretinal fluid is easily
      identified with OCT and can help to identify a potentially reversible component
      of vision loss. Newer OCT imaging methods will allow the definition of
      capillaries and flow within them in and around the optic nerve head. CONCLUSIONS:
      Currently, the most useful OCT derived features relevant to papilledema are disc
      volume, subretinal fluid, buried disc drusen, and thickness of the retinal
      ganglion cell layer.

PMID- 25133966
TI  - Clinical trials to clinical use: using vision as a model for multiple sclerosis
      and beyond.
AB  - Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has made possible the structure-function
      correlations that uniquely characterize the afferent visual pathway as a model
      for understanding multiple sclerosis (MS) and for developing new treatments.
      During the past decade, OCT measures of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and
      ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL) thickness have evolved from being
      a means to validate visual function tests, such as low-contrast letter acuity, to
      provide a window on the axonal and neuronal loss that are now widely recognized
      as contributors to permanent visual dysfunction in MS. Although acute optic
      neuritis (ON) leads to thinning of the RNFL by 20%-40% within 3 months after a
      single episode, thinning of the RNFL and GCL + IPL occur over time in MS eyes
      even in the absence of an acute ON history. As such, OCT and its functional and
      patient-reported correlates of low-contrast acuity and vision-specific quality of
      life (QOL) have now been incorporated into MS clinical trials. Results of an
      ongoing, phase 2 trial of a remyelinating agent that uses acute ON as a model for
      assessing therapeutic efficacy will define even further the important role for
      OCT in documenting structural changes as we move forward from clinical trials to
      clinical use.

PMID- 25133967
TI  - Retinal segmentation using multicolor laser imaging.
AB  - Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) changed 3 worlds: clinical
      care, clinical research, and the regulatory environment of phases 2, 3, and 4
      pharmaceutical and surgical trials. OCT is now undergoing another transformation
      with multicolor technology, which acquires images using data from 3 simultaneous
      lasers: red, green, and blue, taking advantage of the different wavelengths of
      each of these colors to most precisely image 3 different zones of the retina.
      Rather than seeing only the surface of the retina and optic disc and any large
      lesions in the deeper retina, this technology provides a topographic map of the
      outer (red), mid (green), and inner (blue) retina somewhat similar to what is
      observed with fundus autoflourescence of deep retina, retinal pigment epithelium,
      and choroid. Multicolor imaging will supplement and help to define what is
      observed with traditional fundus photography and SD-OCT. In addition, it may
      demonstrate abnormalities when routine photography is normal and when SD-OCT
      findings are equivocal. This review will illustrate the basic principles of
      multicolor imaging and will show clinical examples of how this technique can
      further define retinal and optic nerve pathology.

PMID- 25133968
TI  - Optical coherence tomography technologies: which machine do you want to own?
AB  - Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has evolved over the past decade to become one
      of the most important ancillary tests in ophthalmic practice. This noninvasive
      ocular imaging technique provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the
      retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), macular region, ganglion cell layer, and optic
      nerve head. With OCT, we can learn much about axonal-neuronal integrity in the
      anterior aspect of the afferent visual pathway and gain insights about mechanisms
      of brain injury in various central nervous system disorders.

PMID- 25133969
TI  - Liver agenesis with omphalocele: a report of two human embryos using serial
      histological sections.
AB  - We identified 2 human embryos, with crown-rump lengths (CRLs) of 22 mm and 23 mm
      and a gestational age of approximately 7 weeks (O'Rahilly's stage 21-22), with
      liver agenesis and omphalocele. Serial histological sections were prepared of the
      entire body of one specimen, whereas sections of the neck, including the upper
      part of the heart, were missed for the other specimen as a result of tissue
      damage during the abortion. In addition, isolated omphalocele was assessed in
      another embryo (CRL  =  25 mm) for comparison with atypical omphalocele in the
      embryos with liver agenesis. The 2 embryos with liver agenesis were characterized
      by (1) the absence of the anterior part of the diaphragm; (2) abnormality in the
      venous pole of the heart; (3) a normal stomach in the left upper abdominal
      cavity; and (4) normal pancreas development with normal midgut rotation. The most
      likely cause of liver agenesis, when combined with isolated omphalocele, was a
      defect in the anterior extension or migration of the septum transversum rather
      than a mechanical separation of the hepatic diverticulum from the septum
      transversum.

PMID- 25133971
TI  - Core-shell nanoparticle-based peptide therapeutics and combined hyperthermia for
      enhanced cancer cell apoptosis.
AB  - Mitochondria-targeting peptides have garnered immense interest as potential
      chemotherapeutics in recent years. However, there is a clear need to develop
      strategies to overcome the critical limitations of peptides, such as poor
      solubility and the lack of target specificity, which impede their clinical
      applications. To this end, we report magnetic core-shell nanoparticle (MCNP)
      mediated delivery of a mitochondria-targeting pro-apoptotic amphipathic tail
      anchoring peptide (ATAP) to malignant brain and metastatic breast cancer cells.
      Conjugation of ATAP to the MCNPs significantly enhanced the chemotherapeutic
      efficacy of ATAP, while the presence of targeting ligands afforded selective
      delivery to cancer cells. Induction of MCNP-mediated hyperthermia further
      potentiated the efficacy of ATAP. In summary, a combination of MCNP-mediated ATAP
      delivery and subsequent hyperthermia resulted in an enhanced effect on
      mitochondrial dysfunction, thus resulting in increased cancer cell apoptosis. 

PMID- 25133972
TI  - Silymarin inhibits the progression of fibrosis in the early stages of liver
      injury in CCl4-treated rats.
AB  - Liver fibrosis, a common condition occurring during the evolution of almost all
      chronic liver diseases, is the consequence of hepatocyte injury that leads to the
      activation of Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Silymarin (Si) is a
      herbal product widely used for its hepatoprotective potential. Our study aims to
      investigate the effects of two different doses of Silymarin on a CCl4-induced
      model of liver fibrosis with a focus on the early stages of liver injury. Fifty
      Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=10): control group
      (sunflower oil twice a week); CMC group (carboxymethyl cellulose five times a
      week, sunflower oil twice a week); CCl4 group (CCl4 in sunflower oil, by gavage,
      twice a week); CCl4+Si 50 group (CCl4 twice a week, Silymarin 50 mg/b.w. in CMC
      five times a week); and CCl4+Si 200 group (similar to the previous group, with Si
      200 mg/b.w.). One month after the experiment began we explored hepato-cytolysis
      (aminotransferases and lactate dehydrogenase), oxidative stress, fibrosis
      (histological score, hyaluronic acid), markers of HSC activation (transforming
      growth factor beta1 [TGF-beta1], and alpha-smooth muscle actin [alpha-SMA]
      expression by western blot) and activation of Kupffer cells by
      immunohistochemistry. Our data showed that Si 50 mg/b.w. had the capacity of
      reducing oxidative stress, hepato-cytolysis, fibrosis, activation of Kupffer
      cells, and the expression of alpha-SMA and TGF-beta1 with better results than Si
      200 mg/b.w. Thus, the usual therapeutic dose of Silymarin, administered in the
      early stages of fibrotic changes is capable of inhibiting the fibrogenetic
      mechanism and the progression of initial liver fibrosis.

PMID- 25133975
TI  - A highly enantioselective hydrogenation of silyl enol ethers catalyzed by chiral
      frustrated Lewis pairs.
AB  - Using a simple combination of tri-tert-butylphosphine and chiral borane generated
      in situ by the hydroboration of chiral diene with HB(C6F5)2 as a frustrated Lewis
      pair catalyst, a highly enantioselective metal-free hydrogenation of silyl enol
      ethers was successfully realized to furnish a variety of optically active
      secondary alcohols in 93-99% yields with 88->99% ee's. 

PMID- 25133976
TI  - Elucidating the ring inversion mechanism(s) for biscalixarenes.
AB  - Biscalix[4]arene can be constructed from a calix[4]arene by substitution of a
      methylene bridge hydrogen by another equivalent moiety. The use of
      biscalix[4]arenes (biscal) as precursors for the creation of new polymetallic
      clusters such as single-molecule magnets has potential in the fields of data
      storage and other applications. Polymetallic clusters involving biscal are
      expected to preferentially involve octadentate binding to two metal centers (one
      metal center per tetraphenolic pocket), requiring full inversion of one of the
      annular rings. In this work, we use density functional theory to establish the
      mechanism behind this process, considering the various energy pathways and
      providing insight into the preferred route to full and partial inversion.
      Fourteen possible pathways to full inversion are presented, including all
      transition states (up to seven per pathway). Subsequently, the lowest energy
      pathway to full inversion was found to have a barrier height of 19.31 kcal mol(
      1). Solvent optimizations using PCM (with and without SMD) and CPCM solvent
      models suggest long-range solvent effects may be relatively unimportant in the
      inversion process. This study represents the first use of density functional
      theory to elucidate the entire potential energy surface, including barrier
      heights, of the ring inversion process of biscalix[4]arenes. 

PMID- 25133974
TI  - Spectacle correction versus no spectacles for prevention of strabismus in
      hyperopic children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperopia (far-sightedness) in infancy requires accommodative effort
      to bring images into focus. Prolonged accommodative effort has been associated
      with an increased risk of strabismus (eye misalignment). Strabismus makes it
      difficult for the eyes to work together and may result in symptoms of asthenopia
      (eye strain) and intermittent diplopia (double vision), and makes near work tasks
      difficult to complete. Untreated strabismus may result in the development of
      amblyopia (lazy eye). The prescription of spectacles to correct hyperopic
      refractive error is believed to prevent the development of strabismus.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of prescription spectacles compared with
      no intervention for the prevention of strabismus in infants and children with
      hyperopia. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes
      and Vision Group Trials Register) (2014, Issue 4), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In
      Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE
      (January 1946 to April 2014), EMBASE (January 1980 to April 2014), PubMed (1966
      to April 2014), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled
      trials.com), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the World Health
      Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP)
      (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions
      in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases
      on 3 April 2014. We also searched the Science Citation Index database in
      September 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials and
      quasi-randomized trials investigating the assignment to spectacle intervention or
      no treatment for children with hyperopia. The definition of hyperopia remains
      subjective, but we required it to be at least greater than +2.00 diopters (D) of
      hyperopia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently
      extracted data using the standard methodologic procedures expected by The
      Cochrane Collaboration. One review author entered data into Review Manager and a
      second review author verified the data entered. The two review authors resolved
      discrepancies at all stages of the review process. MAIN RESULTS: We identified
      three randomized controlled trials (855 children enrolled) in this review. These
      trials were all conducted in the UK with follow-up periods ranging from one to
      3.5 years. We judged the included studies to be at high risk of bias, due to use
      of quasi-random methods for assigning children to treatment, no masking of
      outcomes assessors, and high proportions of drop-outs. None of the three trials
      accounted for missing data and analyses were limited to the available-case data
      (674 (79%) of 855 children enrolled for the primary outcome). These factors
      impair our ability to assess the effectiveness of treatment.Analyses
      incorporating the three trials we identified in this review (674 children)
      suggested the effect of spectacle correction initiated prior to the age of one
      year in hyperopic children between three and four years of age is uncertain with
      respect to preventing strabismus (risk ratio (RR) 0.71; 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.44 to 1.15; very low quality evidence). Based on a meta-analysis of three
      trials (664 children), the risk of having visual acuity worse than 20/30 at three
      years of age was also uncertain for children with spectacles compared with those
      without spectacle correction irrespective of compliance (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.60 to
      1.26; very low quality evidence).Emmetropization was reported in two trials: one
      trial suggested that spectacles impede emmetropization, and the second trial
      reported no difference in the rate of refractive error change. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: Although children who were allocated to the spectacle group were
      less likely to develop strabismus and less likely to have visual acuity worse
      than 20/30 children allocated to no spectacles, these effects may have been
      chance findings, or due to bias. Due to the high risk of bias and poor reporting
      of included trials, the true effect of spectacle correction for hyperopia on
      strabismus is still uncertain.

PMID- 25133977
TI  - Reward dependence moderates smoking-cue- and stress-induced cigarette cravings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cigarette cravings following exposure to smoking cues in a smoker's
      environment are thought to play an important role in cessation failure. The
      possibility that dispositional factors may impact cue-induced cravings, though
      intriguing, has received little attention. According to Cloninger's
      Tridimensional Personality Theory, factors such as reward dependence (RD), harm
      avoidance (HA), and novelty seeking (NS) may figure prominently in risk for
      addiction, as well as relapse, in individuals attempting to abstain from drug and
      alcohol use. Particularly interesting in this regard is the possibility that
      smokers with higher levels of RD, who are especially sensitive to reward signals,
      will have heightened craving reactions to smoking cues. METHODS: To that end, non
      treatment-seeking nicotine dependent smokers (n=96, mean age=41.1, 47% African
      American, 17% Caucasian, 22% Hispanic, 19.3cigs/day, FTND=7.5) underwent a
      classic experimental cue-induction, during which they were exposed to imagery of:
      (1) smoking, (2) neutral, and (3) stress cues, and reported their cigarette
      cravings (0-100) before and after each exposure. Participants also completed the
      Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire. RESULTS: Not surprisingly, smoking and
      stress cues (but not neutral cues) elicited significant elevations in craving
      (p's<0.0001). Consistent with study hypothesis, smokers who scored higher on RD
      had stronger craving reactions to both smoking cues (p<.02) and stress cues
      (p<.03). CONCLUSIONS: Findings raise the possibility that dispositional
      characteristics, in particular, reward dependence, influence smoking by
      potentiating reactions to environmental smoking cues. Furthermore, the similar
      effects of RD on stress-induced craving suggest that both cue-and stress-induced
      cravings may be influenced by a common underlying disposition.

PMID- 25133978
TI  - The relationship between perceived stress and cue sensitivity for alcohol.
AB  - Previous research has shown that cue sensitivity and stress affect the risk for
      relapse in alcohol-dependent patients. Theoretically, a link between the two can
      be expected. However, a clear overview of the interplay of these factors is not
      yet available. The purpose of this review was to examine the empirical evidence
      for the influence of stress on sensitivity for alcohol-related cues. Empirical
      studies indexed in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Knowledge that assessed
      the relation between stress and sensitivity for alcohol-related cues using
      subjective, behavioral and/or physiological measures were included in the review.
      Of the 359 articles screened, 12 were included in the review. Nine articles
      supported the existence of the relationship between stress and heightened cue
      sensitivity for alcohol-related cues, whereas three articles did not support our
      hypothesis. We conclude that the relationship between stress and sensitivity to
      alcohol cues appears to exist. In fact, there may be different factors at play:
      our review points toward (1) differences between the effect of psychological
      stress and physiological stress on cue-sensitivity, and (2) individual
      differences regarding coping drinking which may explain stress-induced cues
      sensitivity. 

PMID- 25133979
TI  - Magnetic relaxations arising from spin-phonon interactions in the nonthermally
      activated temperature range for a double-decker terbium phthalocyanine single
      molecule magnet.
AB  - Magnetic relaxations arising from spin-phonon interactions for a magnetically
      diluted double-decker terbium phthalocyanine single molecule magnet, dil1, in the
      nonthermally activated temperature range have been investigated. While the
      relaxation time, tau, is independent of the external static magnetic field,
      H(dc), in the high temperature range, where linear relationships between -ln tau
      and T(-1) are observed in the Arrhenius plot, magnetic field dependences for tau
      are observed in the lower temperature range. The tau(-1) vs H(dc) plot at 12 K
      fits the quadric curve when H(dc) < 12 kOe, while linear relationships are
      observed in the tau(-1) vs T plots in the temperature range of 12-20 K. These
      results indicate that the direct process is the dominant magnetic relaxation
      pathway in the nonthermally activated temperature range, while the contribution
      from the Raman process, if any, is not observable. We emphasize in this paper
      that the contribution from the thermal relaxation processes and the quantum
      tunneling of magnetizations (QTMs) to the experimentally observed magnetic
      relaxations must be evaluated carefully in order to avoid confusion between the
      thermal and quantum-mechanical relaxation pathways.

PMID- 25133973
TI  - Nuclear cytoplasmic trafficking of proteins is a major response of human
      fibroblasts to oxidative stress.
AB  - We have used a subcellular spatial razor approach based on LC-MS/MS-based
      proteomics with SILAC isotope labeling to determine changes in protein abundances
      in the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of human IMR90 fibroblasts subjected
      to mild oxidative stress. We show that response to mild tert-butyl hydrogen
      peroxide treatment includes redistribution between the nucleus and cytoplasm of
      numerous proteins not previously associated with oxidative stress. The 121
      proteins with the most significant changes encompass proteins with known
      functions in a wide variety of subcellular locations and of cellular functional
      processes (transcription, signal transduction, autophagy, iron metabolism, TCA
      cycle, ATP synthesis) and are consistent with functional networks that are
      spatially dispersed across the cell. Both nuclear respiratory factor 2 and the
      proline regulatory axis appear to contribute to the cellular metabolic response.
      Proteins involved in iron metabolism or with iron/heme as a cofactor as well as
      mitochondrial proteins are prominent in the response. Evidence suggesting that
      nuclear import/export and vesicle-mediated protein transport contribute to the
      cellular response was obtained. We suggest that measurements of global changes in
      total cellular protein abundances need to be complemented with measurements of
      the dynamic subcellular spatial redistribution of proteins to obtain
      comprehensive pictures of cellular function. 

PMID- 25133980
TI  - Advanced thermopower wave in novel ZnO nanostructures/fuel composite.
AB  - Thermopower wave is a new concept of energy conversion from chemical to thermal
      to electrical energy, produced from the chemical reaction in well-designed hybrid
      structures between nanomaterials and combustible fuels. The enhancement and
      optimization of energy generation is essential to make it useful for future
      applications. In this study, we demonstrate that simple solution-based
      synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures, such as nanorods and nanoparticles
      are capable of generating high output voltage from thermopower waves. In
      particular, an astonishing improvement in the output voltage (up to 3 V; average
      2.3 V) was achieved in a ZnO nanorods-based composite film with a solid fuel
      (collodion, 5% nitrocellulose), which generated an exothermic chemical reaction.
      Detailed analyses of thermopower waves in ZnO nanorods- and cube-like
      nanoparticles-based hybrid composites have been reported in which nanostructures,
      output voltage profile, wave propagation velocities, and surface temperature have
      been characterized. The average combustion velocities for a ZnO nanorods/fuel and
      a ZnO cube-like nanoparticles/fuel composites were 40.3 and 30.0 mm/s, while the
      average output voltages for these composites were 2.3 and 1.73 V. The high output
      voltage was attributed to the amplified temperature in intermixed composite of
      ZnO nanostructures and fuel due to the confined diffusive heat transfer in
      nanostructures. Moreover, the extended interfacial areas between ZnO nanorods and
      fuel induced large amplification in the dynamic change of the chemical potential,
      and it resulted in the enhanced output voltage. The differences of reaction
      velocity and the output voltage between ZnO nanorods- and ZnO cube-like
      nanoparticles-based composites were attributed to variations in electron mobility
      and grain boundary, as well as thermal conductivities of ZnO nanorods and
      particles. Understanding this astonishing increase and the variation of the
      output voltage and reaction velocity, precise ZnO nanostructures, will help in
      formulating specific strategies for obtaining enhanced energy generation from
      thermopower waves. 

PMID- 25133981
TI  - Effects of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate on sexual function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
      (HoLEP) on sexual function. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 202 sexually
      active patients who underwent HoLEP was performed. Patients were assessed at
      baseline and 3 and 12 months post-HoLEP. Evaluations included uroflowmetry and
      symptom questionnaires (five-item version of the International Index of Erectile
      Function [IIEF-5], ICIQ-male sexual matters associated with LUTS [ICIQ-MLUTSsex],
      American Urological Association symptom score [AUA-SS], and single-question
      quality of life [QoL] score). Nonparametric, Fisher's exact, and chi-squared
      tests were used to assess changes from baseline and to identify risk factors, if
      any, associated with deterioration of sexual function after surgery. RESULTS: No
      significant differences were found between the preoperative and postoperative
      scores on the questionnaires that evaluated erection quality. However, 6.9% and
      12.4% of the patients reported an increase or a reduction, respectively, of
      greater than five points in total IIEF-5 score. The reduction in IIEF-5 score was
      statistically significant only in the subgroup of patients without preoperative
      erectile dysfunction (ED). No preoperative characteristics and no parameters
      related to the surgery or postoperative outcome were significantly associated
      with the impairment of erection quality after surgery. In fact, neither capsular
      perforation nor the total laser energy used during the procedure affected
      erections. Loss of antegrade ejaculation was found in 70.3% of patients, while
      21% reported a reduction in semen quantity. However, concern regarding ED or
      ejaculatory dysfunctions decreased with surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although erectile
      function was not altered in the vast majority of patients after HoLEP, patients
      without preoperative ED displayed a relatively small, but still significant,
      negative effect on erections. The overwhelming majority of patients suffered from
      retrograde ejaculation after surgery.

PMID- 25133982
TI  - Optimizing health for persons with multiple chronic conditions.

PMID- 25133984
TI  - Single Entry Communities Increase Trip Distance and May Overestimate Neighborhood
      Walkability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neighborhood walkability is being promoted as an important factor in
      public health efforts to decrease rates of physical inactivity. Single entry
      communities (SEC), communities with only 1 entrance/exit, may result in an over
      estimation of walkability. This design makes direct walking routes outside the
      community nearly impossible and results in increased trip distance. The purpose
      of this study was to determine if accounting for SECs resulted in a significant
      difference in street connectivity. METHODS: Twenty geographically different Las
      Vegas neighborhoods were chosen and the number of true intersections measured in
      ArcGIS. Neighborhoods were then assessed for the presence of SECs using google
      maps, ArcGIS land imagery, and field observation. Intersections inside SECs were
      removed. A paired t test was used to assess the mean difference of intersection
      density before and after adjustment. RESULTS: There was a statistically
      significant decrease in the number of true intersections after the adjustment
      (before mean = 57.8; after mean = 45.7). The eta squared statistic indicates a
      large effect size (0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Single entry communities result in an over
      estimation of street connectivity. If SECs are not accounted for, trip distances
      will be underestimated and public health efforts to promote walking through
      walkable neighborhoods may prove less effective.

PMID- 25133983
TI  - Concerted bioinformatic analysis of the genome-scale blood transcription factor
      compendium reveals new control mechanisms.
AB  - Transcription factors play a key role in the development of a disease. ChIP
      sequencing has become a preferred technique to investigate genome-wide binding
      patterns of transcription factors in vivo. Although this technology has led to
      many important discoveries, the rapidly increasing number of publicly available
      ChIP-sequencing datasets still remains a largely unexplored resource. Using a
      compendium of 144 publicly available murine ChIP-sequencing datasets in blood, we
      show that systematic bioinformatic analysis can unravel diverse aspects of
      transcription regulation; from genome-wide binding preferences, finding
      regulatory partners and assembling regulatory complexes, to identifying novel
      functions of transcription factors and investigating transcription dynamics
      during development. 

PMID- 25133985
TI  - Identification of the halogenated compounds resulting from the 1997 Plastimet
      Inc. fire in Hamilton, Ontario, using comprehensive two-dimensional gas
      chromatography and (ultra)high resolution mass spectrometry.
AB  - Between July 9-12, 1997, at least 400 tonnes of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were
      consumed in a fire at the Plastimet Inc. plastics recycling facility in Hamilton,
      Ontario, Canada. This led to the release of contaminants, including highly toxic
      polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDF). This study re
      examines a composite soil sample collected shortly after the fire using state-of
      the-art FT-ICR (Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance) and GC * GC-TOF
      (comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight) mass
      spectrometry. The FT-ICR experiments led to the identification of approximately
      150 molecular formulas, corresponding to chlorinated and mixed chloro/bromo
      compounds. The majority of these are halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      (halo-PAHs), including highly substituted (e.g., C14HCl9 and C16HCl9) and high
      molecular weight (e.g., C28H12Cl4) Cl-PAHs that have not been reported previously
      in environmental samples. Complementary GC * GC-TOF experiments resolved
      individual halo-PAHs, some of which were confirmed with available standards. The
      concentrations of the most abundant halo-PAH groups, C14H8Cl2 (22 MUg/g) and
      C16H8Cl2 (20 MUg/g) are much higher than reported dioxin values and comparable to
      the corresponding PAH groups C14H10 (12 MUg/g) and C16H10 (19 MUg/g). The high
      abundance of the halo-PAHs identified in this study highlights the need for
      further investigation into their environmental occurrence and risk. 

PMID- 25133987
TI  - Seeking proxies for internal states in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
AB  - Pervasive doubts are a central feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We
      have theorized that obsessive doubts can arise in relation to any internal state
      and lead to compensatory reliance on more discernible substitutes (proxies),
      including rules and rituals. Previous findings corroborated this hypothesis, but
      were based on students with high and low OCD tendencies and did not control for
      anxiety. The present study tested our hypothesis in OCD participants using both
      anxiety disorders and nonclinical controls. Twenty OCD participants, 20 anxiety
      disorders participants, and 20 nonclinical participants underwent 2 experimental
      procedures. In the first, participants had to produce specific levels of muscle
      tension with and without the aid of biofeedback. In the second, participants were
      asked to subjectively assess their own muscle tension after viewing preprogrammed
      false feedback showing either increasing or decreasing levels of muscle tension.
      As predicted, OCD participants were less accurate than anxiety disorder and
      nonclinical participants in producing designated levels of muscle tension when
      biofeedback was not available and more likely to request the biofeedback when
      given the opportunity to do so. In the false feedback procedure, OCD participants
      were more influenced by the false biofeedback when judging their own level of
      muscle tension compared with the 2 controls groups. In both procedures, anxiety
      disorder participants did not differ from the nonclinical controls. These results
      support the hypothesis that individuals with OCD have attenuated access to and
      reduced confidence in their internal states, and that this deficit is specific to
      OCD and not attributable to anxiety.

PMID- 25133986
TI  - Do people with schizophrenia have difficulty anticipating pleasure, engaging in
      effortful behavior, or both?
AB  - Motivation deficits are common in schizophrenia, but little is known about
      underlying mechanisms, or the specific goals that people with schizophrenia set
      in daily life. Using neurobiological heuristics of pleasure anticipation and
      effort assessment, we examined the quality of activities and goals of 47 people
      with and 41 people without schizophrenia, utilizing ecological momentary
      assessment. Participants were provided cell phones and called 4 times a day for 7
      days, and were asked about their current activities and anticipation of upcoming
      goals. Activities and goals were later coded by independent raters on pleasure
      and effort. In line with recent laboratory findings on effort computation
      deficits in schizophrenia, relative to healthy participants, people with
      schizophrenia reported engaging in less effortful activities and setting less
      effortful goals, which were related to patient functioning. In addition, patients
      showed some inaccuracy in estimating how difficult an effortful goal would be,
      which in turn was associated with lower neurocognition. In contrast to previous
      research, people with schizophrenia engaged in activities and set goals that were
      more pleasure-based, and anticipated goals as being more pleasurable than
      controls. Thus, this study provided evidence for difficulty with effortful
      behavior and not anticipation of pleasure. These findings may have psychosocial
      treatment implications, focusing on effort assessment or effort expenditure. For
      example, to help people with schizophrenia engage in more meaningful goal
      pursuits, treatment providers may leverage low-effort pleasurable goals by
      helping patients to break down larger, more complex goals into smaller, lower
      effort steps that are associated with specific pleasurable rewards.

PMID- 25133988
TI  - Single water entropy: hydrophobic crossover and application to drug binding.
AB  - Entropy of water plays an important role in both chemical and biological
      processes e.g. hydrophobic effect, molecular recognition etc. Here we use a new
      approach to calculate translational and rotational entropy of the individual
      water molecules around different hydrophobic and charged solutes. We show that
      for small hydrophobic solutes, the translational and rotational entropies of each
      water molecule increase as a function of its distance from the solute reaching
      finally to a constant bulk value. As the size of the solute increases (0.746 nm),
      the behavior of the translational entropy is opposite; water molecules closest to
      the solute have higher entropy that reduces with distance from the solute. This
      indicates that there is a crossover in translational entropy of water molecules
      around hydrophobic solutes from negative to positive values as the size of the
      solute is increased. Rotational entropy of water molecules around hydrophobic
      solutes for all sizes increases with distance from the solute, indicating the
      absence of crossover in rotational entropy. This makes the crossover in total
      entropy (translation + rotation) of water molecule happen at much larger size
      (>1.5 nm) for hydrophobic solutes. Translational entropy of single water molecule
      scales logarithmically (Str(QH) = C + kB ln V), with the volume V obtained from
      the ellipsoid of inertia. We further discuss the origin of higher entropy of
      water around water and show the possibility of recovering the entropy loss of
      some hypothetical solutes. The results obtained are helpful to understand water
      entropy behavior around various hydrophobic and charged environments within
      biomolecules. Finally, we show how our approach can be used to calculate the
      entropy of the individual water molecules in a protein cavity that may be
      replaced during ligand binding.

PMID- 25133989
TI  - One-step electrodeposited nickel cobalt sulfide nanosheet arrays for high
      performance asymmetric supercapacitors.
AB  - A facile one-step electrodeposition method is developed to prepare ternary nickel
      cobalt sulfide interconnected nanosheet arrays on conductive carbon substrates as
      electrodes for supercapacitors, resulting in exceptional energy storage
      performance. Taking advantages of the highly conductive, mesoporous nature of the
      nanosheets and open framework of the three-dimensional nanoarchitectures, the
      ternary sulfide electrodes exhibit high specific capacitance (1418 F g(-1) at 5 A
      g(-1) and 1285 F g(-1) at 100 A g(-1)) with excellent rate capability. An
      asymmetric supercapacitor fabricated by the ternary sulfide nanosheet arrays as
      positive electrode and porous graphene film as negative electrode demonstrates
      outstanding electrochemical performance for practical energy storage
      applications. Our asymmetric supercapacitors show a high energy density of 60 Wh
      kg(-1) at a power density of 1.8 kW kg(-1). Even when charging the cell within
      4.5 s, the energy density is still as high as 33 Wh kg(-1) at an outstanding
      power density of 28.8 kW kg(-1) with robust long-term cycling stability up to
      50,000 cycles.

PMID- 25133990
TI  - From micelles to fibers: balancing self-assembling and random coiling domains in
      pH-responsive silk-collagen-like protein-based polymers.
AB  - We study the self-assembly of genetically engineered protein-based triblock
      copolymers consisting of a central pH-responsive silk-like middle block (S(H)n,
      where S(H) is a silk-like octapeptide, (GA)3GH and n is the number of repeats)
      flanked by hydrophilic random coil outer blocks (C2). Our previous work has
      already shown that triblocks with very long midblocks (n = 48) self-assemble into
      long, stiff protein filaments at pH values where the middle blocks are uncharged.
      Here we investigate the self-assembly behavior of the triblock copolymers for a
      range of midblock lengths, n = 8, 16, 24, 48. Upon charge neutralization of S(H)n
      by adjusting the pH, we find that C2S(H)8C2 and C2S(H)16C2 form spherical
      micelles, whereas both C2S(H)24C2 and C2S(H)48C2 form protein filaments with a
      characteristic beta-roll secondary structure of the silk midblocks. Hydrogels
      formed by C2S(H)48C2 are much stronger and form much faster than those formed by
      C2S(H)24C2. Enzymatic digestion of much of the hydrophilic outer blocks is used
      to show that with much of the hydrophilic outer blocks removed, all silk
      midblocks are capable of self-assembling into stiff protein filaments. In that
      case, reduction of the steric repulsion by the hydrophilic outer blocks also
      leads to extensive fiber bundling. Our results highlight the opposing roles of
      the hydrophilic outer blocks and central silk-like midblocks in driving protein
      filament formation. They provide crucial information for future designs of
      triblock protein-based polymers that form stiff filaments with controlled
      bundling, that could mimick properties of collagen in the extracellular matrix. 

PMID- 25133991
TI  - Modulated protonation of side chain aminoethylene repeats in N-substituted
      polyaspartamides promotes mRNA transfection.
AB  - Fine-tuning of chemical structures of polycation-based carriers (polyplexes) is
      an attractive strategy for safe and efficient mRNA transfaction. Here, mRNA
      polyplexes comprising N-substituted polyaspartamides with varied numbers of side
      chain aminoethylene repeats were constructed, and their transfection ability
      against human hepatoma cells was examined. Transfection efficacy clearly
      correlated with the number of aminoethylene repeats: polyplexes with odd number
      repeats (PA-Os) produced sustained increases in mRNA expression compared with
      those with even number repeats (PA-Es). This predominant efficacy of PA-Os over
      PA-Es was contradictory to our previous findings for pDNA polyplexes prepared
      from the same N-substituted polyaspartamides, that is, PA-Es revealed superior
      transfection efficacy of pDNA than PA-Os. Intracellular FRET analysis using flow
      cytometry and polyplex tracking under confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed
      that overall transfection efficacy was determined through the balance between
      endosomal escaping capability and stability of translocated mRNA in cytoplasm. PA
      Es efficiently transported mRNA into the cytoplasm. However, their poor
      cytoplasmic stability led to facile degradation of mRNA, resulting in a less
      durable pattern of transfection. Alternatively, PA-Os with limited capability of
      endosomal escape eventually protect mRNA in the cytoplasm to induce sustainable
      mRNA expression. Higher cytoplasmic stability of pDNA compared to mRNA may shift
      the limiting step in transfection from cytoplasmic stability to endosomal escape
      capacity, thereby giving an opposite odd-even effect in transfection efficacy.
      Endosomal escaping capability and nuclease stability of polyplexes are correlated
      with the modulated protonation behavior in aminoethylene repeats responding to
      pH, appealing the substantial importance of chemistry to design polycation
      structures for promoted mRNA transfection. 

PMID- 25133993
TI  - Pancreatic neoplasm with metastatic workup.

PMID- 25133992
TI  - High-speed single-particle tracking of GM1 in model membranes reveals anomalous
      diffusion due to interleaflet coupling and molecular pinning.
AB  - The biological functions of the cell membrane are influenced by the mobility of
      its constituents, which are thought to be strongly affected by nanoscale
      structure and organization. Interactions with the actin cytoskeleton have been
      proposed as a potential mechanism with the control of mobility imparted through
      transmembrane "pickets" or GPI-anchored lipid nanodomains. This hypothesis is
      based on observations of molecular mobility using various methods, although many
      of these lack the spatiotemporal resolution required to fully capture all the
      details of the interaction dynamics. In addition, the validity of certain
      experimental approaches, particularly single-particle tracking, has been
      questioned due to a number of potential experimental artifacts. Here, we use
      interferometric scattering microscopy to track molecules labeled with 20-40 nm
      scattering gold beads with simultaneous <2 nm spatial and 20 MUs temporal
      precision to investigate the existence and mechanistic origin of anomalous
      diffusion in bilayer membranes. We use supported lipid bilayers as a model system
      and demonstrate that the label does not influence time-dependent diffusion in the
      small particle limit (<=40 nm). By tracking the motion of the ganglioside lipid
      GM1 bound to the cholera toxin B subunit for different substrates and lipid tail
      properties, we show that molecular pinning and interleaflet coupling between
      lipid tail domains on a nanoscopic scale suffice to induce transient
      immobilization and thereby anomalous subdiffusion on the millisecond time scale. 

PMID- 25133994
TI  - Protective effects of clovamide against H2O2-induced stress in rat
      cardiomyoblasts H9c2 cell line.
AB  - Cocoa contains phenolic compounds with known antioxidant and antiradical
      properties beneficial in different pathologies, including cardiovascular
      diseases. Herein, we have evaluated the protective effects of clovamide, a minor
      cocoa component, against oxidative stress induced in the rat cardiomyoblast cell
      line, also comparing it to its bio-isosteric form, rosmarinic acid, and to the
      main monomeric flavan-3-ol from low-molecular-weight polyphenol in cocoa, i.e.
      epicatechin. At nano-micro-molar concentrations, the three compounds inhibited
      the production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis, evaluated under
      different aspects, namely, annexin V positivity, DNA fragmentation, caspase
      release and activation. These molecules can, thus, be considered for their
      bioactive beneficial activity in the context of cardiovascular pathologies and,
      particularly, in the protection towards oxidative stress that follows ischemic
      injury. Clovamide may, thus, be the primary compound for the development of
      innovative nutraceutical strategies towards cardiovascular diseases. 

PMID- 25133995
TI  - The real-time method of assessing the contribution of individual sources on
      visibility degradation in Taichung.
AB  - Visibility degradation caused by air pollution has become a serious environmental
      problem in megacities in Northeast Asia. In general, aerosol chemical
      compositions are measured by a conventional method of time integrated filter
      sampling for off-line analysis, which cannot represent temporal and spatial
      variations in the real atmosphere. The in situ air composition measuring
      equipment, OCEC carbon aerosol analyzer and a long-path visibility
      transmissometer-3 were used to collect hourly measurements of the soluble ions,
      organic/elemental carbon, and ambient visibility, respectively. During the
      observation, two types of weather conditions were identified: transport and
      stagnant. Because PM2.5 was identified as the predominant species of light
      extinction, the sources of PM2.5 were determined and investigated using a
      positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis. The PMF outputs characterized the
      six main emission sources (marine/crustal aerosols, secondary nitrate, secondary
      sulfate, direct vehicle exhaust, coal/incinerator combustion, and local sewage
      emission) and reconstructed the PM2.5 mass concentrations of each pollutant
      source in two weather conditions. In addition, the light extinction (bext) was
      reconstructed using a multivariate linear regression analysis with hourly
      reconstructed PM2.5 mass concentrations to determine the contributions of each
      source to bext. The primary results showed that the extinction coefficient was
      proportional to the PM2.5 with high value in stagnant weather conditions. The
      secondary sulfate was the most abundant source of bext contribution during the
      sampling period. In addition, the bext contributions of direct vehicle exhaust
      and coal/incinerator combustion significantly increased in the stagnant weather
      condition. According to the results of hourly measurements, this work further
      emphasized that the sources of direct vehicle exhaust and coal/incinerator
      combustion in PM2.5 were the important sources of visibility degradation in the
      stagnant weather conditions, which suggests that the pollutants derived from
      direct vehicle exhaust and coal/incinerator combustion should be controlled first
      to improve visibility in Taichung. 

PMID- 25133996
TI  - Knee joint loading in knee osteoarthritis: influence of abdominal and thigh fat.
AB  - PURPOSE: Using three separate models that included total body mass, total lean
      and total fat mass, and abdominal and thigh fat as independent measures, we
      determined their association with knee joint loads in older overweight and obese
      adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Fat depots were quantified using
      computed tomography, and total lean and fat mass were determined with dual energy
      x-ray absorptiometry in 176 adults (age, 66.3 yr; body mass index, 33.5 kg.m)
      with radiographic knee OA. Knee moments and joint bone-on-bone forces were
      calculated using gait analysis and musculoskeletal modeling. RESULTS: Higher
      total body mass was significantly associated (P <= 0.0001) with greater knee
      compressive and shear forces, compressive and shear impulses (P < 0.0001),
      patellofemoral forces (P < 0.006), and knee extensor moments (P = 0.003).
      Regression analysis with total lean and total fat mass as independent variables
      revealed significant positive associations of total fat mass with knee
      compressive (P = 0.0001), shear (P < 0.001), and patellofemoral forces (P = 0.01)
      and knee extension moment (P = 0.008). Gastrocnemius and quadriceps forces were
      positively associated with total fat mass. Total lean mass was associated with
      knee compressive force (P = 0.002). A regression model that included total thigh
      and total abdominal fat found that both were significantly associated with knee
      compressive and shear forces (P <= 0.04). Thigh fat was associated with knee
      abduction (P = 0.03) and knee extension moment (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Thigh
      fat, consisting predominately of subcutaneous fat, had similar significant
      associations with knee joint forces as abdominal fat despite its much smaller
      volume and could be an important therapeutic target for people with knee OA.

PMID- 25133998
TI  - Right ventricular fatigue developing during endurance exercise: an exercise
      cardiac magnetic resonance study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prolonged intense exercise has often been associated with the
      impairment of right ventricular (RV) function after activity, whereas this is
      rare for the left ventricle (LV). The effect of prolonged exercise on the heart
      has not been adequately measured during exercise itself. METHODS: We performed
      real-time cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at rest and during incremental
      exercise in 14 male endurance athletes (mean +/- SD; age = 36 +/- 6 yr, BMI =
      23.1 +/- 1.94 kg.m) 1-3 wk before (baseline) and immediately after a 150-km
      cycling event (end-of-race) to measure LV and RV end-diastolic and end-systolic
      volumes (EDV and ESV), ejection fraction (EF), and ventricular-arterial coupling
      (stroke volume [SV]/ESV). RESULTS: End-of-race RV EDV was unchanged from baseline
      at rest but was significantly increased during near-maximal exercise (235 +/- 18
      vs 217 +/- 24 mL, P < 0.0001). Resting RV ESV was higher end-of-race (100 +/- 16
      vs 93 +/- 15 mL, P = 0.009), which became more appreciable during near-maximal
      exercise (75 +/- 15 vs 60 +/- 14 mL, P < 0.0001). RV EF, although unchanged at
      rest, was significantly decreased during near-maximal exercise (68% +/- 5% vs 73%
      +/- 4%, P = 0.001). LV volume measures were similar at baseline and end-of-race.
      Therefore, the effect of endurance activity on the RV and LV was significantly
      different (P < 0.0001). Cardiac output increased to similar values at near
      maximal exertion before and at the end of the race. However, whereas LV SV/ESV
      was unchanged, RV SV/ESV was attenuated end-of-race (P = 0.02 for interaction
      with race setting). CONCLUSIONS: Intense endurance exercise does not affect LV
      volume or function but results in RV dilatation and reduced RV EF, which becomes
      even more significant during exercise. Alterations in RV ventricular-arterial
      coupling suggest that this may be an expression of exercise-induced RV
      contractile impairment rather than changes in autonomic or loading conditions.

PMID- 25133997
TI  - Resistance exercise, disability, and pain catastrophizing in obese adults with
      back pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two different
      resistance exercise protocols on self-reported disability, fear avoidance
      beliefs, pain catastrophizing, and back pain symptoms in obese, older adults with
      low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Obese adults (n = 49, 60-85 yr) with chronic LBP
      were randomized into a total body resistance exercise intervention (TOTRX),
      lumbar extensor exercise intervention (LEXT), or a control group (CON). Main
      outcomes included perceived disability (Oswestry Disability Index, Roland Morris
      Disability Questionnaire). Psychosocial measures included the Fear Avoidance
      Beliefs survey, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale. LBP
      severity was measured during three functional tasks: walking, stair climbing, and
      chair rise using an 11-point numerical pain rating scale. RESULTS: The TOTRX
      group had greater reductions in self-reported disability scores due to back pain
      (Oswestry Disability Index, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) compared with
      those in the LEXT (P < 0.05). The Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores decreased in
      the TOTRX group compared with that in the CON group by month 4 (64.3% vs 4.8%, P
      < 0.05). Pain severity during chair rise activity and walking was decreased in
      both the LEXT and TOTRX groups relative to the CON group. CONCLUSIONS: Greater
      reductions in perceived disability due to LBP can be achieved with TOTRX compared
      with those achieved with LEXT. Pain catastrophizing and pain severity decreased
      most with TOTRX. The positive change in psychological outlook may assist obese,
      older adults with chronic back pain in reconsidering the harmfulness of the pain
      and facilitate regular participation in other exercise programs.

PMID- 25133999
TI  - Musculoskeletal risk factors as predictors of injury in community-dwelling women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Participating in health-related physical activity (PA) may increase
      risk for musculoskeletal injury (MSI). PURPOSE: This study aimed to estimate the
      prevalence of structural/biomechanical risk factors in community-dwelling women
      and associated risk for incidence of MSI in women who are physically active.
      METHODS: The Women's Injury study is a surveillance of PA behaviors and MSI in
      women age 20-83 yr. An orthopedic examination was performed before entry into the
      study to assess presence of structural/biomechanical risk factors. A total of 886
      women completed data collection by reporting weekly PA behavior and MSI for up to
      3 yr (2007-2009), with the average participant enrolled for 98 wk. To estimate
      MSI risk associated with each risk factor separately, time to first MSI was
      modeled using proportional hazard regression with time-dependent PA covariates,
      controlling for age, body mass index, and previous injury. RESULTS: Over the
      course of the study, 236 of the women (26.6%) reported at least one MSI that was
      PA related. We found a significant association between the number of high
      flexibility risk factors and PA-related injury at all levels of PA exposure (HR =
      1.15 and confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.27 for moderate-to-vigorous PA; HR =
      1.16 and CI = 1.05-1.28 for moderate PA; HR = 1.15 and CI = 1.04-1.27 for
      vigorous PA). CONCLUSIONS: When participating at any level of PA for health
      benefits, women with hypermobility in multiple muscle groups or joints should be
      watchful for musculoskeletal symptoms and should be counseled not to ignore
      symptoms when they first occur.

PMID- 25134000
TI  - Functional overreaching: the key to peak performance during the taper?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine whether performance
      supercompensation during taper is maximized in endurance athletes after
      experiencing overreaching during an overload training (OT) period. METHODS:
      Thirty-three trained male triathletes were assigned to either OT (n = 23) or
      normal training groups (n = 10, CTL) during 8 wk. Cycling performance and maximal
      oxygen uptake (VO2max) were measured after 1 wk of moderate training, a 3-wk
      period of OT, and then each week during 4-wk taper. RESULTS: Eleven of the 23
      subjects from the OT group were diagnosed as functionally overreached (F-OR)
      after the overload period (decreased performance with concomitant high perceived
      fatigue), whereas the 12 other subjects were only acutely fatigued (AF) (no
      decrease in performance). According to qualitative statistical analysis, the AF
      group demonstrated a small to large greater peak performance supercompensation
      than the F-OR group (2.6% +/- 1.1%) and the CTL group (2.6% +/- 1.6%). VO2max
      increased significantly from baseline at peak performance only in the CTL and AF
      groups. Of the peak performances, 60%, 83%, and 73% occurred within the two first
      weeks of taper in CTL, AF, and OR, respectively. Ten cases of infection were
      reported during the study with higher prevalence in F-OR (70%) than that in AF
      (20%) and CTL (10%). CONCLUSION: This study showed that 1) greater gains in
      performance and VO2max can be achieved when higher training load is prescribed
      before the taper but not in the presence of F-OR; 2) peak performance is not
      delayed during taper when heavy training loads are completed immediately prior;
      and 3) F-OR provides higher risk for training maladaptation, including increased
      infection risks.

PMID- 25134001
TI  - Glucose-fructose enhances performance versus isocaloric, but not moderate,
      glucose.
AB  - PURPOSE: The effects of glucose-and-fructose (GF) coingestion on cycling time
      trial (TT) performance and physiological responses to exercise were examined
      under postprandial conditions. METHODS: Eight trained male cyclists (age, 25 +/-
      6 yr; height, 180 +/- 4 cm; weight, 77 +/- 9 kg; VO2max, 62 +/- 6 mL.kg.min)
      completed the study. Subjects ingested either an artificially sweetened placebo
      (PL), a moderate-glucose beverage (MG, 1.03 g.min), a high-glucose beverage (HG,
      1.55 g.min), or a GF beverage (1.55 g.min, 2:1 ratio) during approximately 3 h of
      exercise, including 2 h of constant-load cycling (55% Wmax, 195 +/- 17 W),
      immediately followed by a computer-simulated 30-km TT. Physiological responses
      (VE, VO2, RER, HR, blood glucose level, blood lactate level, and RPE) and
      incidences of gastrointestinal distress were assessed during early (15-20 min),
      middle (55-60 min), and late exercise (115-120 min) and during the TT. Magnitude
      based qualitative inferences were used to evaluate differences between
      treatments. RESULTS: In comparison with that in PL (52.9 +/- 3.7 min), TT
      performances were faster with GF (50.4 +/- 2.2 min, "very likely" benefit), MG
      (51.1 +/- 2.4 min, "likely" benefit), and HG (52.0 +/- 3.7 min, "possible"
      benefit). GF resulted in a "likely" improvement versus HG (3.0%) and an "unclear"
      effect relative to MG (1.2%). MG was "possibly" beneficial versus HG (1.8%). Few
      incidences of GI distress were reported in any trials. CONCLUSIONS: GF ingestion
      seems to enhance performance, relative to PL and HG. However, it is unclear
      whether GF improves performance versus moderate doses of glucose.

PMID- 25134002
TI  - Caffeine and performance over consecutive days of simulated competition.
AB  - PURPOSE: Performance improvements after caffeine (CAF) ingestion are well
      documented when using a 1-d protocol. In numerous competitions such as the Tour
      de France, Tour de Ski, world championships, and National College Athletic
      Association championships, athletes compete for several days in a row. To date,
      no studies have investigated the effects of CAF when competing for consecutive
      days in a row. This study aimed to investigate the effects of placebo (PLA) and
      two different CAF doses (3 and 4.5 mg.kg body mass) on performance in a 10-min
      all-out, cross-country, double poling ergometer test (C-PT) 2 d in a row. METHOD:
      Eight highly trained male cross-country skiers (VO2max-run, 78.5 +/- 1.6
      mL.kg.min) participated in the study, which was a randomized, double-blind, PLA
      controlled, crossover design. Performance was assessed as distance covered during
      a 10-min all-out C-PT. Oral ingestion of CAF or PLA was consumed 75 min before
      the all-out C-PT. RESULTS: Poling distance was improved after CAF ingestions
      compared with that after PLA on both days. The improvements on day 1 were 4.0%
      (90% confidence limits, +/-3.3) and 4.0% +/- 2.9% for both CAF doses,
      respectively (P < 0.05), whereas improvements on day 2 were 5.0% +/- 3.6% and
      5.1% +/- 2.8% for CAF3 and CAF4.5, respectively, compared with those for PLA.
      Improved performance was associated with increased HR, adrenaline concentration,
      blood lactate concentration, and VO2 consumption after CAF ingestion.
      Furthermore, performance was elevated despite higher creatine kinase
      concentration and muscular pain at arrival on day 2 for both CAF doses.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both CAF doses improved performance in the 10-min all-out C-PT
      compared with PLA over two consecutive days. Therefore, CAF seems useful for
      athletes competing over consecutive days despite higher muscle damage occurring
      after enhanced performance on the first day.

PMID- 25134003
TI  - Validation of accelerometer cut points in toddlers with and without cerebral
      palsy.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to validate uni- and triaxial ActiGraph cut
      points for sedentary time in toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically
      developing children (TDC). METHODS: Children (n = 103, 61 boys, mean age = 2 yr,
      SD = 6 months, range = 1 yr 6 months-3 yr) were divided into calibration (n = 65)
      and validation (n = 38) samples with separate analyses for TDC (n = 28) and
      ambulant (Gross Motor Function Classification System I-III, n = 51) and
      nonambulant (Gross Motor Function Classification System IV-V, n = 25) children
      with CP. An ActiGraph was worn during a videotaped assessment. Behavior was coded
      as sedentary or nonsedentary. Receiver operating characteristic-area under the
      curve analysis determined the classification accuracy of accelerometer data.
      Predictive validity was determined using the Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS:
      Classification accuracy for uniaxial data was fair for the ambulatory CP and TDC
      group but poor for the nonambulatory CP group. Triaxial data showed good
      classification accuracy for all groups. The uniaxial ambulatory CP and TDC cut
      points significantly overestimated sedentary time (bias = -10.5%, 95% limits of
      agreement [LoA] = -30.2% to 9.1%; bias = -17.3%, 95% LoA = -44.3% to 8.3%). The
      triaxial ambulatory and nonambulatory CP and TDC cut points provided accurate
      group-level measures of sedentary time (bias = -1.5%, 95% LoA = -20% to 16.8%;
      bias = 2.1%, 95% LoA = -17.3% to 21.5%; bias = -5.1%, 95% LoA = -27.5% to 16.1%).
      CONCLUSION: Triaxial accelerometers provide useful group-level measures of
      sedentary time in children with CP across the spectrum of functional abilities
      and TDC. Uniaxial cut points are not recommended.

PMID- 25134004
TI  - Predicting physical activity energy expenditure in manual wheelchair users.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the influence of anatomical placement of an
      accelerometer on physical activity energy expenditure prediction in manual
      wheelchair users. METHODS: Ten accelerometer units (ActiGraph GT3X+) were
      attached to a multiaxis shaker table and subjected to a sinusoidal oscillation
      procedure to assess mechanical validity and reliability. Fifteen manual
      wheelchair users (mean +/- SD: age, 36 +/- 11 yr; body mass, 70 +/- 12 kg) then
      completed five activities, including desk work and wheelchair propulsion (2, 4,
      6, and 8 km.h). Expired gases were collected throughout. GT3X+ accelerometers
      were worn on the right wrist, upper arm, and waist. The relations between
      physical activity counts and metabolic rate were subsequently assessed, and bias
      +/- 95% limits of agreement was calculated. RESULTS: During mechanical testing,
      coefficients of variation ranged from 0.2% to 4.7% (intraunit) and 0.9% to 5.2%
      (interunit) in all axes. During human exercise testing, physical activity counts
      at each anatomical location was significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with
      metabolic rate (wrist, r = 0.93; upper arm, r = 0.87; waist, r = 0.73). The SEE
      for each correlation were 3.34, 4.38, and 6.07 kJ.min for the wrist, upper arm,
      and waist, respectively. The absolute bias +/- 95% limits of agreement values
      were 0.0 +/- 6.5 kJ.min, 0.0 +/- 8.5 kJ.min, and 0.0 +/- 11.8 kJ.min for the
      wrist, upper arm, and waist, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ActiGraph GT3X+ is a
      reliable tool for determining mechanical movements within the physiological range
      of human movement. Of the three anatomical locations considered, a wrist-mounted
      accelerometer explains more of the variance and results in the lowest random
      error when predicting physical activity energy expenditure in manual wheelchair
      users.

PMID- 25134007
TI  - Efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution on amorphous nickel-cobalt binary
      oxide nanoporous layers.
AB  - Nanoporous Ni-Co binary oxide layers were electrochemically fabricated by
      deposition followed by anodization, which produced an amorphous layered structure
      that could act as an efficient electrocatalyst for water oxidation. The highly
      porous morphologies produced higher electrochemically active surface areas, while
      the amorphous structure supplied abundant defect sites for oxygen evolution.
      These Ni-rich (10-40 atom % Co) binary oxides have an increased active surface
      area (roughness factor up to 17), reduced charge transfer resistance, lowered
      overpotential (~325 mV) that produced a 10 mA cm(-2) current density, and a
      decreased Tafel slope (~39 mV decade(-1)). The present technique has a wide range
      of applications for the preparation of other binary or multiple-metals or metal
      oxides nanoporous films. Fabrication of nanoporous materials using this method
      could provide products useful for renewable energy production and storage
      applications. 

PMID- 25134005
TI  - Predicting human movement with multiple accelerometers using movelets.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study aims were 1) to develop transparent algorithms that use short
      segments of training data for predicting activity types and 2) to compare the
      prediction performance of the proposed algorithms using single accelerometers and
      multiple accelerometers. METHODS: Sixteen participants (age, 80.6 yr (4.8 yr);
      body mass index, 26.1 kg.m (2.5 kg.m)) performed 15 lifestyle activities in the
      laboratory, each wearing three accelerometers at the right hip and left and right
      wrists. Triaxial accelerometry data were collected at 80 Hz using ActiGraph
      GT3X+. Prediction algorithms were developed, which, instead of extracting
      features, build activity-specific dictionaries composed of short signal segments
      called movelets. Three alternative approaches were proposed to integrate the
      information from the multiple accelerometers. RESULTS: With at most several
      seconds of training data per activity, the prediction accuracy at the second
      level temporal resolution was very high for lying, standing, normal/fast walking,
      and standing up from a chair (the median prediction accuracy ranged from 88.2% to
      99.9% on the basis of the single-accelerometer movelet approach). For these
      activities, wrist-worn accelerometers performed almost as well as hip-worn
      accelerometers (the median difference in accuracy between wrist and hip ranged
      from -2.7% to 5.8%). Modest improvements in prediction accuracy were achieved by
      integrating information from multiple accelerometers. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
      It is possible to achieve high prediction accuracy at the second-level temporal
      resolution with very limited training data. To increase prediction accuracy from
      the simultaneous use of multiple accelerometers, a careful selection of
      integrative approaches is required.

PMID- 25134009
TI  - Tracking of azobenzene isomerization by X-ray emission spectroscopy.
AB  - Cis-trans isomerizations are among the fundamental processes in photochemistry.
      In azobenzene or its derivatives this dynamics is, due to its reversibility, one
      of the reactions widely used in photostimulation of molecular motors or in
      molecular electronics. Though intensively investigated in the optical regime, no
      detailed study exists in the X-ray regime so far. Because the X-ray emission
      spectroscopy echoes the electronic structure sensitive to the geometry, this
      theoretical report based on the density functional theory and its time-dependent
      version presents different nitrogen K-edge X-ray emission spectra for cis and
      trans isomers with close interrelation to their electron configuration.
      Considering the spectrum along the isomerization path, these structural
      signatures can be utilized to probe the isomerization dynamics in the excited
      molecule. The scheme can further be generalized to the element specific
      photoreactions. 

PMID- 25134010
TI  - Design and synthesis of new stable fluorenyl-based radicals.
AB  - Organic neutral radicals have long fascinated chemists with a fundamental
      understanding of structure-reactivity relationships in organic reactions and with
      applications as new functional materials. However, the elusive nature of these
      radicals makes the synthesis, isolation, and characterization very challenging.
      In this work, the synthesis of three long-lived, fluorenyl-based radicals are
      reported. The geometry and electronic structures of these radicals were
      systematically investigated with a combination of various experimental methods,
      besides density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which include X-ray
      crystallographic analysis, electron spin resonance (ESR), electron nuclear double
      resonance (ENDOR), cyclic voltammetry, and UV-vis-NIR measurements. Their half
      life periods (tau(1/2)) in air-saturated solution under ambient conditions were
      also determined. Surprisingly, all three radicals showed remarkable stabilities:
      tau(1/2) = 7, 3.5, and 43 days.

PMID- 25134008
TI  - LC-MS/MS quantitation of esophagus disease blood serum glycoproteins by
      enrichment with hydrazide chemistry and lectin affinity chromatography.
AB  - Changes in glycosylation have been shown to have a profound correlation with
      development/malignancy in many cancer types. Currently, two major enrichment
      techniques have been widely applied in glycoproteomics, namely, lectin affinity
      chromatography (LAC)-based and hydrazide chemistry (HC)-based enrichments. Here
      we report the LC-MS/MS quantitative analyses of human blood serum glycoproteins
      and glycopeptides associated with esophageal diseases by LAC- and HC-based
      enrichment. The separate and complementary qualitative and quantitative data
      analyses of protein glycosylation were performed using both enrichment
      techniques. Chemometric and statistical evaluations, PCA plots, or ANOVA test,
      respectively, were employed to determine and confirm candidate cancer-associated
      glycoprotein/glycopeptide biomarkers. Out of 139, 59 common glycoproteins (42%
      overlap) were observed in both enrichment techniques. This overlap is very
      similar to previously published studies. The quantitation and evaluation of
      significantly changed glycoproteins/glycopeptides are complementary between LAC
      and HC enrichments. LC-ESI-MS/MS analyses indicated that 7 glycoproteins enriched
      by LAC and 11 glycoproteins enriched by HC showed significantly different
      abundances between disease-free and disease cohorts. Multiple reaction monitoring
      quantitation resulted in 13 glycopeptides by LAC enrichment and 10 glycosylation
      sites by HC enrichment to be statistically different among disease cohorts. 

PMID- 25134011
TI  - NHC copper(I) complexes bearing dipyridylamine ligands: synthesis, structural,
      and photoluminescent studies.
AB  - We describe the synthesis of new cationic tricoordinated copper complexes bearing
      bidentate pyridine-type ligands and N-heterocyclic carbene as ancillary ligands.
      These cationic copper complexes were fully characterized by NMR,
      electrochemistry, X-ray analysis, and photophysical studies in different
      environments. Density functional theory calculations were also undertaken to
      rationalize the assignment of the electronic structure and the photophysical
      properties. These tricoordinated cationic copper complexes possess a stabilizing
      CH-pi interaction leading to high stability in both solid and liquid states. In
      addition, these copper complexes, bearing dipyridylamine ligands having a central
      nitrogen atom as potential anchoring point, exhibit very interesting luminescent
      properties that render them potential candidates for organic light-emitting diode
      applications. 

PMID- 25134012
TI  - The effect of the sulfur position on the melting points of lipidic 1-methyl-3
      thiaalkylimidazolium ionic liquids.
AB  - A series of novel lipid-inspired ionic liquids have been synthesized employing
      the thiol-ene "click" reaction in a single-step process. The thermal properties
      were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and showed observable
      trends between the C16, C18, and C20 analogues. The minimum melting points for
      each equivalent chain length series occur at sequential odd sulfur positions, 3,
      5, and 7 for the C16, C18, and C20 series, respectively. The magnitude of melting
      point depression relative to the saturated homologue is observed to have a strong
      dependence on the position of the sulfur in the side chain. Additionally, the
      sulfur position corresponding to the lowest melting point for a homologous series
      shifts further down the chain as the chain length is increased, indicating that
      the maximum effect takes place near the center of the ion and not the center of
      the thiaalkyl chain. This synthesis provides tunability and improved thermal
      stability for 1-methyl-3-thiaalkylimidazolium bistriflimides and insight into
      structure-property relationships of lipidic ionic liquids. 

PMID- 25134013
TI  - Influence of net energy content of the diets on productive performance and
      carcass merit of gilts, boars and immunocastrated males slaughtered at 120kg BW.
AB  - In total, 540 crossbred pigs with an initial body weight of 28.5kg were used to
      investigate the effects of the net energy (NE) content (2.29, 2.33, 2.37, 2.41
      and 2.45 Mcal/kg) of the diet on growth performance and carcass and meat quality
      traits of gilts, boars and immunocastrated males (IMC). An increase in dietary NE
      increased NE intake and decreased feed conversion ratio linearly. The IMC pigs
      showed greater feed intake and average daily gain than gilts and boars. Backfat
      depth increased and chilled and trimmed ham yield decreased, as the dietary NE
      increased. Backfat depth was greater for gilts and IMC than for boars. Also,
      gilts had greater carcass and loin yields than boars and IMC. Diets with the
      greater NE content were more appropriate for the production of heavy pigs.
      However, the economic interest of this practice needs further assessment.

PMID- 25134014
TI  - Differentiation of meat from European wild boars and domestic pigs using
      polymorphisms in the MC1R and NR6A1 genes.
AB  - Wild boar meat cannot be easily distinguished from domestic pig meat, especially
      in processed products, thus it can be fraudulently substituted with cheaper
      domestic pork. In this study we genotyped polymorphisms in two genes (MC1R,
      affecting coat color and NR6A1, associated with number of vertebrae) in 293
      domestic pigs of five commercial breeds, 111 wild boars sampled in Italy, and 90
      in Slovenia and other Western Balkan regions. Allele and genotype frequency data
      were used to set up a DNA-based method to distinguish meat of wild boars and
      domestic pigs. Genotyping results indicated that domesticated genes were
      introgressed into wild boar populations. This complicated the determination of
      the origin of the meat and would cause a high error rate if markers of only one
      gene were used. The combined use of polymorphisms in the two analyzed genes
      substantially reduced false negative results.

PMID- 25134016
TI  - Steam electrolysis by solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) with proton
      conducting oxides.
AB  - Energy crisis and environmental problems caused by the conventional combustion of
      fossil fuels boost the development of renewable and sustainable energies. H2 is
      regarded as a clean fuel for many applications and it also serves as an energy
      carrier for many renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. Among
      all the technologies for H2 production, steam electrolysis by solid oxide
      electrolysis cells (SOECs) has attracted much attention due to its high
      efficiency and low environmental impact, provided that the needed electrical
      power is generated from renewable sources. However, the deployment of SOECs based
      on conventional oxygen-ion conductors is limited by several issues, such as high
      operating temperature, hydrogen purification from water, and electrode stability.
      To avoid these problems, proton-conducting oxides are proposed as electrolyte
      materials for SOECs. This review paper provides a broad overview of the research
      progresses made for proton-conducting SOECs, summarizing the past work and
      finding the problems for the development of proton-conducting SOECs, as well as
      pointing out potential development directions. 

PMID- 25134015
TI  - Effect of partial reduction of pork meat on the physicochemical and sensory
      quality of dry ripened sausages: development of a healthy venison salchichon.
AB  - The minimum percentage of pork meat to be added to traditional venison salchichon
      has been determined in order to ensure a nutritionally healthier product without
      impairing physicochemical or sensory properties. Six types of salchichon were
      made using lean venison and a varying amount of pork meat (40%, 30%, 25%, 20%,
      15% and 10%). All types displayed appropriate physicochemical properties (pH, aw,
      moisture loss) and color (L*, a*, b*) during ripening, as well as adequate levels
      of lipolysis (acidity index) and lipid oxidation (TBARS). Moreover, reduction of
      the amount of pork meat in salchichon prompted an increase in the relative
      percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It was concluded that in making
      venison salchichon, the addition of a 25% pork meat is sufficient to ensure a
      satisfactory ripening process and physicochemical characteristics, optimal
      organoleptic properties and a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids
      than that found in traditional venison salchichon.

PMID- 25134017
TI  - Engineered M13 bacteriophage nanocarriers for intracellular delivery of exogenous
      proteins to human prostate cancer cells.
AB  - The size, well-defined structure, and relatively high folding energies of most
      proteins allow them to recognize disease-relevant receptors that present a
      challenge to small molecule reagents. While multiple challenges must be overcome
      in order to fully exploit the use of protein reagents in basic research and
      medicine, perhaps the greatest challenge is their intracellular delivery to a
      particular diseased cell. Here, we describe the genetic and enzymatic
      manipulation of prostate cancer cell-penetrating M13 bacteriophage to generate
      nanocarriers for the intracellular delivery of functional exogenous proteins to a
      human prostate cancer cell line. 

PMID- 25134018
TI  - Self-assembly of a Ag nanoparticle-modified and graphene-wrapped TiO2 nanobelt
      ternary heterostructure: surface charge tuning toward efficient photocatalysis.
AB  - In recent years, tremendous research efforts have been made towards developing
      graphene (GR)-based nanocomposites for photocatalytic applications. In this work,
      surface-coarsened TiO2 nanobelts (SC-TNBs) closely enwrapped with monodispersed
      Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and GR nanosheets (i.e. Ag/GR/SC-TNBs) were fabricated
      using a facile self-assembly strategy followed by photoreduction. It was found
      that the as-prepared Ag/GR/SC-TNBs ternary heterostructure exhibited
      significantly improved photocatalytic performances under irradiation with UV
      light in comparison with blank SC-TNBs and its binary counterparts owing to the
      formation of double heterojunctions among the components. The intimate
      integration of Ag NPs and GR with SC-TNBs achieved by the self-assembly buildup
      exerts a profound effect on the transfer of photogenerated electrons over the SC
      TNBs substrate in which Ag NPs serve as an efficient "electron reservoir" and GR
      as an electron transporter and collector, thus concurrently prolonging the
      lifetime of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs and resulting in the
      remarkably enhanced photoactivity over the Ag/GR/SC-TNBs ternary nanocomposite.
      In addition, the underlying photocatalytic mechanism was elucidated and the
      primary active species were determined. 

PMID- 25134019
TI  - Liverpool Active City 2005-2010: Increasing Population Physical Activity Levels
      Through Intersectoral Action.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The process of working together across sectors to improve health and
      to influence its determinants is often referred to as intersectoral action for
      health. The Liverpool Active City strategy and action plan were launched in 2005,
      bringing together partners from diverse sectors such as education, transport, and
      civil society to boost levels of physical activity among the city's residents.
      METHODS: The research material was based on semistructured interviews with key
      stakeholders and on review and analysis of gray literature and media reports. A
      case-study method was used to analyze the experience. RESULTS: The results show
      that Liverpool Active City succeeded in boosting levels of physical activity
      among the city's residents and demonstrate how intersectoral action benefited the
      goals of the program and promoted common aims. CONCLUSIONS: Important lessons can
      be drawn from the experience of Liverpool Active City for public health
      professionals and policy makers. Success factors include the involvement of a
      broad range of agencies from a variety of sectors, which reinforced the sense of
      partnership in the physical activity agenda and supported the implementation of
      activities. The experience also demonstrated how intersectoral action brought
      benefits to the physical activity goals of Liverpool Active City.

PMID- 25134020
TI  - A novel fluorescent conjugate applicable to visualize the translocation of
      glucose-fipronil.
AB  - The ability to visualize the movement of glycosyl insecticides contributes to
      learning their translocation and distribution in plants. In our present work, a
      novel fluorescent glucose-fipronil conjugate N-[3-cyano-1-[2,6-dichloro-4
      (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfinyl]-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]-1-(2-[N
      (7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-1H-1,2,3
      triazole-4-methanamine (2-NBDGTF), was obtained via click chemistry. Disk uptake
      experiments showed that an active carrier-mediated system was involved in the 2
      NBDGTF uptake process. Meanwhile, 2-NBDGTF exhibited comparable phloem mobility
      with GTF in castor bean seedlings. Visualization of 2-NBDGTF uptake and transport
      experiment showed that this fluorescent glucose-fipronil conjugate could be
      loaded into sieve tubes after transiting through epidermal cells and mesophyll
      cells and then translocate from cotyledon to hypocotyl via phloem in castor bean
      seedlings. The results above determined that it is a promising fluorescence
      tagging approach for revealing the activities of glycosyl insecticides and 2
      NBDGTF is a reasonable and feasible fluorescent surrogate of GTF for tracing the
      distribution of glucose-fipronil conjugates.

PMID- 25134021
TI  - An experience sampling study of PTSD and alcohol-related problems.
AB  - Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represents a debilitating psychiatric
      condition that is affecting the lives of many returning veterans. PTSD and
      alcohol use and dependence are highly comorbid. The purpose of this study was to
      understand the functional mechanisms between PTSD and alcohol use and problems.
      Specifically, the role of negative urgency and emotional intelligence were
      investigated as vulnerability and resiliency factors, respectively. This study
      utilized experience sampling to test associations between PTSD symptoms and
      alcohol use and related problems in a sample of 90 OIF/OEF veterans. Participants
      completed 8 brief questionnaires daily for 2 weeks on palmtop computers.
      Elevations in PTSD symptoms during the day were associated with subsequent
      increases in alcohol use and associated problems that night. PTSD symptoms were
      associated with greater problems above and beyond the effect of drinking level at
      both the within- and between- person level. Emotional intelligence was associated
      with lower negative urgency, fewer PTSD symptoms, and less alcohol use and
      associated problems. The effects of emotional intelligence were primarily
      indirect via negative urgency and the effects of negative urgency on alcohol use
      and problems were indirect via its positive association with PTSD symptoms.
      Hypothesized cross-level effects of emotional intelligence and negative urgency
      were not supported. The findings suggest a functional association between PTSD
      symptoms and alcohol consumption. The association between PTSD symptoms and
      alcohol consumption is consistent with a self-medication model. However, the
      significant associations between PTSD symptoms and alcohol problems, after
      controlling for use level, suggest a broader role of dysregulation.

PMID- 25134022
TI  - Two alternative approaches to conventional person-mean imputation scoring of the
      Self-Rating of the Effects of Alcohol Scale (SRE).
AB  - A low level of response to alcohol is considered a significant risk factor for
      alcohol use disorder. Survey measures of this construct assess the number of
      drinks required to experience various alcohol effects, so data will be missing
      for effects participants have not experienced. Furthermore, missingness will
      likely be more common for items with higher means, as more severe effects are
      likely experienced both less commonly and at higher consumption levels. We
      explored whether these atypical characteristics of response-to-alcohol survey
      data cause problems when using conventional person-mean imputation scoring. This
      scoring approach involves averaging across nonmissing items for each participant,
      implicitly assuming that missing items have similar distributional properties
      (e.g., means) as nonmissing items. Analyses used data from the most commonly
      utilized response-to-alcohol survey measure: The Self-Rating of the Effects of
      Alcohol Scale (SRE). Results (a) revealed a strong relationship between higher
      item means and greater item missingness, (b) established that this relation
      causes person-mean imputation to produce more downwardly biased response-to
      alcohol summary scores for participants with more missing data, (c) established
      that this induced a spurious relationship between higher response-to-alcohol
      summary scores and higher alcohol-effect endorsement (i.e., the number of SRE
      alcohol effects experienced), and (d) found that these biases can be reduced with
      2 alternative scoring approaches. We discuss these and other potential problems
      with person-mean imputation, and common and unique advantages of the 2
      alternative approaches. We consider generalizability, including how the problems
      shown here may vary in practical significance across different populations and
      measures. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 25134023
TI  - Alcohol-related cues potentiate alcohol impairment of behavioral control in
      drinkers.
AB  - The acute impairing effects of alcohol on inhibitory control are well
      established, and these disinhibiting effects are thought to play a role in its
      abuse potential. Alcohol impairment of inhibitory control is typically assessed
      in the context of arbitrary cues, yet drinking environments are comprised of an
      array of alcohol-related cues that are thought to influence drinking behavior.
      Recent evidence suggests that alcohol-related stimuli reduce behavioral control
      in sober drinkers, suggesting that alcohol impairment of inhibitory control might
      be potentiated in the context of alcohol cues. The current study tested this
      hypothesis by examining performance on the attentional-bias behavioral activation
      (ABBA) task that measures the degree to which alcohol-related stimuli can reduce
      inhibition of inappropriate responses in a between-subjects design. Social
      drinkers (N = 40) performed the task in a sober condition, and then again
      following placebo (0.0 g/kg) and a moderate dose of alcohol (0.65 g/kg) in
      counterbalanced order. Inhibitory failures were greater following alcohol images
      compared to neutral images in sober drinkers, replicating previous findings with
      the ABBA task. Moreover, alcohol-related cues exacerbated alcohol impairment of
      inhibitory control as evidenced by more pronounced alcohol-induced disinhibition
      following alcohol cues compared to neutral cues. Finally, regression analyses
      showed that greater alcohol-induced disinhibition following alcohol cues
      predicted greater self-reported alcohol consumption. These findings have
      important implications regarding factors contributing to binge or "loss of
      control" drinking. That is, the additive effect of disrupted control mechanisms
      via both alcohol cues and the pharmacological effects of the drug could
      compromise an individual's control over ongoing alcohol consumption. (PsycINFO
      Database Record 

PMID- 25134024
TI  - Using ecological measures of smoking trigger exposure to predict smoking
      cessation milestones.
AB  - This study used ecological momentary assessment data from adult daily smokers
      attempting to quit smoking to assess relations between exposure to contextual
      risk factors and cessation failure, latency to a first smoking lapse, or
      progression from lapse to relapse (smoking 7 days in a row). Participants were
      adult, daily smokers enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial of
      bupropion SR and individual counseling who were followed to 1 year postquit.
      Participants reported exposure to high-risk contexts and behaviors, including
      being where cigarettes were available or smoking was permitted, being around
      others smoking in prospective, real-time assessment for 2 weeks pre- and 4 weeks
      postquit. Results showed that greater exposure to contextual risk factors during
      the prequit did not predict cessation failure. However, Cox regression survival
      analyses revealed that spending a greater proportion of time where cigarettes
      were easily available following at least 1 day of abstinence predicted shorter
      latency to a first lapse, even after controlling for baseline risk factors such
      as gender, nicotine dependence, depressive symptoms, and living with a smoker.
      Greater cigarette availability following a lapse was not associated with
      progression from lapse to relapse with or without baseline risk factors in the
      model. This suggests that postquit environmental risk factors, such as cigarette
      availability, increase lapse risk, and stable risk factors, such as living with
      smokers and higher baseline carbon monoxide level or depressive symptoms, remain
      potent predictors of progression to relapse. Real-time contextual risk
      assessments postquit predict lapse above and beyond stable, baseline risk
      factors. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 25134026
TI  - Gambling disorder: estimated prevalence rates and risk factors in Macao.
AB  - An excessive, problematic gambling pattern has been regarded as a mental disorder
      in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) for more than
      3 decades (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1980). In this study, its
      latest prevalence in Macao (one of very few cities with legalized gambling in
      China and the Far East) was estimated with 2 major changes in the diagnostic
      criteria, suggested by the 5th edition of DSM (APA, 2013): (a) removing the
      "Illegal Act" criterion, and (b) lowering the threshold for diagnosis. A random,
      representative sample of 1,018 Macao residents was surveyed with a phone poll
      design in January 2013. After the 2 changes were adopted, the present study
      showed that the estimated prevalence rate of gambling disorder was 2.1% of the
      Macao adult population. Moreover, the present findings also provided empirical
      support to the application of these 2 recommended changes when assessing symptoms
      of gambling disorder among Chinese community adults. Personal risk factors of
      gambling disorder, namely being male, having low education, a preference for
      casino gambling, as well as high materialism, were identified.

PMID- 25134027
TI  - Anxiety sensitivity as a moderator of the relationship between trait anxiety and
      illicit substance use.
AB  - Anxiety and substance use problems are common and often comorbid, and past
      research has shown that young adults in particular are especially at risk for
      developing these disorders. To further delineate the relationship between anxiety
      and substance use, the current study evaluated anxiety sensitivity (AS)-a
      cognitive vulnerability factor-as a moderator of the association between trait
      anxiety and illicit substance use in a large sample of young adults (N = 845; M =
      18.7 years, SD = 1.0). It was hypothesized that AS would moderate the association
      between trait anxiety and illicit substance use, such that trait anxiety would
      significantly predict illicit substance use among those with high, but not low,
      AS. Consistent with prediction, a significant trait Anxiety * AS interaction was
      found, chi2(5) = 29.38, p < .001. Specifically, analyses of simple slopes
      revealed that for the high-AS group, as trait anxiety increased, so did frequency
      of illicit substance use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, p = .005; 95% confidence
      interval [CI] [1.01, 1.06]). The slope for the low AS was not significant (OR =
      0.98, p = .100; 95% CI [0.95, 1.01]). Results also showed significant moderation
      effects for the AS physical concerns and cognitive concerns facets but not AS
      social concerns. These findings suggest that AS may be an important cognitive
      vulnerability that may help to identify those at particular risk for substance
      use, and that interventions should target AS reduction in anxiety-prone
      individuals to reduce and prevent substance abuse.

PMID- 25134025
TI  - Relational aggression, positive urgency and negative urgency: predicting alcohol
      use and consequences among college students.
AB  - Research on relational aggression (indirect and social means of inflicting harm)
      has previously focused on adolescent populations. The current study extends this
      research by exploring both the frequency of perpetrating and being the target of
      relational aggression as it relates to alcohol use outcomes in a college
      population. Further, this study examines whether positive urgency (e.g., acting
      impulsively in response to positive emotions) and negative urgency (e.g., acting
      impulsively in response to negative emotions) moderate the relationship between
      relational aggression and alcohol outcomes. In this study, 245 college students
      (65.7% female) completed an online survey. Results indicated greater frequency of
      perpetrating relational aggression, higher levels of positive urgency, or higher
      levels of negative urgency was associated with more negative consequences.
      Further, negative urgency moderated the relationship between frequency of
      perpetrating aggression and consequences such that aggression was more strongly
      associated with consequences for those high in urgency. Counter to the adolescent
      literature, the frequency of being the target of aggression was not associated
      with more alcohol use. These findings suggest that perpetrators of relational
      aggression may be at particular risk for negative alcohol-related consequences
      when they act impulsively in response to negative, but not positive, emotions.
      These students may benefit from interventions exploring alternative ways to cope
      with negative emotions.

PMID- 25134028
TI  - A longitudinal analysis of drinking and victimization in college women: is there
      a reciprocal relationship?
AB  - The purpose of the current study was to assess the relationship between drinking
      and severe physical and sexual victimization in a sample of 989 college women
      over 5 years. Participants completed a Web-based survey each fall semester,
      beginning as first-time incoming freshman, and continuing each year for 5 years.
      The survey was comprehensive in assessing drinking, victimization, and relevant
      covariates. Women were followed whether they remained at university or not. Prior
      year same type of severe victimization predicted current year victimization, both
      severe physical and sexual. However, prior year drinking did not predict current
      year severe victimization. Prior year severe sexual victimization predicted
      current year drinking. Our findings of a longitudinal relationship between severe
      sexual victimization and subsequent increases in drinking suggests that college
      women may be drinking to cope with negative sequelae that they experience as a
      result of the victimization. We did not find the same longitudinal relationship
      between drinking and severe physical or sexual victimization, suggesting that a
      reciprocal relationship does not exist between drinking and victimization among
      college women. We did find that severe sexual victimization decreased across
      college, suggesting that the year prior to and the first year of college may be a
      critical period for intervening to reduce risk for severe victimization.

PMID- 25134031
TI  - Differential association of drinking motives with alcohol use on weekdays and
      weekends.
AB  - Drinking motives (DM) reflect the reasons why individuals drink alcohol. Weekdays
      are mainly dedicated to work, whereas weekends are generally associated with
      spending time with friends during special events or leisure activities; using
      alcohol on weekdays and weekends may also be related to different DM. This study
      examined whether DM were differentially associated with drinking volume (DV) on
      weekdays and weekends. A representative sample of 5,391 young Swiss men completed
      a questionnaire assessing weekday and weekend DV, as well as their DM, namely,
      enhancement, social, coping, and conformity motives. Associations of DM with
      weekday and weekend DV were examined using structural equation models. Each DM
      was tested individually in a separate model; all associations were positive and
      generally stronger (except conformity) for weekend rather than for weekday DV.
      Further specific patterns of association were found when DM were entered into a
      single model simultaneously. Associations with weekday and with weekend DV were
      positive for enhancement and coping motives. However, associations were stronger
      with weekend rather than with weekday DV for enhancement, and stronger with
      weekday than with weekend DV for coping motives. Associations of social motives
      were not significant with weekend DV and negative with weekday DV. Conformity
      motives were negatively associated with weekend DV and positively related to
      weekday DV. These results suggest that interventions targeting enhancement
      motives should be particularly effective at decreasing weekend drinking, whereas
      interventions targeted at coping motives would be particularly effective at
      reducing alcohol use on weekdays.

PMID- 25134030
TI  - Internalizing and externalizing problem behavior and early adolescent substance
      use: a test of a latent variable interaction and conditional indirect effects.
AB  - Externalizing problem behavior is a robust predictor of early adolescent
      substance use (SU); however, findings regarding internalizing problems have been
      mixed, suggesting that there may be important moderators of the relationship
      between internalizing problems and SU. The present study used a community sample
      (mean age was 12.1 at the first assessment, 55% women, 83% White) to test a
      longitudinal latent variable interaction structural equation model to examine
      whether externalizing problems moderated the relationship between internalizing
      problems and SU. Peer delinquency was tested as a mediator in the model and prior
      levels of the mediator and outcome were controlled at each wave to establish
      temporal precedence. Results suggested that (1) internalizing problems were
      protective against associating with deviant peers, but only at high levels of
      externalizing symptomatology, (2) higher levels of peer delinquency were
      associated with increases in SU, and (3) peer delinquency mediated the effect of
      the problem behavior interaction on SU. Our findings suggest that the impact of
      internalizing problems on peer delinquency and SU needs to be considered in the
      context of externalizing problems. Moreover, developmental models involving
      internalizing symptoms should consider that internalizing symptoms are generally
      protective against substance use in early adolescence.

PMID- 25134029
TI  - Childhood stress exposure among preadolescents with and without family histories
      of substance use disorders.
AB  - Having a family history of substance use disorders (FH+) increases risk for
      developing a substance use disorder. This risk may be at least partially mediated
      by increased exposure to childhood stressors among FH+ individuals. However,
      measures typically used to assess exposure to stressors are narrow in scope and
      vary across studies. The nature of stressors that disproportionately affect FH+
      children and how these stressors relate to later substance use in this population
      are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to assess exposure to a
      broad range of stressors among FH+ and FH- children to better characterize how
      exposure to childhood stressors relates to increased risk for substance misuse
      among FH+ individuals. A total of 386 children (305 FH+, 81 FH-; ages 10-12) were
      assessed using the Stressful Life Events Schedule before the onset of regular
      substance use. Both the number and severity of stressors were compared.
      Preliminary follow-up analyses were done for 53 adolescents who subsequently
      reported initiation of substance use. FH+ children reported more frequent and
      severe stressors than did FH- children, specifically in the areas of housing,
      family, school, crime, peers, and finances. Additionally, risk for substance use
      initiation during early adolescence was influenced directly by having a family
      history of substance use disorders and also indirectly through increased exposure
      to stressors among FH+ individuals. In conclusion, FH+ children experience
      greater stress across multiple domains, which contributes to their risk for
      substance misuse and related problems during adolescence and young adulthood.
      (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 25134032
TI  - Self-perceived emerging adult status and substance use.
AB  - Very little research exists on how self-perceived emerging adult status is
      associated with substance use among low-income emerging adults. The Inventory of
      Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA) was administered to emerging adults (EAs)
      ages 18-25 screened for substance use problems (n = l05) in a state-subsidized,
      not-for-profit treatment agency. We examined whether the defining dimensions of
      Arnett's (2000a) emerging adulthood theory were associated with substance use
      frequency and substance-related problems, including: identity exploration, self
      focus, possibilities, optimism, negativity/instability, and feeling in-between.
      In multivariate models, feeling in-between was positively associated with
      substance-related problems. An interaction term between minority status and
      feeling in-between approached statistical significance (p = .057). Further, IDEA
      scale score means were comparable to those found in college student samples.
      Implications for theory revision are discussed.

PMID- 25134033
TI  - Advantages and disadvantages of college drinking in students' own words: content
      analysis of the decisional balance worksheet.
AB  - The decisional balance worksheet (DBW), an open-ended measure of motivation to
      change, may be used to record the perceived advantages and disadvantages of
      substance use as well as alternative behaviors. Recent findings have indicated
      that the open-ended DBW can be quantified to validly reflect college students'
      level of motivation to reduce their drinking (Collins, Carey, & Otto, 2009). The
      goal of the current study was to enhance our understanding of college students'
      perceived advantages and disadvantages of drinking by qualitatively examining the
      content of their decisional balance. Participants were undergraduate college
      students at a 4-year university (N = 760) who participated in a randomized
      controlled trial of online brief motivational interventions. Using the DBW,
      participants recorded the advantages and disadvantages of their current drinking.
      Conventional content analysis methods were used to extract common themes. Social,
      enjoyment, and psychological reasons were the most commonly mentioned advantages
      of drinking, whereas physical side effects, expense and interference with goals
      were the most commonly mentioned disadvantages of drinking. These findings show
      that college students primarily use alcohol for enjoyment, particularly in social
      situations, as well as for coping with stress and social anxiety. On the other
      hand, many college students report having physical side effects from drinking as
      well as other kinds of concerns (e.g., expense, calories). Findings suggest that
      using the open-ended DBW may result in a more client-centered and accurate
      representation of what college students perceive as advantages and disadvantages
      to drinking than established, Likert-scale measures of decisional balance.

PMID- 25134034
TI  - Profiles of confidence and commitment to change as predictors of moderated
      drinking: a person-centered approach.
AB  - Identifying who, among problem drinkers, is best suited for moderation and has
      the greatest likelihood to control drinking has important public health
      implications. The current study aimed to identify profiles of problem drinkers
      who may be more or less successful in moderating drinking within the context of a
      randomized clinical trial of a brief treatment for alcohol use disorder. A person
      centered approach was implemented, utilizing composite, baseline daily diary
      values of confidence and commitment to reduce drinking. Problem drinkers (N = 89)
      were assessed, provided feedback about their drinking, and randomly assigned to 1
      of 3 conditions: 2 brief alcohol use disorder treatments or a third group asked
      to change on their own. Global self-report assessments were administered at
      baseline and Week 8 (end of treatment). Daily diary composites were created from
      data collected via an interactive voice recording system during the week prior to
      baseline. A K-means cluster analysis identified 3 groups: high, moderate, and low
      confidence and commitment to change drinking. Group differences were explored,
      and then group membership was entered into generalized estimating equations to
      predict drinking trajectories over time. Findings revealed that the groups
      differentially reduced their drinking, such that the high group had greater
      reduction in drinking and a faster rate of reduction than the other 2 groups, and
      the moderate group had greater reduction than the low group. Findings suggest
      that baseline motivation and self-efficacy are important for predicting prognoses
      related to successful moderated drinking. Limitations and arenas for future
      research are discussed.

PMID- 25134035
TI  - Protective behavioral strategies, alcohol expectancies, and drinking motives in a
      model of college student drinking.
AB  - An extensive body of research asserts alcohol expectancies, or beliefs regarding
      the effects of alcohol, as an important influence on drinking. However, the
      extent to which expectancies are related to drinking motives and protective
      behavioral strategies (PBS) has yet to be examined. Existing alcohol mediational
      models suggest associations between expectancies and drinking motives as well as
      positive drinking motives and PBS use. Thus, it is possible that drinking motives
      and PBS use act as intervening factors in the relationship between expectancies
      and alcohol outcomes. Consequently, the cross-sectional study presented here
      aimed to test the indirect effect of expectancies (i.e., social facilitation) on
      alcohol outcomes through drinking motives and PBS use. Participants were 520 (358
      female) college student drinkers with a mean age of 20.80 (SD = 4.61) years.
      Students completed measures of expectancies, drinking motives, PBS use, alcohol
      use, and alcohol-related problems. Results from structural equation modeling
      indicated that drinking motives and PBS mediated the relationship between social
      expectancies and alcohol use. In particular, expectancies were associated with
      greater positive drinking motives, drinking motives were associated with less PBS
      use, and PBS was associated with less alcohol use and fewer alcohol-related
      problems. Given the key role of PBS in explaining drinking outcomes in our model,
      active efforts to incorporate PBS in alcohol interventions may be particularly
      beneficial for college students. Further, our findings support the consideration
      of PBS use as a part of the motivational model of alcohol use in future work.

PMID- 25134036
TI  - An examination of college student activities and attentiveness during a web
      delivered personalized normative feedback intervention.
AB  - Both heavy drinking and related risky sexual behavior among college students are
      common and are often associated with a number of negative consequences. A
      previously reported randomized controlled trial showed that a brief personalized
      normative feedback (PNF) intervention reduced the alcohol consumption and alcohol
      related risky sexual behavior of heavy drinking, sexually active college students
      (Lewis et al., 2014). For the present study, we examined what activities students
      were engaged in when viewing the feedback, as well as who they were with and
      where they were when receiving the intervention. Furthermore, we conducted
      supplemental analyses with perceived attentiveness as a hypothesized predictor of
      change using the same sample (N = 480). Findings indicated that most students
      were engaged in activities when viewing the feedback and that most students
      viewed the feedback alone and at home. Furthermore, results revealed PNF to be
      most effective in reducing drinks per week among participants who reported
      greater attention. Clinical implications and suggestions for additional research
      examining how attentiveness can be increased during Web-based interventions are
      discussed.

PMID- 25134037
TI  - The influence of self-exempting beliefs and social networks on daily smoking: a
      mediation relationship explored.
AB  - The decision to initiate, maintain, or quit cigarette smoking is structured by
      both social networks and health beliefs. Self-exempting beliefs affect people's
      decisions in favor of a behavior even when they recognize the harm associated
      with it. This study incorporated the literatures on social networks and self
      exempting beliefs to study the problem of daily smoking by exploring their
      mediatory relationships and the mechanisms of how smoking behavior is developed
      and maintained. Specifically, this article hypothesizes that social networks
      affect daily smoking directly as well as indirectly by facilitating the formation
      of self-exempting beliefs. The sample comes from urban male residents in
      Hangzhou, China randomly selected and interviewed through multistage sampling in
      2011. Using binary mediation analysis with logistic regression to test the
      hypotheses, the authors found that (a) daily smoking is associated with having
      smokers in several social network arenas and (b) self-exempting beliefs about
      smoking mediate the association between coworker network and daily smoking, but
      not for family network and friend network. The role of social network at work
      place in the creation and maintenance of self-exempting beliefs should be
      considered by policymakers, prevention experts, and interventionists.

PMID- 25134039
TI  - The validity of different measures of automatic alcohol action tendencies.
AB  - Previous studies have demonstrated that automatic alcohol action tendencies are
      related to alcohol consumption and hazardous drinking. These action tendencies
      are measured with reaction time tasks in which the latency to make an approach
      response to alcohol pictures is compared with the latency to make an avoidance
      response. In the literature, 4 different tasks have been used, and these tasks
      differ on whether alcohol is a relevant (R) or irrelevant (IR) feature for
      categorization and on whether participants must make a symbolic approach response
      (stimulus-response compatibility [SRC] tasks) or an overt behavioral response
      (approach avoidance tasks [AAT]) to the pictures. Previous studies have shown
      positive correlations between measures of action tendencies and hazardous
      drinking and weekly alcohol consumption. However, results have been inconsistent
      and the different measures have not been directly compared with each other.
      Therefore, it is unclear which task is the best predictor of hazardous drinking
      and alcohol consumption. In the present study, 80 participants completed all 4
      measures of action tendencies (i.e., R-SRC, IR-SRC, R-AAT, and IR-AAT) and
      measures of alcohol consumption and hazardous drinking. Stepwise regressions
      showed that the R-SRC and R-AAT were the only significant predictors of hazardous
      drinking, whereas the R-AAT was the only reliable predictor of alcohol
      consumption. Our results confirm that drinking behavior is positively correlated
      with automatic alcohol approach tendencies, but only if alcohol-relatedness is
      the relevant feature for categorization. Theoretical implications and
      methodological issues are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 25134038
TI  - Applying an ensemble classification tree approach to the prediction of completion
      of a 12-step facilitation intervention with stimulant abusers.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to explore the selection of predictor variables in
      the evaluation of drug treatment completion using an ensemble approach with
      classification trees. The basic methodology is reviewed, and the subagging
      procedure of random subsampling is applied. Among 234 individuals with stimulant
      use disorders randomized to a 12-step facilitative intervention shown to increase
      stimulant use abstinence, 67.52% were classified as treatment completers. A total
      of 122 baseline variables were used to identify factors associated with
      completion. The number of types of self-help activity involvement prior to
      treatment was the predominant predictor. Other effective predictors included
      better coping self-efficacy for substance use in high-risk situations, more days
      of prior meeting attendance, greater acceptance of the Disease model, higher
      confidence for not resuming use following discharge, lower Addiction Severity
      Index (ASI) Drug and Alcohol composite scores, negative urine screens for cocaine
      or marijuana, and fewer employment problems. The application of an ensemble
      subsampling regression tree method utilizes the fact that classification trees
      are unstable but, on average, produce an improved prediction of the completion of
      drug abuse treatment. The results support the notion there are early indicators
      of treatment completion that may allow for modification of approaches more
      tailored to fitting the needs of individuals and potentially provide more
      successful treatment engagement and improved outcomes.

PMID- 25134040
TI  - Does DSM-5 nomenclature for inhalant use disorder improve upon DSM-IV?
AB  - Among drug classes, substance use disorder (SUD) consequent to using inhalants
      (SUD-I) has perhaps the smallest evidence base. This study compared DSM-IV versus
      DSM-5 nomenclatures, testing whether 4 traditional categories of inhalants
      (aerosols, gases, nitrites, solvents) are manifestations of a single pathology,
      obtaining item parameters of SUD-I criteria, and presenting evidence that SUD can
      result from using nitrites. An urban, Midwestern, community sample of 162
      inhalant users was recruited. Participants were 2/3 male, nearly 85% White, and
      had a mean age of 20.3 years (SD = 2.4 years), spanning the ages of greatest
      incidence of SUD and slightly older than the primary ages of inhalants use
      initiation. Analyses consisted of bivariate associations, principle components
      analysis, and item response theory analysis. Validity was demonstrated for SUD-I
      consequent to each inhalant type as well as for aggregating all inhalant types
      into a single drug class. Results supported DSM-5 nomenclature over DSM-IV in
      multiple ways except that occurrence of diagnostic orphans was not statistically
      smaller using DSM-5. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 25134041
TI  - The diversion of stimulant medications among a convenience sample of college
      students with current prescriptions.
AB  - Diversion is defined as the unlawful channeling of regulated pharmaceuticals from
      legal sources to the illicit marketplace. Persons with legal prescriptions often
      give away or sell their medications to others. The misuse of prescription
      stimulant medications continues to be a problem on college campuses and a need to
      understand how students are obtaining stimulant medications exists. The object of
      the study was to identify the prevalence, correlates, and motivations associated
      with diversion of prescription stimulants among current prescription holders. A
      large sample of undergraduates (n = 1,022) between the ages of 18 and 24 enrolled
      at a large public university in the southeastern United States completed an in
      class questionnaire. Among those respondents, we identified 151 current stimulant
      prescription holders and analyzed the prevalence, motivations, and correlates
      associated with lifetime and current diversion. Overall, 58.9% of current
      prescription holders had given away or sold their stimulant medication during
      their lifetime. Those with a history of nonmedical use of prescription stimulants
      were almost 5 times more likely to divert their medication during their lifetime.
      The majority of those engaging in lifetime and current diversion medication did
      so infrequently. The most common motivations reported for both lifetime and
      current diversion were "to make extra money" and to "help during a time of high
      academic stress." Students who reported a history of prescription misuse were
      also more likely to engage in current diversion. Diversion-related behaviors
      should be explored further and programs aimed at the reducing these behaviors
      should be considered.

PMID- 25134042
TI  - Associations between childhood adversity, adult stressful life events, and past
      year drug use disorders in the National Epidemiological Study of Alcohol and
      Related Conditions (NESARC).
AB  - Stress sensitization, whereby CA lowers tolerance to later stressors, has been
      proposed as a potential mechanism explaining the association between exposure to
      childhood adversities (CA) and drug use disorders in adulthood. However, this
      mechanism remains untested. This paper begins to address this gap through
      exploring associations between CA exposure and stressful events in adulthood for
      predicting drug use disorders. We used data drawn from Wave 2 of the U.S.
      National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (n = 34,653) to
      explore whether the association between past-year stressful life events and the
      12-month prevalence of disordered cannabis, stimulant, and opiate use varied by
      the number of types of CA that an individual was exposed to. Past-year stressful
      life events were associated with an increased risk of cannabis, stimulant, and
      opiate use disorders among men and women. Exposure to CA was associated with
      increased risk for disordered cannabis use among men and women and opiate use
      among men only. Finally, we found significant associations between exposure to CA
      and past-year stressful life events in predicting disordered drug use, but only
      for women in relation to disordered stimulant and opiate use. Findings are
      suggestive of possible stress sensitization effects in predicting disordered
      stimulant and opiate use among women. Implications of these findings for the
      prevention and treatment of drug use disorders and for future research are
      discussed.

PMID- 25134043
TI  - Assessing sexual motives for drinking alcohol among HIV-positive men who have sex
      with men.
AB  - Individuals who drink alcohol for the explicit motive of facilitating or
      enhancing sex may be more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, including
      having sex under the influence of alcohol. However, efforts to assess sexual
      motives for drinking (SMDs) have been very limited to date. We examined the
      psychometric properties of a 5-item measure of SMDs in a sample of HIV-positive
      heavy drinking men who have sex with men. Findings provided excellent support for
      the scale's internal consistency and concurrent validity with a well-established
      measure of sexual alcohol expectancies (SAEs). Good discriminant validity was
      also established, as SMDs were correlated with other drinking motives but
      uniquely predicted the proportion of sex acts occurring under the influence of
      alcohol and other drugs, over and above other drinking motives and SAEs. SMDs
      were not significantly associated with unprotected anal intercourse. Adjusting
      for alcohol problem severity, higher SMDs were associated with lower willingness
      to consider changing drinking. Results suggest this measure of SMDs exhibits
      sound psychometric properties and may be useful in studies examining the
      association between alcohol use and sexual behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 25134045
TI  - Implicit identification with drug and alcohol use predicts retention in
      residential rehabilitation programs.
AB  - Research has identified numerous factors associated with successful treatment in
      alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs, yet treatment completion rates are
      often low and subsequent relapse rates very high. We propose that people's
      implicit identification with drugs and alcohol may be an additional factor that
      impacts their ability to complete abstinence-based rehabilitation programs. In
      the current research, we measured implicit identification with drugs and alcohol
      using the Implicit Association Test (Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz, 1998) among
      137 members of a residential rehabilitation program for drugs and alcohol (104
      men; mean age = 35 years old, 47 of whom were court-ordered to attend). Implicit
      identification with drugs and alcohol was measured within 1 week of arrival and
      again 3 weeks later, prior to the onset of the treatment phase of the program.
      Duration in rehabilitation was assessed 1 year later. Consistent with
      predictions, implicit identification with drugs and alcohol predicted the
      duration that people remained in residential rehabilitation even though a self
      report measure of identification with drugs and alcohol did not. These results
      suggest that implicit identification with drugs and alcohol might be an important
      predictor of treatment outcomes, even among those with serious problems with drug
      and alcohol use. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 25134046
TI  - Drinking motives and attentional bias to affective stimuli in problem and non
      problem drinkers.
AB  - Problem drinking may reflect a maladaptive means of coping with negative emotions
      or enhancing positive emotions. Disorders with affective symptoms are often
      characterized by attentional biases for symptom-congruent emotionally valenced
      stimuli. Regarding addictions, coping motivated (CM) problem gamblers exhibit an
      attentional bias for negative stimuli, whereas enhancement motivated (EM) problem
      gamblers exhibit this bias for positive stimuli (Hudson, Jacques, & Stewart,
      2013). We predicted that problem drinkers would show similar motive-congruent
      attentional biases. Problem and non-problem drinkers (n = 48 per group) completed
      an emotional orienting task measuring attentional biases to positive, negative,
      and neutral stimuli. As predicted, EM problem drinkers showed an attentional bias
      for positive information (i.e., reduced accuracy for positively cued trials).
      However, CM problem drinkers displayed a general distractibility (i.e., reduced
      accuracy, regardless of cue valence). The results add further support for Cooper
      et al.'s (1992) motivational model of alcohol use, and indicate potential
      motivation-matched intervention targets. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 25134044
TI  - A retrospective analysis of dissemination biases in the brief alcohol
      intervention literature.
AB  - This study examined dissemination and reporting biases in the brief alcohol
      intervention literature. We used retrospective data from 179 controlled trials
      included in a meta-analysis on brief alcohol interventions for adolescents and
      young adults. We examined whether the magnitude and direction of effect sizes
      were associated with publication type, identification source, language, funding,
      time lag between intervention and publication, number of reports, journal impact
      factor, and subsequent citations. Results indicated that effect sizes were larger
      for studies that had been funded (b = 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.04,
      0.23]), had a shorter time lag between intervention and publication (b = -0.03,
      95% CI [-0.05, -.001]), and were cited more frequently (b = 0.01, 95% CI [+0.00,
      0.01]). Studies that were cited more frequently by other authors also had greater
      odds of reporting positive effects (odds ratio = 1.10, 95% CI [1.02, 1.18]).
      Results indicated that time lag bias has increased recently: Larger and positive
      effect sizes were published more quickly in recent years. We found no evidence,
      however, that the magnitude or direction of effects was associated with location
      source, language, or journal impact factor. We conclude that dissemination biases
      may indeed occur in the social and behavioral science literature, as has been
      consistently documented in the medical literature. As such, primary researchers,
      journal reviewers, editors, systematic reviewers, and meta-analysts must be
      cognizant of the causes and consequences of these biases, and commit to engage in
      ethical research practices that attempt to minimize them. (PsycINFO Database
      Record 

PMID- 25134047
TI  - Employment-based reinforcement of adherence to oral naltrexone in unemployed
      injection drug users: 12-month outcomes.
AB  - Oral naltrexone could be a promising relapse-prevention pharmacotherapy for
      recently detoxified opioid-dependent patients; however, interventions are often
      needed to promote adherence with this treatment approach. We recently conducted a
      study to evaluate a 26-week employment-based reinforcement intervention of oral
      naltrexone in unemployed injection drug users (Dunn et al., 2013). Participants
      were randomly assigned into a contingency (n = 35) group required to ingest
      naltrexone under staff observation to gain entry into a therapeutic workplace or
      a prescription (n = 32) group given a take-home supply of oral naltrexone and
      access to the workplace without observed ingestion. Monthly urine samples were
      collected and analyzed for evidence for naltrexone adherence, opioid use, and
      cocaine use. As previously reported, contingency participants provided
      significantly more naltrexone-positive urine samples than prescription
      participants during the 26-week intervention period. The goal of this current
      study is to report the 12-month outcomes, which occurred 6 months after the
      intervention ended. Results at the 12-month visit showed no between-groups
      differences in naltrexone-positive, opioid-negative, or cocaine-negative urine
      samples and no participant self-reported using naltrexone at the follow-up visit.
      These results show that even after a period of successfully reinforced oral
      naltrexone adherence, longer-term naltrexone use is unlikely to be maintained
      after reinforcement contingencies are discontinued. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 25134048
TI  - Couples' marijuana use is inversely related to their intimate partner violence
      over the first 9 years of marriage.
AB  - Research on the association between marijuana use and intimate partner violence
      (IPV) has generated inconsistent findings, and has been primarily based on cross
      sectional data. We examined whether husbands' and wives' marijuana use predicted
      both husbands' and wives' IPV perpetration over the first 9 years of marriage
      (Wave 1, n = 634 couples). We also examined moderation by antisocial behavior,
      the spouse's marijuana use, and whether IPV was reported during the year before
      marriage. These predictive associations were calculated using a time-lagged
      multivariate generalized multilevel model, simultaneously estimating predictors
      of husband and wife IPV. In fully adjusted models, we found that more frequent
      marijuana use by husbands and wives predicted less frequent IPV perpetration by
      husbands. Husbands' marijuana use also predicted less frequent IPV perpetration
      by wives. Moderation analyses demonstrated that couples in which both spouses
      used marijuana frequently reported the least frequent IPV perpetration. There was
      a significant positive association between wives' marijuana use and wives' IPV
      perpetration, but only among wives who had already reported IPV perpetration
      during the year before marriage. These findings suggest there may be an overall
      inverse association between marijuana use and IPV perpetration in newly married
      couples, although use may be associated with greater risk of perpetration among
      women with a history of IPV perpetration.

PMID- 25134049
TI  - Reported planning before and after quitting and quit success: retrospective data
      from the ITC 4-Country Survey.
AB  - Planning before quitting smoking is widely believed to be beneficial and is
      usually recommended in cessation counseling, but there is little evidence on the
      efficacy of specific planning activities. Using data from 1140 respondents who
      reported quit attempts at Wave 8 of the ITC 4-Country Survey, we analyzed use of
      8 specific planning strategies before (5) and after (3) implementation of a quit
      attempt, in relation to cessation outcomes, delay in implementation of the
      attempt, and recent quitting history. Most participants reported some planning
      both before and after quitting, even among those reporting quitting
      'spontaneously.' Younger smokers, those who cut down before quitting, and users
      of stop-smoking medication were more likely to report planning. Those who planned
      prequit were also more likely to plan postquit. Unexpectedly, we found no clear
      benefit of planning on short-term (1 month) cessation outcomes, whereas one
      prequit strategy (practicing not smoking) was negatively related to outcome.
      There was evidence for a predicted moderating effect of recent quitting
      experience on planning for the prequit task 'practice replacement strategies.'
      This predicted quit success among those with multiple quit attempts in the past
      year, but failure among those without. This finding suggests that the quality of
      planning may be critical. More research, particularly on the moderating effect of
      quit experience, and where measures of planning are collected before outcomes
      become evident, is needed before clear recommendations can be made on the utility
      of various forms of planning for the success of quit attempts.

PMID- 25134050
TI  - Sexual-orientation disparities in substance use in emerging adults: a function of
      stress and attachment paradigms.
AB  - More lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youths than heterosexuals report substance
      use. We examined a theoretical model to understand these disparities in lifetime
      and past-year substance use by means of stress and attachment paradigms, using
      the longitudinal Growing Up Today Study (GUTS) and Nurses' Health Study II
      (NHSII). GUTS participants are the children of participants in NHSII; thus, child
      and maternal data are available. In addition, GUTS contains siblings, allowing
      for comparisons of LGB and heterosexual siblings. Of 5,647 GUTS youths (M = 20.6
      years old in 2005), 1.6% were lesbian/gay (LG), 1.6% bisexual (BI), 9.9% mostly
      heterosexual (MH), and 86.9% completely heterosexual (CH). After adjusting for
      sibling clustering in GUTS and covariates, significantly more sexual minorities
      (LGs, BIs, and MHs) than CHs reported lifetime and past-year smoking,
      nonmarijuana illicit drug use, and prescription drug misuse. More sexual
      minorities also reported marijuana use in the past year. The relations between
      sexual orientation and substance use were moderated by the stress markers: As
      mother's discomfort with homosexuality increased, more BIs and MHs than CHs used
      substances. As childhood gender nonconforming behaviors increased, more LGs than
      CHs used substances. The relations between sexual orientation and substance use
      were mediated by attachment and maternal affection (percent of effect mediated
      ranged from 5.6% to 16.8%% for lifetime substance use and 4.9% to 24.5% for past
      year use). In addition, sibling comparisons found that sexual minorities reported
      more substance use, more childhood gender nonconforming behaviors, and less
      secure attachment than CH siblings; mothers reported less affection for their
      sexual minority than CH offspring. The findings indicate the importance of stress
      and attachment paradigms for understanding sexual-orientation disparities in
      substance use.

PMID- 25134051
TI  - Application of item response theory to tests of substance-related associative
      memory.
AB  - A substance-related word-association test (WAT) is one of the commonly used
      indirect tests of substance-related implicit associative memory and has been
      shown to predict substance use. This study applied an item response theory (IRT)
      modeling approach to evaluate psychometric properties of the alcohol- and
      marijuana-related WATs and their items among 775 ethnically diverse at-risk
      adolescents. After examining the IRT assumptions, item fit, and differential item
      functioning (DIF) across gender and age groups, the original 18 WAT items were
      reduced to 14 and 15 items in the alcohol- and marijuana-related WAT,
      respectively. Thereafter, unidimensional one- and two-parameter logistic models
      (1PL and 2PL models) were fitted to the revised WAT items. The results
      demonstrated that both alcohol- and marijuana-related WATs have good psychometric
      properties. These results were discussed in light of the framework of a unified
      concept of construct validity (Messick, 1975, 1989, 1995).

PMID- 25134052
TI  - Drinking to cope among African American college students: an assessment of
      episode-specific motives.
AB  - Despite evidence that African Americans are disproportionately affected by
      drinking to cope relative to European Americans, African American college
      students' drinking motives remain understudied. Additionally, most research has
      only examined between-person differences in drinking to cope as a predictor of
      alcohol use, ignoring within-person variability. In the current daily diary study
      of 462 African American undergraduates from a historically Black university,
      associations between episode-specific drinking to cope motives and alcohol use
      were tested, an approach more consistent with motivational theories of drinking.
      At baseline, students completed traditional global drinking motive measures; then
      for 30 days they reported the number of standard drinks they consumed the
      previous night, and, if they drank, their coping, enhancement, and social reasons
      for doing so. Students who reported higher mean levels of episode-specific coping
      motives, on average, consumed more alcohol on drinking evenings. Furthermore,
      mean episode-specific coping motives, but not global coping motives, predicted
      average levels of alcohol use. Additionally, coping motives were particularly
      important for predicting nonsocial (vs. social) drinking. Finally, during
      evenings for which students reported higher than usual episode-specific coping
      motives, men consumed more alcohol in both social and nonsocial contexts; in
      contrast, women reporting higher than usual drinking-to-cope motives only
      consumed more nonsocial drinks. In conclusion, drinking among African American
      college students was related to coping motives, particularly among men and in the
      context of nonsocial alcohol consumption. Moreover, motivational theories of
      alcohol use may be refined by measuring episode-specific drinking motives that
      more accurately capture the drinking-to-cope process.

PMID- 25134054
TI  - The relationship between craving and tobacco use behavior in laboratory studies:
      a meta-analysis.
AB  - Published laboratory studies from the last 50 years that included measures of
      craving and tobacco-consumption or tobacco-seeking measures were included in a
      meta-analysis in order to assess the relationship between craving and tobacco
      use. Seeking measures were further subdivided into those that reflected control
      by nonautomatic and automatic cognitive processes. Of 2,498 articles identified
      by the initial literature review, 204 analyses from 50 studies were deemed
      eligible. Overall, the relationship between craving and outcome behaviors was
      modest (r = .20, p < .001). Studies that imposed abstinence during data
      collection showed a stronger relationship between craving and outcome (r = .24, p
      < .001) than studies that did not (r = .18, p < .001). Further, of those studies
      that reported dependence, the overall association between craving and outcome was
      stronger for smokers who were less dependent. Separate meta-analyses revealed
      that the type of outcome measure moderated the omnibus effect, with the
      relationship between craving and nonautomatic seeking measures (r = .34, p <
      .001) being stronger than the relationship between craving and automatic
      seeking/consumption measures (both rs = 0.15, p < .001). These findings suggest
      that craving may play a role in, but does not fully account for, tobacco-use
      behaviors; furthermore, the extent to which craving predicts behavior may be
      increased when the behavior is under nonautomatic cognitive control.

PMID- 25134053
TI  - Psychiatric correlates of injection risk behavior among young people who inject
      drugs.
AB  - People who inject drugs (PWID) and have mental health conditions, such as major
      depression, an anxiety disorder, or antisocial or borderline personality
      disorder, may have elevated risk for HIV and HCV infection. This study examined
      the associations between psychiatric disorders and risky injection behavior in an
      out-of-treatment sample of young PWID. We recruited participants through outreach
      and respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Participants completed a computer-assisted
      self-interview and a psychiatric interview. Interviews took place at a community
      based field site of the Community Outreach Intervention Projects. Participants
      were 570 young adults (18 to 25 years) who injected drugs in the previous 30
      days. Psychiatric diagnoses were based on interviews using the Psychiatric
      Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders (PRISM). Injection behavior
      was classified into 3 categories: receptive syringe sharing, other equipment
      sharing only, and no sharing. Associations between injection risk behavior and
      psychiatric diagnoses were tested using RDS-weighted multinomial regressions.
      Substance-induced lifetime and past-year major depression, and borderline
      personality disorder, were significantly associated with a greater likelihood of
      receptive syringe sharing (p < .001). Substance-induced major depression in the
      past year was also associated with nonsyringe equipment sharing (p < .01).
      Primary major depression, antisocial personality disorder, and anxiety disorders
      other than posttraumatic stress disorder were slightly more prevalent among
      injectors who shared syringes; however, the associations were not statistically
      significant. Substance-induced major depression and borderline personality
      disorder are common among young PWID and are associated with risky injection
      behavior.

PMID- 25134055
TI  - Translation of associative learning models into extinction reminders delivered
      via mobile phones during cue exposure interventions for substance use.
AB  - Despite experimental findings and some treatment research supporting the use of
      cues as a means to induce and extinguish cravings, interventions using cue
      exposure have not been well integrated into contemporary substance abuse
      treatments. A primary problem with exposure-based interventions for addiction is
      that after learning not to use substances in the presence of addiction cues
      inside the clinic (i.e., extinction), stimuli in the naturalistic setting outside
      the clinic may continue to elicit craving, drug use, or other maladaptive
      conditioned responses. For exposure-based substance use interventions to be
      efficacious, new approaches are needed that can prevent relapse by directly
      generalizing learning from the therapeutic setting into naturalistic settings
      associated with a high risk for relapse. Basic research suggests that extinction
      reminders (ERs) can be paired with the context of learning new and more adaptive
      conditioned responses to substance abuse cues in exposure therapies for
      addiction. Using mobile phones and automated dialing and data collection
      software, ERs can be delivered in everyday high-risk settings to inhibit
      conditioned responses to substance-use-related stimuli. In this review, we
      describe how associative learning mechanisms (e.g., conditioned inhibition) can
      inform how ERs are conceptualized, learned, and implemented to prevent substance
      use when delivered via mobile phones. This approach, exposure with portable
      reminders of extinction, is introduced as an adjunctive intervention that uses
      brief automated ERs between clinic visits when individuals are in high-risk
      settings for drug use.

PMID- 25134057
TI  - The role of avoidance and inflexibility in characterizing response to contingency
      management for cocaine use disorders: A secondary profile analysis.
AB  - Contingency management (CM) is a reinforcement-based approach that provides
      tangible rewards for objectively verified drug abstinence. CM is the most
      effective available behavioral intervention for cocaine use disorders; however,
      response to CM is variable, with significant rates of nonresponse. In the present
      investigation, we conducted a secondary profile analysis to identify potentially
      modifiable cognitive-affective characteristics associated with CM response
      (abstinence vs. continued use) preceding a pharmacotherapy trial for cocaine
      dependence. Ninety-nine cocaine-dependent, treatment-seeking adults participated
      in a 4-week baseline CM procedure using high-value vouchers for submission of
      cocaine-negative urines. Separate profiles for responders and the nonresponders
      were established using standardized mean scores on relevant pretreatment measures
      of negative affect, experiential avoidance, cocaine withdrawal/craving, and
      impulsivity. Results indicated no differences between responder subgroups on
      baseline levels of negative affect, withdrawal/craving, or impulsivity; however,
      CM nonresponders, relative to responders, reported significantly higher levels of
      avoidance and behavioral inflexibility (p < .01) in the context of distressing
      cocaine-related thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. These data suggest
      that emotion regulation skills may serve as a therapeutic strategy for enhancing
      response to CM for cocaine use disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 25134056
TI  - The relationship of therapeutic alliance and treatment delivery fidelity with
      treatment retention in a multisite trial of twelve-step facilitation.
AB  - This study examined associations of therapeutic alliance and treatment delivery
      fidelity with treatment retention in Stimulant Abusers to Engage in Twelve-Step
      (STAGE-12), a community-based trial of 12-Step Facilitation (TSF) conducted
      within the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN). The STAGE
      12 trial randomized 234 stimulant abusers enrolled in 10 outpatient drug
      treatment programs to an eight-session, group and individual TSF intervention.
      During the study, TSF participants rated therapeutic alliance using the Helping
      Alliance questionnaire-II. After the study, independent raters evaluated
      treatment delivery fidelity of all TSF sessions on adherence, competence, and
      therapist empathy. Poisson regression modeling examined relationships of
      treatment delivery fidelity and therapeutic alliance with treatment retention
      (measured by number of sessions attended) for 174 participants with complete
      fidelity and alliance data. Therapeutic alliance (p = .005) and therapist
      competence (p = .010) were significantly associated with better treatment
      retention. Therapist adherence was associated with poorer retention in a
      nonsignificant trend (p = .061). In conclusion, stronger therapeutic alliance and
      higher therapist competence in the delivery of a TSF intervention were associated
      with better treatment retention whereas treatment adherence was not. Training and
      fidelity monitoring of TSF should focus on general therapist skills and
      therapeutic alliance development to maximize treatment retention. (PsycINFO
      Database Record 

PMID- 25134058
TI  - Testing the four-factor model of personality vulnerability to alcohol misuse: a
      three-wave, one-year longitudinal study.
AB  - The 4-factor model of personality vulnerability identifies 4 personality risk
      factors for alcohol misuse: hopelessness, anxiety sensitivity, impulsivity, and
      sensation seeking. These personality traits are associated with distinct
      mechanisms and motivations for alcohol misuse. Individuals high in hopelessness
      drink to regulate dysphoric affect, while those high in anxiety sensitivity drink
      to reduce anxiety and to conform to peer expectations. Individuals high in
      sensation seeking are highly sensitive to the rewarding properties of alcohol,
      and misuse alcohol to maximize enjoyment. Impulsivity is a broad risk factor
      contributing to all drinking motives. We hypothesized that personality
      vulnerabilities would indirectly predict alcohol quantity and problems through
      specific drinking motives theorized by the 4-factor model. The present study
      tested hypotheses using a 3-wave, 1-year longitudinal study of undergraduate
      drinkers (N = 302). Data were analyzed using multilevel path analysis.
      Hopelessness and impulsivity were positively related to drinking motives in the
      expected fashion. Anxiety sensitivity was related to coping-anxiety and
      conformity motives only in the between-subjects model (partially supporting
      hypotheses), while sensation seeking was generally unrelated to all drinking
      motives and alcohol outcomes (failing to support hypotheses). Enhancement motives
      predicted alcohol quantity and problems at both levels, coping-depression motives
      predicted alcohol problems at the between-subjects level only, and coping
      anxiety, conformity, and social motives failed to predict alcohol outcomes beyond
      other motives. Overall, this study partially supports the 4-factor model, with
      the strongest support emerging for impulsivity and hopelessness. This study
      suggests that personality traits such as impulsivity and hopelessness may be
      important targets in prevention and treatment with undergraduate drinkers.

PMID- 25134059
TI  - Personality and gambling involvement: a person-centered approach.
AB  - Individual differences in personality are likely to play an important role in
      explaining the propensity to gamble. One of the potential roadblocks to
      elucidating the relation between personality and gambling may be inadequately
      accounting for the diversity of gambling activities. The goal of the present
      study was to provide a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of the relation between
      personality and gambling by taking a multivariate approach to the co-use of
      multiple gambling activities and employing a broad inventory of potentially
      relevant personality dimensions. Participants were 4,669 individuals from a
      national Australian twin registry. Structured interviews including an extensive
      assessment of gambling behaviors were conducted, and personality questionnaires
      that included the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire, the Sensation
      Seeking Scale, and the Magical Ideation Scale were completed. A latent class
      analysis of past-year involvement in 10 different gambling activities was
      performed to classify the participants into 5 groups. Unique personality
      configurations characterized the 3 more gambling-involved latent classes: (a) low
      behavioral control in the context of high negative emotionality and magical
      thinking typified extensive, versatile gamblers at high risk of gambling
      problems; (b) average behavioral control in the context of high negative
      emotionality and magical thinking typified those who primarily gambled on non
      strategic games of chance; (c) low behavioral control in the context of high
      positive emotionality and low magical ideation typified those who primarily
      gambled on strategic games of skill. This study illustrates the value of using a
      multivariate person-centered approach for characterizing the personality
      correlates of the multifaceted phenomenon that is gambling.

PMID- 25134061
TI  - Swelling of polyelectrolyte and polyzwitterion brushes by humid vapors.
AB  - Swelling behavior of polyelectrolyte and polyzwitterion brushes derived from
      poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) in water vapor is
      investigated using a combination of neutron and X-ray reflectivity and
      spectroscopic ellipsometry over a wide range of relative humidity (RH) levels.
      The extent of swelling depends strongly on the nature of the side-chain
      chemistry. For parent PDMAEMA, there is an apparent enrichment of water vapor at
      the polymer/air interface. Despite extensive swelling at high humidity level, no
      evidence of charge repulsion is found in weak or strong polyelectrolyte brushes.
      Polyzwitterionic brushes swell to a greater extent than the quaternized brushes
      studied. However, for RH levels beyond 70%, the polyzwitterionic brushes take up
      less water molecules, leading to a decline in water volume fraction from the
      maximum of ~0.30 down to ~0.10. Using a gradient in polymer chain grafting
      density (sigma), we provide evidence that this behavior stems from the formation
      of inter- and intramolecular zwitterionic complexes.

PMID- 25134062
TI  - Clearing common bile duct stones: one size does not fit all.

PMID- 25134063
TI  - Extrinsic and intrinsic charge trapping at the graphene/ferroelectric interface.
AB  - The interface between graphene and the ferroelectric superlattice PbTiO3/SrTiO3
      (PTO/STO) is studied. Tuning the transition temperature through the PTO/STO
      volume fraction minimizes the adorbates at the graphene/ferroelectric interface,
      allowing robust ferroelectric hysteresis to be demonstrated. "Intrinsic" charge
      traps from the ferroelectric surface defects can adversely affect the graphene
      channel hysteresis and can be controlled by careful sample processing, enabling
      systematic study of the charge trapping mechanism. 

PMID- 25134060
TI  - The renal dopaminergic system: novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in
      hypertension and kidney disease.
AB  - Salt sensitivity of blood pressure, whether in hypertensive or normotensive
      subjects, is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and overall mortality.
      Salt sensitivity can be treated by reducing NaCl consumption. However, decreasing
      salt intake in some may actually increase cardiovascular risk, including an
      increase in blood pressure, that is, inverse salt sensitivity. Several genes have
      been associated with salt sensitivity and inverse salt sensitivity. Some of these
      genes encode proteins expressed in the kidney that are needed to excrete a sodium
      load, for example, dopamine receptors and their regulators, G protein-coupled
      receptor kinase 4 (GRK4). We review here research in this field that has provided
      several translational opportunities, ranging from diagnostic tests to gene
      therapy, such as (1) a test in renal proximal tubule cells isolated from the
      urine of humans that may determine the salt-sensitive phenotype by analyzing the
      recruitment of dopamine D1 receptors to the plasma membrane; (2) the presence of
      common GRK4 gene variants that are not only associated with hypertension but may
      also be predictive of the response to antihypertensive therapy; (3) genetic
      testing for polymorphisms of the dopamine D2 receptor that may be associated with
      hypertension and inverse salt sensitivity and may increase the susceptibility to
      chronic kidney disease because of loss of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
      effects of the renal dopamine D2 receptor, and (4) in vivo renal selective
      amelioration of renal tubular genetic defects by a gene transfer approach, using
      adeno-associated viral vectors introduced to the kidney by retrograde ureteral
      infusion. 

PMID- 25134064
TI  - Tricyclic pyrazoles part 7. Discovery of potent and selective
      dihydrothienocyclopentapyrazole derived CB2 ligands.
AB  - A series of dihydrothienocyclopentapyrazole-based derivatives was synthesized and
      evaluated for the affinity at CB1 and CB2 receptors. The major term, the 6-methyl
      1-(1,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-piperidinyl)-1,4-dihydrothieno[2',3'-4,5]cyclopenta[1,2
      c]pyrazole-3-carboxamide (6a), displayed a high affinity and good selectivity for
      CB2 receptors (Ki values of 2.30 nM for CB2 receptor and 440 nM for CB1 receptors
      respectively). Subsequent analogue preparation resulted in the identification of
      compounds such as 6b, 6d, 6e, 6k, 6l, 6m, 6s and 6t that showed 1.3-485 fold
      selectivity for CB2 receptors with potencies in the 1.1-7.2 nM range. These
      compounds profiled as full agonists at CB2 receptor in an inhibition assay of P
      ERK 1/2 up regulation in HL-60 cells. 

PMID- 25134065
TI  - Time-resolved spectroscopic and density functional theory study of the
      photochemistry of Irgacure-2959 in an aqueous solution.
AB  - The photocleavage reaction mechanism of 2-hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2
      methylpropiophenone (Irgacure-2959) was investigated using femtosecond (fs) and
      nanosecond (ns) transient absorption (-TA) spectroscopy and also picosecond (ps)
      and nanosecond (ns) time-resolved resonance Raman (-TR(3)) spectroscopy
      experiments in a water-rich (volume ratio of acetonitrile/water = 3:7) solution.
      TA spectroscopy was used to study the dynamics of the benzoyl radical growth and
      decay as well as to investigate the radical quenching process by the radical
      scavenger methyl acrylate. ps- and ns-TR(3) spectroscopies were employed to
      monitor the formation of the benzoyl radical and also to characterize its
      electronic and structural properties. The fs-TA experiments results indicate that
      the Irgacure-2959 lowest lying excited singlet state S1 underwent efficient
      intersystem crossing (ISC) to convert into its triplet state with a time constant
      of 4 ps. Subsequently, this triplet species dissociated into the benzoyl and
      alkyl radicals with a corresponding maximum absorption band at 415 nm. The TR(3)
      results in conjunction with results from DFT calculations confirmed that Irgacure
      2959 cleaved into the benzoyl and alkyl radicals at a fast rate on the tens of
      picosecond time scale. 

PMID- 25134067
TI  - Circulating PCSK9 levels correlate with the serum LDL cholesterol level in
      newborn infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Protein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type-9 (PCSK9) is a
      substantial player in lipoprotein metabolism. This study was designed to
      elucidate the role of PCSK9 in the regulation of lipoprotein during the fetal
      period. STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: This study was a cross-sectional study. Eighty
      one neonates (45 males, 36 females) who were admitted to the neonatal intensive
      care unit were enrolled in the study. The median age in gestational weeks and
      weight at birth were 37.1 weeks and 2493 g, respectively. There were no gender
      differences, but the proportion of infants who were small-for-gestational age
      (SGA) was significantly higher among females than males. The prefed serum PCSK9
      level was assayed with ELISA kits. RESULTS: The median PCSK9 concentration in
      male newborns was significantly lower than that in females (148.2 ng/ml vs. 171.4
      ng/ml, respectively, p<0.001). Circulating serum PCSK9 levels were positively
      correlated with total cholesterol (r=0.281, p<0.05) and low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL-C; r=0.272, p<0.05). However, there were no correlations between
      PCSK9 levels and birth weight, gestational age or SGA. Multivariate forward
      stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that gestational age and circulating
      PCSK9 levels were independent predictors of the serum LDL-C levels in newborn
      infants. CONCLUSION: Our first quantitative analysis of neonatal serum PCSK9
      levels at birth showed that circulating PCSK9 levels show gender-based
      differences and are significantly correlated with LDL-C. These results suggest
      that PCSK9 could play an important role in regulating LDL-C levels during the
      fetal period.

PMID- 25134068
TI  - Composite photothermal platform of polypyrrole-enveloped Fe3O4 nanoparticle self
      assembled superstructures.
AB  - Photothermal nanoplatforms with small size, low cost, multifunctionality, good
      biocompatibility and in particular biodegradability are greatly desired in the
      exploration of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies. Despite Fe3O4
      nanoparticles (NPs) have been approved as safe clinical agents, the low molar
      extinction coefficient and subsequent poor photothermal performance shed the
      doubt as effective photothermal materials. In this paper, we demonstrate the
      fabrication of polypyrrole (PPy)-enveloped Fe3O4 NP superstructures with a
      spherical morphology, which leads to a 300-fold increase in the molar extinction
      coefficient. The basic idea is the optimization of Fe3O4 electronic structures.
      By controlling the self-assembly of Fe3O4 NPs, the diameters of the
      superstructures are tuned from 32 to 64 nm. This significantly enhances the
      indirect transition and magnetic coupling of Fe ions, thus increasing the molar
      extinction coefficient of Fe3O4 NPs from 3.65 * 10(6) to 1.31 * 10(8) M(-1) cm(
      1) at 808 nm. The envelopment of Fe3O4 superstructures with conductive PPy shell
      introduces additional electrons in the Fe3O4 oscillation system, and therewith
      further enhances the molar extinction coefficient to 1.12 * 10(9) M(-1) cm(-1).
      As a result, the photothermal performance is greatly improved. Primary cell
      experiments indicate that PPy-enveloped Fe3O4 NP superstructures are low toxic,
      and capable to kill Hela cells under near-infrared laser irradiation. Owing to
      the low cost, good biocompatibility and biodegradability, the PPy-enveloped Fe3O4
      NP superstructures are promising photothermal platform for establishing novel
      diagnostic and therapeutic methods. 

PMID- 25134066
TI  - Fibril elongation by Abeta(17-42): kinetic network analysis of hybrid-resolution
      molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - A critical step of beta-amyloid fibril formation is fibril elongation in which
      amyloid-beta monomers undergo structural transitions to fibrillar structures upon
      their binding to fibril tips. The atomic detail of the structural transitions
      remains poorly understood. Computational characterization of the structural
      transitions is limited so far to short Abeta segments (5-10 aa) owing to the long
      time scale of Abeta fibril elongation. To overcome the computational time scale
      limit, we combined a hybrid-resolution model with umbrella sampling and replica
      exchange molecular dynamics and performed altogether ~1.3 ms of molecular
      dynamics simulations of fibril elongation for Abeta17-42. Kinetic network
      analysis of biased simulations resulted in a kinetic model that encompasses all
      Abeta segments essential for fibril formation. The model not only reproduces key
      properties of fibril elongation measured in experiments, including Abeta binding
      affinity, activation enthalpy of Abeta structural transitions and a large time
      scale gap (taulock/taudock = 10(3)-10(4)) between Abeta binding and its
      structural transitions, but also reveals detailed pathways involving structural
      transitions not seen before, namely, fibril formation both in hydrophobic regions
      L17-A21 and G37-A42 preceding fibril formation in hydrophilic region E22-A30.
      Moreover, the model identifies as important kinetic intermediates strand-loop
      strand (SLS) structures of Abeta monomers, long suspected to be related to fibril
      elongation. The kinetic model suggests further that fibril elongation arises
      faster at the fibril tip with exposed L17-A21, rather than at the other tip,
      explaining thereby unidirectional fibril growth observed previously in
      experiments. 

PMID- 25134069
TI  - Active Commuting by Bicycle: Results of an Educational Intervention Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an
      educational intervention on active commuting by bicycle. METHODS: An intervention
      study with workers from a metallurgical industry in Santa Catarina state, Brazil
      was carried out in 2011. A total of 464 individuals were placed in the
      intervention group (IG) and 468 in the control group (CG). The intervention
      consisted of strategies based on the transtheoretical model and stages of
      behavior change. The intervention group took part in activities for 6 months,
      including 23 meetings. The statistical analysis included intergroup comparison
      (IG * CG) at baseline and after the intervention. Intragroup analysis was
      performed 6 months after the intervention. Student's t-test, chi-square, and
      McNemar tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Of the original total, 876
      individuals (94%) participated in the study. The proportion of participants that
      used bicycles to commute to work (IG) increased significantly from baseline
      (45.3%) to the final interventional period (47.5%). No difference was found
      between the CG and the IG group after the interventional period. CONCLUSION: We
      suggest taking these findings into consideration in further studies to understand
      better the role of educational intervention on active commuting by bicycle.

PMID- 25134070
TI  - Posthumous gamete retrieval and reproduction: would the deceased spouse consent?
AB  - Policy and medical decision-making has been hindered by the absence of reliable
      data on attitudes toward having one's own gametes retrieved posthumously and used
      to produce a child in the event of an untimely death. The purpose of this study
      is to directly and empirically examine whether the presumption against consent is
      justified in the case of posthumous gamete retrieval following sudden death.
      Respondents (N=2064) were contacted using a random-digit dialing method that gave
      every household telephone in the continental United States an equal probability
      of being contacted, and were asked: "Suppose you were to experience an early
      death and your spouse wanted to have a biological child with you. Would you or
      would you not want your spouse to be able to use your sperm/eggs following your
      death to have a child with you?" Among reproductive age respondents (18-44
      years), 70% of males and 58% of females wanted their spouse to be able to use
      their gametes and, for the most part, attitudes were fairly consistent across
      demographic characteristics. Religiosity was the best predictor of attitudes-
      those who described themselves as more religious were less likely to desire
      posthumous gamete retrieval--but the majority (58%) of respondents who were very
      religious approved of retrieval. Overall, these data indicate that abandoning the
      prevailing presumption against consent in favor of a presumption of consent on
      the part of the deceased will result in the deceased's wishes being honored two
      and three times more often for females and males, respectively. Three main
      arguments against a presumption of consent in this context are discussed:
      autonomy of the deceased, conflict of interest, and the decision-making capacity
      of a grieving spouse.

PMID- 25134071
TI  - Parent-adolescent joint projects involving leisure time and activities during the
      transition to high school.
AB  - Leisure research to date has generally overlooked planning and organizing of
      leisure time and activities between parents and adolescents. This investigation
      examined how a sample of Canadian adolescents and their parents jointly
      constructed and acted on goals related to adolescents' leisure time during the
      move from elementary to high school. Using the Qualitative Action-Project Method,
      data were collected over an 8-10 month period from 26 parent-adolescent dyads
      located in two urban sites, through video-taped conversations about leisure time,
      video recall interviews, and telephone monitoring interviews. Analysis of the
      data revealed that the joint projects of the 26 dyads could be grouped into three
      clusters: a) governance transfer or attempts to shift, from parent to adolescent,
      responsibility over academic demands, organizing leisure time, and safety with
      peers, b) balancing extra-curricular activities with family life, academics, and
      social activities, and c) relationship adjustment or maintenance. 

PMID- 25134072
TI  - Thinking about the past, present and future in adolescents growing up in
      Children's Homes.
AB  - The present study tested the hypothesis that adolescents growing up in Children's
      Homes differ from adolescents growing up in a family environment in how they
      think about their past, present and future, in the way they make decisions about
      future events and rewards, and in their levels of empathy and perspective taking.
      The participants were 40 adolescents from Children's Homes in Budapest, Hungary,
      and 40 age- and gender-matched controls. Group differences were found in
      participants' past and present time perspectives, and girls from Children's Homes
      showed reduced consistency in their plans for the future. Additionally, gender
      differences emerged in empathy, perspective taking, and in participants' present
      and future time perspectives. We discuss the implications of our findings for
      interventions to improve the future prospects of adolescents in Children's Homes.

PMID- 25134073
TI  - The differential impact of a classroom-based, alcohol harm reduction
      intervention, on adolescents with different alcohol use experiences: a multi
      level growth modelling analysis.
AB  - While evidence has accumulated suggesting that prevention initiatives may have a
      limited impact on alcohol use behaviour, reviews suggest that interventions with
      most potential for behavioural change are interactive and developmental in
      design. The School Health and Alcohol Harm Reduction Project (SHAHRP) is an
      example of such an intervention. Researchers are increasingly attempting to
      understand the differential effects of programmes in population subgroups. The
      present study is a secondary analysis of data from a non-randomised trial of
      SHAHRP, a classroom-based alcohol education intervention, involving school
      children (aged 13-16 years old) in the United Kingdom. Results showed that there
      were significant positive changes in knowledge about and attitudes towards
      alcohol in baseline abstainers, supervised drinkers and unsupervised drinkers.
      Significant positive behavioural effects in terms of amounts consumed, frequency
      of drinking and self-reported alcohol related harms, were observed almost
      exclusively among baseline unsupervised drinkers. These behavioural effects
      support those previously observed in Australia and suggest that the intervention
      is a viable health promotion tool in the UK. 

PMID- 25134074
TI  - Effects of Active Video Games on Energy Expenditure in Adults: A Systematic
      Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to estimate the mean difference in
      energy expenditure (EE) in healthy adults between playing active video games
      (AVGs) compared with traditional video games (TVGs) or rest. METHODS: A
      systematic search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, and Academic
      Search Premier between 1998 and April 2012 for relevant keywords, yielding 15
      studies. EE and heart rate (HR) data were extracted, and random effects meta
      analysis was performed. RESULTS: EE during AVG play was 1.81 (95% CI, 1.29-2.34;
      I2 = 94.2%) kcal/kg/hr higher, or about 108 kcal higher per hour for a 60-kg
      person, compared with TVG play. Mean HR was 21 (95% CI, 13.7-28.3; I2 = 93.4%)
      beats higher per minute during AVG play compared with TVG play. There was wide
      variation in the EE and HR estimates across studies because different games were
      evaluated. Overall metabolic equivalent associated with AVG play was 2.62 (95%
      CI, 2.25-3.00; I2 = 99.2%), equivalent to a light activity level. Most studies
      had low risk of bias due to proper study design and use of indirect calorimetry
      to measure EE. CONCLUSION: AVGs may be used to replace sedentary screen time (eg,
      television watching or TVG play) with light activity in healthy adults.

PMID- 25134075
TI  - Motor imagery is less efficient in adults with probable developmental
      coordination disorder: evidence from the hand rotation task.
AB  - The present study aimed to provide preliminary insight into the integrity of
      motor imagery (MI) in adults with probable developmental coordination disorder
      (pDCD). Based on a strong body of evidence indicating that paediatric samples of
      DCD often experience difficulties engaging MI, we hypothesised that young adults
      with pDCD would demonstrate similar difficulties. The performance of 12 young
      adults (19-35 years) with pDCD was compared to 47 age-matched controls on a
      traditional mental hand rotation task. Mean inverse efficiency scores were
      generated for each participant by dividing each participant's mean RT by their
      proportion of correct responses at each of the stimuli presentation conditions.
      Preliminary analysis revealed that the performance profiles of individuals with
      pDCD and age-matched controls showed evidence of being constrained by the
      biomechanical and postural constraints of real movement, suggesting that both
      groups engaged in an embodied (MI) strategy to complete the task. Despite
      engaging in a MI strategy, however, young adults with pDCD were nonetheless
      significantly less efficient when doing so, shown by significant main effects for
      group on all group efficiency comparisons. Based on the assumption that MI
      provides insight into the internal 'neural' action representation that precedes
      action, we argue that the less efficient MI performance demonstrated by young
      adults with pDCD may indicate inefficiencies engaging or implementing internal
      action representations. Implications and directions for future research are
      discussed. 

PMID- 25134076
TI  - Differences between late preterm and full-term infants: comparing effects of a
      short bout of practice on early reaching behavior.
AB  - This study compared the effects of a short bout of practice on reaching behavior
      between late preterm and full-term infants at the onset of goal-directed
      reaching. Twelve late preterm infants and twelve full-term infants received
      reaching practice based on a serial schedule. Late preterm and full-term infants
      were assessed in 3.3+/-1.4 and 2.6+/-1.0 days after the onset of goal-directed
      reaching in two measures in a single day: immediately before practice (pre-test)
      and immediately after practice (post-test). During the assessments, the infants
      were placed in a baby chair and a rubber toy was presented at their midline
      within reaching distance for 2 min. Between assessments, the infants received
      practice of toy-oriented reaching in 3 activities repeated for approximately 4
      min. The activities were elicited in a pre-established serial sequence and were
      applied by a physical therapist. During the pre-test, late preterm infants
      presented lower range of proximal adjustments, greater proportion of reaches with
      semi-open hand, and greater proportion of reaches without grasping than the full
      term infants. During the post-test, late preterm infants presented greater motor
      variability of proximal adjustments, but explored and selected distal control and
      grasping outcomes less compared to the full-term group. Differences in reaching
      and gross motor behavior between late preterm and full-term infants can be found
      at the age of reaching onset. Practice provided new opportunities for late
      preterm infants to improve perception-action coupling to reach; however, relative
      to full-terms, they seemed less advanced in benefiting from the experience for
      more refined manual tasks.

PMID- 25134079
TI  - Image search reranking with query-dependent click-based relevance feedback.
AB  - Our goal is to boost text-based image search results via image reranking. There
      are diverse modalities (features) of images that we can leverage for reranking,
      however, the effects of different modalities are query-dependent. The primary
      challenge we face is how to fuse multiple modalities adaptively for different
      queries, which has often been overlooked in previous reranking research.
      Moreover, multimodality fusion without an understanding of the query is risky,
      and may lead to incorrect judgment in reranking. Therefore, to obtain the best
      fusion weights for the query, in this paper, we leverage click-through data,
      which can be viewed as an "implicit" user feedback and an effective means of
      understanding the query. A novel reranking algorithm, called click-based
      relevance feedback, is proposed. This algorithm emphasizes the successful use of
      click-through data for identifying user search intention, while leveraging
      multiple kernel learning algorithm to adaptively learn the query-dependent fusion
      weights for multiple modalities. We conduct experiments on a real-world data set
      collected from a commercial search engine with click-through data. Encouraging
      experimental results demonstrate that our proposed reranking approach can
      significantly improve the NDCG@10 of the initial search results by 11.62%, and
      can outperform several existing approaches for most kinds of queries, such as
      tail, middle, and top queries. 

PMID- 25134078
TI  - Accelerated phase-cycled SSFP imaging with compressed sensing.
AB  - Balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) imaging suffers from irrecoverable
      signal losses, known as banding artifacts, in regions of large B0 field
      inhomogeneity. A common solution is to acquire multiple phase-cycled images each
      with a different frequency sensitivity, such that the location of banding
      artifacts are shifted in space. These images are then combined to alleviate
      signal loss across the entire field-of-view. Although high levels of artifact
      suppression are viable using a large number of images, this is a time costly
      process that limits clinical utility. Here, we propose to accelerate individual
      acquisitions such that the overall scan time is equal to that of a single SSFP
      acquisition. Aliasing artifacts and noise are minimized by using a variable
      density random sampling pattern in k-space, and by generating disjoint sampling
      patterns for separate acquisitions. A sparsity-enforcing method is then used for
      image reconstruction. Demonstrations on realistic brain phantom images, and in
      vivo brain and knee images are provided. In all cases, the proposed technique
      enables robust SSFP imaging in the presence of field inhomogeneities without
      prolonging scan times.

PMID- 25134080
TI  - Advanced screen content coding using color table and index map.
AB  - This paper presents an advanced screen content coding solution using color table
      and index map (cTIM) method. This cTIM scheme is implemented in the range
      extensions of high-efficiency video coding (HEVC-RExt) as an additional tool of
      intracoding to complement conventional spatial angular prediction to better
      exploit the screen content redundancy. For each coding unit, a number of major
      colors will be selected to form the color table, then the original pixel block is
      translated to the corresponding index map. A 1D or hybrid 1D/2D string match
      scheme is introduced to derive matched pairs of index map for better compression.
      Leveraging the color distribution similarity between neighboring image blocks,
      color table merge is developed to carry it implicitly. For those blocks that
      color table has to be signaled explicitly, intertable color sharing and
      intratable color differential predictive coding are applied to reduce the
      signaling overhead. Extensive experiments have been performed and they have
      demonstrated the significant coding efficiency improvement over conventional HEVC
      RExt, resulting in 26%, 18%, and 15% bit rate reduction at lossless case and 23%,
      19%, and 13% Bjontegaard Delta-rate improvement at lossy scenario of typical
      screen content with text and graphics, for respective all intra, random access,
      and low-delay using B picture encoder settings. Detailed performance study and
      complexity analysis (as well as the comparison with other algorithms) have been
      included as well to evidence the efficiency of proposed algorithm. 

PMID- 25134081
TI  - Face super-resolution via multilayer locality-constrained iterative neighbor
      embedding and intermediate dictionary learning.
AB  - Based on the assumption that low-resolution (LR) and high-resolution (HR)
      manifolds are locally isometric, the neighbor embedding super-resolution
      algorithms try to preserve the geometry (reconstruction weights) of the LR space
      for the reconstructed HR space, but neglect the geometry of the original HR
      space. Due to the degradation process of the LR image (e.g., noisy, blurred, and
      down-sampled), the neighborhood relationship of the LR space cannot reflect the
      truth. To this end, this paper proposes a coarse-to-fine face super-resolution
      approach via a multilayer locality-constrained iterative neighbor embedding
      technique, which intends to represent the input LR patch while preserving the
      geometry of original HR space. In particular, we iteratively update the LR patch
      representation and the estimated HR patch, and meanwhile an intermediate
      dictionary learning scheme is employed to bridge the LR manifold and original HR
      manifold. The proposed method can faithfully capture the intrinsic image
      degradation shift and enhance the consistency between the reconstructed HR
      manifold and the original HR manifold. Experiments with application to face super
      resolution on the CAS-PEAL-R1 database and real-world images demonstrate the
      power of the proposed algorithm. 

PMID- 25134082
TI  - Practical signal-dependent noise parameter estimation from a single noisy image.
AB  - The additive white Gaussian noise is widely assumed in many image processing
      algorithms. However, in the real world, the noise from actual cameras is better
      modeled as signal-dependent noise (SDN). In this paper, we focus on the SDN model
      and propose an algorithm to automatically estimate its parameters from a single
      noisy image. The proposed algorithm identifies the noise level function of signal
      dependent noise assuming the generalized signal-dependent noise model and is also
      applicable to the Poisson-Gaussian noise model. The accuracy is achieved by
      improved estimation of local mean and local noise variance from the selected low
      rank patches. We evaluate the proposed algorithm with both synthetic and real
      noisy images. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed estimation algorithm
      outperforms the state-of-the-art methods. 

PMID- 25134083
TI  - Automatic segmentation of mitochondria in EM data using pairwise affinity
      factorization and graph-based contour searching.
AB  - In this paper, we investigate the segmentation of closed contours in subcellular
      data using a framework that primarily combines the pairwise affinity grouping
      principles with a graph partitioning contour searching approach. One salient
      problem that precluded the application of these methods to large scale
      segmentation problems is the onerous computational complexity required to
      generate comprehensive representations that include all pairwise relationships
      between all pixels in the input data. To compensate for this problem, a practical
      solution is to reduce the complexity of the input data by applying an over
      segmentation technique prior to the application of the computationally demanding
      strands of the segmentation process. This approach opens the opportunity to build
      specific shape and intensity models that can be successfully employed to extract
      the salient structures in the input image which are further processed to identify
      the cycles in an undirected graph. The proposed framework has been applied to the
      segmentation of mitochondria membranes in electron microscopy data which are
      characterized by low contrast and low signal-to-noise ratio. The algorithm has
      been quantitatively evaluated using two datasets where the segmentation results
      have been compared with the corresponding manual annotations. The performance of
      the proposed algorithm has been measured using standard metrics, such as
      precision and recall, and the experimental results indicate a high level of
      segmentation accuracy.

PMID- 25134084
TI  - An assistive control approach for a lower-limb exoskeleton to facilitate recovery
      of walking following stroke.
AB  - This paper presents a control approach for a lower-limb exoskeleton intended to
      facilitate recovery of walking in individuals with lower-extremity hemiparesis
      after stroke. The authors hypothesize that such recovery is facilitated by
      allowing the patient rather than the exoskeleton to provide movement
      coordination. As such, an assistive controller that provides walking assistance
      without dictating the spatiotemporal nature of joint movement is described here.
      Following a description of the control laws and finite state structure of the
      controller, the authors present the results of an experimental implementation and
      preliminary validation of the control approach, in which the control architecture
      was implemented on a lower limb exoskeleton, and the exoskeleton implemented in
      an experimental protocol on three subjects with hemiparesis following stroke. In
      a series of sessions in which each patient used the exoskeleton, all patients
      showed substantial single-session improvements in all measured gait outcomes,
      presumably as a result of using the assistive controller and exoskeleton. 

PMID- 25134085
TI  - FORCe: Fully Online and Automated Artifact Removal for Brain-Computer
      Interfacing.
AB  - A fully automated and online artifact removal method for the electroencephalogram
      (EEG) is developed for use in brain-computer interfacing (BCI). The method
      (FORCe) is based upon a novel combination of wavelet decomposition, independent
      component analysis, and thresholding. FORCe is able to operate on a small channel
      set during online EEG acquisition and does not require additional signals (e.g.,
      electrooculogram signals). Evaluation of FORCe is performed offline on EEG
      recorded from 13 BCI particpants with cerebral palsy (CP) and online with three
      healthy participants. The method outperforms the state-of the-art automated
      artifact removal methods Lagged Auto-Mutual Information Clustering (LAMIC) and
      Fully Automated Statistical Thresholding for EEG artifact Rejection (FASTER), and
      is able to remove a wide range of artifact types including blink, electromyogram
      (EMG), and electrooculogram (EOG) artifacts. 

PMID- 25134086
TI  - Guest editorial. Special section on molecular communication.

PMID- 25134087
TI  - Real-time emulator for reproducing graded potentials in vertebrate retina.
AB  - In most parts of the retina, neuronal circuits process visual signals represented
      by slowly changing membrane potentials, or so-called graded potentials. A
      feasible approach to speculate about the functional roles of retinal neuronal
      circuits is to reproduce the graded potentials of retinal neurons in response to
      natural scenes. In this study, we developed a simulation platform for reproducing
      graded potentials with the following features: real-time reproduction of retinal
      neural activities in response to natural scenes, a configurable model structure,
      and compact hardware. The spatio-temporal properties of neurons were emulated
      efficiently by a mixed analog-digital architecture that consisted of analog
      resistive networks and a field-programmable gate array. The neural activities on
      sustained and transient pathways were emulated from 128 * 128 inputs at 200
      frames per second. 

PMID- 25134088
TI  - 30 pJ/b, 67 Mbps, Centimeter-to-Meter Range Data Telemetry With an IR-UWB
      Wireless Link.
AB  - This paper reports an energy-efficient, impulse radio ultra wideband (IR-UWB)
      wireless link operating in 3-5 GHz for data telemetry over centimeter-to-meter
      range distances at rates extended to tens of Mbps. The link comprises an all
      digital, integrated transmitter (TX) fabricated in 90 nm 1P/9M CMOS that
      incorporates a waveform-synthesis pulse generator and a timing generator for on
      off-keying (OOK) pulse modulation and phase scrambling. The link also
      incorporates an energy-detection receiver (RX) realized with commercial off-the
      shelf (COTS) components that performs radio-frequency (RF) filtering,
      amplification, logarithmic power detection for data demodulation and automatic
      level control for robust operation in the presence of distance variations.
      Employing a miniaturized, UWB, chip antenna for the TX and RX, wireless
      transmission of pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) data at rates up to 50 Mbps
      over 10 cm-1 m is shown. Further, employing a high-gain horn antenna for the RX,
      wireless transmission of PRBS data at rates up to 67 Mbps over 50 cm-4 m is shown
      with a TX energy consumption of 30 pJ/b (i.e., power consumption of 2 mW) from
      1.2 V. The measured bit error rate (BER) in both cases is < 10(-7) . Results from
      wireless recording of the background current of a carbon-fiber microelectrode
      (CFM) in one fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) scan using the IR-UWB link are
      also included, exhibiting excellent match with those obtained from a conventional
      frequency-shift-keyed (FSK) link at ~433 MHz.

PMID- 25134089
TI  - An Implantable Versatile Electrode-Driving ASIC for Chronic Epidural Stimulation
      in Rats.
AB  - This paper presents the design and testing of an electrode driving application
      specific integrated circuit (ASIC) intended for epidural spinal cord electrical
      stimulation in rats. The ASIC can deliver up to 1 mA fully programmable
      monophasic or biphasic stimulus current pulses, to 13 electrodes selected in any
      possible configuration. It also supports interleaved stimulation. Communication
      is achieved via only 3 wires. The current source and the control of the
      stimulation timing were kept off-chip to reduce the heat dissipation close to the
      spinal cord. The ASIC was designed in a 0.18- MUm high voltage CMOS process. Its
      output voltage compliance can be up to 25 V. It features a small core area
      (<;0.36 mm(2)) and consumes a maximum of 114 MUW during a full stimulation cycle.
      The layout of the ASIC was developed to be suitable for integration on the
      epidural electrode array, and two different versions were fabricated and
      electrically tested. Results from both versions were almost indistinguishable.
      The performance of the system was verified for different loads and stimulation
      parameters. Its suitability to drive a passive epidural 12-electrode array in
      saline has also been demonstrated. 

PMID- 25134090
TI  - A New Fully Differential CMOS Capacitance to Digital Converter for Lab-on-Chip
      Applications.
AB  - In this paper, we present a new differential CMOS capacitive sensor for Lab-on
      Chip applications. The proposed integrated sensor features a DC-input SigmaDelta
      capacitance to digital converter (CDC) and two reference and sensing
      microelectrodes integrated on the top most metal layer in 0.35 MUm CMOS process.
      Herein, we describe a readout circuitry with a programmable clocking strategy
      using a Charge Based Capacitance Measurement technique. The simulation and
      experimental results demonstrate a high capacitive dynamic range of 100 fF-110
      fF, the sensitivity of 350 mV/fF and the minimum detectable capacitance variation
      of as low as 10 aF. We also demonstrate and discuss the use of this device for
      environmental applications through various chemical solvents. 

PMID- 25134091
TI  - FREL: A Stable Feature Selection Algorithm.
AB  - Two factors characterize a good feature selection algorithm: its accuracy and
      stability. This paper aims at introducing a new approach to stable feature
      selection algorithms. The innovation of this paper centers on a class of stable
      feature selection algorithms called feature weighting as regularized energy-based
      learning (FREL). Stability properties of FREL using L1 or L2 regularization are
      investigated. In addition, as a commonly adopted implementation strategy for
      enhanced stability, an ensemble FREL is proposed. A stability bound for the
      ensemble FREL is also presented. Our experiments using open source real
      microarray data, which are challenging high dimensionality small sample size
      problems demonstrate that our proposed ensemble FREL is not only stable but also
      achieves better or comparable accuracy than some other popular stable feature
      weighting methods. 

PMID- 25134092
TI  - Nonlinear Topological Component Analysis: Application to Age-Invariant Face
      Recognition.
AB  - We introduce a novel formalism that performs dimensionality reduction and
      captures topological features (such as the shape of the observed data) to conduct
      pattern classification. This mission is achieved by: 1) reducing the dimension of
      the observed variables through a kernelized radial basis function technique and
      expressing the latent variables probability distribution in terms of the observed
      variables; 2) disclosing the data manifold as a 3-D polyhedron via the alpha 
      shape constructor and extracting topological features; and 3) classifying a data
      set using a mixture of multinomial distributions. We have applied our methodology
      to the problem of age-invariant face recognition. Experimental results obtained
      demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methodology named nonlinear
      topological component analysis when compared with some state-of-the-art
      approaches. 

PMID- 25134093
TI  - On Equivalence of FIS and ELM for Interpretable Rule-Based Knowledge
      Representation.
AB  - This paper presents a fuzzy extreme learning machine (F-ELM) that embeds fuzzy
      membership functions and rules into the hidden layer of extreme learning machine
      (ELM). Similar to the concept of ELM that employed the random initialization
      technique, three parameters of F-ELM are randomly assigned. They are the standard
      deviation of the membership functions, matrix-C (rule-combination matrix), and
      matrix-D [don't care (DC) matrix]. Fuzzy if-then rules are formulated by the rule
      combination Matrix of F-ELM, and a DC approach is adopted to minimize the number
      of input attributes in the rules. Furthermore, F-ELM utilizes the output weights
      of the ELM to form the target class and confidence factor for each of the rules.
      This is to indicate that the corresponding consequent parameters are determined
      analytically. The operations of F-ELM are equivalent to a fuzzy inference system.
      Several benchmark data sets and a real world fault detection and diagnosis
      problem have been used to empirically evaluate the efficacy of the proposed F-ELM
      in handling pattern classification tasks. The results show that the accuracy
      rates of F-ELM are comparable (if not superior) to ELM with distinctive ability
      of providing explicit knowledge in the form of interpretable rule base. 

PMID- 25134094
TI  - Incremental Support Vector Learning for Ordinal Regression.
AB  - Support vector ordinal regression (SVOR) is a popular method to tackle ordinal
      regression problems. However, until now there were no effective algorithms
      proposed to address incremental SVOR learning due to the complicated formulations
      of SVOR. Recently, an interesting accurate on-line algorithm was proposed for
      training nu -support vector classification (nu-SVC), which can handle a quadratic
      formulation with a pair of equality constraints. In this paper, we first present
      a modified SVOR formulation based on a sum-of-margins strategy. The formulation
      has multiple constraints, and each constraint includes a mixture of an equality
      and an inequality. Then, we extend the accurate on-line nu-SVC algorithm to the
      modified formulation, and propose an effective incremental SVOR algorithm. The
      algorithm can handle a quadratic formulation with multiple constraints, where
      each constraint is constituted of an equality and an inequality. More
      importantly, it tackles the conflicts between the equality and inequality
      constraints. We also provide the finite convergence analysis for the algorithm.
      Numerical experiments on the several benchmark and real-world data sets show that
      the incremental algorithm can converge to the optimal solution in a finite number
      of steps, and is faster than the existing batch and incremental SVOR algorithms.
      Meanwhile, the modified formulation has better accuracy than the existing
      incremental SVOR algorithm, and is as accurate as the sum-of-margins based
      formulation of Shashua and Levin.

PMID- 25134095
TI  - Adaptive NN Control of a Class of Nonlinear Systems With Asymmetric Saturation
      Actuators.
AB  - In this note, adaptive neural network (NN) control is investigated for a class of
      uncertain nonlinear systems with asymmetric saturation actuators and external
      disturbances. To handle the effect of nonsmooth asymmetric saturation
      nonlinearity, a Gaussian error function-based continuous differentiable
      asymmetric saturation model is employed such that the backstepping technique can
      be used in the control design. The explosion of complexity in traditional
      backstepping design is avoided using dynamic surface control. Using radial basis
      function NN, adaptive control is developed to guarantee that all the signals in
      the closed-loop system are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded, and the
      tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of origin by appropriately
      choosing design constants. The effectiveness of the proposed control is
      demonstrated in the simulation study. 

PMID- 25134096
TI  - Clause states based configuration checking in local search for satisfiability.
AB  - Two-mode stochastic local search (SLS) and focused random walk (FRW) are the two
      most influential paradigms of SLS algorithms for the propositional satisfiability
      (SAT) problem. Recently, an interesting idea called configuration checking (CC)
      was proposed to handle the cycling problem in SLS. The CC idea has been
      successfully used to improve SLS algorithms for SAT, resulting in state-of-the
      art solvers. Previous CC strategies for SAT are based on neighboring variables,
      and prove successful in two-mode SLS algorithms. However, this kind of
      neighboring variables based CC strategy is not suitable for improving FRW
      algorithms. In this paper, we propose a new CC strategy which is based on clause
      states. We apply this clause states based CC (CSCC) strategy to both two-mode SLS
      and FRW paradigms. Our experiments show that the CSCC strategy is effective on
      both paradigms. Furthermore, our developed FRW algorithms based on CSCC achieve
      state-of-the-art performance on a broad range of random SAT benchmarks. 

PMID- 25134097
TI  - Rating knowledge sharing in cross-domain collaborative filtering.
AB  - Cross-domain collaborative filtering (CF) aims to share common rating knowledge
      across multiple related CF domains to boost the CF performance. In this paper, we
      view CF domains as a 2-D site-time coordinate system, on which multiple related
      domains, such as similar recommender sites or successive time-slices, can share
      group-level rating patterns. We propose a unified framework for cross-domain CF
      over the site-time coordinate system by sharing group-level rating patterns and
      imposing user/item dependence across domains. A generative model, say ratings
      over site-time (ROST), which can generate and predict ratings for multiple
      related CF domains, is developed as the basic model for the framework. We further
      introduce cross-domain user/item dependence into ROST and extend it to two real
      world cross-domain CF scenarios: 1) ROST (sites) for alleviating rating sparsity
      in the target domain, where multiple similar sites are viewed as related CF
      domains and some items in the target domain depend on their correspondences in
      the related ones; and 2) ROST (time) for modeling user-interest drift over time,
      where a series of time-slices are viewed as related CF domains and a user at
      current time-slice depends on herself in the previous time-slice. All these ROST
      models are instances of the proposed unified framework. The experimental results
      show that ROST (sites) can effectively alleviate the sparsity problem to improve
      rating prediction performance and ROST (time) can clearly track and visualize
      user-interest drift over time. 

PMID- 25134098
TI  - Operating to remove recurrent colorectal cancer: have we got it right?

PMID- 25134099
TI  - Anteroposterior left vertebral angiogram.

PMID- 25134102
TI  - Ecological studies: advantages and disadvantages.

PMID- 25134100
TI  - Long term maintenance of weight loss with non-surgical interventions in obese
      adults: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and describe currently available approaches
      to supporting maintenance of weight loss in obese adults and to assess the
      evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions. DESIGN: Systematic review
      with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were identified
      through to January 2014. Randomised trials of interventions to maintain weight
      loss provided to initially obese adults (aged >= 18) after weight loss of >= 5%
      body weight with long term (>= 12 months) follow-up of weight change (main
      outcome) were included. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS: Potential studies were
      screened independently and in duplicate; study characteristics and outcomes were
      extracted. Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the effects of interventions
      on weight loss maintenance with the inverse variance method and a random effects
      model. Results are presented as mean differences in weight change, with 95%
      confidence intervals. RESULTS: 45 trials involving 7788 individuals were
      included. Behavioural interventions focusing on both food intake and physical
      activity resulted in an average difference of -1.56 kg (95% confidence interval 
      2.27 to -0.86 kg; 25 comparisons, 2949 participants) in weight regain compared
      with controls at 12 months. Orlistat combined with behavioural interventions
      resulted in a -1.80 kg (-2.54 to -1.06; eight comparisons, 1738 participants)
      difference compared with placebo at 12 months. All orlistat studies reported
      higher frequencies of adverse gastrointestinal events in the experimental
      compared with placebo control groups. A dose-response relation for orlistat
      treatment was found, with 120 mg doses three times a day leading to greater
      weight loss maintenance (-2.34 kg, -3.03 to -1.65) compared with 60 mg and 30 mg
      three times a day (-0.70 kg, 95% confidence interval -1.92 to 0.52), P=0.02.
      CONCLUSIONS: Behavioural interventions that deal with both diet and physical
      activity show small but significant benefits on weight loss maintenance.

PMID- 25134103
TI  - Why schools should promote students' health and wellbeing.

PMID- 25134101
TI  - Quantification of risk factors for herpes zoster: population based case-control
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effects of possible risk factors for herpes zoster at
      different ages. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: UK Clinical Practice
      Research Datalink primary care data. PARTICIPANTS: 144 959 adults diagnosed with
      zoster between 2000 and 2011; 549,336 age, sex, and practice matched controls.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Conditional logistic regression was used to generate
      adjusted odds ratios to estimate the strength of association of each potential
      risk factor with zoster and assess effect modification by age. RESULTS: The
      median age of the cases and controls was 62 years. Factors associated with
      increased risk of zoster included rheumatoid arthritis (3111 (2.1%) v 8029
      (1.5%); adjusted odds ratio 1.46, 99% confidence interval 1.38 to 1.55),
      inflammatory bowel disease (1851 (1.3%) v 5118 (0.9%); 1.36, 1.26 to 1.46),
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (6815 (4.7%) v 20 201 (3.7%); 1.32, 1.27 to
      1.37), asthma (10 243 (7.1%) v 31 865 (5.8%); 1.21, 1.17 to 1.25), chronic kidney
      disease (8724 (6.0%) v 29 437 (5.4%); 1.14, 1.09 to 1.18), and depression (6830
      (4.7%) v 22 052 (4.0%); 1.15, 1.10 to 1.20). Type 1, but not type 2, diabetes
      showed some association with zoster (adjusted odds ratio 1.27, 1.07 to 1.50). The
      relative effects of many assessed risk factors were larger in younger patients.
      Patients with severely immunosuppressive conditions were at greatest risk of
      zoster-for example, patients with lymphoma (adjusted odds ratio 3.90, 3.21 to
      4.74) and myeloma (2.16, 1.84 to 2.53), who are not eligible for zoster
      vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: A range of conditions were associated with increased
      risk of zoster. In general, the increased risk was proportionally greater in
      younger age groups. Current vaccines are contraindicated in people at the
      greatest risk of zoster, highlighting the need for alternative risk reduction
      strategies in these groups.

PMID- 25134104
TI  - A student with macrocytic anaemia.

PMID- 25134105
TI  - AMA data operation makes millions, even monitors non-members.

PMID- 25134106
TI  - The "Saatchi bill" is mistargeted and will put vulnerable patients at risk.

PMID- 25134107
TI  - The "Saatchi bill" will cause serious problems for the medical profession.

PMID- 25134108
TI  - The Saatchi gamble that law will drive creativity in medicine.

PMID- 25134109
TI  - "Saatchi bill": legal hurdles and clinical irrelevance.

PMID- 25134110
TI  - Maintenance treatment for adults with chronic asthma.

PMID- 25134111
TI  - No medical innovation without accessible documentation.

PMID- 25134112
TI  - Author's reply to Poole, Conway, Bewley, Sundar, and Chalmers and Firkins.

PMID- 25134113
TI  - The need for initial specialist assessment in suspected dementia.

PMID- 25134114
TI  - The difficulty and dangers of diagnosing dementia.

PMID- 25134115
TI  - Power imbalance prevents shared decision making.

PMID- 25134116
TI  - Financing for health in India.

PMID- 25134118
TI  - What is a crossover trial?

PMID- 25134119
TI  - Achieving quality of care in dementia by appropriate and timely diagnosis.

PMID- 25134117
TI  - Effects of nutritional supplementation for HIV patients starting antiretroviral
      treatment: randomised controlled trial in Ethiopia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of lipid based nutritional supplements with
      either whey or soy protein in patients with HIV during the first three months of
      antiretroviral treatment (ART) and to explore effects of timing by comparing
      supplementation at the start of ART and after three months delay. DESIGN:
      Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Three public ART facilities in Jimma,
      Oromia region, Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with HIV eligible for ART with body
      mass index (BMI) >16. INTERVENTION: Daily supplementation with 200 g (4600 kJ) of
      supplement containing whey or soy during either the first three or the subsequent
      three months of ART. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary: lean body mass assessed with
      deuterium dilution, grip strength measured with dynamometers, and physical
      activity measured with accelerometer and heart rate monitors. Secondary: viral
      load and CD4 counts. Auxiliary: weight and CD3 and CD8 counts. RESULTS: Of 318
      patients enrolled, 210 (66%) were women, mean age was 33 (SD 9), and mean BMI was
      19.5 (SD 2.4). At three months, participants receiving the supplements containing
      whey or soy had increased their lean body mass by 0.85 kg (95% confidence
      interval 0.16 kg to 1.53 kg) and 0.97 kg (0.29 kg to 1.64 kg), respectively, more
      than controls. This was accompanied by an increased gain of grip strength of 0.68
      kg (-0.11 kg to 1.46 kg) for the whey supplement group and 0.93 kg (0.16 kg to
      1.70 kg) for the soy supplement group. There were no effects on physical
      activity. Total weight gain increased by 2.05 kg (1.12 kg to 2.99 kg) and 2.06 kg
      (1.14 kg to 2.97 kg) for the whey and soy groups, respectively. In addition, in
      the whey supplement group overall CD3 counts improved by 150 cells/uL (24 to 275
      cells/uL), of which 112 cells/uL (15 to 209 cells/uL) were CD8 and 25 cells/uL (
      2 to 53 cells/uL) were CD4. Effects of the soy containing supplement on immune
      recovery were not significant. The effects of the two supplements, however, were
      not significantly different in direct comparison. Exploratory analysis showed
      that relatively more lean body mass was gained by patients with undetectable
      viral load at three months. Patients receiving delayed supplementation had higher
      weight gain but lower gains in functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid based
      nutritional supplements improved gain of weight, lean body mass, and grip
      strength in patients with HIV starting ART. Supplements containing whey were
      associated with improved immune recovery. Trial registration Controlled
      trials.com ISRCTN32453477.

PMID- 25134121
TI  - Alistair Burns: slippery when wet.

PMID- 25134122
TI  - Author's reply to Sleath, Coebergh, and Burns and colleagues.

PMID- 25134123
TI  - Nutritional survey data are inaccurate.

PMID- 25134124
TI  - Lack of evidence that saturated fat causes cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 25134125
TI  - Authors' reply to Winkler and Ravnskov.

PMID- 25134126
TI  - Collecting data on female genital mutilation.

PMID- 25134128
TI  - Obesity and lower teenage pregnancy rates.

PMID- 25134127
TI  - Reception of the "Saatchi bill".

PMID- 25134129
TI  - The world's deadliest animal.

PMID- 25134130
TI  - Care of dying review shows shortcomings in palliative care.

PMID- 25134131
TI  - MPs and peers call for greater patient power.

PMID- 25134133
TI  - Girl of 13 has the capacity to decide to have an abortion, High Court rules.

PMID- 25134132
TI  - Newborn babies will be tested for four more disorders, committee decides.

PMID- 25134134
TI  - Two thirds of British public think spending on NHS should increase.

PMID- 25134135
TI  - General practice needs investment to provide enhanced services, says BMA.

PMID- 25134136
TI  - Guidelines underestimate US cervical cancer rates and older women's risk, study
      finds.

PMID- 25134137
TI  - Labour would divert L100 m from NHS reorganisation into primary care.

PMID- 25134139
TI  - Resources for emergency laparotomy vary widely across England and Wales.

PMID- 25134140
TI  - Researchers commit to greater openness on research involving animals in the UK.

PMID- 25134141
TI  - Adverse effects of statins.

PMID- 25134142
TI  - I certified deaths after judicial executions--and I believe capital punishment
      should be abolished.

PMID- 25134143
TI  - NHS Choose and Book appointment system will be replaced.

PMID- 25134145
TI  - Drug development is at risk from proposed takeover of AstraZeneca, MPs are told.

PMID- 25134149
TI  - Medicare spends billions on "low value" services, US study finds.

PMID- 25134147
TI  - Hospital ownership of doctors' practices is linked to higher prices and spending,
      US study finds.

PMID- 25134150
TI  - Alcohol consumption kills 3.3 million people a year, WHO calculates.

PMID- 25134151
TI  - New guidance urges NHS commissioners to buy ethically.

PMID- 25134152
TI  - Merger with AstraZeneca will create a scientific "powerhouse," says Pfizer.

PMID- 25134153
TI  - US citizens are living longer and consuming more prescription drugs than ever,
      finds report.

PMID- 25134154
TI  - Boehringer Ingelheim increases access to clinical trial data.

PMID- 25134155
TI  - NICE advises certain groups to take daily vitamin D supplement.

PMID- 25134163
TI  - Transverse ultrasound scan of the upper abdomen.

PMID- 25134165
TI  - Art in the asylum.

PMID- 25134166
TI  - James Bell Pettigrew (1832-1908).

PMID- 25134167
TI  - End-of-life communications.

PMID- 25134168
TI  - Management of hyperkalaemia.

PMID- 25134169
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 25134171
TI  - Radiotherapy should be omitted in most patients.

PMID- 25134172
TI  - Patients at high risk for recurrence need radiotherapy.

PMID- 25134173
TI  - Investigation of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in the Mbala and Kazungula
      districts of Zambia.
AB  - Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute, highly contagious viral infection of
      domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals. It is known to be endemic in Zambia,
      with periodic outbreaks occurring in different geographical areas of the country.
      This study was conducted to investigate the presence of FMD virus (FMDV) in
      reported FMD-suspected cases in cattle from the Kazungula and Mbala districts of
      Zambia. Sixty epithelial tissues or oesophageal-pharyngeal (OP) scrapings
      (probang samples) were collected from Mbala (n = 51) and Kazungula (n = 9) and
      examined for FMDV. The FMDV viral RNA and serotypes were examined by realtime
      reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and antigen Enzyme-
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Twenty-two samples (36.7%) were
      positive for the FMDV genome by qRT-PCR with Cycle threshold (Ct) values ranging
      from 13 to 31. The FMDV-positive samples from epithelial tissues showed
      relatively higher Ct values compared to those obtained from OP scrapings,
      irrespective of geographical location. Forty percent (40%; n = 4) of epithelial
      tissues from Mbala were serotyped into SAT 2 serotype by antigen ELISA. Kazungula
      samples were serotyped into SAT 1. These findings indicated that Mbala and
      Kazungula districts had FMD outbreaks in 2012 that were ascribed to at least FMDV
      serotype SAT 2 and SAT 1 field strains. Furthermore, regular interaction between
      buffalos from the Mosi-o Tunya Park and domestic animals from surrounding areas
      could contribute to the occurrence of regular FMD outbreaks in Kazungula, whilst
      the uncontrolled animal movements across borders between Mbala and Nsumbawanga
      could be responsible for disease outbreaks in Mbala. In-depth molecular
      biological studies, including sequencing and phylogeny of the viruses, should be
      conducted to elucidate the complex epidemiology of FMD in Zambia, thereby
      providing valuable information needed for the rational control strategy of FMD in
      Zambia and neighbouring countries.

PMID- 25134174
TI  - Preliminary investigation on presence of peste des petits ruminants in Dakawa,
      Mvomero district, Morogoro region, Tanzania.
AB  - Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute viral disease of small ruminants
      characterised by the sudden onset of depression, fever, oculonasal discharges,
      sores in the mouth, foul-smelling diarrhoea and death. For many years, in Africa,
      the disease was mainly confined to West and Central Africa but it has now spread
      southwards to previously PPR-free countries including Tanzania, Democratic
      Republic of Congo and Angola. The disease was first reported in Tanzania in 2008
      when it was confined to the Northern Zone districts bordering Kenya. Presence of
      the disease has also been confirmed in southern Tanzania especially Mtwara
      region. Recently, a suspected outbreak of PPR in Dakawa area, Mvomero district,
      Morogoro region was reported. Clinical samples (lungs, intestines, lymph nodes,
      whole blood and sera) from suspected goats (n = 8) and sheep (n = 1) were
      submitted to Sokoine University of Agriculture for analysis. Molecular diagnosis
      by amplification of the nucleoprotein gene and the fusion gene of PPR virus
      (PPRV) using PPRV specific primers was done. Five goats and the sheep were
      positive for PPRV after performing RT-PCR. To our knowledge, this is the first
      report confirming the presence of PPR in the Mvomero district of the Morogoro
      region, Tanzania. Hence, more efforts should be put in place to prevent the
      spread of PPR in Tanzania.

PMID- 25134175
TI  - More treatment is not always better.

PMID- 25134176
TI  - Transplantation remains significantly underused.

PMID- 25134177
TI  - The balance is shifting away from screening.

PMID- 25134178
TI  - The argument for breast cancer screening.

PMID- 25134179
TI  - Gene dreams.
AB  - I remember sitting in one of my genetics lectures in the early days of university
      and being in awe of the complexity of the human being but also at science's
      ability to probe it. We were in the thick of The Human Genome Project's
      culmination and all that it promised for the future of medicine. My mind wandered
      from the nitty-gritty of base pairs to imagine a time when one's personalised
      blueprint would be an essential tool in the doctor's armament, as commonplace and
      essential as a full blood examination or electrocardiogram.

PMID- 25134180
TI  - Overdiagnosis: a necessary   part of the learning curve   towards excellence.

PMID- 25134181
TI  - What is the optimal dose of   vitamin D?

PMID- 25134182
TI  - Reply: To PMID 25134181.

PMID- 25134183
TI  - [Scientific research activities in the Czech surgery].

PMID- 25134184
TI  - Look in the mirror.

PMID- 25134185
TI  - It's just a business decision.

PMID- 25134186
TI  - The relationship between gamma-glutamyl transferase levels and chronic kidney
      disease among Appalachian adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), a marker of oxidative stress
      has been associated with diabetes and hypertension, which are risk factors for
      chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is unclear whether serum GGT is
      independently associated with CKD. METHODS: We analyzed data from a population
      based study of Appalachian adults residing in six communities in Ohio and West
      Virginia, who were aged > or = 18 years (n = 55,187, 52% women). Serum GGT was
      examined as gender-specific quintiles (quintiles 1-5 in women: 0-11 U/L, 12-14
      U/L, 15-19 U/L, 20-29 U/L and > 29 U/L; quintiles 1-5 in men: 0-17 U/L, 18-23
      U/L, 24-30 U/L, 31-45 U/L, and > 45 U/L). The main outcome of interest was CKD (n
      = 4482), defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 60 mL/ min/1.73
      m2 from serum creatinine. RESULTS: Higher serum GGT levels were not found to be
      associated with CKD after adjusting for age, education, smoking, alcohol intake,
      body mass index (BMI), diabetes, hypertension and total cholesterol. In women,
      compared to quintile 1 of GGT, the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI])
      of CKD associated with quintile 5 was 0.93 (0.82-1.06); p-trend = 0.3102.
      Similarly, in men, compared to quintile 1 of GGT, the odds ratio (OR) (95%
      confidence interval [CI]) of CKD associated with quintile 5 was 0.94 (0.80-1.10);
      p-trend = 0.4372. Subgroup analyses that examined the relation between GGT and
      CKD by alcohol intake and BMI categories also showed a consistent null
      association. CONCLUSION: In a community-based sample of Appalachian adults,
      higher serum GGT was not found to be independently associated with CKD.

PMID- 25134187
TI  - Ectopic production of HCG by a benign ovarian mature cystic teratoma simulating
      an extra-uterine pregnancy: a case report.
AB  - Physicians should consider a benign mature cystic teratoma in their differential
      diagnosis of a patient with an elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin
      concentration. BACKGROUND: Following tubal ligation, a woman with amenorrhea and
      elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) concentrations may be
      experiencing either an ectopic or an intrauterine pregnancy. Other sources of HCG
      production can include ovarian germ cell tumors or gestational trophoblastic
      disease such as a complete or partial molar pregnancy. A rare source of HCG
      production is a benign mature ovarian teratoma. CASE: A 31-year old Gravida 2
      para 2 presented with a positive home pregnancy test three years after she had
      experienced a Pomeroy tubal ligation. Her serum HCG was 57,914 mlU/mL but a
      transvaginal ultrasound did not find an intrauterine pregnancy. Laparoscopy was
      performed due to a suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy and an 11-cm benign mature
      cystic teratoma (dermoid cyst) within the right ovary was removed. An ectopic
      pregnancy was not visualized. Post-operatively, her serum HCG levels decreased
      and were negative within four weeks. CONCLUSION: Mature ovarian cystic teratomas
      have rarely been reported to secrete HCG. They can be an infrequent source of HCG
      production and may lead to emergency surgery to treat a suspected extra-uterine
      pregnancy.

PMID- 25134188
TI  - Gender and geographic differences in CAD risk factors and CHADS2 scores in atrial
      fibrillation patients.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac arrhythmia associated with a wide range of
      other co-morbid medical conditions. The state of West Virginia has a higher
      prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and CAD risk factors compared to the
      national average. We hypothesized that West Virginians with atrial fibrillation
      would also have a higher prevalence of CAD risk factors and higher CHADS2 stroke
      risk scores. This is particularly important since Louisiana is the only high CAD
      risk southern state included in the original verification of the CHADS2 risk
      scoring system (i.e. California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, New
      Hampshire, and Vermont). Accordingly, we performed a retrospective analysis of
      the association between AF and CAD, CAD risk factors and CHADS2 scores in a
      cohort of men and women in the West Virginia University Hospital population. We
      report a greater positive association between AF and hypertension, diabetes
      mellitus and obesity than the national average. AF was seen more commonly among
      men. But, CHADS2 scores were higher among women as a result of a higher
      prevalence of diabetes mellitus. This study indicates that AF is associated with
      a greater prevalence of CAD risk factors and higher CHADS2 scores among West
      Virginians in comparison with the rest of the nation.

PMID- 25134189
TI  - Identification of genes contributing to cardiovascular disease in overweight and
      obese individuals from West Virginia.
AB  - Excess weight is a known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and a
      large percentage of overweight and obese individuals ultimately develop CAD. The
      objective of this study was to identify human genes associated with CAD in a
      subgroup of overweight and obese individuals using population-based association
      methods. Logistic regression analyses were used to test the association between
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 34 candidate genes and the CAD
      phenotype with age, gender, and BMI as covariates. Two SNPs in the Apolipoprotein
      B (Apo B) gene [rs1042031 and rs1800479], one in the Cholesterol Ester Transfer
      Protein (CETP) gene [rs5880], and one in the Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor
      (LDLR) gene [rs2569538] met the 0.01 significance level for association with CAD.
      Based on these findings, we conclude that variants within the CETP and Apo B
      genes conferred susceptibility to CAD in overweight individuals and that a
      variant with the LDLR gene conferred susceptibility in an obese group.

PMID- 25134191
TI  - In with the new.

PMID- 25134190
TI  - Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome complications: a case report and review of
      the literature.
AB  - Strongyloidiasis is a major global health challenge that is often underestimated
      in many countries. In immuno-compromised hosts, an autoinfection can go unchecked
      with large numbers of invasive Strongyloides larvae disseminating widely and
      causing hyperinfection, with fatal consequences. This review will highlight a
      case of gram negative bacteremia complicated by meningitis and Adult Respiratory
      Distress Syndrome (ARDS) as a fatal outcome of Strongyloides hyperinfection,
      commonly known to occur in the setting of immunosuppression. A middle aged female
      with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and hypogammaglobulinemia presented with severe
      respiratory distress requiring intubation. She had been on intermittent
      corticosteroids and multiple courses of antibiotics for the past six months for
      COPD exacerbations. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed Strongyloides stercoralis.
      Blood cultures grew Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci and a few days later
      Vancomycin Sensitive Enterococcus was found in the CSF. Afterwards, she grew
      Vancomycin Sensitive Enterococcus in the blood. She was treated with Ivermectin
      and Albendazole for Strongyloides and Linezolid and Vancomycin for these two
      different strains of E. faecium. After initial resolution of bacteremia and
      meningitis, she relapsed three weeks later with the same organism growing in the
      CSF. The clinical course continued to deteriorate with the development of
      significant neurological dysfunction. Poor nutritional state and ventilator
      associated pneumonia contributed to this downward trend. After a detailed
      discussion with the family, life support was discontinued and the patient
      succumbed to her illness.

PMID- 25134192
TI  - WVU Healthcare welcomes new heart surgeon. Dr. Anthony Holden Joins WVU Heart
      Institute.

PMID- 25134193
TI  - WVU Healthcare offers new lung cancer screening program.

PMID- 25134194
TI  - Meaningful use--becoming a "meaningful user".

PMID- 25134195
TI  - Translational Genomic Research Institute dedicated.

PMID- 25134197
TI  - Disability insurance: residual/recovery benefit.

PMID- 25134196
TI  - Nanoparticles in fuel additives associated with liver damage.

PMID- 25134198
TI  - Chains and other choices.

PMID- 25134199
TI  - Induction. NHS can scrimp and save on medicines.

PMID- 25134200
TI  - Workforce. Pharma on the front line.

PMID- 25134201
TI  - Workforce. Why the key to people is planning.

PMID- 25134202
TI  - Patient safety: case studies. Turning confusion to clarity.

PMID- 25134203
TI  - Clinical care protocols. When safe comes as standard.

PMID- 25134204
TI  - On protecting whistleblowers. The NHS needs a staff support commission.

PMID- 25134205
TI  - Stevens will draw the poison from NHS leadership.

PMID- 25134206
TI  - Electronic records are vital.

PMID- 25134207
TI  - Older people's services. Japan's vision of a 'total care' future looks bright.

PMID- 25134208
TI  - Essay competition. Emerging leaders put pen to paper.

PMID- 25134209
TI  - Training. Fuel the fire of new leaders' ambitions.

PMID- 25134210
TI  - Hobby Lobby ruling may spur shift away from employer coverage.

PMID- 25134211
TI  - Justices side with health workers who object to paying union fees.

PMID- 25134212
TI  - Earnings outlook good for publicly traded hospital companies.

PMID- 25134213
TI  - McDonald faces steep learning curve in running troubled VA, insiders say.

PMID- 25134214
TI  - Wave of consolidation rumbles toward academic medical centers.

PMID- 25134215
TI  - New facility design aims for greater safety, efficiency.

PMID- 25134216
TI  - Where history happened: hospital treated Kennedy.

PMID- 25134217
TI  - Benefits unclear as states rush into Medicaid managed care.

PMID- 25134218
TI  - Hobby Lobby's blow to employer-based health insurance.

PMID- 25134219
TI  - Building consensus on what really counts.

PMID- 25134220
TI  - Advancing a medical home for surgical services.

PMID- 25134221
TI  - Targeting the right patients for support.

PMID- 25134222
TI  - Timing, earlier setbacks helped Obamacare pass: Jennings.

PMID- 25134223
TI  - What your nurse needs to know about genetics.

PMID- 25134224
TI  - Transition of pediatric patients to adult care: an analysis of provider
      perceptions across discipline and role.
AB  - The importance of successfully transitioning pediatric patients to adult care is
      increasingly recognized as more children with chronic diseases are living to
      adulthood. The aim of this study was to investigate the current state of provider
      perceptions across disciplines regarding transition of pediatric patients to
      adult care. Focus groups made up of providers of various roles and experience
      levels were conducted. A total of six major themes were identified. We conclude
      that pediatric providers share common concerns about transitioning pediatric
      patients to adult care. We reinforce many of the issues raised in the literature
      and also discuss a sense of professional ego that was identified as a barrier to
      successful transition, which is not widely reported in other studies.

PMID- 25134225
TI  - Newborn morbidities and health charges: the first eight weeks.
AB  - Recent health care legislative acts, federal budget cuts, and changes in health
      care reimbursement are posing significant challenges for mothers accessing health
      care for their infants. There is very little reported literature on post-birth
      newborn morbidity and associated charges for full-term infants within the first
      two months of life, a time of increased risk for mortality. PURPOSE: To examine
      infant morbidities, associated health care charges, and access to health care
      within the first eight weeks in healthy, full-term infants born to low-income,
      first-time mothers. DESIGN: A secondary analysis of data from a randomized
      clinical trial that compared infants' health and newborn health care charges.
      METHODS: Data on infant morbidity and health care charges on 139 first-time
      mothers and their healthy full-term newborns were collected at one and two months
      post-hospital discharge. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two
      sample t-tests. FINDINGS: The most common infant morbidity was upper respiratory
      illness. Morbidities occurred as early as day two post-hospital discharge. Total
      charges were emergency room visits--$24,255, urgent care visits--$2,937, and
      rehospitalizations--$56,377. Most newborns received a well-baby clinic visit
      within 48 to 72 hours post-hospital discharge. CONCLUSION: Studies of
      morbidities, health care charges, and access to care for infants two months and
      less are very limited. However, such data are important because of increasing
      health care costs, health care budget cuts, and the lack of an infant morbidity
      surveillance system.

PMID- 25134226
TI  - Inpatient falls in freestanding children's hospitals.
AB  - Patient falls are considered a significant safety risk, but little evidence
      regarding the significance of falls in children is available. A multisite,
      observational study of fall events occurring in pediatric inpatients (younger
      than 18 years of age) from Child Health Corporation of America member hospitals
      was conducted to determine the prevalence and significance of falls. Fall
      prevalence was 0.84 per 1,000 patient days with 48% classified as preventable.
      Injuries occurred in 32%, but only two falls resulted in an increased length of
      stay; none resulted in permanent disability or death. Only 47% of the children
      who fell were identified to be at risk for fall. Alert mechanisms were used in
      60% and preventive measures in 23%. These findings suggest that while inpatient
      pediatric fall rates are lower than those of adults, greater diligence in
      identification and risk reduction may further reduce the prevalence of falls and
      the proportion of fall-related injuries.

PMID- 25134227
TI  - 'Everyone knows' vs. finding the data.

PMID- 25134228
TI  - Clinical relevance of the Humpty Dumpty Falls Scale in a pediatric specialty
      hospital.
AB  - The Joint Commission requires pediatric hospitals to implement fall prevention
      programs and evaluate the efficacy of such programs. The Humpty Dumpty Falls
      Scale (HDFS), a seven-item assessment scale used to document age, gender,
      diagnosis, cognitive impairments, environmental factors, response to
      surgery/sedation, and medication usage, is one of several instruments developed
      to assess fall risk in pediatric patients. To determine the specificity and
      sensitivity of the HDFS in predicting falls in children hospitalized for
      pediatric specialty care, a team at a pediatric specialty hospital conducted a
      nonexperimental retrospective study that used a matched case-control design and
      chart review analysis. The discoveries suggest that the HDFS lacks accuracy in
      pediatric specialty patients. Using the HDFS cut-off score of 12 and above to
      indicate a high risk for falls in these children yields a high false-positive
      rate. Investigators and staff at pediatric specialty hospitals need to continue
      their pursuit of valid instruments and tools that contribute to fall reduction.

PMID- 25134229
TI  - Validation: a family-centered communication skill.
AB  - Family-centered care can seem challenging when family member behavior, choices,
      attitudes, or emotions are "difficult" or "challenging" to deal with. Yet nurses
      can develop skills to effectively interact with families in a wide variety of
      circumstances and then become able to practice family-centered care in any
      situation that might arise. One particularly useful skill is "validation," which
      means accepting what the family member says or does as a valid expression of
      thoughts and feelings in that particular circumstance at that particular time.
      Validation does not mean there is agreement or acceptance of unsafe behaviors,
      only that the nurse acknowledges that the family member's concerns and feelings
      are important and should be listened to and taken seriously, even in the presence
      of disagreement. Validation, which should be individualized, can take many forms,
      ranging from providing complete attention to reflection of statements,
      identification of possible unexpressed emotions, normalization, and finally, a
      full and genuine sense of connection. Understanding and practicing validation can
      empower nurses and family members, as well as support effective family-centered
      communication and problem solving, even in challenging circumstances.

PMID- 25134230
TI  - Promoting positive pediatric experiences for nursing students at the Children's
      Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
AB  - Challenges in professional nursing education today can be astonishing. Cognizant
      of the commitment to provide the most valuable learning experiences for our
      future nurses, academia and service organizations strive to meet this challenge.
      The escalation in nursing school enrollment, along with the increase in patient
      acuity and ongoing health care changes, requires hospitals and schools to
      continually review their practices to ensure positive outcomes. Providing
      pediatric nursing experiences to over 1,300 students annually, Children's
      Hospital of Pittsburgh of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
      implemented a process to meet this need. A Faculty Advisory Council was
      established to provide a venue for representative nursing instructors to meet
      with the Nursing Education Department at the hospital. The commonality of focus
      by nursing faculty and Children's Hospital continues to strengthen both academia
      and service. This well-defined process supports positive pediatric experiences
      for nursing students at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPCM.

PMID- 25134231
TI  - Mitochondrial disease in children and adolescents.

PMID- 25134232
TI  - Message from the president.

PMID- 25134233
TI  - Right-sizing care: promoting sensitivity to a growing population.

PMID- 25134234
TI  - A job to serve others.

PMID- 25134236
TI  - 'All of a sudden, there was fire'.

PMID- 25134235
TI  - Building and sustaining a caring-based nurse-managed center.

PMID- 25134237
TI  - Investments counteract low margins.

PMID- 25134238
TI  - Devicemaker consolidation likely to continue.

PMID- 25134239
TI  - 'It's not pretty': could UPMC, Highmark feud be an omen for markets entering
      consolidation?

PMID- 25134240
TI  - Small-business exchanges off to rocky start.

PMID- 25134241
TI  - Preventing readmissions: is there an app for that?

PMID- 25134242
TI  - Data collection could stump next phase of predictive analytics.

PMID- 25134243
TI  - Wachter, McClellan offer takes on measuring quality.

PMID- 25134244
TI  - Better rules needed to boost use of big data.

PMID- 25134245
TI  - In ACO era, physicians will still play a leading--but changing--role.

PMID- 25134246
TI  - Make hospital visiting hours 24/7.

PMID- 25134247
TI  - CHI seeks integration in all directions, including insurance.

PMID- 25134248
TI  - "Docile bodies" or "impudent" women: conflicts between nurses and their
      employers, in England, 1880-1914.

PMID- 25134249
TI  - Conflicting chains of command in Dutch Catholic nursing (1839-1966).

PMID- 25134250
TI  - Fighting for one's own health--care as a cause of illness.

PMID- 25134251
TI  - [The day-to-day routine in hospitals--standards and conflicts, based on the
      example of the Rothschild spital in Vienna around the year 1900].
AB  - The juxtaposition of official regulations and letters of complaint from Vienna's
      Rothschild Hospital shows, beyond the rhetoric and euphemisms of hospital
      reports, how lively and diverse day-to-day life was in a Jewish hospital around
      the year 1900. The letters of complaint query the official hospital rules and
      show that ideal and reality did not always coincide. Often, religious questions
      were at the root of the critique--such as doubts as to whether kosher dietary
      laws were adhered to--or conflicts between the agents involved, be they
      individuals or groups, patients, nurses, physicians or administrative staff. As
      part of this process, power structures, social hierarchies, patient rights and
      gender issues were called into question and renegotiated.

PMID- 25134252
TI  - [Parish nursing around the year 1900].
AB  - This contribution first introduces the factors that supported the development of
      parish nursing before going on to explain the diverse organizational concepts
      involved and their development over time. It looks at the various Catholic and
      Protestant as well as secular institutions active in this field. The article then
      discusses the manifold tasks, fields of work and approaches to problem-solving
      that were characteristic of parish nursing. The various cultural, social and
      religious problems that the parish nurses had to contend with on a daily basis
      are also presented, including the increasing competition with other professional
      groups. The article concludes by looking at the standing of parish nurses in
      society and the advantages and disadvantages of parish nursing as opposed to
      hospital nursing from the point of view of the parish nurses themselves.

PMID- 25134253
TI  - ["Practical tuberculosis care outside the hospital stands and falls with the
      tuberculosis nurse". Challenges in out-patient care, using the example of
      tuberculosis nurses in the first third of the 20th century].
AB  - Once it had become apparent that tuberculosis sanatoriums were unable to stop
      this widespread disease, out-patient tuberculosis clinics were established for
      patients and their relatives in the German Reich. These clinics, which started in
      the late nineteenth century, employed physicians and tuberculosis nurses. The
      nurses were generally community or parish nurses, specialized carers not being
      trained until later. On the one hand, their tasks included the work at these
      clinics, where they assisted the physician, admitted patients and carried out x
      rays and lab tests. On the other hand--and this was their main task--they visited
      the sick and their families at home, informed them about tuberculosis, instructed
      them on questions of hygiene and the appropriate behaviour and made sure these
      instructions were adhered to. If they were able to offer material help as well,
      they were received more willingly--and they could only make their visits with a
      patient's consent. Due to the lack of tuberculosis medicines, the work of the
      tuberculosis nurses was a mainstay in the fight against this highly infectious
      disease. They often had to overcome the resistance of general practitioners and
      also of some patients and their families. But they loved doing their job because
      they were appreciated by the tuberculosis doctors, had a relatively high degree
      of freedom, authority and responsibility as health visitors and achieved visible
      results through personal commitment.

PMID- 25134254
TI  - ["They are enjoying their first holiday ever"--working with the elderly, from the
      post-war years up to the early 1970s].
AB  - While, in the post-war years and into the 1950s, the building of old people's and
      care homes and the allocation of home places in those homes was seen as the main
      task of municipal care institutions for the elderly in Frankfurt am Main, in the
      decade that followed their main task shifted towards increasing the possibilities
      of providing care in people's own homes, delaying the move into old people's
      homes and breaking through the loneliness that elderly people were presumed to
      experience. Supported by the state, community housing was provided with flats for
      elderly people and with carers to look after their needs. The "warm rooms" of the
      post-war period changed into clubs, where members met and received guidance. In
      the late 1960s the clubs were extended into day-care centres, offering a range of
      consultation services, organized day trips and recreational holidays for the
      elderly. It was hoped that "meals-on-wheels" in combination with age-appropriate
      living conditions would delay the move into a home. But these plans were not
      adequately developed in the 1960s and often it was not clear who would pay the
      bills. The same was true of outpatient medical care which had traditionally been
      the task of community nurses, but was now increasingly carried out by local
      authority carers, who also provided household assistance. This kind of care could
      only ever be given for a limited period of time and, while it was able to delay
      the move into an old people's home, it could not replace it.

PMID- 25134255
TI  - [The "secret book" of Dr Friedrich Benjamin Osiander: anonymous births in the
      Gottingen Accouchierhaus, 1794-1819].
AB  - The problem of anonymous or confidential deliveries, a subject of current
      controversy, has a long history. Some maternity hospitals offered the possibility
      for "clandestine" births as early as the 18th and 19th century. A recently
      emerged source about the maternity clinic of Gottingen University allows insight
      into the motives that led to keeping a birth secret and the consequences of such
      a clandestine birth for mother, father and child. The director of the
      institution, a professor of obstetrics, wrote case reports on the women, who paid
      a handsome sum for his help and the in-patient care they received. In return,
      these women could be admitted under a pseudonym, and thus falsify their child's
      birth certificate; moreover they were not used as teaching material for medical
      students and midwife apprentices, whereas "regular" patients had to give their
      names and, in return for being treated free of charge, be available for teaching
      purposes. The ten cases that have been painstakingly investigated reveal that the
      reasons that led the women and men to opt for an anonymous birth were manifold,
      that they used this offer in different ways and with different consequences. All
      of these pregnancies were illegitimate, of course. In one case the expectant
      mother was married. In several cases it would be the father who was married. Most
      of the women who gave birth secretly seem to have given the professor their
      actual details and he kept quiet about them--with the exception of one case where
      he revealed the contents of the case report many years later in an alimony suit.
      Only one of the men admitted paternity openly, but many revealed their identity
      implicitly by registering the pregnant woman or by accompanying her to the
      clinic. If the birth was to be kept secret the child needed to be handed over to
      foster parents. By paying a lump sum that covered the usual fourteen years of
      parenting, one mother was able to avoid any later contact with her son. In most
      cases contact seems to have been limited to the payment of this boarding money.
      One of the couples married later and took in the twins that had been born
      clandestinely out of wedlock. One mother kept close contact with her son through
      intermediaries. All of the women who gave birth in this clandestine fashion
      received practical as well as financial support, often from the child's father or
      from a relative. Few of them came by themselves. In those days, only women who
      used the maternity hospital free of charge would have been as isolated in the
      difficult perinatal period as are women today who choose to deliver their babies
      anonymously.

PMID- 25134256
TI  - [A ''humanitarian duty and a matter of honour for German Jewry": "feeble-minded"
      Jewish children and the Institution in Beelitz].
AB  - In 1908, in collaboration with the Bnei Briss, the German Association of
      Israelite Communities founded an institution for intellectually disabled Jewish
      children in Beelitz with the aim of educating 7-14-year-olds, using therapeutic
      pedagogy. The institution was part of the philanthropic efforts undertaken by
      German Jewry in that period. It was set up in the wake of the German Kaiser's
      call to found more philanthropic institutions, and its establishment is
      indicative of the efforts at integration being made by German Jewry. In their
      fund-raising material, the German Association of Israelite Communities stressed
      the "loyalty and patriotism" of German Jewry and described the establishment of
      the institution as "a humanitarian duty" and "a matter of honour for German
      Jewry". It was, therefore, demands from the non-Jewish world that led to the
      foundation of a Jewish institution; however, its establishment was also symbolic
      of the struggle against anti-Semitism and indicative both of German Jewry's
      dissimilation and their efforts at integration. The article investigates the
      struggle of Jewish parents to have their children admitted to the institution,
      the philosophy and teaching methods of the director Sally Bein (1881-1942) and
      his wife Friederike Rebeka Bein (1883-1942), the background of the students, the
      causes of intellectual disability, as well as the disagreements that occurred
      between parents, teachers and the director. The article also discusses the
      successes and failures of therapeutic pedagogy.

PMID- 25134257
TI  - [Deaf Jews in Germany, 1800-1933. A look at the history of a dual minority].
AB  - This study examines the importance of religious denomination in the German
      community of deaf people in the 19th century and up until 1933, focusing on the
      dual minority status of deaf Jews. It shows that the educational system for the
      deaf and the deaf movement as such were, in structure and content, informed by
      the Christian, primarily the Protestant, faith. This meant that deaf Jewish
      people were in danger of facing a conflict between their identity as Jews and
      their identity as deaf people. In order to resolve this dilemma, Jewish
      philanthropists and deaf people created a range of complementary structures:
      schools where deaf Jewish children received tuition tailored to their needs,
      religious services in sign language and a Jewish deaf association for mutual
      support and companionship. But being members of two stigmatized and marginalized
      groups made the Jewish deaf vulnerable from several sides. The discursive
      association of deafness, Judaism and heredity played a particular part in this.
      This study comes to the conclusion that deaf Jews did not want to choose between
      their deaf and Jewish identities but they wanted to belong to both. As a result
      they suffered from the negative views that some deaf people had of Jews and some
      Jews of deaf people--as well as from the double discrimination by the mainstream
      society.

PMID- 25134258
TI  - [The flu epidemic after World War I and homeopathy--an international comparison].
AB  - The "Spanish Flu" began in 1918 and was the most devastating pandemic in human
      history that had ever been, claiming more lives than World War I. The flu virus
      had not yet been discovered, and the usual therapy measures were merely
      symptomatic. In many parts of the world the pandemic was treated by homeopaths.
      At the time, homeopathic medical practices, out-patient clinics and hospitals
      existed in various countries. To this day homeopaths refer to the successful
      homeopathic treatment of the "Spanish Flu". The following paper looks at what
      this treatment consisted in and whether it was based on a particular concept. It
      also examines contemporary evaluations and figures, as well as the question as to
      whether homeopathy experienced a rise in demand as a consequence of its success
      during the pandemic.

PMID- 25134259
TI  - Rethinking leadership development.

PMID- 25134260
TI  - The surgery panel in Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals.

PMID- 25134261
TI  - Vital amines, purple smoke. A select history of vitamins and minerals.

PMID- 25134263
TI  - The mysterious illness of Emma Lazarus, Lady Liberty's poet.

PMID- 25134262
TI  - An obstetric story.

PMID- 25134264
TI  - The most memorable patient I never saw.

PMID- 25134265
TI  - Fall from grace.

PMID- 25134266
TI  - Dr. Marr responds to Dr. Volpintesta.

PMID- 25134267
TI  - Fall from grace.

PMID- 25134268
TI  - Fall from grace.

PMID- 25134269
TI  - Dr. Marr responds to Dr. Sprecace and Dr. Spaeth.

PMID- 25134270
TI  - Experts: know your patients' benefits and work to conserve them.
AB  - Case managers should know their patients' insurance benefits and out-of-pocket
      expenses when they develop a discharge plan to make sure the patient can afford
      the plan they are putting in place. Take policy limitations into account and
      preserve benefits for their future needs. Look for community resources such as
      medication assistance plans and clinics that charge a sliding scale when patients
      don't have coverage for needed services. Make sure patients and family members
      understand the benefits when they make choices about post-acute care.

PMID- 25134271
TI  - Being creative when benefits are maxed out.

PMID- 25134272
TI  - Knowing benefits helps patients make choices.

PMID- 25134273
TI  - Audits highlight need for documentation.
AB  - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' "Probe and Educate" initiative to
      determine hospitals'compliance with the two-midnight rule makes it clear that
      case managers must review physician documentation as well as medical necessity.
      The Medicare Administrative Contractors are focusing on short stays when
      physician documentation doesn't support the expectation of a two-midnight stay.
      They're looking at flawed admission orders, and when the orders to admit are
      issued by a practitioner who does not have admitting privileges at the hospital.
      Another area of focus is physician statements without documentation of the reason
      for the need for inpatient treatment.

PMID- 25134274
TI  - Visual cues keep treatment team alert.
AB  - At Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, FL, a throughput initiative
      that uses colored magnets to indicate anticipated discharges has cut emergency
      department holding time and increased the number of discharges by 2 p.m. The
      charge nurse, case manager, and discharge planner meet daily, make their best
      clinical guess about the patient's discharge and place a red, yellow, or green
      magnet on a white board at the nurses station. When team members pass the board,
      they are alerted to anticipated discharges and know to make patients with a green
      magnet a priority. The case managers and nurses write the expected discharge on a
      white board in the patient rooms and initiate a discussion with patients and
      family members to prepare them for discharge.

PMID- 25134276
TI  - Heart failure program cuts readmission rate.

PMID- 25134275
TI  - Case management insider. Family caregivers: a key component of the discharge
      planning process.
AB  - The role of the family caregiver may not be for a short time period. It could go
      on for months or even years. As case managers, our role is to ensure that we have
      provided our family caregivers with all the information that they may need to
      care for their loved one at home or in another care setting. This will take some
      time, but it is time well spent and will reduce the likelihood that an
      unnecessary trip to the emergency room will take place. Remind caregivers to know
      their strengths, limitations and to always be flexible!

PMID- 25134277
TI  - Decreasing preventable readmissions?
AB  - Bioethicists can advocate for improved communication with family caregivers when
      a patient is going to be discharged from the hospital. Healthcare providers are
      often unaware of a family member's inability to provide needed care. Many
      patients who access "safety-net" public hospitals have worse outcomes of
      hospitalization, including readmissions. Bioethicists can advocate for more
      partnerships between hospitals and community-based programs.

PMID- 25134279
TI  - Pregnancy outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Main purpose of this study was to analyze the
      reproductive and obstetrical outcome as delivery mode and incidence of major
      complications (uterine bleeding and uterine rupture) after laparoscopic
      myomectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors conducted an observational study
      in patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. Inclusion criteria were:
      surgery performed for single and or multiple myomas sized between five and 15 cm
      and pregnancy desire. Exclusion criteria were: surgery for pedunculated myomas
      and male or tubal infertility. Collected data on pregnancy desire, success in
      obtaining pregnancy surgical interval time before pregnancy, performing assisted
      reproductive medicine, gestational weeks, mode of delivery, indicating a possible
      cesarean section, and complications. On collected data the authors calculated
      pregnancy and abortion rates. RESULTS: Among patients aged between 19 and 42
      years who answered a telephonic questionnaire, the authors selected 185 patients
      with pregnancy willing. A total number of 426 myomas were removed; 115 (62.2%)
      patients reported 151 pregnancies, nine in a total of 17 patients achieved it
      with reproductive assistance, 38 pregnancy ended in abortion, and two had an
      ectopic implantation. The authors finally reported 111 successful pregnancy, with
      seven preterm deliveries (6.3%). Mode of delivery had been cesarean section in 69
      cases (63.4%) and vaginal delivery in 42 cases (36.6%), with a respective mean
      interval time between surgery and delivery of 24.6 +/- 20.0 months and 19.2 +/-
      13.3 months. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic myomectomy proved to be an effective
      procedure feasible for women who wish to become pregnant with a subsequent good
      reproductive outcomes, both in terms of pregnancy and abortion rates that were
      comparable with the literature. If laparoscopic suturing of the fovea myometralis
      is adequate, there are no contraindications for vaginal delivery, regardless of
      the patient's age, the number, size, and location of the myomas removed.

PMID- 25134278
TI  - Serum markers of oxidative stress and endometriosis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To assess the changes secondary to chronic inflammation
      in women with and without pelvic endometriosis by the determination of serum
      thiols and carbonyls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven women with endometriosis
      consecutively submitted to laparoscopy and 41 women without endometriosis
      consecutively submitted to tubal ligation (control group) were selected. Serum
      levels of total thiols and carbonyls were determined in both groups. RESULTS:
      Patients with endometriosis had significantly lower thiol levels than controls
      (342.37 +/- 142.09 microM vs 559.60 +/- 294.05 microM) (p < 0.001), as well as
      significantly lower carbonyl levels (8.97 +/- 3.76 microM vs 16.40 +/- 9.26
      microM) (p < 0.001). Other clinical characteristics were not associated with
      changes in marker levels. The cutoff point established by the ROC curve was
      396.44 microM for the thiols, with 73.1% sensitivity and 80.5% specificity, and
      14.9 microM for the carbonyls, with 94% sensitivity and 51.2% specificity.
      CONCLUSIONS: The serum thiol levels revealed an increase in oxidative stress
      related to the development of pelvic endometriosis.

PMID- 25134280
TI  - Predictive value of fetal fibronectin on the embryonic loss of patients with
      recurrent spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This work aims to investigate the predictive value of fetal
      fibronectin (fFN) in embryonic loss of patients with recurrent spontaneous
      abortion (RSA) in early pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four patients
      with RSA in early pregnancy were selected as the test group and 31 healthy women
      in early pregnancy were selected as the control group. The ages and number of
      previous abortions, along with other information, were recorded. These patients
      underwent a fFN test, and their pregnancy outcome was followed up until 14 weeks.
      RESULTS: The incidence of spontaneous abortion was 20.24% in the test group and
      9.68% in the control group. The positive fFN [fFN (+)] rate was 57.14% in the
      test group and 12.90% in the control group, indicating a statistically
      significant difference (p < 0.01, chi2 = 17.89). The incidence of spontaneous
      abortion was 29.17% (14/48) in the fFN (+) group and 8.33% (3/36) in the fFN (-)
      group, indicating a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05, chi2 = 5.53).
      The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values in the
      prediction of abortion in fFN (+) patients of the test group were 82.35%, 49.25%,
      29.17%, and 91.67%, respectively. CONCLUSION: If detected at an early stage of
      pregnancy, fFN in patients with RSA is largely related to the prediction of
      abortion and facilitates the evaluation of pregnancy outcomes.

PMID- 25134281
TI  - Microdose flare-up vs. flexible-multidose GnRH antagonist protocols for poor
      responder patients who underwent ICSI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the performance of microdose flare-up (MF) and flexible
      multidose gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocols in poor
      responder patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and 12 consecutive patients (217 cycles)
      suspected to have poor ovarian response were enrolled. Group 1 (MF GnRH agonist
      group) constituted 64 patients (135 cycles) who underwent MF GnRH agonist
      protocol. Group 2 (flexible-multidose GnRH antagonist group) constituted 48
      patients (82 cycles) who underwent flexible-multidose GnRH antagonist protocol.
      RESULTS: The duration of stimulation (d) (11.5 +/- 2.1 vs. 10.4 +/- 2.7, p <
      0.01) and the total dose of gonadotropin used (IU) (5,892.9 +/- 1,725.7 vs.
      4,367.5 +/- 1,582.1, p < 0.05) were significantly lower in Group 2 when compared
      to Group 1. The numbers of retrieved oocyte-cumulus complexes (4.5 +/- 3.6 vs.
      5.9 +/- 4.9, p < 0.05), metaphase II oocytes (3.6 +/- 3.1 vs. 4.9 +/- 4.2, p <
      0.05), two pronucleated oocytes (2.6 +/- 2.3 vs. 4.0 +/- 3.4, p < 0.05), the
      number of available embryos at day 3 (2.6 +/- 2.2 vs. 4.2 +/- 3.2, p < 0.05) and
      the rate of embryos with > or = seven blastomeres and < 10% fragmentation at day
      3 (35.9% vs. 65.1%, p < 0.05) were significantly lower in Group 1 when compared
      to Group 2. The number of embryos transferred (2.2 +/- 1.3 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.9), the
      clinical pregnancy per embryo transfer (16.3% vs. 25.8%), and the implantation
      rate (8.6% vs. 12.2%) were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although the
      flexible-multidose GnRH antagonist protocol produced better oocyte and embryo
      parameters, the clinical pregnancy rate and the implantation rates were
      comparable between the flexible-multidose GnRH antagonist and MF protocols in
      poor responder patients.

PMID- 25134282
TI  - Computerized in vivo classification of methylene blue stained fallopian tube
      mucosal damage: preliminary results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fertiloscopy is a simple minimal invasive method which allows
      salpingoscopy and microsalpingoscopy in order to examine the mucosa of the
      fallopian tubes of patients with unexplained infertility. Infectious tubal damage
      is a common cause of tubal infertility. In 1998 it was demonstrated that nuclear
      staining of cellular nuclei during microsalpingoscopy with methylene blue
      provides a simple in vivo method to evaluate cellular damage of the tubal
      epithelium. The purpose of this study was to introduce and statistically test a
      new computerized method to objectively evaluate the extent of tubal damage.
      DESIGN OF RETROSPECTIVE STUDY: Cooperation of two Departments of Gynecology and
      Obstetrics (Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria and CRES Center,
      Hopital Natecia, Lyon, France) with the University of Art and Design, Linz,
      Austria and University Hospital, Vienna, Austria. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Microsalpingoscopic images from ten female patients, aged between 18 and 45 years
      with primary infertility, showing stained nuclei in damaged intrafallopian tubal
      epithelium were provided by Antoine Watrelot, CRES Center, Hopital Natecia, Lyon,
      France. These images were evaluated by an experienced medical expert staff
      examiner and a computerized standard method called cross-correlation and template
      matching. The obtained numbers of nuclear stainings were statistically evaluated.
      RESULTS: Computerized evaluation of nuclear staining of damaged intrafallopian
      epithelial cells in female patients with infertility obtains similar but more
      reproducible results compared to manual evaluation (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION:
      Normalized cross-correlation can be used to measure tubal damage diagnosed by in
      vivo methylene blue dyeing during microsalpingoscopy and might facilitate the
      decision for in vitro fertilisation in patients with unclear unexplained
      infertility in further studies.

PMID- 25134283
TI  - Study of urotensin II gene and serum levels in relation to pre-eclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To verify the relationship between Urotensin II (UII) gene and serum
      levels and pre-eclampsia (PE). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case control study.
      SETTING: Tertiary Obstetric centre and university hospital. SUBJECTS: A total of
      80 pregnant women at their third trimester were included, 30 of which were with
      mild PE, 30 with severe disease and 20 age- and BMI-matched normotensive pregnant
      women (controls). MATERIALS AND METHODS: UII gene polymorphism as well as UII
      serum levels were assessed and compared in patients vs. control. RESULTS: No
      difference was seen between the groups in terms of age or parity at the time of
      recruitment. A statistically significant difference in the Urotensin II genotype
      frequencies between patients and control groups was found. The mean serum UII,
      also showed a significant difference between the studied groups, and control
      group. Comparing the observed and expected values of UII genotype frequencies in
      mild, severe PE, and in controls, no significant difference was noted in the homo
      mutant, the hetero-mutant or the wild genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Elevation of UII in
      the serum of PE patients could be correlated to the severity and/or progression
      of the disease. The UII genotype frequencies between patients and control groups
      showed a significant difference, which implies a potential benefit for UII gene
      or level in serum as a diagnostic or prognostic indicator in pre-eclampsia.

PMID- 25134284
TI  - Effect of gestational weight gain as well as rehabilitation training on postnatal
      pelvic muscle strength.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study explored the impact of gestational weight gain on
      postnatal pelvic muscle strength and the effect of low-frequency electrical
      stimulation combined with biofeedback training on strength recovery. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A total of 126 mothers six to eight weeks after term delivery were
      recruited at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from August 2010 to July 2011.
      According to gestational weight gain, they were divided into two groups: the < 15
      kg (A) and > or = 15 kg (B) groups. Pelvic floor muscle fibre strength was
      determined. Target low-frequency electrical stimulation combined with biofeedback
      training was conducted. After training, pelvic floor muscle fiber strength was
      determined again for effect evaluation. RESULTS: Before training, types I and II
      pelvic floor muscle fiber strength of group B was noticeably lower than that of
      group A (p < 0.05). After rehabilitation, the pelvic floor muscle strength of
      both groups significantly increased (p < 0.05). However, types I and II pelvic
      floor muscle fiber strength of group B was still significantly lower than that of
      group A (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Gestational weight gain negatively influences
      pelvic floor muscles. Low-frequency electrical stimulation combined with
      biofeedback training improves postnatal pelvic floor muscle fiber strength. A
      less gestational weight increase indicates faster postnatal pelvic muscle
      strength recovery and a better rehabilitative effect.

PMID- 25134285
TI  - Sublingual misoprostol is better for cervical ripening prior to hysteroscopy in
      post-menopausal women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of
      misoprostol administered sublingually, vaginally or rectally on cervical ripening
      before hysterescopic surgery in post-menopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Post-menopausal women were randomised to receive either 400 ug of misoprostol,
      administered sublingually, vaginally or rectally six hours and 12 hours prior to
      operative hysterescopy. RESULTS: Patients were randomized to receive receive
      sublingual (n = 30), rectal (n = 30) or vaginal (n = 30) misoprostol. The control
      group did not receive misoprostol (n = 30). The four groups were comparable in
      terms of preoperative cervical width after misoprostol administration. The mean
      cervical widths for control group was 9.0 +/- 1.1 mm and the mean post-treatment
      cervical widths for the sublingual, vaginal, and rectal groups were 7.1 +/- 1.1
      mm, 8.9 +/- 1.3 mm, and 8.6 +/- 1.5 mm, respectively. The cervical widths of
      sublingual group were significantly different from control, vaginal; and rectal
      groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Four hundred micrograms of sublingual
      misoprostol, 12 and six hours prior to operative hysteroscopy has a significant
      cervical ripening effect compared with vaginal, rectal, and control groups in
      post-menopausal women.

PMID- 25134286
TI  - Thermal balloon ablation versus transcervical endometrial resection: evaluation
      of postoperative pelvic pain in women treated for dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To evaluate postoperative pain after mini-invasive surgical
      treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) with transcervical endometrial
      resection or thermal ablation balloon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal
      observational study, analyzing 47 women affected by DUB who underwent endometrial
      ablation was conducted. The authors collected evaluation of pelvic pain at one
      and four hours after intervention and the individual necessity of analgesics.
      After 30 days, all patients underwent a gynecological visit to evaluate
      postoperative outcome. RESULTS: Pelvic pain was higher one and four hours after
      procedure in thermal balloon ablation group, and patients in the same group
      required more analgesic rescue dose. There were no complications such as uterine
      perforation, heavy blood loss or thermal injuries with both the procedures.
      CONCLUSION: Thermal balloon ablation appears a more painful procedure than
      endometrial resection, both in the immediate postsurgical time and 30 days after
      surgery. Ad hoc anaesthesiologic and analgesic protocol should be adopted to
      ensure quick recovery and good acceptance of the procedure.

PMID- 25134287
TI  - Is there any association between mild hypertension and hot flash experience among
      women?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between ambulatory blood pressure (ABP),
      heart rate, and hot flash (HF) experience among women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      authors recruited 110 women aged 22 to 65 years with mild essential hypertension
      or normotension confirmed by 24-hour ABP monitoring. None of the women had organ
      damage, inflammatory diseases, on estrogen replacement therapy or any other risk
      factors. Participants wore an ABP monitor that both records heart rate during 24
      hours and noted their awake and sleep times. HF were assessed using an everyday
      complaint questionnaire that included symptoms associated with menopause. Each
      participant was asked whether or not she had experienced each symptom during the
      two weeks before the interview. RESULTS: Fifty-five of the participants (45%)
      reported having had HF during the two weeks before they completed the
      questionnaire. The results show that the prevalence of essential hypertension
      (EH) in the group of women who had HF was significantly higher than the group of
      women that did not have HF (p = 0.035). The authors also found that hypertensive
      women had HF more often than normotensive women (p = 0.035), but other parameters
      including mean awake and sleep systolic BP values, mean awake and sleep diastolic
      BP values, heart rates, and nocturnal dipping of BP did not differ statistically
      among the group of women who had HF and the group of women who did not have HF (p
      > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the prevalence of EH in the group
      of women who have HF is significantly higher than the group of women that does
      not have HF.

PMID- 25134288
TI  - High rates of abnormalities in hysterosalpingography in couples with male factor
      infertility.
AB  - The rate of anatomical abnormalities in infertile couples with obvious male
      factor is unknown. For this purpose the authors retrospectively analyzed 376
      hysterosalpingographies (HSG) of couples with severe male factor. Patients were
      subdivided into four groups according to the woman's age, and primary or
      secondary infertility: A--less than 35-years-old, primary infertility, B--less
      than 35-years-old, secondary infertility, C--35-years-old or more, primary
      infertility, and D--35-years-old or more, secondary infertility. Overall,
      abnormalities in HSG were demonstrated in 25.5% of the patients, and in 18, 21,
      52, and 40 percent of patients in groups A, B, C and D, respectively. Age was
      found to be a significant independent risk factor (p < 0.05) while primary or
      secondary infertility was not. The adjusted odds ratio for woman who were 35
      years-old or more to have any abnormalities in HSG were 3.7-fold greater (95% CI
      2.2- 6.23), than women who were less than 35-years-old. In conclusion, relatively
      high rates of female mechanical abnormalities may be found even in infertile
      couples with obvious male factor and are significantly more prevalent in older
      women.

PMID- 25134289
TI  - Frozen section of uterine curetting in excluding the possibility of ectopic
      pregnancy--a clinicopathologic study of 715 cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To investigate the utility of frozen section of uterine curetting
      in excluding the possibility of ectopic pregnancy (EP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis of 715 curetting records in the present hospital from July
      1999 to May 2009 was obtained. All specimens were processed routinely with frozen
      section and paraffin section. RESULTS: Of 715 cases, frozen section analyses were
      discordant in 33 cases (4.6%), including 32 cases under-diagnosed, and one case
      over-diagnosed, compared with the final diagnoses. Frozen section had a
      sensitivity of 92.6%, specificity of 99.6%, and frozen section accuracy rate of
      95.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Frozen section is a useful and rapid method to differentiate
      EP from intrauterine pregnancy.

PMID- 25134290
TI  - Increased platelet count in severe peritoneal endometriosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Platelet count (PC) is higher in chronic inflammatory diseases. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the PC in patients with severe pelvic
      endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced stage pelvic
      endometriosis were retrospectively evaluated in a tertiary center between January
      2009 and December 2011. Patients with pelvic endometriosis were divided into two
      groups; advanced stage peritoneal endometriosis were classified as Group 1 (n =
      28). Group 2 consisted of 29 patients which had ovarian endometrioma without
      clinically apparent peritoneal endometriosis foci. Group 3 included 51 women as
      control subjects. PC between the groups was tested by Student's t test. The mean
      values of three groups were analyzed by using one way ANOVA test followed post
      hoc test Bonferroni. RESULTS: PC in patients with pelvic endometriosis were found
      to be higher from the control group (290 +/- 67 10(9)/1; 264 +/- 63 10(9)/1,
      respectively; p = 0.038). Patients with peritoneal endometriosis (Group 1) had
      significantly higher PCs compared with the healthy controls (309 +/- 65 10(9)/1;
      264 +/- 63 10(9)/1; respectively; p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Increased PC in
      advanced stage pelvic endometriosis may be a sign of increased systemic
      inflammation. The systemic inflammation may be more apparent in advanced stage
      peritoneal endometriosis.

PMID- 25134291
TI  - Risk of recurrent menorrhagia after hydrothermoablation: role of GnRH analogues
      neoadjuvant treatment in long-term successful rate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of presurgical therapy with
      GnRH analogues in patients who underwenthydrothermal endometrial ablation (HTA)
      for menorrhagia and assess the relationship between sonographically measured
      myometrium thickness and pelvic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective
      randomized control study comparing 15 women (Group A) with presurgical
      subcutaneous triptorelin depot injection before HTA with controls (Group B, n =
      15). Inclusion criteria were: recurrent menorrhagia, uterus length < 12 cm, no
      previous hormonal therapy for at least six month, and family plan completed.
      Student's t test was applied, as appropriate, to compare continuous variables.
      Proportion were compared with chi-squared. RESULTS: After 12 months of follow-up,
      Group A showed a significantly lower (0% vs 20%; p = 0.03) failure rate after
      hydrothermoablation than the Group B and a generally higher successful rate at 24
      and 48 months. The discomfort, evaluated with VAS, showed a mean value of 47.6 +/
      15.9 +/- SD); 96.7% of women reported a mild-moderate postoperative pain. No
      perioperative and late complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Presurgical
      treatment with GnRH analogues seems to improve long-term efficacy of HTA.
      Perioperative pelvic pain seems to not be affected by myometrium thickness.

PMID- 25134292
TI  - Serum levels of androgens and prostate-specific antigen in endometriosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of serum
      androgens and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in patients with
      endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with Stage III/IV (advanced stage)
      endometriosis were compared to controls with respect to basal serum levels of
      total testosterone (T), free testosterone (fT), androstenedion (A),
      dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S), and PSA
      in the early follicular phase of menstrual cycle for this prospective case
      control study. RESULTS: Level of T, fT, A, DHEA, and DHEA-S were higher in
      patients with endometriosis when compared to control subjects, but the difference
      was not statistically significant. The mean PSA level was 0.0074 +/- 0.0120 ng/ml
      in patients with endometriosis and 0.0059 +/- 0.0056 ng/ml in control group and
      there was no statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.58).
      CONCLUSION: Serum basal androgens and PSA levels are higher in endometriosis
      group with respect to control but the differences are not statistically
      significant.

PMID- 25134293
TI  - Rising cesarean section rates, a patient's perspective: experience from a high
      birth rate country.
AB  - PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To investigate the effect of social class, education
      and antenatal care on cesarian section (CS) rate and women's preference for CS.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive study performed on 509 women
      attending postnatal clinics in three primary care units in Ismailia governorate,
      Egypt. The study performed via a structured questionnaire including questions
      related to background socio-demographic data, questions related to obstetrical
      history for the last pregnancy and delivery, and questions related to economic
      standards. RESULTS: The study included 266 participants (52.3%) that delivered by
      CS in their last delivery. CS rate was significantly higher in highly educated
      women and high economic standard. Only 29 (7.7%) reported that they had preferred
      CS as a method of delivery. Educational level and economic standards
      significantly affected the proportion of women preferring CS as a method of
      delivery (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). In a stepwise logistic regression
      model, significant factors affecting CS rate were: the method of delivery
      preferred (p < 0.005) and educational level (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Educational
      level and economic standards significantly affected women's preference towards CS
      and CS rate.

PMID- 25134294
TI  - Effectiveness of pericervical tourniquet by Foley catheter reducing blood loss at
      abdominal myomectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effectivenes of pericervical tourniquet by Foley catheter
      reducing blood loss at abdominal myomectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective
      chart review of 67 cases, with symptomatic myoma uteri and undertaken abdominal
      myomectomy, was performed. Myomectomy was performed in Group 1 (n = 34) by Foley
      catheter tourniquet around both uterin vessels and in Group 2 (n = 33) the
      tourniquet was not performed. RESULTS: The average blood loss during myomectomy
      was 286.4 +/- 137.5 ml for the tourniquet group and 673.8 +/- 172.3 ml for the
      control group. Postoperative blood transfusion was necessary in two patients from
      the control group. Technique significantly reduced the intraoperative blood loss
      and postoperative hemoglobin fall in patients. No serious complications occured
      on account of the tourniquet technique. CONCLUSIONS: The pericervical tourniquet
      by Foley catheter is a safe and effective method for reducing blood loss during
      abdominal myomectomy, although it should be evaluated in a randomized controlled
      trial.

PMID- 25134295
TI  - TVT-ABBREVO: efficacy and two years follow-up for the treatment of stress urinary
      incontinence.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of inside-out TVT-ABBREVO in the surgical
      treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with mean two-year follow
      up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six women underwent surgery for moderate-severe
      SUI. The technology used was the TVT-ABBREVO inside-out. Each woman at 12 and 24
      months underwent postoperative evaluation by means of urodynamics, Q-tip test,
      CST, transperineal ultrasonography, and administration of "King's Health
      Questionnaire" (KHQ). RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 57.03 +/- 11.1 years
      (range 42-75). Postoperative urodynamics (12 months follow-up) resulted to be
      normal in 43/56 patients (76.79%), in 10/56 (17.86%) cases resulted in a
      considerable improvement of the symptomatology, and only 1/56 (1.78%) case had de
      novo overactive bladder (OAB), in 2/56 (3.57%) symptomatology unchanged. After
      administration of the KHQ 43/56 cases (76.79%) had resolution of the
      symptomatology, 10/56 cases (17.86%) improvement of the symptomatology, and no
      change in 3/56 cases (5.36%). CONCLUSION: In the authors' experience, the TVT
      ABBREVO resulted technically simple. The TVT-ABBREVO procedure provides high
      objective and subjective long-term efficacy, a clinically meaningful improvement
      in patient quality of life, and an excellent safety profile.

PMID- 25134296
TI  - Is thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor antigen (TAFIag) level significant
      in recurrent miscarriage?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma thrombin-tat
      fibrinolysis inhibitor antigen (TAFIag) levels in women with recurrent
      miscarriage (RM) and age-matched healthy parous women as controls. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 80 patients were enrolled in this study. As a study group
      (group 1), the authors evaluated 49 RM patients who had two or more consecutive
      abortions with unknown etiology before 12 weeks of gestation. The remaining 31
      patients (group 2) were age-matched healthy parous women with no history of
      miscarriage and experienced at least one live baby. RESULTS: Comparisons of blood
      TAFIag levels revealed no statistically significant difference between women with
      recurrent miscarriages and control group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the
      present study indicated that TAFIag level was not associated with recurrent
      miscarriages.

PMID- 25134297
TI  - Experience of hysteroscopy indications and complications in 5,474 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the indications, intraoperative diagnoses, and
      complication rates of both diagnostic and operative hysteroscopic procedures.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five thousand four hundred seventy-four (5474)
      hysteroscopic procedures performed in the department of gynecologic endoscopy
      unit between May 2005 and December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed from the
      archives. Indications, intraoperative diagnosis, and complications of all
      gynecological endoscopic procedures are recorded. RESULTS: Abnormal uterine
      bleeding in premenopausal and postmenopausal women was the most frequent
      indication for diagnostic hysteroscopies in 1,887 (40%) cases. The most common
      preoperative indication for operative hysteroscopy was endometrial polyps in 469
      (55.7%) cases and submucous leiomyomas in 151 (17.9%) cases. In this series, the
      most common complication was uterine perforation which occured in 15 (0.27%) out
      of 5,474 cases and the rate for diagnostic hysteroscopy and operative
      hysteroscopy was 0.06% and 1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopy is a safe
      and effective minimally invasive procedure with very low complication rate.

PMID- 25134298
TI  - Effects of natural progesterone on endometriosis in an experimental rat model: is
      it effective?
AB  - To assess the effects of the natural progesterone on the endometriosis in a rat
      model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endometriosis was surgically induced in 20 rats by
      transplanting an autologous fragment of endometrial tissue onto the inner surface
      of the abdominal wall. Rats in control group had no medication but 2.5
      mg/kg/weekly natural progesterone was administered to rats in study group for
      four weeks. After that, all rats were sacrificed and dimensions of endometriosis
      were measured and they were evaluated morphologically and histologically. Scoring
      systems were used to evaluate preservation of epithelia. RESULTS: Two rats in the
      study group and one rat in the control group died of complications related to
      surgery. At the end of the treatment, there was a reduction in the size of the
      endometriotic lesions in the study group (p < 0.01). According to histological
      evaluation, the study group had lower score than control goup which was
      statistically significant (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Natural progesterone is
      effective against endometriosis in rat model.

PMID- 25134299
TI  - Marked improvement of the autoimmune syndrome associated with autoimmune
      hepatitis by treatment with sympathomimetic amines.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of sympathomimetic amine therapy for a life
      threatening autoimmune disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dextroamphetamine sulfate
      was used to treat edema, myalgia, and chronic fatigue associated with autoimmune
      hepatitis (AIH). RESULTS: Sympathomimetic amine therapy completely abrogated the
      symptoms associated with AIH. CONCLUSIONS: AIH should be added to the long list
      of chronic treatment-refractory conditions that respond quickly and effectively
      to treatment with sympathomimetic amines.

PMID- 25134300
TI  - Abdominal intrauterine vacuum aspiration.
AB  - Evaluating and "cleaning" of the uterine cavity is probably the most performed
      operation in women. It is done for several reasons: abortion, evaluation of
      irregular bleeding in premenopausal period, and postmenopausal bleeding. Abortion
      is undoubtedly the number one procedure with more than 44 million pregnancies
      terminated every year. This procedure should not be underestimated and a careful
      preoperative evaluation is needed. Ideally a sensitive pregnancy test should be
      done together with an ultrasound in order to confirm a uterine pregnancy,
      excluding extra-uterine pregnancy, and to detect genital and/or uterine
      malformations. Three out of four abortions are performed by surgical methods.
      Surgical methods include a sharp, blunt, and suction curettage. Suction curettage
      or vacuum aspiration is the preferred method. Despite the fact that it is a
      relative safe procedure with major complications in less than one percent of
      cases, it is still responsible for 13% of all maternal deaths. All the figures
      have not declined in the last decade. Trauma, perforation, and bleeding are a
      danger triage. When there is a perforation, a laparoscopy should be performed
      immediately, in order to detect intra-abdominal lacerations and bleeding. The
      bleeding should be stopped as soon as possible in order to not destabilize the
      patient. When there is a perforation in the uterus, this "entrance" can be used
      to perform the curettage. This is particularly useful if there is trauma of the
      isthmus and uterine wall, and it is difficult to identify the uterine canal. A
      curettage is a frequent performed procedure, which should not be underestimated.
      If there is a perforation in the uterus, then this opening can safely be used for
      vacuum aspiration.

PMID- 25134301
TI  - Salmonella ovarian abscess in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a case
      report with literature review.
AB  - Salmonella ovarian abscess in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is
      reported here. A 33-year-old nulliparous woman with a 16-year history of RA who
      had been treated with corticosteroid and immunosuppressive drugs was diagnosed as
      having a non-typhoidal Salmonella ovarian abscess which might have been preceded
      by an occurrence of endometriotic cyst. Multidisciplinary therapy including
      surgical intervention was required to complete the eradication of infection.
      Although Salmonella ovarian abscess is rare, it may cause a serious complication
      in the ovary harboring endometriotic cyst through sustained presence of
      Salmonella bacteraemia.

PMID- 25134302
TI  - Transient sixth cranial nerve palsy following orgasm abrogated by treatment with
      sympathomimetic amines.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a unique disorder where a transient 6th nerve palsy leading
      to diploplia following orgasm developed in a 28-year-old woman. This coincided
      with a weight gain of 100 pounds in a short time without a corresponding change
      in dietary habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: She was treated with the
      sympathomimetic amine dextroamphetamine sulfate. RESULTS: Indeed she immediately
      responded to treatment with dextroamphetamine sulfate sustained release capsules
      with complete resolution of the episodes of 6th nerve palsy following orgasm.
      CONCLUSIONS: The main importance of this case is that it suggests that orgasm
      causes a transient generalized decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity
      and that the achievement of an orgasm may require an increase in the sympathetic
      nervous system activity.

PMID- 25134303
TI  - Normal evolution of pregnancy complicated by a giant placental chorioangioma.
AB  - Placental chorioangioma is a benign vascular tumour of placental origin. Here The
      authors report a case of a pregnant patient who presented placental chorioangioma
      measuring 11 cm in the greatest diameter at 37 weeks at term and in labor.

PMID- 25134304
TI  - Failure to improve a thin endometrium in the late proliferative phase with
      uterine infusion of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if the treatment with uterine infusion of granulocyte
      colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can improve endometrial thickness in an
      infertile woman with a double uterus, who consistently showed a thin endometrium
      in the late proliferative phase either in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation
      (COH) IVF-ET cycles or with graduated estrogen/sildenafil protocols for frozen
      embryo transfer (ET). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single uterine infusion of G-CSF
      was performed in the late proliferative phase in a woman who only attained a five
      mm thickness despite a high dose vaginal and oral estradiol regimen plus
      sildenafil. RESULTS: No increase was found within a couple days. CONCLUSIONS: A
      previous four-case study in another center found 100% improvement in the
      endometrial thickness in women with consistently thin endometria. Perhaps the
      uterine anomaly in the present case prevented the response of the endometrium.

PMID- 25134305
TI  - Uterine inversion after controlled cord traction during caesarean section: a case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inversion of the uterus during caesarean section is a rare but life
      threatening complication of the procedure that requires immediate treatment,
      which is reversion and awareness due to the very serious adverse effects that it
      may have. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors present a case of a 34-year-old para
      1 woman of Greek ethnicity who underwent a scheduled caesarean section at 39
      weeks of gestation. During the procedure, a uterine inversion occurred as a
      controlled cord traction was applied in order to achieve placental detachment,
      after the delivery of the baby. It was managed by immediate manual uterine
      reversion, which was performed after exteriorization of the uterus. There were no
      adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Uterine inversion during caesarean section is a
      serious complication, but fortunately very rare. However, the obstetrician should
      be aware that the complication should be quickly identified and act without
      hesitation because it is critical for the well being of the patient.

PMID- 25134306
TI  - Sympathomimetic amine therapy found effective for treatment of refractory chronic
      complex regional pain syndrome (reflex sympathetic dystrophy).
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if treatment with sympathomimetic amines could improve the
      pain from complex regional pain disorder (CRPD) which was keeping a woman from
      trying to conceive her second child. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dextroamphetamine
      sulfate was prescribed. RESULTS: Within a short length of time the woman's wrist
      pain considerably improved to the point that she is ready to try in vitro
      fertilization once again to have a second baby. CONCLUSIONS: Though
      sympathomimetic amines are used by some reproductive endocrinologists for
      unexplained infertility and unexplained recurrent miscarriages, the most common
      use by the gynecologist is for pelvic pain. Despite the thought by some
      clinicians and researchers that the etiology for CRPD may be related to
      sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity (and thus sympathomimetic amines could
      theoretically exacerbate the symptoms), in fact, the treatment with
      dextroamphetamine sulfate may turn out to be a new and possibly the most
      effective, least risky, and least expensive treatment to date for CRPD.

PMID- 25134307
TI  - Pallister-Killian syndrome in a preterm newborn who died soon after precipitous
      delivery: cytogenetic analysis.
AB  - The authors report a preterm neonate with dysmorphic traits and cleft palate who
      was born preterm because of precipitous delivery and died soon after birth
      notwithstanding neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) support. The cytogenetic
      analysis on fibroblasts from post-mortem skin biopsy demonstrated a Pallister
      Killian syndrome (PKS). PKS is a cytogenetically syndrome characterized by a
      tissue limited mosaic distribution of one isochromosome 12p (tetrasomy 12p).
      Clinical manifestations of PKS are variable, and some symptoms may overlap with
      other malformative syndromes, thus the correct diagnosis mainly depends on the
      demonstration of the specific cytogenetic abnormality.

PMID- 25134309
TI  - Cutaneous reactions to bed bug bites.

PMID- 25134308
TI  - Spontaneous cutaneous umbilical endometriosis: a rare variant of extragenital
      endometriosis.
AB  - Umbilical endometriosis is a very uncommon condition which presents as a
      pigmented umbilical nodule, papular or cystic, with symptoms punctuated rhythmed
      by menses. The authors report the case of a 32-year-old with spontaneous
      umbilical endometriosis. Surgical resection was performed with a good cosmetic
      result and no recurrence at six months. A review of the literature allowed the
      authors to discuss the diagnosis difficulties and treatment in a underdeveloped
      country.

PMID- 25134310
TI  - Low-level laser/light therapy for androgenetic alopecia.
AB  - Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a persistent and pervasive condition that affects
      men worldwide. Some common treatment options for AGA include hair prosthetics,
      oral and topical medications, and surgical hair restoration (SHR). Pharmaceutical
      and SHR treatments are associated with limitations including adverse side effects
      and significant financial burden. Low-level laser or light (LLL) devices offer
      alternative treatment options that are not typically associated with adverse side
      effects or significant costs. There are clinic- and home-based LLL devices. One
      home-based laser comb device has set a standard for others; however, this device
      requires time devoted to carefully moving the comb through the hair to allow
      laser penetration to the scalp. A novel helmet-like LLL device for hair growth
      has proven effective in preliminary trials and allows for hands-free use.
      Regardless, there are few clinical trials that have been conducted regarding LLL
      devices for AGA and results are mixed. Further research is required to establish
      the true efficacy of these devices for hair growth in comparison to existing
      alternative therapies.

PMID- 25134311
TI  - Motives for cosmetic procedures in Saudi women.
AB  - The media-fuelled obsession with beauty in modern society has led more women to
      seek elective cosmetic procedures to meet the portrayed ideals of beauty in
      different cultures. This study gives insights into incentives and desires to
      undergo cosmetic procedures in a conservative society with strict religious
      practices where women are veiled. Questionnaire data were obtained from 509 Saudi
      women who responded to a survey distributed randomly to a sample of Saudi women
      aged 17 to 72 years. At least 1 elective cosmetic procedure was performed in 42%
      of the women, of whom 77.8% wore a veil. Another 33% considered having a
      procedure. The motives for seeking a cosmetic procedure were to improve self
      esteem in 83.7%, attract a husband in 63.3%, or prevent a husband from seeking
      another wife in 36.2%. The decision to seek a procedure was affected by the
      media, with high peer influence. Motivation for elective cosmetic procedures in
      Saudi women is influenced by a combination of emotional and cultural factors,
      level of education, marital status, and religious beliefs. The veil is not an
      impediment for seeking such procedures. The limitation of the study was missing
      data analysis as some items in the questionnaire were completed inaccurately or
      left unanswered.

PMID- 25134313
TI  - Cutaneous malignancies in immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients.
AB  - During the past century, organ transplantation has delivered the miracle of life
      to more than 500,000 patients in need. Secondary malignancies have developed as
      an unforeseen consequence of intense immunosuppressive regimens. Cutaneous
      malignancies have been recognized as the most frequent cancer that arises post
      transplantation. Among organ transplant recipients (OTRs), skin cancer is a
      substantial cause of morbidity and potential mortality. The authors discuss
      epidemiology and clinical presentation of cutaneous malignancies; associated risk
      factors; recommendation for the care of immunosuppressed OTRs, and emerging
      therapies on the horizon.

PMID- 25134312
TI  - A high glycerol-containing leave-on scalp care treatment to improve dandruff.
AB  - Dandruff is a common cosmetic condition associated with flaky scalp skin and
      pruritus. It is generally treated with regular use of antifungal-based shampoos.
      Research into factors underlying the characteristic skin lesions has revealed
      perturbations in epidermal differentiation and a dramatic deterioration in the
      associated process of stratum corneum (SC) maturation. These observations suggest
      that directly addressing the quality of the SC could have a scalp benefit. In
      this study, the authors investigated the efficacy of a moisturising leave-on
      lotion (LOL) containing a high concentration of glycerol (10%) and other known
      skin benefit agents (saturated fatty acid and sunflower seed oil) to reduce
      dandruff over an 8-week treatment period with 3 applications per week. Results of
      expert visual grading and biophysical measurements of SC parameters
      (transepidermal water loss and hydration) revealed a significant reduction in the
      dandruffcondition over this period, with significant improvement in both SC water
      barrier function and hydration. These scalp skin benefits were maintained for up
      to a week following cessation of the treatment. This study indicates that use of
      a glycerol-rich substantive LOL, designed to directly improve the quality of the
      SC barrier can have a significant impact on the dandruff condition.

PMID- 25134314
TI  - Basal cell carcinoma: pathophysiology.
AB  - Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in humans, which
      typically appears over the sun-exposed skin as a slow-growing, locally invasive
      lesion that rarely metastasizes. Although the exact etiology of BCC is unknown,
      there exists a well-established relationship between BCC and the pilo-sebaceous
      unit, and it is currently thought to originate from pluri-potential cells in the
      basal layer of the epidermis or the follicle. The patched/hedgehog intracellular
      signaling pathway plays a central role in both sporadic BCCs and nevoid BCC
      syndrome (Gorlin syndrome). This pathway is vital for the regulation of cell
      growth, and differentiation and loss of inhibition of this pathway is associated
      with development of BCC. The sonic hedgehog protein is the most relevant to BCC;
      nevertheless, the Patched (PTCH) protein is the ligand-binding component of the
      hedgehog receptor complex in the cell membrane. The other protein member of the
      receptor complex, smoothened (SMO), is responsible for transducing hedgehog
      signaling to downstream genes, leading to abnormal cell proliferation. The
      importance of this pathway is highlighted by the successful use in advanced forms
      of BCC of vismodegib, a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug, that
      selectively inhibits SMO. The UV-specific nucleotide changes in the tumor
      suppressor genes, TP53 and PTCH, have also been implicated in the development of
      BCC.

PMID- 25134315
TI  - New wine in old bottles: the coming deluge of aggressive cutaneous cancers and
      precancers.

PMID- 25134316
TI  - Hot topics in the cosmetics industry.

PMID- 25134317
TI  - Kafka and the enigmatic case of cutaneous myiasis.

PMID- 25134318
TI  - A rare case of aplasia cutis with vanishing twin syndrome and unusual
      presentation.

PMID- 25134319
TI  - The challenge of managing increasingly complex cancer toxicity.

PMID- 25134320
TI  - It's time to have 'the talk': cost communication and patient-centered care.

PMID- 25134321
TI  - Cardiovascular toxicity of biologic agents for cancer therapy.
AB  - There has been significant progress in the development of new anticancer
      therapies over the last decade.Targeted therapies, including anti-human epidermal
      growth factor receptor 2 agents, vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors,
      and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have been important components of current
      treatment strategies. However, many of these therapies have been associated with
      chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction. While newer targeted agents provide "on
      target" anticancer activity, their "off-target" drug effects encompass a wide
      range of cardiovascular toxicities. Many of these toxicities are reversible, but
      they may limit the use and length of treatment and compromise its efficacy.
      Oncologists are often the first to diagnose chemotherapy-related cardiac
      dysfunction, although patients with advanced cardiotoxicity are referred to
      cardiologists for further care. The field of cardio-oncology has emerged as a
      necessary discipline to address these disabling complications. In order to
      prevent late-stage cardiotoxicity, an early collaborative effort between
      oncologists and cardiologists is warranted to risk-stratify patients prior to
      therapy and to treat at the earliest signs of cardiotoxicity. It is therefore of
      utmost importance for oncologists to be aware of the cardiotoxicities of
      anticancer therapies, and to be familiar with modifiable risk factors and early
      interventions that can prevent long-term cardiac damage.

PMID- 25134322
TI  - Cardiotoxicity of targeted agents in oncology: a medical oncology perspective.

PMID- 25134323
TI  - Cardiovascular toxicity of Newer chemotherapeutic agents: the heart of the
      matter.

PMID- 25134324
TI  - Salvage chemotherapy for refractory germ cell tumors.

PMID- 25134325
TI  - Esophagogastric junction and gastric adenocarcinoma: neoadjuvant and adjuvant
      therapy, and future directions.
AB  - In North America, gastric cancer is the third most common gastrointestinal
      malignancy and the third most lethal neoplasm overall. In Asia, gastric cancer
      represents an even more serious problem: in Japan, it is the most common cancer
      in men. The standard primary therapy for gastric cancer is surgical resection; in
      esophagogastric-junction (EGJ) adenocarcinoma, which is often included in studies
      of gastric cancer, surgery is also typically the initial management strategy.
      However, the rates of locoregional and distant recurrence following surgery with
      curative intent have remained high. Investigators have explored a variety of ways
      of reducing these rates and improving survival in patients with gastric and EGJ
      cancers. These strategies have included explorations of the optimal extent of
      regional lymphadenectomy at the time of gastric resection; investigation of
      different neoadjuvant, perioperative, and adjuvant chemotherapy regimens; use of
      preoperative and postoperative radiation therapy; and the use of pre- and
      postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT).To date, benefit has been seen in gastric
      cancer patients with the use of what is called a"D2 resection"(which includes
      lymph nodes of stations 7 through 12) and with adjuvant CRT (in the West) or
      adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 (in Japan); and neoadjuvant CRT has been shown to
      have a survival benefit in patients with EGJ cancers.

PMID- 25134326
TI  - EGJ and esophageal cancers: choosing induction therapy so as to err on the side
      of overtreatment rather than undertreatment when staging is imperfect.

PMID- 25134327
TI  - Esophagogastric junction and gastric adenocarcinoma: current challenges and
      future directions.

PMID- 25134328
TI  - The role of radical prostatectomy and lymph node dissection in the treatment of
      young men with high-grade node-positive prostate cancer: there may be no RCTs-but
      there are good reasons to include surgery.

PMID- 25134329
TI  - The role of radical prostatectomy and lymph node dissection in the treatment of
      young men with high-grade node-positive prostate cancer: less is more--the
      benefits of surgery do not yet outweigh potential harms.

PMID- 25134330
TI  - Double trouble: a case of concurrent de novo T790M and L858R EGFR mutations in
      treatment-naive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PMID- 25134331
TI  - My love-hate relationship with hospitals.

PMID- 25134332
TI  - Survivorship is not a passive sport.

PMID- 25134333
TI  - Hypofractionation for breast cancer: lessons learned from our neighbors to the
      north and across the pond.
AB  - Adjuvant whole breast irradiation was established within the standard of care for
      breast-conserving therapy in the early 1980s, following the results of major
      randomized trials comparing mastectomy vs breast-conserving surgery and
      radiation. Since that time, techniques and treatment strategies have evolved, but
      one major thread that carries forward is the need to balance cost, efficacy,
      complications, and convenience. Fortunately, data from randomized trials
      conducted in Canada and Great Britain provide a solid framework for the
      consideration of hypofractionated radiation in the treatment of breast cancer. In
      this review we discuss the rationale and underlying radiobiologic concepts for
      hypofractionation, and review the clinical trials and American Society for
      Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) guidelines supporting this approach. We also review
      the practical considerations for treatment planning, including dosimetric
      criteria and how to approach treatment of the node-positive patient. In the
      current era of healthcare reform and cost awareness, thoughtful utilization of
      hypofractionation may offer considerable savings to individual patients and the
      healthcare system--without compromising clinical outcomes or quality of life.

PMID- 25134334
TI  - Fractionation in breast cancer radiotherapy for conservative treatment: are we
      really done learning?

PMID- 25134335
TI  - Consider a single intraoperative fraction for patients eligible for
      hypofractionated regimens?

PMID- 25134336
TI  - Distribution and heterogeneity of heterochromatin in the European huchen (Hucho
      hucho Linnaeus, 1758) (Salmonidae).
AB  - The chromosomal characteristics, locations and variations of the heterochromatin
      were studied in the European huchen (Hucho hucho, Linnaeus, 1758) karyotype using
      conventional C- banding, endonuclease digestion banding, silver nitrate (AgNO3),
      chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and DAPI staining techniques. The karyotype consists of 82
      chromosomes: 13 pairs of metacentric chromosomes, 2 pairs of submetacentric
      chromosomes and 26 pairs of subtelo-acrocentric chromosomes (NF = 112). Original
      data on the chromosomal distribution of segments resistant to Alu I, Dde I and
      Mbo I restriction endonucleases and identification of the C-banded
      heterochromatin presented here have been used to characterize the huchen
      karyotype. On the basis of the banding patterns provided in the course of
      restriction enzyme digestion, AgNO3/CMA3 staining and C-banding we distinguished
      twelve types of heterochromatin grouped in four areas of the European huchen
      chromosomes. One pair of NOR-bearing chromosomes was found to be polymorphic in
      size and displayed two distinct forms. A combination of various staining
      techniques provided original data concerning heterochromatin distribution and
      heterogeneity in the European huchen which enabled better karyotypic definition
      of this fish species.

PMID- 25134337
TI  - Molecular variability of the COI fragment supports the systematic position of
      Enarmoniini within the subfamily Olethreutinae (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).
AB  - The Tortricidae, a globally distributed family of Lepidoptera, consists of
      approximately 10,000 described species, of which a large number do not have
      clearly defined taxonomic positions. In the present paper the systematics of
      Enarmoniini based on molecular data is compared to systematics based on
      morphology. Two genera of Enarmoniini were used for analysis: the type-genus
      Enarmonia (one species examined) and Ancylis (7 species examined). A comparison
      of a 606 bp homologous fragment of the COI mitochondrial gene revealed that
      Enarmoniini form a cluster distinct from Olethreutini (3 genera and 7 species
      examined), Eucosmini (2 genera, 4 species) and Grapholitini (4 genera, 9
      species). In our opinion the molecular studies combined with previously obtained
      morphological data should facilitate a more natural classification system of this
      relatively poorly explored family of Microlepidoptera. Altogether, 30 species of
      Tortricidae were examined.

PMID- 25134338
TI  - Estimation of global content of 5-methylcytosine in DNA during allantoic and
      pulmonary respiration in the chicken embryo.
AB  - DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that plays an important role in the
      proper development and functioning of an organism. The DNA methylation level is
      species-, tissue- and organelle-specific, and the methylation pattern is
      determined during embryogenesis. A correlation between methylation and age is
      also observed. Epigenetic phenomena are an enormously interesting research
      subject, not only from the perspective of pure science, but also due to their
      possible applications in medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the
      global DNA methylation level in relation to the developmental stage of the
      embryo. The global level of 5-methylcytosine in the DNA during pulmonary
      respiration was found to be higher than during allantoic respiration. The
      analysis shows a clear dependence between the stage of individual development and
      the global DNA level of 5-methylcytosine. In the future, methylation level may be
      a determinant of age and perhaps even a tool for predicting life expectancy.
      Abnormalities in the methylation process result in premature ageing at the
      cellular and individual level.

PMID- 25134339
TI  - The fatty acid profile of muscle tissue of ram lambs with diverse genotypes.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine the fatty acid profile of intramuscular fat
      for genetically diverse sheep breeds kept in the same environmental and feeding
      conditions. The study was conducted on 30 (15 in each breed) wrzosowka and
      zelaznenska ram lambs slaughtered at 23-25 kg of life weight. The meat samples
      for analysis were taken from longissimus lumborum muscle. The meat of wrzosowka
      ram lambs contained almost twofold less (P < or = 0.01) intramuscular fat
      compared to zelaznenska sheep. Lower (P < or = 0.05) total of SFA and higher (P <
      or = 0.05) MUFA content in muscle tissue of wrzos6wka sheep was shown. The
      predominant monounsaturated acid was oleic acid which amounted to almost 90% of
      all MUFA. The activity of enzyme Delta9 desaturase evidenced by the higher values
      of C14:1/C14:0, C18:1/Cl8:0 (P < or = 0.01) and C16:1/C16:0 (P < or = 0.05)
      indices was also recorded for wrzos6wka ram lambs. The UFA/SFA (P < or = 0.05)
      and MUFA/SFA (P < or = 0.05) ratios as well as the value of the trombogenic index
      (TI) (P < or = 0.05) were more favourable in muscle tissue for wrzos6wka than
      zelaznenska rams lambs. Therefore, the meat from leaner animals is more
      beneficial for human health.

PMID- 25134340
TI  - Reproductive performance of New Zealand White rabbits after depletion of
      apoptotic spermatozoa.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the utility of the magnetic-activated
      cell sorting (MACS) technique used for improving characteristics and quality of
      insemination doses by the elimination ofapoptotic rabbit spermatozoa from a
      heterospermic pool (Experiment 1) as well as from the ejaculates of individual
      bucks (Experiment 2). Superparamagnetic microbeads conjugated with annexin V
      eliminated spermatozoa with externalized phosphatidylserine via MACS. The control
      (untreated) and magnetically separated spermatozoa (in both E1 and E2) were used
      for artificial insemination of hormonally treated rabbit does. MACS separation of
      spermatozoa yielded two fractions: annexin V-negative (AnV) and annexin V
      positive (AnV+). The CASA analysis after MACS sperm sorting revealed that the
      proportion of apoptotic spermatozoa in the semen of New Zealand White bucks
      varied from 7 to 20%. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that MACS
      treatment might eliminate spermatozoa with membrane damages and released
      acrosomal matter. However, the MACS separation (in both E1 and E2) did not affect
      the reproductive parameters of rabbit does.

PMID- 25134341
TI  - The effect of mammary gland-specific transgene expression on rabbit reproductive
      gland structure.
AB  - Transgenic rabbits are excellent animal models for human diseases and suitable
      bioreactors for the production of recombinant proteins on an experimental and
      commercial scale. The aim of this study was to compare the structure of the mWAP
      hFVIII transgenic and non-transgenic rabbit ovarian and testicular tissue.
      Ovarian and testicular tissue samples were taken from transgenic and non
      transgenic New Zealand White rabbits, examined by optical microscopy and analyzed
      morphometrically. An increase of the relative volume of primary follicles and a
      decrease of the relative volume of antral follicles was detected in the
      transgenic ovarian structure (P < 0.05), but other developmental follicular
      stages and follicular diameters were not affected (P > 0.05). In the testes a
      significant decrease (P < 0.05) of the epithelial height was detected in the
      transgenic testicular structure, but the relative volume of all basic structures
      (germinal epithelium, interstitium and lumen) was unaltered (P > 0.05).
      Generally, this study demonstrates a weak negative effect of mWAP-hFVIII
      transgenesis on rabbit gonadal structure.

PMID- 25134342
TI  - The effect of different fat sources in the diet on the composition of adipose
      tissue in arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus L.).
AB  - The study investigated the effect of vegetable and animal fat in the feed ration
      on the fatty acid profile of reserve fat in the arctic fox. Varying proportions
      of saturated and unsaturated fats in the feed ration comprised the experimental
      factor. In order to differentiate contents of saturated and unsaturated fatty
      acids in the experimental feed rations, various percentages of rapeseed oil and
      turkey fat were applied. The subcutaneous and circum-organal fat in this study
      differed considerably in terms of contents of individual fatty acids and between
      individual groups of acids. The circum-organal fat contained much higher amounts
      of unsaturated acids, but at the same time it was characterized by a lower amount
      of monounsaturated acids. Significant differences were also found in the contents
      of as many as 11 fatty acids. Recorded results indicate a potential modification
      of reserve fat in the arctic fox, a model representative of carnivorous animals
      (Carnivora). The possibility of the partial substitution of animal fat with
      vegetable oil (rape oil) in the nutritive diet of artic foxes was confirmed.

PMID- 25134343
TI  - Sexual maturation in common vole (Microtus arvalis) males raised under laboratory
      conditions.
AB  - The common vole is one ofthe most numerous rodents in Europe and Asia but its
      reproductive biology is not fully described. It is thought that females reach
      reproductive abilities at a very young age, however, there is no data concerning
      male sexual maturation. The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of
      sexual maturation of males of the common vole. Research was carried out on 4, 6,
      8 and 10 week-old animals. Body, testes and accessory sex glands weights were
      compared to evaluate morphological development. Epididymal sperm quality was
      assessed by a motility test, sperm tail membrane integrity, viability, maturity
      and sperm head morphology. Moreover, the number of sperm cells in 1 mm3 of semen
      was evaluated. The largest body weights were observed in 8 and 10 week-old males,
      which also possessed the highest relative weights of gonads and accessory sex
      glands. These groups of males produce about 2 times more gametes than 6 week-old
      individuals. The highest seamen quality was noted in 8 and 10 week-old males.
      Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that among the investigated age
      groups the most appropriate male age for fertile copulation is between 8 and 10
      weeks.

PMID- 25134344
TI  - Are chondroclasts and osteoclasts identical?
AB  - Brief characteristics of cells termed "osteoclasts" and "chondroclasts" are
      outlined and reasons to consider them as the same cell type, able to resorb
      calcified matrix, are discussed.

PMID- 25134345
TI  - The effect of saprotrophic fungi on the development and hatching of Fasciola
      hepatica eggs.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 6 common soil fungi species:
      Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl., Aspergillus candidus Link, Penicillium
      chrysogenum Thom, P. commune Thom, Trichothecium roseum (Pers.) Link and
      Ulocladium sp., on the hatching of miracidia, i.e., free living larvae of liver
      fluke (Fasciola hepatica). To this end, the eggs of F. hepatica were incubated in
      water in the presence of one of the aforementioned fungi species and in tap water
      (control) at a temperature of 26 degrees C. At the 15th day of incubation we
      determined the number of nonembryonated, embryonated and hatched eggs. We
      observed different degrees of antagonistic influences by the tested fungal
      strains on the development of F. hepatica eggs. Among the examined fungi, the
      strongest ovistatic effects were exhibited by Trichothecium roseum, Penicillium
      chrysogenum (R-3) and P. commune. The study showed no morphological damage to the
      shells of the F. hepatica eggs which may suggest a biochemical basis of
      antagonistic interactions by the fungi associated with the activity of fungal
      enzymes, mycotoxins and antibiotics. Low or no activity of peptide hydrolases in
      Penicillium chrysogenum and P. commune in the API ZYM test suggests their
      insignificant role in the degradation of shell proteins ofF. hepatica eggs.

PMID- 25134346
TI  - Effects of anesthetic compounds on responses of earthworms to electrostimulation.
AB  - Earthworms play an important role in biomedical research, and some surgical
      procedures require anesthesia. Anesthetic treatments used so far usually induce
      convulsive body movements connected with extrusion of coelomocyte-containing
      coelomic fluid that may affect experimental results. Extensive movements
      connected with the expulsion of coelomic fluid are exploited by immunologists as
      a method of harvesting immunocompetent coelomocytes from worms subjected to mild
      electrostimulation (4.5V). The aim of the investigations was to find anesthetic
      drugs without unintentional coelomocyte depletion. Experiments were performed on
      adult specimens of Dendrobaena veneta, the coelomocytes of which consist of
      amoebocytes and riboflavin-storing eleocytes. Earthworm mobility was filmed and
      extrusion of coelomocytes was quantified by detection of eleocyte-derived
      riboflavin in immersion fluid. Treatments included earthworms (1) immersed either
      in physiological saline (controls) or in a solution of one of the tested
      anesthetic drugs; (2) electrostimulated immediately after anesthesia, and (3)
      electrostimulated a second time after a 1-hour recovery period. The well
      established fish and amphibian anesthetic agent MS-222 induced coelomocyte
      expulsion. In contrast, solutions of the mammalian local anesthetic drug,
      prilocaine hydrochloride (0.25-0.5%, 5-10 min) caused temporal earthworm
      immobilization followed by recovery, thus showing utility as an efficient
      earthworm anesthetic.

PMID- 25134348
TI  - [Butterflies].

PMID- 25134347
TI  - [In memory of Prof Lech Dzialoszynski (1912-2014) ].

PMID- 25134349
TI  - [Aging and longevity].
AB  - During the last three centuries the expected lifespan in civilized countries has
      increased several times. The fastest growing groups are seniors (65+) and
      centenarians. Increased lifespan results in postponing of aging and age-related
      diseases. On the other hand, an increase in the number of people suffering from
      age-related diseases can be observed. Studies concerning longevity and aging help
      to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for these processes and give hope for
      finding the recipe for a healthy and long lifespan. Aging and longevity are
      modulated by genetic, epigenetic and stochastic factors. Already some variants of
      genes which correlate with longevity are known. Products of these genes are
      involved in lipid metabolism and in nutrient sensing signaling pathways such as:
      insulin/IGF-1 and TOR. Good indicators for human polymorphism study are results
      obtained using model organisms such as S. cerevisiae, C. elegans, D. melanogaster
      and laboratory mice. Aging and longevity are evolutionary conserved. Evolutionary
      theories concerning aging can be divided into two general categories: programmed
      and non-programmed ones. According to programmed theories aging is adaptive and
      can lead to altruistic death of kins. Non-programmed theories predict that
      organisms only have a limited amount of energy that has to be divided between
      reproductive activities and the maintenance of the non-reproductive aspects of
      the organism. Aging is the effect of natural degrading processes that result in
      the accumulation of damage. Accumulation of damaged DNA and proteins can lead to
      cellular senescence, inflammaging and age-related diseases. Strategies for
      postponing aging mainly rely on protecting and/or eliminating these lesions.

PMID- 25134350
TI  - [Markers of cellular senescence].
AB  - Cellular senescence is a complex process associated with irreversible cell cycle
      arrest. We can distinguish replicative senescence, which is telomere dependent
      and stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS), which is telomere independent.
      Replicative senescence can be observed in culture after a few weeks or months,
      depending on the cell type. On the other hand SIPS can be observed a few days
      after treating with a senescence inducing agent. Till now a universal marker of
      senescence has not been decribed. Studies concerning senescence are possible
      thanks to the existance of many markers of senescence which enable to observe
      molecular as well as biochemical changes associated with this process. The
      presence of a few markers of senescence allows us to be sure that cells underwent
      senescence.

PMID- 25134351
TI  - [Impact of cellular senescence on organismal aging and age-related diseases].
AB  - Development of the civilization and medicine enables an even longer lifespan of
      people. To modulate the aging process it is necessary to discover its molecular
      mechanism and its causes. It has been known for almost 60 years that cells
      undergo senescence. A lot of markers of senescence have been described to
      distinguish senescent cells. Every year we can observe an increase in the number
      of data, supporting the thesis that the reason for aging of the whole organism is
      cellular senescence. We age because cells building tissues and organs undergo
      senescence. It is also believed that cellular senescence can increase the
      frequency of age-related diseases. The role of cellular senescence strictly
      depends on the age of the individual. In young ones it is essential for:
      protection against cancer and tissue regeneration. In old ones it causes tissues
      and organs dysfunctions and leads to age-related diseases. Slowing down aging
      could prevent age-related diseases and this seems to be more promising than
      curing them. To enrich our knowledge concerning aging it is important to
      understand signaling pathways leading to senescence. Recently a new role of
      cellular senescence has been discovered, namely during embryogenesis. This
      observation is very surprising and shows a new face of cellular senescence. It is
      possible that, similarly to the previously described role of apoptosis in
      embryogenesis, senescence is indispensable for proper organogenesis. Cellular
      senescence seems to be the universal and fundamental process, the role of which
      changes during the lifespan.

PMID- 25134352
TI  - [Stem cells and senescence].
AB  - Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into specialized
      cells, that build the whole body. These rare cells are required for homeostasis
      and tissue replacement throughout the human lifespan, and appear to be
      characterized by a few specific physiological and biochemical properties,
      particularly the capacity for self-renewal. Recent studies suggest that stem
      cells may undergo senescence, what plays a crucial role in organismal aging.
      Importantly, both senescence and apoptosis are anti-cancer mechanisms that
      counteract neoplastic transformation of stem cells. On the other hand, mechanisms
      that suppress the development of cancer may also induce an unwanted consequence:
      a decline in the number and functional alterations of stem cells with advancing
      age. These functional changes reflect harmful effects of age on the genome,
      epigenome, and proteome of stem cells. Some of which arise cell independently and
      others which are imposed by an age-related change in the local milieu or systemic
      environment. Remarkably, some of the changes, particularly epigenomic and
      proteomic ones, are potentially reversible, and both environmental (e.g. caloric
      restrictions, hypoxia) and genetic interventions can lead to inducible
      pluripotency. Here, we discuss recent discoveries in the field of senescence of
      stem cells. These findings have profound implications, not only for our
      understanding of stem cells' biology and organismal aging, but also for stem cell
      based regenerative medicine and stem cell-based therapy of age-related diseases.

PMID- 25134353
TI  - [Neuronal ageing].
AB  - Ageing leads to irreversible alterations in the nervous system, which to various
      extent impair its functions such as capacity to learn and memory. In old neurons
      and brain, similarly to what may take place in other cells, there is increased
      oxidative stress, disturbed energetic homeostasis and metabolism, accumulation of
      damage in proteins and nucleic acids. Characteristic of old neurons are
      alterations in plasticity, synaptic transmission, sensitivity to neurotrophic
      factors and cytoskeletal changes. Some markers of senescence, whose one of them
      is SA-beta-galactosidase were used to show the process of neuronal ageing both in
      vitro, and in vivo. Some research suggest that, despite the fact that neurons are
      postmitotic cells, it is cell cycle proteins which play a certain role in their
      biology, e.g. differentiation. However, their role in neuronal ageing is not
      known or explained. Ageing is the serious factor of development of
      neurodegenerative diseases among others Alzheimer disease.

PMID- 25134354
TI  - [Senescence of mesothelial cells].
AB  - The mesothelium is a specific group of cells having characteristics of both
      mesenchymal and epithelial cells. One of the most unique properties of these
      cells is a low proliferative capacity and a small number of achievable division.
      The purpose of this paper was to present the current state of knowledge on the
      causes of premature senescence of peritoneal mesothelial cells and to discuss the
      molecular events involved in this process. Particular attention was paid to the
      role of telomeres, the activity of senescence effectors at the level of the cell
      cycle, and the action of oxidative stress and transforming growth factor beta1.
      Moreover, the relationship between senescence of mesothelial cells and the aging
      of the organism as a whole, as well as the participation of senescent cells in
      the development of the intraperitoneal cancer metastasis was addressed.

PMID- 25134355
TI  - [The role of cellular senescence in carcinogenesis and antitumor therapy].
AB  - Cellular senescence is the process that lead to terminal growth arrest induced by
      unrepairable double strand DNA damage (DSB). Moreover, activation of the
      oncogenes as well as inhibition of the tumor suppressor genes were shown to
      contribute to senescence induction and the senescent cells were identified in the
      premalignant lesions. Thus senescence is considered as an natural antitumor
      barrier that act at the early stages of cancerogenesis to stop the proliferation
      of transformed cells. Interestingly, the premalignant cells that escaped
      senescence and progress into full blown tumor cells still remain sensitive to
      induction of senescence, for example during chemio- or radiotherapy. Thus,
      induction of cancer cell senescence, similarly to apoptosis, is considered to
      restrain tumor growth and thus contribute to effectiveness of anticancer therapy.
      The senescent cells, although do not proliferate, remain viable and metabolically
      active. They secret a lot of cytokines, mitogens as well as enzymes degrading
      extracellular matrix. These factors can have opposing effect on neighboring
      cells, leading to senescence induction or stimulation of proliferation. Thus,
      senescence can act as an double edge sword that inhibit the propagation of
      potentially dangerous, transformed cells on one hand or induce cell division of
      the same cell on the other. Presently a lot of work is focused on finding new
      therapeutic strategies that would involve the tumor targeted senescence induction
      in both early late stages of cancer development. Nevertheless, the unwanted
      influence of the senescent cells on the microenvironment, requires careful
      monitoring the effects of pro-senescent therapies in each case.

PMID- 25134356
TI  - [Natural compounds--modulators of senescence and cell death].
AB  - For hundreds of years natural compounds have been used in herbal medicine. They
      have been known for their antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer activities as
      well as for enhancing wound healing and improving immunity. Recently growing
      interest in natural compounds has been observed, due to their ability to modulate
      cellular senescence. Particularly interesting are these compounds that can induce
      tumor senescence, delay senescence of normal cells or reverse changes associated
      with senescence - acting as "rejuvenation" agents. It has been shown that some of
      the natural compounds can both promote senescence of tumor cells as well as
      prevent it in normal cells. Thus, they can be useful in therapy of age-related
      diseases. Natural compounds can regulate nutrient and energy sensing signaling
      pathways that are involved in senescence. They can also influence the synthesis
      of reactive oxygen species, secretion of cytokines, telomere shortening or
      epigenetic changes of DNA. Natural agents often act in a pleiotropic manner. They
      can modulate cellular senescence in many ways e.g. by direct neutralization of
      free radicals and affecting other regulatory signaling pathways. Furthermore
      natural compounds, commonly used for years e.g. as spices, usually don't have any
      side effects. Therefore their use as dietary supplements or in long term therapy
      appears to be relatively safe.

PMID- 25134357
TI  - [Immunological theory of senescence].
AB  - Senescence can result from decreased potential of the immune system to respond to
      foreign and self antigens. The most common effect is the inhibition to destroy
      dying and cancer cells and the decrease of the immune response to pathogens.
      Aging is closely related to inflammatory phenotype, which facilitate the
      development of age-related diseases. The mammal immune system is highly organized
      and adapted to react to a wide range of antigens. According to the immunological
      theory, the causative agents of senescence are multilevel changes of development
      and functions of immune cells. Some of changes can be beneficial for the
      maintenance of homeostasis and lifespan in continuously changing endogenous
      environment and immune history of the organism.

PMID- 25134358
TI  - [Mechanisms of the immune system ageing and some age-associated diseases].
AB  - In this paper the concept of homeostenosis (progressive reduction of ability to
      adapt producing loss of effectiveness) of the immune system is presented as a
      cause of the system ageing. In particular, the progression of immune system
      homeostenosis was shown to be associated with previous or ongoing chronic
      inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, chronic
      kidney disease and Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 25134359
TI  - [The role of reactive oxygen species and mitochondria in aging].
AB  - Aging is a biological phenomenon concerning all living multicellular organisms.
      Many studies have been conducted to identify the mechanisms underlying this
      process. To date, multiple theories have been proposed to explain the causes of
      aging. One of them is the free radical theory which postulates that reactive
      oxygen species (ROS), extremely reactive chemical molecules, are the major cause
      of the aging process. These free radicals are mainly produced by the
      mitochondrial respiratory chain as a result of electron transport and the
      reduction of the oxygen molecule. Toxic effects of ROS on cellular components
      lead to accumulation of oxidative damage which causes cellular dysfunction with
      age. The free radical theory has been one of the most popular theories of aging
      for many years. Scientific research on different model organisms aiming to verify
      the theory has produced abundant data, supporting the theory or, on the contrary,
      suggesting strong evidence against it. At present, the free radical theory of
      aging is no longer considered to be true.

PMID- 25134360
TI  - [The role of the DNA damage response in apoptosis and cell senescence].
AB  - The genetic material is constantly subjected to DNA damage which is caused by
      physiological processes occuring in the cell and is exposed to exogenous DNA
      damaging agents. Eucariotic cells have developed a system called the DNA damage
      response (DDR), which is responsible for maintaining genomic inegrity. DNA damage
      can lead to senescence, DNA repair as well as to cell death. The key protein in
      the DDR pathway is p53. This protein undergoes numerous posttranslational
      modifications and can be involved in the activation of many genes and proteins
      leading to survival or cell death. In cell senescence the p53 protein leads to
      the induction of p21, which causes cell cycle arrest. In apoptosis p53
      participates in the activation of caspases, which are responsible for the
      degradation of many proteins.

PMID- 25134361
TI  - Correction of bone and softtissue deformity of the single implant in the
      aesthetic zone: a case treated with alveolar ridge preservation, modified roll
      technique and a digitally coded healing abutment.
AB  - The correction of soft tissue deformity and aesthetic rehabilitation of a single
      implant in the aesthetic zone with a combination of periodontal and prosthodontic
      approaches is described. Soft tissue deformity was corrected resulting in
      significant soft tissue volume increase and eliminated the need for prosthetic
      gingival replacement. A two stage implant placement protocol, ridge preservation
      and a soft tissue augmentation flap design preserved epithelium attachment to the
      connective tissues. Use of a digitally coded healing abutment preserved the newly
      established soft tissue volume, allowed impression making without implant
      component removal, and minimized trauma to the newly established soft tissue
      architecture.

PMID- 25134362
TI  - Colour stability of acrylic resin denture teeth after immersion in different
      beverages.
AB  - The colour stability of acrylic resin denture teeth in beverages was
      investigated. A spectrophotometer measured the colour (CIE-L*a*b* system) of all
      specimens after storage in distilled water/for 24 h at 37 degrees C (T0).
      Specimens were then immersed in various beverages. After 15 days (T1) and 30 days
      (T2), for each material, the mean deltaE values were calculated and compared by
      two-way ANOVA and Tukey intervals (alpha = 0.05). In the deltaT0T1 period,
      specimens stored in red wine were significantly discoloured, compared to
      distilled water (P = 0.003). There was no difference between immersion solutions
      in deltaET0T2 (P = 0.772) and in deltaET1T2 (P = 0.058), and no difference
      between materials in all immersion periods.

PMID- 25134363
TI  - A hinged two-part partial denture used in conjunction with severely tilted teeth:
      a case report.
AB  - A two-part sectional denture can be a useful treatment option when the presence
      of severe hard tissue undercuts compromises the provision of a satisfactory
      conventional prosthesis. This article presents a case report illustrating the
      effective use of a hinged two-part denture in restoring a mandibular Kennedy
      Class IV edentulous area. A sectional denture approach was selected because of
      severe proximal and lingual undercuts.

PMID- 25134365
TI  - BSSPD Annual Conference. Apex Hotel, Dundee 14th - 15th April 2014.

PMID- 25134364
TI  - One-year clinical evaluation of a Glass Carbomer fissure sealant, a preliminary
      study.
AB  - Glass Carbomer is a new generation of restorative material developed from glass
      ionomer cements with possibility of gradual mineralization into fluorapatite. The
      aim of this clinical trial was to investigate the retention of Glass Carbomer
      fissure sealant after 12 months, in comparison to a commonly used conventional
      resin-based sealant. Forty-eight teeth in 24 patients [mean (SD) = 8 (2.3) years]
      with well-delineated fissure morphology were randomly divided into two equal
      groups and sealed with Bis-GMA resin-based Helioseal F (group A, Ivoclar
      Vivadent, Liechtenstein) and Glass Carbomer (group B, Glass Carbomer Sealant,
      Glass Carbomer Products, Leiden, Netherlands) using the split mouth design.
      Materials were placed and set according to the manufacturer's instructions using
      a polymerization unit Bluephase 16i (Vivadent, Liechtenstein). Complete sealant
      retentions in both groups were 100% and 75% after 6 and 12 months of clinical
      service, respectively. There were there were no secondary caries lesions in both
      groups after 6 months; two new carious lesions were detected in both groups after
      12 months. The Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference between the
      two groups at both evaluations points (P > 0.05). Glass Carbomer material showed
      a similar retention rate when compared with a resin-based sealant. Future studies
      are required to examine the long-term performance of Glass Carbomer sealants.

PMID- 25134366
TI  - Effect of preoxidation on the bond strength of titanium and porcelain.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of preoxidation on
      porcelain titanium- bond strength and the effect of paste bonder (adhesive) on
      the titanium porcelain bond strength. 11 specimens of commercially pure titanium
      (26 x 7 x 3 mm) were prepared by different heat treatments in programmable dental
      furnace. Identification of the oxides formed on the metal surface was conducted
      with an X-Ray diffractometer with CuKalpha radiation. Vickers hardness numbers
      were determine. Additional 50 specimens of commercially pure titanium were used
      to bond with low fusing porcelain. The bond strength was measured in a universal
      testing machine. X-ray diffraction analysis of the surface of pure titanium
      revealed that the relative peak intensity of alpha -Ti decreased and that of TiO2
      increased with increasing firing temperature. The Vickers hardness number
      decreased initially as the temperature increased but it increased remarkably
      above 900 degrees C & was harder in air than vacuum. The tensile shear bond
      strength was highest in the green stage i.e. without preoxidation of metal, and
      decreased above 900 degrees C, and was the lowest in the group without paste
      bonder application. The difference in bond strengths was statistically highly
      significant for all groups. Preoxidation under vacuum before porcelain firing can
      effectively improve bonding. The adhesive provided with the low fusing porcelain
      helps in the bond between titanium & porcelain.

PMID- 25134367
TI  - Colour matching of composite resin cements with their corresponding try-in
      pastes.
AB  - Two shades of four resin cements (Calibra, Clearfil Esthetic, Insure, Variolink
      II), in light- and dual-curing modes, were tested for colour matching with their
      corresponding try-in pastes, immediately after photopolymerization and after 24
      hour dry and dark storage. Colour measurements were performed for 0.8 mm-thick
      specimens through a 0.8mm-thick ceramic plate. For each resin cement, colour
      differences (deltaE) were calculated between the two curing modes, and between
      the corresponding try-in paste, at baseline and after 24h. deltaE>0 values were
      detected between all resin cements and their try-in pastes, which were
      brand/shade/curing mode depended. The try-in pastes of the Variolink II system
      demonstrated the best colour matching (deltaE<2). Try-in pastes of Calibra and
      Insure, at both curing modes, did not match at an acceptable value, the shade of
      their corresponding resin cements (deltaE>3.3). Calibra presented the highest
      colour differences. deltaE values of the Clearfil Esthetic system immediately
      after photo-activation ranged between 2 and 3 units. A ceramic restoration may
      fail aesthetically as a result of not acceptable colour match (deltaE>3.3)
      between the shade of certain resin cements and their relevant try-in pastes.

PMID- 25134368
TI  - Evaluation of Cerec endocrowns: a preliminary cohort study.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate clinical qualities and evolution on ceramic
      endocrowns produced with the Cerec 3D (Sirona). Endocrowns were produced in a
      hospital environment and evaluated according to the FDI criteria on the day of
      placement and 6 months afterwards. Each item was graded from 1 (good) to 5 (bad).
      A global score, as well as a score for aesthetics, functioning and biological
      integration was assessed for each evaluation. During the 6-month evaluation
      period, the scores were always related to good clinical quality, except for
      single crown restoration. The scores did not change between the two periods of
      evaluation.

PMID- 25134369
TI  - The pharmaceutical symbolism of O. Henry.

PMID- 25134370
TI  - Deja Vu--the recycling of penicillin in post-liberation Paris.

PMID- 25134371
TI  - Confessions of a quasi-collector/archivist: the UCSF Robert L. Day Collection.

PMID- 25134372
TI  - The dispensatory of the United States of America, (2nd edition, 1834) by George
      B. Wood and Franklin Bache.

PMID- 25134373
TI  - Mahadeva Lal Schroff: father of Indian pharmacy education.

PMID- 25134374
TI  - Evaluation of multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction and procalcitonin in
      the diagnosis of sepsis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sepsis is one of the most serious and life-threatening clinical
      conditions of childhood. This study has been designed to evaluate how useful
      multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is in the early diagnosis of
      responsible microorganisms of sepsis and to specify how serial procalcitonin
      level measurement is helpful to support diagnosis of sepsis. METHODS: A total of
      79 blood samples from 69 consecutive patients were collected for this prospective
      study between 01 Sept 2009 - 29 Feb 2012. RESULTS: In the evaluation of patients
      who are diagnosed with sepsis out of 69 patients with 79 clinical sepsis, 24
      (30.37%) had positive blood culture and 19 (24%) samples were positive for PCR.
      When blood culture and multiplex real-time PCR results were compared, multiplex
      real-time PCR had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 100%. When the 2
      microorganisms that multiplex real-time PCR cannot detect are excluded
      sensitivity increased to 81.8% and specificity did not differ. Procalcitonin
      levels on the day sepsis is suspected had a mean level of 13.91 ng/mL (+/-
      49.26), on the 1st day (after 24 hours) the mean level of procalcitonin was 15.05
      ng/mL (+/- 43.95), on the 2nd day (after 48 hours) it was 14.89 ng/mL (+/-
      41.57). Mean procalcitonin levels of 50 children admitted with complaints other
      than infection and systemic inflammation was 0.06 ng/mL (+/- 0.04). CONCLUSIONS:
      In conclusion, multiplex real-time PCR test would be useful in the early
      diagnosis of sepsis. Studying procalcitonin levels is helpful in the early
      diagnosis of sepsis but does not have any correlation with the isolation of
      microorganisms in blood culture and survival.

PMID- 25134375
TI  - Indirect estimation of reference intervals for thyroid parameters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to determine indirect reference intervals
      from patients' results obtained during routine laboratory work. This could be an
      accurate alternative to the laborious and expensive job of producing reference
      intervals for populations according to international recommendations. METHODS:
      All the results for thyrotropin (TSH), total and free thyroxine, and
      triiodothyronine (T4, fT4, T3, and fT3) stored in our laboratory information
      system between 2008 and 2011 were included in this study. We used logarithmic
      transformation of the raw data to exclude outliers. After visual observation of
      the data distribution, we estimated non-parametric reference intervals. A
      standard normal deviation test was performed to test the significance of
      differences between subgroups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in
      the serum levels of the analyzed thyroid parameters, so we calculated combined
      reference values. However, we found a significant difference in TSH values
      between ambulatory and hospitalized patients, but only in 2011. Indirect
      reference values for TSH, T4, fT4, T3 and fT3 were 0.42 - 3.67 mIU/L, 66.0 -
      136.10 nmol/L, 10.20 - 18.40 pmol/L, 1.10 - 2.39 nmol/L, and 3.17 - 5.59 pmol/L,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The indirect determination of laboratory-specific
      reference intervals using patients' laboratory data is a relatively easy and
      inexpensive method. Also, indirect reference limits will be more precise and true
      if skewness and kurtosis of the distribution are not too large.

PMID- 25134377
TI  - Hemoglobin Q-Thailand and its combinations with other forms of thalassemia or
      hemoglobinopathies in northern Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There have been no reports for the frequency of Hb Q-Thailand [alpha
      74(EF3)Asp --> His, GAC > CAC] and its combinations either with other forms of
      thalassemia or hemoglobinopathies in Northern Thailand. The aims of this study
      were to search for Hb Q-Thailand and its combinations in Northern Thai population
      and to analyze fractions of hemoglobin in Hb Q-Thailand and its combinations on
      high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatograms and/or capillary
      electrophoresis (CE) electrophoregrams. METHODS: Blood samples from public and
      private hospitals in 7 northern provinces of Thailand were analyzed for
      thalassemia and hemoglobinopathy diagnoses using HPLC and/or CE and DNA analysis
      techniques at the Thalassemia Laboratory, Associated Medical Sciences Clinical
      Service Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand. RESULTS: Hb Q-Thailand was found in 13 of
      13,596 (0.10%) samples; 6 were heterozygous Hb Q-Thailand, 4 were compound Hb Q
      Thailand/alpha-thalassemia-1 Southeast Asian (SEA) type deletion and 3 with
      combinations of Hb Q-Thailand/beta(0)-thalassemia, Hb Q-Thailand/Hb E and Hb Q
      Thailand/Hb E/alpha-thalassemia-1 SEA type deletion. The fractions of hemoglobin
      on HPLC chromatograms and CE electrophoregrams were observed based on types of
      combinations. CONCLUSIONS: Hb Q-Thailand and its combinations could be found in
      northern Thai population with the frequency of 0.10%. Thus, the better
      understanding of HPLC chromatogram and/or CE electrophoregram patterns of Hb Q
      Thailand and its combination is essential for diagnosis and genetic counseling of
      thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies in this area.

PMID- 25134376
TI  - The evaluation of serum surfactant protein D (SP-D) levels as a biomarker of lung
      injury in tuberculosis and different lung diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the predictive powers of serum surfactant protein D (SP
      D) levels as a biomarker of lung damage in tuberculosis and lung diseases.
      METHODS: This study prospectively included 137 subjects who applied to our
      hospital. We measured serum SP-D levels from patients with active tuberculosis
      (TB) (n = 35), chronic obstructive disease (COPD) patients experiencing acute
      exacerbations (n = 30), patients with pneumonia (n = 45), and control subjects (n
      = 27). RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 54.89 +/- 18.81 years (15 to 100
      years); males accounted for two-thirds (70.1%) of the cases. Serum SP-D levels
      were higher in patients with pnemonia, tuberculosis, and COPD than in control
      patients (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Serum SP-D levels
      in patients with pneumonia, tuberculosis, and COPD were higher than in the
      control group and mean serum SP-D levels were associated with pulmonary injury
      scores in patients with pneumonia, severity of COPD attack, and the extent of
      radiological lung involvement in patients with pneumonia and TB. CONCLUSIONS:
      Serum SP-D may be a useful biomarker of the severity of pneumonia, COPD, and
      tuberculosis.

PMID- 25134378
TI  - Serum procalcitonin in cirrhotic patients with septic shock: relationship with
      adrenal insufficiency and clinical outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum procalcitonin is commonly used to differentiate systemic
      inflammation due to infection from non-infectious causes. Limited data exist on
      the value of procalcitonin in predicting relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI).
      This study evaluated the value of procalcitonin in predicting RAI and mortality
      in cirrhotic patients with septic shock. METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of
      a randomized placebo-controlled trial that evaluated low-dose hydrocortisone in
      cirrhotic patients with septic shock. Extracted first study-day data included
      serum procalcitonin, baseline serum cortisol, cortisol level after 250 microg -
      adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test and 28 - day mortality. RAI was
      defined as a baseline serum cortisol < 10 microg/dL or cortisol not rising by > 9
      microg/dL after stimulation. Procalcitonin > 0.5 ng/mL was considered high.
      RESULTS: Forty-five patients had serum procalcitonin measured (mean = 2.7 +/- 3.2
      ng/mL, first and third quartiles were 0.3 and 3.3 ng/mL, respectively). Most
      (78%) patients had high procalcitonin levels. RAI was present in 34 (76%)
      patients. Patients with high procalcitonin were more likely to have RAI (odds
      ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 - 22.1). Receiver operator
      characteristic curve analysis showed that the best cut-off for detecting RAI was
      1.0 ng/mL (sensitivity = 79% and specificity = 55%). High serum procalcitonin was
      not associated with 28 -day mortality (80% for normal procalcitonin and 77% for
      high procalcitonin, p = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: High serum procalcitonin was highly
      associated with RAI in cirrhotic patients with septic shock. Procalcitonin was
      not associated with 28 - day mortality in this patient population.

PMID- 25134379
TI  - Biochemical evaluation of hyaluronic acid in breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The latest experimental studies on human cancer diseases have
      observed the bioactive role of hyaluronic acid (HA) during carcinogenesis. HA is
      a component of the extra-cellular matrix (ECM). It is closely correlated with
      tumor cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis. The present study aimed to
      evaluate the biochemical role of HA and its degrading enzymes and products in
      breast cancer (BC) patients under therapy treatment. METHODS: An ELISA method was
      used to determine HA levels and standard spectrophotometric techniques were used
      to estimate the activities of HA degrading enzymes hyaluronidase (HAS), N-acetyl
      beta-D-glucosminidase (NAG), and beta-glucuronidase (beta-Glu) and the
      concentration of both glucoseamine (G-Amine) and glucuronic acid (GA) as
      degrading products in blood sera of 50 BC patients before and after chemotherapy
      treatment and in blood sera of 40 healthy women as controls. Statistical analyses
      were performed by a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 15.0).
      RESULTS: Elevated serum HA levels, increased HAS, NAG, and beta-Glu activities
      and high concentrations of G-Amine and GA were significantly found (p < 0.001) in
      patients before treatment compared to controls. After all BC patients had
      received the first chemotherapy course, HA and its previous degrading parameters
      were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in post-treated patients compared to pre
      treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronic acid and its degrading enzymes and
      products can be considered a biomarker for early detection of recurrent disease
      and also for monitoring the effective therapeutic follow up of BC patients.

PMID- 25134381
TI  - The endothelial protective effects of pioglitazone on insulin resistance in
      endothelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance plays an important role in vascular endothelial
      damage and atherosclerosis. Pioglitazone is an insulin-sensitizing agent and can
      reduce insulin resistance. METHODS: In this study, the cellular model of insulin
      resistance was used to investigate the mechanisms involved in the endothelial
      protective effects of pioglitazone in a vascular endothelial cell damage model.
      RESULTS: The results showed that pioglitazone could effectively increase the
      survival rate of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECV), reduce apoptosis,
      and relieve insulin resistance damage. To understand the endothelial protective
      effect mechanisms of pioglitazone, we showed that 50 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL of
      pioglitazone could upregulate the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS)
      and pioglitazone could induce NO levels. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested
      that pioglitazone could have endothelial protective effects in a vascular
      endothelial cell damage model of insulin resistance and used to prevent
      beforehand and treat a vascular endothelial cell damage of insulin resistance.

PMID- 25134380
TI  - Establishing reference values for blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine in
      Chinese Han ethnic adult men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to calculate the two-sided 95th percentile reference
      values for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) in Chinese Han
      ethnic adult men. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from Chinese Han ethnic
      adult men aged 20 - 69 years. After screening based on the inclusion and
      exclusion criteria, a total of 1575 individuals were enrolled in our study. BUN
      and SCr values were measured on an automatic analyzer (Dade Behring, USA). The
      data was analyzed and calculated using nonparametric statistical methods.
      RESULTS: BUN and SCr values were not normally distributed. The reference values
      were in the range 3.3 - 7.5 mmol/L for BUN and 64 - 113 micromol/L for SCr. BUN
      levels were significantly lower in the smoking group than the non-smoking group
      (Z = -4.52, p < 10(-5)). An increase with age was observed in BUN levels (r(s) =
      0.172, p < 0(-5)) and lower SCr levels were weakly associated with the older
      subjects (r(s) = -0.071, p = 0.005). Moreover, it was found that higher Body Mass
      Index (BMI) tended toward higher levels of SCr (r(s) = 0.118, p < 10(-5)).
      CONCLUSIONS: The reference values established for BUN and SCr exhibit a slight
      deviation compared to those developed in previous studies. We propose reference
      values of BUN for smokers and non-smokers be constructed, and age- and BMI
      specific reference values be applied in clinical laboratories.

PMID- 25134382
TI  - Determination of reference values for serum folate and vitamin B12 using three
      different immunoassays: is it worth making an effort to produce them in our
      laboratory?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite being a widely studied concept, the reference interval is the
      most widely used medical decision-making tool. As such, it is vital that these
      limits are correctly established and regularly reviewed in the clinical
      laboratory. METHODS: The reference population comprised 315 healthy individuals
      selected a priori from Bizkaia province. Blood and serum samples were sent for
      subsequent assay of vitamin B12 and folate using three immunochemical methods.
      Reference values were calculated using non-parametric methods. RESULTS: The
      reference values for serum vitamin B12 and folate were almost identical to those
      obtained previously using the same methods. Use of new reference values led to an
      increase in the kappa value despite the low agreement in the case of vitamin B12
      (0.4 - 0.62). However, precision obtained for vitamin B12 (94.48 - 96.55%) and
      folate (95.77 - 97.18%) was very high. The intraclass correlation coefficient
      ranged from 0.723 to 0.894. Furthermore, a Passing-Bablok regression analysis
      gave acceptable correlation coefficients of 0.75 - 0.94 for vitamin B12 and 0.92 
      0.95 for folate. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are currently
      being over-diagnosed leading to an increase in the number of unnecessary
      consultations. The main conclusion that can be drawn from our study has resulted
      in a change in reference values in our laboratory, with a subsequent increase in
      our ability to accurately detect possible deficiencies. Furthermore, as this
      study involved all methods currently in use in the Basque healthcare network, its
      conclusions can be extrapolated to the whole population covered by Osakidetza,
      thereby improving the rational use of healthcare funding.

PMID- 25134383
TI  - Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of serum cytokine levels in
      breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was designed to examine the serum levels of six cytokines
      (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10) in treated and untreated
      breast cancer patients and assess their clinical significance. The correlation of
      the Th1/Th2 type cytokine levels and the clinicopathologic variables was further
      evaluated. METHODS: Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) was used to examine the levels of
      Th1 cytokines (TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-2) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and
      IL-10) in serum of 36 untreated and 73 treated breast cancer patients and 51
      healthy females as control. RESULTS: In the untreated group, the levels of IFN
      gamma, IL-4 and IL-5 were significantly higher than in control group (p < 0.05).
      IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-5, and IL-10 levels were higher in treated group than in
      untreated group (p < 0.05); IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio of the treated group was higher
      than the untreated group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the cytokine levels were
      significantly different in different pTNM stages and lymph node involvement
      groups. Survival analysis revealed that the IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio, pTNM stage, and
      lymph node involvement affected the survival of breast cancer patients. The pTNM
      stage was an independent significant prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: Breast
      cancer patients presented a Th1/Th2 imbalance and immune function disorder, which
      correlated with pTNM stage and lymph node involvement. Higher IFN-gamma/IL-4
      ratio predicted a favorable outcome in breast cancer patients.

PMID- 25134384
TI  - Proposed guidance for carryover studies, based on elementary equivalence testing
      techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carryover experiments are widely used for clinical chemistry and
      immunochemistry analysers to evaluate and validate carryover effects. The
      experimental design is well described. However, there is no guideline on the
      statistical approach on data analysis, especially if absence of carryover has to
      be shown. The only reporting of carryover in ppm is not helpful because its
      uncertainty is not taken into account. Furthermore, the most commonly used method
      fails to demonstrate the absence of carryover. We propose a step-by-step guidance
      applying a new statistical design for analysis of carryover studies based on
      equivalence testing, and provide a sample based tutorial. METHODS: For
      statistical analysis of carryover effects an one-sided version of equivalence
      testing by comparing the difference with a predefined limit (i.e., a test of non
      superiority) is used. The methodology is demonstrated by measuring total betahCG
      in human serum samples with a UniCel DxI 880 analyser. RESULTS: A new statistical
      approach based on equivalence testing has been developed for analysis of data
      resulting from a typical experimental protocol for carryover studies. Experiments
      using 8 (11) cycles of high and low concentration samples are appropriate to
      validate the absence of carryover with 80% (90%) power and an alpha-level of 0,05
      if no carryover is expected. We propose to predefine an acceptance criterion
      based on the imprecision (here: expressed as one standard deviation) observed for
      those replicates of the low concentration samples expected to be unaffected by
      carryover. In the demonstration, the absence of carry-over was concluded with a
      significance of p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate statistical methods should be
      applied when the target of a method-validation experiment is (i) absence of any
      effect, (ii) non-inferiority/non-superiority or (iii) equivalence. Using the
      example of carryover studies, we show that one-sided equivalence testing is the
      proper model, and propose a guidance for analysis of these experiments. The
      example of carryover illustrates a methodology which is also applicable for
      analysis of a wide range of experimental approaches, including method comparison,
      commutability and robustness.

PMID- 25134385
TI  - Transforming growth factor beta 1 as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in
      end-stage renal disease patients treated with peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the
      atherosclerotic changes in the carotid arteries expressed as common carotid
      artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) with Body Mass Index (BMI), serum lipid
      levels, and selected inflammatory state markers in peritoneal dialysis (PD)
      patients. METHODS: The study included 67 patients (31 female and 36 male) on PD
      therapy for 30.4 +/- 24.2 months. Average age of the patients was 52.9 +/- 12.5
      years (ranged from 19 to 75 years). The measurement of the CCA-IMT was performed
      by ultrasonography evaluation. BMI was calculated using the Quetelet formula.
      Serum lipid levels and hsCRP were performed using routine methods. IL-6, TGF
      beta1, TNF-alpha, and hepatic growth factor (HGF) were tested with ELISA assays.
      RESULTS: In univariate analysis, the strongest factor influencing CCA-IMT was age
      (R = 0.54; p < 0.0001). CCA-IMT correlated positively with BMI (R = 0.39; p =
      0.003). Of the inflammatory markers studied, significant correlations with CCA
      IMT were shown for IL-6 (R = 0.35; p = 0.009), and TGF-beta (R = 0.31; p = 0.02).
      In multiple regression, only In TGF-beta1 (partial correlation coefficient =
      0.29; p = 0.04) appeared to predict CCA-IMT independently of age and BMI, while
      IL-6 was not significant in the analysis. The regression model including age, BMI
      and TGF-beta1 as independent variables, explained 43% of CCA-IMT variance. Again,
      age was the strongest predictor of CCA-IMT (partial correlation coefficient =
      0.50). CONCLUSIONS: Increased concentration of TGF-beta1 may be a biomarker of
      the development of cardiovascular diseases in patients treated with PD, as well
      as a prognostic factor in the evaluation of atherosclerosis progression in this
      group of patients.

PMID- 25134386
TI  - Genetic instability in patients with pancreatic cancer analyzed by SCARs and
      electrochemical sensors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease and the fourth most common
      cause of cancer death across the globe. It is often not diagnosed until it is
      advanced. It is necessary to establish a new technology to detect DNA
      instabilities during the progression of pancreatic cancer and to screen for new
      molecular markers coupled to putative unknown oncogenes. METHODS: A total of 25
      pancreatic cancer tissue specimens were analyzed by sequence-characterized
      amplified regions (SCARs), including two pathological types (pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma). There were 41 random primers and
      eight long fragment primers used for PCR amplification, and the difference of
      dNTPs consumptions were detected by nano-electrochemical sensors. Once both dATP
      and dGTP are significantly different in oxidation current (reduce or increase
      simultaneously), separate the different genes by electrophoresis, then clone and
      sequence the genes, and carry out homology analysis. RESULTS: Both dGTP and dATP
      showed good oxidation behavior on the carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon
      electrode. There were 32 different fragments in malignant tissues compared with
      normal control, among them a SNP located in 5'UTR of the leucine zipper protein 4
      gene which is significantly correlated with pancreatic cancer (OR = 9.50) and it
      was confirmed by direct sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: SCARs combined with the
      nanoelectrochemical sensor can be used for screening genetic instabilities in
      pancreatic cancer, and leucine zipper protein 4 was a novel pancreatic cancer
      related gene.

PMID- 25134387
TI  - Reference interval for osteocalcin in Chinese Han ethnic males from the
      Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to set a reference interval (RI) for
      osteocalcin (OC) in a healthy Han male population from the Fangchenggang Area
      Male Health and Examination Survey (FAMHES) project and study the effects of age,
      BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption. METHODS: We used data from 2018 Han ethnic
      males who participated in FAMHES project from September 2009 to December 2009.
      Serum OC values were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay on COBAS
      6000 system E601 (Elecsys module) immunoassay analyzers. RESULTS: OC data does
      not have a normal distribution or Gaussian pattern (Z = 3.791, p < 0.001). After
      log-transformation, data took on a normal, Gaussian distribution (Z = 0.968, p =
      0.306). The RI of serum OC was 12.49 - 43.94 ng/mL. No difference in OC
      concentration was noted either between non-smoker or smoker groups (p = 0.629) or
      non-drinker and drinker groups (p = 0.748). OC levels varied with age (r = 
      0.371, p < 0.001) and BMI (r = -0.331, p < 0.001), and the age-dependent and BMI
      dependent RIs were calculated. CONCLUSIONS: The RIs for serum OC exhibit slight
      differences compared to previously reported reference ranges. Age-dependent and
      BMI-dependent RIs for serum OC should be implemented in clinical laboratories.

PMID- 25134388
TI  - The diagnosis of high altitude illness by the determination of plasma dermcidin
      isoform 2 levels by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High altitude illness (HAI) is a cluster of syndromes which develops
      due to the injury of the central nervous system produced by the reduction of the
      partial pressure of O2 in the atmosphere which disappears on decent. The HAI also
      results in a prothrombotic condition leading to acute coronary syndrome (ACS),
      which cannot be controlled on descent to the ground level. There is no diagnosis
      in HAI to forewarn of the impending ACS. A protein identified to be dermcidin
      isoform 2 (dermcidin), produced in the system due to environmental stresses, has
      been reported to be a potent diabetogenic agent. Investigation was carried out to
      determine the systemic stimulation of dermcidin synthesis at different levels of
      altitudes in normal adult male volunteers to assess the feasibility of developing
      a diagnosis for ACS in HAI due to dermcidin synthesis. METHODS: Normal,
      nondiabetic, normotensive male volunteers (25 - 35 years old, n = 16)
      participated in the study. The plasma dermcidin level was determined by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by in vitro translation of dermcidin mRNA.
      The plasma insulin level was determined by ELISA and blood glucose level was
      determined in a glucometer (Behringer). RESULTS: The plasma dermcidin level in
      the volunteers at ground level was 10 +/- 2.10 nM and increased to 80 +/- 4.62 nM
      at 15000 feet altitude. For each 1000 feet increase of altitude, the dermcidin
      level increased by 5.83 +/- 0.21 nM with a Coefficient of Correlation "r" =
      +0.9405. The increase of plasma dermcidin level was found to be inversely related
      to the decrease of plasma insulin level from 23 microunit/mL to 5 microunit/mL
      from sea level to 15000 feet height ("r" = -0.9951) with concomitant increase of
      blood sugar level from 80 +/- 3.6 mg/dL to 135 +/- 2.01 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results suggest the feasibility of a diagnosis of a prediabetic condition by
      determining the plasma dermcidin level in HAI by simple ELISA which may also be
      useful to forewarn of the possibility of developing an impending prothrombotic
      condition in HAI.

PMID- 25134389
TI  - Mean platelet volume (MPV) may simply predict the severity of sepsis in preterm
      infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of serial mean platelet volume (MPV)
      measurements in diagnosis and followup of sepsis and to compare its effectiveness
      with C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in sepsis. METHODS:
      Preterm infants, whose gestational age and weight were matched to each other,
      were grouped as control (n = 100) and sepsis (n = 91). Platelet indices (MPV,
      PDW, platelet count), CRP, and IL-6 levels were measured for the control group
      and on the day of diagnosis (1st day), 3rd, and 7th days of the sepsis group.
      RESULTS: There were significant differences between the control and sepsis group
      in terms of platelet count and MPV/PDW levels (p < 0.05). No significant changes
      were found in either platelet count or MPV and PDW of infants between early and
      late onset sepsis, nor between culture proven and non proven sepsis, nor among
      different infectious agents (gram positive/negative and fungal infections) (p >
      0.05). Additionally, non-survivors with sepsis had higher levels of MPV and PDW
      during sepsis episodes on consecutive days (p < 0.05), in contrast to lower
      platelet counts in non-survivors (p < 0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation was
      found between MPV and IL-6 and CRP. A MPV value of 10.35 fL was identified as the
      cut off value in patients probably resulting in sepsis with a sensitivity of
      97.8% and specificity of 78.7% (AUC = 0.949; p < 0.001), and a MPV value of 10.75
      fL was determined as the cut off value in patients possibly resulting in death at
      diagnosis with a sensitivity of 95.2% and a specificity of 84.9% (AUC = 0.944; p
      < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mean platelet volume can be used in addition to CRP
      and IL-6 at both diagnosis and follow-up of sepsis and the response of
      antimicrobial treatment.

PMID- 25134390
TI  - Serum lipid profile in female patients with severe acne vulgaris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions affecting
      young adults. The relationship between lipid profile or lipid ratios and acne is
      not widely reported. METHODS: A case control study was performed in 90 females
      with severe acne vulgaris. Lipid profiles were measured, lipid ratios were
      calculated, and results were compared with 90 age matched healthy controls.
      RESULTS: Total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, Apo A1, though, were significantly
      higher in patients as compared to healthy controls but all the levels in patients
      were within normal range so we calculated lipid ratios for TC/HDL, LDL/HDL,
      TG/HDL, Apo B/Apo A1, Atherogenic index of plasma and found that all the ratios
      were significantly higher as compared to controls using a t-test. The area under
      receiver operating characteristic curve was > 0.7 for all the lipid ratios and
      sensitivity and specificity were calculated for all the ratios and it was highest
      for Apo A1/Apo B. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest using lipid ratios as a screening test
      in females with acne vulgaris to diagnose dyslipidemia at an early stage but
      further studies are required to see the effect of treating hyperlipidemia in
      females with severe acne vulgaris.

PMID- 25134391
TI  - Von Willebrand factor multimer structure is neither acutely nor chronically
      affected by plateletpheresis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plateletpheresis (PltPh) exposes the donor's blood to artificial
      surfaces and mechanical forces such as shear stress and centrifugation. In terms
      of the donor's safety and the quality of the apheresis platelet concentrate
      (APC), possible impairment of platelet function due to PltPh should be excluded.
      Von Willebrand factor (VWF) plays a pivotal role in platelet adhesion and
      aggregation. VWF is a multimeric protein and can be damaged by adsorption or
      shear stresses. It is unclear whether VWF structure could be damaged during
      PltPh, leading to platelet dysfunction. METHODS: We analyzed VWF antigen
      (VWF:Ag), ristocetin cofactor (VWF:RCo), and VWF multimer structure immediately
      before and after apheresis in the donor and in the APC. These parameters and
      factor VIII activity (FVIII:C) and closure time using PFA-100 (CT) were also
      analyzed in blood samples taken from new donors before the first and before
      subsequent donations and from long-term donors. RESULTS: During apheresis, VWF:Ag
      falls by about 15% but the VWF multimer structure remains unchanged. In samples
      taken before subsequent donations, there was a tendency of VWF:Ag and FVIII:C to
      increase throughout the initial donations, but no alteration of multimer
      structure. Long-term donors, however, show a normal VWF multimer structure and
      normal concentrations of VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo, and FVIII:C. In some donors with low
      normal VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo, PFA-100 CT was prolonged. CONCLUSIONS: VWF multimer
      structure is neither acutely nor chronically affected by plateletpheresis. A
      decrease in VWF:Ag with no functional damage only occurs acutely and can be
      explained by the withdrawal of plasma and dilution with the anticoagulant ACD-A
      due to apheresis.

PMID- 25134392
TI  - Evaluation of a chromogenic medium for detection of extended-spectrum-beta
      lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of the emergence and spread of extended-spectrum-beta
      lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains which are resistant to many antibiotics,
      reliable detection of ESBL is very important for infection control. Several
      chromogenic media have been proposed for the detection of ESBL producers in
      addition to the conventional phenotypic and genotyping methods. The aim of the
      present study was to evaluate the performance of Brilliance ESBL agar (Oxoid;
      Thermo Fisher Scientific, UK), a selective chromogenic agar for the detection of
      ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.
      pneumoniae) strains. METHODS: A total of 237 strains (143 ESBL producers (76
      isolates of E. coli and 67 isolates of K. pneumoniae) and 94 non-ESBL producers
      (44 isolates of E. coli and 50 isolates of K. pneumoniae)) isolated from various
      clinical specimens were included in the study. Isolates were identified by
      conventional methods, Phoenix system (Becton Dickinson, USA), and mass
      spectrometry. ESBL confirmation was performed by phenotypical tests. A 10 microL
      aliquot of each isolate's 0.5 McFarland suspension was streaked onto Brilliance
      ESBL agar. All plates were incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and then were
      interpreted for growth and colony color according to the manufacturer's
      recommendations. Identification and ESBL test results were used to calculate the
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative
      predictive value (NPV) of the medium evaluated at 24 hours. RESULTS: The
      sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the medium were 97.9%, 100%, 100%, and
      96.9%, respectively, when considering only species specific colored colonies of
      the isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Brilliance ESBL agar could provide a practical
      alternative to the traditional methods for the identification of ESBL producers.

PMID- 25134393
TI  - Utility of multiple-locus variant-repeat analysis method for the outbreak of the
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) predominated in hospitals.
      METHODS: In order to determine the source of the outbreak and take effective
      measures to prevent the spread, we tested their relationships between the
      strains. 97 P. aeruginosa samples were analyzed by multiple-locus variable-number
      tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) method. In order to identify a minimal
      subset that could provide high discrimination, we evaluated the ability of
      various VNTR sets. RESULTS: The result showed all of the 11 loci displayed high
      discrimination, and the lowest loci was ms223 (h = 0.59). The 97 strains were all
      discriminated (HGDI = 1.0000). The top 7-locus set produced a HGDI value of
      1.0000, which was the same as the 11-locus set. The 4-locus set had a HGDI value
      of 0.9972 with a clustering rate of 11.3%. The strains were divided into four
      groups based on the phylogenetic clustering and genotypic characteristics. There
      were obvious differences among the four groups regarding the drug-resistance
      patterns of Imipenem, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftazidime, Levofloxacin, Meropenem,
      Piperacillin, Cefepime, Aztreonam (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the
      transmission of the strains was not found in this study. The 7-locus set yielded
      a high discrimination, while for an easier and more robust MLVA scheme, the
      number of markers can be reduced to 4 loci of ms212, ms211, ms213, and ms142.
      These four strains from four inpatients in the same ward displayed the same drug
      resistance spectrum. The MLVA genotype results showed the four strains had the
      same gene structures. The four patients were from the same treatment group. They
      showed the IMP-1 allele and belonged to the aac (6')-I type, and there was a
      deletion of the OprD2 gene in four strains, supporting the MLVA results in
      suggesting that they are similar.

PMID- 25134394
TI  - The role of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the development of atherosclerosis and
      its relationship with fim A genotype.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontal pathogen, is gaining
      increasing attention for its possible association with atherosclerosis. Its
      fimbriae are classified into six genotypes (Types I-V, Ib) based on the diversity
      of the fim A genes encoding the fimbrial subunits. In this study, fim A
      genotype's distribution of P. gingivalis was analyzed in atherosclerotic plaque
      specimens. METHODS: A total of 50 atherosclerotic plaque specimens and 50 non
      atherosclerotic, post stenotic aneurysm specimens were collected from patients
      undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Bacterial DNA was also extracted from each
      specimen, as real-time PCR was carried out with P. gingivalis-specific primer
      sets. The positive specimens of P. gingivalis were further analyzed to
      discriminate the fim A genotype using real-time and nested PCR methods. RESULTS:
      P. gingivalis was detected only in one atherosclerotic plaque; however, the
      genotype was nontypable in this specimen. CONCLUSIONS: We state that it is not
      easy to show a significant relationship between P. gingivalis, its fim A
      genotype, and atherosclerosis. We suggest that new extended studies based
      especially upon the quantitave determination of P. gingivalis and its genotype
      distribution on atherosclerotic specimens are needed to show an evident
      relationship between atherosclerosis and P. gingivalis.

PMID- 25134395
TI  - Masked monoclonal gammopathy in capillary electrophoresis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the method of choice to detect M-protein is electrophoresis
      on an agarose gel, such gel electrophoresis (GE) is labor-intensive, time
      consuming, and not standardized. In contrast to GE, capillary electrophoresis
      (CE) has some merits because it is automated, fast, and highly reproducible.
      However, CE results occasionally make the interpretation difficult and require
      additional confirmatory tests like GE. METHODS: In order to assist a correct
      reporting of CE results and compatible interpretations between two different
      electrophoresis methods, we report here two unusual cases of monoclonal
      gammopathy by a pattern of polyclonal gammopathy upon CE interpretation in
      patients with end stage renal disease and multiple myeloma. RESULTS: In these
      cases, serum CE showed the broad bumpy peak in the gamma region. This bumpy peak
      does not drop completely flat after the reaction with anti-FLC. CONCLUSIONS:
      Because the plasma cell is a B-cell lineage and plays an important role in
      adaptive immunity, MG accompanying with PG is not rarely found in plasma cell
      dyscrasia. If the broad bumpy peak is observed in CE, careful examinations must
      be done to rule out the hidden M-peak. In our cases, a parallel use of gel-based
      methods was very helpful as it revealed monoclonal bands.

PMID- 25134396
TI  - Serum soluble CD200 level was higher in patients with bullous pemphigoid during
      the active phase of the disease than for healthy individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CD200 is a novel immunosuppressive molecule, existing both as cell
      membrane bound and as a soluble form in serum (sCD200), which acts to regulate
      inflammatory and acquired immune responses. Recently, our study group showed that
      sCD200 was found in serum and blister fluid in a patient with bullous pemphigoid
      and that anti-IgE therapy impacted those levels. We therefore planned this study
      to evaluate the soluble serum CD200 levels of bullous pemphigoid patients and
      compare it with that of healthy controls. We also analysed the association
      between the sCD200 levels and the clinical severity of the disease in bullous
      pemphigoid patients. METHODS: We investigated 5 consecutive patients with bullous
      pemphigoid, and 15 healthy controls were included in this study. Assessment of
      clinical examination and measurement of laboratory investigation were performed
      on the same day. Bullous pemphigoid patients were also assessed for Autoimmune
      Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (ABSIS). Concentrations of anti-BP180 and
      soluble CD200 in the serum samples were quantified using ELISA kits. RESULTS: The
      serum soluble CD200 level was observed to be statistically significantly higher
      in patients with BP (77.6 +/- 15.7 pg/mL) compared with healthy controls (26.1 +/
      6.7 pg/mL), (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant
      correlation between serum soluble CD200 levels and clinical severity scores and
      Anti-BP180 values (p = 0.402, p = 0.395, respectively). However, there was a
      statistically significant correlation between ABSIS and Anti-BP180 levels in
      patients with BP (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: CD200 might play a role in the immune
      response in the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid. However, we do not know the
      exact mechanism of CD200 in the disease initiation and/or progression.

PMID- 25134397
TI  - Patients infected with avian influenza A H7N9 virus have abnormally low thyroid
      hormone levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In March 2013, the novel avian influenza A H7N9 virus spread
      throughout China. This study evaluated whether thyroid function was altered in
      patients infected with H7N9 virus. METHODS: We analyzed thyroid-stimulating
      hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (TT3), total tetraiodothyronine (TT4), free
      triiodothyronine (FT3), and free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) levels in 17 patients
      infected with H7N9 on admission to our hospital and compared the values to the
      reference ranges for these thyroid hormones. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients, 12
      (70.6%) patients had abnormally low TT3 levels, 10 (58.8%) patients had
      abnormally low FT3 and TSH levels, and 5 (29.4%) patients had abnormally low TT4
      and FT4 levels (below the lower limit of the reference ranges for each hormone).
      CONCLUSIONS: Abnormally low thyroid hormone levels was common in patients
      infected with H7N9.

PMID- 25134398
TI  - Free light chain levels in pediatric patients with inflammatory conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because free light chain assays measure polyclonal as well as
      monoclonal free light chain components, some previous studies focused on the
      potential utility of the free light chain assay for detecting chronic immune
      stimulation, which occurs in autoimmune diseases and allergies. However, most of
      these trials have been limited to adult patients. In this study, we evaluated the
      paired serum and urinary free light chain levels of pediatric patients with
      various inflammatory conditions to investigate the clinical significance of free
      light chain measurement in pediatrics. METHODS: The study included 227 paired
      serum and urine specimens from 134 pediatric patients at our hospital between
      January and February of 2012. Serum and urinary FLC levels were measured using a
      Freelight Kit (The Binding Site, Ltd., Birmingham, UK). RESULTS: The serum lambda
      and urine kappa and lambda components were significantly increased only in the
      renal impairment group, not in the mild inflammatory group. FLC ratios were not
      significantly different among these groups. CONCLUSIONS: In serum, only the L
      components were significantly increased. This result may indicate the presence of
      a dimeric L structure, in contrast with monomeric K. FLC levels might also be
      influenced by renal conditions other than mild inflammation. Therefore, as shown
      in previous studies of adult patients, renal reference ranges might be needed to
      interpret FLC results, especially for dimeric L components.

PMID- 25134400
TI  - Auto-enroll rule may avert Obamacare turmoil in November.

PMID- 25134401
TI  - High court ruling forcing NLRB to reopen cases has hospitals wary.

PMID- 25134402
TI  - Hospitals Houston's energy boom fuels hospital rush to burbs.

PMID- 25134403
TI  - Health spending shrinks, may surge next year.

PMID- 25134404
TI  - Community health centers face major funding loss.

PMID- 25134405
TI  - HFMA homes in on 'dollars and sense' consumer era.

PMID- 25134406
TI  - EHR leaders vying for $11 B military contract.

PMID- 25134407
TI  - CME shelter. Sunshine Act waiver for med ed payments may prompt marketing shift
      for product makers.

PMID- 25134408
TI  - Warning label limbo. FDA rule letting generic-drug makers update risk alerts
      draws heavy flak.

PMID- 25134409
TI  - Insuring against the future.

PMID- 25134410
TI  - Collaboration, not vertical integration, offers best chance for success.

PMID- 25134411
TI  - Doctors should be captain of the ship.

PMID- 25134412
TI  - Improving women's health with no guarantee of getting paid.

PMID- 25134413
TI  - New lipophilic polyelectrolyte gels containing quaternary ammonium salt with
      superabsorbent capacity for organic solvents.
AB  - Water and soil pollution by organic pollutants from petrochemical plants has
      become one of the major environmental problems in recent years. Lipophilic
      polyelectrolyte gels with ionic groups dissociable in nonpolar organic solvents
      show an enhanced swelling ability in a corresponding media attributed to the
      electrostatic repulsion and osmotic pressure provided by dissociated ionic
      groups. Here, we synthesized new lipophilic polyelectrolyte gels based on an
      easily available electrolyte monomer, methacryloxyethyl dimethyloctane ammonium
      trifluoromethanesulfonimide (MODAT), and a lipophilic neutral monomer, dodecyl
      acrylate by radiation-induced polymerization and cross-linking. The resultant
      lipophilic polyelectrolyte gels could absorb plenty of organic solvents with
      dielectric constants lower than 20 and exhibited a high absorbing ability at a
      wide range of temperatures (0-40  degrees C). The maximum swelling degree could
      reach as high as 200 g/g in some media, such as 1,2-dichloroethane (199.4 g/g)
      and dichloromethane (204 g/g), which was much higher than that of the nonionic
      gel without the addition of MODAT. Moreover, the resultant lipophilic
      polyelectrolyte gels could release most of the absorbed solvents within several
      hours and then be reused. It is expected that this new type of lipophilic
      polyelectrolyte gels may be a suitable candidate as organic pollutant absorbents.

PMID- 25134414
TI  - Assessing the quality of care in a new nation: South Sudan's first national
      health facility assessment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We adapted a rapid quality of care monitoring method to a fragile
      state with two aims: to assess the delivery of child health services in South
      Sudan at the time of independence and to strengthen local capacity to perform
      regular rapid health facility assessments. METHODS: Using a two-stage lot quality
      assurance sampling (LQAS) design, we conducted a national cross-sectional survey
      among 156 randomly selected health facilities in 10 states. In each of these
      facilities, we obtained information on a range of access, input, process and
      performance indicators during structured interviews and observations. RESULTS:
      Quality of care was poor with all states failing to achieve the 80% target for 14
      of 19 indicators. For example, only 12% of facilities were classified as
      acceptable for their adequate utilisation by the population for sick-child
      consultations, 16% for staffing, 3% for having infection control supplies
      available and 0% for having all child care guidelines. Health worker performance
      was categorised as acceptable in only 6% of cases related to sick-child
      assessments, 38% related to medical treatment for the given diagnosis and 33%
      related to patient counselling on how to administer the prescribed drugs. Best
      performance was recorded for availability of in-service training and supervision,
      for seven and ten states, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite ongoing instability,
      the Ministry of Health developed capacity to use LQAS for measuring quality of
      care nationally and state-by-state, which will support efficient and equitable
      resource allocation. Overall, our data revealed a desperate need for improving
      the quality of care in all states.

PMID- 25134415
TI  - Retrospective cohort study of 4591 Straumann implants in private practice
      setting, with up to 10-year follow-up. Part 1: multivariate survival analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective, noninterventional, open cohort
      study is to report on the long-term survival of dental implants, in private
      practice representing the daily realities of implant treatment. The data are
      analyzed to discern statistical relationships between explanatory variables and
      implant failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 4591 Straumann implants were
      placed in 2060 patients between 1999 and 2012. Patients were evaluated after 2-3
      months, 1, 3, 5, and 7 years and, in some cases, up to 10 years. The cumulative
      survival rate (CSR) was calculated according to the life table method and
      illustrated with Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Univariate analysis was performed
      to investigate the association between study variables and time to implant
      failure. Variables with P -value < 0.15 were further selected for a multivariate
      analysis. Statistical methods which take into account the fact that some patients
      have more than one implant (therefore, dependency between implants within mouth)
      had been applied. RESULTS: At the implant level, the cumulative survival rates at
      3, 5, and 7 years were 99.3%, 99.0%, and 98.4%, respectively, and at the patient
      level, they were 98.6%, 97.7%, and 95.9%, respectively. After adjustment to
      possible confounders, the multivariate analysis identified a relationship between
      the following risk indicators for implant failure: implant location, length and
      design, timing of implantation, bone grafting procedures and gender. Tissue-Level
      implants (n = 3863) had a very high survival rate of 99% at 3 years, which was
      maintained over the entire study period. Bone-Level implants (n = 600) were as
      predictable with a survival rate of 99% up to 3 years, while Tapered Effect
      implants (n = 128) demonstrated a lower survival rate of 95% at 5 years. Short 6
      mm implants in the mandibular posterior sites had a high survival rate of 100%,
      while in maxillary posterior positions a survival rate of only 87% was achieved.
      Patient factors such as smoking, autoimmune disease, and penicillin allergy were
      tending to associate with higher failure rates. CONCLUSION: High long-term
      survival rates were observed for a large cohort of Straumann implants. Tissue-
      and Bone-Level implants had higher survival rates than Tapered Effect implants,
      and although short implants faired well in the mandibular posterior sites, they
      faired less well in the maxillary posterior sites. The study represents private
      practice insight into large-scale, long-term implant results.

PMID- 25134416
TI  - Quantification of nitrate sources to an urban stream using dual nitrate isotopes.
AB  - Human-engineered landscapes and subsequent altered hydrology affect the fate and
      transport of reactive nitrogen, particularly in urban watersheds. In this study,
      we used dual-nitrate isotopes and mixing model analysis (delta(15)N and
      delta(18)O of NO3(-)) to quantify nitrogen inputs from two sources concentrated
      in urban systems, sewage and atmospheric deposition. Analysis was conducted on
      samples collected from Nine Mile Run (Pittsburgh, PA) including over two years of
      samples collected biweekly and samples collected through the hydrographs of four
      storm events. Mixing models incorporated uncertainties in the isotopic
      composition of potential nitrate sources and resolved the relative proportions of
      nitrate inputs from each source using Bayesian techniques. The results indicate
      that up to 94% of nitrate in streamwater originated from sewage sources during
      baseflow conditions. During storms, atmospheric deposition was a substantial
      nitrate source (~ 34%) to total event-based nitrate loads, although sewage
      derived nitrate remained the dominant source (66%). The potential influence of
      denitrification was considered by incorporating associated isotopic
      fractionations into mixing models; up to 19% of sewage-derived samples showed the
      isotopic effects of denitrification. This study quantitatively delineates
      proportions of nitrate from different sources to urban streamwater, while
      incorporating remaining uncertainties in source endmember compositions.

PMID- 25134418
TI  - High pressure study of Li-doped fullerides, Li(x)C60 (x = 4,12), by x-ray
      diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - In this article we study the alkali metal-intercalated 2D polymeric Li4C60 and
      the monomeric Li12C60 under pressure up to 40 GPa at room temperature, using x
      ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Li4C60 undergoes several transitions in
      the studied pressure range. At pressures lower than 8 GPa, we observed changes in
      both diffraction patterns and Raman scattering spectra, probably due to the
      displacement of Li atoms. At 8 GPa another structural and electronic transition
      occurs. We observe an enhancement of background and a broadening of diffraction
      peaks. Raman modes weaken and broaden considerably. An important structural
      transition occurs at around 16 GPa, in which new Raman bands exhibit features
      similar to those of a reported 3D C60 polymeric structure. The XRD data shows a
      collapse in volume with the simultaneous formation of amorphous material. The
      cell parameters deviate from their early pressure evolution and become less
      compressible. The high pressure study of highly doped monomeric Li12C60 shows
      that its structural integrity is retained up to 13 GPa, with increasing pressure
      induced structural distortion and disorder. Above 13 GPa, Li12C60 transforms to a
      highly disordered state.

PMID- 25134417
TI  - Up-regulation on cytochromes P450 in rat mediated by total alkaloid extract from
      Corydalis yanhusuo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Yanhusuo (Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang; YHS), is a well-known
      traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been used in China for treating pain
      including chest pain, epigastric pain, and dysmenorrhea. Its alkaloid ingredients
      including tetrahydropalmatine are reported to inhibit cytochromes P450 (CYPs)
      activity in vitro. The present study is aimed to assess the potential of total
      alkaloid extract (TAE) from YHS to effect the activity and mRNA levels of five
      cytochromes P450 (CYPs) in rat. METHODS: Rats were administered TAE from YHS (0,
      6, 30, and 150 mg/kg, daily) for 14 days, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels
      in serum were assayed, and hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of the liver
      were prepared for light microscopy. The effects of TAE on five CYPs activity and
      mRNA levels were quantitated by cocktail probe drugs using a rapid
      chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method and reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. RESULTS: In
      general, serum ALT levels showed no significant changes, and the histopathology
      appeared largely normal compared with that in the control rats. At 30 and 150
      mg/kg TAE dosages, an increase in liver CYP2E1 and CYP3A1 enzyme activity were
      observed. Moreover, the mRNA levels of CYP2E1 and CYP3A1 in the rat liver, lung,
      and intestine were significantly up-regulated with TAE from 6 and 30 mg/kg,
      respectively. Furthermore, treatment with TAE (150 mg/kg) enhanced the activities
      and the mRNA levels of CYP1A2 and CYP2C11 in rats. However, the activity or mRNA
      level of CYP2D1 remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that TAE
      induced CYPs activity in the rat liver results from the elevated mRNA levels of
      CYPs. Co-administration of prescriptions containing YHS should consider a
      potential herb (drug)-drug interaction mediated by the induction of CYP2E1 and
      CYP3A1 enzymes.

PMID- 25134419
TI  - Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 during manufacture and storage of white
      brined cheese.
AB  - Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a major foodborne pathogen that causes severe disease
      in humans. Survival of E. coli O157:H7 during processing and storage of white
      brined cheese was investigated. Cheeses were prepared using pasteurized milk
      inoculated with a 4 strain E. coli O157:H7 cocktail (7 log(10) CFU/g) with or
      without yogurt starter culture (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and
      Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus) and stored in 10% or 15% NaCl brine
      at 10 and 21 oC for 28 d. NaCl concentration, water activity (a(w)), pH, and
      numbers of E. coli O157:H7 and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were determined in
      cheese and brine. E. coli O157:H7 was able to survive in cheese stored in both
      brines at 10 and 21 oC regardless of the presence of starter LAB, although the
      latter significantly enhanced E. coli O157:H7 reduction in cheese or its brine at
      10 oC. E. coli O157:H7 numbers were reduced by 2.6 and 3.4 log(10) CFU/g in
      cheese stored in 10% and 15% NaCl brine, respectively, in the presence of starter
      LAB and by 1.4 and 2.3 log(10) CFU/g, respectively, in the absence of starter LAB
      at 10 oC. The pathogen survived, but at lower numbers in the brines. The salt
      concentration of cheese stored in 10% brine remained about 5% during ripening,
      but in 15% brine, the NaCl level increased 1.6% to 8.1% (w/w) by 28 d. Values of
      pH and a(w) slightly decreased 1 d after exposure to brine and reached 5.5 to 6.6
      and 0.88 to 0.94, respectively, in all treatments.

PMID- 25134420
TI  - What is your diagnosis? Perianal gland mass in a cat. Anal sac gland carcinoma.

PMID- 25134421
TI  - Characteristics associated with drug-induced liver injury from interferon beta in
      multiple sclerosis patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize drug-induced liver injury (DILI)
      associated with IFN-beta in multiple sclerosis (MS) using recommended criteria.
      METHODS: This retrospective, mixed methods design included a cohort of IFN-beta
      exposed MS patients from British Columbia (BC), Canada and a series of DILI cases
      from other Canadian provinces and two adverse drug reaction (ADR) networks (USA
      and Sweden). Associations between sex, age and IFN-beta product, and DILI were
      explored in BC cohort using Cox proportional hazard analyses. Characteristics,
      including the time to DILI, were compared between sites. RESULTS: In BC, 18/942
      (1.9%) of IFN-beta exposed MS patients met criteria for DILI, with a trend toward
      an increased risk for women and those exposed to IFN-beta-1a SC (44 mcg 3 *
      weekly) (adjusted Hazard Ratios: 3.15;95% CI:0.72 - 13.72, p = 0.13 and
      6.26;95%CI:0.78 - 50.39, p = 0.08, respectively). Twenty-four additional cases
      were identified from other sites; the median time to DILI was comparable between
      BC and other Canadian cases (105 and 90 days, respectively), but longer for the
      ADR network cases (590 days, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 50 IFN
      beta exposed patients developed DILI in BC, Canada. Identification of DILI cases
      from diverse sources highlighted that this reaction occurs even after years of
      exposure.

PMID- 25134422
TI  - Compression therapy: scientific background and practical applications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Compression bandaging is the most prevalent form of treatment for
      venous leg ulcers. Successful treatment requires knowledge of the appropriate
      materials and the ability to employ them following current guidelines. This study
      investigates German health-care providers for their knowledge of bandage
      materials and their practical ability in applying short-stretch compression
      bandages. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Within the framework of nationwide practical
      education on compression therapy, the participants' knowledge was quantified by
      asking standardized questions. Furthermore, their practical ability was evaluated
      by having them apply compression bandages within a pressure range of 50-60 mmHg.
      Another criterion was the pressure drop after a four-time dorsiflexion. RESULTS:
      Overall, 891 providers (3.3 % physicians, 5.5 % medical assistants, 90.7 %
      nursing staff) participated. Within the practical test only few (just under 10%)
      applied the bandages with the intended pressure; 77.0 % applied them below and
      13.7 % above the target pressure. After a four-time dorsiflexion there was an
      average pressure drop of 6.7 mmHg. Surveying the participant's skills revealed
      that only 11.9 % knew about padding beneath compression bandages, 15.0 % knew of
      multi-component systems, and 14.8 % were familiar with ulcer stocking systems.
      CONCLUSIONS: Clearly, compression material and its application are unfamiliar to
      most practice employees. Without question there are deficits in the provision of
      compression therapy.

PMID- 25134424
TI  - How does drag affect the underwater phase of a swimming start?
AB  - During the underwater phase of the swimming start drag forces are constantly
      acting to slow the swimmer down. The current study aimed to quantify total drag
      force as well as the specific contribution of wave drag during the underwater
      phase of the swimming start. Swimmers were towed at three different depths
      (surface, 0.5 m, 1.0 m) and four speeds (1.6, 1.9, 2.0, 2.5 m . s(-1)), totaling
      12 conditions. Wave drag and total drag were measured for each trial. Mixed
      modeling and plots were then used to determine the relationships between each
      towing condition and the amount of drag acting on the swimmer. The results of
      this study show large decreases in total drag as depth increases, regardless of
      speed (-19.7% at 0.5 m and -23.8% at 1.0 m). This is largely due to the
      significant reduction in wave drag as the swimmers traveled at greater depth. It
      is recommended that swimmers travel at least 0.5 m below the surface to avoid
      excessive drag forces. Swimmers should also perform efficient breakouts when
      transitioning into free swimming to reduce the duration spent just below the
      surface where drag values are reported at their highest.

PMID- 25134423
TI  - Co-occurrence of transcription and translation gene regulatory features underlies
      coordinated mRNA and protein synthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Variability in protein levels is generated through intricate control
      of the different gene decoding phases. Presently little is known about the links
      between the various gene expression stages. Here we investigated the relationship
      between transcription and translation regulatory properties encoded in mammalian
      genes. RESULTS: We found that the TATA-box, a core promoter element known to
      enhance transcriptional output, is associated not only with higher mRNA levels
      but also with positive translation regulatory features and elevated translation
      efficiency. Further investigation revealed general association between
      transcription and translation regulatory trends. Specifically, translation
      inhibitory features such as the presence of upstream AUG (uAUG) and increased
      lengths of the 5'UTR, the coding sequence and the 3'UTR, are strongly associated
      with lower translation as well as lower transcriptional rate. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings reveal that co-occurrence of several gene-encoded transcription and
      translation regulatory features with the same trend substantially contributes to
      the final mRNA and protein expression levels and enables their coordination.

PMID- 25134425
TI  - Common misconceptions about data analysis and statistics.

PMID- 25134426
TI  - Relationship between buckling of acupuncture needles and the handle type.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most popular single-use acupuncture needles consist of a stainless
      steel shaft with a handle made of copper coil or plastic stick. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the strengths and weaknesses of these two handle types for needle
      buckling. METHODS: The buckling load for acupuncture needles with these two
      different handle types was determined using a digital scale, and the stiffness of
      stainless steel wires used in different types of acupuncture needles was measured
      using a Dynamic Mechanical Analysis machine. RESULTS: This study showed that an
      acupuncture needle with a copper coil handle was far more susceptible to buckling
      than a needle with a plastic stick handle. The average buckling force of
      acupuncture needles with plastic stick handles was 46.7% higher than that with
      copper coil handles for needles of 0.25 mm*30 mm, and 30.8% higher for needles of
      0.25 mm*60 mm. Replacing a copper coil handle with a plastic stick handle could
      save about 100 tonnes of copper wires and 20 million metres of medical grade
      stainless steel wire a year worldwide. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study
      suggest that the common practice of using coiled copper for handles on
      acupuncture needles should be re-evaluated. Replacing a copper coil handle with a
      plastic stick handle would significantly reduce needle buckling and improve
      patient comfort and safety. This would also reduce the consumption of copper and
      medical grade stainless steel wire considerably.

PMID- 25134427
TI  - Development of an evidence-based exercise programme for people with hand
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercising is recommended for people with hand osteoarthritis (HOA),
      but there is no consensus regarding the design of exercise programmes. OBJECTIVE:
      To describe the development and content of an evidence-based exercise programme
      for people with HOA. METHODS: The development was based on research evidence,
      professional expertise, and client evidence and adhered to the new Medical
      Research Council framework for design and evaluation of complex interventions.
      The process included literature search and appraisal, discussions with clinicians
      and patient research partners, and piloting, followed by a revision of the
      programme based on feedback from pilot participants. RESULTS: The programme
      contains three exercises to increase the strength and stability of the shoulder,
      arm and wrist muscles, and four exercises to maintain or increase range of
      motion, grip strength, and joint stability in the finger joints. It starts with a
      warm-up period, ends with a finger stretch exercise, and follows the American
      College of Sports Medicine's recommendations regarding exercise intensity,
      session frequency, and length of exercise period. An exercise diary is included
      as part of the programme. CONCLUSIONS: An evidence-based exercise programme for
      people with HOA has been developed. The effect of the programme has recently been
      evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 25134428
TI  - Structure-activity relationships of N-benzylsalicylamides for inhibition of
      photosynthetic electron transport.
AB  - Inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport (PET) in spinach chloroplasts by
      sixty-one ring-substituted N-benzylsalicylamides was investigated. The inhibitory
      potency of the compounds expressed by IC50 value varied from 2.0 to 425.3
      MUmol/L. Several evaluated compounds can be considered as effective PET
      inhibitors; these include N-(3,4- dichlorobenzyl)-2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzamide
      (IC50 = 2.0 MUmol/L), 3,5-dibromo-N-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-2-hydroxybenzamide (IC50
      = 2.3 MUmol/L) and 3,5-dibromo-N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2-hydroxybenzamide (IC50 = 2.6
      MUmol/L) with activity comparable with that of the standard Diuron (IC50 = 1.9
      MUmol/L). The PET inhibiting activity increased approximately linearly with
      increasing lipophilicity of the compounds as well as with the increasing sum of
      Hammett sigma constants of the substituents on the acyl fragment (R(1) = H, 5
      OCH3, 5-CH3, 5-Cl, 5-Br, 5-NO2, 4-OCH3, 4-Cl, 3,5-Cl and 3,5-Br) and the
      benzylamide fragment (R(2) = H, 4-OCH3, 4-CH3, 4-F, 4-Cl and 3,4-Cl). Based on
      the evaluated structure-PET inhibiting activity relationships (QSAR) it was
      confirmed that the inhibitory activity of the compounds depends on lipophilicity
      (log P or distributive parameters pi; (1) and pi(2)of individual substituents)
      and electronic properties of the substituents on the acyl (sigma(1)) and the
      benzylamide fragments (sigma(2)), the contribution of sigma(1) being more
      significant than that of sigma(2). 

PMID- 25134429
TI  - Design, synthesis, and antitumor activity of novel acylate of 6-OH at 1- O
      acetylbritannilactone.
AB  - N-(alpha-Alkyloxime-3-phenylpropionyl) proline was designed and synthesized as an
      acylating agent to modify the 6-OH of 1-O-acetylbritannilactone. Eight
      intermediates and eight target compounds were obtained. The structures of sixteen
      novel compounds were characterized by (1)HNMR, IR and HRMS. The activities
      against HL-60 and Bel-7402 cell lines were tested, the IC50 values of compound
      IVg were 2.7 MUM and 4.3 MUM, respectively. 

PMID- 25134430
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of benzimidazole derivatives as selective COX-2
      inhibitors.
AB  - A new series of 1-{(5-substituted-alkyl/aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl}-2
      (piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-1Hbenzimidazoles (5a-5r) was synthesized and screened for
      their inhibitory activity against COX (1 and 2). In vivo antiinflammatory
      activity of potent compounds was done by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model.
      In vitro anticancer activity of synthesized compounds was also performed at the
      National Cancer Institute (NCI) against NCI 60 cell lines panel. Out of the 18
      compounds screened, 5h, 5i, 5j and 5l were found to be potent COX-2 inhibitors in
      the range of IC50 0.06-0.81 MUM. In vivo anti-inflammatory screening results
      revealed that the compounds 5h and 5j manifested profound percent protection of
      72.8 and 75.0%, respectively. Compound 5f exhibited moderate cytotoxicity with
      58.79% growth inhibition against SNB-75 (CNS Cancer) cell lines and moderate
      activity against COX-2 (IC50 = 8.0 MUM). 

PMID- 25134431
TI  - Continuing professional development training needs of medical laboratory
      personnel in Botswana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laboratory professionals are expected to maintain their knowledge on
      the most recent advances in laboratory testing and continuing professional
      development (CPD) programs can address this expectation. In developing countries,
      accessing CPD programs is a major challenge for laboratory personnel, partly due
      to their limited availability. An assessment was conducted among clinical
      laboratory workforce in Botswana to identify and prioritize CPD training needs as
      well as preferred modes of CPD delivery. METHODS: A self-administered
      questionnaire was disseminated to medical laboratory scientists and technicians
      registered with the Botswana Health Professions Council. Questions were organized
      into domains of competency related to (i) quality management systems, (ii)
      technical competence, (iii) laboratory management, leadership, and coaching, and
      (iv) pathophysiology, data interpretation, and research. Participants were asked
      to rank their self-perceived training needs using a 3-point scale in order of
      importance (most, moderate, and least). Furthermore, participants were asked to
      select any three preferences for delivery formats for the CPD. RESULTS: Out of
      350 questionnaires that were distributed, 275 were completed and returned giving
      an overall response rate of 79%. The most frequently selected topics for training
      in rank order according to key themes were (mean, range) (i) quality management
      systems, most important (79%, 74-84%); (ii) pathophysiology, data interpretation,
      and research (68%, 52-78%); (iii) technical competence (65%, 44-73%); and (iv)
      laboratory management, leadership, and coaching (60%, 37-77%). The top three
      topics selected by the participants were (i) quality systems essentials for
      medical laboratory, (ii) implementing a quality management system, and (iii)
      techniques to identify and control sources of error in laboratory procedures. The
      top three preferred CPD delivery modes, in rank order, were training workshops,
      hands-on workshops, and internet-based learning. Journal clubs at the workplace
      was the least preferred method of delivery of CPD credits. CONCLUSIONS: CPD
      programs to be developed should focus on topics that address quality management
      systems, case studies, competence assessment, and customer care. The findings
      from this survey can also inform medical laboratory pre-service education
      curriculum.

PMID- 25134432
TI  - Re-development of mental health first aid guidelines for non-suicidal self
      injury: a Delphi study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Up to 12% of Australian adults and almost one in five adolescents are
      estimated to have engaged in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) at some time in
      their life. Friends and family are most likely to notice signs of NSSI, but may
      be unsure how to intervene. Mental health first aid guidelines were developed in
      2008 on how to do this through providing initial support and encouraging
      appropriate professional help-seeking. This study aims to re-develop the 2008
      NSSI first aid guidelines to ensure they contain current recommended helping
      actions and remain consistent with the NSSI intervention literature. METHODS: The
      Delphi consensus method was used to determine the importance of the inclusion of
      helping statements in the guidelines. These statements describe helping actions a
      member of the public can take, and information they should have, to help someone
      who is engaging in NSSI. Systematic searches of the available NSSI intervention
      literature were conducted to find helping statements. Two expert panels,
      comprising 28 NSSI professionals and 33 consumer advocates, rated the importance
      of each statement. RESULTS: 98 out of 220 statements were endorsed as appropriate
      helping actions in providing assistance to someone engaging in NSSI. These
      statements were used to form the updated mental health first aid guidelines for
      NSSI. CONCLUSION: The re-development of the guidelines has resulted in more
      comprehensive guidance than the original version (98 versus 30 statements
      containing helping actions). This substantial increase in endorsed statements
      adds detail and depth to the guidelines, as well as covers additional ways of
      providing guidance and support.

PMID- 25134435
TI  - A physical model of sprinting.
AB  - A new physical model of all-out sprinting is presented. The first models for the
      applied forces in the block, drive and maintenance phases, as well as for braking
      forces, are proposed and are based on experimental observations. The applied
      forces and the aerodynamic drag forces along with the speed and position of the
      sprinter are calculated by the model as functions of time. The model's unknown
      parameters are physically relevant and are quantitatively comparable to
      quantities measured experimentally. A novel mathematical method, not based on
      curve fitting, is proposed along with the model which requires two observable
      quantities, time of first step and start of maintenance phase, and four time
      splits. The model was validated by modeling several elite sprints from available
      split data, as well as measured splits for non-elite sprinters, over 100 m and
      200 m distances. Excellent agreement between the split times and the simulated
      times was obtained and the model was shown to accurately predict 100 m times from
      60 m splits for non-elite runners and 200 m times from 100 m splits for elite
      sprinters. The model was also applied to the study of wind and altitude effects
      for elite sprinters in 100 and 200 m sprints. The model presented in this paper
      may also be useful as a coaching tool for non-elite sprinters by enabling
      comparisons with elite sprinters, the identification of weaknesses (comparing
      phases, braking coefficient) and by allowing predictions of 100 m times based on
      60 m (indoor) performances and 200 m times based on 100 m splits.

PMID- 25134433
TI  - Variable NF-kappaB pathway responses in colon cancer cells treated with
      chemotherapeutic drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells
      (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway is activated in cells exposed to various stimuli,
      including those originating on the cell surface or in the nucleus. Activated NF
      kappaB signaling is thought to enhance cell survival in response to these
      stimuli, which include chemotherapy and radiation. In the present effort, we
      determined which anticancer drugs preferentially activate NF-kappaB in colon
      cancer cells. METHODS: NF-kappaB reporter cells were established and treated with
      5-fluorouracil (5-FU, DNA/RNA damaging), oxaliplatin (DNA damaging), camptothecin
      (CTP, topoisomerase inhibitor), phleomycin (radiomimetic), or erlotinib (EGFR
      inhibitor). The activation of NF-kappaB was assessed by immunofluorescence for
      p65 translocation, luciferase assays, and downstream targets of NF-kappaB
      activation (cIAP2, and Bcl-XL) were evaluated by immunoblotting, by ELISA (CXCL8
      and IL-6 in culture supernatants), or by gene expression analysis. RESULTS: Colon
      cancer cells responded variably to different classes of therapeutic agents, and
      these agents initiated variable responses among different cell types. CPT
      activated NF-kappaB in SW480 colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, but
      not in HCT116 cells that were either wild-type or deficient for p53. In SW480
      colon cancer cells, NF-kappaB activation by CPT was accompanied by secretion of
      the cytokine CXCL8, but not by up-regulation of the anti-apoptotic genes, cIAP2
      or Bcl-XL. On the contrary, treatment of HCT116 cells with CPT resulted in up
      regulation of CXCR2, a receptor for CXCL8, without an increase in cytokine
      levels. In SW480 cells, NF-kappaB reporter activity, but not cytokine secretion,
      was inhibited by SM-7368, an NF-kappaB inhibitor. CONCLUSION: The results show
      that, in response to cancer therapeutic agents, NF-kappaB activation varies with
      the cellular make up and that drug-induced NF-kappaB activation may be
      functionally uncoupled from anti-apoptotic outcomes found for other stimuli. Some
      cancer cells in a heterogeneous tumor tissue may, under therapeutic pressure,
      release soluble factors that have paracrine activity on neighboring cells that
      express the cognate receptors.

PMID- 25134434
TI  - Continuum description of the Poisson's ratio of ligament and tendon under finite
      deformation.
AB  - Ligaments and tendons undergo volume loss when stretched along the primary fiber
      axis, which is evident by the large, strain-dependent Poisson's ratios measured
      during quasi-static tensile tests. Continuum constitutive models that have been
      used to describe ligament material behavior generally assume incompressibility,
      which does not reflect the volumetric material behavior seen experimentally. We
      developed a strain energy equation that describes large, strain dependent
      Poisson's ratios and nonlinear, transversely isotropic behavior using a novel
      method to numerically enforce the desired volumetric behavior. The Cauchy stress
      and spatial elasticity tensors for this strain energy equation were derived and
      implemented in the FEBio finite element software (www.febio.org). As part of this
      objective, we derived the Cauchy stress and spatial elasticity tensors for a
      compressible transversely isotropic material, which to our knowledge have not
      appeared previously in the literature. Elastic simulations demonstrated that the
      model predicted the nonlinear, upwardly concave uniaxial stress-strain behavior
      while also predicting a strain-dependent Poisson's ratio. Biphasic simulations of
      stress relaxation predicted a large outward fluid flux and substantial relaxation
      of the peak stress. Thus, the results of this study demonstrate that the
      viscoelastic behavior of ligaments and tendons can be predicted by modeling fluid
      movement when combined with a large Poisson's ratio. Further, the constitutive
      framework provides the means for accurate simulations of ligament volumetric
      material behavior without the need to resort to micromechanical or homogenization
      methods, thus facilitating its use in large scale, whole joint models.

PMID- 25134436
TI  - Simple finite element models for use in the design of therapeutic footwear.
AB  - Therapeutic footwear is frequently prescribed in cases of rheumatoid arthritis
      and diabetes to relieve or redistribute high plantar pressures in the region of
      the metatarsal heads. Few guidelines exist as to how these interventions should
      be designed and what effect such interventions actually have on the plantar
      pressure distribution. Finite element analysis has the potential to assist in the
      design process by refining a given intervention or identifying an optimal
      intervention without having to actually build and test each condition. However,
      complete and detailed foot models based on medical image segmentation have proven
      time consuming to build and computationally expensive to solve, hindering their
      utility in practice. Therefore, the goal of the current work was to determine if
      a simplified patient-specific model could be used to assist in the design of foot
      orthoses to reduce the plantar pressure in the metatarsal head region. The
      approach is illustrated by a case study of a diabetic patient experiencing high
      pressures and pain over the fifth metatarsal head. The simple foot model was
      initially calibrated by adjusting the individual loads on the metatarsals to
      approximate measured peak plantar pressure distributions in the barefoot
      condition to within 3%. This loading was used in various shod conditions to
      identify an effective orthosis. Model results for metatarsal pads were
      considerably higher than measured values but predictions for uniform surfaces
      were generally within 16% of measured values. The approach enabled virtual
      prototyping of the orthoses, identifying the most favorable approach to
      redistribute the patient's plantar pressures. 

PMID- 25134438
TI  - Transition-metal-catalyzed ring expansion of diazocarbonylated cyclic N
      hydroxylamines: a new approach to cyclic ketonitrones.
AB  - Novel C-ethoxycarbonyl cyclic ketonitrones are synthesized from the Ag- or Cu
      catalyzed ring expansion of beta-diazo cyclic hydroxylamines. The latter are
      themselves easily obtained by the addition of lithiated ethyl diazoacetate onto
      cyclic nitrones. The regioselective metal-catalyzed rearrangement of beta-diazo
      cyclic hydroxylamines proved highly efficient and resulted in a synthetically
      useful ring expansion to produce 6- or 7-membered ring functionalized nitrones.
      The outcome of the two steps, i.e. nucleophilic addition of alpha-diazoesters to
      nitrones and ring expansion, is a formal nitrone homologation. 

PMID- 25134437
TI  - Cigarette smoke extract-induced BEAS-2B cell apoptosis and anti-oxidative Nrf-2
      up-regulation are mediated by ROS-stimulated p38 activation.
AB  - Cigarette smoke contains reactive oxygen (ROS) that can cause oxidative stress.
      It increases the number of apoptotic and necrotic lung cells and further induces
      the development of chronic airway disease. In this study, we investigated the
      effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on apoptosis in human bronchial
      epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). CSE exposure induced ROS generation and p38 mitogen
      activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation that are associated with the
      activation of apoptosis-regulating signal kinase 1 (ASK-1). N-acetylcysteine (a
      general antioxidant) attenuated the CSE-induced ASK-1 and p38 MAPK activation and
      cell apoptosis, suggesting a triggering role of ROS in ASK-1/p38 MAPK activation
      during apoptotic progression. In contrast, the inhibition and knockdown of p38
      attenuated the expression of anti-oxidant master NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2)
      and CSE-induced apoptosis, suggesting that p38 MAPK modulates Nrf-2 expression
      and presumably prevents cell apoptosis. Taken together, the data presented in
      this manuscript demonstrate that the ROS-dependent ASK-1/p38 signaling cascade
      regulates CSE-induced BEAS-2B cell apoptosis. In addition, anti-oxidative Nrf-2
      is also up-regulated by the ROS/p38 signaling cascade in this progression.

PMID- 25134439
TI  - Pathogen reduction by ultraviolet C light effectively inactivates human white
      blood cells in platelet products.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Residual white blood cells (WBCs) in cellular blood components induce
      a variety of adverse immune events, including nonhemolytic febrile transfusion
      reactions, alloimmunization to HLA antigens, and transfusion-associated graft
      versus-host disease (TA-GVHD). Pathogen reduction (PR) methods such as the
      ultraviolet C (UVC) light-based THERAFLEX UV-Platelets system were developed to
      reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted infection. As UVC light targets
      nucleic acids, it interferes with the replication of both pathogens and WBCs.
      This preclinical study aimed to evaluate the ability of UVC light to inactivate
      contaminating WBCs in platelet concentrates (PCs). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The
      in vitro and in vivo function of WBCs from UVC-treated PCs was compared to that
      of WBCs from gamma-irradiated and untreated PCs by measuring cell viability,
      proliferation, cytokine secretion, antigen presentation in vitro, and xenogeneic
      GVHD responses in a humanized mouse model. RESULTS: UVC light was at least as
      effective as gamma irradiation in preventing GVHD in the mouse model. It was more
      effective in suppressing T-cell proliferation (>5-log reduction in the limiting
      dilution assay), cytokine secretion, and antigen presentation than gamma
      irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: The THERAFLEX UV-Platelets (MacoPharma) PR system can
      substitute gamma irradiation for TA-GVHD prophylaxis in platelet (PLT)
      transfusion. Moreover, UVC treatment achieves suppression of antigen presentation
      and inhibition of cytokine accumulation during storage of PCs, which has
      potential benefits for transfusion recipients.

PMID- 25134441
TI  - Effects of sample injection amount and time-of-flight mass spectrometric
      detection dynamic range on metabolome analysis by high-performance chemical
      isotope labeling LC-MS.
AB  - The effect of sample injection amount on metabolome analysis in a chemical
      isotope labeling (CIL) liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platform
      was investigated. The performance of time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers with
      and without a high-dynamic-range (HD) detection system was compared in the
      analysis of (12)C2/(13)C2-dansyl labeled human urine samples. An average of 1635
      +/- 21 (n = 3) peak pairs or putative metabolites was detected using the HD-TOF
      MS, compared to 1429 +/- 37 peak pairs from a conventional or non-HD TOF-MS. In
      both instruments, signal saturation was observed. However, in the HD-TOF-MS,
      signal saturation was mainly caused by the ionization process, while in the non
      HD TOF-MS, it was caused by the detection process. To extend the MS detection
      range in the non-HD TOF-MS, an automated switching from using (12)C to (13)C
      natural abundance peaks for peak ratio calculation when the (12)C peaks are
      saturated has been implemented in IsoMS, a software tool for processing CIL LC-MS
      data. This work illustrates that injecting an optimal sample amount is important
      to maximize the metabolome coverage while avoiding the sample carryover problem
      often associated with over-injection. A TOF mass spectrometer with an enhanced
      detection dynamic range can also significantly increase the number of peak pairs
      detected. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In chemical isotope labeling (CIL) LC-MS,
      relative metabolite quantification is done by measuring the peak ratio of a
      (13)C2-/(12)C2-labeled peak pair for a given metabolite present in two
      comparative samples. The dynamic range of peak ratio measurement does not need to
      be very large, as only subtle changes of metabolite concentrations are
      encountered in most metabolomic studies where relative metabolome quantification
      of different groups of samples is performed. However, the absolute concentrations
      of different metabolites can be very different, requiring a technique to provide
      a wide detection dynamic range to allow the detection of as many peak pairs as
      possible. In this work, we demonstrated that controlling the sample injection
      amount into LC-MS was critical to achieve the optimal detectability while
      avoiding sample carry-over problem. In addition, the use of a high-dynamic-range
      TOF system increased the number of peak pairs detected, compared to a
      conventional TOF system. We also investigated the ionization and detection
      saturation factors limiting the dynamic range of detection. This article is part
      of a Special Issue entitled: Protein dynamics in health and disease. Guest
      Editors: Pierre Thibault and Anne-Claude Gingras.

PMID- 25134443
TI  - Preventing primary cesareans: implications for laboring women, their partners,
      nurses, educators, and doulas.

PMID- 25134442
TI  - Can we safely reduce primary cesareans with greater patience?

PMID- 25134445
TI  - Family-centered neonatal intensive care.

PMID- 25134440
TI  - Acute kidney injury in major gynaecological surgery: an observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence, outcomes and cost associated with acute
      kidney injury (AKI) defined by consensus risk, injury, failure, loss, and end
      stage kidney (RIFLE) criteria after gynaecologic surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective
      single-centre cohort study. SETTING: Academic medical centre. SAMPLE: Two
      thousand three hundred and forty-one adult women undergoing major inpatient
      gynaecologic surgery between January 2000 and November 2010. METHODS: AKI was
      defined by RIFLE criteria as an increase in serum creatinine greater than or
      equal to 50% from the reference creatinine. We used multivariable regression
      analyses to determine the association between perioperative factors, AKI,
      mortality and cost. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: AKI, combined major adverse events
      (hospital mortality, sepsis or mechanical ventilation), 90-day mortality and
      hospital cost. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of AKI was 13%. The prevalence of AKI
      was associated with the primary diagnosis. Of women with benign tumour surgeries,
      5% (43/801) experienced AKI compared with 18% (211/1159) of women with malignant
      disease (P < 0.001). Only 1.3% of the whole cohort had evidence of urologic
      mechanical injury. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, AKI patients
      had nine times the odds of a major adverse event compared to patients without AKI
      (adjusted odds ratio 8.95, 95% confidence interval 5.27-15.22). We have
      identified several readily available perioperative factors that can be used to
      identify patients at high risk for AKI after in-hospital gynaecologic surgery.
      CONCLUSIONS: AKI is a common complication after major inpatient gynaecologic
      surgery associated with an increase in resource utilisation and hospital cost,
      morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 25134447
TI  - The role of carbonic anhydrase VI in bitter taste perception: evidence from the
      Car6-/- mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carbonic anhydrase VI (CA VI) is a secretory isozyme of the alpha-CA
      gene family. It is highly expressed in the salivary and mammary glands and
      secreted into saliva and milk. Although CA VI was first described as a gustatory
      protein, its exact functional roles have remained enigmatic. Interestingly,
      polymorphism of the CA6 gene was recently linked to bitter taste perception in
      humans. In this study, we compared the preference of Car6-/- and wild-type mice
      for different taste modalities in an IntelliCage monitoring environment.
      Morphologies of taste buds, tongue papillae, and von Ebner's glands were
      evaluated by light microscopy. Cell proliferation and rate of apoptosis in tongue
      specimens were examined by Ki67 immunostaining and fluorescent DNA fragmentation
      staining, respectively. RESULTS: The behavioral follow up of the mice in an
      IntelliCage system revealed that Car6-/- mice preferred 3 MUM quinine (bitter)
      solution, whereas wild type mice preferred water. When the quinine concentration
      increased, both groups preferentially selected water. Histological analysis, Ki67
      immunostaining and detection of apoptosis did not reveal any significant changes
      between tongue specimens of the knockout and wild type mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      knockout mouse model confirms that CA VI is involved in bitter taste perception.
      CA VI may be one of the factors which contribute to avoidance of bitter,
      potentially harmful, substances.

PMID- 25134448
TI  - Rapamycin protects kidney against ischemia reperfusion injury through recruitment
      of NKT cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: NKT cells play a protective role in ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury,
      of which the trafficking in the body and recruitment in injured organs can be
      influenced by immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, we investigated the effects
      of rapamycin on kidneys exposed to IR injury in early stage and on trafficking of
      NKT cells in a murine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Balb/c mice were subjected to
      kidney 30 min ischemia followed by 24 h reperfusion. Rapamycin (2.5 ml/kg) was
      administered by gavage daily, starting 1 day before the operation. Renal function
      and histological changes were assessed. The proportion of NKT cells in peripheral
      blood, spleen and kidney was detected by flow cytometry. The chemokines and
      corresponding receptor involved in NKT cell trafficking were determined by RT-PCR
      and flow cytometry respectively. RESULTS: Rapamycin significantly improved renal
      function and ameliorated histological injury. In rapamycin-treated group, the
      proportion of NKT cells in spleen was significantly decreased but increased in
      peripheral blood and kidney. In addition, the CXCR3+ NKT cell in the kidney
      increased remarkably in the rapamycin-treated group. The chemokines, CXCL9 and
      CXCL10, as the ligands of CXCR3, were also increased in the rapamycin-treated
      kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Rapamycin may recruit NKT cells from spleen to the IR
      induced kidney to ameliorate renal IR injury in the early stage.

PMID- 25134450
TI  - The CROWN Initiative: Journal editors invite researchers to develop core outcomes
      in women's health.

PMID- 25134449
TI  - The PP4R1 subunit of protein phosphatase PP4 targets TRAF2 and TRAF6 to mediate
      inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.
AB  - TRAFs constitute a family of proteins that have been implicated in signal
      transduction by immunomodulatory cellular receptors and viral proteins. TRAF2 and
      TRAF6 have an E3-ubiquitin ligase activity, which is dependent on the integrity
      of their RING finger domain and it has been associated with their ability to
      activate the NF-kappaB and AP1 signaling pathways. A yeast two-hybrid screen with
      TRAF2 as bait, identified the regulatory subunit PP4R1 of protein phosphatase PP4
      as a TRAF2-interacting protein. The interaction of TRAF2 with PP4R1 depended on
      the integrity of the RING finger domain of TRAF2. PP4R1 could interact also with
      the TRAF2-related factor TRAF6 in a RING domain-dependent manner. Exogenous
      expression of PP4R1 inhibited NF-kappaB activation by TRAF2, TRAF6, TNF and the
      Epstein-Barr virus oncoprotein LMP1. In addition, expression of PP4R1
      downregulated IL8 induction by LMP1, whereas downregulation of PP4R1 by RNA
      interference enhanced the induction of IL8 by LMP1 and TNF. PP4R1 could mediate
      the dephosphorylation of TRAF2 Ser11, which has been previously implicated in
      TRAF2-mediated activation of NF-kappaB. Finally, PP4R1 could inhibit TRAF6
      polyubiquitination, suggesting an interference with the E3 ubiquitin ligase
      activity of TRAF6. Taken together, our data identify a novel mechanism of NF
      kappaB pathway inhibition which is mediated by PP4R1-dependent targeting of
      specific TRAF molecules. 

PMID- 25134452
TI  - Psychological distress among parents having offspring with autism spectrum
      disorder: Authors' reply.

PMID- 25134451
TI  - Paediatric vulvar disease.
AB  - Paediatric vulvar skin conditions are relatively common but often cause
      diagnostic difficulties for clinicians, which can lead to anxiety within the
      children's families. Vulvar skin conditions can be caused by various underlying
      aetiologies. Most are general dermatologic conditions that occur in the vulvar
      area, such as eczema, psoriasis, skin lesions or infections. However, other
      conditions such as lichen sclerosus and napkin dermatitis ('nappy rash') only
      affect the genital region. Every affected child needs a sensitive evaluation of
      the complaint including an assessment of the impact of the condition on the
      patient and her family. Paediatric vulvar disease often influences bowel and
      bladder habits and may lead to behavioural problems. General measures such as
      avoidance of irritants or soap substitution and regular use of emollients are
      helpful for all patients. Specific therapy depends upon the underlying diagnosis.
      Time spent reassuring the families, reinforcing regimens and providing written
      documentation can all be very helpful in successful management of paediatric
      vulvar skin conditions. 

PMID- 25134453
TI  - The burden of false-positive results in analog and digital screening mammography:
      experience of the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care released
      recommendations for breast cancer screening, in part, based on harms associated
      with screening. The purpose of this study was to describe the rate of false
      positive (FP) screening mammograms and to describe the extent of the
      investigations after an FP. METHODS: A cohort was identified that consisted of
      all screening mammograms performed through the Screening Program (2000-2011) with
      patients ages 40-69 years at screening. Rates of FP screening mammograms were
      calculated as well as rates of further investigations required, including
      additional imaging, needle core biopsy, and surgery. Analyses were stratified by
      10-year age group, screening status (first vs rescreen), and technology. RESULTS:
      A total of 608,088 screening mammograms were included. The FP rate varied by age
      group, and decreased with increasing age (digital, 40-49 years old, FP = 8.0%; 50
      59 years old, FP = 6.3%; 60-69 years old, FP = 4.6%). The FP rate also varied by
      screening status (digital, first screen, FP = 12.0%; rescreen, FP = 5.6%), and
      this difference was consistent across age groups. The need for further
      investigation varied by age group, with invasive procedures being more heavily
      used as women age (digital, rescreen group, surgery: 40-49 years old, 1.1%; 50-59
      years old 1.6%, 60-69 years old, 1.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Both the FP screening
      mammogram rate and the degree to which further investigation was required varied
      by age group and screening status. Reporting on these rates should form part of
      the evaluation of screening performance.

PMID- 25134455
TI  - Is Available Support Always Helpful for Older Adults? Exploring the Buffering
      Effects of State and Trait Social Support.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Associations between social support and health are studied since
      decades. Yet, little is known about how they vary by state versus trait aspects
      of support and by adult age. At trait and state level, the current study
      investigates direct associations between social support and health and whether
      support buffers the daily negative affect (NA)-health association in 2 age
      groups. METHOD: Seventy-nine younger and 88 older adults (OA) participated in 20
      daily assessments of NA, health complaints (HC), and available support. On trait
      and state levels, 3 support facets-emotional, informational, and instrumental
      were distinguished; social integration was assessed on the trait level. RESULTS:
      For OA, trait emotional support was associated with fewer HC. In both age groups,
      state informational support was related to more daily HC. Social integration
      buffered the daily NA-health association in younger adults (YA), whereas
      informational support amplified the same association in OA. DISCUSSION: We
      propose that 2 different mechanisms are relevant for younger and OA and at state
      and trait level. Although emotional support may be a resource for OA,
      informational support may enhance their daily complaints. YA seem to benefit from
      being socially integrated.

PMID- 25134454
TI  - Carotenoids, inflammation, and oxidative stress--implications of cellular
      signaling pathways and relation to chronic disease prevention.
AB  - Several epidemiologic studies have shown that diets rich in fruits and vegetables
      reduce the risk of developing several chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes,
      atherosclerosis, and cancer. These diseases are linked with systemic, low-grade
      chronic inflammation. Although controversy persists on the bioactive ingredients,
      several secondary plant metabolites have been associated with these beneficial
      health effects. Carotenoids represent the most abundant lipid-soluble
      phytochemicals, and in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that they have
      antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, many of
      these properties have been linked to the effect of carotenoids on intracellular
      signaling cascades, thereby influencing gene expression and protein translation.
      By blocking the translocation of nuclear factor kappaB to the nucleus,
      carotenoids are able to interact with the nuclear factor kappaB pathway and thus
      inhibit the downstream production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin
      8 or prostaglandin E2. Carotenoids can also block oxidative stress by interacting
      with the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway, enhancing its
      translocation into the nucleus, and activating phase II enzymes and antioxidants,
      such as glutathione-S-transferases. In this review, which is organized into in
      vitro, animal, and human investigations, we summarized current knowledge on
      carotenoids and metabolites with respect to their ability to modulate
      inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways and discuss potential dose-health
      relations. Although many pathways involved in the bioactivity of carotenoids have
      been revealed, future research should be directed toward dose-response relations
      of carotenoids, their metabolites, and their effect on transcription factors and
      metabolism. 

PMID- 25134456
TI  - Subdural and intracerebral hemorrhage caused by spontaneous bleeding in the
      middle meningeal artery after coil embolization of a cerebral aneurysm.
AB  - Nontraumatic acute subdural hemorrhage (SDH) with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)
      is rare and is usually caused by severe bleeding from aneurysms or arteriovenous
      fistulas. We encountered a very rare case of spontaneous bleeding from the middle
      meningeal artery (MMA), which caused hemorrhage in the temporal lobe and subdural
      space 2 weeks after coil embolization of an ipsilateral, unruptured internal
      cerebral artery aneurysm in the cavernous portion. At onset, the distribution of
      hematoma on a computed tomography scan led us to believe that the treated
      intracavernous aneurysm could bleed into the intradural space. Emergency
      craniotomy revealed that the dura of the middle fossa was intact except for the
      point at the foramen spinosum where the exposed MMA was bleeding.
      Retrospectively, angiography just before and after embolization of the aneurysm
      did not show any aberrations in the MMA. Although the MMA usually courses on the
      outer surface of the dura and is unlikely to rupture without an external force,
      physicians should be aware that the MMA may bleed spontaneously and cause SDH and
      ICH.

PMID- 25134457
TI  - In vitro synergistic efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid, oleic acid, safflower
      oil and taxol cytotoxicity on PC3 cells.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine in vitro synergistic efficacy of
      conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), oleic acid (OLA), safflower oil and taxol (Tax)
      cytotoxicity on human prostate cancer (PC3) cell line. To determine synergistic
      efficacy of oil combinations, PC3 treated with different doses of compounds alone
      and combined with 10 MUg/mL Tax. The MTT results indicated that OLA-Tax
      combinations exhibited cytotoxicity against PC3 at doses of 30 nM+10 MUg-Tax, 15
      nM+5 MUg-Tax and 7.5 nM+2.5 MUg-Tax. The treatment of OLA or Tax did not show
      significant inhibition on PC3, while OLA-Tax combinations showed effective
      cytotoxicity at treated doses. CLA-Tax combinations demonstrated the same effect
      on PC3 as combined form with 45.72% versus the alone form as 74.51% viability.
      Cytotoxic synergy between Tax, OLA and CLA shows enhanced cytotoxicity on PC3
      which might be used in the therapy of prostate cancer.

PMID- 25134458
TI  - Cytotoxicity of CD56-positive lymphocytes against autologous B-cell precursor
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.
AB  - Precursor B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre-B ALL) affects
      hematopoietic development and therefore is associated with immune deficiencies
      that can be further exacerbated by chemotherapy. It is unclear if and when
      monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that stimulate antibody-mediated cellular
      cytotoxicity (ADCC) can be used for treatment because this depends on the
      presence of functional effector cells. Here, we used flow cytometry to determine
      that patient samples at diagnosis, post-induction and relapse contain detectable
      numbers of CD56+ cells. We were able to selectively expand CD56+ immune effector
      cells from bone marrow and peripheral blood samples at diagnosis and at various
      stages of treatment by co-culture with artificial antigen-presenting K562 clone
      9.mbIL-21 cells. Amplified CD56+CD3- cells had spontaneous and anti-B cell
      activating factor receptor mAb-stimulated ADCC activity against allogeneic ALL
      cells, which could be further enhanced by IL-15. Importantly, matched CD56+
      effector cells also killed autologous ALL cells grown out from leukemia samples
      of the same patient, through both spontaneous as well as antibody-dependent
      cellular cytotoxicity. Since autologous cell therapy will not be complicated by
      graft-versus-host disease, our results show that expanded CD56+ cells could be
      applied for treatment of pre-B ALL without transplantation, or for purging of
      bone marrow in the setting of autologous bone marrow transplants. 

PMID- 25134460
TI  - [Conjunctival amyloidosis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: This article reports a case of primary localized conjunctival lambda
      light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 73-year-old woman
      presented with a 1-year history of a painless growth in the conjunctiva of the
      left eye. A yellow-salmon pink diffuse mass of tissue was identified in the
      inferomedial bulbar conjunctiva and inferior fornix. An incisional biopsy was
      performed. The histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed
      interstitial and vascular amyloid deposits of lambda light chains. The diagnosis
      was amyloidosis of the conjunctiva. The systemic evaluation revealed normal
      findings and systemic amyloidosis was excluded. Nevertheless, due to an
      unexplained cardiac insufficiency and after consultation with the treating
      hematologist a treatment with three cycles of systemic chemotherapy with
      melphalan and prednisolone was initiated but 6 months later the conjunctival mass
      in the inferior fornix showed persistence and complete excision was performed. At
      16, 24 and 44 months of follow-up no evidence of recurrence was seen on clinical
      examination. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 16 and 24 months of follow
      up showed no associated cranial or orbital infiltration. CONCLUSION: Conjunctival
      AL amyloidosis is a rare clinical entity. Because of the heterogeneity of
      amyloidosis in clinical presentation, pattern of amyloid-related organ toxicity,
      association with lymphoproliferative diseases and rate of disease progression,
      identification of amyloid deposits is essential and systemic involvement has to
      be excluded.

PMID- 25134462
TI  - [Adjuvant anti-VEGF therapy in Coats' disease].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coats' disease is a non-hereditary acquired, usually unilateral eye
      disorder that predominantly occurs in young males (1/100,000) with the onset of
      symptoms generally appearing in the first two decades of life. Coats' disease is
      characterized by telangiectatic changes, blood leaks from the defective vessels
      with retinal exudation followed in advanced stages by retinal detachment. CASE
      REPORT: A 14-year-old male patient presented in our department with gradual
      visual loss in the right eye. Based on the clinical and diagnostic findings
      Coats' disease was diagnosed. The exudative retinal detachment in the right eye
      was initially treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injection (B-IVOM) followed
      by cryocoagulation and combined with a second administration of B-IVOM 2 weeks
      later. On the grounds of a persistent exudative retinal detachment a new round of
      cryotherapy was conducted. We proceeded with laser coagulation of the residual
      Coats areas and with three cycles of B-IVOM therapy. The subretinal and
      intraretinal exudates regressed over several weeks so that the patient remained
      symptom-free 22 months after therapy. At the last examination the visual acuity
      was 0.8 in the right eye. CONCLUSION: The favorable development for our patient
      demonstrates that adjuvant therapy with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections in
      addition to laser and cryocoagulation in a case of advanced Coats' disease with
      exudative retinal tissue damage could lead to the stabilization of the retinal
      findings and to preservation of good visual acuity.

PMID- 25134463
TI  - Stress-mediated tuning of developmental robustness and plasticity in flies.
AB  - Organisms have to be sufficiently robust to environmental and genetic
      perturbations, yet plastic enough to cope with stressful scenarios to which they
      are not fully adapted. How this apparent conflict between robustness and
      plasticity is resolved at the cellular and whole organism levels is not clear.
      Here we review and discuss evidence in flies suggesting that the environment can
      modulate the balance between robustness and plasticity. The outcomes of this
      modulation can vary from mild sensitizations that are hardly noticeable, to overt
      qualitative changes in phenotype. The effects could be at both the cellular and
      whole organism levels and can include cellular de-/trans-differentiation
      ('Cellular reprogramming') and gross disfigurements such as homeotic
      transformations ('Tissue/whole organism reprogramming'). When the stress is mild
      enough, plastic changes in some processes may prevent drastic changes in more
      robust traits such as cell identity and tissue integrity. However, when the
      stress is sufficiently severe, this buffering may no longer be able to prevent
      such overt changes, and the resulting phenotypic variability could be subjected
      to selection and might assist survival at the population level. This article is
      part of a Special Issue entitled: Stress as a fundamental theme in cell
      plasticity. 

PMID- 25134461
TI  - [Corneal collagen cross-linking with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A light in
      progressive keratoconus. Results after 10-year follow-up].
AB  - PURPOSE: Riboflavin and ultraviolet-A induced cross-linking (CXL) is a promising
      therapeutic option to halt the progression of keratoconus. The aim of the study
      was to prove a long-term stabilizing effect of riboflavin and ultraviolet-A
      induced collagen CXL in young and otherwise healthy patients with progressive
      keratoconus and a corneal thickness of at least 400 MUm on average 10 years after
      treatment. METHODS: Corneal CXL was performed after removing epithelial tissue by
      instilling riboflavin 0.1% solution for 30 min before and during 30 min of
      ultraviolet-A irradiation (370 nm, 3 mW/cm(2)). This long-term retrospective
      study included 30 eyes of 20 patients with progressive keratoconus. Preoperative
      and postoperative examinations on average 10 years after treatment included best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal topography (keratometry values KMAX, KMIN
      and KApex), corneal thickness (CT) and if available endothelial cell density.
      RESULTS: The mean preoperative age was 28 +/- 7 years (range 14-42 years), 4
      patients were female (7 eyes) and 16 patients (23 eyes) were male.
      Preoperatively, the mean K-value on the apex of keratoconus was 62 +/- 13.2 dpt
      which showed a statistically significant reduction after 10 years to 55 +/- 8.1
      dpt (p = 0.001). The mean KMAX (53 +/- 8.2 versus 49 +/- 6.6 dpt) and KMIN values
      (48 +/- 5.5 vs. 45 +/- 5.1 dpt) also showed a statistically significant decrease
      (p = 0.001). In comparison BCVA also showed a statistically significant
      preoperative and postoperative difference (p = 0.005). There was a significant
      improvement of BCVA by a mean of - 0.13 +/- 0.25 logMAR. The mean change in
      corneal thickness at the 10-year follow up was 46 MUm (p = 0.001). Bias possibly
      occurred because of a change of the measurement method from ultrasound pachymetry
      to optical pachymetry with Oculus Pentacam(r). Neither corneal endothelium nor
      deeper structures suffered any damage. Only two patients had continuous
      progression of keratoconus and needed a reapplication of CXL. CONCLUSION: The
      results of this study indicate that riboflavin and ultraviolet-A induced corneal
      CXL is a promising therapeutic option for progressing keratoconus to obtain long
      term stabilization. There was a sustained improvement of all K-values and BCVA 10
      years after treatment and CXL is minimally invasive and easy to handle. Side
      effects, such as endothelial damage did not occur.

PMID- 25134465
TI  - A trapped-ion-based quantum byte with 10(-5) next-neighbour cross-talk.
AB  - The addressing of a particular qubit within a quantum register is a key pre
      requisite for scalable quantum computing. In general, executing a quantum gate
      with a single qubit, or a subset of qubits, affects the quantum states of all
      other qubits. This reduced fidelity of the whole-quantum register could prevent
      the application of quantum error correction protocols and thus preclude
      scalability. Here we demonstrate addressing of individual qubits within a quantum
      byte (eight qubits) and measure the error induced in all non-addressed qubits
      (cross-talk) associated with the application of single-qubit gates. The quantum
      byte is implemented using microwave-driven hyperfine qubits of (171)Yb(+) ions
      confined in a Paul trap augmented with a magnetic gradient field. The measured
      cross-talk is on the order of 10(-5) and therefore below the threshold commonly
      agreed sufficient to efficiently realize fault-tolerant quantum computing. Hence,
      our results demonstrate how this threshold can be overcome with respect to cross
      talk. 

PMID- 25134459
TI  - Combined STAT3 and BCR-ABL1 inhibition induces synthetic lethality in therapy
      resistant chronic myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Mutations in the BCR-ABL1 kinase domain are an established mechanism of tyrosine
      kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance in Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia,
      but fail to explain many cases of clinical TKI failure. In contrast, it is
      largely unknown why some patients fail TKI therapy despite continued suppression
      of BCR-ABL1 kinase activity, a situation termed BCR-ABL1 kinase-independent TKI
      resistance. Here, we identified activation of signal transducer and activator of
      transcription 3 (STAT3) by extrinsic or intrinsic mechanisms as an essential
      feature of BCR-ABL1 kinase-independent TKI resistance. By combining synthetic
      chemistry, in vitro reporter assays, and molecular dynamics-guided rational
      inhibitor design and high-throughput screening, we discovered BP-5-087, a potent
      and selective STAT3 SH2 domain inhibitor that reduces STAT3 phosphorylation and
      nuclear transactivation. Computational simulations, fluorescence polarization
      assays and hydrogen-deuterium exchange assays establish direct engagement of
      STAT3 by BP-5-087 and provide a high-resolution view of the STAT3 SH2 domain/BP-5
      087 interface. In primary cells from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients with
      BCR-ABL1 kinase-independent TKI resistance, BP-5-087 (1.0 MUM) restored TKI
      sensitivity to therapy-resistant CML progenitor cells, including leukemic stem
      cells. Our findings implicate STAT3 as a critical signaling node in BCR-ABL1
      kinase-independent TKI resistance, and suggest that BP-5-087 has clinical utility
      for treating malignancies characterized by STAT3 activation. 

PMID- 25134464
TI  - beta-Arrestins regulate human cardiac fibroblast transformation and collagen
      synthesis in adverse ventricular remodeling.
AB  - Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) produce and degrade the myocardial extracellular matrix
      and are critical in maladaptive ventricular remodeling that can result in heart
      failure (HF). beta-Arrestins are important signaling molecules involved in beta
      adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) desensitization and can also mediate signaling in a
      G protein-independent fashion. We hypothesize that beta-arrestins play an
      important role in the regulation of adult human CF biology with regard to
      myofibroblast transformation, increased collagen synthesis, and myocardial
      fibrosis which are important in the development of HF. beta-Arrestin1 & 2
      expression is significantly upregulated in adult human CF isolated from failing
      left ventricles and beta-AR signaling is uncoupled with loss of beta-agonist
      mediated inhibition of collagen synthesis versus normal control CF. Knockdown of
      either beta-arrestin1 or 2 restored beta-AR signaling and beta-agonist mediated
      inhibition of collagen synthesis. Overexpression of beta-arrestins in normal CF
      led to a failing phenotype with increased baseline collagen synthesis, impaired
      beta-AR signaling, and loss of beta-agonist-mediated inhibition of collagen
      synthesis. beta-Arrestin knockdown in failing CF diminished TGF-beta stimulated
      collagen synthesis and also inhibited ERK phosphorylation. Overexpression of beta
      arrestins in normal CF increased basal ERK1/2 and Smad2/3 phosphorylation and
      enhanced TGF-beta-stimulated collagen synthesis. This was prevented by pre
      treatment with a MEK1/2 inhibitor. Enhanced beta-arrestin signaling appears to be
      deleterious in CF by promoting a pro-fibrotic phenotype via uncoupling of beta-AR
      signaling as well as potentiating ERK and Smad signaling. Targeted inhibition of
      beta-arrestins in CF may represent a therapeutic strategy to prevent maladaptive
      myocardial fibrosis. 

PMID- 25134467
TI  - Effect of backing films on the transdermal delivery of donepezil from patches.
AB  - The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of backing films on
      transdermal delivery of donepezil (DP) from patches. Three backing films,
      CotranTM 9700, CotranTM 9701, and CotranTM 9726 were chosen as backing layers to
      prepare transdermal patches containing DP. The transdermal penetration and
      release amount of DP from each patch were evaluated by rabbit abdominal skin in
      vitro. The partitioning experiments and attentuated total reflectance Fourier
      transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy were performed to confirm the
      existence of interaction between backing films and DP. Results showed that the
      cumulative release amount of DP from patches with different backing films had the
      same order of cumulative amount penetrated, i.e. CotranTM 9701 < CotranTM 9700 <
      CotranTM 9726, which demonstrated that the permeation of DP was mainly limited by
      release behavior. Partitioning experiments and ATR-FTIR study indicated that
      CotranTM 9700 and CotranTM 9701 had interaction with DP by H bond formation which
      decreased the release of drug from the patches. By contrast, CotranTM 9726 could
      provide the highest flux of skin permeation of DP, because such interaction
      between them was not found. Moreover, the parameters of backing films were found
      to have relation to skin hydration, thus affecting the penetration behavior of DP
      from patches. In conclusion, the effect of backing films on the flux of DP
      permeation could be attributed to both the interaction of backing films and the
      changes of skin hydration. Backing films could be a key factor in formulation
      screening of DP patches.

PMID- 25134468
TI  - Human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in cellular impedance assays: bringing
      cardiotoxicity screening to the front line.
AB  - Cardiovascular (CV) toxicity is a leading cause of drug attrition and withdrawal.
      Introducing in vitro assays with higher throughput should permit earlier CV
      hazard identification and enable medicinal chemists to design-out liabilities.
      Heretofore, development of in vitro CV assays has been limited by the challenge
      of replicating integrated cardiovascular physiology while achieving the
      throughput and consistency required for screening. These challenges appear to be
      met with a combination of human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (CM) which beat
      spontaneously and monitoring the response with technology that can assess drug
      induced changes in voltage dependent contraction such as cellular impedance which
      has been validated with excellent predictivity for drug-induced arrhythmia and
      contractility. Here, we review advances in cardiomyocyte impedance with emphasis
      on stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte models for toxicity screening. Key
      perspectives include: the electrical principles of impedance technology,
      impedance detection of cardiomyocyte beating, beat parameter selection/analysis,
      validation in toxicity and drug discovery, and future directions. As a
      conclusion, an in vitro screening cascade is proffered using the downstream,
      inclusive detection of CM impedance assays as a primary screen followed by
      complementary CM assays chosen to enable mechanism-appropriate follow-up. The
      combined approach will enhance testing for CV liabilities prior to traditional in
      vivo models. 

PMID- 25134466
TI  - Brain-targeted delivery of docetaxel by glutathione-coated nanoparticles for
      brain cancer.
AB  - Gliomas are some of the most aggressive types of cancers but the blood-brain
      barrier acts as an obstacle to therapeutic intervention in brain-related
      diseases. The blood-brain barrier blocks the permeation of potentially toxic
      compounds into neural tissue through the interactions of brain endothelial cells
      with glial cells (astrocytes and pericytes) which induce the formation of tight
      junctions in endothelial cells lining the blood capillaries. In the present
      study, we characterize a glutathione-coated docetaxel-loaded PEG-PLGA
      nanoparticle, show its in vitro drug release data along with cytotoxicity data in
      C6 and RG2 cells, and investigate its trans-blood-brain barrier permeation
      through the establishment of a Transwell cellular co-culture. We show that the
      docetaxel-loaded nanoparticle's size enables its trans-blood-brain barrier
      permeation; the nanoparticle exhibits a steady, sustained release of docetaxel;
      the drug is able to induce cell death in glioma models; and the glutathione
      coated nanoparticle is able to permeate through the Transwell in vitro blood
      brain barrier model.

PMID- 25134469
TI  - Using Bayesian hierarchical parameter estimation to assess the generalizability
      of cognitive models of choice.
AB  - To be useful, cognitive models with fitted parameters should show
      generalizability across time and allow accurate predictions of future
      observations. It has been proposed that hierarchical procedures yield better
      estimates of model parameters than do nonhierarchical, independent approaches,
      because the formers' estimates for individuals within a group can mutually inform
      each other. Here, we examine Bayesian hierarchical approaches to evaluating model
      generalizability in the context of two prominent models of risky choice
      cumulative prospect theory (Tversky & Kahneman, 1992) and the transfer-of
      attention-exchange model (Birnbaum & Chavez, 1997). Using empirical data of risky
      choices collected for each individual at two time points, we compared the use of
      hierarchical versus independent, nonhierarchical Bayesian estimation techniques
      to assess two aspects of model generalizability: parameter stability (across
      time) and predictive accuracy. The relative performance of hierarchical versus
      independent estimation varied across the different measures of generalizability.
      The hierarchical approach improved parameter stability (in terms of a lower
      absolute discrepancy of parameter values across time) and predictive accuracy (in
      terms of deviance; i.e., likelihood). With respect to test-retest correlations
      and posterior predictive accuracy, however, the hierarchical approach did not
      outperform the independent approach. Further analyses suggested that this was due
      to strong correlations between some parameters within both models. Such
      intercorrelations make it difficult to identify and interpret single parameters
      and can induce high degrees of shrinkage in hierarchical models. Similar findings
      may also occur in the context of other cognitive models of choice.

PMID- 25134471
TI  - Susceptible to distraction: children lack top-down control over spatial attention
      capture.
AB  - Considerable evidence has indicated that adults can exert top-down control to
      avoid distraction by salient-but-irrelevant stimuli. However, relatively little
      research has explored how this ability develops across the lifespan. In the
      present study, we therefore assessed how well children can control the capture of
      spatial attention. Children (M age = 4.2 years) and adults (M age = 21.5 years)
      searched for target "spaceships" of a specific color while trying to ignore
      salient precues that either matched or mismatched the target spaceship color. The
      results demonstrated that children are, in fact, more vulnerable to capture by
      irrelevant stimuli than are adults, even after accounting for children's overall
      cognitive slowing.

PMID- 25134472
TI  - Letter from the editor.

PMID- 25134470
TI  - Consciousness is not necessary for visual feature binding.
AB  - When visual information enters the brain, it is relayed to different specialized
      regions, processing features such as shape, color, or motion. And yet, in our
      conscious experience of a colored, moving shape, all the different features seem
      to be integrated into one unified percept. Therefore, it has been hypothesized
      that consciousness and feature binding share an intimate relationship. To study
      this relationship, we used a paradigm in which the behavioral effects of feature
      binding can be measured. Using masks, we investigated whether spontaneous binding
      between the orientation and location of a Gabor patch takes place when the Gabor
      patch is processed consciously or unconsciously. The results of our study suggest
      that orientation and location of a visually presented object are automatically
      integrated, even when subjects are unaware of that object. We conclude that
      binding and consciousness share a less intimate relationship than previously
      hypothesized, since consciousness is not a necessary condition for binding to
      occur. 

PMID- 25134473
TI  - Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors in HIV Therapy.
AB  - HIV drug resistance has been one of the major obstacles to HIV eradication and
      has contributed to the need for the constant development of new antiretroviral
      drugs over the past 25 years. With the recent approval of dolutegravir for human
      therapy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, health practitioners may soon
      have access to three integrase strand transfer inhibitors to treat individuals
      living with HIV. Here, we review the use of raltegravir, elvitegravir, and
      dolutegravir for use in first- and second-line HIV treatment regimens and the
      issue of HIV resistance against integrase inhibitors. 

PMID- 25134475
TI  - Cobicistat: a Novel Pharmacoenhancer for Co-Formulation with HIV Protease and
      Integrase Inhibitors.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapy has evolved over the last 20 years
      from mono-drug therapy given five times daily to regimens consisting of three or
      four drugs combined in a single-tablet dosed once daily. To allow once-daily
      administration, several drugs require pharmacokinetic boosting by a concomitantly
      administered P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 inhibitor such as ritonavir. The
      availability of cobicistat provides an alternative to ritonavir to those who are
      intolerant to this drug, and the opportunity for co-formulated single-tablet
      regimens consisting of tenofovir/emtricitabine, cobicistat and elvitegravir,
      atazanavir or darunavir. The cobicistat/elvitegravir-based regimen is well
      tolerated and patients achieved high rates of HIV RNA suppression in clinical
      trials. Cobicistat inhibits renal tubular secretion of creatinine, resulting in
      increased serum creatinine concentrations and reduced estimated glomerular
      filtration rate, with a new set point reached after 4 weeks. Treatment limiting
      renal toxicity with cobicistat/elvitegravir and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is
      infrequent and may be further reduced when cobicistat is co-formulated with
      tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, a novel formation of tenofovir currently
      undergoing clinical trials. 

PMID- 25134474
TI  - Ceftaroline fosamil: a brief clinical review.
AB  - Ceftaroline is a novel cephalosporin with a favorable tolerability profile and
      broad in vitro activity against many resistant Gram-positive and common Gram
      negative organisms. Ceftaroline fosamil is the first cephalosporin to be approved
      by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of
      adults with acute bacterial skin and soft tissue infections, including those
      caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is also approved
      by the FDA for the treatment of adults with community-acquired bacterial
      pneumonia, including cases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (with or without
      concurrent bacteremia), although there are no data at this time to support the
      use of ceftaroline fosamil for the treatment of pneumonia caused by MRSA.
      Ceftaroline fosamil is likewise approved by the European Commission for the
      treatment of adults with complicated skin and soft tissue infections or community
      acquired pneumonia. This review summarizes the pharmacokinetic and microbiologic
      properties of ceftaroline, as well as the safety and efficacy data that led to
      its approval by the FDA in 2010 and the European Commission in 2012. Future
      directions to be addressed are also highlighted. 

PMID- 25134476
TI  - A Review of the Evidence for Using Bedaquiline (TMC207) to Treat Multi-Drug
      Resistant Tuberculosis.
AB  - Existing therapies for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) have
      substantial limitations, in terms of their effectiveness, side-effect profile,
      and complexity of administration. Bedaquiline is a novel diarylquinoline
      antibiotic that has recently been investigated as an adjunct to existing
      therapies for MDR-TB. Currently, limited clinical data are available to evaluate
      the drug's safety and effectiveness. In two small randomized-controlled clinical
      studies, bedaquiline given for 8 or 24 weeks has been shown to improve surrogate
      microbiological markers of treatment response, but trials have not yet evaluated
      its impact on clinical failure and relapse. Safety concerns include an increased
      mortality in the bedaquiline arm of one study, an increased incidence of QT
      segment prolongation on electrocardiogram, and hepatotoxicity. Until further
      research data are available, the use of bedaquiline should be confined to
      settings where carefully selected patients can be closely monitored. 

PMID- 25134477
TI  - Japanese B Encephalitis: An Overview of the Disease and Use of Chimerivax-JE as a
      Preventative Vaccine.
AB  - The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is endemic in many countries in southern
      Asia and the western Pacific Rim, with new spread to previously unrecognized
      countries. It is an important cause of childhood neurological disease associated
      with permanent neurological sequelae and death. Fortunately, JE is a vaccine
      preventable disease. The ChimeriVaxTM-JE (Sanofi Pasteur, Lyon, France) is a live
      attenuated chimeric vaccine derived from the live-attenuated yellow fever virus,
      YF17D, which expresses the envelope proteins of the attenuated JEV vaccine
      strain, SA14-14-2. It is a safe, well-tolerated vaccine that is highly
      immunogenic in adults and children. The average geometric mean neutralizing
      antibody titer (GMT) in adults is 1,392 and over 90% of adults remain
      seroprotected 5 years after vaccination. In children and toddlers, more than 80%
      remain seroprotected 2 years after primary vaccination and demonstrate a robust
      and durable anamnestic response (>500-fold rise in GMT) with 99.1% seroprotection
      rates 1 year after a booster vaccine dose. The ChimeriVaxTM-JE is effective in
      children living in endemic regions where the vaccine could possibly be integrated
      into existing childhood vaccination programs. ChimeriVaxTM-JE is also indicated
      for travelers at risk of JE infection. 

PMID- 25134479
TI  - The problems with polio: toward eradication.
AB  - The global health effort to eradicate poliomyelitis (polio) has encountered a
      number of unforeseen and unpredictable challenges. This article provides a timely
      review of progress made toward eradication, including the polio vaccines in use,
      and explores the reasons for delays in eradication target dates. It provides an
      overview of some of the remaining barriers to eradication and looks toward
      overcoming these through the Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan. 

PMID- 25134478
TI  - The Role of Human Beta-Defensin-2 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pulmonary Infection
      in Cystic Fibrosis Patients.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disease affecting the Caucasian
      population. Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection is the major cause
      of morbidity and mortality in CF patients. Human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) is an
      inducible pulmonary antimicrobial peptide that exerts bacteriostatic activity in
      a concentration-dependent manner. The decreased expression and compromised
      function of hBD-2 contributes to the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa infection in
      the CF lung. The purpose of this review is to outline the significance of hBD-2
      in P. aeruginosa chronic pulmonary infection in CF patients. 

PMID- 25134480
TI  - Is Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Coverage Needed
      for Cellulitis?
AB  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become the dominant strain
      of Staphylococcus aureus in many communities of the United States. As a result,
      many clinicians are now empirically covering for this pathogen in the treatment
      of various skin and soft-tissue infections. Should this practice apply to
      cellulitis? In order to answer this question, we defined cellulitis and reviewed
      the pathogenesis, microbiology, and current studies of inpatient and outpatient
      antimicrobial therapy. The current evidence suggests empirical MRSA coverage for
      community-acquired cellulitis may not be necessary in non-purulent (non
      suppurative) forms of this infection. Most cases are non-purulent and not
      amenable to culture although antibody studies indicate streptococci are the most
      common etiologic agents. Current studies of antimicrobial therapy tend to agree
      with this finding. Empirical beta-lactam therapy directed primarily at
      streptococci appears sufficient for non-purulent cellulitis regardless of the
      prevalence of MRSA in the community. 

PMID- 25134482
TI  - Comparative Incidence of Nephrotoxicity by Age Group among Adult Patients
      Receiving Vancomycin.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Little is known regarding age-related risk of nephrotoxicity during
      vancomycin therapy after the publication of the 2009 vancomycin consensus
      guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring. We sought to evaluate incidence and
      risk factors for acute kidney injury in three age groups. METHODS: Matched cohort
      study of patients receiving vancomycin, grouped by age: young adults (18-64
      years), older adults (65-79 years) and very elderly (>=80 years), matched on
      previously published risk factors for nephrotoxicity. Outcomes included
      traditional vancomycin nephrotoxicity and Acute Kidney Injury Network-modified
      definition of nephrotoxicity. RESULTS: The incidence of acute kidney injury was
      34.1% vs. 34.1% vs. 31.8% in the young, older adults and very elderly groups,
      respectively (p = 0.97). In the logistic regression model, after adjusting for
      baseline risk factors, age was not a significant predictor of acute kidney
      injury. Lower respiratory tract infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.18; 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 2.15-12.41) and duration of treatment (aOR 1.12; 95% CI
      1.03-1.22) were found to be independently associated with outcome. CONCLUSION: No
      differences in risk of acute kidney injury were identified between young, older,
      and very elderly adults when adjusting for other risk factors. Further research
      is required to identify strategies to optimize the safety of vancomycin in the
      aging population.

PMID- 25134483
TI  - Stable susceptibility to aminoglycosides in an age of low level, institutional
      use.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The use of aminoglycosides has decreased dramatically over several
      decades in the United States due to the introduction of safer Gram-negative
      agents. This study was conducted to assess possibly changing aminoglycoside
      susceptibility rates between 2006 and 2012 and in reference to 1992 use in the
      context of aminoglycoside use volume. METHODS: Quarterly adult use of amikacin,
      gentamicin and tobramycin were determined from the Medical University of South
      Carolina Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA, pharmacy drug use
      database and expressed as total aminoglycoside defined daily doses per 1,000
      patient days for the years 1992 and 2006 through 2012. Annual susceptibility of
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, for the
      years 1992, 2006, and 2008 through 2012 were retrieved from our hospital's
      clinical microbiology database (duplicate isolates were excluded). Quarterly and
      annualized aminoglycoside usage rates were compared to the other years of
      interest. Likewise, susceptibility rates of the target organisms to each
      aminoglycoside were also compared across the same timeframe. RESULTS: While total
      use of aminoglycosides decreased slightly from 1992 to 2006, it increased by
      about 40% between 2006 and 2008 and then stabilized. Changes in susceptibility
      rates between 1992 and 2006 were all <=+/-9% with the exception of K. pneumoniae
      susceptibility to amikacin (-17%). Changes in susceptibility from 1992 to 2012
      were also all <=+/-9%. Tobramycin remained the most active versus P. aeruginosa
      (% susceptible = 90), while amikacin remained most active versus E. coli and K.
      pneumoniae (% susceptible = 98 and 98, respectively). CONCLUSION: With low level
      use of aminoglycosides in our institution over the past 2 decades, the
      susceptibility of key Gram-negative pathogens has remained relatively stable,
      preserving these agents as potential alternative therapies as resistance arises
      to other frequently used antibiotics.

PMID- 25134481
TI  - Evaluation of Daptomycin Non-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus for Stability,
      Population Profiles, mprF Mutations, and Daptomycin Activity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite studies examining daptomycin non-susceptible (DNS)
      Staphylococcus aureus, examination of the stability and population profiles is
      limited. The objective was to evaluate the stability, population profiles, and
      daptomycin activity against DNS isolates. METHODS: The stability of 12
      consecutive clinical DNS strains was evaluated by minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MICs) and population analysis profiles before and after 5 days of
      serial passage. Two pairs of DNS S. aureus having the same daptomycin MIC but
      different daptomycin population profiles were evaluated via an in vitro
      pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model of simulated endocardial
      vegetations for 96 h against daptomycin 6 and 10 mg/kg/day. The sequence of mprF
      was determined for these isolates before and after 96 h of daptomycin exposure in
      the in vitro PK/PD model. RESULTS: Daptomycin MIC values were 2-4 mg/L (via
      Microscan) for the 12 clinical isolates; 9 were confirmed DNS and 3 were within 1
      tube dilution of Microscan (daptomycin MIC 1 mg/L). All were stable to serial
      passage. There was variation in the isolates susceptibility to daptomycin on
      population analysis (daptomycin population AUC 14.01-26.85). The killing patterns
      of daptomycin 6 and 10 mg/kg/day differed between isolates with a left-shift and
      right-shift population profile to daptomycin. Two strains developed additional
      mprF mutations during daptomycin exposure in the in vitro PK/PD model resulting
      in P314L, L826F, S337L and a novel Q326Stop mutation. CONCLUSIONS: The collection
      of DNS isolates was stable and displayed variation in susceptibility to
      daptomycin on population profile. Further research examining this clinical
      relevance is warranted.

PMID- 25134484
TI  - Amikacin pharmacokinetics during continuous veno-venous hemodialysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the pharmacokinetics of amikacin during
      continuous renal replacement therapy. METHODS: This prospective observational
      study included patients admitted to an academic medical center who received
      amikacin therapy while on continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) and had at
      least two serum sample concentrations measured after first-dose administration.
      First-order pharmacokinetic parameters, patient characteristics, and CVVHD
      parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included in the
      analysis. The median (interquartile range) dose of amikacin and dialysate flow
      rate, based on adjusted body weight, were 14.1 mg/kg (11.7-17.3 mg/kg) and 23.9
      mL/kg/h (19.0-29.5 mL/kg/h), respectively. This corresponded with a median C max
      of 28.5 MUg/mL (20.9-39.0 MUg/mL). There was a significant correlation between
      clearance and dialytic dose (for every 1 L/h increase in dialysate flow rate,
      clearance rate increased by 23.6 mL/min [95% confidence interval 1.7-45.4 mL/min;
      P = 0.037]). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that amikacin dose and
      interval should be individualized for each patient on CVVHD based on first-dose
      pharmacokinetic assessment.

PMID- 25134485
TI  - Erratum to: Low Specificity of a Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test During an
      Integrated Community Case Management Trial.

PMID- 25134486
TI  - Divergent total synthesis of 1,6,8a-tri-epi-castanospermine and 1-deoxy-6,8a-di
      epi-castanospermine from substituted azetidin-2-one (beta-lactam), involving a
      cascade sequence of reactions as a key step.
AB  - A divergent, short, and novel total synthesis of 1,6,8a-tri-epi-castanospermine
      (7) and 1-deoxy-6,8a-di-epi-castanospermine (8) has been developed via a common
      precursor, 15, obtained from D-mannitol derived beta-lactam. The key step
      involves a one pot cascade sequence of trimethyl sulfoxonium ylide based
      cyclization of epoxy sulfonamide 14via epoxide ring opening, one carbon
      homologation followed by intramolecular cyclization.

PMID- 25134487
TI  - Computational mitral valve evaluation and potential clinical applications.
AB  - The mitral valve (MV) apparatus consists of the two asymmetric leaflets, the
      saddle-shaped annulus, the chordae tendineae, and the papillary muscles. MV
      function over the cardiac cycle involves complex interaction between the MV
      apparatus components for efficient blood circulation. Common diseases of the MV
      include valvular stenosis, regurgitation, and prolapse. MV repair is the most
      popular and most reliable surgical treatment for early MV pathology. One of the
      unsolved problems in MV repair is to predict the optimal repair strategy for each
      patient. Although experimental studies have provided valuable information to
      improve repair techniques, computational simulations are increasingly playing an
      important role in understanding the complex MV dynamics, particularly with the
      availability of patient-specific real-time imaging modalities. This work presents
      a review of computational simulation studies of MV function employing finite
      element structural analysis and fluid-structure interaction approach reported in
      the literature to date. More recent studies towards potential applications of
      computational simulation approaches in the assessment of valvular repair
      techniques and potential pre-surgical planning of repair strategies are also
      discussed. It is anticipated that further advancements in computational
      techniques combined with the next generations of clinical imaging modalities will
      enable physiologically more realistic simulations. Such advancement in imaging
      and computation will allow for patient-specific, disease-specific, and case
      specific MV evaluation and virtual prediction of MV repair. 

PMID- 25134488
TI  - Hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction amongst nasopharyngeal cancer survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Radiation fields for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) include the base of
      skull, which places the hypothalamus and pituitary at risk of damage. We aimed to
      establish the prevalence, pattern and severity of hypothalamic pituitary (HP)
      dysfunction amongst NPC survivors. METHODS: We studied 50 patients (31 males)
      with mean age 57 +/- 12.2 years who had treatment for NPC between 3 and 21 years
      (median 8 years) without pre-existing HP disorder from other causes. All patients
      had a baseline cortisol, fT4, TSH, LH, FSH, oestradiol/testosterone, prolactin
      and renal function. All patients underwent dynamic testing with insulin tolerance
      test to assess the somatotroph and corticotroph axes. Baseline blood measurements
      were used to assess thyrotroph, gonadotroph and lactotroph function. RESULTS:
      Hypopituitarism was present in 82% of patients, 30% single axis, 28% two axes,
      18% three axes and 6% four axes deficiencies. Somatotroph deficiency was most
      common (78%) while corticotroph, gonadotroph and thyrotroph deficiencies were
      noted in 40% (4 complete/16 partial), 22 and 4% of the patients respectively.
      Hyperprolactinaemia was present in 30% of patients. The development of HP
      dysfunction was significantly associated with the time elapsed from irradiation,
      OR 2.5 (1.2, 5.3), p = 0.02, for every 2 years post treatment. The use of
      concurrent chemo-irradiation (CCRT) compared to those who had radiotherapy alone
      was also significantly associated with HP dysfunction, OR 14.5 (2.4, 87.7), p <
      0.01. CONCLUSION: Despite low awareness and detection rates, HP dysfunction post
      NPC irradiation is common. Use of CCRT may augment time related pituitary damage.
      As these endocrinopathies result in significant morbidity and mortality we
      recommend periodic assessment of pituitary function amongst NPC survivors.

PMID- 25134489
TI  - A novel AMPK activator reduces glucose uptake and inhibits tumor progression in a
      mouse xenograft model of colorectal cancer.
AB  - The anticancer activity of a novel pure 1,4-Diaryl-2-azetidinone (1), endowed
      with a higher solubility than the well known Combretastatin A4, is tested in
      mice. We previously reported that Compound (1) showed specific antiproliferative
      activity against duodenal and colon cancer cells, inducing activation of AMP
      activated protein kinase and apoptosis. Here we estimate that the maximum
      tolerated dose in a mouse model is 40 mg/kg; the drug is well tolerated both in
      single dose and in repeated administration schedules. The drug displays a
      significant antitumor activity and a tumor growth delay when administered at the
      MTD both in single and fractionated i.v. administration in a mouse xenograft
      model of colorectal cancer. Arrest of tumor growth and relapse after drug
      suspension are parallel to modification in glucose demand as shown by PET studies
      with [(18)F] FDG. These data strongly support Compound (1) as a promising
      molecule for in vivo treatment of colorectal cancer.

PMID- 25134491
TI  - In situ SERS detection of emulsifiers at lipid interfaces using label-free
      amphiphilic gold nanoparticles.
AB  - Herein, we fabricated amphiphilic gold nanoparticles (GNPs) that can self
      assemble at oil-water interfaces. We applied those GNPs for in situ SERS
      detection of emulsifier molecules within the interfacial region of oil in water
      (O/W) emulsion systems. 

PMID- 25134490
TI  - Mechanisms of beta-lactam antimicrobial resistance and epidemiology of major
      community- and healthcare-associated multidrug-resistant bacteria.
AB  - Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin heralded an age of antibiotic
      development and healthcare advances that are premised on the ability to prevent
      and treat bacterial infections both safely and effectively. The resultant
      evolution of antimicrobial resistant mechanisms and spread of bacteria bearing
      these genetic determinants of resistance are acknowledged to be one of the major
      public health challenges globally, and threatens to unravel the gains of the past
      decades. We describe the major mechanisms of resistance to beta-lactam
      antibiotics - the most widely used and effective antibiotics currently - in both
      Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and also briefly detail the existing
      and emergent pharmacological strategies to overcome such resistance. The global
      epidemiology of the four major types of bacteria that are responsible for the
      bulk of antimicrobial-resistant infections in the healthcare setting -
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci,
      Enterobactericeae, and Acinetobacter baumannii - are also briefly described. 

PMID- 25134492
TI  - Analysis of spontaneous pneumothorax in the city of Cuneo: environmental
      correlations with meteorological and air pollutant variables.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) tends to cluster.
      Previous studies have found a correlation between PSP and atmospheric pressure
      variations or thunderstorms. We conducted this study to analyze the PSP
      correlations with meteorological variables and the concentrations of air
      pollutants in the city of Cuneo in Italy (IT). METHODS: We evaluated
      prospectively 451 consecutive PSP patients treated between 2004 and 2010. For
      each day within the period analyzed, the meteorological parameters and pollutants
      data were recorded. Statistical analyses on PSP were done for distribution
      characteristics, spectral autocorrelation, and spectral analysis. Multivariate
      regression analyses were performed using artificial neural networks. RESULTS:
      Analysis of annual, seasonal, and monthly distributions showed no significant
      correlation between PSP and the time series. The spectral analysis showed that
      PSP events were not random. Correlations between meteorological and environmental
      variables confirmed that PSP was significantly more likely to occur on warm windy
      days with high atmospheric pressure and high mean nitrogen dioxide concentration.
      CONCLUSIONS: Meteorological parameters and atmospheric pollutants might explain
      the cluster onset of PSP.

PMID- 25134493
TI  - Ocular Pharmacokinetics of a Novel Loteprednol Etabonate 0.4% Ophthalmic
      Formulation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Topical ophthalmic formulations of corticosteroids are commonly
      used to treat a variety of ocular diseases and conditions that have an
      inflammatory component. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of
      the mucus-penetrating particle (MPP) technology on the pharmacokinetic profile of
      loteprednol etabonate in the ocular tissues of rabbits. METHODS: Forty-eight New
      Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 3 rabbits or 6
      eyes per time point) and treated with either the novel loteprednol etabonate MPP
      suspension formulation, 0.4% (LE-MPP 0.4%), or the commercial Lotemax((r))-brand
      loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension, 0.5% (Lotemax 0.5%) (Bausch & Lomb
      Incorporated, Inc., Rochester, NY, USA). Samples of aqueous humor, various ocular
      tissues, and plasma were collected from animals over a 12-h period after a single
      dose of the test articles. Loteprednol etabonate concentrations were assayed
      using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). RESULTS:
      Loteprednol etabonate was rapidly absorbed into ocular tissues following
      administration of either formulation. A higher ocular exposure was achieved using
      LE-MPP 0.4%, with peak concentrations of approximately threefold higher in ocular
      tissues and the aqueous humor than Lotemax 0.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of
      LE-MPP 0.4% improved loteprednol etabonate pharmacokinetic profile in ocular
      tissues of rabbits. The results of this study support the premise that the MPP
      technology can be used to enhance ocular exposure for topically applied
      therapeutic agents. Further studies to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of
      the LE-MPP formulation are warranted.

PMID- 25134494
TI  - Historical Review and Update of Surgical Treatment for Corneal Endothelial
      Diseases.
AB  - The cornea remains in a state of deturgescence, maintained by endothelial cell
      Na+/K+ ATPase and by tight junctions between endothelial cells that limit
      entrance of fluid into the stroma. Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD)
      was initially described by Fuchs in 1910 as a combination of epithelial and
      stromal edema in older patients. It manifests as bilateral, albeit asymmetric,
      central corneal guttae, corneal edema, and reduced vision. When edema is severe,
      the corneal epithelium can detach from its basement membrane, creating painful
      bullae on the anterior surface of the cornea. The course of this dystrophy can be
      further accelerated after intraocular surgery, specifically cataract extraction.
      Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) is endothelial cell loss caused by surgery
      in the anterior chamber. If the corneal endothelium is damaged during surgery,
      the same spectrum of symptoms as found in FECD can develop. In the nineteenth
      century, penetrating keratoplasty was the only surgical procedure available for
      isolated endothelial disease. In the 1960s, Dr. Jose Barraquer described a method
      of endothelial keratoplasty using an anterior approach via laser-assisted in situ
      keratomileusis (LASIK) flap. In 1999, Melles and colleague described their
      technique of posterior lamellar keratoplasty. Later, Melles et al. started to
      change host dissection using simple "descemetorhexis" in a procedure known as
      Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty. Following the widespread adoption
      of Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, the Melles group
      revisited selective Descemet's membrane transplantation and reported the results
      of a new procedure, Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).
      Recently, some eye banks have experimented with the preparation of
      DMEK/Descemet's membrane automated endothelial keratoplasty donor tissue that may
      help the surgeon avoid the risk of tissue loss during the stromal separation
      step. Recently, the authors described a new bimanual technique for insertion and
      positioning of endothelium-Descemet membrane grafts in DMEK. 

PMID- 25134495
TI  - Review of Systemic Immunosuppression for Autoimmune Uveitis.
AB  - The purpose of this review is to comprehensively examine the various therapeutic
      agents available to treat autoimmune eye disease, their indications, clinical
      safety and recent developments. The stepladder approach is reviewed, including
      corticosteroid administration of various forms, classic immunomodulators, and
      newer biologic response modifiers. The authors present that corticosteroid
      monotherapy is almost never curative and carries significant side effects, while
      immunomodulatory therapy, when used appropriately as way to induce steroid-free
      remission, carries far less risk of causing long-term complications and provides
      greater potential of altering the immune system to induce a durable remission. 

PMID- 25134496
TI  - Antioxidants Improve the Viability of Stored Adult Retinal Pigment Epithelial-19
      Cultures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is increasing evidence that retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)
      can be used to treat age-related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes
      of blindness worldwide. However, the best way to store RPE to enable worldwide
      distribution is unknown. We investigated the effects of supplementing our
      previously published storage method with seven additives, attempting to improve
      the number of viable adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE)-19 cells after
      storage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ARPE-19 cells were cultured on multiwell plates
      before being stored for 1 week at 16  degrees C. Unsupplemented Minimal Essential
      Medium (MEM) (control) and a total of seven individual additives (DADLE ([D
      Ala(2), D-Leu(5)]-encephalin), capsazepine, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA),
      resveratrol, quercetin, simvastatin and sulforaphane) at three to four
      concentrations in MEM were tested. The individual effect of each additive on cell
      viability was analyzed with a microplate fluorometer. Cell phenotype was
      investigated by both microplate fluorometer and epifluorescence microscopy, and
      morphology by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Supplementation of the
      storage medium with DADLE, capsazepine, DHA or resveratrol significantly
      increased the number of viable cells by 86.1% +/- 41.9%, 67.9% +/- 24.7%, 36.5%
      +/- 10.3% and 21.1% +/- 6.4%, respectively, compared to cells stored in
      unsupplemented MEM. DHA and resveratrol significantly reduced caspase-3
      expression, while expression of RPE65 was maintained across groups. CONCLUSION:
      The number of viable ARPE-19 cells can be increased by the addition of DADLE,
      capsazepine, DHA or resveratrol to the storage medium without perturbing
      apoptosis or differentiation.

PMID- 25134497
TI  - A randomized controlled longitudinal naturalistic trial testing the effects of
      automatic self transcending meditation on heart rate variability in late life
      depression: study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence and socioeconomic cost of late life depression (LLD)
      is on the rise, while the response rate to antidepressant trials remains poor.
      Various mind-body therapies are being embraced by patients as they are considered
      safe and potentially effective, yet little is known regarding the effectiveness
      of such therapies to improve LLD symptoms. Among the mind-body therapies
      currently in practice, the results of our pilot study have shown that a
      particular meditation technique called Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, which belongs to
      the category of meditation termed automatic self-transcending meditation (ASTM)
      may have some promise in improving cardiovascular autonomic disturbances
      associated with LLD as well as ameliorating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
      METHODS/DESIGN: Patients between the ages of 60 and 85 with LLD will be
      randomized either to ASTM plus treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone to assess
      changes in cardiovascular autonomic parameters, neuropsychological symptoms of
      depression and anxiety as well as quality of life. The instructional phase of the
      intervention consists of 4 consecutive days of meditation training, after which
      participants are encouraged to meditate twice daily for twenty minutes each time
      at home. The intervention also includes once weekly follow up sessions for the
      subsequent 11 weeks. The planned study has one and a half year recruitment
      period. Participants will be assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks
      post intervention. DISCUSSION: This study should provide a unique data source
      from a randomized, controlled, longitudinal trial to investigate the effects of a
      form of ASTM on cardiovascular autonomic and neuropsychological health in LLD.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02149810, date registered: 05/28/2014.

PMID- 25134498
TI  - Hurler syndrome: orofacial, dental, and skeletal findings of a case.
AB  - Hurler syndrome is a disorder of mucopolysaccharide metabolism caused due to
      inherited deficiencies of lysosomal alpha-l-iduronidase activity. We present a
      case of a 15-year-old male patient presenting with clinical and laboratory
      characteristics of the syndrome. A rare combination of skeletal, ophthalmologic,
      and dental findings was observed in this patient. Mucopolysaccharides excretion
      spot test of urine was positive and an assay of alpha-l-iduronidase enzyme was
      deficient, confirming the clinical diagnosis of Hurler syndrome. 

PMID- 25134499
TI  - Evidence for a role of 5-HT2C receptors in the motor aspects of performance, but
      not the efficacy of food reinforcers, in a progressive ratio schedule.
AB  - RATIONALE: 5-Hydroxytryptamine2C (5-HT2C) receptor agonists reduce the breakpoint
      in progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement, an effect that has been
      attributed to a decrease of the efficacy of positive reinforcers. However, a
      reduction of the breakpoint may also reflect motor impairment. Mathematical
      models can help to differentiate between these processes. OBJECTIVE: The effects
      of the 5-HT2C receptor agonist Ro-600175 ((alphaS)-6-chloro-5-fluoro-alpha-methyl
      1H-indole-1-ethanamine) and the non-selective 5-HT receptor agonist 1-(m
      chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP) on rats' performance on a progressive ratio
      schedule maintained by food pellet reinforcers were assessed using a model
      derived from Killeen's Behav Brain Sci 17:105-172, 1994 general theory of
      schedule-controlled behaviour, 'mathematical principles of reinforcement'.
      METHOD: Rats were trained under the progressive ratio schedule, and running and
      overall response rates in successive ratios were analysed using the model. The
      effects of the agonists on estimates of the model's parameters, and the
      sensitivity of these effects to selective antagonists, were examined. RESULTS: Ro
      600175 and mCPP reduced the breakpoint. Neither agonist significantly affected a
      (the parameter expressing incentive value), but both agonists increased delta
      (the parameter expressing minimum response time). The effects of both agonists
      could be attenuated by the selective 5-HT2C receptor antagonist SB-242084 (6
      chloro-5-methyl-N-{6-[(2-methylpyridin-3-yl)oxy]pyridin-3-yl}indoline-1
      carboxamide). The effect of mCPP was not altered by isamoltane, a selective 5
      HT1B receptor antagonist, or MDL-100907 ((+/-)2,3-dimethoxyphenyl-1-(2-(4
      piperidine)methanol)), a selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results are consistent with the hypothesis that the effect of the 5-HT2C receptor
      agonists on progressive ratio schedule performance is mediated by an impairment
      of motor capacity rather than by a reduction of the incentive value of the food
      reinforcer.

PMID- 25134501
TI  - Effects of mixing alcohol with energy drink on objective and subjective
      intoxication: results from a Dutch on-premise study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this on-premise study was to determine if alcohol
      mixed with energy drink (AMED) consumption masks the subjective feelings of
      intoxication when compared to consuming alcohol only. METHODS: The study was
      conducted on five nights in the city center of Utrecht. N = 997 people leaving
      bars were interviewed about their alcohol consumption with and without energy
      drinks, for that particular evening and for other occasions. People reporting
      drug and medication use were excluded (N = 84). Subjective intoxication was rated
      on a 10-point scale. Objective intoxication (breath alcohol concentration, BrAC)
      was determined with a breath alcohol test. Three groups were identified: (1) the
      AMED-tonight group (N = 185, 20.2 %), (2) the AMED-other-nights group (N = 246,
      27.1 %), and (3) the no-AMED group (N = 482, 52.7 %). RESULTS: Objective
      intoxication (BrAC) did not significantly differ (p = 0.94) between the AMED
      tonight group (0.074 % +/- 0.05), AMED-other-nights group (0.073 % +/- 0.05), and
      the no-AMED group (0.074 % +/- 0.05). In line, subjective intoxication was not
      significantly different (p = 0.96) between the AMED-tonight group (4.5 +/- 2.2),
      AMED-other-nights group (4.6 +/- 2.3), and no-AMED group (4.6 +/- 2.2). Within
      subjects comparisons revealed no significant differences in total alcohol
      consumption between AMED occasions and alcohol only occasions. Regression
      analyses showed that "gender" (beta = 0.078, p = 0.016), "time of testing" (beta
      = 0.085, p = 0.009,) and "BrAC" (beta = 0.574, p = 0.0001) together explained
      37.7 % of variance of subjective intoxication scores (Cohen's f (2) = 0.605).
      Whether or not subjects consumed energy drinks did not predict subjective
      intoxication scores. CONCLUSION: The data suggests that mixing alcohol with
      energy drink does not mask subjective intoxication.

PMID- 25134500
TI  - Differential effects of dopamine D1 and D 2/3 receptor antagonism on motor
      responses.
AB  - RATIONALE: The zebrafish dopaminergic system is thought to be evolutionarily
      conserved and may be amenable to pharmacological manipulation using drugs
      developed for mammalian receptors. However, only few studies have examined the
      role of specific receptor subtypes in behaviour of adult zebrafish. OBJECTIVES:
      The objectives of this study are to determine the translational relevance of the
      zebrafish and examine the psychopharmacology of specific dopamine receptors in
      this species. METHODS: Using a behavioural pharmacological approach, we examine
      the effect of D1 and D2/3 receptor antagonisms on motor patterns of adult
      zebrafish during acute drug exposure and withdrawal. RESULTS: Acute exposure to
      SCH-23390 (D1 receptor antagonist) decreased total distance travelled in a dose
      dependent manner. Exposure to amisulpride (D2/3 receptor antagonist) induced a
      biphasic dose-response in total distance travelled and in angular velocity. The
      results provide support for the existence of structurally and functionally
      conserved postsynaptic D1 and D2 receptors, as well as presynaptic D2
      autoreceptors in the zebrafish brain. The behavioural effects of the employed
      antagonists did not persist following 30 min of withdrawal. CONCLUSION: The
      results suggest that zebrafish, a cheaper and simpler model organism compared to
      the rat and the mouse, may be an efficient translationally relevant tool for the
      analysis of the psychopharmacology of receptors of the vertebrate dopaminergic
      system.

PMID- 25134503
TI  - [Editorial: Nursing and health care reform].

PMID- 25134502
TI  - Behavioral effects of glucocorticoids during the first exposures to the forced
      swim stress.
AB  - RATIONALE: Glucocorticoids facilitate coping with stress, but their high levels
      have been also implicated in mood disorders. Due to this duality, the role of
      glucocorticoid signaling in the development of the first episodes of stress
      induced depression remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To address this issue, effects of
      the glucocorticoid signal modulation on depressive-like behavior during pretest
      and test Porsolt swim sessions were examined. METHODS: Metyrapone (MET; 150
      mg/kg, i.p.) was injected 3 h before pretest to block stress-induced increase in
      corticosterone levels. Dexamethasone (DEX; 0.2 mg/kg, s.c.) was applied to MET
      treated rats 1 h before both pretest and test sessions. In addition to behavior
      during these sessions, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression was analyzed by
      immunohistochemistry 2 h after the second swim. RESULTS: In pretest, MET-treated
      rats exhibited increased latency to immobility and shortened immobility. DEX
      reversed the behavioral effects of MET in the pretest. In the test, animals from
      MET + DEX group unexpectedly exhibited an antidepressant-like behavior. Swim
      stress increased GR expression in the frontal cortex irrespective of the
      pharmacological treatment. A significant elevation in GR expression was found in
      the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of stressed MET + DEX-treated rats and in the PFC of
      unstressed rats 6 h after injection of DEX alone. CONCLUSION: The data suggest
      that the increase in glucocorticoid levels under swim stress during pretest
      directly contributes to the development of the immobility response. Transition of
      DEX effect from prodepressant in the pretest to an antidepressant in the test was
      associated with the elevation in the PFC GR expression.

PMID- 25134505
TI  - [Mission woman: a survey on the perception of the "Service of Welcome and
      Listening" offered in the Emergency Department at the San Camillo Hospital in
      Rome by women victims of violence].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The project Mission Woman was set up to describe how the service
      offered by the Emergency Department of the Hospital San Camillo-Forlanini in Rome
      was perceived by women victims ( or supposed to be) of violence. The objective of
      this investigation is to frame clients' perception about the service offered by
      staff in terms of sensitivity, recognition and management of the issue. The
      access to the Emergency Room is the first contact of the client with a helping
      relationship which goes beyond the simple provision of medical care. METHODS: A
      questionnaire devised for the purpose was filled in by women who have asked for
      help to the Service "Door Woman" . The Service "Door Woman", set up in 2009,
      aimed to welcome and listen women victims of violence with the collaboration of
      different operators in the emergency department: nurses, doctors, psychologists
      and social workers. The project developed within the Hospital S. Camillo
      Forlanini is managed by both professionals of the Emergency Department together
      with the Charity "Be Free". The service is open 24/7, all year, the clients could
      be women or children and could receive assistance or medical, nursing,
      psychosocial and legal counselling. The triage nurses are those who through their
      expertise could first identify the victims of violence and to introduce them in
      the path. CONCLUSION: Despite the level of injuries, who access to the Emergency
      Room for single or repeated events of violence, may have decided to claim in
      court and not hide seeking.. The research aims to understand what are the
      theoretical and practical deficiencies of staff in the management of a issue
      which is not only medical but also social and legal, as well as structural and
      organizational weaknesses of the service.

PMID- 25134504
TI  - [Waiting time between acute event and rehabilitation: continuity of nursing care
      and rehabilitation. Analysis and suggestions for a Service of Protected
      Discharge].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In recent years, in Italy, population lengthening of life leads to
      an higher number of individuals with chronic diseases (Osservatorio, 2010). The
      hospital which deals with the acute phase of diseases needs to be integrated with
      primary care. This connection is particularly important for the treatment, care
      and rehabilitation of patient, as well as a general need for more health and
      social care integrated tools. OBJECTIVE: At the San Gerardo Hospital in Monza, in
      the context of the patient's post-acute rehabilitation, we analyze the phase
      between discharge from hospital and the expected date of hospitalization in
      facilities providing rehabilitation. The aim of this observational descriptive
      study is to determine the distribution of days of waiting. Furthermore, several
      different approach are analysed (i.e. Integrated Home Care) in order to reduce
      unnecessary days hospitalization and a more intelligent and cost effective use of
      resources The research question are the follow, to quantify waiting time between
      discharge and hospitalization in the rehabilitation facility and to ascertain if
      patients are sent to the correct facility. RESULT: 1083 individuals were taken
      into account, of those 55% (N=652) were discharged from the hospital later. This
      leads to a 4505 days of inappropriate hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Although the
      use of home care could be beneficial to the hospital, this can be used only for
      tiny part of the patients and it is not cost effective. A possible solution can
      be set up a number of low cost bed entirely managed by nurses due to the low
      level of intensity care.

PMID- 25134506
TI  - [Profiles and evaluation process: what integration? Experience of the Local
      Health Agency TO2 of Turin].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Service of Health Professions of this facility (TO2 of Turin)
      aimed during the 2010 to devise/develop a new evaluation tool for the new
      employees , trying to fit them with the profiles set up the previous year.
      METHODS: The conceptual model of reference for the construction of working drafts
      of the grids was inspired by the special insert edition of "L'infermiere" in
      2007, a literature review was carried out and a number of internal meeting within
      6 of the Service of health Professions were set up. A working group were set up -
      93 people - as well as indicators were developed to monitor and implementation of
      the instruments. Once the drafts of the standard tools were made, working groups
      started to improve the tools provided under the supervision of a tutor. Finally
      half way through an evaluation was carried out using a questionnaire. CONCLUSION:
      The new template leads a number of problems which were later sorted out also with
      the support of tutors.

PMID- 25134507
TI  - [Scale Mosaic: definition and testing of a tool for assessing the risk of falling
      and the care planning during hospitalization].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: in year 2008 the Ausl of Ravenna had a small number of patients at
      risk among the patients fallen, and among the patients evaluated with risk for
      fall. This could be due to the rating scale used (Conley) that does not recognize
      the risk factors "drug therapy" and "conditions clinical care". OBJECTIVES: to
      experiment a rating scale (Mosaic), to evaluate the performance indicators
      compared to the scales Conley, Fall Risk Assessment Scoring System (FRASS),
      Stratity; evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken to manage the risk;
      Operators remain vigilant about the risk falls. METHODOLOGY: using the scale
      Mosaic for patients admitted in 16 Hospital Units for two-months. Performance
      indicators: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative.
      Studies considered for comparison: Hospital (AO) Bologna for Conley, AO Bologna
      and AO Niguarda Ca Granda Milan for Stratify, AO Bergamo for FRASS. RESULTS: were
      analyzed 1474 tabs. Males are 848 (57.5%) and females 626 (43.5%), the average
      age is 70.8 years. Of these 42 patients have fallen (2.8%), including 25 males
      and 17 females and the average age is 72.2. Are not at risk 426 (29%) patients
      and at risk 1048 (71%) patients. In other assessments the patients at risk was
      31% in AUSL Ravenna, 59% (Conley) and 13% (Stratify) in AO Bologna and 41.5%
      (FRASS) in AO Bergamo. The scale Mosaic has a sensitivity of 0.98 (Conley,
      Stratify and FRASS amounted to 0.69, to 0.20, to 0.50), a specificity of 0.30
      (Conley, Stratify and FRASS amounted to 0.41, 0.87, 0.59.) The patients fallen
      are at risk in 41 cases (97%) and of these 24 low-risk. The most frequent risk
      factors are: "mobility and gait" (1209 items), "drug therapy" (850 items) ,
      "conditions clinical care" (841 items). Planned actions have an average of 2.2 in
      patients fallen, of 3.5 in low-risk patients and of 4.48 in patients at high
      risk. Compared with the previous year shows a decrease of 14 falls and an
      increase in the level of outcome "no one" (from 61% to 73.5%). DISCUSSION: the
      greater number of falls occur among low-risk patients, the average number of
      shares increases with increasing levels of risk and decreases in the patients
      fallen. Patients are at increased risk and therefore, in the hospital, it is
      essential to evaluate the factors drug therapy and conditions clinical care. The
      scale Mosaic has a very good performance for the sensitivity but not the
      specificity. The indicators in the studies are very different. This poses a
      reflection: what is the sense of the indicators when the rated instrument is part
      of a multifactorial prevention project whose implementation, usually, improves
      the level of security by preventing the occurrence of the event? Analysis of the
      tool can not be based only on numerical data. The true value of each scale is the
      level of attention that triggers in Health Care Workers, which activate
      preventive measures that allow an efficient management of risk. CONCLUSION: the
      card Mosaic has been adopted in Ausl because it improved the level of security of
      patients with risk of fall.

PMID- 25134508
TI  - [E-learning and university nursing education: an overview of reviews].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The increasing use of digital technologies and e-learning in
      nursing education and the health professions was also reflected in the time to
      many studies and reviews. The aim of this overview was to analyze education
      through e-learning technologies for nursing and health professional students.
      METHOD: A comprehensive search of literature was conducted using database
      PubMed/MEDLINE, Ebsco/CINAHL, 2003-2013. RESULT: The search strategy resulted in
      the inclusion, in first instance, of 9732 items. After the reduction of
      duplicates, applying limits and other parameters of inclusion/exclusion and, at
      the end, evaluation of quality through AMSTARD check list, we included in this
      overview, 22 reviews. The analized reviews were allowed to spread in different
      topic areas: study population (students and faculty), e-learning methods (blended
      learning Game/3D/situated learning) and evaluation (information technology,
      learning satisfaction comparison of e-learning with the traditional teaching
      methods) CONCLUSION: This overview demonstrates that e-learning in nursing
      academic education is a valid alternative to traditional learning. If e-learning
      activities are well structured and modulated, some advantages and economies are
      clear possible. Regard effects of e-learning on the improvement of ability, data
      are at the momenti limited when compared to traditional learning. Often e
      learning appear as an adjunct respect traditional learning, but is necessary
      consider e-learning and digital tecnology as priority for the future of education
      of nursing students.

PMID- 25134509
TI  - Clinical teaching models for nursing practice: a review of literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Clinical placements provide opportunities for student nurses to
      learn experientially, thanks to clinical - practical teaching models. For this
      purpose this review wanted to better investigate the latest methods developed in
      nursing education to ameliorate the theory practice model in nursing education
      teaching model. METHODS: The review of the literature was performed through a
      search of nursing specific data bases, including Cinahl, Capsur, Ovid, Cockrane
      Library, PubMed from January 2010 to September 2012. It included key words, such
      as: Clinical Model; Nursing Education Model; Nursing Practical Teaching Model;
      Theory-Practice Model. RESULTS: A total of 8 articles were found. Of these, only
      4 articles were considered for this review because they better analyzed one
      clinical teaching model in nursing practice. Each article was structured
      analyzed, by considering the "PICOS" method, with reference to participants,
      interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and study design. DISCUSSION: Four
      innovative clinical teaching models for nursing practice were considered: the
      first one was the Problem-Based Leaning method in nursing education; the second
      one was the Self-Regulated Learning strategy; the third one was the developing
      nursing students' reflective skills associated as a key component in the
      perceived coherence between theory and practice; the fourth one was the computer
      based clinical simulation. CONCLUSION: Each work performed an innovative clinical
      teaching model for nursing student. Some limitations were highlight, but all the
      literature revised emphasized the evaluation and feedback from students and the
      perceptions of their clinical activities is essential.

PMID- 25134510
TI  - Liver: a variant of FGF19 protects the liver from cholestatic injury without
      inducing cancer.

PMID- 25134511
TI  - Genetics of gastric cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer remains highly prevalent and accounts for a notable proportion of
      global cancer mortality. This cancer is also associated with poor survival rates.
      Understanding the genetic basis of gastric cancer will offer insights into its
      pathogenesis, help identify new biomarkers and novel treatment targets, aid
      prognostication and could be central to developing individualized treatment
      strategies in the future. An inherited component contributes to <3% of gastric
      cancers; the majority of genetic changes associated with gastric cancer are
      acquired. Over the past few decades, advances in technology and high-throughput
      analysis have improved understanding of the molecular aspects of the pathogenesis
      of gastric cancer. These aspects are multifaceted and heterogeneous and represent
      a wide spectrum of several key genetic influences, such as chromosomal
      instability, microsatellite instability, changes in microRNA profile, somatic
      gene mutations or functional single nucleotide polymorphisms. These genetic
      aspects of the pathogenesis of gastric cancer will be addressed in this Review. 

PMID- 25134512
TI  - Endoscopy: a window into the gut--real-time visualization of the effects of food
      intolerance using confocal laser endomicroscopy.

PMID- 25134513
TI  - Learning Style Scales: a valid and reliable questionnaire.
AB  - PURPOSE: Learning-style instruments assist students in developing their own
      learning strategies and outcomes, in eliminating learning barriers, and in
      acknowledging peer diversity. Only a few psychometrically validated learning
      style instruments are available. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable
      learning-style instrument for nursing students. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey
      study was conducted in two nursing schools in two countries. A purposive sample
      of 156 undergraduate nursing students participated in the study. Face and content
      validity was obtained from an expert panel. The LSS construct was established
      using principal axis factoring (PAF) with oblimin rotation, a scree plot test,
      and parallel analysis (PA). The reliability of LSS was tested using Cronbach's
      alpha, corrected item-total correlation, and test-retest. RESULTS: Factor
      analysis revealed five components, confirmed by PA and a relatively clear curve
      on the scree plot. Component strength and interpretability were also confirmed.
      The factors were labeled as perceptive, solitary, analytic, competitive, and
      imaginative learning styles. Cronbach's alpha was >0.70 for all subscales in both
      study populations. The corrected item-total correlations were >0.30 for the items
      in each component. CONCLUSION: The LSS is a valid and reliable inventory for
      evaluating learning style preferences in nursing students in various
      multicultural environments.

PMID- 25134514
TI  - Cross-national validation of prognostic models predicting sickness absence and
      the added value of work environment variables.
AB  - PURPOSE: To validate Dutch prognostic models including age, self-rated health and
      prior sickness absence (SA) for ability to predict high SA in Danish eldercare.
      The added value of work environment variables to the models' risk discrimination
      was also investigated. METHODS: 2,562 municipal eldercare workers (95% women)
      participated in the Working in Eldercare Survey. Predictor variables were
      measured by questionnaire at baseline in 2005. Prognostic models were validated
      for predictions of high (>=30) SA days and high (>=3) SA episodes retrieved from
      employer records during 1-year follow-up. The accuracy of predictions was
      assessed by calibration graphs and the ability of the models to discriminate
      between high- and low-risk workers was investigated by ROC-analysis. The added
      value of work environment variables was measured with Integrated Discrimination
      Improvement (IDI). RESULTS: 1,930 workers had complete data for analysis. The
      models underestimated the risk of high SA in eldercare workers and the SA
      episodes model had to be re-calibrated to the Danish data. Discrimination was
      practically useful for the re-calibrated SA episodes model, but not the SA days
      model. Physical workload improved the SA days model (IDI = 0.40; 95% CI 0.19
      0.60) and psychosocial work factors, particularly the quality of leadership (IDI
      = 0.70; 95% CI 053-0.86) improved the SA episodes model. CONCLUSIONS: The
      prognostic model predicting high SA days showed poor performance even after
      physical workload was added. The prognostic model predicting high SA episodes
      could be used to identify high-risk workers, especially when psychosocial work
      factors are added as predictor variables.

PMID- 25134516
TI  - Utilization of deletion bins to anchor and order sequences along the wheat 7B
      chromosome.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: A total of 3,671 sequence contigs and scaffolds were mapped to
      deletion bins on wheat chromosome 7B providing a foundation for developing high
      resolution integrated physical map for this chromosome. Bread wheat (Triticum
      aestivum L.) has a large, complex and highly repetitive genome which is
      challenging to assemble into high quality pseudo-chromosomes. As part of the
      international effort to sequence the hexaploid bread wheat genome by the
      international wheat genome sequencing consortium (IWGSC) we are focused on
      assembling a reference sequence for chromosome 7B. The successful completion of
      the reference chromosome sequence is highly dependent on the integration of
      genetic and physical maps. To aid the integration of these two types of maps, we
      have constructed a high-density deletion bin map of chromosome 7B. Using the 270
      K Nimblegen comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array on a set of cv. Chinese
      spring deletion lines, a total of 3,671 sequence contigs and scaffolds (~7.8 % of
      chromosome 7B physical length) were mapped into nine deletion bins. Our method of
      genotyping deletions on chromosome 7B relied on a model-based clustering
      algorithm (Mclust) to accurately predict the presence or absence of a given
      genomic sequence in a deletion line. The bin mapping results were validated using
      three different approaches, viz. (a) PCR-based amplification of randomly selected
      bin mapped sequences (b) comparison with previously mapped ESTs and (c)
      comparison with a 7B genetic map developed in the present study. Validation of
      the bin mapping results suggested a high accuracy of the assignment of 7B
      sequence contigs and scaffolds to the 7B deletion bins.

PMID- 25134517
TI  - Spine-like nanostructured carbon interconnected by graphene for high-performance
      supercapacitors.
AB  - Recent studies on supercapacitors have focused on the development of hierarchical
      nanostructured carbons by combining two-dimensional graphene and other conductive
      sp(2) carbons, which differ in dimensionality, to improve their electrochemical
      performance. Herein, we report a strategy for synthesizing a hierarchical
      graphene-based carbon material, which we shall refer to as spine-like
      nanostructured carbon, from a one-dimensional graphitic carbon nanofiber by
      controlling the local graphene/graphitic structure via an expanding process and a
      co-solvent exfoliation method. Spine-like nanostructured carbon has a unique
      hierarchical structure of partially exfoliated graphitic blocks interconnected by
      thin graphene sheets in the same manner as in the case of ligaments. Owing to the
      exposed graphene layers and interconnected sp(2) carbon structure, this
      hierarchical nanostructured carbon possesses a large, electrochemically
      accessible surface area with high electrical conductivity and exhibits high
      electrochemical performance. 

PMID- 25134518
TI  - Primary pulmonary myxoid sarcomas with EWSR1-CREB1 translocation might originate
      from primitive peribronchial mesenchymal cells undergoing (myo)fibroblastic
      differentiation.
AB  - Primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma (PPMS) is a very rare lung tumor that has
      recently been shown to harbor an EWSR1-CREB1 translocation. However, the
      histogenesis and biological behavior of PPMS remains unclear. To provide insight
      into the histogenesis of PPMS, we studied surgical resection specimens of four
      patients, two females and two males with an age range of 26 to 65 years, all non
      smokers with mild anemia. The tumors, three of which are endobronchial, measured
      between 4 and 13 cm. One patient developed metastasis to the contra-lateral lung
      7 months after resection. Other patients remained alive without tumor for 1.5,
      10, and 13 years. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with a gene
      break apart probe showed an EWSR1 translocation in all cases. The EWSR1-CREB1
      fusion transcript was detected in all cases by reverse-transcription PCR.
      Immunohistochemical staining showed diffuse positive staining of the tumor cells
      only for vimentin. Tumor cells expressed no other myoid, epithelial, endothelial,
      melanocytic, myoepithelial, or neuroendocrine markers, except for smooth muscle
      actin and epithelial membrane antigen, which were only focally positive in
      individual cases. Ultrastructural analyses revealed the presence in the tumor
      cells of intermediate filaments with focal densities along the sub-cytoplasmic
      membrane as well as dense plaques. These results suggest that PPMS exhibits
      myofibroblastic differentiation. We conclude that PPMS is an intermediate grade
      malignant lung tumor harboring EWSR1 translocations, which may originate from
      mesenchymal cells that undergo fibroblastic or myofibroblastic differentiation.

PMID- 25134519
TI  - Theoretical and experimental search for ZnSb-based thermoelectric materials.
AB  - We report a combined theoretical and experimental search for thermoelectric
      materials based on semiconducting zinc antimony. Influence of three new doping
      elements (sodium, potassium and boron) on the electronic properties was
      investigated as well as the carrier concentration and temperature dependence of
      the thermoelectric coefficients obtained through density-functional calculations
      and Boltzmann transport theory. Distortion of the electron arrangement caused by
      the doping elements is displayed as a deformation charge density around the
      atoms. Based on the band structures, the density of states, and the transport
      properties, we found that the presence of Na and K in the ZnSb matrix leads to a
      slightly improved p-type conductivity, whereas the B substitution leads to a n
      type doping. Because of the stronger need for obtaining n-type ZnSb-based
      material, the B(0.01)Zn(0.99)Sb structure has been transferred to the laboratory
      to be synthesized by direct melting. The sample was investigated using x-ray
      diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.

PMID- 25134520
TI  - Location-specific expression of chemokines, TNF-alpha and S100 proteins in a teat
      explant model.
AB  - The distal compartments of the udder are the first to interact with invading
      pathogens. The regulatory and effector functions of two major teat regions
      [Furstenberg's rosette (FR); teat cistern (TC)] are largely unknown. The
      objective of this study was to establish an in vitro model with explants of the
      FR and the TC to analyse their response towards Escherichia coli LPS and
      Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid (LTA). Quantitative stereological
      analysis confirmed differences in the cellular composition of FR and TC explants.
      Chemokine (CXCL8, CCL5, CCL20) and TNF-alpha mRNA were expressed at low levels in
      both locations. Explant stimulation with LPS increased the mRNA abundance of all
      tested chemokines and TNF-alpha. Stimulation with LTA only induced CCL20 and
      CXCL8. LPS- and LTA-stimulated explant supernatants contained CXCL8 and CXCL3.
      Supernatants significantly attracted neutrophils in vitro. Compared with TC, the
      FR showed high constitutive mRNA expression of S100 proteins (A8, A9, A12). In
      the TC, both LPS and LTA significantly induced S100A8, whereas S100A9 and S100A12
      expression was only induced by LPS. The novel model system underpins the role of
      the teat for recognising pathogens and shaping a pathogen- and location-specific
      immune response. 

PMID- 25134515
TI  - Specificity, propagation, and memory of pericentric heterochromatin.
AB  - The cell establishes heritable patterns of active and silenced chromatin via
      interacting factors that set, remove, and read epigenetic marks. To understand
      how the underlying networks operate, we have dissected transcriptional silencing
      in pericentric heterochromatin (PCH) of mouse fibroblasts. We assembled a
      quantitative map for the abundance and interactions of 16 factors related to PCH
      in living cells and found that stably bound complexes of the histone
      methyltransferase SUV39H1/2 demarcate the PCH state. From the experimental data,
      we developed a predictive mathematical model that explains how chromatin-bound
      SUV39H1/2 complexes act as nucleation sites and propagate a spatially confined
      PCH domain with elevated histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation levels via chromatin
      dynamics. This "nucleation and looping" mechanism is particularly robust toward
      transient perturbations and stably maintains the PCH state. These features make
      it an attractive model for establishing functional epigenetic domains throughout
      the genome based on the localized immobilization of chromatin-modifying enzymes. 

PMID- 25134521
TI  - Immunization with malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) reduces
      atherosclerosis in LDL receptor-deficient mice challenged with Porphyromonas
      gingivalis.
AB  - Periodontal infections increase the risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease via
      partly unresolved mechanisms. Of the natural IgM Abs that recognize molecular
      mimicry on bacterial epitopes and modified lipid and protein structures, IgM
      directed against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is associated with
      atheroprotective properties. Here, the effect of natural immune responses to
      malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL) in conferring protection against
      atherosclerosis, which was accelerated by the major periodontopathogen
      Porphyromonas gingivalis, was investigated. LDL receptor-deficient (LDLR(-/-))
      mice were immunized with mouse MDA-LDL without adjuvant before topical
      application challenge with live P. gingivalis. Atherosclerosis was analyzed after
      a high-fat diet, and plasma IgG and IgM Ab levels were measured throughout the
      study, and the secretion of IL-5, IL-10 and IFN-gamma in splenocytes stimulated
      with MDA-LDL was determined. LDLR(-/-) mice immunized with MDA-LDL had elevated
      IgM and IgG levels to MDA-LDL compared with saline-treated controls. MDA-LDL
      immunization diminished aortic lipid depositions after challenge with P.
      gingivalis compared with mice receiving only P. gingivalis challenge.
      Immunization of LDLR(-/-) mice with homologous MDA-LDL stimulated the production
      of IL-5, implicating general activation of B-1 cells. Immune responses to MDA-LDL
      protected from the P. gingivalis-accelerated atherosclerosis. Thus, the linkage
      between bacterial infectious burden and atherogenesis is suggested to be
      modulated via natural IgM directed against cross-reactive epitopes on bacteria
      and modified LDL.

PMID- 25134522
TI  - Advancing the application of systems thinking in health: exploring dual practice
      and its management in Kampala, Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many full-time Ugandan government health providers take on additional
      jobs - a phenomenon called dual practice. We describe the complex patterns that
      characterize the evolution of dual practice in Uganda, and the local management
      practices that emerged in response, in five government facilities. An in-depth
      understanding of dual practice can contribute to policy discussions on improving
      public sector performance. METHODS: A multiple case study design with embedded
      units of analysis was supplemented by interviews with policy stakeholders and a
      review of historical and policy documents. Five facility case studies captured
      the perspective of doctors, nurses, and health managers through semi-structured
      in-depth interviews. A causal loop diagram illustrated interactions and feedback
      between old and new actors, as well as emerging roles and relationships. RESULTS:
      The causal loop diagram illustrated how feedback related to dual practice policy
      developed in Uganda. As opportunities for dual practice grew and the public
      health system declined over time, government providers increasingly coped through
      dual practice. Over time, government restrictions to dual practice triggered
      policy resistance and protest from government providers. Resulting feedback
      contributed to compromising the supply of government providers and, potentially,
      of service delivery outcomes. Informal government policies and restrictions
      replaced the formal restrictions identified in the early phases. In some
      instances, government health managers, particularly those in hospitals, developed
      their own practices to cope with dual practice and to maintain public sector
      performance. Management practices varied according to the health manager's
      attitude towards dual practice and personal experience with dual practice. These
      practices were distinct in hospitals. Hospitals faced challenges managing
      internal dual practice opportunities, such as those created by externally-funded
      research projects based within the hospital. Private wings' inefficiencies and
      strict fee schedule made them undesirable work locations for providers.
      CONCLUSIONS: Dual practice prevails because public and private sector incentives,
      non-financial and financial, are complementary. Local management practices for
      dual practice have not been previously documented and provide learning
      opportunities to inform policy discussions. Understanding how dual practice
      evolves and how it is managed locally is essential for health workforce policy,
      planning, and performance discussions in Uganda and similar settings.

PMID- 25134524
TI  - Steps per Day, Daily Peak Stepping Cadence, and Walking Performance in Older
      Adults.
AB  - We tested the hypothesis that the intensity of daily ambulation would relate with
      functional walking capacity in older adults. Forty-three women (n = 25) and men
      (n = 18) between the ages of 60-78 years wore an accelerometer for measurement of
      average daily steps and 30-min peak stepping cadence. A 400-m walk test was used
      to measure walking speed. No sex difference was found for average daily steps (p
      = .76), average peak cadence (p = .96), or walking speed (p = .89). Daily steps
      (women: r = .68, p < .01; men: r = .04) and peak cadence (women: r = .81, p <
      .01; men: r = -.16) were positively correlated with walking speed in women but
      not in men. After controlling for daily steps, peak cadence remained
      significantly associated with walking speed in women (partial r = .61, p < .01).
      Walking intensity during daily ambulation is independently related to functional
      walking capacity in older adults, albeit this relation may be more significant
      for women than men. 

PMID- 25134525
TI  - Skeletal muscle work efficiency with age: the role of non-contractile processes.
AB  - Although skeletal muscle work efficiency probably plays a key role in limiting
      mobility of the elderly, the physiological mechanisms responsible for this
      diminished function remain incompletely understood. Thus, in the quadriceps of
      young (n=9) and old (n=10) subjects, we measured the cost of muscle contraction
      (ATP cost) with 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) during (i) maximal
      intermittent contractions to elicit a metabolic demand from both cross-bridge
      cycling and ion pumping and (ii) a continuous maximal contraction to
      predominantly tax cross-bridge cycling. The ATP cost of the intermittent
      contractions was significantly greater in the old (0.30+/-0.22 mM.min-1.N.m-1)
      compared with the young (0.13+/-0.03 mM.min-1.N.m-1, P<0.05). In contrast, at the
      end of the continuous contraction protocol, the ATP cost in the old (0.10+/-0.07
      mM.min-1.N.m-1) was not different from the young (0.06+/-0.02 mM.min-1.N.m-1,
      P=0.2). In addition, the ATP cost of the intermittent contractions correlated
      significantly with the single leg peak power of the knee-extensors assessed
      during incremental dynamic exercise (r=-0.55; P<0.05). Overall, this study
      reveals an age-related increase in the ATP cost of contraction, probably mediated
      by an excessive energy demand from ion pumping, which probably contributes to
      both the decline in muscle efficiency and functional capacity associated with
      aging. 

PMID- 25134523
TI  - Transcriptome sequencing of a chimaera reveals coordinated expression of
      anthocyanin biosynthetic genes mediating yellow formation in herbaceous peony
      (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is a traditional flower
      in China and a wedding attractive flower in worldwide. In its flower colour,
      yellow is the rarest which is ten times the price of the other colours. However,
      the breeding of new yellow P. lactiflora varieties using genetic engineering is
      severely limited due to the little-known biochemical and molecular mechanisms
      underlying its characteristic formation. RESULTS: In this study, two cDNA
      libraries generated from P. lactiflora chimaera with red outer-petal and yellow
      inner-petal were sequenced using an Illumina HiSeqTM 2000 platform. 66,179,398
      and 65,481,444 total raw reads from red outer-petal and yellow inner-petal cDNA
      libraries were generated, which were assembled into 61,431 and 70,359 Unigenes
      with an average length of 628 and 617 nt, respectively. Moreover, 61,408 non
      redundant All-unigenes were obtained, with 37,511 All-unigenes (61.08%) annotated
      in public databases. In addition, 6,345 All-unigenes were differentially
      expressed between the red outer-petal and yellow inner-petal, with 3,899 up
      regulated and 2,446 down-regulated All-unigenes, and the flavonoid metabolic
      pathway related to colour development was identified using the Kyoto encyclopedia
      of genes and genomes database (KEGG). Subsequently, the expression patterns of 10
      candidate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the flavonoid
      metabolic pathway were examined, and flavonoids were qualitatively and
      quantitatively analysed. Numerous anthoxanthins (flavone and flavonol) and a few
      anthocyanins were detected in the yellow inner-petal, which were all lower than
      those in the red outer-petal due to the low expression levels of the
      phenylalanine ammonialyase gene (PlPAL), flavonol synthase gene (PlFLS),
      dihydroflavonol 4-reductase gene (PlDFR), anthocyanidin synthase gene (PlANS),
      anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase gene (Pl3GT) and anthocyanidin 5-O
      glucosyltransferase gene (Pl5GT). CONCLUSION: Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq)
      analysis based on the high throughput sequencing technology was an efficient
      approach to identify critical genes in P. lactiflora and other non-model plants.
      The flavonoid metabolic pathway and glucide metabolic pathway were identified as
      relatived yellow formation in P. lactiflora, PlPAL, PlFLS, PlDFR, PlANS, Pl3GT
      and Pl5GT were selected as potential candidates involved in flavonoid metabolic
      pathway, which inducing inhibition of anthocyanin biosynthesis mediated yellow
      formation in P. lactiflora. This study could lay a theoretical foundation for
      breeding new yellow P. lactiflora varieties.

PMID- 25134526
TI  - SCM-198 inhibits microglial overactivation and attenuates Abeta(1-40)-induced
      cognitive impairments in rats via JNK and NF-kB pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation mediated by overactivated microglia plays a key
      role in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In
      this study, we investigated for the first time the anti-neuroinflammatory effects
      and possible mechanisms of SCM-198 (an alkaloid extracted from Herbaleonuri),
      which was previously found highly cardioprotective, both in vitro and in vivo.
      METHODS: For in vitro experiments, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or beta-amyloid(1-40)
      (Abeta(1-40)) was applied to induce microglial overactivation. Proinflammatory
      mediators were measured and activations of NF-kappaB and mitogen-activated
      protein kinases' (MAPKs) pathways were investigated. Further protective effect of
      SCM-198 was evaluated in microglia-neuron co-culture assay and Sprague-Dawley
      (SD) rats intrahippocampally-injected with Abeta(1-40). RESULTS: SCM-198 reduced
      expressions of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 possibly via, at
      least partially, inhibiting c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and NF-kappaB signaling
      pathways in microglia. Co-culture assay showed that activated microglia
      pretreated with SCM-198 led to less neuron loss and decreased phosphorylation of
      tau and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in neurons. Besides, SCM-198
      also directly protected against Abeta(1-40)-induced neuronal death and lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) release in primary cortical neurons. For in vivo studies, SCM
      198 significantly enhanced cognitive performances of rats 12 days after
      intrahippocampal injections of aged Abeta(1-40) peptides in the Morris water maze
      (MWM), accompanied by less hippocampal microglial activation, decreased
      synaptophysin loss and phosphorylation of ERK and tau. Co-administration of
      donepezil and SCM-198 resulted in a slight cognitive improvement in SD rats 50
      days after intrahippocampal injections of aged Abeta(1-40) peptides as compared
      to only donepezil or SCM-198 treated group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are the
      first to report that SCM-198 has considerable anti-neuroinflammatory effects on
      inhibiting microglial overactivation and might become a new potential drug
      candidate for AD therapy in the future.

PMID- 25134528
TI  - Radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer in the era of risk stratification and
      alternative targeted therapies.
AB  - Differentiated thyroid cancers are typically iodine-avid and can be effectively
      treated with radioiodine. In most patients, radioiodine treatment is done for
      ablation of residual tissue, and in these cases the focus should be on using the
      minimum effective dose. Adjuvant therapy can be done to reduce the risk of
      recurrence, but optimal patient selection and dose are unclear. Patients with
      advanced disease benefit most from treatment with the maximum-tolerated dose.
      Recent research has focused on better patient selection and reduced radioiodine
      doses for remnant ablation. There are emerging targeted therapeutic approaches in
      patients who are appropriately shown to have iodine-refractory disease, with 1
      drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Numerous trials are ongoing to
      assess targeted therapeutics alone or in combination with radioiodine. 

PMID- 25134529
TI  - Segmentation-based MR attenuation correction including bones also affects
      quantitation in brain studies: an initial result of 18F-FP-CIT PET/MR for
      patients with parkinsonism.
AB  - Attenuation correction (AC) with an ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequence has
      recently been used in combination with segmentation for cortical bone
      identification for brain PET/MR studies. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the quantification of (18)F-fluoropropyl
      carbomethoxyiodophenylnortropane ((18)F-FP-CIT) binding in brain PET/MR,
      particularly focusing on effects of UTE-based AC including bone segmentation.
      METHODS: Sixteen patients with initially suspected parkinsonism were
      prospectively enrolled. An emission scan was acquired 110 min after (18)F-FP-CIT
      injection on a dedicated PET/MR scanner, immediately followed by another emission
      scan using a PET/CT scanner 120 min after the injection. A UTE-based attenuation
      map was used to classify the voxels into 3 tissues: bone, soft tissue, and air.
      All PET images were spatially normalized, and a specific-to-nonspecific dopamine
      transporter (DAT) binding ratio (BR) was calculated using statistical
      probabilistic anatomic mapping. The level of agreement was assessed with
      intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Voxelwise comparison between PET
      images acquired from PET/MR and PET/CT was performed. We compared non-attenuation
      corrected images to analyze UTE-based AC effects on DAT quantification. RESULTS:
      BR in the putamen obtained from PET/MR and PET/CT showed low interequipment
      variability, whereas BR in the caudate nucleus showed significant variability
      (ICC = 0.967 and 0.682 for putamen and caudate nucleus, respectively). BR in the
      caudate nucleus was significantly underestimated by PET/MR, compared with PET/CT
      (mean difference of BR = 0.66, P < 0.0001). Voxelwise analysis revealed that
      PET/MR showed significantly low BR in the periventricular regions, which was
      caused by a misclassification of the ventricle as air on the attenuation map. We
      also compared non-AC images, revealing low interequipment variability even in the
      caudate nucleus (ICC = 0.937 and 0.832 for putamen and caudate nucleus,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate spatial bias of the DAT BR on
      (18)F-FP-CIT PET/MR. Voxelwise analysis and comparison to non-AC images
      identified the misclassification of ventricle as air to be the cause of bias. To
      obtain reliable quantification for brain PET/MR studies including (18)F-FP-CIT
      PET, alternative and more reliable segmentation strategies are required.

PMID- 25134527
TI  - The impact of S6K1 kinase on neuroblastoma cell proliferation is independent of
      GLI1 signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The crosstalk between Hedgehog (HH) signaling and other signal
      transduction cascades has been extensively studied in different cancers. In
      neuroblastoma, mTOR/S6K1 signaling is known to have a role in the development of
      this disease and recent evidence also implicates the HH pathway. Moreover, S6K1
      kinase has been shown to phosphorylate GLI1, the effector of HH signaling,
      promoting GLI1 transcriptional activity and oncogenic function in esophageal
      adenocarcinoma. In this study, we examined the possible interplay of S6K1 and
      GLI1 signaling in neuroblastoma. METHODS: siRNA knockdowns were used to suppress
      S6K1 and GLI1 expression, and the siRNA effects were validated by real-time PCR
      and Western blotting. Cell proliferation analysis was performed with the EdU
      incorporation assay. Cytotoxic analysis with increasing concentrations of
      PI3K/mTOR and GLI inhibitors, individually and in combination, was used to
      determine drug response. RESULTS: Although knockdown of either S6K1 or GLI1
      reduces the cellular proliferation of neuroblastoma cells, there is little effect
      of S6K1 on the expression of GLI1 mRNA and protein and on the capacity of GLI1 to
      activate target genes. No detectable phosphorylation of GLI1 is observed prior or
      following S6K1 knockdown. GLI1 overexpression can not rescue the reduced
      proliferation elicited by S6K1 knockdown. Moreover, inhibitors of PI3K/mTOR and
      GLI signaling reduced neuroblastoma cell growth, but no additional growth
      inhibitory effects were detected when the two classes of drugs were combined.
      CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the impact of S6K1 kinase on
      neuroblastoma cells is not mediated through modulation of GLI1
      expression/activity.

PMID- 25134530
TI  - Socioeconomic factors and effect of evidence-based patient information about
      primary prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus--are there interactions?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Having shown in a recent randomized controlled trial that evidence
      based patient information (EBPI) significantly increased knowledge on primary
      prevention of diabetes compared to standard patient information, we now
      investigated interaction between socioeconomic status (SES) and the effect of an
      EBPI. FINDINGS: 1,120 visitors (aged 40-70 years, without known diabetes) to the
      "Techniker Krankenkasse" and the "German Diabetes Center" websites were
      randomized. The intervention group received a newly developed on-line EBPI, the
      control group standard on-line information. The primary outcome measure was
      knowledge, classified as "good/average/poor". We analyzed associations of
      knowledge with socioeconomic variables (education, vocational training,
      employment, subjective social status) combined with intervention effect including
      interactions, adjusted for possible confounding by knowledge before intervention,
      self-reported blood glucose measurements, blood pressure, blood lipid levels, age
      and gender. Logistic regression models were fitted to the subpopulation (n = 647)
      with complete values in these variables.Education (high vs. low) was
      significantly associated with knowledge (good vs. average/poor); however, there
      was no significant interaction between education and intervention. After
      adjustment, the other socioeconomic variables were not significantly associated
      with knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic variables did not significantly change
      the effect of the intervention. There was a tendency towards a lower effect where
      lower educated individuals were concerned. Possibly the power was too low to
      detect interaction effects. Larger studies using SES-specific designs are needed
      to clarify the effect of SES. We suggest considering the socioeconomic status
      when evaluating a decision aid, e.g. an EBPI, to ensure its effectiveness not
      only in higher socioeconomic groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled
      Trials ISRCTN22060616 (Date assigned: 12 September 2008).

PMID- 25134531
TI  - The use of an adjustable electrode housing unit to compare electrode alignment
      and contact variation with myoelectric prosthesis functionality: A pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Usable myoelectric control relies on secure and intimate contact at
      all times between the electrode, the socket and the residual limb. At present,
      there is little post-fitting socket adjustment available to prosthetists with
      respect to electrode contact security or alignment. Failure to provide secure
      electrode contact could result in the development of motion artefacts, poor
      prehensor response and subsequent prosthesis non-usage. OBJECTIVES: To establish
      the effect of alteration to electrode contract security and alignment on
      prosthesis functionality using a bespoke electrode housing unit. STUDY DESIGN:
      This study investigated the effect of electrode contact security and alignment on
      upper limb myoelectric prosthesis functionality. METHODS: Four different
      electrode housing arrangements were assessed within prosthetic sockets fitted to
      six transradial prosthesis subjects using the Southampton Hand Assessment
      Procedure, which is a reliable and validated prosthesis functionality assessment
      tool. RESULTS: Significantly higher functionality scores were achieved with the
      bespoke housing unit compared to when using conventional electrode housings.
      CONCLUSION: Myoelectric prosthesis functionality is closely linked to electrode
      contact security and to electrode alignment with respect to the residual limb.
      Both of these factors can be improved locally using an adjustable electrode
      housing unit. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Provision of an electrode housing system that
      enables adjustments to be made to electrode orientation can improve prosthesis
      functionality, particularly in cases where tight-fitting sockets are not
      possible, and/or where the prosthetist may be inexperienced with regard to
      myoelectric prosthesis fitting.

PMID- 25134532
TI  - Efficacy of a newly designed trunk orthosis with joints providing resistive force
      in adults with post-stroke hemiparesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the efficacy of trunk orthoses that support
      the upper trunk and a paretic limb in stroke patients. To improve stability and
      alignment of the trunk and pelvis in hemiparetic patients, we developed a newly
      designed trunk orthosis that provides resistive force through spring joints.
      OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the newly designed trunk orthosis's
      biomechanical effects during level walking. STUDY DESIGN: Before-after trials
      must be better. METHODS: Measurements were taken for nine chronic-phase (>2 years
      post-onset) stroke patients using a three-dimensional motion capture system and
      force plates under three experimental conditions: self-selected gait speed
      without the newly designed trunk orthosis, with the newly designed trunk
      orthosis, and after newly designed trunk orthosis removal. We analyzed and
      compared spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters of the paretic and non-paretic
      limbs and kinematic parameters of the trunk and bilateral limbs. RESULTS: Several
      pre-swing gait parameters (e.g. hip joint flexion moment and ankle joint plantar
      flexion angle) after newly designed trunk orthosis removal were significantly
      increased compared to those without newly designed trunk orthosis. Step length of
      the paretic limb tended to increase after newly designed trunk orthosis removal.
      CONCLUSION: The newly designed trunk orthosis effectively modified trunk
      alignment, but larger improvements in kinetic and kinematic parameters were
      observed in the bilateral limbs after newly designed trunk orthosis removal than
      with the newly designed trunk orthosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Stroke patients
      improved only trunk malalignment while wearing the newly designed trunk orthosis.
      Gait after newly designed trunk orthosis removal was better than with the newly
      designed trunk orthosis. Positive changes after removal were mostly observed in
      pre-swing of the hemiparetic limb. The newly designed trunk orthosis might be
      effective for gait training in stroke patients.

PMID- 25134533
TI  - Minimal clinically important difference of the L Test for individuals with lower
      limb amputation: A pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The L Test is a reliable/valid clinical evaluation of mobility that
      measures walking speed in seconds. It can be used with individuals with lower
      limb amputation. Responsiveness of the L Test is not yet determined. OBJECTIVES:
      The purpose of this pilot study was to determine how well the L Test identified
      individuals with a lower limb amputation who have/have not undergone a minimal
      clinically important difference. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective follow-up study.
      METHODS: In total, 33 individuals with lower limb amputation, deemed to require a
      major intervention, were recruited consecutively from a follow-up clinic.
      Participants completed the L Test at baseline and follow-up. A Global Rating
      Change scale was also completed at follow-up. RESULTS: The participants had a
      mean age +/- standard deviation of 60 +/- 13.0 years, and 81.8% had a transtibial
      amputation. The mean +/- standard deviation for the L Test change scores was 6.0
      +/- 13.9. The area under the curve was 0.67, and the minimal clinically important
      difference was 4.5 s. CONCLUSIONS: The L Test identified individuals as having an
      important clinical change. Results must be interpreted with caution, as the
      accuracy, based on the Global Rating Change scale, is low. Further inquiry into
      the L Test is encouraged. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The L Test can guide the clinical
      management of individuals with lower limb amputation. Results from this pilot
      study indicate that individuals with a lower limb amputation who improve by at
      least 4.5 s on the L Test after an intervention have likely undergone an
      important change. This result must be interpreted with caution given that the
      ability of the L Test to correctly identify individuals, who have and have not
      undergone an important change, using the Global Rating Change scale as the gold
      standard, is limited because this is a pilot study. It is plausible that the
      precision of the cut-point threshold could increase or decrease given a larger
      sample or when using a different method of identifying important clinical change.

PMID- 25134534
TI  - Genome-wide association study identifies new susceptibility loci for epithelial
      ovarian cancer in Han Chinese women.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynaecological malignancies
      worldwide. Here we perform a three-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) in
      Han Chinese women to identify risk genetic variants for epithelial ovarian cancer
      (EOC). We scan 900,015 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 1,057 EOC cases
      and 1,191 controls in stage I, and replicate 41 SNPs (P(meta)<10(-4)) in 960 EOC
      cases and 1,799 controls (stage II), and an additional 492 EOC cases and 1,004
      controls (stage III). Finally, we identify two EOC susceptibility loci at 9q22.33
      (rs1413299 in COL15A1, P(meta) = 1.88 * 10(-8)) and 10p11.21 (rs1192691 near
      ANKRD30A, P(meta) = 2.62 * 10(-8)), and two consistently replicated loci at
      12q14.2 (rs11175194 in SRGAP1, P(meta) = 1.14 * 10(-7)) and 9q34.2 (rs633862 near
      ABO and SURF6, P(meta) = 8.57 * 10(-7)) (P<0.05 in all three stages). These
      results may advance our understanding of genetic susceptibility to EOC.

PMID- 25134535
TI  - Atomic force microscopy of asymmetric membranes from turtle erythrocytes.
AB  - The cell membrane provides critical cellular functions that rely on its elaborate
      structure and organization. The structure of turtle membranes is an important
      part of an ongoing study of erythrocyte membranes. Using a combination of atomic
      force microscopy and single-molecule force spectroscopy, we characterized the
      turtle erythrocyte membrane structure with molecular resolution in a quasi-native
      state. High-resolution images both leaflets of turtle erythrocyte membranes
      revealed a smooth outer membrane leaflet and a protein covered inner membrane
      leaflet. This asymmetry was verified by single-molecule force spectroscopy, which
      detects numerous exposed amino groups of membrane proteins in the inner membrane
      leaflet but much fewer in the outer leaflet. The asymmetric membrane structure of
      turtle erythrocytes is consistent with the semi-mosaic model of human, chicken
      and fish erythrocyte membrane structure, making the semi-mosaic model more widely
      applicable. From the perspective of biological evolution, this result may support
      the universality of the semi-mosaic model. 

PMID- 25134536
TI  - A medium-chain fatty acid, capric acid, inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast
      differentiation via the suppression of NF-kappaB signaling and blocks
      cytoskeletal organization and survival in mature osteoclasts.
AB  - Fatty acids, important components of a normal diet, have been reported to play a
      role in bone metabolism. Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells that are
      responsible for many bone-destructive diseases such as osteoporosis. In this
      study, we investigated the impact of a medium-chain fatty acid, capric acid, on
      the osteoclast differentiation, function, and survival induced by receptor
      activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor
      (MCSF). Capric acid inhibited RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow
      derived macrophages and suppressed RANKL-induced IkappaBalpha phosphorylation,
      p65 nuclear translocation, and NF-kappaB transcriptional activity. Capric acid
      further blocked the RANKL-stimulated activation of ERK without affecting JNK or
      p38. The induction of NFATc1 in response to RANKL was also attenuated by capric
      acid. In addition, capric acid abrogated M-CSF and RANKL-mediated cytoskeleton
      reorganization, which is crucial for the efficient bone resorption of
      osteoclasts. Capric acid also increased apoptosis in mature osteoclasts through
      the induction of Bim expression and the suppression of ERK activation by M-CSF.
      Together, our results reveal that capric acid has inhibitory effects on
      osteoclast development. We therefore suggest that capric acid may have potential
      therapeutic implications for the treatment of bone resorption-associated
      disorders. 

PMID- 25134540
TI  - Sharp rise in CT scans prompts call for new safeguards on radiation exposure.

PMID- 25134538
TI  - TAp73 and DeltaNp73 have opposing roles in 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine-induced
      apoptosis in breast cancer cells.
AB  - The p73 gene contains an extrinsic P1 promoter and an intrinsic P2 promoter,
      controlling the transcription of the pro-apoptotic TAp73 isoform and the anti
      apoptotic DeltaNup73 isoform, respectively. The DNA methylation status of both
      promoters act equally in the epigenetic transcriptional regulation of their
      relevant isoforms. The aim of this study was to analyze the different effects of
      these p73 isoforms in 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC)-induced apoptosis in
      breast cancer cells. We investigated the effects of the DNA demethylation agent,
      5-aza-dC, on the T-47D breast cancer cell line, and evaluated the methylation
      status of the p73 promoters and expression of TAp73 and DeltaNp73. Furthermore,
      we assessed the expression of p53 and p73 isoforms in 5-aza-dC-treated T-47D
      cells and p53 knockout cells. 5-aza-dC induced significant anti-tumor effects in
      T-47D cells, including inhibition of cell viability, G1 phase arrest and
      apoptosis. This was associated with p73 promoter demethylation and a concomitant
      increase in TAp73 mRNA and protein expression. In contrast, the methylation
      status of promoter P2 was not associated with DeltaNp73 mRNA or protein levels.
      Furthermore, demethylation of P2 failed to inhibit the expression of DeltaNp73
      with 5-aza-dC in the p53 knockdown cell model. Our study suggests that
      demethylation of the P1 and P2 promoters has opposite effects on the expression
      of p73 isoforms, namely up-regulation of TAp73 and down-regulation of DeltaNup73.
      We also demonstrate that p53 likely contributes to 5-aza-dC-induced DeltaNp73
      transcriptional inactivation in breast cancer cells. 

PMID- 25134537
TI  - Oncomodulin/truncated protamine-mediated Nogo-66 receptor small interference RNA
      delivery promotes axon regeneration in retinal ganglion cells.
AB  - The optic nerve often suffers regenerative failure after injury, leading to
      serious visual impairment such as glaucoma. The main inhibitory factors,
      including Nogo-A, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, and myelin-associated
      glycoprotein, exert their inhibitory effects on axonal growth through the same
      receptor, the Nogo-66 receptor (NgR). Oncomodulin (OM), a calcium-binding protein
      with a molecular weight of an ~12 kDa, which is secreted from activated
      macrophages, has been demonstrated to have high and specific affinity for retinal
      ganglion cells (RGC) and promote greater axonal regeneration than other known
      polypeptide growth factors. Protamine has been reported to effectively deliver
      small interference RNA (siRNA) into cells. Accordingly, a fusion protein of OM
      and truncated protamine (tp) may be used as a vehicle for the delivery of NgR
      siRNA into RGC for gene therapy. To test this hypothesis, we constructed OM and
      tp fusion protein (OM/tp) expression vectors. Using the indirect
      immunofluorescence labeling method, OM/tp fusion proteins were found to have a
      high affinity for RGC. The gel shift assay showed that the OM/tp fusion proteins
      retained the capacity to bind to DNA. Using OM/tp fusion proteins as a delivery
      tool, the siRNA of NgR was effectively transfected into cells and significantly
      down-regulated NgR expression levels. More importantly, OM/tp-NgR siRNA
      dramatically promoted axonal growth of RGC compared with the application of OM/tp
      recombinant protein or NgR siRNA alone in vitro. In addition, OM/tp-NgR siRNA
      highly elevated intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and
      inhibited activation of the Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA). Taken
      together, our data demonstrated that the recombinant OM/tp fusion proteins
      retained the functions of both OM and tp, and that OM/tp-NgR siRNA might
      potentially be used for the treatment of optic nerve injury. 

PMID- 25134539
TI  - Indacaterol inhibits tumor cell invasiveness and MMP-9 expression by suppressing
      IKK/NF-kappaB activation.
AB  - The beta2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) is a G protein-coupled transmembrane
      receptor expressed in the human respiratory tract and widely recognized as a
      pharmacological target for treatments of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disorder (COPD). Although a number of ADRB2 agonists have been developed for use
      in asthma therapy, indacaterol is the only ultra-long-acting inhaled beta2
      agonist (LABA) approved by the FDA for relieving the symptoms in COPD patients.
      The precise molecular mechanism underlying the pharmacological effect of
      indacaterol, however, remains unclear. Here, we show that beta-arrestin-2
      mediates the internalization of ADRB2 following indacaterol treatment. Moreover,
      we demonstrate that indacaterol significantly inhibits tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced NF-kappaB activity by reducing levels of both
      phosphorylated-IKK and -IkappaBalpha, thereby decreasing NF-kappaB nuclear
      translocation and the expression of MMP-9, an NF-kappaB target gene.
      Subsequently, we show that indacaterol significantly inhibits TNF-alpha/NF-kappaB
      induced cell invasiveness and migration in a human cancer cell line. In
      conclusion, we propose that indacaterol may inhibit NF-kappaB activity in a beta
      arrestin2-dependent manner, preventing further lung damage and improving lung
      function in COPD patients. 

PMID- 25134541
TI  - Oral susceptibility of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Senegal for dengue
      serotypes 1 and 3 viruses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential for domestic and wild populations of
      Aedes aegypti from Dakar and Kedougou to develop a disseminated infection after
      exposure to DENV-3 and DENV-1. METHODS: We have exposed sylvatic and urban
      population of Ae. aegypti from Senegal to bloomeals containing dengue serotype 1
      and 3. At different incubation period, individual mosquito legs/wings and bodies
      were tested for virus presence using real time RT-PCR to estimate the infection
      and dissemination rates. RESULTS: The data indicated low susceptibility to DENV-3
      (infection: 2.4-15.2%, and dissemination rates: 0-8.3%) and higher susceptibility
      to DENV-1 (infection and dissemination rates up to 50%). CONCLUSION: Aedes
      aegypti from Senegal seem able to develop a disseminated infection of DENV-1 and
      DENV-3. Further studies are needed to test their ability to transmit the two
      serotypes.

PMID- 25134543
TI  - Communication: The distinguishable cluster approximation. II. The role of orbital
      relaxation.
AB  - The distinguishable cluster approximation proposed in Paper I [D. Kats and F. R.
      Manby, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 021102 (2013)] has shown intriguing abilities to
      accurately describe potential energy surfaces in various notoriously difficult
      cases. The question that still remained open is to what extend the accuracy and
      the stability of the method is due to the special choice of orbital-relaxation
      treatment. In this paper we introduce orbital relaxation in terms of Brueckner
      orbitals, orbital optimization, and projective singles into the distinguishable
      cluster approximation and investigate its importance in single- and
      multireference cases. All three resulting methods are able to cope with many
      multiple-bond breaking problems, but in some difficult cases where the Hartree
      Fock orbitals seem to be entirely inadequate the orbital-optimized version turns
      out to be superior. 

PMID- 25134544
TI  - Communication: Escape kinetics of self-propelled Janus particles from a cavity:
      numerical simulations.
AB  - We numerically investigate the escape kinetics of elliptic Janus particles from
      narrow two-dimensional cavities with reflecting walls. The self-propulsion
      velocity of the Janus particle is directed along either their major (prolate) or
      minor (oblate) axis. We show that the mean exit time is very sensitive to the
      cavity geometry, particle shape, and self-propulsion strength. The mean exit time
      is found to be a minimum when the self-propulsion length is equal to the cavity
      size. We also find the optimum mean escape time as a function of the self
      propulsion velocity, translational diffusion, and particle shape. Thus, effective
      transport control mechanisms for Janus particles in a channel can be implemented.

PMID- 25134542
TI  - Cellular dosimetry calculations for Strontium-90 using Monte Carlo code PENELOPE.
AB  - PURPOSE: To improve risk assessments associated with chronic exposure to
      Strontium-90 (Sr-90), for both the environment and human health, it is necessary
      to know the energy distribution in specific cells or tissue. Monte Carlo (MC)
      simulation codes are extremely useful tools for calculating deposition energy.
      The present work was focused on the validation of the MC code PENetration and
      Energy LOss of Positrons and Electrons (PENELOPE) and the assessment of dose
      distribution to bone marrow cells from punctual Sr-90 source localized within the
      cortical bone part. MATERIALS AND METHODS: S-values (absorbed dose per unit
      cumulated activity) calculations using Monte Carlo simulations were performed by
      using PENELOPE and Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX). Cytoplasm, nucleus,
      cell surface, mouse femur bone and Sr-90 radiation source were simulated. Cells
      are assumed to be spherical with the radii of the cell and cell nucleus ranging
      from 2-10 MUm. The Sr-90 source is assumed to be uniformly distributed in cell
      nucleus, cytoplasm and cell surface. RESULTS: The comparison of S-values
      calculated with PENELOPE to MCNPX results and the Medical Internal Radiation Dose
      (MIRD) values agreed very well since the relative deviations were less than 4.5%.
      The dose distribution to mouse bone marrow cells showed that the cells localized
      near the cortical part received the maximum dose. CONCLUSION: The MC code
      PENELOPE may prove useful for cellular dosimetry involving radiation transport
      through materials other than water, or for complex distributions of radionuclides
      and geometries.

PMID- 25134546
TI  - A renormalized potential-following propagation algorithm for solving the coupled
      channels equations.
AB  - We derive a general renormalized potential-following propagation method that
      efficiently solves the coupled-channels equations. The step size is variable, the
      method is compatible with reactive boundary conditions, and the algorithm may be
      combined with other renormalized algorithms, such as renormalized Numerov. We
      diagonalize the coupling matrix and consider piece-wise constant and linear
      reference potentials. The constant reference potential algorithm is very simple
      to implement, yet for multichannel problems almost as accurate as the linear
      reference potential method. The applicability of the proposed algorithms to
      realistic problems is demonstrated for cold collisions of NH radicals. The
      renormalized approach has the advantage of producing wave functions in a
      straightforward way, which is illustrated for a shape resonance in NH-NH
      collisions. These scattering wave functions can be used to study ultracold
      photoassociation and near-threshold photodissociation. 

PMID- 25134545
TI  - Multiple branched adaptive steered molecular dynamics.
AB  - Steered molecular dynamics, SMD, [S. Park and K. Schulten, J. Chem. Phys. 120,
      5946 (2004)] combined with Jarzynski's equality has been used widely in
      generating free energy profiles for various biological problems, e.g., protein
      folding and ligand binding. However, the calculated averages are generally
      dominated by "rare events" from the ensemble of nonequilibrium trajectories. The
      recently proposed adaptive steered molecular dynamics, ASMD, introduced a new
      idea for selecting important events and eliminating the non-contributing
      trajectories, thus decreasing the overall computation needed. ASMD was shown to
      reduce the number of trajectories needed by a factor of 10 in a benchmarking
      study of decaalanine stretching. Here we propose a novel, highly efficient
      "multiple branching" (MB) version, MB-ASMD, which obtains a more complete
      enhanced sampling of the important trajectories, while still eliminating non
      contributing segments. Compared to selecting a single configuration in ASMD, MB
      ASMD offers to select multiple configurations at each segment along the reaction
      coordinate based on the distribution of work trajectories. We show that MB-ASMD
      has all benefits of ASMD such as faster convergence of the PMF even when pulling
      1000 times faster than the reversible limit while greatly reducing the
      probability of getting trapped in a non-significant path. We also analyze the
      hydrogen bond breaking within the decaalanine peptide as we force the helix into
      a random coil and confirm ASMD results with less noise in the numerical averages.

PMID- 25134547
TI  - Fundamental measure theory for smectic phases: scaling behavior and higher order
      terms.
AB  - The recent extension of Rosenfeld's fundamental measure theory to anisotropic
      hard particles predicts nematic order of rod-like particles. Our analytic study
      of different aligned shapes provides new insights into the structure of this
      density functional, which is basically founded on experience with hard spheres.
      We combine scaling arguments with dimensional crossover and motivate a modified
      expression, which enables an appropriate description of smectic layering. We
      calculate the nematic-smectic-A transition of monodisperse hard spherocylinders
      with and without orientational degrees of freedom and present the equation of
      state and phase diagram including these two liquid crystalline phases in good
      agreement with simulations. We also find improved results related to the
      isotropic-nematic interface. We discuss the quality of empirical corrections and
      the convergence towards an exact second virial coefficient, including higher
      order terms. 

PMID- 25134548
TI  - Analytic derivative couplings for spin-flip configuration interaction singles and
      spin-flip time-dependent density functional theory.
AB  - We revisit the calculation of analytic derivative couplings for configuration
      interaction singles (CIS), and derive and implement these couplings for its spin
      flip variant for the first time. Our algorithm is closely related to the CIS
      analytic energy gradient algorithm and should be straightforward to implement in
      any quantum chemistry code that has CIS analytic energy gradients. The additional
      cost of evaluating the derivative couplings is small in comparison to the cost of
      evaluating the gradients for the two electronic states in question. Incorporation
      of an exchange-correlation term provides an ad hoc extension of this formalism to
      time-dependent density functional theory within the Tamm-Dancoff approximation,
      without the need to invoke quadratic response theory or evaluate third
      derivatives of the exchange-correlation functional. Application to several
      different conical intersections in ethylene demonstrates that minimum-energy
      crossing points along conical seams can be located at substantially reduced cost
      when analytic derivative couplings are employed, as compared to use of a
      branching-plane updating algorithm that does not require these couplings.
      Application to H3 near its D(3h) geometry demonstrates that correct topology is
      obtained in the vicinity of a conical intersection involving a degenerate ground
      state.

PMID- 25134549
TI  - The multifacet graphically contracted function method. I. Formulation and
      implementation.
AB  - The basic formulation for the multifacet generalization of the graphically
      contracted function (MFGCF) electronic structure method is presented. The
      analysis includes the discussion of linear dependency and redundancy of the arc
      factor parameters, the computation of reduced density matrices, Hamiltonian
      matrix construction, spin-density matrix construction, the computation of
      optimization gradients for single-state and state-averaged calculations,
      graphical wave function analysis, and the efficient computation of configuration
      state function and Slater determinant expansion coefficients. Timings are given
      for Hamiltonian matrix element and analytic optimization gradient computations
      for a range of model problems for full-CI Shavitt graphs, and it is observed that
      both the energy and the gradient computation scale as O(N(2)n(4)) for N electrons
      and n orbitals. The important arithmetic operations are within dense matrix
      matrix product computational kernels, resulting in a computationally efficient
      procedure. An initial implementation of the method is used to present
      applications to several challenging chemical systems, including N2 dissociation,
      cubic H8 dissociation, the symmetric dissociation of H2O, and the insertion of Be
      into H2. The results are compared to the exact full-CI values and also to those
      of the previous single-facet GCF expansion form. 

PMID- 25134550
TI  - The multifacet graphically contracted function method. II. A general procedure
      for the parameterization of orthogonal matrices and its application to arc
      factors.
AB  - Practical algorithms are presented for the parameterization of orthogonal
      matrices Q ? R(m*n) in terms of the minimal number of essential parameters {phi}.
      Both square n = m and rectangular n < m situations are examined. Two separate
      kinds of parameterizations are considered, one in which the individual columns of
      Q are distinct, and the other in which only Span(Q) is significant. The latter is
      relevant to chemical applications such as the representation of the arc factors
      in the multifacet graphically contracted function method and the representation
      of orbital coefficients in SCF and DFT methods. The parameterizations are
      represented formally using products of elementary Householder reflector matrices.
      Standard mathematical libraries, such as LAPACK, may be used to perform the basic
      low-level factorization, reduction, and other algebraic operations. Some care
      must be taken with the choice of phase factors in order to ensure stability and
      continuity. The transformation of gradient arrays between the Q and {phi}
      parameterizations is also considered. Operation counts for all factorizations and
      transformations are determined. Numerical results are presented which demonstrate
      the robustness, stability, and accuracy of these algorithms.

PMID- 25134551
TI  - Mesodynamics with implicit degrees of freedom.
AB  - Mesoscale phenomena--involving a level of description between the finest
      atomistic scale and the macroscopic continuum--can be studied by a variation on
      the usual atomistic-level molecular dynamics (MD) simulation technique. In
      mesodynamics, the mass points, rather than being atoms, are mesoscopic in size,
      for instance, representing the centers of mass of polycrystalline grains or
      molecules. In order to reproduce many of the overall features of fully atomistic
      MD, which is inherently more expensive, the equations of motion in mesodynamics
      must be derivable from an interaction potential that is faithful to the
      compressive equation of state, as well as to tensile de-cohesion that occurs
      along the boundaries of the mesoscale units. Moreover, mesodynamics differs from
      Newton's equations of motion in that dissipation--the exchange of energy between
      mesoparticles and their internal degrees of freedom (DoFs)--must be described,
      and so should the transfer of energy between the internal modes of neighboring
      mesoparticles. We present a formulation where energy transfer between the
      internal modes of a mesoparticle and its external center-of-mass DoFs occurs in
      the phase space of mesoparticle coordinates, rather than momenta, resulting in a
      Galilean invariant formulation that conserves total linear momentum and energy
      (including the energy internal to the mesoparticles). We show that this approach
      can be used to describe, in addition to mesoscale problems, conduction electrons
      in atomic-level simulations of metals, and we demonstrate applications of
      mesodynamics to shockwave propagation and thermal transport.

PMID- 25134552
TI  - Sampling microcanonical ensembles of trajectories using harmonic approximation in
      internal coordinates.
AB  - In this paper, we modify quasiclassical harmonic sampling of microcanonical
      ensembles of trajectories by using the curvilinear internal coordinates. The
      harmonic approximation in the curvilinear normal coordinates provides a more
      realistic description of the PES than in the conventional rectilinear ones at
      finite displacements. Therefore, the sampling of vibrations in the internal
      coordinates significantly improves the quality of the sampling in a block-box
      fashion, providing more realistic displacements and reducing the errors in the
      potential energy. In particular, the sampling of large-amplitude torsion
      vibrations, which is non-realistic in the Cartesian modes, becomes accurate or
      acceptable in the curvilinear modes. 

PMID- 25134553
TI  - Nematic-smectic transition of parallel hard spheroellipsoids.
AB  - Spheroellipsoids are truncated ellipsoids with spherical end caps. If gradients
      are assumed to change smoothly at the junction of body and cap, the truncation
      height z0 determines the geometry uniquely. The resulting model particle has only
      two shape parameters, namely, the aspect ratio c/a of the basic ellipsoid and the
      cutoff z0/a. These two parameters can be tuned to yield a continuous
      transformation between a pure ellipsoid and a spherocylinder. Since parallel hard
      spherocylinders display a nematic-smectic A phase transition, while ellipsoids do
      not, the influence of the particle shape on the possibility of a smectic phase
      may be investigated. A density functional analysis is used to detect the dividing
      line, in the (c/a, z0/a) plane, between the presence and absence of the N-S
      transition. Since spheroellipsoids may be useful as generic model particles for
      anisotropic molecules, we provide a computationally efficient overlap criterion
      for a pair in a general, non-parallel configuration.

PMID- 25134554
TI  - Finite-density effects in the Fredrickson-Andersen and Kob-Andersen kinetically
      constrained models.
AB  - We calculate the corrections to the thermodynamic limit of the critical density
      for jamming in the Kob-Andersen and Fredrickson-Andersen kinetically-constrained
      models, and find them to be finite-density corrections, and not finite-size
      corrections. We do this by introducing a new numerical algorithm, which requires
      negligible computer memory since contrary to alternative approaches, it generates
      at each point only the necessary data. The algorithm starts from a single
      unfrozen site and at each step randomly generates the neighbors of the unfrozen
      region and checks whether they are frozen or not. Our results correspond to
      systems of size greater than 10(7) * 10(7), much larger than any simulated
      before, and are consistent with the rigorous bounds on the asymptotic
      corrections. We also find that the average number of sites that seed a critical
      droplet is greater than 1. 

PMID- 25134555
TI  - Theory of charge transport in molecular junctions: from Coulomb blockade to
      coherent tunneling.
AB  - We study charge transport through molecular junctions in the presence of electron
      electron interaction using the nonequilibrium Green's function techniques and the
      renormalized perturbation theory. In the perturbation treatment, the zeroth-order
      Hamiltonian of the molecular junction is composed of independent single-impurity
      Anderson's models, which act as the channels where charges come through or
      occupy, and the interactions between different channels are treated as the
      perturbation. Using this scheme, the effects of molecule-lead, electron-electron,
      and hopping interactions are included nonperturbatively, and the charge transport
      processes can thus be studied in the intermediate parameter range from the
      Coulomb blockade to the coherent tunneling regimes. The concept of quasi
      particles is introduced to describe the kinetic process of charge transport, and
      then the electric current can be studied and calculated. As a test study, the
      Hubbard model is used as the molecular Hamiltonian to simulate dimeric and
      trimeric molecular junctions. Various nonlinear current-voltage characteristics,
      including Coulomb blockade, negative differential resistance, rectification, and
      current hysteresis, are shown in the calculations, and the mechanisms are
      elucidated. 

PMID- 25134556
TI  - Computation of the memory functions in the generalized Langevin models for
      collective dynamics of macromolecules.
AB  - We present a numerical method to approximate the memory functions in the
      generalized Langevin models for the collective dynamics of macromolecules. We
      first derive the exact expressions of the memory functions, obtained from
      projection to subspaces that correspond to the selection of coarse-grain
      variables. In particular, the memory functions are expressed in the forms of
      matrix functions, which will then be approximated by Krylov-subspace methods. It
      will also be demonstrated that the random noise can be approximated under the
      same framework, and the second fluctuation-dissipation theorem is automatically
      satisfied. The accuracy of the method is examined through several numerical
      examples. 

PMID- 25134557
TI  - The third-order algebraic diagrammatic construction method (ADC(3)) for the
      polarization propagator for closed-shell molecules: efficient implementation and
      benchmarking.
AB  - The implementation of an efficient program of the algebraic diagrammatic
      construction method for the polarisation propagator in third-order perturbation
      theory (ADC(3)) for the computation of excited states is reported. The accuracies
      of ADC(2) and ADC(3) schemes have been investigated with respect to Thiel's
      recently established benchmark set for excitation energies and oscillator
      strengths. The calculation of 141 vertical excited singlet and 71 triplet states
      of 28 small to medium-sized organic molecules has revealed that ADC(3) exhibits
      mean error and standard deviation of 0.12 +/- 0.28 eV for singlet states and 
      0.18 +/- 0.16 eV for triplet states when the provided theoretical best estimates
      are used as benchmark. Accordingly, the ADC(2)-s and ADC(2)-x calculations
      revealed accuracies of 0.22 +/- 0.38 eV and -0.70 +/- 0.37 eV for singlets and
      0.12 +/- 0.16 eV and -0.55 +/- 0.20 eV for triplets, respectively. For a
      comparison of CC3 and ADC(3), only non-CC3 benchmark values were considered,
      which comprise 84 singlet states and 19 triplet states. For these singlet states
      CC3 exhibits an accuracy of 0.23 +/- 0.21 eV and ADC(3) an accuracy of 0.08 +/-
      0.27 eV, and accordingly for the triplet states of 0.12 +/- 0.10 eV and -0.10 +/-
      0.13 eV, respectively. Hence, based on the quality of the existing benchmark set
      it is practically not possible to judge whether ADC(3) or CC3 is more accurate,
      however, ADC(3) has a much larger range of applicability due to its more
      favourable scaling of O(N(6)) with system size. 

PMID- 25134559
TI  - An improved classical mapping method for homogeneous electron gases at finite
      temperature.
AB  - We introduce a modified classical mapping method to predict the exchange
      correlation free energy and the structure of homogeneous electron gases (HEG) at
      finite temperature. With the classical map temperature parameterized on the basis
      of the quantum Monte Carlo simulation data for the correlation energy and exact
      results at high and low temperature limits, the new theoretical procedure greatly
      improves the classical mapping method for correlating the energetic properties
      HEG over a broad range of thermodynamic conditions. Improvement can also be
      identified in predicting the long-range components of the spin-averaged pair
      correlation functions. 

PMID- 25134558
TI  - Testing procedures for extracting fluctuation spectra from lipid bilayer
      simulations.
AB  - To address concerns about how to obtain the height-height spectrum from
      simulations of biomembranes, we emulated the fluctuations in real space using
      exact input spectra. Two different methods that have given different results in
      the literature were then used to extract spectra from the emulated fluctuations
      that were then compared to the exact input spectra. A real space method shows
      systematic, but small deviations attributed to splines introducing an artifactual
      filter. A direct Fourier method obtains accurate results when the in-plane
      placement of the emulated particles is uncorrelated with the out-of-plane
      undulations, but systematic underestimates occur when the particle placement is
      more realistically correlated with the undulations. Although quantitative
      corrections cannot be estimated from our one-dimensional model, the results are
      qualitatively consistent with the direct Fourier method underestimating the
      1/q(2) spectral dependence that is characteristic of a tilt degree of freedom in
      simulations. 

PMID- 25134560
TI  - Free energy of RNA-counterion interactions in a tight-binding model computed by a
      discrete space mapping.
AB  - The thermodynamic stability of a folded RNA is intricately tied to the
      counterions and the free energy of this interaction must be accounted for in any
      realistic RNA simulations. Extending a tight-binding model published previously,
      in this paper we investigate the fundamental structure of charges arising from
      the interaction between small functional RNA molecules and divalent ions such as
      Mg(2+) that are especially conducive to stabilizing folded conformations. The
      characteristic nature of these charges is utilized to construct a discretely
      connected energy landscape that is then traversed via a novel application of a
      deterministic graph search technique. This search method can be incorporated into
      larger simulations of small RNA molecules and provides a fast and accurate way to
      calculate the free energy arising from the interactions between an RNA and
      divalent counterions. The utility of this algorithm is demonstrated within a
      fully atomistic Monte Carlo simulation of the P4-P6 domain of the Tetrahymena
      group I intron, in which it is shown that the counterion-mediated free energy
      conclusively directs folding into a compact structure. 

PMID- 25134561
TI  - Universal scaling of potential energy functions describing intermolecular
      interactions. I. Foundations and scalable forms of new generalized Mie, Lennard
      Jones, Morse, and Buckingham exponential-6 potentials.
AB  - Based on the formulation of the analytical expression of the potential V(r)
      describing intermolecular interactions in terms of the dimensionless variables r*
      = r/r(m) and E* = V/E, where r(m) is the separation at the minimum and E the well
      depth, we propose more generalized scalable forms for the commonly used Mie,
      Lennard-Jones, Morse, and Buckingham exponential-6 potential energy functions.
      These new generalized forms have an additional parameter from the original forms
      and revert to the original ones for some choice of that parameter. In this
      respect, the original forms of those potentials can be considered as special
      cases of the more general forms that are introduced. We also propose a scalable,
      non-revertible to the original one, 4-parameter extended Morse potential.

PMID- 25134562
TI  - Universal scaling of potential energy functions describing intermolecular
      interactions. II. The halide-water and alkali metal-water interactions.
AB  - The scaled versions of the newly introduced [S. S. Xantheas and J. C. Werhahn, J.
      Chem. Phys. 141, 064117 (2014)] generalized forms of some popular potential
      energy functions (PEFs) describing intermolecular interactions--Mie, Lennard
      Jones, Morse, and Buckingham exponential-6--have been used to fit the ab initio
      relaxed approach paths and fixed approach paths for the halide-water, X(-)(H2O),
      X = F, Cl, Br, I, and alkali metal-water, M(+)(H2O), M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs,
      interactions. The generalized forms of those PEFs have an additional parameter
      with respect to the original forms and produce fits to the ab initio data that
      are between one and two orders of magnitude better in the chi(2) than the
      original PEFs. They were found to describe both the long-range, minimum and
      repulsive wall of the respective potential energy surfaces quite accurately.
      Overall the 4-parameter extended Morse (eM) and generalized Buckingham
      exponential-6 (gBe-6) potentials were found to best fit the ab initio data for
      these two classes of ion-water interactions. The fitted values of the parameter
      of the (eM) and (gBe-6) PEFs that control the repulsive wall of the potential
      correlate remarkably well with the ionic radii of the halide and alkali metal
      ions.

PMID- 25134563
TI  - Comparison of double-quantum NMR normalization schemes to measure homonuclear
      dipole-dipole interactions.
AB  - A recent implementation of a double-quantum (DQ) recoupling solid-state NMR
      experiment, dubbed DQ-DRENAR, provides a quantitative measure of homonuclear
      dipole-dipole coupling constants in multispin-1/2 systems. It was claimed to be
      more robust than another, previously known experiment relying on the recording of
      point-by-point normalized DQ build-up curves. Focusing on the POST-C7 and BaBa
      xy16 DQ pulse sequences, I here present an in-depth comparison of both approaches
      based upon spin-dynamics simulations, stressing that they are based upon very
      similar principles and that they are largely equivalent when no imperfections are
      present. With imperfections, it is found that DQ-DRENAR/POST-C7 does not fully
      compensate for additional signal dephasing related to chemical shifts (CS) and
      their anisotropy (CSA), which over-compensates the intrinsic CS(A)-related
      efficiency loss of the DQ Hamiltonian and leads to an apparent cancellation
      effect. The simulations further show that the CS(A)-related dephasing in DQ
      DRENAR can be removed by another phase cycle step or an improved super-cycled
      wideband version. Only the latter, or the normalized DQ build-up, are unaffected
      by CS(A)-related signal loss and yield clean pure dipolar-coupling information
      subject to unavoidable, pulse sequence specific performance reduction related to
      higher-order corrections of the dipolar DQ Hamiltonian. The intrinsically super
      cycled BaBa-xy16 is shown to exhibit virtually no CS(A) related imperfection
      terms, but its dipolar performance is somewhat more challenged by CS(A) effects
      than POST-C7, which can however be compensated when applied at very fast MAS (>50
      kHz). Practically, DQ-DRENAR uses a clever phase cycle separation to achieve a
      significantly shorter experimental time, which can also be beneficially employed
      in normalized DQ build-up experiments. 

PMID- 25134565
TI  - Hydrogen migration in formation of NH(A3Pi) radicals via superexcited states in
      photodissociation of isoxazole molecules.
AB  - Formation of the excited NH(A(3)Pi) free radicals in the photodissociation of
      isoxazole (C3H3NO) molecules has been studied over the 14-22 eV energy range
      using photon-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. The NH(A(3)Pi) is produced
      through excitation of the isoxazole molecules into higher-lying superexcited
      states. Observation of the NH radical, which is not a structural unit of the
      isoxazole molecule, corroborates the hydrogen atom (or proton) migration within
      the molecule prior to dissociation. The vertical excitation energies of the
      superexcited states were determined and the dissociation mechanisms of isoxazole
      are discussed. The density functional and ab initio quantum chemical calculations
      have been performed to study the mechanism of the NH formation. 

PMID- 25134566
TI  - Dissociation of H2 on carbon doped aluminum cluster Al6C.
AB  - The dissociation of H2 molecule is the first step for chemical storage of
      hydrogen, and the energy barrier of the dissociation is the key factor to decide
      the kinetics of the regeneration of the storage material. As a light element,
      aluminum is an important candidate component for storage materials with high
      gravimetric density. This paper investigates the adsorption and dissociation of
      H2 on carbon doping aluminum cluster Al6C. The study shows that doping carbon
      into aluminum cluster can significantly change the electronic structure and
      increase the stability. Al6C has a few stable isomers with close energies and
      their structures are quite flexible. The molecular adsorption of H2 on Al6C is
      very weak, but the H2 molecule can be dissociated easily on this cluster. The
      stable product of the dissociated adsorption is searched and the different paths
      for the dissociation are investigated. During the dissociation of H2, the
      structure of the cluster adjusts accordingly, and strong orbital interaction
      between the hydrogen and the cluster occurs. The calculated energy barrier for
      the dissociation is only 0.30 eV, which means the dissociation can take place at
      moderate temperatures. 

PMID- 25134564
TI  - Overhauser effects in insulating solids.
AB  - We report magic angle spinning, dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiments at
      magnetic fields of 9.4 T, 14.1 T, and 18.8 T using the narrow line polarizing
      agents 1,3-bisdiphenylene-2-phenylallyl (BDPA) dispersed in polystyrene, and
      sulfonated-BDPA (SA-BDPA) and trityl OX063 in glassy glycerol/water matrices. The
      (1)H DNP enhancement field profiles of the BDPA radicals exhibit a significant
      DNP Overhauser effect (OE) as well as a solid effect (SE) despite the fact that
      these samples are insulating solids. In contrast, trityl exhibits only a SE
      enhancement. Data suggest that the appearance of the OE is due to rather strong
      electron-nuclear hyperfine couplings present in BDPA and SA-BDPA, which are
      absent in trityl and perdeuterated BDPA (d21-BDPA). In addition, and in contrast
      to other DNP mechanisms such as the solid effect or cross effect, the
      experimental data suggest that the OE in non-conducting solids scales favorably
      with magnetic field, increasing in magnitude in going from 5 T, to 9.4 T, to 14.1
      T, and to 18.8 T. Simulations using a model two spin system consisting of an
      electron hyperfine coupled to a (1)H reproduce the essential features of the
      field profiles and indicate that the OE in these samples originates from the zero
      and double quantum cross relaxation induced by fluctuating hyperfine interactions
      between the intramolecular delocalized unpaired electrons and their neighboring
      nuclei, and that the size of these hyperfine couplings is crucial to the
      magnitude of the enhancements. Microwave power dependent studies show that the OE
      saturates at considerably lower power levels than the solid effect in the same
      samples. Our results provide new insights into the mechanism of the Overhauser
      effect, and also provide a new approach to perform DNP experiments in chemical,
      biophysical, and physical systems at high magnetic fields. 

PMID- 25134567
TI  - Ab initio potential energy surface for methane and carbon dioxide and application
      to vapor-liquid coexistence.
AB  - A six-dimensional intermolecular potential energy surface for a rigid methane
      (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) dimer was developed from the counterpoise
      corrected supermolecular approach at the CCSD(T) level of theory. A total of 466
      grid points distributed to 46 orientations were calculated from the complete
      basis set limit extrapolation based on up to aug-cc-pVQZ basis set. A modified
      site-site pair potential function was proposed for rapid representation of the
      high level ab initio calculations. A nonadditive three-body interaction was
      represented by the Axilrod-Teller-Muto expression for mixtures with the
      polarizability and the London dispersion constant of each molecule. Second to
      fourth virial coefficients of CH4 and CO2 mixtures were calculated using both the
      Mayer sampling Monte Carlo method and the present potential functions. The virial
      equation of state derived from these coefficients was used to predict the pVT
      values and showed good agreement with experimental data below 200 bar at 300 K.
      The vapor-liquid coexistence curves of pure CH4, CO2 and their mixtures were
      presented with the aid of Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. The predicted
      tie lines agreed with the experimental data within the uncertainties up to near
      the critical point. 

PMID- 25134568
TI  - Rotational analysis of the 301 band of the A6Sigma+ <- X6Sigma+ system of CrCCH.
AB  - The spectrum of chromium acetylide, CrCCH, has been investigated in the near
      infrared region (10,500-14,500 cm(-1)) and an intense band system is observed.
      The 301 band of this system has been investigated at high resolution (0.025 cm(
      1)) and this system is identified as the A6Sigma+ <- X6Sigma+ system, analogous
      to the near IR spectra of the CrH, CrF, and CrCl molecules. Among the many
      unidentified lines, we have assigned 341 lines belonging to 43 of the 54 allowed
      branches. Using combination differences, the rotational constants of the ground
      state have been determined. Computational results on the ground state are also
      reported, along with a comparison to other monoligated monovalent chromium
      compounds.

PMID- 25134569
TI  - Resonances in photoabsorption: predissociation line shapes in the 3ppiD1Pi(u)+ <-
      X1Sigma(g)+ system in H2.
AB  - The predissociation of the 3ppiD1Pi(u)+, v >= 3, N = 2, and N = 3 levels of
      diatomic hydrogen is calculated by ab initio multichannel quantum defect theory
      combined with a R-matrix type approach that accounts for interfering
      predissociation and autoionization. The theory yields absorption line widths and
      shapes that are in good agreement with those observed in the high-resolution
      synchrotron vacuum-ultraviolet absorption spectra obtained by Dickenson et al.
      [J. Chem. Phys. 133, 144317 (2010)] at the DESIRS beamline of the SOLEIL
      synchrotron. The theory predicts further that many of the D state resonances with
      v ? 6 exhibit a complex fine structure which cannot be modeled by the Fano
      profile formula and which has not yet been observed experimentally.

PMID- 25134570
TI  - A comparative account of quantum dynamics of the H+ + H2 reaction at low
      temperature on two different potential energy surfaces.
AB  - Rotationally resolved reaction probabilities, integral cross sections, and rate
      constant for the H(+) + H2 (v = 0, j = 0 or 1) -> H2 (v' = 0, j') + H(+) reaction
      are calculated using a time-independent quantum mechanical method and the
      potential energy surface of Kamisaka et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 116, 654 (2002)] (say
      KBNN PES). All partial wave contributions of the total angular momentum, J, are
      included to obtain converged cross sections at low collision energies and rate
      constants at low temperatures. In order to test the accuracy of the KBNN PES, the
      results obtained here are compared with those obtained in our earlier work [P.
      Honvault et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 023201 (2011)] using the accurate
      potential energy surface of Velilla et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 129, 084307 (2008)].
      Integral cross sections and rate constants obtained on the two potential energy
      surfaces considered here show remarkable differences in terms of magnitude and
      dependence on collision energy (or temperature) which can be attributed to the
      differences observed in the topography of the surfaces near to the entrance
      channel. This clearly shows the inadequacy of the KBNN PES for calculations at
      low collision energies. 

PMID- 25134571
TI  - Interatomic Coulombic decay following resonant core excitation of Ar in argon
      dimer.
AB  - A scheme utilizing excitation of core electrons followed by the resonant-Auger -
      interatomic Coulombic decay (RA-ICD) cascade was recently proposed as a means of
      controlling the generation site and energies of slow ICD electrons. This control
      mechanism was verified in a series of experiments in rare gas dimers. In this
      article, we present fully ab initio computed ICD electron and kinetic energy
      release spectra produced following 2p(3/2) -> 4s, 2p(1/2) -> 4s, and 2p(3/2) ->
      3d core excitations of Ar in Ar2. We demonstrate that the manifold of ICD states
      populated in the resonant Auger process comprises two groups. One consists of
      lower energy ionization satellites characterized by fast interatomic decay, while
      the other consists of slow decaying higher energy ionization satellites. We show
      that accurate description of nuclear dynamics in the latter ICD states is crucial
      for obtaining theoretical electron and kinetic energy release spectra in good
      agreement with the experiment.

PMID- 25134572
TI  - Electronic and optical properties of pure and modified diamondoids studied by
      many-body perturbation theory and time-dependent density functional theory.
AB  - Diamondoids are small diamond nanoparticles (NPs) that are built up from diamond
      cages. Unlike usual semiconductor NPs, their atomic structure is exactly known,
      thus they are ideal test-beds for benchmarking quantum chemical calculations.
      Their usage in spintronics and bioimaging applications requires a detailed
      knowledge of their electronic structure and optical properties. In this paper, we
      apply density functional theory (DFT) based methods to understand the electronic
      and optical properties of a few selected pure and modified diamondoids for which
      accurate experimental data exist. In particular, we use many-body perturbation
      theory methods, in the G0W0 and G0W0+BSE approximations, and time-dependent DFT
      in the adiabatic local density approximation. We find large quasiparticle gap
      corrections that can exceed thrice the DFT gap. The electron-hole binding energy
      can be as large as 4 eV but it is considerably smaller than the GW corrections
      and thus G0W0+BSE optical gaps are about 50% larger than the Kohn-Sham (KS) DFT
      gaps. We find significant differences between KS time-dependent DFT and GW+BSE
      optical spectra on the selected diamondoids. The calculated G0W0 quasiparticle
      levels agree well with the corresponding experimental vertical ionization
      energies. We show that nuclei dynamics in the ionization process can be
      significant and its contribution may reach about 0.5 eV in the adiabatic
      ionization energies. 

PMID- 25134573
TI  - Brownian aggregation rate of colloid particles with several active sites.
AB  - We theoretically analyze the aggregation kinetics of colloid particles with
      several active sites. Such particles (so-called "patchy particles") are well
      known as chemically anisotropic reactants, but the corresponding rate constant of
      their aggregation has not yet been established in a convenient analytical form.
      Using kinematic approximation for the diffusion problem, we derived an analytical
      formula for the diffusion-controlled reaction rate constant between two colloid
      particles (or clusters) with several small active sites under the following
      assumptions: the relative translational motion is Brownian diffusion, and the
      isotropic stochastic reorientation of each particle is Markovian and arbitrarily
      correlated. This formula was shown to produce accurate results in comparison with
      more sophisticated approaches. Also, to account for the case of a low number of
      active sites per particle we used Monte Carlo stochastic algorithm based on
      Gillespie method. Simulations showed that such discrete model is required when
      this number is less than 10. Finally, we applied the developed approach to the
      simulation of immunoagglutination, assuming that the formed clusters have fractal
      structure. 

PMID- 25134574
TI  - Spectroscopy and picosecond dynamics of aqueous NO2.
AB  - We investigate the formation of aqueous nitrogen dioxide, NO2 formed through
      femtosecond photolysis of nitrate, NO3- and nitromethane CH3NO2(aq). Common to
      the experiments is the observation of a strong induced absorption at 1610 +/- 10
      cm(-1), assigned to the asymmetric stretch vibration in the ground state of NO2.
      This assignment is substantiated through isotope experiments substituting (14)N
      by (15)N, experiments at different pH values, and by theoretical calculations and
      simulations of NO2-D2O clusters.

PMID- 25134575
TI  - The non-statistical dynamics of the 18O + 32O2 isotope exchange reaction at two
      energies.
AB  - The dynamics of the (18)O((3)P) + (32)O2 isotope exchange reaction were studied
      using crossed atomic and molecular beams at collision energies (E(coll)) of 5.7
      and 7.3 kcal/mol, and experimental results were compared with quantum statistical
      (QS) and quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculations on the O3(X(1)A')
      potential energy surface (PES) of Babikov et al. [D. Babikov, B. K. Kendrick, R.
      B. Walker, R. T. Pack, P. Fleurat-Lesard, and R. Schinke, J. Chem. Phys. 118,
      6298 (2003)]. In both QS and QCT calculations, agreement with experiment was
      markedly improved by performing calculations with the experimental distribution
      of collision energies instead of fixed at the average collision energy. At both
      collision energies, the scattering displayed a forward bias, with a smaller bias
      at the lower E(coll). Comparisons with the QS calculations suggest that (34)O2 is
      produced with a non-statistical rovibrational distribution that is hotter than
      predicted, and the discrepancy is larger at the lower E(coll). If this
      underprediction of rovibrational excitation by the QS method is not due to PES
      errors and/or to non-adiabatic effects not included in the calculations, then
      this collision energy dependence is opposite to what might be expected based on
      collision complex lifetime arguments and opposite to that measured for the
      forward bias. While the QCT calculations captured the experimental product
      vibrational energy distribution better than the QS method, the QCT results
      underpredicted rotationally excited products, overpredicted forward-bias and
      predicted a trend in the strength of forward-bias with collision energy opposite
      to that measured, indicating that it does not completely capture the dynamic
      behavior measured in the experiment. Thus, these results further underscore the
      need for improvement in theoretical treatments of dynamics on the O3(X(1)A') PES
      and perhaps of the PES itself in order to better understand and predict non
      statistical effects in this reaction and in the formation of ozone (in which the
      intermediate O3* complex is collisionally stabilized by a third body). The
      scattering data presented here at two different collision energies provide
      important benchmarks to guide these improvements.

PMID- 25134576
TI  - Theoretical investigation of intersystem crossing between the a1A1 and X3B1
      states of CH2 induced by collisions with helium.
AB  - Collisional energy transfer between the ground (X3B1) and first excited (a1A1)
      states of CH2 is facilitated by strong mixing of the rare pairs of accidentally
      degenerate rotational levels in the ground vibrational manifold of the [Formula:
      see text] state and the (020) and (030) excited bending vibrational manifolds of
      the X state. The simplest model for this process involves coherent mixing of the
      scattering T-matrix elements associated with collisional transitions within the
      unmixed a and X states. From previous calculations in our group, we have
      determined cross sections and room-temperature rate constants for intersystem
      crossing of CH2 by collision with He. These are used in simulations of the time
      dependence of the energy flow, both within and between the X and a vibronic
      manifolds. Relaxation proceeds through three steps: (a) rapid equilibration of
      the two mixed-pair levels, (b) fast relaxation within the a state, and (c) slower
      relaxation among the levels of the X state. Collisional transfer between the fine
      structure levels of the triplet (X) state is very slow.

PMID- 25134577
TI  - Spectral shapes of Ar-broadened HCl lines in the fundamental band by classical
      molecular dynamics simulations and comparison with experiments.
AB  - Spectral shapes of isolated lines of HCl perturbed by Ar are investigated for the
      first time using classical molecular dynamics simulations (CMDS). Using reliable
      intermolecular potentials taken from the literature, these CMDS provide the time
      evolution of the auto-correlation function of the dipole moment, whose Fourier
      Laplace transform leads to the absorption spectrum. In order to test these
      calculations, room temperature spectra of various lines in the fundamental band
      of HCl diluted in Ar are measured, in a large pressure range, with a difference
      frequency laser spectrometer. Comparisons between measured and calculated spectra
      show that the CMDS are able to predict the large Dicke narrowing effect on the
      shape of HCl lines and to satisfactorily reproduce the shapes of HCl spectra at
      different pressures and for various rotational quantum numbers. 

PMID- 25134578
TI  - Theoretical predictions of properties and volatility of chlorides and
      oxychlorides of group-4 elements. I. Electronic structures and properties of MCl4
      and MOCl2 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf, and Rf).
AB  - Relativistic, infinite order exact two-component, density functional theory
      electronic structure calculations were performed for MCl4 and MOCl2 of group-4
      elements Ti, Zr, Hf, and element 104, Rf, with the aim to predict their behaviour
      in gas-phase chromatography experiments. RfCl4 and RfOCl2 were shown to be less
      stable than their lighter homologs in the group, tetrachlorides and oxychlorides
      of Zr and Hf, respectively. The oxychlorides turned out to be stable as a bent
      structure, though the stabilization energy with respect to the flat one (C(2v))
      is very small. The trend in the formation of the tetrachlorides from the
      oxychlorides in group 4 is shown to be Zr < Hf < Rf, while the one in the
      formation of the oxychlorides from the chlorides is opposite. All the calculated
      properties are used to estimate adsorption energy of these species on various
      surfaces in order to interpret results of gas-phase chromatography experiments,
      as is shown in Paper II.

PMID- 25134579
TI  - Theoretical predictions of properties and volatility of chlorides and
      oxychlorides of group-4 elements. II. Adsorption of tetrachlorides and
      oxydichlorides of Zr, Hf, and Rf on neutral and modified surfaces.
AB  - With the aim to interpret results of gas-phase chromatography experiments on
      volatility of group-4 tetrachlorides and oxychlorides including those of Rf,
      adsorption enthalpies of these species on neutral, and modified quartz surfaces
      were estimated on the basis of relativistic, two-component Density Functional
      Theory calculations of MCl4, MOCl2, MCl6(-), and MOCl4(2) with the use of
      adsorption models. Several mechanisms of adsorption were considered. In the case
      of physisorption of MCl4, the trend in the adsorption energy in the group should
      be Zr > Hf > Rf, so that the volatility should change in the opposite direction.
      The latter trend complies with the one in the sublimation enthalpies,
      DeltaH(sub), of the Zr and Hf tetrachlorides, i.e., Zr < Hf. On the basis of a
      correlation between these quantities, DeltaH(sub)(RfCl4) was predicted as 104.2
      kJ/mol. The energy of physisorption of MOCl2 on quartz should increase in the
      group, Zr < Hf < Rf, as defined by increasing dipole moments of these molecules
      along the series. In the case of adsorption of MCl4 on quartz by chemical forces,
      formation of the MOCl2 or MOCl4(2-) complexes on the surface can take place, so
      that the sequence in the adsorption energy should be Zr > Hf > Rf, as defined by
      the complex formation energies. In the case of adsorption of MCl4 on a
      chlorinated quartz surface, formation of the MCl6(2-) surface complexes can
      occur, so that the trend in the adsorption strength should be Zr <= Hf < Rf. All
      the predicted sequences, showing a smooth change of the adsorption energy in the
      group, are in disagreement with the reversed trend Zr ~ Rf < Hf, observed in the
      "one-atom-at-a-time" gas-phase chromatography experiments. Thus, currently no
      theoretical explanation can be found for the experimental observations.

PMID- 25134580
TI  - Vibronic coupling in asymmetric bichromophores: experimental investigation of
      diphenylmethane-d5.
AB  - Vibrationally and rotationally resolved electronic spectra of diphenylmethane-d5
      (DPM-d5) are reported in the isolated-molecule environment of a supersonic
      expansion. While small, the asymmetry induced by deuteration of one of the
      aromatic rings is sufficient to cause several important effects that change the
      principle mechanism of vibronic coupling between the close-lying S1 and S2
      states, and spectroscopic signatures such coupling produces. The splitting
      between S1 and S2 origins is 186 cm(-1), about 50% greater than its value in DPM
      d0 (123 cm(-1)), and an amount sufficient to bring the S2 zero-point level into
      near-resonance with the v = 1 level in the S1 state of a low-frequency phenyl
      flapping mode, nu(R) = 191 cm(-1). Dispersed fluorescence spectra bear clear
      evidence that Deltav(R) = 1 Herzberg-Teller coupling dominates the near-resonant
      internal mixing between the S1 and S2 manifolds. The fluorescence into each pair
      of Franck-Condon active ring modes shows an asymmetry that suggests incorrectly
      that the S1 and S2 states may be electronically localized. From rotationally
      resolved studies, the S0 and S1 states have been well-fit to asymmetric rotor
      Hamiltonians while the S2 state is perturbed and not fit. The transition dipole
      moment (TDM) orientation of the S1 state is nearly perpendicular to the C2
      symmetry axes with 66(2)%:3(1)%:34(2)% a:b:c hybrid-type character while that of
      the S2 origin contains 50(10)% a:c-type (S1) and 50(10)% b-type (S2) character. A
      model is put forward that explains qualitatively the TDM compositions and
      dispersed emission patterns without the need to invoke electronic localization.
      The experimental data discussed here serve as a foundation for a multi-mode
      vibronic coupling model capable of being applied to asymmetric bichromophores, as
      presented in the work of B. Nebgen and L. V. Slipchenko ["Vibronic coupling in
      asymmetric bichromophores: Theory and application to diphenylmethane-d5," J.
      Chem. Phys. (submitted)].

PMID- 25134581
TI  - The cyclopropene radical cation: rovibrational level structure at low energies
      from high-resolution photoelectron spectra.
AB  - The cyclopropene radical cation (c-C3H4+) is an important but poorly
      characterized three-membered-ring hydrocarbon. We report on a measurement of the
      high-resolution photoelectron and photoionization spectra of cyclopropene and
      several deuterated isotopomers, from which we have determined the rovibrational
      energy level structure of the X+ (2)B2 ground electronic state of c-C3H4+ at low
      energies for the first time. The synthesis of the partially deuterated
      isotopomers always resulted in mixtures of several isotopomers, differing in
      their number of D atoms and in the location of these atoms, so that the
      photoelectron spectra of deuterated samples are superpositions of the spectra of
      several isotopomers. The rotationally resolved spectra indicate a C(2v)-symmetric
      R0 structure for the ground electronic state of c-C3H4+. Two vibrational modes of
      c-C3H4+ are found to have vibrational wave numbers below 300 cm(-1), which is
      surprising for such a small cyclic hydrocarbon. The analysis of the isotopic
      shifts of the vibrational levels enabled the assignment of the lowest-frequency
      mode (fundamental wave number of ~110 cm(-1) in c-C3H4+) to the CH2 torsional
      mode (nu8+, A2 symmetry) and of the second-lowest-frequency mode (~210 cm(-1) in
      c-C3H4+) to a mode combining a CH out-of-plane with a CH2 rocking motion (nu15+,
      B2 symmetry). The potential energy along the CH2 torsional coordinate is flat
      near the equilibrium structure and leads to a pronounced anharmonicity.

PMID- 25134582
TI  - Dispersion corrected RPBE studies of liquid water.
AB  - The structure of liquid water has been addressed by ab initio molecular dynamics
      simulations based on density functional theory. Exchange-correlation effects have
      been described by the popular PBE and RPBE functionals within the generalized
      gradient approximation as these functionals also yield satisfactory results for
      metals which is important to model electrochemical interfaces from first
      principles. In addition, dispersive interactions are included by using dispersion
      corrected schemes. It turns out that the dispersion-corrected RPBE functional
      reproduces liquid water properties quite well in contrast to the PBE functional.
      This is caused by the replacement of the over-estimated directional hydrogen
      bonding in the PBE functional by non-directional dispersive interactions. 

PMID- 25134583
TI  - Structure and aggregation in model tetramethylurea solutions.
AB  - The structure of model aqueous tetramethylurea (TMU) solutions is investigated
      employing large-scale (32,000, 64,000 particles) molecular dynamics simulations.
      Results are reported for TMU mole fractions, X(t), ranging from infinite dilution
      up to 0.07, and for two temperatures, 300 and 330 K. Two existing force fields
      for TMU-water solutions are considered. These are the GROMOS 53A6 united-atom TMU
      model combined with SPC/E water [TMU(GROMOS-UA)/W(SPC/E)], and the more
      frequently employed AMBER03 all-atom force field for TMU combined with the TIP3P
      water model [TMU(AMBER-AA)/W(TIP3P)]. It is shown that TMU has a tendency towards
      aggregation for both models considered, but the tendency is significantly
      stronger for the [TMU(AMBER-AA)/W(TIP3P)] force field. For this model signs of
      aggregation are detected at X(t) = 0.005, aggregation is a well established
      feature of the solution at X(t) = 0.02, and the aggregates increase further in
      size with increasing concentration. This is in agreement with at least some
      experimental studies, which report signals of aggregation in the low
      concentration regime. The TMU aggregates exhibit little structure and are simply
      loosely ordered, TMU-rich regions of solution. The [TMU(GROMOS-UA)/W(SPC/E)]
      model shows strong signs of aggregation only at higher concentrations (X(t) ?
      0.04), and the aggregates appear more loosely ordered, and less well-defined than
      those occurring in the [TMU(AMBER-AA)/W(TIP3P)] system. For both models, TMU
      aggregation increases when the temperature is increased from 300 to 330 K,
      consistent with an underlying entropy driven, hydrophobic interaction mechanism.
      At X(t) = 0.07, the extra-molecular correlation length expected for
      microheterogeneous solutions has become comparable with the size of the
      simulation cell for both models considered, indicating that even the systems
      simulated here are sufficiently large only at low concentrations.

PMID- 25134584
TI  - Properties of a planar electric double layer under extreme conditions
      investigated by classical density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulations.
AB  - Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and classical density functional theory (DFT) results
      are reported for the structural and electrostatic properties of a planar electric
      double layer containing ions having highly asymmetric diameters or valencies
      under extreme concentration condition. In the applied DFT, for the excess free
      energy contribution due to the hard sphere repulsion, a recently elaborated
      extended form of the fundamental measure functional is used, and coupling of
      Coulombic and short range hard-sphere repulsion is described by a traditional
      second-order functional perturbation expansion approximation. Comparison between
      the MC and DFT results indicates that validity interval of the traditional DFT
      approximation expands to high ion valences running up to 3 and size asymmetry
      high up to diameter ratio of 4 whether the high valence ions or the large size
      ion are co- or counter-ions; and to a high bulk electrolyte concentration being
      close to the upper limit of the electrolyte mole concentration the MC simulation
      can deal with well. The DFT accuracy dependence on the ion parameters can be self
      consistently explained using arguments of liquid state theory, and new EDL
      phenomena such as overscreening effect due to monovalent counter-ions, extreme
      layering effect of counter-ions, and appearance of a depletion layer with almost
      no counter- and co-ions are observed. 

PMID- 25134585
TI  - First-principles high-pressure unreacted equation of state and heat of formation
      of crystal 2,6-diamino-3, 5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide (LLM-105).
AB  - We report dispersion-corrected density functional theoretical calculations of the
      unreacted equation of state (EOS) of crystal 2,6-diamino-3, 5-dinitropyrazine-1
      oxide (LLM-105) under hydrostatic compression of up to 45 GPa. Convergence tests
      for k-points sampling in the Brillouin zone show that a 3 * 1 * 2 mesh is
      required to reproduce the X-ray crystal structure at ambient conditions, and we
      confirm our finding with a separate supercell calculation. Our high-pressure EOS
      yields a bulk modulus of 19.2 GPa, and indicates a tendency towards anisotropic
      compression along the b lattice vector due to molecular orientations within the
      lattice. We find that the electronic energy band gap decreases from a
      semiconductor type of 1.3 eV at 0 GPa to quasi-metallic type of 0.6 eV at 45 GPa.
      The extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving the oxide (-NO) and dioxide
      (-NO2) interactions with the amine (-NH2) group showed enhanced interactions with
      increasing pressure that should be discernible in the mid IR spectral region. We
      do not find evidence for structural phase transitions or chemically induced
      transformations within the pressure range of our study. The gas phase heat of
      formation is calculated at the G4 level of theory to be 22.48 kcal/mol, while we
      obtain 25.92 kcal/mol using the ccCA-PS3 method. Density functional theory
      calculations of the crystal and the gas phases provided an estimate for the heat
      of sublimation of 32.4 kcal/mol. We thus determine the room-temperature solid
      heat of formation of LLM-105 to be -9.9 or -6.5 kcal/mol based on the G4 or ccCA
      PS3 methods, respectively. 

PMID- 25134586
TI  - Challenges in first-principles NPT molecular dynamics of soft porous crystals: a
      case study on MIL-53(Ga).
AB  - Soft porous crystals present a challenge to molecular dynamics simulations with
      flexible size and shape of the simulation cell (i.e., in the NPT ensemble), since
      their framework responds very sensitively to small external stimuli. Hence, all
      interactions have to be described very accurately in order to obtain correct
      equilibrium structures. Here, we report a methodological study on the nanoporous
      metal-organic framework MIL-53(Ga), which undergoes a large-amplitude transition
      between a narrow- and a large-pore phase upon a change in temperature. Since this
      system has not been investigated by density functional theory (DFT)-based NPT
      simulations so far, we carefully check the convergence of the stress tensor with
      respect to computational parameters. Furthermore, we demonstrate the importance
      of dispersion interactions and test two different ways of incorporating them into
      the DFT framework. As a result, we propose two computational schemes which
      describe accurately the narrow- and the large-pore phase of the material,
      respectively. These schemes can be used in future work on the delicate interplay
      between adsorption in the nanopores and structural flexibility of the host
      material. 

PMID- 25134588
TI  - Point defect weakened thermal contraction in monolayer graphene.
AB  - We investigate the thermal expansion behaviors of monolayer graphene and three
      configurations of graphene with point defects, namely the replacement of one
      carbon atom with a boron or nitrogen atom, or of two neighboring carbon atoms by
      boron-nitrogen atoms, based on calculations using first-principles density
      functional theory. It is found that the thermal contraction of monolayer graphene
      is significantly decreased by point defects. Moreover, the corresponding
      temperature for negative linear thermal expansion coefficient with the maximum
      absolute value is reduced. The cause is determined to be point defects that
      enhance the mechanical strength of graphene and then reduce the amplitude and
      phonon frequency of the out-of-plane acoustic vibration mode. Such defect
      weakening of graphene thermal contraction will be useful in nanotechnology to
      diminish the mismatching or strain between the graphene and its substrate. 

PMID- 25134587
TI  - Lateral critical Casimir force in 2D Ising strip with inhomogeneous walls.
AB  - We analyze the lateral critical Casimir force acting between two planar,
      chemically inhomogeneous walls confining an infinite 2D Ising strip of width M.
      The inhomogeneity of each of the walls has size N1; they are shifted by the
      distance L along the strip. Using the exact diagonalization of the transfer
      matrix, we calculate the lateral critical Casimir force and discuss its
      properties, in particular its scaling close to the 2D bulk critical point, as a
      function of temperature, surface magnetic field, and the geometric parameters M,
      N1, L. We determine the magnetization profiles which display the formation of the
      bridge joining the inhomogeneities on the walls and establish the relation
      between the characteristic properties of the lateral Casimir force and
      magnetization morphologies. We check numerically that breaking of the bridge is
      related to the inflection point of the lateral force. 

PMID- 25134589
TI  - Lone-pair interactions and photodissociation of compressed nitrogen trifluoride.
AB  - High-pressure behavior of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) was investigated by Raman
      and IR spectroscopy at pressures up to 55 GPa and room temperature, as well as by
      periodic calculations up to 100 GPa. Experimentally, we find three solid-solid
      phase transitions at 9, 18, and 39.5 GPa. Vibrational spectroscopy indicates that
      in all observed phases NF3 remains in the molecular form, in contrast to the
      behavior of compressed ammonia. This finding is confirmed by density functional
      theory calculations, which also indicate that the phase transitions of compressed
      NF3 are governed by the interplay between lone-pair interactions and efficient
      molecule packing. Although nitrogen trifluoride is molecular in the whole
      pressure range studied, we show that it can be photodissociated by mid-IR laser
      radiation. This finding paves the way for the use of NF3 as an oxidizing and
      fluorinating agent in high-pressure reactions. 

PMID- 25134590
TI  - Tunable electronic and optical properties of monolayer silicane under tensile
      strain: a many-body study.
AB  - The electronic structure and optical response of silicane to strain are
      investigated by employing first-principles calculations based on many-body
      perturbation theory. The bandgap can be efficiently engineered in a broad range
      and an indirect to direct bandgap transition is observed under a strain of 2.74%;
      the semiconducting silicane can even be turned into a metal under a very large
      strain. The transitions derive from the persistent downward shift of the lowest
      conduction band at the Gamma-point upon an increasing strain. The quasi-particle
      bandgaps of silicane are sizable due to the weak dielectric screening and the low
      dimension; they are rapidly reduced as strain increases while the exciton bound
      energy is not that sensitive. Moreover, the optical absorption edge of the
      strained silicane significantly shifts towards a low photon energy region and
      falls into the visible light range, which might serve as a promising candidate
      for optoelectronic devices. 

PMID- 25134591
TI  - Hydrogen adsorption in metal-organic frameworks: the role of nuclear quantum
      effects.
AB  - The role of nuclear quantum effects on the adsorption of molecular hydrogen in
      metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been investigated on grounds of Grand
      Canonical Quantized Liquid Density-Functional Theory (GC-QLDFT) calculations. For
      this purpose, we have carefully validated classical H2-host interaction
      potentials that are obtained by fitting Born-Oppenheimer ab initio reference
      data. The hydrogen adsorption has first been assessed classically using Liquid
      Density-Functional Theory and the Grand-Canonical Monte Carlo methods. The
      results have been compared against the semi-classical treatment of quantum
      effects by applying the Feynman-Hibbs correction to the Born-Oppenheimer-derived
      potentials, and by explicit treatment within the GC-QLDFT. The results are
      compared with experimental data and indicate pronounced quantum and possibly many
      particle effects. After validation calculations have been carried out for IRMOF-1
      (MOF-5), GC-QLDFT is applied to study the adsorption of H2 in a series of MOFs,
      including IRMOF-4, -6, -8, -9, -10, -12, -14, -16, -18, and MOF-177. Finally, we
      discuss the evolution of the H2 quantum fluid with increasing pressure and
      lowering temperature. 

PMID- 25134592
TI  - Density functional theory study of CO-induced segregation in gold-based alloys.
AB  - This paper reports a systematic study of the effect of CO gas on the chemical
      composition at the surface of gold-based alloys. Using DFT periodic calculations
      in presence of adsorbed CO the segregation behavior of group 9-10-11 transition
      metals (Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd, Ni, Ir, Rh, Co) substituted in semi-infinite gold
      surfaces is investigated. Although, CO is found to be more strongly adsorbed on
      (100) than on the (111) surface, the segregation of M impurities is found to be
      more pronounced on the (111) surface. The results reveal two competitive effects:
      the effect of M on CO and the effect of CO on M. Thus, on one hand, if M exists
      on the (100) gold facet, CO would be strongly adsorbed on it. But if M is
      initially located in the bulk, it would segregate to the (111) facet instead of
      the (100) in order to bind to CO. 

PMID- 25134593
TI  - Multi-scale times and modes of fast and slow relaxation in solutions with
      coexisting spherical and cylindrical micelles according to the difference Becker
      Doring kinetic equations.
AB  - The eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the matrix of coefficients of the linearized
      kinetic equations applied to aggregation in surfactant solution determine the
      full spectrum of characteristic times and specific modes of micellar relaxation.
      The dependence of these relaxation times and modes on the total surfactant
      concentration has been analyzed for concentrations in the vicinity and well above
      the second critical micelle concentration (cmc2) for systems with coexisting
      spherical and cylindrical micelles. The analysis has been done on the basis of a
      discrete form of the Becker-Doring kinetic equations employing the Smoluchowsky
      diffusion model for the attachment rates of surfactant monomers to surfactant
      aggregates with matching the rates for spherical aggregates and the rates for
      large cylindrical micelles. The equilibrium distribution of surfactant aggregates
      in solution has been modeled as having one maximum for monomers, another maximum
      for spherical micelles and wide slowly descending branch for cylindrical
      micelles. The results of computations have been compared with the analytical ones
      known in the limiting cases from solutions of the continuous Becker-Doring
      kinetic equation. They demonstrated a fair agreement even in the vicinity of the
      cmc2 where the analytical theory looses formally its applicability. 

PMID- 25134594
TI  - Simulation of electric double layers around charged colloids in aqueous solution
      of variable permittivity.
AB  - The ion distribution around charged colloids in solution has been investigated
      intensely during the last decade. However, few theoretical approaches have
      included the influence of variation in the dielectric permittivity within the
      system, let alone in the surrounding solvent. In this article, we introduce two
      relatively new methods that can solve the Poisson equation for systems with
      varying permittivity. The harmonic interpolation method approximately solves the
      Green's function in terms of a spherical harmonics series, and thus provides
      analytical ion-ion potentials for the Hamiltonian of charged systems. The Maxwell
      equations molecular dynamics algorithm features a local approach to
      electrostatics, allowing for arbitrary local changes of the dielectric constant.
      We show that the results of both methods are in very good agreement. We also
      found that the renormalized charge of the colloid, and with it the effective far
      field interaction, significantly changes if the dielectric properties within the
      vicinity of the colloid are changed. 

PMID- 25134595
TI  - Bilayer registry in a multicomponent asymmetric membrane: dependence on lipid
      composition and chain length.
AB  - A question of considerable interest to cell membrane biology is whether phase
      segregated domains across an asymmetric bilayer are strongly correlated with each
      other and whether phase segregation in one leaflet can induce segregation in the
      other. We answer both these questions in the affirmative, using an atomistic
      molecular dynamics simulation to study the equilibrium statistical properties of
      a 3-component asymmetric lipid bilayer comprising an unsaturated palmitoyl-oleoyl
      phosphatidyl-choline, a saturated sphingomyelin, and cholesterol with different
      composition ratios. Our simulations are done by fixing the composition of the
      upper leaflet to be at the coexistence of the liquid ordered (l(o))-liquid
      disordered (l(d)) phases, while the composition of the lower leaflet is varied
      from the phase coexistence regime to the mixed l(d) phase, across a first-order
      phase boundary. In the regime of phase coexistence in each leaflet, we find
      strong transbilayer correlations of the l(o) domains across the two leaflets,
      resulting in bilayer registry. This transbilayer correlation depends sensitively
      upon the chain length of the participating lipids and possibly other features of
      lipid chemistry, such as degree of saturation. We find that the l(o) domains in
      the upper leaflet can induce phase segregation in the lower leaflet, when the
      latter is nominally in the mixed (l(d)) phase.

PMID- 25134596
TI  - Molar mass and temperature dependence of the thermodiffusion of polyethylene
      oxide in water/ethanol mixtures.
AB  - In this work, we study the molar mass dependence of the thermodiffusion of
      polyethylene oxide at different temperatures in ethanol, water/ethanol mixture
      (c(water) = 0.7), and water in a molar mass range up to M(w) = 180,000 g/mol. Due
      to the low solubility of polyethylene oxide oligomers in ethanol the measurements
      are limited up to M(w) = 2200 g/mol. The specific water/ethanol concentration 0.7
      has been chosen, because at this weight fraction the thermal diffusion
      coefficient, D(T), of water/ethanol vanishes so that the system can be treated as
      a pseudo binary mixture. The addition of ethanol will degrade the solvent
      quality, so that we expect a change of the interaction energies between polymer
      and solvent. The analysis of the experimental data within a theoretical model
      shows the need of a refined model, which takes specific interactions into
      account.

PMID- 25134597
TI  - Isolating the non-polar contributions to the intermolecular potential for water
      alkane interactions.
AB  - Intermolecular potential models for water and alkanes describe pure component
      properties fairly well, but fail to reproduce properties of water-alkane
      mixtures. Understanding interactions between water and non-polar molecules like
      alkanes is important not only for the hydrocarbon industry but has implications
      to biological processes as well. Although non-polar solutes in water have been
      widely studied, much less work has focused on water in non-polar solvents. In
      this study we calculate the solubility of water in different alkanes (methane to
      dodecane) at ambient conditions where the water content in alkanes is very low so
      that the non-polar water-alkane interactions determine solubility. Only the
      alkane-rich phase is simulated since the fugacity of water in the water rich
      phase is calculated from an accurate equation of state. Using the SPC/E model for
      water and TraPPE model for alkanes along with Lorentz-Berthelot mixing rules for
      the cross parameters produces a water solubility that is an order of magnitude
      lower than the experimental value. It is found that an effective water Lennard
      Jones energy epsilon(W)/k = 220 K is required to match the experimental water
      solubility in TraPPE alkanes. This number is much higher than used in most
      simulation water models (SPC/E-epsilon(W)/k = 78.2 K). It is surprising that the
      interaction energy obtained here is also higher than the water-alkane interaction
      energy predicted by studies on solubility of alkanes in water. The reason for
      this high water-alkane interaction energy is not completely understood. Some
      factors that might contribute to the large interaction energy, such as
      polarizability of alkanes, octupole moment of methane, and clustering of water at
      low concentrations in alkanes, are examined. It is found that, though important,
      these factors do not completely explain the anomalously strong attraction between
      alkanes and water observed experimentally.

PMID- 25134598
TI  - Rotational Brownian dynamics simulations of clathrin cage formation.
AB  - The self-assembly of nearly rigid proteins into ordered aggregates is well suited
      for modeling by the patchy particle approach. Patchy particles are traditionally
      simulated using Monte Carlo methods, to study the phase diagram, while Brownian
      Dynamics simulations would reveal insights into the assembly dynamics. However,
      Brownian Dynamics of rotating anisotropic particles gives rise to a number of
      complications not encountered in translational Brownian Dynamics. We thoroughly
      test the Rotational Brownian Dynamics scheme proposed by Naess and Elsgaeter
      [Macromol. Theory Simul. 13, 419 (2004); Naess and Elsgaeter Macromol. Theory
      Simul. 14, 300 (2005)], confirming its validity. We then apply the algorithm to
      simulate a patchy particle model of clathrin, a three-legged protein involved in
      vesicle production from lipid membranes during endocytosis. Using this algorithm
      we recover time scales for cage assembly comparable to those from experiments. We
      also briefly discuss the undulatory dynamics of the polyhedral cage. 

PMID- 25134599
TI  - The role of non-equilibrium fluxes in the relaxation processes of the linear
      chemical master equation.
AB  - We propose a non-equilibrium thermodynamical description in terms of the Chemical
      Master Equation (CME) to characterize the dynamics of a chemical cycle chain
      reaction among m different species. These systems can be closed or open for
      energy and molecules exchange with the environment, which determines how they
      relax to the stationary state. Closed systems reach an equilibrium state
      (characterized by the detailed balance condition (D.B.)), while open systems will
      reach a non-equilibrium steady state (NESS). The principal difference between
      D.B. and NESS is due to the presence of chemical fluxes. In the D.B. condition
      the fluxes are absent while for the NESS case, the chemical fluxes are necessary
      for the state maintaining. All the biological systems are characterized by their
      "far from equilibrium behavior," hence the NESS is a good candidate for a
      realistic description of the dynamical and thermodynamical properties of living
      organisms. In this work we consider a CME written in terms of a discrete
      Kolmogorov forward equation, which lead us to write explicitly the non
      equilibrium chemical fluxes. For systems in NESS, we show that there is a non
      conservative "external vector field" whose is linearly proportional to the
      chemical fluxes. We also demonstrate that the modulation of these external fields
      does not change their stationary distributions, which ensure us to study the same
      system and outline the differences in the system's behavior when it switches from
      the D.B. regime to NESS. We were interested to see how the non-equilibrium fluxes
      influence the relaxation process during the reaching of the stationary
      distribution. By performing analytical and numerical analysis, our central result
      is that the presence of the non-equilibrium chemical fluxes reduces the
      characteristic relaxation time with respect to the D.B. condition. Within a
      biochemical and biological perspective, this result can be related to the
      "plasticity property" of biological systems and to their capabilities to switch
      from one state to another as is observed during synaptic plasticity, cell fate
      determination, and differentiation. 

PMID- 25134604
TI  - A comparison of risk factors for hepatitis C among young and older adult
      prisoners.
AB  - Internationally, the prevalence of hepatitis C infection is higher among
      prisoners when compared to the general population, particularly among people who
      inject drugs. This study estimates the prevalence of, and compares the risk
      factors for, hepatitis C in young (< 25 years) and older (>= 25 years) prisoners
      with a history of injection drug use. Participants were 677 sentenced prisoners
      in Queensland, Australia, with a lifetime history of injection drug use,
      recruited in the 6 weeks prior to release from custody. The prevalence of
      hepatitis C exposure was significantly lower in young prisoners than in older
      prisoners (20.7% vs. 29.4%, p = .03). Risk factors for hepatitis C varied between
      young and older prisoners. Young people who inject drugs and who have had shorter
      time at risk of hepatitis C exposure are an important target group for hepatitis
      C prevention efforts. 

PMID- 25134605
TI  - Observation of a rare earth ion-extractant complex arrested at the oil-water
      interface during solvent extraction.
AB  - Selective extraction of metal ions from a complex aqueous mixture into an organic
      phase is used to separate toxic or radioactive metals from polluted environments
      and nuclear waste, as well as to produce industrially relevant metals, such as
      rare earth ions. Selectivity arises from the choice of an extractant amphiphile,
      dissolved in the organic phase, which interacts preferentially with the target
      metal ion. The extractant-mediated process of ion transport from an aqueous to an
      organic phase takes place at the aqueous-organic interface; nevertheless, little
      is known about the molecular mechanism of this process despite its importance.
      Although state-of-the-art X-ray scattering is uniquely capable of probing
      molecular ordering at a liquid-liquid interface with subnanometer spatial
      resolution, utilizing this capability to investigate interfacial dynamical
      processes of short temporal duration remains a challenge. We show that a
      temperature-driven adsorption transition can be used to turn the extraction on
      and off by controlling adsorption and desorption of extractants at the oil-water
      interface. Lowering the temperature through this transition immobilizes a
      supramolecular ion-extractant complex at the interface during the extraction of
      rare earth erbium ions. Under the conditions of these experiments, the ion
      extractant complexes condense into a two-dimensional inverted bilayer, which is
      characterized on the molecular scale with synchrotron X-ray reflectivity and
      fluorescence measurements. Raising the temperature above the transition leads to
      Er ion extraction as a result of desorption of ion-extractant complexes from the
      interface into the bulk organic phase. XAFS measurements of the ion-extractant
      complexes in the bulk organic phase demonstrate that they are similar to the
      interfacial complexes. 

PMID- 25134606
TI  - Interfacial load transfer in polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposites with a
      nanohybrid shish kebab modification.
AB  - Interfacial properties are known to have a critical effect on the mechanical
      properties of a nanocomposite material system. Here, the interfacial load
      transfer in a carbon nanotube (CNT)/nylon-11 composite was studied with a
      CNT/nylon-11 nanohybrid shish kebab (NHSK) structure modification using Raman
      spectroscopy. Characterization of the polymer crystal in the NHSK using
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for the first time indicates that the
      NHSK structure formed a more perfect crystal structure than the bulk polymer. On
      the basis of transmission electron microscopy and DSC results, a new growth model
      for the NHSK crystal is hypothesized, indicating the formation of an initial
      uniform crystal layer on the CNT prior to the crystallization of the kebabs.
      Characterization of the nanocomposites using Raman spectroscopy, with the samples
      heated to introduce interfacial shear stress caused by thermal expansion
      mismatch, found that the D* band of the CNT in the NHSK/nylon-11 composite
      displayed a more pronounced shift with an increase in temperature, which is
      attributed to the NHSK structure being more effective at transferring load from
      the nylon matrix to the nanotube inclusions. The NHSK structure was also used to
      fabricate composites with two amorphous polymers, polycarbonate and poly(methyl
      methacrylate), to investigate the load transfer mechanism. It was found that when
      the compatibility between the polymer in the NHSK structure and the bulk polymer
      matrix at the molecular level is sufficiently high, the ensuing mechanical
      interlocking effect further enhances the interfacial load transfer for polymer
      nanocomposites. Additional mechanical characterization of polymer nanocomposites
      with 0.1 wt % NHSK reinforcement demonstrates how the moduli and ultimate tensile
      strength of the nanocomposites can be improved via this NHSK structure. 

PMID- 25134609
TI  - An-jun-ning, a traditional herbal formula, attenuates spontaneous withdrawal
      symptoms via modulation of the dopamine system in morphine-dependent rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The dopamine system, which is involved in drug dependence, can be
      damaged by opioid abuse. However, current clinical medicines cannot reverse these
      damages in the brain, which are believed to be a key reason for the high relapse
      rate after abstinence treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of
      An-jun-ning (AJN), a commercial traditional Chinese medicine formula used for the
      treatment of opioid addiction, on the dopamine system in morphine-dependent rats
      and to explore the possible mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects.
      METHODS: The morphine dependence model was obtained through injections of
      morphine at increasing doses for 8 days. The AJN pre-treatment group was
      administered AJN 30 min before each morphine administration, and the AJN post
      treatment groups were treated with AJN for 10 days after withdrawal. Spontaneous
      withdrawal symptoms (wet dog shakes, and episodes of writhing) were observed
      after withdrawal. Autoradiography study and/or immunohistochemical staining were
      used to examine the levels of dopamine transporter (DAT), dopamine D2 receptor
      (D2R) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). RESULTS: (1) Pre-treatment with AJN
      attenuates wet dog shakes and episodes of writhing to approximately 50% or less
      of those observed in the morphine group (p < 0.01). (2) AJN post-treatment dose
      dependently reduced the number of wet dog shakes (p < 0.01), and the episodes of
      writhing (p < 0.01). (3) Pre-treatment with AJN effectively interdicted the
      morphine-induced decreases in the levels of DAT, D2R, and TH in the striatum (p <
      0.01) such that they remained at nearly normal levels. (4) Post-treatment with
      AJN restored DAT and D2R to the normal levels (p < 0.01) and the level of TH to
      87% of normal in the striatum. CONCLUSIONS: AJN can effectively alleviate opioid
      withdrawal symptoms and preserve or restore the DAT, D2R, and TH levels in the
      striatum. The mechanism underlying the effect of AJN on withdrawal symptoms may
      be related to the modulation of the dopamine system by AJN. These results suggest
      that AJN may help to prevent relapse in opioid dependence treatment.

PMID- 25134619
TI  - Host response: new LPS receptors discovered.

PMID- 25134617
TI  - Interplay between phosphorylation and SUMOylation events determines CESTA protein
      fate in brassinosteroid signalling.
AB  - Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroid hormones that are essential for plant growth.
      Responses to these hormones are mediated by transcription factors of the bri1-EMS
      suppressor 1/brassinazole resistant 1 subfamily, and BRs activate these factors
      by impairing their inhibitory phosphorylation by GSK3/shaggy-like kinases. Here
      we show that BRs induce nuclear compartmentalization of CESTA (CES), a basic
      helix-loop-helix transcription factor that regulates BR responses, and reveal
      that this process is regulated by CES SUMOylation. We demonstrate that CES
      contains an extended SUMOylation motif, and that SUMOylation of this motif is
      antagonized by phosphorylation to control CES subnuclear localization. Moreover,
      we provide evidence that phosphorylation regulates CES transcriptional activity
      and protein turnover by the proteasome. A coordinated modification model is
      proposed in which, in a BR-deficient situation, CES is phosphorylated to activate
      target gene transcription and enable further posttranslational modification that
      controls CES protein stability and nuclear dynamics. 

PMID- 25134618
TI  - Master recyclers: features and functions of bacteria associated with
      phytoplankton blooms.
AB  - Marine phytoplankton blooms are annual spring events that sustain active and
      diverse bloom-associated bacterial populations. Blooms vary considerably in terms
      of eukaryotic species composition and environmental conditions, but a limited
      number of heterotrophic bacterial lineages - primarily members of the
      Flavobacteriia, Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria - dominate these
      communities. In this Review, we discuss the central role that these bacteria have
      in transforming phytoplankton-derived organic matter and thus in biogeochemical
      nutrient cycling. On the basis of selected field and laboratory-based studies of
      flavobacteria and roseobacters, distinct metabolic strategies are emerging for
      these archetypal phytoplankton-associated taxa, which provide insights into the
      underlying mechanisms that dictate their behaviours during blooms. 

PMID- 25134620
TI  - A systematic review on the affordability of a healthful diet for families in the
      United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: As obesity rates remain alarmingly high, the importance of healthful
      diets is emphasized; however, affordability of such diets is disputed. Market
      basket surveys (MBSs) investigate the affordability of diets for families that
      meet minimum daily dietary requirements using actual food prices from grocery
      stores. This review paper describes the methods of MBSs, summarizes methodology,
      price and affordability findings, limitations, and suggests related policy and
      practice implications. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: This is a systematic review of 16 MBSs
      performed in the United States from 1985 to 2012. A comprehensive
      multidisciplinary database search strategy was used to identify articles meeting
      inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Results indicated MBS methodology varied across
      studies and price data indicated healthful diets for families are likely
      unaffordable when purchased from small- to medium-sized stores and may be
      unaffordable in larger stores when compared to the Thrifty Food Plan.
      CONCLUSIONS: Using a social ecological approach, public health nurses and all
      public health professionals are prime advocates for increased affordability of
      healthful foods. This study includes policy advocacy, particularly in support of
      Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for low-income families.
      Future research implications are provided, including methodological
      recommendations for consistency and quality of forthcoming MBS research.

PMID- 25134621
TI  - Comparison of programs for determining temporal-spatial gait variables from
      instrumented walkway data: PKmas versus GAITRite.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurement of temporal-spatial gait variables is common in aging
      research with several methods available. This study investigated the differences
      in temporal-spatial gait outcomes derived from two different programs for
      processing instrumented walkway data. METHOD: Data were collected with
      GAITRite(r) hardware from 86 healthy older people and 44 older people four months
      following surgical repair of hip fracture. Temporal-spatial variables were
      derived using both GAITRite(r) and PKmas(r) processing programs from the same raw
      footfall data. RESULTS: The mean differences between the two programs for most
      variables were negligible, including for Speed (mean difference 0.3 +/- 0.6
      cm/sec, or 0.3% of the mean GAITRite(r) Speed). The mean absolute percentage
      difference for all 18 gait variables examined ranged from 0.04% for Stride
      Duration to 66% for Foot Angle. The ICCs were almost perfect (>=0.99) for all
      variables apart from Base Width, Foot Angle, Stride Length Variability, Step
      Length Variability, Step Duration Variability and Step Width Variability, which
      were all never-the-less above 0.84. There were systematic differences for Base
      Width (PKmas(r) values 1.6 cm lower than GAITRite(r)) and Foot Angle (PKMAS(r)
      values 0.7 degrees  higher than GAITRite(r)). The differences can be explained by
      the differences in definitions and calculations between the programs.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that for most variables the outcomes from
      both programs can be used interchangeably for evaluation of gait among older
      people collected with GAITRite(r) hardware. However, validity and reliability for
      Base Width and Foot Angle derived by PKMAS(r) would benefit from further
      investigation.

PMID- 25134622
TI  - Positive and negative experiences of breast pumping during the first 6 months.
AB  - For mothers with breastfeeding difficulties, pumping can be recommended to help
      establish milk production. However, pumping may present some barriers to
      successful breastfeeding. Mothers with milk supply concern may be at higher risk
      of barriers to successful breastfeeding. No previous studies have described
      experiences of pumping among mothers with milk supply concern. We conducted 10
      focus groups of 56 mothers who had milk supply concern in the first month after
      birth. A paid, trained facilitator led groups in a semi-structured approach.
      Sessions were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were coded
      independently by two investigators and analysed using grounded theory. We
      identified five themes related to the experience of pumping among mothers with
      milk supply concern: (1) additional control over breastfeeding from pumping: 'I
      would feed and then give him ... whatever I could manage to pump to him'. (2)
      Painful experience: 'The first time I pumped my boobs hurt so bad'. (3) Pumped
      volume affected milk supply concern: 'Pump and there was hardly anything coming
      out that's when I started to worry'. (4) Pumping interfered with other nurturing
      activities: 'While you're pumping, you can't touch the baby'. (5) Frustration
      from inconsistent provider advice: 'They told me to pump ... and then said,
      "That's going to cause your milk to increase too much" '. Mothers had positive
      and negative experiences with pumping. Clinicians should assess a mother's
      experience shortly after she initiates pumping, as further management and
      counselling may be necessary to avoid barriers to successful breastfeeding. 

PMID- 25134623
TI  - Calcium supplementation in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is high prevalence of calcium supplementation in the general
      population and some recent data suggest that this may increase the risk of
      vascular calcification. Calcium-based binders have been a standard treatment for
      hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Though as
      effective as phosphate binders, they provide a source of substantial calcium
      intake. AREAS COVERED: In addition to the balance studies recently completed to
      assess the implications of calcium loading in CKD, we also review observational
      studies and clinical trials involving calcium-based binders. Clinically
      significant endpoints such as vascular calcification, mortality and bone
      morphology were evaluated. The existing data are concerning for the role of
      calcium supplementation and calcium binder use in patients with renal compromise.
      EXPERT OPINION: There are few guidelines on advised calcium intake in patients
      with renal failure; however, on the basis of existing data, it may be safer to
      have the upper limit of calcium intake (including that of supplementation/binder
      use) up to 1 g. The old Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative suggestion of
      limiting the calcium intake to 2 g may need to be reconsidered.

PMID- 25134624
TI  - Author's response.

PMID- 25134625
TI  - Autonomous basin climbing method with sampling of multiple transition pathways:
      application to anisotropic diffusion of point defects in hcp Zr.
AB  - This paper presents an extension of the autonomous basin climbing (ABC) method,
      an atomistic activation-relaxation technique for sampling transition-state
      pathways. The extended algorithm (ABC-E) allows the sampling of multiple
      transition pathways from a given minimum, with the additional feature of
      identifying the pathways in the order of increasing activation barriers, thereby
      prioritizing them according to their importance in the kinetics. Combined with on
      the-fly kinetic Monte Carlo calculations, the method is applied to simulate the
      anisotropic diffusion of point defects in hcp Zr. Multiple migration mechanisms
      are identified for both the interstitials and vacancies, and benchmarked against
      results from other methods in the literature. The self-interstitial atom (SIA)
      diffusion kinetics shows a maximum anisotropy at intermediate temperatures
      (400~700 K), a non-monotonic behavior that we explain to originate from the
      stabilities and migration mechanisms associated with different SIA sites. The
      accuracy of the ABC-E calculations is validated, in part, by the existing results
      in the literature for point defect diffusion in hcp Zr, and by benchmarking
      against analytical results on a hypothetical rough-energy landscape. Lastly,
      sampling prioritization and computational efficiency are demonstrated through a
      direct comparison between the ABC-E and the activation relaxation technique.

PMID- 25134626
TI  - Anomalous orientations of a rigid carbon nanotube in a sheared fluid.
AB  - The nanoparticle orientation in fluid systems can be correlated with the
      rotational diffusion and is widely used to tune the physical properties of
      functional materials. In the current work, the controllability of the orientation
      of a single rigid carbon nanotube in a fluid is investigated by imposing a linear
      shear flow. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal three forms of anomalous
      behavior: (i) "Aligned orientation" when the nanotube oscillates around a
      particular direction which is close to the flow direction at a small angle of
      about 10 degrees  in the velocity-gradient plane; (ii) "Interrupted orientation"
      when the oscillation is interrupted by a 360 degrees  rotation now and then;
      (iii) "Random orientation" when 360 degrees  rotations dominate with the
      rotational direction coinciding with the local fluid flow direction. The
      orientation order is a function of the Peclet number (Pe). The results show that
      the correlation between Pe and the orientation order from the two-dimensional
      model does not apply to the three-dimensional cases, perhaps due to some
      anomalous behavior and cross-section effects. This work provides clear pictures
      of the nanoparticle movement that can be used to guide particle manipulation
      techniques. 

PMID- 25134628
TI  - [Working conditions for supermarket employees: from experimental data to best
      practices].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thermal, acoustic and visual comfort conditions for hypermarket
      workers have never been investigated with scientific methods. OBJECTIVES: taking
      advantage of a case study, with characteristics capable of generalizing the
      results, analytically measure the actual comfort conditions to which workers are
      exposed and point out possible ameliorative proposals. METHODS: Carry out a
      detailed survey based on instrumental measurements combined with subjective
      questionnaires to assess the indoor environment. RESULTS: Even though the
      analysis pointed out no significant risk conditions, several smaller problems
      appeared in terms of local discomfort (such as cold limbs, higher sound level
      exposure, limited glare phenomena) for cashier workers. The origin of these
      problems appeared to be the pivotal position of the cash registers. CONCLUSIONS:
      Taking into account observed phenomena and their causes a list of "best
      practices" has been defined hoping that their adoption could further limit any
      impact on workers comfort conditions.

PMID- 25134630
TI  - [Musculoskeletal disorders and work-related injuries among hospital day- and
      shift workers].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most research findings show that shift-and night work are associated
      with cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and neurological disorders as well as work
      related injuries among health care workers. OBJECTIVES: This sample based study
      on 246 hospital workers was performed to determine whether shift work may affect
      musculoskeletal disorders and injury risk. METHODS: During the health
      surveillance program, data were collected by means of the Nordic questionnaire
      and the risk evaluation document. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A sample of 134 shift
      workers was compared to a sample of 112 day workers. Hospital day workers were
      found  to be at greater risk of musculoskeletal symptoms in single or multiple
      body sites than shift workers. The prevalence of symptoms in the low back (63% vs
      50%), neck (54% vs 42%) and upper extremities (26% vs 12%) was significantly
      higher in day workers than shift workers. In particular, among day nurses the
      prevalence of complaints in the upper extremities was more elevated (p<0,01) than
      nurses working in shifts; whereas, technicians working during the day reported
      more frequently symptoms in the neck (p<0,05) than technicians working in shifts.
      However, the average age and work experience were significantly higher in day
      workers than shift workers. Furthermore, the study showed that nursing personnel 
      was at great risk of sustaining an occupational musculoskeletal injury,
      especially for nurses working in shifts on medical and surgical wards. Data
      suggest that, concerning shift work planning, it is important to consider the
      workload according to activity.

PMID- 25134629
TI  - A rare occupation causing mesothelioma: mechanisms and differential etiology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a mesothelioma lawsuit, the Public Prosecutor commissioned an
      expert evidence on the legal accountability for the disease, because the patient
      experienced multiple exposures to asbestos in both occupational and environmental
      settings. OBJECTIVES: To collect information on asbestos exposure from all
      available sources and to quantify the contribution of each source of exposure as
      a percentage of the total risk. METHODS: We retrieved information on jobs done
      and asbestos exposure from a work colleague and a database maintained by the
      National Institute for Insurance of Occupational Accidents/Diseases,
      respectively. Information on environmental exposure was searched through the
      scientific literature. The contribution of each source of exposure was quantified
      with a method of risk apportionment, taking into account time elapsed since first
      and last exposure, intensity and frequency of exposure and carcinogenic potency
      of asbestos fiber mix. RESULTS: The subject worked in the maintenance of railway
      electrification system. The mechanical compression stress induced on the ballast
      during passage of trains released chrysotile (from fragmented stones) and
      crocidolite (through abrasive action of crushed gravel on the underbody of
      rolling stocks insulated with friable crocidolite). Despite the low cumulative
      exposure (about 2 ff*years/cc), 99% of the mesothelioma risk was attributable to
      the work done because of the high content of crocidolite of inhaled asbestos.
      CONCLUSIONS: The report of an uncommon source of occupational asbestos exposure
      and a scientifically based method to allocate mesothelioma risk among multiple
      exposure could help to recognize mesothelioma as occupational disease in the
      workers employed in maintenance of the railway electrification system under the
      Italian National Railways.

PMID- 25134631
TI  - [Foot and ankle ability measure: cross-cultural translation and validation of the
      Italian version of the ADL module (FAAM-I/ADL)].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Valid and reliable outcome measures are fundamental for evaluating
      and comparing the effects of rehabilitation. Among the different tools used for
      the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb, the Foot and Ankle
      Ability Measure (FAAM) has been shown to have good psychometric properties.
      However, it has not yet been translated into Italian. The module regarding the
      performance of daily living activities (FAAM/ADL), in particular, can be applied
      also in an occupational setting. OBJECTIVE: To obtain an Italian version of the
      FAAM, and to validate the FAAM-I/ADL. METHODS: The cultural adaptation was
      performed according to international guidelines for forward/backward translation.
      The activities of daily living (ADL) module of the FAAM-I (FAAM-I/ADL) was
      validated with classical test theory methods in a convenience sample of 57
      patients. Different parameters were calculated: internal consistency (Cronbach's
      alpha and item-to-total correlation); criterion validity, through Pearson's
      correlation (r) with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS); test-retest
      reliability (ICC2,1); Standard Error of Measurement (SEM); and Minimal Detectable
      Change (MDC95). RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed good internal
      consistency (Cronbach's alpha=.96, item-to-total correlation ranged between .51
      and .85), high criterion validity (r=.66, p<0.01) and excellent test-retest
      reliability (ICC2, 1=.98, CI95%=.97-.99). The SEM was 2.7 points, with a MDC95 of
      7.5 points. CONCLUSIONS: FAAM-I/ADL shows good psychometric properties, together
      with speed and ease of administration and scoring. Its use will facilitate the
      comparison of Italian data with international studies, ensuring greater
      uniformity of assessment.

PMID- 25134627
TI  - DNA demethylation and invasive cancer: implications for therapeutics.
AB  - One of the hallmarks of cancer is aberrant DNA methylation, which is associated
      with abnormal gene expression. Both hypermethylation and silencing of tumour
      suppressor genes as well as hypomethylation and activation of prometastatic genes
      are characteristic of cancer cells. As DNA methylation is reversible, DNA
      methylation inhibitors were tested as anticancer drugs with the idea that such
      agents would demethylate and reactivate tumour suppressor genes. Two cytosine
      analogues, 5-azacytidine (Vidaza) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, were approved by
      the Food and Drug Administration as antitumour agents in 2004 and 2006
      respectively. However, these agents might cause activation of a panel of
      prometastatic genes in addition to activating tumour suppressor genes, which
      might lead to increased metastasis. This poses the challenge of how to target
      tumour suppressor genes and block cancer growth with DNA-demethylating drugs
      while avoiding the activation of prometastatic genes and precluding the morbidity
      of cancer metastasis. This paper reviews current progress in using DNA
      methylation inhibitors in cancer therapy and the potential promise and challenges
      ahead.

PMID- 25134632
TI  - [The safety data sheets of the paint and coatings sector: analysis of the items
      of most interest to health and safety in the workplace].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The interlinked REACH-CLP regulations promote the sharing of
      knowledge regarding the risks and hazards of chemicals throughout the supply
      chain. The safety data sheet (SDS) is the main instrument to achieve this goal.
      OBJECTIVE: to study 100 SDS of paints and coatings sector in order to highlight
      major criticisms related to health and safety of workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Using the criteria prescribed by Regulation 453/2010/EC and preparing a suitable
      check list, some items of the sections 1 "Identification of the substance/mixture
      and of the company", 2 "Hazards identification", 3 "Composition/information on
      ingredients", the first part of section 7 "Precautions for safe handling",
      sections 8 "Exposure controls/personal protection" and 16 "Other information",
      were therefore evaluated for their appropriateness. RESULTS: Seven SDS were
      written in a foreign language and were excluded from further analysis. Of the
      remaining 93 SDS, only 23% had a proportion of adequate items greater than 80%,
      49 % had adequate items between 60 and 80%, and 28% had less than 60% adequate
      items. The most critical sections were those relating to workers' safe handling
      and exposure controls and protection. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, from the
      analysis of SDS we found high percentages of inadequacy, especially in sections 7
      and 8, the most relevant for the protection of the health and safety of workers.

PMID- 25134633
TI  - [Counterproductive behaviors and moral disengagement of nurses as potential
      consequences of stress-related work: validity and reliability of measurement
      scales].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies, but no one in the nursing, have shown that work
      stress can facilitate the adoption of specific behaviors that the literature
      identifies as Counterproductive Work Behaviors (CWB). Individuals, however, not
      giving up to their moral principles, may transgress social, organizational, moral
      and ethical norms, through the adoption of moral disengagement (MD). OBJECTIVES:
      The purpose of this study is to validate two specific scales of deviant behaviors
      and MD in nursing: the Nursing Counterproductive Work Behaviours Scale (Nursing
      CWBS) and Nursing Moral Disengagement Scale (Nursing MDS). METHOD: 460 nurses
      participated in the study. After the adaptation of the Counterproductive Work
      Behavior Checklist by Spector and Fox to Nursing context (Nursing CWBS) and the
      ex novo development of the Nursing MDS, the psychometric properties of the two
      scales were tested. Also, the two scales were correlated. RESULTS: Through a
      cross-validation approach and based on the results of exploratory factor analysis
      (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), we have shown that the scales have
      good psychometric properties. Furthermore, the results, attest that the nurse
      with high levels of MD implements more CWB in the workplace. CONCLUSIONS: The
      Nursing CWBS and Nursing MDS represent a valid starting point for the study of
      such phenomena in this specific context where stress among nursing staff is
      sometimes of considerable extent, especially in specific contexts of clinical
      care.

PMID- 25134634
TI  - Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in nursing: current knowledge and ongoing
      challenges for occupational health.
AB  - Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) represent a major occupational
      health concern when considering the relationships between work and disease but
      associations between MSD and hospital work, especially in the nursing profession,
      aren't yet full understanded.QMSDuestions that still need to be answered include:
      Are nurses' work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and injuries dependent on the
      wards, the hospital organization and even the national occupational health
      policies that they originated from? Is their MSD related with workplaces demands,
      equipment, and nurse-patient ratios? Do these factors highlight different nursing
      occupational exposure to MSD hazards? What are the individual and psychosocial
      contributes to nurses WRMSDs in different nursing contexts? As such, a new
      approach which integrates more realistic working conditions, real hospital
      equipment, workplace features, and individual information would likely be a
      better way forwards in the addressing the current MSD epidemic among hospital
      nurses, worldwide...... 

PMID- 25134636
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of health promotion targeting physical activity and healthy
      eating in mental health care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a higher prevalence of obesity in individuals with mental
      disorders compared to the general population. The results of several studies
      suggested that weight reduction in this population is possible following psycho
      educational and/or behavioural weight management interventions. Evidence of the
      effectiveness alone is however inadequate for policy making. The aim of the
      current study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a health promotion
      intervention targeting physical activity and healthy eating in individuals with
      mental disorders. METHODS: A Markov decision-analytic model using a public payer
      perspective was applied, projecting the one-year results of a 10-week
      intervention over a time horizon of 20 years, assuming a repeated yearly
      implementation of the programme. Scenario analysis was applied evaluating the
      effects on the results of alternative modelling assumptions. One-way sensitivity
      analysis was performed to assess the effects on the results of varying key input
      parameters. RESULTS: An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 27,096?/quality
      adjusted life years (QALY) in men, and 40,139?/QALY in women was found in the
      base case. Scenario analysis assuming an increase in health-related quality of
      life as a result of the body mass index decrease resulted in much better cost
      effectiveness in both men (3,357?/QALY) and women (3,766?/QALY). The uncertainty
      associated with the intervention effect had the greatest impact on the model.
      CONCLUSIONS: As far as is known to the authors, this is the first health economic
      evaluation of a health promotion intervention targeting physical activity and
      healthy eating in individuals with mental disorders. Such research is important
      as it provides payers and governments with better insights how to spend the
      available resources in the most efficient way. Further research examining the
      cost-effectiveness of health promotion targeting physical activity and healthy
      eating in individuals with mental disorders is required.

PMID- 25134637
TI  - Analysis of leucocyte antibodies, cytokines, lysophospholipids and cell
      microparticles in blood components implicated in post-transfusion reactions with
      dyspnoea.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Post-transfusion reactions with dyspnoea (PTR) are
      major causes of morbidity and death after blood transfusion. Transfusion-related
      acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO)
      are most dangerous, while transfusion-associated dyspnoea (TAD) is a milder
      respiratory distress. We investigated blood components for immune and non-immune
      factors implicated in PTR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed 464 blood components
      (RBCs, PLTs, L-PLTs, FFP) transfused to 271 patients with PTR. Blood components
      were evaluated for 1/antileucocyte antibodies, 2/cytokines: IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8,
      TNF-alpha, sCD40L, 3/lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPCs), 4/microparticles (MPs)
      shed from plateletes (PMPs), erythrocytes (EMPs) and leucocytes (LMPs). RESULTS:
      Anti-HLA class I/II antibodies or granulocyte-reactive anti-HLA antibodies were
      detected in 18.2% of blood components (RBC and FFP) transfused to TRALI and in
      0.5% of FFP transfused to TAD cases. Cytokines and LysoPCs concentrations in
      blood components transfused to PTR patients did not exceed those in blood
      components transfused to patients with no PTR. Only EMPs percentage in RBCs
      transfused to patients with TRALI was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in
      RBCs transfused to patients with no PTR. CONCLUSION: Immune character of PTR was
      confirmed mainly in 1/5 TRALI cases. Among non-immune factors, only MPs released
      from stored RBCs are suggested as potential mediators of TRALI. Our results
      require further observations in a more numerous and better defined group of
      patients.

PMID- 25134638
TI  - Organisation, practice and experiences of mouth hygiene in stroke unit care: a
      mixed-methods study.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To (1) investigate the organisation, provision and practice
      of oral care in typical UK stroke units; (2) explore stroke survivors', carers'
      and healthcare professionals' experiences and perceptions about the barriers and
      facilitators to receiving and undertaking oral care in stroke units. BACKGROUND:
      Cerebrovascular disease and oral health are major global health concerns. Little
      is known about the provision, challenges and practice of oral care in the stroke
      unit setting, and there are currently no evidence-based practice guidelines.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of 11 stroke units across Greater Manchester and
      descriptive qualitative study using focus groups and semi-structured interviews.
      METHODS: A self-report questionnaire was used to survey 11 stroke units in
      Greater Manchester. Data were then collected through two focus groups (n = 10)
      with healthcare professionals and five semi-structured interviews with stroke
      survivors and carers. Focus group and interview data were recorded, transcribed
      verbatim and analysed using framework approach. RESULTS: Eleven stroke units in
      Greater Manchester responded to the survey. Stroke survivors and carers
      identified a lack of oral care practice and enablement by healthcare
      professionals. Healthcare professionals identified a lack of formal training to
      conduct oral care for stroke patients, inconsistency in the delivery of oral care
      and no set protocols or use of formal oral assessment tools. CONCLUSION: Oral
      care post-stroke could be improved by increasing healthcare professionals'
      awareness, understanding and knowledge of the potential health benefits of oral
      care post-stroke. Further research is required to develop and evaluate the
      provision of oral care in stroke care to inform evidence-based education and
      practice. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Development of staff training and
      education, and evidence-based oral care protocols may potentially benefit patient
      care and outcomes and be implemented widely across stroke care.

PMID- 25134639
TI  - Sleepiness induced by sleep-debt enhanced amygdala activity for subliminal
      signals of fear.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emotional information is frequently processed below the level of
      consciousness, where subcortical regions of the brain are thought to play an
      important role. In the absence of conscious visual experience, patients with
      visual cortex damage discriminate the valence of emotional expression. Even in
      healthy individuals, a subliminal mechanism can be utilized to compensate for a
      functional decline in visual cognition of various causes such as strong
      sleepiness. In this study, sleep deprivation was simulated in healthy individuals
      to investigate functional alterations in the subliminal processing of emotional
      information caused by reduced conscious visual cognition and attention due to an
      increase in subjective sleepiness. Fourteen healthy adult men participated in a
      within-subject crossover study consisting of a 5-day session of sleep debt (SD, 4
      h sleep) and a 5-day session of sleep control (SC, 8-h sleep). On the last day of
      each session, participants performed an emotional face-viewing task that included
      backward masking of nonconscious presentations during magnetic resonance
      scanning. RESULTS: Finally, data from eleven participants who were unaware of
      nonconscious face presentations were analyzed. In fear contrasts, subjective
      sleepiness was significantly positively correlated with activity in the amygdala,
      ventromedial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and insular cortex, and was
      significantly negatively correlated with the secondary and tertiary visual areas
      and the fusiform face area. In fear-neutral contrasts, subjective sleepiness was
      significantly positively correlated with activity of the bilateral amygdala.
      Further, changes in subjective sleepiness (the difference between the SC and SD
      sessions) were correlated with both changes in amygdala activity and functional
      connectivity between the amygdala and superior colliculus in response to
      subliminal fearful faces. CONCLUSION: Sleepiness induced functional decline in
      the brain areas involved in conscious visual cognition of facial expressions, but
      also enhanced subliminal emotional processing via superior colliculus as
      represented by activity in the amygdala. These findings suggest that an
      evolutionally old and auxiliary subliminal hazard perception system is activated
      as a compensatory mechanism when conscious visual cognition is impaired. In
      addition, enhancement of subliminal emotional processing might cause involuntary
      emotional instability during sleep debt through changes in emotional response to
      or emotional evaluation of external stimuli.

PMID- 25134641
TI  - Participant Variation by Delivery Site Type in an Evidence-Based Physical
      Activity Program.
AB  - This study examined participant demographic and physical function characteristics
      from EnhanceFitness, an evidence-based physical activity program for older
      adults. The sample consisted of 19,964 older adults. Participant data included
      self-reported health and demographic variables, and results for three physical
      function tests: chair stand, arm curls, and timed up-and-go. Linear regression
      models compared physical function test results among eight program site types.
      Participants were, on average, 72 years old, predominantly female, and reported
      having one chronic condition. Residential site participants' physical function
      test results were significantly poorer on chair stand and timed up-and-go
      measures at baseline, and timed up-and-go at a four-month follow-up compared with
      the reference group (senior centers) after controlling for demographic variables
      and site clustering. Evidence-based health-promotion programs offered in
      community settings should assess demographic, health, and physical function
      characteristics to best serve participants' specific needs, and offer classes
      tailored to participant function and ability while maintaining program fidelity. 

PMID- 25134642
TI  - Route of delivery linked with subsequent childbirth?

PMID- 25134643
TI  - Do variations in paraspinal muscle morphology and composition predict low back
      pain in men?
AB  - This longitudinal study aimed to clarify the longstanding controversy over
      whether variations in paraspinal muscle morphology (e.g., size, composition and
      asymmetry) are predictors of low back pain (LBP). A sample of 99 Finnish men were
      included in this population-based longitudinal study. Data were collected through
      a structured interview, physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI). Baseline measurements of the lumbar multifidus and erector spinae muscles
      were obtained from T2-weighted axial images at L3-L4 and L5-S1, and interview
      data were obtained at baseline, 1- and 15-year follow-ups. Few of the paraspinal
      muscle parameters investigated were predictors of change in LBP frequency,
      intensity or sciatica at 1- and 15-year follow-ups in the population-based
      sample, and findings were not consistent across muscles and spinal levels.
      However, greater multifidus and erector spinae fatty infiltration at L5-S1 was
      associated with a higher risk of having continued, frequent, persistent LBP at 1
      year follow-up. None of the relationships observed was confounded by body mass
      index or the amount of physical activity at work or leisure. This longitudinal
      study provided evidence that variations in paraspinal muscle morphology on MRI
      have a limited, if not uncertain, role in the short- and long-term predictions of
      LBP in men. 

PMID- 25134644
TI  - Mycobacterium bovis meningitis in young Nigerian-born male.
AB  - In Denmark, tuberculous meningitis is rare. Central nervous system (CNS)
      involvement with Mycobacterium bovis is even rarer and has only been seen three
      times since 1992. We present a case of M. bovis meningitis in a previously
      healthy young Nigerian-born male, who had been exposed to unpasteurized dairy
      products in Nigeria but had no known contact with larger mammals. Before the
      development of meningitis, the patient had several contacts with the health
      system due to fever and non-specific symptoms. Finally, upon hospital admission,
      the patient was diagnosed with M. tuberculosis complex meningitis and treated
      empirically. After 13 days he was discharged without neurological sequelae.
      Later, the culture revealed M. bovis and treatment was adjusted accordingly.

PMID- 25134645
TI  - Weekly chlorhexidine douche: does it reduce healthcare-associated bloodstream
      infections?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Daily chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing has been used as a precaution to
      reduce the rate of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (HA-BSI). The
      application frequency of CHG bathing remains unclear, this procedure has been
      implemented daily by this time. The aim of this study was to determine the
      efficacy of weekly whole-body douche with CHG shower gel on rates of HA-BSI.
      METHODS: We conducted a prospective intervention trial in medical, surgical, and
      anesthesiology intensive care units (ICUs) in a tertiary teaching hospital from
      June 2011 to November 2012. This study included three periods. During the first
      period, patients received a daily bed bath by wiping with water and soap. In the
      second period patients were given a weekly douche with water and soap; in the
      third period patients were given a weekly douche with CHG shower gel. The rates
      of HA-BSI were compared between the three periods using Poisson regression
      analysis. RESULTS: The central line-associated bloodstream infection rates did
      not decline significantly between periods (p = 0.76). The laboratory-confirmed
      bloodstream infection (LCBSI) rates in the first, second, and third periods were
      7.1, 4, and 1.7, respectively. The LCBSI rates were reduced 43.7% from the first
      period to the second period (p = 0.03). In addition, there was a 57.5% reduction
      in LCBSI rates between the second and third periods (p < 0.001). Interestingly,
      the major decline (76.1%) was determined from the first to the third period (p <
      0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Weekly douche with CHG shower gel significantly reduced
      LCBSI rates. Further studies are needed to validate the clinical impact of
      different intervals of CHG bathing.

PMID- 25134646
TI  - Impact of hepcidin antimicrobial peptide on iron overload in tuberculosis
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iron acquisition is essential for the growth of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis. Hepcidin is known as an antimicrobial peptide and a component of
      the innate immune response. Hepcidin inhibits M. tuberculosis growth in vitro. In
      this study, we decided to identify -582A> G variants of the HAMP promoter in
      patients with tuberculosis (TB) and investigate its effect on serum iron,
      ferritin, and hepcidin levels. METHODS: The sample population consisted of 105
      patients with TB and 104 healthy individuals. The -582A> G polymorphism was
      genotyped using a tetra-primers PCR set. Serum levels of hepcidin were determined
      using an ELISA kit. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
      RESULTS: The G allele is meaningfully associated with TB disease (95% confidence
      interval = 2-4.8, p < 0.000). Significant differences were seen in the levels of
      serum iron and hepcidin but not ferritin between the -582A>G polymorphism
      genotypes. There was significant reverse correlation between hepcidin and iron (r
      = -0.849, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: A high association was found between serum
      hepcidin levels and the HAMP -582A> G variants in patients with TB. These
      observations indicate a hypothetical role of this polymorphism in iron
      metabolism. Hepcidin could perhaps be an option for the treatment of TB.

PMID- 25134647
TI  - High vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration is associated with poor outcome
      in patients with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia
      regardless of treatment.
AB  - We retrospectively investigated the impact of high vancomycin minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC > 2 MUg/ml) on the outcome of 53 patients with bacteremia
      caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Vancomycin MIC
      was determined by broth microdilution according to CLSI methods. The primary
      outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality from the date of the first positive blood
      culture. The mortality rate was 22.6% (12 of 53 patients). High vancomycin MIC
      (odds ratio (OR) = 9.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.31-63.20; p =
      0.027), Charlson comorbidity index >= 3 (OR = 10.3; 95% CI = 1.3-102.04; p =
      0.03), advanced age (OR = 35.8; 95% CI = 2.3-659.2; p = 0.01), and severe sepsis
      (OR = 8.5; 95% CI = 1.2-61.4; p = 0.03) were associated with mortality.

PMID- 25134648
TI  - Clinical presentations and outcomes of influenza infection among
      hematology/oncology patients from a single cancer center: pandemic and post
      pandemic seasons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza can cause severe infection in hematology/oncology patients.
      The occurrence of the 2009 pandemic represented an opportunity to study the
      impact of influenza on such patients in pandemic and post-pandemic seasons.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of hematology/oncology
      patients who had laboratory-confirmed influenza infection during the 2009
      pandemic and the first post-pandemic seasons. We assessed influenza-related
      outcomes in both seasons with emphasis on the development of pneumonia and
      mortality. We also analyzed factors associated with poor outcomes. RESULTS: We
      included 350 patients; 207 were diagnosed in the pandemic and 143 in the post
      pandemic seasons. Influenza severity was similar in both seasons with no
      significant differences in the development of pneumonia or death. Infection with
      the pH1N1 virus was associated with the development of pneumonia (24.7% vs 14.9%,
      p = 0.029) but did not affect mortality. A multivariate analysis showed that
      initiation of antiviral treatment after > 48 h, healthcare acquisition of
      influenza, and low albumin were independent risk factors for the development of
      pneumonia (p values 0.022, 0.003, and < 0.0001, respectively). A log-rank test
      showed increased mortality in patients who received therapy > 48 h after onset of
      symptoms (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In hematology/oncology patients, influenza was
      as severe in the post-pandemic as in the pandemic season. Pneumonia developed
      more commonly in patients infected with pH1N1 virus. Healthcare acquisition of
      infection and low albumin were associated with the development of pneumonia.
      Delayed initiation of antiviral treatment was associated with both pneumonia and
      mortality.

PMID- 25134649
TI  - Usefulness of PCR-RFLP coa gene for clonal classification of methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates in tertiary hospitals.
AB  - One hundred and one methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical
      isolates were classified into 10 genotypes based on their polymerase chain
      reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) coa pattern. PCR
      RFLP coa patterns correlated with the clonal complex (CC) with the exception of
      CC5, which was related to 2 patterns (B and E). The PCR-RFLP coa gene technique
      provides a useful preliminary method to monitor variations in MRSA populations.

PMID- 25134651
TI  - Misdiagnosed amoebiasis leading to liver abscess.

PMID- 25134650
TI  - Cluster of linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecium ST117 in Norwegian hospitals.
AB  - A linezolid-resistant, vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecium strain was
      isolated from 3 patients who had not received linezolid. The first patient was
      hospitalized in the same hospitals and wards as the 2 following patients. The E.
      faecium isolates were resistant to linezolid (minimum inhibitory concentration 8
      32 mg/l), ampicillin, and high levels of gentamicin. Resistance to linezolid was
      associated with a G2576T mutation in 23S rDNA. The cfr linezolid resistance gene
      was not detected. The 3 isolates showed identical DNA fingerprints by pulsed
      field gel electrophoresis, belonged to ST117, and harboured virulence genes esp,
      hyl, acm, efaAfm, srgA, ecbA, scm, pilA, pilB, and pstD typically associated with
      high-risk E. faecium genotypes. The linezolid-resistant E. faecium high-risk
      clone caused bacteraemia in the first 2 cancer patients and survived in the
      hospital environment for more than a year before appearing in the urethral
      catheter of the third patient.

PMID- 25134652
TI  - Mycobacterium abscessus: a rare cause of vascular graft infection.
AB  - Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) following vascular reconstructive
      surgery is an uncommon but serious complication and is associated with high
      morbidity as well as mortality rate. Staphylococcal species are the most common
      organisms causing PVGI. Mycobacterium abscessus is a very rare cause of PVGI and
      poses a significant diagnostic and management dilemma. To the best of our
      knowledge, we report the third documented case of M. abscessus vascular graft
      infection that was diagnosed with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scan and treated successfully.

PMID- 25134653
TI  - Acute fulminant hepatitis E virus genotype 3e infection: description of the first
      case in Europe.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most important causative agent of acute hepatitis
      in developing countries. The disease is usually characterized by a self-limiting,
      benign course. However, when particular conditions coexist (pregnancy, old age,
      pre-existing liver disease) it may run an unfavourable course. To date, 4 HEV
      genotypes have been described. Historically, in the Western world, HEV infection
      was considered a travel-related disease, however in the last 2 decades a great
      number of non-travel-related autochthonous cases have been described, more often
      related to genotype 3 or 4 and in the context of zoonosis. We report the case of
      an elderly Italian man with an acute fulminant HEV infection genotype 3e that
      developed in the context of pre-existing liver disease; this is the first case of
      an unfavourable outcome associated with subgenotype 3e. The potential
      pathogenicity of this subgenotype together with the influence of host-related
      risk factors are discussed.

PMID- 25134654
TI  - Testing for hepatitis B virus and HIV in patients with chronic hepatitis C:
      screening performance and outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and co-infected with
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at
      increased risk for progression of liver disease. The aim of this study was to
      assess HBV and HIV screening performance and outcome in HCV patients followed at
      a Danish university hospital and affiliated regional outpatient clinics. METHODS:
      HBV and HIV serology data were extracted from a quality assurance database for
      the assessment of screening performance in patients diagnosed with chronic HCV
      infection during the period 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2011. Patients with
      incomplete and missing serology data had complementary serology tests performed
      to assess the prevalence of HBV and HIV co-infection and HBV immune status.
      RESULTS: Among 624 HCV patients, 10 (2%) were co-infected with chronic HBV and 32
      (5%) with HIV. Approximately half of the cohort were non-immune to HBV or had an
      unknown HBV serology status. Serology results consistent with resolved infection
      and HBV vaccination were found in 209 (33%) and 65 (10%) patients, respectively.
      During the 16-y observation period, HBV and HIV screening coverage at HCV
      diagnosis increased from 23% to 92% and from 38% to 80%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Despite improvements throughout the study period, HBV and HIV
      serology screening remained incomplete. The majority of patients were either HBV
      non-immune or had an unknown HBV serology status. These findings thus call for a
      more proactive screening approach as well as an improved HBV vaccination strategy
      for patients with chronic HCV infection.

PMID- 25134640
TI  - DNAH5 is associated with total lung capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by
      expiratory flow limitation, causing air trapping and lung hyperinflation.
      Hyperinflation leads to reduced exercise tolerance and poor quality of life in
      COPD patients. Total lung capacity (TLC) is an indicator of hyperinflation
      particularly in subjects with moderate-to-severe airflow obstruction. The aim of
      our study was to identify genetic variants associated with TLC in COPD. METHODS:
      We performed genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in white subjects from three
      cohorts: the COPDGene Study; the Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify
      Predictive Surrogate Endpoints (ECLIPSE); and GenKOLS (Bergen, Norway). All
      subjects were current or ex-smokers with at least moderate airflow obstruction,
      defined by a ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital
      capacity (FEV1/FVC) <0.7 and FEV1 < 80% predicted on post-bronchodilator
      spirometry. TLC was calculated by using volumetric computed tomography scans at
      full inspiration (TLCCT). Genotyping in each cohort was completed, with
      statistical imputation of additional markers. To find genetic variants associated
      with TLCCT, linear regression models were used, with adjustment for age, sex,
      pack-years of smoking, height, and principal components for genetic ancestry.
      Results were summarized using fixed-effect meta-analysis. RESULTS: Analysis of a
      total of 4,543 COPD subjects identified one genome-wide significant locus on
      chromosome 5p15.2 (rs114929486, beta = 0.42L, P = 4.66 * 10-8). CONCLUSIONS: In
      COPD, TLCCT was associated with a SNP in dynein, axonemal, heavy chain 5 (DNAH5),
      a gene in which genetic variants can cause primary ciliary dyskinesia. DNAH5
      could have an effect on hyperinflation in COPD.

PMID- 25134655
TI  - A method for lipid droplet isolation from human placenta for further analyses in
      clinical trials.
AB  - We describe a method to isolate lipids droplets from human placental tissue for
      future lipid analyses. We collected placentas at term from healthy women (n=5)
      and tested three methods published for lipids droplets isolation in other
      tissues. Only one of the methods, when modified, isolated lipids droplets from
      placental tissue, whereas all three methods allowed lipids droplets isolation
      from rat liver (control tissue) and separation of lipids droplets from blood
      contamination of the tissue. The placental lipids droplets layer was
      characterized by the presence of adipophilin while no N+ /K+-ATPase as plasma
      membrane contamination was detected. Intraplacental triglyceride content showed a
      high coefficient of variation (~42%), whereas for cholesterol and phospholipids
      this was lower. One method was effective for isolation of placental lipids
      droplets. It is necessary to collect a pool of placental tissue pieces for
      placental lipids droplets analyses. Freezing in liquid nitrogen is recommended.

PMID- 25134657
TI  - Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets: one-step, high-yield synthesis and
      application for Cu2+ detection.
AB  - In this article we report on the one-step, rapid, high-yield synthesis of
      graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets for the first time. The nanosheets
      were obtained by pyrolyzing a melamine-KBH4 mixture under Ar. As a fluorosensor
      for Cu(2+), the g-C3N4 nanosheets exhibit a detection limit as low as 0.5 nM and
      high selectivity in buffer solutions, and this sensor was applied to the analysis
      of lake water samples. The electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) behavior of
      the g-C3N4 nanosheets using Na2S2O8 as the coreactant was also studied. Results
      suggest that the ECL intensity of the g-C3N4 nanosheets was linear over
      concentrations of 0-45 nM, with a detection limit of 1.2 nM for Cu(2+). 

PMID- 25134659
TI  - The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid favorably modulates the inflammatory
      pathways and macrophage polarization within aorta of LDLR(-/-) mice.
AB  - The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has potent anti-atherogenic
      properties but its mechanisms of action at the vascular level remain poorly
      explored. Knowing the broad range of molecular targets of omega-3 fatty acids,
      microarray analysis was used to open-mindedly evaluate the effects of DHA on
      aorta gene expression in LDLR(-/-) mice and better understand its local anti
      atherogenic action. Mice were fed an atherogenic diet and received daily oral
      gavages with oils rich in oleic acid or DHA. Bioinformatics analysis of
      microarray data first identified inflammation and innate immunity as processes
      the most affected by DHA supplementation within aorta. More precisely, several
      down-regulated genes were associated with the inflammatory functions of
      macrophages (e.g., CCL5 and CCR7), cell movement (e.g., ICAM-2, SELP, and PECAM
      1), and the major histocompatibility complex (e.g., HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DRB1).
      Interestingly, several genes were identified as specific biomarkers of macrophage
      polarization, and their changes suggested a preferential orientation toward a M2
      reparative phenotype. This observation was supported by the upstream regulator
      analysis highlighting the involvement of three main regulators of macrophage
      polarization, namely PPARgamma (z-score = 2.367, p = 1.50 * 10(-13)), INFgamma (z
      score = -2.797, p = 2.81 * 10(-14)), and NFkappaB (z-score = 2.360, p = 6.32 *
      10(-9)). Moreover, immunohistological analysis of aortic root revealed an
      increased abundance of Arg1 (+111 %, p = 0.01), a specific biomarker of M2
      macrophage. The present study showed for the first time that DHA supplementation
      during atherogenesis is associated with protective modulation of inflammation and
      innate immunity pathways within aorta putatively through the orientation of
      plaque macrophages toward a M2 reparative phenotype. 

PMID- 25134658
TI  - Content validity of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for multiple sclerosis from
      the perspective of speech and language therapists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning,
      Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a
      comprehensive framework to structure the information obtained in
      multidisciplinary clinical settings according to the biopsychosocial perspective
      of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
      and to guide the treatment and rehabilitation process accordingly. It is now
      undergoing validation from the user perspective for which it has been developed
      in the first place. AIMS: To validate the content of the Comprehensive ICF Core
      Set for MS from the perspective of speech and language therapists (SLTs) involved
      in the treatment of persons with MS (PwMS). METHODS & PROCEDURES: Within a three
      round e-mail-based Delphi Study 34 SLTs were asked about PwMS' problems,
      resources and aspects of the environment treated by SLTs. Responses were linked
      to ICF categories. Identified ICF categories were compared with those included in
      the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS to examine its content validity. OUTCOMES &
      RESULTS: Thirty-four SLTs named 524 problems and resources, as well as aspects of
      environment. Statements were linked to 129 ICF categories (60 Body-functions
      categories, two Body-structures categories, 42 Activities-&-participation
      categories, and 25 Environmental-factors categories). SLTs confirmed 46
      categories in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set. Twenty-one ICF categories were
      identified as not-yet-included categories. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: This study
      contributes to the content validity of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS from
      the perspective of SLTs. Study participants agreed on a few not-yet-included
      categories that should be further discussed for inclusion in a revised version of
      the Comprehensive ICF Core Set to strengthen SLTs' perspective in PwMS'
      neurorehabilitation.

PMID- 25134660
TI  - Treatment of Cushing's disease: a mechanistic update.
AB  - Cushing's disease (CD) is characterized by an ACTH-producing anterior
      corticotrope pituitary adenoma. If hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
      physiology is disrupted, ACTH secretion increases, which in turn stimulates
      adrenocortical steroidogenesis and cortisol production. Medical treatment plays
      an important role for patients with persistent disease after surgery, for those
      in whom surgery is not feasible, or while awaiting effects of radiation. Multiple
      drugs, with different mechanisms of action and variable efficacy and tolerability
      for controlling the deleterious effects of chronic glucocorticoid excess, are
      available. The molecular basis and clinical data for centrally acting drugs,
      adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists are
      reviewed, as are potential novel molecules and future possible targets for CD
      treatment. Although progress has been made in the understanding of specific
      corticotrope adenoma receptor physiology and recent clinical studies have
      detected improved effects with a combined medical therapy approach, there is a
      clear need for a more efficacious and better-tolerated medical therapy for
      patients with CD. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms in CD and of
      HPA axis physiology should advance the development of new drugs in the future. 

PMID- 25134661
TI  - Interfacial stability and shape change of anisotropic endoskeleton droplets.
AB  - The delivery of suspended active ingredients to a surface is a central function
      of numerous commercial cosmetic, drug, and agricultural formulations. Many
      products use liquid droplets as a delivery vehicle but, because interfacial
      tension keeps droplets spherical, these materials cannot exploit the benefits of
      anisotropic shape and shape change offered by solid colloids. In this work,
      individual droplet manipulation is used to produce viscoelastic droplets that can
      stably retain non-spherical shapes by balancing the Laplace pressure of the
      liquid-liquid interface with the elasticity of an internal crystalline network. A
      stability criterion is developed for idealized spherocylindrical droplets and
      shown to agree with experimental data for varying droplet size and rheology.
      Shape change can be induced in the anisotropic droplets by upsetting the balance
      of droplet interfacial tension and internal rheology. Using dilution to increase
      the interfacial tension shows that external stimuli can trigger collapse and
      shape change in these droplets. The droplets wrap around substrates during
      collapse, improving contact and adhesion. The model is used to develop design
      criteria for production of droplets with tunable response. 

PMID- 25134662
TI  - Emergency transcatheter arterial embolization for massive hemoptysis due to
      pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis sequelae.
AB  - To explore the strategy and curative effect of emergency transcatheter arterial
      embolization (ETAE) in patients with massive hemoptysis due to pulmonary
      tuberculosis and tuberculosis sequelae. A total of 148 patients with massive
      hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis underwent emergency arteriography. After
      the bleeding artery was located, patients were given embolotherapy using gelfoam
      strips, coils, and polyvinyl alcohol particles. The arteriography manifestations
      and therapeutic outcomes in all patients were retrospectively analyzed. ETAE was
      performed successfully in 143 patients after location of the bleeding arteries.
      The bleeding arteries could not be located in another five patients, and
      embolotherapy, therefore, could not be performed. Among these five patients,
      three underwent surgical resection and two died of complications of
      tuberculosis/fungal ball coinfection. During a 2-year follow-up period, there
      were 15 cases of recurrent hemoptysis after initial embolotherapy. Among these,
      four cases were resolved by re-embolization, 11 patients still had massive
      hemoptysis after re-embolization who underwent surgical resection and resolved
      the hemoptysis eventually. Successful hemostasis was achieved by ETAE in 132
      patients (89.19%; 132/148). No severe complications occurred after embolotherapy.
      ETAE is a safe and effective treatment for massive hemoptysis due to pulmonary
      tuberculosis. The key to successful treatment is thorough and complete
      embolization of the bleeding arteries. In the event of failure of embolotherapy,
      surgical resection should be used to resolve the bleeding.

PMID- 25134664
TI  - Low-temperature reduction of brownmillerite CaFeO2.5 in LaAlO3/CaFeO2.5
      heterostructures made on SrTiO3.
AB  - When LaAlO3/CaFeO2.5 thin-film heterostructures made on SrTiO3 were annealed with
      CaH2 at low temperatures below 300  degrees C, the brownmillerite CaFeO2.5 layer
      was reduced to CaFeO2 with an infinite-layer structure while both the LaAlO3
      capping layer and the SrTiO3 substrate remained intact. The reduction behaviour
      strongly depends on the lattice matching of LaAlO3 to CaFeO2.5, suggesting that
      oxygen ions migrate through the coherently grown LaAlO3 layer of the
      heterostructure predominantly in the out-of-plane direction. The structural
      defects near the interface in the relaxed-structure LaAlO3 capping layer prevent
      the oxygen ions from migrating. 

PMID- 25134663
TI  - Knockdown of Akt2 expression by shRNA inhibits proliferation, enhances apoptosis,
      and increases chemosensitivity to paclitaxel in human colorectal cancer cells.
AB  - Akt2 overexpression correlates with chemoresistance of colorectal cancer (CRC).
      However, the cellular functions and precise signals elicited by Akt2 in LSCC have
      not been elucidated. Here, we transfected a CRC cell line HCT116 with Akt-2
      targeted shRNA in order to establish a cell line with Akt2 knockdown. In vitro
      experiments showed that knockdown Akt2 in HCT116 cells was associated with
      decrease in cell proliferation as well as enhanced cell apoptosis. Furthermore,
      our results demonstrated that Akt2 knockdown correlated with elevated
      chemosensitivity of HCT116 cells to paclitaxel. Importantly, we found that
      knockdown of AKt2 resulted in downregulation of MDR-1 and MRP-1. Our findings may
      lead to a better understanding of the biological effect of Akt2 and may provide
      mechanistic insights for developing potential therapeutic strategies targeting
      AKt2. 

PMID- 25134665
TI  - The relationship between promotions committees' identification of problem medical
      students and subsequent state medical board actions.
AB  - Studies have found unprofessional behavior in medical school was associated with
      disciplinary action by state medical boards. For medical schools, promotions
      committees are responsible for identifying which students do not demonstrate
      academic performance and professional behavior acceptable for promotion and
      graduation. The objective of this study was to determine if student
      identification by promotions committees during medical school was associated with
      disciplinary actions by state medical boards later in practice. We reviewed 20
      years of promotions committees' records from a single institution and noted
      students identified by promotions committees for performance or behavioral
      issues. These were compared with disciplinary action reports from the Federation
      of State Medical Boards (FSMB) for graduates. Over the two decades, 2,131
      students matriculated and 2,078 of these graduated. The promotions committees
      identified 140 students for poor academic performance or behavioral problems
      (140/2,078, 6.7 %). Of these, 108 students graduated. FSMB records showed 29 of
      the 2,078 graduates had sanctions by state boards (29/2,078, 1.4 %). Only four
      students that had actions by state medical boards were among the 108 graduated
      students identified by medical school promotions committees (4/108, 3.7 %). Of
      the students not identified by promotions committees, 25 eventually had
      disciplinary actions (25/1,970, 1.3 %). The odds of having state medical board
      action if identified by promotions committees was 3.0 (CI 1.02-8.8, p < 0.05). In
      conclusion, identification of students by medical school promotions committees
      was later associated with state medical board actions. However, most graduates
      with state medical board actions were not identified by medical school promotions
      committees.

PMID- 25134666
TI  - Cost in medical education: one hundred and twenty years ago.
AB  - The first full paper that is dedicated to cost in medical education appears in
      the BMJ in 1893. This paper "The cost of a medical education" outlines the likely
      costs associated with undergraduate education at the end of the nineteenth
      century, and offers guidance to the student on how to make financial planning.
      Many lessons can be gleaned from the paper about the cost and other aspects of
      nineteenth century medical education. Cost is viewed almost exclusively from the
      domain of the male gender. Cost is viewed not just from the perspective of a
      young man but of a young gentleman. There is a strong implication that medicine
      is a club and that you have to have money to join the club and then to take part
      in the club's activities. Cost affects choice of medical school and selection
      into schools. The paper places great emphasis on the importance of passing exams
      at their first sitting and progressing through each year in a timely manner
      mainly to save costs. The subject of cost is viewed from the perspective of the
      payer-at this time students and their families. The paper encourages the reader
      to reflect on what has and has not changed in this field since 1893. Modern
      medical education is still expensive; its expense deters students; and we have
      only started to think about how to control costs or how to ensure value. Too much
      of the cost of medical education continues to burden students and their families.

PMID- 25134667
TI  - Estimating a DIF decomposition model using a random-weights linear logistic test
      model approach.
AB  - A differential item functioning (DIF) decomposition model separates a testlet
      item DIF into two sources: item-specific differential functioning and testlet
      specific differential functioning. This article provides an alternative model
      building framework and estimation approach for a DIF decomposition model that was
      proposed by Beretvas and Walker (2012). Although their model is formulated under
      multilevel modeling with the restricted pseudolikelihood estimation method, our
      approach illustrates DIF decomposition modeling that is directly built upon the
      random-weights linear logistic test model framework with the marginal maximum
      likelihood estimation method. In addition to demonstrating our approach's
      performance, we provide detailed information on how to implement this new DIF
      decomposition model using an item response theory software program; using DIF
      decomposition may be challenging for practitioners, yet practical information on
      how to implement it has previously been unavailable in the measurement
      literature. 

PMID- 25134668
TI  - Chinese English Learners' Strategic Competence.
AB  - The present study aims to investigate Chinese English learners' ability to use
      communication strategies (CSs). The subjects are put in a relatively real English
      referential communication setting and the analyses of the research data show that
      Chinese English learners, when encountering problems in foreign language (FL)
      communication, are characterized by the frequent use of substitution,
      approximation, circumlocution, literal translation, exemplification, word
      coinage, repetition, and the infrequent use of cultural-knowledge and
      paralinguistic CSs. The rare use of paralinguistic strategies is found to be
      typical of Chinese English learners. The high frequency of literal translation,
      one first language (L1)-based strategy in our study sample, suggests that FL
      learners' use of L1-based CSs may depend more upon the developmental stage of
      their target language than the typology distance between L1 and the target
      language. The frequency of repetition reveals one fact that the Chinese English
      learners lack variety and flexibility in their use of CSs. Based on these
      findings, it was indicated that learners' use of CSs is influenced by a variety
      of factors, among which the development stage of their interlanguage and their
      cultural background are identified as two important factors. Some implications
      are finally suggested for the English foreign language teaching practice in
      China. 

PMID- 25134669
TI  - 18F-FDG PET of the hands with a dedicated high-resolution PEM system (arthro
      PET): correlation with PET/CT, radiography and clinical parameters.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to prospectively determine the feasibility and
      compare the novel use of a positron emission mammography (PEM) scanner with
      standard PET/CT for evaluating hand osteoarthritis (OA) with (18)F-FDG. METHODS:
      Institutional review board approval and written informed consent were obtained
      for this HIPAA-compliant prospective study in which 14 adults referred for
      oncological (18)F-FDG PET/CT underwent dedicated hand PET/CT followed by arthro
      PET using the PEM device. Hand radiographs were obtained and scored for the
      presence and severity of OA. Summed qualitative and quantitative joint glycolytic
      scores for each modality were compared with the findings on plain radiography and
      clinical features. RESULTS: Eight patients with clinical and/or radiographic
      evidence of OA comprised the OA group (mean age 73 +/- 7.7 years). Six patients
      served as the control group (53.7 +/- 9.3 years). Arthro-PET quantitative and
      qualitative joint glycolytic scores were highly correlated with PET/CT findings
      in the OA patients (r = 0.86. p = 0.007; r = 0.94, p = 0.001). Qualitative arthro
      PET and PET/CT joint scores were significantly higher in the OA patients than in
      controls (38.7 +/- 6.6 vs. 32.2 +/- 0.4, p = 0.02; 37.5 +/- 5.4 vs. 32.2 +/- 0.4,
      p = 0.03, respectively). Quantitative arthro-PET and PET/CT maximum SUV-lean
      joint scores were higher in the OA patients, although they did not reach
      statistical significance (20.8 +/- 4.2 vs. 18 +/- 1.8, p = 0.13; 22.8 +/- 5.38
      vs. 20.1 +/- 1.54, p = 0.21). By definition, OA patients had higher radiographic
      joint scores than controls (30.9 +/- 31.3 vs. 0, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Hand
      imaging using a small field of view PEM system (arthro-PET) with FDG is feasible,
      performing comparably to PET/CT in assessing metabolic joint activity. Arthro-PET
      and PET/CT showed higher joint FDG uptake in OA. Further exploration of arthro
      PET in arthritis management is warranted.

PMID- 25134670
TI  - (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT provides accurate tumour extent in patients with
      extraadrenal paraganglioma compared to (123)I-MIBG SPECT/CT.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of (123)I-MIBG
      SPECT/CT with that of (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT for staging extraadrenal
      paragangliomas (PGL) using both functional and anatomical images (i.e. combined
      cross-sectional imaging) as the reference standards. METHODS: The study included
      three men and seven women (age range 26 to 73 years) with anatomical and/or
      histologically proven disease. Three patients had either metastatic head and neck
      PGL (HNPGL) or multifocal extraadrenal PGL, and seven patients had nonmetastatic
      extraadrenal disease. Comparative evaluation included morphological imaging with
      CT, functional imaging with (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET, and (123)I-MIBG imaging. The
      imaging results were analysed on a per-patient and on a per-lesion basis.
      RESULTS: On a per-patient basis, the detection rate of (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET was 100
      %, whereas that of planar (123)I-MIBG imaging was 10.0 % and with SPECT/CT 20.0 %
      for both nonmetastatic and metastatic/multifocal extraadrenal PGL. On a per
      lesion basis, the overall sensitivity of (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET was 100 % (McNemar p
      < 0.5), that of planar (123)I-MIBG imaging was 3.4 % (McNemar p < 0.001) and that
      of SPECT/CT was 6.9 % (McNemar p < 0.001). Both (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET and anatomical
      imaging identified 27 lesions. Planar (123)I-MIBG imaging identified only one
      lesion, and SPECT/CT two lesions. Two additional lesions were detected by (68)Ga
      DOTATOC PET but not by either (123)I-MIBG or CT imaging. CONCLUSION: Our analysis
      in this patient cohort indicated that (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT is superior to (123)I
      MIBG SPECT/CT, particularly in head and neck and bone lesions, and provides
      valuable information for staging extraadrenal PGL, particularly in patients with
      surgically inoperable tumours or multifocal/malignant disease.

PMID- 25134673
TI  - Quantitative proteomics reveals the kinetics of trypsin-catalyzed protein
      digestion.
AB  - Trypsin is the popular protease to digest proteins into peptides in shotgun
      proteomics, but few studies have attempted to systematically investigate the
      kinetics of trypsin-catalyzed protein digestion in proteome samples. In this
      study, we applied quantitative proteomics via triplex stable isotope dimethyl
      labeling to investigate the kinetics of trypsin-catalyzed cleavage. It was found
      that trypsin cleaves the C-terminal to lysine (K) and arginine (R) residues with
      higher rates for R. And the cleavage sites surrounded by neutral residues could
      be quickly cut, while those with neighboring charged residues (D/E/K/R) or
      proline residue (P) could be slowly cut. In a proteome sample, a huge number of
      proteins with different physical chemical properties coexists. If any type of
      protein could be preferably digested, then limited digestion could be applied to
      reduce the sample complexity. However, we found that protein abundance and other
      physicochemical properties, such as molecular weight (Mw), grand average of
      hydropathicity (GRAVY), aliphatic index, and isoelectric point (pI) have no
      notable correlation with digestion priority of proteins. 

PMID- 25134674
TI  - Emerging concepts and strategies in analytical glow discharges.

PMID- 25134672
TI  - Belinostat: first global approval.
AB  - Belinostat [Beleodaq((r)) (US)], a small-molecule hydroxamate-type inhibitor of
      class I, II and IV histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, has been developed by
      TopoTarget and Spectrum Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of relapsed or
      refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Belinostat has received its first
      global approval as monotherapy for this indication in the US, under the Food and
      Drug Administration's accelerated approval program. This article summarizes the
      milestones in the development of belinostat leading to this first approval for
      the treatment of PTCL. 

PMID- 25134671
TI  - Chronic renal insufficiency in heart transplant recipients: risk factors and
      management options.
AB  - Renal dysfunction after heart transplantation is a frequently observed
      complication, in some cases resulting in significant limitation of quality of
      life and reduced survival. Since the pathophysiology of renal failure (RF) is
      multifactorial, the current etiologic paradigm for chronic kidney disease after
      heart transplantation relies on the concept of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)
      related nephrotoxicity acting on a predisposed recipient. Until recently, the
      management of RF has been restricted to the minimization of CNI dosage and
      general avoidance of classic nephrotoxic risk factors, with somewhat limited
      success. The recent introduction of proliferation signal inhibitors (PSIs)
      (sirolimus and everolimus), a new class of immunosuppressive drugs lacking
      intrinsic nephrotoxicity, has provided a completely new alternative in this
      clinical setting. As clinical experience with these new drugs increases, new
      renal-sparing strategies are becoming available. PSIs can be used in combination
      with reduced doses of CNIs and even in complete CNI-free protocols. Different
      strategies have been devised, including de novo use to avoid acute renal toxicity
      in high-risk patients immediately after transplantation, or more delayed
      introduction in those patients developing chronic RF after prolonged CNI
      exposure. In this review, the main information on the clinical relevance and
      pathophysiology of RF after heart transplantation, as well as the currently
      available experience with renal-sparing immunosuppressive regimens, particularly
      focused on the use of PSIs, is reviewed and summarized, including the key
      practical points for their appropriate clinical usage. 

PMID- 25134675
TI  - Can mercury in fish be reduced by water level management? Evaluating the effects
      of water level fluctuation on mercury accumulation in yellow perch (Perca
      flavescens).
AB  - Mercury (Hg) contamination of fisheries is a major concern for resource managers
      of many temperate lakes. Anthropogenic Hg contamination is largely derived from
      atmospheric deposition within a lake's watershed, but its incorporation into the
      food web is facilitated by bacterial activity in sediments. Temporal variation in
      Hg content of fish (young-of-year yellow perch) in the regulated lakes of the
      Rainy-Namakan complex (on the border of the United States and Canada) has been
      linked to water level (WL) fluctuations, presumably through variation in sediment
      inundation. As a result, Hg contamination of fish has been linked to
      international regulations of WL fluctuation. Here we assess the relationship
      between WL fluctuations and fish Hg content using a 10-year dataset covering six
      lakes. Within-year WL rise did not appear in strongly supported models of fish
      Hg, but year-to-year variation in maximum water levels (?maxWL) was positively
      associated with fish Hg content. This WL effect varied in magnitude among lakes:
      In Crane Lake, a 1 m increase in ?maxWL from the previous year was associated
      with a 108 ng increase in fish Hg content (per gram wet weight), while the same
      WL change in Kabetogama was associated with only a 5 ng increase in fish Hg
      content. In half the lakes sampled here, effect sizes could not be distinguished
      from zero. Given the persistent and wide-ranging extent of Hg contamination and
      the large number of regulated waterways, future research is needed to identify
      the conditions in which WL fluctuations influence fish Hg content.

PMID- 25134676
TI  - Cytochrome P4501A1 expression in blubber biopsies of endangered false killer
      whales (Pseudorca crassidens) and nine other odontocete species from Hawai'i.
AB  - Odontocetes (toothed whales) are considered sentinel species in the marine
      environment because of their high trophic position, long life spans, and blubber
      that accumulates lipophilic contaminants. Cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) is a
      biomarker of exposure and molecular effects of certain persistent organic
      pollutants. Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize CYP1A1 expression in
      blubber biopsies collected by non-lethal sampling methods from 10 species of free
      ranging Hawaiian odontocetes: short-finned pilot whale, melon-headed whale, pygmy
      killer whale, common bottlenose dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, pantropical
      spotted dolphin, Blainville's beaked whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, sperm whale,
      and endangered main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale. Significantly
      higher levels of CYP1A1 were observed in false killer whales and rough-toothed
      dolphins compared to melon-headed whales, and in general, trophic position
      appears to influence CYP1A1 expression patterns in particular species groups. No
      significant differences in CYP1A1 were found based on age class or sex across all
      samples. However, within male false killer whales, juveniles expressed
      significantly higher levels of CYP1A1 when compared to adults. Total
      polychlorinated biphenyl (?PCBs) concentrations in 84% of false killer whales
      exceeded proposed threshold levels for health effects, and ?PCBs correlated with
      CYP1A1 expression. There was no significant relationship between PCB toxic
      equivalent quotient and CYP1A1 expression, suggesting that this response may be
      influenced by agonists other than the dioxin-like PCBs measured in this study. No
      significant differences were found for CYP1A1 expression among social clusters of
      false killer whales. This work provides a foundation for future health monitoring
      of the endangered stock of false killer whales and other Hawaiian odontocetes.

PMID- 25134677
TI  - Microcalorimetric study of the effects of long-term fertilization on soil
      microbial activity in a wheat field on the Loess Plateau.
AB  - The effects of the long-term inorganic (nitrogen, N; phosphate, P) and organic
      (manure, M; straw, S) fertilizers/managemenet individually and in combinations
      (N, NP, SNP, M, and MNP) on soil microbial activity were investigated in a wheat
      field on the Loess Plateau, China. Microcalorimetry was used to determine
      microbial activity under different treatments. Nearly 30 years of consecutive
      fertilization has altered the culturable population of soil bacteria and fungi,
      the highest ones were detected in the treatments of manure and MNP, followed by
      the NP and SNP treatments. The microbial growth rate constant (MU/h(-1)) was
      significantly greater in the MNP treatment than all the other treatments. The
      total heat exchange values (Q/J) were the highest in the MNP and NP treatments,
      which were significantly different from the N and M treatments. The peak height
      (P(t)/MUW) were significantly higher in MNP and NP treatments than in the
      remaining treatments. The peak time values (t(p)/h) among the MNP, NP, SNP and M,
      N and CK treatments were significantly different. In general, comparing with
      control, soil microbial activity was much higher in MNP, NP and SNP treatments,
      all including the phosphate fertilizer. Our results showed that the application
      of inorganic fertilizer and organic manure have positive effects on multiple soil
      chemical parameters, soil microorganism abundance and activity, and hence crop
      yield.

PMID- 25134678
TI  - Effect of triclosan on reproduction, DNA damage and heat shock protein gene
      expression of the earthworm Eisenia fetida.
AB  - Triclosan (TCS) is released into the terrestrial environment via the application
      of sewage sludge and reclaimed water to agricultural land. More attention has
      been paid to its effect on non-target soil organisms. In the present study,
      chronic toxic effects of TCS on earthworms at a wide range of concentrations were
      investigated. The reproduction, DNA damage, and expression levels of heat shock
      protein (Hsp70) gene of earthworms were studied as toxicity endpoints. The
      results showed that the reproduction of earthworms were significantly reduced (p
      < 0.05) after exposure to the concentrations ranges from 50 to 300 mg kg(-1),
      with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 142.11 mg kg(-1). DNA
      damage, detected by the comet assay, was observed and there was a clear
      significant (R(2) = 0.941) relationship between TCS concentrations and DNA
      damage, with the EC50 value of 8.85 mg kg(-1). The expression levels of Hsp70
      gene of earthworms were found to be up-regulated under the experimental
      conditions. The expression level of hsp70 gene increased, up to about 2.28 folds
      that in the control at 50 mg kg(-1). The EC50 value based on the Hsp70 biomarker
      was 1.79 mg kg(-1). Thus, among the three toxicity endpoints, the Hsp70 gene was
      more sensitive to TCS in soil.

PMID- 25134679
TI  - Long-term effects of fertilizer on soil enzymatic activity of wheat field soil in
      Loess Plateau, China.
AB  - The effects of long-term (29 years) fertilization on local agro-ecosystems in the
      Loess Plateau of northwest China, containing a single or combinations of
      inorganic (Nitrogen, N; Phosphate, P) and organic (Mature, M Straw, S)
      fertilizer, including N, NP, SNP, M, MNP, and a control. The soil enzymes,
      including dehydrogenase, urease, alkaline phosphatase, invertase and glomalin,
      were investigated in three physiological stages (Jointing, Dough, and Maturity)
      of wheat growth at three depths of the soil profile (0-15, 16-30, 31-45 cm). We
      found that the application of farmyard manure and straw produced the highest
      values of soil enzymatic activity, especially a balanced applied treatment of
      MNP. Enzymatic activity was lowest in the control. Values were generally highest
      at dough, followed by the jointing and maturity stages, and declined with soil
      profile depth. The activities of the enzymes investigated here are significantly
      correlated with each other and are correlated with soil nutrients, in particular
      with soil organic carbon. Our results suggest that a balanced application of
      fertilizer nutrients and organic manure (especially those containing P) has
      positive effects on multiple soil chemical parameters, which in turn enhances
      enzyme activity. We emphasize the role of organic manure in maintaining soil
      organic matter and promoting biological activity, as its application can result
      in a substantial increase in agricultural production and can be sustainable for
      many years.

PMID- 25134680
TI  - Aging of the nitric oxide system: are we as old as our NO?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impaired generation and signaling of nitric oxide (NO) contribute
      substantially to cardiovascular (CV) risk (CVR) associated with hypertension,
      hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. In our rapidly aging society, advanced age
      is, in itself, a consistent and independent CVR factor. Many processes involved
      in aging are modulated by NO. We therefore postulated that aging might be
      independently associated with impaired NO signaling. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a
      prospective cohort study of 204 subjects (mean age 63+/-6 at study entry), we
      evaluated the effects of 4 years of aging on parameters of NO generation and
      effect, including platelet aggregability and responsiveness to NO, and plasma
      concentrations of the NO synthase inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA).
      Clinical history, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, routine
      biochemistry, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were obtained at study entry and
      after 4 years of follow-up. Aging was associated with marked deterioration of
      responsiveness of platelets to NO (P<0.0001) and increases in plasma ADMA
      concentrations (P<0.0001). There was a significant correlation between changes in
      these parameters over time (r=0.2; P=0.013). On multivariable analyses, the
      independent correlates of deterioration of responsiveness of platelets to NO were
      female gender (beta=0.17; P=0.034) and low vitamin D concentrations (beta=0.16;
      P=0.04), whereas increases in ADMA were associated with presence of diabetes
      (beta=0.16; P=0.03) and impaired renal function (beta=0.2; P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS:
      Aging is associated with marked impairment of determinants of NO generation and
      effect, to an extent which is commensurate with adverse impact on CV outcomes.
      This deterioration represents a potential target for therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 25134683
TI  - Prefronto-subcortical imbalance characterizes poor decision-making: neurochemical
      and neural functional evidences in rats.
AB  - A major challenge of decision-making research in recent years has been to develop
      models of poor decision-making to identify its neural bases. Toward this goal, we
      developed a Rat Gambling Task that discerns good and poor decision-makers in a
      complex and conflicting situation such as the human Iowa Gambling Task. Nothing
      is known about the role of the monoaminergic modulatory systems in shaping these
      phenotypes. Moreover, functional and temporal contributions of brain areas during
      poor compared to good decision-making remains elusive. Good and poor decision
      makers were identified in the Rat Gambling Task. We investigated neurobiological
      correlates of decision-making capacities in (1) dopamine and serotonin turnovers
      using post-mortem tissue measurements, (2) the neural circuits differentially
      recruited during decision-making within the prefronto-subcortical network using
      cellular Fos immunodetection. Imbalance in monoamine metabolism was revealed in
      poor decision-makers, i.e. a higher infralimbic vs. lower amygdala serotonergic
      metabolism. Moreover, good decision-making recruited a wide prefronto-subcortical
      network but once good choices had been made, a disengagement of key prefrontal
      areas (insular and infralimbic cortices notably) and the amygdala was observed.
      By contrast, poor decision-making was associated with a strikingly low
      recruitment of the prefronto-subcortical network, together with sustained
      amygdala activity. Our results identify two complementary neurobiological
      substrates characterizing poor decision-makers: imbalanced monoaminergic systems
      at rest, congruent with their previously identified complex behavioral phenotype,
      and an aberrant low recruitment of key brain areas for executive functions and
      affective valence during the process of decision-making. These biomarkers could
      sustain vulnerability to developing poor decision-making related disorders. 

PMID- 25134681
TI  - Red cell distribution width is associated with incident myocardial infarction in
      a general population: the Tromso Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Red cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of the variability in
      size of circulating erythrocytes, is associated with mortality and adverse
      outcome in selected populations with cardiovascular disease. It is scarcely known
      whether RDW is associated with incident myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed to
      investigate whether RDW was associated with risk of first-ever MI in a large
      cohort study with participants recruited from a general population. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Baseline characteristics, including RDW, were collected for 25 612
      participants in the Tromso Study in 1994-1995. Incident MI during follow-up was
      registered from inclusion through December 31, 2010. Cox regression models were
      used to calculate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for MI, adjusted
      for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets,
      and other traditional cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 1779 participants
      experienced a first-ever MI during a median follow-up time of 15.8 years. There
      was a linear association between RDW and risk of MI, for which a 1% increment in
      RDW was associated with a 13% increased risk (hazard ratio 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07 to
      1.19). Participants with RDW above the 95th percentile had 71% higher risk of MI
      compared with those with RDW in the lowest quintile (hazard ratio 1.71; 95% CI,
      1.34 to 2.20). All effect estimates were essentially similar after exclusion of
      participants with anemia (n=1297) from the analyses. CONCLUSION: RDW is
      associated with incident MI in a general population independent of anemia and
      cardiovascular risk factors.

PMID- 25134684
TI  - TMS stimulation over the inferior parietal cortex disrupts prospective sense of
      agency.
AB  - Sense of agency refers to the feeling of controlling an external event through
      one's own action. On one influential view, sense of agency is inferred after an
      action, by "retrospectively" comparing actual effects of actions against their
      intended effects. However, it has been recently shown that earlier processes,
      linked to action selection, may also contribute to sense of agency, in advance of
      the action itself, and independently of action effects. The inferior parietal
      cortex (IPC) may underpin this "prospective" contribution to agency, by
      monitoring signals relating to fluency of action selection in dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Here, we combined transcranial stimulation (TMS) with
      subliminal priming of action selection to investigate the causal role of these
      regions in the prospective coding of agency. In a first experiment, we showed
      that TMS over left IPC at the time of action selection disrupts perceived control
      over subsequent effects of action. In a second experiment, we exploited the
      temporal specificity of single-pulse TMS to pinpoint the exact timing of IPC
      contribution to sense of agency. We replicated the reduction in perceived control
      at the point of action selection, while observing no effect of TMS-induced
      disruption of IPC at the time of action outcomes. 

PMID- 25134682
TI  - Contralateral cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways with prominent involvement of
      associative areas in humans in vivo.
AB  - In addition to motor functions, it has become clear that in humans the cerebellum
      plays a significant role in cognition too, through connections with associative
      areas in the cerebral cortex. Classical anatomy indicates that neo-cerebellar
      regions are connected with the contralateral cerebral cortex through the dentate
      nucleus, superior cerebellar peduncle, red nucleus and ventrolateral anterior
      nucleus of the thalamus. The anatomical existence of these connections has been
      demonstrated using virus retrograde transport techniques in monkeys and rats ex
      vivo. In this study, using advanced diffusion MRI tractography we show that it is
      possible to calculate streamlines to reconstruct the pathway connecting the
      cerebellar cortex with contralateral cerebral cortex in humans in vivo.
      Corresponding areas of the cerebellar and cerebral cortex encompassed similar
      proportion (about 80%) of the tract, suggesting that the majority of streamlines
      passing through the superior cerebellar peduncle connect the cerebellar
      hemispheres through the ventrolateral thalamus with contralateral associative
      areas. This result demonstrates that this kind of tractography is a useful tool
      to map connections between the cerebellum and the cerebral cortex and moreover
      could be used to support specific theories about the abnormal communication along
      these pathways in cognitive dysfunctions in pathologies ranging from dyslexia to
      autism.

PMID- 25134685
TI  - Chromophore composition of the phycobiliprotein Cr-PC577 from the cryptophyte
      Hemiselmis pacifica.
AB  - The cryptophyte phycocyanin Cr-PC577 from Hemiselmis pacifica is a close relative
      of Cr-PC612 found in Hemiselmis virescens and Hemiselmis tepida. The two
      biliproteins differ in that Cr-PC577 lacks the major peak at around 612 nm in the
      absorption spectrum. Cr-PC577 was thus purified and characterized with respect to
      its bilin chromophore composition. Like other cryptophyte phycobiliproteins, Cr
      PC577 is an (alphabeta)(alpha'beta) heterodimer with phycocyanobilin (PCB) bound
      to the alpha-subunits. While one chromophore of the beta-subunit is also PCB,
      mass spectrometry identified an additional chromophore with a mass of 585 Da at
      position beta-Cys-158. This mass can be attributed to either a dihydrobiliverdin
      (DHBV), mesobiliverdin (MBV), or bilin584 chromophore. The doubly linked bilin at
      position beta-Cys-50 and beta-Cys-61 could not be identified unequivocally but
      shares spectral features with DHBV. We found that Cr-PC577 possesses a novel
      chromophore composition with at least two different chromophores bound to the
      beta-subunit. Overall, our data contribute to a better understanding of
      cryptophyte phycobiliproteins and furthermore raise the question on the
      biosynthetic pathway of cryptophyte chromophores. 

PMID- 25134686
TI  - Dolutegravir, the Second-Generation of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors
      (INSTIs) for the Treatment of HIV.
AB  - The integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are the newest antiretroviral
      class in the HIV treatment armamentarium. Dolutegravir (DTG) is the only second
      generation INSTI with FDA approval (2013). It has potential advantages in
      comparison to first-generation INSTI's, including unboosted daily dosing, limited
      cross resistance with raltegravir and elvitegravir, and a high barrier to
      resistance. Clinical trials have evaluated DTG as a 50-mg daily dose in both
      treatment-naive and treatment-experienced, INSTI-naive participants. In those
      treatment-naive participants with baseline viral load <100,000 copies/mL, DTG
      combined with abacavir and lamivudine was non-inferior and superior to fixed-dose
      combination emtricitabine/tenofovir/efavirenz. DTG was also superior to the
      protease inhibitor regimen darunavir/ritonavir in treatment-naive participants
      regardless of baseline viral load. Among treatment-experienced patients naive to
      INSTI, DTG (50 mg daily) demonstrated both non-inferiority and superiority when
      compared to the first-generation INSTI raltegravir (400 mg twice daily)
      regardless of the background regimen. No phenotypically significant DTG
      resistance has been demonstrated in INSTI-naive participant trials. The VIKING
      trials evaluated DTG's ability to treat persons with HIV with prior INSTI
      exposure. VIKING demonstrated twice-daily DTG was more efficacious than daily
      dosing when treating participants receiving and failing first-generation INSTI
      regimens. DTG maintained potency against single mutations from any of the three
      major INSTI pathways (Y143, H155, Q148); however, the Q148 mutation with two or
      more additional mutations significantly reduced its potency. The long-acting
      formulation of DTG, GSK1265744LA, is the next innovation in this second
      generation INSTI class, holding promise for the future of HIV prevention and
      treatment. 

PMID- 25134688
TI  - Factors influencing knowledge and practice of hygiene in Water, Sanitation and
      Hygiene (WASH) programme areas of Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Improved hygiene is one of the most effective means of reducing
      disease occurrence. However, a complete understanding of the factors that
      contribute to such improvement are not clear. This study explored factors that
      facilitate and/or impede hygiene behavior in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
      intervention areas using qualitative research techniques. METHODS: The Bangladesh
      Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) has been providing WASH intervention to 150
      rural upazilas (sub-districts) since 2006. For qualitative data collection, in
      depth interviews were conducted with 144 purposively selected women from six
      upazilas across Bangladesh. A woman in the household was considered as a case and
      interviewed regarding various aspects of sanitation and hygiene, using a
      checklist. Some practices, such as cleanliness of latrines, and availability of
      soap, water, slippers in their designated place were physically verified.
      RESULTS: The respondents' hygiene behavior was mainly facilitated by improved
      knowledge and awareness of health and environment-related issues. Latrine
      ownership increased through financial assistance, resulting in improved privacy,
      social prestige, and a heightened sense of responsibility towards maintaining a
      healthy life. However, lack of interest in attending cluster meetings,
      traditional knowledge, poverty, and lack of will were some of the factors
      impeding knowledge and hygiene practice. In addition, attitude played a
      definitive role, with some respondents not practicing hygiene in spite of having
      the financial ability to do so. They expected full financial support for creating
      sanitation and hygiene facilities in their household despite BRAC's policy of
      providing such support only to the 'ultra-poor'. CONCLUSIONS: The identified
      impeding factors often act as barriers to transformation of hygiene-related
      knowledge into practice and practice into habit. More motivational cluster
      meetings with large-scale participation and periodic home visits by the programme
      organizers are imperative as they markedly improve hygiene behavior.

PMID- 25134689
TI  - Abstracts of the 50th EASD Annual Meeting, September 15-19, 2014, Vienna,
      Austria.

PMID- 25134687
TI  - Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) as a Pharmacological Target for Prevention and
      Treatment of Infectious Diseases.
AB  - In the present era of ever-increasing antibiotic resistance and increasingly
      complex and immunosuppressed patient populations, physicians and scientists are
      seeking novel approaches to battle difficult infectious disease conditions.
      Development of a serious infection implies a failure of innate immune
      capabilities in the patient, and one may consider whether pharmacological
      strategies exist to correct and enhance innate immune cell function. Hypoxia
      inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), the central regulator of the cellular response to
      hypoxic stress, has recently been recognized to control the activation state and
      key microbicidal functions of immune cells. HIF-1 boosting drugs are in clinical
      development for anemia and other indications, and could be repositioned as
      infectious disease therapeutics. With equal attention to opportunities and
      complexities, we review our current understanding of HIF-1 regulation of
      microbial host-pathogen interactions with an eye toward future drug development. 

PMID- 25134691
TI  - Statistics: general linear models (a flexible approach).
AB  - This article moves on to discuss a type of statistical testing different from
      those we have discussed previously, namely a General Linear Model. This system
      incorporates a number of other statistical models and is a powerful tool used
      widely in modern statistics. 

PMID- 25134690
TI  - Protocols utilizing constant pH molecular dynamics to compute pH-dependent
      binding free energies.
AB  - In protein-ligand binding, the electrostatic environments of the two binding
      partners may vary significantly in bound and unbound states, which may lead to
      protonation changes upon binding. In cases where ligand binding results in a net
      uptake or release of protons, the free energy of binding is pH-dependent.
      Nevertheless, conventional free energy calculations and molecular docking
      protocols typically do not rigorously account for changes in protonation that may
      occur upon ligand binding. To address these shortcomings, we present a simple
      methodology based on Wyman's binding polynomial formalism to account for the pH
      dependence of binding free energies and demonstrate its use on cucurbit[7]uril
      (CB[7]) host-guest systems. Using constant pH molecular dynamics and a reference
      binding free energy that is taken either from experiment or from thermodynamic
      integration computations, the pH-dependent binding free energy is determined.
      This computational protocol accurately captures the large pKa shifts observed
      experimentally upon CB[7]:guest association and reproduces experimental binding
      free energies at different levels of pH. We show that incorrect assignment of
      fixed protonation states in free energy computations can give errors of >2
      kcal/mol in these host-guest systems. Use of the methods presented here avoids
      such errors, thus suggesting their utility in computing proton-linked binding
      free energies for protein-ligand complexes. 

PMID- 25134694
TI  - Comment on "Effects of ethanol on vehicle energy efficiency and implications on
      ethanol life-cycle greenhouse gas analysis".

PMID- 25134693
TI  - Tasmanian Aborigines step up to health: evaluation of a cardiopulmonary
      rehabilitation and secondary prevention program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the burden of cardiopulmonary diseases in the Aboriginal
      community is high, utilisation of rehabilitation services has been poor. We
      evaluated the uptake and effectiveness of a cardiovascular and pulmonary
      rehabilitation program specifically designed and provided for the Aboriginal
      community, by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, for people with diagnosed chronic
      heart or respiratory disease and those at high risk of developing such
      conditions. METHODS: Participants had established chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, ischaemic heart disease or chronic heart failure or were at high risk of
      developing such diseases because of multiple risk factors. Rehabilitation
      programs (n = 13) comprised two exercise and one education session per week over
      eight weeks. Data, collected at baseline and on completion, included health
      status, risk factors, attendance, anthropometric measurements, physical capacity
      and quality of life. Data from participants who attended at least one program
      session were analysed. Qualitative written feedback from participants and staff
      was analysed thematically. RESULTS: Of 92 participants (39% with an established
      disease diagnosis), 72 provided follow-up data. Participants lost weight, and
      waist circumference decreased (mean -3.6 cm, 95% confidence interval (CI)-2.5 to 
      4.7). There were clinically significant improvements in six-minute walk distance
      (mean 55.7 m, 95% CI 37.8 to 73.7) and incremental shuttle walk (mean 106.2 m,
      95% CI 79.1 to 133.2). There were clinically significant improvements in generic
      quality of life domains, dyspnoea and fatigue. Generally, the improvements in
      participants with established cardiac or respiratory diseases did not differ from
      that in people with risk factors. Analysis of qualitative data identified three
      factors that facilitated participation: support from peers and health workers,
      provision of transport and the program structure. Participants' awareness of
      improvements in their health contributed to ongoing participation and positive
      health outcomes, and participants would recommend the program to family and
      friends. CONCLUSION: A cardiopulmonary program, which included exercise and
      education and met national guidelines, was designed and delivered specifically
      for the Aboriginal community. It increased participation in rehabilitation by
      Aborigines with, or at high risk of, established disease and led to positive
      changes in health behaviours, functional exercise capacity and health related
      quality of life.

PMID- 25134692
TI  - Technology-assisted weight loss interventions in primary care: a systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for and
      treating obesity. However, there are many barriers to successfully treating
      obesity in primary care (PC). Technology-assisted weight loss interventions offer
      novel ways of improving treatment, but trials are overwhelmingly conducted
      outside of PC and may not translate well into this setting. We conducted a
      systematic review of technology-assisted weight loss interventions specifically
      tested in PC settings. METHODS: We searched the literature from January 2000 to
      March 2014. INCLUSION CRITERIA: (1) Randomized controlled trial; (2) trials that
      utilized the Internet, personal computer, and/or mobile device; and (3) occurred
      in an ambulatory PC setting. We applied the Cochrane Effective Practice and
      Organization of Care (EPOC) and Delphi criteria to assess bias and the Pragmatic
      Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary (PRECIS) criteria to assess pragmatism
      (whether trials occurred in the real world versus under ideal circumstances).
      Given heterogeneity, results were not pooled quantitatively. RESULTS: Sixteen
      trials met inclusion criteria. Twelve (75 %) interventions achieved weight loss
      (range: 0.08 kg - 5.4 kg) compared to controls, while 5-45 % of patients lost at
      least 5 % of baseline weight. Trial duration and attrition ranged from 3-36
      months and 6-80 %, respectively. Ten (63 %) studies reported results after at
      least 1 year of follow-up. Interventions used various forms of personnel,
      technology modalities, and behavior change elements; trials most frequently
      utilized medical doctors (MDs) (44 %), web-based applications (63 %), and self
      monitoring (81 %), respectively. Interventions that included clinician-guiding
      software or feedback from personnel appeared to promote more weight loss than
      fully automated interventions. Only two (13 %) studies used publically available
      technologies. Many studies had fair pragmatism scores (mean: 2.8/4), despite
      occurring in primary care. DISCUSSION: Compared to usual care, technology
      assisted interventions in the PC setting help patients achieve weight loss,
      offering evidence-based options to PC providers. However, best practices remain
      undetermined. Despite occurring in PC, studies often fall short in utilizing
      pragmatic methodology and rarely provide publically available technology.
      Longitudinal, pragmatic, interdisciplinary, and open-source interventions are
      needed.

PMID- 25134695
TI  - A joint history of the nature of genetic variation and the nature of
      schizophrenia.
AB  - This essay traces the history of concepts of genetic variation and schizophrenia
      from Darwin and Mendel to the present. For Darwin, the important form of genetic
      variation for evolution is continuous in nature and small in effect.
      Biometricians led by Pearson agreed and developed statistical genetic approaches
      utilizing trait correlations in relatives. Mendel studied discontinuous traits
      and subsequent Mendelians, led by Bateson, assumed that important genetic
      variation was large in effect producing discontinuous phenotypes. Although
      biometricians studied 'insanity', schizophrenia genetics under Kraepelin and
      Rudin utilized Mendelian approaches congruent with their anatomical-clinical
      disease model of dementia praecox. Fisher showed, assuming many genes of small
      effect, Mendelian and Biometrical models were consilient. Echoing prior
      conflicts, psychiatric genetics since then has utilized both biometrical models,
      largely in twins, and Mendelian models, based on advancing molecular techniques.
      In 1968, Gottesman proposed a polygenic model for schizophrenia based on a
      threshold version of Fisher's theory. Since then, rigorous studies of the
      schizophrenia spectrum suggest that genetic risk for schizophrenia is more likely
      continuous than categorical. The last 5 years has seen increasingly convincing
      evidence from genome-wide association study (GWAS) and sequencing that genetic
      risk for schizophrenia is largely polygenic, and congruent with Fisher's and
      Gottesman's models. The gap between biometrical and molecular Mendelian models
      for schizophrenia has largely closed. The efforts to ground a categorical
      biomedical model of schizophrenia in Mendelian genetics have failed. The genetic
      risk for schizophrenia is widely distributed in human populations so that we all
      carry some degree of risk. 

PMID- 25134703
TI  - Neuro-oncology: It takes two to tango.

PMID- 25134696
TI  - High prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dogs in Veracruz, Mexico.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known concerning the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii
      infection in dogs in Mexico. Here, we investigated antibodies to T. gondii and
      associated risk factors in 101 dogs from an animal shelter in Veracruz State,
      Mexico. Canine sera were assayed for T. gondii IgG antibodies by using the
      modified agglutination test (MAT, cut off 1:25). RESULTS: Sixty eight (67.3%) of
      101 dogs were seropositive with titers of 1:25 in 16, 1:50 in 8, 1:100 in 9,
      1:200 in 10, 1:400 in 10, 1:800 in 10, 1:1600 in 3, and 1:3200 or higher in 2.
      None of the dogs' characteristics studied including age, sex, breed, and history
      of deworming, rabies vaccination and contact with cats was associated with
      seroprevalence of T. gondii infection. CONCLUSION: Using the dogs as sentinel
      animals, the results indicate high contamination with T. gondii of the
      environment in Veracruz, Mexico. Results have public health implications, and
      further studies in Veracruz should be conducted to establish the sources of
      environmental contamination with T. gondii and to determine optimal preventive
      measures against T. gondii infection in humans.

PMID- 25134706
TI  - Alzheimer disease: Functional connectivity changes show similar trajectories in
      autosomal dominant and sporadic Alzheimer disease.

PMID- 25134709
TI  - Parkinson disease: Can a new trial end controversy over when to use levodopa?
AB  - Levodopa is the standard therapy for Parkinson disease, but prolonged use
      promotes the development of adverse motor effects. A new trial compared the
      effectiveness of levodopa administration early in the disease with therapies that
      used alternative dopaminergic agents before levodopa. No clinically relevant
      differences were found between the treatment strategies.

PMID- 25134708
TI  - Mechanism-based treatment in complex regional pain syndromes.
AB  - Complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS) are multifactorial disorders with complex
      aetiology and pathogenesis. Management of CRPS is challenging, partly because of
      a lack of clinical data regarding the efficacy of the various therapies, and
      partly because successful treatment of CRPS requires a multidisciplinary, patient
      tailored approach. The pain in CRPS is often described as typical 'burning'
      neuropathic pain, and is accompanied by a variety of sensory, motor and autonomic
      signs and symptoms. Because research into therapies specifically in CRPS has been
      scarce, treatment for these syndromes has been largely based on therapeutic
      strategies adapted from neuropathic pain states; however, increased understanding
      of the pathogenesis of CRPS has provided the opportunity to develop mechanism
      based treatments. The interactions between the multiple pathophysiological
      mechanisms that contribute to the development, progression and maintenance of
      CRPS remain poorly understood. This Review describes the challenges in linking
      the current theories and knowledge of pathophysiological mechanisms to the mode
      of actions of the different treatment approaches. We discuss the current
      treatment strategies for CRPS, including pharmacotherapy, sympathetic ganglion
      block interventions, psychological support, physiotherapy and occupational
      therapy, and establish the concept of mechanism-based treatment for CRPS. 

PMID- 25134717
TI  - Why it is scientifically respectable to believe in repression: a response to
      Patihis, Ho, Tingen, Lilienfeld, and Loftus (2014).

PMID- 25134716
TI  - Unconscious repressed memory is scientifically questionable.

PMID- 25134715
TI  - The MK2/3 cascade regulates AMPAR trafficking and cognitive flexibility.
AB  - The interplay between long-term potentiation and long-term depression (LTD) is
      thought to be involved in learning and memory formation. One form of LTD
      expressed in the hippocampus is initiated by the activation of the group 1
      metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Importantly, mGluRs have been shown to
      be critical for acquisition of new memories and for reversal learning, processes
      that are thought to be crucial for cognitive flexibility. Here we provide
      evidence that MAPK-activated protein kinases 2 and 3 (MK2/3) regulate neuronal
      spine morphology, synaptic transmission and plasticity. Furthermore, mGluR-LTD is
      impaired in the hippocampus of MK2/3 double knockout (DKO) mice, an observation
      that is mirrored by deficits in endocytosis of GluA1 subunits. Consistent with
      compromised mGluR-LTD, MK2/3 DKO mice have distinctive deficits in hippocampal
      dependent spatial reversal learning. These novel findings demonstrate that the
      MK2/3 cascade plays a strategic role in controlling synaptic plasticity and
      cognition. 

PMID- 25134719
TI  - Digital necrosis after triamcinolone acetonide injection for trigger thumb: case
      report.

PMID- 25134718
TI  - Analysis of high fat diet induced genes during mammary gland development:
      identifying role players in poor prognosis of breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of a high-fat
      diet (HFD) increases the risk of developing breast cancer (BC). Studies in
      rodents have shown HFD causes changes in the genetic programming of the maturing
      mammary gland (MG) increasing the susceptibility of developing the disease. Less
      is known about how HFD induced genes impact BC development. HFD exposure two
      weeks before conception to six weeks of age was previously shown to dramatically
      change MG gene expression in 10 week old mice. Therefore, we investigated these
      differentially expressed HFD-induced genes for their expression in BC using the
      NKI 295 breast tumor dataset. RESULTS: To examine the potential role of HFD
      induced genes in BC, we first investigated whether these HFD-induced genes in
      mouse MGs were differentially expressed in different types of human BC. Of the 28
      HFD induced genes that were differentially expressed between BC subtypes in the
      NKI set, 79% were significantly higher in basal-like BC. Next, we analyzed
      whether HFD induced genes were associated with BC prognosis utilizing gene
      expression and survival data for each HFD induced gene from the NKI data and
      constructed Kaplan Meier survival plots. Significantly, 93% of the prognosis
      associated genes (13/14) were associated with poor prognosis (P = 0.002). Kaplan
      Meier analysis with 249 non-basal-like BC found that all but one of the genes
      examined were still significantly associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore,
      gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) with HFD microarray data revealed that
      invasive BC genes where enriched in HFD samples that also had lost expression of
      luminal genes. CONCLUSIONS: HFD exposed mouse MGs maintain differential
      expression of genes that are found highly expressed in basal-like breast cancer.
      These HFD-induced genes associate with poor survival in numerous BC subtypes,
      making them more likely to directly impact prognosis. Furthermore, HFD exposure
      leads to a loss in the expression of luminal genes and a gain in expression of
      mesenchymal and BC invasion genes in MGs. Collectively, our study suggests that
      HFD exposure during development induces genes associated with poor prognosis,
      thus identifying how HFD diet may regulate BC development.

PMID- 25134720
TI  - Candida haemulonii complex: species identification and antifungal susceptibility
      profiles of clinical isolates from Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The emerging fungal pathogens comprising the Candida haemulonii
      complex (Candida haemulonii, Candida haemulonii var. vulnera and Candida
      duobushaemulonii) are notable for their antifungal resistance. Twelve isolates
      with phenotypic similarity to C. haemulonii were recovered from patients in
      Brazilian hospitals. Here we aimed to identify these isolates by a molecular
      approach, using the current classification of this fungal complex, and to
      evaluate their antifungal susceptibility profiles. METHODS: The fungal isolates
      were rechecked to certify their authentication by mycology methodologies and then
      characterized by ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene sequencing. A susceptibility assay was
      performed using the broth microdilution method published by CLSI (M27-A3/M27-S3).
      RESULTS: Based on biochemical tests, all Brazilian isolates were identified as C.
      haemulonii. After employing ITS sequencing, five isolates were identified as C.
      haemulonii, four as C. duobushaemulonii and three as C. haemulonii var. vulnera.
      All 12 clinical isolates were resistant to amphotericin B (MICs ranged from 2 to
      >16 mg/L) and fluconazole (MICs >= 64 mg/L). One isolate of C. haemulonii var.
      vulnera and two isolates of C. duobushaemulonii were susceptible-dose dependent
      to itraconazole, while the remaining isolates (75%) were resistant to this
      antifungal. Eight out of 12 isolates (66.7%) were resistant to voriconazole (MICs
      >= 16 mg/L), while all isolates were susceptible to caspofungin (MICs <= 0.5
      mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: Our results reinforce the importance of molecular
      identification in differentiating species of the C. haemulonii complex. Moreover,
      the antifungal multiresistant profile of clinical isolates of the C. haemulonii
      complex represents a challenge to the treatment of such infections.

PMID- 25134721
TI  - Activity of the type I signal peptidase inhibitor MD3 against multidrug-resistant
      Gram-negative bacteria alone and in combination with colistin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Effective treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections is
      increasingly challenging due to the spread of multidrug-resistant strains and a
      lack of new antimicrobials in development. Bacterial type I signal peptidases
      (SPases) represent a highly conserved and essential target for inhibition by
      novel compounds. SPases are required for the effective processing of membrane
      translocated proteins involved in core functions related to metabolism, virulence
      and resistance. In this study we assessed the biochemical and functional activity
      of a novel synthetic inhibitor (MD3) of SPases against a wide range of Gram
      negative pathogens. METHODS: The activity and specificity of MD3 for recombinant
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa SPase (LepB) and a genetically engineered LepB-regulatable
      strain were investigated. Antimicrobial activity of the compound alone and in
      combination with outer membrane-permeabilizing agents (sodium hexametaphosphate,
      colistin) was also determined against a collection of P. aeruginosa,
      Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
      isolates. RESULTS: MD3 was found to inactivate the P. aeruginosa LepB protein
      (IC50 10 MUM), resulting in antimicrobial effects potentiated in the presence of
      colistin. MD3 also demonstrated potent activity against wild-type and multidrug
      resistant strains of A. baumannii and S. maltophilia with MICs ranging from 0.5
      to 14 mg/L in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of colistin.
      CONCLUSIONS: MD3 is a novel inhibitor of bacterial SPase in a range of non
      fermentative Gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial activity is potentiated in
      combination with colistin and suggests that SPase inhibition warrants further
      exploration as a basis for future mono or combination therapies.

PMID- 25134722
TI  - Consumption of highly processed snacks, sugar-sweetened beverages and child
      feeding practices in a rural area of Nicaragua.
AB  - Appropriate feeding behaviours are important for child growth and development. In
      societies undergoing nutrition transition, new food items are introduced that may
      be unfavourable for child health. Set in rural Nicaragua, the aim of this study
      was to describe the infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices as well as
      the consumption of highly processed snack foods (HP snacks) and sugar-sweetened
      beverages (SSBs). All households with at least one child 0- to 35-month-old (n =
      1371) were visited to collect information on current IYCF practices in the
      youngest child as well as consumption of SSBs and HP snacks. Breastfeeding was
      dominant (98%) among 0- to 1-month-olds and continued to be prevalent (60%) in
      the second year, while only 34% of the 0- to 5-month-olds were exclusively
      breastfed. Complementary feeding practices were deemed acceptable for only 59% of
      the 6- to 11-month-old infants, with low dietary diversity reported for 50% and
      inadequate meal frequency reported for 30%. Consumption of HP snacks and SSBs was
      frequent and started early; among 6- to 8-month-olds, 42% and 32% had consumed HP
      snacks and SSBs, respectively. The difference between the observed IYCF
      behaviours and World Health Organization recommendations raises concern of
      increased risk of infections and insufficient intake of micronutrients that may
      impair linear growth. The concurrent high consumption of SSBs and HP snacks may
      increase the risk of displacing the recommended feeding behaviours. To promote
      immediate and long-term health, growth and development, there is a need to both
      promote recommended IYCF practices as well as discourage unfavourable feeding
      behaviours.

PMID- 25134724
TI  - Early investigational drugs that target epidermal growth factor receptors for the
      treatment of head and neck cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) remains a
      challenging clinical problem, due to the persistent high rate of local and
      distant failures and the occurrence of secondary primaries. For locally advanced
      SCCHN, a combination of chemotherapy (CT), radiation or surgery is often used,
      but there are limitations, which may reduce compliance. Molecular targeted
      therapies, namely anti-EGFR treatments, are in development with the aim of
      improving clinical outcomes and mitigating treatment-related toxicities. AREAS
      COVERED: This review provides an overview of early investigational drugs that
      target EGFR for the treatment of SCCHN and discusses the ongoing trials in this
      domain. EXPERT OPINION: Targeted therapies are increasingly used in oncology,
      especially in SCCHN. Cetuximab has demonstrated a significant improvement in the
      treatment outcome, both as a curative treatment in combination with radiation
      therapy and as a palliative treatment in combination with CT; however, it failed
      to show any benefit in combination with concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Presently,
      there are many new agents, including monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which are either currently under investigation for or
      which warrant further investigation for treating SCCHN. The discovery of
      predictive factors that help to identify patients most likely to respond to EGFR
      inhibitors as well as patient-customized therapies would help to improve patient
      outcomes in the future.

PMID- 25134725
TI  - Unified theory of electron-phonon renormalization and phonon-assisted optical
      absorption.
AB  - We present a theory of electronic excitation energies and optical absorption
      spectra which incorporates energy-level renormalization and phonon-assisted
      optical absorption within a unified framework. Using time-independent
      perturbation theory we show how the standard approaches for studying vibronic
      effects in molecules and those for addressing electron-phonon interactions in
      solids correspond to slightly different choices for the non-interacting
      Hamiltonian. Our present approach naturally leads to the Allen-Heine theory of
      temperature-dependent energy levels, the Franck-Condon principle, the Herzberg
      Teller effect and to phonon-assisted optical absorption in indirect band gap
      materials. In addition, our theory predicts sub-gap phonon-assisted optical
      absorption in direct gap materials, as well as an exponential edge which we
      tentatively assign to the Urbach tail. We also consider a semiclassical approach
      to the calculation of optical absorption spectra which simultaneously captures
      energy-level renormalization and phonon-assisted transitions and is especially
      suited to first-principles electronic structure calculations. We demonstrate this
      approach by calculating the phonon-assisted optical absorption spectrum of bulk
      silicon. 

PMID- 25134723
TI  - The ceramide kinase inhibitor NVP-231 inhibits breast and lung cancer cell
      proliferation by inducing M phase arrest and subsequent cell death.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ceramide kinase (CerK) catalyzes the generation of
      ceramide-1-phosphate which may regulate various cellular functions, including
      inflammatory reactions and cell growth. Here, we studied the effect of a recently
      developed CerK inhibitor, NVP-231, on cancer cell proliferation and viability and
      investigated the role of cell cycle regulators implicated in these responses.
      EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The breast and lung cancer cell lines MCF-7 and NCI-H358
      were treated with increasing concentrations of NVP-231 and DNA synthesis, colony
      formation and cell death were determined. Flow cytometry was performed to analyse
      cell cycle distribution of cells and Western blot analysis was used to detect
      changes in cell cycle regulator expression and activation. KEY RESULTS: In both
      cell lines, NVP-231 concentration-dependently reduced cell viability, DNA
      synthesis and colony formation. Moreover it induced apoptosis, as measured by
      increased DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 and caspase-9 cleavage. Cell cycle
      analysis revealed that NVP-231 decreased the number of cells in S phase and
      induced M phase arrest with an increased mitotic index, as determined by
      increased histone H3 phosphorylation. The effect on the cell cycle was even more
      pronounced when NVP-231 treatment was combined with staurosporine. Finally,
      overexpression of CerK protected, whereas down-regulation of CerK with siRNA
      sensitized, cells for staurosporine-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS AND
      IMPLICATIONS: Our data demonstrate for the first time a crucial role for CerK in
      the M phase control in cancer cells and suggest its targeted inhibition, using
      drugs such as NVP-231, in combination with conventional pro-apoptotic
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 25134726
TI  - Graphene oxide amplifies the phytotoxicity of arsenic in wheat.
AB  - Graphene oxide (GO) is widely used in various fields and is considered to be
      relatively biocompatible. Herein, "indirect" nanotoxicity is first defined as
      toxic amplification of toxicants or pollutants by nanomaterials. This work
      revealed that GO greatly amplifies the phytotoxicity of arsenic (As), a
      widespread contaminant, in wheat, for example, causing a decrease in biomass and
      root numbers and increasing oxidative stress, which are thought to be regulated
      by its metabolisms. Compared with As or GO alone, GO combined with As inhibited
      the metabolism of carbohydrates, enhanced amino acid and secondary metabolism and
      disrupted fatty acid metabolism and the urea cycle. GO also triggered damage to
      cellular structures and electrolyte leakage and enhanced the uptake of GO and As.
      Co-transport of GO-loading As and transformation of As(V) to high-toxicity
      As(III) by GO were observed. The generation of dimethylarsinate, produced from
      the detoxification of inorganic As, was inhibited by GO in plants. GO also
      regulated phosphate transporter gene expression and arsenate reductase activity
      to influence the uptake and transformation of As, respectively. Moreover, the
      above effects of GO were concentration dependent. Given the widespread exposure
      to As in agriculture, the indirect nanotoxicity of GO should be carefully
      considered in food safety. 

PMID- 25134727
TI  - Amyloid-beta oligomers as a template for secondary amyloidosis in Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease is a complex disease characterized by overlapping phenotypes
      with different neurodegenerative disorders. Oligomers are considered the most
      toxic species in amyloid pathologies. We examined human AD brain samples using an
      anti-oligomer antibody generated in our laboratory and detected potential hybrid
      oligomers composed of amyloid-beta, prion protein, alpha-synuclein, and TDP-43
      phosphorylated at serines 409 and 410. These data and in vitro results suggest
      that Abeta oligomer seeds act as a template for the aggregation of other proteins
      and generate an overlapping phenotype with other neuronal disorders. Furthermore,
      these results could explain why anti-amyloid-beta therapy has been unsuccessful. 

PMID- 25134729
TI  - Phosphorylated tau potentiates Abeta-induced mitochondrial damage in mature
      neurons.
AB  - Tau phosphorylated at the PHF-1 epitope (S396/S404) is likely involved in the
      pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms by
      which tau phosphorylated at these sites negatively impacts neuronal functions are
      still under scrutiny. Previously, we showed that expression of tau truncated at
      D421 enhances mitochondrial dysfunction induced by Abeta in cortical neurons. To
      extend these findings, we expressed tau pseudo-phosphorylated at S396/404 (T42EC)
      in mature and young cortical neurons and evaluated different aspects of
      mitochondrial function in response to Abeta. Expression of T42EC did not induce
      significant changes in mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial length, or
      mitochondrial transport, compared to GFP and full-length tau. However, T42EC
      expression enhanced Abeta-induced mitochondrial membrane potential loss and
      increased superoxide levels compared to what was observed in mature neurons
      expressing full-length tau. The same effect was observed in mature neurons that
      expressed both pseudo-phosphorylated and truncated tau when they were treated
      with Abeta. Interestingly, the mitochondrial failure induced by Abeta in mature
      neurons that expressed T42EC, was not observed in young neurons expressing T42EC.
      These novel findings suggest that phosphorylated tau (PHF-1 epitope) enhances
      Abeta-induced mitochondrial injury, which contributes to neuronal dysfunction and
      to the pathogenesis of AD. 

PMID- 25134730
TI  - Dynamic changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in microglia after PPAR
      gamma agonist neuroprotective treatment in the MPTPp mouse model of progressive
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Neuroinflammatory changes play a pivotal role in the progression of Parkinson's
      disease (PD) pathogenesis. Recent findings have suggested that activated
      microglia may polarize similarly to peripheral macrophages in the central nervous
      system (CNS), assuming a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype or the alternative anti
      inflammatory M2 phenotype via cytokine production. A skewed M1 activation over M2
      has been related to disease progression in Alzheimer disease, and modulation of
      microglia polarization may be a therapeutic target for neuroprotection. By using
      the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-probenecid (MPTPp) mouse model
      of progressive PD, we investigated dynamic changes in the production of pro
      inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin
      (IL)-1beta, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor
      (TGF)-beta and IL-10, within Iba-1-positive cells in the substantia nigra
      compacta (SNc). In addition, to further characterize changes in the M2 phenotype,
      we measured CD206 in microglia. Moreover, in order to target microglia
      polarization, we evaluated the effect of the peroxisome-proliferator-activated
      receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonist rosiglitazone, which has been shown to exert
      neuroprotective effects on nigral dopaminergic neurons in PD models, and acts as
      a modulator of cytokine production and phenotype in peripheral macrophages.
      Chronic treatment with MPTPp induced a progressive degeneration of SNc neurons.
      The neurotoxin treatment was associated with a gradual increase in both TNF-alpha
      and IL-1beta colocalization with Iba-1-positive cells, suggesting an increase in
      pro-inflammatory microglia. In contrast, TGF-beta colocalization was reduced by
      the neurotoxin treatment, while IL-10 was mostly unchanged. Administration of
      rosiglitazone during the full duration of MPTPp treatment reverted both TNF-alpha
      and IL-1beta colocalization with Iba-1 to control levels. Moreover, rosiglitazone
      induced an increase in TGF-beta and IL-10 colocalization compared with the MPTPp
      treatment. CD206 was gradually reduced by the chronic MPTPp treatment, while
      rosiglitazone restored control levels, suggesting that M2 anti-inflammatory
      microglia were stimulated and inflammatory microglia were inhibited by the
      neuroprotective treatment. The results show that the dopaminergic degeneration
      was associated with a gradual microglia polarization to the inflammatory over the
      anti-inflammatory phenotype in a chronic mouse model of PD. Neuroprotective
      treatment with rosiglitazone modulated microglia polarization, boosting the M2
      over the pro-inflammatory phenotype. PPAR-gamma agonists may offer a novel
      approach to neuroprotection, acting as disease-modifying drugs through an
      immunomodulatory action in the CNS. 

PMID- 25134728
TI  - Genetic rescue of CB1 receptors on medium spiny neurons prevents loss of
      excitatory striatal synapses but not motor impairment in HD mice.
AB  - Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by an expanded polyglutamine repeat in
      huntingtin protein that disrupts synaptic function in specific neuronal
      populations and results in characteristic motor, cognitive and affective
      deficits. Histopathological hallmarks observed in both HD patients and genetic
      mouse models include the reduced expression of synaptic proteins, reduced medium
      spiny neuron (MSN) dendritic spine density and decreased frequency of spontaneous
      excitatory post-synaptic currents (sEPSCs). Early down-regulation of cannabinoid
      CB1 receptor expression on MSN (CB1(MSN)) is thought to participate in HD
      pathogenesis. Here we present a cell-specific genetic rescue of CB1(MSN) in R6/2
      mice and report that treatment prevents the reduction of excitatory synaptic
      markers in the striatum (synaptophysin, vGLUT1 and vGLUT2), of dendritic spine
      density on MSNs and of MSN sEPSCs, but does not prevent motor impairment. We
      conclude that loss of excitatory striatal synapses in HD mice is controlled by
      CB1(MSN) and can be uncoupled from the motor phenotype. 

PMID- 25134732
TI  - Thermoplastic properties of endodontic gutta-percha: a thermographic in vitro
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endodontic gutta-percha undergoes deformation at temperatures above
      65 degrees C. The temperature influence of heat carriers on gutta-percha cones
      was investigated in vitro. METHODS: Six single-rooted extracted teeth were
      embedded in resin and fixed. The root canals were prepared (ProFile; Dentsply
      Maillefer, Ballaiques, Switzerland) to different tapers and bisected.
      Thermographic images when heating the gutta-percha cones (Roeko, Langenau,
      Germany) with a heat carrier (ML .12; SybronEndo, Orange, CA) at 1 and 5 mm from
      the working length were made with an infrared thermal imaging camera (ThermaCam
      P640; Flir Systems, Taby, Sweden). The device temperature was preset at 200
      degrees C. The pixel temperature registered at the contact lines between the heat
      carriers and gutta-percha cones in the thermographic images was recorded and
      statistically described. RESULTS: A mean temperature ( degrees C) instability in
      the heat carrier (324.96 +/- 46.10, minimum = 147.35, maximum = 474.13), a
      temperature drop of the gutta-percha cones (159.52, +/- 37.57, min 67.64, max
      259.04) at the measuring level, and a mean temperature penetration depth (mm)
      equal or to higher than 65 degrees C (1.05 +/- 0.28, minimum = 0.20, maximum =
      1.30) were recorded. No correlation between the penetration depth into the gutta
      percha cones and applied temperatures, regardless of the size and/or taper, could
      be established. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature discrepancies between the device preset
      and achieved ones of the heat carriers was observed. Gutta-percha is a poor
      thermal conductor, transports heat irregularly, and should be heated 1-2 mm from
      the target area.

PMID- 25134733
TI  - Autogenous premolar transplantation into artificial socket in maxillary lateral
      incisor site.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Autogenous transplantation of a natural tooth to another site has
      significant advantages over dental implants, particularly in cases of agenesis,
      accidental tooth loss, or poor prognosis for the maintenance of tooth function.
      METHODS: This report describes a case of autogenous premolar transplantation into
      an artificial socket in the site of a missing maxillary lateral incisor in a 13
      year-old girl. Clinical examination and radiography revealed tooth agenesis (#4,
      #10, #13, and #20) and microdontia (#7). The occlusion and skeletal
      maxillomandibular relations were normal. RESULTS: Tooth #29 was chosen for
      transplantation into the site of tooth #10 because of its size, stage of root
      formation, and possible closure of the spaces created by agenesis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Autogenous transplantation is a feasible alternative to dental implants in cases
      of tooth agenesis or tooth loss because of trauma. Autotransplantation was
      indicated in this case because it ensures the natural (facial) growth of the
      alveolar process and preserves the function of periodontal tissues. A
      multidisciplinary approach (ie, combining techniques from different dental
      specialties) was important for treatment success. Clinical and radiographic
      follow-up confirmed that the transplanted premolar was esthetically comparable
      with the lateral incisor and that root development and pulp canal obliteration
      were complete.

PMID- 25134731
TI  - Guanabenz, which enhances the unfolded protein response, ameliorates mutant SOD1
      induced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Approximately 20% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) cases are
      caused by mutant superoxide dismutase type 1 (mtSOD1). Although the mechanisms of
      mtSOD1-induced toxicity remain poorly understood, evidence suggests that
      accumulation of misfolded SOD1 is fundamental to its toxicity and the death of
      motor neurons. Misfolded mtSOD1 can accumulate inside the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER), leading to ER stress, with activation of the unfolded protein response
      (UPR). We have previously carried out genetic studies focused on PERK (which is
      an eIF2alpha kinase that is rapidly activated in response to ER stress and leads
      to a repression in translation) and GADD34 (which participates in the
      dephosphorylation of eIF2alpha). We reported that mtSOD1 transgenic mice that are
      haploinsufficient for PERK have a significantly accelerated ALS disease, while
      mtSOD1 mice that are mutated for GADD34 have a remarkably ameliorated disease.
      Guanabenz, a centrally acting oral drug approved for the treatment of
      hypertension, enhances the PERK pathway by selectively inhibiting GADD34-mediated
      dephosphorylation of eIF2alpha. We have now treated G93A mtSOD1 transgenic mice
      with guanabenz and found a significant amelioration of disease with a delay in
      the onset and prolongation of the early phase of disease and survival. Guanabenz
      treated G93A mice have less accumulation of mtSOD1 and an enhanced
      phosphorylation of eIF2alpha at endstage. This study further emphasizes the
      importance of the PERK pathway in the pathogenesis of FALS and as a therapeutic
      target in ALS, and identifies guanabenz as a candidate drug for the treatment of
      ALS patients. 

PMID- 25134734
TI  - Effects of WNT10A on proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp
      cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 10A (WNT10A)
      plays crucial roles in odontogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the effects of WNT10A on human dental pulp cells (DPCs), which contain a mixed
      population of cells, including stem and progenitor cells, and participate in
      dentin repair or dentin-pulp regeneration. METHODS: Healthy human premolars
      extracted for orthodontic reasons were used as a study model. The expression of
      WNT10A protein in dental pulp was determined by immunohistochemistry. The
      messenger RNA expression of WNT10A and Wnt-related genes was analyzed by
      semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. DPCs were
      enzymatically separated from pulp tissues, cultured, and passaged. The biological
      effects of WNT10A on DPCs were investigated using recombinant lentivirus encoding
      WNT10A complementary DNA. WNT10A-induced changes in DPC proliferation were
      assessed by methyltetrazolium assay and flow cytometry. In order to determine the
      effects of WNT10A on DPC differentiation, the activity of alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP), an early marker of odontoblastic differentiation, was assessed using an
      ALP activity assay kit, and the expression levels of odontoblast-specific genes,
      including DSPP, DMP1, ALP, and COL1A1, were detected by quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: WNT10A protein was clearly identified
      in the cytoplasm of DPCs. Semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain
      reaction indicated the expression of WNT10A and Wnt-related genes in pulp tissues
      as well as in passaging DPCs. Lentiviral overexpression of WNT10A enhanced
      proliferation of DPCs and down-regulated ALP activity and the expression of
      odontoblast-specific genes. CONCLUSIONS: WNT10A promotes the proliferation of
      DPCs and negatively regulates their odontoblastic differentiation.

PMID- 25134735
TI  - Evolutionary dynamics of R2 retroelement and insertion inheritance in the genome
      of bisexual and parthenogenetic Bacillus rossius populations (Insecta Phasmida).
AB  - Theoretical and empirical studies have shown differential management of
      transposable elements in organisms with different reproductive strategies. To
      investigate this issue, we analysed the R2 retroelement structure and variability
      in parthenogenetic and bisexual populations of Bacillus rossius stick insects, as
      well as insertions inheritance in the offspring of parthenogenetic isolates and
      of crosses. The B. rossius genome hosts a functional (R2Br(fun) ) and a
      degenerate (R2Br(deg) ) element, their presence correlating with neither
      reproductive strategies nor population distribution. The median-joining network
      method indicated that R2Br(fun) duplicates through a multiple source model, while
      R2Br(deg) is apparently still duplicating via a master gene model. Offspring
      analyses showed that unisexual and bisexual offspring have a similar number of
      R2Br-occupied sites. Multiple or recent shifts from gonochoric to parthenogenetic
      reproduction may explain the observed data. Moreover, insertion frequency spectra
      show that higher-frequency insertions in unisexual offspring significantly
      outnumber those in bisexual offspring. This suggests that unisexual offspring
      eliminate insertions with lower efficiency. A comparison with simulated insertion
      frequencies shows that inherited insertions in unisexual and bisexual offspring
      are significantly different from the expectation. On the whole, different
      mechanisms of R2 elimination in unisexual vs bisexual offspring and a complex
      interplay between recombination effectiveness, natural selection and time can
      explain the observed data. 

PMID- 25134737
TI  - Memory processes in the development of reduced-salt foods.
AB  - Acceptance of a reduced-salt food is likely to be influenced by a mismatch
      between the sensory characteristics of a reformulated product and a memory for a
      previously-encountered formulation. In two initial pilot studies we established
      the reliability of a new measure of memory for saltiness, based on a method of
      constant stimuli. We then used this technique to explore the effects of different
      patterns of repeated exposure on memory for the taste of a reduced-salt soup.
      Participants (N = 135) were assigned to one of four exposure patterns: (1)
      reduced-salt, (2) no salt reduction, i.e. regular-salt, (3) reduced- and regular
      salt, in an alternating pattern, and (4) gradually declining salt concentration.
      In the final session, all participants received an identical reduced-salt soup.
      Memory for the saltiness of this sample was assessed, together with its expected
      liking. Our results indicate that different interactions with the test soup had
      little effect on taste memory. Nevertheless, (1) participants remembered the
      final exposure soup as saltier than the reduced-salt formulation that they had
      received and (2) remembered salt concentrations correlated with individual ideal
      salt concentrations. These findings are consistent with contemporary models of
      reconstructive memory and they illustrate the importance of understanding 'memory
      for saltiness' in the acceptance of reduced-salt formulations. 

PMID- 25134736
TI  - Interpersonal motives and social-evaluative threat: Effects of acceptance and
      status stressors on cardiovascular reactivity and salivary cortisol response.
AB  - Social-evaluative threat evokes increases in salivary cortisol and heightened
      cardiovascular reactivity. However, the types or content of social threats
      underlying these physiological responses are not clearly delineated in direct
      comparisons. Based in interpersonal theory, the present study manipulated high
      and low levels of acceptance threat (i.e., evaluation of likability, potential
      for inclusion) and status threat (i.e., evaluation of competence, leadership
      potential) during a modified Trier Social Stress Test, using a sample of 137
      undergraduates (73 women). Both acceptance threat and status threat heightened
      salivary cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure responses to the task. Hence,
      concerns about social inclusion or connection with others and concerns about
      social standing or status can contribute independently to physiological stress
      responses.

PMID- 25134738
TI  - Bidirectional associations between binge eating and restriction in anorexia
      nervosa. An ecological momentary assessment study.
AB  - This study examined the association between restrictive eating behaviors and
      binge eating in anorexia nervosa (AN) using data collected in the natural
      environment. Women (N = 118) with DSM-IV full or subthreshold AN reported eating
      disorder behaviors, including binge eating episodes, going >= 8 waking hours
      without eating, and skipping meals, during 2 weeks of ecological momentary
      assessment (EMA). Time-lagged generalized estimating equations tested the
      following hypotheses: 1) dietary restriction would predict binge eating while
      controlling for binge eating the previous day; 2) binge eating would predict
      restriction the subsequent day while controlling for restriction the previous
      day. After controlling for relevant covariates, the hypotheses were not
      supported; however, there appeared to be a cumulative effect of repeatedly going
      8 consecutive hours without eating (i.e. fasting) on the risk of binge eating
      among individuals who recently engaged in binge eating. In addition, skipping
      meals was associated with a lower risk of same day binge eating. The relationship
      between binge eating and dietary restriction appears to be complex and may vary
      by type of restrictive eating behavior. Future research should aim to further
      clarify the nature of the interaction of binge eating and restrictive eating
      among individuals with AN in order to effectively eliminate these behaviors in
      treatment. 

PMID- 25134741
TI  - Knee arthrotomy closure with barbed suture in flexion versus extension: a porcine
      study.
AB  - The purpose of this biomechanical study was to evaluate knee arthrotomy closure
      with a barbed suture in flexion versus extension. 48 porcine knees were
      randomized into three groups: full extension, 30 degrees  flexion, and 60 degrees
      flexion. Each knee was then flexed to 90 degrees  and then 120 degrees , with
      failures recorded. Arthrotomy closure in extension had significantly higher
      failure rates (6/16) upon flexion to 90 degrees  compared to arthrotomy closure
      in either 30 degrees  or 60 degrees  flexion (0/32) (P = 0.032). Upon ranging
      from 0 degrees  to 120 degrees , arthrotomy failure occurred in 50% (8/16) of
      arthrotomies in the extension group, 6.25% (1/16) in the 30 degrees  flexion
      group and 18.75% (3/16) in the 60 degrees  flexion group (P = 0.022). Knee
      arthrotomy closure in extension compared to flexion had significantly higher
      rates of failure.

PMID- 25134742
TI  - Proximal femoral arthroplasty in patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty.
AB  - Bone loss represents one of the greatest challenges in revision joint surgery. A
      retrospective review was conducted of both radiographic and clinical outcomes of
      eleven patients who underwent revision arthroplasty using a long extensively
      porous coated cylindrical femoral component. All patients' femurs presented with
      severe proximal femoral bone loss (Paprosky class IIIB and IV). With a mean
      follow-up of 8 years (2 to 14) we report no femoral revisions and one acetabular
      revision to a constrained cup secondary to instability. All patients were
      clinically and radiographically stable. We did not observe any issue with
      proximal stress shielding or component loosening. The article reports that in
      patients with severe proximal femoral bone loss, extensively porous-coated non
      modular stems are a viable option offering stable and predictable outcomes.

PMID- 25134740
TI  - The role of family-related factors in the effects of the UP4FUN school-based
      family-focused intervention targeting screen time in 10- to 12-year-old children:
      the ENERGY project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Screen-related behaviours are highly prevalent in schoolchildren.
      Considering the adverse health effects and the relation of obesity and screen
      time in childhood, efforts to affect screen use in children are warranted.
      Parents have been identified as an important influence on children's screen time
      and therefore should be involved in prevention programmes. The aim was to examine
      the mediating role of family-related factors on the effects of the school-based
      family-focused UP4FUN intervention aimed at screen time in 10- to 12-year-old
      European children (n child-parent dyads = 1940). METHODS: A randomised controlled
      trial was conducted to test the six-week UP4FUN intervention in 10- to 12-year
      old children and one of their parents in five European countries in 2011 (n child
      parent dyads = 1940). Self-reported data of children were used to assess their TV
      and computer/game console time per day, and parents reported their physical
      activity, screen time and family-related factors associated with screen
      behaviours (availability, permissiveness, monitoring, negotiation, rules,
      avoiding negative role modeling, and frequency of physically active family
      excursions). Mediation analyses were performed using multi-level regression
      analyses (child-school-country). RESULTS: Almost all TV-specific and half of the
      computer-specific family-related factors were associated with children's screen
      time. However, the measured family-related factors did not mediate intervention
      effects on children's TV and computer/game console use, because the intervention
      was not successful in changing these family-related factors. CONCLUSION: Future
      screen-related interventions should aim to effectively target the home
      environment and parents' practices related to children's use of TV and computers
      to decrease children's screen time. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered
      in the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register
      (registration number: ISRCTN34562078).

PMID- 25134743
TI  - Correlation between knee kinematics and patellofemoral contact pressure in total
      knee arthroplasty.
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between patellofemoral
      contact stress and intraoperative knee kinematic patterns after mobile bearing
      total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Medial osteoarthritic knees of forty-six posterior
      stabilized total knee prostheses were evaluated using a computed tomography
      guided navigation system. Subjects were divided into two groups based on
      intraoperative knee kinematic patterns: the medial pivot group (n=19) and the non
      medial pivot group (n=27). Mean intraoperative patello-femoral contact stress was
      significantly lower in the medial pivot group than in the non-medial pivot group
      (1.7MPa vs. 3.2MPa, P<0.05). An intraoperative medial pivot pattern results in
      reduced patello-femoral contact stress.

PMID- 25134739
TI  - Signaling through retinoic acid receptors in cardiac development: Doing the right
      things at the right times.
AB  - Retinoic acid (RA) is a terpenoid that is synthesized from vitamin A/retinol
      (ROL) and binds to the nuclear receptors retinoic acid receptor (RAR)/retinoid X
      receptor (RXR) to control multiple developmental processes in vertebrates. The
      available clinical and experimental data provide uncontested evidence for the
      pleiotropic roles of RA signaling in development of multiple embryonic structures
      and organs such eyes, central nervous system, gonads, lungs and heart. The
      development of any of these above-mentioned embryonic organ systems can be
      effectively utilized to showcase the many strategies utilized by RA signaling.
      However, it is very likely that the strategies employed to transfer RA signals
      during cardiac development comprise the majority of the relevant and
      sophisticated ways through which retinoid signals can be conveyed in a complex
      biological system. Here, we provide the reader with arguments indicating that RA
      signaling is exquisitely regulated according to specific phases of cardiac
      development and that RA signaling itself is one of the major regulators of the
      timing of cardiac morphogenesis and differentiation. We will focus on the role of
      signaling by RA receptors (RARs) in early phases of heart development. This
      article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear receptors in animal
      development. 

PMID- 25134744
TI  - Subtype and regional regulation of prion biomarkers in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob
      disease.
AB  - AIMS: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rapid progressive neurological disease
      leading to dementia and death. Prion biomarkers are altered in the cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF) of CJD patients, but the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these
      alterations are still unknown. The present study examined prion biomarker levels
      in the brain and CSF of sporadic CJD (sCJD) cases and their correlation with
      neuropathological lesion profiles. METHODS: The expression levels of 14-3-3, Tau,
      phospho-Tau and alpha-synuclein were measured in the CSF and brain of sCJD cases
      in a subtype- and region-specific manner. In addition, the activity of prion
      biomarker kinases, the expression levels of CJD hallmarks and the most frequent
      neuropathological sCJD findings were analysed. RESULTS: Prion biomarkers levels
      were increased in the CSF of sCJD patients; however, correlations between mRNA,
      total protein and their phosphorylated forms in brain were different. The
      observed downregulation of the main Tau kinase, GSK3, in sCJD brain samples may
      help to explain the differential phospho-Tau/Tau ratios between sCJD and other
      dementias in the CSF. Importantly, CSF biomarkers levels do not necessarily
      correlate with sCJD neuropathological findings. INTERPRETATION: Present findings
      indicate that prion biomarkers levels in sCJD tissues and their release into the
      CSF are differentially regulated following specific modulated responses, and
      suggest a functional role for these proteins in sCJD pathogenesis.

PMID- 25134746
TI  - Paralympic sports medicine and sports science--introduction.

PMID- 25134745
TI  - Typology of sleep medication users and associated mental health and substance use
      from a Montreal epidemiological study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep medication is often reported as one of the most highly used
      psychotropic drugs in terms of past-year prevalence. Since their use often varies
      according to the characteristics of individuals, it is important to better
      understand these particular utilization patterns. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to
      develop a typology of sleep medication users' characteristics, including their
      associated mental health and substance use. METHODS: Residents from the
      epidemiological area of south-west Montreal, Quebec aged 15 years and older
      responded to a questionnaire in 2009 and 2011. Among the 1822 people who
      participated at both T1 and T2, 306 (17%) reported use of medication to help them
      sleep. These participants were selected for cluster analysis based on five
      variables related to mental health. The identified clusters were then tested for
      association with sociodemographic, psychosocial, and service use characteristics.
      RESULTS: A three-cluster solution emerged: 1) older individuals without mental
      health problems, drug use or psychotropic medication use; 2) individuals with
      elevated psychological distress, drug use and low social support, and 3)
      individuals with mood and anxiety disorders, using services for mental health and
      taking two or more psychotropic medications. CONCLUSIONS: The results establish
      the significance of problems related to mental health in differentiating sleep
      medication users. Consideration of these differences may improve the ability of
      health professionals to provide services that are better suited for patients,
      including interventions that increase the ability to cope with stress (cluster 2)
      and more integrated services for those with concurrent disorders (cluster 3).

PMID- 25134747
TI  - Paralympic classification: conceptual basis, current methods, and research
      update.
AB  - Paralympic classification systems aim to promote participation in sport by people
      with disabilities by controlling for the impact of impairment on the outcome of
      competition. Valid systems of classification ensure that successful athletes are
      those who have the most advantageous combination of anthropometric,
      physiological, and/or psychological attributes, and who have enhanced them to the
      best effect. Classification systems that are not valid pose a significant threat
      to Paralympic sport and, therefore, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
      has a Classification Code which includes policy commitment to the development of
      evidence-based methods of classification. The aim of this article is to provide
      an overview of current best practice in classification for athletes with physical
      impairments, and to update research advances in the area. Currently,
      classification has 4 stages: (1) establish whether the athlete has a health
      condition that will lead to one or more of the 8 eligible types of physical
      impairment, (2) determine whether the athlete has an eligible impairment type,
      (3) determine whether the impairment is severe enough, and (4) determine in what
      class the athlete should compete. A sequential 4-step process that outlines how
      to initiate and develop evidence-based methods of classification is described:
      (1) specification of impairment types that are eligible for the sport; (2)
      development of valid measures of impairment(s); (3) development of standardized,
      sport-specific measures of performance; and (4) assessment of the relative
      strength of association between measures of impairment and measures of
      performance. Of these, the development and reporting of valid measures of
      impairment is currently the most pressing scientific challenge in the development
      of evidence-based methods of classification. 

PMID- 25134749
TI  - Clinical characteristics of 385 illnesses of athletes with impairment reported on
      the WEB-IISS system during the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prevention of illness is important for a team physician. However,
      there are few studies that reported clinical aspects of illness of athletes with
      impairment. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of the 385
      illnesses reported on the a novel Web-based electronic injury and illness
      capturing system (WEB-IISS) during the London 2012 Paralympic Games. DESIGN: Part
      of a large prospective cohort study. SETTING: London 2012 Paralympic Games.
      PARTICIPANTS: Team physicians of 78 delegations (3329 athletes over 14 days) used
      WEB-IISS. Each day, information was recorded, which included daily team size and
      illness details, system affected, final diagnosis, type and onset of symptoms,
      training and/or competition days lost, and suspected cause. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASUREMENT: Incidence of illness (illness per 1000 athlete days). RESULTS: The
      incidence of illness in the cohort was 8.3 per 1000 (95% confidence interval, 7.5
      9.1) athlete days, and the percentage of athletes with an illness in this study
      was 9.2%. Respiratory system illnesses were the most common (39.4%), followed by
      the digestive system (15.8%), skin and subcutaneous system (11.8%), genitourinary
      system (8.8%), and nervous system (7.3%). Urinary tract illness was more common
      in athletes with spinal cord injury (22%) compared with the athletes with other
      impairments (0%-5%). Skin and subcutaneous illness varied from 0%-18% between
      impairment categories and was highest for athletes with spinal cord injury.
      Infections accounted for 40.8% of all illness and 19.5% of illness that resulted
      in a time loss of >=1 day. In 34% of illnesses, symptoms were present for >=1 day
      before being reported to the team physician. CONCLUSION: The majority of
      illnesses affected the respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin and subcutaneous, and
      genitourinary systems, and were mostly infective in nature. The highest number of
      all illnesses, including skin and subcutaneous illnesses, and urinary tract
      illnesses, were of athletes with spinal cord injury. Although most illnesses were
      not time-loss illnesses, 19.5% of illnesses resulted in >=1 day lost. Team
      physicians should be aware that, in many cases of infection reported, the
      symptoms were already present the day before. A delay in reporting of symptoms
      >24 hours could have important clinical implications for athletes' medical care.

PMID- 25134748
TI  - Descriptive epidemiology of Paralympic sports injuries.
AB  - Paralympic sports have seen an exponential increase in participation since 16
      patients took part in the first Stoke Mandeville Games on the opening day of the
      1948 London Olympic Games. More than 4,000 athletes took part in the London 2012
      Paralympic Games. Few sporting events have seen such rapid evolution. This rapid
      pace of change also has meant challenges for understanding the injury risks of
      participation, not only because of the variety of sports, impairment types, the
      evolution of adapted equipment but also because of the inclusion of additional
      impairment types and development of new sports over time. Early studies were
      limited in scope but patterns of injuries are slowly emerging within Winter and
      Summer Paralympic sports. The IPC's London 2012 study is the largest to date with
      a prospective cohort study involving 49,910 athlete-days. The results identified
      large differences across sports and highlighted the need for longitudinal sport
      specific studies rather than solely games-time studies. This will require
      collaboration with international sports federations to examine injury patterns
      and risk factors for injury in this population to appropriately inform injury
      prevention strategies. Further studies will also need to address the impact of
      sporting participation, injury, and future health. 

PMID- 25134750
TI  - Adaptive sports technology and biomechanics: wheelchairs.
AB  - Wheelchair sports are an important tool in the rehabilitation of people with
      severe chronic disabilities and have been a driving force for innovation in
      technology and practice. In this paper, we will present an overview of the
      adaptive technology used in Paralympic sports with a special focus on wheeled
      technology and the impact of design on performance (defined as achieving the
      greatest level of athletic ability and minimizing the risk of injury). Many
      advances in manual wheelchairs trace their origins to wheelchair sports. Features
      of wheelchairs that were used for racing and basketball 25 or more years ago have
      become integral to the manual wheelchairs that people now use every day;
      moreover, the current components used on ultralight wheelchairs also have
      benefitted from technological advances developed for sports wheelchairs. For
      example, the wheels now used on chairs for daily mobility incorporate many of the
      components first developed for sports chairs. Also, advances in manufacturing and
      the availability of aerospace materials have driven current wheelchair design and
      manufacture. Basic principles of sports wheelchair design are universal across
      sports and include fit; minimizing weight while maintaining high stiffness;
      minimizing rolling resistance; and optimizing the sports-specific design of the
      chair. However, a well-designed and fitted wheelchair is not sufficient for
      optimal sports performance: the athlete must be well trained, skilled, and use
      effective biomechanics because wheelchair athletes face some unique biomechanical
      challenges. 

PMID- 25134751
TI  - From the Paralympics to public health: increasing physical activity through
      legislative and policy initiatives.
AB  - Individuals with disabilities experience a disproportionate rate of chronic
      disease and are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles than the general
      population. Multiple complex factors likely contribute to these disparities,
      including structural, socioeconomic and attitudinal barriers that impede broad
      participation of individuals with disabilities in health and wellness promotion
      programs. Public health initiatives aimed at mitigating these health disparities
      emphasize improved access to physical activity and sports opportunities. Given
      its visibility, the Paralympic Movement provides an opportunity to transform how
      society conceptualizes the relationship of disability to physical fitness. The
      Paralympics also serve as a catalyst for public health education and program
      development. Already, public policies and governmental regulations are expanding
      grassroots sports opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities, thus
      promoting inclusive opportunities for participation in physical activity. 

PMID- 25134752
TI  - Adaptive sports technology and biomechanics: prosthetics.
AB  - With the technologic advances in medicine and an emphasis on maintaining physical
      fitness, the population of athletes with impairments is growing. It is incumbent
      upon health care practitioners to make every effort to inform these individuals
      of growing and diverse opportunities and to encourage safe exercise and athletic
      participation through counseling and education. Given the opportunities for
      participation in sports for persons with a limb deficiency, the demand for new,
      innovative prosthetic designs is challenging the clinical and technical expertise
      of the physician and prosthetist. When generating a prosthetic prescription,
      physicians and prosthetists should consider the needs and preferences of the
      athlete with limb deficiency, as well as the functional demands of the chosen
      sporting activity. The intent of this article is to provide information regarding
      the current advancements in the adaptive sports technology and biomechanics in
      the field of prosthetics, and to assist clinicians and their patients in
      facilitating participation in sporting activities. 

PMID- 25134753
TI  - The role of autonomic function on sport performance in athletes with spinal cord
      injury.
AB  - Devastating paralysis, autonomic dysfunction, and abnormal cardiovascular control
      present significant hemodynamic challenges to individuals with spinal cord injury
      (SCI), especially during exercise. In general, resting arterial pressure after
      SCI is lower than with able-bodied individuals and is commonly associated with
      persistent orthostatic intolerance along with transient episodes of life
      threatening hypertension, known as "autonomic dysreflexia." During exercise, the
      loss of central and reflexive cardiovascular control attenuates maximal heart
      rate and impairs blood pressure regulation and blood redistribution, which
      ultimately reduces venous return, stroke volume, and cardiac output.
      Thermoregulation also is severely compromised in high-lesion SCI, a problem that
      is compounded when competing in hot and humid conditions. There is some evidence
      that enhancing venous return via lower body positive pressure or abdominal
      binding improves exercise performance, as do cooling strategies. Athletes with
      SCI also have been documented to self-induce autonomic dysreflexia before
      competition with a view of increasing blood pressure and improving their
      performance, a technique known as "boosting." For health safety reasons, boosting
      is officially banned by the International Paralympics Committee. This article
      addresses the complex issue of how the autonomic nervous system affects sports
      performance in athletes with SCI, with a specific focus on the potential
      debilitating effects of deranged cardiovascular control. 

PMID- 25134754
TI  - Ethical considerations in Paralympic sport: when are elective treatments
      allowable to improve sports performance?

PMID- 25134755
TI  - Stories from Sochi: sun, sea, snow, and salt.

PMID- 25134757
TI  - DNA looping provides for "intersegmental hopping" by proteins: a mechanism for
      long-range site localization.
AB  - Studies on how transcription factors and DNA modifying enzymes passively locate
      specific sites on DNA have yet to be reconciled with a sufficient set of
      mechanisms that can adequately account for the efficiency and speed of this
      process. This is especially true when considering that these DNA
      binding/modifying proteins have diverse levels of both cellular copy numbers and
      genomic recognition site densities. The monomeric bacterial DNA adenine
      methyltransferase (Dam) is responsible for the rapid methylation of the entire
      chromosome (with only ~100 Dam copies per cell) and the regulated methylation of
      closely spaced sites that controls the expression of virulence genes in several
      human pathogens. Provocatively, we find that Dam travels between its recognition
      sites most efficiently when those sites are ~500bp apart. We propose that this is
      manifested by Dam moving between distal regions on the same DNA molecule, which
      is mediated by DNA looping, a phenomenon we designate as intersegmental hopping.
      Importantly, an intermediate found in other systems including two simultaneously
      bound, looped DNA strands is not involved here. Our results suggest that
      intersegmental hopping contributes to enzymatic processivity (multiple
      modifications), which invoke recent reports demonstrating that DNA looping can
      assist in site finding. Intersegmental hopping is possibly used by other sequence
      specific DNA binding proteins, such as transcription factors and regulatory
      proteins, given certain biological context. While a general form of this
      mechanism is proposed by many research groups, our consideration of DNA looping
      in the context of processive catalysis provides new mechanistic insights and
      distinctions. 

PMID- 25134756
TI  - Functional suppression of HAMP domain signaling defects in the E. coli serine
      chemoreceptor.
AB  - HAMP domains play key signaling roles in many bacterial receptor proteins. The
      four-helix HAMP bundle of the homodimeric Escherichia coli serine chemoreceptor
      (Tsr) interacts with an adjoining four-helix sensory adaptation bundle to
      regulate the histidine autokinase CheA bound to the cytoplasmic tip of the Tsr
      molecule. The adaptation helices undergo reversible covalent modifications that
      tune the stimulus-responsive range of the receptor: unmodified E residues promote
      kinase-off output, and methylated E residues or Q replacements at modification
      sites promote kinase-on output. We used mutationally imposed adaptational
      modification states and cells with various combinations of the sensory adaptation
      enzymes, CheR and CheB, to characterize the signaling properties of mutant Tsr
      receptors that had amino acid replacements in packing layer 3 of the HAMP bundle
      and followed in vivo CheA activity with an assay based on Forster resonance
      energy transfer. We found that an alanine or a serine replacement at HAMP residue
      I229 effectively locked Tsr output in a kinase-on state, abrogating chemotactic
      responses. A second amino acid replacement in the same HAMP packing layer
      alleviated the I229A and I229S signaling defects. Receptors with the suppressor
      changes alone mediated chemotaxis in adaptation-proficient cells but exhibited
      altered sensitivity to serine stimuli. Two of the suppressors (S255E and S255A)
      shifted Tsr output toward the kinase-off state, but two others (S255G and L256F)
      shifted output toward a kinase-on state. The alleviation of locked-on defects by
      on-shifted suppressors implies that Tsr-HAMP has several conformationally
      distinct kinase-active output states and that HAMP signaling might involve
      dynamic shifts over a range of bundle conformations. 

PMID- 25134758
TI  - Ryanodine receptors: allosteric ion channel giants.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) form major
      intracellular Ca(2+) stores. Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are large tetrameric ion
      channels in the SR and ER membranes that can release Ca(2+) upon triggering. With
      molecular masses exceeding 2.2MDa, they represent the pinnacle of ion channel
      complexity. RyRs have adopted long-range allosteric mechanisms, with pore opening
      resulting in conformational changes over 200A away. Together with tens of protein
      and small molecule modulators, RyRs have adopted rich and complex regulatory
      mechanisms. Structurally related to inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors
      (IP3Rs), RyRs have been studied extensively using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo
      EM). Along with more recent X-ray crystallographic analyses of individual
      domains, these have resulted in pseudo-atomic models. Over 500 mutations in RyRs
      have been linked to severe genetic disorders, which underscore their role in the
      contraction of cardiac and skeletal muscles. Most of these have been linked to
      gain-of-function phenotypes, resulting in premature or prolonged leak of Ca(2+)
      in the cytosol. This review outlines our current knowledge on the structure of
      RyRs at high and low resolutions, their relationship to IP3Rs, an overview of the
      most commonly studied regulatory mechanisms, and models that relate disease
      causing mutations to altered channel function.

PMID- 25134759
TI  - Bezafibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist,
      decreases circulating CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes in patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes are proinflammatory cells that produce tumor necrosis
      factor and interleukin (IL)-1beta. The number of circulating CD14(+)CD16(+)
      monocytes is increased in patients with chronic renal failure or coronary artery
      disease. We investigated the effect of bezafibrate, a peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor alpha agonist, on circulating CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes in
      patients with type 2 diabetes. Using cells isolated from type 2 diabetic
      subjects, we also examined the in vitro expression of CD16 messenger RNA (mRNA)
      by mononuclear cells (MNCs) exposed to bezafibrate. The percentage of
      CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes among all CD14(+) monocytes was significantly higher in
      subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (P < 0.01) or type 2 diabetes (P < 0.05)
      than in those with normal glucose tolerance. The percentage of CD14(+)CD16(+)
      monocytes was significantly lower in patients with type 2 diabetes who were
      taking bezafibrate (400 mg/d) than in patients not taking it (P < 0.01).
      Treatment with bezafibrate for 12 weeks significantly reduced the percentage of
      circulating CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes from 45.4 +/- 25.2% to 38.3 +/- 21.8% (P =
      0.0144). In an in vitro study, the expression of CD16 mRNA by MNCs from 6
      diabetic subjects was decreased after 24 hours of treatment with 10 MUg/mL of
      bezafibrate (P < 0.05). Expression of IL-1beta mRNA by MNCs was also decreased
      after 24 hours of treatment with 10 MUg/mL of bezafibrate, whereas the IL-1beta
      level in the culture supernatant was significantly decreased after treatment of
      MNCs with either 1 or 10 MUg/mL of bezafibrate. In conclusion, bezafibrate
      decreased circulating CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes in patients with type 2 diabetes,
      probably by inhibiting the expression of CD16 mRNA. 

PMID- 25134761
TI  - Synthesis and Toxicity Evaluation of Some N4-Aryl Substituted 5
      Trifluoromethoxyisatin-3-thiosemicarbazones.
AB  - A series of twenty one N4-aryl substituted 5-trifluoromethoxyisatin-3
      thiosemicarbazones 3a-3u was synthesized by the reaction of
      trifluoromethoxyisatin 1 with different arylthiosemicarbazides 2 in aqueous
      ethanol (50%), containing a few drops of acetic acid. Their structures were
      established on the basis of analytical (CHN) and spectral (IR, 1H-NMR, EIMS)
      data. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their toxicity potential
      by a brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Ten compounds i.e., 3a, 3e, 3i-3l and 3n-3q
      proved to be active in this assay, displaying promising toxicity (LD50 = 1.11 *
      10-5 M - 1.80 * 10-4 M). Amongst these, 3k, 3n and 3o were found to be the most
      active ones (LD50 = 1.11 * 10-5 M - 1.43 * 10-5 M). Compound 3k showed the
      highest activity with a LD50 value of 1.11 * 10-5 M and can, therefore, be used
      as a lead for further studies. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies
      revealed that the presence of strong inductively electron-attracting
      trifluoromethoxy substituent at position-5 of the isatin moiety played an
      important role in inducing or enhancing toxic potentiality of some of the
      synthesized compounds. 

PMID- 25134763
TI  - Recent Advances in the Application of SelectfluorTM F-TEDA-BF4 as a Versatile
      Mediator or Catalyst in Organic Synthesis.
AB  - SelectfluorTM F-TEDA-BF4 (1-chloromethyl-4-fluoro-1,4-diazoniabicyclo
      [2.2.2]octane bis(tetrafluoroborate) is not only one of the most efficient and
      popular reagents for electrophilic fluorination, but as a strong oxidant is also
      a convenient mediator or catalyst of several "fluorine-free" functionalizations
      of organic compounds. Its applications as a mediator in transformations of
      oxidizable functional groups or gold-catalyzed C-C and C-heteroatom oxidative
      coupling reactions, a catalyst in formation of various heterocyclic rings, a
      reagent or catalyst of various functionalizations of electron-rich organic
      compounds (iodination, bromination, chlorination, nitration, thiocyanation,
      sulfenylation, alkylation, alkoxylation), a catalyst of one-pot-multi-component
      coupling reactions, a catalyst of regioselective ring opening of epoxides, a
      deprotection reagent for various protecting groups, and a mediator for
      stereoselective rearrangement processes of bicyclic compounds are reviewed and
      discussed.

PMID- 25134760
TI  - Evidence that meningeal mast cells can worsen stroke pathology in mice.
AB  - Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and the fourth most common cause
      of death in the United States. Inflammation is thought to play an important role
      in stroke pathology, but the factors that promote inflammation in this setting
      remain to be fully defined. An understudied but important factor is the role of
      meningeal-located immune cells in modulating brain pathology. Although different
      immune cells traffic through meningeal vessels en route to the brain, mature mast
      cells do not circulate but are resident in the meninges. With the use of genetic
      and cell transfer approaches in mice, we identified evidence that meningeal mast
      cells can importantly contribute to the key features of stroke pathology,
      including infiltration of granulocytes and activated macrophages, brain swelling,
      and infarct size. We also obtained evidence that two mast cell-derived products,
      interleukin-6 and, to a lesser extent, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7, can
      contribute to stroke pathology. These findings indicate a novel role for mast
      cells in the meninges, the membranes that envelop the brain, as potential
      gatekeepers for modulating brain inflammation and pathology after stroke. 

PMID- 25134762
TI  - Alkylphenol Activity against Candida spp. and Microsporum canis: A Focus on the
      Antifungal Activity of Thymol, Eugenol and O-Methyl Derivatives.
AB  - In recent years there has been an increasing search for new antifungal compounds
      due to the side effects of conventional antifungal drugs and fungal resistance.
      The aims of this study were to test in vitro the activity of thymol, eugenol,
      estragole and anethole and some O-methyl-derivatives (methylthymol and
      methyleugenol) against Candida spp. and Microsporum canis. The broth
      microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration
      (MIC). The minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) for both Candida spp. and M.
      canis were found by subculturing each fungal suspension on potato dextrose agar.
      Thymol, methylthymol, eugenol, methyl-eugenol, anethole, estragole and
      griseofulvin respectively, presented the following MIC values against M. canis:
      4.8-9.7; 78-150; 39; 78-150; 78-150; 19-39 ug/mL and 0.006-2.5 mg/mL. The MFC
      values for all compounds ranged from 9.7 to 31 ug/mL. Concerning Candida spp,
      thymol, methylthymol, eugenol, methyleugenol, anethole, estragole and
      amphotericin, respectively, showed the following MIC values: 39; 620-1250; 150
      620; 310-620; 620; 620-1250 and 0.25-2.0 mg/mL. The MFC values varied from 78 to
      2500 ug/mL. All tested compounds thus showed in vitro antifungal activity against
      Candida spp. and M. canis. Therefore, further studies should be carried out to
      confirm the usefulness of these alkylphenols in vivo. 

PMID- 25134764
TI  - A New C-3/C-3"-Biflavanone from the Roots of Stellera chamaejasme L.
AB  - A new 3, 3"-biflavanone, neochamaejasmin C (1), was isolated from the roots of
      Stellera chamaejasme L., together with four known compounds. Their structures and
      configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 2D-NMR
      techniques. 

PMID- 25134765
TI  - Quantitative Structure Inter-Activity Relationship (QSInAR). Cytotoxicity Study
      of Some Hemisynthetic and Isolated Natural Steroids and Precursors on Human
      Fibrosarcoma Cells HT1080.
AB  - Combined experimental and quantitative structure inter-activity relationship
      (QSIAR) computation methods were advanced in order to establish the structural
      and mechanistic influences that steroids and triterpenes, either as newly
      synthesized or naturally isolated products, have on human HT1080 mammalian cancer
      cells. The main Hansch structural indicators such as hydrophobicity (LogP),
      polarizability (POL) and total energy (Etot) were considered and both the
      structure-projected as well as globally computed correlations were reported;
      while the inter-activity correlation of the global activity with those projected
      on structural information was revealed as equal to the direct structural-activity
      one for the trial sets of compounds, the prediction for the testing set of
      molecules reported even superior performances respecting those characteristic for
      the calibration set, validating therefore the present QSInAR models; accordingly,
      it follows that the LogP carries the most part of the cytotoxic signal, while POL
      has little influence on inhibiting tumor growth-A complementary behavior with
      their earlier known influence on genotoxic carcinogenesis. Regarding the newly
      hemisynthetic compounds it was found that stigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one is not
      adapted for cell membrane diffusion; it is recommended that aminocinnamyl
      chlorohydrate be further modified in order to acquire better steric influence,
      while aminocinnamyl-2,3,4,6-O-tetraacetyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside was identified
      as being inhibited in the tumor cell by other molecular mechanisms-here not
      revealed-although it has a moderate-high anti-cancer structurally predicted
      activity. 

PMID- 25134766
TI  - Metabolism study of notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1 and ginsenoside Rb1 of
      radix Panax notoginseng in zebrafish.
AB  - Zebrafish, a common model organism for studies of vertebrate development and gene
      function, has been used in pharmaceutical research as a new and powerful tool in
      recent years. In the present study, we applied zebrafish for the first time in a
      metabolic study of notoginsenoside (R1), ginsenoside (Rg1) and ginsenoside (Rb1),
      which are saponins isolated from Panax notoginseng. Metabolites of these three
      saponin compounds in zebrafish after exposure for 24 h were identified by high
      performance liquid chromatography - electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS)
      with a Zorbax C-18 column for separation using a binary gradient elution of 0.05%
      formic acid acetonitrile - 0.05% formic acid water. The quasi-molecular ions of
      compounds were detected in negative mode. Step-wise deglycosylation metabolites
      and hydroxylation metabolites of the three saponins were found, which were
      coincide with regular methods for metabolic analysis. Our study demonstrated that
      the zebrafish model can successfully imitate the current metabolic model with
      advantages of lower cost, far less amount of compound needed, easy set up and
      high performance. Our data suggests that the zebrafish metabolic model has the
      potential for developing a novel method for quickly predicting the metabolism of
      Chinese herb components, including those of trace compounds. 

PMID- 25134767
TI  - Enzymatic synthesis of fatty hydroxamic acid derivatives based on palm kernel
      oil.
AB  - Fatty hydroxamic acid derivatives were synthesized using Lipozyme TL IM catalyst
      at biphasic medium as the palm kernel oil was dissolved in hexane and
      hydroxylamine derivatives were dissolved in water: (1) N-methyl fatty hydroxamic
      acids (MFHAs); (2) N-isopropyl fatty hydroxamic acids (IPFHAs) and (3) N-benzyl
      fatty hydroxamic acids (BFHAs) were synthesized by reaction of palm kernel oil
      and N-methyl hydroxylamine (N-MHA), N-isopropyl hydroxylamine (N-IPHA) and N
      benzyl hydroxylamine (N-BHA), respectively. Finally, after separation the
      products were characterized by color testing, elemental analysis, FT-IR and 1H
      NMR spectroscopy. For achieving the highest conversion percentage of product the
      optimum molar ratio of reactants was obtained by changing the ratio of reactants
      while other reaction parameters were kept constant. For synthesis of MFHAs the
      optimum mol ratio of N-MHA/palm kernel oil = 6/1 and the highest conversion was
      77.8%, for synthesis of IPFHAs the optimum mol ratio of N-IPHA/palm kernel oil =
      7/1 and the highest conversion was 65.4% and for synthesis of BFHAs the optimum
      mol ratio of N-BHA/palm kernel oil = 7/1 and the highest conversion was 61.7%. 

PMID- 25134768
TI  - Docking Studies and alpha-Substitution Effects on the Anti-Inflammatory Activity
      of beta-Hydroxy-beta-arylpropanoic Acids.
AB  - Six beta-hydroxy-beta-aryl propanoic acids were synthesised using a modification
      of Reformatsky reaction which has already been reported. These acids belong to
      the aryl propanoic acid class of compounds, structurally similar to the NSAIDs,
      such as ibuprofen, and an anti-inflammatory activity is thus expected. The aim of
      this work was to determine anti-inflammatory activity, examine gastric
      tolerability, and to carry out molecular docking experiments to identify
      potential COX-2 inhibitors among the beta-hydroxy-beta-aryl propanoic acids, and
      to elucidate the effect alpha-methyl substitution on the anti-inflammatory
      activity. Anti-inflammatory activity and gastric tolerability were determined on
      rats using carrageenan induced paw oedema method, and docking studies were
      carried out using Autodock v4.0.1. The range of ED50 values is between 127
      umol/kg and 15 umol/kg, while the result for ibuprofen is 51.7 umol/kg. Only
      slight hyperaemia or few petechiae were spotted on rat's stomach. The results
      indicate that all compounds possess significant anti-inflammatory activity after
      oral administration, and that 2-methyl-3-hydroxy-3,3-diphenyl-propanoic acid has
      greatest activity, surpassing that of ibuprofen, a standard NSAID. Another
      compound, 3-hydroxy-3,3-diphenylpropanoic acid, shows activity matching that of
      ibuprofen, and is non-chiral and is proven to be non-toxic. The most of
      investigated compounds have interactions with P3 anchor site like COX-2 selective
      inhibitors. No tested substances or ibuprofen produced any significant gastric
      lesions.

PMID- 25134769
TI  - In Vitro Synergy of Biochanin A and Ciprofloxacin against Clinical Isolates of
      Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Many clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are resistant to
      numerous antimicrobials, including the fluoroquinolones (FQs). Flavonoids such as
      biochanin A (BCA) are compounds that are naturally present in fruits, vegetables,
      and plant-derived beverages. The goal of this investigation was to study the
      possible synergy between the antimicrobial agents BCA and ciprofloxacin (CPFX)
      when used in combination; CPFX was chosen as a representative FQ compound. We
      used S. aureus strain ATCC 25923 and 11 fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant
      methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. Results from the drug
      susceptibility testing and checkerboard assays show that the minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) of BCA ranged from 64 ug/mL to 512 ug/mL. When BCA was
      combined with CPFX, the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) data
      showed that there was synergy in all 12 of the S. aureus strains tested. No
      antagonistic activity was observed in any of the strains tested. The results of
      time-kill tests and agar diffusion tests confirm that there was synergy between
      BCA and CPFX against S. aureus strains. These results suggest that BCA can be
      combined with FQs to produce a powerful antimicrobial agent. 

PMID- 25134770
TI  - Green synthesis and antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles using Vitex
      negundo L.
AB  - Different biological methods are gaining recognition for the production of silver
      nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) due to their multiple applications. One of the most
      important applications of Ag-NPs is their use as an anti-bacterial agent. The use
      of plants in the synthesis of nanoparticles emerges as a cost effective and eco
      friendly approach. In this study the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using
      Vitex negundo L. extract and its antimicrobial properties has been reported. The
      resulting silver particles are characterized using transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopic
      techniques. The TEM study showed the formation of silver nanoparticles in the 10
      30 nm range and average 18.2 nm in size. The XRD study showed that the particles
      are crystalline in nature, with a face centered cubic (fcc) structure. The silver
      nanoparticles showed the antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and Gram
      negative bacteria. Vitex negundo L. was found to display strong potential for the
      synthesis of silver nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents by rapid reduction of
      silver ions (Ag+ to Ag0). 

PMID- 25134771
TI  - Fast method for synthesis of alkyl and aryl-N-methylnitrones.
AB  - A simple, fast, efficient and eco-friendly procedure was developed for the
      synthesis of alkyl and aryl-N-methylnitrones. The corresponding nitrones of
      aromatic aldehydes, aliphatic aldehydes and alicyclic carbonyl compounds were
      prepared from N-methylhydroxylamine hydrochloride and Na2CO3-Na2SO4 by simply
      grinding at room temperature without using solvent. 

PMID- 25134772
TI  - 3D-QSAR Study of Combretastatin A-4 Analogs Based on Molecular Docking.
AB  - Combretastatin A-4 (CA-4), its analogues and their excellent antitumoral and
      antivascular activities, have attracted considerable interest of medicinal
      chemists. In this article, a docking simulation was used to identify molecules
      having the same binding mode as the lead compound, and 3D-QSAR models had been
      built by using CoMFA based on docking. As a result, these studies indicated that
      the QSAR models were statistically significant with high predictabilities (CoMFA
      model, q2 = 0.786, r2 = 0.988). Our models may offer help to better comprehend
      the structure-activity relationships for this class of compounds and also
      facilitate the design of novel inhibitors with good chemical diversity. 

PMID- 25134775
TI  - Cardanol-based materials as natural precursors for olefin metathesis.
AB  - Cardanol is a renewable, low cost natural material, widely available as a by
      product of the cashew industry. It is a mixture of 3-n-pentadecylphenol, 3
      (pentadeca-8-enyl)phenol, 3-(pentadeca-8,11-dienyl)phenol and 3-(pentadeca
      8,11,14-trienyl)phenol. Olefin metathesis (OM) reaction on cardanol is an
      important class of reactions that allows for the synthesis of new olefins that
      are sometime impossible to prepare via other methods. The application of this
      natural and renewable material to both academic and industrial research will be
      discussed. 

PMID- 25134773
TI  - Group 11 Metal Compounds with Tripodal Bis(imidazole) Thioether Ligands.
      Applications as Catalysts in the Oxidation of Alkenes and as Antimicrobial
      Agents.
AB  - New group 11 metal complexes have been prepared using the previously described
      tripodal bis(imidazole) thioether ligand (N-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-2
      imidazolyl)2C(OMe)C(CH3)2S(tert-Bu) ({BITOMe,StBu}, 2). The pincer ligand offers
      a N2S donor atom set that can be used to coordinate the group 11 metals in
      different oxidation states [AuI, AuIII, AgI, CuI and CuII]. Thus the new
      compounds [Au{BITOMe,StBu}Cl][AuCl4]2 (3), [Au{BITOMe,StBu}Cl] (4),
      [Ag{BITOMe,StBu}X] (X = OSO2CF3- 5, PF6- 6) and [Cu{BITOMe,StBu}Cl2] (7) have
      been synthesized from reaction of 2 with the appropriate metal precursors, and
      characterized in solution. While attempting characterization in the solid state
      of 3, single crystals of the neutral dinuclear mixed AuIII-AuI species
      [Au2{BITOMe,S}Cl3] (8) were obtained and its crystal structure was determined by
      X-ray diffraction studies. The structure shows a AuIII center coordinated to the
      pincer ligand through one N and the S atom. The soft AuI center coordinates to
      the ligand through the same S atom that has lost the tert-butyl group, thus
      becoming a thiolate ligand. The short distance between the AuI-AuIII atoms (3.383
      A) may indicate a weak metal-metal interaction. Complexes 2-7 and the previously
      described CuI compound [Cu{BITOMe,StBu}]PF6 (9) have been evaluated in the
      oxidation of biphenyl ethylene with tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP) as the
      oxidant. Results have shown that the AuI and AgI complexes 4 and 6 (at 10 mol %
      loading) are the more active catalysts in this oxidative cleavage. The
      antimicrobial activity of compounds 2-5, 7 and 9 against Gram-positive and Gram
      negative bacteria and yeast has also been evaluated. The new gold and silver
      compounds display moderate to high antibacterial activity, while the copper
      derivatives are mostly inactive. The gold and silver complexes were also potent
      against fungi. Their cytotoxic properties have been analyzed in vitro utilizing
      HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells. The compounds displayed a very low
      cytotoxicity on this cell line (5 to 10 times lower than cisplatin) and on normal
      primary cells derived from C57B6 mouse muscle explants, which may make them
      promising candidates as potential antimicrobial agents and safer catalysts due to
      low toxicity in human and other mammalian tissues. 

PMID- 25134776
TI  - Essential Oil Composition of the Different Parts and In Vitro Shoot Culture of
      Eryngium planum L.
AB  - The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the different parts
      (inflorescence, stalk leaves, rosette leaves and root) as well as from in vitro
      shoot culture of Eryngium planum L. were analyzed by GC-FID-MS in respect to
      their chemical composition. The different parts of E. planum and in vitro shoots
      showed different yields. The part with higher amount was the inflorescences,
      followed by the stalk leaves and in vitro shoots, rosette leaves and finally
      roots. The essential oils obtained from rosette leaves and in vitro-derived
      rosettes had totally different composition. Quantitative differences were also
      found between compounds of intact plant organs. The main components of stalk leaf
      oil and rosette leaf oil were monoterpene (limonene, alpha- and beta-pinene) and
      sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. In inflorescence oil cis-chrysanthenyl acetate
      (43.2%) was accompanied by other esters (propionate, butanoate, hexanoate and
      octanoate) and numerous oxygenated sesquiterpenes. Root oil and in vitro shoot
      oil contained mainly (Z)-falcarinol and 2,3,4-trimethylbenzaldehyde. This is the
      first report on the chemical composition of this species. 

PMID- 25134774
TI  - Proanthocyanidins from Grape Seeds Modulate the NF-kappaB Signal Transduction
      Pathways in Rats with TNBS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis.
AB  - To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effects of
      proanthocyanidins from grape seeds (GSPE), we explore whether GSPE regulates the
      inflammatory response of TNBS-induced colitis in rats at the levels of NF-kappaB
      signal transduction pathway. Rats were intragastrically administered of different
      doses of GSPE (100, 200 and 400 mg.kg-1) per day for seven days after ulcerative
      colitis (UC) was induced by intracolonic injection of 2,4,6
      trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in 50% ethanol. Sulfasalazine
      (SASP) at 400 mg/kg was used as a positive control drug. The expression of
      nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), phospho-I kappaB-alpha (pIkappaBalpha),
      inhibitor kappa B kinase (IkappaK) in the colon tissues were all measured by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Treatment with GSPE reduced
      the expression of NF-kappaB, pIkappaBalpha and IkappaK in the colon. The results
      of this study show that GSPE exerts beneficial effects in inflammatory bowel
      disease by inhibition of NF-kappaB signal transduction pathways. 

PMID- 25134777
TI  - ESRD from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in the United States, 2001
      2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is amenable to
      early detection and specialty care. Thus, while important to patients with the
      condition, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) from ADPKD also may be an indicator of
      the overall state of nephrology care. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of
      temporal trends in ESRD from ADPKD and pre-renal replacement therapy (RRT)
      nephrologist care, 2001-2010 (n = 23,772). SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: US patients
      who initiated maintenance RRT from 2001 through 2010 (n = 1,069,343) from US
      Renal Data System data. PREDICTOR: ESRD from ADPKD versus from other causes for
      baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes; interval 2001-2005 versus 2006
      2010 for comparisons of cohort of patients with ESRD from ADPKD. OUTCOMES: Death,
      wait-listing for kidney transplant, kidney transplantation. MEASUREMENTS: US
      census data were used as population denominators. Poisson distribution was used
      to compute incidence rates (IRs). Incidence ratios were standardized to rates in
      2001-2002 for age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Patients with and without ADPKD were
      matched to compare clinical outcomes. Poisson regression was used to calculate
      IRs and adjusted HRs for clinical events after inception of RRT. RESULTS: General
      population incidence ratios in 2009-2010 were unchanged from 2001-2002 (incidence
      ratio, 1.02). Of patients with ADPKD, 48.1% received more than 12 months of
      nephrology care before RRT; preemptive transplantation was the initial RRT in
      14.3% and fistula was the initial hemodialysis access in 35.8%. During 4.9 years
      of follow-up, patients with ADPKD were more likely to be listed for
      transplantation (IR, 11.7 [95% CI, 11.5-12.0] vs 8.4 [95% CI, 8.2-8.7] per 100
      person-years) and to undergo transplantation (IR, 9.8 [95% CI, 9.5-10.0] vs 4.8
      [95% CI, 4.7-5.0] per 100 person-years) and less likely to die (IR, 5.6 [95% CI,
      5.4-5.7] vs 15.5 [95% CI, 15.3-15.8] per 100 person-years) than matched controls
      without ADPKD. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective nonexperimental registry-based study of
      associations; cause-and-effect relationships cannot be determined. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although outcomes on dialysis therapy are better for patients with ADPKD than for
      those without ADPKD, access to predialysis nephrology care and nondeclining ESRD
      rates may be a cause for concern.

PMID- 25134778
TI  - Risk factors for pregnancy outcomes in patients with IgA nephropathy: a matched
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The outcomes of pregnancy in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) are
      uncertain. This study assessed the effects of pregnancy on kidney disease
      progression and risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in IgAN. STUDY
      DESIGN: A matched-cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Women with IgAN with at
      least one pregnancy, 1 year of follow-up, and kidney function and proteinuria
      measurement at baseline (time of biopsy) matched with nonpregnant women with IgAN
      from Peking University First Hospital. PREDICTORS: Pregnancy, treated as a time
      dependent variable; proteinuria; hypertension; and estimated glomerular
      filtration rate (eGFR). OUTCOMES: Kidney disease progression, defined as eGFR
      halving or end-stage kidney disease; rate of eGFR decline; and adverse pregnancy
      outcomes, including severe pre-eclampsia, intrauterine death, embryo damage,
      fetal malformation, and induced and spontaneous abortions. RESULTS: Of 239 female
      patients, 62 women had 69 pregnancies and 62 matched nonpregnant patients were
      selected as controls. Pregnant patients had median proteinuria at baseline with
      protein excretion of 1.27 (range, 0.06-7.25)g/d and mean eGFR of 102.3 (range,
      40.0-139.0)mL/min/1.73m(2). During a mean follow-up of 45.7 months, 4 patients in
      the pregnancy group and 6 in the nonpregnancy group had kidney disease
      progression events. Time-dependent Cox analysis showed that pregnancy was not an
      independent risk factor for kidney disease progression events (HR, 1.2; 95%CI,
      0.3-5.7). There was no significant difference in the median rate of eGFR decline
      in the 2 groups (-2.5 vs -2.4mL/min/1.73m(2) per year; P=0.7). Adverse pregnancy
      outcomes were observed in 15 patients. Proteinuria during pregnancy (OR, 1.39;
      95%CI, 0.96-2.01) was a borderline predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
      LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study, most patients had preserved kidney function,
      study underpowered to detect a difference in kidney failure events. CONCLUSIONS:
      The study does not permit a definitive conclusion about the effect of pregnancy
      on kidney disease progression in IgAN.

PMID- 25134779
TI  - Acute physical activity and delayed attention in primary school students.
AB  - To examine the influence of different types of exertion on immediate and delayed
      attention in 116 primary school children divided in three groups of exertion
      [cognitive exertion - CE (school curricular lesson), physical exertion - PE
      (traditional physical education lesson), mixed cognitive and physical exertion -
      CPE (coordinative physical education lesson)]. CPE was the combination of
      physical load due to the practice of physical exercises and of cognitive load
      requested to perform movement-based problem solving tasks requiring accurate
      timing, temporal estimations, temporal production, and spatial adjustments.
      Children's attentional capacity was tested before (pre) and after (at 0 min and
      at 50 min post) a CE, a PE, or a CPE lesson, using the d2-test of attention, and
      analyzed using a 3 * 3 * 2 mixed analysis of covariance with exertion type and
      time as within factors, gender as between factor, and baseline data as covariate.
      Effect sizes were calculated as partial eta squared (n(2)). Results showed that
      participants' attentional performance was significantly affected by exertion type
      (P < 0.0001), by time (P < 0.0001) and by exertion type * time interactions (P <
      0.0001). The effect sizes ranged from medium (0.039) to large (0.437). Varying
      the type of exertion has different beneficial influences on the level of
      attention in school children.

PMID- 25134780
TI  - Where and how to search for information on the effectiveness of public health
      interventions--a case study for prevention of cardiovascular disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This case study documents the experience of searching for information
      on the effectiveness of population-level multi-factor interventions for the
      prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) to inform guidance from NICE (National
      Institute for Health and Care Excellence). OBJECTIVES: To compare suitability of
      different databases for searches on a medical public health topic and performance
      of sensitive versus specific strategies. METHODS: A sensitive search strategy
      identified 34 CVD programmes (reference standard) and sensitivity, precision and
      number needed to read (NNTR) were compared across seven databases. Two
      alternative strategies were developed to improve precision while minimising the
      impact on sensitivity. RESULTS: MEDLINE alone retrieved 91% (31/34) relevant
      programme citations. Four databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ASSIA and PsycINFO) were
      required to identify all 34 programmes. In the alternative strategies, greater
      use of MeSH rather than text and focus on terms directed at population-level
      interventions resulted in a more precise search on MEDLINE. CONCLUSIONS: MEDLINE
      alone provided a better yield than anticipated. Additional databases improved
      sensitivity by 9% but to the detriment of precision. Retrospective searching
      would provide additional insight into the performance of both databases and
      strategies. How the medical nature of this public health topic affected yield
      across databases also requires further investigation.

PMID- 25134782
TI  - Rs37972 and rs37973 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid
      inducible 1 gene are not associated with asthma risk in a Saudi Arabian
      population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Rs37972 and rs37973 variants in the glucocorticoid-induced transcript
      1 gene have been associated with inhaled glucocorticosteroid responsiveness in
      asthmatics; however, some discrepancies have been also reported. This study aims
      to determine whether rs37972 and rs37973 SNPs are associated with asthma risk in
      Saudi Arabian asthmatics. METHODS: Two-hundred seventy-one diagnosed asthmatics
      (3-65 years old) and 387 healthy control subjects of equivalent age were
      recruited. DNA from peripheral blood was purified, and genotyping of rs37972 and
      rs37973 SNPs was performed by PCR amplification of segments of interest, followed
      by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The global frequencies of the minor (risk) alleles
      were 28% ("T" allele, rs37972) and 30% ("G" allele, rs37973). Yates-corrected Chi
      square (chi(2)) tests revealed significant differences between asthmatic and
      healthy groups, in allele frequencies for rs37973 SNP only (chi(2) = 3.98, Yates'
      p value = 0.046). Regarding genotype frequencies, a significant difference
      between asthmatic and healthy groups was observed for variant rs37972 only
      (chi(2) = 8.19, Yates' p value = 0.016). To determine a possible association of
      the minor "T" and "G" alleles with asthma, both the recessive and dominant
      genetic models were tested. For rs37973, none of the genotypes were significantly
      associated with asthma. Concerning rs37972, the dominant model (C/T + T/T versus
      C/C) indicated a significant "protective" association with asthma, in which C/T +
      T/T individuals had lower odds of being asthmatics than C/C individuals (OR =
      0.67; 95% CI = 0.48-0.94; p = 0.019*). CONCLUSIONS: The minor alleles "T" and "G"
      of rs37972 and rs37973 SNPs, respectively, were not significantly associated with
      increased asthma risk in asthma patients from Saudi Arabia.

PMID- 25134781
TI  - Associations between central obesity and asthma in children and adolescents: a
      case-control study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evidence supports a significant yet weak association between high
      body weight and asthma in children. However, most studies investigating the
      obesity-asthma link use Body Mass Index (BMI) to evaluate body fatness. The
      relationship between body fat distribution and asthma remains largely unknown,
      especially in children. This pediatric case-control investigation examined
      associations between central obesity/high-body weight and asthma diagnosis.
      METHODS: Five-hundred and fourteen children (217 physician diagnosed asthma cases
      and 297 healthy controls) of 5-11 years were recruited. Height, weight and waist
      circumference were measured. Asthma symptoms, past medical history, personal
      lifestyle, socioeconomic status, diet and physical activity history were also
      collected. RESULTS: A higher proportion of children with asthma were centrally
      obese [(>=90th waist percentile) 15.2 vs. 9.4%, p<0.0001; (>=90th waist-to-height
      ratio percentile) 39.6 vs. 24.2%, p<0.0001)]. Regression analyses revealed that
      centrally obese children were more likely to have asthma (high-waist
      circumference (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.07-3.68) and high-waist circumference to
      height ratio (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.47-3.40), following adjustment for various
      confounders. Overweight/obese participants (BMI defined) were more likely to be
      asthmatic [odds ratio (OR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-2.70)] when
      compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of central obesity and high-body
      weight (at least overweight) as assessed by waist circumference, waist-to-height
      ratio, and BMI are associated with asthma diagnosis. More studies are needed,
      especially in children and adolescents, to confirm these findings and better
      understand how body fat distribution impacts the obesity-asthma relationship.

PMID- 25134784
TI  - A nested case-control study: personal, social and environmental correlates of
      vigorous physical activity in adolescents with asthma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Physical activity (PA) is associated with health benefits. Children
      and adolescents with asthma may be limited in their PA, particularly at vigorous
      intensity due to asthma symptoms or poor psychological adjustment to asthma. We
      aimed to investigate if self-perceived competence, enjoyment, support from others
      and social-physical environment were associated with vigorous physical activity
      (VPA) and secondarily to assess if such associations were modified by asthma and
      asthma severity. METHODS: Data from a nested case-control study at 13 years of
      age within the birth-cohort Environment and Childhood Asthma Study were compiled
      from 95 participants with and 79 without asthma. The participants completed a
      questionnaire designed to capture self-perceived competence, enjoyment, support
      from others and social-physical environment. VPA, defined as >= 6 Metabolic
      Equivalents, was recorded objectively by SenseWearTM Pro2 Armband. Asthma
      severity was assessed pragmatically by lung function and use of inhaled
      glucocorticosteroids and beta2-agonists and incidence of exacerbations in the
      last 14 days. Data were analysed using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: No
      significant differences between adolescents with and without asthma were
      identified in terms of VPA, competence-enjoyment, support from others and social
      physical environment. Peer support (b = 0.29 (0.05-0.52)) and competence
      enjoyment (b = 0.23 (0.01-0.44)) were significantly and positively associated
      with VPA, and teacher support (b = -0.26 (-0.50 to -0.02)) were inversely
      associated. The model explained 25% of the variance in VPA. CONCLUSIONS: Peer
      support and competence-enjoyment were positively associated with increased VPN in
      adolescents irrespectively of asthma and asthma severity.

PMID- 25134783
TI  - Spirometry effects on conventional and multiple flow exhaled nitric oxide in
      children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Clinical and research settings often require sequencing multiple
      respiratory tests in a brief visit. Guidelines recommend measuring the
      concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) before spirometry, but evidence for
      a spirometry carryover effect on FeNO is mixed. Only one study has investigated
      spirometry carryover effects on multiple flow FeNO analysis. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate evidence for carryover effects of recent spirometry on
      three exhaled NO summary measures: FeNO at 50 ml/s, airway wall NO flux [J'awNO]
      and alveolar NO concentration [CANO] in a population-based sample of
      schoolchildren. METHODS: Participants were 1146 children (191 with asthma), ages
      12-15, from the Southern California Children's Health Study who performed
      spirometry and multiple flow FeNO on the same day. Approximately, half the
      children performed spirometry first. Multiple linear regression was used to
      estimate differences in exhaled NO summary measures associated with recent
      spirometry testing, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: In the
      population-based sample, we found no evidence of spirometry carryover effects.
      However, for children with asthma, there was a suggestion that exhaled NO summary
      measures assessed <=6 min after spirometry were lower (FeNO: 25.8% lower, 95% CI:
      -6.2%, 48.2%; J'awNO: 15.1% lower 95% CI: -26.5%, 43.0%; and CANO 0.43 parts per
      billion lower, 95% CI: -0.12, 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: In clinical settings, it is
      prudent to assess multiple flow FeNO before spirometry. In studies of healthy
      subjects, it may not be necessary to assess FeNO first.

PMID- 25134785
TI  - Maternal psychological distress mediates the relationship between asthma and
      physician visits in a population-based sample of adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether maternal psychological distress mediates
      the relationship between presence of adolescent asthma and number of physician
      visits and whether the association between maternal psychological distress and
      physician visits is moderated by adolescent general health. METHODS: Data were
      obtained from the Mater University Study of Pregnancy and included 4025
      adolescents. Path analysis was used to examine mediating and moderating effects.
      RESULTS: Maternal psychological distress was found to partially mediate the
      relationship between adolescent asthma and number of physician visits, accounting
      for 25% of the effect of adolescent asthma on physician visits (p = 0.046). There
      was no evidence to suggest that adolescent general health moderated the
      association between maternal psychological distress and physician visits (p =
      0.093). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that maternal psychological distress
      is associated with increased physician visits, regardless of adolescents' general
      health. Lowering maternal psychological distress may serve to reduce health care
      utilization and costs among adolescents with asthma.

PMID- 25134786
TI  - Characteristics of postural control among young adults with asthma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether young adults with asthma have impaired balance
      and whether this impairment is related to altered musculoskeletal function and/or
      psychological characteristics. METHODS: 21 participants with a self-reported
      asthma diagnosis but no known postural instability or history of falls, and 18
      control participants were recruited from undergraduate psychology courses.
      Participants performed a postural control task of maintaining the center of
      pressure (COP) in a fixed position with visual feedback (feedback condition) and
      while standing as still as possible without visual feedback (no-feedback
      condition). COP variability, regularity and task performance were used to
      characterize the quality of balance. To document group differences in
      musculoskeletal function, we measured neck and lower back angles as well as range
      of motion (ROM) of the neck in the frontal and sagittal planes. To document group
      differences in psychological state, we administered self-report questionnaires to
      assess symptoms of anxiety and depression, anxiety sensitivity and negative
      effect. RESULTS: COP variability and task performance were similar between the
      groups, but participants with asthma exhibited more regular anterior-posterior
      COP dynamics. Participants with asthma had smaller ROM of neck extension, a more
      forwardly bent neck, greater thoracic spine angle, and they reported greater
      levels of the physical concerns facet of anxiety sensitivity. These
      musculoskeletal and affective variables moderated COP differences between the
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Young adults with asthma showed a different postural control
      strategy in the absence of any obvious balance impairment. This change in
      strategy is related to musculoskeletal and affective characteristics of
      individuals with asthma.

PMID- 25134788
TI  - Vitamin D counteracts fibrogenic TGF-beta signalling in human hepatic stellate
      cells both receptor-dependently and independently.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked to obesity
      and constitutes part of the metabolic syndrome, which have been associated with
      low serum vitamin D (VD). Due to known crosstalk between VD and transforming
      growth factor (TGF)-beta signalling, VD has been proposed as an antifibrotic
      treatment. DESIGN: We evaluated the association between VD, the vitamin D
      receptor (VDR) and liver fibrosis in primary human hepatic stellate cells (phHSC)
      and 106 morbidly obese patients with NAFLD. RESULTS: Treating phHSC with VD
      ameliorated TGF-beta-induced fibrogenesis via both VDR-dependent and VDR
      independent mechanisms. Reduction of fibrogenic response was abolished in cells
      homozygous for GG at the A1012G single nucleotide polymorphisms within the VDR
      gene. Compared with healthy livers, NAFLD livers expressed higher levels of VDR
      mRNA and VDR fragments. VDR mRNA was lower in patients homozygous for GG at
      A1012G and expression of pro-fibrogenic genes was higher in patients carrying the
      G allele. CONCLUSIONS: VD may be an antifibrotic treatment option early in the
      onset of fibrosis in specific genotypes for VDR. Known polymorphisms of the VDR
      may influence the response to VD treatment.

PMID- 25134789
TI  - Regression analysis of correlated ordinal data using orthogonalized residuals.
AB  - Semi-parametric regression models for the joint estimation of marginal mean and
      within-cluster pairwise association parameters are used in a variety of settings
      for population-averaged modeling of multivariate categorical outcomes. Recently,
      a formulation of alternating logistic regressions based on orthogonalized,
      marginal residuals has been introduced for correlated binary data. Unlike the
      original procedure based on conditional residuals, its covariance estimator is
      invariant to the ordering of observations within clusters. In this article, the
      orthogonalized residuals method is extended to model correlated ordinal data with
      a global odds ratio, and shown in a simulation study to be more efficient and
      less biased with regards to estimating within-cluster association parameters than
      an existing extension to ordinal data of alternating logistic regressions based
      on conditional residuals. Orthogonalized residuals are used to estimate a model
      for three correlated ordinal outcomes measured repeatedly in a longitudinal
      clinical trial of an intervention to improve recovery of patients' perception of
      altered sensation following jaw surgery. 

PMID- 25134791
TI  - Swahili speech development: preliminary normative data from typically developing
      pre-school children in Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Swahili is widely spoken in East Africa, but to date there are no
      culturally and linguistically appropriate materials available for speech-language
      therapists working in the region. The challenges are further exacerbated by the
      limited research available on the typical acquisition of Swahili phonology. AIM:
      To describe the speech development of 24 typically developing first language
      Swahili-speaking children between the ages of 3;0 and 5;11 years in Dar es
      Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS & PROCEDURES: A cross-sectional design was used with
      six groups of four children in 6-month age bands. Single-word speech samples were
      obtained from each child using a set of culturally appropriate pictures designed
      to elicit all consonants and vowels of Swahili. Each child's speech was audio
      recorded and phonetically transcribed using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
      conventions. Children's speech development is described in terms of (1) phonetic
      inventory, (2) syllable structure inventory, (3) phonological processes and (4)
      percentage consonants correct (PCC) and percentage vowels correct (PVC). RESULTS
      & OUTCOMES: Results suggest a gradual progression in the acquisition of speech
      sounds and syllables between the ages of 3;0 and 5;11 years. Vowel acquisition
      was completed and most of the consonants acquired by age 3;0. Fricatives/z, s, h/
      were later acquired at 4 years and /theta/and /r/ were the last acquired
      consonants at age 5;11. Older children were able to produce speech sounds more
      accurately and had fewer phonological processes in their speech than younger
      children. Common phonological processes included lateralization and sound
      preference substitutions. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The study contributes a
      preliminary set of normative data on speech development of Swahili-speaking
      children. Findings are discussed in relation to theories of phonological
      development, and may be used as a basis for further normative studies with larger
      numbers of children and ultimately the development of a contextually relevant
      assessment of the phonology of Swahili-speaking children.

PMID- 25134792
TI  - 13C-engineered carbon quantum dots for in vivo magnetic resonance and
      fluorescence dual-response.
AB  - (13)C-engineered carbon quantum dots ((13)C-QDs) were used as magnetic resonance
      (MR) and fluorescence dual-response probe. The enhanced (13)C-MR signal was
      observed at 171 ppm from carboxylic and carboxyl carbons in (13)C-QDs with 160
      fold improvement on signal-to-noise ratio even when no hyperpolarization was
      applied, whereas the intrinsic fluorescence of C-QDs was still maintained. The
      stable MR and fluorescence dual-response was successfully used for long-term
      observation of zebrafish embryonic development. Cross-validation between MR and
      fluorescence confirmed the distribution of (13)C-QD in zebrafish. (13)C-MR
      provides specific information about the presence, magnitude, and progression of
      (13)C-QDs by defining MR intensity, whereas fluorescence reveals the location of
      (13)C-QDs with its high sensitivity. (13)C-MR and fluorescence was simultaneously
      observed within (13)C-QDs, and this work may expand the applications of isotope
      engineered nanomaterials. 

PMID- 25134787
TI  - A pro-inflammatory role for Th22 cells in Helicobacter pylori-associated
      gastritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Helper T (Th) cell responses are critical for the pathogenesis of
      Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis. Th22 cells represent a newly discovered Th
      cell subset, but their relevance to H. pylori-induced gastritis is unknown.
      DESIGN: Flow cytometry, real-time PCR and ELISA analyses were performed to
      examine cell, protein and transcript levels in gastric samples from patients and
      mice infected with H. pylori. Gastric tissues from interleukin (IL)-22-deficient
      and wild-type (control) mice were also examined. Tissue inflammation was
      determined for pro-inflammatory cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory protein
      production. Gastric epithelial cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC)
      were isolated, stimulated and/or cultured for Th22 cell function assays. RESULTS:
      Th22 cells accumulated in gastric mucosa of both patients and mice infected with
      H. pylori. Th22 cell polarisation was promoted via the production of IL-23 by
      dendritic cells (DC) during H. pylori infection, and resulted in increased
      inflammation within the gastric mucosa. This inflammation was characterised by
      the CXCR2-dependent influx of MDSCs, whose migration was induced via the IL-22
      dependent production of CXCL2 by gastric epithelial cells. Under the influence of
      IL-22, MDSCs, in turn, produced pro-inflammatory proteins, such as S100A8 and
      S100A9, and suppressed Th1 cell responses, thereby contributing to the
      development of H. pylori-associated gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: This study,
      therefore, identifies a novel regulatory network involving H. pylori, DCs, Th22
      cells, gastric epithelial cells and MDSCs, which collectively exert a pro
      inflammatory effect within the gastric microenvironment. Efforts to inhibit this
      Th22-dependent pathway may therefore prove a valuable strategy in the therapy of
      H. pylori-associated gastritis.

PMID- 25134794
TI  - A case of acute glutaraldehyde-induced colitis following polyps treated by EMR.

PMID- 25134793
TI  - Second harmonic generation microscopy analysis of extracellular matrix changes in
      human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - Patients with idiopathic fibrosis (IPF) have poor long-term survival as there are
      limited diagnostic/prognostic tools or successful therapies. Remodeling of the
      extracellular matrix (ECM) has been implicated in IPF progression; however, the
      structural consequences on the collagen architecture have not received
      considerable attention. Here, we demonstrate that second harmonic generation
      (SHG) and multiphoton fluorescence microscopy can quantitatively differentiate
      normal and IPF human tissues. For SHG analysis, we developed a classifier based
      on wavelet transforms, principle component analysis, and a K-nearest-neighbor
      algorithm to classify the specific alterations of the collagen structure observed
      in IPF tissues. The resulting ROC curves obtained by varying the numbers of
      principal components and nearest neighbors yielded accuracies of >95%. In
      contrast, simpler metrics based on SHG intensity and collagen coverage in the
      image provided little or no discrimination. We also characterized the change in
      the elastin/collagen balance by simultaneously measuring the elastin
      autofluorescence and SHG intensities and found that the IPF tissues were less
      elastic relative to collagen. This is consistent with known mechanical
      consequences of the disease. Understanding ECM remodeling in IPF via nonlinear
      optical microscopy may enhance our ability to differentiate patients with rapid
      and slow progression and, thus, provide better prognostic information.

PMID- 25134795
TI  - Polycomb protein EED is required for silencing of pluripotency genes upon ESC
      differentiation.
AB  - Eed (embryonic ectoderm development) is a core component of the Polycomb
      Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) which catalyzes the methylation of histone H3 lysine
      27 (H3K27). Trimethylated H3K27 (H3K27me3) can act as a signal for PRC1
      recruitment in the process of gene silencing and chromatin condensation. Previous
      studies with Eed KO ESCs revealed a failure to down-regulate a limited list of
      pluripotency factors in differentiating ESCs. Our aim was to analyze the
      consequences of Eed KO for ESC differentiation. To this end we first analyzed ESC
      differentiation in the absence of Eed and employed in silico data to assess
      pluripotency gene expression and H3K27me3 patterns. We linked these data to
      expression analyses of wildtype and Eed KO ESCs. We observed that in wildtype
      ESCs a subset of pluripotency genes including Oct4, Nanog, Sox2 and Oct4 target
      genes progressively gain H3K27me3 during differentiation. These genes remain
      expressed in differentiating Eed KO ESCs. This suggests that the deregulation of
      a limited set of pluripotency factors impedes ESC differentiation. Global
      analyses of H3K27me3 and Oct4 ChIP-seq data indicate that in ESCs the binding of
      Oct4 to promoter regions is not a general predictor for PRC2-mediated silencing
      during differentiation. However, motif analyses suggest a binding of Oct4
      together with Sox2 and Nanog at promoters of genes that are PRC2-dependently
      silenced during differentiation. In summary, our data further characterize Eed
      function in ESCs by showing that Eed/PRC2 is essential for the onset of ESC
      differentiation. 

PMID- 25134796
TI  - Generation of intermediate porcine iPS cells under culture condition favorable
      for mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition.
AB  - It has been demonstrated that naive and primed pluripotency are determined by
      different extracellular signals. In this study, we investigated whether
      intermediate pluripotent states could be available by manipulating the culture
      condition during the process of generating pig induced pluripotent stem cells
      (piPSCs). By optimizing the culture condition that efficiently promotes
      mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), we found that combination of three
      growth factors (LIF, FGF2 and BMP4) and two inhibitors (2i: CHIR99021 and
      SB431542) could generate an intermediate pluripotent state of piPSCs, which were
      named as LFB2i-piPSCs. The LFB2i-piPSCs are stable and fulfill all the criteria
      of pluripotency, including expression of pluripotent genes, differentiation into
      three germ layers via embryoid bodies in vitro and teratoma in vivo. More
      importantly, the mRNA-sequencing data showed that LFB2i-piPSCs had a mixed
      transcriptome of naive and primed pluripotency, which featured by expressing high
      levels of SOX2, L-MYC and ESRRB and relatively low levels of POU5F1, KLF4 and
      NANOG. Small RNA sequencing also demonstrated that LFB2i-piPSCs had a mixed
      microRNA profile of naive and primed pluripotency, which featured by expressing
      high levels of miR-302b/367 cluster and miR-106a/363 cluster, and low levels of
      most let-7 family members and miR-17/92 cluster. Altogether, the LFB2i-piPSCs
      represent a stable intermediate pluripotent state with unique transcriptome and
      microRNA signatures. The LFB2i-piPSCs will provide a new tool to explore the
      mechanisms of pluripotency and reprogramming on pig species. 

PMID- 25134798
TI  - Low prospects and high risk: structural determinants of health associated with
      sexual risk among young African American women residing in resource-poor
      communities in the south.
AB  - African American women at increased risk of HIV/sexually transmitted infection
      (STI) may engage in risky sex as a coping mechanism for depressed economic
      conditions. This study examines the association between high-risk sexual behavior
      and structural determinants of sexual health among a sample of young African
      American women. 237 young African American women (16-19 years old) from
      economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in North Carolina were enrolled into a
      randomized trial testing the efficacy of an adapted HIV/STI prevention
      intervention. Logistic regression analyses predicted the likelihood that young
      women reporting lack of food at home, homelessness and low future prospects would
      also report sexual risk behaviors. Young women reporting a lack of food at home
      (22 %), homelessness (27 %), and low perceived education/employment prospects (19
      %) had between 2.2 and 4.7 times the odds as those not reporting these risk
      factors of reporting multiple sex partners, risky sex partners including older
      men and partners involved in gangs, substance use prior to sex, and exchange sex.
      Self-reported structural determinants of sexual health were associated with
      myriad sexual risk behaviors. Diminished economic conditions among these young
      women may lead to sexual risk due to hopelessness, the need for survival or other
      factors.

PMID- 25134797
TI  - Construction of corneal epithelium with human amniotic epithelial cells and
      repair of limbal deficiency in rabbit models.
AB  - This study aims to evaluate the effect of a human amniotic epithelial cell (HAEC)
      rabbit corneal stroma tissue-engineered cornea on ocular reconstruction in three
      different animal models. HAECs were isolated from human placenta, seeded onto
      rabbit corneal stroma. HAECs-rabbit corneal stroma tissue engineering cornea
      transplantation was examined in three distinct rabbit models: transplantation of
      cornea constructed (1) with lamellar corneal HAECs and rabbit corneal stroma, (2)
      with central corneal HAECs and rabbit corneal stroma, or (3) with full-thickness
      corneal HAECs and rabbit corneal stroma. In the tissue engineering corneal
      transplantation groups in all three models, the mean number of days to corneal
      epithelial healing was significantly shorter than that in the control group and
      the mean number of days to corneal neovascularization was significantly greater
      than in the control group. In addition, in the tissue engineering corneal
      transplantation groups in the central lamellar cornea model and the full
      thickness corneal transplantation model neovascularization, corneal turbidity,
      and epithelial fluorescence were significantly less than in the control groups.
      HAECs can be induced to differentiate into corneal epithelial cells, which may be
      suitable for the reconstruction of the corneal epithelium in cases of limbal stem
      cell deficiency. 

PMID- 25134801
TI  - Evaluation of (68)Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging in a large exclusive population of
      pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of (68)Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging in
      a large exclusive population of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). METHODS:
      Data of 141 (mean age 46.2 +/- 15.2 years) patients who underwent 178 (68)Ga
      DOTANOC PET/CT studies for diagnosis/staging (n = 88) and restaging (n = 90) of
      pancreatic NET were retrospectively analyzed. PET/CT results were compared to
      conventional imaging (CIM) when available (n = 86). Histopathology and/or
      clinical/imaging follow-up (minimum 6 months) were used as reference standard.
      RESULTS: The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of (68)Ga-DOTANOC
      PET/CT were 85.7%, 79.1%, and 84.8%. The corresponding values were 73%, 50%, and
      70.4% for diagnosis/staging groups and 98.6%, 100%, and 98.8% for restaging
      groups. The accuracy was significantly higher for restaging as compared to
      diagnosis/staging (P < 0.0001) and in non-insulinoma tumors than insulinomas (P <
      0.0001). The SUVmax of primary tumors was significantly higher than metastatic
      lesions overall (P = 0.001), as well as in diagnosis/staging (P = 0.041) and
      restaging (P = 0.0003) subgroups. When available, CIM was less specific than
      (68)Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT (P < 0.001) and showed fewer lesions. CONCLUSIONS: (68)Ga
      DOTANOC PET/CT is useful for diagnosis/staging and restaging of patients with
      pancreatic NET. It demonstrates more lesions compared to CIM and is more
      specific.

PMID- 25134799
TI  - The roles of troponin C isoforms in the mechanical function of Drosophila
      indirect flight muscle.
AB  - Stretch activation (SA) is a fundamental property of all muscle types that
      increases power output and efficiency, yet its mechanism is unknown. Recently,
      studies have implicated troponin isoforms as important in the SA mechanism. The
      highly stretch-activated Drosophila IFMs express two isoforms of the Ca(2+)
      binding subunit of troponin (TnC). TnC1 (TnC-F2 in Lethocerus IFM) has two
      calcium binding sites, while an unusual isoform, TnC4 (TnC-F1 in Lethocerus IFM),
      has only one binding site. We investigated the roles of these two TnC isoforms in
      Drosophila IFM by targeting RNAi to each isoform. IFMs with TnC4 expression
      (normally ~90% of total TnC) replaced by TnC1 did not generate isometric tension,
      power or display SA. However, TnC4 knockdown resulted in sarcomere ultrastructure
      disarray, which could explain the lack of mechanical function and thus make
      interpretation of the influence of TnC4 on SA difficult. Elimination of TnC1
      expression (normally ~10% of total TnC) by RNAi resulted in normal muscle
      structure. In these IFMs, fiber power generation, isometric tension, stretch
      activated force and calcium sensitivity were statistically identical to wild
      type. When TnC1 RNAi was driven by an IFM specific driver, there was no decrease
      in flight ability or wing beat frequency, which supports our mechanical findings
      suggesting that TnC1 is not essential for the mechanical function of Drosophila
      IFM. This finding contrasts with previous work in Lethocerus IFM showing TnC1 is
      essential for maximum isometric force generation. We propose that differences in
      TnC1 function in Lethocerus and Drosophila contribute to the ~40-fold difference
      in IFM isometric tension generated between these species.

PMID- 25134800
TI  - Relationship of bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) in cortical and
      cancellous bone within the iliac crest of healthy premenopausal women.
AB  - Bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) is an important determinant of
      bone mechanical properties. The most available skeletal site for access to the
      BMDD is the iliac crest. Compared to cancellous bone much less information on
      BMDD is available for cortical bone. Hence, we analyzed complete transiliac crest
      bone biopsy samples from premenopausal women (n = 73) aged 25-48 years,
      clinically classified as healthy, by quantitative backscattered electron imaging
      for cortical (Ct.) and cancellous (Cn.) BMDD. The Ct.BMDD was characterized by
      the arithmetic mean of the BMDD of the cortical plates. We found correlations
      between Ct. and Cn. BMDD variables with correlation coefficients r between 0.42
      and 0.73 (all p < 0.001). Additionally to this synchronous behavior of cortical
      and cancellous compartments, we found that the heterogeneity of mineralization
      densities (Ct.Ca(Width)), as well as the cortical porosity (Ct.Po) was larger for
      a lower average degree of mineralization (Ct.Ca(Mean)). Moreover, Ct.Po
      correlated negatively with the percentage of highly mineralized bone areas
      (Ct.Ca(High)) and positively with the percentage of lowly mineralized bone areas
      (Ct.Ca(Low)). In conclusion, the correlation of cortical with cancellous BMDD in
      the iliac crest of the study cohort suggests coordinated regulation of bone
      turnover between both bone compartments. Only in a few cases, there was a
      difference in the degree of mineralization of >1wt % between both cortices
      suggesting a possible modeling situation. This normative dataset of healthy
      premenopausal women will provide a reference standard by which disease- and
      treatment-specific effects can be assessed at the level of cortical bone BMDD.

PMID- 25134802
TI  - Radiological diagnosis and management of idiopathic spontaneous intra-abdominal
      haemorrhage (abdominal apoplexy): a case series.
AB  - PURPOSE: Idiopathic spontaneous intraperitoneal haemorrhage (ISIH), historically
      known as abdominal apoplexy, is spontaneous haemorrhage due to rupture of an
      intra-abdominal visceral vessel in the absence of trauma or underlying pathology.
      It is an exceptionally rare condition, with mostly scattered case reports
      available. The aim of this study was to describe this rare condition, possible
      associated risk factors, and usefulness of multislice-CT (MS-CT) angiogram in its
      diagnosis prior to intervention. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients
      diagnosed with ISIH. Radiological records of haemoperitoneum from a single
      tertiary hospital in 2006-2013 were analysed, and the cases of ISIH were
      identified. Demographics (including pre-morbid hypertension status), abdominal
      aortic calcification as a measure of atherosclerotic changes, MS-CT angiogram +/-
      conventional digital subtraction angiograph images, surgical records and outcomes
      were reviewed. RESULTS: 425 cases of haemoperitoneum were retrieved from hospital
      radiology database from 2006 to 2013, and 5 patients (1.1%) diagnosed with ISIH
      were identified (4 males, 1 female, mean age of 64 years). 4 out of 5 patients
      (80%) had a history of hypertension (mean 150/90 mmHg) and 3 patients had
      moderate abdominal aortic atherosclerosis. MS-CT angiogram was able to diagnose
      the bleeding source in 4 out of 5 patients, while the bleeding source remained
      occult in the last patient even with both MS-CT and traditional DSA angiography.
      Patients who underwent either embolization or surgery had no further re-bleeding
      in clinical follow up, ranging from 5 to 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension and
      abdominal aortic atherosclerosis appear to be associated risk factors for ISIH,
      and MS-CT angiogram has a high sensitivity in detecting the site of haemorrhage.
      An integrated angiographic and surgical approach is important in managing
      patients with ISIH.

PMID- 25134803
TI  - Does abdominal pain duration affect the accuracy of first-line MRI for pediatric
      appendicitis?
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of first-line MRI for pediatric appendicitis
      between children with different durations of abdominal pain. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Between November 2012 and September 2013, 364 pediatric patients
      underwent MRI for clinically suspected appendicitis. Patients were stratified
      into one group with pain lasting less than or equal to 1 day and pain longer than
      1 day. RESULTS: In patients with early abdominal pain, appendicitis occurred in
      83 of 208 patients (39.9%) vs. 49 of 156 patients with pain longer than 1 day
      (31.4%, p = 0.09). Sensitivity and specificity of MRI in patients with early
      abdominal pain were 97.6% (95% CI [91.6%-99.3%]) and 94.4% (95% CI [88.9%
      97.3%]), respectively, vs. 93.9% (95% CI [83.5%-97.9%]) and 97.2% (95% CI [92.1%
      99.4%]), respectively, in patients with pain longer than 1 day in duration (p =
      0.36 and p = 0.35 for sensitivity and specificity, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      First-line MRI is accurate for acute appendicitis in children presenting with
      early abdominal pain, and may be appropriate as the initial examination in
      children. Further prospective studies are needed to compare MRI vs. ultrasound as
      the initial examination in children with early abdominal pain to help further
      delineate a diagnostic imaging algorithm.

PMID- 25134804
TI  - Gly322Asp and Asn127Ser single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of hMSH2 mismatch
      repair gene and the risk of triple-negative breast cancer in Polish women.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterised by worse clinical outcome
      and poor prognosis. The alterations in the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes
      as well as microsatellite instability (MSI) have been associated with breast
      cancer development. It is knowledge that the most common mechanism inducing MSI
      in many cancer is genomic rearrangements found in the hMSH2 (human MutS homolog
      2) gene. In this report we genotyped two polymorphisms of hMSH2 DNA repair gene
      in 70 TNBC patients and 70 age-matched cancer-free women using RFLP-PCR. The
      following polymorphisms were studied: an A/G transition at 127 positions
      producing an Asn/Ser substitution at codon 127 (the Asn127Ser polymorphism,
      rs17217772) and a G/A transition at 1032 position resulting in a Gly/Asp change
      at codon 322 (the Gly322Asp polymorphism, rs4987188). We found an association
      between the hMSH2 Asp/Asp and Gly/Asp genotypes and TNBC occurence. Variant Asp
      allele of hMSH2 decreased cancer risk [odds ratio (OR) 0.11; 95 % confidence
      interval (CI) 0.05-0.21]. The risk of TNBC in the carriers of the Gly322Gly
      Asn127Ser combined genotype was increased (OR 3.71; 95 % CI 1.36-10.10). However
      the risk of TNBC was not alter by polymorphism Asn127Ser of the hMSH2 gene. The
      Gly322Asp polymorphism of the hMSH2 gene may be linked with TNBC occurrence in
      Polish women. 

PMID- 25134805
TI  - Genetic and demographic bottleneck analysis of Indian camel breeds by
      microsatellite markers.
AB  - The genetic and demographic bottleneck analysis of Indian camel breeds was
      carried out utilizing 40 microsatellite markers. Allelic polymorphism was
      observed at 20 loci in the Indian dromedary breeds. A total of 66 alleles were
      scored. The average number of alleles, expected heterozygosity and polymorphic
      information content were, respectively, 3.25 +/- 0.27, 0.56 +/- 0.04 and 0.49 +/-
      0.04 in Bikaneri; 3.25 +/- 0.25, 0.53 +/- 0.03 and 0.46 +/- 0.03 in Jaisalmeri;
      3.0 +/- 0.21, 0.53 +/- 0.04 and 0.45 +/- 0.03 in Kachchhi and 3.1 +/- 0.19, 0.51
      +/- 0.03 and 0.44 +/- 0.03 in Mewari breed. Higher genetic variation was observed
      in most numerous Bikaneri breed. Genetic distances were least between the breed
      pair Bikaneri and Jaisalmeri which was closely placed with the Kachchhi breed.
      The Mewari camels had relatively higher genetic distance from the other three
      Indian dromedary breeds. The bottleneck analysis revealed the presence of genetic
      bottleneck in all four breeds of Indian dromedary. However, the qualitative
      graphical method resulted in normal L-shaped distribution of allele frequencies
      in Jaisalmeri breeds and shifted mode in Bikaneri, Kachchhi and Mewari breeds.
      The demographic bottleneck analysis revealed minimum reduction (-9.65 %) in the
      population of camels in Jaisalmeri breeding tract as compared to that of Bikaneri
      (-14.18 %), Kachchhi (-27.78 %) and Mewari (-32 %) breeding tracts. Conclusively,
      the genetic bottleneck analysis could explain the demographic bottleneck in the
      Indian dromedary populations. Therefore, appropriate conservation and improvement
      efforts are needed in all four dromedary breeds with immediate attention on
      Mewari and Kachchhi breeds. The present study is the first report in
      demonstrating the genetic basis of demographic bottleneck in the Indian dromedary
      populations.

PMID- 25134806
TI  - Short-wave solar radiation level willingly tolerated by lactating Holstein cows
      in an equatorial semi-arid environment.
AB  - The amount of short-wave solar radiation willingly tolerated by lactating
      Holstein cows on pasture was determined in an equatorial semi-arid environment.
      The study was carried out on a dairy farm located in Limoeiro do Norte, CE,
      northeastern Brazil. The observed behaviours were as follows: grazing, under the
      sun, under the shade, standing, lying, ruminating, idling and wallowing in the
      water. The behaviours were recorded using instantaneous scan sampling at regular
      intervals of 15 min from 0600 to 1800 hours over 5 days. On all sampling days,
      the meteorological variables, including local short-wave solar radiation (R S-W,
      W m(-2)), were recorded. The R S-W data were divided into five levels. The sun
      exposure was more frequent under low (100 %) and moderately low (97 %) levels,
      when R S-W remained below 500 W m(-2). The grazing was more intense under low
      (100 %) and moderately low (93 %) levels. Above 500 W m(-2), the grazing time
      significantly decreased (11 %). The cows avoided grazing under high (0 %) and
      very high (0 %) levels, when R S-W exceeded 700 W m(-2). The ruminating behaviour
      was more frequent under high (33 %) and very high (37 %) levels, in which the
      highest averages of R S-W were recorded (815 and 958 W m(-2), respectively). The
      standing posture was more frequent under low (100 %) and moderately low (97 %)
      levels. Therefore, the critical R S-W level that motivates cows to stop grazing
      and seek shade was in the interval between 500 and 700 W m(-2).

PMID- 25134808
TI  - Single-Tablet Regimens in HIV Therapy.
AB  - Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has evolved considerably over the past
      decades leading to a better control of human immunodeficiency virus replication.
      Recently, regimens have evolved so as to simplify dosing frequency and reduce
      pill burden to improve adherence. Several national and international guidelines
      suggest antiretroviral (ARV) regimen simplification as a method of improving
      adherence. Decreased cART adherence has been associated with both patient-related
      factors and regimen-related factors. Adherence rates are statistically higher
      when simpler, once-daily (OD) regimens are combined with smaller daily regimen
      pill burdens. The avoidance of selective non-adherence, where a patient takes
      part of a regimen but not the full regimen, is a further potential benefit
      offered by single-tablet regimens (STRs). Simplification of cART has been
      associated with a better quality of life (QoL). Although tempered by other
      factors, better adherence, higher QoL and patients' preferences are all key
      points which might combine to assure long-lasting efficacy and durability of
      cART. All studies underlined the favorable tolerability profile of newer STRs.
      Three STRs are currently available. Tenofovir (TDF) plus emtricitabine
      (FTC)/efavirenz (EFV) was the first OD complete ARV regimen available as a STR.
      TDF plus FTC/rilpivirine is a second-generation STR. The most recently approved
      STR, TDF plus FTC/cobicistat/elvitegravir, is the first non-nucleoside reverse
      transcriptase inhibitor-based STR. All of them have shown excellent efficacy;
      safety and tolerability have been improved by more recent formulations. Several
      other STRs are anticipated both combining completely different drugs, abacavir
      (ABC) plus lamivudine (3TC)/dolutegravir, utilizing innovative formulations of
      older drugs, tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, or taking advance of bioequivalent
      drugs, lamivudine (3TC) plus ABC/EFV. The future challenge would be to develop
      completely alternative STRs (including for example protease inhibitors or new
      molecules) to extend the advantages of simplicity to heavily pre-treated
      individuals. 

PMID- 25134809
TI  - Epidemiology of pneumococcal disease in a national cohort of older adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality. We sought to describe the epidemiology of non-invasive and invasive
      pneumococcal disease in a national Veterans Affairs population within the United
      States. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in older patients (aged >=50
      years) with positive pneumococcal cultures from any site between 2002 and 2011.
      We described outpatient and inpatient pneumococcal disease incidence per 100,000
      clinic visits/hospitalizations. Repeat cultures within a 30-day period were
      considered to represent the same episode. To describe the epidemiology of serious
      pneumococcal infections (bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia), we assessed
      demographics, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for S. pneumoniae.
      Pneumonia was defined as a positive respiratory culture with a pneumonia
      diagnosis code. Bacteremia and meningitis were identified from positive cultures.
      Generalized linear mixed models were used to quantify changes over time. RESULTS:
      Over the study period, we identified 45,983 unique episodes of pneumococcal
      disease (defined by positive cultures). Incidence decreased significantly by 3.5%
      per year in outpatients and increased non-significantly by 0.2% per year in
      inpatients. In 2011, the outpatient and inpatient incidence was 2.6 and 328.1
      infections per 100,000 clinic visits/hospitalizations, respectively. Among
      inpatients with serious infections, chronic disease risk factors for pneumococcal
      disease increased significantly each year, including respiratory disease (1.9%
      annually), diabetes (1.3%), and renal failure (1.0%). Overall, 30.2% of
      inpatients with serious infections had a pneumococcal immunization in the
      previous 5 years. Invasive disease (37.4% versus 34.9%, P = 0.004) and mortality
      (14.0% versus 12.7%, P = 0.045) were higher in non-vaccinated patients compared
      to vaccinated patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our national study of older adults, the
      baseline health status of those with serious pneumococcal infections worsened
      over the study period. As the population ages and the chronic disease epidemic
      grows, the burden of pneumococcal disease is likely to increase thus highlighting
      the importance of pneumococcal vaccination.

PMID- 25134811
TI  - Impact of a Multidisciplinary Culture Follow-up Program of Antimicrobial Therapy
      in the Emergency Department.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial prescribing in the emergency department is
      predominantly empiric, with final microbiology results either unavailable or
      reported after most patients are discharged home. Systematic follow-up processes
      are needed to ensure appropriate antimicrobial therapy at this transition of
      care. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a culture follow-up
      (CFU) program on the frequency of emergency department (ED) revisits within 72 h
      and hospital admissions within 30 days compared to the historical standard of
      care (SOC). Additionally, infection characteristics and antimicrobial therapy
      were compared. METHODS: A single group, pre-test post-test quasi-experimental
      study was conducted comparing a retrospective SOC group to a prospective CFU
      group. CFU was implemented using computerized decision-support software and a
      multidisciplinary team of pharmacists and emergency physician staff. RESULTS:
      Over the four-month intervention period the CFU group evaluated 197 cultures and
      modified antimicrobial therapy in 25.5%. The rate of combined ED revisits within
      72 h and hospital admissions within 30 days was 16.9% in the SOC group and 10.2%
      in the CFU group (p = 0.079). When evaluating the uninsured population alone,
      revisits to the ED within 72 h were reduced from 15.3% in the SOC group to 2.4%
      in the CFU group (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: Implementation of a multidisciplinary
      CFU program was associated with a reduction in ED revisits within 72 h and
      hospital admissions within 30 days. One-fourth of patients required post
      discharge intervention, representing a large need for antimicrobial stewardship
      expansion to ED practice models.

PMID- 25134810
TI  - Observation of "seesaw effect" with vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin and
      ceftaroline in 150 unique MRSA strains.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vancomycin (VAN) failures associated with the treatment of
      complicated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections have
      been well described. The reported "seesaw effect" demonstrates improved beta
      lactam activity when VAN and/or daptomycin (DAP) susceptibility decreases.
      However, there are minimal data comparing ceftaroline (CPT) susceptibility with
      these agents or teicoplanin (TEI). Therefore, to further explore the seesaw
      effect, we evaluated the relationship between CPT and VAN, TEI, and DAP
      susceptibilities. METHODS: One hundred and fifty clinical MRSA isolates from the
      Anti-Infective Research Laboratory (Detroit, MI, USA) from 2008 to 2012 were
      analyzed. VAN, TEI, DAP and CPT minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were
      determined via Etest methodology. MIC50 and MIC90 were calculated for each
      antibiotic. Additionally, four isogenic strain pairs were randomly selected for
      evaluation by time-kill methodology for the potential of enhanced killing by CPT
      as MICs increased to VAN, TEI, and DAP. RESULTS: CPT MICs were inversely
      correlated with VAN, DAP, and TEI MICs with correlation coefficients of -0.535, 
      0.483, and -0.386, respectively (P <= 0.05). Comparison of the MIC relationship
      for glycopeptides and lipopeptides resulted in a positive correlation for all
      agent combinations. In time-kill evaluations, CPT demonstrated greater reductions
      in log10 colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL against mutant strains (3.73 +/- 0.67)
      versus parents (2.79 +/- 0.75) despite no change in CPT MIC (P = 0.112).
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a marked "seesaw effect" whereby CPT
      displayed increased susceptibility as the VAN, DAP, and TEI MICs increased.
      Additionally, we observed a positive linear correlation between VAN, DAP, and TEI
      MICs for all agent combinations. Enhanced activity was noted with CPT in mutant
      strains versus the parent strains despite no change in MIC. Based upon the
      enhanced CPT activity observed against strains with decreased susceptibility to
      VAN, DAP and TEI, CPT may provide an option for infections with reduced
      susceptibility to glycopeptides or lipopeptides. Further evaluation is warranted
      to investigate the clinical implications of the seesaw effect.

PMID- 25134812
TI  - Lack of Change in Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Pediatric
      Hospital Despite Marked Changes in Antibiotic Utilization.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is assumed that a direct relationship exists between the extent
      of use of any given antibiotic or antibiotic class and the degree of
      susceptibility or resistance on the part of various bacteria to that antibiotic
      or class. METHODS: Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility rates and utilization of
      key antipseudomonal antibiotics in a pediatric hospital, reflected as grams/1,000
      patient days, were studied over a 7-year period. RESULTS: While the volume of use
      of a number of antibiotics changed dramatically over this time period,
      susceptibility of Pseudomonas to these same agents remained relatively stable.
      The use of aminoglycosides decreased 14.5% while that of piperacillin/tazobactam
      increased 92% over the period of observation while susceptibility generally
      varied by <10%. CONCLUSION: Contrary to popular belief, changes in antibiotic
      utilization patterns do not always result in changes in susceptibility thus
      emphasizing the importance of continual institutional monitoring of antibiotic
      use and susceptibility patterns.

PMID- 25134813
TI  - Erratum to: Epidemiology of Pneumococcal Disease in a National Cohort of Older
      Adults.

PMID- 25134815
TI  - NMR and molecular dynamics study of the size, shape, and composition of reverse
      micelles in a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/n-hexane/pentanol/water
      microemulsion.
AB  - The size, shape, and composition of reverse micelles (RMs) in a
      cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/pentanol/n-hexane/water microemulsion were
      investigated using pulsed gradient stimulated echo (PGSTE) nuclear magnetic
      resonance (NMR) measurements and molecular modeling. PGSTE data were collected at
      observation times (Delta) of 10, 40, and 450 ms. At long observation times, CTAB
      and pentanol exhibited single diffusion coefficients. However, at short (Delta <=
      40 ms) observation times both CTAB and pentanol exhibited slow and fast diffusion
      coefficients. These NMR data indicate that both CTAB and pentanol molecules
      reside in different environments within the microemulsion and that there is
      exchange between regions on the millisecond time scale. Molecular dynamic
      simulations of the CTAB RM, in a solvent box containing n-hexane and pentanol,
      produced an ellipsoid shaped RM. Using structural parameters from these
      simulations and the Stokes-Einstein relation, the structure factor and dimensions
      of the reverse micelle were determined. Analysis of the composition of the
      interphase also showed that there was a variation in the ratio of surfactant to
      cosurfactant molecules depending on the curvature of the interphase. 

PMID- 25134816
TI  - Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the radiographic analysis of
      femoroacetabular impingement and dysplasia using computer-assisted measurements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A comprehensive evaluation of hip radiographs in the young adult with
      hip pain has become increasingly complex and time consuming. The interobserver
      reliability of manually performed measurements of femoroacetabular impingement,
      including the alpha angle, has been questioned. Methods to improve the
      reliability of a radiographic evaluation may increase the clinical utility of
      these parameters. PURPOSE: To determine the interobserver and intraobserver
      reliability of a computer-assisted radiographic analysis of the young adult hip
      in a clinically relevant setting. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level
      of evidence, 3. METHODS: A reliability study of a comprehensive computer-assisted
      radiographic evaluation was performed, which included 25 radiographic parameters
      of proximal femoral morphology, acetabular morphology, hip osteoarthritis, and
      pelvic tilt/rotation. Anteroposterior pelvis and 45 degrees  Dunn lateral
      radiographs of 70 consecutive patients undergoing hip preservation surgery were
      included. Each radiograph was analyzed by 4 experienced hip surgeons. The
      reliability of continuous measurements was analyzed using intraclass correlation
      coefficients (ICCs), while categorical parameters were analyzed using kappa
      values and percentages of agreement. RESULTS: The interobserver reliability of
      the parameters of proximal femoral morphology, acetabular morphology, and
      osteoarthritis was generally substantial to excellent. Parameters with lesser
      interobserver reliability included the alpha angle (ICC, 0.43), Tonnis
      osteoarthritis classification (kappa = 0.22), and classification of pelvic tilt
      (using the coccyx or sacrococcygeal joint) (kappa = 0.43 and 0.61, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: A computer-assisted analysis of young adult hip radiographs generally
      demonstrates substantial to excellent levels of interobserver reliability for
      most parameters. However, alpha angle measurements demonstrated only moderate
      interobserver reliability, despite excellent intraobserver reliability.
      Measurements of the joint space width appear to be significantly more reliable
      than the use of the Tonnis osteoarthritis classification in this population. The
      classification of pelvic tilt utilizing the coccyx or sacrococcygeal joint is
      only moderately reliable.

PMID- 25134817
TI  - Concentration-dependent effects of spermine on apoptosis and consequent
      generation of multilayer myotube sheets from mouse embryoid bodies in vitro.
AB  - The concentration-dependent effect of spermine was investigated on the spermine
      induced generation of multilayer myotube sheets (MMTS) from mouse embryoid bodies
      (EBs). During spermine treatment for 24 h, a monolayer cell sheet that had
      already grown radially from the periphery of an EB was exfoliated. The
      exfoliation was inhibited by z-VAD.fmk, indicating the occurrence of apoptosis,
      and inhibited also by aminoguanidine, indicating the involvement of amine
      oxidase. Following the exfoliation, the cell growth restarted from the fresh
      periphery of EB in a spermine-free medium and finally formed MMTS. To analyze the
      contribution of apoptosis to the cell death causing exfoliation, the numbers of
      apoptotic, necrotic, and 2nd apoptotic cells were counted by staining with
      Annexin V-Cyanine-3 (AVC3) and 7-aminoactinomycin (7AAC). AVC3-positive, 7AAC
      positive, and AVC3/7AAC doubly positive cells were assigned as apoptotic,
      necrotic, and 2nd necrotic cells, respectively. The relative number of apoptotic
      and 2nd necrotic cells (N A + N A/7) to the total number of dying cells (N T) was
      84 ~ 94%, which was independent of spermine concentration in the range from 0.1
      to 2.0 mM. The MMTS generation rate at the final stage, however, was dependent on
      the spermine concentration. It was 60 ~ 80% in the range from 0.1 to 1.5 mM,
      while it decreased sharply to 1% at 2 mM. This suggests another role of spermine
      in the MMTS generation in addition to the induction of apoptosis. This 2nd role
      seems to be inhibited at a spermine concentration higher than a critical limit
      between 1.5 and 2.0 mM.

PMID- 25134818
TI  - The expression of pluripotency genes and neuronal markers after
      neurodifferentiation in fibroblasts co-cultured with human umbilical cord blood
      mononuclear cells.
AB  - Human umbilical cord blood is an attractive source of stem cells; however, it has
      a heterogeneous cell population with few mesenchymal stem cells. Cell
      reprogramming induced by different methodologies can confer pluripotency to
      differentiated adult cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
      reprogramming of fibroblasts and their subsequent neural differentiation after co
      culture with umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells. Cells were obtained from
      four human umbilical cords. The mononuclear cells were cultured for 7 d and
      subsequently co-cultured with mouse fibroblast NIH-3T3 cells for 6 d. The
      pluripotency of the cells was evaluated by RT-PCR using primers specific for
      pluripotency marker genes. The pluripotency was also confirmed by adipogenic and
      osteogenic differentiation. Neural differentiation of the reprogrammed cells was
      evaluated by immunofluorescence. All co-cultured cells showed adipogenic and
      osteogenic differentiation capacity. After co-cultivation, cells expressed the
      pluripotency gene KLF4. Statistically significant differences in cell area,
      diameter, optical density, and fractal dimension were observed by confocal
      microscopy in the neurally differentiated cells. Contact in the form of co
      cultivation of fibroblasts with umbilical cord blood mononuclear fraction for 6 d
      promoted the reprogramming of these cells, allowing the later induction of neural
      differentiation.

PMID- 25134819
TI  - Healthy HIV-1-infected individuals on highly active antiretroviral therapy harbor
      HIV-1 in their alveolar macrophages.
AB  - In a prospective cross-sectional study we quantified HIV viral load within the
      alveolar macrophage in a cohort of healthy HIV-infected subjects who did not have
      medical comorbidities or smoke cigarettes to determine if alveolar macrophage
      proviral DNA was associated with alveolar macrophage phagocytic immune
      dysfunction. We enrolled 23 subjects who underwent bronchoscopy and
      bronchoalveolar lavage. Alveolar macrophages were isolated and HIV-1 RNA was
      quantified in the cells using the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 Assay. Proviral DNA was
      qualitatively measured using a modified version of the HIV-1 RNA assay.
      Phagocytosis measured by incubating alveolar macrophages with FITC-labeled
      Staphylococcus aureus and determining fluorescence with a Zeiss inverted
      microscope. Phagocytic index was calculated as (% positive cells * mean channel
      fluorescence)/100. Sixteen subjects had (+) proviral DNA and seven had (-)
      proviral DNA in their alveolar macrophages. Of all subjects 100% in both groups
      were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The median plasma viral
      load was 0 in both groups. HIV-1-infected subjects with (+) proviral DNA in their
      alveolar macrophages had a significantly lower median alveolar macrophage
      phagocytic index compared to those with (-) proviral DNA in their alveolar
      macrophages [11.8 (IQR 4.8-39.0) vs. 64.9 (IQR 14.0-166.0), p = 0.05]. Alveolar
      macrophages harbor HIV even in otherwise healthy subjects with undetectable
      plasma viral loads, representing a potential reservoir for the virus. In
      addition, HIV viral replication within the macrophage may impair phagocytosis and
      other immune functions in the lung, leading to an increased risk for lung
      infection.

PMID- 25134820
TI  - Treatment of camptocormia with continuous subcutaneous infusions of apomorphine:
      1-year prospective pilot study.
AB  - Camptocormia is defined as a marked dystonic flexion of the trunk in the sagittal
      plane. Camptocormia responds poorly to botulinum toxin injections, manipulation
      with dopaminergic treatment, and deep brain stimulation. We designed a
      prospective pilot study to assess the effect of apomorphine infusions on
      camptocormia. Five patients were enrolled. All five patients responded well to
      this treatment. The fact that camptocormia responds so well to apomorphine may be
      explained by the sustained stimulation of the ventrolateral striatal D1
      receptors, alleviating this type of dystonia. 

PMID- 25134821
TI  - Methylome analysis identifies a Wilms tumor epigenetic biomarker detectable in
      blood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wilms tumor is the most common pediatric renal malignancy and there
      is a clinical need for a molecular biomarker to assess treatment response and
      predict relapse. The known mutated genes in this tumor type show low mutation
      frequencies, whereas aberrant methylation at 11p15 is by far the most common
      aberration. We therefore analyzed the epigenome, rather than the genome, to
      identify ubiquitous tumor-specific biomarkers. RESULTS: Methylome analysis of
      matched normal kidney and Wilms tumor identifies 309 preliminary methylation
      variable positions which we translate into three differentially methylated
      regions (DMR) for use as tumor-specific biomarkers. Using two novel algorithms we
      show that these three DMRs are not confounded by cell type composition. We
      further show that these DMRs are not methylated in embryonic blastema but are
      intermediately methylated in Wilms tumor precursor lesions. We validate the
      biomarker DMRs using two independent sample sets of normal kidney and Wilms tumor
      and seven Wilms tumor histological subtypes, achieving 100% and 98% correct
      classification, respectively. As proof-of-principle for clinical utility, we
      successfully use biomarker DMR-2 in a pilot analysis of cell-free circulating DNA
      to monitor tumor response during treatment in ten patients. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings define the most common methylated regions in Wilms tumor known to date
      which are not associated with their embryonic origin or precursor stage. We show
      that this tumor-specific methylated DNA is released into the blood circulation
      where it can be detected non-invasively showing potential for clinical utility.

PMID- 25134822
TI  - A comparison of linkage to HIV care after provider-initiated HIV testing and
      counselling (PITC) versus voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) for
      patients with sexually transmitted infections in Cape Town, South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined linkage to care for patients with sexually transmitted
      infection who were diagnosed HIV-positive via the provider-initiated HIV testing
      and counselling (PITC) approach, as compared to the voluntary counselling and
      testing (VCT) approach, as little is known about the impact of expanded testing
      strategies on linkage to care. METHODS: In a controlled trial on PITC (Cape Town,
      2007), we compared HIV follow-up care for a nested cohort of 930 HIV-positive
      patients. We cross-referenced HIV testing and laboratory records to determine
      access to CD4 and viral load testing as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were
      HIV immune status and time taken to be linked to HIV care. Logistic regression
      was performed to analyse the difference between arms. RESULTS: There was no
      difference in the main outcomes of patients with a record of CD4 testing (69.9%
      in the intervention, 65.2% in control sites, OR 0.82 (CI: 0.44-1.51; p = 0.526)
      and viral load testing (14.9% intervention versus 10.9% control arm; OR 0.69 (CI:
      0.42-1.12; p = 0.131). In the intervention arm, ART-eligible patients (based on
      low CD4 test result), accessed viral load testing approximately 2.5 months sooner
      than those in the control arm (214 days vs. 288 days, HR: 0.417, 95% CI: 0.221
      0.784; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The PITC intervention did not improve linkage to
      CD4 testing, but shortened the time to viral load testing for ART-eligible
      patients. Major gaps found in follow-up care across both arms, indicate the need
      for more effective linkage-to-HIV care strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current
      Controlled Trials ISRCTN93692532.

PMID- 25134823
TI  - Exploring repeat HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Cape Town and
      Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
AB  - Despite the high prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) - and
      the general adult population - in South Africa, there is little data regarding
      the extent to which MSM seek repeat testing for HIV. This study explores reported
      histories of HIV testing, and the rationales for test seeking, among a purposive
      sample of 34 MSM in two urban areas of South Africa. MSM participated in activity
      based in-depth interviews that included a timeline element to facilitate
      discussion. Repeat HIV testing was limited among participants, with three
      quarters having two or fewer lifetime HIV tests, and over one-third of the sample
      having one or fewer lifetime tests. For most repeat testers, the time gap between
      their HIV tests was greater than the one-year interval recommended by national
      guidelines. Analysis of the reasons for seeking HIV testing revealed several
      types of rationale. The reasons for a first HIV test were frequently one-time
      occurrences, such as a requirement prior to circumcision, or motivations likely
      satisfied by a single HIV test. For MSM who reported repeat testing at more
      timely intervals, the most common rationale was seeking test results with a sex
      partner. Results indicate a need to shift HIV test promotion messaging and
      programming for MSM in South Africa away from a one-off model to one that frames
      HIV testing as a repeated, routine health maintenance behavior. 

PMID- 25134824
TI  - Galla Chinensis attenuates cigarette smoke-associated lung injury by inhibiting
      recruitment of inflammatory cells into the lung.
AB  - Inflammation is a common feature in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke (CS)
      associated diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of Galla
      Chinensis (GC) extract on pulmonary inflammatory responses in a CS-exposed mouse
      model. In vitro studies showed that GC extract reduced MCP-1 production in a dose
      dependent manner. In addition, the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the
      lung was significantly inhibited in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of
      the GC-treated mice after 3 weeks of daily CS exposure. GC treatment down
      regulated TNF-alpha, IL-6 and MCP-1 mRNA expression levels in lung tissue.
      Finally, GC-treated mice showed less emphysematous change of alveolar compared to
      mice only exposed to CS. Our results show that GC extract reduces lung
      inflammation and emphysematous change by inhibiting the infiltration of
      inflammatory cells to the lung. These data indicate that GC extract is a
      therapeutic candidate for CS-induced lung injury.

PMID- 25134825
TI  - Diastereoselective synthesis of N-(p-tosylsulfonyl)-2-phenylaziridine over a
      novel magnetically recyclable Cu(II) catalyst accompanied with the N-inversion
      assessment at DFT.
AB  - An experimental and theoretical study has been carried out on diastereoselective
      aziridation of styrene over a magnetically recyclable copper(II) catalyst:
      Cu(acac)2/NH2-T/SiO2@Fe3O4NPs. The turnover number (TON) of our heterogeneous
      catalyst appears considerably higher than that reported for the homogeneous
      Cu(acac)2. Successive applications of solid Cu(acac)2/NH2-T/SiO2@Fe3O4NPs have a
      slight effect on its catalytic activity. Between anticipated cis and trans
      diastereomeric products, formation of only one is suggested by NMR. Even though,
      the trans-invertomer appears thermodynamically more stable at B3LYP/AUG-cc
      pVTZ//B3LYP/6-31+G+G* level, we propose formation of the kinetically more stable
      cis-invertomer due to pi-stacking between the tosyl group and the phenyl of
      styrene. The possibility of cis-trans conversion is ruled out by the high energy
      barrier of > 76.9 kcal/mol probed in toluene, CCl4, C7H16, DMSO, CH3CN, and H2O. 

PMID- 25134826
TI  - Temperature dependent reversible p-n-p type conduction switching with colossal
      change in thermopower of semiconducting AgCuS.
AB  - Semiconductors have been fundamental to various devices that are typically
      operated with electric field, such as transistors, memories, sensors, and
      resistive switches. There is growing interest in the development of novel
      inorganic materials for use in transistors and semiconductor switches, which can
      be operated with a temperature gradient. Here, we show that a crystalline
      semiconducting noble metal sulfide, AgCuS, exhibits a sharp temperature dependent
      reversible p-n-p type conduction switching, along with a colossal change in the
      thermopower (DeltaS of ~1757 MUV K(-1)) at the superionic phase transition (T of
      ~364 K). In addition, its thermal conductivity is ultralow in 300-550 K range
      giving AgCuS the ability to maintain temperature gradients. We have developed
      fundamental understanding of the phase transition and p-n-p type conduction
      switching in AgCuS through temperature dependent synchrotron powder X-ray
      diffraction, heat capacity, Raman spectroscopy, and positron annihilation
      spectroscopy measurements. Using first-principles calculations, we show that this
      rare combination of properties originates from an effective decoupling of
      electrical conduction and phonon transport associated with electronic states of
      the rigid sulfur sublattice and soft vibrations of the disordered cation
      sublattices, respectively. Temperature dependent p-n-p type conduction switching
      makes AgCuS an ideal material for diode or transistor devices that operate
      reversibly on temperature or voltage changes near room temperature.

PMID- 25134827
TI  - KeyPathwayMiner 4.0: condition-specific pathway analysis by combining multiple
      omics studies and networks with Cytoscape.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the last decade network enrichment analysis has become popular
      in computational systems biology to elucidate aberrant network modules.
      Traditionally, these approaches focus on combining gene expression data with
      protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Nowadays, the so-called omics
      technologies allow for inclusion of many more data sets, e.g. protein
      phosphorylation or epigenetic modifications. This creates a need for analysis
      methods that can combine these various sources of data to obtain a systems-level
      view on aberrant biological networks. RESULTS: We present a new release of
      KeyPathwayMiner (version 4.0) that is not limited to analyses of single omics
      data sets, e.g. gene expression, but is able to directly combine several
      different omics data types. Version 4.0 can further integrate existing knowledge
      by adding a search bias towards sub-networks that contain (avoid) genes provided
      in a positive (negative) list. Finally the new release now also provides a set of
      novel visualization features and has been implemented as an app for the standard
      bioinformatics network analysis tool: Cytoscape. CONCLUSION: With KeyPathwayMiner
      4.0, we publish a Cytoscape app for multi-omics based sub-network extraction. It
      is available in Cytoscape's app store
      http://apps.cytoscape.org/apps/keypathwayminer or via http://keypathwayminer.mpi
      inf.mpg.de.

PMID- 25134828
TI  - Factors associated with genital human papillomavirus infection among adult
      females in the United States, NHANES 2007-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are at risk of
      developing cancer later in their life. Current research estimates the prevalence
      of genital HPV infection and explores the factors that are associated with the
      infection. FINDINGS: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007
      2010 was used in this research study. The study population included females in
      the United States aged 18-59 years. The weighted prevalence of HPV infection was
      41.9%. An estimated 59.4% of non-Hispanic black females had HPV infection. In a
      multivariate analysis, number of sexual partners, race, age, education level,
      marital status, income, smoking, and insurance status were associated with HPV
      infection. HPV infection was 5.77 times more likely for women with >11 sexual
      partners compared to women with 0-1 partners. Non-Hispanic black females were
      1.87 times more likely to have HPV infection compared to non-Hispanic white
      females. Participants with only a high school degree had a 58% increased
      prevalence compared to college-educated women. Uninsured women had a 39%
      increased prevalence compared to those with insurance. CONCLUSION: This study
      found that 41.9% of U.S. females aged 18-59 years tested positive for genital HPV
      infection. We determined that individuals with more sexual partners, with a lower
      education level, with non-Hispanic black race, and with no insurance were the
      populations at greatest risk. It is necessary to continue monitoring the
      prevalence of this infection in the general population to provide a basis for
      effective treatment and prevention in the target populations.

PMID- 25134831
TI  - Prostate cancer: Optimizing fluorescence guidance in sentinel node biopsy.

PMID- 25134829
TI  - Autophagy as a modulator and target in prostate cancer.
AB  - Autophagy, or 'self-eating', is an adaptive process that enables cells to cope
      with metabolic, toxic, and even infectious stressors. Although the adaptive
      capability of autophagy is generally considered beneficial, autophagy can also
      enhance nutrient utilization and improve growth characteristics of cancer cells.
      Moreover, autophagy can promote greater cellular robustness in the context of
      therapeutic intervention. In advanced prostate cancer, preclinical data provide
      evidence that autophagy facilitates both disease progression and therapeutic
      resistance. Notably, androgen deprivation therapy, taxane-based chemotherapy,
      targeted kinase inhibition, and nutrient restriction all induce significant
      cellular distress and, subsequently, autophagy. Understanding the context
      dependent role of autophagy in cancer development and treatment resistance has
      the potential to improve current treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Indeed,
      preclinical studies have shown that the pharmacological inhibition of autophagy
      (with agents including chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, metformin, and
      desmethylclomipramine) can enhance the cell-killing effect of cancer
      therapeutics, and a number of these agents are currently under investigation in
      clinical trials. However, many of these autophagy modulators are relatively
      nonspecific, and cytotoxicity in noncancerous tissues is still a concern. Moving
      forward, refinement of autophagy modulation is needed. 

PMID- 25134833
TI  - Paediatrics: A 24 h urine collection is essential in nephrolithiasis evaluation.

PMID- 25134834
TI  - Prostate cancer: PSA update--no change yet.

PMID- 25134837
TI  - Paediatric urology: Evasive manoeuvres from bacteria in urinary tract infection.

PMID- 25134839
TI  - External abdominal oblique muscle ultrasonographic thickness changes is not an
      appropriate surrogate measure of electromyographic activity during isometric
      trunk contractions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The function of specific abdominal muscles can be assessed using both
      electromyography (EMG) and ultrasound imaging (USI) thickness measures. However,
      the relationship between these two measurements is not conclusive during sitting
      isometric trunk efforts. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the
      relationship between USI thickness and EMG amplitude measures of the right
      external oblique (EO) muscle during isometric efforts in the sitting position.
      METHOD: Eighteen subjects performed ramp isometric efforts progressing from 0 to
      50% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in three trunk directions on a
      dynamometer: (1) forward flexion; (2) right lateral flexion; and (3) left axial
      rotation. USI and surface EMG amplitude measures of the EO muscle were recorded
      concomitantly and both normalized against rest values and maximal EMG,
      respectively. RESULTS: EO muscle was significantly more activated (p < 0.001)
      during forward flexion (42% on average) and axial rotation (35%) than during
      lateral flexion (24%). Non-significant (r=0.01; P=0.979) to highly significant
      (r=0.98; P < 0.0001) and negative and positive Pearson correlations were observed
      between EMG and EO thickness measures for both flexion and rotation directions.
      CONCLUSION: The negative correlations between EMG and USI measures as well as the
      great variability of these correlations across individuals suggest that USI is
      not a valid measures of EO muscle activity. USI thickness measures should be
      interpreted with great caution in research and clinical settings.

PMID- 25134840
TI  - Effect of grain orientations of Cu seed layers on the growth of <111>-oriented
      nanotwinned Cu.
AB  - We investigate the growth of Cu films on two different Cu seed layers: one with
      regular <111>-oriented grains and the other with very strong <111>-preferred
      orientation. It is found that densely-packed nanotwinned Cu (nt-Cu) can be grown
      by pulsed electroplating on the strong <111>-oriented Cu seed layer without a
      randomly-oriented transition layer between the nt-Cu and the Cu seed layer. The
      electroplated nt-Cu grow almost epitaxially on the seed layer and formed <111>
      oriented columnar structures. However, with the regular <111>-oriented Cu seed,
      there is a randomly-oriented transition layer between the nt-Cu and the regular
      <111>-oriented Cu seed. The results indicate that the seed layer plays a crucial
      role on the regularity of <111>-oriented nanotwinned Cu.

PMID- 25134842
TI  - Differences between adults and children: genetics and beyond.
AB  - Clinical observations and epidemiological studies have highlighted some important
      differences in disease course and phenotypes between pediatric inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD) and adult-onset IBD. Also from a therapeutic angle, the approach to
      young-onset IBD is different with a more rapid introduction of azathioprine and a
      high threshold for long and systemic steroid use, which may affect bone mineral
      density and growth. The observed clinical differences have been an area of
      scientific research and genetic studies have been the focus of attention.
      Specific candidate gene studies as well as genome-wide association studies have
      been performed in pediatric IBD. With the exception of very early-onset IBD
      occurring before the age of 2 years; no overt differences in genetic
      susceptibility have been identified. In contrast, very early-onset IBD seems in
      particular to be a genetic disease with defects in the IL10 signaling pathway
      being the principal example. This review aims to answer some straightforward
      questions arising in this topic by giving concise information. 

PMID- 25134843
TI  - Sub-regional volumes changes of the corpus callosum in the drug naive patients
      with late-onset depression.
AB  - Although sub-regional analysis methods of the corpus callosum (CC) have been
      developed, there has been no in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study on a
      sub-regional volume analysis of the CC of late-onset depression (LOD). The aim of
      this study was to investigate the CC volume differences between LOD subjects and
      healthy elderly controls using a sub-regional analysis technique. Forty subjects
      with LOD and thirty nine group-matched healthy control subjects underwent 3T MRI
      scanning, and sub-regional volumes of the CC were measured and compared between
      the groups. The volumes of total (F=5.8, p=0.001), the anterior (F=5.2, p=0.001)
      and the posterior CC (F=5.1, p=0.001) were significantly reduced in the LOD group
      as compared to the control group. We measured cognitive functions in several
      different domains (language functions, verbal learning, visuospatial functions,
      delayed recall, memory consolidation, recognition memory, and executive
      functions) through the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry
      for Alzheimer's Disease. The anterior CC volume in the LOD group showed
      significant positive correlation with the Verbal Fluency scores. The posterior CC
      volume in the LOD group was positively correlated significantly with the Word
      List Memory, the Word List Recall and the Constructional Praxis scores. This
      study is the first to elaborate the sub-regional volume differences of the CC
      between controls and LOD patients. These structural changes in the CC might be at
      the core of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms in LOD. 

PMID- 25134844
TI  - Randomised controlled trials: inferring significance of treatment effects based
      on confidence intervals.

PMID- 25134845
TI  - Tailoring the topology of an artificial magnetic skyrmion.
AB  - Despite theoretical predictions, it remains an experimental challenge to realize
      an artificial magnetic skyrmion whose topology can be well controlled and
      tailored so that its topological effect can be revealed explicitly in a
      deformation of the spin textures. Here we report epitaxial magnetic thin films in
      which an artificial skyrmion is created by embedding a magnetic vortex into an
      out-of-plane aligned spin environment. By changing the relative orientation
      between the central vortex core polarity and the surrounding out-of-plane spins,
      we are able to control and tailor the system between two skyrmion topological
      states. An in-plane magnetic field is used to annihilate the skyrmion core by
      converting the central vortex state into a single domain state. Our result shows
      distinct annihilation behaviour of the skyrmion core for the two different
      skyrmion states, suggesting a topological effect of the magnetic skyrmions in the
      core annihilation process. 

PMID- 25134838
TI  - NUMB inhibition of NOTCH signalling as a therapeutic target in prostate cancer.
AB  - Prostate cancer is among the most prevalent life-threatening cancers diagnosed in
      the male population today. Various methods have been exploited in an attempt to
      treat this disease but these treatments, alongside preventative tactics, have
      been insufficient to control mortality rates and have usually resulted in
      detrimental adverse events. An opportunity to devise more-specific and
      potentially more-effective approaches for the eradication of prostate tumours can
      be found by targeting specific biological pathways. NUMB (protein numb
      homologue), a key regulator of cell fate, represents an attractive, actionable
      target in prostate cancer. NUMB participates in the observed deregulation of
      NOTCH (neurogenic locus notch homologue protein) signalling in prostate tumours,
      and the NUMB-NOTCH interaction regulates cell fate. NUMB has potential both as a
      target for control of prostate tumorigenesis and as a biomarker for
      identification of patients with prostate cancer who are likely to benefit from
      NOTCH inhibition. 

PMID- 25134846
TI  - Thyroglobulin autoantibodies switch to immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 and IgG3 subclasses
      and preserve their restricted epitope pattern after 131I treatment for Graves'
      hyperthyroidism: the activity of autoimmune disease influences subclass
      distribution but not epitope pattern of autoantibodies.
AB  - The subclass distribution of thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TgAb) is debated,
      whereas their epitope pattern is restricted. Radioidine ((131)I) treatment for
      Graves' disease (GD) induces a rise in TgAb levels, but it is unknown whether it
      modifies subclass distribution and epitope pattern of TgAb as well. We collected
      sera from GD patients before (131) I treatment and 3 and 6 months thereafter. We
      measured total TgAb, TgAb light chains and TgAb subclasses by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 25 patients. We characterized the TgAb epitope
      pattern in 30 patients by inhibiting their binding to (125-) (I) Tg by a pool of
      four TgAb-Fab (recognizing Tg epitope regions A, B, C and D) and to Tg in ELISA
      by each TgAb-Fab. Total TgAb immunoglobulin (Ig)G rose significantly (P = 0.024).
      TgAb kappa chains did not change (P = 0.052), whereas TgAb lambda chains
      increased significantly (P = 0.001) and persistently. We observed a significant
      rise in IgG1 and IgG3 levels after (131)I (P = 0.008 and P = 0.006,
      respectively), while IgG2 and IgG4 levels did not change. The rise of IgG1 was
      persistent, that of IgG3 transient. The levels of inhibition of TgAb binding to
      Tg by the TgAb-Fab pool were comparable. A slight, non-significant reduction of
      the inhibition by the immune-dominant TgAb-Fab A was observed 3 and 6 months
      after (131)I. We conclude that (131)I treatment for GD increases the levels of
      the complement-activating IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses and does not influence
      significantly the epitope pattern of TgAb. In autoimmune thyroid disease subclass
      distribution of autoantibodies is dynamic in spite of a stable epitope pattern.

PMID- 25134847
TI  - Effects of Enteromyxum scophthalmi experimental infection on the neuroendocrine
      system of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.).
AB  - Enteromyxum scophthalmi is an intestinal myxosporean parasite responsible for
      serious outbreaks in turbot Scophthalmus maximus (L.) culture, in North-western
      Spain. The disease affects the digestive tract, provokes severe catarrhal
      enteritis, emaciation and high rates of mortality. The digestive parasitization
      triggers a response with the coordinate participation of immune and
      neuroendocrine systems through the action of peptides released by enteroendocrine
      cells and present in nervous elements, acting as neuro-immune modulators. The
      present study was designed to assess the response of the turbot neuroendocrine
      system against E. scophthalmi infection. Immunohistochemical tests were applied
      to sections of the gastrointestinal tract of uninfected and E. scophthalmi
      infected turbot to characterize the presence of bombesin (BOM), glucagon (GLUC),
      somatostatin (SOM), leu-enkephalin (LEU) and met-enkephalin (MET). The occurrence
      of E. scophthalmi in the turbot gastrointestinal tract increased the number of
      enteroendocrine cells immunoreactive to SOM, LEU and MET. On the other hand, BOM
      and GLUC immunoreactive cells were less numerous in the gastrointestinal tract of
      the parasitized turbot. Scarce immunoreactivity to BOM, GLUC and SOM was observed
      in nerve fibres and neurons of the myenteric plexus of control and infected fish.
      The results indicate that E. scophthalmi infection in turbot induced changes in
      the neuroendocrine system, with the diminution of the anorexigenic peptides BOM
      and GLUC; the increase of enkephalins, related to pro-inflammatory processes; and
      the increase of SOM, which may cause inhibitory effects on the immune response,
      constituting a compensatory mechanism to the exacerbated response observed in E.
      scophthalmi-infected turbot. 

PMID- 25134848
TI  - Effects of emodin and vitamin E on the growth and crowding stress of Wuchang
      bream (Megalobrama amblycephala).
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary emodin, high-dose vitamin
      E and their combination on the growth of Megalobrama amblycephala and its
      resistance to acute crowding stress. The fish were randomly divided into four
      groups: a control group fed with basal diet, and three treatment groups fed with
      basal diet supplemented with 60 mg/kg emodin (the emodin group), 500 mg/kg
      vitamin E (the vit E group), and 60 mg/kg emodin together with 500 mg/kg vitamin
      E (the combination group). After 60 days, the fish were exposed to acute crowding
      stress for 24 h. The results showed that the weight gain of the vit E group,
      specific growth rate of the vit E group, total serum protein concentration (TP)
      of the vit E group, serum lysozyme activity of the emodin group, serum superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) activity of the emodin group, hepatic heat shock protein 70
      (HSP70) levels of the vit E group and the emodin group, and serum alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) activity of the combination group significantly increased
      while the weight gain and specific growth rate of the combination group
      significantly decreased compared with the control group before stress. After
      crowding stress, the vit E group had improved serum TP 12 h post-stress, hepatic
      SOD activity 24 h post-stress, and hepatic HSP70 mRNA levels 12 and 24 h post
      stress while the emodin group had enhanced serum SOD activity 12 and 24 h post
      stress and hepatic HSP70 mRNA levels 12 and 24 h post-stress, as compared with
      the control. However, the serum cortisol content of the three treatment groups 12
      and 24 h post-stress, ALT activity in the vit E group and emodin group 24 h post
      stress, and serum alkaline phosphatase and liver catalase activity in the
      combination group 24 h post-stress were lower than those in the control group.
      The cumulative mortality was lower in the emodin, vit E, and combination group
      after Aeromonas hydrophila infection compared with the control group. Therefore,
      dietary supplementation with 60 mg/kg emodin or 500 mg/kg vitamin E can improve
      HSP70 mRNA levels and antioxidant capabilities, resistance to crowding stress,
      and growth in M. amblycephala. However, the combination of emodin and vit E does
      not have a synergistic effect in M. amblycephala.

PMID- 25134849
TI  - Stability and retention of micronutrients in fortified rice prepared using
      different cooking methods.
AB  - Fortified rice holds great potential for bringing essential micronutrients to a
      large part of the world population. However, it is unknown whether differences in
      cooking methods or in production of rice premix affect the final amount of
      micronutrient consumed. This paper presents a study that quantified the losses of
      five different micronutrients (vitamin A, iron, zinc, folic acid, and vitamin
      B12) in fortified rice that was produced using three different techniques (hot
      extrusion, cold extrusion, and coating) during cooking and five different cooking
      methods (absorption method with or without soaking, washing before cooking,
      cooking in excess water, and frying rice before cooking). Fortified rice premix
      from six different producers (two for each technique) was mixed with normal rice
      in a 1:100 ratio. Each sample was prepared in triplicate, using the five
      different cooking methods, and retention of iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B12,
      and folic acid was determined. It was found that the overall retention of iron,
      zinc, vitamin B12, and folic acid was between 75% and 100% and was unaffected by
      cooking method, while the retention of vitamin A was significantly affected by
      cooking method, with retention ranging from 0% (excess water) to 80% (soaking),
      depending on the cooking method and producer of the rice premix. No systematic
      differences between the different production methods were observed. We conclude
      that different cooking methods of rice as used in different regions of the world
      do not lead to a major loss of most micronutrients, with the exception of vitamin
      A. The factors involved in protecting vitamin A against losses during cooking
      need to be identified. All production techniques of rice premix yielded similar
      results, showing that coating is not inferior to extrusion techniques. Standard
      overages (50%) for vitamin B12 and folic acid are too high. 

PMID- 25134851
TI  - Open versus endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: Incidence of
      cardiovascular events in 632 patients in a department of defense cohort over 6
      year follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is common with unacceptably high
      rates of mortality and morbidity with unknown rates of complications after repair
      in the Department of Defense (DoD). METHODS: All patients treated at a DOD or VA
      clinic or medical facility with a diagnosis of AAA identified by ICD-9 code
      search were identified by Patient Administration Systems and Biostatistics
      Activity (PASBA) using the Standard Inpatient Data Record (SIDR) and Composite
      Ambulatory Patient Encounter Record (CAPER) from January 2006 till December 2011.
      The primary outcome was death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cardiac
      arrhythmia between subjects who underwent endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) or
      open aortic repair (OAR). RESULTS: A total of 8314 patients were screened to
      identify 632 patients who underwent surgical repair of non-ruptured AAA. EVAR was
      performed in 497 patients (78.6%) and OAR in 135 patients (21.4%). Mortality at
      30 days was less common in EVAR patients (1.6% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.004), but was not
      sustained (16.9% vs. 17.8%, p = 0.797). Mean survival free from mortality was not
      different between the two groups (EVAR vs. OAR: 6.14 +/- 0.13 years vs. 6.11 +/-
      0.22 years, p = 0.378). The composite endpoint of MI, stroke, arrhythmia, or
      death was not different between groups at 30 days (EVAR vs. OAR: 12.9% vs. 14.1%,
      p = 0.774) or in long-term follow-up population (EVAR vs. OAR: 40.6% vs. 31.9%, p
      = 0.073) though there was a trend toward higher event rates in the EVAR. The
      composite endpoint of MI, stroke, and arrhythmia occurred in 198 patients (31%).
      CONCLUSION: EVAR was associated with lower 30-day mortality rates; however, this
      benefit was not sustained in longer-term follow-up. There is no difference in the
      rates of stroke, myocardial infarction, or cardiac arrhythmia at 30 days or in
      long-term follow-up.

PMID- 25134850
TI  - Production of the short peptide surfactant DAMP4 from glucose or sucrose in high
      cell density cultures of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peptides are increasingly used in industry as highly functional
      materials. Bacterial production of recombinant peptides has the potential to
      provide large amounts of renewable and low cost peptides, however, achieving high
      product titers from Chemically Defined Media (CDM) supplemented with simple
      sugars remains challenging. RESULTS: In this work, the short peptide surfactant,
      DAMP4, was used as a model peptide to investigate production in Escherichia coli
      BL21(DE3), a classical strain used for protein production. Under the same
      fermentation conditions, switching production of DAMP4 from rich complex media to
      CDM resulted in a reduction in yield that could be attributed to the reduction in
      final cell density more so than a significant reduction in specific productivity.
      To maximize product titer, cell density at induction was maximized using a fed
      batch approach. In fed-batch DAMP4 product titer increased 9-fold compared to
      batch, while maintaining 60% specific productivity. Under the fed-batch
      conditions, the final product titer of DAMP4 reached more than 7 g/L which is the
      highest titer of DAMP4 reported to date. To investigate production from sucrose,
      sucrose metabolism was engineered into BL21(DE3) using a simple plasmid approach.
      Using this strain, growth and DAMP4 production characteristics obtained from CDM
      supplemented with sucrose were similar to those obtained when culturing the
      parent strain on CDM supplemented with glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Production of a
      model peptide was increased to several grams per liter using a CDM medium with
      either glucose or sucrose feedstock. It is hoped that this work will contribute
      cost reduction for production of designer peptide surfactants to facilitate their
      commercial application.

PMID- 25134853
TI  - Use of an ankle-foot orthosis improves aerobic capacity in subacute hemiparetic
      stroke patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate aerobic capacity with and without an ankle-foot
      orthosis (AFO) in subacute hemiparetic stroke patients. DESIGN: Prospective
      crossover intervention study. SETTING: Rehabilitation clinic in secondary care.
      PATIENTS: Patients diagnosed with first-ever cerebral stroke involving the
      cortical or subcortical area resulting in hemiparesis (n = 15, 8 men and 7 women;
      average age, 62.1 years). METHODS: All subjects participated in 2 continuous,
      symptom-limited, low-velocity graded treadmill exercise stress tests under 2
      different conditions, namely, with and without an AFO. The rest interval between
      tests was at least 48 hours. The order of exercise stress tests was randomized.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: To assess cardiorespiratory responses, oxygen
      consumption, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, rate
      pressure product, and respiratory exchange ratio were measured continuously
      throughout the test, and peak values were obtained. The rating of perceived
      exertion was recorded immediately after each test. The percentage of the age
      predicted maximal heart rate and total exercise duration were also measured. Gait
      function was assessed by the Six-Minute Walk Test. RESULTS: Using an AFO
      significantly increased peak oxygen consumption and Six-Minute Walk Test results.
      Peak values of each of heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood
      pressure, rate-pressure product, and respiratory exchange ratio, rating of
      perceived exertion, percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate, and total
      exercise duration were similar regardless of AFO use. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an AFO
      may improve aerobic capacity in subacute hemiparetic stroke patients, and may
      improve energy efficiency and gait endurance.

PMID- 25134854
TI  - Successful treatment of athletic pubalgia in a lacrosse player with ultrasound
      guided needle tenotomy and platelet-rich plasma injection: a case report.
AB  - Athletic pubalgia is a syndrome of persistent groin pain due to chronic
      repetitive trauma or stress involving the pelvic joints and many musculotendinous
      structures that cross the anterior pelvis. As a result, the differential
      diagnosis can be complex, but insertional tendinopathies are the most common.
      This case report describes a novel approach to the treatment of distal rectus
      abdominis tendinopathies with ultrasound-guided needle tenotomy and platelet-rich
      plasma (PRP) injection. After injection, the patient returned to pain-free play
      at his previous level of intensity. This suggests that PRP may be a useful
      treatment for this diagnosis. 

PMID- 25134852
TI  - Improvements in lung function and height among cohorts of 6-year-olds with cystic
      fibrosis from 1994 to 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize spirometry and height changes in cohorts of 6-year-old
      children with cystic fibrosis (CF). STUDY DESIGN: Global Lung Initiative forced
      expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC,
      and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention height-for-age (HFA) z-scores
      were generated for 6-year-old children from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
      Patient Registry each year between 1994 and 2012. Z-score mean differences were
      analyzed by the t test, and time trends of means were analyzed by least squares
      regression for all children and for subgroups of sex, F508del mutation genotype,
      Medicaid insurance, and prenatal/newborn screening identification. Z-score
      distributions were compared using the 2-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. RESULTS:
      A total of 11 670 children with CF were studied, of whom 50.5% were males, 50.2%
      had the F508del/F508del genotype, and 46.6% were insured by Medicaid. Mean HFA,
      FEV1, and FVC z-scores increased significantly over the period in the entire
      cohort and in all subgroups (P < .001), but FEV1/FVC z-scores were below normal
      and did not change significantly. In 2012, children identified by screening had
      significantly higher mean HFA (P = .002), FEV1 (P < .001), and FVC (P < .001) z
      scores compared with children not screened, with 90% of FVC and 71.4% of FEV1z
      scores greater than predicted by the normal distribution. FEV1/FVC z-scores were
      not different between the children who were and were not screened. CONCLUSION:
      Consistent, significant increases in HFA, FEV1, and FVC occurred between 1994 and
      2012, but FEV1/FVC, a measure of airway obstruction, did not change appreciably
      during this period. FVC and FEV1z-score distributions suggest that normative
      equation reference populations underpredict lung volumes of children with CF, but
      the reasons for this remain unclear.

PMID- 25134855
TI  - Drug loaded homogeneous electrospun PCL/gelatin hybrid nanofiber structures for
      anti-infective tissue regeneration membranes.
AB  - Infection is the major reason for guided tissue regeneration/guided bone
      regeneration (GTR/GBR) membrane failure in clinical application. In this work, we
      developed GTR/GBR membranes with localized drug delivery function to prevent
      infection by electrospinning of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and gelatin
      blended with metronidazole (MNA). Acetic acid (HAc) was introduced to improve the
      miscibility of PCL and gelatin to fabricate homogeneous hybrid nanofiber
      membranes. The effects of the addition of HAc and the MNA content (0, 1, 5, 10,
      20, 30, and 40 wt.% of polymer) on the properties of the membranes were
      investigated. The membranes showed good mechanical properties, appropriate
      biodegradation rate and barrier function. The controlled and sustained release of
      MNA from the membranes significantly prevented the colonization of anaerobic
      bacteria. Cells could adhere to and proliferate on the membranes without
      cytotoxicity until the MNA content reached 30%. Subcutaneous implantation in
      rabbits for 8 months demonstrated that MNA-loaded membranes evoked a less severe
      inflammatory response depending on the dose of MNA than bare membranes. The
      biodegradation time of the membranes was appropriate for tissue regeneration.
      These results indicated the potential for using MNA-loaded PCL/gelatin
      electrospun membranes as anti-infective GTR/GBR membranes to optimize clinical
      application of GTR/GBR strategies. 

PMID- 25134856
TI  - Feasibility and validity of telephone triage for adverse events during a
      voluntary medical male circumcision campaign in Swaziland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) reduces HIV acquisition
      among heterosexual men by approximately 60%. VMMC is a surgical procedure and
      some adverse events (AEs) are expected. Swaziland's Ministry of Health
      established a toll-free hotline to provide general information about VMMC and to
      manage post-operative clinical AEs through telephone triage. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed a dataset of telephone calls logged by the VMMC hotline
      during a VMMC campaign. The objectives were to determine reasons clients called
      the VMMC hotline and to ascertain the accuracy of telephone-based triage for VMMC
      AEs. We then analyzed VMMC service delivery data that included date of surgery,
      AE type and severity, as diagnosed by a VMMC clinician as part of routine post
      operative follow-up. Both datasets were de-identified and did not contain any
      personal identifiers. Proportions of AEs were calculated from the call data and
      from VMMC service delivery data recorded by health facilities. Sensitivity
      analyses were performed to assess the accuracy of phone-based triage compared to
      clinically confirmed AEs. RESULTS: A total of 17,059 calls were registered by the
      triage nurses from April to December 2011. Calls requesting VMMC education and
      counseling totaled 12,492 (73.2%) and were most common. Triage nurses diagnosed
      384 clients with 420 (2.5%) AEs. According to the predefined clinical algorithms,
      all moderate and severe AEs (153) diagnosed through telephone-triage were
      referred for clinical management at a health facility. Clinicians at the VMMC
      sites diagnosed 341 (4.1%) total clients as having a mild (46.0%), moderate
      (47.8%), or severe (6.2%) AE. Eighty-nine (26%) of the 341 clients who were
      diagnosed with AEs by clinicians at a VMMC site had initially called the VMMC
      hotline. The telephone-based triage system had a sensitivity of 69%, a positive
      predictive value of 83%, and a negative predictive value of 48% for screening
      moderate or severe AEs of all the AEs. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a telephone-based
      triage system may be an appropriate first step to identify life-threatening and
      urgent complications following VMMC surgery.

PMID- 25134858
TI  - Factors predicting the development of pressure ulcers in an at-risk population
      who receive standardized preventive care: secondary analyses of a multicentre
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - AIMS: To identify predictive factors associated with the development of pressure
      ulcers in patients at risk who receive standardized preventive care. BACKGROUND:
      Numerous studies have examined factors that predict risk for pressure ulcer
      development. Only a few studies identified risk factors associated with pressure
      ulcer development in hospitalized patients receiving standardized preventive
      care. DESIGN: Secondary analyses of data collected in a multicentre randomized
      controlled trial. METHODS: The sample consisted of 610 consecutive patients at
      risk for pressure ulcer development (Braden Score <17) receiving standardized
      preventive care measures. Patient demographic information, data on skin and risk
      assessment, medical history and diagnosis were collected during 26 months
      (December 2007-January 2010). Predictive factors were identified using
      multivariate statistics. RESULTS: Pressure ulcers in category II-IV were
      significantly associated with non-blanchable erythema, urogenital disorders and
      higher body temperature. Predictive factors significantly associated with
      superficial pressure ulcers were admission to an internal medicine ward,
      incontinence-associated dermatitis, non-blanchable erythema and a lower Braden
      score. Superficial sacral pressure ulcers were significantly associated with
      incontinence-associated dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the standardized
      preventive measures they received, hospitalized patients with non-blanchable
      erythema, urogenital disorders and a higher body temperature were at increased
      risk for developing pressure ulcers. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Improved
      identification of at-risk patients can be achieved by taking into account
      specific predictive factors. Even if preventive measures are in place, continuous
      assessment and tailoring of interventions is necessary in all patients at risk.
      Daily skin observation can be used to continuously monitor the effectiveness of
      the intervention.

PMID- 25134857
TI  - The relationship between physician case volume and in-hospital mortality of
      critically ill children with a diagnosis of pneumonia: a cross-sectional
      observational analytical study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between physician
      case volume and the outcomes of critically ill children with pneumonia. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This is a population-based cohort study analyzed data provided from
      by the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, 2006-2009. Children
      (aged 3 months to 17 years) having records of intensive care unit (ICU) admission
      and a diagnosis of pneumonia were included. A total of 9754 critically ill
      children and 1042 attending physicians were enrolled. The children were assigned
      to 1 of 4 groups based on the physician's pneumonia case volume. RESULTS: The
      patients in the very high case volume group had a significantly lower length of
      hospital stay, in-hospital mortality rate, and hospitalization expenses, and a
      significantly higher ratio of ICU to hospital stays than the other 3 groups
      (P<.001). The probability of death tended to be lower when the physician's case
      volume was higher. The risk-adjusted odds ratio for in-hospital mortality of very
      high case volume group was 0.48 (95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.65; P<.001)
      compared to low case volume group. CONCLUSIONS: A higher physician's pneumonia
      case volume is associated with a lower length of hospital stay, lower in-hospital
      mortality rate, and lower hospitalization expenses among critically ill children
      with pneumonia.

PMID- 25134859
TI  - Use of the donor lung after asphyxiation or drowning: effect on lung transplant
      recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the relative paucity of acceptable donors for lung
      transplantation, criteria for extended donor consideration are being explored. We
      sought to evaluate the suitability of donors whose cause of death was
      asphyxiation or drowning (A/D) as a potential option to enlarge the donor pool.
      METHODS: We queried the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Standard
      Transplant Analysis and Research registry for lung transplantation from 1987 to
      2010 to assess associations between cause of death and recipient survival using
      the Kaplan-Meier method. To adjust for potential confounders, we used a Cox
      proportional hazards model and a logistic regression model to evaluate incidence
      of rejection within the first year. RESULTS: There were 18,250 adult primary lung
      transplantations performed, with 309 A/D donors. There was no difference in
      survival between groups (log-rank, p = 0.52). There were no differences in
      demographics, length of stay, airway dehiscence, lung allocation score (LAS), or
      ischemic time in univariate analysis (all p > 0.05). The A/D lung recipients had
      fewer deaths from pulmonary causes (5.8% versus 9.5%; p = 0.02). Proportional
      hazards analysis was significant for double lung transplantation (hazard ratio
      [HR], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-0.9), height difference (HR, 1.002;
      95% CI, 1.00-1.003), donor age greater than 50 years (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83
      0.96), and recipient age greater than 55 years (HR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.76-0.84). A/D
      cause of death did not impact survival in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A/D
      as a donor cause of death was not associated with poor long-term survival or
      incidence of rejection in the first year after transplantation. Donor cause of
      death by A/D, when carefully evaluated and selected, should not automatically
      exclude the organ from transplant consideration. These results provide important
      justification for potentially broadening the donor pool safely.

PMID- 25134860
TI  - Impact of perioperative glycemic control strategy on patient survival after
      coronary bypass surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glycemic control in the perioperative period decreases mortality and
      morbidity, but data are scarce with regard to the effects of glucose control
      approaches on survival. We assessed long-term survival in patients treated with 2
      strategies of glucose control after first-time isolated coronary artery bypass
      graft. METHODS: In a previously published trial, patients were prospectively
      randomized to strict (90-120 mg/dL) or liberal (121-180 mg/dL) glucose control
      protocols. The aim of this study was to assess long-term data on survival and
      health-related quality of life based on the original prospective randomized study
      population. RESULTS: No differences were found in cumulative survival between the
      strict (95.5%) and liberal (93.5%) target range groups (log-rank = 0.32, p =
      0.57) over a mean follow-up of 40.0 +/- 4.4 months. Physical health-related
      quality of life significantly improved in all patients from baseline to 6 months
      after surgery (F = 17.73, p < 0.001), and there were no differences in
      improvement of health-related quality of life between the 2 target range groups
      (F = 0.15, p = 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: These results support our previous findings
      and indicate that a liberal glycemic control strategy after coronary artery
      bypass leads to survival rates and improvements in health-related quality of life
      that are similar to those achieved with a strict target range. In addition, the
      liberal strategy is superior in glucose control and target range management.

PMID- 25134861
TI  - Contemporary surgical approaches and outcomes in adults with Kommerell
      diverticulum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgery in patients with Kommerell diverticulum (KD) is
      controversial. Although the presence of symptoms is an accepted indication, the
      KD itself may be a risk factor for dissection and rupture, although size criteria
      for operation are undefined. METHODS: A retrospective review of 19 adult patients
      who underwent surgical treatment of KD between March 2004 and June 2013 was
      performed. Mean age was 48 years (range, 32 to 68 years). Fifteen patients were
      female, 15 were symptomatic, and 13 had a right aortic arch. Sixteen patients
      with aberrant subclavian artery underwent a two-stage procedure involving
      subclavian-common carotid artery transposition or bypass followed by aortic
      resection, including origin of the KD, with interposition graft reconstruction.
      Aortic resection was performed with left heart bypass (n = 10) or deep
      hypothermic circulatory arrest (n = 9). RESULTS: There were no deaths or strokes.
      Complications after aberrant subclavian artery revascularization were transient
      ptosis (n = 3), graft occlusion (n = 1), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (n =
      1),phrenic nerve injury (n = 1), and reintubation (n = 1). Complications after
      aortic resection were intraoperative type A dissection (n = 1), phrenic nerve
      injury (n = 1), chylothorax (n = 1), and transient neurologic dysfunction (n =
      1). Mean hospital stay after aberrant subclavian artery revascularization was 2
      +/- 2 days and after aortic resection, 6.4 +/- 2.4 days. Of 18 available
      pathology specimens, all 18 showed medial degeneration. Mean follow-up was 3.3
      years. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest reported single-center experience with
      the surgical management of KD in adults, verifying its safety and efficacy. The
      high percentage of KD with medial degeneration suggests asymptomatic patients
      with an enlarged KD also may benefit from resection.

PMID- 25134862
TI  - Surgical treatment of metachronous second primary lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have demonstrated that patients with metachronous second
      primary lung cancer (MSPLC) benefit from surgery. Owing to the lack of uniform
      criteria and prospective randomized trials, the extent of resection remains
      controversial, and prognostic factors are still not fully clear. The present
      study aimed to assess surgical treatment of MSPLC and identify prognostic factors
      of outcome. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 143 patients who
      underwent surgical resection of MSPLC in our department from January 2006 to
      December 2011. Predictors of postoperative complications were analyzed with the
      binary logistic regression method. Survival was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and
      Cox regression methods. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 1.4%, and the
      complication rate was 34.3%. Age more than 70 years was an independent risk
      factor for postoperative complications. The overall 5-year survival after
      resection of MSPLC was 54.5%. TNM stage II or higher (p = 0.025), 20 or more pack
      years of smoking (p = 0.037), and tumor size greater than 2 cm (p = 0.033) were
      independent negative prognostic factors for survival. For stage I disease,
      completion pneumonectomy had a lower 5-year survival rate than others, 44.8% and
      65.9, respectively (p = 0.039); lobectomy and sublobar resection have a 5-year
      survival of 77.1% and 56.7%, respectively (p = 0.203). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical
      treatment of MSPLC is safe and effective. TNM stage I, tumor size 2 cm or less,
      or less than 20 pack-years smoking are predictors of improved survival. Sublobar
      resection is acceptable. For stage I disease, lobectomy tends to be associated
      with better survival than sublobar resection, although the difference is not
      significant, and completion pneumonectomy is not recommended. Long-term follow-up
      is necessary even after curative resection of lung cancer.

PMID- 25134863
TI  - Predictors of early recurrence for node-negative t1 to t2b non-small cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recurrence develops in nearly one-third of patients who undergo
      complete resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We sought to identify
      predictors of early recurrence (<2 years) in node-negative T1 to T2b NSCLC.
      METHODS: We used a 10-year (1999 to 2008) single-institution retrospective review
      of a prospectively maintained lung cancer database. Exclusion criteria included
      carcinoid, adenocarcinoma in situ, and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma
      histologies, and any induction therapy. Patient demographics, clinical, and
      pathologic variables were analyzed. Recurrence was confirmed histologically in 86
      patients (85%) or radiographically in 16 (15%). Univariable and multivariable
      logistic regression (C statistic = 0.7) and Cox proportional hazards analyses
      were performed (p < 0.05 is significant). RESULTS: An R0 resection of a node
      negative T1 to T2b NSCLC was performed in 532 patients. Procedures included
      lobectomy in 436, segmentectomy in 47, and wedge resection in 49. Recurrence was
      present in 102 patients (19%) and was locoregional in 33 (32%), distant in 40
      (39%), and multisite in 29 (29%). T size, tumor histology, tumor grade, smoking
      status, maximum standardized uptake value, and albumin were not associated with
      recurrence. Multivariable predictors of recurrence were lymphovascular invasion
      (odds ratio, 2.48), sublobar resection (odds ratio, 2.37), and age (odds ratio,
      0.96). Recurrence was independently associated with lung cancer-specific death
      (relative risk, 11.78; 95% confidence interval, 5.46 to 25.36; p < 0.001) and
      overall mortality (relative risk, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.16 to 1.39, p
      < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a 19% early recurrence rate in R0 resected
      node-negative T1 to T2b NSCLC. The identification of unique predictors of
      recurrence is an important step toward defining a patient population that may
      benefit from adjuvant therapy.

PMID- 25134864
TI  - Significance of low peak Doppler velocity in the proximal sano conduit in
      hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Sano modification of the Norwood operation is a well-established
      first step palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Theoretically,
      the first point of resistance to pulmonary flow should be in the proximal Sano,
      generating high Doppler flow velocity. Paradoxically, however, some patients have
      low gradients in the proximal Sano conduit. The objective of this study was to
      determine the hemodynamic and anatomic significance of low proximal Sano Doppler
      flow velocity and its clinical implications. METHODS: Doppler-derived peak
      gradients in the proximal Sano conduits were measured in HLHS patients after
      Norwood-Sano surgery over a 4-year period and confirmed by cardiac
      catheterization within 2 to 4 weeks. Clinical outcomes of patients with proximal
      Sano gradients of 30 mm Hg or less (group 1) were compared with patients whose
      gradient was greater than 30 mm Hg (group 2). RESULTS: Of the 53 patients, 21
      (40%) belonged to group 1. Patients in group 1 had smaller ostial right and left
      pulmonary artery (PA) diameter (3.2 +/- 1.2 mm versus 4.5 +/- 1.8 mm, p = 0.03;
      and 3.4 +/- 1.2 mm versus 5.6 +/- 2.1 mm, p = 0.01) when compared with patients
      in group 2. Patients (7 of 10) who needed either balloon angioplasty of a distal
      Sano or proximal branch PA were from group 1 (p = 0.01). Patients in group 1 had
      higher rates of unintended PA interventions (33% versus 9%) and complications
      (48% versus 16%) compared with group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Low peak Doppler flow
      velocity in the proximal Sano correlates with the presence of either distal Sano
      stenosis or proximal branch PA stenosis. These patients require close follow-up
      in the interstage period and may need earlier intervention.

PMID- 25134865
TI  - Cost effectiveness of teratology counseling - the Motherisk experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While the benefits of evidence-based counseling to large numbers of
      women and physicians are intuitively evident, there is an urgent need to document
      that teratology counseling, in addition to improving the quality of life of women
      and families, also leads to cost saving. The objective of the present study was
      to calculate the cost effectiveness of the Motherisk Program, a large teratology
      information and counseling service at The Hospital for Sick Children and the
      University of Toronto. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Motherisk Program on
      its 2012 activities in two domains: 1) Calculation of cost-saving in preventing
      unjustified pregnancy terminations; and 2) prevention of major birth defects.
      Cost of pregnancy termination and lifelong cost of specific birth defects were
      identified from primary literature and prorated for cost of living for the year
      2013. RESULTS: Prevention of 255 pregnancy terminations per year led to cost
      savings of $516,630. The total estimated number of major malformations prevented
      by Motherisk counseling in 2012 was 8.41 cases at a total estimated cost of
      $9,032,492. CONCLUSIONS: With an estimated minimum annual prevention of 8 major
      malformations, and numerous unnecessary terminations of otherwise- wanted
      pregnancies, a cost saving of $10 million can be calculated. In 2013 the
      operating budget of Motherisk counseling totaled $640,000. Even based on the
      narrow range of activities for which we calculated cost, this service is highly
      cost- effective. Because most teratology counseling services are operating in a
      very similar method to Motherisk, it is fair to assume that these results,
      although dependent on the size of the service, are generalizable to other
      countries.

PMID- 25134866
TI  - The plant decapeptide OSIP108 prevents copper-induced toxicity in various models
      for Wilson disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wilson disease (WD) is caused by accumulation of excess copper (Cu)
      due to a mutation in the gene encoding the liver Cu transporter ATP7B, and is
      characterized by acute liver failure or cirrhosis and neuronal cell death. We
      investigated the effect of OSIP108, a plant derived decapeptide that prevents Cu
      induced apoptosis in yeast and human cells, on Cu-induced toxicity in various
      mammalian in vitro models relevant for WD and in a Cu-toxicity zebrafish larvae
      model applicable to WD. METHODS: The effect of OSIP108 was evaluated on viability
      of various cell lines in the presence of excess Cu, on liver morphology of a Cu
      treated zebrafish larvae strain that expresses a fluorescent reporter in
      hepatocytes, and on oxidative stress levels in wild type AB zebrafish larvae.
      RESULTS: OSIP108 increased not only viability of Cu-treated CHO cells
      transgenically expressing ATP7B and the common WD-causing mutant ATP7B(H1069Q),
      but also viability of Cu-treated human glioblastoma U87 cells. Aberrancies in
      liver morphology of Cu-treated zebrafish larvae were observed, which were further
      confirmed as Cu-induced hepatotoxicity by liver histology. Injections of OSIP108
      into Cu-treated zebrafish larvae significantly increased the amount of larvae
      with normal liver morphology and decreased Cu-induced production of reactive
      oxygen species. CONCLUSIONS: OSIP108 prevents Cu-induced toxicity in in vitro
      models and in a Cu-toxicity zebrafish larvae model applicable to WD. GENERAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: All the above data indicate the potential of OSIP108 as a drug lead
      for further development as a novel WD treatment.

PMID- 25134867
TI  - Psychopharmacology.
AB  - Primary care providers (PCPs) are frequently responsible for the pharmacologic
      management of mood disorders, and the PCP is often an important member of the
      clinical team in the management of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Not only
      is a good understanding of psychopharmacology important for the effective
      treatment of psychiatric disease, it is also necessary for patient safety.
      Clinicians should understand the side effects and the medication interactions
      associated with psychotropic medications. This article reviews mechanisms of
      action, indications, dosing, side effects, medication interactions, and general
      management considerations for common medications used to treat psychiatric
      conditions encountered in the primary care setting. 

PMID- 25134868
TI  - Office-based screening of common psychiatric conditions.
AB  - Depression and anxiety disorders are common conditions with significant
      morbidity. Many screening tools of varying length have been well validated for
      these conditions in the office-based setting. Novel instruments, including
      Internet-based and computerized adaptive testing, may be promising tools in the
      future. The best evidence for cost-effectiveness currently is for screening of
      major depression linked with the collaborative care model for treatment. Data are
      not conclusive regarding comparative cost-effectiveness of screening for multiple
      conditions at once or for other conditions. This article reviews screening tools
      for depression and anxiety disorders in the ambulatory setting. 

PMID- 25134869
TI  - Major depression.
AB  - Major depression is a common, disabling condition seen frequently in primary care
      practices. Non-psychiatrist ambulatory providers are increasingly responsible for
      diagnosing, and primarily managing patients suffering from major depressive
      disorder (MDD). The goal of this review is to help primary care providers to
      understand the natural history of MDD, identify practical tools for screening,
      and a thoughtful approach to management. Clinically challenging topics like co
      morbid conditions, treatment resistant depression and pharmacotherapy selection
      with consideration to side effects and medication interactions, are also covered.

PMID- 25134870
TI  - Anxiety disorders in primary care.
AB  - Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric condition presenting to primary
      care practitioners. Yet they can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. Patients
      that struggle with anxiety disorders are more likely to seek treatment from
      primary care providers than mental health specialists. Given the costs in terms
      of debilitation and associated financial burden, and increased risk of suicide,
      the identification and successful treatment of anxiety is imperative. By means of
      clinical acumen and the use of screening tools, the provider can develop
      expertise in recognition and effective treatment of anxiety disorders. 

PMID- 25134871
TI  - Diagnosis and management of bipolar disorder in primary care: a DSM-5 update.
AB  - This review discusses the diagnosis and detection of bipolar disorder in the
      primary care population with recent changes introduced by Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition and the pharmacotherapy and
      psychosocial management of this psychiatric condition. 

PMID- 25134872
TI  - Borderline personality disorder in the primary care setting.
AB  - Borderline personality disorder is estimated to be present in approximately 6% of
      outpatient primary care settings. However, the time and energy spent on this
      population can greatly exceed what primary care doctors are able to spend. This
      article gives an overview of borderline personality disorder, including the
      clinical characteristics, epidemiology, and comorbidities, as well as
      pharmacologic and most important behavioral management. It is our hope that, with
      improved understanding of the disorder and skills for managing this population,
      caring for patients with the disorder can be more satisfying and less taxing for
      both primary care doctors and their patients. 

PMID- 25134873
TI  - Seasonal affective disorder, grief reaction, and adjustment disorder.
AB  - Seasonal affective disorder is a subtype of other affective disorders. The most
      studied treatment is light therapy, although second-generation antidepressants
      are also an option. Grief reactions are normal for patients experiencing loss,
      and primary care providers (PCPs) should be aware of both the expected course of
      grief and the more severe symptoms that indicate complex grief. Adjustment
      disorder is a time-limited abnormal response to a stressor. PCPs can manage
      patients with adjustment disorder by arranging counseling, screening for
      suicidality, assessing for substance abuse, and ruling out other psychiatric
      diagnoses. At present there are no reliable data to suggest medication
      management. 

PMID- 25134874
TI  - Approach to the patient with multiple somatic symptoms.
AB  - Primary care providers play a crucial role in the recognition and appropriate
      treatment of patients with multiple somatic complaints. Both the number of
      somatic symptoms and the persistence of symptoms are associated with co-occurring
      depression or anxiety disorders. It can be challenging to simultaneously address
      possible medical causes for physical symptoms while also considering an
      associated psychiatric diagnosis. In this article, strategies to improve the care
      and outcomes among these patients are described, including collaboration,
      education about the interaction between psychosocial stressors and somatic
      symptoms, regularly scheduled visits, focus on improving functional status, and
      evidence-based treatment of depression and anxiety. 

PMID- 25134875
TI  - Addiction disorders.
AB  - Substance use disorders are common in primary care settings, but detection,
      assessment, and management are seldom undertaken. Substantial evidence supports
      alcohol screening and brief intervention for risky drinking, and pharmacotherapy
      is effective for alcohol use disorders. Substance use disorders can complicate
      the management of chronic noncancer pain, making routine monitoring and
      assessment for substance use disorders an important aspect of long-term opioid
      prescribing. Patients with opioid use disorders can be effectively treated with
      methadone in opioid treatment programs or with buprenorphine in the primary care
      setting. 

PMID- 25134876
TI  - Psychiatric disorders and sleep issues.
AB  - Sleep issues are common in people with psychiatric disorders, and the interaction
      is complex. Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, can precede and predispose to
      psychiatric disorders, can be comorbid with and exacerbate psychiatric disorders,
      and can occur as part of psychiatric disorders. Sleep disorders can mimic
      psychiatric disorders or result from medication given for psychiatric disorders.
      Impairment of sleep and of mental health may be different manifestations of the
      same underlying neurobiological processes. For the primary care physician, key
      tools include recognition of potential sleep effects of psychiatric medications
      and familiarity with treatment approaches for insomnia in depression and anxiety.

PMID- 25134877
TI  - Psychiatric care of the older adult: an overview for primary care.
AB  - As the population ages, primary care providers will be frequently called on to
      manage psychiatric disorders suffered by their older patients. This overview of
      delirium, dementia, depression, and alcohol and substance misuse highlights the
      common presentations and suggests initial approaches to treatment. The challenges
      facing caregivers are also discussed. 

PMID- 25134880
TI  - Foreword. Psychiatric diagnosis and management in primary care.

PMID- 25134879
TI  - Medical conditions with neuropsychiatric manifestations.
AB  - Medical disease sometimes affects patients through neuropsychiatric
      manifestations. When neuropsychiatric symptoms are predominant, identifying
      medical disease early in the illness course is imperative because many of these
      conditions are reversible with appropriate treatment. A high index of suspicion
      is required on the part of clinicians, particularly when patients also present
      with physical signs or unexplained symptoms that might suggest a broader,
      systemic process. The processes that most commonly cause neuropsychiatric
      symptoms include infectious, autoimmune, endocrinologic, metabolic, and
      neoplastic diseases. This article focuses on the most common of these conditions,
      and conditions for which early diagnosis and treatment are particularly
      important. 

PMID- 25134878
TI  - Primary care for adults on the autism spectrum.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by differences in social communication
      and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Skills
      and challenges can change depending on environmental stimuli, supports, and
      stressors. Quality of life can be improved by the use of accommodations,
      assistive technologies, therapies to improve adaptive function or communication,
      caregiver training, acceptance, access, and inclusion. This article focuses on
      the identification of ASD in adults, referrals for services, the recognition of
      associated conditions, strategies and accommodations to facilitate effective
      primary care services, and ethical issues related to caring for autistic adults. 

PMID- 25134881
TI  - Preface. Psychiatric diagnosis and management in primary care.

PMID- 25134882
TI  - Understanding decreased fertility in women carriers of the FMR1 premutation: a
      possible mechanism for Fragile X-Associated Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
      (FXPOI).
AB  - Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and its associated disorders are caused by the expansion
      of the CGG repeat in the 5' untranslated region of the fragile X mental
      retardation 1 gene (FMR1). The full mutation, defined as >200 cytosine-guanine
      guanine (CGG) triplet repeats, causes FXS. Individuals with 55-199 CGG repeats,
      classified as premutation carriers, are affected by two distinct disorders
      depending on their premutation status. Disorders associated with premutation
      carriers include: Fragile X-associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) and Fragile
      X-associated Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (FXPOI). The molecular similarities of
      FXTAS and FXPOI (e.g. overabundance of FMR1 transcript and intranuclear
      inclusions) suggest that similar molecular mechanisms underlie both FXTAS and
      FXPOI. The current hypothesis describes the underlying mechanism for FXTAS as an
      mRNA gain-of-function mutation, however the underlying mechanism for FXPOI
      remains unresolved. New data suggests that repeat associated non-AUG (RAN)
      translation could underlie FXPOI. 

PMID- 25134883
TI  - Medical resident choices of electronic drug information resources.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine medical residents' day-to-day use of drug information
      resources since their choices of these resources, when faced with common
      questions, are unknown. METHODS: An online survey including simulated drug
      information questions was administered to 146 medical residents in the Department
      of General Internal Medicine during July 2012. Residents were given a wide range
      of choices in drug information resources to answer these questions and were
      instructed to select what they would choose in actual practice. A score was
      assigned to each resource corresponding to a "best," "intermediate," or "not
      good" choice. RESULTS: Seventy-three respondents completed the survey and results
      were analyzed for statistical significance. Fifty-seven percent of respondents
      reported receiving no formal training regarding drug information. Statistical
      analyses revealed there were no significant differences in performance based on
      postgraduate year (P = .43) or extent of prior training (P = .45). Individual
      question responses revealed a generally infrequent selection of "best" choices.
      Less than 10% of the respondents chose the "best" answer for drug information
      questions related to drug interactions, herbal supplements, adverse events, and
      medication identification. CONCLUSION: Further training in drug information
      resource selection is warranted in the medical residency program to increase the
      frequency of use of higher quality resources.

PMID- 25134884
TI  - Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia.
AB  - Thrombocytopenia is commonly seen in laboratory findings, especially in
      critically ill patients. Although the incidence is rare, drug-induced immune
      thrombocytopenia (DITP) is a serious complication that is often overlooked as a
      cause of thrombocytopenia. Over the last century, extensive research and data
      collection have been done in an attempt to better characterize DITP. Heparin
      induced thrombocytopenia is the most common DITP and has distinct pathogenesis,
      diagnosis, and treatment options. However, other offending medications are less
      well known and have triggered many questions and constant search for answers.
      This review will discuss both drug-induced immune-mediated and nonimmune-mediated
      thrombocytopenias, with a focus on immune-mediated processes. Thrombocytopenia
      caused by chemotherapy will not be discussed in this article. 

PMID- 25134885
TI  - Measuring the impact of information skills training: a survey of health libraries
      in England.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lack of robust research measuring the impact of NHS based
      information skills training prompted the West Midlands Regional Trainers' Forum
      to conduct a post-training survey. METHODS: This is a multi-centred study which
      collected data from over 60 separate organisations. Survey questionnaires were
      completed by learners a few weeks after the training event. RESULTS: Five hundred
      and thirty-four responses were received. 82% of information skills training
      recipients indicated that they had implemented learning or changed practice as a
      result of the training. 70% of recipients indicated there had been an impact on
      patient care. DISCUSSION: The beneficial results from information skills training
      manifest in a multitude of ways. The results of this study indicate that the
      learning from information skills training is being used to reduce problems and
      address the key issues in modern health care. CONCLUSION: The results clearly
      demonstrate the value of information skills training and its beneficial impact on
      patient care, lifelong learning and other key NHS functions. This study shows
      information skills training as an important activity which supports the
      information literacy agenda, and has a positive impact across the four key
      functions of library and knowledge services within the NHS.

PMID- 25134888
TI  - Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among communities living in
      different habitats and its comparison with one hundred and one studies conducted
      over the past 42 years (1970 to 2013) in Malaysia.
AB  - Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common diseases affecting
      mankind causing major public health problems to billions of people living in
      developing countries. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of
      intestinal parasites in various communities residing in different habitats in
      Malaysia and compare the findings with 101 studies conducted over the past 42
      years (1970-2013). A cross-sectional study design was conducted with the aid of a
      questionnaire to collect relevant information about the study population. Faecal
      samples were examined using the direct smear and formal ether sedimentation
      techniques. A total of 342 children were examined amongst whom 24.6% were
      positive for intestinal parasitic infections. Results showed that 32.3% of rural
      children, 20.6% of urban squatters and 5.4% of children from flats were positive
      for one or more parasites. The most common parasite encountered was Trichuris
      trichiura (20.2%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (10.5%) and hookworm (6.7%).
      No case of hookworm was reported in urban children whereas 12.2% of rural
      children were positive. The most common protozoan parasite detected was Entamoeba
      coli (3.2%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (1.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.8%)
      and Blastocystis hominis (1.2%). Nearly one-fifth (18.4%) of the children had
      single infection followed by double (12.0%) and triple infections (1.2%). Orang
      Asli (indigenous) children (44.3%) had the highest infection rate followed by
      Indians (20.2%), Malays (14.0%) and Chinese (11.9%). Twenty-eight studies carried
      out on plantation communities with regards to intestinal parasitic infections in
      Malaysia from 1970 to 2013 showed a steady decline in the prevalence rate ranging
      from 95.0% in the seventies to 37.0 % in 2012. Intestinal parasitic infections
      were more common in Orang Asli communities with prevalence ranging from over 90%
      in the seventies and fluctuating below 70% in most studies between 2000 to 2013
      except for two studies that showed a prevalence of 98.2% and 100%. The prevalence
      rate among urban squatters, urban residents and those living in flats showed
      dramatic decrease in prevalence rate. 

PMID- 25134889
TI  - Coexistence of Philodina roseola (Rotifera: Bdelloidea) with larvae of Aedes
      aegypti in India.
AB  - The vector mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus of dengue and
      Chikungunya fever are closely associated with human habitations and adapted to
      feed on human blood. They undergo larval and pupal development in natural and
      artificial freshwater collections in the urban and peri-urban environment.
      Although reports are available about the feeding behaviour of the thriving
      mosquito larvae, much information is still required to understand the successful
      survival of Aedes mosquitoes in small and temporary water collections. This study
      was undertaken to determine the co-existence and prevalence of Philodina roseola
      and other Bdelloid rotifers in the container habitats of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.
      The investigation was conducted in 43 villages which belong to four districts in
      South India, affected by the epidemic of either dengue or Chikungunya fever. A
      total of 2093 houses and 12980 containers were examined for Aedes breeding and
      those containers with Aedes larvae were chosen for further investigation. The
      investigation showed that, the P. roseola was found associated in 502 (98.2%)
      containers, P. roseola along with other Philodina sp. in 126 containers (25%) and
      P. roseola along with other Philodina sp. and other Bdelloid rotifers found in 93
      containers (19%). Since the members of the genus Philodina can survive
      desiccation, reproduce by parthenogenesis, can be transported by wind easily and
      more importantly, it can incorporate the genome of other organisms including
      viruses, understanding the co-existence and relationship of Philodina sp. with
      Aedes larvae would be helpful in the control of Aedes breeding and the control
      measures can be designed keeping the association of Bdelloids with Aedes in mind.

PMID- 25134886
TI  - Key informant interviews with coordinators of special events conducted to
      increase cancer screening in the United States.
AB  - Special events such as health fairs, cultural festivals and charity runs are
      commonly employed in the community to increase cancer screening; however, little
      is known about their effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to assess the
      activities, screening outcomes, barriers and recommendations of special events to
      increase breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening. In-depth interviews
      were conducted nationally with 51 coordinators of events in June to September
      2012. Health fairs and screening days were the most common events conducted,
      primarily for breast cancer education. Goals were to increase awareness of cancer
      screening and reach special populations. Evidence-based Community Guide
      strategies to increase cancer screening employed were: small media, reducing
      structural barriers, one-on-one education or group education. For each event that
      provided screening on-site or through referral, a mean of 35 breast, 28 cervical
      and 19 colorectal cancer screenings were reported. Coordinators made
      recommendations for further evaluation of special events, and most plan to
      conduct another special event. These data are novel and provide baseline
      documentation of activities and recommendations for a commonly used community
      based cancer screening intervention that lacks evidence of effectiveness.
      Additional research to better understand the use of special events for increasing
      cancer screening is warranted. 

PMID- 25134887
TI  - Bilingual children with primary language impairment: 3 months after treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence on the treatment effectiveness for bilingual children with
      primary language impairment (PLI) is needed to advance both theory and clinical
      practice. Of key interest is whether treatment effects are maintained following
      the completion of short-term intense treatments. AIMS: To investigate change in
      select language and cognitive skills in Spanish-English bilingual children with
      PLI 3 months after children have completed one of three experimental treatment
      conditions. There are two main study aims. First, to determine if skills in
      Spanish, English and cognitive processing decline, improve or are maintained
      after treatment has been completed. Second, to determine if differential rates of
      change are a function of the type of treatment children received. METHODS &
      PROCEDURES: Participants were 48 children, aged 5:6-11:3, who spoke Spanish and
      English and were diagnosed with moderate to severe PLI. Participants received 6
      weeks of treatment focused on English only (EO), bilingual skills in Spanish and
      English (BI) or nonlinguistic cognitive processing (NCP). Treatment effects
      reported in a previous study were determined by comparing pre- and post-treatment
      performance on a variety of language and cognitive measures. Here we re
      administered each measure 3 months after completion of the experimental
      treatments. Hierarchical linear models were calculated for each measure using pre
      , post- and follow-up testing scores to estimate change trajectories and compare
      outcomes between treatment conditions. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Participants in all
      three treatment conditions either maintained skills or showed improvement even
      after treatment was discontinued for 3 months. Main findings included (1)
      comparable, positive rates of change on all English language outcomes for EO and
      BI conditions; (2) maintenance of Spanish language skills, and (3) modest
      improvements in NCP following the discontinuation of treatment. CONCLUSIONS &
      IMPLICATIONS: This study is the first to examine longer-term treatment effects
      for bilingual school-age children with PLI. Differences in rates of change
      between languages and between treatment conditions are discussed in terms of
      social and cognitive processes that impact children's language systems. The main
      findings have at least two implications for clinical practice: (1) therapy that
      emphasizes focused practice in language and cognitive processing skills may
      promote gains in children's language learning abilities; and (2) bilingual
      treatment does not detract from outcomes in English, the language of the majority
      community for study participants.

PMID- 25134891
TI  - Measuring impact on filarial infection status in a community study: role of
      coverage of mass drug administration (MDA).
AB  - Lymphatic filariasis is still endemic in many parts of India. The main strategy
      to implement mass drug administration with DEC and albendazole was added in 2006
      to ensure increased impact on the microfilaria (mf) rate in the community.
      However, the effective coverage remained low in the community leading to lower
      than desired impact on the parasite population in human. This paper presents the
      dynamics of participation in annual repeated rounds of mass drug administration
      in some villages of Kanpur Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh and its impact over
      the infection rate. It is revealed that after 6 annual rounds of MDA, mf rate
      could only be reduced by 17.3% in population subgroups who participated only once
      in comparison to 88% in those who participated in 6 or all annual rounds. 

PMID- 25134890
TI  - Prevalence and genotyping of Cryptosporidium in stool samples collected from
      children in Taif City (Saudi Arabia).
AB  - This study was conducted to estimate the frequency of Cryptosporidium infections
      in Taif (Saudi Arabia). Stool samples from children under 10 years by modified
      Ziehl-Neelson staining and two PCR techniques were used for genotyping
      experiments. The microscopic examination showed that, eleven samples were
      positive for presence of Cryptosporidium. With 11 of 100 samples, DNA extraction
      and subsequent genotyping was successful. By means of RAPD technique, the genetic
      similarity among the collected isolates was 55%. The 18S rRNA gene sequences
      confirmed that all Cryptosporidium-isolates belonged to Cryptosporidium parvum.
      In comparison with reference strains from different species of Cryptosporidium
      species from GenBank, all collected isolates belonged to Cryptosporidium hominis
      and C. parvum clade. The fact that only human genotypes were detected suggests
      that cryptosporidiosis must primarily be considered as a non zoonotic disease in
      Taif region. 

PMID- 25134892
TI  - Epidemiology of blood parasitic infections in the urban rat population in
      peninsular Malaysia.
AB  - A total of 719 wild rats were captured from four localities representing the west
      (Kuala Lumpur), east (Kuantan), north (Georgetown) and south (Malacca) to
      determine the diversity of blood protozoan from the urban wild rat population in
      peninsular Malaysia. Five rat species were recovered with Rattus rattus diardii
      being the most dominant species, followed by Rattus norvegicus, Rattus exulans,
      Rattus annandalei and Rattus argentiventer. Two blood protozoan species were
      found infecting the rodent population namely, Plasmodium sp. (42.1%) and
      Trypanosoma lewisi (25.0%). This study reports the presence of Plasmodium sp. for
      the first time in the rodent population in Malaysia. Two main intrinsic factors
      were identified affecting the parasitic infections. Trypanosoma lewisi infections
      were influenced by host age and sex with infections observed higher in male and
      juvenile rats meanwhile Plasmodium sp. infections were observed almost similar in
      both sexes. However, infections were higher in sub-adult rats. 

PMID- 25134893
TI  - Multiple resistance of Culex vishnui Theobald against four major classes of
      insecticides in an agricultural area in Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia.
AB  - The resistance status of riceland Culex vishnui against four major groups of
      insecticides (i.e., organochlorines, carbamates, organophosphates and
      pyrethroids) was investigated. Biochemical assays (ESTalpha, ESTbeta, MFO and
      GST) were also conducted to detect the resistance levels. Throughout a 12-month
      study period, multiple insecticide resistance was observed in both larvae and
      adult Cx vishnui. Culex vishnui larvae exhibited low resistance against
      malathion, temephos and permethrin with resistance ratio (RR) values < 5. In
      adult bioassay, Cx. vishnui were highly resistant against all tested adulticides
      with 24h post-treatment mortality < 70%. Correlations between permethrin and
      malathion resistance, as well as between deltamethrin and cyfluthrin resistance
      were found in Cx. vishnui. The results indicated that mixed function oxidases
      activity of Cx. vishnui was the highest compared to ESTalpha, ESTbeta and GST.
      Spearman rank-order analysis showed that ESTalpha, ESTbeta and GST were involved
      in multiple resistances in Cx. vishnui. The findings of this study established a
      baseline of insecticide susceptibility and revealed the effects of agricultural
      insecticide pressure on the vectors of Japanese encephalitis in Malaysia. 

PMID- 25134894
TI  - First survey of helminths in adult goats in Hunan Province, China.
AB  - The objective of the present survey was to reveal the prevalence of helminths in
      adult goats in Hunan Province, the People's Republic of China. From July 2010
      through February 2013, a total of 479 goats slaughtered in local abattoirs and
      markets were examined for the presence of helminths using a helminthological
      approach. Eighty-six percent of the examined goats were infected with at least
      one species of helminths. In total, 15 genera of helminths were found
      representing 2 phyla, 3 classes, 5 orders, and 11 families. Oesophago-stomum,
      Ostertagia and Haemonchus were the most prevailing nematode genera, Eurytrema was
      the predominant trematode genus detected, whereas the infection of adult goats
      with cestodes was not common, with Cysticercus tenuicollis being the most common
      genus. The worm burdens showed obvious seasonal variation in that nematodes and
      cestodes were abundant in summer and winter, and the trematodes peaked in winter,
      which was consistent with the seasonal precipitation of Hunan Province. The
      geographical distribution of helminths in goats ascended with altitude. Goats in
      the mountainous areas were more severely infected with helminths than goats in
      the hilly areas, whereas infection of goats with helminths was much less in the
      lake areas. The present investigation highlights the high prevalence of helminths
      in adult goats in Hunan Province, China, which provides baseline data for
      assessing the effectiveness of future prevention and controlling measures against
      helminth infection in adult goats in this province and elsewhere. 

PMID- 25134895
TI  - Bleeding outcome during a dengue outbreak in 2005 in the East-coast region of
      Peninsular Malaysia: a prospective study.
AB  - During a dengue outbreak in 2005 in the East-coast region of Peninsular Malaysia,
      one of the worst hit areas in the country at that time, we undertook a
      prospective study. We aimed to describe the bleeding outcome and changes in the
      liver and hematologic profiles that were associated with major bleeding outcome
      during the outbreak. All suspected cases of dengue admitted into the only
      referral hospital in the region during the outbreak were screened for WHO 2002
      criteria and serology. Liver function, hematologic profile and severity of
      bleeding outcome were carefully documented. The association between symptoms,
      liver and hematologic impairments with the type of dengue infection (classical
      vs. hemorrhagic) and bleeding outcome (major vs. non-major) was tested. Dengue
      fever was confirmed in 183 cases (12.5/100,000 population) and 144 cases were
      analysed. 59.7% were dengue hemorrhagic fever, 3.5% were dengue shock syndrome
      and there were 3 in-hospital deaths. Major bleeding outcome (gastrointestinal
      bleeding, intracranial bleeding or haemoptysis) was present in 14.6%. Elevated
      AST, ALT and bilirubin were associated with increasing severity of bleeding
      outcome (all P < 0.05). Platelet count and albumin level were inversely
      associated with increasing severity of bleeding outcome (both P < 0.001). With
      multivariable analysis, dengue hemorrhagic fever was more likely in the presence
      of abdominal pain (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.02- 1.6) and elevated AST (OR 1.0, 95% CI 1.0
      1.1) but the presence of pleural effusion (OR 5.8, 95% CI: 1.1-29.9) and elevated
      AST (OR 1.008, 95% CI: 1.005-1.01) predicted a severe bleeding outcome. As a
      conclusion, the common presence of a severe hemorrhagic form of dengue fever may
      explain the rising death toll in recent outbreaks and the worst impairment in
      liver and hematologic profiles was seen in major bleeding outcome. 

PMID- 25134896
TI  - The emergence of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Arborea as the dominant
      infecting serovar following the summer of natural disasters in Queensland,
      Australia 2011.
AB  - The following research reports the emergence of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar
      Arborea as the dominant infecting serovar following the summer of disasters and
      the ensuing clean up in Queensland, Australia during 2011. For the 12 month
      period (1 January to 31 December) L. borgpetersenii serovar Arborea accounted for
      over 49% of infections. In response to a flooding event public health officials
      need to issue community wide announcements warning the population about the
      dangers of leptospirosis and other water borne diseases. Communication with
      physicians working in the affected community should also be increased to update
      physicians with information such as clinical presentation of leptospirosis and
      other waterborne diseases. These recommendations will furnish public health
      officials with considerations for disease management when dealing with future
      disaster management programs. 

PMID- 25134897
TI  - Screening of antiviral activities in medicinal plants extracts against dengue
      virus using dengue NS2B-NS3 protease assay.
AB  - Dengue virus infects millions of people worldwide and there is no vaccine or anti
      dengue therapeutic available. Screening large numbers of medicinal plants for
      anti-dengue activities is an alternative strategy in order to find the potent
      therapeutic compounds. Therefore, this study was designed to identify anti-dengue
      activities in nineteen medicinal plant extracts that are used in traditional
      medicine. Local medicinal plants Vernonia cinerea, Hemigraphis reptans, Hedyotis
      auricularia, Laurentia longiflora, Tridax procumbers and Senna angustifolia were
      used in this study. The highest inhibitory activates against dengue NS2B-NS3pro
      was observed in ethanolic extract of S. angustifolia leaves, methanolic extract
      of V. cinerea leaves and ethanol extract of T. procumbens stems. These findings
      were further verified by in vitro viral inhibition assay. Methanolic extract of
      V. cinerea leaves, ethanol extract of T. procumbens stems and at less extent
      ethanolic extract of S. angustifolia leaves were able to maintain the normal
      morphology of DENV2-infected Vero cells without causing much cytopathic effects
      (CPE). The percentage of viral inhibition of V. cinerea and T. procumbens
      extracts were significantly higher than S. angustifolia extract as measured by
      plaque formation assay and RT-qPCR. In conclusion, The outcome of this study
      showed that the methanolic extract of V. cinerea leaves and ethanol extract of T.
      procumbens stems possessed high inhibitory activates against dengue virus that
      worth more investigation. 

PMID- 25134898
TI  - Larvicidal efficacy screening of Anacardaciae crude extracts on the dengue
      hemorrhagic vector, Aedes aegypti.
AB  - Vector-borne diseases are still rife because of the re-emergence of diseases
      transmitted by mosquitoes. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the
      larvicidal efficacy of crude leaf extract of Mangifera indica, Gluta renghas, and
      Melanochyla fasciculiflora against vector of dengue hemorrhagic fever, Aedes
      aegypti. These plant species are endemic species and widely distributed in
      Malaysian forests. Leaves of Ma. indica, G. renghas and M. fascculiflora were
      collected from Teluk Bahang National Park, Penang Malaysia. Fractions of leaves
      were segregated, air-dried, powdered and extracted using Soxhlet with methanol.
      The solvent was removed by using rotary evaporator to obtain the crude extract.
      Using WHO standard larval bioassay test method, third instar larvae of Aedes
      aegypti were exposed to concentration ranging from 200- 4500 ppm of methanol
      extract for all plant species. Larval mortality was observed after 24 hours
      exposure. The highest susceptibility and toxicity was recorded by Mangifera
      indica with the lowest concentration at 800 ppm followed by M. fasciculiflora and
      G. renghas. This indicates that crude plant extract is very effective in killing
      Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. This finding may lead to new low cost alternative,
      environmentally friendly method for mosquito control programs. To our knowledge,
      this is the first report on larvicidal bioefficacy from endemic Malaysian plants.

PMID- 25134899
TI  - Prevalence and genotype of Giardia duodenalis from faecal samples of stray dogs
      in Hualien city of eastern Taiwan.
AB  - Giardia duodenalis is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes diarrhea through
      waterborne transmission or fecal-oral infection. The cysts are chlorine-resistant
      and, therefore, can pollute drinking water and induce a pandemic disease. In this
      study, we aimed to detect G. duodenalis infection in stray dogs in Hualien,
      Taiwan. We collected faecal samples from 118 dogs and amplified DNA sequences of
      the beta-giardin gene by nested polymerase chain reactions (nested PCR). Eleven
      of the 118 faecal samples tested positive for the parasite. The genotype analysis
      of the 11 samples indicated that 7 samples belonged to assemblage C and four
      samples belonged to assemblage D. Our study provided a better understanding of
      the infection rate and genotypes of G. duodenalis in dogs from Hualien City, and
      human infection could not be induced by this zoonotic infection pathway in
      Hualien City. 

PMID- 25134900
TI  - Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected rats: micronucleated polychromatic
      erythrocytes.
AB  - The emergence of bone marrow micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MN-PCE)
      in rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei was examined in
      order to understand the bone marrow effects in trypanosomiasis infection. Bone
      marrow was collected for micronucleus assay while blood samples were collected
      from infected rat for hematological analysis. The results showed evidence of MN
      PCE at 12.75 +/- 0.65 micronuclei/ 1000 PCE and 9.60 +/- 2.95 micronuclei/1000
      PCE for rats infected for 21 days and 14 days respectively. The hematology
      examination revealed changes in packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood
      cells with concomitant increase in parasitemia. This study revealed that the
      generation of MN-PCE was induced by an acute infection of T. b. brucei in rats
      and this highlights an important phase in the pathogenesis of the disease that
      may indicate possible damage to genetic information.

PMID- 25134901
TI  - A pre-enrichment step is essential for detection of Campylobacter sp. in turbid
      pond water.
AB  - This work aimed to detect Campylobacter species from naturally contaminated
      turbid pond water by PCR. A total of 16 water samples were collected from a
      turbid village pond. Four methods of DNA extraction were applied to centrifuge
      pellets from eight 100 ml pond water samples prior to attempted detection of
      Campylobacter by PCR without an enrichment step. These methods were (1) Tris-HCl
      and sodium dodecyl sulfate followed by phenol:chloroform:isoamylalcohol
      extraction followed by treatment with DNA clean up kit, (2) proteinase K, (3)
      Chelex(r) 100, and (4) boiling. The other eight pond water samples (10 ml and 100
      ml) were filtered and filters were incubated overnight in Preston enrichment
      broth. The centrifuge pellets obtained from enrichment cultures were treated by
      proteinase K for DNA extraction. Primers CF03 and CF04 for the flagellin genes
      (flaA and flaB) of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were used for
      amplifying the extracted DNA. The DNA extracted from eight-100 ml pond water
      samples that were not subject to selective enrichment was never amplified with
      primers CF03 and CF04, hence Campylobacter was not detected. In contrast, the DNA
      that was from samples that were subjected to a selective enrichment step in
      Preston broth prior to PCR assay always gave amplified bands of 340-380 bp,
      therefore the presence of Campylobacter was confirmed. Detection of
      campylobacters from naturally contaminated, turbid, environmental water may not
      be feasible by direct PCR assay because of low numbers and the presence of high
      concentration of humic matter and other PCR inhibitors. The enrichment of water
      samples in selective broth, however, facilitated PCR detection of Campylobacter
      probably by increasing cell number and by diluting PCR inhibitors. 

PMID- 25134902
TI  - Identification of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and other nematodes using the SSU
      rDNA in Achatina fulica populations of Metro Manila.
AB  - Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a parasitic nematode that causes eosinophilic
      meningitis in humans. Accidental infection occurs by consumption of contaminated
      intermediates, such as the giant African land snail, Achatina fulica. This study
      surveyed the presence of A. cantonensis juveniles in A. fulica populations from
      12 sites in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines using the SSU rDNA. Fourteen
      distinct sequences from 226 nematodes were obtained; of these, two matched A.
      cantonensis and Ancylostoma caninum, respectively, with 100% identity. Exact
      identities of the remaining twelve sequences could not be determined due to low
      percent similarities. Of the sequenced nematodes, A. cantonensis occurred with
      the highest frequency (139 out of 226). Most of these (131 out of 139) were
      collected in just one area in Quezon City. Nematode infection of A. fulica in
      this area and two others from Makati and another area in Quezon City,
      respectively, were highest, combining for 95% of the total infection. Ancylostoma
      caninum, on the other hand, was detected in four different sites. A. caninum is a
      canine parasite, and this is the first report of the nematode in A. fulica. These
      results cause public health concerns as both A. cantonensis and A. caninum are
      zoonotic to humans. 

PMID- 25134903
TI  - The blow fly, Chrysomya megacephala, and the house fly, Musca domestica, as
      mechanical vectors of pathogenic bacteria in Northeast Thailand.
AB  - The Oriental latrine fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera:
      Calliphoridae) and the house fly, Musca domestica L., (Diptera: Muscidae) are
      synanthropic flies which are adapted to live in close association with human
      habitations, thereby making them likely mechanical vectors of several pathogens
      to humans. There were two main aims of this study. The first aim was to determine
      the prevalence of these two fly species from five types of human habitations
      including: fresh-food markets, garbage piles, restaurants, school cafeterias and
      paddy fields, in the Muang Ubon Ratchathani and Warinchamrap districts of Ubon
      Ratchathani province of Northeast Thailand. Flies collection were conducted
      monthly from September 2010-October 2011 using a reconstructable funnel trap,
      containing 1 day-tainted beef offal as bait. A total of 7 750 flies (6 401 C.
      megacephala and 1 349 M.domestica) were collected. The second aim was to examine
      the potential of these flies to carry pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria were isolated
      from 994 individual flies collected using a sweep net (555 C. megacephala and 439
      M. domestica). A total of 15 bacterial genera were isolated from the external
      surfaces, comprising ten genera of gram-negative bacteria and five gram-positive
      bacteria. The most common bacteria isolated from both species were coagulase
      negative staphylococci, followed by Streptococcus group D non-enterococci. Human
      pathogenic enteric bacteria isolated were Salmonella sp., Shigella sp.,
      Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus sp., and Enterococcus sp.,
      of which S. typhi is the first report of isolation from these fly species. Other
      human pathogens included Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Not
      only were the number of C. megacephala positive for bacteria significantly higher
      than for M. domestica, but they were also carrying ~11-12 times greater bacterial
      load than M. domestica. These data suggest that both fly species should be
      considered potential mechanical vectors of bacterial pathogens associated with
      human habitations year-round in this region of Northeast Thailand. 

PMID- 25134904
TI  - Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in stray and pet dogs in Grenada, West
      Indies.
AB  - American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) caused by the protozoan parasite
      Trypanosoma cruzi is endemic to parts of South America and the Caribbean.
      Infected dogs are important in the epidemiology of the parasite as they can play
      a role in the transmission of the parasite to humans. A total of 399 dog sera
      (242 stray and 157 pet dogs) were examined for T. cruzi infection; using a
      qualitative immunochromatographic dipstick test, based on recombinant antigens
      specific for American trypanosomiasis (Trypanosoma detect rapid test; InBios
      international, Inc., Seattle, Washington). Overall seroprevalence for T. cruzi
      was estimated at 10.5% (95% confidence interval: 7.5% to 13.5%); with stray dogs
      being significantly more affected (p<0.05, chi2). Results from this study
      indicate that dogs in Grenada are moderately exposed to T. cruzi compared to
      other areas in the region.

PMID- 25134905
TI  - Morphology of puparia of flesh flies in Thailand.
AB  - Puparia of five flesh fly species were investigated for forensic study.
      Boettcherisca nathani (Lopes, 1961), Boettcherisca peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy,
      1830), Lioproctia pattoni (Senior-White, 1924), Liopygia ruficornis (Fabricius,
      1794) and Parasarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) dux (Thomson, 1869) were examined with a
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differences between species were found in the
      number and arrangement of papillae in the anterior spiracle, the shape of
      intersegmental spines between the prothorax and mesothorax and the pattern of
      spiracular tufts at the posterior spiracle. The anterior spiracle of B. nathani
      had two rows, comprising 21-27 papillae; while those of B. peregrina and L.
      pattoni had one or two irregular rows with 24-26 and 20-28 papillae,
      respectively. Anterior spiracle of L. ruficornis and P. dux had one row of 10-15
      papillae. Intersegmental spines between the prothorax and mesothorax and pattern
      of spiracular tufts at the posterior spiracle are morphologically different. L.
      ruficornis and P. dux puparia are similar, but the position of the interslit
      plate between the inner and middle spiracular slits was found to be an important
      attribute to separate both species. Morphometric analysis on the length and width
      of puparia of these species revealed statistically different among them. The key
      for identifying puparia of forensically important flesh flies has been provided. 

PMID- 25134906
TI  - Seasonal occurrence and habitat of two pennellids (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida)
      infecting marine ranched black scraper and Korean rockfish in Korea.
AB  - The seasonal occurrence and habitat of two parasitic copepods, Peniculus
      minuticaudae (Shiino, 1956) and Peniculus truncatus (Shiino, 1956)
      (Siphonostomatoida, Pennellidae) infecting the fins of black scraper Thamnaconus
      modestus and Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegelii, respectively were investigated.
      The fishes were collected from Tongyeong marine living resources research and
      conservation center, southern coast of Korea as five per month for two years from
      July 2011 to June 2013. In total, 391 copepods of P. minuticaudae were collected
      in two years, in contrast to P. truncatus. Prevalence was 85%, mean intensity was
      3.25, and maximum intensity was 33. Season wise, the infestation was observed as
      the highest in autumn (September-November) season, and the lowest in winter
      (December- February). It was infested only on fins of black scrapers. Abundance
      of P. minuticaudae was found on the pectoral fin (43.5%), followed by anal
      (22.5%), second dorsal (20.5%) and caudal fins (13.5%). Statistically significant
      interactions were observed between season, infestation and infected regions
      (P<0.001). It is also reported for the first time in Korea from the fins of wild
      threadsail filefish Stephanolepis cirrhifer from Busan, Jeju, Tongyeong and Yeosu
      fish markets. It can be a new record on its host and localities. A total of 51 P.
      truncatus were collected with the prevalence of 37.5%, mean intensity of 0.37 and
      maximum intensity of 6. Season wise, infestation was observed as the highest in
      summer (June-August), and the lowest in winter. Attachment site was the dorsal
      fin and not found from any other fins of rockfish. Statistically significant
      interaction was observed between season and infestation (P<0.05). This is the
      first report on the ecology of these two pennellids. 

PMID- 25134908
TI  - First record of chewing louse Heterodoxus spiniger (Insecta, Phthiraptera,
      Boopidae) on stray dogs from northern region of Egypt.
AB  - Heterodoxus spiniger is a rare chewing louse; infest dogs and occasionally cats
      with expanding geographical distribution. This preliminary report is aimed to
      record infestation of stray dogs in Kafr El-Sheikh city, Egypt by H. spiniger.
      Two dogs out of 10 were naturally infected with H. spiniger. This report is the
      first to demonstrate H. spiniger infestation on dogs in northern regions of Nile
      delta of Egypt. 

PMID- 25134907
TI  - Genetic variability of the serine-rich Entamoeba histolytica protein gene in
      clinical isolates from the United Arab Emirates.
AB  - The genetic diversity of 20 Entamoeba histolytica isolates from asymptomatic
      individuals from the UAE was investigated by analyzing polymorphism in the serine
      rich E. histolytica gene (SREHP) by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      amplification followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) on DNA
      extracted directly from stool samples. The SREHP gene was successfully amplified
      in 15 out of 20 E. histolytica-positive samples. Four out of the remaining five
      isolates did not amplify for the SREHP gene. Despite successful amplification of
      the SREHP gene in the fifth isolate, AluI digestion of the amplified PCR product
      revealed no bands. As a result, all five samples were excluded from the study.
      Twelve different profiles were obtained from the 15 successfully amplified
      isolates. Thus, demonstrating extensive genetic variability and reinforcing the
      argument that E. histolytica has an extremely polymorphic genetic structure.
      Despite the sample size limitation, a finding in the study was the occurrence of
      one profile common to one Indian isolate while another profile common to one
      Pakistani isolate; indicating the possibility of clonal infection. Furthermore,
      we found one isolate from a Bangladeshi expatriate identical to 2 asymptomatic
      Bangladeshi isolates reported in an earlier study. No clear association between
      the different genotypes and the study population demographics was noted. The
      results also indicated the possibility of strains clustering by region. 

PMID- 25134909
TI  - A preliminary report on ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) recovered from forensic
      entomological studies conducted in different ecological habitats in Malaysia.
AB  - This study reported the ant species that were recovered from monkey carcasses in
      three different ecological habitats in Malaysia. The study was conducted from 9
      May - 10 October 2007, 6 May - 6 August 2008 and 26 May - 14 July 2009 in
      forested area (Gombak, Selangor), coastal area (Tanjong Sepat, Selangor) and
      highland area (Bukit Cincin, Pahang), respectively. Monkey carcass was used as a
      model for human decomposition in this study. A total of 4 replicates were used in
      each of the study sites. Ants were observed to prey on eggs, larvae, pupae and
      newly emerged flies. This study found that ant species could be found at all
      stages of decomposition, indicating that ants were not a significant indicator
      for faunal succession. However, different species of ants were obtained from
      monkey carcasses placed in different ecological habitats. Cardiocondyla sp. was
      only found on carcasses placed in the coastal area; while Pheidole longipes,
      Hypoponera sp. and Pachycondyla sp. were solely found on carcasses placed in the
      highland area. On the other hand, Pheidologeton diversus and Paratrechina
      longicornis were found in several ecological habitats. These data suggests that
      specific ant species can act as geographic indicators for different ecological
      habitats in forensic entomology cases in Malaysia. 

PMID- 25134910
TI  - Quantification of parasite density in 200 microscopic fields underestimates the
      parasitemia level in malaria patients.
AB  - The determination of parasitemia in the diagnosis of malaria is a routine
      practice because it assists the selection of treatment. The techniques used for
      estimating parasitemia are based on leukocyte counts or on a fixed volume of
      blood examined in a microscopic field. This study evaluated the concordance
      between parasitemia estimated by counting parasites in 200 microscopic fields and
      by counting parasites per 500 leukocytes using the automated leukocyte count as a
      reference. This study included 403 patients with acute malaria. The parasitemia
      levels obtained by each method varied greatly. A large discrepancy was observed
      between the 2 methods with respect to parasitemia results, with 17.6% and 82.4%
      of the values being overestimates and underestimates, respectively, compared to
      quantification by the automated leukocyte counts. Thus, these findings reveal the
      inaccuracy of this method and should be considered by health professionals
      involved in clinical management of the disease. 

PMID- 25134911
TI  - Different profile of intestinal protozoa and helminthic infections among patients
      with diarrhoea according to age attending a rural hospital in southern Ethiopia.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the association of intestinal parasitic
      diseases with age and gender in patients with diarrhea attending a rural hospital
      in southern Ethiopia in the period 2007-2012. A total of 32,191 stool examination
      was performed in patients who presented with diarrhea. The overall prevalence of
      intestinal parasites in the present study was 26.5%. Predominant parasites
      detected were Giardia lamblia (15.0%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5.4%), and
      Ascaris lumbricoides (5.0%). The median of age of diarrheal patients with
      Hymenolepis species, Schistosoma mansoni and G. lamblia was significantly lower
      (5 y., 10.5 y., and 18 y., respectively; p<0.001). The median age of diarrheal
      patients with Taenia species, S. stercoralis, and E. histolytica/dispar was
      significantly higher (24 y., 24 y., and 20 y., respectively; p<0.01). In
      conclusion, Giardia lamblia was the most prevalent intestinal parasite and the
      profile of intestinal parasitic infections is influenced by age. 

PMID- 25134912
TI  - The impact of HIV-1 on neurogenesis: implications for HAND.
AB  - HIV-1 infection, in addition to its destructive effects on the immune system,
      plays a role in the development of neurocognitive deficits. Indeed up to 50% of
      long-term HIV infected patients suffer from HIV-associated neurocognitive
      disorders (HAND). These deficits have been well characterized and defined
      clinically according to a number of cognitive parameters. HAND is often
      accompanied by atrophy of the brain including inhibition of neurogenesis,
      especially in the hippocampus. Many mechanisms have been proposed as contributing
      factors to HAND including induction of oxidative stress in the central nervous
      system (CNS), chronic microglial-mediated neuroinflammation, amyloid-beta (Abeta)
      deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and toxic effects of combination
      antiretroviral therapy (cART). In these review we focus solely on recent
      experimental evidence suggesting that disturbance by HIV-1 results in impairment
      of neurogenesis as one contributing factor to HAND. Impaired neurogenesis has
      been linked to cognitive deficits and other neurodegenerative disorders. This
      article will highlight recently identified pathological mechanisms which
      potentially contribute to the development of impaired neurogenesis by HIV-1 or
      HIV-1-associated proteins from both animal and human studies.

PMID- 25134914
TI  - Interstitial lung disease during targeted therapy in metastatic renal cell
      carcinoma: a case series from three centres.
AB  - Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an adverse event which occurs also during
      targeted treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).
      Experiences on ILD-management in mRCC remain limited. mRCC patients treated with
      everolimus, temsirolimus, or sunitinib at three centres from January 2006 until
      December 2009 were analysed, retrospectively. Medical records and imaging
      studies, as well as clinical course, the incidence, diagnostic measures,
      treatment, and outcome of ILD were assessed. Twenty-six ILD patients (11 %) were
      identified out of 237 mRCC patients. Median treatment until ILD-diagnosis was 3.8
      (range: 1-21.5) months. The ILD-frequency was 2.7 % (n = 6/226) during sunitinib
      therapy and 19.8 % (n = 20/101) during m-TOR-inhibitor treatment. Cough was the
      prevailing symptom (69.2 %, n = 18). Bronchoalveolar lavage reviled often
      lymphocytic (42.9 %, n = 6/14) or eosinophilic cellularity (28.6 %, n = 4/14).
      Dose reduction (42.3 %, n = 11), treatment interruption (46.2 %, n = 12) or
      termination (23.1 %, n = 6), and steroid application (34.6 %, n = 9) were common
      measures in ILD. Interestingly, eosinophilic ILD required pulsed steroids.
      Improvement occurred in 73.7 % of symptomatic patients. Continuation of targeted
      therapies was warranted in 65.4 % of ILD patients. No patient died from ILD. ILD
      during targeted mRCC treatment is common, and supportive measures should be
      adapted to the clinical course, and potentially in dependence of BAL findings. Re
      exposure to targeted therapies appears feasible.

PMID- 25134916
TI  - Metastatic parenchymal renal squamous cell carcinoma with hypercalcemia.

PMID- 25134915
TI  - Single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis of a common single nucleotide
      variation in WRAP53 gene, rs2287499, and evaluating its association in relation
      to breast cancer risk and prognosis among Iranian-Azeri population.
AB  - The WRAP53 (WD40-encoding RNA antisense to p53) gene encodes an antisense RNA,
      essential for p53 stabilization and induction upon DNA damage. Single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in WRAP53 have been associated with risk of cancer, which
      strengthens the role of WRAP53 in the pathogenesis of human malignancies. In
      fact, WRAP53 has been considered as a candidate cancer susceptibility gene.
      Accordingly, we performed a study to examine the association of a frequent
      genetic variation in WRAP53, rs2287499 (C/G), with breast cancer risk and
      prognosis among Iranian-Azeri population. A case-control association study,
      including 206 cases and 203 controls from Iranian-Azeri population, was
      conducted. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and tumor samples by
      salting-out method. SNP genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction
      based single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) technique. The
      sequence variation of SSCP banding patterns was determined by sequencing. The
      collected data were analyzed through statistical package for the social sciences
      software, using Chi-square (chi (2)) or Fisher's exact tests, with a significance
      level of 0.05. No significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies
      between cases and controls were detected. Similarly, no significant associations
      between genotypes and clinicopathological data were observed. Concisely, no
      significant overall associations between rs2287499 and breast cancer risk and
      prognosis were detected in the studied population. The rs2287499 SNP is not
      associated with breast cancer predisposition in Iranian-Azeri women; it also
      cannot be used as a molecular biomarker to predict breast cancer prognosis in
      Iranian-Azeri population.

PMID- 25134913
TI  - Novel function of PITH domain-containing 1 as an activator of internal ribosomal
      entry site to enhance RUNX1 expression and promote megakaryocyte differentiation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Altered gene expression coincides with leukemia development and may
      affect distinct features of leukemic cells. PITHD1 was significantly
      downregulated in leukemia and upregulated upon PMA induction in K562 cells
      undergoing megakaryocyte differentiation. We aimed to study the function of
      PITHD1 in megakaryocyte differentiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: K562 cells and
      fetal liver cells were used for either overexpression or downregulation of PITHD1
      by retroviral or lentiviral transduction. FACS was used to detect the expression
      of CD41 and CD42 to measure megakaryocyte differentiation in these cells. Western
      blot and quantitative RT-PCR were used to measure gene expression. Dual
      luciferase assay was used to detect promoter or internal ribosomal entry site
      (IRES) activity. RESULTS: Ectopic expression of PITHD1 promoted megakaryocyte
      differentiation and increased RUNX1 expression while PITHD1 knockdown showed an
      opposite phenotype. Furthermore, PITHD1 efficiently induced endogenous RUNX1
      expression and restored megakaryocyte differentiation suppressed by a dominant
      negative form of RUNX1. PITHD1 regulated RUNX1 expression at least through two
      distinct mechanisms: increasing transcription activity of proximal promoter and
      enhancing translation activity of an IRES element in exon 3. Finally, we
      confirmed the function of PITHD1 in regulating RUNX1 expression and
      megakaryopoiesis in mouse fetal liver cells. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: PITHD1
      was a novel activator of IRES and enhanced RUNX1 expression that subsequently
      promoted megakaryocyte differentiation. Our findings shed light on understanding
      the mechanisms underlying megakaryopoiesis or leukemogenesis.

PMID- 25134917
TI  - Multimodality treatment of osteosarcoma of the jaw: a single institution
      experience.
AB  - Osteosarcomas of the jaws are rare mesenchymal tumors frequently diagnosed in the
      fourth decade of life which account for 6 % of all osteosarcomas. This study
      evaluated the efficacy on the patients outcome of multimodality treatment
      consisting of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The records of 22 patients
      affected by jaw osteosarcoma treated with a combination of surgery, poly
      chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy in selected cases were reviewed. Response
      rate, progression-free survival and overall survival were evaluated. Neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy resulted in an overall response rate of 83.3 %, necrosis of grade I
      or II was obtained, respectively, in 44.4 and 55.6 % of the patients, and surgery
      was radical in all patients. At a median follow-up of 60 months, the 5-year
      progression-free survival and overall survival were 73.5 and 77.4 %,
      respectively. These outcome parameters significantly correlated with age at
      diagnosis and grade of chemotherapy-induced necrosis. A complex multimodality
      approach including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, along with radical surgery, can
      maximize the outcome of patients affected by osteosarcoma of the jaws.

PMID- 25134918
TI  - Clinical value of circulating tumor cells for the prognosis of postoperative
      transarterial chemoembolization therapy.
AB  - The aim of this study was to clarify circulating tumor cells (CTCs) count could
      reflect the effect of postoperative transarterial chemoembolization therapy. A
      single-blind, two-parallel group, randomized trial was conducted in Guangdong
      General Hospital, Guangzhou, China, with patients: (1) with biopsy-confirmed
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and (2) undergoing partial resection. Patients in
      transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) group received TACE 1 month after
      resection, while control group received no managements. The time points for blood
      collection to count CTCs were as follows: (1) 1 month after resection (also 1 day
      before TACE); (2) 1 month after TACE; (3) 2 months after TACE; (4) 3 months after
      TACE; (5) 6 months after TACE; and (6) 1 year after TACE. A diagnosis of
      recurrence was based on computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, or
      digital subtraction angiography. We compared recurrence rate (RR) and CTC counts
      between groups. Between July 2010 and July 2012, 171 patients (TACE group: n =
      81; control group: n = 90) were recruited. After TACE, mean CTC count in TACE
      group was 1.32 (CI 2.59-3.34), compared with 3.65 (CI 3.43-3.88) in control group
      (F = 200.89, P<0.05). CTCs counts were statistically significantly between groups
      at post-TACE time points. In addition, RR of TACE group was 25.9 % (21/81), while
      the number was 56.7 % (51/90) in control group. RR was statistically
      significantly between groups (P = 0.031). CTCs count was an important prognostic
      parameter for postoperative TACE on HCC recurrence.

PMID- 25134919
TI  - CISD2 expression is a novel marker correlating with pelvic lymph node metastasis
      and prognosis in patients with early-stage cervical cancer.
AB  - The CDGSH iron sulfur domain2 (CISD2) is an evolutionarily conserved gene. It
      functions to control mammalian life span and regulate human breast cancer cells
      proliferation. However, the characteristics of CISD2 expression and its
      clinical/prognostic significance are unclear in human tumor. Our study aimed to
      investigate the expression pattern and clinicopathological significance of CISD2
      in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. The mRNA and protein expression
      levels of CISD2 were analyzed in eight cervical cancer cell lines and eight
      paired cervical cancer tumors by real-time PCR and Western blotting,
      respectively. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine CISD2 protein
      expression in paraffin-embedded tissues from 149 early-stage cervical cancer
      patients. Statistical analyses were used to evaluate the clinicopathological
      significance of CISD2 expression. CISD2 expression was significantly upregulated
      in cervical cancer cells at both the mRNA and protein levels. Statistical
      analysis showed a significant correlation of CISD2 expression with the squamous
      cell carcinoma antigen (P = 0.000), myometrium invasion (P = 0.003), recurrence
      (P = 0.012), lymphovascular space involvement (P = 0.019) and especially pelvic
      lymph node metastasis (PLNM; P = 0.000). Patients with higher CISD2 expression
      had shorter overall survival duration than patients with lower CISD2 expression.
      Multivariate analysis suggested that CISD2 expression might be an independent
      prognostic indicator for the survival of patients with early-stage cervical
      cancer. Our results for the first time suggested that high CISD2 expression was
      closely correlated with PLNM and poor prognosis in early-stage cervical cancer
      patients. CISD2 protein might be a novel biomarker for early-stage cervical
      cancer progression.

PMID- 25134922
TI  - Fetal cardiac interventricular septum: volume assessment by 3D/4D ultrasound
      using spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) and virtual organ computer-aided
      analysis (VOCAL).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine reference values for fetal interventricular septum (IVS)
      volume by 3D/4D ultrasound using spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) and
      virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL). METHODS: A prospective cross
      sectional study was conducted on 200 consecutive normal low-risk pregnant women
      at a gestational age ranging from 18w0d to 33w6d. The volume data sets of the
      fetal heart were acquired by applying STIC to a four-chamber plane. IVS volume
      was calculated offline using VOCAL with rotation of 30 degrees  (six planes). To
      assess the correlation of fetal IVS volume as a function of gestational age (GA),
      Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and polynomial regression models with
      adjustments through the coefficient of determination (R(2)) were calculated. The
      intra-class coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate intra- and inter-observer
      reproducibility. RESULTS: A good correlation between GA and fetal IVS volume (r =
      0.827) was observed. The mean fetal IVS volume ranged from 0.13 +/- 0.03 cm(3)
      (0.08-0.18 cm(3)) at 18wd0 of gestation to 1.33 +/- 0.37 cm(3) (0.41-1.98 cm(3))
      at 33w6d. The best correlation between fetal IVS volume and GA was exponential:
      fetal IVS volume = 0.11e(0.139*GA) (R(2 )= 0.785). A good intra- and inter
      observer reliability were observed, with ICC = 0.999 and 0.991, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Reference values for fetal IVS volume using STIC and VOCAL by 3D/4D
      ultrasound between 18w0d and 33w6d of gestation were determined and showed to be
      reliable and concordant.

PMID- 25134920
TI  - Breakeven prices for recording of indicator traits to reduce the environmental
      impact of milk production.
AB  - A breeding scheme using genomic selection and an indicator trait for
      environmental impact (EI) was studied to find the most effective recording
      strategy in terms of annual monetary genetic gain and breakeven price for the
      recording of indicator traits. The breakeven price shows the investment space for
      developing a recording system for an indicator trait. The breeding goal consisted
      of three traits - milk production, functional trait and environmental impact -
      with economic values of ?83, ?82 and ?-83, respectively. The first scenario
      included only breeding goal traits and no indicator traits (NoIT). The other
      scenarios included all three breeding goal traits and one indicator trait (IT)
      for EI. The indicator traits were recorded on a large scale (stayability after
      first lactation and stature), medium scale (live weight and greenhouse gases
      (GHG) measured in the breath of the cow during milking) or small scale (residual
      feed intake and total enteric methane measured in a respiration chamber). In the
      scenario with stayability, the genetic gain in EI was over 11% higher than it was
      in NoIT. The breakeven price of recording stayability was ?8 per record.
      Stayability is easy to record in the national milk recording system, and its use
      as an indicator trait for EI would not generate any additional recording costs.
      Therefore, stayability would be a good indicator trait to use to mitigate EI. The
      highest genetic gain in EI (23% higher compared to NoIT) was achieved when the
      GHG measured in the breath of the cow was used as indicator trait. The breakeven
      price for this indicator trait was ?29 per record in the reference population.
      Ideally the recording of a specific indicator trait for EI would take place when:
      (i) the genetic correlation between the IT and EI is high; and (ii) the number of
      phenotypic records for the indicator trait is high enough to achieve a moderately
      high reliability of direct genomic values.

PMID- 25134923
TI  - Effectiveness of aldosterone antagonists for preventing atrial fibrillation after
      cardiac surgery in patients with systolic heart failure: a retrospective study.
AB  - Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common arrhythmia after
      cardiac surgery. There exist consistent experimental and clinical data suggesting
      that aldosterone antagonists (AAs) may exert beneficial effects regarding
      electrical and structural remodeling in failing myocardium. Recently, eplerenone
      (EPL) has been found to reduce the incidence of nonsurgical AF when added to
      guideline-recommended therapy in patients with systolic heart failure. Based on
      these findings, we primarily aimed to evaluate by retrospective analysis the
      impact of the two AAs, EPL and spironolactone (SPL), given at standard
      therapeutic doses in preventing new-onset POAF in patients the majority of which
      had a preoperative ejection fraction (EF) below 40%. A total of 332 patients (298
      men/34 women, mean age 64.3 +/- 9 years) without history of AF were included in
      this analysis; 132 of these patients received long-term EPL or SPL in addition to
      beta-blockade/statins therapy and 200 patients received neither EPL nor SPL. All
      patients underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (80%) and/or valvular
      surgery (20%). In the nonAA group (EF = 35.8 +/- 6%) 90/200 patients (45%) had
      POAF, while in the AA group (EF = 36.2 +/- 5%) only 40/132 patients (30.3%)
      developed POAF (P < 0.01, chi (2) test). Multivariate logistic regression
      analysis revealed that only AAs and left atrial diameter significantly affected
      the development of POAF even when adjusted for other clinical variables (P <
      0.05). In conclusion, AAs significantly reduced the incidence of POAF when added
      to standard heart failure therapy in patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery.

PMID- 25134925
TI  - Metals in the caudal scutes of Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) from
      the southern Gulf of Mexico.
AB  - Caudal scutes were collected from 92 Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii)
      between May and August 2012, in three Wildlife Management and Use Units (UMAs,
      from its name in Spanish) and three wild sites in Campeche, Mexico. The UMAs are
      intensive, with an ex situ approach to manage crocodiles in captivity. The
      concentrations of arsenic, mercury, lead, nickel, cadmium and chromium were
      analyzed in each sample. As and Pb were detected in all samples, Hg in 86 and Ni
      in 74. The metal concentrations estimated were higher than most of the
      concentrations reported for skin, tail tip and caudal scutes in other
      crocodilians around the world. The concentration of As, Pb and Ni was
      significantly greater in the free-ranging groups than in the captive groups in
      UMAs (p < 0.05). Negative linear relationship was estimated between the snout
      vent length and the concentration of Pb (in five groups) and Ni (in three
      groups). In this region C. moreletii is exposed to metals contamination and more
      studies are necessary to establish if represents a risk to their populations.

PMID- 25134926
TI  - Aug-MIA-QSPR modeling of the soil sorption of carboxylic acid herbicides.
AB  - Soil sorption, described as logK OC (the logarithm of the soil/water partition
      coefficient normalized to organic carbon), was modeled using the augmented
      multivariate image analysis applied to quantitative structure-property
      relationship method for a series of 11 carboxylic acid herbicides. The
      statistical model was found to be highly predictive and reliable to estimate logK
      OC of other persistent organic pollutants in the soil, which are analogues of the
      carboxylic acids used in the QSPR model. The QSPR model derived from images
      corresponding to the chemical structures of the 11 herbicides is superior to the
      uniparameter model based on the octanol/water partition coefficient (logP) and,
      in addition, a pattern recognition model was built using principal component
      analysis. This model allowed clustering and separating compounds with
      low/moderate soil sorption from those with moderate/high soil sorption (compounds
      with the aryloxy function) using the second principal component.

PMID- 25134927
TI  - Preparation and pharmaceutical evaluation of new tacrolimus-loaded solid self
      emulsifying drug delivery system.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop a novel tacrolimus-loaded solid self
      emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) using Labrafac as an oil phase. The
      ternary phase diagram was plotted with Labrafac, Labrasol and Lauroglycol used as
      an oil, surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. The liquid SEDDS formulated
      with Labrasol, Lauroglycol and Labrafac (70:15:15, volume ratio) furnished the
      smallest emulsion globule size. The solid SEDDS was obtained by spray-drying the
      liquid mixture containing the liquid SEDDS with 5 % tacrolimus and silicon
      dioxide. Furthermore, dissolution of tacrolimus from the solid SEDDS and
      pharmacokinetics in rats was studied compared to the commercial product. The
      solid SEDDS produced relatively larger emulsion globule size than that exhibited
      by the corresponding liquid SEDDS. However, this size variation was not
      significantly different. The solid SEDDS with approximately 280 nm emulsion
      droplet size improved the dissolution of the drug compared to drug power and the
      commercial product. It resulted in significantly higher plasma concentration, AUC
      and Cmax, and shorter Tmax values than did the commercial product (p < 0.05). The
      enormously enhanced oral bioavailability of tacrolimus in rats was attributed to
      relatively faster absorption due to accelerated dissolution of the drug from the
      solid SEDDS. Therefore, this novel solid SEDDS prepared with Labrafac as an oil
      phase is an excellent way to achieve better bioavailability of tacrolimus given
      via the oral route.

PMID- 25134924
TI  - Managing chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity in survivors of childhood cancers.
AB  - In the US, children diagnosed with cancer are living longer, but not without
      consequences from the same drugs that cured their cancer. In these patients,
      cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of non-cancer-related morbidity and
      mortality. Although this review focuses on anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy
      in childhood cancer survivors, the global lifetime risk of other cardiovascular
      diseases such as atherosclerosis, arrhythmias and intracardiac conduction
      abnormalities, hypertension, and stroke also are increased. Besides
      anthracyclines, newer molecularly targeted agents, such as vascular endothelial
      growth factor receptor and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, also have been associated
      with acute hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and increased risk of ischemic cardiac
      events and arrhythmias, and are summarized here. This review also covers other
      risk factors for chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity (including both modifiable
      and non-modifiable factors), monitoring strategies (including both blood and
      imaging-based biomarkers) during and following cancer treatment, and discusses
      the management of cardiotoxicity (including prevention strategies such as
      cardioprotection by use of dexrazoxane). 

PMID- 25134930
TI  - Letter from the editor.

PMID- 25134929
TI  - An approach to multiscale modelling with graph grammars.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Functional-structural plant models (FSPMs) simulate
      biological processes at different spatial scales. Methods exist for multiscale
      data representation and modification, but the advantages of using multiple scales
      in the dynamic aspects of FSPMs remain unclear. Results from multiscale models in
      various other areas of science that share fundamental modelling issues with FSPMs
      suggest that potential advantages do exist, and this study therefore aims to
      introduce an approach to multiscale modelling in FSPMs. METHODS: A three-part
      graph data structure and grammar is revisited, and presented with a conceptual
      framework for multiscale modelling. The framework is used for identifying roles,
      categorizing and describing scale-to-scale interactions, thus allowing
      alternative approaches to model development as opposed to correlation-based
      modelling at a single scale. Reverse information flow (from macro- to micro
      scale) is catered for in the framework. The methods are implemented within the
      programming language XL. KEY RESULTS: Three example models are implemented using
      the proposed multiscale graph model and framework. The first illustrates the
      fundamental usage of the graph data structure and grammar, the second uses
      probabilistic modelling for organs at the fine scale in order to derive crown
      growth, and the third combines multiscale plant topology with ozone trends and
      metabolic network simulations in order to model juvenile beech stands under
      exposure to a toxic trace gas. CONCLUSIONS: The graph data structure supports
      data representation and grammar operations at multiple scales. The results
      demonstrate that multiscale modelling is a viable method in FSPM and an
      alternative to correlation-based modelling. Advantages and disadvantages of
      multiscale modelling are illustrated by comparisons with single-scale
      implementations, leading to motivations for further research in sensitivity
      analysis and run-time efficiency for these models.

PMID- 25134928
TI  - A bifunctional curcumin analogue for two-photon imaging and inhibiting
      crosslinking of amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - In this report, we designed a highly bright bifunctional curcumin analogue CRANAD
      28. In vivo two-photon imaging suggested that CRANAD-28 could penetrate the blood
      brain barrier (BBB) and label plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathies (CAAs).
      We also demonstrated that this imaging probe could inhibit the crosslinking of
      amyloid beta induced either by copper or by natural conditions. 

PMID- 25134931
TI  - A population-based study of pregnancy and delivery characteristics among women
      with vulvodynia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To examine pregnancy and delivery characteristics of women with and
      without vulvodynia. METHODS: The authors analyzed 227 vulvodynia cases that were
      less than 45 years old at pain onset; controls were age matched 1:1 to cases and
      had no history of vulvar pain. Pregnancy and delivery events were assessed after
      age at first vulvar pain onset (the reference age) in cases and a matched age in
      controls. RESULTS: The authors observed no significant difference between cases
      and controls in achieving pregnancy after reference age. Also, no difference in
      pregnancy outcome was observed between cases and controls (P = 0.87). There was
      an indication that cases were more likely to receive a Cesarean section delivery
      (P = 0.07). In addition, 37.1% of cases who had vaginal delivery versus 11.3% of
      controls (P < 0.01) reported pain at 2 months postpartum. Comparing only women
      with vulvodynia, women who had intermittent pain versus constant pain were more
      than twice as likely to have a pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio 2.26, 95% CI 1.10
      4.60). CONCLUSIONS: Women with vulvodynia may be as likely as other women to
      carry their pregnancy to birth; however, they may experience higher rates of
      Cesarean section delivery and could reflect a selection towards those women with
      vulvodynia who have inconsistent pain.

PMID- 25134933
TI  - Alleviating symptoms of withdrawal from an opioid.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients who are discharged following surgery on an oral opioid,
      and who have taken the drug for 2 or more weeks often experience withdrawal
      symptoms when they try to discontinue the drug. CASE REPORT: Three weeks after
      discharge, a 44-year-old female patient decided to reduce her oxycodone
      (OxyContin((r))) dosage from 20 mg three times a day to 20 mg two times a day.
      She experienced severe withdrawal symptoms. METHOD: To assist her in withdrawing
      from the remainder of the drug, a protocol using ondansetron was developed.
      RESULTS: After 10 days, the patient was opioid and withdrawal-symptom free.
      CONCLUSION: Use of ondansetron along with tapering of the opioid was safe and
      effective in preventing further withdrawal symptoms. This case should stimulate
      research with a larger, more diverse population including those with both short
      term and chronic opioid dependence.

PMID- 25134932
TI  - Discovery of Fused Triazolo-thiadiazoles as Inhibitors of TNF-alpha:
      Pharmacophore Hybridization for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain state that is usually
      accompanied by tissue injury. With neuropathic pain, the nerve fibers themselves
      may be damaged, dysfunctional, or injured. METHODS: A series of pharmacophoric
      hybrids of substituted aryl semicarbazides incorporated into a fused triazolo
      thiadiazole nucleus were synthesized and evaluated for neuropathic pain activity.
      After the assessment of neurotoxicity and peripheral analgesic activity, the
      compounds were evaluated in two peripheral neuropathic pain models, the chronic
      constriction injury and partial sciatic nerve ligation, to assess their
      antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic potential. RESULTS: Selected compounds
      exhibiting promising efficacies (4b, 6a, and 7e) revealed median effective dose
      (ED50) values ranging from 7.62-28.71 mg/kg in four behavioral assays of
      allodynia and hyperalgesia (spontaneous pain, tactile allodynia, cold allodynia,
      and mechanical hyperalgesia). Studies carried out to assess the underlying
      mechanism revealed that compounds suppressed the inflammatory component of the
      neuropathic pain by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and preventing
      oxidative and nitrosative stress. CONCLUSION: Using a hybrid design approach, the
      present study identified novel chemical compounds that could be a potential lead
      for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

PMID- 25134934
TI  - Outcomes in pain medicine: a brief review.
AB  - Pain, and particularly chronic pain, is a difficult outcome to measure due to its
      subjective and multidimensional nature. The Institute of Medicine estimates that
      100 million Americans have chronic pain with a cost exceeding half a trillion
      dollars per year. There is a pressing need to identify appropriate outcome
      measures to better select and evaluate treatment modalities for these patients.
      It is also important that we demonstrate an evidence basis for these decisions
      given the current practice standard. Appropriate selection and implementation of
      these outcome measures can help accomplish both goals. The purpose of this review
      is to explore the difficulties and opportunities unique to pain outcome measures.
      The scope of the problem and impetus for implementation of appropriate measures
      is initially discussed, followed by requisite evaluation criteria for any
      measurement instrument. The authors then review frequently employed tools for
      measuring pain outcomes ranging from univariable and single domain scales to
      multidimensional instruments. A discussion of possible behavioral and objective
      measures is pursued, as well as measures of statistical and treatment efficacy.
      The article closes with a review of recent and ongoing efforts to validate and
      standardize pain outcome measures and suggests directions for future clinical and
      research assessment. 

PMID- 25134937
TI  - Redox-reversible niobium-doped strontium titanate decorated with in situ grown
      nickel nanocatalyst for high-temperature direct steam electrolysis.
AB  - Composite cathodes based on Sr0.94Ti0.9Nb0.1O3 (STNO) can be utilized for direct
      steam electrolysis; however, the insufficient electrocatalytic activity limits
      electrode performance and current efficiency. In this work, redox-reversible
      (Sr0.94)0.9(Ti0.9Nb0.1)0.9Ni0.1O3 (STNNO) with A-site deficiency and B-site
      excess has been designed as a cathode material in an oxide-ion-conducting solid
      oxide electrolyzer for direct steam electrolysis. The XRD, TEM, SEM, EDS, TGA and
      XPS results together confirm that the exsolution or dissolution of Ni
      nanoparticles anchored on the STNO surface is completely reversible in the redox
      cycles. The electrical properties of STNO and STNNO are investigated and
      correlated to electrode performances. The current efficiency with an STNNO
      cathode is enhanced by about 20% compared to the values with a bare STNO cathode
      in 5% H2O/H2/Ar or 5% H2O/Ar at 800  degrees C. The synergetic effect of
      catalytically active nickel nanoparticles and the redox-stable STNO skeleton
      contributes to the improved performance and excellent stability of the cathode
      for steam electrolysis. 

PMID- 25134935
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing integrin-linked kinase attenuate left
      ventricular remodeling and improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction.
AB  - In the present study, we investigated whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
      overexpressing integrin-linked kinase (ILK) might regulate ventricular remodeling
      and cardiac function in a porcine myocardial infarction model. ILK-modified MSCs
      (ILK-MSCs) (n = 8), MSCs (n = 8) or placebo (n = 8) were injected into peri
      infarct myocardium 7 days after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary
      artery. ILK expression was confirmed by immunofluorescence, real-time PCR,
      Western blot analysis, and flow cytometry. In vitro assays indicated increased
      proliferation and reduced apoptosis of MSCs due to overexpression of ILK.
      Echocardiographic, single-photon emission computed tomography and positron
      emission tomography analyses demonstrated preserved cardiac function and
      myocardial perfusion. Reduced fibrosis, increased cardiomyocyte proliferation,
      and enhanced angiogenesis were observed in the ILK-MSC group. Reduced apoptosis,
      as demonstrated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end
      labeling analysis, was also noted. In conclusion, ILK promotes MSC proliferation
      and suppresses apoptosis. ILK-MSC transplantation improves ventricular remodeling
      and cardiac function in pigs after MI. It is associated with increased
      angiogenesis, reduced apoptosis, and increased cardiomyocyte proliferation. This
      may represent a new approach to the treatment of post-infarct remodeling and
      subsequent heart failure. 

PMID- 25134936
TI  - Hierarchical functional data with mixed continuous and binary measurements.
AB  - Motivated by objective measurements of physical activity, we take a functional
      data approach to longitudinal data with simultaneous measurement of a continuous
      and a binary outcomes. The regression structures are specified as smooth curves
      measured at various time-points with random effects that have a hierarchical
      correlation structure. The random effect curves for each variable are summarized
      using a few important principal components, and the association of the two
      longitudinal variables is modeled through the association of the principal
      component scores. We use penalized splines to model the mean curves and the
      principal component curves, and cast the proposed model into a mixed effects
      model framework for model fitting, prediction and inference. Via a
      quasilikelihood type approximation for the binary component, we develop an
      algorithm to fit the model. Data-based transformation of the continuous variable
      and selection of the number of principal components are incorporated into the
      algorithm. The method is applied to the motivating physical activity data and is
      evaluated empirically by a simulation study. Extensions for different types of
      outcomes are also discussed. 

PMID- 25134938
TI  - Cytogenetic mapping of the Muller F element genes in Drosophila willistoni group.
AB  - Comparative genomics in Drosophila began in 1940, when Muller stated that the
      ancestral haploid karyotype of this genus is constituted by five acrocentric
      chromosomes and one dot chromosome, named A to F elements. In some species of the
      willistoni group such as Drosophila willistoni and D. insularis, the F element,
      instead of a dot chromosome, has been incorporated into the E element, forming
      chromosome III (E + F fusion). The aim of this study was to investigate the scope
      of the E + F fusion in the willistoni group, evaluating six other species.
      Fluorescent in situ hybridization was used to locate two genes of the F element
      previously studied-cubitus interruptus (ci) and eyeless (ey)-in species of the
      willistoni and bocainensis subgroups. Moreover, polytene chromosome photomaps
      corresponding to the F element (basal portion of chromosome III) were constructed
      for each species studied. In D. willistoni, D. paulistorum and D. equinoxialis,
      the ci gene was located in subSectction 78B and the ey gene in 78C. In D.
      tropicalis, ci was located in subSection 76B and ey in 76C. In species of the
      bocainensis subgroup, ci and ey were localized, respectively, at subsections 76B
      and 76C in D. nebulosa and D. capricorni, and 76A and 76C in D. fumipennis.
      Despite the differences in the subsection numbers, all species showed the same
      position for ci and ey. The results confirm the synteny of E + F fusion in
      willistoni and bocainensis subgroups, and allow estimating the occurrence of this
      event at 15 Mya, at least.

PMID- 25134940
TI  - Novel agents in CNS myeloma treatment.
AB  - Central nervous system localization of multiple myeloma (CNS-MM) accounts for
      about 1% of all MM.Treatment is still unsatisfactory. Many treatments have been
      described in the literature: chemotherapy (CHT), intrathecal therapy (IT), and
      radiotherapy (RT), with survivals reported between one month and six months.
      Recent drugs such as the immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and proteasome inhibitors
      (bortezomib) have changed the treatment of patients with MM, both younger and
      older, with a significant improvement in response and survival. The activity of
      new drugs in CNSMM has been reported but is still not well known. Bortezomib does
      not cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), and IMID's seem to have only a minimal
      crossover. The role of novel agents in CNS MM management will be discussed as
      well as the potential role of other new immunomodulatory drugs (pomalidomide) and
      proteasome inhibitors that seem to cross the BBB and hold promise into the
      treatment of this rare and still incurable localization of the disease.

PMID- 25134939
TI  - Bone complications among prostate cancer survivors: long-term follow-up from the
      prostate cancer outcomes study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the relationship between androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)
      exposure and self-reported bone complications among men in a population-based
      cohort of prostate cancer survivors followed for 15 years after diagnosis.
      METHODS: The Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study enrolled 3533 patients diagnosed with
      prostate cancer between 1994 and 1995. This analysis included participants with
      non-metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis who completed 15-year follow-up
      surveys to report development of fracture, and use of bone-related medications.
      The relationship between ADT duration and bone complications was assessed using
      multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among 961 surviving men, 157
      (16.3%) received prolonged ADT (>1 year), 120 (12.5%) received short-term ADT (?
      1 year) and 684 (71.2%) did not receive ADT. Men receiving prolonged ADT had
      higher odds of fracture (OR 2.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-5.7), bone
      mineral density testing (OR 5.9; 95% CI: 3.0-12) and bone medication use (OR 4.3;
      95% CI: 2.3-8.0) than untreated men. Men receiving short-term ADT reported rates
      of fracture similar to untreated men. Half of men treated with prolonged ADT
      reported bone medication use. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based cohort study
      with long-term follow-up, prolonged ADT use was associated with substantial risks
      of fracture, whereas short-term use was not. This information should be
      considered when weighing the advantages and disadvantages of ADT in men with
      prostate cancer.

PMID- 25134941
TI  - The role of the bipolar plasmakinetic TURP over 100 g prostate in the elderly
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bipolar plasma kinetic (BP) transurethral resection of
      prostate (TURP) has been proved to be a safe and effective treatment for benign
      prostatic enlargement (BPE). However, the role of bipolar TURP on large prostates
      over 100 g compared with open suprapubic prostatectomy (SP) in elderly patients
      (>65 years) has not ever been studied before. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis of patients' medical records between 2007 and 2012 was
      performed. A total of 102 patients who underwent SP (n = 44) or BP-TURP [Gyrus
      Plasma KineticTM (Gyrus ACMI, USA)] (n = 58) for obstructive lower urinary tract
      symptoms due to BPE were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria
      were age >=65 years, prostate volume >=100 g, International Prostate Symptom
      Score (IPSS) >=18, and peak urinary flow rate (PFR) <=15 ml/s. Exclusion criteria
      were urethral stricture, known history of neurogenic bladder due to neural
      disorders, previous prostate and/or urethral surgery, bladder stone, bladder
      cancer, and known prostate cancer. Operation time, hospitalization, and catheter
      removal times were noted. Patients were re-evaluated at postoperative 3rd and
      12th months. Evaluated parameters were IPSS, quality of life (QoL), simplified
      International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), PFR, post-voiding residual
      urinary volume (PVR). Statistical significance was set at 0.05 and all tests were
      two-tailed. RESULTS: Preoperative IPSS, PVR, IIEF-5, QoL, and prostate volume
      were not statistically significantly different between two groups except for PFR.
      Mean follow-up for BP-TURP and SP groups were 15.0 +/- 5.8 (R: 11-38), 22.1 +/-
      11.2 (R: 11-59) months, respectively (p < 0.001). When compared with SP, mean
      catheter removal time (p < 0.001) and median hospitalization time (p < 0.001)
      were significantly shorter in BP-TURP group. However, mean operative time was
      significantly (p < 0.001) longer than SP group and also median resected material
      weight was significantly lower in the BP-TURP group (p < 0.001). IPSS, QoL, PFR,
      PVR, and IIEF-5 scores at postoperative 3rd and 12th month were not significantly
      different between the two groups (p > 0.05). Thirty-three patients had
      perioperative complications according to the modified Clavien-Dindo system.
      Thirteen patients (22.4 %) in BP-TURP group and 20 patients (45.4 %) in SP group
      had complications. In 12th month follow-up visit, four patients presented with
      urethral stricture, three patients (5.1 %) were in BP-TURP group, and one patient
      (2.3 %) in SP group (p = 0.455). All strictures were treated with internal
      urethrotomy. CONCLUSIONS: BP-TURP is a safe and highly effective treatment
      modality for BPE in the elderly patients with prostate glands over 100 g.
      Clinical efficacy and postoperative 12th month's results were similar to SP.
      Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed in order to confirm our findings.

PMID- 25134942
TI  - Relationship between prehypertension and incidence of chronic kidney disease in a
      general population: a prospective analysis in central south China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate whether prehypertension
      is associated with progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general
      population in central south China. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was
      carried out in 1,703 white-collar workers without preexisting CKD in Changsha in
      2006 at baseline. The cohort population was followed for an average of 54 months
      by annual examinations. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using
      the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study equation modified by the Chinese
      coefficient. CKD was defined as positive albuminuria or an estimated GFR <60
      mL/min/1.73 m(2). Blood pressure (BP) categories were defined by the Seventh
      Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and
      Treatment of High Blood Pressure. The association of blood pressure and CKD
      incidence was examined using a Cox regression model adjusted for relevant
      factors. RESULTS: During the follow-up of cohort, 194 incidences of CKD were
      recorded. Compared with normotension group, the hazard ratios (95 % confidential
      intervals) for CKD were 1.25 (1.02-1.85) in prehypertension group, 1.62 (1.07
      2.79) in undiagnosed hypertension group, and 1.98 (1.15-3.96) in diagnosed
      hypertension group. Kaplan-Meier curves showed there was a significant difference
      in the cumulative incidence of CKD between the different blood pressure
      categories (log-rank test, P < 0.001). The independent risk factors of CKD were
      age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), systolic blood pressure, and
      diastolic blood pressure according to the Cox proportional hazard analysis. It
      was found that 2.4 % in participants with CKD incidences could be described as
      excessive incidence attributable to prehypertension. CONCLUSION: Prehypertension
      is significantly associated with CKD in a Chinese urban population.

PMID- 25134943
TI  - Does the nephrostomy tract length impact the outcomes of percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy (PNL)?
AB  - PURPOSE: Different factors can determine the outcomes of percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy (PNL). We analyzed the effect of tract length (TL) on outcomes
      after PNL. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing
      PNL between 2006 and 2011. Patients with preoperative computed tomography (CT),
      one percutaneous access tract and follow-up imaging within 3 months were
      included. TL was defined as distance between the skin to the calyx of puncture as
      measured on preoperative CT. Measurements were independently performed by two
      urologists and the average was used for analysis. Stone-free rate (SFR) was
      defined as zero fragments on follow-up imaging. Factors independently associated
      with the likelihood of being stone-free after PNL were determined using
      multivariable analysis adjusted for TL, location of access, the presence of
      incomplete or complete staghorn calculi and type of follow-up imaging.
      Complications (Clavien score) were independently assessed. RESULTS: A total of
      222 patients were included. Median stone burden and body mass index (BMI) was
      239.4 mm(2) and 30.5 [interquartile range (IQR): 25.7-36.2]. The median TL was
      85.0 mm (IQR: 70.3-100.0) and highly correlated with BMI (rho = 0.66, p < 0.001).
      A total of 101 patients (45.5 %) were stone-free. TL was not associated with SFR
      (p = 0.53). Clavien 1 and 2 complications occurred in 38 (17 %) while Clavien 3
      and 4 complications occurred in 17 (8 %) patients. Multivariable analysis
      revealed no association between complications and TL even when adjusted for
      gender. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous TL is not associated with outcomes of PNL. PNL
      is a safe and effective treatment for stones in patients with differing body
      habitus.

PMID- 25134944
TI  - Open reconstruction of recurrent vesicourethral anastomotic stricture after
      radical prostatectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the outcomes of open vesicourethral anastomotic
      reconstruction (VUAR) for outlet stenosis following radical prostatectomy (RP).
      METHODS: Review of all cases of VUAR within an IRB-approved database was
      performed. Preoperative factors assessed included cancer treatment modality,
      duration of symptoms, prior treatments, and length of defect. Outcomes reviewed
      included length-of-stay (LOS), complications, maintenance of patency, continence,
      and need for additional procedures. RESULTS: Twelve cases of VUAR performed by a
      single surgeon (BJF) from 2004 to 2012 were identified. Surgical approaches were
      either abdominal (7), perineal (3), or abdominoperineal (2). All patients
      underwent prior RP, with 25 % having subsequent radiotherapy. Among patients with
      stenosis, 43 % were completely obliterated. Two cases had prior anastomotic
      disruption in the early postoperative period after RP. The median length of
      stenosis was 2.5 cm (range 1-5 cm) and median LOS was 3.0 days (range 1-7 days).
      At a median follow-up of 75.5 months (range 14-120 months), 92 % of men retained
      patency; only 25 % were continent. CONCLUSION: In experienced hands, VUAR can
      restore durable patency for men afflicted with outlet stenosis after RP. Despite
      anatomic restoration, incontinence is likely.

PMID- 25134945
TI  - From extraordinary endocytobionts to pandoraviruses. Comment on Scheid et al.:
      Some secrets are revealed: parasitic keratitis amoebae as vectors of the scarcely
      described pandoraviruses to humans.

PMID- 25134946
TI  - Isolation and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia
      mandrillaris from combination shower units in Costa Rica.
AB  - Free living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous protozoa, which may behave as parasites
      under certain conditions. Four genera are recognized as causal agents of
      infections in humans and animals: Naegleria, Sappinia, Acanthamoeba and
      Balamuthia. This work determines the presence of FLA in combination shower units
      and employs molecular biology for the characterization of isolates. The
      morphological analysis and partial sequencing of the 18S rDNA gene revealed the
      presence of Acanthamoeba genotype T4 in 30% of the units sampled. In addition to
      Acanthamoeba cysts, trophozoites with morphological characteristics similar to
      Balamuthia were identified. PCR assay using the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene as a
      target confirmed the identification of the amoeba as Balamuthia mandrillaris. Up
      to date, this is the first report of the isolation of B. mandrillaris in Central
      America and the fifth report worldwide.

PMID- 25134947
TI  - Harmonisation of short-term in vitro culture for the expansion of antigen
      specific CD8(+) T cells with detection by ELISPOT and HLA-multimer staining.
AB  - Ex vivo ELISPOT and multimer staining are well-established tests for the
      assessment of antigen-specific T cells. Many laboratories are now using a period
      of in vitro stimulation (IVS) to enhance detection. Here, we report the findings
      of a multi-centre panel organised by the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy
      Immunoguiding Program to investigate the impact of IVS protocols on the detection
      of antigen-specific T cells of varying ex vivo frequency. Five centres performed
      ELISPOT and multimer staining on centrally prepared PBMCs from 3 donors, both ex
      vivo and following IVS. A harmonised IVS protocol was designed based on the best
      performing protocol(s), which was then evaluated in a second phase on 2 donors by
      6 centres. All centres were able to reliably detect antigen-specific T cells of
      high/intermediate frequency both ex vivo (Phase I) and post-IVS (Phase I and II).
      The highest frequencies of antigen-specific T cells ex vivo were mirrored in the
      frequencies following IVS and in the detection rates. However, antigen-specific T
      cells of a low/undetectable frequency ex vivo were not reproducibly detected post
      IVS. Harmonisation of the IVS protocol reduced the inter-laboratory variation
      observed for ELISPOT and multimer analyses by approximately 20 %. We further
      demonstrate that results from ELISPOT and multimer staining correlated after (P <
      0.0001 and R (2) = 0.5113), but not before IVS. In summary, IVS was shown to be a
      reproducible method that benefitted from method harmonisation.

PMID- 25134948
TI  - Effect of organic solvents on the structure and activity of moderately halophilic
      Bacillus sp. EMB9 protease.
AB  - Halophilic enzymes have been manifested for their stability and catalytic
      abilities under harsh operational conditions. These have been documented to
      withstand denaturation in presence of high temperature, pH, presence of organic
      solvents and chaotropic agents. The present study aims at understanding the
      stability and activity of a halophilic Bacillus sp. EMB9 protease in organic
      solvents. The protease was uniquely stable in polar solvents. A clear correlation
      was evident between the protease function and conformational transitions,
      validated by CD and fluorescence spectral studies. The study affirms that
      preservation of protein structure, possibly due to charge screening of the
      protein surface by Ca(2+) and Na(+) ions provides stability against organic
      solvents and averts denaturation. Salt was also found to exert a protective
      effect on dialyzed protease against chaotropism of solvents. Presence of 1 %
      (w/v) NaCl restored the activity in the dialyzed protease and prevented
      denaturation in methanol, toluene and n-decane. The work will have further
      implication on discerning protein folding in saline as well as non-aqueous
      environments.

PMID- 25134949
TI  - Competing priorities: staff perspectives on supporting recovery.
AB  - Recovery has come to mean living a life beyond mental illness, and recovery
      orientation is policy in many countries. The aims of this study were to
      investigate what staff say they do to support recovery and to identify what they
      perceive as barriers and facilitators associated with providing recovery-oriented
      support. Data collection included ten focus groups with multidisciplinary
      clinicians (n = 34) and team leaders (n = 31), and individual interviews with
      clinicians (n = 18), team leaders (n = 6) and senior managers (n = 8). The
      identified core category was Competing Priorities, with staff identifying
      conflicting system priorities that influence how recovery-oriented practice is
      implemented. Three sub-categories were: Health Process Priorities, Business
      Priorities, and Staff Role Perception. Efforts to transform services towards a
      recovery orientation require a whole-systems approach.

PMID- 25134950
TI  - Evaluation of Period of PURPLE Crying, an abusive head trauma prevention program.
AB  - The Period of PURPLE Crying program is used to educate parents and caregivers
      about normal infant crying and the dangers of infant shaking. We evaluated nurse
      led, hospital-based implementation of the program using a nonexperimental,
      posttest-only design. New mothers rated the program as useful, and the program
      was effective in teaching mothers about normal infant crying, the dangers of
      infant shaking, and soothing and coping techniques. The findings support the
      feasibility and need for broad dissemination of the program. 

PMID- 25134952
TI  - Comparative study of the selective degradations of two enantiomers in the
      racemate and an enriched concentration of indoxacarb in soils.
AB  - In this study, selective degradations of the two enantiomers of indoxacarb in the
      concentrate (2.33S/1R) and racemate (1S/1R) are examined. The absolute
      configurations of indoxacarb enantiomers were determined using X-ray diffraction.
      The results showed that in two alkaline soils, the S-(+)-indoxacarb was
      preferentially degraded in both the concentrate and racemate. In one acid soil,
      the two enantiomers degraded no-selectivity. In another acid soil and one neutral
      soil, the R-(-)-indoxacarb was preferentially degraded in both the concentrate
      and racemate. Indoxacarb enantiomers were configurationally stable in the five
      soils, and no interconversion was observed during the incubation. Because no
      significant difference in degradation was observed after samples were sterilized,
      the observed enantioselectivity may be attributed primarily to microbial activity
      in soils. The results indicate that the selective degradation behavior was the
      same for both formulations that were tested. 

PMID- 25134951
TI  - Multidisciplinary intensive education in the hospital improves outcomes for
      hospitalized heart failure patients in a Japanese rural setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) patients living in rural areas have a lack of HF
      knowledge and poor self-care because of limited medical care access.
      Multidisciplinary education to improve self-care behavior is indispensable for
      such patients. The present study evaluated whether intensive inpatient education
      improved outcomes of hospitalized HF patients in a Japanese rural setting.
      METHODS: An inpatient HF management program based on multidisciplinary team
      intervention was applied to hospitalized HF patients in a Japanese rural area. We
      defined patients treated within the program from May 2009 to April 2011 as the
      intervention group (n = 144), and those treated with the usual care from May 2006
      to April 2009 as the usual care group (n = 133). The composite endpoints of HF
      hospitalization and all-cause mortality were compared between the two groups.
      RESULTS: Compared with patients in the usual care group, those in the
      intervention group more often received the optimal interventions such as
      discharge use of beta-blockers, cardiac rehabilitation, pre-discharge diagnostic
      tests, and multidisciplinary intensive education including nurse-led patient
      education, pharmacist's medication teaching, and dietitian's nutritional guidance
      (all P < 0.05). The incidence of the composite endpoints significantly decreased
      after introducing the program (P < 0.001). Among a number of interventions,
      multidisciplinary intensive education was the most effective intervention to
      improve the primary outcome (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary intensive
      education is a key strategy for helping improve the outcome for Japanese HF
      patients in a rural setting. Our data may give a positive impact on the
      improvement of healthcare system in Japan.

PMID- 25134953
TI  - Drug-coated balloon angioplasty for drug-eluting stent restenosis: insight from
      randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The best treatment option for drug-eluting stent (DES) restenosis has
      not been established. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the clinical
      efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) for the treatment of DES restenosis.
      METHODS: Trials were identified through a literature search from January 2005
      through April 2014. All randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion
      if they compared DCB with a control treatment (plain old balloon angioplasty
      [POBA] or DES) in patients with DES restenosis. RESULTS: Five studies and a total
      of 864 patients were included in this analysis. Most end-points were
      significantly reduced for DCB compared with the control groups. For major adverse
      cardiac events, the relative risk (RR) was 0.49 (P = 0.012); for target lesion
      revascularization, it was 0.50 (P = 0.044); for recurrent restenosis, it was 0.41
      (P = 0.002). There was a lower mortality for DCB (RR 0.29; P = 0.017). The
      incidence of myocardial infarction was numerically lower, but without statistical
      significance (RR 0.76; P = 0.55). The DCB effect was more pronounced when
      compared with POBA than when compared with DES. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis
      showed that DCB was superior to POBA and comparable to DES for treatment of DES
      restenosis. The findings in this meta-analysis cannot be extrapolated to DCB in
      general, because all DCB used in trials included was a single brand of paclitaxel
      coated balloon.

PMID- 25134955
TI  - New evidence on the relationship between Microsporidia and Fungi: a genome-wide
      analysis by DarkHorse software.
AB  - Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasites that
      infect a wide variety of species, including humans. Phylogenetic analysis
      indicates a relationship between the Microsporidia and the Fungi. However, most
      results are based on the analysis of relatively few genes. DarkHorse analysis
      involves the transformation of BLAST results into a lineage probability index
      (LPI) value and allows for the comparison of genes for an entire genome with
      those of other genomes. Thus, we can see which genes from the microsporidia score
      most closely based on the LPI with other eukaryotic organisms. In this analysis,
      we calculated the LPI for each gene from the genomes of 7 Microsporidia,
      Antonospora locustae, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon cuniculi,
      Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Nosema bombycis, Nosema ceranae, and Nematocida
      parisii, to analyze the genetic relationships between Microsporidia and other
      species. It was found that many (91%) genes were most closely correlated with
      genes from other microsporidial genomes and had the highest mean LPI (0.985),
      indicating a monophyletic origin of the Microsporidia. In a subsequent analysis,
      we excluded the other Microsporidia from the analysis to look for relationships
      before the divergence of Microsporidia, and found that 43% of the microsporidial
      genes scored highest with fungal genes, and a higher mean LPI was found with
      Fungi than with other kingdoms, suggesting that Microsporidia is closely related
      to Fungi at the genomic level. Microsporidial genes were functionally clustered
      based on the KOG (Eukaryotic COG) database, and the possible lineages for each
      gene family were discussed in concert with the DarkHorse results. 

PMID- 25134954
TI  - Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 agents on left ventricular function:
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cardiovascular safety of many glucagon-like peptide-1 agents (GLP
      1 agents) is unclear. In this study, we assess the effects of the GLP-1 agents on
      left ventricular function in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and/or
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library
      were searched for the relevant publications up to May 2013 without restriction by
      language. All clinical controlled trials assessing left ventricular function and
      cardiovascular outcomes with the GLP-1 agents were selected for eligibility.
      Fourteen trials (415 patients) were identified as eligible between 1966 and 2013.
      Twelve of the studies were randomized controlled trials (RCT). RESULTS: The
      results showed that GLP-1 agent treatment in patients with T2DM and/or CVD led to
      significantly improved regional left ventricular contractile parameters
      (including peak left systolic tissue velocity and strain) and global left
      ventricular performance (including stroke volume, ejection fraction, and left
      ventricular chambers) compared with patients receiving placebo. CONCLUSIONS: GLP
      1 agent treatment in T2DM and/or CVD patients is associated with a modest but
      significant increase in the odds of left ventricular contractile parameters and
      left ventricular performance compared with patients having received placebo,
      which may be indicative of additional cardiovascular benefits for these patients.

PMID- 25134956
TI  - Microbial contamination of power toothbrushes: a comparison of solid-head versus
      hollow-head designs.
AB  - PURPOSE: Microbial contamination of manual toothbrushes relative to their design
      has been documented for decades, citing concern for cross contamination and self
      infection with microorganisms. A pilot study of different power toothbrushes was
      conducted, to compare a solid-head brush to 2 hollow-head brushes for residual
      contamination with commonly occurring oral microorganisms. METHODS: Participants
      who met inclusion criteria were enrolled and brushed twice daily for 3 weeks with
      1 of 3 randomly assigned power toothbrushes. Brush heads were vortexed and
      cultured using 5 appropriate media for oral microorganisms: anaerobes and
      facultative microorganisms, yeast and mold, oral streptococci and oral
      enterococci anaerobes, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium species.
      Analysis of covariance was used to compare the brush groups for transformed
      microbial counts after adjusting for any demographic variables that may have
      confounded the results. RESULTS: The solid-head power toothbrush was found to
      have significantly less microbial contamination than either of the 2 hollow-head
      power toothbrushes for all the bacteria tested and less than 1 of the hollow-head
      brushes for yeast and mold. CONCLUSION: The solid-head power toothbrush studied
      had significantly less residual microbial contamination than the 2 hollow-head
      power toothbrushes after 3 weeks of twice daily brushing with non-antimicrobial
      toothpaste.

PMID- 25134957
TI  - The use of social media in dental hygiene programs: a survey of program
      directors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of social media and social networking sites has become
      increasingly common by the current generation of students. Colleges and
      universities are using social media and social networking sites to advertise,
      engage and recruit prospective students. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate how social media is being used in dental hygiene program admissions and
      policy. METHODS: Researchers developed a survey instrument investigating the use
      of social media. The survey included questions about demographic information,
      personal use of social media, program use of social media, social media use in
      admissions and social media policies. An email was sent to 321 dental hygiene
      program directors asking them to complete the survey. All participants were
      provided 4 weeks to complete the survey, and 2 reminder emails were sent.
      RESULTS: A total of 155 responses were received (48.3% response rate). While 84%
      of respondents indicated their program had a web page, only 20% had an official
      Facebook page for the program and 2% had a Twitter page. Thirty-five percent had
      a program policy specifically addressing the use of social media and 31%
      indicated that their university or institution had a policy. Only 4% of programs
      evaluate a potential student's Internet presence, mostly by searching on
      Facebook. Statistically significant differences (p<=0.05) were noted between
      those respondents with more personal social media accounts and those with fewer
      accounts, as those with more accounts were more likely to evaluate a potential
      student's Internet presence. Open ended responses included concern about social
      media issues, but some uncertainty on how to handle social media in the program.
      The concern for social media and professionalism was evident and more research
      and discussion in this area is warranted. CONCLUSION: Social media is currently
      being used in a variety of ways in dental hygiene programs, but not in the area
      of admissions. There is some uncertainty about the role social media should play
      in a professional environment.

PMID- 25134958
TI  - Smiles over time: an older adult oral health survey in Illinois.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the project was to identify the oral health status and
      needs of the older adult population >=60 years old in Illinois for policy
      decisions and to help identify possible need for oral health interventions. No
      baseline data has previously been collected on this population in Illinois.
      METHODS: A public/private collaboration was formed, which included the Illinois
      Department of Public Health, the IFLOSS Coalition and dental and dental hygiene
      schools in Illinois. The screening tool was developed based on methods outlined
      by Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors for Basic Screening
      Surveys. Questionnaires and in-mouth screenings were conducted at selected sites
      statewide. Data was collected by dental and dental hygiene students and faculty
      at onsite clinics and community outreach sites. RESULTS: A total of 437 seniors
      were screened statewide. Of this population, 81% had no dental insurance, 13%
      were edentulous and 58% claimed to have had a dental visit in the last year.A
      total of 26% rated their oral health as fair or poor, while 29% had untreated
      caries. Suspicious oral lesions were present in 14% (n=308 for the oral lesions
      indicator), 19% needed immediate dental care and 41% required referral.
      CONCLUSION: This study revealed that surveillance can be accomplished by the
      collaboration among entities with focus on a specific population. Additional
      surveillance efforts are warranted among older adults in Illinois in an effort to
      plan and to implement appropriate interventions for addressing the oral health
      needs of this population.

PMID- 25134960
TI  - Effects of motor-level transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on ipsilateral
      and un-stimulated contralateral quadriceps femoris.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is a paucity of data on effects of motor-level stimulation using
      Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) on ipsilateral quadriceps
      femoris group of muscles. The effect is also unknown on the untrained
      contralateral quadriceps femoris. The primary purpose of this study was to
      determine the effect of TENS on quadriceps muscle strength at the stimulated
      ipsilateral and un-stimulated contra-lateral extremities. METHODS: Participants
      were 50 apparently healthy undergraduate. They were recruited using sample of
      convenience. The right quadriceps group of muscles were stimulated for 15 minutes
      twice a week for 8 weeks using motor-level stimulation parameters (frequency of
      85 Hz and pulse width of 100 microseconds) while the left lower limbs (control)
      were not stimulated. The right and left quadriceps muscle strengths were
      quantified using tensiometer; at onset and after 8 weeks. The data were analysed
      using the descriptive and inferential statistics (paired t-test and ANOVA). Alpha
      level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The initial and final left strengths of the un
      stimulated quadriceps muscles were 311.46 +/- 58.84N and 395.60 +/- 100.71N at
      onset and after 8 weeks respectively. After 8 weeks the un-stimulated left
      quadriceps strength was significantly greater than the initial value (t=-7.63, p
      < 0.001). Similarly, the initial and final right quadriceps strength (stimulated
      limb) were 351.51 +/- 117.68N and 471.31 +/- 112.19N; at onset and after 8 weeks
      respectively. The post stimulation strength of the right quadriceps was also
      significantly higher than the pre-intervention strength (t=-10.25, p < 0.001).
      However, the increment in quadriceps strength between right and left extremities
      after 8 weeks was insignificant (t =-1.35, p=0.18). There was also significant
      increase in the girth of the right quadriceps (t= -6.08, p=0.001) after 8 weeks.
      CONCLUSION: We concluded that there were increments in both strength and muscle
      size of the stimulated right quadriceps using motor level stimulation parameters
      of TENS modality. The un-stimulated contralateral quadriceps strength also
      increased after 8 weeks. This implied that there was cross-training effect at the
      contralateral quadriceps group of muscles.

PMID- 25134959
TI  - Identification of drug-resistant Salmonella from food handlers at the University
      of Gondar, Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Salmonella species are among the most common food borne pathogens
      worldwide and their infection is one of the major global public health problems.
      During the last decade, multidrug-resistant Salmonella species have increased to
      a great deal, especially in developing countries. The prevalence and
      antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Salmonella isolates among food handlers
      at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, were described in the current
      investigation. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to
      June, 2013 at the University of Gondar. Stool samples from selected volunteer
      food handlers were collected and analyzed complemented with questionnaire.
      Standard isolation, identification and biochemical tests were performed to
      identify Salmonella isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were also
      carried out on each isolate using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The data was
      entered into Epi info version 3.5.4 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULT:
      Out of 423 food handlers participated, 303(71.6%) were females. Almost two-third
      (71.4%) of food handlers had no previous medical checkup to Salmonella infection
      and only 24(5.7%) of them were certified as food handlers. Thirteen (3.1%) food
      handlers were found to be positive for Salmonella isolates. The results of
      antimicrobial susceptibility test in the current research revealed that from a
      total of 13 isolates; 9(69.2%), 8(61.5%), 6(46.2%) and 6(46.2%) of the isolates
      were resistant to amoxicillin, ampicillin, nitrofurantoin and tetracycline,
      respectively. In addition, nearly half (46.2%) of the isolates were multidrug
      resistant. However; all of them were sensitive for both ceftriaxone and
      gentamycin. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that drug resistant including
      multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates were circulating among food handlers at
      the University of Gondar. These Salmonella positive food handlers pose
      significant risk of infection to the university community particularly to the
      student population. It is essential to implement food handlers training on food
      safety, conduct periodic medical screening and continuous monitoring of food
      handlers at the study university.

PMID- 25134961
TI  - Diagnostic value of bone scintigraphy for aseptic loosening after total knee
      arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite technical improvements, aseptic loosening after total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) remains a frequent complication. A one-stage revision
      arthroplasty is the most common therapeutic pathway. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of bone scintigraphy in detecting
      aseptic loosening after TKA. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 46 cases of
      one-stage revision TKA performed between January 2011 and December 2012. In each
      case a bone scintigraphy was performed at least one year after the primary TKA
      and 3.2 +/- 2.2 month prior to revision arthroplasty. Additionally, we evaluated
      the rate of satisfaction and pain level 16.2 +/- 5.4 months after one-stage
      revision arthroplasty. RESULTS: Bone scintigraphy indicated aseptic loosening in
      28 cases. Intraoperative aseptic loosening was verified in 34 cases. Bone
      scintigraphy had a sensitivity of 0.76 and a specificity of 0.83 in detecting
      aseptic loosening. The positive predictive value was 0.93, and the negative
      predictive value 0.56. At follow-up consultation, 35 patients were very satisfied
      or satisfied, and 31 patients had no pain or occasional pain. CONCLUSIONS: Bone
      scintigraphy is a helpful tool in detecting aseptic loosening after TKA.
      Nevertheless, the results from bone scintigraphy should be compared with clinical
      findings and patients' disorders.

PMID- 25134962
TI  - A review on the technologies and services used in the self-management of health
      and independent living of elderly.
AB  - As the number of aged people is rapidly growing, the need for health and living
      care of aged people living alone becomes imperative. The telecare systems are
      able to provide flexible services for older people suffering from chronic
      diseases, but are largely user group oriented. However, it is common in elderly
      to show symptoms of a combination of (chronic) diseases. Moreover, elderly are
      totally dependent on a third person as they are unable to perform a number of
      basic functions at home. They also feel cutt off from the social fabric. Old
      people living in remote places typically use telephone that dials a social alarm
      control center or mobile social alarm systems and monitoring systems. This study
      examines the existing solutions related to elderly assistance and proposes an
      advanced solution based on web technology for the self-management of health and
      independent living of elderly. 

PMID- 25134963
TI  - Nanomechanical characterization of exfoliated and retained deciduous incisors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The anisotropic natures of dental tissues result in variable
      properties from one point to the other within the same tooth. The aim of this
      study was to analyze deciduous incisors enamel and dentin for elastic modulus and
      hardness. In addition, retained deciduous incisors were assessed to compare
      properties with exfoliated teeth. METHODS: Deciduous mandibular incisors either
      exfoliated at physiological age or retained were included in this study. Samples
      were prepared by dissecting teeth in transverse sections and surfaces under
      investigation were prepared and polished for nanoindentation. Nanoindentation was
      performed at multiple sites using Hysitron [TI 725 Ubi] testing instrument. Data
      analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20) to calculate absolute
      hardness and elastic modulus. The statistical significance was calculated using
      the t-test. RESULTS: The hardness of human deciduous incisor varies between 0.01
      7 GPa. The highest value of hardness was observed for the incisal edge (5.09 +/-
      0.64 GPa) followed by mid-surface enamel and cervical enamel. The hardness of
      mantle dentin was (0.56 +/- 0.19 GPa) and the inner dentin was (0.34 +/- 0.12
      GPa). CONCLUSIONS: The average hardness of primary teeth enamel is lower than
      permanent teeth enamel. The hardness of retained teeth enamel is greater than
      exfoliated teeth however lower than permanent teeth enamel of the equivalent
      region.

PMID- 25134964
TI  - Correlation study in respiration fluctuations during sleep stages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthy sleep can be characterized by several stages: wake, light,
      SWS, and REM sleep. The clinical experts find that the breath of subjects is
      different in these sleep stages, but such observation is lacking data supporting,
      The statistical research about investigating breathing patterns during sleep
      process will be helpful for the sleep and breathing domain. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of the paper is to statistically analyze the respiratory
      characteristics during different sleep stages. METHODS: Firstly, we calculated
      the mean value and standard deviation of respiratory rates of these stages, in
      which the respiratory rates were obtained by the autocorrelation method. Then the
      detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) algorithm was applied to analyze long-range
      correlation of respiratory rates of sleep stages. RESULTS: The mean and standard
      deviation of respiratory rates are wake: 16.62 +/- 2.43 cycles per minute (CPM),
      light: 15.15 +/- 1.53 CPM, SWS: 15.06 +/- 0.96 CPM and REM: 16.37 +/- 2.03 CPM,
      respectively. The scaling exponent applied by detrended fluctuation analysis
      (DFA) algorithm reached about 0.7 for each stage. CONCLUSION: Results of the mean
      and standard deviation of respiratory rates show that different sleep stages lead
      to different autonomic regulations of breathing and exhibit different respiratory
      rates and fluctuations. And the DFA results demonstrate that respiratory rates
      are all long-range correlated in these stages although they lead to different
      fluctuation.

PMID- 25134965
TI  - In vitro and in vivo characterization of pentaerythritol triacrylate-co
      trimethylolpropane nanocomposite scaffolds as potential bone augments and grafts.
AB  - A thiol-acrylate-based copolymer synthesized via an amine-catalyzed Michael
      addition was studied in vitro and in vivo to assess its potential as an in situ
      polymerizing graft or augment in bone defect repair. The blends of hydroxyapatite
      (HA) with pentaerythritol triacrylate-co-trimethylolpropane (PETA), cast as
      solids or gas foamed as porous scaffolds, were evaluated in an effort to create a
      biodegradable osteogenic material for use as a bone-void-filling augment.
      Osteogenesis experiments were conducted with human adipose-derived mesenchymal
      stromal cells (hASCs) to determine the ability of the material to serve as an
      osteoinductive substrate. Poly(E-caprolactone) (PCL) composites PCL:HA (80:20)
      (wt/wt%) served as the control scaffold, while the experimental scaffolds
      included PETA:HA (100:0), (85:15), (80:20), and (75:25) composites (wt/wt%). The
      results indicate that PETA:HA (80:20) foam composites had higher mechanical
      strength than the corresponding porous PCL:HA (80:20) scaffolds made by thermo
      precipitation method, and in the case of foamed composites, increasing HA content
      directly correlated with increased yield strength. For cytotoxicity and
      osteogenesis experiments, hASCs cultured for 21 days on PETA:HA scaffolds in
      stromal medium displayed the greatest number of live cells compared with PCL:HA
      composites. Moreover, hASCs cultured on foamed PETA:HA (80:20) scaffolds resulted
      in the greatest mineralization, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression,
      and the highest osteocalcin (OCN) expression after 21 days. Overall, the PETA:HA
      (80:20) and PETA:HA (85:15) scaffolds, with 66.38% and 72.02% porosity,
      respectively, had higher mechanical strength and cytocompatibility compared with
      the PCL:HA control. The results of the 6-week in vivo biocompatibility study
      using a posterior lumbar spinal fusion model demonstrate that PETA:HA can be
      foamed in vivo without serious adverse effects at the surgical site.
      Additionally, it was demonstrated that cells migrate into the interconnected pore
      volume and are found within centers of ossification. 

PMID- 25134967
TI  - Total calcium-sensing receptor expression in circulating monocytes is increased
      in rheumatoid arthritis patients with severe coronary artery calcification.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Human circulating monocytes express the calcium-sensing receptor
      (CaSR) and are involved in atherosclerosis. This study investigated the potential
      association between vascular calcification in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and CaSR
      expression in circulating monocytes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 50
      RA patients were compared to 25 control subjects matched for age and gender.
      Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and flow cytometry analysis were
      performed to study the surface and total CaSR expression in circulating
      monocytes. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC)
      scores were evaluated by computed tomography and an association between these
      scores and the surface and/or total CaSR expression in circulating monocytes in
      RA patients was investigated. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in terms of
      age (RA: 60.9 +/- 8.3 years, versus controls: 59.6 +/- 5.3 years) and gender (RA:
      74.0% females versus 72.0% females). We did not find a higher prevalence and
      greater burden of CAC or AAC in RA patients versus age- and gender-matched
      controls. When compared with control subjects, RA patients did not exhibit
      greater total CaSR (101.6% +/- 28.8 vs. 99.9% +/- 22.0) or surface CaSR (104.6%
      +/- 20.4 vs. 99.9% +/- 13.7) expression, but total CaSR expression in circulating
      monocytes was significantly higher in RA patients with severe CAC (Agatston score
      >= 200, n = 11) than in patients with mild-to-moderate CAC (1 to 199, n = 21) (P
      = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time that total CaSR
      expression in human circulating monocytes is increased in RA patients with severe
      coronary artery calcification.

PMID- 25134966
TI  - Relationship between post-cardiac arrest myocardial oxidative stress and
      myocardial dysfunction in the rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reperfusion after resuscitation from cardiac arrest (CA) is an event
      that increases reactive oxygen species production leading to oxidative stress.
      More specifically, myocardial oxidative stress may play a role in the severity of
      post-CA myocardial dysfunction. This study investigated the relationship between
      myocardial oxidative stress and post-CA myocardial injury and dysfunction in a
      rat model of CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Ventricular fibrillation
      was induced in 26 rats and was untreated for 6 min. CPR, including mechanical
      chest compression, ventilation, and epinephrine, was then initiated and continued
      for additional 6 min prior to defibrillations. Resuscitated animals were
      sacrificed at two h (n = 9), 4 h (n = 6) and 72 h (n = 8) following
      resuscitation, and plasma collected for assessment of: high sensitivity cardiac
      troponin T (hs-cTnT), as marker of myocardial injury; isoprostanes (IsoP), as
      marker of lipid peroxidation; and 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHG), as marker of DNA
      oxidative damage. Hearts were also harvested for measurement of tissue IsoP and 8
      OHG. Myocardial function was assessed by echocardiography at the corresponding
      time points. Additional 8 rats were not subjected to CA and served as baseline
      controls. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, left ventricular ejection fraction
      (LVEF) was reduced at 2 and 4 h following resuscitation (p < 0.01), while it was
      similar at 72 h. Inversely, plasma hs-cTnT increased, compared to baseline, at 2
      and 4 h post-CA (p < 0.01), and then recovered at 72 h. Similarly, plasma and
      myocardial tissue IsoP and 8-OHG levels increased at 2 and 4 h post-resuscitation
      (p < 0.01 vs. baseline), while returned to baseline 72 h later. Myocardial IsoP
      were directly related to hs-cTnT levels (r = 0.760, p < 0.01) and inversely
      related to LVEF (r = -0.770, p < 0.01). Myocardial 8-OHG were also directly
      related to hs-cTnT levels (r = 0.409, p < 0.05) and inversely related to LVEF (r
      = -0.548, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence that lipid
      peroxidation and DNA oxidative damage in myocardial tissue are closely related to
      myocardial injury and LV dysfunction during the initial hours following CA.

PMID- 25134968
TI  - The prevalence of dementia subtypes in rural Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of dementia is predicted to increase rapidly in
      developing countries. Vascular risk factors may contribute to this rise. Our aim
      was to estimate the proportions of Alzheimer's disease (ADD) and vascular
      dementia (VAD) in a prevalent cohort of dementia cases in rural Tanzania. DESIGN:
      A two-stage door-to-door dementia prevalence study. SETTING: Hai district,
      Tanzania PARTICIPANTS: In Phase I, the Community Screening Instrument for
      Dementia (CSI-D) was used to screen 1198 community-dwelling people for dementia.
      In Phase II, 168/184 (91.3%) of those with poor performance, 56/104 (53.8%) of
      those with intermediate performance and 72/910 (7.9%) of those with good
      performance on CSI-D were interviewed and diagnoses were made using the DSM-IV
      criteria. MEASUREMENTS: For subtype diagnosis, DSM-IV dementia criteria plus
      NINCDS-ADRDA criteria were used for ADD and NINDS-AIREN criteria for VAD. Other
      dementias were diagnosed by international consensus criteria. Diagnoses were
      confirmed or excluded by computerised tomography where clinically appropriate.
      RESULTS: Of 78 dementia cases, 38 (48.7%) were ADD and 32 (41.0%) were VAD. The
      crude prevalence of ADD was 3.7% (95% CI 2.5 to 4.9) and of VAD was 2.9% (95% CI
      1.9 to 3.9). The age-adjusted prevalence was 3.0% (95% CI 1.8 to 4.2) for ADD and
      2.6% (95% CI 1.6 to 3.6) for VAD. A previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was
      independently associated with greater odds of having VAD than ADD. CONCLUSIONS:
      VAD accounted for a greater proportion of dementia cases than expected. Further
      investigation and treatment of risk factors is required in this setting.

PMID- 25134969
TI  - Stimulation of suicidal erythrocyte death by sulforaphane.
AB  - Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate from cruciferous vegetable, counteracts
      malignancy. The effect is at least in part due to the stimulation of suicidal
      death or apoptosis of tumour cells. Mechanisms invoked in sulforaphane-induced
      apoptosis include mitochondrial depolarization and altered gene expression.
      Despite the lack of mitochondria and nuclei, erythrocytes may, similar to
      apoptosis of nucleated cells, enter eryptosis, a suicidal cell death
      characterized by cell shrinkage and phosphatidylserine translocation to the
      erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include increase of cytosolic
      Ca(2+)-activity ([Ca(2+)]i). This study explored whether sulforaphane stimulates
      eryptosis. Cell volume was estimated from forward scatter, phosphatidylserine
      exposure at the cell surface from annexin V binding and [Ca(2+)]i from Fluo-3
      fluorescence. A 48-hr treatment of human erythrocytes with sulforaphane (50-100
      MUM) significantly decreased forward scatter, significantly increased the
      percentage of annexin V binding cells and significantly increased [Ca(2+)]i. The
      effect of sulforaphane (100 MUM) on annexin V binding was significantly blunted
      but not abrogated by the removal of extracellular Ca(2+). Sulforaphane (100 MUM)
      significantly increased ceramide formation. In conclusion, sulforaphane
      stimulates suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis, an effect at least partially,
      but not exclusively, due to the stimulation of Ca(2+) entry and ceramide
      formation.

PMID- 25134970
TI  - Phenotyping polyclonal kappa and lambda light chain molecular mass distributions
      in patient serum using mass spectrometry.
AB  - We previously described a microLC-ESI-Q-TOF MS method for identifying monoclonal
      immunoglobulins in serum and then tracking them over time using their accurate
      molecular mass. Here we demonstrate how the same methodology can be used to
      identify and characterize polyclonal immunoglobulins in serum. We establish that
      two molecular mass distributions observed by microLC-ESI-Q-TOF MS are from
      polyclonal kappa and lambda light chains using a combination of theoretical
      molecular masses from gene sequence data and the analysis of commercially
      available purified polyclonal IgG kappa and IgG lambda from normal human serum. A
      linear regression comparison of kappa/lambda ratios for 74 serum samples (25
      hypergammaglobulinemia, 24 hypogammaglobulinemia, 25 normal) determined by
      microflowLC-ESI-Q-TOF MS and immunonephelometry had a slope of 1.37 and a
      correlation coefficient of 0.639. In addition to providing kappa/lambda ratios,
      the same microLC-ESI-Q-TOF MS analysis can determine the molecular mass for
      oligoclonal light chains observed above the polyclonal background in patient
      samples. In 2 patients with immune disorders and hypergammaglobulinemia, we
      observed a skewed polyclonal molecular mass distribution which translated into
      biased kappa/lambda ratios. Mass spectrometry provides a rapid and simple way to
      combine the polyclonal kappa/lambda light chain abundance ratios with the
      identification of dominant monoclonal as well as oligoclonal light chain
      immunoglobulins. We anticipate that this approach to evaluating immunoglobulin
      light chains will lead to improved understanding of immune deficiencies,
      autoimmune diseases, and antibody responses. 

PMID- 25134974
TI  - Halogen bonds in crystal engineering: like hydrogen bonds yet different.
AB  - The halogen bond is an attractive interaction in which an electrophilic halogen
      atom approaches a negatively polarized species. Short halogen atom contacts in
      crystals have been known for around 50 years. Such contacts are found in two
      varieties: type I, which is symmetrical, and type II, which is bent. Both are
      influenced by geometric and chemical considerations. Our research group has been
      using halogen atom interactions as design elements in crystal engineering, for
      nearly 30 years. These interactions include halogen...halogen interactions
      (X...X) and halogen...heteroatom interactions (X...B). Many X...X and almost all
      X...B contacts can be classified as halogen bonds. In this Account, we illustrate
      examples of crystal engineering where one can build up from previous knowledge
      with a focus that is provided by the modern definition of the halogen bond. We
      also comment on the similarities and differences between halogen bonds and
      hydrogen bonds. These interactions are similar because the protagonist atoms
      halogen and hydrogen-are both electrophilic in nature. The interactions are
      distinctive because the size of a halogen atom is of consequence when compared
      with the atomic sizes of, for example, C, N, and O, unlike that of a hydrogen
      atom. Conclusions may be drawn pertaining to the nature of X...X interactions
      from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). There is a clear geometric and
      chemical distinction between type I and type II, with only type II being halogen
      bonds. Cl/Br isostructurality is explained based on a geometric model. In
      parallel, experimental studies on 3,4-dichlorophenol and its congeners shed light
      on the nature of halogen...halogen interactions and reveal the chemical
      difference between Cl and Br. Variable temperature studies also show differences
      between type I and type II contacts. In terms of crystal design, halogen bonds
      offer a unique opportunity in the strength, atom size and interaction gradation;
      this may be used in the design of ternary cocrystals. Structural modularity in
      which an entire crystal structure is defined as a combination of modules is
      rationalized on the basis of the intermediate strength of a halogen bond. The
      specific directionality of the halogen bond makes it a good tool to achieve
      orthogonality in molecular crystals. Mechanical properties can be tuned
      systematically by varying these orthogonally oriented halogen...halogen
      interactions. In a further development, halogen bonds are shown to play a
      systematic role in organization of LSAMs (long range synthon aufbau module),
      which are bigger structural units containing multiple synthons. With a formal
      definition in place, this may be the right time to look at differences between
      halogen bonds and hydrogen bonds and exploit them in more subtle ways in crystal
      engineering.

PMID- 25134972
TI  - Efficacy of dronedarone versus propafenone in the maintenance of sinus rhythm in
      patients with atrial fibrillation after electrical cardioversion.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our objective was to compare the efficacy of dronedarone and propafenone
      in maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after
      electrical cardioversion. METHODS: In this single-center, open-label, randomized
      trial, we randomly assigned patients with AF after electrical cardioversion to
      receive dronedarone 400 mg BID or propafenone 150 mg TID. Follow-up clinical
      evaluations were conducted at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months of treatment. The primary end
      point was the time to the first recurrence of AF. FINDINGS: A total of 98
      patients were enrolled (79 men; mean age, 59.2 years; n = 49 per group). The
      median times to first recurrence of AF were 31 days in the dronedarone group and
      32 days in the propafenone group (P = 0.715). The median (interquartile range)
      ventricular rates at first recurrence of AF were 76.5 (67.3-86.5) beats/min in
      the dronedarone group and 83.0 (71.0-96.0) beats/min in the propafenone group (P
      = 0.059). IMPLICATIONS: Dronedarone and propafenone had similar efficacies in
      maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with AF after electrical cardioversion. The
      ventricular rate at the first recurrence of AF was numerically but not
      statistically significantly lower in the dronedarone group than in the
      propafenone group. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01991119.

PMID- 25134973
TI  - In vitro evaluation of the inhibitory effect of canine serum, canine fresh frozen
      plasma, freeze-thaw-cycled plasma, and SolcoserylTM on matrix metalloproteinases
      2 and 9.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Compare the efficacy of canine serum, fresh frozen plasma (FFP),
      freeze-thaw-cycled plasma (FTCP), and Solcoseryl(TM) at inhibiting matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 in vitro. PROCEDURE: Matrix metalloproteinases 2
      and 9 activity in the presence of serum, FFP, FTCP, or Solcoseryl(TM) was assayed
      using a commercially available fluorogenic gelatinase activity kit. RESULTS:
      Matrix metalloproteinases 2 activity in the presence of serum, FFP, FTCP, and
      Solcoseryl(TM) was 20.84%, 5.76%, 8.10%, and 83.03%, respectively of uninhibited
      MMP 2 activity. MMP 9 activity in the presence of serum, FFP, FTCP, and
      Solcoseryl(TM) was 57.36%, 58.35%, 49.35%, and -8.69%, respectively of
      uninhibited MMP 9 activity. CONCLUSION: Serum, FFP, and FTCP exhibit similar
      levels of MMP 2 and 9 inhibitions. Solcoseryl(TM) causes minimal MMP 2
      inhibition, but profound MMP 9 inhibition.

PMID- 25134971
TI  - Sex differences in T cells in hypertension.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke,
      and end-organ damage. There is a sex difference in blood pressure (BP) that
      begins in adolescence and continues into adulthood, in which men have a higher
      prevalence of hypertension compared with women until the sixth decade of life.
      Less than 50% of hypertensive adults in the United States manage to control their
      BP to recommended levels using current therapeutic options, and women are more
      likely than are men to have uncontrolled high BP. This, is despite the facts that
      more women compared with men are aware that they have hypertension and that women
      are more likely to seek treatment for the disease. Novel therapeutic targets need
      to be identified in both sexes to increase the percentage of hypertensive
      individuals with controlled BP. The purpose of this article was to review the
      available literature on the role of T cells in BP control in both sexes, and the
      potential therapeutic application/implications of targeting immune cells in
      hypertension. METHODS: A search of PubMed was conducted to determine the impact
      of sex on T cell-mediated control of BP. The search terms included sex, gender,
      estrogen, testosterone, inflammation, T cells, T regulatory cells, Th17 cells,
      hypertension, and blood pressure. Additional data were included from our
      laboratory examinations of cytokine expression in the kidneys of male and female
      spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and differential gene expression in both
      the renal cortex and mesenteric arterial bed of male and female SHRs. FINDINGS:
      There is a growing scientific literature base regarding the role of T cells in
      the pathogenesis of hypertension and BP control; however, the majority of these
      studies have been performed exclusively in males, despite the fact that both men
      and women develop hypertension. There is increasing evidence that although T
      cells also mediate BP in females, there are distinct differences in both the T
      cell profile and the functional impact of sex differences in T cells on
      cardiovascular health, although more work is needed to better define the relative
      impact of different T-cell subtypes on BP in both sexes. IMPLICATIONS: The
      challenge now is to fully understand the molecular mechanisms by which the immune
      system regulates BP and how the different components of the immune system
      interact so that specific mechanisms can be targeted therapeutically without
      compromising natural immune defenses.

PMID- 25134975
TI  - Dimensionality control of d-orbital occupation in oxide superlattices.
AB  - Manipulating the orbital state in a strongly correlated electron system is of
      fundamental and technological importance for exploring and developing novel
      electronic phases. Here, we report an unambiguous demonstration of orbital
      occupancy control between t2g and eg multiplets in quasi-two-dimensional
      transition metal oxide superlattices (SLs) composed of a Mott insulator LaCoO3
      and a band insulator LaAlO3. As the LaCoO3 sublayer thickness approaches its
      fundamental limit (i.e. one unit-cell-thick), the electronic state of the SLs
      changed from a Mott insulator, in which both t2g and eg orbitals are partially
      filled, to a band insulator by completely filling (emptying) the t2g (eg)
      orbitals. We found the reduction of dimensionality has a profound effect on the
      electronic structure evolution, which is, whereas, insensitive to the epitaxial
      strain. The remarkable orbital controllability shown here offers a promising
      pathway for novel applications such as catalysis and photovoltaics, where the
      energy of d level is an essential parameter. 

PMID- 25134976
TI  - Dopamine D1 receptor availability is related to social behavior: a positron
      emission tomography study.
AB  - Dysfunctional interpersonal behavior is thought to underlie a wide spectrum of
      psychiatric disorders; however, the neurobiological underpinnings of these
      behavioral disturbances are poorly understood. Previous molecular imaging studies
      have shown associations between striatal dopamine (DA) D2-receptor binding and
      interpersonal traits, such as social conformity. The objective of this study was
      to explore, for the first time, the role of DA D1-receptors (D1-Rs) in human
      interpersonal behavior. Twenty-three healthy subjects were examined using
      positron emission tomography and the radioligand [(11)C]SCH23390, yielding D1-R
      binding potential values. Striatal D1-R binding was related to personality scales
      selected to specifically assess one dimension of interpersonal behavior, namely a
      combination of affiliation and dominance (i.e., the Social Desirability, Verbal
      Trait Aggression and Physical Trait Aggression scales from Swedish Universities
      Scales of Personality). An exploratory analysis was also performed for
      extrastriatal brain regions. D1-R binding potential values in the limbic striatum
      (r = .52; p = .015), associative striatum (r = .55; p = .009), and sensorimotor
      striatum (r = .67; p = .001) were positively related to Social Desirability
      scores. D1-R binding potential in the limbic striatum (r = -.51; p = .019) was
      negatively associated with Physical Trait Aggression scores. For extrastriatal
      regions, Social Desirability scores showed positive correlations in the amygdala
      (r = .60; p = .006) and medial frontal cortex (r = .60; p = .004). This study
      provides further support for the role of DA function in the expression of
      disaffiliative and dominant traits. Specifically, D1-R availability may serve as
      a marker for interpersonal behavior in humans. Associations were demonstrated for
      the same dimension of interpersonal behavior as for D2-R, but in the opposite
      direction, suggesting that the two receptor subtypes are involved in the same
      behavioral processes, but with different functional roles.

PMID- 25134977
TI  - Automated tract extraction via atlas based Adaptive Clustering.
AB  - Advancements in imaging protocols such as the high angular resolution diffusion
      weighted imaging (HARDI) and in tractography techniques are expected to cause an
      increase in the tract-based analyses. Statistical analyses over white matter
      tracts can contribute greatly towards understanding structural mechanisms of the
      brain since tracts are representative of connectivity pathways. The main
      challenge with tract-based studies is the extraction of the tracts of interest in
      a consistent and comparable manner over a large group of individuals without
      drawing the inclusion and exclusion regions of interest. In this work, we design
      a framework for automated extraction of white matter tracts. The framework
      introduces three main components, namely a connectivity based fiber
      representation, a fiber bundle atlas, and a clustering approach called Adaptive
      Clustering. The fiber representation relies on the connectivity signatures of
      fibers to establish an easy correspondence between different subjects. A group
      wise clustering of these fibers that are represented by the connectivity
      signatures is then used to generate a fiber bundle atlas. Finally, Adaptive
      Clustering incorporates the previously generated clustering atlas as a prior, to
      cluster the fibers of a new subject automatically. Experiments on the HARDI scans
      of healthy individuals acquired repeatedly, demonstrate the applicability,
      reliability and the repeatability of our approach in extracting white matter
      tracts. By alleviating the seed region selection and the inclusion/exclusion ROI
      drawing requirements that are usually handled by trained radiologists, the
      proposed framework expands the range of possible clinical applications and
      establishes the ability to perform tract-based analyses with large samples. 

PMID- 25134979
TI  - Impact of comorbidity, age, and gender on seasonal variation in hip fracture
      incidence. A NOREPOS study.
AB  - Based on a total of 136,140 hip fractures, we found a distinct seasonal variation
      in hip fracture incidence present in subgroups defined by age, gender, and
      comorbidity. The seasonal variation was most pronounced in the youngest and the
      healthiest patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the
      possible seasonal variation in hip fracture incidence in Norway by comorbidity,
      age, and gender. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the NOREPOS Hip Fracture
      Database containing all hip fractures in Norway during the time period 1994-2008.
      Hip fractures were identified by computerized hospital discharge diagnoses.
      Charlson comorbidity index was calculated based on additional diagnoses and
      categorized (0, 1, and >=2). Summer was defined as June, July, and August and
      winter as December, January, and February. Incidence rate ratios for hip fracture
      according to season were calculated by negative binomial models. RESULTS: In
      patients aged 50-103 years, 136,140 eligible fractures were identified (72.5 %
      women). The relative risk of hip fracture in winter versus summer was 1.40 (95 %
      confidence interval (CI) 1.36-1.45) in men and 1.26 (95 % CI 1.23-1.28) in women.
      June had the lowest number of fractures in both genders. We found seasonal
      variation in all subgroups by age and gender, although least pronounced in
      patients >79 years. There was a significant interaction between season and
      comorbidity (p = 0.022). When comparing winter to summer, we found relative risks
      of 1.40 (95 % CI 1.31-1.50) in patients with Charlson index = 0, 1.29 (95 % CI
      1.19-1.40) in patients with Charlson index = 1, and 1.18 (95 % CI 1.08-1.28) in
      patients with Charlson index >=2. CONCLUSIONS: There was a distinct seasonal
      variation in hip fracture incidence, present in all subgroups of gender, age, or
      comorbidity. This variation should be accounted for when planning health-care
      services.

PMID- 25134978
TI  - Optimising beamformer regions of interest analysis.
AB  - Beamforming is a spatial filtering based source reconstruction method for EEG and
      MEG that allows the estimation of neuronal activity at a particular location
      within the brain. The computation of the location specific filter depends solely
      on an estimate of the data covariance matrix and on the forward model. Increasing
      the number of M/EEG sensors, increases the quantity of data required for accurate
      covariance matrix estimation. Often however we have a prior hypothesis about the
      site of, or the signal of interest. Here we show how this prior specification, in
      combination with optimal estimations of data dimensionality, can give enhanced
      beamformer performance for relatively short data segments. Specifically we show
      how temporal (Bayesian Principal Component Analysis) and spatial (lead field
      projection) methods can be combined to produce improvements in source estimation
      over and above employing the approaches individually. 

PMID- 25134980
TI  - Women's perspectives and experiences on screening for osteoporosis (Risk
      stratified Osteoporosis Strategy Evaluation, ROSE).
AB  - This study aimed to investigate women's perspectives and experiences with
      screening for osteoporosis. Focus groups and individual interviews were
      conducted. Three main themes emerged: knowledge about osteoporosis, psychological
      aspects of screening, and moral duty. Generally, screening was accepted due to
      life experiences, self-perceived risk, and the preventive nature of screening.
      PURPOSE: The risk-stratified osteoporosis strategy evaluation (ROSE) study is a
      randomized prospective population-based trial investigating the efficacy of a
      screening program to prevent fractures in women aged 65-80 years. It is
      recommended by the World Health Organization that a set of criteria are met
      before a screening program is implemented. This sub-study aims to investigate
      women's perspectives and experiences with the ROSE screening program in relation
      to the patient-related criteria recommended by the World Health Organization.
      METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out involving 31 women by way of 8 focus
      group interviews and 11 individual interviews. Principles from critical
      psychology guided the analysis. RESULTS: Women's perspectives and experiences
      with the screening program were described by three main themes: knowledge about
      osteoporosis, psychological aspects of screening, and moral duty. The women
      viewed the program in the context of their everyday life and life trajectories.
      Age, lifestyle, and knowledge about osteoporosis were important to how women
      ascribed meaning to the program, how they viewed the possibilities and
      limitations, and how they rationalized their actions and choices. The women
      displayed limited knowledge about osteoporosis and its risk factors. However,
      acceptance was based on prior experience, perceived risk, and evaluation of
      preventive measures. To be reassured or concerned by screening was described as
      important issues, as well as the responsibility for health-seeking behaviour.
      CONCLUSION: In general, the women accepted the screening program. No major
      ethical reservations or adverse psychological consequences were detected. Only a
      minority of women declined screening participation due to a low perceived risk of
      osteoporosis.

PMID- 25134981
TI  - Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for degenerated mitral valve
      bioprosthesis under 3D echocardiographic guidance.
AB  - Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement is increasingly being performed
      as operator and center experience in transcatheter valve replacement technology
      and techniques have accrued. Complications, such as valve embolization and
      paravalvular regurgitation, still occur and relate to valve deployment. The use
      of novel imaging techniques, such as 3D echocardiography, allows for better
      differentiation of cardiac structures and appropriate positioning of the
      transcatheter valve using well-visualized anatomical landmarks. Here the authors
      describe in images and video the use of 3D echocardiography for deployment of a
      mitral valve-in-valve. 

PMID- 25134982
TI  - Pregnant couples at increased risk for common aneuploidies choose maximal
      information from invasive genetic testing.
AB  - Genomic array detects more pathogenic chromosome aberrations than conventional
      karyotyping (CK), including genetic variants associated with a susceptibility for
      neurodevelopmental disorders; susceptibility loci (SL). Consensus regarding the
      scope of invasive prenatal diagnosis (PND) pregnant couples should be offered is
      lacking. This study examined pregnant couples' preferences, doubts and
      satisfaction regarding the scope of invasive PND. Eighty-two couples choosing
      prenatal screening (PNS) and 59 couples choosing invasive PND were offered a
      choice between 5 (comparable to CK) and 0.5 Mb resolution array analysis
      outcomes, the latter with or without reporting SL. A pre-test self-report
      questionnaire and post-test telephone interview assessed their choices in-depth.
      Actual (PND) and hypothetical (PNS) choices differed significantly (p < 0.001).
      Ninety-five percent of the couples in the PND group chose 0.5 Mb array, vs 69% in
      the PNS group. Seven percent of the PND group wished not to be informed of SL.
      Ninety percent was satisfied with their choice and wished to decide about the
      scope themselves. Pregnant couples wish to make their own choices regarding the
      scope of invasive PND. It therefore seems justified to offer them a choice in
      both the resolution of array and disclosure of SL.

PMID- 25134983
TI  - Cytotoxicity of purified listeriolysin O on mouse and human leukocytes and
      leukaemia cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Listeriolysin O (LLO) is the main virulence factor of Listeria
      monocytogenes and facilitates the intracellular survival of the pathogen. Some of
      its characteristics endorse the growing popularity of LLO for use in
      biotechnology, particularly in the development of novel vaccines. Here, we
      evaluate the use of LLO to eradicate leukaemia cells. RESULTS: A purified LLO
      preparation was obtained by affinity chromatography. The LLO preparation
      procedure was optimized and purified LLO was tested for optimal conditions of
      storage including temperature, application of proteinase inhibitors and serum
      components. We demonstrated the possibility of regulating LLO activity by
      adjusting cell membrane cholesterol content. The LLO preparation had haemolytic
      activity and had a cytotoxic effect on the human T-leukaemia Jurkat cell line as
      well as mouse and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. CONCLUSIONS: LLO has
      a very potent cytotoxic activity towards human leukocytes. Importantly, the
      cytotoxic activity was easily regulated in vitro and could be restricted to areas
      containing malignant cells, raising the possibility of future clinical
      application of LLO for leukaemia treatment.

PMID- 25134985
TI  - A systematic review evaluating the impact of online or blended learning vs. face
      to-face learning of clinical skills in undergraduate nurse education.
AB  - AIM: To determine whether the use of an online or blended learning paradigm has
      the potential to enhance the teaching of clinical skills in undergraduate
      nursing. BACKGROUND: The need to adequately support and develop students in
      clinical skills is now arguably more important than previously considered due to
      reductions in practice opportunities. Online and blended teaching methods are
      being developed to try and meet this requirement, but knowledge about their
      effectiveness in teaching clinical skills is limited. DESIGN: Mixed methods
      systematic review, which follows the Joanna Briggs Institute User guide version
      5. DATA SOURCES: Computerized searches of five databases were undertaken for the
      period 1995-August 2013. REVIEW METHODS: Critical appraisal and data extraction
      were undertaken using Joanna Briggs Institute tools for
      experimental/observational studies and interpretative and critical research. A
      narrative synthesis was used to report results. RESULTS: Nineteen published
      papers were identified. Seventeen papers reported on online approaches and only
      two papers reported on a blended approach. The synthesis of findings focused on
      the following four areas: performance/clinical skill, knowledge, self
      efficacy/clinical confidence and user experience/satisfaction. The e-learning
      interventions used varied throughout all the studies. CONCLUSION: The available
      evidence suggests that online learning for teaching clinical skills is no less
      effective than traditional means. Highlighted by this review is the lack of
      available evidence on the implementation of a blended learning approach to
      teaching clinical skills in undergraduate nurse education. Further research is
      required to assess the effectiveness of this teaching methodology.

PMID- 25134986
TI  - Hereditary angioedema with F12 mutation: factors modifying the clinical
      phenotype.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) with normal C1 inhibitor (C1Inh)
      associated with the c.983C>A and c.983C>G mutations of the F12 gene (FXII-HAE) is
      a rare condition, and presents with highly variable clinical expression. On the
      basis of data gathered from a large carrier cohort, we assessed the modifiers
      affecting the clinical phenotype. METHODS: We analyzed clinical and biological
      data recorded from 118 mutation carriers (80 symptomatic and 38 asymptomatic), 58
      noncarrier relatives from 40 families, and 200 healthy donors. Disease severity
      was scored in relation to frequency and location of edema, as well as age at
      disease onset. To predict FXII-HAE disease severity, we analyzed the biological
      phenotype [C1Inh, C4, spontaneous amidase, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE),
      aminopeptidase P (APP), and carboxypeptidase N/M (CPN)] by means of logistic
      regression (Akaike information criterion) and odds ratio (OR). RESULTS:
      Meaningful variables contributed to FXII-HAE, with the kinin catabolism enzymes
      ACE and CPN exhibiting a significant inverse relationship with disease severity
      (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.23-0.59, P < 0.001; OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.36-0.91, P < 0.05,
      respectively). CPN activities were 37.5 (28.5-41.3) nmol/ml/min and 38.5 (32.8
      45.6) for FXII-HAE asymptomatic and symptomatic carriers, respectively, and 37.9
      (30.5-43.7) nmol/ml/min for noncarriers. Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme
      activities were 58 (44-76) and 49 (35-59) nmol/ml/min for FXII-HAE asymptomatic
      and symptomatic carriers, respectively, and 56 (49-66) nmol/ml/min for
      noncarriers. CONCLUSIONS: The FXII-HAE is associated with modifiers, for example
      kinin catabolism enzymes, ACE and CPN, different from those recognized in HAE
      with C1Inh deficiency.

PMID- 25134987
TI  - The deubiquitinating enzyme CYLD controls apical docking of basal bodies in
      ciliated epithelial cells.
AB  - CYLD is a tumour suppressor gene mutated in familial cylindromatosis, a genetic
      disorder leading to the development of skin appendage tumours. It encodes a
      deubiquitinating enzyme that removes Lys63- or linear-linked ubiquitin chains.
      CYLD was shown to regulate cell proliferation, cell survival and inflammatory
      responses, through various signalling pathways. Here we show that CYLD localizes
      at centrosomes and basal bodies via interaction with the centrosomal protein
      CAP350 and demonstrate that CYLD must be both at the centrosome and catalytically
      active to promote ciliogenesis independently of NF-kappaB. In transgenic mice
      engineered to mimic the smallest truncation found in cylindromatosis patients,
      CYLD interaction with CAP350 is lost disrupting CYLD centrosome localization,
      which results in cilia formation defects due to impairment of basal body
      migration and docking. These results point to an undiscovered regulation of
      ciliogenesis by Lys63 ubiquitination and provide new perspectives regarding CYLD
      function that should be considered in the context of cylindromatosis. 

PMID- 25134988
TI  - Should electric fans be used during a heat wave?
AB  - Heat waves continue to claim lives, with the elderly and poor at greatest risk. A
      simple and cost-effective intervention is an electric fan, but public health
      agencies warn against their use despite no evidence refuting their efficacy in
      heat waves. A conceptual human heat balance model can be used to estimate the
      evaporative requirement for heat balance, the potential for evaporative heat loss
      from the skin, and the predicted sweat rate, with and without an electrical fan
      during heat wave conditions. Using criteria defined by the literature, it is
      clear that fans increase the predicted critical environmental limits for both the
      physiological compensation of endogenous/exogenous heat, and the onset of
      cardiovascular strain by an air temperature of ~3-4  degrees C, irrespective of
      relative humidity (RH) for the young and elderly. Even above these critical
      limits, fans would apparently still provide marginal benefits at air temperatures
      as high as 51.1  degrees C at 10%RH for young adults and 48.1  degrees C at 10%RH
      for the elderly. Previous concerns that dehydration would be exacerbated with fan
      use do not seem likely, except under very hot (>40  degrees C) and dry (<10%RH)
      conditions, when predicted sweat losses are only greater with fans by a minor
      amount (~20-30 mL/h). Relative to the peak outdoor environmental conditions
      reported during ten of the most severe heat waves in recent history, fan use
      would be advisable in all of these situations, even when reducing the predicted
      maximum sweat output for the elderly. The protective benefit of fans appears to
      be underestimated by current guidelines.

PMID- 25134990
TI  - Efficient ammonium uptake and mobilization of vacuolar arginine by Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae wine strains during wine fermentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Under N-limiting conditions, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains display
      a substantial variability in their biomass yield from consumed nitrogen -in
      particular wine yeasts exhibit high growth abilities- that is correlated with
      their capacity to complete alcoholic fermentation, a trait of interest for
      fermented beverages industries. The aim of the present work was to assess the
      contribution of nitrogen availability to the strain-specific differences in the
      ability to efficiently use N-resource for growth and to identify the underlying
      mechanisms. We compared the profiles of assimilation of several nitrogen sources
      (mostly ammonium, glutamine, and arginine) for high and low biomass-producing
      strains in various conditions of nitrogen availability. We also analyzed the
      intracellular fate of nitrogen compounds. RESULTS: Strains clustered into two
      groups at initial nitrogen concentrations between 85 and 385 mg N.L(-1): high
      biomass producers that included wine strains, were able to complete fermentation
      of 240 g.L(-1) glucose and quickly consume nitrogen, in contrast to low biomass
      producers. The two classes of strains exhibited distinctive characteristics that
      contributed to their differential capacity to produce biomass. The contribution
      of each characteristic varied according to nitrogen availability. In high biomass
      producers, the high rate of ammonium uptake resulted in an important consumption
      of this preferred nitrogen source that promoted the growth of these yeasts when
      nitrogen was provided in excess. Both classes of yeast accumulated poor nitrogen
      sources, mostly arginine, in vacuoles during the first stages of growth. However,
      at end of the growth phase when nitrogen had become limiting, high biomass
      producers more efficiently used this vacuolar nitrogen fraction for protein
      synthesis and further biomass formation than low biomass producers. CONCLUSIONS:
      Overall, we demonstrate that the efficient management of the nitrogen resource,
      including efficient ammonium uptake and efficient use of the amino acids stored
      in vacuoles during the late stages of growth, might lead to high biomass
      production by wine yeasts.

PMID- 25134991
TI  - Reduced intraocular pressure after cataract surgery in patients with narrow
      angles and chronic angle-closure glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of cataract surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP)
      in patients with narrow angles and chronic angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) and to
      determine whether the change in IOP was correlated with the preoperative
      pressure, axial length (AL), and anterior chamber depth (ACD). SETTING: Private
      practice, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS:
      Charts of patients with narrow angles or chronic ACG who had cataract surgery
      were reviewed. All eyes had previous laser iridotomies. Data recorded included
      preoperative and postoperative IOP, AL, and ACD. The preoperative IOP was used to
      stratify eyes into 4 groups. RESULTS: The charts of 56 patients (83 eyes) were
      reviewed. The mean reduction IOP in all eyes was 3.28 mm Hg (18%), with 88%
      having a decrease in IOP. There was a significant correlation between
      preoperative IOP and the magnitude of IOP reduction (r = 0.68, P < .001). The
      mean decrease in IOP was 5.3 mm Hg in eyes with a preoperative IOP above 20 mm
      Hg, 4.6 mm Hg in the over 18 to 20 mm Hg group, 2.5 mm Hg in the over 15 to 18 mm
      Hg group, and 1.4 mm Hg in the 15 mm Hg or less group. The mean follow-up was 3.0
      years +/- 2.3 (SD). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery reduced IOP in patients with
      narrow angles and chronic ACG. The magnitude of reduction was highly correlated
      with preoperative IOP and weakly correlated with ACD. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No
      author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method
      mentioned.

PMID- 25134989
TI  - Toll-like receptor 4 and MAIR-II/CLM-4/LMIR2 immunoreceptor regulate VLA-4
      mediated inflammatory monocyte migration.
AB  - Inflammatory monocytes play an important role in host defense against infections.
      However, the regulatory mechanisms of transmigration into infected tissue are not
      yet completely understood. Here we show that mice deficient in MAIR-II (also
      called CLM-4 or LMIR2) are more susceptible to caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)
      induced peritonitis than wild-type (WT) mice. Adoptive transfer of inflammatory
      monocytes from WT mice, but not from MAIR-II, TLR4 or MyD88-deficient mice,
      significantly improves survival of MAIR-II-deficient mice after CLP. Migration of
      inflammatory monocytes into the peritoneal cavity after CLP, which is dependent
      on VLA-4, is impaired in above mutant and FcRgamma chain-deficient mice.
      Lipopolysaccharide stimulation induces association of MAIR-II with FcRgamma chain
      and Syk, leading to enhancement of VLA-4-mediated adhesion to VCAM-1. These
      results indicate that activation of MAIR-II/FcRgamma chain by TLR4/MyD88-mediated
      signalling is essential for the transmigration of inflammatory monocytes from the
      blood to sites of infection mediated by VLA-4. 

PMID- 25134992
TI  - Comparison of the metal-to-ceramic bond strengths of four noble alloys with press
      on-metal and conventional porcelain layering techniques.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: New noble alloys for metal ceramic restorations introduced
      by manufacturers are generally lower-cost alternatives to traditional higher-gold
      alloys. Information about the metal-to-ceramic bond strength for these alloys,
      which is needed for rational clinical selection, is often lacking. PURPOSE: The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of 4 recently introduced
      noble alloys by using 2 techniques for porcelain application. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Aquarius Hard (high-gold: 86.1 gold, 8.5 platinum, 2.6 palladium, 1.4
      indium; values in wt. %), Evolution Lite (reduced-gold: 40.3 gold, 39.3
      palladium, 9.3 indium, 9.2 silver, 1.8 gallium), Callisto 75 Pd (palladium-silver
      containing gold: 75.2 palladium, 7.1 silver, 2.5 gold, 9.3 tin, 1.0 indium), and
      Aries, (conventional palladium-silver: 63.7 palladium, 26.0 silver, 7.0 tin, 1.8
      gallium, 1.5 indium) were selected for bonding to leucite-containing veneering
      porcelains. Ten metal ceramic specimens that met dimensional requirements for
      International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 9693 were prepared
      for each alloy by using conventional porcelain layering and press-on-metal
      methods. The 3-point bending test in ISO Standard 9693 was used to determine bond
      strength. Values were compared with 2-way ANOVA (maximum likelihood analysis, SAS
      Mixed Procedure) and the Tukey test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Means (standard
      deviations) for bond strength with conventional porcelain layering were as
      follows: Aquarius Hard (50.7 +/-5.5 MPa), Evolution Lite (40.2 +/-3.3 MPa),
      Callisto 75 Pd (37.2 +/-3.9 MPa), and Aries (34.0 +/-4.9 MPa). For the press-on
      metal technique, bond strength results were as follows: Aquarius Hard (33.7 +/
      11.5 MPa), Evolution Lite (34.9 +/-4.5 MPa), Callisto 75 Pd (37.2 +/-11.9 MPa),
      and Aries (30.7 +/-10.8 MPa). From statistical analyses, the following 3
      significant differences were found for metal-to-ceramic bond strength: the bond
      strength for Aquarius Hard was significantly higher for conventional porcelain
      layers compared with the press-on-metal technique; the bond strength for Aquarius
      Hard with conventional porcelain layers was significantly higher than the bond
      strengths for the other 3 alloys with conventional porcelain layers; and the bond
      strength for Aquarius Hard with conventional porcelain layers was significantly
      higher than the bond strength for Callisto 75 Pd with conventional porcelain
      layers and the other 3 alloys with the press-on-metal technique. CONCLUSIONS: For
      both conventional layering and press-on-metal techniques, all 4 noble alloys had
      a mean metal-to-ceramic bond strength that substantially exceeded the 25 MPa
      minimum in the ISO Standard 9693. The results for Aries support the
      manufacturer's recommendation not to use the press-on-metal technique for alloys
      that contain more than 10% silver.

PMID- 25134993
TI  - Evaluating the ability of dental technician students and graduate dentists to
      match tooth color.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The ability of dental technician students to match tooth
      shade with the Vita 3D-Master shade guide and Toothguide Training Box has not
      been investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare
      the shade-matching ability of dental technician students and graduate dentists
      using the Vita 3D-Master shade guide. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-nine dental
      technician students (DTS group) and 30 graduate dentists (GD group) participated
      in this study. The Toothguide Training Box (TTB) was used to train the
      participants and test their shade-matching abilities. Shade-matching ability was
      evaluated with 3 exercises and a final test, all of which are components of the
      TTB. The number of mistakes for each participant for value (L), chroma (c), and
      hue (h) were recorded during the exercises and the final test, and the mistake
      ratios were calculated. Color difference (DeltaE) values for each shade were
      calculated from the L*, a*, and b* values of the Vita 3D-Master shade guide for
      each participant in both groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine
      statistically significant differences between the L, c, and h mistake ratios of
      the 2 groups, and the Student t test was used to determine statistically
      significant differences between the final test scores and the DeltaE values of
      the groups (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The mistake ratio for L in the GD group was
      significantly higher than that of the DTS group (P<.05), whereas the mistake
      ratio for h in the DTS group was higher (P<.001). No significant differences were
      observed between the groups regarding the mistake ratios for c (P>.05). With
      regard to the final test scores and the DeltaE values, no significant differences
      were found between the groups (P<.001), and the DTS group received higher scores
      than the GD group (912 and 851). The mean DeltaE values for the DTS and GD groups
      were 1.72 and 2.92. CONCLUSIONS: DTSs made more mistakes in the h parameter than
      GDs, and GDs made more mistakes in the L parameter than DTSs. With regard to the
      final test scores and the DeltaE values, DTSs were more successful in shade
      matching than GDs.

PMID- 25134994
TI  - Evaluation of an optimized shade guide made from porcelain powder mixtures.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Color errors associated with current shade guides and
      problems with color selection and duplication are still challenging for
      restorative dentists. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate an
      optimized shade guide for visual shade duplication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Color
      distributions (L*, a*, and b*) of the maxillary left central incisors of 236
      participants, whose ages ranged from 20 to 60, were measured with a
      spectrophotometer. Based on this color map, an optimized shade guide was designed
      with 14 shade tabs evenly distributed within the given color range of the natural
      incisors. The shade tabs were fabricated with porcelain powder mixtures and
      conventional laboratory procedures. A comparison of shade duplication by using
      the optimized and Vitapan Classical shade guides was conducted. Thirty Chinese
      participants were involved, and the colors of the left maxillary incisors were
      selected by using 2 shade guides. Metal ceramic crowns were fabricated according
      to the results of the shade selection. The colors of the shade tabs, natural
      teeth, and the ceramic crowns were measured with a spectrophotometer. The color
      differences among the natural teeth, the shade tabs, and the corresponding metal
      ceramic crowns were calculated and analyzed (alpha=.017). RESULTS: Significant
      differences were found in both phases of shade determination and shade
      duplication (P<.017). The total number of color errors with the optimized shade
      guide was 3.5, which was significantly less than that of Vitapan, 5.1 (P<.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The optimized shade guide system improved performance not only in
      the color selection phase but also in the color of the fabricated crowns.

PMID- 25134995
TI  - Scanning accuracy and precision in 4 intraoral scanners: an in vitro comparison
      based on 3-dimensional analysis.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Intraoral scanners may use proprietary acquisition and
      manufacturing processes. However, limited information is available regarding
      their accuracy, their precision, and the influence that refraction or coating may
      have on their output. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the
      scanning accuracy and precision of 4 intraoral scanners and to assess the
      influence of different test materials and coating thicknesses. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Models were fabricated in 3 materials (polymethyl methacrylate [Telio
      CAD], titanium, and zirconia) and reference scanned with an industrial optical
      scanner. The models were scanned with intraoral scanners (3M Lava COS, Cerec
      AC/Bluecam, E4D, and iTero). A thick layer of coating was applied and scanned (3M
      Lava COS). Further evaluation on a gypsum cast was undertaken for the E4D system.
      Data were evaluated by using 3-dimensional analysis with "3D compare" software
      commands (3D compare analysis) regarding standard, mean, and maximum deviations,
      with subsequent statistical analysis. RESULTS: The 3M Lava COS, Cerec AC/Bluecam,
      and iTero generally displayed similar results regarding deviations. Maximum
      deviations, however, increased by several factors for the noncoating scanners
      (iTero and E4D). Statistical significance was found regarding material properties
      for noncoating scanners (P<.05). iTero displayed consistent material-specific,
      localized errors on the translucent material (Telio CAD). E4D showed the largest
      deviations. Scans of the gypsum cast displayed specific localized areas with
      greater deviations. Excessive coating was nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Significant differences were found between the coating and noncoating scanners,
      and specific scanning errors for the system with parallel confocal microscopy
      were found for certain model materials. Specific areas of sizable deviations for
      the system with laser triangulation technology can be explained by the scanner
      design and noncoating technology. Excessive coating had no negative effect.

PMID- 25134996
TI  - Effect of gypsum separating media on the appearance of stone cast surfaces.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Several well-known parameters influence the appearance of
      the denture base surface, including proper isolation of the dental stone. There
      is lack of data describing the influence of this parameter on the appearance of
      the denture base surface. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      effectiveness of 2 dental stone separating media on the surface of the denture
      base. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A conventional flasking technique for fabricating a
      denture base was used. Twenty casts were poured with Type III yellow dental stone
      to produce 20 identical denture bases. Each cast was sectioned into halves. One
      half of the cast was treated with Al-Cote (control group) and the other half with
      Iso-K separating material. Once the denture base was finished, a single examiner,
      blinded to the experiment, visually compared the 2 surfaces of each cast (right
      and left part of the cast) under natural light to determine which surface was
      glossier. The McNemar test (.05 significance level) was used to compare the
      discordant pairs (20 discordant pairs). RESULTS: Two pairs (10%) were glossier
      than the Iso-K treatment, and 18 pairs (90%) within the Iso-K treatment were
      glossier than the treatment with Al-Cote. A statistically significant difference
      was found between the 2 treatments (P<.001). The odds ratio was 9.00, with a 95%
      confidence interval of 2.155 to 79.981. CONCLUSIONS: When used according to the
      manufacturer's instructions, denture surfaces treated with Iso-K appeared
      glossier than when treated with Al-Cote separating material.

PMID- 25134997
TI  - A technique to evaluate custom tray border extensions before peripheral molding.

PMID- 25134998
TI  - Methylated ZNF582 gene as a marker for triage of women with Pap smear reporting
      low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions - a Taiwanese Gynecologic Oncology
      Group (TGOG) study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our previous work revealed that host genes ZNF582, PTPRR, PAX1, and
      SOX1 are highly methylated in cervical intraepithelial neoplasias grade 3 or
      worse (CIN3(+)). In this study, we used a standardized testing assay to evaluate
      the clinical efficacy of these biomarkers in the triage of cytological diagnoses
      of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs), and compared the
      performance with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. METHODS: This 2-year
      multicenter prospective study examined a population of 230 women from 12 medical
      centers who were diagnosed with LSILs on cervical cytology. Cervical scrapings
      were obtained prior to a colposcopy-directed biopsy for quantitative methylation
      analysis of ZNF582, PTPRR, PAX1, and SOX1, and HPV testing. Using logistic
      regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, the abilities of
      methylated genes and HPV to predict CIN3(+) were assessed. RESULTS: Fifteen
      (6.5%) of the 230 women with a cytological diagnosis of LSIL were confirmed to
      have CIN3(+) after a colposcopy-directed biopsy. Among the 4 methylated genes,
      ZNF582 was found to be the best biomarker for detecting CIN3(+). The
      sensitivities for methylated ZNF582 and HPV testing were 73% and 80%, and the
      specificities were 71% and 28%, respectively. The odds ratio for predicting
      CIN3(+) using methylated ZNF582 was 6.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1-22.1),
      which was much better than HPV testing (OR=1.6, 95% CI 0.4-5.8). CONCLUSION: This
      is the first study to show that ZNF582 methylation analysis of cervical swabs may
      be a promising choice in the positive triage of cytological diagnoses of LSILs.

PMID- 25135000
TI  - Role of toll-like receptors in cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers: a
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been implicated in inflammation,
      innate immunity and cancer. The goal of this paper is to review the available
      published research about Toll-like receptors and their roles in gynecologic
      malignancies. METHODS: A Medline search was conducted and published articles from
      the late 1990s to the present (2014) were reviewed using search phrases, Toll
      like receptors and cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers. RESULTS: TLR4 and
      TLR5 are commonly absent in normal cervix, however TLR5 expression is strong in
      high grade cervical dysplasia as well as invasive cancer. The expression of TLR3
      and TLR4 is low in endometrial cancer. TLR2, TLR3, TLR4 and TLR5 are highly
      expressed in normal and neoplastic ovarian epithelium. TLR3 has been shown to
      have a dual function: it can contribute to tumor elimination by upregulation of
      interferons alpha and beta (INF) and natural killer cell (NK) activation or it
      can indirectly contribute to tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation is an
      essential element in tumorigenesis. Toll-like receptors can trigger an
      inflammatory response and cell survival in the tumor micro-environment. TLRs are
      critical immunomodulators that may play an important role in the development of
      gynecologic cancers. Currently TLR agonists are being investigated for a
      potential role as an adjuvant in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies.

PMID- 25135001
TI  - Needs assessment of palliative care education in gynecologic oncology fellowship:
      we're not teaching what we think is most important.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to characterize gynecologic oncology fellowship directors'
      perspectives on (1) inclusion of palliative care (PC) topics in current
      fellowship curricula, (2) relative importance of PC topics and (3) interest in
      new PC curricular materials. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to
      fellowship directors, assessing current teaching of 16 PC topics meeting
      ABOG/ASCO objectives, relative importance of PC topics and interest in new PC
      curricular materials. Descriptive and correlative statistics were used. RESULTS:
      Response rate was 63% (29/46). 100% of programs had coverage of some PC topic in
      didactics in the past year and 48% (14/29) have either a required or elective PC
      rotation. Only 14% (4/29) have a written PC curriculum. Rates of explicit
      teaching of PC topics ranged from 36% (fatigue) to 93% (nausea). Four of the top
      five most important PC topics for fellowship education were communication topics.
      There was no correlation between topics most frequently taught and those
      considered most important (rs=0.11, p=0.69). All fellowship directors would
      consider using new PC curricular materials. Educational modalities of greatest
      interest include example teaching cases and PowerPoint slides. CONCLUSIONS:
      Gynecologic oncology fellowship directors prioritize communication topics as the
      most important PC topics for fellows to learn. There is no correlation between
      which PC topics are currently being taught and which are considered most
      important. Interest in new PC curricular materials is high, representing an
      opportunity for curricular development and dissemination. Future efforts should
      address identification of optimal methods for teaching communication to
      gynecologic oncology fellows.

PMID- 25134999
TI  - Oxysterols synergize with statins by inhibiting SREBP-2 in ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determine mechanisms responsible for enhanced statin efficacy in a
      novel statin combination we name STOX (STatin-OXysterol). METHODS: Ovarian cancer
      cell lines were treated with combinations of statins and oxysterols. Cell
      viability was determined by a modified MTT assay. Apoptosis was evaluated by
      immunoblotting of PARP and DAPI-mediated visualization of apoptotic nuclei. STOX
      effects on the expression of genes of the mevalonate pathway were assessed by
      real-time qPCR and immunoblotting. siRNA-mediated gene silencing was used to test
      the involvement of oxysterol-mediated repression of SREBP-2 in STOX synergy. The
      impact of statin-mediated inhibition of protein prenylation and on cholesterol
      homeostasis was evaluated. RESULTS: Oxysterols dramatically enhance cytotoxicity
      of statins in ovarian cancer cells through increased apoptosis. Decreased
      expression of SREBP-2 down-regulates the mevalonate pathway and prevents the
      active statin-induced sterol feedback, enhancing statin toxicity. Comparison of
      two ovarian cancer cell lines reveals two distinct mechanisms of statin induced
      toxicity, namely, dependence on protein geranylgeranylation and/or perturbation
      of cellular cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence of statins'
      mechanisms of cytotoxicity in different ovarian cancer cells and discovered a new
      approach to significantly enhance the anti-tumor activity of statins. These
      observations provide a potential new path to improve statins as a treatment
      against ovarian cancer with obtainable dosages.

PMID- 25135002
TI  - Factors affecting diagnosis and management of hypertension in Mazowe District of
      Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe: 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: From 2005 to 2011 Mazowe District recorded a gradual decline in
      prevalence of hypertension in the face of rising incidence of complications like
      stroke. This raised questions on whether diagnosis and management of hypertensive
      patients is being done properly. METHODS: We conducted an analytic cross
      sectional study at three hospitals in Mazowe District where we randomly selected
      201 of 222 patients from out patients departments and interviewed a convenience
      sample of 23 healthcare workers. Structured interviewer administered
      questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic characteristics and
      knowledge from patients, as well as knowledge and practices from health workers.
      Physical measurements were done on all patients. Frequencies; proportions, odds
      ratios, Chi square test and stratified & logistic regression analysis were done
      using Epi info version 3.5.4 while graphs were generated using Microsoft
      excel(r). Calculations were done at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Prevalence,
      awareness, control, compliance, and complication rate of hypertension were:
      69.7%, 56.2%, 22.0%, 59.8% and 20.7% respectively. Independent risk factors for
      hypertension were age (POR 3.09; 95% CI: 1.27-7.5), obesity (POR 4.37; 95% CI:
      1.83-10.4), and previous high blood pressure reading (POR 19.86; 95% CI: 8.61
      45.8). Complications included cardiac failure (8.6%), visual defects (4.3%) and
      stroke (3.6%). Co-morbid human immunodeficiency virus (10.7%) and diabetes
      mellitus (12.1%) were identified among respondents. Knowledge was poor in 47.7%
      of health workers. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors found in this study are consistent
      with other studies. Health service factors are the main reasons for poor
      diagnosis and management of hypertension. Health workers need training on
      diagnosis and management of hypertension. Guidelines, digital sphygmomanometers
      and adequate drug supply are needed. District has since purchased digital BP
      machines and requested assistance with training on clinical features of
      hypertension, use of digital machines, and how to properly measure BP. A policy
      document on non-communicable diseases including hypertension was subsequently
      developed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and currently awaiting
      endorsement by parliament.

PMID- 25135003
TI  - Facilitation of corticospinal excitability by virtual reality exercise following
      anodal transcranial direct current stimulation in healthy volunteers and subacute
      stroke subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that the combination of non-invasive brain
      stimulation and motor skill training is an effective new treatment option in
      neurorehabilitation. We investigated the beneficial effects of the application of
      transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with virtual reality (VR)
      motor training. METHODS: In total, 15 healthy, right-handed volunteers and 15
      patients with stroke in the subacute stage participated. Four different
      conditions (A: active wrist exercise, B: VR wrist exercise, C: VR wrist exercise
      following anodal tDCS (1 mV, 20 min) on the left (healthy volunteer) or affected
      (stroke patient) primary motor cortex, and D: anodal tDCS without exercise) were
      provided in random order on separate days. We compared during and post-exercise
      corticospinal excitability under different conditions in healthy volunteers (A,
      B, C, D) and stroke patients (B, C, D) by measuring the changes in amplitudes of
      motor evoked potentials in the extensor carpi radialis muscle, elicited with
      single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. For statistical analyses, a
      linear mixed model for a repeated-measures covariance pattern model with
      unstructured covariance within groups (healthy or stroke groups) was used.
      RESULTS: The VR wrist exercise (B) facilitated post-exercise corticospinal
      excitability more than the active wrist exercise (A) or anodal tDCS without
      exercise (D) in healthy volunteers. Moreover, the post-exercise corticospinal
      facilitation after tDCS and VR exercise (C) was greater and was sustained for 20
      min after exercise versus the other conditions in healthy volunteers (A, B, D)
      and in subacute stroke patients (B, D). CONCLUSIONS: The combined effect of VR
      motor training following tDCS was synergistic and short-term corticospinal
      facilitation was superior to the application of VR training, active motor
      training, or tDCS without exercise condition. These results support the concept
      of combining brain stimulation with VR motor training to promote recovery after a
      stroke.

PMID- 25135004
TI  - Steady-state sulfur critical loads and exceedances for protection of aquatic
      ecosystems in the U.S. Southern Appalachian Mountains.
AB  - Atmospherically deposited sulfur (S) causes stream water acidification throughout
      the eastern U.S. Southern Appalachian Mountain (SAM) region. Acidification has
      been linked with reduced fitness and richness of aquatic species and changes to
      benthic communities. Maintaining acid-base chemistry that supports native biota
      depends largely on balancing acidic deposition with the natural resupply of base
      cations. Stream water acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) is maintained by base
      cations that mostly originate from weathering of surrounding lithologies. When
      ambient atmospheric S deposition exceeds the critical load (CL) an ecosystem can
      tolerate, stream water chemistry may become lethal to biota. This work links
      statistical predictions of ANC and base cation weathering for streams and
      watersheds of the SAM region with a steady-state model to estimate CLs and
      exceedances. Results showed that 20.1% of the total length of study region
      streams displayed ANC <100 MUeq?L(-1), a level at which effects to biota may be
      anticipated; most were 4th or lower order streams. Nearly one-third of the stream
      length within the study region exhibited CLs of S deposition <50 meq?m(-2)?yr(
      1), which is less than the regional average S deposition of 60 meq?m(-2)?yr(-1).
      Owing to their geologic substrates, relatively high elevation, and cool and moist
      forested conditions, the percentage of stream length in exceedance was highest
      for mountain wilderness areas and in national parks, and lowest for privately
      owned valley bottom land. Exceedance results were summarized by 12-digit
      hydrologic unit code (subwatershed) for use in developing management goals and
      policy objectives, and for long-term monitoring.

PMID- 25135005
TI  - Consumer willingness to invest money and time for benefits of lifestyle behaviour
      change: an application of the contingent valuation method.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To use contingent valuation (CV) to derive individual consumer values
      for both health and broader benefits of a public-health intervention directed at
      lifestyle behaviour change (LBC) and to examine the feasibility and validity of
      the method. METHOD: Participants of a lifestyle intervention trial (n = 515) were
      invited to complete an online CV survey. Respondents (n = 312) expressed
      willingness to invest money and time for changes in life expectancy, health
      related quality of life (HRQOL) and broader quality of life aspects. Internal
      validity was tested for by exploring associations between explanatory variables
      (i.e. income, paid work, experience and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases)
      and willingness to invest, and by examining ordering effects and respondents'
      sensitivity to the scope of the benefits. RESULTS: The majority of respondents
      (94.3%) attached value to benefits of LBC, and 87.4% were willing to invest both
      money and time. Respondents were willing to invest more for improvements in HRQOL
      (?42/month; 3 h/week) and broader quality of life aspects (?40/month; 2.6 h/week)
      than for improvements in life expectancy (?24/month; 2 h/week). Protest answers
      were limited (3%) and findings regarding internal validity were mixed.
      CONCLUSION: The importance of broader quality of life outcomes to consumers
      suggests that these outcomes are relevant to be considered in the decision
      making. Our research showed that CV is a feasible method to value both health and
      broader outcomes of LBC, but generalizability to other areas of public health
      still needs to be examined. Mixed evidence regarding internal validity pleads for
      caution to use CV as only the base for decision making.

PMID- 25135006
TI  - What level of bowel prep quality requires early repeat colonoscopy: systematic
      review and meta-analysis of the impact of preparation quality on adenoma
      detection rate.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Current guidelines recommend early repeat colonoscopy when bowel
      preparation quality is inadequate, defined as inability to detect polyps >5 mm,
      but no data link specific bowel preparation categories or scores to this
      definition. Nevertheless, most physicians use a shortened screening/surveillance
      interval in patients with intermediate-quality preparation. We determined whether
      different levels of bowel preparation quality are associated with differences in
      adenoma detection rates (ADRs: proportion of colonoscopies with >=1 adenoma) to
      help guide decisions regarding early repeat colonoscopy-with primary focus on
      intermediate-quality preparation. METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase were searched for
      studies with adenoma or polyp detection rate stratified by bowel preparation
      quality. Preparation quality definitions were standardized on the basis of
      Aronchick definitions (excellent/good/fair/poor/insufficient), and primary
      analyses of ADR trichotomized bowel preparation quality: high quality
      (excellent/good), intermediate quality (fair), and low quality
      (poor/insufficient). Dichotomized analyses of adequate (excellent/good/fair) vs.
      inadequate (poor/insufficient) were also performed. RESULTS: Eleven studies met
      the inclusion criteria. The primary analysis, ADR with intermediate- vs. high
      quality preparation, showed an odds ratio (OR) of 0.94 (0.80-1.10) and absolute
      risk difference of -1% (-3%, 2%). ADRs were significantly higher with both
      intermediate-quality and high-quality preparation vs. low-quality preparation:
      OR=1.39 (1.08-1.79) and 1.41 (1.21-1.64), with absolute risk increases of 5% for
      both. ADR and advanced ADR were significantly higher with adequate vs. inadequate
      preparation: OR=1.30 (1.19-1.42) and 1.30 (1.02-1.67). Studies did not report
      other relevant outcomes such as total adenomas per colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: ADR
      is not significantly different with intermediate-quality vs. high-quality bowel
      preparation. Our results confirm the need for early repeat colonoscopy with low
      quality bowel preparation, but suggest that patients with intermediate/fair
      preparation quality may be followed up at standard guideline-recommended
      surveillance intervals without significantly affecting quality as measured by
      ADR.

PMID- 25135007
TI  - Miralax with gatorade for bowel preparation: a meta-analysis of randomized
      controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a very popular bowel preparation for
      colonoscopy. However, its large volume may reduce patient compliance, resulting
      in suboptimal preparation. Recently, a combination of Miralax and Gatorade has
      been studied in various randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as a lower volume and
      more palatable bowel preparation. However, results have varied. Therefore, we
      conducted a meta-analysis assessing the use of Miralax-Gatorade (M-G) vs. PEG for
      bowel preparation before colonoscopy. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched
      (January 2014). RCTs on adults comparing M-G (238-255 g in 1.9 l that is 64 fl
      oz) vs. PEG (3.8-4 l) for bowel preparation before colonoscopy were included. The
      effects were analyzed by calculating pooled estimates of quality of bowel
      preparation (satisfactory, unsatisfactory, excellent), patient tolerance (nausea,
      cramping, bloating), and polyp detection by using odds ratio (OR) with fixed- and
      random-effects models. RESULTS: Five studies met inclusion criteria (N=1,418),
      with mean age ranging from 53.8 to 61.3 years. M-G demonstrated statistically
      significantly fewer satisfactory bowel preparations as compared with PEG (OR
      0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.43-0.98, P=0.04) but more willingness to
      repeat preparation (OR 7.32; 95% CI: 4.88-10.98, P<0.01). Furthermore, no
      statistically significant differences in polyp detection (P=0.65) or side effects
      were apparent between the two preparations for nausea (P=0.71), cramping
      (P=0.84), or bloating (P=0.50). Subgroup analysis revealed similar results for
      split-dose M-G vs. split-dose PEG. CONCLUSIONS: M-G for bowel preparation before
      colonoscopy was inferior to PEG in bowel preparation quality while demonstrating
      no significant improvements in adverse effects or polyp detection. Therefore, PEG
      appears superior to M-G for bowel preparation before colonoscopy.

PMID- 25135008
TI  - ACG clinical guideline: the diagnosis and management of focal liver lesions.
AB  - Focal liver lesions (FLL) have been a common reason for consultation faced by
      gastroenterologists and hepatologists. The increasing and widespread use of
      imaging studies has led to an increase in detection of incidental FLL. It is
      important to consider not only malignant liver lesions, but also benign solid and
      cystic liver lesions such as hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia,
      hepatocellular adenoma, and hepatic cysts, in the differential diagnosis. In this
      ACG practice guideline, the authors provide an evidence-based approach to the
      diagnosis and management of FLL. 

PMID- 25135009
TI  - Characterization of type III TGF-beta receptor expression in invasive breast
      carcinomas: a potential new marker and target for triple negative breast cancer.
AB  - Invasive breast carcinomas are heterogeneous and exhibit distinct molecular
      features and biological behavior. Understanding the underlying molecular events
      that promote breast cancer progression is necessary to improve treatment and
      prognostication. TGF-beta receptor III (TBR3) is a member of the TGF-beta
      signaling pathway, with functions in cell proliferation and migration in
      malignancies, including breast cancer. Recent studies propose that TBR3 may
      function as a tumor suppressor and that its loss may correlate with disease
      progression. However, there are limited data on the expression of TBR3 in breast
      cancer in relationship to tumor type, hormonal receptor status and HER-2/neu, and
      patient outcome. In this study, we investigated the expression of TBR3 in a
      cohort of 205 primary invasive breast carcinomas in tissue microarrays (TMAs),
      with comprehensive clinical, pathological and follow- up information. Sections
      were stained for TBR3 and evaluated for intensity of reactivity based on a 4
      tiered scoring system (1 to 4; TBR3 low = scores 1-2; TBR3 high = scores 3-4). Of
      the 205 invasive carcinomas, 123 were luminal type (95 type A, 28 type B), 8 were
      HER-2 type, and 62 were triple negative (TN). TBR3 was high in 112 (55 %) and low
      in 93 (45 %) cases. Low TBR3 was associated with higher histological grade and
      worse disease free and overall survival, all features of biologically aggressive
      breast carcinomas. TBR3 was significantly associated with the subtype of breast
      cancer, as low TBR3 was detected in 95 % of TN compared to 22 % of luminal tumors
      (p < 0.0001). We discovered a significant association between low TBR3 protein
      expression, TN breast cancer phenotype, and disease progression. These data
      suggest that TBR3 loss might be linked to the development of TN breast cancers
      and pave the way to investigating whether restoring TBR3 function may be a
      therapeutic strategy against TN breast carcinomas. 

PMID- 25135010
TI  - Impact of antigenic diversity on laboratory diagnosis of Avian bornavirus
      infections in birds.
AB  - Avian bornaviruses (ABVs) are a group of genetically diverse viruses within the
      Bornaviridae family that can infect numerous avian species and represent the
      causative agents of proventricular dilatation disease, an often fatal disease
      that is widely distributed in captive populations of parrots and related species.
      The current study was designed to assess the antigenic variability of the family
      Bornaviridae and to determine its impact on ABV diagnosis by employing
      fluorescent antibody assays. It was shown that polyclonal rabbit sera directed
      against recombinant bornavirus nucleoprotein, X protein, phosphoprotein, and
      matrix protein provided sufficient cross-reactivity for the detection of viral
      antigen from a broad range of bornavirus genotypes grown in cell culture. In
      contrast, a rabbit anti-glycoprotein serum and 2 monoclonal antibodies directed
      against nucleoprotein and phosphoprotein proteins reacted more specifically.
      Antibodies were readily detected in sera from avian patients infected with known
      ABV genotypes if cells persistently infected with a variety of different
      bornavirus genotypes were used for analysis. For all sera, calculated antibody
      titers were highest when the homologous or a closely related target virus was
      used for the assay. Cross-reactivity with more distantly related genotypes of
      other phylogenetic groups was usually reduced, resulting in titer reduction of up
      to 3 log units. The presented results contribute to a better understanding of the
      antigenic diversity of family Bornaviridae and further emphasize the importance
      of choosing appropriate diagnostic tools for sensitive detection of ABV
      infections. 

PMID- 25135011
TI  - Foot-and-mouth disease in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus).
AB  - Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious, debilitating, and globally
      significant viral disease typically affecting cloven-hoofed hosts. The diagnosis
      of FMD in bears in Vietnam is described. The current study describes a confirmed
      case of FMD in a bear species, and the clinical signs compatible with FMD in a
      Malayan sun bear. Thirteen Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) and 1 Malayan
      sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) were apparently affected. In August 2011, an adult
      bear became lethargic, and developed footpad vesicles. Over 15 days, 14 out of 17
      bears developed similar signs; the remaining 3 co-housed bears and another 57
      resident bears did not. All affected bears developed vesicles on all footpads,
      and most were lethargic for 24-48 hr. Nasal and oral lesions were noted in 6 and
      3 cases, respectively. Within 1 month, all looked normal. Foot-and-mouth disease
      virus (FMDV) was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,
      classified as serotype O, and isolated by virus isolation techniques.
      Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated clustering of 3 bear isolates, in a branch
      distinct from other FMDV type O isolates. The outbreak likely occurred due to
      indirect contact with livestock, and was facilitated by the high density of
      captive bears. It showed that Asiatic black bears are capable of contracting FMDV
      and developing clinical disease, and that the virus spreads easily between bears
      in close contact. 

PMID- 25135012
TI  - Adoption and compliance in second-hand smoking bans: a global econometric
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examine the determinants governing both countries' enactment of
      smoking bans in public places and their ability to successfully put these bans
      into effect. METHODS: Using a large sample (N = 99-184) of low-, middle- and high
      income countries, econometric techniques are used to estimate the influence of
      several variables on cross-national variations in the adoption and compliance of
      second-hand smoke laws (2010). RESULTS: We find similarities in the determinants
      of adoption and compliance. Yet more notable are the differences, with several
      political economy factors which have a statistically significant influence on
      countries' level of compliance with existing smoke-free laws in public places
      found not to consistently influence their propensity to adopt bans in the first
      place. Possible explanations for this discrepancy are that governments are
      motivated to adopt smoking bans for reasons other than protecting the health of
      their citizens and that the real costs of smoking bans are predominantly borne at
      the compliance stage. CONCLUSIONS: More effort needs to be made to ensure that
      governments realize their existing policy commitments through effective
      enforcement of bans.

PMID- 25135013
TI  - Electronic cigarettes: proceed with great caution.

PMID- 25135014
TI  - Analysis of cardiac and pulmonary injuries resulting from an experimental
      penetrating thoracic injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was planned to analyze the internal and external
      anatomical findings of cardiac injuries and the presence of accompanying
      pulmonary injuries in intentionally inflicted thoracic injuries to swine models.
      METHODS: We inflicted a penetrating heart injury in six suis domesticus female
      swine models. Two cardiac injuries, one on the left paratracheal of fourth
      intercostal space (ICS) and the other on the right side were inflicted on each
      model by the same researcher using a 20-cm long scalpel. All animals were then
      sacrificed for morphological evaluation. RESULTS: After strikes to the left
      fourth ICS, external evaluation showed that 50% of the subjects suffered a single
      laceration and that 33% suffered multiple lacerations. Internal evaluation showed
      additional intracardiac injuries in all five subjects. However, the subject that
      suffered a single laceration on the outer surface of the heart had multiple
      internal injuries while another subject that had multiple outer lacerations had
      only one intracardiac injury. Only three subjects suffered cardiac injuries and
      only two out of those three with pulmonary injuries after right fourth
      intercostal intrusions. CONCLUSION: This experiment has shown that external
      evaluation of the heart tissue may not alone be sufficient to determine the
      extent of cardiac injuries and accompanying pulmonary injuries caused by
      penetrating thoracic injuries.

PMID- 25135015
TI  - The effects of oral antibiotics on infection prophylaxis in traumatic wounds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of oral
      antibiotics in the prevention of infection development in traumatic wounds.
      METHODS: Forty Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups of eight animals.
      After the crushed wound model was made on the back of the rats, wounds were
      closed with a simple suture and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 strain was used
      to create infection. All rats apart from the controls were given oral gavage with
      antibiotics, including cephalexin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, clarithromycin (CAM),
      or levofloxacin for 5 days. Wounds were evaluated qualitatively and
      quantitatively on 5th day approximately 18 h after the last treatment. RESULTS:
      In the quantitative evaluation, no infection was observed in the treatment groups
      with amoxicillin-clavulanate, CAM, cephalexin, or levofloxacin. There was no
      significant difference on the numbers of bacteria found in the wounds among the
      groups. In terms of quantitative inflammation findings, no hyperemia or pus was
      detected in the groups that were given medication. Furthermore, no statistically
      significant difference was found among the groups in terms of induration.
      CONCLUSION: Oral prophylactic antibiotics have been found to be effective in the
      prevention of wound infection in the traumatic crushed wound model infected with
      S. aureus in rats.

PMID- 25135016
TI  - Correlation between arterial blood gas analysis and outcome in patients with
      severe head trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury is one of the major concerns of global public
      health, because it is the main cause of morbidity and mortality between young
      people. This study aimed to investigate the possible association between the
      parameters of arterial blood gas (ABG) and outcome of patients with severe head
      trauma. METHODS: In this prospective study, 70 patients with severe head trauma
      were studied in Urmia Imam Khomeini hospital during 18-month period of time. The
      parameters of ABG were documented within the 1st hour of admission, and their
      correlation was evaluated with Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and Glasgow outcome score
      (GOS). These parameters also were compared between expired and discharged
      patients. RESULTS: Seventy patients with severe head trauma including 60 males
      (85.7%) and 10 females (14.3%) with a mean age of 34.34+/-14.82 (range: 18-76)
      years were studied. The mortality rate during hospitalization was 38.6% (n=27).
      There was no significant correlation between the parameters of ABG and GCS score
      and GOS scores. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the
      survivors and non-survivors in terms of the mean value of ABG parameters
      (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: ABG at the time of admission is not a significant predictor
      of outcome in patients with severe head trauma.

PMID- 25135017
TI  - Value of the Glasgow coma scale, age, and arterial blood pressure score for
      predicting the mortality of major trauma patients presenting to the emergency
      department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to detect the mortality predictive power
      of new Glasgow coma scale, age, and arterial pressure (GAP) scoring system in
      major trauma patients admitted to the emergency department (ED). METHODS: A total
      of 100 major trauma patients admitted to Uludag University Faculty of Medicine ED
      who were 18 years of age or more were included in the study. In this prospective
      study, revised trauma score (RTS), injury severity score (ISS), trauma-related
      ISS (TRISS), Mechanism, GAP (MGAP) and GAP scores of the patients were
      calculated. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was established between
      ISS, TRISS, MGAP, and GAP in predicting in-hospital mortality (p<0.0001). Short
      term (24 hours) and long-term (4-week) mortality prediction rates and area under
      the curve in receiver operating characteristics analysis were 0.727-0.680 for
      RTS, 0.863-0.816 for ISS, 0.945-0,911 for TRISS, 0.970-0.938 for MGAP, and 0.910
      0.904 for GAP. All calculated trauma scoring systems revealed a significant
      mortality prediction power (p<0.001). GAP score was found statistically and
      significantly selective and sensitive in predicting both in-ED and in-hospital
      mortality (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: In major trauma patients, GAP score is an
      easily calculable system both in the field and at the time of admission in the
      EDs by providing emergency physicians with future decision-making schemes by
      means of mortality prediction of the patients.

PMID- 25135018
TI  - Impact of smoking on trauma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The harmful effects of smoking have been well-documented in the
      medical literature for decades. To further the support of smoking cessation, we
      investigate the effect of smoking on a less studied population, the trauma
      patient. METHODS: All trauma patients admitted to the surgical intensive care
      unit at the LAC + University of Southern California medical center between
      January 2007 and December 2011 were included. Patients were stratified into two
      groups - current smokers and non-smokers. Demographics, admission vitals,
      comorbidities, operative interventions, injury severity indices, and acute
      physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II scores were documented. Uni-
      and multi-variate modeling was performed. Outcomes studied were mortality,
      duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: A
      total of 1754 patients were available for analysis, 118 (6.7%) patients were
      current smokers. The mean age was 41.4+/-20.4, 81.0% male and 73.5% suffered
      blunt trauma. Smokers had a higher incidence of congestive heart failure (4.2%
      vs. 0.9%, p=0.007) and alcoholism (20.3% vs. 5.9%, p<0.001), but had a
      significantly lower APACHE II score. After multivariate regression analysis,
      there was no significant mortality difference. Patients who smoked spent more
      days mechanically ventilated (beta coefficient: 4.96 [1.37, 8.55, p=0.007]).
      CONCLUSION: Smoking is associated with worse outcome in the critically ill trauma
      patient. On an average, smokers spent 5 days longer requiring mechanical
      ventilation than non-smokers.

PMID- 25135019
TI  - Etiology and prognosis of penetrating eye injuries in geriatric patients in the
      Southeastern region of Anatolia Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the etiologic and
      prognostic factors of open eye injuries in geriatric patients in the Southeastern
      region of Anatolia. METHODS: Forty-five geriatric patients who underwent surgery
      for an open eye injury in our clinic between the years of 2008 and 2012 were
      evaluated retrospectively. Age, gender, cause and the mechanism of the trauma,
      visual acuity (VA), and the time between the trauma and the surgery were obtained
      from files and evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 70.4+/-8.2
      (65-90) years. Thirty-four of the cases were male and 11 were female. The most
      frequent mechanism of trauma was a wood strike, while the second most common one
      was injury with a knife. Corneoscleral penetration was the most frequently
      observed trauma. The mean VA of the patients was 2.26+/-0.65 at admission, and
      was 1.53+/-0.99 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution at the final
      evaluation. The most frequent complications of trauma were iris prolapse and
      hyphema. There was a significant correlation between the first and final VA.
      CONCLUSION: Penetrating ocular injuries are seen less frequently among geriatric
      patients, and their prognosis may be worse due to less-efficient wound site
      healing and differences in scleral rigidity. The most important factor affecting
      the final VA measurement was the VA of the patient at admission.

PMID- 25135020
TI  - Comparison of trauma scores for predicting mortality and morbidity on trauma
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we compared the anatomical, and physiological scoring
      systems trauma revised injury severity score (TRISS), revised trauma score (RTS),
      injury severity score (ISS), new injury severity score (NISS) to each other, to
      find out the most accurate and reliable trauma score for the risk classification
      of morbidity and mortality among the trauma patients. METHODS: This is a cross
      sectional study, which included 633 patients who admitted to our University
      Hospital Emergency Department during an 8-month period due to trauma. All blunt
      and penetrating traumas (traffic accident, assault, etc.) patients above 16 years
      were included. RESULTS: Arrival time trauma scores (ISS, NISS, RTS, and TRISS) of
      the patients was calculated. Mean trauma score for the mortality prediction was
      calculated, and the p value was equal for all (p=0.001). Trauma scores were also
      analyzed for the hospitalization time in intensive care unit (ICU). While NISS,
      RTS, and TRISS values were significant (p=0.048, p=0.048, and p=0.017,
      respectively), ISS value was not significant (p=0.257) for predicting the ICU
      hospitalization time. Only TRISS was a good predictor for the mechanically
      ventilation time in ICU patients (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we
      determined that the anatomical trauma scores (NISS, ISS) predicted the
      hospitalization and ICU necessities better, whereas TRISS, an anatomo
      physiological trauma score, defined the ICU hospitalization and mechanically
      ventilation time better.

PMID- 25135021
TI  - Experience of 80 cases with Fournier's gangrene and "trauma" as a trigger factor
      in the etiopathogenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively analyze the
      patients' data presented with Fournier's gangrene (FG), to compare obtained data
      with the literature and to investigate the role of "trauma" in the
      etiopathogenesis. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 126 patients
      with FG that consulted to our department. RESULTS: There were 76 male and four
      female patients. The mean age of the patients was 53.5+/-13.6 years. The most
      common presentation of patients was swelling (n=74). The scrotum has been shown
      to be the most commonly affected area in the patients (n=75). Diabetes mellitus
      was the leading predisposing factor and trauma was the leading responsible cause
      for FG. Escherichia coli was the most frequently identified microorganism (n=43,
      53.75%). Primary closure was the most common technique used for all patients.
      Three patients exhibited a mortal course due to sepsis and multi-organ failure.
      CONCLUSION: FG still has a high mortality rate. Rapid and correct diagnosis of
      the disease can avoid inappropriate or delayed treatment and even death of the
      patient. The healthcare professionals should be aware that any trauma in the
      perineal region could lead to FG.

PMID- 25135022
TI  - Management of ankle sprains during pregnancy: evaluation of 96 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to suggest a safe management method for the
      diagnosis and treatment of ankle sprains in pregnant patients. METHODS: Between
      November 2005 and January 2013, 96 pregnant patients with ankle sprains referred
      to the department of orthopedics and traumatology were evaluated,
      retrospectively. The Ottawa ankle rules were used to assess the need for
      radiologic evaluation. Radiological procedures: Surface USG, X-ray (0,6 mGy,
      mortise view), MRI (T1 and STIR) and fluoroscopy with 0,8 mGy/s doses 0,4 ms
      single shot views in surgery room. The results of the operated patients were
      evaluated with AOFAS scoring system. RESULTS: Forty-four (45,8%) patients were
      treated with conservative methods and there was no need for radiological
      evaluation. USG was used in 17 (17,7%), MRI in 24 (25%), X-ray in 4 (4,1%) and
      both USG and MRI in 7 (7,2%) patients during diagnosis. An algorithm was created
      for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnant patients with ankle sprains. No
      complications due to radiological and surgical procedures occurred over
      pregnancies. The AOFAS score was 83 (65-100) in the operated patients.
      CONCLUSION: There is no standard management method for the diagnosis and
      treatment of pregnant patients with ankle sprains. The algorithm presented in
      this study may be useful. Good results can be obtained with an appropriate
      preparation and surgical technique.

PMID- 25135023
TI  - Retrospective analysis of burn injuries caused by hot milk in 159 pediatric
      patients: 14 years of experience in a burn unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the hot milk burns among the
      pediatric patients and to compare our experiences with similar studies in the
      literature. METHODS: A 14-year retrospective study was conducted on 159 pediatric
      patients with hot milk burn who hospitalized at the Burn Unit of Erciyes
      University Medical Faculty. RESULTS: There were 81 male and 78 female patients
      with a male to female ratio of 1.03:1. The mean age of the patients was 2.7+/-1.6
      years. The initial injury was immersion in 59.7% of the patients and spillage in
      40.3%. The mean burned body surface area of the patients was 18.6+/-10.8%. Twenty
      two percent of the patients had moderate, and 78% had major burn trauma. Forty
      nine percent of the patients received burn wound debridement and reconstruction
      with auto-skin grafts. Our burn unit's mortality rate was 1.5% among 542
      pediatric patients with hot water, and 5.6% among 159 pediatric patients with hot
      milk burn during the same period, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hot milk burns should
      be considered as separately from other hot liquid burns which do not contain fat
      such as water, tea, and coffee. Physical and chemical properties of milk because
      of its high content of fat give rise to more tissue destruction, increased
      morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 25135024
TI  - [The results of low profile locking anatomical plate application for the
      treatment of Edinburg type 2 clavicle diaphysis fractures].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although conservative measures are the general choice of treatment
      for clavicle fractures; surgery is advised for displaced and multifragmentary
      fractures. Open reduction and osteosynthesis with a plate-screw combination are
      used widely as surgical treatment options. METHODS: In our study, there were 21
      patients with Edinburgh Type IIB clavicle middiaphysal fractures treated
      surgically with locked anatomical clavicle plate. RESULTS: Among those 31
      patients and 32 clavicle middiaphysal fractures, Seventeen clavicle fractures
      were right-side, and fifteen were left side. 24 of them were males, 7 of them
      were females and the mean age was 28 (15-62) years. The mean follow-up period was
      12.3 (6-36) months and healing time 15.2 (12-20) weeks. 3 patients with Type IIB
      fracture had a healing time longer than 12 weeks. As the result of healing
      patients', mean constant score was 92 (85-98) and DASH score 9 (2-20). There has
      been a problem due to the implant detected in 3 (9%) patients. DISCUSSION:
      Successful functional and radiographic results can be achieved as a result of the
      surgical treatment of the clavicle middiaphysal fractures with locked anatomical
      plates.

PMID- 25135025
TI  - Ergotamine-induced vasospastic ischemia mimicking arterial embolism: unusual
      case.
AB  - Ergotamine toxicity is an important and rare condition, including tachycardia,
      arterial spasm which occurring as a result of accidental overdosing or drug
      interactions. We assessed the consequences of delayed diagnosis of peripheral
      arterial vasoconstriction occurring after simultaneous macrolide use by a 35-year
      old woman using an ergot-derived drug for migraine. Diagnosis of ergotamine
      intoxication begins with suspicion. Interventional radiologists and surgeons
      should be aware of this acute dangerous condition. 

PMID- 25135026
TI  - Successful surgical rescue of delayed onset diaphragmatic hernia following
      radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been established as the mainstay therapy for
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients deemed unsuitable for surgical
      resection. However, delayed diaphragmatic hernia can occur as a result of this
      procedure. There have been only seven other cases reported on this complication
      in the literature. Considering the recent growth in the popularity of the
      procedure, it is predictable that the incidence of the diaphragmatic hernia, due
      to RFA, will definitely increase. This case report is therefore vitally important
      as it increases clinical awareness of this currently rare complication, which
      could lead to improved survival rates in these patients. This case concerns an 81
      year-old Asian man with a past medical history of cirrhosis and HCC (segment IV
      and VIII) who presented with a delayed, right diaphragmatic hernia and
      strangulated ileus 18 months after his original RFA procedure. It is important to
      implement extra measures to limit the risk of diaphragmatic, thermal injuries
      when RFA is performed. In particular, gastroenterologists, surgeons and accident
      and emergency staff should all be aware of this complication proceed with rapid
      diagnosis and management when patients, who previously underwent RFA, present
      with acute abdominal pain. 

PMID- 25135027
TI  - Surgical treatment of a Malgaigne fracture.
AB  - Sacral fractures are generally accompanied by pelvic ring fractures. They rarely
      develop in an isolated form. Sacroiliac dislocation without sacral fracture is
      extremely rare. We report a case with a sacroiliac dislocation without sacral
      fracture, which was treated surgically. Lumbopelvic stabilization was applied
      using iliac wing plates. The case was evaluated according to his clinical
      condition and visual analogue score (VAS), American Spinal Injury Association
      (ASIA) and Oswestry scales. Considering the role of the sacrum, which transmits
      the load of the entire spine to the pelvis, meticulous care must be given to
      ensure the mechanic stability of the spine when evaluating patients with sacral
      and pelvic fractures. Very serious spinopelvic instability is present in
      sacroiliac dislocations even in the absence of sacral fractures. Caudal migration
      of the sacrum together with the cranial migration of the iliac wings can cause
      serious pelvic imbalance and difficulties in walking and maintaining a standing
      position. Aggressive stabilization and fusion are required, and these must be
      performed in the early period. 

PMID- 25135028
TI  - Thyroid storm due to head injury.
AB  - In this case report, we would like to present a 36-year-old male patient injured
      in a street fight without any disease previously known, who was accepted to our
      intensive care unit with the preliminary diagnoses of minimal cerebral contusion
      and aspiration pneumonia however by the physical examination, clinical and
      laboratory findings, was diagnosed as thyroid storm due to trauma. In the current
      literature, only a few cases reported showing thyroid storm-induced by trauma,
      and we would like to present the clinical features and management of this life
      threatening endocrinological emergency. 

PMID- 25135029
TI  - Swallowed a needle stuck in heart.
AB  - Cardiac tamponade (CT) is a clinical entity characterized by hemodynamic
      insufficiency resulting from increased intrapericardial pressure due to
      accumulation of contents such as serous fluid, blood, and pus. CT is a treatable
      cause of cardiogenic shock, which can be fatal unless diagnosed promptly.
      Dyspnea, chest pain, hypotension, tachycardia, pulsus paradoxus, raised jugular
      venous pressure, muffled heart sounds, decreased electrocardiographic voltage,
      and enlarged cardiac silhouette on chest X-ray are the major clinical signs in
      CT. Idiopathic or viral pericardititis, iatrogenic trauma during percutaneous
      coronary interventions or coronary artery bypass grafting, external trauma,
      malignancies, acute or chronic kidney disease, collagen vascular diseases,
      tuberculosis, radiation on the chest wall, hypothyroidism and aortic dissection
      are the etiologic factors. Herein, we present a case of surgically treated CT,
      which was diagnosed in the third day of ingestion of a sewing needle. 

PMID- 25135030
TI  - [Cross stability in conventional shoes by the use of spring steel insoles: a
      pedobarographic effect study with observational application].
AB  - BACKGROUND: From an orthopedic point of view, wearing conventional ready to wear
      shoes negatively affects the front transverse arch of the human foot by forcing
      it into an unnatural inverted position. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present
      orthopedic application study was to conduct a standardized assessment of the
      biomechanical effect of a newly developed, longitudinally flexible and cross
      stable spring steel insole by means of pedobarographic measurements and by means
      of a supplementary questioning of the participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In
      order to do this a total of 33 healthy adult participants were recruited in
      summer 2013. The randomized, blinded and controlled main study compared the cross
      stable insole made from spring steel with a flat, ordinary control insole made
      from ethylene vinyl acetate by means of pedobarographic in-shoe measurements at
      the forefoot. Additionally, the subjectively perceived effect of the steel insole
      with respect to comfort, restricted mobility and pain was assessed in a
      randomized, blinded and controlled ancillary study, using a cross-over design.
      RESULTS: Both the plantar peak pressure and the plantar force-time integral were
      significantly higher with the spring steel insole, especially in the central
      forefoot. In the subsequent test phase lasting several weeks during which the
      participants were asked to wear the spring steel insole, they rarely complained
      about problems and in particular did not report negative effects regarding
      comfort, restricted mobility and pain compared to the ordinary control insoles.
      CONCLUSION: The present study was conducted according to high methodological
      standards and proved for the first time that the tested spring steel insoles have
      a positive effect on the human forefoot. The cross stability increases the
      pressure in the median ball area, prevents the unnatural inverted position of the
      forefoot and thus creating an effect which is comparable to walking barefoot. As
      the participants did not judge this orthopedic effect of the cross stability as
      being uncomfortable, such an insole could be used a millionfold as a primary
      prevention in conventional shoes.

PMID- 25135031
TI  - Prevalence of tinea pedis in psoriasis, compared to atopic dermatitis and normal
      controls--a prospective study.
AB  - There are discrepancies in the literature regarding the prevalence of tinea pedis
      in psoriasis. The aim of this investigation was to conduct a cross-sectional
      study of the prevalence of tinea pedis in psoriasis compared to atopic dermatitis
      patients and normal controls. We enrolled 232 psoriatic patients, 190 atopic
      dermatitis patients and 202 normal controls, between the years 2010 and 2013. The
      prevalence of tinea pedis was 13.8% in psoriasis patients, not significantly
      different from that in atopic dermatitis patients 8.4% (P = 0.092)), but
      significantly higher than in normal controls 7.4% (P = 0.043). Both gender and
      age affected the prevalence of tinea pedis in psoriasis and normal controls,
      while only age affected the prevalence of tinea pedis in atopic dermatitis.
      Regarding gender, there was higher prevalence of tinea pedis in men: 19.1% (P =
      0.019) in psoriasis and 12.1% (P = 0.013) in normal controls. Age affected the
      prevalence of tinea pedis in normal controls (P < 0.001), psoriasis patients (P =
      0.001) and atopic dermatitis patients (P = 0.001), with higher prevalence with
      increasing age. Trichophyton rubrum was the most common species in psoriasis
      (71.9%), atopic dermatitis (75.0%) and normal controls (73.3%). Our study found a
      relatively high prevalence of tinea pedis among psoriasis patients.

PMID- 25135032
TI  - Fentanyl sublingual spray for breakthrough pain in cancer patients.
AB  - Breakthrough pain is a transient exacerbation of pain that occurs either
      spontaneously, or in relation to a specific predictable or unpredictable trigger,
      despite relatively stable and adequately controlled background pain. Typically,
      breakthrough pain has a fast onset and short duration, and a significant impact
      on patients' quality of life. Normal-release oral opioids are the traditional
      pharmacological approach for patients who are receiving an around the clock
      opioid regimen; however, their onset and duration of action may not be suitable
      for treating many breakthrough pains. Efforts to provide nonparenteral opioid
      formulations that could provide more rapid, and more effective, relief of
      breakthrough pain have led to the development of transmucosal opioid formulations
      including fentanyl sublingual spray (FSLS). This is a formulation of fentanyl
      available in doses of 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 MUg strengths approved for the
      management of breakthrough pain in adult cancer patients already receiving and
      who are tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain.
      Published pharmacokinetic, efficacy, tolerability, and safety data suggest that
      FSLS has a valuable role to play in the symptomatic pharmacological management of
      breakthrough pain. The effective dose of FSLS is determined by titration
      according to the needs of the individual patient. 

PMID- 25135033
TI  - Review of lidocaine/tetracaine cream as a topical anesthetic for dermatologic
      laser procedures.
AB  - There are multiple different topical anesthetic options available to minimize the
      pain associated with cosmetic dermatologic procedures. These options, either
      alone or in combination, have diverse profiles for effectiveness, ease of use,
      application time, need for occlusion, and side effects. The lidocaine/tetracaine
      cream (Pliaglis((r)), Galderma Laboratories, Texas, USA), one of the newer
      combination options, offers effective pain alleviation that has been evaluated in
      numerous clinical trials. This combination anesthetic is associated with a very
      favorable profile because of its ease of use and mild side effects compared to
      other topical local anesthetics. An overview of available topical local
      anesthetics will be provided with an outline of clinical study characteristics
      and results regarding the use of lidocaine/tetracaine cream. 

PMID- 25135035
TI  - Randomized study of pregabalin in patients with cancer-induced bone pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Improvements are needed in the management of cancer-induced bone
      pain (CIBP). The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of
      pregabalin compared with placebo in the adjunctive treatment of patients with
      moderate to severe CIBP who were receiving opioids. METHODS: In this randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial, 152 adults
      diagnosed with a malignant, solid tumor with metastases to bone were randomized
      to flexible-dose pregabalin (100, 150, 300, or 600 mg/day) or placebo, as add-on
      to stable opioid analgesic therapy, which was optimized prior to the start of the
      study. The primary efficacy endpoint was the duration-adjusted average change
      (DAAC) from baseline in the daily worst pain at the reference site (measured by
      11-point numeric rating scale [NRS]) during the fixed-dosage phase. The study was
      terminated early following an interim analysis that indicated an increase in
      sample size would be needed to satisfy statistical assumptions for the primary
      endpoint. Given the early termination of the study, only descriptive analyses
      were performed. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) DAAC from baseline in NRS
      score for the primary endpoint favored pregabalin treatment: -1.53 (1.81) in the
      pregabalin group and -1.23 (1.74) in the placebo group. Mean DAAC for average
      pain and sleep interference (NRS) also favored pregabalin. More patients treated
      with pregabalin reported improvement ("very much improved," "much improved," or
      "minimally improved") based on Patient Global Impression of Change: 81.4%
      compared with 70.0% in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Data from this study
      indicate that pregabalin use may reduce metastatic bone pain. Due to the
      incomplete analysis, further study of pregabalin in the management of CIBP is
      required.

PMID- 25135036
TI  - Predictive value of lidocaine for treatment success of oxcarbazepine in patients
      with neuropathic pain syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pharmacotherapy in patients with neuropathic pain syndromes (NPS)
      can be associated with long periods of trial and error before reaching
      satisfactory analgesia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a short
      intravenous (i.v.) infusion of lidocaine may have a predictive value for the
      efficacy of oxcarbazepine. METHODS: In total, 16 consecutive patients with NPS
      were studied in a prospective, uncontrolled, open-label study design. Each
      patient received i.v. lidocaine (5 mg/kg) within 30 min followed by a long-term
      oral oxcarbazepine treatment (900-1,500 mg/day). During an observation period of
      28 days, treatment response was documented by a questionnaire including the
      average daily pain score documented on a numeric rating scale (NRS). RESULTS: A
      total of 6 out of 16 patients (38%) were lidocaine responders (defined as pain
      reduction >50% during the infusion), and 4 of 16 (25%) were oxcarbazepine
      responders. In total, 6 out of 16 participants (38%) discontinued oxcarbazepine
      treatment due to side effects. In an interim analysis predictive value of the
      lidocaine infusion was low with a Kendall's tau correlation coefficient of 0.29
      and coefficient of determination R(2) of 0.119 (95% confidence interval -0.29 to
      0.72). As a consequence of this low correlation, the study was discontinued for
      ethical reasons. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, lidocaine infusion has a low
      predictive value for effectiveness of oxcarbazepine-if at all.

PMID- 25135034
TI  - Myofascial pain syndrome: a treatment review.
AB  - Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is defined as pain that originates from myofascial
      trigger points in skeletal muscle. It is prevalent in regional musculoskeletal
      pain syndromes, either alone or in combination with other pain generators. The
      appropriate evaluation and management of myofascial pain is an important part of
      musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and regional axial and limb pain syndromes. This
      article reviews the current hypotheses regarding the treatment modalities for
      myofascial trigger points and muscle pain. Through a critical evidence-based
      review of the pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, the authors aim to
      provide clinicians with a more comprehensive knowledge of the interventions for
      myofascial pain. 

PMID- 25135037
TI  - Effects of a single session group intervention for pain management in chronic
      pain patients: a pilot study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Behavioral and psychological interventions are key components of
      treating chronic pain. However, there are logistical barriers to providing such
      treatments, including a lack of psychological staff to provide such interventions
      and limited ability of patients with chronic pain to attend multiple sessions. As
      other areas of mental health have shown promise in providing single session
      interventions for various conditions, this pilot study hypothesized that a single
      group session for chronic pain patients could be helpful in decreasing patient
      pain catastrophizing. The five content areas addressed in the group were termed
      understanding, accepting, calming, balancing, and coping. METHODS: A pilot study
      was undertaken. Chronic pain patients were given a pre-group assessment,
      including the Pain Catastrophizing Scale with a follow-up assessment administered
      3 months later. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were studied. Results showed a
      significant decrease in overall pain catastrophizing scores at follow-up. A clear
      majority of patients also reported that the group was helpful and should be
      offered to other pain patients. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a single
      session group can be a helpful intervention for patients with chronic pain.

PMID- 25135039
TI  - Erratum to: Review of Lidocaine/Tetracaine Cream as a Topical Anesthetic for
      Dermatologic Laser Procedures.

PMID- 25135038
TI  - Interpreting effect sizes and clinical relevance of pharmacological interventions
      for fibromyalgia.
AB  - Duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin are approved by the United States Food
      and Drug Administration for the management of fibromyalgia. A number of meta
      analyses, pooled analyses, and systematic reviews have been published in recent
      years involving the efficacy of these three medications for pain in fibromyalgia.
      Despite being based on the same clinical data, some analyses found these
      treatments to have a clinically relevant effect on pain, while others concluded
      that the advantages were small or of questionable clinical relevance. This
      commentary discussed possible reasons behind these differing conclusions and
      explored ways of evaluating the clinical relevance of pharmacological treatments
      for fibromyalgia. In particular, we considered: (1) the importance of judicious
      and careful interpretation of average treatment effect size and the recognition
      that average treatment effect sizes do not always tell the whole story; (2) the
      utility of individual patient response data to assess clinical relevance; and (3)
      the importance of considering pain reduction within the context of other benefits
      due to the presence of associated symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. 

PMID- 25135040
TI  - Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation may elicit anti- and pro-nociceptive
      effects under experimentally-induced pain - a crossover placebo-controlled
      investigation.
AB  - Vagal nerve stimulation is a promising method for the treatment of pain. The aim
      was to investigate the effect of non-invasive transcutaneous vagal nerve
      stimulation (TVNS) on the experimental pain threshold (PT) and to compare it with
      placebo. PT of standardized electrical stimulation was measured in 22 healthy
      male volunteers during two study sessions. TVNS was applied to the auricular
      concha bilaterally for 35min using 2Hz/100Hz bursts with the intensity, which was
      individually maximal but non-painful. During the placebo session, the volunteers
      received no stimulation. PT, heart rate and blood pressure were registered as
      outcome measures. There were no differences in PT values between TVNS and placebo
      conditions in the group analysis. Fifteen volunteers (responders) reacted with an
      increase in PT during TVNS (p<0.01 vs. baseline) but not during the placebo
      session. Another six participants reported decreased PT during and after TVNS
      (p<0.05 vs. baseline), but not during the placebo session. Heart rate and blood
      pressure did not change during the study. Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation
      may produce both anti- and pro-nociceptive effects in healthy volunteers. The
      individual sensitivity and TVNS parameters might play a role. 

PMID- 25135041
TI  - [Epigenetic modifications in autoimmune diseases].

PMID- 25135042
TI  - [Obituary for Prof. Dr. med. Fritz Schilling (1919-2014)].

PMID- 25135044
TI  - Infectious Endocarditis in 49-Year-Old Man and Discussion of Phenotypic
      Characteristics of Aerococcus urinae and Viridans Streptococci.
AB  - PATIENT: 49 year-old man. CHIEF COMPLAINT: Dyspnea at rest and dyspnea on
      exertion. HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: Diagnosed with upper respiratory tract
      infection 10 days previously. PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Obese (BMI not available),
      but no significant past medical history. SOCIAL HISTORY: Noncontributory. FAMILY
      HISTORY: Noncontributory.

PMID- 25135046
TI  - Writing style: abstract thoughts.

PMID- 25135045
TI  - First report of bacteremia by Janibacter terrae in humans.
AB  - The genus Janibacter comprises nine different species mainly found in the
      environment. Only two human infections by these microorganisms have been
      previously reported, one by J. melonis and another one by an undescribed
      Janibacter sp. Herewith we report the first human cases of infection by J. terrae
      in four bacteremic patients. The microorganisms were isolated from two
      consecutive blood cultures taken from four febrile patients with several
      underlying conditions. All patients were treated with antibiotics, two of them
      with favorable outcome. Two severely immunocompromised patients died, and one was
      treated with an antibiotic in vitro active against the isolate. Janibacter terrae
      was identified by phenotypic and 16S rDNA amplification methods. This report
      includes also the first data on antimicrobial susceptibility of this
      opportunistic pathogen. Clinical microbiologists should be aware of this
      microorganism which can be identified by phenotypic and molecular methods. 

PMID- 25135047
TI  - Biomarkers in atopic dermatitis: it is time to stratify.

PMID- 25135048
TI  - Profibrotic agents for venous malformations?

PMID- 25135049
TI  - Epidemiology of hand eczema from adolescence to adulthood.

PMID- 25135054
TI  - FeP nanoparticles grown on graphene sheets as highly active non-precious-metal
      electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction.
AB  - A synthetic route to FeP-GS hybrid sheets that show good stability and high
      electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction is reported. The
      materials are prepared via thermal phosphidation of pre-synthesized Fe3O4-GS
      hybrid sheets. 

PMID- 25135053
TI  - Patient perspective on remote monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic
      devices: rationale and design of the REMOTE-CIED study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Remote patient monitoring is a safe and effective alternative for the
      in-clinic follow-up of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic
      devices (CIEDs). However, evidence on the patient perspective on remote
      monitoring is scarce and inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the
      REMOTE-CIED study is to evaluate the influence of remote patient monitoring
      versus in-clinic follow-up on patient-reported outcomes. Secondary objectives are
      to: 1) identify subgroups of patients who may not be satisfied with remote
      monitoring; and 2) investigate the cost-effectiveness of remote monitoring.
      METHODS: The REMOTE-CIED study is an international randomised controlled study
      that will include 900 consecutive heart failure patients implanted with an
      implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) compatible with the Boston
      Scientific LATITUDE(r) Remote Patient Management system at participating centres
      in five European countries. Patients will be randomised to remote monitoring or
      in-clinic follow-up. The In-Clinic group will visit the outpatient clinic every 3
      6 months, according to standard practice. The Remote Monitoring group only visits
      the outpatient clinic at 12 and 24 months post-implantation, other check-ups are
      performed remotely. Patients are asked to complete questionnaires at five time
      points during the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: The REMOTE-CIED study will
      provide insight into the patient perspective on remote monitoring in ICD
      patients, which could help to support patient-centred care in the future.

PMID- 25135055
TI  - Synthesis of benzimidazole[2.1-b][1,3]oxazine spirooxindoles via three-component
      reaction of N-benzylbenzimidazole, acetylenedicarboxylates, and N-alkylisatins.
AB  - The three-component reaction of N-benzylbenzimidazole, dialkyl
      acetylenedicarboxylate, and N-alkylisatins in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature
      afforded the novel functionalized benzimidazole[2.1-b][1,3]oxazine spirooxindoles
      in good yields. (1)H NMR spectra indicated that two diastereoisomers with a ratio
      of 1:3-1:6 exist in the obtained spirooxindole derivatives.

PMID- 25135056
TI  - Neurophysiological assessment of the injured spinal cord: an intraoperative
      approach.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. OBJECTIVES: To assess the spinal
      cord function intraoperatively in subjects during spine stabilization for spinal
      cord trauma, by recording muscular (m-MEPs) and epidural motor evoked potentials
      (e-MEPs, D wave) along with cortical and epidural somatosensory evoked potentials
      (e-SEPs) and predicting the outcome of spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING:
      Regional Trauma Center, Torino, Italy. METHODS: Fifty-five patients were
      intraoperatively studied during posterior spine stabilization surgery for
      traumatic SCI. In all, 21 of these had complete SCI, 14 an incomplete SCI-6 of
      them with central cord syndrome and 1 with central cord plus Brown Sequard
      syndrome-and 20 patients were neurologically uncompromised. RESULTS: The
      neurophysiologic profile of the complete SCI was the absence of both m-MEPs and e
      MEPs caudally to the lesion site, associated with a lack of cortical and e-SEPs
      cranially to the lesion site. None of these patients recovered motor function in
      the follow-up. A clearly detectable caudal D wave was associated with motor
      recovery even in deeply paraparetic patients. In one neurologically incomplete
      patient a reversible deterioration of m-MEPs and e-MEPs was observed during the
      compression-distraction manoeuvre. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative neurophysiological
      evaluation of SCI patients can provide information about spinal cord function
      that is not retrievable by other clinical means and can correctly predict
      neurological outcome. Intraoperative testing during early stabilization of the
      spine of deeply paraparetic SCI patients provides additional information about
      their neurological profile.

PMID- 25135057
TI  - Use of screening to recruitment ratios as a tool for planning and implementing
      spinal cord injury rehabilitation research.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive report. OBJECTIVES: To describe screening to
      recruitment (S:R) ratios and discuss their use for planning and implementing
      research among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) . SETTING: Toronto,
      Ontario, Canada. METHODS: We calculated S:R ratios for SCI research by study
      methodology and nature of the exposure/intervention for 25 studies previously
      conducted in a tertiary SCI rehabilitation facility. Study methodologies included
      ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nine cohort studies and six panel
      studies. Exposures included seven rehabilitation interventions, and three drug
      studies, ten telephone interviews/chart abstractions (TI/CA) and five surveys. A
      S:R ratio was calculated for each study methodology, and exposure type, by
      dividing the number of consenting individuals who underwent screening by the
      number of eligible recruited participants enrolled in the study. RESULTS: In
      terms of design, RCTs had the highest median S:R ratio (3:1), followed by cohort
      studies (2:1) and panel studies (2:1). In terms of intervention type, drug
      studies had the largest median S:R ratio (5:1), followed in descending order by
      rehabilitation studies (2:1), TI/CAs studies (2:1) and surveys (2:1).
      CONCLUSIONS: Reported S:R ratios varied substantially with study methodology and
      the associated study intervention exposure. Awareness of S:R ratios may assist
      researchers in estimating recruitment timelines, personnel needs and study
      budgets for a required sample size based on the planned study methodology and
      intended study exposure. We advocate for the routine reporting of S:R ratios to
      inform the success of future SCI research.

PMID- 25135059
TI  - GFR may not accurately predict aspects of proximal tubule drug handling.
AB  - PURPOSE: Dose modification in renal impairment has traditionally been based on
      changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; estimated by creatinine
      clearance). However, many drugs are eliminated by tubular anionic and cationic
      transport where changes in eGFR may not necessarily reflect changes in tubular
      function. This study investigated the relationship between GFR and renal tubular
      function with reference to drug handling by using accepted drug probes. METHODS:
      Three drug probes, (51)Cr-EDTA, fluconazole, and pindolol, were administered to
      patients who had varying degrees of renal impairment. Blood sampling, assays, and
      a pharmacokinetic analysis were performed for all drug probes and endogenous
      urate. Measured GFR ((51)Cr-EDTA clearance; mGFR) was compared to tubular anionic
      transport (urate clearance), tubular reabsorption (fluconazole clearance), and
      tubular cationic transport (S-pindolol clearance). RESULTS: A moderately strong
      association was demonstrated between the measured isotopic GFR and creatinine
      clearance (R(2) = 0.78). A moderate positive correlation was found between mGFR
      and proximal tubular anion transport and reabsorption (R(2) = 0.40-0.44, p <
      0.0001). In contrast, cationic secretion correlated poorly with mGFR (R(2) =
      0.11, p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Given that drug dosing schedules utilise eGFR
      values as the basis for modifying drug dosing, our results would suggest that a
      recommendation of a dose reduction according to eGFR alone should be treated with
      caution.

PMID- 25135058
TI  - Deglycosylation of mAb by EndoS for improved molecular imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been shown preclinically as reliable
      targeting moieties for antigen imaging using near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF)
      molecular imaging. However, crystallizable fragment-gamma receptor (FcgammaRs)
      expressed on immune cells also bind mAbs through defined epitopes on the constant
      fragment (Fc) of IgG. Herein, we evaluate the potential impact Fc interactions
      have on mAb agent imaging specificity. PROCEDURE: Through the removal of
      conserved glycans within the Fc domain, shown to have Fc/FcgammaR interactions,
      we evaluate their impact on non-specific binding/accumulation of a NIRF-labeled
      mAb-based imaging agent in lymph nodes (LNs) in inflamed animals and in an
      orthotopic prostate cancer animal model of LN metastasis. RESULTS:
      Deglycosylation of a murine mAb against the human epithelial cell adhesion marker
      using endoglycosidase EndoS significantly reduced non-specific binding in the LNs
      of inflamed animals and in cancer-negative LNs of tumor-bearing animals.
      Sensitivity remained unchanged while improvement in imaging specificity increased
      imaging accuracy. CONCLUSION: The reduction of non-specific binding through
      deglycosylation of a mAb-based imaging agent shows that reducing Fc/FcgammaR
      interactions can improve imaging accuracy.

PMID- 25135060
TI  - Efficacy and safety of creatine supplementation in childhood-onset systemic lupus
      erythematosus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Creatine supplementation has emerged as a promising non
      pharmacological therapeutic strategy to counteract muscle dysfunction and low
      lean mass in a variety of conditions, including in pediatric and rheumatic
      diseases. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of
      creatine supplementation in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (C-SLE).
      METHODS: C-SLE patients with mild disease activity (n = 15) received placebo or
      creatine supplementation in a randomized fashion using a crossover, double-blind,
      repeated-measures design. The participants were assessed at baseline and after 12
      weeks in each arm, interspersed by an eight-week washout period. The primary
      outcomes were muscle function, as assessed by a battery of tests including one
      maximum repetition (1-RM) tests, the timed-up-and-go test, the timed-stands test,
      and the handgrip test. Secondary outcomes included body composition, biochemical
      markers of bone remodeling, aerobic conditioning, quality of life, and physical
      capacity. Possible differences in dietary intake were assessed by three 24-hour
      dietary recalls. Muscle phosphorylcreatine content was measured through
      phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31 P-MRS). The safety of the
      intervention was assessed by laboratory parameters, and kidney function was
      measured by (51)Cr-EDTA clearance. Additionally, self-reported adverse events
      were recorded throughout the trial. RESULTS: Intramuscular phosphorylcreatine
      content was not significantly different between creatine and placebo before or
      after the intervention (creatine-Pre: 20.5 +/- 2.6, Post: 20.4 +/- 4.1, placebo
      Pre: 19.8 +/- 2.0; Post: 20.2 +/- 3.2 mmol/kg wet muscle; p = 0.70 for
      interaction between conditions). In addition, probably as a consequence of the
      lack of change in intramuscular phosphorylcreatine content, there were no
      significant changes between placebo and creatine for any muscle function and
      aerobic conditioning parameters, lean mass, fat mass, bone mass, and quality of
      life scores (p > 0.05). The (51)Cr-EDTA clearance was not altered by creatine
      supplementation and no side effects were noticed. CONCLUSION: A 12-week creatine
      supplementation protocol at 0.1 g/kg/d is well tolerated and free of adverse
      effects but did not affect intramuscular phosphorylcreatine, muscle function,
      free-fat mass or quality of life in non-active C-SLE patients. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT01217320.

PMID- 25135061
TI  - Oral pigmentation is a specific feature of lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 25135062
TI  - Intramyocardial injection of hypoxia-preconditioned adipose-derived stromal cells
      treats acute myocardial infarction: an in vivo study in swine.
AB  - Hypoxic preconditioning is a promising method for improving the anti-apoptotic
      and paracrine signaling capabilities of adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs).
      The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of different hypoxic
      conditions on ADSCs and the therapeutic effects of hypoxia-preconditioned ADSCs
      (HPADSCs) on an animal model of myocardial infarction (MI). For the in vitro
      studies, ADSCs were divided into five groups and cultured in different oxygen
      concentrations (1, 3, 5, 10, and 21 %). After 24 h, RT-PCR and western blots
      showed that 3 % oxygen preconditioning could improve the viability and cytokine
      secretion of the ADSCs. A Matrigel assay indicated that the HPADSC-conditioned
      medium could stimulate endothelial cells to form capillary-like tubes. For the in
      vivo studies, MI was induced by coronary occlusion in 24 mature Chinese minipigs.
      The animals were divided into three groups and treated by intramyocardial
      injection with vehicle alone (saline group), with 1 * 10(8) ADSCs cultured in
      normoxic conditions (ADSCs group) or with 1 * 10(8) ADSCs precultured in 3 %
      oxygen (HPADSCs group). SPECT and echocardiography demonstrated that cardiac
      function was improved significantly in the HPADSC transplant group compared with
      the vehicle control group (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence showed fewer apoptotic
      cells and more small- to medium-sized vessels in the HPADSC transplantation group
      (P < 0.05). Three percent oxygen is the optimum preconditioning treatment for
      ADSCs. HPADSC transplantation can prevent ventricular remodeling and reduce the
      infarct size.

PMID- 25135065
TI  - The mechanism of Menshutkin reaction in gas and solvent phases from the
      perspective of reaction electronic flux.
AB  - The mechanism of Menshutkin reaction, NH(3) + CH(3)Cl = [CH(3)-NH(3)]+ + Cl-, has
      been thoroughly studied in both gas and solvent (H(2)O and cyclohexane) phase. It
      has been found that solvents favor the reaction, both thermodynamically and
      kinetically. The electronic activity that drives the mechanism of the reaction
      was identified, fully characterized, and associated to specific chemical events,
      bond forming/breaking processes, by means of the reaction electronic flux. This
      led to a complete picture of the reaction mechanism that was independently
      confirmed by natural bond-order analysis and the dual descriptor for chemical
      reactivity and selectivity along the reaction path.

PMID- 25135066
TI  - Accurate calculation of the ionization energies of the chlorine lone pairs in
      1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane (HCFC-133a).
AB  - The vertical ionization energies of the chlorine lone pairs in HCFC-133a have
      been calculated at the SCF (via Koopmans' theorem and including orbital
      relaxation) and correlated (ROMP2, OVGF, and ROCCSD(T)) levels. Dunning aug-cc
      pVXZ (X = D, T, and Q) basis sets were employed, and the ROMP2 and ROCCSD(T)
      results were extrapolated to the complete basis set (CBS) limit. Our highest
      level results (obtained at the ROCCSD(T)/CBS level) were 11.99 and 12.08 eV for
      the Cl lone pairs of A" and A' symmetry, respectively. The values obtained at the
      computationally much less demanding ROMP2/CBS level were just 0.10 and 0.13 eV
      higher than the highest-level ones. Using the Cl lone-pair band of the
      photoelectron spectrum of the HCF(2)Cl and CF(3)Cl molecules as a guide, it is
      considered very unlikely that these two lone pairs can be discriminated in the
      photoelectron spectrum of the title molecule. The use of the calculated IPs to
      estimate the energies of the Rydberg states of HCFC-133a is also discussed.

PMID- 25135064
TI  - The MyPEEPS randomized controlled trial: a pilot of preliminary efficacy,
      feasibility, and acceptability of a group-level, HIV risk reduction intervention
      for young men who have sex with men.
AB  - An exigent need exists for HIV prevention intervention research targeting young
      men who have sex with men (MSM)-a group of young adults that, despite composing
      the highest and most racially disproportionate rates of HIV incidence, have been
      least often the focus of behavioral intervention research. This pilot study
      tested a group-based HIV primary prevention intervention for young MSM to
      evaluate its initial efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability. Participants were
      randomized (N = 101; aged 16-20 years) to one of two group-level, HIV and STI
      education programs: controls participated in a non-interactive, lecture-based
      program, while intervention participants took part in a highly interactive
      program tailored to young MSM aged 16-20. Sexual risk and social cognitive
      outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6-, and 12-weeks post-intervention. Over the
      entire follow-up period, intervention participants were less likely than controls
      to engage in any sexual behavior while under the influence of substances (p <
      .05), and a decreasing trend in unprotected anal sex while under the influence of
      substances was also observed in this group (p = .08). Follow-up differences
      between groups on social cognitive outcomes favored the intervention group,
      though these differences were non-significant. Acceptability ratings were modest.
      A 6-session behavioral intervention tailored to young MSM, aged 16-20, is
      feasible, acceptable, and demonstrates evidence of preliminary efficacy in
      reducing sexual risk, specifically sexual risk while under the influence of
      substances. 

PMID- 25135067
TI  - Conformational analysis of glutamic acid: a density functional approach using
      implicit continuum solvent model.
AB  - Amino acids are constituents of proteins and enzymes which take part almost in
      all metabolic reactions. Glutamic acid, with an ability to form a negatively
      charged side chain, plays a major role in intra and intermolecular interactions
      of proteins, peptides, and enzymes. An exhaustive conformational analysis has
      been performed for all eight possible forms at B3LYP/cc-pVTZ level. All possible
      neutral, zwitterionic, protonated, and deprotonated forms of glutamic acid
      structures have been investigated in solution by using polarizable continuum
      model mimicking water as the solvent. Nine families based on the dihedral angles
      have been classified for eight glutamic acid forms. The electrostatic effects
      included in the solvent model usually stabilize the charged forms more. However,
      the stability of the zwitterionic form has been underestimated due to the lack of
      hydrogen bonding between the solute and solvent; therefore, it is observed that
      compact neutral glutamic acid structures are more stable in solution than they
      are in vacuum. Our calculations have shown that among all eight possible forms,
      some are not stable in solution and are immediately converted to other more
      stable forms. Comparison of isoelectronic glutamic acid forms indicated that one
      of the structures among possible zwitterionic and anionic forms may dominate over
      the other possible forms. Additional investigations using explicit solvent models
      are necessary to determine the stability of charged forms of glutamic acid in
      solution as our results clearly indicate that hydrogen bonding and its type have
      a major role in the structure and energy of conformers. 

PMID- 25135068
TI  - Investigations into the nature of halogen- and hydrogen-bonding interactions of
      some heteroaromatic rings with dichlorine monoxide.
AB  - We have studied the structures, properties, and nature of halogen- and hydrogen
      bonding interactions between some heteroaromatic rings (C(5)H(5)N, C(4)H(4)O, and
      C(4)H(4)S) with Cl(2)O at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level. We also considered the
      solvent effect on the halogen bonds and hydrogen bonds in the C(5)H(5)N-Cl(2)O
      complexes and found that the solvent has a weakening effect on the pi-type
      halogen bond and hydrogen bond but a prominent enhancing effect on sigma-type
      halogen bond. The complexes have also been analyzed with symmetry adapted
      perturbation theory method (SAPT).

PMID- 25135069
TI  - Current resources for evidence-based practice, September/October 2014.

PMID- 25135071
TI  - Insight into curcumin-loaded beta-lactoglobulin nanoparticles: incorporation,
      particle disintegration, and releasing profiles.
AB  - This study aimed at developing protein nanoparticles with desirable loading
      efficiency (LE) and low cross-linker concentration. Using beta-lactoglobulin
      (BLG) and curcumin as a model system, this work demonstrated that the LE could be
      improved by up to 157% by maintaining low antisolvent content before mild
      evaporation. Moreover, the optimal level of glutaraldehyde decreased by 50% as
      the curcumin/protein ratio increased, suggesting that toxic cross-linkers could
      be partly replaced with natural phenols such as curcumin. The BLG-curcumin
      nanoparticles showed average size of 164-214 nm, zeta potential of -42 mV, and LE
      of up to 11%. Interestingly, BLG nanoparticles demonstrated rapid disintegration
      and nutraceutical release in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) at pH 2, despite the
      known resistance of BLG against pepsin. However, they maintained integrity in SGF
      at pH 5. This phenomenon, followed by extensive degradation in simulated
      intestinal fluid, suggested the controlled-release property of BLG nanoparticles
      when administered orally. 

PMID- 25135070
TI  - A malaria vaccine candidate based on an epitope of the Plasmodium falciparum RH5
      protein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Plasmodium falciparum protein RH5 is an adhesin molecule
      essential for parasite invasion of erythrocytes. Recent studies show that anti
      PfRH5 sera have potent invasion-inhibiting activities, supporting the idea that
      the PfRH5 antigen could form the basis of a vaccine. Therefore, epitopes
      recognized by neutralizing anti-PfRH5 antibodies could themselves be effective
      vaccine immunogens if presented in a sufficiently immunogenic fashion. However,
      the exact regions within PfRH5 that are targets of this invasion-inhibitory
      activity have yet to be identified. METHODS: A battery of anti-RH5 monoclonal
      antibodies (mAbs) were produced and screened for their potency by inhibition of
      invasion assays in vitro. Using an anti-RH5 mAb that completely inhibited
      invasion as the selecting mAb, affinity-selection using random sequence peptide
      libraries displayed on virus-like particles of bacteriophage MS2 (MS2 VLPs) was
      performed. VLPs were sequenced to identify the specific peptide epitopes they
      encoded and used to raise specific antisera that was in turn tested for
      inhibition of invasion. RESULTS: Three anti-RH5 monoclonals (0.1 mg/mL) were able
      to inhibit invasion in vitro by >95%. Affinity-selection with one of these mAbs
      yielded a VLP which yielded a peptide whose sequence is identical to a portion of
      PfRH5 itself. The VLP displaying the peptide binds strongly to the antibody, and
      in immunized animals elicits an anti-PfRH5 antibody response. The resulting
      antisera against the specific VLP inhibit parasite invasion of erythrocytes more
      than 90% in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Here, data is presented from an anti-PfRH5 mAb
      that completely inhibits erythrocyte invasion by parasites in vitro, one of the
      few anti-malarial monoclonal antibodies reported to date that completely inhibits
      invasion with such potency, adding to other studies that highlight the potential
      of PfRH5 as a vaccine antigen. The specific neutralization sensitive epitope
      within RH5 has been identified, and antibodies against this epitope also elicit
      high anti-invasion activity, suggesting this epitope could form the basis of an
      effective vaccine against malaria.

PMID- 25135072
TI  - Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology position stand: Benefit and risk for
      promoting childhood physical activity.
AB  - Current guidelines recommend children accumulate 60 min of daily physical
      activity; however, highly publicized sudden-death events among young athletes
      raise questions regarding activity safety. An expert group convened (June 2012)
      to consider the safety of promoting increased physical activity for children, and
      recommended the publication of an evidence-based statement of current knowledge
      regarding the benefits and risks of physical activity for children.
      Recommendations for encouraging physical activity while maximizing the
      opportunity to identify children who have been prescribed a physical activity
      restriction include (1) professionals and (or) researchers that encourage
      children to change the type of physical activity or to increase the frequency,
      intensity, or duration of their activity should inquire whether a child has
      primary healthcare provider-prescribed activity limitations before the child's
      activity participation changes; (2) physical activity researchers should
      prioritize the development of evidence regarding the benefits and risks of
      childhood physical activity and inactivity, particularly data on the risks of
      sedentary lifestyles and physical activity-associated injury risks that accounts
      for the amount of activity performed, and the effectiveness of current risk
      management strategies and screening approaches; (3) professionals and researchers
      should prioritize the dissemination of information regarding the benefits of
      physical activity and the risks of sedentary behaviour in children; and (4)
      parents and professionals should encourage all children to accumulate at least 60
      min of physical activity daily. The recommendations are established as a minimum
      acceptable standard that is applicable to all physical activity opportunities
      organized for children, whether those opportunities occur in a community, school,
      or research setting. 

PMID- 25135073
TI  - Summary report of the International Association of Neurorestoratology VII
      Conference: regulations, ethics, science, and the need of patients care in
      neurorestoratology.

PMID- 25135075
TI  - Experimental evaluation of a Markov multizone model of particulate contaminant
      transport.
AB  - The performance of a Markov chain model of the three-dimensional transport of
      particulates in indoor environments is evaluated against experimentally measured
      supermicrometer particle deposition. Previously, the model was found to replicate
      the predictions of relatively simple particle transport and fate models; and this
      work represents the next step in model evaluation. The experiments modeled were
      (i) the release of polydispersed particles inside a building lobby, and (ii) the
      release of monodispersed fluorescein-tagged particles inside an experimental
      chamber under natural and forced mixing. The Markov model was able to reproduce
      the spatial patterns of particle deposition in both experiments, though the model
      predictions were sensitive to the parameterization of the particle release
      mechanism in the second experiment. Overall, the results indicate that the Markov
      model is a plausible tool for modeling the fate and transport of supermicrometer
      particles. 

PMID- 25135074
TI  - Perceived neighbourhood social cohesion and myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main strategy for alleviating heart disease has been to target
      individuals and encourage them to change their health behaviours. Although
      important, emphasis on individuals has diverted focus and responsibility away
      from neighbourhood characteristics, which also strongly influence people's
      behaviours. Although a growing body of research has repeatedly demonstrated
      strong associations between neighbourhood characteristics and cardiovascular
      health, it has typically focused on negative neighbourhood characteristics. Only
      a few studies have examined the potential health enhancing effects of positive
      neighbourhood characteristics, such as perceived neighbourhood social cohesion.
      METHODS: Using multiple logistic regression models, we tested whether higher
      perceived neighbourhood social cohesion was associated with lower incidence of
      myocardial infarction. Prospective data from the Health and Retirement Study--a
      nationally representative panel study of American adults over the age of 50--were
      used to analyse 5276 participants with no history of heart disease. Respondents
      were tracked for 4 years and analyses adjusted for relevant sociodemographic,
      behavioural, biological and psychosocial factors. RESULTS: In a model that
      adjusted for age, gender, race, marital status, education and total wealth, each
      SD increase in perceived neighbourhood social cohesion was associated with a 22%
      reduced odds of myocardial infarction (OR=0.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.94. The
      association between perceived neighbourhood social cohesion and myocardial
      infarction remained even after adjusting for behavioural, biological and
      psychosocial covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Higher perceived neighbourhood social
      cohesion may have a protective effect against myocardial infarction.

PMID- 25135076
TI  - An empirical analysis of thermal protective performance of fabrics used in
      protective clothing.
AB  - Fabric-based protective clothing is widely used for occupational safety of
      firefighters/industrial workers. The aim of this paper is to study thermal
      protective performance provided by fabric systems and to propose an effective
      model for predicting the thermal protective performance under various thermal
      exposures. Different fabric systems that are commonly used to manufacture thermal
      protective clothing were selected. Laboratory simulations of the various thermal
      exposures were created to evaluate the protective performance of the selected
      fabric systems in terms of time required to generate second-degree burns. Through
      the characterization of selected fabric systems in a particular thermal exposure,
      various factors affecting the performances were statistically analyzed. The key
      factors for a particular thermal exposure were recognized based on the t-test
      analysis. Using these key factors, the performance predictive multiple linear
      regression and artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed and
      compared. The identified best-fit ANN models provide a basic tool to study
      thermal protective performance of a fabric. 

PMID- 25135078
TI  - Review of neurodevelopmental treatment.

PMID- 25135077
TI  - Calprotectin (S100A8/9) as serum biomarker for clinical response in proof-of
      concept trials in axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Biomarkers complementing clinical evaluations may help to reduce
      the length and size of proof-of-concept (PoC) trials aimed to obtain quick "go/no
      go" decisions in the clinical development of new treatments. We aimed to identify
      and validate serum biomarkers with a high sensitivity to change upon effective
      treatment in spondyloarthritis (SpA) PoC trials. METHODS: The candidate
      biomarkers high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6),
      pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha-2-MG), matrix metalloproteinase
      3 (MMP-3), calprotectin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were
      determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in healthy controls (n =
      20) and SpA patients before and after 2 weeks of infliximab (n = 18) or placebo
      (n = 19) treatment in cohort 1. Clinical outcome was evaluated at week 12.
      Results were validated in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with infliximab (cohort 2,
      n = 21) and peripheral SpA with etanercept (cohort 3, n = 20). RESULTS: Serum
      levels of calprotectin, hs-CRP, PTX-3, VEGF (all P < 0.001) and MMP-3 (P =
      0.062), but not IL-6 and alpha-2-MG, were increased in SpA versus healthy
      controls. Treatment with infliximab, but not placebo, significantly decreased
      calprotectin (P < 0.001) and hs-CRP (P < 0.001) levels, with a similar trend for
      MMP-3 (P = 0.063). The standardized response mean (SRM), which reflects the
      ability to detect changes over time, was high for calprotectin (-1.26), good for
      hs-CRP (-0.96) and moderate for MMP-3 (-0.52). Calprotectin and hs-CRP, but not
      MMP-3, were good biomarkers for treatment response in axial and peripheral SpA as
      evaluated and confirmed in cohort 2 and 3 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Calprotectin
      and hs-CRP are good serum biomarkers with high sensitivity to change upon
      effective treatment at the group level in small-scale, short term PoC trials in
      SpA.

PMID- 25135079
TI  - The biology of pulmonary aspergillus infections.
AB  - Pulmonary aspergillus infections are mainly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and
      can be classified based on clinical syndromes into saphrophytic infections,
      allergic disease and invasive disease. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis,
      occurring in immunocompromised patients, reflects the most serious disease with a
      high case-fatality rate. Patients with cystic fibrosis and severe asthma might
      develop allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, while saphrophytic infections
      are observed in patients with lung cavities mainly due to tuberculosis.
      Histopathologically, a differentiation can be made into angio-invasive and airway
      invasive disease. If the host response is too weak or too strong, Aspergillus
      species are able to cause disease characterized either by damage from the fungus
      itself or through an exaggerated inflammatory response of the host, in both
      situations leading to overt disease associated with specific clinical signs and
      symptoms. The unraveling of the specific host - Aspergillus interaction has not
      been performed to a great extent and needs attention to improve the management of
      those clinical syndromes. 

PMID- 25135083
TI  - Diagnostics in prosthetic joint infections.
AB  - Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) poses a significant burden on patients,
      clinicians and the healthcare economy. Although various tests have been
      established for the diagnosis of PJI, the diagnosis remains challenging. In this
      review, established and potential future diagnostic tests are presented, some of
      which could provide stepping stones towards improved diagnosis, identification of
      aetiological agents and efficacious therapeutic options for the management of
      PJI. 

PMID- 25135080
TI  - Combination of BMP2 and MSCs significantly increases bone formation in the rat
      arterio-venous loop model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this study the induction of bone formation in an axially
      vascularized bone matrix using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and application of
      bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) was analyzed in the arteriovenous loop (AVL)
      model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An AVL was created in the medial thigh of 42 rats
      and placed in a porous titanium chamber filled with a particulated porous
      hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate matrix and fibrin. In group A the
      fibrin was loaded with 5*10(6) DiI-stained fibrin gel-immobilized primary MSCs
      from syngenic Lewis rats, in group B the matrix was loaded with 60 MUg/mL BMP2
      and in group C both, BMP2 and MSCs were applied at implantation time point. After
      6 and 12 weeks, specimens were investigated by means of histological,
      morphometrical, and micro-computed tomography analysis. RESULTS: After
      implantation of an AVL a dense vascular network was visible in all groups. In
      group A, newly generated bone islands were detected in the periphery of the main
      vascular axis. Using BMP2 alone (group B), small islands of newly formed bone
      were visible evenly distributed in all parts of the constructs. In group C nearly
      the whole matrix was interspersed with bone formations. In all groups there was
      an increase of bone formation between the 6 and 12 weeks explantation time
      points. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time the successful
      generation of axially vascularized bone substitutes using MSCs and BMP2 in the
      AVL rat model using a one step procedure. Using the combination of BMP2 and MSCs
      there was a significant increase of bone formations detectable compared to the
      BMP2 or MSCs alone groups.

PMID- 25135081
TI  - A program to identify prognostic and predictive gene signatures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The advent of high-throughput technologies to profile human tumors
      has generated unprecedented insight into our molecular understanding of cancer.
      However, analysis of such high dimensional data is challenging and requires
      significant expertise which is not routinely available to many cancer
      researchers. RESULTS: To overcome this limitation, we developed a freely
      accessible and user friendly Program to Identify Molecular Signatures (PIMS).
      Importantly, such signatures allow important insight into cancer biology, as well
      as provide clinical tools to identify potential biomarkers that might provide
      means to accurately stratify patients into different risk or treatment groups. We
      evaluated the performance of PIMS by identifying and testing predictive and
      prognostic gene signatures for breast cancer, using multiple breast tumor
      microarray cohorts representing hundreds of patients. Importantly, PIMS
      identified signatures classified patients into high and low risk groups with at
      least similar performance to other commonly used gene signature selection
      techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Our program is contained entirely within a Microsoft
      Excel file and therefore requires no installation of any additional programs or
      training. Hence, PIMS provides an accessible tool for cancer researchers to
      identify predictive and prognostic gene signatures to advance their research.

PMID- 25135084
TI  - Molecular techniques for diagnosing prosthetic joint infections.
AB  - Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) can be broadly classed into two groups: those
      where there is a strong clinical suspicion of infection and those with clinical
      uncertainty, including 'aseptic loosening'. Confirmation of infection and
      identification of the causative organism along with provision of antibiotic
      susceptibility data are important stages in the management of PJI. Conventional
      microbiological culture and susceptibility testing is usually sufficient to
      provide this. However, it may fail due to prior antimicrobial treatment or the
      presence of unusual and fastidious organisms. Molecular techniques, in particular
      specific real-time and broad-range PCR, are available for diagnostic use in
      suspected PJI. In this review, we describe the techniques available, their
      current strengths, limitations and future development. Real-time pathogen
      specific and broad-range PCR (with single sequence determination) are suitable
      for use as part of the routine diagnostic algorithm for clinically suspected PJI.
      Further development of broad-range PCR with high-throughput (next-generation)
      sequencing is necessary to understand the microbiome of the prosthetic joint
      further before this technique can be used for routine diagnostics in clinically
      unsuspected PJI, including aseptic loosening. 

PMID- 25135085
TI  - The clinical presentation of prosthetic joint infection.
AB  - Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) complicates ~1% of arthroplasties but accounts
      for considerable morbidity. Both the timing and features of PJI can vary widely.
      Patients may present with early (<=3 months post-operatively), delayed (3-24
      months) or late disease (>24 months). They may be acutely unwell with systemic
      signs of sepsis or describe only a chronically painful joint with or without
      sinus formation. Diagnostic criteria as proposed by the Infectious Diseases
      Society of America and the Musculoskeletal Infection Society highlight the
      importance of joint sampling to obtain histological and robust microbiological
      evidence. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci account for
      >50% of infections. Early infections are likely to have been acquired intra- or
      peri-operatively, whereas late infection is usually haematogenous in origin.
      Acute joint inflammation suggests the presence of intra-articular free-living
      bacteria, whereas chronic infections are associated with the formation of biofilm
      at the bone-cement or bone-prosthesis interface. The most significant risk
      factors predisposing to PJI are previous operation on the index joint, previous
      arthroplasty at a different site, American Society of Anesthesiologists' grade 2,
      3 or 4, body mass index >25, malignancy and procedure duration <2 or >4 h. 

PMID- 25135086
TI  - Clinical guidelines in the management of prosthetic joint infection.
AB  - Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of prosthetic joint
      infection have been produced by a range of organizations. Guidelines stress the
      importance of multi-disciplinary working and of adopting a methodical approach.
      This includes careful assessment of the patient's surgical, medical and
      psychosocial problems, rational investigation, a decision-making framework for
      surgery and targeted, sometimes prolonged, use of intravenous or highly
      bioavailable oral antibiotics. Despite limited high-quality evidence, adoption of
      clinical guidelines can improve practice by reducing variation and by
      establishing conditions for the subsequent conduct of multicentre studies or
      systematic reviews. 

PMID- 25135087
TI  - Prosthetic joint infection: managing infection in a bionic era.
AB  - There is increasing demand for prosthetic joint surgery and patients are becoming
      more challenging due to an ageing population often with comorbidities and
      immunosuppression. While prosthetic joint infection (PJI) rates are generally
      low, infection can be catastrophic for the patient and hence prevention of
      infection is critical. Infection, when it does occur, is further complicated by
      the global rise in antimicrobial resistance. This article introduces a series of
      papers on the epidemiology of PJI, its diagnosis, use of novel inflammatory
      markers and molecular techniques, clinical presentation, importance of biofilms,
      treatment guidelines and, finally, various strategies and novel antibiotic
      treatment regimens. 

PMID- 25135088
TI  - Impact of bacterial biofilm on the treatment of prosthetic joint infections.
AB  - Microbial biofilm contributes to chronic infection and is involved in the
      pathogenesis of prosthetic joint infections. Biofilms are structurally complex
      and should be considered a dynamic system able to protect the bacteria from host
      defence mechanisms and from antibacterial agents. Despite the use of antibiotics
      recognized as effective against acute infections, prosthetic joint infections
      require long-term suppressive treatment acting on adherent bacteria. Conventional
      in vitro susceptibility testing methods are not suitable for biofilm-associated
      infections given that these tests do not take into account the physiological
      parameters of bacterial cells in vivo. Most anti-staphylococcal drugs are able to
      inhibit in vitro the adhesion of bacteria to a surface, considered to be the
      first step in biofilm formation. Recent studies suggest that the lack of activity
      of antibiotics against biofilm-embedded bacteria seems to be more related to the
      decreased effect of the drug on the pathogen than to the poor penetration of the
      drug into the biofilm. Eradication of biofilm-embedded bacteria is a very
      difficult task and combination therapy is required in the treatment of persistent
      infections involving biofilm. Although several combinations demonstrate potent
      efficacy, rifampicin is the most common partner drug of effective combinations
      against staphylococcal biofilms. Considering the complexity of biofilm-related
      infections, further studies are needed to assess the activity of new therapeutic
      agents in combination with antibiotics (quorum-sensing inhibitors, biofilm
      disruptors and specific anti-biofilm molecules). 

PMID- 25135089
TI  - Current antibiotic management of prosthetic joint infections in Italy: the 'Udine
      strategy'.
AB  - The rate of prosthetic joint infections followed and cured at our institution is
      constantly increasing, in line with epidemiological data from the recent
      literature. This is probably related to the greater number of knee and hip
      prostheses implanted every year. For intermediate and late infections, only the
      two-stage approach is applied, as this demonstrates the best outcome in our
      experience. Particular attention is paid to microbiological isolation of the
      pathogen: multiple samples of tissue are collected during the interventions, and
      kept in culture for a longer period of time than usual. Sonication of prosthetic
      devices is used to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the microbiological
      cultures. Histological examination influences surgical choices either towards
      implantation of a new prosthesis or replacement of the spacer. An empirical
      antibiotic backbone of a glycopeptide/lipopeptide and rifampicin is chosen, due
      to the leading role of Gram-positive bacteria in this setting and the high
      incidence of methicillin resistance in our centre (>30%), followed by an
      antibiotic regimen containing linezolid. If specific risk factors are present, an
      anti-Gram-negative drug is added to the regimen. Duration of therapy depends upon
      the approach that is chosen, usually being 6 weeks when the prosthesis is
      removed. Despite at the moment being limited by its small sample size, data from
      our experience confirms that our empirical approach may represent a valid choice
      during the early phase of treatment, by keeping linezolid for a step-down therapy
      of shorter duration (4 weeks). 

PMID- 25135090
TI  - Clinical experience with linezolid for the treatment of orthopaedic implant
      infections.
AB  - Gram-positive cocci are commonly isolated in orthopaedic implant infections and
      their resistance to beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones is increasing. The high
      oral bioavailability of linezolid makes it an attractive oral alternative to
      glycopeptides and its use has increased in the last decade. To evaluate
      experience with linezolid in orthopaedic implant infections a systematic review
      of the literature available in English was undertaken. Only those articles
      describing series of >=10 patients with acute or chronic orthopaedic implant
      infections treated with linezolid and with a clear definition of diagnosis and
      outcome were selected. A total of 293 patients (79.9% had prosthetic joint
      infections) were analysed in the 10 articles included. The overall remission rate
      with at least 3 months of follow-up was 79.9%, depending on whether the implant
      was removed or not (94% versus 69.9%). The addition of rifampicin was described
      in only two articles and no significant difference was observed. Adverse events
      were frequent during prolonged administration of linezolid (34.3%), requiring
      treatment discontinuation in 12.8%. The most common event was anaemia (13.4%)
      followed by gastrointestinal symptoms (11.1%). In conclusion, linezolid seems a
      good oral treatment alternative for orthopaedic implant infections due to Gram
      positive cocci resistant to beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones. However, close
      monitoring of adverse events is required. 

PMID- 25135091
TI  - Epidemiology and burden of prosthetic joint infections.
AB  - Whilst improvements in patient care have reduced the risk of infection in
      patients undergoing prosthetic joint surgery, the substantial and growing number
      of hip and knee arthroplasty procedures undertaken translates into a continued
      and potentially increasing burden on patients, healthcare providers and the wider
      economy. Increases in patient obesity will raise further challenges to prevention
      efforts given the associated elevated risk of infection. Ongoing monitoring of
      infection rates remains a critical means to identify and address local and
      national changes in the epidemiology of prosthetic joint infection and to assess
      the impact of interventions. 

PMID- 25135092
TI  - Vitamin D: a new player in kidney transplantation?
AB  - Vitamin D is a hormone with pleiotropic effects. It mainly regulates calcium and
      phosphate metabolism through interactions with FGF23 and its receptor klotho. In
      addition, it has been shown that Vitamin D also regulates the immune response and
      has protective effects from cardiovascular disease, cancer and infections. Most
      renal transplant recipients have overt Vitamin D deficiency, a condition that may
      be associated with a decline in graft function and other complications. After
      kidney transplantation, elevated levels of FGF23 may predict increased risks of
      death and allograft loss. Theoretically, an optimal Vitamin D supplementation
      might favor operational tolerance and protect transplant recipients from the
      triad cardiovascular disease-cancer-infection. However, more solid data are
      needed to confirm this and to set the optimal level of serum Vitamin D
      supplementation in order to attain the best clinical outcome. 

PMID- 25135093
TI  - Agriculture.

PMID- 25135094
TI  - Global travel.

PMID- 25135096
TI  - Identifying risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders on Korean farms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Farming is known to pose musculoskeletal disorder risk factors,
      although how risk factors differ between farmers in various countries is largely
      unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify ergonomic risk factors through a qualitative
      assessment of common tasks performed by South Korean farmers. METHODS: A
      convenience sample of Korean farmers was videotaped performing typical jobs on
      farms that produced rice, fruits and vegetables, or raised animals. Ergonomists
      identified poor ergonomic risk factors that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders
      including poor postures of the shoulders, wrists, neck, low back, and knees.
      RESULTS: Severe flexion and lifting of heavy loads was common across farms. While
      many of the concerning risk factors identified were similar to those in other
      parts of the world, one was unique in this population - deep knee flexion while
      weeding, harvesting, and sorting. CONCLUSIONS: Given the Korean farm population
      is aging at an alarming rate and remains dominated by small farms, many of these
      potential risk factors may have a continued or increased role in the development
      of musculoskeletal disorders. While the current study provided the first
      observational assessment of ergonomic demands on Korean farms, more quantitative
      and rigorous investigations are needed to establish actual risk factors.

PMID- 25135097
TI  - A randomized intervention trial to reduce mechanical exposures in the Colombian
      flower industry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence on effectiveness of ergonomic interventions to reduce
      mechanical demands of the upper extremity is scarce in agriculture. OBJECTIVE: To
      conduct an ergonomic intervention to reduce mechanical exposures on workers
      during manual flower cutting, while emphasizing postural education and reduction
      of force requirements. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy seven workers (20 to 55 years old;
      80% women) from six companies that cultivate roses participated in this study.
      METHODS: Participants from three companies were randomly assigned to control and
      intervention groups. A postural education program and a maintenance program was
      designed and implemented in the intervention group aiming to achieve more neutral
      postures of the wrist and forearm and to reduce force requirements during rose
      cutting. Changes in self-reported effort and upper extremity postures, kinematics
      and muscular activity between baseline and follow-up assessments were evaluated.
      RESULTS: Most of the observed changes in the evaluated mechanical exposures were
      moderate for both groups. The intervention group showed differential improvements
      compared to the control group for 95th percentile forearm pronation (intervention
      group went from 50.6 to 35.6 degrees ; control group went from 18.4 to 34.7
      degrees ); and to some degree for the maximum wrist radial deviation (the
      intervention group went from 17 degrees  to 7.6 degrees ; control group went from
      10.1 degrees  to 7.8 degrees ). Also, the mean elbow flexion for the control
      group was reduced from 62.3 to 48.4 degrees , whereas it increased from 52.2 to
      57.3 degrees  in the intervention group. No differential changes between the
      intervention and control groups were observed for the kinematic variables, except
      for an unexpected reduction in the 95th percentile velocity of wrist flexion
      extension in the control group, which was not observed in the intervention group.
      Lastly, although observed changes in muscular activity were not statistically
      significant, improvements were observed for the intervention group for the flexor
      and extensor carpi radialis and the flexor carpi ulnaris; although the opposite
      was true for the extensor carpi ulnaris. CONCLUSIONS: Important although
      sometimes mixed results were achieved with this field intervention, focusing on
      postural and force requirement demands. The positive results are encouraging
      considering the presence of typical limitations observed in field intervention
      studies.

PMID- 25135099
TI  - Better understanding of bariatric surgery outcomes through sleep.

PMID- 25135100
TI  - Is systemic inflammation not involved in endoscopic duodenal-jejunal bypass liner
      induced diabetes remission?

PMID- 25135101
TI  - Validating a new computed tomography atlas for grading ankle osteoarthritis.
AB  - As the most common joint disease, osteoarthritis (OA) poses a significant source
      of pain and disability. It can be defined by classic radiographic findings,
      particular symptoms, or a combination of the 2. Although specific grading scales
      have been developed to evaluate OA in various joints, such as the shoulder, hip,
      and knee, no definitive classification system is available for grading OA in the
      ankle. The purpose of the present study was to create and validate a standardized
      atlas for grading (or staging) ankle osteoarthritis using computed tomography
      (CT) and "hallmark" findings noted on coronal, sagittal, and axial views
      extrapolated from the Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic scale. The CT scans of 226
      patients at the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center were reviewed. An atlas was
      derived from a retrospective review of 30 remaining CT scans taken from July 2008
      to November 2011. After this review, 3 orthogonal static CT images, obtained from
      11 remaining patients, were chosen to represent the various stages on the OA
      scale and were used to test the validity of the atlas developed by 2 of us
      (M.M.C. and N.D.V.). A multispecialty panel of 9 examiners, excluding ourselves,
      independently rated the 11 CT scan subjects. The differences among examiners and
      specialties were calculated, including an intra-examiner agreement for 2 separate
      readings spaced 9 months apart. Although the small number of subspecialty
      examiners made the intraspecialty comparisons difficult to validate, the findings
      nevertheless indicated excellent agreement among all specialty groups, with good
      intra-investigational (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.962 and 1) inter
      investigational (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.851) values. These results
      appeared to validate the CT ankle OA atlas, which we believe will be a valuable
      clinical and research tool, one that will likely be more beneficial than less
      relevant generalized OA grading scales in use today. 

PMID- 25135102
TI  - A large-scale study on epidemiology and risk factors for chronic ankle
      instability in young adults.
AB  - Up to 40% of ankle sprains can result in chronic ankle instability (CAI). The
      prevalence of CAI and its association with body mass index (BMI) and height in
      the general young adult population has not been reported. The database records of
      young adults before recruitment into mandatory military service were studied.
      Information on the disability codes associated with CAI was retrieved. Logistic
      regression models were used to assess the association between the BMI and body
      height with various grades of CAI severity. The study cohort included 829,791
      subjects (470,125 males and 359,666 females). The prevalence was 0.7% for mild
      CAI and 0.4% for severe instability in males and 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively, for
      females (p < .001). An increased BMI was associated with ankle instability in
      males (overweight, odds ratio [OR] 1.249, p < .001; obese, OR 1.418, p < .001)
      and females (overweight, OR 1.989 p < .001; obese, OR 2.754, p < .001). The body
      height was associated with an increased risk of CAI when the highest height
      quintile was compared with the lowest height quintile in both males (OR 2.443, p
      < .001) and females (OR 1.436, p < .001) for all levels of instability severity.
      The present study has shown a greater prevalence of CAI among males than females
      in a general healthy young adult population. CAI was associated with an increased
      BMI and greater body height for all grades of instability severity. 

PMID- 25135103
TI  - Treatment of an open medial tibiotalar dislocation with no associated fracture.
AB  - Tibiotalar dislocations without associated fractures are very uncommon in adults,
      and only a few studies have been published regarding this injury. More than 50%
      of these dislocations will be posteromedial, with a high incidence of open
      injuries, and 25% are pure posterior dislocations. In the present report, we
      discuss our experience and management of a medial tibiotalar dislocation with no
      associated fracture. In the present case, the patient was brought to the
      operating room on presentation to our facility and underwent irrigation and
      debridement with primary closure of his wound. He was immobilized
      postoperatively. The patient tolerated the operation well and did not sustain any
      postoperative complications. He was able to regain function of the injured
      extremity until he was lost to follow-up. Regarding treatment, the surgery should
      be speedy, gentle to the soft tissue, and with as little implanted material as
      possible. Although we do not advocate that our management and treatment of this
      injury become the standard, the present case provides a good example of some of
      the challenges often encountered when treating these injuries. 

PMID- 25135104
TI  - Pedal Gangrenous Changes in the Digits of an Adolescent With Ulcerative Colitis:
      A Case Report.
AB  - Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the colon and is
      occasionally associated with thrombosis. We report the case of an adolescent with
      ulcerative colitis who presented with bilateral gangrenous toes without signs of
      ascending cellulitis. Radiographs indicated the presence of bilateral and erosive
      changes in the distal phalanges. The vascular team referred the patient for
      podiatric intervention for distal vasculitis and thrombosis of the digital
      vessels. Transphalangeal amputations were performed, and postoperative
      antibiotics were initiated. The surgical sites healed uneventfully, and the
      patient was able to resume daily activities. Thrombosis of the foot in the
      context of ulcerative colitis is a rare, but serious, complication that can lead
      to serious comorbidities, including amputation. 

PMID- 25135105
TI  - Isolated Fifth Metatarsocuboid Coalition: A Case Report.
AB  - Isolated tarsometatarsal coalitions are extremely rare, and the previous 5
      documented cases involved the first and third metatarsocuneiform joints. We
      report the case of a 69-year-old female with symptomatic fifth metatarsocuboid
      coalition associated with ipsilateral varus-type ankle osteoarthritis and
      instability. The patient was successfully treated by arthrodesis of the fifth
      metatarsocuboid joint, resection of the hypertrophied tuberosity of the fifth
      metatarsal, advancement of the peroneus brevis tendon, opening wedge distal
      tibial osteotomy, and calcaneal displacement osteotomy. After 1 year, 6 months,
      she was able to walk well, although she complained of minor discomfort under the
      fifth metatarsal base, which resolved with the use of protective padding.
      Radiographs at this stage confirmed consolidation of both the arthrodesis and the
      osteotomy sites. Although isolated fifth metatarsocuboid coalition is less likely
      to be encountered than other tarsal coalitions, it can sometimes be painful
      enough to necessitate surgery.

PMID- 25135106
TI  - Holocene variations in peatland methane cycling associated with the Asian summer
      monsoon system.
AB  - Atmospheric methane concentrations decreased during the early to middle Holocene;
      however, the governing mechanisms remain controversial. Although it has been
      suggested that the mid-Holocene minimum methane emissions are associated with
      hydrological change, direct evidence is lacking. Here we report a new independent
      approach, linking hydrological change in peat sediments from the Tibetan Plateau
      to changes in archaeal diether concentrations and diploptene delta(13)C values as
      tracers for methanogenesis and methanotrophy, respectively. A minimum in inferred
      methanogenesis occurred during the mid-Holocene, which, locally, corresponds with
      the driest conditions of the Holocene, reflecting a minimum in Asian monsoon
      precipitation. The close coupling between precipitation and methanogenesis is
      validated by climate simulations, which also suggest a regionally widespread
      impact. Importantly, the minimum in methanogenesis is associated with a maximum
      in methanotrophy. Therefore, methane emissions in the Tibetan Plateau region were
      apparently lower during the mid-Holocene and partially controlled by interactions
      of large-scale atmospheric circulation. 

PMID- 25135107
TI  - Bilateral lens luxation and intracapsular lens extractions in a Matshchie's tree
      kangaroo.
AB  - An adult, female, captive, Matshchie's tree kangaroo was diagnosed with an
      anterior lens luxation in the right eye and a lens subluxation in the left eye.
      Both eyes were treated surgically with intracapsular lens extractions. A 360
      degrees  rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was diagnosed 6 months postoperatively
      in the left eye. Aphakic vision was maintained in the right eye 9 months
      postoperatively. Based on family history and the lack of antecedent ocular
      disease, the lens luxations were presumed to be inherited and veterinarians
      should be aware of this condition within the captive tree kangaroo population. 

PMID- 25135108
TI  - Giant seborrheic keratoses on penis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Seborrheic keratoses are very common benign epidermal tumors.
      Despite the high frequency, the pathogenesis is still unknown. They are extremely
      rare in the genital area. The participation of human papilloma viruses (HPVs) in
      pathogenesis of seborrheic keratoses is being discussed. AIMS: The aims of this
      case report are to inform about extremely rare lesion in genital area in a young
      man and evaluate the association of HPVs in the development of seborrheic
      keratoses. METHODS: We used histopathological examination to establish the
      correct diagnosis, which revealed signs of seborrheic keratosis. The real-time
      polymerase chain reaction method confirmed low-risk HPV 6 from the lesions. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: HPVs may play a role in pathogenesis of seborrheic keratoses.
      RESULTS: The patient was successfully treated with shave excision under spinal
      anesthesia. Six-month follow-up was without any recurrence. We suggest that HPVs
      can be considered as etiologic factor in creation of seborrheic keratosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: Seborrheic keratoses are very common on sun-exposed skin, but they
      are rare in the genital area, such as on the shaft of penis. This localization
      may lead to misdiagnosis. Seborrheic keratoses in genital area might negatively
      influence the sexual life of the patient. Containing HPV 6 low-risk virus, they
      never lead to malignant transformation.

PMID- 25135109
TI  - Regulating drug release from pH- and temperature-responsive electrospun CTS-g
      PNIPAAm/poly(ethylene oxide) hydrogel nanofibers.
AB  - Temperature- and pH-responsive polymers have been widely investigated as smart
      drug release systems. However, dual-sensitive polymers in the form of nanofibers,
      which is advantageous in achieving rapid transfer of stimulus to the smart
      polymeric structures for regulating drug release behavior, have rarely been
      explored. In this study, chitosan-graft-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (CTS-g
      PNIPAAm) copolymer was synthesized by using 1-ethyl-3-(3
      dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) as
      grafting agents to graft carboxyl-terminated PNIPAAm (PNIPAAm-COOH) chains onto
      the CTS biomacromolecules, and then CTS-g-PNIPAAm with or without bovine serum
      albumin (BSA) was fabricated into nanofibers through electrospinning using
      poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO, 10 wt%) as a fiber-forming facilitating additive. The
      BSA laden CTS-g-PNIPAAm/PEO hydrogel nanofibers were tested to determine their
      drug release profiles by varying pH and temperature. Finally, cytotoxicity of the
      CTS-g-PNIPAAm/PEO hydrogel nanofibers was evaluated by assaying the L929 cell
      proliferation using the MTT method. It was found that the synthesized CTS-g
      PNIPAAm possessed a temperature-induced phase transition and lower critical
      solution temperature (LCST) at 32 degrees  C in aqueous solutions. The rate of
      BSA release could be well modulated by altering the environmental pH and
      temperature of the hydrogel nanofibers. The CTS-g-PNIPAAm/PEO hydrogel nanofibers
      supported L929 cell growth, indicative of appropriate cytocompatibility. Our
      current work could pave the way towards developing multi-stimuli responsive
      nanofibrous smart materials for potential applications in the fields of drug
      delivery and tissue engineering. 

PMID- 25135110
TI  - Effects of bisoprolol and losartan treatment in the hypertrophic and failing
      right heart.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sympathetic adrenergic stimulation and the renin-angiotensin
      aldosterone system are highly elevated in right heart failure. We evaluated if
      treatment with the adrenergic receptor blocker bisoprolol or the angiotensin II
      receptor blocker losartan could prevent the progression of right ventricular (RV)
      hypertrophy and failure in rats after pulmonary trunk banding (PTB). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Male Wistar rats were randomized to severe PTB with a 0.5-mm banding
      clip (PTB0.5, n = 29), moderate PTB with a 0.6-mm banding clip (PTB0.6, n = 28),
      or sham operation (SHAM, n = 13). The PTB0.5 and PTB0.6 rats were randomized to 6
      weeks of 10 mg/kg/d bisoprolol treatment, 20 mg/kg/d losartan treatment, or
      vehicle treatment. The PTB caused hypertrophy, dilation, and reduced function of
      the RV in all rats subjected to the procedure. Rats subjected to the more severe
      banding developed decompensated RV failure with extracardiac manifestations.
      Treatment with bisoprolol slowed the heart rate, and treatment with losartan
      lowered mean arterial pressure, confirming adequate dosing, but none of the
      treatments improved RV function or arrested the progression of RV hypertrophy and
      failure compared with vehicle. CONCLUSIONS: In our PTB model of pressure overload
      induced RV hypertrophy and failure, treatment with bisoprolol and losartan did
      not demonstrate any beneficial effects in compensated or decompensated RV
      failure.

PMID- 25135111
TI  - NF-kappaB repressing factor downregulates basal expression and mycobacterium
      tuberculosis induced IP-10 and IL-8 synthesis via interference with NF-kappaB in
      monocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our previous study showed NF-kappaB repressing factor (NKRF)
      downregulates IP-10 and IL-8 synthesis in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      and alveolar macrophages of TB patients with high bacterial loads. However, the
      mechanism underlying the repressive effect of NKRF is not fully understood.
      RESULTS: The levels of IP-10, IL-8 and NKRF were significantly up-regulated in
      THP-1 cells treated with heated mycobacterium tuberculosis (H. TB). NKRF
      inhibited NF-kappaB-mediated IP-10 and IL-8 synthesis and release induced by H.
      TB. The repressive effect of NKRF is mediated via interference with NF-kappaB
      (p65) binding and RNA polymerase II recruitment to promoter sites of IP-10 and IL
      8. CONCLUSIONS: We have elucidated that direct contact with MTb induces IP-10, IL
      8 and a concomitant increase in NKRF in THP-1 cells. The up-regulated NKRF serves
      as an endogenous repressor for IP-10 and IL-8 synthesis to hinder host from
      robust response to MTb infection.

PMID- 25135112
TI  - Assessment of type 2 diabetes risk conferred by SNPs rs2241766 and rs1501299 in
      the ADIPOQ gene, a case/control study combined with meta-analyses.
AB  - We conducted a case/control study to assess the impact of two SNPs, rs2241766 and
      rs1501299 within the ADIPOQ gene, on type 2 diabetes (T2D) susceptibility in a
      Chinese Han dataset (741 cases and 902 controls). SNP rs2241766 was found
      significantly associated with T2D risk in the additive model, dominant model and
      recessive model. A marginal association was detected for SNP rs1501299 in the
      additive model and recessive model after Bonferroni correction, and haplotype
      analysis provided additional evidence supporting the association between these
      two SNPs and T2D risk. A meta-analysis including 29 published datasets along with
      current dataset was next carried out to further confirm the association. In
      consistent with our case/control results, rs2241766 showed a significant
      association with T2D in the dominant model and additive model, and the
      association between rs1501299 and T2D was also characterized in the homozygote
      model, dominant model, recessive model, and additive model. Of note, the
      association became much stronger in East Asians after exclusion of ethnic
      stratification. Together, our data support that the rs2241766 and rs1501299
      polymorphisms within the ADIPOQ gene confer genetic susceptibility for type 2
      diabetes, especially in the Chinese Han population. 

PMID- 25135114
TI  - Munchausen syndrome: multiple episodes of polymicrobial bacteremia.

PMID- 25135113
TI  - Optical mapping of optogenetically shaped cardiac action potentials.
AB  - Light-mediated silencing and stimulation of cardiac excitability, an important
      complement to electrical stimulation, promises important discoveries and
      therapies. To date, cardiac optogenetics has been studied with patch-clamp,
      multielectrode arrays, video microscopy, and an all-optical system measuring
      calcium transients. The future lies in achieving simultaneous optical acquisition
      of excitability signals and optogenetic control, both with high spatio-temporal
      resolution. Here, we make progress by combining optical mapping of action
      potentials with concurrent activation of channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) or
      halorhodopsin (eNpHR3.0), via an all-optical system applied to monolayers of
      neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM). Additionally, we explore the capability
      of ChR2 and eNpHR3.0 to shape action-potential waveforms, potentially aiding the
      study of short/long QT syndromes that result from abnormal changes in action
      potential duration (APD). These results show the promise of an all-optical system
      to acquire action potentials with precise temporal optogenetics control,
      achieving a long-sought flexibility beyond the means of conventional electrical
      stimulation. 

PMID- 25135115
TI  - Serotonergic systems are implicated in antinociceptive effect of m
      trifluoromethyl diphenyl diselenide in the mouse glutamate test.
AB  - The organoselenium compound m-trifluoromethyl diphenyl diselenide (m-CF3-PhSe)2
      has antinociceptive actions in several animal models, which are mediated by
      interaction with endogenous opioid systems. It also shows antidepressant-like
      action mediated by both opioid and serotonergic systems. Considering that
      serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in the descending control of pain, this
      study further investigated the role of serotonergic systems in the
      antinociceptive action of (m-CF3-PhSe)2 in the glutamate-induced licking behavior
      model in mice. (m-CF3-PhSe)2 (1-50 mg/kg, p.o.), morphine (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.) or
      paroxetine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced glutamate-induced nociception. Selective 5
      HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor antagonists, WAY100635 (0.7 mg/kg, i.p.) and ketanserin
      (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.), but not the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron
      (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), prevented the antinociceptive effect of (m-CF3-PhSe)2 (10
      mg/kg) in the glutamate test. In biochemical studies, (m-CF3-PhSe)2 (10 and 50
      mg/kg) decreased [(3)H]5-HT uptake in crude synaptosomes of mouse brains and
      slightly inhibited in vitro [(3)H]5-HT binding. In kinetic studies, the selenium
      (Se) distribution was determined at different time points after the
      administration of (m-CF3-PhSe)2 (500 mg/kg, p.o.) to mice. After 30 min, a high
      amount of Se was found in liver and kidneys, followed by the lung, red blood
      cells, serum and brain. A significant amount of Se accumulated in fat over the
      course of 8h. Urine was an important route of Se excretion originating from (m
      CF3-PhSe)2. Collectively, results of this study indicate an involvement of the
      serotonergic systems in the antinociceptive effect of (m-CF3-PhSe)2 and a wide
      distribution of Se derived from this compound.

PMID- 25135117
TI  - Interventional cardiology: SORTing OUT stents--everolimus limits very late stent
      thrombosis.

PMID- 25135116
TI  - Plant disease resistance is augmented in uzu barley lines modified in the
      brassinosteroid receptor BRI1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brassinosteroid hormones regulate many aspects of plant growth and
      development. The membrane receptor BRI1 is a central player in the
      brassinosteroid signaling cascade. Semi-dwarf 'uzu' barley carries a mutation in
      a conserved domain of the kinase tail of BRI1 and this mutant allele is
      recognised for its positive contribution to both yield and lodging resistance.
      RESULTS: Here we show that uzu barley exhibits enhanced resistance to a range of
      pathogens. It was due to a combination of preformed, inducible and constitutive
      defence responses, as determined by a combination of transcriptomic and
      biochemical studies. Gene expression studies were used to determine that the uzu
      derivatives are attenuated in downstream brassinosteroid signaling. The reduction
      of BRI1 RNA levels via virus-induced gene silencing compromised uzu disease
      resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogen resistance of uzu derivatives may be due to
      pleiotropic effects of BRI1 or the cascade effects of their repressed BR
      signaling.

PMID- 25135118
TI  - Coronary artery disease: Cost-effectiveness of CABG surgery versus PCI in complex
      CAD.

PMID- 25135119
TI  - Diabetes: Effects of strict glycaemic control on ischaemic heart disease.

PMID- 25135121
TI  - Treatment patterns and their outcomes of acute aortic intramural hematoma in real
      world: multicenter registry for aortic intramural hematoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intramural hematoma of the aorta (IMH), a variant of classic aortic
      dissection, shows very dynamic process in the early phase. The aim of this study
      is to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with acute aortic IMH from real
      world registry data. METHODS: We analyzed 165 consecutive patients with acute IMH
      from five medical centers in Korea. All patients were divided into two groups;
      type A (n = 61, 37.0%) and type B (n = 104, 63.0%) according to the Stanford
      classification. Clinical outcomes and morphological evolution by CT were analyzed
      for 2 years. RESULTS: Most of the patients (77.0% of type A and 99.0% of type B,
      P < 0.001) were treated medically during their initial hospitalization. There
      were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality (4.9% vs. 2.9%, P =
      0.671) and 2-year mortality (13.1% vs. 11.5%, P = 0.765) between two groups.
      During the 2-year follow up period, progression to aortic dissection (18.0% vs.
      6.7%, P = 0.037) and surgical treatment (29.5% vs. 2.9%, P < 0.001) were higher
      in type A. For the type A patients, there were no significant difference in in
      hospital mortality (7.1% of surgery vs. 4.3% of medical, P = 0.428) and 2-year
      mortality (7.1% of surgery vs. 14.9% of medical, P = 0.450) in terms of initial
      treatment strategy. CONCLUSION: For real world practice in Korea, most of IMH
      patients were treated medically at presentation and showed favorable outcomes.
      Thus, even in type A acute IMH, early medical treatment with alternative surgical
      conversion for selected, complicated cases would be a favorable treatment option.

PMID- 25135122
TI  - Obesity delays functional recovery in trauma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is known to complicate trauma hospital stays. We hypothesize
      that obesity delays functional recovery in trauma patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Between 2005 and 2007, adult patients with a hospital length of stay >24
      h were prospectively recruited for the study. Functional Independence Measurement
      (FIM) scores were calculated at the time of admission, discharge, and 6 mo after
      discharge. Patients were classified as nonobese (body mass index [BMI] <25),
      overweight (BMI >=25 and <30), obese (BMI >=30 and <35), and morbidly obese (BMI
      >=35). Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the impact of obesity on
      FIM scores. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-five patients met the study inclusion
      criteria. Average injury severity scores was >18. We recorded no mortality at the
      time of discharge and follow-up. During acute hospital stay stage, nonobese
      patients had an average of 24 points increase on FIM scores compared with
      morbidly obese patients with 16 points improvement (P = 0.023). Compared with
      nonobese patients, the rate of recovery was reduced by 30% in overweight (P =
      0.034), 37% in obese (P = 0.025), and 48% in morbidly obese patients (P = 0.003).
      Alternatively, we found that for every unit increase in BMI, the functional
      recovery rate was reduced by 4% (P < 0.001). Changes in FIM scores during the
      postdischarge period were not significantly different by obesity classification,
      and all groups achieve similar functional outcome at follow-up (P = 0.482).
      CONCLUSIONS: Most trauma patients achieve full functional recovery some time
      after hospital discharge, but the recovery is delayed in obese patients and the
      delay is directly correlated with the severity of obesity.

PMID- 25135120
TI  - Clinicopathological characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma in Northern
      Norway: a retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main aim of the study was to evaluate if patients with oral
      squamous carcinomas in Northern Norway differ from patients in other countries
      with regard to clinicopathological characteristics and also study the influence
      of risk factors. Such a comparison is of demographical interest, and also
      important for the interpretation of result from studies on prognostic biomarkers.
      METHODS: We describe clinicopathological characteristics of 133 North Norwegian
      patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity in the period
      1986-2002, and evaluate the significance of different risk factors. RESULTS: The
      cohort consisted of 69 men and 64 women, giving male/female ratio of 1.1. Forty
      seven of the 133 patients (35%) died of the disease within 5 years from
      diagnosis. There was no significant difference between the genders concerning
      time to disease specific death, even though men both smoked and drank more
      alcohol than women. As expected, the strongest predictors for disease specific
      death were tumour size and the presence of regional lymph node metastasis. We
      also found that heavy smokers and drinkers presented with more advanced disease,
      more often localized to the floor of mouth compared to non-smoking and abstinent
      patients, who more often presented with tumours of the mobile tongue.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results correlate well with previously published
      clinicopathological data on comparable cohorts, which is important when
      considering the applicability of results from biomarker studies performed on this
      material compared to other cohorts, and vice versa.

PMID- 25135123
TI  - Metformin improves skin flap survival through nitric oxide system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metformin has shown cardioprotective effects in experimental models
      of ischemia reperfusion, which is partially mediated through nitric oxide (NO)
      synthesis. We investigated the effects of metformin pretreatment in a rat model
      of random-pattern skin flap, and the probable role of NO system. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In the first experiment, the rats received increasing doses of metformin
      (150, 200, and 300 mg/kg), 4 h before the procedure. Dorsal skin flaps with
      caudal pedicles were elevated at the midline and flap survival was measured 7 d
      after surgery. Pathologic review of the skin flap specimen was performed in a
      subset of animals. In the second experiment, for evaluation of the role of NO, an
      NO synthase inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) was
      administered with and without the effective dose of metformin. In the next
      experiment, subtherapeutic dose of NO precursor, L-Arginine, was administered
      with and without subeffective dose of metformin. RESULTS: Metformin pretreatment
      at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg significantly increased skin flap survival rate.
      However, administration of L-NAME abolished the protective effects of metformin.
      On the other hand, subtherapeutic dose of L-arginine augmented the effects of low
      dose metformin and significantly increased skin flap survival. Skin flaps from
      those rats that received 300 mg/kg metformin pretreatment and those treated with
      subtherapeutic doses of L-arginine and metformin showed increased vasodilation
      compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin pretreatment can improve skin
      flap survival through an NO dependent pathway.

PMID- 25135126
TI  - Electrocardiographic screening should not be implemented for children and
      adolescents between ages 1 and 19 in the United States.

PMID- 25135125
TI  - Electrocardiographic screening of all infants, children, and teenagers should be
      performed.

PMID- 25135124
TI  - Impact of oral melatonin on critically ill adult patients with ICU sleep
      deprivation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep deprivation is common in critically ill patients in intensive
      care units (ICU). It can result in delirium, difficulty weaning, repeated
      nosocomial infections, prolonged ICU length of stay and increased ICU mortality.
      Melatonin, a physiological sleep regulator, is well known to benefit sleep
      quality in certain people, but evidence for the effectiveness in ICU sleep
      disturbance is limited. METHODS/DESIGN: This study has a prospective, randomized,
      double-blind, controlled, parallel-group design. Eligible patients are randomly
      assigned to one of the two treatment study groups, labelled the 'melatonin group'
      or the 'placebo group'. A dose of 3 mg of oral melatonin or placebo is
      administered at 9:00 pm on four consecutive days. Earplugs and eye masks are made
      available to every participant. We plan to enrol 198 patients. The primary
      outcome is the objective sleep quality measured by the 24-hour polysomnography.
      The secondary outcomes are the subjective sleep quality assessed by the Richards
      Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, the anxiety level evaluated by the Visual Analogue
      Scale-Anxiety, the number of delirium-free days in 8 and 28 days, the number of
      ventilation-free days in 28 days, the number of antibiotic-free days, ICU length
      of stay, the overall ICU mortality in 28 days and the incidence and severity of
      the side effects of melatonin in ICU patients. Additionally, the body stress
      levels, oxidative stress levels and inflammation levels are obtained via
      measuring the plasma melatonin, cortisone, norepinephrine, malonaldehyde(MDA),
      superoxide dismutase(SOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL
      8)concentrations. DISCUSSION: The proposed study will be the first randomized
      controlled study to use the polysomnography, which is the gold standard of
      assessing sleep quality, to evaluate the effect of melatonin on the sleep quality
      and circadian rhythms of ICU patients. The results may recommend a new treatment
      for ICU patients with sleep deprivation that is safe, effective and easily
      implementable in daily practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered
      with ClinicalTrials (NCT; registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-14004319) on 4 March
      2013.

PMID- 25135127
TI  - Cardiovascular implications in preeclampsia: an overview.

PMID- 25135130
TI  - Demonstration of inverted left atrial appendage using cardiac computed
      tomography: an unusual complication mimicking left atrial mass after cardiac
      surgery.

PMID- 25135129
TI  - Impact of septal radiofrequency ventricular tachycardia ablation: insights from
      magnetic resonance imaging.

PMID- 25135131
TI  - Cerebral and sinus vein thrombosis.

PMID- 25135132
TI  - Letter by Li and Yu regarding article, "ten-eleven translocation-2 (TET2) is a
      master regulator of smooth muscle cell plasticity".

PMID- 25135133
TI  - Response to letter regarding article, "ten-eleven translocation-2 (TET2) is a
      master regulator of smooth muscle cell plasticity".

PMID- 25135134
TI  - Letter by Zhang regarding article, "early dual versus mono antiplatelet therapy
      for acute non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: an
      updated systematic review and meta-analysis".

PMID- 25135135
TI  - Response to letter regarding article, "early dual versus mono antiplatelet
      therapy for acute non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack:
      an updated systematic review and meta-analysis".

PMID- 25135137
TI  - [Occurrence of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli strains in pigs and cattle at
      slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic in 2013].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was performed in cooperation with the State Veterinary
      Administration (SVA) in order to monitor the occurrence of Shiga toxin-producing
      Escherichia coli isolates in swabs from the carcasses of pigs and cattle at
      slaughterhouses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From June to August 2013, SVA staff took
      168 swabs from cattle and 318 from pigs at 157 different slaughters in the Czech
      Republic. Basic processing of the samples was carried out in the State Veterinary
      Institutes (SVIs) in Prague, Jihlava and Olomouc according to the methodical
      process coordinated by the National reference laboratory (NRL) for Escherichia
      coli (Czech Ministry of Agriculture). The procedure was based on the guideline
      ISO TS 13136. RESULTS: Out of the 486 swabs, twenty-two positive samples were
      detected. There were a total of 22 isolates of Shiga toxigenic E. coli (STEC) and
      1 strain with the characteristic of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). Genes
      typical for enteroaggregative E. coli (EAggEC) were not found in any of the
      isolates. Most STEC strains originated from pigs. The stx1 gene was detected
      twice (stx1a, stx1d) and the stx2 gene 13 times (12 times stx2e, once stx2a).
      Seven STEC isolates were detected from samples of cattle origin. One strain was
      stx1 (stx1a) -positive, the stx2 gene was found 6 times (4 stx2e, 1 stx2a and 1
      stx2c). One isolate carried simultaneously both stx1a and stx2a. Each of the
      serogroups O91, O113 and O146 described as etiological agents of severe disease
      in humans were detected only once. None of these strains harbored additional
      virulence factors typical for strains causing serious illness. CONCLUSION:
      RESULTS of this study show the overall prevalence of Shiga toxigenic E. coli of
      4.5 % and 0.2 % of enterohemorrhagic strains in the studied samples. Raw meat
      originating from local farms does not currently represent an important source of
      STEC for humans.

PMID- 25135138
TI  - [Familial occurrence of botulism - a case report].
AB  - Botulism, a life-threatening condition, is very rare in the Czech Republic. Since
      1960, a total of 155 cases have been reported; between 2010 and 2012, not a
      single case was identified. This is a case report of familiar occurrence of
      botulism following consumption of home-made pork and liver pate in three family
      members admitted to the Department of Infectious, Tropical and Parasitic
      Diseases, Na Bulovce Hospital in Prague in May 2013. The neurological symptoms
      were dominated by diplopia and dysarthria. After administration of an antitoxin,
      all patients recovered. Given the poor availability of the antitoxin, a decision
      was made following this small family epidemic to have an emergency reserve of
      life-saving anti-infective drugs for the Czech Republic in the Toxicological
      Information Center in Prague. 

PMID- 25135139
TI  - [Emergency reserve of life-saving anti-infective drugs].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Problems with importing non-registered medicines for treating rare
      life-threatening infectious diseases led to establishment of the Emergency Anti
      Infective Drug Reserve (EAIDR) for the Czech Republic. METHODS: Thirteen anti
      infective drugs are included in the project: antisera against rabies virus,
      varicella-zoster virus, and botulinum toxin; antituberculosis drugs (intravenous
      rifampicin and isoniazid; capreomycin, cycloserine, and clofazimine);
      antiparasitics (intravenous quinine, primaquine, meglumine antimoniate, and
      praziquantel); and pentamidine. These drugs are imported according to the Czech
      drug legislation (specific drug availability programs). Realization: The project,
      approved by the Czech Ministry of Health in September 2013, was started in
      January 2014. The anti-infective drugs sufficient for 2-4 patients are
      permanently available in the Toxicological Information Center (TIC) in Prague.
      The medicines can be applied in any hospital throughout the Czech Republic within
      several hours. CONCLUSIONS: All but three drugs are available at present; the
      remaining ones will be imported after new batches of these drugs are released.

PMID- 25135140
TI  - [Campylobacteriosis].
AB  - Campylobacteriosis belongs to the most frequent bacterial gastrointestinal
      infections worldwide. In the past several years, an increasing trend in the
      prevalence of campylobacteriosis has been observed in many countries. The rapid
      spread of antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter spp. also poses a major
      challenge. The authors review current knowledge on the microbiology of
      Campylobacter spp., complex pathogenetic as well as pathophysiological mechanisms
      in the development and course of campylobacteriosis and related complications
      such as Guillain-Barre syndrome. 

PMID- 25135141
TI  - [Diagnosis and therapy of Clostridium difficile infection: Czech national
      guidelines].
AB  - Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a disease of varying severity. Its
      manifestations range from mild diarrhea to life-threatening paralytic ileus,
      painful distension of the large bowel, and sepsis. Another possible manifestation
      of the disease is recurring colitis that can exhaust the patient. For
      establishing the diagnosis, the patient's stool should be examined with two or
      three different microbiological methods (testing for clostridial toxins A and B;
      testing for clostridial glutamate dehydrogenase, anaerobic culture with specific
      media, or PCR detection of genes for production of clostridial toxins). An
      alternative way of assessing the etiology is colonoscopic examination; the
      disease is confirmed if characteristic patchy pseudomembranes are present in the
      bowel mucosa. Optimal treatment depends on severity of the disease and on the
      risk of recurrence. Metronidazole, vancomycin and fidaxomicin are used as basic
      drugs. Fecal transplantation is effective in recurrent disease. In the hospital
      setting, patients suffering from CDI should be isolated for the entire duration
      of diarrhea. Surveillance rules also should be applied, together with early
      treatment of symptomatic patients and prevention of the spread of the infection.
      Higher incidence of CDI in a ward implies that the local antibiotic prescription
      habits should be revised. 

PMID- 25135142
TI  - Response to: laboratory assessment may be dependent on the time of liver biopsy.

PMID- 25135144
TI  - [Critical care medicine and transplantation medicine: A task for each intensive
      care unit].

PMID- 25135143
TI  - Exploration of shared decision-making processes among dieticians and patients
      during a consultation for the nutritional treatment of dyslipidaemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shared decision making (SDM) holds great potential for improving the
      therapeutic efficiency and quality of nutritional treatment of dyslipidaemia by
      promoting patient involvement in decision making. Adoption of specific behaviours
      fostering SDM during consultations has yet to be studied in routine dietetic
      practice. OBJECTIVE: Using a cross-sectional study design, we aimed to explore
      both dieticians' and patients' adoption of SDM behaviours in dietetic
      consultations regarding the nutritional treatment of dyslipidaemia. METHODS:
      Twenty-six dieticians working in local health clinics in the Quebec City
      metropolitan area were each asked to identify one dyslipidaemic patient they
      would see in an upcoming consultation. Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour
      (TPB), questionnaires were designed to study two targeted SDM behaviours: 'to
      discuss nutritional treatment options for dyslipidaemia' and 'to discuss
      patients' values and preferences about nutritional treatment options for
      dyslipidaemia'. These questionnaires were administered to the dietician-patient
      dyad individually before the consultation. Associations between TPB constructs
      (attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control) towards behavioural
      intentions were analysed using Spearman's partial correlations. RESULTS: Thirteen
      unique patient-dietician dyads completed the study. Perceived behavioural control
      was the only TPB construct significantly associated with both dieticians' and
      patients' intentions to adopt the targeted SDM behaviours (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: As perceived behavioural control seems to determine dieticians' and
      patients' adoption of SDM behaviours, interventions addressing barriers and
      reinforcing enablers of these behaviours are indicated. This exploratory study
      highlights issues that could be addressed in future research endeavours to expand
      the knowledge base relating to SDM adoption in dietetic practice.

PMID- 25135145
TI  - Fosterage as a system of dispersed cooperative breeding: evidence from the Himba.
AB  - Humans are obligate cooperative breeders, relying heavily on support from kin to
      raise children. To date, most studies of cooperative breeding have focused on
      help that supplements rather than replaces parental care. Here we propose that
      fosterage can act as a form of dispersed cooperative breeding, one that enhances
      women's fitness by allowing them to disinvest in some children and reallocate
      effort to others. We test this hypothesis through a series of predictions about
      the costs and benefits of fosterage for mothers, foster parents, and foster
      children using data from the Himba, a group of Namibian agro-pastoralists. We
      show that fostering out children enhances mothers' fitness, and we provide
      evidence for a causal link from fosterage to enhanced fitness by showing that
      fosterage of early-born children is associated with greater maternal reproductive
      success. Foster parents minimize the costs of fosterage by skewing their care
      toward their postreproductive years, and by mainly fostering close kin. However,
      the system is associated with some detrimental effects on foster children, who
      are more likely to be stunted and underweight than their non-fostered
      counterparts. 

PMID- 25135146
TI  - The physiologic effects of pain on the endocrine system.
AB  - Severe pain has profound physiologic effects on the endocrine system. Serum
      hormone abnormalities may result and these serve as biomarkers for the presence
      of severe pain and the need to replace hormones to achieve pain control.
      Initially severe pain causes a hyperarousal of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
      system which results in elevated serum hormone levels such as
      adrenocorticotropin, cortisol, and pregnenolone. If the severe pain does not
      abate, however, the system cannot maintain its normal hormone production and
      serum levels of some hormones may drop below normal range. Some hormones are so
      critical to pain control that a deficiency may enhance pain and retard healing. 

PMID- 25135148
TI  - Knowledge about Pain Clinics and Pain Physician among General Practitioners: A
      Cross-sectional Survey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is an on-going debate about what qualifies one to be called a
      "pain physician" and who can run the "pain clinic". Currently, the discipline of
      anesthesiology is producing the majority of pain physicians. A literature search
      was unable to find data for any Pakistani or other South Asian countries with
      regards to general practitioner (GP) knowledge about pain clinics and pain
      physicians. The main objective of this study was to assess the awareness of GPs
      regarding the existence of the pain clinic and pain physician. METHODS: A total
      of 411 GPs were included in this cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire
      consisting of ten questions was designed to identify their knowledge about the
      existence of pain clinics and pain physicians. Questionnaires were completed in
      the field and edited for the inconsistencies and in-completeness. RESULTS: The
      results showed that only 52.6% of GPs were aware of the existence of pain
      clinics. The survey showed that 37.5% believe neurologists are the pain
      physicians and only 10.9% know that pain clinics are run by anesthesiologist. The
      vast majority (85.0%) are unaware of the modern pain relieving methods used in
      pain clinics. CONCLUSION: The survey indicates that nearly half of the GPs are
      unaware of the existence of pain clinics and pain physicians, and the majority of
      GPs are unaware of new pain relieving methods.

PMID- 25135149
TI  - Pain intensity and its association with negative mood States in patients with
      spinal cord injury.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic and persistent pain is a prevalent and debilitating
      secondary condition in patients with a neurological injury such as spinal cord
      injury (SCI). Patients with SCI have an increased risk of developing other co
      morbid conditions such as elevated negative mood states. Arguably, the presence
      of chronic pain would act to intensify the chances of developing negative mood
      states as opposed to resilient mental states. The objective of this research was
      to investigate the association between pain intensity and levels of negative mood
      states in adult patients with SCI. METHODS: Participants included 107 adults with
      SCI living in the community who completed an assessment regimen in a relaxed
      environment. Mean pain intensity over a period of 1 week and the Profile of Mood
      States, a validated psychometric measure of mood states (anxiety, depressed mood,
      anger, vigor, fatigue, confusion and total negative mood score) were used to
      determine associations between pain intensity and mood states. The sample was
      divided into a low pain intensity sub-group (<4 where 0 = no pain; 10 = worst
      pain imaginable) and a clinically significant or high pain intensity sub-group
      (>=4), allowing negative mood to be compared between the sub-groups. RESULTS:
      Mean age was 47.1 years, and 87% of the sample was male. Clinically significant
      pain intensity over the week prior to assessment was found in 52% of the 107
      participants. The high pain intensity sub-group was found to have significantly
      elevated anxiety, depressed mood, anger, fatigue, confusion and significantly
      reduced vigor. CONCLUSION: These results provide further evidence that patients
      with SCI experience clinically elevated negative mood states if they have intense
      levels of pain over extended periods of time. In contrast, patients without
      intense pain have mood states similar to those in the able-bodied community.
      Implications for the treatment of SCI are discussed.

PMID- 25135150
TI  - An evaluation of total disintegration time for three different doses of
      sublingual fentanyl tablets in patients with breakthrough pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Breakthrough pain is common among patients with cancer and presents
      challenges to effective pain management. Breakthrough pain is characterized by
      rapid onset, severe intensity, and duration typically lasting <1 h. Thus, optimal
      relief from breakthrough pain is best attained by administering analgesics with
      dissolution times and bioavailabilities that closely match the onset and duration
      of breakthrough pain. The objective of this study was to assess complete
      disintegration time of three different doses of sublingual fentanyl tablets in
      opioid-tolerant patients. METHODS: This was a single-center, non-randomized, open
      label study. Opioid-tolerant adult patients (N = 30) with chronic pain were
      assigned to one of three dose groups and self-administered a single 100, 200, or
      300 MUg sublingual fentanyl tablet (Abstral((r)), Galena Biopharma, Portland, OR,
      USA). Time to complete disintegration was measured by each patient with a
      stopwatch and independently verified by study personnel. RESULTS: Disintegration
      time (mean +/- SD) for sublingual fentanyl tablets (all doses) was 88.2 +/- 55.1
      s. Mean disintegration times tended to be slightly longer for the 200 MUg (96.7
      +/- 57.9 s) and 300 MUg doses (98.6 +/- 64.8 s) compared to the 100 MUg dose
      (69.5 +/- 40.5 s). Differences were not statistically significant. Disintegration
      time was not significantly different between men and women and was not affected
      by age. CONCLUSION: Sublingual fentanyl tablets dissolved rapidly (average time
      <2 min) in all patients, with the higher doses taking slightly more time to
      dissolve.

PMID- 25135147
TI  - Management of fibromyalgia syndrome: review of evidence.
AB  - Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder of
      unknown etiology and characterized by generalized body pain, hyperalgesia, and
      other functional and emotional comorbidities. Despite extensive research, no
      treatment modality is effective for all FMS patients. In this paper, we briefly
      review the history of FMS and diagnostic criteria, and potential
      pathophysiological mechanisms including central pain modulation,
      neurotransmitters, sympatho-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal systems
      and peripheral muscle issues. The primary focus of the paper is to review
      treatment options for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. We will discuss FDA
      approved medications and other pharmacologic agents, and non-pharmacologic
      treatments that have shown promising effects. 

PMID- 25135151
TI  - Complex regional pain syndrome treated with intravenous immunoglobulin in a
      patient with common variable immune deficiency.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) represents a large
      heterogeneous group of antibody-deficiency syndromes associated with a wide range
      of clinical features and a lack of defined causes in the realm of primary
      immunodeficiencies. Here, we present a case of CVID in a 62-year-old white male
      patient with a history of longstanding complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
      CASE PRESENTATION: His medical history included multiple sinus infections per
      year and several pneumonias requiring antibiotics. He has had various back
      surgeries, including a laminectomy at the L4 level 1 year prior to his diagnosis.
      Thereafter, he underwent four sympathetic nerve blocks with minimal pain relief.
      Blood chemistries showed a normal white blood cell count with a normal
      differential, but increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein
      levels. Total Ig (Immunoglobulin)G was 611 mg/dL (normal 700-1,600), IgG1 was 425
      mg/dL (341-894), IgG2 was 114 mg/dL (171-632), IgG3 was 14.4 mg/dL (18.4-106),
      and IgG4 was 7.4 mg/dL (2.4-121). IgA was 47 mg/dL (normal 70-400), IgM was 131
      mg/dL (40-230), and IgE was 4.5 kU/L (<4.0). He only had 10 of 23 pneumococcal
      titers in the protective range post-vaccination. Upon treatment of the CVID with
      intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient's pain levels were significantly
      decreased and have been maintained for more than 2 years. CONCLUSION: Therefore,
      immunoglobulin therapy appears to have been beneficial in the treatment of the
      patient's symptoms of CRPS, including pain. Additional studies investigating the
      mechanism by which immunoglobulin therapy may reduce the inflammation and pain of
      CRPS are needed.

PMID- 25135152
TI  - Erratum to: Effects of a Single Session Group Intervention for Pain Management in
      Chronic Pain Patients: A Pilot Study.

PMID- 25135153
TI  - Cryptococcosis-related deaths and associated medical conditions in the United
      States, 2000-2010.
AB  - Cryptococcosis is an invasive mycotic infection primarily affecting
      immunocompromised individuals. The objective of this study was to describe
      cryptococcosis mortality and associated medical conditions in the US for the
      period 2000-2010. Cryptococcosis-related deaths were identified from the national
      multiple-cause-of-death dataset. Mortality trends and comparison analyses were
      performed on overall cases of cryptococcosis and by subset [i.e. clinical
      manifestations of disease and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status]. A
      matched case-control analysis was also conducted to describe the associations
      between this disease and comorbid medical conditions. A total of 3210
      cryptococcosis-related deaths were identified. Cerebral cryptococcosis was the
      most commonly reported clinical manifestation of the disease. Approximately one
      fifth of the decedents (n = 616) had a co-diagnosis of HIV. Mortality rates were
      highest among men, blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans and older adults. Poisson
      regression analysis indicated a 6.52% annual decrease in mortality rates for the
      study period. HIV (MOR = 35.55, 95% CI 27.95-45.22) and leukaemia (MOR = 16.10,
      95% CI 11.24-23.06) were highly associated with cryptococcosis-related deaths.
      Cryptococcosis mortality declined significantly during 2000-2010. However, the
      disease continues to cause appreciable mortality in the US. With the majority of
      decedents having no HIV co-diagnosis, there is still much to be learned about the
      epidemiology of this mycosis.

PMID- 25135154
TI  - Identifying sources of emerging organic contaminants in a mixed use watershed
      using principal components analysis.
AB  - Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to identify sources of emerging
      organic contaminants in the Zumbro River watershed in Southeastern Minnesota. Two
      main principal components (PCs) were identified, which together explained more
      than 50% of the variance in the data. Principal Component 1 (PC1) was attributed
      to urban wastewater-derived sources, including municipal wastewater and
      residential septic tank effluents, while Principal Component 2 (PC2) was
      attributed to agricultural sources. The variances of the concentrations of
      cotinine, DEET and the prescription drugs carbamazepine, erythromycin and
      sulfamethoxazole were best explained by PC1, while the variances of the
      concentrations of the agricultural pesticides atrazine, metolachlor and
      acetochlor were best explained by PC2. Mixed use compounds carbaryl, iprodione
      and daidzein did not specifically group with either PC1 or PC2. Furthermore,
      despite the fact that caffeine and acetaminophen have been historically
      associated with human use, they could not be attributed to a single dominant land
      use category (e.g., urban/residential or agricultural). Contributions from septic
      systems did not clarify the source for these two compounds, suggesting that
      additional sources, such as runoff from biosolid-amended soils, may exist. Based
      on these results, PCA may be a useful way to broadly categorize the sources of
      new and previously uncharacterized emerging contaminants or may help to clarify
      transport pathways in a given area. Acetaminophen and caffeine were not ideal
      markers for urban/residential contamination sources in the study area and may
      need to be reconsidered as such in other areas as well. 

PMID- 25135155
TI  - Letter from the editor.

PMID- 25135157
TI  - Comparison of circumferential pulmonary vein isolation and antiarrhythmic drug
      therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life after
      circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) compared with antiarrhythmic drug
      therapy (ADT) in treating atrial fibrillation (AF). CPVI is now a common therapy
      in AF, but few studies have focused on the effect of CPVI on quality of life.
      METHODS: A total of 123 AF patients were followed prospectively. Quality of life
      was evaluated comparing CPVI with ADT as a second-line treatment for patients
      with AF. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF)-36 health surveys were
      conducted to establish a baseline score before initiation and again at 6 months
      after the intervention. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 12.7 +/- 4.3 months.
      Of 123 patients enrolled, 66 were randomized to receive CPVI and 57 to ADT alone.
      At the 6-month follow-up, 13 (22.8%) patients in the ADT group and 41 (62.1%)
      patients in the CPVI group had no recurrence of AF. The SF-36 scales were
      significantly higher in the CPVI than in the ADT group, as were the physical
      component summary scores (269.3 +/- 58.6 vs. 234.9 +/- 66.9) and mental component
      summary scores (273.6 +/- 69.4 vs. 234.1 +/- 44.7). Quality of life was
      significantly higher in the CPVI group (except for body pain). CONCLUSION: In
      patients with AF, CPVI has superiority over ADT with regards to the maintenance
      of sinus rhythm and improvements in quality of life.

PMID- 25135156
TI  - Effect of thermal therapy using hot water bottles on brain natriuretic Peptide in
      chronic hemodialysis patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The use of repeated thermal therapy for improving the symptoms of
      chronic heart failure (CHF) has been recently demonstrated. Usually, thermal
      therapy requires an infrared dry sauna. However, it is difficult for small
      clinics to acquire such an expensive and extensive system. The present study
      assessed the efficacy of its substitution with hot water bottles. Moreover, there
      are no prior studies demonstrating the efficacy of thermal therapy in
      hemodialysis patients with CHF. METHODS: Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)
      levels were evaluated in 98 hemodialysis patients in a clinic. Nine patients
      whose BNP levels were >500 pg/mL agreed to be enrolled in the study and received
      thermal therapy using hot water bottles. RESULTS: Plasma BNP levels, a potential
      marker for CHF, tended to decrease (891 +/- 448 to 680 +/- 339 pg/mL), but the
      difference was not significant (P = 0.0845). The oral temperature changed from
      36.44 +/- 0.45 degrees C to 37.04 +/- 0.48 degrees C (+0.597 degrees C, P <
      0.0001). No side effects were experienced during the therapy. Moreover, most
      patients had an improvement in their symptoms and the ability to perform
      activities of daily living. CONCLUSION: Thermal therapy using hot water bottles
      is very safe and tends to reduce plasma BNP levels in hemodialysis patients with
      CHF.

PMID- 25135158
TI  - Lercanidipine effect on polymorphonuclear leukocyte-related inflammation and
      insulin resistance in essential hypertension patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress (OS) are
      among the mechanisms that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of essential
      hypertension (EH). Peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) are primed in
      EH patients, releasing uncontrolled superoxide anions contributing to OS in these
      patients. PMNL priming correlates with insulin resistance and PMNL intracellular
      calcium ([Ca(2+)]i). Recent studies have attributed additional anti-ischemic and
      antioxidative characteristics to the antihypertensive drug, lercanidipine, a
      third-generation calcium-channel blocker. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the possible nontraditional effect of 2 months of lercanidipine
      treatment on insulin resistance and on PMNL-related inflammation in EH patients.
      METHODS: Non-smoking EH patients with untreated mild-to-moderate high blood
      pressure (BP) were included. Low-grade inflammation was reflected by PMNL
      apoptosis and by white blood cell (WBC) and PMNL counts. Systemic inflammation
      was measured by plasma fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and transferrin and
      albumin levels. Fasting serum insulin levels served as a marker of insulin
      resistance. RESULTS: Two months of lercanidipine treatment showed a significant
      decrease in BP, WBC, and PMNL counts, PMNL apoptosis, CRP, and serum insulin
      levels, and a significant increase in serum albumin levels. Rates of superoxide
      release from PMNLs, WBC and PMNL counts, and insulin levels positively correlated
      with mean arterial BP values. CONCLUSION: The use of lercanidipine can be
      favorable in EH patients due to its combined anti-PMNL priming and anti
      inflammatory effects, in addition to its antihypertensive characteristics.

PMID- 25135159
TI  - Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement.
AB  - Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (tPVR) has evolved into a viable
      alternative to surgical conduit or bioprosthetic valve replacement. This
      procedure has paved the way for a more advanced approach to congenital and
      structural interventional cardiology. Although many successes have been noted,
      there are still a number of challenges with this procedure, including large
      delivery systems, the need for a conduit or a bioprosthetic valve as a landing
      zone for the valve, optimal timing of the procedure to prevent right ventricular
      failure, arrhythmias, and possible death. Research is ongoing to broaden the use
      of this technology when treating patients with dilated right ventricular outflow
      tracts, and early experience with a self-expanding valve model has been reported.
      Affordability is an important factor that must be considered especially in
      developing nations. The aim of this review is to emphasize the advancement of
      tPVR, the benefits and challenges of valve implantation, the current state, and
      the future innovations associated with this approach. 

PMID- 25135162
TI  - Programmable ionic conductance in a pH-regulated gated nanochannel.
AB  - An analytical model for the ionic conductance in a pH-regulated nanochannel gated
      by a field effect transistor is derived for the first time. In contrast to the
      existing studies, the developed model takes into account the practical effects of
      multiple ionic species, surface chemistry reactions, the Stern layer, and
      electroosmotic flow. The model is validated by the experimental data of ionic
      conductance available in the literature. Results show that the performance of the
      field effect control of the ionic conductance in the gated silica nanochannel is
      remarkable when the solution pH and salt concentration are low. In addition, the
      Stern layer effect on the ionic conductance is significant when the salt
      concentration is low. 

PMID- 25135160
TI  - The Edwards SAPIEN Transcatheter Heart Valve for Calcific Aortic Stenosis: A
      Review of the Valve, Procedure, and Current Literature.
AB  - The Edwards SAPIENTM transcatheter heart valve (Edwards Lifesciences LLC, Irvine,
      CA, USA) is approved by the US Food and drug administration for use in the aortic
      position in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not surgical candidates.
      This approval was backed by data from the Placement of AoRTic TraNscathetER Valve
      (PARTNER) I clinical trial, which showed the valve to be superior to standard
      medical therapy in high-risk nonoperative patients in cohort B of the trial.
      Although insertion of the valve is considered to be very safe, stroke, major
      vascular complications, and conduction abnormalities are the most frequent
      procedural complications. A dedicated team of physicians trained in structural
      cardiac interventions, including two interventional cardiologists, an
      echocardiographer, and a cardiac surgeon, are involved in every case.
      Improvements in valve design and streamlining of the delivery system, as well as
      favorable long-term outcomes, will hopefully pave the way for wider patient use
      in the future. 

PMID- 25135161
TI  - Positioning high-dose radiation in multidisciplinary management of unresectable
      cholangiocarcinomas: review of current evidence.
AB  - Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare malignancy of the bile ducts. The current standard
      of care for unresectable nonmetastatic disease is doublet systemic chemotherapy,
      which provides a median survival of 11.7 months. Although chemoradiation is a
      therapeutic option that provides almost equivalent or superior survival, the lack
      of level I evidence presents a major hurdle in routinely recommending it within
      multidisciplinary clinics. This mini review presents the current evidence on the
      use of chemoradiation for unresectable nonmetastatic cholangiocarcinoma and
      rationale for positioning it within multidisciplinary management of unresectable
      cholangiocarcinomas.

PMID- 25135164
TI  - Epigenetic marks in estrogen receptor alpha CpG island correlate with some
      reproductive risk factors in breast cancer.
AB  - Reproductive backgrounds, such as age at menarche and menopause, age of first
      full-term pregnancy (FFTP), number of full-term deliveries and oral contraceptive
      use are main hormone-related risk factors of breast cancer. It seems that the
      mentioned factors may affect the risk of breast cancer by enhancing the duration
      of exposure to estrogen as a potent carcinogen for breast tissue, but the
      molecular mechanism which links each risk factor to breast cancer is unclear.
      Estrogen mainly works via its nuclear receptor (ERalpha). As epigenetic
      alterations such as CpG methylation are potential links between endogenous or
      exogenous exposures and genome, we hypothesized that hormone-related risk factors
      may correlate with the epigenetic marks of the ERalpha promoter in breast tumors.
      In the present study, the CpG methylation status of the ERalpha gene in 99
      samples of breast tumors belonged to women with different reproductive histories
      was evaluated. The reproductive history data were collected from patients.
      ERalpha CpG methylation was investigated by methylation specific PCR in DNA
      samples were obtained from the breast tumors. We could show that some of the
      hormone-related risk factors (early FFTP and increased number of pregnancies)
      were inversely correlated with epigenetic marks in ERalpha gene in breast tumors.
      Other hormone-related risk factors such as age of menarche and menopause and oral
      contraceptive use did not show any association with ERalpha methylation. It seems
      that pregnancy-related risk factors in comparison with other hormone-related
      factors work via different mechanism. As ERalpha methylation is a poor prognosis
      marker in breast tumors, its association with some modifiable reproductive risk
      factors (FFTP age and numbers of pregnancies) reiterates the importance of
      programming reproductive life style not only for prevention of breast cancer but
      also in favoring the prognosis of the affected women. The exact molecular
      mechanisms of the observed correlation need more investigation in the future. 

PMID- 25135165
TI  - Major atmospheric emissions from peat fires in Southeast Asia during non-drought
      years: evidence from the 2013 Sumatran fires.
AB  - Trans-boundary haze events in Southeast Asia are associated with large forest and
      peatland fires in Indonesia. These episodes of extreme air pollution usually
      occur during drought years induced by climate anomalies from the Pacific (El Nino
      Southern Oscillation) and Indian Oceans (Indian Ocean Dipole). However, in June
      2013--a non-drought year--Singapore's 24-hr Pollutants Standards Index reached an
      all-time record 246 (rated "very unhealthy"). Here, we show using remote sensing,
      rainfall records and other data, that the Indonesian fires behind the 2013 haze
      followed a two-month dry spell in a wetter-than-average year. These fires were
      short-lived (one week) and limited to a localized area in Central Sumatra (1.6%
      of Indonesia): burning an estimated 163,336 ha, including 137,044 ha (84%) on
      peat. Most burning was confined to deforested lands (82%; 133,216 ha). The
      greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during this brief, localized event were
      considerable: 172 +/- 59 Tg CO2-eq (or 31 +/- 12 Tg C), representing 5-10% of
      Indonesia's mean annual GHG emissions for 2000-2005. Our observations show that
      extreme air pollution episodes in Southeast Asia are no longer restricted to
      drought years. We expect major haze events to be increasingly frequent because of
      ongoing deforestation of Indonesian peatlands.

PMID- 25135163
TI  - Radionuclide imaging of cardiac sympathetic innervation in heart failure:
      unlocking untapped potential.
AB  - Heart failure (HF) is associated with sympathetic overactivity, which contributes
      to disease progression and arrhythmia development. Cardiac sympathetic
      innervation imaging can be performed using radiotracers that are taken up in the
      presynaptic nerve terminal of sympathetic nerves. The commonly used radiotracers
      are (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ((123)I-mIBG) for planar and single-photon
      emission computed tomography imaging, and (11)C-hydroxyephedrine for positron
      emission tomography imaging. Sympathetic innervation imaging has been used in
      assessing prognosis, response to treatment, risk of ventricular arrhythmias and
      sudden death and prediction of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in
      patients with HF. Other potential applications of these techniques are in
      patients with chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, predicting myocardial recovery
      in patients with left ventricular assist devices, and assessing reinnervation
      following cardiac transplantation. There is a lack of standardization with
      respect to technique of (123)I-mIBG imaging that needs to be overcome for the
      imaging modality to gain popularity in clinical practice. 

PMID- 25135166
TI  - Exosome analysis: a promising biomarker system with special attention to saliva.
AB  - Today, exosome-related studies have become a focus in science and technology.
      Recently, three scientists won the Nobel Prize for determining the mechanisms of
      exosomal transport, making exosomes a promising biomarker system for disease
      diagnosis and treatment. This review provides a general introduction of exosomes
      and explores the recent progress on the function, application, isolation, and
      identification of exosomes as biomarkers in blood and other body fluids,
      especially in saliva. Detailed information of exosomal proteins and RNAs is
      discussed in the paper because of their ability to determine the function of
      exosomes. Due to their noninvasive assessment for quick and convenient diagnosis
      of diseases, salivary exosomes may well be promising biomarkers. 

PMID- 25135167
TI  - A double-pulse approach for electrotransfection.
AB  - Gene transfer and expression can be obtained by delivering calibrated electric
      pulses on cells in the presence of plasmids coding for the activity of interest.
      The electric treatment affects the plasma membrane and induces the formation of a
      transient complex between nucleic acids and the plasma membrane. It results in a
      delivery of the plasmid in the cytoplasm. Expression is only obtained if the
      plasmid is translocated inside the nucleus. This is a key limit in the process.
      We previously showed that delivery of a high-field short-duration electric pulse
      was inducing a structural alteration of the nuclear envelope. This study
      investigates if the double-pulse approach (first pulse to transfer the plasmid to
      the cytoplasm, and second pulse to induce the structural alteration of the
      envelope) was a way to enhance the protein expression using the green fluorescent
      protein as a reporter. We observed that not only the double-pulse approach
      induced the transfection of a lower number of cells but moreover, these
      transfected cells were less fluorescent than the cells treated only with the
      first pulse. 

PMID- 25135169
TI  - Accelerated biodegradation of selected nematicides in tropical crop soils from
      Costa Rica.
AB  - Degradation and mineralization behavior of selected nematicides was studied in
      soil samples from fields cultivated with banana, potato, and coffee. Degradation
      assays in most of the studied soils revealed shorter half-lives for carbofuran
      (CBF) and ethoprophos (ETP) in samples with a history of treatment with these
      compounds, which may have been caused by enhanced biodegradation. A short half
      life value for CBF degradation was also observed in a banana field with no
      previous exposure to this pesticide, but with a recent application of the
      carbamate insecticide oxamyl, which supports the hypothesis that preexposure to
      oxamyl may cause microbial adaptation towards degradation of CBF, an observation
      of a phenomenon not yet tested according to the literature reviewed.
      Mineralization assays for CBF and terbufos (TBF) revealed that history of
      treatment with these nematicides did not cause higher mineralization rates in
      preexposed soils when compared to unexposed ones, except in the case of soils
      from coffee fields. Mineralization half-lives for soils unexposed to these
      pesticides were significantly shorter than most reports in the literature in the
      same conditions. Mineralization rates for soils with a previous exposure to these
      pesticides were also obtained, adding to the very few reports found. This paper
      contributes valuable data to the low number of reports dealing with pesticide
      fate in soils from tropical origin.

PMID- 25135168
TI  - Toxicity and oxidative stress induced by used and unused motor oil on freshwater
      microalga, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata.
AB  - Although used motor oil from automobiles is one of the major pollutants through
      storm water in urban environments leading to contamination of water bodies, very
      little information is available on its toxicity towards growth of microalgae.
      Also, to our knowledge, there are no data on the used motor oil-induced oxidative
      stress in microalgae. We therefore investigated the toxicity of used and fresh
      motor oil on growth and antioxidant enzymes of a microalga, Pseudokirchneriella
      subcapitata. In general, used oil was more toxic to the alga than fresh oil. Used
      oil at 0.20 % inhibited algal growth, measured in terms of chlorophyll a, by 44 %
      while fresh oil was nontoxic up to 2.8 %. Water-accommodated fraction (WAF) of
      the used oil at >50 % concentration exhibited significant toxicity while WAF from
      fresh oil was nontoxic even up to 100 %. Used oil and its WAF, even at lower
      concentrations, increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes indicating algal
      response to the toxicity stress. When the alga was exposed to WAF from fresh
      motor oil, no alterations in the antioxidant enzyme levels were evident. The
      present investigation suggests that contamination of aquatic systems with used
      oil could potentially affect the ecosystem health via disruption of primary
      producers that are located at the base of the food chain.

PMID- 25135170
TI  - Effects on inorganic nitrogen compounds release of contaminated sediment
      treatment with in situ calcium nitrate injection.
AB  - Notable releases of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia are often observed in
      contaminated sediment treatment works implementing in situ calcium nitrate
      injection. In order to provide extended information for making best decision of
      employing this in situ sediment remediation technology, in this study the
      releases of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia from the sediment after the calcium
      nitrate addition operation was investigated in column setups designed to simulate
      the scenarios of a stagnant water (e.g., a pound or small lake) and a tidal
      influenced water (e.g., a river mouth), respectively. Comparison with published
      aquatic toxicity data or authorized criteria was conducted to assess if there is
      any toxic effect that might be induced. Along with the vigorous N2 emission due
      to the denitrification reactions which occurred in the treated sediment, external
      loaded nitrate, intermediately produced nitrite, and indigenous ammonia in the
      sediment showed being mobilized and released out. Their promoted release and fast
      buildup in the overlying water to an excessive level probably cause toxic effects
      to sensitive freshwater living species. Among them, the potential ecological risk
      induced by the promoted sediment ammonia release is the greatest, and cautions
      shall be raised for applying the calcium nitrate injection in ammonia-rich
      sediments. The caused impacts shall be less violent in a tidal-influenced water
      body, and comparatively, the continuous and fast accumulation of the released
      inorganic nitrogen compounds in a stagnant water body might impose severer
      influences to the ecosystem until being further transferred to less harmful
      forms.

PMID- 25135171
TI  - Transformation of anthracene on various cation-modified clay minerals.
AB  - In this study, anthracene was employed as a probe to explore the potential
      catalytic effect of clay minerals in soil environment. Clay minerals saturated
      with various exchangeable cations were tested. The rate of anthracene
      transformation follows the order: Fe-smectite >> Cu-smectite > Al-smectite ~ Ca
      smectite ~ Mg-smectite ~ Na-smectite. This suggests that transition-metal ions
      such as Fe(III) play an important role in anthracene transformation. Among
      Fe(III)-saturated clays, Fe(III)-smectite exhibits the highest catalytic activity
      followed by Fe(III)-illite, Fe(III)-pyrophyllite, and Fe(III)-kaolinite, which is
      in agreement with the interlayer Fe(III) content. Moreover, effects by two common
      environmental factors, pH and relative humidity (RH), were evaluated. With an
      increase in pH or RH, the rate of anthracene transformation decreases rapidly at
      first and then is leveled off. GC-MS analysis identifies that the final product
      of anthracene transformation is 9,10-anthraquinone, a more bioavailable molecule
      compared to anthracene. The transformation process mainly involves cation-pi
      bonding, electron transfer leading to cation radical, and further oxidation by
      chemisorbed O2. The present work provides valuable insights into the abiotic
      transformation and the fate of PAHs in the soil environment and the development
      of contaminated land remediation technologies. 

PMID- 25135172
TI  - Mesh repair versus non-mesh repair for strangulated inguinal hernia: systematic
      review with meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal technique to cure strangulated inguinal hernia remains
      controversial. The use of mesh in cases of strangulated hernia is still debated
      due to the potential risk of infection. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed
      to determine whether or not the mesh repair technique is associated with a higher
      risk of surgical site infection than non-mesh techniques for strangulated
      inguinal hernias in adults. METHODS: An electronic search of the relevant
      literature was performed on 15 December 2012 using the following databases:
      MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, and the Web of Science. Articles
      reporting a comparison between the mesh repair technique and a non-mesh technique
      to treat strangulated inguinal hernias in adults, and published in the English or
      French language in a peer-reviewed journal, were considered for analysis. The
      quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Jadad
      scoring system. To assess the quality of non-randomized trials, we used the
      Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). RESULTS: A total of 232
      papers was found in the initial search; nine were included in the meta-analysis.
      The wound infection rate in the mesh repair technique group was lower than in the
      control group, with a trend towards significance (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95 %
      confidence interval [CI] 0.20-1.07; p = 0.07). The hernia recurrence rate was
      lower in the mesh repair group (OR 0.2, 95 % CI 0.05-0.78; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION:
      The mesh repair technique is a good option for the treatment of strangulated
      inguinal hernias in adults, giving an acceptable wound infection rate and fewer
      recurrences than non-mesh repair. Our study does not allow us to recommend the
      use of mesh in cases of bowel resection. We emphasize that, except the two RCTs,
      the results are predicated on patient selection bias by careful surgeons. Further
      RCTs are required to obtain more powerful evidence-based data.

PMID- 25135173
TI  - Evaluation of QOL after proximal gastrectomy using a newly developed assessment
      scale (PGSAS-45).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy (PGEG) has been widely
      applied as a comparatively simple method. In this study, we used a questionnaire
      survey to evaluate the influence of various surgical factors on post-operative
      quality of life (QOL) after PGEG. METHODS: In this post-gastrectomy syndrome
      assessment study, we analyzed QOL in 2,368 cases. Among these, 193 had undergone
      proximal gastrectomy and 115 had undergone PGEG. The Post-Gastrectomy Syndrome
      Assessment Scale (PGSAS)-45 is a questionnaire consisting of 45 items, including
      the SF-8, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and other symptom
      items seemed to be specific to post-gastrectomy. The 23 symptom items were
      composed of seven symptom subscales (SS), including esophageal reflux, abdominal
      pain, and meal-related distress. These seven SS, total symptom score, ingested
      amount of food per meal, necessity for additional meals, quality of ingestion SS,
      ability to work, dissatisfaction with symptoms, dissatisfaction with the meal,
      dissatisfaction with working, dissatisfaction with daily life SS and change in
      body weight were evaluated as main outcome measures. In PGEG cases, we evaluated
      the influence on QOL of various surgical factors, such as procedures to prevent
      gastroesophageal regurgitation and size of the remnant stomach. RESULTS: The
      scores for esophageal reflux and dissatisfaction with the meal were higher in
      patients who had not undergone an anti-reflux procedure. In most cases, the
      preserved remnant stomach was more than two-thirds the size of the pre-operative
      stomach. When comparing patients with a remnant stomach two-thirds the pre
      operative size and those with more than three-quarters, the diarrhea SS and
      necessity for additional meals scores were lower in the group with more than
      three-quarters. The indigestion, constipation, and abdominal pain subscales, and
      the total symptom score, were higher in patients who had not undergone pyloric
      bougie than in those who had. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that QOL was
      better in patients with a large remnant stomach. Procedures to prevent
      gastroesophageal reflux, and the use of pyloric bougie as a complementary
      drainage procedure, were considered effective ways to reduce the deterioration of
      QOL.

PMID- 25135174
TI  - What is the better choice for T1b gallbladder cancer: simple versus extended
      cholecystectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is debate over whether T1b gallbladder cancer (GBC) should be
      treated by simple cholecystectomy (SC) or by extended cholecystectomy (EC). The
      aim of this study is to compare and analyze the results of these two procedures.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: The archived medical records of 805 patients with GBC who
      had undergone surgical resection in Asan Medical Center, or were referred from
      other hospitals after undergoing surgery, between 1997 and 2010 were
      retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 85 patients were diagnosed with pathologic
      stage T1b (muscular layer) GBC. By using propensity scoring, the EC group and the
      SC group were matched in the proportion of 1:2; so, 54 patients were enrolled in
      this study. RESULTS: Among the 54 pathologic stage T1b cancer patients, SC was
      performed in 36 (66.7 %) and EC in 18 (33.4 %). The mean operation time and
      hospital stay after surgery of the SC group was significantly shorter than in the
      EC group (83.2 vs. 356.4 min, 7.8 vs. 15.2 days; both p = 0.000). Disease
      recurrence was noted in four cases (11.1 %), all in the SC group; 50 % of
      recurred patients experienced recurrence at the lymph node. There was no
      significant intergroup difference in the 5-year survival rate (5-YSR) (88.8 % for
      SC vs. 93.3 % for EC, p = 0.521). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, for stage T1b GBC,
      both EC and SC offered similar cure rates. However, recurrence is associated with
      SC and inadequate lymph node dissection (LND). Therefore, EC including regional
      LND may be justified and preferred because of the possibility of lymph node
      metastasis and the accurate assessment of stage (LN status), except that the
      patients have a high risk of operation.

PMID- 25135175
TI  - Congenital anomalies in low- and middle-income countries: the unborn child of
      global surgery.
AB  - Surgically correctable congenital anomalies cause a substantial burden of global
      morbidity and mortality. These anomalies disproportionately affect children in
      low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to sociocultural, economic, and
      structural factors that limit the accessibility and quality of pediatric surgery.
      While data from LMICs are sparse, available evidence suggests that the true human
      and financial cost of congenital anomalies is grossly underestimated and that
      pediatric surgery is a cost-effective intervention with the potential to avert
      significant premature mortality and lifelong disability. 

PMID- 25135176
TI  - Liver-to-spleen ratio as an index of chronic liver diseases and safety of
      hepatectomy: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic failure is a main cause of death after hepatectomy. Accurate
      preoperative evaluation of functional liver reserve is the key to ensure safe
      resection. Studies have found that the spleen would gradually enlarge as chronic
      liver disease worsened. This study was designed to determine whether preoperative
      liver-to-spleen ratio (LSR) would be an indicator to evaluate severity of liver
      disease and predict safety of hepatectomy. METHODS: The volumes of liver and
      spleen were evaluated on computed tomography scan in 67 patients who received
      partial hepatectomy. Preoperative LSR was calculated. Statistical analysis was
      conducted to examine the relationship between LSR and the degree of chronic liver
      disease. Ability of LSR to predict the safety of hepatectomy also was evaluated.
      RESULTS: LSR had a negative correlation with the degree of chronic liver diseases
      (r = -0.606, P < 0.0001). LSR = 3.22 was the cutoff point for predicting
      posthepatectomy complications and inadequacy. AUC, sensitivity, and specificity
      for predicting posthepatectomy complications and inadequacy respectively were
      0.830 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.715-0.950, P < 0.0001), 69.6, 93.2 %, and
      0.863 (95 % CI 0.777-0.949, P < 0.0001), 68.8, 84.3 %. Multivariate analysis
      showed that LSR = 3.22 was the factor that affected both posthepatectomy
      complications and liver inadequacy. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative LSR score
      correlated well with the degree of chronic liver diseases, and it probably help
      us to improve the safety of hepatectomy.

PMID- 25135177
TI  - The extent of hepatectomy does not affect physical QOL in patients with HCC:
      reply.

PMID- 25135178
TI  - Cardiovascular and cancer events in hyper-high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterolemic patients: a post hoc analysis of the MEGA study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis for hyper-high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
      cholesterolemic patients has not been fully elucidated. We conducted a post hoc
      analysis of MEGA study data to investigate prospectively the incidence of
      cardiovascular events and cancer in hyper-HDL cholesterolemic patients. METHODS:
      A total of 7832 patients with mild hypercholesterolemia were randomly allocated
      to either the National Cholesterol Education Program step 1 diet alone (n = 3966)
      or the diet plus pravastatin (n = 3866) and followed for 5 years. The incidences
      of coronary heart disease (CHD), CHD plus cerebral infarction (CI),
      cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer were calculated using the Cox
      proportional hazards model according to the level of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C).
      RESULTS: CHD incidence was lower in patients with HDL-C >60-90 mg/dL (-52%, p =
      0.0018) and HDL-C > 90 mg/dL (-46%, p = 0.4007) than in patients with HDL-C <= 60
      mg/dL. The incidences of CHD, CHD plus CI, and CVD were significantly lower in
      patients with HDL-C >60-90 mg/dL than in those with HDL-C <= 60 mg/dL in both
      diet-alone and diet-plus-pravastatin groups. Cancer incidence was not increased
      in patients with HDL-C >60-90 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: Patients not receiving statin
      therapy should aim for a target HDL-C of between 60 and 90 mg/dL to achieve a
      significant reduction in CHD without the occurrence of adverse events. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinical trials.gov NCT00211705.

PMID- 25135180
TI  - Phenytoin-induced methaemoglobinaemia in a patient with glioblastoma multiforme.

PMID- 25135179
TI  - Convergence of a specialized root trait in plants from nutrient-impoverished
      soils: phosphorus-acquisition strategy in a nonmycorrhizal cactus.
AB  - In old, phosphorus (P)-impoverished habitats, root specializations such as
      cluster roots efficiently mobilize and acquire P by releasing large amounts of
      carboxylates in the rhizosphere. These specialized roots are rarely mycorrhizal.
      We investigated whether Discocactus placentiformis (Cactaceae), a common species
      in nutrient-poor campos rupestres over white sands, operates in the same way as
      other root specializations. Discocactus placentiformis showed no mycorrhizal
      colonization, but exhibited a sand-binding root specialization with rhizosheath
      formation. We first provide circumstantial evidence for carboxylate exudation in
      field material, based on its very high shoot manganese (Mn) concentrations, and
      then firm evidence, based on exudate analysis. We identified predominantly oxalic
      acid, but also malic, citric, lactic, succinic, fumaric, and malonic acids. When
      grown in nutrient solution with P concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 MUM, we
      observed an increase in total carboxylate exudation with decreasing P supply,
      showing that P deficiency stimulated carboxylate release. Additionally, we tested
      P solubilization by citric, malic and oxalic acids, and found that they
      solubilized P from the strongly P-sorbing soil in its native habitat, when the
      acids were added in combination and in relatively low concentrations. We conclude
      that the sand-binding root specialization in this nonmycorrhizal cactus functions
      similar to that of cluster roots, which efficiently enhance P acquisition in
      other habitats with very low P availability.

PMID- 25135181
TI  - Protoplast fusion enhances lignocellulolytic enzyme activities in Trichoderma
      reesei.
AB  - Protoplast fusion was used to obtain a higher production of lignocellulolytic
      enzymes with protoplast fusion in Trichoderma reesei. The fusant strain T. reesei
      JL6 was obtained from protoplast fusion from T. reesei strains QM9414, MCG77, and
      Rut C-30. Filter paper activity of T. reesei JL6 increased by 18% compared with
      that of Rut C-30. beta-Glucosidase, hemicellulase and pectinase activities of T.
      reesei JL6 were also higher. The former activity was 0.39 Uml(-1), while those of
      QM9414, MCG77, and Rut C-30 were 0.13, 0.11, and 0.16 Uml(-1), respectively.
      Pectinase and hemicellulase activities of JL6 were 5.4 and 15.6 Uml(-1),
      respectively, which were slightly higher than those of the parents. The effects
      of corn stover and wheat bran carbon sources on the cellulase production and
      growth curve of T. reesei JL6 were also investigated.

PMID- 25135182
TI  - Adult-onset vanishing white matter disease as differential diagnosis of primary
      progressive multiple sclerosis: a case report.
AB  - We report the case of a 42-year-old woman with a slowly progressive cerebellar
      syndrome. In contrast to a relatively mild clinical presentation, the magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive leukencephalopathy with cystic
      degeneration. Initially primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) was
      suspected. Additional diffusion-weighted imaging revealed restricted diffusion in
      the white matter lesions with a reduced apparent diffusion coefficient. Genetic
      testing showed vanishing white matter disease (VWM) with c.260C>T EIF2B3
      mutation. In conclusion, in cases with relatively mild symptoms and extensive
      white matter lesions, adult-onset VWM should be considered as differential
      diagnosis of PPMS and diffusion-weighted imaging may be helpful to identify
      suspected cases. 

PMID- 25135183
TI  - Allopurinol initiation and change in blood pressure in older adults with
      hypertension.
AB  - Hypertension is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and new treatments
      are needed. Uric acid reduction lowers blood pressure (BP) in adolescents,
      suggesting a direct pathophysiological role in the development of hypertension.
      Whether the same relationship is present in older adults is unknown. We explored
      change in BP after allopurinol initiation using data from the UK Clinical
      Practice Research Datalink. Data were extracted for patients with hypertension
      aged >65 years who were prescribed allopurinol with pretreatment and during
      treatment BP readings. Data from comparable controls were extracted. The change
      in BP in patients with stable BP medication was the primary outcome and was
      compared between groups. Regression analysis was used to adjust for potential
      confounding factors, and a propensity-matched sample was generated. Three hundred
      sixty-five patients who received allopurinol and 6678 controls were included. BP
      fell in the allopurinol group compared with controls (between-group difference in
      systolic and diastolic BP: 2.1 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, -0.6 to 4.8; and
      1.7 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-3.1, respectively). Allopurinol use was
      independently associated with a fall in both systolic and diastolic BP on
      regression analysis (P<0.001). Results were consistent in the propensity-matched
      sample. There was a trend toward greater fall in BP in the high-dose allopurinol
      group, but change in BP was not related to baseline uric acid level. Allopurinol
      use is associated with a small fall in BP in adults. Further studies of the
      effect of high-dose allopurinol in adults with hypertension are needed. 

PMID- 25135184
TI  - Nitric oxide inhibition of endothelin-1 release in the vasculature: in vivo
      relevance of in vitro findings.

PMID- 25135186
TI  - Amplified fluorescence quenching of lucigenin self-assembled inside
      silica/chitosan nanoparticles by Cl-.
AB  - Fluorescence sensing of an analyte based on the fluorophore collective effect is
      a reliable, sensitive sensing approach. Many ultralow targets can be detected on
      the basis of the high sensitivity and signal amplification of the fluorescence
      sensing system. However, the complicated synthesis procedures, harsh conditions
      required to design and control the fluorescence molecular probes and conjugated
      chain length, and the higher cost of synthesis are still challenges. To address
      these issues, we developed a simple, rapid, and sensitive collective effect based
      fluorescence sensing platform. In this sensing platform, the fluorophore unit was
      self-assembled on the wall of the nanopores of the porous structural
      silica/chitosan nanoparticles (SCNPs) on the basis of the electrostatic
      interaction and supermolecular interaction between the fluorophores and SiO(-)
      groups and chitosan. Since these self-assembled fluorophores are close enough to
      communicate with each other on the basis of the space confinement effect of the
      pore size, many fluorophore units could interact with a single analyte and
      produce an amplified fluorescence sensing ability. Chloride ion, an important
      anion in biological fluids, and lucigenin, a typical fluorescent dye, were used
      as a model to confirm the proof-of-concept strategy. Our results showed that,
      compared to free-state lucigenin in solution, the assembled-state lucigenin in
      SCNPs presented an about 10-fold increase in its Stern-Volmer constant when the
      concentration of Cl(-) was lower than 10 mM, and this fluorescence nanosensor was
      also successfully used to sense the chloride ion in living cells. 

PMID- 25135185
TI  - Setting thresholds to varying blood pressure monitoring intervals differentially
      affects risk estimates associated with white-coat and masked hypertension in the
      population.
AB  - Outcome-driven recommendations about time intervals during which ambulatory blood
      pressure should be measured to diagnose white-coat or masked hypertension are
      lacking. We cross-classified 8237 untreated participants (mean age, 50.7 years;
      48.4% women) enrolled in 12 population studies, using >=140/>=90, >=130/>=80,
      >=135/>=85, and >=120/>=70 mm Hg as hypertension thresholds for conventional, 24
      hour, daytime, and nighttime blood pressure. White-coat hypertension was
      hypertension on conventional measurement with ambulatory normotension, the
      opposite condition being masked hypertension. Intervals used for classification
      of participants were daytime, nighttime, and 24 hours, first considered
      separately, and next combined as 24 hours plus daytime or plus nighttime, or plus
      both. Depending on time intervals chosen, white-coat and masked hypertension
      frequencies ranged from 6.3% to 12.5% and from 9.7% to 19.6%, respectively.
      During 91 046 person-years, 729 participants experienced a cardiovascular event.
      In multivariable analyses with normotension during all intervals of the day as
      reference, hazard ratios associated with white-coat hypertension progressively
      weakened considering daytime only (1.38; P=0.033), nighttime only (1.43;
      P=0.0074), 24 hours only (1.21; P=0.20), 24 hours plus daytime (1.24; P=0.18), 24
      hours plus nighttime (1.15; P=0.39), and 24 hours plus daytime and nighttime
      (1.16; P=0.41). The hazard ratios comparing masked hypertension with normotension
      were all significant (P<0.0001), ranging from 1.76 to 2.03. In conclusion,
      identification of truly low-risk white-coat hypertension requires setting
      thresholds simultaneously to 24 hours, daytime, and nighttime blood pressure.
      Although any time interval suffices to diagnose masked hypertension, as proposed
      in current guidelines, full 24-hour recordings remain standard in clinical
      practice. 

PMID- 25135189
TI  - TRPV-ing up pain for a long life.

PMID- 25135190
TI  - New therapeutic options for anxiety and mood disorders.

PMID- 25135188
TI  - Mapping of the chromosomal amplification 1p21-22 in bladder cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to characterize a recurrent amplification at
      chromosomal region 1p21-22 in bladder cancer. METHODS: ArrayCGH (aCGH) was
      performed to identify DNA copy number variations in 7 clinical samples and 6
      bladder cancer cell lines. FISH was used to map the amplicon at 1p21-22 in the
      cell lines. Gene expression microarrays and qRT-PCR were used to study the
      expression of putative target genes in the region. RESULTS: aCGH identified an
      amplification at 1p21-22 in 10/13 (77%) samples. The minimal region of the
      amplification was mapped to a region of about 1 Mb in size, containing a total of
      11 known genes. The highest amplification was found in SCaBER squamous cell
      carcinoma cell line. Four genes, TMED5, DR1, RPL5 and EVI5, showed significant
      overexpression in the SCaBER cell line compared to all the other samples tested.
      Oncomine database analysis revealed upregulation of DR1 in superficial and
      infiltrating bladder cancer samples, compared to normal bladder. CONCLUSIONS: In
      conclusions, we have identified and mapped chromosomal amplification at 1p21-22
      in bladder cancer as well as studied the expression of the genes in the region.
      DR1 was found to be significantly overexpressed in the SCaBER, which is a model
      of squamous cell carcinoma. However, the overexpression was found also in a
      published clinical sample cohort of superficial and infiltrating bladder cancers.
      Further studies with more clinical material are needed to investigate the role of
      the amplification at 1p21-22.

PMID- 25135192
TI  - Test-retest reliability of second lactate turnpoint using two different criteria
      in competitive cyclists.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the relative and absolute reliability of
      second lactate turnpoint using fixed and individual blood lactate method in
      competitive cyclists. Twenty-eight male, well-trained cyclists (30.2 +/- 10.1
      years, 72.0 +/- 7.4 kg, 177.3 +/- 4.7 cm) were recruited to participate in this
      study. Cyclists completed two incremental cycling tests to exhaustion over a
      period of 7 days to determine their peak power output, maximal oxygen uptake,
      maximal heart rate, maximal blood lactate concentration and two lactate turnpoint
      criteria. The fixed blood concentration criterion (3.5 mM) and an individual
      criterion were assessed by a lactate-power curve, considering power output, heart
      rate and oxygen uptake. The main finding of this study was that both lactate
      turnpoint criteria showed identical low within-subject variation for power output
      (2.8% coefficient of variation). High values for test-retest correlations ranging
      from r = 0.70 to r = 0.94 were found for all variables in both threshold
      criteria. In conclusion, the individual and fixed method to determine the second
      lactate turnpoint showed similar high absolute and relative reliability in
      competitive cyclists. 

PMID- 25135191
TI  - Long-term effects of a collaborative care intervention on process of care in
      family practices in Germany: a 24-month follow-up study of a cluster randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were (1) to assess the long-term effects of a
      collaborative care intervention for patients with depression on process of care
      outcomes, and (2) to describe whether case management was continued after the end
      of the original one-year intervention. METHODS: This 24-month follow-up of a
      randomized controlled trial took place 12 months after the end of the 1-year
      intervention. Data collection occurred by means of self-rating questionnaires and
      from medical records. We calculated linear mixed and logistic generalized
      estimating equation models. RESULTS: Of the 626 patients included at baseline,
      439 (70.1%) participated in this follow-up. Intervention recipients gave higher
      ratings than control recipients in terms of mean overall Patient Assessment of
      Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) scores (3.12 vs. 2.86; P = .019), but no difference
      was found in medication adherence (mean Morisky score 2.59 vs. 2.65, P = .56),
      prescribed antidepressant medications (60.2% vs. 55.1%; P = .25), visits to the
      family physician (15.96 vs. 14.46, P = .58) or mental health specialist (3.01 vs.
      2.94, P = .94) over the 12 month follow-up period. Case management was continued
      for 47 (22.5%) selected intervention patients after the original intervention had
      ended. CONCLUSION: At 24 months, intervention and control recipients had
      different PACIC ratings, but other process of care outcomes did not differ.
      PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The main effects of the intervention are apparent at 12
      months.

PMID- 25135193
TI  - Mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by cytoplasmic acidification results in pollen
      tube growth cessation in Pyrus pyrifolia.
AB  - The length of pollen tubes grown in synthetic media is normally shorter than
      those grown in vivo. However, the mechanism(s) underlying the cessation of pollen
      tube growth under culture conditions remain(s) largely unknown. Here, we report a
      previously unknown correlation between vacuolar function and the cell's ability
      to sustain mitochondrial functions in pear pollen tubes. The pear pollen tubes in
      vitro grew slowly after 15 hours post-cultured (HPC) and nearly ceased growth at
      18 HPC. There was increased malondialdehyde content and membrane ion leakage at
      15 HPC compared with 12 HPC. Furthermore, cytoplasmic acidification mainly
      mediated by decreased vacuolar H(+)-ATPase [V-ATPase, Enzyme Commission (EC)
      3.6.1.3] activity was observed in pollen tubes after 15 HPC, and this further
      resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial structure
      disruption, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and decreases in both
      oxygen consumption and ATP production. Our findings suggest that vacuoles and
      mitochondria intimately linked in regulating pollen tube elongation.

PMID- 25135194
TI  - The use of research evidence on patient preferences in health care decision
      making: issues, controversies and moving forward.
AB  - Patient preferences are increasingly considered important in health care decision
      making. The consideration of patient preferences is mostly put into practice by
      giving patients a seat at the decision-making table, instead of using research
      evidence on patient preferences. The consideration of research evidence on
      patient preferences is justified and relevant for several reasons. The current
      limited use of this type of evidence suggests, however, that barriers for its use
      exist. This paper provides an overview of the issues and controversies related to
      the use of research evidence on patient preferences. Furthermore, an agenda for
      research and practice is proposed. The paper focuses on two decision contexts,
      clinical practice guideline development and reimbursement decision-making. 

PMID- 25135187
TI  - The bacterial translation stress response.
AB  - Throughout their life, bacteria need to sense and respond to environmental
      stress. Thus, such stress responses can require dramatic cellular reprogramming,
      both at the transcriptional as well as the translational level. This review
      focuses on the protein factors that interact with the bacterial translational
      apparatus to respond to and cope with different types of environmental stress.
      For example, the stringent factor RelA interacts with the ribosome to generate
      ppGpp under nutrient deprivation, whereas a variety of factors have been
      identified that bind to the ribosome under unfavorable growth conditions to shut
      down (RelE, pY, RMF, HPF and EttA) or re-program (MazF, EF4 and BipA)
      translation. Additional factors have been identified that rescue ribosomes
      stalled due to stress-induced mRNA truncation (tmRNA, ArfA, ArfB), translation of
      unfavorable protein sequences (EF-P), heat shock-induced subunit dissociation
      (Hsp15), or antibiotic inhibition (TetM, FusB). Understanding the mechanism of
      how the bacterial cell responds to stress will not only provide fundamental
      insight into translation regulation, but will also be an important step to
      identifying new targets for the development of novel antimicrobial agents. 

PMID- 25135195
TI  - Reconsolidation of a well-learned instrumental memory.
AB  - Once consolidated, memories are dynamic entities that go through phases of
      instability in order to be updated with new information, via a process of
      reconsolidation. The phenomenon of reconsolidation has been demonstrated in a
      wide variety of experimental paradigms. However, the memories underpinning
      instrumental behaviors are currently not believed to reconsolidate. We show that
      well-learned lever pressing in rats does undergo reconsolidation, which can be
      disrupted by systemic administration of the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate
      receptor (NMDAR) antagonist (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten
      5,10-imine maleate (MK-801) when administered prior to a switch to a variable,
      but not fixed, ratio schedule. Disruption of reconsolidation resulted in a
      reduction in long-term lever pressing performance and diminished the sensitivity
      of behavior to contingency change. Further investigation demonstrated that
      expression of the reconsolidation impairment was not affected by outcome value,
      implying a deficit in a stimulus-response (S-R) process. The ability to disrupt
      the performance of well-learned instrumental behaviors is potentially of great
      importance in the development of reconsolidation-based clinical treatments for
      conditions that involve compulsive seeking behaviors. 

PMID- 25135196
TI  - Protein degradation by ubiquitin-proteasome system in formation and labilization
      of contextual conditioning memory.
AB  - The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) of protein degradation has been evaluated
      in different forms of neural plasticity and memory. The role of UPS in such
      processes is controversial. Several results support the idea that the activation
      of this system in memory consolidation is necessary to overcome negative
      constrains for plasticity. In this case, the inhibition of the UPS during
      consolidation impairs memory. Similar results were reported for memory
      reconsolidation. However, in other cases, the inhibition of UPS had no effect on
      memory consolidation and reconsolidation but impedes the amnesic action of
      protein synthesis inhibition after retrieval. The last finding suggests a
      specific action of the UPS inhibitor on memory labilization. However, another
      interpretation is possible in terms of the synthesis/degradation balance of
      positive and negative elements in neural plasticity, as was found in the case of
      long-term potentiation. To evaluate these alternative interpretations, other
      reconsolidation-interfering drugs than translation inhibitors should be tested.
      Here we analyzed initially the UPS inhibitor effect in contextual conditioning in
      crabs. We found that UPS inhibition during consolidation impaired long-term
      memory. In contrast, UPS inhibition did not affect memory reconsolidation after
      contextual retrieval but, in fact, impeded memory labilization, blocking the
      action of drugs that does not affect directly the protein synthesis. To extend
      these finding to vertebrates, we performed similar experiments in contextual fear
      memory in mice. We found that the UPS inhibitor in hippocampus affected memory
      consolidation and blocked memory labilization after retrieval. These findings
      exclude alternative interpretations to the requirement of UPS in memory
      labilization and give evidence of this mechanism in both vertebrates and
      invertebrates. 

PMID- 25135199
TI  - Racial disparity in metastatic renal cell cancer: the pharmaco-anthropology of
      sunitinib.

PMID- 25135200
TI  - Serious hepatic complications of selective internal radiation therapy with
      yttrium-90 microsphere radioembolization for unresectable liver tumors.
AB  - AIM: Selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium-90 microsphere
      radioembolization has been used to treat unresectable liver tumors and its acute
      toxicity has been well described. Subacute and long-term hepatic complications
      related to radioembolization however may be underreported in the literature. This
      retrospective study describes the incidence and sequelae of serious hepatic
      complications in patients who underwent radioembolization for unresectable liver
      tumors. METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical notes of patients who
      received radioembolization for unresectable liver tumors from 2001 to 2011 at two
      Australian institutions was performed to identify those who developed clinically
      significant hepatic complications. Relevant clinical data were obtained and
      analyzed to determine their incidence and sequelae. RESULTS: A total of 205
      patients were identified, of whom 10 (4.9%) developed serious hepatic
      complications with 7 (3.4%) attributable to radioembolization-induced liver
      disease. None had preexisting underlying liver disease or progressive hepatic
      metastases at the time of developing hepatic complication. The median time to the
      onset of hepatic complications was 3.5 months (range 1-67 months); six patients
      had a complete resolution eventually, including one patient who subsequently
      underwent hepatic metastasectomy safely. Three patients died as a result of
      fulminant hepatic failure. CONCLUSION: Selective internal radiation therapy with
      radioembolization was associated with serious hepatic complications with an
      incidence of 4.9% and a mortality rate of 1.5% in 205 patients from two
      Australian institutions. The risk of serious hepatic toxicity therefore needs to
      be discussed when counseling patients regarding this potential treatment option.

PMID- 25135197
TI  - Safety signals as instrumental reinforcers during free-operant avoidance.
AB  - Safety signals provide "relief" through predicting the absence of an aversive
      event. At issue is whether these signals also act as instrumental reinforcers.
      Four experiments were conducted using a free-operant lever-press avoidance
      paradigm in which each press avoided shock and was followed by the presentation
      of a 5-sec auditory safety signal. When given a choice between two levers in
      Experiment 1, both avoiding shock, rats preferentially responded on the lever
      that produced the safety signal as feedback, even when footshock was omitted.
      Following avoidance training with a single lever in Experiment 2, removal of the
      signal led to a decrease in avoidance responses and an increase in responses
      during the safety period normally denoted by the signal. These behavioral changes
      demonstrate the dual conditioned reinforcing and fear inhibiting properties of
      the safety signal. The associative processes that support the reinforcing
      properties of a safety signal were tested using a novel revaluation procedure.
      Prior experience of systemic morphine during safety signal presentations resulted
      in an increased rate of avoidance responses to produce the safety signal during a
      drug-free extinction test, a finding not seen with d-amphetamine in Experiment 3.
      Morphine revaluation of the safety signal was repeated in Experiment 4 followed
      by a drug-free extinction test in which responses did not produce the signal for
      the first 10 min of the session. Instrumental avoidance in the absence of the
      signal was shown to be insensitive to prior signal revaluation, suggesting that
      the signal reinforces free-operant avoidance behavior through a habit-like
      mechanism. 

PMID- 25135198
TI  - Understanding functional miRNA-target interactions in vivo by site-specific
      genome engineering.
AB  - MicroRNA (miRNA) target recognition is largely dictated by short 'seed'
      sequences, and single miRNAs therefore have the potential to regulate a large
      number of genes. Understanding the contribution of specific miRNA-target
      interactions to the regulation of biological processes in vivo remains
      challenging. Here we use transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)
      and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9
      technologies to interrogate the functional relevance of predicted miRNA response
      elements (MREs) to post-transcriptional silencing in zebrafish and Drosophila. We
      also demonstrate an effective strategy that uses CRISPR-mediated homology
      directed repair with short oligonucleotide donors for the assessment of MRE
      activity in human cells. These methods facilitate analysis of the direct
      phenotypic consequences resulting from blocking specific miRNA-MRE interactions
      at any point during development. 

PMID- 25135201
TI  - Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced squamous
      cell carcinoma of the lung: a meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) are well established in treating metastatic pulmonary
      adenocarcinoma, especially patients with activating EGFR mutations. EGFR
      mutations are rare in pulmonary squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). There are
      conflicting data supporting the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in advanced lung SCC. We
      analyzed the impact of EGFR-TKIs on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall
      survival (OS) in unselected patients with lung SCC. METHODS: We searched for
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EGFR-TKIs alone with placebo in
      patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. RCTs in all settings (front
      line/maintenance/subsequent) were included. The primary outcome was OS in the SCC
      population. We used published hazard ratios (HRs), and when unavailable,
      unpublished data were sought. Pooled estimates of treatment effect on OS and PFS
      were calculated using the fixed-effects inverse variance weighted method.
      RESULTS: Eight eligible RCTs were included: 2 first-line, 6 second-line or
      beyond, evaluating 1781 patients. Data were available for OS in four studies
      (second-line; N=1420) and for PFS in four studies (3 second-line, 1 first-line;
      N=788). EGFR-TKIs significantly prolonged OS with a HR of 0.88 (95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.78-1.00, P=0.04), and significantly prolonged PFS with a HR of
      0.77 (95% CI 0.65-0.92, P=0.004). CONCLUSION: EGFR mutations are rare in lung
      SCC. However, EGFR-TKIs have a modest therapeutic effect compared to placebo in
      unselected patients with advanced pulmonary SCC, and can be considered in these
      patients. EGFR-mutation-independent mechanisms may explain efficacy of EGFR
      inhibitors in this setting.

PMID- 25135204
TI  - Knockdown of alphaIIb by RNA degradation by delivering deoxyoligonucleotides
      piggybacked with control vivo-morpholinos into zebrafish thrombocytes.
AB  - Morpholino and vivo-morpholino gene knockdown methods have been used to study
      thrombocyte function in zebrafish. However, a large-scale knockdown of the entire
      zebrafish genome using these technologies to study thrombocyte function is
      prohibitively expensive. We have developed an inexpensive gene knockdown method,
      which uses a hybrid of a control vivo-morpholino and a standard antisense
      oligonucleotide specific for a gene. This hybrid molecule is able to deliver
      antisense deoxyoligonucleotides into zebrafish thrombocytes because it piggybacks
      on a control vivo-morpholino. To validate use of this hybrid molecule in gene
      knockdowns, we targeted the thrombocyte specific alphaIIb gene with a hybrid of a
      control vivo-morpholino and an oligonucleotide antisense to alphaIIb mRNA. The
      use of this piggyback technology resulted in degradation of alphaIIb mRNA and led
      to thrombocyte functional defect. This piggyback method to knockdown genes is
      inexpensive since one control vivo-morpholino can be used to target many
      different genes by making many independent gene-specific oligonucleotide hybrids.
      Thus, this novel piggyback technology can be utilized for cost-effective large
      scale knockdowns of genes to study thrombocyte function in zebrafish.

PMID- 25135205
TI  - The Concerns About Recurrence Questionnaire: validation of a brief measure of
      fear of cancer recurrence amongst Danish and Australian breast cancer survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is prevalent amongst survivors, and
      breast cancer survivors are particularly vulnerable. Currently, there are few
      well-validated brief measures of FCR and none specific to breast cancer. This
      manuscript describes the development and initial validation of a new measure of
      FCR for breast cancer survivors, the Concerns about Recurrence Questionnaire
      (CARQ), and reports its initial validation in an Australian and Danish population
      based sample of breast cancer survivors. METHODS: CTT analyses explored scale
      reliability and validity; Rasch analyses explored model fit statistics, item bias
      (DIF) and local dependency. Three-item, four-item and five-item versions were
      considered. RESULTS: Two hundred eighteen Australian women aged 28-45 years
      diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (stages 0-2) and 2001 Danish women
      diagnosed with breast cancer (stages 1-3) aged 26-70 completed the CARQ. Based on
      the results of both CTT and IRT analyses, the four-item English version of the
      scale performed best. Although the CTT analyses suggested that the CARQ-4 was
      reliable and valid in both samples, Rasch analyses identified item bias relative
      to age, and local dependence which may be remedied by further scale development.
      CONCLUSIONS: The CARQ-4 English version is currently one of the most rigorously
      tested brief scales of FCR available. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The
      availability of more valid and reliable brief measures of FCR will help to
      promote research and screening of FCR amongst cancer survivors.

PMID- 25135206
TI  - Identifying suicidal symptoms in prostate cancer survivors using brief self
      report.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prostate cancer (PC) survivors are at elevated risk for completed
      suicide even many years post-treatment. Despite this risk, practical and
      efficient methods for assessing these symptoms have not been established. We
      sought to determine if suicidal symptoms could be effectively and efficiently
      identified in a cohort of PC survivors, and whether these men were receptive to
      emotional health interventions. METHODS: Six hundred fifty-six PC survivors, an
      average of 5 years post-diagnosis, completed eight self-report items about
      suicidal symptoms and behavior in the past 7 days, and 12 months, as well as
      medical utilization and interest in emotional health support. RESULTS: Between
      3.6 and 17.9% of PC survivors endorsed a single suicidal ideation item, and
      denied all other ideation. All survivors who endorsed serious suicidal
      ideation/behavior also endorsed either passive or active ideation. 58.3% of
      survivors denied any suicidal symptoms within the past week, but endorsed it
      within the past year. Most survivors had medical provider contact within the past
      year and were open to receiving information about emotional health interventions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal ideation in PC survivors cannot be accurately evaluated
      using only a one-item screen, or by inquiring within a single time frame.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: In both research and clinical settings, the
      evaluation for suicidal ideation in PC survivors should utilize multiple
      questions, across several time periods. It is possible to skip queries about
      serious ideation/behavior if passive or active ideation is denied. Once
      identified, medical providers should refer these men to psychosocial providers
      who can offer emotional support.

PMID- 25135208
TI  - The study of the complexes of nitromedicine with cytochrome c and NO-containing
      aqueous dosage form in the wound treatment of rats.
AB  - The interaction of cytochrome c with nitromedicines, such as 5-nitrofural, 5
      nitroxoline, metronidazole and sodium nitrite which enables the generation of
      nitric oxide or nitrosyl complexes in the presence of ascorbic acid or sodium
      ascorbate in acid medium has been investigated. The pharmaceutical compositions
      containing cytochrome c and nitromedicine complexes as active substances were
      studied in the experiments by using rats. It has been shown that positive local
      and systemic effects were estimated when NO-containing gel was used at burn
      treatment. These positive effects at the local level are due to a sufficient
      microcirculation index which indicates intensification of the blood flow in the
      microvessels in the injured area. These effects at the systemic level provide
      maintenance of the general heart rhythm and gradual recovery of the vegetative
      balance which is not observed in the animals of the control group. 

PMID- 25135207
TI  - Barriers to access and minority ethnic carers' satisfaction with social care
      services in the community: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative
      literature.
AB  - As populations age, the numbers of carers overall and numbers of carers from
      minority ethnic groups in particular are rising. Evidence suggests that carers
      from all sections of the community and particularly carers from minority groups
      often fail to access care services. This may relate to barriers in accessing
      services and service dissatisfaction. The aim of this systematic review was to
      identify and summarise minority ethnic carers' perceptions of barriers to
      accessing community social care services and their satisfaction with these
      services if accessed. The following databases were searched from their start
      until July 2013: Social Care Online, Social Policy and Research, Scopus,
      PsychINFO, HMIC, ASSIA, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus and AMED. Thirteen studies
      met the inclusion criteria. Most investigated either barriers to access or
      satisfaction levels, although three explored both. Only 4 studies investigated
      minority ethnic carers' satisfaction with social care, although 12 studies
      reported perceived barriers to accessing services. Few studies compared minority
      ethnic carers' perceptions with majority ethnic groups, making it difficult to
      identify issues specific to minority groups. Most barriers described were
      potentially relevant to all carers, irrespective of ethnic group. They included
      attitudinal barriers such as not wanting to involve outsiders or not seeing the
      need for services and practical barriers such as low awareness of services and
      service availability. Issues specific to minority ethnic groups included language
      barriers and concerns about services' cultural or religious appropriateness.
      Studies investigating satisfaction with services reported a mixture of
      satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Barriers common to all groups should not be
      underestimated and a better understanding of the relationship between perceived
      barriers to accessing services and dissatisfaction with services is needed before
      the experiences of all carers can be improved. 

PMID- 25135209
TI  - Generation of an rhBMP-2-loaded beta-tricalcium phosphate/hydrogel composite and
      evaluation of its efficacy on peri-implant bone formation.
AB  - Dental implant insertion on a site with low bone quality or bone defect should be
      preceded by a bone graft or artificial bone graft insertion to heal the defect.
      We generated a beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and poloxamer 407-based
      hydrogel composite and penetration of the beta-TCP/hydrogel composite into the
      peri-implant area of bone was evaluated by porous bone block experiments. The
      maximum penetration depth for porous bone blocks and dense bone blocks were 524
      MUm and 464 MUm, respectively. We report the in-vivo performance of a composite
      of beta-TCP/hydrogel composite as a carrier of recombinant human bone
      morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2), implanted into a rabbit tibial defect model.
      Three holes drilled into each tibia of eight male rabbits were (1) grafted with
      dental implant fixtures; (2) filled with beta-TCP/hydrogel composite (containing
      5 MUg of rhBMP-2), followed by grafting of the dental implant fixtures. Four
      weeks later, bone-implant contact ratio and peri-implant bone formation were
      analyzed by radiography, micro-CT and histology of undecalcified specimens. The
      micro-CT results showed a significantly higher level of trabecular thickness and
      new bone and peri-implant new bone formation in the experimental treatment
      compared to the control treatment. Histomorphometry revealed a significantly
      higher bone-implant contact ratio and peri-implant bone formation with the
      experimental treatment. The use of beta-TCP/poloxamer 407 hydrogel composite as a
      carrier of rhBMP-2 significantly promoted new bone formation around the dental
      implant fixture and it also improved the quality of the new bone formed in the
      tibial marrow space. 

PMID- 25135210
TI  - Countertransference before Heimann: an historical exploration.
AB  - Received wisdom on the history of countertransference rests on two assumptions:
      Freud said little about countertransference, and what he did say focused on its
      role as an impediment to analytic work; the emergence in the 1950s of a
      conception of countertransference as a crucial beneficial component of
      psychoanalysis was revolutionary and innovative. Both assumptions are
      questionable. Detailed examination of Freud's public and private discussions of
      countertransference reveals that he recognized much of its potential value, as
      well as its pitfalls, and suggested that the analyst's contributions should be
      based on spontaneous affect, measured out consciously. He was aware of the
      problematic nature of countertransference, calling for a paper on
      countertransference even while cautioning against its public presentation. His
      remarks, particularly in letters, taken together with the work of Ferenczi and
      other early contributors, show that the pre-1950s literature on
      countertransference prefigured much current debate on the topic. 

PMID- 25135211
TI  - Erik Erikson and his problematic identity.
AB  - In his psychohistorical biographies of Luther and Gandhi, Erik Erikson proposed
      that great issues of a particular time and place, as experienced by sensitive and
      creative individuals who are working to resolve their inner conflicts within
      these contexts, could find solutions that transcend themselves and yield
      conceptualizations that transform the world. Although Erikson was able to create
      a conceptualization of the adolescent task of establishing a coherent identity,
      one that gave voice to the aspirations and frustrations of the rebellious student
      movements of the 1960s, he was never able, over his lifetime, to resolve his own
      identity issues. Was he Dane or German, American or Scandinavian, Jew or
      Christian or both? His lifelong back-and-forths on this struggle are chronicled. 

PMID- 25135212
TI  - Journal Watch review of Research domain criteria (RDoC): Toward a new
      classification framework for research on mental disorders.

PMID- 25135213
TI  - Journal Watch review of oxytocin and reduction of social threat hypersensitivity
      in women with borderline personality disorder.

PMID- 25135214
TI  - Journal Watch review of Patient personality and therapist response: an empirical
      investigation.

PMID- 25135215
TI  - Transformation of personality: deformation and reformation in confronting death.

PMID- 25135216
TI  - Detecting protein-protein interactions based on kinase-mediated growth induction
      of mammalian cells.
AB  - Detection of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is important for understanding
      numerous processes in mammalian cells; however, existing PPI detection methods
      often give significant background signals. Here, we propose a novel PPI-detection
      method based on kinase-mediated growth induction of mammalian cells. In this
      method, target proteins are fused to the intracellular domain of c-kit (c-kit
      ICD) and expressed in interleukin-3-dependent mammalian cells. The PPI induces
      dimerization and activation of c-kit ICDs, which leads to cell growth in the
      absence of interleukin-3. Using this system, we successfully detected the ligand
      dependent homo-interaction of FKBPF36V and hetero-interaction of FKBP and
      FRBT2098L, as well as the constitutive interaction between MDM2 and a known
      peptide inhibitor. Intriguingly, cells expressing high-affinity peptide chimeras
      are selected from the mixture of the cell populations dominantly expressing low
      affinity peptide chimeras. These results indicate that this method can detect
      PPIs with low background levels and is suitable for peptide inhibitor screening. 

PMID- 25135217
TI  - Discovery of novel peptides regulating competence development in Streptococcus
      mutans.
AB  - A MarR-like transcriptional repressor (RcrR) and two predicted ABC efflux pumps
      (RcrPQ) encoded by a single operon were recently shown to be dominant regulators
      of stress tolerance and development of genetic competence in the oral pathogen
      Streptococcus mutans. Here, we focused on polar (DeltarcrR-P) and nonpolar
      (DeltarcrR-NP) rcrR mutants, which are hyper- and nontransformable, respectively,
      to dissect the mechanisms by which these mutations impact competence. We
      discovered two open reading frames (ORFs) in the 3' end of the rcrQ gene that
      encode peptides of 27 and 42 amino acids (aa) which are also dramatically
      upregulated in the DeltarcrR-NP strain. Deletion of, or start codon mutations in,
      the ORFs for the peptides in the DeltarcrR-NP background restored competence and
      sensitivity to competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) to levels seen in the
      DeltarcrR-P strain. Overexpression of the peptides adversely affected competence
      development. Importantly, overexpression of mutant derivatives of the ABC
      exporters that lacked the peptides also resulted in impaired competence. FLAG
      tagged versions of the peptides could be detected in S. mutans, and FLAG tagging
      of the peptides impaired their function. The competence phenotypes associated
      with the various mutations, and with overexpression of the peptides and ABC
      transporters, were correlated with the levels of ComX protein in cells.
      Collectively, these studies revealed multiple novel mechanisms for regulation of
      competence development by the components of the rcrRPQ operon. Given their
      intimate role in competence and stress tolerance, the rcrRPQ-encoded peptides may
      prove to be useful targets for therapeutics to diminish the virulence of S.
      mutans. 

PMID- 25135218
TI  - HilD induces expression of Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 genes by displacing
      the global negative regulator H-NS from ssrAB.
AB  - Salmonella pathogenicity islands 1 and 2 (SPI-1 and SPI-2) have essential roles
      in the pathogenesis of Salmonella enterica. Previously, we reported
      transcriptional cross talk between SPI-1 and SPI-2 when the SPI-1 regulator HilD
      induces expression of the SsrA/B two-component system, the central positive
      regulator of SPI-2, during the growth of Salmonella to late stationary phase in
      LB rich medium. Here, we further define the mechanism of the HilD-mediated
      expression of ssrAB. Expression analysis of cat transcriptional fusions
      containing different regions of ssrAB revealed the presence of negative
      regulatory sequences located downstream of the ssrAB promoter. In the absence of
      these negative cis elements, ssrAB was expressed in a HilD-independent manner and
      was no longer repressed by the global regulator H-NS. Consistently, when the
      activity of H-NS was inactivated, the expression of ssrAB also became independent
      of HilD. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that both HilD
      and H-NS bind to the ssrAB region containing the repressing sequences. Moreover,
      HilD was able to displace H-NS bound to this region, whereas H-NS did not
      displace HilD. Our results support a model indicating that HilD displaces H-NS
      from a region downstream of the promoter of ssrAB by binding to sites overlapping
      or close to those sites bound by H-NS, which leads to the expression of ssrAB.
      Although the role of HilD as an antagonist of H-NS has been reported before for
      other genes, this is the first study showing that HilD is able to effectively
      displace H-NS from the promoter of one of its target genes. 

PMID- 25135219
TI  - The biochemical value of urinary metalloproteinases 3 and 9 in diagnosis and
      prognosis of bladder cancer in Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have long been associated with
      cancer-cell invasion and metastasis. Few studies are available that describe this
      association with bladder cancer either related or unrelated to schistosoma
      infection.Evaluating the urinary levels of MMP3 and MMP9 as diagnostic and
      prognostic biomarkers in different stages of schistosomal and non schistosomal
      bladder cancer was the aim of the present study.Urine samples were collected from
      70 patients with schistosomal and non schistosomal bladder cancer at early and
      advanced stages and also from 12 healthy volunteers as controls. Urinary levels
      of MMP-3 and MMP-9 was measured by ELISA technique. Sensitivity and specificity
      of both markers were determined. RESULTS: Urinary levels of both MMP-3 and MMP-9
      were significantly elevated in all bladder cancer patients compared with
      controls. MMP-3 started to elevate in early stages of schistosomal bladder cancer
      ( 0.173 ng/ml) and non-schistosomal bladder cancer patients (0.308 ng/ml)
      compared to control (0.016 ng/ml) and remained elevated in advanced stages
      (0.166, 0.235 ng/ml) of both types of bladder cancer patients. In contrast, MMP-9
      showed a significant elevation in advanced stages only of both schistosomal and
      non schistosomal bladder cancer patients (10.33, 21.22 ng/ml) compared to control
      (0.409 ng/ml) and this elevation of both markers was much higher in non
      schistosomal bladder cancer. Both Metalloproteinases were specific for the
      diagnosis of the disease but MMP-3 was more sensitive and this sensitivity was
      evident in the early stage (84.85% for MMP3, 27.28% for MMP9). CONCLUSIONS: MMP3
      may be the recommended urinary metalloproteinases as early diagnostic biomarker
      in the early stages of both types of bladder cancer although both MMP9 and MMP3
      can be used in the diagnosis of advanced stages. Further studies are required on
      large number of urine samples to confirm these results.

PMID- 25135220
TI  - beta6 integrin induces the expression of metalloproteinase-3 and
      metalloproteinase-9 in colon cancer cells via ERK-ETS1 pathway.
AB  - We previously reported that beta6 integrin played an important role in the
      progression of colon cancer. In this study, we demonstrated that beta6 integrin
      induced the expression of MMP-3/MMP-9 and the invasion of colon cancer cells.
      Moreover, that function was abolished by the inhibition of ERK/MAPK pathways or
      knockdown of ETS1, an important transcription factor of MMP genes. Here, we
      showed that beta6 induced phosphorylation of ETS1 via the ERK/MAPK pathways,
      through which the MMP-3/MMP-9 promoters were stimulated, thereby leading to the
      up-regulation of MMP-3/MMP-9, and subsequent the invasion of colon cancer cells. 

PMID- 25135221
TI  - A novel beta-catenin signaling pathway activated by IL-1beta leads to the onset
      of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells.
AB  - Interleukin 1beta has been associated with tumor development, invasiveness and
      metastasis in various types of cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms
      underlying this association have not been clearly elucidated. The present study
      is the first to show, in breast cancer cells, that an IL-1beta/IL-1RI/beta
      catenin signaling pathway induces beta-catenin accumulation due to GSK3beta
      inactivation by Akt phosphorylation. Translocation to the nucleus of accumulated
      beta-catenin and formation of the TCF/Lef/beta-catenin complex induce sequential
      expression of c-MYC, CCDN1, SNAIL1 and MMP2, leading to up-regulation of
      proliferation, migration and invasion; all of the processes shown to be required,
      in cancerous cells, to initiate transition from a non-invading to an invasive
      phenotype. 

PMID- 25135222
TI  - TIP30 nuclear translocation negatively regulates EGF-dependent cyclin D1
      transcription in human lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Aberrant epidermal growth factor (EGF)-dependent signaling plays a key role in
      the progression of human carcinomas. We found that TIP30, a tumor suppressor
      protein, translocated into the nucleus of human lung adenocarcinoma cells
      following EGF treatment, and the selective inhibitors of EGFR signaling pathways
      blocked this effect. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that TIP30
      negatively regulated EGF-dependent transcriptional activation of CCND1 through a
      HDAC1-dependent mechanism. In lung adenocarcinoma patients, the level of nuclear
      TIP30 was inversely correlated with that of EGFR and cyclin D1. These findings
      suggest that nuclear TIP30-induced downregulation of cyclin D1 transcription
      antagonizes EGFR signaling and suppresses tumorigenesis. 

PMID- 25135223
TI  - Strategy to enhance the anticancer efficacy of X-ray radiotherapy in melanoma
      cells by platinum complexes, the role of ROS-mediated signaling pathways.
AB  - Radiotherapy plays an important role in treatment of cancers with low toxicity to
      the surrounding normal tissues. However, it still fails to eradicate hypoxic
      tumors due to the occurrence of radioresistance. Therefore, the search for new
      radiation sensitizers is of great significance. Platinum (Pt) complexes have been
      identified as potential radiation sensitizers to increase the sensitivity of
      cancer cells to radiotherapy. In the present study, we have synthesized four Pt
      complexes containing (2 - benzimidazole [4, 5-f] - [1, 10] phenanthroline) ligand
      and found that they could effectively enhance the X-ray-induced growth inhibition
      against A375 human melanoma cells through induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest. In
      contrast, they showed much lower cytotoxicity toward human normal cells. The
      complexes also dramatically inhibited the TrxR activity and caused intracellular
      ROS overproduction, due to the Auger electron effect of heavy metal element under
      X-ray radiation. Excessive ROS triggered DNA damage and activated downstream
      signaling pathways, including the phosphorylation of p53 and p38MAPK, and down
      regulation of phosphorylated AKT and ERK, finally resulted in increase of
      radiosensitivity and inhibition of tumor reproduction. Taken together, our
      results suggest that the synthetic Pt complexes could be further developed as
      sensitizers of X-ray radiotherapy. 

PMID- 25135224
TI  - Postoperative changes in amniotic membrane as a carrier for allogeneic cultured
      limbal epithelial transplantation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the morphologic changes and outcomes of the amniotic
      membrane as a carrier for allogeneic cultivated limbal epithelial
      transplantation. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative, interventional study.
      METHODS: A total of 16 eyes receiving allogeneic cultivated limbal epithelial
      transplantation with amniotic membrane as a carrier were enrolled. Morphologic
      changes in the amniotic membrane were observed by confocal microscopy and RTVue
      optical coherence tomography. The paired t test was employed to compare the mean
      best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and corneal stromal thickness. RESULTS: Of
      the 16 eyes, 12 had stable ocular surfaces (group A), while the other 4 eyes had
      failed surgeries due to immune rejection (group B). Confocal microscopy showed
      residual amniotic membrane tissues in 8 eyes in group A at 1 year. However, the
      amniotic membrane was not detected in group B at 8-10 months. RTVue optical
      coherence tomography showed discontinuous amniotic membrane tissues in all eyes
      in group A at 1 year, while highly reflective opacity was seen in the corneal
      stroma in group B. There were no statistically significant differences in mean
      BCVA and corneal stromal thickness in group A at 1 month and 1 year after
      transplantation (P > 0.05), but the mean BCVA showed a statistically significant
      difference at 1 month and after the disappearance of the amniotic membrane in
      group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For eyes with stable ocular surfaces after
      cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation, the amniotic membrane can be
      present in the cornea for at least 1 year, with no impact on visual acuity or
      corneal stromal thickness. Chronic inflammation and neovascularization on the
      ocular surface may accelerate the disappearance of the amniotic membrane.

PMID- 25135225
TI  - Recurrent 8q13.2-13.3 microdeletions associated with branchio-oto-renal syndrome
      are mediated by human endogenous retroviral (HERV) sequence blocks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human endogenous retroviral (HERV) sequences are the remnants of
      ancient retroviral infection and comprise approximately 8% of the human genome.
      The high abundance and interspersed nature of homologous HERV sequences make them
      ideal substrates for genomic rearrangements. A role for HERV sequences in
      mediating human disease-associated rearrangement has been reported but is likely
      currently underappreciated. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, two
      independent de novo 8q13.2-13.3 microdeletion events were identified in patients
      with clinical features of Branchio-Oto-Renal (BOR) syndrome. Nucleotide-level
      mapping demonstrated the identical breakpoints, suggesting a recurrent
      microdeletion including multiple genes such as EYA1, SULF1, and SLCO5A1, which is
      mediated by HERV1 homologous sequences. CONCLUSIONS: These findings raise the
      potential that HERV sequences may more commonly underlie recombination of dosage
      sensitive regions associated with recurrent syndromes.

PMID- 25135226
TI  - Developing and evaluating interventions that are applicable and relevant to
      inpatients and those who care for them; a multiphase, pragmatic action research
      approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Randomised controlled trials may be of limited use to evaluate the
      multidisciplinary and multimodal interventions required to effectively treat
      complex patients in routine clinical practice; pragmatic action research
      approaches may provide a suitable alternative. METHODS: A multiphase, pragmatic,
      action research based approach was developed to identify and overcome barriers to
      nutritional care in patients admitted to a metropolitan hospital hip-fracture
      unit. RESULTS: Four sequential action research cycles built upon baseline data
      including 614 acute hip-fracture inpatients and 30 purposefully sampled
      clinicians. Reports from Phase I identified barriers to nutrition screening and
      assessment. Phase II reported post-fracture protein-energy intakes and intake
      barriers. Phase III built on earlier results; an explanatory mixed-methods study
      expanded and explored additional barriers and facilitators to nutritional care.
      Subsequent changes to routine clinical practice were developed and implemented by
      the treating team between Phase III and IV. These were implemented as a new
      multidisciplinary, multimodal nutritional model of care. A quasi-experimental
      controlled, 'before-and-after' study was then used to compare the new model of
      care with an individualised nutritional care model. Engagement of the
      multidisciplinary team in a multiphase, pragmatic action research intervention
      doubled energy and protein intakes, tripled return home discharge rates, and
      effected a 75% reduction in nutritional deterioration during admission in a
      reflective cohort of hip-fracture inpatients. CONCLUSIONS: This approach allowed
      research to be conducted as part of routine clinical practice, captured a more
      representative patient cohort than previously reported studies, and facilitated
      exploration of barriers and engagement of the multidisciplinary healthcare
      workers to identify and implement practical solutions. This study demonstrates
      substantially different findings to those previously reported, and is the first
      to demonstrate that multidisciplinary, multimodal nutrition care reduces intake
      barriers, delivers a higher proportional increase in protein and energy intake
      compared with baseline than other published intervention studies, and improves
      patient outcomes when compared with individualised nutrition care. The findings
      are considered highly relevant to clinical practice and have high translation
      validity. The authors strongly encourage the development of similar study designs
      to investigate complex health problems in elderly, multi-morbid patient
      populations as a way to evaluate and change clinical practice.

PMID- 25135227
TI  - Antenatal hepatitis B in a large teaching NHS Trust - implications for future
      care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To establish the workload expected as a result of introducing
      antenatal antivirals for the prevention of vertical transmission of hepatitis B
      virus. METHODS: Retrospective review of all HBsAg-positive women and their
      infants, between 2005 and 2011, in a large (population 1 million) teaching NHS
      Trust in Leicester, UK, a highly ethnically diverse city. RESULTS: 7% of
      pregnancies occurred in women who were taking, or would now be recommended to
      take, antenatal antivirals. 176 infants were born to 140 HBsAg-positive women
      through 172 pregnancies (mean 29 pregnancies/year). Two (1.1%) were vertically
      infected, including one born to a mother with HBeAg(-)/HBeAb(+) disease and HBV
      viral load 2 million IU/ml who would not currently be recommended for antenatal
      antivirals. 81.1% infants completed all HBV vaccinations; 79.5% completed
      serology testing. 96.4% women were referred to the hepatitis clinic, but 30%
      disengaged from clinic follow-up, with no significant difference between ethnic
      groups in terms of maternal disengagement, or failure to complete infant
      vaccinations or serology testing. CONCLUSIONS: Only a small percentage of HBsAg
      positive women are likely to meet the newly published criteria for antenatal anti
      viral treatment. Strengthened community engagement across multiple ethnic groups
      is of paramount importance to improve maternal and infant outcomes.

PMID- 25135228
TI  - Wishful thinking blurs interpretation of AES data in a high endemic region of
      India.

PMID- 25135229
TI  - Prevalence, incidence and predictors of anal high-risk HPV infections and
      cytological abnormalities in HIV-infected individuals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to investigate prevalence, incidence and risk factors
      of anal high risk-HPV infections and cytological abnormalities in HIV-positive
      individuals. METHODS: A cohort of consecutively enrolled HIV-positive patients
      underwent, at baseline visit, a sexual behaviors questionnaire, anoscopy, HPV
      testing and cytological examination. Hybridization and multiplex-PCR were used
      for DNA detection and typing; HPV E6-E7 mRNA expression was analyzed in HR-HPV+
      patients. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of HR-HPV infection
      and anal dysplasia. RESULTS: 233 HIV-infected patients were enrolled (81% males,
      median age 44 years). HR-HPV was detected in 144 anal swabs and showed a positive
      association with CDC stage C and a negative association with a higher CD4 count
      and the use of a NNRTI-based antiretroviral regimen. HR-HPV DNA detection and
      anal warts at baseline were associated to cytological abnormalities; a detectable
      HIV-RNA independently predicted new onset anal dysplasia at follow-up (incidence
      15.4 per 100 patients-year). Incidence of new HR-HPV infection was 44.2 per 100
      patients-year. CONCLUSIONS: The relevance of screening for anal dysplasia in HIV+
      patients is emphasized, especially in those with detectable plasma HIV-RNA, anal
      HR-HPV infection or compromised immunological status.

PMID- 25135230
TI  - Risk of tuberculosis among healthcare workers in an intermediate-burden country:
      a nationwide population study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The potential association between healthcare workers (HCWs) and the
      risk of clinically active tuberculosis (TB) in countries with intermediate TB
      burdens remains unclear. METHODS: A nationwide, population-based cohort study was
      performed by using Taiwan National Health Insurance Database during 2000-2010. We
      included HCWs and non-HCWs without history of tuberculosis matched at a 1:1 ratio
      according to age, sex, monthly income, underlying comorbidities, and concomitant
      medications. All subjects were followed from the date of enrollment until TB
      occurrence, death, or 31 December 2010. RESULTS: The study population comprised
      11,811 healthcare workers and 11,811 matched subjects. 62 HCWs and 38 control
      subjects developed TB during a median follow-up period of 9.4 years. The
      incidence of TB was higher among HCWs than among matched subjects (61.08 vs.
      37.81 per 100,000 person-years). The risk of TB was also greater among HCWs
      (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.43),
      particularly for pulmonary TB in comparison with extrapulmonary TB (aHR, 1.56;
      95% CI, 1.02-2.39). Among different job categories of HCWs, we found that only
      nurses had a significantly increased risk of developing TB (aHR, 2.55; 95% CI,
      1.37-4.72) compared to the matched cohort. CONCLUSIONS: HCWs are associated
      independently with a higher risk of developing TB in this intermediate-burden
      country. Therefore, the importance of TB surveillance among HCWs should be
      emphasized.

PMID- 25135231
TI  - Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus-related human
      encephalitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging
      infectious disease caused by a novel bunyavirus. Until recently, SFTSV-associated
      encephalitis remained largely uninvestigated. METHODS: We made clinical
      investigation on SFTS patients who experienced encephalitis in one reference
      hospital in Henan Province from 2011 to 2013 to identify the risk factors for
      encephalitis occurrence and their fatal outcome development. RESULTS: Altogether
      538 SFTS patients were included and 19.1% of them developed encephalitis. Fatal
      outcome occurred in 44.7% of the encephalitis patients. The risk factors
      associated with encephalitis occurrence and death included older age, longer
      delay between disease onset and hospital admission, pre-existing diabetes and
      myalgias, as well as the laboratory evaluations of higher virus load on
      admission, decreased WBC, PLT count, lymphocyte percentage and ALB, elevated
      neutrophils percentage, AST, ALT, LDH, CK, ALP, GGT, BUN and CREA. These
      parameters could be used as potential predictors referring to severe SFTS cases.
      One SFTSV strain was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid sample. Cytokine/chemokine
      assay revealed that blood EOTAXIN, IFN-gamma, IL-15, IL-6, IP-10, TNF-alpha were
      remarkably elevated before clinical deterioration in the confirmed encephalitis
      patient. CONCLUSIONS: SFTSV is capable of infecting the central nervous system
      and screening for SFTSV in encephalitis of unknown reason should be performed in
      SFTS endemic regions. The encephalitis occurrence and fatal outcome could be
      potentially predicted by clinical and laboratory evaluations.

PMID- 25135232
TI  - Renal and visceral protection in thoracoabdominal aortic surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair traditionally
      carries substantial perioperative morbidity and mortality, primarily from distal
      aortic ischemia. Advances in surgical techniques, adjuncts, and strategies have
      greatly improved outcomes. METHODS: We analyzed outcomes of 1267 open consecutive
      TAAA repairs between January 2005 and September 2013. We provided cold
      crystalloid renal perfusion whenever the renal ostia were accessible; according
      to extent of repair, we selectively used left heart bypass and provided
      isothermic blood to the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery. Repair was
      extensive (Crawford extent I and II) in 717 cases (57%). Left heart bypass was
      used in 645 (51%) cases, cold crystalloid renal perfusion in 987 (78%), and
      isothermic visceral perfusion in 318 (25%). Additional patient-specific surgical
      adjuncts included endarterectomy of renal or visceral vessels, open stent
      placement within these vessels, or use of both techniques; at least one was used
      in 447 repairs (35%). RESULTS: Thirty-day survival was 95% (1198/1267); overall
      operative mortality was 8% (104/1267). Acute renal dysfunction occurred in 155
      (12%), renal failure requiring hemodialysis at hospital discharge in 84 (7%), and
      bowel ischemia in 9 (<1%). Extent II and III TAAA repairs carried the highest
      risks of postoperative renal dysfunction and renal failure requiring hemodialysis
      at hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary protective strategies allow open
      TAAA repair with substantially fewer renal and visceral ischemic complications.
      Although bowel ischemia is uncommon, renal failure remains a concern, especially
      in extent II and extent III TAAA repairs. Additional studies are needed to
      identify and improve renal protection strategies.

PMID- 25135233
TI  - Persistent fenestration may be a marker for physiologic intolerance after Fontan
      completion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the medium-term implications of fenestration
      status. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2012, 326 patients received an extracardiac
      Fontan (hospital mortality n = 6, 1.8%). A fenestration was routinely created (n
      = 306, 94%) unless there was technical difficulty. Three hundred patients
      discharged with an open fenestration were included. The primary end points were
      death and Fontan failure. Secondary outcomes were Fontan complications such as
      venovenous collaterals, protein-losing enteropathy, pacemaker requirement, and
      arrhythmias. RESULTS: The fenestration was closed in 260 patients: 185 as a
      catheter intervention (62%) and 75 (25%) spontaneously. Forty patients (13%) had
      the fenestration open at a median follow-up period of 5.05 years. Of these
      patients, catheter-based closure failed in 10 (3%). There was no statistically
      significant difference in pre-Fontan hemodynamic parameters, such as pulmonary
      artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance between the patients with open
      fenestration and the ones with closed fenestration. Patients with an open
      fenestration had significantly more late deaths (P < .001), Fontan failure (P =
      .021), and Fontan complications (P = .011) compared with those with a closed
      fenestration. Multivariable Cox regression revealed open fenestration (P < .001)
      and indeterminate ventricular morphology (P = .002) as risk factors for
      death/Fontan failure, and ventricular dysfunction (P = .014) and open
      fenestration (P = .009) as risk factors for Fontan complications. CONCLUSIONS:
      Persistent fenestration was a marker for physiologic intolerance as noted by
      increased rates of mortality and a higher incidence of Fontan
      failure/complications. The specificity of pre-Fontan physiologic data for
      fenestration status may not have the fidelity needed for long-term care and thus,
      the consequences of decision making regarding fenestration status may not be
      determined until well after the operation.

PMID- 25135234
TI  - Surgery of postinfarction ventricular septal rupture: the effect of David infarct
      exclusion versus Daggett direct septal closure on early and late outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: David infarct exclusion and Daggett direct septal closure are
      alternative techniques to repair postinfarction ventricular septal rupture. The
      aim of the present study was to compare the 2 methods with regard to
      postoperative morbidity, 30-day mortality, and long-term survival. METHODS: From
      May 1981 to December 2010, 110 patients underwent surgery for postinfarction
      ventricular septal rupture. Data were collected on the clinical, angiographic,
      and echocardiographic findings, operative procedures, early morbidity, and
      survival time. The epidemiologic design was of an exposed (David infarct
      exclusion, n = 42) versus a nonexposed (Daggett direct closure, n = 68) cohort
      with 3 endpoints: postoperative morbidity, 30-day mortality, and long-term
      survival. The crude effect of the repair technique versus the endpoint was
      estimated using univariate statistics. Stratification analysis using the Mantel
      Haenszel method was done to quantify the confounders and pinpoint the effect
      modifiers. Adjustment for confounders was performed using logistic regression and
      Cox regression analysis, and with propensity score stratification statistics.
      Survival curves were analyzed using the Breslow test and log-rank test. RESULTS:
      The surgical technique had no influence on postoperative morbidity. The 30-day
      mortality was 16.7% in the David group and 48.5% in the Daggett group (P = .000).
      Long-term survival was greater after David than after Daggett, with 5- and 10
      year survival of 69% versus 38% and 48% versus 27%, respectively (P = .004).
      Total coronary revascularization improved survival more in the David than in the
      Daggett group. CONCLUSIONS: David infarct exclusion was superior to Daggett
      direct septal closure for early and late survival after surgery for
      postinfarction ventricular septal rupture. Total coronary revascularization
      improved survival more in the David than in the Daggett group.

PMID- 25135235
TI  - Acute Risk Change for Cardiothoracic Admissions to Intensive Care (ARCTIC index):
      a new measure of quality in cardiac surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality of cardiac surgical care may vary between institutions.
      Mortality is low and large numbers are required to discriminate between
      hospitals. Measures other than mortality may provide better comparisons.
      OBJECTIVES: To develop and assess the Acute Risk Change for Cardiothoracic
      Admissions to Intensive Care (ARCTIC) index, a new performance measure for
      cardiothoracic admissions to intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS: The Australian
      and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons database and Australian
      and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database were linked.
      Logistic regression was used to generate a predicted risk of death first from
      preoperative data using the previously validated Allprocscore and second on
      admission to an ICU using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III
      score. Change in risk as a percentage (ARCTIC) was calculated for each patient.
      The validity of ARCTIC as a marker of quality was assessed by comparison with
      intraoperative variables and postoperative morbidity markers. RESULTS: Sixteen
      thousand six hundred eighty-seven patients at 21 hospitals from 2008 to 2011 were
      matched. An increase in ARCTIC score was associated with prolonged
      cardiopulmonary bypass time (P = .001), intraoperative blood product transfusion
      (P < .001), reoperation (P < .0001), postoperative renal failure (P < .0001),
      prolonged ventilation (P < .0001), and stroke (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The ARCTIC
      index is associated with known markers of perioperative performance and
      postoperative morbidity. It may be used as an overall marker of quality for
      cardiac surgery. Further work is required to assess ARCTIC as a method to
      discriminate between cardiac surgical units.

PMID- 25135236
TI  - Bayesian stopping guidelines for heart valve premarket approval studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) for the premarket approval (PMA)
      study of a new heart valve prosthesis convenes periodically to review the
      accumulating results of the study, and determines, among other things, whether
      there is enough concern with safety to stop the study. Their deliberations are
      largely subjective, based on their combined experience and expertise, but an
      objective aid to evaluating complication rates, usually called a stopping rule,
      is desirable. METHODS: The US Food and Drug Administration has designated
      objective performance criteria (OPC) for 7 heart valve complications. At the end
      of the PMA study, when approximately 800 patient-years have been accumulated, the
      complication rates must compare favorably with the OPC. Given the results to date
      at an interim review of the data, we use a Bayesian approach to compute the
      probability of passing the OPC test by the end of study. RESULTS: We provide a
      method that the DMC can use to predict the probability of passing the OPC test
      for each complication, and a graphical aid for each number of events, observed at
      100 patient-year intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Although the DMC ultimately uses
      combined experience and expertise to make the decision to stop a PMA valve study,
      we have provided an objective assessment of the probability of the valve
      ultimately passing the OPC test to aid in making that decision.

PMID- 25135237
TI  - Are preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide levels associated with outcome after
      pulmonary artery banding and the double switch operation in patients with
      congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: a pilot study.

PMID- 25135238
TI  - The biomarker TP53 divides patients with neoadjuvantly treated esophageal cancer
      into 2 subgroups with markedly different outcomes. A p53 Research Group study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluorouracil and cisplatin have been used most frequently as
      neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer. Both drugs are believed to act via a
      p53-dependent apoptosis pathway. The TP53 gene is frequently mutated in
      esophageal cancer. OBJECTIVE: To test the value of TP53 as a biomarker prognosing
      outcome in patients with neoadjuvantly treated esophageal cancer. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: The investigation included 36 patients with primary operable esophageal
      cancer who were treated neoadjuvantly with cisplatin and fluorouracil. The TP53
      genotype was assessed from paraffin-embedded diagnostic tumor biopsies using a
      standardized gene-specific TP53 sequencing protocol (mark53 kit; mark53 Ltd,
      Vienna, Austria). RESULTS: Mutations in the TP53 gene were present in 50% of
      tumors. Two-year overall survival rates were 55.6% in patients with a normal TP53
      marker status, compared with 16.7% in those with a mutant TP53 gene. In patients
      with normal TP53, neoadjuvant treatment resulted in significant advantages in
      terms of tumor-associated survival (P=.0049) and overall survival (P=.0304)
      compared with those with mutant TP53. The median tumor-associated survival was
      34.2 months for patients with normal TP53, compared with 8.9 months for those
      with mutant TP53. The latter had a 3-fold higher risk of dying (hazard ratio,
      3.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.359-6.86). CONCLUSIONS: The biomarker TP53
      divides esophageal cancer patients into 2 categories with markedly different
      outcomes: patients with a normal TP53 marker status may experience notable
      benefits from neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin/fluorouracil, whereas those
      with a mutant TP53 marker status appear to be at risk for lack of response.

PMID- 25135240
TI  - Historical perspectives of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery: David
      C. Sabiston, Jr (1924-2009).

PMID- 25135239
TI  - Reoperative "valve-in-valve" transapical transcatheter mitral valve replacement
      in a high-risk patient with a recent transapical transcatheter aortic valve
      replacement and a degenerated bioprosthetic mitral valve.

PMID- 25135241
TI  - Historical perspectives of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery: Keith
      Reemtsma (1925-2000).

PMID- 25135243
TI  - A novel methyltransferase from the intracellular pathogen Plasmodiophora
      brassicae methylates salicylic acid.
AB  - The obligate biotrophic pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae causes clubroot disease
      in Arabidopsis thaliana, which is characterized by large root galls. Salicylic
      acid (SA) production is a defence response in plants, and its methyl ester is
      involved in systemic signalling. Plasmodiophora brassicae seems to suppress plant
      defence reactions, but information on how this is achieved is scarce. Here, we
      profile the changes in SA metabolism during Arabidopsis clubroot disease. The
      accumulation of SA and the emission of methylated SA (methyl salicylate, MeSA)
      were observed in P. brassicae-infected Arabidopsis 28 days after inoculation.
      There is evidence that MeSA is transported from infected roots to the upper
      plant. Analysis of the mutant Atbsmt1, deficient in the methylation of SA,
      indicated that the Arabidopsis SA methyltransferase was not responsible for
      alterations in clubroot symptoms. We found that P. brassicae possesses a
      methyltransferase (PbBSMT) with homology to plant methyltransferases. The PbBSMT
      gene is maximally transcribed when SA production is highest. By heterologous
      expression and enzymatic analyses, we showed that PbBSMT can methylate SA,
      benzoic and anthranilic acids. 

PMID- 25135242
TI  - Prevalence, pattern and perceptions of cleft lip and cleft palate among children
      born in two hospitals in Kisoro District, Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cleft lip with or without cleft palate is one of the most common
      congenital anomalies that affect the oro-facial region. The aim of the study was
      to determine the period prevalence, pattern and perceptions of cleft lip and
      cleft palate in children born between 2005 and 2010 in two hospitals in Kisoro
      District, Uganda. METHODS: The study involved a retrospective review of medical
      records of mothers who delivered live babies between January 2005 and December
      2010 in Kisoro Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, Mutolere in Kisoro District.
      Key informant interviews of mothers (n = 20) of the children with cleft lip
      and/or clip palate and selected medical staff (n = 24) of the two hospitals were
      carried out. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Over
      the 6 year period, 25,985 mothers delivered live babies in Kisoro Hospital (n =
      13,199) and St. Francis Hospital, Mutolere (n = 12,786) with 20 babies having oro
      facial clefts. The overall period prevalence of the clefts was 0.77/1,000 live
      births. Sixty percent (n = 12) of children had combined cleft lip and palate and
      the same proportion had clefts on the left side of the face. More boys were
      affected than girls: 13 versus 7. About 45% of mothers were hurt on realizing
      that they had delivered a child with an oro-facial cleft. Forty percent of
      mothers indicated that a child with oro-facial cleft was regarded as an outcast.
      About 91.7% (n = 22) of the medical staff reported that these children were not
      accepted in their communities. Surgical intervention and psychosocial support
      were the management modalities advocated for by most respondents.
      CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS: The period prevalence of combined cleft lip and
      palate in two hospitals in Kisoro District was comparable to some findings
      elsewhere. Cleft lip and cleft palate are a medical and psychosocial problem in
      Kisoro District that calls for sensitization and counseling of the families and
      communities of the affected children. The policy makers need to strategically
      plan for provision of rehabilitation with feeding obturators to facilitate easy
      feeding to gain weight before surgical intervention of the affected children.

PMID- 25135244
TI  - Intratympanic gentamicin treatment for Meniere's disease: a randomized, double
      blind, placebo-controlled trial on dose efficacy - results of a prematurely ended
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gentamicin is used as a therapeutic agent for Meniere's disease
      because of its vestibulotoxicity causing chemo-ablation of the vestibular sensory
      epithelia. Its use has increased in recent years. However, there is still no
      consensus about the dose regimen of gentamicin in the treatment of Meniere's
      disease. In this study two different dose regimen treatment protocols are
      compared in a placebo controlled study design. The primary objective is to
      quantify the treatment effect on dizziness, the secondary objective is hearing
      evaluation. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      study in adults with unilateral Meniere's disease according to the AAO-HNS
      guidelines resistant to conservative medication. Three groups received four
      injections, administered weekly (four intratympanic injections with 40 mg/mL
      gentamicin solution, two injections gentamicin solution and two injections of
      placebo in random order, or four injections with placebo). Outcome measures were
      the score on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and pure tone audiometry (PTA).
      Intended follow-up was 2 years. RESULTS: During follow-up one patient exceeded
      the accepted amount of hearing loss. Further, enrollment was very slow (until 12
      months between two patients) and new insights showed an apparent benefit of
      intratympanic gentamicin treatment (ITG). Therefore we performed an unscheduled
      interim analysis which showed that PTA threshold shifts reached the stopping
      criteria in two more patients. Because of this, this study was ended. Of the
      three patients with the significant PTA threshold shift two were enrolled in the
      gentamicin group. CONCLUSION: No conclusions can be drawn concerning doses
      regimens. Now that new publications have shown that ITG treatment can be an
      effective and safe treatment, a placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial
      may not pass the ethical committee because of these recent reports in literature.
      Still, a dose regimen study (without placebo) on ITG treatment needs to be
      performed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in The University
      Medical Center Utrecht/ Gelre hospital Apeldoorn. Protocol ID: 07/343, EudraCT
      number 2006-005913-37.

PMID- 25135246
TI  - Does aerobic exercise mitigate the effects of cigarette smoking on arterial
      stiffness?
AB  - The largest percentage of mortality from tobacco smoking is cardiovascular
      related. It is not known whether regular participation in exercise mitigates the
      adverse influence of smoking on vasculature. Accordingly, the authors determined
      whether regular aerobic exercise is associated with reduced arterial stiffness in
      men who smoke cigarettes. Using a cross-sectional study design, 78 young men were
      studied, including sedentary nonsmokers (n=20), sedentary smokers (n=12),
      physically active nonsmokers (n=21), and physically active smokers (n=25).
      Arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).
      There were no group differences in height, body fat, and systolic and diastolic
      blood pressure. As expected, both physically active groups demonstrated greater
      maximal oxygen consumption and lower heart rate at rest than their sedentary
      peers. The sedentary smokers demonstrated greater baPWV than the sedentary
      nonsmokers (11.8+/-1 m/s vs 10.6+/-1 m/s, P=.036). baPWV values were not
      different between the physically active nonsmokers and the physically active
      smokers (10.8+/-1 m/s vs 10.7+/-1 m/s). Chronic smoking is associated with
      arterial stiffening in sedentary men but a significant smoking-induced increase
      in arterial stiffness was not observed in physically active adults. These results
      are consistent with the idea that regular participation in physical activity may
      mitigate the adverse effects of smoking on the vasculature.

PMID- 25135245
TI  - Open-source electronic data capture system offered increased accuracy and cost
      effectiveness compared with paper methods in Africa.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Existing electronic data capture options are often financially
      unfeasible in resource-poor settings or difficult to support technically in the
      field. To help facilitate large-scale multicenter studies in sub-Saharan Africa,
      the African Partnership for Chronic Disease Research (APCDR) has developed an
      open-source electronic questionnaire (EQ). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: To assess
      its relative validity, we compared the EQ against traditional pen-and-paper
      methods using 200 randomized interviews conducted in an ongoing type 2 diabetes
      case-control study in South Africa. RESULTS: During its 3-month validation, the
      EQ had a lower frequency of errors (EQ, 0.17 errors per 100 questions; paper,
      0.73 errors per 100 questions; P-value <=0.001), and a lower monetary cost per
      correctly entered question, compared with the pen-and-paper method. We found no
      marked difference in the average duration of the interview between methods (EQ,
      5.4 minutes; paper, 5.6 minutes). CONCLUSION: This validation study suggests that
      the EQ may offer increased accuracy, similar interview duration, and increased
      cost-effectiveness compared with paper-based data collection methods. The APCDR
      EQ software is freely available (https://github.com/apcdr/questionnaire).

PMID- 25135247
TI  - Mallet fracture.

PMID- 25135248
TI  - The effects of ulnar styloid fractures on patients sustaining distal radius
      fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if ulnar styloid fractures (USF) affect clinical outcome
      following distal radius fracture (DRF) in adults under 65 years of age. METHODS:
      This study involved 312 patients (aged 18-64) with surgically and nonsurgically
      treated DRFs. Patients were followed prospectively at baseline and 3, 6, and 12
      months. The primary outcome was the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and
      secondary outcomes were range of motion and grip strength. The USFs were
      classified by location (tip, middle, and base) and union status. RESULTS: There
      were 170 patients with isolated DRFs and 142 with associated USF (64 tip, 32
      middle, and 46 base fractures). The mean age of the entire cohort was 48 years
      with 218 (70%) women. All USFs were treated nonoperatively. There was a trend of
      higher PRWE scores in DRFs associated with USFs compared to isolated DRFs
      throughout the study. Associated ulnar styloid base fractures had higher but
      clinically insignificant PRWE scores than isolated DRFs at 6 and 12 months.
      Patients with an associated USF had a slower recovery of wrist flexion and grip
      strength compared to isolated DRF, but values were comparable at 12 months.
      United USFs and nonunited USFs had similar PRWE scores at all time points.
      CONCLUSIONS: Adults under 65 years old with DRFs and associated USFs initially
      have greater pain and disability than those with isolated DRFs; however, this
      difference dissipated over time and was not significant at one year. No long-term
      differences in measured impairments were observed, but the presence of an
      associated USF resulted in a slower recovery of grip strength and wrist flexion.
      Presence of a USF nonunion did not significantly affect outcomes. TYPE OF
      STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

PMID- 25135249
TI  - Evaluation of the PROMIS physical function computer adaptive test in the upper
      extremity.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare psychometric and responder burden characteristics between the
      Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function
      Computer Adaptive Test (PF CAT) and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand
      (DASH) instruments in a tertiary hand and upper extremity practice. METHODS:
      Adult patients who presented to the clinic of 2 hand and upper extremity surgeons
      in a university-based tertiary care center were enrolled in this study.
      Participants received the DASH and PF CAT administered via tablet computer. Time
      to completion was recorded for both the DASH and PF CAT. We conducted statistical
      analyses to calculate Pearson correlation coefficients between the 2 instruments
      and performed a Rasch item response theory analysis to determine dimensionality,
      reliability, ceiling and floor effects, and item bias for each instrument.
      RESULTS: A total of 134 patients were included. Time to completion for the DASH
      was 262 seconds, and for the PF CAT 57 seconds. The instruments had strong
      correlation (r = 0.726). The item and Pearson reliability were 0.97 and 0.94,
      respectively, for the DASH and 0.99 and 0.96 for the PF CAT. The DASH and PF CAT
      had 5% and 5% of unexplained variance, respectively. The DASH exhibited 5% of
      ceiling effect and 1% floor effect whereas the PF CAT had no ceiling or floor
      effects. CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric characteristics of the Patient-Reported
      Outcomes Measurement Information System PF CAT instrument compared favorably with
      the DASH in a tertiary upper extremity practice. Patient time burden was
      significantly reduced with the PF CAT compared with the DASH. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic III.

PMID- 25135251
TI  - Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.

PMID- 25135250
TI  - Selection of tendon grafts for distal radioulnar ligament reconstruction and
      report of a modified technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the graft length necessary to complete a distal
      radioulnar ligament reconstruction and assess the suitability of several tendon
      graft sources. METHODS: We measured the graft length needed to complete the
      distal radioulnar ligament reconstruction in 7 fresh-frozen cadaver specimens.
      The pure tendon lengths of 7 tendon graft sources were measured: palmaris longus,
      extensor indicis proprius, slips of extensor digiti minimi and abductor pollicis
      longus, and portions of flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radialis, and extensor
      carpi ulnaris. A modified technique that allows for a shorter length of graft is
      also described, and the suitability of each graft source for this technique was
      assessed. RESULTS: The mean graft lengths needed to complete the original and
      modified reconstructions were 138 mm and 89 mm, respectively. The average length
      of the tendon graft when measured as pure tendon was: palmaris longus (127 mm),
      slip of extensor digiti minimi (112 mm), extensor indicis proprius (100 mm),
      partial flexor carpi radialis (87 mm), slip of abductor pollicis longus (69 mm),
      partial flexor carpi ulnaris (67 mm), and partial extensor carpi ulnaris (67 mm).
      The palmaris longus was too short for the original technique in the majority of
      specimens but was sufficient to complete the modified technique in every specimen
      that had a palmaris longus. Six specimens also had an extensor indicis proprius
      of suitable length for the modified technique. CONCLUSIONS: The length of donor
      graft required for the modified reconstruction was significantly less than that
      needed for the original reconstruction. Three specimens had no donor tendons
      sufficiently long to complete the original technique if a pure tendon graft were
      used, whereas the modified technique could be completed in all specimens.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Many tendon graft sources in the upper extremity are of
      insufficient length to complete the distal radioulnar ligament reconstruction as
      described. A modified technique using suture anchors may be a useful alternative
      in such cases.

PMID- 25135252
TI  - Disease-modifying effects of TD-198946 on progressed osteoarthritis in a mouse
      model.

PMID- 25135255
TI  - Faculty development for clinical teachers in dental education.
AB  - Dental education has been reviewed, and suggestions for further enhancement
      include the implementation of faculty development activities to enhance teaching
      and learning environments. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to gain insight
      into the participants' perceptions of outcomes of faculty development for
      clinical teachers and clinical learning environments as well as into the
      sustainability of such outcomes. METHODS: The program was organized in the form
      of (i) a 2-day seminar; (ii) collegial supervision and development projects; and
      (iii) a 1-day follow-up seminar. The participants' perceptions from the five
      first programs were studied. A Web-based questionnaire was sent to all
      participants, that is 3-27 months after completion of the program (follow-up
      survey). RESULTS: The outcomes of the program (response rate 70%) indicate a
      strong impact of the program on the clinical teachers' competence and on the
      clinical learning environments. The teachers report that they think more about
      what their students really learn, have become more conscious about how they
      supervise and have been stimulated to become better teachers. The learning
      environment as well as collaboration, and calibration between teachers have
      improved. The novice teachers report greater benefits than do the experienced
      teachers. The participants initiated a variety of development projects during the
      program. The majority of the participants continued the development activities.
      CONCLUSIONS: The faculty development program presented confirms that faculty
      development activities for clinical teachers based on theories of learning and
      experiences documented in the literature can be implemented with positive
      outcomes for individual teachers and for the learning environments.

PMID- 25135253
TI  - A homeostatic function of CXCR2 signalling in articular cartilage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: ELR+ CXC chemokines are heparin-binding cytokines signalling through
      the CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptors. ELR+ CXC chemokines have been associated with
      inflammatory arthritis due to their capacity to attract inflammatory cells. Here,
      we describe an unsuspected physiological function of these molecules in articular
      cartilage homeostasis. METHODS: Chemokine receptors and ligands were detected by
      immunohistochemistry, western blotting and RT-PCR. Osteoarthritis was induced in
      wild-type and CXCR2(-/-) mice by destabilisation of the medial meniscus (DMM).
      CXCR1/2 signalling was inhibited in vitro using blocking antibodies or siRNA.
      Chondrocyte phenotype was analysed using Alcian blue staining, RT-PCR and western
      blotting. AKT phosphorylation and SOX9 expression were upregulated using
      constitutively active AKT or SOX9 plasmids. Apoptosis was detected by terminal
      deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS:
      CXCL6 was expressed in healthy cartilage and was retained through binding to
      heparan sulfate proteoglycans. CXCR2(-/-) mice developed more severe
      osteoarthritis than wild types following DMM, with increased chondrocyte
      apoptosis. Disruption of CXCR1/2 in human and CXCR2 signalling in mouse
      chondrocytes led to a decrease in extracellular matrix production, reduced
      expression of chondrocyte differentiation markers and increased chondrocyte
      apoptosis. CXCR2-dependent chondrocyte homeostasis was mediated by AKT signalling
      since forced expression of constitutively active AKT rescued the expression of
      phenotypic markers and the apoptosis induced by CXCR2 blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study demonstrates an important physiological role for CXCR1/2 signalling in
      maintaining cartilage homeostasis and suggests that the loss of ELR+ CXC
      chemokines during cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis contributes to the
      characteristic loss of chondrocyte phenotypic stability.

PMID- 25135254
TI  - NLRP3 and ASC suppress lupus-like autoimmunity by driving the immunosuppressive
      effects of TGF-beta receptor signalling.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The NLRP3/ASC inflammasome drives host defence and autoinflammatory
      disorders by activating caspase-1 to trigger the secretion of mature interleukin
      (IL)-1beta/IL-18, but its potential role in autoimmunity is speculative. METHODS:
      We generated and phenotyped Nlrp3-deficient, Asc-deficient, Il-1r-deficient and
      Il-18-deficient C57BL/6-lpr/lpr mice, the latter being a mild model of
      spontaneous lupus-like autoimmunity. RESULTS: While lack of IL-1R or IL-18 did
      not affect the C57BL/6-lpr/lpr phenotype, lack of NLRP3 or ASC triggered massive
      lymphoproliferation, lung T cell infiltrates and severe proliferative lupus
      nephritis within 6 months, which were all absent in age-matched C57BL/6-lpr/lpr
      controls. Lack of NLRP3 or ASC increased dendritic cell and macrophage
      activation, the expression of numerous proinflammatory mediators, lymphocyte
      necrosis and the expansion of most T cell and B cell subsets. In contrast, plasma
      cells and autoantibody production were hardly affected. This unexpected
      immunosuppressive effect of NLRP3 and ASC may relate to their known role in
      SMAD2/3 phosphorylation during tumour growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor
      signalling, for example, Nlrp3-deficiency and Asc-deficiency significantly
      suppressed the expression of numerous TGF-beta target genes in C57BL/6-lpr/lpr
      mice and partially recapitulated the known autoimmune phenotype of Tgf-beta1
      deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS: These data identify a novel non-canonical
      immunoregulatory function of NLRP3 and ASC in autoimmunity.

PMID- 25135256
TI  - Implementation of clinical governance in hospitals: challenges and the keys for
      success.
AB  - There is a number of models and strategies for improving the quality of care such
      as total quality management, continuous quality improvement and clinical
      governance. The policy of clinical governance is part of the governments overall
      strategy for monitoring, assuring and improving in the national health services
      organization. Clinical governance has been introduced as a bridge between
      managerial and clinical approaches to quality. For successful implementing of
      clinical governance, it is necessary to pay attention to firm foundations of the
      structure, including equipment, staffing arrangement, supporting specialties, and
      staff training. Therefore, as clinical governance improves safety and quality in
      health care services, the current situation in hospitals should be evaluated
      before any intervention while barriers and blocks on structure and process should
      be determined to select a method for changing them. Considering these points
      could guarantee success in implementation of clinical governance; otherwise there
      would be a little chance to achieve the desired results despite consumption of
      plenty of time and huge paper works. 

PMID- 25135257
TI  - Melatonin improve the sperm quality in forced swimming test induced oxidative
      stress in nandrolone treated Wistar rats.
AB  - This study investigates the effects of melatonin on the sperm quality and testis
      weight after the combination of swimming exercise and nandrolone decanoate
      (DECA). Two groups of male Wistar rats were treated for eight weeks as follows;
      group A consist of CO (control), Sham, N (DECA), S (swimming) and NS (DECA plus
      swimming); and group B: Sham M (sham melatonin), M (melatonin), MN (melatonin
      plus DECA), MS (melatonin plus swimming), MNS (melatonin, DECA plus swimming).
      The motility of sperm was significantly improved in melatonin groups in
      comparison to N, S and NS groups (P<=0.05).  The left testes weight was decreased
      in N, NS and MNS groups, and the right testes weight was decreased in N,S,NS, MS
      and MNS groups in compare with the control group. This study concluded that
      melatonin probably could improve the sperm motility and sex organs weight after
      the combination of DECA and exercise. 

PMID- 25135259
TI  - Prevalence and severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder and their relationships
      with dermatological diseases.
AB  - Most obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients meet psychiatrists 5 to 10
      years after onset of OCD .Its relatively high prevalence ratio and the delay in
      seeking help suggest that patients with OCD may seek help at non-psychiatric
      clinics. The present study was undertaken to provide some epidemiological data on
      the prevalence and severity of OCD in dermatological patients. The participants
      included 265 consecutive patients with primary dermatologic chief complaint. They
      were visited by a dermatologist and diagnosis of dermatological lesion was done
      according to ICD-10. All patients were visited by a psychiatry resident and were
      screened for OCD using the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID-I).
      If the diagnosis of OCD has been made, the Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive
      scale(Y-BOCS) was used to evaluate the severity of OCD. To analyze the data
      student t-test for quantitative variables and X2 tests for categorical variables.
      From the total of 265 patients, 24 (9.1%) met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for OCD and
      9 (37.5%) with OCD had previously been diagnosed with OCD, however, only three
      were treated pharmacologically. The most symptoms were pathological doubt
      (29.1%), fear of contamination (29.1%) and washing (54.16%).  Severity of OCD
      according to Y-BOCS was evaluated among patients with OCD. Six (25%) were found
      with subclinical OCD, 11(45.8%) had mild OCD, six (25%) had moderate OCD, and one
      (4.2%) was detected with severe OCD. prevalence of OCD in dermatology clinic was
      higher compared with general population. 

PMID- 25135258
TI  - The relationship between anthropometric parameters and bone mineral density in an
      Iranian referral population.
AB  - Osteoporosis is a common health concern in both developed and developing
      countries. In this study the association between anthropometric measures and
      osteoporosis was investigated in 3630 males and females visiting BMD clinic of
      Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran, a teaching hospital and referral center for
      osteoporosis affiliated to the Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
      Anthropometric measurements obtained and also Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
      measurement was done using a Lunar DPXMD densitometer. Data were analyzed using
      SPSS with Chi-square and ANOVA with post-hoc tests. Results showed that the
      weight, BMI and age had the strongest correlation with the BMD values in the
      studied people. While age is negatively correlated with BMD in all the studied
      people, a positive association was noted between weight, height and BMI and BMD
      parameters (P<0.01). It was concluded that certain anthropometric parameters (BMI
      and weight) can considerably affect one's risk of developing osteoporosis.
      Further research on the effect of these variables on the association of weight
      and BMD is needed. 

PMID- 25135260
TI  - Total serum IgE concentration in patients with psoriasis: a case-control study.
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing disorder that involves the skin, nails and
      joints. With regard to the role of the immune system in psoriasis, the current
      study compared serum IgE concentration in patients with psoriasis with control
      group. Current case-control study was conducted in Dermatology clinic of Razi
      hospital, Tehran University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2012. Fifty
      eight patients with psoriasis e referred to the clinic were assigned as patient
      group and 58 healthy subjects with matched age and sex as a control group.
      Patient's history, family history and demographic characteristics such as age and
      sex, duration and severity of disease using PASI, were collected and entered into
      a form. Consent form was obtained from participants. Serum IgE concentrations of
      both study groups were measured by electrochemiluminescence assay in the
      laboratory A total number of 58 patients with psoriasis, mean age of 44.15 (19-76
      years) and 58 controls with matched age and sex were studied. Mean average of
      serum IgE concentration in the control group was 115.13 versus 200/06
      concentration in patients group (P=0.16). Serum IgE concentration in 22.4% of
      patients versus 17.2% in controls was greater than normal concentration (P=0.48).
      No significant correlation was between serum IgE concentration and disease
      severity using PASI (P=0.11, r=0.21), neither a significant correlation with
      disease duration, age and gender. According to the present study, serum IgE
      concentrations are not greater in patients with psoriasis. IgE concentration is
      also not associated with the severity of psoriasis based on the PASI score,
      therefore, the role of IgE in psoriasis can be considered insignificant as some
      previous studies indicate.

PMID- 25135261
TI  - Rapid screening of diabetic polyneuropathy: selection of accurate symptoms and
      signs in an outpatient clinical setting.
AB  - Clinical assessment of distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DPN) involves the
      evaluation of symptoms and signs. Although there are numerous tools to evaluate
      DPN, there is still a need to determine the most sensitive, specific, and
      accurate tests to detect DPN in a busy outpatient clinical setting. A total of
      107 patients with type 2 diabetes were examined using Michigan Neuropathy
      Screening Instrument (MNSI). Total score of the instrument was used as a standard
      to calculate sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of every single
      item of MNSI to find the most accurate and applicable test for evaluation of DPN.
      In patients' history, the most sensitive (99.4%) and accurate (78%) symptoms were
      muscle cramp and weakness. Numbness and prickling had lower sensitivity (72.6%
      and 67.9%, respectively) but greater specificity (65.2% and 47.8%). In physical
      assessment, the most accurate signs were appearance of feet (81.3%), ankle
      reflexes (67.2%), and vibration perception (63.5%). Monofilament test had a
      sensitivity of 16.7%, accuracy of 31.7% with specificity of 87%. Findings show
      that symptoms such as a muscle cramp, weakness, numbness, and prickling, as well
      as signs such as ankle reflexes, appearance of feet, and vibration could be used
      as the most accurate tests for rapid diagnosis of DPN. In addition, the results
      suggest that monofilament examination may not be the optimum test to detect high
      risk patients. 

PMID- 25135262
TI  - Comparison of fumaric acid 5% cream versus triamcinolone 0.1% cream in the
      treatment of hand eczema.
AB  - Hand eczema is a common distressing skin problem. It is an immune reaction to
      haptens. Thus, substances that inhibit Immune system can be effective in the
      treatment of hand eczema. In this study, topical fumaric acid 5% cream is
      compared with topical steroid in the treatment of hand eczema. Patients with hand
      eczema were randomly divided into two groups. One group received fumaric acid 5%
      in a cream base, and the other received triamcinolone 0.1% in the same cream
      base. Both groups used creams twice daily for one month. Patients were checked
      for erythema, excoriation, population and lichenification, EASI score, and
      pruritus before and after treatment. In both groups, the mean of all signs of the
      disease and EASI score decreased after one month of treatment. There was no
      significant difference between the two treatments in decreasing erythema, but
      excoriation, population, lichenification, EASI score and itching were all
      decreased more in triamcinolone 0.1 % group. Although fumaric acid can inhibit
      the immune system; it was less effective for the treatment of all signs of hand
      eczema except erythema in comparison to triamcinolone. These results may be
      justified for two reasons: low penetration of topical fumaric acid through the
      skin or a low concentration used in this study. 

PMID- 25135263
TI  - An assessment of readiness for pre-implementation of electronic health record in
      Iran: a practical approach to implementation in general and teaching hospitals.
AB  - Readiness assessment provides a proper image of the existing conditions and an
      explanation of facilitated operational plans and functional approaches to
      successful implementation of electronic health record. Readiness assessment
      requires indices adjusted to particular conditions in each country. Therefore,
      the present study attempts to provide an acceptable model in Iran and to provide
      an assessment of public and teaching hospitals in medical education university.
      After reviewing related papers and descriptive study of five selected countries,
      the initial model was designed in the form of a questionnaire for analysis
      through Delphi and distributed among 30 experts nationwide. Along identification
      of components in the proposed method, a 7-point Likert scale was used to
      determine priority of each component. Then, all general -education hospitals at
      Tehran University of Medical Education were examined based on this model in terms
      of total, relative, or no readiness. The final model was designed in five
      dimensions: cultural, leadership and management, technical infrastructure,
      governance and operational dimensions; Educational Hospitals were evaluated in
      this dimension. 28.6 % of general--teaching hospitals are ready for pre
      implementation. It seems to establish uniform strategic and executive team in
      Health center is essential for the preparation them in abovementioned area in the
      least possible time.

PMID- 25135264
TI  - Results of nasolacrimal duct probing in children between 9-48 months.
AB  - Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is a common disease in children.
      The classic treatment of CNLDO is probing that was done around one year old.
      However, controversy exists regarding the outcome of probing in children older
      than one year. This study aimed to find the cure rate of initial probing for
      CNLDO and identify factors producing the failure rate in old age. In this
      retrospective interventional case series study, 100 eyes of 92 patients aged 9-48
      months with CNLDO underwent probing with general anesthesia. According to the
      intraoperative results of probing, CNLDO were categorized in two groups of
      membranous obstruction at the end of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLD) and
      complex obstruction at canaliculus, lacrimal sac and N LD. Patients were
      categorized in three groups according to the age of probing into under 12, 12 to
      24 and over 24 months. Success rate was defined as successful irrigation of NLD
      intraoperatively and absence of lacrimation and discharge at 1 week, one, three
      and six months postoperatively. The average age of patients and probing were
      47.35+/-25.59 and 17.32+/-7.85 months respectively. Membranous obstruction
      accounted for 72% of patients and remainder had complex type. An overall cure
      rate of 91%, 89% and 60% was found in patients aged 9-12, 12-24 and 24-48 months
      respectively. Surgery success rate after six months was 91% in membranous group
      and 52% in complex group. There was a significant relation between the type of
      obstruction and opening of NLD (p<0.O01). This study showed that the probing
      failure of probing after one year was related to the complexity of obstruction
      rather than the age of the patient. It is recommended that probing could safely
      be done in under 4 years old.

PMID- 25135265
TI  - Frequency of exclusive breastfeeding and its affecting factors in Tehran, 2011.
AB  - This study was designed to assess the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding in two
      health centers of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences in Khak Sefid,
      Tehran, Iran. A total of 175 mothers, referred for the third dose of their
      infants' DPT vaccination program participated in the study by completing a
      questionnaire regarding characteristics of their pregnancy, delivery and
      exclusive breastfeeding within the first six months of birth. Two-variable
      analysis and logistic regression test were applied to evaluate factors
      influencing exclusive breastfeeding. Results indicated that the frequency of
      exclusive breastfeeding, i.e., breastfeeding within the first six months of birth
      without the use of any other food with or without vitamin supplementation, was
      31.17% (95% CI=23.77%-38.57%), which means 48 infants of 154<179 days old Among
      154 infants (<179 days old) 48 did not have a history of being separated from
      their mothers. In logistic regression analysis, the variables which were directly
      associated with exclusive breastfeeding, with 0.05 significance level of alpha,
      included breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, eight times or more
      breastfeeding per day and receiving breastfeeding education during pregnancy.
      Variables with a negative association with breastfeeding included lack of breast
      milk, presence of a breast problem that could hinder breastfeeding, bottle
      feeding, physician or family's advice not to breastfeed and infant's refusal to
      breastfeed. Frequency of breastfeeding within the six months of birth is less
      than similar frequencies which are obtained by asking about breastfeeding on the
      day of the interview. It is recommended to apply real frequency for assessment,
      evaluation and programming of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months
      of birth.

PMID- 25135267
TI  - Guyon's tunnel syndrome during pregnancy with concomitant anomalous arch of the
      ulnar nerve: a case report.
AB  - Numerous causes are reported for ulnar nerve compression at the wrist, known as
      Guyon's tunnel syndrome. In the present article, a patient with Guyon's tunnel
      syndrome during pregnancy concomitant with an anomaly of ulnar nerve is
      described. A 29-year-old Iranian woman presented with clinical features of
      Guyon's tunnel syndrome (pain and paresthesia in the fifth finger of the left
      hand and atrophy of the first dorsal interosseus muscle). Symptoms of the patient
      appeared during the third trimester of pregnancy. Electro diagnostic studies
      confirmed Guyon's tunnel syndrome. Surgical exploration revealed an anomalous
      arch of the ulnar nerve passing through the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) tendon.
      The anomalous arch of the ulnar nerve was released by resection of the segment of
      FCU tendon passing through the ulnar nerve arch. Therefore, in patients with
      Guyon's tunnel syndrome, the ulnar nerve anomaly should be kept in mind as a
      cause. Moreover, pregnancy may have a provocative effect on Guyon's tunnel
      syndrome similar to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). 

PMID- 25135266
TI  - Effect of repetitive feedback on residents' communication skills improvement.
AB  - To evaluate the effect of frequent feedback on residents' communication skills as
      measured by a standardized checklist. Five medical students were recruited in
      order to assess twelve emergency medicine residents' communication skills during
      a one-year period. Students employed a modified checklist based on Calgary
      Cambridge observation guide. The checklist was designed by faculty members of
      Tehran University of Medical Science, used for assessment of students'
      communication skills. 24 items from 71 items of observational guide were
      selected, considering study setting and objects. Every two months an expert
      faculty, based on descriptive results of observation, gave structured feedback to
      each resident during a 15-minute private session. Total mean score for baseline
      observation standing at 20.58 was increased significantly to 28.75 after
      feedbacks. Results markedly improved on "gathering information" (T1=5.5, T6=8.33,
      P=0.001), "building relationship" (T1=1.5, T6=4.25, P<0.001) and "closing the
      session" (T1=0.75, T6=2.5, P=0.001) and it mildly dropped on "understanding
      patients view" (T1=3, T6=2.33, P=0.007) and "providing structure" (T1=4.17,
      T6=4.00, P=0.034). Changes in result of "initiating the session" and "explanation
      and planning" dimensions are not statically significant (P=0.159, P=0.415
      respectively). Frequent feedback provided by faculty member can improve
      residents' communication skills. Feedback can affect communication skills
      educational programs, and it can be more effective if it is combined with other
      educational methods. 

PMID- 25135268
TI  - Successful airway management in a patient with tracheal stenosis and
      tracheoesophageal fistula: a case report.
AB  - A twenty-year-old girl was referred with tracheal stenosis (TS) which was a
      consequence of prolonged intubation after head injury because of previous car
      accident. The patient was aphasic and had normal respiration. Fiberoptic
      bronchoscopy showed complete tracheal obstruction at second tracheal ring level.
      Distal trachea was normal through tracheostomy tube. Removal of the tracheostomy
      tube and blind reinsertion with a new one was complicated with hypoxia and
      respiratory distress. Fibrotic bronchoscopy revealed large tracheoesophageal
      fistula (TEF) below tracheal obstruction. Reinsertion of the tracheostomy tube by
      fiber optic bronchoscope was successful. Multidetector CT scan was performed on
      the same day with confirmation of TS combined with TEF. Surgery was performed on
      the next day. No clinical evidence of TEF was found in back history. Inadequate
      evaluation of the whole length of the trachea during the first bronchoscopy was
      the reasons for missing TEF. TEF should be considered in patients with TS in
      spite of no typical symptom such as food aspiration or pulmonary infections.

PMID- 25135269
TI  - Cervical sympathetic schwannoma: report of two cases and review of the
      literature.
AB  - This study describes two cases of cervical sympathetic schwannoma operated at
      department of vascular surgery and review the literature to clarify the
      demographic, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of these rare lesions for the
      first time. Two 32- and 59-year-old ladies both presenting with a painless
      cervical mass were referred to our service with the initial diagnosis of carotid
      body tumor. At the operation, mobile masses which could be easily dissected from
      the surrounding arteries and veins, except for the cervical sympathetic trunk
      were observed. Micro-surgical techniques helped us with removing the lesions with
      saving the sympathetic trunk in both cases. No permanent deficits were observed
      post-operatively in patients. Angiographic studies can provide the only pre
      operative clues to diagnose a sympathetic schwannoma. Total removal of the lesion
      at the expense of sacrificing the sympathetic nerve is associated with minimal
      neurologic deficits which are well tolerated by the patient. 

PMID- 25135270
TI  - Atypical respiratory distress in a newborn: a diagnostic dilemma.
AB  - Neonatal respiratory distress is a very common problem in our practice. The
      causes may be respiratory, cardiovascular, central, metabolic, haematological and
      surgical. The cause of distress due to transient myocardial depression is not
      very common in mild asphyxia. We present a case having transient myocardial
      depression with severe respiratory distress and features of shock in a mild
      asphyxiated baby. 

PMID- 25135271
TI  - A case with pachyonychia congenita and B-cell lymphoma.
AB  - Pachyonychia congenital (PC) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis
      characterized hyperkeratosis affecting the nails and palmoplantar areas, oral
      leukokeratosis, and cystic lesions. A 39-year-old woman with PC type 1 (Jadassohn
      Lewandowsky syndrome) and B-cell lymphoma is described. No similar disorders or
      parental consanguinity were found in her family. Typical features of PC developed
      since her early childhood and the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma was established
      seven years ago, without a clear causal relation between these entities. Despite
      inherent limitations of a single case, this report may contribute to PC
      understanding. 

PMID- 25135275
TI  - [General anesthesia for ambulatory surgery : Clinical pharmacological
      considerations on the practical approach].
AB  - Due to modern surgical and anesthesia techniques, many patients undergoing small
      or even medium surgical procedures will recover within minutes and can then be
      discharged after a few hours of monitoring. Aside from an optimized surgical
      technique, a precise and differentiated anesthesia concept is needed to guarantee
      rapid recovery and home readiness. Nowadays, remifentanil-propofol represents the
      standard regime in ambulatory anesthesia. The use of alfentanil, desfluran or
      sevofluran is also possible whereas other intravenous or inhaled anesthetics or
      other opioids are rarely used. If endotracheal intubation is necessary, a reduced
      intubating dose of neuromuscular blockers (NMB), such as mivacurium, atracurium
      and rocuronium, i.e. 1-1.5-times the 95 % effective dose (ED95) is a good
      possibility to accelerate neuromuscular recovery while still having acceptable
      intubation conditions. Due to its limitations and contraindications,
      succinylcholine is not the first choice but may be used in non-fasting patients
      in need of urgent (ambulatory) surgery, e.g. in bleeding women undergoing
      dilation and curettage. Even with these reduced dosages monitoring of
      neuromuscular recovery is crucial and should be applied to all patients when NMBs
      are used. Furthermore, patients should receive a risk-adapted postoperative
      nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis, e.g. with 4 mg dexamethasone and 4 mg
      ondansetron. Postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PDNV) should be anticipated by a
      new risk score and prophylaxis or treatment should be initiated. For
      postoperative pain relief, local or regional anesthesia techniques, such as
      infiltration, field or nerve blocks should be applied where possible. In
      addition, non-opioid analgesics are the basic treatment while longer-lasting
      opioids are only necessary for some patients.

PMID- 25135276
TI  - Trends in hospitalizations and outcomes for acute cardiovascular disease and
      stroke, 1999-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During the past decade, efforts focused intensely on improving the
      quality of care for people with, or at risk for, cardiovascular disease and
      stroke. We sought to quantify the changes in hospitalization rates and outcomes
      during this period. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used national Medicare data to
      identify all Fee-for-Service patients >=65 years of age who were hospitalized
      with unstable angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, ischemic stroke, and
      all other conditions from 1999 through 2011 (2010 for 1-year mortality). For each
      condition, we examined trends in adjusted rates of hospitalization per patient
      year and, for each hospitalization, rates of 30-day mortality, 30-day
      readmission, and 1-year mortality overall and by demographic subgroups and
      regions. Rates of adjusted hospitalization declined for cardiovascular conditions
      (38.0% for 2011 compared with 1999 [95% confidence interval (CI), 37.2-38.8] for
      myocardial infarction, 83.8% [95% CI, 83.3-84.4] for unstable angina, 30.5% [95%
      CI, 29.3-31.6] for heart failure, and 33.6% [95% CI, 32.9-34.4] for ischemic
      stroke compared with 10.2% [95% CI, 10.1-10.2] for all other conditions).
      Adjusted 30-day mortality rates declined 29.4% (95% CI, 28.1-30.6) for myocardial
      infarction, 13.1% (95% CI, 1.1-23.7) for unstable angina, 16.4% (95% CI, 15.1
      17.7) for heart failure, and 4.7% (95% CI, 3.0-6.4) for ischemic stroke. There
      were also reductions in rates of 1-year mortality and 30-day readmission and
      consistency in declines among the demographic subgroups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Hospitalizations for acute cardiovascular disease and stroke from 1999 through
      2011 declined more rapidly than for other conditions. For these conditions,
      mortality and readmission outcomes improved.

PMID- 25135277
TI  - The post-translational modification of the Clostridium difficile flagellin
      affects motility, cell surface properties and virulence.
AB  - Clostridium difficile is a prominent nosocomial pathogen, proliferating and
      causing enteric disease in individuals with a compromised gut microflora. We
      characterized the post-translational modification of flagellin in C. difficile
      630. The structure of the modification was solved by nuclear magnetic resonance
      and shown to contain an N-acetylglucosamine substituted with a phosphorylated N
      methyl-l-threonine. A reverse genetics approach investigated the function of the
      putative four-gene modification locus. All mutants were found to have truncated
      glycan structures by LC-MS/MS, taking into account bioinformatic analysis, we
      propose that the open reading frame CD0241 encodes a kinase involved in the
      transfer of the phosphate to the threonine, the CD0242 protein catalyses the
      addition of the phosphothreonine to the N-acetylglucosamine moiety and CD0243
      transfers the methyl group to the threonine. Some mutations affected motility and
      caused cells to aggregate to each other and abiotic surfaces. Altering the
      structure of the flagellin modification impacted on colonization and disease
      recurrence in a murine model of infection, showing that alterations in the
      surface architecture of C. difficile vegetative cells can play a significant role
      in disease. We show that motility is not a requirement for colonization, but that
      colonization was compromised when the glycan structure was incomplete. 

PMID- 25135279
TI  - The adductor ratio: a new tool for joint line reconstruction in revision TKA.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this study, the value of the adductor tubercle as landmark for joint
      line reconstruction in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was investigated.
      METHODS: On 100 calibrated full-leg standing radiographs obtained from healthy
      volunteers, distances from the medial epicondyle, the lateral epicondyle, the
      adductor tubercle, the fibular head and the centre of the knee to the joint line
      were determined. RESULTS: The average distance to the joint line from the medial
      epicondyle, the lateral epicondyle, the adductor tubercle and the fibular head
      was found to be 27.7 mm (SD 3.0), 27.1 mm (SD 2.7), 44.6 mm (SD 4.3) and 15.1 mm
      (SD 3.7), respectively. The distance from the adductor tubercle (R = 0.82) and
      the centre of the knee (R = 0.86) to the joint line showed a strong and linear
      correlation with the femoral width. The medial epicondyle, the lateral epicondyle
      and the fibular head showed less strong correlations. There was no significant
      correlation with the limb alignment. The adductor ratio was defined as the
      distance from adductor tubercle to the joint line divided by the femoral width
      and was found to be 0.52 (SD 0.027) with only small inter-individual variation.
      The adductor ratio was the most accurate ratio and reconstructed the joint line
      within 4 mm of its original level in 92% of the cases. CONCLUSION: The adductor
      ratio is a reliable and accurate tool for joint line reconstruction in revision
      TKA. It was found to be more accurate then the use of absolute distances and the
      epicondylar ratios. This study supports the use of the adductor tubercle for
      joint line reconstruction in revision TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 25135280
TI  - Early surrender to knee arthroplasty.... Not so fast.... Let the knee tissue
      preservation and function sustainability dialogue begin!

PMID- 25135278
TI  - Infiltrating T cells promote prostate cancer metastasis via modulation of FGF11
      >miRNA-541->androgen receptor (AR)->MMP9 signaling.
AB  - Early clinical studies suggested infiltrating T cells might be associated with
      poor outcomes in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The detailed mechanisms how T
      cells contribute to PCa progression, however, remained unclear. Here, we found
      PCa cells have a better capacity to recruit more CD4(+) T cells than the
      surrounding normal prostate cells via secreting more chemokines-CXCL9. The
      consequences of more recruited CD4(+) T cells to PCa might then lead to enhance
      PCa cell invasion. Mechanism dissection revealed that infiltrating CD4(+) T cells
      might function through the modulation of FGF11->miRNA-541 signals to suppress PCa
      androgen receptor (AR) signals. The suppressed AR signals might then alter the
      MMP9 signals to promote the PCa cell invasion. Importantly, suppressed AR signals
      via AR-siRNA or anti-androgen Enzalutamide in PCa cells also enhanced the
      recruitment of T cells and the consequences of this positive feed back regulation
      could then enhance the PCa cell invasion. Targeting these newly identified
      signals via FGF11-siRNA, miRNA-541 inhibitor or MMP9 inhibitor all led to
      partially reverse the enhanced PCa cell invasion. Results from in vivo mouse
      models also confirmed the in vitro cell lines in co-culture studies. Together,
      these results concluded that infiltrating CD4(+) T cells could promote PCa
      metastasis via modulation of FGF11->miRNA-541->AR->MMP9 signaling. Targeting
      these newly identified signals may provide us a new potential therapeutic
      approach to better battle PCa metastasis.

PMID- 25135282
TI  - Upper-extremity spinal reflex inhibition is reproducible and strongly related to
      grip force poststroke.
AB  - PURPOSE: Impaired reflex regulation is assumed to contribute to upper-extremity
      motor impairment poststroke; however, the relationship between reflex inhibition
      and motor function remains unclear. To address this question, it is first
      necessary to determine the reproducibility of reflex responses. The objective of
      this study was to establish the test-retest reliability of flexor carpi radialis
      H-reflex inhibition in healthy control and stroke participants and investigate
      the correlation between H-reflex inhibition and grip strength. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eighteen persons poststroke (mean +/- SD: age 63 +/- 13 years; 6 +/- 5
      years poststroke; 13 males) and 16 healthy controls (age: 62 +/- 12 years)
      participated. Reflex inhibition was tested on 2 separate days by conditioning the
      H-reflex with radial nerve stimulation at two different interstimulus intervals:
      13 ms (presynaptic Ia inhibition-PSI) and 0 ms (disynaptic inhibition). Pearson's
      and intraclass correlation coefficients [two-way mixed model-ICC (1, 2)], and
      standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated. RESULTS: Relative
      reliability (ICCs) ranged from good to excellent (0.61-0.78). SEM was low (range
      10-19%, stroke; 15-20%, healthy controls). Paretic grip strength and paretic limb
      PSI revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.70; p < 0.0125). Disynaptic inhibition
      and paretic grip strength were not correlated. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge,
      this is the first study to demonstrate reproducibility of reflex inhibition in
      individuals poststroke. Furthermore, we quantify smallest real differences, which
      provide an estimate of the magnitude of effect required to determine a meaningful
      change, exceeding measurement error. The correlation between PSI and grip
      strength suggests the potential contribution of PSI to grip force production and
      upper-extremity motor function.

PMID- 25135283
TI  - A familial form of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo maps to chromosome 15.
AB  - AIM: Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) is characterized by short-lived
      episodes of vertigo in association with rapid changes in head position, most
      commonly extension and rotation of the neck while supine. It has been clinically
      observed that there is a subgroup of patients in whom the BPPV disease is
      inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. However, little is known about the
      familial/genetic factors that may contribute to a predisposition to develop the
      disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We ascertained and performed a genome-wide scan
      on a three-generation family in which multiple family members developed BPPV. We
      performed whole genome mapping with 400 microsatellite repeat markers and
      analyzed this trait using both autosomal dominant and recessive models of
      inheritance. RESULTS: Two point linkage analysis showed LOD scores of one or
      greater than one on chromosomes 7, 15, 16 and 20. Independent of the model of
      inheritance, the highest two-point LOD scores localized to same marker on
      chromosome 15. Multipoint linkage analysis showed the highest LOD score of 2.84
      to markers on chromosome 15 with the autosomal dominant model. Haplotype
      reconstruction indicates that the BPPV gene in this family maps to a critical
      chromosomal 15 interval between markers GATA151F03N and GATA85D02. CONCLUSIONS:
      Discovery of a BPPV gene (or genes) will facilitate a better understanding of not
      only BPPV, but also the vestibular system. In addition, with improved
      understanding of the pathophysiology the potential development of alternative
      therapies for BPPV may be possible.

PMID- 25135281
TI  - The tumor suppressor prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is regulated by mutant
      IDH1 and kills glioma stem cells.
AB  - Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is an endogenous tumor suppressor that
      selectively induces apoptosis in a variety of cancers. Although it has been the
      subject of intensive research in other cancers, less is known about its
      significance in gliomas, including whether it is regulated by key driver
      mutations, has therapeutic potential against glioma stem cells (GSCs), and/or is
      a prognostic marker. We found that patient-derived gliomas with mutant isocitrate
      dehydrogenase 1 have markedly lower Par-4 expression (P < 0.0001), which was
      validated by The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset (P = 2.0 E-13). The metabolic
      product of mutant IDH1, D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), can suppress Par-4
      transcription in vitro via inhibition of promoter activity as well as enhanced
      mRNA degradation, but interestingly not by direct DNA promoter hypermethylation.
      The Selective for Apoptosis induction in Cancer cells (SAC) domain within Par-4
      is highly active against glioma cells, including orthotopic xenografts of patient
      derived primary GSCs (P < 0.0001). Among high-grade gliomas that are IDH1 wild
      type, those that express more Par-4 have significantly longer median survival
      (18.4 vs. 8.0 months, P = 0.002), a finding confirmed in two external GBM
      cohorts. Together, these data suggest that Par-4 is a significant component of
      the mutant IDH1 phenotype, that the activity of 2-HG is complex and can extend
      beyond direct DNA hypermethylation, and that Par-4 is a promising therapeutic
      strategy against GSCs. Furthermore, not every effect of mutant IDH1 necessarily
      contributes to the overall favorable prognosis seen in such tumors; inhibition of
      Par-4 may be one such effect. 

PMID- 25135284
TI  - Occurrence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis among the patients with Sydenham's chorea.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the possible association of
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) with Sydenham's chorea (SC). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      A total of 25 SC patients and 25 patients with the diagnosis of HT were included
      in the study. Neurological, cardiac, radiological abnormalities, clinical
      findings, and biochemical analysis were evaluated. RESULTS: Heart murmur as a
      result of mitral valve deformation was present in all SC group patients. No
      neurologic and cardiac abnormalities were noted in HT group. Serum thyroid
      stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase, and anti-thyroglobulin levels
      were found to be high in 4 patients of the SC group and called as SC with HT
      group. Significant elevation of serum TSH levels in SC with HT group (31.75 +/-
      3.71 MUU/ml) was observed when compared to HT group (12.60 +/- 4.24 MUU/ml, p <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: These results showed that HT can be occurred among the
      patients with SC with cardiac involvement.

PMID- 25135285
TI  - Glycemic control: a combination of lifestyle management and the use of drugs.
AB  - Some 30% of contemporary cardiology patients have coexisting known diabetes, and
      another 40% have either undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes. There is still no
      final conclusive evidence of cardiovascular benefit by good glycemic control in
      type 2 diabetes, although studies like the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes
      Study (UKPDS) and the Prospective Pioglitazone Clinical Trial in Macrovascular
      Events, and meta-analyses based on these and other randomized controlled trials
      of blood glucose-lowering therapies have been encouraging. On the other hand,
      microvascular disease is clearly reduced by good glycemic control. Structured
      education has remained a mandatory prerequisite of any successful treatment. Not
      only is appropriate weight management by diet and exercise able to revert new
      onset diabetes to normal, but it is also the foundation of any successful
      pharmacotherapy of diabetes. Aiming at normal fasting plasma glucose
      concentrations of 5.3 mmol/L or 95 mg/dL appears to be safe since publication of
      the long-term outcome results of the Outcome Reduction with an Initial Glargine
      INtervention trial. Individualized target glycosylated hemoglobin levels as near
      to normal as safely possible (i.e., <7% and avoiding hypoglycaemia) are the goal
      for glycemic control. Hypoglycemia seems to emerge as a real concern in
      cardiology patients. Based on the findings of UKPDS, including the "legacy"
      study, metformin is the most widely recommended first-line drug therapy in type 2
      diabetes, also in terms of preventing cardiovascular complications. An alternate
      first-line option in some parts of the world, especially Asian countries, is the
      class of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. In most patients, combination therapies
      with two or three classes of drugs are warranted. Early combination are the
      golden strategy as type 2 diabetes is a multi-causal disease; the various classes
      of drugs have distinct and synergistic modes of action, and the blood glucose
      lowering efficacy of these drugs is more or less fully maintained in combination.
      The recent joint American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study
      of Diabetes position statement mentions five options as step two of the treatment
      algorithm for combination with metformin: sulfonylureas, pioglitazone, dipeptidyl
      peptidase-4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, and basal insulin. 

PMID- 25135286
TI  - The resoluteTM integrity zotarolimus-eluting stent in coronary artery disease: a
      review.
AB  - The introduction of first-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) was a major
      advance in the percutaneous treatment of coronary artery disease, with DES
      significantly reducing the incidence of restenosis and major adverse coronary
      events compared with bare metal stents. Next-generation DES now utilizes lower
      profiles, thinner struts, and other technological advances to help extend their
      safety and efficacy. Importantly, studies of next-generation devices have now
      gone beyond controlled clinical trials with selected populations to registries
      and studies with all-comer populations, where more diverse and complex sets of
      patients and lesions have been managed. Thus, a large body of evidence and
      comparative data about the safety and efficacy of these devices has accumulated.
      The ResoluteTM zotarolimus-eluting stent (R-ZES; Medtronic Inc., Santa Rosa, CA,
      USA) is a next-generation DES that uses a novel biocompatible polymer on a cobalt
      alloy stent platform to extend the duration of drug elution and improve the
      stent's efficacy. The IntegrityTM platform (Medtronic, Inc., Santa Rosa, CA, USA)
      used in the most recent iteration of the R-ZES stent further enhances the
      flexibility and deliverability of the stent in complex lesions by incorporation
      of a continuous sinusoidal design. In the following review, the clinical data is
      critically examined for the R-ZES and discuss its performance using comparative
      data currently available for next-generation DES. It is concluded that R-ZES use
      in complex patients and lesions is associated with durable efficacy and safety
      and represents another generational improvement in DES technology, which
      undoubtedly will enhance patient outcomes postpercutaneous coronary
      interventional. 

PMID- 25135287
TI  - Current and emerging antiarrhythmic drug therapy for ventricular tachycardia.
AB  - Ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sustained
      ventricular tachycardia (VT), are the principal causes of sudden cardiac death in
      patients with structural heart disease. While coronary artery disease is the
      predominant substrate associated with the development of VT, these arrhythmias
      are known to occur in a variety of disorders, including dilated cardiomyopathy,
      valvular and congenital heart disease, and cardiac ion channelopathies such as
      the long QT syndrome. In a minority of patients, VT occurs in the absence of
      structural heart disease. Despite the established mortality benefit of the
      implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in patients at risk of lethal
      arrhythmias, recurrent VT/VF events continue to be a source of morbidity and
      impaired quality of life in such patients. Antiarrhythmic therapy is indicated in
      select patients to treat symptomatic VT episodes, to reduce the incidence of ICD
      shocks, and potentially to improve quality of life and reduce hospitalizations
      related to cardiac arrhythmia. The primary adverse effects of antiarrhythmic
      medications are related to both cardiac and extracardiac toxicity, including the
      risk of proarrhythmia. Current drug therapy for ventricular arrhythmia has been
      limited by suboptimal efficacy in many patients, resulting in recurrent VT/VF
      events, and by drug toxicity or intolerance leading to discontinuation in a large
      percentage of patients. Amiodarone and sotalol are the principal agents used in
      the chronic treatment of VT. In addition, dronedarone and dofetilide, agents
      approved for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, and ranolazine, an antianginal
      agent, have been demonstrated to be protective against ventricular arrhythmia in
      small clinical studies. Finally, advances in basic electrophysiology have
      uncovered new molecular targets for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmia, and
      pharmacologic agents directed at these targets may emerge as promising VT
      treatments in the future. The roles of these current and emerging therapies for
      the treatment of VT in humans will be summarized in this review. 

PMID- 25135288
TI  - Oral antiplatelet therapy in acute coronary syndromes: recent developments.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to summarize the current knowledge about treatment
      with oral platelet inhibitors in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
      Antiplatelet therapy has been shown to improve the prognosis of patients with ACS
      with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST segment
      elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS). Aspirin should be given with a loading dose of 250-500
      mg, followed by 75-100 mg/day. Dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended for all
      patients with ACS for 12 months regardless of the initial revascularization
      strategy. Clopidogrel should be administered at first medical contact in STEMI
      with a loading dose of 600 mg. In patients with ACS and percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) 2 * 75 mg clopidogrel should be given daily over 7 days, while
      in all other patients 75 mg per day appears to be sufficient. The two newer
      adenosine diphosphate-receptor antagonists prasugrel and ticagrelor lead to a
      more rapid and effective inhibition of platelet aggregation compared with
      clopidogrel, which was associated with an improved clinical outcome in two large
      randomized studies. Prasugrel is indicated in patients with ACS undergoing PCI
      and was most effective in diabetics and in patients with STEMI. In the recent
      TaRgeted platelet Inhibition to cLarify the Optimal strateGy to medicallY manage
      Acute Coronary Syndromes trial in medically treated patients with NSTE-ACS,
      prasugrel did not significantly reduce ischemic events compared with clopidogrel.
      Ticagrelor has been studied in the whole spectrum of ACS patients and reduced
      cardiovascular and total mortality in comparison with clopidogrel. The greatest
      benefit has been observed in patients with planned conservative treatment and in
      patients with impaired renal function. Expanding antiplatelet therapy from dual
      to triple therapy including a platelet thrombin receptor antagonist in the
      thrombin receptor antagonist for clinical event reduction in acute coronary
      syndrome trial was not associated with a significant reduction in the primary
      combined endpoint but an increase in bleeding complications. However, in the
      Thrombin Receptor Antagonist in Secondary Prevention of atherothrombotic ischemic
      events study in patients with prior myocardial infarction, vorapaxar on top of
      standard antiplatelet therapy was effective. 

PMID- 25135289
TI  - Thrombin receptor antagonism in antiplatelet therapy.
AB  - Activated platelets play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherothrombotic
      disease and its complications. Even under treatment of antiplatelet drugs, such
      as acetylsalicylic acid and P2Y12 antagonists, morbidity and mortality rates of
      thromboembolic complications remain high. Hence, the therapeutic inhibition of
      protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1, which is activated by thrombin, is a novel
      promising approach in antiplatelet therapy. Recent data suggest that PAR-1 is
      mainly involved in pathological thrombus formation, but not in physiological
      hemostasis. Therefore, PAR-1 inhibition offers the possibility to reduce
      atherothrombotic events without increasing bleeding risk. So far, two emerging
      PAR-1 antagonists have been tested in clinical trials: vorapaxar (SCH530349;
      Merck & Co., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA) and atopaxar (E5555; Eisai, Tokyo,
      Japan). Although in TRA-CER vorapaxar showed an unfavorable profile for patients
      with acute coronary syndrome in addition to standard therapy, it revealed
      promising results for patients with prior myocardial infarction in TRA 2P-TIMI50.
      Depending on the status of clinical approval, vorapaxar might be an option for
      patients with peripheral arterial disease to reduce limb ischemia. The second PAR
      I antagonist, atopaxar, tended towards reducing major cardiovascular adverse
      events in acute coronary syndrome patients in a phase II trial. However, although
      statistically not significant, bleeding events were numerically increased in
      atopaxar-treated patients compared with placebo. Furthermore, liver enzymes were
      elevated and the relative corrected QT interval was prolonged in atopaxar-treated
      patients. Currently, the development of atopaxar by Eisai is discontinued. The
      future of this novel class of antithrombotic drugs will depend on the
      identification of patient groups in which the risk-benefit ratio is favorable. 

PMID- 25135290
TI  - Optimal choice of coronary revascularization and stent type in diabetic patients
      with coronary artery disease.
AB  - Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are prone to a diffuse and accelerated form
      of coronary artery disease (CAD), which in turn is a major cause of cardiac
      related morbidity and mortality. Compared with patients without diabetes,
      patients with diabetes undergoing coronary revascularization are at higher risk
      of procedural, short-, and long-term cardiovascular events and mortality.
      Although coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been regarded as the primary
      revascularization strategy in diabetic patients with complex CAD, percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective revascularization alternative, due to
      remarkable advances in stent devices and adjunctive drug therapies. Outcomes
      data, from subgroup analyses and small-sized clinical trials and large
      registries, have suggested that PCI with current stent technology showed
      comparable long-term risks of mortality and hard endpoints, but higher risk of
      repeat revascularization for the diabetic population compared to CABG. However,
      the recent landmark International Future REvascularization Evaluation in patients
      with diabetes mellitus: optimal management of Multivessel disease (FREEDOM) trial
      provides compelling evidence of the superiority of CABG over PCI in reducing the
      rates of death, myocardial infarction, at the expense of stroke, in patients with
      diabetes with advanced CAD. When opting for PCI in patients with diabetes,
      currently used drug-eluting stents (DES) are more efficient in reducing the risk
      of repeat revascularization without compromising safety outcomes, compared to
      bare-metal stents. The selection of a specific type of DES in patients with
      diabetes is controversial and therefore more data comparing second- and newer
      generation DES for patients with diabetes are currently needed. Also, efforts to
      make more advanced DES platforms suitable for patients with diabetes with
      complicated angiographic features are still ongoing. 

PMID- 25135291
TI  - Balancing antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies in patients with
      cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Anticoagulation is needed for stroke prevention in patients with atrial
      fibrillation. Antiplatelet therapy is essential for the prevention of stent
      thrombosis and the reduction of cardiovascular events in patients who undergo
      coronary stenting and suffer acute coronary syndromes. When these conditions
      overlap, the individual antithrombotic strategies are commonly combined, and the
      efficacy benefit of triple oral antithrombotic therapy is assumed to outweigh the
      bleeding risk based on the available data. Recent studies have investigated this
      topic further, including the first randomized controlled trial to address this
      issue. This new evidence challenges previous assumptions and may have
      implications for future practice and investigation. 

PMID- 25135292
TI  - Fenestrated atrial septal defect percutaneously occluded by a single device:
      procedural and financial considerations.
AB  - A 45-year-old patient presented with a cerebrovascular attack and was
      subsequently found to have a multi-fenestrated atrial septal defect. Various
      therapeutic options for percutaneous transcatheter closure with their respective
      benefits and flaws are discussed, as well as procedural and financial
      considerations. The decision making process leading to a successful result using
      a single occlusive device is presented, alongside a review of the literature. 

PMID- 25135293
TI  - An extremely rare combination: pneumopericardium, pneumoperitoneum, and
      subcutanous emphysema-a case report.
AB  - Pneumopericardium, an accumulation of air in the pericardial cavity, occurs very
      rarely as compared to pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. Clinical presentation
      is variable, patients are frequently asymptomatic, and mild cases usually resolve
      spontaneously. However, it may lead to pericardial tamponade, which requires
      rapid diagnosis and treatment that can be lifesaving. The traditional diagnostic,
      simple method of diagnosis is via an upright chest X-ray. Typical findings can be
      detected and a differential diagnosis can be made between pneumomediastinum and
      pneumopericardium. Echocardiography and chest computed tomography scans can also
      support the diagnosis. Only one case of pneumopericardium after surgical
      pericardiotomy has been reported in the literature so far. In this case report,
      iatrogenic pneumopericardium, which resolved spontaneously after surgical
      pericardiotomy, was reported in a 19-year-old patient who had a rejected liver
      transplantation, and had liver and kidney failure with pericardial tamponade. In
      this case, pneumopericardium was accompanied by pneumoperitoneum and subcutaneous
      emphysema; an extremely rare combination. 

PMID- 25135295
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effect of a novel food Cordyceps guangdongensis on experimental
      rats with chronic bronchitis induced by tobacco smoking.
AB  - Cordyceps guangdongensis T. H. Li, Q. Y. Lin & B. Song (Cordycipitaceae) is a
      novel food approved by the Ministry of Public Health of China in 2013.
      Preliminary studies revealed that this novel food has multiple pharmacological
      activities such as anti-fatigue effect, antioxidant ability, prolonging life,
      anti-avian influenza virus activity, and therapeutic effect on chronic renal
      failure. However, the anti-inflammatory effect on chronic bronchitis and the
      effective constituent are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate both the anti-inflammatory effect of the edible fungus on
      experimental rats with chronic bronchitis induced by tobacco smoking, and the
      pilot effective constituent. Test rats were intragastrically administered with 3
      doses of hot-water extract from C. guangdongensis (0.325, 0.65 and 1.30 g kg(-1)
      bw daily for low, middle and high dose, respectively) for 26 days. Biochemical
      indices and histological examinations in rats with chronic bronchitis induced by
      tobacco smoking were determined. The content and molecular weights of the
      polysaccharide from the hot-water extract were detected by the phenol-sulfuric
      acid method and gel permeation chromatography, respectively. Biochemical indices
      in the low, middle and high-dose groups with the hot-water extract of C.
      guangdongensis were only 53.4%, 46.0% and 40.4% of those in the model control
      group (total leukocytes), respectively; 70.7%, 60.3% and 58.1% (macrophages);
      33.0%, 26.8% and 16.1% (neutrophils); and 22.2%, 23.5% and 13.6% (lymphocytes) of
      those in the model control group. The bronchial lesions and inflammatory cell
      infiltration were significantly alleviated in all groups with hot-water extract
      of C. guangdongensis. This study indicates that the hot-water extract from C.
      guangdongensis has a significant anti-inflammatory effect on chronic bronchitis.
      The content of the polysaccharide was 6.92%; the molecular weights of the 3
      polysaccharide components were respectively 1.28 * 10(6), 2.36 * 10(4) and 5.21 *
      10(3) Da. 

PMID- 25135294
TI  - Dabigatran excess: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Novel oral anticoagulants are increasingly used for stroke
      prophylaxis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. While these agents
      offer a more predictable pharmacokinetic profile, the lack of readily available
      laboratory tests to monitor the level of anticoagulation and absence of an
      antidote or established therapies to reverse the anticoagulant effect make
      management of cases of over-anticoagulation challenging. CASE REPORT: In this
      case report an 87-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation presented
      with dabigatran excess in the setting of life-threatening, acute renal and
      hepatic failure. The authors review the use of dabigatran in elderly patients,
      the available data on management of patients with excess anticoagulation, and the
      potential options for reversal of the anticoagulation effect. CONCLUSION: Further
      investigation into reliable means of monitoring and reversing the anticoagulant
      effect of dabigatran is crucial to the management of such patients.

PMID- 25135296
TI  - VLA-4 blockade promotes differential routes into human CNS involving PSGL-1
      rolling of T cells and MCAM-adhesion of TH17 cells.
AB  - The focus of this study is the characterization of human T cell blood-brain
      barrier migration and corresponding molecular trafficking signatures. We examined
      peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid immune cells from patients under long
      term anti-very late antigen-4 (VLA-4)/natalizumab therapy (LTNT) and from CNS
      specimens. LTNT patients' cerebrospinal fluid T cells exhibited healthy central
      /effector-memory ratios, but lacked CD49d and showed enhanced myeloma cell
      adhesion molecule (MCAM) expression. LTNT led to an increase of PSGL-1 expression
      on peripheral T cells. Although vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VLA-4
      receptor) was expressed at all CNS barriers, P-selectin (PSGL-1-receptor) was
      mainly detected at the choroid plexus. Accordingly, in vitro experiments under
      physiological flow conditions using primary human endothelial cells and LTNT
      patients' T cells showed increased PSGL-1-mediated rolling and residual adhesion,
      even under VLA-4 blockade. Adhesion of MCAM(+)/TH17 cells was not affected by VLA
      4 blocking alone, but was abrogated when both VLA-4 and MCAM were inhibited.
      Consistent with these data, MCAM(+) cells were detected in white matter lesions,
      and in gray matter of multiple sclerosis patients. Our data indicate that
      lymphocyte trafficking into the CNS under VLA-4 blockade can occur by using the
      alternative adhesion molecules, PSGL-1 and MCAM, the latter representing an
      exclusive pathway for TH17 cells to migrate over the blood-brain barrier. 

PMID- 25135297
TI  - Long-term survival of influenza virus infected club cells drives immunopathology.
AB  - Respiratory infection of influenza A virus (IAV) is frequently characterized by
      extensive immunopathology and proinflammatory signaling that can persist after
      virus clearance. In this report, we identify cells that become infected, but
      survive, acute influenza virus infection. We demonstrate that these cells, known
      as club cells, elicit a robust transcriptional response to virus infection, show
      increased interferon stimulation, and induce high levels of proinflammatory
      cytokines after successful viral clearance. Specific depletion of these surviving
      cells leads to a reduction in lung tissue damage associated with IAV infection.
      We propose a model in which infected, surviving club cells establish a
      proinflammatory environment aimed at controlling virus levels, but at the same
      time contribute to lung pathology. 

PMID- 25135298
TI  - RUNX1-dependent RAG1 deposition instigates human TCR-delta locus rearrangement.
AB  - V(D)J recombination of TCR loci is regulated by chromatin accessibility to RAG1/2
      proteins, rendering RAG1/2 targeting a potentially important regulator of
      lymphoid differentiation. We show that within the human TCR-alpha/delta locus,
      Ddelta2-Ddelta3 rearrangements occur at a very immature thymic, CD34(+)/CD1a(
      )/CD7(+dim) stage, before Ddelta2(Ddelta3)-Jdelta1 rearrangements. These strictly
      ordered rearrangements are regulated by mechanisms acting beyond chromatin
      accessibility. Importantly, direct Ddelta2-Jdelta1 rearrangements are prohibited
      by a B12/23 restriction and ordered human TCR-delta gene assembly requires RUNX1
      protein, which binds to the Ddelta2-23RSS, interacts with RAG1, and enhances RAG1
      deposition at this site. This RUNX1-mediated V(D)J recombinase targeting imposes
      the use of two Ddelta gene segments in human TCR-delta chains. Absence of this
      RUNX1 binding site in the homologous mouse Ddelta1-23RSS provides a molecular
      explanation for the lack of ordered TCR-delta gene assembly in mice and may
      underlie differences in early lymphoid differentiation between these species.

PMID- 25135300
TI  - Accumulation of adverse prognostic markers worsens prognosis in chronic
      lymphocytic leukaemia.

PMID- 25135303
TI  - Multi-component assembly and luminescence tuning of lanthanide hybrids based with
      both zeolite L/A and SBA-15 through two organically grafted linkers.
AB  - Both zeolite A/L and SBA-15 have been used to assemble novel photofunctional
      multi-component lanthanide hybrid materials. Microporous zeolites A/L are first
      functionalized by embedding lanthanide or zinc complexes (TTA =
      thenoyltrifluoroacetone, TAA = trifluoroacetone, bipy = 2,2'-bipyridyl) into the
      pores of zeolite A/L, and then the surface of functionalized zeolite A/L is
      modified via covalent linkers from aromatic carboxylic acids (para-aminobenzoic
      acid ABA and para-hydroxyl benzoic acid HBA) grafted by 3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl
      isocyanate (TEPIC). On the other hand, SBA-15 is modified by grafting covalent
      linker phen-Si from the modification of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) with TEPIC.
      Further, another lanthanide ion is used to link both functionalized zeolites, A/L
      and SBA-15, through the coordination with the two covalent linkers, ABS-Si (HBA
      Si) and phen-Si, respectively. Subsequently, the obtained multicomponent
      microporous-mesoporous hybrid materials are assembled and characterized using
      XRD, FT-IR, UV-vis DRS, SEM, TEM and luminescent approaches (spectra, lifetimes
      and quantum efficiencies). These hybrids with both microporous zeolite and SBA-15
      mesoporous host possess favourable luminescent performance and some hybrid
      systems present the high quantum efficiencies of 90%. Besides, the luminescent
      color can be tuned by adjusting the composition of these hybrids, among which
      four hybrids (S-phen-Eu-HBA-[ZA-Tb-bipy], S-phen-Eu-HBA-[ZA-Zn-bipy], S-phen-Eu
      ABA-[ZA-Tb-TAA], S-phen-Eu-ABA-[ZL-Tb-bipy]) can be integrated to white light
      emission. 

PMID- 25135301
TI  - Cannabis use by individuals with multiple sclerosis: effects on specific immune
      parameters.
AB  - Cannabinoids affect immune responses in ways that may be beneficial for
      autoimmune diseases. We sought to determine whether chronic Cannabis use
      differentially modulates a select number of immune parameters in healthy controls
      and individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS cases). Subjects were enrolled and
      consented to a single blood draw, matched for age and BMI. We measured monocyte
      migration isolated from each subject, as well as plasma levels of
      endocannabinoids and cytokines. Cases met definition of MS by international
      diagnostic criteria. Monocyte cell migration measured in control subjects and
      individuals with MS was similarly inhibited by a set ratio of phytocannabinoids.
      The plasma levels of CCL2 and IL17 were reduced in non-naive cannabis users
      irrespective of the cohorts. We detected a significant increase in the
      endocannabinoid arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) in serum from individuals with MS
      compared to control subjects, and no significant difference in levels of other
      endocannabinoids and signaling lipids irrespective of Cannabis use. Chronic
      Cannabis use may affect the immune response to similar extent in individuals with
      MS and control subjects through the ability of phytocannabinoids to reduce both
      monocyte migration and cytokine levels in serum. From a panel of signaling
      lipids, only the levels of AEA are increased in individuals with MS, irrespective
      of Cannabis use or not. Our results suggest that both MS cases and controls
      respond similarly to chronic Cannabis use with respect to the immune parameters
      measured in this study. 

PMID- 25135299
TI  - Classical Flt3L-dependent dendritic cells control immunity to protein vaccine.
AB  - DCs are critical for initiating immunity. The current paradigm in vaccine biology
      is that DCs migrating from peripheral tissue and classical lymphoid-resident DCs
      (cDCs) cooperate in the draining LNs to initiate priming and proliferation of T
      cells. Here, we observe subcutaneous immunity is Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3
      ligand (Flt3L) dependent. Flt3L is rapidly secreted after immunization; Flt3
      deletion reduces T cell responses by 50%. Flt3L enhances global T cell and
      humoral immunity as well as both the numbers and antigen capture capacity of
      migratory DCs (migDCs) and LN-resident cDCs. Surprisingly, however, we find
      immunity is controlled by cDCs and actively tempered in vivo by migDCs. Deletion
      of Langerin(+) DC or blockade of DC migration improves immunity. Consistent with
      an immune-regulatory role, transcriptomic analyses reveals different skin migDC
      subsets in both mouse and human cluster together, and share immune-suppressing
      gene expression and regulatory pathways. These data reveal that protective
      immunity to protein vaccines is controlled by Flt3L-dependent, LN-resident cDCs. 

PMID- 25135304
TI  - Occurrence of hemocyanin in ostracod crustaceans.
AB  - Hemocyanin is a copper-containing protein that transports O2 in the hemolymph of
      many arthropod species. Within the crustaceans, hemocyanin appeared to be
      restricted to Malacostraca but has recently been identified in Remipedia. Here,
      we report the occurrence of hemocyanin in ostracods, indicating that this
      respiratory protein is more widespread within crustaceans than previously
      thought. By analyses of expressed sequence tags and by RT-PCR, we obtained four
      full length and nine partial hemocyanin sequences from six of ten investigated
      ostracod species. Hemocyanin was identified in Myodocopida (Actinoseta jonesi,
      Cypridininae sp., Euphilomedes morini, Skogsbergia lerneri, Vargula tsujii) and
      Platycopida (Cytherelloidea californica) but not in Podocopida. We found no
      evidence for the presence of hemoglobin in any of these ostracod species. Like in
      other arthropods, we identified multiple hemocyanin subunits (up to six) to occur
      in a single ostracod species. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses showed that ostracod
      hemocyanin subunit diversity evolved independently from that of other
      crustaceans. Ostracod hemocyanin subunits were found paraphyletic, with
      myodocopid and platycopid subunits forming distinct clades within those of the
      crustaceans. This pattern suggests that ostracod hemocyanins originated from
      distinct subunits in the pancrustacean stemline. 

PMID- 25135302
TI  - Immunization with P10 peptide increases specific immunity and protects
      immunosuppressed BALB/c mice infected with virulent yeasts of Paracoccidioides
      brasiliensis.
AB  - Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic granulomatous disease caused by
      Paracoccidioides spp. A peptide from the major diagnostic antigen gp43, named
      P10, induces a T-CD4(+) helper-1 immune response in mice and protects against
      intratracheal challenge with virulent P. brasiliensis. Previously, we evaluated
      the efficacy of the P10 peptide alone or combined with antifungal drugs in mice
      immunosuppressed and infected with virulent isolate of P. brasiliensis. In the
      present work, our data suggest that P10 immunization leads to an effective
      cellular immune response associated with an enhanced T cell proliferative
      response. P10-stimulated splenocytes increased nitric oxide (NO) production and
      induced high levels of IFN-gamma, IL-1beta and IL-12. Furthermore, significantly
      increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines were also observed in lung
      homogenates of immunized mice. P10 immunization was followed by minimal fibrosis
      in response to infection. Combined with antifungal drugs, P10 immunization most
      significantly improved survival of anergic infected mice. Administration of
      either itraconazole or sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim together with P10
      immunization resulted in 100 % survival up to 200 days post-infection, whereas
      untreated mice died within 80 days. Hence, our data show that P10 immunization
      promotes a strong specific immune response even in immunocompromised hosts and
      thus P10 treatment represents a powerful adjuvant therapy to chemotherapy.

PMID- 25135306
TI  - Unusual phenomena in the reduction process of vanadium(v) on a graphite electrode
      at high overpotentials.
AB  - An abrupt increase in the Tafel slope and the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of
      V(v) ions on a graphite electrode are both observed at a transition potential
      (EK). The possible vanadium complexes such as V2O3(3+) might result in the change
      of reduction mechanism and the unusual phenomena. 

PMID- 25135305
TI  - Melatonin and oestrogen treatments were able to improve neuroinflammation and
      apoptotic processes in dentate gyrus of old ovariectomized female rats.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of oestrogen and melatonin
      treatments following long-term ovarian hormone depletion on neuroinflammation and
      apoptotic processes in dentate gyrus of hippocampi. Forty-six female Wistar rats
      of 22 months of age were used. Twelve of them remained intact, and the other 34
      were ovariectomized at 12 months of age. Ovariectomized animals were divided into
      three groups and treated for 10 weeks with oestrogens, melatonin or saline. All
      rats were killed by decapitation at 24 months of age, and dentate gyri were
      collected. A group of 2 month-old intact female rats was used as young control.
      The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) were
      analysed by ELISA. The expressions of TNFalpha, IL1beta, GFAP, nNOS, iNOS, HO-1,
      NFkappaB, Bax, Bad, AIF, Bcl2 and SIRT1 genes were detected by real-time (RT)
      PCR. Western blots were used to measure the protein expression of NFkappaB p65,
      NFkappaB p50/105, IkappaBalpha, IkappaBbeta, p38 MAPK, MAP-2 and synapsin I. We
      have assessed the ability of 17beta-oestradiol and melatonin administration to
      downregulate markers of neuroinflammation in the dentate gyrus of ovariectomized
      female rats. Results indicated that 17beta-oestradiol and melatonin treatments
      were able to significantly decrease expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines,
      iNOS and HO-1 in the hippocampus when compared to non-treated animals. A similar
      age- and long-term ovarian hormone depletion- related increase in GFAP was also
      attenuated after both melatonin and oestradiol treatments. In a similar way to
      oestradiol, melatonin decreased the activation of p38 MAPK and NFkappaB pathways.
      The treatments enhanced the levels of synaptic molecules synapsin I and MAP-2 and
      have been shown to modulate the pro-antiapoptotic ratio favouring the second and
      to increase SIRT1 expression. These findings support the potential therapeutic
      role of melatonin and oestradiol as protective anti-inflammatory agents for the
      central nervous system during menopause. 

PMID- 25135307
TI  - An electrically switchable metal-organic framework.
AB  - Crystalline metal organic framework (MOF) materials containing interconnected
      porosity can be chemically modified to promote stimulus-driven (light, magnetic
      or electric fields) structural transformations that can be used in a number of
      devices. Innovative research strategies are now focused on understanding the role
      of chemical bond manipulation to reversibly alter the free volume in such
      structures of critical importance for electro-catalysis, molecular electronics,
      energy storage technologies, sensor devices and smart membranes. In this letter,
      we study the mechanism for which an electrically switchable MOF composed of
      Cu(TCNQ) (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) transitions from a high
      resistance state to a conducting state in a reversible fashion by an applied
      potential. The actual mechanism for this reversible electrical switching is still
      not understood even though a number of reports are available describing the
      application of electric-field-induced switching of Cu(TCNQ) in device
      fabrication. 

PMID- 25135308
TI  - The virtual toxicology service: wearable head-mounted devices for medical
      toxicology.

PMID- 25135309
TI  - Coming to a consensus on informed consent for case reports.

PMID- 25135311
TI  - The S curve: a novel morphological finding in the internal carotid artery in
      patients with fibromuscular dysplasia.
AB  - Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-atherosclerotic vascular disease commonly
      affecting the renal and internal carotid arteries (ICAs). A previously
      unrecognized finding is a redundancy of the mid-distal ICA in FMD patients
      causing an 'S'-shaped curve. Carotid artery duplex ultrasounds were reviewed in
      116 FMD patients to determine S-curve prevalence. FMD patients with an S curve
      were matched to four control patients divided equally into two groups: (1) age
      and sex-matched and (2) age >=70 and sex-matched. S curves were present in 37
      (32%) FMD patients. Of these, nine (24%) had angiographic evidence of FMD in
      their ICA only, 13 (35%) had renal artery FMD only, and 15 (41%) had both ICA and
      renal FMD. Two patients in the age and sex-matched group had S curves (odds ratio
      16.86, 95% CI 3.92-72.48; p<0.0001) while 12 (16.2%) patients in the age >=70 and
      sex-matched group had S curves (odds ratio 2.42, 95% CI 1.16-5.03; p=0.016). In
      conclusion, the S curve is a novel morphological pattern of the mid-distal ICA.
      While the S curve may not be specific, its presence in individuals <70 years old
      should alert the clinician to the possibility that FMD is present. 

PMID- 25135310
TI  - Multi-centre analysis of incidental findings on low-resolution CT attenuation
      correction images.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review new incidental findings detected on low-resolution CT
      attenuation correction (CTAC) images acquired during single-photon emission CT
      (SPECT-CT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and to determine whether the CTAC
      images had diagnostic value and warrant reporting. METHODS: A multicentre study
      was performed in four UK nuclear medicine departments. CTAC images acquired as
      part of MPI performed using SPECT were evaluated to identify incidental findings.
      New findings considered to be clinically significant were evaluated further.
      Positive predictive value (PPV) was determined at the time of definitive
      diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 1819 patients studied, 497 (27.3%) had a positive CTAC
      finding. 51 (2.8%) patients had findings that were clinically significant at the
      time of the CTAC report and had not been previously diagnosed. Only four (0.2%)
      of these were potentially detrimental to patient outcome. CONCLUSION: One centre
      had a PPV of 0%, and the study suggests that these CTAC images should not be
      reported. Two centres with more modern equipment had low PPVs of 0% and 6%,
      respectively, and further research is suggested prior to drawing a conclusion.
      The centre with best quality CT had a PPV of 67%, and the study suggests that
      CTAC images from this equipment should be reported. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This
      study is unique compared with previous studies that have reported only the
      potential to identify incidental findings on low-resolution CT images. This study
      both identifies and evaluates new clinically significant incidental findings, and
      it demonstrates that the benefit of reporting the CTAC images depends on the type
      of equipment used.

PMID- 25135313
TI  - Kinetics of nitrification in a fixed biofilm reactor using dewatered sludge-fly
      ash composite ceramic particle as a supporting medium.
AB  - A mathematical model system was derived to describe the kinetics of ammonium
      nitrification in a fixed biofilm reactor using dewatered sludge-fly ash composite
      ceramic particle as a supporting medium. The model incorporates diffusive mass
      transport and Monod kinetics. The model was solved using a combination of the
      orthogonal collocation method and Gear's method. A batch test was conducted to
      observe the nitrification of ammonium-nitrogen ([Formula: see text]-N) and the
      growth of nitrifying biomass. The compositions of nitrifying bacterial community
      in the batch kinetic test were analyzed using PCR-DGGE method. The experimental
      results show that the most staining intensity abundance of bands occurred on day
      2.75 with the highest biomass concentration of 46.5 mg/L. Chemostat kinetic tests
      were performed independently to evaluate the biokinetic parameters used in the
      model prediction. In the column test, the removal efficiency of [Formula: see
      text]-N was approximately 96 % while the concentration of suspended nitrifying
      biomass was approximately 16 mg VSS/L and model-predicted biofilm thickness
      reached up to 0.21 cm in the steady state. The profiles of denaturing gradient
      gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of different microbial communities demonstrated that
      indigenous nitrifying bacteria (Nitrospira and Nitrobacter) existed and were the
      dominant species in the fixed biofilm process.

PMID- 25135312
TI  - Arachnoid membrane: the first and probably the last piece of the roadmap.
AB  - Most neurosurgical procedures could be performed noninvasively by working through
      the natural corridors provided by the subarachnoid cisterns. In consequence, the
      subarachnoid cisterns have been considered as the roadmaps for the
      microneurosurgeons. The concept and the contents of the cisterns have been well
      known and described, but the knowledge of the detailed anatomy of the arachnoid
      membranes, which are the real septa of the cisterns and provide the practical and
      important landmarks and planes for the dissections during the brain surgeries, is
      still lacking. The present article reviews the previous reports of the
      intracranial arachnoid membranes with a special emphasis on the microsurgical
      anatomy and the clinical significance. 

PMID- 25135314
TI  - Microrespirometric characterization of activated sludge inhibition by copper and
      zinc.
AB  - We have developed a novel microrespirometric method to characterize the
      inhibitory effects due to heavy metals on activated sludge treatment. This method
      was based on pulse dynamic respirometry and involved the injection of several
      pulses of substrate and inhibitors, of increasing concentration. Furthermore, we
      evaluated the inhibitory effects of heavy metals (copper and zinc), substrate and
      biomass concentrations, and pH on activated sludge activity. While higher biomass
      concentrations counteracted the inhibitory effects of both copper and zinc,
      higher substrate concentrations predominantly augmented the inhibitory effect of
      copper but no significant change in inhibition by zinc was observed. pH had a
      clear but relatively small effect on inhibition, partially explained by
      thermodynamic speciation. We determined the key kinetic parameters; namely, the
      half saturation constant (K S ) and the maximum oxygen uptake rate (OUR max ).
      The results showed that higher heavy metal concentrations substantially decreased
      K S and OUR max suggesting that the inhibition was uncompetitive.

PMID- 25135315
TI  - Enhanced production of 2,3-butanediol by a genetically engineered Bacillus sp.
      BRC1 using a hydrolysate of empty palm fruit bunches.
AB  - A Bacillus species that produces 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD), termed BRC1, was newly
      isolated, and a 2,3-BD dehydrogenase (Bdh) from this species was identified and
      characterized at the molecular and biochemical level. Sequence analysis revealed
      that Bdh is homologous to D-2,3-BD dehydrogenases. An analysis of the enzymatic
      properties of Bdh overexpressed in Escherichia coli confirmed the molecular
      results, showing preferred activity toward D-2,3-BD. Optimum pH, temperature, and
      kinetics determined for reductive and oxidative reactions support the
      preferential production of 2,3-BD during cell growth. Overexpression of bdh under
      the control of a xylose-inducible promoter resulted in increased enzyme activity
      and enhanced 2,3-BD production in Bacillus sp. BRC1. Additionally, a hydrolysate
      of cellulosic material, (empty palm fruit bunches), was successfully used for the
      enhanced production of 2,3-BD in the recombinant Bacillus strain. 

PMID- 25135316
TI  - Assessment of metal artefact reduction around dental titanium implants in cone
      beam CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate if the metal artefact
      reduction (MAR) tool used in the software of the ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH((r)) OP300
      (Instrumentarium Dental, Tuusula, Finland) can improve the gray value levels in
      post-operative implant scans. METHODS: 20 potential implant sites were selected
      from 5 edentulous human dry mandibles. Each mandible was scanned by a CBCT
      scanner, and images were produced under three different conditions: implant sites
      drilled but no implants inserted, implants inserted without application of MAR
      and implants inserted with application of MAR. Using Geomagic((r)) Studio 2012
      (Geomagic, Morrisville, NC) and 3Diagnosys((r)) v. 5.3.1 (3Diemme((r)) SRL,
      Cantu, Italy) software, three scans of each mandible were superimposed. The mean
      gray value of identical regions of bone around the implants was derived for each
      condition. The differences between gray value measurements at implant sites
      derived from different conditions were assessed. RESULTS: A significant
      difference was found between mean gray values from the scans with no implants
      inserted and with implants inserted (with and without MAR) (p = 0.012). No
      significant difference was revealed for gray values measured from scans with and
      without MAR (p = 0.975). CONCLUSIONS: The MAR tool in the software of the
      ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH OP300 CBCT scanner does not significantly correct the voxel
      gray values affected by the metal artefact in the vicinity of an implant in human
      dry mandibles.

PMID- 25135318
TI  - Preaggregated Ag nanoparticles in dry swellable gel films for off-the-shelf
      surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - Large, thin (50 MUm) dry polymer sheets containing numerous surface-enhanced
      Raman spectroscopy (SERS) active Ag nanoparticle aggregates have been prepared by
      drying aqueous mixtures of hydroxyethylcelloulose (HEC) and preaggregated Ag
      colloid in 10 * 10 cm molds. In these dry films, the particle aggregates are
      protected from the environment during storage and are easy to handle; for
      example, they can be cut to size with scissors. When in use, the highly swellable
      HEC polymer allowed the films to rapidly absorb aqueous analyte solutions while
      simultaneously releasing the Ag nanoparticle aggregates to interact with the
      analyte and generate large SERS signals. Either the films could be immersed in
      the analyte solution or 5 MUL droplets were applied to the surface; in the latter
      method, the local swelling caused the active area to dome upward, but the swollen
      film remained physically robust and could be handled as required. Importantly,
      encapsulation and release did not significantly compromise the SERS performance
      of the colloid; the signals given by the swollen films were similar to the very
      high signals obtained from the parent citrate-reduced colloid and were an order
      of magnitude larger than a commercially available nanoparticle substrate. These
      "Poly-SERS" films retained 70% of their SERS activity after being stored for 1
      year in air. The films were sufficiently homogeneous to give a standard deviation
      of 3.2% in the absolute signal levels obtained from a test analyte, primarily due
      to the films' ability to suppress "coffee ring" drying marks, which meant that
      quantitative analysis without an internal standard was possible. The majority of
      the work used aqueous thiophenol as the test analyte; however, preliminary
      studies showed that the Poly-SERS films could also be used with nonaqueous
      solvents and for a range of other analytes including theophylline, a therapeutic
      drug, at a concentration as low as 1.0 * 10(-5) mol dm(-3) (1.8 mg/dm(3)), well
      below the sensitivity required for theophylline monitoring where the target range
      is 10-20 mg/dm(3). 

PMID- 25135317
TI  - Efficacy of CBCT for assessment of impacted mandibular third molars: a review -
      based on a hierarchical model of evidence.
AB  - A radiographic examination of mandibular third molars is meant to support the
      surgeon in establishing a treatment plan. For years panoramic (PAN) imaging has
      been the first choice method; however, where an overprojection is observed
      between the third molar and the mandibular canal and when specific signs suggest
      a close contact between the molar and the canal, CBCT may be indicated. The
      present review provides an evaluation of the efficacy of CBCT for assessment of
      mandibular third molars using a six-tiered hierarchical model by Fryback and
      Thornbury in 1991. Levels 1-3 include studies on low evidence levels mainly
      regarding the technical capabilities of a radiographic method and the diagnostic
      accuracy of the related images. Levels 4-6 include studies on a higher level of
      evidence and assess the diagnostic impact of a radiographic method on the
      treatment of the patient in addition to the outcome for the patient and society
      including cost calculations. Only very few high-evidence studies on the efficacy
      of CBCT for radiographic examination of mandibular third molars exist and, in
      conclusion, periapical or PAN examination is sufficient in most cases before
      removal of mandibular third molars. However, CBCT may be suggested when one or
      more signs for a close contact between the tooth and the canal are present in the
      two-dimensional image-if it is believed that CBCT will change the treatment or
      the treatment outcome for the patient. Further research on high-evidence levels
      is needed. 

PMID- 25135319
TI  - Bioinspired microfluidic assay for in vitro modeling of leukocyte-endothelium
      interactions.
AB  - Current in vitro models of the leukocyte adhesion cascade cannot be used for real
      time studies of the entire leukocyte adhesion cascade, including rolling,
      adhesion, and migration in a single assay. In this study, we have developed and
      validated a novel bioinspired microfluidic assay (bMFA) and used it to test the
      hypothesis that blocking of specific steps in the adhesion/migration cascade
      significantly affects other steps of the cascade. The bMFA consists of an
      endothelialized microvascular network in communication with a tissue compartment
      via a 3 MUm porous barrier. Human neutrophils in bMFA preferentially adhered to
      activated human endothelial cells near bifurcations with rolling and adhesion
      patterns in close agreement with in vivo observations. Treating endothelial cells
      with monoclonal antibodies to E-selectin or ICAM-1 or treating neutrophils with
      wortmannin reduced rolling, adhesion, and migration of neutrophils to 60%, 20%,
      and 18% of their respective control values. Antibody blocking of specific steps
      in the adhesion/migration cascade (e.g., mAb to E-selectin) significantly
      downregulated other steps of the cascade (e.g., migration). This novel in vitro
      assay provides a realistic human cell based model for basic science studies,
      identification of new treatment targets, selection of pathways to target
      validation, and rapid screening of candidate agents. 

PMID- 25135321
TI  - Health related quality of life is differently associated with leisure-time
      physical activity intensities according to gender: a cross-sectional approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated a positive association between
      physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQL). However,
      studies have suggested that this association depends both on the PA intensity and
      the domain of HRQL evaluated. This study aimed to explore the association between
      physical, mental and overall HRQL with recommended levels of PA. PA levels were
      divided into moderate and vigorous intensity leisure-time PA and total leisure
      time PA. METHODS: The study included 1001 adults, 582 women (46 +/- 17 years) and
      419 men (43 +/- 16 years), residents in Rio Claro-SP, Brazil. All participants
      completed the SF-36 questionnaire to assess HRQL and the long version of the
      International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess level and
      intensities of leisure-time PA. Total leisure-time PA at moderate intensity was
      classified as: less than 9 min/week, 10-149 min/week, 150-299 min/week and 300
      min/week or more. Total leisure-time PA at vigorous intensity was classified as:
      less than 9 min/week, 10 to 74.9 min/week, 75-149 min/week and 150 min/week or
      more. Multiple linear regression was performed in STATA version 12.0. RESULTS:
      Among women, moderate intensity and total leisure-time PA were associated with
      physical health. Among men, moderate and vigorous intensity and total leisure
      time PA were associated with physical health and overall HRQL. Furthermore,
      moderate intensity and total leisure-time PA were associated with mental health
      in men. However, vigorous intensity PA was not associated with mental health for
      this group. CONCLUSION: The different domains of HRQL were associated with
      different levels and intensities of PA in leisure-time according to gender of
      adults. These findings indicate the complexity and importance of evaluating the
      HRQL stratified by gender and consider the different levels and intensities of
      PA.

PMID- 25135320
TI  - Development of phage immuno-loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays for
      organophosphorus pesticides in agro-products.
AB  - Two immuno-loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays (iLAMP) were developed
      by using a phage-borne peptide that was isolated from a cyclic eight-peptide
      phage library. One assay was used to screen eight organophosphorus (OP)
      pesticides with limits of detection (LOD) between 2 and 128 ng mL(-1). The iLAMP
      consisted of the competitive immuno-reaction coupled to the LAMP reaction for
      detection. This method provides positive results in the visual color of violet,
      while a negative response results in a sky blue color; therefore, the iLAMP
      allows one to rapidly detect analytes in yes or no fashion. We validated the
      iLAMP by detecting parathion-methyl, parathion, and fenitrothion in Chinese
      cabbage, apple, and greengrocery, and the detection results were consistent with
      the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In conclusion, the iLAMP is a
      simple, rapid, sensitive, and economical method for detecting OP pesticide
      residues in agro-products with no instrumental requirement. 

PMID- 25135322
TI  - A high-throughput sequencing ecotoxicology study of freshwater bacterial
      communities and their responses to tebuconazole.
AB  - The pollution of lakes and rivers by pesticides is a growing problem worldwide.
      However, the impacts of these substances on microbial communities are still
      poorly understood, partly because next-generation sequencing (NGS) has rarely
      been used in an ecotoxicology context to study bacterial communities despite its
      interest for accessing rare taxa. Microcosm experiments were carried out to
      evaluate the effects of tebuconazole (TBZ) on the structure and composition of
      bacterial communities from two types of freshwater ecosystem (lakes and rivers)
      with differing histories of pollutant contamination (pristine vs. previously
      exposed sites). Pyrosequencing revealed that bacterial diversity was higher in
      the river than in the lakes and in previously exposed sites than in pristine
      sites. Lakes and river stations shared very few OTUs, and differences at the
      phylum level were identified between these ecosystems (i.e. the relative
      importance of Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria). Despite differences
      between these ecosystems and their contamination history, no significant effect
      of TBZ on bacterial community structure or composition was observed. Compared to
      functional parameters that displayed variable responses, we demonstrated that a
      combination of classical methods and NGS is necessary to investigate the
      ecotoxicological responses of microbial communities to pollutants. 

PMID- 25135324
TI  - Smaller pupil size and better proofreading performance with positive than with
      negative polarity displays.
AB  - The 'positive polarity advantage' describes the fact that reading performance is
      better for dark text on light background (positive polarity) than for light text
      on dark background (negative polarity). We investigated the underlying mechanism
      by assessing pupil size and proofreading performance when reading positive and
      negative polarity texts. In particular, we tested the display luminance
      hypothesis which postulates that the typically greater brightness of positive
      compared to negative polarity displays leads to smaller pupil sizes and, hence, a
      sharper retinal image and better perception of detail. Indeed, pupil sizes were
      smaller and proofreading performance was better with positive than with negative
      polarity displays. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that the
      positive polarity advantage is an effect of display luminance. Limitations of the
      study are being discussed. 

PMID- 25135323
TI  - Serum lipid concentrations in patients with cholesterol and pigment gallstones.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gallstones (GS) are formed as a result of impaired metabolic
      regulation of the human body. Abnormal lipid metabolism is partly responsible for
      the pathogenesis of GS mainly rich in cholesterol. Thus abnormalities of serum
      lipids would reflect the possibilities of the formation of cholesterol GS. This
      study aims to identify the significance of serum lipids on the development of GS
      disease. METHODS: Serum lipid profiles were estimated in 73 patients with
      symptomatic GS, admitted to the Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka for GS
      removal surgeries from May 2011 to December 2012. Patients with normal serum
      bilirubin level and not being on lipid lowering drugs were recruited for the
      study. Serum lipid profile of each patient was analyzed by enzymatic kit assays
      and the chemical composition of GS was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared
      spectroscopy. RESULTS: Of the 73 patients, 37 (51%) had cholesterol GS while 36
      (49%) had pigment GS. Serum lipid parameters of a majority of patients were
      within the normal range. Body mass index values of the patients with two types of
      GS were not significantly different (Two sample t test, p = 0.335). Out of the
      lipid parameters tested, only serum triglyceride concentration was significantly
      high in patients with cholesterol GS than that of pigment GS (Two sample t test,
      p = 0.038). None of the lipid parameters were significantly different between
      males and females (Two sample t test, p > 0.05). Compared to the patients with
      pigment GS who were aged below 50 years, mean total cholesterol and triglyceride
      concentrations were higher in the same age category patients with cholesterol GS.
      CONCLUSION: Abnormal serum lipid profiles doesn't seem to be an essential feature
      in patients with cholesterol GS. However when the two groups of patients with
      cholesterol and pigment GS with no significant difference of body mass indexes
      were compared, patients with cholesterol GS are more likely to have serum lipid
      parameters towards the undesirable cutoff levels of their respective normal
      ranges. However an effect of serum lipid concentrations on high incidence of GS
      among females has not been identified.

PMID- 25135325
TI  - A novel wheat bZIP transcription factor, TabZIP60, confers multiple abiotic
      stress tolerances in transgenic Arabidopsis.
AB  - The basic region/leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors (TFs) play vital
      roles in the response to abiotic stress. However, little is known about the
      function of bZIP genes in wheat abiotic stress. In this study, we report the
      isolation and functional characterization of the TabZIP60 gene. Three homologous
      genome sequences of TabZIP60 were isolated from hexaploid wheat and mapped to the
      wheat homoeologous group 6. A subcellular localization analysis indicated that
      TabZIP60 is a nuclear-localized protein that activates transcription.
      Furthermore, TabZIP60 gene transcripts were strongly induced by polyethylene
      glycol, salt, cold and exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) treatments. Further analysis
      showed that the overexpression of TabZIP60 in Arabidopsis resulted in
      significantly improved tolerances to drought, salt, freezing stresses and
      increased plant sensitivity to ABA in seedling growth. Meanwhile, the TabZIP60
      was capable of binding ABA-responsive cis-elements that are present in promoters
      of many known ABA-responsive genes. A subsequent analysis showed that the
      overexpression of TabZIP60 led to enhanced expression levels of some stress
      responsive genes and changes in several physiological parameters. Taken together,
      these results suggest that TabZIP60 enhances multiple abiotic stresses through
      the ABA signaling pathway and that modifications of its expression may improve
      multiple stress tolerances in crop plants. 

PMID- 25135326
TI  - The medium term prognostic value of dobutamine stress echocardiogram in patients
      with high risk scores of coronary artery disease according to NICE Clinical
      Guideline 95.

PMID- 25135327
TI  - Melioidosis: a rare cause of constrictive pericarditis.

PMID- 25135328
TI  - Rosuvastatin treatment improves arterial stiffness with lowering blood pressure
      in healthy hypercholesterolemic patients.

PMID- 25135329
TI  - Transcatheter Amplatzer Duct Occluder II closure of perimembranous ventricular
      septal defect with right lung agenesis.

PMID- 25135330
TI  - The role of angioplasty in patients with acute coronary syndrome and previous
      coronary artery bypass grafting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Angioplasty has changed the management of acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS). However, in patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG),
      the role of angioplasty in the management of ACS is widely debated. Lack of clear
      guidelines leads to subjective and often stereotypical assessments based on
      clinician preferences. We sought to investigate if angioplasty affected all cause
      mortality in ACS patients with previous CABG. METHODS: Completely anonymous
      information on patients with ACS with a background of previous CABG, co
      morbidities and procedures attending three multi-ethnic general hospitals in the
      North West of England, United Kingdom in the period 2000-2012 was traced using
      the ACALM (Algorithm for Comorbidities, Associations, Length of stay and
      Mortality) study protocol using ICD-10 and OPCS-4 coding systems. Predictors of
      mortality and survival analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0. RESULTS:
      Out of 12,227 patients with ACS, there were 1172 (19.0%) cases of ACS in patients
      with previous coronary artery bypass grafting. Of these 83 (7.1%) patients
      underwent angioplasty. Multi-nominal logistic regression, accounting for
      differences in age and co-morbidities, revealed that having angioplasty conferred
      a 7.96 times improvement in mortality (2.36-26.83 95% CI) compared to not having
      angioplasty in this patient group. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that angioplasty
      confers significantly improved all cause mortality in the management of ACS in
      patients with previous CABG. The findings of this study highlight the need for
      clinicians to conscientiously think about the individual benefits and risks of
      angioplasty for every patient rather than confining to age related stereotypes.

PMID- 25135331
TI  - Astragali Radix protects myocardium from ischemia injury by modulating energy
      metabolism.

PMID- 25135332
TI  - Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome influenced by myocardial infarction?

PMID- 25135333
TI  - Exercise ventilatory power in heart failure patients: functional phenotypes
      definition by combining cardiopulmonary exercise testing with stress
      echocardiography.

PMID- 25135334
TI  - No clear evidence of a clinical benefit of a sequential therapy regimen with
      abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide.
AB  - Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in
      most western countries. New agents for metastatic castration-resistant prostate
      cancer (CRPC) developed in the past 3 years include abiraterone acetate (AA) and
      enzalutamide (ENZ), which inhibit signaling by and synthesis of androgens,
      respectively. Because they share the same target, potential clinical cross
      resistance between AA and E is possible. In this review, we discuss the results
      of clinical studies in which CRPC patients were treated with AA and E either
      separately or in sequence after first-line treatment with docetaxel. Our review
      suggests that sequential administration of AA and E in either order has limited
      activity after docetaxel therapy. Prospective studies that further examine
      sequential treatments with AA and E are warranted. 

PMID- 25135335
TI  - A.S.P.E.N. data brief 2014: use of enteral and parenteral nutrition in
      hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of malnutrition: United States, 2010.

PMID- 25135337
TI  - Hospital-based study of dental pathology and faecal particle size distribution in
      horses with large colon impaction.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine if horses with large colon impaction were
      more severely affected by oral pathology than control cases and to relate faecal
      particle size distribution to dental pathology in both study groups. A
      prospective study included 39 horses with large colon impaction and 72 control
      horses from a hospital-based population. An oral pathology score (OPscore) and
      periodontal disease index (PDI) were assigned to all horses and faecal samples
      were collected for estimating faecal particle size and analysis of particle size
      distribution. Horses with large colon impactions were not more severely affected
      by oral pathology than control horses for both OPscore (P = 0.2) and PDI (P =
      0.3). Faecal particle size estimates were significantly higher in control animals
      (P <0.001). No significant association was found between faecal particle size
      estimates and OPscores in horses with large colon impaction or control horses. In
      horses with large colon impaction, faecal particle size estimates increased with
      increasing PDI (P = 0.05). No associations were found between dental pathology
      and faecal particle size estimates. Horses developing large colon impaction did
      not have worse dentition than control horses.

PMID- 25135338
TI  - The pharmacokinetics and in vitro/ex vivo cyclooxygenase selectivity of parecoxib
      and its active metabolite valdecoxib in cats.
AB  - Parecoxib (PX) is an injectable prodrug of valdecoxib (VX, which is a selective
      cyclo-oxyganase-2 (COX-2)) inhibitor licensed for humans. The aim of the present
      study was to evaluate pharmacokinetics and in vitro/ex vivo cyclooxygenase
      selectivity of PX and VX in cats. In a whole blood in vitro study, PX did not
      affect either COX enzymes whereas VX revealed a COX-2 selective inhibitory effect
      in feline whole blood. The IC50 values of VX for COX-2 and COX-1 were 0.45 and
      38.6 uM, respectively. Six male cats were treated with 2.5 mg/kg of PX by
      intramuscular injection. PX was rapidly converted to VX with a relatively short
      half-life of 0.4 h. VX achieved peak plasma concentration (2.79 +/- 1.59 ug/mL)
      at 7 h following PX injection. The mean residence times for PX and VX were 0.43
      +/- 0.15 and 5.94 +/- 0.88 h, respectively. In the ex vivo study, PX showed a COX
      2 inhibition rate of about 70% in samples taken at 1, 2, 4 and 10 h after
      injection, with a significant difference compared to the control. In contrast,
      COX-1 was slightly inhibited, ranging from 0.7% to 9.7% of the control inhibition
      rate without any significant difference for 24 h after PX administration. The
      preliminary findings of the present research appear promising and encourage
      further studies to investigate whether PX can be successfully used in feline
      medicine.

PMID- 25135340
TI  - Experimental infection of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 in black
      headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus).
AB  - Historically, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) rarely resulted
      in infection or clinical disease in wild birds. However, since 2002, disease and
      mortality from natural HPAIV H5N1 infection have been observed in wild birds
      including gulls. We performed an experimental HPAIV H5N1 infection of black
      headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) to determine their susceptibility to
      infection and disease from this virus, pattern of viral shedding, clinical signs,
      pathological changes and viral tissue distribution. We inoculated sixteen black
      headed gulls with 1 * 10(4) median tissue culture infectious dose HPAIV H5N1
      (A/turkey/Turkey/1/2005) intratracheally and intraesophageally. Birds were
      monitored daily until 12 days post inoculation (dpi). Oropharyngeal and cloacal
      swabs were collected daily to detect viral shedding. Necropsies from birds were
      performed at 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 12 dpi. Sampling from selected tissues was done
      for histopathology, immunohistochemical detection of viral antigen, PCR, and
      viral isolation. Our study shows that all inoculated birds were productively
      infected, developed systemic disease, and had a high morbidity and mortality
      rate. Virus was detected mainly in the respiratory tract on the first days after
      inoculation, and then concentrated more in pancreas and central nervous system
      from 4 dpi onwards. Birds shed infectious virus until 7 dpi from the pharynx and
      6 dpi from the cloaca. We conclude that black-headed gulls are highly susceptible
      to disease with a high mortality rate and are thus more likely to act as sentinel
      species for the presence of the virus than as long-distance carriers of the virus
      to new geographical areas.

PMID- 25135339
TI  - Detection of antibodies against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in serum and
      colostrum by indirect ELISA.
AB  - An indirect porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) anti-immunoglobulin (Ig) G
      ELISA based on the S1 portion of the spike protein was validated and compared
      with an indirect immunofluorescence assay. In serum samples from experimentally
      infected pigs (n = 35), anti-IgG PEDV antibodies were detected as early as 7 days
      post-infection. In field serum samples (n = 239), the diagnostic sensitivity of
      the S1 ELISA was 100% and the diagnostic specificity was 94%. The S1 ELISA showed
      no cross-reactivity with antibodies against other porcine coronaviruses.
      Colostrum samples (n = 133) were also tested for anti-PEDV IgG and IgA. The
      diagnostic sensitivity was 92% for IgG and 100% for IgA, and the diagnostic
      specificity was 90% for IgG and 99.4% for IgA. These data suggest that the S1
      ELISA is a sensitive and specific test that could also be used to evaluate PEDV
      colostral immunity.

PMID- 25135336
TI  - Molecular determinants of magnesium-dependent synaptic plasticity at electrical
      synapses formed by connexin36.
AB  - Neuronal gap junction (GJ) channels composed of connexin36 (Cx36) play an
      important role in neuronal synchronization and network dynamics. Here we show
      that Cx36-containing electrical synapses between inhibitory neurons of the
      thalamic reticular nucleus are bidirectionally modulated by changes in
      intracellular free magnesium concentration ([Mg(2+)]i). Chimeragenesis
      demonstrates that the first extracellular loop of Cx36 contains a Mg(2+)
      sensitive domain, and site-directed mutagenesis shows that the pore-lining
      residue D47 is critical in determining high Mg(2+)-sensitivity. Single-channel
      analysis of Mg(2+)-sensitive chimeras and mutants reveals that [Mg(2+)]i controls
      the strength of electrical coupling mostly via gating mechanisms. In addition,
      asymmetric transjunctional [Mg(2+)]i induces strong instantaneous rectification,
      providing a novel mechanism for electrical rectification in homotypic Cx36 GJs.
      We suggest that Mg(2+)-dependent synaptic plasticity of Cx36-containing
      electrical synapses could underlie neuronal circuit reconfiguration via changes
      in brain energy metabolism that affects neuronal levels of intracellular ATP and
      [Mg(2+)]i. 

PMID- 25135341
TI  - FoxO1 at the nexus between fat catabolism and longevity pathways.
AB  - Adipose tissue should not be considered a simple fat sink but a specialized
      system that promptly and dynamically responds to variations of nutrients, to
      fulfil its major role in whole-body energy homeostasis. Perturbation of energy
      storage and utilization, as well as the expansion of adipose tissue during
      ageing, are hallmarks of several inflammation-related metabolic disorders.
      Studies using model organisms have provided significant insight into the genetic
      factors and environmental conditions that influence adipose tissue function and
      cause the failure of its homeostasis. It is now clear that reduced caloric intake
      has a major impact on adipose tissue function and can provide a path towards
      better health and the avoidance of age-related chronic diseases. An intricate and
      evolutionary conserved signalling network is necessary to manage adipocyte
      response to nutrients. The transcription factor FoxO1 plays a leading role in
      integrating dietary conditions, insulin signalling and the down-stream response
      of adipocytes to maintain metabolic balance. Here we review recent insights on
      the novel role of FoxO1 in regulating lipid catabolism through the induction of
      adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and lysosomal lipase (Lipa) in adipocytes
      during nutrient restriction. In particular, we highlight the nutrient-sensing and
      hormone-independent feature of FoxO1 activity and illustrate how, by potentiating
      lipid breakdown, the FoxO1 signalling cascade could induce pro-longevity adaptive
      responses in adipose tissue.

PMID- 25135342
TI  - Development and characterization of a hydrogel containing nitrofurazone for
      antimicrobial topical applications.
AB  - The goal of the research work entertained herein was the development and
      characterization of a poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel cross-linked with
      glutaraldehyde and impregnated with 0.2% (w/w) nitrofurazone (NTZ), for topical
      applications. To verify the active principle release capability, one has
      determined (i) swelling profile, (ii) in vitro release of NTZ via UV-VIS
      spectrophotometry, and (iii) antimicrobial activity via exposure to the hydrogel
      of ATCC strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa. The optimized hydrogel was further characterized via scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform, moisture
      content determinations and thermal analyses via thermal gravimetry (TGA).
      Swelling tests revealed a mass increase from 100+/-5% up to 350+/-11%.
      Incorporated NTZ displayed bactericidal activity, as expected, being released in
      a linearly controlled fashion above 6 ug/mL during experiment timeframes of 14 h.
      SEM analyses allowed verification of a homogeneous surface morphology, while
      infrared spectra showed that NTZ did not bind strongly to the cross-linked
      polymer. Furthermore, results from thermal analyses suggested a loss of thermal
      stability arising from incorporation of NTZ in the hydrogel. The optimized
      hydrogel exhibited characteristics with high potential for (antimicrobial)
      treatment of skin lesions. 

PMID- 25135343
TI  - The current state of ethnic and racial disparities in cardiovascular care:
      lessons from the past and opportunities for the future.
AB  - Significant racial/ethnic disparities have been documented in cardiovascular
      care. Although health care quality is improving for many Americans, differences
      in clinical outcomes have persisted between racial/ethnic minority patients and
      non-minorities, even when income, education level, and site of care are taken
      into consideration. Potential causes of disparities are complex and are related
      to differences in risk factor prevalence and control, use of evidence-based
      procedures and medications, and social and environmental factors. Minority
      patients are more likely to receive care from lower-quality health care providers
      and institutions and experience more barriers to accessing care. Factors such as
      stereotyping and bias in medicine are hard to quantify, but likely contribute to
      differences in treatment. Recent trends suggest that some disparities are
      decreasing. Opportunities for change and improvement exist for patients,
      providers, and health care systems. Promising interventions, such as health
      policy changes, quality improvement programs, and culturally targeted community
      and clinic-based interventions offer hope that high-quality health care in the
      USA can be provided to all patients. 

PMID- 25135344
TI  - Challenges and solutions to pre- and post-randomization subgroup analyses.
AB  - Subgroup analyses are commonly performed in the clinical trial setting with the
      purpose of illustrating that the treatment effect was consistent across different
      patient characteristics or identifying characteristics that should be targeted
      for treatment. There are statistical issues involved in performing subgroup
      analyses, however. These have been given considerable attention in the literature
      for analyses where subgroups are defined by a pre-randomization feature. Although
      subgroup analyses are often performed with subgroups defined by a post
      randomization feature--including analyses that estimate the treatment effect
      among compliers--discussion of these analyses has been neglected in the clinical
      literature. Such analyses pose a high risk of presenting biased descriptions of
      treatment effects. We summarize the challenges of doing all types of subgroup
      analyses described in the literature. In particular, we emphasize issues with
      post-randomization subgroup analyses. Finally, we provide guidelines on how to
      proceed across the spectrum of subgroup analyses.

PMID- 25135345
TI  - Advances in primary angiitis of the central nervous system.
AB  - Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a rare idiopathic
      inflammatory syndrome targeting the vessels of the brain and spinal cord.
      Clinical presentation is variable, insidious, and non-specific; headache and
      encephalopathy are the most common symptoms. Multiple strokes affecting numerous
      vascular territories may be seen, and both focal and diffuse neurologic
      dysfunction may be present. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial; a
      normal CSF along with normal brain parenchymal imaging carries a high negative
      predictive value in excluding PACNS. The role of imaging continues to evolve, and
      most patients have abnormal vascular imaging; however, the specificity of imaging
      for PACNS has historically been poor. Cerebral and meningeal biopsy is a valuable
      tool in confirming the diagnosis and excluding mimics. PACNS generally responds
      to immunosuppressive therapy. Failure to respond should prompt evaluation for an
      alternative diagnosis. Given the rarity of this disorder, exclusion of mimics
      such as the reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes (RCVS) and infectious
      processes is essential. 

PMID- 25135346
TI  - The role of cardiac rehabilitation following acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - Growing evidence highlights the important role of post-hospitalization care
      (i.e., secondary prevention) for patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
      While secondary prevention therapies are available that improve patient outcomes,
      receipt of those treatments by patients is suboptimal. Cardiac
      rehabilitation/secondary prevention (CR/SP) services are systematic, effective
      models of care that improve delivery of preventive therapies and patient outcomes
      after ACS, but unfortunately, patient participation in CR/SP has been suboptimal,
      due to patient-, provider-, and system-based barriers. Systematic processes,
      including automatic referral processes, help reduce these barriers and improve
      CR/SP participation, along with the associated health benefits. Strength of
      physician endorsement of CR/SP participation is another key step in improving
      CR/SP participation and patient outcomes following ACS. Accountability measures
      for CR/SP referral and enrollment, including performance measures and other
      quality of care methods, may help improve CR/SP delivery. Early evidence suggests
      that these measures have helped improve referral of eligible patients to CR/SP
      programs. 

PMID- 25135347
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnea and acute coronary syndromes: etiology, risk, and
      management.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by upper airway collapse and
      airflow reduction despite respiratory effort, resulting in intermittent hypoxia
      and arousals, leading to a cascade of hemodynamic, autonomic, inflammatory, and
      metabolic effects, responsible for its adverse cardiovascular effect. OSA is an
      independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and its prevalence in
      patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes is up to 69%. Furthermore, OSA
      has been associated with increased risk of adverse events after an acute coronary
      syndrome. Continuous positive airway pressure is considered the mainstay of
      treatment of OSA and has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
      However, the proper time to start treatment in the acute setting is unknown. A
      prospective randomized clinical trial is currently underway to answer this
      question.

PMID- 25135348
TI  - Genetic variation at glucose and insulin trait loci and response to glucose
      insulin-potassium (GIK) therapy: the IMMEDIATE trial.
AB  - The mechanistic effects of intravenous glucose, insulin and potassium (GIK) in
      cardiac ischemia are not well understood. We conducted a genetic sub-study of the
      Immediate Myocardial Metabolic Enhancement During Initial Assessment and
      Treatment in Emergency care (IMMEDIATE) Trial to explore effects of common and
      rare glucose and insulin-related genetic loci on initial to 6-h and 6- to 12-h
      change in plasma glucose and potassium. We identified 27 NOTCH2/ADAM30 and 8
      C2CD4B variants conferring a 40-57% increase in glucose during the first 6 h of
      infusion (P<5.96 * 10(-6)). Significant associations were also found for ABCB11
      and SLC30A8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and glucose responses, and an
      SEC61A2 SNP with a potassium response to GIK. These studies identify genetic
      factors that may impact the metabolic response to GIK, which could influence
      treatment benefits in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). 

PMID- 25135351
TI  - Effects of drying methods on the preparation of dexamethasone-loaded chitosan
      microspheres.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of drying methods on the
      preparation of dexamethasone- (Dex-) loaded chitosan microspheres. Two drying
      methods, namely, air drying and freeze drying, were adopted. The physical
      properties of the beads were first investigated and then the loading and release
      of Dex were characterized. Finally, the bioactivity of released Dex was
      evaluated. The data showed that, compared with freeze-dried beads, air-dried
      beads were denser and smaller, and had lower swelling ratios, slower degradation
      rate and greater Rockwell hardness. In terms of drug delivery, air-dried beads
      had lower encapsulation efficiency and a slower release rate of Dex. Regarding
      bioactivity, both groups prompted cell differentiation without significant
      differences. However, Dex released from freeze-dried beads inhibited cell
      proliferation, while Dex released from air-dried beads did not. Based on these
      results, we conclude that incorporation of Dex enhanced the osteogenic potential
      of chitosan microspheres and drying methods did affect the physical properties of
      the chitosan microspheres, which further influenced the drug loading and release.
      At the moment, the air-drying method is more appropriate to prepare Dex-loaded
      chitosan microspheres. 

PMID- 25135349
TI  - The synaptoneurosome transcriptome: a model for profiling the emolecular effects
      of alcohol.
AB  - Chronic alcohol consumption changes gene expression, likely causing persistent
      remodeling of synaptic structures via altered translation of mRNAs within
      synaptic compartments of the cell. We profiled the transcriptome from
      synaptoneurosomes (SNs) and paired total homogenates (THs) from mouse amygdala
      following chronic voluntary alcohol consumption. In SN, both the number of
      alcohol-responsive mRNAs and the magnitude of fold-change were greater than in
      THs, including many GABA-related mRNAs upregulated in SNs. Furthermore, SN gene
      co-expression analysis revealed a highly connected network, demonstrating
      coordinated patterns of gene expression and highlighting alcohol-responsive
      biological pathways, such as long-term potentiation, long-term depression,
      glutamate signaling, RNA processing and upregulation of alcohol-responsive genes
      within neuroimmune modules. Alterations in these pathways have also been observed
      in the amygdala of human alcoholics. SNs offer an ideal model for detecting
      intricate networks of coordinated synaptic gene expression and may provide a
      unique system for investigating therapeutic targets for the treatment of
      alcoholism. 

PMID- 25135352
TI  - Field dependence-independence modulates the efficiency of filtering out
      irrelevant information in a visual working memory task.
AB  - Past research has demonstrated that field dependence-independence (FDI) can
      affect academic performance, selective attention, and working memory. However,
      the underlying mechanism of how FDI modulates selective attention and working
      memory is still unclear. Using event-related potential (ERP) techniques,
      specifically with the contralateral delay activity (CDA), the present study found
      that the correct response rates and CDA amplitudes in the 2-item and 2-item-2
      distractor conditions were comparable for field independence (FI) participants.
      Field dependence (FD) participants performed worse, and the CDA amplitude was
      enhanced when distractors appeared. These results indicated that FI participants
      can filter out task-irrelevant information more efficiently than FD participants.
      The main difference between FD and FI individuals is their inhibition function. 

PMID- 25135353
TI  - Frequency-dependent signal processing in apical dendrites of hippocampal CA1
      pyramidal cells.
AB  - Depending on an animal's behavioral state, hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells
      receive distinct patterns of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs. The time
      dependent changes in the frequencies of these inputs and the nonuniform
      distribution of voltage-gated channels lead to dynamic fluctuations in membrane
      conductance. In this study, using a whole-cell patch-clamp method, we attempted
      to record and analyze the frequency dependencies of membrane responsiveness in
      Wistar rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells following noise current injection
      directly into dendrites and somata under pharmacological blockade of all synaptic
      inputs. To estimate the frequency-dependent properties of membrane potential,
      membrane impedance was determined from the voltage response divided by the input
      current in the frequency domain. The cell membrane of most neurons showed low
      pass filtering properties in all regions. In particular, the properties were
      strongly expressed in the somata or proximal dendrites. Moreover, the data
      revealed nonuniform distribution of dendritic impedance, which was high in the
      intermediate segment of the apical dendritic shaft (~220-260MUm from the soma).
      The low-pass filtering properties in the apical dendrites were more enhanced by
      membrane depolarization than those in the somata. Coherence spectral analysis
      revealed high coherence between the input signal and the output voltage response
      in the theta-gamma frequency range, and large lags emerged in the distal
      dendrites in the gamma frequency range. Our results suggest that apical dendrites
      of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells integrate synaptic inputs according to the
      frequency components of the input signal along the dendritic segments receiving
      the inputs. 

PMID- 25135350
TI  - Folic acid supplementation in pregnancy and implications in health and disease.
AB  - Maternal exposure to dietary factors during pregnancy can influence embryonic
      development and may modulate the phenotype of offspring through epigenetic
      programming. Folate is critical for nucleotide synthesis, and preconceptional
      intake of dietary folic acid (FA) is credited with reduced incidences of neural
      tube defects in infants. While fortification of grains with FA resulted in a
      positive public-health outcome, concern has been raised for the need for further
      investigation of unintended consequences and potential health hazards arising
      from excessive FA intakes, especially following reports that FA may exert
      epigenetic effects. The objective of this article is to discuss the role of FA in
      human health and to review the benefits, concerns and epigenetic effects of
      maternal FA on the basis of recent findings that are important to design future
      studies. 

PMID- 25135354
TI  - Phosphorylation enhances recombinant HSP27 neuroprotection against focal cerebral
      ischemia in mice.
AB  - Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) exerts cytoprotection against many cellular insults
      including cerebral ischemia. We previously indicated that intravenous injection
      of HSP27 purified from human lymphocytes (hHSP27) significantly reduced infarct
      volume following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, while recombinant HSP27
      (rHSP27) was less effective. Phosphorylation is important for HSP27 function, and
      hHSP27 was more highly phosphorylated than rHSP27. We hypothesized that MAPKAP
      kinase 2 in vitro-phosphorylated rHSP27 (prHSP27) might increase its brain
      protection. Mice underwent transient 1-h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO),
      and then received tail-vein injections of one of the following 1h after
      reperfusion: hHSP27 as positive control, rHSP27, prHSP27, or bovine serum albumin
      (BSA) as control. We measured infarct volume, neurological deficits, neurological
      severity, physiological parameters, cell-death, oxidative stress, and
      inflammatory response. Compared with BSA controls (30.7+/-3.1mm(3), n=5), infarct
      volume was reduced by 67% in the hHSP27 positive-control group (10.1+/-4.6mm(3),
      P<0.001, n=5), 17% following rHSP27 (25.4+/-3.6mm(3), P<0.05, n=5), and 46%
      following prHSP27 (16.5+/-4.0mm(3), P<0.001, n=9). Compared to the rHSP27 and BSA
      treated groups, prHSP27 also reduced functional deficits, and significantly
      suppressed apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. Here, we
      showed the superior neuroprotective effects of phosphorylated HSP27 by
      administering prHSP27. prHSP27 may be a useful therapeutic agent to protect
      against acute cerebral ischemic stroke. 

PMID- 25135355
TI  - Down-regulation of PPARalpha in the spinal cord contributes to augmented
      peripheral inflammation and inflammatory hyperalgesia in diet-induced obese rats.
AB  - Obesity is associated with augmented peripheral inflammation and pain sensitivity
      in response to inflammatory stimulation, but the underlying mechanisms remain
      unclear. Emerging evidence has shown that activation of peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) in the central nervous system controls
      peripheral inflammation and pain. We hypothesized that obesity might down
      regulate PPARalpha in the spinal cord, leading to enhanced peripheral
      inflammation and inflammatory hyperalgesia. Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat
      diet (HF) for 12weeks developed metabolic disorder and displayed significantly
      decreased spinal PPARalpha expression and activity. Interestingly,
      intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of the PPARalpha activator
      palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in HF-fed rats for 2weeks normalized spinal PPARalpha
      expression and activity without altering metabolic parameters. HF-fed rats were
      more sensitive to stimulation of the inflamed paw, and exhibited more severe paw
      edema following carrageenan injection, whereas HF-fed rats receiving ICV PEA had
      similar pain sensitivity and paw edema to LF-fed rats. No difference in the
      expression of inflammatory mediators or nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activity was
      observed at baseline among groups. Carrageenan induced decreased PPARalpha
      expression and activity, increased spinal cord inflammatory mediator expression
      and NF-kappaB activity in both LF-and HF-fed rats. However, the increase was more
      pronounced in HF-fed rats and corrected by PEA. Intrathecal injection of small
      interfering RNA (siRNA) against PPARalpha in HF-fed rats completely abolished PEA
      effects on peripheral pain sensitivity and paw edema. These findings suggest that
      diet-induced obesity causes down-regulation of spinal PPARalpha, which
      facilitates the susceptibility to peripheral inflammatory challenge by increasing
      inflammatory response in the spinal cord, contributing to augmented peripheral
      inflammation and inflammatory hyperalgesia in obesity. 

PMID- 25135356
TI  - Loudness modulation after transient and permanent hearing loss: implications for
      tinnitus and hyperacusis.
AB  - Loudness is the primary perceptual correlate of sound intensity. The relationship
      between sound intensity and loudness is not fixed, and can be modified by short
      term sound deprivation or stimulation. Deprivation increases sound sensitivity,
      whereas stimulation decreases it. We review the effects of short-term auditory
      deprivation and stimulation on the auditory central nervous system of humans and
      animals, and we extend the discussion to permanent auditory deprivation (hearing
      loss) and auditory pathologies of loudness perception. Although there is
      sufficient evidence to conclude that loudness can be modulated in normal hearing
      listeners by temporary sound deprivation and stimulation, evidence is scanter for
      the hearing-impaired listeners. In addition, cortical effects of sound
      deprivation and stimulation in humans, which may correlate with loudness coding,
      are still largely unknown and should be the target of future research. 

PMID- 25135357
TI  - Mechanisms and targets of the modulatory action of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) on
      inflammatory cytokines expression.
AB  - A number of experimental studies has documented that S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO),
      the main endogenous low-molecular-weight S-nitrosothiol, can exert modulatory
      effects on inflammatory processes, thus supporting its potential employment in
      medicine for the treatment of important disease conditions. At molecular level,
      GSNO effects have been shown to modulate the activity of a series of
      transcription factors (notably NF-kappaB, AP-1, CREB and others) as well as other
      components of signal transduction chains (e.g. IKK-beta, caspase 1, calpain and
      others), resulting in the modulation of several cytokines and chemokines
      expression (TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-8, RANTES, MCP-1 and others).
      Results reported to date are however not univocal, and a single main mechanism of
      action for the observed anti-inflammatory effects of GSNO has not been
      identified. Conflicting observations can be explained by differences among the
      various cell types studies as to the relative abundance of enzymes in charge of
      GSNO metabolism (GSNO reductase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, protein disulfide
      isomerase and others), as well as by variables associated with the individual
      experimental models employed. Altogether, anti-inflammatory properties of GSNO
      seem however to prevail, and exploration of the therapeutic potential of GSNO and
      analogues appears therefore warranted.

PMID- 25135358
TI  - Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies in the Czech Republic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD2) include
      a number of disorders with heterogeneous etiology that cause predominantly
      weakness and wasting of the shoulder and pelvic girdle muscles. In this study, we
      determined the frequency of LGMD subtypes within a cohort of Czech LGMD2 patients
      using mutational analysis of the CAPN3, FKRP, SGCA, and ANO5 genes. METHODS: PCR
      sequencing analysis; sequence capture and targeted resequencing. RESULTS:
      Mutations of the CAPN3 gene are the most common cause of LGMD2, and mutations in
      this gene were identified in 71 patients in a set of 218 Czech probands with a
      suspicion of LGMD2. Totally, we detected 37 different mutations of which 12 have
      been described only in Czech LGMD2A patients. The mutation c.550delA is the most
      frequent among our LGMD2A probands and was detected in 47.1% of CAPN3 mutant
      alleles. The frequency of particular forms of LGMD2 was 32.6% for LGMD2A (71
      probands), 4.1% for LGMD2I (9 probands), 2.8% for LGMD2D (6 probands), and 1.4%
      for LGMD2L (3 probands).Further, we present the first results of a new approach
      established in the Czech Republic for diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases:
      sequence capture and targeted resequencing. Using this approach, we identified
      patients with mutations in the DYSF and SGCB genes. CONCLUSIONS: We characterised
      a cohort of Czech LGMD2 patients on the basis of mutation analysis of genes
      associated with the most common forms of LGMD2 in the European population and
      subsequently compared the occurrence of particular forms of LGMD2 among countries
      on the basis of our results and published studies.

PMID- 25135359
TI  - Ethnomedicinal and phytochemical review of Pakistani medicinal plants used as
      antibacterial agents against Escherichia coli.
AB  - Medicinal plants have always been part of human culture and have the potential to
      cure different diseases caused by microorganisms. In Pakistan, biologists are
      mainly focusing on plants' antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli due
      to its increasing resistance to antibiotics. In total, extracts from 34
      ethnomedicinally valuable Pakistani plants were reported for in-vitro anti-E.
      coli activities. Mostly methanolic extracts of medicinal plants were used in
      different studies, which have shown comparatively higher inhibitory activities
      against E. coli than n-hexane and aqueous extracts. It has been found that
      increasing concentration (mg/ml) of methanolic extract can significantly increase
      (p<0.01) anti-E. coli activities. Not all medicinal plants are extracted in
      solvents others than above, which should also be tested against E. coli.
      Moreover, medicinal plant species must be fully explored phytochemically, which
      may lead to the development of new drugs.

PMID- 25135361
TI  - Interaction of Leukocyte Elastase Inhibitor/L-DNase II with BCL-2 and BAX.
AB  - Leukocyte Elastase Inhibitor (LEI, also called serpin B1) is a protein involved
      in apoptosis among other physiological processes. We have previously shown that
      upon cleavage by its cognate protease, LEI is transformed into L-DNase II, a
      protein with a pro-apoptotic activity. The caspase independent apoptotic pathway,
      in which L-DNase II is the final effector, interacts with other pro-apoptotic
      molecules like Poly-ADP-Ribose polymerase (PARP) or Apoptosis Inducing Factor
      (AIF). The screening of LEI/L-DNase II interactions showed a possible interaction
      with several members of the BCL-2 family of proteins which are known to have a
      central role in the regulation of caspase dependent cell death. In this study, we
      investigated the regulation of LEI/L-DNase II pathway by two members of this
      family of proteins: BAX and BCL-2, which have opposite effects on cell survival.
      We show that, in both BHK and HeLa cells, LEI/L-DNase II can interact with BCL-2
      and BAX in apoptotic and non-apoptotic conditions. These proteins which are
      usually thought to be anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic respectively, both inhibit
      the L-DNase II pro-apoptotic activity. These results give further insight in the
      regulation of caspase independent pathways and highlight the involvement of the
      intracellular environment of a given protein in the determinism of its function.
      They also add a link between caspase-dependent and independent pathways of
      apoptosis. 

PMID- 25135362
TI  - Ubiquitin proteasome system-mediated degradation of synaptic proteins: An update
      from the postsynaptic side.
AB  - The ubiquitin proteasome system is one of the principle mechanisms for the
      regulation of protein homeostasis in mammalian cells. In dynamic cellular
      structures such as neuronal synapses, ubiquitin proteasome system and protein
      translation provide an efficient way for cells to respond promptly to local
      stimulation and regulate neuroplasticity. The majority of research related to
      long-term plasticity has been focused on the postsynapses and has shown that
      ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of specific proteins are involved in
      various activity-dependent plasticity events. This review summarizes recent
      achievements in understanding ubiquitination of postsynaptic proteins and its
      impact on synapse plasticity and discusses the direction for advancing future
      research in the field.

PMID- 25135360
TI  - "Fast track" rehabilitation after gastric cancer resection: experience with 80
      consecutive cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and outcomes of fast-track
      rehabilitation applied to gastric cancer proximal, distal and total gastrectomy.
      METHODS: Eighty consecutive patients undergoing gastric cancer resection
      performed by a single surgeon, received perioperative multimodal rehabilitation.
      Demographic and operative data, gastrointestinal function, postoperative hospital
      stays, surgical and general complications and mortality were assessed
      prospectively. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients (mean age 56.3 years), 10 (12.5%)
      received proximal subtotal gastrectomy (Billroth I), 38 (47.5%) received distal
      (Billroth II), and 32 (40%) received total gastrectomy (Roux-en-Y). Mean
      operative time was 104.9 minutes and intraoperative blood loss was 281.9 ml. Time
      to first flatus was 2.8 +/- 0.5 postoperative days. Patients were discharged at a
      mean of 5.3 +/- 2.2 postoperative days; 30-day readmission rate was 3.8%. In
      hospital mortality was 0%; general and surgical complications were both 5%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fast-track multimodal rehabilitation is feasible and safe in
      patients undergoing gastric cancer resection and may reduce time to first flatus
      and postoperative hospital stays.

PMID- 25135363
TI  - Aerobic granular sludge mediated biodegradation of an organophosphorous ester,
      dibutyl phosphite.
AB  - Dibutyl phosphite, an organophosphorous compound, finds applications in different
      chemical industries and processes. Here, we report an efficient approach of
      biodegradation to be eventually used in bioremediation of dibutyl phosphite.
      Aerobic granules capable of dibutyl phosphite biodegradation were cultivated in a
      sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The SBR was operated with a 24-h cycle by feeding
      with dibutyl phosphite as a cosubstrate along with acetate. During the course of
      the SBR operation, aerobic granules of 0.9 +/- 0.3 mm size were developed.
      Complete biodegradation of 1.4, 2 and 3 mM of dibutyl phosphite was achieved in
      4, 5 and 8 h, respectively, accompanied by stoichiometric release of phosphite
      (H3 PO3). Phosphatase activity in the dibutyl phosphite-degrading granular
      biomass was 3- and 1.5-fold higher as compared to the activated sludge (seed
      biomass) and acetate-fed aerobic granules, respectively, indicating involvement
      in the hydrolysis of dibutyl phosphite. Microbial community analysis by t-RFLP
      showed the presence of 12 different bacterial types. Two bacterial strains
      capable of growth on dibutyl phosphite as sole carbon source were isolated and
      characterized as Acidovorax sp. and Sphingobium sp. The results show that aerobic
      microbial granules based process is suitable for the treatment of dibutyl
      phosphite contaminated water.

PMID- 25135364
TI  - Left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction: the influence of
      viability and revascularization - an echocardiographic substudy of the VIAMI
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Viability seems to be important in preventing ventricular remodeling
      after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We investigated the influence of
      viability, as demonstrated with low-dose dobutamine echocardiography, and the
      role of early revascularization on the process of left ventricular (LV)
      remodeling after AMI. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 224 patients who
      were initially included in the viability-guided angioplasty after acute
      myocardial infarction-trial (VIAMI-trial). Patients in the VIAMI-trial did not
      undergo a primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention and were stable in
      the early in-hospital phase. Patients underwent viability testing within 72 hours
      after AMI. Patients with viability were randomized to an invasive strategy or an
      ischemia-guided strategy. Follow-up echocardiography was performed at a mean of
      205 days. In this echocardiographic substudy, patients were divided into three
      new groups: group 1, viable and revascularized before follow-up echocardiogram;
      group 2, viable, but medically treated; and group 3, non-viable patients.
      RESULTS: Group 1 showed preservation of LV volume indices. The ejection fraction
      (EF) increased significantly from 54.0% to 57.5% (P = 0.047). Group 2 showed a
      significant increase in LV volume indices with no improvement in EF (53.3% versus
      53.0%, P = 0.86). Group 3 showed a significant increase in LV volume indices,
      with a decrease in EF from 53.5% to 49.1% (P = 0.043). Multivariate logistic
      regression analysis indicated the number of viable segments and revascularization
      during follow-up as independent predictors for EF improvement, especially in
      patients with lower EF at baseline. CONCLUSION: Viability early after AMI is
      associated with improvement in LV function after revascularization. When viable
      myocardium is not revascularized, the LV tends to remodel with increased LV
      volumes, without improvement of EF. Absence of viability results in ventricular
      dilatation and deterioration of EF, irrespective of revascularization status.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00149591 (assigned: 6 September 2005).

PMID- 25135365
TI  - Topics of internal medicine for undergraduate dental education: a qualitative
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Due to the ageing population, internal medicine has become
      increasingly important for dental education. Although several studies have
      reported dentists' dissatisfaction with their internal medicine training, no
      guidelines exist for internal medicine learning objectives in dental education.
      The aim of this study was to identify topics of internal medicine considered to
      be relevant for dental education by dentists and internists. METHODS: Eight
      dentists from private dental practices in Hamburg and eight experienced internal
      medicine consultants from Hamburg University Hospital were recruited for semi
      structured interviews about internal medicine topics relevant for dentists.
      Internal diseases were clustered into representative subspecialties. Dentists and
      internists were also asked to rate medical diseases or emergencies compiled from
      the literature by their relevance to dental education. RESULTS: Coagulopathy and
      endocarditis were rated highest by dentists, whilst anaphylaxis was rated highest
      by internists. Dentists rated hepatitis, HIV, organ transplantation and head/neck
      neoplasm significantly higher than internists. The largest number of different
      internal diseases mentioned by dentists or internists could be clustered under
      cardiovascular diseases. The number of specific diseases dentists considered to
      be relevant for dental education was higher in the subspecialties cardiovascular
      diseases, haematology/oncology and infectiology. CONCLUSION: We identified the
      internal medicine topics most relevant for dental education by surveying
      practising dentists and internists. The relevance of these topics should be
      confirmed by larger quantitative studies to develop guidelines how to design
      specific learning objectives for internal medicine in the dental curriculum.

PMID- 25135366
TI  - Gastrointestinal cancer: FOLFIRI plus cetuximab--preferred first-line treatment
      for mCRC.

PMID- 25135368
TI  - Breast cancer: Subclones-go forth and mutate.

PMID- 25135369
TI  - Breast cancer: PALB2--a new player in hereditary breast cancer.

PMID- 25135367
TI  - Precision therapy for lymphoma--current state and future directions.
AB  - Modern advances in genomics and cancer biology have produced an unprecedented
      body of knowledge regarding the molecular pathogenesis of lymphoma. The diverse
      histological subtypes of lymphoma are molecularly heterogeneous, and most likely
      arise from distinct oncogenic mechanisms. In parallel to these advances in
      lymphoma biology, several new classes of molecularly targeted agents have been
      developed with varying degrees of efficacy across the different types of
      lymphoma. In general, the development of new drugs for treating lymphoma has been
      mostly empiric, with a limited knowledge of the molecular target, its involvement
      in the disease, and the effect of the drug on the target. Thus, the variability
      observed in clinical responses likely results from underlying molecular
      heterogeneity. In the era of personalized medicine, the challenge for the
      treatment of patients with lymphoma will involve correctly matching a molecularly
      targeted therapy to the unique genetic and molecular composition of each
      individual lymphoma. In this Review, we discuss current and emerging biomarkers
      that can guide treatment decisions for patients with lymphoma, and explore the
      potential challenges and strategies for making biomarker-driven personalized
      medicine a reality in the cure and management of this disease. 

PMID- 25135371
TI  - Impact of osteoid osteomas of the hip on the size and fatty infiltration of the
      thigh muscles.
AB  - We aimed to assess the impact of osteoid osteomas of the hip on the size and
      fatty infiltration of the muscle thigh in 42 patients. The thigh circumference,
      cross-sectional areas, and fatty atrophy of four anterior muscles were assessed
      on magnetic resonance axial T1-weighted images. A significant fatty atrophy was
      found in the studied muscles of the ipsilateral thigh except for the rectus
      femoris. No significant association was demonstrated with pain duration
      suggesting that muscle atrophy may rather be related to the locoregional
      inflammation than subsequent to the disuse of the limb. 

PMID- 25135370
TI  - An economic evaluation of maxillary implant overdentures based on six vs. four
      implants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to assess the value for money
      achieved by bar-retained implant overdentures based on six implants compared with
      four implants as treatment alternatives for the edentulous maxilla. METHODS: A
      Markov decision tree model was constructed and populated with parameter estimates
      for implant and denture failure as well as patient-centred health outcomes as
      available from recent literature. The decision scenario was modelled within a ten
      year time horizon and relied on cost reimbursement regulations of the German
      health care system. The cost-effectiveness threshold was identified above which
      the six-implant solution is preferable over the four-implant solution.
      Uncertainties regarding input parameters were incorporated via one-way and
      probabilistic sensitivity analysis based on Monte-Carlo simulation. RESULTS:
      Within a base case scenario of average treatment complexity, the cost
      effectiveness threshold was identified to be 17,564 ? per year of denture
      satisfaction gained above of which the alternative with six implants is
      preferable over treatment including four implants. Sensitivity analysis yielded
      that, depending on the specification of model input parameters such as patients'
      denture satisfaction, the respective cost-effectiveness threshold varies
      substantially. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that bar
      retained maxillary overdentures based on six implants provide better patient
      satisfaction than bar-retained overdentures based on four implants but are
      considerably more expensive. Final judgements about value for money require more
      comprehensive clinical evidence including patient-centred health outcomes.

PMID- 25135372
TI  - Pregnancy outcomes of mothers with an alcohol-related diagnosis: a population
      based cohort study for the period 1983-2007.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine fetal outcomes of mothers with an alcohol-related
      diagnosis. DESIGN: Population-based cohort. SETTING: Western Australia (WA).
      POPULATION: Births on the WA Midwives Notification System (1983-2007). METHODS:
      Infants of mothers with an alcohol-related diagnosis [International
      Classification of Disease (ICD), 9th/10th revisions] recorded on WA health data
      sets (non-Aboriginal n = 13 807; Aboriginal n = 9766) were identified through the
      WA data linkage system. A comparison cohort of infants born to mothers without an
      alcohol diagnosis was frequency matched on maternal age, year of birth of the
      offspring, and Aboriginal status (non-Aboriginal n = 40 148; Aboriginal n = 20
      643). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Poisson regression-generated adjusted relative risk
      (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for small for gestational age (SGA),
      preterm birth, and low-Apgar score, calculated separately for non-Aboriginal and
      Aboriginal infants of mothers with an alcohol diagnosis recorded during pregnancy
      and any alcohol diagnosis. Population-attributable fractions were calculated.
      RESULTS: The aRR for non-Aboriginal infants when a maternal alcohol diagnosis was
      recorded during pregnancy ranged from 1.79 (95% CI 1.42-2.16) for SGA to 2.57
      (95% CI 1.69-4.27) for preterm birth <32 weeks of gestation, and for Aboriginal
      infants ranged from 2.69 (95% CI 2.28-3.16) to 1.99 (95% CI 1.40-2.84),
      respectively. The highest population-attributable fractions were for any alcohol
      diagnosis and for Aboriginal infants. For Aboriginal births, approximately 9%
      (95% CI 4.74-12.97) and 10.1% (95% CI 5.50-14.49) of moderate and very preterm
      births, respectively, and 24.4% (95% CI 13.5-21.2%) of SGAs were attributable to
      having a mother with any alcohol-related diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers with an
      alcohol diagnosis are at increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. The public
      health impact of maternal alcohol-use disorders on fetal outcomes is significant.

PMID- 25135374
TI  - [Hyperostosis of the internal auditory canal : An incidental finding?].
AB  - In contrast to the fairly common exostoses in the external auditory canal,
      hyperostoses and osteomas of the internal auditory canal are extremely rare. In
      this case report we present a patient with sudden right-sided sensorineural
      hearing loss, in whom imaging revealed hyperostosis with bilateral stenosis of
      the internal auditory canal. Whether the connection of such radiological findings
      with dysfunction of cranial nerves VII and VIII be causal or coincidental is
      controversially discussed in the literature. Therefore, the indication for
      surgical intervention should be considered with extreme caution. Despite
      examination of our radiology database comprising almost 1000 MRI/CT temporal bone
      investigations, we could find no other cases of hyperostosis of the petrous bone.
      This case thus represents a rare disease, which should be considered a
      differential diagnosis. 

PMID- 25135373
TI  - [How reliable are non-instrumental assessment tools for dysphagia?].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The requirement for otorhinolaryngologists and phoniatricians to
      diagnose dysphagia and evaluate its extent is on the rise, particularly in light
      of demographic changes. The gold standards in confirmatory diagnostics are
      fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and the videofluoroscopic
      swallowing examination (VFS). Standardized assessments, such as questionnaires or
      assessments involving probatory swallows are often applied as screening or
      supportive measures. This article aims to give a critical overview of the
      assessment tools frequently used in clinical routine. Test quality is assessed,
      particularly compared to FEES and VFS. METHODS: A selective literature search
      using PubMed has been conducted. RESULTS: On the basis of this lierature search,
      48 assessment tools were identified. These can be classified into screening
      tools, instrument-based tools (implementation standards and evaluation protocols)
      and questionnaire-based assessment inventories. DISCUSSION: In order to diagnose
      and evaluate dysphagia on the basis of assessment critieria, clinicians should be
      aware of indications for, as well as the advantages, disadvantages and test
      quality of the assessment tools. Considering the different assessment tools for
      anamnesis and probatory swallowing, rather low sensitivities and specificities
      for possible penetration and aspiration are evident. In cases where these
      symptoms of dysphagia are not evident and reliably assessable, confirmatory
      assessment via FEES or VFS is essential.

PMID- 25135375
TI  - [Olfactory function in old age].
AB  - Olfactory function decreases with age. This is frequent: one in four individuals
      above 52 years of age exhibits olfactory loss. This decrease in olfactory
      function can be seen at all levels of olfactory information processing, both on a
      functional and a morphological level. Recent studies, however, indicate that
      olfactory loss with age may not be an inevitable fate. 

PMID- 25135376
TI  - Associations among late chronotype, body mass index and dietary behaviors in
      young adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Levels of pediatric obesity continue to rise. Previous
      evidence has linked short sleep duration and/or poor sleep quality to obesity
      development, although objective data are limited. As adolescents transition
      through puberty, circadian shifts occur, resulting in sleep loss. However, little
      is known whether chronotype is associated with body mass index (BMI) or dietary
      behaviors in adolescents. We hypothesized late chronotype would be positively
      associated with BMI and poorer dietary behaviors. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of
      511 UK young adolescents (11-13 years) from eight secondary schools across the
      Midlands region (UK) participated in the Midlands Adolescent Schools Sleep
      Education Study (MASSES), a cross-sectional study to assess potential
      relationships between chronotype and BMI z-score as well as dietary habits.
      Height (cm) and weight (kg) were objectively measured for BMI calculation and
      participants completed a questionnaire to assess dietary habits. A subsample of
      236 adolescents wore wrist actigraphy for 7 days to estimate average sleep
      duration (weekday, weekend and combined) and sleep efficiency. RESULTS:
      Definitely evening chronotype was positively associated with BMI z-score compared
      to definitely morning chronotypes beta = 0.51, P < 0.01, after adjustment. Higher
      frequency of consuming unhealthy snacks, night-time caffeine consumption and
      inadequate daily intake of fruit/vegetables were also associated with later
      chronotype (all P ? 0.01). Actigraphy estimated sleep duration was an independent
      predictor of BMI z-score beta = -0.36, P < 0.001. Sleep efficiency did not
      predict BMI z-score after adjustment, beta = -0.03, P = 0.07. CONCLUSIONS: Later
      chronotype young adolescents are at risk of increased BMI and poorer dietary
      behaviors. Although short sleep duration, but not sleep efficiency, was also an
      independent risk factor for increased BMI, different mechanisms may be driving
      the late chronotype and shorter sleep duration associations with BMI in this age
      group. Sleep hygiene education may help adolescents to better understand the
      impact of sleeping habits on physical health.

PMID- 25135377
TI  - Does the FTO gene interact with the socioeconomic status on the obesity
      development among young European children? Results from the IDEFICS study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various twin studies revealed that the influence of genetic factors
      on psychological diseases or behaviour is more expressed in socioeconomically
      advantaged environments. Other studies predominantly show an inverse association
      between socioeconomic status (SES) and childhood obesity in Western developed
      countries. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the fat mass and
      obesity-associated (FTO) gene interacts with the SES on childhood obesity in a
      subsample (N = 4406) of the IDEFICS (Identification and prevention of Dietary-
      and lifestyle-induced health EFfects In Children and infantS) cohort. METHODS: A
      structural equation model (SEM) is applied with the latent constructs obesity,
      dietary intakes, physical activity and fitness habits, and parental SES to
      estimate the main effects of the latter three variables and a FTO polymorphism on
      childhood obesity. Further, a multiple group SEM is used to explore whether an
      interaction effect exists between the single nucleotide polymorphism rs9939609
      within the FTO gene and SES. RESULTS: Significant main effects are shown for
      physical activity and fitness (standardised [betacrc ](s) = -0.113), SES
      ([betacrc ](s) = -0.057) and the FTO homozygous AA risk genotype ([betacrc ](s) =
      -0.177). The explained variance of obesity is ~9%. According to the multiple
      group approach of SEM, we see an interaction between SES and FTO with respect to
      their effect on childhood obesity (Deltachi(2) = 7.3, df = 2, P = 0.03).
      CONCLUSION: Children carrying the protective FTO genotype TT seem to be more
      protected by a favourable social environment regarding the development of obesity
      than children carrying the AT or AA genotype.

PMID- 25135378
TI  - Analysis of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome treated at the Mie
      University Hospital: concentration of C3 p.I1157T mutation.
AB  - Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is caused by abnormalities of the
      complement system and has a significantly poor prognosis. The clinical phenotypes
      of 12 patients in nine families with aHUS with familial or recurrent onset and
      ADAMTS13 activity of >=20 % treated at the Mie University Hospital were examined.
      In seven of the patients, the first episode of aHUS occurred during childhood and
      ten patients experienced a relapse. All patients had renal dysfunction and three
      had been treated with hemodialysis. Seven patients experienced probable
      triggering events including common cold, influenza, bacterial infection and/or
      vaccination for influenza. All patients had entered remission, and renal function
      was improved in 11 patients. DNA sequencing of six candidate genes, identified a
      C3 p.I1157T missense mutation in all eight patients in six families examined and
      this mutation was causative for aHUS. A causative mutation THBD p.D486Y was also
      identified in an aHUS patient. Four missense mutations, CFH p.V837I, p.Y1058H,
      p.V1060L and THBD p.R403K may predispose to aHUS manifestation; the remaining
      seven missense mutations were likely neutral. In conclusion, the clinical
      phenotypes of aHUS are various, and there are often trigger factors. The C3
      p.I1157T mutation was identified as the causative mutation for aHUS in all
      patients examined, and may be geographically concentrated in or around the Mie
      prefecture in central Japan. 

PMID- 25135379
TI  - University Gynaecology and Obstetrics, quo vadis? A Department of Women's Health
      University Women's Hospital of the future?
AB  - PURPOSE: Numerous changes in society, science and health care challenge
      gynaecology and obstetrics. These challenges include the maintenance of
      excellence in research, commercial potential and clinical innovation, as well as
      the maintenance of adequate human resources, new standards for patient
      orientation and individualised medicine. METHODS: Based on a SWOT analysis of the
      status quo, of local and national quality data, a search regarding national
      conceptions and of international best practice for women's health centres, the
      model of a Department of Women's Health was developed. RESULTS: The Department,
      consisting of a University Hospital and a Research Institute, should interlink
      clinical care and science. With the establishment of the department, a pool of
      expertise is achieved which encompasses gynaecology and obstetrics from basic
      care to the high-technology segments, as well as all the scientific areas
      relevant to the medical discipline and women's health, including health services
      research. Preservation and attraction of personnel resources are based on the
      department's excellence, on reliable perspectives and the flexibility of job
      profiles, which also result from the close connection between care and research
      and the expansion of perspectives on women's health. CONCLUSIONS: Methodological
      diversity and inter-professionalism build the appropriate base for the further
      development of research fields. At the same time, the Department creates space
      for the consolidation of the core areas and the integration of sub-disciplines
      (clinical and scientific) to maintain the unity of this discipline. Via the
      scientific monitoring of the implementation, suitable elements can be highlighted
      for transfer to other facilities.

PMID- 25135380
TI  - Relationship between first trimester visualization of the intracranial
      translucency and spina bifida.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish a reference range for the intracranial translucency (IT).
      METHODS: In this prospective study, we examined 596 singleton fetuses at 11-14
      weeks of gestation using transabdominal ultrasonography. The distribution curves
      of the anterior-posterior diameter of the IT were established according to the
      gestational weeks, and the percentiles for 11-14 weeks of gestation were
      calculated. Regression analysis was performed to estimate the relationship
      between the anterior-posterior diameter of the IT and other fetal biometric
      parameters. RESULTS: The mean anterior-posterior diameter of the IT was 1.8 +/-
      0.4 mm. From 11 to 14 weeks of gestation, the IT diameter increased linearly with
      advancing gestation. The linear regression equation for the IT * crown-rump
      length (CRL) was IT = CRL * 0.0184 + 0.575 (R = 0.385, p < 0.001). The linear
      regression equation for the IT * biparietal diameter (BPD) was IT = BPD * 0.0532
      + 0.632 (R = 0.346, p < 0.001). The linear regression equation for IT *
      gestational age (days) (GA) was ICT = GA * 0.024 - 0.339 (R = 0.25, p < 0.001).
      The linear regression analysis revealed significant correlations of the IT with
      CRL, BPD, and GA. CONCLUSION: The IT increases linearly with increasing CRL, BPD,
      gestational age in weeks, and gestational age in days.

PMID- 25135381
TI  - Modest cooling therapies (35oC to 37.5oC) for traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal models of traumatic brain injury suggest that induced
      normothermia (36.5 or 37 oC), compared to induced hyperthermia (39 oC), improves
      histopathological and neurobehavioural outcomes. Observational clinical studies
      of patients with TBI suggest an association between raised body temperature and
      unfavourable outcome, although this relationship is inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess the effects of modest cooling therapies (defined as any drug or physical
      therapy aimed at maintaining body temperature between 35 oC and 37.5 oC) when
      applied to patients in the first week after traumatic brain injury. SEARCH
      METHODS: The most recent search was run on 23(rd) September 2013. We searched the
      Cochrane Injuries Group's Specialised Register, The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL),
      MEDLINE (OvidSP), Embase (OvidSP), ISI WOS: SCI-EXPANDED (1970) & CPCI-S (1990),
      PubMed and trials registries together with reference checking. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: All completed randomised, controlled and placebo-controlled trials
      published or unpublished, where modest cooling therapies were applied in the
      first week after traumatic brain injury. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
      authors independently applied the selection criteria to relevant trials. MAIN
      RESULTS: We were unable to find any randomised controlled trials of modest
      cooling therapies after traumatic brain injury. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In order to
      further explore the preliminary findings provided by animal models and
      observational clinical studies that suggests there may be a beneficial effect of
      modest cooling for TBI, randomised trials designed to explore the effect of these
      interventions on patient-centred outcomes are needed.

PMID- 25135382
TI  - Minimum 1-year results of mesh spiral-sling procedure in managing refractory and
      primary disabling stress urinary incontinence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We present our minimum 1-year results with a mesh
      spiral-sling procedure (MSSP) for managing refractory and disabling stress
      urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. METHODS: Thirty-four women were treated with
      MSSP between 2007 and 2011. Six had incomplete data and were excluded from
      analysis. Study cohort comprised 21 women with refractory (mean number of
      previous surgeries 2.2; range 1-6) and seen with primary disabling SUI. All
      patients had marked intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) with a Valsalva leak
      point pressure (VLPP) <60 cm H2O. Preoperative workup included assessing the
      impact of voiding symptoms using the International Consultation on Incontinence
      Questionnaire--Short Form (ICIQ-SF), estimating the daily number of pads, and
      urodynamic studies. Preoperative and postoperative findings were compared using
      the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Intraoperative unilateral bladder-neck
      perforation occurred in two women during dorsal urethrolysis. With a mean follow
      up of 26 months (range 12-48), SUI was cured in 71.4% of patients. Distal
      urethral reconstruction with vaginal mucosal flaps was performed in two patients
      with short urethral length (<2.5 cm) due to recurrence of SUI 10 months after
      MSSP. Mean ICIQ-SF score decreased from 19.4 +/- 3.6 preoperatively to 7.3 +/-
      2.8 postoperatively (p = 0.001). Mean daily pad number decreased from 5.2
      preoperatively to 1.2 postoperatively (p = 0.02). Urethral or vaginal erosion was
      not observed in any case during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Using spiral slings may be
      a viable option in managing refractory and disabling SUI.

PMID- 25135383
TI  - Effect of high-intensity training versus moderate training on peak oxygen uptake
      and chronotropic response in heart transplant recipients: a randomized crossover
      trial.
AB  - In heart transplant (HTx) recipients, there has been reluctance to recommend high
      intensity interval training (HIIT) due to denervation and chronotropic impairment
      of the heart. We compared the effects of 12 weeks' HIIT versus continued moderate
      exercise (CON) on exercise capacity and chronotropic response in stable HTx
      recipients >12 months after transplantation in a randomized crossover trial. The
      study was completed by 16 HTx recipients (mean age 52 years, 75% males). Baseline
      peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak ) was 22.9 mL/kg/min. HIIT increased VO2peak by 4.9
      +/- 2.7 mL/min/kg (17%) and CON by 2.6 +/- 2.2 mL/kg/min (10%) (significantly
      higher in HIIT; p < 0.001). During HIIT, systolic blood pressure decreased
      significantly (p = 0.037) with no significant change in CON (p = 0.241; between
      group difference p = 0.027). Peak heart rate (HRpeak ) increased significantly by
      4.3 beats per minute (p = 0.014) after HIIT with no significant change in CON (p
      = 0.34; between group difference p = 0.027). Heart rate recovery (HRrecovery )
      improved in both groups with a trend toward greater improvement after HIIT. The 5
      month washout showed a significant loss of improvement. HIIT was well tolerated,
      had a superior effect on oxygen uptake, and led to an unexpected increase in
      HRpeak accompanied by a faster HRrecovery . This indicates that the benefits of
      HIIT are partly a result of improved chronotropic response.

PMID- 25135385
TI  - Driving Ability in Patients with Severe Chronic Low Back or Osteoarthritis Knee
      Pain on Stable Treatment with Tapentadol Prolonged Release: A Multicenter, Open
      label, Phase 3b Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Strong centrally acting analgesics, including tapentadol prolonged
      release (PR), have demonstrated efficacy for the management of non-malignant,
      chronic pain. Maintaining patient independence, including the ability to drive
      safely, is a key goal of long-term analgesic therapy. This multicenter, open
      label, phase 3b trial evaluated the effects of tapentadol PR on driving ability.
      METHODS: This study included patients who had completed previous tapentadol PR
      trials for severe low back or osteoarthritis pain. After at least 6 weeks of dose
      stability, patients continued taking tapentadol PR (50-250 mg twice daily) and
      could take supplemental immediate-release tapentadol 50 mg, except on the day
      before or day of the driving test (before the test). Pain intensity was assessed
      using an 11-point numerical rating scale. The Vienna Test System-Traffic Plus was
      used to assess cognitive and psychomotor function. The key surrogate parameter
      for driving ability was a global judgment based on 6 battery tests. RESULTS:
      Thirty-eight patients enrolled and completed the trial, and 35 patients completed
      all 6 tests. Pain scores remained unchanged from enrollment to final visit [mean
      (standard deviation) change, -0.2 (1.0)]. Approximately two-thirds [65.7%
      (23/35)] of patients were classified as fit to drive based on the global judgment
      of driving-specific ability [34.3% (12/35) not fit to drive]. Total daily
      tapentadol PR dose (>200 vs. <=200 mg/day) did not affect global judgment of
      driving ability (P = 0.4885). Two adverse events (considered unrelated to study
      drug) were reported. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that most patients receiving a
      stable dose of tapentadol PR for severe, chronic pain would be able to drive,
      consistent with earlier studies evaluating stable treatment with strong opioids.
      Study design limitations and needs for individual patient assessment must be
      considered in clinical practice.

PMID- 25135384
TI  - Oxycodone/Naloxone: role in chronic pain management, opioid-induced constipation,
      and abuse deterrence.
AB  - The use of opioids in the treatment of chronic pain is widespread; the prevalence
      of specific opioids varies from country to country and depends on product
      availability, national formulary systems, and provider preferences. Patients
      often receive opioids for legitimate treatment of pain conditions, but on the
      opposite side of the spectrum, nonmedical use of opioids is a significant public
      health concern. Opioids are associated with several side effects, and
      constipation is the most commonly reported and persistent symptom. Unlike some
      adverse effects associated with opioid use, tolerance does not develop to
      constipation. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most prevalent patient
      complaint associated with opioid use and has been associated with declines in
      various quality of life measures. OIC can be extremely difficult for patients to
      tolerate and may prompt patients to decrease or discontinue opioid treatment.
      Current management strategies for OIC are often insufficient. A prolonged-release
      formulation of oxycodone/naloxone (OXN) has been investigated for the treatment
      of nonmalignant and cancer pain and mitigation of OIC, and evidence is largely
      favorable. Studies have demonstrated the capability of OXN to alleviate OIC while
      maintaining pain control comparable to oxycodone-only regimens. There is
      insufficient evidence for OXN efficacy for patients with mild OIC or patients
      maintained on high doses of opioids, and use in these populations is
      controversial. The reduction of costs associated with OIC may provide overall
      cost effectiveness with OXN. Additionally, the presence of naloxone may deter
      abuse/misuse by those seeking to misuse the formulation by modes of
      administration other than oral ingestion. Most studies to date have occurred in
      European countries, and phase 3 trials continue in the United States. This review
      will include current therapeutic options for pain and constipation, unique
      characteristics of OXN, evidence related to use of OXN and its place in therapy,
      discussion of opioid abuse/misuse, and various abuse-deterrent mechanisms, and
      areas of continuing research. 

PMID- 25135386
TI  - A Model-Based Meta-analysis to Compare Efficacy and Tolerability of Tramadol and
      Tapentadol for the Treatment of Chronic Non-Malignant Pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pain is a major symptom in many medical conditions which can be
      relieved thanks to analgesics. The goal of this work was to present an indirect
      comparison of efficacy and tolerability profiles of two analgesics, tramadol and
      tapentadol, in patients with chronic non-malignant pain. METHODS: In the absence
      of a head-to-head comparison between these two opioid drugs, model-based meta
      analyses were used to characterize the pain intensity time dynamics and evaluate
      the proportions of most frequent adverse events (constipation, nausea, vomiting,
      dizziness, and somnolence) and drop-outs (due to adverse event, as well as due to
      lack of efficacy) in each treatment group. Using these models, the
      investigational treatments were compared on the basis of Monte Carlo simulation
      outcomes. RESULTS: Data were extracted from 45 Phase II and Phase III studies
      representing a total of 81 treatment arms, i.e., approximately 13,000 patients.
      The pain intensity model shows, that after having adjusted for differences in
      baseline pain intensity and placebo effects, tramadol 300 mg once daily (qd) was
      slightly more effective in reducing pain than tapentadol 100-250 mg twice daily
      (bid), with a 46% change from baseline for the former versus 36% for the latter.
      From a tolerability standpoint, both drugs showed, as expected, increased risks
      of adverse events compared to placebo. Yet, tapentadol was associated with
      slightly lower risks of constipation, and nausea than tramadol. CONCLUSION:
      Overall, the analysis showed that the benefit-risk profiles of tramadol 300 mg qd
      and tapentadol 100-250 mg bid were approximately even. The amount of data to
      characterize dose-response relationships was sufficient only in the tramadol
      group; public access to tapentadol efficacy and tolerability readouts across a
      wide dose range in chronic non-malignant pain would allow a comparison of
      therapeutic indices, a straight quantitation of the benefit-risk ratio. Knowing
      that their side-effects have been identified as potential hindrance to
      prescription, a broad and open access to clinical trial data in this indication
      is encouraged in order to facilitate the evaluation of the opiate analgesics
      clinical utility.

PMID- 25135387
TI  - Systemic ropivacaine diminishes pain sensitization processes: a randomized,
      double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study in healthy volunteers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ropivacaine is a local anesthetic widely used for regional
      anesthesia. One of its advantages is low toxicity at plasma concentrations
      reached systemically during continuous peripheral or central nervous block. The
      objective of this study was to test the effect of systemic ropivacaine on pain,
      hyperalgesia, dynamic allodynia, and flare response. METHODS: This randomized,
      double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study was carried out in at the
      Clinical Trials Centre, University of Zurich, Switzerland. Twenty healthy male
      volunteers were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were contraindications
      or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, vulnerable subjects (intellectually or
      mental impaired), drug, alcohol or nicotine abuse, known peripheral neuropathies,
      diabetes mellitus and/or congestive heart disease. Ropivacaine and saline were
      infused intravenously during a subcutaneous electrical stimulation. The
      stimulation software adjusted the stimulus strength according to the rating on a
      numeric rating scale (NRS; 0-10) maintaining a NRS of 5. Areas of punctate
      hyperalgesia, dynamic allodynia, and flare response were measured before and
      after the infusion. RESULTS: The area of hyperalgesia increased significantly
      with saline (303 +/- 380%, P < 0.05) and ropivacaine (186 +/- 137%, P < 0.05).
      The area of allodynia (253 +/- 299%, P < 0.05) and flare response (112 +/- 24%, P
      < 0.05) increased only during the placebo infusion. CONCLUSION: The results of
      this study imply that systemic ropivacaine may diminish pain sensitization
      processes.

PMID- 25135388
TI  - Curcumin attenuates mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in chronic constrictive
      injury model of neuropathic pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to observe the effect of stress caused by
      neuropathic pain on serum cortisol concentration and expression of 11beta
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I enzyme (11betaHSD1) in spinal cord and dorsal
      root ganglions (DRG) and investigate the role and mechanism of curcumin in the
      neuropathic pain of stressful rats. Neuropathic pain is a prevalent disease that
      greatly impairs the patients' quality of life. A lack of the understanding of its
      etiology, inadequate relief, development of tolerance and potential toxicity of
      classical antinociceptives warrant the investigation of the newer agents to
      relieve this pain. The aim of the present study was to explore the
      antinociceptive effect of curcumin and its effect on expression of 11beta
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I enzyme (11betaHSD1) in spinal dorsal horn and
      DRG in chronic constriction injury (CCI) mode of neuropathic pain of rats.
      METHODS: Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups
      with 18 rats in each: sham operation group (Sham), chronic constrictive injury
      group (CCI), solvent contrast group (SC), and curcumin-treated group (Cur100).
      Curcumin, 100 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal, was given for 14 days starting from the
      first day after operation in the Cur100 group. Paw thermal withdrawal latency
      (PTWL) and paw mechanical withdrawal threshold (PMWT) of rats were measured 2
      days pre-operative, and 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 days post-operative. The animals
      were deeply anesthetized and blood was taken from the heart, the lumbar segment
      (L4, 5) of the spinal cord and DRG were dissected out and homogenized. The change
      of cortisol was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the change of
      11betaHSD1 expression was determined by immunochemistry and Western blot.
      RESULTS: Compared with sham group, PTWL and PMWT significantly decrease after
      operation in the CCI group; serum cortisol concentration was significantly
      increased and the expression of 11betaHSD1 was significantly increased in the CCI
      group. Comparing with CCI group, the PMWT and PTWL were increased and the serum
      cortisol concentration was decreased and the expression of 11betaHSD1 was
      inhibited in Cur100 group. CONCLUSION: Stress caused by neuropathic pain triggers
      release of cortisol to the blood and expression of 11betaHSD1 would increase at
      the same time. Curcumin could alleviate thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia
      induced by CCI and inhibit the serum cortisol concentration and expression of
      11betaHSD1 in the spinal cord and DRG.

PMID- 25135389
TI  - Erratum to: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treated with Intravenous
      Immunoglobulin in a Patient with Common Variable Immune Deficiency.

PMID- 25135390
TI  - Molecular surveillance of the subtle septum: discovering a new mode of
      peptidoglycan synthesis in streptococci.
AB  - The process of septation requires precise temporal and spatial organization of
      penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) and associated proteins for the deposition of
      new cell wall material. In most bacteria, the filamentous protein FtsZ organises
      PBPs into assemblies at the midcell which then constrict inwards as peptidoglycan
      is synthesised, eventually closing the septa. Tsui et al. (2014), through the use
      of fluorescent d-amino acids and high resolution microscopy, report that PBP2x of
      Streptococcus pneumoniae is directed to a discrete location within the septal
      aperture during the later stages of cell division. Once at this new site, PBP2x
      catalyses the de novo synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is imaged by the authors
      as a central 'spot', distinct from material made by other PBPs at the outer ring.
      This discovery, which represents a novel mode of cell wall assembly, was made in
      a directed capsular knockout of strain D39, thereby avoiding potential
      mechanistic complications in commonly used laboratory strain R6. These findings
      prompt not only a partial rethink of septum formation in S. pneumoniae, but
      consideration of the modes of PBP localization and the subtleties that can
      influence phenotypic study.

PMID- 25135391
TI  - Lp-PLA2 Inhibitors for the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events.
AB  - Evidence suggests that inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of
      atherosclerosis (Libby, Nature 420:868-874, 2002). Inflammation is a physiologic
      process with highly regulated and often redundant mechanisms to balance pro
      inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. The complexity of these networks
      has made it challenging to identify those specific pathways or key enzymes that
      contribute directly to atherogenesis and could act as a valuable therapeutic
      target. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a member of the
      phospholipase A2 family of enzymes and is believed to contribute to
      atherosclerotic plaque progression and instability by promoting inflammation. A
      large number of epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that elevated levels of
      Lp-PLA2 are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events across
      diverse patient populations, independent of established risk factors including
      low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Further, a growing number of preclinical and
      genetic studies support a causal role for Lp-PLA2 in atherosclerosis. The
      development of a novel therapeutic agent that directly inhibits the Lp-PLA2
      enzyme has provided a unique opportunity to directly test the hypothesis that
      inhibition of this inflammatory enzyme will translate into improved clinical
      outcomes. In this article, we will review the evidence to support the notion that
      Lp-PLA2 is causally implicated in the pathobiology of atherogenesis and discuss
      the potential utility of inhibiting this enzyme as a therapeutic target. 

PMID- 25135393
TI  - Coronary angiography utilization and costs for coronary artery bypass graft
      surgery patients in Turkey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To assess excess use of coronary angiography prior to coronary
      artery bypass graft surgery and its association with mortality, health care
      costs, and hospital quality in Turkey. METHODS: Using Turkish National Health
      Insurance Data (2009-2011) that included patients who underwent cardiac surgery,
      coronary angiography utilization was identified. Propensity score matching was
      used to compare survival rates and annual health care costs of patients in a
      coronary angiography excess-use group (>1 angiogram) and in a standard-therapy
      group (1 angiogram). The empirical Bayesian approach was used to combine
      mortality and hospital volume for quality index. The relationship between
      hospital quality and excess use of coronary angiography was assessed using Chi
      squared tests. RESULTS: Out of 20,126 patients identified, 7.27% of patients
      underwent excessive coronary angiography procedures (excess-use group), with an
      average annual cost at 9.7% higher than those who had a single angiography
      (standard-therapy group; P < 0.01). Operational mortality associated with
      excessive use was significantly higher as well (7.4% versus 5.4%, P < 0.02).
      There exists variation in the use of coronary angiography across cities and
      hospitals. Patients who underwent cardiac surgery in high-quality hospitals were
      less likely to have excessive angiography use than those in low-quality hospitals
      (7.0% versus 9.5%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In Turkey, excess use of coronary
      angiography prior to coronary artery bypass graft surgery is associated with
      higher operational mortality, higher expenditures, and lower hospital quality.

PMID- 25135392
TI  - Anticoagulation in Patients Aged >=75 years with Atrial Fibrillation: Role of
      Novel Oral Anticoagulants.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important cause of preventable, disabling stroke
      and is increasingly prevalent with advancing age. As life expectancies increase
      around the world, AF-related stroke is a growing global public health concern.
      Most AF patients are elderly (>=75 years old) and increasing age is a consistent
      independent risk factor for AF-associated stroke. Warfarin anticoagulation is
      highly effective for stroke prevention in AF patients, but is underutilized
      especially in the elderly. Although elderly patients are at increased risk of
      hemorrhage with oral anticoagulants, the benefit for ischemic stroke reduction
      exceeds the risk of hemorrhage for most elderly patients. Consequently, age alone
      should not be considered a contraindication for anticoagulation. Novel oral
      anticoagulants such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban are at least as
      effective as warfarin in preventing strokes in patients with AF. Relative to
      warfarin, these novel agents reduce the risk of intracranial hemorrhage, the most
      devastating complication of anticoagulation therapy in elderly AF patients. The
      novel oral anticoagulants are especially appealing for stroke prevention in
      elderly patients with AF. 

PMID- 25135394
TI  - Medical Costs of Oral Anticoagulants vs Warfarin for Atrial Fibrillation Patients
      with Different Stroke Risks.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Apixaban for the Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic
      Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE), Randomized Evaluation of Long-term
      Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY), and Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa
      Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and
      Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET-AF) trials demonstrated that the
      oral anticoagulants (OACs), apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban, respectively,
      are efficacious for stroke prevention among nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
      (NVAF) patients. Based on clinical trial results this study evaluated medical
      costs of clinical events associated with use of individual OACs relative to those
      of warfarin in NVAF patients with moderate and high stroke risk. METHODS: Rates
      for primary and secondary efficacy and safety outcomes (i.e., clinical events)
      among NVAF patients with CHADS2 = 2 and >=3 were determined from the three OAC
      trials. One-year incremental costs among patients with clinical events from a US
      payer perspective were obtained from the literature and inflation adjusted to
      2010 costs. Medical costs for clinical events associated with each OAC vs.
      warfarin were estimated and compared. RESULTS: For NVAF patients with moderate
      stroke risk (CHADS2 = 2) differences in clinical event medical costs vs. warfarin
      were -$298, -$143, and +$117 per patient year for apixaban, dabigatran (150 mg),
      and rivaroxaban, respectively (negative numbers indicate cost reduction). For
      NVAF patients with high stroke risk (CHADS2 >= 3) differences in clinical event
      medical costs vs. warfarin were -$697, +$2, and -$100 for apixaban, dabigatran
      (150 mg), and rivaroxaban, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Medical cost differences
      associated with OACs vs. warfarin vary according to stroke risk. Of the three
      OACs, apixaban demonstrated consistent medical cost reductions vs. warfarin for
      NVAF patients with moderate and high stroke risks.

PMID- 25135395
TI  - StentBoost Visualization for the Evaluation of Coronary Stent Expansion During
      Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inadequate stent implantation is associated with stent thrombosis
      and restenosis. StentBoost can enhance stent visualization and evaluate stent
      expansion. Currently, there are limited comparison studies between StentBoost and
      intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). We aimed to test the correlation and agreement
      between IVUS and StentBoost measurements. METHODS: From December 2010 to December
      2011, 38 patients (54 stents) were analyzed using IVUS and StentBoost. Minimal
      stent diameter and proximal and distal edge stent diameter were compared between
      imaging techniques using Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman scatter plot.
      RESULTS: There was good correlation between StentBoost and IVUS measurements
      regarding minimal stent diameter (p < 0.001 in all stent portions) and an optimal
      agreement between IVUS and StentBoost, while lesser agreement was found between
      IVUS and quantitative coronary angiography. CONCLUSION: The assessment of stent
      implantation using StentBoost showed an adequate correlation and agreement with
      IVUS. This easily applicable angiographic technique can be used to guide stent
      implantation.

PMID- 25135396
TI  - Cardiac sarcoidosis: case report, workup, and review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide,
      with coronary heart disease being the most common manifestation disease. While
      deaths attributed to coronary heart disease are falling in the developed world,
      the number of patients with cardiomyopathy continues to increase. In this paper,
      the current literature on imaging modalities for infiltrative and inflammatory
      cardiomyopathies is reviewed, focusing on the three most common diagnoses, namely
      sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, and myocarditis. CASE REPORT: A 43-year-old male
      presented with palpitations and left ventricular systolic dysfunction for a
      second opinion following an initial nondiagnostic workup. The employed clinical
      and radiologic approach that led to a definitive diagnosis and disease-specific
      treatment is presented here. CONCLUSION: The current algorithms and the strengths
      and weaknesses of the various radiologic techniques in establishing a diagnosis
      in patients who present with new onset cardiomyopathy are reviewed.
      Recommendations are provided regarding the selection between echocardiography,
      computed tomography radionuclide imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging in
      diagnosing the various causes of cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 25135397
TI  - Acute dissection of the descending aorta: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Acute aortic
      syndromes, which include aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating
      aortic ulcer, represent the most morbid presentations of aortic disease and can
      be difficult to diagnose. Recent advances in imaging have allowed for more rapid
      and accurate diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes and the options for management
      are expanding. This case report and review presents the case of a 43-year-old man
      with acute type B aortic dissection who underwent two endovascular procedures for
      malperfusion syndrome. The review focuses on the presentation, diagnosis, medical
      management, and procedural options for acute dissection of the descending aorta. 

PMID- 25135398
TI  - The medial sural artery perforator flap and its application in electrical injury
      to the hand.
AB  - We describe the use of a free medial sural artery perforator flap to reconstruct
      a complex composite defect to the dorsum of the right index finger following a
      low voltage electrical injury. The resulting defect was a 3.5 * 5 cm full
      thickness wound, with segmental tendon loss and loss of underlying periosteum.
      Due to both size and local vascular injury related to the mechanism, free tissue
      transfer was felt to be the most reliable option to resurface the composite
      defect in a single stage. The medial sural artery perforator flap, for reasons
      outlined below, was felt to be the best option: 1. Thin profile. 2. Vascularised
      fascia can be taken as a tongue, adjacent to the skin paddle: a gliding surface
      to prevent the tendon graft sticking to exposed bone. 3. Long pedicle: micro
      anastomosis away from zone of injury. 4. Little donor site morbidity: can be
      closed directly (if <6 cm wide) and does not require sacrifice of any major blood
      vessel. 5. Can be harvested with nerve and tendon from the same wound. 6. Can
      include as little or as much tissue required and compared to other
      fasciocutaneous flaps matches the texture and thickness of the hand most closely.
      We describe the reconstruction of the composite defect on day 42 post-injury,
      following one prior debridement. This case highlights the versatility and
      suitability of the medial sural artery flap in the reconstruction of complex hand
      burns with resulting composite defects.

PMID- 25135399
TI  - Validation of diagnosis of aplastic anaemia in La Rioja (Spain) by International
      Classification of Diseases codes for case ascertainment for the Spanish National
      Rare Diseases Registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse the validity of diagnosis of aplastic anaemia (AA) by
      International Classification of Diseases codes in hospital discharge data (MBDS)
      and the mortality registry (MR) of La Rioja to detect cases to be included in the
      Spanish National Rare Diseases Registry. METHODS: International Classification of
      Diseases (ICD) codes were used to detect AA cases during the period 2007-2012
      from two administrative databases: the MBDS and the MR of La Rioja (Spain).
      Medical records of population selected by merging both databases were used to
      confirm true AA cases. The annual mean incidence rate of AA was calculated using
      confirmed incident cases. RESULTS: By merging both databases, 62 hypothetical AA
      incident patients were detected during the period 2007-2012. The medical records
      of the 89% of them could be revised, and they confirmed that only the 15% of the
      patients actually suffered AA. The annual mean AA incidence in La Rioja was 4.17
      per million inhabitants (6.23 per million, males; 2.10 per million, females).
      CONCLUSIONS: The MBDS and the MR are not in themselves sufficient to ascertain AA
      cases in La Rioja and medical records should be reviewed to confirm true AA cases
      to be included in the Spanish National Rare Diseases Registry.

PMID- 25135403
TI  - [Early rehabilitation program in uncomplicated Stanford type B acute aortic
      dissection].
AB  - Between December 2009 and August 2011, 120 patients with uncomplicated Stanford
      type B acute aortic dissection( UBAD) received medical treatment. In October
      2010, we initiated an early rehabilitation program for UBAD patients in an acute
      phase. This early rehabilitation program, which was aimed at enabling the patient
      to walk around the ward within 2 days, was conducted for 87 consecutive
      patients;the remaining 33 were subjected to the conventional rehabilitation
      program. Mortality was not significantly different between the 2 groups. The
      incidence of atelectasis, need for mechanical ventilation, and intensive care
      unit syndrome during medical treatment occurred in 48% (16/33), 15% ( 5/33), and
      30% ( 10/33), respectively, of the conventional group and in 3.4% ( 3/87), 1.1%
      (1/87), and 3.4% ( 3/87), respectively, of the early rehabilitation group. The
      outer diameter of the aorta was dilated after 4 weeks' rehabilitation in smaller
      percentage of patients in the early rehabilitation group than the conventional
      one. Thus, the early rehabilitation program was more effective for patients with
      UBAD than the conventional one.

PMID- 25135404
TI  - [Computed tomography (CT) assessment of the postoperative change of pericardial
      fat pad used in pulmonary surgery].
AB  - The purpose of this study is to clarify the postoperative change of pericardial
      fat pad used in pulmonary resection to reinforce bronchial suture or bronchial
      stump. 5 cases who received chest computed tomography (CT) examination 2 times or
      more after the operation (once within one week after the operation) were
      enrolled. For evaluation, scoring system from 1 to 4 according to the percentage
      of remaining pericardial fat pad was applied(1 point: 0~19%, 2 point: 20~49%, 3
      point: 50~79%, 4 point: 80~100%). At 1 to 2 months after the operation, almost
      all cases were 3 or 4 point. However, the scores declined to 1 or 2 point 5
      months after the operation in almost all cases. It is likely that the pericardial
      fat pad remains to be effective in protecting bronchial stump or anastomosis 1 to
      2 months after the operation.

PMID- 25135405
TI  - [Predictors of chronic aortic events associated with uncomplicated type B aortic
      dissection].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Stent-graft repair may emerge as a first-line therapy for acute
      complicated type B dissection(C-TBD), while debate continues over thoracic
      endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (U
      TBD). Aggressive medical therapy, which confers a 1-year survival rate of 80-90%,
      is deemed appropriate for most of these patients. However, it is reported that
      aortic complications occur in <= 50% patients within 5 years after surgery.
      Subgroups of patients with U-TBD may benefit from early stent-graft placement,
      but identification of these patients remains difficult. Therefore, we assessed
      the predictors of chronic aortic events associated with U-TBD. METHODS: Between
      January 2001 and April 2012, 49 patients diagnosed with communicating U-TBD
      without aneurysm formation were admitted to our hospital. These patients were
      divided into 2 groups:group AC (n=25) with chronic aortic complications (aneurysm
      formation, aortic diameter expansion of 5 mm/0.5 year, re-dissection, and
      rupture) and group NC (n=24)with no aortic complications. We assessed and
      compared patient profiles and imaging findings between the 2 groups. RESULTS:
      Aortic diameter >= 40 mm was more often seen in group AC than in group NC
      (p=0.018). In addition, intimal tear in the distal arch was more often seen in
      group AC than in group NC ( p=0.002). Initial aortic diameter was significantly
      larger in group AC than in group NC (p=0.004). There was no significant
      difference in the length of communicating false lumen between the 2 groups (
      p=0.107). CONCLUSIONS: Early endovascular intervention may be appropriate for U
      TBD in cases displaying an initial aortic diameter >= 40 mm and an initial tear
      in the distal arch. It is expected that randomized studies, including ADSOAB
      study (a study on the efficacy of endovascular grafting in uncomplicated acute
      dissection of the descending aorta.), will resolve the limitations of our
      retrospective study.

PMID- 25135400
TI  - P2X4 receptor regulates alcohol-induced responses in microglia.
AB  - Mounting evidence indicates that alcohol-induced neuropathology may result from
      multicellular responses in which microglia cells play a prominent role.
      Purinergic receptor signaling plays a key role in regulating microglial function
      and, more importantly, mediates alcohol-induced effects. Our findings demonstrate
      that alcohol increases expression of P2X4 receptor (P2X4R), which alters the
      function of microglia, including calcium mobilization, migration and
      phagocytosis. Our results show a significant up-regulation of P2X4 gene
      expression as analyzed by real-time qPCR (***p < 0.002) and protein expression as
      analyzed by flow cytometry (**p < 0.004) in embryonic stem cell-derived
      microglial cells (ESdM) after 48 hours of alcohol treatment, as compared to
      untreated controls. Calcium mobilization in ethanol treated ESdM cells was found
      to be P2X4R dependent using 5-BDBD, a P2X4R selective antagonist. Alcohol
      decreased migration of microglia towards fractalkine (CX3CL1) by 75 % following
      48 h of treatment compared to control (***p < 0.001). CX3CL1-dependent migration
      was confirmed to be P2X4 receptor-dependent using the antagonist 5-BDBD, which
      reversed the effects as compared to alcohol alone (***p < 0.001). Similarly, 48 h
      of alcohol treatment significantly decreased phagocytosis of microglia by 15 %
      compared to control (*p < 0.05). 5-BDBD pre-treatment prior to alcohol treatment
      significantly increased microglial phagocytosis (***p < 0.001). Blocking P2X4R
      signaling with 5-BDBD decreased the level of calcium mobilization compared to
      ethanol treatment alone. These findings demonstrate that P2X4 receptor may play a
      role in modulating microglial function in the context of alcohol abuse.

PMID- 25135406
TI  - [Aortoplasty with autologous pulmonary patch for the ascending aortic stenosis
      after interrupted aortic arch repair].
AB  - We experienced a case of ascending aortic stenosis after interrupted aortic arch
      repair. At the first operation in the neonatal period, diameter of the aortic
      annulus was 4.8 mm and no subvalvular stenosis was presented. Aortic arch was
      reconstructed with conventional technique of extended end-to-end anastomosis.
      Although ascending aortic stenosis was observed at the time, that had not been
      severe, however, the stenosis was exacerbated with time. At the catheterization 9
      months after the operation, pressure gradient between aortic root and descending
      aorta was 72 mmHg. Therefore reoperation was carried out. Ascending aortoplasty
      using aoutologous pulmonary patch was performed. Pulmonary artery was repaired
      with aotologous pericardial patch. Despite mild pulmonary stenosis was observed,
      the postoperative course was favorable. 

PMID- 25135407
TI  - [Maze procedure in a case of dextrocardia with atrial septal defect and
      persistent left superior vena cava].
AB  - A 52-year-old man was diagnosed with dextrocardia at the age of 1 year and was
      asymptomatic until 1 year before admission. He was transferred to our hospital
      for management of atrial fibrillation. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed
      dextrocardia with atrial septal defect;moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation;
      and a large, persistent left superior vena cava. A cardiac catheterization study
      revealed that pulmonary flow/systemic flow (Qp/Qs) was 3.6 and that pulmonary
      vascular resistance was 2.5 Wood U.m2. Intracardiac repair with tricuspid
      annuloplasty and a maze procedure was scheduled. When establishing
      cardiopulmonary bypass, venous drainage was initially obtained from the inferior
      vena cava and the left superior vena cava, and the small superior vena cava was
      then directly cannulated after opening the right atrium. The patient's
      postoperative course was uneventful, and serial electrocardiograms have
      demonstrated maintenance of normal sinus rhythm for 3.5 years after the
      operation.

PMID- 25135408
TI  - [Coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with chronic bird fancier's lung].
AB  - Acute exacerbation is a devastating and fatal event of hypersensitivity
      pneumonitis. We report an 80-year-old man with chronic bird fancier's lung which
      acutely exacerbated after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Our
      perioperative management included avoidance of inhalation of high concentration
      oxygen, administration of neutrophil elastase inhibitor, and long-term
      administration of antibiotics. Nevertheless, the patient experienced severe
      respiratory failure after influenza infection. High-resolution computed
      tomography (CT) showed new ground-glass opacities overlying fibrosis and traction
      bronchiectasis. We diagnosed acute exacerbation of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
      Immediate steroid pulse therapy with empirical antibiotic administration was
      effective, and he recovered from critical respiratory failure. High-resolution CT
      was very helpful in the early detection of acute exacerbation of pneumonitis. 

PMID- 25135409
TI  - [Surgical treatment of innominate artery aneurysm using temporary bypass to
      prevent cerebral ischemia].
AB  - A 69-year-old woman had an innominate artery aneurysm that was adjacent to the
      right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery. The patient had a
      dominant right vertebral artery and an underdeveloped circle of Willis. At
      surgery, the proximal site of the innominate artery, the right common carotid
      artery and the right subclavian artery were clamped with the temporary bypass
      between the ascending aorta and the distal site of the right brachial artery for
      maintaining the blood flow to the brain. The innominate artery aneurysm was
      resected, and a woven Dacron Y-shaped graft, 14*7 mm in diameter, was used for
      reconstructing the innominate artery, the right subclavian artery and the right
      common carotid artery. The postoperative course was uneventful and there was no
      postoperative neurological deficit. Temporary bypass for maintaining cerebral
      perfusion was useful in preventing cerebral ischemia. 

PMID- 25135410
TI  - [Quadricuspid aortic valve; report of two cases].
AB  - Quardicupid aortic valve( QAV) is a comparatively rare congenital anomaly, which
      presents with frequent aortic regurgitaion ( AR) due to sclerotic changes. We
      report 2 cases (a 67-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man) of QAV associated with
      AR. We made an definite diagnosis by preoperative transthoracic and
      intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. Intraoperative findings showed
      type C QAV in case 1 and type B QAV in case 2 according to the Hurwitz
      classification. The left coronary ostia was slightly shifted to the aortic root
      in case 1. There were no other congenital anomalies, therefore only aortic valve
      replacement with mechanical prosthesis was performed in both cases. The
      postoperative courses were uneventful.

PMID- 25135411
TI  - [Right ventricular rupture due to blunt trauma diagnosed by MDCT; report of a
      case].
AB  - The survival rate of cardiac rupture due to blunt trauma is generally low. We
      experienced a case with right ventricular rupture due to blunt trauma. The
      patient was a 49-year-old man who was crushed in a traffic accident and
      transported to a local hospital in a shock state. He was diagnosed with cardiac
      tamponade due to cardiac rupture, and for pericardial drainage was immediately
      performed. He was then transferred to our hospital for emergency surgery. His
      hemodynamics was stable, and he was diagnosed with right ventricular rupture by
      multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT). The operation was performed
      successfully without cardiopulmonary bypass, and his postoperative course was
      uneventful. MDCT is useful for detecting the rupture site of the heart. 

PMID- 25135412
TI  - [Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair combined with debranching and chimney
      methods in a high risk patient; report of a case].
AB  - We report a case of a 77-year-old man with a thoracic aortic aneurysm, combined
      with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, polymyalgia rheumatica, and atial
      fibrillation. Open surgery was considered as high risk because he was severely
      ill. Instead, partial debranching and stent graft( TEVAR) were performed by
      chimney method. He had no major complication after surgery, and was discharged on
      foot on the 15th postoperative day. In high risk cases of thoracic aortic
      aneurysm, TEVAR with debranching and chimney methods is effective. 

PMID- 25135413
TI  - [Endovascular stent-grafting for rupture of descending aorta with a patient with
      severe arterial occlusive disease; report of a case].
AB  - A patient was a 63-year-old woman with poor cardiac function and systemic
      arterial occlusive disease, who complained of severe back pain. Computed
      tomography (CT) revealed a rupture of the descending aorta. Initially, abdominal
      aortic approach through open laparotomy was attempted, but a guide wire caused
      local aortic dissection. Then, after median sternotomy, endovascular stent was
      successfully deployed through the ascending aorta. Postoperative course was
      uneventful. Follow-up CT showed no endoleak. A less invasive endovascular repair
      would be an alternative treatment for high risk patients such as this case, but
      several access routes should be considered, especially in a patient with systemic
      arterial occlusive disease.

PMID- 25135414
TI  - [Mid-aortic syndrome in 2-year old boy presenting with severe left ventricular
      dysfunction; report of a case].
AB  - Mid aortic syndrome is uncommon acquired or congenital condition characterized by
      segmental narrowing of the abdominal or distal descending thoracic aorta. If left
      untreated, it result in life threatening complications. We described the case of
      2-year-old boy admitted to our hospital for hypertension and heart failure.
      Diagnosis of mid aortic syndrome was made with severe stenosis in distal
      descending aorta. With consideration of growth, we avoided bypass grafting and
      implantation with prothesic graft. For severe adhesion, we performed patch
      aortoplasty with 0.4 mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) patch.
      Postoperative course was unevetful. His blood pressure and left ventricular
      function was normalized. He was discharged on the 20st day after the surgery. 

PMID- 25135415
TI  - [Aortic valve replacement in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome; report of
      a case].
AB  - A 76-year-old woman with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was referred to
      our hospital due to severe aortic valve stenosis. We performed aortic valve
      replacement using a bioprosthetic valve. Her postoperative course was uneventful.
      She was discharged in good health on postoperative day 33. As for cardiovascular
      operations in APS patients, high rates have been reported of perioperative
      mortality and thromboembolic and bleeding events. Perioperative management of
      anticoagulation must be strict. 

PMID- 25135416
TI  - [Mitral valve replacement after previous coronary artery bypass grafting with
      functioning left internal thoracic artery graft: effectiveness of the method
      using a direct vision retrosternal approach; report of a case].
AB  - Performing a redo-sternotomy when a mammary artery graft is patent can be rather
      difficult. We previously reported a redo-sternotomy technique involving direct
      visualization with a retrosternal dissection (DR) method using a Kent's
      retractor. The DR method in detail is as follows: 1) A midline skin incision is
      extended to the abdomen about 5 cm. 2) The bilateral costal arches are divided
      from the rectal muscle. 3). A pair of retractors is placed under the costal arch.
      4) A stainless steel wire is applied to the previous sternal wire at the center
      of the sternum. 5) The retractor and sternal wire are lifted up using the Kent's
      retractor to widen the retrosternal space. 6) The sternum and sub-sternal tissue
      are carefully divided using an electronic scalpel or metal retractor with an
      entirely sternal length. 7) Routine sternotomy is performed using a Stryker.
      Herein, we report a patient who had undergone cardiac surgery, coronary artery
      bypass grafting (CABG), using a left internal mammary artery and mitral
      annuloplasty 2 years previously, and then developed mitral regurgitation caused
      by infectious endocarditis. He successfully underwent redo-sternotomy and mitral
      valve replacement using the DR method. In a patient with a patent internal
      mammary artery, the DR method greatly reduces the risk of graft injury.

PMID- 25135417
TI  - [Acute abdominal aortic occlusion in a patient with a giant thrombus in the left
      atrium and mitral stenosis; report of a case].
AB  - The patient was a 69-year-old male who had had percutaneous transvenous mitral
      commissurotomy (PTMC) 15 years ago, and had stopped taking warfarin after PTMC.
      He was transferred to our emergency room( ER) because of sudden severe pain in
      his both lower legs. We recognized pulselessness in his both femoral arteries,
      and pallor, paresthesia and poikilothermia in his lower extremities.
      Electorocardiogram(ECG) showed arterial fibrillation, and computed tomography(
      CT) showed occlusion of the abdominal aorta just below inferior mesenteric
      artery( IMA) and both common iliac arteries. By echocardiography, a giant
      thrombus was detected in the left atrium with severe mitral stenosis.
      Thrombectomy and angioplasty were performed at about 5 hours after the onset of
      occlusion, and revascularization was successful. Three days after the operation,
      we excised the giant thrombus in the left atrium and performed mitral valve
      replacement because we considered that myonephropathic metabolic syndrome (MNMS)
      had been prevented. The postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged
      on the 27th postoperative day. 

PMID- 25135418
TI  - [Bilateral congenital coronary-pulmonary artery fistulas; report of a case].
AB  - Bilateral coronary-pulmonary artery fistulas are very rare. We report a case of a
      68-year-old woman without any previous medical history, who presented to our
      hospital after slow onset of chest heaviness on exertion. Coronary computed
      tomography (CT) and angiography revealed 2 fistulas:one arising from the left
      anterior descending artery accompanied by an aneurysm and the other from the
      right coronary artery. We opened the trunk of the pulmonary artery under cardio
      pulmonary bypass and cardiac arrest. We recognized the outflow of the shunt just
      above the right pulmonary cusp, which was closed from the outside. We also closed
      the aneurysm of the shunt. Neither the fistulas nor the aneurysm was recognized
      by postoperative CT. The chest symptom disappeared. 

PMID- 25135419
TI  - [Small intestinal perforation due to metastasis from pulmonary pleomorphic
      carcinoma; report of a case].
AB  - A 63-year-old male patient was referred to our department for an abnormal shadow
      in the left middle lung field. The patient underwent trans bronchial lung biopsy
      and pathological finding was adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography( CT) showed mass
      in the left lower lobe, nodules in the bilateral adrenal glands, liver, pancreas
      and lumbar bone. When he was admitted to our hospital for chemotherapy, chest X
      ray showed left pneumothorax and a chest tube was placed. Several days later, he
      complained of sudden abdominal pain and abdominal CT revealed free air around
      small intestine. Emergency operation was done and the perforation of the small
      intestine due to metastasis was found. He underwent partial resection of small
      intestine and left lower lobectomy. Pathological diagnosis was pulmonary
      pleomorphic carcinoma and small intestine metastasis. 

PMID- 25135420
TI  - [Descending necrotizing mediastinitis resulting from acute epiglottitis; report
      of a case].
AB  - Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a serious condition due to abscess
      spreading from neck into mediastinum. We report a case of DNM following acute
      epiglottitis and abscess. A 59-year old male visited our hospital for parotid
      swelling, pyrexia, and dyspnea, and was diagnosed as having acute epiglottitis at
      otology and hospitalized. Despite right tonsillectomy, drainage and tracheostomy
      on day 6 after hospitalization, he developed DNM and was referred to our
      department. Drainage of mediastinal regions( anterior to the trachea and tracheal
      bifurcation, inferoposterior mediastinum and posterior to the left main bronchus)
      was performed on day 14 after hospitalization. Postoperative course was
      uneventful.

PMID- 25135421
TI  - Discrete trinuclear copper(II) compounds as building blocks: the influence of the
      peripheral substituents on the magnetic coupling in oxamato-bridged complexes.
AB  - Two new trinuclear copper(ii) complexes without end-capping ligands,
      (Bu4N)2[Cu(dmso)2{Cu(dnopba)(dmso)}2] () and
      (Bu4N)2[Cu(dmso)2{Cu(dcopba)(dmso)}2] () [dnopba = 4,5-dinitro-ortho
      phenylenebis(oxamate), dcopba = 4,5-dichloro-ortho-phenylenebis(oxamate), Bu4N(+)
      = tetra-n-butylammonium and dmso = dimethylsulfoxide], were synthesized and their
      structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal
      structures of and consist of two outer bis(oxamato)(dmso)cuprate(ii) units which
      act as bidentate ligands toward a trans-bis(dmso)copper(ii) inner entity leading
      to centrosymmetric tricopper(ii) complexes with copper-copper separations across
      the oxamate bridges of 5.1916(3) () and 5.1776(3) A (). The peripheral copper(ii)
      ions in and are five-coordinate in somewhat distorted square pyramidal
      environments with a dmso molecule filling the apical position whereas the inner
      copper(ii) ion is six-coordinate in an elongated octahedral environment with two
      dmso molecules in the axial sites. The investigation of their magnetic properties
      in the temperature range 2.0-300 K shows the occurrence of a strong
      intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling between the copper(ii) ions through the
      oxamate bridges [J1 = -296(1) () and -334(1) cm(-1) (), the Hamiltonian being
      defined as H = -J1(SCu2.SCu1 + SCu2.SCu1')], which leads to a low-lying spin
      doublet at low temperatures. Density functional theory calculations (DFT) have
      been used to substantiate these magnetic couplings and also to analyse the
      influence exerted on these interactions by the type of substituent at the 4,5
      positions from the phenylene ring of the bis(oxamate) ligand. 

PMID- 25135422
TI  - Ecotoxicological and genotoxic assessment of hospital laundry wastewaters.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to assess the ecotoxicity and genotoxicity of
      hospital laundry wastewaters generated from a regional hospital located in Rio
      Pardo Valley in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Physicochemical,
      microbiological, ecotoxicological, and genotoxic analyses were performed, and the
      results indicate that some parameters were not in accordance with the limit
      concentrations established by Brazilian and international guidelines for urban
      wastewaters. Daphnia magna (EC50 2.01%) and Danio rerio (LC50 29.25%) acute
      toxicity was detected, and sublethal effects were identified in Lactuca sativa
      (IC25 12.50%) and Allium cepa (IC25 51.25%). Cytotoxicity was observed at the
      five wastewater concentrations used yielding statistically significant
      differences (p < 0.05) in the meristematic cells of A. cepa compared with the
      negative control. The results obtained here warn about the necessity to develop
      treatment methods that can mitigate the environmental impacts caused by the
      ecotoxicity and genotoxicity of hospital laundry wastewaters.

PMID- 25135424
TI  - Variable phenotypes of sickle cell disease in India with the Arab-Indian
      haplotype.

PMID- 25135423
TI  - Combining diffusion and perfusion differentiates tumor from bevacizumab-related
      imaging abnormality (bria).
AB  - A subset of patients with high-grade glioma and brain metastases who are treated
      with bevacizumab develop regions of marked and persistent restricted diffusion
      that do not reflect recurrent tumor. Here, we quantify the degree of restricted
      diffusion and the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) within these regions of
      bevacizumab-related imaging abnormality (BRIA) in order to facilitate
      differentiation of these lesions from recurrent tumor. Six patients with high
      grade glioma and two patients with brain metastases who developed regions of
      restricted diffusion after initiation of bevacizumab were included. Six pre
      treatment GBM controls were also included. Restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) was
      used to create diffusion maps which were co-registered with rCBV maps. Within
      regions of restricted diffusion, mean RSI values and mean rCBV values were
      calculated for patients with BRIA and for the GBM controls. These values were
      also calculated for normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). RSI values in regions
      of restricted diffusion were higher for both BRIA and tumor when compared to
      NAWM; furthermore RSI values in BRIA were slightly higher than in tumor.
      Conversely, rCBV values were very low in BRIA-lower than both tumor and NAWM.
      However, there was only a trend for rCBV values to be higher in tumor than in
      NAWM. When evaluating areas of restricted diffusion in patients with high-grade
      glioma or brain metastases treated with bevacizumab, RSI is better able to detect
      the presence of pathology whereas rCBV is better able to differentiate BRIA from
      tumor. Thus, combining these tools may help to differentiate necrotic tissue
      related to bevacizumab treatment from recurrent tumor. 

PMID- 25135425
TI  - Self-assembly: an option to nanoporous metal nanocrystals.
AB  - Nanoporous metal nanocrystals involving both nanoscale effects and nanopore
      properties hold enormous promising potential for various important applications
      due to their unique structures such as large surface area per unit volume and
      interconnected open framework. Self-assembly, as an excellent option, has been
      developed to control the desired structure and rational performance of nanoporous
      metal nanocrystals. After identifying features of their methodologies and
      structures, the control of synthesis based on the self-assembly technique is
      thoroughly discussed. The development of the self-assembly synthesis methodology
      is then presented in detail. The emerging application, mainly in catalysis, and
      corresponding design are finally summarized. 

PMID- 25135426
TI  - Identification of microRNAs as novel biomarkers for detecting esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma in Asians: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Accumulating evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play potential
      role as ideal diagnostic indicators of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
      However, previous studies have met discrepant results. Thus, we conducted this
      meta-analysis to assess the potential diagnostic value of miRNAs for ESCC. A
      systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and other databases. The
      pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR),
      negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the
      curve (AUC) were calculated to evaluate the overall test performance. The Q
      statistic and the I(2) test were used to assess between-study heterogeneity. The
      potential sources of heterogeneity were further analyzed by subgroup analyses and
      meta-regression. Seventeen studies from eight articles, including 995 ESCC
      patients and 733 healthy controls, were included in this meta-analysis. The
      pooled SEN and SPE were 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-0.85) and 0.83
      (95 % CI 0.76-0.88), respectively. The pooled PLR was 4.6 (95% CI 3.3-6.5), NLR
      was 0.23 (95% CI 0.19-0.29), and DOR was 20 (95% CI 13-31). The pooled AUC was
      0.91 (95% CI 0.88-0.93). Subgroup analyses indicated that blood-based miRNA assay
      displays better diagnostic accuracy than saliva-based miRNA assay. In summary,
      miRNA analysis may serve as novel noninvasive biomarkers for ESCC with excellent
      diagnostic characteristic. In addition, subgroup analysis suggested that blood
      based assay yields better diagnostic characteristics than saliva-based assay.
      However, many issues should be managed before these findings can be translated
      into a clinically useful detection method for ESCC.

PMID- 25135427
TI  - Reproductive factors in relation to risk of brain tumors in women: an updated
      meta-analysis of 27 independent studies.
AB  - Previous studies on the association between reproductive factors and brain tumor
      risk in women have provided inconclusive findings. Thus, an updated meta-analysis
      was performed to obtain more precise risk estimates for brain tumor regarding
      several common reproductive factors. A comprehensive literature search for
      relevant publications in the PubMed and Embase databases was carried out from
      their inception up to June 20, 2014. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with
      corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. There were 27
      independent studies with a total of 12,129 cases and 1,433,915 controls included
      into the present meta-analysis. We found that an elevated risk of brain tumors
      (RR=1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.29, P=0.002), particularly glioma (RR=1.33, 95% CI 1.15
      1.54, P<0.001), was related to older age at menarche. Interestingly, stratified
      analysis by type of brain tumors showed that the longer duration of breast
      feeding was associated with the risk of meningioma negatively but glioma
      positively (for meningioma: RR=0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.91, P=0.002; for glioma:
      RR=1.70, 95% CI 1.14-2.55, P=0.010). No significant association was observed when
      estimating the roles of other reproductive factors including parity, age at first
      birth, menopausal status, and age at menopause in brain tumorigenesis. Our study
      suggests that older age at menarche is a risk factor of brain tumors and glioma
      in particular. Additionally, more studies are warranted to further elucidate
      roles and mechanisms of common reproductive factors in the risk of brain tumors.

PMID- 25135429
TI  - Molecular regulation of cervical cancer growth and invasion by VEGFa.
AB  - Although antivascular endothelial growth factor a (VEGFa) treatment has been well
      applied in cervical cancer therapy, the underlying molecular basis has not been
      precisely identified. Here, we examined the levels of VEGFa on the tumor growth
      and invasion in four commonly used human cervical cancer cell lines. We found
      that overexpression of VEGFa in these lines increased the tumor growth and
      invasiveness, while inhibition of VEGFa decreased the tumor growth and
      invasiveness. To figure out the involved signaling pathways, we applied specific
      inhibitors for ERK/MAPK, JNK, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, respectively, to
      VEGFa-overexpressing cervical cancer lines and found that only inhibition of
      PI3K/Akt signal transduction abolished VEGFa-induced increases in cell growth and
      invasiveness. Inhibition of Akt downstream mTor signaling similarly inhibited
      cell growth and invasion in VEGFa-overexpressing cervical cancer cells,
      suggesting that VEGFa may activate PI3K/Akt, and subsequently its downstream mTor
      signaling pathway, to promote cervical cancer cell growth and invasion.
      Furthermore, the effects of VEGFa-induced activation of mTor signaling cascades
      appeared to promote cancer cell growth through cyclinD1 and CDK4 activation and
      promote cancer cell invasion through MMP2 and MMP3. Taken together, our data
      suggest that anti-VEGFa treatment in cervical cancer may inhibit both tumor cell
      growth and invasion through PI3k/Akt/mTor signaling pathway. 

PMID- 25135428
TI  - Down-regulation of Dicer and Ago2 is associated with cell proliferation and
      apoptosis in prostate cancer.
AB  - Dicer and Argonaute2 (Ago2) are critical components responsible not only for RNA
      interference but also for microRNA synthesis. The present study investigated the
      roles of Dicer and Ago2 in prostate cancer (Pca). First, the expression levels of
      Dicer and Ago2 in Pca tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and
      compared with pathological features. Next, RNA interference was used to down
      regulate the expression levels of Dicer and Ago2 in the Pca cell lines LNCaP, PC
      3, and DU145, and effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle were
      detected using the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. We found that
      Dicer and Ago2 expression levels in Pca tissues were higher than those in
      adjacent benign tissues and correlated with lower Gleason patterns, with the
      exception of Dicer expression in localized Pca. In vitro, silencing Dicer or Ago2
      inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in LNCaP, PC-3, and DU145, as
      well as arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase in androgen-dependent LNCaP, or
      at S phase in the androgen-independent PC-3 and DU145. Altogether these findings
      suggest that Dicer and Ago2 play important roles in proliferation, apoptosis, and
      the cell cycle in Pca and might serve as both promising biomarkers for Pca
      progression and potential therapeutic targets. 

PMID- 25135430
TI  - Prognostic value of TROP2 expression in patients with gallbladder cancer.
AB  - Altered expression of TROP2 is observed in various types of human cancers.
      However, the clinical significance and pathological role of TROP2 in gallbladder
      cancer (GBC) remains unclear. The main objective of this investigation was to
      clarify the relationships between TROP2 expression and the clinicopathological
      features of patients with GBC. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate
      the expression of TROP2 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) indicator
      proteins in 93 patients with GBC. Immunohistochemistry showed that the protein
      expression level of TROP2 was significantly higher in GBC tissues than in
      adjacent noncancerous tissues. In addition, immunohistochemistry analysis showed
      that TROP2 expression was significantly correlated with histologic grade
      (P=0.038), tumor stage (P=0.015), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.007).
      Furthermore, high TROP2 expression was significantly associated with a loss of
      the epithelial marker E-cadherin (P=0.013) and acquisition of expression of the
      mesenchymal marker vimentin (P=0.031). Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional
      hazards regression models were used to investigate the correlation between TROP2
      expression and prognosis of GBC patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that
      patients with high TROP2 expression had poor overall survival (P<0.001).
      Multivariate analysis showed that high TROP2 expression was an independent
      predictor of overall survival. In conclusion, our data suggest for the first time
      that the increased expression of TROP2 in GBC is associated significantly with
      aggressive progression and poor prognosis. In conclusion, this study confirmed
      that TROP2 might be involved in regulating the EMT and malignant progression in
      GBC. It also provided the first evidence that TROP2 expression in GBC was an
      independent prognostic factor of patients, which might be a potential diagnostic
      and therapeutic target of GBC.

PMID- 25135431
TI  - Lgr5-positive cells are cancer stem cells in skin squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs) in most human tumors are commonly identified and
      enriched using similar strategies for identifying normal stem cells, including
      flow cytometry assays for side population, high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)
      activity, and CD133 positivity. Thus, development of a method for isolating a
      specific cancer using cancer-specific characteristic appears to be potentially
      important. Here, we reported extremely high Lgr5 levels in the specimen from skin
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in patients. Using SCC cell line A431, we detected
      high Lgr5 and CD133 levels in ALDH-high or side population from these cancer
      cells. To figure out whether Lgr5 is a marker of CSCs in SCC, we transfected A431
      cells with a Lgr5-creERT-2A-DTR/Cag-Loxp-GFP-STOP-Loxp-RFP plasmid and purified
      transfected cells (tA431) based on GFP by flow cytometry. 4-Hydroxytamoxifen (4
      OHT) was given to label Lgr5-positive cells with RFP, for comparison to GFP
      positive Lgr5-negative cells. Lgr5-positive cells grew significantly faster than
      Lgr5-negative cells, and the fold increase in growth of Lgr5-positive vs Lgr5
      negative cells is significantly higher than SP vs non-SP, or ALDH-high vs ALDH
      low, or CD133-positive vs CD133-negative cells. Moreover, in Lgr5-negative
      population, Lgr5-positive re-appeared in culture with time, suggesting that Lgr5
      positive cells can be regenerated from Lgr5-negative cells. Furthermore, the
      growth of tA431 cells significantly decreased upon a single dose of diphtheria
      toxin (DT)/4-OHT to eliminate Lgr5-positive cell lineage, while multiple doses of
      DT/4-OHT nearly completely inhibited tA431 cell growth. Taken together, our data
      provide compelling data to demonstrate that Lgr5-positive cells are CSCs in skin
      SCC. 

PMID- 25135432
TI  - A two-qubit photonic quantum processor and its application to solving systems of
      linear equations.
AB  - Large-scale quantum computers will require the ability to apply long sequences of
      entangling gates to many qubits. In a photonic architecture, where single-qubit
      gates can be performed easily and precisely, the application of consecutive two
      qubit entangling gates has been a significant obstacle. Here, we demonstrate a
      two-qubit photonic quantum processor that implements two consecutive CNOT gates
      on the same pair of polarisation-encoded qubits. To demonstrate the flexibility
      of our system, we implement various instances of the quantum algorithm for
      solving of systems of linear equations. 

PMID- 25135433
TI  - Photocatalytic generation of solar fuels from the reduction of H2O and CO2: a
      look at the patent literature.
AB  - The application of photocatalysis in environment remediation as well as in the
      generation of useful fuels from the reduction of water (hydrogen) and of carbon
      dioxide (methanol, carbon monoxide and/or methane) has been investigated largely
      in the last four decades. A significant part (12-13%) of the literature on the
      generation of such fuels is found in patents. Accordingly, the present article
      presents a selection of the patent literature on the theme. Photocatalysts,
      whether pure or doped, solid solutions or composites, reported in patents are
      reviewed along with the corresponding preparative methods and the photocatalytic
      performance. The absorption of light by such materials has been extended toward
      the red side of the spectrum, so that a better use of solar irradiation has been
      obtained, but the expected improvement of the catalytic effect has not always
      been achieved. The causes of these results and the way for improving the
      performance in the various steps of the process (e.g. avoiding charge
      recombination or catalyst corrosion) have been documented. The correct use of the
      term water splitting and the fundamentals of photochemical hydrogen evolution in
      the presence of a sacrificial electron donor (e.g., alcohols) are discussed.
      Quantitative data about the amount of hydrogen evolved or carbon-based fuels
      produced are indicated whenever available. 

PMID- 25135434
TI  - An evaluation of the independence of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study the independence of the scales/items in the Health of
      the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) was empirically investigated. METHOD: Parallel
      analysis using random column permutation and bootstrapping were used to compare
      the factor structure, intercorrelations and Cronbach's alpha from the original
      HoNOS study and also recently collected HoNOS ratings. Random permutation ensures
      that the data has the same distributions as the data it is based on, but that the
      variables are now independent. RESULTS: It is shown that both of the real HoNOS
      data sets are significantly different to the independent items data in many ways.
      An examination of fit statistics from confirmatory factor analysis is also used
      to show that the independence model is a very poor fit to the data. CONCLUSIONS:
      It is clear that the 12 HoNOS scales are unlikely to be independent. There is a
      need for more research to clarify the appropriate structure of HoNOS, and also to
      consider whether some of the items need either replacing or augmenting.

PMID- 25135435
TI  - Dosing and effectiveness of ketamine anesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy
      (ECT): a case series.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide additional data about the clinical efficacy and dosing
      range for ketamine used as the induction agent in electroconvulsive therapy
      (ECT). METHOD: We reviewed the clinical data in our academic hospital ECT service
      over the last four years for patients who had received ketamine as the sole, or
      adjunctive, anesthesia induction agent. We extracted clinical data about
      antidepressant response as well as absolute and weight-based dosing for ketamine.
      RESULTS: We found nine patients who were treated with ketamine as the anesthetic
      at some point during the course of their treatment (eight as the sole agent, one
      as adjunctive). The median induction dose for ketamine was 1.1 mg/kg. For most
      patients, there was demonstrable clinical benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Ketamine has a
      role as an alternative induction anesthetic agent in ECT. Our case series adds to
      the literature on the concomitant use of ECT and ketamine.

PMID- 25135437
TI  - Medicalisation by non-medical personnel in English literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether English literature contains depictions of
      medicalisation by non-medical people. METHOD: English literature was examined by
      us and skilled readers. RESULTS: We identified four examples: two from Macbeth
      and two from Vanity Fair. Not only were non-medical people the instigators, but
      in each publication there is one example of the advice of a medical professional
      (whom denied the existence of a medical problem) opinion being rejected.
      CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from the work of respected authors indicates that
      medicalisation was practiced long before it was described in the 1970s, that it
      may be instigated by non-medical people, and that it may continue after medical
      professionals deny the existence of medical problems.

PMID- 25135436
TI  - Madness at the movies: prioritised movies for self-directed learning by medical
      students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to systematically compile a list of 10 movies to facilitate
      self-directed learning in psychiatry by medical students. METHOD: The selected
      areas were those of the top five mental health conditions from the Global Burden
      of Disease 2010 study. The search strategy for movies covered an extensive range
      of sources (published literature and websites), followed by closer examination
      and critical viewing of a sample. RESULTS: Out of a total of 503 potential movies
      that were identified, 23 were selected for viewing and more detailed critique.
      The final top 10 were: for depressive and anxiety disorders: Ordinary People
      (1980), Silver Linings Playbook (2012); for illicit drug use: Trainspotting
      (1996), Winter's Bone (2010), Rachel Getting Married (2008), Half Nelson (2006);
      for alcohol use disorders: Another Year (2010), Passion Fish (1992); and for
      schizophrenia: The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2006), and An Angel at My Table
      (1990). CONCLUSIONS: The final selection of 10 movies all appeared to have
      relatively high entertainment value together with rich content in terms of
      psychiatric themes. Further research could evaluate the extent to which medical
      students actually watch such movies, by assessing the level of withdrawals from a
      medical school library and surveying student responses.

PMID- 25135438
TI  - Modulating the magnetic properties by structural modification in a family of Co
      Ln (Ln = Gd, Dy) molecular aggregates.
AB  - Two types of heterometallic aggregates of the general formula
      [(Co(II))3(Co(III))2Ln3(MU3-OH)5(O2C(t)Bu)12(L)2].2H2O (Ln = Gd(III) (), Dy(III)
      ()) and [(Co(III))3Ln3(MU3-OH)4(O2C(t)Bu)6(L)3](NO3)2.2CH3CN.2H2O (Ln = Gd(III)
      (), Dy(III) ()) were successfully isolated in reactions with [Co2(MU
      OH2)(O2C(t)Bu)4].(HO2C(t)Bu)4, Ln(NO3)3 and n-N-butyldiethanolamine (H2L) under
      ambient conditions by a change in the stoichiometry of the reactants from 1 : 1 :
      1 to 1 : 1 : 2 in order. Bond Valence Sum (BVS) calculations and bond lengths
      indicate the presence of mixed valent Co (Co(II), Co(III)) centres in compounds
      and and only Co(III) centres in and as required for the charge balances and
      supported by the magnetic measurements. Isostructural crab shaped complexes and
      feature distorted cubane cores that edge share to each other whereas the metallic
      core of or displays hemicubane like arrangement of metal centres and oxygen
      atoms. Overall structural symmetry was found to enhance on moving from the former
      to the latter series of complexes. Magnetic studies reveal significant magnetic
      entropy changes for complexes and (-DeltaSm = 21.57 and 19.39 J kg(-1) K(-1)) and
      single molecular magnetic behaviour for and . 

PMID- 25135439
TI  - Vaginal displacement during course of adjuvant radiation for cervical cancer:
      results from a prospective IG-IMRT study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare internal target volume (ITV) generated using population
      based displacements (ITV_study) with empty and full bladder scan fusion
      (ITV_EBFB) for organ-at-risk (OAR) doses during adjuvant intensity-modulated
      radiation therapy (IMRT) for cervical cancer. METHODS: From January 2011 to
      October 2012, patients undergoing IMRT were included. CT simulation was carried
      out after inserting vault markers. Planning target volume (PTV)_EBFB received 50
      Gy per 25 fractions. Pre-treatment megavoltage CT (MVCT) was performed. MVCTs
      were registered using bony landmarks with Day 1 MVCT. Displacement of the centre
      of mass of markers was measured along each axis. Directional ITV was calculated
      using mean +/- 2 standard deviations (SDs) (ITV_study). Replanning was performed
      using PTV study, and OAR doses were compared with PTV_EBFB using Wilcoxon test.
      RESULTS: A total of 348/386 data sets were evaluable for 16 patients. The median
      vaginal displacement was 1.2 mm (SD, 1.3 mm), 4.0 mm (SD, 3.5 mm) and 2.8 mm (SD,
      3.3 mm) in the mediolateral, superoinferior and anteroposterior directions,
      respectively. The ITV margins were 4.1, 10.3 and 10.6 mm. ITV_study and ITV_EBFB
      were 115.2 cm(3) (87.7-152.2 cm(3)) and 151 cm(3) (95.7-277.1 cm(3)) (p <
      0.0001), respectively. PTV_study and PTV_EBFB were 814 and 881 cm(3) (p <
      0.0001), respectively. Median doses to the bladder were lower with the PTV_study
      (46.2 Gy vs 43.2 Gy; p = 0.0001), and a similar trend was observed in the volume
      of the small bowel receiving 40 Gy (68.2 vs 60.1 cm(3); p = 0.09). CONCLUSION:
      Population-based PTV margins can lead to reduction in OAR doses. ADVANCES IN
      KNOWLEDGE: Population-based ITV may reduce OAR doses while executing adjuvant
      IMRT for cervical cancer.

PMID- 25135440
TI  - Conversion of waste polypropylene to liquid fuel using acid-activated kaolin.
AB  - Waste polypropylene was subjected to thermal degradation in the presence of
      kaolin and acid-treated kaolin, with different catalyst-to-plastics ratios, in a
      semi-batch reactor at a temperature range of 400-550 degrees C to obtain
      optimized process conditions for the production of liquid fuels. The effects of
      process temperature, catalyst and feed composition on yield and quality of the
      oil were determined. For a thermal decomposition reaction at up to 450 degrees C,
      the major product is volatile oil; and the major products at a higher temperature
      (475-550 degrees C) are either viscous liquid or wax. The highest yield of
      condensed fraction in the thermal reaction is 82.85% by weight at 500 degrees C.
      Use of kaolin and acid-treated kaolin as a catalyst decreased the reaction time
      and increased the yield of liquid fraction. The major product of catalysed
      degradation at all temperatures is highly volatile liquid oil. The maximum oil
      yield using kaolin and acid-treated kaolin is 87.5% and 92%, respectively, at 500
      degrees C. The oil obtained was characterized using GC-MS for its composition and
      different fuel properties by IS methods. 

PMID- 25135441
TI  - Paclitaxel-eluting nanofiber-covered self-expanding nonvascular stent for
      palliative chemotherapy of gastrointestinal cancer and its related stenosis.
AB  - Self-expanding non-vascular metal stents (SEMS) is now a choice of treatment for
      tumor-induced obstructive symptoms of gastrointestinal tract. But in-growing
      tumor causes re-stenosis. Here, we studied a paclitaxel-eluting nanofiber-covered
      stent for palliative chemotherapy of gastrointestinal cancer and its related
      stenosis. In vivo and in vitro feasibility of nanofiber-covered nonvascular stent
      was evaluated in this study. Nanofiber-covered stent released paclitaxel (PTX) in
      controlled manner for 30 days. PTX-NFM significantly inhibited the growth of CT
      26 colon cancer in comparison with PTX injection. PTX maintained higher tumor
      concentrations over 1.0 MUg/ml for more than 14 days without systemic exposure.
      TUNEL and H&E staining proved locally concentrated PTX induced the higher
      apoptosis than PTX injection. In this way, PTX-eluting nanofiber-covered stent
      possibly inhibits in-growth of cancer and extends patency of stent. Clinical
      feasibility of PTX-eluting nanofiber nonvascular stent for cholangiocarcinoma and
      gastrointestinal cancers will be investigated in further studies.

PMID- 25135442
TI  - Mid- and long-term outcomes of carotid-cavernous fistula endovascular management
      with Onyx and n-BCA: experience of a single tertiary center.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endovascular therapy is the preferred treatment for most carotid
      cavernous fistulas (CCFs). Early reports have documented excellent initial
      clinical and radiographic outcomes after embolization of CCFs with Onyx or n
      butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA), but little evidence is available about the long-term
      durability of this technique. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the long-term durability
      of CCF liquid embolization. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed a
      database of 24 CCFs in 21 consecutive patients who underwent Onyx or n-BCA
      embolization of a CCF from 2006 to 2013 at our institution. RESULTS: A total of
      25 Onyx or n-BCA embolization procedures were attempted and 24 successfully
      completed during the study, resulting in complete or near-complete occlusion by
      the end of the study in all 24 CCFs (obliteration success, 100%). Attempted
      embolization in a single CCF failed initially, but was performed successfully at
      a later date by a different approach. None of the 24 CCFs recanalized, regrew, or
      required any further treatment subsequent to Onyx or n-BCA embolization
      throughout a mean 12.4 months of angiographic follow-up (range 1-36 months).
      Clinically significant complications were seen in three embolization procedures,
      including cranial nerve palsies (n=1), embolic infarct (n=1), and intraperitoneal
      hemorrhage (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: Early evidence has indicated that endovascular
      embolization with Onyx is relatively safe and effective at achieving an initial
      angiographic cure for CCFs. Results of our series suggest that angiographic and
      clinical outcomes of Onyx and n-BCA embolization remain stable at mid- and long
      term follow-up.

PMID- 25135443
TI  - Endoscopic anterior fundoplication with the Medigus Ultrasonic Surgical
      Endostapler (MUSETM) for gastroesophageal reflux disease: 6-month results from a
      multi-center prospective trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and surgical
      fundoplication have potential drawbacks as treatments for chronic
      gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This multi-center, prospective study
      evaluated the clinical experiences of 69 patients who received an alternative
      treatment: endoscopic anterior fundoplication with a video- and ultrasound-guided
      transoral surgical stapler. METHODS: Patients with well-categorized GERD were
      enrolled at six international sites. Efficacy data was compared at baseline and
      at 6 months post-procedure. The primary endpoint was a >= 50 % improvement in
      GERD health-related quality of life (HRQL) score. Secondary endpoints were
      elimination or >= 50 % reduction in dose of PPI medication and reduction of total
      acid exposure on esophageal pH probe monitoring. A safety evaluation was
      performed at time 0 and weeks 1, 4, 12, and 6 months. RESULTS: 66 patients
      completed follow-up. Six months after the procedure, the GERD-HRQL score improved
      by >50 % off PPI in 73 % (48/66) of patients (95 % CI 60-83 %). Forty-two
      patients (64.6 %) were no longer using daily PPI medication. Of the 23 patients
      who continued to take PPI following the procedure, 13 (56.5 %) reported a >= 50 %
      reduction in dose. The mean percent of total time with esophageal pH <4.0
      decreased from baseline to 6 months (P < 0.001). Common adverse events were peri
      operative chest discomfort and sore throat. Two severe adverse events requiring
      intervention occurred in the first 24 subjects, no further esophageal injury or
      leaks were reported in the remaining 48 enrolled subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The
      initial 6-month data reported in this study demonstrate safety and efficacy of
      this endoscopic plication device. Early experience with the device necessitated
      procedure and device changes to improve safety, with improved results in the
      later portion of the study. Continued assessment of durability and safety are
      ongoing in a three-year follow-up study of this patient group.

PMID- 25135444
TI  - Robotic-assisted lateral lymph node dissection for lower rectal cancer: short
      term outcomes in 50 consecutive patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of
      robotic-assisted lateral lymph node dissection for patients with advanced lower
      rectal cancer. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2013, 50 consecutive patients underwent
      robotic-assisted lateral lymph node dissection for rectal cancer in Shizuoka
      Cancer Center Hospital. Perioperative outcomes including operative time,
      operative blood loss, length of stay, postoperative complications, and
      histopathological data were collected prospectively. RESULTS: Median patient age
      was 62 years (range 36-74 years). Operative procedures included low anterior
      resections (n = 27), intersphincteric resections (n = 16), and abdominoperineal
      resections (n = 7). Bilateral lymph node dissection was performed in 44 patients.
      The median operative time was 476 min (range 320-683 min), and the median time
      required for lateral lymph node dissection was 165 min (range 85-257 min). The
      median blood loss was 27 mL (range 5-690 mL). There were no cases of open surgery
      or laparoscopic conversion. The median duration of postoperative hospital stay
      was 8 days (range 6-13 days). Clavien-Dindo classification Grade III-IV
      complications occurred in only one patient (2.0 %). There were no cases of
      anastomotic leak. There was no perioperative mortality. The median number of
      harvested lateral lymph nodes was 19 (range 5-47). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted
      lateral lymph node dissection is a safe, feasible, and useful approach for
      patients with advanced lower rectal cancer.

PMID- 25135445
TI  - Cranial-to-caudal approach for radical lymph node dissection along the surgical
      trunk in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.
AB  - Complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation is considered to
      contribute to superior oncological outcomes after colon cancer surgery [1]. For
      advanced right-sided colon cancer, this surgery sometimes requires lymph node
      (LN) dissection along the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), with division of the
      middle colic vessels, or their right branches, at origin [2]. Here, we present
      cranially approached radical LN dissection along the surgical trunk during
      laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. The omental bursa is first opened wide, and the
      gastrocolic trunk of Henle is exposed, using the right gastroepiploic vessels and
      the accessory right colic vein (ARCV) as landmarks. After division of ARCV, SMV
      and middle colic vein (MCV) are identified. After dividing MCV at its root, LN
      dissection along SMV is conducted in a cranial-to-caudal manner. Concurrently,
      the middle colic artery, or its right branch, is exposed and divided at origin.
      The transverse colon is then raised ventrally, and LN dissection along SMV using
      a cranial-to-caudal approach is again performed. The ileocolic and right colic
      vessels are divided at origin. The ascending and transverse mesocolon, including
      the pedicles, are then separated from the retroperitoneal tissues, pancreatic
      head, and duodenum, using a medial approach. The key characteristics in this
      procedure consist of easy access to pancreas, early division of ARCV and middle
      colic vessels at origin, and easy dissection along SMV. We performed a
      laparoscopic colectomy using this approach for 18 patients with right-sided colon
      cancer. The mean operative time and blood loss were 288 min and 83 ml,
      respectively. The mean number of harvested LNs was 24. There were 6 cases with
      positive LN metastasis. There were no recurrent cases at a median follow-up
      period of 24 months. We consider this approach to be safe and useful for radical
      LN dissection along SMV for right-sided colon cancers. 

PMID- 25135446
TI  - Ultrasound-guided laparoscopic liver resections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraoperative liver ultrasound has an established role in liver
      surgery to complete staging and to guide resection. The same performances should
      be expected by laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS). METHODS: LUS is first performed to
      identify relationships between tumor and vasculo-biliary pedicles. The planes
      where the main vascular structures run are marked on the liver surface.
      Parenchymal transection is performed and each vessel recognized during LUS
      exploration is divided. RESULTS: From 01/2009 to 10/2013, in 61 out of 742 liver
      resections (8.2 %), a laparoscopic approach was attempted. The conversion rate
      was 9.8 % (six patients). No conversion was related to bleeding or intraoperative
      complications. The remnant 55 patients were affected by benign lesions in 11
      cases and malignant tumors in 44. The resections included 3 left hepatectomies,
      14 bisegmentectomies Sg2-3, 5 segmentectomies, and 38 wedge resections.
      Associated procedures were performed in eight patients (14.5 %), including four
      colorectal resections. Median duration of surgery was 150 min (60-345 min).
      Median operative blood loss was 100 mL (0-500 mL). Median size of resected tumor
      was 2.5 cm (0.9-8 cm). Median surgical margin in oncological resections was 7 mm
      (0-50 mm). Postoperative complications occurred in four patients (7.2 %), all
      grade 2 according to Dindo classification. No liver-related morbidity occurred.
      Median length of hospital stay was 5 days (3-9 days). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound
      guided liver resections can be performed by laparoscopic approach with the same
      accuracy than open surgery.

PMID- 25135447
TI  - Red blood cell folate as a risk factor for breast cancer among patients at a
      tertiary hospital in Uganda: a case control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Folate has been shown to play a complex but unclear role in
      carcinogenesis, with some studies showing that low folate intake protects against
      early carcinogenesis while high folate intake promotes advanced carcinogenesis.
      Other studies have shown that high folate is associated with decreased breast
      cancer risk and overall survival, yet others found no such association.This study
      therefore sought to determine the association between red blood folate levels and
      breast cancer among women seen at a tertiary Ugandan hospital. METHODS: A case
      control study was conducted where female patients with a histological diagnosis
      of breast cancer were recruited as cases, and females without cancer attending
      other surgical clinics as controls. Demographics and social behavior data were
      collected and 5 mls of blood drawn for laboratory testing of red blood cell (RBC)
      folate, serum vitamin B12 and RBC count. Ethical approval was obtained. RESULTS:
      In this study, a total of 145 women were recruited as 72 cases and 73 controls.
      The odds of having breast cancer among women with normal folate levels compared
      to those with low folate levels were 1.4 (95% CI 0.7 to 2.9) P = 0.290. Ninety
      participants (63%) had low RBC folate and 53 participants (37%) had normal RBC
      folate. Thirty five (45%) of the women from a rural setting had normal folate
      levels compared to 18(28%) women from an urban setting. CONCLUSIONS: There was no
      significant association found between RBC folate and breast cancer among this
      group of women in Uganda.

PMID- 25135448
TI  - Windrow composting mitigated CH4 emissions: characterization of methanogenic and
      methanotrophic communities in manure management.
AB  - With increasing livestock breeding, methane (CH4 ) emissions from manure
      management will increasingly contribute more to atmospheric CH4 concentration.
      The dynamics of methanogens and methanotrophs have not yet been studied in the
      manure environment. The current study combines surface CH4 emissions with
      methanogenic and methanotrophic community analyses from two management practices,
      windrow composting (WCOM) and solid storage (SSTO). Our results showed that there
      was an c. 50% reduction of CH4 emissions with WCOM compared with SSTO over a 50
      day period. A sharp decrease in the quantities of both methanogens and
      methanotrophs in WCOM suggested that CH4 mitigation was mainly due to decreased
      CH4 production rather than increased CH4 oxidation. Pyrosequencing analysis
      demonstrated that aeration caused a clear shift of dominant methanogens in the
      manure, with specifically a significant decrease in Methanosarcina and increase
      in Methanobrevibacter. The composition of methanogenic community was influenced
      by manure management and regulated CH4 production. A sharp increase in the
      quantity of methanotrophs in SSTO suggested that microbial CH4 oxidation is an
      important sink for the CH4 produced. The increased abundance of Methylococcaceae
      in SSTO suggested that Type I methanotrophs have an advantage in CH4 oxidation in
      occupying niches under low CH4 and high O2 conditions. 

PMID- 25135449
TI  - DMSO induced myocardial infarction during allogeneic cryopreserved bone marrow
      transplant.

PMID- 25135450
TI  - Early CMV replication and subsequent chronic GVHD have a significant anti
      leukemic effect after allogeneic HSCT in acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Early cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication (eCMV) after allogeneic hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has been suggested as an independent factor
      that reduces leukemia relapse risk. We retrospectively analyzed 74 patients with
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent allo-HSCT between August 2006 and
      September 2012. All recipients were CMV seropositive. In 52 patients, eCMV
      occurred at a median of 35 days (range, 11-92) after allo-HSCT. Univariate
      analysis revealed that the factors associated with a reduction in the 5-year
      cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) included the first complete remission
      status at allo-HSCT, non-adverse cytogenetics and molecular abnormalities, pre
      transplant serum ferritin level <1,400 mg/dL, chronic graft-versus-host disease
      (cGVHD), and eCMV. In sub-group analysis, according to the existence of eCMV and
      cGVHD, those with both eCMV and cGVHD showed the lowest 5-year CIR (P < 0.003).
      Patients with both eCMV and cGVHD had the best outcome for leukemia-free survival
      (LFS) (P < 0.001) and OS (P < 0.001). In the CMV-seropositive population, the
      presence of eCMV in combination with cGVHD had a significant positive effect on
      LFS and OS after allo-HSCT. When eCMV preceded cGVHD, the relapse rate after allo
      HSCT was significantly reduced in patients with AML. Therefore, we suggest that
      it is critical to have an immunological understanding of the graft-versus
      leukemia effect in this setting. 

PMID- 25135451
TI  - Preexisting TP53 mutation in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 25135453
TI  - Optimization of niosomes for enhanced antibacterial activity and reduced
      bacterial resistance: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim was to optimize norfloxacin niosomes for enhanced
      antibacterial activity and reduced bacterial resistance. METHODS: Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa, a biofilm forming bacterium, was used as the test organism. Different
      norfloxacin niosomes were evaluated in vitro and in vivo, respectively, for
      antibacterial activity compared with aqueous drug solution. The influence of
      norfloxacin niosomes on biofilm formation was investigated. The interaction of
      niosomes with bacterial cells was also monitored using the scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The efficacy of niosomes depended on their
      composition. Standard niosomes of Span 60 and cholesterol were similar to drug
      solution. Incorporation of Tween 80, oleic acid (OA), OA/propylene glycol or
      lecithin produced fluid niosomes which reduced the MIC and inhibited biofilm
      formation compared with drug solution. Incorporation of a positively charged
      agent into fluid niosomes enhanced the antibacterial activity and reduced biofilm
      formation significantly. SEM showed evidence of vesicle adsorption to the
      bacteria with possible adhesion or fusion with the cell membrane. The in vivo
      skin model confirmed the in vitro results with optimum niosomes being more
      efficient than drug solution. CONCLUSION: Niosomes are promising for enhanced
      antibacterial activity and reduced resistance to antibiotics. The later can be
      achieved by inhibition of biofilm formation.

PMID- 25135452
TI  - Role of lenalidomide in the management of myelodysplastic syndromes with del(5q)
      associated with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA).

PMID- 25135454
TI  - A psychometric evaluation of the Icelandic version of the WHO-5.
AB  - The psychometric properties of the Icelandic version of the World Health
      Organization five wellbeing index (WHO-5) were evaluated using two samples, a
      randomly selected sample (N = 3,896) from the Icelandic National Registry and a
      convenience sample of primary care patients (N = 126). The factor structure of
      the scale was tested with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The correlation
      between the WHO-5 and other measures of depression and anxiety were calculated to
      assess the scale's convergent and divergent validity. The discriminant validity
      of the WHO-5 was explored with a receiver operating analysis compared to the Mini
      International Neuropsychiatric Interview. The CFA indicated that the factor
      structure of the WHO-5 was one-dimensional and factorial invariant between
      groups. The internal reliability of the WHO-5 was adequate and the convergent,
      divergent and discriminant validity of the WHO-5 was supported. It is concluded
      that the psychometric properties of the Icelandic version of the WHO-5 are
      satisfactory. 

PMID- 25135455
TI  - Testing for beneficial reversal of dominance during salinity shifts in the
      invasive copepod Eurytemora affinis, and implications for the maintenance of
      genetic variation.
AB  - Maintenance of genetic variation at loci under selection has profound
      implications for adaptation under environmental change. In temporally and
      spatially varying habitats, non-neutral polymorphism could be maintained by
      heterozygote advantage across environments (marginal overdominance), which could
      be greatly increased by beneficial reversal of dominance across conditions. We
      tested for reversal of dominance and marginal overdominance in salinity tolerance
      in the saltwater-to-freshwater invading copepod Eurytemora affinis. We compared
      survival of F1 offspring generated by crossing saline and freshwater inbred lines
      (between-salinity F1 crosses) relative to within-salinity F1 crosses, across
      three salinities. We found evidence for both beneficial reversal of dominance and
      marginal overdominance in salinity tolerance. In support of reversal of
      dominance, survival of between-salinity F1 crosses was not different from that of
      freshwater F1 crosses under freshwater conditions and saltwater F1 crosses under
      saltwater conditions. In support of marginal overdominance, between-salinity F1
      crosses exhibited significantly higher survival across salinities relative to
      both freshwater and saltwater F1 crosses. Our study provides a rare empirical
      example of complete beneficial reversal of dominance associated with
      environmental change. This mechanism might be crucial for maintaining genetic
      variation in salinity tolerance in E. affinis populations, allowing rapid
      adaptation to salinity changes during habitat invasions. 

PMID- 25135456
TI  - Substrate-modified functional group reactivity: hasubanan and acutumine alkaloid
      syntheses.
AB  - Functional group taxonomy provides a powerful conceptual framework to classify
      and predict the chemical reactivity of molecular structures. These principals are
      most effective in monofunctional settings, wherein individual functional groups
      can be analyzed without complications. In more complex settings, the predictive
      value of these analyses decreases as alternative reaction pathways, promoted by
      neighboring substituents and aggregate molecular properties, emerge. We refer to
      this phenomenon as substrate-modified functional group reactivity. In this
      Perspective, we explain how substrate-modified functional group reactivity molded
      our synthetic routes to the hasubanan and acutumine alkaloids. These
      investigations underscore the potential for discovery and insight that can only
      be gained by studying the reactivity of complex multifunctional structures. 

PMID- 25135457
TI  - Interpreting carbonate and organic carbon isotope covariance in the sedimentary
      record.
AB  - Many negative delta(13)C excursions in marine carbonates from the geological
      record are interpreted to record significant biogeochemical events in early Earth
      history. The assumption that no post-depositional processes can simultaneously
      alter carbonate and organic delta(13)C values towards more negative values is the
      cornerstone of this approach. However, the effects of post-depositional
      alteration on the relationship between carbonate and organic delta(13)C values
      have not been directly evaluated. Here we present paired carbonate and organic
      delta(13)C records that exhibit a coupled negative excursion resulting from
      multiple periods of meteoric alteration of the carbonate delta(13)C record, and
      consequent contributions of isotopically negative terrestrial organic matter to
      the sedimentary record. The possibility that carbonate and organic delta(13)C
      records can be simultaneously shifted towards lower delta(13)C values during
      periods of subaerial exposure may necessitate the reappraisal of some of the
      delta(13)C anomalies associated with noteworthy biogeochemical events throughout
      Earth history. 

PMID- 25135458
TI  - Changes in pig diet particle size profile and nutrient content during on-farm
      storage and distribution to the feeders.
AB  - The present study assessed the effect of silo emptying and feed transport by
      conveyor systems on particle size and nutrient content of the feed delivered to
      the pigs. Experiment 1 sampled feed from four feeders along the conveyor system
      of two barns. Samples were taken immediately after filling the feed silo (Begin)
      and when the silo was almost empty (End). In Experiment 2, three barns with drag
      type conveyors, three with auger-type conveyors and two with spiral-type
      conveyors were sampled. Along the different conveyors, samples at 10, 20, 50 and
      85 m distance from the feed silo were taken from the feeders. In each barn,
      sampling was repeated for two subsequent batches of feed delivered. In all
      samples, particle size profile was determined and nutrient content was analysed.
      In Experiment 2, mineral content was also determined. In Experiment 1, the size
      of the different particle fractions decreased from Begin to End. An interaction
      (p < 0.05) between sampling time and conveyor type was detected for the 10%
      smallest particles. In Experiment 2, an effect of sampling time on the 10%
      largest particles was detected (p < 0.05). The effect of sampling time on several
      nutrients was observed in Experiments 1 and 2, but the affected nutrients
      differed between both experiments. Results implied that it was mainly emptying of
      the silo that affected mash particle size profile and nutrient content. The
      potential impact of these changes on pig performance requires further
      investigation.

PMID- 25135459
TI  - Secondary damage in left-sided frontal white matter detected by diffusion tensor
      imaging is correlated with executive dysfunction in patients with acute
      infarction at the ipsilateral posterior corona radiata.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Executive dysfunction has been observed in patients with left-sided
      anterior corona radiata infarction. However, whether left-sided posterior corona
      radiata infarction could cause executive dysfunction is unclear. Also, whether
      secondary damage in the left frontal white matter following ipsilateral posterior
      corona radiata infarct is causal or not and contributes to the occurrence and
      development of executive dysfunction, is still uncertain. METHODS: Twelve
      patients with posterior corona radiata infarction underwent diffusion tensor
      imaging (DTI) and an executive functional assessment at week 1 (W1), week 4 (W4),
      and week 12 (W12) after onset. Color duplex sonography and Transcranial Duplex
      Scanning (TCD) were performed at W1 and W12. Twelve healthy volunteers of similar
      ages and educational histories were examined as controls and assessed once.
      RESULTS: In the patients, we observed an increased mean diffusivity (MD) and a
      decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the left frontal white matter from W1 to
      W12. There were no significant changes in cerebral blood flow in patients between
      W1 and W12 according to the result of Color duplex sonography and TCD. Patients
      showed progressively impaired executive function during 12 weeks. Significant
      correlations were found between increased MD and decreased FA in the left frontal
      white matter with impaired degree of executive function. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrates that DTI detected secondary damage in left-sided frontal white
      matter in patients with acute infarction at the ipsilateral posterior corona
      radiata. This change may be correlated with executive functional changes in these
      patients.

PMID- 25135460
TI  - Panoramic radiography measurements, osteoporosis diagnoses and fractures in
      Japanese men and women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of the
      shape of the mandibular cortex on panoramic radiographs with the risk of an
      osteoporosis diagnosis without prevalent fractures and with the risk of
      osteoporotic fractures in Japanese men and women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One
      thousand and twenty-one subjects aged 40-89 years, who visited our university
      hospital and underwent panoramic radiography between 2007 and 2013, participated
      in this study. Eighty-eight patients received a diagnosis of osteoporosis without
      prevalent fractures, and 55 were diagnosed with osteoporotic fractures. Blinded
      to the groupings, we classified the shape of the mandibular cortex on panoramic
      radiographs as normal, moderately eroded or severely eroded. RESULTS: After
      adjustment for confounding factors, the odds ratios for an osteoporosis diagnosis
      associated with moderately eroded and severely eroded mandibular cortices were
      1.4 (95% CI, 0.8-2.6) and 2.6 (95% CI, 1.4-5.0), respectively. The odds ratios
      for an osteoporotic fracture associated with moderately eroded and severely
      eroded cortices were 0.8 (95% CI, 0.4-1.7) and 1.1 (95% CI, 0.5-2.5),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects in Japan with eroded mandibular cortices
      tended to be at increased risk of osteoporosis diagnoses but not of fractures.

PMID- 25135461
TI  - Late toxicity of proton beam therapy for patients with the nasal cavity, para
      nasal sinuses, or involving the skull base malignancy: importance of long-term
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although several reports have shown that proton beam therapy (PBT)
      offers promise for patients with skull base cancer, little is known about the
      frequency of late toxicity in clinical practice when PBT is used for these
      patients. Here, we conducted a retrospective analysis to clarify the late
      toxicity profile of PBT in patients with malignancies of the nasal cavity, para
      nasal sinuses, or involving the skull base. METHODS: Entry to this retrospective
      study was restricted to patients with (1) malignant tumors of the nasal cavity,
      para-nasal sinuses, or involving the skull base; (2) definitive or postoperative
      PBT (>50 GyE) from January 1999 through December 2008; and (3) more than 1 year
      of follow-up. Late toxicities were graded according to the common terminology
      criteria for adverse events v4.0 (CTCAE v4.0). RESULTS: From January 1999 through
      December 2008, 90 patients satisfied all criteria. Median observation period was
      57.5 months (range, 12.4-162.7 months), median time to onset of grade 2 or
      greater late toxicity except cataract was 39.2 months (range, 2.7-99.8 months),
      and 3 patients had toxicities that occurred more than 5 years after PBT. Grade 3
      late toxicities occurred in 17 patients (19%), with 19 events, and grade 4 late
      toxicities in 6 patients (7%), with 6 events (encephalomyelitis infection 2,
      optic nerve disorder 4). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the late toxicity profile of
      PBT in patients with malignancy involving the nasal cavity, para-nasal sinuses,
      or skull base malignancy was partly clarified. Because late toxicity can still
      occur at 5 years after treatment, long-term follow-up is necessary.

PMID- 25135463
TI  - 'Bio-load' and bio-type profiles of Mycobacterium avium subspecies
      paratuberculosis infection in the domestic livestock population endemic for
      Johne's disease: a survey of 28 years (1985-2013) in India.
AB  - Bio-load and bio-profile of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis was
      studied in the domestic livestock population of the country. Of the 23,429 farm
      and farmer's animals screened, average bio-load was 23.3% (Period of study; 28
      years for goats; 13 years for sheep, cattle and buffaloes). Species-wise, bio
      load was 20.1, 32.7, 39.3 and 28.3% in goats, sheep, cattle and buffaloes,
      respectively. Bio-load was significantly lower in time period A (P < 0.001) and B
      (P < 0.03), compared with period C. Geographical zone-wise, bio-load of MAP was
      significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Central zone compared with South, West, East
      and North zones. Bio-load in 11 states ranged from 16.2 to 87.8%. Of 8450, 5643,
      8185 and 1151 samples screened by microscopy, culture, indigenous ELISA and IS900
      blood PCR, 20.0, 10.6, 35.1 and 26.6% samples were positive, respectively. Bio
      load was 32.8 and 31.6% in farm and farmer's goats and sheep, respectively, and
      62.1% in farmer's cattle. MAP bio-load was also monitored in four farm units
      (three goats and one sheep) for breed improvement and three farm goats units for
      experimental purposes at Central Institute for Research on Goats in Mathura
      district. Of the 8025 goats and 1525 sheep that died from 1988 to 2013, 10.9 and
      3.0% deaths were due to JD, respectively. On the basis of JD and suspected JD,
      10.0 and 28.4% goats and 2.2 and 40.9% sheep, respectively were culled from the
      farm units in 25 years. Microscopic examination of 214 tissues (mesenteric lymph
      nodes and intestines) of 107 animals, it was observed that bio-load of MAP was
      high (25.0-60.0%) in farm animals. 'Indian Bison Type' was the dominant biotype,
      irrespective of domestic livestock species and the geographical zone.

PMID- 25135462
TI  - Next-generation prostate-specific antigen test: precursor form of prostate
      specific antigen.
AB  - An urgent need exists to develop a more sophisticated screening system in order
      to improve diagnostic accuracy of clinically significant cancer and also to
      reduce the drawbacks of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening including
      overdetection and overtreatment. The most promising next-generation PSA test,
      which can improve the management of prostate cancer, may be proenzyme PSA
      (proPSA) or precursor PSA (pPSA). proPSA has pro-leader peptide sequences of
      seven or less amino acids and previous studies demonstrated that [-2]proPSA,
      which contains only a 2-amino-acid propeptide leader, could be more useful not
      only to distinguish between men with and without cancer, but also between tumors
      with aggressive features with performance exceeding other classical PSA-related
      indices including ratio of free PSA to total PSA (%f-PSA) and PSA density.
      Recently, it was demonstrated that baseline [-2]proPSA-related indices were
      independent factors to predict pathological reclassification at one year or
      several years after entering active surveillance. Furthermore, a retrospective
      study suggested that [-2]proPSA might be a useful predictive marker for future
      developing clinically manifested prostate cancer as well as aggressive tumors.
      ProPSA-related indices may have the potential for developing a more ideal risk
      classification for men at risk for prostate cancer, with a screening system
      maintaining the sensitivity of detecting clinically significant prostate cancer
      while saving cost, individualized treatment strategies, and follow-up procedures
      of active surveillance or active treatments. At a minimum, proPSA will be one of
      the most important new markers on the prostate cancer management in the near
      future. 

PMID- 25135464
TI  - Partial genetic characterization of peste des petits ruminants virus from goats
      in northern and eastern Tanzania.
AB  - Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute viral disease of small ruminants.
      The disease was first reported in Tanzania in 2008 when it was confined to the
      Northern Zone districts bordering Kenya. The present study was carried out to
      confirm the presence of PPR virus (PPRV) in Tanzania and to establish their
      phylogenetic relationships. Samples (oculonasal swabs, tissues and whole blood)
      were obtained from live goats with clinical presentation suggestive of PPR and
      goats that died naturally in Ngorongoro (Northern Tanzania) and Mvomero (Eastern
      Tanzania) districts. The clinical signs observed in goats suspected with PPR
      included fever, dullness, diarrhea, lacrimation, matting of eye lids, purulent
      oculonasal discharges, cutaneous nodules, erosions on the soft palate and gums
      and labored breathing. Post mortem findings included pneumonia, congestion of the
      intestines, and hemorrhages in lymph nodes associated with the respiratory and
      gastrointestinal systems. PPRV was detected in 21 out of 71 tested animals using
      primers targeting the nucleoprotein (N) gene. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the
      N gene, indicated that PPRV obtained from Northern and Eastern Tanzania clustered
      with PPRV strains of Lineage III, together with PPRV from Sudan and Ethiopia. The
      findings of this study indicate that there are active PPRV infections in Northern
      and Eastern Tanzania, suggesting risks for potential spread of PPR in the rest of
      Tanzania.

PMID- 25135465
TI  - Leptospirosis in cattle: a challenging scenario for the understanding of the
      epidemiology.
AB  - All over the world, leptospirosis has been reported as one of the major causes of
      reproductive failure in cattle and other ruminants, determining abortions,
      stillbirth, weak newborns and decrease in their growth rate and milk production.
      Nevertheless, despite its importance, it is still a challenging disease, from
      what scarce information about epidemiology, prophylaxis and control is available
      nowadays. During the last decades of the last century, many epidemiological
      studies have been conducted in several countries, mainly based on serology.
      According to those studies, a seroepidemiological scenario has been stated for
      different regions, where different serovars were reported for cattle.
      Nevertheless, a huge problem is that, when efforts are made in order to increase
      the collection of local strains (isolates), it has been demonstrated that the
      scenario that emerges from those studies contrasts with those previously
      determined by serology. Despite the large number of serological studies
      worldwide, the number of isolates is scarce. Isolation technique is a very
      delicate procedure that needs no contamination, fast processing and long delay to
      produce a positive result, what may corroborate to the lack of information for
      the comparison between serology versus bacteriological data, mainly in developing
      countries. It is noteworthy that the epidemiological scenario now acknowledged
      may not represent what really occurs in many parts of the world, particularly on
      those tropical regions where the disease is endemic. Consequently, the current
      knowledge about epidemiology and control, as well as the available diagnostic
      tools and the commercial vaccines, may not be adequate for those regions, what
      leads to a frustrating scenario of endemicity and difficulties on the control of
      the disease. Without a huge effort in the culturing of local strains, besides the
      advances on molecular typing, leptospirosis will not be defeated and will
      probably remain endemic in the developing countries, leading to important
      economic hazards in animal production and risks to public health in those
      regions. 

PMID- 25135466
TI  - Predominance of genotype 1.1 and emergence of genotype 2.2 classical swine fever
      viruses in north-eastern region of India.
AB  - Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious and the most important disease
      of pigs worldwide.CSF is enzootic in pig herds in India and continues to cause
      huge economic losses to pig farmers. Nearly 40% of the total pig population of
      India is present in the north-eastern (NE) states where pig husbandry plays an
      important role in the socio-economic development. Pigs reared in the backyards
      are the only source of livelihood for a majority of poor tribal population in the
      region. Hardly any CSF vaccination is currently being undertaken in the
      unorganized pig farming in the NE region due to economic reasons and vaccine
      unavailability. A thorough understanding of the current epidemiological status of
      CSF is essential for the effective control of the disease in the NE region.
      Hence, we carried out molecular characterization of CSFV isolates from field
      outbreaks during 2011-2012 in the entire north-eastern region of India to
      establish the genetic groups of prevalent CSF viruses in the region. A total of
      17 CSFV isolates obtained from different parts of the NE region were
      characterized by comparing the sequences of three partial genomic regions of the
      virus, that is 150 nt of 5' UTR, 190 nt of E2 and 409 nt of NS5B. Of the 17 CSFV
      isolates, 15 isolates belonged to 1.1 (88.2%) and two isolates (11.8%) belonged
      to 2.2 subgenogroup. The genogroup 2.2 CSFV were associated with outbreaks in
      Arunachal Pradesh that shares international borders with Bhutan, Myanmar and
      China. Genogroup 2.2 CSFV isolated in the present study shared high level of
      sequence similarity with 2.2 viruses form China, raising the possibility of virus
      incursion from this region. In summary, we found a continued predominance of 1.1
      subgroup and an emergence of 2.2 subgroup CSFV in NE region of India.

PMID- 25135467
TI  - Epidemiology of viral pathogens of free-ranging dogs and Indian foxes in a human
      dominated landscape in central India.
AB  - There is an increasing concern that free-ranging domestic dog (Canis familiaris)
      populations may serve as reservoirs of pathogens which may be transmitted to
      wildlife. We documented the prevalence of antibodies to three viral pathogens,
      canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine adenovirus
      (CAV), in free-ranging dog and sympatric Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis)
      populations in and around the Great Indian Bustard Wildlife Sanctuary, in
      Maharashtra, central India. A total of 219 dogs and 33 foxes were sampled during
      the study period. Ninety-three percentage of dogs and 87% of foxes were exposed
      to one or more of the three pathogens. Exposure rates in dogs were high: >88% for
      CPV, >72% for CDV and 71% for CAV. A large proportion of adult dogs had
      antibodies against these pathogens due to seroconversion following earlier
      natural infection. The high prevalence of exposure to these pathogens across the
      sampling sessions, significantly higher exposure rates of adults compared with
      juveniles, and seroconversion in some unvaccinated dogs documented during the
      study period suggests that these pathogens are enzootic. The prevalence of
      exposure to CPV, CDV and CAV in foxes was 48%, 18% and 52%, respectively.
      Further, a high rate of mortality was documented in foxes with serologic evidence
      of ongoing CDV infection. Dogs could be playing a role in the maintenance and
      transmission of these pathogens in the fox population, but our findings show that
      most dogs in the population are immune to these pathogens by virtue of earlier
      natural infection, and therefore, these individuals make little current or future
      contribution to viral maintenance. Vaccination of this cohort will neither
      greatly improve their collective immune status nor contribute to herd immunity.
      Our findings have potentially important implications for dog disease control
      programmes that propose using canine vaccination as a tool for conservation
      management of wild carnivore populations. 

PMID- 25135469
TI  - Epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure in left
      heart failure.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension (PH) leading to right ventricular failure (RVF) is a
      common complication of left heart failure irrespective of the left ventricular
      ejection fraction. PH due to left heart disease is the most common cause of PH.
      The prevalence of PH and RVF in left heart failure varies depending on the
      patient population studied, the method used to diagnose PH, and the hemodynamic
      criteria used to define PH. Elevated left-sided filling pressure and functional
      mitral regurgitation are the two major determinants of PH in left heart failure.
      PH is associated with markers of disease severity, advanced symptoms, and worse
      long-term outcomes including heart failure hospitalization and mortality in left
      heart failure. RVF has independent, incremental prognostic value over PH for
      adverse outcomes in left heart failure. PH and RVF may be potential therapeutic
      targets in patients with left heart failure. 

PMID- 25135468
TI  - White matter involvement in chronic musculoskeletal pain.
AB  - There is emerging evidence that chronic musculoskeletal pain is associated with
      anatomic and functional abnormalities in gray matter. However, little research
      has investigated the relationship between chronic musculoskeletal pain and white
      matter. In this study, we used whole-brain tract-based spatial statistics and
      region-of-interest analyses of diffusion tensor imaging data to demonstrate that
      patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain exhibit several abnormal metrics of
      white matter integrity compared with healthy controls. Chronic musculoskeletal
      pain was associated with lower fractional anisotropy in the splenium of the
      corpus callosum and the left cingulum adjacent to the hippocampus. Patients also
      had higher radial diffusivity in the splenium, right anterior and posterior limbs
      of the internal capsule, external capsule, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and
      cerebral peduncle. Patterns of axial diffusivity (AD) varied: patients exhibited
      lower AD in the left cingulum adjacent to the hippocampus and higher AD in the
      anterior limbs of the internal capsule and in the right cerebral peduncle.
      Several correlations between diffusion metrics and clinical variables were also
      significant at a P < .01 level: fractional anisotropy in the left uncinate
      fasciculus correlated positively with total pain experience and typical levels of
      pain severity. AD in the left anterior limb of the internal capsule and left
      uncinate fasciculus was correlated with total pain experience and typical pain
      level. Positive correlations were also found between AD in the right uncinate and
      both total pain experience and pain catastrophizing. These results demonstrate
      that white matter abnormalities play a role in chronic musculoskeletal pain as a
      cause, a predisposing factor, a consequence, or a compensatory adaptation.
      PERSPECTIVE: Patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain exhibit altered metrics
      of diffusion in the brain's white matter compared with healthy volunteers, and
      some of these differences are directly related to symptom severity.

PMID- 25135471
TI  - Experience of mechanical thrombectomy for paediatric arterial ischaemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paediatric arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) is an important cause of
      acute neurological symptoms in children, it causes significant morbidity and is
      one of the top ten causes of childhood deaths. Consensus papers have suggested
      guidelines for the management of AIS in childhood, although none recommend
      thrombectomy. Despite this, children within our institution have undergone
      mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion. This is the first series of
      mechanical thrombectomy and outcomes performed in children in the U.K. METHODS:
      We describe the endovascular management of paediatric arterial ischaemic stroke
      (AIS) in four children (5-15 years) with PedNIHSS > 17. RESULTS: Three had
      basilar artery (BA) occlusion and one left middle cerebral artery (MCA)
      occlusion. All underwent uncomplicated thrombectomy followed by intravenous
      heparin. One had a successful second attempt. The BA cases underwent thrombectomy
      17-36 h after symptom onset; the left MCA case <6 h after symptom onset. Modified
      Rankin Scale (MRS) was 0-3, 50% had MRS 0. DISCUSSION: Adult AIS guidelines
      recommend IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) within 4.5 h of
      onset and intra-arterial r-tPA within 6 h; thrombectomy being reserved for
      carefully selected patients. Paediatric AIS recognition is problematic, often
      with delayed imaging. There is little evidence regarding efficacy of thrombectomy
      for paediatric AIS. Our experience suggests there may be a role for endovascular
      clot retrieval in selected patients managed by an experienced multidisciplinary
      team. Careful data collection is mandatory.

PMID- 25135470
TI  - The acute cardiorenal syndrome: burden and mechanisms of disease.
AB  - Worsening renal function during the treatment of acute decompensated heart
      failure, so-called acute cardio-renal syndrome, is very common and complicates
      the treatment course. The underlying pathophysiology of worsening renal function
      (WRF) involves variable contributions of renal hemodynamics, neurohormonal
      activity, and oxidative stress. Historically, WRF has been associated with
      adverse outcomes. However, emerging data support therapeutic strategies that
      permit WRF while effectively treating congestion as they are associated with
      improved outcomes. 

PMID- 25135472
TI  - Prenatal evaluation and postnatal early outcomes of fetal ventriculomegaly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the incidence, etiology, diagnostic
      criteria and early outcomes of prenatally diagnosed fetal ventriculomegaly (VM).
      METHODS: Diagnostic criteria for the fetal VM was atrial diameter of lateral
      ventricle measuring >=10 mm, independent from gestational age. Results of our
      patients from ultrasonography (USG), karyotyping, congenital infections, and
      associated abnormalities were noted. Progress during pregnancy, postnatal USG
      results and neurobehavioral outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: In our study, 40
      subjects of fetal VM were recorded. 16 and 24 of those were bilateral (40%) and
      unilateral (60%) respectively. Female to male fetus ratio was 19/21 (0.9). Median
      gestational age at the diagnosis was 22 weeks (ranging between 16 and 34 weeks).
      While 21 VM subjects were isolated (52.5%) only 19 of the total were shown
      associated structural abnormalities in (47.5%) in addition to VM. Toxoplasmosis
      were diagnosed only in one subject (2.5%). Nineteen subjects had amniocentesis
      (47.5%) and 2 of them were showed abnormalities (10.5%) as follows; "inversion
      and duplication 8 (p11.2p23)" and "deletion 3". VM got back in to normal size
      during pregnancy in 24 subjects (24/40, 60%). Eight pregnancies were terminated
      (8/40) (20%). Five babies passed away during neonatal and postneonatal period.
      Some other structural abnormalities were diagnosed after the birth at six babies
      who classified as mild "isolated" VM. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that
      amongst mild VM subjects, incidence of associated abnormalities and termination
      rate were higher. Although most of mild VM subjects are thought to be benign,
      associated abnormalities should be carefully evaluated and determined pre- and
      postnatally.

PMID- 25135473
TI  - Evaluation of Gram-negative bacterial infection by a stable and conjugative
      bioluminescence plasmid in a mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The green fluorescence protein (GFP)-associated fluorescence method
      and the luciferase-associated bioluminescence method are the two major methods
      for IVIS imaging system to investigate the bacterial infection in animal models.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the infection route of Gram-negative
      bacteria carrying a stable and broad range of conjugative bioluminescence plasmid
      pSE-Lux1 in a mouse model. RESULTS: Both encapsulated and non-encapsulated Gram
      negative bacteria were used as hosts to evaluate conjugation efficiency and
      plasmid stability of pSE-Lux1, a recombinant of pSE34 and luxABCDE operon. The
      plasmid conjugation efficiencies of pSE-Lux1 ranged from 10-3 to 10-7 in various
      Gram-negative bacteria. Plasmid pSE-Lux1 maintained in Escherichia coli,
      Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella enterica serovars Choleraesues (abbreviated
      S. Choleraesuis) and Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium), than in Acinetobacter
      baumannii and Serratia marcescens, was shown to be of better stability for at
      least four days. To investigate systemic bacterial infections, K. pneumoniae
      strain CG354 was intravenously injected, and then was clearly observed to be non
      pathogenic to Balb/c mice for a long-term bioluminescence monitoring for 6 days.
      For examining dynamic distributions of gastrointestinal tract infection, the
      invasion protein SipB-deficient mutant OU5045?sipB and OU5046?sipB of S. serovar
      Typhimurium constructed in this study, compared to wild-type strain OU5045 and
      its virulence plasmid-less strain OU5046, were of less virulence to mice.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to evaluate the conjugative and stable
      bioluminescence vehicle system of pSE-Lux1 in a wide range of Gram-negative
      bacteria, a system that can provide a useful reporter approach to trace systemic
      and gastrointestinal bacterial infections in a mouse model.

PMID- 25135475
TI  - CTCF controls HOXA cluster silencing and mediates PRC2-repressive higher-order
      chromatin structure in NT2/D1 cells.
AB  - HOX cluster genes are activated sequentially in their positional order along the
      chromosome during vertebrate development. This phenomenon, known as temporal
      colinearity, depends on transcriptional silencing of 5' HOX genes. Chromatin
      looping was recently identified as a conserved feature of silent HOX clusters,
      with CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) binding sites located at the loop bases.
      However, the potential contribution of CTCF to HOX cluster silencing and the
      underlying mechanism have not been established. Here, we demonstrate that the
      HOXA locus is organized by CTCF into chromatin loops and that CTCF depletion
      causes significantly enhanced activation of HOXA3 to -A7, -A9 to -A11, and -A13
      in response to retinoic acid, with the highest effect observed for HOXA9. Our
      subsequent analyses revealed that CTCF facilitates the stabilization of Polycomb
      repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and trimethylated lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3)
      at the human HOXA locus. Our results reveal that CTCF functions as a controller
      of HOXA cluster silencing and mediates PRC2-repressive higher-order chromatin
      structure. 

PMID- 25135474
TI  - Efficient mRNA polyadenylation requires a ubiquitin-like domain, a zinc knuckle,
      and a RING finger domain, all contained in the Mpe1 protein.
AB  - Almost all eukaryotic mRNAs must be polyadenylated at their 3' ends to function
      in protein synthesis. This modification occurs via a large nuclear complex that
      recognizes signal sequences surrounding a poly(A) site on mRNA precursor, cleaves
      at that site, and adds a poly(A) tail. While the composition of this complex is
      known, the functions of some subunits remain unclear. One of these is a
      multidomain protein called Mpe1 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and RBBP6
      in metazoans. The three conserved domains of Mpe1 are a ubiquitin-like (UBL)
      domain, a zinc knuckle, and a RING finger domain characteristic of some ubiquitin
      ligases. We show that mRNA 3'-end processing requires all three domains of Mpe1
      and that more than one region of Mpe1 is involved in contact with the
      cleavage/polyadenylation factor in which Mpe1 resides. Surprisingly, both the
      zinc knuckle and the RING finger are needed for RNA-binding activity. Consistent
      with a role for Mpe1 in ubiquitination, mutation of Mpe1 decreases the
      association of ubiquitin with Pap1, the poly(A) polymerase, and suppressors of
      mpe1 mutants are linked to ubiquitin ligases. Furthermore, an inhibitor of
      ubiquitin-mediated interactions blocks cleavage, demonstrating for the first time
      a direct role for ubiquitination in mRNA 3'-end processing. 

PMID- 25135476
TI  - Regulation of the death-associated protein kinase 1 expression and autophagy via
      ATF6 requires apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1.
AB  - The death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is an important regulator of cell
      death and autophagy. Recently, we have identified that ATF6, an endoplasmic
      reticulum-resident transcription factor, in association with the transcription
      factor CEBP-beta, regulates the gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-induced expression
      of Dapk1 (P. Gade et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 109:10316-10321, 2012,
      doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1119273109). IFN-gamma-induced proteolytic processing of
      ATF6 and phosphorylation of C/EBP-beta were essential for the formation of a
      novel transcriptional complex that regulates DAPK1. Here, we report that IFN
      gamma activates the ASK1-MKK3/MKK6-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      pathway for controlling the activity of ATF6. The terminal enzyme in this
      pathway, p38 MAPK, phosphorylates a critical threonine residue in ATF6 upstream
      of its DNA binding domain. ATF6 mutants defective for p38 MAPK phosphorylation
      fail to undergo proteolytic processing in the Golgi apparatus and drive IFN-gamma
      induced gene expression and autophagy. We also show that mice lacking Ask1 are
      highly susceptible to lethal bacterial infection owing to defective autophagy.
      Together, these results identify a novel host defense pathway controlled by IFN
      gamma signaling. 

PMID- 25135477
TI  - FANCD2-controlled chromatin access of the Fanconi-associated nuclease FAN1 is
      crucial for the recovery of stalled replication forks.
AB  - Fanconi anemia (FA) is a cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by cellular
      hypersensitivity to DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs). Within the FA pathway, an
      upstream core complex monoubiquitinates and recruits the FANCD2 protein to ICLs
      on chromatin. Ensuing DNA repair involves the Fanconi-associated nuclease 1
      (FAN1), which interacts selectively with monoubiquitinated FANCD2 (FANCD2(Ub)) at
      ICLs. Importantly, FANCD2 has additional independent functions: it binds
      chromatin and coordinates the restart of aphidicolin (APH)-stalled replication
      forks in concert with the BLM helicase, while protecting forks from nucleolytic
      degradation by MRE11. We identified FAN1 as a new crucial replication fork
      recovery factor. FAN1 joins the BLM-FANCD2 complex following APH-mediated fork
      stalling in a manner dependent on MRE11 and FANCD2, followed by FAN1 nuclease
      mediated fork restart. Surprisingly, APH-induced activation and chromatin
      recruitment of FAN1 occur independently of the FA core complex or the FAN1 UBZ
      domain, indicating that the FANCD2(Ub) isoform is dispensable for functional
      FANCD2-FAN1 cross talk during stalled fork recovery. In the absence of FANCD2,
      MRE11 exonuclease-promoted access of FAN1 to stalled forks results in severe FAN1
      mediated nucleolytic degradation of nascent DNA strands. Thus, FAN1 nuclease
      activity at stalled replication forks requires tight regulation: too little
      inhibits fork restart, whereas too much causes fork degradation. 

PMID- 25135479
TI  - Biotechnological challenges of bioartificial kidney engineering.
AB  - With the world-wide increase of patients with renal failure, the development of
      functional renal replacement therapies have gained significant interest and novel
      technologies are rapidly evolving. Currently used renal replacement therapies
      insufficiently remove accumulating waste products, resulting in the uremic
      syndrome. A more preferred treatment option is kidney transplantation, but the
      shortage of donor organs and the increasing number of patients waiting for a
      transplant warrant the development of novel technologies. The bioartificial
      kidney (BAK) is such promising biotechnological approach to replace essential
      renal functions together with the active secretion of waste products. The
      development of the BAK requires a multidisciplinary approach and evolves at the
      intersection of regenerative medicine and renal replacement therapy. Here we
      provide a concise review embracing a compact historical overview of bioartificial
      kidney development and highlighting the current state-of-the-art, including
      implementation of living-membranes and the relevance of extracellular matrices.
      We focus further on the choice of relevant renal epithelial cell lines versus the
      use of stem cells and co-cultures that need to be implemented in a suitable
      device. Moreover, the future of the BAK in regenerative nephrology is discussed. 

PMID- 25135478
TI  - TPC1 has two variant isoforms, and their removal has different effects on endo
      lysosomal functions compared to loss of TPC2.
AB  - Organelle ion homeostasis within the endo-lysosomal system is critical for
      physiological functions. Two-pore channels (TPCs) are cation channels that reside
      in endo-lysosomal organelles, and overexpression results in endo-lysosomal
      trafficking defects. However, the impact of a lack of TPC expression on endo
      lysosomal trafficking is unknown. Here, we characterize Tpcn1 expression in two
      transgenic mouse lines (Tpcn1(XG716) and Tpcn1(T159)) and show expression of a
      novel evolutionarily conserved Tpcn1B transcript from an alternative promoter,
      raising important questions regarding the status of Tpcn1 expression in mice
      recently described to be Tpcn1 knockouts. We show that the transgenic Tpcn1(T159)
      line lacks expression of both Tpcn1 isoforms in all tissues analyzed. Using mouse
      embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from Tpcn1(-/-) and Tpcn2(-/-) animals, we show that
      a lack of Tpcn1 or Tpcn2 expression has no significant impact on resting endo
      lysosomal pH or morphology. However, differential effects in endo-lysosomal
      function were observed upon the loss of Tpcn1 or Tpcn2 expression; thus, while
      Tpcn1(-/-) MEFs have impaired trafficking of cholera toxin from the plasma
      membrane to the Golgi apparatus, Tpcn2(-/-) MEFs show slower kinetics of ligand
      induced platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRbeta) degradation,
      which is dependent on trafficking to lysosomes. Our findings indicate that TPC1
      and TPC2 have important but distinct roles in the endo-lysosomal pathway. 

PMID- 25135480
TI  - Infrared and Raman spectroscopic investigation of the reaction mechanism of
      cytochrome c oxidase.
AB  - Recent progress in studies on the proton-pumping and O2reduction mechanisms of
      cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) elucidated by infrared (IR) and resonance Raman (rR)
      spectroscopy, is reviewed. CcO is the terminal enzyme of the respiratory chain
      and its O2reduction reaction is coupled with H+ pumping activity across the inner
      mitochondrial membrane. The former is catalyzed by heme a3 and its mechanism has
      been determined using a rR technique, while the latter used the protein moiety
      and has been investigated with an IR technique. The number of H+ relative to e-
      transferred in the reaction is 1:1, and their coupling is presumably performed by
      heme a and nearby residues. To perform this function, different parts of the
      protein need to cooperate with each other spontaneously and sequentially. It is
      the purpose of this article to describe the structural details on the coupling on
      the basis of the vibrational spectra of certain specified residues and
      chromophores involved in the reaction. Recent developments in time-resolved IR
      and Raman technology concomitant with protein manipulation methods have yielded
      profound insights into such structural changes. In particular, the new IR
      techniques that yielded the breakthrough are reviewed and assessed in detail.
      This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Vibrational spectroscopies and
      bioenergetic systems.

PMID- 25135481
TI  - Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders without and with autoimmune diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) can coexist with non
      organ-specific or organ-specific autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was
      to investigate and compare the features between NMOSD without and with autoimmune
      diseases, and NMOSD with non-organ-specific and organ-specific autoimmune
      diseases. METHODS: One hundred and fifty five NMOSD patients without autoimmune
      diseases (n = 115) and with autoimmune diseases (n = 40) were enrolled. NMOSD
      with autoimmune diseases were divided by organ-specific autoimmune diseases. The
      clinical, laboratory and magnetic resonance imaging features between two groups
      were assessed. RESULTS: Motor deficit was less frequent in NMOSD patients with
      non-organ-specific autoimmune diseases (p = 0.024). Cerebrospinal fluid white
      blood cell and protein, serum C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin G were lower
      in NMOSD patients without autoimmune diseases, while several autoantibodies
      seropositivity and thyroid indexes were significantly higher in NMOSD patients
      with autoimmune diseases (p < 0.05). No difference was found in other clinical
      and laboratory characteristics between different NMOSD subtypes (p > 0.05). NMOSD
      patients with autoimmune diseases had higher brain abnormalities than NMOSD
      without autoimmune diseases (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics between
      NMOSD without and with autoimmune diseases were similar. NMOSD with autoimmune
      diseases have high frequency of brain abnormalities.

PMID- 25135482
TI  - Hormone whodunit: clues for solving the case of intratumor androgen production.
AB  - One of the key mechanisms by which prostate cancer cells evade hormone therapy is
      through intratumor testosterone production. New evidence points toward
      androstenedione as a potential precursor of intratumor androgen production and
      furthers nomination of AKR1C3 as a therapeutic target in advanced disease.

PMID- 25135483
TI  - p38 MAPK in pancreatic cancer: finding a protective needle in the haystack.
AB  - Activated p38 MAPK alpha (pp38alpha) is a good prognostic marker in pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma that could be used to personalize therapy. pp38alpha
      suppresses JNK-mediated proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo. These findings
      support the testing of combination therapies that include JNK targeting and/or
      suppressing negative regulators of pp38alpha.

PMID- 25135484
TI  - Matching wits with melanoma brain metastases: from biology to therapeutics.
AB  - Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) present a significant clinical challenge.
      Molecular profiling of MBM is useful to identify molecular pathways, such as the
      PI3K pathway, that are specifically and differentially altered in MBM.
      Therapeutic studies should recruit patients with MBM and prospective tissue
      collection will lay the foundation for further advances.

PMID- 25135486
TI  - Relationship between Na+, K+-ATPase and NMDA receptor at central synapses.
AB  - Specific receptors for classical neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, as well as
      the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, are all molecular entities inserted into synaptic region
      membranes and localized contiguously. Herein, available experimental evidence
      showing close interactions between the activity of the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and the
      N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) ionotropic glutamate receptor was reviewed,
      supporting a functional link between these macromolecules. The Na(+), K(+)-
      ATPase and NMDA receptor are involved in ion movements through membranes. The
      former acts as an ion transporter, whereas the latter acts as an ion channel. The
      modulation of their activity plays a critical role in controlling neuronal
      function. Examples were taken from studies performed with specific agonists or
      antagonists of the NMDA receptor. Regarding the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, its
      involvement was postulated after observing its inhibition by ouabain or related
      cardiac glycosides. Additionally, experimental conditions known to prevent normal
      Na(+), K(+)-ATPase (i. e., sodium pump functioning) led to similar valuable
      information. These findings indicate potential cross-talk between this enzyme and
      the NMDA receptor. The Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and NMDA play very important roles in
      the regulation of learning and memory in the hippocampus. The fact that important
      changes here described were recorded in the hippocampus indicate a different
      vulnerability of this area to toxicity induced by the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase
      inhibitor ouabain. Some interesting relationships include calcineurin actions,
      the participation of ERK or Src family kinases, and signaling cascades initiated
      by calcium. At present, many other examples of signaling related to the NMDA
      receptor cannot be correlated with Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity. It is desirable
      that the development of future research offer new clues for the relationship
      between Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and NMDA receptor activation. 

PMID- 25135485
TI  - Transient extracellular application of gold nanostars increases hippocampal
      neuronal activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the increased use of nanoparticles in biomedical applications
      there is a growing need to understand the effects that nanoparticles may have on
      cell function. Identifying these effects and understanding the mechanism through
      which nanoparticles interfere with the normal functioning of a cell is necessary
      for any therapeutic or diagnostic application. The aim of this study is to
      evaluate if gold nanoparticles can affect the normal function of neurons, namely
      their activity and coding properties. RESULTS: We synthesized star shaped gold
      nanoparticles of 180 nm average size. We applied the nanoparticles to acute mouse
      hippocampal slices while recording the action potentials from single neurons in
      the CA3 region. Our results show that CA3 hippocampal neurons increase their
      firing rate by 17% after the application of gold nanostars. The increase in
      excitability lasted for as much as 50 minutes after a transient 5 min application
      of the nanoparticles. Further analyses of the action potential shape and
      computational modeling suggest that nanoparticles block potassium channels
      responsible for the repolarization of the action potentials, thus allowing the
      cell to increase its firing rate. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that gold
      nanoparticles can affect the coding properties of neurons by modifying their
      excitability.

PMID- 25135489
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) production and
      Lactobacillus species growth in a defined medium simulating vaginal secretions.
AB  - Lactobacillus species are commensal with the healthy vaginal environment and
      inhibit the growth of many pathogenic bacteria in the vaginal tract by a variety
      of mechanisms, such as the production of hydrogen peroxide, organic acids, and
      antimicrobial substances. Simulation of the vaginal environment is crucial for
      proper investigation of the effects of Lactobacillus species on pathogenic
      bacteria. In this study, we modified a medium used to simulate vaginal secretions
      to improve the growth of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1)-producing
      Staphylococcus aureus clinical strains and Lactobacillus species so that
      interactions between these bacteria may be examined. A medium consisting of basal
      salts, vitamins, albumin, glycogen, mucin, urea, sodium bicarbonate,
      polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, and amino acids supported the growth of S.
      aureus and the production of TSST-1 as determined by Western analysis. Improved
      growth of the Lactobacillus species was seen when this same medium was
      supplemented with manganese chloride, sodium acetate, and an increase in glucose
      concentration. However, growth of S. aureus in the supplemented medium resulted
      in reduced levels of TSST-1. Production of TSST-1 was not detected in a medium
      routinely used for the growth of Lactobacillus species although S. aureus growth
      was not inhibited. The development of an improved genital tract secretion medium
      provides a more authentic environment in which to study the interactions of
      Lactobacillus species and vaginal pathogens, such as S. aureus. 

PMID- 25135488
TI  - Rapid 96-well plates DNA extraction and sequencing procedures to identify genome
      wide transposon insertion sites in a difficult to lyse bacterium: Lactobacillus
      casei.
AB  - Random transposon mutagenesis followed by adequate screening methods is an
      unavoidable procedure to characterize genetics of bacterial adaptation to
      environmental changes. We have recently constructed a mutant library of
      Lactobacillus casei and we aimed to fully annotate it. However, we have observed
      that, for L. casei which is a difficult to lyse bacterium, methods used to
      identify the transposon insertion site in a few mutants (transposon rescue by
      restriction and recircularization or PCR-based methods) were not transposable for
      a larger number because they are too time-consuming and sometimes not reliable.
      Here, we describe a method for large-scale and reliable identification of
      transposon insertion sites in a L. casei mutant library of 9250 mutants. DNA
      extraction procedure based on silica membranes in 96-column format was optimized
      to obtain genomic DNA from a large number of mutants. Then reliable direct
      genomic sequencing was improved to fit the obtained genomic DNA extracts. Using
      this procedure, readable and identifiable sequences were obtained for 87% of the
      L. casei mutants. This method extends the applications of a library of this type,
      reduces the number of insertions needed to be screened, and allows selection of
      specific mutants from an arrayed and stored mutant library. This method is
      applicable to any already existing mutant library (obtained by transposon or
      insertional mutagenesis) and could be useful for other bacterial species,
      especially for highly lysis-resistant bacteria species such as lactic acid
      bacteria. 

PMID- 25135487
TI  - Efficacy of antibiotic therapy for peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis: a
      proportional meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The choice of antimicrobials for initial treatment of peritoneal
      dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis is crucial for a favorable outcome. There is no
      consensus about the best therapy; few prospective controlled studies have been
      published, and the only published systematic reviews did not report superiority
      of any class of antimicrobials. The objective of this review was to analyze the
      results of PD peritonitis treatment in adult patients by employing a new
      methodology, the proportional meta-analysis. METHODS: A review of the literature
      was conducted. There was no language restriction. Studies were obtained from
      MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. The inclusion criteria were: (a) case series and
      RCTs with the number of reported patients in each study greater than five, (b)
      use of any antibiotic therapy for initial treatment (e.g., cefazolin plus
      gentamicin or vancomycin plus gentamicin), for Gram-positive (e.g., vancomycin or
      a first generation cephalosporin), or for Gram-negative rods (e.g., gentamicin,
      ceftazidime, and fluoroquinolone), (c) patients with PD-related peritonitis, and
      (d) studies specifying the rates of resolution. A proportional meta-analysis was
      performed on outcomes using a random-effects model, and the pooled resolution
      rates were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 64 studies (32 for initial treatment
      and negative culture, 28 reporting treatment for Gram-positive rods and 24
      reporting treatment for Gram-negative rods) and 21 RCTs met all inclusion
      criteria (14 for initial treatment and negative culture, 8 reporting treatment
      for Gram-positive rods and 8 reporting treatment for Gram-negative rods). The
      pooled resolution rate of ceftazidime plus glycopeptide as initial treatment
      (pooled proportion = 86% [95% CI 0.82-0.89]) was significantly higher than first
      generation cephalosporin plus aminoglycosides (pooled proportion = 66% [95% CI
      0.57-0.75]) and significantly higher than glycopeptides plus aminoglycosides
      (pooled proportion = 75% [95% CI 0.69-0.80]. Other comparisons of regimens used
      for either initial treatment, treatment for Gram-positive rods or Gram-negative
      rods did not show statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: We showed
      that the association of a glycopeptide plus ceftazidime is superior to other
      regimens for initial treatment of PD peritonitis. This result should be carefully
      analyzed and does not exclude the necessity of monitoring the local microbiologic
      profile in each dialysis center to choice the initial therapeutic protocol.

PMID- 25135490
TI  - Non-Structural protein 1 (NS1) gene of Canine Parvovirus-2 regresses chemically
      induced skin tumors in Wistar rats.
AB  - The Non-Structural protein 1 of Canine Parvovirus-2 (CPV2.NS1) plays a major role
      in viral cytotoxicity and pathogenicity. CPV2.NS1 has been proven to cause
      apoptosis in HeLa cells in vitro in our laboratory. Here we report that CPV2.NS1
      has no toxic side effects on healthy cells but regresses skin tumors in Wistar
      rats. Histopathological examination of tumor tissue from CPV2.NS1 treated group
      revealed infiltration of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells with increased
      extra cellular matrix, indicating signs of regression. Tumor regression was also
      evidenced by significant decrease in mitotic index, AgNOR count and PCNA index,
      and increase in TUNEL positive apoptotic cells in CPV2.NS1 treated group.
      Further, CPV2.NS1 induced anti-tumor immune response through significant increase
      in CD8(+) and NK cell population in CPV2.NS1 treated group. These findings
      suggest that CPV2.NS1 can be a possible therapeutic candidate as an alternative
      to chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. 

PMID- 25135492
TI  - Immunogenicity of recombinant BCGs expressing predicted antigenic epitopes of
      bovine viral diarrhea virus E2 gene.
AB  - To develop a vaccine to prevent diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and
      bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) simultaneously, recombinant Bacillus Calmette
      Guerin (rBCG) vaccines expressing different regions of the BVDV E2 gene were
      constructed. Using DNASTAR 6.0 software, potential antigenic epitopes were
      predicted, and six regions were chosen to generate recombinant plasmids with the
      pMV361 vector (pMV361-E2-1, pMV361-E2-2, pMV361-E2-3, pMV361-E2-4, pMV361-E2-5
      and pMV361-E2-6, respectively). The recombinant plasmids were transformed into
      BCG, and protein expression was thermally induced at 45  degrees C. Mice were
      immunized with 5 * 10(6) CFU/200 uL of each rBCG strain. Compared with other
      groups, BVDV E2 specific antibody titers were higher in mice immunized with rBCG
      E2-6. Ratios and numbers of CD4+, CD8+ and IL-12 expressing spleen lymphocytes of
      the rBCG-E2-6 group also were higher than those of other groups. Thus, the rBCG
      E2-6 vaccine showed the highest immunogenicity of all groups based on the humoral
      and cellular responses to vaccination.

PMID- 25135491
TI  - Effects of salinomycin and Bacillus subtilis on growth performance and immune
      responses in broiler chickens.
AB  - The present study was undertaken to compare the effect of salinomycin and
      Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, serum antibody levels against
      Clostridium spp. and Eimeria spp., and cytokine mRNA expression levels in broiler
      chickens raised in the used litter. Broiler chickens fed a diet containing
      salinomycin showed lower (P < 0.05) body weights compared with the control diet
      fed counterparts. Serum nitric oxide levels were significantly (P < 0.05)
      elevated in chickens fed the B. subtilis-enriched diet compared with those on
      either the salinomycin-fed or control diet-fed chickens. None of the dietary
      treatments affected (P > 0.05) serum antibody levels against Clostridium
      perfringens toxins. Both salinomycin and B.subtilis significantly lowered (P <
      0.05) the serum levels of Eimeria-specific antibodies compared with the control
      group. Salinomycin, but not B. subtilis, significantly modulated (P < 0.05) the
      expression of cytokines encoding interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin10 (IL
      10) and tumor necrosis factor superfamily 15 (TNFSF15) compared with the control
      group. In conclusion, dietary salinomycin and B. subtilis affected serum
      anticoccidial antibody and intestinal cytokine expression, but failed to improve
      growth performance in broiler chickens. Further study is warranted to investigate
      the mode of action of salinomycin on host immune response and growth performance
      in broiler chickens.

PMID- 25135494
TI  - Fusarium oxysporum induces the production of proteins and volatile organic
      compounds by Trichoderma harzianum T-E5.
AB  - Trichoderma species have been used widely as biocontrol agents for the
      suppression of soil-borne pathogens. However, some antagonistic mechanisms of
      Trichoderma are not well characterized. In this study, a series of laboratory
      experiments were designed to characterize the importance of mycoparasitism,
      exoenzymes, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by Trichoderma harzianum T-E5
      for the control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (FOC). We further tested
      whether these mechanisms were inducible and upregulated in presence of FOC. The
      results were as follows: T-E5 heavily parasitized FOC by coiling and twisting the
      entire mycelium of the pathogen in dual cultures. T-E5 growing medium conditioned
      with deactivated FOC (T2) showed more proteins and higher cell wall-degrading
      enzyme activities than T1, suggesting that FOC could induce the upregulation of
      exoenzymes. The presence of deactivated FOC (T2') also resulted in the
      upregulation of VOCs that five and eight different types T-E5-derived VOCs were
      identified from T1' and T2', respectively. Further, the excreted VOCs in T2'
      showed significantly higher antifungal activities against FOC than T1'. In
      conclusion, mycoparasitism of T-E5 against FOC involved mycelium contact and the
      production of complex extracellular substances. Together, these data provide
      clues to help further clarify the interactions between these fungi. 

PMID- 25135495
TI  - Infectious diseases in Poland in 2012.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study is to assess the epidemiological situation for
      infectious and parasitic diseases in Poland in 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      main source of data for this study are statistical overviews contained in the
      annual bulletins "Infectious Diseases in Poland in 2012" and "Immunizations in
      Poland in 2012" (NIPH-NIH, Warsaw 2013) and data contained in the articles
      presented in this issue of Przeglad Epidemiologiczny. Information on deaths due
      to infectious and parasitic diseases registered in Poland in 2012 and earlier
      years is based on the data of the Department for Demographic Research of Central
      Statistical Office. RESULTS: Upper respiratory tract infection classified as
      "influenza and influenza-like illness" were reported in 2012 in a total number of
      1 460 037 cases. In comparison with 2011, it was an 26.2% increase of incidence,
      and as compared to the median of 2006-2010 of 286.1%. In 2012, with still the
      clear predominance of salmonellosis among intestinal bacterial infections,
      downward trend in the incidence of intestinal infections of this etiology
      persisted. In 2012 reported number of intestinal infections caused by Salmonella
      was, 8 267 (21.5/100 000), which represents incidence decrease of 4.5%. Foodborne
      infections of viral etiology were reported in 39462 cases (102.4/100 000). Most
      frequent were caused by rotaviruses - 23 692 (61.5/100 000). In 2012, there were
      4 684 reported cases of pertussis (12.2/100 000), which means an increased
      incidence compared with the previous year by 180%. In 2012, there was an increase
      in the number of cases of mumps by 7.5% (from 2 585 to 2 779 cases), and of
      rubella by 46.0%, but compared to the median of the years 2006 to 2010 it was a
      decrease of 52.9%. In 2012, there was not any case of congenital rubella. Number
      of measles cases was 70 (0.18/100 000). In 2012, there was an increase in the
      number of cases of invasive disease caused by H. influenzae from 31 in 2011 to 36
      in 2012. Number of infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae remained in 2012
      as compared to 2011, on almost the same level: 436 in 2012 and 430 in 2011.
      However, there was a 36% increase in the number of sepsis cases caused by this
      organism. The incidence of tuberculosis in total (all forms of TB) in 2012
      decreased compared to the previous year from 22.0 to 19.6 /100000, and pulmonary
      tuberculosis from 20.5 to 18.2. In 2012, were reported 1 093 cases of HIV
      infections (2.84/100 000), compared with the previous year, it was a fall in
      incidence of 2.4%. 21 cases of malaria occurred in people, who infection acquired
      abroad in malaria endemic areas. In 2012, there were no cases of diphtheria,
      poliomyelitis, rabies and viral haemorrhagic fevers outside of dengue, of which 5
      cases of infections acquired in endemic areas were reported to National Sanitary
      Inspection. Total number of people who died in Poland in 2012 due to infectious
      and parasitic diseases, was 2 774. The share of deaths from these causes in the
      total number of deaths was 0.72%, and the mortality rate - 7.2/100 000. Out of
      all those deaths 41.1% were due to sepsis.

PMID- 25135493
TI  - Identification of two dominant linear epitopes on the GP3 protein of highly
      pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV).
AB  - Glycosylated protein 3 (GP3) of PRRSV is variable between different PRRSV
      strains, so it is helpful for subtype classifying by using distinct epitopes. In
      this study, two dominant linear GP3 epitopes that were recognized by highly
      dilute serum in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were identified.
      Sequence alignments of 36 North American (NA) PRRSV isolates revealed that the
      epitope H(87)DELGFMV(94) is well conserved, whereas the epitope
      T(59)RQAAAEILE(68) differs in other low-virulence NA-type strains, which have at
      least one amino acid mutation in this region. A mutational analysis revealed that
      none of these mutations could be recognized by the purified antibodies directed
      against the corresponding epitope, indicating that the genetic variations altered
      the antigenicity of the antigenic region. Using ELISA, we also found that
      antibodies directed against the two epitopes were present in more than 45 of 50
      HP-PRRS-positive pig sera, suggesting that their antigenicity is excellent in
      vivo. 

PMID- 25135496
TI  - Measles in Poland in 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 1998 Poland, along with all other Member States in the WHO
      European Region, implemented Measles Elimination Program coordinated by WHO. It
      requires achieving and maintaining very high vaccine coverage (>95%), recording
      all cases and suspected cases of measles, and laboratory testing of all suspected
      measles cases in the WHO Reference Laboratory. In Poland it is a Laboratory of
      Department of Virology, NIPH-NIH. AIM: To assess epidemiological situation of
      measles in Poland in 2012, including vaccination coverage in Polish population,
      and Measles Elimination Program implementation status. METHODS: The descriptive
      analysis was based on data retrieved from routine mandatory surveillance system
      and published in the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisonings in
      Poland in 2012" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2012", and measles case-based
      reports from 2012 sent to the Department of Epidemiology NIPH-NIH by Sanitary
      Epidemiological Stations. RESULTS: In total, there were 70 measles cases
      registered in Poland in 2012 (incidence 0.18 per 100 000). The highest incidence
      rate was observed among infants (2.08 per 100 000) and children aged 1 year (2.47
      per 100 000). In 2012, 37 cases (52,9%) were hospitalized due to measles. No
      deaths from measles were reported. Vaccination coverage of children and youth
      aged 2-11 years ranged from 83.6% do 99.6% (primary vaccination in children born
      in 2011-2006) and from 76.6% do 96.7% (booster dose in children born in 2003
      2001). Performance of the surveillance system was insufficient with only 127
      measles-compatible cases reported in 2012 (33% of expected reports). Fifty cases
      (71%) were confirmed by IgM ELISA test. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: The
      epidemiological situation of measles deteriorated in 2012 in comparison to
      proceding year. The results indicate a need to further promote Measles
      Elimination Program in Poland, maintain the high immunisation coverage and
      improve measles surveillance system.

PMID- 25135498
TI  - Rubella in Poland in 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2004, Poland has adopted the WHO goal of rubella elimination and
      congenital rubella syndrome prevention. Participation in the rubella elimination
      program requires clinical diagnosis of rubella to be confirmed with laboratory
      test. In Poland, until 2003, national vaccination recommendation included a dose
      of rubella vaccine only for girls aged 13 years. Among men, the incidence of
      measles remained high creating a risk of infection of non-immune pregnant women
      which may lead to the development of congenital rubella syndrome in the child.
      AIM: To assess epidemiological situation of rubella in Poland in 2012, including
      vaccination coverage in Polish population. METHODS: The descriptive analysis was
      based on data retrieved from routine mandatory surveillance system and published
      in the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012"
      and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2012". RESULTS: In 2012, there was a significant
      increase in the number of cases of rubella - 6 263 cases (in 2011, 4 290 cases) -
      and the increase in incidence (from 11.1 per 100 thousand. 16.3). The highest
      incidence rate, regardless of gender and the environment, was observed among
      adolescents aged 15-19 years (118.0 per 100 000). As in 2011, the incidence of
      rubella in boys and men was higher than the incidence in girls and women (25.6
      versus 7.5). In 2012, no cases of congenital rubella syndrome were registered.
      SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of laboratory tests confirming/excluding
      rubella infection is still very low in Poland. In 2012, only 0.2% of rubella
      cases were laboratory confirmed.

PMID- 25135497
TI  - Mumps in Poland in 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vaccination against mumps, introduced initially as recommended, from
      2003 is mandatory in Poland and given as two dose scheme with MMR vaccine (mumps,
      measles, and rubella). Despite observed decline in mumps incidence for over a
      decade which is a result of conducted vaccinations, mumps is still a common
      childhood disease in Poland. AIM: To assess epidemiological situation of mumps in
      Poland in 2012, including vaccination coverage in Polish population, in
      comparison to previous years. METHODS: The descriptive analysis was based on data
      retrieved from routine mandatory surveillance system and published in the annual
      bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012" and
      "Vaccinations in Poland in 2012" (Czarkowski MP i in., Warszawa 2013, NIZP-PZH i
      GIS). Mumps cases were classified according to the criteria of surveillance case
      definition implemented in the European Union (Commission Decision of 28 April
      2008 amending Decision 2002/253/EC). National Immunisation Programme for year
      2012 was also used. RESULTS: In total, there were 2779 mumps cases registered in
      Poland in 2012. Incidence of mumps was 7.2 per 100 000 and it was higher by 7.5%
      in comparison with 2011 and lower by 19.4% in comparison to median for the years
      2006-2010. The highest incidence rate was observed among children aged 5 years
      (71.8 per 100 000). Incidence in women (5.9) was lower than in men (8.6). In
      2012, 25 people were hospitalized due to mumps. Vaccination coverage of children
      aged 3 years in Poland in 2012 was 97.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic execution of
      mumps vaccination in accordance with the National Immunisation Programme resulted
      in a significant decrease in the number of registered cases. Due to the high
      vaccination coverage further decline in the number of cases is expected.

PMID- 25135499
TI  - Chickenpox in Poland in 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of chickenpox cases, occurring especially in children,
      indicates the rationale for the use of chickenpox vaccinations. In Poland since
      2002, chickenpox vaccination is included in the National Immunisation Programme
      as recommended. AIM: To assess epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland
      in 2012 in comparison to previous years. METHODS: The descriptive analysis was
      based on data retrieved from routine mandatory surveillance system and published
      in the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012"
      and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2012" (Czarkowski MP i in., Warszawa 2013, NIZP
      PZH i GIS). National Immunisation Programme for year 2012 was also used. RESULTS:
      In 2012, 208 276 cases of chickenpox were registered in Poland. The highest
      number of cases was reported in Slaskie voivodeship, the lowest in Podlaskie
      voivodeship. Mumps incidence was 540.5 per 100 000 and was higher than in 2011
      (448.7). The highest incidence was recorded in children aged 4 years (7 611.5 per
      100 000). The chickenpox incidence among men (570.7) was higher than among women
      (512.2). The incidence among rural residents (553.9) was higher than among urban
      residents (531.8). Number of cases hospitalized due to mumps was 1 361. Number of
      people vaccinated against chickenpox was 56 213. SUMMARY: In 2012, there was an
      increase in the incidence of smallpox in Poland. This trend is continuing since
      2004, which can be partly explained by improved surveillance of the disease.

PMID- 25135500
TI  - Pertussis in Poland in 2012.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The epidemiological situation of pertussis in recent years has
      changed dramatically. There is a high percentage of cases of pertussis among
      adolescents and adults. Infected adults can be a source of infection for non
      immune individuals such as infants. The best strategy to prevent illness remains
      the implementation of vaccination in accordance with the applicable calendar. THE
      AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland
      in 2012 in comparison to previous years and evaluation of vaccine coverage of
      children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Assessment of the epidemiology of pertussis in
      Poland was based on analysis of individual reports of suspected cases of
      pertussis sent to the NIPH-NIH by the Regional Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations,
      data from the bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012" and
      bulletin "Immunizations in Poland in 2012 "(MP Czarkowski et al., Warsaw 2013,
      NIPH-NIH, GIS). RESULTS: In 2012, number of registered cases of whooping cough
      was 4 684. The incidence was 12.2 per 100 000 children which was three times as
      many as in the previous year (4.3) The majority of cases was among adolescents
      aged 10-14 years and above 15 years of age (77%). Number of hospitalized persons
      was 1503, (32%) of reported cases. In 2012, there were no deaths from whooping
      cough. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Observed in 2012, the epidemic increase in the
      incidence of pertussis in comparison with previous years, indicates the
      circulation of bacteria in the environment and the high sensitivity of the
      population to infection.

PMID- 25135501
TI  - Scarlet fever in Poland in 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the epidemiological situation of scarlet fever in Poland
      in 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The evaluation was performed by analysing
      surveillance data published in the bulletin, "Infectious diseases and poisonings
      in Poland in 2012" (Warsaw 2013, NIPH-NIH, CSI) and also in bulletins from
      previous years, and unpublished data collected under Statistical survey program
      of official statistics. RESULTS: In the last 15-20 years in Poland has been
      observed more than 2-fold lengthening of scarlet fever epidemic cycle, slowdown
      in the decline and slower growth rate in epidemic curve and decrease in average
      annual incidence. In 2012, in the country a total of 25 421 cases were registered
      and incidence was 66.0 per 100 000 population (in voivodeships: from 25.8 in
      lodzkie to 114.2 in pomorskie). The highest incidence was notified in 5-year-old
      (1094.7) and 6-year-old children (877.3), however, the incidence among children
      and young people up to 15 years accounted for 95.6% of all cases. The incidence
      of men (74.8) was higher by almost 30% than the incidence of women (57.6). The
      incidence was higher in urban areas than in rural areas and was 72.7 (in rural
      area 55.7). 0.9% of patients were hospitalized. No deaths related to the disease
      were reported. SUMMARY: Distinct changes in the epidemiological situation of
      scarlet fever in recent decades are related to, i.a., aging of the Polish
      population and decline in the number of children, group particularly vulnerable
      to infection. In order to improve accuracy of surveillance data, it is
      recommended significantly increase percentage of cases in which clinical
      diagnosis will be confirmed by the result of bacteriological examination.

PMID- 25135502
TI  - Meningitis and encephalitis in Poland in 2012.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of
      meningitis and/or encephalitis in Poland in 2012. INTRODUCTION: About 2 500-3 000
      cases of meningitis and/or encephalitis of viral or bacterial etiology are
      recorded in Poland every year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Assessment of the
      epidemiological situation of meningitis and/or encephalitis in Poland in 2012,
      was based on the results of analysis of epidemiological reports sent to the NIZP
      PZH by the Regional Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations published in the annual
      bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012" and "Preventive
      immunizations in Poland in 2012" (Czarkowski MP. et al., Warsaw, 2013, NIZP-PZH,
      GIS). RESULTS: In 2012 in Poland 3 088 cases of meningitis and/or encephalitis
      were recorded. More than 50% of these were viral infections. SUMMARY AND
      CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological situation of inflammatory meningitis and
      encephalitis in Poland in 2012 compared to 2011 did not change significantly.

PMID- 25135503
TI  - Legionellosis in Poland in 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the article is to assess the epidemiological
      situation of legionellosis in Poland in 2012 in comparison to the preceding
      years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis of epidemiological situation was based
      on the data published in the annual bulletin: "Infectious diseases and poisonings
      in Poland in 2012" and its prior versions as well as the legionellosis case
      reports sent to the Department of Epidemiology of NIPH-NIH. RESULTS: In Poland,
      all cases of legionellosis, including Legionnaires' disease - a form of disease
      accompanied by pneumonia and mild, influenza-like form of infection - Pontiac
      fever are routinely reported to the surveillance. In 2012, a total of 10
      legionellosis cases were reported (8 cases of Legionnaires' disease and 2 cases
      of Pontiac fever); the incidence was 0.026 per 100 000 population which compared
      to the previous year and median incidence for 2006-2010 was 45% and 65% lower,
      respectively. The infections were reported in 6 provinces. The incidence in males
      (0.03 per 100 000) was slightly higher compared to females (0.02). No
      legionellosis outbreaks were registered - all infections were of sporadic nature.
      All cases were hospitalized. The sanitary inspection reported two fatal cases
      over the age of 60. Of these infections, seven were developed in the country,
      including one hospital- and one sanatorium-acquired infection. Two infections
      were associated with travels abroad (one to Spain and one to Egypt) and one
      infection occurred in driver while transporting the goods to the Netherlands.
      CONCLUSIONS: In 2012, no changes of fundamental features of legionellosis
      epidemiological situation in Poland were observed. It is recommended to enhance
      the surveillance for legionellosis, with emphasis on conducting environmental
      investigation in areas where infections have occurred.

PMID- 25135504
TI  - Shigellosis in Poland in 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shigellosis according to European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC)
      Report is registered in all countries of the European Union (EU) and of the
      European Free Trade Association (EFTA) with exception of Italy and Luxemburg. The
      incidence rate in Poland below 0.1/100 000 of population is the lowest among the
      EU/EFTA countries. AIM: To assess epidemiological situation of shigellosis in
      Poland in 2012 in comparison to preceding years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An
      assessment of the epidemiological situation of shigellosis was based on the
      results from an analysis of the yearly annual bulletins: "Infectious diseases and
      poisonings in Poland in 2012", reports from bacteriological laboratories and
      reports from individual cases and epidemiological investigations of outbreaks
      linked to shigellosis, sent by Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations to the
      Department of Epidemiology at NIZP-PZH. RESULTS: In 2012 the tendency that the
      number of registered cases of shigellosis was lower than in the former years
      continued - only 13 confirmed cases of shigellosis were registered (incidence
      rate 0.03 per 100 000 inhabitantsbut in the previous year the 18 cases (
      incidence rate 0.05). Cases were registered only by 6 provinces, most of the
      cases by the Lodz province - 4. All together 5 persons nearly 40% were infected
      in travel to the foreign countries. According to data from laboratories of
      Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations, Shigella was detected only 4 convalescents and
      2 carriers. All cases of shigellosis registered in 2012, were confirmed by a
      hospital laboratory or a private laboratory. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion the
      above mentioned data concerning the cases of shigellosis in Poland in 2012 are
      not reflecting the true epidemiological situation of shigellosis in Poland. The
      sanitary situation was changing nearly every year for better than in former years
      but the surveillance of dysentery require more active epidemiological measures.

PMID- 25135505
TI  - Foodborne infections and intoxications in Poland in 2012.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of the study is to assess the epidemiological situation of
      foodborne infections and intoxications in Poland in 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The evaluation was based on analysis of information from reports of
      epidemiological investigations in foodborne outbreaks, submitted by the sanitary
      epidemiological stations to the Department of Epidemiology, NIZP-PZH annual
      bulletins (Czarkowski MP et al. "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland",
      2006-2012. Warsaw, NIPH-NIH and CSI). RESULTS: In Poland in 2012 there was
      observed decrease in the number of infections intoxications both of bacterial and
      viral origin. It was recorded only one case of trichinellosis. There were
      reported 491 outbreaks of foodborne poisonings or infections included 5 774
      people, among them 718 children 1-14 years old. Out of them 1 364 people were
      hospitalized. Unlike last year, the predominant etiological agent in those
      outbreaks were zoonotic Salmonella serotypes which caused 38.1% outbreaks and
      26.7% outbreak cases. The viruses have caused 27.1% of outbreaks and 36.2% of
      cases. In 23.8% of outbreaks etiological agent has not been established. Most
      often the settings of an outbreak was a private household - 236 outbreaks and a
      hospital (84 outbreaks). As in previous years, the most common vehicle of
      infection were foods prepared with milk and eggs -11.8% of outbreaks and egg
      dishes - 9.0%. In 57.6% of oubreaks vehicle of infection has not been
      established. Among outbreaks reported in 2012, there were 4 which involved more
      than 100 people. In 163 outbreaks of food items had been tested and in 33% of
      them the results were positive. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing negative results of
      bacteriological examinations of food items, suggested necessity to start testing
      food contamination with viruses.

PMID- 25135506
TI  - Yersiniosis in Poland in 2012.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the epidemiology of yersiniosis in Poland
      in 2012 compared to previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed
      surveillance data published in the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and
      poisonings in Poland" from 2007 to 2012 (MP Czarkowski et al., NIH and GIS) and
      individual yersiniosis case reports from 2012 sent by the Sanitary
      Epidemiological Stations. Additionally, we used data from the Department of
      Demographic Surveys in Central Statistical Office. RESULTS: In Poland in 2012 a
      total of 231 yersiniosis cases were reported including 201 cases of intestinal
      and 30 cases of extraintestinal yersiniosis; 61.9% of patients were hospitalized.
      The incidence rate was 0.6 per 100 000 inhabitants. No deaths related to the
      disease were reported. Intestinal yersiniosis was manifested mostly by following
      symptoms: diarrhoea (87%), fever (76%), abdominal pain (47%) and vomiting (31%).
      The most affected group in intestinal infections were children younger than 4
      years - 145 cases (72% of all cases). Extraintestinal form of infection was more
      common than in 2011 (19 cases) and usually involved symptoms from the
      osteoarticular system, noted in 90% of patients. Similarly to the previous year
      (2011) most cases of yersiniosis were reported from Mazowieckie province (103),
      no case has been reported from Swietokrzyskie province. Serological types of
      Yersinia enterocolitica were identified in 120 cases (52%): serotype O3 (96.7%),
      O8 (2.5%) and O9 (<1%). There were two household outbreaks. In comparison to
      previous years the total number of cases caused by serotype O8 has significantly
      decreased - from 55 cases in 2011 to 3 cases in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: A large
      percentage (48%) of unknown Yersinia serotypes is a consequence, that physicians
      do not always request serotyping in routine diagnostics. Reporting cases of
      extraintestinal yersiniosis from only few provinces may suggest that the real
      number of infections remains underreported.

PMID- 25135507
TI  - Campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2012.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this paper is to evaluate epidemiological situation of
      campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2012, compared to the situation in previous
      years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The evaluation was based on analysis of data from
      the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" 2011-2012 (MP
      Czarkowski et al., NIZP-PZH and Chief Sanitary Inspectorate-GIS), information
      from the forms of individual cases reports from the epidemiological
      investigations in outbreaks of campylobacteriosis, submitted by the sanitary
      epidemiological stations to the Department of Epidemiology and data from the
      Department of Demographic Studies of the Central Statistical Office. Cases were
      classified according to a surveillance case definition. RESULTS: In 2012, 431
      cases of campylobacteriosis were registered in Poland, which was 30% more than in
      2011. The incidence was 1.12/100 000. All reported cases were classified. No
      deaths were recorded. More than 84% of cases of campylobacteriosis occurred in
      four provinces - Warminsko-Mazurskie (35%), Slaskie (22%), Mazowieckie (14%) and
      the Malopolskie (14%). The highest incidence was observed in the Warminsko
      Mazurskie- 6.47/100 000. As in previous years, the percentage of hospitalized
      cases was 57.5%. Campylobacter species was identified in more than 77% of
      patients, and it was found that 70% of the cases were caused by C. jejuni and
      about 7% by C. coli. As in previous years, the majority of cases (343, 79%)
      occurred in the age group 0-4. Five family outbreaks caused by Campylobacter were
      recorded in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: In Poland Campylobacteriosis is rarely diagnosed,
      confirmed and reported. Routine diagnosis of infection with Campylobacter sp. is
      performed only in the two provinces.

PMID- 25135508
TI  - Salmonellosis in Poland in 2012.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of the study was evaluation of epidemiological situation of
      salmonellosis in Poland in 2012 compared to the previous years. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The main source of data for this study are statistical overviews
      contained in the annual bulletins "Infectious Diseases in Poland in 2012" (NIZP
      PZH, GIS, Warsaw 2013), reports from investigations obtained from the sanitary
      epidemiological stations. Information on deaths due to infectious and parasitic
      diseases registered in Poland in 2012 and earlier years is based on the data from
      the Department for Demographic Research of Central Statistical Office. For the
      purpose of surveillance cases were classified according to the case definition.
      RESULTS: In Poland in 2012, it was reported a total of 8 444 cases of zoonotic
      salmonellosis including 8 267 cases of intestinal salmonellosis and 177 of
      extraintestinal one. The incidence was 21.9/100 000. The criteria for a confirmed
      case met more than 94% of cases. The number of reported cases was lower than in
      2011, reflecting the continued downward trend in the number of cases of
      salmonellosis in Poland. A very high percentage (69.4%) hospitalizations of
      people infected with zoonotic Salmonella remains. In outbreaks proportion of
      hospitalizations accounted for one third of the cases. Predominated children
      under the age of 5 years. Seven people died of salmonellosis. In 2012, it was
      reported 181 outbreaks caused by Salmonella in which 1 511 people still. They
      were mostly small family outbreaks. The most common etiological agent of
      salmonellosis in Poland is S. enteritidis, but slightly increases the percentage
      cases, for which no serologic type was determined. In 2012 it stood at 14%. This
      proportion was highest in the Pomorskie province and amounted to 58%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Keeping up for more than 10 years in the percentage of salmonellosis
      hospitalization rate at 70%, indicates underreporting of the disease in the
      country and mostly detection of the cases requiring hospital treatment. Growing
      proportion of Salmonella that are not serotyped, reaching in some regions more
      than 30% indicates problems with laboratory diagnostics salmonellosis.

PMID- 25135509
TI  - Foodborne botulism in Poland in 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this article is to assess the epidemiology of
      foodborne botulism in Poland in 2012 compared to previous years, using national
      surveillance data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed surveillance data published
      in the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012" and
      in previous publications, and botulism case reports for 2012 sent to the
      Department of Epidemiology NIPH-NIH by Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations.
      RESULTS: In 2012, a total of 22 foodborne botulism cases (including 9 laboratory
      confirmed cases) was reported, corresponding to the lowest annual incidence rate
      (0.06 per 100 000 population) since the introduction of botulism as mandatory
      notifiable disease. The highest incidence in the country was reported in
      Lubelskie (0.23) and Wielkopolskie (0.20). Incidence in rural areas (0.07 per 100
      000 population) was slightly higher than the incidence in urban areas (0.05). Men
      had more than 2 times higher incidence than women; the highest incidence rate
      (0.20 per 100 000 population) was observed among men in the age group of 30-39
      years. Most cases were associated with consumption of different types of
      commercially canned meat. Commercially canned fish was also a common vehicle. All
      cases were hospitalized. One death related to the disease was reported.
      CONCLUSIONS: In 2012, in Poland a downward trend in the incidence of foodborne
      botulism was maintained. From the point of view of national surveillance, it is
      necessary to increase the percentage of cases investigated with laboratory tests.

PMID- 25135510
TI  - Hepatitis A in Poland in 2012.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the article is evaluation of the epidemiological situation of
      hepatitis A in Poland in 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Assessment of
      epidemiological situation of hepatitis A was based on results from analysis of
      the annual bulletins: "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012",
      "Vaccinations in Poland in 2012", reports from individual cases and
      epidemiological investigations of outbreaks linked to hepatitis A, sent by
      Epidemiological Departments in Sanitary Epidemiological Stations to the
      Department of Epidemiology at NIPH-NIH. RESULTS: In Poland, 71 cases of hepatitis
      A were registered in 2012. The incidence of 0.17/ per 100 000 inhabitants was
      slightly higher than previous year. The incidence of hepatitis A ranged from
      0.08/100 000 in Lodzkie and Podlaskie to 0.35/100 000 in Slaskie. The incidence
      of hepatitis A in men and women was at an approximate level and amounted to 0.19
      and 0.18/100 000 respectively. The peak of incidence was recorded during the
      summer and autumn-winter months. In 2012 imported cases constituted 52.1% of all
      cases of hepatitis A. There were five outbreaks involving of 11 registered cases
      in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: In 2012, there was a slight increase in the incidence of
      hepatitis A in compared with the previous year. However, apart from that there
      were no significant changes in the epidemiological situation of hepatitis A. In
      Poland there is still very low endemicity for hepatitis A. Decreased incidence
      and the small number of people vaccinated against hepatitis A facilitates the
      accumulation of a fairly numerous population of persons susceptible to infection
      which is connected with the possibility to increase the number of cases of
      hepatitis A. Despite the fact that the current epidemiological situation of
      hepatitis A in Poland is good, the disease still requires monitoring and analysis
      within the framework of epidemiological surveillance system.

PMID- 25135511
TI  - Hepatitis B in Poland in 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the epidemiological situation of hepatitis B in Poland
      in 2012 in comparison with previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation
      was based on the results of analysis of individual case reports of acute
      hepatitis B recorded by the Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations and aggregate data
      of national surveillance published in annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and
      poisonings in Poland" for the years 2006-2012. RESULTS: In Poland, in 2012 a
      total of 1 583 cases of hepatitis B were reported, including 33 cases of
      dualinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The
      incidence was 4.11 per 100 000 inhabitants and compared to the preceding year its
      value did not change. The acute cases accounted for 4.9% of all hepatitis B
      cases, the incidence - 0.20 per 100 000 population. Compared to 2011, there was a
      further decline in both incidence and share of acute stage of infection in the
      total number of cases. The highest incidence of acute and chronic form of
      hepatitis B was reported in Opolskie (0.49 per 100 000) and Lodzkie provinces
      (8.62 per 100 thousand.), respectively. More frequently men and urban dwellers
      were ill. In the age group 0-14 years, which was entirely covered by universal
      vaccination of infants, no acute cases were found while the incidence of chronic
      hepatitis B in this age group was 0.14 per 100 000. Chronic hepatitis B was most
      frequently detected in people aged 40-44 years (incidence 7.13 per 100 000) and
      acute disease - in those aged 45-49 years (incidence 0.46 per 100 000). Medical
      procedures in healthcare settings were still the predominant route of infection
      (56% of all acute cases). Infections contracted via sexual contacts, household
      contact with an infected person and through injection drug use accounted together
      for 14% of all acute hepatitis B cases. In 2012, 11 and 41 persons died due to
      acute and chronic stage of hepatitis B, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A clear
      downward trend of the incidence of acute hepatitis B with an unchanged mode of
      HBV transmission in Poland, indicates an improvement in compliance with
      recommended infection control procedures at all levels of medical care. The
      maintenance of the incidence of acute hepatitis B at a low level is possible due
      to the continuation of an universal vaccination program against HBV in
      combination with measures that stop the spread of infections. In view of
      persistent pattern of hepatitis B transmission in Poland in medical settings, it
      is advisable to recommend immunization not only to individuals at increased risk
      but also all previously unvaccinated persons. Simultaneously, activities leading
      to the improvement of detectability and the availability of the recommended
      treatment of chronic hepatitis B should be strengthened.

PMID- 25135512
TI  - Hepatitis C in Poland in 2012.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In Poland, an estimated 2 000 HCV infections are reported annually,
      of which chronic stage of infections predominates (>95%). It is estimated that
      seroprevalence of anti-HCV and prevalence of active infections in the general
      population amount to ca 0.95% (more than 320 000 persons) and 0.6% (230 000
      persons), respectively. The alarming finding is that approximately 90% of persons
      diagnosed with HCV infection are unaware of the condition and consequently
      hepatitis C virus may be transmitted to their contacts. OBJECTIVE: The objective
      of the present article is to determine the epidemiology of HCV infections in
      Poland in 2012 comparing to the preceding years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      assessment of epidemiological situation of HCV infections in Poland was based on
      the analysis of aggregated data from the State Sanitary Inspection, published in
      "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012" (Czarkowski MP et al.
      "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2012" Warsaw, NIPH-NIH and CSI).
      The data on mortality due to hepatitis C, which was obtained from the Demographic
      Surveys and Labour Market Department of Central Statistical Office, were also
      employed. RESULTS: In 2012, Poland reported 2 292 HCV infections, meeting 2005
      definition (incidence 5.95), of which 1.4% were co-infections with HCV and HBV
      (33 cases). Compared to the data of 2011, the incidence was slightly lower (2
      338; 6.07). Given 2009 definition, a total of 2 265 cases were reported (5.88),
      which constituted an increase of 3.5% compared to the data from the previous year
      (2 241; 5.82). Overall, 217 fatal cases due to hepatitis C were reported in 2012,
      of whom only 9 (4%) were due to acute stage of infection. CONCLUSIONS: Compared
      to the data from 2011, the epidemiological situation of hepatitis C in Poland has
      not changed significantly. The alarming fact is the increasing number of deaths
      due to hepatitis C. Probably, it suggests delayed diagnosis of HCV infections.
      Thus, it is a necessity to promote early diagnosis of HCV infections which can
      prevent life and health-threatening sequelae of hepatitis C.

PMID- 25135513
TI  - Tetanus in Poland in 2012.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite of the small number of cases reported in Poland tetanus is
      a permanent risk to unvaccinated people. The severity of the disease is
      associated with high case fatality, especially among people in older age groups.
      THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this paper is to present the data of
      epidemiological surveillance of tetanus in 2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Principal
      source of the data is bulletin: "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in
      2012, and individual reports of cases of tetanus sent to the Department of
      Epidemiology, NIPH -NIH. RESULTS: In 2012, there were reported 19 cases of
      tetanus. 6 cases occurred in men, and 13 women. 13 cases occurred in persons over
      69 years of age and in those age groups 6 cases were fatal. The paper describes
      the geographical distribution and the month of infection, the nature of the
      wounds which were portals of infection and the duration of incubation period of
      the cases. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Severity of tetanus, despite a small number
      of cases each year leads to several deaths, which could be prevented by
      vaccination.

PMID- 25135514
TI  - Lyme disease in Poland in 2012.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In Poland registration of all cases of Lyme disease is conducted by
      the Epidemiological Unit of National Institute of Public Health - National
      Institute of Hygiene. Most cases of Lyme disease occur in the North- East region
      of Poland; however, it is important to note that the disease is no longer solely
      a problem of this region of Poland. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to assess
      the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland in 2012 as compared to
      the situation in the previous years. MATERIALS ANDD METHODS: Assessment of the
      epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland was made on the basis of an
      analysis of individual notifications of suspected Lyme disease submitted to NIZP
      NIH by the Provincial Sanitary- Epidemiological Stations; as well as data from
      "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2012" bulletin, and "Vaccinations
      in Poland in 2012" bulletin (MP Czarkowski and Co, Warsaw 2013, NIPH-NIH, NCI).
      RESULTS: In 2012 there were 8 782 registered cases of Lyme disease and it is 4.3%
      higher than in the previous year. The overall incidence in the country amounted
      to 23.8 per 100 000 people. The highest incidence rate was recorded in Podlaskie
      province - 75.5 per 100 000 people. 2 063 people were hospitalized due to Lyme
      disease. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: In 2012 incidence rate of Lyme disease was
      gradually dropping down. The registered number of cases was reduced by 4.1% in
      comparison to the previous year. There is still a fairly low percentage of cases
      detected with diagnostic test called Western blot method.

PMID- 25135515
TI  - Echinococcosis and cysticercosis in Poland in 2012.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of
      echinococcosis and cysticercosis in 2012 as compared to previous years. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The assessment of the epidemiological situation was based on data
      contained in the individual reports on cases sent to the Department of
      Epidemiology NIPH-NIH by the Regional Sanitary- Epidemiological Stations and on
      the pooled data published in the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and
      poisonings in Poland". RESULTS: In 2012, the total number of reported cases of
      echinococcosis in Poland was 28. This included: 11 undefined cases (39% of all
      cases), 7 alveolar echinococcosis cases (41% out of l7 cases in which the species
      of Echinococcus was recognized) and 10 cystic echinococcosis (59% of all defined
      cases). The total incidence of echinococcosis was 0.073/100 000. Cases were
      registered in 8 provinces. Most cases (9) and the highest incidence (0.620) was
      recorded in Warminsko-Mazurskie. Echinococcus infections were reported in people
      aged 15 to 82 years, mostly adults (mean age 49.2 years, median 54.0).
      Echinococcosis was more frequent among women (incidence 0.096) than among men
      (incidence 0.048). The incidence of echinococcosis in rural areas was higher than
      in the city (0.125 vs. 0.039). Cysticercosis, which occurs sporadically in
      Poland, was not reported in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: For the purposes of
      epidemiological surveillance it would be advisable to introduce the obligatory
      differentiation of alveococcosis and hydatidosis, as well as a case definition
      for cysticercosis. In order to reduce the risk of contracting tapeworm
      infections, it is advisable to intensify educational efforts.

PMID- 25135516
TI  - HIV and AIDS in Poland in 2012.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIM: From 1985 until the end of 2013, 17 565 cases of HIV
      infection, 3 062 AIDS cases and 1 246 deaths due to AIDS were registered in
      Poland. In this paper we aim to analyze the epidemiological situation of newly
      diagnosed HIV infections and AIDS cases in Poland in 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Descriptive analysis of newly detected HIV cases and incident AIDS cases was
      performed based on routine notifications by clinicians and laboratories. Data on
      the number of HIV tests from annual survey among laboratories were also used.
      RESULTS: In 2012 there were 1 093 HIV cases diagnosed in Poland (detection rate
      2.84 per 100 000 population), including 27 non-Polish citizens. The detection
      rate remained comparable to 2011, but approximately 30% higher than in 2006-2010.
      The total number of AIDS cases was 155 (incidence 0.40 per 100 000) and 57 AIDS
      patients died (0.15 per 100 000). HIV infection is mainly detected among people
      aged 20-39 years (72.6%) and males (83.5%). As many as 70% of newly diagnosed
      infections with known route of transmission occurred among men who have sex with
      men (MSM). The number of infections in this group increased by 9% from 2011 and
      over 3 times compared to 2006-2010 average. The percentage of late presenters
      (defined by the time between HIV and AIDS diagnoses of less than 3 months)
      decreased in comparison with 2011 (7.9% of newly diagnosed HIV infections).
      CONCLUSIONS: HIV epidemic is still spreading among MSM in Poland. However,
      assessment of epidemiological situation is limited by the lack of data on the
      probable transmission route in a large percentage of reports of newly diagnosed
      HIV cases.

PMID- 25135517
TI  - Malaria in Poland in 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological situation of imported malaria in
      Poland in 2012 as compared with previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Evaluation
      of malaria epidemiological situation in Poland in 2012, based on the results of
      the analysis of individual reports sent to the NIPH-NIH by the Sanitary
      Epidemiological Stations and aggregate data published in the annual bulletins
      "Infectious Diseases and Poisonings in Poland". Cases were registered according
      to the case definition approved in the EU countries. RESULTS: In 2012, a total of
      21 malaria cases were registered in Poland, including one fatal case. All cases
      were imported from malaria-endemic countries: 52% from Africa and remaining cases
      from Asia. Overall, compared to 2011, 7 more cases were reported. Given a median
      for the years 2006-2010, the number remained at the same level. In one patient
      the recurrence of malaria falciparum was observed following the failure of
      treatment undertaken in Cameroon. Plasmodium species was determined in 18 cases
      (86%); including 10 (61%) caused by P. falciparum, 6 (33%) by P. vivax and one by
      P. malariae. One patient was diagnosed with mixed invasion. Infections were
      occurred most frequently during work-related trips (43%) or tourist trips (38%),
      in other cases the purpose of the journey was to visit the country of origin
      (14%) or its purpose remained unknown. Only four people took any
      chemoprophylaxis; in one case, a drug matched inappropriately to the destination
      was applied, the remaining three persons applied drugs contrary to the
      recommended drug regimen. CONCLUSIONS: The number of cases of imported malaria in
      Poland remained at a low level, similar to that observed in previous years. A
      large number of delayed diagnoses (more than half of the reported cases) and
      another case of fatal outcome in the course of malaria indicate still low
      awareness of malaria threat among both travelers and primary care physicians.

PMID- 25135518
TI  - Tuberculosis in Poland in 2012.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the main features of TB epidemiology in 2012 in
      Poland and to compare with the corresponding EU data. METHODS: Analysis of case-
      based clinical and demographic data on TB patients from Central TB Register, of
      data submitted by laboratories on anti-TB drug susceptibility testing results in
      cases notified in 2012, data from National Institute of Public Health - National
      Institute of Hygiene on cases of tuberculosis as AIDS-defining disease, from
      Central Statistical Office on deaths from tuberculosis based on death
      certificates, data from ECDC report "Tuberculosis Surveillance in Europe, 2014
      (situation in 2012). RESULTS: 7 542 TB cases were reported in Poland in 2012. The
      incidence rate was 19.6 cases per 100 000, with large variability between
      voivodships from 10.6 to 30.2. The mean annual decrease of TB incidence in 2008
      2012 was 2.4%. 6 665 cases had no history of previous treatment; 17.3 per 100
      000. The number of all notified pulmonary tuberculosis cases was 7 018; 18.2 per
      100 000. The proportion of extrapulmonary tuberculosis among all registered cases
      was 6.9% (524 cases). In 2012, 36 patients had fibrous-cavernous pulmonary
      tuberculosis (0.5% of all cases of pulmonary tuberculosis). TB was diagnosed in
      95 children (1.3% of all cases, incidence 1.6). The incidence of tuberculosis
      increased progressively with age to 34.8 among patients 65 years old and older.
      The mean age of new TB cases was 53.1 years. The incidence among men (27.4) was
      more than two times higher than among women (12.2). The incidence rate in rural
      population was lower than in urban; 20.2 vs. 18.6. Bacteriologically confirmed
      pulmonary cases (4870) constituted 69,4% of all pulmonary TB cases. The number of
      smear positive pulmonary TB cases was 2 778 (39.6% of all pulmonary cases). In
      2012 in the all group of TB patients in Poland there were 276 (3.7%) of homeless
      and 1 905 (25.3%) of unemployed. There were 48 foreigners registered among all
      cases of tuberculosis in Poland (0.6%) and 243 cases registered among prisoners
      (rate 288.0). There were 31 patients with MDR-TB (0.7% of 4659 cases with known
      anti-TB DST results). TB was initial AIDS indicative disease in 26 cases. There
      were 640 deaths due to tuberculosis in 2011 (1.7 TB deaths per 100 000).
      Mortality among males - 2.7 - was four times higher than among females - 0.7.
      CONCLUSIONS: CONCLUSIONS. In Poland in 2012 the incidence of tuberculosis was
      higher than the average in EU countries. The highest incidence rates occurred in
      older age groups. The incidence in men was more than 2 times higher than in
      women. The incidence of tuberculosis in children and the percentage of patients
      with drug-resistant tuberculosis are lower than average in EU and that is
      favorable for epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in our country.

PMID- 25135519
TI  - An unusual case of collagenous gastritis in a middle- aged woman with systemic
      lupus erythromatosis: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Collagenous gastritis is a rare histopathologic disease. It is
      characterized by marked subepithelial collagen deposition with associated
      inflammatory infiltrate. It is considered an uncommon disease among the general
      population. Collagenous gastritis without colonic involvement is an extremely
      rare disease. It is not known to be associated with systemic lupus
      erythromatosis. This is the first report of this type of association. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We present a 47-year-old woman from southeast Asia with dyspepsia
      and mild anemia. Her past medical history was significant for systemic lupus
      erythromatosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia as well as hypothyroidism. Her
      gastroscopy and colonoscopy results were normal from an endoscopic point of view.
      However, the histopathology showed collagenous gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported of a patient with systemic
      lupus erythromatosis associated with collagenous gastritis. Further studies are
      needed to evaluate the association between both diseases from a
      pathophysiological and immunological perspective.

PMID- 25135521
TI  - Flower opening and closure: an update.
AB  - This review is an update of a 2003 review (Journal of Experimental Botany 54,1801
      1812) by the same corresponding author. Many examples of flower opening have been
      recorded using time-lapse photography, showing its velocity and the required
      elongation growth. Ethylene regulates flower opening, together with at least
      gibberellins and auxin. Ethylene and gibberellic acid often promote and inhibit,
      respectively, the expression of DELLA genes and the stability of DELLA proteins.
      DELLA results in growth inhibition. Both hormones also inhibited and promoted,
      respectively, the expression of aquaporin genes required for cell elongation.
      Arabidopsis miRNA319a mutants exhibited narrow and short petals, whereby
      miRNA319a indirectly regulates auxin effects. Flower opening in roses was
      controlled by a NAC transcription factor, acting through miRNA164. The regulatory
      role of light and temperature, in interaction with the circadian clock, has been
      further elucidated. The end of the life span in many flowers is determined by
      floral closure. In some species pollination resulted in earlier closure of turgid
      flowers, compared with unpollinated flowers. It is hypothesized that this
      pollination-induced effect is only found in flowers in which closure is regulated
      by ethylene. 

PMID- 25135520
TI  - A comparative study of ripening among berries of the grape cluster reveals an
      altered transcriptional programme and enhanced ripening rate in delayed berries.
AB  - Transcriptional studies in relation to fruit ripening generally aim to identify
      the transcriptional states associated with physiological ripening stages and the
      transcriptional changes between stages within the ripening programme. In non
      climacteric fruits such as grape, all ripening-related genes involved in this
      programme have not been identified, mainly due to the lack of mutants for
      comparative transcriptomic studies. A feature in grape cluster ripening (Vitis
      vinifera cv. Pinot noir), where all berries do not initiate the ripening at the
      same time, was exploited to study their shifted ripening programmes in parallel.
      Berries that showed marked ripening state differences in a veraison-stage cluster
      (ripening onset) ultimately reached similar ripeness states toward maturity,
      indicating the flexibility of the ripening programme. The expression variance
      between these veraison-stage berry classes, where 11% of the genes were found to
      be differentially expressed, was reduced significantly toward maturity, resulting
      in the synchronization of their transcriptional states. Defined quantitative
      expression changes (transcriptional distances) not only existed between the
      veraison transitional stages, but also between the veraison to maturity stages,
      regardless of the berry class. It was observed that lagging berries complete
      their transcriptional programme in a shorter time through altered gene
      expressions and ripening-related hormone dynamics, and enhance the rate of
      physiological ripening progression. Finally, the reduction in expression variance
      of genes can identify new genes directly associated with ripening and also assess
      the relevance of gene activity to the phase of the ripening programme. 

PMID- 25135522
TI  - Microtubule array reorientation in response to hormones does not involve changes
      in microtubule nucleation modes at the periclinal cell surface.
AB  - Aligned microtubule arrays spatially organize cell division, trafficking, and
      determine the direction of cell expansion in plant cells. In response to changes
      in environmental and developmental signals, cells reorganize their microtubule
      arrays into new configurations. Here, we tested the role of microtubule
      nucleation during hormone-induced microtubule array reorientation. We have found
      that in the process of microtubule array reorientation the ratios between
      branching, parallel, and de-novo nucleations remained constant, suggesting that
      the microtubule reorientation mechanism does not involve changes in nucleation
      modes. In the ton2/fass mutant, which has reduced microtubule branching
      nucleation frequency and decreased nucleation activity of the gamma-tubulin
      complexes, microtubule arrays were able to reorient. Presented data suggest that
      reorientation of microtubules into transverse arrays in response to hormones does
      not involve changes in microtubule nucleation at the periclinal cell surface. 

PMID- 25135524
TI  - The effect of duty hour regulation on resident surgical case volume in
      otolaryngology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of duty hour regulation on graduating
      otolaryngology resident surgical case volume and analyze trends in surgical case
      volume for Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) key
      indicator cases from 1996 to 2011. STUDY DESIGN: Time-trend analysis of surgical
      case volume. SETTING: Nationwide sample of otolaryngology residency programs.
      SUBJECTS: Operative logs from the American Board of Otolaryngology and ACGME for
      otolaryngology residents graduating in the years 1996 to 2011. METHODS: Key
      indicator volumes and grouped domain volumes before and after resident duty hour
      regulations (2003) were calculated and compared. Independent t test was performed
      to evaluate overall difference in operative volume. Wilcoxon rank sum test
      evaluated differences between procedures per time period. Linear regression
      evaluated trend. RESULTS: The average total number of key indicator cases per
      graduating resident was 440.8 in 1996-2003 compared to 500.4 cases in 2004-2011,
      and overall average per number of key indicators was 31.5 and 36.2, respectively
      (P = .067). Four key indicator cases showed statistically significant (P < .05)
      increases in volume after duty hour implementation. General/pediatrics was the
      only grouped domain to show a significant increase. In contrast, the rate of
      change in operative volume decreased post duty hour for only 2 key indicators (P
      < .05). The year-by-year trend in average operative volume showed significant
      increases for 5 key indicator cases (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Implementation of the
      2003 duty hour regulations has not reduced total volume of key indicator cases
      for graduating otolaryngology residents. The overall trend in operative volume is
      increasing for several specific key indicators.

PMID- 25135523
TI  - In vivo tmRNA protection by SmpB and pre-ribosome binding conformation in
      solution.
AB  - TmRNA is an abundant RNA in bacteria with tRNA and mRNA features. It is
      specialized in trans-translation, a translation rescuing system. We demonstrate
      that its partner protein SmpB binds the tRNA-like region (TLD) in vivo and
      chaperones the fold of the TLD-H2 region. We use an original approach combining
      the observation of tmRNA degradation pathways in a heterologous system, the
      analysis of the tmRNA digests by MS and NMR, and co-overproduction assays of
      tmRNA and SmpB. We study the conformation in solution of tmRNA alone or in
      complex with one SmpB before ribosome binding using SAXS. Our data show that
      Mg(2+) drives compaction of the RNA structure and that, in the absence of Mg(2+),
      SmpB has a similar effect albeit to a lesser extent. Our results show that tmRNA
      is intrinsically structured in solution with identical topology to that observed
      on complexes on ribosomes which should facilitate its subsequent recruitment by
      the 70S ribosome, free or preloaded with one SmpB molecule. 

PMID- 25135526
TI  - Placement of an internal-external biliary drain through a bilio-enteric fistula
      in a neonate to re-establish antegrade bile flow after liver transplantation.
AB  - Three-month-old baby girl with history of post-liver transplant hepatic artery
      dissection treated with ligation after take down of the biliary anastomosis and
      placement of a surgical external common bile duct drain. There was persistent
      malfunction of this drain. A bilio-enteric fistula was noted during the later
      placement of an image guided percutaneous external drain. Subsequently, an
      internal-external biliary drain was successfully placed through this fistula. An
      excellent clinical and functional result was achieved. 

PMID- 25135528
TI  - A personal journal journey.

PMID- 25135525
TI  - Head and neck sarcomas: analysis of the SEER database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the epidemiology of sarcomas occurring in the head and
      neck and identify prognostic factors for patient survival. STUDY DESIGN AND
      SETTING: Cross-sectional analysis of the National Cancer Institute's
      Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program. METHODS: The SEER 18
      registries, comprising sarcoma diagnoses made from 1973 to 2010, were queried for
      sarcomas arising in the head and neck. Pediatric and adult patients were analyzed
      separately, and multivariate and propensity-matched analyses were performed to
      identify predictors of disease-specific survival. RESULTS: In all, 11,481 adult
      cases and 1244 pediatric cases were identified. In adults, the most common
      histologic subtypes were malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), Kaposi sarcoma,
      and hemangiosarcoma, while in the pediatric cohort, the most common histologic
      subtypes were rhabdomyosarcoma, MFH, and osteosarcoma. Cause-specific 2-, 5-, and
      10-year survival rates were 76%, 66%, and 61% for adults and 84%, 73%, and 71%
      for pediatric patients. Multivariate analysis performed for adults revealed that
      male gender, absence of radiation therapy, and stage I disease were associated
      with improved cause-specific survival reaching statistical significance. However,
      a propensity-matched model demonstrated no significant difference in cause
      specific survival between patients who received radiation and those who did not.
      CONCLUSION: Sarcomas, a heterogeneous group of malignant mesenchymal tumors, are
      uncommonly found in the head and neck. This study represents the largest analysis
      of patients with head and neck sarcomas in the literature and demonstrates the
      impact of age, gender, primary site, histology, and radiation status on overall
      prognosis.

PMID- 25135527
TI  - Refractive corneal lenticule extraction.

PMID- 25135529
TI  - Intraocular lens scaffold to facilitate intraocular lens exchange.
AB  - We describe a technique of intraocular lens (IOL) exchange in patients with post
      refractive surgery IOL power error or patients who are dissatisfied with the
      optical performance of the IOL. The technique involves the presence of 2 IOLs in
      the eye: the offending IOL, which is manipulated out of the capsular bag into the
      anterior chamber, and the corrective IOL, which is inserted into the bag. The
      anteriorly elevated IOL is transected with the IOL cutting scissors, while the
      corrective IOL acts as a scaffold for the posterior capsule. The technique
      provides continuous distension of the bag with the IOL, which prevents damage to
      the posterior capsule and acts as a barrier to vitreous prolapse in cases of an
      open posterior capsule; it also prevents slippage of the optic during transection
      of the IOL being removed. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or
      proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135530
TI  - Phacoemulsification using 8 flexible iris hooks in a patient with a short eye,
      small pupil, and phacodonesis.
AB  - We describe a technique that uses flexible iris hooks to dilate and stabilize the
      capsular bag in a patient with a very deep set and small eye, narrow palpebral
      fissure, shallow anterior chamber, and very small pupil, who was scheduled for
      routine phacoemulsification for a white cataract. At the time of iris hook
      placement, the capsular bag was noted to be markedly unstable. The patient was
      managed successfully with phacoemulsification of the lens using 4 iris hooks to
      dilate the pupil and 4 iris hooks to stabilize the capsular bag during surgery. A
      foldable posterior chamber 3-piece intraocular lens was fixated in the ciliary
      sulcus. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Neither author has a financial or proprietary
      interest in any material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135531
TI  - Closure technique for leaking wound resulting from thermal injury during
      phacoemulsification.
AB  - We describe a method of wound closure with a conjunctival flap in cases of wound
      burn. A fornix-based conjunctival flap is raised to adequately cover the wound.
      Then, a single horizontal mattress suture with 10-0 monofilament nylon is passed
      to appose the wound. The conjunctival flap is hinged to the corneal end of the
      loop so the conjunctival flap covers the wound when the suture is tied. The wound
      is thus sealed by conjunctiva with optimum suture tension. This suture was
      applied in 5 patients with clear corneal incisions who developed wound burn
      during phacoemulsification. All had an uneventful recovery with a sealed wound
      from the first postoperative day and satisfactory visual outcomes with low
      residual astigmatism at the final refraction. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Neither
      author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method
      mentioned.

PMID- 25135532
TI  - Refractive lenticule extraction: transition and comparison of 3 surgical
      techniques.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the transition and outcomes of 3 refractive lenticule
      extraction (ReLEx) techniques: femtosecond lenticule extraction (FLEx), small
      incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), and pseudo small-incision lenticule
      extraction. SETTING: Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore. DESIGN:
      Prospective comparative case series. METHODS: Refractive lenticule extraction was
      performed between March 1, 2010, and November 1, 2012, using the Visumax 500 kHz
      femtosecond laser system. The main outcome measures were the refractive efficacy,
      predictability, and safety over 12 months. RESULTS: The study enrolled 88 eyes.
      All 3 refractive lenticule extraction techniques yielded good refractive outcomes
      and stability over 12 months. Three months postoperatively, the mean overall
      efficacy index of refractive lenticule extraction was 0.89+/-0.22 (SD), with
      95.5% of eyes attaining an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of better
      than 20/40 and 60.2% of better than 20/20. Of all eyes, 95.5% were within +/-1.00
      diopter (D) and 78.4% within +/-0.50 D of the attempted correction. The mean
      overall safety index was 1.06+/-0.17. At 3 months, all small-incision lenticule
      extraction eyes and 96.7% of pseudo small-incision lenticule extraction eyes had
      a UDVA of 20/40 or better, while femtosecond lenticule extraction eyes had a
      lower efficacy index (87.0%). However, efficacy was comparable in all 3 groups by
      12 months (mean 0.87+/-0.04 [standard error of the mean]; P=1.00). CONCLUSION:
      The efficacy, safety, and predictability profiles of the 3 refractive lenticule
      extraction techniques were good over a 12-month follow-up. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE:
      No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method
      mentioned.

PMID- 25135533
TI  - Five-year results of refractive lenticule extraction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the 5-year results of femtosecond laser-assisted refractive
      lenticule extraction (ReLEx-FLEx) for the treatment of myopia and myopic
      astigmatism. SETTING: Departments of Ophthalmology, Helios Klinikum Erfurt,
      Erfurt, and Phillips Universitat Marburg, Marburg, Germany. DESIGN: Prospective
      clinical trial. METHODS: This was a follow-up of a prospective study that
      evaluated the first patients treated with refractive lenticule extraction, in
      which a flap and a refractive lenticule of intrastromal corneal tissue were
      simultaneously cut using a 200 kHz Visumax femtosecond laser system. Thereafter,
      the lenticule was manually removed and the flap repositioned. The main outcome
      measures were the uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities, objective
      and manifest refractions, slitlamp examination findings, and side effects after 5
      years. RESULTS: Forty-one of 108 eyes in the original treatment group were
      available for a reexamination. Five years postoperatively, 100% of eyes were
      within +/-1.00 diopter (D) of the intended correction and 73% were within +/-0.50
      D. By 5 years, no eye had lost 2 or more Snellen lines and 1 eye had lost 1
      Snellen line. The mean regression was 0.07 D. CONCLUSION: Long-term data indicate
      that refractive lenticule extraction is an effective and safe procedure for the
      treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism and has excellent stability. FINANCIAL
      DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or
      method mentioned.

PMID- 25135534
TI  - Simultaneous topography-guided partial photorefractive keratectomy and corneal
      collagen crosslinking for keratoconus.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the visual, refractive, and clinical outcomes of simultaneous
      topography-guided partial photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and corneal collagen
      crosslinking (CXL) in eyes with keratoconus. SETTING: Private practice surgery
      center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS:
      Refraction, uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities,
      flat and steep keratometry (K) readings, and complications were evaluated 1, 3,
      6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The study enrolled 31 eyes of 31
      patients aged 21 to 42 years. All study parameters showed a statistically
      significant improvement at 3, 6, and 12 months over baseline values. At 12
      months, the mean UDVA improved to 0.23 logMAR+/-0.33 (SD) from 0.79+/-0.36 logMAR
      (P<.001) and the CDVA improved to 0.06+/-0.07 logMAR from 0.28+/-0.20 logMAR
      (P<.001). The mean defocus decreased from 3.45+/-1.60 diopters (D) to 1.88+/-1.58
      D (P<.001). The flat K and steep K readings showed significant flattening. The
      mean refractive astigmatism decreased from -2.77+/-1.47 D to -0.98+/-0.76 D
      (P<.001). The improvement in study parameters plateaued after 3 months.
      CONCLUSION: Simultaneous topography-guided partial PRK and CXL was effective,
      safe, and stable in keratoconus patients. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a
      financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135535
TI  - Long-term results of combined transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy and
      corneal collagen crosslinking for keratoconus: Cretan protocol.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present the long-term results of combined transepithelial
      phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for
      keratoconus. SETTING: Vardinoyiannion Eye Institute of Crete, University of
      Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS:
      Patients with progressive keratoconus had combined transepithelial PTK and CXL
      (Cretan protocol). Visual and refractive outcomes and the endothelial cell
      density (ECD) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Twenty
      patients (23 eyes) were enrolled; postoperatively 23 eyes were evaluated at 1 and
      2 years, 11 at 3 years, and 7 at 4 years. The mean follow-up was 33.83 months+/
      10.82 (SD) (range 24 to 56 months). No intraoperative or postoperative
      complications occurred. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity improved
      significantly from 0.99+/-0.57 logMAR preoperatively to 0.61+/-0.36 logMAR at the
      last follow-up (P<.001) and the mean corrected distance visual acuity, from
      0.27+/-0.24 logMAR to 0.17+/-0.14 logMAR (P=.018), respectively. The mean steep
      and mean flat keratometry readings decreased significantly from 53.39+/-7.14
      diopters (D) and 47.17+/-4.87 D, respectively, preoperatively to 49.99+/-4.36 D
      (P<.001) and 45.47+/-2.95 D (P=.002), respectively, at the last follow-up. The
      mean corneal astigmatism improved significantly from -6.27+/-4.19 D
      preoperatively to -4.52+/-2.80 D (P<.001) at the last follow-up. No significant
      ECD alterations occurred (P>.05). CONCLUSION: Combined transepithelial PTK and
      CXL was effective and safe in keratoconic patients over a long-term follow-up.
      FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any
      material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135536
TI  - Corneal resistance factor and corneal hysteresis in a 6- to 18-year-old
      population.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the distribution and normal range of the corneal resistance
      factor (CRF) and corneal hysteresis (CH) in the 6- to 18-year age range and their
      relationship with biometric components. SETTING: Dezful, Iran. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional study. METHODS: This study of Dezful school children used a multistage,
      stratified, cluster approach sampling. All students had examinations for
      biometry, noncycloplegic refraction, and corneal biomechanical properties; the
      examinations were performed in the same order in all cases. RESULTS: Of the 864
      selected students, 683 participated in the study. The mean CRF and CH was 11.74
      mm Hg+/-1.77 (SD) (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.58-11.89) and 11.49+/-1.91 mm
      Hg (95% CI, 11.33-11.65), respectively. In a linear multiple regression model,
      the CRF significantly correlated with female sex (beta coefficient=0.488,
      P=.013), central corneal thickness (CCT) (beta coefficient=.034, P=.001), and
      keratometry (beta-coefficient=0.157, P=.003) and CH significantly correlated with
      CCT (beta coefficient=0.025, P<.001), axial length (beta coefficient=-0.303,
      P=.011), and keratometry (beta coefficient=0.11, P=.043). Each year increase in
      age was associated with a 42-unit decrease in the peak 1 area (P=.003).
      CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of CRF and CH in an Iranian population was
      symmetrical and bell shaped. However, the CRF did not have a normal distribution.
      The mean CRF and CH were higher than those reported in almost all previous
      studies. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest
      in any material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135537
TI  - Long-term ultrasound biomicroscopy observation of position changes of a copolymer
      posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate longitudinal changes in Implantable Collamer Lens phakic
      intraocular lens (pIOL) position after implantation. SETTING: Department of
      Ophthalmology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. DESIGN: Retrospective case
      series. METHODS: Myopic eyes that had pIOL implantation with a follow-up of at
      least 24 months were evaluated. Ultrasound biomicroscopy examinations were
      performed at each visit. RESULTS: The study enrolled 62 eyes (31 patients; 22
      women, 9 men) ranging in age from 21 to 46 years. The manifest spherical
      equivalent ranged from -8.25 to -18.75 diopters. A significant increase (mean 36
      MUm+/-50 [SD]) in the endothelium-anterior pIOL distance occurred between 1 month
      and 3 months (P=.000); afterward, the distance decreased slowly (P>.05). The
      largest decrease (mean 47+/-17 MUm) in central vault occurred between 1 month and
      3 months (P=.009). The largest decrease (mean 21+/-14 MUm) in peripheral vault
      occurred between 1 month and 3 months (P=.000). CONCLUSIONS: A significant
      increase in the endothelium-anterior pIOL distance occurred from 1 month to 3
      months postoperatively, after which a slight decrease occurred over time. Central
      vault and peripheral vault had a tendency to decrease over time. FINANCIAL
      DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or
      method mentioned.

PMID- 25135538
TI  - Evaluation of an electronic reading desk to measure reading acuity in
      pseudophakic patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare a new electronic reading desk (Salzburg-Advanced) with
      conventional measurements of reading acuity. SETTING: Vienna Institute for
      Research in Ocular Surgery, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria. DESIGN: Evaluation
      of diagnostic test. METHODS: In study 1, the electronic reading desk was compared
      with the same version of a printed reading chart. All patients were measured
      twice with autorefraction (Topcon KR8800) and subjective refraction. In study 2,
      patients were measured once. In addition, electronic reading desk measurements
      were obtained under different contrast and luminance levels. RESULTS: Study 1
      evaluated 100 eyes of 50 pseudophakic patients. Differences between the
      electronic reading desk and the printed version were small and not significant
      for reading speed (131.1 words per minute [wpm]+/-28.7 [SD] versus 134.9+/-20.7
      wpm), reading distance (44.7+/-14.4 cm versus 39.6+/-7.6 cm), and smallest
      possible read print size (1.95+/-0.58 mm versus 2.02+/-0.70 mm), respectively.
      Study 2 evaluated 40 eyes of 20 pseudophakic patients. Reading acuity and the
      smallest possible read print size decreased with lower contrast and reduced
      luminance, whereas reading distance and reading speed did not change
      significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements performed with the electronic reading
      desk can be used interchangeably with those performed using a printed chart. The
      opportunity to preset standardized luminance and contrast settings could be
      useful for measurements in clinical trials. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: Drs. Dexl and
      Grabner have a proprietary interest in the Salzburg Reading Desk technology as
      patent assignees. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any
      material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135539
TI  - Influence of intraocular lens haptic design on refractive error.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the influence of intraocular (IOL) haptic design on the
      refraction prediction error in patients having cataract surgery. SETTING: Private
      practice. DESIGN: Comparative case series. METHODS: Corneal power and axial
      length were measured with the same devices in eyes with a 3-piece Acrysof IOL and
      eyes with a 1-piece Acrysof IOL and were entered into the Haigis, Hoffer Q,
      Holladay 1, and SRK/T formulas. The median absolute error and mean absolute error
      in refraction prediction (ie, difference between expected refraction and actual
      refraction) were assessed 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: The study evaluated
      110 eyes with the 3-piece IOL and 84 eyes with the 1-piece IOL. With all
      formulas, the median absolute error was lower with the 3-piece IOL. It ranged
      between 0.15 diopter (D) (Haigis and Holladay 1) and 0.19 D (SRK/T) with the 3
      piece IOL and between 0.23 D (Haigis) and 0.30 D (SRK/T) with the 1-piece IOL.
      With all formulas, a higher percentage of eyes with the 3-piece IOL were within
      +/-0.25 D and +/-0.50 D of the target refraction. CONCLUSIONS: Three-piece IOLs
      may yield better refractive outcomes than 1-piece IOLs. A possible reason is that
      once the early forward IOL shift previously observed with the 3-piece design
      occurs because of the haptic-compression force decay typical of these IOLs, the
      rigid haptics of 3-piece IOLs still exert more pressure against the capsular bag
      than the haptics of 1-piece IOLs. Therefore, 3-piece IOLs may better resist
      subsequent capsule contraction and provide a more predictable effective lens
      position. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Hoffer receives royalties for his book IOL
      Power, Slack, Inc., and formula royalties from all manufacturers using the Hoffer
      Q formula. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any
      material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135540
TI  - Clinical outcomes and rotational stability of a 4-haptic toric intraocular lens
      in myopic eyes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the refractive outcomes and rotational stability of a 4
      haptic toric intraocular lens (IOL) in myopic eyes and the correlations between
      IOL rotation and refractive sphere, axial length (AL), and white-to-white (WTW)
      diameter. SETTING: Eye Clinic, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy. DESIGN:
      Prospective case series. METHODS: Phacoemulsification cataract extraction and
      implantation of an AT Torbi 709M IOL were performed. Corneal astigmatism was 1.50
      diopters (D) or greater and the AL between 25.0 mm and 27.0 mm in all eyes. The
      uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, refraction, and
      IOL axis were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively up to 6 months.
      RESULTS: The study enrolled 20 eyes (20 patients). The UDVA and CDVA improved
      significantly postoperatively (P<.001). The mean refractive spherical equivalent
      decreased significantly from -7.10 D+/-1.78 (SD) preoperatively to -0.55+/-0.25 D
      1 day postoperatively (P<.001) and remained stable thereafter. Vector analysis
      showed that 90% and 85% of the eyes were within +/-0.25 D for J0 and J45,
      respectively. At 3 months and 6 months, the mean IOL rotation was 2.66+/-1.53
      degrees and 3.00+/-1.69 degrees, respectively (P<.001), with 95% of eyes and 90%
      of eyes, respectively, within +/-5 degrees. A positive correlation was found
      between IOL rotation and preoperative sphere; none was found with AL and WTW.
      CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of the 4-haptic toric IOL in myopic eyes was effective
      and safe. The IOL showed no significant rotation over the 6-month follow-up.
      FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any
      material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135541
TI  - Pars plana vitrectomy combined with iris-claw intraocular lens implantation for
      lens nucleus and intraocular lens dislocation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the medium-term efficacy and safety of treating nucleus and
      intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with
      iris-claw IOL implantation. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of
      Lyon 1 Claude Bernard, Lyon, France. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS:
      The study comprised consecutive patients without capsule support having PPV
      combined with iris-claw IOL implantation for posterior dislocation of the nucleus
      or IOL between 2008 and 2012. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative
      data were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were invited to a prospective final
      examination at least 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The study enrolled 32
      eyes (31 consecutive patients). The dislocation was spontaneous in 8 cases and
      traumatic in 24 (intraoperative 17 cases, contusive 7 cases). The iris-claw IOL
      was on the anterior side of the iris in 19 cases and on the posterior side in 13
      cases. The mean corrected distance visual acuity at the end of follow-up was
      20/40 or better in 22 patients (69%). The mean spherical equivalent was +8.20
      (SD)+/-6.03 diopters (D) preoperatively and -0.51+/-1.14 D postoperatively. The
      median endothelial cell loss was 20.5% over the first 3 months. The complications
      were cystoid macular edema (n=8), retinal detachment (n=4), transient
      intravitreal hemorrhage (n=4), secondary glaucoma (n=2), and choroidal detachment
      (n=1). The final examination was performed in 27 eyes. CONCLUSION: Treatment of
      nucleus and IOL dislocation with PPV combined with iris-claw IOL implantation was
      effective and safe over the medium-term. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a
      financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135542
TI  - Nepafenac 0.1% plus dexamethasone 0.1% versus dexamethasone alone: effect on
      macular swelling after cataract surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of adding nepafenac 0.1% ophthalmic suspension
      to dexamethasone 0.1% eyedrops in controlling macular swelling and other
      manifestations of inflammation after uneventful cataract surgery. SETTING:
      Ophthalmology Department, Molndal Hospital, Gothenburg, and St. Erik Eye
      Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. DESIGN: Randomized double-masked clinical trial.
      METHODS: Patients at low risk for postoperative inflammation were recruited and
      randomized to the nepafenac group or to the control group. Postoperative swelling
      of the macula was assessed with ocular coherence tomography. Laser flare
      intensity, corrected distance visual acuity, ocular discomfort, and visual
      complaints were also recorded. RESULTS: The analysis of intent-to-treat
      population comprised 75 patients in the nepafenac group and 77 patients in the
      control group. Compared with the control regimen, add-on nepafenac resulted in
      statistically significant reductions in the following parameters: change in
      macular volume at 3 weeks and 6 weeks (P<.001), proportion of patients with more
      than 10 MUm of swelling in the central macula at 3 weeks (P<.0001) and 6 weeks
      (P=.02), mean laser flare intensity at 1 day (P=.029), pain during the first 24
      hours postoperatively (P<.0001), and ocular discomfort and photophobia during the
      first 3 postoperative weeks (P=.0058 and P=.0052, respectively). CONCLUSION: The
      combination of topical nepafenac and steroid treatment reduced subclinical
      macular swelling and inflammation as well as subjective complaints, indicating it
      is an efficient antiinflammatory regimen after cataract surgery. FINANCIAL
      DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or
      method mentioned.

PMID- 25135543
TI  - Evaluating teaching methods: validation of an evaluation tool for hydrodissection
      and phacoemulsification portions of cataract surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop and assess the validity of an evaluation tool to assess
      quantitatively the hydrodissection and phacoemulsification portions of cataract
      surgery performed by residents. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Jules Stein Eye
      Institute, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, and Veterans Administration Medical
      Center, Los Angeles, California, USA. METHODS: The UCLA ophthalmology faculty
      members were surveyed and the literature was reviewed to develop a grading tool
      consisting of 15 questions to evaluate surgical technique, including questions
      from the Global Rating Assessment of Skills in Intraocular Surgery and from the
      International Council of Ophthalmology's Ophthalmology Surgical Competency
      Assessment Rubric. Video clips of the hydrodissection and phacoemulsification
      portions of cataract surgery performed by 1 postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) resident,
      1 PGY3 resident, 2 PGY4 residents, and an advanced surgeon were independently
      graded in a masked fashion by an 8-member faculty panel. RESULTS: Eleven of the
      15 questions had a significant association with surgical experience level (P<.05,
      analysis of variance). Interobserver variability in grading yielded intraclass
      correlation coefficients between 0.28 and 0.72. The questions with the lowest
      interobserver variability were hydrodissection questions on instrument handling,
      flow of operation, and nucleus rotation. Nucleus cracking also had low
      variability. Less directly visible tasks, especially 3-dimensional tasks, had
      wider interobserver variability. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical performance can be validly
      measured using an evaluation tool. Improved videography and studies to identify
      the best questions for evaluating each step of cataract surgery may help
      ophthalmic educators more precisely measure training outcomes for improving
      teaching interventions. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or
      proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135544
TI  - Textural interface opacity after Descemet-stripping automated endothelial
      keratoplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe cases of interface haze, also known as textural interface
      opacity, after Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).
      SETTING: Department of Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery Service,
      Duke Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA. DESIGN: Retrospective case series.
      METHODS: Patients' clinical and demographic characteristics, cornea donor
      information, surgical technique, histopathology, and anterior segment optical
      coherence tomography (OCT) were reviewed retrospectively and clinical outcomes
      reported. RESULTS: The interface haze that developed after DSAEK comprised 2
      types of textural interface opacity; that is, total (11 cases) and partial (3
      cases). The time of onset of textural interface opacity ranged from 1 day to 7
      weeks postoperatively. Although most patients with textural interface opacity
      showed improvement, with a corrected distance visual acuity better than 20/50, 3
      had persistent decreased visual acuity and required repeat DSAEK. Seven eyes had
      concurrent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and DSAEK. The
      corneal graft was inserted with an Endoserter device in 11 eyes, an insertion
      forceps in 2 eyes, and a cystotome needle in 1 eye. Histopathology of the grafts
      of eyes that required repeat DSAEK showed no inflammation, no foreign-body
      deposit, and no fibrosis. Anterior segment OCT showed increased hyperreflectivity
      in the interface. CONCLUSIONS: Although the etiology of textural interface
      opacity is unclear, it may be related to retained ophthalmic viscosurgical device
      (OVD) or an adhesive property of the OVD used during the surgery. Although most
      cases resolve with time, repeat DSAEK may be an effective treatment for
      refractory cases. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Kim is a consultant to Ocular
      Systems, Inc. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any
      material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135545
TI  - Prevention of capsule opacification after accommodating lens refilling: pilot
      study of strategies evaluated in a monkey model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test 2 strategies to prevent capsule opacification after
      accommodating lens refilling in a rhesus monkey model. SETTING: Animal laboratory
      and laboratory of European university medical centers. DESIGN: Experimental
      study. METHODS: Six rhesus monkeys had refilling of the lens capsular bag. In the
      first strategy, before it was filled with a silicone polymer, the capsular bag
      was treated with noncommercial sodium hyaluronate 1.0% containing cytotoxic
      substances. In the second strategy, the capsular bag was filled with clinically
      used sodium hyaluronate 1.0% (Healon) after treatment with actinomycin-D.
      Slitlamp inspection was performed during a follow-up of 40 to 50 weeks. After
      enucleation, magnetic resonance images were obtained and confocal fluorescence
      imaging was performed. RESULTS: Using the first strategy, capsule opacification
      developed in all eyes. Using the second strategy, 1 monkey did not develop
      capsule opacification after a 9-month follow-up. In a second monkey, the lens
      capsule remained clear for 3 months, after which the hyaluronate refill material
      was exchanged with a silicone polymer and capsule opacification developed.
      Combining these results with those in a previous study, the difference in
      opacification between silicone and sodium hyaluronate as refilling materials was
      statistically significant (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: That no capsular bag fibrosis
      occurred in the presence of hyaluronate suggests that the properties of
      hyaluronate are the reason that remaining lens epithelial cells do not develop
      into fibrotic cells. The choice of a suitable lens-refilling material prevents
      the development of capsule opacification. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Mr. Terwee was an
      employee of Abbott Medical Optics B.V. during the study period. No other author
      has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135547
TI  - Optimum on-time duty cycle for micropulse technology.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the optimum on time for the most efficient removal of lens
      fragments using micropulsed ultrasound (US). SETTING: John A. Moran Eye Center
      Laboratories, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. DESIGN: Experimental
      study. METHODS: Twenty porcine lens nuclei were soaked in formalin for 2 hours
      and then divided into 2.0 mm cubes. Using an US machine with a 0.9 mm bent and a
      30-degree bevel tip, the on time was varied every millisecond (ms) from 2 ms to
      10 ms with the off time kept constant at 10 ms. Efficiency (time to lens removal)
      and chatter (number of lens fragment repulsions from the tip) were determined.
      RESULTS: The most efficient phacoemulsification was achieved with an on time of 6
      ms. On times shorter than 6 ms were significantly less efficient (R2=.82, P=.04).
      Greater on times did not result in a significant difference in efficiency
      (R2=.03, P=.78) but did appear to have more chatter events when comparing 9 to 10
      ms with 2 to 8 ms (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: With micropulsed longitudinal US, a 6
      ms on time was equally as efficient as longer on times, while shorter on times (2
      to 5 ms) had decreased efficiency. At 9 ms and 10 ms on time, significantly more
      chatter was noted. Therefore, to maximize phacoemulsification, an on-time setting
      of 6 ms is recommended. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or
      proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135546
TI  - Biointerface multiparametric study of intraocular lens acrylic materials.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare hydrophilic and hydrophobic acrylic materials designed for
      intraocular lenses in a multiparametric investigation in a liquid environment to
      highlight their properties in terms of adhesion forces, lens epithelial cell
      (LEC) adhesion, and tissue response as indicators of the risk for posterior
      capsule opacification (PCO) development. SETTING: University of Liege, Liege,
      Belgium. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: The hydrophobicity and surface
      adhesion force were assessed using contact-angle and atomic force microscopy
      measurements. The bioadhesiveness of the disks and the tissue response were
      determined by in vitro experiments using bovine serum albumin and porcine LECs
      and by in vivo rabbit subcutaneous implantation, respectively. RESULTS:
      Increasing surface hydrophobicity led to a greater surface-adhesion force and
      greater LEC adhesion. After 1 month, the rabbit subcutaneous implants showed a
      similar thin layer of fibrous capsule surrounding the disks without extensive
      inflammation. A layer of rounded cells in contact with disks was detected on the
      hydrophobic samples only. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrophobic acrylic disks that have been
      associated with a reduced risk for PCO in clinical studies showed increased
      tackiness. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: Proprietary or commercial disclosures are
      listed after the references.

PMID- 25135548
TI  - Microincisions in cataract surgery.
AB  - Improvements in phacoemulsification technology and instrumentation and
      intraocular lens materials and design have enabled cataract surgery to be
      performed through incisions smaller than 2.0 mm in external width. This evolution
      has occurred over time, with new challenges arising at each step of the decrease
      in incision size. This article reviews the current trend of using increasingly
      smaller incisions to perform phacoemulsification. Specifically, each facet of
      phacoemulsification is briefly reviewed from a historical context and then
      evaluated predominantly from a current perspective to better understand the
      development of the microincision in cataract surgery. The goal is to help the
      operating surgeon recognize the potential benefits as well as the potential
      weaknesses of the smaller incision. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: Proprietary or
      commercial disclosures are listed after the references.

PMID- 25135549
TI  - Corneal collagen crosslinking failure in a patient with floppy eyelid syndrome.
AB  - A 30-year-old man with bilateral floppy eyelid syndrome (more prominent in the
      left eye) and progressive keratoconus had corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in
      both eyes. No intraoperative or early postoperative complications were found.
      Topographic examination after CXL revealed a continuous increase in the
      keratometric values in the left eye in which the floppy eyelid syndrome was more
      prominent, indicating keratoconus progression (CXL failure). The fellow eye with
      the less prominent floppy eyelid syndrome remained stable during the follow-up
      period. Floppy eyelid syndrome could be a risk factor for CXL failure. FINANCIAL
      DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or
      method mentioned.

PMID- 25135550
TI  - Spontaneous bilateral anterior partial in-the-bag intraocular lens dislocation
      following routine annual eye examination.
AB  - We present the case of an 81-year-old man with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXF)
      in whom spontaneous bilateral anterior partial in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL)
      dislocation was diagnosed following a routine dilated examination that
      demonstrated only mild pseudophacodonesis with no evidence of subluxation.
      Uneventful cataract surgery with placement of single-piece hydrophobic acrylic
      posterior chamber IOLs had been performed in both eyes 7 years previously.
      Bilateral IOL repositioning with scleral fixation was performed to correct the
      dislocation. Postoperative examinations showed remarkable improvement in visual
      acuity and IOL stability. We hypothesize that zonular weakness secondary to PXF
      predisposed the patient to bilateral IOL partial dislocation. Pupil dilation in
      the setting of mild pseudophacodonesis at the time of routine examination may
      have been a precipitating factor. To our knowledge, bilateral IOL
      subluxation/dislocation has been described in a limited number of case reports.
      FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any
      material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135551
TI  - Unsutured phakic implantation of a black intraocular lens in the sulcus to treat
      leukocoria.
AB  - We describe a 40-year-old woman with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, secondary
      chronic exudative retinal detachment, and white cataract with consequent
      leukocoria. Because the cataract was contracted and calcified, a black Morcher
      85F poly(methyl methacrylate) IOL was implanted in the ciliary sulcus anterior to
      the lens to prevent posterior capsule rupture and potential destabilization of
      the retinal detachment with a risk for phthisis. Excellent centration of the
      black IOL was achieved with good cosmetic outcome and without postoperative
      uveitis or glaucoma. We suggest that this is a rare indication for implantation
      of an IOL designed for the sulcus but in the presence of the crystalline lens.
      This approach makes IOL removal, if necessary at a later date, relatively
      straightforward. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary
      interest in any material or method mentioned.

PMID- 25135552
TI  - Simple method to restore a fractured 10-0 polypropylene suture using a single
      fisherman's knot.

PMID- 25135553
TI  - New benchmark in preventing phacoemulsification-related endophthalmitis.

PMID- 25135554
TI  - Refractive Surgical Question: September consultation #1.

PMID- 25135555
TI  - September consultation #2.

PMID- 25135556
TI  - September consultation #3.

PMID- 25135557
TI  - September consultation #5.

PMID- 25135558
TI  - September consultation #4.

PMID- 25135559
TI  - September consultation #7.

PMID- 25135560
TI  - September consultation #6.

PMID- 25135567
TI  - Immunology: IL-22 and metabolic disease.

PMID- 25135568
TI  - Cardiovascular endocrinology: controversy--cardiovascular effects of calcium
      supplementation.
AB  - Of late, clinical trial data, meta-analyses and observational studies have caused
      concern that the use of calcium supplements might increase the risk of myocardial
      infarction and stroke. A new meta-analysis suggests that there is no problem with
      calcium supplements, but as the analysis includes controversial data omitted from
      previous analyses, the debate will continue.

PMID- 25135570
TI  - Obesity: Targeting fat deposits--one step closer.

PMID- 25135574
TI  - Mode of delivery and the probability of subsequent childbearing: a population
      based register study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between mode of first delivery and
      probability of subsequent childbearing. DESIGN: Population-based study. SETTING:
      Nationwide study in Sweden. POPULATION: A cohort of 771 690 women who delivered
      their first singleton infant in Sweden between 1992 and 2010. METHODS: Using
      Cox's proportional-hazards regression models, risks of subsequent childbearing
      were compared across four modes of delivery. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated,
      using 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Probability of
      having a second and third child; interpregnancy interval. RESULTS: Compared with
      women who had a spontaneous vaginal first delivery, women who delivered by vacuum
      extraction were less likely to have a second pregnancy (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95
      0.97), and the probabilities of a second childbirth were substantially lower
      among women with a previous emergency caesarean section (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.84
      0.86) or an elective caesarean section (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.80-0.83). There were no
      clinically important differences in the median time between first and second
      pregnancy by mode of first delivery. Compared with women younger than 30 years of
      age, older women were more negatively affected by a vacuum extraction with
      respect to the probability of having a second child. A primary vacuum extraction
      decreased the probability of having a third child by 4%, but having two
      consecutive vacuum extraction deliveries did not further alter the probability.
      CONCLUSIONS: A first delivery by vacuum extraction does not reduce the
      probability of subsequent childbearing to the same extent as a first delivery by
      emergency or elective caesarean section.

PMID- 25135576
TI  - Crystal transformation synthesis of a highly stable fluorescent 3D indium
      tetranuclear {In4(MU2-OH)3} building block based metal organic framework through
      a dinuclear complex.
AB  - A rare 3D tetranuclear {In4(MU2-OH)3} building block based MOF {[In4/3(MU2
      OH)(2,6-pydc)(1,4-bda)0.5(H2O)].2H2O}n (2) was obtained through a crystal
      transformation from a dimeric complex In3(2,6-pydc)3(1,4-bda)1.5(H2O)6 (1). With
      a 2D + 3D -> 3D compact structure, 2 retains crystallinity in boiling water and
      organic solvents, exhibiting exceptional fluorescence quenching behaviour for the
      DMSO molecule.

PMID- 25135573
TI  - Thyroid hormone receptors and resistance to thyroid hormone disorders.
AB  - Thyroid hormone action is predominantly mediated by thyroid hormone receptors
      (THRs), which are encoded by the thyroid hormone receptor alpha (THRA) and
      thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRB) genes. Patients with mutations in THRB
      present with resistance to thyroid hormone beta (RTHbeta), which is a disorder
      characterized by elevated levels of thyroid hormone, normal or elevated levels of
      TSH and goitre. Mechanistic insights about the contributions of THRbeta to
      various processes, including colour vision, development of the cochlea and the
      cerebellum, and normal functioning of the adult liver and heart, have been
      obtained by either introducing human THRB mutations into mice or by deletion of
      the mouse Thrb gene. The introduction of the same mutations that mimic human
      THRbeta alterations into the mouse Thra and Thrb genes resulted in distinct
      phenotypes, which suggests that THRA and THRB might have non-overlapping
      functions in human physiology. These studies also suggested that THRA mutations
      might not be lethal. Seven patients with mutations in THRalpha have since been
      described. These patients have RTHalpha and presented with major abnormalities in
      growth and gastrointestinal function. The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in
      these individuals is minimally affected, which suggests that the central T3
      feedback loop is not impaired in patients with RTHalpha, in stark contrast to
      patients with RTHbeta. 

PMID- 25135575
TI  - Isolation of arginine kinase from Apis cerana cerana and its possible involvement
      in response to adverse stress.
AB  - Arginine kinases (AK) in invertebrates play the same role as creatine kinases in
      vertebrates. Both proteins are important for energy metabolism, and previous
      studies on AK focused on this attribute. In this study, the arginine kinase gene
      was isolated from Apis cerana cerana and was named AccAK. A 5'-flanking region
      was also cloned and shown to contain abundant putative binding sites for
      transcription factors related to development and response to adverse stress. We
      imitated several abiotic and biotic stresses suffered by A. cerana cerana during
      their life, including heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, heat, cold, oxidants,
      antioxidants, ecdysone, and Ascosphaera apis and then studied the expression
      patterns of AccAK after these treatments. AccAK was upregulated under all
      conditions, and, in some conditions, this response was very pronounced. Western
      blot and AccAK enzyme activity assays confirmed the results. In addition, a disc
      diffusion assay showed that overexpression of AccAK reduced the resistance of
      Escherichia coli cells to multiple adverse stresses. Taken together, our results
      indicated that AccAK may be involved of great significance in response to adverse
      abiotic and biotic stresses. 

PMID- 25135577
TI  - Thyroglossal duct cysts: 20 years' experience (1992-2011).
AB  - The objective of the present study is to report on the clinical course and
      management of thyroglossal duct cysts. Retrospective review of all patients who
      underwent surgery for thyroglossal duct cysts between 2000 and 2013 at a tertiary
      referral center was carried out. The operations were performed using a
      modification of the Sistrunk operation: transcervical cystectomy, partial
      dissection of the hyoid bone, and dissection of all tracts identified during
      surgery. A total of 352 patients (176 men, 176 women) underwent surgery for a
      cyst (n = 282) or discharging sinus (n = 70). The mean age for the incidence of
      cysts was 26 years. Four of the patients (1.4 %) had a papillary thyroid
      carcinoma in the epithelium of the cyst. The follow-up period ranged from 7
      months to 10 years. The overall recurrence rate was 4.5 %. Resection is often
      regarded as an elective surgical procedure in patients with thyroglossal duct
      cysts, but surgery should always be considered. Papillary thyroid carcinoma in
      the epithelium of the cyst is a rare but possible differential diagnosis.
      Dissection of all tracts found is recommended and partial dissection of the hyoid
      bone is mandatory. Dissection of the foramen cecum is not imperative. The
      recurrence rates with this approach are comparable to more extensive methods such
      as those described by Sistrunk.

PMID- 25135579
TI  - Meeting report: consensus recommendations for a research agenda in exercise in
      solid organ transplantation.
AB  - With improved survival rates in solid organ transplantation there has been an
      increased focus on long-term outcomes following transplant, including physical
      function, health-related quality-of-life and cardiovascular mortality. Exercise
      training has the potential to affect these outcomes, however, research on the
      optimal timing, type, dose of exercise, mode of delivery and relevant outcomes is
      limited. This article provides a summary of a 2-day meeting held in April 2013
      (Toronto, Canada) in which a multi-disciplinary group of clinicians, researchers,
      administrators and patient representatives engaged in knowledge exchange and
      discussion of key issues in exercise in solid organ transplant (SOT). The
      outcomes from the meeting were the development of top research priorities and a
      research agenda for exercise in SOT, which included the need for larger scale,
      multi-center intervention studies, development of standardized outcomes for
      physical function and surrogate measures for clinical trials, examining novel
      modes of exercise delivery and novel outcomes from exercise training studies such
      as immunity, infection, cognition and economic outcomes. The development and
      dissemination of "expert consensus guidelines," synthesizing both the best
      available evidence and expert opinion was prioritized as a key step toward
      improving program delivery. 

PMID- 25135578
TI  - Objective assessment of persistent rhinitis in Chinese and its relationship with
      serum indicators.
AB  - Persistent rhinitis (PR) is a chronic disease that affects millions of people.
      However, it lacks of a useful method, which can indicate the actual severity of
      the inflammation in PR patients. This study was designed to seek an examination
      which could reflect the actual severity of PR disease. The serum Phadiatop test,
      ECP level, four-phase rhinomanometry, and acoustic rhinometry were assessed in 91
      adult patients with PR and 10 healthy controls. The serum total IgE was
      determined in some of the patients and all of the controls. The patients were
      divided into four groups: ARWO, ARWTO, NARWO and NARWTO. 40% (22/55) of AR and
      33.3% (13/36) of NAR patients never complained of persistent nasal obstruction.
      Serum ECP levels were increased in the ARWO group. Serum total IgE was
      significantly elevated in the AR groups. MCA(1-Min) and MCA(1-T) were
      significantly reduced in the ARWO, ARWTO, and NARWO groups. NV(6-Min) and NV(6-T)
      were decreased in all PR groups, but only some of these differences were
      significant. In the ARWO group, MCA(2-Min) (r = -0.252), MCA(2-T) (r = -0.377),
      NV(6-Min) (r = -0.32), and NV(6-T) (r = -0.311) had significant relationships
      with serum ECP. We recommend acoustic rhinometry as a useful routine tool for the
      diagnosis of PR, even among patients without persistent subjective nasal
      obstruction. This technique might reveal the actual status of nasal congestion.
      An elevated serum ECP level might indicate severe AR and is negatively correlated
      with the results of acoustic rhinometry.

PMID- 25135580
TI  - The role of patient-mode high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed
      tomography indices in the prediction of failure strength of the elderly women's
      thoracic vertebral body.
AB  - The correlations between the failure load of 20 T12 vertebral bodies, their
      patient-mode high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR
      pQCT) indices, and the L1 areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were investigated.
      For the prediction of the T12 vertebral failure load, the T12 HR-pQCT
      microarchitectural parameters added significant information to that of L1 aBMD
      and to that of cortical BMD, but not to that of T12 vertebral BMD and not to that
      of T12 trabecular BMD. INTRODUCTION: HR-pQCT is a new in vivo imaging technique
      for assessing the three-dimensional microarchitecture of cortical and trabecular
      bone at the distal radius and tibia. But little is known about this technique in
      the direct measurement of vertebral body. METHODS: Twenty female donors with the
      mean age of 80.1 (7.6) years were included in the study. Dual X-ray
      absorptiometry of the lumbar spine and femur was performed. The spinal specimens
      (T11/T12/L1) were dissected, scanned using HR-pQCT scanner, and mechanically
      tested under 4 degrees  wedge compression. The L1 aBMD, T12 patient-mode HR-pQCT
      indices, and T12 vertebral failure loads were analyzed. RESULTS: For the
      prediction of vertebral failure load, the inclusion of BV/TV into L1 aBMD was the
      best model (R (2) = 0.52), Tb.N and Tb.Sp added significant information to the L1
      aBMD and to the cortical BMD, but none of the vertebral microarchitectural
      parameters yielded additional significant information to the trabecular BMD (or
      BV/TV) and to the vertebral BMD. CONCLUSION: Vertebral microarchitectural
      parameters obtained from the patient-mode HR-pQCT analysis provide significant
      information on bone strength complementary to that of aBMD and to that of
      cortical BMD, but not to that of vertebral BMD and not to that of trabecular BMD.

PMID- 25135581
TI  - Should Men and Women be Managed Differently in Glaucoma?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To assess differences in associations of ocular perfusion pressure
      (OPP) as well as retinal and retrobulbar blood flow between men and women with
      primary open angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: A total of 116 patients with OAG (age
      66.9 +/- 10.9 years, 70 females) participating in the Indianapolis Glaucoma
      Progression Study were assessed for OPP, retinal microcirculation, and
      retrobulbar blood flow. Confocal scanning laser Doppler flowmetry measured
      peripapillary retinal capillary blood flow. Color Doppler imaging measured peak
      systolic (PSV) and diastolic blood flow velocities and vascular resistance in the
      ophthalmic (OA), central retinal (CRA), and nasal and temporal short posterior
      ciliary arteries (N/T PCA). Bivariate Spearman correlation and multivariate
      linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: In female patients with OAG,
      inferior retinal capillary flow was associated with OPP (r = 0.246, P = 0.044).
      In men, superior and inferior sector retinal blood flow was associated with OPP
      (r = -0.402, P = 0.006 and r = -0.357, P = 0.016, respectively). There was no
      statistically significant association between OPP and retrobulbar blood vessel
      flow velocities in male patients with OAG but there was an association between OA
      and TPCA PSV and OPP in female patients with OAG (r = 0.290, P = 0.015 and r =
      0.357, P = 0.002, respectively). In female patients with OAG, multivariate
      regression showed no statistically significant effect of any variable on the
      superior retinal capillary blood flow, with CRA PSV as a sole predictor to the
      inferior retinal sector (partial rho = 0.302, P = 0.015) and in male patients
      with OAG, superior sector retinal capillary blood flow was independently
      associated with intraocular pressure (partial rho = -0.371, P = 0.016) and OPP
      (partial rho = -0.456, P = 0.002) with a trend of association with OPP in the
      inferior retina (partial rho = -0.301, P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: There was a
      positive linear association between retinal microcirculation and OPP in females
      and a negative association in males. Male and female patients with OAG may differ
      in their vascular autoregulation in response to changes in OPP.

PMID- 25135582
TI  - Ophthalmic complications of dengue Fever: a systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In recent years there has been a spurt of peer-reviewed
      publications on the ophthalmic complications of dengue fever. The authors aim to
      review the ocular manifestations, utility of relevant diagnostic tests,
      management, prognosis, and sequelae of dengue-related ocular complications.
      METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Medline, PubMed, and
      Google Scholar databases. Only articles published or translated into the English
      language were considered, and key data from the full article of each paper was
      extracted and evaluated. RESULTS: The authors' search yielded 29 articles. A
      total of 686 patients with a mean age of 33.4 years (range 14-73 years) were
      included. Blurring of vision was the most common presenting symptom followed by
      scotoma. Ocular findings were mostly seen in the posterior pole of the fundus,
      manifesting as retinal hemorrhages, macular edema, foveolitis, vasculitis, and
      optic neuropathy. Most patients with dengue-related ophthalmic complications
      recover spontaneously without any treatment. Patients with severe visual loss or
      bilateral involvement were treated with systemic steroids and occasionally
      immunoglobulins. Prognosis of dengue-related ophthalmic complications is
      favorable; almost all patients had normal or showed improvement in visual acuity
      and complete resolution of dengue ophthalmic complications was noted in almost
      all cases. CONCLUSION: The pathological process of dengue ophthalmic
      complications is complex and clinical manifestations varied. Ophthalmic
      complications are usually seen in young adults who often present at the nadir of
      thrombocytopenia. Despite good recovery of vision and resolution of clinical
      signs in most patients, ophthalmologists and physicians should be aware and
      vigilant as isolated reports of cases of dengue ophthalmic complications with
      poor visual acuity refractory to treatment have been reported.

PMID- 25135583
TI  - Practical management of retinal vein occlusions.
AB  - Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common cause of visual impairment
      due to retinal disease after diabetic retinopathy. Nowadays, the introduction of
      new, powerful diagnostic tools, such as spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography, and the widespread diffusion of intravitreal drugs, such as vascular
      endothelial grow factor inhibitors or implantable steroids, have dramatically
      changed the management and prognosis of RVO. The authors aim to summarize and
      review the main clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of this condition.
      The authors conducted a review of the most relevant clinical trials and
      observational studies published within the last 30 years using a keyword search
      of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Contents, and Cochrane Library. Furthermore, for all
      treatments discussed, the level of evidence supporting its use, as per the US
      Preventive Task Force Ranking System, is provided. 

PMID- 25135584
TI  - Multiple layers lens capsule true exfoliation in patient with primary angle
      closure glaucoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: True exfoliation of lens capsule is a relatively rare disorder that
      has a thin, fluttering membrane in the anterior chamber, mainly located in the
      pupil area, which is believed to have split from the anterior lens capsule. CASE
      REPORT: The authors present here a patient with true exfoliation and primary
      angle closure glaucoma in both eyes, the ultrastructure of one eye revealed that
      the delaminated membrane was composed of more than two layers in itself.
      CONCLUSION: Lens capsule true exfoliation could happen in patient with primary
      angle closure glaucoma, with more than two layers in itself.

PMID- 25135585
TI  - Topical isopropyl unoprostone for retinitis pigmentosa: microperimetric results
      of the phase 2 clinical study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine whether topical 0.15%
      isopropyl unoprostone (IU), a BK-channel activator, could improve or maintain the
      central retinal sensitivity in patients with middle- to late-stage retinitis
      pigmentosa (RP). IU was approved for glaucoma and ocular hypertension in 1994.
      The drug re-profiling strategy is one of the effective ways to develop safe drugs
      for patients with RP. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled
      phase II safety/efficacy trial was conducted. One hundred and nine patients with
      middle- to late-stage RP having a visual acuity of >=0.5 were studied at six
      ophthalmological centers in Japan. The treatments of IU/day were divided into
      three groups: placebo group; two-drop group; and four-drop group for 24 weeks.
      The primary outcome measure was changes in the retinal sensitivity from baseline
      in the central 2 degrees  determined by MP-1 microperimetry (MP-1, Nidek, Japan).
      The secondary outcomes were changes in best-correct visual acuity, contrast
      sensitivity, retinal sensitivity of the central 10 degrees  by MP-1, mean
      deviation (MD) by a Humphrey field analyzer (HFA; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA,
      USA) 10-2, and the Visual Functioning Questionnaire 25 (VFQ-25) questionnaire
      scores. RESULTS: There was a tendency for a dose-dependent responsiveness in
      retinal sensitivity in the central 2 degrees , MD, and total VFQ-25 score after
      24 weeks of IU instillation by a simple linear regression analysis. A stratified
      analysis showed a significant dose-dependent responsiveness of the 2 degrees 
      central retinal sensitivity in more advanced patients (P = 0.028). The number of
      patients having a >=4 dB decrease in the primary outcome measure was
      significantly fewer in the four-drop group than in the placebo group (P = 0.02).
      No adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A higher dose of IU can delay
      progression of the central retinal sensitivity decrease through an improvement of
      retinal sensitivity.

PMID- 25135586
TI  - Effect of short-term oral valproic Acid on vision and visual field in retinitis
      pigmentosa.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of short-term oral
      valproic acid (VPA) on the vision and visual fields of patients with retinitis
      pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: In this prospective, nonrandomized trial, 10 patients
      (20 eyes) with established RP were treated with oral VPA 500 mg/day for 3 months.
      Visual acuity was monitored using the Snellen chart and values were converted
      into Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart and logarithm of the
      minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) equivalents. Visual field changes were
      evaluated using the Humphrey visual field analyzer (30-2 SITA standard test
      protocol). RESULTS: Mean visual acuity was significantly improved from a
      pretreatment value of 20/72 (logMAR 0.560 +/- 0.488) to 20/65 (logMAR 0.513 +/-
      0.422) after 3 months of treatment (P = 0.006). Vision improved by at least one
      line or more than one line in 10 eyes, and remained stable in the other 10 eyes.
      Visual field improvement was noted in nine eyes (P < 0.05, chi(2) test), nine
      showing no significant field change and in two visual fields could not be
      recorded due to poor vision. CONCLUSION: Short-term (3-month) treatment with VPA
      improves the vision and visual field of patients with RP.

PMID- 25135588
TI  - Do We Currently Have Guidelines to Select an Adequate Prosthetic Valve to
      Surgically Treat Active Infective Endocarditis?
AB  - Active infective endocarditis is a devastating disease with high morbidity and
      mortality, which generally needs surgery and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
      Selecting an adequate valve prosthesis is a central issue during surgery. This
      editorial discusses the recent literature available on this important topic. 

PMID- 25135587
TI  - Ivabradine Versus Beta-Blockers in Patients with Conduction Abnormalities or Left
      Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In patients with conduction abnormalities or left ventricle (LV)
      dysfunction the use of beta-blockers for post cardiac surgery rhythm control is
      difficult and controversial, with a paucity of information about other drugs such
      ivabradine used postoperatively. The objective of this study was to compare the
      efficacy and safety of ivabradine versus metoprolol used perioperatively in
      cardiac surgery patients with conduction abnormalities or LV systolic
      dysfunction. METHODS: This was an open-label, randomized clinical trial enrolling
      527 patients with conduction abnormalities or LV systolic dysfunction undergoing
      coronary artery bypass grafting or valvular replacement, randomized to take
      ivabradine or metoprolol, or metoprolol plus ivabradine. The primary endpoints
      were the composites of 30-day mortality, in-hospital atrial fibrillation (AF), in
      hospital three-degree atrioventricular block and need for pacing, in-hospital
      worsening heart failure (HF; safety endpoints), duration of hospital stay and
      immobilization and the above endpoint plus in-hospital bradycardia,
      gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep disturbances, cold extremities (efficacy plus
      safety endpoint). RESULTS: Heart rate reduction and prevention of postoperative
      AF or tachyarrhythmia with combined therapy was more effective than with
      metoprolol or ivabradine alone during the immediate postoperative management of
      cardiac surgery patients. In the Ivabradine group, the frequency of early
      postoperative pacing and HF worsening was smaller than in the Metoprolol group
      and in combined therapy group. The frequency of primary combined endpoint was
      lower in the combined Ivabradine + Metoprolol group compared with the monotherapy
      groups. CONCLUSION: Considering efficacy and safety, the cardiac rhythm reduction
      after open heart surgery in patients with conduction abnormalities or LV
      dysfunction with ivabradine plus metoprolol emerged as the best treatment in this
      trial.

PMID- 25135589
TI  - Aorta-to-Left Atrial Fistula Caused by Air Gun Pellet Cardiac Injury.
AB  - Abnormal communication between the ascending aorta and the cardiac chambers is
      rare, diverse in origin, and can be congenital or acquired. We report a case of a
      10-year-old boy with acquired aorta-to-left atrial fistula associated with an air
      gun pellet injury and his successful treatment. 

PMID- 25135590
TI  - Prognosis of Troponin-Positive Patients with Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery
      Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Troponin elevation is an independent risk factor for mortality, but
      the prognosis of patients with troponin elevation and non-obstructive coronary
      artery disease (CAD) is unknown. Recent data have suggested an increased risk of
      mortality. This study was performed to further investigate the outcomes of
      troponin-positive patients with obstructive and non-obstructive CAD. METHODS: A
      retrospective cohort analysis was performed of all patients with raised troponin
      presenting to Kettering General Hospital (January 2010 to December 2011, n =
      1,351). The patients who had angiograms were stratified anatomically into
      obstructive CAD and non-obstructive CAD (<=50% stenosis). The obstructive CAD
      group (O-CAD) was sub-analyzed by management strategy: emergency re
      vascularization (<12 h), urgent, delayed, and medically managed. Patients with
      non-obstructive CAD were grouped by the cause of the raised troponin if this
      could be identified (NO-CAD-I) or cause remained unidentified (NO-CAD-U). The
      major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) and mortality rates were
      calculated at 30 days and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: There was a preponderance of
      hypertension and severe renal impairment in the non-obstructive CAD group. The
      patients with NO-CAD-U were a low-risk group (MACCE at 1-year follow-up = 0). The
      remaining NO-CAD-I group had a similar risk to the O-CAD group for MACCE and
      mortality at 30 days and 1-year follow-up. In fact, at 1-year follow-up, the NO
      CAD-I patients when compared with the subgroups of O-CAD, had higher MACCE rates
      and mortality compared with the emergency re-vascularized group [MACCE: relative
      risk (RR) (95% CI) = 2.27 (1.29-3.40), P = 0.0047; mortality: RR (95% CI) = 2.08
      (1.10-3.93), P = 0.024]. This was driven by higher risk non-cardiac death [RR
      (95% CI) = 4.10 (1.53-10.99), P = 0.005]. CONCLUSION: Patients with identified
      cause for raised troponin and non-obstructive CAD are at equivalent risk of MACCE
      and mortality at 30 days and 1-year follow-up compared to those with obstructive
      CAD.

PMID- 25135591
TI  - The Changing Role for Endomyocardial Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Giant-Cell
      Myocarditis.
AB  - Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is central to the diagnosis of giant-cell myocarditis
      (GCM) and planning further management. There is, however, no guideline-directed
      recommendation on re-biopsy or left ventricular EMB in a suspected case of acute,
      fulminant myocarditis following an indeterminate first biopsy. This manuscript
      illustrates, with a case, the changing role for EMB in the current era in the
      diagnosis of GCM. 

PMID- 25135592
TI  - Perturbation of the interaction between Gal4p and Gal80p of the Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae GAL switch results in altered responses to galactose and glucose.
AB  - In S. cerevisiae, following the Whole Genome Duplication (WGD), GAL1-encoded
      galactokinase retained its signal transduction function but lost basal
      expression. On the other hand, its paralogue GAL3, lost kinase activity but
      retained its signalling function and basal expression, thus making it
      indispensable for the rapid induction of the S. cerevisiae GAL switch. However, a
      gal3Delta strain exhibits delayed growth kinetics due to the redundant signalling
      function of GAL1. The subfunctionalization between the paralogues GAL1 and GAL3
      is due to expression divergence and is proposed to be due to the alteration in
      the Upstream Activating Sequences (UASG ). We demonstrate that the GAL switch
      becomes independent of GAL3 by altering the interaction between Gal4p and Gal80p
      without altering the configuration of UASG . In addition to the above, the
      altered switch of S. cerevisiae loses ultrasensitivity and stringent glucose
      repression. These changes caused an increase in fitness in the disaccharide
      melibiose at the expense of a decrease in fitness in galactose. The above altered
      features of the ScGAL switch are similar to the features of the GAL switch of K.
      lactis that diverged from S. cerevisiae before the WGD.

PMID- 25135593
TI  - Switching treatments in haemophilia: is there a risk of inhibitor development?
AB  - Patients with haemophilia A (and their physicians) may be reluctant to switch
      factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates, often due to concerns about increasing the risk
      of inhibitors; this reluctance to switch may contribute to patients missing the
      clinical benefits provided by the arrival of new factor VIII products. This topic
      was explored at the Eleventh Zurich Haemophilia Forum. Clinical scenarios for
      which product switching may be cause for concern were discussed; when there is a
      clinical need, there are no absolute contraindications to switching, but some
      patients (e.g. previously untreated patients and those undergoing elective
      surgery) may require more careful consideration. Both patient and physician
      surveys indicate that the reluctance to switch, and the fear of inhibitor
      development, does not appear to be evidence based. The evaluation of more recent
      data did not support previous studies suggesting that particular products (e.g.
      recombinant vs. plasma-derived and full length vs. B-domain modified) may be
      associated with increased risk. In addition, data from three national product
      switches showed that switching was not associated with increased inhibitor risk,
      but highlighted the need for regular inhibitor testing and for a centralised,
      unbiased database of inhibitor incidence. To conclude, current evidence does not
      suggest that switching products significantly influences inhibitor development. 

PMID- 25135594
TI  - Do men need empowering too? A systematic review of entrepreneurial education and
      microenterprise development on health disparities among inner-city black male
      youth.
AB  - Economic strengthening through entrepreneurial and microenterprise development
      has been shown to mitigate poverty-based health disparities in developing
      countries. Yet, little is known regarding the impact of similar approaches on
      disadvantaged U.S. populations, particularly inner-city African-American male
      youth disproportionately affected by poverty, unemployment, and adverse health
      outcomes. A systematic literature review was conducted to guide programming and
      research in this area. Eligible studies were those published in English from 2003
      to 2014 which evaluated an entrepreneurial and microenterprise initiative
      targeting inner-city youth, aged 15 to 24, and which did not exclude male
      participants. Peer-reviewed publications were identified from two electronic
      bibliographic databases. A manual search was conducted among web-based gray
      literature and registered trials not yet published. Among the 26 papers retrieved
      for review, six met the inclusion criteria and were retained for analysis. None
      of the 16 registered microenterprise trials were being conducted among
      disadvantaged populations in the U.S. The available literature suggests that
      entrepreneurial and microenterprise programs can positively impact youth's
      economic and psychosocial functioning and result in healthier decision-making.
      Young black men specifically benefited from increased autonomy, engagement, and
      risk avoidance. However, such programs are vastly underutilized among U.S.
      minority youth, and the current evidence is insufficiently descriptive or
      rigorous to draw definitive conclusions. Many programs described challenges in
      securing adequate resources, recruiting minority male youth, and sustaining
      community buy-in. There is an urgent need to increase implementation and
      evaluation efforts, using innovative and rigorous designs, to improve the low
      status of greater numbers of African-American male youth. 

PMID- 25135595
TI  - Mycobacterium simiae infection in two unrelated patients with different forms of
      inherited IFN-gammaR2 deficiency.
AB  - Interferon-gamma receptor 2 (IFN-gammaR2) deficiency is a rare primary
      immunodeficiency characterized by predisposition to infections with weakly
      virulent mycobacteria, such as environmental mycobacteria and BCG vaccines. We
      describe here two children with IFN-gammaR2 deficiency, from unrelated,
      consanguineous kindreds of Arab and Israeli descent. The first patient was a boy
      who died at the age of 4.5 years, from recurrent, disseminated disease caused by
      Mycobacterium simiae. His IFN-gammaR2 defect was autosomal recessive and
      complete. The second patient was a girl with multiple disseminated mycobacterial
      infections, including infection with M. simiae. She died at the age of 5 years, a
      short time after the transplantation of umbilical cord blood cells from an
      unrelated donor. Her IFN-gammaR2 defect was autosomal recessive and partial.
      Autosomal recessive IFN-gammaR2 deficiency is life-threatening, even in its
      partial form, and genetic diagnosis and familial counseling are therefore
      particularly important for this condition. These two cases are the first of IFN
      gammaR2 deficiency associated with M. simiae infection to be described. 

PMID- 25135596
TI  - Successful anti-TNF-alpha treatment in a girl with LAD-1 disease and autoimmune
      manifestations.
AB  - Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 (LAD-1) is an autosomal recessive disorder,
      caused by the absence or reduced expression of the beta-2 integrins on
      granulocytes, and characterized by the inability of these cells to emigrate from
      the bloodstream towards the sites of tissue inflammation. A twelve-year-old girl
      with a diagnosis of LAD-1 syndrome and recurrent skin and mucosal infections
      since birth, presented with a two week history of fever, abdominal pain,
      vomiting, weight loss and polyarthralgia. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy
      with the finding of inflamed terminal ileum and colon and a normal appendix.
      Colonoscopy and videocapsule endoscopy showed multiple ileal and colonic mucosal
      ulcerations, which were compatible with inflammatory bowel disease, confirmed on
      histological examination. Given the lack of response to conventional therapy
      (prednisone and mesalamine), a monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibody was started at
      a dosage of 5 mg/kg at weeks 0,2,4,6 and then every 8 weeks. We observed a
      significant improvement of all clinical and laboratory parameters after the first
      weeks of therapy. Five months later, we anticipated the drug's administration
      every 5 weeks because of a precocious recurrence of symptoms. After 30 months of
      treatment no relapse nor any relevant side effects have been observed, and
      corticosteroids were withdrawn. Interestingly, our patient presented a small
      subset of CD18+ T cells, similarly to previously reported LAD-1 patients with
      mild phenotype, inflammatory bowel disease and CD18+ somatic revertant T cells.
      To the best of our knowledge, this is the first LAD-1 pediatric patient with
      inflammatory autoimmune complications who experienced a positive response to anti
      TNF-alpha treatment.

PMID- 25135597
TI  - Increased prevalence of gastrointestinal viruses and diminished secretory
      immunoglobulin a levels in antibody deficiencies.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gastrointestinal disease occurs frequently in antibody deficiencies.
      This study aims to explore the relation between gastrointestinal infections and
      mucosal homeostasis in patients with antibody deficiencies. METHODS: We performed
      an observational study including 54 pediatric antibody deficient patients (48 %
      CVID, 41 % CVID-like, 11 % XLA) and 66 healthy controls. Clinical symptom scores
      and stool samples were collected prospectively. Stool samples were evaluated for
      bacteria, parasites, viruses, secretory IgA- and for calprotectin levels. Results
      were compared between patients and controls. RESULTS: 24 % of antibody deficient
      patients versus 9 % of healthy controls tested positive for gastrointestinal
      viruses (p = 0.028). Fecal calprotectin levels were significantly higher in virus
      positive patients compared to virus negative patients (p = 0.002). However, in
      controls, fecal calprotectin levels were similar between virus positive and virus
      negative controls. Moreover, gastrointestinal virus positive patients had low
      serum IgA levels in 13/14 cases (94 %) versus 40/62 (62 %) patients in the virus
      negative patient group (p = 0.04). The virus positive patient group also
      displayed significantly lower secretory IgA levels in stool (median 13 ug/ml)
      than patients without gastrointestinal viruses detected or healthy controls
      (median 155 ug/ml) (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: We here report an increased
      prevalence of gastrointestinal viruses and gastrointestinal complaints in
      antibody deficient patients. Patients that tested positive for gastrointestinal
      viruses showed diminished serum- and secretory IgA levels, and only in patients,
      virus positivity was associated with signs of mucosal inflammation. These
      findings suggest that particularly patients with low IgA are at risk for
      longstanding replication of gastrointestinal viruses, which may eventually result
      in CVID-related enteropathy.

PMID- 25135598
TI  - Sleep and circadian rhythms in hospitalized patients with decompensated
      cirrhosis: effect of light therapy.
AB  - Patients with liver cirrhosis often exhibit sleep-wake abnormalities, which are,
      at least to some extent, circadian in origin. A relatively novel non
      pharmacological approach to circadian disruption is appropriately timed bright
      light therapy. The aims of this pilot study were to investigate sleep-wake
      characteristics of a well-characterized population of inpatients with cirrhosis,
      and to evaluate the efficacy of bright light therapy in the hospital setting.
      Twelve consecutive inpatients with cirrhosis underwent complete sleep-wake
      assessment, to include qualitative and semi-quantitative (actigraphic) indices of
      night-time sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, diurnal preference, habitual sleep
      timing, quality of life, mood and circadian rhythmicity [i.e. urine collections
      for measurement of the melatonin metabolite 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6s)].
      Patients showed extremely impaired night sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality
      Index global score: 16.3 +/- 2.1) and daytime sleepiness was common (Epworth
      Sleepiness Scale: 8.3 +/- 3.2). Five patients were randomly assigned to a single
      room in which lighting was controlled in relation to timing, spectral composition
      and intensity (lights on at 06:30 and off at 22:30, blue-enriched, more intense
      light in the morning, red-enriched, less intense light in the afternoon/evening);
      the others stayed in identical rooms with standard lighting. Sleep diaries
      revealed poor sleep quality, prolonged sleep latency (67 +/- 138 min) and a
      reduced sleep efficiency (69 +/- 21%). These features were confirmed by
      actigraphy (sleep efficiency: 71 +/- 13%; fragmentation index: 55 +/- 15%).
      Quality of life was globally impaired, and mood moderately depressed (Beck
      Depression Inventory: 19.4 +/- 7.9). Seven patients underwent serial urine
      collections: no circadian aMT6s rhythm was detected in any of them, neither at
      baseline, nor during the course of hospitalization in either room (n = 4). In
      conclusion, sleep and circadian rhythms in hospitalized, decompensated patients
      with cirrhosis are extremely compromised. Treatment with bright light therapy did
      not show obvious, beneficial effects, most likely in relation to the severity of
      disturbance at baseline.

PMID- 25135599
TI  - Behavioral and neurochemical changes induced by repetitive combined treatments of
      ketamine and amphetamine in mice.
AB  - The combined abuse of recreational drugs such as ketamine (Ket) and amphetamine
      (Amph) should be seriously considered important social and health issues.
      Numerous studies have documented the behavioral and neurochemical changes
      associated with polydrug administration; however, most studies have only examined
      the acute effects. The consequences following chronic repetitive polydrug use are
      less studied. In the present study, intraperitoneal injections of saline, Amph (5
      mg/kg), low dose Ket (LK, 10 mg/kg), high dose Ket (HK, 50 mg/kg), or Amph plus
      LK or HK (ALK or AHK) were conducted twice a day for three consecutive days, and
      one final treatment was administered on day 4. After seven total treatments,
      animal behaviors, including locomotion, stereotypy and ataxia, were examined in a
      novel open field. The expression of GAD67 and dopamine (DA) levels were assessed
      in the striatum and motor-related cortices using immunohistochemistry and high
      performance liquid chromatography. Drug-induced hyperactivities and Amph-mediated
      potentiation of Ket-triggered ataxia manifested after repeated drug treatments. A
      significant increase in the number of GAD67-positive puncta in the striatum and
      motor-related cortices was observed, suggesting a neural adaptive change in the
      GABAergic system. Four hours after the final treatment, while the behavioral
      hyperactivities had ceased, considerable changes were still evident in the motor
      related cortices, suggesting modulation to the DAergic system. Together, our
      results show the interactive effects of these two drugs in behavioral and
      neurochemical aspects and neural adaptive changes in the GABAergic and DAergic
      systems.

PMID- 25135600
TI  - CCN1 mutation is associated with atrial septal defect.
AB  - The genetic basis of congenital heart disease remains unknown in most of the
      cases. Recently, a novel mouse model shed new light on the role of CCN1/CYR61, a
      matricellular regulatory factor, in cardiac morphogenesis. In a candidate gene
      approach, we analyzed a cohort of 143 patients with atrial septal defects (ASD)
      by sequencing the coding exons of CCN1. In addition to three frequent
      polymorphisms, we identified an extremely rare novel heterozygous missense
      mutation (c.139C > T; p.R47W) in one patient with severe ASD. The mutation leads
      to an exchange of residues with quite different properties in a highly conserved
      position of the N-terminal insulin-like growth factor binding protein module.
      Further bioinformatic analysis, exclusion of known ASD disease genes as well as
      the exclusion of the mutation in a very high number of ethnically matched
      controls (more than 1,000 individuals) and in public genetic databases, indicates
      that the p.R47W variant is a probable disease-associated mutation. The report
      about ASD in mice in heterozygous Ccn 1 +/- animals strongly supports this
      notion. Our study is the first to suggest a relationship between a probable CCN1
      mutation and ASD. Our purpose here was to draw attention to CCN1, a gene that we
      believe may be important for genetic analysis in patients with congenital heart
      disease. 

PMID- 25135601
TI  - Incidence, predictors, and outcomes of extubation failure in children after
      orthotopic heart transplantation: a single-center experience.
AB  - The objective of this study is to describe the incidence, etiologies, predictors,
      and outcomes of extubation failure in children undergoing orthotopic heart
      transplantation (OHT). A Retrospective, observational study was designed to
      evaluate clinical outcomes. . The study was conducted in a cardiovascular
      intensive care unit (CVICU) setting at a single, tertiary care, academic
      children's hospital. We collected demographic, pre-operative, intra-operative,
      post-operative and peri-extubation data in a retrospective, observational format
      from patients who underwent OHT at our institution. Clinical outcomes evaluated
      included the success or failure of extubation, CVICU length of stay (LOS),
      hospital LOS, and in-hospital mortality. We utilized descriptive and univariate
      statistics to compare the group with extubation failure to the group with
      extubation success. There were no interventions in this study. During the study
      period, 127 patients qualified for inclusion. The median age of patients was 108
      months [interquartile range (IQR): 25-169] and median weight was 23 kg (IQR: 10.6
      48). Extubation failure occurred in 12.5 % (16/127) of the patients. Median
      duration of mechanical ventilation was 2 days (IQR: 1-4.5), median CVICU LOS was
      7 days (IQR: 5-13), and the median hospital LOS was 36 days (IQR: 20-74). Overall
      in-hospital mortality was 2 % (2/127). There was a significant improvement in
      blood pressure (p < 0.001) with a decrease in inotropic score (p < 0.001) after
      removal of positive pressure ventilation among the patients with extubation
      success. Independent factors associated with extubation failure included lower
      body weight, need for mechanical ventilation prior to heart transplantation,
      renal failure prior to extubation attempt, and right ventricular diastolic
      dysfunction prior to extubation attempt. Our study demonstrates that extubation
      failure in patients after OHT is infrequent and the causes are diverse.
      Extubation success in children after OHT is associated with improvement in mean
      arterial blood pressure, decrease in inotropic support, and decrease in
      supplemental oxygen requirement.

PMID- 25135602
TI  - Impact of prenatal diagnosis in survivors of initial palliation of single
      ventricle heart disease: analysis of the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality
      Improvement Collaborative database.
AB  - Among infants with single ventricle congenital heart disease (SVD) requiring
      Stage I palliation (S1P), the impact of prenatal diagnosis (PD) on outcomes has
      been variably characterized. We investigated the impact of PD in a large multi
      center cohort of survivors of S1P in the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality
      Improvement Collaborative (NPCQIC) registry. Retrospective analysis of
      demographic and outcomes data among infants enrolled in the NPCQIC database;
      eligibility includes SVD requiring S1P and survival to discharge. From 43
      contributing surgical centers, 591 infants had data available through time of BDG
      (519) or interstage death (55). Median gestational age was 39 weeks (31-46), and
      66% had variants of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. PD was made in 445 (75%),
      with significant variation by center (p = 0.004). While infants with PD had
      slightly lower gestational age at birth (p < 0.001), there were no differences in
      birth weight, the presence of major syndromes or other organ system anomalies.
      Those without PD were more likely to have atrioventricular valve regurgitation (p
      = .002), ventricular dysfunction (p = 0.06), and pre-operative risk factors
      including acidosis (p < 0.001), renal insufficiency (p = 0.007), and shock (p =
      0.05). Post-operative ventilation was shorter in the PD group (9 vs. 12 d, p =
      0.002). Other early post-operative outcomes, interstage course, and outcomes at
      BDG were similar between groups. In a large cohort of infants with SVD surviving
      to hospital discharge after S1P, PD showed significant inter-site variation and
      was associated with improved pre-operative status and shorter duration of
      mechanical ventilation. The significance of such associations merits further
      study.

PMID- 25135603
TI  - Lifetime cardiac reinterventions following the Fontan procedure.
AB  - Patients with single ventricle physiology face significant morbidity and
      mortality following the Fontan procedure resulting in the need for additional
      cardiac reinterventions. Online patient education resources provide limited
      information on the reinterventions performed in single ventricle patients
      following the Fontan procedure. We sought to determine cardiac surgical and
      percutaneous reintervention rates and factors affecting reinterventions following
      the Fontan procedure. Databases from a single tertiary care center were
      retrospectively reviewed for all patients who underwent a Fontan procedure
      between 1978 and 2002. The number and type of cardiac surgical and percutaneous
      interventions following the Fontan procedure were determined, and relationships
      between need for reintervention and clinical variables were sought. A total of 91
      patients (55 males) underwent the Fontan procedure at a median age of 5.50 years
      (IQR: 3.33-9.50 years). Median age at last follow-up, death, or transplant was
      21.89 years (IQR: 10.87-25.51 years). Following the Fontan procedure, 60 (66%)
      patients required an additional 144 median sternotomies and 61 (67%) required 139
      percutaneous cardiac interventions. Pacemaker system placement/replacement was
      the most common intervention following the Fontan procedure. The median time to
      first cardiac surgery following the Fontan was 1.96 years (IQR: 0.06-8.42 years)
      while the median time to the first percutaneous intervention was 7.63 years (IQR:
      0.65-15.89 years). Families of single ventricle patients should be counseled on
      the likelihood of requiring additional cardiac interventions following the Fontan
      procedure.

PMID- 25135604
TI  - Predicting utility of exercise tests based on history/holter in patients with
      premature ventricular contractions.
AB  - Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are considered benign in patients with
      structurally normal hearts, particularly if they suppress with exercise.
      Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) requires exercise
      testing to unmask the malignant phenotype. We studied risk factors and Holter
      monitor variables to help predict the necessity of exercise testing in patients
      with PVCs. We retrospectively reviewed 81 patients with PVCs that suppressed at
      peak exercise and structurally normal hearts referred to the exercise laboratory
      in 2011. We reviewed 11 patients from 2003 to 2012 whose PVCs were augmented at
      peak exercise (mean age 13 +/- 4 years; 52 % male, 180 exercise studies). We
      recorded clinical risk factors and comorbidities (family history of arrhythmia or
      sudden unexpected death [SUD], presence of syncope) and Holter testing
      parameters. Family history of VT or SUD (P = 0.011) and presence of VT on Holter
      (P = 0.011) were significant in predicting failure of PVCs to suppress at peak
      heart rate on exercise testing. Syncope was not statistically significant in
      predicting suppression (P = 0.18); however, CPVT was diagnosed in four patients
      with syncope during exercise. Quantity of PVCs, Lown grade, couplets on Holter,
      monomorphism, and PVC elimination at peak heart rate on Holter were not
      predictors of PVC suppression on exercise testing. Patients with syncope during
      exercise, family history of arrhythmia or SUD, or a Holter monitor showing VT
      warrant exercise testing to assess for CPVT. 

PMID- 25135605
TI  - Next-generation sequencing is a credible strategy for blood group genotyping.
AB  - Although several medium/high-throughput tools have been engineered for molecular
      analysis of blood group genes, they usually rely on the targeting of single
      nucleotide polymorphisms, while other variants remain unidentified. To circumvent
      this limitation a strategy for genotyping blood group genes by next-generation
      sequencing (NGS) was set up. Libraries consisting of exons, flanking introns and
      untranslated regions of 18 genes involved in 15 blood systems were generated by
      the Ion AmpliSeq(TM) Library Kit 2.0 and by fragmenting polymerase chain reaction
      products, normalized by two different approaches, mixed and sequenced by the Ion
      Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM(TM) ) Sequencer. In our conditions, defined
      to limit both intra- and inter-sample variability, sequences from mixed libraries
      were read in a single run for a total coverage of 86.03% of the coding DNA
      sequences, including all loci defining the most clinically relevant antigens in
      all genes, except ABO. Importantly, the challenging attempt to generate gene
      specific data for the homologous genes was successful. This work, which combines
      two complementary approaches to generate libraries, defines technical conditions
      for genotyping blood group genes, illustrates that NGS is suitable for such an
      application and suggests that, after automation, this novel tool could be used
      for molecular typing at the laboratory level. 

PMID- 25135606
TI  - Self-powered ion detectors based on dye-sensitized photovoltaics.
AB  - Autonomous sensing of metal ion contamination in remote environments with high
      reproducibility and sensitivity could unlock many new applications, but involves
      trade-offs between compactness, sensitivity, and power provisioning. In prior
      demonstrations of semi-autonomous sensors, the power source (e.g. a solar cell)
      was an additional component. Here, we demonstrate a concept, wherein a dye
      sensitized solar cell is used for both power generation and sensitive detection
      of ionic analytes, unlocking a new pathway for ultra-miniaturization and
      integration. 

PMID- 25135607
TI  - Ovulation and extra-ovarian origin of ovarian cancer.
AB  - The mortality rate of ovarian cancer remains high due to late diagnosis and
      recurrence. A fundamental step toward improving detection and treatment of this
      lethal disease is to understand its origin. A growing number of studies have
      revealed that ovarian cancer can develop from multiple extra-ovarian origins,
      including fallopian tube, gastrointestinal tract, cervix and endometriosis.
      However, the mechanism leading to their ovarian localization is not understood.
      We utilized in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models to recapitulate the process of
      extra-ovarian malignant cells migrating to the ovaries and forming tumors. We
      provided experimental evidence to support that ovulation, by disrupting the
      ovarian surface epithelium and releasing chemokines/cytokines, promotes the
      migration and adhesion of malignant cells to the ovary. We identified the
      granulosa cell-secreted SDF-1 as a main chemoattractant that recruits malignant
      cells towards the ovary. Our findings revealed a potential molecular mechanism of
      how the extra-ovarian cells can be attracted by the ovary, migrate to and form
      tumors in the ovary. Our data also supports the association between increased
      ovulation and the risk of ovarian cancer. Understanding this association will
      lead us to the development of more specific markers for early detection and
      better prevention strategies. 

PMID- 25135608
TI  - Screening carbohydrate libraries for protein interactions using the direct ESI-MS
      assay. Applications to libraries of unknown concentration.
AB  - A semiquantitative electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) binding
      assay suitable for analyzing mixtures of oligosaccharides, at unknown
      concentrations, for interactions with target proteins is described. The assay
      relies on the differences in the ratio of the relative abundances of the ligand
      bound and free protein ions measured by ESI-MS at two or more initial protein
      concentrations to distinguish low affinity (<=10(3) M(-1)) ligands from moderate
      and high affinity (>10(5) M(-1)) ligands present in the library and to rank their
      affinities. Control experiments were performed on solutions of a single chain
      antibody and a mixture of synthetic oligosaccharides, with known affinities, in
      the absence and presence of a 40-component carbohydrate library to demonstrate
      the implementation and reliability of the assay. The application of the assay for
      screening natural libraries of carbohydrates against proteins is also
      demonstrated using mixtures of human milk oligosaccharides, isolated from breast
      milk, and fragments of a bacterial toxin and human galectin 3. 

PMID- 25135611
TI  - Degradation mechanism of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) ion exchange
      membranes under vanadium flow battery medium.
AB  - The degradation mechanism of hydrocarbon ion exchange membranes under vanadium
      flow battery (VFB) medium was investigated and clarified for the first time. This
      work will be highly beneficial for improving the chemical stability of
      hydrocarbon ion exchange membranes, which is one of the most challenging issues
      for VFB application. 

PMID- 25135609
TI  - What protein charging (and supercharging) reveal about the mechanism of
      electrospray ionization.
AB  - Understanding the charging mechanism of electrospray ionization is central to
      overcoming shortcomings such as ion suppression or limited dynamic range, and
      explaining phenomena such as supercharging. Towards that end, we explore what
      accumulated observations reveal about the mechanism of electrospray. We introduce
      the idea of an intermediate region for electrospray ionization (and other
      ionization methods) to account for the facts that solution charge state
      distributions (CSDs) do not correlate with those observed by ESI-MS (the latter
      bear more charge) and that gas phase reactions can reduce, but not increase, the
      extent of charging. This region incorporates properties (e.g., basicities)
      intermediate between solution and gas phase. Assuming that droplet species
      polarize within the high electric field leads to equations describing ion
      emission resembling those from the equilibrium partitioning model. The equations
      predict many trends successfully, including CSD shifts to higher m/z for
      concentrated analytes and shifts to lower m/z for sprays employing smaller
      emitter opening diameters. From this view, a single mechanism can be formulated
      to explain how reagents that promote analyte charging ("supercharging") such as m
      NBA, sulfolane, and 3-nitrobenzonitrile increase analyte charge from "denaturing"
      and "native" solvent systems. It is suggested that additives' Bronsted basicities
      are inversely correlated to their ability to shift CSDs to lower m/z in positive
      ESI, as are Bronsted acidities for negative ESI. Because supercharging agents
      reduce an analyte's solution ionization, excess spray charge is bestowed on
      evaporating ions carrying fewer opposing charges. Bronsted basicity (or acidity)
      determines how much ESI charge is lost to the agent (unavailable to evaporating
      analyte). 

PMID- 25135610
TI  - Peptide scrambling during collision-induced dissociation is influenced by N
      terminal residue basicity.
AB  - 'Bottom up' proteomic studies typically use tandem mass spectrometry data to
      infer peptide ion sequence, enabling identification of the protein whence they
      derive. The majority of such studies employ collision-induced dissociation (CID)
      to induce fragmentation of the peptide structure giving diagnostic b-, y-, and a-
      ions. Recently, rearrangement processes that result in scrambling of the original
      peptide sequence during CID have been reported for these ions. Such processes
      have the potential to adversely affect ion accounting (and thus scores from
      automated search algorithms) in tandem mass spectra, and in extreme cases could
      lead to false peptide identification. Here, analysis of peptide species produced
      by Lys-N proteolysis of standard proteins is performed and sequences that exhibit
      such rearrangement processes identified. The effect of increasing the gas-phase
      basicity of the N-terminal lysine residue through derivatization to homoarginine
      toward such sequence scrambling is then assessed. The presence of a highly basic
      homoarginine (or arginine) residue at the N-terminus is found to disfavor/inhibit
      sequence scrambling with a coincident increase in the formation of b(n-1)+H(2)O
      product ions. Finally, further analysis of a sequence produced by Lys-C
      proteolysis provides evidence toward a potential mechanism for the apparent
      inhibition of sequence scrambling during resonance excitation CID.

PMID- 25135612
TI  - Assessment of motor and process skills in daily life activities of treated
      substance addicts.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to apply the Assessment of Motor and Process
      Skills (AMPS) in a sample of people in treatment for addictive behaviours and to
      study the results. METHODS: The test was applied to a sample of 101 outpatients
      in treatment for addiction to substances. The results were studied in relation to
      gender, age, level of education, and variables related to addiction. RESULTS:
      Motor and cognitive performance was negatively related to time of addiction and
      its severity. Sixty per cent of the sample reached suboptimal scores and 25%
      showed scores suggesting significant deterioration, especially with regard to
      cognitive processing skills. CONCLUSIONS: The AMPS seems to be a useful
      instrument to estimate the cognitive and motor impairment associated with
      addiction in daily life activities. The present work is the first to consider its
      applicability to drug users under treatment. The percentage of subjects affected
      and the magnitude of the observed impairment in the sample suggest the need to
      consider taking these deficits into account in treatment programmes and the
      convenience of incorporating functional rehabilitation as a basic element of the
      treatment of persons with addictions. Future studies should develop this
      instrument in larger samples, increasing the representativeness and
      generalizability of the results.

PMID- 25135614
TI  - Seasonal variation in the presentation of thyroid cancer in the USA: an analysis
      of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Registry.

PMID- 25135613
TI  - A binuclear Zn(II)-Zn(II) complex from a 2-hydroxybenzohydrazide-derived Schiff
      base for selective detection of pyrophosphate.
AB  - A hydroxybenzohydrazide-based Schiff base ligand was conveniently synthesized.
      Upon addition of Zn(2+) cations, the ligand exhibited a high tendency to form a
      binuclear structure with a 2 : 2 ligand-to-zinc ratio, which was accompanied by a
      large fluorescence turn-on (lambdaem = 507 nm, phifl~ 0.28). The reactivity of
      the zinc complex was examined using different phosphate anions, which reveals a
      higher response to acid pyrophosphate anions. Detailed spectroscopic studies show
      that the pyrophosphate response is based on the ligand displacement mechanism. 

PMID- 25135615
TI  - Long-term use of 5alpha-reductase inhibitors and the risk of male breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 5alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) finasteride and dutasteride
      are indicated for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign
      prostatic hyperplasia. Case reports have suggested that 5-ARIs increase the risk
      for male breast cancer, with no conclusive evidence. The objective of this study
      was to quantify the association between use of 5-ARIs and the risk for male
      breast cancer. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with data from the
      United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink database among all men aged 45
      years and older in the period 1 January 1992 to 31 December 2011. Cases of men
      diagnosed with breast cancer were matched to up 10 controls on age and general
      practice. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were estimated for the risk of breast
      cancer associated with the use of 5-ARIs. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-eight
      cases were identified and matched to 3,930 controls. Ever use of 5-ARIs was
      associated with an adjusted odds ratio for breast cancer of 1.08 (95 % CI 0.62
      1.87) compared to non-users. Increasing cumulative duration of treatment showed
      no increasing risks: adjusted odds ratios for use for less than 280, for 280 to
      1,036 and for more than 1,036 days were 1.21 (95 % CI 0.47-3.10), 0.94 (95 % CI
      0.36-2.41) and 1.29 (95 % CI 0.54-3.08), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      study, there was no evidence of an association between short- or long-term
      treatment with 5-ARIs and the risk for breast cancer in older men.

PMID- 25135616
TI  - The presence of clustered circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating
      cytokines define an aggressive phenotype in metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Colon carcinoma is a malignant tumor showing a marked preference to
      metastasize to distant organs. The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in
      the peripheral blood is a prerequisite for the formation of distant metastases.
      However, whether circulating cytokines are linked to the circulation of tumor
      cells, as individual cells or clusters, remain unclear. In this study, we
      investigated the circulating levels of TGF-beta, CXCL1, VEGF and PAI-1 as
      potential bioindicators of the presence of CTCs in patients with metastatic colon
      cancer. METHODS: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were isolated from peripheral
      blood by immunomagnetic separation and phenotypically characterized in a cohort
      of 103 patients with metastatic colon cancer. TGF-beta, CXCL1, VEGF and PAI-1
      concentrations were determined by immunoassay in plasma samples from the same
      patients. RESULTS: We detected two different populations of CTCs, single cells or
      clusters in patients with metastatic colon cancer. Importantly, we found that the
      presence of clustered CTCs is significantly associated with elevated circulating
      levels of TGF-beta and CXCL1 and with reduced overall survival. Finally, we
      observed that circulating levels of cytokines are differently associated with the
      two populations of CTCs. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these findings show that
      detection of clustered CTCs represents a negative prognostic factor in patients
      with metastatic colon cancer. The presence of clustered CTCs is associated with
      elevated circulating levels of cytokines such as TGF-beta and CXCL1. This
      suggests an additional role for circulating cytokines as predictive tool for
      cancer prognosis and diagnosis of minimal residual disease as well as assessment
      of tumor sensitivity to anticancer therapy.

PMID- 25135618
TI  - Indications, technique, and outcome of therapeutic apheresis in European
      pediatric nephrology units.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few observations on apheresis in pediatric nephrology units have been
      published. METHODS: This retrospective study involved children <=18 years
      undergoing plasma exchange (PE), immunoadsorption (IA), or double filtration
      plasmapheresis (DFPP) in 12 European pediatric nephrology units during 2012.
      RESULTS: Sixty-seven children underwent PE, ten IA, and three DFPP, for a total
      of 738 PE and 349 IA/DFPP sessions; 67.2 % of PE and 69.2 % of IA/DFPP patients
      were treated for renal diseases, in particular focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
      (FSGS), hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      desensitization prior to renal transplantation; 20.9 % of PE and 23.1 % of
      IA/DFPP patients had neurological diseases. Membrane filtration was the most
      common technique, albumin the most frequently used substitution fluid, and
      heparin the preferred anticoagulant. PE achieved full disease remission in 25
      patients (37.3 %), partial remission in 22 (32.8 %), and had no effect in 20
      (29.9 %). The response to IA/DFPP was complete in seven patients (53.8 %),
      partial in five (38.5 %), and absent in one (7.7 %). Minor adverse events
      occurred during 6.9 % of PE and 9.7 % of IA/DFPP sessions. CONCLUSIONS: PE, IA,
      and DFPP are safe apheresis methods in children. Efficacy is high in pediatric
      patients with recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), atypical
      hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) sensitization, and
      neurological autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 25135620
TI  - Crystal lattice effect on the quenching of the intracluster magnetic interaction
      in [V12B18O60H6](10-) polyoxometalate.
AB  - In the present work, the synthesis and structural characterization of four new
      polyoxovanadoborate (BVO) frameworks based on the [V12B18O60H6](10-) polyanion
      are reported: (NH4)8(1,3-diapH2)[V12B18O60H6].5H2O (1),
      K8(NH4)2[V12B18O60H6].18H2O (2), K10[V12B18O60H6].10H2O (3) and
      K8Cs2[V12B18O60H6].10H2O (4). A global antiferromagnetic behaviour is observed
      for these 10V(IV)/2V(V) mixed valence clusters. The magnetic data of 1, 2 and 3,
      which present different countercation environments, show that 1 is more coupled
      than 2 and 3. DFT calculations show that the positive charges strongly influence
      the polarization mechanism of the spin density of the vanadyl groups and the
      extent of the magnetic orbitals, therefore corroborating the experimental
      observation of the quenching effect of the magnetic coupling between vanadium
      centres of 2 and 3. 

PMID- 25135619
TI  - Can vitamin D status be assessed by serum 25OHD in children?
AB  - BACKGROUND: To examine the relationship of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD)
      concentrations with serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, body mass index
      (BMI), and environmental factors in a population of Caucasian children living at
      latitude 43 degrees N. METHODS: Cross-sectional study on 288 children aged 1
      month to 13 years who presented to a pediatric emergency unit during a 21-month
      period. RESULTS: Mean (SD) serum 25OHD concentrations were 40.6 (17.6), 30.9
      (12.0), and 26.4 (9.9) ng/ml (1 ng/ml = 2.5 nmol/l), in children aged 0-1, 2-5,
      and >= 6 years, respectively. Serum PTH levels were 26.6 (13.6), 24.3 (11.9), and
      32.7 (12.1) pg/ml in the same groups. Infants had 25OHD concentrations
      significantly higher. PTH levels were significantly higher in children aged >= 6
      years. There was no significant correlation between serum 25OHD and PTH
      concentrations. Totals of 15.6 % and 2.1 % of children had 25OHD values less than
      20 and 10 ng/ml, respectively, but none had elevated serum PTH or clinical
      manifestations related with vitamin D deficiency. Age (inverse correlation) and
      season (higher values in summer), but not BMI, sex, and time spent outdoors,
      influenced serum 25OHD concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results raise doubt on
      the assumption of only a serum 25OHD threshold as indicative of vitamin D
      deficiency in children.

PMID- 25135617
TI  - Cardiac CT for myocardial ischaemia detection and characterization--comparative
      analysis.
AB  - The assessment of patients presenting with symptoms of myocardial ischaemia
      remains one of the most common and challenging clinical scenarios faced by
      physicians. Current imaging modalities are capable of three-dimensional,
      functional and anatomical views of the heart and as such offer a unique
      contribution to understanding and managing the pathology involved. Evidence has
      accumulated that visual anatomical coronary evaluation does not adequately
      predict haemodynamic relevance and should be complemented by physiological
      evaluation, highlighting the importance of functional assessment. Technical
      advances in CT technology over the past decade have progressively moved cardiac
      CT imaging into the clinical workflow. In addition to anatomical evaluation,
      cardiac CT is capable of providing myocardial perfusion parameters. A variety of
      CT techniques can be used to assess the myocardial perfusion. The single energy
      first-pass CT and dual energy first-pass CT allow static assessment of myocardial
      blood pool. Dynamic cardiac CT imaging allows quantification of myocardial
      perfusion through time-resolved attenuation data. CT-based myocardial perfusion
      imaging (MPI) is showing promising diagnostic accuracy compared with the current
      reference modalities. The aim of this review is to present currently available
      myocardial perfusion techniques with a focus on CT imaging in light of recent
      clinical investigations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of
      currently available CT approaches of static and dynamic MPI and presents the
      results of corresponding clinical trials. 

PMID- 25135622
TI  - Effects of four additive solutions on canine leukoreduced red cell concentrate
      quality during storage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Additive solutions (AS) and prestorage leukoreduction (LR) are
      important tools used to maintain erythrocyte viability during storage and avoid
      transfusion reactions in recipients, respectively. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the
      study was to determine the efficacy of a WBC filter (Immugard IIIRC) and compare
      the effect of 4 AS (phosphate-adenine-glucose-guanosine-gluconate-mannitol
      [PAGGGM], saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol [SAGM], Adsol, Optisol) on the in vitro
      quality of canine leukoreduced packed RBC units (pRBC) stored for 41 days.
      METHODS: Five hundred milliliters of blood were collected from 8 healthy dogs
      each into 70 mL of citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) solution, and were
      leukoreduced by a polyurethane filter. pRBC of each dog were divided equally into
      4 bags containing a different AS. Bags were stored for 41 days at 4 degrees C and
      evaluated every 10 days. Variables analyzed included pH, PCV, and% hemolysis, and
      lactate, glucose, potassium, sodium, ATP, and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG)
      concentrations. RESULTS: The LR resulted in residual WBC counts comparable to
      human standards. During storage, pH, and glucose, 2,3-DPG, and ATP concentrations
      decreased, and hemolysis, and lactate, sodium, and potassium concentrations
      increased (P < .05). Significant differences between AS were seen in the glucose
      and sodium concentrations, due to the composition of AS. Also, the pH maintained
      by PAGGGM at day 21 was significantly higher than that seen with SAGM or Adsol.
      CONCLUSIONS: All AS used gave satisfactory results during the first 21 days of
      storage based on the degree of hemolysis, and on ATP and 2,3-DPG concentrations.
      When compared with day 1 values, significant changes were seen in these variables
      by day 31 with all AS.

PMID- 25135621
TI  - Critical periods of increased fetal vulnerability to a maternal high fat diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fetal adaptations to high fat (HF) diet in utero (IU) that may
      predispose to Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in adulthood include changes in fetal
      hepatic gene expression. Studies were performed to determine whether maternal
      exposure to HF diet at different stages during pregnancy had different effects on
      the fetus, including hepatic gene expression. METHODS: Female wild type mice were
      fed either a HF or breeding chow (C) for 2 wks prior to mating. The experimental
      groups were composed of embryonic day (e) 18.5 fetuses obtained from WT female
      mice that were fed HF (HF, 35.5% fat) or breeding chow (C, 9.5% fat) for 2 wk
      before mating until e9.5 of pregnancy (periconception-midpregnancy). At e9.5 dams
      were switched to the opposite diet (C-HF or HF-C). RESULTS: Exposure to HF diet
      throughout pregnancy reduced maternal weight gain compared to C diet (p < 0.02 HF
      vs. C). HF-C dams had significantly decreased adiponectin levels and litter size
      when compared to C-HF (p < 0.02 HF-C vs C-HF). Independent of the timing of
      exposure to HF, fetal weight and length were significantly decreased when
      compared to C diet (HF, C-HF and HF-C vs. C p < 0.02). HF diet during the second
      half of pregnancy increased expression of genes in the fetal liver associated
      with fetal growth (C-HF vs C p < 0.001), glucose production (C-HF vs C p < 0.04),
      oxidative stress and inflammation (C-HF vs C p < 0.01) compared to C diet.
      CONCLUSIONS: This model defines that there are critical periods during gestation
      in which the fetus is actively shaped by the environment. Early exposure to a HF
      diet determines litter size while exposure to HF during the second half of
      pregnancy leads to dysregulation of expression of key genes responsible for fetal
      growth, hepatic glucose production and oxidative stress. These findings
      underscore the importance of future studies designed to clarify how these
      critical periods may influence future risk of developing MetS later in life.

PMID- 25135624
TI  - MicroRNAs: a new key in lung cancer.
AB  - Lung cancer as a malignance has been killing numerous patients around the world
      annually, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) are the two major types, the later accounting for nearly 80 % of lung
      cancer. There are multiple causes for lung cancer, and more researches have been
      carried out to prevent, anticipate, and diagnose the cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs)
      are small non-coding RNA molecules capable of regulating expression of over 50 %
      of protein-coding genes. The RNA molecules are stable in tissues and blood, so it
      can tend to be a biomarker in anti-lung cancer. Here, this is a review on the
      roles of miRNAs for possible ways to prevent lung cancer in clinical trials. 

PMID- 25135623
TI  - Clinical challenges in targeting anaplastic lymphoma kinase in advanced non-small
      cell lung cancer.
AB  - The revolution in individualized therapy for patients with advanced non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has seen the emergence of a number of molecularly
      targeted therapies for distinct patient molecular subgroups. Activating
      anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-gene rearrangement has been detected in 3-7 % of
      NSCLC cases, and the ALK inhibitor crizotinib is now an approved treatment for
      patients with tumors harboring this event. However, resistance to ALK-targeted
      therapies is a ubiquitous problem in the management of advanced ALK-positive
      NSCLC and can be mediated by secondary kinase mutations or the activation of
      compensatory alternative oncogenic drivers. New, more potent ALK inhibitors such
      as ceritinib (LDK378), alectinib (CH5424802), and AP26113 are now emerging,
      together with an increased knowledge of the molecular basis of resistance. There
      is a need to evaluate the optimal clinical application of these new agents,
      either as sequential therapies or in combination with other targeted agents, to
      combat resistance and prolong survival in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. The
      remarkable clinical activity of ALK inhibitors also emphasizes the importance of
      optimal diagnostic testing algorithms, to ensure that all eligible patients
      receive these breakthrough therapies.

PMID- 25135628
TI  - Photoinduced oxidation of water in the pyridine-water complex: comparison of the
      singlet and triplet photochemistries.
AB  - It has recently been shown that low-lying dark charge-separated singlet excited
      states of npi* and pipi* character exist in the hydrogen-bonded pyridine-water
      complex in addition to the familiar npi* and pipi* excited states of the pyridine
      chromophore. The former have been shown to promote the transfer of a proton from
      water to pyridine, resulting in the pyridinyl-hydroxyl radical pair. In the
      present work, the potential-energy surfaces of the triplet excited states of the
      pyridine-water complex have been explored with the same ab initio electronic
      structure methods (ADC(2), CASPT2). Minimum-energy reaction paths for excited
      state H atom transfer, energy surfaces in the vicinity of the barrier for H atom
      transfer, as well as multistate surface crossings have been characterized. The
      photochemical reaction mechanisms on the singlet and triplet potential-energy
      surfaces are compared, and their relevance for photoinduced water oxidation with
      the pyridine chromophore are discussed. 

PMID- 25135626
TI  - Benzoic and sorbic acid in soft drink, milk, ketchup sauce and bread by
      dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with HPLC.
AB  - Benzoic acid and sorbic acid are widely used for food preservation. These
      preservatives are generally recognised as safe. The aim of this study was to
      determine the level of benzoic and sorbic acid in food samples that are usually
      consumed in Iran. Therefore, 54 samples, including 15 soft drinks, 15 ultra-high
      temperature milk, 15 ketchup sauces and 9 bread samples, were analysed by high
      performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Benzoic acid was detected in
      50 (92.5%) of the samples ranging from 3.5 to 1520 ug mL-1, while sorbic acid was
      detected in 29 (50.3%) samples in a range of 0.8 and 2305 ug mL-1. Limits of
      detection and limits of quantification for benzoate were found to be 0.1 and 0.5
      ug mL-1, respectively, and for sorbate 0.08 and 0.3 ug mL-1, respectively. The
      results showed that benzoic acid and sorbic acid widely occur in food products in
      Iran.

PMID- 25135629
TI  - Adaptive processes drive ecomorphological convergent evolution in antwrens
      (Thamnophilidae).
AB  - Phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC) and convergence are contrasting
      evolutionary patterns that describe phenotypic similarity across independent
      lineages. Assessing whether and how adaptive processes give origin to these
      patterns represent a fundamental step toward understanding phenotypic evolution.
      Phylogenetic model-based approaches offer the opportunity not only to distinguish
      between PNC and convergence, but also to determine the extent that adaptive
      processes explain phenotypic similarity. The Myrmotherula complex in the
      Neotropical family Thamnophilidae is a polyphyletic group of sexually dimorphic
      small insectivorous forest birds that are relatively homogeneous in size and
      shape. Here, we integrate a comprehensive species-level molecular phylogeny of
      the Myrmotherula complex with morphometric and ecological data within a
      comparative framework to test whether phenotypic similarity is described by a
      pattern of PNC or convergence, and to identify evolutionary mechanisms underlying
      body size and shape evolution. We show that antwrens in the Myrmotherula complex
      represent distantly related clades that exhibit adaptive convergent evolution in
      body size and divergent evolution in body shape. Phenotypic similarity in the
      group is primarily driven by their tendency to converge toward smaller body
      sizes. Differences in body size and shape across lineages are associated to
      ecological and behavioral factors. 

PMID- 25135630
TI  - Low-risk transfusion-related acute lung injury donor strategies and the impact on
      the onset of transfusion-related acute lung injury: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of
      transfusion-related mortality. In the past decade blood banks have implemented
      low-risk TRALI donor strategies, including a male-only donor policy for plasma
      containing blood products to prevent onset of TRALI. We performed a meta-analysis
      to determine whether use of low-risk TRALI donor strategies for plasma indeed
      reduces onset of TRALI. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1995 up to January
      2013. Two reviewers independently extracted data on study characteristics,
      methods, and outcomes. Primary endpoint was onset of TRALI. Subgroup analyses
      were performed for patient populations prone to develop TRALI and general patient
      populations. RESULTS: Ten articles were included. Meta-analysis using a random
      effects model taking into account all transfused products showed a significant
      reduction for the risk of TRALI after implementation of low-risk TRALI donor
      strategies (odds ratio [OR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.88). Data
      from patient populations prone to develop TRALI showed a significant reduction of
      TRALI risk (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29-0.90), while data from general patient
      populations showed a similar nonsignificant trend (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.40-1.09).
      Results were similar when taking only plasma products into account (OR, 0.62; 95%
      CI, 0.42-0.92). CONCLUSION: The introduction of low-risk TRALI donor strategies
      for plasma-containing products results in a reduction of TRALI.

PMID- 25135631
TI  - Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate attenuates radiation-induced fibrosis damage in
      cardiac fibroblasts.
AB  - The main pathological change in radiation-induced heart disease is fibrosis.
      Emerging evidence has indicated that sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) was
      used for treating fibrosis diseases. The present study was undertaken to
      characterize the effect of STS on radiation-induced cardiac fibrosis (RICF) on
      cultured cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). CFs were irradiated with 1 or 2 Gy X-rays,
      and the expression of TGF-beta1 and collagen I (Col-1) increased, indicating that
      low-dose X-rays promoted fibrosis damage effect. The fibrosis damage was
      accompanied by morphologic changes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as well as
      an increase in the expression of the ER stress-related molecules, GRP78 and CHOP.
      Administration of STS reduced ROS production and decreased the expression of Col
      1, TGF-beta1, p-Smad2/3, GRP78, and CHOP in irradiated CFs, thus weakening the
      radiation-induced fibrosis damage and ER stress. Radiation-induced fibrosis
      damage was observed on a cellular level. The involvement of ER stress in
      radiation-induced fibrosis damage was demonstrated for the first time. STS
      attenuated the fibrosis damage effect in CFs and this effect may be related to
      its antioxidant action, and also related to its inhibition of ER stress and TGF
      beta1-Smad pathway. These results suggest that STS shows a good prospect in
      clinical prevention and treatment of RICF. 

PMID- 25135627
TI  - Dendritic cell subsets require cis-activation for cytotoxic CD8 T-cell induction.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are required for the induction of cytotoxic T cells (CTL).
      In most tissues, including the lung, the resident DCs fall into two types
      expressing the integrin markers CD103 and CD11b. The current supposition is that
      DC function is predetermined by lineage, designating the CD103(+) DC as the major
      cross-presenting DC able to induce CTL. Here we show that Poly I:C (TLR3 agonist)
      or R848 (TLR7 agonist) do not activate all endogenous DCs. CD11b(+) DCs can
      orchestrate a CTL response in vivo in the presence of a TLR7 agonist but not a
      TLR3 agonist, whereas CD103(+) DCs require ligation of TLR3 for this purpose.
      This selectivity does not extend to antigen cross-presentation for T-cell
      proliferation but is required for induction of cytotoxicity. Thus, we demonstrate
      that the ability of DCs to induce functional CTLs is specific to the nature of
      the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) encountered by endogenous DC. 

PMID- 25135632
TI  - ApiCOWplexa 2013--2nd International Meeting on Apicomplexan Parasites in Farm
      Animals.

PMID- 25135633
TI  - Elevated dopamine in the medial prefrontal cortex suppresses cocaine seeking via
      D1 receptor overstimulation.
AB  - Previous investigations indicate that the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH)
      inhibitors disulfiram and nepicastat suppress cocaine-primed reinstatement of
      cocaine self-administration behaviour. Moreover, both inhibitors increase
      dopamine release in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and markedly
      potentiate cocaine-induced dopamine release in this region. This study was aimed
      to clarify if the suppressant effect of DBH inhibitors on cocaine reinstatement
      was mediated by the high extracellular dopamine in the rat mPFC leading to a
      supra-maximal stimulation of D1 receptors in the dorsal division of mPFC, an area
      critical for reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour. In line with previous
      microdialysis studies in drug-naive animals, both DBH inhibitors potentiated
      cocaine-induced dopamine release in the mPFC, in the same animals in which they
      also suppressed reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Similar to the DBH inhibitors,
      L-DOPA potentiated cocaine-induced dopamine release in the mPFC and suppressed
      cocaine-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour. The bilateral
      microinfusion of the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 into the dorsal mPFC not
      only prevented cocaine-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking but also reverted
      both disulfiram- and L-DOPA-induced suppression of reinstatement. Moreover, the
      bilateral microinfusion of the D1 receptor agonist chloro-APB (SKF 82958) into
      the dorsal mPFC markedly attenuated cocaine-induced reinstatement of cocaine
      seeking. These results suggest that stimulation of D1 receptors in the dorsal
      mPFC plays a crucial role in cocaine-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking,
      whereas the suppressant effect of DBH inhibitors and L-DOPA on drug-induced
      reinstatement is mediated by a supra-maximal stimulation of D1 receptors leading
      to their inactivation. 

PMID- 25135634
TI  - Japanese guidelines of the management of hematuria 2013.

PMID- 25135635
TI  - Blood pressure control and satisfaction of hypertensive patients following a
      switch to combined drugs of an angiotensin receptor blocker and a calcium channel
      blocker in clinical practice of nephrology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combination drugs containing an angiotensin receptor blocker and a
      calcium channel blocker have been widely commercialized in recent years, and
      their advantages, such as improvements in adherence, and reductions in medication
      costs, have been greatly emphasized. However, the actual situations and the
      impact of switching to combination drugs in clinical practice of nephrology are
      not fully understood. METHODS: This study was conducted in outpatients of
      nephrology who received antihypertensive medicines, and who switched to
      combination drugs. Changes in the potency of the antihypertensive drugs, and
      blood pressure were examined retrospectively before and after changing
      treatments. In addition, the study also involved patients' questionnaire, which
      examined changes in blood pressure at home, the presence or absence of missed
      doses, the impact on medication-related expenses, and the level of patients'
      satisfaction with regard to combination drugs. RESULTS: Survey results from 90
      participants revealed that changing to combination drugs resulted in a reduction
      of missed doses, a decrease in blood pressure measured in an outpatient setting,
      and a reduction in medication-related expenses in total patients, non-chronic
      kidney disease (CKD) patients, and CKD patients. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that
      switching to combination antihypertensive drugs resulted in an improvement in
      adherence and a reduction in medication-related expenses, and revealed that
      patient satisfaction was high. Combination drugs for hypertensive patients may be
      beneficial in both medical and economical viewpoints.

PMID- 25135636
TI  - Evolutionarily conserved roles of the dicer helicase domain in regulating RNA
      interference processing.
AB  - The enzyme Dicer generates 21-25 nucleotide RNAs that target specific mRNAs for
      silencing during RNA interference and related pathways. Although their active
      sites and RNA binding regions are functionally conserved, the helicase domains
      have distinct activities in the context of different Dicer enzymes. To examine
      the evolutionary origins of Dicer helicase functions, we investigated two related
      Dicer enzymes from the thermophilic fungus Sporotrichum thermophile. RNA cleavage
      assays showed that S. thermophile Dicer-1 (StDicer-1) can process hairpin
      precursor microRNAs, whereas StDicer-2 can only cleave linear double-stranded
      RNAs. Furthermore, only StDicer-2 possesses robust ATP hydrolytic activity in the
      presence of double-stranded RNA. Deletion of the StDicer-2 helicase domain
      increases both StDicer-2 cleavage activity and affinity for hairpin RNA. Notably,
      both StDicer-1 and StDicer-2 could complement the distantly related yeast
      Schizosaccharomyces pombe lacking its endogenous Dicer gene but only in their
      full-length forms, underscoring the importance of the helicase domain. These
      results suggest an in vivo regulatory function for the helicase domain that may
      be conserved from fungi to humans. 

PMID- 25135638
TI  - Irreversible heavy chain transfer to chondroitin.
AB  - We have recently demonstrated that the transfer of heavy chains (HCs) from inter
      alpha-inhibitor, via the enzyme TSG-6 (tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene 6),
      to hyaluronan (HA) oligosaccharides is an irreversible event in which subsequent
      swapping of HCs between HA molecules does not occur. We now describe our results
      of HC transfer experiments to chondroitin sulfate A, chemically desulfated
      chondroitin, chemoenzymatically synthesized chondroitin, unsulfated heparosan,
      heparan sulfate, and alginate. Of these potential HC acceptors, only chemically
      desulfated chondroitin and chemoenzymatically synthesized chondroitin were HC
      acceptors. The kinetics of HC transfer to chondroitin was similar to HA. At
      earlier time points, HCs were more widely distributed among the different sizes
      of chondroitin chains. As time progressed, the HCs migrated to lower molecular
      weight chains of chondroitin. Our interpretation is that TSG-6 swaps the HCs from
      the larger, reversible sites on chondroitin chains, which function as HC
      acceptors, onto smaller chondroitin chains, which function as irreversible HC
      acceptors. HCs transferred to smaller chondroitin chains were unable to be
      swapped off the smaller chondroitin chains and transferred to HA. HCs transferred
      to high molecular weight HA were unable to be swapped onto chondroitin. We also
      present data that although chondroitin was a HC acceptor, HA was the preferred
      acceptor when chondroitin and HA were in the same reaction mixture. 

PMID- 25135637
TI  - The cellular redox environment alters antigen presentation.
AB  - Cysteine-containing peptides represent an important class of T cell epitopes, yet
      their prevalence remains underestimated. We have established and interrogated a
      database of around 70,000 naturally processed MHC-bound peptides and demonstrate
      that cysteine-containing peptides are presented on the surface of cells in an MHC
      allomorph-dependent manner and comprise on average 5-10% of the immunopeptidome.
      A significant proportion of these peptides are oxidatively modified, most
      commonly through covalent linkage with the antioxidant glutathione. Unlike some
      of the previously reported cysteine-based modifications, this represents a true
      physiological alteration of cysteine residues. Furthermore, our results suggest
      that alterations in the cellular redox state induced by viral infection are
      communicated to the immune system through the presentation of S-glutathionylated
      viral peptides, resulting in altered T cell recognition. Our data provide a
      structural basis for how the glutathione modification alters recognition by virus
      specific T cells. Collectively, these results suggest that oxidative stress
      represents a mechanism for modulating the virus-specific T cell response. 

PMID- 25135639
TI  - Interaction of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) with alpha2,6
      sialylated glycan regulates its cell surface residency and anti-apoptotic role.
AB  - The luminal sides of vascular endothelial cells are heavily covered with a so
      called glycocalyx, but the precise role of the endothelial glycocalyx remains
      unclear. Our previous study showed that N-glycan alpha2,6-sialylation regulates
      the cell surface residency of an anti-apoptotic molecule, platelet endothelial
      cell adhesion molecule (PECAM), as well as the sensitivity of endothelial cells
      toward apoptotic stimuli. As PECAM itself was shown to be modified with
      biantennary N-glycans having alpha2,6-sialic acid, we expected that PECAM would
      possess lectin-like activity toward alpha2,6-sialic acid to ensure its homophilic
      interaction. To verify this, a series of oligosaccharides were initially added to
      observe their inhibitory effects on the homophilic PECAM interaction in vitro. We
      found that a longer alpha2,6-sialylated oligosaccharide exhibited strong
      inhibitory activity. Furthermore, we found that a cluster-type alpha2,6-sialyl N
      glycan probe specifically bound to PECAM-immobilized beads. Moreover, the
      addition of the alpha2,6-sialylated oligosaccharide to endothelial cells enhanced
      the internalization of PECAM as well as the sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli.
      Collectively, these findings suggest that PECAM is a sialic acid binding lectin
      and that this binding property supports endothelial cell survival. Notably, our
      findings that alpha2,6-sialylated glycans influenced the susceptibility to
      endothelial cell apoptosis shed light on the possibility of using a glycan-based
      method to modulate angiogenesis. 

PMID- 25135641
TI  - Glycomic characterization of respiratory tract tissues of ferrets: implications
      for its use in influenza virus infection studies.
AB  - The initial recognition between influenza virus and the host cell is mediated by
      interactions between the viral surface protein hemagglutinin and sialic acid
      terminated glycoconjugates on the host cell surface. The sialic acid residues can
      be linked to the adjacent monosaccharide by alpha2-3- or alpha2-6-type glycosidic
      bonds. It is this linkage difference that primarily defines the species barrier
      of the influenza virus infection with alpha2-3 binding being associated with
      avian influenza viruses and alpha2-6 binding being associated with human strains.
      The ferret has been extensively used as an animal model to study the transmission
      of influenza. To better understand the validity of this model system, we
      undertook glycomic characterization of respiratory tissues of ferret, which
      allows a comparison of potential viral receptors to be made between humans and
      ferrets. To complement the structural analysis, lectin staining experiments were
      performed to characterize the regional distributions of glycans along the
      respiratory tract of ferrets. Finally, the binding between the glycans identified
      and the hemagglutinins of different strains of influenza viruses was assessed by
      glycan array experiments. Our data indicated that the respiratory tissues of
      ferret heterogeneously express both alpha2-3- and alpha2-6-linked sialic acids.
      However, the respiratory tissues of ferret also expressed the Sda epitope
      (NeuAcalpha2-3(GalNAcbeta1-4)Galbeta1-4GlcNAc) and sialylated N,N'
      diacetyllactosamine (NeuAcalpha2-6GalNAcbeta1-4GlcNAc), which have not been
      observed in the human respiratory tract surface epithelium. The presence of the
      Sda epitope reduces potential binding sites for avian viruses and thus may have
      implications for the usefulness of the ferret in the study of influenza virus
      infection. 

PMID- 25135640
TI  - Structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) proteins link microtubule stability to
      genome integrity.
AB  - Structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) proteins are key organizers of
      chromosome architecture and are essential for genome integrity. They act by
      binding to chromatin and connecting distinct parts of chromosomes together.
      Interestingly, their potential role in providing connections between chromatin
      and the mitotic spindle has not been explored. Here, we show that yeast SMC
      proteins bind directly to microtubules and can provide a functional link between
      microtubules and DNA. We mapped the microtubule-binding region of Smc5 and
      generated a mutant with impaired microtubule binding activity. This mutant is
      viable in yeast but exhibited a cold-specific conditional lethality associated
      with mitotic arrest, aberrant spindle structures, and chromosome segregation
      defects. In an in vitro reconstitution assay, this Smc5 mutant also showed a
      compromised ability to protect microtubules from cold-induced depolymerization.
      Collectively, these findings demonstrate that SMC proteins can bind to and
      stabilize microtubules and that SMC-microtubule interactions are essential to
      establish a robust system to maintain genome integrity. 

PMID- 25135642
TI  - Molecular characterization of arylsulfatase G: expression, processing,
      glycosylation, transport, and activity.
AB  - Arylsulfatase G (ARSG) is a recently identified lysosomal sulfatase that was
      shown to be responsible for the degradation of 3-O-sulfated N-sulfoglucosamine
      residues of heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans. Deficiency of ARSG leads to a new
      type of mucopolysaccharidosis, as described in a mouse model. Here, we provide a
      detailed molecular characterization of the endogenous murine enzyme. ARSG is
      expressed and proteolytically processed in a tissue-specific manner. The 63-kDa
      single-chain precursor protein localizes to pre-lysosomal compartments and
      tightly associates with organelle membranes, most likely the endoplasmic
      reticulum. In contrast, proteolytically processed ARSG fragments of 34-, 18-, and
      10-kDa were found in lysosomal fractions and lost their membrane association. The
      processing sites and a disulfide bridge between the 18- and 10-kDa chains could
      be roughly mapped. Proteases participating in the processing were identified as
      cathepsins B and L. Proteolytic processing is dispensable for hydrolytic
      sulfatase activity in vitro. Lysosomal transport of ARSG in the liver is
      independent of mannose 6-phosphate, sortilin, and Limp2. However, mutation of
      glycosylation site N-497 abrogates transport of ARSG to lysosomes in human
      fibrosarcoma cells, due to impaired mannose 6-phosphate modification. 

PMID- 25135643
TI  - Biochemical characterization of the topoisomerase domain of Methanopyrus kandleri
      topoisomerase V.
AB  - Topoisomerases are ubiquitous enzymes that modify the topological state of DNA
      inside the cell and are essential for several cellular processes. Topoisomerase V
      is the sole member of the type IC topoisomerase subtype. The topoisomerase domain
      has a unique fold among topoisomerases, and the putative active site residues
      show a distinct arrangement. The present study was aimed at identifying the roles
      of the putative active site residues in the DNA cleavage/religation process.
      Residues Arg-131, Arg-144, His-200, Glu-215, Lys-218, and Tyr-226 were mutated
      individually to a series of conservative and non-conservative amino acids, and
      the DNA relaxation activity at different pH values, times, and enzyme
      concentrations was compared with wild-type activity. The results suggest that Arg
      144 is essential for protein stability because any substitution at this position
      was deleterious and that Arg-131 and His-200 are involved in transition state
      stabilization. Glu-215 reduces the DNA binding ability of topoisomerase V,
      especially in shorter fragments with fewer helix-hairpin-helix DNA binding
      motifs. Finally, Lys-218 appears to play a direct role in catalysis but not in
      charge stabilization of the protein-DNA intermediate complex. The results suggest
      that although catalytically important residues are oriented in different fashions
      in the active sites of type IB and type IC topoisomerases, similar amino acids
      play equivalent roles in both of these subtypes of enzymes, showing convergent
      evolution of the catalytic mechanism. 

PMID- 25135645
TI  - Crystal chemistry and selected physical properties of inorganic fluorides and
      oxide-fluorides.

PMID- 25135644
TI  - Organizational interplay of Golgi N-glycosyltransferases involves organelle
      microenvironment-dependent transitions between enzyme homo- and heteromers.
AB  - Glycosylation of proteins and lipids takes place in the Golgi apparatus by the
      consecutive actions of functionally distinct glycosidases and
      glycosyltransferases. Current evidence indicates that they function as enzyme
      homomers and/or heteromers in the living cell. Here we investigate their
      organizational interplay and show that glycosyltransferase homomers are assembled
      in the endoplasmic reticulum. Upon transport to the Golgi, the majority of
      homomers are disassembled to allow the formation of enzyme heteromers between
      sequentially acting medial-Golgi enzymes GnT-I and GnT-II or trans-Golgi enzymes
      GalT-I and ST6Gal-I. This transition is driven by the acidic Golgi environment,
      as it was markedly inhibited by raising Golgi luminal pH with chloroquine. Our
      FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching) measurements showed that the
      complexes remain mobile Golgi membrane constituents that can relocate to the
      endoplasmic reticulum or to the scattered Golgi mini-stacks upon brefeldin A or
      nocodazole treatment, respectively. During this relocation, heteromers undergo a
      reverse transition back to enzyme homomers. These data unveil an unprecedented
      organizational interplay between Golgi N-glycosyltransferases that involves
      dynamic and organelle microenvironment-driven transitions between enzyme homomers
      and heteromers during their trafficking within the early secretory compartments. 

PMID- 25135646
TI  - Frequent cough in unsatisfactory controlled asthma--results from the population
      based West Sweden Asthma study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is a complex disease presenting with variable symptoms which
      are sometimes hard to control. The purpose of the study was to describe the
      prevalence of asthma symptoms, use of asthma medications and allergic
      sensitization in subjects with asthma. We also related those indices to the level
      of asthma control, lung function and in particular, cough. METHODS: An extensive
      questionnaire was sent to randomly selected adults from the West Sweden region.
      Clinical examinations and interview were performed in a subset. Of the
      participants, 744 were defined as having an ongoing asthma - reported ever having
      asthma or physician diagnosed asthma and one of the following - use of asthma
      medications, recurrent wheeze or attacks of shortness of breath with or without
      wheeze in the last 12 months. A respiratory disease-free control group of 847
      subjects was also described. RESULTS: According to GINA guidelines, 40.6% of the
      asthmatics had partly controlled and 17.8% had uncontrolled asthma. Asthmatic
      subjects reported significantly more symptoms in the last 12 months than the
      control group - wheezing (79.4 vs 9.2%), shortness of breath (36.1 vs 2.5%),
      wheezing with shortness of breath (58.7 vs 1.3%). Important complaints were
      morning cough (42.5 vs 15.5%), cough with sputum production (36.1 vs 6.8%) and
      longstanding cough (32.5 vs 11.1%), which bothered two thirds of the uncontrolled
      and one third of partly controlled subjects. Asthma medications were used by
      87.5% of the asthmatics, although around 30% of them who had insufficiently
      controlled disease used only short-acting beta-agonists. Asthmatics also had
      lower lung function, reacted to lower doses of methacholine that the controls and
      13.6% of them had a FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.7. Allergic rhinitis was reported by
      73.8% of the asthmatics and they were more frequently sensitized to several
      common allergens. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 60% of asthmatics from this
      population-based study had insufficiently controlled asthma and persistent
      complaints, despite a high use of asthma medications. These self-reported
      symptoms were supported by clinical examination data. Increased cough frequency
      is an indicator of a more severe and difficult to control disease and should be
      considered when asthma is characterized.

PMID- 25135647
TI  - Lipopolysaccharide induced LOX-1 expression via TLR4/MyD88/ROS activated p38MAPK
      NF-kappaB pathway.
AB  - Lectin-like receptor for oxidized low density lipoprotein (LOX-1) plays a key
      role in endothelial ox-LDL endocytosis, endothelial dysfunction and
      atherogenesis. In the present study, the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on
      LOX-1 expression and the underlying molecular pathways were investigated. Human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with LPS and the protein
      expressions of LOX-1, TLR4, TLR2, MyD88, Nox4, Nox2, PI3K, p38MAPK, JNK, ERK,
      Nrf1, Nrf2 and p65 were examined by Western blotting. The intracellular reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) production was examined by flow cytometry with fluorescence
      probe DCFH2-DA. The role of TLR4, MyD88 and Nox4 were determined with specific
      siRNA. The endothelial ox-LDL uptake and the endothelial-monocyte adhesion were
      evaluated with DiI-ox-LDL and Hoechst 33342 respectively. The effect of LPS on
      LOX-1 expression in aorta tissue was also studied with male C57/BL6 mice by
      intraperitoneal injection of LPS. The results showed that LPS induced LOX-1
      protein expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The mRNA
      expression of LOX-1 was also upregulated. The protein expression of LOX-1 and
      phosphorylated p38MAPK, p65 was significantly enhanced by LPS both in vitro and
      in vivo. LPS induced LOX-1 expression was blocked by siRNA for TLR4, MyD88, and
      Nox4 and inhibitors for p38MAPK, NF-kappaB, cyclooxygenase-2, and NADPH oxidase.
      Both LPS induced ox-LDL uptake and endothelial-monocyte adhesion were
      significantly inhibited by anti-LOX-1 antibody. LPS dramatically induced LOX-1
      protein expression in aorta tissues. In conclusion, our data suggested that LPS
      induces LOX-1 expression via TLR4/MyD88/ROS activated p38MAPK/NF-kappaB pathway
      in endothelial cells, which provides new regulatory mechanisms for LOX-1
      expression. 

PMID- 25135648
TI  - Activation of Nrf2 by dimethyl fumarate improves vascular calcification.
AB  - Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has several pharmacological benefits including
      immunomodulation and prevention of fibrosis, which are dependent on the NF-E2
      related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant pathways. Therefore, we hypothesized that DMF
      could attenuate vascular calcification via Nrf2 activation. Vascular
      calcification induced by hyperphosphataemia was significantly inhibited by DMF in
      vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in a dose-dependent manner. DMF-mediated
      Nrf2 upregulation was accompanied by the reduced expressions of genes related
      with osteoblast-like phenotype based on promoter activity, mRNA and protein
      expression, and von Kossa staining. Likewise, Nrf2 overexpression significantly
      decreased the formation of calcium deposit similar to the level of osteogenic
      staining in VSMCs, and DMF with Nrf2 knockdown failed to attenuate
      hyperphosphatemia induced vascular calcification. Furthermore, DMF significantly
      attenuated the calcification of ex vivo ring culture from both rat common carotid
      artery and mouse thoracic aorta as well as in vivo mouse model of Vitamin D3
      induced calcification consistent with the increased Nrf2 protein levels in early
      stage of calcification by DMF. In conclusion, our data support that DMF
      stimulates Nrf2 activity to attenuate hyperphosphatamia in vitro or Vitamin D3
      induced in vivo vascular calcification, which would be a beneficial effect on
      vascular diseases induced by oxidative stress such as vascular calcification. 

PMID- 25135649
TI  - Treatment of preeclampsia: current approach and future perspectives.
AB  - Hypertension is the most common medical disorder encountered during pregnancy,
      occurring in about 6-8 % of pregnancies. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific
      disorder that occurs after 20 weeks' gestation, characterized by hypertension and
      proteinuria. Preeclampsia can also occur superimposed upon chronic hypertension.
      Eclampsia is the convulsive form of preeclampsia, and affects 0.1 % of all
      pregnancies. In low-income and middle-income countries, preeclampsia and
      eclampsia are associated with 10-15 % of direct maternal deaths. Women who
      develop preeclampsia in pregnancy are at greater risk of cardiovascular and
      cerebrovascular events even years after their pregnancies. There is significant
      progress in the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology of
      preeclampsia, although its therapeutics remains challenging; delivery of the
      fetus is still the definitive treatment. Different international societies have
      produced recommendations and guidelines for clinicians treating preeclampsia,
      with an overall goal of improving maternal and fetal outcomes. In this review, we
      focus on the level of blood pressure at which to commence treatment and the
      current clinical management strategies available to treat and possibly prevent
      preeclampsia. We also briefly outline some newer perspectives on management of
      the disorder. 

PMID- 25135650
TI  - Severe and refractory solar urticaria treated with intravenous immunoglobulins: a
      phase II multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retrospective data have suggested the effectiveness of intravenous
      immunoglobulins (IVIG) for solar urticaria (SU). OBJECTIVE: We sought to
      prospectively assess the efficacy of IVIG for SU. METHODS: We conducted a
      multicentric phase II study to test the efficacy of a single course of IVIG (2
      g/kg) in patients with severe and refractory SU. The primary outcome was
      remission of SU on phototesting at 12 weeks after IVIG treatment. Secondary
      objectives included clinical remission, improved quality of life, and 50%
      improvement in disease intensity as measured on a visual analog scale. RESULTS:
      Of the 9 patients who received IVIG injection, 2 showed remission of SU on
      phototesting, corresponding to a response rate of 22.2% (95% confidence interval
      2.8%-60.0%). In all, 6 patients (67%) showed at least 1 response criterion after
      4 weeks and 5 (56%) after 12 weeks. Response was maintained after 24 weeks for 2
      patients and after 48 weeks for 1 patient. About half of the patients (56%) had
      moderate to severe headache. LIMITATIONS: Lack of control arm and small number of
      patients are limitations. CONCLUSION: A single course of IVIG appears
      insufficient to obtain prolonged significant control of SU; future evaluation of
      different schedules of IVIG administration is warranted.

PMID- 25135651
TI  - Sustained activation of c-Jun N-terminal and extracellular signal-regulated
      kinases in port-wine stain blood vessels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Port-wine stain (PWS) is a congenital, progressive vascular
      malformation but the pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE: We
      sought to investigate the activation status of various kinases, including
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, AKT,
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, P70 ribosomal S6 kinase, and phosphoinositide
      phospholipase C gamma subunit, in PWS biopsy tissues. METHODS:
      Immunohistochemistry was performed on 19 skin biopsy samples from 11 patients
      with PWS. RESULTS: c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated
      kinase, and P70 ribosomal S6 kinase in pediatric and adult PWS blood vessels were
      consecutively activated. Activation of AKT and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase was
      found in many adult hypertrophic PWS blood vessels but not in infants.
      Phosphoinositide phospholipase C gamma subunit showed strong activation in
      nodular PWS blood vessels. LIMITATION: Infantile PWS sample size was small.
      CONCLUSION: Our data suggest a subsequent activation profile of various kinases
      during different stages of PWS: (1) c-Jun N-terminal and extracellular signal
      regulated kinases are firstly and consecutively activated in all PWS tissues,
      which may contribute to both the pathogenesis and progressive development of PWS;
      (2) AKT and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase are subsequently activated, and are
      involved in the hypertrophic development of PWS blood vessels; and (3)
      phosphoinositide phospholipase C gamma subunit is activated in the most advanced
      stage of PWS and may participate in nodular formation.

PMID- 25135653
TI  - What efficacy measures are clinically relevant and should be used in Cochrane
      Reviews of acute migraine trials? A viewpoint.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cochrane Reviews are methodologically of high quality but the
      clinical relevance of analysed efficacy measures (EMs) should also be assessed.
      METHODS: The clinical relevance of EMs used in one systematic Cochrane review of
      oral zolmitriptan for migraine headache was evaluated. RESULTS: The following EMs
      were used: pain free at two hours (30%), headache relief at two hours (60%),
      sustained pain free for 24 hours (19%) and sustained headache relief for 24 hours
      (39%). These EMs were also used in four other Cochrane reviews of acute migraine
      treatment. Of these EMs sustained headache relief for 24 h is not judged
      clinically relevant. CONCLUSION: Pain free and sustained pain free are clinically
      relevant, but the responses are rather low, demonstrating that there is a need
      for improvement of acute drug treatment in migraine.

PMID- 25135654
TI  - Herpes zoster ophthalmicus following onabotulinumtoxinA administration for
      chronic migraine: a case report and literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of literature documenting local herpes zoster
      outbreak following procedures. The mechanism underlying these outbreaks remains
      elusive. We present a case of zoster following onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX) for
      migraine and a literature review. METHODS: Chart and literature review. CASE: A
      72-year-old woman with chronic migraine received BTX injections for 3 years
      without incident. She had a history of thoracic zoster with subsequent post
      herpetic neuralgia. In August 2013, 48 hours after receiving BTX injections, she
      developed a painful rash in the right V1 distribution consistent with herpes
      zoster ophthalmicus. One week later the rash had resolved without treatment.
      LITERATURE REVIEW: We identified 65 (including 2 from Juel-Jenson) cases of
      zoster reactivation following minor procedures. These cases tend to be in young
      patients without specific risk factors. Outbreaks characteristically occur at the
      level of exposure to local trauma. DISCUSSION: Our review suggests that local
      trauma, regardless of the nature of stimuli, may be sufficient for zoster
      reactivation. We hypothesize that the stressors in these reported cases exert a
      local epigenetic influence on viral transcription, allowing for viral
      reactivation. CONCLUSION: Zoster is a potential complication of BTX
      administration for chronic migraine in adults. Physician awareness can reduce the
      significant morbidity associated with this disease.

PMID- 25135652
TI  - A longitudinal study of urea cycle disorders.
AB  - The Urea Cycle Disorders Consortium (UCDC) is a member of the NIH funded Rare
      Diseases Clinical Research Network and is performing a longitudinal study of 8
      urea cycle disorders (UCDs) with initial enrollment beginning in 2006. The
      consortium consists of 14 sites in the U.S., Canada and Europe. This report
      summarizes data mining studies of 614 patients with UCDs enrolled in the UCDC's
      longitudinal study protocol. The most common disorder is ornithine
      transcarbamylase deficiency, accounting for more than half of the participants.
      We calculated the overall prevalence of urea cycle disorders to be 1/35,000, with
      2/3rds presenting initial symptoms after the newborn period. We found the
      mortality rate to be 24% in neonatal onset cases and 11% in late onset cases. The
      most common precipitant of clinical hyperammonemic episodes in the post-neonatal
      period was intercurrent infections. Elevations in both blood ammonia and
      glutamine appeared to be biomarkers for neurocognitive outcome. In terms of
      chronic treatment, low protein diet appeared to result in normal weight but
      decreased linear growth while N-scavenger therapy with phenylbutyrate resulted in
      low levels of branched chain amino acids. Finally, we found an unexpectedly high
      risk for hepatic dysfunction in patients with ornithine transcarbamylase
      deficiency. This natural history study illustrates how a collaborative study of a
      rare genetic disorder can result in an improved understanding of morbidity and
      disease outcome. 

PMID- 25135656
TI  - Hospital end-of-life treatment intensity among cancer and non-cancer cohorts.
AB  - CONTEXT: Hospitals vary substantially in their end-of-life (EOL) treatment
      intensity. It is unknown if patterns of EOL treatment intensity are consistent
      across conditions. OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between hospitals'
      cancer- and non-cancer-specific EOL treatment intensity. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective cohort analysis of Pennsylvania acute care hospital admissions for
      either cancer or congestive heart failure (CHF) and/or chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) between 2001 and 2007, linked to vital statistics
      through 2008. We calculated Bayes's shrunken case-mix standardized (observed-to
      expected) ratios of intensive care and life-sustaining treatment use among two
      EOL cohorts: those prospectively identified at high probability of dying on
      admission and those retrospectively identified as terminal admissions
      (decedents). We then summed these to create a hospital-specific prospective and
      retrospective overall EOL treatment intensity index for cancer vs. CHF/COPD.
      RESULTS: The sample included 207,523 admissions with 15% or greater predicted
      probability of dying on admission among 172,041 unique adults and 120,372
      terminal admissions at 166 hospitals; these two cohorts overlapped by 52,986
      admissions. There was substantial variation between hospitals in their
      standardized EOL treatment intensity ratios among cancer and CHF/COPD admissions.
      Within hospitals, cancer- and CHF/COPD-specific standardized EOL treatment
      intensity ratios were highly correlated for intensive care unit (ICU) admission
      (prospective rho = 0.81; retrospective rho = 0.78), ICU lengths of stay (rho =
      0.76; 0.64), mechanical ventilation (rho = 0.73; 0.73), and hemodialysis (rho =
      0.60; 0.71) and less highly correlated for tracheostomy (rho = 0.43; 0.53) and
      gastrostomy (rho = 0.29; 0.30). Hospitals' overall EOL intensity index for cancer
      and CHF admissions were correlated (prospective rho = 0.75; retrospective rho =
      0.75) and had equal group means (P-value = 0.631; 0.699). CONCLUSION: Despite
      substantial difference between hospitals in EOL treatment intensity, within
      hospital homogeneity in EOL treatment intensity for cancer- and non-cancer
      populations suggests the existence of condition-insensitive institutional norms
      of EOL treatment.

PMID- 25135655
TI  - Differential expression of microRNAs in decidua-derived mesenchymal stem cells
      from patients with pre-eclampsia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at maternal-fetal interface are
      considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia (PE).
      microRNAs (miRNAs) also have an important influence on differentiation,
      maturation, and functions of MSCs. Our aim in this study was to determine the
      differential expression of miRNAs in decidua-derived MSCs (dMSCs) from severe PE
      and normal pregnancies. RESULTS: miRNA expression profiles in dMSCs from five
      patients with severe PE and five healthy pregnant women were screened using
      microarray. Then, bioinformatic analysis of the microarray results was performed.
      Out of 179 differentially expressed miRNAs, 49 miRNAs had significant (p < 0.05)
      differential expression of >= 2.0-fold changes, including 21 up-regulated and 28
      down-regulated. miRNA-Gene-network and miRNA-Gene ontology (GO) -network analyses
      were performed. Overall, 21 up-regulated and 15 down-regulated miRNAs showed high
      degrees in these analyses. Moreover, the significantly enriched signaling
      pathways and GOs were identified. The analyses revealed that pathways associated
      with cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune functions were highly regulated
      by the differentially expressed miRNAs, including Wnt signaling pathway, mitogen
      activated protein kinase signaling pathway, transforming growth factor beta
      signaling pathway, T-cell receptor signaling pathway, and B cell receptor
      signaling pathway. Four miRNA predicted target genes, vascular endothelial growth
      factor A (VEGFA), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, suppression of cytokine signaling
      3, and serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A 55 kDa regulatory subunit B alpha
      isoform (PPP2R2A) were all decreased in dMSCs from patients with PE. Furthermore,
      the physiological roles of miR-16 and miR-136 in the down-regulation of VEGFA and
      PPP2R2A, respectively, were confirmed through reporter assays. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings suggest that miRNAs in dMSCs may be important regulatory molecules in
      the development of PE.

PMID- 25135657
TI  - Capture, transfer, and feedback of patient-centered outcomes data in palliative
      care populations: does it make a difference? A systematic review.
AB  - CONTEXT: Patient-centered outcome measures (PCOMs) are an important way of
      promoting patient-professional communication. However, evidence regarding their
      implementation in palliative care is limited, as is evidence of the impact on
      care quality and outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to systematically review
      evidence on capture and feedback of PCOMs in palliative care populations and
      determine the effects on processes and outcomes of care. METHODS: We searched
      Medline, Embase, CINAHL, BNI, PsycINFO, and gray literature from 1985 to October
      2013 for peer-reviewed articles focusing on collection, transfer, and feedback of
      PCOMs in palliative care populations. Two researchers independently reviewed all
      included articles. Review articles, feasibility studies, and those not measuring
      PCOMs in clinical practice were excluded. We quality assessed articles using
      modified Edwards criteria and undertook narrative synthesis. RESULTS: One hundred
      eighty-four articles used 122 different PCOMs in 70,466 patients. Of these, 16
      articles corresponding to 13 studies met the full inclusion criteria. Most
      evidence was from outpatient oncology. There was strong evidence for an impact of
      PCOMs feedback on processes of care including better symptom recognition, more
      discussion of quality of life, and increased referrals based on PCOMs reporting.
      There was evidence of improved emotional and psychological patient outcomes but
      no effect on overall quality of life or symptom burden. CONCLUSION: In palliative
      care populations, PCOMs feedback improves awareness of unmet need and allows
      professionals to act to address patients' needs. It consequently benefits
      patients' emotional and psychological quality of life. However, more high-quality
      evidence is needed in noncancer populations and across a wider range of settings.

PMID- 25135658
TI  - Fatigue is associated with serum interleukin-6 levels and symptoms of depression
      in patients on chronic hemodialysis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Little is known about activated immune-inflammatory pathways and
      interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the development of fatigue and/or depression in patients
      with end-stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis (HD). OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate the possible correlation between fatigue and serum levels of IL-6 in
      patients on chronic HD. METHODS: One hundred HD patients were assessed for the
      presence of fatigue using the SF-36 Vitality subscale and were administered the
      Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), the
      Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the activities of daily living (ADL), and
      the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). We also calculated the time
      of recovery after hemodialysis (TIRD) and the number/severity of comorbidities
      using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Laboratory parameters were measured
      as well as serum IL-6. RESULTS: Forty-three patients constituted the fatigued
      group and 57 the nonfatigued group. Age, CCI, BDI, HARS, and TIRD were
      significantly higher in fatigued patients than in the nonfatigued patients.
      Conversely, the scores of ADL, IADL, and MMSE were significantly lower in
      fatigued than in nonfatigued patients. Serum IL-6 levels (pg/mL) were higher in
      the fatigued group (5.1 +/- 3.4) than in the nonfatigued group (1.6 +/- 1.5; P <
      0.001); serum albumin and creatinine levels were significantly lower. Twenty-six
      patients (26%) had no symptoms of depression (BDI score <10), and 74 patients
      (74%) had symptoms of depression (BDI score >9). Patients with a BDI score >9
      were older; had a higher CCI; a lower MMSE; a higher TIRD; lower serum albumin,
      creatinine, and urea levels; and higher serum IL-6 levels. The correlation
      analyses showed that the score of the SF-36 Vitality subscale was associated with
      age, dialytic age, TIRD, ADL, IADL, CCI, BDI, HARS, MMSE, serum urea, creatinine,
      albumin, and IL-6 levels. On multivariate general linear model analyses, with
      fatigue as the dependent variable and gender as a second factor, BDI and serum IL
      6 levels were independently associated with the score of the SF-36 Vitality
      subscale. A canonical correlation analysis was performed including in the model
      fatigue, BDI, and biomarkers; the correlation was 0.679 (R(2) = 0.462). Fatigue,
      BDI, and IL-6 among biomarkers showed the strongest association with the
      underlying construct (standardized canonical coefficients = -0.989, 0.015, and
      0.852, respectively), thus explaining a correlation of IL-6 with both depression
      and fatigue. CONCLUSION: Fatigue was significantly associated with symptoms of
      depression and serum IL-6 levels in patients receiving chronic HD.

PMID- 25135660
TI  - Effects of cargo molecules on membrane perturbation caused by transportan10 based
      cell-penetrating peptides.
AB  - Cell-penetrating peptides with the ability to escape endosomes and reach the
      target are of great value as delivery vectors for different bioactive cargoes and
      future treatment of human diseases. We have studied two such peptides, NickFect1
      and NickFect51, both originated from stearylated transportan10 (PF3). To obtain
      more insight into the mechanism(s) of peptide delivery and the biophysical
      properties of an efficient vector system, we investigated the effect of different
      bioactive oligonucleotide cargoes on peptide-membrane perturbation and peptide
      structural induction. We studied the membrane interactions of the peptides with
      large unilamellar vesicles and compared their effects with parent peptides
      transportan10 and PF3. In addition, cellular uptake and peptide-mediated
      oligonucleotide delivery were analyzed. Calcein leakage experiments showed that
      similar to transportan10, NickFect51 caused a significant degree of membrane
      leakage, whereas NickFect1, similar to PF3, was less membrane perturbing. The
      results are in agreement with previously published results indicating that
      NickFect51 is a more efficient endosomal escaper. However, the presence of a
      large cargo like plasmid DNA inhibited NickFect's membrane perturbation and
      cellular uptake efficiency of the peptide was reduced. We conclude that the
      pathway for cellular uptake of peptide complexes is cargo dependent, whereas the
      endosomal escape efficacy depends on peptide hydrophobicity and chemical
      structure. For small interfering RNA delivery, NickFect51 appears to be optimal.
      The biophysical signature shows that the peptide alone causes membrane
      perturbation, but the cargo complex does not. These two biophysical
      characteristics of the peptide and its cargo complex may be the signature of an
      efficient delivery vector system. 

PMID- 25135659
TI  - Revisiting the bilayer structures of fluid phase phosphatidylglycerol lipids:
      Accounting for exchangeable hydrogens.
AB  - We recently published two papers detailing the structures of fluid phase
      phosphatidylglycerol (PG) lipid bilayers (Kucerka et al., 2012 J. Phys. Chem. B
      116: 232-239; Pan et al., 2012 Biochim. Biophys. Acta Biomembr. 1818: 2135-2148),
      which were determined using the scattering density profile model. This hybrid
      experimental/computational technique utilizes molecular dynamics simulations to
      parse a lipid bilayer into components whose volume probabilities follow simple
      analytical functional forms. Given the appropriate scattering densities, these
      volume probabilities are then translated into neutron scattering length density
      (NSLD) and electron density (ED) profiles, which are used to jointly refine
      experimentally obtained small angle neutron and X-ray scattering data. However,
      accurate NSLD and ED profiles can only be obtained if the bilayer's chemical
      composition is known. Specifically, in the case of neutron scattering, the
      lipid's exchangeable hydrogens with aqueous D2O must be accounted for, as they
      can have a measureable effect on the resultant lipid bilayer structures. This was
      not done in our above-mentioned papers. Here we report on the molecular
      structures of PG lipid bilayers by appropriately taking into account the
      exchangeable hydrogens. Analysis indicates that the temperature-averaged PG lipid
      areas decrease by 1.5 to 3.8A(2), depending on the lipid's acyl chain length and
      unsaturation, compared to PG areas when hydrogen exchange was not taken into
      account. 

PMID- 25135661
TI  - Biochemical characterization and structure-function relationship of two plant
      NCS2 proteins, the nucleobase transporters NAT3 and NAT12 from Arabidopsis
      thaliana.
AB  - Nucleobase ascorbate transporters (NATs), also known as Nucleobase:Cation
      Symporter 2 (NCS2) proteins, belong to an evolutionary widespread family of
      transport proteins with members in nearly all domains of life. We present the
      biochemical characterization of two NAT proteins, NAT3 and NAT12 from Arabidopsis
      thaliana after their heterologous expression in Escherichia coli UraA knockout
      mutants. Both proteins were shown to transport adenine, guanine and uracil with
      high affinities. The apparent KM values were determined with 10.12MUM, 4.85MUM
      and 19.95MUM, respectively for NAT3 and 1.74MUM, 2.44MUM and 29.83MUM,
      respectively for NAT12. Competition studies with the three substrates suggest
      hypoxanthine as a further substrate of both transporters. Furthermore, the
      transport of nucleobases was markedly inhibited by low concentrations of a proton
      uncoupler indicating that NAT3 and NAT12 act as proton-nucleobase symporters.
      Transient expression studies of NAT-GFP fusion constructs revealed a localization
      of both proteins in the plasma membrane. Based on the structural information of
      the uracil permease UraA from E. coli, a three-dimensional experimentally
      validated homology model of NAT12 was created. The NAT12 structural model is
      composed of 14 TM segments and divided into two inverted repeats of TM1-7 and TM8
      14. Docking studies and mutational analyses identified residues involved in NAT12
      nucleobase binding including Ser-247, Phe-248, Asp-461, Thr-507 and Thr-508. This
      is the first study to provide insight into the structure-function of plant NAT
      proteins, which reveals differences from the other members of the NCS2 protein
      family. 

PMID- 25135662
TI  - Quantification of leakage from large unilamellar lipid vesicles by fluorescence
      correlation spectroscopy.
AB  - Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a powerful experimental technique
      that in recent years has found numerous applications for studying biological
      phenomena. In this article, we scrutinize one of these applications, namely, FCS
      as a technique for studying leakage of fluorescent molecules from large
      unilamellar lipid vesicles. Specifically, we derive the mathematical framework
      required for using FCS to quantify leakage of fluorescent molecules from large
      unilamellar lipid vesicles, and we describe the appropriate methodology for
      successful completion of FCS experiments. By use of this methodology, we show
      that FCS can be used to accurately quantify leakage of fluorescent molecules from
      large unilamellar lipid vesicles, including leakage of fluorescent molecules of
      different sizes. To demonstrate the applicability of FCS, we have investigated
      the antimicrobial peptide mastoparan X. We show that mastoparan X forms transient
      transmembrane pores in POPC/POPG (3:1) vesicles, resulting in size-dependent
      leakage of molecules from the vesicles. We conclude the paper by discussing some
      of the advantages and limitations of FCS as compared to other existing methods to
      measure leakage from large unilamellar lipid vesicles. 

PMID- 25135663
TI  - The periplasmic domain of Escherichia coli outer membrane protein A can undergo a
      localized temperature dependent structural transition.
AB  - Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli are surrounded by two membranes
      with a thin peptidoglycan (PG)-layer located in between them in the periplasmic
      space. The outer membrane protein A (OmpA) is a 325-residue protein and it is the
      major protein component of the outer membrane of E. coli. Previous structure
      determinations have focused on the N-terminal fragment (residues 1-171) of OmpA,
      which forms an eight stranded transmembrane beta-barrel in the outer membrane.
      Consequently it was suggested that OmpA is composed of two independently folded
      domains in which the N-terminal beta-barrel traverses the outer membrane and the
      C-terminal domain (residues 180-325) adopts a folded structure in the periplasmic
      space. However, some reports have proposed that full-length OmpA can instead
      refold in a temperature dependent manner into a single domain forming a larger
      transmembrane pore. Here, we have determined the NMR solution structure of the C
      terminal periplasmic domain of E. coli OmpA (OmpA(180-325)). Our structure
      reveals that the C-terminal domain folds independently into a stable globular
      structure that is homologous to the previously reported PG-associated domain of
      Neisseria meningitides RmpM. Our results lend credence to the two domain
      structure model and a PG-binding function for OmpA, and we could indeed localize
      the PG-binding site on the protein through NMR chemical shift perturbation
      experiments. On the other hand, we found no evidence for binding of OmpA(180-325)
      with the TonB protein. In addition, we have also expressed and purified full
      length OmpA (OmpA(1-325)) to study the structure of the full-length protein in
      micelles and nanodiscs by NMR spectroscopy. In both membrane mimetic
      environments, the recombinant OmpA maintains its two domain structure that is
      connected through a flexible linker. A series of temperature-dependent HSQC
      experiments and relaxation dispersion NMR experiments detected structural
      destabilization in the bulge region of the periplasmic domain of OmpA above
      physiological temperatures, which may induce dimerization and play a role in
      triggering the previously reported larger pore formation. 

PMID- 25135665
TI  - Exciting: a full-potential all-electron package implementing density-functional
      theory and many-body perturbation theory.
AB  - Linearized augmented planewave methods are known as the most precise numerical
      schemes for solving the Kohn-Sham equations of density-functional theory (DFT).
      In this review, we describe how this method is realized in the all-electron full
      potential computer package, exciting. We emphasize the variety of different
      related basis sets, subsumed as (linearized) augmented planewave plus local
      orbital methods, discussing their pros and cons and we show that extremely high
      accuracy (microhartrees) can be achieved if the basis is chosen carefully. As the
      name of the code suggests, exciting is not restricted to ground-state
      calculations, but has a major focus on excited-state properties. It includes time
      dependent DFT in the linear-response regime with various static and dynamical
      exchange-correlation kernels. These are preferably used to compute optical and
      electron-loss spectra for metals, molecules and semiconductors with weak electron
      hole interactions. exciting makes use of many-body perturbation theory for
      charged and neutral excitations. To obtain the quasi-particle band structure, the
      GW approach is implemented in the single-shot approximation, known as G(0)W(0).
      Optical absorption spectra for valence and core excitations are handled by the
      solution of the Bethe-Salpeter equation, which allows for the description of
      strongly bound excitons. Besides these aspects concerning methodology, we
      demonstrate the broad range of possible applications by prototypical examples,
      comprising elastic properties, phonons, thermal-expansion coefficients,
      dielectric tensors and loss functions, magneto-optical Kerr effect, core-level
      spectra and more.

PMID- 25135664
TI  - Conformational heterogeneity of alpha-synuclein in membrane.
AB  - alpha-Synuclein (alphaS) is a natively disordered protein in solution, thought to
      be involved in the fusion of neurotransmitter vesicles to cellular membranes
      during neurotransmission. Monomeric alphaS has been previously characterized in
      two distinct membrane-associated conformations: a broken-helix structure, and an
      extended helix. By employing atomistic molecular dynamics and a novel membrane
      representation with significantly enhanced lipid mobility (HMMM), we investigate
      the process of spontaneous membrane binding of alphaS and the conformational
      dynamics of monomeric alphaS in its membrane-bound form. By repeatedly placing
      helical alphaS monomers in solution above a planar lipid bilayer and observing
      their spontaneous association and its spontaneous insertion into the membrane
      during twenty independent unbiased simulations, we are able to characterize
      alphaS in its membrane-bound state, suggesting that alphaS has a highly variable
      membrane insertion depth at equilibrium. Our simulations also capture two
      distinct states of alphaS, the starting broken-helix conformation seen in the
      micelle bound NMR structures, and a semi-extended helix. Analysis of lipid
      distributions near alphaS monomers indicates that the transition to a semi
      extended helix is facilitated by concentration of phosphatidyl-serine headgroups
      along the inner edge of the protein. Such a lipid-mediated transition between
      helix-turn-helix and extended conformations of alphaS may also occur in vivo, and
      may be important for the physiological function of alphaS. 

PMID- 25135666
TI  - The effect of changing micro-scale physical environmental factors on an
      environment's invitingness for transportation cycling in adults: an exploratory
      study using manipulated photographs.
AB  - Previous studies have shown convincing evidence for positive relationships
      between transportation cycling in adults and macro-scale physical environmental
      factors. In contrast, relationships are less consistent for more changeable,
      micro-scale environmental factors. The majority of existing studies used
      observational study designs, which cannot determine causality. The present mixed
      methods study used manipulated photographs to determine causal relationships
      between micro-scale environmental factors and the environment's invitingness for
      transportation cycling. Further, interactions among environmental factors and
      moderating effects of gender, age and educational level were investigated. For
      this study, panoramic photograph of a street was manipulated on eight
      environmental factors: traffic, speed bump, general upkeep, evenness of the cycle
      path, vegetation, separation of motorized traffic, separation with sidewalk and
      cycle path width. Sixty-six middle-aged adults participated in the study and
      sorted the manipulated panoramic photographs from least to most inviting to cycle
      for transportation. Participants also provided qualitative data on how they
      sorted the streets. Multilevel cross-classified modelling was used to analyse the
      relationships between the environmental manipulations and the invitingness
      scores. The qualitative data were deductively categorized according to the
      environmental factors. All environmental factors, except for separation with
      sidewalk, proved to have a significant main effect on the invitingness-score for
      transportation cycling. Cycle path evenness appeared to have the strongest effect
      on the invitingness. This effect was even stronger in an environment with good
      compared to poorly overall upkeep. Another significant interaction effect showed
      that the invitingness decreased when both separations along the cycle path were
      present compared to only a separation with traffic. No moderating effects of the
      demographic factors on these relationships were found. Qualitative data confirmed
      the observed quantitative relationships and added depth and understanding.
      Current study shows that the use of manipulated photographs can be an effective
      way to examine environment-physical activity relationships. Our findings indicate
      that evenness of the cycle path may be a crucial environmental factor when aiming
      to increase a street's invitingness for transportation cycling among middle-aged
      adults. The findings of our exploratory study could be used to develop an
      environmental intervention to determine if our findings are applicable to real
      changes in cycling behavior. 

PMID- 25135668
TI  - A self-report comorbidity questionnaire for haemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have multiple comorbid
      conditions. Obtaining comorbidity data from medical records is cumbersome. A self
      report comorbidity questionnaire is a useful alternative. Our aim in this study
      was to examine the predictive value of a self-report comorbidity questionnaire in
      terms of survival in ESRD patients. METHODS: We studied a prospective cross
      sectional cohort of 282 haemodialysis (HD) patients in a single centre.
      Participants were administered the self-report questionnaire during an HD
      session. Information on their comorbidities was subsequently obtained from an
      examination of the patient's medical records. Levels of agreement between
      parameters derived from the questionnaire, and from the medical records, were
      examined. Participants were followed-up for 18 months to collect survival data.
      The influence on survival of comorbidity scores derived from the self-report data
      (the Composite Self-report Comorbidity Score [CSCS]) and from medical records
      data--the Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] were compared. RESULTS: The level of
      agreement between the self-report items and those obtained from medical records
      was almost perfect with respect the presence of diabetes (Kappa score kappa
      0.97), substantial for heart disease and cancer (kappa 0.62 and kappa 0.72
      respectively), moderate for liver disease (kappa 0.51), only fair for lung
      disease, arthritis, cerebrovascular disease, and depression (kappa 0.34, 0.35,
      0.34 and 0.29 respectively). The CSCS was strongly predictive of survival in
      regression models (Nagelkerke R(2) value 0.202), with a predictive power similar
      to that of the CCI (Nagelkerke R(2) value 0.211). The influences of these two
      parameters were additive in the models--suggesting that these parameters make
      different contributions to the assessment of comorbidity. CONCLUSION: This self
      report comorbidity questionnaire is a viable tool to collect comorbidity data and
      may have a role in the prediction of short-term survival in patients with end
      stage renal disease on haemodialysis. Further work is required in this setting to
      refine the tool and define its role.

PMID- 25135670
TI  - Time-frequency analysis of the event-related potentials associated with the
      Stroop test.
AB  - Multiple executive processes are suggested to be engaged at Stroop test, and time
      frequency analysis is acknowledged to improve the informative utility of EEG in
      cognitive brain research. We aimed to investigate event-related oscillations
      associated with the Stroop test. EEG data was collected from 23 healthy
      volunteers while they performed a computer version of Stroop test. Both evoked
      (phase-locked) and total (phase-locked+non-phase-locked) oscillatory responses in
      the EEG were analyzed by wavelet transform. Data from the congruent (color-word
      matching) and incongruent stimuli (color-word non-matching) conditions are
      compared. In the incongruent condition, N450 wave was more negative and amplitude
      of the late slow wave was more positive. In the time-frequency plane, the fronto
      central total theta amplitude (300-700 ms) was larger in the incongruent
      condition. The evoked delta (250-600 ms) was larger in the congruent condition
      particularly over parieto-occipital regions. The larger frontal theta response in
      the incongruent condition was associated with the detection of interference and
      inhibition of the response to task-irrelevant features, while the larger evoked
      delta in the congruent condition was suggestive of the easier decision process
      owing to congruency between the physical attribute and the verbal meaning of the
      stimuli. Furthermore, in the incongruent condition, amplitude of the occipital
      total alpha in the very late phase (700-900 ms) was smaller. This prolonged
      desynchronization in the alpha band could be reflecting augmentation of
      attentional filters in visual modality for the next stimulus. These multiple
      findings on EEG time-frequency plane provide improved description of the
      overlapping processes in Stroop test.

PMID- 25135671
TI  - Local country food sources of methylmercury, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids in
      Nunavik, Northern Quebec.
AB  - Country foods are central to Inuit culture and replete in selenium (Se) and long
      chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA). However, some marine
      country foods bioaccumulate high concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg). Se and n
      3 are associated with several health benefits in Nunavik, Northern Quebec, but,
      recent studies show that prenatal MeHg exposure is associated with visual,
      cognitive and behavioral deficit later in childhood. The study objectives are to
      identify contemporary country food sources of MeHg, Se and long-chain n-3 PUFA in
      Nunavik, particularly among childbearing-age women, taking into account regional
      differences in consumption profiles. The contribution of different country foods
      to daily MeHg, Se, long-chain n-3 PUFA intake (MUg/kg body weight/day) was
      estimated using: (i) country food consumption and blood biomarkers data from the
      2004 Nunavik Health Survey (387 women, 315 men), and (ii) data on MeHg, Se, long
      chain n-3 PUFA concentrations found in Nunavik wildlife species. In the region
      where most traditional beluga hunting takes place in Nunavik, the prevalence of
      at-risk blood Hg (>= 8 MUg/L) in childbearing-age women was 78.4%. While most
      country foods presently consumed contain low MeHg, beluga meat, not a staple of
      the Inuit diet, is the most important contributor to MeHg: up to two-thirds of
      MeHg intake in the beluga-hunting region (0.66 of MeHg intake) and to about one
      third in other regions. In contrast, seal liver and beluga mattaaq - beluga skin
      and blubber - only mildly contributed to MeHg (between 0.06 and 0.15 of MeHg
      intake), depending on the region. Beluga mattaaq also highly contributed to Se
      intake (0.30 of Se intake). Arctic char, beluga blubber and mattaaq, and seal
      blubber contributed to most long-chain n-3 PUFA intake. This study highlights the
      importance of considering interconnections between local ecosystems and dietary
      habits to develop recommendations and interventions promoting country foods'
      benefits, while minimizing the risk of MeHg from beluga meat, especially for
      childbearing-age women.

PMID- 25135672
TI  - The genome of a clinical Klebsiella variicola strain reveals virulence-associated
      traits and a pl9-like plasmid.
AB  - Klebsiella species frequently cause clinically relevant human infections
      worldwide. We report the draft genome sequence of a Brazilian clinical isolate
      (Bz19) of the recently recognized species Klebsiella variicola. The comparison of
      Bz19 genome content with the At-22 (environmental K. variicola) and several
      clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae shows that these species share a set of virulence
      associated determinants. Of note, this K. variicola strain harbours a plasmid
      like element that shares the same backbone present in a multidrug-resistant
      plasmid found in a clinical K. pneumoniae isolated in USA.

PMID- 25135673
TI  - Protein systems biology: method, regulation, and network.

PMID- 25135669
TI  - The development and application of a quantitative peptide microarray based
      approach to protein interaction domain specificity space.
AB  - Protein interaction domain (PID) linear peptide motif interactions direct diverse
      cellular processes in a specific and coordinated fashion. PID specificity, or the
      interaction selectivity derived from affinity preferences between possible PID
      peptide pairs is the basis of this ability. Here, we develop an integrated
      experimental and computational cellulose peptide conjugate microarray (CPCMA)
      based approach for the high throughput analysis of PID specificity that provides
      unprecedented quantitative resolution and reproducibility. As a test system, we
      quantify the specificity preferences of four Src Homology 2 domains and 124
      physiological phosphopeptides to produce a novel quantitative interactome. The
      quantitative data set covers a broad affinity range, is highly precise, and
      agrees well with orthogonal biophysical validation, in vivo interactions, and
      peptide library trained algorithm predictions. In contrast to preceding
      approaches, the CPCMAs proved capable of confidently assigning interactions into
      affinity categories, resolving the subtle affinity contributions of residue
      correlations, and yielded predictive peptide motif affinity matrices. Unique
      CPCMA enabled modes of systems level analysis reveal a physiological interactome
      with expected node degree value decreasing as a function of affinity, resulting
      in minimal high affinity binding overlap between domains; uncover that Src
      Homology 2 domains bind ligands with a similar average affinity yet strikingly
      different levels of promiscuity and binding dynamic range; and parse with
      unprecedented quantitative resolution contextual factors directing specificity.
      The CPCMA platform promises broad application within the fields of PID
      specificity, synthetic biology, specificity focused drug design, and network
      biology. 

PMID- 25135674
TI  - Identification of important positions within miRNAs by integrating sequential and
      structural features.
AB  - MicroRNA(miRNA) is a small, single stranded non-coding RNA which plays an
      important regulatory role in gene expression. Additionally, miRNAs perform
      crucial functions in a wide range of biological processes. These functions may be
      exploited for miRNA-mediated regulation of protein-protein interaction and thus
      protein function. Many computational methods have been developed to predict the
      miRNA targets and to explore the regulatory mechanism between miRNA and protein.
      However, the efforts to investigate important positions within miRNAs are not
      comprehensive. This paper presents a framework to identify important positions
      using collision entropy. The information of contained in the sequence and
      secondary structure of miRNAs is considered. Further, the single base collision
      entropy and the adjacent base related collision entropy are integrated to measure
      the importance of miRNA position. Two thresholds are employed to select those
      positions with more biological meaning. A dataset of Drosophila melanogaster is
      used in the experiments. The results demonstrate that our approach can find
      interesting and important positions within miRNAs and may lead to a better
      understanding of miRNA biogenesis and function. 

PMID- 25135675
TI  - The effect of the different methods indicating 100/min to 120/min using the
      metronome in dispatcher-assisted resuscitation.

PMID- 25135677
TI  - The importance of lead aVR interpretation by emergency physicians.

PMID- 25135676
TI  - The impact of age and gender on resource utilization and profitability in ED
      patients seen and released.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine how age and gender impact resource utilization and
      profitability in patients seen and released from an Emergency Department (ED).
      METHODS: Billing data for patients seen and released from an Emergency Department
      (ED) with >100,000 annual visits between 2003 and 2009 were collected. Resource
      utilization was measured by length of stay (placement in ED bed to leaving the
      bed) and direct clinical costs (e.g., ED nursing salary and benefits, pharmacy
      and supply costs, etc.) estimated using relative value unit cost accounting. The
      primary outcome of profitability was defined as contribution margin per hour. A
      patient's contribution margin by insurance type (excluding self-pay) was
      determined by subtracting direct clinical costs from facility contractual
      revenue. Results are expressed as medians and US dollars. RESULTS: In 523 882
      outpatient ED encounters, as patients' aged, length of stay and direct clinical
      cost increased while the contribution margin and contribution margin by hour
      decreased. Women of childbearing age (15-44) had higher median length of stay
      (2.1 hours), direct clinical cost ($149), and contribution margin per hour
      ($103/hour) than men of same age (1.7, $131, $85/hour, respectively). Resource
      utilization and profitability by gender were similar in children and adults over
      45. CONCLUSION: Resource utilization increased and profitability decreased with
      increasing age in patients seen and released from an ED. The care of women of
      childbearing age resulted in higher resource utilization and higher profitability
      than men of the same age. No differences in resource utilization or profitability
      by gender were observed in children and adults over 45.

PMID- 25135678
TI  - Reinforcement of anchorage during orthodontic brace treatment with implants or
      other surgical methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The term anchorage in orthodontic treatment refers to methods of
      controlling unwanted tooth movement. This is provided either by anchor sites
      within the mouth, such as the teeth and the palate, or from outside the mouth
      (headgear). Recently, new methods of providing anchorage have been developed
      using orthodontic implants which are surgically inserted into the bone in the
      mouth. This is termed surgical anchorage. This is an update of a Cochrane review
      first published in 2007. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of surgical anchorage
      techniques compared to conventional anchorage in the prevention of unwanted tooth
      movement in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment by evaluating the
      mesiodistal movement of upper first molar teeth. A secondary objective was to
      compare the effects of one type of surgical anchorage with another. SEARCH
      METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 28
      October 2013), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The
      Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 9), MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 28 October 2013) and
      EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 28 October 2013). We handsearched key international
      orthodontic and dental journals, and searched the trial database
      ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical
      Trials Registry Platform for ongoing and unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Randomised controlled trials comparing surgical anchorage with conventional
      anchorage in orthodontic patients. Trials comparing two types of surgical
      anchorage were also included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two review
      authors independently and in duplicate extracted data and carried out risk of
      bias assessments. We contacted study authors to clarify aspects of study design
      and conduct, and to obtain unreported data. MAIN RESULTS: Fourteen new studies
      were added in this update resulting in a total of 15 studies reporting data from
      561 randomised patients. The studies were conducted in Europe, India, China,
      South Korea and the USA. The age range of patients was commonly restricted to
      adolescents or young adults, however the participants of two studies were from a
      much wider age range (12 to 54 years). The distribution of males and females was
      similar in eight of the studies, with a predominance of female patients in seven
      studies.Eight studies were assessed to be at high overall risk of bias; six
      studies at unclear risk of bias; one study at low risk of bias.Ten studies with
      407 randomised and 390 analysed patients compared surgical anchorage with
      conventional anchorage for the primary outcome of mesiodistal movement of upper
      first molars. We carried out a random-effects model meta-analysis for the seven
      studies that fully reported this outcome. There was strong evidence of an effect
      of surgical anchorage on this outcome. Compared with conventional anchorage,
      surgical anchorage was more effective in the reinforcement of anchorage by 1.68
      mm (95% confidence interval (CI) -2.27 mm to -1.09 mm; seven studies, 308
      participants analysed) with moderate quality of evidence (one study at high
      overall risk of bias, five studies at unclear risk of bias, one study at low risk
      of bias). This result should be interpreted with some caution, however, as there
      was a substantial degree of heterogeneity for this comparison. There was no
      evidence of a difference in overall duration of treatment between surgical and
      conventional anchorage (-0.15 years; 95% CI -0.37 years to 0.07 years; three
      studies, 111 analysed patients) with low quality of evidence (one study at high
      overall risk of bias and two studies at unclear risk of bias). Information on
      patient-reported outcomes such as pain and acceptability was limited and
      inconclusive.When direct comparisons were made between two types of surgical
      anchorage, there was a lack of evidence to suggest that any one technique was
      better than another.No included studies reported adverse effects. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate quality evidence that reinforcement of anchorage
      is more effective with surgical anchorage than conventional anchorage, and that
      results from mini-screw implants are particularly promising. While surgical
      anchorage is not associated with the inherent risks and compliance issues related
      to extraoral headgear, none of the included studies reported on harms of surgical
      or conventional anchorage.

PMID- 25135679
TI  - Celebrating our success--one state at a time.

PMID- 25135680
TI  - Prevalence and outcomes of renal transplantation in children with intellectual
      disability.
AB  - To describe the prevalence and outcomes of renal transplantation in children with
      ID we performed a retrospective cohort analysis of all children receiving a first
      kidney-alone transplant in the UNOS dataset from 2008 to 2011. Recipients with
      definite, probable, and without ID were compared using chi-square tests. Kaplan
      Meier curves were constructed for patient and graft survival. Cox proportional
      hazard models were used to estimate the association between ID and graft failure
      and patient survival. Over the study period, 332 children with definite (117) or
      probable (215) ID underwent first renal transplant, accounting for 16% of all
      first pediatric renal transplants (n = 2076). Children with definite ID were not
      significantly different from children without ID with respect to sex, ethnicity,
      or prevalence of acute rejection. ID was associated with increased likelihood of
      deceased donor source. ID was not significantly associated with decreased graft
      or patient survival. In this first large-scale study, up to 16% of first
      pediatric renal transplants were performed in children with ID. Short-term graft
      and patient survival after transplant were equivalent between children with and
      without ID. Further research is needed to examine long-term outcomes of
      transplant in this population. 

PMID- 25135681
TI  - Characterization of wheat germ agglutinin lectin-reactive glycosylated OmpA-like
      proteins derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis.
AB  - Glycosylation is one of the common posttranslational modifications in eukaryotes.
      Recently, glycosylated proteins have also been identified in prokaryotes. A few
      glycosylated proteins, including gingipains, have been identified in
      Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogen associated with chronic periodontitis.
      However, no other glycosylated proteins have been found. The present study
      identified glycoproteins in P. gingivalis cell lysates by lectin blotting. Whole
      cell lysates reacted with concanavalin A (ConA), Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA),
      Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutinin (PHA-E4), and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA),
      suggesting the presence of mannose-, N-acetylgalactosamine-, or N
      acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-modified proteins. Next, glycoproteins were isolated
      by ConA-, LCA-, PHA-E4-, or WGA-conjugated lectin affinity chromatography
      although specific proteins were enriched only by the WGA column. Mass
      spectrometry analysis showed that an OmpA-like, heterotrimeric complex formed by
      Pgm6 and Pgm7 (Pgm6/7) was the major glycoprotein isolated from P. gingivalis.
      Deglycosylation experiments and Western blotting with a specific antibody
      indicated that Pgm6/7 was modified with O-GlcNAc. When whole-cell lysates from P.
      gingivalis mutant strains with deletions of Pgm6 and Pgm7 were applied to a WGA
      column, homotrimeric Pgm7, but not Pgm6, was isolated. Heterotrimeric Pgm6/7 had
      the strongest affinity for fibronectin of all the extracellular proteins tested,
      whereas homotrimeric Pgm7 showed reduced binding activity. These findings suggest
      that the heterotrimeric structure is important for the biological activity of
      glycosylated WGA-binding OmpA-like proteins in P. gingivalis. 

PMID- 25135682
TI  - Association and virulence gene expression vary among serotype III group B
      streptococcus isolates following exposure to decidual and lung epithelial cells.
AB  - Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes severe disease in neonates, the elderly, and
      immunocompromised individuals. GBS species are highly diverse and can be
      classified by serotype and multilocus sequence typing. Sequence type 17 (ST-17)
      strains cause invasive neonatal disease more frequently than strains of other
      STs. Attachment and invasion of host cells are key steps in GBS pathogenesis. We
      investigated whether four serotype III strains representing ST-17 (two strains),
      ST-19, and ST-23 differ in their abilities to attach to and invade both decidual
      cells and lung epithelial cells. Virulence gene expression following host cell
      association and exposure to amnion cells was also tested. The ST-17 strains
      differed in their abilities to attach to and invade decidual cells, whereas there
      were no differences with lung epithelial cells. The ST-19 and ST-23 strains,
      however, attached to and invaded decidual cells less than both ST-17 strains.
      Although the ST-23 strain attached to lung epithelial cells better than ST-17 and
      -19 strains, none of the strains effectively invaded the lung epithelial cells.
      Notably, the association with host cells resulted in the differential expression
      of several virulence genes relative to basal expression levels. Similar
      expression patterns of some genes were observed regardless of cell type used.
      Collectively, these results show that GBS strains differ in their abilities to
      attach to distinct host cell types and express key virulence genes that are
      relevant to the disease process. Enhancing our understanding of pathogenic
      mechanisms could aid in the identification of novel therapeutic targets or
      vaccine candidates that could potentially decrease morbidity and mortality
      associated with neonatal infections.

PMID- 25135683
TI  - Early innate immunity to bacterial infection in the lung is regulated
      systemically by the commensal microbiota via nod-like receptor ligands.
AB  - The commensal microbiota is a major regulator of the immune system. The majority
      of commensal bacteria inhabit the gastrointestinal tract and are known to
      regulate local mucosal defenses against intestinal pathogens. There is growing
      appreciation that the commensal microbiota also regulates immune responses at
      extraintestinal sites. Currently, however, it is unclear how this influences host
      defenses against bacterial infection outside the intestine. Microbiota depletion
      caused significant defects in the early innate response to lung infection by the
      major human pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae. After microbiota depletion, early
      clearance of K. pneumoniae was impaired, and this could be rescued by
      administration of bacterial Nod-like receptor (NLR) ligands (the NOD1 ligand
      MurNAcTri(DAP) and NOD2 ligand muramyl dipeptide [MDP]) but not bacterial Toll
      like receptor (TLR) ligands. Importantly, NLR ligands from the gastrointestinal,
      but not upper respiratory, tract rescued host defenses in the lung. Defects in
      early innate immunity were found to be due to reduced reactive oxygen species
      mediated killing of bacteria by alveolar macrophages. These data show that
      bacterial signals from the intestine have a profound influence on establishing
      the levels of antibacterial defenses in distal tissues.

PMID- 25135684
TI  - Homeostasis of N-alpha-terminal acetylation of EsxA correlates with virulence in
      Mycobacterium marinum.
AB  - The mycobacterial Esx-1 (ESAT-6 system 1) exporter translocates virulence factors
      across the cytoplasmic membrane to the cell wall, cell surface, and the
      bacteriological medium in vitro. The mechanisms underlying substrate targeting to
      distinct locations are unknown. Several Esx-1 substrates are N-alpha-terminally
      acetylated. The role of this rare modification in bacteria is unclear. We sought
      to identify genes required for Esx-1 substrate modification, transport, and
      localization. Pathogenic mycobacteria lyse Acanthamoeba castellanii in an Esx-1
      dependent manner. We conducted a genetic screen to identify Mycobacterium marinum
      strains which failed to lyse amoebae. We identified a noncytotoxic M. marinum
      strain with a transposon insertion in a predicted N-alpha-terminal
      acetyltransferase not previously linked to mycobacterial pathogenesis. Disruption
      of this gene led to attenuation of virulence, failure to induce a type I
      interferon response during macrophage infection, and loss of hemolytic activity.
      The major Esx-1 substrates, EsxA and EsxB, were exported to the cell surface, but
      only low levels were released into the bacteriological medium. The balance of
      EsxA N-alpha-terminal acetylation was disrupted, resulting in a mycobacterial
      strain in which surface-associated EsxA was hyperacetylated. Genetic
      complementation completely restored Esx-1 function and the levels of N-alpha
      terminally acetylated EsxA on the surface but restored only low levels of Esx-1
      substrates in the bacteriological medium. Our results reveal a novel gene
      required for mycobacterial Esx-1 export. Our findings indicate that maintaining
      the homeostasis of Esx-1 substrate N-alpha-terminal acetylation is essential for
      Esx-1-mediated virulence. We propose an inverse correlation between EsxA
      acetylation and virulence. 

PMID- 25135685
TI  - Dynamic changes in the Streptococcus pneumoniae transcriptome during transition
      from biofilm formation to invasive disease upon influenza A virus infection.
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of infectious disease globally.
      Nasopharyngeal colonization occurs in biofilms and precedes infection. Prior
      studies have indicated that biofilm-derived pneumococci are avirulent. However,
      influenza A virus (IAV) infection releases virulent pneumococci from biofilms in
      vitro and in vivo. Triggers of dispersal include IAV-induced changes in the
      nasopharynx, such as increased temperature (fever) and extracellular ATP (tissue
      damage). We used whole-transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNA-seq) to compare the
      S. pneumoniae transcriptome in biofilms, bacteria dispersed from biofilms after
      exposure to IAV, febrile-range temperature, or ATP, and planktonic cells grown at
      37 degrees C. Compared with biofilm bacteria, actively dispersed S. pneumoniae,
      which were more virulent in invasive disease, upregulated genes involved in
      carbohydrate metabolism. Enzymatic assays for ATP and lactate production
      confirmed that dispersed pneumococci exhibited increased metabolism compared to
      those in biofilms. Dispersed pneumococci also upregulated genes associated with
      production of bacteriocins and downregulated colonization-associated genes
      related to competence, fratricide, and the transparent colony phenotype. IAV had
      the largest impact on the pneumococcal transcriptome. Similar transcriptional
      differences were also observed when actively dispersed bacteria were compared
      with avirulent planktonic bacteria. Our data demonstrate complex changes in the
      pneumococcal transcriptome in response to IAV-induced changes in the environment.
      Our data suggest that disease is caused by pneumococci that are primed to move to
      tissue sites with altered nutrient availability and to protect themselves from
      the nasopharyngeal microflora and host immune response. These data help explain
      pneumococcal virulence after IAV infection and have important implications for
      studies of S. pneumoniae pathogenesis.

PMID- 25135687
TI  - Contributions of NanI sialidase to Caco-2 cell adherence by Clostridium
      perfringens type A and C strains causing human intestinal disease.
AB  - Previous studies showed that Clostridium perfringens type D animal disease strain
      CN3718 uses NanI sialidase for adhering to enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells. The
      current study analyzed whether NanI is similarly important when type A and C
      human intestinal disease strains attach to Caco-2 cells. A PCR survey determined
      that the nanI gene was absent from typical type A food poisoning (FP) strains
      carrying a chromosomal enterotoxin (CPE) gene or the genetically related type C
      Darmbrand (Db) strains. However, the nanI gene was present in type A strains from
      healthy humans, type A strains causing CPE-associated antibiotic-associated
      diarrhea (AAD) or sporadic diarrhea (SD), and type C Pig-Bel strains. Consistent
      with NanI sialidase being the major C. perfringens sialidase when produced, FP
      and Db strains had little supernatant sialidase activity compared to other type A
      or C human intestinal strains. All type A and C human intestinal strains bound to
      Caco-2 cells, but NanI-producing strains had higher attachment levels. When
      produced, NanI can contribute to host cell attachment of human intestinal disease
      strains, since a nanI null mutant constructed in type A SD strain F4969 had lower
      Caco-2 cell adhesion than wild-type F4969 or a complemented strain. Further
      supporting a role for NanI in host cell attachment, sialidase inhibitors reduced
      F4969 adhesion to Caco-2 cells. Collectively, these results suggest that NanI may
      contribute to the intestinal attachment and colonization needed for the chronic
      diarrhea of CPE-associated AAD and SD, but this sialidase appears to be
      dispensable for the acute pathogenesis of type A FP or type C enteritis
      necroticans.

PMID- 25135686
TI  - Lipopolysaccharides belonging to different Salmonella serovars are differentially
      capable of activating Toll-like receptor 4.
AB  - Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar (serotype) Abortusovis is a member of
      the Enterobacteriaceae. This serotype is naturally restricted to ovine species
      and does not infect humans. Limited information is available about the immune
      response of sheep to S. Abortusovis. S. Abortusovis, like Salmonella enterica
      subsp. enterica serovar Typhi, causes a systemic infection in which, under
      natural conditions, animals are not able to raise a rapid immune response.
      Failure to induce the appropriate response allows pathogens to reach the placenta
      and results in an abortion. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are pathogen-associated
      molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are specific to bacteria and are not synthesized
      by the host. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of receptors that
      specifically recognize PAMPs. As a first step, we were able to identify the
      presence of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on the ovine placenta by using an
      immunohistochemistry technique. To our knowledge, this is the first work
      describing the interaction between S. Abortusovis LPS and TLR4. Experiments using
      an embryonic cell line (HEK293) transfected with human and ovine TLR4s showed a
      reduction of interleukin 8 (IL-8) production by S. Abortusovis and Salmonella
      enterica subsp. enterica serovar Paratyphi upon LPS stimulation compared to
      Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium. Identical results were
      observed using heat-killed bacteria instead of LPS. Based on data obtained with
      TLR4 in vitro stimulation, we demonstrated that the serotype S. Abortusovis is
      able to successfully evade the immune system whereas S. Typhimurium and other
      serovars fail to do so. 

PMID- 25135689
TI  - Closure of a large, persistent enterocutaneous fistula by use of a ventricular
      septal occluder.

PMID- 25135688
TI  - Numeracy and literacy independently predict patients' ability to identify out-of
      range test results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of patients have direct access to laboratory test
      results outside of clinical consultations. This offers increased opportunities
      for both self-management of chronic conditions and advance preparation for clinic
      visits if patients are able to identify test results that are outside the
      reference ranges. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess whether adults can
      identify laboratory blood test values outside reference ranges when presented in
      a format similar to some current patient portals implemented within electronic
      health record (EHR) systems. METHODS: In an Internet-administered survey, adults
      aged 40-70 years, approximately half with diabetes, were asked to imagine that
      they had type 2 diabetes. They were shown laboratory test results displayed in a
      standard tabular format. We randomized hemoglobin A1c values to be slightly
      (7.1%) or moderately (8.4%) outside the reference range and randomized other test
      results to be within or outside their reference ranges (ie, multiple deviations).
      We assessed (1) whether respondents identified the hemoglobin A1c level as
      outside the reference range, (2) how respondents rated glycemic control, and (3)
      whether they would call their doctor. We also measured numeracy and health
      literacy. RESULTS: Among the 1817 adult participants, viewing test results with
      multiple deviations increased the probability of identifying hemoglobin A1c
      values as outside the reference range (participants with diabetes: OR 1.47, 95%
      CI 1.12-1.92, P=.005; participants without diabetes: OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.13-2.00,
      P=.005). Both numeracy and health literacy were significant predictors of
      correctly identifying out-of-range values. For participants with diabetes,
      numeracy OR 1.32 per unit on a 1-6 scale (95% CI 1.15-1.51, P<.001) and literacy
      OR 1.59 per unit of a 1-5 scale (95% CI 1.35-1.87, P<.001); for participants
      without diabetes, numeracy OR 1.36 per unit (95% CI 1.17-1.58, P<.001) and
      literacy OR 1.33 per unit (95% CI 1.12-1.58, P=.001). Predicted probabilities
      suggested 77% of higher numeracy and health literacy participants, but only 38%
      of lower numeracy and literacy participants, could correctly identify the
      hemoglobin A1c levels as outside the reference range. Correct identification
      reduced perceived blood glucose control (mean difference 1.68-1.71 points on a 0
      10 scale, P<.001). For participants with diabetes, increased health literacy
      reduced the likelihood of calling one's doctor when hemoglobin A1c=7.1% (OR 0.66
      per unit, 95% CI 0.52-0.82, P<.001) and increased numeracy increased intention to
      call when hemoglobin A1c=8.4% (OR 1.36 per unit, 95% CI 1.10-1.69, P=.005).
      CONCLUSIONS: Limited health literacy and numeracy skills are significant barriers
      to basic use of laboratory test result data as currently presented in some EHR
      portals. Regarding contacting their doctor, less numerate and literate
      participants with diabetes appear insensitive to the hemoglobin A1c level shown,
      whereas highly numerate and literate participants with diabetes appear very
      sensitive. Alternate approaches appear necessary to make test results more
      meaningful.

PMID- 25135690
TI  - Arginine Supplementation Induces Arginase Activity and Inhibits TNF-alpha
      Synthesis in Mice Spleen Macrophages After Intestinal Obstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of arginine
      supplementation on arginase activity, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and
      interleukin-10 (IL-10) synthesis in cultured splenic macrophages from a murine
      model of intestinal obstruction (IO). The effects of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)
      inhibition were also studied using iNOS knockout animals. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Male C57BL6/J wild-type (WT) and iNOS knockout (iNOS-/-) mice were randomized
      into 6 groups: Sham and Sham-/- (standard chow), IO and IO-/- (standard chow +
      IO), and Arg and Arg-/- (standard chow supplemented with arginine + IO). After 7
      days of treatment with standard or supplemented chow, IO was induced. Arginase
      activity as well as TNF-alpha and IL-10 levels were analyzed in splenic
      macrophage cultures. RESULTS: Arginine supplementation and the absence of iNOS
      increased arginase activity in splenic macrophages (Arg, IO-/-, and Arg-/- groups
      vs the Sham group; P < .05). Arginine was also related to a decrease in TNF-alpha
      levels (Arg vs IO group, P < .05) and maintenance of IL-10 levels (Arg vs other
      groups, P > .05). The inhibition of iNOS did not result in effects on the
      concentration of cytokines (Sham-/-, IO-/-, and Arg-/- vs other, P < .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Arginine supplementation and iNOS inhibition led to increased
      arginase activity. Arginine availability decreased plasma TNF-alpha levels, which
      may be directly related to nitric oxide derived from arginine.

PMID- 25135691
TI  - Cephalotaxus griffithii Hook.f. needle extract induces cell cycle arrest,
      apoptosis and suppression of hTERT and hTR expression on human breast cancer
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cephalotaxus spp. are known to possess anticancer potential. In this
      present work, for the first time the effects of C. griffithii needle (CGN)
      extracts on human cancer cells were examined. METHODS: The CGN was successively
      extracted with petroleum ether (PE), acetone and methanol. The extracts were
      tested for its effect on proliferation of cancer cells (MTT assay on HeLa, ZR751
      and HepG2). Extract that showed the maximum growth inhibitory effect was
      subjected for mechanism of action study. These included apoptosis (morphological
      and DNA fragmentation assay), cell cycle (flow cytometry), caspase expression
      (Western blot) and activity (assay kit), p53 (western blot and TP53 siRNA
      interference) and telomerase expression (reverse transcriptase PCR) analysis.
      RESULTS: Among the extracts, PE extract induced maximum cytotoxicity, with
      highest death occurred in ZR751 cells. Since, PE extract induced cell death was
      highest among the CGN extracts, with maximum cancer cell death occurred in ZR751
      cells; we carried out mechanism study of PE extract induced ZR751 cell death. It
      was observed that PE extract induced ZR751 cell death was associated with cell
      cycle arrest and apoptosis by activating both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic
      pathways. Knock down study revealed that p53 is essential for loss of ZR751 cell
      viability induced by PE extract. Further, PE extract down-regulated hTERT, hTR,
      and c-Myc expression. Thin layer chromatography analysis indicated the presence
      of unique phytochemicals in PE extract. CONCLUSION: Based on the observations, we
      concluded that PE extract of C. griffithii needle contains important phyto
      components with multiple cellular targets for control of breast cancer and is
      worthy of future studies.

PMID- 25135692
TI  - CD34(+)CD38(-)CD58(-) cells are leukemia-propagating cells in Philadelphia
      chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

PMID- 25135693
TI  - Mycetoma caused by Nocardia brasiliensis in an immunocompetent patient.

PMID- 25135695
TI  - Letter from the editor.

PMID- 25135694
TI  - Ultrasound prediction of perinatal outcome: the unrecognised value of sibling
      data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify high-risk fetuses at the first routinely performed
      ultrasound examination by making use of information from the mother's previous
      pregnancy. DESIGN: A population-based cohort study. SETTING: Norway, 1999-2009.
      POPULATION: All singleton first live births and their second-born siblings
      registered in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (166,786 eligible sibling
      pairs). METHODS: Odds ratios were calculated by logistic regression. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Very small for gestational age (vSGA; birthweight <=-1.96 standard
      deviations) and perinatal death (stillbirth at >=22 weeks of gestation or death
      within 28 days of life). RESULTS: Small fetal size at ultrasound (i.e. a fetus
      smaller than expected by last menstrual period, LMP) is only weakly predictive of
      vSGA or perinatal death; however, if the firstborn sibling was vSGA at birth,
      ultrasound measures in the next pregnancy become strongly informative of risk.
      The smaller the fetal size on ultrasound, the higher its risk of vSGA (3-18%;
      Ptrend < 0.0001) and perinatal death (4-19 per thousand, Ptrend = 0.012). In
      contrast, if the first baby was not vSGA, small fetal size on ultrasound is
      uninformative. CONCLUSIONS: When the firstborn baby is vSGA, discrepancies
      between fetal size on ultrasound and LMP become highly predictive of risk of vSGA
      and perinatal mortality in the second-born infant. The value of combining these
      routinely collected clinical data has not previously been recognised.

PMID- 25135696
TI  - The role of phakic intraocular lens implants in treatment of high-refractive
      errors and amblyopia in children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This article aims to evaluate the role of phakic intraocular lens
      (pIOL) implants in the treatment of high-refractive errors and amblyopia in the
      pediatric setting. METHODS: A literature search of the PubMed database was
      conducted in December 2012 using the keywords: pIOL implants, amblyopia,
      pediatric refractive surgery and ametropia, and articles of high or medium
      clinical relevance were selected for review. Inclusion criteria were children
      aged 0-17 years who had undergone pIOL implantation for the treatment of
      refractive errors and/or amblyopia. RESULTS: Multiple studies have shown the
      relevancy and effectiveness of pIOL implantation as an alternative surgical
      management for highly significant pediatric ametropia in selective patients who
      are noncompliant with medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In the management of
      clinically significant severe pediatric ametropic and/or anisometropic myopia or
      hyperopia and in the event of nonadherence to traditional medical treatment,
      phakic anterior chamber IOL implantation is currently considered an effective
      modality of treatment. Long-term follow-up of pediatric patients following pIOL
      implantation is necessary. Future clinical trials are needed to address the
      safety and efficacy of the type of and the best time for pIOL implantation in
      treatment and/or prevention of amblyopia in children.

PMID- 25135697
TI  - Observation of peripheral retina by topical endoscopic imaging method-a
      preliminary study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the usefulness of rigid endoscopy placed on
      the corneal surface to observe the peripheral retina. METHODS: The authors
      studied 15 eyes in 15 patients (12 men, 3 women; mean age 55.9 years; range 22-74
      years) that underwent vitreous surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology at Saga
      University Hospital. With patients in a supine position, after topical
      anesthesia, an eye cup was placed between the eyelids and filled with
      hydroxyethyl cellulose solution and physiologic saline. With a rigid endoscope
      placed near the corneal surface, the target areas were then observed and
      recorded. The usefulness of rigid endoscopy to observe the peripheral retina was
      evaluated based on differences due to lens status and pupil size. RESULTS: In
      seven aphakic eyes, irrespective of pupil size, the peripheral retina could be
      observed up to the entire ora serrata (all quadrants). In eight eyes implanted
      with an intraocular lens, the observable area changed with pupil size and
      anterior capsulorrhexis size. CONCLUSION: This technique using rigid endoscopy
      was simple to manipulate and useful for observing and recording the peripheral
      retina. In particular, in aphakic eyes, irrespective of pupil size, the retina
      could be observed to the ora serrata.

PMID- 25135698
TI  - Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer changes with oral isotretinoin treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system toxicity is a well-known side effect of
      isotretinoin treatment. The aim of this study was to establish the effects of
      isotretinoin on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Study subjects received oral isotretinoin treatment for nodulocystic
      acne. All patients underwent a detailed ophthalmologic examination including best
      corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, tonometry, color vision
      assessment, fundoscopy, and RNFL measurement. RNFL measurements by optical
      coherence tomography were done at onset, and were repeated at the 1st and 6th
      months of therapy. RESULTS: A total of 22 eyes of 11 patients (seven males and
      four females) were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 20.18
      +/- 5.13 (14-26) years. Mean RNFL thickness was 90.72 +/- 9.19 (78.2-112.0) MUm
      before treatment, 90.40 +/- 9.24 (79.5-112.4) MUm after 1 month of treatment, and
      90.52 +/- 8.92 (78.4-114.8) MUm after 6 months. No statistically significant
      change was detected between RNFL thickness values before and after treatment.
      CONCLUSION: No adverse effects of systemic isotretinoin treatment on RNFL
      thickness were observed.

PMID- 25135699
TI  - Transcorneal electrical stimulation in patients with retinal artery occlusion: a
      prospective, randomized, sham-controlled pilot study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and
      efficacy of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) in patients suffering from
      retinal artery occlusion (RAO). METHODS: Twelve patients with central and one
      patient with branch RAO (age 25-84 years, median 74 years) were enrolled in this
      prospective, randomized, sham-controlled study. RAO was diagnosed 10 days to 17
      months prior to study participation. Patients were treated with TES (5 ms
      positive followed by 5 ms negative biphasic pulses at 20 Hz; applied with DTL
      electrodes) for 30 min once a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Patients were
      randomly assigned to TES with 0 mA (sham, n = 3), 66% (n = 5) or 150% (n = 5) of
      the patient's individual electrical phosphene threshold (EPT) at 20 Hz. Best
      corrected visual acuity, ophthalmology examination and EPT (at 3, 6, 9, 20, 40,
      60, and 80 Hz) were determined at baseline and at eight follow-up visits over 17
      weeks. During four visits (week 1, 5, 9, and 17) kinetic and static visual fields
      as well as full-field and multifocal electroretinography were measured. The
      method of restricted maximum likelihood (P < 0.05, Tukey-Kramer) was used to
      estimate the development of parameters under treatment. RESULTS: TES was
      tolerated well; no ocular or systemic adverse events were observed except for
      foreign-body sensation after TES (n = 3). During the study period the slopes of
      the scotopic a-wave increased significantly (high-intensity flash white 10
      cd.s/m(2); P = 0.03) in the 150% treatment group. All other parameters in all
      other groups remained statistically unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Although TES was
      tolerated well, statistically significant improvements were found only for
      specific a-wave slopes. This is in contradiction to previous smaller,
      uncontrolled reports. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer
      duration might, however, show additional significant effects.

PMID- 25135701
TI  - Erratum to: Topical Isopropyl Unoprostone for Retinitis Pigmentosa:
      Microperimetric Results of the Phase 2 Clinical Study.

PMID- 25135700
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor in anterior chamber liquid patients with
      diabetic retinopathy, cataract and neovascular glaucoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were: (1) to investigate the association of
      vascular endothelial growth factor isoform A (VEGF-A) concentration in the
      anterior chamber liquid (ACL) with vascular proliferation in patients with
      diabetic retinopathy (DR) who had undergone surgical treatment for cataract and
      neovascular glaucoma; (2) to analyze the association of VEGF-A level in ACL with
      the cataract surgery outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Undiluted aqueous fluid
      samples were obtained from 207 eyes of patients who underwent intraocular
      surgery, 136 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and 22 patients without DM. The
      ACL samples were obtained during operation. The VEGF-A levels were analyzed by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The lowest VEGF-A levels were in
      diabetic patients without signs of DR [22.75 pg/mL (10.78; 63.36)]. More severe
      DR tended to occur in diabetic patients with higher VEGF-A levels in ACL. In
      diabetic patients with proliferative DR (PDR), VEGF-A levels were significantly
      higher [336.6 pg/mL (232.3; 410.74)] than in patients without DR P < 0.0001. In
      patients with terminal stage of DR [neovascular glaucoma (NG)], VEGF-A levels
      were dramatically higher and attained 1,634.01 pg/mL (610.69; 2657.33). In non
      diabetic patients, VEGF-A levels were 95.07 pg/ml (60.92; 129.22). The best
      visual acuity results in post-operative period were observed in the group of
      diabetic patients without DR. In the group of patients with PDR, post-operative
      visual acuity [0.26 (0.1; 0.42)] was similar to visual acuity before operation
      [0.29 (0.13; 0.44)]. There was no significant increase in visual acuity due to
      cataract surgery. In 52.4% patients, no complications had occurred by the end of
      the follow-up period. In 40% patients, retinal laser coagulation was performed,
      and in 7.6% patients NG had developed. CONCLUSION: VEGF-A level in ACL increases
      with DR progression and may be of prognostic value in evaluating the potential
      risk of further neovascularization progression in diabetic patients.

PMID- 25135702
TI  - Screening methodologies for the development of spray-dried amorphous solid
      dispersions.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present a new screening methodology intended to be used in the early
      development of spray-dried amorphous solid dispersions. METHODS: A model that
      combines thermodynamic, kinetic and manufacturing considerations was implemented
      to obtain estimates of the miscibility and phase behavior of different
      itraconazole-based solid dispersions. Additionally, a small-scale solvent casting
      protocol was developed to enable a fast assessment on the amorphous stability of
      the different drug-polymer systems. Then, solid dispersions at predefined drug
      loads were produced in a lab-scale spray dryer for powder characterization and
      comparison of the results generated by the model and solvent cast samples.
      RESULTS: The results obtained with the model enabled the ranking of the polymers
      from a miscibility standpoint. Such ranking was consistent with the experimental
      data obtained by solvent casting and spray drying. Moreover, the range of optimal
      drug load determined by the model was as well consistent with the experimental
      results. CONCLUSIONS: The screening methodology presented in this work showed
      that a set of amorphous formulation candidates can be assessed in a computer
      model, enabling not only the determination of the most suitable polymers, but
      also of the optimal drug load range to be tested in laboratory experiments. The
      set of formulation candidates can then be further fine-tuned with solvent casting
      experiments using a small amount of API, which will then provide the decision for
      the final candidate formulations to be assessed in spray drying experiments.

PMID- 25135703
TI  - [Aggravated reduction of the posterior malleolar fracture due to incarceration of
      the flexor digitorum longus tendon].
AB  - The indications for stabilization of the posterior malleolus (Volkmann triangle)
      while fixing ankle fractures are controversially discussed. Detailed descriptions
      of possible obstacles to reduction are scarce. The following case describes the
      difficulty of reduction of the posterior malleolus caused by interposition of the
      flexor digitorum longus tendon. The fracture line of the posterior malleolus
      passed in an atypical manner vertically to the posterior-medial tibial margin
      with direct contact to the anatomical pathway of the tendon. The impaction of the
      tendon was already present in the computed tomography (CT) scan taken
      preoperatively but the tendon hindering malleolar reduction was first realized
      during surgery after several unsuccessful attempts at repositioning. 

PMID- 25135704
TI  - [Expectations from the TraumaNetwork DGU(r): Which goals have been achieved? What
      can be improved?].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Following the establishment of the first trauma networks in 2009 an
      almost nationwide certification could be achieved. Despite the impressive number
      of 46 certified networks, little is known about the actual improvements and the
      satisfaction of the participating hospitals. OBJECTIVES: This article aims to
      give a first representative overview of the expectations and actual achievements.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey with a total of 36 questions was conducted
      in 884 hospitals. The questionnaire could be filled out online, sent by post or
      fax to the AKUT- Office. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed with
      Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: With 326 responses, a response rate of 48.9% of all
      active hospitals was achieved. Of the participating hospitals 64.1% (209) were
      certified and had taken part in the project for an average of 3.9 years. The
      average score for satisfaction was 2.3, 72.4% (236) felt that there was a need
      for improvement in the care of severely injured patients and 46.6% (152) in the
      transfer of patients. In 47.2% (142) no improvement in cooperation with the
      ambulance service could be determined, 25.2% (82) documented an increase in the
      number of severely injured patients since participating in the trauma network
      (TNW-DGU) and 93.9% (306) of all hospitals wanted to participate in the trauma
      network in the future. DISCUSSION: It could be shown that important goals, such
      as simplification of patient transfer or general improvement in cooperation have
      been achieved. Overall there was a high level of satisfaction among the
      participating hospitals; however, the survey has identified some points which
      need to be improved by further intensive work.

PMID- 25135705
TI  - [Aseptic acetabular necrosis with recurrent luxation of a bipolar
      hemiarthroplasty into the retroperitoneum].
AB  - In comparison to aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head, the occurrence of
      aseptic acetabular osteonecrosis is extremely rare. This article reports the case
      of a 77-year-old woman with a large defect of the posterior acetabular wall (type
      3 AAOS/D'Antonio score). We present an option for treatment in cases of a
      combination of osteonecrosis with implanted bipolar hemiarthroplasty. 

PMID- 25135706
TI  - [Bilateral carotid artery dissection in a kite surfer by strangulation with the
      kite lines].
AB  - While a kite surfer was preparing the kite it was caught by a gust of wind, which
      blew it 10 m into the air and the cords became entangled around the neck of the
      kite surfer causing strangulation. After admittance to hospital, the diagnostics
      revealed multiple injuries including a bilateral dissection of the internal
      carotid arteries, cerebral edema and multiple fractures. As kitesurfing is
      gaining popularity severe injuries are becoming more frequent. Safety
      precautions, such as preparing the kite with two persons, wearing safety
      equipment and using bars with a safety leash can prevent severe injuries.

PMID- 25135707
TI  - [Out-of-hospital airway management in trauma patients : Experiences with the C
      MAC(r) video laryngoscope].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Securing the airway is the top priority in trauma resuscitation. The
      most important factor for successful endotracheal intubation (ETI) is good
      visualization of the vocal cords. The aim of this study was to summarize the
      practical experiences with the C-MAC(r) video laryngoscope as initial device in
      out-of-hospital airway management of trauma patients. METHODS: The C-MAC(r) video
      laryngoscope uses standard Macintosh shaped laryngoscope blades. At the
      Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) Christoph 22 it is used as the
      initial device for every out-of-hospital ETI. All prehospital data on ETI
      involving trauma patients were documented for a period of 17 months. RESULTS: A
      total of 116 out-of-hospital ETIs were enrolled in this study (overall success
      rate 100 %). In 88.8 % the first attempt was successful, whereas in 10.3 % a
      second and in 0.9 % a third ETI attempt was necessary. No patient required
      alternative airway devices or surgical airway interventions. The results of a
      subgroup with an immobilized cervical spine (n = 17) did not show any increased
      difficulties. CONCLUSION: The use of the C-MAC(r) video laryngoscope by
      experienced anesthesiologists in an out-of-hospital setting seems to be a safe
      method even in patients with an immobilized cervical spine. Adverse laryngoscopy
      results (C/L III and IV) were reduced compared to other studies.

PMID- 25135710
TI  - A scoping review of time-use research in occupational therapy and occupational
      science.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Time use is a defining interest within occupational therapy and
      occupational science. This is evident through the range of contributions to the
      disciplinary knowledge base. Indeed it has been suggested that time-use methods
      are amongst the most established research techniques used to explore aspects of
      human occupation. However, the extent and nature of such activity in occupational
      therapy and occupational science has not been examined to date. AIM: This study
      sought to map the extent and nature of time-use research in occupational therapy
      and occupational science journals and the extent to which studies explored the
      relationship between time-use and health. METHOD: A scoping review method was
      used. RESULTS: Sixty-one studies were included. Scandinavian countries
      contributed the largest number of studies (n = 16, 26%). While time-use diaries
      were used most frequently (n = 30, 49%) occupational therapists and occupational
      scientists have developed a range of data-collection instruments. Forty-nine
      studies (80%) focused on time-use in clinical or defined population sub-groups.
      Ten studies (16%) included an empirical examination of the relationship between
      time-use and health. CONCLUSION: Future research should examine time-use and
      health amongst well populations across the lifespan and in different parts of the
      world.

PMID- 25135708
TI  - Hesperidin alleviates cognitive impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction and
      oxidative stress in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress has been well
      documented in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Bioflavonoids are being utilised as
      neuroprotectants in the treatment of various neurological disorders, including
      AD. Therefore, we conducted this current study in order to explore the effects of
      hesperidin (a flavanone glycoside) against amyloid-beta (Abeta)-induced cognitive
      dysfunction, oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice. Three-month
      old APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice were randomly assigned to a vehicle group, two
      hesperidin (either 50 or 100 mg/kg per day) groups, or an Aricept (2.5 mg/kg per
      day) group. After 16 weeks of treatment, although there was no obvious change in
      Abeta deposition in the hesperidin-treated (100 mg/kg per day) group, however, we
      found that the administration of hesperidin (100 mg/kg per day) resulted in the
      reduction of learning and memory deficits, improved locomotor activity, and the
      increase of anti-oxidative defense and mitochondrial complex I-IV enzymes
      activities. Furthermore, Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta)
      phosphorylation significantly increased in the hesperidin-treated (100 mg/kg per
      day) group. Taken together, these findings suggest that a reduction in
      mitochondrial dysfunction through the inhibition of GSK-3beta activity, coupled
      with an increase in anti-oxidative defense, may be one of the mechanisms by which
      hesperidin improves cognitive function in the APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mouse
      model of AD. 

PMID- 25135709
TI  - Inhibition of akt phosphorylation diminishes mitochondrial biogenesis regulators,
      tricarboxylic acid cycle activity and exacerbates recognition memory deficit in
      rat model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), as a PI3K inhibitor, is widely used for inhibition of
      autophagy. Inhibition of PI3K class I leads to inhibition of Akt phosphorylation,
      a central molecule involved in diverse arrays of intracellular cascades in
      nervous system. Accordingly, in the present study, we aimed to determine the
      alterations of specific mitochondrial biogenesis markers and mitochondrial
      function in 3-MA-injected rats following amyloid beta (Abeta) insult. Our data
      revealed that inhibition of Akt phosphorylation downregulates master regulator of
      mitochondrial biogenesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1alpha). Our data also showed that decrease in PGC
      1alpha level presumably is due to decrease in the phosphorylation of cAMP
      response element binding and AMP-activated kinase, two upstream activators of PGC
      1alpha. As a consequence, the level of some mitochondrial biogenesis factors
      including nuclear respiratory factor-1, mitochondrial transcription factor A, and
      Cytochrome c decreased significantly. Also, activities of tricarboxylic acid
      cycle (TCA) enzymes such as Aconitase, a-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and malate
      dehydrogenase reduced in the presence of 3-MA with or without Abeta insult.
      Decrease in mitochondrial biogenesis factors and TCA enzyme activity in the rats
      receiving 3-MA and Abeta were more compared to the rats that received either
      alone; indicating the additive destructive effects of these two agents. In
      agreement with our molecular results, data obtained from behavioral test (using
      novel objective recognition test) indicated that inhibition of Akt
      phosphorylation with or without Abeta injection impaired novel recognition (non
      spatial) memory. Our results suggest that 3-MA amplified deleterious effects of
      Abeta by targeting central molecule Akt. 

PMID- 25135711
TI  - Comparison of diagnostic performance of CT and MRI for abdominal staging of
      pediatric renal tumors: a report from the Children's Oncology Group.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CT and MRI are both used for abdominal staging of pediatric renal
      tumors. The diagnostic performance of the two modalities for local and regional
      staging of renal tumors has not been systematically evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To
      compare the diagnostic performance of CT and MRI for local staging of pediatric
      renal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population was derived from the
      AREN03B2 study of the Children's Oncology Group. Baseline abdominal imaging
      performed with both CT and MRI within 30 days of nephrectomy was available for
      retrospective review in 82 renal tumor cases. Each case was evaluated for
      capsular penetration, lymph node metastasis, tumor thrombus, preoperative tumor
      rupture, and synchronous contralateral lesions. The surgical and pathological
      findings at central review were the reference standard. RESULTS: The sensitivity
      of CT and MRI for detecting capsular penetration was 68.6% and 62.9%,
      respectively (P = 0.73), while specificity was 86.5% and 83.8% (P = 1.0). The
      sensitivity of CT and MRI for detecting lymph node metastasis was 76.5% and 52.9%
      (P = 0.22), and specificity was 90.4% and 92.3% (P = 1.0). Synchronous
      contralateral lesions were identified by CT in 4/9 cases and by MRI in 7/9 cases.
      CONCLUSION: CT and MRI have similar diagnostic performance for detection of lymph
      node metastasis and capsular penetration. MR detected more contralateral
      synchronous lesions; however these were present in a very small number of cases.
      Either modality can be used for initial loco-regional staging of pediatric renal
      tumors.

PMID- 25135712
TI  - Decolonization with Mupirocin and Subsequent Risk of Methicillin-Resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus Carriage in Veterans Affairs Hospitals.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA) infections remain one of the leading causes of preventable patient
      mortality in the US. Eradication of MRSA through decolonization could prevent
      both MRSA infections and transmission; however, there is currently no consensus
      within the infectious disease community on the proper role of decolonization in
      the prevention of infections. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact
      of decolonization with mupirocin on subsequent MRSA carriage. METHODS: Patients
      included in this study were those with an inpatient admission to a Department of
      Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 who
      had a positive MRSA screen on admission and a subsequent re-admission during the
      same time period. Exposure to mupirocin on the initial hospital admission was
      measured using Barcode Medication Administration data and MRSA carriage was
      measured using microbiology text reports and lab data containing results from
      surveillance swabs collected from the nares. Chi-square tests were used to test
      for differences in re-admission MRSA carriage rates between mupirocin-receiving
      and non-mupirocin-receiving patients. RESULTS: Of the 25,282 MRSA-positive
      patients with a subsequent re-admission included in the present study cohort,
      1,183 (4.7%) received mupirocin during their initial hospitalization. Among the
      patients in the present study cohort who were re-admitted within 30 days, those
      who received mupirocin were less likely to test positive for MRSA carriage than
      those who did not receive mupirocin (27.2% vs. 55.1%, P < 0.001). The proportion
      of those who tested positive for MRSA during re-admissions that occurred 30-60
      days, 60-120 days, and >120 days were 33.9, 37.3, and 41.0%, respectively, among
      mupirocin patients and 52.7%, 53.0%, and 51.9%, respectively, for patients who
      did not receive mupirocin (P < 0.001 at each time point). CONCLUSION: Patients
      decolonized with mupirocin in VA hospitals were less likely to be colonized with
      MRSA on re-admission as long as 4 months after decolonization.

PMID- 25135714
TI  - Effect of uric-acid-lowering therapy on progression of chronic kidney disease: a
      meta-analysis.
AB  - The efficacy and safety of uric-acid-lowering therapy (UALT) on slowing the
      progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) accompanied by hyperuricemia were
      assessed. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, Wanfang and Vip
      databases up to November 15, 2012 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which
      compared the effect of UALT to control therapy in hyperuricemic patients
      secondary to CKD, and then performed quality evaluation and meta-analysis on the
      included studies. Seven RCTs involving 451 cases were included. UALT delayed the
      increase of serum creatinine (MD=-62.55 MUmol/L, 95% CI: -98.10 to -26.99) and
      blood urea nitrogen (MD= -6.15 mmol/L, 95% CI: -8.17 to -4.13) as well as the
      decrease of glomerular filtration rate [MD=5.65 mL/(min.1.73 m2), 95% CI: 1.88 to
      9.41], decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD= -6.08 mmHg, 95% CI: -11.67 to
      -0.49), and reduced the risk of the renal disease progression (RR=0.30, 95% CI:
      0.19 to 0.46). However, there was no statistically significant difference in 24-h
      urinary protein quantity and diastolic blood pressure (P>0.05). We identified
      that UALT could delay the progression of CKD with secondary hyperuricemia. And
      this also indirectly proved that hyperuricemia was a risk factor for the CKD
      progression. 

PMID- 25135713
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma: a consensus from surgical
      specialists of China.

PMID- 25135716
TI  - Expression and clinical significance of Semaphorin4D in non-small cell lung
      cancer and its impact on malignant behaviors of A549 lung cancer cells.
AB  - This study aimed to explore Semaphrin4D (Sema4D) expression and clinical
      significance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to define the roles and
      mechanisms of Sema4D in regulating the malignant behaviors of A549 cells by small
      interfering RNA (siRNA). Firstly, immunohistochemistry revealed that Sema4D was
      more frequently expressed in NSCLC than in lung benign lesion (P<0.05) and its
      overexpression was associated with low differentiation (P<0.05), poor pTNM
      staging (P<0.05) and occurrence of lymph node (LN) metastasis (P<0.05).
      Endogenous Sema4D expression was suppressed by Sema4D siRNA in A549 cells
      overexpressing Sema4D. Protein levels of Sema4D, total Akt and p-Akt were
      examined by Western blotting. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion
      abilities were measured by MTT assay and Transwell assay respectively. Results
      showed that Sema4D siRNA significantly suppressed phosphorylation of AKT in A549
      cells, but it did not alter total AKT expression. In addition, efficient down
      regulation of SemaD significantly inhibit cell proliferation (P<0.05), migration
      (P<0.05) and invasion (P<0.05) in A549 cells. These findings suggest that Sema4D
      might serve as a reliable tool for early prediction of NSCLC poor prognosis.
      Sema4D could play an important role in promoting tumor proliferation, migration
      and metastasis in the NSCLC, by influencing the Akt protein phosphorylation.
      Inhibition of Sema4D may be a useful approach for the treatment of NSCLC.

PMID- 25135715
TI  - Differential effect of calcium-activated potassium and chloride channels on rat
      basilar artery vasomotion.
AB  - Spontaneous, rhythmical contractions, or vasomotion, can be recorded from
      cerebral vessels under both normal physiological and pathophysiological
      conditions. We investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying vasomotion in the
      cerebral basilar artery (BA) of Wistar rats. Pressure myograph video microscopy
      was used to study the changes in cerebral artery vessel diameter. The main
      results of this study were as follows: (1) The diameters of BA and middle
      cerebral artery (MCA) were 314.5+/-15.7 MUm (n=15) and 233.3+/-10.1 MUm (n=12) at
      10 mmHg working pressure (P<0.05), respectively. Pressure-induced vasomotion
      occurred in BA (22/28, 78.6%), but not in MCA (4/31, 12.9%) from 0 to 70 mmHg
      working pressure. As is typical for vasomotion, the contractile phase of the
      response was more rapid than the relaxation phase; (2) The frequency of
      vasomotion response and the diameter were gradually increased in BA from 0 to 70
      mmHg working pressure. The amplitude of the rhythmic contractions was relatively
      constant once stable conditions were achieved. The frequency of contractions was
      variable and the highest value was 16.7+/-4.7 (n=13) per 10 min at 60 mmHg
      working pressure; (3) The pressure-induced vasomotion of the isolated BA was
      attenuated by nifedipine, NFA, 18beta-GA, TEA or in Ca(2+)-free medium.
      Nifedipine, NFA, 18beta-GA or Ca(2+)-free medium not only dampened vasomotion,
      but also kept BA in relaxation state. In contrasts, TEA kept BA in contraction
      state. These results suggest that the pressure-induced vasomotion of the isolated
      BA results from an interaction between Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels (CaCCs)
      currents and K(Ca) currents. We hypothesize that vasomotion of BA depends on the
      depolarizing of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to activate CaCCs.
      Depolarization in turn activates voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels, synchronizing
      contractions of adjacent cells through influx of extracellular calcium and the
      flow of calcium through gap junctions. Subsequent calcium-induced calcium release
      from ryanodine-sensitive stores activates K(Ca) channels and hyperpolarizes
      VSMCs, which provides a negative feedback loop for regenerating the contractile
      cycle. 

PMID- 25135717
TI  - Anticancer effect of icaritin on human lung cancer cells through inducing S phase
      cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
AB  - Icaritin, a prenylflavonoid derivative from Epimedium Genus, has been shown to
      exhibit many pharmacological and biological activities. However, the function and
      the underlying mechanisms of icaritin in human non-small cell lung cancer have
      not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
      anticancer effects of icaritin on A549 cells and explore the underlying molecular
      mechanism. The cell viability after icaritin treatment was tested by MTT assay.
      The cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels
      were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the
      genes involved in proliferation and apoptosis were respectively detected by RT
      PCR and Western blotting. The results demonstrated that icaritin induced cell
      cycle arrest at S phase, and down-regulated the expression levels of S regulatory
      proteins such as Cyclin A and CDK2. Icaritin also induced cell apoptosis
      characterized by positive Hoechst 33258 staining, accumulation of the Annexin V
      positive cells, increased ROS level and alteration in Bcl-2 family proteins
      expression. Moreover, icaritin induced sustained phosphorylation of ERK and p38
      MAPK. These findings suggested that icaritin might be a new potent inhibitor by
      inducing S phase arrest and apoptosis in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. 

PMID- 25135718
TI  - Effect of TRPV1 channel on proliferation and apoptosis of airway smooth muscle
      cells of rats.
AB  - Airway remodeling is an important pathological feature of asthma and the basis of
      severe asthma. Proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is a major
      contributor to airway remodeling. As an important Ca(2+) channel, transient
      receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) plays the key role in the cell
      pathological and physiological processes. This study investigated the expression
      and activity of TRPV1 channel, and further clarified the effect of TRPV1 channel
      on the ASMCs proliferation and apoptosis in order to provide the scientific basis
      to treat asthmatic airway remodeling in clinical practice. Immunofluorescence
      staining and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used
      to detect the expression of TRPV1 in rat ASMCs. Intracellular Ca(2+) was detected
      using the single cell confocal fluorescence microscopy measurement loaded with
      Fluo-4/AM. The cell cycles were observed by flow cytometry. MTT assay and Hoechst
      33258 staining were used to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of ASMCs in
      rats respectively. The data showed that: (1) TRPV1 channel was present in rat
      ASMCs. (2) TRPV1 channel agonist, capsaicin, increased the Ca(2+) influx in a
      concentration-dependent manner (EC50=284.3+/-58 nmol/L). TRPV1 channel
      antagonist, capsazepine, inhibited Ca(2+) influx in rat ASMCs. (3) Capsaicin
      significantly increased the percentage of S+G2M ASMCs and the absorbance of MTT
      assay. Capsazepine had the opposite effect. (4) Capsaicin significantly inhibited
      the apoptosis, whereas capsazepine had the opposite effect. These results suggest
      that TRPV1 is present and mediates Ca(2+) influx in rat ASMCs. TRPV1 activity
      stimulates proliferation of ASMCs in rats. 

PMID- 25135719
TI  - Changes of neuronal activities after gut electrical stimulation with different
      parameters and locations in lateral hypothalamus area of obese rats.
AB  - This study tested the effects of the gastrointestinal pulse train electrical
      stimulation with different parameters and at different locations on the neuronal
      activities of the lateral hypothalamus area (LHA) in obese rats in order to find
      the optimal stimulation parameter and location. Eight gastric electrical
      stimulations (GES) with different parameters were performed and the neuronal
      activities of gastric-distension responsive (GD-R) neurons in LHA were observed.
      The effects of stimulations with 8 parameters were compared to find the optimal
      parameter. Then the optimal parameter was used to perform electrical stimulation
      at duodenum and ileum, and the effects of the duodenal and ileac stimulation on
      the GD-R neurons in LHA were compared with the gastric stimulation of optimal
      parameter. The results showed that GES with the lowest energy parameter (0.3 ms,
      3 mA, 20 Hz, 2 s on, 3 s off) activated the least neurons. The effects of GES
      with other parameters whose pulse width was 0.3 ms were not significantly
      different from those of the lowest energy parameter. Most gastric stimulations
      whose pulse width was 3 ms activated more LHA neurons than the smallest energy
      parameter stimulation, and the effects of those 3 ms gastric stimulations were
      similar. Accordingly, the lowest energy parameter was recognized as the optimal
      parameter. The effects of stimulations with the optimal parameter at stomach,
      duodenum and ileum on the LHA neuronal activities were not different.
      Collectively, gastrointestinal electrical stimulation (GIES) with relatively
      large pulse width might have stronger effects to the neuronal activities of GD-R
      neurons in LHA of obese rats. The effects of the GIES at different locations
      (stomach, duodenum and ileum) on those neurons are similar, and GES is
      preferential because of its easy clinical performance and safety. 

PMID- 25135720
TI  - Glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone attenuates renal
      ischemia/reperfusion injury by up-regulating eNOS/iNOS.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on renal
      ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into Sham
      group, IRI group and DEX group. The mice in IRI and DEX groups subjected to renal
      ischemia for 60 min, were treated with saline or DEX (4 mg/kg, i.p.) 60 min prior
      to I/R. After 24 h of reperfusion, the renal function, renal pathological
      changes, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and
      glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and the levels of iNOS and eNOS were detected. The
      results showed DEX significantly decreased the damage to renal function and
      pathological changes after renal IRI. Pre-treatment with DEX reduced ERK
      activation and down-regulated the level of iNOS, whereas up-regulated the level
      of eNOS after renal IRI. DEX could further promote the activation of GR. These
      findings indicated GR activation confers preconditioning-like protection against
      acute IRI partially by up-regulating the ratio of eNOS/iNOS. 

PMID- 25135721
TI  - Anti-cancer effects of novel doxorubicin prodrug PDOX in MCF-7 breast cancer
      cells.
AB  - Ac-Phe-Lys-PABC-DOX (PDOX) is a smart doxorubicin (DOX) prodrug designed to
      decrease toxicities while maintaining the potent anticancer effects of DOX. This
      study was aimed at elucidating the effectiveness and toxicities of DOX and PDOX
      in patient-derived MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro. The MCF-7 cells were
      exposed to both PDOX and DOX, and cytotoxicities, cell cycle and P53/P21
      signaling alterations were studied. Abundant cathepsin B was found in the MCF-7
      cells, and treatment with PDOX and DOX triggered dose- and time-dependent
      cytotoxicity and resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability. The IC50
      of PDOX and DOX was 3.91 and 0.94 MUmol/L, respectively. Both PDOX and DOX caused
      an up-regulation of the P53/P21-related signal pathway, and PDOX significantly
      increased expression of P53 and caspase 3, and arrested the cell cycle at the
      G1/G2 phase. As compared with DOX, PDOX reduced toxicities, and it may have
      different action mechanisms on breast cancer cells. 

PMID- 25135722
TI  - Antitumor activity of recombinant antimicrobial peptide penaeidin-2 against
      kidney cancer cells.
AB  - Penaeidin-2 (Pen-2) is an important antimicrobial peptide derived from the
      Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, and possesses both antibacterial and
      antifungal activities. Recent studies suggest that recombinant penaeidins show
      similar activities to the native Pen-2 protein. Previous researches have shown
      that some antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit cytotoxic activity against cancer
      cells. To date, there have been no studies on the antitumor effects of Pen-2.
      This study evaluated the potential of recombinant pen-2 (rPen-2) in the selective
      killing of kidney cancer cell lines ACHN and A498, and its action mechanism. MTT
      assays found the maximal growth inhibition of HK-2, ACHN and A498 cells treated
      with 100 MUg/mL rPen-2 at 48 h was 13.2%, 62.4%, and 70.4%, respectively. DNA
      specific fluorescent dye staining showed a high percentage of apoptosis on cancer
      cells. Flow cytometry revealed that the apoptosis rate of HK-2, ACHN and A498
      cells was 15.2%, 55.2%, and 61.5% at 48 h respectively, suggesting that rPen-2
      induced higher apoptosis rate in cancer cells than in HK-2 cells. Laser confocal
      scanning microscopy demonstrated that the plasma membrane was the key site where
      rPen-2 interacted with and destroyed tumor cells. Scanning electron microscopy
      showed the morphologic changes of the cell membranes of kidney cancer cells
      treated with rPen-2. These results suggest that rPen-2 is a novel potential
      therapeutic agent that may be useful in treating kidney cancers. 

PMID- 25135724
TI  - Combination therapy with pegylated interferon alpha-2b and adefovir dipivoxil in
      HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B versus interferon alone: a prospective,
      randomized study.
AB  - Currently available monotherapies of oral nucleoside/nucleotide analogs or
      interferon are unable to achieve a sustained and effective response in most of
      patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The objective of the present study was
      to compare the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) alpha-2b
      plus adefovir dipivoxil combination therapy versus Peg-IFN alpha-2b alone. Sixty
      one HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients were randomized to receive Peg
      IFN alpha-2b alone (1.5 MUg/kg once weekly) or Peg-IFN alpha-2b plus adefovir (10
      mg daily) for up to 52 weeks. Efficacy and safety analyses were performed on all
      participants who received at least one dose of study medication. The rate of
      HBeAg seroconversion and undetectable HBV-DNA were evaluated after 52 weeks of
      therapy. At the end of treatment, 11 of 30 (36.7%) patients receiving combination
      therapy achieved HBeAg seroconversion versus 8 of 31 (25.8%) in the monotherapy
      group (P=0.36). In contrast, the percentage of patients with undetectable serum
      HBV DNA was significantly higher in the combination group than in the monotherapy
      group (76.7% vs. 29.0%, P<0.001). Thyroid dysfunction was more frequent in the
      combination group than in the monotherapy group (P<0.05). In HBeAg-positive CHB,
      combination of Peg-IFN alpha-2b and adefovir for 52 weeks resulted, at the end of
      treatment, in a higher virological response but without significant impact on the
      rate of HBeAg seroconversion and possibly an adverse effect on thyroid function. 

PMID- 25135723
TI  - Over-expression of testis-specific expressed gene 1 attenuates the proliferation
      and induces apoptosis of GC-1spg cells.
AB  - The effects of over-expression of testis-specific expressed gene 1 (TSEG-1) on
      the viability and apoptosis of cultured spermatogonial GC-1spg cells were
      investigated, and the immortal spermatogonial cell line GC-1spg (CRL-2053TM) was
      obtained as the cell model in order to explore the function of TSEG-1. We
      transfected the eukaryotic vector of TSEG-1, named as pEGFP-TSEG-1 into cultured
      spermatogonial GC-1spg cells. Over-expression of TSEG-1 inhibited the
      proliferation of GC-1spg cells, and arrested cell cycle slightly at G0/G1 phase.
      Transfection of TSEG-1 attenuated the transcript levels of Ki-67, PCNA and cyclin
      D1. In addition, over-expression of TSEG-1 induced early and late apoptosis, and
      reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential of GC-1spg cells. Moreover,
      transfection of TSEG-1 significantly enhanced the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and
      transcript levels of caspase 9, and decreased the expression of Fas and caspase 8
      in GC-1spg cells. These results indicated over-expression of TSEG-1 suppresses
      the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of GC-1spg cells, which establishes a
      basis for further study on the function of TSEG-1. 

PMID- 25135725
TI  - Expression profiling of microRNAs in hippocampus of rats following traumatic
      brain injury.
AB  - The changes of microRNA expression in rat hippocampus after traumatic brain
      injury (TBI) were explored. Adult SD rats received a single controlled cortical
      impact injury, and the ipsilateral hippocampus was harvested for the subsequent
      microarray assay at three time points after TBI: 1st day, 3rd day and 5th day,
      respectively. We characterized the microRNA expression profile in rat hippocampus
      using the microRNA microarray analysis, and further verified microarray results
      of miR-142-3p and miR-221 using quantitative real-time PCR. Totally 205 microRNAs
      were identified and up-/down-regulated more than 1.5 times. There were
      significant changes in 17 microRNAs at all three time points post-TBI. The
      quantitative real-time PCR results of miR-142-3p and miR-221 indicated good
      consistency with the results of the microarray method. MicroRNAs altered at
      different time points post-TBI. MiR-142-3p and miR-221 may be used as potentially
      biological markers for TBI assessment in forensic practice. 

PMID- 25135726
TI  - E-cadherin-transfected neural stem cells transplantation for spinal cord injury
      in rats.
AB  - The effects of E-cadherin-transfected neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation
      for spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats were investigated. Sixty SD rats were
      randomly divided into model control group, NSCs group, empty plasmid group and E
      cadherin overexpression group (n=15 each). The animal SCI model was established
      by using the modified Allen's method. NSCs were cultured. Rats in NSCs group were
      subjected to NSCs transplantation. E-cadherin gene eucaryotic expression vector
      and pcDNA3.1-E-cadherin were respectively transfected into cultured NSCs, serving
      as empty plasmid group and E-cadherin overexpression group respectively. At 7th
      day after transplantation, neurological function of all rats was assessed by
      Tarlov score. After rats were sacrificed in each group, the number of BrdU and
      Nestin positive cells was counted by immunohistochemistry. Immumofluorescence
      method was used to detect the expression of neurofilament protein (NF) and glial
      fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). As compared with model control group, the
      Tarlov score and the number of of BrdU and Nestin positive cells, and the
      expression of NF and GFAP in NSCs group, empty plasmid group, and E-cadherin
      overexpression group were increased significantly (P<0.05), and those in the E
      cadherin overexpression group were increased more significantly than the other
      transplantation groups (P<0.05). It was suggested that E-cadherin could be
      conductive to nerve regeneration and repair probably by promoting the
      proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. 

PMID- 25135727
TI  - Predictors of catheter-related bladder discomfort after urological surgery.
AB  - The aim of this study was to figure out the predictors of early postoperative
      catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) after urological surgery. We designed
      a prospective observational study in our hospital. Consecutive adult patients
      undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia or epidural anaesthesia
      necessitating urinary catheterization were included during a 3-month period.
      severity of bladder discomfort was assessed on a 4-point scale: (1) no pain, (2)
      mild pain (revealed only by interviewing the patient), (3) moderate (a
      spontaneous complaint by the patient of a burning sensation in the urethra and/or
      an urge to urinate and/or sensation of urethral foreign body without any
      emotional agitation) and (4) severe discomfort (agitation, loud complaints and
      attempt to remove the bladder catheter associated with a burning sensation in the
      urethra). Predictors of CRBD were identified by univariate and multivariate
      analysis. Totally, 116 patients were included, of which 84.5% had CRBD (mild
      CRBD: 40.5%; moderate or severe CRBD: 44.0%) at day 1, while 31.9% developed CRBD
      (mild CRBD: 29.3%; moderate or severe CRBD: 2.6%) at day 3. We evaluated 9
      potential forecast factors of CRBD, and univariate Chi-square test showed male
      gender [OR=2.4, 95%CI (1.1-5.6), P<0.05], abdominal open surgery compared with
      transurethral surgery [OR=0.3, 95%CI (0.1-0.6), P<0.05], abdominal surgery
      compared with laparoscopic surgery [OR=3.3, 95%CI (1.2-8.9), P<0.05] and history
      of catheterization [OR=0.5, 95%CI (0.2-0.9), P<0.05] were independent predictors
      of moderate or severe CRBD in the patients after surgery. While multivariate
      logistic regression analysis showed that the abdominal open surgery
      [EXP(B)=3.074, 95%CI (1.3-7.4), P<0.05] and the history of catheterization
      [EXP(B)=2.458, 95%CI (1.1-5.9), P<0.05] might contribute more to the occurrence
      of moderate or severe CRBD. In conclusion, this observational study identified
      that the type of surgery and the history of catheterization might be predictive
      factors of moderate and severe CRBD after urological surgery. 

PMID- 25135728
TI  - A prospective randomized trial of selective versus nonselective esophagogastric
      devascularization for portal hypertension.
AB  - Cirrhosis with portal hypertension is a common disease which has a significant
      impact on the quality of patients' life. Esophagogastric devascularization (EGDV)
      has been demonstrated to be an effective method to treat portal hypertension,
      however certain complications are associated with it. The purpose of this study
      was to evaluate the effectiveness and clinical outcome of the selective EGDV
      (sEGDV) for the treatment of portal hypertension. The study was conducted
      prospectively from Jan. 1 2011 to Dec. 31, 2012, and 180 patients were randomized
      to the sEGDV group (n=90) or the non-sEGDV (n-sEGDV) group (n=90). Patients'
      demographics, preoperative lab test results and operative details were comparable
      between the two groups. Postoperative and short-term complications were analyzed
      in two groups. There was statistically significant difference (P<0.01) in the PVF
      reduction between the two groups. Post-operative complications showed no
      statistically significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of
      bleeding, ascites, acute portal vein thrombosis, fever and hepatic
      encephalopathy. Mortality between two groups was comparable. The incidence of
      splenic fossa effusion after the surgery was lower in sEGDV group than in n-sEGDV
      group. There were no significant differences in the short-term follow-up data
      such as esophageal varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy (P>0.05). It is
      suggested that sEGDV is a safe, simple and effective surgical procedure. It has
      both the advantages of the shunt and devascularization because it preserves
      body's voluntary diversion. With the advantage of low incidence of postoperative
      complications, it is an ideal surgical approach for the treatment of portal
      hypertension. 

PMID- 25135729
TI  - Effect of electro-acupuncture stimulation of Ximen (PC4) and Neiguan (PC6) on
      remifentanil-induced breakthrough pain following thoracal esophagectomy.
AB  - The clinical analgesic effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) stimulation (EAS) on
      breakthrough pain induced by remifentanil in patients undergoing radical thoracic
      esophagectomy, and the mechanisms were assessed. Sixty patients (ASAIII)
      scheduled for elective radical esophagectomy were randomized into three groups:
      group A (control) receiving a general anesthesia only; group B (sham) given EA
      needles at PC4 (Ximen) and PC6 (Neiguan) but no stimulation; and group C (EAS)
      electrically given EAS of the ipsilateral PC4 and PC6 throughout the surgery. The
      EAS consisting of a disperse-dense wave with a low frequency of 2 Hz and a high
      frequency of 20 Hz, was performed 30 min prior to induction of general anesthesia
      and continued through the surgery. At the emergence, sufentanil infusion was
      given for postoperative analgesia with loading dose of 7.5 MUg, followed by a
      continuous infusion of 2.25 MUg/h. The patient self-administration of sufentanil
      was 0.75 MUg with a lockout of 15 min as needed. Additional breakthrough pain was
      treated with dezocine (5 mg) intravenously at the patient's request. Blood
      samples were collected before (T1), 2 h (T2), 24 h (T3), and 48 h (T4) after
      operation to measure the plasma beta-EP, PGE2, and 5-HT. The operative time, the
      total dose of sufentanil and the dose of self-administration, and the rescue
      doses of dezocine were recorded. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores at 2, 12, 24
      and 48 h postoperatively and the incidence of apnea and severe hypotension were
      recorded. The results showed that the gender, age, weight, operative time and
      remifentanil consumption were comparable among 3 groups. Patients in EAS group
      had the lowest VAS scores postoperatively among the three groups (P<0.05). The
      total dose of sufentanil was 115+/-6.0 MUg in EAS group, significantly lower than
      that in control (134.3+/-5.9 MUg) and sham (133.5+/-7.0 MUg) groups. Similarly,
      the rescue dose of dezocine was the least in EAS group (P<0.05) among the three
      groups. Plasma beta-EP levels in EAS group at T3 (176.90+/-45.73) and T4
      (162.96+/-35.00 pg/mL) were significantly higher than those in control (132.33+/
      36.75 and 128.79+/-41.24 pg/mL) and sham (136.56+/-45.80 and 129.85+/-36.14
      pg/mL) groups, P<0.05 for all. EAS could decrease the release of PGE2. Plasma
      PGE2 levels in EAS group at T2 and T3 (41+/-5 and 40+/-5 pg/mL respectively) were
      significantly lower than those in control (64+/-5 and 62+/-7 pg/mL) and sham
      (66+/-6 and 62+/-6 pg/mL) groups. Plasma 5-HT levels in EAS group at T2 (133.66+/
      40.85) and T3 (154.66+/-52.49 ng/mL) were significantly lower than those in
      control (168.33+/-56.94 and 225.28+/-82.03) and sham (164.54+/-47.53 and 217.74+/
      76.45 ng/mL) groups. For intra-group comparison, plasma 5-HT and PGE2 levels in
      control and sham groups at T2 and T3, and beta-EP in EAS group at T3 and T4 were
      significantly higher than those at T1 (P<0.05); PGE2 and 5-HT levels in EAS group
      showed no significant difference among the different time points (P>0.05). No
      apnea or severe hypotension was observed in any group. It was concluded that
      intraoperative ipsilateral EAS at PC4 and PC6 provides effective postoperative
      analgesia for patients undergoing radical esophagectomy with remifentanil
      anesthesia and significantly decrease requirement for parental narcotics. The
      underlying mechanism may be related to stimulation of the release of endogenous
      beta-EP and inhibition of inflammatory mediators (5-HT and PGE2). 

PMID- 25135731
TI  - Analysis of clinical features of painless aortic dissection.
AB  - The clinical characteristics of painless aortic dissection were investigated in
      order to improve the awareness of diagnosis and treatment of atypical aortic
      dissection. The 482 cases of aortic dissection were divided into painless group
      and pain group, and the data of the two groups were retrospectively analyzed. The
      major clinical symptom was pain in 447 cases (92.74%), while 35 patients (7.26%)
      had no typical pain. The gender, age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes,
      smoking and drinking history had no statistically significant differences between
      the two groups (P>0.05). The proportion of Stanford type A in painless group was
      significantly higher than that in pain group (48.57% vs. 21.03%, P=0.006). The
      incidence of unconsciousness in the painless group was significantly higher than
      that in the pain group (14.29% vs. 3.58%, P=0.011). The incidence of hypotension
      in painless group was significantly higher than that in pain group for 4.26 folds
      (P=0.01). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination revealed that the
      incidence of aortic arch involved in the painless group was significantly higher
      than that in the pain group (19.23% vs. 5.52%, P=0.019). It was concluded that
      the incidence of painless aortic dissection was higher in Stanford A type
      patients, commonly seen in the patients complicated with hypotension and
      unconsciousness. CTA examination revealed higher incidence of aortic arch
      involvement. 

PMID- 25135730
TI  - Renovascular morphological changes in a rabbit model of hydronephrosis.
AB  - Obstructive nephropathy ultimately leads to end-stage renal failure. Renovascular
      lesions are involved in various nephropathies, and most renal diseases have an
      ischemic component that underlies the resulting renal fibrosis. The aim of this
      study was to investigate whether morphological changes occur in the renal
      vasculature in hydronephrosis and the possible mechanisms involved. A model of
      complete unilateral ureteral obstruction (CUUO) was used. Experimental animals
      were divided into five groups: a normal control group (N) and groups of animals
      at 1st week (O1), 2nd week (O2), 4th week (O4) and 8th week (O8) after CUUO.
      Blood pressure was measured, renal arterial trees and glomeruli were assessed
      quantitatively, and renovascular three-dimensional reconstruction was performed
      on all groups. Glomerular ultrastructural changes were examined by transmission
      electron microscopy. The results showed that the systolic blood pressure was
      significantly increased in the obstructed groups (O1, O2, O4 and O8). Three
      dimensional reconstruction showed sparse arterial trees in the O8 group, and a
      tortuous and sometimes ruptured glomerular basement membrane was found in the O4
      and O8 groups. Furthermore, epithelial media thickness and media/lumen ratio were
      increased, lumen diameters were decreased, and the cross-sectional area of the
      media was unaltered in the segmental renal artery, interlobar artery and afferent
      arterioles, respectively. In conclusion, renal arterial trees and glomeruli were
      dramatically altered following CUUO and the changes may be partially ascribed to
      vascular remodeling. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of renovascular
      morphological alterations will enable the development of potential therapeutic
      approaches for hydronephrosis. 

PMID- 25135732
TI  - Up-regulated expression of Tim-3/Gal-9 at maternal-fetal interface in pregnant
      woman with recurrent spontaneous abortion.
AB  - The relationship between T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain protein 3
      (Tim-3)/Galectin (Gal)-9 pathway and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) was
      studied. Thirty-one pregnant women with RSA and 27 normal early gravidas were
      investigated to detect the levels of Tim-3 and Gal-9 in villi and deciduas by
      Western blotting. Meanwhile, the concentration of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-12 in
      peripheral blood plasma was determined by ELISA in 25 healthy fertile non
      pregnant controls, the normal early gravidas and pregnant women with RSA
      mentioned above, respectively. It was found that the relative expression levels
      of Tim-3 and Gal-9 in villi and deciduas were significantly increased in pregnant
      women with RSA as compared with those in the normal early gravidas. The
      concentration of IL-4 in peripheral blood plasma of pregnant women with RSA was
      lower than that of the normal early gravidas (P<0.05) and healthy fertile non
      pregnant controls (P<0.05), but that of IL-2 in pregnant women with RSA was
      significantly higher than that of the normal early gravidas (P<0.05) and healthy
      fertile non-pregnant controls (P<0.05). It was suggested that the overexpression
      of Tim-3/Gal-9 pathway may be related to the pathogenesis of RSA. 

PMID- 25135733
TI  - Effects of IL-17 on expression of GRO-alpha and IL-8 in fibroblasts from nasal
      polyps.
AB  - Recent studies indicated that interleukin (IL)-17, growth-related oncogene (GRO)
      alpha and IL-8 play an important role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.
      However, the effects of the increased amount of IL-17 and the production of GRO
      alpha and IL-8 in human nasal polyp fibroblasts are not completely understood.
      This study aimed to determine the effects of the increased IL-17 on the changes
      of GRO-alpha and IL-8 expression in human nasal polyp fibroblasts and further
      investigate the mechanism of neutrophil infiltration in nasal polyps. Nasal polyp
      fibroblasts were isolated from six cases of human nasal polyps, and the cells
      were stimulated with five different concentrations of IL-17. Real-time
      fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect
      the mRNA expression of GRO-alpha and IL-8. The mRNA of GRO-alpha and IL-8 was
      expressed in unstimulated controls and remarkably increased by stimulation with
      IL-17. Moreover, the levels of GRO-alpha and IL-8 produced by fibroblasts were
      increased gradually with the increases in IL-17 concentrations. The present study
      showed that nasal fibroblasts can produce GRO-alpha and IL-8, and their
      production is remarkably enhanced by IL-17 stimulation, thereby clarifying the
      mechanism of the IL-17 mediated neutrophil infiltration in nasal polyps. These
      findings might provide a rationale for using IL-17 inhibitors as a treatment for
      nasal inflammatory diseases such as nasal polyps. 

PMID- 25135734
TI  - Analysis of Th1/Th2 response pattern for erythrodermic psoriasis.
AB  - As one of the most serious types of psoriasis, pathogenesis of erythrodermic
      psoriasis (EP) is unclear so far. In this study, we aimed to detect the levels of
      Th1/Th2 cytokine-associated transcription factors and T-lymphocyte clone in
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from EP patients, and gene
      expression level of T-bet/GATA-3 in skin lesion. The potential role of Th1/Th2
      reaction pattern played in the pathogenesis of EP was also discussed. Serum
      levels of IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were quantified by ELISA among 16 EP
      patients, 20 psoriasis vulgaris (PV) patients and 15 healthy controls. The
      expression levels of T-bet/GATA-3 in the skin lesion and PBMCs were examined by
      real-time qPCR. The ratio of Th1/Th2 was measured by flow cytometry. The levels
      of IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were higher in EP patients than in the healthy
      controls. The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were 69.44+/-11.45 and 12.62+/-4.57 pg/mL,
      respectively, in EP patients, significantly higher than those in PV patients and
      healthy controls (P<0.05). Flow cytometry revealed the levels of both Th1 and Th2
      in PBMCs from EP patients were higher than those in healthy controls, and the
      Th1/Th2 ratio was dramatically lower than in PV patients (P<0.01). The ratios of
      IFN-gamma/IL-4 and T-bet/GATA-3 in EP patients were both less than 1.0,
      suggesting a reversal when compared with the other two groups. Our study
      indicated that the EP patients exerted a Th1/Th2 bidirectional response pattern,
      and the balance of Th cell subsets inclines to Th2, which might be one of the
      important mechanisms of EP pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25135735
TI  - Mutual effect between neuropeptides and inflammatory cytokines in neurogenic
      SMSCs of human temporomandibular joint.
AB  - In temporomandibular disorders (TMD), pain takes place when neuropeptides
      stimulate synovial tissue to produce several cytokines such as interleukin (IL)
      1beta, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, which activate neurons and
      glia of synovial membrane at the bilaminar regions of temporomandibular joint
      (TMJ). It has been reported that, after neurogenic differentiation, the synovial
      mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs), deriving from TMJ, possess the same cytological
      features as the neuronal cells. This study examined the ability of substance P
      (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) to stimulate SMSCs and neurogenic
      SMSCs secreting inflammatory cytokines during TMD, evaluated the mutual effects
      of inflammatory cytokines and neuropeptides and tested the analgesic effect of
      hyaluronic acid (HA). The levels of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha in SMSCs and
      neurogenic SMSCs in the presence of neuropeptides were measured by ELISA. SP and
      CGRP produced by SMSCs and neurogenic SMSCs were determined by RT-PCR and Western
      blotting. The results showed that the expression of SP and CGRP was significantly
      enhanced in the neurogenic SMSCs in response to IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, and
      the effect was remarkably inhibited by HA. IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, in
      return, could be enhanced in the neurogenic SMSCs upon stimulation by SP and
      CGRP. Neuropeptides and inflammatory cytokines might work mutually on the TMD
      pain. The HA-mediated analgesic effect may be implicated in the inhibition of SP
      and CGRP expression in neurogenic SMSCs. 

PMID- 25135736
TI  - Calcium hydroxide removal in curved root canals with apical transportation In
      Vitro.
AB  - Calcium hydroxide (CH) is applied to improve disinfection of root canals in most
      root canal retreatment. This study aimed to analyze the CH removal efficacy using
      7 different root preparing files (K file, pre-curved K file, EndoActivator,
      Ultrasonic file, pre-curved ultrasonic file, F file and needle irrigation alone)
      with apical transportation. Standardized models of curved canal with such apical
      transportation or not were set up before applying CH to root canal for 7 days.
      Seven techniques described above were used for its removal. Then the roots were
      disassembled and digital photos were taken. The ratio of residual CH in the
      overall canal surface was calculated using the image analyzer image pro plus 6.0.
      The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test. Results
      revealed that CH was effectively removed (P<0.05) by using all 6 mechanical
      methods except irrigation alone. In curved root canals with apical
      transportation, EndoActivator, pre-curved ultrasonic file and F file were found
      to be more effective in removing CH than the other four file (P<0.001), while
      there was no significant difference among EndoActivator, pre-curved ultrasonic
      file and F file groups (P>0.05). The percentage of residual CH in the canal with
      apical transportation was higher than that in the canal without apical
      transportation (P<0.05). In conclusion, CH can be hardly removed completely.
      Canal with apical transportation will result in insufficient CH removal.
      EndoActivator, pre-curved ultrasonic file and F file are more effective in the
      curved root canal with apical transportation. 

PMID- 25135737
TI  - Safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for common
      bile duct stones in liver cirrhotic patients.
AB  - In order to investigate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatograpy (ERCP) in liver cirrhosis patients with common bile duct
      stones, we retrospectively analyzed data of 46 common bile duct stones patients
      with liver cirrhosis who underwent ERCP between 2000 and 2008. There were 12
      cases of Child-Pugh A, 26 cases of Child-Pugh B, and 8 cases of Child-Pugh C. 100
      common bile duct stones patients without liver cirrhosis were randomly selected.
      All the patients were subjected to ERCP for biliary stones extraction. The rates
      of bile duct clearance and complications were compared between cirrhotic and non
      cirrhotic patients. The success rate of selective biliary cannulation was 95.6%
      in liver cirrhotic patients versus 97% in non-cirrhotic patients (P>0.05). The
      bile duct clearance rate was 87% in cirrhotic patients versus 96% in non
      cirrhotic patients, but the difference was not statistically significant. Two
      liver cirrhotic patients (4.35%, 2/46) who were scored Child-Pugh C had
      hematemesis and melena 24 h after ERCP. The hemorrhage rate after ERCP in non
      cirrhotic patients was 3%. The hemorrhage rate associated with ERCP in Child-Pugh
      C patients was significantly higher (25%, 2/8) than that (3%, 3/100) in non
      cirrhotic patients (P<0.01%). There was no significant difference between these
      two groups in the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and cholangitis. ERCP is
      safe and effective for Child-Pugh A and B cirrhotic patients with common bile
      duct stones. Hemorrhage risk in ERCP is higher in Child-Pugh C patients. 

PMID- 25135738
TI  - Correlation between low tube voltage in dual source CT coronary artery imaging
      with image quality and radiation dose.
AB  - The influence of low tube voltage in dual source CT (DSCT) coronary artery
      imaging on image quality and radiation dose and its application value in clinical
      practice were investigated. Totally, 300 cases of chest pain with low body mass
      index (BMI <18.5 kg/m(2)) subjected to DSCT coronary artery imaging were
      prospectively enrolled. The heart rate in all patients were greater than 65/min.
      The retrospective ECG gated scanning mode and simple random sampling method were
      used to assign the patients into groups A, B and C (n=100 each). The patients in
      groups A, B and C experienced 120-, 100-, and 80-kV tube voltage imaging
      respectively, and the image quality was evaluated. The CT volume dose index
      (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) were recorded, and the effective dose
      (ED) was calculated in each group. The image quality scores and radiation doses
      in groups were compared, and the influence of tube voltage on image quality and
      radiation dose was analyzed. The results showed that the excellent rate of image
      quality in groups A, B and C was 95.69%, 94.72% and 96.33% respectively with the
      difference being not statistically significant among the three groups (P>0.05).
      The CTDIvol values in groups A, B and C were 51.35+/-12.21, 21.28+/-7.13 and
      6.34+/-3.34 mGy, respectively, with the difference being statistically
      significant (P<0.05). The ED values in groups A, B and C were 9.27+/-1.63, 4.56+/
      2.29 and 2.29+/-1.69 mSv, respectively, with the difference being statistically
      significant (P<0.05). It was suggested that for the patients with low BMI, the
      application of DSCT coronary artery imaging with low tube voltage can obtain
      satisfactory image quality, and simultaneously, significantly reduce the
      radiation dose. 

PMID- 25135739
TI  - Electronically transparent graphene replicas of diatoms: a new technique for the
      investigation of frustule morphology.
AB  - The morphogenesis of the silica cell walls (called frustules) of unicellular
      algae known as diatoms is one of the most intriguing mysteries of the diatoms. To
      study frustule morphogenesis, optical, electron and atomic force microscopy has
      been extensively used to reveal the frustule morphology. However, since silica
      frustules are opaque, past observations were limited to outer and fracture
      surfaces, restricting observations of interior structures. Here we show that
      opaque silica frustules can be converted into electronically transparent graphene
      replicas, fabricated using chemical vapor deposition of methane. Chemical vapor
      deposition creates a continuous graphene coating preserving the frustule's shape
      and fine, complicated internal features. Subsequent dissolution of the silica
      with hydrofluoric acid yields a free-standing replica of the internal and
      external native frustule morphologies. Electron microscopy renders these graphene
      replicas highly transparent, revealing previously unobserved, complex, three
      dimensional, interior frustule structures, which lend new insights into the
      investigation of frustule morphogenesis. 

PMID- 25135740
TI  - LDH is an adverse prognostic factor independent of ISS in transplant-eligible
      myeloma patients receiving bortezomib-based induction regimens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has been an adverse prognostic
      factor for myeloma but does not feature in the International Staging System
      (ISS). We examined whether elevated serum LDH at diagnosis remains an adverse
      risk factor independent of ISS for survivals transplant-eligible myeloma patients
      receiving early/frontline bortezomib-based induction, followed by autologous stem
      cell transplantation (ASCT). PATIENTS: Seventy-seven transplant-eligible Chinese
      patients received three induction regimens [staged approach (N = 25), PAD (N =
      19), VTD (N = 33)], followed by ASCT and thalidomide maintenance. RESULTS: Five
      year overall (OS) and event-free (EFS) survivals were 66.4% and 36.2%. There was
      no difference in demographics, complete remission/near complete remission (CR/nCR
      rates postinduction or ASCT, and survivals among patients induced by the three
      induction regimens. Elevated LDH was associated with male gender (P = 0.006), ISS
      III (P = 0.042) and serum beta2-microglobulin (P = 0.040). Univariate analysis
      showed that elevated LDH, ISS III, high beta2-microglobulin, and failure to
      attain CR/nCR post-ACST were risk factors adversely impacting both OS and EFS.
      Multivariate analysis showed that elevated LDH was the only factor impacting both
      OS (P = 0.007) and EFS (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: In this uniformly treated cohort
      of transplant-eligible myeloma patients, elevated serum LDH is an adverse risk
      factor independent of ISS for both OS and EFS. Bortezomib-based induction/ASCT
      regimen had not abolished the adverse impact of elevated LDH.

PMID- 25135741
TI  - Silica exposure and altered regulation of autoimmunity.
AB  - Silica particles and asbestos fibers, which are known as typical causatives of
      pneumoconiosis, induce lung fibrosis. Moreover, silicosis patients often
      complicate with autoimmune diseases, and asbestos-exposed patients suffer from
      malignant diseases such as pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer. We have been
      conducting experimental studies to investigate altered regulation of self
      tolerance caused by silica exposure, including analyses using specimens such as
      plasma and immunocompetent cells obtained from silicosis patients, as a means of
      examining the supposition that silica exposure induces molecular and cellular
      biological alterations of immune cells. These approaches have resulted in the
      detection of several specific autoantibodies, alterations of CD95/Fas and its
      related molecules, and evidence of chronic activation of responder T cells and
      regulatory T cells following silica exposure. In this review, we present details
      of our investigations as an introduction to scientific approaches examining the
      immunological effects of environmental and occupational substances. 

PMID- 25135742
TI  - Reduced dynamic hyperinflation after LVRS is associated with improved exercise
      tolerance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dynamic hyperinflation (DH) after lung volume reduction surgery
      (LVRS) has not been well studied. It is not known if reductions in DH correlate
      with improvements in exercise performance post-LVRS. METHODS: Forty-two upper
      lobe predominant emphysema patients who underwent LVRS were analyzed. Inspiratory
      capacity was measured every 2 min during symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise
      test (CPET) and end-expiratory lung volumes (EELV) were calculated. The main
      measure of DH was EELV/TLC ratio matched at metabolic isotimes (based on the post
      rehabilitation VCO2max). RESULTS: Patients had very severe airflow obstruction
      (FEV1 28.3 +/- 7.0% predicted), were hyperinflated (TLC 125 +/- 17% predicted)
      and gas trapped (RV 198 +/- 39% predicted). Compared to the post-rehab baseline,
      dynamic hyperinflation (EELV/TLC) was significantly reduced after LVRS at 6, 12,
      24, and 36 months. There were also increases in inspiratory reserve volume at
      matched isotimes after surgery. Patients adopted a slower, deeper breathing
      pattern during exercise after LVRS, which strongly correlated to reductions in
      DH. There were significant correlations between reductions in DH (EELV/TLC @50%
      VCO2max) and improvements in 6 min walk distance (Pearson r = -0.411, p = 0.02, n
      = 33) and maximal watts on CPET (Spearman r = -0.536, p = 0.001, n = 33) when
      comparing post-rehabilitation and 6 month post-LVRS values. CONCLUSION: Dynamic
      hyperinflation during exercise was reduced after LVRS (up to 3 years) and there
      was a strong association between alterations in breathing pattern and reduced DH
      after LVRS. This is the first study to demonstrate that reductions in DH
      correlated with improved exercise performance following LVRS.

PMID- 25135743
TI  - Pooled safety analysis of the fixed-dose combination of indacaterol and
      glycopyrronium (QVA149), its monocomponents, and tiotropium versus placebo in
      COPD patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To further assess the safety profile of the fixed-dose combination of
      indacaterol and glycopyrronium (QVA149) and its monocomponents; we investigated
      the impact of individual patient-level factors and time by integrating the
      patient-level safety data from the QVA149 clinical programme with relevant
      information from the independent indacaterol and glycopyrronium safety databases.
      METHODS: Data from 11,404 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) were pooled from 14 clinical studies of QVA149, indacaterol and
      glycopyrronium of >=3 month's duration with at least two of the treatment groups:
      QVA149 110/50 MUg, glycopyrronium 50 MUg, indacaterol 150 MUg, placebo or
      tiotropium 18 MUg. Overall hazard ratio (HR) was assessed between the active
      treatments and placebo and in various subgroups related to severity of airways
      obstruction, inhaled corticosteroid use, cardiovascular risk factors, sex, age
      and body mass index for death, serious cases of cardio- and cerebrovascular (CCV)
      events, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), pneumonia, COPD
      exacerbations requiring hospitalisation or atrial flutter/fibrillation (AF/F).
      RESULTS: The HR for QVA149 versus placebo showed no significant increase in the
      overall risk for death (HR [95% confidence interval]: 0.93 [0.34-2.54]); CCV
      events (0.60 [0.29-1.24]); MACE (1.04 [0.45-2.42]); pneumonia (1.10 [0.54-2.25]);
      COPD exacerbations (0.60 [0.40-0.91]); and AF/F (1.03 [0.49-2.18]). Similar
      results were observed for indacaterol, glycopyrronium and tiotropium versus
      placebo for overall risk and in analysed subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no
      increase in the risk for the investigated safety endpoints for the fixed-dose
      combination QVA149, and it had a comparable safety profile as its monocomponents
      and tiotropium versus placebo.

PMID- 25135744
TI  - SQ HDM SLIT-tablet (ALK) in treatment of asthma--post hoc results from a
      randomised trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (EudraCT identifier:
      2006-001795-20), the standardised quality (SQ) house dust mite (HDM) sublingual
      immunotherapy (SLIT)-tablet (ALK, Denmark) was investigated. METHOD: The trial
      included 604 subjects, >=14 years, with mild-moderate HDM allergic asthma.
      Subjects were randomised 1:1:1:1 to 1, 3 or 6 SQ-HDM or placebo once daily. The
      primary endpoint was reduction in inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) after one year.
      ICS reduction, asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) and asthma control
      questionnaire (ACQ) score was analysed post hoc in a subgroup with daily ICS use
      of 400-800 MUg and ACQ score of 1-1.5, corresponding to partly controlled asthma
      (N = 108). RESULTS: The trial met its primary endpoint. In the subgroup, the
      difference between placebo and 6 SQ-HDM in change from baseline in daily ICS use
      was 327 MUg (p < 0.0001), while it was 0.52 (p = 0.010) for AQLQ. The treatment
      effect on ICS reduction and AQLQ was increased for the subgroup versus the
      residual population (ICS reduction: p < 0.001); AQLQ: p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: In
      this subgroup, including only patients with partly controlled asthma, the benefit
      of 1 year of treatment with SQ HDM SLIT-tablet was significantly higher than for
      the less severe full population, both in terms of increased asthma control and
      improved quality of life.

PMID- 25135745
TI  - Persistent systemic inflammation and symptoms of depression among patients with
      COPD in the ECLIPSE cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression is highly prevalent among patients with Chronic
      Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The relationship of depression with
      systemic inflammation in COPD remains unknown. The objective of this
      observational study was to compare depression scores at baseline and after 36
      months follow-up between COPD patients with persistent systemic inflammation
      (PSI) and never inflamed patients (NI) in the ECLIPSE cohort. METHODS: The
      ECLIPSE study included 2164 COPD patients. Parameters assessed at baseline and at
      36 months follow-up included: demographics, clinical characteristics and symptoms
      of depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression, CES-D). Patients
      classified as NI had zero and patients with PSI had >=2 inflammatory biomarkers
      (white blood cell count, hsCRP, IL-6, and fibrinogen) in the upper quartile, at
      baseline and 12 months later. FINDINGS: 350 patients (29.1%) were NI and 131
      patients (10.9%) had PSI. At baseline, mean CES-D score was higher in patients
      with PSI than in NI patients (11.7 (8.6) vs. 9.2 (8.9) points, p = 0.01).
      Differences were not confirmed after adjustment for possible confounders (beta
      (95% CI) = 0.02 (-3.87 to 15.29), adjusted p = 0.98). At 36 months follow-up, CES
      D scores were comparable in PSI and NI patients (12.2 (9.3) vs. 10.5 (9.0)
      points, p = 0.08) as were their temporal changes (0.5 (8.3) vs. 1.3 (7.9) points,
      p = 0.30). CONCLUSION: The ECLIPSE study does not support a strong relationship
      between PSI and symptoms of depression at baseline and after 36 months follow-up
      in COPD. FUNDING: The study was sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline.

PMID- 25135746
TI  - Evaluation of epicardial fat tissue thickness in patients with hyperthyroidism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormones have several effects on the cardiovascular system,
      and recent studies have found that thyroid disorders affect coronary intima-media
      thickness (CIMT) in particular. Despite increased CIMT in patients with
      hyperthyroidism, the extent of the relationship between CIMT and epicardial fat
      thickness (EFT) in those patients is unknown. Furthermore, there is no report
      evaluating the relationship between EFT and overt hyperthyroidism (OH) in the
      literature. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of EFT in
      predicting atherosclerosis as well as CIMT in patients with OH. METHODS: A total
      of 30 newly diagnosed, untreated overt hyperthyroid patients and 44 control
      subjects were included in the study. EFT was measured using a commercially
      available echocardiography machine (VIVID 7; General Electric Medical Systems,
      Norway) with a 2.5-MHz probe. The echo-free space between the visceral and
      parietal pericardium on the anterior wall of the right ventricle was diagnosed as
      EFT. A linear-array imaging probe of the same echocardiography probe was used to
      evaluate the CIMT of the right common carotid artery. RESULTS: The hyperthyroid
      patients had a significantly greater EFT (mean: 4.31 +/- 1.12 mm) than the
      healthy subjects (mean: 3.11 +/- 0.84 mm; p < 0.001). CIMT was also significantly
      greater in the hyperthyroid patients (mean: 0.62 +/- 0.17 mm) than in the healthy
      subjects (mean: 0.50 +/- 0.11 mm; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the
      present study shows that mean EFT and CIMT were significantly higher in OH
      patients, irrespective of confounding factors such as hypertension.

PMID- 25135747
TI  - Differentiation of DctA and DcuS function in the DctA/DcuS sensor complex of
      Escherichia coli: function of DctA as an activity switch and of DcuS as the C4
      dicarboxylate sensor.
AB  - The C4-dicarboxylate responsiveness of the sensor kinase DcuS is only provided in
      concert with C4-dicarboxylate transporters DctA or DcuB. The individual roles of
      DctA and DcuS for the function of the DctA/DcuS sensor complex were analysed. (i)
      Variant DctA(S380D) in the C4-dicarboxylate site of DctA conferred C4
      dicarboxylate sensitivity to DcuS in the DctA/DcuS complex, but was deficient for
      transport and for growth on C4-dicarboxylates. Consequently transport activity of
      DctA is not required for its function in the sensor complex. (ii) Effectors like
      fumarate induced expression of DctA/DcuS-dependent reporter genes (dcuB-lacZ) and
      served as substrates of DctA, whereas citrate served only as an inducer of dcuB
      lacZ without affecting DctA function. (iii) Induction of dcuB-lacZ by fumarate
      required 33-fold higher concentrations than for transport by DctA (Km  = 30 MUM),
      demonstrating the existence of different fumarate sites for both processes. (iv)
      In titration experiments with increasing dctA expression levels, the effect of
      DctA on the C4-dicarboxylate sensitivity of DcuS was concentration dependent. The
      data uniformly show that C4-dicarboxylate sensing by DctA/DcuS resides in DcuS,
      and that DctA serves as an activity switch. Shifting of DcuS from the
      constitutive ON to the C4-dicarboxylate responsive state, required presence of
      DctA but not transport by DctA.

PMID- 25135748
TI  - Synthesis of novel carbazole fused coumarin derivatives and DFT approach to study
      their photophysical properties.
AB  - Novel coumarin derivatives have been synthesized by the classical Knoevenagel
      condensation of 4-hydroxy-9-methyl-9H-carbazole-3-carbaldehyde with active
      methylene compounds and characterized. Effect of solvent polarity on the
      photophysical properties, absorption and emission has been studied. The
      photophysical properties of the synthesized coumarins have been compared with
      some of the established analogous coumarin derivatives. Investigation of the
      structural parameters and understanding photophysical properties of the
      synthesized coumarin derivatives were carried out using Density Functional Theory
      (DFT) and Time Dependant Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) computations. The
      experimental values were correlated with the theoretical derived results. The
      ratio of the excited state and the ground state dipole moments was calculated by
      using solvatochromic and solvatofluoric data and compared with the values
      obtained from DFT and TDDFT computations. 

PMID- 25135749
TI  - Regarding the tongue protrusion as an indicator of vital burning. Much ado about
      nothing.

PMID- 25135750
TI  - Molecular analysis of different classes of RNA molecules from formalin-fixed
      paraffin-embedded autoptic tissues: a pilot study.
AB  - For a long time, it has been thought that fresh and frozen tissues are the only
      possible source of biological material useful to extract nucleic acids suitable
      for downstream molecular analysis. Recently, for forensic purpose such as
      personal identification, also fixed tissues have been used to recover DNA
      molecules, whereas RNA extracted from such material is still considered too
      degraded for gene expression studies. In the present pilot study, we evaluated
      the possibility to use forensic formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples,
      collected at autopsy at different postmortem intervals (PMI) from four
      individuals, to perform advanced molecular analyses. In particular, we performed
      qualitative and quantitative analyses of total RNAs extracted from different FFPE
      tissues and put expression profiles in relation with the organ type and the
      duration of PMI. Different classes of RNA molecular targets were studied by real
      time quantitative RT-PCR. We report molecular evidence that small RNAs are the
      only RNA molecules still detectable in all the FFPE autoptic tissues. In
      particular, microRNAs (miRNAs) represent a consistent, stable, and well-preserved
      molecular target detectable even from tissue sources displaying signs of ongoing
      putrefaction at autopsy. In this pilot study, we show that miRNAs could represent
      a highly sensitive and potentially useful forensic marker. Amplification of
      specific miRNAs using paraffin-embedded blocks could facilitate retrospective
      molecular analysis using specific forensic-archived tissues chosen as most
      suitable according to PMI, and this approach would address molecular evidence in
      forensic cases in which fresh or frozen material is no longer available.

PMID- 25135751
TI  - Projection radiography of the clavicle: still recommendable for forensic age
      diagnostics in living individuals?
AB  - As superimposition effects often impede the evaluation of the ossification status
      of the medial clavicular epiphysis in standard posterior-anterior (PA)
      radiographs, additional oblique images (right anterior oblique, RAO, and left
      anterior oblique, LAO) are currently recommended to allow for reliable stage
      assessments. The present study examines the influence of the radiographic
      projection type on stage determination. To this end, 836 sternoclavicular joints
      were prospectively obtained during forensic autopsies of bodies aged between 15
      and 30 years. Subsequently, three different radiographs (PA, RAO, and LAO) were
      taken from each specimen and separately evaluated as to the developmental stage
      of the medial clavicular epiphysis. A forensically established five-stage
      classification system was used. In 25 % of the cases, the medial clavicular
      epiphysis depicted in an oblique projection showed a different ossification stage
      than in the PA projection. In at least 10 % of the cases, a higher ossification
      stage was observed which would have significant disadvantages in criminal
      proceedings (ethically unacceptable error). In conclusion, the usage of the
      current radiographic reference data, which rely upon chest radiographs taken as
      PA projections, appears to be inadmissible for oblique projections. Projection
      radiography of the clavicle can therefore no longer be recommended for forensic
      age estimation practice. As to the question of whether an individual has achieved
      the age of 18 or 21, computed tomography of the clavicle must be regarded as the
      exclusive method of choice.

PMID- 25135752
TI  - CD30 expression in de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a population-based
      study from British Columbia.
AB  - Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease with variable
      therapeutic responses and alternative therapies are needed for patients with
      unfavourable treatment outcomes after standard treatment with R-CHOP (rituximab,
      cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone). One promising candidate
      is brentuximab vedotin, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD30-expressing
      cells. However, CD30 (TNFRSF8) expression patterns in DLBCL are not well
      described thus far. Here, we examined CD30 expression in a population-based
      cohort of immunocompetent patients from British Columbia with de novo DLBCL using
      immunohistochemistry. 385 cases of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded DLBCL in
      tissue microarrays were evaluated. 95 cases (25%) harboured CD30+ tumour cells.
      Using a > 0% cut-off, CD30 expression was predictive of superior 5-year
      progression-free survival within R-CHOP treated germinal centre B-cell-like (GCB)
      DLBCL (86% vs. 64%, P = 0.020), which was independent of the International
      Prognostic Index. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was identified in 11 (3%) cases, all
      of which were non-GCB (P = 0.001) and almost exclusively positive for CD30
      expression (10/11) (P < 0.001). We conclude CD30 is expressed in a substantial
      proportion of DLBCL and CD30 immunohistochemistry may be a useful prognostic
      marker in R-CHOP treated GCB-DLBCL. The significant association of CD30 with EBV
      positive non-GCB DLBCL suggests a distinct pathobiology for these cases. 

PMID- 25135753
TI  - Purifying selection against gene conversions between the polyamine transport
      (TPO) genes of Saccharomyces species.
AB  - Saccharomyces species have five TPO genes, TPO1 through TPO5, coding for proteins
      that are involved in up taking or excreting intracellular spermine, putrescine or
      spermidine. Here, we investigate the evolutionary fate and functional impacts of
      gene conversions between these genes. Our results show that gene conversions
      occurred only between the TPO2 and TPO3 genes of the six Saccharomyces species we
      studied. They also show that these gene conversions occurred independently in all
      six species. The facts that they only occur between closely related genes having
      similar function, and that they are limited to the transmembrane domain of these
      proteins, suggest that they have little functional impact. These gene conversions
      therefore likely represent neutral mutations which are not subject to purifying
      selection. 

PMID- 25135755
TI  - Spin-orbit effects in square-planar Pt(II) complexes with bidentate and
      terdentate ligands: theoretical absorption/emission spectroscopy.
AB  - The absorption and emission properties of five Pt(ii) planar complexes with
      bidentate ligands, namely [Pt(bpy)Cl2] (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) and [Pt(ppy)Cl2](
      ) (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine) , and terdentate ligands, namely [Pt(tpy)Cl](+) (tpy =
      2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) , [Pt(phbpyR)Cl] (phbpy = 6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine; R =
      H) and [Pt(dpybR)Cl] (dpyb = 2,6-di(2-pyridyl)benzene; R = CH3) were investigated
      by means of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT)
      methods including solvent correction and spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The DFT
      optimized structures of the five complexes in the electronic ground state are in
      agreement with the experimental X-ray data and the theoretical absorption spectra
      reproduce quantitatively the main features of the experimental spectra. It is
      shown that the structures remain nearly planar in the low-lying singlet and
      triplet excited states of charge transfer character, metal-to-ligand (MLCT) or
      halide (Cl) to ligand (XLCT) whereas a significant distortion corresponding to
      the out-of-plane-bending of the Pt-Cl bond characterizes the geometry of the
      metal-centered (MC) states. In cyclometalated complexes , and this distortion is
      energetically unfavorable and not competitive with radiative decay via the low
      lying MLCT and XLCT excited states. The absorption spectra of all complexes are
      significantly affected by spin-orbit coupling (red-shift and broadening),
      especially in the non-cyclometalated complexes and characterized by the presence
      of pure low-lying (3)MC states. The SOC effects are less important in the
      terpyridine complex the lowest part of its spectrum being contaminated by mixed
      (3)MLCT/(3)XLCT states. In the cyclometalated complexes and the presence of
      several LC states in the lowest part of the spectra is responsible for a small
      shift to the red as compared to the other complexes. The solvatochromism that
      characterizes the absorption of this class of molecules in the visible region is
      interpreted by the MLCT/XLCT mixed character of the excited states in this energy
      domain (400-450 nm). Indeed the solvent dependent XLCT contribution will control
      the magnitude of SOC in these excited states and will move the band to the red
      region when diminishing and to the blue region when increasing. As far as
      emission is concerned it is shown that strongly distorted non-radiative MC
      state's minima, situated below the charge transfer state's minima (DeltaE = -0.3
      eV to -0.8 eV) are easily accessible upon irradiation in the visible region in
      complexes and , and in to a lesser extent, leading to no or low luminescence at
      room temperature. In contrast, the minima of the emissive states of mixed
      MLCT/XLCT/LC character are efficiently populated in and . The luminescence of
      complex , cyclometalated in the axial position, is particularly efficient because
      the minimum of the lowest emissive state is well separated from those of the MC
      states (DeltaE = +0.23 eV) in contrast to its analog, complex , cyclometalated in
      the lateral position where the emissive MLCT/LC state minimum is nearly
      degenerate with the lowest MC state minimum (DeltaE = +0.01 eV). 

PMID- 25135754
TI  - Clinical utility and diagnostic accuracy of faecal calprotectin for IBD at first
      presentation to gastroenterology services in adults aged 16-50 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from functional
      gastrointestinal (GI) disease remains an important issue for gastroenterologists
      and primary care physicians, and may be difficult on the basis of symptoms alone.
      Faecal calprotectin (FC) is a surrogate marker for intestinal inflammation but
      not cancer. AIM: This large retrospective study aimed to determine the most
      effective use of FC in patients aged 16-50 presenting with GI symptoms. METHODS:
      FC results were obtained for patients presenting to the GI clinics in Edinburgh
      between 2005 and 2009 from the Edinburgh Faecal Calprotectin Registry containing
      FCs from >16,000 patients. Case notes were interrogated to identify demographics,
      subsequent investigations and diagnoses. RESULTS: 895 patients were included in
      the main analysis, 65% female and with a median age of 33 years. 10.2% were
      diagnosed with IBD, 7.3% with another GI condition associated with an abnormal GI
      tract and 63.2% had functional GI disease. Median FC in these three groups were
      1251, 50 and 20 MUg/g (p < 0.0001). On ROC analysis, the AUC for FC as a
      predictor of IBD vs. functional disease was 0.97. Using a threshold of >= 50
      MUg/g for IBD vs. functional disease yielded a sensitivity of 0.97, specificity
      of 0.74, positive predictive value of 0.37 and negative predictive value of 0.99.
      Combined with alarm symptoms, the sensitivity was 1.00. CONCLUSIONS:
      Implementation of FC in the initial diagnostic workup of young patients with GI
      symptoms, particularly those without alarm symptoms, is highly accurate in the
      exclusion of IBD, and can provide reassurance to patients and physicians.

PMID- 25135756
TI  - Late pulmonary complications of treating Hodgkin lymphoma: bleomycin-induced
      toxicity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Survival of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients has significantly
      improved in recent decades. The current first-line therapy is doxorubicin,
      bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) +/- irradiation and may cause
      pulmonary toxicity. Strategies to reduce late toxicity as well as increase
      survival rate are of interest. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pulmonary function of
      previously treated HL patients was collected over a 12-month period using St.
      George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), chest X-ray, dynamic inhalation lung
      scintigraphy and spirometry. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients' data were
      reviewed. Median time elapsed since diagnosis was 11 years (range was 2 - 30
      years). Chest irradiation did not significantly worsen pulmonary function. Number
      of ABVD cycles with consequential bleomycin dose showed significant correlation
      with SGRQ total score in patients receiving ABVD plus chest irradiation (p =
      0.01). Scintigraphy results correlated with bleomycin dose in patients receiving
      ABVD without chest irradiation (right side: p = 0.099, left side: p = 0.051).
      DISCUSSION: An additive negative effect of chest irradiation was not confirmed as
      reflected in the literature; however, increasing cumulative bleomycin dose
      worsened pulmonary function.

PMID- 25135757
TI  - A neighboring group participation strategy: direct and highly diastereoselective
      synthesis of 2-substituted and 2,2-bisubstituted perhydrofuro[2,3-b]pyran
      derivatives.
AB  - Treatment of methyl 2-C-formylmethyl-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5) or methyl
      2-C-acetylmethyl-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) with H2SO4-HOAc-Ac2O gave 2
      acetoxyl-4,5-bis(benzyloxy)-6-[(benzyloxy)methyl]hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]pyran (6)
      and acetyl 2-C-acetylmethyl-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (7) respectively,
      which were further reacted with nucleophiles in the presence of TMSOTf and
      offered a series of 2-substituted and 2,2-disubstituted perhydrofuro[2,3-b]pyran
      derivatives in high yield with excellent diastereoselectivity.

PMID- 25135758
TI  - Automated hematologic analysis of bone marrow aspirate samples from healthy
      Beagle dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interpretation of bone marrow (BM) smears typically is comprised of
      qualitative assessment and differential counting of cells. Analysis of BM fluid
      with automated hematology analyzers may provide rapid characterization of cells
      to supplement microscopic interpretation. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study
      was to examine the practicality and utility of analyzing BM samples in the Advia
      2120 hematology analyzer; to determine if results correlate with smear
      assessment; and to establish descriptive statistics from hematologically normal
      and clinically healthy Beagle dogs. METHODS: Anticoagulated BM aspirates from 3
      different sites of 26 adult Beagle dogs were collected. BM samples were analyzed
      in the Advia 2120, and numerical results were correlated with microscopic
      assessment of corresponding BM smears. Results from automated analyses and manual
      500-cell differential counts were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-six
      samples were suitable for complete analysis. Results were available in
      approximately 2 (Advia) and 30 (stained and cover-slipped smear) minutes. Advia
      nucleated cell concentration was significantly correlated with microscopic
      assessment of smear particle number and smear cellularity. Significant
      correlations were also identified for Advia percent neutrophils with segmented,
      band and metamylocyte neutrophils, Advia percent lymphocytes with rubricytes, and
      Advia percent large unstained cells (LUC) with myeloblasts and promyelocytes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Automated analysis of BM aspirates was practicable, although
      techniques to obtain cellular samples and avoid clot formation could be improved.
      Automated analysis may provide rapid and useful preliminary information regarding
      sample cellularity, and granulocytic and erythrocytic components. Automated
      analysis should not supplant microscopic assessment, but may be a useful adjunct.

PMID- 25135761
TI  - Nonlinear emission of quinolizinium-based dyes with application in fluorescence
      lifetime imaging.
AB  - Charged molecules based on the quinolizinum cation have potential applications as
      labels in fluorescence imaging in biological media under nonlinear excitation. A
      systematic study of the linear and nonlinear photophysics of derivatives of the
      quinolizinum cation substituted by either dimethylaniline or methoxyphenyl
      electron donors is performed. The effects of donor strength, conjugation length,
      and symmetry in the two-photon emission efficiency are analyzed in detail. The
      best performing nonlinear fluorophore, with two-photon absorption cross sections
      of 1140 GM and an emission quantum yield of 0.22, is characterized by a symmetric
      D-pi-A(+)-pi-D architecture based on the methoxyphenyl substituent. Application
      of this molecule as a fluorescent marker in optical microscopy of living cells
      revealed that, under favorable conditions, the fluorophore can be localized in
      the cytoplasmatic compartment of the cell, staining vesicular shape organelles.
      At higher dye concentrations and longer staining times, the fluorophore can also
      penetrate into the nucleus. The nonlinearly excited fluorescence lifetime imaging
      shows that the fluorophore lifetime is sensitive to its location in the different
      cell compartments. Using fluorescence lifetime microscopy, a multicolor map of
      the cell is drafted with a single dye. 

PMID- 25135759
TI  - Temporal spying and concealing process in fibre-optic data transmission systems
      through polarization bypass.
AB  - Recent research has been focused on the ability to manipulate a light beam in
      such a way to hide, namely to cloak, an event over a finite time or localization
      in space. The main idea is to create a hole or a gap in the spatial or time
      domain so as to allow for an object or data to be kept hidden for a while and
      then to be restored. By enlarging the field of applications of this concept to
      telecommunications, researchers have recently reported the possibility to hide
      transmitted data in an optical fibre. Here we report the first experimental
      demonstration of perpetual temporal spying and blinding process of optical data
      in fibre-optic transmission line based on polarization bypass. We successfully
      characterize the performance of our system by alternatively copying and then
      concealing 100% of a 10-Gb s(-1) transmitted signal.

PMID- 25135760
TI  - Smoking induces overexpression of immediate early genes in active Graves'
      ophthalmopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for the development of Graves'
      ophthalmopathy (GO). In a previous study of gene expression in intraorbital fat,
      adipocyte-related immediate early genes (IEGs) were overexpressed in patients
      with GO compared to controls. We investigated whether IEGs are upregulated by
      smoking, and examined other pathways that may be affected by smoking. METHODS:
      Gene expression in intraorbital fat was studied in smokers (n=8) and nonsmokers
      (n=8) with severe active GO, as well as in subcutaneous fat in thyroid-healthy
      smokers (n=5) and nonsmokers (n=5) using microarray and real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: With microarray, eight IEGs were upregulated more
      than 1.5-fold in smokers compared to nonsmokers with GO. Five were chosen for
      confirmation and were also overexpressed with real-time PCR. Interleukin-1
      beta/IL-1B/(2.3-fold) and interleukin-6/IL-6/(2.4-fold) were upregulated both
      with microarray and with real-time PCR in smokers with GO compared to nonsmokers.
      Major histocompatibility complex, class II, DR beta 1/HLA-DRB1/was upregulated
      with microarray (2.1-fold) and with borderline significance with real-time PCR.
      None of these genes were upregulated in smokers compared to nonsmokers in
      subcutaneous fat. CONCLUSIONS: IEGs, IL-1B, and IL-6 were overexpressed in
      smokers with severe active GO compared to nonsmokers, suggesting that smoking
      activates pathways associated with adipogenesis and inflammation. This study
      underlines the importance of IEGs in the pathogenesis of GO, and provides
      evidence for possible novel therapeutic interventions in GO. The mechanisms
      activated by smoking may be shared with other conditions such as rheumatoid
      arthritis.

PMID- 25135762
TI  - Complement mutations in diacylglycerol kinase-epsilon-associated atypical
      hemolytic uremic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is characterized by
      vascular endothelial damage caused by complement dysregulation. Consistently,
      complement inhibition therapies are highly effective in most patients with
      atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Recently, it was shown that a significant
      percentage of patients with early-onset atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome carry
      mutations in diacylglycerol kinase-epsilon, an intracellular protein with no
      obvious role in complement. These data support an alternative, complement
      independent mechanism leading to thrombotic microangiopathy that has implications
      for treatment of early-onset atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. To get
      additional insights into this new form of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, the
      diacylglycerol kinase-epsilon gene in a cohort with atypical hemolytic uremic
      syndrome was analyzed. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Eighty
      three patients with early-onset atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (<2 years)
      enrolled in the Spanish atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome registry between 1999
      and 2013 were screened for mutations in diacylglycerol kinase-epsilon. These
      patients were also fully characterized for mutations in the genes encoding factor
      H, membrane cofactor protein, factor I, C3, factor B, and thrombomodulin CFHRs
      copy number variations and rearrangements, and antifactor H antibodies. RESULTS:
      Four patients carried mutations in diacylglycerol kinase-epsilon, one
      p.H536Qfs*16 homozygote and three compound heterozygotes (p.W322*/p.P498R, two
      patients; p.Q248H/p.G484Gfs*10, one patient). Three patients also carried
      heterozygous mutations in thrombomodulin or C3. Extensive plasma infusions
      controlled atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome recurrences and prevented renal
      failure in the two patients with diacylglycerol kinase-epsilon and thrombomodulin
      mutations. A positive response to plasma infusions and complement inhibition
      treatment was also observed in the patient with concurrent diacylglycerol kinase
      epsilon and C3 mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that complement dysregulation
      influences the onset and disease severity in carriers of diacylglycerol kinase
      epsilon mutations and that treatments on the basis of plasma infusions and
      complement inhibition are potentially useful in patients with combined
      diacylglycerol kinase-epsilon and complement mutations. A comprehensive
      understanding of the genetic component predisposing to atypical hemolytic uremic
      syndrome is, therefore, critical to guide an effective treatment.

PMID- 25135763
TI  - Factors influencing treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

PMID- 25135764
TI  - Implementation of a CKD checklist for primary care providers.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: CKD is associated with significant morbidity,
      mortality, and financial burden. Practice guidelines outlining CKD management
      exist, but there is limited application of these guidelines. Interventions to
      improve CKD guideline adherence have been limited. This study evaluated a new CKD
      checklist (a tool outlining management guidelines for CKD) to determine whether
      implementation in an academic primary care clinic improved adherence to
      guidelines. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: During a 1-year period
      (August 2012-August 2013), a prospective study was conducted among 13 primary
      care providers (PCPs), four of whom were assigned to use a CKD checklist
      incorporated into the electronic medical record during visits with patients with
      CKD stages 1-4. All providers received education regarding CKD guidelines. The
      intervention and control groups consisted of 105 and 263 patients, respectively.
      Adherence to CKD management guidelines was measured. RESULTS: A random-effects
      logistic regression analysis was performed to account for intra-group correlation
      by PCP assignment and adjusted for age and CKD stage. CKD care improved among
      patients whose PCPs were assigned to the checklist intervention compared with
      controls. Patients in the CKD checklist group were more likely than controls to
      have appropriate annual laboratory testing for albuminuria (odds ratio [OR], 7.9;
      95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.6 to 17.2), phosphate (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.5
      to 8.3), and parathyroid hormone (OR, 8.1; 95% CI, 4.8 to 13.7) (P<0.001 in all
      cases). Patients in the CKD checklist group had higher rates of achieving a
      hemoglobin A1c target<7% (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4 to 5.1), use of an angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor blocker (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0
      to 4.2), documentation of avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR,
      41.7; 95% CI, 17.8 to 100.0), and vaccination for annual influenza (OR, 2.1; 95%
      CI, 1.1 to 4.0) and pneumococcus (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.6 to 8.6) (P<0.001 in all
      cases). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a CKD checklist significantly improved
      adherence to CKD management guidelines and delivery of CKD care.

PMID- 25135765
TI  - Checklists as computer decision support at the point of care: a step forward in
      the recognition and treatment of CKD by primary care physicians.

PMID- 25135767
TI  - Commentary: Getting fathers into parenting programmes--a reflection on Panter
      Brick et al. (2014).
AB  - Research, policy and clinical practice focussed on engaging and working with
      fathers and their children often seems to oscillate between extremes. Where
      policy documents relating to children's health and wellbeing do include fathers
      it is often in a restricted way, and similarly discussions about the role of
      fathers in the media are often one-dimensional. It is sometimes hard to escape a
      feeling of despondency at the continuing exchanges, too often made ignoring or
      misinterpreting years of research regarding the importance of co-parenting and
      the involvement of fathers and other carers. One of the great contributions of
      child and adolescent mental health professionals has been the drawing of
      attention to the importance of family processes and systemic thinking, yet in
      relation to parenting, this seems to have been increasingly overlooked in recent
      years with an increased focus on attachment or social learning inspired
      approaches for a single parent-child dyad. In this issue of the JCPP, in a
      thorough and timely review, Catherine Panter-Brick and colleagues call for a
      clear change to the way parenting programmes are considered, studied and
      implemented. In this commentary, we reflect on this call and look at three
      challenges for CAMHS professionals. 

PMID- 25135766
TI  - Short-term safety and efficacy of calcium montmorillonite clay (UPSN) in
      children.
AB  - Recently, an association between childhood growth stunting and aflatoxin (AF)
      exposure has been identified. In Ghana, homemade nutritional supplements often
      consist of AF-prone commodities. In this study, children were enrolled in a
      clinical intervention trial to determine the safety and efficacy of Uniform
      Particle Size NovaSil (UPSN), a refined calcium montmorillonite known to be safe
      in adults. Participants ingested 0.75 or 1.5 g UPSN or 1.5 g calcium carbonate
      placebo per day for 14 days. Hematological and serum biochemistry parameters in
      the UPSN groups were not significantly different from the placebo-controlled
      group. Importantly, there were no adverse events attributable to UPSN treatment.
      A significant reduction in urinary metabolite (AFM1) was observed in the high
      dose group compared with placebo. Results indicate that UPSN is safe for children
      at doses up to 1.5 g/day for a period of 2 weeks and can reduce exposure to AFs,
      resulting in increased quality and efficacy of contaminated foods. 

PMID- 25135768
TI  - Patients' preferences: a discrete-choice experiment for treatment of non-small
      cell lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths and thus
      represents a global health problem. According to World Health Organization (WHO)
      estimates, approximately 1.37 million people die each year from lung cancer.
      Different therapeutic approaches as well as several treatment options exist. To
      date decisions on which therapies to use have largely been made by clinical
      experts. Comparative preference studies show that underlying weighting of
      treatment goals by experts is not necessarily congruent with the preferences of
      affected patients. AIM AND METHODS: The aim of this empirical study was to
      ascertain patient preferences in relation to treatment of non-small-cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC). After identification of patient-relevant treatment attributes via
      literature review and qualitative interviews(ten) a discrete-choice experiment
      including seven patient-relevant attributes was conducted using a fractional
      factorial NGene-design. Statistical data analysis was performed using latent
      class models. RESULTS: The qualitative part of this study identified outcome
      measures related to efficacy, side effects and mode of administration. A total of
      211 NSCLC patients (N = 211) participated in the computer-assisted personal
      interview. A clear preference for an increase in "progression-free survival"
      (coef.: 1.087) and a reduction of "tumor-associated symptoms"(cough, shortness of
      breath and pain); coef.: 1.090) was demonstrated, followed by the reduction of
      side effects: "nausea and vomiting" (coef.: 0.605); "rash" (coef.: 0.432);
      "diarrhea" (coef.: 0.427); and, "tiredness and fatigue" (coef.: 0.423). The "mode
      of administration" was less important for participants (coef.: 0.141).
      CONCLUSION: Preference measurement showed "progression-free survival" and "tumor
      associated symptoms" had a significant influence on the treatment decision.
      Subgroup analysis revealed that the importance of "progression-free survival"
      increases with increased therapy experience. Based on the presented results
      therapies can be designed, assessed and chosen on the basis of patient-oriented
      findings. As such, more effective and efficient care of patients can be achieved
      and benefits increased.

PMID- 25135769
TI  - Recommendation of rotavirus vaccination and herd effect: a budget impact analysis
      based on German health insurance data.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the budget impact and health effects of
      introducing rotavirus (RV) vaccination in Saxony, Germany, from a health
      insurance perspective. Special emphasis is given to the herd effect. We analyzed
      direct medical and non-medical costs of RV infection for Social Health Insurance
      between 2007 and 2010 based on 360,000 routine data observations from the AOK
      PLUS for children below 5 years of age. We compared the actual annual number of
      RV cases (vaccination scenario) with the number derived from 2005 (no
      vaccination, base case scenario). The vaccination coverage rate has increased
      from 5% to 61% between 2007 and 2010. The number of RV cases decreased by 21%
      from 32,274 in 2007 to 25,614 in 2010. Based on vaccination coverage, the total
      cost savings per 1,000 children due to RV vaccination was estimated to be 39,686
      Euros. The overall share of outpatient costs was 60%. Mean gross cost savings
      were expected to be 304 Euros per avoided case. The net cost savings were
      expected to be 19 Euros per avoided case. About 59% of total savings was due to
      herd protection resulting from increasing vaccine rates. The herd effect per
      avoided case increased with increasing vaccine coverage. Incidence of RV cases,
      vaccination costs and days absent from work were sensitive parameters. This
      retrospective analysis showed that the increase in RV vaccination coverage in
      Saxony has been budget neutral if not cost saving for sick funds.

PMID- 25135771
TI  - Physico-chemical properties and cytotoxic potential of Cordyceps sinensis
      metabolites.
AB  - This study was conducted to estimate the antioxidant activities, biochemical
      properties and biological activities of one of the entomopathogenic fungi,
      Cordyceps sinensis. Analysis of fungal metabolites indicated that the most
      abundant free sugar was glucose; the highest component of organic acids was
      citric acid from 10-day culture medium and the glutamate was the predominant
      amino acid observed from 3-day culture medium. Maximum total polyphenols and
      flavonoids were detected in the 15-day culture medium. For cytotoxicity test,
      three cancer cell lines, HepG2 (liver), MCF-7 (breast) and A549 (lung) were used.
      The IC50 values of the highest toxicity of HepG2 cell lines were observed from 10
      day cultured medium, whereas the highest toxicity of MCF-7 and A549 was observed
      on 5-day cultured medium. This is the first study reporting on the strong
      antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of C. sinensis. Culture medium of C. sinensis
      may thus be used as an effective antioxidant and anticancer treatment of natural
      origin. 

PMID- 25135770
TI  - Trends in red blood cell transfusion and 30-day mortality among hospitalized
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood conservation strategies have been shown to be effective in
      decreasing red blood cell (RBC) utilization in specific patient groups. However,
      few data exist describing the extent of RBC transfusion reduction or their impact
      on transfusion practice and mortality in a diverse inpatient population. STUDY
      DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using comprehensive
      electronic medical record data from 21 medical facilities in Kaiser Permanente
      Northern California. We examined unadjusted and risk-adjusted RBC transfusion and
      30-day mortality coincident with implementation of RBC conservation strategies.
      RESULTS: The inpatient study cohort included 391,958 patients who experienced
      685,753 hospitalizations. From 2009 to 2013, the incidence of RBC transfusion
      decreased from 14.0% to 10.8% of hospitalizations; this change coincided with a
      decline in pretransfusion hemoglobin (Hb) levels from 8.1 to 7.6 g/dL. Decreased
      RBC utilization affected broad groups of admission diagnoses and was most
      pronounced in patients with a nadir Hb level between 8 and 9 g/dL (n = 73,057;
      50.8% to 19.3%). During the study period, the standard deviation of risk-adjusted
      RBC transfusion incidence across hospitals decreased by 44% (p < 0.001). Thirty
      day mortality did not change significantly with declines in RBC utilization in
      patient groups previously studied in clinical trials nor in other subgroups.
      CONCLUSIONS: After the implementation of blood conservation strategies, RBC
      transfusion incidence and pretransfusion Hb levels decreased broadly across
      medical and surgical patients. Variation in RBC transfusion incidence across
      hospitals decreased from 2010 to 2013. Consistent with clinical trial data, more
      restrictive transfusion practice did not appear to impact 30-day mortality.

PMID- 25135772
TI  - Neonatal lethality of neural crest cell-specific Rest knockout mice is associated
      with gastrointestinal distension caused by aberrations of myenteric plexus.
AB  - RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST), also known as NRSF (neuron-restrictive
      silencer factor), is a well-known transcriptional repressor of neural genes. Rest
      null mice have embryonic lethality which prevents further investigations of the
      functions of the Rest gene in vivo. We studied neonatal but not embryonic
      lethality that was characterized by gastrointestinal tract dilation in the neural
      crest cell (NCC)-specific Rest conditional knockout (CKO) mice. While no
      histological abnormalities except the thinning of the digestive tract as a
      consequence of the gas accumulation were found in the digestive tract of the
      mutant mice, they do not have proper gastric retention after oral dye
      administration and the reduction of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in NCC
      derived myenteric plexus in the stomach was detected. High CO2 concentration in
      the dilated digestive tract of the Rest CKO mice indicates a failure of gut
      function by underdeveloped cholinergic transmission in the enteric nervous
      system. The observed gastrointestinal distension phenotype provides a model for
      understanding the genetic and molecular basis of NCC defects in humans. 

PMID- 25135773
TI  - Does MESNA application make sense in chronic otitis media surgery?

PMID- 25135774
TI  - Delivering evidence-based treatments for child attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD) in the context of parental ADHD.
AB  - Behavioral parent training (BPT) and stimulant medications are efficacious
      treatments for child attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however,
      there is some evidence to suggest that parental ADHD may reduce the efficacy of
      both treatment modalities. This review paper summarizes the literature related to
      the evidence-based behavioral and pharmacological treatment of child ADHD in the
      context of parental ADHD. We also review the literature on the effects of
      treating parents' ADHD symptoms on parenting and child behavior outcomes.
      Although the literature is small and inconsistent, studies suggest that
      medicating parents' ADHD symptoms may or may not be sufficient in demonstrating
      desired improvements in parenting and child behavioral outcomes. Therefore,
      interventions targeting both parent and child ADHD, when both are present, are
      likely needed to improve parent-child interactions and family functioning.
      Ongoing studies using a multimodal approach are discussed. 

PMID- 25135775
TI  - Internally displaced "victims of armed conflict" in Colombia: the trajectory and
      trauma signature of forced migration.
AB  - While conflict-induced forced migration is a global phenomenon, the situation in
      Colombia, South America, is distinctive. Colombia has ranked either first or
      second in the number of internally displaced persons for 10 years, a consequence
      of decades of armed conflict compounded by high prevalence of drug trafficking.
      The displacement trajectory for displaced persons in Colombia proceeds through a
      sequence of stages: (1) pre-expulsion threats and vulnerability, (2) expulsion,
      (3) migration, (4) initial adaptation to relocation, (5) protracted resettlement
      (the end point for most forced migrants), and, rarely, (6) return to the
      community of origin. Trauma signature analysis, an evidence-based method that
      elucidates the physical and psychological consequences associated with exposures
      to harm and loss during disasters and complex emergencies, was used to identify
      the psychological risk factors and potentially traumatic events experienced by
      conflict-displaced persons in Colombia, stratified across the phases of
      displacement. Trauma and loss are experienced differentially throughout the
      pathway of displacement.

PMID- 25135776
TI  - Strategies for successful aging: a research update.
AB  - Population aging is an enormous public health issue and there is clear need for
      strategies to maximize opportunities for successful aging. Many psychiatric
      illnesses are increasingly thought to be associated with accelerated aging,
      therefore emerging data on individual and policy level interventions that alter
      typical aging trajectories are relevant to mental health practitioners. Although
      the determinants and definition of successful aging remain controversial,
      increasing data indicate that psychiatric illnesses directly impact biological
      aging trajectories and diminish lifestyle, psychological, and socio-environmental
      factors that seem to reduce risk of morbidity and mortality. Many interventions
      designed to enhance the normal course of aging may be adjunctive approaches to
      management of psychiatric illnesses. We highlight recent data on interventions
      seeking to promote healthy aging, such as cognitive remediation, physical
      activity, nutrition, and complementary and alternative treatments for older
      people with and without psychiatric illnesses. 

PMID- 25135777
TI  - Determining the causes and consequences of nicotine dependence: emerging genetic
      research methods.
AB  - Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
      Establishing the genetic aetiology of tobacco use and dependence is an important
      first step in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of tobacco use, and in
      turn the development of effective treatments. In addition, whilst the effects of
      tobacco use on a broad range of physical illnesses (e.g. lung cancer, respiratory
      disease, cardiovascular disease) are now well-established, the causal effects of
      tobacco use on a number of other outcomes remains to be established. Determining
      the causes and consequences of tobacco use therefore continues to be both a
      scientific and a public health priority. Here we review emerging methods in
      genetic research that allow stronger causal inferences to be drawn from
      observational data. 

PMID- 25135778
TI  - Using stimulants to treat ADHD-related emotional lability.
AB  - Emotional lability, or sudden strong shifts in emotion, commonly occurs in youth
      with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Although these symptoms are
      impairing and disruptive, relatively little research has addressed their
      treatment, likely due to the difficulty of reliable and valid assessment.
      Promising signals for symptom improvement have come from recent studies using
      stimulants in adults, children and adolescents. Similarly, neuroimaging studies
      have begun to identify neurobiological mechanisms underlying stimulants' impact
      on emotion regulation capacities. Here, we review these recent clinical and
      neuroimaging findings, as well as neurocognitive models for emotional lability in
      ADHD, issues of relevance to prescribers and the important role of psychiatric
      comorbidity with treatment choices. 

PMID- 25135779
TI  - Managing the risks of ADHD treatments.
AB  - Pharmacotherapy of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a well
      established and effective treatment modality. However, ADHD medications are not
      without side effects. Understanding the prevalence of adverse events and
      effective management of risks associated with stimulants and other medications
      used to treat ADHD is central to broad applicability and effective treatment.
      This review discusses the literature on the prevalence of adverse events and
      management strategies employed. We searched online MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane
      databases for articles using several keywords relating to adverse events
      associated with ADHD medication management. We discuss the relevant data on the
      significance and prevalence of side effects and adverse events, highlight recent
      updates in the field, and suggest approaches to clinical management. 

PMID- 25135780
TI  - Personality disorder classification: stuck in neutral, how to move forward?
AB  - An "Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders" was published in Sect. III
      of DSM-5, while the identical categories and criteria from DSM-IV for the
      personality disorders (PDs) are in Sect. II. Given strong shifts from categorical
      diagnoses toward dimensional representations in psychiatry, how did the PDs end
      up "stuck in neutral," with the flawed DSM-IV model perpetuated? This article
      reviews factors that influenced the development of the new model and data to
      encourage and facilitate its use by clinicians. These include recognizing 1) a
      dimensional structure for psychopathology for which personality may be
      foundational; 2) a consensus on the structure of normal and abnormal personality;
      3) the clinical significance of personality; 4) PD-specific severity required to
      establish disorder; 5) disruption, discontinuity, and perceived clinical utility
      of the Alternative Model may not be problems; and 6) a way forward involving
      collaborative research on neurobiological and psychosocial processes, treatment
      planning, and outcomes. 

PMID- 25135781
TI  - Bereavement: course, consequences, and care.
AB  - This paper discusses each of several potential consequences of bereavement.
      First, we describe ordinary grief, followed by a discussion of grief gone awry,
      or complicated grief (CG). Then, we cover other potential adverse outcomes of
      bereavement, each of which may contribute to, but are not identical with, CG:
      general medical comorbidity, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder,
      anxiety, and substance use. 

PMID- 25135782
TI  - Circadian clock and stress interactions in the molecular biology of psychiatric
      disorders.
AB  - Many psychiatric disorders are characterized by circadian rhythm abnormalities,
      including disturbed sleep/wake cycles, changes in locomotor activity, and
      abnormal endocrine function. Animal models with mutations in circadian "clock
      genes" commonly show disturbances in reward processing, locomotor activity and
      novelty seeking behaviors, further supporting the idea of a connection between
      the circadian clock and psychiatric disorders. However, if circadian clock
      dysfunction is a common risk factor for multiple psychiatric disorders, it is
      unknown if and how these putative clock abnormalities could be expressed
      differently, and contribute to multiple, distinct phenotypes. One possible
      explanation is that the circadian clock modulates the biological responses to
      stressful environmental factors that vary with an individual's experience. It is
      known that the circadian clock and the stress response systems are closely
      related: Circadian clock genes regulate the physiological sensitivity to and
      rhythmic release of glucocorticoids (GC). In turn, GCs have reciprocal effects on
      the clock. Since stressful life events or increased vulnerability to stress are
      risk factors for multiple psychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar
      disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD), alcohol use disorder (AUD) and
      schizophrenia (SCZ), we propose that modulation of the stress response is a
      common mechanism by which circadian clock genes affect these illnesses.
      Presently, we review how molecular components of the circadian clock may
      contribute to these six psychiatric disorders, and present the hypothesis that
      modulation of the stress response may constitute a common mechanism by which the
      circadian clock affects multiple psychiatric disorders. 

PMID- 25135783
TI  - The significance of mixed states in depression and mania.
AB  - The DSM-5 definition of mixed features "specifier" of manic, hypomanic and major
      depressive episodes captures sub-syndromal non-overlapping symptoms of the
      opposite pole, experienced in bipolar (I, II, and not otherwise specified) and
      major depressive disorders. This combinatory model seems to be more appropriate
      for less severe forms of mixed state, in which mood symptoms are prominent and
      clearly identifiable. Sub-syndromal depressive symptoms have been frequently
      reported to co-occur during mania. Similarly, manic or hypomanic symptoms during
      depression resulted common, dimensionally distributed, and recurrent. The
      presence of mixed features has been associated with a worse clinical course and
      high rates of comorbidities including anxiety, personality, alcohol and substance
      use disorders and head trauma or other neurological problems. Finally, mixed
      states represent a major therapeutic challenge, especially when you consider that
      these forms tend to have a less favorable response to drug treatments and require
      a more complex approach than non-mixed forms. 

PMID- 25135784
TI  - Sleep and substance use disorders: an update.
AB  - Substance use disorders (SUD) are common and individuals who suffer from them are
      prone to relapse. One of the most common consequences of the use of and
      withdrawal from substances of abuse is sleep disturbance. Substances of abuse
      affect sleep physiology, including the neurotransmitter systems that regulate the
      sleep-wake system. Emerging research now highlights an interactive effect between
      sleep disorders and substance use. New findings in alcohol and sleep research
      have utilized sophisticated research designs and expanded the scope of EEG and
      circadian rhythm analyses. Research on marijuana and sleep has progressed with
      findings on the effects of marijuana withdrawal on objective and subjective
      measures of sleep. Treatment studies have focused primarily on sleep in alcohol
      use disorders. Therapies for insomnia in cannabis disorders are needed. Future
      research is poised to further address mechanisms of sleep disturbance in
      alcoholics and the effect of medical marijuana on sleep and daytime functioning. 

PMID- 25135786
TI  - Sentinel node mapping using hysteroscopic injection of indocyanine green and
      laparoscopic near-infrared fluorescence imaging in endometrial cancer staging.
AB  - Herein is presented a technique for minimally invasive sentinel node mapping. The
      patient had apparently early stage endometrial cancer. Sentinel node mapping was
      performed using a hysteroscopic injection of indocyanine green followed by
      laparoscopic sentinel node detection via near-infrared fluorescence. This
      technique ensures delineation of lymphatic drainage from the tumor area, thus
      achieving accurate detection of sentinel nodes. 

PMID- 25135785
TI  - Species and gene divergence in Littorina snails detected by array comparative
      genomic hybridization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is commonly used to
      screen different types of genetic variation in humans and model species. Here, we
      performed aCGH using an oligonucleotide gene-expression array for a non-model
      species, the intertidal snail Littorina saxatilis. First, we tested what types of
      genetic variation can be detected by this method using direct re-sequencing and
      comparison to the Littorina genome draft. Secondly, we performed a genome-wide
      comparison of four closely related Littorina species: L. fabalis, L. compressa,
      L. arcana and L. saxatilis and of populations of L. saxatilis found in Spain,
      Britain and Sweden. Finally, we tested whether we could identify genetic
      variation underlying "Crab" and "Wave" ecotypes of L. saxatilis. RESULTS: We
      could reliably detect copy number variations, deletions and high sequence
      divergence (i.e. above 3%), but not single nucleotide polymorphisms. The overall
      hybridization pattern and number of significantly diverged genes were in close
      agreement with earlier phylogenetic reconstructions based on single genes. The
      trichotomy of L. arcana, L. compressa and L. saxatilis could not be resolved and
      we argue that these divergence events have occurred recently and very close in
      time. We found evidence for high levels of segmental duplication in the Littorina
      genome (10% of the transcripts represented on the array and up to 23% of the
      analyzed genomic fragments); duplicated genes and regions were mostly the same in
      all analyzed species. Finally, this method discriminated geographically distant
      populations of L. saxatilis, but we did not detect any significant genome
      divergence associated with ecotypes of L. saxatilis. CONCLUSIONS: The present
      study provides new information on the sensitivity and the potential use of
      oligonucleotide arrays for genotyping of non-model organisms. Applying this
      method to Littorina species yields insights into genome evolution following the
      recent species radiation and supports earlier single-gene based phylogenies.
      Genetic differentiation of L. saxatilis ecotypes was not detected in this study,
      despite pronounced innate phenotypic differences. The reason may be that these
      differences are due to single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

PMID- 25135787
TI  - Characterization of glycerophosphoethanolamine ethanolaminephosphodiesterase from
      Streptomyces sanglieri.
AB  - Streptomyces sanglieri extracellularly produces a glycerophosphoethanolamine
      ethanolaminephosphodiesterase (GPE-EP). The gene encoding the enzyme was found to
      consist of a 2124-bp ORF, which codes for an N-terminal 48 residue signal peptide
      required for secretion and a 660 amino acid mature protein with a calculated
      molecular mass of 72,918 Da. The maximum activity for sn-glycero-3
      phosphoethanolamine (GPE) was found at pH 8.4 and 65 degrees C in the presence of
      0.1% (w/v) Triton X-100. The enzyme was activated in the presence of 2 mM EDTA;
      however, Zn(2+) remarkably inhibited activity. During the hydrolysis of GPE at 65
      degrees C and pH 8.4, the apparent Vmax, turnover number (kcat) and Km were
      determined to be 0.430 mmol min(-1) mg-protein(-1), 522 s(-1) and 0.785 mM,
      respectively. The enzyme exhibited specificity toward GPE and hydrolyzed
      ethanolamine-type substrates such as 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphoethanolamine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine and ethanolamine
      lysoplasmalogen, but not 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine.
      Moreover, the enzyme showed no activity toward other phospholipids, such as
      glycerophospholipids and plasmalogens, and sn-glycero-3-phosphodiesters except
      for sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol, suggesting that GPE-EP is not a phospholipase C
      (PLC). However, the amino acid sequence of GPE-EP shows 86% identity to that of
      PLC from Streptomyces sp. SirexAA-E (UniProt accession no. G2NFN1). Recombinant
      GPE-EP was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli using pET-24a(+). GPE
      hydrolysis by GPE-EP may represent a new pathway for phosphatidylethanolamine
      metabolism. 

PMID- 25135788
TI  - Expression profile based gene clusters for ischemic stroke detection.
AB  - In microarray studies alterations in gene expression in circulating leukocytes
      have shown utility for ischemic stroke diagnosis. We studied forty candidate
      markers identified in three gene expression profiles to (1) quantitate individual
      transcript expression, (2) identify transcript clusters and (3) assess the
      clinical diagnostic utility of the clusters identified for ischemic stroke
      detection. Using high throughput next generation qPCR 16 of the 40 transcripts
      were significantly up-regulated in stroke patients relative to control subjects
      (p<0.05). Six clusters of between 5 and 7 transcripts were identified that
      discriminated between stroke and control (p values between 1.01e-9 and 0.03). A 7
      transcript cluster containing PLBD1, PYGL, BST1, DUSP1, FOS, VCAN and FCGR1A
      showed high accuracy for stroke classification (AUC=0.854). These results
      validate and improve upon the diagnostic value of transcripts identified in
      microarray studies for ischemic stroke. The clusters identified show promise for
      acute ischemic stroke detection. 

PMID- 25135789
TI  - Expression of the lymphatic marker podoplanin (D2-40) in human fetal eyes.
AB  - During human ocular development, expression of proteins varies in different
      maturation stages. This study aims to characterize structures in human fetal eyes
      stained by the lymphatic marker podoplanin (D2-40) with emphasis on the stage of
      maturation and the presence of intraocular lymphatic structures. Formalin-fixed
      paraffin-embedded eyes from 40 human fetuses between 10 and 38 weeks of gestation
      (WoG) were investigated. Immunohistochemical stains were performed for D2-40,
      LYVE-1 as a secondary lymphatic marker, and CD34 as a control for endothelial
      reactivity. A semiquantitative analysis of antigen expression in different
      segments of the eye was performed by light microscopy. The intensity of antigen
      expression was graded with a score ranging from 0 to 3. Podoplanin expression was
      found with a variable intensity in 97.5% of the eyes, in particular in lymphatic
      vessels of the conjunctiva (n = 26), conjunctival and corneal epithelium (n =
      33), corneal endothelium (n = 4), trabecular meshwork (n = 28), and optic nerve
      sheaths (n = 23). A slight, equivocal staining reaction was noted in the choroid
      (n = 14). There was a correlation of antigen reactivity and the gestational age
      for corneal endothelial reactivity in earlier gestational stages (p = 0.003) and
      trabecular meshwork in older eyes (p = 0.031). D2-40 positive Muller cells were
      detected in two eyes >=32 WoG. Thus, aside from conjunctival lymphatic vessels,
      podoplanin was expressed in several structures of the human fetal eye and the
      ocular adnexae at different gestational stages. Podoplanin positive structures
      were also found in the choroid and the chamber angle. However, lymphatic vessels
      or its progenitors could not be unequivocally identified in intraocular
      structures during 10-38 weeks of gestation. There is no evidence from our data
      that transient intraocular lymphactics develop in the fetal eye between 10 and 38
      weeks of gestation. 

PMID- 25135790
TI  - Micro-fractional epidermal powder delivery for improved skin vaccination.
AB  - Skin vaccination has gained increasing attention in the last two decades due to
      its improved potency compared to intramuscular vaccination. Yet, the technical
      difficulty and frequent local reactions hamper its broad application in the
      clinic. In the current study, micro-fractional epidermal powder delivery (EPD) is
      developed to facilitate skin vaccination and minimize local adverse effects. EPD
      is based on ablative fractional laser or microneedle treatment of the skin to
      generate microchannel (MC) arrays in the epidermis followed by topical
      application of powder drug/vaccine-coated array patches to deliver drug/vaccine
      into the skin. The novel EPD delivered more than 80% sulforhodamine b (SRB) and
      model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) into murine, swine, and human skin within 1h. EPD
      of OVA induced anti-OVA antibody titer at a level comparable to intradermal (ID)
      injection and was much more efficient than tape stripping in both delivery
      efficiency and immune responses. Strikingly, the micro-fractional delivery
      significantly reduced local side effects of LPS/CpG adjuvant and BCG vaccine,
      leading to complete skin recovery. In contrast, ID injection induced severe local
      reactions that persisted for weeks. While reducing local reactogenicity, EPD of
      OVA/LPS/CpG and BCG vaccine generated a comparable humoral immune response to ID
      injection. EPD of vaccinia virus encoding OVA induced significantly higher and
      long-lasting interferon gamma-secreting CD8+ T cells than ID injection. In
      conclusion, EPD represents a promising technology for needle-free, painless skin
      vaccination with reduced local reactogenicity and at least sustained
      immunogenicity. 

PMID- 25135791
TI  - Relations between acoustic cavitation and skin resistance during intermediate-
      and high-frequency sonophoresis.
AB  - Enhanced skin permeability is known to be achieved during sonophoresis due to
      ultrasound-induced cavitation. However, the mechanistic role of cavitation during
      sonophoresis has been extensively investigated only for low-frequency (LFS, <100
      kHz) applications. Here, mechanisms of permeability-enhancing stable and inertial
      cavitation were investigated by passively monitoring subharmonic and broadband
      emissions arising from cavitation isolated within or external to porcine skin in
      vitro during intermediate- (IFS, 100-700 kHz) and high-frequency sonophoresis
      (HFS, >1 MHz). The electrical resistance of skin, a surrogate measure of the
      permeability of skin to a variety of compounds, was measured to quantify the
      reduction and subsequent recovery of the skin barrier during and after exposure
      to pulsed (1 second pulse, 20% duty cycle) 0.41 and 2.0 MHz ultrasound over a
      range of acoustic powers (0-21.7 W) for 30 min. During IFS, significant skin
      resistance reductions and acoustic emissions from cavitation were measured
      exclusively when cavitation was isolated outside of the skin. Time-dependent skin
      resistance reductions measured during IFS correlated significantly with
      subharmonic and broadband emission levels. During HFS, significant skin
      resistance reductions were accompanied by significant acoustic emissions from
      cavitation measured during trials that isolated cavitation activity either
      outside of skin or within skin. Time-dependent skin resistance reductions
      measured during HFS correlated significantly greater with subharmonic than with
      broadband emission levels. The reduction of the skin barrier due to sonophoresis
      was reversible in all trials; however, effects incurred during IFS recovered more
      slowly and persisted over a longer period of time than HFS. These results
      quantitatively demonstrate the significance of cavitation during sonophoresis and
      suggest that the mechanisms and post-treatment longevity of permeability
      enhancement due to IFS and HFS treatments are different.

PMID- 25135793
TI  - Addition of recommendations for the use of recombinant human thrombomodulin to
      the "Expert consensus for the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation
      in Japan".

PMID- 25135792
TI  - Intercalating quaternary nicotinamide-based poly(amido amine)s for gene delivery.
AB  - In the development of potent polymeric gene carriers for gene therapy, a good
      interaction between the polymer and the nucleotide is indispensable to form small
      and stable polyplexes. Polymers with relatively high cationic charge density are
      frequently used to provide these interactions, but high cationic charge is
      usually associated with severe cytotoxicity. In this study an alternative,
      nucleotide specific binding interaction based on intercalation was investigated
      to improve polymer/pDNA complex formation. For this purpose bioreducible
      poly(amido amine) copolymers (p(CBA-ABOL/Nic)) were synthesized with different
      degrees of intercalating quaternary nicotinamide (Nic) groups and amide
      substituted derivatives in their side chains. The quaternary nicotinamide group
      was chosen as intercalating moiety because this group is part of the naturally
      occurring NAD+ coenzyme and is therefore expected to be non-toxic and non
      carcinogenic. The presence of the quaternary nicotinamide moieties in the
      poly(amido amine) copolymers showed to effectively promote self-assembled
      polyplex formation already at low polymer/DNA ratios and results in decreased
      polyplex size and increased stability of the polyplexes. Furthermore, in contrast
      to the primary amine functionalized analogs the quaternary nicotinamide polymers
      showed to be non-hemolytic, indicating their compatibility with cell membranes.
      Polymers with 25% of Nic in the side chains induced GFP expressions of about 4-5
      times that of linear PEI, which is comparable with p(CBA-ABOL), the parent PAA
      without Nic, but at a two- to fourfold lower required polymer dose. N-phenylation
      of the nicotinamide functionality even further reduces the required polymer dose
      to form stable polyplexes, which is a major improvement for these kinds of
      cationic polymers.

PMID- 25135794
TI  - Treatment patterns of venous thromboembolism in a real-world population: the Q
      VTE study cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have assessed treatment patterns of acute venous
      thromboembolism (VTE) in a real-world population. We aimed to describe
      anticoagulant treatment patterns for acute VTE using healthcare databases of
      Quebec, Canada. METHODS: We used linked healthcare databases of the province of
      Quebec, Canada to identify all incident cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and
      pulmonary embolism (PE) between 2000 and 2009. We formed two patient cohorts, one
      with definite cases (definite VTE cohort, N=40,776) and the other including cases
      with definite or probable VTE (any VTE cohort, N=54,803) that were followed until
      death, end of health coverage, or end of study (December 31, 2009). RESULTS: In
      the definite cohort, 73.6% of subjects were dispensed an anticoagulant following
      the diagnosis of VTE. Of those who were dispensed a vitamin K antagonist (VKA),
      median duration of use was 61days (interquartile range 89). VKA initiation was
      more likely in patients with pulmonary embolism than deep vein thrombosis alone
      (HR 1.62, 95% CI (1.58-1.66)). Among outpatients, those managed initially in the
      outpatient setting were less likely to initiate VKA therapy (HR 0.75, 95% CI
      (0.68-0.77)), while those requiring admission to hospital for VTE management were
      more likely to initiate (HR 1.81, 95% CI (1.76-1.87)). Findings were similar in
      the any VTE cohort. CONCLUSION: Our study describes VTE treatment patterns in a
      real-world setting and suggests that there may be important gaps. These may
      include significant numbers of patients who did not initiate oral anticoagulant
      therapy, particularly in the outpatient setting, and shorter duration of oral
      anticoagulant use than recommended.

PMID- 25135795
TI  - Increased activation of blood coagulation in pregnant women with the Factor V
      Leiden mutation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risk of venous thromboembolism is enhanced in pregnant carriers
      of the Factor V Leiden mutation. The primary aim of the study was to compare
      prothrombin fragments 1+2, soluble fibrin and D-dimer levels in pregnant Factor V
      Leiden mutation carriers with those in non-carriers. Secondary aims were to
      evaluate whether these biomarkers could predict placenta-mediated complications
      or venous thromboembolism, and to study blood coagulation after caesarean section
      with thromboprophylaxis and after vaginal delivery without thromboprophylaxis.
      MATERIAL/METHODS: Prothrombin fragments 1+2, soluble fibrin and D-dimer levels
      were studied longitudinally in 476 carriers with singleton pregnancies from
      gestational weeks 23-25 until 8-10 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: Prothrombin
      fragments 1+2 and D-dimer levels gradually increased during pregnancy. D-dimer
      levels were higher in carriers, both during pregnancy and puerperium, compared to
      non-carriers. D-dimer levels above 0.5mg/l were found in about 30% and 20% of the
      heterozygous carriers at 4-5 and 8-10 weeks postpartum, respectively. Soluble
      fibrin levels were mainly unchanged during pregnancy, with no difference between
      carriers and non-carriers. Biomarker levels were similar in carriers with
      uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Higher D-dimer levels
      indicate increased blood coagulation and fibrinolysis activity in carriers. The
      high proportion of carriers with D-dimer levels exceeding 0.5mg/l postpartum must
      be considered when assessing the probability of venous thromboembolism. Large
      overlaps in biomarker levels in normal and complicated pregnancies suggest that
      these biomarkers cannot be used as predictors. Thromboprophylaxis following
      caesarean section may prevent increased activation of blood coagulation.

PMID- 25135796
TI  - Global platelet hyperreactivity and elevated C-reactive protein levels predict
      long term mortality in STEMI patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on long term - more than 1-year - prognostic value of global
      platelet reactivity (G-HPR) - by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid
      (AA) - in patients with STEMI undergoing PCI are limited. High C-reactive protein
      (CRP) levels have been suggested to be associated with post-PCI atherothrombotic
      events. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term prognostic impact of G-HPR and CRP
      levels in STEMI patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated 494 STEMI patients
      (366 M/128 F; age: 65.8 +/- 12.4 yrs) undergoing PCI with stent implantation. At
      a median follow-up of 2.3 years (1.09-4.06), in 58 patients we documented
      cardiovascular death (11.7%). Platelet reactivity was assessed by light
      transmission aggregometry by 1mM AA (AA-LTA) and 10 microM ADP (ADP-LTA). By the
      ROC curve analysis, 17%, 52% and 12 mg/L were found to be the values of AA-LTA,
      ADP-LTA and CRP associated with the highest specificity and sensitivity for
      death. G-HPR was defined as the presence of both AA-LTA >= 17% and ADP-LTA >=
      52%. At Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, cardiovascular risk
      factors, multivessel disease, ejection fraction, renal insufficiency, G-HPR and
      elevated CRP levels were associated with long-term mortality [HR=1.78 (95%CI 1.04
      3.03), p=0.036 and HR=2.91 (1.54-5.52, p=0.001), respectively]. The contemporary
      presence of G-HPR and elevated CRP levels was associated with the highest risk of
      death [HR=5.1 (95%CI 1.9-13.4), p=0.001]. CONCLUSION: G-HPR and CRP are
      independent long-term prognostic markers in STEMI patients. The contemporary
      presence of G-HPR and CRP identifies a subgroup of patients at significantly
      higher risk of cardiovascular death.

PMID- 25135797
TI  - Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus replication associated protein (Rep) triggers
      transposition of IS426 in Agrobacterium.
AB  - We report a high rate of IS426 transposition in Agrobacterium tumefaciens in the
      presence of the Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) replication associated
      protein gene (Rep). Upon conjugal transfer of the binary plasmid pCam-SLCMV-Rep
      with the SLCMV Rep gene in the sense orientation under the transcriptional
      control of the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter into the A.
      tumefaciens vir helper strain EHA105, the binary plasmid size increased in all 15
      transconjugants studied. Southern blot analysis of the transconjugants with the
      binary plasmid probe revealed that the 35S promoter and its proximal sequences in
      the T-DNA were rearranged. The rearranged sequences harboured the 1.3-kb IS426
      element of A. tumefaciens. Conjugal mobilisation of the binary plasmid pCam-SLCMV
      asRep, with the SLCMV Rep gene in antisense orientation, did not cause DNA
      rearrangement in EHA105. A mutated SLCMV Rep, in which a frame shift mutation
      caused retention of only 27 of the 351 amino acids, did not cause IS426
      transposition in A. tumefaciens. These findings show that the multifunctional
      begomoviral Rep protein of SLCMV triggers transposition of IS426 in
      Agrobacterium.

PMID- 25135798
TI  - Use of prescription drugs and future delinquency among adolescent offenders.
AB  - Non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) by adolescents is a significant
      public health concern. The present study investigated the profile of NMUPD in
      1349 adolescent offenders from the Pathways to Desistance project, and whether
      NMUPD predicted future delinquency using longitudinal data. Results indicated
      that increased frequency and recency of NMUPD in adolescent offenders are related
      to some demographic factors, as well as increased risk for violence exposure,
      mental health diagnoses, other drug use, and previous delinquency, suggesting
      that severity of NMUPD is important to consider. However, ANCOVA analyses found
      that NMUPD was not a significant predictor of drug-related, non-aggressive, or
      aggressive delinquency 12 months later beyond other known correlates of
      delinquency. Age, sex, exposure to violence, lower socioeconomic status, more
      alcohol use, and having delinquency histories were more important than NMUPD in
      predicting future delinquency. These findings suggest that although NMUPD is an
      important risk factor relating to many correlates of delinquency, it does not
      predict future delinquency beyond other known risk factors.

PMID- 25135799
TI  - Refugees, humanitarian aid and the right to decline vaccinations.
AB  - Recent instances of governments and others refusing humanitarian assistance to
      refugees and IDPs (internally-displaced persons) unless they agreed to polio
      immunization for their children raise difficult ethical challenges. The authors
      argue that states have the right and a responsibility to require such
      vaccinations in instances where the serious vaccine-preventable disease(s) at
      issue threaten others, including local populations, humanitarian workers, and
      others in camps or support settings. 

PMID- 25135801
TI  - Using the Peng flap for a wide dorsal nasal defect.
AB  - Reconstructions of large surgical defects of the central part of the nose pose a
      challenge for the surgeon due to its cosmetically prominent location. Treatment
      options include second intention healing, full-thickness skin grafts and various
      local flaps. In the present case the "Peng flap" was used for the reconstruction
      of a 3.1 * 7 cm sized deep defect of the convex curve of the central nasal area
      in a 66-year-old woman. The Peng flap was performed as single-stage procedure
      without complications. Good cosmetic outcome was provided by the use of adjacent
      skin from the lax perinasal area, the placement of the scar lines between facial
      cosmetic units, and the excellent tissue match for the sebaceous nasal skin.
      Considering the few complications of a single-stage procedure associated with an
      excellent aesthetic outcome, the Peng flap should be considered not only as an
      effective choice for reconstruction of the cosmetically complex midline nasal tip
      but also the convex curve of the central nose. 

PMID- 25135800
TI  - Motives for participating in a web-based nutrition cohort according to
      sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics: the NutriNet-Sante
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In traditional epidemiological studies, participants are likely
      motivated by perceived benefits, feelings of accomplishment, and belonging. No
      study has explored motives for participation in a Web-based cohort and the
      associated participant characteristics, although such information is useful for
      enhancing recruitment and improving cohort retention. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to
      evaluate the relationships between motives for participation and
      sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle characteristics of participants in the
      NutriNet-Sante Web-based cohort, designed to identify nutritional risk or
      protective factors for chronic diseases. METHODS: The motives for participation
      were assessed using a specifically developed questionnaire administered
      approximately 2 years after baseline. A total of 6352 completed the motives
      questionnaire (43.34%, 6352/15,000 randomly invited cohort participants). We
      studied the associations between motives (dependent variables) and individual
      characteristics with multivariate multinomial logistic regression models
      providing odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: In total, 46.45%
      (2951/6352) of participants reported that they would not have enrolled if the
      study had not been conducted on the Internet, whereas 28.75% (1826/6352) were not
      sure. Men (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04-1.42), individuals aged 26-35 years (OR 1.51, 95%
      CI 1.20-1.91), and obese participants (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.02-1.65) were more
      inclined to be motivated by the Internet aspect. Compared with younger adults and
      managerial staff, individuals >55 years (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.48-0.45) and
      employees/manual workers were less likely motivated by the Internet aspect (OR
      0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.92). Regarding reasons for participation, 61.37% (3898/6352)
      reported participating to help advance public health research on chronic disease
      prevention; 22.24% (1413/6352) to help advance nutrition-focused research; 6.89%
      (438/6352) in response to the call from the media, after being encouraged by a
      close friend/associate, or a medical provider. Individuals >45 years (vs younger
      participants) were more likely (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.07-2.47), whereas overweight
      and obese participants (vs nonobese participants) were less likely to participate
      in the study for reasons related to helping public health research on chronic
      disease prevention (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.58-0.89; OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46-0.84;
      respectively). Exclusive public funding of the study was important for 67.02%
      (4257/6352) of the participants. Men (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.17-1.61) and persons >55
      years (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.57-2.47) were more likely to consider the exclusive
      public funding as very important. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Internet, the
      willingness to help advance public health research, and the study being publicly
      funded were key motives for participating in the Web-based NutriNet-Sante cohort.
      These motives differed by sociodemographic profile and obesity, yet were not
      associated with lifestyle or health status. These findings can help improve the
      retention strategies in Web-based cohorts, particularly during decisive study
      periods when principal exposure information is collected.

PMID- 25135802
TI  - Statin potency, LDL receptors and new onset diabetes.

PMID- 25135803
TI  - Effectiveness of pharmacist intervention in patients with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Collaboration between pharmacists and physicians in the care of
      patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may improve the quality of drug dosage
      regimens that require adjustment according to the renal function. OBJECTIVE: To
      demonstrate that the intervention of a pharmacist in a monitoring program for
      patients with CKD improves the outcome of renal function in these patients.
      Setting A 330-bed regional referral hospital in the city of Murcia (Spain).
      METHOD: All patients with CKD and taking nephrotoxic medication admitted to the
      internal medicine service were included in the study. Depending on the department
      of the hospital to which the patients were admitted, they were assigned to an
      intervention or control group. In the control group, the renal function at the
      time of admission and discharge was measured. In the intervention group, in
      addition to measuring kidney function at the time of admission and at discharge,
      the patients were followed daily and recommendation for dose adjustment were made
      when nephrotoxic drugs were not properly dosed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Glomerular
      filtration rate on admission and at discharge. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients
      were included in the study, 124 in the control group and 125 in the intervention
      group. Significant differences were noted when comparing creatinine clearance
      (CrCl) between discharge and admission in both the control and intervention
      groups (5.1 +/- 0.9 vs. 6.4 +/- 1.0 p < 0.01). In a comparison of the observed
      improvement in the two groups, we found significant differences in adjusted
      relative CrCl according to sex, age and stage (19.9 [1.2-38.5] p < 0.05). When
      the disease was analyzed by stage, we observed significant differences that
      favored the intervention group in regards CrCl (3.1 +/- 2.1 vs. 7.9 +/- 3.8 p <
      0.05) and relative CrCl (16.1 +/- 10.3 vs. 36.6 +/- 16.7) in stages 4-5. The rate
      of acceptance of the pharmacists' recommendations was 74 %. CONCLUSION: The
      implementation of a monitoring program for CKD patients was effective in the
      group in which monitoring was conducted, especially in patients with more
      advanced stage of CKD.

PMID- 25135804
TI  - Modified labels for long-term medications: influences on adherence, comprehension
      and preferences in Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inability to read instructions on drug labels has been identified
      among the Malaysian population since 1990's. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of
      font-enlarged and pictogram-incorporated labels used for long-term medications on
      patients' adherence, comprehension and preferences. SETTING: Outpatient pharmacy
      in one of the major general hospitals across Northern Malaysia. METHOD: This was
      a three-arm, randomized controlled trial. Outpatients with refill prescriptions
      of selected oral antihypertensive or antidiabetic medications were screened for
      eligibility. They were randomly allocated with standard (n = 35), font-enlarged
      (n = 40) or pictogram-incorporated (n = 35) labels. Assessment of baseline
      adherence scores using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale,
      comprehension scores using a structured questionnaire and preferences was
      conducted upon recruitment. Follow-up telephone interviews were conducted after 4
      weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The changes of patients' adherence and comprehension
      scores and their preferences. RESULTS: Within-group comparisons demonstrated an
      increase of total adherence scores after 4 weeks in all three groups (mean
      changes 0.35, 0.58 and 0.67; p = 0.029, 0.013 and 0.011, respectively). The
      repeatedly measured total comprehension score of pictogram-incorporated label
      group was significantly higher than baseline (mean change 0.37, p = 0.010). Two
      intervention groups obtained significantly higher scores for few items in both
      adherence and comprehension measurements after 4 weeks as compared with
      baselines. As indicated by F tests, three groups did not significantly differ in
      the changes of both total adherence and comprehension scores (p = 0.573 and
      0.069, respectively) with the subjects' age adjusted. Elderlies and those with a
      higher number of morbidity preferred pictogram-incorporated label over font
      enlarged label. CONCLUSION: We did not find a significant change of both
      adherence and comprehension levels after the introduction of modified medication
      labels. However, on the basis of within-group comparisons, they may have positive
      influences on certain aspects of patients' adherence and comprehension.
      Variations in preferences may reflect the unique need of different subgroups in
      receiving written medication instructions.

PMID- 25135805
TI  - Impact of community pharmacist intervention discussing patients' beliefs to
      improve medication adherence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adherence to evidence based medicines in patients who have
      experienced a myocardial infarction remains low. Individual's beliefs towards
      their medicines are a strong predictor of adherence and may influence other
      factors that impact on adherence. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if community
      pharmacists discussing patients' beliefs about their medicines improved
      medication adherence at 12 months post myocardial infarction. SETTING: This study
      included 200 patients discharged from a public teaching hospital in Queensland,
      Australia, following a myocardial infarction. Patients were randomised into
      intervention (n = 100) and control groups (n = 100) and followed for 12 months.
      METHOD: All patients were interviewed between 5 to 6 weeks, at 6 and 12 months
      post discharge by the researcher using the repertory grid technique. This
      technique was used to elicit the patient's individualised beliefs about their
      medicines for their myocardial infarction. In the intervention group, patients'
      beliefs about their medicines were communicated by the researcher to their
      community pharmacist. The pharmacist used this information to tailor their
      discussion with the patient about their medication beliefs at designated time
      points (3 and 6 months post discharge). The control group was provided with usual
      care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The difference in non-adherence measured using a
      medication possession ratio between the intervention and control groups at 12
      months post myocardial infarction. RESULTS: There were 137 patients remaining in
      the study (intervention group n = 72, control group n = 65) at 12 months. In the
      intervention group 29 % (n = 20) of patients were non-adherent compared to 25 %
      (n = 16) of patients in control group. CONCLUSION: Discussing patients' beliefs
      about their medicines for their myocardial infarction did not improve medication
      adherence. Further research on patients beliefs should focus on targeting non
      adherent patients whose reasons for their non-adherence is driven by their
      medication beliefs.

PMID- 25135806
TI  - Antimicrobial stewardship and linezolid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 2002, linezolid, the first representative of the oxazolidinone
      class, has been widely prescribed, sometimes outside of approved indications.
      However, several cases of clinical outbreaks due to linezolid-resistant organisms
      have been reported, and its relatively high cost represents an economic challenge
      for hospital settings. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the impact
      of different actions conducted by an antimicrobial stewardship team (AST) to
      control over-prescription of linezolid with regard to the defined daily dose
      (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants per day. SETTING: This work was conducted in a 1,495
      bed hospital from 2009 to 2013. An AST, gathering the departments of pharmacy,
      microbiology, and infectious diseases, assessed the pertinence of linezolid use
      and associated effect on the prescriber. METHOD: A retrospective study was
      conducted throughout 2009. Three different evaluations were prospectively carried
      out, each for 3 months, between 2011 and 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The
      indicators chosen to monitor the consumption of linezolid were the DDD per 1,000
      inhabitants per day, which enabled a comparison to be made between hospitals from
      2004 to 2012, and of the pertinence of its prescription by different departments.
      RESULTS: From 2009 to 2013, 239 patients were evaluated through three 3-month
      stages. Prescriptions were for off-label use in 45 % of cases. Prescriptions were
      considered appropriate in 60 % of cases. Unsuitable treatment was either modified
      or discontinued (62 and 38 % of cases, respectively). Mean duration of linezolid
      treatment was 8 days, i.e. below the national mean duration reported in the
      literature. To highlight the impact of action taken by the team, a consensual
      strategy to treat ventilator-acquired pneumonia was elaborated with principal
      prescribers. Throughout the study, the mean DDD per 1,000 inhabitants per day
      increased very slowly and was lower than the eleven other French hospitals, which
      were secondarily included in this study. CONCLUSION: The multidisciplinary
      approach that was adopted for therapeutic education and delivery control led to
      an improvement in the proper use of linezolid. Similar strategy should be
      extended to other antimicrobial agents, such as carbapenems, for which both cost
      and risk of resistance emergence are of major concern.

PMID- 25135807
TI  - Intraocular pressure effects of common topical steroids for post-cataract
      inflammation: are they all the same?
AB  - The efficacy of topical corticosteroids as ocular anti-inflammatory agents
      following cataract surgery is well-documented. They also help to prevent a number
      of complications associated with post-operative ocular inflammation, including
      corneal edema and cystoid macular edema. However, topical corticosteroids are
      associated with side effects, such as increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
      Indeed, corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension and the potential for steroid
      induced glaucoma remain the leading drawbacks of topical corticosteroid therapy.
      Some individuals are known to experience a high degree of IOP elevation with low
      doses or short durations of treatment with topical corticosteroids. Careful
      monitoring of IOP in such individuals is essential. Few randomized, controlled
      studies are available on the comparative safety and efficacy of common topical
      corticosteroids in the treatment of post-operative ocular inflammation.
      Furthermore, the lack of consistent reporting criteria for clinically significant
      IOP increases across clinical studies makes meaningful comparisons among
      corticosteroids difficult. This review aims to examine data from available
      published studies, including studies in steroid responders, to determine whether
      topical corticosteroids are the same in terms of their effect on IOP. Early
      generation corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone and prednisolone, are more
      likely to result in clinically significant increases in IOP. Newer
      corticosteroids, such as rimexolone and the retro-metabolically designed
      corticosteroid, loteprednol etabonate, offer similar anti-inflammatory efficacy
      to older corticosteroids with less effect on IOP. However, randomized controlled
      trials of newer corticosteroids are needed. The proportion of patients exhibiting
      an increase of >=10 mmHg IOP in clinical studies has emerged as the most
      clinically relevant parameter for ophthalmologists to consider when deciding on
      which topical corticosteroid to use. 

PMID- 25135808
TI  - Management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
AB  - Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a relatively rare, chronic form of ocular
      allergy that can potentially cause severe visual complications. Affecting mainly
      children and young adults, it is an IgE- and T cell-mediated disease, leading to
      a chronic inflammation in which eosinophil, lymphocyte and structural cell
      activation are involved. Treatment of VKC requires a multiple approach that
      includes conservative measures and pharmacologic treatment. Patients and parents
      should be made aware of the long duration of disease, its chronic evolution and
      possible complications. Treatment should be based on the duration and frequency
      of symptoms and the severity of corneal involvement. Mast cell stabilizers and
      antihistamines have been proven to be effective for the treatment of mild to
      moderate forms of VKC. In the most severe cases, topical steroids can be used as
      rescue medication to reduce conjunctival and corneal inflammation.
      Immunomodulators that have been investigated for VKC treatment include topical
      ocular preparations of cyclosporine A and tacrolimus. Topical cyclosporine A has
      been proven to be effective in the long-term treatment of VKC, significantly
      improving signs and symptoms without significant side effects. 

PMID- 25135809
TI  - Aflibercept for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - Aflibercept is a novel, recombinant, fusion protein that consists of portions of
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor (R) 1 and VEGFR2 extracellular
      domains fused to the Fc portion of human immunoglobulin G1. It exhibits higher
      affinity for VEGF-A/-B and binds all the VEGF isoforms (VEGF-B and -C, placental
      growth factor). The efficacy of aflibercept was assessed in two randomized,
      double-masked, multicenter, active-controlled, clinical trials in patients with
      choroidal neovascularization due to exudative age-related macular degeneration
      (AMD) and compared it's efficacy to ranibizumab, which is already Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA)-approved for patients with wet AMD. In the two trials known
      as VIEW 1 and VIEW 2, aflibercept was as effective when dosed as 2 mg every 8
      weeks after 3 monthly loading doses compared to monthly ranibizumab. Aflibercept
      was well tolerated with very rare systemic adverse events, including arterial
      thromboembolic events (ATEs). The incidence of ATEs was 1.8% during the first
      year of the clinical trials and included non-fatal strokes, non-fatal myocardial
      infarction, or death from vascular events or an unknown cause. In November 2011,
      aflibercept received FDA approval and is currently used in clinical practice for
      patients with wet AMD. 

PMID- 25135810
TI  - Necrotizing scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis associated with
      Wegener's granulomatosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the complications, efficacy of medical and surgical
      treatment, and outcome in patients with necrotizing scleritis and peripheral
      ulcerative keratitis associated with Wegener's granulomatosis. METHODS: The
      authors reviewed a series of seven patients with Wegener's granulomatosis treated
      in the Corneal Department of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center and the Department of
      Ophthalmology of Kashgar First People's Hospital. A detailed chart review was
      performed to determine demographic characteristics, ocular presentation, biopsy
      and laboratory testing results, treatment, and final outcome. RESULTS: Wegener's
      granulomatosis was indicated by ocular and/or systemic findings; biopsy and
      immunohistochemistry results supported the diagnosis. Patients with necrotizing
      scleritis and/or peripheral ulcerative keratitis received cytotoxic
      immunosuppressive therapy; this, in conjunction with surgical treatment, halted
      the relentlessly progressive inflammation and preserved the integrity of the
      globe in 78% of eyes. Best-Corrected Visual Acuity remained stable in four of
      nine eyes, was improved in two of nine eyes, and decreased in three of nine eyes
      (secondary to cataract and/or stromal scarring). Although one patient died,
      treatment with corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents dramatically improved
      outcomes in these patients. CONCLUSION: Necrotizing scleritis and peripheral
      ulcerative keratitis often have a poor visual outcome, and may herald an
      underlying systemic vasculitis. Wegener's granulomatosis, with the associated
      necrotizing scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis, should be managed with
      aggressive immunosuppression to avoid the associated morbidity and mortality.
      Thus, the ophthalmologist may play a significant role in its early diagnosis and
      treatment.

PMID- 25135811
TI  - Effect of topical loteprednol on intraocular pressure after selective laser
      trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To determine whether there is a statistically significant
      difference in the decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) after selective laser
      trabeculoplasty (SLT) between patients receiving a 5-7 days co-administration of
      loteprednol versus no loteprednol over the course of 1 year. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective chart review to evaluate use of loteprednol in patients
      aged 30-85 years undergoing SLT for open-angle glaucoma at our center over a 3
      year period. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighteen eyes from 313 patients who
      underwent a 360 degrees  SLT treatment between January 2008 and August 2011 were
      included in the analysis. Patients who received loteprednol showed a mean
      reduction of 2.5 (+/-SE 0.3) mmHg or 11.8% (+/-1.5%) in IOP versus a mean
      reduction of 3.2 (+/-0.6) mmHg or 14.9% (+/-2.5%) in those not treated with
      loteprednol. This difference showed a trend toward lower IOP without loteprednol,
      but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.29). CONCLUSION: Postoperative
      use of loteprednol does not appear to significantly affect IOP in patients
      undergoing SLT. A randomized double-blinded study in a larger group of patients
      would be required to clarify this issue. Until such information is available, we
      recommend that individual clinical judgment be used regarding whether to use
      topical steroids in patients undergoing SLT.

PMID- 25135812
TI  - Behavior of intraocular pressure after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone
      acetonide among egyptians.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after intravitreal
      injection of triamcinolone acetonide for the management of diabetic macular edema
      (DME). METHODS: The study design is a prospective, interventional, two-arm, dose
      response study. Nineteen patients with bilateral DME were included, one eye for
      every patient underwent intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide
      (group A, 19 eyes), and the other eye of the same patient underwent intravitreal
      injection of 8 mg triamcinolone acetonide (group B, 19 eyes); the selection as to
      which eye was to receive either dose was random. The patients were followed up
      for 6 months after injection; complete ophthalmological examination and optical
      coherent topography were done. RESULTS: Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide was
      effective in reduction of DME in group A in the first 3 months only, while in
      group B with high dose (8 mg) the improvement continued for 6 months after
      injection. Significant IOP rise was observed in both groups with an incidence of
      68.1% and 73.7% in groups A and B, respectively. IOP-lowering drugs were used to
      control IOP; however, one patient in each group needed glaucoma filtration
      surgery in both eyes after intractable glaucoma with failure of medical
      treatment. CONCLUSION: Although intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide
      is very effective in managing DME and with lower cost than other modalities, the
      rise in IOP and the burden of glaucoma are major concerns. High corticosteroid
      responder is an individualized reaction irrespective of the intravitreal
      triamcinolone acetonide dose used.

PMID- 25135813
TI  - Metamemory monitoring and control following retrieval practice for text.
AB  - Test-taking is assumed to help learners diagnose what they do and do not know,
      and by so doing improve the effectiveness of their subsequent study. Previous
      work has examined metamemory monitoring (e.g., predictions of future performance)
      and control (e.g., restudy decisions) following testing or retrieval practice
      with relatively simple materials (e.g., word pairs). There is reason to believe,
      however, that such monitoring and control decisions might be more difficult with
      text materials, even after retrieval practice, owing perhaps to difficulty in
      accurately assessing one's performance on the retrieval-practice test. In two
      experiments, participants read texts about world regions, then engaged in
      retrieval practice or rereading of the information in those texts, made estimates
      about future performance, and then received an opportunity to restudy the texts
      before taking a final recall test, with self-paced restudy enabling an
      examination of control processes. Memory predictions were more accurate in the
      retrieval-practice than in the rereading condition, and learners in both
      conditions allocated restudy time on the basis of their predictions.
      Additionally, restudy provided a greater benefit following retrieval practice
      than following rereading. The present study has implications for how students can
      use retrieval practice with text to foster subsequent learning. 

PMID- 25135814
TI  - A comparative study of an innate immune response in Lamprologine cichlid fishes.
AB  - Social interactions facilitate pathogen transmission and increase virulence.
      Therefore, species that live in social groups are predicted to suffer a higher
      pathogen burden, to invest more heavily in immune defence against pathogens, or
      both. However, there are few empirical tests of whether social species indeed
      invest more heavily in immune defence than non-social species. In the current
      study, we conducted a phylogenetically controlled comparison of innate immune
      response in Lamprologine cichlid fishes. We focused on three species of highly
      social cichlids that live in permanent groups and exhibit cooperative breeding
      (Julidochromis ornatus, Neolamprologus pulcher and Neolamprologus savoryi) and
      three species of non-social cichlids that exhibit neither grouping nor
      cooperative behaviour (Telmatochromis temporalis, Neolamprologus tetracanthus and
      Neolamprologus modestus). We quantified the innate immune response by injecting
      wild fishes with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), a lectin that causes a cell-mediated
      immune response. We predicted that the three highly social species would show a
      greater immune reaction to the PHA treatment, indicating higher investment in
      immune defence against parasites relative to the three non-social species. We
      found significant species-level variation in immune response, but contrary to our
      prediction, this variation did not correspond to social system. However, we found
      that immune response was correlated with territory size across the six species.
      Our results indicate that the common assumption of a positive relationship
      between social system and investment in immune function may be overly simplistic.
      We suggest that factors such as rates of both in-group and out-group social
      interactions are likely to be important mediators of the relationship between
      sociality and immune function. 

PMID- 25135815
TI  - Dual Ambulatory pH Monitoring in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Rendered
      Asymptomatic with Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in
      gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) achieves high rates of esophageal acid
      normalization. AIMS: Our aims were to investigate the adequacy of esophageal and
      gastric acid suppression in reflux patients rendered asymptomatic on optimized
      PPI therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of dual-sensor,
      ambulatory 24-h pH monitoring in referred persistent reflux patients rendered
      asymptomatic on PPI therapy. After optimization, we analyzed esophageal and
      gastric pH profiles to assess acid suppression and examine differences between
      PPIs. In patients with repeat studies, comparisons between different PPI doses
      were made. RESULTS: Of 172 asymptomatic GERD patients, 75 (43.6 %) achieved
      symptomatic remission with once-daily dosing PPI, and 97 (56.4 %) patients
      required twice-daily dosing. Of the entire cohort, 93 (54.1 %) had abnormal and
      79 (45.9 %) had normal esophageal pH profiles, with mean percent time pH < 4.0 of
      14.3 and 2.4, respectively (p < 0.0001). The percent time esophageal pH was
      abnormal did not correlate with the percent time gastric pH was abnormal (p =
      0.17). Different PPI formulations demonstrated differences in gastric--not
      esophageal--pH times, with esomeprazole exhibiting superior gastric pH
      suppression (p < 0.0001). Overall, gastric pH control remained suboptimal, with
      pH < 4.0 ranging between 30 and 50 %. Among patients with sequential pH studies,
      those with higher PPI dose had improved esophageal pH profiles (p < 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: In GERD patients rendered asymptomatic on PPI therapy, most continue
      to experience abnormal esophageal and gastric acid exposure. The efficacy of acid
      suppression therapy, in certain patients, may be much lower than previously
      thought.

PMID- 25135816
TI  - Microbial associates of the vine mealybug Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera:
      Pseudococcidae) under different rearing conditions.
AB  - Sap-feeding insects harbor diverse microbial endosymbionts that play important
      roles in host ecology and evolution, including contributing to host pest status.
      The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus, is a serious pest of grapevines, vectoring
      a number of pathogenic grape viruses. Previous studies have shown that virus
      transmission is abolished when mealybugs are raised in the laboratory on potato.
      To examine the possible role of microbial symbionts in virus transmission, the
      archaeal, bacterial, and fungal microbiota of field and laboratory P. ficus were
      characterized using molecular and classical microbiological methods. Lab and
      field colonies of P. ficus harbored different microbiota. While both were
      dominated by the bacterial obligate nutritional symbionts Moranella and
      Tremblaya, field samples also harbored a third bacterium that was allied with
      cluster L, a lineage of bacterial symbionts previously identified in aphids.
      Archaea were not found in any of the samples. Fungal communities in field
      collected mealybugs were dominated by Metschnikowia and Cladosporium species,
      while those from laboratory-reared mealybugs were dominated by Alternaria and
      Cladosporium species. In conclusion, this study has identified a diverse set of
      microbes, most of which appear to be facultatively associated with P. ficus,
      depending on environmental conditions. The role of various members of the
      mealybug microbiome, as well as how the host plant affects microbial community
      structure, remains to be determined. 

PMID- 25135817
TI  - A combined approach to assess the microbial contamination of the archimedes
      palimpsest.
AB  - A combined approach, using molecular and microscopic techniques, was used to
      identify the microbiota associated with the Archimedes Palimpsest, an unusual
      parchment manuscript. SEM analyses revealed the microbial damage to the collagen
      fibers and the presence of characteristic cell chains typical of filamentous
      bacteria and fungal spores. Molecular analysis confirmed a homogeneous bacterial
      community colonizing the manuscript. The phyla Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria
      were associated with this ancient parchment; the sequences were most related to
      uncultured clones detected in the human skin microbiome and in ephitelium, and to
      cultivated species of the genera Acinetobacter and Nocardiopsis. Nevertheless, a
      great variation was observed among the different sampled areas indicating fungal
      diversity. Blumeria spp. dominated in the healthy areas of the parchment while
      degraded areas showed disparate fungal communities, with dominant members of the
      genera Mucor and Cladosporium. In addition, the quantification of the beta-actin
      gene by real-time PCR analyses (qPCR) revealed a higher fungal abundance on
      degraded areas than on the healthy ones. 

PMID- 25135819
TI  - A Licensed Combined Haemophilus influenzae Type b-Serogroups C and Y
      Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine.
AB  - The highest incidence of meningococcal disease occurs in infants younger than 1
      year of age. However, in the US, prior to June 2012, there was no meningococcal
      vaccine licensed for use in this age group. In the US, where both serogroups C
      and Y contribute substantially to the overall epidemiology of invasive
      meningococcal disease, a vaccine combining these capsular polysaccharides was
      developed. We review the newly licensed HibMenCY-TT (MenHibrixTM, GlaxoSmithKline
      Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium), a novel vaccine containing Haemophilus
      influenzae type b (Hib) and serogroups C and Y Neisseria meningitidis conjugated
      to tetanus toxoid. We describe the vaccine, summarize the clinical trial data,
      and describe the patient populations recommended to receive HibMenCY-TT as their
      primary vaccination against Hib. Phase II and III clinical trials found HibMenCY
      TT to be well tolerated, safe, and immunogenic when administered at 2, 4, 6, and
      12-15 months of age for primary vaccination against both Hib and serogroups C and
      Y meningococcal disease. In October 2012, the Advisory Committee on Immunisation
      Practice in the US recommended HibMenCY-TT vaccination for infants at increased
      risk of meningococcal disease. HibMenCY-TT may be given concomitantly with other
      routine infant vaccines. It induces antibodies against Hib as well as
      bactericidal activity against meningococcal serogroup C and Y without increasing
      the number of injections required. As meningococcal disease epidemiology is
      dynamic, global surveillance remains essential. In the future, other countries
      may also benefit from the addition of HibMenCY-TT into their vaccine
      armamentarium against meningococcal disease. 

PMID- 25135820
TI  - Cold-adapted proteases as an emerging class of therapeutics.
AB  - Proteases have been used in medicine for several decades and are an established
      and well tolerated class of therapeutic agent. These proteases were sourced from
      mammals or bacteria that exist or have adapted to moderate temperatures
      (mesophilic organisms); however, proteases derived from organisms from cold
      environments-cold-adapted or psychrophilic proteases-generally have high specific
      activity, low substrate affinity, and high catalytic rates at low and moderate
      temperatures. Made possible by greater flexibility, psychrophilic enzymes
      interact with and transform the substrate at lower energy costs. Cold-adapted
      proteases have been used in a wide range of applications, including industrial
      functions, textiles, cleaning/hygiene products, molecular biology, environmental
      bioremediations, consumer food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical
      production. In addition to these applications, they have also shown promise as
      therapeutic modalities for cosmeceutical applications (by reducing glabellar
      [frown] lines) and a number of disease conditions, including bacterial infections
      (by disrupting biofilms to prevent bacterial infection), topical wound management
      (when used as a debridement agent to remove necrotic tissue and fibrin clots),
      oral/dental health management (by removing plaque and preventing periodontal
      disease), and in viral infections (by reducing the infectivity of viruses, such
      as human rhinovirus 16 and herpes simplex virus). Psychrophilic proteases with
      greater activity and stability (than the original organism-derived variant) have
      been developed; this coupled with available manufacturing recombinant production
      techniques suggests that cold-adapted proteases have a promising future as a
      distinct therapeutic class with diverse clinical applications. 

PMID- 25135818
TI  - Surgical patients travel longer distances than non-surgical patients to receive
      care at a rural hospital in Mozambique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical care is increasingly recognised as an important component of
      global health delivery. However, there are still major gaps in knowledge related
      to access to surgical care in low-income countries. In this study, we compare
      distances travelled by surgical patients with patients seeking other medical
      services at a first-level hospital in rural Mozambique. METHODS: Data were
      collected on all inpatients at Hospital Rural de Chokwe in rural Mozambique
      between 20 June 2012 and 3 August 2012. Euclidean distances travelled by surgical
      versus non-surgical patients using coordinates of each patient's city of
      residence were compared. Data were analysed using ArcGIS 10 and STATA. RESULTS:
      In total, 500 patients were included. Almost one-half (47.6%) lived in the city
      where the hospital is based. By hospital ward, the majority (62.0%) of maternity
      patients came from within the hospital's city compared with only 35.2% of
      surgical patients. The average distance travelled was longest for surgical
      patients (42 km) compared with an average of 17 km for patients on all other
      wards. CONCLUSIONS: Patients seeking surgical care at this first-level hospital
      travel farther than patients seeking other services. While other patients may
      have access to at community clinics, surgical patients depend more heavily on the
      services available at first-level hospitals.

PMID- 25135821
TI  - Low specificity of a malaria rapid diagnostic test during an integrated community
      case management trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Parasitological confirmation before administration of antimalarial
      treatment has been recommended by the World Health Organization in everyone
      presenting with symptoms suggestive of malaria at all levels of the health
      system. METHODS: The authors assessed the performance of a histidine-rich protein
      2-based malaria rapid diagnostic test used by community health workers in the
      context of an integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment for malaria and
      pneumonia. A total of 525 children below 5 years of age were recruited into the
      study. Children with fever/history of fever within the last 24 h were tested with
      the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and a blood smear was obtained for delayed
      reading. RESULTS: Overall, the FirstSignTM Malaria Pf (Unimed International Inc,
      South San Francisco, USA) has shown a high sensitivity profile of 97.9% (95% CI
      96.3-98.8), but a low specificity of 53.4% (95% CI 49.1-57.7). The specificity
      was significantly lower during the high transmission season at 25.4% (95% CI 20.5
      31.0) compared to 63.7% (95% CI 57.6-69.4%) at the low transmission season. The
      negative predictive value (NPV) was 95.4% (95% CI 93.2-96.9) and positive
      predictive value was 71.7% (95% CI 67.7-75.4). The NPV was significantly higher
      during the low transmission season at 98.2% (95% CI 95.7-99.3) than compared to
      80.0% (95% CI 74.7-84.4) at the high transmission season. CONCLUSION: With such a
      low specificity, caution should be exercised when using these RDTs for community
      case management of malaria.

PMID- 25135822
TI  - Incidence and predisposing factors of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in
      children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To investigate the pattern of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity
      in children and to examine potential predisposing factors for nephrotoxicity,
      including average serum trough concentrations >=10 MUg/mL. METHODS: Patients >=1
      week old to <=15 years with normal baseline serum creatinine values who received
      vancomycin for >=48 h between October 2010 and September 2012 were
      retrospectively evaluated. Nephrotoxicity was defined as a serum creatinine
      increase of >=0.5 mg/dL or >=50% baseline increase over 2 days. Patients with
      average serum trough concentrations >=10 MUg/mL were compared with a lower trough
      group. RESULTS: Renal toxicity occurred in 72 (27.2%) of the 265 studied
      pediatric cases. High trough vancomycin levels >=10 MUg/mL were presented in 59
      pediatric patients suffering from nephrotoxicity. Using multiple regression
      analysis, cases admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and to whom
      aminoglycoside medication was administered concurrently with vancomycin
      medication showed a significant high renal toxicity incidence [odds ratio (OR)
      2.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70, 8.61; P value <0.03)] and (OR 9.11; 95%
      CI 4.11, 24.13; P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: Renal function tests and
      continuous monitoring of vancomycin trough levels for children receiving
      vancomycin therapy, especially admitted to the ICU and given other aminoglycoside
      medications, are essential.

PMID- 25135823
TI  - Treatment of Asymptomatic Carriers of Plasmodium falciparum with Artemether
      Lumefantrine: Impact on the Prevalence of Anemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An investigation of whether treatment of asymptomatic carriers of
      Plasmodium falciparum with artemether-lumefantrine (AL), in addition to the
      routine treatment of symptomatic cases with AL, could improve the prevalence of
      anemia in 18 villages in Burkina Faso. METHODS: This was a single-center,
      controlled, parallel, cluster-randomized study to evaluate the effect of
      systematic treatment of P. falciparum asymptomatic carriers at a community level
      on hemoglobin (Hb) levels and anemic status of children (<5 years) and adults
      during four screening campaigns carried out over a 12-month period, compared with
      no treatment of asymptomatic carriers. RESULTS: The change in Hb level in all
      asymptomatic carriers aged >6 months from Day 1 to Day 28 of the first campaign
      was +0.53 g/dl (from 11.81 to 12.33 g/dl) in the intervention arm vs. -0.21 g/dl
      (from 12.06 to 11.86 g/dl) in the control arm (P < 0.001). During the same
      period, the proportion of asymptomatic carriers aged >6 months to <5 years with
      anemia in the intervention arm decreased by 31.1% (from 75.7% to 44.6%), compared
      with a decrease of 4.7% (from 76.3% to 71.6%) in the control arm. Over 12 months,
      the proportion of asymptomatic carriers with anemia (mild, moderate, or severe)
      was reduced in both arms. CONCLUSION: Systematic screening and treatment of
      asymptomatic carriers of P. falciparum with AL at the community level can reduce
      the prevalence of anemia in children in the short term (28 days), although the
      effect was not maintained at 12 months.

PMID- 25135824
TI  - Psoriasis, anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, and tuberculosis: report of three
      challenging cases and literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The era of biologic therapies has provided new options for the
      treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. However, safety concerns have led to
      intensive screening and monitoring of patients receiving anti-tumor necrosis
      factor alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) agents. METHODS: The authors describe the cases of
      three patients with moderate to severe psoriasis treated with anti-TNF agents,
      with challenging diagnostic and treatment aspects regarding tuberculosis (TB)
      infection, a serious adverse event associated with this type of treatment. The
      cases are discussed in the context of a comprehensive literature review
      describing the risk of TB associated with the use of TNF inhibitors. A critical
      review of the clinical trials that have tested the safety of these agents is also
      presented. RESULTS: One patient, who tested negatively for latent TB infection
      (LTBI) during screening, developed active TB under adalimumab therapy. For two
      other patients the diagnosis and management of LTBI in relation to anti-TNF
      therapy represented a challenge. Although clinical trials involving the use of
      anti-TNF therapy for psoriasis haven't demonstrated a high TB incidence, active
      TB is continuously reported in association with this treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Findings from clinical practice and the scientific literature indicate that anti
      TNF therapies are associated with an increased risk of TB, and close monitoring
      of patients is needed.

PMID- 25135826
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis on the role of varicosity treatment in the
      context of truncal vein ablation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the advent of endovenous truncal ablation under local
      anaesthetic for the treatment of varicose veins, the fate of varicosed
      tributaries has become controversial, with centres offering different timings of
      treatment, if offered at all. This study aims to review the literature assessing
      delayed and simultaneous varicosity treatment during truncal ablation. METHODS:
      Randomised trials and cohort studies concerning varicosity treatment timing were
      identified through a systematic literature search. Requirements for further
      treatment, quality of life and rate of venous thrombotic events were assessed for
      meta-analysis. RESULTS: Four studies were identified assessing need for further
      varicosity procedure, with no significant difference seen between simultaneous or
      delayed treatment (p = 0.339). Two studies assessed quality of life, with
      simultaneous treatment providing significantly improved outcomes at six weeks (p
      = 0.029) but not at 12 weeks (p = 0.283). Studies examining venous thrombotic
      events showed no difference in venous thromboembolism rate between simultaneous
      or delayed treatment approaches (p = 0.078). CONCLUSION: The evidence base
      regarding timing of varicosity treatment is sparse; however, it does show that
      simultaneous treatment of varicosities leads to early gains in quality of life,
      with a non-significant trend for fewer further procedures but more venous
      thrombotic events.

PMID- 25135825
TI  - Postoperative pyoderma gangrenosum in association with renal cell carcinoma and
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare sterile neutrophilic dermatosis
      characterized by painful recurrent ulcerations. It is frequently associated with
      inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or malignancies. PG is a
      diagnosis of exclusion, and it is based on clinical presentation, histology,
      history of an underlying disease, and exclusion of other causes of ulceration.
      CASE REPORT: The authors report a 62-year-old male who developed a nonhealing
      ulcer at the site of incision following nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.
      Past medical history included chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with
      rituximab. Histology of the skin lesion showed a phlegmonous nonspecific
      inflammation without being able to differentiate between a necrotizing wound
      infection and PG. The patient's condition was initially diagnosed as an
      infectious process and treated accordingly. After unsuccessful results with
      systemic antibiotics, high-dose corticosteroids induced prompt healing of the
      wound. On these bases, the diagnosis of postoperative PG within chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia and renal cell carcinoma was made. CONCLUSION: Faced with
      postoperative necrotizing ulceration resistant to correctly administered
      antibiotics, PG must be considered. In such condition, the diagnosis must not be
      guided primarily by histology and early advice of a dermatologist is recommended.

PMID- 25135827
TI  - Needle track tumor seeding after radiofrequency ablation of a thyroid tumor.
AB  - A 19-year-old female underwent two radiofrequency ablation procedures for a
      thyroid tumor that was proven to be nodular hyperplasia versus a follicular
      neoplasm by fine-needle aspiration. Two years after the last follow-up, the
      thyroid mass had grown and a newly developed mass was detected in the platysma
      muscle. After surgery, the thyroid mass was revealed to be a solid papillary
      thyroid carcinoma, and the subplatysmal mass was tumor seeding. 

PMID- 25135828
TI  - CD1d(hi)CD5+ B cells expanded by GM-CSF in vivo suppress experimental autoimmune
      myasthenia gravis.
AB  - IL-10-competent subset within CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells, also known as B10 cells,
      has been shown to regulate autoimmune diseases. Whether B10 cells can prevent or
      suppress the development of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) has
      not been studied. In this study, we investigated whether low-dose GM-CSF, which
      suppresses EAMG, can expand B10 cells in vivo, and whether adoptive transfer of
      CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells would prevent or suppress EAMG. We found that treatment of
      EAMG mice with low-dose GM-CSF increased the proportion of CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells
      and B10 cells. In vitro coculture studies revealed that CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells
      altered T cell cytokine profile but did not directly inhibit T cell
      proliferation. In contrast, CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells inhibited B cell proliferation
      and its autoantibody production in an IL-10-dependent manner. Adoptive transfer
      of CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells to mice could prevent disease, as well as suppress EAMG
      after disease onset. This was associated with downregulation of mature dendritic
      cell markers and expansion of regulatory T cells resulting in the suppression of
      acetylcholine receptor-specific T cell and B cell responses. Thus, our data have
      provided significant insight into the mechanisms underlying the tolerogenic
      effects of B10 cells in EAMG. These observations suggest that in vivo or in vitro
      expansion of CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells or B10 cells may represent an effective
      strategy in the treatment of human myasthenia gravis. 

PMID- 25135829
TI  - Single-cell analysis of innate cytokine responses to pattern recognition receptor
      stimulation in children across four continents.
AB  - Innate immunity instructs adaptive immunity, and suppression of innate immunity
      is associated with an increased risk for infection. We showed previously that
      whole-blood cellular components from a cohort of South African children secreted
      significantly lower levels of most cytokines following stimulation of pattern
      recognition receptors compared with whole blood from cohorts of Ecuadorian,
      Belgian, or Canadian children. To begin dissecting the responsible molecular
      mechanisms, we set out to identify the relevant cellular source of these
      differences. Across the four cohorts represented in our study, we identified
      significant variation in the cellular composition of whole blood; however, a
      significant reduction in the intracellular cytokine production on the single-cell
      level was only detected in South African children's monocytes, conventional
      dendritic cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. We also uncovered a marked
      reduction in polyfunctionality for each of these cellular compartments in South
      African children compared with children from the other continents. Together, our
      data identify differences in cell composition, as well as profoundly lower
      functional responses of innate cells, in our cohort of South African children. A
      possible link between altered innate immunity and increased risk for infection or
      lower response to vaccines in South African infants needs to be explored. 

PMID- 25135830
TI  - Identification of a novel neutrophil population: proangiogenic granulocytes in
      second-trimester human decidua.
AB  - The maternal leukocytes of the first-trimester decidua play a fundamental role in
      implantation and early development of the fetus and placenta, yet little is known
      regarding the second-trimester decidual environment. Our multicolor flow
      cytometric analyses of human decidual leukocytes detected an elevation in tissue
      resident neutrophils in the second trimester. These cells in both human and
      murine samples were spatially restricted to decidua basalis. In comparison with
      peripheral blood neutrophils (PMNs), the decidual neutrophils expressed high
      levels of neutrophil activation markers and the angiogenesis-related proteins:
      vascular endothelial growth factor-A, Arginase-1, and CCL2, similarly shown in
      tumor-associated neutrophils. Functional in vitro assays showed that second
      trimester human decidua conditioned medium stimulated transendothelial PMN
      invasion, upregulated VEGFA, ARG1, CCL2, and ICAM1 mRNA levels, and increased PMN
      driven in vitro angiogenesis in a CXCL8-dependent manner. This study identified a
      novel neutrophil population with a physiological, angiogenic role in human
      decidua. 

PMID- 25135831
TI  - Pregnancy and malaria exposure are associated with changes in the B cell pool and
      in plasma eotaxin levels.
AB  - Pregnancy triggers immunological changes aimed to tolerate the fetus, but its
      impact on B lymphocytes is poorly understood. In addition, exposure to the
      Plasmodium parasite is associated with altered distribution of peripheral memory
      B cell (MBC) subsets. To study the combined impact of high malaria exposure and
      pregnancy in B cell subpopulations, we analyzed PBMCs from pregnant and
      nonpregnant individuals from a malaria-nonendemic country (Spain) and from a high
      malaria-endemic country (Papua New Guinea). In the malaria-naive cohorts,
      pregnancy was associated with a significant expansion of all switched (IgD(-))
      MBC and a decrease of naive B cells. Malaria-exposed women had more atypical MBC
      and fewer marginal zone-like MBC, and their levels correlated with both
      Plasmodium vivax- and Plasmodium falciparum-specific plasma IgG levels. Classical
      but not atypical MBC were increased in P. falciparum infections. Moreover, active
      atypical MBC positively correlated with proinflammatory cytokine plasma
      concentrations and had lower surface IgG levels than the average. Decreased
      plasma eotaxin (CCL11) levels were associated with pregnancy and malaria exposure
      and also correlated with B cell subset frequencies. Additionally, active atypical
      and active classical MBC expressed higher levels of eotaxin receptor CCR3 than
      the other B cell subsets, suggesting a chemotactic effect of eotaxin on these B
      cell subsets. These findings are important to understand immunity to infections
      like malaria that result in negative outcomes for both the mother and the newborn
      and may have important implications on vaccine development. 

PMID- 25135832
TI  - Live simian immunodeficiency virus vaccine correlate of protection: local
      antibody production and concentration on the path of virus entry.
AB  - We sought design principles for a vaccine to prevent HIV transmission to women by
      identifying correlates of protection conferred by a highly effective live
      attenuated SIV vaccine in the rhesus macaque animal model. We show that
      SIVmac239Deltanef vaccination recruits plasma cells and induces ectopic lymphoid
      follicle formation beneath the mucosal epithelium in the rhesus macaque female
      reproductive tract. The plasma cells and ectopic follicles produce IgG Abs
      reactive with viral envelope glycoprotein gp41 trimers, and these Abs are
      concentrated on the path of virus entry by the neonatal FcR in cervical reserve
      epithelium and in vaginal epithelium. This local Ab production and delivery
      system correlated spatially and temporally with the maturation of local
      protection against high-dose pathogenic SIV vaginal challenge. Thus, designing
      vaccines to elicit production and concentration of Abs at mucosal frontlines
      could aid in the development of an effective vaccine to protect women against HIV
      1. 

PMID- 25135834
TI  - Bispecificity for myelin and neuronal self-antigens is a common feature of CD4 T
      cells in C57BL/6 mice.
AB  - The recognition of multiple ligands by a single TCR is an intrinsic feature of T
      cell biology, with important consequences for physiological and pathological
      processes. Polyspecific T cells targeting distinct self-antigens have been
      identified in healthy individuals as well as in the context of autoimmunity. We
      have previously shown that the 2D2 TCR recognizes the myelin oligodendrocyte
      glycoprotein epitope (MOG)35-55 as well as an epitope within the axonal protein
      neurofilament medium (NF-M15-35) in H-2(b) mice. In this study, we assess whether
      this cross-reactivity is a common feature of the MOG35-55-specific T cell
      response. To this end, we analyzed the CD4 T cell response of MOG35-55-immunized
      C57BL/6 mice for cross-reactivity with NF-M15-35. Using Ag recall responses, we
      established that an important proportion of MOG35-55-specific CD4 T cells also
      responded to NF-M15-35 in all mice tested. To study the clonality of this
      response, we analyzed 22 MOG35-55-specific T cell hybridomas expressing distinct
      TCR. Seven hybridomas were found to cross-react with NF-M15-35. Using an alanine
      scan of NF-M18-30 and an in silico predictive model, we dissected the molecular
      basis of cross-reactivity between MOG35-55 and NF-M15-35. We established that NF
      M F24, R26, and V27 proved important TCR contacts. Strikingly, the identified TCR
      contacts are conserved within MOG38-50. Our data indicate that due to linear
      sequence homology, part of the MOG35-55-specific T cell repertoire of all C57BL/6
      mice also recognizes NF-M15-35, with potential implications for CNS autoimmunity.

PMID- 25135833
TI  - SARS-coronavirus open reading frame-9b suppresses innate immunity by targeting
      mitochondria and the MAVS/TRAF3/TRAF6 signalosome.
AB  - Coronaviruses (CoV) have recently emerged as potentially serious pathogens that
      can cause significant human morbidity and death. The severe acute respiratory
      syndrome (SARS)-CoV was identified as the etiologic agent of the 2002-2003
      international SARS outbreak. Yet, how SARS evades innate immune responses to
      cause human disease remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that a
      protein encoded by SARS-CoV designated as open reading frame-9b (ORF-9b)
      localizes to mitochondria and causes mitochondrial elongation by triggering
      ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of dynamin-like protein 1, a host
      protein involved in mitochondrial fission. Also, acting on mitochondria, ORF-9b
      targets the mitochondrial-associated adaptor molecule MAVS signalosome by
      usurping PCBP2 and the HECT domain E3 ligase AIP4 to trigger the degradation of
      MAVS, TRAF3, and TRAF 6. This severely limits host cell IFN responses. Reducing
      either PCBP2 or AIP4 expression substantially reversed the ORF-9b-mediated
      reduction of MAVS and the suppression of antiviral transcriptional responses.
      Finally, transient ORF-9b expression led to a strong induction of autophagy in
      cells. The induction of autophagy depended upon ATG5, a critical autophagy
      regulator, but the inhibition of MAVS signaling did not. These results indicate
      that SARS-CoV ORF-9b manipulates host cell mitochondria and mitochondrial
      function to help evade host innate immunity. This study has uncovered an
      important clue to the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV infection and illustrates the
      havoc that a small ORF can cause in cells. 

PMID- 25135835
TI  - Composition and occurrence of lipid droplets in the cyanobacterium Nostoc
      punctiforme.
AB  - Inclusions of neutral lipids termed lipid droplets (LDs) located throughout the
      cell were identified in the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme by staining with
      lipophylic fluorescent dyes. LDs increased in number upon entry into stationary
      phase and addition of exogenous fructose indicating a role for carbon storage,
      whereas high-light stress did not increase LD numbers. LD accumulation increased
      when nitrate was used as the nitrogen source during exponential growth as
      compared to added ammonia or nitrogen-fixing conditions. Analysis of isolated LDs
      revealed enrichment of triacylglycerol (TAG), alpha-tocopherol, and C17 alkanes.
      LD TAG from exponential phase growth contained mainly saturated C16 and C18 fatty
      acids, whereas stationary phase LD TAG had additional unsaturated fatty acids
      characteristic of whole cells. This is the first characterization of
      cyanobacterial LD composition and conditions leading to their production. Based
      upon their abnormally large size and atypical location, these structures
      represent a novel sub-organelle in cyanobacteria. 

PMID- 25135836
TI  - Repeat analysis and incurred sample reanalysis: recommendation for best practices
      and harmonization from the global bioanalysis consortium harmonization team.
AB  - The A7 harmonization team (A7 HT), a part of the Global Bioanalysis Consortium
      (GBC), focused on reviewing best practices for repeat analysis and incurred
      sample reanalysis (ISR) as applied during regulated bioanalysis. With
      international representation from Europe, Latin America, North America, and the
      Asia Pacific region, the team first collated common practices and guidance
      recommendations and assessed their suitability from both a scientific and
      logistical perspective. Subsequently, team members developed best practice
      recommendations and refined them through discussions and presentations with
      industry experts at scientific meetings. This review summarizes the team findings
      and best practice recommendations. The few topics where no consensus could be
      reached are also discussed. The A7 HT recommendations, together with those from
      the other GBC teams, provide the basis for future international harmonization of
      regulated bioanalytical practices. 

PMID- 25135837
TI  - Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling of guanfacine effects on QTc
      and heart rate in pediatric patients.
AB  - Using a previously developed population pharmacokinetic model, an exposure
      response (ER) model was successfully developed to describe guanfacine plasma
      concentrations and changes in heart rate (HR) and the QT interval. Guanfacine
      exposure was associated with small decreases in HR and a small prolongation of
      the population-corrected QT (QTcP) interval. Based on the final ER model for
      effect of guanfacine on HR, the estimated population typical decrease in HR would
      be 2.3% (2.1-2.7%) of the baseline circadian HR for every 1 ng/mL of guanfacine
      exposure. A QTcP was developed for the analysis using the sampled population. An
      effect of sex on baseline-corrected QT (BQTP) was the only covariate effect in
      the final ER model for QTcP, its inclusion resulting in a typical baseline QTcP
      estimate that is 9 (5-13) ms higher for females. There was no evidence of QT-RR
      hysteresis. A linear model was used to relate guanfacine plasma concentrations to
      QTcP. The typical (95% confidence interval) slope parameter was estimated to be
      0.941 (0.62-1.25) ms/ng/mL. The final model predicted an approximate 1-ms
      increase from baseline for every 1 ng/mL of guanfacine in plasma. The main
      predictor of QTcP prolongation was guanfacine exposure, which decreased with body
      weight and increased with dose. 

PMID- 25135838
TI  - Organ transplantation from donors (cadaveric or living) with a history of
      malignancy: review of the literature.
AB  - The evolution of organ transplantation has resulted in extended lifespan as well
      as better life quality of patients with end-stage diseases, which in turn causes
      an increased demand for organs. The persistent organ shortage requires a careful
      reconsideration of potential donors (living or cadaveric) that have current or
      historical malignancies. Donors with low-grade skin tumors, carcinomas in situ of
      the uterine cervix, and primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors can be
      considered as potential donors for recipients dying on wait list longing for
      organ transplantation. Recently, transplant centers have turned to other types of
      malignancies including low grade renal cell carcinoma, prostate, ureteral,
      endometrial and breast cancer, and favorable outcomes have been shown in such
      innovations. When considering donors with a history of malignancy, general
      biologic behavior of the tumor type, histology and stage at the time of
      diagnosis, and the length of disease-free interval should be considered
      (Transplantation 2002;74(12):1657-1663). With the review of literatures, we
      illustrate the organ utilization from donors with malignancies all around the
      world since earlier times and give some suggestions for decision making under the
      circumstance of whether to choose those marginal donors or not on the basis of
      reviewed literatures. 

PMID- 25135839
TI  - The Spanish version of the Body Image Scale (S-BIS): psychometric properties in a
      sample of breast and gynaecological cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to develop a Spanish version of the Body Image
      Scale (Hopwood et al. Eur J Cancer 37(2):189-197, 2001) and to analyze its
      psychometric properties in a sample of women with breast or gynaecological
      cancer. METHODS: The Spanish version of the Body Image Scale was developed using
      a forward and backward translation technique. A total sample of 100 women who had
      undergone radical surgery for breast (n = 50) or gynaecological cancer (n = 50)
      completed the scale. RESULTS: Factor analysis resulted in a single-factor
      solution, both in the total sample and in the two subgroups, accounting for >76 %
      variance. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.960. The Spanish version
      of the Body Image Scale correlated negatively with self-esteem (r = -0.733),
      quality of life (r = -0.632) and age (r = -0.643) and positively with depression
      (r = 0.832) and anxiety (r = 0.564); all p values < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: To our
      knowledge, this is the first study that provides a Spanish version of the Body
      Image Scale. Our results show a stable factorial structure between samples with a
      single-factor solution and good psychometric properties, suggesting that it is a
      suitable tool for measuring body image concerns among Spanish-speaking cancer
      patients. Its brevity and comprehensibility allow a quick assessment both in
      clinical and research settings.

PMID- 25135841
TI  - The basolateral amygdala is necessary for negative prediction errors to enhance
      cue salience, but not to produce conditioned inhibition.
AB  - Behavioral evidence shows that prediction errors (PEs) not only drive associative
      learning, but also enhance the salience of predictive cues, making them better
      able to capture attention when they are next encountered. Research from our
      laboratory suggests that this latter consequence of PEs depends on a neural
      circuit that includes the amygdala. Lesions of the basolateral complex of the
      amygdala (BLA), for instance, selectively disrupt enhancements in cue processing
      that are normally induced by positive PEs without compromising simple excitatory
      learning. This result is consistent with electrophysiological evidence showing
      that BLA neurons track positive PEs. Interestingly, the same neurons also seem to
      track negative PEs, suggesting the possibility that the BLA might also use these
      errors to drive enhancements in cue processing. Here, we examined the role of the
      BLA in the processing (Experiment 1) and utilization (Experiment 2) of negative
      PEs in increasing cue salience in an unblocking procedure. Using FOS expression
      as an index of neural activity, Experiment 1 confirmed that BLA neurons track
      negative PEs with reinforcement downshifts. This tracking was evident both when
      these errors were generated by decreasing the concentration of a sucrose
      reinforcer (which encourages the development of conditioned inhibition) and when
      they were generated by decreasing the number of sucrose reinforcers (which
      encourages excitatory learning - unblocking - and allows the detection of
      enhancements in cue processing). Experiment 2 demonstrated that BLA lesions
      abolished enhancements in cue processing while sparing inhibitory learning. These
      results suggest a general role of the BLA in utilizing PEs, whatever their sign,
      for boosting cue processing. 

PMID- 25135840
TI  - Glioblastoma multiforme from diagnosis to death: a prospective, hospital-based,
      cohort, pilot feasibility study of patient reported symptoms and needs.
AB  - PURPOSE: Glioblastoma (GBM) patients have many palliative care (PC) issues. To
      date, there are no studies examining the prospective usage of validated PC
      assessment tools as patient reported outcome measures for GBM patients. METHODS:
      GBM patients' PC issues were assessed from diagnosis to death or for at least 12
      months every 7 weeks (+/-8 days) using semi-structured interviews and the Hospice
      and Palliative Care Evaluation (HOPE, including Eastern Cooperative Oncology
      Group (ECOG) performance status, 17 items) and the Palliative Outcome Scale (POS,
      11 items). Data from patients who died within 12 months of the last patient's
      enrollment were evaluated using summarizing content analysis, visual graphical
      analysis (VGA), and linear mixed models for repeated measures. RESULTS: Nineteen
      of 33 patients screened were enrolled; two dropped out and four were still alive
      at the end of the study. The remaining 13 were assessed at 59 points until death
      (time range 4-68 weeks; 1-10 contacts per patient; assessment: self, 33; joint,
      8; external, 18). VGA of the HOPE and POS data, including all 1,652 assessed item
      data, showed consistent trajectory profiles for 14 of 28 items: 10 were
      increasing (meaning symptom worsening) and comprised predominantly psychosocial
      issues and care dependency. Type of assessment partly interacted with time,
      however, not qualitatively so. Analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed
      delayed interactions with PC/hospice services and numerous neuropsychiatric
      problems not detected by HOPE and POS. CONCLUSIONS: Prospective self-assessment
      of GBM patients' PC issues is feasible. However, disease progression may
      necessitate further, external assessment. Modification of existing PC assessment
      tools is needed to detect GBM-specific issues.

PMID- 25135843
TI  - Randall Dudley Bloomfield, MD: physician and advocate for disadvantaged
      communities.

PMID- 25135842
TI  - Strategies for hepatitis C testing and linkage to care for vulnerable
      populations: point-of-care and standard HCV testing in a mobile medical clinic.
AB  - Despite new Hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapeutic advances, challenges remain for
      HCV testing and linking patients to care. A point-of-care (POC) HCV antibody
      testing strategy was compared to traditional serological testing to determine
      patient preferences for type of testing and linkage to treatment in an innovative
      mobile medical clinic (MMC). From 2012 to 2013, all 1,345 MMC clients in New
      Haven, CT underwent a routine health assessment, including for HCV. Based on
      patient preferences, clients could select between standard phlebotomy or POC HCV
      testing, with results available in approximately 1 week versus 20 min,
      respectively. Outcomes included: (1) accepting HCV testing; (2) preference for
      rapid POC HCV testing; and (3) linkage to HCV care. All clients with reactive
      test results were referred to a HCV specialty clinic. Among the 438 (32.6 %)
      clients accepting HCV testing, HCV prevalence was 6.2 % (N = 27), and 209 (47.7
      %) preferred POC testing. Significant correlates of accepting HCV testing was
      lower for the "baby boomer" generation (AOR 0.67; 95 % CI 0.46-0.97) and white
      race (AOR 0.55; 95 % CI 0.36-0.78) and higher for having had a prior STI
      diagnosis (AOR 5.03; 95 % CI 1.76-14.26), prior injection drug use (AOR 2.21; 95
      % CI 1.12-4.46), and being US-born (AOR 1.76; 95 % CI 1.25-2.46). Those diagnosed
      with HCV and preferring POC testing (N = 16) were significantly more likely than
      those choosing standard testing (N = 11) to be linked to HCV care within 30 days
      (93.8 vs. 18.2 %; p < 0.0001). HCV testing is feasible in MMCs. While patients
      equally preferred POC and standard HCV testing strategies, HCV-infected patients
      choosing POC testing were significantly more likely to be linked to HCV
      treatment. Important differences in risk and background were associated with type
      of HCV testing strategy selected. HCV testing strategies should be balanced based
      on costs, convenience, and ability to link to HCV treatment.

PMID- 25135844
TI  - Mortality from internal and external radiation exposure in a cohort of male
      German uranium millers, 1946-2008.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine exposure-response relationships between ionizing radiation
      and several mortality outcomes in a subgroup of 4,054 men of the German uranium
      miner cohort study, who worked between 1946 and 1989 in milling facilities, but
      never underground or in open pit mines. METHODS: Mortality follow-up was from
      1946 to 2008, accumulating 158,383 person-years at risk. Cumulative exposure to
      radon progeny in working level months (WLM) (mean = 8, max = 127), long-lived
      radionuclides from uranium ore dust in kBqh/m(3) (mean = 3.9, max = 132),
      external gamma radiation in mSv (mean = 26, max = 667) and silica dust was
      estimated by a comprehensive job-exposure matrix. Internal Poisson regression
      models were applied to estimate the linear excess relative risk (ERR) per unit of
      cumulative exposure. RESULTS: Overall, a total of 457, 717 and 111 deaths
      occurred from malignant cancer, cardiovascular diseases and non-malignant
      respiratory diseases, respectively. Uranium ore dust and silica dust were not
      associated with mortality from any of these disease groups. A statistically
      significant relationship between cumulative radon exposure and mortality from all
      cancers (ERR/100 WLM = 1.71; p = 0.02), primarily due to lung cancer (n = 159;
      ERR/100 WLM = 3.39; p = 0.05), was found. With respect to cumulative external
      gamma radiation, an excess of mortality of solid cancers (n = 434; ERR/Sv = 1.86;
      p = 0.06), primarily due to stomach cancer (n = 49, ERR/Sv = 10.0; p = 0.12), was
      present. CONCLUSION: The present findings show an excess mortality from lung
      cancer due to radon exposure and from solid cancers due to external gamma
      radiation in uranium millers that was not statistically significant. Exposure to
      uranium was not associated with any cause of death, but absorbed organ doses were
      estimated to be low.

PMID- 25135845
TI  - Impact of desmopressin on nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria in men with lower
      urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH).
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of desmopressin on nocturia, quality of sleep
      (QoS), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in men with lower urinary tract
      symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) and nocturia due
      to nocturnal polyuria (NP) as the predominant symptom. METHODS: A German
      observational, multicenter, post-marketing surveillance study including men with
      LUTS/BPH and nocturia due to NP starting 3 months of desmopressin treatment.
      RESULTS: In total, 137 patients with a mean of 3.8 nocturnal voids (range 2-7)
      were included. Desmopressin significantly reduced the mean number of nocturnal
      voids by 53 %, mean IPSS nocturia question by 50 %, and the mean ratio of
      night/24-h urine volume by 39 % from baseline to endpoint. The hours of
      undisturbed sleep significantly increased by 74 %; 71 % of men reported about
      undisturbed sleep of >=4 h at study end. Additionally, there was a significant
      reduction in the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire score, indicating a
      clinically relevant QoS improvement. This was associated with an improved HRQoL,
      as shown by a significant improvement in both the mean IPSS-QoL question by 43 %
      and mean ICIQ-N nocturia problem question by 53 %. Concomitant alpha-blocker use
      had no effect on the efficacy of desmopressin. The incidence of adverse events
      was low (2.2 %). Hyponatremia was not observed in any patient. The majority of
      patients and physicians rated the efficacy and tolerability of desmopressin as
      good/very good. CONCLUSIONS: Desmopressin is an effective and well-tolerated
      treatment for nocturia due to NP in patients with LUTS/BPH in daily practice
      under routine conditions.

PMID- 25135847
TI  - Race/ethnicity and disparities in mastectomy practice in the Breast Cancer Care
      in Chicago study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine racial/ethnic disparities in mastectomy practice and explore
      mediating factors to explain the disparity. METHODS: Participants included 989
      females aged 30-79 years, from a population-based study of newly diagnosed
      (primary in situ/invasive) breast cancer patients, in Chicago, Illinois, from
      2005 to 2008, who completed an interview. Medical records were also abstracted
      for tumor, diagnostic, and treatment information. Multivariable logistic
      regression models with model-based standardization were used to estimate risk
      differences. Differences in rescaled coefficients were used to estimate the
      proportion of the disparity that could be mediated by patient and tumor
      characteristics. RESULTS: Mastectomy prevalence overall was 40 %. Factors
      significantly associated with increased rates of mastectomy (p < 0.05) included
      the following: non-Hispanic (nH) black and Hispanic race/ethnicity; younger age
      at diagnosis; lower socioeconomic status (SES); lack of recency of and adherence
      to screening mammography; and higher tumor pathologic stage and grade. In
      adjusted models (age, body mass index, comorbidity), compared to nH white
      patients, mastectomy was increased by 10 % points in both nH black (95 %
      confidence interval [CI] 0.03, 0.18; p = 0.007) and Hispanic (95 % CI 0.01, 0.19;
      p = 0.028) patients. After accounting for the proportion of disparity mediated by
      tumor stage, the disparity was reduced by about a third in nH black (risk
      difference = 0.07, 95 % CI -0.01, 0.14) and half in Hispanic patients (risk
      difference = 0.04, 95 % CI -0.05, 0.13). Additional control for mediation by SES
      and other tumor-related factors almost completely eliminated the nH black:nH
      white disparity. CONCLUSIONS: The best approach to reducing the racial/ethnic
      disparity in mastectomy rates would be to intervene on factors that could affect
      stage at diagnosis.

PMID- 25135846
TI  - Evolution of a strategy for preparing bioactive small molecules by sequential
      multicomponent assembly processes, cyclizations, and diversification.
AB  - A strategy for generating diverse collections of small molecules has been
      developed that features a multicomponent assembly process (MCAP) to efficiently
      construct a variety of intermediates possessing an aryl aminomethyl subunit.
      These key compounds are then transformed via selective ring-forming reactions
      into heterocyclic scaffolds, each of which possesses suitable functional handles
      for further derivatizations and palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reactions. The
      modular nature of this approach enables the facile construction of libraries of
      polycyclic compounds bearing a broad range of substituents and substitution
      patterns for biological evaluation. Screening of several compound libraries thus
      produced has revealed a large subset of compounds that exhibit a broad spectrum
      of medicinally-relevant activities. 

PMID- 25135848
TI  - Impact of the Japanese gastric cancer screening system on treatment outcomes in
      gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): an analysis based on the GIST
      registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the stomach are found
      incidentally during gastric cancer screening in Japan. This study investigated
      whether the Japanese gastric cancer screening system helps to improve treatment
      outcomes in gastric GIST based on an analysis of the GIST registry conducted by
      the Kinki GIST Study Group. METHODS: The registry was designed to collect data on
      background characteristics, treatment methods, pathologic characteristics, and
      prognosis of GIST from January 2003 through December 2007 at 40 participating
      institutions. RESULTS: The study enrolled 672 GIST patients, 482 of whom had
      gastric GIST. According to the modified National Institutes of Health consensus
      criteria, 22.6 % of the patients were classified as high risk for recurrence,
      18.5 % as intermediate risk, 35.9 % as low risk, and 13.9 % as very low risk.
      After exclusion of the patients inevaluable for treatment outcome, the study
      included 137 symptomatic patients (symptomatic group) and 147 asymptomatic
      patients (asymptomatic group). The diagnosis of the asymptomatic patients was
      determined through gastric cancer screening. The median tumor size in the
      asymptomatic group was significantly smaller than in the symptomatic group (3.5
      vs. 5.3 cm; P < 0.0001). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate in the
      asymptomatic high-risk patients (72.4 %) was lower than in their symptomatic
      counterparts (46.3 %) (P = 0.017). More patients in the asymptomatic group
      underwent laparoscopic surgery (42.2 vs. 27.2 %; P = 0.0081). CONCLUSIONS: By
      identifying asymptomatic patients, the Japanese gastric cancer screening system
      contributes to early detection of gastric GIST and favorable treatment outcomes.

PMID- 25135849
TI  - Open versus endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a meta-analysis of randomized
      controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common compressive neuropathy of the
      median nerve. The efficacy and safety of endoscopic versus open carpal tunnel
      release remain controversial. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was
      to determine whether endoscopic compared with open carpal tunnel release provides
      better symptom relief, validated outcome scores, short- and long-term strength,
      and/or digital sensibility; entails a differential risk of complications such as
      nerve injury, scar tenderness, pillar pain, and reoperation; allows an earlier
      return to work; and takes less operative time. METHODS: The English-language
      literature was searched using MEDLINE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied
      Health Literature, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.
      Randomized controlled trials that compared endoscopic and open carpal tunnel
      release were included in the meta-analysis. Methodologic quality was assessed
      with the Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist, and a
      sensitivity analysis was performed. Symptom relief, Boston Carpal Tunnel
      Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores, strength, digital sensibility, complications,
      reoperation, interval to return to work, and operative time were analyzed. Twenty
      one randomized controlled trials containing 1859 hands were included. RESULTS:
      Endoscopically treated patients showed similar symptom relief and BCTQ scores;
      better early recovery of grip strength (mean difference [MD], 3.03 kg [0.08
      5.98]; p = 0.04) and pinch strength (MD, 0.77 kg [0.33-1.22]; p < 0.001) but no
      advantage after 6 months; lower risk of scar tenderness (risk ratio [RR], 0.53
      [0.35-0.82]; p = 0.005); higher risk of nerve injury (RR, 2.84 [1.08-7.46]; p =
      0.03), most of which were transient neurapraxias. Similar risk of pillar pain and
      reoperation; an earlier return to work (MD, -8.73 days [-12.82 to -4.65]; p <
      0.001); and reduced operative time (MD, -4.81 minutes [-9.23 to -0.39]; p =
      0.03). CONCLUSIONS: High-level evidence from randomized controlled trials
      indicates that endoscopic release allows earlier return to work and improved
      strength during the early postoperative period. Results at 6 months or later are
      similar according to current data except that patients undergoing endoscopic
      release are at greater risk of nerve injury and lower risk of scar tenderness
      compared with open release. While endoscopic release may appeal to patients who
      require an early return to work and activities, surgeons should be cognizant of
      its elevated incidence of transient nerve injury amid its similar overall
      efficacy to open carpal tunnel release. Additional research is required to define
      the learning curve of endoscopic release and clarify the influence of surgeon
      volume on its safety.

PMID- 25135850
TI  - CORR Insights(r): a novel system improves preservation of osteochondral
      allografts.

PMID- 25135851
TI  - CORR Insights (r): Patient-specific anatomical and functional parameters provide
      new insights into the pathomechanism of cam FAI.

PMID- 25135852
TI  - CORR Insights: Is synovial C-reactive protein a useful marker for periprosthetic
      joint infection?

PMID- 25135853
TI  - Editorial comment: 2013 Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society.

PMID- 25135854
TI  - It is that time of year again ... immunization opportunities for older adults.

PMID- 25135856
TI  - Generation of antibodies against membrane proteins.
AB  - The monoclonal antibody has become an important therapeutic in the treatment of
      both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The recent success of antibody
      drug conjugates (ADCs) has broadened the extent of the potential target molecules
      in cancer immunotherapy. As a result, even molecules of low abundance have become
      targets for cytotoxic reagents. The multi-pass membrane proteins are an emerging
      target for the next generation antibody therapeutics. One outstanding challenge
      is the difficulty in preparing a sufficient amount of these membrane proteins so
      as to be able to generate the functional antibody. We have pursued the expression
      of various membrane proteins on the baculovirus particle and the utilization of
      displayed protein for immunization. The strong antigenicity of the virus acts
      either as a friend or foe in the making of an efficient antibody against an
      immunologically tolerant antigen. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: Recent advances in molecular engineering of antibody.

PMID- 25135855
TI  - Significance of redox-active cysteines in human FAD synthase isoform 2.
AB  - FAD synthase (FMN:ATP adenylyl transferase, FMNAT or FADS, EC 2.7.7.2) is the
      last enzyme in the pathway converting riboflavin into FAD. In humans, FADS is
      localized in different subcellular compartments and exists in different isoforms.
      Isoform 2 (490-amino acids) is organized in two domains: the 3'-phosphoadenosine
      5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) reductase domain, that is the FAD-forming catalytic
      domain, and one resembling a molybdopterin-binding (MPTb) domain, with a
      hypothetical regulatory role. hFADS2 contains ten Cys residues, seven of which
      located in the PAPS reductase domain, with a possible involvement either in FAD
      synthesis or in FAD delivery to cognate apo-flavoproteins. A homology model of
      the PAPS reductase domain of hFADS2 revealed a co-ordinated network among the Cys
      residues in this domain. In this model, C312 and C303 are very close to the
      flavin substrate, consistent with a significantly lowered FAD synthesis rate in
      C303A and C312A mutants. FAD synthesis is also inhibited by thiol-blocking
      reagents, suggesting the involvement of free cysteines in the hFADS2 catalytic
      cycle. Mass spectrometry measurements and titration with thiol reagents on wt
      hFADS2 and on several individual cysteine/alanine mutants allowed us to detect
      two stably reduced cysteines (C139 and C241, one for each protein domain), two
      stable disulfide bridges (C399-C402, C303-C312, both in the PAPS domain), and two
      unstable disulfides (C39-C50; C440-C464). Whereas the C39-C50 unstable disulfide
      is located in the MPTb domain and appears to have no catalytic relevance, a
      cysteine-based redox switch may involve formation and breakdown of a disulfide
      between C440 and C464 in the PAPS domain. 

PMID- 25135857
TI  - N-terminal region of human chemokine receptor CXCR3: Structural analysis of
      CXCR3(1-48) by experimental and computational studies.
AB  - Our study on the highly charged N-terminal peptide of the human chemokine
      receptor CXCR3 by spectroscopic methods in solution and by means of molecular
      dynamics simulations showed that the charge content modulates the intrinsic
      structural preference of its flexible backbone. Collectively, our findings
      suggest that the structural organization of a protein should be seen as a part of
      a continuum in which the ratio between electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions
      and the intrinsic flexibility are important properties used to optimize the
      folding. When this ratio changes and the structure is intrinsically flexible, the
      structural organization of the system moves along the continuum of the possible
      conformational states. By all this combined information, one can describe the
      structure of CXCR3(1-48) as an ensemble of conformations. In fact, the peptide
      shows stretches of negative charges embedded in a flexible sequence which can be
      used to maximize promiscuous interactions relevant to molecular recognition but
      globally the peptide appears as a poly-structured globule-like ensemble that is
      dynamically stabilized by H-bonds. We have approached the study of the most
      populated ensembles with subset selection to explain our experimental data also
      by evidencing that the changes into the fraction of charged residues discriminate
      between dynamically poly-structured states, conceivably because of small free
      energy barriers existing between the different conformations of CXCR3(1-48).
      Therefore, the overlap of a highly flexible backbone, negatively charged residues
      and sites which can be modified by post-translational modifications represent the
      structural organization that controls the molecular mechanisms underlying the
      biological functions carried out by CXCR3(1-48). 

PMID- 25135858
TI  - Soluble epoxide hydrolase activity regulates inflammatory responses and seizure
      generation in two mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - Neuroinflammation is known to be involved in epileptogenesis with unclear
      mechanisms. Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) seems to offer anti
      inflammatory protection to ischemic brain injury in rodents. Thus, it is
      hypothesized that sEH inhibition might also affect the neuroinflammatory
      responses caused by epileptic seizures. In the present study, we investigated the
      involvement of sEH in neuroinflammation, seizure generation and subsequent
      epileptogenesis using two mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy. Experimental
      epileptic seizures were induced by either pilocarpine or electrical amygdala
      kindling in both wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and sEH knockout (sEH KO) mice. The
      sEH expression in the hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry and
      Western blot analysis. The effects of the sEH hydrolase inhibitors, 12-(3
      adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-dodecanoic acid (AUDA) and N-[1-(1-oxopropyl)-4
      piperidinyl]-N'-[4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenyl)-urea (TPPU), and of the genetic
      deletion of sEH on seizure-induced neuroinflammatory responses and the
      development of epilepsy were evaluated. In the hippocampus of WT mice, sEH was
      mainly expressed in astrocytes (GFAP(+)), neurons (NeuN(+)) and scattered
      microglia (Iba-1(+)) in the regions of CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus. Expression of
      sEH was significantly increased on day 7, 14, 21 and 28 after pilocarpine-induced
      status epilepticus (SE). Administration with sEH inhibitors attenuated the SE
      induced up-regulation of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6),
      the degradation of EETs, as well as IkappaB phosphorylation. Following treatment
      with AUDA, the frequency and duration of spontaneous motor seizures in the
      pilocarpine-SE mice were decreased and the seizure-induction threshold of the
      fully kindled mice was increased. Up-regulation of hippocampal IL-1beta and IL-6
      was found in both WT and sEH KO mice after successful induction of SE. Notably,
      sEH KO mice were more susceptible to seizures than WT mice. Seizure related
      neuroinflammation and ictogenesis were attenuated by pharmacological inhibition
      of sEH enzymatic activity but not by sEH genetic deletion. Therefore, sEH may
      play an important role in the generation of epilepsy. Furthermore, the
      effectiveness of AUDA in terms of anti-inflammatory and anti-ictogenesis
      properties suggests that it may have clinical therapeutic implication for
      epilepsy in the future, particularly when treating temporal lobe epilepsy. 

PMID- 25135859
TI  - Dexamethasone enhances necrosis-like neuronal death in ischemic rat hippocampus
      involving MU-calpain activation.
AB  - Transient forebrain ischemia (TFI) leads to hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell death
      which is aggravated by glucocorticoids (GC). It is unknown how GC affect
      apoptosis and necrosis in cerebral ischemia. We therefore investigated the co
      localization of activated caspase-3 (casp-3) with apoptosis- and necrosis-like
      cell death morphologies in CA1 of rats treated with dexamethasone prior to TFI
      (DPTI). In addition, apoptosis- (casp-9, casp-3, casp-3-cleaved PARP and cleaved
      alpha-spectrin 145/150 and 120kDa) and necrosis-related (calpain-specific casp-9
      cleavage, MU-calpain upregulation and cleaved alpha-spectrin 145/150kDa) cell
      death mechanisms were investigated by Western blot analysis. DPTI expedited CA1
      neuronal death from day 4 to day 1 and increased the magnitude of CA1 neuronal
      death from 66.2% to 91.3% at day 7. Furthermore, DPTI decreased the overall (days
      1-7) percentage of dying neurons displaying apoptosis-like morphology from 4.7%
      to 0.3% and, conversely, increased the percentage of neurons with necrosis-like
      morphology from 95.3% to 99.7%. In animals subjected to TFI without dexamethasone
      (ischemia-only), 7.4% of all dying CA1 neurons were casp-3-immunoreactive (IR),
      of which 3.1% co-localized with apoptosis-like and 4.3% with necrosis-like
      changes. By contrast, DPTI decreased the percentage of dying neurons with casp-3
      IR to 1.4%, of which 0.3% co-localized with apoptosis-like changes and 1.1% with
      necrosis-like changes. Western blot analysis from DPTI animals showed a
      significant elevation of MU-calpain, a calpain-produced necrosis-related casp-9
      fragment (25kDa) and cleavage of alpha-spectrin into 145/150kDa fragments at day
      4, whereas in ischemia-only animals a significant increase of casp-3-cleaved
      PARP, cleavage of alpha-spectrin into 145/150 and 120kDa fragments was detected
      at day 7. We conclude that DPTI, in addition to augmenting and expediting CA1
      neuronal death, causes a shift from apoptosis-like cell death to necrosis
      involving MU-calpain activation. 

PMID- 25135860
TI  - Cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction: distinctive features and clinical
      relevance.
AB  - The term cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction refers to the main syndromic
      abnormalities of immune function, immunodeficiency and systemic inflammation that
      are present in cirrhosis. The course of advanced cirrhosis, regardless of its
      aetiology, is complicated by cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction and this
      constitutes the pathophysiological hallmark of an increased susceptibility to
      bacterial infection, distinctive of the disease. Cirrhosis impairs the
      homeostatic role of the liver in the systemic immune response. Damage to the
      reticulo-endothelial system compromises the immune surveillance function of the
      organ and the reduced hepatic synthesis of proteins, involved in innate immunity
      and pattern recognition, hinders the bactericidal ability of phagocytic cells.
      Systemic inflammation, in form of activated circulating immune cells and
      increased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, is the result of persistent
      episodic activation of circulating immune cells from damage-associated molecular
      patterns, released from necrotic liver cells and, as cirrhosis progresses, from
      pathogen-associated molecular patterns, released from the leaky gut. Cirrhosis
      associated immune dysfunction phenotypes switch from predominantly "pro
      inflammatory" to predominantly "immunodeficient" in patients with stable ascitic
      cirrhosis and in patients with severely decompensated cirrhosis and extra-hepatic
      organ failure (e.g. acute-on-chronic liver failure), respectively. These
      cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction phenotypes represent the extremes of a
      spectrum of reversible dynamic events that take place during the course of
      cirrhosis. Systemic inflammation can affect the functions of tissue somatic cells
      and modify the clinical manifestation of cirrhosis. The best characterized
      example is the contribution of systemic inflammation to the haemodynamic
      derangement of cirrhosis, which correlates negatively with prognosis. 

PMID- 25135861
TI  - Underestimation of occult hepatitis C virus infection in chronic haemodialysis
      and kidney transplant patients.

PMID- 25135862
TI  - MicroRNA-199a-5p inhibition enhances the liver repopulation ability of human
      embryonic stem cell-derived hepatic cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Current hepatic differentiation protocols for human embryonic
      stem cells (ESCs) require substantial improvements. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been
      reported to regulate hepatocyte cell fate during liver development, but their
      utility to improve hepatocyte differentiation from ESCs remains to be
      investigated. Therefore, our aim was to identify and to analyse hepatogenic
      miRNAs for their potential to improve hepatocyte differentiation from ESCs.
      METHODS: By miRNA profiling and in vitro screening, we identified miR-199a-5p
      among several potential hepatogenic miRNAs. Transplantation studies of miR-199a
      5p-inhibited hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) in the liver of immunodeficient
      fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase knockout mice (Fah(-/-)/Rag2(-/-)/Il2rg(-/-)) were
      performed to assess their in vivo liver repopulation potential. For target
      determination, western blot and luciferase reporter assay were carried out.
      RESULTS: miRNA profiling revealed 20 conserved candidate hepatogenic miRNAs. By
      miRNA screening, only miR-199a-5p inhibition in HLCs was found to be able to
      enhance the in vitro hepatic differentiation of mouse as well as human ESCs. miR
      199a-5p inhibition in human ESCs-derived HLCs enhanced their engraftment and
      repopulation capacity in the liver of Fah(-/-)/Rag2(-/-)/Il2rg(-/-) mice.
      Furthermore, we identified SMARCA4 and MST1 as novel targets of miR-199a-5p that
      may contribute to the improved hepatocyte generation and in vivo liver
      repopulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that miR-199a-5p inhibition
      in ES-derived HLCs leads to improved hepatocyte differentiation. Upon
      transplantation, HLCs were able to engraft and repopulate the liver of Fah(-/
      )/Rag2(-/-)/Il2rg(-/-) mice. Thus, our findings suggest that miRNA modulation may
      serve as a promising approach to generate more mature HLCs from stem cell sources
      for the treatment of liver diseases.

PMID- 25135863
TI  - Vitamin D level and sustained virologic response to interferon-based antiviral
      therapy in chronic hepatitis C: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level has recently
      been reported to be an independent predictor of sustained virologic response
      (SVR) to treatment with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) for
      chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, studies have yielded
      inconsistent results. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to
      clarify any association between baseline 25(OH)D level and SVR in HCV therapy.
      METHODS: Two reviewers searched four electronic databases (Medline, Embase,
      PubMed, and Cochrane trials register) and relevant international conference
      proceedings up to March 2014 for studies treating chronic HCV infection with PEG
      IFN plus RBV where baseline 25(OH)D level was tested. Studies involving patients
      with HIV co-infection, previous liver transplantation or those receiving vitamin
      D supplementation were excluded. The mean baseline 25(OH)D level was compared
      between those who achieved and those who failed to achieve SVR. Pooled standard
      difference in mean 25(OH)D level, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals
      (CI) were calculated with the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 2.0)
      using a random effects model. RESULTS: 11 studies comprising 2605 patients were
      included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant association between the
      baseline mean 25(OH)D level and SVR (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.92-2.26; p=0.11), either
      in patients infected with genotypes 1/4/5 (OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.94-2.34; p=0.09) or
      genotypes 2/3 (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.26-8.87; p=0.65). CONCLUSIONS: The baseline
      25(OH)D level is not associated with SVR to PEG-IFN plus RBV therapy in chronic
      HCV infection, regardless of genotype. Any effect of vitamin D supplementation on
      SVR is yet to be definitively determined.

PMID- 25135864
TI  - PegIFNalpha/ribavirin/protease inhibitor combination in severe hepatitis C virus
      associated mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyse the safety and efficacy
      of the PegIFNalpha/ribavirin/protease inhibitor combination in severe and/or
      refractory hepatitis C virus (HCV)-mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) vasculitis.
      METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 30 patients (median age 59 years
      [53-66] and 57% of women) with HCV-MC vasculitis. PegIFNalpha/ribavirin (for 48
      weeks) was associated with telaprevir (375 mg three times daily, for 12 weeks, [n
      = 17]) or boceprevir (800 mg three times daily, for 44 weeks, (n = 13]). RESULTS:
      Twenty three patients (76.7%) were non-responders to previous antiviral therapy.
      At week 72, twenty patients (66.7%) were complete clinical and sustained
      virological responders. The cryoglobulin level decreased from 0.45 to 0 g/L
      (p<0.0001) and the C4 level increased from 0.09 to 0.14 g/L (p = 0.017). Complete
      clinical responders had a higher frequency of purpura (16/20 [80%] vs. 4/10
      [40%], p = 0.045), and a trend towards lower frequency of neuropathy (9/20 (45%)
      vs. 8/10 [80%], p = 0.12) compared with partial responders. Serious adverse
      events occurred in 14 patients (46.6%) during the 72 weeks of follow-up. Twenty
      eight patients (93.3%) received erythropoietin, 14 (46.6%) had red blood cell
      transfusion and 2 (6.6%) received granulocyte stimulating agent. The baseline
      factors associated with serious adverse events included liver fibrosis (p =
      0.045) and a low platelet count (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: The
      PegIFNalpha/ribavirin/protease inhibitor combination is highly effective in
      severe and/or refractory HCV-MC at the cost of frequent side effects. Baseline
      platelet count and liver fibrosis are useful in guiding treatment decisions.

PMID- 25135865
TI  - Advantage of bariatric surgery for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 25135866
TI  - Reply to: "underestimation of occult hepatitis C virus infection in chronic
      haemodialysis and kidney transplant patients".

PMID- 25135869
TI  - Revascularization of living-donor kidney transplant with multiple arteries: long
      term outcomes using the inferior epigastric artery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the safety and long-term outcomes of use of the inferior
      epigastric artery (IEA) for revascularization of small accessory kidney arteries
      (3 mm or less). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 602 living-donor kidney
      transplants were reviewed. Age was 37.4 +/- 15 years (range, 3-78 years).
      Multiple arteries were present in 98 kidneys (16.3%); of these, 83 (84.7%) had 2
      and arteries and 15 (15.3%) had 3 arteries. In 21 kidneys (21.4%) with multiple
      arteries (group I [GI]), the IEA was used for reconstruction. Four (14.3%) had 3
      arteries, and 17 (85.7%) had 2 arteries. In 77 patients (group II [GII]), the
      inferior accessory renal artery was reconstructed with a side-to-side or an end
      to-side anastomosis to the main renal artery. Follow-up was 43.8 +/- 38.1 months
      (range, 1-124 months). The Fisher exact test and the 2-tailed t test were used
      for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Delayed graft function occurred in 1 GI
      patient (4.8%) and in 5 GII patients (6.5%; P >.05). One partial renal infarction
      occurred in each group (4.8% vs 1.3%; P >.05). There was 1 urinary fistula in GI
      and 3 urinary fistulas and 1 ureteral stenosis in GII (P >.05). One graft (4.8%)
      lost function in GI and 5 (6.5%) in GII (P >.05). Eleven patients (53.4%) were
      hypertensive in GI and 53 (68.8%) in GII (P >.05). CONCLUSION: The use of the IEA
      for revascularization of a living-donor kidney transplant with multiple arteries
      is safe and effective, yielding similar long-term outcomes compared with the
      standard technique. Use of the IEA avoids the risks of manipulation of the main
      renal artery.

PMID- 25135867
TI  - Statin use is associated with a reduced risk of fibrosis progression in chronic
      hepatitis C.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Therapies that slow fibrosis progression in chronic liver
      disease are needed. Animal models have demonstrated that statins prevent the
      progression of hepatic fibrosis, but human data is lacking so far. We evaluated
      the association between statins and fibrosis progression in the HALT-C trial
      cohort. METHODS: Subjects with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and advanced hepatic
      fibrosis underwent serial liver biopsies over 3.5 years. The primary outcome was
      a ? 2-point increase in the Ishak fibrosis score on at least one of two serial
      biopsies. We used complementary log-log regression analysis to assess the
      association between statins and fibrosis progression among subjects without
      baseline cirrhosis. RESULTS: Fibrosis progression occurred in 3/29 (10%) statin
      users and 145/514 (29%) non-users. The unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for fibrosis
      progression among statin users compared to non-users was 0.32 (95% CI 0.10-0.99).
      This association remained significant after adjusting for established predictors
      of histological outcome, including body mass index, platelets and hepatic
      steatosis (adjusted HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.10-0.97). The mean change in Ishak fibrosis
      score over the 3.5 year study period was -0.34 (SE 0.18) for statin users
      compared to +0.42 (SE 0.07) for non-users (p = 0.006, after adjustment for
      baseline fibrosis score). CONCLUSIONS: Statin use is associated with a reduced
      risk of fibrosis progression in advanced CHC. Our findings suggest a potential
      role for statins in preventing liver disease progression.

PMID- 25135868
TI  - The genomic landscape of hepatoblastoma and their progenies with HCC-like
      features.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common childhood liver cancer
      and occasionally presents with histological and clinical features reminiscent of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Identification of molecular mechanisms that drive
      the neoplastic continuation towards more aggressive HCC phenotypes may help to
      guide the new stage of targeted therapies. METHODS: We performed comprehensive
      studies on genetic and chromosomal alterations as well as candidate gene function
      and their clinical relevance. RESULTS: Whole-exome sequencing identified HB as a
      genetically very simple tumour (2.9 mutations per tumour) with recurrent
      mutations in beta-catenin (CTNNB1) (12/15 cases) and the transcription factor
      NFE2L2 (2/15 cases). Their HCC-like progenies share the common CTNNB1 mutation,
      but additionally exhibit a significantly increased mutation number and
      chromosomal instability due to deletions of the genome guardians RAD17 and TP53,
      accompanied by telomerase reverse-transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations.
      Targeted genotyping of 33 primary tumours and cell lines revealed CTNNB1, NFE2L2,
      and TERT mutations in 72.5%, 9.8%, and 5.9% of cases, respectively. All NFE2L2
      mutations affected residues of the NFE2L2 protein that are recognized by the
      KEAP1/CUL3 complex for proteasomal degradation. Consequently, cells transfected
      with mutant NFE2L2 were insensitive to KEAP1-mediated downregulation of NFE2L2
      signalling. Clinically, overexpression of the NFE2L2 target gene NQO1 in tumours
      was significantly associated with metastasis, vascular invasion, the adverse
      prognostic C2 gene signature, as well as poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      demonstrates the importance of CTNNB1 mutations and NFE2L2-KEAP1 pathway
      activation in HB development and defines loss of genomic stability and TERT
      promoter mutations as prominent characteristics of aggressive HB with HCC
      features.

PMID- 25135870
TI  - Reconstructive strategy and classification of penoscrotal defects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To classify defects in the penoscrotal region according to their
      specific anatomic sites. METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2012, 20 male
      patients underwent reconstruction for penoscrotal defects. The causative factors
      were Fournier's gangrene in 12 patients, extramammary Paget's disease in 4, skin
      tumors in 3, and deformity after a burn injury in 1. The defects were categorized
      according to their anatomic location: penis (P), and right (r) and left (l)
      scrotum (Sr and Sl), inguinal area (Ir and Il), and perianal area (Ar and Al).
      RESULTS: Seven patients with defects in the penis received skin grafts. Defects
      affecting more than 2 anatomic regions or extensive defects (>100 cm(2)) were
      reconstructed by free tissue transfer. Other defects were reconstructed by
      perforator-based island flap coverage. All of the flaps survived without
      complications. CONCLUSION: We introduce a classification that provides a simple
      way to specify the anatomic location and extent of a defect. This classification
      will permit more effective and straightforward reconstruction in the penoscrotal
      region.

PMID- 25135872
TI  - Comparison of treatment strategies for thoracic endograft infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endograft infection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR)
      is associated with a substantial mortality rate that exceeds 70% in the largest
      published series. The aim of this study was to review all published reports on
      infection after TEVAR treated with either preservation of the endograft or
      surgical excision of the stent graft with the intention of providing a comparison
      of the safety, efficacy, and durability of the two different treatment
      strategies. METHODS: An extensive electronic health database search was
      undertaken to identify all articles that were published up to December 2013
      reporting on endograft infection after TEVAR. Overall, 55 patients treated with
      endograft preservation (group A) and 41 patients treated with endograft
      explantation (group B) were included in this review. RESULTS: The most frequently
      isolated microorganisms were Streptococcus species (29.4%) and Staphylococcus
      species (29.4%). The mortality for both groups was 66.6%. The in-hospital
      mortality rate in group A was 42% and reached 81.8% in a mean follow-up period of
      8.6 months. The in-hospital mortality rate in group B was 36.6%. Four (9.7%)
      further deaths due to reinfection or fistula recurrence were recorded in a mean
      follow-up period of 15.3 months, leading to an overall mortality of 46.3%. The
      meta-analysis showed a trend of better outcome with endograft explantation
      compared with endograft preservation (odds ratio [OR], 0.52; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 0.18-1.48). In group A, a trend of better outcome was revealed
      when drainage and repair of the fistula were applied (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 0.55
      8.90). A trend of worse outcomes was detected in fistula patients compared with
      nonfistula patients (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.43-3.74). CONCLUSIONS: Endograft
      preservation seems not a durable option. It can be offered to patients who refuse
      surgery or as a palliative option or bridging procedure for severely ill
      patients. Compared with antibiotic therapy alone, antibiotic therapy followed by
      drainage and repair of the fistula may control the sepsis, providing, however,
      mainly a temporary benefit. The presence of fistula is a predictor of dismal
      outcome. Endograft explantation remains the "gold standard" of treatment. The
      mortality rate of surgical conversion is much higher in the presence of fistula.

PMID- 25135871
TI  - Evaluation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, interleukin-18, and
      cystatin C as molecular markers before and after unilateral shock wave
      lithotripsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) on renal
      tissues using neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), cystatin C, and
      interleukin 18 (IL-18) levels in serum and urine and to examine the relationship
      of these biomarkers with patient and calculus characteristics as well as SWL
      treatment parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with renal
      calculi were included in this study. Blood and urine samples were attained from
      each patient at 4 time points; immediately before SWL, 6 hours after, 3 days
      after, and 10 days after the SWL. A new generation lithotripter was used for all
      cases. Serum and urine NGAL concentrations were measured using commercially
      available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits according to manufacture's
      protocol. The concentration of cystatin C was measured in serum, whereas IL-18
      concentration was assessed in urine. RESULTS: There were no statistically
      significantly differences in the levels of NGAL in serum and urine before and
      after SWL. The mean levels of cystatin C in serum appeared significantly higher 3
      and 10 days after SWL. No statistically significant differences were identified
      between levels of IL-18 before and after SWL. Patients with diabetes mellitus
      demonstrated significantly higher baseline cystatin C levels. There was no
      correlation between calculus characteristics or treatment parameters and the
      levels of all 3 biomarkers after SWL. CONCLUSION: The results of this study
      indicate that SWL is associated with minimal acute injury to renal tissues. Our
      findings support the safety profile of new generation lithotripters, provided
      orthodox indications and treatment principles are followed.

PMID- 25135874
TI  - The impact of intraoperative shunting on early neurologic outcomes after carotid
      endarterectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the need for intraoperative shunting during carotid
      endarterectomy (CEA) is intensely debated, relatively few studies have compared
      the neurologic outcomes of patients undergoing CEA with or without shunts. The
      objective of our analysis was to determine the impact of intraoperative shunting
      during CEA on the incidence of postoperative stroke. METHODS: The 2012 CEA
      targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement
      Program database was used for this analysis. The preoperative and operative
      characteristics of patients undergoing CEA with or without intraoperative
      shunting were compared. From this overall sample, propensity score techniques
      were then used to match patients with or without intraoperative shunting for a
      number of variables, including age, degree of ipsilateral and contralateral
      carotid stenosis, presence of several anatomic or physiologic risk factors,
      anesthesia modality, and use of patch angioplasty vs primary arteriotomy closure.
      The 30-day postoperative mortality and combined stroke/transient ischemic attack
      (TIA) rates of this matched cohort were then compared. A similar analysis was
      also performed on a subgroup of patients with severe stenosis or occlusion of the
      contralateral carotid artery. RESULTS: A total of 3153 patients were included for
      initial analysis (2023 "no-shunt" patients vs 1130 "shunt" patients). From this
      overall sample, propensity score matching yielded a cohort of 1072 patients with
      or without intraoperative shunt placement who were well matched for all known
      patient- and procedure-related factors. There was no significant difference in
      the incidence of postoperative stroke/TIA between the two groups of this matched
      cohort (3.4% in the no-shunt group vs 3.7% in the shunt group; P = .64). Analysis
      of a similarly well matched subgroup of patients with severe stenosis or
      occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery demonstrated a statistically
      nonsignificant increase in the incidence of postoperative stroke/TIA with the use
      of intraoperative shunting (4.9% in the no-shunt group vs 9.8% in the shunt
      group; P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: There is no clinical benefit to intraoperative
      shunting during CEA, even in patients who may be at high risk for intraoperative
      cerebral hypoperfusion due to severe stenosis or occlusion of the contralateral
      carotid artery.

PMID- 25135873
TI  - One-year patency rate of native arteriovenous fistulas reconstructed by vascular
      stripping in hemodialysis patients with venous neointimal hyperplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are limited therapeutic measures for stenosis of arteriovenous
      fistulas (AVFs) due to venous neointimal hyperplasia (VNH). In the current
      retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical data of hemodialysis patients who
      underwent AVF reconstruction by VNH stripping. The primary measure of interest
      was the secondary patency rate of the restored AVF. METHODS: The study included
      hemodialysis patients who underwent AVF reconstruction by VNH stripping (group
      A), AVF reconstruction proximal to the original fistula (group B), or creation of
      a new AVF (group C). Patency was evaluated immediately after the surgery and at
      follow-up visits. RESULTS: Of 353 patients who underwent AVF reconstructions, 327
      (91.9%) were for late AVF failure. The final analysis included 305 patients: 76,
      128, and 101 patients in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The three groups were
      comparable in age, sex, causes for AVF, AVF sites, and the artery for the AVF (P
      > .05). At 3-month follow-up, the secondary AVF patency rate was comparable
      across the three groups at 93.4%, 92.2%, and 92.1% in groups A, B, and C,
      respectively. The patency rate at 6 and 12 months was also comparable across
      groups A, B, and C at 89.5%, 89.8%, and 88.1% at 6 months and 84.2%, 85.9%, and
      81.2% at 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructing the AVF by
      surgically removing VNH is an effective technique for late hemodialysis access
      failure, with maximal preservation of blood vessels.

PMID- 25135875
TI  - Percutaneous radial access for peripheral transluminal angioplasty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The radial approach is currently gaining popularity in the setting of
      coronary percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) because it decreases the
      incidence of vascular complications. This study reports our initial results with
      radial access for peripheral PTA. METHODS: Between November 2011 and January
      2014, we performed peripheral PTA in 526 patients. PTA was performed through left
      radial access in 24 ambulatory patients (4.6%) presenting with TransAtlantic
      Inter-Society Consensus A or B lesions on preoperative computed tomography
      angiography. Materials included a 110-cm-long introducer, a 0.018-inch 400-cm
      long wire, 150-cm-long angiography catheters, 180-cm-long shaft balloons and
      stents. Data were prospectively collected. RESULTS: There were 22 men (92%),
      median age was 65 years (range, 45-88 years), and 38 target lesions were treated.
      Indication for revascularization was disabling claudication in 22 patients (92%)
      and critical ischemia in two (8%). Indication for choosing the radial approach
      was bilateral hostile groins in 12 patients (50%), bilateral infrainguinal
      lesions in 4 (17%), need for a contralateral femoral approach in the setting of
      kissing iliac stents or bifurcated surgical aortic grafts in 3 (13%), and
      elective in 5 (21%). Radial puncture failed in one patient (4%), and PTA was
      performed through brachial access. Technical success was 91% (20 of 22 patients).
      Thirty-seven stents were implanted. Total procedure duration was 45 minutes
      (range, 30-120 minutes). Fluoroscopy time was 9 minutes (range, 5-35 minutes),
      and 40 mL (range, 20-90 mL) of contrast was necessary. Radial artery rupture
      secondary to spasm was noted at the end of the procedure in two patients (8%).
      All patients could ambulate 2 hours after the procedure. No patient died. Median
      follow-up was 8 months (range, 1-23 months). Three radial arteries (13%) were
      occluded at the last follow-up. At 6 months, freedom from target lesion
      revascularization and target vessel revascularization were 91% and 91%,
      respectively, for iliac lesions and 93% and 86%, respectively, for infrainguinal
      lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of radial access
      for peripheral PTA. Radial access could represent an alternative to brachial
      access for peripheral and visceral interventions. Although complication rates of
      the present series are concerning, larger studies are needed to determine the
      role of transradial PTA once the learning curve is overcome. A wider diffusion of
      the technique mandates (1) smaller-diameter sheaths, (2) longer shaft devices,
      and (3) the development of specifically designed rescue devices such as covered
      stents and thromboaspiration catheters.

PMID- 25135876
TI  - Professionalism and the work-life balance.

PMID- 25135877
TI  - Computed tomography-guided reoperation for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Persistent or recurrent symptoms after surgical treatment for
      neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) is a problem commonly encountered by
      high-volume referral centers. The mechanical etiology patterns at reoperation
      include (1) inadequate previous rib resection, (2) rib regrowth, (3) scar tissue
      formation, or (4) intact scalene muscle. Reoperative TOS surgery has significant
      potential morbidity, and therefore, careful patient selection and meticulous
      planning are required. This study evaluated the utility of multidetector computed
      tomography (CT) in the differential diagnosis of patients with recurrent or
      persistent nTOS. METHODS: A retrospective record review was performed of a nTOS
      referral practice of patients treated from 2003 to 2012 to focus on patients
      reoperated on for recurrent or persistent symptoms. In 2003, a dedicated high
      resolution multidetector TOS CT protocol was established to assist in clinical
      decision making and reoperative planning. A single designated radiologist
      interpreted all CT images. Imaging, patient clinical characteristics,
      interventions, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: The study group included 20
      reoperations for recurrent (n = 15) or persistent (n = 5) symptoms. Mean age was
      35 years, and 60% of redo cases were in women. Preoperative CT imaging
      demonstrated the following anatomic patterns: inadequate previous rib resection
      in 5 (25%), rib regrowth in 5 (25%), scar tissue formation in 10 (50%), and
      intact scalene muscle in 3 (15%). Operative findings concurred with preoperative
      imaging in 85% of patients. There were no neurovascular injuries and no major
      complications. At a mean follow-up of 43 months, improvement or resolution of
      symptoms was significant in nine patients (45%), moderate in seven (35%), and
      minimal in four (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent/persistent nTOS is an often-vexing
      problem with challenging solutions. These results demonstrate the utility of a
      TOS protocol CT scan in providing correlative objective findings and in assisting
      with reoperative planning. Positive radiographic findings that correlate with
      patient symptoms inform the decision to reoperate.

PMID- 25135880
TI  - Obstetrics-based clinical immersion of a multinational team of biomedical
      engineering students in Ghana.

PMID- 25135879
TI  - NG as a novel nitric oxide donor induces apoptosis by increasing reactive oxygen
      species and inhibiting mitochondrial function in MGC803 cells.
AB  - NG, O(2)-(2,4-dinitro-5-{[2-(12-en-28-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-oleanolate-3-yl)
      oxy-2-oxoethyl] amino} phenyl) 1-(N-hydroxyethylmethylamino) diazen-1-ium-1,2
      diolate, was identified in our laboratory as a novel nitric oxide-releasing
      prodrug with antitumor effects. A previous study showed that NG inhibited cell
      growth, and induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In this study, the inhibitory
      effects of NG on the viability of MGC803 cells were examined using
      methylthiazolyl tetrazolium biomide (MTT) assay, neutral red assay and trypan
      blue exclusion test. The results showed that NG had strong cytotoxicity to induce
      apoptosis, which was characterized by a significant externalization of
      phosphatidylserine, nuclear morphological changes and enhanced Bax-to-Bcl-2
      ratio. Moreover, the release of cytochrome c (Cyt c) from mitochondria and the
      activation of caspase-9/3 were also detected, indicating that NG may induce
      apoptosis through a mitochondrial-mediated pathway. NG induced mitochondrial
      dysfunction in MGC803 cells by altering membrane potential (?Psim), the
      inhibition of complexes I, II and IV consequently decreasing ATP level.
      Furthermore, the treatment of MGC803 cells with NG caused a marked rise in
      oxidative stress as characterized by accumulation of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS), excessive malondialdehyde (MDA) production and a reduction in glutathione
      hormone (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase
      (GSH-Px) activity. In addition, pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a GSH
      synthesis precursor, was partially protective against the NG-induced ROS
      generation and cell apoptosis. In contrast, pretreatment of MGC803 cells with L
      buthionine-S, R-sulfoximine (BSO), a GSH synthesis inhibitor, increased the ROS
      levels, and aggravated cell apoptosis by NG. These results suggest that NG
      induced apoptosis in MGC803 cells is mediated, at least in part, by the increase
      in ROS production, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. 

PMID- 25135878
TI  - Ubiquitin-hepatitis B core antigen-cytoplasmic transduction peptide enhances HBV
      specific humoral and CTL immune responses in vivo.
AB  - Therapeutic strategies based on an enhanced hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific
      cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity may eradicate HBV. We previously verified
      that a fusion protein ubiquitin (Ub)-hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg)-cytoplasmic
      transduction peptide (CTP) can enter the cytoplasm of dendritic cells and enhance
      T cell response to generate HBV-specific CTLs efficiently in vitro. Ub, a marker
      of protein degradation, may promote the generation of peptides appropriate for
      major histocompatibility complex class I presentation. In the present study, the
      specific immune responses of the fusion protein Ub-HBcAg-CTP in BALB/c mice were
      evaluated and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Results showed that Ub
      HBcAg-CTP increased the anti-HBcAg titer and produced the cytokines IFN-gamma and
      IL-2. This fusion protein also induced higher percentages of IFN-gamma(+)CD8(+)
      cells and specific CTL responses. Ub-HBcAg-CTP could also upregulate the
      expressions of Jak2, Tyk2, STAT1, and STAT4 in T lymphocytes. In conclusion, Ub
      HBcAg-CTP enhanced cellular and humoral immune responses and induced robust HBV
      specific CTL activities in BALB/c mice. 

PMID- 25135881
TI  - Factors associated with the use of prenatal corticosteroids in the management of
      preterm delivery in Chinese hospitals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of the use of prenatal corticosteroids (PCS)
      in the management of preterm delivery and the factors associated with PCS
      administration. METHODS: A secondary analysis was performed of a cross-sectional
      study conducted in 21 Chinese healthcare facilities between November 2010 and
      January 2011. The medical records of women who delivered preterm were reviewed.
      Associations between PCS administration and individual and organizational-level
      factors were determined. RESULTS: The study population comprised 659 women who
      delivered at 20 facilities. PCS were given to 158 (68.1%) of 232 women delivering
      after 27-34 weeks of pregnancy and 119 (27.9%) of 427 delivering after 35-36
      weeks. Teenaged girls were less likely to receive PCS after 27-34 weeks than were
      women aged 20-35 years (odds ratio [OR] 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07
      0.70). Among women who delivered after 35-36 weeks, the odds of receiving PCS
      were lower in urban hospitals than in periurban or rural hospitals (OR 0.04; 95%
      CI 0.00-0.44), and there was significant hospital-level variance with regard to
      the administration of PCS (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Generally, PCS were
      underprescribed to women at risk of preterm delivery and many women received the
      treatment after 35-36 weeks of pregnancy, when it might not have been effective.

PMID- 25135882
TI  - Overweight Misperception among Adolescents in the United States.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the discrepancies between perceived and
      reported overweight status among U.S. adolescents (n>70,000), and to identify
      factors contributing to such discrepancies. We used the YRBSS data (years 2001
      2009) and found statistically significant, gender and race specific discrepancies
      between perceived and reported overweight status. Factors such as BMI, school
      performance, and being sexually active are additional predictors of overweight
      misperception. The findings suggest that evidence based strategies should be
      employed to help adolescents establish correct weight perception. These
      strategies should also be tailored based on gender, race, and weight perception
      of target audience. 

PMID- 25135883
TI  - Using the theory of planned behavior to understand caregivers' intention to serve
      sugar-sweetened beverages to non-Hispanic black preschoolers.
AB  - The purpose of this correlational study was to determine the ability the Theory
      of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explain caregivers' intention to serve sugar
      sweetened beverages to non-Hispanic black preschoolers. A sample of 165
      caregivers of non-Hispanic black children preschoolers completed a written
      questionnaire. Multiple regression with path analysis confirmed the relationships
      of attitude and subjective norm, but not perceived behavioral control (PBC),with
      intention. After removing PBC, the model accounted for 45.1% of variance in
      intention. Nurses and other health care professionals can use these findings to
      tailor behaviorally-based obesity prevention programs at the individual, family,
      and community-based levels. 

PMID- 25135884
TI  - An in vitro assay to study chikungunya virus RNA synthesis and the mode of action
      of inhibitors.
AB  - Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes
      severe persistent arthralgia. To better understand the molecular details of CHIKV
      RNA synthesis and the mode of action of inhibitors, we have developed an in vitro
      assay to study CHIKV replication/transcription complexes isolated from infected
      cells. In this assay (32)P-CTP was incorporated into the CHIKV genome, subgenomic
      (sg) RNA and into a ~7.5 kb positive-stranded RNA, termed RNA II. We mapped RNA
      II, which was also found in CHIKV-infected cells, to the 5' end of the genome up
      to the start of the sgRNA promoter region. Most of the RNA-synthesizing activity,
      negative-stranded RNA and a relatively large proportion of nsP1 and nsP4 were
      recovered from a crude membrane fraction obtained by pelleting at 15,000 G: .
      Positive-stranded RNA was mainly found in the cytosolic S15 fraction, suggesting
      it was released from the membrane-associated replication/transcription complexes
      (RTCs). The newly synthesized RNA was relatively stable and remained protected
      from cellular nucleases, possibly by encapsidation. A set of compounds that
      inhibit CHIKV replication in cell culture was tested in the in vitro RTC assay.
      In contrast to 3'dNTPs, chain terminators that acted as potent inhibitors of RTC
      activity, ribavirin triphosphate and 6-aza-UTP did not affect the RNA
      synthesizing activity in vitro. In conclusion, this in vitro assay for CHIKV RNA
      synthesis is a useful tool for mechanistic studies on the RTC and mode of action
      studies on compounds with anti-CHIKV activity.

PMID- 25135885
TI  - Two amino acid substitutions in the haemagglutinin of the 2009 pandemic H1N1
      virus decrease direct-contact transmission in guinea pigs.
AB  - The 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus spread across the globe and caused the
      first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. Many of the molecular factors that
      contributed to the airborne transmission of this pandemic virus have been
      determined; however, the direct-contact transmission of this virus remains poorly
      understood. In this study, we report that a combination of two mutations (N159D
      and Q226R) in the haemagglutinin (HA) protein of the representative 2009 H1N1
      influenza virus A/California/04/2009 (CA04) caused a switch in receptor binding
      preference from the alpha2,6-sialoglycan to the alpha2,3-sialoglycan receptor,
      and decreased the binding intensities for both glycans. In conjunction with a
      significantly decreased replication efficiency in the nasal epithelium, this
      limited human receptor binding affinity resulted in inefficient direct-contact
      transmission of CA04 between guinea pigs. Our findings highlight the role of the
      HA gene in the transmission of the influenza virus. 

PMID- 25135886
TI  - Sporothrix schenckii complex biology: environment and fungal pathogenicity.
AB  - Sporothrix schenckii is a complex of various species of fungus found in soils,
      plants, decaying vegetables and other outdoor environments. It is the
      aetiological agent of sporotrichosis in humans and several animals. Humans and
      animals can acquire the disease through traumatic inoculation of the fungus into
      subcutaneous tissue. Despite the importance of sporotrichosis, it being currently
      regarded as an emergent disease in several countries, the factors driving its
      increasing medical importance are still largely unknown. There have only been a
      few studies addressing the influence of the environment on the virulence of these
      pathogens. However, recent studies have demonstrated that adverse conditions in
      its natural habitats can trigger the expression of different virulence factors
      that confer survival advantages both in animal hosts and in the environment. In
      this review, we provide updates on the important advances in the understanding of
      the biology of Spor. schenckii and the modification of its virulence linked to
      demonstrated or putative environmental factors. 

PMID- 25135887
TI  - Adventitious agents in viral vaccines: lessons learned from 4 case studies.
AB  - Since the earliest days of biological product manufacture, there have been a
      number of instances where laboratory studies provided evidence for the presence
      of adventitious agents in a marketed product. Lessons learned from such events
      can be used to strengthen regulatory preparedness for the future. We have
      therefore selected four instances where an adventitious agent, or a signal
      suggesting the presence of an agent, was found in a viral vaccine, and have
      developed a case study for each. The four cases are: a) SV40 in polio vaccines;
      b) bacteriophage in measles and polio vaccines; c) reverse transcriptase in
      measles and mumps vaccines; and d) porcine circovirus and porcine circovirus DNA
      sequences in rotavirus vaccines. The lessons learned from each event are
      discussed. Based in part on those experiences, certain scientific principles have
      been identified by WHO that should be considered in regulatory risk evaluation if
      an adventitious agent is found in a marketed vaccine in the future. 

PMID- 25135888
TI  - The management of secondary lower limb lymphoedema in cancer patients: a
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lower limb lymphoedema is a recognised complication of cancer
      commonly encountered in palliative care, associated with reduced mobility and
      poor quality of life. AIM: To evaluate the available evidence for the treatment
      of secondary lower limb lymphoedema in patients with malignancies. DESIGN: A
      systematic review of the literature. DATA SOURCES: The MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS,
      Science Citation Index, Cochrane Databases and conference proceedings for
      published data from date of inception to July 2014 were searched. Relevant
      unpublished studies via relevant databases, Internet searches and hand-searches
      of the bibliographies of relevant papers were performed. RESULTS: From 1617
      citations, 32 papers were selected for full-text assessment. Two randomised
      trials and five observational studies were identified. The two randomised
      controlled trials evaluated graded compression stockings and Coumarin capsules,
      respectively. The five observational studies evaluated lymphovenous microsurgical
      shunts, pneumatic compression devices, compression bandages alone, manual
      lymphatic drainage with compression and a herbal remedy combining Coumarin,
      Ginkgo and Melitoto (with or without manual lymphatic drainage), respectively.
      The extracted studies showed substantial heterogeneity. Hence, a meta-analysis
      was inappropriate and not performed. CONCLUSION: Few studies have evaluated the
      clinical effectiveness and potential side effects of treatments for lower limb
      lymphoedema. Moreover, symptoms and quality-of-life assessments were
      inconsistently reported. All included studies report lower limb volume reduction
      after treatment, which includes complex decongestion therapy, graded compression
      stockings and lymphovenous microsurgical shunts. Adequately powered randomised
      controlled trials of these interventions are recommended. Effort should be made
      to establish standardised outcomes, to minimise bias and to improve reporting
      quality in future trials of treatment for lower limb lymphoedema.

PMID- 25135889
TI  - The role of phage display in therapeutic antibody discovery.
AB  - Phage display involves the expression of selected proteins on the surface of
      filamentous phage through fusion with phage coat protein, with the genetic
      sequence packaged within, linking phenotype to genotype selection. When combined
      with antibody libraries, phage display allows for rapid in vitro selection of
      antigen-specific antibodies and recovery of their corresponding coding sequence.
      Large non-immune and synthetic human libraries have been constructed as well as
      smaller immune libraries based on capturing a single individual's immune
      repertoire. This completely in vitro process allows for isolation of antibodies
      against poorly immunogenic targets as well as those that cannot be obtained by
      animal immunization, thus further expanding the utility of the approach. Phage
      antibody display represents the first developed methodology for high throughput
      screening for human therapeutic antibody candidates. Recently, other methods have
      been developed for generation of fully human therapeutic antibodies, such as
      single B-cell screening, next-generation genome sequencing and transgenic mice
      with human germline B-cell genes. While each of these have their particular
      advantages, phage display has remained a key methodology for human antibody
      discovery due its in vitro process. Here, we review the continuing role of this
      technique alongside other developing technologies for therapeutic antibody
      discovery. 

PMID- 25135892
TI  - Solution to the challenging part of the Shamrock method during lumbar plexus
      block.

PMID- 25135891
TI  - Emergence agitation: is there a European consensus?

PMID- 25135893
TI  - Cut tracheal tube and GlideRite Rigid Stylet.

PMID- 25135894
TI  - Does adding milk to tea delay gastric emptying?

PMID- 25135895
TI  - (Bright) future of dynamic parameters is in the operating theatre.

PMID- 25135896
TI  - Dynamic parameters in the operating theatre: brightness goes with shadows.

PMID- 25135897
TI  - Making bisoprolol a perioperative agent.

PMID- 25135898
TI  - Benefits of continuous capnography monitoring for intensive care patients
      significantly outweigh any risks.

PMID- 25135899
TI  - Doses and effects of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia.

PMID- 25135900
TI  - The (Correct) use of capnography will reduce airway complications in intensive
      care.

PMID- 25135907
TI  - Data protection and epidemiological research: a new EU regulation is in the
      pipeline.

PMID- 25135909
TI  - Quantitative effect of natural killer-cell licensing on hepatocellular carcinoma
      recurrence after curative hepatectomy.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells have a potential role in immune surveillance of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Self-recognition of human leukocyte antigens
      (HLA) through killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) confers competence to NK
      cells-a process termed "licensing." We investigated the effect of NK-cell
      licensing on the susceptibility of patients to HCC recurrence. A total of 170
      Japanese patients with HCC who underwent primary curative hepatectomy between
      1996 and 2010 were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up period was 5.4
      years. We analyzed their KIR-HLA genotypes with sequence-specific polymorphism
      based typing and estimated their susceptibility to HCC recurrence by performing
      propensity score-matching analyses. The presence of KIR2DL1-C2, KIR2DL2-C1,
      KIR3DL1-BW4, or KIR3DL2-A3/11, functional compound genotypes that intrinsically
      license NK cells, did not markedly affect HCC recurrence. However, the
      multiplicity of those compound KIR-HLA genotypes was significantly associated
      with the HCC recurrence rate, i.e., the cumulative risk of recurrence in patients
      with at least three compound genotypes was significantly lower than that in
      patients with one or two compound genotypes, suggesting that the effect of NK
      cell licensing on HCC recurrence is quantitative. Patients at high risk of HCC
      recurrence after curative hepatectomy could be identified by KIR-HLA genotyping.

PMID- 25135910
TI  - How well informed is the informed consent for cancer clinical trials?
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of this study was to analyze the content of informed consent
      forms for clinical trials in medical oncology to assess readability, determine
      their completeness, and identify any shortcomings. METHODS: Informed consent
      forms for Phase I-III studies that were conducted at two tertiary care cancer
      centers over a 3-year period were reviewed. Information pertaining to length of
      the informed consent form, research regimen/methods, treatment agent, potential
      risks, and benefits was extracted. The reading level was assessed by Flesch
      Kincaid and Gunning-Fog index readability tests. RESULTS: All of the 112 informed
      consent forms clearly stated the voluntary nature of participation. Nearly one
      half of the forms (51.8%) were of Phase I studies. The median length of informed
      consent form was 20 pages (range: 8-28). A detailed estimation of the frequency
      or intensity of risks (range: 3-8 pages) was provided. The average reading level
      of the informed consent forms was high (Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 9.8), which
      corresponds roughly to 10th-grade reading level. Less than 15% of all consent
      forms were written at the recommended eighth-grade reading level. A substantial
      number of forms did not report a potential risk to pregnant/lactating women
      (16.9%), mechanism of action of the investigational agent (34.8%), study schema
      (77.6%), a possibility of receiving sub-therapeutic dose (37%), or death (12.5%).
      Nearly one half of the forms (49.1%) stated clearly that individual participants
      may not benefit. CONCLUSION: Overall, these informed consent forms provided a
      detailed description of the trials in accordance to international guidelines.
      However, there remains room for improvement, particularly in areas of readability
      and document length.

PMID- 25135908
TI  - Season and outdoor temperature in relation to detection and control of
      hypertension in a large rural Chinese population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In many Western populations, blood pressure varies moderately with
      season and outdoor temperature. Relatively little is known about effects of
      seasonal changes in blood pressure on the detection and control of hypertension
      in general populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS:
      We analysed cross-sectional data of 57 375 (42% men) participants aged 30-79
      (mean 52.3) years who were enrolled during 2004-08, as part of the China Kadoorie
      Biobank, from a rural county in the south-east costal Zhejiang Province. Analyses
      related daily mean outdoor temperature, obtained from local Meteorological
      Bureau, to mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), rate of newly
      detected hypertension and, among those with self-reported physician-diagnosed
      hypertension, rate of adequate blood pressure control, using multiple linear and
      logistic regression models. RESULTS: The overall mean blood pressure was 135.9
      mmHg for SBP and 80.5 mmHg for DBP. Daily outdoor temperature ranged between -2.9
      and 33.7 degrees C, with July being the hottest month (mean 29.4 degrees C) and
      January the coldest (mean 4.0 degrees C). Comparing January (the coldest month)
      with July (the warmest), the differences in the adjusted SBP/DBP were 19.2/7.7
      mmHg. Each 10 degrees C lower ambient temperature was associated with 6.9/2.9
      mmHg higher SBP/DBP,14.1% higher prevalence of newly detected hypertension and,
      among those with pre-diagnosed hypertension, 13.0% lower hypertension control
      rate. CONCLUSION: In rural China, lower outdoor temperature is strongly
      associated with higher mean blood pressure and hypertension prevalence as well as
      poorer hypertension control, and should be considered when conducting population
      based hypertension surveys and providing treatment for hypertensive patients.

PMID- 25135911
TI  - Ocular pulsations due to posttraumatic compromise of the orbital roof.

PMID- 25135912
TI  - Spice, pot, and stroke.

PMID- 25135913
TI  - Ischemic stroke after use of the synthetic marijuana "spice".

PMID- 25135916
TI  - Clinical reasoning: a 42-year-old man who developed blurred vision and dropped
      his iPod while jogging.

PMID- 25135917
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: recurrence of a sural intraneural ganglion cyst after sural
      nerve resection.

PMID- 25135919
TI  - Fix seniors' care first, says CMA president-elect.

PMID- 25135920
TI  - Controversy over doctors' right to say "no".

PMID- 25135922
TI  - E-cigarette ban proposed in Toronto.

PMID- 25135924
TI  - Dextromethorphan abuse.

PMID- 25135921
TI  - Assessment and management of resistant hypertension.

PMID- 25135925
TI  - Diabetes in an older woman living in a long-term care residence.

PMID- 25135926
TI  - Good health requires a healthy mouth: improving the oral health of Canada's
      seniors.

PMID- 25135928
TI  - Tracking brain injury and disability.

PMID- 25135927
TI  - Association of a quality improvement program with neonatal outcomes in extremely
      preterm infants: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated improvement in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
      and nosocomial infection among preterm infants at 12 neonatal units using the
      Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality (EPIQ). In the current study, we
      assessed the association of Canada-wide implementation of EPIQ with mortality and
      morbidity among preterm infants less than 29 weeks gestational age. METHODS: This
      prospective cohort study included 6026 infants admitted to 25 Canadian units
      between 2008 and 2012 (baseline year, n = 1422; year 1, n = 1611; year 2, n =
      1508; year 3, n = 1485). Following a 1-year baseline period and 6 months of
      training and planning, EPIQ was implemented over 3 years. Our primary outcome was
      a composite of neonatal mortality and any of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, severe
      neurologic injury, severe retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis
      and nosocomial infection. We compared outcomes for baseline and year 3 using
      multivariable analyses. RESULTS: In adjusted analyses comparing baseline with
      year 3, the composite outcome (70% v. 65%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 0.51 to 0.79), severe retinopathy (17% v. 13%; OR 0.60,
      95% CI 0.45 to 0.79), necrotizing enterocolitis (10% v. 8%; OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.52
      to 0.98) and nosocomial infections (32% v. 24%; OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.82)
      were significantly reduced. The composite outcome was lower among infants born at
      26 to 28 weeks gestation (62% v. 52%; OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.78) but not among
      infants born at less than 26 weeks gestational age (90% v. 88%; OR 0.73, 95% CI
      0.44 to 1.20). INTERPRETATION: EPIQ methodology was generalizable within Canada
      and was associated with significantly lower likelihood of the composite outcome,
      severe retinopathy, necrotizing enterocolitis and nosocomial infections. Infants
      born at 26 to 28 weeks gestational age benefited the most.

PMID- 25135929
TI  - CMA wants seniors' care on federal agenda.

PMID- 25135930
TI  - Heidi McBride: mitochondria are well connected.

PMID- 25135931
TI  - A new piece in the kinetochore jigsaw puzzle.
AB  - In eukaryotic cell division, the kinetochore mediates chromosome attachment to
      spindle microtubules and acts as a scaffold for signaling pathways, ensuring the
      accuracy of chromosome segregation. The architecture of the kinetochore underlies
      its function in mitosis. In this issue, Hornung et al. (2014. J. Cell Biol.
      http://dx.doi.org/201403081) identify an unexpected linkage between the inner and
      outer regions of the kinetochore in budding yeast that suggests a new model for
      the construction of this interface. 

PMID- 25135933
TI  - cPKC regulates interphase nuclear size during Xenopus development.
AB  - Dramatic changes in cell and nuclear size occur during development and
      differentiation, and aberrant nuclear size is associated with many disease
      states. However, the mechanisms that regulate nuclear size are largely unknown. A
      robust system for investigating nuclear size is early Xenopus laevis development,
      during which reductions in nuclear size occur without changes in DNA content. To
      identify cellular factors that regulate nuclear size during development, we
      developed a novel nuclear resizing assay wherein nuclei assembled in Xenopus egg
      extract become smaller in the presence of cytoplasmic interphase extract isolated
      from post-gastrula Xenopus embryos. We show that nuclear shrinkage depends on
      conventional protein kinase C (cPKC). Increased nuclear cPKC localization and
      activity and decreased nuclear association of lamins mediate nuclear size
      reductions during development, and manipulating cPKC activity in vivo during
      interphase alters nuclear size in the embryo. We propose a model of steady-state
      nuclear size regulation whereby nuclear expansion is balanced by an active cPKC
      dependent mechanism that reduces nuclear size. 

PMID- 25135932
TI  - The tubulin code: molecular components, readout mechanisms, and functions.
AB  - Microtubules are cytoskeletal filaments that are dynamically assembled from
      alpha/beta-tubulin heterodimers. The primary sequence and structure of the
      tubulin proteins and, consequently, the properties and architecture of
      microtubules are highly conserved in eukaryotes. Despite this conservation,
      tubulin is subject to heterogeneity that is generated in two ways: by the
      expression of different tubulin isotypes and by posttranslational modifications
      (PTMs). Identifying the mechanisms that generate and control tubulin
      heterogeneity and how this heterogeneity affects microtubule function are long
      standing goals in the field. Recent work on tubulin PTMs has shed light on how
      these modifications could contribute to a "tubulin code" that coordinates the
      complex functions of microtubules in cells. 

PMID- 25135935
TI  - Oxidoreductase activity is necessary for N-glycosylation of cysteine-proximal
      acceptor sites in glycoproteins.
AB  - Stabilization of protein tertiary structure by disulfides can interfere with
      glycosylation of acceptor sites (NXT/S) in nascent polypeptides. Here, we show
      that MagT1, an ER-localized thioredoxin homologue, is a subunit of the STT3B
      isoform of the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST). The lumenally oriented active
      site CVVC motif in MagT1 is required for glycosylation of STT3B-dependent
      acceptor sites including those that are closely bracketed by disulfides or
      contain cysteine as the internal residue (NCT/S). The MagT1- and STT3B-dependent
      glycosylation of cysteine-proximal acceptor sites can be reduced by eliminating
      cysteine residues. The predominant form of MagT1 in vivo is oxidized, which is
      consistent with transient formation of mixed disulfides between MagT1 and a
      glycoprotein substrate to facilitate access of STT3B to unmodified acceptor
      sites. Cotranslational N-glycosylation by the STT3A isoform of the OST, which
      lacks MagT1, allows efficient modification of acceptor sites in cysteine-rich
      protein domains before disulfide bond formation. Thus, mammalian cells use two
      mechanisms to achieve N-glycosylation of cysteine proximal acceptor sites.

PMID- 25135937
TI  - Pre-placement screening for tuberculosis in healthcare workers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at occupational risk of contracting and
      transmitting tuberculosis (TB). Despite national guidance, the optimal process
      for the pre-placement screening of new entrant HCWs for TB in the UK is not
      certain, nor the appropriateness of using a one-step interferon gamma release
      assay (IGRA) screening programme. AIMS: To assess the potential for an IGRA-only
      TB screening programme for new entrant HCWs, and identify cost savings achieved
      through this process. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of IGRA and
      tuberculin skin tests (TST) within our occupational health service over a 3-year
      period. HCWs with markedly discordant test results (IGRA negative, TST positive)
      were followed up to determine whether they developed active TB. We also estimated
      the yearly cost savings if the existing two-step process was replaced with an
      IGRA-only programme. RESULTS: Totally, 96/1258 (8%) HCWs had positive IGRA
      results; 788 TSTs were performed for newly screened IGRA-negative HCWs without
      Bacille Calmette-Guerin scars, among which 597 (76%) tested negative (TST <6 mm).
      None of the 10 individuals with grossly discordant test results (TST >15 mm)
      developed active TB during the study period. We calculated savings of L20,453 if
      the two-step process was replaced with an IGRA-only programme. CONCLUSIONS: The
      absence of disease progression in individuals with markedly discordant results in
      this study suggest that an IGRA-only screening programme for new HCWs in the UK
      is feasible, and may be safe although our follow-up period was insufficient. Our
      results also suggest that substantial cost savings can be made by using this
      programme.

PMID- 25135934
TI  - A cooperative mechanism drives budding yeast kinetochore assembly downstream of
      CENP-A.
AB  - Kinetochores are megadalton-sized protein complexes that mediate chromosome
      microtubule interactions in eukaryotes. How kinetochore assembly is triggered
      specifically on centromeric chromatin is poorly understood. Here we use
      biochemical reconstitution experiments alongside genetic and structural analysis
      to delineate the contributions of centromere-associated proteins to kinetochore
      assembly in yeast. We show that the conserved kinetochore subunits Ame1(CENP-U)
      and Okp1(CENP-Q) form a DNA-binding complex that associates with the microtubule
      binding KMN network via a short Mtw1 recruitment motif in the N terminus of Ame1.
      Point mutations in the Ame1 motif disrupt kinetochore function by preventing KMN
      assembly on chromatin. Ame1-Okp1 directly associates with the centromere protein
      C (CENP-C) homologue Mif2 to form a cooperative binding platform for outer
      kinetochore assembly. Our results indicate that the key assembly steps, CENP-A
      recognition and outer kinetochore recruitment, are executed through different
      yeast constitutive centromere-associated network subunits. This two-step
      mechanism may protect against inappropriate kinetochore assembly similar to rate
      limiting nucleation steps used by cytoskeletal polymers. 

PMID- 25135938
TI  - A survey of sitting time among UK employees.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sedentary behaviour is a known risk factor for a wide range of
      chronic diseases. This major health risk is likely to increase given the
      increasingly sedentary nature of work. AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of
      sedentary behaviour in a sample of UK working-aged adults, across a range of
      employment sectors. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey conducted with
      organizations throughout the UK in the education, government administration,
      retail, telecommunications and service industry sectors. The questionnaire
      examined employee and organizational information, self-reported domain-specific
      sitting time, sleep and physical activity. RESULTS: A total of 1141 employees
      completed the questionnaire, of which 504 completed all aspects of the Domain
      Specific Sitting Time Questionnaire for work day sitting. Work time sitting
      accounted for more than half of the total daily sitting time on a work day (54%).
      Significantly more time was reported sitting on a work day than time reported
      sleeping (P < 0.001). Males spent more time sitting at work and using a personal
      computer at home compared with females. Workers in the telecommunications
      industry had the highest sitting times. There were significant positive
      associations between sitting time and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: There is a
      pressing need for future workplace health interventions to reduce employee
      sitting times.

PMID- 25135936
TI  - High density and ligand affinity confer ultrasensitive signal detection by a
      guanylyl cyclase chemoreceptor.
AB  - Guanylyl cyclases (GCs), which synthesize the messenger cyclic guanosine 3',5'
      monophosphate, control several sensory functions, such as phototransduction,
      chemosensation, and thermosensation, in many species from worms to mammals. The
      GC chemoreceptor in sea urchin sperm can decode chemoattractant concentrations
      with single-molecule sensitivity. The molecular and cellular underpinnings of
      such ultrasensitivity are not known for any eukaryotic chemoreceptor. In this
      paper, we show that an exquisitely high density of 3 * 10(5) GC chemoreceptors
      and subnanomolar ligand affinity provide a high ligand-capture efficacy and
      render sperm perfect absorbers. The GC activity is terminated within 150 ms by
      dephosphorylation steps of the receptor, which provides a means for precise
      control of the GC lifetime and which reduces "molecule noise." Compared with
      other ultrasensitive sensory systems, the 10-fold signal amplification by the GC
      receptor is surprisingly low. The hallmarks of this signaling mechanism provide a
      blueprint for chemical sensing in small compartments, such as olfactory cilia,
      insect antennae, or even synaptic boutons. 

PMID- 25135939
TI  - Identification of a new stem cell population that generates Drosophila flight
      muscles.
AB  - How myoblast populations are regulated for the formation of muscles of different
      sizes is an essentially unanswered question. The large flight muscles of
      Drosophila develop from adult muscle progenitor (AMP) cells set-aside
      embryonically. The thoracic segments are all allotted the same small AMP number,
      while those associated with the wing-disc proliferate extensively to give rise to
      over 2500 myoblasts. An initial amplification occurs through symmetric divisions
      and is followed by a switch to asymmetric divisions in which the AMPs self-renew
      and generate post-mitotic myoblasts. Notch signaling controls the initial
      amplification of AMPs, while the switch to asymmetric division additionally
      requires Wingless, which regulates Numb expression in the AMP lineage. In both
      cases, the epidermal tissue of the wing imaginal disc acts as a niche expressing
      the ligands Serrate and Wingless. The disc-associated AMPs are a novel muscle
      stem cell population that orchestrates the early phases of adult flight muscle
      development. 

PMID- 25135941
TI  - ExaBayes: massively parallel bayesian tree inference for the whole-genome era.
AB  - Modern sequencing technology now allows biologists to collect the entirety of
      molecular evidence for reconstructing evolutionary trees. We introduce a novel,
      user-friendly software package engineered for conducting state-of-the-art
      Bayesian tree inferences on data sets of arbitrary size. Our software introduces
      a nonblocking parallelization of Metropolis-coupled chains, modifications for
      efficient analyses of data sets comprising thousands of partitions and memory
      saving techniques. We report on first experiences with Bayesian inferences at the
      whole-genome level using the SuperMUC supercomputer and simulated data. 

PMID- 25135940
TI  - mRNA-programmed translation pauses in the targeting of E. coli membrane proteins.
AB  - In all living organisms, ribosomes translating membrane proteins are targeted to
      membrane translocons early in translation, by the ubiquitous signal recognition
      particle (SRP) system. In eukaryotes, the SRP Alu domain arrests translation
      elongation of membrane proteins until targeting is complete. Curiously, however,
      the Alu domain is lacking in most eubacteria. In this study, by analyzing genome
      wide data on translation rates, we identified a potential compensatory mechanism
      in E. coli that serves to slow down the translation during membrane protein
      targeting. The underlying mechanism is likely programmed into the coding
      sequence, where Shine-Dalgarno-like elements trigger elongation pauses at
      strategic positions during the early stages of translation. We provide
      experimental evidence that slow translation during targeting and improves
      membrane protein production fidelity, as it correlates with better folding of
      overexpressed membrane proteins. Thus, slow elongation is important for membrane
      protein targeting in E. coli, which utilizes mechanisms different from the
      eukaryotic one to control the translation speed. 

PMID- 25135943
TI  - Adaptive functional diversification of lysozyme in insectivorous bats.
AB  - The role of gene duplication in generating new genes and novel functions is well
      recognized and is exemplified by the digestion-related protein lysozyme. In
      ruminants, duplicated chicken-type lysozymes facilitate the degradation of
      symbiotic bacteria in the foregut. Chicken-type lysozyme has also been reported
      to show chitinase-like activity, yet no study has examined the molecular
      evolution of lysozymes in species that specialize on eating insects.
      Insectivorous bats number over 900 species, and lysozyme expression in the mouths
      of some of these species is associated with the ingestion of insect cuticle,
      suggesting a chitinase role. Here, we show that chicken-type lysozyme has
      undergone multiple duplication events in a major family of insect-eating bats
      (Vespertilionidae) and that new duplicates have undergone molecular adaptation.
      Examination of duplicates from two insectivorous bats-Pipistrellus abramus and
      Scotophilus kuhlii-indicated that the new copy was highly expressed in the
      tongue, whereas the other one was less tissue-specific. Functional assays applied
      to pipistrelle lysozymes confirmed that, of the two copies, the tongue duplicate
      was more efficient at breaking down glycol chitin, a chitin derivative. These
      results suggest that the evolution of lysozymes in vespertilionid bats has likely
      been driven in part by natural selection for insectivory. 

PMID- 25135944
TI  - Independent birth of a novel TRIMCyp in Tupaia belangeri with a divergent
      function from its paralog TRIM5.
AB  - The origin of novel genes and their evolutionary fates are long-standing
      questions in evolutionary biology. These questions become more complicated for
      genes conserved across various lineages, such as TRIM5, an antiretroviral
      restriction factor and a retrovirus capsid sensor in immune signaling. TRIM5 has
      been subjected to numerous pathogenic challenges and undergone dynamic evolution,
      making it an excellent example for studying gene diversification. Previous
      studies among several species showed that TRIM5 gained genetic and functional
      novelty in a lineage-specific manner, either through gene duplication or a
      cyclophilin A retrotransposing into the TRIM5 locus, creating the gene fusion
      known as TRIM5-Cyclophilin A (TRIMCyp). To date, the general pattern of TRIM5
      across the mammalian lineage remains elusive. In this study, we surveyed 36
      mammalian genomes to verify a potentially novel TRIM5 pattern that uniquely seems
      to have occurred in tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri), and found that both gene
      duplication and retrotransposition worked jointly to form a specific
      TRIM5/TRIMCyp cluster not found among other mammals. Evolutionary analyses showed
      that tree shrew TRIMCyp (tsTRIMCyp) originated independently in comparison with
      previously reported TRIMCyps and underwent strong positive selection, whereas no
      signal of positive selection was detected for other tree shrew TRIM5 (tsTRIM5)
      genes. Functional assay results suggest a functional divergence between tsTRIMCyp
      and its closest paralog TRIM5-4, likely reflecting different fates under diverse
      evolutionary forces. These findings present a rare example of novel gene
      origination resulting from a combination of gene duplication, retrotransposition,
      and exon shuffling processes, providing a new paradigm to study genetic
      innovations and evolutionary fates of duplicated genes. 

PMID- 25135942
TI  - Integrating evolutionary and functional tests of adaptive hypotheses: a case
      study of altitudinal differentiation in hemoglobin function in an Andean Sparrow,
      Zonotrichia capensis.
AB  - In air-breathing vertebrates, the physiologically optimal blood-O2 affinity is
      jointly determined by the prevailing partial pressure of atmospheric O2, the
      efficacy of pulmonary O2 transfer, and internal metabolic demands. Consequently,
      genetic variation in the oxygenation properties of hemoglobin (Hb) may be subject
      to spatially varying selection in species with broad elevational distributions.
      Here we report the results of a combined functional and evolutionary analysis of
      Hb polymorphism in the rufous-collared sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis), a species
      that is continuously distributed across a steep elevational gradient on the
      Pacific slope of the Peruvian Andes. We integrated a population genomic analysis
      that included all postnatally expressed Hb genes with functional studies of
      naturally occurring Hb variants, as well as recombinant Hb (rHb) mutants that
      were engineered through site-directed mutagenesis. We identified three clinally
      varying amino acid polymorphisms: Two in the alpha(A)-globin gene, which encodes
      the alpha-chain subunits of the major HbA isoform, and one in the alpha(D)-globin
      gene, which encodes the alpha-chain subunits of the minor HbD isoform. We then
      constructed and experimentally tested single- and double-mutant rHbs representing
      each of the alternative alpha(A)-globin genotypes that predominate at different
      elevations. Although the locus-specific patterns of altitudinal differentiation
      suggested a history of spatially varying selection acting on Hb polymorphism, the
      experimental tests demonstrated that the observed amino acid mutations have no
      discernible effect on respiratory properties of the HbA or HbD isoforms. These
      results highlight the importance of experimentally validating the hypothesized
      effects of genetic changes in protein function to avoid the pitfalls of adaptive
      storytelling. 

PMID- 25135945
TI  - Detecting recent positive selection with high accuracy and reliability by
      conditional coalescent tree.
AB  - Studies of natural selection, followed by functional validation, are shedding
      light on understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying human evolution and
      adaptation. Classic methods for detecting selection, such as the integrated
      haplotype score (iHS) and Fay and Wu's H statistic, are useful for candidate gene
      searching underlying positive selection. These methods, however, have limited
      capability to localize causal variants in selection target regions. In this
      study, we developed a novel method based on conditional coalescent tree to detect
      recent positive selection by counting unbalanced mutations on coalescent gene
      genealogies. Extensive simulation studies revealed that our method is more robust
      than many other approaches against biases due to various demographic effects,
      including population bottleneck, expansion, or stratification, while not
      sacrificing its power. Furthermore, our method demonstrated its superiority in
      localizing causal variants from massive linked genetic variants. The rate of
      successful localization was about 20-40% higher than that of other state-of-the
      art methods on simulated data sets. On empirical data, validated functional
      causal variants of four well-known positive selected genes were all successfully
      localized by our method, such as ADH1B, MCM6, APOL1, and HBB. Finally, the
      computational efficiency of this new method was much higher than that of iHS
      implementations, that is, 24-66 times faster than the REHH package, and more than
      10,000 times faster than the original iHS implementation. These magnitudes make
      our method suitable for applying on large sequencing data sets. Software can be
      downloaded from https://github.com/wavefancy/scct. 

PMID- 25135946
TI  - Evidence for a gene involved in multiple and diverse rearrangements in the
      Drosophila genus.
AB  - In Drosophila, chromosomes have been extensively reorganized during evolution,
      with most rearrangements affecting the gene order in chromosomal elements but not
      their gene content. The level of reorganization and the evidence for breakpoint
      reuse vary both between and within elements. The subito gene stands out as a gene
      involved in multiple rearrangements both because of its active single-gene
      transposition and because it is the nearest gene to diverse rearrangements
      breakpoints. Indeed, subito has undergone three single-gene transpositions and it
      is the nearest gene to the breakpoints of other single-gene transpositions and of
      two chromosomal inversions. Given that subito is involved in meiosis and
      therefore active in the female germ line, the high number of nearby fixed
      breakages might be related among others to the presumed high accessibility of the
      subito region to the machinery associated with double-strand breaks repair. A
      second important contributor would be the reduced and simple regulatory region of
      subito, which would imply that a fraction of the rearrangements originating from
      subito nearby breakages would have not affected either its pattern or timing of
      expression and would have, thus, not resulted in reduced fitness. 

PMID- 25135947
TI  - Crossing-over in a hypervariable species preferentially occurs in regions of high
      local similarity.
AB  - Recombination between double-stranded DNA molecules is a key genetic process
      which occurs in a wide variety of organisms. Usually, crossing-over (CO) occurs
      during meiosis between genotypes with 98.0-99.9% sequence identity, because
      within-population nucleotide diversity only rarely exceeds 2%. However, some
      species are hypervariable and it is unclear how CO can occur between genotypes
      with less than 90% sequence identity. Here, we study CO in Schizophyllum commune,
      a hypervariable cosmopolitan basidiomycete mushroom, a frequently encountered
      decayer of woody substrates. We crossed two haploid individuals, from the United
      States and from Russia, and obtained genome sequences for their 17 offspring. The
      average genetic distance between the parents was 14%, making it possible to study
      CO at very high resolution. We found reduced levels of linkage disequilibrium
      between loci flanking the CO sites indicating that they are mostly confined to
      hotspots of recombination. Furthermore, CO events preferentially occurred in
      regions under stronger negative selection, in particular within exons that showed
      reduced levels of nucleotide diversity. Apparently, in hypervariable species CO
      must avoid regions of higher divergence between the recombining genomes due to
      limitations imposed by the mismatch repair system, with regions under strong
      negative selection providing the opportunity for recombination. These patterns
      are opposite to those observed in a number of less variable species indicating
      that population genomics of hypervariable species may reveal novel biological
      phenomena. 

PMID- 25135949
TI  - Eukaryotic penelope-like retroelements encode hammerhead ribozyme motifs.
AB  - Small self-cleaving RNAs, such as the paradigmatic Hammerhead ribozyme (HHR),
      have been recently found widespread in DNA genomes across all kingdoms of life.
      In this work, we found that new HHR variants are preserved in the ancient family
      of Penelope-like elements (PLEs), a group of eukaryotic retrotransposons regarded
      as exceptional for encoding telomerase-like retrotranscriptases and spliceosomal
      introns. Our bioinformatic analysis revealed not only the presence of minimalist
      HHRs in the two flanking repeats of PLEs but also their massive and widespread
      occurrence in metazoan genomes. The architecture of these ribozymes indicates
      that they may work as dimers, although their low self-cleavage activity in vitro
      suggests the requirement of other factors in vivo. In plants, however, PLEs show
      canonical HHRs, whereas fungi and protist PLEs encode ribozyme variants with a
      stable active conformation as monomers. Overall, our data confirm the connection
      of self-cleaving RNAs with eukaryotic retroelements and unveil these motifs as a
      significant fraction of the encoded information in eukaryotic genomes. 

PMID- 25135950
TI  - Importance of carcinoma-associated fibroblast-derived proteins in clinical
      oncology.
AB  - Carcinoma-associated fibroblast (CAF) as prominent cell type of the tumour
      microenvironment has complex interaction with both the cancer cells and other non
      neoplastic surrounding cells. The CAF-derived regulators and extracellular matrix
      proteins can support cancer progression by providing a protective
      microenvironment for the cancer cells via reduction of chemotherapy sensitivity.
      On the other hand, these proteins may act as powerful prognostic markers as well
      as potential targets of anticancer therapy. In this review, we summarise the
      clinical importance of the major CAF-derived signals influencing tumour behaviour
      and determining the outcome of chemotherapy. 

PMID- 25135948
TI  - Parallel evolution of tetrodotoxin resistance in three voltage-gated sodium
      channel genes in the garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis.
AB  - Members of a gene family expressed in a single species often experience common
      selection pressures. Consequently, the molecular basis of complex adaptations may
      be expected to involve parallel evolutionary changes in multiple paralogs. Here,
      we use bacterial artificial chromosome library scans to investigate the evolution
      of the voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) family in the garter snake Thamnophis
      sirtalis, a predator of highly toxic Taricha newts. Newts possess tetrodotoxin
      (TTX), which blocks Nav's, arresting action potentials in nerves and muscle. Some
      Thamnophis populations have evolved resistance to extremely high levels of TTX.
      Previous work has identified amino acid sites in the skeletal muscle sodium
      channel Nav1.4 that confer resistance to TTX and vary across populations. We
      identify parallel evolution of TTX resistance in two additional Nav paralogs,
      Nav1.6 and 1.7, which are known to be expressed in the peripheral nervous system
      and should thus be exposed to ingested TTX. Each paralog contains at least one
      TTX-resistant substitution identical to a substitution previously identified in
      Nav1.4. These sites are fixed across populations, suggesting that the resistant
      peripheral nerves antedate resistant muscle. In contrast, three sodium channels
      expressed solely in the central nervous system (Nav1.1-1.3) showed no evidence of
      TTX resistance, consistent with protection from toxins by the blood-brain
      barrier. We also report the exon-intron structure of six Nav paralogs, the first
      such analysis for snake genes. Our results demonstrate that the molecular basis
      of adaptation may be both repeatable across members of a gene family and
      predictable based on functional considerations. 

PMID- 25135952
TI  - The most important application of science: As scientists have to justify research
      funding with potential social benefits, they may well add education to the list.

PMID- 25135951
TI  - Taking control over intracellular fatty acid levels is essential for the analysis
      of thermogenic function in cultured primary brown and brite/beige adipocytes.
AB  - Thermogenesis in brown adipocytes, conferred by mitochondrial uncoupling protein
      1 (UCP1), is receiving great attention because metabolically active brown adipose
      tissue may protect humans from metabolic diseases. In particular, the thermogenic
      function of brown-like adipocytes in white adipose tissue, known as brite (or
      beige) adipocytes, is currently of prime interest. A valid procedure to quantify
      the specific contribution of UCP1 to thermogenesis is thus of vital importance.
      Adrenergic stimulation of lipolysis is a common way to activate UCP1. We here
      report, however, that in this frequently applied setup, taking control over
      intracellular fatty acid levels is essential for the analysis of thermogenic
      function in cultured brown and brite adipocytes. By the application of these
      findings, we demonstrate that UCP1 is functionally thermogenic in intact brite
      adipocytes and adrenergic UCP1 activation is largely dependent on adipose
      triglyceride lipase (ATGL) rather than hormone sensitive lipase (HSL). 

PMID- 25135954
TI  - Has enough evidence accumulated to consider CPAP a first-line standard of care in
      developing countries?

PMID- 25135953
TI  - Is the role as gatekeeper still feasible? A survey among Dutch general
      practitioners.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the 2012 International Health Policy Survey by the Commonwealth
      Fund, 57% of Dutch GPs indicated that Dutch patients receive too much health
      care. This is an unexpected finding, given the clear gatekeeper role of Dutch GPs
      and recent efforts strengthening this role. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to explore
      where perceived overuse of care prevails and to identify factors associated with
      too much care at the entry point of Dutch health care. METHOD: An American survey
      exploring perceptions of the amount of care among primary care providers was
      modified for relevance to the Dutch health system. We further included additional
      factors possibly related to overuse based on 12 interviews with Dutch GPs. The
      survey was sent to a random sample of 600 GPs. RESULTS: Dutch GPs (N = 157;
      response rate 26.2%) indicated that patients receive (much) too much care in
      general hospitals, primary care, GP cooperatives as well as private clinics. The
      Dutch responding GPs showed a relatively demand-satisfying attitude, which
      contributed to the delivery of too much care, often leading to deviation from
      guidelines and professional norms. The increasing availability of diagnostic
      facilities was identified as an additional factor contributing to the provision
      of unnecessary care. Finally, funding gaps between primary care and hospitals
      impede cooperation and coordination, provoking unnecessary care. CONCLUSION: Our
      results--most notably regarding the demand-satisfying attitude of responding GPs-
      call into question the classical view of the guidance and gatekeeper role of GPs
      in the Dutch health care system.

PMID- 25135955
TI  - Prematurity and programming of cardiovascular disease risk: a future challenge
      for public health?
AB  - There is substantial epidemiological evidence linking low birth weight with adult
      cardiometabolic disease risk factors. This has led to the concept of 'early life
      programming' or the 'developmental origins of disease' which proposes that
      exposure to adverse conditions during critical stages of early development
      results in compensatory mechanisms predicted to aid survival. There is growing
      evidence that preterm infants, many of whom are of low birth weight, are also at
      increased risk of adult cardiometabolic disease. In this article, we provide a
      broad overview of the evidence linking preterm birth and cardiovascular disease
      risk and discuss potential consequences for public health. 

PMID- 25135956
TI  - H3S28 phosphorylation is a hallmark of the transcriptional response to cellular
      stress.
AB  - The selectivity of transcriptional responses to extracellular cues is reflected
      by the deposition of stimulus-specific chromatin marks. Although histone H3
      phosphorylation is a target of numerous signaling pathways, its role in
      transcriptional regulation remains poorly understood. Here, for the first time,
      we report a genome-wide analysis of H3S28 phosphorylation in a mammalian system
      in the context of stress signaling. We found that this mark targets as many as
      50% of all stress-induced genes, underlining its importance in signal-induced
      transcription. By combining ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and mass spectrometry we
      identified the factors involved in the biological interpretation of this histone
      modification. We found that MSK1/2-mediated phosphorylation of H3S28 at stress
      responsive promoters contributes to the dissociation of HDAC corepressor
      complexes and thereby to enhanced local histone acetylation and subsequent
      transcriptional activation of stress-induced genes. Our data reveal a novel
      function of the H3S28ph mark in the activation of mammalian genes in response to
      MAP kinase pathway activation. 

PMID- 25135959
TI  - Innovative practice editorial.

PMID- 25135957
TI  - The landscape of human STR variation.
AB  - Short tandem repeats are among the most polymorphic loci in the human genome.
      These loci play a role in the etiology of a range of genetic diseases and have
      been frequently utilized in forensics, population genetics, and genetic
      genealogy. Despite this plethora of applications, little is known about the
      variation of most STRs in the human population. Here, we report the largest-scale
      analysis of human STR variation to date. We collected information for nearly
      700,000 STR loci across more than 1000 individuals in Phase 1 of the 1000 Genomes
      Project. Extensive quality controls show that reliable allelic spectra can be
      obtained for close to 90% of the STR loci in the genome. We utilize this call set
      to analyze determinants of STR variation, assess the human reference genome's
      representation of STR alleles, find STR loci with common loss-of-function
      alleles, and obtain initial estimates of the linkage disequilibrium between STRs
      and common SNPs. Overall, these analyses further elucidate the scale of genetic
      variation beyond classical point mutations. 

PMID- 25135958
TI  - RNA-seq of 272 gliomas revealed a novel, recurrent PTPRZ1-MET fusion transcript
      in secondary glioblastomas.
AB  - Studies of gene rearrangements and the consequent oncogenic fusion proteins have
      laid the foundation for targeted cancer therapy. To identify oncogenic fusions
      associated with glioma progression, we catalogued fusion transcripts by RNA-seq
      of 272 gliomas. Fusion transcripts were more frequently found in high-grade
      gliomas, in the classical subtype of gliomas, and in gliomas treated with
      radiation/temozolomide. Sixty-seven in-frame fusion transcripts were identified,
      including three recurrent fusion transcripts: FGFR3-TACC3, RNF213-SLC26A11, and
      PTPRZ1-MET (ZM). Interestingly, the ZM fusion was found only in grade III
      astrocytomas (1/13; 7.7%) or secondary GBMs (sGBMs, 3/20; 15.0%). In an
      independent cohort of sGBMs, the ZM fusion was found in three of 20 (15%)
      specimens. Genomic analysis revealed that the fusion arose from translocation
      events involving introns 3 or 8 of PTPRZ and intron 1 of MET. ZM fusion
      transcripts were found in GBMs irrespective of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1)
      mutation status. sGBMs harboring ZM fusion showed higher expression of genes
      required for PIK3CA signaling and lowered expression of genes that suppressed RB1
      or TP53 function. Expression of the ZM fusion was mutually exclusive with EGFR
      overexpression in sGBMs. Exogenous expression of the ZM fusion in the U87MG
      glioblastoma line enhanced cell migration and invasion. Clinically, patients
      afflicted with ZM fusion harboring glioblastomas survived poorly relative to
      those afflicted with non-ZM-harboring sGBMs (P < 0.001). Our study profiles the
      shifting RNA landscape of gliomas during progression and reveled ZM as a novel,
      recurrent fusion transcript in sGBMs. 

PMID- 25135962
TI  - Introduction.

PMID- 25135963
TI  - Analysis of the RNA content of the exosomes derived from blood serum and urine
      and its potential as biomarkers.
AB  - Exosomes are tiny vesicles (30-150 nm) constantly secreted by all healthy and
      abnormal cells, and found in abundance in all body fluids. These vesicles, loaded
      with unique RNA and protein cargo, have a wide range of biological functions,
      including cell-to-cell communication and signalling. As such, exosomes hold
      tremendous potential as biomarkers and could lead to the development of minimally
      invasive diagnostics and next generation therapies within the next few years.
      Here, we describe the strategies for isolation of exosomes from human blood serum
      and urine, characterization of their RNA cargo by sequencing, and present the
      initial data on exosome labelling and uptake tracing in a cell culture model. The
      value of exosomes for clinical applications is discussed with an emphasis on
      their potential for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases and brain
      cancer. 

PMID- 25135964
TI  - Exosome platform for diagnosis and monitoring of traumatic brain injury.
AB  - We have previously demonstrated the release of membranous structures by cells
      into their extracellular environment, which are termed exosomes, microvesicles or
      extracellular vesicles depending on specific characteristics, including size,
      composition and biogenesis pathway. With activation, injury, stress,
      transformation or infection, cells express proteins and RNAs associated with the
      cellular responses to these events. The exosomes released by these cells can
      exhibit an array of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids linked to these
      physiologic events. This review focuses on exosomes associated with traumatic
      brain injury, which may be both diagnostic and a causative factor in the
      progression of the injury. Based on current data, exosomes play essential roles
      as conveyers of intercellular communication and mediators of many of the
      pathological conditions associated with development, progression and therapeutic
      failures and cellular stress in a variety of pathologic conditions. These
      extracellular vesicles express components responsible for angiogenesis promotion,
      stromal remodelling, signal pathway activation through growth factor/receptor
      transfer, chemoresistance, immunologic activation and genetic exchange. These
      circulating exosomes not only represent a central mediator of the pro
      inflammatory microenvironment linked with secondary brain injury, but their
      presence in the peripheral circulation may serve as a surrogate for biopsies,
      enabling real-time diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative progression. 

PMID- 25135966
TI  - Extracellular-vesicle type of volume transmission and tunnelling-nanotube type of
      wiring transmission add a new dimension to brain neuro-glial networks.
AB  - Two major types of intercellular communication are found in the central nervous
      system (CNS), namely wiring transmission (WT; point-to-point communication via
      private channels, e.g. synaptic transmission) and volume transmission (VT;
      communication in the extracellular fluid and in the cerebrospinal fluid). Volume
      and synaptic transmission become integrated because their chemical signals
      activate different types of interacting receptors in heteroreceptor complexes
      located synaptically and extrasynaptically in the plasma membrane. In VT, we
      focus on the role of the extracellular-vesicle type of VT, and in WT, on the
      potential role of the tunnelling-nanotube (TNT) type of WT. The so-called
      exosomes appear to be the major vesicular carrier for intercellular communication
      but the larger microvesicles also participate. Extracellular vesicles are
      released from cultured cortical neurons and different types of glial cells and
      modulate the signalling of the neuronal-glial networks of the CNS. This type of
      VT has pathological relevance, and epigenetic mechanisms may participate in the
      modulation of extracellular-vesicle-mediated VT. Gerdes and co-workers proposed
      the existence of a novel type of WT based on TNTs, which are straight
      transcellular channels leading to the formation in vitro of syncytial cellular
      networks found also in neuronal and glial cultures. 

PMID- 25135965
TI  - The RNA-centred view of the synapse: non-coding RNAs and synaptic plasticity.
AB  - If mRNAs were the only RNAs made by a neuron, there would be a simple mapping of
      mRNAs to proteins. However, microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs; endo
      siRNAs, piRNAs, BC1, BC200, antisense and long ncRNAs, repeat-related
      transcripts, etc.) regulate mRNAs via effects on protein translation as well as
      transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. Not only are genes ON or OFF, but
      their ability to be translated can be turned ON or OFF at the level of synapses,
      supporting an enormous increase in information capacity. Here, I review evidence
      that ncRNAs are expressed pervasively within dendrites in mammalian brain; that
      some are activity-dependent and highly enriched near synapses; and that synaptic
      ncRNAs participate in plasticity responses including learning and memory.
      Ultimately, ncRNAs can be viewed as the post-it notes of the neuron. They have no
      literal meaning of their own, but derive their functions from where (and to what)
      they are stuck. This may explain, in part, why ncRNAs differ so dramatically from
      protein-coding genes, both in terms of the usual indicators of functionality and
      in terms of evolutionary constraints. ncRNAs do not appear to be direct mediators
      of synaptic transmission in the manner of neurotransmitters or receptors, yet
      they orchestrate synaptic plasticity-and may drive species-specific changes in
      cognition. 

PMID- 25135967
TI  - An evolving view of epigenetic complexity in the brain.
AB  - Recent scientific advances have revolutionized our understanding of classical
      epigenetic mechanisms and the broader landscape of molecular interactions and
      cellular functions that are inextricably linked to these processes. Our current
      view of epigenetics includes an increasing appreciation for the dynamic nature of
      DNA methylation, active mechanisms for DNA demethylation, differential functions
      of 5-methylcytosine and its oxidized derivatives, the intricate regulatory logic
      of histone post-translational modifications, the incorporation of histone
      variants into chromatin, nucleosome occupancy and dynamics, and direct links
      between cellular signalling pathways and the actions of chromatin 'reader',
      'writer' and 'eraser' molecules. We also have an increasing awareness of the
      seemingly ubiquitous roles played by diverse classes of selectively expressed non
      coding RNAs in transcriptional, post-transcriptional, post-translational and
      local and higher order chromatin modulatory processes. These perspectives are
      still evolving with novel insights continuing to emerge rapidly (e.g. those
      related to epigenetic regulation of mobile genetic elements, epigenetic
      mechanisms in mitochondria, roles in nuclear architecture and 'RNA epigenetics').
      The precise functions of these epigenetic factors/phenomena are largely unknown.
      However, it is unequivocal that they serve as key mediators of brain complexity
      and flexibility, including neural development and aging, cellular
      differentiation, homeostasis, stress responses, and synaptic and neural network
      connectivity and plasticity. 

PMID- 25135969
TI  - Long-term climbing fibre activity induces transcription of microRNAs in
      cerebellar Purkinje cells.
AB  - Synaptic activation of central neurons is often evoked by electrical stimulation
      leading to post-tetanic potentiation, long-term potentiation or long-term
      depression. Even a brief electrical tetanus can induce changes in as many as 100
      proteins. Since climbing fibre activity is often associated with cerebellar
      behavioural plasticity, we used horizontal optokinetic stimulation (HOKS) to
      naturally increase synaptic input to floccular Purkinje cells in mice for hours,
      not minutes, and investigated how this activity influenced the transcription of
      microRNAs, small non-coding nucleotides that reduce transcripts of multiple,
      complementary mRNAs. A single microRNA can reduce the translation of as many as
      30 proteins. HOKS evoked increases in 12 microRNA transcripts in floccular
      Purkinje cells. One of these microRNAs, miR335, increased 18-fold after 24 h of
      HOKS. After HOKS stopped, miR335 transcripts decayed with a time constant of
      approximately 2.5 h. HOKS evoked a 28-fold increase in pri-miR335 transcripts
      compared with an 18-fold increase in mature miR335 transcripts, confirming that
      climbing fibre-evoked increases in miR335 could be attributed to increases in
      transcription. We used three screens to identify potential mRNA targets for
      miR335 transcripts: (i) nucleotide complementarity, (ii) detection of increased
      mRNAs following microinjection of miR335 inhibitors into the cerebellum, and
      (iii) detection of decreased mRNAs following HOKS. Two genes, calbindin and 14-3
      3-theta, passed these screens. Transfection of N2a cells with miR335 inhibitors
      or precursors inversely regulated 14-3-3-theta transcripts. Immunoprecipitation
      of 14-3-3-theta co-immunoprecipitated PKC-gamma and GABAAgamma2. Knockdown of
      either 14-3-3-theta or PKC-gamma decreased the serine phosphorylation of
      GABAAgamma2, suggesting that 14-3-3-theta and PKC-gamma under the control of
      miR335 homeostatically regulate the phosphorylation and insertion of GABAAgamma2
      into the Purkinje cell post-synaptic membrane. 

PMID- 25135968
TI  - The role of long non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopment, brain function and
      neurological disease.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts with low protein-coding potential
      that represent a large proportion of the transcriptional output of the cell. Many
      lncRNAs exhibit features indicative of functionality including tissue-restricted
      expression, localization to distinct subcellular structures, regulated expression
      and evolutionary conservation. Some lncRNAs have been shown to associate with
      chromatin-modifying activities and transcription factors, suggesting that a
      common mode of action may be to guide protein complexes to target genomic loci.
      However, the functions (if any) of the vast majority of lncRNA transcripts are
      currently unknown, and the subject of investigation. Here, we consider the
      putative role(s) of lncRNAs in neurodevelopment and brain function with an
      emphasis on the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Associations of lncRNAs
      with neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodegeneration and brain
      cancers are also discussed. 

PMID- 25135970
TI  - Systematic identification of 3'-UTR regulatory elements in activity-dependent
      mRNA stability in hippocampal neurons.
AB  - Ongoing neuronal activity during development and plasticity acts to refine
      synaptic connections and contributes to the induction of plasticity and
      ultimately long-term memory storage. Activity-dependent, post-transcriptional
      control of mRNAs occurs through transport to axonal and dendritic compartments,
      local translation and mRNA stability. We have identified a mechanism that
      contributes to activity-dependent regulation of mRNA stability during synaptic
      plasticity in rat hippocampal neurons. In this study, we demonstrate rapid, post
      transcriptional control over process-enriched mRNAs by neuronal activity.
      Systematic analysis of the 3'-UTRs of destabilized transcripts, identifies
      enrichment in sequence motifs corresponding to microRNA (miRNA)-binding sites.
      The miRNAs that were identified, miR-326-3p/miR-330-5p, miR-485-5p, miR-666-3p
      and miR-761 are predicted to regulate networks of genes important in plasticity
      and development. We find that these miRNAs are developmentally regulated in the
      hippocampus, many increasing by postnatal day 14. We further find that miR-485-5p
      controls NGF-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, tau expression and axonal
      development in hippocampal neurons. miRNAs can function at the synapse to rapidly
      control and affect short- and long-term changes at the synapse. These processes
      likely occur during refinement of synaptic connections and contribute to the
      induction of plasticity and learning and memory. 

PMID- 25135971
TI  - Multifaceted effects of oligodendroglial exosomes on neurons: impact on neuronal
      firing rate, signal transduction and gene regulation.
AB  - Exosomes are small membranous vesicles of endocytic origin that are released by
      almost every cell type. They exert versatile functions in intercellular
      communication important for many physiological and pathological processes.
      Recently, exosomes attracted interest with regard to their role in cell-cell
      communication in the nervous system. We have shown that exosomes released from
      oligodendrocytes upon stimulation with the neurotransmitter glutamate are
      internalized by neurons and enhance the neuronal stress tolerance. Here, we
      demonstrate that oligodendroglial exosomes also promote neuronal survival during
      oxygen-glucose deprivation, a model of cerebral ischaemia. We show the transfer
      from oligodendrocytes to neurons of superoxide dismutase and catalase, enzymes
      which are known to help cells to resist oxidative stress. Additionally, we
      identify various effects of oligodendroglial exosomes on neuronal physiology.
      Electrophysiological analysis using in vitro multi-electrode arrays revealed an
      increased firing rate of neurons exposed to oligodendroglial exosomes. Moreover,
      gene expression analysis and phosphorylation arrays uncovered differentially
      expressed genes and altered signal transduction pathways in neurons after exosome
      treatment. Our study thus provides new insight into the broad spectrum of action
      of oligodendroglial exosomes and their effects on neuronal physiology. The
      exchange of extracellular vesicles between neural cells may exhibit remarkable
      potential to impact brain performance. 

PMID- 25135972
TI  - Epigenetic setting and reprogramming for neural cell fate determination and
      differentiation.
AB  - In the mammalian brain, epigenetic mechanisms are clearly involved in the
      regulation of self-renewal of neural stem cells and the derivation of their
      descendants, i.e. neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, according to the
      developmental timing and the microenvironment, the 'niche'. Interestingly, local
      epigenetic changes occur, concomitantly with genome-wide level changes, at a set
      of gene promoter regions for either down- or upregulation of the gene. In
      addition, intergenic regions also sensitize the availability of epigenetic
      modifiers, which affects gene expression through a relatively long-range
      chromatinic interaction with the transcription regulatory machineries including
      non-coding RNA (ncRNA) such as promoter-associated ncRNA and enhancer ncRNA. We
      show that such an epigenetic landscape in a neural cell is statically but
      flexibly formed together with a variable combination of generally and locally
      acting nuclear molecules including master transcription factors and cell-cycle
      regulators. We also discuss the possibility that revealing the epigenetic
      regulation by the local DNA-RNA-protein assemblies would promote methodological
      innovations, e.g. neural cell reprogramming, engineering and transplantation, to
      manipulate neuronal and glial cell fates for the purpose of medical use of these
      cells. 

PMID- 25135973
TI  - DNA modifications in the mammalian brain.
AB  - DNA methylation is a crucial epigenetic mark in mammalian development, genomic
      imprinting, X-inactivation, chromosomal stability and suppressing parasitic DNA
      elements. DNA methylation in neurons has also been suggested to play important
      roles for mammalian neuronal functions, and learning and memory. In this review,
      we first summarize recent discoveries and fundamental principles of DNA
      modifications in the general epigenetics field. We then describe the profiles of
      different DNA modifications in the mammalian brain genome. Finally, we discuss
      roles of DNA modifications in mammalian brain development and function. 

PMID- 25135974
TI  - The methylated-DNA binding protein MBD2 enhances NGFI-A (egr-1)-mediated
      transcriptional activation of the glucocorticoid receptor.
AB  - Variations in maternal care in the rat influence the epigenetic state and
      transcriptional activity of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene in the hippocampus.
      The mechanisms underlying this maternal effect remained to be defined, including
      the nature of the relevant maternally regulated intracellular signalling
      pathways. We show here that increased maternal licking/grooming (LG), which
      stably enhances hippocampal GR expression, paradoxically increases hippocampal
      expression of the methyl-CpG binding domain protein-2 (MBD2) and MBD2 binding to
      the exon 17 GR promoter. Knockdown experiments of MBD2 in hippocampal primary
      cell culture show that MBD2 is required for activation of exon 17 GR promoter.
      Ectopic co-expression of nerve growth factor-inducible protein A (NGFI-A) with
      MBD2 in HEK 293 cells with site-directed mutagenesis of the NGFI-A response
      element within the methylated exon 17 GR promoter supports the hypothesis that
      MBD2 collaborates with NGFI-A in binding and activation of this promoter. These
      data suggest a possible mechanism linking signalling pathways, which are
      activated by behavioural stimuli and activation of target genes. 

PMID- 25135975
TI  - Regulation of histone H3K4 methylation in brain development and disease.
AB  - The growing list of mutations implicated in monogenic disorders of the developing
      brain includes at least seven genes (ARX, CUL4B, KDM5A, KDM5C, KMT2A, KMT2C,
      KMT2D) with loss-of-function mutations affecting proper regulation of histone H3
      lysine 4 methylation, a chromatin mark which on a genome-wide scale is broadly
      associated with active gene expression, with its mono-, di- and trimethylated
      forms differentially enriched at promoter and enhancer and other regulatory
      sequences. In addition to these rare genetic syndromes, dysregulated H3K4
      methylation could also play a role in the pathophysiology of some cases diagnosed
      with autism or schizophrenia, two conditions which on a genome-wide scale are
      associated with H3K4 methylation changes at hundreds of loci in a subject
      specific manner. Importantly, the reported alterations for some of the diseased
      brain specimens included a widespread broadening of H3K4 methylation profiles at
      gene promoters, a process that could be regulated by the UpSET(KMT2E/MLL5)
      histone deacetylase complex. Furthermore, preclinical studies identified maternal
      immune activation, parental care and monoaminergic drugs as environmental
      determinants for brain-specific H3K4 methylation. These novel insights into the
      epigenetic risk architectures of neurodevelopmental disease will be highly
      relevant for efforts aimed at improved prevention and treatment of autism and
      psychosis spectrum disorders. 

PMID- 25135976
TI  - MicroRNAs and synaptic plasticity--a mutual relationship.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are rapidly emerging as central regulators of gene expression
      in the postnatal mammalian brain. Initial studies mostly focused on the function
      of specific miRNAs during the development of neuronal connectivity in culture,
      using classical gain- and loss-of-function approaches. More recently, first
      examples have documented important roles of miRNAs in plastic processes in intact
      neural circuits in the rodent brain related to higher cognitive abilities and
      neuropsychiatric disease. At the same time, evidence is accumulating that miRNA
      function itself is subjected to sophisticated control mechanisms engaged by the
      activity of neural circuits. In this review, we attempt to pay tribute to this
      mutual relationship between miRNAs and synaptic plasticity. In particular, in the
      first part, we summarize how neuronal activity influences each step in the
      lifetime of miRNAs, including the regulation of transcription, maturation, gene
      regulatory function and turnover in mammals. In the second part, we discuss
      recent examples of miRNA function in synaptic plasticity in rodent models and
      their implications for higher cognitive function and neurological disorders, with
      a special emphasis on epilepsy as a disorder of abnormal nerve cell activity. 

PMID- 25135977
TI  - Extracellular vesicles as modulators of cell-to-cell communication in the healthy
      and diseased brain.
AB  - Homeostasis relies heavily on effective cell-to-cell communication. In the
      central nervous system (CNS), probably more so than in other organs, such
      communication is crucial to support and protect neurons especially during ageing,
      as well as to control inflammation, remove debris and infectious agents. Emerging
      evidence indicates that extracellular vesicles (EVs) including endosome-derived
      exosomes and fragments of the cellular plasma membrane play a key role in
      intercellular communication by transporting messenger RNA, microRNA (miRNA) and
      proteins. In neurodegenerative diseases, secreted vesicles not only remove
      misfolded proteins, but also transfer aggregated proteins and prions and are thus
      thought to perpetuate diseases by 'infecting' neighbouring cells with these
      pathogenic proteins. Conversely, in other CNS disorders signals from stressed
      cells may help control inflammation and inhibit degeneration. EVs may also
      reflect the status of the CNS and are present in the cerebrospinal fluid
      indicating that exosomes may act as biomarkers of disease. That extracellular RNA
      and in particular miRNA, can be transferred by EV also indicates that these
      vesicles could be used as carriers to specifically target the CNS to deliver
      immune modulatory drugs, neuroprotective agents and anti-cancer drugs. Here, we
      discuss the recent evidence indicating the potential role of exosomes in
      neurological disorders and how knowledge of their biology may enable a Trojan
      horse approach to deliver drugs into the CNS and treat neurodegenerative and
      other disorders of the CNS. 

PMID- 25135978
TI  - MicroRNA-8 promotes robust motor axon targeting by coordinate regulation of cell
      adhesion molecules during synapse development.
AB  - Neuronal connectivity and specificity rely upon precise coordinated deployment of
      multiple cell-surface and secreted molecules. MicroRNAs have tremendous potential
      for shaping neural circuitry by fine-tuning the spatio-temporal expression of key
      synaptic effector molecules. The highly conserved microRNA miR-8 is required
      during late stages of neuromuscular synapse development in Drosophila. However,
      its role in initial synapse formation was previously unknown. Detailed analysis
      of synaptogenesis in this system now reveals that miR-8 is required at the
      earliest stages of muscle target contact by RP3 motor axons. We find that the
      localization of multiple synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) is dependent on
      the expression of miR-8, suggesting that miR-8 regulates the initial assembly of
      synaptic sites. Using stable isotope labelling in vivo and comparative mass
      spectrometry, we find that miR-8 is required for normal expression of multiple
      proteins, including the CAMs Fasciclin III (FasIII) and Neuroglian (Nrg). Genetic
      analysis suggests that Nrg and FasIII collaborate downstream of miR-8 to promote
      accurate target recognition. Unlike the function of miR-8 at mature larval
      neuromuscular junctions, at the embryonic stage we find that miR-8 controls key
      effectors on both sides of the synapse. MiR-8 controls multiple stages of synapse
      formation through the coordinate regulation of both pre- and postsynaptic cell
      adhesion proteins. 

PMID- 25135981
TI  - Towards evidence based medicine for paediatricians.

PMID- 25135979
TI  - Postnatal signalling with homeoprotein transcription factors.
AB  - Homeoprotein (HP) transcription factors were originally identified for their
      embryonic cell-autonomous developmental functions. In this review, we discuss
      their postnatal and adult physiological functions based on the study of Otx2,
      Engrailed-1 and Engrailed-2 (collectively Engrailed). For Engrailed, we discuss
      its function in the cell-autonomous regulation of ventral midbrain dopaminergic
      neuron survival and physiology and in the non-cell-autonomous maintenance of
      axons. For Otx2, we describe how the protein is expressed in the choroid plexus
      and transported into cortical parvalbumin cells where it regulates plasticity in
      the visual cortex. These two examples illustrate how the understanding of HP
      postnatal and adult functions, including signalling functions, may lead to the
      identification of disease-associated genetic pathways and to the development of
      original therapeutic strategies. 

PMID- 25135980
TI  - The role of epigenetic-related codes in neurocomputation: dynamic hardware in the
      brain.
AB  - This paper presents a review of recent work on the role that two epigenetic
      related systems may play in information processing mechanisms in the brain. The
      first consists of exosomes that transport epigenetic-related molecules between
      neurons. The second consists of homeoproteins like Otx2 that carry information
      from sense organs to primary sensory cortex. There is developing evidence that
      presynaptic neurons may be able to modulate the fine microanatomical structure in
      the postsynaptic neuron. This may be conducted by three mechanisms, of which the
      first is well established and the latter two are novel. (i) By the well
      established activation of receptors that trigger a chain of signalling molecules
      (second messengers) that result in the upregulation and/or activation of a
      transcription factor. The two novel systems are the exosome system and
      homeoproteins. (ii) Exosomes are small vesicles that are released upon activation
      of the axon terminal, traverse the synaptic cleft, probably via astrocytes and
      are taken up by the postsynaptic neuron. They carry a load of signalling proteins
      and a variety of forms of RNA. These loads may then be transported widely
      throughout the postsynaptic neuron and engineer modulations in the fine structure
      of computational machinery by epigenetic-related processes. (iii) Otx2 is a
      transcription factor that, inter alia, controls the development and survival of
      PV+ GABAergic interneurons (PV cells) in the primary visual cortex. It is
      synthesized in the retina and is transported to the cortex by a presently unknown
      mechanism that probably includes direct cell-to-cell transfer, and may, or may
      not, include transfer by the dynein and exosome systems in addition. These three
      mechanisms explain a quantity of data from the field of de- and reafferentation
      plasticity. These data show that the modality of the presynaptic neuron controls
      to a large extent the modality of the postsynaptic neuron. However, the mechanism
      that effects this is currently unknown. The exosome and the homeoprotein
      hypotheses provide novel explanations to add to the well-established earlier
      mechanism described above. 

PMID- 25135983
TI  - Outcome of coronary artery bypass grafting in a tertiary-care center in Pakistan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary
      intervention are revascularization options for significant coronary artery
      disease. While international data support the use of coronary artery bypass in
      high-risk groups, regional data on outcomes in these groups are rare. We
      conducted a retrospective study to determine the outcomes of patients undergoing
      coronary artery bypass for left main and multivessel disease. METHODS: Two
      thousand eight hundred and fifty-one patients undergoing coronary artery bypass
      at the Aga Khan University Hospital from 2006 to 2013 were included; patients
      undergoing redo surgery were excluded. Demographic data, comorbidities,
      angiography findings, in-hospital complications, one-month and one-year follow-up
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 2851 patients, 568 had left main disease (group 1)
      and 2283 (group 2) had multivessel disease (>=2 vessels excluding the left main).
      Group 1 had significantly more chronic lung disease, cardiogenic shock, and
      congestive heart failure than group 2 (p < 0.001); 50.6% of patients were
      diabetic and 71.8% were hypertensive. Mortality was 5.1% and 2.2% during hospital
      stay, 6.5% and 2.6% at 30 days, and 6.7% and 2.7% at 1 year in groups 1 and 2,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Our comparable results and international data advocate
      revision of the current practice of using percutaneous coronary intervention over
      coronary artery bypass in the developing world. Institutional results are
      essential to determine the outcome of coronary artery bypass in high-risk
      populations with a high burden of diabetes and hypertension. We noted increased
      complications and mortality in patients with left main rather than multivessel
      disease.

PMID- 25135985
TI  - Enhancing the objectivity of the Japanese classification of peritoneal metastases
      from colorectal cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Japanese classification of peritoneal metastases from colorectal
      cancer is easy to use for general surgeons in routine clinical practice. However,
      the objectivity of this classification has not been determined. This study aimed
      to clarify the objectivity of the Japanese classification of peritoneal
      metastases from colorectal cancer. METHODS: The data of patients with Stage IV
      colorectal cancer between 1991 and 2007 in 16 hospitals, who were members of the
      Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum, were investigated. The size,
      number and extent (nine areas) of peritoneal metastases according to the Japanese
      classification (P1, P2 and P3) were investigated using Akaike's information
      criterion. RESULTS: Of the 564 colorectal cancer patients with synchronous
      peritoneal metastases, 341 had hematogenous metastases. The minimum Akaike's
      information criterion was obtained with the cutoff value of one area for P1
      metastasis and two or more areas for P2 metastasis (P < 0.0001). When P2
      metastasis was compared with P3 metastasis, the cutoff value of the number of
      peritoneal metastases was 10. CONCLUSIONS: The present study proposes a revision
      that would give objectivity to the present Japanese classification as follows: P1
      is defined as peritoneal metastases 20 mm or smaller confined to one area; P2 is
      defined as 10 or fewer peritoneal metastases disseminated in two or more areas,
      or peritoneal metastases confined to one area but the size is >20 mm and P3 is
      defined as >10 peritoneal metastases disseminated in two or more areas.

PMID- 25135984
TI  - Circulating tumor cells correlate with recurrence in stage III small-cell lung
      cancer after systemic chemoradiotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the correlation between circulating tumor cells and
      the incidence of brain metastases as a first site of recurrence among patients
      with small-cell lung cancer after systemic chemoradiotherapy and prophylactic
      cranial irradiation. In addition, we assessed the contribution of circulating
      tumor cells for planning the appropriate total dose of prophylactic cranial
      irradiation for small-cell lung cancer. METHODS: Patients (n = 112) with
      diagnosed Stage III small-cell lung cancer were treated with four cycles of
      platinum-based regimen and concurrent chest irradiation, and then prophylactic
      cranial irradiation. Blood samples for circulating tumor cell analysis were
      obtained before the initiation of chemotherapy and after the first and fourth
      cycle of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Circulating tumor cells after the first cycle of
      chemotherapy correlated with tumor response after completion of chemotherapy (P =
      0.012). Patients with brain as the first site suffered a higher rate of further
      metastases to other organs, and local recurrence, compared with those whose first
      site was the other organs (P < 0.001), and their survival rates were worse.
      Circulating tumor cells at baseline were the sole independent prognostic factor
      for specific progression-free survival. Receiver operating characteristic curves
      based on median specific progression-free survival revealed a circulating tumor
      cell cutoff at baseline of 218, and circulating tumor cells <=218 at baseline
      correlated with significantly higher progression-free survival (P = 0.007),
      specific progression-free survival (P = 0.001) and overall survival (P = 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Circulating tumor cells prior to the initiation of chemotherapy are
      a valuable predictor of specific progression-free survival in Stage III small
      cell lung cancer. For patients with circulating tumor cells >218, prophylactic
      cranial irradiation at a total dose of 30 Gy in 15 fractions is insufficient.

PMID- 25135987
TI  - Delayed bronchobiliary fistula and cholangiolithiasis following percutaneous
      radio frequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Although percutaneous radio frequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma is a
      minimally invasive therapy, there are some complications reported; major
      complications include hemorrhage (0.477%), hepatic injuries (1.690%), and
      extrahepatic organ injuries (0.691%). We, for the first time, described a rare
      complication of delayed bronchobiliary fistula and cholangiolithiasis in common
      bile duct following radio frequency ablation and the salvage treatment in a
      patient with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Surgeons should be aware of
      severe and rare complications before deciding the ablation area and when
      performing radio frequency ablation, and should be aware of the relevant salvage
      treatment. 

PMID- 25135986
TI  - Endotoxin-induced lung alveolar cell injury causes brain cell damage.
AB  - Sepsis is the most common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome, a severe
      lung inflammatory disorder with an elevated morbidity and mortality. Sepsis and
      acute respiratory distress syndrome involve the release of inflammatory mediators
      to the systemic circulation, propagating the cellular and molecular response and
      affecting distal organs, including the brain. Since it has been reported that
      sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome contribute to brain dysfunction,
      we investigated the brain-lung crosstalk using a combined experimental in vitro
      airway epithelial and brain cell injury model. Conditioned medium collected from
      an in vitro lipopolysaccharide-induced airway epithelial cell injury model using
      human A549 alveolar cells was subsequently added at increasing concentrations (no
      conditioned, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, and 50%) to a rat mixed brain cell culture
      containing both astrocytes and neurons. Samples from culture media and cells from
      mixed brain cultures were collected before treatment, and at 6 and 24 h for
      analysis. Conditioned medium at 15% significantly increased apoptosis in brain
      cell cultures 24 h after treatment, whereas 25% and 50% significantly increased
      both necrosis and apoptosis. Levels of brain damage markers S100 calcium binding
      protein B and neuron-specific enolase, interleukin-6, macrophage inflammatory
      protein-2, as well as matrix metalloproteinase-9 increased significantly after
      treating brain cells with >=2% conditioned medium. Our findings demonstrated that
      human epithelial pulmonary cells stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide
      release inflammatory mediators that are able to induce a translational clinically
      relevant and harmful response in brain cells. These results support a brain-lung
      crosstalk during sepsis and sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome. 

PMID- 25135989
TI  - Focal therapy will become a standard option for selected men with localized
      prostate cancer.

PMID- 25135988
TI  - Inclusion of endogenous hormone levels in risk prediction models of
      postmenopausal breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Endogenous hormones are risk factors for postmenopausal breast cancer,
      and their measurement may improve our ability to identify high-risk women.
      Therefore, we evaluated whether inclusion of plasma estradiol, estrone, estrone
      sulfate, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, prolactin, and sex hormone
      binding globulin (SHBG) improved risk prediction for postmenopausal invasive
      breast cancer (n = 437 patient cases and n = 775 controls not using
      postmenopausal hormones) in the Nurses' Health Study. METHODS: We evaluated
      improvement in the area under the curve (AUC) for 5-year risk of invasive breast
      cancer by adding each hormone to the Gail and Rosner-Colditz risk scores. We used
      stepwise regression to identify the subset of hormones most associated with risk
      and assessed AUC improvement; we used 10-fold cross validation to assess model
      overfitting. RESULTS: Each hormone was associated with breast cancer risk (odds
      ratio doubling, 0.82 [SHBG] to 1.37 [estrone sulfate]). Individual hormones
      improved the AUC by 1.3 to 5.2 units relative to the Gail score and 0.3 to 2.9
      for the Rosner-Colditz score. Estrone sulfate, testosterone, and prolactin were
      selected by stepwise regression and increased the AUC by 5.9 units (P = .003) for
      the Gail score and 3.4 (P = .04) for the Rosner-Colditz score. In cross
      validation, the average AUC change across the validation data sets was 6.0 (P =
      .002) and 3.0 units (P = .03), respectively. Similar results were observed for
      estrogen receptor-positive disease (selected hormones: estrone sulfate,
      testosterone, prolactin, and SHBG; change in AUC, 8.8 [P < .001] for Gail score
      and 5.8 [P = .004] for Rosner-Colditz score). CONCLUSION: Our results support
      that endogenous hormones improve risk prediction for invasive breast cancer and
      could help identify women who may benefit from chemoprevention or more screening.

PMID- 25135990
TI  - Calcium/magnesium infusion for oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy: protective or not?

PMID- 25135991
TI  - Patterns of relapse in patients with clinical stage I testicular cancer managed
      with active surveillance.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of active surveillance as a management
      strategy in broad populations and to inform the development of surveillance
      schedules by individual patient data regarding timing and type of relapse.
      METHODS: Retrospective study including data from 2,483 clinical stage I (CSI)
      patients, 1,139 CSI nonseminoma and 1,344 CSI seminoma managed with active
      surveillance, with the majority treated between 1998 and 2010. Clinical outcomes
      including relapse and death, time distribution, extent of relapse and method of
      relapse detection observed on active surveillance were recorded. RESULTS: Relapse
      occurred in 221 (19%) CSI-nonseminoma and 173 (13%) CSI-seminoma patients. Median
      time to relapse was 4 months (range, 2-61 months), 8 months (range, 2-77 months)
      and 14 months (range, 2-84 months) for lymphovascular invasion-positive CSI
      nonseminoma, lymphovascular invasion-negative CSI nonseminoma and CSI seminoma.
      Most relapses were observed within the first 2 years/3 years after orchiectomy
      for CSI nonseminoma (90%)/CSI seminoma (92%). Relapses were detected by computed
      tomography scan/tumor-markers in 87%/3% of seminoma recurrences, in 48%/38% of
      lymphovascular invasion-negative and 41%/61% of lymphovascular invasion-positive
      patients, respectively. 90% of CSI-nonseminoma and 99% of CSI-seminoma relapses
      exhibited International Germ Cell Collaborative Group good-risk features. Three
      patients with CSI nonseminoma died of disease (0.3%). One patient with CSI
      seminoma and two patients with CSI nonseminoma died because of treatment-related
      events. Overall, advanced disease was seen in both early- and late-relapse
      patients. All late recurrences were cured with standard therapy. Five-year
      disease-specific survival was 99.7% (95% CI, 99.24% to 99.93%). CONCLUSION:
      Active surveillance for CSI testis cancer leads to excellent outcomes. The vast
      majority of relapses occur within 2 years of orchiectomy for CSI nonseminoma and
      within 3 years for CSI seminoma. Late and advanced stage relapse are rarely seen.
      These data may inform further refinement of rationally designed surveillance
      schedules.

PMID- 25135993
TI  - Reply to M. Valerio et al.

PMID- 25135992
TI  - Lenalidomide combined with R-CHOP overcomes negative prognostic impact of non
      germinal center B-cell phenotype in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-Cell
      lymphoma: a phase II study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lenalidomide has significant single-agent activity in relapsed diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We demonstrated that lenalidomide can be safely
      combined with R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine,
      and prednisone); this new combination is known as R2CHOP. The goal of this phase
      II study was to evaluate the efficacy of this combination in newly diagnosed
      DLBCL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients were adults with newly diagnosed
      untreated stages II to IV CD20(+) DLBCL. Patients received lenalidomide 25 mg
      orally per day on days 1 through 10 with standard-dose R-CHOP every 21 days for
      six cycles. All patients received pegfilgrastim on day 2 of each cycle and
      aspirin prophylaxis throughout. DLBCL molecular subtype was determined by tumor
      immunohistochemistry and classified as germinal center B-cell (GCB) versus non
      GCB in the R2CHOP patients and 87 control patients with DLBCL from the Lymphoma
      Database who were treated with conventional R-CHOP. RESULTS: In all, 64 patients
      with DLBCL were enrolled, and 60 were evaluable for response. The overall
      response rate was 98% (59 of 60) with 80% (48 of 60) achieving complete response.
      Event-free survival and overall survival (OS) rates at 24 months were 59% (95%
      CI, 48% to 74%) and 78% (95% CI, 68% to 90%), respectively. In R-CHOP patients,
      24-month progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were 28% versus 64% (P < .001)
      and 46% versus 78% (P < .001) in non-GCB DLBCL versus GCB DLBCL, respectively. In
      contrast, there was no difference in 24-month PFS or OS for R2CHOP patients on
      the basis of non-GCB and GCB subtype (60% v 59% [P = .83] and 83% v 75% [P = .61]
      at 2 years, respectively). CONCLUSION: R2CHOP shows promising efficacy in DLBCL.
      The addition of lenalidomide appears to mitigate a negative impact of non-GCB
      phenotype on patient outcome.

PMID- 25135995
TI  - Reply to C.d. Atkins and a. Avan et Al.

PMID- 25135994
TI  - Radiation field design in the ACOSOG Z0011 (Alliance) Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: ACOSOG Z0011 established that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is
      unnecessary in patients with breast cancer with one to two positive sentinel
      lymph nodes (SLNs) who undergo lumpectomy, radiotherapy (RT), and systemic
      therapy. We sought to ascertain RT coverage of the regional nodes in that trial.
      METHODS: We evaluated case report forms completed 18 months after enrollment.
      From 2012 to 2013, we collected all available detailed RT records for central
      review. RESULTS: Among 605 patients with completed case report forms, 89%
      received whole-breast RT. Of these, 89 (15%) were recorded as also receiving
      treatment to the supraclavicular region. Detailed RT records were obtained for
      228 patients, of whom 185 (81.1%) received tangent-only treatment. Among 142 with
      sufficient records to evaluate tangent height, high tangents (cranial tangent
      border <= 2 cm from humeral head) were used in 50% of patients (33 of 66)
      randomly assigned to ALND and 52.6% (40 of 76) randomly assigned to SLND. Of the
      228 patients with records reviewed, 43 (18.9%) received directed regional nodal
      RT using >= three fields: 22 in the ALND arm and 21 in the SLND arm. Those
      receiving directed nodal RT had greater nodal involvement (P < .001) than those
      who did not. Overall, there was no significant difference between treatment arms
      in the use of protocol-prohibited nodal fields. CONCLUSION: Most patients treated
      in Z0011 received tangential RT alone, and some received no RT at all. Some
      patients received directed nodal irradiation via a third field. Further research
      is necessary to determine the optimal RT approach in patients with low-volume
      axillary disease treated with SLND alone.

PMID- 25135996
TI  - Estimating the value of intravenous calcium and magnesium in ameliorating
      oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy.

PMID- 25135997
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency impairs rituximab-mediated cellular cytotoxicity and outcome
      of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with but not without
      rituximab.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the impact and mechanisms of vitamin D deficiency (VDD)
      on the outcome of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred fifty-nine pretreatment 25-hydroxyvitamin D3
      (25[OH]D3) serum levels from the RICOVER-60 study (Six Versus Eight Cycles of
      Biweekly CHOP-14 With or Without Rituximab in Elderly Patients With Aggressive
      CD20+ B-Cell Lymphomas) and 63 from the RICOVER-noRTh study (an amendment to the
      RICOVER-60 study in which patients received six cycles of cyclophosphamide,
      doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone administered at an interval of 2 weeks
      plus two cycles of rituximab [R-CHOP-14], but without radiotherapy) were
      determined by chemoluminescent immunoassay. Rituximab-mediated cellular
      cytotoxicity (RMCC) was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release assay of CD20+
      Daudi cells. RESULTS: RICOVER-60 patients with VDD (<= 8 ng/mL) and vitamin D
      levels more than 8 ng/mL treated with rituximab had 3-year event-free survival
      (EFS) of 59% and 79% and 3-year overall survival (OS) of 70% and 82%,
      respectively. These differences were significant in a multivariable analysis
      adjusting for International Prognostic Index risk factors with a hazard ratio
      (HR) of 2.1 (P = .008) for EFS and 1.9 (P = .040) for OS. EFS was not
      significantly different in patients with vitamin D levels <= 8 or more than 8
      ng/mL (HR, 1.2; P = .388) treated without rituximab. This was confirmed in an
      independent validation set of 63 RICOVER-noRTh patients. RMCC increased
      significantly (P < .001) in seven of seven individuals with VDD after
      substitution and normalization of their vitamin D levels. CONCLUSION: VDD is a
      risk factor for elderly patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP. That VDD impairs
      RMCC and substitution improves RMCC strongly suggests that vitamin D substitution
      enhances rituximab efficacy, which must be confirmed in appropriately designed
      prospective trials addressing VDD and substitution not only in DLBCL, but also in
      malignancies treated with other antibodies, of which the major mechanism of
      action is antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (eg, trastuzumab in breast
      cancer and cetuximab in colorectal cancer).

PMID- 25135998
TI  - Brentuximab vedotin in the front-line treatment of patients with CD30+ peripheral
      T-cell lymphomas: results of a phase I study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Front-line treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) involves
      regimens such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP)
      and results in a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of less than 50%. This phase I
      open-label study evaluated the safety and activity of brentuximab vedotin
      administered sequentially with CHOP or in combination with CHP (CHOP without
      vincristine) as front-line treatment in patients with CD30(+) PTCL. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Patients received sequential treatment (once every 3 weeks) with
      brentuximab vedotin 1.8 mg/kg (two cycles) followed by CHOP (six cycles) or
      brentuximab vedotin 1.8 mg/kg plus CHP (BV+CHP) for six cycles (once every 3
      weeks). Responders received single-agent brentuximab vedotin for eight to 10
      additional cycles (for a total of 16 cycles). The primary objective was
      assessment of safety; secondary end points included objective response rate,
      complete remission (CR) rate, progression-free survival rate (PFS), and OS. There
      were no prespecified comparisons of the two treatment approaches. RESULTS: After
      sequential treatment, 11 (85%) of 13 patients achieved an objective response (CR
      rate, 62%; estimated 1-year PFS rate, 77%). Grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in
      eight (62%) of 13 patients. At the end of combination treatment, all patients (n
      = 26) achieved an objective response (CR rate, 88%; estimated 1-year PFS rate,
      71%). All seven patients without anaplastic large-cell lymphoma achieved CR.
      Grade 3/4 adverse events (>= 10%) in the combination-treatment group were febrile
      neutropenia (31%), neutropenia (23%), anemia (15%), and pulmonary embolism (12%).
      CONCLUSION: Brentuximab vedotin, administered sequentially with CHOP or in
      combination with CHP, had a manageable safety profile and exhibited substantial
      antitumor activity in newly diagnosed patients with CD30(+) PTCL. A randomized
      phase III trial is under way, comparing BV+CHP with CHOP (clinical trial No.
      NCT01777152).

PMID- 25135999
TI  - Strength and function response to clinical interventions of older women
      categorized by weakness and low lean mass using classifications from the
      Foundation for the National Institute of Health sarcopenia project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia
      Project developed data-driven cut-points for clinically meaningful weakness and
      low lean body mass. This analysis describes strength and function response to
      interventions based on these classifications. METHODS: In data from four
      intervention studies, 378 postmenopausal women with baseline and 6-month data
      were evaluated for change in grip strength, appendicular lean mass corrected for
      body mass index, leg strength and power, and short physical performance battery
      (SPPB). Clinical interventions included hormones, exercise, and nutritional
      supplementation. Differences in outcomes were evaluated between (i) those with
      and without weakness and (ii) those with weakness and low lean mass or with one
      but not the other. We stratified analyses by slowness (walking speed <= 0.8 m/s)
      and by treatment assignment. RESULTS: The women (72+/-7 years; body mass index of
      26+/-5kg/m(2)) were weak (33%), had low lean mass (14%), or both (6%). Those with
      weakness increased grip strength, lost less leg power, and gained SPPB score (p <
      .05) compared with nonweak participants. Stratified analyses were similar for
      grip strength and SPPB. With lean mass in the analysis, individuals with weakness
      had larger gains in grip strength and SPPB scores regardless of low lean mass (p
      < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Older women with clinically meaningful muscle weakness
      increased grip strength and SPPB, regardless of the presence of low lean mass
      following treatment with interventions for frailty. Thus, results suggest that
      muscle weakness, as defined by the Foundation for the National Institutes of
      Health Sarcopenia Project, appears to be a treatable symptom.

PMID- 25136001
TI  - Becoming centenarians: disease and functioning trajectories of older US Adults as
      they survive to 100.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the health and functioning of individuals who
      become centenarians in the years prior to reaching age 100. We examined long-term
      trajectories of disease, disability, and cognitive function in a sample of U.S.
      centenarians to determine how their aging experience differs from their
      nonsurviving cohort counterparts, and if there is heterogeneity in the aging
      experience of centenarians. METHODS: Data are from the 1993-2010 waves of the
      nationally representative Health and Retirement Study. Among those who had the
      potential to become centenarians, we identified 1,045 respondents who died before
      reaching age 100 and 96 who survived to their 100th birthday. Respondents, or
      their proxies, reported on diagnosis of six major diseases (hypertension, heart
      disease, lung disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes), limitations in activities
      of daily living, and cognitive function. RESULTS: As they age to 100,
      centenarians are generally healthier than nonsurviving members of their cohort,
      and a number of individuals who become centenarians reach 100 with no self
      reported diseases or functional impairments. About 23% of centenarians reached
      age 100 with no major chronic disease and approximately the same number had no
      disability (18%). Over half (55%) reached 100 without cognitive impairment.
      Disease and functioning trajectories of centenarians differ by sex, education,
      and marital status. CONCLUSIONS: While some centenarians have poor health and
      functioning upon reaching age 100, others are able to achieve exceptional
      longevity in relatively good health and without loss of functioning. This study
      underscores the importance of examining variation in the growing centenarian
      population.

PMID- 25136000
TI  - Age-related decline of autocrine pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating
      polypeptide impairs angiogenic capacity of rat cerebromicrovascular endothelial
      cells.
AB  - Aging impairs angiogenic capacity of cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells
      (CMVECs) promoting microvascular rarefaction, but the underlying mechanisms
      remain elusive. PACAP is an evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide secreted by
      endothelial cells and neurons, which confers important antiaging effects. To test
      the hypothesis that age-related changes in autocrine PACAP signaling contributes
      to dysregulation of endothelial angiogenic capacity, primary CMVECs were isolated
      from 3-month-old (young) and 24-month-old (aged) Fischer 344 x Brown Norway rats.
      In aged CMVECs, expression of PACAP was decreased, which was associated with
      impaired capacity to form capillary-like structures, impaired adhesiveness to
      collagen (assessed using electric cell-substrate impedance sensing [ECIS]
      technology), and increased apoptosis (caspase3 activity) when compared with young
      cells. Overexpression of PACAP in aged CMVECs resulted in increased formation of
      capillary-like structures, whereas it did not affect cell adhesion. Treatment
      with recombinant PACAP also significantly increased endothelial tube formation
      and inhibited apoptosis in aged CMVECs. In young CMVECs shRNA knockdown of
      autocrine PACAP expression significantly impaired tube formation capacity,
      mimicking the aging phenotype. Cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species
      production (dihydroethidium and MitoSox fluorescence, respectively) were
      increased in aged CMVECs and were unaffected by PACAP. Collectively, PACAP exerts
      proangiogenic effects and age-related dysregulation of autocrine PACAP signaling
      may contribute to impaired angiogenic capacity of CMVECs in aging. 

PMID- 25136002
TI  - Brain pathology contributes to simultaneous change in physical frailty and
      cognition in old age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: First, we tested the hypothesis that the rate of change of physical
      frailty and cognitive function in older adults are correlated. Next, we examined
      if their rates of change are associated with the same brain pathologies. METHODS:
      About 2,167 older adults participating in the Religious Orders Study and the Rush
      Memory and Aging Project had annual clinical evaluations. Bivariate random
      coefficient models were used to estimate simultaneously the rates of change in
      both frailty and cognition, and the correlation of change was characterized by a
      joint distribution of the random effects. Then, we examined whether postmortem
      indices from deceased were associated with the rate of change of frailty and
      cognition. RESULTS: During an average follow-up of 6 years, frailty worsened by
      0.09 unit/y and cognition declined by 0.08 unit/y. Most individuals showed
      worsening frailty and cognition (82.8%); 17% showed progressive frailty alone and
      <1% showed only cognitive decline. The rates of change of frailty and cognition
      were strongly correlated (rho = -0.73, p < .001). Among deceased (N = 828),
      Alzheimer's disease pathology, macroinfarcts, and nigral neuronal loss showed
      independent associations with the rate of change in both frailty and cognition
      (all ps < .001). In these models, demographics explained about 9% of the
      variation in individual rate of change in frailty, and neuropathologies explained
      about 8%. In contrast, demographics and neuropathologies accounted for 2% and
      30%, respectively, of the variance in the cognitive decline. CONCLUSION: The
      rates of change in frailty and cognition are strongly correlated and this may be
      due in part because they share a common pathologic basis.

PMID- 25136004
TI  - Molecular characterization of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates harboring small
      erm(T)-carrying plasmids.
AB  - Among 1,827 group B Streptococcus (GBS) strains collected between 2006 and 2013
      by the French National Reference Center for Streptococci, 490 (26.8%) strains
      were erythromycin resistant. The erm(T) resistance gene was found in six strains
      belonging to capsular polysaccharides Ia, III, and V and was carried by the same
      mobilizable plasmid, which could be efficiently transferred by mobilization to
      GBS and Enterococcus faecalis recipients, thus promoting a broad dissemination of
      erm(T). 

PMID- 25136005
TI  - EUCAST testing of Isavuconazole susceptibility in Aspergillus: comparison of
      results for Inoculum standardization using Conidium counting versus optical
      density.
AB  - The EUCAST E.DEF9.1 standard recommends standardization of the inoculum
      concentration by conidium counting using a hemocytometer rather than a
      spectrophotometer. In this study, we investigated whether the choice of these
      methods influenced isavuconazole MICs. A blinded collection of 30 molecularly
      characterized azole-resistant isolates and 10 wild-type Aspergillus fumigatus
      isolates was shared with four different laboratories. Additionally, each
      laboratory selected approximately 100 A. fumigatus isolates and 50 isolates each
      of A. flavus, A. nidulans, A. niger, and A. terreus (1,237 isolates in total).
      Three laboratories (laboratories 1 to 3) used conidium counting. One laboratory
      standardized the inoculum using a spectrophotometer (that is, by use of the
      optical density [OD]) and is referred to as the OD laboratory. Correlation
      coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficients, and essential agreement were
      calculated, and 2-log-unit differences were assessed (paired t test). The MIC
      range for the blinded collection was 0.25 to 16 mg/liter, and a 1-dilution-step
      difference between the MIC50 and MIC90 across the four laboratories was detected
      and a 2-dilution-step difference between the modal MICs was detected. Compared to
      the results for laboratories 1 and 2, a significant correlation was found for the
      OD laboratory MIC data (correlation coefficients, 0.85 and 0.93, respectively;
      intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.88 and 0.96, respectively). The number of
      mutant isolates whose MICs overlapped those of the wild-type isolates was the
      lowest for the OD laboratory (14/30 [46.7%] mutant isolates), whereas the numbers
      were 18/30 (60%) isolates for laboratory 1, 17/30 (56.7%) isolates for laboratory
      2, and 21/30 (70%) isolates for laboratory 3. For the A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A.
      nidulans, A. niger, and A. terreus isolates, comparative analysis again defined
      the MIC distributions from the OD laboratory to be in excellent agreement with
      those from laboratories 1 and 2 across all five Aspergillus spp. The findings
      suggest that EUCAST testing using OD determination is an appropriate alternative
      for standardization of Aspergillus inoculum concentrations. 

PMID- 25136006
TI  - Comparison of in vivo and in vitro pharmacodynamics of a humanized regimen of 600
      milligrams of Ceftaroline Fosamil every 12 hours against Staphylococcus aureus at
      initial inocula of 106 and 108 CFU per milliliter.
AB  - In light of the in vivo/in vitro discordance among beta-lactams against Gram
      negative pathogens, we compared the in vivo pharmacodynamics of humanized
      ceftaroline against 9 Staphylococcus aureus strains (MICs of 0.13 to 1 mg/liter)
      from published in vitro studies using standard and high inocula in the murine
      thigh infection model. Consistent with the in vitro findings, mean reductions of
      >=1 log10 CFU were observed for ceftaroline against all strains using both
      standard and high inocula. These results suggest in vivo/in vitro concordance
      with no observed inoculum effect. 

PMID- 25136003
TI  - Effects of tenofovir on cytokines and nucleotidases in HIV-1 target cells and the
      mucosal tissue environment in the female reproductive tract.
AB  - Tenofovir (TFV) is a reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in microbicide
      preexposure prophylaxis trials to prevent HIV infection. Recognizing that changes
      in cytokine/chemokine secretion and nucleotidase biological activity can
      influence female reproductive tract (FRT) immune protection against HIV
      infection, we tested the hypothesis that TFV regulates immune protection in the
      FRT. Epithelial cells, fibroblasts, CD4(+) T cells, and CD14(+) cells were
      isolated from the endometrium (Em), endocervix (Cx), and ectocervix (Ecx)
      following hysterectomy. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines (macrophage
      inflammatory protein 3alpha [MIP-3alpha], interleukin 8 [IL-8], and tumor
      necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha]), the expression levels of specific
      nucleotidases, and nucleotidase biological activities were analyzed in the
      presence or absence of TFV. TFV influenced mRNA and/or protein cytokines and
      nucleotidases in a cell- and site-specific manner. TFV significantly enhanced IL
      8 and TNF-alpha secretion by epithelial cells from the Em and Ecx but not from
      the Cx. In contrast, in response to TFV, IL-8 secretion was significantly
      decreased in Em and Cx fibroblasts but increased with fibroblasts from the Ecx.
      When incubated with CD4(+) T cells from the FRT, TFV increased IL-8 (Em and Ecx)
      and TNF-alpha (Cx and Ecx) secretion levels. Moreover, when incubated with Em
      CD14(+) cells, TFV significantly increased MIP-3alpha, IL-8, and TNF-alpha
      secretion levels relative to those of the controls. In contrast, nucleotidase
      biological activities were significantly decreased by TFV in epithelial (Cx) and
      CD4(+) T cells (Em) but increased in fibroblasts (Em). Our findings indicate that
      TFV modulates proinflammatory cytokines, nucleotidase gene expression, and
      nucleotidase biological activity in epithelial cells, fibroblasts, CD4(+) T
      cells, and CD14(+) cells at distinct sites within the FRT. 

PMID- 25136007
TI  - Triclosan can select for an AdeIJK-overexpressing mutant of Acinetobacter
      baumannii ATCC 17978 that displays reduced susceptibility to multiple
      antibiotics.
AB  - In order to determine if triclosan can select for mutants of Acinetobacter
      baumannii ATCC 17978 that display reduced susceptibilities to antibiotics, we
      isolated a triclosan-resistant mutant, A. baumannii AB042, by serial passaging of
      A. baumannii ATCC 17978 in growth medium supplemented with triclosan. The
      antimicrobial susceptibility of AB042 was analyzed by the 2-fold serial dilution
      method. Expression of five different resistance-nodulation-division (RND) pump
      encoding genes (adeB, adeG, adeJ, A1S_2818, and A1S_3217), two outer membrane
      porin-encoding genes (carO and oprD), and the MATE family pump-encoding gene abeM
      was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase (qRT) PCR. A. baumannii
      AB042 exhibited elevated resistance to multiple antibiotics, including
      piperacillin-tazobactam, doxycycline, moxifloxacin, ceftriaxone, cefepime,
      meropenem, doripenem, ertapenem, ciprofloxacin, aztreonam, tigecycline, and
      trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, in addition to triclosan. Genome sequencing of A.
      baumannii AB042 revealed a (116)G->V mutation in fabI, the gene encoding the
      target enzyme for triclosan. Expression analysis of efflux pumps showed
      overexpression of the AdeIJK pump, and sequencing of adeN, the gene that encodes
      the repressor of the adeIJK operon, revealed a 73-bp deletion which would cause a
      premature termination of translation, resulting in an inactive truncated AdeN
      protein. This work shows that triclosan can select for mutants of A. baumannii
      that display reduced susceptibilities to multiple antibiotics from chemically
      distinct classes in addition to triclosan resistance. This multidrug resistance
      can be explained by the overexpression of the AdeIJK efflux pump. 

PMID- 25136008
TI  - Identification and characterization of linezolid-resistant cfr-positive
      Staphylococcus aureus USA300 isolates from a New York City medical center.
AB  - The cfr gene was identified in three linezolid-resistant USA300 methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates collected over a 3-day period at
      a New York City medical center in 2011 as part of a routine surveillance program.
      Each isolate possessed a plasmid containing a pSCFS3-like cfr gene environment.
      Transformation of the cfr-bearing plasmids into the S. aureus ATCC 29213
      background recapitulated the expected Cfr antibiogram, including resistance to
      linezolid, tiamulin, clindamycin, and florfenicol and susceptibility to
      tedizolid. 

PMID- 25136009
TI  - In vivo efficacy of apramycin in murine infection models.
AB  - Apramycin is a unique aminoglycoside with a dissociation of antibacterial
      activity and ototoxicity. We assessed the antibacterial efficacy of apramycin in
      two murine models of infection, Mycobacterium tuberculosis aerosol infection and
      Staphylococcus aureus septicemia. In both infection models, the efficacy of
      apramycin was comparable to that of amikacin. These results suggest that
      apramycin has the potential to become a clinically useful agent against drug
      resistant pathogens and support further development of this promising unique
      aminoglycoside. 

PMID- 25136010
TI  - Role of PBPD1 in stimulation of Listeria monocytogenes biofilm formation by
      subminimal inhibitory beta-lactam concentrations.
AB  - Disinfectant-tolerant Listeria monocytogenes biofilms can colonize surfaces that
      come into contact with food, leading to contamination and, potentially, food
      borne illnesses. To better understand the process of L. monocytogenes biofilm
      formation and dispersal, we screened 1,120 off-patent FDA-approved drugs and
      identified several that modulate Listeria biofilm development. Among the hits
      were more than 30 beta-lactam antibiotics, with effects ranging from inhibiting
      (<=50%) to stimulating (>=200%) biofilm formation compared to control. Most beta
      lactams also dispersed a substantial proportion of established biofilms. This
      phenotype did not necessarily involve killing, as >50% dispersal could be
      achieved with concentrations as low as 1/20 of the MIC of some cephalosporins.
      Penicillin-binding protein (PBP) profiling using a fluorescent penicillin
      analogue showed similar inhibition patterns for most beta-lactams, except that
      biofilm-stimulatory drugs did not bind PBPD1, a low-molecular-weight d,d
      carboxypeptidase. Compared to the wild type, a pbpD1 mutant had an attenuated
      biofilm response to stimulatory beta-lactams. The cephalosporin-responsive CesRK
      two-component regulatory system, whose regulon includes PBPs, was not required
      for the response. The requirement for PBPD1 activity for beta-lactam stimulation
      of L. monocytogenes biofilms shows that the specific set of PBPs that are
      inactivated by a particular drug dictates whether a protective biofilm response
      is provoked. 

PMID- 25136012
TI  - Validation of a model to predict the risk of nephrotoxicity in patients receiving
      colistin.
AB  - Despite concerns about its nephrotoxicity, colistin often remains the only
      effective agent for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections.
      Published studies have reported a wide range of nephrotoxicity risk factors. To
      assess the clinical utility of various models, we compared their performances for
      predicting the risk of nephrotoxicity. We identified a model demonstrating
      reasonable overall risk assessment, with an observed/expected ratio of 1.29 (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.68 to 1.90) and a positive predictive value of 87.5%
      for identifying patients at high risk of developing nephrotoxicity. 

PMID- 25136011
TI  - Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi isolates from
      Bangladesh, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
AB  - We characterized Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolates from Bangladesh,
      Indonesia, Taiwan, and Vietnam to investigate their genetic relatedness and
      antimicrobial resistance. The isolates from Bangladesh and Vietnam were
      genetically closely related but were distant from those from Indonesia and
      Taiwan. All but a few isolates from Indonesia and Taiwan were susceptible to all
      antimicrobials tested. The majority of isolates from Bangladesh and Vietnam were
      multidrug resistant (MDR) and belonged to the widespread haplotype H58 clone.
      IncHI1 plasmids were detected in all MDR S. Typhi isolates from Vietnam but in
      only 15% of MDR isolates from Bangladesh. Resistance genes in the majority of MDR
      S. Typhi isolates from Bangladesh should reside in the chromosome. Among the
      isolates from Bangladesh, 82% and 40% were resistant to various concentrations of
      nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, respectively. Several resistance mechanisms,
      including alterations in gyrase A, the presence of QnrS, and enhanced efflux
      pumps, were involved in the reduced susceptibility and resistance to
      fluoroquinolones. Intensive surveillance is necessary to monitor the spread of
      chromosome-mediated MDR and fluoroquinolone-resistant S. Typhi emerging in
      Bangladesh. 

PMID- 25136014
TI  - Ceftaroline-Fosamil efficacy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      in a rabbit prosthetic joint infection model.
AB  - Ceftaroline (CPT), the active metabolite of the prodrug ceftaroline-fosamil (CPT
      F), demonstrates in vitro bactericidal activity against methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and is effective in rabbit models of difficult-to
      treat MRSA endocarditis and acute osteomyelitis. However, its in vivo efficacy in
      a prosthetic joint infection (PJI) model is unknown. Using a MRSA-infected knee
      PJI model in rabbits, the efficacies of CPT-F or vancomycin (VAN) alone and
      combined with rifampin (RIF) were compared. After each partial knee replacement
      with a silicone implant that fit into the tibial intramedullary canal was
      performed, 5 * 10(7) MRSA CFU (MICs of 0.38, 0.006, and 1 mg/liter for CPT, RIF,
      and VAN, respectively) was injected into the knee. Infected animals were randomly
      assigned to receive no treatment (controls) or CPT-F (60 mg/kg of body weight
      intramuscularly [i.m.]), VAN (60 mg/kg i.m.), CPT-F plus RIF (10 mg/kg i.m.), or
      VAN plus RIF starting 7 days postinoculation and lasting for 7 days. Surviving
      bacteria in crushed tibias were counted 3 days after ending treatment. Although
      the in vivo mean log10 CFU/g of CPT-treated (3.0 +/- 0.9, n = 12) and VAN-treated
      (3.5 +/- 1.1, n = 12) crushed bones was significantly lower than those of
      controls (5.6 +/- 1.1, n = 14) (P < 0.001), neither treatment fully sterilized
      the bones (3/12 were sterile with each treatment). The mean log10 CFU/g values
      for the antibiotics in combination with RIF were 1.9 +/- 0.5 (12/14 were sterile)
      for CPT-F and 1.9 +/- 0.5 (12/14 were sterile) for VAN. In this MRSA PJI model,
      the efficacies of CPT-F and VAN did not differ; thus, CPT appears to be a
      promising antimicrobial agent for the treatment of MRSA PJIs. 

PMID- 25136013
TI  - Molecular features of community-associated extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase
      producing Escherichia coli strains in the United States.
AB  - We characterized 30 community-associated extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase
      producing Escherichia coli isolates collected from five hospitals in the United
      States. Nineteen sequence types were identified. All sequence type 131 (ST131)
      isolates had the fimH30 allele. IncFII-FIA-FIB was the most common replicon type
      among the blaCTX-M-carrying plasmids, followed by IncFII-FIA and IncA/C.
      Restriction analysis of the IncFII-FIA-FIB and IncFII-FIA plasmids yielded
      related profiles for plasmids originating from different hospitals. The plasmids
      containing blaCTX-M or blaSHV were stably maintained after serial passages. 

PMID- 25136015
TI  - Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of GSK1322322 in the treatment of acute
      bacterial skin and skin structure infections.
AB  - GSK1322322 represents a new class of antibiotics that targets an essential
      bacterial enzyme required for protein maturation, peptide deformylase. This
      multicenter, randomized, phase IIa study compared the safety, tolerability, and
      efficacy of GSK1322322 at 1,500 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) with that of linezolid at
      600 mg b.i.d. in patients suspected of having Gram-positive acute bacterial skin
      and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs). The primary endpoint was assessment of
      the safety of GSK1322322, and a key secondary endpoint was the number of subjects
      with a >=20% decrease in lesion area from the baseline at 48 and 72 h after
      treatment initiation. GSK1322322 administration was associated with mild-to
      moderate drug-related adverse events, most commonly, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
      and headache. Adverse events (86% versus 74%) and withdrawals (28% versus 11%)
      were more frequent in the GSK1322322-treated group. Treatment with GSK1322322 and
      linezolid was associated with >=20% decreases from the baseline in the lesion
      area in 73% (36/49) and 92% (24/26) of the patients, respectively, at the 48-h
      assessment and in 96% (44/46) and 100% (25/25) of the patients, respectively, at
      the 72-h assessment. Reductions in exudate/pus, pain, and skin infection scores
      were comparable between the GSK1322322 and linezolid treatments. The clinical
      success rates within the intent-to-treat population and the per-protocol
      population that completed this study were 67 and 91%, respectively, in the
      GSK1322322-treated group and 89 and 100%, respectively, in the linezolid-treated
      group. These results will be used to guide dose selection in future studies with
      GSK1322322 to optimize its tolerability and efficacy in patients with ABSSSIs.
      (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no.
      NCT01209078 and at http://www.gsk-clinicalstudyregister.com [PDF113414].).

PMID- 25136016
TI  - Efficacy of a Ceftazidime-Avibactam combination in a murine model of Septicemia
      caused by Enterobacteriaceae species producing ampc or extended-spectrum beta
      lactamases.
AB  - Avibactam is a novel non-beta-lactam beta-lactamase inhibitor that has been shown
      in vitro to inhibit class A, class C, and some class D beta-lactamases. It is
      currently in phase 3 of clinical development in combination with ceftazidime. In
      this study, the efficacy of ceftazidime-avibactam was evaluated in a murine
      septicemia model against five ceftazidime-susceptible (MICs of 0.06 to 0.25
      MUg/ml) and 15 ceftazidime-resistant (MICs of 64 to >128 MUg/ml) species of
      Enterobacteriaceae, bearing either TEM, SHV, CTX-M extended-spectrum, or AmpC
      beta-lactamases. In the first part of the study, ceftazidime-avibactam was
      administered at ratios of 4:1 and 8:1 (wt/wt) to evaluate the optimal ratio for
      efficacy. Against ceftazidime-susceptible isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and
      Escherichia coli, ceftazidime and ceftazidime-avibactam demonstrated similar
      efficacies (50% effective doses [ED50] of <1.5 to 9 mg/kg of body weight),
      whereas against ceftazidime-resistant beta-lactamase-producing strains
      (ceftazidime ED50 of >90 mg/kg), the addition of avibactam restored efficacy to
      ceftazidime (ED50 dropped to <5 to 65 mg/kg). In a subsequent study, eight
      isolates (two AmpC and six CTX-M producers) were studied in the septicemia model.
      Ceftazidime-avibactam was administered at a 4:1 (wt/wt) ratio, and the efficacy
      was compared to that of the 4:1 (wt/wt) ratio of either piperacillin-tazobactam
      or cefotaxime-avibactam. Against the eight isolates, ceftazidime-avibactam was
      the more effective combination, with ED50 values ranging from 2 to 27 mg/kg
      compared to >90 mg/kg and 14 to >90 mg/kg for piperacillin-tazobactam and
      cefotaxime-avibactam, respectively. This study demonstrates that the potent in
      vitro activity observed with the ceftazidime-avibactam combination against
      ceftazidime-resistant Enterobacteriaceae species bearing class A and class C beta
      lactamases translated into good efficacy in the mouse septicemia model. 

PMID- 25136017
TI  - A first-in-human randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single- and
      multiple-ascending oral dose study of novel Imidazolopiperazine KAF156 to assess
      its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy adult volunteers.
AB  - KAF156 belongs to a new class of antimalarial, the imidazolopiperazines, and is
      currently in clinical development for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria.
      This first-in-human, single- and multiple-ascending-dose study in 70 healthy male
      volunteers determined the maximum oral dose of KAF156 tolerated by healthy adults
      and derived pharmacokinetic data (including preliminary food effect) to enable
      dose calculations for malaria patients. KAF156 was studied in single-dose cohorts
      (10 to 1,200 mg, including one 400-mg food effect cohort (4 to 10
      subjects/cohort), and in multiple-dose cohorts (60 to 600 mg once daily for 3
      days; 8 subjects/cohort). The follow-up period was 6 to 14 days after the last
      dose. KAF156 was tolerated, with self-limited mild to moderate gastrointestinal
      and neurological adverse events. In treated subjects after single doses, headache
      (n = 4; 11.1%), diarrhea (n = 3; 8.3%), dizziness (n = 3; 8.3%), and abdominal
      pain (n = 2; 5.6%) were the most common adverse events. Headache (n = 4; 16.7%),
      nausea (n = 3; 12.5%), upper respiratory tract infection (n = 3; 12.5%), and
      dizziness (n = 2; 8.3%) were the most common adverse events following multiple
      doses. KAF156 time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was between 1.0 and 6.0 h.
      Both the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum concentration
      (Cmax) increased more than dose-proportionally in both single- and multiple
      ascending-dose cohorts (terminal half-life, 42.5 to 70.7 h). There was no
      significant accumulation over 3-day repeated administration. The extent of
      absorption was not significantly affected by food at a single dose of 400 mg,
      while mean Cmax decreased from 778 ng/ml to 627 ng/ml and Tmax was delayed from a
      median of 3.0 h under fasting conditions to 6.0 h under fed conditions. Renal
      elimination is a minor route. 

PMID- 25136018
TI  - Changes in pneumococcal serotypes and antimicrobial resistance after introduction
      of the 13-valent conjugate vaccine in the United States.
AB  - Ongoing surveillance for Streptococcus pneumoniae is needed to assess the impact
      of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduced in 2010 (PCV13). Forty-two U.S.
      centers submitted S. pneumoniae isolates between 1 October 2012 and 31 March
      2013. Susceptibility testing was performed by use of a broth dilution method as
      recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Serotyping was
      performed by multiplex PCR and the Quellung reaction. Multidrug resistance (MDR)
      was defined as nonsusceptibility to penicillin (PNSP; MIC >= 0.12 MUg/ml)
      combined with resistance to >=2 non-beta-lactam antimicrobials. Penicillin
      resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP) was defined as a penicillin MIC of >=2 MUg/ml. For
      the 1,498 isolates collected during 2012-13, the PRSP and MDR rates were 14.2 and
      21.0%, respectively. These percentages were lower than rates obtained in a
      surveillance study conducted 4 years earlier in 2008-09 (17.0 and 26.6%,
      respectively). The most common serotypes identified in 2012-13 were 3, 35B, and
      19A, each representing 9 to 10% of all isolates. The largest percentage of PNSP
      in 2012-13 were found in serotypes 35B (24.8%), 19A (23.5%), and 15A (10.3%).
      Predominant PRSP serotypes were 19A (54.5%), 35B (28.2%), and 19F (7.0%). Major
      MDR serotypes were 19A (38.5%), 15A (16.9%), 6C (8.3%), and 35B (6.4%). The
      change in prevalence of PCV13 serotypes (43.4 to 27.1%) was primarily due to a
      decrease in serotype 19A strains, i.e., 22% of all strains in 2008-09 to 10% of
      all strains in 2012-13. Among the PNSP subset, serotypes showing a proportional
      increase were 35B, 15B, and 23B. Among MDR strains, the largest proportional
      increases were observed in serotypes 35B, 15B, and 23A. 

PMID- 25136019
TI  - Use of microdosing and accelerator mass spectrometry to evaluate the
      pharmacokinetic linearity of a novel tricyclic GyrB/ParE inhibitor in rats.
AB  - Determining the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of drug candidates is essential for
      understanding their biological fate. The ability to obtain human PK information
      early in the drug development process can help determine if future development is
      warranted. Microdosing was developed to assess human PKs, at ultra-low doses,
      early in the drug development process. Microdosing has also been used in animals
      to confirm PK linearity across subpharmacological and pharmacological dose
      ranges. The current study assessed the PKs of a novel antimicrobial preclinical
      drug candidate (GP-4) in rats as a step toward human microdosing studies. Dose
      proportionality was determined at 3 proposed therapeutic doses (3, 10, and 30
      mg/kg of body weight), and PK linearity between a microdose and a pharmacological
      dose was assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats. Plasma PKs over the 3 pharmacological
      doses were proportional. Over the 10-fold dose range, the maximum concentration
      in plasma and area under the curve (AUC) increased 9.5- and 15.8-fold,
      respectively. PKs from rats dosed with a (14)C-labeled microdose versus a (14)C
      labeled pharmacological dose displayed dose linearity. In the animals receiving a
      microdose and the therapeutically dosed animals, the AUCs from time zero to
      infinity were 2.6 ng . h/ml and 1,336 ng . h/ml, respectively, and the terminal
      half-lives were 5.6 h and 1.4 h, respectively. When the AUC values were
      normalized to a dose of 1.0 mg/kg, the AUC values were 277.5 ng . h/ml for the
      microdose and 418.2 ng . h/ml for the pharmacological dose. This 1.5-fold
      difference in AUC following a 300-fold difference in dose is considered linear
      across the dose range. On the basis of the results, the PKs from the microdosed
      animals were considered to be predictive of the PKs from the therapeutically
      dosed animals. 

PMID- 25136020
TI  - Characterization of a novel AmpC beta-lactamase produced by a carbapenem
      resistant Cedecea davisae clinical isolate.
AB  - A Cedecea davisae isolate, which was intermediate or resistant to third
      generation cephalosporins and carbapenems, was recovered from a urine sample.
      Susceptibility testing, isoelectric focusing, and analysis of outer membrane
      proteins showed that AmpC beta-lactamase expression combined with porin
      deficiency accounted for the carbapenem resistance. A cloning experiment followed
      by phenotypic and enzymatic characterization identified a novel class C enzyme
      that was phylogenetically and biochemically close to the chromosome-borne beta
      lactamases of the genera Enterobacter and Citrobacter. 

PMID- 25136021
TI  - In vitro combination of isavuconazole with micafungin or amphotericin B
      deoxycholate against medically important molds.
AB  - Whether isavuconazole, an extended-spectrum triazole, possesses synergistic
      activity in combination therapy with echinocandins or amphotericin B for the
      treatment of invasive molds infections has not been studied. Our in vitro
      combination studies showed that isavuconazole and micafungin are synergistically
      active against Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus,
      and Cunninghamella bertholletiae. These results suggest that isavuconazole, in
      combination with micafungin, may have a role in the treatment of invasive
      aspergillosis and warrants further investigation. 

PMID- 25136022
TI  - Novel insights into the mechanism of inhibition of MmpL3, a target of multiple
      pharmacophores in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - MmpL3, a resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily transporter, has been
      implicated in the formation of the outer membrane of Mycobacterium tuberculosis;
      specifically, MmpL3 is required for the export of mycolic acids in the form of
      trehalose monomycolates (TMM) to the periplasmic space or outer membrane of M.
      tuberculosis. Recently, seven series of inhibitors identified by whole-cell
      screening against M. tuberculosis, including the antituberculosis drug candidate
      SQ109, were shown to abolish MmpL3-mediated TMM export. However, this mode of
      action was brought into question by the broad-spectrum activities of some of
      these inhibitors against a variety of bacterial and fungal pathogens that do not
      synthesize mycolic acids. This observation, coupled with the ability of three of
      these classes of inhibitors to kill nonreplicating M. tuberculosis bacilli, led
      us to investigate alternative mechanisms of action. Our results indicate that the
      inhibitory effects of adamantyl ureas, indolecarboxamides,
      tetrahydropyrazolopyrimidines, and the 1,5-diarylpyrrole BM212 on the transport
      activity of MmpL3 in actively replicating M. tuberculosis bacilli are, like that
      of SQ109, most likely due to their ability to dissipate the transmembrane
      electrochemical proton gradient. In addition to providing novel insights into the
      modes of action of compounds reported to inhibit MmpL3, our results provide the
      first explanation for the large number of pharmacophores that apparently target
      this essential inner membrane transporter. 

PMID- 25136023
TI  - Genetic and kinetic characterization of the novel AmpC beta-lactamases DHA-6 and
      DHA-7.
AB  - During a Spanish surveillance study, two natural variants of DHA beta-lactamases,
      DHA-6 and DHA-7, were found, with the replacements Ala226Thr and Phe322Ser,
      respectively, with respect to DHA-1. The DHA-6 and DHA-7 enzymes were isolated
      from Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae clinical isolates, respectively.
      The aim of this study was to genetically, microbiologically, and biochemically
      characterize the DHA-6 and DHA-7 beta-lactamases. The blaDHA-6 and blaDHA-7 genes
      were located in the I1 and HI2 incompatibility group plasmids of 87.3 and 310.4
      kb, respectively. The genetic contexts of blaDHA-6 and blaDHA-7 were similar to
      that already described for the blaDHA-1 gene and included the qnrB4 and aadA
      genes. The MICs for cephalothin, aztreonam, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime were 8-
      to 32-fold lower for DHA-6 than for DHA-1 or DHA-7 expressed in the same isogenic
      E. coli TG1 strain. Interestingly, the MIC for cefoxitin was higher in the DHA-6
      expressing transformant than in DHA-1 or DHA-7. Biochemical studies with pure
      beta-lactamases revealed slightly lower catalytic efficiencies of DHA-6 against
      cephalothin, ceftazidime, and cefotaxime than those of DHA-1 and DHA-7. To
      understand this behavior, stability experiments were carried out and showed that
      the DHA-6 protein displayed significantly higher stability than the DHA-1 and DHA
      7 enzymes. The proximity of Thr226 to the N terminus in the tertiary protein
      structure in DHA-6 may promote this stabilization and, consequently, may induce a
      slight reduction in the dynamic of this enzyme that primarily affects the
      hydrolysis of some of the bulkiest antibiotics. 

PMID- 25136024
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of tedizolid in subjects with renal or hepatic impairment.
AB  - Two open-label, single-dose, parallel-group studies were conducted to
      characterize the pharmacokinetics of the novel antibacterial tedizolid and the
      safety of tedizolid phosphate, its prodrug, in renally or hepatically impaired
      subjects. Tedizolid pharmacokinetics in subjects with severe renal impairment
      without dialysis support was compared with that of matched control subjects with
      normal renal function. Effects of hemodialysis on tedizolid pharmacokinetics were
      determined in a separate cohort of subjects undergoing long-term hemodialysis.
      Effects of hepatic impairment on tedizolid pharmacokinetics were determined in
      subjects with moderate or severe hepatic impairment and compared with those of
      matched control subjects with normal hepatic function. Each participant received
      a single oral (hepatic impairment) or intravenous (renal impairment) dose of
      tedizolid phosphate at 200 mg; hemodialysis subjects received two doses
      (separated by 7 days), before and after dialysis, in a crossover fashion. The
      pharmacokinetics of tedizolid was similar in subjects with severe renal
      impairment and controls (~8% lower area under the concentration-time curve [AUC],
      with a nearly identical peak concentration) and in subjects undergoing
      hemodialysis before and after tedizolid phosphate administration (~9% lower AUC,
      with a 15% higher peak concentration); <10% of the dose was removed during 4 h of
      hemodialysis. Tedizolid pharmacokinetics was only minimally altered in subjects
      with moderate or severe hepatic impairment; the AUC was increased approximately
      22% and 34%, respectively, compared with that of subjects in the control group.
      Tedizolid phosphate was generally well tolerated in all participants. These
      results suggest that tedizolid phosphate dose adjustments are not necessary in
      patients with any degree of renal or hepatic impairment. (This study has been
      registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration numbers NCT01452828 [renal
      study] and NCT01431833 [hepatic study].). 

PMID- 25136025
TI  - Characterization of a P1-like bacteriophage carrying an SHV-2 extended-spectrum
      beta-lactamase from an Escherichia coli strain.
AB  - P1 bacteriophages lysogenize bacteria as independent plasmid-like elements. We
      describe here a P1-like bacteriophage, RCS47, carrying a blaSHV-2 gene, isolated
      from a clinical strain of Escherichia coli from phylogroup B1, and we report the
      prevalence of P1-like prophages in natural E. coli isolates. We found that 70% of
      the sequence of RCS47, a 115-kb circular molecule, was common to the reference P1
      bacteriophage under GenBank accession no. AF234172.1, with the shared sequences
      being 99% identical. RCS47 had acquired two main foreign DNA fragments: a 9,636
      bp fragment mobilized by two IS26 elements containing a blaSHV-2 gene, and an
      8,544-bp fragment mobilized by two IS5 elements containing an operon encoding a
      dimethyl sulfoxide reductase. The reference P1 prophage plasmid replication gene
      belonged to the IncY incompatibility group, whereas that of RCS47 was from an
      unknown group. The lytic capacity of RCS47 and blaSHV-2 gene transduction,
      through the lysogenization of RCS47 in the recipient E. coli strains, were not
      demonstrated. The prevalence of P1-like prophages in various animal and human E.
      coli strain collections, as determined by the PCR detection of repL, the lytic
      replication gene, was 12.6%. No differences in the prevalences of these prophages
      were found between extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and non-ESBL
      producing strains (P = 0.69), but this prevalence was lower in phylogroup B2 than
      in the other phylogroups (P = 0.008), suggesting epistatic interactions between
      P1 family phages and the genetic background of E. coli strains. P1-like phages
      are part of the mobile elements that carry antibiotic resistance. The high
      prevalence of P1-like prophages suggests their role may be underestimated. 

PMID- 25136026
TI  - Synthesis of metallo-beta-lactamase VIM-2 is associated with a fitness reduction
      in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium.
AB  - Antibiotic resistance, especially due to beta-lactamases, has become one of the
      main obstacles in the correct treatment of Salmonella infections; furthermore,
      antibiotic resistance determines a gain of function that may encompass a
      biological cost, or fitness reduction, to the resistant bacteria. The aim of this
      work was to determine in vitro if the production of the class B beta-lactamase
      VIM-2 determined a fitness cost for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. To
      that end the gene blaVIM-2 was cloned into the virulent strain S. Typhimurium
      SL1344, using both the tightly regulated pBAD22 vector and the natural plasmid
      pST12, for inducible and constitutive expression, respectively. Fitness studies
      were performed by means of motility, growth rate, invasiveness in epithelial
      cells, and plasmid stability. The expression of blaVIM-2 was accompanied by
      alterations in micro- and macroscopic morphology and reduced growth rate and
      motility, as well as diminished invasiveness in epithelial cells. These results
      suggest that VIM-2 production entails a substantial fitness cost for S.
      Typhimurium, which in turn may account for the extremely low number of reports of
      metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Salmonella spp. 

PMID- 25136027
TI  - Association between vancomycin trough concentration and area under the
      concentration-time curve in neonates.
AB  - National treatment guidelines for invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus (MRSA) infections recommend targeting a vancomycin 24-h area under the
      concentration-time curve (AUC0-24)-to-MIC ratio of >400. The range of vancomycin
      trough concentrations that best predicts an AUC0-24 of >400 in neonates is not
      known. This understanding would help clarify target trough concentrations in
      neonates when treating MRSA. A retrospective chart review from a level III
      neonatal intensive care unit was performed to identify neonates treated with
      vancomycin over a 5-year period. Vancomycin concentrations and clinical
      covariates were utilized to develop a one-compartment population pharmacokinetic
      model and examine the relationships between trough and AUC0-24 in the study
      neonates. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to examine the effect of dose,
      postmenstrual age (PMA), and serum creatinine level on trough and AUC0-24
      achievement. A total of 1,702 vancomycin concentrations from 249 neonates were
      available for analysis. The median (interquartile range) PMA was 39 weeks (32 to
      42 weeks) and weight was 2.9 kg (1.6 to 3.7 kg). Vancomycin clearance was
      predicted by weight, PMA, and serum creatinine level. At a trough of 10 mg/liter,
      89% of the study neonates had an AUC0-24 of >400. Monte Carlo simulations
      demonstrated that troughs ranging from 7 to 11 mg/liter were highly predictive of
      an AUC0-24 of >400 across a range of PMA, serum creatinine levels, and vancomycin
      doses. However, a trough of >=10 mg/liter was not readily achieved in most
      simulated subgroups using routine starting doses. Higher starting doses
      frequently resulted in troughs of >20 mg/liter. A vancomycin trough of ~10
      mg/liter is likely adequate for most neonates with invasive MRSA infections based
      on considerations of the AUC0-24. Due to pharmacokinetic and clinical
      heterogeneity in neonates, consistently achieving this target vancomycin exposure
      with routine starting doses is difficult. More robust clinical dosing support
      tools are needed to help clinicians with dose individualization. 

PMID- 25136028
TI  - Tedizolid population pharmacokinetics, exposure response, and target attainment.
AB  - Tedizolid phosphate is a novel antibacterial prodrug that is rapidly and
      extensively converted to its active moiety, tedizolid. We developed a population
      pharmacokinetics (PK) model for tedizolid using pooled data from seven densely
      and sparsely sampled clinical trials evaluating oral and intravenous tedizolid.
      Model-derived exposure estimates were evaluated for relationships to select
      efficacy and safety outcomes. A two-compartment model with sigmoidal absorption,
      absolute bioavailability, and linear elimination described the PK data well.
      Variability was small (clearance, 31% coefficient of variation; volume, 13.4%
      coefficient of variation), and absolute bioavailability was high (86%). No
      clinically significant covariate effects on tedizolid PK were found. Based on
      phase 3 data evaluating 200-mg once-daily tedizolid for acute bacterial skin and
      skin structure infections (ABSSSI), no relationships were seen between various
      efficacy outcomes and estimated tedizolid exposure; the estimated exposure range
      (free-drug area under the concentration-time curve over 24 h at steady state
      [AUCss(0-24)], 7 to 50 MUg . h/ml) in these patients was modest. Safety data
      modeling, using once-daily doses of up to 400 mg, showed a small increase in the
      probability of an adverse event with increasing model-estimated tedizolid
      exposure; no such relationship was observed when specifically evaluating the 200
      mg dose. There were no trends in neutrophil or platelet counts with increasing
      tedizolid exposure. Target attainment simulations for 200-mg tedizolid indicated
      a 98.31% probability of attaining the target measure (AUC for the free, unbound
      fraction of a drug [fAUC]/MIC = 3) against a Staphylococcus aureus strain for
      which the MIC was <=0.5 MUg/ml. These findings support 200-mg tedizolid once
      daily as the optimum dose for treatment of ABSSSI. 

PMID- 25136029
TI  - Distinct roles of major peptidoglycan recycling enzymes in beta-Lactamase
      production in Shewanella oneidensis.
AB  - beta-Lactam antibiotics were the earliest discovered and are the most widely used
      group of antibiotics that work by inactivating penicillin-binding proteins to
      inhibit peptidoglycan biosynthesis. As one of the most efficient defense
      strategies, many bacteria produce beta-lactam-degrading enzymes, beta-lactamases,
      whose biochemical functions and regulation have been extensively studied. A
      signal transduction pathway for beta-lactamase induction by beta-lactam
      antibiotics, consisting of the major peptidoglycan recycling enzymes and the LysR
      type transcriptional regulator, AmpR, has been recently unveiled in some
      bacteria. Because inactivation of some of these proteins, especially the permease
      AmpG and the beta-hexosaminidase NagZ, results in substantially elevated
      susceptibility to the antibiotics, these have been recognized as potential
      therapeutic targets. Here, we show a contrasting scenario in Shewanella
      oneidensis, in which the homologue of AmpR is absent. Loss of AmpG or NagZ
      enhances beta-lactam resistance drastically, whereas other identified major
      peptidoglycan recycling enzymes are dispensable. Moreover, our data indicate that
      there exists a parallel signal transduction pathway for beta-lactamase induction,
      which is independent of either AmpG or NagZ. 

PMID- 25136030
TI  - Correlation between subchondral bone plate thickness and cartilage degeneration
      in osteoarthritis of the ankle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized not only by cartilage
      degeneration, but also subchondral bone changes. The subchondral bone plate (SBP)
      plays an important role in cartilage metabolism, and elucidation of the
      relationship between the SBP and cartilage degeneration would be helpful to
      determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for ankle OA. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate the SBP and to compare it with cartilage degeneration
      with arthroscopic findings. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) was used to compare
      the thickness of the SBP of 11 ankle OA patients with that of 11 non-ankle OA
      patients in 9 areas of the talar dome. The French Society of Arthroscopy (SFA)
      grading system was used to analyze the relationship between findings on the
      thickness of SBP and on articular cartilage degeneration in ankle OA. RESULTS:
      The SBP in ankle OA was significantly thicker than that of the non-OA ankle. The
      more severe the articular cartilage degeneration, the thicker the SBP became. The
      SBP on the sclerotic trabecular bone was significantly thicker than that on
      decreased trabecular bone. The SFA grade for sclerotic subchondral bone was
      significantly higher than that for decreased trabecular bone. CONCLUSION: This
      study shows that the thickness of SBP and the findings of subchondral bone such
      as decreased trabecular bone and sclerosis in CT are related to the cartilage
      degeneration of ankle OA, although a small number of patients were analyzed.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative series.

PMID- 25136031
TI  - Prognostic value of computed tomography classification systems for intra
      articular calcaneus fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are several published computed tomography (CT) classification
      systems for calcaneus fractures, each validated by a different standard. The goal
      of this study was to measure which system would best predict clinical outcomes as
      measured by a widely used and validated musculoskeletal health status
      questionnaire. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with isolated intra-articular joint
      depression calcaneus fractures more than 2 years after treatment were identified.
      All had preoperative CT studies and were treated with open reduction and plate
      fixation using a lateral extensile approach. Four different blinded reviewers
      classified injuries according to the CT classification systems of Crosby and
      Fitzgibbons, Eastwood, and Sanders. Functional outcomes evaluated with a
      Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (MFA). The mean follow-up was 4.3 years.
      RESULTS: The mean MFA score was 15.7 (SD = 11.6), which is not significantly
      different from published values for midfoot injuries, hindfoot injuries, or both,
      1 year after injury (mean = 22.1, SD = 18.4). The classification systems of
      Crosby and Fitzgibbons, Eastwood, and Sanders, the number of fragments of the
      posterior facet, and payer status were not significantly associated with outcome
      as determined by the MFA. The Sanders classification trended toward significance.
      Anterior process comminution and surgeon's overall impression of severity were
      significantly associated with functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of
      anterior process comminution was an important determinant of functional outcome
      with increasing anterior process comminution significantly associated with
      worsened functional outcome (P = .04). In addition, the surgeon's overall
      impression of severity of injury was predictive of functional outcome (P = .02),
      as determined by MFA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative series.

PMID- 25136032
TI  - Re: Role of oncogenic K-Ras in cancer stem cell activation by aberrant Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling.

PMID- 25136033
TI  - Response.

PMID- 25136034
TI  - Manipulating microRNAs to regulate macrophage polarization in gliomas.

PMID- 25136035
TI  - Preclinical safety evaluation of human mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in
      cerebrum of nonhuman primates.
AB  - The efficacy of stem cell transplantation for promoting recovery of patients with
      neurological diseases, such as stroke, has been reported in several studies.
      However, the safety of the intracerebral transplantation of human mesenchymal
      stem cells (hMSCs) remains unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the
      safety of hMSCs transplanted in cerebrum of Macaca fascicularis and to provide
      evidence for clinical application. A total of 24 M fascicularis were assigned to
      3 groups randomly: low dose (3.0 * 10(5) cells/kg), high dose (2.5 * 10(6)
      cells/kg), and the control (normal saline [NS]). Human mesenchymal stem cells or
      NS were injected into each monkey for 2 times, with an interval of 3 weeks. The
      injection point was located outside of the right putamen, according to a
      stereotactic map and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the monkeys.
      Animal health, behavior, biophysical and biochemical parameters, and brain
      neurological function were routinely monitored over a 6-month period
      posttransplantation, and the histopathologic examinations were also performed.
      The results showed that local pathologic damage including local tissue necrosis
      and inflammation was induced after the injection. The damage of low-dose and high
      dose groups was greater than that of the control group, yet over time, the damage
      could be repaired gradually. No major hMSCs-associated changes were induced from
      other indicators, and the transplantation of hMSCs in monkeys did not affect
      total immunoglobulin (Ig) M, total IgG, CD3, CD4, or CD8 values. We therefore
      conclude that transplantation of hMSCs to the cerebrum represents a safe
      alternative for clinical application of neurological disorders.

PMID- 25136037
TI  - Health care provider advice for adolescent tobacco use: results from the 2011
      National Youth Tobacco Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health care providers play an important role in promoting tobacco use
      abstinence among adolescents. This study aimed to provide nationally
      representative data on the prevalence of provider tobacco use screening and
      advice delivered to adolescents. Cessation behaviors and correlates of past year
      quit attempts among current smokers are also explored. METHODS: Data came from
      the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey, a nationally representative school-based
      survey of adolescents in grades 6 through 12 (n = 18385). Provider screening and
      advice were assessed by smoking status and demographic characteristics. Logistic
      regression was used to assess the association between advice and past year quit
      attempt. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of current tobacco use was 16.6%; 10.8%
      were current cigarette smokers (3.6% were established smokers, 7.2% were
      nonestablished smokers); 17.3% were former smokers; and 71.9% were never smokers
      (22.6% high susceptibility, 77.4% low susceptibility). Among all respondents, the
      prevalence of being asked about tobacco use by a health care provider was 32.2%;
      the prevalence of being advised to quit or avoid tobacco was 31.4%. Established
      smokers were more likely than other groups to report provider assessment of
      tobacco use and advice. Receipt of advice was associated with a higher adjusted
      odds of having made a past year quit attempt (odds ratio: 1.47, 95% confidence
      interval: 1.18-1.82). CONCLUSIONS: Less than one-third of adolescents report
      being asked about tobacco use or being advised not to use tobacco. Increased
      tobacco use intervention by health care providers is needed to prevent initiation
      and increase cessation.

PMID- 25136036
TI  - Missed opportunities for HPV vaccination in adolescent girls: a qualitative
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to identify the rationale by
      parents/guardians and providers for delaying or administering human
      papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to girls. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were
      conducted with parents/guardians accompanying their vaccine-eligible 11- to 17
      year-old daughters to medical visits. Interviews were conducted in 1 public
      clinic and 3 private practice settings to ascertain why girls did or did not
      receive HPV vaccination. Questions probed vaccine decision-making from the point
      of view of parents/guardians and providers. RESULTS: A total of 124
      parents/guardians and 37 providers participated. The most common reasons parents
      reported for not vaccinating their daughters was the lack of a physician
      recommendation (44%). Both parents and providers believed that HPV vaccination
      provided important health benefits, but the timing of vaccination with relation
      to sexual activity was an important theme related to vaccine delay. Providers
      with lower self-reported vaccination rates delayed vaccine recommendations in
      girls perceived to be at low risk for sexual activity, and several parents
      reported that their providers suggested or supported delaying vaccination until
      their daughters were older. However, parents/guardians and providers agreed that
      predicting the timing of sexual debut was extremely difficult. In contrast,
      providers with high vaccination rates presented HPV vaccination as a routine
      vaccine with proven safety to prevent cancer, and parents responded positively to
      these messages. CONCLUSIONS: Although most parents and providers believe that HPV
      vaccination is important, missed opportunities result from assumptions about the
      timing of vaccination relative to sexual activity. Routinely recommending HPV
      vaccination as cancer prevention to be coadministered with other vaccines at age
      11 years can improve vaccination rates.

PMID- 25136039
TI  - Pre- and postnatal exposure to parental smoking and allergic disease through
      adolescence.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the role of prenatal and postnatal second-hand tobacco
      smoke (SHS) exposure on asthma, rhinitis, and eczema development up to 16 years
      of age. METHODS: A birth cohort of 4089 children was followed for 16 years.
      Information on parental smoking habits, lifestyle factors, and symptoms of
      allergic disease was gathered using repeated parental questionnaires. Generalized
      estimating equations assessed the overall and age-specific associations between
      SHS exposure and allergic disease at ages 1 to 16 years. RESULTS: Exposure to SHS
      in utero was associated with an overall elevated risk of developing asthma up to
      16 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.83) but
      not for rhinitis or eczema. After additional adjustment for parental smoking
      throughout childhood, excess overall risks for asthma remained statistically
      significant. Moreover, a dose-dependent pattern with SHS was observed. Exposure
      to SHS during infancy was associated with an overall elevated risk of asthma (OR
      = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01-1.51), rhinitis (OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01-1.39), and eczema
      (OR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.09-1.45) up to 16 years. When age-specific associations
      were examined, the elevated risks related to SHS exposure in utero or during
      infancy were mostly confined to early childhood for asthma and rhinitis, whereas
      the excess risk of eczema appeared greatest at later ages. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings indicate that early SHS exposure, in utero or during infancy, influences
      the development of allergic disease up to adolescence. Excess risks for asthma
      and rhinitis were seen primarily in early childhood, whereas those for eczema
      occurred at later ages.

PMID- 25136040
TI  - HIV transmission through breastfeeding: still possible in developed countries.
AB  - We describe here the case of a 13-month-old boy who acquired HIV infection
      postnatally through breastfeeding in a developed country in 2012. His mother had
      regular pregnancy follow-up and was found to be seronegative for HIV on 2
      consecutive screening tests (during pregnancy and just after delivery). However,
      1 year later, diagnosis of HIV infection arose in both of them after a pediatric
      emergency department visit for bronchitis when unexplained hepatosplenomegaly and
      inflammatory syndrome were noted. The negative maternal viral load found just
      after delivery confirmed that the mother's seroconversion occurred postnatally,
      which allowed for active HIV transmission during lactation and lack of the
      efficient preventive measures that have implemented in Belgium for years. We
      discuss this uncommon but still existing mode of HIV transmission in
      industrialized countries and highlight the importance of implementing new
      targeted health education interventions in addition to constant clinicians'
      awareness. 

PMID- 25136041
TI  - Mechanical ventilation for a child with quadriplegia.
AB  - Parents generally have the right to make medical decisions for their children.
      This right can be challenged when the parents' decision seems to go against the
      child's interests. The toughest such decisions are for a child who will survive
      with physical and neurocognitive impairments. We discuss a case of a 5-year-old
      boy who suffered a spinal injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident and
      whose father requests discontinuation of life support. Many experts recommend a
      "trial of therapy" to clarify both prognosis and quality of life. The key ethical
      question, then, is not whether to postpone a decision to forego mechanical
      ventilation. Instead, the key question is how long to wait. Parents should be
      allowed time to see what life will be like for themselves and for their child.
      Most of the time, life turns out better than they might have imagined. Comments
      are provided by 2 pediatric intensivists, Drs William Novotny and Ronald Perkin
      of East Carolina University, and by a specialist in rehabilitation, Dr Debjani
      Mukherjee of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. 

PMID- 25136038
TI  - Vaccine message framing and parents' intent to immunize their infants for MMR.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Emphasizing societal benefits of vaccines has been
      linked to increased vaccination intentions in adults. It is unclear if this
      pattern holds for parents deciding whether to vaccinate their children. The
      objective was to determine whether emphasizing the benefits of measles-mumps
      rubella (MMR) vaccination directly to the vaccine recipient or to society
      differentially impacts parents' vaccine intentions for their infants. METHODS: In
      a national online survey, parents (N = 802) of infants <12 months old were
      randomly assigned to receive 1 of 4 MMR vaccine messages: (1) the Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine Information Statement (VIS), (2) VIS and
      information emphasizing the MMR vaccine's benefits to the child, (3) VIS and
      information emphasizing societal benefits, or (4) VIS and information emphasizing
      benefits both to the child and society. Parents reported their likelihood of
      vaccinating their infants for MMR on a response scale of 0 (extremely unlikely)
      to 100 (extremely likely). RESULTS: Compared with the VIS-only group (mean
      intention = 86.3), parents reported increased vaccine intentions for their
      infants when receiving additional information emphasizing the MMR vaccine's
      benefits either directly to the child (mean intention = 91.6, P = .01) or to both
      the child and society (mean intention = 90.8, P = .03). Emphasizing the MMR
      vaccine's benefits only to society did not increase intentions (mean intention =
      86.4, P = .97). CONCLUSIONS: We did not see increases in parents' MMR vaccine
      intentions for their infants when societal benefits were emphasized without
      mention of benefits directly to the child. This finding suggests that providers
      should emphasize benefits directly to the child. Mentioning societal benefits
      seems to neither add value to, nor interfere with, information highlighting
      benefits directly to the child.

PMID- 25136042
TI  - Neonatal vitamin K refusal and nonimmunization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal Vitamin K prophylaxis is an effective intervention for
      reducing vitamin K deficiency bleeding. A recently published report of parental
      refusal of vitamin K prompted an investigation of the prevalence and
      characteristics of this group, and exploration of whether these same parents were
      likely to subsequently refuse immunization for their children. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study of all infants born in
      Alberta between 2006 and 2012 by using linkage of administrative health data.
      Risk factors for vitamin K refusal were determined by using Poisson regression.
      The association between vitamin K refusal and nonimmunization was assessed using
      relative risk. RESULTS: Among the 282378 children in the cohort, 99.7% received
      vitamin K and 0.3% declined. Midwife-assisted deliveries were more likely to be
      associated with vitamin K refusal compared with physician-attended delivery (risk
      ratio 8.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.5-11.0). Planned home delivery (risk
      ratio 4.9, CI 3.8-6.4) or delivery in a birth center (risk ratio 3.6, CI 2.3-5.6)
      were more likely to result in decline of vitamin K compared with hospital
      delivery. Vitamin K refusal was associated with a 14.6 (CI 13.9-15.3) higher
      relative risk of having no recommended childhood vaccines at 15 months.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first population-based study to characterize parents who
      are likely to decline vitamin K for their infants and whose children are likely
      to be unimmunized. These findings enable earlier identification of high-risk
      parents and provide an opportunity to enact strategies to increase uptake of
      vitamin K and childhood immunizations.

PMID- 25136043
TI  - Automated urinalysis and urine dipstick in the emergency evaluation of young
      febrile children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The performance of automated flow cytometric urinalysis is not well
      described in pediatric urinary tract infection. We sought to determine the
      diagnostic performance of automated cell counts and emergency department point-of
      care (POC) dipstick urinalyses in the evaluation of young febrile children.
      METHODS: We prospectively identified a convenience sample of febrile pediatric
      emergency department patients <48 months of age who underwent urethral
      catheterization to obtain POC and automated urinalyses and urine culture.
      Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed and diagnostic indices
      were calculated for POC dipstick and automated cell counts at different
      cutpoints. RESULTS: Of 342 eligible children, 42 (12%) had urinary bacterial
      growth >= 50000/mL. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves
      were: automated white blood cell count, 0.97; automated bacterial count, 0.998;
      POC leukocyte esterase, 0.94; and POC nitrite, 0.76. Sensitivities and
      specificities were 86% and 98% for automated leukocyte counts >= 100/MUL and 98%
      and 98% for bacterial counts >= 250/MUL. POC urine dipstick with >= 1+ leukocyte
      esterase or positive nitrite had a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 98%.
      Combinations of white blood cell and bacterial counts did not outperform
      bacterial counts alone. CONCLUSIONS: Automated leukocyte and bacterial counts
      performed well in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection in these febrile
      pediatric patients, but POC dipstick may be an acceptable alternative in clinical
      settings that require rapid decision-making.

PMID- 25136044
TI  - Establishing benchmarks for the hospitalized care of children with asthma,
      bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Asthma, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis are the leading
      causes of admission for pediatric patients; however, the lack of accepted
      benchmarks is a barrier to quality improvement efforts. Using data from children
      hospitalized with asthma, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia, the goals of this study
      were to: (1) measure the 2012 performance of freestanding children's hospitals
      using clinical quality indicators; and (2) construct achievable benchmarks of
      care (ABCs) for the clinical quality indicators. METHODS: This study was a cross
      sectional trial using the Pediatric Health Information System database. Patient
      inclusions varied according to diagnosis: asthma (International Classification of
      Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] codes 493.0-493.92)
      from 2 to 18 years of age; bronchiolitis (ICD-9-CM codes 466.11 and 466.19) from
      2 months to 2 years of age; and pneumonia (ICD-9-CM codes 480-486, 487.0) from 2
      months to 18 years of age. ABC methods use the best-performing hospitals that
      comprise at least 10% of the total population to compute the benchmark. RESULTS:
      Encounters from 42 hospitals included: asthma, 22186; bronchiolitis, 14882; and
      pneumonia, 12983. Asthma ABCs include: chest radiograph utilization, 24.5%;
      antibiotic administration, 6.6%; and ipratropium bromide use >2 days, 0%.
      Bronchiolitis ABCs include: chest radiograph utilization, 32.4%; viral testing,
      0.6%; antibiotic administration, 18.5%; bronchodilator use >2 days, 11.4%; and
      steroid use, 6.4%. Pneumonia ABCs include: complete blood cell count utilization,
      28.8%; viral testing, 1.5%; initial narrow-spectrum antibiotic use, 60.7%;
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 3.5%; and C-reactive protein, 0.1%. CONCLUSIONS:
      We report achievable benchmarks for inpatient care for asthma, bronchiolitis, and
      pneumonia. The establishment of national benchmarks will drive improvement at
      individual hospitals.

PMID- 25136045
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of fluoride in toddlers after application of 5% sodium fluoride
      dental varnish.
AB  - The prevalence of dental caries (tooth decay) among preschool children is
      increasing, driven partially by an earlier age of onset of carious lesions. The
      American Academy of Pediatrics recommends application of 5% sodium fluoride
      varnish at intervals increasing with caries risk status, as soon as teeth are
      present. However, the varnishes are marketed for treatment of tooth sensitivity
      and are regulated as medical devices rather than approved by the US Food and Drug
      Administration for prevention of dental caries (tooth decay). The objective of
      this research is to examine the safety of use in toddlers by characterizing the
      absorption and distribution profile of a currently marketed fluoride varnish. We
      measured urinary fluoride for 5 hours after application of fluoride varnish to
      teeth in 6 toddlers aged 12 to 15 months. Baseline levels were measured on a
      separate day. The urine was extracted from disposable diapers, measured by rapid
      diffusion, and extrapolated to plasma levels. The mean estimated plasma fluoride
      concentration was 13 MUg/L (SD, 9 MUg/L) during the baseline visit and 21 MUg/L
      (SD, 8 MUg/L) during the 5 hours after treatment. Mean estimated peak plasma
      fluoride after treatment was 57 MUg/L (SD, 22 MUg/L), and 20 MUg/kg (SD, 4 MUg/L)
      was retained on average. Retained fluoride was 253 times lower than the acute
      toxic dose of 5 mg/kg. Mean plasma fluoride after placement of varnish was within
      an SD of control levels. Occasional application of fluoride varnish following
      American Academy of Pediatrics guidance is safe for toddlers. 

PMID- 25136047
TI  - Delivering tobacco control interventions in adolescent health care visits: time
      for action.

PMID- 25136046
TI  - Impact of a pertussis epidemic on infant vaccination in Washington state.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Washington State experienced a pertussis epidemic from
      October 2011 to December 2012. There was wide variation in incidence by county.
      The objectives of this study were to determine how the pertussis epidemic
      affected infant vaccination in Washington State and whether the incidence in
      counties modified this effect. METHODS: We conducted an ecologic before-after
      study to compare the proportion of infants up to date (UTD) with a pertussis
      containing vaccine at time points before (September 30, 2011), during (September
      30, 2012), and after (September 30, 2013) the epidemic. Children aged 3 to 8
      months enrolled in the Washington State Immunization Information System with
      documented county of residence were included. UTD status was determined as >= 1,
      >= 2, or >= 3 doses of a pertussis-containing vaccine at ages 3, 5, and 7 months,
      respectively. Generalized linear models with extension to the binomial family and
      clustered robust standard errors were used to examine differences in the
      proportion of UTD infants between preepidemic and either epidemic or postepidemic
      points. The potential modifying effect of pertussis incidence by county was
      examined. RESULTS: We found no significant difference in statewide UTD status
      with a pertussis-containing vaccine between preepidemic and either epidemic
      (absolute difference 2.1%; 95% confidence interval, -1.6 to 5.9) or postepidemic
      (absolute difference 0.2%; 95% confidence interval, -4.0 to 4.5) time points.
      There was no significant modification by county pertussis incidence. There was
      wide variation in the absolute difference in UTD status across counties.
      CONCLUSIONS: A statewide pertussis epidemic does not appear to have significantly
      changed the proportion of infants who were UTD with a pertussis-containing
      vaccine.

PMID- 25136048
TI  - High-dose vitamin A with vaccination after 6 months of age: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends vitamin A supplementation
      (VAS) at routine vaccination contacts after 6 months of age based on the
      assumption that it reduces mortality by 24%. The policy has never been evaluated
      in randomized controlled trials for its effect on overall mortality. We conducted
      a randomized double-blind trial to evaluate the effect of VAS with vaccines.
      METHODS: We randomized children aged 6 to 23 months 1:1 to VAS (100000 IU if aged
      6-11 months, 200000 IU if aged 12-23 months) or placebo at vaccination contacts
      in Guinea-Bissau. Mortality rates were compared in Cox proportional-hazards
      models overall, and by gender and vaccine. RESULTS: Between August 2007 and
      November 2010, 7587 children were enrolled. Within 6 months of follow-up 80
      nonaccident deaths occurred (VAS: 38; placebo: 42). The mortality rate ratio
      (MRR) comparing VAS versus placebo recipients was 0.91 (95% confidence interval
      0.59-1.41) and differed significantly between boys (MRR 1.92 [0.98-3.75]) and
      girls (MRR 0.45 [0.24-0.87]) (P = .003 for interaction between VAS and gender).
      At enrollment, 42% (3161/7587) received live measles vaccine, 29% (2154/7587)
      received inactivated diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-containing vaccines, and 21%
      (1610/7587) received both live and inactivated vaccines. The effect of VAS did
      not differ by vaccine group. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first randomized controlled
      trial to assess the effect of the policy on overall mortality. VAS had no overall
      effect, but the effect differed significantly by gender. More trials to ensure an
      optimal evidence-based vitamin A policy are warranted.

PMID- 25136049
TI  - Pertussis resurgence and vaccine uptake: implications for reducing vaccine
      hesitancy.

PMID- 25136050
TI  - Long-term study of a quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present a long-term safety, immunogenicity, and effectiveness
      study of a quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV4) vaccine. METHODS: Sexually
      naive boys and girls aged 9 to 15 years (N = 1781) were assigned (2:1) to receive
      HPV4 vaccine or saline placebo at day 1 and months 2 and 6. At month 30, the
      placebo group (n = 482) received HPV4 vaccine following the same regimen and both
      cohorts were followed through month 96. Subjects >= 16 years were eligible for
      effectiveness evaluations. The primary objective was to evaluate the long-term
      anti-HPV6/11/16/18 serological levels. The secondary objective was to estimate
      vaccine effectiveness against HPV6/11/16/18-related persistent infection or
      disease. RESULTS: For each of the HPV4 vaccine types, vaccination-induced anti
      HPV response persisted through month 96. Among 429 subjects who received HPV4
      vaccine at a mean age of 12, none developed HPV6/11/16/18-related disease or
      persistent infection of >= 12 months' duration. Acquisition of new sexual
      partners (among those >= 16 years) was ~1 per year. Subjects receiving HPV4
      vaccine at month 30 (mean age 15 years) had a similar baseline rate of
      seropositivity to >= 1 of the 4 HPV types to those vaccinated at day 1 (mean age
      12 years; 1.9% [9 of 474] vs 1.7% [20 of 1157]); however, 4 of the 9 subjects
      vaccinated at the later age were seropositive to 3 vaccine types, indicating
      previous HPV exposure. No new significant serious adverse events were observed
      for 8 years postvaccination in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: When administered to
      adolescents, the HPV4 vaccine demonstrated durability in clinically effective
      protection and sustained antibody titers over 8 years.

PMID- 25136051
TI  - Changing trends of childhood disability, 2001-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the past half century the prevalence of childhood disability
      increased dramatically, coupled with notable increases in the prevalence of
      mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. This study provides a detailed
      assessment of recent trends in childhood disability in relation to health
      conditions and sociodemographic factors. METHODS: Secondary data analysis of
      National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) datasets 2001-2002, 2004-2005, 2007-2008,
      and 2010-2011 (N = 198888) was conducted to calculate the prevalence, rate of
      change, severity, and sociodemographic disparities of parent-reported childhood
      disability. RESULTS: The prevalence of childhood disability has continued to
      increase, growing by 15.6% between 2001-2002 and 2010-2011. Nearly 6 million
      children were considered disabled in 2010-2011. Children living in poverty
      experienced the highest rates of disability, 102.6 cases per 1000 population in
      2010-2011, but unexpectedly, children living in households with incomes >= 400%
      above the federal poverty level experienced the largest increase (28.4%) over
      this 10-year period. The percentage of disability cases related to any physical
      health condition declined 11.8% during the decade, whereas cases related to any
      neurodevelopmental or mental health condition increased by 20.9%. CONCLUSIONS:
      Over the past decade, parent-reported childhood disability steadily increased. As
      childhood disability due to physical conditions declined, there was a large
      increase in disabilities due to neurodevelopmental or mental health problems. For
      the first time since the NHIS began tracking childhood disability in 1957, the
      rise in reported prevalence is disproportionately occurring among socially
      advantaged families. This unexpected finding highlights the need to better
      understand the social, medical, and environmental factors influencing parent
      reports of childhood disability.

PMID- 25136053
TI  - Prevalence of human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus in salivary gland
      diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The roles of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
      in head and neck neoplasms have been well reported, but little is known about
      their relationship with salivary gland tumours. This study investigated the
      presence of HPV and EBV in salivary gland diseases. METHODS: The presence of HPV
      16/18 and EBV was analysed in archival pathological specimens collected from
      patients who had undergone surgery for salivary gland diseases. HPV 16/18 DNA was
      detected using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and further confirmed with
      immunohistochemistry. EBV DNA was detected using real-time PCR. RESULTS: A total
      of 61 pathological specimens were examined: 39.5% (15/38) of pleomorphic
      adenomas, 33.3% (3/9) of Warthin's tumours, 33.3% (one of 3) of mucoepidermoid
      carcinomas, and 25.0% (one of 4) of benign lymphoepithelial lesions were positive
      for high-risk HPV 16/18. Only two Warthin's tumours were positive for EBV.
      CONCLUSION: The infectious nature of salivary gland neoplasms was revealed by the
      high prevalence of HPV infection, and the specific presence of EBV in Warthin's
      tumours, suggesting a potential role for HPV and EBV in salivary gland diseases.

PMID- 25136054
TI  - MOG-IgG serological status matters in paediatric ADEM.

PMID- 25136055
TI  - The autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias: emerging mechanistic themes
      suggest pervasive Purkinje cell vulnerability.
AB  - The spinocerebellar ataxias are a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders
      with clinically overlapping phenotypes arising from Purkinje cell degeneration,
      cerebellar atrophy and varying degrees of degeneration of other grey matter
      regions. For 22 of the 32 subtypes, a genetic cause has been identified. While
      recurring themes are emerging, there is no clear correlation between the clinical
      phenotype or penetrance, the type of genetic defect or the category of the
      disease mechanism, or the neuronal types involved beyond Purkinje cells. These
      phenomena suggest that cerebellar Purkinje cells may be a uniquely vulnerable
      neuronal cell type, more susceptible to a wider variety of genetic/cellular
      insults than most other neuron types. 

PMID- 25136056
TI  - One-year dynamic MRI follow-up after vaginal mesh repair: evaluation of clinical,
      radiological, and quality-of-life results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common disorder in elderly women
      often surgically repaired with alloplastic meshes; yet knowledge of the pelvic
      floor behavior and multi-compartment defects postoperatively is scarce. PURPOSE:
      To evaluate the 1-year outcome after mesh repair in patients with POP using
      clinical examination (CE), dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI), and the
      prolapse quality-of-life (P-QOL) questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      prospective observational study was conducted of 69 women undergoing pelvic mesh
      surgery. Clinical examination, dMRI, and the P-QOL questionnaire were applied
      before and after surgery to evaluate POP. Mean outcome measures were POP outcome
      as determined on clinical and dMRI examinations and its impact on quality of
      life. Statistical results were obtained with SPSS version 15.0. ANOVA was used to
      compare pre-/postsurgical quality of life data. RESULTS: Sixty-nine women (mean
      age, 64.75 years; BMI, 26.75 kg/m(2); postmenopausal, 89.2%) were recruited and
      treated with Seratom(r) or PerigeeTM mesh implants. A significant improvement in
      the position of bladder neck, vaginal vault/uterus, pouch of Douglas, and rectum
      was found 12 weeks and 1 year after surgery using POP-Q scale and dMRI. Advanced
      cystoceles and enteroceles seem underestimated by CE using the POP-Q system
      compared to dMRI results (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001), vice versa dMRI overestimated
      POP compared to CE. Sixty-four women completed the P-QOL questionnaire,
      presenting reduced quality of life before surgery which improves postsurgically.
      Prolapse impact and physical, social, and role limitations correlated strongest
      with a low quality of life (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The 1-year follow-up after
      mesh repair showed statistical and clinical improvement for all tools employed.
      dMRI seems a reliable tool for simultaneous assessment of defects in all three
      compartments, but tends to overestimate POP compared to clinical examination.

PMID- 25136057
TI  - Using party horns to test respiratory function in patients with dementia.
AB  - This study assessed the utility of party horns for quick, simple respiratory
      function testing in 66 inpatients with dementia to maintain safe eating activity.
      Relationships of forced vital capacity (FVC) to Mini-Mental State Examination
      (MMSE) score and complete extension when blowing 40- and 80-cm party horns were
      examined. The FVC differed significantly by both MMSE score (P = .000) and party
      horn score (P = .000). Significant differences in FVC were found between groups
      categorized by MMSE score and in groups categorized by the ability to extend both
      party horns. Multiple regression analyses performed on possible FVC indicators
      identified a significant correlation for the party horn examination (regression
      coefficient: .562). Breathing is always coordinated with swallowing. Party horns
      seem highly effective as a simple tool for testing respiratory function in
      patients with early-stage dementia, and the ability to offer breathing
      rehabilitation for patients in need is likely to result in safer eating activity.

PMID- 25136058
TI  - Does laboratory testing decrease during scheduled downtime of an electronic order
      entry system?

PMID- 25136059
TI  - Acute versus sub-acute care beds: should Australia invest in community beds at
      the expense of hospital beds?

PMID- 25136060
TI  - Branching out in roots: uncovering form, function, and regulation.
AB  - Root branching is critical for plants to secure anchorage and ensure the supply
      of water, minerals, and nutrients. To date, research on root branching has
      focused on lateral root development in young seedlings. However, many other
      programs of postembryonic root organogenesis exist in angiosperms. In cereal
      crops, the majority of the mature root system is composed of several classes of
      adventitious roots that include crown roots and brace roots. In this Update, we
      initially describe the diversity of postembryonic root forms. Next, we review
      recent advances in our understanding of the genes, signals, and mechanisms
      regulating lateral root and adventitious root branching in the plant models
      Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), maize (Zea mays), and rice (Oryza sativa).
      While many common signals, regulatory components, and mechanisms have been
      identified that control the initiation, morphogenesis, and emergence of new
      lateral and adventitious root organs, much more remains to be done. We conclude
      by discussing the challenges and opportunities facing root branching research. 

PMID- 25136061
TI  - Radial transport of nutrients: the plant root as a polarized epithelium.
AB  - In higher plants, roots acquire water and soil nutrients and transport them
      upward to their aerial parts. These functions are closely related to their
      anatomical structure; water and nutrients entering the root first move radially
      through several concentric layers of the epidermis, cortex, and endodermis before
      entering the central cylinder. The endodermis is the innermost cortical cell
      layer that features rings of hydrophobic cell wall material called the Casparian
      strips, which functionally resemble tight junctions in animal epithelia. Nutrient
      uptake from the soil can occur through three different routes that can be
      interconnected in various ways: the apoplastic route (through the cell wall), the
      symplastic route (through cellular connections), and a coupled trans-cellular
      route (involving polarized influx and efflux carriers). This Update presents
      recent advances in the radial transport of nutrients highlighting the coupled
      trans-cellular pathway and the roles played by the endodermis as a barrier. 

PMID- 25136062
TI  - Distinct signaling mechanisms in multiple developmental pathways by the SCRAMBLED
      receptor of Arabidopsis.
AB  - SCRAMBLED (SCM), a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase in Arabidopsis
      (Arabidopsis thaliana), is required for positional signaling in the root
      epidermis and for tissue/organ development in the shoot. To further understand
      SCM action, we generated a series of kinase domain variants and analyzed their
      ability to complement scm mutant defects. We found that the SCM kinase domain,
      but not kinase activity, is required for its role in root epidermal patterning,
      supporting the view that SCM is an atypical receptor kinase. We also describe a
      previously uncharacterized role for SCM in fruit dehiscence, because mature
      siliques from scm mutants fail to open properly. Interestingly, the kinase domain
      of SCM appears to be dispensable for this developmental process. Furthermore, we
      found that most of the SCM kinase domain mutations dramatically inhibit
      inflorescence development. Because this process is not affected in scm null
      mutants, it is likely that SCM acts redundantly to regulate inflorescence size.
      The importance of distinct kinase residues for these three developmental
      processes provides an explanation for the maintenance of the conserved kinase
      domain in the SCM protein, and it may generally explain its conservation in other
      atypical kinases. Furthermore, these results indicate that individual leucine
      rich repeat receptor-like kinases may participate in multiple pathways using
      distinct signaling mechanisms to mediate diverse cellular communication events. 

PMID- 25136063
TI  - Activity of the brassinosteroid transcription factors BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1 and
      BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1-ETHYL METHANESULFONATE-SUPPRESSOR1/BRASSINAZOLE
      RESISTANT2 blocks developmental reprogramming in response to low phosphate
      availability.
AB  - Plants feature remarkable developmental plasticity, enabling them to respond to
      and cope with environmental cues, such as limited availability of phosphate, an
      essential macronutrient for all organisms. Under this condition, Arabidopsis
      (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots undergo striking morphological changes, including
      exhaustion of the primary meristem, impaired unidirectional cell expansion, and
      elevated density of lateral roots, resulting in shallow root architecture. Here,
      we show that the activity of two homologous brassinosteroid (BR) transcriptional
      effectors, BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1 (BZR1) and BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1-ETHYL
      METHANESULFONATE-SUPPRESSOR1 (BES1)/BZR2, blocks these responses, consequently
      maintaining normal root development under low phosphate conditions without
      impacting phosphate homeostasis. We show that phosphate deprivation shifts the
      intracellular localization of BES1/BZR2 to yield a lower nucleus-to-cytoplasm
      ratio, whereas replenishing the phosphate supply reverses this ratio within
      hours. Phosphate deprivation reduces the expression levels of BR biosynthesis
      genes and the accumulation of the bioactive BR 28-norcastasterone. In agreement,
      low and high BR levels sensitize and desensitize root response to this adverse
      condition, respectively. Hence, we propose that the environmentally controlled
      developmental switch from deep to shallow root architecture involves reductions
      in BZR1 and BES1/BZR2 levels in the nucleus, which likely play key roles in plant
      adaptation to phosphate-deficient environments. 

PMID- 25136064
TI  - Efficacy of electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review data demonstrating effective smoking cessation with
      electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). DATA SOURCES: A literature search of
      MEDLINE/PubMed (1946-March 2014) was performed using the search terms e
      cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and smoking cessation. Additional references
      were identified from a review of literature citations. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA
      EXTRACTION: All English-language clinical studies assessing efficacy of e
      cigarettes compared with baseline, placebo, or other pharmacological methods to
      aid in withdrawal symptoms, smoking reduction, or cessation were evaluated. DATA
      SYNTHESIS: A total of 6 clinical studies were included in the review. In small
      studies, e-cigarettes significantly decreased desire to smoke, number of
      cigarettes smoked per day, and exhaled carbon monoxide levels. Symptoms of
      nicotine withdrawal and adverse effects were variable. The most common adverse
      effects were nausea, headache, cough, and mouth/throat irritation. Compared with
      nicotine patches, e-cigarettes were associated with fewer adverse effects and
      higher adherence. Most studies showed a significant decrease in cigarette use
      acutely; however, long-term cessation was not sustained at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in smoking
      cessation; however, there may be a place in therapy to help modify smoking habits
      or reduce the number of cigarettes smoked. Studies available provided different
      administration patterns such as use while smoking, instead of smoking, or as
      needed. Short-term studies reviewed were small and did not necessarily evaluate
      cessation with a focus on parameters associated with cessation withdrawal
      symptoms. Though long-term safety is unknown, concerns regarding increased
      poisoning exposures among adults in comparison with cigarettes are alarming.

PMID- 25136065
TI  - Albiglutide: a new GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of
      albiglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) in type 2
      diabetes (T2D). DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1950-June 2014) was conducted
      using the keyword albiglutide. References were reviewed to identify additional
      sources. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Articles evaluating
      pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, or efficacy of albiglutide were
      included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Albiglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 RA that lowers
      glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) and reduces weight by stimulating glucose-dependent
      insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon secretion, delaying gastric emptying, and
      promoting satiety. Albiglutide has a long half-life as a result of resistance to
      degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and fusion to albumin, thus allowing once
      weekly dosing. Albiglutide has been studied as monotherapy and add-on therapy to
      metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, insulin glargine, and varying
      combinations of these agents. Clinical studies have shown albiglutide to be
      superior to placebo, sitagliptin, and glimepiride and noninferior to insulin
      glargine and insulin lispro at reducing A1C in T2D patients, with A1C changes
      from baseline ranging from -0.55% to -0.9%. Noninferiority was not achieved when
      compared to liraglutide and pioglitazone. Weight changes ranged from +0.28 to 
      1.21 kg. The most common side effects are upper-respiratory-tract infections,
      diarrhea, nausea, and injection-site reactions. CONCLUSION: Albiglutide is the
      fourth GLP-1 RA approved in the United States. Advantages include once-weekly
      dosing and fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared with liraglutide, but it
      is less effective at reducing A1C and weight compared to liraglutide. It has not
      been compared head to head with other GLP-1 RAs.

PMID- 25136068
TI  - Mycoplasma hyorhinis infection promotes NF-kappaB-dependent migration of gastric
      cancer cells.
AB  - Chronic infection of Mycoplasma hyorhinis (M. hyorhinis) has been postulated to
      be associated with several types of cancer, but its effect on patients' survival
      and host factors mediating its infection remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated
      that M. hyorhinis p37 protein expression in gastric cancer tissues predicts poor
      survival and associates with metastasis. M. hyorhinis infects mammalian cells and
      promotes gastric cancer cell invasiveness via its membrane protein p37.
      Synthesized peptide corresponding to the N-terminus of p37 prevents M. hyorhinis
      infection. Host Annexin A2 (ANXA2) interacts with the N-terminus of p37. In
      addition, EGFR forms a complex with p37 and ANXA2, and is required for M.
      hyorhinis-induced phosphorylation and membrane recruitment of ANXA2. M. hyorhinis
      infection is inhibited by siRNA-mediated knockdown of ANXA2 or EGFR, but is
      enhanced by expression of ectopic ANXA2 or EGFR. Downstream of ANXA2 and EGFR,
      the NF-kappaB pathway is activated and mediates M. hyorhinis-driven cell
      migration. In conclusion, our study unveils the effect of M. hyorhinis infection
      on gastric cancer survival and uncovers the mechanisms by which M. hyorhinis
      infects mammalian cells and promotes cancer cell migration.

PMID- 25136067
TI  - PRMT7 induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and promotes metastasis in
      breast cancer.
AB  - Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) enables metastasis. E-cadherin loss is
      a hallmark of EMT, but there remains an incomplete understanding of the
      epigenetics of this process. The protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT7
      functions in various physiologic processes, including mRNA splicing, DNA repair,
      and neural differentiation, but its possible roles in cancer and metastasis have
      not been explored. In this report, we show that PRMT7 is expressed at higher
      levels in breast carcinoma cells and that elevated PRMT7 mediates EMT and
      metastasis. PRMT7 could inhibit the expression of E-cadherin by binding to its
      proximal promoter in a manner associated with altered histone methylation,
      specifically with elevated H4R3me2s and reduced H3K4me3, H3Ac, and H4Ac, which
      occurred at the E-cadherin promoter upon EMT induction. Moreover, PRMT7
      interacted with YY1 and HDAC3 and was essential to link these proteins to the E
      cadherin promoter. Silencing PRMT7 restored E-cadherin expression by repressing
      H4R3me2s and by increasing H3K4me3 and H4Ac, attenuating cell migration and
      invasion in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Overall, our results define PRMT7 as
      an inducer of breast cancer metastasis and present the opportunity for applying
      PRMT7-targeted therapeutics to treat highly invasive breast cancers.

PMID- 25136066
TI  - AXL mediates resistance to cetuximab therapy.
AB  - The EGFR antibody cetuximab is used to treat numerous cancers, but intrinsic and
      acquired resistance to this agent is a common clinical outcome. In this study, we
      show that overexpression of the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is
      sufficient to mediate acquired resistance to cetuximab in models of non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), where
      AXL was overexpressed, activated, and tightly associated with EGFR expression in
      cells resistant to cetuximab (Ctx(R) cells). Using RNAi methods and novel AXL
      targeting agents, we found that AXL activation stimulated cell proliferation,
      EGFR activation, and MAPK signaling in Ctx(R) cells. Notably, EGFR directly
      regulated the expression of AXL mRNA through MAPK signaling and the transcription
      factor c-Jun in Ctx(R) cells, creating a positive feedback loop that maintained
      EGFR activation by AXL. Cetuximab-sensitive parental cells were rendered
      resistant to cetuximab by stable overexpression of AXL or stimulation with EGFR
      ligands, the latter of which increased AXL activity and association with the
      EGFR. In tumor xenograft models, the development of resistance following
      prolonged treatment with cetuximab was associated with AXL hyperactivation and
      EGFR association. Furthermore, in an examination of patient-derived xenografts
      established from surgically resected HNSCCs, AXL was overexpressed and activated
      in tumors that displayed intrinsic resistance to cetuximab. Collectively, our
      results identify AXL as a key mediator of cetuximab resistance, providing a
      rationale for clinical evaluation of AXL-targeting drugs to treat cetuximab
      resistant cancers. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5152-64. (c)2014 AACR. 

PMID- 25136069
TI  - Epigenetic states of cells of origin and tumor evolution drive tumor-initiating
      cell phenotype and tumor heterogeneity.
AB  - A central confounding factor in the development of targeted therapies is tumor
      cell heterogeneity, particularly in tumor-initiating cells (TIC), within
      clinically identical tumors. Here, we show how activation of the Sonic Hedgehog
      (SHH) pathway in neural stem and progenitor cells creates a foundation for tumor
      cell evolution to heterogeneous states that are histologically indistinguishable
      but molecularly distinct. In spontaneous medulloblastomas that arise in Patched
      (Ptch)(+/-) mice, we identified three distinct tumor subtypes. Through cell type
      specific activation of the SHH pathway in vivo, we determined that different
      cells of origin evolved in unique ways to generate these subtypes. Moreover, TICs
      in each subtype had distinct molecular and cellular phenotypes. At the bulk tumor
      level, the three tumor subtypes could be distinguished by a 465-gene signature
      and by differential activation levels of the ERK and AKT pathways. Notably, TICs
      from different subtypes were differentially sensitive to SHH or AKT pathway
      inhibitors, highlighting new mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies. In
      summary, our results show how evolutionary processes act on distinct cells of
      origin to contribute to tumoral heterogeneity, at both bulk tumor and TIC levels.

PMID- 25136072
TI  - Proposal for a synthetic lethality therapy using the paralog dependence of cancer
      cells--response.

PMID- 25136070
TI  - ACVR1 mutations in DIPG: lessons learned from FOP.
AB  - Whole-genome sequencing studies have recently identified a quarter of cases of
      the rare childhood brainstem tumor diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma to harbor
      somatic mutations in ACVR1. This gene encodes the type I bone morphogenic protein
      receptor ALK2, with the residues affected identical to those that, when mutated
      in the germline, give rise to the congenital malformation syndrome fibrodysplasia
      ossificans progressiva (FOP), resulting in the transformation of soft tissue into
      bone. This unexpected link points toward the importance of developmental biology
      processes in tumorigenesis and provides an extensive experience in mechanistic
      understanding and drug development hard-won by FOP researchers to pediatric
      neurooncology. Here, we review the literature in both fields and identify
      potential areas for collaboration and rapid advancement for patients of both
      diseases.

PMID- 25136073
TI  - A synthetic lethality-based strategy to treat cancers harboring a genetic
      deficiency in the chromatin remodeling factor BRG1--letter.

PMID- 25136075
TI  - Mouse models of human cancer.
AB  - The Helmholtz Alliance Preclinical Comprehensive Cancer Center (PCCC;
      www.helmholtz-pccc.de) hosted the "1st International Kloster Seeon Meeting on
      Mouse Models of Human Cancer" in the Seeon monastery (Germany) from March 8 to
      11, 2014. The meeting focused on the development and application of novel mouse
      models in tumor research and high-throughput technologies to overcome one of the
      most critical bottlenecks in translational bench-to-bedside tumor biology
      research. Moreover, the participants discussed basic molecular mechanisms
      underlying tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance,
      which are the prerequisite for the development of novel treatment strategies and
      clinical applications in cancer therapy.

PMID- 25136076
TI  - Correlates and prognosis of early recurrence after catheter ablation for
      ventricular tachycardia due to structural heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) from structural
      heart disease has a significant risk of recurrence, but the optimal duration for
      in-hospital monitoring is not defined. This study assesses the timing,
      correlates, and prognostic significance of early VT recurrence after ablation.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Of 370 patients (313 men; aged 63.0+/-13.2 years) who
      underwent a first radiofrequency ablation for sustained monomorphic VT associated
      with structural heart disease from 2008 to 2012, sustained VT recurred in 81
      patients (22%) within 7 days. In multivariable analysis, early recurrence was
      associated with New York Heart Association classification >=III (odds ratio [OR]
      1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-3.48; P=0.04), dilated cardiomyopathy (OR
      1.93, 95% CI 1.03-3.57; P=0.04), prevalence of VT storm before the procedure (OR
      2.62, 95% CI 1.48-4.65; P=0.001), a greater number of induced VTs (OR 1.24, 95%
      CI 1.07-1.45; P=0.006), and acute failure or no final induction test (OR 1.88,
      95% CI 1.03-3.40; P=0.04). During a median of 2.5 (1.2, 4.0) years of follow-up,
      early VT recurrence was an independent correlates of mortality (hazard ratio
      2.59, 95% CI 1.52-4.34; P=0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have early
      recurrences of VT after ablation are a high risk group who may be identifiable
      from their clinical profile. Further study is warranted to define the optimal
      treatment strategies for this patient group.

PMID- 25136077
TI  - Mortality reduction in relation to implantable cardioverter defibrillator
      programming in the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial-Reduce
      Inappropriate Therapy (MADIT-RIT).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benefit of novel implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
      programming in reducing inappropriate ICD therapy and mortality was demonstrated
      in Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial-Reduce Inappropriate
      Therapy (MADIT-RIT). However, the cause of mortality reduction remains
      incompletely evaluated. We aimed to identify factors associated with mortality,
      with focus on ICD therapy and programming in the MADIT-RIT population. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: In MADIT-RIT, 1500 patients with a primary prophylactic indication
      for ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator were randomized
      to 1 of 3 different ICD programming arms: conventional programming (ventricular
      tachycardia zone >=170 beats per minute), high-rate programming (ventricular
      tachycardia zone >=200 beats per minute), and delayed programming (60-second
      delay before therapy >=170 beats per minute). Multivariate Cox models were used
      to assess the influence of time-dependent appropriate and inappropriate ICD
      therapy (shock and antitachycardia pacing) and randomized programming arm on all
      cause mortality. During an average follow-up of 1.4+/-0.6 years, 71 of 1500 (5%)
      patients died: cardiac in 40 patients (56.3%), noncardiac in 23 patients (32.4%),
      and unknown in 8 patients (11.3%). Appropriate shocks (hazard ratio, 6.32; 95%
      confidence interval, 3.13-12.75; P<0.001) and inappropriate therapy (hazard
      ratio, 2.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-5.31; P=0.01) were significantly
      associated with an increased mortality risk. There was no evidence of increased
      mortality risk in patients who experienced appropriate antitachycardia pacing
      only (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-2.88; P=0.98).
      Randomization to conventional programming was identified as an independent
      predictor of death when compared with patients randomized to high-rate
      programming (hazard ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-3.71; P=0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: In MADIT-RIT, appropriate shocks, inappropriate ICD therapy, and
      randomization to conventional ICD programming were independently associated with
      an increased mortality risk. Appropriate antitachycardia pacing was not related
      to an adverse outcome. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: clinicaltrials.gov Unique
      identifier: NCT00947310.

PMID- 25136081
TI  - Therapeutic exercise for chronic non-specific neck pain: PEDro systematic review
      update.

PMID- 25136078
TI  - Detailed analysis of bone marrow from patients with ischemic heart disease and
      left ventricular dysfunction: BM CD34, CD11b, and clonogenic capacity as
      biomarkers for clinical outcomes.
AB  - RATIONALE: Bone marrow (BM) cell therapy for ischemic heart disease (IHD) has
      shown mixed results. Before the full potency of BM cell therapy can be realized,
      it is essential to understand the BM niche after acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI). OBJECTIVE: To study the BM composition in patients with IHD and severe
      left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: BM from 280 patients with
      IHD and LV dysfunction were analyzed for cell subsets by flow cytometry and
      colony assays. BM CD34(+) cell percentage was decreased 7 days after AMI (mean of
      1.9% versus 2.3%-2.7% in other cohorts; P<0.05). BM-derived endothelial colonies
      were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Increased BM CD11b(+) cells associated
      with worse LV ejection fraction (LVEF) after AMI (P<0.05). Increased BM CD34(+)
      percentage associated with greater improvement in LVEF (+9.9% versus +2.3%;
      P=0.03, for patients with AMI and +6.6% versus -0.02%; P=0.021 for patients with
      chronic IHD). In addition, decreased BM CD34(+) percentage in patients with
      chronic IHD correlated with decrement in LVEF (-2.9% versus +0.7%; P=0.0355).
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we show a heterogeneous mixture of BM cell subsets,
      decreased endothelial colony capacity, a CD34+ cell nadir 7 days after AMI, a
      negative correlation between CD11b percentage and postinfarct LVEF, and positive
      correlation of CD34 percentage with change in LVEF after cell therapy. These
      results serve as a possible basis for the small clinical improvement seen in
      autologous BM cell therapy trials and support selection of potent cell subsets
      and reversal of comorbid BM impairment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONS URL:
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT00684021, NCT00684060, and
      NCT00824005.

PMID- 25136080
TI  - Incidence of periorbital necrotising fasciitis in the UK population: a BOSU
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periorbital necrotising fasciitis (PNF) is a devastating infection of
      subcutaneous soft tissue and underlying fascia causing severe morbidity and even
      loss of life. Few case reports of PNF exist and there are no prospective
      epidemiological studies. METHODS: A prospective observational study was
      undertaken using the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit reporting system.
      Questionnaires were sent to reporting ophthalmologists in the UK seeking cases of
      PNF over a 2-year period. RESULTS: 30 new cases were confirmed. 16 of the
      reported cases followed a precipitating event, 9 cases followed trauma and 3
      followed surgery. beta-haemolytic Streptococcus A was the causative organism
      identified in 76%, either alone or with concurrent infection, and antibiotic
      sensitivities are discussed. Systemic complications occurred in the majority of
      cases (66.6%), with sepsis and death occurring in 10%. Over 50% of surviving
      patients had subsequent morbidity, reduced acuity (<6/18) being common.
      CONCLUSION: PNF is a rare, dangerous condition. This study identified an
      incidence of 0.24 per 1,000,000 per annum in the UK. beta-haemolytic
      Streptococcus A is the most common causative organism. Mortality remains a
      potential outcome, and survivors suffer significant morbidity. Early intravenous
      antibiotic management with a consensus favouring penicillin and clindamycin
      combined with debridement.

PMID- 25136082
TI  - Physiotherapy improves eating disorders and quality of life in bulimia and
      anorexia nervosa.

PMID- 25136079
TI  - Guidelines for the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration by
      the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA).
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is still referred to as the leading cause
      of severe and irreversible visual loss world-wide. The disease has a profound
      effect on quality of life of affected individuals and represents a major
      socioeconomic challenge for societies due to the exponential increase in life
      expectancy and environmental risks. Advances in medical research have identified
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as an important pathophysiological
      player in neovascular AMD and intraocular inhibition of VEGF as one of the most
      efficient therapies in medicine. The wide introduction of anti-VEGF therapy has
      led to an overwhelming improvement in the prognosis of patients affected by
      neovascular AMD, allowing recovery and maintenance of visual function in the vast
      majority of patients. However, the therapeutic benefit is accompanied by
      significant economic investments, unresolved medicolegal debates about the use of
      off-label substances and overwhelming problems in large population management.
      The burden of disease has turned into a burden of care with a dissociation of
      scientific advances and real-world clinical performance. Simultaneously, ground
      breaking innovations in diagnostic technologies, such as optical coherence
      tomography, allows unprecedented high-resolution visualisation of disease
      morphology and provides a promising horizon for early disease detection and
      efficient therapeutic follow-up. However, definite conclusions from morphologic
      parameters are still lacking, and valid biomarkers have yet to be identified to
      provide a practical base for disease management. The European Society of Retina
      Specialists offers expert guidance for diagnostic and therapeutic management of
      neovascular AMD supporting healthcare givers and doctors in providing the best
      state-of-the-art care to their patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01318941.

PMID- 25136084
TI  - Effect of woody-plant encroachment on livestock production in North and South
      America.
AB  - A large fraction of the world grasslands and savannas are undergoing a rapid
      shift from herbaceous to woody-plant dominance. This land-cover change is
      expected to lead to a loss in livestock production (LP), but the impacts of woody
      plant encroachment on this crucial ecosystem service have not been assessed. We
      evaluate how tree cover (TC) has affected LP at large spatial scales in
      rangelands of contrasting social-economic characteristics in the United States
      and Argentina. Our models indicate that in areas of high productivity, a 1%
      increase in TC results in a reduction in LP ranging from 0.6 to 1.6 reproductive
      cows (Rc) per km(2). Mean LP in the United States is 27 Rc per km(2), so a 1%
      increase in TC results in a 2.5% decrease in mean LP. This effect is large
      considering that woody-plant cover has been described as increasing at 0.5% to 2%
      per y. On the contrary, in areas of low productivity, increased TC had a positive
      effect on LP. Our results also show that ecological factors account for a larger
      fraction of LP variability in Argentinean than in US rangelands. Differences in
      the relative importance of ecological versus nonecological drivers of LP in
      Argentina and the United States suggest that the valuation of ecosystem services
      between these two rangelands might be different. Current management strategies in
      Argentina are likely designed to maximize LP for various reasons we are unable to
      explore in this effort, whereas land managers in the United States may be
      optimizing multiple ecosystem services, including conservation or recreation,
      alongside LP. 

PMID- 25136083
TI  - TIM-family proteins inhibit HIV-1 release.
AB  - Accumulating evidence indicates that T-cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and mucin domain
      (TIM) proteins play critical roles in viral infections. Herein, we report that
      the TIM-family proteins strongly inhibit HIV-1 release, resulting in diminished
      viral production and replication. Expression of TIM-1 causes HIV-1 Gag and mature
      viral particles to accumulate on the plasma membrane. Mutation of the
      phosphatidylserine (PS) binding sites of TIM-1 abolishes its ability to block HIV
      1 release. TIM-1, but to a much lesser extent PS-binding deficient mutants,
      induces PS flipping onto the cell surface; TIM-1 is also found to be incorporated
      into HIV-1 virions. Importantly, TIM-1 inhibits HIV-1 replication in CD4-positive
      Jurkat cells, despite its capability of up-regulating CD4 and promoting HIV-1
      entry. In addition to TIM-1, TIM-3 and TIM-4 also block the release of HIV-1, as
      well as that of murine leukemia virus (MLV) and Ebola virus (EBOV); knockdown of
      TIM-3 in differentiated monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) enhances HIV-1
      production. The inhibitory effects of TIM-family proteins on virus release are
      extended to other PS receptors, such as Axl and RAGE. Overall, our study uncovers
      a novel ability of TIM-family proteins to block the release of HIV-1 and other
      viruses by interaction with virion- and cell-associated PS. Our work provides new
      insights into a virus-cell interaction that is mediated by TIMs and PS receptors.

PMID- 25136086
TI  - Development of in-group favoritism in children's third-party punishment of
      selfishness.
AB  - When enforcing norms for cooperative behavior, human adults sometimes exhibit in
      group bias. For example, third-party observers punish selfish behaviors committed
      by out-group members more harshly than similar behaviors committed by in-group
      members. Although evidence suggests that children begin to systematically punish
      selfish behavior around the age of 6 y, the development of in-group bias in their
      punishment remains unknown. Do children start off enforcing fairness norms
      impartially, or is norm enforcement biased from its emergence? How does bias
      change over development? Here, we created novel social groups in the laboratory
      and gave 6- and 8-year-olds the opportunity to engage in costly third-party
      punishment of selfish sharing behavior. We found that by age 6, punishment was
      already biased: Selfish resource allocations received more punishment when they
      were proposed by out-group members and when they disadvantaged in-group members.
      We also found that although costly punishment increased between ages 6 and 8,
      bias in punishment partially decreased. Although 8-y-olds also punished selfish
      out-group members more harshly, they were equally likely to punish on behalf of
      disadvantaged in-group and out-group members, perhaps reflecting efforts to
      enforce norms impartially. Taken together, our results suggest that norm
      enforcement is biased from its emergence, but that this bias can be partially
      overcome through developmental change. 

PMID- 25136085
TI  - Narcolepsy patients have antibodies that stain distinct cell populations in rat
      brain and influence sleep patterns.
AB  - Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder, likely with an autoimmune component.
      During 2009 and 2010, a link between A(H1N1)pdm09 Pandemrix vaccination and onset
      of narcolepsy was suggested in Scandinavia. In this study, we searched for
      autoantibodies related to narcolepsy using a neuroanatomical array: rat brain
      sections were processed for immunohistochemistry/double labeling using patient
      sera/cerebrospinal fluid as primary antibodies. Sera from 89 narcoleptic
      patients, 52 patients with other sleep-related disorders (OSRDs), and 137 healthy
      controls were examined. Three distinct patterns of immunoreactivity were of
      particular interest: pattern A, hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone and
      proopiomelanocortin but not hypocretin/orexin neurons; pattern B, GABAergic
      cortical interneurons; and pattern C, mainly globus pallidus neurons. Altogether,
      24 of 89 (27%) narcoleptics exhibited pattern A or B or C. None of the patterns
      were exclusive for narcolepsy but were also detected in the OSRD group at
      significantly lower numbers. Also, some healthy controls exhibited these
      patterns. The antigen of pattern A autoantibodies was identified as the common C
      terminal epitope of neuropeptide glutamic acid-isoleucine/alpha-melanocyte
      stimulating hormone (NEI/alphaMSH) peptides. Passive transfer experiments on rat
      showed significant effects of pattern A human IgGs on rapid eye movement and slow
      wave sleep time parameters in the inactive phase and EEG theta-power in the
      active phase. We suggest that NEI/alphaMSH autoantibodies may interfere with the
      fine regulation of sleep, contributing to the complex pathogenesis of narcolepsy
      and OSRDs. Also, patterns B and C are potentially interesting, because recent
      data suggest a relevance of those brain regions/neuron populations in the
      regulation of sleep/arousal. 

PMID- 25136087
TI  - Fluvial network organization imprints on microbial co-occurrence networks.
AB  - Recent studies highlight linkages among the architecture of ecological networks,
      their persistence facing environmental disturbance, and the related patterns of
      biodiversity. A hitherto unresolved question is whether the structure of the
      landscape inhabited by organisms leaves an imprint on their ecological networks.
      We analyzed, based on pyrosequencing profiling of the biofilm communities in 114
      streams, how features inherent to fluvial networks affect the co-occurrence
      networks that the microorganisms form in these biofilms. Our findings suggest
      that hydrology and metacommunity dynamics, both changing predictably across
      fluvial networks, affect the fragmentation of the microbial co-occurrence
      networks throughout the fluvial network. The loss of taxa from co-occurrence
      networks demonstrates that the removal of gatekeepers disproportionately
      contributed to network fragmentation, which has potential implications for the
      functions biofilms fulfill in stream ecosystems. Our findings are critical
      because of increased anthropogenic pressures deteriorating stream ecosystem
      integrity and biodiversity. 

PMID- 25136089
TI  - Vaccines against poverty.
AB  - With the 2010s declared the Decade of Vaccines, and Millennium Development Goals
      4 and 5 focused on reducing diseases that are potentially vaccine preventable,
      now is an exciting time for vaccines against poverty, that is, vaccines against
      diseases that disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
      The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 has helped better understand which
      vaccines are most needed. In 2012, US$1.3 billion was spent on research and
      development for new vaccines for neglected infectious diseases. However, the
      majority of this went to three diseases: HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, and
      not neglected diseases. Much of it went to basic research rather than
      development, with an ongoing decline in funding for product development
      partnerships. Further investment in vaccines against diarrheal diseases,
      hepatitis C, and group A Streptococcus could lead to a major health impact in
      LMICs, along with vaccines to prevent sepsis, particularly among mothers and
      neonates. The Advanced Market Commitment strategy of the Global Alliance for
      Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) Alliance is helping to implement vaccines
      against rotavirus and pneumococcus in LMICs, and the roll out of the MenAfriVac
      meningococcal A vaccine in the African Meningitis Belt represents a paradigm
      shift in vaccines against poverty: the development of a vaccine primarily
      targeted at LMICs. Global health vaccine institutes and increasing capacity of
      vaccine manufacturers in emerging economies are helping drive forward new
      vaccines for LMICs. Above all, partnership is needed between those developing and
      manufacturing LMIC vaccines and the scientists, health care professionals, and
      policy makers in LMICs where such vaccines will be implemented. 

PMID- 25136088
TI  - Introgression in hybrid ants is favored in females but selected against in males.
AB  - Hybridization is not a mere reproductive dead end but has been suggested to play
      a central role in speciation, for example, by introducing adaptive genetic
      variation. Our previous study uncovered a unique consequence of hybridization in
      Formica ants. In a population including two isolated but partially introgressed
      genetic groups, the females have an apparent hybrid background, whereas the males
      do not. This situation results in large-scale differences between male and female
      genomes that are stable throughout generations. Here, we compare genotypes from
      different developmental stages to investigate how sex-specific introgression and
      genetic differences between sexes are maintained. We show that strong selection
      rather than sex-dependent transmission maintains the genetic differences between
      sexes. All genotype combinations are produced and observed in the eggs of both
      sexes, but the alleles acquired through hybridization disappear from the haploid
      males during development from egg to adult as their frequencies drop toward zero.
      However, the same introgressed alleles increase in frequency and are favored when
      heterozygous in the females. Genotypes eliminated from males most likely
      represent incompatibilities arising from hybridization. Our results show an
      unusual situation of opposite selection, where introgression is favored in
      diploid females but selected against in haploid males. This finding suggests that
      introgressed genomic regions harbor both fitness-enhancing and -reducing
      elements. Our work highlights the complex consequences of hybridization and
      provides a rare opportunity to observe natural selection in real time in nature.

PMID- 25136090
TI  - Climate change poised to threaten hydrologic connectivity and endemic fishes in
      dryland streams.
AB  - Protecting hydrologic connectivity of freshwater ecosystems is fundamental to
      ensuring species persistence, ecosystem integrity, and human well-being. More
      frequent and severe droughts associated with climate change are poised to
      significantly alter flow intermittence patterns and hydrologic connectivity in
      dryland streams of the American Southwest, with deleterious effects on highly
      endangered fishes. By integrating local-scale hydrologic modeling with emerging
      approaches in landscape ecology, we quantify fine-resolution, watershed-scale
      changes in habitat size, spacing, and connectance under forecasted climate change
      in the Verde River Basin, United States. Model simulations project annual zero
      flow day frequency to increase by 27% by midcentury, with differential seasonal
      consequences on continuity (temporal continuity at discrete locations) and
      connectivity (spatial continuity within the network). A 17% increase in the
      frequency of stream drying events is expected throughout the network with
      associated increases in the duration of these events. Flowing portions of the
      river network will diminish between 8% and 20% in spring and early summer and
      become increasingly isolated by more frequent and longer stretches of dry channel
      fragments, thus limiting the opportunity for native fishes to access spawning
      habitats and seasonally available refuges. Model predictions suggest that
      midcentury and late century climate will reduce network-wide hydrologic
      connectivity for native fishes by 6-9% over the course of a year and up to 12-18%
      during spring spawning months. Our work quantifies climate-induced shifts in
      stream drying and connectivity across a large river network and demonstrates
      their implications for the persistence of a globally endemic fish fauna. 

PMID- 25136091
TI  - Reconstruction of scalar and vectorial components in X-ray dark-field tomography.
AB  - Grating-based X-ray dark-field imaging is a novel technique for obtaining image
      contrast for object structures at size scales below setup resolution. Such an
      approach appears particularly beneficial for medical imaging and nondestructive
      testing. It has already been shown that the dark-field signal depends on the
      direction of observation. However, up to now, algorithms for fully recovering the
      orientation dependence in a tomographic volume are still unexplored. In this
      publication, we propose a reconstruction method for grating-based X-ray dark
      field tomography, which models the orientation-dependent signal as an additional
      observable from a standard tomographic scan. In detail, we extend the tomographic
      volume to a tensorial set of voxel data, containing the local orientation and
      contributions to dark-field scattering. In our experiments, we present the first
      results of several test specimens exhibiting a heterogeneous composition in
      microstructure, which demonstrates the diagnostic potential of the method. 

PMID- 25136092
TI  - Protein crystal structure obtained at 2.9 A resolution from injecting bacterial
      cells into an X-ray free-electron laser beam.
AB  - It has long been known that toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are
      stored in the bacterial cells in crystalline form. Here we describe the structure
      determination of the Cry3A toxin found naturally crystallized within Bt cells.
      When whole Bt cells were streamed into an X-ray free-electron laser beam we found
      that scattering from other cell components did not obscure diffraction from the
      crystals. The resolution limits of the best diffraction images collected from
      cells were the same as from isolated crystals. The integrity of the cells at the
      moment of diffraction is unclear; however, given the short time (~ 5 us) between
      exiting the injector to intersecting with the X-ray beam, our result is a 2.9-A
      resolution structure of a crystalline protein as it exists in a living cell. The
      study suggests that authentic in vivo diffraction studies can produce atomic
      level structural information.

PMID- 25136093
TI  - Adaptive growth factor delivery from a polyelectrolyte coating promotes
      synergistic bone tissue repair and reconstruction.
AB  - Traumatic wounds and congenital defects that require large-scale bone tissue
      repair have few successful clinical therapies, particularly for
      craniomaxillofacial defects. Although bioactive materials have demonstrated
      alternative approaches to tissue repair, an optimized materials system for
      reproducible, safe, and targeted repair remains elusive. We hypothesized that
      controlled, rapid bone formation in large, critical-size defects could be induced
      by simultaneously delivering multiple biological growth factors to the site of
      the wound. Here, we report an approach for bone repair using a polyelectrolye
      multilayer coating carrying as little as 200 ng of bone morphogenetic protein-2
      and platelet-derived growth factor-BB that were eluted over readily adapted time
      scales to induce rapid bone repair. Based on electrostatic interactions between
      the polymer multilayers and growth factors alone, we sustained mitogenic and
      osteogenic signals with these growth factors in an easily tunable and controlled
      manner to direct endogenous cell function. To prove the role of this adaptive
      release system, we applied the polyelectrolyte coating on a well-studied
      biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) support membrane. The released growth
      factors directed cellular processes to induce bone repair in a critical-size rat
      calvaria model. The released growth factors promoted local bone formation that
      bridged a critical-size defect in the calvaria as early as 2 wk after
      implantation. Mature, mechanically competent bone regenerated the native calvaria
      form. Such an approach could be clinically useful and has significant benefits as
      a synthetic, off-the-shelf, cell-free option for bone tissue repair and
      restoration. 

PMID- 25136094
TI  - Adaptive optoelectronic camouflage systems with designs inspired by cephalopod
      skins.
AB  - Octopus, squid, cuttlefish, and other cephalopods exhibit exceptional
      capabilities for visually adapting to or differentiating from the coloration and
      texture of their surroundings, for the purpose of concealment, communication,
      predation, and reproduction. Long-standing interest in and emerging understanding
      of the underlying ultrastructure, physiological control, and photonic
      interactions has recently led to efforts in the construction of artificial
      systems that have key attributes found in the skins of these organisms. Despite
      several promising options in active materials for mimicking biological color
      tuning, existing routes to integrated systems do not include critical
      capabilities in distributed sensing and actuation. Research described here
      represents progress in this direction, demonstrated through the construction,
      experimental study, and computational modeling of materials, device elements, and
      integration schemes for cephalopod-inspired flexible sheets that can autonomously
      sense and adapt to the coloration of their surroundings. These systems combine
      high-performance, multiplexed arrays of actuators and photodetectors in
      laminated, multilayer configurations on flexible substrates, with overlaid
      arrangements of pixelated, color-changing elements. The concepts provide
      realistic routes to thin sheets that can be conformally wrapped onto solid
      objects to modulate their visual appearance, with potential relevance to
      consumer, industrial, and military applications. 

PMID- 25136096
TI  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa triggers CFTR-mediated airway surface liquid secretion in
      swine trachea.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by
      mutations in the gene encoding for the anion channel cystic fibrosis
      transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Several organs are affected in CF,
      but most of the morbidity and mortality comes from lung disease. Recent data show
      that the initial consequence of CFTR mutation is the failure to eradicate
      bacteria before the development of inflammation and airway remodeling. Bacterial
      clearance depends on a layer of airway surface liquid (ASL) consisting of both a
      mucus layer that traps, kills, and inactivates bacteria and a periciliary liquid
      layer that keeps the mucus at an optimum distance from the underlying epithelia,
      to maximize ciliary motility and clearance of bacteria. The airways in CF
      patients and animal models of CF demonstrate abnormal ASL secretion and reduced
      antimicrobial properties. Thus, it has been proposed that abnormal ASL secretion
      in response to bacteria may facilitate the development of the infection and
      inflammation that characterize CF airway disease. Whether the inhalation of
      bacteria triggers ASL secretion, and the role of CFTR, have never been tested,
      however. We developed a synchrotron-based imaging technique to visualize the ASL
      layer and measure the effect of bacteria on ASL secretion. We show that the
      introduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria into the lumen of
      intact isolated swine tracheas triggers CFTR-dependent ASL secretion by the
      submucosal glands. This response requires expression of the bacterial protein
      flagellin. In patients with CF, the inhalation of bacteria would fail to trigger
      ASL secretion, leading to infection and inflammation. 

PMID- 25136097
TI  - Submesoscale dispersion in the vicinity of the Deepwater Horizon spill.
AB  - Reliable forecasts for the dispersion of oceanic contamination are important for
      coastal ecosystems, society, and the economy as evidenced by the Deepwater
      Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 and the Fukushima nuclear plant
      incident in the Pacific Ocean in 2011. Accurate prediction of pollutant pathways
      and concentrations at the ocean surface requires understanding ocean dynamics
      over a broad range of spatial scales. Fundamental questions concerning the
      structure of the velocity field at the submesoscales (100 m to tens of
      kilometers, hours to days) remain unresolved due to a lack of synoptic
      measurements at these scales. Using high-frequency position data provided by the
      near-simultaneous release of hundreds of accurately tracked surface drifters, we
      study the structure of submesoscale surface velocity fluctuations in the Northern
      Gulf of Mexico. Observed two-point statistics confirm the accuracy of classic
      turbulence scaling laws at 200-m to 50-km scales and clearly indicate that
      dispersion at the submesoscales is local, driven predominantly by energetic
      submesoscale fluctuations. The results demonstrate the feasibility and utility of
      deploying large clusters of drifting instruments to provide synoptic observations
      of spatial variability of the ocean surface velocity field. Our findings allow
      quantification of the submesoscale-driven dispersion missing in current
      operational circulation models and satellite altimeter-derived velocity fields. 

PMID- 25136095
TI  - Mannan induces ROS-regulated, IL-17A-dependent psoriasis arthritis-like disease
      in mice.
AB  - Psoriasis (Ps) and psoriasis arthritis (PsA) are poorly understood common
      diseases, induced by unknown environmental factors, affecting skin and articular
      joints. A single i.p. exposure to mannan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced an
      acute inflammation in inbred mouse strains resembling human Ps and PsA-like
      disease, whereas multiple injections induced a relapsing disease. Exacerbation of
      disease severity was observed in mice deficient for generation of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS). Interestingly, restoration of ROS production, specifically in
      macrophages, ameliorated both skin and joint disease. Neutralization of IL-17A,
      mainly produced by gammadelta T cells, completely blocked disease symptoms.
      Furthermore, mice depleted of granulocytes were resistant to disease development.
      In contrast, certain acute inflammatory mediators (C5, Fcgamma receptor III, mast
      cells, and histamine) and adaptive immune players (alphabeta T and B cells) were
      redundant in disease induction. Hence, we propose that mannan-induced activation
      of macrophages leads to TNF-alpha secretion and stimulation of local gammadelta T
      cells secreting IL-17A. The combined action of activated macrophages and IL-17A
      produced in situ drives neutrophil infiltration in the epidermis and dermis of
      the skin, leading to disease manifestations. Thus, our finding suggests a new
      mechanism triggered by exposure to exogenous microbial components, such as
      mannan, that can induce and exacerbate Ps and PsA. 

PMID- 25136098
TI  - UV damage-induced RNA polymerase II stalling stimulates H2B deubiquitylation.
AB  - Histone H2B monoubiquitylation plays an important role in RNA polymerase II
      (RNAPII) elongation. Whether this modification responds to RNAPII stalling is not
      yet known. We report that both yeast and human cells undergo a rapid and
      significant H2B deubiquitylation after exposure to UV irradiation. This
      deubiquitylation occurs concurrently with UV-induced transcription arrest and is
      significantly reduced in a DNA damage-bypassing RNAPII yeast mutant. Consistent
      with these results, yeast deubiquitylases Ubp8 and Ubp10 are associated with the
      RNAPII complex. Moreover, simultaneous deletion of Ubp8 and Ubp10 leads to a lack
      of H2B deubiquitylation after UV exposure. Consequently, nucleotide excision
      repair at an actively transcribed gene locus is decreased, whereas UV-induced
      RNAPII degradation is increased in ubp8Deltaubp10Delta mutant cells. These
      results indicate that eukaryotic cells respond to RNAPII arrest by
      deubiquitylating H2B to coordinate DNA repair and RNAPII degradation. 

PMID- 25136099
TI  - Gyrification from constrained cortical expansion.
AB  - The exterior of the mammalian brain--the cerebral cortex--has a conserved layered
      structure whose thickness varies little across species. However, selection
      pressures over evolutionary time scales have led to cortices that have a large
      surface area to volume ratio in some organisms, with the result that the brain is
      strongly convoluted into sulci and gyri. Here we show that the gyrification can
      arise as a nonlinear consequence of a simple mechanical instability driven by
      tangential expansion of the gray matter constrained by the white matter. A
      physical mimic of the process using a layered swelling gel captures the essence
      of the mechanism, and numerical simulations of the brain treated as a soft solid
      lead to the formation of cusped sulci and smooth gyri similar to those in the
      brain. The resulting gyrification patterns are a function of relative cortical
      expansion and relative thickness (compared with brain size), and are consistent
      with observations of a wide range of brains, ranging from smooth to highly
      convoluted. Furthermore, this dependence on two simple geometric parameters that
      characterize the brain also allows us to qualitatively explain how variations in
      these parameters lead to anatomical anomalies in such situations as
      polymicrogyria, pachygyria, and lissencephalia.

PMID- 25136100
TI  - Label-free probe of HIV-1 TAT peptide binding to mimetic membranes.
AB  - The transacting activator of transduction (TAT) protein plays a key role in the
      progression of AIDS. Studies have shown that a +8 charged sequence of amino acids
      in the protein, called the TAT peptide, enables the TAT protein to penetrate cell
      membranes. To probe mechanisms of binding and translocation of the TAT peptide
      into the cell, investigators have used phospholipid liposomes as cell membrane
      mimics. We have used the method of surface potential sensitive second harmonic
      generation (SHG), which is a label-free and interface-selective method, to study
      the binding of TAT to anionic 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-1'-rac
      glycerol (POPG) and neutral 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
      (POPC) liposomes. It is the SHG sensitivity to the electrostatic field generated
      by a charged interface that enabled us to obtain the interfacial electrostatic
      potential. SHG together with the Poisson-Boltzmann equation yielded the
      dependence of the surface potential on the density of adsorbed TAT. We obtained
      the dissociation constants Kd for TAT binding to POPC and POPG liposomes and the
      maximum number of TATs that can bind to a given liposome surface. For POPC Kd was
      found to be 7.5 +/- 2 MUM, and for POPG Kd was 29.0 +/- 4.0 MUM. As TAT was added
      to the liposome solution the POPC surface potential changed from 0 mV to +37 mV,
      and for POPG it changed from -57 mV to -37 mV. A numerical calculation of Kd,
      which included all terms obtained from application of the Poisson-Boltzmann
      equation to the TAT liposome SHG data, was shown to be in good agreement with an
      approximated solution. 

PMID- 25136101
TI  - Adaptive, convergent origins of the pygmy phenotype in African rainforest hunter
      gatherers.
AB  - The evolutionary history of the human pygmy phenotype (small body size), a
      characteristic of African and Southeast Asian rainforest hunter-gatherers, is
      largely unknown. Here we use a genome-wide admixture mapping analysis to identify
      16 genomic regions that are significantly associated with the pygmy phenotype in
      the Batwa, a rainforest hunter-gatherer population from Uganda (east central
      Africa). The identified genomic regions have multiple attributes that provide
      supporting evidence of genuine association with the pygmy phenotype, including
      enrichments for SNPs previously associated with stature variation in Europeans
      and for genes with growth hormone receptor and regulation functions. To test
      adaptive evolutionary hypotheses, we computed the haplotype-based integrated
      haplotype score (iHS) statistic and the level of population differentiation (FST)
      between the Batwa and their agricultural neighbors, the Bakiga, for each genomic
      SNP. Both |iHS| and FST values were significantly higher for SNPs within the
      Batwa pygmy phenotype-associated regions than the remainder of the genome, a
      signature of polygenic adaptation. In contrast, when we expanded our analysis to
      include Baka rainforest hunter-gatherers from Cameroon and Gabon (west central
      Africa) and Nzebi and Nzime neighboring agriculturalists, we did not observe
      elevated |iHS| or FST values in these genomic regions. Together, these results
      suggest adaptive and at least partially convergent origins of the pygmy phenotype
      even within Africa, supporting the hypothesis that small body size confers a
      selective advantage for tropical rainforest hunter-gatherers but raising
      questions about the antiquity of this behavior.

PMID- 25136102
TI  - Systems vaccinology: probing humanity's diverse immune systems with vaccines.
AB  - Homo sapiens are genetically diverse, but dramatic demographic and socioeconomic
      changes during the past century have created further diversification with respect
      to age, nutritional status, and the incidence of associated chronic inflammatory
      disorders and chronic infections. These shifting demographics pose new challenges
      for vaccination, as emerging evidence suggests that age, the metabolic state, and
      chronic infections can exert major influences on the immune system. Thus, a key
      public health challenge is learning how to reprogram suboptimal immune systems to
      induce effective vaccine immunity. Recent advances have applied systems
      biological analysis to define molecular signatures induced early after
      vaccination that correlate with and predict the later adaptive immune responses
      in humans. Such "systems vaccinology" approaches offer an integrated picture of
      the molecular networks driving vaccine immunity, and are beginning to yield novel
      insights about the immune system. Here we discuss the promise of systems
      vaccinology in probing humanity's diverse immune systems, and in delineating the
      impact of genes, the environment, and the microbiome on protective immunity
      induced by vaccination. Such insights will be critical in reengineering
      suboptimal immune systems in immunocompromised populations. 

PMID- 25136103
TI  - Genetic and pharmacological reactivation of the mammalian inactive X chromosome.
AB  - X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), the random transcriptional silencing of one X
      chromosome in somatic cells of female mammals, is a mechanism that ensures equal
      expression of X-linked genes in both sexes. XCI is initiated in cis by the
      noncoding Xist RNA, which coats the inactive X chromosome (Xi) from which it is
      produced. However, trans-acting factors that mediate XCI remain largely unknown.
      Here, we perform a large-scale RNA interference screen to identify trans-acting
      XCI factors (XCIFs) that comprise regulators of cell signaling and transcription,
      including the DNA methyltransferase, DNMT1. The expression pattern of the XCIFs
      explains the selective onset of XCI following differentiation. The XCIFs
      function, at least in part, by promoting expression and/or localization of Xist
      to the Xi. Surprisingly, we find that DNMT1, which is generally a transcriptional
      repressor, is an activator of Xist transcription. Small-molecule inhibitors of
      two of the XCIFs can reversibly reactivate the Xi, which has implications for
      treatment of Rett syndrome and other dominant X-linked diseases. A homozygous
      mouse knockout of one of the XCIFs, stanniocalcin 1 (STC1), has an expected XCI
      defect but surprisingly is phenotypically normal. Remarkably, X-linked genes are
      not overexpressed in female Stc1(-/-) mice, revealing the existence of a
      mechanism(s) that can compensate for a persistent XCI deficiency to regulate X
      linked gene expression. 

PMID- 25136106
TI  - QnAs with Patricia Kuhl.

PMID- 25136104
TI  - Direct measurement of the dielectric polarization properties of DNA.
AB  - The electric polarizability of DNA, represented by the dielectric constant, is a
      key intrinsic property that modulates DNA interaction with effector proteins.
      Surprisingly, it has so far remained unknown owing to the lack of experimental
      tools able to access it. Here, we experimentally resolved it by detecting the
      ultraweak polarization forces of DNA inside single T7 bacteriophages particles
      using electrostatic force microscopy. In contrast to the common assumption of low
      polarizable behavior like proteins (epsilonr ~ 2-4), we found that the DNA
      dielectric constant is ~ 8, considerably higher than the value of ~ 3 found for
      capsid proteins. State-of-the-art molecular dynamic simulations confirm the
      experimental findings, which result in sensibly decreased DNA interaction free
      energy than normally predicted by Poisson-Boltzmann methods. Our findings reveal
      a property at the basis of DNA structure and functions that is needed for
      realistic theoretical descriptions, and illustrate the synergetic power of
      scanning probe microscopy and theoretical computation techniques.

PMID- 25136105
TI  - Robustness against serum neutralization of a poliovirus type 1 from a lethal
      epidemic of poliomyelitis in the Republic of Congo in 2010.
AB  - In 2010, a large outbreak of poliomyelitis with unusual 47% lethality occurred in
      Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo. Vaccine-mediated immunity against the outbreak
      virus was never investigated. A wild poliovirus 1 (WPV1) isolated from a fatal
      case (termed PV1-RC2010) showed a previously unknown combination of amino acid
      exchanges in critical antigenic site 2 (AgS2, VP1 capsid protein positions
      221SAAL -> 221PADL). These exchanges were also detected in an additional 11 WPV1
      strains from fatal cases. PV1-RC2010 escaped neutralization by three different
      mAbs relevant for AgS2. Virus neutralization was tested in sera from fatal cases,
      who died before supplementary immunization (n = 24), Gabonese recipients of
      recent oral polio vaccination (n = 12), routinely vaccinated German medical
      students (n = 34), and German outpatients tested for antipoliovirus immunity (n =
      17) on Vero, human rhabdomyosarcoma, and human epidermoid carcinoma 2 cells.
      Fatal poliomyelitis cases gave laboratory evidence of previous trivalent
      vaccination. Neutralizing antibody titers against PV1-RC2010 were significantly
      lower than those against the vaccine strain Sabin-1, two genetically distinct
      WPV1s isolated in 1965 and 2010 and two genetically distinct vaccine-derived PV
      strains. Of German vaccinees tested according to World Health Organization
      protocols, 15-29% were unprotected according to their neutralization titers (<1:8
      serum dilution), even though all were protected against Sabin-1. Phylogenetic
      analysis of the WPV1 outbreak strains suggested a recent introduction of virus
      progenitors from Asia with formation of separate Angolan and Congolese lineages.
      Only the latter carried both critical AgS2 mutations. Antigenetically variant PVs
      may become relevant during the final phase of poliomyelitis eradication in
      populations with predominantly vaccine-derived immunity. Sustained vaccination
      coverage and clinical and environmental surveillance will be necessary.

PMID- 25136107
TI  - Illegal killing for ivory drives global decline in African elephants.
AB  - Illegal wildlife trade has reached alarming levels globally, extirpating
      populations of commercially valuable species. As a driver of biodiversity loss,
      quantifying illegal harvest is essential for conservation and sociopolitical
      affairs but notoriously difficult. Here we combine field-based carcass monitoring
      with fine-scale demographic data from an intensively studied wild African
      elephant population in Samburu, Kenya, to partition mortality into natural and
      illegal causes. We then expand our analytical framework to model illegal killing
      rates and population trends of elephants at regional and continental scales using
      carcass data collected by a Convention on International Trade in Endangered
      Species program. At the intensively monitored site, illegal killing increased
      markedly after 2008 and was correlated strongly with the local black market ivory
      price and increased seizures of ivory destined for China. More broadly, results
      from application to continental data indicated illegal killing levels were
      unsustainable for the species between 2010 and 2012, peaking to ~ 8% in 2011
      which extrapolates to ~ 40,000 elephants illegally killed and a probable species
      reduction of ~ 3% that year. Preliminary data from 2013 indicate overharvesting
      continued. In contrast to the rest of Africa, our analysis corroborates that
      Central African forest elephants experienced decline throughout the last decade.
      These results provide the most comprehensive assessment of illegal ivory harvest
      to date and confirm that current ivory consumption is not sustainable. Further,
      our approach provides a powerful basis to determine cryptic mortality and gain
      understanding of the demography of at-risk species.

PMID- 25136108
TI  - Trachyandesitic volcanism in the early Solar System.
AB  - Volcanism is a substantial process during crustal growth on planetary bodies and
      well documented to have occurred in the early Solar System from the recognition
      of numerous basaltic meteorites. Considering the ureilite parent body (UPB), the
      compositions of magmas that formed a potential UPB crust and were complementary
      to the ultramafic ureilite mantle rocks are poorly constrained. Among the
      Almahata Sitta meteorites, a unique trachyandesite lava (with an oxygen isotope
      composition identical to that of common ureilites) documents the presence of
      volatile- and SiO2-rich magmas on the UPB. The magma was extracted at low degrees
      of disequilibrium partial melting of the UPB mantle. This trachyandesite extends
      the range of known ancient volcanic, crust-forming rocks and documents that
      volcanic rocks, similar in composition to trachyandesites on Earth, also formed
      on small planetary bodies ~ 4.56 billion years ago. It also extends the volcanic
      activity on the UPB by ~ 1 million years (Ma) and thus constrains the time of
      disruption of the body to later than 6.5 Ma after the formation of Ca-Al-rich
      inclusions.

PMID- 25136109
TI  - Optogenetic neuronal stimulation promotes functional recovery after stroke.
AB  - Clinical and research efforts have focused on promoting functional recovery after
      stroke. Brain stimulation strategies are particularly promising because they
      allow direct manipulation of the target area's excitability. However, elucidating
      the cell type and mechanisms mediating recovery has been difficult because
      existing stimulation techniques nonspecifically target all cell types near the
      stimulated site. To circumvent these barriers, we used optogenetics to
      selectively activate neurons that express channelrhodopsin 2 and demonstrated
      that selective neuronal stimulations in the ipsilesional primary motor cortex
      (iM1) can promote functional recovery. Stroke mice that received repeated
      neuronal stimulations exhibited significant improvement in cerebral blood flow
      and the neurovascular coupling response, as well as increased expression of
      activity-dependent neurotrophins in the contralesional cortex, including brain
      derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and neurotrophin 3. Western
      analysis also indicated that stimulated mice exhibited a significant increase in
      the expression of a plasticity marker growth-associated protein 43. Moreover, iM1
      neuronal stimulations promoted functional recovery, as stimulated stroke mice
      showed faster weight gain and performed significantly better in sensory-motor
      behavior tests. Interestingly, stimulations in normal nonstroke mice did not
      alter motor behavior or neurotrophin expression, suggesting that the prorecovery
      effect of selective neuronal stimulations is dependent on the poststroke
      environment. These results demonstrate that stimulation of neurons in the stroke
      hemisphere is sufficient to promote recovery. 

PMID- 25136111
TI  - Does aquaculture add resilience to the global food system?
AB  - Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector and continues to expand alongside
      terrestrial crop and livestock production. Using portfolio theory as a conceptual
      framework, we explore how current interconnections between the aquaculture, crop,
      livestock, and fisheries sectors act as an impediment to, or an opportunity for,
      enhanced resilience in the global food system given increased resource scarcity
      and climate change. Aquaculture can potentially enhance resilience through
      improved resource use efficiencies and increased diversification of farmed
      species, locales of production, and feeding strategies. However, aquaculture's
      reliance on terrestrial crops and wild fish for feeds, its dependence on
      freshwater and land for culture sites, and its broad array of environmental
      impacts diminishes its ability to add resilience. Feeds for livestock and farmed
      fish that are fed rely largely on the same crops, although the fraction destined
      for aquaculture is presently small (~4%). As demand for high-value fed
      aquaculture products grows, competition for these crops will also rise, as will
      the demand for wild fish as feed inputs. Many of these crops and forage fish are
      also consumed directly by humans and provide essential nutrition for low-income
      households. Their rising use in aquafeeds has the potential to increase price
      levels and volatility, worsening food insecurity among the most vulnerable
      populations. Although the diversification of global food production systems that
      includes aquaculture offers promise for enhanced resilience, such promise will
      not be realized if government policies fail to provide adequate incentives for
      resource efficiency, equity, and environmental protection. 

PMID- 25136110
TI  - Formation and structures of GroEL:GroES2 chaperonin footballs, the protein
      folding functional form.
AB  - The GroE chaperonins assist substrate protein (SP) folding by cycling through
      several conformational states. With each cycle the SP is, in turn, captured,
      unfolded, briefly encapsulated (t1/2 ~ 1 s), and released by the chaperonin
      complex. The protein-folding functional form is the US-football-shaped
      GroEL:GroES2 complex. We report structures of two such "football" complexes to ~
      3.7-A resolution; one is empty whereas the other contains encapsulated SP in both
      chambers. Although encapsulated SP is not visible on the electron density map,
      using calibrated FRET and order-of-addition experiments we show that owing to SP
      catalyzed ADP/ATP exchange both chambers of the football complex encapsulate SP
      efficiently only if the binding of SP precedes that of ATP. The two rings of
      GroEL thus behave as a parallel processing machine, rather than functioning
      alternately. Compared with the bullet-shaped GroEL:GroES1 complex, the
      GroEL:GroES2 football complex differs conformationally at the GroEL-GroES
      interface and also at the interface between the two GroEL rings. We propose that
      the electrostatic interactions between the epsilon-NH(3+) of K105 of helix D in
      one ring with the negatively charged carboxyl oxygen of A109 at the carboxyl end
      of helix D of the other ring provide the structural basis for negative inter-ring
      cooperativity.

PMID- 25136112
TI  - Automodification switches PARP-1 function from chromatin architectural protein to
      histone chaperone.
AB  - Poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP-1) is a highly abundant chromatin-associated
      enzyme. It catalyzes the NAD(+)-dependent polymerization of long chains of poly
      ADP ribose (PAR) onto itself in response to DNA damage and other cues. More
      recently, the enzymatic activity of PARP-1 has also been implicated in the
      regulation of gene expression. The molecular basis for the functional switch from
      chromatin architectural protein to transcription factor and DNA damage responder,
      triggered by PARP-1 automodification, is unknown. Here, we show that unmodified
      PARP-1 engages in at least two high-affinity binding modes with chromatin, one of
      which does not involve free DNA ends, consistent with its role as a chromatin
      architectural protein. Automodification reduces PARP-1 affinity for intact
      chromatin but not for nucleosomes with exposed DNA ends. Automodified (AM) PARP-1
      has the ability to sequester histones (both in vitro and in cells) and to
      assemble nucleosomes efficiently in vitro. This unanticipated nucleosome assembly
      activity of AM-PARP-1, coupled with the fast turnover of the modification,
      suggests a model in which DNA damage or transcription events trigger transient
      histone chaperone activity. 

PMID- 25136113
TI  - IL-6/STAT3 promotes regeneration of airway ciliated cells from basal stem cells.
AB  - The pseudostratified airway epithelium of the lung contains a balanced proportion
      of multiciliated and secretory luminal cells that are maintained and regenerated
      by a population of basal stem cells. However, little is known about how these
      processes are modulated in vivo, and about the potential role of cytokine
      signaling between stem and progenitor cells and their niche. Using a clonal 3D
      organoid assay, we found that IL-6 stimulated, and Stat3 inhibitors reduced, the
      generation of ciliated vs. secretory cells from basal cells. Gain-of-function and
      loss-of-function studies with cultured mouse and human basal cells suggest that
      IL-6/Stat3 signaling promotes ciliogenesis at multiple levels, including
      increases in multicilin gene and forkhead box protein J1 expression and
      inhibition of the Notch pathway. To test the role of IL-6 in vivo genetically, we
      followed the regeneration of mouse tracheal epithelium after ablation of luminal
      cells by inhaled SO2. Stat3 is activated in basal cells and their daughters early
      in the repair process, correlating with an increase in Il-6 expression in
      platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha(+) mesenchymal cells in the stroma.
      Conditional deletion in basal cells of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3,
      encoding a negative regulator of the Stat3 pathway, results in an increase in
      multiciliated cells at the expense of secretory and basal cells. By contrast, Il
      6 null mice regenerate fewer ciliated cells and an increased number of secretory
      cells after injury. The results support a model in which IL-6, produced in the
      reparative niche, functions to enhance the differentiation of basal cells, and
      thereby acts as a "friend" to promote airway repair rather than a "foe." 

PMID- 25136114
TI  - Molecular mechanism of pH-dependent substrate transport by an arginine-agmatine
      antiporter.
AB  - Enteropathogenic bacteria, exemplified by Escherichia coli, rely on acid
      resistance systems (ARs) to survive the acidic environment of the stomach. AR3
      consumes intracellular protons through decarboxylation of arginine (Arg) in the
      cytoplasm and exchange of the reaction product agmatine (Agm) with extracellular
      Arg. The latter process is mediated by the Arg:Agm antiporter AdiC, which is
      activated in response to acidic pH and remains fully active at pH 6.0 and below.
      Despite our knowledge of structural information, the molecular mechanism by which
      AdiC senses acidic pH remains completely unknown. Relying on alanine-scanning
      mutagenesis and an in vitro proteoliposome-based transport assay, we have
      identified Tyr74 as a critical pH sensor in AdiC. The AdiC variant Y74A exhibited
      robust transport activity at all pH values examined while maintaining stringent
      substrate specificity for Arg:Agm. Replacement of Tyr74 by Phe, but not by any
      other amino acid, led to the maintenance of pH-dependent substrate transport.
      These observations, in conjunction with structural information, identify a
      working model for pH-induced activation of AdiC in which a closed conformation is
      disrupted by cation-pi interactions between proton and the aromatic side chain of
      Tyr74. 

PMID- 25136116
TI  - Crystal structure of a nematode-infecting virus.
AB  - Orsay, the first virus discovered to naturally infect Caenorhabditis elegans or
      any nematode, has a bipartite, positive-sense RNA genome. Sequence analyses show
      that Orsay is related to nodaviruses, but molecular characterizations of Orsay
      reveal several unique features, such as the expression of a capsid-delta fusion
      protein and the use of an ATG-independent mechanism for translation initiation.
      Here we report the crystal structure of an Orsay virus-like particle assembled
      from recombinant capsid protein (CP). Orsay capsid has a T = 3 icosahedral
      symmetry with 60 trimeric surface spikes. Each CP can be divided into three
      regions: an N-terminal arm that forms an extended protein interaction network at
      the capsid interior, an S domain with a jelly-roll, beta-barrel fold forming the
      continuous capsid, and a P domain that forms surface spike projections. The
      structure of the Orsay S domain is best aligned to T = 3 plant RNA viruses but
      exhibits substantial differences compared with the insect-infecting
      alphanodaviruses, which also lack the P domain in their CPs. The Orsay P domain
      is remotely related to the P1 domain in calicivirus and hepatitis E virus,
      suggesting a possible evolutionary relationship. Removing the N-terminal arm
      produced a slightly expanded capsid with fewer nucleic acids packaged, suggesting
      that the arm is important for capsid stability and genome packaging. Because C.
      elegans-Orsay serves as a highly tractable model for studying viral pathogenesis,
      our results should provide a valuable structural framework for further studies of
      Orsay replication and infection. 

PMID- 25136115
TI  - Mutation of Plekha7 attenuates salt-sensitive hypertension in the rat.
AB  - PLEKHA7 (pleckstrin homology domain containing family A member 7) has been found
      in multiple studies as a candidate gene for human hypertension, yet functional
      data supporting this association are lacking. We investigated the contribution of
      this gene to the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension by mutating Plekha7
      in the Dahl salt-sensitive (SS/JrHsdMcwi) rat using zinc-finger nuclease
      technology. After four weeks on an 8% NaCl diet, homozygous mutant rats had lower
      mean arterial (149 +/- 9 mmHg vs. 178 +/- 7 mmHg; P < 0.05) and systolic (180 +/-
      7 mmHg vs. 213 +/- 8 mmHg; P < 0.05) blood pressure compared with WT littermates.
      Albumin and protein excretion rates were also significantly lower in mutant rats,
      demonstrating a renoprotective effect of the mutation. Total peripheral
      resistance and perivascular fibrosis in the heart and kidney were significantly
      reduced in Plekha7 mutant animals, suggesting a potential role of the vasculature
      in the attenuation of hypertension. Indeed, both flow-mediated dilation and
      endothelium-dependent vasodilation in response to acetylcholine were improved in
      isolated mesenteric resistance arteries of Plekha7 mutant rats compared with WT.
      These vascular improvements were correlated with changes in intracellular calcium
      handling, resulting in increased nitric oxide bioavailability in mutant vessels.
      Collectively, these data provide the first functional evidence that Plekha7 may
      contribute to blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular function through its
      effects on the vasculature. 

PMID- 25136118
TI  - Tomato yellow leaf curl virus resistance by Ty-1 involves increased cytosine
      methylation of viral genomes and is compromised by cucumber mosaic virus
      infection.
AB  - Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and related begomoviruses are a major
      threat to tomato production worldwide and, to protect against these viruses,
      resistance genes from different wild tomato species are introgressed. Recently,
      the Ty-1 resistance gene was identified, shown to code for an RNA-dependent RNA
      polymerase and to be allelic with Ty-3. Here we show that upon TYLCV challenging
      of resistant lines carrying Ty-1 or Ty-3, low virus titers were detected
      concomitant with the production of relatively high levels of siRNAs whereas, in
      contrast, susceptible tomato Moneymaker (MM) revealed higher virus titers but
      lower amounts of siRNAs. Comparative analysis of the spatial genomic siRNA
      distribution showed a consistent and subtle enrichment for siRNAs derived from
      the V1 and C3 genes in Ty-1 and Ty-3. In plants containing Ty-2 resistance the
      virus was hardly detectable, but the siRNA profile resembled the one observed in
      TYLCV-challenged susceptible tomato (MM). Furthermore, a relative
      hypermethylation of the TYLCV V1 promoter region was observed in genomic DNA
      collected from Ty-1 compared with that from (MM). The resistance conferred by Ty
      1 was also effective against the bipartite tomato severe rugose begomovirus,
      where a similar genome hypermethylation of the V1 promoter region was discerned.
      However, a mixed infection of TYLCV with cucumber mosaic virus compromised the
      resistance. The results indicate that Ty-1 confers resistance to geminiviruses by
      increasing cytosine methylation of viral genomes, suggestive of enhanced
      transcriptional gene silencing. The mechanism of resistance and its durability
      toward geminiviruses under natural field conditions is discussed. 

PMID- 25136117
TI  - Trithorax complex component Menin controls differentiation and maintenance of T
      helper 17 cells.
AB  - Epigenetic modifications, such as posttranslational modifications of histones,
      play an important role in gene expression and regulation. These modifications are
      in part mediated by the Trithorax group (TrxG) complex and the Polycomb group
      (PcG) complex, which activate and repress transcription, respectively. We herein
      investigate the role of Menin, a component of the TrxG complex in T helper (Th)
      cell differentiation and show a critical role for Menin in differentiation and
      maintenance of Th17 cells. Menin(-/-) T cells do not efficiently differentiate
      into Th17 cells, leaving Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation intact in in vitro
      cultures. Menin deficiency resulted in the attenuation of Th17-induced airway
      inflammation. In differentiating Th17 cells, Menin directly bound to the Il17a
      gene locus and was required for the deposition of permissive histone
      modifications and recruitment of the RNA polymerase II transcriptional complex.
      Interestingly, although Menin bound to the Rorc locus, Menin was dispensable for
      the induction of Rorc expression and permissive histone modifications in
      differentiating Th17 cells. In contrast, Menin was required to maintain
      expression of Rorc in differentiated Th17 cells, indicating that Menin is
      essential to stabilize expression of the Rorc gene. Thus, Menin orchestrates Th17
      cell differentiation and function by regulating both the induction and
      maintenance of target gene expression. 

PMID- 25136119
TI  - Electrostatics-driven shape transitions in soft shells.
AB  - Manipulating the shape of nanoscale objects in a controllable fashion is at the
      heart of designing materials that act as building blocks for self-assembly or
      serve as targeted drug delivery carriers. Inducing shape deformations by
      controlling external parameters is also an important way of designing biomimetic
      membranes. In this paper, we demonstrate that electrostatics can be used as a
      tool to manipulate the shape of soft, closed membranes by tuning environmental
      conditions such as the electrolyte concentration in the medium. Using a molecular
      dynamics-based simulated annealing procedure, we investigate charged elastic
      shells that do not exchange material with their environment, such as elastic
      membranes formed in emulsions or synthetic nanocontainers. We find that by
      decreasing the salt concentration or increasing the total charge on the shell's
      surface, the spherical symmetry is broken, leading to the formation of
      ellipsoids, discs, and bowls. Shape changes are accompanied by a significant
      lowering of the electrostatic energy and a rise in the surface area of the shell.
      To substantiate our simulation findings, we show analytically that a uniformly
      charged disc has a lower Coulomb energy than a sphere of the same volume.
      Further, we test the robustness of our results by including the effects of charge
      renormalization in the analysis of the shape transitions and find the latter to
      be feasible for a wide range of shell volume fractions. 

PMID- 25136120
TI  - Activated group 3 innate lymphoid cells promote T-cell-mediated immune responses.
AB  - Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) have emerged as important cellular players
      in tissue repair and innate immunity. Whether these cells meaningfully regulate
      adaptive immune responses upon activation has yet to be explored. Here we show
      that upon IL-1beta stimulation, peripheral ILC3s become activated, secrete
      cytokines, up-regulate surface MHC class II molecules, and express costimulatory
      molecules. ILC3s can take up latex beads, process protein antigen, and
      consequently prime CD4(+) T-cell responses in vitro. The cognate interaction of
      ILC3s and CD4(+) T cells leads to T-cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo,
      whereas its disruption impairs specific T-cell and T-dependent B-cell responses
      in vivo. In addition, the ILC3-CD4(+) T-cell interaction is bidirectional and
      leads to the activation of ILC3s. Taken together, our data reveal a novel
      activation-dependent function of peripheral ILC3s in eliciting cognate CD4(+) T
      cell immune responses. 

PMID- 25136121
TI  - Immune evasion mediated by tumor-derived lactate dehydrogenase induction of NKG2D
      ligands on myeloid cells in glioblastoma patients.
AB  - Myeloid cells are key regulators of the tumor microenvironment, governing local
      immune responses. Here we report that tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells and
      circulating monocytes in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) express
      ligands for activating the Natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor,
      which cause down-regulation of NKG2D on natural killer (NK) cells. Tumor
      infiltrating NK cells isolated from GBM patients fail to lyse NKG2D ligand
      expressing tumor cells. We demonstrate that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoform 5
      secreted by glioblastoma cells induces NKG2D ligands on monocytes isolated from
      healthy individuals. Furthermore, sera from GBM patients contain elevated amounts
      of LDH, which correlate with expression of NKG2D ligands on their autologous
      circulating monocytes. NKG2D ligands also are present on circulating monocytes
      isolated from patients with breast, prostate, and hepatitis C virus-induced
      hepatocellular carcinomas. Together, these findings reveal a previously
      unidentified immune evasion strategy whereby tumors produce soluble factors that
      induce NKG2D ligands on myeloid cells, subverting antitumor immune responses. 

PMID- 25136122
TI  - Stimulation of growth by proteorhodopsin phototrophy involves regulation of
      central metabolic pathways in marine planktonic bacteria.
AB  - Proteorhodopsin (PR) is present in half of surface ocean bacterioplankton, where
      its light-driven proton pumping provides energy to cells. Indeed, PR promotes
      growth or survival in different bacteria. However, the metabolic pathways
      mediating the light responses remain unknown. We analyzed growth of the PR
      containing Dokdonia sp. MED134 (where light-stimulated growth had been found) in
      seawater with low concentrations of mixed [yeast extract and peptone (YEP)] or
      single (alanine, Ala) carbon compounds as models for rich and poor environments.
      We discovered changes in gene expression revealing a tightly regulated shift in
      central metabolic pathways between light and dark conditions. Bacteria showed
      relatively stronger light responses in Ala compared with YEP. Notably, carbon
      acquisition pathways shifted toward anaplerotic CO2 fixation in the light,
      contributing 31 +/- 8% and 24 +/- 6% of the carbon incorporated into biomass in
      Ala and YEP, respectively. Thus, MED134 was a facultative double mixotroph, i.e.,
      photo- and chemotrophic for its energy source and using both bicarbonate and
      organic matter as carbon sources. Unexpectedly, relative expression of the
      glyoxylate shunt genes (isocitrate lyase and malate synthase) was >300-fold
      higher in the light--but only in Ala--contributing a more efficient use of carbon
      from organic compounds. We explored these findings in metagenomes and
      metatranscriptomes and observed similar prevalence of the glyoxylate shunt
      compared with PR genes and highest expression of the isocitrate lyase gene
      coinciding with highest solar irradiance. Thus, regulatory interactions between
      dissolved organic carbon quality and central metabolic pathways critically
      determine the fitness of surface ocean bacteria engaging in PR phototrophy.

PMID- 25136123
TI  - Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species are scavenged by Cockayne syndrome B
      protein in human fibroblasts without nuclear DNA damage.
AB  - Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a human DNA repair-deficient disease that involves
      transcription coupled repair (TCR), in which three gene products, Cockayne
      syndrome A (CSA), Cockayne syndrome B (CSB), and ultraviolet stimulated scaffold
      protein A (UVSSA) cooperate in relieving RNA polymerase II arrest at damaged
      sites to permit repair of the template strand. Mutation of any of these three
      genes results in cells with increased sensitivity to UV light and defective TCR.
      Mutations in CSA or CSB are associated with severe neurological disease but
      mutations in UVSSA are for the most part only associated with increased
      photosensitivity. This difference raises questions about the relevance of TCR to
      neurological disease in CS. We find that CSB-mutated cells, but not UVSSA
      deficient cells, have increased levels of intramitochondrial reactive oxygen
      species (ROS), especially when mitochondrial complex I is inhibited by rotenone.
      Increased ROS would result in oxidative damage to mitochondrial proteins, lipids,
      and DNA. CSB appears to behave as an electron scavenger in the mitochondria whose
      absence leads to increased oxidative stress. Mitochondrial ROS, however, did not
      cause detectable nuclear DNA damage even when base excision repair was blocked by
      an inhibitor of polyADP ribose polymerase. Neurodegeneration in Cockayne syndrome
      may therefore be associated with ROS-induced damage in the mitochondria,
      independent of nuclear TCR. An implication of our present results is that
      mitochondrial dysfunction involving ROS has a major impact on CS-B pathology,
      whereas nuclear TCR may have a minimal role. 

PMID- 25136124
TI  - Xylan utilization in human gut commensal bacteria is orchestrated by unique
      modular organization of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes.
AB  - Enzymes that degrade dietary and host-derived glycans represent the most abundant
      functional activities encoded by genes unique to the human gut microbiome.
      However, the biochemical activities of a vast majority of the glycan-degrading
      enzymes are poorly understood. Here, we use transcriptome sequencing to
      understand the diversity of genes expressed by the human gut bacteria Bacteroides
      intestinalis and Bacteroides ovatus grown in monoculture with the abundant
      dietary polysaccharide xylan. The most highly induced carbohydrate active genes
      encode a unique glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 10 endoxylanase (BiXyn10A or
      BACINT_04215 and BACOVA_04390) that is highly conserved in the Bacteroidetes
      xylan utilization system. The BiXyn10A modular architecture consists of a GH10
      catalytic module disrupted by a 250 amino acid sequence of unknown function.
      Biochemical analysis of BiXyn10A demonstrated that such insertion sequences
      encode a new family of carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) that binds to xylose
      configured oligosaccharide/polysaccharide ligands, the substrate of the BiXyn10A
      enzymatic activity. The crystal structures of CBM1 from BiXyn10A (1.8 A), a
      cocomplex of BiXyn10A CBM1 with xylohexaose (1.14 A), and the CBM from its
      homolog in the Prevotella bryantii B14 Xyn10C (1.68 A) reveal an unanticipated
      mode for ligand binding. A minimal enzyme mix, composed of the gene products of
      four of the most highly up-regulated genes during growth on wheat arabinoxylan,
      depolymerizes the polysaccharide into its component sugars. The combined
      biochemical and biophysical studies presented here provide a framework for
      understanding fiber metabolism by an important group within the commensal
      bacterial population known to influence human health. 

PMID- 25136125
TI  - A wave-mechanical model of incoherent quasielastic scattering in complex systems.
AB  - Quasielastic incoherent neutron scattering (QENS) is an important tool for the
      exploration of the dynamics of complex systems such as biomolecules, liquids, and
      glasses. The dynamics is reflected in the energy spectra of the scattered
      neutrons. Conventionally these spectra are decomposed into a narrow elastic line
      and a broad quasielastic band. The band is interpreted as being caused by Doppler
      broadening due to spatial motion of the target molecules. We propose a quantum
      mechanical model in which there is no separate elastic line. The quasielastic
      band is composed of sharp lines with twice the natural line width, shifted from
      the center by a random walk of the protein in the free-energy landscape of the
      target molecule. The walk is driven by vibrations and by external fluctuations.
      We first explore the model with the Mossbauer effect. In the subsequent
      application to QENS we treat the incoming neutron as a de Broglie wave packet.
      While the wave packet passes the protons in the protein and the hydration shell
      it exchanges energy with the protein during the passage time of about 100 ns. The
      energy exchange broadens the ensemble spectrum. Because the exchange involves the
      free-energy landscape of the protein, the QENS not only provides insight into the
      protein dynamics, but it may also illuminate the free-energy landscape of the
      protein-solvent system. 

PMID- 25136126
TI  - A unique PDZ domain and arrestin-like fold interaction reveals mechanistic
      details of endocytic recycling by SNX27-retromer.
AB  - The sorting nexin 27 (SNX27)-retromer complex is a major regulator of endosome-to
      plasma membrane recycling of transmembrane cargos that contain a PSD95, Dlg1, zo
      1 (PDZ)-binding motif. Here we describe the core interaction in SNX27-retromer
      assembly and its functional relevance for cargo sorting. Crystal structures and
      NMR experiments reveal that an exposed beta-hairpin in the SNX27 PDZ domain
      engages a groove in the arrestin-like structure of the vacuolar protein sorting
      26A (VPS26A) retromer subunit. The structure establishes how the SNX27 PDZ domain
      simultaneously binds PDZ-binding motifs and retromer-associated VPS26.
      Importantly, VPS26A binding increases the affinity of the SNX27 PDZ domain for
      PDZ- binding motifs by an order of magnitude, revealing cooperativity in cargo
      selection. With disruption of SNX27 and retromer function linked to synaptic
      dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease, our work provides the first step, to
      our knowledge, in the molecular description of this important sorting complex,
      and more broadly describes a unique interaction between a PDZ domain and an
      arrestin-like fold. 

PMID- 25136127
TI  - A sharp T-cell antigen receptor signaling threshold for T-cell proliferation.
AB  - T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling is essential for activation,
      proliferation, and effector function of T cells. Modulation of both intensity and
      duration of TCR signaling can regulate these events. However, it remains unclear
      how individual T cells integrate such signals over time to make critical cell
      fate decisions. We have previously developed an engineered mutant allele of the
      critical T-cell kinase zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70 kDa (Zap70) that
      is catalytically inhibited by a small molecule inhibitor, thereby blocking TCR
      signaling specifically and efficiently. We have also characterized a fluorescent
      reporter Nur77-eGFP transgenic mouse line in which T cells up-regulate GFP
      uniquely in response to TCR stimulation. The combination of these technologies
      unmasked a sharp TCR signaling threshold for commitment to cell division both in
      vitro and in vivo. Further, we demonstrate that this threshold is independent of
      both the magnitude of the TCR stimulus and Interleukin 2. Similarly, we identify
      a temporal threshold of TCR signaling that is required for commitment to
      proliferation, after which T cells are able to proliferate in a Zap70 kinase
      independent manner. Taken together, our studies reveal a sharp threshold for the
      magnitude and duration of TCR signaling required for commitment of T cells to
      proliferation. These results have important implications for understanding T-cell
      responses to infection and optimizing strategies for immunomodulatory drug
      delivery. 

PMID- 25136128
TI  - A lipid zipper triggers bacterial invasion.
AB  - Glycosphingolipids are important structural constituents of cellular membranes.
      They are involved in the formation of nanodomains ("lipid rafts"), which serve as
      important signaling platforms. Invasive bacterial pathogens exploit these
      signaling domains to trigger actin polymerization for the bending of the plasma
      membrane and the engulfment of the bacterium--a key process in bacterial uptake.
      However, it is unknown whether glycosphingolipids directly take part in the
      membrane invagination process. Here, we demonstrate that a "lipid zipper," which
      is formed by the interaction between the bacterial surface lectin LecA and its
      cellular receptor, the glycosphingolipid Gb3, triggers plasma membrane bending
      during host cell invasion of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In vitro
      experiments with Gb3-containing giant unilamellar vesicles revealed that LecA/Gb3
      mediated lipid zippering was sufficient to achieve complete membrane engulfment
      of the bacterium. In addition, theoretical modeling elucidated that the adhesion
      energy of the LecA-Gb3 interaction is adequate to drive the engulfment process.
      In cellulo experiments demonstrated that inhibition of the LecA/Gb3 lipid zipper
      by either lecA knockout, Gb3 depletion, or application of soluble sugars that
      interfere with LecA binding to Gb3 significantly lowered P. aeruginosa uptake by
      host cells. Of note, membrane engulfment of P. aeruginosa occurred independently
      of actin polymerization, thus corroborating that lipid zippering alone is
      sufficient for this crucial first step of bacterial host-cell entry. Our study
      sheds new light on the impact of glycosphingolipids in the cellular invasion of
      bacterial pathogens and provides a mechanistic explication of the initial uptake
      processes.

PMID- 25136129
TI  - Valuing vaccination.
AB  - Vaccination has led to remarkable health gains over the last century. However,
      large coverage gaps remain, which will require significant financial resources
      and political will to address. In recent years, a compelling line of inquiry has
      established the economic benefits of health, at both the individual and aggregate
      levels. Most existing economic evaluations of particular health interventions
      fail to account for this new research, leading to potentially sizable
      undervaluation of those interventions. In line with this new research, we set
      forth a framework for conceptualizing the full benefits of vaccination, including
      avoided medical care costs, outcome-related productivity gains, behavior-related
      productivity gains, community health externalities, community economic
      externalities, and the value of risk reduction and pure health gains. We also
      review literature highlighting the magnitude of these sources of benefit for
      different vaccinations. Finally, we outline the steps that need to be taken to
      implement a broad-approach economic evaluation and discuss the implications of
      this work for research, policy, and resource allocation for vaccine development
      and delivery. 

PMID- 25136130
TI  - Vaccines, new opportunities for a new society.
AB  - Vaccination is the most effective medical intervention ever introduced and,
      together with clean water and sanitation, it has eliminated a large part of the
      infectious diseases that once killed millions of people. A recent study concluded
      that since 1924 in the United States alone, vaccines have prevented 40 million
      cases of diphtheria, 35 million cases of measles, and a total of 103 million
      cases of childhood diseases. A report from the World Health Organization states
      that today vaccines prevent 2.5 million deaths per year: Every minute five lives
      are saved by vaccines worldwide. Overall, vaccines have done and continue to do
      an excellent job in eliminating or reducing the impact of childhood diseases.
      Furthermore, thanks to new technologies, vaccines now have the potential to make
      an enormous contribution to the health of modern society by preventing and
      treating not only communicable diseases in all ages, but also noncommunicable
      diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The achievement of these
      results requires the development of novel technologies and health economic models
      able to capture not only the mere cost-benefit of vaccination, but also the value
      of health per se. 

PMID- 25136131
TI  - Efficient biomass pretreatment using ionic liquids derived from lignin and
      hemicellulose.
AB  - Ionic liquids (ILs), solvents composed entirely of paired ions, have been used in
      a variety of process chemistry and renewable energy applications. Imidazolium
      based ILs effectively dissolve biomass and represent a remarkable platform for
      biomass pretreatment. Although efficient, imidazolium cations are expensive and
      thus limited in their large-scale industrial deployment. To replace imidazolium
      based ILs with those derived from renewable sources, we synthesized a series of
      tertiary amine-based ILs from aromatic aldehydes derived from lignin and
      hemicellulose, the major by-products of lignocellulosic biofuel production.
      Compositional analysis of switchgrass pretreated with ILs derived from vanillin,
      p-anisaldehyde, and furfural confirmed their efficacy. Enzymatic hydrolysis of
      pretreated switchgrass allowed for direct comparison of sugar yields and lignin
      removal between biomass-derived ILs and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate.
      Although the rate of cellulose hydrolysis for switchgrass pretreated with biomass
      derived ILs was slightly slower than that of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate,
      90-95% glucose and 70-75% xylose yields were obtained for these samples after 72
      h incubation. Molecular modeling was used to compare IL solvent parameters with
      experimentally obtained compositional analysis data. Effective pretreatment of
      lignocellulose was further investigated by powder X-ray diffraction and glycome
      profiling of switchgrass cell walls. These studies showed different cellulose
      structural changes and differences in hemicellulose epitopes between switchgrass
      pretreatments with the aforementioned ILs. Our concept of deriving ILs from
      lignocellulosic biomass shows significant potential for the realization of a
      "closed-loop" process for future lignocellulosic biorefineries and has far
      reaching economic impacts for other IL-based process technology currently using
      ILs synthesized from petroleum sources. 

PMID- 25136132
TI  - (R)-PFI-2 is a potent and selective inhibitor of SETD7 methyltransferase activity
      in cells.
AB  - SET domain containing (lysine methyltransferase) 7 (SETD7) is implicated in
      multiple signaling and disease related pathways with a broad diversity of
      reported substrates. Here, we report the discovery of (R)-PFI-2-a first-in-class,
      potent (Ki (app) = 0.33 nM), selective, and cell-active inhibitor of the
      methyltransferase activity of human SETD7-and its 500-fold less active
      enantiomer, (S)-PFI-2. (R)-PFI-2 exhibits an unusual cofactor-dependent and
      substrate-competitive inhibitory mechanism by occupying the substrate peptide
      binding groove of SETD7, including the catalytic lysine-binding channel, and by
      making direct contact with the donor methyl group of the cofactor, S
      adenosylmethionine. Chemoproteomics experiments using a biotinylated derivative
      of (R)-PFI-2 demonstrated dose-dependent competition for binding to endogenous
      SETD7 in MCF7 cells pretreated with (R)-PFI-2. In murine embryonic fibroblasts,
      (R)-PFI-2 treatment phenocopied the effects of Setd7 deficiency on Hippo pathway
      signaling, via modulation of the transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated
      protein (YAP) and regulation of YAP target genes. In confluent MCF7 cells, (R)
      PFI-2 rapidly altered YAP localization, suggesting continuous and dynamic
      regulation of YAP by the methyltransferase activity of SETD7. These data
      establish (R)-PFI-2 and related compounds as a valuable tool-kit for the study of
      the diverse roles of SETD7 in cells and further validate protein
      methyltransferases as a druggable target class. 

PMID- 25136133
TI  - Unleashing the potential of NOD- and Toll-like agonists as vaccine adjuvants.
AB  - Innate immunity confers an immediate nonspecific mechanism of microbial
      recognition through germ line-encoded pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Of
      these, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and nucleotide-binding and oligomerization
      domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) have shaped our current understanding of
      innate regulation of adaptive immunity. It is now recognized that PRRs are
      paramount in instructing an appropriate adaptive immune response. Their ligands
      have been the focus of adjuvant research with the goal of generating modern
      vaccine combinations tailored to specific pathogens. In this review we will
      highlight the recent findings in the field of adjuvant research with a particular
      focus on the potential of TLR and NLR ligands as adjuvants and their influence on
      adaptive immune responses. 

PMID- 25136134
TI  - History of vaccination.
AB  - Vaccines have a history that started late in the 18th century. From the late 19th
      century, vaccines could be developed in the laboratory. However, in the 20th
      century, it became possible to develop vaccines based on immunologic markers. In
      the 21st century, molecular biology permits vaccine development that was not
      possible before. 

PMID- 25136136
TI  - Local anesthetic and antiepileptic drug access and binding to a bacterial voltage
      gated sodium channel.
AB  - Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels are important targets in the treatment of a
      range of pathologies. Bacterial channels, for which crystal structures have been
      solved, exhibit modulation by local anesthetic and anti-epileptic agents,
      allowing molecular-level investigations into sodium channel-drug interactions.
      These structures reveal no basis for the "hinged lid"-based fast inactivation,
      seen in eukaryotic Nav channels. Thus, they enable examination of potential
      mechanisms of use- or state-dependent drug action based on activation gating, or
      slower pore-based inactivation processes. Multimicrosecond simulations of NavAb
      reveal high-affinity binding of benzocaine to F203 that is a surrogate for FS6,
      conserved in helix S6 of Domain IV of mammalian sodium channels, as well as low
      affinity sites suggested to stabilize different states of the channel. Phenytoin
      exhibits a different binding distribution owing to preferential interactions at
      the membrane and water-protein interfaces. Two drug-access pathways into the pore
      are observed: via lateral fenestrations connecting to the membrane lipid phase,
      as well as via an aqueous pathway through the intracellular activation gate,
      despite being closed. These observations provide insight into drug modulation
      that will guide further developments of Nav inhibitors. 

PMID- 25136135
TI  - Loss of Miro1-directed mitochondrial movement results in a novel murine model for
      neuron disease.
AB  - Defective mitochondrial distribution in neurons is proposed to cause ATP
      depletion and calcium-buffering deficiencies that compromise cell function.
      However, it is unclear whether aberrant mitochondrial motility and distribution
      alone are sufficient to cause neurological disease. Calcium-binding mitochondrial
      Rho (Miro) GTPases attach mitochondria to motor proteins for anterograde and
      retrograde transport in neurons. Using two new KO mouse models, we demonstrate
      that Miro1 is essential for development of cranial motor nuclei required for
      respiratory control and maintenance of upper motor neurons required for
      ambulation. Neuron-specific loss of Miro1 causes depletion of mitochondria from
      corticospinal tract axons and progressive neurological deficits mirroring human
      upper motor neuron disease. Although Miro1-deficient neurons exhibit defects in
      retrograde axonal mitochondrial transport, mitochondrial respiratory function
      continues. Moreover, Miro1 is not essential for calcium-mediated inhibition of
      mitochondrial movement or mitochondrial calcium buffering. Our findings indicate
      that defects in mitochondrial motility and distribution are sufficient to cause
      neurological disease. 

PMID- 25136138
TI  - Demographic characteristics of doctors who intend to follow clinical academic
      careers: UK national questionnaire surveys.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: It is well recognised that women are underrepresented in clinical
      academic posts. Our aim was to determine which of a number of characteristics
      notably gender, but also ethnicity, possession of an intercalated degree, medical
      school attended, choice of specialty-were predictive of doctors' intentions to
      follow clinical academic careers. DESIGN: Questionnaires to all UK-trained
      medical graduates of 2005 sent in 2006 and again in 2010, graduates of 2009 in
      2010 and graduates of 2012 in 2013. RESULTS: At the end of their first year of
      medical work, 13.5% (368/2732) of men and 7.3% (358/4891) of women specified that
      they intended to apply for a clinical academic training post; and 6.0% (172/2873)
      of men and 2.2% (111/5044) of women specified that they intended to pursue
      clinical academic medicine as their eventual career. A higher percentage of Asian
      (4.8%) than White doctors (3.3%) wanted a long-term career as a clinical
      academic, as did a higher percentage of doctors who did an intercalated degree
      (5.6%) than others (2.2%) and a higher percentage of Oxbridge graduates (8.1%)
      than others (2.8%). Of the graduates of 2005, only 30% of those who in 2006
      intended a clinical medicine career also did so when re-surveyed in 2010 (men
      44%, women 12%). CONCLUSIONS: There are noteworthy differences by gender and
      other demographic factors in doctors' intentions to pursue academic training and
      careers. The gap between men and women in aspirations for a clinical academic
      career is present as early as the first year after qualification.

PMID- 25136137
TI  - Endothelial Akt1 mediates angiogenesis by phosphorylating multiple angiogenic
      substrates.
AB  - The PI3K/Akt pathway is necessary for several key endothelial cell (EC)
      functions, including cell growth, migration, survival, and vascular tone.
      However, existing literature supports the idea that Akt can be either pro- or
      antiangiogenic, possibly due to compensation by multiple isoforms in the EC when
      a single isoform is deleted. Thus, biochemical, genetic, and proteomic studies
      were conducted to examine isoform-substrate specificity for Akt1 vs. Akt2. In
      vitro, Akt1 preferentially phosphorylates endothelial nitric oxide synthase
      (eNOS) and promotes NO release, whereas nonphysiological overexpression of Akt2
      can bypass the loss of Akt1. Conditional deletion of Akt1 in the EC, in the
      absence or presence of Akt2, retards retinal angiogenesis, implying that Akt1
      exerts a nonredundant function during physiological angiogenesis. Finally,
      proteomic analysis of Akt substrates isolated from Akt1- or Akt2-deficient ECs
      documents that phosphorylation of multiple Akt substrates regulating angiogenic
      signaling is reduced in Akt1-deficient, but not Akt2-deficient, ECs, including
      eNOS and Forkhead box proteins. Therefore, Akt1 promotes angiogenesis largely due
      to phosphorylation and regulation of important downstream effectors that promote
      aspects of angiogenic signaling. 

PMID- 25136139
TI  - Patients as teachers: a randomised controlled trial on the use of personal
      stories of harm to raise awareness of patient safety for doctors in training.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient safety training often provides learners with a health
      professional's perspective rather than the patient's. Personal narratives of
      health-related harm allow patients to share their stories with health
      professionals to influence clinical behaviour by rousing emotions and improving
      attitudes to safety. AIM: This study measured the impact of patient narratives
      used to train junior doctors in patient safety. METHODS: An open, multi-centre,
      two-arm, parallel design randomised controlled trial was conducted in the North
      Yorkshire East Coast Foundation School (NYECFS). The intervention consisted of 1
      h-long patient narratives followed by discussion. The control arm received
      conventional faculty-delivered teaching. The Attitude to Patient Safety
      Questionnaire (APSQ) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) were
      used to measure the impact of the intervention. RESULTS: 142 trainees received
      the intervention; 141 the control teaching. There was no evidence of a difference
      in post-intervention APSQ scores between the groups. There was a statistically
      significant difference in the underlying distribution of both post PA (positive
      affect) and post NA (negative affect) scores between the groups on the PANAS
      (p<0.001) with indications of both higher PA and NA scores in the intervention
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Involving patients with experiences of safety incidents in
      training has an ideological appeal and seems an obvious choice in designing
      safety interventions. On the basis of our primary outcome measure, we were unable
      to demonstrate effectiveness of the intervention in changing general attitudes to
      safety compared to control. While the intervention may impact on emotional
      engagement and learning about communication, we remain uncertain whether this
      will translate into improved behaviours in the clinical context or indeed if
      there are any negative effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Grant reference no. RP
      PG-0108-10049.

PMID- 25136140
TI  - Evaluation of hospital factors associated with hospital postoperative venous
      thromboembolism imaging utilisation practices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent research suggests that hospital rates of postoperative venous
      thromboembolism (VTE) are subject to surveillance bias: the more hospitals 'look
      for' VTE, the more VTE they find. However, little is known about what drives
      variation in hospital VTE imaging rates. We conducted an observational study to
      examine hospital and market characteristics that were associated with hospital
      level rates of postoperative VTE imaging, focusing on hospitals with particularly
      high rates. METHODS: For Medicare beneficiaries undergoing 11 major operations
      (2009-2010) at 2820 hospitals, hospital-level postoperative VTE imaging use rates
      were calculated. Hospital characteristics associated with hospital VTE imaging
      use rates were examined including case severity, size, ownership, VTE process
      measure adherence, accreditations, staffing, malpractice environment, and county
      market factors. Associations between explanatory variables and VTE imaging rates
      were assessed using quantile regressions at the 25th, median, 75th and 90th
      quantiles. RESULTS: Mean postoperative VTE imaging rates ranged from 85.26
      (SD=67.38) per 1000 discharges in the lowest quartile of hospitals ranked by VTE
      imaging rates to 168.86 (SD=76.70) in the highest quartile. Drivers of high
      imaging rates at the 90th quantile were high resident-to-bed ratio
      (coefficient=51.35, p<0.01), Joint Commission accreditation (coefficient=19.05,
      p<0.01), presence of other hospitals in the same market with high imaging rates
      (coefficient=15.29, p<0.01), average case severity (coefficient=11.97, p<0.01),
      local malpractice costs (coefficient=11.29, p<0.01), and market competition
      (coefficient=11.03, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital teaching status, resident-to
      bed ratio, malpractice environment and local market factors drive hospital
      postoperative VTE imaging use, suggesting that non-clinical forces predominantly
      drive hospital VTE imaging practices.

PMID- 25136142
TI  - Family Economic Strengthening and Parenting Stress Among Caregivers of AIDS
      Orphaned Children: Results from a Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial in Uganda.
AB  - This study examines the impact of a family economic strengthening intervention on
      parenting stress among caregivers of AIDS-orphaned children in Uganda. The study
      uses data from a 4-year (2008-2012) NIMH randomized clinical trial for AIDS
      orphaned children known as Suubi-Maka (N=346 dyads). Child-caregiver dyads from
      10 comparable primary schools were randomly assigned to either the control group
      (n=167 dyads) receiving usual care for school-going orphaned children (such as
      food aid and scholastic materials) or the treatment group (n=179 dyads) receiving
      a family economic strengthening intervention (focused on a matched savings
      account), financial planning and management workshops over and above the usual
      care. Interviews were conducted at baseline, 12 months and 24 months follow-up.
      This study uses data from baseline and 24 months post-intervention. We use
      multivariate regression methods, controlling for socioeconomic characteristics.
      At 24 months, caregivers in the treatment group reported significantly lower
      levels of parenting stress compared to caregivers in the control group. Findings
      from this study point to the potential of a family economic strengthening
      intervention to improve caregiver's psychosocial wellbeing and that of their
      families. We conclude that programs and policies aimed at improving the
      psychosocial wellbeing of families caring for AIDS-orphaned children may consider
      incorporating economic strengthening components in their programming to help
      support these kinds of families, caregivers of AIDS-orphaned children especially
      those residing in developing countries.

PMID- 25136141
TI  - Learning from mistakes in clinical practice guidelines: the case of perioperative
      beta-blockade.

PMID- 25136143
TI  - The effect of a community-based, primary health care exercise program on
      inflammatory biomarkers and hormone levels.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of a community-based exercise
      program in primary care on inflammatory biomarkers and hormone levels. The 1-year
      quasiexperimental study involved 13 women (mean age = 56.8 +/- 11.4 years) and it
      was developed in two basic health care units in Rio Claro City, Brazil. The
      physical exercise intervention was comprised of two, 60-minute sessions/week. The
      inflammatory biomarkers were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. Repeated
      measures ANOVA analyses indicated that the intervention was effective in reducing
      CRP and TNFalpha after 1 year compared to baseline and 6 months (P < 0.05). There
      were no changes in IL10, IL6, and insulin after 1 year. However, leptin
      significantly increased at 1 year (P = 0.016). The major finding of this study is
      that a community-based exercise program can result in a decrease or maintenance
      of inflammatory biomarkers after 1 year, and thus has the potential to be a
      viable public health approach for chronic disease prevention. 

PMID- 25136145
TI  - The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway controls the inflammatory response in
      infections caused by pathogenic bacteria.
AB  - Innate immunity against pathogenic bacteria is critical to protect host cells
      from invasion and infection as well as to develop an appropriate adaptive immune
      response. During bacterial infection, different signaling transduction pathways
      control the expression of a wide range of genes that orchestrate a number of
      molecular and cellular events to eliminate the invading microorganisms and
      regulate inflammation. The inflammatory response must be tightly regulated
      because uncontrolled inflammation may lead to tissue injury. Among the many
      signaling pathways activated, the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin has been recently
      shown to play an important role in the expression of several inflammatory
      molecules during bacterial infections. Our main goal in this review is to discuss
      the mechanism used by several pathogenic bacteria to modulate the inflammatory
      response through the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. We think that a deep
      insight into the role of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in the inflammation may open
      new venues for biotechnological approaches designed to control bacterial
      infectious diseases. 

PMID- 25136144
TI  - Immunologic biomarkers for clinical and therapeutic management of psoriasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The therapeutic management of psoriasis includes conventional
      treatments as well as the new generation of highly effective TNF-alpha
      inhibitors. However, psoriasis has proven to be a complex therapeutic challenge
      and treatment failures are not uncommon. Thus, laboratory biomarkers of disease
      progression/therapeutic efficacy may greatly help in the clinical management of
      psoriasis. AIMS: To identify laboratory biomarkers for clinical management and
      therapeutic monitoring of psoriasis. METHODS: An observational study performed on
      59 patients, presenting moderate to severe psoriasis, undergoing treatment with
      anti-TNF-alpha agents (etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab). Soluble and
      cellular immune/inflammatory parameters were assessed at baseline and after 12
      and 24 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Clinical efficacy was achieved in 88% of the
      subjects at 12 weeks, reaching 90% after 24 weeks. IL-6 and IL-22, which were
      elevated at baseline, were significantly reduced, in association with a
      significant decrease of CLA+ T cells and an increase of Treg lymphocytes. T, B,
      and NK cell subsets and T cell response to recall antigens did not show any
      evidence of immune suppression. CONCLUSIONS: Immune/inflammatory parameters
      including IL-6 and IL-22, CLA+ T cells, and Treg lymphocytes may prove to be
      valuable laboratory tools for the clinical and therapeutic monitoring of
      psoriasis.

PMID- 25136146
TI  - IL-17 genetic and immunophenotypic evaluation in chronic graft-versus-host
      disease.
AB  - Although interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a recently discovered cytokine associated with
      several autoimmune diseases, its role in the pathogenesis of chronic graft-versus
      host disease (cGVHD) was not established yet. The objective of this study was to
      investigate the association of IL17A and IL17F genes polymorphisms and IL-17A and
      IL-17F levels with cGVHD. IL-17A expression was also investigated in CD4(+) T
      cells of patients with systemic cGVHD. For Part I of the study, fifty-eight allo
      HSCT recipients and donors were prospectively studied. Blood samples were
      obtained to determine IL17A and IL17F genes polymorphisms. Cytokines levels in
      blood and saliva were assessed by ELISA at days +35 and +100 after HSCT. In Part
      II, for the immunophenotypic evaluation, eight patients with systemic cGVHD were
      selected and the expression of IL-17A was evaluated. We found association between
      recipient AA genotype with systemic cGVHD. No association was observed between IL
      17A levels and cGVHD. Lower IL-17A levels in the blood were associated with AA
      genotype. In flow cytometry analysis, decreased expression of IL-17A was observed
      in patients with cGVHD after stimulation. In conclusion, IL-17A may have an
      important role in the development of systemic cGVHD. 

PMID- 25136147
TI  - Intraperitoneal infusion of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells prevents experimental
      autoimmune uveitis in mice.
AB  - Autoimmune uveitis is one of the leading causes of blindness. We here
      investigated whether intraperitoneal administration of human mesenchymal
      stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) might prevent development of experimental autoimmune
      uveitis (EAU) in mice. Time course study showed that the number of IFN-gamma- or
      IL-17-expressing CD4(+) T cells was increased in draining lymph nodes (DLNs) on
      the postimmunization day 7 and decreased thereafter. The retinal structure was
      severely disrupted on day 21. An intraperitoneal injection of hMSCs at the time
      of immunization protected the retina from damage and suppressed the levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines in the eye. Analysis of DLNs on day 7 showed that hMSCs
      decreased the number of Th1 and Th17 cells. The hMSCs did not reduce the levels
      of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-23 which are the cytokines that drive Th1/Th17
      differentiation. Also, hMSCs did not induce CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells. However,
      hMSCs increased the level of an immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 and the
      population of IL-10-expressing B220(+)CD19(+) cells. Together, data demonstrate
      that hMSCs attenuate EAU by suppressing Th1/Th17 cells and induce IL-10
      expressing B220(+)CD19(+) cells. Our results support suggestions that hMSCs may
      offer a therapy for autoimmune diseases mediated by Th1/Th17 responses. 

PMID- 25136150
TI  - Healthcare as an electoral agenda.

PMID- 25136151
TI  - Achieving universal health coverage through community empowerment: a proposition
      for bangladesh.

PMID- 25136148
TI  - Switching off key signaling survival molecules to switch on the resolution of
      inflammation.
AB  - Inflammation is a physiological response of the immune system to injury or
      infection but may become chronic. In general, inflammation is self-limiting and
      resolves by activating a termination program named resolution of inflammation. It
      has been argued that unresolved inflammation may be the basis of a variety of
      chronic inflammatory diseases. Resolution of inflammation is an active process
      that is fine-tuned by the production of proresolving mediators and the shutdown
      of intracellular signaling molecules associated with cytokine production and
      leukocyte survival. Apoptosis of leukocytes (especially granulocytes) is a key
      element in the resolution of inflammation and several signaling molecules are
      thought to be involved in this process. Here, we explore key signaling molecules
      and some mediators that are crucial regulators of leukocyte survival in vivo and
      that may be targeted for therapeutic purposes in the context of chronic
      inflammatory diseases. 

PMID- 25136149
TI  - Antagonizing arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids reduces inflammatory Th17 and
      Th1 cell-mediated inflammation and colitis severity.
AB  - During colitis, activation of two inflammatory T cell subsets, Th17 and Th1
      cells, promotes ongoing intestinal inflammatory responses. n-6 polyunsaturated
      fatty acid- (PUFA-) derived eicosanoids, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), promote
      Th17 cell-mediated inflammation, while n-3 PUFA antagonize both Th17 and Th1
      cells and suppress PGE2 levels. We utilized two genetic mouse models, which
      differentially antagonize PGE2 levels, to examine the effect on Th17 cells and
      disease outcomes in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid- (TNBS-) induced colitis. Fat-1
      mice contain the omega3 desaturase gene from C. elegans and synthesize n-3 PUFA
      de novo, thereby reducing the biosynthesis of n-6 PUFA-derived eicosanoids. In
      contrast, Fads1 Null mice contain a disrupted Delta5 desaturase gene and produce
      lower levels of n-6 PUFA-derived eicosanoids. Compared to Wt littermates, Fat-1
      and Fads1 Null mice exhibited a similar colitic phenotype characterized by
      reduced colonic mucosal inflammatory eicosanoid levels and mRNA expression of
      Th17 cell markers (IL-17A, RORgammatau, and IL-23), decreased percentages of Th17
      cells and, improved colon injury scores (P <= 0.05). Thus, during colitis,
      similar outcomes were obtained in two genetically distinct models, both of which
      antagonize PGE2 levels via different mechanisms. Our data highlight the critical
      impact of n-6 PUFA-derived eicosanoids in the promotion of Th17 cell-mediated
      colonic inflammation. 

PMID- 25136153
TI  - Managing self for leadership.

PMID- 25136152
TI  - Maternal near miss: an indicator for maternal health and maternal care.
AB  - Maternal mortality is one of the important indicators used for the measurement of
      maternal health. Although maternal mortality ratio remains high, maternal deaths
      in absolute numbers are rare in a community. To overcome this challenge, maternal
      near miss has been suggested as a compliment to maternal death. It is defined as
      pregnant or recently delivered woman who survived a complication during
      pregnancy, childbirth or 42 days after termination of pregnancy. So far various
      nomenclature and criteria have been used to identify maternal near-miss cases and
      there is lack of uniform criteria for identification of near miss. The World
      Health Organization recently published criteria based on markers of management
      and organ dysfunction, which would enable systematic data collection on near miss
      and development of summary estimates. The prevalence of near miss is higher in
      developing countries and causes are similar to those of maternal mortality namely
      hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, sepsis and obstructed labor. Reviewing near
      miss cases provide significant information about the three delays in health
      seeking so that appropriate action is taken. It is useful in identifying health
      system failures and assessment of quality of maternal health-care. Certain
      maternal near miss indicators have been suggested to evaluate the quality of
      care. The near miss approach will be an important tool in evaluation and
      assessment of the newer strategies for improving maternal health. 

PMID- 25136154
TI  - A Clinical Study of Vitiligo in a Rural Set up of Gujarat.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentary condition caused by
      inactivation or destruction of melanocytes in epidermis and hair follicle.
      Worldwide incidence of 1% has been reported; similar to various dermatological
      clinics in India. Widespread prejudice, ignorance, taboos, lack of scientific
      appraisal, and confusion of vitiligo with leprosy makes it an immense
      psychological stress. AIM: To know the clinical profile of vitiligo patient with
      associated cofactors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 1,010 patients of vitiligo
      attended in outpatient department at Shree Krishna Hospital (SKH) and Matar camp,
      Gujarat over 1 year period from August 2011 to July 2012 were included in this
      study. Detail history and clinical examination of patients were done. RESULTS:
      Out of 1,010 patients 57.3% were females and 42.7 % were males. Most cases
      developed vitiligo by 2(nd) decade of life. Progressive course was found in 60.9
      % of patients. Vitiligo vulgaris (57.8%) was most common morphological type. Most
      common site of onset (41.5%) and involvement (75.7%) was lower limb. Family
      history was present in 20.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Vitiligo constitutes important
      dermatological disease especially in India. The data suggest that local
      epidemiological behavior of vitiligo need not be the same across different
      regions. Vitiligo differs substantially in various clinical aspects.

PMID- 25136155
TI  - Challenges in Developing Competency-based Training Curriculum for Food Safety
      Regulators in India.
AB  - CONTEXT: The Food Safety and Standards Act have redefined the roles and
      responsibilities of food regulatory workforce and calls for highly skilled human
      resources as it involves complex management procedures. AIMS: 1) Identify the
      competencies needed among the food regulatory workforce in India. 2) Develop a
      competency-based training curriculum for food safety regulators in the country.
      3) Develop training materials for use to train the food regulatory workforce.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad, led the
      development of training curriculum on food safety with technical assistance from
      the Royal Society for Public Health, UK and the National Institute of Nutrition,
      India. The exercise was to facilitate the implementation of new Act by
      undertaking capacity building through a comprehensive training program. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A competency-based training needs assessment was conducted before
      undertaking the development of the training materials. RESULTS: THE TRAINING
      PROGRAM FOR FOOD SAFETY OFFICERS WAS DESIGNED TO COMPRISE OF FIVE MODULES TO
      INCLUDE: Food science and technology, Food safety management systems, Food safety
      legislation, Enforcement of food safety regulations, and Administrative
      functions. Each module has a facilitator guide for the tutor and a handbook for
      the participant. Essentials of Food Hygiene-I (Basic level), II and III (Retail/
      Catering/ Manufacturing) were primarily designed for training of food handlers
      and are part of essential reading for food safety regulators. CONCLUSION: The
      Food Safety and Standards Act calls for highly skilled human resources as it
      involves complex management procedures. Despite having developed a comprehensive
      competency-based training curriculum by joint efforts by the local, national, and
      international agencies, implementation remains a challenge in resource-limited
      setting.

PMID- 25136156
TI  - Antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacteria isolated from natural sources of
      water from rural areas of East sikkim.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Contamination of water, food, and environment with antibiotic
      resistant bacteria poses a serious public health issue. OBJECTIVE: The objective
      was to study the bacterial pollution of the natural sources of water in east
      Sikkim and to determine the antimicrobial profile of the bacterial isolates.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 225 samples, 75 each during winter, summer, and
      monsoon season were collected from the same source in every season for
      bacteriological analysis by membrane filtration method. Antibiotic susceptibility
      test was performed using standard disc diffusion method. RESULTS: A total of 19
      bacterial species of the genera Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Salmonella,
      Shigella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Morganella, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter,
      Flavobacterium, and Serratia were isolated and their antimicrobial sensitivity
      tested. Generally, most bacterial isolates except Salmonella and Shigella species
      were found resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin (57.5%),
      trimethoprim/sulfamethoxaole (39.1%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (37.4%),
      cefixime (34.5%), tetracycline (29.1%), ceftazidime (26.3%), ofloxacin (25.9%),
      amikacin (8.7%), and gentamicin (2.7%) but sensitive to imipenem and
      piperacillin/tazobactam. CONCLUSION: Natural sources of water in east Sikkim are
      grossly contaminated with bacteria including enteropathogens. The consumption of
      untreated water from these sources might pose health risk to consumers.

PMID- 25136157
TI  - Anthropometric and Nutritional Profile of People Living with HIV and AIDS in
      India: an Assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Importance of nutrition in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is well
      established; however, the information regarding the diet quality of people living
      with HIV (PLHIV) especially in India is lacking. OBJECTIVES: The objective of
      this study is to assess the anthropometric and nutritional profile of Indian
      PLHIV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on 400 adult PLHIV
      registered at the Antiretroviral Center (ART) center in New Delhi, India.
      Anthropometric data including height, weight, waist, hip, mid arm, and calf
      circumferences, were collected; 1-day 24-h dietary recall was done to gather
      nutrient intake from which nutrient adequacy ratios were computed. Mini
      Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was also conducted. RESULTS: The mean body mass
      index (BMI) of the sample was 19.73 +/- 3.55 kg/m(2) with around 40% having BMI
      <18.5 kg/m(2) . All anthropometric measurements were found to correlate
      positively and significantly with CD4 count (P < 0.05). The sample consumed poor
      quality of diet as they could not meet even the 2/3(rd) of the Indian Council of
      Medical Research (2010) requirements for energy, protein, calcium, iron,
      riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, B12, copper, and zinc. Classification of subjects
      according to MNA indicated that more than 50% of the sample was at-risk of
      malnutrition and 34% were malnourished. With 40% of sample having BMI less than
      normal, 50% at risk of malnutrition together with poor nutrient intakes over a
      long period of time could contribute to further worsening of the nutritional
      status. CONCLUSION: There is a need to develop a database on nutritional profile
      of PLHIV in India which reinforces the need for development of effective
      strategies to improve their nutritional status.

PMID- 25136158
TI  - Nutritional Status of under 5 Children belonging to Tribal Population Living in
      Riverine (Char) Areas of Dibrugarh District, Assam.
AB  - CONTEXT: Assam's main lifeline, the Brahmaputra river, braided nature created
      numerous sand bars and islands known as chars/sapories. They are home to more
      than 3 million people. Over 90% of the cultivated land on the river islands is
      flood-prone; the flood leaves the islands completely separated from mainland,
      preventing access to health infrastructure and services. AIMS: To assess the
      nutritional status of under 5 children residing in the char areas of Dibrugarh
      district and to identify the factors influencing their nutritional status.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted in the
      riverine areas of Dibrugarh district of Assam. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nutritional
      status was assessed using anthropometry. Undernutrition was classified using
      World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Z- score system. Data collection was
      done by house to house visit of all chars using proportionate allocation.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Rates, ratios, proportions, and chi-square test.
      RESULTS: Overall prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 29%, 30.4%,
      and 21.6%, respectively. Prevalence of underweight and stunting was less than the
      prevalence of underweight (36.4%) and stunting (46.5%) in Assam, but the
      prevalence of wasting was more than that of Assam (13.7%) as observed in National
      Family Health Survey-3. Significant association was observed between the
      prevalence of undernutrition and socioeconomic status, literacy status of
      parents, infant, and young child feeding practices and size of the family (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Special focus is needed for nutritional improvement of under
      5 living in char areas to prevent preventable morbidities and to achieve optimum
      development.

PMID- 25136159
TI  - Health issues amongst call center employees, an emerging occupational group in
      India.
AB  - Call center sector in India is a relatively new industry and one of the fastest
      growing sectors driving employment and growth in modern India today. While
      employment in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector has meant that young
      adults are reaching their career milestones and financial goals much earlier than
      before, surveys and anecdotal evidence show that workers in the BPO sector
      experience high levels of stress and its related disorders, primarily due to its
      contemporary work settings. Safeguarding the health of youngsters employed in
      this new, growing economy becomes an occupational health challenge to public
      health specialists. 

PMID- 25136160
TI  - Mobile-health approach: a critical look on its capacity to augment health system
      of developing countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mobile-health approach is currently knocking the doors of public
      health to make use of this rapidly advancing technology in developing countries;
      therefore, it needs a critical look on its capacity in improving health system of
      developing countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of studies in
      literature published till 31(st) October 2013 of last 10 years on key search
      word: Capacity of mobile-health in improving health system of developing
      countries was done from medical search engines abstracting databases such as Pub
      med, WHO, Cochrane database, Google scholar, and Bio-med Central. Both types of
      studies elucidating utility and no benefit of mobile-health in developing
      countries were included as main criteria for deciding the capacity of mobile
      health approach in health system of developing countries. M-health studies on
      areas of impact, effectiveness, and evaluation and previous reviews, conferences
      data, and exploratory studies were the main study designs incorporated. Studies
      on m-health in developed world, Indian studies as well data from thesis or
      dissertation were excluded in this review. DISCUSSION: Multi-faceted mobile
      health applications, strategies, and approaches currently lack proper regulation
      and standardization from health care authorities, and currently their results
      also vary from good to no beneficial effects as found in this review. CONCLUSION:
      Umbrella of mobile-health approaches must be used intelligently, keeping in mind
      the fact that, it can provide a greater access and quality health care to larger
      segments of a rural population and its potential to improve the capacity of
      health system in developing countries.

PMID- 25136161
TI  - Trends of transfusion transmissible diseases among blood donors at uttarakhand,
      India.
AB  - CONTEXT: Blood can save lives; however, it can be a source of transfusion
      transmitted diseases if proper screening of donated blood is not done. It is now
      mandatory to screen all donated blood units, whether replacement or voluntary for
      five transfusion transmitted diseases-namely human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
      hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and malaria. AIMS: The present study was done to
      study the prevalence of infectious disease markers among donors at the blood bank
      of a tertiary care center. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 53,069 donors donated
      blood over 11 years. The number of replacement and voluntary donors was 41,710
      and 11,359, respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Screening of blood units was
      done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for HIV and hepatitis B
      and C. HIV testing was done using fourth generation ELISA kits. Syphilis was
      tested by latex agglutination assay and malaria was tested using slide method up
      to the year 2008-2009 and by rapid immunochromatographic assay after that.
      RESULTS: The mean percentage of these infections per year was found to be 0.2,
      1.2, 0.9, 0.3, and 0.002% for HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis
      C virus (HCV), syphilis, and malarial parasite (MP), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      The risk of transfusion transmissible infection (TTI) today is low but supply of
      safe blood depends on proper donor selection and sensitive screening tests.

PMID- 25136163
TI  - Tobacco Addiction Among Dental Students: A Reality to be Addressed.

PMID- 25136162
TI  - Anemia in elderly: the need to combat the problem.

PMID- 25136164
TI  - Metabolic syndrome in the rural population of wardha, central India: confounding
      of factor analysis as result of high correlated variables.

PMID- 25136165
TI  - Thinking beyond the thomson reuters "impact factor".

PMID- 25136166
TI  - Fertility sparing surgery in gynecologic cancer.
AB  - Fertility preservation is one of the major concerns of young patients diagnosed
      with gynecological cancer. With newer treatment regimens and better surgical
      techniques, survival rates after cancer treatment have improved, hence
      preservation of fertility has recently become an important issue in the treatment
      of gynecological cancers. Fertility sparing surgery may be an option for early
      stage cervical cancer with the development of loop excision techniques and
      radical trachelectomy which allows a radical approach to cervix cancer at the
      same time preserving the uterus and thus fertility. Fertility preservation is
      possible in Stage 1 epithelial ovarian cancers, germ cell ovarian tumors, and
      borderline cancers. Hormonal therapy with progestin agents is effective in early
      endometrial cancer. In patients desiring future pregnancy, fertility sparing
      options must be explored before starting treatment for gynecologic cancers. 

PMID- 25136167
TI  - The never ending debate single-layer versus double-layer closure of the uterine
      incision at cesarean section.

PMID- 25136168
TI  - Impact of structured counseling on the selection of hormonal contraceptive
      methods: results of a multi-centric, observational study in India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of "structured contraception counseling" on
      Indian women's selection of contraceptive methods. METHODS: Women (>=18 and <=40
      years) requesting contraception were enrolled at 36 sites. "Structured
      contraception counseling" was provided by a health care professional on the
      available contraceptive methods. Questionnaires on the women's pre- and post
      counseling contraceptive choice, her perceptions, and the reasons behind her post
      counseling decision were filled. RESULTS: Significant reductions were observed in
      the proportion of women who were indecisive (n = 260; 31.5 % pre-counseling vs. n
      = 30; 3.6 %, post-counseling [P < 0.001]) and women opting for non-hormonal
      method (24.6 % pre-counseling vs. 6.8 % post-counseling, [P < 0.001]). Of all the
      women counseled (n = 825), 89.6 % (739/825) of women chose a hormonal
      contraceptive method. There were significant difference (P < 0.001) in the
      women's choice of contraceptive in the pre- and post-counseling sessions,
      respectively (combined oral contraceptive: 30.8 vs. 40.7 %; vaginal ring: 1.8 vs.
      14.1 %; progestogen only pills: 1.6 vs. 7.9 %; injectable-depot
      medroxyprogesterone acetate: 5.9 vs. 13.6 %; levonorgestrel-intrauterine system:
      3.8 vs. 13.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: Structured contraception counseling using
      standardized protocol and aids resulted in a significant increase in the
      selection of modern contraceptive methods. Post-counseling majority of women
      opted for hormonal methods with an increase in selection of pills and newer
      alternatives.

PMID- 25136169
TI  - Trends in cesarean delivery: rate and indications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the cesarean delivery rates over the last decade and to
      examine the indications contributing to changed trends, if any. METHODS: To
      compare the rate and indications of cesarean delivery over the last decade, the
      data were collected in a retrospective manner from all the deliveries that
      occurred between January 1 and December 31 in 2001, 2006, and 2011, in the
      department of obstetrics and gynecology, Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M.
      Hospital, a large tertiary care municipal hospital in Western India. A cohort of
      20853 delivered women was studied. The rates and indications of primary and
      repeat cesarean sections were analyzed among the live births to estimate the
      relative contribution of each indication to the overall increase in rate.
      RESULTS: The cesarean delivery rate increased from 171.70 to 289.30 per 1,000
      live births, with an increase in primary cesarean delivery rate from 118.53
      (69.03 %) in 2001 to 210.09 (72.62 %) in 2011 per 1,000 live births. Fetal
      distress, arrest of descent, multiple gestations, and fetal indications
      contributed to this increase. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant increase in the
      total cesarean rate with primary cesarean accounting for most of the increase.

PMID- 25136170
TI  - An analysis of pregnancy outcome in dichorionic and monochorionic twins given
      special antenatal and intranatal care: a four-year survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to analyze perinatal outcomes in twins given
      special care during pregnancy and labor and to compare fetal and neonatal
      outcomes in dichorionic twins with monochorionic twins. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty
      eight (88) twin pregnancies booked for care at a tertiary care Fetal Medicine
      centre were included in this study. The maternal demographic variables, course of
      pregnancy, fetal problems, and specialized fetal therapeutic and diagnostic
      interventions were noted. The above parameters were compared in the sub-groups of
      dichorionic and monochorionic twin pregnancies and related to the perinatal
      outcome. Statistical analysis was done using the student's t test and the two
      tailed chi sqaure tests with Yate's continuity correction. A p value <0.05 was
      considered as significant. RESULTS: Mean maternal age was 30.34 + 4.81 years
      (range 19-48). 81 % of the twins were DCDA, and 19 % were MCDA. The mean
      gestational age at delivery was 34.4 +/- 3.5 weeks, and this was not
      significantly different in MCDA and DCDA groups. Serious fetal problems
      warranting intervention at the time of initial referral were significantly higher
      in MCDA twins although overall perinatal outcome in both groups were not
      different. CONCLUSION: Specialized care during pregnancy and labor including
      active fetal surveillance and therapeutic intervention when indicated improves
      the perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies and ensured at least one healthy live
      birth in over 90 % cases, although with an increase in late prematurity.

PMID- 25136171
TI  - An observational study of various predictors of success of vaginal delivery
      following a previous cesarean section.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the various predictors of success for vaginal birth after
      cesarean (VBAC) and to study the maternal and fetal outcomes in them and their
      comparison with control group. METHODS: This prospective observational study
      included 100 women with previous cesarean section in the study group and 100
      primigravidas in the control group. Various predictors for success of VBAC were
      analyzed and maternal and fetal outcomes were compared with the control group
      using student t test, Pearson chi (2) test, and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Of
      100 women with prior cesarean Sect. 65 had successful trial of labor, while 35
      underwent a repeat cesarean section. Maternal complications in the previous CS
      group were 15 % as compared to only 2 % in the control group (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, non-recurring indications of previous
      cesarean section, good Bishop's score at the time of admission, spontaneous onset
      of labor, and neonatal birth weight were significantly related to high chances of
      success of vaginal birth after previous cesarean section. Maternal complications
      were more common in study group, but the fetal outcomes were similar.

PMID- 25136172
TI  - The outcome of septic abortion: a tertiary care hospital experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of septic abortion, reasons for that,
      sociodemographic profile, abortion providers, complications faced, and treatment
      given and its outcome. METHODS: All the women with septic abortion admitted at
      Government Maternity Hospital, Tirupathi, over a period of 2 years 4 months
      duration from July 2007 to October 2009 were studied prospectively. OBSERVATIONS
      AND RESULTS: Incidence of septic abortion in our study was 6.78 %. 72 % of cases
      were performed by qualified medical personnel. Fourteen patients had
      complications, among them peritonitis, pelvic abscess, renal failure, and septic
      shock were common. Twenty-six patients had Grade-I sepsis, Grade-II: 8, Grade
      III: 4, and Grade-IV: 4. Laparotomy was done in six cases. There was no mortality
      in our study. CONCLUSION: The tragedy of septic-induced abortion is totally
      preventable. It only needs definitive commitment to women's health by providing
      effective contraception, strengthening the family welfare services, and
      discouraging repeated terminations of pregnancy as contraceptive method.

PMID- 25136173
TI  - Labor Induction with 50 MUg Vaginal Misoprostol: Can We Reduce Induction-Delivery
      Intervals Safely?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety profile of two methods of labor
      induction i.e., intracervical dinoprostone gel (0.5 mg 8 h) and misoprostol (50
      MUg 4 h) for induction of labor in women with a poor Bishop's score. DESIGN:
      Observational study. STUDY PERIOD: January 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2010.
      POPULATION: A total of 329 women with unfavorable cervices induced at or near
      term. METHODS: Two cervical ripening agent study arms were used: dinoprostone gel
      (193 women) and misoprostol (137 women). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Induction to
      delivery interval, cesarean section, incidence of meconium stained liquor, FHR
      pattern, incidence of uterine hyperstimulation, and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS:
      The induction to delivery interval was significantly shorter in the misoprostol
      group as compared to the dinoprostone group (p < 0.001). There was no difference
      in cesarean section rates between the two groups (dinoprostone gel 43 %;
      misoprostol 33 %; p = 0.144). The incidence of non-reassuring fetal heart rate
      pattern, meconium stained liquor, and uterine hyperstimulation were equivalent in
      both the groups (p = 0.529; 0.733; and 0.321, respectively). The neonatal
      outcomes in both the groups were comparable in terms of Apgar scores at birth (p
      = 0.160) and NICU admissions (p = 0.951). CONCLUSIONS: Labor induction in women
      with unfavorable cervices results in high caesarean section rates. However, the
      use of misoprostol significantly reduces the induction to delivery interval,
      without adversely affecting the caesarean section rates and neonatal outcomes.
      Hence it may become a cost-effective alternative to dinoprostone gel in resource
      poor settings like India.

PMID- 25136174
TI  - Urogenital infections as a risk factor for preterm labor: a hospital-based case
      control study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Preterm labor is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
      Ascending lower genital tract infection leads to preterm labor and adverse
      pregnancy outcomes. This prospective case-control study was performed to see the
      association between preterm labor and urogenital infections. METHODS: A total of
      104 women were observed for urogenital infections and their association with
      preterm labor. Case Group I included 52 women with preterm labor after 26 weeks
      and before 37 completed weeks of gestation with or without rupture of membranes.
      Control Group II included 52 women at completed or more than 37 weeks of
      gestation with no history of preterm labor, matched to the case group with
      respect to age and parity. Midstream urine was sent for cytology and culture
      sensitivity. Samples from posterior fornix of vagina were taken with two
      sterilized swabs under direct vision using Cusco/Sims speculum before first
      vaginal examination and were studied for gram stain characteristics and culture
      sensitivity by standard methods. Microorganisms isolated on culture were noted,
      and antibiotics were given according to sensitivity. Data collected were analyzed
      according to the groups by chi(2) test for categorical variables. RESULTS: In our
      study, urogenital infection was seen in 19 women in Case Group I (36.54 %)
      compared with 9 women in Control Group (17.3 %), and the difference was
      statistically significant (p 0.027). CONCLUSION: Recognizing and treating the
      women having urogenital infections at a stage, when it has not become clinically
      evident, will decrease the percentage of women going into preterm labor and will
      improve the perinatal outcome.

PMID- 25136175
TI  - Prevalence and clinical utility of human papilloma virus genotyping in patients
      with cervical lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cervical cancer is the commonest cancer among Indian women. High-risk
      human papilloma virus (HPV) detection holds the potential to be used as a tool to
      identify women, at risk of subsequent development of cervical cancer. There is a
      pressing need to identify prevalence of asymptomatic cervical HPV infection in
      local population. In our study, we explored the prevalence of HPV genotypes and
      their distribution in women with cervical lesions. METHODS: Scrape specimens were
      obtained from 100 women (study group) with cervical abnormalities. HPV was
      detected with amplicor HPV tests, and the individual genotypes in these specimens
      were identified by Hybribio Genoarray test kit. Fifty specimens were also
      collected from females with healthy cervix (control group). The present study
      also aimed to determine the status of HPV prevalence and its association with
      different sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: Out of the total number of 100
      samples, 10 (10 %) women tested positive for HPV DNA. Among them, HPV 18 was
      observed in 6, HPV 16 in 2, HPV 52 and HPV 39 in one each. Fifty specimens
      collected from patients with healthy cervix were not infected with any of the HPV
      genotype. CONCLUSIONS: Our study generates data of HPV prevalence in patients
      with cervical lesions visiting tertiary care institute. The data generated will
      be useful for laying guidelines for mass screening of HPV detection, treatment,
      and prophylaxis.

PMID- 25136176
TI  - Correlation of Cytology and Colposcopic Findings Using Reid's Index in VIA
      Positive Women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women. Only
      5 % of women in developing countries have ever been screened for cervical
      abnormalities. OBJECTIVES: To study the correlation of cytology and colposcopy in
      VIA-positive women attending the Gynaecology clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      prospective cross-sectional study on 200 symptomatic women compares the role of
      cytology and colposcopy in the assessment of subjects testing positive for
      acetowhite lesions on the cervix after application of 5 % acetic acid (VIA).
      RESULTS: 200/637 women screened in OPD tested VIA positive, giving a positivity
      rate of 31 %. Six smears were reported as LGSIL or HGSIL giving a cytological
      abnormality rate of 3 %. The association between cytology and Reid's score was
      statistically significant at a p value of 0.02. Of the 4 cases with biopsy
      confirmed invasive cancer, cytology reported 2 as LGSIL and 2 as HGSIL.
      Colposcopy reported all these women as CIN 2/3. CONCLUSION: The accuracies of Pap
      smear cytology and colposcopy in the diagnosis of precancerous and cancerous
      lesions of cervix were good.

PMID- 25136177
TI  - Conservative management of interstitial pregnancy.

PMID- 25136178
TI  - Severe hemolytic disease of newborn in a rh d-positive mother: time to mandate
      the antenatal antibody screening.

PMID- 25136179
TI  - Residual adherent placenta with bladder injury: can we use methotrexate?

PMID- 25136180
TI  - A rare case of criminal abortion with retained foreign body in uterus for 2
      years.

PMID- 25136181
TI  - Successful Pregnancy with Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma (ESS).

PMID- 25136183
TI  - Office Hysteroscopy: TROPHYscope CAMPO Compact Hysteroscope ((r)): Manufacturer:
      KARL STORZ, Tuttlingen, Germany.

PMID- 25136182
TI  - Diagnosing GDM: Role of Simple, Cost Effective, and Sensitive DIPSI Test.

PMID- 25136184
TI  - Scrub typhus: Emerging cause of multiorgan dysfunction.

PMID- 25136185
TI  - Noninvasive ventilation success: Combining knowledge and experience.

PMID- 25136186
TI  - Optimum positive end-expiratory pressure 40 years later.

PMID- 25136187
TI  - Profile of organ dysfunction and predictors of mortality in severe scrub typhus
      infection requiring intensive care admission.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Scrub typhus, a zoonotic rickettsial infection, is an
      important reason for intensive care unit (ICU) admission in the Indian
      subcontinent. We describe the clinical profile, organ dysfunction, and predictors
      of mortality of severe scrub typhus infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Retrospective study of patients admitted with scrub typhus infection to a
      tertiary care university affiliated teaching hospital in India during a 21-month
      period. RESULTS: The cohort (n = 116) aged 40.0 +/- 15.2 years (mean +/- SD),
      presented 8.5 +/- 4.4 days after symptom onset. Common symptoms included fever
      (100%), breathlessness (68.5%), and altered mental status (25.5%). Forty-seven
      (41.6%) patients had an eschar. Admission APACHE-II score was 19.6 +/- 8.2.
      Ninety-one (85.2%) patients had dysfunction of 3 or more organ systems.
      Respiratory (96.6%) and hematological (86.2%) dysfunction were frequent.
      Mechanical ventilation was required in 102 (87.9%) patients, of whom 14 (12.1%)
      were solely managed with non-invasive ventilation. Thirteen patients (11.2%)
      required dialysis. Duration of hospital stay was 10.7 +/- 9.7 days. Actual
      hospital mortality (24.1%) was less than predicted APACHE-II mortality (36%; 95%
      Confidence interval 32-41). APACHE-II score and duration of fever were
      independently associated with mortality on logistic regression analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of severe scrub typhus infection with multi-organ
      dysfunction, survival was good despite high severity of illness scores. APACHE-II
      score and duration of fever independently predicted mortality.

PMID- 25136188
TI  - Noninvasive ventilation: Are we overdoing it?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) outside guideline
      recommendations is common. We audited use of NIV in our tertiary care critical
      care unit (CCU) to evaluate appropriateness of use and patient outcomes when used
      outside level I recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective observational
      study of all patients requiring NIV. Clinical parameters and arterial blood gases
      were recorded at initiation of NIV and 2 h later (or earlier if clinically
      warranted). NIV titration and decision to intubate were left to the discretion of
      treating intensivist. Patients were categorized into two groups: Group 1: Those
      with level I indications for use of NIV and group 2: All other levels of
      indications. Patients were followed until hospital discharge. RESULTS: From
      January 2010 to June 2010, 1120 patients were admitted to the CCU. Of these 106
      patients required NIV support with 40.6% (n = 43/106) being in group 1 and 59.4%
      (n = 63/106) in group 2. Of these 35.8% patients (38/106) failed NIV and required
      endotracheal intubation. NIV failure rates (41.27% vs. 27.91%; P = 0.02) and
      mortality (30.6% vs. 18.6%; P = 0.03) were significantly higher in group 2
      patients. In a logistic regression analysis Acute Physiology and Chronic Health
      Evaluation (APACHE) II score (P = 0.02), time on NIV before intubation (P =
      0.001) and baseline PaCO2 levels (P = 0.01) were strongly associated with
      mortality. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive ventilation failure and mortality rates were
      significantly higher when used outside level I recommendations. APACHE II score,
      baseline PaCO2 and duration on NIV prior to intubation were predictors of
      increased mortality.

PMID- 25136189
TI  - Compliance versus dead space for optimum positive end expiratory pressure
      determination in acute respiratory distress syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To Compare compliance versus dead space (Vd) targeted positive end
      expiratory pressure (PEEP) as regard its effect on lung mechanics and
      oxygenation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 30 adult acute
      respiratory distress syndrome patients. The ventilator was initially set on
      volume controlled with tidal volume (Vt) 7 mL/kg predicted body weight (PBW),
      inspiratory plateau pressure (Ppl) <30 cm H2 O. If the Ppl was >30 cm H2 O with a
      TV of 6 mL/kg PBW, a step-wise Vt reduction of 1 mL/kg PBW to as low as 4
      mL/kg/PBW was allowed. Respiratory rate adjusted to maintain pH 7.30-7.45. FiO2
      start at 100%. Best PEEP determined at 2 points, one by titrating PEEP until
      reaching the highest static compliance (Cst) (PEEP Cst) and the other one is at
      the lowest Vd/Vt (PEEP Vd/Vt). The following data measured before and 30 min
      after setting PEEP Cst and PEEP Vd/Vt. Cst, PaCO2 - PetCO2, Vd/Vt, PaO2 /FiO2,
      Ppl, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and oxygen saturation. RESULTS: optimum
      PEEP determined by Vd/Vt was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the optimum PEEP
      determined by Cst. Best PEEP Vd/Vt showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in
      Cst, PaCO2 - PetCO2, Vd/Vt and Ppl in comparison with best PEEP Cst. The PaO2
      /FiO2 showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) with best PEEP Vd/Vt in comparison
      with best PEEP Cst. CONCLUSION: Vd guided PEEP improved compliance and
      oxygenation with less Ppl. Hence, its use as a guide for best PEEP determination
      may be useful.

PMID- 25136190
TI  - Funding sources for continuing medical education: An observational study.
AB  - AIMS: Medical accreditation bodies and licensing authorities are increasingly
      mandating continuing medical education (CME) credits for maintenance of licensure
      of healthcare providers. However, the costs involved in participating in these
      CME activities are often substantial and may be a major deterrent in obtaining
      these mandatory credits. It is assumed that healthcare providers often obtain
      sponsorship from their institutions or third party payers (i.e. pharmaceutical
      industry) to attend these educational activities. Data currently does not exist
      exploring the funding sources for CME activities in India. In this study, we
      examine the relative proportion of CME activities sponsored by self, institution
      and the pharmaceutical-industry. We also wanted to explore the characteristics of
      courses that have a high proportion of self-sponsorship. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This is a retrospective audit of the data during the year 2009 conducted at an
      autonomous clinical training academy. The details of the sponsor of each CME
      activity were collected from an existing database. Participants were subsequently
      categorized as sponsored by self, sponsored by institution or sponsored by
      pharmaceutical-industry. RESULTS: In the year 2009, a total of 2235 participants
      attended 40 different CME activities at the training academy. Of the total
      participants, 881 (39.4%) were sponsored by self, 898 (40.2%) were sponsored by
      institution and 456 (20.3%) by pharmaceutical-industry. About 47.8% participants
      attended courses that carried an international accreditation. For the courses
      that offer international accreditation, 63.3% were sponsored by self, 34.9% were
      sponsored by institution and 1.6% were sponsored by pharmaceutical-industry.
      There were 126 participants (5.6%) who returned to the academy for another CME
      activity during the study period. Self-sponsored (SS) candidates were more likely
      to sponsor themselves again for subsequent CME activity compared with the other
      two groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, majority of healthcare
      professionals attending CME activities were either self or institution sponsored.
      There was a greater inclination for self-sponsoring for activities with
      international accreditation. SS candidates were more likely to sponsor themselves
      again for subsequent CME activities.

PMID- 25136193
TI  - Successful use of sustained low efficiency dialysis in a case of severe
      phenobarbital poisoning.
AB  - A 30-year-old female presented with coma and subsequent cardiac arrest caused by
      phenobarbital overdosage, requiring ventilatory and vasopressor support. She had
      also developed severe hypoxia following gastric aspiration. Initial therapy,
      including activated charcoal and forced alkaline diuresis, failed to
      significantly lower her drug levels and there was minimal neurological
      improvement. As she was hemodynamically unstable, and unsuitable for conventional
      dialysis, she was put on sustained low efficiency dialysis (SLED) to facilitate
      drug removal. SLED resulted in marked reduction in plasma level of phenobarbital,
      which eventually led to early extubation, improved cognition and aided full
      recovery. Thus, we concluded that SLED can be an effective alternative in cases
      of severe phenobarbital poisoning, where conventional hemodialysis or
      hemoperfusion cannot be initiated, to hasten drug elimination and facilitate
      early recovery. 

PMID- 25136192
TI  - Hyperkalemic paralysis in primary adrenal insufficiency.
AB  - Hyperkalemic paralysis due to Addison's disease is rare, and potentially life
      threatening entity presenting with flaccid motor weakness. This case under
      discussion highlights Hyperkalemic paralysis as initial symptomatic manifestation
      of primary adrenal insufficiency. 

PMID- 25136194
TI  - An unusual cause of gastrointestinal bleed.
AB  - Gastrointestinal (GI) bleed often brings the patient to the emergency medical
      service with great anxiety. Known common causes of GI bleed include ulcers,
      varices, Mallory-Weiss among others. All causes of GI bleed should be considered
      however unusual during the evaluation. Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is one of the
      unusual causes of GI bleed, which has to be considered especially in patients
      with a history of abdominal surgery in general and aortic surgery in particular. 

PMID- 25136191
TI  - Pediatric acute kidney injury: A syndrome under paradigm shift.
AB  - The recent standardization and validation of definitions of pediatric acute
      kidney injury (pAKI) has ignited new dimensions of pAKI epidemiology and its risk
      factors. pAKI causes increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill
      children. Among the hospitalized patients incidence of pAKI ranges from 1% to
      31%, while mortality ranges from 28% to 82%, presenting a broad range due to lack
      of uniformly acceptable pAKI definition. In addition, cumulative data regarding
      the progression of pAKI to chronic kidney disease in children is rising. Despite
      these alarming figures, treatment modalities have failed to deliver
      significantly. In this review, we will summarize the latest developments of pAKI
      and highlight important aspects of pAKI management. 

PMID- 25136195
TI  - Spontaneous cryptococcal peritonitis with fungemia in patients with decompensated
      cirrhosis: Report of two cases.
AB  - Cryptococcus neoformans is encapsulated yeast that predominately infects
      immunocompromised individuals. Liver disease is an under-recognized
      predisposition for cryptococcal disease. We report two nonalcoholic, nondiabetic,
      and human immunodeficiency virus - negative cirrhotic patients, with spontaneous
      cryptococcal peritonitis. Cryptococcus infection was diagnosed by culture of
      ascitic fluid and peripheral blood in both. We treated the first patient with
      amphotericin-B, but he expired. The second patient with earlier diagnosis,
      survived to discharge with fluconazole treatment. We suggest a high clinical
      suspicion for Cryptococcus as a possible etiology of spontaneous peritonitis in
      cirrhotic patients. 

PMID- 25136196
TI  - Deep vein thrombosis of upper extremities due to reactive thrombocytosis in
      septic patients.
AB  - Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is not an uncommon condition in the intensive care
      unit (ICU), and having high morbidity and mortality. Upper limb DVT also is
      increasingly being recognized as a clinical entity. The presence of the
      indwelling catheter in neck veins is a risk for developing venous thrombus, which
      may be further aggravated by presence of thrombocytosis. In ICU patients with
      sepsis, reactive thrombocytosis has been found during the recovery phase. Here,
      we are presenting two cases, having thrombocytosis and central venous catheter
      who developed upper limb DVT. 

PMID- 25136197
TI  - Multinodular goiter with retrosternal extension causing airway obstruction:
      Management in intensive care unit and operating room.

PMID- 25136198
TI  - Management of snake bite victims in a Tertiary Care Intensive Care Unit in North
      India.

PMID- 25136199
TI  - Ofloxacin-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis.

PMID- 25136200
TI  - Internal jugular vein thrombosis from rhino-cerebral mucormycosis: Be careful
      before cannulation.

PMID- 25136201
TI  - Vasovagal syncope during spirometric exercise.

PMID- 25136202
TI  - Acute epiglottitis from corrosive ingestion.

PMID- 25136203
TI  - Application of rapid ultrasound in shock protocol in the ICU for management of
      shock.

PMID- 25136205
TI  - The dynamics and power of change: changing practices in cutaneous and aesthetic
      surgery.

PMID- 25136207
TI  - Management of infantile hemangiomas.

PMID- 25136206
TI  - Management of infantile hemangiomas: current trends.
AB  - Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are common vascular tumours. IH have a characteristic
      natural course. They proliferate rapidly during the early infantile period
      followed by a period of gradual regression over several years. Most of the
      uncomplicated IH undergo spontaneous involution, with a small proportion of cases
      requiring intervention. These are children with IH in life-threatening locations,
      local complications like haemorrhage, ulceration and necrosis and functional or
      cosmetic disfigurements. Systemic corticosteroids have been the first line of
      treatment for many years. Recently, non-selective beta-blockers, such as oral
      propranalol and topical timolol, have emerged as promising and safer therapies.
      Other treatment options include interferon alpha and vincristine which are
      reserved for life-threatening haemangiomas that are unresponsive to conventional
      therapy. This review mainly focuses on the current trends and evidence-based
      approach in the management of IH. 

PMID- 25136208
TI  - Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing as Monotherapy in the Treatment of Atrophic
      Facial Acne Scars.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While laser resurfacing remains the most effective treatment option
      for atrophic acne scars, the high incidence of post-treatment adverse effects
      limits its use. Fractional laser photothermolysis attempts to overcome these
      limitations of laser resurfacing by creating microscopic zones of injury to the
      dermis with skip areas in between. AIM: The aim of the present study is to assess
      the efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing in atrophic facial
      acne scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with moderate to severe
      atrophic facial acne scars were treated with 3-4 sessions of fractional CO2 laser
      resurfacing at 6-week intervals. The therapeutic response to treatment was
      assessed at each follow up visit and then finally 6 months after the last laser
      session using a quartile grading scale. Response to treatment was labelled as
      'excellent' if there was >50% improvement in scar appearance and texture of skin
      on the grading scale while 25-50% response and <25% improvement were labelled as
      'good' and 'poor' response, respectively. The overall satisfaction of the
      patients and any adverse reactions to the treatment were also noted. RESULTS:
      Most of the patients showed a combination of different morphological types of
      acne scars. At the time of final assessment 6 months after the last laser
      session, an excellent response was observed in 26 patients (43.3%) while 15 (25%)
      and 19 patients (31.7%) demonstrated a good and poor response respectively.
      Rolling and superficial boxcar scars responded the best while pitted scars
      responded the least to fractional laser monotherapy. The commonest reported
      adverse effect was transient erythema and crusting lasting for an average of 3-4
      and 4-6 days, respectively while three patients developed post-inflammatory
      pigmentation lasting for 8-12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Fractional laser resurfacing as
      monotherapy is effective in treating acne scars especially rolling and
      superficial boxcar scars with minimal adverse effects.

PMID- 25136210
TI  - Efficacy of triple therapy in auricular keloids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Keloids are characterised by their continued growth following trauma,
      extension into normal tissue and their high recurrence rate following excision.
      Auricular keloids are common following ear piercing or flame burns. These lesions
      are highly conspicuous and cosmetically unappealing. Multiple methods including
      surgery, radiotherapy, antimitotic agents, silicone sheet, pressure clips and
      cryotherapy have been advocated. The risk of recurrence and the need to prevent
      distortion of the three-dimensional structure of the ear following resection is a
      challenge to the cutaneous surgeon. OBJECTIVES: To devise a standard protocol for
      management of auricular keloids with minimal distortion and recurrence. SETTING
      AND DESIGN: The patients underwent day-care surgery and subsequent out-patient
      follow-up for a minimum period of 1 year. METHODS: Ten patients presenting with
      22 ear keloids were enrolled into a keloid protocol: (a) surgical excision and
      keloid rind flap cover with (b) intra-operative and post-operative intra-lesional
      steroid and (c) silicone sheet application. Subjective assessment on follow-up
      was using Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale and objective assessment was by
      Beausang scale. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Microsoft Excel and Statistical
      Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis curve used
      to calculate Recurrence Free period. RESULTS: Two out of 22 (9.1%) keloids
      developed post-excision recurrence after a mean follow -up period of 16 months.
      The average keloid recurrence free interval was 21 months. CONCLUSION: Triple
      combination therapy for keloids on the ear is a simple technique for management
      with preservation of contour of the ear and a low recurrence rate.

PMID- 25136209
TI  - Evaluation of microneedling fractional radiofrequency device for treatment of
      acne scars.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various treatment modalities including non-invasive methods such as
      chemical peels, topical retinoids, microdermabrasion, minimally invasive
      techniques such as microneedling, fractional lasers, microneedling radiofrequency
      devices and invasive procedures such as acne scar surgeries and ablative lasers
      are used for acne scars, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
      This study is a retrospective assessment of efficacy and safety of microneedling
      fractional radiofrequency in the treatment of acne scars. METHODS: Thirty one
      patients of skin types III-V with moderate and severe facial acne scarring
      received four sequential fractional radiofrequency treatments over a period of 6
      months with an interval of 6 weeks between each session. Goodman & Baron's acne
      scar grading system was used for assessment by a side by side comparison of
      preoperative and post- operative photographs taken at their first visit and at
      the end of 3 months after the last session. RESULTS: Estimation of improvement
      with Goodman and Baron's Global Acne Scarring System showed that by qualitative
      assessment of 31 patients with grade 3 and grade 4 acne scars, 80.64% showed
      improvement by 2 grades and 19.35% showed improvement by 1 grade. Quantitative
      assessment showed that 58% of the patients had moderate, 29% had minimal, 9% had
      good and 3% showed very good improvement. Adverse effects were limited to
      transient pain, erythema, edema and hyperpigmentation. CONCLUSION: Microneedling
      fractional radiofrequency is efficacious for the treatment of moderate and severe
      acne scars.

PMID- 25136211
TI  - Outcomes of staple closure of the donor area during hair transplant by follicular
      unit transfer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Donor area closure in hair transplantation by follicular unit
      transfer (FUT) is being done by various techniques. This study aims to assess the
      outcomes of staple closure for donor area in FUT. AIM: To study the outcome,
      efficacy and complications of staples in donor area closure for FUT. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A total of 50 consecutive patients who underwent staple closure for
      donor area in FUT were included in the study and their data were collected
      retrospectively. Patients were followed up one year after the surgery and
      photographic documentation of the scar at the donor site was done. Objective
      measurement of the width of the scar was done for all the patients. RESULTS: The
      average length of the donor area was 22 cm. The average width of the scar was
      1.82 mm. There was no infection or tissue necrosis at the staple closure site in
      any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Staple closure resulted in cosmetically
      acceptable scar, but post operative discomfort was the major limitation. The
      potential to conserve the hair follicles along the line of closure makes using
      staples worthwhile if conservation of follicles is the goal.

PMID- 25136212
TI  - Platelet-rich plasma in androgenic alopecia: myth or an effective tool.
AB  - Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a newer method for the treatment of various
      types of alopecia. In this prospective study, safety, efficacy and feasibility of
      PRP injections in treating androgenic alopecia were assessed. Eleven patients
      suffering from hair loss due to androgenic alopecia and not responding to 6
      months treatment with minoxidil and finasteride were included in this study. The
      hair pull test was performed before every treatment session. A total volume of 2
      3 cc PRP was injected in the scalp by using an insulin syringe. The treatment was
      repeated every two weeks, for a total of four times. The outcome was assessed
      after 3 months by clinical examination, macroscopic photos, hair pull test and
      patient's overall satisfaction. RESULTS: A significant reduction in hair loss was
      observed between first and fourth injection. Hair count increased from average
      number of 71 hair follicular units to 93 hair follicular units. Therefore,
      average mean gain is 22.09 follicular units per cm(2.) After the fourth session,
      the pull test was negative in 9 patients. CONCLUSION: PRP injection is a simple,
      cost effective and feasible treatment option for androgenic alopecia, with high
      overall patient satisfaction.

PMID- 25136213
TI  - Platelet Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Where do we Stand?

PMID- 25136215
TI  - Gynaecomastia Surgery: Should it be Individualised?

PMID- 25136214
TI  - Role of Combined Circumareolar Skin Excision and Liposuction in Management of
      High grade Gynaecomastia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: High-grade gynaecomastia (Simon IIb and III) has tissue excess
      (skin excess, enlarged areola, and displaced nipple), which is best managed
      surgically; however, results of conventional breast reduction surgeries and
      liposuction is not very good. Aim of our study was to describe a combined
      technique to manage these problems to produce a good result. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      This was a 2-year study among 12 patients of high grade gynaecomastia. Clinical
      and laboratory findings were normal. Pre-operatively in standing position,
      diameter of breast and areola, position of nipple, and amount of skin excess were
      marked. Under general anaesthesia, tumescent infiltration, circumareolar de
      epithelisation of skin excess, and liposuction was completed. Redundant portion
      of the breast was sharply dissected and pulled out. Areola was fixed over
      pectoralis fascia at mid humerus level, just medial to the mid-clavicular line.
      Outer borders of the de-epithelised area were apposed by the purse-string effect
      of a subdermal suture, and further apposed by few half buried horizontal mattress
      sutures. Drains for 24 hour and compressive dressings for 6 weeks were used.
      RESULT: Mean age of presentation was 25.8 year; emotional discomfort was the
      chief complaint. Among 12 patients, 10 patients had bilateral gynaecomastia and 8
      patients had enlarged and displaced nipple-areola complex. Average hospital stay
      was 2.41 days and recoveries were usually uneventful. CONCLUSION: The problem of
      tissue excess and tissue displacement in high grade gynaecomastia can be well
      managed by this combined circumareolar skin reduction and liposuction technique
      to achieve a scar-less flat male chest.

PMID- 25136216
TI  - Targeted cryotherapy using disposable biopsy punches.
AB  - Cryotherapy is a commonly used office procedure that causes destruction of tissue
      by cryonecrosis due to rapid freezing and thawing of cells. The limitation in
      treating plantar warts and deeper dermal lesions is that the freeze time should
      be longer to penetrate deeper, which results in collateral damage to normal skin
      surrounding the lesion. This results in unwanted side effects of prolonged pain,
      blistering and haemorrhage and increased healing time. The cone spray technique
      was used to reduce collateral damage, but deeper penetration is difficult to
      achieve. An innovative technique using disposable biopsy punches is described
      that ensures deeper freezing as compared to the plastic cone. The metal cutting
      edge of the punch enters deeper into the lesions as the liquid nitrogen is
      passed, sparing damage to surrounding skin. 

PMID- 25136217
TI  - How to practice dermatosurgery safely?
AB  - Dermatosurgery has become an integral and essential component of current
      dermatology practice. No surgery can be totally risk free, only the level of risk
      varies. Patient safety has to be ensured by following standard protocols and
      taking appropriate precautions to prevent complications and mishaps. Mismatch
      between patient's expectations and outcome can lead to litigation. A
      dermatosurgeon should take care of his legal safety by obtaining informed consent
      and meticulously documenting and preserving medical records. Importance of
      communication and maintaining of fiduciary relationship with the patient cannot
      be overemphasized. 

PMID- 25136218
TI  - Buying a laser - tips and pearls.
AB  - Lasers and aesthetic procedures have transformed dermatology practice. They have
      aided in the treatment of hitherto untreatable conditions and allowed better
      financial remuneration to the physician. The availability of a variety of laser
      devices of different makes, specifications and pricing has lead to confusion and
      dilemma in the mind of the buying physician. There are presently no guidelines
      available for buying a laser. Since purchase of a laser involves large
      investments, careful consideration to laser specifications, training, costing,
      warranty, availability of spares, and reliability of service are important
      prerequisites. This article describes various factors that are needed to be
      considered and also attempts to lay down criteria to be assessed while buying a
      laser system that will be useful to physicians before investing in a laser
      machine. PRACTICE POINTS: Meticulous planning of the type of machine,
      specifications, financial aspects, maintenance and warranties is important.It is
      wise to sign a contract or agreement between the buyer and seller before purchase
      of a laser which covers key aspects of installation, after sales service and
      maintenance of the machine.Adequate training is essential; understanding laser
      physics and laser-tissue interaction goes a long way in getting the best out of
      the machine.The credibility of the dealer and company should be ascertained in
      order to be assured of after-sales service.Buying used machines, sharing of
      equipment to offset high initial investments is a good option but even more care
      is required to ensure proper functioning and maintenance.

PMID- 25136220
TI  - Favre-racouchot syndrome with bilateral mechanical ptosis: an unusual
      presentation.

PMID- 25136219
TI  - Primary Bilateral Extramammary Paget's Disease of the Axillae: Another Case of
      this Strange Disease.
AB  - Primary extramammary Paget's disease of the axilla is a rare variant with the
      capability of mimicking other more common conditions. We present a case of a 65
      year-old woman with inflammatory skin lesions of both axillae clinically
      unresponsive to long-term conventional topical therapy. We decided to excise and
      reconstruct the resulting soft tissue defect of the major lesion by using a
      thoraco-dorsal artery perforator-based Limberg's flap. The histopathological
      examination showed intracellular mucin, signet cells, and glandular structures,
      the typical pattern of the EMPD. This was a very interesting case of a per se
      rare condition. 

PMID- 25136221
TI  - Re: superficial large Basal cell carcinoma over face, reconstructed by v-y
      plasty.

PMID- 25136222
TI  - Author's reply.

PMID- 25136223
TI  - Re: Propranolol for infantile haemangiomas: Early experience from a tertiary
      center.

PMID- 25136224
TI  - Author's reply.

PMID- 25136225
TI  - Reply to expert comments - a study of donor area in follicular unit hair
      transplantation.

PMID- 25136226
TI  - Cavitary anomalies of the optic disc: Different entities or part of a single
      spectrum of disease?

PMID- 25136227
TI  - Non-drainage scleral buckling with solid silicone elements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the increasing number of cataract surgeries, incidence of
      posterior segment complications including rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD)
      is likely to rise. Scleral buckling (SB) surgery is an effective and less
      expensive option. The primary advantage of non-drainage procedure is avoidance of
      possible complications associated with trans-choroidal drainage. The aim of
      present study is to describe the clinical profile of subjects undergoing non
      drainage SB surgery with solid silicone elements for RRD and analyze their
      treatment outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, non
      randomized, interventional study at a tertiary care center. Three hundred and six
      eyes of 298 patients undergoing non-drainage SB surgery with solid silicone
      elements from year 2000 to 2006 were included. Inclusion criteria were primary
      RRD, peripheral depressible retinal break, media clarity affording peripheral
      retinal view and proliferative vitreo-retinopathy (PVR) up to grade C2. Uni- and
      multivariate analyses was done to analyze factors affecting anatomical and visual
      outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 10. RESULTS: Mean
      follow-up was 303 +/- 393.33 days. Primary anatomical success was obtained in 279
      (91.2%) eyes; primary functional success in 286 (93.5%) eyes. PVR (grade B or C),
      intraocular pressure <10 mm Hg and the inability to find a retinal break were
      significantly associated with final anatomical failure. Baseline vision <=3/60
      was significantly associated with poor visual recovery. CONCLUSIONS: SB surgery
      is reasonably safe and highly efficacious. Solid silicone elements are effective
      in non-drainage SB surgery. However, case selection is important.

PMID- 25136228
TI  - Botulinum neurotoxin type A versus punctal plug insertion in the management of
      dry eye disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the efficacies of punctal plug insertion and Botulinum toxin
      injection in dry eye disease not responding to topical medications. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A non-controlled randomized clinical trial of two parallel groups of 60
      dry eye patients seen in the clinic not responding to topical medications were
      divided into two groups. One group received punctal plugs and the other group
      received Botulinum toxin injections to prevent lacrimal tear drainage. RESULTS:
      Of a total of 36 patients with a mean age of 44.5 years who received punctal
      plugs, 50% of them experienced improvements in the clinical manifestations of
      their disease. 12/36 (33.3%) developed plug extrusion, and 6/36 (16.7%) patients
      developed conjunctival erosions with irritation that necessitated plug removal
      within one week of insertion. A total of 24 patients with a mean age of 47.5
      years received injections of Botulinum toxin. Of these, 83.3% had improvement in
      all of the clinical manifestations of dry eye. 4/24 (16.7%) had no improvement in
      the degrees to which they experienced foreign body sensations, 33.3% reported
      shampoo entering the eye while showering. All of the patients who received
      Botulinum toxin injections were satisfied with the results of their treatment,
      whereas only 72.3% of the patients who received punctal plugs were satisfied with
      their results. CONCLUSION: Botulinum neurotoxin A injections can be a very good
      alternative to punctal plugs in improving the clinical manifestations of dry eye
      disease They are associated with the development of fewer and milder
      complications and with higher levels of patient satisfaction.

PMID- 25136229
TI  - Ancient schwannoma of the orbit.
AB  - The ancient schwannoma is a rare variant of a neurilemoma with a course typical
      of a slow-growing benign neoplasm. Histologically, it can be confused with a
      malignant mesenchymal tumor because of increased cellularity, nuclear
      pleomorphism, and hyperchromatism. Despite the degree of nuclear atypia, mitotic
      figures are absent. We describe the clinical and histopathologic features of an
      ancient schwannoma of the orbit. A need for early removal of such tumors is
      recommended to prevent complications. 

PMID- 25136230
TI  - Cornelia de Lange syndrome with optic disk pit: Novel association and review of
      literature.
AB  - Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS), also called Brachmann-de Lange syndrome, is a
      multiple congenital anomaly syndrome characterized by a distinctive facial
      appearance, ophthalmological abnormalities, prenatal and postnatal growth
      deficiency, psychomotor delay, behavioral problems, and malformations of the
      upper extremities. Most common and consistent ophthalmic features reported are
      nasolacrimal duct obstruction, long and curly eyelashes, blepharitis, ptosis,
      synophrys, telecanthus, hypertelorism, microcornea, peripapillary pigment ring,
      and myopia. In this report we report a case of a 5-year old boy who presented to
      our institution with complaint of blurring of vision in the right eye since
      birth. A diagnosis of Cornelia de Lange syndrome was arrived at based on the
      characteristic external and ophthalmic examination. He was found to have a rare
      association of optic nerve head coloboma in the right eye and a novel finding of
      an optic disk pit in the left eye. The association of optic disk pit with CdLS
      has never been reported earlier. We aim to provide a thorough review of
      literature of this not so uncommon syndrome. 

PMID- 25136231
TI  - Bilateral simultaneous nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in a
      patient with alcoholic liver disease.
AB  - A 53-year-old man with a history of alcoholism since 10 years admitted for
      jaundice elsewhere developed bilateral simultaneous decrease in vision in both
      the eyes 4 days after admission. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in
      both eyes. Visual field evaluation revealed an inferior altitudinal defect in
      both the eyes. Optic disc appearance, visual fields, and optical coherence
      tomography of discs were suggestive of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic
      neuropathy (NAION) in both the eyes. Liver function tests revealed elevated serum
      bilirubin and hepatic enzymes. He was negative for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Abdominal ultrasound revealed no focal hepatic
      lesion, and carotid doppler revealed no arteriosclerosis. A diagnosis of
      bilateral ischemic optic neuropathy associated with alcoholic hepatitis was made.
      Bilateral simultaneous NAION has been previously reported in perioperative visual
      loss, HCV infection, and interferon treatment. This is the first case report of
      bilateral simultaneous NAION in alcoholic hepatitis in the absence of associated
      infective viral hepatitis. We explore the pathophysiology of ischemic optic
      neuropathy in liver disease. An early intervention to correct the risk factors
      leading to NAION may help in preventing this vision-threatening complication in
      patients with chronic liver disease. 

PMID- 25136232
TI  - Rapid regression of choroidal metastasis from lung cancer using erlotinib
      (Tarceva).
AB  - Lung carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and is the primary
      source for choroidal metastasis in over 20% cases. Non-small-cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases. Patients with metastatic NSCLC
      have a median survival of one year. Successful treatment of systemic metastasis
      from NSCLC using erlotinib has been documented. The effect of oral erlotinib on
      choroidal metastasis has been rarely reported. We document a case and study the
      effect of oral erlotinib on choroidal metastasis from NSCLC. A 48-year-old
      Caucasian female presented with biopsy-proven primary NSCLC with systemic
      metastasis and solitary choroidal metastasis of 4.8 mm thickness in the right
      eye. The patient was treated with 100 mg daily dose of oral erlotinib. Two weeks
      after starting erlotinib therapy, the patient showed complete regression of
      choroidal metastasis to a flat scar with resolution of subretinal fluid and
      improvement of visual acuity from 20/100 to 20/25. There was no evidence of
      recurrence at five-month follow-up. Erlotinib is an alternative therapy for
      choroidal metastasis from NSCLC. 

PMID- 25136233
TI  - Long-term results of intravitreal ranibizumab for osteoma-related choroidal
      neovascularization in a child.
AB  - Though choroidal osteoma is a rare benign tumor, associated choroidal
      neovascularization (CNV) can be a cause of severe visual loss. A nine-year-old
      boy presented with one-month history of decreased vision in left eye. Upon a
      complete ophthalmologic examination, including fundus fluorescein angiography and
      optical coherence tomography, he was diagnosed with choroidal osteoma-related
      subfoveal CNV in the left eye. The CNV was associated with subretinal hemorrhage,
      subretinal fluid, and cystoid macular edema. Owing to the young age and subfoveal
      localization of the CNV, intravitreal ranibizumab injection was performed on this
      patient after a detailed discussion with the parents of its safety profile. No
      local or systemic complications were noted. No recurrence of CNV lesion was noted
      during 30 months of follow-up, and the vision was maintained. This report shows
      the favorable outcome of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab in choroidal
      osteoma-related CNV in a child. 

PMID- 25136235
TI  - Optical coherence tomography demonstrating macular retinal nerve fiber thinning
      in advanced optic disc drusen.
AB  - Optic disc drusen (ODD) are extracellular proteinaceous excrescences in the optic
      nerve head. They enlarge over time and can cause damage to nerve fibers with
      resulting loss of visual field. The authors report a case of advanced ODD in
      which macular optical coherence tomography demonstrated retinal nerve fiber
      thinning. A single case report of a 42-year-old woman with known ODD presented to
      the eye clinic with worsening field of vision which was impacting on her daily
      life. The patient was subject to full ophthalmic examination as well as Goldmann
      visual field testing, optic disc photography and optical coherence tomography
      (OCT) of both her optic discs and maculae. ODD although rare, can be visually
      devastating. No treatment is currently available however patients should be
      counseled about progressive nature of ODD and the potential for visual loss. OCT
      imaging of the maculae as well as optic discs may serve a role in monitoring the
      damage disc drusen cause to the eye. 

PMID- 25136234
TI  - Giant leiomyoma of the ciliary body.
AB  - Leiomyoma is a rare intraocular tumor that arises from uveal smooth muscle.
      Herein, we report a large leiomyoma that occupied nearly 50% of the globe,
      closely resembling melanoma. A 40-year-old female presented with a 17 * 15 * 11
      mm amelanotic ciliochoroidal mass causing visual defect in her right eye (OD).
      Based on transillumination features of tumor shadow and ultrasonographic features
      of acoustically solid mass, there was low clinical suspicion for leiomyoma or
      schwannoma, and a preliminary diagnosis of ciliochoroidal melanoma was rendered.
      Following enucleation, histopathology revealed a paucicellular tumor comprised of
      spindle cells, with positive immunostaining for smooth muscle actin and negative
      stains for melanoma markers (S-100 protein, HMB45, and MITF-2). These features
      were consistent with ciliochoroidal leiomyoma. Benign uveal leiomyoma can achieve
      an unusually large size and block light transmission on transillumination,
      features that simulate malignant melanoma. 

PMID- 25136236
TI  - Alternating central serous chorioretinopathy in two consecutive pregnancies.
AB  - To highlight the similarity in onset, clinical course, and resolution of central
      serous chorioretinopathy in two eyes, in two consecutive pregnancies in the same
      patient. A case report. Snellen visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, and optical
      coherence tomography (OCT). A 31-year-old female had central serous
      chorioretinopathy with sub-retinal exudates in left eye during the sixth month of
      her first pregnancy and later in right eye also during the sixth month of her
      second pregnancy two years later. Both eyes had spontaneous resolution of the
      lesions with final visual acuity of 1.0 each eye. To the best of our knowledge,
      there have been no reports of alternating CSCR with sub-retinal exudates,
      occurring exactly in the sixth month of two consecutive pregnancies, two years
      apart, with spontaneous resolution after deliveries. 

PMID- 25136238
TI  - Medulloepithelioma: A triad of clinical features.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraocular medulloepithelioma arises from the primitive medullary
      epithelium and is diagnosed at a median age of five years. This tumor most
      commonly appears as a white, gray, or yellow-colored ciliary body tumor. The
      growth of medulloepithelioma is slow and it is locally invasive. Poor vision and
      pain are the most common presenting symptoms. The most common clinical signs
      include cyst or mass in iris, anterior chamber or ciliary body, glaucoma, and
      cataract. CASE: A 22-month-old Caucasian female twin presented with leukocoria
      and poor vision in OS. Examination revealed normal findings OD and a mass in OS.
      Based on the clinical features of leukocoria, lens changes and a white cystic
      ciliary body mass in a young child, ultrasonographic, and transillumination
      features, the lesion was diagnosed as a non-pigmented ciliary epithelial
      medulloepithelioma. After enucleation, the diagnosis of malignant teratoid
      medulloepithelioma of the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium was confirmed. There
      was no evidence of tumor recurrence or systemic metastasis at three years follow
      up. CONCLUSION: Medulloepithelioma in a child can present as a clinical triad of
      leukocoria, lens changes, and a white cystic ciliary body mass.

PMID- 25136237
TI  - OLOGEN((r)) implant in the management of glaucoma in an unusual case of Axenfeld
      Rieger syndrome.
AB  - We report an unusual case of Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome with secondary glaucoma
      managed with Ologen((r)) implant. A 35-year-old male presented with complaints of
      decreased vision in both eyes of 22 years duration. His best corrected visual
      acuity (BCVA) was no perception of light in right eye and 20/30 in left eye.
      Gonioscopy revealed anterior insertion of iris into trabecular meshwork,
      prominent iris processes and broad-based synechiae with prominent Schwalbe's line
      along the angle circumference with cord-like structures taking its origin at the
      level of Schwalbe's line in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed total
      glaucomatous optic atrophy in right eye with 0.9:1 cup disc ratio with bipolar
      notch in left eye. Humphrey visual field analysis showed superior and inferior
      arcuate scotoma in left eye. Intraocular pressure measured by Goldman applanation
      tonometry was 30 mmHg and 26 mmHg in right and left eye, respectively. After an
      unsuccessful medical management, he underwent trabeculectomy with Ologen((r))
      implant under local anesthesia in his left eye. Postoperatively, at the end of
      one year, intraocular pressure (IOP) in his left eye was controlled without
      medication. This case highlights the management of secondary angle closure
      glaucoma in Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome with Ologen((r)) implant. 

PMID- 25136239
TI  - Branch retinal artery occlusion associated with congenital retinal macrovessel.
AB  - A congenital retinal macrovessel (CRM) is a large retinal vessel, usually a vein,
      which traverses through the central macula and has large tributaries extending on
      both sides of the horizontal raphe. In the majority of cases, CRM have no effect
      on visual acuity, although in rare cases, macular hemorrhage, foveolar cysts,
      serous macular detachment, and the presence of the anomalous vessel in the
      foveola can affect vision. We describe a case of CRM with decreased vision
      secondary to a branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). To the best of our
      knowledge, this association has not been reported previously. 

PMID- 25136240
TI  - Congenital total eversion of upper eyelids in a newborn with Down's syndrome.

PMID- 25136242
TI  - Progressive Painless Loss of Vision - What is the diagnosis?

PMID- 25136241
TI  - Fundus autofluorescence imaging to document evolution, progression and healing
      pattern of serpiginous choroiditis.

PMID- 25136243
TI  - Complete third nerve palsy: Only presenting sign of extradural hematoma in an
      awake patient.

PMID- 25136244
TI  - Retinal pigment epithelial tear after intravitreal bevacizumab injection for
      exudative age-related macular degeneration.

PMID- 25136245
TI  - An unusual case of posterior cerebral artery infarct in otherwise healthy man.

PMID- 25136247
TI  - In-house drug diversion by hospital personnel.

PMID- 25136246
TI  - Comparison between helical computed tomography angiography and intraoperative
      findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Live donor nephrectomy has gained popularity on account of the
      laparoscopic technique, to overcome a small donor pool. Laparoscopic donor
      nephrectomy requires a precise study of the vascular and morphological renal
      anatomy, as laparoscopy is technically challenging due to the limited field of
      vision. In-depth knowledge of the renal anatomy before a laparoscopic procedure
      is essential for a successful transplant. The left kidney is preferred over the
      right even in cases of multiple vessels because of the long renal vein, which
      requires precise preoperative vascular mapping. Helical computerized tomography
      (CT) angiography, with its axial, coronal, and 3D reconstruction, gives a better
      understanding of renal anatomy. There are instances where the helical CT findings
      are misleading and less informative in a small number of cases. This study
      highlights a case study of the helical CT findings compared with the
      intraoperative findings of 200 live donors, who underwent laparoscopic donor
      nephrectomy, and the renal anatomy has been understood at the same time. AIMS: 1.
      To compare the helical CT findings on the operated side with the intraoperative
      findings. 2. To analyze the CT findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred cases
      of laparoscopic transperitoneal donor nephrectomy were included in this study.
      STATISTICAL METHOD USED: Chi square test was the statistical test used to compare
      the findings between CT and the intraoperative data. RESULTS: The axial, coronal,
      and 3D images of the CT findings were on par with the intraoperative findings in
      most of the cases. Incidental findings help in the better planning of surgery.
      Multiple vessels on the left side are preferred over the right sided normal
      anatomy; with not much technical difficulty with the aid of a helical CT. Male
      donors had more incidences of multiple vessels, gonadal vein, Retroaortic Renal
      Vein (RARV), lumbar vein, and duplication of ureter, compared to females.
      Furthermore, these variations are more in the left side donors. Ninety-two
      percent of the cases in this study are left-sided donors. The helical CT finding
      shows that renal vein variations are more on the right side. CONCLUSIONS: Helical
      CT is important in delineating the arterial, venous, and ureteral anatomy and can
      show the important incidental findings. Left renal donors and males have more
      variations in their renal anatomy. Technically challenging laparoscopic
      nephrectomy on the multiple-vessel-side donor is possible with the aid of helical
      CT. The importance of the CT in evaluating donor renal anatomy for a technically
      challenging laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is commendable.

PMID- 25136248
TI  - Oops, Sorry, Wrong Patient!: A Patient Verification Process is Needed Everywhere,
      Not Just at the Bedside.
AB  - Verification of patient identity is needed at all stages. 

PMID- 25136249
TI  - HHS Alters Formulary Exception Policy for 2015: QHPs Must Respond Within 24 Hours
      to "Expedited" Requests.
AB  - HHS adjusts its formulary "exception" policy for 2015. 

PMID- 25136251
TI  - Pharmaceutical approval update.
AB  - Vedolizumab (Entyvio) for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease; dalbavancin
      (Dalvance) for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections; and
      antihemophilic factor, recombinant (Eloctate) for hemophilia A. 

PMID- 25136252
TI  - Tedizolid phosphate (sivextro): a second-generation oxazolidinone to treat acute
      bacterial skin and skin structure infections.
AB  - Tedizolid phosphate: a second-generation oxazolidinone for acute bacterial skin
      and skin structure infections. 

PMID- 25136253
TI  - Legal risk management opportunities, pharmacy practice, and p&t committees: part
      1: deconstructing dispensing errors.
AB  - A comprehensive analysis of malpractice claims experience from a professional
      liability insurer, Healthcare Providers Service Organization, can help P&T
      committees better understand the risks and challenges they encounter each day. 

PMID- 25136254
TI  - Are specialty drug prices destroying insurers and hurting consumers?: a number of
      efforts are under way to reduce price pressure.
AB  - Organizations are trying to address the high cost of "specialty" medications that
      treat conditions such as cancer, hepatitis C, and multiple sclerosis. While
      comprising less than 1% of U.S. prescriptions, these drugs now account for 27% of
      pharmacy spending. 

PMID- 25136256
TI  - Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
AB  - As new drugs emerge from the pipeline for the nearly 2 billion patients globally
      diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, sales of therapies for
      these conditions are expected to increase from $7.35 billion today to $11.05
      billion in 2022. 

PMID- 25136255
TI  - Irritable bowel syndrome: current and emerging treatment options.
AB  - Irritable bowel syndrome, a functional gastrointestinal disorder of uncertain
      pathophysiology, affects up to 55 million Americans. Medications available or in
      development include antispasmodics, antidepressants, and antidiarrheals. 

PMID- 25136257
TI  - Rosiglitazone enhances apolipoprotein M (Apom) expression in rat's liver.
AB  - Apolipoprotein M (APOM) has been suggested as a vasculoprotective constituent of
      high density lipoprotein (HDL), which plays a crucial role behind the mechanism
      of HDL-mediated anti-atherosclerosis. Previous studies demonstrated that insulin
      resistance could associate with decreased APOM expressions. In agreement with our
      previous reports, here, we further confirmed that the insulin sensitivity was
      also reduced in rats treated with high concentrations of glucose; such effect
      could be reversed by administration of rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma). The present study shows that Apom
      expression is significantly affected by either rosiglitazone or hyperglycemia
      alone without cross interaction with each other, which indicates that the pathway
      of Apom expression regulating by hyperglycemia might be differed from that by
      rosiglitazone. Further study indicated that hyperglycemia could significantly
      inhibit mRNA levels of Lxrb (P=0.0002), small heterodimer partner 1 (Shp1)
      (P<0.0001), liver receptor homologue-1 (Lrh1) (P=0.0012), ATP-binding cassette
      transporter 1 (Abca1) (P=0.0012) and Pparb/d (P=0.0043). Two-way ANOVA analysis
      demonstrated that the interactions between rosiglitazone and infusion of 25%
      glucose solution on Shp1 (P=0.0054) and Abca1 (4E, P=0.0004) mRNA expression was
      statistically significant. It is concluded that rosiglitazone could increase Apom
      expression, of which the detailed mechanism needs to be further investigated. The
      downregulation of Apom by hyperglycemia might be mainly through decreasing
      expression of Pparg and followed by inhibiting Lxrb in rats. 

PMID- 25136258
TI  - Three-dimensional culture environment increases the efficacy of platelet rich
      plasma releasate in prompting skin fibroblast differentiation and extracellular
      matrix formation.
AB  - Platelet rich plasma clot- releasate (PRCR) shows significant influence on tissue
      regeneration in clinical trials. Although, the mechanism of PRCR effect on
      fibroblast differentiation has been studied on 2D culture system, a detailed
      investigation is needed to establish the role of PRCR in cell seeded in 3D
      scaffolds. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the influence of PRCR in
      fibroblasts (DFB) differentiation and extracellular matrix formation on both 3D
      and 2D culture systems. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay and DFB
      differentiation was evaluated by determining the expression levels of
      nucleostamin and alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), using indirect
      immunostaining and Western blotting. The expression levels of extracellular
      matrix genes (collagen-I, collagen-III, fibronectin and laminin) and focal
      adhesion formation gene (integrin beta-1) were measured using Real-time PCR. The
      PRCR at 10% showed significant effect on cells viability compared with 5% and 20%
      in both culture environments. The decrease in the expression levels of
      nucleostamin and the increase in alpha-SMA signify the DFB differentiation to
      myofibroblast-like cells that was prominently greater in 3D compared to 2D
      culture. In 3D culture systems, the total collage production, expression levels
      of the extracellular matrix gene and the focal adhesion gene were increased
      significantly compared to 2D culture. In conclusion, 3D culture environments
      enhances the proliferative and differentiation effects of PRCR on DFB, thereby
      potentially increases the efficacy of DFB for future tissue engineering clinical
      application. 

PMID- 25136259
TI  - Research progress on vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia.
AB  - Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a rare disease characterized by
      significant expansion, elongation, and tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar
      arteries. Current data regarding VBD are very limited. Here we systematically
      review VBD incidence, etiology, characteristics, clinical manifestations,
      treatment strategies, and prognosis. The exact incidence rate of VBD remains
      unclear, but is estimated to be 1.3% of the population. The occurrence of VBD is
      thought to be due to the cooperation of multiple factors, including congenital
      factors, infections and immune status, and degenerative diseases. The VBD
      clinical manifestations are complex with ischemic stroke as the most common,
      followed by progressive compression of cranial nerves and the brain stem,
      cerebral hemorrhage, and hydrocephalus. Treatment of VBD remains difficult.
      Currently, there are no precise and effective treatments, and available
      treatments mainly target the complications of VBD. With the development of stent
      technology, however, it may become an effective treatment for VBD. 

PMID- 25136260
TI  - Opposite effects of bone marrow-derived cells transplantation in MPTP-rat model
      of Parkinson's disease: a comparison study of mononuclear and mesenchymal stem
      cells.
AB  - The 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) animal model is a useful
      tool to study Parkinson's disease (PD) and was used in the present study to
      investigate the potential beneficial as well as deleterious effects of systemic
      bone-marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) or mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC)
      transplantation. MPTP administration resulted in a breakdown of the blood-brain
      barrier and motor impairment in the open field test 24 h after surgery. Three and
      7 days after receiving the lesion, the injured animals showed remaining motor
      impairment compared to the sham groups along with a significant loss of tyrosine
      hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-ir) cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta
      (SNpc). The MPTP-lesioned rats treated with BMMCs immediately after lesioning
      exhibited motor impairment similar to the MPTP-saline group, though they
      presented a significantly higher loss of TH-ir cells in the SNpc compared to the
      MPTP-saline group. This increased loss of TH-ir cells in the SNpc was not
      observed when BMMC transplantation was performed 24 h after MPTP administration.
      In contrast, in the MPTP animals treated early with systemic BM-MSCs, no loss of
      TH-ir cells was observed. BMMCs and BM-MSCs previously labeled with CM-DiI cell
      tracker were found in brain sections of all transplanted animals. In addition,
      cells expressing CD45, an inflammatory white blood cell marker, were found in all
      brain sections analyzed and were more abundant in the MPTP-BMMC animals. In these
      animals, Iba1+ microglial cells showed also marked morphological changes
      indicating increased microglial activation. These results show that systemic BMMC
      transplantation did not ameliorate or prevent the lesion induced by MPTP.
      Instead, BMMC transplantation in MPTP-lesioned rats accelerated dopaminergic
      neuronal damage and induced motor impairment and immobility behavior. These
      findings suggest that caution should be taken when considering cell therapy using
      BMMCs to treat PD. However, systemic BM-MSC transplantation that reaches the
      injury site and prevents neuronal damage after an MPTP infusion could be
      considered as a potential treatment for PD during the early stage of disease
      development. 

PMID- 25136263
TI  - Insomnia among patients with advanced disease during admission in a Palliative
      Care Unit: a prospective observational study on its frequency and association
      with psychological, physical and environmental factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  THE AIMS OF THIS STUDY WERE: 1) to assess the frequency of insomnia
      among patients during admission in a Palliative Care Unit (PCU); 2) to study the
      association between emotional distress and insomnia, taking physical,
      environmental and other psychological factors into account. METHODS: Prospective
      observational study including patients consecutively admitted to a PCU during
      eight months, excluding those with severe cognitive problems or too low
      performance status. Insomnia was assessed by asking a single question and by
      using the Sleep Disturbance Scale (SDS), and emotional distress using the
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Physical, environmental and other
      psychological factors potentially interfering with sleep quality were evaluated.
      Association between insomnia and the factors evaluated was studied using
      univariate and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: 61 patients were
      included (mean age 71.5 years; 95% with oncological disease); 38 (62%) answered
      "yes" to the insomnia single question and 29 (47%) showed moderate to severe
      insomnia according to the SDS. 65% showed clinically significant emotional
      distress and 79% had nocturnal rumination. The physical symptoms most often
      mentioned as interfering with sleep quality were pain (69%) and dyspnoea (36%).
      77% reported at least one environmental disturbance. In the univariate analysis,
      answering "yes" to the insomnia single question was significantly associated with
      higher HADS score, anxiety, nocturnal rumination, clear knowledge of the
      diagnosis, higher performance status and dyspnoea; moderate to severe insomnia
      was significantly associated with nocturnal rumination, higher performance
      status, environmental disturbances and daytime sleepiness. In the multivariate
      regression analysis, answering "yes" to the single question was associated with
      dyspnoea (OR 7.2 [1.65-31.27]; p = 0.009), nocturnal rumination (OR 5.5 [1.05
      28.49]; p = 0.04) and higher performance status (OR 14.3 [1.62-125.43]; p =
      0.017), and moderate to severe insomnia with nocturnal rumination (OR 5.6 [1.1
      29.1]; p = 0.041), and inversely associated with daytime sleepiness (OR 0.25
      [0.07-0.9]; p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Insomnia was highly frequent. Several
      physical, psychological and environmental factors seemed to influence insomnia.
      Within the multimodal management of insomnia, the assessment of nocturnal
      rumination may be of particular interest, irrespective of emotional distress.
      Further studies with larger sample sizes could confirm this result.

PMID- 25136261
TI  - Bone morphogenetic protein-9 induces PDLSCs osteogenic differentiation through
      the ERK and p38 signal pathways.
AB  - Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) with bone morphogenic ability are used
      to treat diseases such as periodontitis. Their treatment potential is increased
      when used in combination with proteins that induce osteogenic differentiation.
      For example, bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP9) has been found to have potent
      osteogenic activity. In the present study, PDLSCs were isolated from human
      periodontal membrane and infected with recombinant adenoviruses expressing BMP9
      (Ad-BMP9). Levels of osteogenic markers such as runt-related transcription factor
      2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN)
      as well as mineralization ability were measured. The results showed that BMP9
      promoted bone formation of PDLSCs. In other experiments, SB203580 and PD98059,
      which are inhibitors of p38 and ERK1/2, respectively, were used to determine if
      these kinases are involved in the osteogenic differentiation process. The
      resulting protein expression profiles and osteogenic markers of PDLSCs revealed
      that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway might play an
      important role in the process of BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of
      PDLSCs. 

PMID- 25136264
TI  - Age- and sex-specific spatio-temporal patterns of colorectal cancer mortality in
      Spain (1975-2008).
AB  - In this paper, space-time patterns of colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality risks are
      studied by sex and age group (50-69, >=70) in Spanish provinces during the period
      1975-2008. Space-time conditional autoregressive models are used to perform the
      statistical analyses. A pronounced increase in mortality risk has been observed
      in males for both age-groups. For males between 50 and 69 years of age, trends
      seem to stabilize from 2001 onward. In females, trends reflect a more stable
      pattern during the period in both age groups. However, for the 50-69 years group,
      risks take an upward trend in the period 2006-2008 after the slight decline
      observed in the second half of the period. This study offers interesting
      information regarding CRC mortality distribution among different Spanish
      provinces that could be used to improve prevention policies and resource
      allocation in different regions. 

PMID- 25136262
TI  - Astragaloside IV alleviates early brain injury following experimental
      subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats.
AB  - Astragaloside IV, one of the main effective components isolated from Astragalus
      membranaceus, has multiple neuroprotective properties, while the effects of
      astragaloside IV on the attenuation of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced
      early brain injury (EBI) and its possible mechanisms are unknown. In the present
      study, we aimed to determine whether astragaloside IV could inhibit oxidative
      stress, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and improve neurological deficits after
      experimental SAH in rats. Rats (n=68) were randomly divided into the following
      groups: Sham group, SAH group, SAH+vehicle group, and SAH+astragaloside IV group.
      Astragaloside IV or an equal volume of vehicle was administered at 1 h and 6 h
      after SAH, all the rats were subsequently sacrificed at 24 h after SAH.
      Mortality, neurological scores, and brain edema were assessed, biochemical tests
      and histological studies were also performed at that point. SAH induced an
      increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, neuronal apoptosis, cleaved caspase
      3, brain edema and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
      glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Astragaloside IV treatment reversed these
      changes and improved neurobehavioral outcomes of SAH rats. Our findings suggested
      that astragaloside IV may alleviate EBI after SAH through antioxidative and anti
      apoptotic effects. 

PMID- 25136265
TI  - Blau syndrome, the prototypic auto-inflammatory granulomatous disease.
AB  - Blau syndrome is a monogenic disease resulting from mutations in the pattern
      recognition receptor NOD2, and is phenotypically characterized by the triad of
      granulomatous polyarthritis, dermatitis and uveitis. This paper reviews briefly
      the classical clinical features of the disease, as well as more recently
      described extra-triad symptoms. From an ongoing prospective multicenter study, we
      provide new data on the natural history of Blau syndrome, focusing on functional
      status and visual outcome. We also present an update of the range of different
      NOD2 mutations found in Blau syndrome as well as recent data on morphologic and
      immunohistochemical characteristics of the Blau granuloma. Finally, emerging
      insights into pathogenic mechanisms including activation of NOD2 signal
      transduction, and potential biomarkers of disease activity are discussed. 

PMID- 25136266
TI  - A Coarse-Grained Model of Unstructured Single-Stranded DNA Derived from Atomistic
      Simulation and Single-Molecule Experiment.
AB  - A simple coarse-grained model of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) was developed,
      featuring only two sites per nucleotide that represent the centers of mass of the
      backbone and sugar/base groups. In the model, the interactions between sites are
      described using tabulated bonded potentials optimized to reproduce the solution
      structure of DNA observed in atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Isotropic
      potentials describe nonbonded interactions, implicitly taking into account the
      solvent conditions to match the experimentally determined radius of gyration of
      ssDNA. The model reproduces experimentally measured force-extension dependence of
      an unstructured DNA strand across 2 orders of magnitude of the applied force. The
      accuracy of the model was confirmed by measuring the end-to-end distance of a
      dT14 fragment via FRET while stretching the molecules using optical tweezers. The
      model offers straightforward generalization to systems containing double-stranded
      DNA and DNA binding proteins.

PMID- 25136268
TI  - Computing the Free Energy Barriers for Less by Sampling with a Coarse Reference
      Potential while Retaining Accuracy of the Target Fine Model.
AB  - Proposed in this contribution is a protocol for calculating fine-physics (e.g.,
      ab initio QM/MM) free-energy surfaces at a high level of accuracy locally (e.g.,
      only at reactants and at the transition state for computing the activation
      barrier) from targeted fine-physics sampling and extensive exploratory coarse
      physics sampling. The full free-energy surface is still computed but at a lower
      level of accuracy from coarse-physics sampling. The method is analytically
      derived in terms of the umbrella sampling and the free-energy perturbation
      methods which are combined with the thermodynamic cycle and the targeted sampling
      strategy of the paradynamics approach. The algorithm starts by computing low
      accuracy fine-physics free-energy surfaces from the coarse-physics sampling in
      order to identify the reaction path and to select regions for targeted sampling.
      Thus, the algorithm does not rely on the coarse-physics minimum free-energy
      reaction path. Next, segments of high-accuracy free-energy surface are computed
      locally at selected regions from the targeted fine-physics sampling and are
      positioned relative to the coarse-physics free-energy shifts. The positioning is
      done by averaging the free-energy perturbations computed with multistep linear
      response approximation method. This method is analytically shown to provide
      results of the thermodynamic integration and the free-energy interpolation
      methods, while being extremely simple in implementation. Incorporating the
      metadynamics sampling to the algorithm is also briefly outlined. The application
      is demonstrated by calculating the B3LYP//6-31G*/MM free-energy barrier for an
      enzymatic reaction using a semiempirical PM6/MM reference potential. These
      modifications allow computing the activation free energies at a significantly
      reduced computational cost but at the same level of accuracy compared to
      computing full potential of mean force.

PMID- 25136267
TI  - Quantifying the Sources of Kinetic Frustration in Folding Simulations of Small
      Proteins.
AB  - Experiments and atomistic simulations of polypeptides have revealed structural
      intermediates that promote or inhibit conformational transitions to the native
      state during folding. We invoke a concept of "kinetic frustration" to quantify
      the prevalence and impact of these behaviors on folding rates within a large set
      of atomistic simulation data for 10 fast-folding proteins, where each protein's
      conformational space is represented as a Markov state model of conformational
      transitions. Our graph theoretic approach addresses what conformational features
      correlate with folding inhibition and therefore permits comparison among features
      within a single protein network and also more generally between proteins.
      Nonnative contacts and nonnative secondary structure formation can thus be
      quantitatively implicated in inhibiting folding for several of the tested
      peptides.

PMID- 25136269
TI  - Inferring Microscopic Kinetic Rates from Stationary State Distributions.
AB  - We present a principled approach for estimating the matrix of microscopic
      transition probabilities among states of a Markov process, given only its
      stationary state population distribution and a single average global kinetic
      observable. We adapt Maximum Caliber, a variational principle in which the path
      entropy is maximized over the distribution of all possible trajectories, subject
      to basic kinetic constraints and some average dynamical observables. We
      illustrate the method by computing the solvation dynamics of water molecules from
      molecular dynamics trajectories.

PMID- 25136270
TI  - Drug Resistance Mutations Alter Dynamics of Inhibitor-Bound HIV-1 Protease.
AB  - Under the selective pressure of therapy, HIV-1 protease mutants resistant to
      inhibitors evolve to confer drug resistance. Such mutations can impact both the
      dynamics and structures of the bound and unbound forms of the enzyme. Flap+ is a
      multidrug-resistant variant of HIV-1 protease with a combination of primary and
      secondary resistance mutations (L10I, G48V, I54V, V82A) and a strikingly altered
      thermodynamic profile for darunavir (DRV) binding relative to the wild-type
      protease. We elucidated the impact of these mutations on protein dynamics in the
      DRV-bound state using molecular dynamics simulations and NMR relaxation
      experiments. Both methods concur in that the conformational ensemble and dynamics
      of protease are impacted by the drug resistance mutations in Flap+ variant.
      Surprisingly this change in ensemble dynamics is different from that observed in
      the unliganded form of the same variant (Cai, Y. et al. J. Chem. Theory
      Comput.2012, 8, 3452-3462). Our comparative analysis of both inhibitor-free and
      bound states presents a comprehensive picture of the altered dynamics in drug
      resistant mutant HIV-1 protease and underlies the importance of incorporating
      dynamic analysis of the whole system, including the unliganded state, into
      revealing drug resistance mechanisms.

PMID- 25136272
TI  - Influence of Sequence and Covalent Modifications on Yeast tRNA Dynamics.
AB  - Modified nucleotides are prevalent in tRNA. Experimental studies reveal that
      these covalent modifications play an important role in tuning tRNA function. In
      this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate how
      modifications alter tRNA dynamics. The X-ray crystal structures of tRNA(Asp),
      tRNA(Phe), and tRNA(iMet), both with and without modifications, were used as
      initial structures for 333 ns explicit solvent MD simulations with AMBER. For
      each tRNA molecule, three independent trajectory calculations were performed,
      giving an aggregate of 6 MUs of total MD across six molecules. The global root
      mean-square deviations (RMSD) of atomic positions show that modifications only
      introduce significant rigidity to the global structure of tRNA(Phe).
      Interestingly, RMSDs of the anticodon stem-loop (ASL) suggest that modified tRNA
      has a more rigid structure compared to the unmodified tRNA in this domain. The
      anticodon RMSDs of the modified tRNAs, however, are higher than those of
      corresponding unmodified tRNAs. These findings suggest that the rigidity of the
      anticodon stem-loop is finely tuned by modifications, where rigidity in the
      anticodon arm is essential for tRNA translocation in the ribosome, and
      flexibility of the anticodon is important for codon recognition. Sugar pucker and
      water residence time of pseudouridines in modified tRNAs and corresponding
      uridines in unmodified tRNAs were assessed, and the results reinforce that
      pseudouridine favors the 3'-endo conformation and has a higher tendency to
      interact with water. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to examine
      correlated motions in tRNA. Additionally, covariance overlaps of PCAs were
      compared for trajectories of the same molecule and between trajectories of
      modified and unmodified tRNAs. The comparison suggests that modifications alter
      the correlated motions. For the anticodon bases, the extent of stacking was
      compared between modified and unmodified molecules, and only unmodified tRNA(Asp)
      has significantly higher percentage of stacking time. Overall, the simulations
      reveal that the effect of covalent modification on tRNA dynamics is not simple,
      with modifications increasing flexibility in some regions of the structure and
      increasing rigidity in other regions.

PMID- 25136273
TI  - Conformational Transition Pathways of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Kinase
      Domain from Multiple Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Bayesian Clustering.
AB  - The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is aberrantly activated in various
      cancer cells and an important target for cancer treatment. Deep understanding of
      EGFR conformational changes between the active and inactive states is of
      pharmaceutical interest. Here we present a strategy combining multiply targeted
      molecular dynamics simulations, unbiased molecular dynamics simulations, and
      Bayesian clustering to investigate transition pathways during the
      activation/inactivation process of EGFR kinase domain. Two distinct pathways
      between the active and inactive forms are designed, explored, and compared. Based
      on Bayesian clustering and rough two-dimensional free energy surfaces, the energy
      favorable pathway is recognized, though DFG-flip happens in both pathways. In
      addition, another pathway with different intermediate states appears in our
      simulations. Comparison of distinct pathways also indicates that disruption of
      the Lys745-Glu762 interaction is critically important in DFG-flip while movement
      of the A-loop significantly facilitates the conformational change. Our
      simulations yield new insights into EGFR conformational transitions. Moreover,
      our results verify that this approach is valid and efficient in sampling of
      protein conformational changes and comparison of distinct pathways.

PMID- 25136271
TI  - Transferring the PRIMO Coarse-Grained Force Field to the Membrane Environment:
      Simulations of Membrane Proteins and Helix-Helix Association.
AB  - An extension of the recently developed PRIMO coarse-grained force field to
      membrane environments, PRIMO-M, is described. The membrane environment is modeled
      with the heterogeneous dielectric generalized Born (HDGB) methodology that simply
      replaces the standard generalized Born model in PRIMO without further
      parametrization. The resulting model was validated by comparing amino acid
      insertion free energy profiles and application in molecular dynamics simulations
      of membrane proteins and membrane-interacting peptides. Membrane proteins with
      148-661 amino acids show stable root-mean-squared-deviations (RMSD) between 2 and
      4 A for most systems. Transmembrane helical peptides maintain helical shape and
      exhibit tilt angles in good agreement with experimental or other simulation data.
      The association of two glycophorin A (GpA) helices was simulated using replica
      exchange molecular dynamics simulations yielding the correct dimer structure with
      a crossing angle in agreement with previous studies. Finally, conformational
      sampling of the influenza fusion peptide also generates structures in agreement
      with previous studies. Overall, these findings suggest that PRIMO-M can be used
      to study membrane bound peptides and proteins and validates the transferable
      nature of the PRIMO coarse-grained force field.

PMID- 25136275
TI  - Studies on the annealing and antibacterial properties of the silver-embedded
      aluminum/silica nanospheres.
AB  - Substantial silver-embedded aluminum/silica nanospheres with uniform diameter and
      morphology were successfully synthesized by sol-gel technique. After various
      annealing temperatures, the surface mechanisms of each sample were analyzed using
      scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy. The chemical durability examinations and
      antibacterial tests of each sample were also carried out for the confirmation of
      its practical usage. Based on the result of the above analyses, the silver
      embedded aluminum/silica nanospheres are eligible for fabricating antibacterial
      utensils. 

PMID- 25136274
TI  - Hamiltonian Switch Metropolis Monte Carlo Simulations for Improved Conformational
      Sampling of Intrinsically Disordered Regions Tethered to Ordered Domains of
      Proteins.
AB  - There is growing interest in the topic of intrinsically disordered proteins
      (IDPs). Atomistic Metropolis Monte Carlo (MMC) simulations based on novel
      implicit solvation models have yielded useful insights regarding sequence
      ensemble relationships for IDPs modeled as autonomous units. However, a majority
      of naturally occurring IDPs are tethered to ordered domains. Tethering introduces
      additional energy scales and this creates the challenge of broken ergodicity for
      standard MMC sampling or molecular dynamics that cannot be readily alleviated by
      using generalized tempering methods. We have designed, deployed, and tested our
      adaptation of the Nested Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling algorithm. We refer to
      our adaptation as Hamiltonian Switch Metropolis Monte Carlo (HS-MMC) sampling. In
      this method, transitions out of energetic traps are enabled by the introduction
      of an auxiliary Markov chain that draws conformations for the disordered region
      from a Boltzmann distribution that is governed by an alternative potential
      function that only includes short-range steric repulsions and conformational
      restraints on the ordered domain. We show using multiple, independent runs that
      the HS-MMC method yields conformational distributions that have similar and
      reproducible statistical properties, which is in direct contrast to standard MMC
      for equivalent amounts of sampling. The method is efficient and can be deployed
      for simulations of a range of biologically relevant disordered regions that are
      tethered to ordered domains.

PMID- 25136277
TI  - Tuning of strain and surface roughness of porous silicon layers for higher
      quality seeds for epitaxial growth.
AB  - Sintered porous silicon is a well-known seed for homo-epitaxy that enables
      fabricating transferrable monocrystalline foils. The crystalline quality of these
      foils depends on the surface roughness and the strain of this porous seed, which
      should both be minimized. In order to provide guidelines for an optimum foil
      growth, we present a systematic investigation of the impact of the thickness of
      this seed and of its sintering time prior to epitaxial growth on strain and
      surface roughness. Strain and surface roughness were monitored in monolayers and
      double layers with different porosities as a function of seed thickness and of
      sintering time by high-resolution X-ray diffraction and profilometry,
      respectively. Unexpectedly, we found that strain in double and monolayers evolves
      in opposite ways with respect to layer thickness. This suggests that an
      interaction between layers in multiple stacks is to be considered. We also found
      that if higher seed thickness and longer annealing time are to be preferred to
      minimize the strain in double layers, the opposite is required to achieve
      smoother layers. The impact of these two parameters may be explained by
      considering the morphological evolution of the pores upon sintering and, in
      particular, the disappearance of interconnections between the porous seed and the
      bulk as well as the enlargement of pores near the surface. An optimum epitaxial
      growth hence calls for a trade-off in seed thickness and annealing time, between
      minimum-strained layers and rougher surfaces. PACS CODES: 81.40.-z Treatment of
      materials and its effects on microstructure, nanostructure, and properties;
      81.05.Rm Porous materials; granular materials; 82.80.Ej X-ray, Mossbauer and
      other gamma-ray spectroscopic analysis methods.

PMID- 25136276
TI  - Fabrication of low-density GaN/AlN quantum dots via GaN thermal decomposition in
      MOCVD.
AB  - With an appropriate high anneal temperature under H2 atmosphere, GaN quantum dots
      (QDs) have been fabricated via GaN thermal decomposition in metal organic
      chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Based on the characterization of atomic force
      microscopy (AFM), the obtained GaN QDs show good size distribution and have a low
      density of 2.4 * 10(8) cm(-2). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis
      demonstrates that the GaN QDs were formed without Ga droplets by thermal
      decomposition of GaN. 

PMID- 25136278
TI  - Tuning the peak position of subwavelength silica nanosphere broadband
      antireflection coatings.
AB  - Subwavelength nanostructures are considered as promising building blocks for
      antireflection and light trapping applications. In this study, we demonstrate
      excellent broadband antireflection effect from thin films of monolayer silica
      nanospheres with a diameter of 100 nm prepared by Langmuir-Blodgett method on
      glass substrates. With a single layer of compact silica nanosphere thin film
      coated on both sides of a glass, we achieved maximum transmittance of 99% at 560
      nm. Furthermore, the optical transmission peak of the nanosphere thin films can
      be tuned over the UV-visible range by changing processing parameters during
      Langmuir-Blodgett deposition. The tunable optical transmission peaks of the
      Langmuir-Blodgett films were correlated with deposition parameters such as
      surface pressure, surfactant concentration, ageing of suspensions and annealing
      effect. Such peak-tunable broadband antireflection coating has wide applications
      in diversified industries such as solar cells, windows, displays and lenses. 

PMID- 25136280
TI  - Controllable preparation of Ni nanoparticles for catalysis of coiled carbon
      fibers growth.
AB  - The mass preparation of high-purity coiled carbon fibers (CCFs) remains
      challenging due to the high complexity and low controllability of reaction. In
      this work, a controllable growth of Ni particles was fulfilled by liquid phase
      reduction of nickel sulfate with hydrazine hydrate. The impacts of the reaction
      temperature, NaOH concentration, and reaction time on the particle size and
      purity were investigated. The as-deposited Ni particles were characterized by
      scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. In addition, these Ni
      particles were also applied in preparing high-purity CCFs both on graphite and
      ceramic substrates. The diameter of the as-grown carbon microcoil was about 500
      nm, and the related growth mechanism was discussed. 

PMID- 25136279
TI  - Copper pillar and memory characteristics using Al2O3 switching material for 3D
      architecture.
AB  - A novel idea by using copper (Cu) pillar is proposed in this study, which can
      replace the through-silicon-vias (TSV) technique in future three-dimensional (3D)
      architecture. The Cu pillar formation under external bias in an Al/Cu/Al2O3/TiN
      structure is simple and low cost. The Cu pillar is formed in the Al2O3 film under
      a small operation voltage of <5 V and a high-current-carrying conductor of >70 mA
      is obtained. More than 100 devices have shown tight distribution of the Cu
      pillars in Al2O3 film for high current compliance (CC) of 70 mA. Robust read
      pulse endurances of >10(6) cycles are observed with read voltages of -1, 1, and 4
      V. However, read endurance is failed with read voltages of -1.5, -2, and -4 V. By
      decreasing negative read voltage, the read endurance is getting worst, which is
      owing to ruptured Cu pillar. Surface roughness and TiO x N y on TiN bottom
      electrode are observed by atomic force microscope and transmission electron
      microscope, respectively. The Al/Cu/Al2O3/TiN memory device shows good bipolar
      resistive switching behavior at a CC of 500 MUA under small operating voltage of
      +/-1 V and good data retention characteristics of >10(3) s with acceptable
      resistance ratio of >10 is also obtained. This suggests that high-current
      operation will help to form Cu pillar and lower-current operation will have
      bipolar resistive switching memory. Therefore, this new Cu/Al2O3/TiN structure
      will be benefited for 3D architecture in the future. 

PMID- 25136281
TI  - Enhanced antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of silver nanoparticles
      against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used as antibacterial, antifungal,
      antiviral, anti-inflammtory, and antiangiogenic due to its unique properties such
      as physical, chemical, and biological properties. The present study was aimed to
      investigate antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of silver nanoparticles
      alone and in combination with conventional antibiotics against various human
      pathogenic bacteria. Here, we show that a simple, reliable, cost effective and
      green method for the synthesis of AgNPs by treating silver ions with leaf extract
      of Allophylus cobbe. The A. cobbe-mediated synthesis of AgNPs (AgNPs) was
      characterized by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction
      (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of
      antibiotics or AgNPs, or combinations of AgNPs with an antibiotic was evaluated
      using a series of assays: such as in vitro killing assay, disc diffusion assay,
      biofilm inhibition, and reactive oxygen species generation in Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus
      pneumonia. The results suggest that, in combination with antibiotics, there were
      significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects at lowest concentration of
      AgNPs using a novel plant extract of A. cobbe, otherwise sublethal concentrations
      of the antibiotics. The significant enhancing effects were observed for
      ampicillin and vancomycin against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria,
      respectively. These data suggest that combining antibiotics and biogenic AgNPs
      can be used therapeutically for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by
      bacteria. This study presented evidence of antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects
      of A. cobbe-mediated synthesis of AgNPs and their enhanced capacity against
      various human pathogenic bacteria. These results suggest that AgNPs could be used
      as an adjuvant for the treatment of infectious diseases. 

PMID- 25136282
TI  - Pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis of Laminaria japonica and polypropylene over
      mesoporous Al-SBA-15 catalyst.
AB  - The catalytic co-pyrolysis of a seaweed biomass, Laminaria japonica, and a
      typical polymer material, polypropylene, was studied for the first time. A
      mesoporous material Al-SBA-15 was used as a catalyst. Pyrolysis experiments were
      conducted using a fixed-bed reactor and pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass
      spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). BET surface area, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms,
      and NH3 temperature programmed desorption were measured to examine the catalyst
      characteristics. When only L. japonica was pyrolyzed, catalytic reforming
      slightly increased the gas yield and decreased the oil yield. The H2O content in
      bio-oil was increased by catalytic reforming from 42.03 to 50.32 wt% due to the
      dehydration reaction occurring on the acid sites inside the large pores of Al-SBA
      15. Acids, oxygenates, mono-aromatics, poly aromatic hydrocarbons, and phenolics
      were the main components of the bio-oil obtained from the pyrolysis of L.
      japonica. Upon catalytic reforming over Al-SBA-15, the main oxygenate species 1,4
      anhydro-d-galactitol and 1,5-anhydro-d-manitol were completely removed. When L.
      japonica was co-pyrolyzed with polypropylene, the H2O content in bio-oil was
      decreased dramatically (8.93 wt% in the case of catalytic co-pyrolysis),
      contributing to the improvement of the oil quality. A huge increase in the
      content of gasoline-range and diesel-range hydrocarbons in bio-oil was the most
      remarkable change that resulted from the co-pyrolysis with polypropylene,
      suggesting its potential as a transport fuel. The content of mono-aromatics with
      high economic value was also increased significantly by catalytic co-pyrolysis. 

PMID- 25136283
TI  - Controlled growth of 1D and 2D ZnO nanostructures on 4H-SiC using Au catalyst.
AB  - A perfect control of nanostructure growth is a prerequisite for the development
      of electronic and optoelectronic device/systems. In this article, we demonstrate
      the growth of various ZnO-derived nanostructures, including well-ordered arrays
      of high aspect ratio single crystalline nanowires with preferred growth direction
      along the [0001] axis, nanowalls, and hybrid nanowire-nanowall structures. The
      growths of the various ZnO nanostructures have been carried out on SiC substrates
      in a horizontal furnace, using Au thin film as catalyst. From experimental
      observations, we have ascribed the growth mechanisms of the different ZnO
      nanostructures to be a combination of catalytic-assisted and non-catalytic
      assisted vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) processes. We have also found that the
      different ZnO nanoarchitectures' material evolution is governed by a Zn cluster
      drift effects on the SiC surface mainly driven by growth temperature. Au thin
      film thickness, growth time, and temperature are the parameters to optimize in
      order to obtain the different ZnO nanoarchitectures. 

PMID- 25136284
TI  - Improving the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells with TiO2/graphene/TiO2
      sandwich structure.
AB  - This study investigates the extent to which the TiO2/graphene/TiO2 sandwich
      structure improves the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) over
      that of DSSCs with the traditional structure. Studies have demonstrated that the
      TiO2/graphene/TiO2 sandwich structure effectively enhances the open circuit
      voltage (V oc), short-circuit current density (J sc), and photoelectrical
      conversion efficiency (eta) of DSSCs. The enhanced performance of DSSCs with the
      sandwich structure can be attributed to an increase in electron transport
      efficiency and in the absorption of light in the visible range. The DSSC with the
      sandwich structure in this study exhibited a V oc of 0.6 V, a high J sc of 11.22
      mA cm(-2), a fill factor (FF) of 0.58, and a calculated eta of 3.93%, which is
      60% higher than that of a DSSC with the traditional structure. 

PMID- 25136285
TI  - Porous silicon Bloch surface and sub-surface wave structure for simultaneous
      detection of small and large molecules.
AB  - A porous silicon (PSi) Bloch surface wave (BSW) and Bloch sub-surface wave (BSSW)
      composite biosensor is designed and used for the size-selective detection of both
      small and large molecules. The BSW/BSSW structure consists of a periodic stack of
      high and low refractive index PSi layers and a reduced optical thickness surface
      layer that gives rise to a BSW with an evanescent tail that extends above the
      surface to enable the detection of large surface-bound molecules. Small molecules
      were detected in the sensor by the BSSW, which is a large electric field
      intensity spatially localized to a desired region of the Bragg mirror and is
      generated by the implementation of a step or gradient refractive index profile
      within the Bragg mirror. The step and gradient BSW/BSSW sensors are designed to
      maximize both resonance reflectance intensity and sensitivity to large molecules.
      Size-selective detection of large molecules including latex nanospheres and the
      M13KO7 bacteriophage as well as small chemical linker molecules is reported. 

PMID- 25136286
TI  - Superhydrophobic ZnO networks with high water adhesion.
AB  - ZnO structures were deposited using a simple chemical bath deposition technique
      onto interdigitated electrodes fabricated by a conventional photolithography
      method on SiO2/Si substrates. The X-ray diffraction studies show that the ZnO
      samples have a hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure. The scanning electron
      microscopy observations prove that the substrates are uniformly covered by ZnO
      networks formed by monodisperse rods. The ZnO rod average diameter and length
      were tuned by controlling reactants' concentration and reaction time. Optical
      spectroscopy measurements demonstrate that all the samples display bandgap values
      and emission bands typical for ZnO. The electrical measurements reveal
      percolating networks which are highly sensitive when the samples are exposed to
      ammonia vapors, a variation in their resistance with the exposure time being
      evidenced. Other important characteristics are that the ZnO rod networks exhibit
      superhydrophobicity, with water contact angles exceeding 150 degrees  and a high
      water droplet adhesion. Reproducible, easily scalable, and low-cost chemical bath
      deposition and photolithography techniques could provide a facile approach to
      fabricate such ZnO networks and devices based on them for a wide range of
      applications where multifunctionality, i.e., sensing and superhydrophobicity,
      properties are required. PACS: 81.07.-b; 81.05.Dz; 68.08.Bc.

PMID- 25136287
TI  - Photocurrent enhancement mechanisms in bilayer nanofilm-based ultraviolet
      photodetectors made from ZnO and ZnS spherical nanoshells.
AB  - Hollow-sphere bilayer nanofilm-based ultraviolet light photodetectors made from
      ZnO and ZnS spherical nanoshells show enhanced photocurrent, which are comparable
      to or even better than those of other semiconductor nanostructures with different
      shapes. In this work, the photocurrent enhancement mechanisms of these bilayer
      nanofilm-based ultraviolet light photodetectors are explained, which could be
      attributed to the strong light absorption based on the whispering gallery mode
      resonances, the separation of the photogenerated carriers through the internal
      electric field within the bilayer nanofilms, the hopping-like electrical
      transport, and the effective charge injection from Cr/Au contacts to the
      nanofilms. 

PMID- 25136289
TI  - Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solutions Using Powder of Potato Peelings as a Low
      Cost Sorbent.
AB  - Potato peels which are a low cost, renewable agroindustry by-product were used
      for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous effluents. Batch experiments
      were carried out with an artificial effluent comprising of potassium dichromate
      in deionised water. The effects of the initial hexavalent chromium concentration,
      dose of biosorbent, and removal kinetics were explored. An adsorbent dosage of 4
      g/L was effective in complete removal of the metal ion, at pH 2.5, in 48 minutes.
      The kinetic process of Cr(VI) adsorption onto potato peel powder was tested by
      applying pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models as well as the Elovich
      kinetic equation to correlate the experimental data and to determine the kinetic
      parameters. The adsorption data were correlated by the Langmuir and Freundlich
      isotherms. A maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 3.28 mg/g was calculated
      using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, suggesting a functional group limited
      adsorption process. The results confirmed that potato peels are an effective
      biosorbent for the removal of hexavalent chromium from effluent. 

PMID- 25136288
TI  - Proteomic profile of pre - B2 lymphoblasts from children with acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia (ALL) in relation with the translocation (12; 21).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Until now, the major prognostic factors for pediatric acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), age, white blood cell count and chromosomal
      alterations are initially taken into account for the risk stratification of
      patients. In the light of protein marker studies to classify subtypes of Acute
      Myeloblastic Leukemia efficiently, we have compared the lymphoblastes proteome in
      Childhood ALL in accordance with the presence of t(12;21), indicator of good
      prognosis, usually. METHODS: Protein expression in pre-B2 lymphoblastic cells,
      collected from residual bone marrow cells after diagnostic procedures, was
      analyzed using two dimensional gel electrophoresis protocol. Protein spots whose
      average normalized volumes were statistically different in the two patients
      groups (n = 13; student t test p < 0.01), were excised. Tryptic peptides were
      then analyzed using a nano-LC1200 system coupled to a 6340 Ion Trap mass
      spectrometer equipped with a HPLC-chip cube interface. The tandem mass
      spectrometry peak lists extracted using the DataAnalysis program, were compared
      with the protein database Mascot Daemon. RESULTS: We focused on twelve spots
      corresponding to sixteen identified candidate proteins among the 26 found
      differentially expressed (p <= 0.05) regarding the presence of t(12;21). Among
      over expressed proteins, two proteins were implicated in cellular growth arrest
      (i.e. calponine 2, p <= 0.001 and phosphatidylinositol transfer protein beta, p
      <= 0.001) in accordance with good prognosis, while two other proteins favored
      cell cycle proliferation (i.e. methionine adenosyl transferase 2beta, p <= 0.005
      and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleo-proteins A2 p <= 0.01) and could therefore
      be good marker candidates of aggressiveness. Level of expression of proteasome
      subunit beta type-2 (p <= 0.01) and protein casein kinase 2alpha (p <= 0.01)
      which both favored apoptosis, deubiquitinating enzyme OTUB1 (p <= 0.05) and MLL
      septin-like fusion protein MSF-B, septin 9 i4 (p <= 0.01) were in accord with a
      good prognosis related to t(12;21) lymphoblasts. CONCLUSION: By drawing up the
      protein map of leukemic cells, these new data identified marker candidates of
      leukemic aggressiveness and new t(12;21) patients subgroups. These preliminary
      results will be in the near future confirmed by using a larger sample of pre-B2
      childhood ALLs from national lymphoblastic cell collections.

PMID- 25136290
TI  - Single trial prediction of self-paced reaching directions from EEG signals.
AB  - Early detection of movement intention could possibly minimize the delays in the
      activation of neuroprosthetic devices. As yet, single trial analysis using non
      invasive approaches for understanding such movement preparation remains a
      challenging task. We studied the feasibility of predicting movement directions in
      self-paced upper limb center-out reaching tasks, i.e., spontaneous movements
      executed without an external cue that can better reflect natural motor behavior
      in humans. We reported results of non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG)
      recorded from mild stroke patients and able-bodied participants. Previous studies
      have shown that low frequency EEG oscillations are modulated by the intent to
      move and therefore, can be decoded prior to the movement execution. Motivated by
      these results, we investigated whether slow cortical potentials (SCPs) preceding
      movement onset can be used to classify reaching directions and evaluated the
      performance using 5-fold cross-validation. For able-bodied subjects, we obtained
      an average decoding accuracy of 76% (chance level of 25%) at 62.5 ms before onset
      using the amplitude of on-going SCPs with above chance level performances between
      875 to 437.5 ms prior to onset. The decoding accuracy for the stroke patients was
      on average 47% with their paretic arms. Comparison of the decoding accuracy
      across different frequency ranges (i.e., SCPs, delta, theta, alpha, and gamma)
      yielded the best accuracy using SCPs filtered between 0.1 to 1 Hz. Across all the
      subjects, including stroke subjects, the best selected features were obtained
      mostly from the fronto-parietal regions, hence consistent with previous
      neurophysiological studies on arm reaching tasks. In summary, we concluded that
      SCPs allow the possibility of single trial decoding of reaching directions at
      least 312.5 ms before onset of reach. 

PMID- 25136292
TI  - The desferrioxamine-prochlorperazine coma-clue to the role of dopamine-iron
      recycling in the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide in the brain.

PMID- 25136293
TI  - Novel endogenous N-acyl amides activate TRPV1-4 receptors, BV-2 microglia, and
      are regulated in brain in an acute model of inflammation.
AB  - A family of endogenous lipids, structurally analogous to the endogenous
      cannabinoid, N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine (Anandamide), and called N-acyl amides
      have emerged as a family of biologically active compounds at TRP receptors. N
      acyl amides are constructed from an acyl group and an amine via an amide bond.
      This same structure can be modified by changing either the fatty acid or the
      amide to form potentially hundreds of lipids. More than 70 N-acyl amides have
      been identified in nature. We have ongoing studies aimed at isolating and
      characterizing additional members of the family of N-acyl amides in both central
      and peripheral tissues in mammalian systems. Here, using a unique in-house
      library of over 70 N-acyl amides we tested the following three hypotheses: (1)
      Additional N-acyl amides will have activity at TRPV1-4, (2) Acute peripheral
      injury will drive changes in CNS levels of N-acyl amides, and (3) N-acyl amides
      will regulate calcium in CNS-derived microglia. Through these studies, we have
      identified 20 novel N-acyl amides that collectively activate (stimulating or
      inhibiting) TRPV1-4. Using lipid extraction and HPLC coupled to tandem mass
      spectrometry we showed that levels of at least 10 of these N-acyl amides that
      activate TRPVs are regulated in brain after intraplantar carrageenan injection.
      We then screened the BV2 microglial cell line for activity with this N-acyl amide
      library and found overlap with TRPV receptor activity as well as additional
      activators of calcium mobilization from these lipids. Together these data provide
      new insight into the family of N-acyl amides and their roles as signaling
      molecules at ion channels, in microglia, and in the brain in the context of
      inflammation. 

PMID- 25136291
TI  - How may the basal ganglia contribute to auditory categorization and speech
      perception?
AB  - Listeners must accomplish two complementary perceptual feats in extracting a
      message from speech. They must discriminate linguistically-relevant acoustic
      variability and generalize across irrelevant variability. Said another way, they
      must categorize speech. Since the mapping of acoustic variability is language
      specific, these categories must be learned from experience. Thus, understanding
      how, in general, the auditory system acquires and represents categories can
      inform us about the toolbox of mechanisms available to speech perception. This
      perspective invites consideration of findings from cognitive neuroscience
      literatures outside of the speech domain as a means of constraining models of
      speech perception. Although neurobiological models of speech perception have
      mainly focused on cerebral cortex, research outside the speech domain is
      consistent with the possibility of significant subcortical contributions in
      category learning. Here, we review the functional role of one such structure, the
      basal ganglia. We examine research from animal electrophysiology, human
      neuroimaging, and behavior to consider characteristics of basal ganglia
      processing that may be advantageous for speech category learning. We also present
      emerging evidence for a direct role for basal ganglia in learning auditory
      categories in a complex, naturalistic task intended to model the incidental
      manner in which speech categories are acquired. To conclude, we highlight new
      research questions that arise in incorporating the broader neuroscience research
      literature in modeling speech perception, and suggest how understanding
      contributions of the basal ganglia can inform attempts to optimize training
      protocols for learning non-native speech categories in adulthood. 

PMID- 25136295
TI  - Role of mitochondria ROS generation in ethanol-induced NLRP3 inflammasome
      activation and cell death in astroglial cells.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are innate immunity
      sensors that provide an early/effective response to pathogenic or injury
      conditions. We have reported that ethanol-induced TLR4 activation triggers
      signaling inflammatory responses in glial cells, causing neuroinflammation and
      brain damage. However, it is uncertain if ethanol is able to activate
      NLRs/inflammasome in astroglial cells, which is the mechanism of activation, and
      whether there is crosstalk between both immune sensors in glial cells. Here we
      show that chronic ethanol treatment increases the co-localization of caspase-1
      with GFAP(+) cells, and up-regulates IL-1beta and IL-18 in the frontal medial
      cortex in WT, but not in TLR4 knockout mice. We further show that cultured
      cortical astrocytes expressed several inflammasomes (NLRP3, AIM2, NLRP1, and
      IPAF), although NLRP3 mRNA is the predominant form. Ethanol, as ATP and LPS
      treatments, up-regulates NLRP3 expression, and causes caspase-1 cleavage and the
      release of IL-1beta and IL-18 in astrocytes supernatant. Ethanol-induced
      NLRP3/caspase-1 activation is mediated by mitochondrial (m) reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) generation because when using a specific mitochondria ROS
      scavenger, the mito-TEMPO (500 MUM) or NLRP3 blocking peptide (4 MUg/ml) or a
      specific caspase-1 inhibitor, Z-YVAD-FMK (10 MUM), abrogates mROS release and
      reduces the up-regulation of IL-1beta and IL-18 induced by ethanol or LPS or ATP.
      Confocal microscopy studies further confirm that ethanol, ATP or LPS promotes
      NLRP3/caspase-1 complex recruitment within the mitochondria to promote cell death
      by caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis, which accounts for ~73% of total cell death
      (~22%) and the remaining (~25%) die by caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. Suppression
      of the TLR4 function abrogates most ethanol effects on NLRP3 activation and
      reduces cell death. These findings suggest that NLRP3 participates, in ethanol
      induced neuroinflammation and highlight the NLRP3/TLR4 crosstalk in ethanol
      induced brain injury. 

PMID- 25136296
TI  - Computational modeling of the effects of auditory nerve dysmyelination.
AB  - Our previous study showed that exposure to loud sound leading to hearing loss
      elongated the auditory nerve (AN) nodes of Ranvier and triggered notable
      morphological changes at paranodes and juxtaparanodes. Here we used computational
      modeling to examine how theoretical redistribution of voltage gated Na(+), Kv3.1,
      and Kv1.1 channels along the AN may be responsible for the alterations of
      conduction property following acoustic over-exposure. Our modeling study infers
      that changes related to Na(+) channel density (rather than the redistribution of
      voltage gated Na(+), Kv3.1, and Kv1.1 channels) is the likely cause of the
      decreased conduction velocity and the conduction block observed after acoustic
      overexposure (AOE). 

PMID- 25136294
TI  - Astrocytic modulation of blood brain barrier: perspectives on Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a tightly regulated interface in the Central
      Nervous System (CNS) that regulates the exchange of molecules in and out from the
      brain thus maintaining the CNS homeostasis. It is mainly composed of endothelial
      cells (ECs), pericytes and astrocytes that create a neurovascular unit (NVU) with
      the adjacent neurons. Astrocytes are essential for the formation and maintenance
      of the BBB by providing secreted factors that lead to the adequate association
      between the cells of the BBB and the formation of strong tight junctions. Under
      neurological disorders, such as chronic cerebral ischemia, brain trauma,
      Epilepsy, Alzheimer and Parkinson's Diseases, a disruption of the BBB takes
      place, involving a lost in the permeability of the barrier and phenotypical
      changes in both the ECs and astrocytes. In this aspect, it has been established
      that the process of reactive gliosis is a common feature of astrocytes during BBB
      disruption, which has a detrimental effect on the barrier function and a
      subsequent damage in neuronal survival. In this review we discuss the
      implications of astrocyte functions in the protection of the BBB, and in the
      development of Parkinson's disease (PD) and related disorders. Additionally, we
      highlight the current and future strategies in astrocyte protection aimed at the
      development of restorative therapies for the BBB in pathological conditions. 

PMID- 25136298
TI  - Modulation of social behavior by the agouti pigmentation gene.
AB  - Agouti is a secreted neuropeptide that acts as an endogenous antagonist of
      melanocortin receptors. Mice and rats lacking agouti (called non-agouti) have
      dark fur due to a disinhibition of melanocortin signaling and pigment deposition
      in the hair follicle. Non-agouti animals have also been reported to exhibit
      altered behavior, despite no evidence for the expression of agouti outside the
      skin. Here we confirm that non-agouti mice show altered social behavior and
      uncover expression of agouti in the preputial gland, a sebaceous organ in the
      urinary tract that secretes molecules involved in social behavior. Non-agouti
      mice had enlarged preputial glands and altered levels of putative preputial
      pheromones and surgical removal of the gland reversed the behavioral phenotype.
      These findings demonstrate the existence of an autologous, out-of-skin pathway
      for the modulation of social behavior. 

PMID- 25136299
TI  - Topographical disorientation after ischemic mini infarct in the dorsal
      hippocampus: whispers in silence.
AB  - Silent focal ischemic mini infarcts in the brain are thought to cause no
      clinically overt symptoms. Some populations of hippocampal cells are particularly
      sensitive to ischemic events, however, rendering hippocampal functions especially
      vulnerable to ischemia-induced deficits. The present study investigated whether
      an otherwise silent ischemic mini infarct in the hippocampus (HPC) can produce
      impairments in spatial performance in rats. Spatial performance was assessed in
      the ziggurat task (ZT) using a 10-trial spatial learning protocol for 4 days
      prior to undergoing hippocampal ischemic lesion or sham surgery. Hippocampal
      silent ischemia was induced by infusion of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent
      vasoconstrictor, into either the dorsal or the ventral hippocampus (dHPC and
      vHPC). When tested postoperatively in the ZT using a standard testing protocol
      for 8 days, rats with hippocampal lesions exhibited no spatial deficit. Although
      spatial learning and memory in the ZT were not affected by the ET-1-induced
      silent ischemia, rats with dHPC stroke showed more returns when navigating the ZT
      as opposed to the vHPC rats. Comparison of region-specific HPC lesions in the
      present study indicated that dorsal hippocampal function is critically required
      for topographic orientation in a complex environment. Topographic disorientation
      as reflected by enhanced return behaviors may represent one of the earliest
      predictors of cognitive decline after silent ischemic insult that may be
      potentially traced with sensitive clinical examination in humans. 

PMID- 25136301
TI  - Beyond pain: modeling decision-making deficits in chronic pain.
AB  - Risky decision-making seems to be markedly disrupted in patients with chronic
      pain, probably due to the high cost that impose pain and negative mood on
      executive control functions. Patients' behavioral performance on decision-making
      tasks such as the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) is characterized by selecting cards
      more frequently from disadvantageous than from advantageous decks, and by
      switching often between competing responses in comparison with healthy controls
      (HCs). In the present study, we developed a simple heuristic model to simulate
      individuals' choice behavior by varying the level of decision randomness and the
      importance given to gains and losses. The findings revealed that the model was
      able to differentiate the behavioral performance of patients with chronic pain
      and HCs at the group, as well as at the individual level. The best fit of the
      model in patients with chronic pain was yielded when decisions were not based on
      previous choices and when gains were considered more relevant than losses. By
      contrast, the best account of the available data in HCs was obtained when
      decisions were based on previous experiences and losses loomed larger than gains.
      In conclusion, our model seems to provide useful information to measure each
      individual participant extensively, and to deal with the data on a participant-by
      participant basis. 

PMID- 25136300
TI  - Executive function and endocrinological responses to acute resistance exercise.
AB  - THIS STUDY HAD THE FOLLOWING TWO AIMS: First, to explore the effects of acute
      resistance exercise (RE, i.e., using exercise machines to contract and stretch
      muscles) on behavioral and electrophysiological performance when performing a
      cognitive task involving executive functioning in young male adults; Second, to
      investigate the potential biochemical mechanisms of such facilitative effects
      using two neurotrophic factors [i.e., growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth
      factor-1 (IGF-1)] and the cortisol levels elicited by such an exercise
      intervention mode with two different exercise intensities. Sixty young male
      adults were recruited and randomly assigned to a high-intensity (HI) exercise
      group, moderate-intensity (MI) exercise group, and non-exercise-intervention
      (NEI) group. Blood samples were taken, and the behavioral and
      electrophysiological indices were simultaneously measured when individuals
      performed a Go/No-Go task combined with the Erikson Flanker paradigm at baseline
      and after either an acute bout of 30 min of moderate- or high-intensity RE or a
      control period. The results showed that the acute RE could not only benefit the
      subjects' behavioral (i.e., RTs and accuracy) performance, as found in previous
      studies, but also increase the P3 amplitude. Although the serum GH and IGF-1
      levels were significantly increased via moderate or high intensity RE in both the
      MI and HI groups, the increased serum levels of neurotrophic factors were
      significantly decreased about 20 min after exercise. In addition, such changes
      were not correlated with the changes in cognitive (i.e., behavioral and
      electrophysiological) performance. In contrast, the serum levels of cortisol in
      the HI and MI groups were significantly lower after acute RE, and the changes in
      cortisol levels were significantly associated with the changes in
      electrophysiological (i.e., P3 amplitude) performance. The findings suggest the
      beneficial effects of acute RE on executive functioning could be due to changes
      in arousal, possibly modulated by the serum cortisol levels.

PMID- 25136297
TI  - Unraveling the complexities of circadian and sleep interactions with memory
      formation through invertebrate research.
AB  - Across phylogeny, the endogenous biological clock has been recognized as
      providing adaptive advantages to organisms through coordination of physiological
      and behavioral processes. Recent research has emphasized the role of circadian
      modulation of memory in generating peaks and troughs in cognitive performance.
      The circadian clock along with homeostatic processes also regulates sleep, which
      itself impacts the formation and consolidation of memory. Thus, the circadian
      clock, sleep and memory form a triad with ongoing dynamic interactions. With
      technological advances and the development of a global 24/7 society,
      understanding the mechanisms underlying these connections becomes pivotal for
      development of therapeutic treatments for memory disorders and to address issues
      in cognitive performance arising from non-traditional work schedules.
      Invertebrate models, such as Drosophila melanogaster and the mollusks Aplysia and
      Lymnaea, have proven invaluable tools for identification of highly conserved
      molecular processes in memory. Recent research from invertebrate systems has
      outlined the influence of sleep and the circadian clock upon synaptic plasticity.
      In this review, we discuss the effects of the circadian clock and sleep on memory
      formation in invertebrates drawing attention to the potential of in vivo and in
      vitro approaches that harness the power of simple invertebrate systems to
      correlate individual cellular processes with complex behaviors. In conclusion,
      this review highlights how studies in invertebrates with relatively simple
      nervous systems can provide mechanistic insights into corresponding behaviors in
      higher organisms and can be used to outline possible therapeutic options to guide
      further targeted inquiry. 

PMID- 25136302
TI  - Reduced resting-state functional connectivity of the somatosensory cortex
      predicts psychopathological symptoms in women with bulimia nervosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alterations in the resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) of
      several brain networks have been demonstrated in eating disorders. However, very
      few studies are currently available on brain network dysfunctions in bulimia
      nervosa (BN). The somatosensory network is central in processing body-related
      stimuli and it may be altered in BN. The present study therefore aimed to
      investigate rs-FC in the somatosensory network in bulimic women. METHODS: Sixteen
      medication-free women with BN (age = 23 +/- 5 years) and 18 matched controls (age
      = 23 +/- 3 years) underwent a functional magnetic resonance resting-state scan
      and assessment of eating disorder symptoms. Within-network and seed-based
      functional connectivity analyses were conducted to assess rs-FC within the
      somatosensory network and to other areas of the brain. RESULTS: Bulimia nervosa
      patients showed a decreased rs-FC both within the somatosensory network (t = 9.0,
      df = 1, P = 0.005) and with posterior cingulate cortex and two visual areas (the
      right middle occipital gyrus and the right cuneus) (P = 0.05 corrected for
      multiple comparison). The rs-FC of the left paracentral lobule with the right
      middle occipital gyrus correlated with psychopathology measures like bulimia (r =
      -0.4; P = 0.02) and interoceptive awareness (r = -0.4; P = 0.01). Analyses were
      conducted using age, BMI (body mass index), and depressive symptoms as
      covariates. CONCLUSION: Our findings show a specific alteration of the rs-FC of
      the somatosensory cortex in BN patients, which correlates with eating disorder
      symptoms. The region in the right middle occipital gyrus is implicated in body
      processing and is known as extrastriate body area (EBA). The connectivity between
      the somatosensory cortex and the EBA might be related to dysfunctions in body
      image processing. The results should be considered preliminary due to the small
      sample size.

PMID- 25136303
TI  - Implicit sequence learning in people with Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Implicit sequence learning involves learning about dependencies in sequences of
      events without intent to learn or awareness of what has been learned. Sequence
      learning is related to striatal dopamine levels, striatal activation, and
      integrity of white matter connections. People with Parkinson's disease (PD) have
      degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons, leading to dopamine deficiency and
      therefore striatal deficits, and they have difficulties with sequencing,
      including complex language comprehension and postural stability. Most research on
      implicit sequence learning in PD has used motor-based tasks. However, because PD
      presents with motor deficits, it is difficult to assess whether learning itself
      is impaired in these tasks. The present study used an implicit sequence learning
      task with a reduced motor component, the Triplets Learning Task (TLT). People
      with PD and age- and education-matched healthy older adults completed three
      sessions (each consisting of 10 blocks of 50 trials) of the TLT. Results revealed
      that the PD group was able to learn the sequence, however, when learning was
      examined using a Half Blocks analysis (Nemeth et al., 2013), which compared
      learning in the 1st 25/50 trials of all blocks to that in the 2nd 25/50 trials,
      the PD group showed significantly less learning than Controls in the 2nd Half
      Blocks, but not in the 1st. Nemeth et al. (2013) hypothesized that the 1st Half
      Blocks involve recall and reactivation of the sequence learned, thus reflecting
      hippocampal-dependent learning, while the 2nd Half Blocks involve proceduralized
      behavior of learned sequences, reflecting striatal-based learning. The present
      results suggest that the PD group had intact hippocampal-dependent implicit
      sequence learning, but impaired striatal-dependent learning. Thus, sequencing
      deficits in PD are likely due to striatal impairments, but other brain systems,
      such as the hippocampus, may be able to partially compensate for striatal decline
      to improve performance. 

PMID- 25136304
TI  - Digit forces bias sensorimotor transformations underlying control of fingertip
      position.
AB  - Humans are able to modulate digit forces as a function of position despite
      changes in digit placement that might occur from trial to trial or when changing
      grip type for object manipulation. Although this phenomenon is likely to rely on
      sensing the position of the digits relative to each other and the object, the
      underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To address this question, we asked subjects
      (n = 30) to match perceived vertical distance between the center of pressure
      (CoP) of the thumb and index finger pads (dy ) of the right hand ("reference"
      hand) using the same hand ("test" hand). The digits of reference hand were
      passively placed collinearly (dy = 0 mm). Subjects were then asked to exert
      different combinations of normal and tangential digit forces (Fn and Ftan ,
      respectively) using the reference hand and then match the memorized dy using the
      test hand. The reference hand exerted Ftan of thumb and index finger in either
      same or opposite direction. We hypothesized that, when the tangential forces of
      the digits are produced in opposite directions, matching error (1) would be
      biased toward the directions of the tangential forces; and (2) would be greater
      when the remembered relative contact points are matched with negligible digit
      force production. For the test hand, digit forces were either negligible (0.5-1
      N, 0 +/- 0.25 N; Experiment 1) or the same as those exerted by the reference hand
      (Experiment 2).Matching error was biased towards the direction of digit
      tangential forces: thumb CoP was placed higher than the index finger CoP when
      thumb and index finger Ftan were directed upward and downward, respectively, and
      vice versa (p < 0.001). However, matching error was not dependent on whether the
      reference and test hand exerted similar or different forces. We propose that the
      expected sensory consequence of motor commands for tangential forces in opposite
      directions overrides estimation of fingertip position through haptic sensory
      feedback. 

PMID- 25136306
TI  - Physical and neural entrainment to rhythm: human sensorimotor coordination across
      tasks and effector systems.
AB  - The human sensorimotor system can be readily entrained to environmental rhythms,
      through multiple sensory modalities. In this review, we provide an overview of
      theories of timekeeping that make this neuroentrainment possible. First, we
      present recent evidence that contests the assumptions made in classic timekeeper
      models. The role of state estimation, sensory feedback and movement parameters on
      the organization of sensorimotor timing are discussed in the context of recent
      experiments that examined simultaneous timing and force control. This discussion
      is extended to the study of coordinated multi-effector movements and how they may
      be entrained. 

PMID- 25136307
TI  - Subliminal cues bias perception of facial affect in patients with social phobia:
      evidence for enhanced unconscious threat processing.
AB  - Socially anxious individuals have been shown to exhibit altered processing of
      facial affect, especially expressions signaling threat. Enhanced unaware
      processing has been suggested an important mechanism which may give rise to
      anxious conscious cognition and behavior. This study investigated whether
      individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) are perceptually more vulnerable
      to the biasing effects of subliminal threat cues compared to healthy controls. In
      a perceptual judgment task, 23 SAD and 23 matched control participants were asked
      to rate the affective valence of parametrically manipulated affective expressions
      ranging from neutral to angry. Each trial was preceded by subliminal presentation
      of an angry/neutral cue. The SAD group tended to rate target faces as "angry"
      when the preceding subliminal stimulus was angry vs. neutral, while healthy
      participants were not biased by the subliminal stimulus presentation. The
      perceptual bias in SAD was also associated with higher reaction time latencies in
      the subliminal angry cue condition. The results provide further support for
      enhanced unconscious threat processing in SAD individuals. The implications for
      etiology, maintenance, and treatment of SAD are discussed. 

PMID- 25136305
TI  - The influence of expertise on brain activation of the action observation network
      during anticipation of tennis and volleyball serves.
AB  - In many daily activities, and especially in sport, it is necessary to predict the
      effects of others' actions in order to initiate appropriate responses. Recently,
      researchers have suggested that the action-observation network (AON) including
      the cerebellum plays an essential role during such anticipation, particularly in
      sport expert performers. In the present study, we examined the influence of task
      specific expertise on the AON by investigating differences between two expert
      groups trained in different sports while anticipating action effects. Altogether,
      15 tennis and 16 volleyball experts anticipated the direction of observed tennis
      and volleyball serves while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI). The expert group in each sport acted as novice controls in the other
      sport with which they had only little experience. When contrasting anticipation
      in both expertise conditions with the corresponding untrained sport, a stronger
      activation of AON areas (SPL, SMA), and particularly of cerebellar structures,
      was observed. Furthermore, the neural activation within the cerebellum and the
      SPL was linearly correlated with participant's anticipation performance,
      irrespective of the specific expertise. For the SPL, this relationship also holds
      when an expert performs a domain-specific anticipation task. Notably, the
      stronger activation of the cerebellum as well as of the SMA and the SPL in the
      expertise conditions suggests that experts rely on their more fine-tuned
      perceptual-motor representations that have improved during years of training when
      anticipating the effects of others' actions in their preferred sport. The
      association of activation within the SPL and the cerebellum with the task
      achievement suggests that these areas are the predominant brain sites involved in
      fast motor predictions. The SPL reflects the processing of domain-specific
      contextual information and the cerebellum the usage of a predictive internal
      model to solve the anticipation task. 

PMID- 25136308
TI  - Own-race and own-age biases facilitate visual awareness of faces under
      interocular suppression.
AB  - The detection of a face in a visual scene is the first stage in the face
      processing hierarchy. Although all subsequent, more elaborate face processing
      depends on the initial detection of a face, surprisingly little is known about
      the perceptual mechanisms underlying face detection. Recent evidence suggests
      that relatively hard-wired face detection mechanisms are broadly tuned to all
      face-like visual patterns as long as they respect the typical spatial
      configuration of the eyes above the mouth. Here, we qualify this notion by
      showing that face detection mechanisms are also sensitive to face shape and
      facial surface reflectance properties. We used continuous flash suppression (CFS)
      to render faces invisible at the beginning of a trial and measured the time
      upright and inverted faces needed to break into awareness. Young Caucasian adult
      observers were presented with faces from their own race or from another race
      (race experiment) and with faces from their own age group or from another age
      group (age experiment). Faces matching the observers' own race and age group were
      detected more quickly. Moreover, the advantage of upright over inverted faces in
      overcoming CFS, i.e., the face inversion effect (FIE), was larger for own-race
      and own-age faces. These results demonstrate that differences in face shape and
      surface reflectance influence access to awareness and configural face processing
      at the initial detection stage. Although we did not collect data from observers
      of another race or age group, these findings are a first indication that face
      detection mechanisms are shaped by visual experience with faces from one's own
      social group. Such experience-based fine-tuning of face detection mechanisms may
      equip in-group faces with a competitive advantage for access to conscious
      awareness. 

PMID- 25136309
TI  - The role of literal meaning in figurative language comprehension: evidence from
      masked priming ERP.
AB  - The role of literal meaning during the construction of meaning that goes beyond
      pure literal composition was investigated by combining cross-modal masked priming
      and ERPs. This experimental design was chosen to compare two conflicting
      theoretical positions on this topic. The indirect access account claims that
      literal aspects are processed first, and additional meaning components are
      computed only if no satisfactory interpretation is reached. In contrast, the
      direct access approach argues that figurative aspects can be accessed
      immediately. We presented metaphors (These lawyers are hyenas, Experiment 1a and
      1b) and producer-for-product metonymies (The boy read Boll, Experiment 2a and 2b)
      with and without a prime word that was semantically relevant to the literal
      meaning of the target word (furry and talented, respectively). In the
      presentation without priming, metaphors revealed a biphasic N400-Late Positivity
      pattern, while metonymies showed an N400 only. We interpret the findings within a
      two-phase language architecture where contextual expectations guide initial
      access (N400) and precede pragmatic adjustment resulting in reconceptualization
      (Late Positivity). With masked priming, the N400-difference was reduced for
      metaphors and vanished for metonymies. This speaks against the direct access view
      that predicts a facilitating effect for the literal condition only and hence
      would predict the N400-difference to increase. The results are more consistent
      with indirect access accounts that argue for facilitation effects for both
      conditions and consequently for consistent or even smaller N400-amplitude
      differences. This combined masked priming ERP paradigm therefore yields new
      insights into the role of literal meaning in the online composition of figurative
      language. 

PMID- 25136310
TI  - Devaluation and sequential decisions: linking goal-directed and model-based
      behavior.
AB  - In experimental psychology different experiments have been developed to assess
      goal-directed as compared to habitual control over instrumental decisions.
      Similar to animal studies selective devaluation procedures have been used. More
      recently sequential decision-making tasks have been designed to assess the degree
      of goal-directed vs. habitual choice behavior in terms of an influential
      computational theory of model-based compared to model-free behavioral control. As
      recently suggested, different measurements are thought to reflect the same
      construct. Yet, there has been no attempt to directly assess the construct
      validity of these different measurements. In the present study, we used a
      devaluation paradigm and a sequential decision-making task to address this
      question of construct validity in a sample of 18 healthy male human participants.
      Correlational analysis revealed a positive association between model-based
      choices during sequential decisions and goal-directed behavior after devaluation
      suggesting a single framework underlying both operationalizations and speaking in
      favor of construct validity of both measurement approaches. Up to now, this has
      been merely assumed but never been directly tested in humans. 

PMID- 25136312
TI  - Efficient foot motor control by Neymar's brain.
AB  - How very long-term (over many years) motor skill training shapes internal motor
      representation remains poorly understood. We provide valuable evidence that the
      football brain of Neymar da Silva Santos Junior (the Brasilian footballer)
      recruits very limited neural resources in the motor-cortical foot regions during
      foot movements. We scanned his brain activity with a 3-tesla functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) while he rotated his right ankle at 1 Hz. We also
      scanned brain activity when three other age-controlled professional footballers,
      two top-athlete swimmers and one amateur footballer performed the identical task.
      A comparison was made between Neymar's brain activity with that obtained from the
      others. We found activations in the left medial-wall foot motor regions during
      the foot movements consistently across all participants. However, the size and
      intensity of medial-wall activity was smaller in the four professional
      footballers than in the three other participants, despite no difference in amount
      of foot movement. Surprisingly, the reduced recruitment of medial-wall foot motor
      regions became apparent in Neymar. His medial-wall activity was smallest among
      all participants with absolutely no difference in amount of foot movement. Neymar
      may efficiently control given foot movements probably by largely conserving motor
      cortical neural resources. We discuss this possibility in terms of over-years
      motor skill training effect, use-dependent plasticity, and efficient motor
      control. 

PMID- 25136311
TI  - Functional MRI activation in white matter during the Symbol Digit Modalities
      Test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent evidence shows that functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI) can detect activation in white matter (WM). Such advances have important
      implications for understanding WM dysfunction. A key step in linking neuroimaging
      advances to the evaluation of clinical disorders is to examine whether WM
      activation can be detected at the individual level during clinical tests
      associated with WM function. We used an adapted Symbol Digit Modalities Test
      (SDMT) in a 4T fMRI study of healthy adults. RESULTS: RESULTS from 17 healthy
      individuals revealed WM activation in 88% of participants (15/17). The activation
      was in either the corpus callosum (anterior and/or posterior) or internal capsule
      (left and/or right). CONCLUSIONS: The findings link advances in fMRI to an
      established clinical test of WM function. Future work should focus on evaluating
      patients with WM dysfunction.

PMID- 25136313
TI  - From neuronal populations to behavior: a computational journey.

PMID- 25136314
TI  - Depth information in natural environments derived from optic flow by insect
      motion detection system: a model analysis.
AB  - Knowing the depth structure of the environment is crucial for moving animals in
      many behavioral contexts, such as collision avoidance, targeting objects, or
      spatial navigation. An important source of depth information is motion parallax.
      This powerful cue is generated on the eyes during translatory self-motion with
      the retinal images of nearby objects moving faster than those of distant ones. To
      investigate how the visual motion pathway represents motion-based depth
      information we analyzed its responses to image sequences recorded in natural
      cluttered environments with a wide range of depth structures. The analysis was
      done on the basis of an experimentally validated model of the visual motion
      pathway of insects, with its core elements being correlation-type elementary
      motion detectors (EMDs). It is the key result of our analysis that the absolute
      EMD responses, i.e., the motion energy profile, represent the contrast-weighted
      nearness of environmental structures during translatory self-motion at a roughly
      constant velocity. In other words, the output of the EMD array highlights
      contours of nearby objects. This conclusion is largely independent of the scale
      over which EMDs are spatially pooled and was corroborated by scrutinizing the
      motion energy profile after eliminating the depth structure from the natural
      image sequences. Hence, the well-established dependence of correlation-type EMDs
      on both velocity and textural properties of motion stimuli appears to be
      advantageous for representing behaviorally relevant information about the
      environment in a computationally parsimonious way. 

PMID- 25136315
TI  - Resistive and reactive changes to the impedance of intracortical microelectrodes
      can be mitigated with polyethylene glycol under acute in vitro and in vivo
      settings.
AB  - The reactive response of brain tissue to implantable intracortical
      microelectrodes is thought to negatively affect their recordable signal quality
      and impedance, resulting in unreliable longitudinal performance. The relationship
      between the progression of the reactive tissue into a glial scar and the decline
      in device performance is unclear. We show that exposure to a model protein
      solution in vitro and acute implantation result in both resistive and capacitive
      changes to electrode impedance, rather than purely resistive changes. We also
      show that applying 4000 MW polyethylene glycol (PEG) prevents impedance increases
      in vitro, and reduces the percent change in impedance in vivo following
      implantation. Our results highlight the importance of considering the
      contributions of non-cellular components to the decline in neural microelectrode
      performance, and present a proof of concept for using a simple dip-coated PEG
      film to modulate changes in microelectrode impedance. 

PMID- 25136316
TI  - The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells for macular degeneration as a
      drug screening platform: identification of curcumin as a protective agent for
      retinal pigment epithelial cells against oxidative stress.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one retinal aging process that may lead
      to irreversible vision loss in the elderly. Its pathogenesis remains unclear, but
      oxidative stress inducing retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells damage is
      perhaps responsible for the aging sequence of retina and may play an important
      role in macular degeneration. In this study, we have reprogrammed T cells from
      patients with dry type AMD into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) via
      integration-free episomal vectors and differentiated them into RPE cells that
      were used as an expandable platform for investigating pathogenesis of the AMD and
      in-vitro drug screening. These patient-derived RPEs with the AMD-associated
      background (AMD-RPEs) exhibited reduced antioxidant ability, compared with normal
      RPE cells. Among several screened candidate drugs, curcumin caused most
      significant reduction of ROS in AMD-RPEs. Pre-treatment of curcumin protected
      these AMD-RPEs from H2O2-induced cell death and also increased the cytoprotective
      effect against the oxidative stress of H2O2 through the reduction of ROS levels.
      In addition, curcumin with its versatile activities modulated the expression of
      many oxidative stress-regulating genes such as PDGF, VEGF, IGFBP-2, HO1, SOD2,
      and GPX1. Our findings indicated that the RPE cells derived from AMD patients
      have decreased antioxidative defense, making RPE cells more susceptible to
      oxidative damage and thereby leading to AMD formation. Curcumin represented an
      ideal drug that can effectively restore the neuronal functions in AMD patient
      derived RPE cells, rendering this drug an effective option for macular
      degeneration therapy and an agent against aging-associated oxidative stress. 

PMID- 25136317
TI  - Subtype and regional-specific neuroinflammation in sporadic creutzfeldt-jakob
      disease.
AB  - The present study identifies deregulated cytokines and mediators of the immune
      response in the frontal cortex and cerebellum of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob
      disease (sCJD) MM1 and VV2 subtypes compared to age-matched controls. Deregulated
      genes include pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, toll-like receptors, colony
      stimulating factors, cathepsins, members of the complement system, and members of
      the integrin and CTL/CTLD family with particular regional and sCJD subtype
      patterns. Analysis of cytokines and mediators at protein level shows expression
      of selected molecules and receptors in neurons, in astrocytes, and/or in
      microglia, thus suggesting interactions between neurons and glial cells, mainly
      microglia, in the neuroinflammatory response in sCJD. Similar inflammatory
      responses have been shown in the tg340 sCJD MM1 mice, revealing a progressive
      deregulation of inflammatory mediators with disease progression. Yet,
      inflammatory molecules involved are subjected to species differences in humans
      and mice. Moreover, inflammatory-related cell signaling pathways NFkappaB/IKK and
      JAK/STAT are activated in sCJD and sCJD MM1 mice. Together, the present
      observations show a self-sustained complex inflammatory and inflammatory-related
      responses occurring already at early clinical stages in animal model and
      dramatically progressing at advanced stages of sCJD. Considering this scenario,
      measures tailored to modulate (activate or inhibit) specific molecules could be
      therapeutic options in CJD. 

PMID- 25136318
TI  - The pleural mesothelium in development and disease.
AB  - The pleural mesothelium, derived from the embryonic mesoderm, is formed by a
      metabolically active monolayer of cells that blanket the chest wall and lungs on
      the parietal and visceral surfaces, respectively. The pleura and lungs are formed
      as a result of an intricate relationship between the mesoderm and the endoderm
      during development. Mesenchymal signaling pathways such as Wnt/B-catenin, Bmp4,
      and sonic hedgehog appear to be quintessential for lung development. Pleural
      Mesothelial Cells (PMCs) are known to express Wilms tumor-1 (Wt1) gene and in
      lineage labeling studies of the developing embryo, PMCs were found to track into
      the lung parenchyma and undergo mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) to form
      alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA)-positive cells of the mesenchyme and
      vasculature. There is definite evidence that mesothelial cells can differentiate
      and this seems to play an important role in pleural and parenchymal pathologies.
      Mesothelial cells can differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and
      osteoblasts; and have been shown to clonally generate fibroblasts and smooth
      muscle cells in murine models. This supports the possibility that they may also
      modulate lung injury-repair by re-activation of developmental programs in the
      adult reflecting an altered recapitulation of development, with implications for
      regenerative biology of the lung. In a mouse model of lung fibrosis using lineage
      tracing studies, PMCs lost their polarity and cell-cell junctional complexes,
      migrated into lung parenchyma, and underwent phenotypic transition into
      myofibroblasts in response to the pro-fibrotic mediator, transforming growth
      factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). However, intra-pleural heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1)
      induction inhibited PMC migration after intra-tracheal fibrogenic injury. Intra
      pleural fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled nanoparticles decorated with a surface
      antibody to mesothelin, a surface marker of mesothelial cells, migrate into the
      lung parenchyma with PMCs supporting a potential role for pleural based therapies
      to modulate pleural mesothelial activation and parenchymal disease progression. 

PMID- 25136319
TI  - Congenital heart malformations induced by hemodynamic altering surgical
      interventions.
AB  - Embryonic heart formation results from a dynamic interplay between genetic and
      environmental factors. Blood flow during early embryonic stages plays a critical
      role in heart development, as interactions between flow and cardiac tissues
      generate biomechanical forces that modulate cardiac growth and remodeling. Normal
      hemodynamic conditions are essential for proper cardiac development, while
      altered blood flow induced by surgical manipulations in animal models result in
      heart defects similar to those seen in humans with congenital heart disease. This
      review compares the altered hemodynamics, changes in tissue properties, and
      cardiac defects reported after common surgical interventions that alter
      hemodynamics in the early chick embryo, and shows that interventions produce a
      wide spectrum of cardiac defects. Vitelline vein ligation and left atrial
      ligation decrease blood pressure and flow; and outflow tract banding increases
      blood pressure and flow velocities. These three surgical interventions result in
      many of the same cardiac defects, which indicate that the altered hemodynamics
      interfere with common looping, septation and valve formation processes that occur
      after intervention and that shape the four-chambered heart. While many similar
      defects develop after the interventions, the varying degrees of hemodynamic load
      alteration among the three interventions also result in varying incidence and
      severity of cardiac defects, indicating that the hemodynamic modulation of
      cardiac developmental processes is strongly dependent on hemodynamic load. 

PMID- 25136322
TI  - Reentrant processing mediates object substitution masking: comment on Poder
      (2013).
AB  - Object-substitution masking (OSM) occurs when a target stimulus and a surrounding
      mask are displayed briefly together, and the display then continues with the mask
      alone. Target identification is accurate when the stimuli co-terminate but is
      progressively impaired as the duration of the trailing mask is increased. In
      reentrant accounts, OSM is said to arise from iterative exchanges between brain
      regions connected by two-way pathways. In an alternative account, OSM is
      explained on the basis of exclusively feed-forward processes, without recourse to
      reentry. Here I show that the feed-forward account runs afoul of the extant
      phenomenological, behavioral, brain-imaging, and electrophysiological evidence.
      Further, the feed-forward assumption that masking occurs when attention finds a
      degraded target is shown to be entirely ad hoc. In contrast, the evidence is
      uniformly consistent with a reentrant-processing account of OSM. 

PMID- 25136321
TI  - Processing of sub- and supra-second intervals in the primate brain results from
      the calibration of neuronal oscillators via sensory, motor, and feedback
      processes.
AB  - The processing of time intervals in the sub- to supra-second range by the brain
      is critical for the interaction of primates with their surroundings in
      activities, such as foraging and hunting. For an accurate processing of time
      intervals by the brain, representation of physical time within neuronal circuits
      is necessary. I propose that time dimension of the physical surrounding is
      represented in the brain by different types of neuronal oscillators, generating
      spikes or spike bursts at regular intervals. The proposed oscillators include the
      pacemaker neurons, tonic inputs, and synchronized excitation and inhibition of
      inter-connected neurons. Oscillators, which are built inside various circuits of
      brain, help to form modular clocks, processing time intervals or other temporal
      characteristics specific to functions of a circuit. Relative or absolute duration
      is represented within neuronal oscillators by "neural temporal unit," defined as
      the interval between regularly occurring spikes or spike bursts. Oscillator
      output is processed to produce changes in activities of neurons, named frequency
      modulator neuron, wired within a separate module, represented by the rate of
      change in frequency, and frequency of activities, proposed to encode time
      intervals. Inbuilt oscillators are calibrated by (a) feedback processes, (b)
      input of time intervals resulting from rhythmic external sensory stimulation, and
      (c) synchronous effects of feedback processes and evoked sensory activity. A
      single active clock is proposed per circuit, which is calibrated by one or more
      mechanisms. Multiple calibration mechanisms, inbuilt oscillators, and the
      presence of modular connections prevent a complete loss of interval timing
      functions of the brain. 

PMID- 25136323
TI  - Embodied niche construction in the hominin lineage: semiotic structure and
      sustained attention in human embodied cognition.
AB  - Human evolution unfolded through a rather distinctive, dynamically constructed
      ecological niche. The human niche is not only generally terrestrial in habitat,
      while being flexibly and extensively heterotrophic in food-web connections. It is
      also defined by semiotically structured and structuring embodied cognitive
      interfaces, connecting the individual organism with the wider environment. The
      embodied dimensions of niche-population co-evolution have long involved semiotic
      system construction, which I hypothesize to be an evolutionarily primitive aspect
      of learning and higher-level cognitive integration and attention in the great
      apes and humans alike. A clearly pre-linguistic form of semiotic cognitive
      structuration is suggested to involve recursively learned and constructed object
      icons. Higher-level cognitive iconic representation of visually, auditorily, or
      haptically perceived extrasomatic objects would be learned and evoked through
      indexical connections to proprioceptive and affective somatic states. Thus,
      private cognitive signs would be defined, not only by their learned and perceived
      extrasomatic referents, but also by their associations to iconically represented
      somatic states. This evolutionary modification of animal associative learning is
      suggested to be adaptive in ecological niches occupied by long-lived, large
      bodied ape species, facilitating memory construction and recall in highly varied
      foraging and social contexts, while sustaining selective attention during goal
      directed behavioral sequences. The embodied niche construction (ENC) hypothesis
      of human evolution posits that in the early hominin lineage, natural selection
      further modified the ancestral ape semiotic adaptations, favoring the recursive
      structuration of concise iconic narratives of embodied interaction with the
      environment. 

PMID- 25136324
TI  - Mindfulness-Based Functional Therapy: a preliminary open trial of an integrated
      model of care for people with persistent low back pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This pilot study investigated the feasibility and clinical utility of
      implementing a novel, evidence-informed, interdisciplinary group intervention
      Mindfulness Based Functional Therapy (MBFT)-for the management of persistent low
      back pain (LBP) in primary care. MBFT aimed to improve physical and psychological
      functioning in patients with persistent LBP. DESIGN: A single-group repeated
      measures design was utilized to gather data about feasibility, effect sizes,
      clinically significant changes and patient satisfaction. SETTING: A community
      sample of 16 adults (75% female), mean (SD) age 47.00 (9.12) years (range 26-65
      years), with mean (SD) LBP duration of 8.00 (9.00) years participated, using a
      simulated primary care setting at Curtin University in Australia. INTERVENTION:
      MBFT is an 8-week group intervention co-facilitated by psychology and
      physiotherapy disciplines. Content includes: mindfulness meditation training,
      cognitive-functional physiotherapeutic movement retraining, pain education, and
      group support. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Several validated self-report measures were
      used to assess functional disability, emotional functioning, mindfulness, pain
      catastrophizing, health-related quality of life at baseline, post-intervention,
      and 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: Adherence and satisfaction was high, with 85% of
      participants highly satisfied with MBFT. Clinical significance analysis and
      effect size estimates showed improvements in a number of variables, including
      pain catastrophizing, physical functioning, role limitations due to physical
      condition, and depression, although these may have occurred due to non
      intervention effects. CONCLUSIONS: MBFT is feasible to implement in primary care.
      Preliminary findings suggest that a randomized controlled trial is warranted to
      investigate its efficacy in improving physical and emotional functioning in
      people with disabling persistent LBP.

PMID- 25136320
TI  - Gene * Environment interactions in autism spectrum disorders: role of epigenetic
      mechanisms.
AB  - Several studies support currently the hypothesis that autism etiology is based on
      a polygenic and epistatic model. However, despite advances in epidemiological,
      molecular and clinical genetics, the genetic risk factors remain difficult to
      identify, with the exception of a few chromosomal disorders and several single
      gene disorders associated with an increased risk for autism. Furthermore, several
      studies suggest a role of environmental factors in autism spectrum disorders
      (ASD). First, arguments for a genetic contribution to autism, based on updated
      family and twin studies, are examined. Second, a review of possible prenatal,
      perinatal, and postnatal environmental risk factors for ASD are presented. Then,
      the hypotheses are discussed concerning the underlying mechanisms related to a
      role of environmental factors in the development of ASD in association with
      genetic factors. In particular, epigenetics as a candidate biological mechanism
      for gene * environment interactions is considered and the possible role of
      epigenetic mechanisms reported in genetic disorders associated with ASD is
      discussed. Furthermore, the example of in utero exposure to valproate provides a
      good illustration of epigenetic mechanisms involved in ASD and innovative
      therapeutic strategies. Epigenetic remodeling by environmental factors opens new
      perspectives for a better understanding, prevention, and early therapeutic
      intervention of ASD. 

PMID- 25136326
TI  - Proximity and gaze influences facial temperature: a thermal infrared imaging
      study.
AB  - Direct gaze and interpersonal proximity are known to lead to changes in psycho
      physiology, behavior and brain function. We know little, however, about subtler
      facial reactions such as rise and fall in temperature, which may be sensitive to
      contextual effects and functional in social interactions. Using thermal infrared
      imaging cameras 18 female adult participants were filmed at two interpersonal
      distances (intimate and social) and two gaze conditions (averted and direct). The
      order of variation in distance was counterbalanced: half the participants
      experienced a female experimenter's gaze at the social distance first before the
      intimate distance (a socially "normal" order) and half experienced the intimate
      distance first and then the social distance (an odd social order). At both
      distances averted gaze always preceded direct gaze. We found strong correlations
      in thermal changes between six areas of the face (forehead, chin, cheeks, nose,
      maxilliary, and periorbital regions) for all experimental conditions and
      developed a composite measure of thermal shifts for all analyses. Interpersonal
      proximity led to a thermal rise, but only in the "normal" social order. Direct
      gaze, compared to averted gaze, led to a thermal increase at both distances with
      a stronger effect at intimate distance, in both orders of distance variation.
      Participants reported direct gaze as more intrusive than averted gaze, especially
      at the intimate distance. These results demonstrate the powerful effects of
      another person's gaze on psycho-physiological responses, even at a distance and
      independent of context. 

PMID- 25136327
TI  - Understanding social engagement in autism: being different in perceiving and
      sharing affordances.
AB  - In the current paper I will argue that the notion of affordances offers an
      alternative to theory of mind (ToM) approaches in studying social engagement in
      general and in explaining social engagement in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
      specifically. Affordances are the possibilities for action offered by the
      environment. In contrast to ToM approaches, the concept of affordances implies
      the complementarity of person and environment and rejects the dualism of mind and
      behavior. In line with the Gibsonian idea that a child must eventually perceive
      the affordances of the environment for others as well for herself in order to
      become socialized, I will hypothesize that individuals with ASD often do not
      perceive the same affordances in the environment as other people do and have
      difficulties perceiving others' affordances. This can lead to a disruption of
      interpersonal behaviors. I will further argue that the methods for studying
      social engagement should be adapted if we want to take interaction into account. 

PMID- 25136325
TI  - A bihemispheric autonomic model for traumatic stress effects on health and
      behavior.
AB  - A bihemispheric autonomic model (BHAM) may support advanced understanding of
      traumatic stress effects on physiology and behavior. The model builds on
      established data showing hemispheric lateralization in management of the
      autonomic nervous system, and proposes that traumatic stress can produce dominant
      asymmetry in activity of bilateral homologous brain regions responsible for
      autonomic management. Rightward and leftward dominant asymmetries are associated
      with sympathetic high arousal or parasympathetic freeze tendencies, respectively,
      and return to relative symmetry is associated with improved autonomic regulation.
      Autonomic auto-calibration for recovery (inverse of Jacksonian dissolution
      proposed by polyvagal theory) has implications for risk behaviors associated with
      traumatic life stress. Trauma-induced high arousal may be associated with risk
      for maladaptive behaviors to attenuate arousal (including abuse of alcohol or
      sedative-hypnotics). Trauma-induced freeze mode (including callous-unemotional
      trait) may be associated with low resting heart rate and risk for conduct
      disorders. The model may explain higher prevalence of leftward hemispheric
      abnormalities reported in studies of violence. Implications of the BHAM are
      illustrated through case examples of a military special operations officer with
      history of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, and a
      university student with persisting post-concussion symptoms. Both undertook use
      of a noninvasive closed-loop neurotechnology - high-resolution, relational,
      resonance-based, electroencephalic mirroring - with ensuing decrease in
      hemispheric asymmetry, improvement in heart rate variability, and symptom
      reduction. Finally, the BHAM aligns with calls for researchers to use brain
      behavioral constructs (research domain criteria or RDoC, proposed by the National
      Institutes of Mental Health) as building blocks for assessment and intervention
      in mental health science. 

PMID- 25136328
TI  - Prospection and emotional memory: how expectation affects emotional memory
      formation following sleep and wake.
AB  - Successful prospective memory is necessarily driven by an expectation that
      encoded information will be relevant in the future, leading to its preferential
      placement in memory storage. Like expectation, emotional salience is another type
      of cue that benefits human memory formation. Although separate lines of research
      suggest that both emotional information and information explicitly expected to be
      important in the future benefit memory consolidation, it is unknown how
      expectation affects the processing of emotional information and whether sleep,
      which is known to maximize memory consolidation, plays a critical role. The
      purpose of this study was to investigate how expectation would impact the
      consolidation of emotionally salient content, and whether this impact would
      differ across delays of sleep and wake. Participants encoded scenes containing an
      emotionally charged negative or neutral foreground object placed on a plausible
      neutral background. After encoding, half of the participants were informed they
      would later be tested on the scenes (expected condition), while the other half
      received no information about the test (unexpected condition). At recognition,
      following a 12-h delay of sleep or wakefulness, the scene components (objects and
      backgrounds) were presented separately and one at a time, and participants were
      asked to determine if each component was old or new. Results revealed a greater
      disparity for memory of negative objects over their paired neutral backgrounds
      for both the sleep and wake groups when the memory test was expected compared to
      when it was unexpected, while neutral memory remained unchanged. Analyzing each
      group separately, the wake group showed a threefold increase in the magnitude of
      this object/background trade-off for emotional scenes when the memory test was
      expected compared to when it was unexpected, while those who slept performed
      similarly across conditions. These results suggest that emotional salience and
      expectation cues interact to benefit emotional memory consolidation during a
      delay of wakefulness. The sleeping brain, however, may automatically tag
      emotionally salient information as important, such that explicit instruction of
      an upcoming memory test does not further improve memory performance. 

PMID- 25136330
TI  - Bone status in patients with epilepsy: relationship to markers of bone
      remodeling.
AB  - Patients with epilepsy and treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may develop
      metabolic bone disease; however, the exact pathogenesis of bone loss with AEDs is
      still unclear. Included were 75 adults with epilepsy (mean age: 31.90 +/- 5.62
      years; duration of treatment with AEDs: 10.57 +/- 3.55 years) and 40 matched
      healthy controls. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral densities (BMD) of
      the femoral neck and lumbar spine were measured using dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DEXA). Blood samples were analyzed for calcium, magnesium,
      phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD), soluble
      receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (sRANKL), osteoprotegerin
      (OPG), and OPG/RANKL ratio (markers of bone remodeling). Compared to controls,
      patients had lower BMD, BMC, Z-score, and T-score at the femoral neck and lumbar
      spine (all p < 0.001). Seventy-two percent and 29.33% of patients had
      osteoporosis of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Patients had significantly
      lower serum calcium, 25(OH)D, and OPG and higher ALP, sRANKL levels, and
      sRANKL/OPG (all p < 0.001). Fifty-two percent of patients had hypocalcemia, 93%
      had hypovitaminosis D, 31% had high levels of sRANKL, and 49% had low levels of
      OPG. No differences were identified between DEXA and laboratory results in
      relation to the type, dose, or serum levels of AEDs. BMD at the femoral neck and
      lumbar spine were found to be correlated with the duration of illness (p = 0.043;
      p = 0.010), duration of treatment with AEDs (p < 0.001; p = 0.012), and serum
      levels of 25(OH)D (p = 0.042; p = 0.010), sRANKLs (p = 0.005; p = 0.01), and OPG
      (p = 0.006; p = 0.01). In linear regression analysis and after adjusting for
      gender, age, weight, duration, and number of AEDs, we observed an association
      between BMD, 25(OH)D (p = 0.04) and sRANKL (p = 0.03) concentrations. We conclude
      that AEDs may compromise bone health through disturbance of mineral metabolism
      and acceleration of bone turnover mechanisms. 

PMID- 25136329
TI  - The sleepy teenager - diagnostic challenges.
AB  - The sleepy teenager puts the doctor in a, often tricky, situation where it must
      be decided if we deal with normal physiology or if we should suspect pathological
      conditions. What medical investigations are proper to consider? What differential
      diagnoses should be considered in the first place? And what tools do we actually
      have? The symptoms and problems that usually are presented at the clinical visit
      can be both of medical and psychosocial character - and actually they are often a
      mixture of both. Subsequently, the challenge to investigate the sleepy teenager
      often includes the examination of a complex behavioral pattern. It is important
      to train and develop diagnostic skills and to realize that the physiological or
      pathological conditions that can cause the symptoms may have different
      explanations. Research in sleep disorders has shown different pathological
      mechanisms congruent with the variations in the clinical picture. There are
      probably also different patterns of involved neuronal circuits although common
      pathways may exist. The whole picture remains to be drawn in this interesting and
      challenging area. 

PMID- 25136331
TI  - Brain Injury Markers: Where are We?

PMID- 25136332
TI  - Ipsen 5i is a Novel Potent Pharmacoperone for Intracellularly Retained
      Melanocortin-4 Receptor Mutants.
AB  - Inactivating mutations of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) cause early-onset
      severe obesity in humans. Comprehensive functional studies show that most of the
      inactivating mutants of the MC4R are retained intracellularly. In the present
      study, we investigated whether a small molecule inverse agonist of the MC4R,
      Ipsen 5i, could act as a pharmacoperone and correct the cell surface expression
      and function of intracellularly retained mutant MC4Rs using multiple cell lines,
      including HEK293 and two neuronal cell lines. We showed that Ipsen 5i rescued the
      cell surface expression of all 11 intracellularly retained mutant MC4Rs studied
      herein in at least one cell line. Ipsen 5i functionally rescued seven mutants in
      all cell lines used. One mutant (Y157S) was functionally rescued in HEK293 cells
      but not in the two neuronal cell lines. Ipsen 5i increased cell surface
      expression of three mutants (S58C, G98R, and F261S) but did not affect signaling.
      Ipsen 5i had no effect on mutant MC4Rs with other defects (Delta88-92, D90N,
      I102S) or no defect (N274S). It also did not affect trafficking of a misrouted
      MC3R mutant (I335S). Cell impermeable peptide ligands of the MC4R or cell
      permeable small molecule ligand of delta opioid receptor could not rescue
      misrouted mutant MC4R. In summary, we demonstrated that Ipsen 5i was a novel
      potent pharmacoperone of the MC4R, correcting trafficking and signaling of a
      significant portion (73%) of intracellularly retained mutants. Additional studies
      are needed to demonstrate its in vivo efficacy. 

PMID- 25136333
TI  - Comparative analysis of Salmonella susceptibility and tolerance to the biocide
      chlorhexidine identifies a complex cellular defense network.
AB  - Chlorhexidine is one of the most widely used biocides in health and agricultural
      settings as well as in the modern food industry. It is a cationic biocide of the
      biguanide class. Details of its mechanism of action are largely unknown. The
      frequent use of chlorhexidine has been questioned recently, amidst concerns that
      an overuse of this compound may select for bacteria displaying an altered
      susceptibility to antimicrobials, including clinically important anti-bacterial
      agents. We generated a Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolate
      (ST24(CHX)) that exhibited a high-level tolerant phenotype to chlorhexidine,
      following several rounds of in vitro selection, using sub-lethal concentrations
      of the biocide. This mutant showed altered suceptibility to a panel of clinically
      important antimicrobial compounds. Here we describe a genomic, transcriptomic,
      proteomic, and phenotypic analysis of the chlorhexidine tolerant S. Typhimurium
      compared with its isogenic sensitive progenitor. Results from this study describe
      a chlorhexidine defense network that functions in both the reference
      chlorhexidine sensitive isolate and the tolerant mutant. The defense network
      involved multiple cell targets including those associated with the synthesis and
      modification of the cell wall, the SOS response, virulence, and a shift in
      cellular metabolism toward anoxic pathways, some of which were regulated by CreB
      and Fur. In addition, results indicated that chlorhexidine tolerance was
      associated with more extensive modifications of the same cellular processes
      involved in this proposed network, as well as a divergent defense response
      involving the up-regulation of additional targets such as the flagellar apparatus
      and an altered cellular phosphate metabolism. These data show that sub-lethal
      concentrations of chlorhexidine induce distinct changes in exposed Salmonella,
      and our findings provide insights into the mechanisms of action and tolerance to
      this biocidal agent. 

PMID- 25136335
TI  - Transposon-mediated directed mutation controlled by DNA binding proteins in
      Escherichia coli.

PMID- 25136334
TI  - Engineering processive DNA polymerases with maximum benefit at minimum cost.
AB  - DNA polymerases need to be engineered to achieve optimal performance for
      biotechnological applications, which often require high fidelity replication when
      using modified nucleotides and when replicating difficult DNA sequences. These
      tasks are achieved for the bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase by replacing leucine
      with methionine in the highly conserved Motif A sequence (L412M). The costs are
      minimal. Although base substitution errors increase moderately, accuracy is
      maintained for templates with mono- and dinucleotide repeats while replication
      efficiency is enhanced. The L412M substitution increases intrinsic processivity
      and addition of phage T4 clamp and single-stranded DNA binding proteins further
      enhance the ability of the phage T4 L412M-DNA polymerase to replicate all types
      of difficult DNA sequences. Increased pyrophosphorolysis is a drawback of
      increased processivity, but pyrophosphorolysis is curbed by adding an inorganic
      pyrophosphatase or divalent metal cations, Mn(2+) or Ca(2+). In the absence of
      pyrophosphorolysis inhibitors, the T4 L412M-DNA polymerase catalyzed sequence
      dependent pyrophosphorolysis under DNA sequencing conditions. The sequence
      specificity of the pyrophosphorolysis reaction provides insights into how the T4
      DNA polymerase switches between nucleotide incorporation, pyrophosphorolysis and
      proofreading pathways. The L-to-M substitution was also tested in the yeast DNA
      polymerases delta and alpha. Because the mutant DNA polymerases displayed similar
      characteristics, we propose that amino acid substitutions in Motif A have the
      potential to increase processivity and to enhance performance in biotechnological
      applications. An underlying theme in this chapter is the use of genetic methods
      to identify mutant DNA polymerases with potential for use in current and future
      biotechnological applications. 

PMID- 25136338
TI  - A novel thermostable polymerase for RNA and DNA loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification (LAMP).
AB  - Meeting the goal of providing point of care (POC) tests for molecular detection
      of pathogens in low resource settings places stringent demands on all aspects of
      the technology. OmniAmp DNA polymerase (Pol) is a thermostable viral enzyme that
      enables true POC use in clinics or in the field by overcoming important barriers
      to isothermal amplification. In this paper, we describe the multiple advantages
      of OmniAmp Pol as an isothermal amplification enzyme and provide examples of its
      use in loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for pathogen detection. The
      inherent reverse transcriptase activity of OmniAmp Pol allows single enzyme
      detection of RNA targets in RT-LAMP. Common methods of nucleic acid amplification
      are highly susceptible to sample contaminants, necessitating elaborate nucleic
      acid purification protocols that are incompatible with POC or field use. OmniAmp
      Pol was found to be less inhibited by whole blood components typical in certain
      crude sample preparations. Moreover, the thermostability of the enzyme compared
      to alternative DNA polymerases (Bst) and reverse transcriptases allows
      pretreatment of complete reaction mixes immediately prior to amplification, which
      facilitates amplification of highly structured genome regions. Compared to Bst,
      OmniAmp Pol has a faster time to result, particularly with more dilute templates.
      Molecular diagnostics in field settings can be challenging due to the lack of
      refrigeration. The stability of OmniAmp Pol is compatible with a dry format that
      enables long term storage at ambient temperatures. A final requirement for field
      operability is compatibility with either commonly available instruments or, in
      other cases, a simple, inexpensive, portable detection mode requiring minimal
      training or power. Detection of amplification products is shown using lateral
      flow strips and analysis on a real-time PCR instrument. Results of this study
      show that OmniAmp Pol is ideally suited for low resource molecular detection of
      pathogens. 

PMID- 25136336
TI  - Same species, different diseases: how and why typhoidal and non-typhoidal
      Salmonella enterica serovars differ.
AB  - Human infections by the bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica represent major
      disease burdens worldwide. This highly ubiquitous species consists of more than
      2600 different serovars that can be divided into typhoidal and non-typhoidal
      Salmonella (NTS) serovars. Despite their genetic similarity, these two groups
      elicit very different diseases and distinct immune responses in humans.
      Comparative analyses of the genomes of multiple Salmonella serovars have begun to
      explain the basis of the variation in disease manifestations. Recent advances in
      modeling both enteric fever and intestinal gastroenteritis in mice will
      facilitate investigation into both the bacterial- and host-mediated mechanisms
      involved in salmonelloses. Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms
      responsible for differences in disease outcome will augment our understanding of
      Salmonella pathogenesis, host immunity, and the molecular basis of host
      specificity. This review outlines the differences in epidemiology, clinical
      manifestations, and the human immune response to typhoidal and NTS infections and
      summarizes the current thinking on why these differences might exist. 

PMID- 25136337
TI  - Comparative proteome analysis reveals conserved and specific adaptation patterns
      of Staphylococcus aureus after internalization by different types of human non
      professional phagocytic host cells.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen that can cause a wide range of
      diseases. Although formerly regarded as extracellular pathogen, it has been shown
      that S. aureus can also be internalized by host cells and persist within these
      cells. In the present study, we comparatively analyzed survival and physiological
      adaptation of S. aureus HG001 after internalization by two human lung epithelial
      cell lines (S9 and A549), and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293). Combining
      enrichment of bacteria from host-pathogen assays by cell sorting and quantitation
      of the pathogen's proteome by mass spectrometry we characterized S. aureus
      adaptation during the initial phase between 2.5 h and 6.5 h post-infection.
      Starting with about 2 * 10(6) bacteria, roughly 1450 S. aureus proteins,
      including virulence factors and metabolic enzymes were identified by spectral
      comparison and classical database searches. Most of the bacterial adaptation
      reactions, such as decreased levels of ribosomal proteins and metabolic enzymes
      or increased amounts of proteins involved in arginine and lysine biosynthesis,
      enzymes coding for terminal oxidases and stress responsive proteins or activation
      of the sigma factor SigB were observed after internalization into any of the
      three cell lines studied. However, differences were noted in central carbon
      metabolism including regulation of fermentation and threonine degradation. Since
      these differences coincided with different intracellular growth behavior,
      complementary profiling of the metabolome of the different non-infected host cell
      types was performed. This revealed similar levels of intracellular glucose but
      host cell specific differences in the amounts of amino acids such as glycine,
      threonine or glutamate. With this comparative study we provide an impression of
      the common and specific features of the adaptation of S. aureus HG001 to specific
      host cell environments as a starting point for follow-up studies with different
      strain isolates and regulatory mutants. 

PMID- 25136339
TI  - Not just who, but how many: the importance of partner abundance in reef coral
      symbioses.
AB  - The performance and function of reef corals depends on the genetic identity of
      their symbiotic algal partners, with some symbionts providing greater benefits
      (e.g., photosynthate, thermotolerance) than others. However, these interaction
      outcomes may also depend on partner abundance, with differences in the total
      number of symbionts changing the net benefit to the coral host, depending on the
      particular environmental conditions. We suggest that symbiont abundance is a
      fundamental aspect of the dynamic interface between reef corals and the abiotic
      environment that ultimately determines the benefits, costs, and functional
      responses of these symbioses. This density-dependent framework suggests that
      corals may regulate the size of their symbiont pool to match microhabitat
      specific optima, which may contribute to the high spatiotemporal variability in
      symbiont abundance observed within and among colonies and reefs. Differences in
      symbiont standing stock may subsequently explain variation in energetics, growth,
      reproduction, and stress susceptibility, and may mediate the impacts of
      environmental change on these outcomes. However, the importance of symbiont
      abundance has received relatively little recognition, possibly because commonly
      used metrics based on surface area (e.g., symbiont cells cm(-2)) may be only
      weakly linked to biological phenomena and are difficult to compare across
      studies. We suggest that normalizing symbionts to biological host parameters,
      such as units of protein or numbers of host cells, will more clearly elucidate
      the functional role of symbiont abundance in reef coral symbioses. In this
      article, we generate testable hypotheses regarding the importance of symbiont
      abundance by first discussing different metrics and their potential links to
      symbiosis performance and breakdown, and then describing how natural variability
      and dynamics of symbiont communities may help explain ecological patterns on
      coral reefs and predict responses to environmental change. 

PMID- 25136341
TI  - Trypanosoma cruzi-Host Cell Interaction.

PMID- 25136340
TI  - Fold modulating function: bacterial toxins to functional amyloids.
AB  - Many bacteria produce cytolytic toxins that target host cells or other competing
      microbes. It is well known that environmental factors control toxin expression,
      however, recent work suggests that some bacteria manipulate the fold of these
      protein toxins to control their function. The beta-sheet rich amyloid fold is a
      highly stable ordered aggregate that many toxins form in response to specific
      environmental conditions. When in the amyloid state, toxins become inert, losing
      the cytolytic activity they display in the soluble form. Emerging evidence
      suggest that some amyloids function as toxin storage systems until they are again
      needed, while other bacteria utilize amyloids as a structural matrix component of
      biofilms. This amyloid matrix component facilitates resistance to biofilm
      disruptive challenges. The bacterial amyloids discussed in this review reveal an
      elegant system where changes in protein fold and solubility dictate the function
      of proteins in response to the environment. 

PMID- 25136343
TI  - Extracellular vesicles as therapeutic tools in cardiovascular diseases.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes, are
      small vesicles secreted from a wide variety of cells. Whereas MVs are particles
      released by the outward budding of the plasma membrane, exosomes are derived from
      endocytic compartments. Secretion of EVs can be enhanced by specific stimuli, and
      increased plasma circulating levels of EVs have been correlated with
      pathophysiological situations. MVs, already present in the blood of healthy
      individuals, are considerably elevated in several cardiovascular diseases
      associated with inflammation, suggesting that they can mediate deleterious
      effects such as endothelial dysfunction or thrombosis. Nonetheless, very recent
      studies also demonstrate that MVs may act as biological information vectors
      transferring proteins or genetic material to maintain cell homeostasis, favor
      cell repair, or even promote angiogenesis. Additionally, exosomes have also been
      shown to have pro-angiogenic and cardio-protective properties. These beneficial
      effects, therefore, reveal the potential therapeutical use of EVs in the field of
      cardiovascular medicine and regenerative therapy. In this review, we will provide
      an update of cellular processes modulated by EVs of specific interest in the
      treatment of cardiovascular pathologies. A special focus will be made on the
      morphogen sonic hedgehog (Shh) associated with EVs (EVs(Shh+)), which have been
      shown to mediate many pro-angiogenic effects. In addition to offer a potential
      source of cardiovascular markers, therapeutical potential of EVs reveal exciting
      opportunities to deliver specific agents by non-immunogenic means to
      cardiovascular system. 

PMID- 25136344
TI  - High atomic weight, high-energy radiation (HZE) induces transcriptional responses
      shared with conventional stresses in addition to a core "DSB" response specific
      to clastogenic treatments.
AB  - Plants exhibit a robust transcriptional response to gamma radiation which
      includes the induction of transcripts required for homologous recombination and
      the suppression of transcripts that promote cell cycle progression. Various DNA
      damaging agents induce different spectra of DNA damage as well as "collateral"
      damage to other cellular components and therefore are not expected to provoke
      identical responses by the cell. Here we study the effects of two different types
      of ionizing radiation (IR) treatment, HZE (1 GeV Fe(26+) high mass, high charge,
      and high energy relativistic particles) and gamma photons, on the transcriptome
      of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. Both types of IR induce small clusters of
      radicals that can result in the formation of double strand breaks (DSBs), but HZE
      also produces linear arrays of extremely clustered damage. We performed these
      experiments across a range of time points (1.5-24 h after irradiation) in both
      wild-type plants and in mutants defective in the DSB-sensing protein kinase ATM.
      The two types of IR exhibit a shared double strand break-repair-related damage
      response, although they differ slightly in the timing, degree, and ATM-dependence
      of the response. The ATM-dependent, DNA metabolism-related transcripts of the
      "DSB response" were also induced by other DNA damaging agents, but were not
      induced by conventional stresses. Both Gamma and HZE irradiation induced, at 24 h
      post-irradiation, ATM-dependent transcripts associated with a variety of
      conventional stresses; these were overrepresented for pathogen response, rather
      than DNA metabolism. In contrast, only HZE-irradiated plants, at 1.5 h after
      irradiation, exhibited an additional and very extensive transcriptional response,
      shared with plants experiencing "extended night." This response was not apparent
      in gamma-irradiated plants. 

PMID- 25136345
TI  - Divisions of labor in the thiamin biosynthetic pathway among organs of maize.
AB  - The B vitamin thiamin is essential for central metabolism in all cellular
      organisms including plants. While plants synthesize thiamin de novo, organs vary
      widely in their capacities for thiamin synthesis. We use a transcriptomics
      approach to appraise the distribution of de novo synthesis and thiamin salvage
      pathways among organs of maize. We identify at least six developmental contexts
      in which metabolically active, non-photosynthetic organs exhibit low expression
      of one or both branches of the de novo thiamin biosynthetic pathway indicating a
      dependence on inter-cellular transport of thiamin and/or thiamin precursors.
      Neither the thiazole (THI4) nor pyrimidine (THIC) branches of the pathway are
      expressed in developing pollen implying a dependence on import of thiamin from
      surrounding floral and inflorescence organs. Consistent with that hypothesis,
      organs of the male inflorescence and flowers are shown to have high relative
      expression of the thiamin biosynthetic pathway and comparatively high thiamin
      contents. By contrast, divergent patterns of THIC and THI4 expression occur in
      the shoot apical meristem, embyro sac, embryo, endosperm, and root-tips
      suggesting that these sink organs acquire significant amounts of thiamin via
      salvage pathways. In the root and shoot meristems, expression of THIC in the
      absence of THI4 indicates a capacity for thiamin synthesis via salvage of
      thiazole, whereas the opposite pattern obtains in embryo and endosperm implying
      that seed storage organs are poised for pyrimidine salvage. Finally, stable
      isotope labeling experiments set an upper limit on the rate of de novo thiamin
      biosynthesis in maize leaf explants. Overall, the observed patterns of thiamin
      biosynthetic gene expression mirror the strategies for thiamin acquisition that
      have evolved in bacteria. 

PMID- 25136342
TI  - Impaired clearance of apoptotic cells in chronic inflammatory diseases:
      therapeutic implications.
AB  - In healthy individuals, billions of cells die by apoptosis every day. Removal of
      the dead cells by phagocytosis (a process called efferocytosis) must be efficient
      to prevent secondary necrosis and the consequent release of pro-inflammatory cell
      contents that damages the tissue environment and provokes autoimmunity. In
      addition, detection and removal of apoptotic cells generally induces an anti
      inflammatory response. As a consequence improper clearance of apoptotic cells,
      being the result of either genetic anomalies and/or a persistent disease state,
      contributes to the establishment and progression of a number of human chronic
      inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune and neurological disorders, inflammatory
      lung diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, or atherosclerosis. During the past
      decade, our knowledge about the mechanism of efferocytosis has significantly
      increased, providing therapeutic targets through which impaired phagocytosis of
      apoptotic cells and the consequent inflammation could be influenced in these
      diseases. 

PMID- 25136346
TI  - Capsicum chinensis L. growth and nutraceutical properties are enhanced by
      biostimulants in a long-term period: chemical and metabolomic approaches.
AB  - Two biostimulants, one derived from alfalfa plants (AH) and the other obtained
      from red grape (RG), were chemically characterized using enzyme linked immuno
      sorbent assays, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopies. Two
      doses (50 and 100 mL L(-1) for RG, and 25 and 50 mL L(-1) for AH) of
      biostimulants were applied to Capsicum chinensis L. plants cultivated in pots
      inside a tunnel. The experimental design consisted of the factorial combination
      of treatment (no biostimulant, plus AH, plus RG) at three doses (zero, low, and
      high) and two time-course applications (at the second and fourth week after
      transplantation) and the effects were recorded at flowering and maturity. Both
      biostimulants contained different amounts of indoleacetic acid and
      isopentenyladenosine; the AH spectra exhibited amino acid functional groups in
      the peptidic structure, while the RG spectra showed the presence of polyphenols,
      such as resveratrol. These results revealed that at flowering, RG and AH
      increased the weights of fresh leaves and fruits and the number of green fruits,
      whereas at maturity, the biostimulants most affected the fresh weight and number
      of red fruits. At flowering, the leaves of the treated plants contained high
      amounts of epicatechin, ascorbic acid, quercetin, and dihydrocapsaicin. At
      maturity, the leaves of the treated plants exhibited elevated amounts of
      fructose, glucose, chlorogenic, and ferulic acids. Moreover, green fruits
      exhibited a high content of chlorogenic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric
      acid and antioxidant activity, while both AH- and RG-treated red fruits were
      highly endowed in capsaicin. The (1)H high-resolution magic-angle spinning
      (HRMAS)-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of red fruits revealed that both
      products induced a high amount of NADP(+), whereas RG also increased glucose,
      fumarate, ascorbate, thymidine and high molecular weight species. Our results
      suggested that AH and RG promoted plant growth and the production of secondary
      metabolites, such as phenols. 

PMID- 25136348
TI  - Rec-8 dimorphism affects longevity, stress resistance and X-chromosome
      nondisjunction in C. elegans, and replicative lifespan in S. cerevisiae.
AB  - A quantitative trait locus (QTL) in the nematode C. elegans, "lsq4," was recently
      implicated by mapping longevity genes. QTLs for lifespan and three stress
      resistance traits coincided within a span of <300 kbp, later narrowed to <200
      kbp. A single gene in this interval is now shown to modulate all lsq4-associated
      traits. Full-genome analysis of transcript levels indicates that lsq4 contains a
      dimorphic gene governing the expression of many sperm-specific genes, suggesting
      an effect on spermatogenesis. Quantitative analysis of allele-specific
      transcripts encoded within the lsq4 interval revealed significant, 2- to 15-fold
      expression differences for 10 of 33 genes. Fourteen "dual-candidate" genes,
      implicated by both position and expression, were tested for RNA-interference
      effects on QTL-linked traits. In a strain carrying the shorter-lived allele,
      knockdown of rec-8 (encoding a meiotic cohesin) reduced its transcripts 4-fold,
      to a level similar to the longer-lived strain, while extending lifespan 25-26%,
      whether begun before fertilization or at maturity. The short-lived lsq4 allele
      also conferred sensitivity to oxidative and thermal stresses, and lower male
      frequency (reflecting X-chromosome non-disjunction), traits reversed uniquely by
      rec-8 knockdown. A strain bearing the longer-lived lsq4 allele, differing from
      the short-lived strain at <0.3% of its genome, derived no lifespan or stress
      survival benefit from rec-8 knockdown. We consider two possible explanations:
      high rec-8 expression may include increased "leaky" expression in mitotic cells,
      leading to deleterious destabilization of somatic genomes; or REC-8 may act
      entirely in germ-line meiotic cells to reduce aberrations such as non
      disjunction, thereby blunting a stress-resistance response mediated by innate
      immunity. Replicative lifespan was extended 20% in haploid S. cerevisiae (BY4741)
      by deletion of REC8, orthologous to nematode rec-8, implying that REC8 disruption
      of mitotic-cell survival is widespread, exemplifying antagonistic pleiotropy
      (opposing effects on lifespan vs. reproduction), and/or balancing selection
      wherein genomic disruption increases genetic variation under harsh conditions. 

PMID- 25136349
TI  - The CNVrd2 package: measurement of copy number at complex loci using high
      throughput sequencing data.
AB  - Recent advances in high-throughout sequencing technologies have made it possible
      to accurately assign copy number (CN) at CN variable loci. However, current
      analytic methods often perform poorly in regions in which complex CN variation is
      observed. Here we report the development of a read depth-based approach, CNVrd2,
      for investigation of CN variation using high-throughput sequencing data. This
      methodology was developed using data from the 1000 Genomes Project from the
      CCL3L1 locus, and tested using data from the DEFB103A locus. In both cases,
      samples were selected for which paralog ratio test data were also available for
      comparison. The CNVrd2 method first uses observed read-count ratios to refine
      segmentation results in one population. Then a linear regression model is applied
      to adjust the results across multiple populations, in combination with a Bayesian
      normal mixture model to cluster segmentation scores into groups for individual CN
      counts. The performance of CNVrd2 was compared to that of two other read depth
      based methods (CNVnator, cn.mops) at the CCL3L1 and DEFB103A loci. The highest
      concordance with the paralog ratio test method was observed for CNVrd2
      (77.8/90.4% for CNVrd2, 36.7/4.8% for cn.mops and 7.2/1% for CNVnator at CCL3L1
      and DEF103A). CNVrd2 is available as an R package as part of the Bioconductor
      project: http://www.bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/CNVrd2.html. 

PMID- 25136347
TI  - In silico analysis of protein Lys-N(??)-acetylation in plants.
AB  - Among post-translational modifications, there are some conceptual similarities
      between Lys-N(??)-acetylation and Ser/Thr/Tyr O-phosphorylation. Herein we
      present a bioinformatics-based overview of reversible protein Lys-acetylation,
      including some comparisons with reversible protein phosphorylation. The study of
      Lys-acetylation of plant proteins has lagged behind studies of mammalian and
      microbial cells; 1000s of acetylation sites have been identified in mammalian
      proteins compared with only hundreds of sites in plant proteins. While most
      previous emphasis was focused on post-translational modifications of histones,
      more recent studies have addressed metabolic regulation. Being directly coupled
      with cellular CoA/acetyl-CoA and NAD/NADH, reversible Lys-N(??)-acetylation has
      the potential to control, or contribute to control, of primary metabolism,
      signaling, and growth and development. 

PMID- 25136350
TI  - Simple, standardized incorporation of genetic risk into non-genetic risk
      prediction tools for complex traits: coronary heart disease as an example.
AB  - PURPOSE: Genetic risk assessment is becoming an important component of clinical
      decision-making. Genetic Risk Scores (GRSs) allow the composite assessment of
      genetic risk in complex traits. A technically and clinically pertinent question
      is how to most easily and effectively combine a GRS with an assessment of
      clinical risk derived from established non-genetic risk factors as well as to
      clearly present this information to patient and health care providers. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We illustrate a means to combine a GRS with an independent
      assessment of clinical risk using a log-link function. We apply the method to the
      prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in
      Communities (ARIC) cohort. We evaluate different constructions based on metrics
      of effect change, discrimination, and calibration. RESULTS: The addition of a GRS
      to a clinical risk score (CRS) improves both discrimination and calibration for
      CHD in ARIC. RESULTS are similar regardless of whether external vs. internal
      coefficients are used for the CRS, risk factor single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) are included in the GRS, or subjects with diabetes at baseline are
      excluded. We outline how to report the construction and the performance of a GRS
      using our method and illustrate a means to present genetic risk information to
      subjects and/or their health care provider. CONCLUSION: The proposed method
      facilitates the standardized incorporation of a GRS in risk assessment.

PMID- 25136351
TI  - X-inactivation normalizes O-GlcNAc transferase levels and generates an O-GlcNAc
      depleted Barr body.
AB  - O-GlcNAc Transferase (OGT) catalyzes protein O-GlcNAcylation, an abundant and
      dynamic nuclear and cytosolic modification linked to epigenetic regulation of
      gene expression. The steady-state levels of O-GlcNAc are influenced by
      extracellular glucose concentrations suggesting that O-GlcNAcylation may serve as
      a metabolic sensor. Intriguingly, human OGT is located on the X-chromosome (Xq13)
      close to the X-inactivation center (XIC), suggesting that OGT levels may be
      controlled by dosage compensation. In human female cells, dosage compensation is
      accomplished by X-inactivation. Long noncoding RNAs and polycomb repression act
      together to produce an inactive X chromosome, or Barr body. Given that OGT has an
      established role in polycomb repression, it is uniquely poised to auto-regulate
      its own expression through X-inactivation. In this study, we examined OGT
      expression in male, female and triple-X female human fibroblasts, which differ in
      the number of inactive X chromosomes (Xi). We demonstrate that OGT is subjected
      to random X-inactivation in normal female and triple X cells to regulate OGT RNA
      levels. In addition, we used chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) and
      immunolocalization to examine O-GlcNAc levels in the Xi/Barr body. Despite the
      established role of O-GlcNAc in polycomb repression, OGT and target proteins
      bearing O-GlcNAc are largely depleted from the highly condensed Barr body. Thus,
      while O-GlcNAc is abundantly present elsewhere in the nucleus, its absence from
      the Barr body suggests that the transcriptional quiescence of the Xi does not
      require OGT or O-GlcNAc. 

PMID- 25136352
TI  - History of the discovery of a master locus producing piRNAs: the flamenco/COM
      locus in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - The discovery of transposable elements (TEs) in the 1950s by B. McClintock
      implied the existence of cellular regulatory systems controlling TE activity. The
      discovery of flamenco (flam) an heterochromatic locus from Drosophila
      melanogaster and its ability to survey several TEs such as gypsy, ZAM, and Idefix
      contributed to peer deeply into the mechanisms of the genetic and epigenetic
      regulation of TEs. flam was the first cluster producing small RNAs to be
      discovered long before RNAi pathways were identified in 1998. As a result of the
      detailed genetic analyses performed by certain laboratories and of the
      sophisticated genetic tools they developed, this locus has played a major role in
      our understanding of piRNA mediated TE repression in animals. Here we review the
      first discovery of this locus and retrace decades of studies that led to our
      current understanding of the relationship between genomes and their TE targets. 

PMID- 25136354
TI  - Viper bites complicate chronic agrochemical nephropathy in rural Sri Lanka.
AB  - Snakebite is a common occupational health hazard among Sri Lankan agricultural
      workers, particularly in the North Central Province. Viperine snakes, mainly
      Russell's viper envenomation, frequently lead to acute renal failure. During the
      last two decades, an agrochemical nephropathy, a chronic tubulointerstitial
      disease has rapidly spread over this area leading to high morbidity and
      mortality. Most of the epidemiological characteristics of these two conditions
      overlap, increasing the chances of co-occurrence. Herein, we describe four
      representative cases of viperine snakebites leading to variable clinical
      presentations, in patients with chronic agrochemical nephropathy, including two
      patients presented with acute and delayed anuria. These cases suggest the
      possibility of unusual manifestations of snakebite in patients with Sri Lankan
      agrochemical nephropathy, of which the clinicians should be aware. It could be
      postulated that the existing scenario in the Central America could also lead to
      similar clinical presentations. 

PMID- 25136355
TI  - Automated White Matter Hyperintensity Detection in Multiple Sclerosis Using 3D T2
      FLAIR.
AB  - White matter hyperintensities (WMH) seen on T2WI are a hallmark of multiple
      sclerosis (MS) as it indicates inflammation associated with the disease.
      Automatic detection of the WMH can be valuable in diagnosing and monitoring of
      treatment effectiveness. T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MR images
      provided good contrast between the lesions and other tissue; however the signal
      intensity of gray matter tissue was close to the lesions in FLAIR images that may
      cause more false positives in the segment result. We developed and evaluated a
      tool for automated WMH detection only using high resolution 3D T2 fluid
      attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MR images. We use a high spatial frequency
      suppression method to reduce the gray matter area signal intensity. We evaluate
      our method in 26 MS patients and 26 age matched health controls. The data from
      the automated algorithm showed good agreement with that from the manual
      segmentation. The linear correlation between these two approaches in comparing
      WMH volumes was found to be Y = 1.04X + 1.74  (R (2) = 0.96). The automated
      algorithm estimates the number, volume, and category of WMH. 

PMID- 25136353
TI  - Genetic factors and manganese-induced neurotoxicity.
AB  - Manganese (Mn), is a trace metal required for normal physiological processes in
      humans. Mn levels are tightly regulated, as high levels of Mn result in
      accumulation in the brain and cause a neurological disease known as manganism.
      Manganism shares many similarities with Parkinson's disease (PD), both at the
      physiological level and the cellular level. Exposure to high Mn-containing
      environments increases the risk of developing manganism. Mn is absorbed primarily
      through the intestine and then released in the blood. Excessive Mn is secreted in
      the bile and excreted in feces. Mn enters and exits cells through a number of non
      specific importers localized on the cell membrane. Mutations in one of the Mn
      exporters, SLC30A10 (solute carrier family 30, member 10), result in Mn induced
      toxicity with liver impairments and neurological dysfunction. Four PD genes have
      been identified in connection to regulation of Mn toxicity, shedding new light on
      potential links between manganism and PD. 

PMID- 25136358
TI  - An ICT-Based Diabetes Management System Tested for Health Care Delivery in the
      African Context.
AB  - The demand for new healthcare services is growing rapidly. Improving
      accessibility of the African population to diabetes care seems to be a big
      challenge in most countries where the number of care centers and medical staff is
      reduced. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have great potential to
      address some of these challenges faced by several countries in providing
      accessible, cost-effective, and high-quality health care services. This paper
      presents the Mobil Diab system which is a telemedical approach proposed for the
      management of long-term diseases. The system applies modern mobile and web
      technologies which overcome geographical barriers, and increase access to health
      care services. The idea of the system is to involve patients in the therapy
      process and motivate them for an active participation. For validation of the
      system in African context, a trial was conducted in the Democratic Republic of
      Congo. 40 Subjects with diabetes divided randomly into control and intervention
      groups were included in the test. Results show that Mobil Diab is suitable for
      African countries and presents a number of benefits for the population and public
      health care system. It improves clinical management and delivery of diabetes care
      services by enhancing access, quality, motivation, reassurance, efficiency, and
      cost-effectiveness. 

PMID- 25136357
TI  - Haematuria: an imaging guide.
AB  - This paper discusses the current status of imaging in the investigation of
      patients with haematuria. The physician must rationalize imaging so that serious
      causes such as malignancy are promptly diagnosed while at the same time not
      exposing patients to unnecessary investigations. There is currently no universal
      agreement about the optimal imaging work up of haematuria. The choice of modality
      to image the urinary tract will depend on individual patient factors such as age,
      the presence of risk factors for malignancy, renal function, a history of
      calculus disease and pregnancy, and other factors, such as local policy and
      practice, cost effectiveness and availability of resources. The role of all
      modalities, including conventional radiography, intravenous urography/excretory
      urography, ultrasonography, retrograde pyelography, multidetector computed
      tomography urography (MDCTU), and magnetic resonance urography, is discussed.
      This paper highlights the pivotal role of MDCTU in the imaging of the patient
      with haematuria and discusses issues specific to this modality including protocol
      design, imaging of the urothelium, and radiation dose. Examination protocols
      should be tailored to the patient while all the while optimizing radiation dose. 

PMID- 25136356
TI  - Targeting angiogenesis and tumor microenvironment in metastatic colorectal
      cancer: role of aflibercept.
AB  - In the last decades, we have progressively observed an improvement in therapeutic
      options for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment with a progressive
      prolongation of survival. mCRC prognosis still remains poor with low percentage
      of 5-year survival. Targeted agents have improved results obtained with standard
      chemotherapy. Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in colorectal cancer growth,
      proliferation, and metastasization and it has been investigated as a potential
      target for mCRC treatment. Accordingly, novel antiangiogenic targeted agents
      bevacizumab, regorafenib, and aflibercept have been approved for mCRC treatment
      as the result of several phase III randomized trials. The development of a tumor
      permissive microenvironment via the aberrant expression by tumor cells of
      paracrine factors alters the tumor-stroma interactions inducing an expansion of
      proangiogenic signals. Recently, the VELOUR study showed that addition of
      aflibercept to FOLFIRI regimen as a second-line therapy for mCRC improved
      significantly OS, PFS, and RR. This molecule represents a valid second-line
      therapeutic option and its peculiar ability to interfere with placental growth
      factor (PlGF)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) axis makes
      it effective in targeting angiogenesis, inflammatory cells and in overcoming
      resistances to anti-angiogenic first-line treatment. Here, we discuss about
      Aflibercept peculiar ability to interfere with tumor microenvironment and
      angiogenic pathway. 

PMID- 25136359
TI  - Physical Activity, Physical Performance, and Biological Markers of Health among
      Sedentary Older Latinos.
AB  - Background. Physical activity is associated with better physical health, possibly
      by changing biological markers of health such as waist circumference and
      inflammation, but these relationships are unclear and even less understood among
      older Latinos-a group with high rates of sedentary lifestyle. Methods.
      Participants were 120 sedentary older Latino adults from senior centers.
      Community-partnered research methods were used to recruit participants.
      Inflammatory (C-reactive protein) and metabolic markers of health (waist
      circumference, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, and glucose), physical
      activity (Yale physical activity survey), and physical performance (short
      physical performance NIA battery) were measured at baseline and 6-month followup.
      Results. Eighty percent of the sample was female. In final adjusted cross
      sectional models, better physical activity indices were associated with faster
      gait speed (P < 0.05). In adjusted longitudinal analyses, change in self-reported
      physical activity level correlated inversely with change in CRP (beta = -0.05; P
      = 0.03) and change in waist circumference (beta = -0.16; P = 0.02). Biological
      markers of health did not mediate the relationship between physical activity and
      physical performance. Conclusion. In this community-partnered study, higher
      physical activity was associated with better physical performance in cross
      sectional analyses. In longitudinal analysis, increased physical activity was
      associated with improvements in some metabolic and inflammatory markers of
      health. 

PMID- 25136360
TI  - Chlorogenic and caftaric acids in liver toxicity and oxidative stress induced by
      methamphetamine.
AB  - Methamphetamine intoxication can cause acute hepatic failure. Chlorogenic and
      caftaric acids are the major dietary polyphenols present in various foods. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of chlorogenic and caftaric
      acids in liver toxicity and oxidative stress induced by methamphetamine in rats.
      Thirty-two male albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups. Group 1, which was
      control group, was injected (i.p) with saline (1 mL/kg) twice a day over seven
      day period. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were injected (i.p) with methamphetamine (10
      mg/kg) twice a day over seven-day period, where groups 3 and 4 were injected
      (i.p) with 60 mg/kg chlorogenic acid and 40 mg/kg caftaric acid, respectively,
      one day before methamphetamine injections. Methamphetamine increased serum
      aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase,
      bilirubin, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. Also,
      malondialdehyde in serum, liver, and brain and plasma and liver nitric oxide
      levels were increased while methamphetamine induced a significant decrease in
      serum total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, brain serotonin,
      norepinephrine and dopamine, blood and liver superoxide dismutase, and
      glutathione peroxidase levels. Chlorogenic and caftaric acids prior to
      methamphetamine injections restored all the above parameters to normal values. In
      conclusion, chlorogenic and caftaric acids before methamphetamine injections
      prevented liver toxicity and oxidative stress where chlorogenic acid was more
      effective. 

PMID- 25136361
TI  - Micro- and Macroelemental Composition and Safety Evaluation of the Nutraceutical
      Moringa oleifera Leaves.
AB  - Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose plant used in Ghana and most parts of Africa.
      Its high mineral, protein, and vitamins content has enabled its use as a
      nutraceutical and panacea for various diseases. This study aimed at measuring the
      micro- and macroelements content of dried Moringa oleifera leaves using energy
      dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic (EDXRF) and assessing its
      toxicological effect in rats. Acute toxicity (5000 mg/kg) and a subacute toxicity
      studies of the leaf (40 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg) extract were conducted in rats.
      Blood samples were assessed for biochemical and haematological parameters.
      Results showed significant levels of thirty-five (35) elements (14 macroelements
      and 21 microelements) in M. oleifera extract. There were no observed overt
      adverse reactions in the acute and subacute studies. Although there were observed
      elevations in liver enzymes ALT and ALP (P < 0.001) and lower creatinine levels
      in the extract treated groups, no adverse histopathological findings were found.
      Moringa oleifera dried leaf extract may, therefore, be reasonably safe for
      consumption. However, the consumption of Moringa oleifera leaves should not
      exceed a maximum of 70 grams per day to prevent cumulative toxicity of these
      essential elements over long periods. 

PMID- 25136362
TI  - The TG/HDL-C Ratio Might Be a Surrogate for Insulin Resistance in Chinese
      Nonobese Women.
AB  - Obejective. To examine the discriminatory power of triglyceride (TG) and
      triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) for insulin
      resistance (IR) in a normoglycaemic Chinese population. Methods. The data were
      collected from 711 individuals. The normoglycaemic individuals were eventually
      included in the study (n = 533, age: 62.8 +/- 6.6 years, male: 56.8%), who were
      with a fasting plasma glucose < 6.1 mmol/L and without a history of diabetes. IR
      was defined as the upper quintile (>=1.6) of homeostasis model assessment of IR.
      Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC) was used to examine
      the discriminatory power. Results. The discriminatory power of TG/HDL-C for IR
      was acceptable in women with a BMI < 24 kg/m(2) or waist circumference < 80 cm
      (AROCs: 0.718 and 0.713, resp.); however, the discriminatory power was not
      acceptable in the obese women. TG/HDL-C was not an acceptable marker of IR in
      men. The discriminatory power of TG for IR was not acceptable in both men and
      women. Conclusions. The discriminatory power of TG/HDL-C for IR differs by gender
      and obesity index in the normoglycaemic Chinese population, and TG/HDL-C could
      discriminate IR in the nonobese and normoglycaemic women. 

PMID- 25136363
TI  - Leptin effects on the regenerative capacity of human periodontal cells.
AB  - Obesity is increasing throughout the globe and characterized by excess adipose
      tissue, which represents a complex endocrine organ. Adipose tissue secrets
      bioactive molecules called adipokines, which act at endocrine, paracrine, and
      autocrine levels. Obesity has recently been shown to be associated with
      periodontitis, a disease characterized by the irreversible destruction of the
      tooth-supporting tissues, that is, periodontium, and also with compromised
      periodontal healing. Although the underlying mechanisms for these associations
      are not clear yet, increased levels of proinflammatory adipokines, such as
      leptin, as found in obese individuals, might be a critical pathomechanistic link.
      The objective of this study was to examine the impact of leptin on the
      regenerative capacity of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and also to study
      the local leptin production by these cells. Leptin caused a significant
      downregulation of growth (TGFbeta1, and VEGFA) and transcription (RUNX2) factors
      as well as matrix molecules (collagen, and periostin) and inhibited SMAD
      signaling under regenerative conditions. Moreover, the local expression of leptin
      and its full-length receptor was significantly downregulated by inflammatory,
      microbial, and biomechanical signals. This study demonstrates that the hormone
      leptin negatively interferes with the regenerative capacity of PDL cells,
      suggesting leptin as a pathomechanistic link between obesity and compromised
      periodontal healing. 

PMID- 25136364
TI  - Cannabinoid receptor 1 gene polymorphisms and nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease in
      women with polycystic ovary syndrome and in healthy controls.
AB  - Context. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently associated with
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The endocannabinoid system may play a
      crucial role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Polymorphism of the cannabinoid
      receptor 1 gene (CNR1) may be responsible for individual susceptibility to
      obesity and related conditions. Objective. To determine the role of genetic
      variants of CNR1 in the etiopathology of NAFLD in women with PCOS. Design and
      Setting. Our department (a tertiary referral center) conducted a cross-sectional,
      case-controlled study. Subjects. 173 women with PCOS (aged 20-35) and 125
      healthy, age- and weight-matched controls were studied. Methods. Hepatic
      steatosis was assessed by ultrasound evaluation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms
      of CNR1 (rs806368, rs12720071, rs1049353, rs806381, rs10485170, rs6454674) were
      genotyped. Results. Frequency of the G allele of rs806381 (P < 0.025) and the GG
      genotype of rs10485170 (P < 0.03) was significantly higher in women with PCOS and
      NAFLD than in PCOS women without NAFLD. Frequency of the TT genotype of rs6454674
      was higher in PCOS women with NAFLD (not significantly, P = 0.059). In
      multivariate stepwise regression, allele G of rs806381 was associated with PCOS +
      NAFLD phenotype. Conclusion. Our preliminary results suggest the potential role
      of CNR1 polymorphisms in the etiology of NAFLD, especially in PCOS women. 

PMID- 25136366
TI  - Association between Serum Uric Acid Level and Metabolic Syndrome and Its Sex
      Difference in a Chinese Community Elderly Population.
AB  - Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum uric acid
      (SUA) levels within a normal to high range and the risk of metabolic syndrome
      (MetS) among community elderly and explore the sex difference. Design and
      Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative urban area of
      Beijing between 2009 and 2010. A two-stage stratified clustering sampling method
      was used and 2102 elderly participants were included. Results. The prevalence of
      hyperuricemia and MetS was 16.7% and 59.1%, respectively. There was a strong
      association between hyperuricemia and four components of MetS in women and three
      components in men. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed ORs of
      hyperuricemia for MetS were 1.67 (95% CI: 1.11-2.50) in men and 2.73 (95% CI:
      1.81-4.11) in women. Even in the normal range, the ORs for MetS increased
      gradually according to SUA levels. MetS component number also showed an
      increasing trend across SUA quartile in both sexes (P for trend < 0.01).
      Conclusion. This study suggests that higher SUA levels, even in the normal range,
      are positively associated with MetS among Chinese community elderly, and the
      association is stronger in women than men. Physicians should recognize MetS as a
      frequent comorbidity of hyperuricemia and take early action to prevent subsequent
      disease burden. 

PMID- 25136365
TI  - Coronary Heart Disease in Postmenopausal Women with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and
      the Impact of Estrogen Replacement Therapy: A Narrative Review.
AB  - Coronary heart disease is the main cause of death in postmenopausal women (PMW);
      moreover its mortality exceeds those for breast cancer in women at all ages. Type
      II diabetes mellitus is a major cardiovascular risk factor and there is some
      evidence that the risk conferred by diabetes is greater in women than in men. It
      was established that the deficiency of endogenous estrogens promotes the
      atherosclerosis process. However, the impact of estrogen replacement therapy
      (ERT) on cardiovascular prevention remains controversial. Some authors strongly
      recommend it, whereas others revealed a concerning trend toward harm. This review
      tries to underlines the different components of cardiovascular risk in diabetic
      PMW and to define the place of ERT. 

PMID- 25136367
TI  - The Need for Orthodontic Treatment among Vietnamese School Children and Young
      Adults.
AB  - Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the need for orthodontic
      treatment among 12-year-old school children and 18-year-olds from Da Nang,
      Vietnam. Basic Research Design. A random representative sample of 200 12-year-old
      children from primary schools in Da Nang city was gathered. In addition, 200 18
      year-old students were randomly selected from among the 4000 students studying at
      Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Vietnam. All the subjects
      were evaluated according to Angle's molar relationship, the presence of
      malocclusion, and the components of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need
      (Dental Health Component, DHC, and Aesthetic Component, AC). Results. The DHC of
      index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) for 12-year-olds was in 60% of cases
      no or little, in 21% of cases moderate, and in 19% of cases definitive, while the
      prevalence of moderate and definitive need for treatment among the 18-year-olds
      was 24% and 30.5%, respectively. The prevalence of class III malocclusion,
      contact point displacement, and crossbite was higher in 18-year-olds than among
      the 12-year-olds, while the prevalence of increased overjet and increased
      overbite had decreased in 18-year-olds compared to the group of 12-year-olds.
      Conclusions. There is a strong need for orthodontic treatment in Vietnam's
      population. The need for orthodontic treatment was determined by contact point
      displacement, crossbite, increased overjet, and increased overbite. 

PMID- 25136368
TI  - Effect of recycling protocol on mechanical strength of used mini-implants.
AB  - Purpose. This study evaluated the influence of recycling process on the torsional
      strength of mini-implants. Materials and Methods. Two hundred mini-implants were
      divided into 4 groups with 50 screws equally distributed in five diameters (1.3
      to 1.7 mm): control group (CG): unused mini-implants, G1: mini-implants inserted
      in pig iliac bone and removed, G2: same protocol of group 1 followed by
      sonication for cleaning and autoclave sterilization, and G3: same insertion
      protocol of group 1 followed by sonication for cleaning before and after
      sandblasting (Al2O3-90 u) and autoclave sterilization. G2 and G3 mini-implants
      were weighed after recycling process to evaluate weight loss (W). All the screws
      were broken to determine the fracture torque (FT). The influence of recycling
      process on FT and W was evaluated by ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, and multiple linear
      regression analysis. Results. FT was not influenced by recycling protocols even
      when sandblasting was added. Sandblasting caused weight loss due to abrasive
      mechanical stripping of screw surface. Screw diameter was the only variable that
      affected FT. Conclusions. Torsional strengths of screws that underwent the
      recycling protocols were not changed. Thus, screw diameter choice can be a more
      critical step to avoid screw fracture than recycling decision. 

PMID- 25136370
TI  - Efficacy of topical mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the treatment of
      experimental dry eye syndrome model.
AB  - Purpose. The current study was set out to address the therapeutic efficacy of
      topically applied mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on dry eye syndrome (DES) induced
      by benzalkonium chloride (BAC) in rats. Methods. Rats were divided into two
      groups just after establishment of DES. Eye drops containing either
      bromodeoxyuridine labeled MSCs (n = 9) or phosphate buffer solution (n = 7) were
      topically applied once daily for one week. Schirmer test, break-up time score,
      ocular surface evaluation tests, and corneal inflammatory index scoring tests
      were applied to all rats at baseline and after treatment. All rats were
      sacrificed after one week for histological and electron microscopic analysis.
      Results. Mean aqueous tear volume and tear film stability were significantly
      increased in rats treated with MSCs (P < 0.05). Infiltration of bromodeoxyuridine
      labeled MSCs into the meibomian glands and conjunctival epithelium was observed
      in MSCs treated rats. Increased number of secretory granules and number of goblet
      cells were observed in MSCs treated rats. Conclusion. Topical application of MSCs
      could be a safe and effective method for the treatment of DES and could
      potentially be used for further clinical research studies. 

PMID- 25136369
TI  - Early prediction of preeclampsia.
AB  - Effective screening for the development of early onset preeclampsia (PE) can be
      provided in the first-trimester of pregnancy. Screening by a combination of
      maternal risk factors, uterine artery Doppler, mean arterial pressure, maternal
      serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, and placental growth factor can
      identify about 95% of cases of early onset PE for a false-positive rate of 10%. 

PMID- 25136371
TI  - Determination of lead, cations, and anions concentration in indoor and outdoor
      air at the primary schools in Kuala Lumpur.
AB  - This study was carried out to determine the concentration of lead (Pb), anions,
      and cations at six primary schools located around Kuala Lumpur. Low volume
      sampler (MiniVol PM10) was used to collect the suspended particulates in indoor
      and outdoor air. Results showed that the concentration of Pb in indoor air was in
      the range of 5.18 +/- 1.08 MUg/g-7.01 +/- 0.08 MUg/g. All the concentrations of
      Pb in indoor air were higher than in outdoor air at all sampling stations. The
      concentrations of cations and anions were higher in outdoor air than in indoor
      air. The concentration of Ca(2+) (39.51 +/- 5.01 mg/g-65.13 +/- 9.42 mg/g) was
      the highest because the cation existed naturally in soil dusts, while the
      concentrations of NO3 (-) and SO4 (2-) were higher in outdoor air because there
      were more sources of exposure for anions in outdoor air, such as highly congested
      traffic and motor vehicles emissions. In comparison, the concentration of NO3 (-)
      (29.72 +/- 0.31 MUg/g-32.00 +/- 0.75 MUg/g) was slightly higher than SO4 (2-).
      The concentrations of most of the parameters in this study, such as Mg(2+),
      Ca(2+), NO3 (-), SO4 (2-), and Pb(2+), were higher in outdoor air than in indoor
      air at all sampling stations.

PMID- 25136372
TI  - Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia from traditional chinese medicine.
AB  - Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer that immature white blood cells
      continuously overproduce in the bone marrow. These cells crowd out normal cells
      in the bone marrow bringing damage and death. Methotrexate (MTX) is a drug used
      in the treatment of various cancer and autoimmune diseases. In particular, for
      the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, it had significant
      effect. MTX competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), an enzyme that
      participates in the tetrahydrofolate synthesis so as to inhibit purine synthesis.
      In addition, its downstream metabolite methotrexate polyglutamates (MTX-PGs)
      inhibit the thymidylate synthase (TS). Therefore, MTX can inhibit the synthesis
      of DNA. However, MTX has cytotoxicity and neurotoxin may cause multiple organ
      injury and is potentially lethal. Thus, the lower toxicity drugs are necessary to
      be developed. Recently, diseases treatments with Traditional Chinese Medicine
      (TCM) as complements are getting more and more attention. In this study, we
      attempted to discover the compounds with drug-like potential for ALL treatment
      from the components in TCM. We applied virtual screen and QSAR models based on
      structure-based and ligand-based studies to identify the potential TCM component
      compounds. Our results show that the TCM compounds adenosine triphosphate,
      manninotriose, raffinose, and stachyose could have potential to improve the side
      effects of MTX for ALL treatment. 

PMID- 25136373
TI  - St. John's Wort Has Metabolically Favorable Effects on Adipocytes In Vivo.
AB  - In addition to serving as a storage site for reserve energy, adipocytes play a
      critical role in whole-body insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. St.
      John's Wort (SJW) is a botanical supplement widely used as an over-the-counter
      treatment of depression and a variety of other conditions associated with anxiety
      and nerve pain. Previous studies in our laboratory demonstrated that SJW inhibits
      insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and adipocyte differentiation in cultured
      murine and mature human adipocytes. To investigate the effects of SJW on
      adipocyte function in vivo, we utilized C57BL/6J mice. In our studies, mice were
      administered SJW extract (200 mg/kg) once daily by gavage for two weeks. In
      contrast to our in vitro studies, mice treated with SJW extract showed increased
      levels of adiponectin in white adipose tissue in a depot specific manner (P <
      0.01). SJW also exerted an insulin-sensitizing effect as indicated by a
      significant increase in insulin-stimulated Akt serine phosphorylation in
      epididymal white adipose tissue (P < 0.01). Food intake, body weight, fasting
      blood glucose, and fasting insulin did not differ between the two groups. These
      results are important as they indicate that SJW does not promote metabolic
      dysfunction in adipose tissue in vivo. 

PMID- 25136374
TI  - Anti-trichophyton activity of protocatechuates and their synergism with
      fluconazole.
AB  - Dermatophytosis and superficial mycosis are a major global public health problem
      that affects 20-25% of the world's population. The increase in fungal resistance
      to the commercially available antifungal agents, in conjunction with the limited
      spectrum of action of such drugs, emphasises the need to develop new antifungal
      agents. Natural products are attractive prototypes for antifungal agents due to
      their broad spectrum of biological activities. This study aimed to verify the
      antifungal activity of protocatechuic acid, 3,4-diacetoxybenzoic, and fourteen
      alkyl protocatechuates (3,4-dihydroxybenzoates) against Trichophyton rubrum and
      Trichophyton mentagrophytes and to further assess their activities when combined
      with fluconazole. Susceptibility and synergism assays were conducted as described
      in M38-A2 (CLSI), with modifications. Three strains of Trichophyton rubrum and
      three strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes were used in this work. The pentyl,
      hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, and decyl protocatechuates showed great fungicidal
      effects, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.97 to
      7.8 mg/L. Heptyl showed a synergistic activity (FIC index = 0.49), reducing the
      MIC of fluconazole by fourfold. All substances tested were safe, especially the
      hexyl, heptyl, octyl, and nonyl compounds, all of which showed a high selectivity
      index, particularly in combination with fluconazole. These ester associations
      with fluconazole may represent a promising source of prototypes in the search for
      anti-Trichophyton therapeutic agents. 

PMID- 25136375
TI  - Acupuncture Point Laterality: Investigation of Acute Effects of Quchi (LI11) in
      Patients with Hypertension Using Heart Rate Variability.
AB  - Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease
      worldwide. Over 70% of the patients use antihypertensive drugs, so
      nonpharmacological treatments in addition to the medication are important. Our
      goal was to investigate acupuncture treatment on the Quchi acupoint using heart
      rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) and to find out whether there is a
      laterality in acute effects. Sixty hypertensive patients (36 female, 24 male;
      mean age +/- SD 55.8 +/- 9.7 years) were randomly assigned to two manual needle
      acupuncture groups (group A: left Quchi (LI11) acupoint, group B: right Quchi
      acupoint). There was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in HR immediately after
      inserting and stimulating the needle at the left and the right Quchi acupuncture
      point. In contrast, total HRV increased immediately after inserting the needle,
      but this increase was significant only towards the end of the stimulation phase
      and after removing the needle. There were some differences between stimulation of
      the left and right Quchi acupoint, but they remained insignificant. This study
      provides evidence that there is a beneficial effect on heart rate variability in
      patients with hypertension and that there are some effects of laterality of the
      acupoint Quchi. 

PMID- 25136378
TI  - Systems and synthetic biology approaches to cell division.
AB  - Cells proliferate by division into similar daughter cells, a process that lies at
      the heart of cell biology. Extensive research on cell division has led to the
      identification of the many components and control elements of the molecular
      machinery underlying cellular division. Here we provide a brief review of
      prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell division and emphasize how new approaches such as
      systems and synthetic biology can provide valuable new insight. 

PMID- 25136376
TI  - Mouse models of the fragile X premutation and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia
      syndrome.
AB  - Carriers of the fragile X premutation (FPM) have CGG trinucleotide repeat
      expansions of between 55 and 200 in the 5'-UTR of FMR1, compared to a CGG repeat
      length of between 5 and 54 for the general population. Carriers were once thought
      to be without symptoms, but it is now recognized that they can develop a variety
      of early neurological symptoms as well as being at risk for developing the late
      onset neurodegenerative disorder fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome
      (FXTAS). Several mouse models have contributed to our understanding of FPM and
      FXTAS, and findings from studies using these models are summarized here. This
      review also discusses how this information is improving our understanding of the
      molecular and cellular abnormalities that contribute to neurobehavioral features
      seen in some FPM carriers and in patients with FXTAS. Mouse models show much of
      the pathology seen in FPM carriers and in individuals with FXTAS, including the
      presence of elevated levels of Fmr1 mRNA, decreased levels of fragile X mental
      retardation protein, and ubiquitin-positive intranuclear inclusions.
      Abnormalities in dendritic spine morphology in several brain regions are
      associated with neurocognitive deficits in spatial and temporal memory processes,
      impaired motor performance, and altered anxiety. In vitro studies have identified
      altered dendritic and synaptic architecture associated with abnormal Ca(2+)
      dynamics and electrical network activity. FPM mice have been particularly useful
      in understanding the roles of Fmr1 mRNA, fragile X mental retardation protein,
      and translation of a potentially toxic polyglycine peptide in pathology. Finally,
      the potential for using these and emerging mouse models for preclinical
      development of therapies to improve neurological function in FXTAS is considered.

PMID- 25136377
TI  - The cognitive neuropsychological phenotype of carriers of the FMR1 premutation.
AB  - The fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset
      neurodegenerative disorder affecting a subset of carriers of the FMR1 (fragile X
      mental retardation 1) premutation. Penetrance and expression appear to be
      significantly higher in males than females. Although the most obvious aspect of
      the phenotype is the movement disorder that gives FXTAS its name, the disorder is
      also accompanied by progressive cognitive impairment. In this review, we address
      the cognitive neuropsychological and neurophysiological phenotype for males and
      females with FXTAS, and for male and female unaffected carriers. Despite
      differences in penetrance and expression, the cognitive features of the disorder
      appear similar for both genders, with impairment of executive functioning,
      working memory, and information processing the most prominent. Deficits in these
      functional systems may be largely responsible for impairment on other measures,
      including tests of general intelligence and declarative learning. FXTAS is to a
      large extent a white matter disease, and the cognitive phenotypes observed are
      consistent with what some have described as white matter dementia, in contrast to
      the impaired cortical functioning more characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and
      related disorders. Although some degree of impaired executive functioning appears
      to be ubiquitous among persons with FXTAS, the data suggest that only a subset of
      unaffected carriers of the premutation - both female and male - demonstrate such
      deficits, which typically are mild. The best-studied phenotype is that of males
      with FXTAS. The manifestations of cognitive impairment among asymptomatic male
      carriers, and among women with and without FXTAS, are less well understood, but
      have come under increased scrutiny. 

PMID- 25136379
TI  - Swinging a sword: how microtubules search for their targets.
AB  - The cell interior is in constant movement, which is to a large extent determined
      by microtubules, thin and long filaments that permeate the cytoplasm. To move
      large objects, microtubules need to connect them to the site of their
      destination. For example, during cell division, microtubules connect chromosomes
      with the spindle poles via kinetochores, protein complexes on the chromosomes. A
      general question is how microtubules, while being bound to one structure, find
      the target that needs to be connected to this structure. Here we review the
      mechanisms of how microtubules search for kinetochores, with emphasis on the
      recently discovered microtubule feature to explore space by pivoting around the
      spindle pole. In addition to accelerating the search for kinetochores, pivoting
      helps the microtubules to search for cortical anchors, as well as to self
      organize into parallel arrays and asters to target specific regions of the cell.
      Thus, microtubule pivoting constitutes a mechanism by which they locate targets
      in different cellular contexts. 

PMID- 25136380
TI  - Microtubule networks for plant cell division.
AB  - During cytokinesis the cytoplasm of a cell is divided to form two daughter cells.
      In animal cells, the existing plasma membrane is first constricted and then
      abscised to generate two individual plasma membranes. Plant cells on the other
      hand divide by forming an interior dividing wall, the so-called cell plate, which
      is constructed by localized deposition of membrane and cell wall material.
      Construction starts in the centre of the cell at the locus of the mitotic spindle
      and continues radially towards the existing plasma membrane. Finally the membrane
      of the cell plate and plasma membrane fuse to form two individual plasma
      membranes. Two microtubule-based cytoskeletal networks, the phragmoplast and the
      pre-prophase band (PPB), jointly control cytokinesis in plants. The bipolar
      microtubule array of the phragmoplast regulates cell plate deposition towards a
      cortical position that is templated by the ring-shaped microtubule array of the
      PPB. In contrast to most animal cells, plants do not use centrosomes as foci of
      microtubule growth initiation. Instead, plant microtubule networks are striking
      examples of self-organizing systems that emerge from physically constrained
      interactions of dispersed microtubules. Here we will discuss how microtubule
      based activities including growth, shrinkage, severing, sliding, nucleation and
      bundling interrelate to jointly generate the required ordered structures.
      Evidence mounts that adapter proteins sense the local geometry of microtubules to
      locally modulate the activity of proteins involved in microtubule growth
      regulation and severing. Many of the proteins and mechanisms involved have roles
      in other microtubule assemblies as well, bestowing broader relevance to insights
      gained from plants. 

PMID- 25136383
TI  - Mechanisms of cell division as regulators of acute immune response.
AB  - The acute adaptive immune response is complex, proceeding through phases of
      activation of quiescent lymphocytes, rapid expansion by cell division and cell
      differentiation, cessation of division and eventual death of greater than 95 % of
      the newly generated population. Control of the response is not central but
      appears to operate as a distributed process where global patterns reliably emerge
      as a result of collective behaviour of a large number of autonomous cells. In
      this review, we highlight evidence that competing intracellular timed processes
      underlie the distribution of individual fates and control cell proliferation,
      cessation and loss. These principles can be captured in a mathematical model to
      illustrate consistency with previously published experimentally observed data. 

PMID- 25136381
TI  - When genome integrity and cell cycle decisions collide: roles of polo kinases in
      cellular adaptation to DNA damage.
AB  - The drive to proliferate and the need to maintain genome integrity are two of the
      most powerful forces acting on biological systems. When these forces enter in
      conflict, such as in the case of cells experiencing DNA damage, feedback
      mechanisms are activated to ensure that cellular proliferation is stopped and no
      further damage is introduced while cells repair their chromosomal lesions. In
      this circumstance, the DNA damage response dominates over the biological drive to
      proliferate, and may even result in programmed cell death if the damage cannot be
      repaired efficiently. Interestingly, the drive to proliferate can under specific
      conditions overcome the DNA damage response and lead to a reactivation of the
      proliferative program in checkpoint-arrested cells. This phenomenon is known as
      adaptation to DNA damage and is observed in all eukaryotic species where the
      process has been studied, including normal and cancer cells in humans. Polo-like
      kinases (PLKs) are critical regulators of the adaptation response to DNA damage
      and they play key roles at the interface of cell cycle and checkpoint-related
      decisions in cells. Here, we review recent progress in defining the specific
      roles of PLKs in the adaptation process and how this conserved family of
      eukaryotic kinases can integrate the fundamental need to preserve genomic
      integrity with effective cellular proliferation. 

PMID- 25136384
TI  - Experiments inside a box lead to out-of-the-box ideas on cellular organization.
AB  - Microtubules are biopolymers that assemble from tubulin dimers into hollow tubes
      and play an important role in cellular organization. Their fascinating properties
      and variety of functions, like for example chromosome segregation, sperm
      propagation and polarity establishment, have made them a popular subject of
      study. In this perspective I focus on the contribution of minimal in vitro
      systems to our understanding of microtubule organization within the physical
      confinement of a cell. 

PMID- 25136382
TI  - Role and regulation of kinesin-8 motors through the cell cycle.
AB  - Members of the kinesin-8 motor family play a central role in controlling
      microtubule length throughout the eukaryotic cell cycle. Inactivation of kinesin
      8 causes defects in cell polarity during interphase and astral and mitotic
      spindle length, metaphase chromosome alignment, timing of anaphase onset and
      accuracy of chromosome segregation. Although the biophysical mechanism by which
      kinesin-8 molecules influence microtubule dynamics has been studied extensively
      in a variety of species, a consensus view has yet to emerge. One reason for this
      might be that some members of the kinesin-8 family can associate to other
      microtubule-associated proteins, cell cycle regulatory proteins and other kinesin
      family members. In this review we consider how cell cycle specific modification
      and its association to other regulatory proteins may modulate the function of
      kinesin-8 to enable it to function as a master regulator of microtubule dynamics.

PMID- 25136385
TI  - Getting into shape: How do rod-like bacteria control their geometry?
AB  - Rod-like bacteria maintain their cylindrical shapes with remarkable precision
      during growth. However, they are also capable to adapt their shapes to external
      forces and constraints, for example by growing into narrow or curved
      confinements. Despite being one of the simplest morphologies, we are still far
      from a full understanding of how shape is robustly regulated, and how bacteria
      obtain their near-perfect cylindrical shapes with excellent precision. However,
      recent experimental and theoretical findings suggest that cell-wall geometry and
      mechanical stress play important roles in regulating cell shape in rod-like
      bacteria. We review our current understanding of the cell wall architecture and
      the growth dynamics, and discuss possible candidates for regulatory cues of shape
      regulation in the absence or presence of external constraints. Finally, we
      suggest further future experimental and theoretical directions which may help to
      shed light on this fundamental problem. 

PMID- 25136386
TI  - Toward the assembly of a minimal divisome.
AB  - The construction of an irreducible minimal cell having all essential attributes
      of a living system is one of the biggest challenges facing synthetic biology. One
      ubiquitous task accomplished by any living systems is the division of the cell
      envelope. Hence, the assembly of an elementary, albeit sufficient, molecular
      machinery that supports compartment division, is a crucial step towards the
      realization of self-reproducing artificial cells. Looking backward to the
      molecular nature of possible ancestral, supposedly more rudimentary, cell
      division systems may help to identify a minimal divisome. In light of a possible
      evolutionary pathway of division mechanisms from simple lipid vesicles toward
      modern life, we define two approaches for recapitulating division in primitive
      cells: the membrane deforming protein route and the lipid biosynthesis route.
      Having identified possible proteins and working mechanisms participating in
      membrane shape alteration, we then discuss how they could be integrated into the
      construction framework of a programmable minimal cell relying on gene expression
      inside liposomes. The protein synthesis using recombinant elements (PURE) system,
      a reconstituted minimal gene expression system, is conceivably the most versatile
      synthesis platform. As a first step towards the de novo synthesis of a divisome,
      we showed that the N-BAR domain protein produced from its gene could assemble
      onto the outer surface of liposomes and sculpt the membrane into tubular
      structures. We finally discuss the remaining challenges for building up a self
      reproducing minimal cell, in particular the coupling of the division machinery
      with volume expansion and genome replication. 

PMID- 25136388
TI  - Prevalence of group a Beta-hemolytic streptococcus oropharyngeal colonization in
      children and therapeutic regimen based on antistreptolysin levels: data from a
      city from southern Brazil.
AB  - The aim of this study is to determinate the prevalence of oropharyngeal
      colonization by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) in pediatric
      population of Ponta Grossa, a midsize city of southern Brazil; estimate the
      effectiveness of antistreptolysin-O (ASO), compared to culture, in presence of
      infection; and design an unpublished investigative algorithm of rheumatic fever's
      suspicion, based on needs identified in worldwide consensus. It is an
      epidemiologic, observational and transversal study, involving 180 children
      younger than 12 years. Secretion of posterior oropharynx was collected for
      culture; and peripheral blood for determination of ASO. Student-t and chi-square
      tests, with Yates correction, were performed for statistical analysis. The ASO
      cutoff was determined by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. The
      prevalence encountered was 3.9%, and 25.5% of the children showed reagent ASO.
      This serological test demonstrated quantitatively and qualitatively significant
      associations to the GABHS presence (p=0.0001 for both associations) throughout
      the ROC curve, 200 U Todd was the value that resulted in the best accuracy,
      demonstrating 100% of sensibility and 80% of specificity in the GAS infection
      documentation. Also, it was found that the value of 1.200 U represents a
      specificity of 100%. The results emphasize the need for similar studies in other
      populations, to provide better targeting of the diagnosis and treatment of
      oropharyngitis by GABHS, which in turn can prevent up to 80% the cases of
      rheumatic fever, and consequently, the chronic rheumatic heart disease. 

PMID- 25136390
TI  - The PFNA(r) Augmented in Revision Surgery of Proximal Femur Fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Modern implants for proximal femur fracture treatment have clearly
      improved clinical results. However, complications, including cut-out and loss of
      reduction, requiring revision surgery still occur. A major challenge in these
      cases is a loss of bone stock due to the existing implant, which is usually
      exacerbated by osteoporosis. A potential solution is the augmentation of
      implants, for example, of the femoral neck blade using bone cement. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Ten patients (five loosening of femoral neck implant, two
      pseudarthrosis, two implant failures and one acute fracture) were included. The
      initial hardware was removed and a PFNA augmented was implanted. The perforated
      femoral neck blade was augmented using polymethyl methacrylate cement. Clinical
      and radiological follow-up was performed at a mean of 5.4 months (SD +/-4.34).
      The main outcome parameters were fracture healing and implant-related
      complications. RESULTS: Technical handling was uneventful in all cases. No cement
      leakage into the joint occurred in any of the cases. The mean amount of cement
      injected was 5.3 ml. The fracture healed during follow-up in all cases except two
      patients who died from causes unrelated to the procedure and prior to complete
      consolidation. Problem-free elective hardware removal of the PFNA augmented was
      performed in two cases. DISCUSSION: The PFNA augmented is a potential implant for
      joint-preserving revision surgery in proximal femur fractures. The augmentation
      improves implant anchorage in the impaired bone stock. In this preliminary
      series, no negative biological side effects of the cement (i.e. osteonecrosis)
      were observed.

PMID- 25136389
TI  - Treatment of femoral neck fracture with a minimal invasive surgical approach for
      hemiarthroplasty - clinical and radiological results in 180 geriatric patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) is well established as a minimal
      access approach in elective orthopaedic hip surgery. For the growing number of
      elderly patients with femoral neck fractures treated with Bipolar Hip
      Hemiarthroplasty (BHH), only a few results do exist. The study shows the clinical
      and radiological outcome for 180 patients treated by a modified DAA with BHH.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 180 geriatric patients with medial femoral
      neck fractures were evaluated retrospectively. The general and surgical
      complications, mobilisation using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), the social
      environment pre- and postoperative and the radiological results have been
      compared with established approaches for geriatric hip surgery. RESULTS: After
      joint replacement, 18 (10%) patients were developed pneumonia, of which 3 (1.7%)
      died during hospitalisation. In 7 cases (4%), surgical revision had to be carried
      out: three times (1.7%) because of a seroma, three times (1.7%) because of
      subcutaneous infection, and one time (0.6%) because the BHH was removed, owing to
      deep wound infection. One dislocation (0.6%) occurred, as well as one femoral
      nerve lesion (0.6%) occured. 88.3% of patients were mobilised on walkers or
      crutches; the Timed Up and Go Test showed a significant improvement during
      inpatient rehabilitation. 83% were discharged to their usual social environment,
      10% were transferred to a short-term care facility and 7% were relocated
      permanently to a nursing home. 3/4 of patients had a cemented stem alignment in
      the range between -5 degrees  and 5 degrees , while 2/3 of patients had a maximum
      difference of 1 cm in leg length. CONCLUSION: Using the modified DAA, a high
      patient satisfaction is achieved after implantation of a BHH. The rate of major
      complications is just as low as in conventional approaches, and rapid
      mobilisation is possible.

PMID- 25136387
TI  - Divided we stand: splitting synthetic cells for their proliferation.
AB  - With the recent dawn of synthetic biology, the old idea of man-made artificial
      life has gained renewed interest. In the context of a bottom-up approach, this
      entails the de novo construction of synthetic cells that can autonomously sustain
      themselves and proliferate. Reproduction of a synthetic cell involves the
      synthesis of its inner content, replication of its information module, and growth
      and division of its shell. Theoretical and experimental analysis of natural cells
      shows that, whereas the core synthesis machinery of the information module is
      highly conserved, a wide range of solutions have been realized in order to
      accomplish division. It is therefore to be expected that there are multiple ways
      to engineer division of synthetic cells. Here we survey the field and review
      potential routes that can be explored to accomplish the division of bottom-up
      designed synthetic cells. We cover a range of complexities from simple abiotic
      mechanisms involving splitting of lipid-membrane-encapsulated vesicles due to
      physical or chemical principles, to potential division mechanisms of synthetic
      cells that are based on prokaryotic division machineries. 

PMID- 25136391
TI  - Private and Non-Private Disc Herniation Patients: Do they Differ?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In the 2006 yearly report from the Swedish National Register for
      Lumbar Spine Surgery it was claimed that international studies show obvious
      differences between private and non-private patients with regard to results from
      back surgery. Therefore our aim was to reveal such possible differences by
      comparing the two categories of patients at a private clinic. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The material comprises 1184 patients operated on for lumbar disc
      herniation during the period of 1987 to 2007. Basic pre-operative data were
      obtained from the medical records and follow-up was performed by a questionnaire
      around 5 years post-operatively. RESULTS: Small but statistically significant
      differences between private and non-private patients were seen pre-operatively
      regarding the proportions of a/ men and women in the samples, b/ those with
      physically demanding jobs, c/ those on sick leave and d/ those with lumbar pain.
      Over the years the admitted private patients had a decreasing mean duration of
      symptoms which was not seen in the non-private patients. No apparent differences
      (n.s.) were seen between the two categories of patients pre-operatively regarding
      age, presence and level of leg pain or the proportion who smoked. Post-operative
      improvement in leg and lumbar pain was very similar in private and non-private
      patients as was satisfaction with the results and the proportion of patients
      returning to work. CONCLUSION: Despite small pre-operative differences concerning
      some variables and a significant difference in symptom duration between private
      and non-private disc herniation patients, the final clinical results were very
      similar.

PMID- 25136392
TI  - Lack of relationship between occupational workload and microscopic alterations in
      lumbar intervertebral disc disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the impact of occupational workloads on disc
      surgery specimens. We report the relationship between workload and histological
      features. METHODS: Specimens were collected prospectively from patients suffering
      from lumbar disc prolapse (n=90) or spinal osteochondrosis (n=19).
      Histomorphology and occupational workload data and histomorphological features
      were evaluated. Occupational data were collected in a structured, standardized
      patient interview assessing lifting and carrying loads. In this way the exposure
      was assessed for each test subject's entire working life up to surgery. RESULTS:
      There was no association between cumulative workload and histological patterns.
      In a subgroup of patients with a workload period of 12 months prior to surgery a
      relevant formation of chondrocyte clusters (p=0.055) was apparent. Chondrocyte
      cluster formation was found in 83% (n=74) of the prolapse patients and in 58%
      (n=11) of the osteochondrosis patients (p=0.02). Fibrocyte mediated scar
      formation was found in 55% of the prolapse patients and in 45% of the spinal
      stenosis patients. Chondrocyte clusters and their de novo collagen matrix did not
      integrate biomechanically sufficient with collagen fibers of the disc.
      Disintegration of clusters from disc matrix and formation of intra-discal
      sequesters were observed. CONCLUSION: Matrix degeneration was common but
      displayed no relationship to occupational workload or other histological
      features. Scar formation was observed in every second specimen. Regenerative
      chondrocyte cluster proliferation was a common feature in disc specimens and
      tended to be associated in patients with a workload one year before surgery.

PMID- 25136393
TI  - Adherence to treatment: practice, education and research in Danish community
      pharmacy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the practice, education and research concerning medication
      adherence in Danish community pharmacy. METHODS: The authors supplemented their
      expertise in the area of medication adherence through their contacts with other
      educators and researchers as well as by conducting searches in the Danish
      Pharmacy Practice Evidence Database, which provides annually updated literature
      reviews on intervention research in Danish pharmacy practice. RESULTS:  PRACTICE:
      Medication adherence is the focus of and/or is supported by a large number of
      services and initiatives used in pharmacy practice such as governmental funding,
      IT-supported medicine administration systems, dose-dispensing systems, theme
      years in pharmacies on adherence and concordance, standards for counselling at
      the counter, pharmacist counselling, medication reviews and inhaler technique
      assessment. Education: In Denmark, pharmacy and pharmaconomist students are
      extensively trained in the theory and practice of adherence to therapy. Pharmacy
      staff can choose from a variety of continuing education and post-graduate
      programmes which address patient adherence. RESEARCH: Nine ongoing and recently
      completed studies are described. Early research in Denmark comprised primarily
      smaller, qualitative studies centred on user perspectives, whereas later research
      has shifted the focus towards larger, quantitative, controlled studies and action
      oriented studies focusing on patient groups with chronic diseases (such as
      diabetes, asthma, coronary vascular diseases). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis has
      documented that Danish pharmaceutical education and research has focused strongly
      on adherence to treatment for more than three decades. Adherence initiatives in
      Danish community pharmacies have developed substantially in the past 5-10 years,
      and, as pharmacies have prioritised their role in health care and patient safety,
      this development can be expected to continue in future years.

PMID- 25136394
TI  - Measuring consumer preference for models of diabetes care delivered by
      pharmacists.
AB  - Evaluation of a community pharmacy disease management program for type 2
      diabetes, 'SugarCare', was conducted. Compared with the standard care offered by
      pharmacists, this enhanced program offered patients closer monitoring of blood
      glucose levels, counselling about lifestyle, etc. The SugarCare study was funded
      by a grant but if the care is to continue some other method of financing must be
      found. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to measure consumer preference for one of the
      two types of care offered in the SugarCare study, the control/standard and the
      intervention/enhanced service; the strength of that preference; and participants'
      willingness to pay (WTP) for their preferred care. METHODS: SugarCare was a
      parallel groups, control versus intervention, repeated measures design conducted
      in three areas of NSW, Australia. Patients in the Intervention group (enhanced
      care) had one initial visit to the pharmacy with six follow up visits over
      approximately 9 months. At these visits blood glucose was downloaded and patient
      care issues addressed. At the end of the service, a survey instrument was mailed
      to the intervention and control participants who were asked to read it and then
      expect a telephone call within 2 weeks of receipt. Responses were requested over
      the phone and the survey instrument completed by the researcher. WTP data were
      collected using a modified payment card method. RESULTS: Overall, 44/75 (59%; 47%
      70% 95%CI) respondents expressed a preference for Scenario B (the enhanced care)
      while 31/75 (41%; 31%-52% 95%CI) preferred Scenario A (standard care) however,
      the difference was not statistically significant. The median maximum WTP was
      AUD10 for the enhanced care and AUD3.50 for the standard care (p<0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: While the WTP values expressed were significantly higher for the
      enhanced care they did not match with the cost providing that diabetes care.
      Discrete choice analysis has the potential to overcome some of the difficulties
      encountered with the contingent valuation technique used here. Further research
      is required before WTP values such as these could be used with confidence to
      determine funding policy.

PMID- 25136395
TI  - Beta-blocker therapy in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and
      chronic obstructive lung disease in an ambulatory care setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate beta blocker persistence six months after beta-blocker
      initiation or dose titration in heart failure (HF) patients with COPD compared to
      those without COPD. Secondary objectives included comparison of beta-blocker dose
      achieved, changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and incidence of
      hospitalizations or emergency department (ED) visits during follow-up. METHODS:
      We conducted a matched, retrospective, cohort study including 86 patients with
      COPD plus concomitant HF (LVEF <=40%) and 137 patients with HF alone. All
      patients were followed in an outpatient HF clinic. Eligible patients had a
      documented LVEF <=40% and were initiated or titrated on a beta-blocker in the HF
      clinic. Patients were matched based on LVEF (categorized as <= 20% or 21-40%),
      gender, and age (> or <=70 years). The primary outcome was beta blocker
      persistence at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were dose achieved, LVEF, and
      incidence of hospitalizations or ED visits. RESULTS: There were no differences
      between the COPD and non-COPD groups in beta-blocker persistence at six-month
      follow-up (94.2% vs. 93.4% respectively, adjusted p=0.842). The proportion of
      patients who achieved a daily metoprolol dose equivalent of at least 100 mg was
      similar between the groups (adjusted p=0.188). The percent of patients with at
      least one ED visit or hospitalization in the six-month post-titration period was
      substantial but similar between the groups (53.5% and 48.2% for COPD and non-COPD
      patients, respectively, adjusted p=0.169). CONCLUSION: Our results support the
      use of beta-blockers in the population of heart failure patients with COPD and
      without reactive airway disease.

PMID- 25136396
TI  - Evaluation of patient perceptions and outcomes related to anticoagulation point
      of-care testing in ambulatory care clinics.
AB  - Until recently, Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR)
      measurements have typically been used to monitor patients on warfarin through
      institutional laboratories via venous puncture. The Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)
      device has revolutionized the patient care process by allowing for laboratory
      testing outside of the central laboratory. OBJECTIVE: To analyze humanistic and
      clinical outcomes in patients currently treated with warfarin and monitored
      through a pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinic using point-of-care testing
      (POCT) device versus venipuncture within ambulatory care clinics at our
      institution. METHODS: All patients currently treated with warfarin therapy who
      were managed by clinical pharmacists for anticoagulation monitoring at the
      Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Family Medicine Center and University
      Diagnostic Center, were enrolled. Patients were asked to complete a satisfaction
      survey regarding their anticoagulation monitoring. In addition, data related to
      emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations and percent of time in the INR
      therapeutic range for 6 months pre- and post-implementation of POCT device was
      collected. This information was obtained through an electronic patient
      information database, Oacis. RESULTS: A total of 145 patients were included in
      the data collection from the two clinics. The majority (41%) of these patients
      were taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Satisfaction surveys were completed
      by 86 (59 %) of patients. The surveys revealed that POCT device was preferred
      over venipuncture in 95% of patients. Reasons for the preference included more
      face-to-face interaction, less wait time, less pain, less blood needed, and
      quicker results. Of the 145 patients who were included in the objective data
      analysis, no significant differences were found in the number of
      hospitalizations, ED visits, or percent of time in the INR therapeutic range pre-
      and post-implementation of POCT device. CONCLUSION: The results of this study
      demonstrate improvement in patient satisfaction with POCT compared to
      venipuncture, with limited value in clinical outcomes.

PMID- 25136397
TI  - Risk factors of self-reported adverse drug events among Medicare enrollees before
      and after Medicare Part D.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Quantify risk factors for self-reported adverse drug events (ADEs)
      after the implementation of Medicare Part D, quantify self-reported ADEs before
      and after Medicare Part D and quantify the association between self-reported ADEs
      and increased use of prescription medication. METHODS: The design was a
      longitudinal study including an internet survey before Medicare Part D in 2005
      (n=1220) and a follow-up survey in 2007 (n=1024), with n=436 responding to both
      surveys. Harris Interactive(r) invited individuals in their online panel to
      participate in this study. Individuals who were 65 or older, English speakers, US
      residents and enrolled in Medicare were included. Data collected and used in
      analysis included self-reported ADE, socio-demographics, self-rated health,
      number of medications, symptoms experienced, concern and necessity beliefs about
      medicines, number of pharmacies, and whether doses were skipped or stopped to
      save money. RESULTS: In 2007, reporting an ADE was related to concern beliefs,
      symptoms experienced and age. ADEs were experienced by 18% of respondents in 2005
      and 20.4% in 2007. The average number of medications increased from 3.82
      (SD=2.82) in 2005 to 4.32 (SD=3.20) in 2007 (t= -5.77, p<0.001). Among
      respondents who answered both surveys (n=436), 18.4% reported an ADE in 2005
      while 24.3% reported an ADE in 2007. The increase in self-reported ADE was
      related to concern beliefs (OR=1.12, 95%CI=1.05, 1.19) and symptoms experienced
      (OR= 3.27, 95%CI=1.60, 6.69), not number of medications (OR=1.04, 95%CI=0.77,
      1.41). CONCLUSION: Discussing elderly patients' beliefs about their medicines may
      affect their medication expectations, symptom interpretation and attributions and
      future medication attributions.

PMID- 25136398
TI  - Corporate social responsibility in countries with mature and emerging
      pharmaceutical sectors.
AB  - In recent decades the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been
      adopted by many business sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry. However,
      in this and other sectors its application remains variable, particularly between
      mature and developing economies. Its stakeholders include pharmacy and medical
      students, their attitude to the involvement of companies in socially responsible
      activities will be important determinants of public response to the industry.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of senior
      medical and pharmacy students towards the CSR concept in the pharmaceutical
      sector in mature (Germany) and developing (Russia) markets. METHODS: A
      questionnaire survey was carried out among senior pharmacy and medical students
      during the summer semester 2008 in two Russian and one German university. In each
      country 120 questionnaires were distributed. The response rate was 95% in Russia
      and 93% in Germany. RESULTS: Although the relevance of CSR was widely
      acknowledged by the students, very few were aware of CSR practices currently
      performed by companies. THE REPUTATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY WAS
      GENERALLY POOR: less than 15% of respondents gave credence to the information
      provided in advertisements and fully supported pricing strategies as well as
      policies towards the developing countries. When choosing an employer more than
      90% of respondents consider the policies affecting an employee directly as
      pivotal. However, for a high proportion of students (59% in Russia and 64% in
      Germany) socially irresponsible behavior by companies has a significant negative
      impact. CONCLUSIONS: This paper identifies practices which students believe
      should be a part of the CSR programmes for the pharmaceutical industry, and also
      some that should be abandoned. It recommends that corporate communication on CSR
      should be expanded. Key differences are seen in perceptions of students in
      Germany and Russia towards the extent of irresponsible actions and the variation
      between them.

PMID- 25136399
TI  - Knowledge and reported use of antibiotics amongst school-teachers in New Zealand.
AB  - Gaps in public knowledge about antibiotics have led to calls for public education
      campaigns about antibiotics, including education of school children. OBJECTIVE:
      This study investigates New Zealand primary school teachers' current level of
      knowledge about antibiotics, to assess whether this is adequate for providing
      accurate education for children. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-six primary
      school teachers from 39 schools in four cities were interviewed about their
      knowledge and understandings of antibiotics, using a questionnaire. RESULTS:
      Teachers reported having little current involvement with antibiotics. There were
      gaps in the understanding of antibiotics amongst many of the teachers. Only about
      60% knew that antibiotics were useful only in bacterial infections, many believed
      antibiotics were useful for colds and flu, and many did not know about antibiotic
      resistance. On the other hand, teachers largely reported appropriate patterns of
      antibiotic use. CONCLUSION: If teachers are to educate children about
      antibiotics, basic education about antibiotics and resistance will be required
      for school teachers.

PMID- 25136400
TI  - Impact of educational intervention on the pattern and incidence of potential drug
      drug interactions in Nepal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of educational intervention on the pattern and
      incidence of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs). METHOD: All patients
      admitted to Internal Medicine wards of Manipal Teaching Hospital during the study
      period were included. Patient details were collected using a patient profile form
      and the datum from the filled forms was analyzed using Micromedex electronic
      database. An intervention was carried out through a presentation during clinical
      meeting and personal discussion. The target groups for the intervention included
      doctors and the nurses. RESULTS: Altogether 435 patients during preintervention
      and 445 during postintervention were studied. The incidence of potential DDIs was
      53% (preintervention) and 41% (postintervention) [chi-square =11.27, p=0.001].
      The average number of drugs per patient was 8.53 (pre-intervention) and 7.32
      (post-intervention) [t=3.493, p=0.001]. Sixty-four percent of the potential DDIs
      were of 'Moderate' type and 58% had a 'Delayed' onset in both the phases. Seventy
      percent of the potential DDIs during the pre-intervention phase and 61% during
      post-intervention phase had a 'Good' documentation status. Pharmacokinetic
      mechanism accounted for 45% of the potential DDIs during preintervention and 36%
      in the post-intervention phase. Cardiovascular drugs accounted for 36% of the
      potential DDIs during pre-intervention and 33.2% during post-intervention phase.
      Furosemide was the high risk drug responsible for DDIs in both phases. The most
      common potential DDIs observed were between amlodipine and atenolol (4.82%)
      (preintervention) and frusemide and aspirin (5.20%) (postintervention).
      CONCLUSION: There was an association between potential DDIs and age, sex, and
      polypharmacy.

PMID- 25136401
TI  - Collaboration with pharmacy services in a family practice for the medically
      underserved.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pharmacist-managed collaborative services in a family practice
      setting are described, and diabetes and hypertension outcomes are assessed.
      METHODS: Pharmacist-managed clinics, pharmacotherapy consultations, and drug
      information services are provided for a medically underserved, predominantly
      African American population. A pharmacy residency director, an ambulatory care
      pharmacy resident and three PharmD candidate student pharmacists work directly
      with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and social workers to form an
      interdisciplinary health care team. Providers utilize pharmacy services through
      consultations and referrals. Collaboration outcomes were evaluated in twenty-two
      patients with diabetes and thirty hypertensive patients. Patients were
      retrospectively followed throughout their history with pharmacy service.
      Hemoglobin A1c (A1C) was tracked before referral to pharmacy services, 3 to 6
      months after, and as the most current measure after at least 6 months. Blood
      pressure (BP) was observed before pharmacy involvement, 2 to 4 months later, and
      then currently for at least 4 months with the service. The mean of the most
      current markers was calculated, and the percent of patients at their goal marker
      was compared to national averages. RESULTS: Fifty percent of pharmacy service
      patients met the American Diabetes Association hemoglobin A1c goal of less than
      7% in our evaluation compared to the national mean of 49.8% overall and 44% in
      African Americans. Thirty percent of patients were at their BP goal while 33.1%
      of patients without diabetes and 33.2% of patients with diabetes nationally are
      at goal. CONCLUSION: The medically underserved patients under the care of
      pharmacy services achieved a higher percentage at their A1C goal than the
      national mean. The percentage of patients who achieved their BP goals was
      comparable to the national average. Increasing utilization of pharmacy services
      in the family practice setting allows for pharmacists and providers to form a
      trusted relationship while providing enhanced care and potentially improved
      outcomes for patients.

PMID- 25136402
TI  - Lung cell-specific modulation of LPS-induced TLR4 receptor and adaptor
      localization.
AB  - Lung infection by Gram-negative bacteria is a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality in humans. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), located in the outer membrane of
      the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall, is a highly potent stimulus of immune and
      structural cells via the TLR4/MD2 complex whose function is sequentially
      regulated by defined subsets of adaptor proteins. Regulatory mechanisms of lung
      specific defense pathways point at the crucial role of resident alveolar
      macrophages, alveolar epithelial cells, the TLR4 receptor pathway, and lung
      surfactant in shaping the innate immune response to Gram-negative bacteria and
      LPS. During the past decade intracellular spatiotemporal localization of TLR4
      emerged as a key feature of TLR4 function. Here, we briefly review lung cell type
      and compartment-specific mechanisms of LPS-induced TLR4 regulation with a focus
      on primary resident hematopoietic and structural cells as well as modifying
      microenvironmental factors involved. 

PMID- 25136404
TI  - Anandamide protects HT22 cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide by inhibiting CB1
      receptor-mediated type 2 NADPH oxidase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (AEA) protects neurons from
      oxidative injury in rodent models; however the mechanism of AEA-induced
      neuroprotection remains to be determined. Activation of neuronal NADPH oxidase 2
      (Nox2) contributes to oxidative damage of the brain, and inhibition of Nox2 can
      attenuate cerebral oxidative stress. We aimed to determine whether the neuronal
      Nox2 was involved in protection mediated by AEA. METHODS: The mouse hippocampal
      neuron cell line HT22 was exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to mimic oxidative
      injury of neurons. The protective effect of AEA was assessed by measuring cell
      metabolic activity, apoptosis, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, cellular
      morphology, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant and
      oxidant levels and Nox2 expression. RESULTS: HT22 cells exposed to H2O2
      demonstrated morphological changes, decreased LDH release, reduced metabolic
      activity, increased levels of intracellular ROS and oxidized glutathione (GSSG),
      reduced levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) and
      increased expression of Nox2. AEA prevented these effects, a property abolished
      by simultaneous administration of CB1 antagonist AM251 or CB1-siRNA. CONCLUSION:
      Nox2 inhibition is involved in AEA-induced cytoprotection against oxidative
      stress through CB1 activation in HT22 cells.

PMID- 25136405
TI  - Transconjunctival inferior orbitotomy: indications, surgical technique, and
      complications.
AB  - Surgical access to the inferior orbit can be accomplished through either a
      transcutaneous or transconjunctival incision. The preferred approach should
      provide adequate surgical exposure with the fewest adverse effects. The purpose
      of this article is to review the literature on the transconjunctival incision and
      to discuss the indications and complications of the approach. The authors also
      discuss their preferred technique and provide a step-by-step instruction. The
      transconjunctival approach provides good surgical access with a low incidence of
      complications and a better aesthetic outcome than transcutaneous approaches. 

PMID- 25136403
TI  - A review on hemeoxygenase-2: focus on cellular protection and oxygen response.
AB  - Hemeoxygenase (HO) system is responsible for cellular heme degradation to
      biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide. Two isoforms have been reported to date.
      Homologous HO-1 and HO-2 are microsomal proteins with more than 45% residue
      identity, share a similar fold and catalyze the same reaction. However, important
      differences between isoforms also exist. HO-1 isoform has been extensively
      studied mainly by its ability to respond to cellular stresses such as hemin,
      nitric oxide donors, oxidative damage, hypoxia, hyperthermia, and heavy metals,
      between others. On the contrary, due to its apparently constitutive nature, HO-2
      has been less studied. Nevertheless, its abundance in tissues such as testis,
      endothelial cells, and particularly in brain, has pointed the relevance of HO-2
      function. HO-2 presents particular characteristics that made it a unique protein
      in the HO system. Since attractive results on HO-2 have been arisen in later
      years, we focused this review in the second isoform. We summarize information on
      gene description, protein structure, and catalytic activity of HO-2 and
      particular facts such as its cellular impact and activity regulation. Finally, we
      call attention on the role of HO-2 in oxygen sensing, discussing proposed
      hypothesis on heme binding motifs and redox/thiol switches that participate in
      oxygen sensing as well as evidences of HO-2 response to hypoxia. 

PMID- 25136407
TI  - Reconstruction of irradiated mandible after segmental resection of
      osteoradionecrosis-a technique employing a microvascular latissimus dorsi flap
      and subsequent particulate iliac bone grafting.
AB  - The fibula osteocutaneous flap has revolutionized the options of mandibular
      segmental defect bridging in osteoradionecrosis (ORN). In selected cases,
      however, the fibula flap is not an option because of atherosclerosis or other
      features that compromise the vascularity of the lower leg and foot. The aim of
      this study is to present an alternative method of mandibular segmental
      reconstruction employing a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap and subsequent particulate
      iliac free bone graft reconstruction. In 15 patients with ORN, a mandibular
      segmental defect was bridged with a reconstruction plate, and the defect site was
      primed with a LD musculocutaneous flap wrapped around the reconstruction plate to
      bring in vascularized tissue and optimize healing conditions for a subsequent
      particulate iliac free bone graft reconstruction. The management of defect
      closure was successful in all 15 patients. Twelve patients had a subsequent bone
      grafting from the posterior ileum for repair of defects up to 14 cm length. Three
      patients had no bone graft for various reasons. In three patients dental
      rehabilitation was achieved with implant supported prosthodontic appliances. Ten
      patients met the success criteria of uneventful graft healing with restitution of
      osseous continuity, mandibular height, symmetry and function, and avoidance of
      reconstruction plate fracture. 

PMID- 25136408
TI  - Survey of Common Practices among Oculofacial Surgeons in the Asia-Pacific Region:
      Management of Orbital Floor Blowout Fractures.
AB  - A web-based anonymous survey was performed to assess common practices of
      oculofacial surgeons in the management of traumatic orbital floor blowout
      fractures. A questionnaire which contained questions on several controversial
      topics in the management of orbital floor fractures was sent out via e-mail to
      131 oculofacial surgeons in 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. A total
      response rate of 58.3% was achieved from May to December 2012. The preferred time
      for surgical intervention was within 2 weeks for adult patients, porous
      polyethylene implant was the most popular choice, and most surgeons preferred the
      transconjunctival approach. Postoperatively, diplopia was the most commonly
      encountered complication and most oculofacial surgeons reviewed their patients
      regularly for up to 12 months. We report the results of the first survey of
      oculofacial surgeons within the Asia-Pacific region on the management of orbital
      floor blowout fractures. Compared with previous surveys (from year 2000 to 2004),
      the duration to surgical intervention was comparable but there was a contrasting
      change in preferred surgical approach and choice of orbital implant. 

PMID- 25136406
TI  - Management of carotid artery trauma.
AB  - With increased awareness and liberal screening of trauma patients with identified
      risk factors, recent case series demonstrate improved early diagnosis of carotid
      artery trauma before they become problematio. There remains a need for unified
      screening criteria for both intracranial and extracranial carotid trauma. In the
      absence of contraindications, antithrombotic agents should be considered in blunt
      carotid artery injuries, as there is a significant risk of progression of vessel
      injury with observation alone. Despite CTA being used as a common screening
      modality, it appears to lack sufficient sensitivity. DSA remains to be the gold
      standard in screening. Endovascular techniques are becoming more widely accepted
      as the primary surgical modality in the treatment of blunt extracranial carotid
      injuries and penetrating/blunt intracranial carotid lessions. Nonetheless, open
      surgical approaches are still needed for the treatment of penetrating
      extracranial carotid injuries and in patients with unfavorable lesions for
      endovascular intervention. 

PMID- 25136409
TI  - Managing the frontal sinus in the endoscopic age: has the endoscope changed the
      algorithm?
AB  - Management of fractures involving the frontal sinus seems to be more complex than
      merely obtaining an ideal reduction of the bony injuries. Multiple articles on
      the management of these fractures suggest that a great deal of controversy
      persists despite many years of surgical experience. The question posed in this
      article is whether or not the advent of endoscopic approaches has changed or
      should change the approaches/algorithms used in the management of these
      challenging fractures. It is the conclusion of these authors that endoscopic
      techniques can indeed allow us to change the algorithm for management of frontal
      sinus trauma. New algorithms are proposed that should provide guidance to
      craniomaxillofacial surgeons treating these injuries in the endoscopic age. 

PMID- 25136410
TI  - Versatility of adipofascial anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of
      maxillary defects with infratemporal fossa extension.
AB  - Tumors arising from the posterior hard palate or posterolateral maxilla may
      extend to involve the infratemporal fossa (ITF). Resection of these tumors
      results in infrastructural maxillectomy with ITF defects. In this study, we
      describe the use of an adipofascial anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) specifically
      for such defects. This case series includes four patients who underwent an
      infrastructure maxillectomy with ITF clearance and the resultant defects were
      reconstructed using adipofascial anterolateral thigh flaps. The complications as
      well as the functional outcomes were assessed. This study included patients with
      lesions involving the hard palate, posterolateral part of maxilla with extension
      into the ITF. The mean flap dimension was 150 cm(2) (range, 120-180 cm(2)). All
      flaps were harvested based on a single perforator. The flap was used to
      obliterate the ITF defect and also to achieve oroantral separation. All flaps
      mucosalized well within 6 weeks. All patients were on oral diet and had adequate
      mouth opening. There were no donor-site complications. Adipofascial ALT is an
      excellent choice for infrastructural maxillectomy defects with ITF extension. The
      intraoral part got mucosalized well and provided a smooth and taut surface. A
      large adipofascial tissue flap helps obliterate the ITF, thus minimizing
      complications. 

PMID- 25136411
TI  - A Biomechanical Comparison of Three 1.5-mm Plate and Screw Configurations and a
      Single 2.0-mm Plate for Internal Fixation of a Mandibular Condylar Fracture.
AB  - The most stable pattern of internal fixation for mandibular condyle fractures is
      an area of ongoing discussion. This study investigates the stability of three
      patterns of plate fixation using readily available, commercially pure titanium
      implants. Finite element models of a simulated mandibular condyle fracture were
      constructed. The completed models were heterogeneous in bone material properties,
      contained approximately 1.2 million elements and incorporated simulated jaw
      adducting musculature. Models were run assuming linear elasticity and isotropic
      material properties for bone. No human subjects were involved in this
      investigation. The stability of the simulated condylar fracture reduced with the
      different implant configurations, and the von Mises stresses of a 1.5-mm X-shaped
      plate, a 1.5-mm rectangular plate, and a 1.5-mm square plate (all Synthes
      (Synthes GmbH, Zuchwil, Switzerland) were compared. The 1.5-mm X plate was the
      most stable of the three 1.5-mm profile plate configurations examined and had
      comparable mechanical performance to a single 2.0-mm straight four-hole plate.
      This study does not support the use of rectangular or square plate patterns in
      the open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condyle fractures. It does
      provide some support for the use of a 1.5-mm X plate to reduce condylar fractures
      in selected clinical cases. 

PMID- 25136412
TI  - Incidence, etiology, and patterns of maxillofacial fractures in ain-shams
      university, cairo, egypt: a 4-year retrospective study.
AB  - Although there is a worldwide increase in maxillofacial trauma incidence; the
      pattern and etiology of these injuries varies from one country to another
      depending on socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors. This study aims
      to realize the epidemiological characteristics of maxillofacial fractures in our
      department. A retrospective cross-sectional study of all facial trauma patients
      admitted to our department during 2009 to 2012. Patients' data including gender,
      age, etiology of trauma, the pattern and demographic distribution of fractures of
      maxillofacial skeleton, and associated injuries were analyzed and compared with
      previously published data. The chi-square test was used with a p value of less
      than 0.05, which was considered statistically significant. There is a significant
      increase in maxillofacial fractures incidence in the past 2 years than former
      ones. There is a male predominance with highest incidence in the age group of 20
      to 40 years. Road traffic accident is the most common etiological factor followed
      by violence. There is increase in mandibular fracture incidence compared with
      midface. The significant increased incidence of maxillofacial fracture due to
      motor car accidents and assaults in the past 2 years reflects a behavioral change
      within the community. 

PMID- 25136413
TI  - Variations in emergence and course of the inferior palpebral nerve.
AB  - Comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of the inferior palpebral (IP) nerve
      is crucial to preservation of sensation in the inferior eyelid and conjunctiva.
      Iatrogenic injuries may occur during blepharoplasty, repair of orbitozygomatic
      fracture and other maxillofacial surgeries involving this region. Although
      several studies depict the anatomical variations of the main infraorbital nerve
      (ION), little information exclusive to the IP nerve exists. This study provides
      information on the additional variations of the ION with reference to the IP
      nerve. The study was performed on 84 IP nerves by dissection of 42 formalin-fixed
      cadavers from the laboratory of topographic anatomy, Department of Human Anatomy,
      University of Nairobi, Kenya. Each of the nerves were exposed at the emergence
      and followed to their termination. Variations encountered involved emergence,
      course, and even absence. Variant emergence was through an accessory infraorbital
      foramen, an infraorbital notch, and as a common trunk with the external nasal
      nerve. This nerve shows high anatomical variability that may account for the
      difficulties and complications encountered in clinical interventions. It is
      believed that this information will improve clinical management of conditions
      affecting the region of distribution of the IP nerve. 

PMID- 25136414
TI  - Orbital fracture leading to severe multifascial space infection including the
      parapharyngeal space: a report of a case and review of the literature.
AB  - Orbital trauma can result in periorbital and orbital infections. Orbital
      infections have been classified by Chandler et al in 1970 to their anatomic
      location and boundaries. This case report describes a patient who developed a
      severe orbital infection following orbital fractures. The infection progressed to
      the parapharyngeal space. The patient required multiple incision and drainage
      surgeries and tissue debridements to have clinical resolution. To our knowledge,
      there has not been a case described in the literature of an orbital infection
      progressing to the parapharyngeal space. A literature review of orbital trauma
      leading to infection discusses the pathogenesis of the infections. This case
      demonstrates that close clinical follow-up and appropriate medical management of
      comorbidities that put a patient at higher risk of developing an infection is of
      the utmost importance in the treatment of maxillofacial trauma patients. 

PMID- 25136415
TI  - Subclavicular pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for optimal reconstruction of
      large orbitozygomatic defects: a case report.
AB  - Since the introduction of microvascular free flaps, the pectoralis major
      myocutaneous flap (PMMF) has been relegated to background for most reconstructive
      surgeons. The objective of this article is to show the advantages of
      cervicofacial defects reconstruction with PMMF using the subclavicular plane
      route in a challenging clinical case. An 83-year-old man presented with cutaneous
      temporomalar lesion with orbital spread. Tumor resection was performed, including
      12 * 11 cm skin and subcutaneous tissue, overlying zygomatic and malar bone, and
      orbital exenteration. Radical parotidectomy and functional neck dissection were
      performed. PMMF was chosen as reconstructive option routing the pedicle to the
      subclavicular plane. The length of the pedicle was 31 cm. The subclavicular route
      for PMMF increases the flap's length and arc of rotation compared with the
      conventional supraclavicular one. This procedure decreases the bulk of the PMMF
      pedicle which makes it functionally and cosmetically favorable. By using this
      modification, we may widen the "safe" reconstructive possibilities. 

PMID- 25136416
TI  - Interesting case: displacement of fractured maxilla into pharyngeal space.
AB  - Atypical fracture patterns of the facial region have been reported infrequently.
      An unusual displacement of fractured posterior maxillary segment into the lateral
      pharyngeal space is described. 

PMID- 25136417
TI  - Influence of adhesive systems on microtensile bond strength of resin-based
      endodontic sealers to the root dentin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the microtensile bond strength
      to root dentin of AH PlusTM and EndoREZ(r) with Clearfil Liner Bond 2V and
      Optibond SoloTM Plus adhesive systems. STUDY DESIGN: The coronal and middle
      thirds of six single rooted bovine teeth was split longitudinally in a mesio
      distal direction. The two halves were joined with AH Plus or EndoREZ, with and
      without the use of Clearfil Liner Bond 2V and Optibond SoloTM Plus adhesive
      systems. Build-ups were vertically sectioned into quadrangular (~1mmx1mm)
      compound bars and subjected to tensile tests at a constant crosshead speed (1
      mm/min) until debonding. RESULTS: Optibond(r) Solo PlusTM in combination with AH
      PlusTM and EndoREZ(r) showed the highest mean microtensile bond strength values,
      in both coronal and middle thirds. The lowest results were seen in the groups
      where no dentine adhesive was applied, and in those where the self-etching
      adhesive Clearfil Liner Bond 2V was used. CONCLUSION: The microtensile bond
      strength to root dentin of AH PlusTM and EndoREZ may be increased with the use of
      a total-etch adhesive. Key words:Adhesive systems, AH Plus, EndoREZ, microtensile
      bond strength, root dentin.

PMID- 25136418
TI  - Occurrence of contralateral lymph neck node metastasis in patients with squamous
      cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Squamous cell carcinoma represents about 90% of malignancies of the
      mouth and about 38% of the head and neck tumors. The behavior of the cancer is
      very aggressive, presenting early cervical metastasis and, often contralateral
      ranging from 0.9 to 36%. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze clinical and
      pathological factors that may influence metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma in
      cervical lymph nodes and relate this occurrence in the contralateral primary
      tumor, with disease prognosis and the interference of this type of metastasis in
      the survival rate of patients with this pathology. Material and Metohds: It was
      conducted a retrospective study from medical records of patients with Squamous
      Cell Carcinomas with homolateral lymph node metastasis and contralateral attended
      at the clinic of Head and neck surgery of Hospital Sao Vicente de Paulo in Passo
      Fundo - RS - Brazil, from 2000 to 2008. RESULTS: Analyzing the charts of patients
      with metastatic and metastatic contralateral side it was observed that patients
      with initial stage presented a higher survival with statistical significance
      (p=0,035). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of metastases in lymph nodes of
      contralateral position to the primary lesion was not the main fator that
      influenced the survival of the group. Key words:Squamous cell carcinoma, oral
      cavity, contralateral, death rate, lymphatic metastasis, prognosis.

PMID- 25136419
TI  - Association of chronic periodontitis with white blood cell and platelet count - A
      Case Control Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to determine whether plasma levels of
      white blood corpuscles (WBCs) and platelets were altered in patients with chronic
      periodontitis compared to healthy controls. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 120
      subjects, 60 with chronic periodontitis and 60 with healthy periodontium of age
      group 30-50 years were selected for the study. Oral hygiene status and pocket
      probing depth were measured. During clinical evaluation, venous blood samples
      were taken to analyze the WBC and platelet counts. Statistical analysis was
      utilized to compare differences across various groups. RESULTS: The WBC count was
      higher in patients with chronic periodontitis when compared with controls whereas
      the platelet count was lower in the case group. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated WBC count
      plays a key role in chronic periodontitis and in turn a risk factor for
      cardiovascular diseases. However, there is no significant role of platelets in
      periodontal infection even though it has a major role in atherogenesis. Key
      words:Periodontitis, white blood cells, platelets, cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 25136420
TI  - Clinical evaluation of subepithelial connective tissue graft and guided tissue
      regeneration for treatment of Miller's class 1 gingival recession (comparative,
      split mouth, six months study).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to clinically compare and evaluate
      subepithelial connective tissue graft and the GTR based root coverage in
      treatment of Miller's Class I gingival recession. STUDY DESIGN: 30 patients with
      at least one pair of Miller's Class I gingival recession were treated either with
      Subepithelial connective tissue graft (Group A) or Guided tissue regeneration
      (Group B). Clinical parameters monitored included recession RD, width of
      keratinized gingiva (KG), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL),
      attached gingiva (AG), residual probing depth (RPD) and % of Root coverage(%RC).
      Measurements were taken at baseline, three months and six months. A standard
      surgical procedure was used for both Group A and Group B. Data were recorded and
      statistical analysis was done for both intergroup and intragroup. RESULTS: At end
      of six months % RC obtained were 84.47% (Group A) and 81.67% (Group B). Both
      treatments resulted in statistically significant improvement in clinical
      parameters. When compared, no statistically significant difference was found
      between both groups except in RPD, where it was significantly greater in Group A.
      CONCLUSIONS: GTR technique has advantages over subepithelial connective tissue
      graft for shallow Miller's Class I defects and this procedure can be used to
      avoid patient discomfort and reduce treatment time. Key words:Collagen membrane,
      comparative split mouth study, gingival recession, subepithelial connective
      tissue graft, guided tissue regeneration (GTR).

PMID- 25136421
TI  - How much incisor decompensation is achieved prior to orthognathic surgery?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To quantify incisor decompensation in preparation for orthognathic
      surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Pre-treatment and pre-surgery lateral cephalograms for 86
      patients who had combined orthodontic and orthognathic treatment were digitised
      using OPAL 2.1 [http://www.opalimage.co.uk]. To assess intra-observer
      reproducibility, 25 images were re-digitised one month later. Random and
      systematic error were assessed using the Dahlberg formula and a two-sample t
      test, respectively. Differences in the proportions of cases where the maxillary
      (1100 +/- 60) or mandibular (900 +/- 60) incisors were fully decomensated were
      assessed using a Chi-square test (p<0.05). Mann-Whitney U tests were used to
      identify if there were any differences in the amount of net decompensation for
      maxillary and mandibular incisors between the Class II combined and Class III
      groups (p<0.05). RESULTS: Random and systematic error were less than 0.5 degrees
      and p<0.05, respectively. A greater proportion of cases had decompensated
      mandibular incisors (80%) than maxillary incisors (62%) and this difference was
      statistically significant (p=0.029). The amount of maxillary incisor
      decompensation in the Class II and Class III groups did not statistically differ
      (p=0.45) whereas the mandibular incisors in the Class III group underwent
      statistically significantly greater decompensation (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS:
      Mandibular incisors were decompensated for a greater proportion of cases than
      maxillary incisors in preparation for orthognathic surgery. There was no
      difference in the amount of maxillary incisor decompensation between Class II and
      Class III cases. There was a greater net decompensation for mandibular incisors
      in Class III cases when compared to Class II cases. Key words:Decompensation,
      orthognathic, pre-surgical orthodontics, surgical-orthodontic.

PMID- 25136423
TI  - Estimation of serum lipids in patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis in India.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is the most prevalent precancerous
      condition in India. Low levels of lipids serves as a marker and prognostic
      indicator in the early detection of oral precancerous and cancerous states. In
      spite of the high prevalence and its potential to undergo malignant
      transformation, this condition has not widely been investigated with respect to
      the serum lipid levels. In the present study, an attempt was made to analyze the
      complete serum lipid profile, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high
      density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
      and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol in OSMF and controls.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 45 clinically and
      histopathologically diagnosed cases of OSMF and 45 age and sex matched controls.
      The complete lipid profile including TC, TG, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and
      VLDL cholesterol was analyzed. RESULTS: The serum lipid levels were significantly
      lower in the patients with OSMF than in the controls. When the values were
      compared between different disease stages, the maximum reduction of lipids was
      evident for stage 3 OSMF. From the present results, it is evident that the level
      of serum lipids decreases with progression of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: From
      these findings, it appears that the decrease in the lipid levels may be
      considered as a useful marker in the early diagnosis of oral premalignant
      condition like OSMF. Key words:Oral submucous fibrosis, lipids, premalignant
      condition.

PMID- 25136422
TI  - Clinical and radiographical evaluation of the healing of large periapical lesions
      using triple antibiotic paste, photo activated disinfection and calcium hydroxide
      when used as root canal disinfectant.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinically and radio graphically, the healing following
      nonsurgical treatment of periapical lesions when Photo Activated
      Disinfection(PAD), triple antibiotic paste and calcium hydroxide was used as root
      canal disinfectant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients (20 for PAD, 20 for
      triple antibiotic paste, 20 for calcium hydroxide) with periapical lesions in the
      maxillary and mandibular anterior region were selected from the outpatient
      section of the Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Govt. Dental
      College, Kozhikode to participate in this study. The patients were selected with
      a preoperative score of 4 or 5. There were no significant differences for the PAI
      Scores between the three groups at the start of the experiment .Intracanal
      disinfection was done in the three groups followed by obturation. The patients
      recalled at 3,6,12,18 months interval. RESULTS: At 18 months follow up 15 % of
      cases failed in calcium hydroxide group,5% in triple antibiotic paste and no
      failure cases were seen in PAD group. Success criteria were divided into strict
      and loose, while the former had statistically significant p value the latter did
      not. Kruskal-Wallis Test showed an increased mean value for PDT and a significant
      change in p value. Bonferroni post hoc test was done to compare if there is any
      significant change between groups. Only significant change was found between
      calcium hydroxide and photoactivated disinfection . CONCLUSION: PAD was more
      effective intracanal disinfectant at 6,12 and 18 months. Key words:Calcium,
      hydroxide, photo activated disinfection, triple antibiotic paste, root canal
      disinfection.

PMID- 25136424
TI  - Gingival recession: prevalence and risk indicators among young greek adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current research was to assess the prevalence of
      gingival recession and to investigate possible associations among this condition,
      periodontal and epidemiological variables in a sample of young Greek adults in a
      general dental practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1,430 young adults was
      examined clinically and interviewed regarding several periodontal and
      epidemiological variables. Collected data included demographic variables, oral
      hygiene habits and smoking status. Clinical examination included the recording of
      dental plaque, supragingival calculus presence, gingival status and buccal
      gingival recession. Multivariate logistic regression analysis model was performed
      to access the possible association between gingival recession and several
      periodontal and epidemiological variables as potential risk factors. RESULTS: The
      overall prevalence of gingival recession was 63.9%. The statistical analysis
      indicated that higher educational level [OR= 2.12, 95% CI= 0.53-8.51], cigarette
      smoking [OR= 1.97, 95% CI= 1.48-7.91], frequent tooth brushing [OR= 0.98, 95% CI=
      0.56-1.96], presence of oral piercing [OR= 0.92, 95% CI= 0.38-1.58], presence of
      gingival inflammation [OR= 4.54, 95% CI= 1.68-7.16], presence of dental plaque
      [OR= 1.67, 95% CI= 0.68-2.83] and presence of supragingival calculus [OR=1.34,
      95% CI= 0.59-1.88], were the most important associated factors of gingival
      recession. CONCLUSIONS: The observations of the current research supported the
      results from previous authors that several periodontal factors, educational level
      and smoking were significantly associated with the presence of gingival
      recession, while presence of oral piercing was a new factor that was found to be
      associated with gingival recession. Key words:Gingival recession, prevalence,
      risk factors, young adults.

PMID- 25136425
TI  - Correlation between mutans streptococci counts of parents and their children
      residing in Chandigarh, India.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of Mutans Streptococci (MS) in children
      and to evaluate the relationship between the salivary levels of MS in children
      and their parents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 children aged 3-6 years along with
      their parents (100 mothers and fathers each) were included in the study. The
      children were segregated depending upon their age and level of caries experience.
      The children were examined clinically on an ordinary chair in natural daylight
      using the Moller's index criteria. Assays for Mutans Streptococci (MS) were done
      for both the children and their parents using the Dentocult SM strip mutans test.
      Collected data was assessed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The overall prevalence
      of MS in the children was 83%. A statistically significant correlation (p<0.05)
      was observed between salivary MS counts of children and their mothers. No
      significant correlation was seen with the fathers. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      conclude that if primary caregivers harbour high levels of MS in their saliva, it
      is likely that their children will have the same. Key words:Mutans streptococci,
      parents, children, dentocult SM kits.

PMID- 25136426
TI  - Proposed new grading of oral submucous fibrosis based on cheek flexibility.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder of
      oral cavity, pharynx and upper digestive tract, characterized by progressive
      inability to open the mouth. Based on clinical and/or histopathological features,
      various classifications and grading systems have been put forth till date. The
      aim of the present study was to study the variance in cheek flexibility in OSMF
      patients, the observance of which led to the introduction of a new grading for
      the condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 412 patients with OSMF
      attending to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology during the period from
      December 2008 to June 2013. A detailed history and examination of the patients
      was performed with special emphasis on measuring cheek flexibility. Statistical
      analysis was done using Chi-square test and p<0.05 was considered to be
      statistically significant. RESULTS: The most common etiological factor was
      tobacco (73.3%). All the patients reported with burning sensation of the mouth
      and blanching of the mucosa. Malignancy was reported in only 4.6% patients. 60.4%
      patients showed cheek flexibility of 30mm and above, while 29.6% patients showed
      cheek flexibility between 20-30mm and 10% patients showed less than 30mm of cheek
      flexibility. CONCLUSION: The observations of the present study have led to the
      proposal of a new grading of OSMF based on cheek flexibility which could assist
      in the categorization of the condition by the clinicians. Key words:Cheek
      flexibility, oral submucous fibrosis, grading, areca nut.

PMID- 25136428
TI  - Comparative study of the efficacy of herbal antioxdants oxitard and aloe vera in
      the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder
      predominantly seen in the Indian subcontinent due to areca nut, tobacco and their
      products. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of oxitard and
      aloe vera in the management of OSMF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 120 subjects with OSMF
      were included in the study. The patients were clinico-pathologically diagnosed
      and divided equally in 2 groups, Group A (oxitard group) and Group B (aloe vera
      group). Group A was administered 2 oxitard capsules twice daily and Group B was
      given 5 mg aloe vera gel to be applied topically thrice daily for 3 months.
      Different clinical parameters were evaluated at regular intervals. Data was
      analyzed using the Student's paired t test and Chi-square test. P-value <0.001
      was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Clinical improvements in
      mouth opening and tongue protrusion was significant in the oxitard group
      (p=0.0005). Subjective symptoms of pain associated with the lesion (p=0.0003),
      difficulty in swallowing (p=0.0000) and speech (p=0.0001) also significantly
      improved in the Group A. The improvement in burning sensation was not
      statistically significant between the 2 groups (p=0.002). There was a mild to
      moderate decrease in the size of the lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Though there is no
      definitive treatment for the condition however, overall assessment of symptoms
      like mouth opening, tongue protrusion, difficulty in swallowing and speech and
      pain associated with the lesion showed that oxitard capsules can bring about
      significant clinical improvements than aloe vera gel in the treatment of OSMF.
      Key words:Oral submucous fibrosis, oxitard capsules, aloe vera, burning
      sensation, mouth opening.

PMID- 25136427
TI  - Clinical, radiological and therapeutic features of keratocystic odontogenic
      tumours: a study over a decade.
AB  - Factors associated with the potential for recurrence of keratocystic odontogenic
      tumours (KCOT) still remain to be clearly determined and no consensus exists
      concerning the management of KCOT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
      different clinical factors associated with KCOT and its treatment methods. A
      retrospective review was performed of 55 cases treated from 2001 to 2010. Of the
      55 cases, 27% were associated with an impacted or semi-impacted tooth. The
      majority of the lesions (82%) were located in tooth-bearing areas, and the
      overall mandibular to maxilla ratio of tumour occurrence was 5:1. The treatment
      options included enucleation, marsupialisation, or peripheral ostectomy, with or
      without the use of Carnoy's solution. Recurrence was found in 14 cases (25%). No
      significant association was seen between recurrence and age, symptomatic cases,
      location of the lesion, or unilocular or multilocular appearance. The recurrence
      rate was higher in the group with tooth involvement, more marked in cases with
      third molar involvement. Statistical analysis showed a significant relation
      between recurrence and the type of treatment, with higher rates in cases treated
      with enucleation associated with tooth extraction. In our series, those cases
      with a closer relation with dental tissues showed a higher risk of recurrence,
      suggesting the need for a distinct classification for peripheral variants of
      KCOT. Key words:Keratocystic odontogenic tumour, Odontogenic keratocyst,
      Odontogenic cysts, Keratocyst, Carnoy's solution. 

PMID- 25136429
TI  - Comparative study of mandibular linear measurements obtained by cone beam
      computed tomography and digital calipers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an innovative dental of
      imaging system characterized by rapid volumetric imaging with patient exposure to
      a single dose of radiation. The present study was carried out to compare the
      linear measurements obtained with CBCT and digital caliper in 20 mandibles from
      human cadavers. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 4800 linear measurements were measured
      between different mandibular anatomical points with CBCT and digital caliper. The
      real measurements were defined as those obtained with the digital caliper.
      Posteriorly, the mandibles were scanned to obtain the CBCT images, with software
      based measurements of the distances. RESULTS: The measurements obtained with the
      digital caliper were greater. The CBCT technique underestimated distances greater
      than 100 mm. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT allows to obtain linear mandibular anatomical
      measurements equivalent to those obtained with digital caliper. The differences
      existing between both methods were clinically acceptable. Key words:Computed
      tomography, cone beam CT, accuracy, reliability, digital caliper.

PMID- 25136430
TI  - Hand skeletal maturity and its correlation with mandibular dental development.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Assessment of pubertal status and pubertal growth spurt in
      orthodontic patients has a considerable impact on the diagnosis, treatment plan
      and the outcome of orthodontic treatments. Hand-wrist radiography is routinely
      used to evaluate skeletal development. Some studies have shown that there is an
      association between bone development and different stages of dental
      calcification; therefore, the stages of dental calcification can be used as the
      first tool for diagnosis, in case there is an association. This study was
      performed with the aim to evaluate the association between the phases of dental
      development and the stages of skeletal maturity. STUDY DESIGN: In this study, a
      total of 52 patients (26 males and 26 females), referring to Mashhad School of
      Dentistry for orthodontic treatment, were evaluated; the subjects were within the
      age range of 9-14 years. Hand-wrist radiographic evaluation of skeletal
      maturation was performed using Fishman method. Also, the Demirjian method was
      used to identify the stages of dental calcification by panoramic radiographs.
      Independent t-test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used for data
      analyses. RESULTS: The mean age of males and females was 11.05 +/- 1.05 and 10.62
      +/- 1.12 years, respectively (p=0.156). The Spearman correlation coefficients
      between skeletal maturity indicators (SMIs) and developmental stages of
      mandibular left and right canines and second molars were significant in males
      only (p<0.05). Also, correlation coefficients were significant between adductor
      sesamoid ossification and mandibular right and left canines developmental stages
      in males (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study showed that the
      correlation between dental developmental stages and skeletal maturity only were
      significant in males; thus, different skeletal maturity patterns in males and
      females might be perceptible. Key words:Skeletal maturation, hand-wrist
      radiography, panoramic radiography.

PMID- 25136431
TI  - Conflict of interest reporting in dentistry meta-analyses: A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The issue of reporting conflicts of interest (COI) in medical
      research has come under scrutiny over the past decade. Absolute transparency is
      important when dealing with conflicts of interest to provide readers with all
      essential information required to make an informative decision of the results.
      The key objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of reporting
      conflicts of interest in therapeutic dental meta-analyses of Randomized Control
      Trials (RCTs), and to investigate possible associations with other categorical
      variables. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an extensive literature search across
      multiple databases to search for relevant review articles for this study. We
      utilized pre-determined key words, and relied on three reviewers to test and
      review the use of a data extraction form that was used for the meta-analyses.
      Data regarding study characteristics, direction of results, and the significance
      of the results from each meta-analysis were extracted. RESULTS: There were 129
      meta-analyses used in this review, and the reporting on conflict of interest was
      low with only 50 (38.8%) of the articles possessing a conflict of interest
      statement (either confirming of denying COI). Of these 50 articles, there were
      only 4 (8%) studies that reported an actual conflict of interest. A statement of
      conflicts of interest was found in 29 (35.3%) of the papers that reported
      significant findings, whereas 35% of the papers that reported positive results
      reported on conflict of interest. Prior to 2009, only 17 (25%) papers reported
      conflicts of interest, but since 2009, 54.1% of papers collected had a conflict
      of interest statement. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analyses published in the field of
      dentistry do not routinely report author conflicts of interest. Although few
      conflicts appear to exist, the field of dentistry should continue to ensure that
      best evidence reports provide clear and transparent reporting of potential
      conflicts of interest in academic journals. Key words:Dentistry, dentition, meta
      analysis, quantitative review.

PMID- 25136432
TI  - The role of topical simvastatin on bone regeneration: A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the results
      concerning the use of simvastatin for promoting bone regeneration and to discuss
      the level of scientific evidence supporting such findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      A Pubmed search using "Simvastatin"[Mesh] AND "Bone Regeneration"[Mesh] as
      Boolean operators was constrained to the last 10 years and only included papers
      written in English. RESULTS: Of the 41 relevant papers reviewed, most of them
      (76.2%) have been published in the last 5 years, and most of them address animal
      studies (66.6%) performed on rats or rabbits in extraoral regions. Only 4
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed the role of topical simvastatin in
      periodontal patients. CONCLUSIONS: A large part of the evidence concerning the
      role of topical simvastatin on bone regeneration comes from animal studies
      (mainly rats) focusing on extraoral bone defects. Only the use of subgingival
      simvastatin after root scaling has been properly supported by RCT. Key
      words:Simvastatin, bone regeneration, topical administration, osteogenesis,
      osteoinduction.

PMID- 25136434
TI  - Sialolithiasis. Proposal for a new minimally invasive procedure: Piezoelectric
      surgery.
AB  - Sialolithiasis is the presence of stones in the ducts of the salivary glands.
      Most episodes are unique, and 60-80% are located exclusively in the main
      excretory duct. The main clinical manifestations are swelling and pain typically
      before, during or after meals that decreases if the obstruction is not complete.
      The highest prevalence of lithiasis is in the submandibular gland -87%-, whose
      secretion is more viscous, followed by the parotid gland -10%- and finally the
      sublingual gland -3%-. The most significant consequences are caused by the
      prolonged blockage of the duct by a stone, which can produce a persistent ductal
      dilatation with a swelling that does not subside, and could lead to the complete
      degeneration of the parenchyma, becoming a hot spot where secondary infections
      may occur, leading to acute bacterial sialadenitis or glandular abscesses.
      Treatment options range from a single probing extraction, extraction with
      sialographic control using the sialoendoscope, LASER intraductal lithotripsy,
      lithotripsy extracorporeal shock wave (ESWL), to the surgical techniques
      combining open duct with endoscopic or glandular removal. We propose, with regard
      to a case, the use of a simple piezoelectric device which, tunnelling through the
      glandular channel by the ostium, allows stone fragmentation, without damaging the
      surrounding soft tissue. Stone removal by this less invasive method reduces the
      need for more complex and expensive techniques. The postoperative course without
      retraction of the ostium, and the regaining of functionality is favourable. Key
      words:Calculus, lithotripsy, minimally invasive therapy, piezoelectric surgery,
      salivary glands, soft tissues. 

PMID- 25136433
TI  - Iatrogenic salivary duct injury in head and neck cancer patients: Report of four
      cases and review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The lesions of the salivary ducts may be idiopathic, post-
      traumatic, or iatrogenic and lead to sialocele formation with persistent painful
      facial swelling or cutaneous fistula formation. No consensus on treatment of this
      condition exists: the options of treatment include needle aspiration, pressure
      dressings, antisialogogue therapy, radiotherapy, botulinum toxin and surgical
      approaches as duct repair, diversion, ligation, different drainage systems and
      even parotidectomy/submaxilectomy. The management and special features of
      iatrogenic salivary duct injury in patients with oral cancer who underwent head
      and neck reconstructive surgery has not been described yet. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      We present four cases of iatrogenic lesions of salivary ducts and its management
      in patients with oral cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The iatrogenic lesions of salivary
      ducts are to be taken into account in patients with oral cancer as the distal
      ends of salivary ducts could be involved in the margins of surgical resection.
      Different options of treatment of this complication are described. Key
      words:Sialocele, oral cancer, salivary duct.

PMID- 25136435
TI  - Parotid gland solitary fibrous tumor with mandibular bone destruction and
      aggressive behavior.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Solitary fibrous tumor is associated with serosal surfaces.
      Location in the salivary glands is extremely unusual. Extrathoracic tumors have
      an excellent prognosis associated with their benign clinical behavior. We report
      an aggressive and recurrent case of this tumor. We review the clinical
      presentation, inmunohistochemical profiles and therapeutic approaches. CASE
      REPORT: A 73-years-old woman presented a mass in her right parotid gland. She had
      a past history of right superficial parotidectomy due to a neurilemoma. FNAB and
      magnetic resonance were non-specific. After a tumor resection, microscopic
      findings were spindled tumor cells with reactivity to CD34, bcl-2 and CD99 and
      the tumor was diagnosed as Solitary Fibrous Tumor. The patient suffered two
      recurrences and the tumor had a histological aggressive behavior and a
      destruction of the cortical bone of the mandible adjacent to the mass. A marginal
      mandibulectomy with an alveolar inferior nerve lateralization was performed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Solitary fibrous tumor is a very rare tumor. Usually, they are
      benign, but occasionally they can be aggressive. Complete resection is the most
      important prognostic factor and no evidence supports the efficacy of any therapy
      different to surgery. Due to the unknown prognosis and to the small number of
      cases reported, a long-term follow-up is guaranteed. Key words:Solitary fibrous
      tumor, parotid mass, parotid gland, salivary gland, rare tumors.

PMID- 25136436
TI  - Zinsser-Cole-Engmann syndrome: A rare case report with literature review.
AB  - Zinsser-Cole-Engmann syndrome, more commonly known as Dyskeratosis Congenita, is
      a heritable genodermatosis having an estimated incidence of 1 in 1 million
      people. It is important for an oral physician to be aware of this condition as
      oral leukoplakia occurs in this condition as part of a classic triad along with
      reticulate skin pigmentation and nail dystrophy. Besides these, there may be
      myriad multisystem involvement as well. These individuals have a high
      predilection for developing malignancies as well as other grave life-threatening
      conditions. Timely diagnosis and management of these cases may help improve their
      morbidity and mortality, for which oral physicians can play a major role in
      recognizing the cases. This will only be possible when more of such cases are
      reported in dental literature. Here we present a case report of a 30 year old
      male patient who reported to our department with all the characteristic features
      of the triad and a few additional findings concordant to the disease as well. Key
      words:Zinsser-Cole-Engmann syndrome, Dyskeratosis Congenita, leukoplakia,
      genodermatosis, skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy, progeria, hematological
      disturbances. 

PMID- 25136437
TI  - The craniofacial necrotizing fasciitis after a minor trauma in an elderly white
      woman.
AB  - The term necrotizing fasciitis /NF/ was probably first described by Jones in 1871
      as "hospital gangrene". NF, with its fast spreading from the local infection to
      massive necrosis of the underlying tissues, ie. superficial fascia and
      subcutaneous layers, is a potentially fatal disease, unless diagnosed early and
      properly treated. NF is more frequent in frail patients with chronic debilitating
      illnesses, immune deficiencies or from a poor social background. Sixty percent of
      NF cases occur in females. Here we present a case of necrotizing fasciitis of the
      head and neck region after a minor trauma (phenol blocks due to severe
      neuropathic pain) in an 82-year-old female with the history of trigeminal
      neuralgia. Key words:Necrotizing fasciitis, craniofacial infection, tissue
      necrosis. 

PMID- 25136438
TI  - Lowering of the mouth floor and vestibuloplasty to support a mandibular
      overdenture retained by two implants. A case report.
AB  - In Oral Implantology most of the procedures are predictable and have high success
      rates. The use of osseointegrated implants as a therapeutic option for the
      rehabilitation of patients with severe mandibular atrophy has decreased the need
      for pre-prosthetic surgery Nevertheless, complications may occur during implant
      surgery and also once the prosthesis has been placed. This paper describes the
      case of a totally edentulous patient with an upper complete removable denture and
      an implant-retained overdenture with two implants in the intermentonian region.
      During clinical examination, the implant abutments were totally covered by soft
      tissue since the floor of the mouth was elevated. The panoramic radiography
      showed severe mandibular atrophy. Vestibuloplasty was performed together with the
      lowering of the floor of the mouth under general anesthesia and nasotracheal
      intubation to expose the implants. A new prosthesis was fabricated for the
      patient to prevent recurrence and improve the patient's chewing ability as it
      formed a physical barrier against soft tissue migration on prosthetic
      attachments. Key words:Vestibuloplasty, lowering of the mouth floor,
      complications in oral implantology. 

PMID- 25136439
TI  - Parry Romberg syndrome with localized scleroderma: A case report.
AB  - Parry Romberg syndrome(PRS) is a rare acquired poorly understood neurocutaneous
      syndrome of unknown etiology characterized by slow progressive atrophic changes
      commonly affecting one half of the face. The exact incidence and etiology towards
      the syndrome remains unclear. Apart from the multifactorial etiology proposed,
      the possible primary cause is mainly attributed to the cerebral disturbance of
      the fat metabolism. The syndrome overlaps with "en coup de sabre" morphea, with
      an ill defined relationship existing between the two. Parry Romberg Syndrome is
      an invalidating lesion that may be associated with different neurological,
      cutaneous, ocular, dental and autoimmune abnormalities. This report presents one
      rare case of 22 years old female patient with Parry Romberg syndrome associated
      with localized scleroderma, accompanied by a brief review of literature with
      classical clinical, radiographic, histological findings and the treatment of
      progressive hemifacial atrophy. Key words:Parry Romberg syndrome, progressive
      facial hemiatrophy, morphea, localized scleroderma. 

PMID- 25136440
TI  - Traumatic neuroma of the mandible: A case report with spontaneous remission.
AB  - Traumatic neuroma is a well-known disorder involving peripheral nerves, which
      occurs following trauma or surgery. The lesion develops most commonly in the soft
      tissues of the mental foramen area, lower lip and tongue. Intra-osseous lesions
      arising in jawbones are very uncommon. In this paper, we report a new case of an
      intra-osseous traumatic neuroma, discovered incidentally on a panoramic
      radiograph obtained for orthodontic documentation. In addition, the case herein
      described developed spontaneous remission, a situation not previously reported in
      the literature. Finally, we discuss relevant demographic, clinical, microscopic,
      immunohistochemical and treatment aspects of traumatic neuromas. Key
      words:Amputation neuroma, traumatic neuroma, mandible, spontaneous remission. 

PMID- 25136442
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 25136441
TI  - Operational definitions of asthma in recent epidemiological studies are
      inconsistent.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The best combination of questions to define asthma in epidemiological
      asthma studies is not known. We summarized the operational definitions of asthma
      used in prevalence studies and empirically assess how asthma prevalence estimates
      vary depending on the definition used. METHODS: We searched the Thomson Reuters
      ISI Web of knowledge and included (1) cross-sectional studies (2) on asthma
      prevalence (3) conducted in the general population and (4) containing an explicit
      definition of asthma. The search was limited to the 100 most-cited papers or
      published since January 2010. For each paper, we recorded the asthma definition
      used and other variables. Then we applied the definitions to the data of the
      Portuguese National Asthma survey (INAsma) and of the 2005-2006 National Health
      and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) computing asthma prevalence estimates
      for the different definitions. RESULTS: Of 1738 papers retrieved, 117 were
      included for analysis. Lifetime asthma, diagnosed asthma and current asthma were
      defined in 8, 12 and 29 different ways, respectively. By applying definitions of
      current asthma on INAsma and NHANES data, the prevalence ranged between 5.3%
      24.4% and 1.1%-17.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is considerable
      heterogeneity in the definitions of asthma used in epidemiological studies
      leading to highly variable estimates of asthma prevalence. Studies to inform a
      standardized operational definition are needed. Meanwhile, we propose a set of
      questions to be reported when defining asthma in epidemiological studies.

PMID- 25136443
TI  - MaxBin: an automated binning method to recover individual genomes from
      metagenomes using an expectation-maximization algorithm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recovering individual genomes from metagenomic datasets allows access
      to uncultivated microbial populations that may have important roles in natural
      and engineered ecosystems. Understanding the roles of these uncultivated
      populations has broad application in ecology, evolution, biotechnology and
      medicine. Accurate binning of assembled metagenomic sequences is an essential
      step in recovering the genomes and understanding microbial functions. RESULTS: We
      have developed a binning algorithm, MaxBin, which automates the binning of
      assembled metagenomic scaffolds using an expectation-maximization algorithm after
      the assembly of metagenomic sequencing reads. Binning of simulated metagenomic
      datasets demonstrated that MaxBin had high levels of accuracy in binning
      microbial genomes. MaxBin was used to recover genomes from metagenomic data
      obtained through the Human Microbiome Project, which demonstrated its ability to
      recover genomes from real metagenomic datasets with variable sequencing
      coverages. Application of MaxBin to metagenomes obtained from microbial consortia
      adapted to grow on cellulose allowed genomic analysis of new, uncultivated,
      cellulolytic bacterial populations, including an abundant myxobacterial
      population distantly related to Sorangium cellulosum that possessed a much
      smaller genome (5 MB versus 13 to 14 MB) but has a more extensive set of genes
      for biomass deconstruction. For the cellulolytic consortia, the MaxBin results
      were compared to binning using emergent self-organizing maps (ESOMs) and
      differential coverage binning, demonstrating that it performed comparably to
      these methods but had distinct advantages in automation, resolution of related
      genomes and sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: The automatic binning software that we
      developed successfully classifies assembled sequences in metagenomic datasets
      into recovered individual genomes. The isolation of dozens of species in
      cellulolytic microbial consortia, including a novel species of myxobacteria that
      has the smallest genome among all sequenced aerobic myxobacteria, was easily
      achieved using the binning software. This work demonstrates that the processes
      required for recovering genomes from assembled metagenomic datasets can be
      readily automated, an important advance in understanding the metabolic potential
      of microbes in natural environments. MaxBin is available at
      https://sourceforge.net/projects/maxbin/.

PMID- 25136444
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnea and pulmonary function in patients with severe obesity
      before and after bariatric surgery: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of obesity in both developed and developing
      countries is one of the most serious public health problems and has led to a
      global epidemic. Obesity is one of the greatest risk factors of obstructive sleep
      apnea (OSA), which is found in 60 to 70% of obese patients mainly due to the
      buildup of fat tissue in the upper portion of the thorax and neck. The aim of the
      present randomized clinical trial is to assess daytime sleepiness, sleep
      architecture and pulmonary function in patients with severe obesity before and
      after bariatric surgery. METHODS: This randomized, controlled trial, was
      designed, conducted, and reported in accordance with the standards of The CONSORT
      (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) Statement. Patients were divided
      into a bariatric surgery group and control group. The clinical evaluation was
      performed at the Sleep Laboratory of the Nove de JulhoUniversity (Sao Paulo,
      Brazil) and consisted of the collection of clinical data, weight, height, body
      mass index (BMI), measurements of neck and abdomen circumferences, spirometry,
      maximum ventilatory pressure measurements, standard overnight polysomnography
      (PSG) and the administration of the Berlin Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness
      Scale. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients participated in the present study and
      performed PSG. Out of these, 16 underwent bariatric surgery. After surgery, mean
      BMI decreased from 48.15 +/- 8.58 to 36.91 +/- 6.67 Kg/m(2). Significant
      differences were found between the preoperative and postoperative periods
      regarding neck (p < 0.001) and waist circumference (p < 0.001), maximum
      inspiratory pressure (p = 0.002 and p = 0.004) and maximum expiratory pressure (p
      = 0.001 and p = 0.002) for women and men, respectively, as well as sleep stage N3
      (p < 0.001), REM sleep (p = 0.049) and the apnea-hypopnea index (p = 0.008).
      CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery effectively reduces neck and waist circumference,
      increases maximum ventilatory pressures, enhances sleep architecture and reduces
      respiratory sleep disorders, specifically obstructive sleep apnea, in patients
      with severe obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: THE PROTOCOL FOR THIS STUDY WAS
      REGISTERED WITH THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (UNIVERSAL TRIAL NUMBER: U1111-1121
      8873) and Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - ReBEC (RBR-9k9hhv).

PMID- 25136446
TI  - IgG4-related thyroiditis: a case report and review of literature.
AB  - A 55-year-old male, with a positive medical history for hypothyroidism, treated
      with stable doses for years was admitted with subacute thyroiditis and a feeling
      of pain and pressure in the neck. Laboratory tests showed decrease in TSH levels,
      elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and very high antithyroid antibodies.
      Owing to enlarging goiter and exacerbation in the patient's complaints, he was
      operated with excision of a fibrotic and enlarged thyroid lobe. Elevated IgG4
      plasma levels and high IgG4/IgG plasma cell ratio on immunohistochemistry led to
      the diagnosis of IgG4-mediated thyroiditis. We concluded that IgG4-thyroiditis
      and IgG4-related disease should be considered in all patients with an aggressive
      form of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. LEARNING POINTS: IgG4-related disease is a
      systemic disease that includes several syndromes; IgG4-related thyroiditis is one
      among them.IgG4-thyroiditis should be considered in all patients with an
      aggressive form of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.Patients with suspected IgG4
      thyroiditis should have blood tested for IgG4/IgG ratio and appropriate
      immunohistochemical staining if possible.

PMID- 25136445
TI  - Community based interventions for the prevention and control of tuberculosis.
AB  - In 2012, an estimated 8.6 million people developed tuberculosis (TB) and 1.3
      million died from the disease. With its recent resurgence with the human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV); TB prevention and management has become further
      challenging. We systematically evaluated the effectiveness of community based
      interventions (CBI) for the prevention and treatment of TB and a total of 41
      studies were identified for inclusion. Findings suggest that CBI for TB
      prevention and case detection showed significant increase in TB detection rates
      (RR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.92, 3.28) with non-significant impact on TB incidence. CBI
      for treating patients with active TB showed an overall improvement in treatment
      success rates (RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.11) and evidence from a single study
      suggests significant reduction in relapse rate (RR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.39).
      The results were consistent for various study design and delivery mechanism.
      Qualitative synthesis suggests that community based TB treatment delivery through
      community health workers (CHW) not only improved access and service utilization
      but also contributed to capacity building and improving the routine TB recording
      and reporting systems. CBI coupled with the DOTS strategy seem to be an effective
      approach, however there is a need to evaluate various community-based integrated
      delivery models for relative effectiveness. 

PMID- 25136447
TI  - Recurrent benign adrenal pheochromocytomas associated with hemihypertrophy.
AB  - We report a case of a female with hemihypertrophy, who developed five recurrences
      of pheochromocytomas until the age of 35. Timely follow-up of the patient's blood
      pressure assisted in early diagnosis and treatment of recurrent tumors. LEARNING
      POINTS: Recurrent benign pheochromocytomas should raise suspicion of a genetic
      syndrome.A pheochromocytoma at a young age has a high propensity to recur and
      strict follow-up is mandatory.

PMID- 25136448
TI  - A clinically novel AIP mutation in a patient with a very large, apparently
      sporadic somatotrope adenoma.
AB  - Heterozygous germline inactivating mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
      interacting protein (AIP) gene lead to pituitary adenomas that most frequently
      present in the setting of familial isolated pituitary adenoma syndrome, usually
      as somatotropinomas and prolactinomas. More recently, they have been found in a
      significant percentage of young patients presenting with pituitary macroadenoma
      without any apparent family history. We describe the case of a 19-year-old man
      who presented with a gigantic somatotropinoma. His family history was negative.
      His peripheral DNA showed a heterozygous AIP mutation (p.I13N), while tumor
      tissue only had the mutated allele, showing loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and
      suggesting that the mutation caused the disease. LEARNING POINTS: AIP mutations
      may be observed in sporadic somatotrope adenomas occurring in young patients.LOH
      is a strong indicator that an AIP variant is disease causing.Somatotrope adenomas
      in carriers of AIP mutations are generally larger and more difficult to cure.

PMID- 25136449
TI  - Catecholamine-secreting carotid body paraganglioma: successful preoperative
      control of hypertension and clinical symptoms using high-dose long-acting
      octreotide.
AB  - A 48-year-old hypertensive and diabetic patient presented with a 10-year history
      of progressive right facial pain, tinnitus, hearing loss, sweating, and
      palpitations. Investigations revealed a 5.6 cm vascular tumor at the carotid
      bifurcation. Her blood pressure (BP) was 170/110, on lisinopril 20 mg od and
      amlodipine 10 mg od and 100 U of insulin daily. A catecholamine-secreting carotid
      body paraganglioma (CSCBP) was suspected; the diagnosis was confirmed
      biochemically by determining plasma norepinephrine (NE) level, 89 000 pmol/l, and
      chromogranin A (CgA) level, 279 MUg/l. Meta-iodobenzylguanidine and octreotide
      scanning confirmed a single tumor in the neck. A week after giving the patient a
      trial of octreotide 100 MUg 8 h, the NE level dropped progressively from 50 000
      to 25 000 pmol/l and CgA from 279 to 25 MUg/l. Treatment was therefore continued
      with labetalol 200 mg twice daily (bid) and long-acting octreotide-LA initially
      using 40 mg/month and later increasing to 80 mg/month. On this dose and with a
      reduced labetalol intake of 100 mg bid, BP was maintained at 130/70 and her
      symptoms resolved completely. CgA levels returned to normal in the first week and
      these were maintained throughout the 3 month treatment period. During tumor
      resection, there were minimal BP fluctuations during the 10 h procedure. We
      conclude that short-term high-dose octreotide-LA might prove valuable in the
      preoperative management of catecholamine-secreting tumors. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first report on the successful use of octreotide in a
      CSCBP. LEARNING POINTS: The value of octreotide scanning in the localization of
      extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma.Control of catecholamine secretion using high-dose
      octreotide.This is a report of a rare cause of secondary diabetes and
      hypertension.

PMID- 25136450
TI  - Contribution of antimicrobial stewardship programs to reduction of antimicrobial
      therapy costs in community hospital with 429 Beds --before-after comparative two
      year trial in Japan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Do antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) contribute to reduction
      of antimicrobial therapy costs in Japanese community hospitals? To answer this
      health economic question, a before-after comparative two-year trial in a
      community hospital in the country was designed. METHODS: The study was conducted
      at National Hospital Organization Tochigi Medical Center, a community hospital
      with 429 beds. We compared six-month period before-ASP (January 2010 to June
      2010) and 24-month period after ASP (July 2010 to June 2012) in primary and
      secondary outcome measures. Three medical doctors, three pharmacists and two
      microbiology technologists participate in the ASPs. The team then provided
      recommendations based on the supplemental elements to primary physicians who
      prescribed injectable antimicrobials. Prospective audit with intervention and
      feedback was applied in the core strategy while dose optimization, de-escalation
      and recommendations for alternate agents and blood cultures were applied in the
      supplemental elements. The primary outcome was measured by the antimicrobial
      therapy costs (USD per 1,000 patient-days), while the secondary outcomes included
      the amount of antimicrobials used (defined daily doses per 1,000 patient-days),
      sensitivity rates (%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) to Meropenem
      (MEPM), Ciprofloxacin (CPFX) and Amikacin (AMK), length of stay (days) and
      detection rates (per 1,000 patient-day) of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus (MRSA) and extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing organisms (ESBLs)
      through blood cultures. RESULTS: In the study, recommendations were made for 465
      cases out of 1,427 cases subject to the core strategy, and recommendations for
      251 cases (54.0%) were accepted. After ASP, the antimicrobial therapy costs
      decreased by 25.8% (P = 0.005) from those before ASP. Among the secondary
      outcomes, significant changes were observed in the amount of aminoglycosides
      used, which decreased by 80.0% (P < 0.001) and the detection rate of MRSA, which
      decreased by 48.3% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggested the possibility
      that ASPs contributed to the reduction of the antimicrobial therapy costs in a
      community hospital with 429 beds.

PMID- 25136451
TI  - The creation of pollution mapping and measurement of ambient concentration of
      sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide with passive sampler.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurements of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide using passive sampler
      over 12 months in Samsun, Turkey, are compared with SO2 and NO2 concentrations
      obtained from a co-located chemiluminescence analyzer. The concentrations of
      Sulfur and nitrogen dioxide in the ambient air during the period from November
      2009 to September 2010 are analyzed. RESULTS: The highest value for annual NO2
      and SO2 averages of passive sampler was 29.65 MUg/m(3) and 21.01 MUg/m(3) for
      exposures of 2-weeks at an industrial site. The maximum monthly concentration for
      SO2 was observed at the 10(th) measurement station with 44.19 MUg/m(3) for
      August. The maximum monthly concentration for NO2 was observed on the 3(rd)
      measurement station with 42.83 MUg/m(3) for November. A negative correlation
      between nitrogen dioxide concentrations and temperature (R(2) = -0.5489) was
      estimated. A positive correlation between nitrogen dioxide measurement with
      passive sampler and continuous measurement (R(2) = 0.6571) was estimated.

PMID- 25136452
TI  - The effects of intravitreal bevacizumab in infectious and noninfectious uveitic
      macular edema.
AB  - Background/Aims. To assess the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab injection
      (IVBI) for the treatment of macular edema due to infectious and noninfectious
      uveitides. Design. Retrospective interventional case series. Methods. A chart
      review was performed on all the patients who were diagnosed with uveitic macular
      edema (UME) and received 1.25 mg of IVBI at two referral centers in Riyadh, Saudi
      Arabia. All included patients had their visual acuity and macular thickness
      analyzed at baseline and at 1 and 3 months following IVBI and any sign of
      reactivation was noted. Results. The mean age of patients was 41 +/- 16 years
      with a mean followup of 4 +/- 1 months. Ten patients had idiopathic intermediate
      uveitis, 9 patients had Behcet's disease, 10 had idiopathic panuveitis, and
      twelve patients had presumed ocular tuberculosis uveitis. Following IVBI, the
      mean LogMAR visual acuity improved from 0.8 +/- 0.8 at baseline to 0.4 +/- 0.5 at
      1 month and 0.3 +/- 0.5 at 3 months (P < 0.002, at 3 months). The mean macular
      thickness was 430 +/- 132 MUm at baseline. Following IVBI macular thickness
      improved to 286 +/- 93 MUm at 1 month and to 265 +/- 88 MUm at 3 months of
      followup (P < 0.001, at 3 months). Conclusion. Bevacizumab was effective in the
      management of UME associated with both infectious and noninfectious uveitides.
      Intravitreal bevacizumab induced remission of UME with infectious uveitis and had
      no immunosuppressive effect against infectious agents. 

PMID- 25136453
TI  - Evaluation of the Repeatability and the Reproducibility of AL-Scan Measurements
      Obtained by Residents.
AB  - Purpose. To assess the repeatability and reproducibility of ocular biometry and
      intraocular lens (IOL) power measurements obtained by ophthalmology residents
      using an AL-Scan device, a novel optical biometer. Methods. Two ophthalmology
      residents were instructed regarding the AL-Scan device. Both performed ocular
      biometry and IOL power measurements using AL-Scan, three times on each of 128
      eyes, independently of one another. Corneal keratometry readings, horizontal iris
      width, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, pupil size, and axial
      length values measured by both residents were recorded together with IOL power
      values calculated on the basis of four different IOL calculation formulas (SRK/T,
      Holladay, and HofferQ). Repeatability and reproducibility of the measurements
      obtained were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
      Results. Repeatability (ICC, 0.872-0.999 for resident 1 versus 0.905-0.999 for
      resident 2) and reproducibility (ICC, 0.916-0.999) were high for all biometric
      measurements. Repeatability (ICC, 0.981-0.983 for resident 1 versus 0.995-0.996
      for resident 2) and reproducibility were also high for all IOL power measurements
      (ICC, 0.996 for all). Conclusions. The AL-Scan device exhibits good repeatability
      and reproducibility in all biometric measurements and IOL power calculations,
      independent of the operator concerned. 

PMID- 25136454
TI  - Correlation between Intraocular Pressure Fluctuation with Postural Change and
      Postoperative Intraocular Pressure in Relation to the Time Course after
      Trabeculectomy.
AB  - Background. To investigate the correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP)
      fluctuation with postural change and IOP in relation to the time course after
      trabeculectomy. Methods. A total of 29 patients who had previously undergone
      primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C were examined. IOP was obtained at 1, 2,
      3, 6, and 12 months and then every 6 months postoperatively. Results. The
      postural IOP difference before surgery was 3.0 +/- 1.8 mmHg, which was reduced to
      0.9 +/- 1.1 mmHg at 1 month, 1.0 +/- 1.0 mmHg at 2 months, 1.3 +/- 2.0 mmHg at 3
      months, 1.3 +/- 1.4 mmHg at 6 months, 1.4 +/- 1.5 mmHg at 12 months, and 1.1 +/-
      0.7 mmHg at 18 months after trabeculectomy (P < 0.01 each visit). The filtering
      surgery failed in 7 out of 29 eyes. Postural IOP changes were less than 3 mmHg in
      those patients who did not require needle revision at every visit. However, in
      patients who did require needle revision, the increase in the posture-induced IOP
      was greater than 3 mmHg prior to the increase in the sitting position IOP.
      Conclusions. Assessment of postural IOP changes after trabeculectomy might be
      potentially useful for predicting IOP changes after trabeculectomy. 

PMID- 25136455
TI  - Gender and uveitis.

PMID- 25136456
TI  - Spectrum of Histomorphologic Findings in Liver in Patients with SLE: A Review.
AB  - Collagen vascular diseases (CVDs) like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),
      rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren syndrome (SS), and scleroderma are immunologically
      mediated disorders that typically have multisystem involvement. Although
      clinically significant liver involvement is rare, liver enzyme abnormalities are
      common in these patients. The reported prevalence of hepatic involvement in SLE,
      histopathologic findings, and its significance is very variable in the existing
      literature. It is important to be familiar with the causes of hepatic involvement
      in SLE along with histomorphological features which aid in distinguishing
      hepatitis of SLE from other hepatic causes as they would alter the patient
      management and disease course. Histopathology of liver in SLE shows a wide
      morphological spectrum commonly due to a coexisting pathology. Drug induced
      hepatitis, viral etiology, and autoimmune overlap should be excluded before
      attributing the changes to SLE itself. Common histopathologic findings in SLE
      include fatty liver, portal inflammation, and vascular changes like hemangioma,
      congestion, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, arteritis, and abnormal vessels in
      portal tracts. 

PMID- 25136457
TI  - Latency after preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes: increased risk for
      periventricular leukomalacia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors for cystic periventricular leukomalacia
      (cPVL) and their implications for deciding between immediate delivery and
      conservative management of preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes (pPROM).
      METHODS: The following risk factors were compared between cPVL infants and 6440
      controls: chorioamnionitis, sex, gestational age (GA), birth weight, pPROM, and
      pPROM-delivery interval. Factor impact on cPVL risk and clinical decision-making
      was determined by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall cPVL
      prevalence (n = 32) was 0.99/1000 births. All cPVL infants but one were born <34
      weeks of gestation and were <2500 g; 56% had histological chorioamnionitis versus
      1.1% of controls (OR 35.9; 95%-CI 12.6-102.7). Because chorioamnionitis is a
      postnatal diagnosis, logistic regression was performed with prenatally available
      factors: pPROM-delivery interval >48 hours (OR 9.0; 95%-CI 4.1-20.0), male gender
      (OR 3.2; 95%-CI 1.4-7.3). GA was not a risk factor if birth weight was included.
      Risk decreased with increasing fetal weight despite a prolonged pPROM-delivery
      interval. CONCLUSION: pPROM-delivery interval is the single most important
      prenatally available risk factor for the development of cPVL. Immediate delivery
      favors babies with chorioamnionitis but disfavors those with non infectious
      pPROM. In the absence of clinical chorioamnionitis fetal weight gain may offset
      the inflammatory risk of cPVL caused by a prolonged pPROM-delivery interval.

PMID- 25136458
TI  - Locally advanced and unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: outcomes of
      concurrent cetuximab and radiotherapy.
AB  - Background. Advanced age and immune dysfunction are risk factors for cutaneous
      squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and often render patients with locally-advanced
      disease medically inoperable or surgically unresectable, but potentially curable
      with radiotherapy. Concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy may not be well
      tolerated in this population, but another systemic therapy may improve disease
      control. Objective. Determine the tolerance and efficacy of concurrent cetuximab
      and radiotherapy (CRT) for patients with locally advanced and unresectable cSCC.
      Methods. Retrospective analysis of 12 patients treated with CRT for locally
      advanced and unresectable cSCC. Results. Patients were elderly and 75% had
      moderate-to-severe comorbidities, while 42% had immune dysfunction. Grades 3-4
      adverse events were noted in 83% of patients; 67% required hospital admission for
      adverse events. Complete and partial response was noted in 36% and 27% (response
      rate, 64%). Stable and progressive disease was noted in 3 and 1 patients,
      respectively (disease control rate, 91%). Median progression-free and overall
      survival were 6.4 and 8.0 months, respectively. Limitations. Retrospective small
      cohort, single-institution analysis. Conclusion. Patients selected for CRT were
      elderly, with comorbidities and immune dysfunction, but treatment responses were
      observed. Patients selected for this treatment approach have a poor prognosis
      with limited capacity for therapy; more effective treatment is needed. 

PMID- 25136459
TI  - Serum PCSK9 Levels Distinguish Individuals Who Do Not Respond to High-Dose Statin
      Therapy with the Expected Reduction in LDL-C.
AB  - The purpose of the present report was to examine whether proprotein convertase
      subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels differ in individuals who do not exhibit
      expected reductions in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with statin
      therapy. Eighteen nonresponder subjects treated with 80 mg atorvastatin treatment
      for 6 months without substantial reductions in LDL-C (DeltaLDL-C: 2.6 +/- 11.4%)
      were compared to age- and gender-matched atorvastatin responders (DeltaLDL-C:
      50.7 +/- 8.5%) and placebo-treated subjects (DeltaLDL-C: 9.9 +/- 21.5%). Free
      PCSK9 was marginally higher in nonresponders at baseline (P = 0.07) and
      significantly higher in atorvastatin responders after 6 months of treatment (P =
      0.04). The change in free PCSK9 over 6 months with statin treatment was higher (P
      < 0.01) in atorvastatin responders (134.2 +/- 131.5 ng/mL post- versus prestudy)
      than in either the nonresponders (39.9 +/- 87.8 ng/mL) or placebo subjects (27.8
      +/- 97.6 ng/mL). Drug compliance was not lower in the nonresponders as assessed
      by pill counts and poststudy plasma atorvastatin levels. Serum PCSK9 levels, both
      at baseline and in response to statin therapy, may differentiate individuals who
      do versus those who do not respond to statin treatment. 

PMID- 25136460
TI  - Physicochemical characteristics of citrus seed oils from kerman, iran.
AB  - Recently, there has been a great deal of attention on usage, byproducts, and
      wastes of the food industry. There have been many studies on the properties of
      citrus seeds and extracted oil from citrus grown in Kerman, Iran. The rate of oil
      content of citrus seeds varies between 33.4% and 41.9%. Linoleic acid (33.2% to
      36.3%) is the key fatty acid found in citrus seeds oil and oleic (24.8% to 29.3%)
      and palmitic acids (23.5% to 29.4%) are the next main fatty acids, respectively.
      There are also other acids found at trivial rates such as stearic, palmitoleic,
      and linolenic. With variation between 0.54 meg/kg and 0.77 mgq/kg in peroxide
      values of citrus seed oils, acidity value of the oil varies between 0.44% and
      0.72%. The results of the study showed that citrus seeds under study (orange and
      sour lemon grown in Kerman province) and the extracted oil have the potential of
      being used as the source of edible oil. 

PMID- 25136462
TI  - Nephrotic syndrome secondary to proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal
      immunoglobulin deposits of lambda light chain.
AB  - We describe a rare case of a 46-year-old woman with history of refractory
      nephrotic syndrome and hypertension who presented with worsening proteinuria and
      kidney function. Work-up for both autoimmune and infectious diseases and
      hematologic malignancies including multiple myeloma were negative. Kidney biopsy
      demonstrated glomerular sclerotic change with lambda light chain deposits in the
      subendothelial space, which is consistent with proliferative glomerulonephritis
      with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposit (PGNMID). The patient was treated with
      bortezomib and dexamethasone without clinical improvement and eventually became
      hemodialysis dependent. 

PMID- 25136463
TI  - Sigmoid colon migration of an intrauterine device.
AB  - Background. Intrauterine devices (IUD) are commonly used birth control methods.
      Colonic perforation is an infrequent but serious complication of IUD. Case. A 34
      year-old woman with 2-years history of IUD, inserted at early puerperal period,
      presented to gynecologist with chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia. Radiological
      assessment revealed that there were two copper-T devices: one in uterine cavity
      and another in the colonic lumen. Attempts of retrieval with colonoscopy and
      laparoscopy were unsuccessful. Intrauterine device embedded in sigmoid colon wall
      was removed with resection of the involved segment and primary anastomosis was
      performed. Conclusion. Although there are cases in literature that are
      successfully managed with colonoscopy, in chronic cases, formation of granulation
      tissue complicates retrieval of an IUD by this intervention. 

PMID- 25136461
TI  - Management of humeral and glenoid bone loss in recurrent glenohumeral
      instability.
AB  - Recurrent shoulder instability and resultant glenoid and humeral head bone loss
      are not infrequently encountered in the population today, specifically in young,
      athletic patients. This review on the management of bone loss in recurrent
      glenohumeral instability discusses the relevant shoulder anatomy that provides
      stability to the shoulder joint, relevant history and physical examination
      findings pertinent to recurrent shoulder instability, and the proper radiological
      imaging choices in its workup. Operative treatments that can be used to treat
      both glenoid and humeral head bone loss are outlined. These include coracoid
      transfer procedures and allograft/autograft reconstruction at the glenoid, as
      well as humeral head disimpaction/humeroplasty, remplissage, humeral osseous
      allograft reconstruction, rotational osteotomy, partial humeral head
      arthroplasty, and hemiarthroplasty on the humeral side. Clinical outcomes studies
      reporting general results of these techniques are highlighted. 

PMID- 25136464
TI  - Vaginal septoplasty in septate uterus with double cervix.
AB  - Fusion defects of the Mullerian ducts occur frequently and they have been
      described by the American Fertility Society. However, septate uterus with
      cervical duplication and longitudinal vaginal septum is not described by this
      classification and has suggested a change in the classical theory of fusion of
      the Mullerian ducts. This paper describes a rare case report of a patient with
      complete septate uterus with double cervix and longitudinal vaginal septum,
      submitted to the vaginal septoplasty for dyspareunia, progressing to clinical
      improvement. The description of this case is to contribute with all uncommon
      cases of Mullerian anomalies reports and clinical treatment protocols, which is
      not yet established. 

PMID- 25136465
TI  - Successful laparoscopic management of ruptured tubal pregnancy with an
      ipsilateral ectopic pelvic kidney.
AB  - Objective. To report a case of successful laparoscopic management of a left
      ruptured tubal pregnancy in the setting of an ipsilateral ectopic pelvic kidney.
      Method. Case report was prepared at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical
      Center. The patient is a young woman gravida 2 para 0 in her twenties who
      presented with severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. She had a plateaued
      beta HCG and ultrasonographic findings suggestive of ectopic left tubal pregnancy
      along with an ectopic ipsilateral pelvic kidney. The IRB approval is not needed,
      as this is a case report. The informed consent could not be obtained, as the
      patient was not reachable. Result. Multiple intraperitoneal adhesions, left
      ruptured ampullary ectopic pregnancy and left retroperitoneal pelvic mass
      consistent with ipsilateral ectopic pelvic kidney. Conclusion. Laparoscopic
      management of tubal pregnancy can be safely performed in the setting of an
      ipsilateral ectopic pelvic kidney. 

PMID- 25136466
TI  - Mayer-rokitansky-kuster-hauser syndrome associated with severe inferior vena cava
      stenosis.
AB  - Precis. The postoperative course of a neovagina creation procedure in a young
      woman with Meyer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome was complicated, despite
      prophylaxis, by extensive pelvic deep venous thrombosis secondary to unsuspected
      severe inferior vena cava stenosis. Background. Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser
      (MRKH) syndrome is characterized by congenital vaginal agenesis and an absent or
      rudimentary uterus in genotypical females. Malformations of the inferior vena
      cava (IVC) are not commonly associated with MRKH syndrome. We report a case of a
      patient with MRKH syndrome with severe IVC stenosis that was diagnosed when the
      patient presented with extensive pelvic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) during the
      postoperative course of a neovagina creation. Case. A 19-year-old female
      underwent a McIndoe procedure. Despite DVT prophylaxis, extensive pelvic DVT of
      the femoral vein was diagnosed on postoperative day 7. Therapeutic
      anticoagulation was initiated, and pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis
      were performed. During these procedures, a hypoplastic IVC was noted. Conclusion.
      MRKH syndrome can be associated with IVC malformations, which constitute an
      anatomical risk factor for postoperative DVT. 

PMID- 25136467
TI  - Maintenance therapy with trastuzumab in her2 positive metastatic parotid ductal
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Salivary ductal carcinomas (SDCs) are extremely rare and aggressive malignancies,
      accounting for approximately 6% of all salivary gland malignancies. One distinct
      feature is their resemblance to ductal carcinomas of breast. A significant
      percentage of SDCs overexpress Her2 and the use of targeted therapy with
      trastuzumab can be considered in these patients. We report a rare case of long
      term disease control with trastuzumab in Her2 positive metastatic parotid ductal
      carcinoma. Our case also highlights that isolated brain metastasis should be
      managed aggressively to allow optimal local control when systemic disease is
      under remission with trastuzumab. We have also reviewed the published literature
      on the use of trastuzumab in SDCs. 

PMID- 25136468
TI  - Myasthenia gravis-like syndrome presenting as a component of the paraneoplastic
      syndrome of lung adenocarcinoma in a nonsmoker.
AB  - Adenocarcinoma of the lung is the most common form of lung cancer in nonsmokers.
      It is commonly seen in the periphery of the lungs. Myasthenia gravis is generally
      associated with mediastinal malignancies and rarely associated with
      adenocarcinoma of the lung. We present a case of a 38-year-old male nonsmoker
      with rapidly progressive adenocarcinoma of the lung associated with myasthenia
      gravis, a patient whom expired within 27 days of hospital admission and
      diagnosis. 

PMID- 25136469
TI  - Intra-articular osteoid osteoma mimicking juvenile arthritis.
AB  - In case of intra-articular osteoid osteoma, misdiagnosis as juvenile arthritis
      may occur, delaying adequate treatment. We report cases of intra-articular
      osteoid osteomas in children that were misdiagnosed and initially inappropriately
      treated with intra-articular corticoid injection. Diagnosis of osteoid osteoma
      was finally given by CT-scan and appropriate treatment by radiofrequency ablation
      or surgical ablation was performed. Clinicians and radiologists should be aware
      of the potentially confusing clinical and imaging findings associated with intra
      articular osteoid osteoma. 

PMID- 25136470
TI  - Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy due to Valproic Acid and Topiramate Interaction.
AB  - Valproic acid-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a rare yet serious adverse
      drug reaction. Medication interactions such a valproic acid and topiramate can
      precipitate an event. We present the case of a 52-year-old female that presented
      with acute mental status change and hypersomnolence due to hyperammonemia caused
      by a valproic acid derivative. The patient improved after withdrawal of the
      offending medications and treatment with lactulose. Clinicians should remain
      hypervigilant in monitoring for valproic acid-induced hyperammonemic
      encephalopathy and risk factors such as polypharmacy. 

PMID- 25136471
TI  - Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum, and
      pneumoscrotum: unusual complications of acute perforated diverticulitis.
AB  - Pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema usually result from spontaneous
      alveolar wall rupture and, far less commonly, from disruption of the upper
      airways or gastrointestinal tract. Subcutaneous neck emphysema,
      pneumomediastinum, and retropneumoperitoneum caused by nontraumatic perforations
      of the colon have been infrequently reported. The main symptoms of spontaneous
      subcutaneous emphysema are swelling and crepitus over the involved site; further
      clinical findings in case of subcutaneous cervical and mediastinal emphysema can
      be neck and chest pain and dyspnea. Radiological imaging plays an important role
      to achieve the correct diagnosis and extension of the disease. We present a quite
      rare case of spontaneous subcutaneous cervical emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and
      pneumoretroperitoneum due to perforation of an occult sigmoid diverticulum.
      Abdomen ultrasound, chest X-rays, and computer tomography (CT) were performed to
      evaluate the free gas extension and to identify potential sources of
      extravasating gas. Radiological diagnosis was confirmed by the subsequent
      surgical exploration. 

PMID- 25136472
TI  - Forgotten Kirschner wire causing severe hematuria.
AB  - Kirschner wire (K-wire) is commonly used in the treatment of hip fracture and its
      migration into pelvis leading to bladder injury is a very rare complication.
      Nonremoval of these devices either because of lack of followup or because of
      prolonged requirement due to disease process is associated with this
      complication. We report a case of a patient who presented with acute onset severe
      hematuria with clot retention secondary to perforation of bladder by a migrated K
      wire placed earlier, for the treatment of hip fracture. Initial imaging showed
      its presence in the soft tissues of the pelvis away from the major vascular
      structures. Patient was taken for emergency laparotomy and wire was removed after
      cystotomy. Postoperative period was uneventful and patient was discharged in
      satisfactory condition. K-wires are commonly used in the management of fracture
      bones and their migration has been reported in the literature although such
      migration in the intrapelvic region involving bladder is very rare. Early
      diagnosis and prompt removal of such foreign bodies are required to avert
      potentially fatal involvement of major structures. 

PMID- 25136473
TI  - Effects of whole body vibration and resistance training on bone mineral density
      and anthropometry in obese postmenopausal women.
AB  - Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of two exercise
      programs, whole body vibration and resistance training on bone mineral density
      (BMD) and anthropometry in obese postmenopausal women. Material and Methods.
      Eighty Egyptian obese postmenopausal women were enrolled in this study; their age
      ranged from 50 to 68 years. Their body mass index ranged (30-36 kg/m(2)). The
      exercise prescription consisted of whole body vibration (WBV) and resistance
      training. Bone mineral density (BMD) and anthropometrical parameters were
      measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. Changes from baseline to
      eight months in BMD and anthropometric parameters were investigated. Results. BMD
      at the greater trochanter, at ward's triangle, and at lumbar spine were
      significantly higher after physical training, using both WBV and resistive
      training. Moreover, both exercise programs were effective in BMI and waist to the
      hip ratio. Simple and multiple regression analyses showed significant
      associations between physical activity duration and BMD at all sites. The highest
      values of R (2) were found for the models incorporating WBV plus BMI. Conclusion.
      The study suggests that both types of exercise modalities had a similar positive
      effect on BMD at all sites in obese postmenopausal women. Significant association
      was noted between physical activity and anthropometric variables and BMD measures
      at all sites. 

PMID- 25136474
TI  - Executive function and postural instability in people with Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The specific aspects of cognition contributing to balance and gait have not been
      clarified in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Twenty PD participants and
      twenty age- and gender-matched healthy controls were assessed on cognition and
      clinical mobility tests. General cognition was assessed with the Mini Mental
      State Exam and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Exam. Executive function was evaluated
      using the Trail Making Tests (TMT-A and TMT-B) and a computerized cognitive
      battery which included a series of choice reaction time (CRT) tests. Clinical
      gait and balance measures included the Tinetti, Timed Up & Go, Berg Balance, and
      Functional Reach tests. PD participants performed significantly worse than the
      controls on the tests of cognitive and executive function, balance, and gait. PD
      participants took longer on Trail Making Tests, CRT-Location, and CRT-Colour
      (inhibition response). Furthermore, executive function, particularly longer times
      on CRT-Distracter and greater errors on the TMT-B, was associated with worse
      balance and gait performance in the PD group. Measures of general cognition were
      not associated with balance and gait measures in either group. For PD
      participants, attention and executive function were impaired. Components of
      executive function, particularly those involving inhibition response and
      distracters, were associated with poorer balance and gait performance in PD. 

PMID- 25136475
TI  - The therapeutic effect of zuogui wan in gestational diabetes mellitus rats.
AB  - In this experiment, we established an animal model of gestational diabetes
      mellitus rats using streptozotocin. Using the rat model of GDM, the pregnant rats
      in 1-19d were divided into three groups: (1) Zuogui Wan gestational diabetes
      mellitus group (group I, n = 12), (2) gestational diabetes mellitus rats as the
      control group (group II, n = 11), and (3) rats of normal pregnancy group (group
      III, n = 11). Compared with gestational diabetes mellitus rats as the control
      group, Zuogui Wan can change the indexes of fasting blood glucose, body weight,
      total cholesterol, insulin, and metabolism cage index significantly in Zuogui Wan
      gestational diabetes mellitus group. We can conclude that Zuogui Wan has the
      therapeutic effect on gestational diabetes mellitus. 

PMID- 25136476
TI  - Night-time decibel hell: mapping noise exposure zones and individual annoyance
      ratings in an urban environment in ghana.
AB  - Although accumulating evidence over the past thirty years indicates that noise is
      an environmental stressor in residential settings, much of the data emanated from
      studies in high-intensity, noise impact zones around airports or major roads.
      Little is known about religious noise, especially at night, which is increasingly
      a growing concern for both the general public and policy-makers in sub-Saharan
      Africa. Using geographical information systems (GIS), this study measured and
      mapped exposure to religious noise in a rapidly urbanising municipality in Ghana.
      Quantitative noise risk assessment was used to evaluate the risk of religious
      noise-induced hearing loss to residents in the exposed neighbourhoods. The
      results show that all neighbourhoods where churches were situated had at least
      one location with significant risk of noise-induced hearing loss. However, there
      was no statistically significant relationship between neighbourhoods where
      religious noise exposure was the highest and where noise annoyance was the
      highest. The magnitude of the noise values for night-time exposure is remarkable
      particularly given that excessive night-time noise exposure has the greatest
      detrimental effect on public health. There is the need to focus on vulnerable
      groups, sensitive hours of the night, and possible confounding with air pollution
      in order to wholly address this potential hazard. 

PMID- 25136477
TI  - Joint iris boundary detection and fit: a real-time method for accurate pupil
      tracking.
AB  - A range of applications in visual science rely on accurate tracking of the human
      pupil's movement and contraction in response to light. While the literature for
      independent contour detection and fitting of the iris-pupil boundary is vast, a
      joint approach, in which it is assumed that the pupil has a given geometric shape
      has been largely overlooked. We present here a global method for simultaneously
      finding and fitting of an elliptic or circular contour against a dark interior,
      which produces consistently accurate results even under non-ideal recording
      conditions, such as reflections near and over the boundary, droopy eye lids, or
      the sudden formation of tears. The specific form of the proposed optimization
      problem allows us to write down closed analytic formulae for the gradient and the
      Hessian of the objective function. Moreover, both the objective function and its
      derivatives can be cast into vectorized form, making the proposed algorithm
      significantly faster than its closest relative in the literature. We compare
      methods in multiple ways, both analytically and numerically, using real iris
      images as well as idealizations of the iris for which the ground truth boundary
      is precisely known. The method proposed here is illustrated under challenging
      recording conditions and it is shown to be robust. 

PMID- 25136478
TI  - Trapping of a single DNA molecule using nanoplasmonic structures for biosensor
      applications.
AB  - Conventional optical trapping using a tightly focused beam is not suitable for
      trapping particles that are smaller than the diffraction limit because of the
      increasing need of the incident laser power that could produce permanent thermal
      damages. One of the current solutions to this problem is to intensify the local
      field enhancement by using nanoplasmonic structures without increasing the laser
      power. Nanoplasmonic tweezers have been used for various small molecules but
      there is no known report of trapping a single DNA molecule. In this paper, we
      present the trapping of a single DNA molecule using a nanohole created on a gold
      substrate. Furthermore, we show that the DNA of different lengths can be
      differentiated through the measurement of scattering signals leading to possible
      new DNA sensor applications. 

PMID- 25136479
TI  - Self-referenced spectroscopy using plasmon waveguide resonance biosensor.
AB  - A plasmon waveguide resonance (PWR) sensor is designed, fabricated, and tested
      for self-referenced biosensing. The PWR sensor is able to support two different
      polarizations, TM and TE. The TM polarization has a large sensitivity to
      variations in the background refractive index while the TE polarization is more
      sensitive to the surface properties. The ability of the PWR sensor to
      simultaneously operate in both TM and TE modes is used to decouple the background
      index variations (bulk effects) from the changes in adlayer thickness (surface
      effects) via multimode spectroscopy. To benchmark the performance of the PWR, a
      conventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor is fabricated and tested
      under the same conditions. 

PMID- 25136480
TI  - Photothermal tomography for the functional and structural evaluation, and early
      mineral loss monitoring in bones.
AB  - Salient features of a new non-ionizing bone diagnostics technique, truncated
      correlation photothermal coherence tomography (TC-PCT), exhibiting optical-grade
      contrast and capable of resolving the trabecular network in three dimensions
      through the cortical region with and without a soft-tissue overlayer are
      presented. The absolute nature and early demineralization-detection capability of
      a marker called thermal wave occupation index, estimated using the proposed
      modality, have been established. Selective imaging of regions of a specific
      mineral density range has been demonstrated in a mouse femur. The method is
      maximum-permissible-exposure compatible. In a matrix of bone and soft-tissue a
      depth range of ~3.8 mm has been achieved, which can be increased through
      instrumental and modulation waveform optimization. Furthermore, photoacoustic
      microscopy, a comparable modality with TC-PCT, has been used to resolve the
      trabecular structure and for comparison with the photothermal tomography. 

PMID- 25136481
TI  - Gender-related effects of prefrontal cortex connectivity: a resting-state
      functional optical tomography study.
AB  - The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is thought to play an important role in "higher"
      brain functions such as personality and emotion that may associated with several
      gender-related mental disorders. In this study, the gender effects of functional
      connectivity, cortical lateralization and significantly differences in the PFC
      were investigated by using resting-state functional optical tomography (fOT)
      measurement. A total of forty subjects including twenty healthy male and twenty
      healthy female adults were recruited for this study. In the results, the
      hemoglobin responses are higher in the male group. Additionally, male group
      exhibited the stronger connectivity in the PFC regions. In the result of
      lateralization, leftward dominant was observed in the male group but bilateral
      dominance in the female group. Finally, the 11 channels of the inferior PFC
      regions (corresponding to the region of Brodmann area 45) are significant
      different with spectrum analysis. Our findings suggest that the resting-state fOT
      method can provide high potential to apply to clinical neuroscience for several
      gender-related mental disorders diagnosis. 

PMID- 25136482
TI  - Fast wide-field photothermal and quantitative phase cell imaging with optical
      lock-in detection.
AB  - We present a fast, wide-field holography system for detecting photothermally
      excited gold nanospheres with combined quantitative phase imaging. An
      interferometric photothermal optical lock-in approach (POLI) is shown to improve
      SNR for detecting nanoparticles (NPs) on multiple substrates, including a
      monolayer of NPs on a silanized coverslip, and NPs bound to live cells.
      Furthermore, the set up allowed for co-registered quantitative phase imaging
      (QPI) to be acquired in an off-axis holographic set-up. An SNR of 103 was
      obtained for NP-tagging of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in live cells
      with a 3 second acquisition, while an SNR of 47 was seen for 20 ms acquisition.
      An analysis of improvements in SNR due to averaging multiple frames is presented,
      which suggest that residual photothermal signal can be a limiting factor. The
      combination of techniques allows for high resolution imaging of cell structure
      via QPI with the ability to identify receptor expression via POLI. 

PMID- 25136483
TI  - Nonlinear structured-illumination enhanced temporal focusing multiphoton
      excitation microscopy with a digital micromirror device.
AB  - In this study, the light diffraction of temporal focusing multiphoton excitation
      microscopy (TFMPEM) and the excitation patterning of nonlinear structured
      illumination microscopy (NSIM) can be simultaneously and accurately implemented
      via a single high-resolution digital micromirror device. The lateral and axial
      spatial resolutions of the TFMPEM are remarkably improved through the second
      order NSIM and projected structured light, respectively. The experimental results
      demonstrate that the lateral and axial resolutions are enhanced from 397 nm to
      168 nm (2.4-fold) and from 2.33 MUm to 1.22 MUm (1.9-fold), respectively, in full
      width at the half maximum. Furthermore, a three-dimensionally rendered image of a
      cytoskeleton cell featuring ~25 nm microtubules is improved, with other
      microtubules at a distance near the lateral resolution of 168 nm also able to be
      distinguished. 

PMID- 25136484
TI  - Development of a luminous textile for reflective pulse oximetry measurements.
AB  - In this paper, a textile-based sensing principle for long term
      photopletysmography (PPG) monitoring is presented. Optical fibers were
      embroidered into textiles such that out-coupling and in-coupling of light was
      possible. The "light-in light-out" properties of the textile enabled the
      spectroscopic characterization of human tissue. For the optimization of the
      textile sensor, three different carrier fabrics and different fiber modifications
      were compared. The sample with best light coupling efficiency was successfully
      used to measure heart rate and SpO2 values of a subject. The latter was
      determined by using a modified Beer-Lambert law and measuring the light
      attenuation at two different wavelengths (632 nm and 894 nm). Moreover, the
      system was adapted to work in reflection mode which makes the sensor more
      versatile. The measurements were additionally compared with commercially
      available system and showed good correlation. 

PMID- 25136485
TI  - Characterization and in-vivo evaluation of a multi-resolution foveated
      laparoscope for minimally invasive surgery.
AB  - The state-of-the-art laparoscope lacks the ability to capture high-magnification
      and wide-angle images simultaneously, which introduces challenges when both close
      up views for details and wide-angle overviews for orientation are required in
      clinical practice. A multi-resolution foveated laparoscope (MRFL) which can
      provide the surgeon both high-magnification close-up and wide-angle images was
      proposed to address the limitations of the state-of-art surgical laparoscopes. In
      this paper, we present the overall system design from both clinical and optical
      system perspectives along with a set of experiments to characterize the optical
      performances of our prototype system and describe our preliminary in-vivo
      evaluation of the prototype with a pig model. The experimental results
      demonstrate that at the optimum working distance of 120mm, the high-magnification
      probe has a resolution of 6.35lp/mm and image a surgical area of 53 * 40mm(2);
      the wide-angle probe provides a surgical area coverage of 160 * 120mm(2) with a
      resolution of 2.83lp/mm. The in-vivo evaluation demonstrates that MRFL has great
      potential in clinical applications for improving the safety and efficiency of the
      laparoscopic surgery. 

PMID- 25136486
TI  - Improving high resolution retinal image quality using speckle illumination HiLo
      imaging.
AB  - Retinal image quality from flood illumination adaptive optics (AO)
      ophthalmoscopes is adversely affected by out-of-focus light scatter due to the
      lack of confocality. This effect is more pronounced in small eyes, such as that
      of rodents, because the requisite high optical power confers a large dioptric
      thickness to the retina. A recently-developed structured illumination microscopy
      (SIM) technique called HiLo imaging has been shown to reduce the effect of out-of
      focus light scatter in flood illumination microscopes and produce pseudo-confocal
      images with significantly improved image quality. In this work, we adopted the
      HiLo technique to a flood AO ophthalmoscope and performed AO imaging in both
      (physical) model and live rat eyes. The improvement in image quality from HiLo
      imaging is shown both qualitatively and quantitatively by using spatial spectral
      analysis. 

PMID- 25136487
TI  - Optimized approaches for optical sectioning and resolution enhancement in 2D
      structured illumination microscopy.
AB  - The use of structured illumination in fluorescence microscopy allows the
      suppression of out of focus light and an increase in effective spatial
      resolution. In this paper we consider different approaches for reconstructing 2D
      structured illumination images in order to combine these two attributes, to allow
      fast, optically sectioned, superresolution imaging. We present a linear
      reconstruction method that maximizes the axial frequency extent of the combined
      2D structured illumination passband along with an empirically optimized
      approximation to this scheme. These reconstruction methods are compared to other
      schemes using structured illumination images of fluorescent samples. For
      sinusoidal excitation at half the incoherent cutoff frequency we find that
      removing information in the zero order passband except for a small region close
      to the excitation frequency, where it replaces the complementary information from
      the displaced first order passband, enables optimal reconstruction of optically
      sectioned images with enhanced spatial resolution. 

PMID- 25136488
TI  - Quantitative 3D-OCT motion correction with tilt and illumination correction,
      robust similarity measure and regularization.
AB  - Variability in illumination, signal quality, tilt and the amount of motion pose
      challenges for post-processing based 3D-OCT motion correction algorithms. We
      present an advanced 3D-OCT motion correction algorithm using image registration
      and orthogonal raster scan patterns aimed at addressing these challenges. An
      intensity similarity measure using the pseudo Huber norm and a regularization
      scheme based on a pseudo L0.5 norm are introduced. A two-stage registration
      approach was developed. In the first stage, only axial motion and axial tilt are
      coarsely corrected. This result is then used as the starting point for a second
      stage full optimization. In preprocessing, a bias field estimation based approach
      to correct illumination differences in the input volumes is employed.
      Quantitative evaluation was performed using a large set of data acquired from 73
      healthy and glaucomatous eyes using SD-OCT systems. OCT volumes of both the optic
      nerve head and the macula region acquired with three independent orthogonal
      volume pairs for each location were used to assess reproducibility. The advanced
      motion correction algorithm using the techniques presented in this paper was
      compared to a basic algorithm corresponding to an earlier version and to
      performing no motion correction. Errors in segmentation-based measures such as
      layer positions, retinal and nerve fiber thickness, as well as the blood vessel
      pattern were evaluated. The quantitative results consistently show that
      reproducibility is improved considerably by using the advanced algorithm, which
      also significantly outperforms the basic algorithm. The mean of the mean absolute
      retinal thickness difference over all data was 9.9 um without motion correction,
      7.1 um using the basic algorithm and 5.0 um using the advanced algorithm.
      Similarly, the blood vessel likelihood map error is reduced to 69% of the
      uncorrected error for the basic and to 47% of the uncorrected error for the
      advanced algorithm. These results demonstrate that our advanced motion correction
      algorithm has the potential to improve the reliability of quantitative
      measurements derived from 3D-OCT data substantially. 

PMID- 25136489
TI  - Direct observation and validation of fluorescein tear film break-up patterns by
      using a dual thermal-fluorescent imaging system.
AB  - The fluorescein tear film break-up test is a common tear film stability test for
      dry eye diagnosis. This test requires applying fluorescein sodium drops to a tear
      film to observe the tear film break-up. However, this test is limited by using
      the fluorescein sodium drops, which can induce reflex tearing and reduce the
      reliability of the diagnosis results. This paper proposes that tear film
      evaporation accelerates on the fluorescein tear film break-up area (FTBA),
      resulting in a lower temperature area (LTA) on the tear film. A dual modality
      system was established to capture the thermal and fluorescent image of
      fluorescein-stain tear films for 48 participants. Observations showed that the
      LTA and FTBA were highly correlated in their location (r = 0.82) and size (r =
      0.91). This is first study to show that the FTBA and LTA are essentially the same
      region. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using the noncontact
      thermograph method to evaluate tear film stability without using a fluorescein
      sodium drop. 

PMID- 25136490
TI  - In vivo imaging of functional microvasculature within tissue beds of oral and
      nasal cavities by swept-source optical coherence tomography with a forward/side
      viewing probe.
AB  - We report three-dimensional (3D) imaging of microcirculation within human cavity
      tissues in vivo using a high-speed swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS
      OCT) at 1300 nm with a modified probe interface. Volumetric structural OCT images
      of the inner tissues of oral and nasal cavities are acquired with a field of view
      of 2 mm * 2 mm. Two types of disposable and detachable probe attachments are
      devised and applied to the port of the imaging probe of OCT system, enabling
      forward and side imaging scans for selective and easy access to specific cavity
      tissue sites. Blood perfusion is mapped with OCT-based microangiography from 3D
      structural OCT images, in which a novel vessel extraction algorithm is used to
      decouple dynamic light scattering signals, due to moving blood cells, from the
      background scattering signals due to static tissue elements. Characteristic
      tissue anatomy and microvessel architectures of various cavity tissue regions of
      a healthy human volunteer are identified with the 3D OCT images and the
      corresponding 3D vascular perfusion maps at a level approaching capillary
      resolution. The initial finding suggests that the proposed method may be
      engineered into a promising tool for evaluating and monitoring tissue
      microcirculation and its alteration within a wide-range of cavity tissues in the
      patients with various pathological conditions. 

PMID- 25136491
TI  - High resolution three-dimensional photoacoutic tomography with CCD-camera based
      ultrasound detection.
AB  - A photoacoustic tomograph based on optical ultrasound detection is demonstrated,
      which is capable of high resolution real-time projection imaging and fast three
      dimensional (3D) imaging. Snapshots of the pressure field outside the imaged
      object are taken at defined delay times after photoacoustic excitation by use of
      a charge coupled device (CCD) camera in combination with an optical phase
      contrast method. From the obtained wave patterns photoacoustic projection images
      are reconstructed using a back propagation Fourier domain reconstruction
      algorithm. Applying the inverse Radon transform to a set of projections recorded
      over a half rotation of the sample provides 3D photoacoustic tomography images in
      less than one minute with a resolution below 100 um. The sensitivity of the
      device was experimentally determined to be 5.1 kPa over a projection length of 1
      mm. In vivo images of the vasculature of a mouse demonstrate the potential of the
      developed method for biomedical applications. 

PMID- 25136492
TI  - Calcium imaging at kHz frame rates resolves millisecond timing in neuronal
      circuits and varicosities.
AB  - We have configured a widefield fast imaging system that allows imaging at 1000
      frames per second (512x512 pixels). The system was extended with custom
      processing tools including a time correlation method to facilitate the analysis
      of static subcellular compartments (e.g. neuronal varicosities) with enhanced
      contrast, as well as a dynamic intensity processing (DIP) algorithm that aids in
      data size reduction and fast visualization and interpretation of timing and
      directionality in neuronal circuits. This system, together with our custom
      developed processing tools enables efficient detection of fast physiological
      events, such as action potential dependent calcium steps. We show, using a
      specific blocker of nerve communication, that with this setup it is possible to
      discriminate between a pre and post synaptic event in an all optical way. 

PMID- 25136493
TI  - In vivo quantitative photoacoustic microscopy of gold nanostar kinetics in mouse
      organs.
AB  - We developed a high-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) system with a near
      infrared (NIR) laser to noninvasively monitor the distribution of gold nanostar
      (GNS) in blood vessels, liver and spleen in mice. Photoacoustic images of organs
      at deep depths were continuously acquired in vivo every 30 minutes after a single
      dose of GNS by tail vein injection. The experimental results showed that GNS
      accumulated significantly in both liver and spleen from blood circulation after
      administration, which was qualitatively validated by fluorescence imaging. Our
      studies demonstrate that PAM might be potentially used for noninvasive tracing
      the kinetics of exogenous nanoparticles in biological system. 

PMID- 25136494
TI  - Surface modification of silica particles with gold nanoparticles as an
      augmentation of gold nanoparticle mediated laser perforation.
AB  - Gold nanoparticle mediated (GNOME) laser transfection/perforation fulfills the
      demands of a reliable transfection technique. It provides efficient delivery and
      has a negligible impact on cell viability. Furthermore, it reaches high
      throughput applicability. However, currently only large gold particles (> 80 nm)
      allow successful GNOME laser perforation, probably due to insufficient
      sedimentation of smaller gold nanoparticles. The objective of this study is to
      determine whether this aspect can be addressed by a modification of silica
      particles with gold nanoparticles. Throughout the analysis, we show that after
      the attachment of gold nanoparticles to silica particles, comparable or better
      efficiencies to GNOME laser perforation are reached. In combination with 1 um
      silica particles, we report laser perforation with gold nanoparticles with sizes
      down to 4 nm. Therefore, our investigations have great importance for the future
      research in and the fields of laser transfection combined with plasmonics. 

PMID- 25136495
TI  - Optical design and evaluation of a 4 mm cost-effective ultra-high-definition
      arthroscope.
AB  - High definition and magnification rigid endoscope plays an important role in
      modern minimally invasive medical surgery and diagnosis. In this paper, we
      present the design and evaluation methods of a high definition rigid endoscope,
      specifically an arthroscope, with a large depth of field (DOF). The incident
      heights and exit angles of the sampled rays on the relay lens are controlled
      during the optimization process to ensure an effective field view (70 degrees )
      and a normal ray path within the limited lens diameter of 2.7 mm. The lens is set
      up as a multi-configuration system with two extreme and one middle object
      distances to cover a large DOF. As a result, an entrance pupil of 0.3 mm is
      achieved for the first time, to bring the theoretical resolution to 23.1 lps/mm
      in the object space at a working distance of 20 mm, with the wavelength of 0.532
      um. The modulation transfer function (MTF) curves approach diffraction limit, and
      the values are all higher than 0.3 at 160 line pairs/mm (lps/mm) in the image
      space. Meanwhile, stray light caused by total internal reflection on the inner
      wall of the rod lenses and the objective lens is eliminated. The measured
      resolution in the object space at a 20 mm working distance is 22.3 lps/mm, and
      test results show that other performance characteristics also fulfill design
      requirements. The relay lenses are designed with only one type of the spacer and
      two types of lenses to greatly reduce the fabrication and assembly cost. The
      design method has important research and application values for lens systems used
      in modern minimally invasive medical surgery and industrial non-destructive
      testing area. 

PMID- 25136496
TI  - Bone tissue phantoms for optical flowmeters at large interoptode spacing
      generated by 3D-stereolithography.
AB  - A bone tissue phantom prototype allowing to test, in general, optical flowmeters
      at large interoptode spacings, such as laser-Doppler flowmetry or diffuse
      correlation spectroscopy, has been developed by 3D-stereolithography technique.
      It has been demonstrated that complex tissue vascular systems of any geometrical
      shape can be conceived. Absorption coefficient, reduced scattering coefficient
      and refractive index of the optical phantom have been measured to ensure that the
      optical parameters reasonably reproduce real human bone tissue in vivo. An
      experimental demonstration of a possible use of the optical phantom, utilizing a
      laser-Doppler flowmeter, is also presented. 

PMID- 25136497
TI  - Measurements of extrinsic fluorescence in Intralipid and polystyrene
      microspheres.
AB  - The fluorescence of Intralipid and polystyrene microspheres with sphere diameter
      of 1 um at a representative lipid and microsphere concentration for simulation of
      mucosal tissue scattering has not been a subject of extensive experimental study.
      In order to elucidate the quantitative relationship between lipid and microsphere
      concentration and the respective fluorescent intensity, the extrinsic
      fluorescence spectra between 360 nm and 650 nm (step size of 5 nm) were measured
      at different lipid concentrations (from 0.25% to 5%) and different microsphere
      concentrations (0.00364, 0.0073, 0.0131 spheres per cubic micrometer) using laser
      excitation at 355 nm with pulse energy of 2.8 uJ. Current findings indicated that
      Intralipid has a broadband emission between 360 and 650 nm with a primary peak at
      500 nm and a secondary peak at 450 nm while polystyrene microspheres have a
      single peak at 500 nm. In addition, for similar scattering properties the
      fluorescence of Intralipid solutions is approximately three-fold stronger than
      that of the microsphere solutions. Furthermore, Intralipid phantoms with lipid
      concentrations ~2% (simulating the bottom layer of mucosa) produce up to seven
      times stronger fluorescent emission than phantoms with lipid concentration ~0.25%
      (simulating the top layer of mucosa). The fluoresence decays of Intralipid and
      microsphere solutions were also recorded for estimation of fluorescence lifetime.

PMID- 25136499
TI  - Automatic dynamic tear meniscus measurement in optical coherence tomography.
AB  - An image processing algorithm is developed for quantitative assessment of tear
      meniscus dynamics from continuous optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      measurements. Clinical utility of dynamic OCT tear meniscus measurement is
      assessed in studies of tear meniscus parameters. The results indicate that any
      apparent changes in the early post-blink phase meniscus parameters are
      essentially related to the longitudinal movements of the eye and not to the
      formation of tear meniscus corresponding to tear film build-up. Dynamic
      acquisition of tear film meniscus is essential for providing reliable estimates
      of its parameters such as height, depth, and area. 

PMID- 25136498
TI  - Fiber-based polarization-sensitive OCT of the human retina with correction of
      system polarization distortions.
AB  - In polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) the use of single
      mode fibers causes unpredictable polarization distortions which can result in
      increased noise levels and erroneous changes in calculated polarization
      parameters. In the current paper this problem is addressed by a new Jones matrix
      analysis method that measures and corrects system polarization distortions as a
      function of wavenumber by spectral analysis of the sample surface polarization
      state and deeper located birefringent tissue structures. This method was
      implemented on a passive-component depth-multiplexed swept-source PS-OCT system
      at 1040 nm which was theoretically modeled using Jones matrix calculus. High
      resolution B-scan images are presented of the double-pass phase retardation,
      diattenuation, and relative optic axis orientation to show the benefits of the
      new analysis method for in vivo imaging of the human retina. The correction of
      system polarization distortions yielded reduced phase retardation noise, and
      better estimates of the diattenuation and the relative optic axis orientation in
      weakly birefringent tissues. The clinical potential of the system is shown by en
      face visualization of the phase retardation and optic axis orientation of the
      retinal nerve fiber layer in a healthy volunteer and a glaucoma patient with
      nerve fiber loss. 

PMID- 25136500
TI  - Speckle contrast optical spectroscopy, a non-invasive, diffuse optical method for
      measuring microvascular blood flow in tissue.
AB  - We introduce a new, non-invasive, diffuse optical technique, speckle contrast
      optical spectroscopy (SCOS), for probing deep tissue blood flow using the
      statistical properties of laser speckle contrast and the photon diffusion model
      for a point source. The feasibility of the method is tested using liquid phantoms
      which demonstrate that SCOS is capable of measuring the dynamic properties of
      turbid media non-invasively. We further present an in vivo measurement in a human
      forearm muscle using SCOS in two modalities: one with the dependence of the
      speckle contrast on the source-detector separation and another on the exposure
      time. In doing so, we also introduce crucial corrections to the speckle contrast
      that account for the variance of the shot and sensor dark noises. 

PMID- 25136501
TI  - Thermally enhanced signal strength and SNR improvement of photoacoustic radar
      module.
AB  - A thermally enhanced method for improving photoacoustic imaging depth and signal
      to-noise (SNR) ratio is presented in this paper. Experimental results showed that
      the maximum imaging depth increased by 20% through raising the temperature of
      absorbing biotissues (ex-vivo beef muscle) uniformly from 37 to 43 degrees C, and
      the SNR was increased by 8%. The parameters making up the Gruneisen constant were
      investigated experimentally and theoretically. The studies showed that the
      Gruneisen constant of biotissues increases with temperature, and the results were
      found to be consistent with the photoacousitc radar theory. 

PMID- 25136502
TI  - Single camera imaging system for color and near-infrared fluorescence image
      guided surgery.
AB  - Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging systems have been developed for image
      guided surgery in recent years. However, current systems are typically bulky and
      work only when surgical light in the operating room (OR) is off. We propose a
      single camera imaging system that is capable of capturing NIR fluorescence and
      color images under normal surgical lighting illumination. Using a new RGB-NIR
      sensor and synchronized NIR excitation illumination, we have demonstrated that
      the system can acquire both color information and fluorescence signal with high
      sensitivity under normal surgical lighting illumination. The experimental results
      show that ICG sample with concentration of 0.13 MUM can be detected when the
      excitation irradiance is 3.92 mW/cm(2) at an exposure time of 10 ms. 

PMID- 25136503
TI  - Single input state polarization sensitive swept source optical coherence
      tomography based on an all single mode fiber interferometer.
AB  - We present a newly developed single mode fiber based swept source polarization
      sensitive optical coherence tomography system using a single input state at 1040
      nm. Two non-polarizing fiber based beam splitters are combined to form a Mach
      Zehnder interferometer, while two polarizing beam splitters are used to obtain a
      polarization sensitive detection. Both types of beam splitters solely feature
      conventional single mode fibers. Polarization control paddles are used to set and
      maintain the polarization states in the fibers of the interferometer and
      detection unit. By use of a special paddle alignment scheme we are able to
      eliminate any bulk optic wave plates and polarization maintaining fibers in the
      interferometer and detection paths while preserving the advantages of a single
      input state system that illuminates the sample with circularly polarized light.
      To demonstrate the capabilities of our system, we performed retinal measurements
      on healthy human volunteers. 

PMID- 25136504
TI  - Frequency-modulated light scattering interferometry employed for optical
      properties and dynamics studies of turbid media.
AB  - In the present work, fiber-based frequency-modulated light scattering
      interferometry (FMLSI) is developed and employed for studies of optical
      properties and dynamics in liquid phantoms made from Intralipid((r)). The fiber
      based FMLSI system retrieves the optical properties by examining the intensity
      fluctuations through the turbid medium in a heterodyne detection scheme using a
      continuous-wave frequency-modulated coherent light source. A time resolution of
      21 ps is obtained, and the experimental results for the diluted Intralipid
      phantoms show good agreement with the predicted results based on published data.
      The present system shows great potential for assessment of optical properties as
      well as dynamic studies in liquid phantoms, dairy products, and human tissues. 

PMID- 25136505
TI  - Longitudinal vascular dynamics following cranial window and electrode
      implantation measured with speckle variance optical coherence angiography.
AB  - Speckle variance optical coherence angiography (OCA) was used to characterize the
      vascular tissue response from craniotomy, window implantation, and electrode
      insertion in mouse motor cortex. We observed initial vasodilation ~40% greater
      than original diameter 2-3 days post-surgery (dps). After 4 weeks, dilation
      subsided in large vessels (>50 um diameter) but persisted in smaller vessels (25
      50 um diameter). Neovascularization began 8-12 dps and vessel migration continued
      throughout the study. Vasodilation and neovascularization were primarily
      associated with craniotomy and window implantation rather than electrode
      insertion. Initial evidence of capillary re-mapping in the region surrounding the
      implanted electrode was manifest in OCA image dissimilarity. Further
      investigation, including higher resolution imaging, is required to validate the
      finding. Spontaneous lesions also occurred in many electrode animals, though the
      inception point appeared random and not directly associated with electrode
      insertion. OCA allows high resolution, label-free in vivo visualization of
      neurovascular tissue, which may help determine any biological contribution to
      chronic electrode signal degradation. Vascular and flow-based biomarkers can aid
      development of novel neural prostheses. 

PMID- 25136506
TI  - Study of freshly excised brain tissues using terahertz imaging.
AB  - We demonstrated that tumors in freshly excised whole brain tissue could be
      differentiated clearly from normal brain tissue using a reflection-type terahertz
      (THz) imaging system. THz binary images of brain tissues with tumors indicated
      that the tumor boundaries in the THz images corresponded well to those in visible
      images. Grey and white-matter regions were distinguishable owing to the different
      distribution of myelin in the brain tissue. THz images corresponded closely with
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results. The MRI and hematoxylin and eosin
      stained microscopic images were investigated to account for the intensity
      differences in the THz images for fresh and paraffin-embedded brain tissue. Our
      results indicated that the THz signals corresponded to the cell density when
      water was removed. Thus, THz imaging could be used as a tool for label-free and
      real-time imaging of brain tumors, which would be helpful for physicians to
      determine tumor margins during brain surgery. 

PMID- 25136507
TI  - Histology validation of mapping depth-resolved cardiac fiber orientation in fresh
      mouse heart using optical polarization tractography.
AB  - Myofiber organization in cardiac muscle plays an important role in achieving
      normal mechanical and electrical heart functions. An imaging tool that can reveal
      microstructural details of myofiber organization is valuable for both basic
      research and clinical applications. A high-resolution optical polarization
      tractography (OPT) was recently developed based on Jones matrix optical coherence
      tomography (JMOCT). In this study, we validated the accuracy of using OPT for
      measuring depth-resolved fiber orientation in fresh heart samples by comparing
      directly with histology images. Systematic image processing algorithms were
      developed to register OPT with histology images. The pixel-wise differences
      between the two tractographic results were analyzed in details. The results
      indicate that OPT can accurately image depth-resolved fiber orientation in fresh
      heart tissues and reveal microstructural details at the histological level. 

PMID- 25136508
TI  - The potential of photoacoustic microscopy as a tool to characterize the in vivo
      degradation of surgical sutures.
AB  - The ex vivo and in vivo imaging, and quantitative characterization of the
      degradation of surgical sutures (~500 MUm diameter) up to ~1cm depth is
      demonstrated using a custom dark-field photo-acoustic microscope (PAM). A
      practical algorithm is developed to accurately measure the suture diameter during
      the degradation process. The results from tissue simulating phantoms and mice are
      compared to ex vivo measurements with an optical microscope demonstrating that
      PAM has a great deal of potential to characterize the degradation process of
      surgical sutures. The implications of this work for industrial applications are
      discussed. 

PMID- 25136509
TI  - Interspecific hybridization as a genomic stressor inducing mobilization of
      transposable elements in Drosophila.
AB  - Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences able to be mobilized in host
      genomes. They are currently recognized as the major mutation inducers because of
      their insertion in the target, their effect on neighboring regions, or their
      ectopic recombination. A large number of factors including chemical and physical
      factors as well as intraspecific crosses have traditionally been identified as
      inducers of transposition. Besides environmental factors, interspecific crosses
      have also been proposed as promoters of transposition of particular TEs in plants
      and different animals. Our previous published work includes a genome-wide survey
      with the set of genomic TEs and shows that interspecific hybridization between
      the species Drosophila buzzatii and Drosophila koepferae induces genomic
      instability by transposition bursts. A high percentage of this instability
      corresponds to TEs belonging to classes I and II. The detailed study of three TEs
      (Osvaldo, Helena, and Galileo), representative of the different TE families,
      shows an increase of transposition in hybrids compared with parental species,
      that varies depending on the element. This study suggests ample variation in TE
      regulation mechanisms and the question is why this variation occurs.
      Interspecific hybridization is a genomic stressor that disrupts the stability of
      TEs probably contributing to a relaxation of the mechanisms controlling TEs in
      the Drosophila genome. In this commentary paper we will discuss these results and
      the molecular mechanisms that could explain these increases of transposition
      rates observed in interspecific Drosophila hybrids.

PMID- 25136510
TI  - Production of therapeutic proteins in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii.
AB  - Chloroplast transformation in the photosynthetic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
      has been used to explore the potential to use it as an inexpensive and easily
      scalable system for the production of therapeutic recombinant proteins. Diverse
      proteins, such as bacterial and viral antigens, antibodies and, immunotoxins have
      been successfully expressed in the chloroplast using endogenous and chimeric
      promoter sequences. In some cases, proteins have accumulated to high level,
      demonstrating that this technology could compete with current production
      platforms. This review focuses on the works that have engineered the chloroplast
      of C. reinhardtii with the aim of producing recombinant proteins intended for
      therapeutical use in humans or animals. 

PMID- 25136511
TI  - Highly conserved salt bridge stabilizes a proteinase K subfamily enzyme,
      Aqualysin I, from Thermus aquaticus YT-1.
AB  - The proteinase K subfamily enzymes, thermophilic Aqualysin I (AQN) from Thermus
      aquaticus YT-1 and psychrophilic serine protease (VPR) from Vibrio sp. PA-44,
      have six and seven salt bridges, respectively. To understand the possible
      significance of salt bridges in the thermal stability of AQN, we prepared mutant
      proteins in which amino acid residues participating in salt bridges common to
      proteinase K subfamily members and intrinsic to AQN were replaced to disrupt the
      bridges one at a time. Disruption of a salt bridge common to proteinase K
      subfamily enzymes in the D183N mutant resulted in a significant reduction in
      thermal stability, and a massive change in the content of the secondary structure
      was observed, even at 70 degrees C, in the circular dichroism (CD) analysis.
      These results indicate that the common salt bridge Asp183-Arg12 is important in
      maintaining the conformation of proteinase K subfamily enzymes and suggest the
      importance of proximity between the regions around Asp183 and the N-terminal
      region around Arg12. Of the three mutants that lack an AQN intrinsic salt bridge,
      D212N was more prone to unfolding at 80 degrees C than the wild-type enzyme.
      Similarly, D17N and E237Q were less thermostable than the wild-type enzyme,
      although this may be partially due to increased autolysis. The AQN intrinsic salt
      bridges appear to confer additional thermal stability to this enzyme. These
      findings will further our understanding of the factors involved in stabilizing
      protein structure. 

PMID- 25136512
TI  - Imaging of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in brain and cerebral
      vasculature of juvenile pigs with [(18)F]NS14490.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is an important
      molecular target in neuropsychiatry and oncology. Development of applicable
      highly specific radiotracers has been challenging due to comparably low protein
      expression. To identify novel ligands as candidates for positron emission
      tomography (PET), a library of diazabicyclononane compounds was screened
      regarding affinity and specificity towards alpha7 nAChRs. From these,
      [(18)F]NS14490 has been shown to yield reliable results in organ distribution
      studies; however, the radiosynthesis of [(18)F]NS14490 required optimization and
      automation to obtain the radiotracer in quantities allowing dynamic PET studies
      in piglets. METHODS: Automated radiosynthesis of [(18)F]NS14490 has been
      performed by [(18)F]fluorination with the tosylate precursor in the TRACERlabTM
      FX F-N synthesis module (Waukesha, WI, USA). After optimization, the
      radiochemical yield of [(18)F]NS14490 was consistently approximately 35%, and the
      total synthesis time was about 90 min. The radiotracer was prepared with >92%
      radiochemical purity, and the specific activity at the end of the synthesis was
      226 +/- 68 GBq MUmol(-1). PET measurements were performed in young pigs to
      investigate the metabolic stability and cerebral binding of [(18)F]NS14490
      without and with administration of the alpha7 nAChR partial agonist NS6740 in
      baseline and blocking conditions. RESULTS: The total distribution volume relative
      to the metabolite-corrected arterial input was 3.5 to 4.0 mL g(-1) throughout the
      telencephalon and was reduced to 2.6 mL g(-1) in animals treated with NS6740.
      Assuming complete blockade, this displacement indicated a binding potential
      (BPND) of approximately 0.5 in the brain of living pigs. In addition, evidence
      for specific binding in major brain arteries has been obtained. CONCLUSION:
      [(18)F]NS14490 is not only comparable to other preclinically investigated PET
      radiotracers for imaging of alpha7 nAChR in brain but also could be a potential
      PET radiotracer for imaging of alpha7 nAChR in vulnerable plaques of diseased
      vessels.

PMID- 25136514
TI  - 4D PET/CT as a Strategy to Reduce Respiratory Motion Artifacts in FDG-PET/CT.
AB  - The improved accuracy in tumor identification with FDG-PET has led to its
      increased utilization in target volume delineation for radiotherapy treatment
      planning in the treatment of lung cancer. However, PET/CT has constantly been
      influenced by respiratory motion-related image degradation, which is especially
      prominent for small lung tumors in the peri-diaphragmatic regions of the thorax.
      Here, we describe the current findings on respiratory motion-related image
      degradation in PET/CT, which may bring uncertainties to target volume delineation
      for image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) for lung cancer. Furthermore, we describe
      the evidence suggesting 4D PET/CT to be one strategy to minimize the impact of
      respiratory motion-related image degradation on tumor target delineation for
      thoracic IGRT. This, in our opinion, warrants further investigation in future
      IGRT-based lung cancer trials. 

PMID- 25136513
TI  - Genetically engineered mouse models of pituitary tumors.
AB  - Animal models constitute valuable tools for investigating the pathogenesis of
      cancer as well as for preclinical testing of novel therapeutics approaches.
      However, the pathogenic mechanisms of pituitary-tumor formation remain poorly
      understood, particularly in sporadic adenomas, thus, making it a challenge to
      model pituitary tumors in mice. Nevertheless, genetically engineered mouse models
      (GEMMs) of pituitary tumors have provided important insight into pituitary tumor
      biology. In this paper, we review various GEMMs of pituitary tumors, highlighting
      their contributions and limitations, and discuss opportunities for research in
      the field. 

PMID- 25136515
TI  - Drug-diagnostics co-development in oncology.

PMID- 25136517
TI  - Head and neck cancers: Safely preserving the talk.

PMID- 25136518
TI  - Pathology of radiation toxicity and its implication on quality of life.

PMID- 25136516
TI  - Induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response
      constitutes a pathogenic strategy of group A streptococcus.
AB  - The connection between bacterial pathogens and unfolded protein response (UPR) is
      poorly explored. In this review we highlight the evidence showing that group A
      streptococcus (GAS) induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and UPR through
      which it captures the amino acid asparagine (ASN) from the host. GAS acts
      extracellularly and during adherence to host cells it delivers the hemolysin
      toxins; streptolysin O (SLO) and streptolysin S (SLS). By poorly understood
      pathways, these toxins trigger UPR leading to the induction of the
      transcriptional regulator ATF4 and consequently to the upregulation of asparagine
      synthetase (ASNS) transcription leading to production and release of ASN. GAS
      senses ASN and alters gene expression profile accordingly, and increases the rate
      of multiplication. We suggest that induction of UPR by GAS and by other bacterial
      pathogens represent means through which bacterial pathogens gain nutrients from
      the host, obviating the need to become internalized or inflict irreversible cell
      damage. 

PMID- 25136520
TI  - Genetically altered fields in head and neck cancer and second field tumor.
AB  - The concept of field cancerization has been ever changing since its first
      description by Slaughter et al in 1953. Field cancerization explains the
      mechanisms by which second primary tumors (SPTs) develop. SPTs are the tumors,
      which develop in the oral cavity in succession to the primary malignant tumors,
      which might vary in duration ranging from few months to years. Conceivably, a
      population of daughter cells with early genetic changes (without histopathology)
      remains in the organ, demonstrating the concept of field cancerization. This
      review explains the concept of field cancerization and various field theories
      along with molecular basis of field formation. 

PMID- 25136521
TI  - Association of cytochrome P450 2C9 polymorphism with locally advanced head and
      neck squamous cell carcinoma and response to concurrent cisplatin-based radical
      chemoradiation.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of the present study is to investigate the association between
      polymorphism of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) enzyme with head and neck squamous
      cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and response in patients receiving cisplatin-based radical
      chemoradiation (CT-RT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred and sixty patients
      suffering from locally advanced HNSCC and an equal number of healthy controls
      were genotyped for CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*013, leading to poor metabolizers (PMs) by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based restriction fragment length polymorphism
      (RFLP). Each case was assessed thoroughly for treatment response as per the World
      Health Organization (WHO) criteria. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: The frequency of
      heterozygous genotypes of both CYP2C9*2 (27.8%) and CYP2C9*3 (25%) were found to
      be significantly higher in the HNSCC cases as compared to the healthy controls.
      Tobacco intake in the form of chewing or smoking and alcohol intake resulted in
      several folds increase in the risk to HNSCC in the cases carrying variant
      genotypes of CYP2C9*2 or CYP2C9*013. Further, majority of the cases assessed for
      response (n = 436) carrying variant alleles of CYP2C9*2 (69.6%) or CYP2C9*3
      (65.2%) were found to respond poorly to cisplatin-based radical CT-RT.
      CONCLUSION: The data suggests a significant association of the CYP2C9
      polymorphism with HNSCC and treatment outcome underlining the importance of
      pretherapeutic genotyping in determining the treatment protocol.

PMID- 25136519
TI  - Organ preservation strategies: Review of literature and their applicability in
      developing nations.
AB  - There has been a change in practice in locally advanced laryngopharyngeal cancers
      toward non-surgical treatment modalities. Although, there have been landmark
      trials pertinent to organ preservation, their applicability in developing nations
      is a topic of much debate. The organ preservation concept was based on the
      findings of pivotal trials by the Veterans Affairs, European Organization for
      Research and Treatment of Cancer group and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group.
      Subsequently numerous studies have been designed to evaluate intensification of
      treatment as well as study toxicity and tolerability. This review critically
      analyses current evidence for larynx preservation, experience from various
      centers on organ preservation strategies as well as applicability of these
      protocols to developing nations. 

PMID- 25136522
TI  - Post-radiation changes in oral tissues - An analysis of cancer irradiation cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Radiation, commonly employed as neoadjuvant, primary, and adjuvant
      therapy for head and neck cancer causes numerous epithelial and stromal changes,
      prominent among which is fibrosis with its early and late consequences. Very
      little is known about the true nature of the fibrosed tissue and the type of
      fibers accumulated. Radiotherapy affects the supporting tumor stroma often
      resulting in a worsening grade of tumor post-radiation. AIM: To study epithelial,
      neoplastic, stromal, and glandular changes in oral cavity induced by radiation
      therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using special stains. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The study included 27 samples of recurrent OSCC following completion
      of radiotherapy (recurrence within an average span of 11 months), and 26 non
      irradiated cases of OSCC. Patients with a history of combined radiotherapy and
      chemotherapy were not included in the study. The epithelial changes assessed
      included epithelial atrophy, apoptosis, necrosis, dysplasia, and neoplasia. The
      connective tissue was evaluated for amount of fibrosis, quality of fibers (using
      picrosirius red staining), fibrinous exudate, necrosis, pattern of invasion,
      vessel wall thickening, and salivary gland changes. The aforementioned changes
      were assessed using light and polarizing microscopy and tabulated. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS: Epithelial and connective tissue parameters were compared between the
      irradiated and non-irradiated cases using chi square and t-tests. RESULTS:
      Epithelial and connective tissue parameters were found to be increased in
      irradiated patients. Pattern of invasion by tumor cells varied from strands and 
      cords between the two groups studied. The effect of radiation was seen to reflect
      on the maturity of fibers and the regularity of their distribution.

PMID- 25136523
TI  - Survival outcome of malignant minor salivary tumors in Pakistani population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Malignant tumors of minor salivary glands (MSG) are rare. Survival
      outcome in Pakistani population with malignant MSG tumors remains to be defined.
      The objective of this study was to report the clinical presentation, treatment
      modalities, and survival outcome of radically treated malignant tumors of MSG in
      Pakistani population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2003 and March 2011,
      45 patients with malignant tumors of MSG were treated at Shaukat Khanum Cancer
      Hospital and included in the study. Patient characteristics and treatment
      modalities were assessed and local, regional, and distant failures determined.
      Relapse-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier
      curves, and log-rank test was used to determine significance. RESULTS: Median age
      was 40 (17-83) years. Male to female ratio was 1.25:1. Most common site was hard
      palate in 31 (69%) patients. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (51%) was the most common
      histological diagnosis. Nine patients (20%) underwent surgery as the only
      treatment modality, six patients received (13%) radiotherapy alone, and 30
      patients (67%) had surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Eight patients
      developed recurrence (four local, two regional, one locoregional, and one
      distant). The 5-year actuarial overall OS and RFS was 77 and 66%, respectively.
      Age, T-stage, and treatment modality were significant for RFS, whereas T-stage
      and treatment modality were significant factors for OS. CONCLUSION: Surgery as
      single modality or combined with radiation therapy resulted in acceptable
      survival in Pakistani population with malignant minor salivary tumors.

PMID- 25136524
TI  - Palliative low dose fortnightly methotrexate in oral cancers: Experience at a
      rural cancer centre from India.
AB  - CONTEXT: Palliative fortnightly chemotherapy in oral cancers. AIMS: We present
      our experience with a regimen employing fortnightly (once in 2 weeks) injectable
      methotrexate (MTX) (40 mg/m(2) ) in a predominantly elderly cohort of patients
      with carcinoma of oral cavity and oropharynx. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective
      chart review conducted at a rural cancer center in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      All patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers started on treatment with
      fortnightly injectable MTX (40 mg/m(2) ) between 01/01/2011 and 31/12/2011.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The factors analyzed included the duration of disease
      control, pain control, overall survival and progression free survival which were
      evaluated using the Kaplan Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients with a
      median age of 66.5 years were analyzed. Majority of the patients had poor
      nutritional status, performance status or co-morbidities. MTX was given for
      recurrent disease in 19 patients and after initial palliative radiotherapy in 41
      patients. The median number of cycles delivered was nine. Grade 3/4 toxicities
      were seen in 2 patients only. Disease control rate at the end of treatment was
      seen in 33 (55%) patients. Median overall survival was 34 weeks (interquartile
      range: 17-50 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: The fortnightly regimen of MTX was well
      tolerated and showed a good clinical activity in this elderly cohort of patients
      with advanced oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.

PMID- 25136525
TI  - Relationship of angiogenic and apoptotic activities in soft-tissue sarcoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Angiogenesis and apoptosis play an essential role in tumor
      development and progression. Previous studies on apoptosis and angiogenesis of
      soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) were done separately. This is the first study of the
      relationship between apoptotic and angiogenic activity. Correlation of expression
      of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) and pro-apoptotic protein (Bax) in the tumor
      cells (TCs) with their expression in endothelial cell (EC) of the tumor blood
      vessels in STS were also carried out. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 101 cases of STS;
      consisting liposarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, synovial sarcoma,
      fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and malignant peripheral nerve
      sheath tumor; were collected and immunohistochemical reaction of vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Bcl-2 and Bax were examined. RESULTS: Higher
      Bax expression in TCs (54.5%) was seen compared to Bcl-2 expression (44.6%).
      There was a significant association between Bcl-2 and Bax in TCs with ECs.
      Significant association was also seen between histological types of STS with Bcl
      2 expression; however not with Bax expression. There was an association between
      VEGF and Bax with high VEGF expression and weak Bax expression. However, VEGF
      expression was not associated with Bcl-2 expression and histological types.
      CONCLUSION: This study supports the role of ECs of tumor blood vessels and
      apoptosis of TCs in tumor management. Increased angiogenesis may inhibit
      apoptosis of TCs and lead to tumor growth. Therefore, inhibition of ECs survival
      or activation of ECs death is promising prospect for tumor therapy.
      Immunohistochemical antibodies in this study might be potential useful marker for
      the prognosis of STS.

PMID- 25136526
TI  - Biweekly cetuximab and first-line chemotherapy in chinese patients with k-ras
      wild-type colorectal cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of using combination chemotherapy with
      cetuximab as first-line treatment in patients with K-ras wild-type colorectal
      cancers has been well established. In general, weekly cetuximab was given with
      biweekly chemotherapy FOLFOX-4 or FOLFIRI, synchronizing them would be appealed
      to both patients and health care professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Phase
      II, prospective study investigated the efficacy and safety of using biweekly
      cetuximab 500 mg/m(2) with chemotherapy FOLFOX-4 or FOLFIRI as first-line
      treatment for Chinese patients with K-ras wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer.
      The study endpoints included overall objective response (OR), progression-free
      survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. RESULTS: Total 15 Chinese
      patients (male: 10 [67%]; median age: 60 [range 41-80]) were enrolled. Patients
      received median 12 cycles (range 2-12) of chemotherapy + cetuximab (FOLFOX-4 +
      cetuximab: 9 [60%]; FOLFIRI + cetuximab: 6 [40%]). Six patients (40%) with non
      progressive disease after 12 cycles of chemotherapy + cetuximab carried on
      maintenance cetuximab. Median duration of follow-up (FU) was 23.7 months. The OR
      was 40% (complete response: 0%; partial response: 40%) for a disease control rate
      of 87%. Median PFS and OS were 7.8 months and 17.9 months respectively. For
      maintenance cetuximab phase, median PFS since the start of maintenance cetuximab
      was 6.8 months and median OS was 17.0 months. The only grade 3-4 toxicities were
      neutropenia (26.7%) in chemotherapy phase and acneiform rashes (16.7%) in
      maintenance phase. CONCLUSIONS: Biweekly cetuximab with combination chemotherapy
      was effective and safe as weekly dose. Further studies are warranted for the role
      of maintenance cetuximab.

PMID- 25136527
TI  - A retrospective study of clinico-pathological spectrum of carcinoma breast in a
      West Delhi, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on the demographic profile of breast cancer patients from Delhi
      is scarce and whatever is available is from higher referral center. Our hospital
      caters to patients from an urban population of the lower socioeconomic strata and
      is a representation of cases at a tertiary care hospital in west Delhi. In Delhi,
      breast cancer (26.8%) is commonest cancer among the female followed by cervix
      (12.5%), gallbladder (7.2%), ovary (7.1%), and uterus (3.3%). AIMS AND
      OBJECTIVES: A retrospective audit of breast cancer patients presenting at a
      tertiary referral center from 2004 to 2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 328
      cases diagnosed as carcinoma breast on histopathology from year 2004 to 2011 were
      retrieved and studied retrospectively with regards to demographic profile and
      their histological features with estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor
      (PR), and Her2neu status. RESULTS: The median age of presentation was 49 years of
      age. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC, not otherwise specified (NOS)) was the
      commonest histopathological variant (81.40%) followed by medullary carcinoma
      (10.36%) and mucinous carcinoma (2.74%). Triple negative were found to be the
      commonest group comprising 39.4% of all the cases followed by ER and PR both
      positive. Pathological tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) staging showed most
      common group was T2N0M0 (19.5%) followed by T2N1M0 (17.1%) and T2N2M0 (14%).
      CONCLUSION: The incidence of breast cancer in the India and include a higher
      incidence of ER, PR, and Her2neu negative disease in west Delhi.

PMID- 25136528
TI  - Tolvaptan.
AB  - Hyponatremia is a common and often under-recogonised clinical problem in
      oncologic practice. The recogonition of the cause of hyponatremia and initiation
      of appropriate and timely intervention can prevent morbidity and improve
      treatment tolerance. This drug review aims at discussing the currently approved
      oral vaptanagent Tolvaptan. Vaptans including Tolvaptan act as "aquaretic" agents
      cousing excretion of water while retaining the sodium. Administration of this
      agent for prescribed periods result in improvement of serum sodium levels. The
      drug can be used in many clinical situations resulting in hyponatremia including
      congestive heart failure, cirrhosis and syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
      (SIADH) including SIADH related to malignancies. 

PMID- 25136529
TI  - Radiation stents: Minimizing radiation-induced complications.

PMID- 25136530
TI  - Waste landfill site fire crisis in Thailand; sulfur dioxide pollution and
      estimation of cancer risk.

PMID- 25136531
TI  - Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A
      single center experience.

PMID- 25136532
TI  - Giant anterior ameloblastoma managed by wide excision mandibulectomy with
      intraoral primary mucosal closure and skin defect coverage by deltopectoral flap.

PMID- 25136533
TI  - Shewanella algae: First case report of the fast emerging marine pathogen from
      squamous cell carcinoma patient in India.

PMID- 25136534
TI  - Expected efficacy of HPV vaccine in prevention of cervix cancer in Thailand.

PMID- 25136535
TI  - Dietary factors and the risk of thyroid cancer: a review.
AB  - In the past few decades, the incidence of thyroid cancer has rapidly increased
      worldwide. Thyroid cancer incidence is relatively high in regions where the
      population's daily iodine intake is insufficient. While low dietary iodine has
      been considered as a risk factor for thyroid cancer development, previous studies
      found controversial results across different food types. Among different ethnic
      groups, dietary factors are influenced by various dietary patterns, eating
      habits, life-styles, nutrition, and other environmental factors. This review
      reports the association between dietary factors and thyroid cancer risk among
      ethnic groups living in different geologic regions. Iodine-rich food such as fish
      and shellfish may provide a protective role in populations with insufficient
      daily iodine intake. The consumption of goitrogenic food, such as cruciferous
      vegetables, showed a positive association with risk. While considered to be a
      risk factor for other cancers, alcohol intake showed a protective role against
      thyroid cancer. High consumption of meat such as chicken, pork, and poultry
      showed a positive association with the risk, but dairy products showed no
      significant association. Regular use of multivitamins and dietary nitrate and
      nitrite also showed a positive association with thyroid cancer risk. However, the
      study results are inconsistent and investigations into the mechanism for how
      dietary factors change thyroid hormone levels and influence thyroid function are
      required. 

PMID- 25136536
TI  - Effects of Korean White Ginseng (Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer) on Vascular and
      Glycemic Health in Type 2 Diabetes: Results of a Randomized, Double Blind,
      Placebo-controlled, Multiple-crossover, Acute Dose Escalation Trial.
AB  - Korean red ginseng (steam treated Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), among most prized
      traditional herbal remedies, has been clinically shown to improve cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) risk factors. Whether this holds true for the dried non-steamed
      variety, known as Korean white ginseng (KWG) is unclear. This study therefore,
      investigated the efficacy and safety of escalating doses of KWG on vascular and
      glycemic parameters in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Using an acute, randomized,
      placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design, 25 participants with well
      controlled T2DM (12-males: 13-females, age: 63 +/- 9 years, A1c: 6.9 +/- 0.7%,
      BMI: 29.3 +/- 4.3 kg/m(2)) underwent five visits during which they received 1 g,
      3 g, or 6 g KWG or 3 g wheat-bran control (twice) together with 50 g-glucose
      load. For the duration of 240 minutes, augmentation index (AI), and central blood
      pressure were measured at baseline and at 60 min-intervals, and ambulatory blood
      pressure was assessed at baseline and at 10 min-intervals. Additionally,
      capillary blood was collected at time zero and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and
      180 minutes post-treatment. A symptoms questionnaire was used to assess safety
      and adverse events. Two-way ANOVA demonstrated a significant time-treatment
      interaction effect on AI (p = 0.01) with one-way ANOVA showing significant
      reductions in AI with 3 g KWG relative to control (p = 0.04). Compared to
      control, acute administration of KWG appeared to be safe, but did not affect any
      other postprandial, vascular or glycemic parameters. KWG might have a beneficial
      effect on AI, a cumulative indicator of arterial health. However, these results
      are preliminary and highlight the need for long-term investigation with a focus
      on its accountable components. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01699074.

PMID- 25136537
TI  - Immunomodulatory effects of kimchi in chinese healthy college students: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - This study examined the potential immunomodulatory effects of Kimchi, a
      traditional fermented Korean vegetable, in healthy Chinese college students. The
      four-week clinical-trial (randomized, open-label, prospective, controlled) was
      followed by a one week wash-out period. Healthy Chinese college students (over 20
      years of age with a body mass index of 18.5-23.0 kg/m(2)) volunteered for this
      study. Forty-three students were randomly classified into two groups, Kimchi (n =
      21, supplemented with 100 g of Kimchi per day) or non-Kimchi (n = 22,
      supplemented with 100 g of radish per day, control) groups. During the four-week
      intervention period, students were asked to maintain their usual diet and
      activity, and instructed not to take any medications, functional food products,
      or dietary supplements. Anthropometrics, nutritional intake, and blood immune
      parameters (lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, and immunoglobulins) were measured
      before and after the four weeks of intervention. Thirty-nine students (19 in the
      Kimchi group, 20 in the non-Kimchi group) finished the study. After the
      intervention, no significant changes were observed in lymphocyte subsets (T-cell,
      B-cell, NK cell), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha), anti-inflammatory
      cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10), and immunoglobulins (Ig A, G, and M) between groups
      in either the Kimchi or non-Kimchi. These results suggest that the short-term
      consumption of Kimchi has no immunomodulatory effects in healthy Chinese college
      students. 

PMID- 25136538
TI  - Effects of diet modification on meal quality and quality of life in korean
      diabetic patients: data from Korea national health and nutrition examination
      survey (2007-2011).
AB  - It is generally accepted that diet modification provides beneficial effects on
      the management of diabetes. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of
      diet modification on nutrient intake and quality of life in a large sample of
      diabetic patients. This study was conducted using data from the Korea National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV and V (2007-2010). A total of 2,484 of
      diabetic patients were included in the analysis. Then, we compared the overall
      quality of dietary intake between diabetic patients with diet modification and
      those without dietary modification. The result showed that subjects on diabetic
      diet (DDG) showed lower levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and AST before
      and after the adjustment for covariates (all p < 0.05). The results of nutrient
      assessment showed that DDG had lower intakes of total energy, fat, and
      carbohydrate (all p < 0.05), but higher intakes of energy from protein, vitamin
      B1, vitamin B2, niacin and vitamin C than NDG. (all p < 0.05). In addition,
      nutritional adequacy ratio of calcium and vitamin B2 were significantly higher in
      DDG than those in normal diet group (NDG) (p < 0.05). However, we observed no
      significant differences in quality of life between two groups. In conclusion,
      diet modification in diabetic patients seemed to be effective to improve blood
      lipid profile and the adequacy of nutrient intake without sacrificing the quality
      of life. 

PMID- 25136539
TI  - Development and Evaluation of a Web-based Computer-Assisted Personal Interview
      System (CAPIS) for Open-ended Dietary Assessments among Koreans.
AB  - The accuracy of dietary assessments has emerged as a major concern in nutritional
      epidemiology and new dietary assessment tools using computer technology to
      increase accuracy have been developed in many countries. The purpose of this
      study was to develop a web-based computer-assisted personal interview system
      (CAPIS) for conducting dietary assessment and to evaluate its practical
      utilization among Koreans. The client software was developed using Microsoft's
      ClickOnce technology, which allows communication with a database system via an
      http server to add or retrieve data. The system consists of a tracking system for
      the subject and researcher, a data-input system during the interview, a
      calculation system for estimating food and nutrient intake, a data-output system
      for presenting the results, and an evaluation system for assessing the adequacy
      of nutrient and food intake. Databases of the nutrient composition of common food
      (n = 3,642), recipes for common dishes (n = 1,886), and photos of serving sizes
      for food and dishes (n = 4,152) were constructed, and logical processes for data
      collection, calculation, and output were developed. The functionality, on-site
      applicability, and efficiency of CAPIS were evaluated in a convenience sample of
      181 participants (61 males, 120 females; aged 24 to 85) by comparing with manual
      24 hour recall method with paper questionnaire. The CAPIS was functioned
      adequately in the field survey in terms of completeness of function, security,
      and compliance of researcher and subjects. Regarding on-site applicability,
      23.2%, 32.6%, 35.4%, and 43.7% of subjects reported that CAPIS was easier to
      recall their diet, to estimate the amount consumed, to communicate with the
      interviewer, and to concentrate on the interview than the manual method with
      paper questionnaire, respectively. Although CAPIS required more interview time (9
      min 42 sec) compared to the manual method (7 min 30 sec), it saved time and cost
      for data coding and entry (15 min 35 sec) and gave high satisfaction from the
      prompt feedback after interview to the subjects, which increase efficiency to
      apply on the field survey. Our results suggest that the newly developed CAPIS is
      suitable for conducting personal interviews for dietary assessment in Korean
      population. 

PMID- 25136540
TI  - Evaluation of fruit intake and its relation to body mass index of adolescents.
AB  - Diets high in fruits and vegetables are recommended to maintain health. However,
      accurate fruit intake evaluation is hard and high sugar content in most of the
      fruits suggest possible negative relationships with health indices. The purpose
      of the present study was to evaluate the fruit intake status of adolescents and
      to examine the relationship between fruit intake and body mass index (BMI). For
      this, 400 middle and high school students were surveyed for their fruit eating
      attitude, preference, and intake level for fruit along with the evaluation of
      their relationship with anthropometric measures. As for fruit preference, the
      most frequent answer was 'like very much' (60.0%) and the preference of fruit was
      significantly higher in females than in males (p < 0.01). The highest answer to
      the reason to like fruits was 'delicious' (67.0%). The highest proportion of
      subjects replied that the amount of fruit intake was similar in both school meals
      and at home (39.3%) and unlikable feeling of fruits was 'sour' (47.0%). The
      favorite fruit was the apple followed by oriental melon, grape, Korean cherry,
      cherry, tangerine/orange, hallabong, plum, mango, persimmon, peach, pear/kiwi,
      apricot, Japanese apricot, and fig in order. As for the number of serving sizes
      per person were 2.9 times/day for male students and 3.0 times/day for female
      students showing no significant difference. The frequency of eating fruits in the
      evening showed a significant positive correlation with body weight (p < 0.05) and
      BMI (p < 0.01), respectively. In summary of these study findings, it was found
      that the fruit preference of adolescents was relatively high and their fruit
      intake level satisfied the recommended number of intake. The number of evening
      fruit intake had a significantly positive correlation with body weight and BMI.
      Further studies are required to examine the relationship between fruit intake and
      health indicators. 

PMID- 25136541
TI  - Coffee enema for preparation for small bowel video capsule endoscopy: a pilot
      study.
AB  - Coffee enemas are believed to cause dilatation of bile ducts and excretion of
      bile through the colon wall. Proponents of coffee enemas claim that the cafestol
      palmitate in coffee enhances the activity of glutathione S-transferase, an enzyme
      that stimulates bile excretion. During video capsule endoscopy (VCE), excreted
      bile is one of the causes of poor preparation of the small bowel. This study
      aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effect of coffee enema for preparation of
      the small bowel during VCE. In this pilot study, 17 of 34 patients were assigned
      to the coffee enema plus polyethylene glycol (PEG) 2 L ingestion group, whereas
      the 17 remaining control patients received 2 L of PEG only. The quality of bowel
      preparation was evaluated in the two patient groups. Bowel preparations in the
      proximal segments of small bowel were not differ between two groups. In the mid
      and distal segments of the small intestine, bowel preparations tend to be better
      in patients who received coffee enemas plus PEG than in patients who received PEG
      only. The coffee enema group did not experience any complications or side
      effects. Coffee enemas may be a feasible option, and there were no clinically
      significant adverse events related to coffee enemas. More prospective randomized
      studies are warranted to improve small bowel preparation for VCE. 

PMID- 25136542
TI  - Compromised Diet Quality is Associated with Decreased Renal Function in Children
      with Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - Nutritional status of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is important
      since it affects growth and development. This study was to investigate overall
      diet quality measured by nutrient intake adequacy, nutrient density, and several
      dietary habits in children with CKD and its relationship with clinical parameters
      according to glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Assessment of nutritional status
      and diet quality was conducted in nineteen children with CKD. Average Z-scores of
      height, weight and body mass index (BMI) in the participants were less than
      standard growth rate. Nutritional status, such as Z-scores of height (p < 0.05)
      and serum total protein (p < 0.05), were significantly lower in the children with
      GFR < 75 mL/min/1.73 m(2) compared to those with GFR >= 75 mL/min/1.73 m(2).
      Nutrition adequacy ratio of energy, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate,
      iron, and zinc and overall diet quality were significantly poorer in the children
      with GFR < 75 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Poorer appetite and avoidance of food were
      observed in the children with higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Intakes of iron,
      zinc, thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B6 were positively correlated with GFR.
      Intakes of calcium, potassium and folate were positively correlated with BUN,
      while protein intakes were negatively correlated. Overall nutrient intakes were
      inadequate and diet quality was decreased as kidney function was decreased.
      Dietary habit and appetite were also related with kidney function in this study
      subjects. Systemic efforts of nutritional intervention are imperative to prevent
      deteriorating growth and development and improve the nutritional status in
      children with CKD. 

PMID- 25136543
TI  - Medical Nutrition Therapy based on Nutrition Intervention for a Patient with
      Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of disability, and
      according to statistics from the World Health Organization, COPD is the fourth
      leading cause of death overall in the face of decades, and expected to be
      increased. In 2005, the reported prevalence of COPD in Korea was 17.2% of adults
      over the age of 45. Malnutrition is a common problem in papatients with COPD. And
      several nutritional intervention studies showed a significant improvement in
      physical and functional outcomes. According to the results of previous studies,
      the nutritional support is important. This is a case report of a patient with
      COPD who was introduced to a proper diet through nutrition education based on the
      medical nutrition therapy protocol for COPD. 

PMID- 25136544
TI  - Changes in fat intake, body fat composition and intra-abdominal fat after
      bariatric surgery.
AB  - Bariatric surgery is considered to be the effective treatment alternative
      conducted over the lifetime for reducing weight in patients with clinically
      morbid obesity. For many patients, the benefits of weight loss, including
      decreases in blood glucose, lipids, and blood pressure as well as increase in
      mobility, will outweigh the risks of surgical complications. But patients
      undergoing bariatric surgery have the least risk for long-term diet-related
      complications as reported in several studies. Thus, with an increasing number of
      severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery, the multidisciplinary
      healthcare system will need to be managed continuously. Many nutrition support
      specialists will need to become familiar with the metabolic consequences for the
      frequent monitoring of nutrition status of the patients. South Korea has a very
      short history with bariatric surgery, and relatively few studies have been
      conducted on bariatric surgery. Therefore, the objective of this report was to
      compare the nutrient intake, weight loss, body fat composition, and visceral fat
      before and after the bariatric surgery. 

PMID- 25136545
TI  - Reducing auditory hypersensitivities in autistic spectrum disorder: preliminary
      findings evaluating the listening project protocol.
AB  - Auditory hypersensitivities are a common feature of autism spectrum disorder
      (ASD). In the present study, the effectiveness of a novel intervention, the
      listening project protocol (LPP), was evaluated in two trials conducted with
      children diagnosed with ASD. LPP was developed to reduce auditory
      hypersensitivities. LPP is based on a theoretical "neural exercise" model that
      uses computer altered acoustic stimulation to recruit the neural regulation of
      middle ear muscles. Features of the intervention stimuli were informed by basic
      research in speech and hearing sciences that has identified the specific acoustic
      frequencies necessary to understand speech, which must pass through middle ear
      structures before being processed by other components of the auditory system. LPP
      was hypothesized to reduce auditory hypersensitivities by increasing the neural
      tone to the middle ear muscles to functionally dampen competing sounds in
      frequencies lower than human speech. The trials demonstrated that LPP, when
      contrasted to control conditions, selectively reduced auditory
      hypersensitivities. These findings are consistent with the polyvagal theory,
      which emphasizes the role of the middle ear muscles in social communication. 

PMID- 25136546
TI  - Focus on apoptosis to decipher how alcohol and many other drugs disrupt brain
      development.

PMID- 25136547
TI  - Developing a Dissemination Model to Improve Intervention Reach among West
      Virginia Youth Smokers.
AB  - The not-on-tobacco program is an evidence-based teen smoking cessation program
      adopted by the American Lung Association (ALA). Although widely disseminated
      nationally via ALA Master Trainers, in recent years, adoption and implementation
      of the N-O-T program in West Virginia (WV) has slowed. WV, unfortunately, has one
      of the highest smoking rates in the US. Although it is a goal of public health
      science, dissemination of evidence-based interventions is woefully understudied.
      The present manuscript reviews a theoretical model of dissemination of the not-on
      tobacco program in WV. Based on social marketing, diffusion of innovations, and
      social cognitive theories, the nine-phase model incorporates elements of
      infrastructure development, accountability, training, delivery, incentives, and
      communication. The model components as well as preliminary lessons learned from
      initial implementation are discussed. 

PMID- 25136548
TI  - Biosecurity Policy in the US: A Critical Assessment.

PMID- 25136549
TI  - Polycyclic aromatic compounds as anticancer agents: synthesis and biological
      evaluation of methoxy dibenzofluorene derivatives.
AB  - Synthesis of a new methoxy dibenzofluorene through alkylation, cyclodehydration
      and aromatization in a one-pot operation is achieved for the first time. Using
      this hydrocarbon, a few derivatives are prepared through aromatic nitration,
      catalytic hydrogenation, coupling reaction with a side chain and reduction. The
      benzylic position of this hydrocarbon with the side chain is oxidized and
      reduced. Some of these derivatives have demonstrated excellent antitumor
      activities in vitro. This study confirms antitumor activity depends on the
      structures of the molecules. 

PMID- 25136550
TI  - Effects of a pragmatic lifestyle intervention for reducing body mass in obese
      adults with obstructive sleep apnoea: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - This study investigated the effects of a pragmatic lifestyle intervention in
      obese adults with continuous positive airway pressure-treated obstructive sleep
      apnoea hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS). Sixty patients were randomised 1 : 1 to either
      a 12-week lifestyle intervention or an advice-only control group. The
      intervention involved supervised exercise sessions, dietary advice, and the
      promotion of lifestyle behaviour change using cognitive-behavioural techniques.
      Outcomes were assessed at baseline (week 0), intervention end-point (week 13),
      and follow-up (week 26). The primary outcome was 13-week change in body mass.
      Secondary outcomes included anthropometry, blood-borne biomarkers, exercise
      capacity, and health-related quality of life. At end-point, the intervention
      group exhibited small reductions in body mass (-1.8 [-3.0, -0.5] kg; P = 0.007)
      and body fat percentage (-1 [-2, 0]%; P = 0.044) and moderate improvements in C
      reactive protein (-1.3 [-2.4, -0.2] mg.L(-1); P = 0.028) and exercise capacity
      (95 [50, 139] m; P < 0.001). At follow-up, changes in body mass (-2.0 [-3.5, 
      0.5] kg; P = 0.010), body fat percentage (-1 [-2, 0]%; P = 0.033), and C-reactive
      protein (-1.3 [-2.5, -0.1] mg.L(-1); P = 0.037) were maintained and exercise
      capacity was further improved (132 [90, 175] m; P < 0.001). This trial is
      registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01546792. 

PMID- 25136553
TI  - Bone tissue engineering and regeneration.

PMID- 25136551
TI  - The evolving role of radiosurgery in the management of radiation-induced
      meningiomas: a review of current advances and future directions.
AB  - Meningiomas are among the most common primary adult brain tumors, which arise
      either spontaneously or secondary to environmental factors such as ionizing
      radiation. The latter are referred to as radiation-induced meningiomas (RIMs)
      which, while much less common than their spontaneous counterparts, are
      challenging from a management point of view. Similar to spontaneous meningiomas,
      the optimal management of RIMs is complete surgical resection. However, given
      their high grade, multiplicity, tendency to invade bone and venous sinuses, and
      high recurrence rate, this cannot always be accomplished safely. Therefore, other
      therapeutic modalities, such as stereotactic radiosurgery, have emerged. In the
      current review, we provide an overview of the historical outcomes achieved for
      RIMs through radiosurgery and microsurgical resection. Furthermore, we provide a
      discussion of clinical and radiological parameters that affect the decision
      making process with regard to the management of RIMs. We also provide an outline
      of recent changes in our understanding of RIMs, based on molecular and genetic
      markers, and how these will change our management perspective. We conclude the
      review by summarizing some of the current obstacles in the management of RIMs
      with SRS and how current and future research can address these challenges. 

PMID- 25136552
TI  - Alga Ecklonia bicyclis, Tribulus terrestris, and glucosamine oligosaccharide
      improve erectile function, sexual quality of life, and ejaculation function in
      patients with moderate mild-moderate erectile dysfunction: a prospective,
      randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded study.
AB  - We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral therapy with alga Ecklonia bicyclis,
      Tribulus terrestris, and glucosamine oligosaccharide (Tradamix TX1000) in
      patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) at 3 months of follow-up. From January
      2013 to September 2013, 177 patients diagnosed with mild-moderate ED (IIEF-EF <
      26) were enrolled in this multicenter, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study
      and randomized in Group A (Tradamix, n = 87) and Group B (placebo, n = 90).
      Penile color Doppler ultrasound measures, IIEF-15 questionnaire, male sexual
      health questionnaire-ejaculation disorder (MSHQ-EjD), and sexual quality of life
      (SQoL-M) were collected. We observed significant changes of the IIEF-15 in Group
      A (mean difference: 11.54; P < 0.05) at 3 months versus Group B (P < 0.05). PSV
      (P < 0.05), IIEF-intercourse satisfaction (P < 0.05), IIEF-orgasmic function
      (mean P < 0.05), IIEF-sexual desire (P < 0.05), IIEF-overall satisfaction (P <
      0.05), MSHQ-EjD (mean difference: 1.21; P < 0.05), and SQoL-M (mean difference:
      10.2; P < 0.05) were significantly changed in Group A versus baseline and Group
      B. Patients with moderate arterial dysfunction showed significant increase of PSV
      (P < 0.05), IIEF-EF (P < 0.05), MSHQ-EjD (P < 0.05), and SQoL-M (P < 0.05) in
      Group A. Therapy with Tradamix improves erectile and ejaculation function and
      sexual quality of life in patients with mild-moderate ED and in particular for
      those with moderate arterial dysfunction. 

PMID- 25136554
TI  - The different dose-volume effects of normal tissue complication probability using
      LASSO for acute small-bowel toxicity during radiotherapy in gynecological
      patients with or without prior abdominal surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model with
      least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to analyze dose-volume
      effects that influence the incidence of acute diarrhea among gynecological
      patients with/without prior abdominal surgery. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ninety-five
      patients receiving gynecologic radiotherapy (RT) were enrolled. The endpoint was
      defined as the grade 2(+) acute diarrhea toxicity during treatment. We obtained
      the range of small-bowel volume in V4 Gy to V40 Gy of dose. RESULTS: The number
      of patients experiencing grade 2(+) acute diarrhea toxicity was 23/61 (38%) in
      the group without abdominal surgery (group 0) and 17/34 (50%) patients with
      abdominal surgery (group 1). The most significant predictor was found for the
      logistic NTCP model with V16 Gy as the cutoff dose for group 0 and V40 Gy for
      group 1. Logistic regression NTCP model parameters were TV10 ~ 290 cc for V16 Gy
      and TV10 ~ 75 cc for V40 Gy, respectively. CONCLUSION: To keep the incidence of
      grade 2(+) acute small-bowel toxicity below 10%, we suggest that small-bowel
      volume above the prescription dose (V16 Gy) should be held to <290 cc for
      patients without abdominal surgery, and the prescription dose (V40 Gy) should be
      maintained <75 cc for patients with abdominal surgery.

PMID- 25136556
TI  - miRNA signature in mouse spermatogonial stem cells revealed by high-throughput
      sequencing.
AB  - Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) play fundamental roles in spermatogenesis.
      Although a handful of genes have been discovered as key regulators of SSC self
      renewal and differentiation, the regulatory network responsible for SSC function
      remains unclear. In particular, small RNA signatures during mouse spermatogenesis
      are not yet systematically investigated. Here, using next generation sequencing,
      we compared small RNA signatures of in vitro expanded SSCs, testis-derived
      somatic cells (Sertoli cells), developing germ cells, mouse embryonic stem cells
      (ESCs), and mouse mesenchymal stem cells among mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs)
      to address small RNA transition during mouse spermatogenesis. The results
      manifest that small RNA transition during mouse spermatogenesis displays overall
      declined expression profiles of miRNAs and endo-siRNAs, in parallel with elevated
      expression profiles of piRNAs, resulting in the normal biogenesis of sperms.
      Meanwhile, several novel miRNAs were preferentially expressed in mouse SSCs, and
      further investigation of their functional annotation will allow insights into the
      mechanisms involved in the regulation of SSC activities. We also demonstrated the
      similarity of miRNA signatures between SSCs and ESCs, thereby providing a new
      clue to understanding the molecular basis underlying the easy conversion of SSCs
      to ESCs. 

PMID- 25136558
TI  - Alteration of interictal brain activity in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
      in the left dominant hemisphere: a resting-state MEG study.
AB  - Resting MEG activities were compared between patients with left temporal lobe
      epilepsy (LTLE) and normal controls. Using SAMg2, the activities of MEG data were
      reconstructed and normalized. Significantly elevated SAMg2 signals were found in
      LTLE patients in the left temporal lobe and medial structures. Marked decreases
      of SAMg2 signals were found in the wide extratemporal lobe regions, such as the
      bilateral visual cortex. The study also demonstrated a positive correlation
      between the seizure frequency and brain activities of the abnormal regions after
      the multiple linear regression analysis. These results suggested that the
      aberrant brain activities not only were related to the epileptogenic zones, but
      also existed in other extratemporal regions in patients with LTLE. The activities
      of the aberrant regions could be further damaged with the increase of the seizure
      frequency. Our findings indicated that LTLE could be a multifocal disease,
      including complex epileptic networks and brain dysfunction networks. 

PMID- 25136555
TI  - Modelling cochlear mechanics.
AB  - The cochlea plays a crucial role in mammal hearing. The basic function of the
      cochlea is to map sounds of different frequencies onto corresponding
      characteristic positions on the basilar membrane (BM). Sounds enter the fluid
      filled cochlea and cause deflection of the BM due to pressure differences between
      the cochlear fluid chambers. These deflections travel along the cochlea,
      increasing in amplitude, until a frequency-dependent characteristic position and
      then decay away rapidly. The hair cells can detect these deflections and encode
      them as neural signals. Modelling the mechanics of the cochlea is of help in
      interpreting experimental observations and also can provide predictions of the
      results of experiments that cannot currently be performed due to technical
      limitations. This paper focuses on reviewing the numerical modelling of the
      mechanical and electrical processes in the cochlea, which include fluid coupling,
      micromechanics, the cochlear amplifier, nonlinearity, and electrical coupling. 

PMID- 25136559
TI  - Analysis of genotype 1b hepatitis C virus IRES in serum and peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells in patients treated with interferon and ribavirin.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) highly conserved IRES (internal ribosome entry site)
      sequence, localized within the 5(')-untranslated region (5(')UTR), may determine
      viral properties like replication efficiency and cell tropism. The aim of the
      present study was to characterize newly emerging 5(')UTR variants in serum and
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in chronic hepatitis C patients treated
      with interferon (IFN) and ribavirin and to identify their effect on IRES
      secondary structures. The study group consisted of 87 patients infected with
      genotype 1b from whom serum and PBMC samples were collected at 9 time points
      (before, during, and after treatment). New 5(')UTR variants developed in 9
      patients. Out of the overall 14 new variants, 9 (64%) were found in PBMC. HCV
      variants with decreased thermodynamic stability were identified only in PBMC and
      C183U mutation was the most common one in this compartment. In conclusion,
      antiviral treatment may favor emergence of new 5(')UTR variants both in blood and
      in PBMC compartments. However, variants developing in the latter compartment were
      predicted to have lower thermodynamic stability of the IRES secondary structures
      compared to serum strains. C-U change in position 183, which has not been
      described previously, might indicate viral adaptation to lymphoid cells. 

PMID- 25136557
TI  - Influence of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields on the circadian
      system: current stage of knowledge.
AB  - One of the side effects of each electrical device work is the electromagnetic
      field generated near its workplace. All organisms, including humans, are exposed
      daily to the influence of different types of this field, characterized by various
      physical parameters. Therefore, it is important to accurately determine the
      effects of an electromagnetic field on the physiological and pathological
      processes occurring in cells, tissues, and organs. Numerous epidemiological and
      experimental data suggest that the extremely low frequency magnetic field
      generated by electrical transmission lines and electrically powered devices and
      the high frequencies electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic devices have
      a potentially negative impact on the circadian system. On the other hand, several
      studies have found no influence of these fields on chronobiological parameters.
      According to the current state of knowledge, some previously proposed hypotheses,
      including one concerning the key role of melatonin secretion disruption in
      pathogenesis of electromagnetic field induced diseases, need to be revised. This
      paper reviews the data on the effect of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic
      fields on melatonin and cortisol rhythms-two major markers of the circadian
      system as well as on sleep. It also provides the basic information about the
      nature, classification, parameters, and sources of these fields. 

PMID- 25136560
TI  - Evaluation of the influence of formulation and process variables on mechanical
      properties of oral mucoadhesive films using multivariate data analysis.
AB  - Oral mucosa is an attractive region for the local and systemic application of
      many drugs. Oral mucoadhesive films are preferred for their prolonged time of
      residence, the improved bioavailability of the drug they contain, their painless
      application, their protection against lesions, and their nonirritating
      properties. This work was focused on preparation of nonmedicated carmellose-based
      films using both solvent casting and impregnation methods, respectively.
      Moreover, a modern approach to evaluation of mucoadhesive films applying analysis
      of texture and subsequent multivariate data analysis was used. In this
      experiment, puncture strength strongly correlated with tensile strength and could
      be used to obtain necessary information about the mechanical film characteristics
      in films prepared using both methods. Puncture work and tensile work were not
      correlated in films prepared using the solvent casting method, as increasing the
      amount of glycerol led to an increase in the puncture work in thinner films. All
      measured texture parameters in films prepared by impregnation were significantly
      smaller compared to films prepared by solvent casting. Moreover, a relationship
      between the amount of glycerol and film thickness was observed, and a greater
      recalculated tensile/puncture strength was needed for an increased thickness in
      films prepared by impregnation. 

PMID- 25136562
TI  - Estimates of the number of people living with HIV in Italy.
AB  - Objective. To estimate the HIV prevalence and the number of people living with
      HIV (PLHIV) in Italy with a projection for 2020. Methods. Two methods elaborated
      by Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) were used: Estimate and
      Projection Package and Spectrum. Results. A total of 123,000 (115,000-145,000)
      individuals aged 15 or more were estimated to be living with HIV in Italy at the
      end of 2012 and the estimated HIV prevalence was 0.28 (0.24-0.32) per 100
      residents aged 15 or more. In 2012, the estimated number of new HIV infections
      among adults was 3,000 (2,700-4,000), and the number of adults in need for ART
      was 93,000 (80,000-110,000). The projection estimates that 130,000 (110,000
      150,000) adults will live with HIV/AIDS in 2020 in Italy. Conclusion. Estimates
      of PLHIV in Italy stress the high number of PLHIV in need of care and treatment,
      as well as the need for more information and prevention campaigns. 

PMID- 25136561
TI  - Structural insight into the DNA-binding mode of the primosomal proteins PriA,
      PriB, and DnaT.
AB  - Replication restart primosome is a complex dynamic system that is essential for
      bacterial survival. This system uses various proteins to reinitiate chromosomal
      DNA replication to maintain genetic integrity after DNA damage. The replication
      restart primosome in Escherichia coli is composed of PriA helicase, PriB, PriC,
      DnaT, DnaC, DnaB helicase, and DnaG primase. The assembly of the protein
      complexes within the forked DNA responsible for reloading the replicative DnaB
      helicase anywhere on the chromosome for genome duplication requires the
      coordination of transient biomolecular interactions. Over the last decade,
      investigations on the structure and mechanism of these nucleoproteins have
      provided considerable insight into primosome assembly. In this review, we
      summarize and discuss our current knowledge and recent advances on the DNA
      binding mode of the primosomal proteins PriA, PriB, and DnaT. 

PMID- 25136564
TI  - Changes in biochemical characteristics and activities of ripening associated
      enzymes in mango fruit during the storage at different temperatures.
AB  - As a part of the study to explore the possible strategy for enhancing the shelf
      life of mango fruits, we investigated the changes in biochemical parameters and
      activities of ripening associated enzymes of Ashwina hybrid mangoes at 4-day
      regular intervals during storage at -10 degrees C, 4 degrees C, and 30 +/- 1
      degrees C. Titratable acidity, vitamin C, starch content, and reducing sugar were
      higher at unripe state and gradually decreased with the increasing of storage
      time at all storage temperatures while phenol content, total soluble solid, total
      sugar, and nonreducing sugar contents gradually increased. The activities of
      amylase, alpha-mannosidase, alpha-glucosidase, and invertase increased sharply
      within first few days and decreased significantly in the later stage of ripening
      at 30 +/- 1 degrees C. Meanwhile polyphenol oxidase, beta-galactosidase, and beta
      hexosaminidase predominantly increased significantly with the increasing days of
      storage till later stage of ripening. At -10 degrees C and 4 degrees C, the
      enzymes as well as carbohydrate contents of storage mango changed slightly up to
      4 days and thereafter the enzyme became fully dormant. The results indicated that
      increase in storage temperature and time correlated with changes in biochemical
      parameters and activities of glycosidases suggested the suppression of beta
      galactosidase and beta-hexosaminidase might enhance the shelf life of mango
      fruits. 

PMID- 25136563
TI  - Effects of parity and serum prolactin levels on the incidence and regression of
      DMBA-induced tumors in OFA hr/hr rats.
AB  - Prolactin (PRL) is a key player in the development of mammary cancer. We studied
      the effects of parity or hyperprolactinemia on mammary carcinogenesis in OFA
      hr/hr treated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene. They were divided into three
      groups: nulliparous (Null), primiparous (PL, after pregnancy and lactation), and
      hyperprolactinemic rats (I, implanted in the arcuate nucleus with 17beta
      estradiol). The tumor incidence was similar in the three groups. However, a
      higher percentage of regressing tumors was evident in the PL group. Serum PRL,
      mammary development, and mammary beta-casein content were higher in I rats
      compared to Null. The expression of hormone receptors was similar in the
      different groups. However, mammary tissue from PL rats bearing tumors had
      increased expression of PRL and estrogen alpha receptors compared to rats free of
      tumors. Our results suggest that serum PRL levels do not have relevance on the
      incidence of tumors, probably because the low levels of PRL in OFA rats are not
      further decreased by PL like in other strains. However, supraphysiological levels
      of PRL affect carcinogenesis. PL induces regression of the tumors due to the
      differentiation produced on the mammary cells. Alterations in the expression of
      hormonal receptors may be involved in progression and regression of tumors. 

PMID- 25136565
TI  - Recent advances in polyamine metabolism and abiotic stress tolerance.
AB  - Global warming is an alarming problem in agriculture and its effect on yield loss
      has been estimated to be five per cent for every degree centigrade rise in
      temperature. Plants exhibit multiple mechanisms like optimizing signaling
      pathway, involvement of secondary messengers, production of biomolecules
      specifically in response to stress, modulation of various metabolic networks in
      accordance with stress, and so forth, in order to overcome abiotic stress
      factors. Many structural genes and networks of pathway were identified and
      reported in plant systems for abiotic stress tolerance. One such crucial
      metabolic pathway that is involved in normal physiological function and also gets
      modulated during stress to impart tolerance is polyamine metabolic pathway.
      Besides the role of structural genes, it is also important to know the mechanism
      by which these structural genes are regulated during stress. Present review
      highlights polyamine biosynthesis, catabolism, and its role in abiotic stress
      tolerance with special reference to plant systems. Additionally, a system based
      approach is discussed as a potential strategy to dissect the existing variation
      in crop species in unraveling the interacting regulatory components/genetic
      determinants related to PAs mediated abiotic stress tolerance. 

PMID- 25136567
TI  - Cell death in human health and disease.

PMID- 25136566
TI  - Protective effect of ethanolic extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R. Br.
      against DEN and Fe NTA induced liver necrosis in Wistar Albino rats.
AB  - This study is an attempt to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of
      Tabernaemontana divaricata against DEN and Fe NTA induced liver necrosis in rats.
      Ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Tabernaemontana divaricata at doses of
      200 and 400 mg/kg body weight and 5-fluorouracil (standard drug) was orally
      administered to male Wistar Albino rats once daily for 24 weeks, simultaneously
      treated with the carcinogen DEN and Fe NTA. In simultaneously treated animals,
      the plant extract significantly decreased the levels of uric acid, bilirubin,
      AST, ALT, and ALP in serum and increased the levels of liver marker enzymes in
      liver. Treatment with the extracts resulted in a significant increase in the
      levels of antioxidants accompanied by a marked reduction in the levels of
      malondialdehyde when compared to DEN and Fe NTA treated group. When compared with
      200 mg/kg bw rats, 400 mg/kg bw rats and 5-fluorouracil treated rats showed
      better results in all the parameters. The histopathological studies confirmed the
      protective effects of extract against DEN and Fe NTA induced liver necrosis.
      Thus, it could be concluded that the use of Tabernaemontana divaricata extract in
      the treatment of carcinogen induced hepatic necrosis. 

PMID- 25136569
TI  - Effects of parathyroid hormone on calcium ions in rat bone marrow mesenchymal
      stem cells.
AB  - The present study was conducted in order to explore the mechanisms whereby
      parathyroid hormone (PTH) maintains in vitro proliferation of bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Bone marrow was isolated from Sprague Dawley (SD)
      rat femurs, cultured in vitro, and passaged using a cell adherent culture method.
      The BMSC proliferation was evaluated by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT)
      assay and the fluorescence intensity of calcium ions in BMSCs was analyzed by
      laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Our results show that BMSC
      proliferation in the experimental group treated with PTH was more significant
      than controls. The calcium ion fluorescence intensity in BMSCs was significantly
      higher for the experimental group as compared to the control group. For each
      group, there was significant difference in the fluorescence intensity of calcium
      ions in BMSCs between 7 d and 14 d. In conclusion, parathyroid hormone increased
      the fluorescence intensity of calcium ions in BMSCs, which might represent a key
      mechanism whereby BMSC proliferation is maintained. 

PMID- 25136568
TI  - Clinical applications of platelet-rich plasma in patellar tendinopathy.
AB  - Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a blood derivative with high concentrations of
      platelets, has been found to have high levels of autologous growth factors (GFs),
      such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), platelet-derived growth
      factor (PDGF), fibroblastic growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). These GFs and other biological
      active proteins of PRP can promote tissue healing through the regulation of
      fibrosis and angiogenesis. Moreover, PRP is considered to be safe due to its
      autologous nature and long-term usage without any reported major complications.
      Therefore, PRP therapy could be an option in treating overused tendon damage such
      as chronic tendinopathy. Here, we present a systematic review highlighting the
      clinical effectiveness of PRP injection therapy in patellar tendinopathy, which
      is a major cause of athletes to retire from their respective careers. 

PMID- 25136570
TI  - Effects of crude extracts from medicinal herbs Rhazya stricta and Zingiber
      officinale on growth and proliferation of human brain cancer cell line in vitro.
AB  - Hitherto, limited clinical impact has been achieved in the treatment of
      glioblastoma (GBMs). Although phytochemicals found in medicinal herbs can provide
      mankind with new therapeutic remedies, single agent intervention has failed to
      bring the expected outcome in clinical trials. Therefore, combinations of several
      agents at once are gaining increasing attractiveness. In the present study, we
      investigated the effects of crude alkaloid (CAERS) and flavonoid (CFEZO) extracts
      prepared from medicinal herbs, Rhazya stricta and Zingiber officinale,
      respectively, on the growth of human GBM cell line, U251. R. stricta and Z.
      officinale are traditionally used in folkloric medicine and have antioxidant,
      anticarcinogenic, and free radical scavenging properties. Combination of CAERS
      and CFEZO treatments synergistically suppressed proliferation and colony
      formation and effectively induced morphological and biochemical features of
      apoptosis in U251 cells. Apoptosis induction was mediated by release of
      mitochondrial cytochrome c, increased Bax : Bcl-2 ratio, enhanced activities of
      caspase-3 and -9, and PARP-1 cleavage. CAERS and CFEZO treatments decreased
      expression levels of nuclear NF-kappaBp65, survivin, XIAP, and cyclin D1 and
      increased expression level of p53, p21, and Noxa. These results suggest that
      combination of CAERS and CFEZO provides a useful foundation for studying and
      developing novel chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of GBM. 

PMID- 25136571
TI  - Recognition of 27-class protein folds by adding the interaction of segments and
      motif information.
AB  - The recognition of protein folds is an important step for the prediction of
      protein structure and function. After the recognition of 27-class protein folds
      in 2001 by Ding and Dubchak, prediction algorithms, prediction parameters, and
      new datasets for the prediction of protein folds have been improved. However, the
      influences of interactions from predicted secondary structure segments and motif
      information on protein folding have not been considered. Therefore, the
      recognition of 27-class protein folds with the interaction of segments and motif
      information is very important. Based on the 27-class folds dataset built by Liu
      et al., amino acid composition, the interactions of secondary structure segments,
      motif frequency, and predicted secondary structure information were extracted.
      Using the Random Forest algorithm and the ensemble classification strategy, 27
      class protein folds and corresponding structural classification were identified
      by independent test. The overall accuracy of the testing set and structural
      classification measured up to 78.38% and 92.55%, respectively. When the training
      set and testing set were combined, the overall accuracy by 5-fold cross
      validation was 81.16%. In order to compare with the results of previous
      researchers, the method above was tested on Ding and Dubchak's dataset which has
      been widely used by many previous researchers, and an improved overall accuracy
      70.24% was obtained. 

PMID- 25136572
TI  - High potential source for biomass degradation enzyme discovery and environmental
      aspects revealed through metagenomics of Indian buffalo rumen.
AB  - The complex microbiomes of the rumen functions as an effective system for plant
      cell wall degradation, and biomass utilization provide genetic resource for
      degrading microbial enzymes that could be used in the production of biofuel.
      Therefore the buffalo rumen microbiota was surveyed using shot gun sequencing.
      This metagenomic sequencing generated 3.9 GB of sequences and data were assembled
      into 137270 contiguous sequences (contigs). We identified potential 2614 contigs
      encoding biomass degrading enzymes including glycoside hydrolases (GH: 1943
      contigs), carbohydrate binding module (CBM: 23 contigs), glycosyl transferase
      (GT: 373 contigs), carbohydrate esterases (CE: 259 contigs), and polysaccharide
      lyases (PE: 16 contigs). The hierarchical clustering of buffalo metagenomes
      demonstrated the similarities and dissimilarity in microbial community structures
      and functional capacity. This demonstrates that buffalo rumen microbiome was
      considerably enriched in functional genes involved in polysaccharide degradation
      with great prospects to obtain new molecules that may be applied in the biofuel
      industry. 

PMID- 25136573
TI  - Designing peptide-based HIV vaccine for Chinese.
AB  - CD4+ T cells are central to the induction and maintenance of CD8+ T cell and
      antibody-producing B cell responses, and the latter are essential for the
      protection against disease in subjects with HIV infection. How to elicit HIV
      specific CD4+ T cell responses in a given population using vaccines is one of the
      major areas of current HIV vaccine research. To design vaccine that targets
      specifically Chinese, we assembled a database that is comprised of sequences from
      821 Chinese HIV isolates and 46 human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR alleles
      identified in Chinese population. We then predicted 20 potential HIV epitopes
      using bioinformatics approaches. The combination of these 20 epitopes has a
      theoretical coverage of 98.1% of the population for both the prevalent HIV
      genotypes and also Chinese HLA-DR types. We suggest that testing this vaccine
      experimentally will facilitate the development of a CD4+ T cell vaccine
      especially catered for Chinese. 

PMID- 25136574
TI  - Monte Carlo simulation of protein adsorption on energetically heterogeneous
      surfaces.
AB  - The modified triangular-well potential model was applied to incorporate the
      effect of surface energy on the adsorption of particles or proteins on
      energetically heterogeneous surfaces. The method is convenient in simulating the
      adsorption on heterogeneous surface of which different region possesses different
      free energy. Spherical particles with attractive forces were added on the surface
      and underwent surface diffusion before they were quenched in place. It was seen
      that the ratio of surface energies of two regions had to be greater than 10 in
      order to simulate the adsorption in which the particles were selectively adsorbed
      on a favorable area. At a fixed ratio of surface energies, the obtained
      structures were similar. If the ratio was less than 10, the probability of
      adsorption on any site on the surface was not much different so the adsorption
      would be homogeneous adsorption. The method, thus, could be applied widely to
      simulate the adsorption of various conditions. 

PMID- 25136577
TI  - Gender and family disparities in suicide attempt and role of socioeconomic,
      school, and health-related difficulties in early adolescence.
AB  - Suicide attempt (SA) is common in early adolescence and the risk may differ
      between boys and girls in nonintact families partly because of socioeconomic,
      school, and health-related difficulties. This study explored the gender and
      family disparities and the role of these covariates. Questionnaires were
      completed by 1,559 middle-school adolescents from north-eastern France including
      sex, age, socioeconomic factors (family structure, nationality, parents'
      education, father's occupation, family income, and social support), grade
      repetition, depressive symptoms, sustained violence, sexual abuse, unhealthy
      behaviors (tobacco/alcohol/cannabis/hard drug use), SA, and their first
      occurrence over adolescent's life course. Data were analyzed using Cox regression
      models. SA affected 12.5% of girls and 7.2% of boys (P < 0.001). The girls living
      with parents divorced/separated, in reconstructed families, and with single
      parents had a 3-fold higher SA risk than those living in intact families. Over
      63% of the risk was explained by socioeconomic, school, and health-related
      difficulties. No family disparities were observed among boys. Girls had a 1.74
      time higher SA risk than boys, and 45% of the risk was explained by
      socioeconomic, school, and mental difficulties and violence. SA prevention should
      be performed in early adolescence and consider gender and family differences and
      the role of socioeconomic, school, and health-related difficulties. 

PMID- 25136576
TI  - Novel hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase gene mutations in Saudi
      Arabian hyperuricemia patients.
AB  - Over the past decade, a steady increase in the incidence of HPRT-related
      hyperuricemia (HRH) has been observed in Saudi Arabia. We examined all the nine
      exons of HPRT gene for mutations in ten biochemically confirmed hyperuricemia
      patients, including one female and three normal controls. In all, we identified
      13 novel mutations in Saudi Arabian HPRT-related hyperuricemia patients
      manifesting different levels of uric acid. The Lys103Met alteration was highly
      recurrent and was observed in 50% of the cases, while Ala160Thr and Lys158Asn
      substitutions were found in two patients. Moreover, in 70% of the patients >=2
      mutations were detected concurrently in the HPRT gene. Interestingly, one of the
      patients that harbored Lys103Met substitution along with two frameshift mutations
      at codons 85 and 160 resulting in shortened protein demonstrated unusually high
      serum uric acid level of 738 MUmol/L. Two of the seven point mutations that
      resulted in amino acid change (Lys103Met and Val160Gly) were predicted to be
      damaging by SIFT and Polyphen and were further analyzed for their protein
      stability and function by molecular dynamics simulation. The identified novel
      mutations in the HPRT gene may prove useful in the prenatal diagnosis and genetic
      counseling. 

PMID- 25136575
TI  - Vagus nerve through alpha7 nAChR modulates lung infection and inflammation:
      models, cells, and signals.
AB  - Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) bridges immune and nervous systems
      and plays pleiotropic roles in modulating inflammation in animal models by
      targeting different immune, proinflammatory, epithelial, endothelial, stem, and
      progenitor cells and signaling pathways. Acute lung injury (ALI) is a devastating
      inflammatory disease. It is pathogenically heterogeneous and involves many cells
      and signaling pathways. Here, we emphasized the research regarding the modulatory
      effects of CAP on animal models, cell population, and signaling pathways that
      involved in the pathogenesis of ALI. By comparing the differential effects of CAP
      on systemic and pulmonary inflammation, we postulated that a pulmonary
      parasympathetic inflammatory reflex is formed to sense and respond to pathogens
      in the lung. Work targeting the formation and function of pulmonary
      parasympathetic inflammatory reflex would extend our understanding of how vagus
      nerve senses, recognizes, and fights with pathogens and inflammatory responses. 

PMID- 25136578
TI  - Potassium channel ether a go-go1 is aberrantly expressed in human liposarcoma and
      promotes tumorigenesis.
AB  - The ether a go-go1 (Eag1) channel is overexpressed in a variety of cancers.
      However, the expression and function of Eag1 in liposarcoma are poorly
      understood. In the present study, the mRNA expression of Eag1 in different
      adipose tissue samples was examined by real-time PCR. Then, the protein
      expression of Eag1 in 131 different adipose tissues from 109 patients was
      detected by immunohistochemistry. Next, the associations between Eag1 expression
      and clinicopathological features of liposarcoma were analyzed. In addition, the
      effects of Eag1 on liposarcoma cell proliferation and cycle were evaluated by CCK
      8, colony formation, xenograft mouse model, and flow cytometry, respectively.
      Finally, the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was
      detected by Western blot analysis to explain the detailed mechanisms of oncogenic
      potential of Eag1 in liposarcoma. It was found that Eag1 was aberrantly expressed
      in over 67% liposarcomas, with a higher frequency than in lipoma, hyperplasia,
      inflammation, and normal adipose tissues. However, Eag1 expression was not
      correlated with clinicopathological features of liposarcoma. Eag1 inhibitor
      imipramine or Eag1-shRNA significantly suppressed the proliferation of
      liposarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo, accompanying with accumulation of cells
      in the G1 phase. These results suggest that Eag1 plays an important role in
      regulating the proliferation and cell cycle of liposarcoma cells and might be a
      potential therapeutic target for liposarcoma. 

PMID- 25136579
TI  - Management of poor responders in IVF: is there anything new?
AB  - Despite the fact that in the last two decades an enormous number of papers on the
      topic of poor ovarian response have been published in the literature, so far it
      has been impossible to identify any efficient treatment to improve the ovarian
      response and the clinical outcome of this group of patients. The incidence of
      poor ovarian responders among infertile women has been estimated at 9-24% but
      according to recent reviews, it seems to have slightly increased. The limitation
      in quantifying the incidence of these patients among the infertile population is
      due to the difficulty of a clear definition in literature. A recent paper by the
      Bologna ESHRE working group on poor ovarian response has been the first real
      attempt to find a common definition. Current literature proposes new risk factors
      which could be the cause of a reduction in ovarian reserve, which also includes
      genetic factors. This represents the first necessary step towards finding
      applicable solutions for these patients. To date, there is a substantial lack of
      literature that identifies an ideal protocol for these patients. The use of the
      "Bologna criteria" and the introduction of long acting gonadotropin in clinical
      practice have given rise to new promising stimulation protocols for this group of
      patients. 

PMID- 25136581
TI  - High molecular weight proteins of Trypanosoma cruzi reduce cross-reaction with
      Leishmania spp. in serological diagnosis tests.
AB  - Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Because of its
      distribution throughout Latin America, sometimes it can overlap with other
      parasitic diseases, such as leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania spp. This might
      represent a problem when performing serological diagnosis, because both parasites
      share antigens, resulting in cross-reactions. In the present work we evaluated
      Mexican sera samples: 83.8% of chagasic patients recognized at least one antigen
      of high molecular weight (>95 kDa) when evaluated by Western blot. Proteins of
      130 kDa and 160 kDa are predominantly being recognized by asymptomatic chagasic
      patients. When the proteins were extracted using Triton X-100 detergent, a larger
      number of specific T. cruzi proteins were obtained. This protein fraction can be
      used to increase specificity to 100% in Western blot assays without losing
      sensitivity of the test. High molecular weight proteins of T. cruzi include
      glycoproteins with a great amount of alphaMan (alpha-mannose), alphaGlc (alpha
      glucose), GlcNAc (N-acetylglucosamine), and alphaGal (alpha-galactose) content
      and these structures play an essential role in antigens recognition by antibodies
      present in patients' sera. 

PMID- 25136580
TI  - The study of fetal rat model of intra-amniotic isoproterenol injection induced
      heart dysfunction and phenotypic switch of contractile proteins.
AB  - To establish a reliable isoproterenol induced heart dysfunction fetal rat model
      and understand the switches of contractile proteins, 45 pregnant rats were
      divided into 15 mg/kg-once, 15 mg/kg-twice, sham-operated once, sham-operated
      twice, and control groups. And 18 adult rats were divided into isoproterenol
      treated and control groups. H&E staining, Masson staining, and transmission
      electron microscope were performed. Apoptotic rate assessed by TUNEL analysis and
      expressions of ANP, BNP, MMP-2, and CTGF of hearts were measured. Intra-amniotic
      injections of isoproterenol were supplied on E14.5 and E15.5 for fetuses and 7
      day continuous intraperitoneal injections were performed for adults. Then
      echocardiography was performed with M-mode view assessment on E18.5 and 6 weeks
      later, respectively. Isoproterenol twice treated fetuses exhibited significant
      changes in histological evaluation, and mitochondrial damages were significantly
      severe with increased apoptotic rate. ANP and BNP increased and that of MMP-2
      increased in isoproterenol twice treated group compared to control group, without
      CTGF. The isoforms transition of troponin I and myosin heavy chain of fetal heart
      dysfunction were opposite to adult procedure. The administration of intra
      amniotic isoproterenol to fetal rats could induce heart dysfunction and the
      regulation of contractile proteins of fetuses was different from adult procedure.

PMID- 25136582
TI  - Proton-based stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in early-stage non-small-cell
      lung cancer.
AB  - Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), a recent implementation in the
      practice of radiation oncology, has been shown to confer high rates of local
      control in the treatment of early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This
      technique, which involves limited invasive procedures and reduced treatment
      intervals, offers definitive treatment for patients unable or unwilling to
      undergo an operation. The use of protons in SABR delivery confers the added
      physical advantage of normal tissue sparing due to the absence of collateral
      radiation dose delivered to regions distal to the target. This may translate into
      clinical benefit and a decreased risk of clinical toxicity in patients with
      nearby critical structures or limited pulmonary reserve. In this review, we
      present the rationale for proton-based SABR, principles relating to the delivery
      and planning of this modality, and a summary of published clinical studies. 

PMID- 25136583
TI  - Rho GTPase-activating protein 35 rs1052667 polymorphism and osteosarcoma risk and
      prognosis.
AB  - The Rho GTPase-activating protein 35 (ARHGAP35), an important Rho family GTPase
      activating protein, may be associated with tumorigenesis of some tumors. Here, we
      investigated the relationship between an important polymorphic variant at 3'-UTR
      of this gene (rs1052667) and osteosarcoma risk and prognosis. This hospital-based
      case-control study, including 247 osteosarcoma patients and 428 age-, sex-, and
      race-matched healthy controls, was conducted in Guangxi population. Genotypes
      were tested using TaqMan PCR technique. We found a significant difference in the
      frequency of rs1052667 genotypes between cases and controls. Compared with the
      homozygote of rs1052667 C alleles (rs1052667-CC), the genotypes with rs1052667 T
      alleles (namely, rs1052667-CT or -TT) increased osteosarcoma risk (odds ratios:
      2.41 and 7.35, resp.). Moreover, rs1052667 polymorphism was correlated with such
      pathological features of osteosarcoma as tumor size, tumor grade, and tumor
      metastasis. Additionally, this polymorphism also modified the overall survival
      and recurrence-free survival of osteosarcoma cases. Like tumor grade, ARHGAP35
      rs1052667 polymorphism was an independent prognostic factor influencing the
      survival of osteosarcoma. These results suggest that ARHGAP35 rs1052667
      polymorphism may be associated with osteosarcoma risk and prognosis. 

PMID- 25136584
TI  - Effect of exercise intensity on isoform-specific expressions of NT-PGC-1 alpha
      mRNA in mouse skeletal muscle.
AB  - PGC-1alpha is an inducible transcriptional coactivator that regulates
      mitochondrial biogenesis and cellular energy metabolism in skeletal muscle.
      Recent studies have identified two additional PGC-1alpha transcripts that are
      derived from an alternative exon 1 (exon 1b) and induced by exercise. Given that
      the PGC-1alpha gene also produces NT-PGC-1alpha transcript by alternative 3(')
      splicing between exon 6 and exon 7, we have investigated isoform-specific
      expression of NT-PGC-1alpha mRNA in mouse skeletal muscle during physical
      exercise with different intensities. We report here that NT-PGC-1alpha-a mRNA
      expression derived from a canonical exon 1 (exon 1a) is increased by high
      intensity exercise and AMPK activator AICAR in mouse skeletal muscle but not
      altered by low- and medium-intensity exercise and beta 2-adrenergic receptor
      agonist clenbuterol. In contrast, the alternative exon 1b-driven NT-PGC-1alpha-b
      (PGC-1alpha4) and NT-PGC-1alpha-c are highly induced by low-, medium-, and high
      intensity exercise, AICAR, and clenbuterol. Ectopic expression of NT-PGC-1alpha-a
      in C2C12 myotube cells upregulates myosin heavy chain (MHC I, MHC II a) and
      Glut4, which represent oxidative fibers, and promotes the expression of
      mitochondrial genes (Cyc1, COX5B, and ATP5B). In line with gene expression data,
      citrate synthase activity was significantly increased by NT-PGC-1alpha-a in C2C12
      myotube cells. Our results indicate the regulatory role for NT-PGC-1alpha-a in
      mitochondrial biogenesis and adaptation of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise.

PMID- 25136586
TI  - New drugs on the Internet: the case of Camfetamine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) advertised for sale
      online is constantly increasing and it has become a phenomenon of global concern.
      Among NPS, Camfetamine has been rediscovered as recreational drug in 2011. Very
      little information is still available in the scientific literature on its nature
      and potential health risks. METHODS: Data in scientific literature were
      integrated with a multilingual qualitative assessment of a range of online
      resources over the period of 32 months (May 2011-January 2014). RESULTS: N-Methyl
      3-phenyl-norbornan-2-amine (Camfetamine) may act as an indirect dopaminergic
      agonist in the central nervous system and may have mild-moderate opioid activity
      too. There are no current epidemiological data about recreational use of
      Camfetamine; our research shows that it is indeed used especially by individuals
      with a history of recreational polydrug misuse. It facilitates mental alertness,
      induces relaxation, and, unlike many other stimulants, seems not to be associated
      with severe physical effects. Valid causes for concern issued in our research may
      be Camfetamine intravenous or intramuscular administration as well as its use in
      conjunction with other psychoactive substances. CONCLUSIONS: It is here
      highlighted that more large-scale studies need to be carried out to confirm and
      better describe both the extent of Camfetamine misuse and possible
      psychotropic/adverse effects.

PMID- 25136587
TI  - Diversity and enzymatic profiling of halotolerant micromycetes from Sebkha El
      Melah, a Saharan salt flat in southern Tunisia.
AB  - Twenty-one moderately halotolerant fungi have been isolated from sample ashes
      collected from Sebkha El Melah, a Saharan salt flat located in southern Tunisia.
      Based on morphology and sequence inference from the internal transcribed spacer
      regions, 28S rRNA gene and other specific genes such as beta-tubulin, actin,
      calmodulin, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, the isolates were found
      to be distributed over 15 taxa belonging to 6 genera of Ascomycetes: Cladosporium
      (n = 3), Alternaria (n = 4), Aspergillus (n = 3), Penicillium (n = 5), Ulocladium
      (n = 2), and Engyodontium (n = 2). Their tolerance to different concentrations of
      salt in solid and liquid media was examined. Excepting Cladosporium
      cladosporioides JA18, all isolates were considered as alkali-halotolerant since
      they were able to grow in media containing 10% of salt with an initial pH 10. All
      isolates were resistant to oxidative stresses and low temperature whereas 5
      strains belonging to Alternaria, Ulocladium, and Aspergillus genera were able to
      grow at 45 degrees C. The screening of fungal strains for sets of enzyme
      production, namely, cellulase (CMCase), amylase, protease, lipase, and laccase,
      in presence of 10% NaCl, showed a variety of extracellular hydrolytic and
      oxidative profiles. Protease was the most abundant enzyme produced whereas
      laccase producers were members of the genus Cladosporium. 

PMID- 25136585
TI  - Roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction in
      hypertension.
AB  - Hypertension is a complex condition and is the most common cardiovascular risk
      factor, contributing to widespread morbidity and mortality. Approximately 90% of
      hypertension cases are classified as essential hypertension, where the precise
      cause is unknown. Hypertension is associated with inflammation; however, whether
      inflammation is a cause or effect of hypertension is not well understood. The
      purpose of this review is to describe evidence from human and animal studies that
      inflammation leads to the development of hypertension, as well as the evidence
      for involvement of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction--both thought to
      be key steps in the development of hypertension. Other potential proinflammatory
      conditions that contribute to hypertension-such as activation of the sympathetic
      nervous system, aging, and elevated aldosterone--are also discussed. Finally, we
      consider the potential benefit of anti-inflammatory drugs and statins for
      antihypertensive therapy. The evidence reviewed suggests that inflammation can
      lead to the development of hypertension and that oxidative stress and endothelial
      dysfunction are involved in the inflammatory cascade. Aging and aldosterone may
      also both be involved in inflammation and hypertension. Hence, in the absence of
      serious side effects, anti-inflammatory drugs could potentially be used to treat
      hypertension in the future.

PMID- 25136588
TI  - Expression and clinical significance of the autophagy proteins BECLIN 1 and LC3
      in ovarian cancer.
AB  - Autophagy is dysregulated in cancer and might be involved in ovarian
      carcinogenesis. BECLIN-1, a protein that interacts with either BCL-2 or PI3k
      class III, plays a critical role in the regulation of both autophagy and cell
      death. Induction of autophagy is associated with the presence of vacuoles
      characteristically labelled with the protein LC3. We have studied the biological
      and clinical significance of BECLIN 1 and LC3 in ovary tumours of different
      histological types. The positive expression of BECLIN 1 was well correlated with
      the presence of LC3-positive autophagic vacuoles and was inversely correlated
      with the expression of BCL-2. The latter inhibits the autophagy function of
      BECLIN 1. We found that type I tumours, which are less aggressive than type II,
      were more frequently expressing high level of BECLIN 1. Of note, tumours of
      histologic grade III expressed low level of BECLIN 1. Consistently, high level of
      expression of BECLIN 1 and LC3 in tumours is well correlated with the overall
      survival of the patients. The present data are compatible with the hypotheses
      that a low level of autophagy favours cancer progression and that ovary cancer
      with upregulated autophagy has a less aggressive behaviour and is more responsive
      to chemotherapy. 

PMID- 25136589
TI  - Event-specific risk factors predicting episodes of unprotected anal intercourse
      with male nonregular partners among men who have sex with men using case
      crossover study design.
AB  - This study investigated event-specific factors that determine episodes of
      unprotected and protected anal intercourse (UAI and PAI) among 215 men who have
      sex with men (MSM), who used condoms inconsistently with nonregular partners
      (NRP) in the last six months, in Hong Kong. A case-crossover study design was
      used. Lower likelihood of episodes involving UAI with NRP was associated with (1)
      five partner attributes (NRP were <35 years old, at least three previous anal sex
      experiences with the NRP, perception that participant and the NRP had
      asymmetrical sexual experience, perception that the NRP was feminine, and liking
      toward the NRP; OR = 0.16-0.52), (2) six situational variables (the participant
      having had UAI with another man in the last week, having discussed condom use,
      perception that the NRP liked to use condom, partner's suggestion to have PAI,
      participant's suggestion to have PAI, and participant's plan to use condoms; OR =
      0.11-0.39), and (3) four environmental/setting variables (condoms already placed
      at the venue, display of condom use promotion materials, participant's possession
      of a condom, and the NRP possessed a condom; OR = 0.27-0.45). HIV prevention
      targeting MSM should focus on event-specific protective factors, which may be
      different from those obtained from studies distinguishing condom users versus
      nonusers. 

PMID- 25136590
TI  - Methylamine-sensitive amperometric biosensor based on (His)6-tagged Hansenula
      polymorpha methylamine oxidase immobilized on the gold nanoparticles.
AB  - A novel methylamine-selective amperometric bienzyme biosensor based on
      recombinant primary amine oxidase isolated from the recombinant yeast strain
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae and commercial horseradish peroxidase is described. Two
      amine oxidase preparations were used: free enzyme (AMO) and covalently
      immobilized on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AMO-nAu). Some bioanalytical
      parameters (sensitivity, selectivity, and storage stability) of the developed
      biosensors were investigated. The sensitivity for both sensors is high: 1450 +/-
      113 and 700 +/- 30 A(-1) .M(-1) .m(-2) for AMO-nAu biosensor, respectively. The
      biosensors exhibit the linear range from 15 MUM to 150 MUM (AMO-nAu) and from 15
      MUM to 60 MUM (AMO). The developed biosensor demonstrated a good selectivity
      toward methylamine (MA) (signal for dimethylamine and trimethylamine is less than
      5% and for ethylamine 15% compared to MA output) and reveals a satisfactory
      storage stability. The constructed amperometric biosensor was used for MA assay
      in real samples of fish products in comparison with chemical method. The values
      obtained with both approaches different methods demonstrated a high correlation. 

PMID- 25136591
TI  - The effect of Babesia divergens infection on the spleen of Mongolian gerbils.
AB  - Babesiosis is caused by intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites transmitted by
      ticks and affects a wide range of domestic and wild animals and occasionally
      humans. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of B. divergens
      infected erythrocytes on spleen histopathology, cell cycle alteration, and the
      presence of oxidative stress. Mongolian gerbils were challenged with 5 * 10(6) 
      Babesia divergens infected erythrocytes. Parasitemia reached approximately 77% at
      day 5 postinfection. Infection also induced injury of the spleen. This was
      evidenced with (i) increases in cellular damage of the spleen, (ii) decrease in
      antioxidant capacity as indicated by decreased glutathione, catalase, and
      superoxide dismutase levels, (iii) increased production of malondialdehyde and
      nitric oxide derived products (nitrite/nitrate), and (iv) increased lactic acid
      dehydrogenase activity and protein carbonyl content in the spleen. Infection
      interfered with normal cell cycle of the spleen cells at G0/G1, S, and G2/M
      phases. On the basis of the above results it can be hypothesized that B.
      divergens infected erythrocytes could alter the spleen histopathology and cause
      cell cycle alteration and induce oxidative stress in splenic tissue. 

PMID- 25136592
TI  - Automated synthesis of 18F-fluoropropoxytryptophan for amino acid transporter
      system imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was to develop a cGMP grade of
      [(18)F]fluoropropoxytryptophan ((18)F-FTP) to assess tryptophan transporters
      using an automated synthesizer. METHODS: Tosylpropoxytryptophan (Ts-TP) was
      reacted with K(18)F/kryptofix complex. After column purification, solvent
      evaporation, and hydrolysis, the identity and purity of the product were
      validated by radio-TLC (1M-ammonium acetate : methanol = 4 : 1) and HPLC (C-18
      column, methanol : water = 7 : 3) analyses. In vitro cellular uptake of (18)F-FTP
      and (18)F-FDG was performed in human prostate cancer cells. PET imaging studies
      were performed with (18)F-FTP and (18)F-FDG in prostate and small cell lung tumor
      bearing mice (3.7 MBq/mouse, iv). RESULTS: Radio-TLC and HPLC analyses of (18)F
      FTP showed that the Rf and Rt values were 0.9 and 9 min, respectively.
      Radiochemical purity was >99%. The radiochemical yield was 37.7% (EOS 90 min,
      decay corrected). Cellular uptake of (18)F-FTP and (18)F-FDG showed enhanced
      uptake as a function of incubation time. PET imaging studies showed that (18)F
      FTP had less tumor uptake than (18)F-FDG in prostate cancer model. However, (18)F
      FTP had more uptake than (18)F-FDG in small cell lung cancer model. CONCLUSION:
      (18)F-FTP could be synthesized with high radiochemical yield. Assessment of
      upregulated transporters activity by (18)F-FTP may provide potential applications
      in differential diagnosis and prediction of early treatment response.

PMID- 25136594
TI  - Genetic testing in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer using massive parallel
      sequencing.
AB  - High throughput methods such as next generation sequencing are increasingly used
      in molecular diagnosis. The aim of this study was to develop a workflow for the
      detection of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations using massive parallel sequencing in a 454
      GS Junior bench top sequencer. Our approach was first validated in a panel of 23
      patients containing 62 unique variants that had been previously Sanger sequenced.
      Subsequently, 101 patients with familial breast and ovarian cancer were studied.
      BRCA1 and BRCA2 exon enrichment has been performed by PCR amplification using the
      BRCA MASTR kit (Multiplicom). Bioinformatic analysis of reads is performed with
      the AVA software v2.7 (Roche). In total, all 62 variants were detected resulting
      in a sensitivity of 100%. 71 false positives were called resulting in a
      specificity of 97.35%. All of them correspond to deletions located in
      homopolymeric stretches. The analysis of the homopolymers stretches of 6 bp or
      longer using the BRCA HP kit (Multiplicom) increased the specificity of the
      detection of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations to 99.99%. We show here that massive
      parallel pyrosequencing can be used as a diagnostic strategy to test for BRCA1
      and BRCA2 mutations meeting very stringent sensitivity and specificity parameters
      replacing traditional Sanger sequencing with a lower cost. 

PMID- 25136595
TI  - Effect of glass fiber incorporation on flexural properties of experimental
      composites.
AB  - This study evaluated the effect of fiber addiction in flexural properties of 30
      wt% silica filled BisGMA resin (FR) or unfilled Bis-GMA (UR). Ten groups were
      created (N = 10) varying the resin (FR or UR) and quantity of glass fibers (wt%:
      0, 10, 15, 20, and 30). Samples (10 * 2 * 1 mm) were submitted to flexural
      strength test following SEM examination. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA,
      Tukey, and Student t-test (alpha = 0.05). Results for flexural strength (MPa)
      were FR-groups: 0% (442.7 +/- 140.6)(C), 10% (772.8 +/- 446.3)(ABC), 15% (854.7
      +/- 297.3)(AB), 20% (863.4 +/- 418.0)(A), 30% (459.5 +/- 140.5)(BC); UR-groups:
      0% (187.7 +/- 120.3)(B), 10% (795.4 +/- 688.1)(B), 15% (1999.9 +/- 1258.6)(A),
      20% (1911.5 +/- 596.8)(A), and 30% (2090.6 +/- 656.7)(A), and for flexural
      modulus (GPa) FR-groups: 0% (2065.63 +/- 882.15)(B), 10% (4479.06 +/-
      3019.82)(AB), 15% (5694.89 +/- 2790.3)(A), 20% (6042.11 +/- 3392.13)(A), and 30%
      (2495.67 +/- 1345.86)(B); UR-groups: 0% (1090.08 +/- 708.81)(C), 10% (7032.13 +/-
      7864.53)(BC), 15% (19331.57 +/- 16759.12)(AB), 20% (15726.03 +/- 8035.09)(AB),
      and 30% (29364.37 +/- 13928.96)(A). Fiber addiction in BisGMA resin increases
      flexural properties, and the interaction between resin and fibers seems better in
      the absence of inorganic fillers increasing flexural properties. 

PMID- 25136593
TI  - Microenvironment, oncoantigens, and antitumor vaccination: lessons learned from
      BALB-neuT mice.
AB  - The tyrosine kinase human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene is
      amplified in approximately 20% of human breast cancers and is associated with an
      aggressive clinical course and the early development of metastasis. Its crucial
      role in tumor growth and progression makes HER2 a prototypic oncoantigen, the
      targeting of which may be critical for the development of effective anticancer
      therapies. The setup of anti-HER2 targeting strategies has revolutionized the
      clinical outcome of HER2(+) breast cancer. However, their initial success has
      been overshadowed by the onset of pharmacological resistance that renders them
      ineffective. Since the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in drug
      resistance, the design of more effective anticancer therapies should depend on
      the targeting of both cancer cells and their TME as a whole. In this review,
      starting from the successful know-how obtained with a HER2(+) mouse model of
      mammary carcinogenesis, the BALB-neuT mice, we discuss the role of TME in mammary
      tumor development. Indeed, a deeper knowledge of antigens critical for cancer
      outbreak and progression and of the mechanisms that regulate the interplay
      between cancer and stromal cell populations could advise promising ways for the
      development of the best anticancer strategy. 

PMID- 25136597
TI  - Management of the bleeding patient receiving new oral anticoagulants: a role for
      prothrombin complex concentrates.
AB  - Ease of dosing and simplicity of monitoring make new oral anticoagulants an
      attractive therapy in a growing range of clinical conditions. However, newer oral
      anticoagulants interact with the coagulation cascade in different ways than
      traditional warfarin therapy. Replacement of clotting factors will not reverse
      the effects of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban. Currently, antidotes for
      these drugs are not widely available. Fortunately, withholding the anticoagulant
      and dialysis are freqnently effective treatments, particularly with rivaroxaban
      and dabigatran. Emergent bleeding, however, requires utilization of Prothrombin
      Complex Concentrates (PCCs). PCCs, in addition to recombinant factor VIIa, are
      used to activate the clotting system to reverse the effects of the new oral
      anticoagulants. In cases of refractory or emergent bleeding, the recommended
      factor concentrate in our protocols differs between the new oral anticoagulants.
      In patients taking dabigatran, we administer an activated PCC (aPCC) [FELBA] due
      to reported benefit in human in vitro studies. Based on human clinical trial
      evidence, the 4-factor PCC (Kcentra) is suggested for patients with refractory
      rivaroxaban- or apixaban-associated hemorrhage. If bleeding continues,
      recombinant factor VIIa may be employed. With all of these new procoagulant
      agents, the risk of thrombosis associated with administration of factor
      concentrates must be weighed against the relative risk of hemorrhage. 

PMID- 25136596
TI  - Synergistic effects of toxic elements on heat shock proteins.
AB  - Heat shock proteins show remarkable variations in their expression levels under a
      variety of toxic conditions. A research span expanded over five decades has
      revealed their molecular characterization, gene regulation, expression patterns,
      vast similarity in diverse groups, and broad range of functional capabilities.
      Their functions include protection and tolerance against cytotoxic conditions
      through their molecular chaperoning activity, maintaining cytoskeleton stability,
      and assisting in cell signaling. However, their role as biomarkers for monitoring
      the environmental risk assessment is controversial due to a number of
      conflicting, validating, and nonvalidating reports. The current knowledge
      regarding the interpretation of HSPs expression levels has been discussed in the
      present review. The candidature of heat shock proteins as biomarkers of toxicity
      is thus far unreliable due to synergistic effects of toxicants and other
      environmental factors. The adoption of heat shock proteins as "suit of biomarkers
      in a set of organisms" requires further investigation. 

PMID- 25136598
TI  - Hox transcription factors: modulators of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix
      adhesion.
AB  - Hox genes encode homeodomain-containing transcription factors that determine cell
      and tissue identities in the embryo during development. Hox genes are also
      expressed in various adult tissues and cancer cells. In Drosophila, expression of
      cell adhesion molecules, cadherins and integrins, is regulated by Hox proteins
      operating in hierarchical molecular pathways and plays a crucial role in segment
      specific organogenesis. A number of studies using mammalian cultured cells have
      revealed that cell adhesion molecules responsible for cell-cell and cell
      extracellular matrix interactions are downstream targets of Hox proteins.
      However, whether Hox transcription factors regulate expression of cell adhesion
      molecules during vertebrate development is still not fully understood. In this
      review, the potential roles Hox proteins play in cell adhesion and migration
      during vertebrate body patterning are discussed. 

PMID- 25136599
TI  - Recombinant lysostaphin protects mice from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus pneumonia.
AB  - The advent of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the frequent
      and excessive abuse of ventilators have made MRSA pneumonia an inordinate threat
      to human health. Appropriate antibacterial therapies are crucial, including the
      use of lysostaphin as an alternative to antibiotics. To explore the potential use
      of lysostaphin as a therapeutic agent for MRSA pneumonia, mice were intranasally
      infected with MRSA and then treated with recombinant lysostaphin (rLys; 45 mg/kg
      in the high-dose group and 1 mg/kg in the low-dose group) (0.33 mg/mL, 15 mg/mL),
      vancomycin (120 mg/kg) (40 mg/mL), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, negative
      control) 4 h after infection. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by mouse
      survival, lung histopathology, bacterial density in the lungs, bodyweight, lung
      weight, temperature, white blood cells counts, lymphocytes counts, granulocytes
      counts, and monocytes counts. The mice treated with rLys showed lower mortality,
      less lung parenchymal damage, and lower bacterial density at metastatic tissue
      sites than mice treated with PBS or vancomycin. The overall mortality was 100%,
      60%, 40%, and 60% for the control, vancomycin, high-dose rLys, and low-dose rLys
      groups, respectively. These findings indicate that, as a therapeutic agent for
      MRSA pneumonia, lysostaphin exerts profound protective effects in mice against
      the morbidity and mortality associated with S. aureus pneumonia. 

PMID- 25136600
TI  - Total bolus extraction method improves arterial image quality in dynamic CTAs
      derived from whole-brain CTP data.
AB  - Background and Purposes. The 320-detector row CT scanner enables visualization of
      whole-brain hemodynamic information (dynamic CT angiography (CTA) derived from CT
      perfusion scans). However, arterial image quality in dynamic CTA (dCTA) is
      inferior to arterial image quality in standard CTA. This study evaluates whether
      the arterial image quality can be improved by using a total bolus extraction
      (ToBE) method. Materials and Methods. DCTAs of 15 patients, who presented with
      signs of acute cerebral ischemia, were derived from 320-slice CT perfusion scans
      using both the standard subtraction method and the proposed ToBE method. Two
      neurointerventionalists blinded to the scan type scored the arterial image
      quality on a 5-point scale in the 4D dCTAs in consensus. Arteries were divided
      into four categories: (I) large extradural, (II) intradural (large, medium, and
      small), (III) communicating arteries, and (IV) cerebellar and ophthalmic
      arteries. Results. Quality of extradural and intradural arteries was
      significantly higher in the ToBE dCTAs than in the standard dCTAs (extradural P =
      0.001, large intradural P < 0.001, medium intradural P < 0.001, and small
      intradural P < 0.001). Conclusion. The 4D dCTAs derived with the total bolus
      extraction (ToBE) method provide hemodynamic information combined with improved
      arterial image quality as compared to standard 4D dCTAs. 

PMID- 25136601
TI  - Immune response, safety, and survival and quality of life outcomes for advanced
      colorectal cancer patients treated with dendritic cell vaccine and cytokine
      induced killer cell therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the immune response after dendritic cell (DC) vaccine and
      cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK) therapy and assess its associated toxicity,
      survival benefit, and changes in the quality of life (QOL) of advanced colorectal
      cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS: We recruited 100 patients with unresectable CRC
      orrelapsed CRC after surgery who received DC vaccine and CIK cells (group
      immunotherapy, group I), and, as a control, 251 patients who had similar
      characteristics and underwent similar treatments, except for this immunotherapy
      (group nonimmunotherapy, group NI). After a follow-up period of 489.2 +/- 160.4
      days, overall survival (OS) of the two groups was compared using the Kaplan-Meier
      method. RESULTS: In group I, 62% of patients developed a positive delayed type
      hypersensitivity response, and most patients showed an improvement in physical
      strength (75.2%), appetite (74.2%), sleeping (72.1%), and body weight (70.1%).
      Adverse events were fever (29.5%), insomnia (19.2%), anorexia (9.1%), sore joints
      (5.4%), and skin rash (1.0%). No toxicity was observed in patients treated with
      DC vaccine and CIK therapy. OS was significantly longer in group I than in group
      NI (P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: DC vaccine and CIK therapy were safe and could induce
      an immune response against CRC, thereby improving QOL and prolonging OS.

PMID- 25136602
TI  - Effect of cocoa butter and sunflower oil supplementation on performance,
      immunoglobulin, and antioxidant vitamin status of rats.
AB  - This study investigated the effects of cocoa butter and sunflower oil alone and
      in combination on performance, some biochemical parameters, immunoglobulin, and
      antioxidant vitamin status in Wistar rats. Forty-eight male rats were assigned to
      four groups, consisting of 12 rats with 3 replicates. Control received balanced
      rat diet without oil, cocoa butter group received 3.5% cocoa butter, sunflower
      oil group received 3.5% sunflower oil, the last group received 1.75% sunflower
      oil + 1.75% cocoa butter supplementation in the rat diet for 8 weeks. The total
      feed consumption in sunflower oil group was statistically lower than in the other
      groups. The serum creatinine level was decreased in cocoa butter group compared
      to control. Triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels were decreased in only
      sunflower oil and only cocoa butter groups as compared to control. The level of
      Ig M was statistically lower in cocoa butter and cocoa butter + sunflower oil
      groups than in control and sunflower oil groups. There were no statistically
      important difference in vitamin concentrations among trial groups. It was
      concluded that the supplementation of cocoa butter in diet decreased Ig M level,
      while the supplementation of cocoa butter and sunflower oil alone decreased the
      triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels. 

PMID- 25136603
TI  - Anterior segment optical coherence tomography imaging of conjunctival filtering
      blebs after glaucoma surgery.
AB  - Time domain (TD) and spectral domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) are
      cross-sectional, noncontact, high-resolution diagnostic modalities for posterior
      and anterior segment (AS) imaging. The AS-OCT provides tomographic imaging of the
      cornea, iris, lens, and anterior chamber (AC) angle in several ophthalmic
      diseases. In glaucoma, AS-OCT is utilized to evaluate the morphology of AS
      structures involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, to obtain morphometric
      measures of the AC, to evaluate the suitability for laser or surgical approaches,
      and to assess modifications after treatment. In patients undergoing surgery, AS
      OCT is crucial in the evaluation of the filtering bleb functionality, permitting
      a combined qualitative and quantitative analysis. In this field, AS-OCT may help
      clinicians in distinguishing between functioning and nonfunctioning blebs by
      classifying their macroscopic morphology, describing bleb-wall features, bleb
      cavity, and scleral opening. This information is critical in recognizing signs of
      filtration failure earlier than the clinical approach and in planning the
      appropriate timing for management procedures in failing blebs. In this review, we
      summarize the applications of AS-OCT in the conjunctival bleb assessment. 

PMID- 25136605
TI  - Computational analysis of the model describing HIV infection of CD4+T Cells.
AB  - An analysis of the model underpinning the description of the spread of HIV
      infection of CD4(+)T cells is examined in detail in this work. Investigations of
      the disease free and endemic equilibrium are done using the method of Jacobian
      matrix. An iteration technique, namely, the homotopy decomposition method (HDM),
      is implemented to give an approximate solution of nonlinear ordinary differential
      equation systems. The technique is described and illustrated with numerical
      examples. The approximated solution obtained via HDM is compared with those
      obtained via other methods to prove the trustworthiness of HDM. Moreover, the
      lessening and simplicity in calculations furnish HDM with a broader
      applicability. 

PMID- 25136604
TI  - Disruption of HPV16-E7 by CRISPR/Cas system induces apoptosis and growth
      inhibition in HPV16 positive human cervical cancer cells.
AB  - High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) has been recognized as a major causative
      agent for cervical cancer. Upon HPV infection, early genes E6 and E7 play
      important roles in maintaining malignant phenotype of cervical cancer cells. By
      using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats- (CRISPR-)
      associated protein system (CRISPR/Cas system), a widely used genome editing tool
      in many organisms, to target HPV16-E7 DNA in HPV positive cell lines, we showed
      for the first time that the HPV16-E7 single-guide RNA (sgRNA) guided CRISPR/Cas
      system could disrupt HPV16-E7 DNA at specific sites, inducing apoptosis and
      growth inhibition in HPV positive SiHa and Caski cells, but not in HPV negative
      C33A and HEK293 cells. Moreover, disruption of E7 DNA directly leads to
      downregulation of E7 protein and upregulation of tumor suppressor protein pRb.
      Therefore, our results suggest that HPV16-E7 gRNA guided CRISPR/Cas system might
      be used as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cervical cancer. 

PMID- 25136606
TI  - Inference of SNP-gene regulatory networks by integrating gene expressions and
      genetic perturbations.
AB  - In order to elucidate the overall relationships between gene expressions and
      genetic perturbations, we propose a network inference method to infer gene
      regulatory network where single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is involved as a
      regulator of genes. In the most of the network inferences named as SNP-gene
      regulatory network (SGRN) inference, pairs of SNP-gene are given by separately
      performing expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mappings. In this paper, we
      propose a SGRN inference method without predefined eQTL information assuming a
      gene is regulated by a single SNP at most. To evaluate the performance, the
      proposed method was applied to random data generated from synthetic networks and
      parameters. There are three main contributions. First, the proposed method
      provides both the gene regulatory inference and the eQTL identification. Second,
      the experimental results demonstrated that integration of multiple methods can
      produce competitive performances. Lastly, the proposed method was also applied to
      psychiatric disorder data in order to explore how the method works with real
      data. 

PMID- 25136607
TI  - Clinical applications of end-to-side neurorrhaphy: an update.
AB  - End-to-side neurorrhaphy constitutes an interesting option to regain nerve
      function after damage in selected cases, in which conventional techniques are not
      feasible. In the last twenty years, many experimental and clinical studies have
      been conducted in order to understand the biological mechanisms and to test the
      effectiveness of this technique, with contrasting results. In this updated
      review, we consider the state of the art about end-to-side coaptation, focusing
      on all the current clinical applications, such as sensory and mixed nerve repair,
      treatment of facial palsy, and brachial plexus injuries and painful neuromas
      management. 

PMID- 25136608
TI  - Ruscogenin ameliorates experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis via suppressing
      lipogenesis and inflammatory pathway.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effects of ruscogenin, a
      major steroid sapogenin in Ophiopogon japonicus, on experimental models of
      nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. HepG2 cells were exposed to 300 MUmol/l palmitic
      acid (PA) for 24 h with the preincubation of ruscogenin for another 24 h.
      Ruscogenin (10.0 MUmol/l) had inhibitory effects on PA-induced triglyceride
      accumulation and inflammatory markers in HepG2 cells. Male golden hamsters were
      randomly divided into five groups fed a normal diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), or a
      HFD supplemented with ruscogenin (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg/day) by gavage once
      daily for 8 weeks. Ruscogenin alleviated dyslipidemia, liver steatosis, and
      necroinflammation and reversed plasma markers of metabolic syndrome in HFD-fed
      hamsters. Hepatic mRNA levels involved in fatty acid oxidation were increased in
      ruscogenin-treated HFD-fed hamsters. Conversely, ruscogenin decreased expression
      of genes involved in hepatic lipogenesis. Gene expression of inflammatory
      cytokines, chemoattractive mediator, nuclear transcription factor-(NF-) kappaB,
      and alpha-smooth muscle actin were increased in the HFD group, which were
      attenuated by ruscogenin. Ruscogenin may attenuate HFD-induced steatohepatitis
      through downregulation of NF-kappaB-mediated inflammatory responses, reducing
      hepatic lipogenic gene expression, and upregulating proteins in beta-oxidation
      pathway. 

PMID- 25136609
TI  - IOL power calculation after corneal refractive surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the different formulas that try to overcome the problem of
      calculating the intraocular lens (IOL) power in patients that underwent corneal
      refractive surgery (CRS). METHODS: A Pubmed literature search review of all
      published articles, on keyword associated with IOL power calculation and corneal
      refractive surgery, as well as the reference lists of retrieved articles, was
      performed. RESULTS: A total of 33 peer reviewed articles dealing with methods
      that try to overcome the problem of calculating the IOL power in patients that
      underwent CRS were found. According to the information needed to try to overcome
      this problem, the methods were divided in two main categories: 18 methods were
      based on the knowledge of the patient clinical history and 15 methods that do not
      require such knowledge. The first group was further divided into five subgroups
      based on the parameters needed to make such calculation. CONCLUSION: In the light
      of our findings, to avoid postoperative nasty surprises, we suggest using only
      those methods that have shown good results in a large number of patients,
      possibly by averaging the results obtained with these methods.

PMID- 25136610
TI  - Blood vessel-derived acellular matrix for vascular graft application.
AB  - To overcome the issues connected to the use of autologous vascular grafts and
      artificial materials for reconstruction of small diameter (<6 mm) blood vessels,
      this study aimed to develop acellular matrix- (AM-) based vascular grafts. Rat
      iliac arteries were decellularized by a detergent-enzymatic treatment, whereas
      endothelial cells (ECs) were obtained through enzymatic digestion of rat skin
      followed by immunomagnetic separation of CD31-positive cells. Sixteen female
      Lewis rats (8 weeks old) received only AM or previously in vitro
      reendothelialized AM as abdominal aorta interposition grafts (about 1 cm). The
      detergent-enzymatic treatment completely removed the cellular part of vessels and
      both MHC class I and class II antigens. One month after surgery, the luminal
      surface of implanted AMs was partially covered by ECs and several platelets
      adhered in the areas lacking cell coverage. Intimal hyperplasia, already detected
      after 1 month, increased at 3 months. On the contrary, all grafts composed by AM
      and ECs were completely covered at 1 month and their structure was similar to
      that of native vessels at 3 months. Taken together, our findings show that
      prostheses composed of AM preseeded with ECs could be a promising approach for
      the replacement of blood vessels. 

PMID- 25136612
TI  - Efficient expression of acetylcholine-binding protein from Aplysia californica in
      Bac-to-Bac system.
AB  - The Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system can efficiently produce recombinant
      proteins, but the system may have to be optimized to achieve high-level
      expression for different candidate proteins. We reported here the efficient
      expression of acetylcholine-binding proteins from sea hares Aplysia californica
      (Ac-AChBP) and a convenient method to monitor protein expression level in this
      expression system. Three key factors affecting expression of Ac-AChBP were
      optimized for maximizing the yield, which included the cell density, volume of
      the infecting baculovirus inoculums, and the culturing time of postinfection. We
      have found it to reach a high yield of ~5 mg/L, which needs 55 h incubation after
      infection at the cell density of 2 * 10(6) cells/mL with an inoculum volume ratio
      of 1 : 100. The optimized expression system in this study was also applied for
      expressing another protein Ls-AChBP from Lymnaea stagnalis successfully.
      Therefore, this established method is helpful to produce high yields of AChBP
      proteins for X-ray crystallographic structural and functional studies. 

PMID- 25136611
TI  - Alternative splicing generates different parkin protein isoforms: evidences in
      human, rat, and mouse brain.
AB  - Parkinson protein 2, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (PARK2) gene mutations are the
      most frequent causes of autosomal recessive early onset Parkinson's disease and
      juvenile Parkinson disease. Parkin deficiency has also been linked to other human
      pathologies, for example, sporadic Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, autism,
      and cancer. PARK2 primary transcript undergoes an extensive alternative splicing,
      which enhances transcriptomic diversification. To date several PARK2 splice
      variants have been identified; however, the expression and distribution of parkin
      isoforms have not been deeply investigated yet. Here, the currently known PARK2
      gene transcripts and relative predicted encoded proteins in human, rat, and mouse
      are reviewed. By analyzing the literature, we highlight the existing data showing
      the presence of multiple parkin isoforms in the brain. Their expression emerges
      from conflicting results regarding the electrophoretic mobility of the protein,
      but it is also assumed from discrepant observations on the cellular and tissue
      distribution of parkin. Although the characterization of each predicted isoforms
      is complex, since they often diverge only for few amino acids, analysis of their
      expression patterns in the brain might account for the different pathogenetic
      effects linked to PARK2 gene mutations. 

PMID- 25136613
TI  - Does platelet-rich plasma freeze-thawing influence growth factor release and
      their effects on chondrocytes and synoviocytes?
AB  - PRP cryopreservation remains a controversial point. Our purpose was to
      investigate the effect of freezing/thawing on PRP molecule release, and its
      effects on the metabolism of chondrocytes and synoviocytes. PRP was prepared from
      10 volunteers, and a half volume underwent one freezing/thawing cycle. IL-1beta,
      HGF, PDGF AB/BB, TGF-beta1, and VEGF were assayed 1 hour and 7 days after
      activation. Culture media of chondrocytes and synoviocytes were supplemented with
      fresh or frozen PRP, and, at 7 days, proliferation, gene expression, and secreted
      proteins levels were evaluated. Results showed that in the freeze-thawed PRP the
      immediate and delayed molecule releases were similar or slightly lower than those
      in fresh PRP. TGF-beta1 and PDGF AB/BB concentrations were significantly reduced
      after freezing both at 1 hour and at 7 days, whereas HGF concentration was
      significantly lower in frozen PRP at 7 days. In fresh PRP IL-1beta and HGF
      concentrations underwent a significant further increase after 7 days. Similar
      gene expression was found in chondrocytes cultured with both PRPs, whereas in
      synoviocytes HGF gene expression was higher in frozen PRP. PRP cryopreservation
      is a safe procedure, which sufficiently preserves PRP quality and its ability to
      induce proliferation and the production of ECM components in chondrocytes and
      synoviocytes. 

PMID- 25136614
TI  - Intensive insulin therapy for septic patients: a meta-analysis of randomized
      controlled trials.
AB  - Background. Studies on the effect of intensive insulin therapy (IIT) in septic
      patients with hyperglycemia have given inconsistent results. The primary purpose
      of this meta-analysis was to evaluate whether it is effective in reducing
      mortality. Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library,
      clinicaltrials.gov, and relevant reference lists up to September 2013 and
      including randomized controlled trials that compared IIT with conventional
      glucose management in septic patients. Study quality was assessed using the
      Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. And our primary outcome measure was pooled in the
      random effects model. Results. We identified twelve randomized controlled trials
      involving 4100 patients. Meta-analysis showed that IIT did not reduce any of the
      outcomes: overall mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 0.98, 95% CI [0.85, 1.15], P =
      0.84), 28-day mortality (RR = 0.66, 95% CI [0.40, 1.10], P = 0.11), 90-day
      mortality (RR = 1.10, 95% CI [0.97, 1.26], P = 0.13), ICU mortality (RR = 0.94,
      95% CI [0.77, 1.14], P = 0.52), hospital mortality (RR = 0.98, 95% CI [0.86,
      1.11], P = 0.71), severity of illness, and length of ICU stay. Conversely, the
      incidence of hypoglycemia was markedly higher in the IIT (RR = 2.93, 95% CI
      [1.69, 5.06], P = 0.0001). Conclusions. For patients with sepsis, IIT and
      conservative glucose management show similar efficacy, but ITT is associated with
      a higher incidence of hypoglycemia. 

PMID- 25136615
TI  - Human endogenous retrovirus W activity in cartilage of osteoarthritis patients.
AB  - The etiology of viruses in osteoarthritis remains controversial because the
      prevalence of viral nucleic acid sequences in peripheral blood or synovial fluid
      from osteoarthritis patients and that in healthy control subjects are similar.
      Until now the presence of virus has not been analyzed in cartilage. We screened
      cartilage and chondrocytes from advanced and non-/early osteoarthritis patients
      for parvovirus B19, herpes simplex virus-1, Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus,
      human herpes virus-6, hepatitis C virus, and human endogenous retroviruses
      transcripts. Endogenous retroviruses transcripts, but none of the other viruses,
      were detected in 15 out the 17 patients. Sequencing identified the virus as HERV
      WE1 and E2. HERV-W activity was confirmed by high expression levels of syncytin,
      dsRNA, virus budding, and the presence of virus-like particles in all advanced
      osteoarthritis cartilages examined. Low levels of HERV-WE1, but not E2 envelope
      RNA, were observed in 3 out of 8 non-/early osteoarthritis patients, while only 3
      out of 7 chondrocytes cultures displayed low levels of syncytin, and just one was
      positive for virus-like particles. This study demonstrates for the first time
      activation of HERV-W in cartilage of osteoarthritis patients; however, a
      causative role for HERV-W in development or deterioration of the disease remains
      to be proven. 

PMID- 25136616
TI  - Description of a novel adhesin of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.
AB  - The binding and ingestion of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) by
      host cells are fibronectin (FN) dependent. In several species of mycobacteria, a
      specific family of proteins allows the attachment and internalization of these
      bacteria by epithelial cells through interaction with FN. Thus, the
      identification of adhesion molecules is essential to understand the pathogenesis
      of MAP. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize FN binding cell
      wall proteins of MAP. We searched for conserved adhesins within a large panel of
      surface immunogenic proteins of MAP and investigated a possible interaction with
      FN. For this purpose, a cell wall protein fraction was obtained and resolved by
      2D electrophoresis. The immunoreactive spots were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and
      a homology search was performed. We selected elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) as
      candidate for further studies. We demonstrated the FN-binding capability of EF-Tu
      using a ligand blot assay and also confirmed the interaction with FN in a dose
      dependent manner by ELISA. The dissociation constant of EF-Tu was determined by
      surface plasmon resonance and displayed values within the MUM range. These data
      support the hypothesis that this protein could be involved in the interaction of
      MAP with epithelial cells through FN binding. 

PMID- 25136617
TI  - Chemical composition, leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activities of the essential
      oils from Mangifera indica L. var. Rosa and Espada.
AB  - The essential oils from Mangifera indica var. Rosa and Espada latex were obtained
      by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. Twenty-seven components
      were identified. The main compound in the essential oil from M. indica var.
      Espada (EOMiE) was terpinolene (73.6%). The essential oil of M. indica var. Rosa
      (EOMiR) was characterized by high amounts of beta-pinene (40.7%) and terpinolene
      (28.3%). In the test for leishmanicidal activity against promastigotes forms of
      L. amazonensis, EOMiR and EOMiE showed IC50 (72 h) of 39.1 and 23.0 MUg/mL,
      respectively. In macrophages, EOMiR and EOMiE showed CC50 of 142.84 and 158.65
      MUg/mL, respectively. However, both were more specific to the parasite than
      macrophages, with values of selectivity index of 6.91 for EOMiE and 3.66 for
      EOMiR. The essential oils were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against the human
      tumor cells HEp-2, HT-29, NCI-H292, and HL-60. The EOMiR and EOMiE were most
      effective against the HL-60, with IC50 values of 12.3 and 3.6 MUg/mL,
      respectively. The results demonstrated that the essential oils of M. indica can
      destroy L. amazonensis and inhibit tumor cell growth. These findings contribute
      to the knowledge of the Brazilian biodiversity as a source of potential
      therapeutic agents. 

PMID- 25136618
TI  - The prognostic and risk-stratified value of heart-type fatty-acid-binding protein
      in community acquired pneumonia in emergency department.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic and risk stratified ability of heart-type
      fatty-acid-binding protein (H-FABP) in patients with community acquired pneumonia
      (CAP) in emergency department (ED) and to compare it with Pneumonia Severity
      Index (PSI) and CURB-65. METHODS: Consecutive adult CAP patients admitted to the
      ED of Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital were enrolled. Circulating H-FABP and troponin I
      were measured. PSI and CURB-65 were calculated in all patients. The differences
      in 28-day mortality and requirement for mechanical ventilation (MV) or a
      vasopressor within 6 h after ED arrival were compared in patients with positive H
      FABP (>=7 ng/mL) and negative ones (<7 ng/mL). Receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) curve and logistic regression were used to assess the predictive value of H
      FABP. RESULTS: From August to November 2012, 229 CAP patients were enrolled. The
      28-day mortality, PSI, CURB-65, and incidence of using MV or a vasopressor were
      much higher in H-FABP-positive patients than in negative ones (P < 0.01). H-FABP
      was an independent predictor of the 28-day mortality. The area under the ROC
      curve (AUC) of H-FABP was 0.751. Combination of H-FABP and CURB-65 (AUC = 0.824)
      or H-FABP and PSI (AUC = 0.820) improved their prognostic performance.
      CONCLUSIONS: H-FABP was valuable for prognosis and risk stratification in CAP
      patients in ED.

PMID- 25136619
TI  - Comparison of reaction response time between hand and foot controlled devices in
      simulated microsurgical testing.
AB  - PURPOSE: We hypothesized that reaction times (RTs) for a switch release are
      faster for hand-controlled than for foot-controlled switches for physiological
      and anatomical reasons (e.g., nerve conduction speed). The risk of accidental
      trauma could be reduced if the surgeon reacted quicker and therefore improve the
      surgical outcome. METHOD: We included 47 medical professionals at USC.
      Demographics and handedness were recorded. Under a microscope, a simple reaction
      time test was performed, testing all extremities multiple times in a random
      order. Additionally, a subjective questionnaire was administered. RESULTS: The
      mean RTs for hands are 318.24 ms +/- 51.13 and feet 328.69 +/- 48.70. The
      comparison of hand versus foot showed significant shorter RTs for the hand (P =
      0.025). Partially significant differences between and within the experience level
      groups could be demonstrated by level of education (LE) and microscopic
      surgeries/week (MSW) (P = 0.57-0.02). In the subjective questionnaire, 91.5% (n =
      43/47) of test subjects prefer to use hand controls. CONCLUSION: Our data show
      that the RT for hands is faster than feet. Similarly the subjective questionnaire
      showed a greater preference for hand actuation. This data suggest a hand
      controlled ophthalmic instrument might have distinct advantages; however,
      clinical correlation is required.

PMID- 25136620
TI  - Epidemiology, phylogeny, and evolution of emerging enteric Picobirnaviruses of
      animal origin and their relationship to human strains.
AB  - Picobirnavirus (PBV) which has been included in the list of viruses causing
      enteric infection in animals is highly versatile because of its broad host range
      and genetic diversity. PBVs are among the most recent and emerging small,
      nonenveloped viruses with a bisegmented double-stranded RNA genome, classified
      under a new family "Picobirnaviridae." PBVs have also been detected from
      respiratory tract of pigs, but needs further close investigation for their
      inhabitant behavior. Though, accretion of genomic data of PBVs from different
      mammalian species resolved some of the ambiguity, quite a few questions and
      hypotheses regarding pathogenesis, persistence location, and evolution of PBVs
      remain unreciprocated. Evolutionary analysis reveals association of PBVs with
      partitiviruses especially fungi partitiviruses. Although, PBVs may have an
      ambiguous clinical implication, they do pose a potential public health concern in
      humans and control of PBVs mainly relies on nonvaccinal approach. Based upon the
      published data, from 1988 to date, generated from animal PBVs across the globe,
      this review provides information and discussion with respect to genetic analysis
      as well as evolution of PBVs of animal origin in relation to human strains. 

PMID- 25136621
TI  - Obligatory role for endothelial heparan sulphate proteoglycans and caveolae
      internalization in catestatin-dependent eNOS activation.
AB  - The chromogranin-A peptide catestatin modulates a wide range of processes, such
      as cardiovascular functions, innate immunity, inflammation, and metabolism. We
      recently found that the cardiac antiadrenergic action of catestatin requires a
      PI3K-dependent NO release from endothelial cells, although the receptor involved
      is yet to be identified. In the present work, based on the cationic properties of
      catestatin, we tested the hypothesis of its interaction with membrane heparan
      sulphate proteoglycans, resulting in the activation of a caveolae-dependent
      endocytosis. Experiments were performed on bovine aortic endothelial cells.
      Endocytotic vesicles trafficking was quantified by confocal microscopy using a
      water-soluble membrane dye; catestatin colocalization with heparan sulphate
      proteoglycans and caveolin 1 internalization were studied by fluorimetric
      measurements in live cells. Modulation of the catestatin-dependent eNOS
      activation was assessed by immunofluorescence and immunoblot analysis. Our
      results demonstrate that catestatin (5 nM) colocalizes with heparan sulphate
      proteoglycans and induces a remarkable increase in the caveolae-dependent
      endocytosis and caveolin 1 internalization, which were significantly reduced by
      both heparinase and wortmannin. Moreover, catestatin was unable to induce
      Ser(1179) eNOS phosphorylation after pretreatments with heparinase and methyl
      beta-cyclodextrin. Taken together, these results highlight the obligatory role
      for proteoglycans and caveolae internalization in the catestatin-dependent eNOS
      activation in endothelial cells. 

PMID- 25136622
TI  - Preclinical and clinical effects of mistletoe against breast cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer is among the most frequent types of cancer in women worldwide.
      Current conventional treatment options are accompanied by side effects. Mistletoe
      is amongst the important herbal medicines traditionally used as complementary
      remedies. An increasing number of studies have reported anticancer activity of
      mistletoe extracts on breast cancer cells and animal models. Some recent evidence
      suggests that cytotoxic activity of mistletoe may be mediated through different
      mechanisms. These findings provide a good base for clinical trials. Various
      studies on mistletoe therapy for breast cancer patients revealed similar findings
      concerning possible benefits on survival time, health-related quality of life
      (HRQoL), remission rate, and alleviating adverse reactions to conventional
      therapy. This review provides an overview of the recent findings on preclinical
      experiments and clinical trials of mistletoe for its cytotoxic and antitumor
      activity and its effect on HRQoL in breast cancer patients. Moreover, studies
      investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying antitumor activity of
      mistletoe are discussed in this paper. The analyzed trials provided evidence that
      there might be a combination of pharmacological and motivational aspects mediated
      by the mistletoe extract application which may contribute to the clinical benefit
      and positive outcome such as improved HRQoL and self-regulation in breast cancer
      patients. 

PMID- 25136624
TI  - Modified titanium implant as a gateway to the human body: the implant mediated
      drug delivery system.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a proposed new implant
      mediated drug delivery system (IMDDS) in rabbits. The drug delivery system is
      applied through a modified titanium implant that is configured to be implanted
      into bone. The implant is hollow and has multiple microholes that can
      continuously deliver therapeutic agents into the systematic body. To examine the
      efficacy and feasibility of the IMDDS, we investigated the pharmacokinetic
      behavior of dexamethasone in plasma after a single dose was delivered via the
      modified implant placed in the rabbit tibia. After measuring the plasma
      concentration, the areas under the curve showed that the IMDDS provided a
      sustained release for a relatively long period. The result suggests that the
      IMDDS can deliver a sustained release of certain drug components with a high
      bioavailability. Accordingly, the IMDDS may provide the basis for a novel
      approach to treating patients with chronic diseases. 

PMID- 25136625
TI  - The type of fat ingested at breakfast influences the plasma lipid profile of
      postmenopausal women.
AB  - To assess whether the type of fat ingested at breakfast can modify the plasma
      lipid profile and other cardiovascular risk variables in postmenopausal women at
      risk of cardiovascular disease, a longitudinal, randomized, and crossover study
      was carried out with postmenopausal women at risk of CVD. They were randomly
      assigned to eat each type of breakfast during one month: 6 study periods
      (breakfast with the same composition plus butter/margarine/virgin olive oil)
      separated by two washout periods. On the first and last days of each study
      period, weight, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and body mass index were
      recorded in fasting conditions and a blood sample was collected to measure plasma
      lipid profile. When comparing final values to baseline values, we only found out
      statistically significant differences on plasma lipid profiles. Butter-based
      breakfast increased total cholesterol and HDL, while margarine-based breakfast
      decreased total cholesterol and LDL and increased HDL. After the olive oil-based
      breakfast intake, a tendency towards a decrease of total cholesterol and LDL
      levels and an increase of HDL levels was observed. No statistically significant
      differences were observed in triglycerides levels, BMI, and arterial pressure in
      any breakfast type. The margarine-based breakfast was the only one which
      significantly increased the percentage of volunteers with optimal lipid profiles.
      The polyunsaturated fat at breakfast has improved the plasma lipid profile in the
      analyzed sample population, suggesting that PUFA-based breakfast can be advisable
      in women at risk of CVD. 

PMID- 25136623
TI  - BRCA-associated ovarian cancer: from molecular genetics to risk management.
AB  - Ovarian cancer (OC) mostly arises sporadically, but a fraction of cases are
      associated with mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The presence of a BRCA
      mutation in OC patients has been suggested as a prognostic and predictive factor.
      In addition, the identification of asymptomatic carriers of such mutations offers
      an unprecedented opportunity for OC prevention. This review is aimed at exploring
      the current knowledge on epidemiological and molecular aspects of BRCA-associated
      OC predisposition, on pathology and clinical behavior of OC occurring in BRCA
      mutation carriers, and on the available options for managing asymptomatic
      carriers. 

PMID- 25136626
TI  - Fermentative polyhydroxybutyrate production from a novel feedstock derived from
      bakery waste.
AB  - In this study, Halomonas boliviensis was cultivated on bakery waste hydrolysate
      and seawater in batch and fed-batch cultures for polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)
      production. Results demonstrated that bakery waste hydrolysate and seawater could
      be efficiently utilized by Halomonas boliviensis while PHB contents between 10
      and 30% (w/w) were obtained. Furthermore, three methods for bakery waste
      hydrolysis were investigated for feedstock preparation. These include: (1) use of
      crude enzyme extracts from Aspergillus awamori, (2) Aspergillus awamori solid
      mashes, and (3) commercial glucoamylase. In the first method, the resultant free
      amino nitrogen (FAN) concentration in hydrolysates was 150 and 250 mg L(-1) after
      20 hours at enzyme-to-solid ratios of 6.9 and 13.1 U g(-1), respectively. In both
      cases, the final glucose concentration was around 130-150 g L(-1). In the second
      method, the resultant FAN and glucose concentrations were 250 mg L(-1) and 150 g
      L(-1), respectively. In the third method, highest glucose and lowest FAN
      concentrations of 170-200 g L(-1) and 100 mg L(-1), respectively, were obtained
      in hydrolysates after only 5 hours. The present work has generated promising
      information contributing to the sustainable production of bioplastic using bakery
      waste hydrolysate. 

PMID- 25136627
TI  - Abarema cochliacarpos extract decreases the inflammatory process and skeletal
      muscle injury induced by Bothrops leucurus venom.
AB  - Snakebites are a public health problem, especially in tropical countries.
      However, treatment with antivenom has limited effectiveness against venoms' local
      effects. Here, we investigated the ability of Abarema cochliacarpos
      hydroethanolic extract (EAc) to protect mice against injection of Bothrops
      leucurus venom. Swiss mice received perimuscular venom injection and were
      subsequently treated orally with EAc in different doses. Treatment with EAc 100,
      200, and 400 mg/kg reduced the edema induced by B. leucurus in 1%, 13%, and 39%,
      respectively. Although lower doses showed no antihypernociceptive effect in the
      Von Frey test, the higher dose significantly reduced hyperalgesia induced by the
      venom. Antimyotoxic activity of EAc was also observed by microscopy assessment,
      with treated muscles presenting preserved structures, decreased edema, and
      inflammatory infiltrate as compared to untreated ones. Finally, on the rotarod
      test, the treated mice showed better motor function, once muscle fibers were
      preserved and there were less edema and pain. Treated mice could stand four times
      more time on the rotating rod than untreated ones. Our results have shown that
      EAc presented relevant activities against injection of B. leucurus venom in mice,
      suggesting that it can be considered as an adjuvant in the treatment of
      envenomation. 

PMID- 25136629
TI  - Hot-stage microscopy for determination of API particles in a formulated tablet.
AB  - Although methods exist to readily determine the particle size distribution (PSD)
      of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) before its formulation into a final
      product, the primary challenge is to develop a method to determine the PSD of
      APIs in a finished tablet. To address the limitations of existing PSD methods, we
      used hot-stage microscopy to observe tablet disintegration during temperature
      change and, thus, reveal the API particles in a tablet. Both mechanical and
      liquid disintegration were evaluated after we had identified optimum milling time
      for mechanical disintegration and optimum volume of water for liquid
      disintegration. In each case, hot-stage micrographs, taken before and after the
      API melting point, were compared with image analysis software to obtain the PSDs.
      Then, the PSDs of the APIs from the disintegrated tablets were compared with the
      PSDs of raw APIs. Good agreement was obtained, thereby confirming the robustness
      of our methodology. The availability of such a method equips pharmaceutical
      scientists with an in vitro assessment method that will more reliably determine
      the PSD of active substances in finished tablets. 

PMID- 25136628
TI  - Evaluation of the efficacy of 50% autologous serum eye drops in different ocular
      surface pathologies.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy of 50% autologous serum eye drops in
      ocular surface diseases not improved by conventional therapy. METHODS: We
      analyzed two groups: (1) acute eye pathologies (e.g., chemical burns) and (2)
      chronic eye pathologies (e.g., recurrent corneal erosion, neurotropic keratitis,
      and keratoconjunctivitis sicca). The patients were treated for surface
      instability after conventional therapy. The patients received therapy 5 times a
      day until stabilization of the framework; they then reduced therapy to 3 times a
      day for at least 3 months. We analyzed the best corrected visual acuity,
      epithelial defects, inflammation, corneal opacity, and corneal
      neovascularization. We also analyzed symptoms such as tearing, burning, sense of
      foreign body or sand, photophobia, blurred vision, and difficulty opening the
      eyelids. RESULTS: We enrolled 15 eyes in group 1 and 11 eyes in group 2. The
      average therapy period was 16 +/- 5.86 weeks in group 1 and 30.54 +/- 20.33 weeks
      in group 2. The epithelial defects all resolved. Signs and symptoms improved in
      both groups. In group 2, the defect recurred after the suspension of therapy in 2
      (18%) patients; in group 1, no defects recurred. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous serum
      eye drops effectively stabilize and improve signs and symptoms in eyes previously
      treated with conventional therapy.

PMID- 25136631
TI  - Large-scale genomic analysis of codon usage in dengue virus and evaluation of its
      phylogenetic dependence.
AB  - The increasing number of dengue virus (DENV) genome sequences available allows
      identifying the contributing factors to DENV evolution. In the present study, the
      codon usage in serotypes 1-4 (DENV1-4) has been explored for 3047 sequenced
      genomes using different statistics methods. The correlation analysis of total GC
      content (GC) with GC content at the three nucleotide positions of codons (GC1,
      GC2, and GC3) as well as the effective number of codons (ENC, ENCp) versus GC3
      plots revealed mutational bias and purifying selection pressures as the major
      forces influencing the codon usage, but with distinct pressure on specific
      nucleotide position in the codon. The correspondence analysis (CA) and clustering
      analysis on relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) within each serotype showed
      similar clustering patterns to the phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences
      for DENV1-4. These clustering patterns are strongly related to the virus
      geographic origin. The phylogenetic dependence analysis also suggests that
      stabilizing selection acts on the codon usage bias. Our analysis of a large scale
      reveals new feature on DENV genomic evolution. 

PMID- 25136632
TI  - Anatomic changes in the macroscopic morphology and microarchitecture of
      denervated long bone tissue after spinal cord injury in rats.
AB  - To study the effects of mechanical loading on bones after SCI, we assessed macro-
      and microscopic anatomy in rats submitted to passive standing (PS) and electrical
      stimulation (ES). The study design was based on two main groups of juvenile male
      Wistar rats with SCI: one was followed for 33 days with therapies starting at day
      3 and the other was followed for 63 days with therapies starting at day 33. Both
      groups were composed of four subgroups (n = 10/group): (1) Sham, (2) SCI, (3) SCI
      + PS, and (4) SCI + ES. Rehabilitation protocol consisted of a 20-minute session,
      3x/wk for 30 days. The animals were sequentially weighed and euthanized. The
      femur and tibia were assessed macroscopically and microscopically by scanning
      electronic microscopy (SEM). The SCI rats gained less weight than Sham-operated
      animals. Significant reduction of bone mass and periosteal radii was observed in
      the SCI rats, whereas PS and ES efficiently improved the macroscopic parameters.
      The SEM images showed less and thin trabecular bone in SCI rats. PS and ES
      efficiently ameliorated the bone microarchitecture deterioration by thickening
      and increasing the trabeculae. Based on the detrimental changes in bone tissue
      following SCI, the mechanical loading through weight bearing and muscle
      contraction may decrease the bone loss and restore the macro- and microanatomy. 

PMID- 25136630
TI  - Potential therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease targeting or beyond beta
      amyloid: insights from clinical trials.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with two
      hallmarks: beta-amyloid plagues and neurofibrillary tangles. It is one of the
      most alarming illnesses to elderly people. No effective drugs and therapies have
      been developed, while mechanism-based explorations of therapeutic approaches have
      been intensively investigated. Outcomes of clinical trials suggested several
      pitfalls in the choice of biomarkers, development of drug candidates, and
      interaction of drug-targeted molecules; however, they also aroused concerns on
      the potential deficiency in our understanding of pathogenesis of AD, and
      ultimately stimulated the advent of novel drug targets tests. The anticipated
      increase of AD patients in next few decades makes development of better therapy
      an urgent issue. Here we attempt to summarize and compare putative therapeutic
      strategies that have completed clinical trials or are currently being tested from
      various perspectives to provide insights for treatments of Alzheimer's disease. 

PMID- 25136633
TI  - Acute in vivo response to an alternative implant for urogynecology.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate in vivo the acute host response to an alternative implant
      designed for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ
      prolapse (POP). METHODS: A biodegradable scaffold was produced from poly-L-lactic
      acid (PLA) using the electrospinning technique. Human and rat adipose-derived
      stem cells (ADSCs) were isolated and characterized by fluorescence-activated cell
      sorting and differentiation assays. PLA scaffolds were seeded and cultured for 2
      weeks with human or rat ADSCs. Scaffolds with and without human or rat ADSCs were
      implanted subcutaneously on the abdominal wall of rats. After 3 and 7 days, 6
      animals from each group were sacrificed. Sections from each sample were analyzed
      by Haematoxylin and Eosin staining, Sirius red staining, and immunohistochemistry
      for CD68, PECAM-1, and collagen I and III. RESULTS: Animals responded to the
      scaffolds with an acute macrophage response. After 7 days of implantation, there
      was extensive host cell penetration, new blood vessel formation, and new collagen
      deposition throughout the full thickness of the samples without obvious
      differences between cell-containing and cell-free scaffolds. CONCLUSIONS: The
      acute in vivo response to an alternative implant (both with and without cells)
      for the treatment of SUI and POP showed good acute integration into the host
      tissues.

PMID- 25136635
TI  - Pathological feature and immunoprofile of cystitis glandularis accompanied with
      upper urinary tract obstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathological feature and immunoprofile of immunoprofile
      accompanied with upper urinary tract obstruction and the immunoprofile in various
      types of glandular cystitis. METHODS: Pathological sections from 31 cases of
      cystitis glandularis with upper urinary tract obstruction and 34 cases of
      cystitis glandularis without upper urinary tract obstruction were observed as
      pathological feature on microscopy. Meanwhile, an immunohistochemical analysis
      was employed to determine the expression of p53, Ki67, p21, MMP-9, MUC1, MUC2,
      and COX-2. RESULTS: In the two groups, main pathological type was transitional
      epithelial, followed by intestinal epithelial; other types were a few, and the
      difference between the two groups was not significant. All immunohistochemical
      expressions of p53, Ki67, p21, MMP-9, MUC1, MUC2, and COX-2 were positive in
      varying degrees, and there was no significant difference between the groups.
      Transitional epithelial type was compared with mixed type; the difference of COX
      2 was significant, P < 0.05. The differences of immunohistochemical expression
      among other different pathologic types were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      suggested that glandular cystitis accompanied with upper urinary tract
      obstruction shares the same pathological feature and immunoprofile as that
      without upper urinary tract obstruction. No significant differences of
      immunohistochemical expression in tissue are in cystitis glandularis with
      different pathological types.

PMID- 25136636
TI  - Potential smoothened inhibitor from traditional Chinese medicine against the
      disease of diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
AB  - Nowadays, obesity becomes a serious global problem, which can induce a series of
      diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, cardiovascular disease,
      metabolic syndrome, and stoke. For the mechanisms of diseases, the hedgehog
      signaling pathway plays an important role in body patterning during
      embryogenesis. For this reason, smoothened homologue (Smo) protein had been
      indicated as the drug target. In addition, the small-molecule Smo inhibitor had
      also been used in oncology clinical trials. To improve drug development of TCM
      compounds, we aim to investigate the potent lead compounds as Smo inhibitor from
      the TCM compounds in TCM Database@Taiwan. The top three TCM compounds,
      precatorine, labiatic acid, and 2,2'-[benzene-1,4-diylbis(methanediyloxybenzene
      4,1-diyl)]bis(oxoacetic acid), have displayed higher potent binding affinities
      than the positive control, LY2940680, in the docking simulation. After MD
      simulations, which can optimize the result of docking simulation and validate the
      stability of H-bonds between each ligand and Smo protein under dynamic
      conditions, top three TCM compounds maintain most of interactions with Smo
      protein, which keep the ligand binding stable in the binding domain. Hence, we
      propose precatorine, labiatic acid, and 2,2'-[benzene-1,4
      diylbis(methanediyloxybenzene-4,1-diyl)]bis(oxoacetic acid) as potential lead
      compounds for further study in drug development process with the Smo protein. 

PMID- 25136637
TI  - Dracocephalum: novel anticancer plant acting on liver cancer cell mitochondria.
AB  - Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. (Labiatae) is a native Iranian medicinal plant
      which has been used in combination with Peganum harmala L. as a remedy for many
      forms of human cancer especially leukemia and gastrointestinal malignancies.
      Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death
      worldwide. In this investigation HCC was induced by a single intraperitoneal
      injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in corn oil at 200 mg/kg body weight to
      rats. Two weeks after DEN administration, cancer development was promoted with
      dietary 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) (0.02%, w/w) for 2 weeks. Serum alpha
      fetoprotein (AFP) concentration, serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate
      transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were also
      determined for confirmation of hepatocellular carcinoma induction. Then rat
      hepatocytes were isolated with collagen perfusion technique and tumoral
      hepatocytes were sorted by flow cytometry. Finally isolated mitochondria obtained
      from both tumoral and nontumoral hepatocytes were used for any probable toxic
      effect of Dracocephalum kotschyi ethanolic extract. Our results showed that D.
      kotschyi extract (250 ug/mL) induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation,
      mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP), and mitochondrial swelling and
      cytochrome c release only in tumoral but not nontumoral hepatocyte. These
      findings propose Dracocephalum kotschyi as a promising candidate for future
      anticancer research. 

PMID- 25136638
TI  - The effects of vitamin E and omega-3 PUFAs on endothelial function among
      adolescents with metabolic syndrome.
AB  - AIM: The present study aims to explore the effects of vitamin E and omega-3 on
      endothelial function indicators among adolescents with metabolic syndrome.
      METHOD: In a randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled trial, 90 young
      individuals, aged 10 to 18 years, with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned
      to receive either vitamin E tablets (400 IU/day) or omega-3 tablets (2.4 gr/day)
      or placebo. For assessing endothelial functional state, the serum level of
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured by ELISA test. RESULTS:
      The use of omega-3 supplementation for eight weeks led to significant increase in
      serum HDL level compared with the group treated with vitamin E or placebo group.
      In this regard, no significant correlations were found between the change in VEGF
      and baseline levels of other markers including anthropometric indices and serum
      lipids. Omega-3 could significantly reduce VEGF with the presence of other
      baseline variables (Beta = -12.55; P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The administration of
      omega-3 can effectively improve endothelial function in adolescents with
      metabolic syndrome by reducing the level of serum VEGF, as a major index for
      atherosclerosis progression and endothelial destabilization. Omega-3 can be
      proposed as a VEGF antagonist for improving endothelial function in metabolic
      syndrome. The clinical implications of our findings should be assessed in future
      studies.

PMID- 25136639
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging for the normal mesostenium and involvement of the
      mesostenium in acute pancreatitis.
AB  - The main point of this paper is to study MRI findings of the normal mesostenium
      and the involvement of the mesostenium in acute pancreatitis and to discuss the
      relationship between the involvement of the mesostenium and the severity of acute
      pancreatitis. In clinical practice, the mesenterical involvement in acute
      pancreatitis was often observed on MRI in daily works, which was little recorded
      in the reported studies. We conducted the current study to assess the
      mesenterical involvement in acute pancreatitis with MRI. We found that the
      mesenterical involvement of acute pancreatitis patients is common on MRI. The
      mesenterical involvement has a positive correlation with the MR severity index
      and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Healthy Evaluation II scoring system. It has
      been shown that MR can be used to visualize mesenterical involvement, which is a
      supplementary indicator in evaluating the severity of acute pancreatitis and
      local and systemic complications. 

PMID- 25136634
TI  - Drug delivery systems, CNS protection, and the blood brain barrier.
AB  - Present review highlights various drug delivery systems used for delivery of
      pharmaceutical agents mainly antibiotics, antineoplastic agents, neuropeptides,
      and other therapeutic substances through the endothelial capillaries (BBB) for
      CNS therapeutics. In addition, the use of ultrasound in delivery of therapeutic
      agents/biomolecules such as proline rich peptides, prodrugs,
      radiopharmaceuticals, proteins, immunoglobulins, and chimeric peptides to the
      target sites in deep tissue locations inside tumor sites of brain has been
      explained. In addition, therapeutic applications of various types of
      nanoparticles such as chitosan based nanomers, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes,
      niosomes, beta cyclodextrin carriers, cholesterol mediated cationic solid lipid
      nanoparticles, colloidal drug carriers, liposomes, and micelles have been
      discussed with their recent advancements. Emphasis has been given on the need of
      physiological and therapeutic optimization of existing drug delivery methods and
      their carriers to deliver therapeutic amount of drug into the brain for treatment
      of various neurological diseases and disorders. Further, strong recommendations
      are being made to develop nanosized drug carriers/vehicles and noninvasive
      therapeutic alternatives of conventional methods for better therapeutics of CNS
      related diseases. Hence, there is an urgent need to design nontoxic biocompatible
      drugs and develop noninvasive delivery methods to check posttreatment clinical
      fatalities in neuropatients which occur due to existing highly toxic invasive
      drugs and treatment methods. 

PMID- 25136640
TI  - Murine aortic smooth muscle cells acquire, though fail to present exogenous
      protein antigens on major histocompatibility complex class II molecules.
AB  - In the present study aortic murine smooth muscle cell (SMC) antigen presentation
      capacity was evaluated using the Ealpha-GFP/Y-Ae system to visualize antigen
      uptake through a GFP tag and tracking of Ealpha peptide/MHCII presentation using
      the Y-Ae Ab. Stimulation with IFN-gamma (100 ng/mL) for 72 h caused a significant
      (P < 0.01) increase in the percentage of MHC class II positive SMCs, compared
      with unstimulated cells. Treatment with Ealpha-GFP (100 MUg/mL) for 48 h induced
      a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the percentage of GFP positive SMCs while it
      did not affect the percentage of Y-Ae positive cells, being indicative of antigen
      uptake without its presentation in the context of MHC class II. After IFN-gamma
      stimulation, ovalbumin- (OVA, 1 mg/mL) or OVA323-339 peptide-(0.5 MUg/mL) treated
      SMCs failed to induce OT-II CD4(+) T cell activation/proliferation; this was also
      accompanied by a lack of expression of key costimulatory molecules (OX40L, CD40,
      CD70, and CD86) on SMCs. Finally, OVA-treated SMCs failed to induce DO11.10-GFP
      hybridoma activation, a process independent of costimulation. Our results
      demonstrate that while murine primary aortic SMCs express MHC class II and can
      acquire exogenous antigens, they fail to activate T cells through a failure in
      antigen presentation and a lack of costimulatory molecule expression. 

PMID- 25136642
TI  - Diabetic retinopathy treated with laser photocoagulation and the indirect effect
      on glycaemic control.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify any possible relation between glycaemic control and previous
      laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Seventy-two patients
      with diabetes were included in the study and were separated into 2 groups
      according to previous treatment (group A) or not (group B) with argon laser
      photocoagulation. Glycaemic control was estimated by measuring blood levels of
      HbA1c in four consecutive measurements. RESULTS: Blood levels of HbA1c in group A
      were significantly lower 3, 6, and 12 months after laser treatment as compared to
      blood levels of HbA1c before laser treatment (7.1 +/- 0.4% versus 7.6 +/- 0.9%,
      7.2 +/- 0.2% versus 7.6 +/- 0.9%, and 7.1 +/- 0.2% versus 7.6 +/- 0.9%, resp.,
      all P < 0.05). Blood levels of HbA1c in group B did not differ significantly in
      four consecutive measurements. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that we should
      anticipate a better glycaemic control in cases of patients with diabetes
      previously treated with laser photocoagulation.

PMID- 25136641
TI  - Protein kinase D3 is essential for prostratin-activated transcription of
      integrated HIV-1 provirus promoter via NF-kappaB signaling pathway.
AB  - Prostratin has been proposed as a promising reagent for eradicating the latent
      HIV-1 provirus by inducing HIV-1 transcription activation. The molecular
      mechanism of this activation, however, is far from clear. Here, we show that the
      protein kinase D3 (PKD3) is essential for prostratin-induced transcription
      activation of latent HIV-1 provirus. First, silencing PKD3, but not the other
      members of PKD family, blocked prostratin-induced transcription of HIV-1. Second,
      overexpressing the constitutively active form of PKD3, but not the wild-type or
      kinase-dead form of PKD3, augmented the expression of HIV-1. Consistent with this
      observation, we found that prostratin could trigger PKD3 activation by inducing
      the phosphorylation of its activation loop. In addition, we identified PKCepsilon
      of the novel PKC subfamily as the upstream kinase for this phosphorylation.
      Finally, the activation effect of PKD3 on HIV-1 transcription was shown to depend
      on the presence of kappaB element and the prostratin-induced activation of NF
      kappaB, as indicated by the fact that silencing PKD3 blocked prostratin-induced
      NF-kappaB activation and NF-kappaB-dependent HIV-1 transcription. Therefore, for
      the first time, PKD3 is implicated in the transcription activation of latent HIV
      1 provirus, and our results revealed a molecular mechanism of prostratin-induced
      HIV-1 transcription via PKCepsilon/PKD3/NF-kappaB signaling pathway. 

PMID- 25136643
TI  - Real life cancer comorbidity in Greek patients with diabetes mellitus followed up
      at a single diabetes center: an unappreciated new diabetes complication.
AB  - We determined cancer comorbidity in patients with diabetes followed up at a
      single Greek academic clinic and investigated the potential related factors.
      Cancer comorbidity was prospectively recorded for all patients with type 2 (T2DM,
      n = 759) or type 1 (T1DM, n = 134) diabetes of at least 10-year duration examined
      during one year. Patient characteristics, diabetes age of onset, duration,
      treatment, control, and complication rates were compared between subjects with
      and without cancer. Moreover, a retrospective collection of data from similar
      patients examined for the first time during the last 25 years, but lost to follow
      up, after at least one-year's regular visits, was performed. In regularly
      followed-up T2DM patients cancer comorbidity was 12.6%. Patients with cancer were
      older and more frequently smokers. Prostate cancer was the most frequent (24.0%)
      type. In T1DM cancer comorbidity was 3.0%. Similar rates of comorbidity and types
      of cancer were observed in lost to follow-up patients. In conclusion, our
      patients with T2DM of at least 10-year' duration show high cancer comorbidity. No
      specific characteristics discriminate patients with cancer. Therefore
      presymptomatic cancer detection and prevention strategies may have to be
      incorporated into the annual systematic evaluation of our patients. 

PMID- 25136644
TI  - Rectal sensitivity in diabetes patients with symptoms of gastroparesis.
AB  - In a clinical setting, diabetic autonomic complications (cardiac,
      gastrointestinal, urogenital, etc.) are often handled as separate entities. We
      investigated rectal sensitivity to heat, mechanical distension, and electrical
      stimulations in 20 patients with diabetes and symptoms of gastroparesis, to
      evaluate the extent of visceral neuronal damage. Furthermore, to evaluate the
      relation between the nervous structures we examined gastric emptying and cardiac
      autonomic function with the hypothesis being an association between these. We
      found that 60% of patients had delayed gastric empting. Rectal hyposensitivity
      was a general finding as they tolerated 67% higher thermal, 42% more mechanical,
      and 33% higher electrical current intensity compared to healthy controls. In
      patients, most heart rate variability parameters were reduced; they reported
      significantly more gastrointestinal symptoms and a reduced quality of life in all
      SF-36 domains. Shortened RR interval correlated with reduced rectal temperature
      sensitivity, and gastric retention rate was negatively associated with symptoms
      of nausea and vomiting. To conclude, in these patients with signs and symptoms of
      diabetic gastroparesis, rectal sensitivity was reduced, and heart rate
      variability was impaired. Thus, we suggest regarding diabetic autonomic
      neuropathy as a diffuse disorder. Symptoms of widespread autonomic dysfunction
      and sensory disorders should be expected and treated in these patients. 

PMID- 25136645
TI  - The effect of diabetes self-management education on body weight, glycemic
      control, and other metabolic markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - AIMS: To comprehensively evaluate the effect of a short-term diabetes self
      management education (DSME) on metabolic markers and atherosclerotic parameters
      in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: 76 patients with type 2 diabetes were
      recruited in this study. They were divided into the intervention group (n = 36)
      and control group (n = 40). The patients in the intervention group received a 3
      month intervention, including an 8-week education on self-management of diabetes
      mellitus and subsequent 4 weeks of practice of the self-management guidelines.
      The patients in the control group received standard advice on medical nutrition
      therapy. Metabolic markers, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and carotid
      arterial stiffness (CAS) of the patients in both groups were assessed before and
      after the 3-month intervention. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in
      hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c, -0.2 +/- 0.56% versus 0.08 +/- 0.741%; P < 0.05) and body
      weight (-1.19 +/- 1.39 kg versus -0.61 +/- 2.04 kg; P < 0.05) in the intervention
      group as compared to the control group. However, no significant improvements were
      found in other metabolic markers, CIMT and CAS (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DSME can
      improve HbA1c and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 25136647
TI  - Pollution characteristics and possible sources of seldom monitored trace elements
      in surface sediments collected from Three Gorges Reservoir, China.
AB  - A geochemical study of Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) sediments was carried out to
      analyze the concentrations, distribution, accumulation, and potential sources of
      the seldom monitored trace elements (SMTEs). The mean concentrations of Li, B,
      Be, Bi, V, Co, Ga, Sn, Sb, and Tl were 47.08, 2.47, 59.15, 0.50, 119.20, 17.83,
      30.31, 3.25, 4.14, and 0.58 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of total
      SMTEs, together with their spatial distribution, showed that the SMTEs were
      mainly due to anthropogenic inputs in the region of TGR. The assessment by
      Geoaccumulation Index indicates that Tl, Be, V, Co, and Fe are at the unpolluted
      level; Bi, Li, Ga, and Sn were at the "uncontaminated to moderately contaminated"
      level. However, B was classified as "moderately contaminated" level and Sb was
      ranked as "strongly contaminated" level. The pollution level of the SMTEs is Sb >
      B > Bi > Li > Ga > Sn > Tl > Be > V > Co > Fe. The results of Correlation
      Analysis and Principal Component Analysis indicated Be, V, Co, Ga, Sn, Tl, Bi,
      and Fe in sediments have a natural source. B and Li were positively correlated
      with each other and mainly attributed into similar anthropogenic input. In
      addition, Sb has less relationship with other SMTEs, indicating that Sb has
      another kind of anthropogenic source.

PMID- 25136646
TI  - Effects of pristane alone or combined with chloroquine on macrophage activation,
      oxidative stress, and TH1/TH2 skewness.
AB  - We investigated the protective role of chloroquine against pristane-induced
      macrophage activation, oxidative stress, and Th1/Th2 skewness in C57BL/6J mice.
      Those mice were treated with pristane alone or combined with chloroquine.
      Hematological and biochemical parameters, macrophage phagocytic function, the
      oxidant/antioxidant index, cytokine for IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-4, and IL-6, and
      the isotypes of IgG2a and IgG1 were determined. And the expression of T-bet/GATA
      3 and IL-12/IL-10 mRNA in spleen were analyzed by real-time PCR. We found that
      pristane treatment for a period of 12 or 24 weeks triggered macrophage activation
      syndrome, characterized by hemophagocytosis in spleen and peripheral blood,
      enhanced lipid phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages in vitro, erythropenia and
      leucopenia, increased anti-Smith, lactic dehydrogenase, triglyceride, and
      ferritin, as well as hypercytokinemia of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-4, and IL-6. In
      parallel, a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in
      superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase activity, as well as a skewed
      Th1/Th2 balance in spleen, were observed. However, chloroquine supplementation
      showed a remarkable amelioration of these abnormalities. Our data indicate that
      pristane administration induces macrophage activation, oxidative stress, and
      Th1/Th2 skewness, which can be attenuated by chloroquine. 

PMID- 25136648
TI  - Low-cost dielectric substrate for designing low profile multiband monopole
      microstrip antenna.
AB  - This paper proposes a small sized, low-cost multiband monopole antenna which can
      cover the WiMAX bands and C-band. The proposed antenna of 20 * 20 mm(2) radiating
      patch is printed on cost effective 1.6 mm thick fiberglass polymer resin
      dielectric material substrate and fed by 4 mm long microstrip line. The finite
      element method based, full wave electromagnetic simulator HFSS is efficiently
      utilized for designing and analyzing the proposed antenna and the antenna
      parameters are measured in a standard far-field anechoic chamber. The
      experimental results show that the prototype of the antenna has achieved
      operating bandwidths (voltage stand wave ratio (VSWR) less than 2) 360 MHz (2.53
      2.89 GHz) and 440 MHz (3.47-3.91 GHz) for WiMAX and 1550 MHz (6.28-7.83 GHz) for
      C-band. The simulated and measured results for VSWR, radiation patterns, and gain
      are well matched. Nearly omnidirectional radiation patterns are achieved and the
      peak gains are of 3.62 dBi, 3.67 dBi, and 5.7 dBi at 2.66 GHz, 3.65 GHz, and 6.58
      GHz, respectively.

PMID- 25136649
TI  - A routing path construction method for key dissemination messages in sensor
      networks.
AB  - Authentication is an important security mechanism for detecting forged messages
      in a sensor network. Each cluster head (CH) in dynamic key distribution schemes
      forwards a key dissemination message that contains encrypted authentication keys
      within its cluster to next-hop nodes for the purpose of authentication. The
      forwarding path of the key dissemination message strongly affects the number of
      nodes to which the authentication keys in the message are actually distributed.
      We propose a routing method for the key dissemination messages to increase the
      number of nodes that obtain the authentication keys. In the proposed method, each
      node selects next-hop nodes to which the key dissemination message will be
      forwarded based on secret key indexes, the distance to the sink node, and the
      energy consumption of its neighbor nodes. The experimental results show that the
      proposed method can increase by 50-70% the number of nodes to which
      authentication keys in each cluster are distributed compared to geographic and
      energy-aware routing (GEAR). In addition, the proposed method can detect false
      reports earlier by using the distributed authentication keys, and it consumes
      less energy than GEAR when the false traffic ratio (FTR) is >= 10%.

PMID- 25136650
TI  - Graph-based symbolic technique and its application in the frequency response
      bound analysis of analog integrated circuits.
AB  - A new graph-based symbolic technique (GBST) for deriving exact analytical
      expressions like the transfer function H(s) of an analog integrated circuit (IC),
      is introduced herein. The derived H(s) of a given analog IC is used to compute
      the frequency response bounds (maximum and minimum) associated to the magnitude
      and phase of H(s), subject to some ranges of process variational parameters, and
      by performing nonlinear constrained optimization. Our simulations demonstrate the
      usefulness of the new GBST for deriving the exact symbolic expression for H(s),
      and the last section highlights the good agreement between the frequency response
      bounds computed by our variational analysis approach versus traditional Monte
      Carlo simulations. As a conclusion, performing variational analysis using our
      proposed GBST for computing the frequency response bounds of analog ICs, shows a
      gain in computing time of 100x for a differential circuit topology and 50x for a
      3-stage amplifier, compared to traditional Monte Carlo simulations. 

PMID- 25136651
TI  - An action-based fine-grained access control mechanism for structured documents
      and its application.
AB  - This paper presents an action-based fine-grained access control mechanism for
      structured documents. Firstly, we define a describing model for structured
      documents and analyze the application scenarios. The describing model could
      support the permission management on chapters, pages, sections, words, and
      pictures of structured documents. Secondly, based on the action-based access
      control (ABAC) model, we propose a fine-grained control protocol for structured
      documents by introducing temporal state and environmental state. The protocol
      covering different stages from document creation, to permission specification and
      usage control are given by using the Z-notation. Finally, we give the
      implementation of our mechanism and make the comparisons between the existing
      methods and our mechanism. The result shows that our mechanism could provide the
      better solution of fine-grained access control for structured documents in
      complicated networks. Moreover, it is more flexible and practical. 

PMID- 25136652
TI  - Determination of the sediment carrying capacity based on perturbed theory.
AB  - According to the previous studies of sediment carrying capacity, a new method of
      sediment carrying capacity on perturbed theory was proposed. By taking into
      account the average water depth, average flow velocity, settling velocity, and
      other influencing factors and introducing the median grain size as one main
      influencing factor in deriving the new formula, we established a new sediment
      carrying capacity formula. The coefficients were determined by the principle of
      dimensional analysis, multiple linear regression method, and the least square
      method. After that, the new formula was verified through measuring data of
      natural rivers and flume tests and comparing the verified results calculated by
      Cao Formula, Zhang Formula, Li Formula, Engelung-Hansen Formula, Ackers-White
      Formula, and Yang Formula. According to the compared results, it can be seen that
      the new method is of high accuracy. It could be a useful reference for the
      determination of sediment carrying capacity. 

PMID- 25136653
TI  - Multivariable time series prediction for the icing process on overhead power
      transmission line.
AB  - The design of monitoring and predictive alarm systems is necessary for successful
      overhead power transmission line icing. Given the characteristics of complexity,
      nonlinearity, and fitfulness in the line icing process, a model based on a
      multivariable time series is presented here to predict the icing load of a
      transmission line. In this model, the time effects of micrometeorology parameters
      for the icing process have been analyzed. The phase-space reconstruction theory
      and machine learning method were then applied to establish the prediction model,
      which fully utilized the history of multivariable time series data in local
      monitoring systems to represent the mapping relationship between icing load and
      micrometeorology factors. Relevant to the characteristic of fitfulness in line
      icing, the simulations were carried out during the same icing process or
      different process to test the model's prediction precision and robustness.
      According to the simulation results for the Tao-Luo-Xiong Transmission Line, this
      model demonstrates a good accuracy of prediction in different process, if the
      prediction length is less than two hours, and would be helpful for power grid
      departments when deciding to take action in advance to address potential icing
      disasters. 

PMID- 25136654
TI  - Inducing effect of dihydroartemisinic acid in the biosynthesis of artemisinins
      with cultured cells of Artemisia annua by enhancing the expression of genes.
AB  - Artemisinin has been used in the production of "artemisinin combination
      therapies" for the treatment of malaria. Feeding of precursors has been proven to
      be one of the most effective methods to enhance artemisinin production in plant
      cultured cells. At the current paper, the biosynthesis of artemisinin (ART) and
      its four analogs from dihydroartemisinic acid (DHAA) in suspension-cultured cells
      of Artemisia annua were investigated. ARTs were detected by HPLC/GC-MS and
      isolated by various chromatography methods. The structures of four DHAA
      metabolites, namely, dihydro-epi-deoxyarteannuin B, arteannuin I, arteannuin K,
      and 3-beta-hydroxy-dihydro-epi-deoxyarteannuin B, were elucidated by
      physicochemical and spectroscopic analyses. The correlation between gene
      expression and ART content was investigated. The results of RT-PCR showed that
      DHAA could up-regulate expression of amorpha-4,11-diene synthase gene (ADS),
      amorpha-4,11-diene C-12 oxidase gene (CYP71AV1), and farnesyl diphosphate
      synthase gene (FPS) (3.19-, 7.21-, and 2.04-fold higher than those of control
      group, resp.), which indicated that biosynthesis processes from DHAA to ART were
      enzyme-mediated. 

PMID- 25136655
TI  - Automatic foreground extraction based on difference of Gaussian.
AB  - A novel algorithm for automatic foreground extraction based on difference of
      Gaussian (DoG) is presented. In our algorithm, DoG is employed to find the
      candidate keypoints of an input image in different color layers. Then, a
      keypoints filter algorithm is proposed to get the keypoints by removing the
      pseudo-keypoints and rebuilding the important keypoints. Finally, Normalized cut
      (Ncut) is used to segment an image into several regions and locate the foreground
      with the number of keypoints in each region. Experiments on the given image data
      set demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm. 

PMID- 25136656
TI  - Comprehensive Aspectual UML approach to support AspectJ.
AB  - Unified Modeling Language is the most popular and widely used Object-Oriented
      modelling language in the IT industry. This study focuses on investigating the
      ability to expand UML to some extent to model crosscutting concerns (Aspects) to
      support AspectJ. Through a comprehensive literature review, we identify and
      extensively examine all the available Aspect-Oriented UML modelling approaches
      and find that the existing Aspect-Oriented Design Modelling approaches using UML
      cannot be considered to provide a framework for a comprehensive Aspectual UML
      modelling approach and also that there is a lack of adequate Aspect-Oriented tool
      support. This study also proposes a set of Aspectual UML semantic rules and
      attempts to generate AspectJ pseudocode from UML diagrams. The proposed Aspectual
      UML modelling approach is formally evaluated using a focus group to test six
      hypotheses regarding performance; a "good design" criteria-based evaluation to
      assess the quality of the design; and an AspectJ-based evaluation as a reference
      measurement-based evaluation. The results of the focus group evaluation confirm
      all the hypotheses put forward regarding the proposed approach. The proposed
      approach provides a comprehensive set of Aspectual UML structural and behavioral
      diagrams, which are designed and implemented based on a comprehensive and
      detailed set of AspectJ programming constructs. 

PMID- 25136657
TI  - Radixin enhances colon cancer cell invasion by increasing MMP-7 production via
      Rac1-ERK pathway.
AB  - As a member of the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) family, radixin is overexpressed in
      many tumor tissues. However, little is known about its role in the progression of
      colon cancer. So we here aimed to determine the function of radixin in colon
      cancer cell invasion. Interestingly, we found that the expression of radixin was
      significantly elevated in colon cancer cells. Knockdown of radixin suppressed the
      invasion and migration of colon cancer cells. Further, knockdown of radixin
      inhibited the activation of Rac1 and ERK1/2, and decreased the expression and
      secretion of MMP-7. In addition, Rac1-ERK signaling pathway was required for the
      radixin-promoted invasion and MMP-7 production. Together, our findings suggest
      that radixin enhances the invasion and migration of colon cancer cells.
      Activation of Rac1-ERK pathway and consequent upregulation of MMP-7 production
      may contribute to the function of radixin in the regulation of colon cancer cell
      invasion. Thus, radixin may act as a novel target for the diagnosis and treatment
      of colon cancer. 

PMID- 25136659
TI  - Advanced approach to information security management system model for industrial
      control system.
AB  - Organizations make use of important information in day-to-day business.
      Protecting sensitive information is imperative and must be managed. Companies in
      many parts of the world protect sensitive information using the international
      standard known as the information security management system (ISMS). ISO 27000
      series is the international standard ISMS used to protect confidentiality,
      integrity, and availability of sensitive information. While an ISMS based on ISO
      27000 series has no particular flaws for general information systems, it is unfit
      to manage sensitive information for industrial control systems (ICSs) because the
      first priority of industrial control is safety of the system. Therefore, a new
      information security management system based on confidentiality, integrity, and
      availability as well as safety is required for ICSs. This new ISMS must be
      mutually exclusive of an ICS. This paper provides a new paradigm of ISMS for
      ICSs, which will be shown to be more suitable than the existing ISMS. 

PMID- 25136658
TI  - The role of IL-33 in host response to Candida albicans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL) 33 is a recently identified pleiotropic cytokine
      that influences the activity of multiple cell types and orchestrates complex
      innate and adaptive immune responses. METHODS: We performed an extensive review
      of the literature published between 2005 and 2013 on IL-33 and related cytokines,
      their functions, and their regulation of the immune system following Candida
      albicans colonization. Our literature review included cross-references from
      retrieved articles and specific data from our own studies. RESULTS: IL-33 (IL
      1F11) is a recently identified member of the IL-1 family of cytokines.
      Accumulating evidence suggests a pivotal role of the IL-33/ST2 axis in host
      immune defense against fungal pathogens, including C. albicans. IL-33 induces a
      Th2-type inflammatory response and activates both innate and adaptive immunity.
      Studies in animal models have shown that Th2 inflammatory responses have a
      beneficial role in immunity against gastrointestinal and systemic infections by
      Candida spp. CONCLUSIONS: This review summarizes the most important clinical
      studies and case reports describing the beneficial role of IL-33 in immunity and
      host defense mechanisms against pathogenic fungi. The finding that the IL-33/ST2
      axis is involved in therapeutic target has implications for the prevention and
      treatment of inflammatory diseases, including acute or chronic candidiasis.

PMID- 25136660
TI  - Induced effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on the autonomic nervous
      system and the cardiac rhythm.
AB  - Several standard protocols based on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
      (rTMS) have been employed for treatment of a variety of neurological disorders.
      Despite their advantages in patients that are retractable to medication, there is
      a lack of knowledge about the effects of rTMS on the autonomic nervous system
      that controls the cardiovascular system. Current understanding suggests that the
      shape of the so-called QRS complex together with the size of the different
      segments and intervals between the PQRST deflections of the heart could predict
      the nature of the different arrhythmias and ailments affecting the heart. This
      preliminary study involving 10 normal subjects from 20 to 30 years of age
      demonstrated that rTMS can induce changes in the heart rhythm. The autonomic
      activity that controls the cardiac rhythm was indeed altered by an rTMS session
      targeting the motor cortex using intensity below the subject's motor threshold
      and lasting no more than 5 minutes. The rTMS activation resulted in a reduction
      of the RR intervals (cardioacceleration) in most cases. Most of these cases also
      showed significant changes in the Poincare plot descriptor SD2 (long-term
      variability), the area under the low frequency (LF) power spectrum density curve,
      and the low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio. The RR intervals changed
      significantly in specific instants of time during rTMS activation showing either
      heart rate acceleration or heart rate deceleration. 

PMID- 25136661
TI  - An improved Pearson's correlation proximity-based hierarchical clustering for
      mining biological association between genes.
AB  - Microarray gene expression datasets has concerned great awareness among molecular
      biologist, statisticians, and computer scientists. Data mining that extracts the
      hidden and usual information from datasets fails to identify the most significant
      biological associations between genes. A search made with heuristic for standard
      biological process measures only the gene expression level, threshold, and
      response time. Heuristic search identifies and mines the best biological
      solution, but the association process was not efficiently addressed. To monitor
      higher rate of expression levels between genes, a hierarchical clustering model
      was proposed, where the biological association between genes is measured
      simultaneously using proximity measure of improved Pearson's correlation (PCPHC).
      Additionally, the Seed Augment algorithm adopts average linkage methods on rows
      and columns in order to expand a seed PCPHC model into a maximal global PCPHC (GL
      PCPHC) model and to identify association between the clusters. Moreover, a GL
      PCPHC applies pattern growing method to mine the PCPHC patterns. Compared to
      existing gene expression analysis, the PCPHC model achieves better performance.
      Experimental evaluations are conducted for GL-PCPHC model with standard benchmark
      gene expression datasets extracted from UCI repository and GenBank database in
      terms of execution time, size of pattern, significance level, biological
      association efficiency, and pattern quality. 

PMID- 25136662
TI  - The design and implementation of postprocessing for depth map on real-time
      extraction system.
AB  - Depth estimation becomes the key technology to resolve the communications of the
      stereo vision. We can get the real-time depth map based on hardware, which cannot
      implement complicated algorithm as software, because there are some restrictions
      in the hardware structure. Eventually, some wrong stereo matching will inevitably
      exist in the process of depth estimation by hardware, such as FPGA. In order to
      solve the problem a postprocessing function is designed in this paper. After
      matching cost unique test, the both left-right and right-left consistency check
      solutions are implemented, respectively; then, the cavities in depth maps can be
      filled by right depth values on the basis of right-left consistency check
      solution. The results in the experiments have shown that the depth map extraction
      and postprocessing function can be implemented in real time in the same system;
      what is more, the quality of the depth maps is satisfactory. 

PMID- 25136663
TI  - Realistic facial expression of virtual human based on color, sweat, and tears
      effects.
AB  - Generating extreme appearances such as scared awaiting sweating while happy fit
      for tears (cry) and blushing (anger and happiness) is the key issue in achieving
      the high quality facial animation. The effects of sweat, tears, and colors are
      integrated into a single animation model to create realistic facial expressions
      of 3D avatar. The physical properties of muscles, emotions, or the fluid
      properties with sweating and tears initiators are incorporated. The action units
      (AUs) of facial action coding system are merged with autonomous AUs to create
      expressions including sadness, anger with blushing, happiness with blushing, and
      fear. Fluid effects such as sweat and tears are simulated using the particle
      system and smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) methods which are combined with
      facial animation technique to produce complex facial expressions. The effects of
      oxygenation of the facial skin color appearance are measured using the pulse
      oximeter system and the 3D skin analyzer. The result shows that virtual human
      facial expression is enhanced by mimicking actual sweating and tears simulations
      for all extreme expressions. The proposed method has contribution towards the
      development of facial animation industry and game as well as computer graphics. 

PMID- 25136664
TI  - Hematite nanoparticles-modified electrode based electrochemical sensing platform
      for dopamine.
AB  - Hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized by the solid transformation
      of ferrous hydroxide and ferrihydrite in hydrothermal condition. The as-prepared
      alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, PL, XRD, Raman, TEM, AFM,
      FESEM, and EDX analysis. The experimental results indicated the formation of
      uniform hematite nanoparticles with an average size of 45 nm and perfect
      crystallinity. The electrochemical behavior of a GC/alpha-Fe2O3 electrode was
      studied using CV and EIS techniques with an electrochemical probe, [Fe(CN)6](3-/4
      ) redox couple. The electrocatalytic activity was investigated toward DA
      oxidation in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.8) by varying different
      experimental parameters. The chronoamperometric study showed a linear response in
      the range of 0-2 MUM with LoD of 1.6 MUM for DA. Square wave voltammetry showed a
      linear response in the range of 0-35 MUM with LoD of 236 nM for DA.

PMID- 25136665
TI  - Kinetics of mushroom tyrosinase and melanogenesis inhibition by N-acetyl
      pentapeptides.
AB  - We investigated the kinetics of 4N-acetyl-pentapeptides, Ac-P1, Ac-P2, Ac-P3, and
      Ac-P4, regarding inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity. The peptides
      sequences of Ac-P1, Ac-P2, Ac-P3, and Ac-P4 were Ac-RSRFK, Ac-KSRFR, Ac-KSSFR,
      and Ac-RSRFS, respectively. The 4N-acetyl-pentapeptides were able to reduce the
      oxidation of l-DOPA by tyrosinase in a dose-dependent manner. Of the 4N-acetyl
      pentapeptides, only Ac-P4 exhibited lag time (80 s) at a concentration of 0.5
      mg/mL. The tyrosinase inhibitory effects of Ac-P4 (IC50 0.29 mg/mL) were more
      effective than those of Ac-P1, Ac-P2, and Ac-P3, in which IC50s were 0.75 mg/mL,
      0.78 mg/mL, and 0.81 mg/mL, respectively. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that all
      4N-acetyl-pentapeptides were mixed-type tyrosinase inhibitors. Furthermore, 0.1
      mg/mL of Ac-P4 exhibited significant melanogenesis inhibition on B16F10 melanoma
      cells and was more effective than kojic acid. The melanogenesis inhibition of Ac
      P4 was dose-dependent and did not induce any cytotoxicity on B16F10 melanoma
      cells.

PMID- 25136667
TI  - Optimization of self-directed target coverage in wireless multimedia sensor
      network.
AB  - Video and image sensors in wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) have
      directed view and limited sensing angle. So the methods to solve target coverage
      problem for traditional sensor networks, which use circle sensing model, are not
      suitable for WMSNs. Based on the FoV (field of view) sensing model and FoV disk
      model proposed, how expected multimedia sensor covers the target is defined by
      the deflection angle between target and the sensor's current orientation and the
      distance between target and the sensor. Then target coverage optimization
      algorithms based on expected coverage value are presented for single-sensor
      single-target, multisensor single-target, and single-sensor multitargets problems
      distinguishingly. Selecting the orientation that sensor rotated to cover every
      target falling in the FoV disk of that sensor for candidate orientations and
      using genetic algorithm to multisensor multitargets problem, which has NP
      complete complexity, then result in the approximated minimum subset of sensors
      which covers all the targets in networks. Simulation results show the algorithm's
      performance and the effect of number of targets on the resulting subset. 

PMID- 25136666
TI  - Turbulence model sensitivity and scour gap effect of unsteady flow around pipe: a
      CFD study.
AB  - A numerical investigation of incompressible and transient flow around circular
      pipe has been carried out at different five gap phases. Flow equations such as
      Navier-Stokes and continuity equations have been solved using finite volume
      method. Unsteady horizontal velocity and kinetic energy square root profiles are
      plotted using different turbulence models and their sensitivity is checked
      against published experimental results. Flow parameters such as horizontal
      velocity under pipe, pressure coefficient, wall shear stress, drag coefficient,
      and lift coefficient are studied and presented graphically to investigate the
      flow behavior around an immovable pipe and scoured bed. 

PMID- 25136670
TI  - Knee joint biomechanics in high flexion.

PMID- 25136669
TI  - Micropropagation of an exotic ornamental plant, Calathea crotalifera, for
      production of high quality plantlets.
AB  - A successful protocol was established for micropropagation in two selected
      varieties of exotic ornamental plants, Calathea crotalifera. The effects of
      different sterilization techniques, explant type, and the combination and
      concentration of plant growth regulators on shoots induction were studied. The
      axillary shoot buds explants sprouted from rhizomes in soil free conditions
      showed high induction rate of shoots with lowest contamination percentage when
      treated with combination of 30% (v/v) NaOCl, 70% (v/v) ethanol, and 0.3% (w/v)
      HgCl2. In the present study, the highest number of multiple shoots was obtained
      in MS basal medium supplemented with 3.5 mg/L 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1.0 mg/L
      1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 3% sucrose, and 6 g/L plant agar for both
      varieties and was used as multiplication medium. Microshoots were highly induced
      when the young shoot bud explants were incised longitudinally prior subculture.
      Chlorophyll analysis was studied to test the effects of activated charcoal and L
      glutamine on reduction of necrosis problem. The maximum roots induction was
      recorded on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)
      compared to indolebutyric acid (IBA). The complete regenerated plantlets were
      successfully acclimatized in the soilless medium under greenhouse condition. This
      is the first report of rapid mass propagation for C. crotalifera.

PMID- 25136668
TI  - Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOX4 regimen to treat advanced gastric cancer
      improves survival without increasing adverse events: a retrospective cohort study
      from a Chinese center.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of FOLFOX4 (5
      fluomumcil/leucovorin combined and oxaliplatin) neoadjuvant chemotherapy for
      advanced gastric cancer (AGC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight AGC patients
      were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study, 23 in the neoadjuvant group and
      35 in the adjuvant group. R0 resection, survival, and adverse events were
      compared. RESULTS: The two groups were well-matched, with no significant
      differences in R0 resection rate (82.6% versus 82.0%) and number of lymph nodes
      dissection (16 (0-49) versus 13 (3-40)) between the two groups (P > 0.05). The
      number of lymph node metastases in the neoadjuvant group (3 (0-14)) was
      significantly fewer than that in the adjuvant group (6 (0-27)) (P = 0.04). The
      neoadjuvant group had significantly better median overall survival (29.0 versus
      22.0 months) and 3-year survival rate (73.9% versus 40.0%) than the adjuvant
      group (P = 0.013). The positive expression rate of Ki-67 in the neoadjuvant group
      (40.0%, 8/20) was lower than that in the adjuvant group (74.2%, 23/31; P =
      0.015). CONCLUSION: The FOLFOX4 neoadjuvant chemotherapy could improve survival
      without increasing adverse events in patients with AGC.

PMID- 25136671
TI  - The role of antioxidant enzymes in adaptive responses to sheath blight
      infestation under different fertilization rates and hill densities.
AB  - Sheath blight of rice, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the most
      devastating rice diseases worldwide. No rice cultivar has been found to be
      completely resistant to this fungus. Identifying antioxidant enzymes activities
      (activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT))
      and malondialdehyde content (MDA) responding to sheath blight infestation is
      imperative to understand the defensive mechanism systems of rice. In the present
      study, two inoculation methods (toothpick and agar block method) were tested in
      double-season rice. Toothpick method had greater lesion length than agar block
      method in late season. A higher MDA content was found under toothpick method
      compared with agar block method, which led to greater POD and SOD activities.
      Dense planting caused higher lesion length resulting in a higher MDA content,
      which also subsequently stimulated higher POD and SOD activity. Sheath blight
      severity was significantly related to the activity of antioxidant enzyme during
      both seasons. The present study implies that rice plants possess a system of
      antioxidant protective enzymes which helps them in adaptation to sheath blight
      infection stresses. Several agronomic practices, such as rational use of
      fertilizers and optimum planting density, involved in regulating antioxidant
      protective enzyme systems can be regarded as promising strategy to suppress the
      sheath blight development. 

PMID- 25136672
TI  - An evaluation and implementation of rule-based Home Energy Management System
      using the Rete algorithm.
AB  - In recent years, sensors become popular and Home Energy Management System (HEMS)
      takes an important role in saving energy without decrease in QoL (Quality of
      Life). Currently, many rule-based HEMSs have been proposed and almost all of them
      assume "IF-THEN" rules. The Rete algorithm is a typical pattern matching
      algorithm for IF-THEN rules. Currently, we have proposed a rule-based Home Energy
      Management System (HEMS) using the Rete algorithm. In the proposed system, rules
      for managing energy are processed by smart taps in network, and the loads for
      processing rules and collecting data are distributed to smart taps. In addition,
      the number of processes and collecting data are reduced by processing rules based
      on the Rete algorithm. In this paper, we evaluated the proposed system by
      simulation. In the simulation environment, rules are processed by a smart tap
      that relates to the action part of each rule. In addition, we implemented the
      proposed system as HEMS using smart taps. 

PMID- 25136673
TI  - Model of close packing for determination of the major characteristics of the
      liquid dispersions components.
AB  - We introduce a close packing model of the particles from the disperse phase of a
      liquid dispersion. With this model, we find the sediment volumes, the emergent,
      and the bound dispersion medium. We formulate a new approach for determining the
      equivalent radii of the particles from the sediment and the emergent (different
      from the Stokes method). We also describe an easy manner to apply algebraic
      method for determining the average volumetric mass densities of the ultimate
      sediment and emergent, as well as the free dispersion medium (without using any
      pycnometers or densitometers). The masses of the different components and the
      density of the dispersion phase in the investigated liquid dispersion are also
      determined by means of the established densities. We introduce for the first time
      a dimensionless scale for numeric characterization and therefore an index for
      predicting the sedimentation stability of liquid dispersions in case of straight
      and/or reverse sedimentation. We also find the quantity of the pure substance
      (without pouring out or drying) in the dispersion phase of the liquid
      dispersions. 

PMID- 25136674
TI  - Covert network analysis for key player detection and event prediction using a
      hybrid classifier.
AB  - National security has gained vital importance due to increasing number of
      suspicious and terrorist events across the globe. Use of different subfields of
      information technology has also gained much attraction of researchers and
      practitioners to design systems which can detect main members which are actually
      responsible for such kind of events. In this paper, we present a novel method to
      predict key players from a covert network by applying a hybrid framework. The
      proposed system calculates certain centrality measures for each node in the
      network and then applies novel hybrid classifier for detection of key players.
      Our system also applies anomaly detection to predict any terrorist activity in
      order to help law enforcement agencies to destabilize the involved network. As a
      proof of concept, the proposed framework has been implemented and tested using
      different case studies including two publicly available datasets and one local
      network. 

PMID- 25136675
TI  - Protection of HEVC video delivery in vehicular networks with RaptorQ codes.
AB  - With future vehicles equipped with processing capability, storage, and
      communications, vehicular networks will become a reality. A vast number of
      applications will arise that will make use of this connectivity. Some of them
      will be based on video streaming. In this paper we focus on HEVC video coding
      standard streaming in vehicular networks and how it deals with packet losses with
      the aid of RaptorQ, a Forward Error Correction scheme. As vehicular networks are
      packet loss prone networks, protection mechanisms are necessary if we want to
      guarantee a minimum level of quality of experience to the final user. We have run
      simulations to evaluate which configurations fit better in this type of
      scenarios. 

PMID- 25136677
TI  - Induced unbalanced linguistic ordered weighted average and its application in
      multiperson decision making.
AB  - Linguistic variables are very useful to evaluate alternatives in decision making
      problems because they provide a vocabulary in natural language rather than
      numbers. Some aggregation operators for linguistic variables force the use of a
      symmetric and uniformly distributed set of terms. The need to relax these
      conditions has recently been posited. This paper presents the induced unbalanced
      linguistic ordered weighted average (IULOWA) operator. This operator can deal
      with a set of unbalanced linguistic terms that are represented using fuzzy sets.
      We propose a new order-inducing criterion based on the specificity and fuzziness
      of the linguistic terms. Different relevancies are given to the fuzzy values
      according to their uncertainty degree. To illustrate the behaviour of the
      precision-based IULOWA operator, we present an environmental assessment case
      study in which a multiperson multicriteria decision making model is applied. 

PMID- 25136678
TI  - An ant colony optimization based feature selection for web page classification.
AB  - The increased popularity of the web has caused the inclusion of huge amount of
      information to the web, and as a result of this explosive information growth,
      automated web page classification systems are needed to improve search engines'
      performance. Web pages have a large number of features such as HTML/XML tags,
      URLs, hyperlinks, and text contents that should be considered during an automated
      classification process. The aim of this study is to reduce the number of features
      to be used to improve runtime and accuracy of the classification of web pages. In
      this study, we used an ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm to select the best
      features, and then we applied the well-known C4.5, naive Bayes, and k nearest
      neighbor classifiers to assign class labels to web pages. We used the WebKB and
      Conference datasets in our experiments, and we showed that using the ACO for
      feature selection improves both accuracy and runtime performance of
      classification. We also showed that the proposed ACO based algorithm can select
      better features with respect to the well-known information gain and chi square
      feature selection methods. 

PMID- 25136679
TI  - An effective approach to improving low-cost GPS positioning accuracy in real-time
      navigation.
AB  - Positioning accuracy is a challenging issue for location-based applications using
      a low-cost global positioning system (GPS). This paper presents an effective
      approach to improving the positioning accuracy of a low-cost GPS receiver for
      real-time navigation. The proposed method precisely estimates position by
      combining vehicle movement direction, velocity averaging, and distance between
      waypoints using coordinate data (latitude, longitude, time, and velocity) of the
      GPS receiver. The previously estimated precious reference point, coordinate
      translation, and invalid data check also improve accuracy. In order to evaluate
      the performance of the proposed method, we conducted an experiment using a GARMIN
      GPS 19xHVS receiver attached to a car and used Google Maps to plot the processed
      data. The proposed method achieved improvement of 4-10 meters in several
      experiments. In addition, we compared the proposed approach with two other state
      of-the-art methods: recursive averaging and ARMA interpolation. The experimental
      results show that the proposed approach outperforms other state-of-the-art
      methods in terms of positioning accuracy. 

PMID- 25136680
TI  - Back analysis of geomechanical parameters in underground engineering using
      artificial bee colony.
AB  - Accurate geomechanical parameters are critical in tunneling excavation, design,
      and supporting. In this paper, a displacements back analysis based on artificial
      bee colony (ABC) algorithm is proposed to identify geomechanical parameters from
      monitored displacements. ABC was used as global optimal algorithm to search the
      unknown geomechanical parameters for the problem with analytical solution. To the
      problem without analytical solution, optimal back analysis is time-consuming, and
      least square support vector machine (LSSVM) was used to build the relationship
      between unknown geomechanical parameters and displacement and improve the
      efficiency of back analysis. The proposed method was applied to a tunnel with
      analytical solution and a tunnel without analytical solution. The results show
      the proposed method is feasible. 

PMID- 25136681
TI  - Characteristics of wind velocity and temperature change near an escarpment-shaped
      road embankment.
AB  - Artificial structures such as embankments built during the construction of
      highways influence the surrounding airflow. Various types of damage can occur due
      to changes in the wind velocity and temperature around highway embankments.
      However, no study has accurately measured micrometeorological changes (wind
      velocity and temperature) due to embankments. This study conducted a wind tunnel
      test and field measurement to identify changes in wind velocity and temperature
      before and after the construction of embankments around roads. Changes in wind
      velocity around an embankment after its construction were found to be influenced
      by the surrounding wind velocity, wind angle, and the level difference and
      distance from the embankment. When the level difference from the embankment was
      large and the distance was up to 3H, the degree of wind velocity declines was
      found to be large. In changes in reference wind velocities around the embankment,
      wind velocity increases were not proportional to the rate at which wind
      velocities declined. The construction of the embankment influenced surrounding
      temperatures. The degree of temperature change was large in locations with large
      level differences from the embankment at daybreak and during evening hours when
      wind velocity changes were small. 

PMID- 25136682
TI  - Big data: survey, technologies, opportunities, and challenges.
AB  - Big Data has gained much attention from the academia and the IT industry. In the
      digital and computing world, information is generated and collected at a rate
      that rapidly exceeds the boundary range. Currently, over 2 billion people
      worldwide are connected to the Internet, and over 5 billion individuals own
      mobile phones. By 2020, 50 billion devices are expected to be connected to the
      Internet. At this point, predicted data production will be 44 times greater than
      that in 2009. As information is transferred and shared at light speed on optic
      fiber and wireless networks, the volume of data and the speed of market growth
      increase. However, the fast growth rate of such large data generates numerous
      challenges, such as the rapid growth of data, transfer speed, diverse data, and
      security. Nonetheless, Big Data is still in its infancy stage, and the domain has
      not been reviewed in general. Hence, this study comprehensively surveys and
      classifies the various attributes of Big Data, including its nature, definitions,
      rapid growth rate, volume, management, analysis, and security. This study also
      proposes a data life cycle that uses the technologies and terminologies of Big
      Data. Future research directions in this field are determined based on
      opportunities and several open issues in Big Data domination. These research
      directions facilitate the exploration of the domain and the development of
      optimal techniques to address Big Data. 

PMID- 25136676
TI  - Vascular calcification and renal bone disorders.
AB  - At the early stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the systemic mineral
      metabolism and bone composition start to change. This alteration is known as
      chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). It is well known that the
      bone turnover disorder is the most common complication of CKD-MBD. Besides, CKD
      patients usually suffer from vascular calcification (VC), which is highly
      associated with mortality. Many factors regulate the VC mechanism, which include
      imbalances in serum calcium and phosphate, systemic inflammation, RANK/RANKL/OPG
      triad, aldosterone, microRNAs, osteogenic transdifferentiation, and effects of
      vitamins. These factors have roles in both promoting and inhibiting VC. Patients
      with CKD usually have bone turnover problems. Patients with high bone turnover
      have increase of calcium and phosphate release from the bone. By contrast, when
      bone turnover is low, serum calcium and phosphate levels are frequently
      maintained at high levels because the reservoir functions of bone decrease. Both
      of these conditions will increase the possibility of VC. In addition, the
      calcified vessel may secrete FGF23 and Wnt inhibitors such as sclerostin, DKK-1,
      and secreted frizzled-related protein to prevent further VC. However, all of them
      may fight back the inhibition of bone formation resulting in fragile bone. There
      are several ways to treat VC depending on the bone turnover status of the
      individual. The main goals of therapy are to maintain normal bone turnover and
      protect against VC. 

PMID- 25136683
TI  - Quality of protection evaluation of security mechanisms.
AB  - Recent research indicates that during the design of teleinformatic system the
      tradeoff between the systems performance and the system protection should be
      made. The traditional approach assumes that the best way is to apply the
      strongest possible security measures. Unfortunately, the overestimation of
      security measures can lead to the unreasonable increase of system load. This is
      especially important in multimedia systems where the performance has critical
      character. In many cases determination of the required level of protection and
      adjustment of some security measures to these requirements increase system
      efficiency. Such an approach is achieved by means of the quality of protection
      models where the security measures are evaluated according to their influence on
      the system security. In the paper, we propose a model for QoP evaluation of
      security mechanisms. Owing to this model, one can quantify the influence of
      particular security mechanisms on ensuring security attributes. The methodology
      of our model preparation is described and based on it the case study analysis is
      presented. We support our method by the tool where the models can be defined and
      QoP evaluation can be performed. Finally, we have modelled TLS cryptographic
      protocol and presented the QoP security mechanisms evaluation for the selected
      versions of this protocol. 

PMID- 25136684
TI  - (n - 1)-Step derivations on n-groupoids: the case n = 3.
AB  - We define a ranked trigroupoid as a natural followup on the idea of a ranked
      bigroupoid. We consider the idea of a derivation on such a trigroupoid as
      representing a two-step process on a pair of ranked bigroupoids where the mapping
      d is a self-derivation at each step. Following up on this idea we obtain several
      results and conclusions of interest. We also discuss the notion of a couplet (D,
      d) on X, consisting of a two-step derivation d and its square D = d ? d, for
      example, whose defining property leads to further observations on the underlying
      ranked trigroupoids also. 

PMID- 25136685
TI  - Minimize the percentage of noise in biomedical images using neural networks.
AB  - The overall goal of the research is to improve the quality of biomedical image
      for telemedicine with minimum percentages of noise in the retrieved image and to
      take less computation time. The novelty of this technique lies in the
      implementation of spectral coding for biomedical images using neural networks in
      order to accomplish the above objectives. This work is in continuity of an
      ongoing research project aimed at developing a system for efficient image
      compression approach for telemedicine in Saudi Arabia. We compare the efficiency
      of this technique against existing image compression techniques, namely,
      JPEG2000, in terms of compression ratio, peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), and
      computation time. To our knowledge, the research is the primary in providing a
      comparative study with other techniques used in the compression of biomedical
      images. This work explores and tests biomedical images such as X-rays, computed
      tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission
      tomography (PET). 

PMID- 25136687
TI  - Fire propagation performance of intumescent fire protective coatings using
      eggshells as a novel biofiller.
AB  - This paper aims to synthesize and characterize an effective intumescent fire
      protective coating that incorporates eggshell powder as a novel biofiller. The
      performances of thermal stability, char formation, fire propagation, water
      resistance, and adhesion strength of coatings have been evaluated. A few
      intumescent flame-retardant coatings based on these three ecofriendly fire
      retardant additives ammonium polyphosphate phase II, pentaerythritol and melamine
      mixed together with flame-retardant fillers, and acrylic binder have been
      prepared and designed for steel. The fire performance of the coatings has
      conducted employing BS 476: Part 6-Fire propagation test. The foam structures of
      the intumescent coatings have been observed using field emission scanning
      electron microscopy. On exposure, the coated specimens' B, C, and D had been
      certified to be Class 0 due to the fact that their fire propagation indexes were
      less than 12. Incorporation of ecofriendly eggshell, biofiller into formulation D
      led to excellent performance in fire stopping (index value, (I) = 4.3) and
      antioxidation of intumescent coating. The coating is also found to be quite
      effective in water repellency, uniform foam structure, and adhesion strength. 

PMID- 25136686
TI  - Lymphocyte oxidative stress/genotoxic effects are related to serum IgG and IgA
      levels in coke oven workers.
AB  - We investigated oxidative stress/genotoxic effects levels, immunoglobulin levels,
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels exposed in 126 coke oven workers
      and in 78 control subjects, and evaluated the association between oxidative
      stress/genotoxic effects levels and immunoglobulin levels. Significant
      differences were observed in biomarkers, including 1-hydroxypyrene levels,
      employment time, percentages of alcohol drinkers, MDA, 8-OHdG levels, CTL levels
      and CTM, MN, CA frequency, and IgG, IgA levels between the control and exposed
      groups. Slightly higher 1-OHP levels in smoking users were observed. For the dose
      response relationship of IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE by 1-OHP, each one percentage
      increase in urinary 1-OHP generates a 0.109%, 0.472%, 0.051%, and 0.067% decrease
      in control group and generates a 0.312%, 0.538%, 0.062%, and 0.071% decrease in
      exposed group, respectively. Except for age, alcohol and smoking status, IgM, and
      IgE, a significant correlation in urinary 1-OHP and other biomarkers in the total
      population was observed. Additionally, a significant negative correlation in
      genotoxic/oxidative damage biomarkers of MDA, 8-OH-dG, CTL levels, and
      immunoglobins of IgG and IgA levels, especially in coke oven workers, was found.
      These data suggest that oxidative stress/DNA damage induced by PAHs may play a
      role in toxic responses for PAHs in immunological functions. 

PMID- 25136688
TI  - Automating risk analysis of software design models.
AB  - The growth of the internet and networked systems has exposed software to an
      increased amount of security threats. One of the responses from software
      developers to these threats is the introduction of security activities in the
      software development lifecycle. This paper describes an approach to reduce the
      need for costly human expertise to perform risk analysis in software, which is
      common in secure development methodologies, by automating threat modeling.
      Reducing the dependency on security experts aims at reducing the cost of secure
      development by allowing non-security-aware developers to apply secure development
      with little to no additional cost, making secure development more accessible. To
      automate threat modeling two data structures are introduced, identification trees
      and mitigation trees, to identify threats in software designs and advise
      mitigation techniques, while taking into account specification requirements and
      cost concerns. These are the components of our model for automated threat
      modeling, AutSEC. We validated AutSEC by implementing it in a tool based on data
      flow diagrams, from the Microsoft security development methodology, and applying
      it to VOMS, a grid middleware component, to evaluate our model's performance. 

PMID- 25136690
TI  - A fuzzy-decision based approach for Composite event detection in wireless sensor
      networks.
AB  - The event detection is one of the fundamental researches in wireless sensor
      networks (WSNs). Due to the consideration of various properties that reflect
      events status, the Composite event is more consistent with the objective world.
      Thus, the research of the Composite event becomes more realistic. In this paper,
      we analyze the characteristics of the Composite event; then we propose a
      criterion to determine the area of the Composite event and put forward a
      dominating set based network topology construction algorithm under random
      deployment. For the unreliability of partial data in detection process and
      fuzziness of the event definitions in nature, we propose a cluster-based two
      dimensional tau-GAS algorithm and fuzzy-decision based composite event decision
      mechanism. In the case that the sensory data of most nodes are normal, the two
      dimensional tau-GAS algorithm can filter the fault node data effectively and
      reduce the influence of erroneous data on the event determination. The Composite
      event judgment mechanism which is based on fuzzy-decision holds the superiority
      of the fuzzy-logic based algorithm; moreover, it does not need the support of a
      huge rule base and its computational complexity is small. Compared to CollECT
      algorithm and CDS algorithm, this algorithm improves the detection accuracy and
      reduces the traffic. 

PMID- 25136689
TI  - Effect of intra-articular hyaluronic injection on postural stability and risk of
      fall in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis.
AB  - Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of disability which influences the quality
      of life. It is associated with impaired knee joint proprioception, which affects
      postural stability. Postural stability is critical for mobility and physical
      activities. Different types of treatment including nonsurgical and surgical are
      used for knee osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid injection is a nonsurgical popular
      treatment used worldwide. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of
      hyaluronic acid injections on postural stability in individuals with bilateral
      knee osteoarthritis. Fifty patients aged between 50 and 70 years with mild and
      moderate bilateral knee osteoarthritis participated in our study. They were
      categorized into treatment (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups. The treatment
      group received five weekly hyaluronic acid injections for both knees, whereas the
      control group did not receive any treatment. Postural stability and fall risk
      were assessed using the Biodex Stability System and clinical "Timed Up and Go"
      test. All the participants completed the study. The treatment group showed
      significant decrease in postural stability and fall risk scores after five
      hyaluronic acid injections. In contrast, the control group showed significant
      increase. This study illustrated that five intra-articular hyaluronic acid
      injections could significantly improve postural stability and fall risk in
      bilateral knee osteoarthritis patients. This trial is registered with:
      NCT02063373. 

PMID- 25136692
TI  - On Poisson nonlinear transformations.
AB  - We construct the family of Poisson nonlinear transformations defined on the
      countable sample space of nonnegative integers and investigate their trajectory
      behavior. We have proved that these nonlinear transformations are regular. 

PMID- 25136691
TI  - Comparison of internal fixations for distal clavicular fractures based on loading
      tests and finite element analyses.
AB  - It is difficult to apply strong and stable internal fixation to a fracture of the
      distal end of the clavicle because it is unstable, the distal clavicle fragment
      is small, and the fractured region is near the acromioclavicular joint. In this
      study, to identify a superior internal fixation method for unstable distal
      clavicular fracture, we compared three types of internal fixation (tension band
      wiring, scorpion, and LCP clavicle hook plate). Firstly, loading tests were
      performed, in which fixations were evaluated using bending stiffness and
      torsional stiffness as indices, followed by finite element analysis to evaluate
      fixability using the stress and strain as indices. The bending and torsional
      stiffness were significantly higher in the artificial clavicles fixed with the
      two types of plate than in that fixed by tension band wiring (P < 0.05). No
      marked stress concentration on the clavicle was noted in the scorpion because the
      arm plate did not interfere with the acromioclavicular joint, suggesting that
      favorable shoulder joint function can be achieved. The stability of fixation with
      the LCP clavicle hook plate and the scorpion was similar, and plate fixations
      were stronger than fixation by tension band wiring. 

PMID- 25136693
TI  - Mutation and chaos in nonlinear models of heredity.
AB  - We shall explore a nonlinear discrete dynamical system that naturally occurs in
      population systems to describe a transmission of a trait from parents to their
      offspring. We consider a Mendelian inheritance for a single gene with three
      alleles and assume that to form a new generation, each gene has a possibility to
      mutate, that is, to change into a gene of the other kind. We investigate the
      derived models and observe chaotic behaviors of such models. 

PMID- 25136694
TI  - Enhancement of the wear resistance and microhardness of aluminum alloy by Nd:YaG
      laser treatment.
AB  - Influence of laser treatment on mechanical properties, wear resistance, and
      Vickers hardness of aluminum alloy was studied. The specimens were treated by
      using Nd:YaG laser of energy 780 mj, wavelength 512 nm, and duration time 8 ns.
      The wear behavior of the specimens was studied for all specimens before and after
      treatment by Nd:YaG laser and the dry wear experiments were carried out by sing
      pinon-disc technique. The specimens were machined as a disk with diameter of 25
      mm and circular groove in depth of 3 mm. All specimens were conducted by scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDS),
      optical microscopy, and Vickers hardness. The results showed that the dry wear
      rate was decreased after laser hardening and increased Vickers hardness values by
      ratio of 2.4:1. The results showed that the values of wear rate for samples
      having circular grooves are less than samples without grooves after laser
      treatment.

PMID- 25136695
TI  - PLUNC proteins positivity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: a case-control
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Innate immunity is the first protection against microorganisms.
      Nowadays, there is a growing interest in innate immune molecule known as palate,
      lung, nasal epithelial clone (PLUNC). PLUNC is a specific product of the airways,
      of approximately 25 kDa, encoded by adjacent genes found within a 300 kb region
      of chromosome 20; these proteins must be detected predominantly in the upper
      respiratory tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a case-control study to
      investigate the presence of this protein in nasal tissue of patients affected by
      chronic rhinosinusitis. 59 patients were enrolled (44 cases, 15 controls). We
      have examined the correlation between the presence of pathology and the PLUNC
      proteins positivity. RESULTS: 100% of controls have a +++ rated PLUNC proteins
      positivity, while cases have a lower percentage of positivity. We used chi (2)
      statistical test to analyze the results of the study and there is a difference
      statistically significant between cases and controls in PLUNC proteins
      positivity. CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that, in response to agents
      or chemical factors, nasal mucosal epithelium will react and produce PLUNC
      proteins. So PLUNC proteins have a protective function on upper airways mucosa,
      as we can see by evaluating the high positivity in control group.

PMID- 25136696
TI  - Carbon dioxide absorption and release properties of pyrolysis products of
      dolomite calcined in vacuum atmosphere.
AB  - The decomposition of dolomite into CaO and MgO was performed at 1073 K in vacuum
      and at 1273 K in an Ar atmosphere. The dolomite calcined in vacuum was found to
      have a higher specific surface area and a higher micropore volume when compared
      to the dolomite calcined in the Ar atmosphere. These pyrolysis products of
      dolomite were reacted with CO2 at 673 K for 21.6 ks. On the absorption of CO2,
      the formation of CaCO3 was observed. The degree of absorption of the dolomite
      calcined in vacuum was determined to be above 50%, which was higher than the
      degree of absorption of the dolomite calcined in the Ar atmosphere. The CO2
      absorption and release procedures were repeated three times for the dolomite
      calcined in vacuum. The specific surface area and micropore volume of calcined
      dolomite decreased with successive repetitions of the CO2 absorption and release
      cycles leading to a decrease in the degree of absorption of CO2.

PMID- 25136697
TI  - A secure 3-way routing protocols for intermittently connected mobile ad hoc
      networks.
AB  - The mobile ad hoc network may be partially connected or it may be disconnected in
      nature and these forms of networks are termed intermittently connected mobile ad
      hoc network (ICMANET). The routing in such disconnected network is commonly an
      arduous task. Many routing protocols have been proposed for routing in ICMANET
      since decades. The routing techniques in existence for ICMANET are, namely,
      flooding, epidemic, probabilistic, copy case, spray and wait, and so forth. These
      techniques achieve an effective routing with minimum latency, higher delivery
      ratio, lesser overhead, and so forth. Though these techniques generate effective
      results, in this paper, we propose novel routing algorithms grounded on agent and
      cryptographic techniques, namely, location dissemination service (LoDiS) routing
      with agent AES, A-LoDiS with agent AES routing, and B-LoDiS with agent AES
      routing, ensuring optimal results with respect to various network routing
      parameters. The algorithm along with efficient routing ensures higher degree of
      security. The security level is cited testing with respect to possibility of
      malicious nodes into the network. This paper also aids, with the comparative
      results of proposed algorithms, for secure routing in ICMANET. 

PMID- 25136698
TI  - The Polya-Szego principle and the anisotropic convex Lorentz-Sobolev inequality.
AB  - An anisotropic convex Lorentz-Sobolev inequality is established, which extends
      Ludwig, Xiao, and Zhang's result to any norm from Euclidean norm, and the
      geometric analogue of this inequality is given. In addition, it implies that the
      (anisotropic) Polya-Szego principle is shown. 

PMID- 25136699
TI  - A hybrid wavelet transform based short-term wind speed forecasting approach.
AB  - It is important to improve the accuracy of wind speed forecasting for wind parks
      management and wind power utilization. In this paper, a novel hybrid approach
      known as WTT-TNN is proposed for wind speed forecasting. In the first step of the
      approach, a wavelet transform technique (WTT) is used to decompose wind speed
      into an approximate scale and several detailed scales. In the second step, a two
      hidden-layer neural network (TNN) is used to predict both approximated scale and
      detailed scales, respectively. In order to find the optimal network architecture,
      the partial autocorrelation function is adopted to determine the number of
      neurons in the input layer, and an experimental simulation is made to determine
      the number of neurons within each hidden layer in the modeling process of TNN.
      Afterwards, the final prediction value can be obtained by the sum of these
      prediction results. In this study, a WTT is employed to extract these different
      patterns of the wind speed and make it easier for forecasting. To evaluate the
      performance of the proposed approach, it is applied to forecast Hexi Corridor of
      China's wind speed. Simulation results in four different cases show that the
      proposed method increases wind speed forecasting accuracy. 

PMID- 25136700
TI  - Image inpainting methods evaluation and improvement.
AB  - With the upgrowing of digital processing of images and film archiving, the need
      for assisted or unsupervised restoration required the development of a series of
      methods and techniques. Among them, image inpainting is maybe the most impressive
      and useful. Based on partial derivative equations or texture synthesis, many
      other hybrid techniques have been proposed recently. The need for an analytical
      comparison, beside the visual one, urged us to perform the studies shown in the
      present paper. Starting with an overview of the domain, an evaluation of the five
      methods was performed using a common benchmark and measuring the PSNR.
      Conclusions regarding the performance of the investigated algorithms have been
      presented, categorizing them in function of the restored image structure. Based
      on these experiments, we have proposed an adaptation of Oliveira's and Hadhoud's
      algorithms, which are performing well on images with natural defects. 

PMID- 25136701
TI  - Computational fluid dynamics modelling of microfluidic channel for
      dielectrophoretic BioMEMS application.
AB  - We propose a strategy for optimizing distribution of flow in a typical benchtop
      microfluidic chamber for dielectrophoretic application. It is aimed at
      encouraging uniform flow velocity along the whole analysis chamber in order to
      ensure DEP force is evenly applied to biological particle. Via the study, we have
      come up with a constructive strategy in improving the design of microfluidic
      channel which will greatly facilitate the use of DEP system in laboratory and
      primarily focus on the relationship between architecture and cell distribution,
      by resorting to the tubular structure of blood vessels. The design was validated
      by hydrodynamic flow simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics v4.2a software.
      Simulations show that the presence of 2-level bifurcation has developed
      portioning of volumetric flow which produced uniform flow across the channel.
      However, further bifurcation will reduce the volumetric flow rate, thus causing
      undesirable deposition of cell suspension around the chamber. Finally, an
      improvement of microfluidic design with rounded corner is proposed to encourage a
      uniform cell adhesion within the channel. 

PMID- 25136702
TI  - Thermodynamic analysis and optimization of a high temperature triple absorption
      heat transformer.
AB  - First law of thermodynamics has been used to analyze and optimize inclusively the
      performance of a triple absorption heat transformer operating with LiBr/H2O as
      the working pair. A thermodynamic model was developed in EES (engineering
      equation solver) to estimate the performance of the system in terms of the most
      essential parameters. The assumed parameters are the temperature of the main
      components, weak and strong solutions, economizers' efficiencies, and bypass
      ratios. The whole cycle is optimized by EES software from the viewpoint of
      maximizing the COP via applying the direct search method. The optimization
      results showed that the COP of 0.2491 is reachable by the proposed cycle. 

PMID- 25136703
TI  - Label-free in vitro visualization of particle uptake into human oral buccal
      epithelial cells by confocal Raman microscopy.
AB  - In this study, we present confocal Raman microscopy for chemically selective
      analysis of a human buccal epithelial cell layer with a focus on label-free
      visualization of particle uptake into the cells. We demonstrate the suitability
      and benefit of this analytical technique in comparison to confocal fluorescence
      microscopy for three dimensional imaging of in vitro cell models. 

PMID- 25136704
TI  - Association of provider-patient visit frequency and patient outcomes on
      hemodialysis.

PMID- 25136705
TI  - Unraveling the chemistry of the glomerular basement membrane.

PMID- 25136706
TI  - Bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRD) combination as salvage therapy
      in refractory angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma.

PMID- 25136707
TI  - Reflections: neurology and the humanities. A soliloquy in LP humility.

PMID- 25136708
TI  - Author response.

PMID- 25136709
TI  - Author response.

PMID- 25136710
TI  - Photosynthetic efficiency and carbon concentration in terrestrial plants: the C4
      and CAM  solutions.

PMID- 25136711
TI  - Cholera, 2013.

PMID- 25136712
TI  - Health conditions for travellers to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage to Mecca
      (Hajj), 2014.

PMID- 25136713
TI  - Congress stalls on BRAIN Initiative funding.

PMID- 25136715
TI  - Of pigs and people--WHO prepares to battle cysticercosis.

PMID- 25136714
TI  - EC Chief Scientific Adviser position gets strong backing.

PMID- 25136716
TI  - The Lancet Technology: August, 2014. Surgical training through the looking Glass.

PMID- 25136718
TI  - Carlos Ribeiro.

PMID- 25136717
TI  - Closing the carbon cycle.

PMID- 25136719
TI  - The age of miracles.

PMID- 25136720
TI  - Donald Nixon Ross.

PMID- 25136721
TI  - Global Polio Eradication Initiative:  10th meeting of the Independent  Monitoring
      Board.

PMID- 25136722
TI  - Monthly report on dracunculiasis  cases, January-June 2014.

PMID- 25136723
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 25136724
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 25136725
TI  - Possession of objectionable material (Med 12/228P).

PMID- 25136726
TI  - Reply to Tai: On the inability of 10 soloists to tell apart Old Italian and new
      violins at better than chance levels.

PMID- 25136727
TI  - Review of the Blastobasinae of Costa Rica (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea:
      Blastobasidae).
AB  - The Blastobasinae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Blastobasidae) of Costa Rica are
      reviewed. Five new genera, Barbaloba, Hallicis, Koleps, Pheos, and Pseudokoleps,
      and 101 new species are described. They include: Barbaloba jubae, B.
      meleagrisellae, Hallicis bisetosellus, H. calvicula, Koleps angulatus, Pheos
      aculeatus, Pseudokoleps akainae, Blastobasis abollae, B. achaea, B. aedes, B.
      babae, B. balucis, B. beo, B. caetrae, B. chanes, B. custodis, B. dapis, B. deae,
      B. deliciolarum, B. dicionis, B. echus, B. erae, B. fax, B. furtivus, B. iuanae,
      B. lex, B. litis, B. lygdi, B. manto, B. neniae, B. nivis, B. orithyia, B.
      paludis, B. phaedra, B. rotae, B. rotullae, B. tapetae, B. thyone, B. usurae, B.
      vesta, B. xiphiae, Hypatopa actes, H. acus, H. agnae, H. arxcis, H. bilobata, H.
      caedis, H. caepae, H. cladis, H. cotis, H. cotytto, H. crux, H. cyane, H. dicax,
      H. dolo, H. dux, H. edax, H. eos, H. erato, H. fio, H. gena, H. hecate, H. hera,
      H. hora, H. io, H. ira, H. leda, H. limae, H. lucina, H. joniella, H. juno, H.
      manus, H. mora, H. musa, H. nex, H. nox, H. phoebe, H. pica, H. plebis, H. rabio,
      H. rea, H. rego, H. rudis, H. sais, H. scobis, H. semela, H. solea, H. styga, H.
      texla, H. texo, H. umbra, H. verax, H. vitis, H. vox, Pigritia dido, P. faux, P.
      gruis, P. haha, P. sedis, P. stips, and P. ululae. Diagnoses, descriptions, and
      type data are provided for each species. Photographs of imagos, illustrations of
      wing venation for selected species, male and female genitalia, and distribution
      maps are furnished. Keys to all genera in Blastobasinae and keys to all species
      within each genus are provided to assist with identifications. In addition,
      scanning electron micrographs of the inner surface of the dilated first antennal
      flagellomere and associated sex scales for all Blastobasis are provided.
      Blastobasis coffeaella (Busck, 1925), B. graminea Adamski, 1999, Hypatopa
      tapadulcea Adamski, 1999, and Pigritia marjoriella Adamski, 1998 are redescribed.

PMID- 25136728
TI  - Revision of the genus Erythromelana Townsend (Diptera: Tachinidae) and analysis
      of its phylogeny and diversification.
AB  - The Neotropics harbor an enormous diversity of tachinid flies (Diptera:
      Tachinidae), yet the fauna remains poorly understood. This is especially true of
      the tribe Blondeliini, which is particularly diverse in this region and in great
      need of taxonomic attention. Here, the Neotropical blondeliine genus
      Erythromelana Townsend is revised. This genus is widely distributed from southern
      Mexico to northern Argentina, with the Andes being a hotspot of diversity. Known
      hosts belong to the genus Eois Hubner (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). This revision
      includes the redescription of three previously described species and the
      description of 11 new species based on characteristics of adults and immatures.
      The new species are E. arciforceps sp. nov., E. catarina sp. nov., E.
      convexiforceps sp. nov., E. cryptica sp. nov., E. curvifrons sp. nov., E.
      distincta sp. nov., E. ecuadoriana sp. nov., E. eois sp. nov., E. leptoforceps
      sp. nov., E. napensis sp. nov., and E. woodi sp. nov. A morphological database of
      62 characters was constructed to assess morphological variation within and among
      species and species groups using Principal Components Analysis. Means and medians
      for these morphological traits were calculated to infer phylogenetic
      relationships using parsimony. Additionally, a maximum likelihood phylogenetic
      analysis was performed using COI mtDNA sequences for a subset of eight species.
      Nominal species E. obscurifrons (Wulp) is treated as a nomen dubium within
      Erythromelana. Two species previously assigned to Erythromelana appear to
      represent distinct genera with unclear relationships to this genus and are
      reinstated as monotypic genera: Myiodoriops marginalis Townsend and
      Euptilodegeeria obumbrata (Wulp), revived status. Biological and phylogenetic
      data are used to infer modes of diversification within Erythromelana.

PMID- 25136730
TI  - Preface: occupational diseases.

PMID- 25136729
TI  - Current progress in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Responsive materials for
      biomedical applications.
AB  - Recently, significant progress has been made in developing "stimuli-sensitive"
      biomaterials as a new therapeutic approach to interact with dynamic physiological
      conditions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production has been implicated in
      important pathophysiological events, such as atherosclerosis,aging, and cancer.
      ROS are often overproduced locally in diseased cells and tissues, and they
      individually and synchronously contribute to many of the abnormalities associated
      with local pathogenesis. Therefore, the advantages of developing ROS-responsive
      materials extend beyond site-specific targeting of therapeutic delivery, and
      potentially include navigating,sensing, and repairing the cellular damages via
      programmed changes in material properties. Here we review the mechanism and
      development of biomaterials with ROS-induced solubility switch or degradation, as
      well as their performance and potential for future biomedical applications.

PMID- 25136731
TI  - Sex differences in the modulation of emotional processing by  expectation.
AB  - Many studies have reported sex differences in processing emotional events, the
      valence of which are unknown in advance. The present study examined whether women
      and men differ in processing emotional events when they do have such
      expectations. Event-related potentials were recorded when participants were
      presented with emotional pictures, the valence of which was either expected or
      unexpected. For women, the modulation effect by expectation was found on the
      early N2 response; for men, the effect was found on the late positive component.
      Implications are discussed in light of evolutionary theories.

PMID- 25136733
TI  - A rare cause of lower back pain.

PMID- 25136735
TI  - 15 largest healthcare real estate investment trusts. Publicly traded healthcare
      REITs ranked by market capitalization, as of May 31.

PMID- 25136734
TI  - Blasts with rosette-like multinucleation in acute myeloid leukemia with complex
      cytogenetic abnormalities.

PMID- 25136736
TI  - Accountable care organizations by state. The number of accountable care
      organizations per state, ranked by total number of ACOs.

PMID- 25136738
TI  - Largest healthcare law firms. Based on a blended score of healthcare lawyers
      employed in 2013 and AHLA membership as of June 5.

PMID- 25136739
TI  - Bromination and accompanying rearrangement of the polycyclic oxetane 2,4
      oxytwistane.
AB  - Bromination of the polycyclic oxetane 2,4-oxytwistane (rac-(1R,3S,4R,7S,9R,11S)-2
      oxatetracyclo[5.3.1.0(3,11).0(4,9)]undecane) was undertaken in order to form 2,4
      dibromotwistane. The oxetane was subjected to the mild reagent combination
      CBr4/Ph3P in a fashion similar to that for the Appel and Corey-Fuchs reactions.
      NMR spectroscopy revealed that the isomeric dibromo compound 2,8
      dibromoisotwistane (2,8-dibromotricyclo[4.3.1.0(3,7)]decane) was inadvertently
      formed. The conversion was prevented by migration of a C-C bond within the
      geometrically stressed C10 framework. Computational chemistry was used to model
      the structure of the polycyclic oxetane and to assess the component of total ring
      strain energy due to the four-membered heterocycle. Mechanistic aspects behind
      the skeletal rearrangement are also discussed. 

PMID- 25136737
TI  - Franz Kafka and the doctor's dilemma.

PMID- 25136740
TI  - Structurally nanocrystalline-electrically single crystalline ZnO-reduced graphene
      oxide composites.
AB  - ZnO, a wide bandgap semiconductor, has attracted much attention due to its
      multifunctionality, such as transparent conducting oxide, light-emitting diode,
      photocatalyst, and so on. To improve its performances in the versatile
      applications, numerous hybrid strategies of ZnO with graphene have been
      attempted, and various synergistic effects have been achieved in the ZnO-graphene
      hybrid nanostructures. Here we report extraordinary charge transport behavior in
      Al-doped ZnO (AZO)-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites. Although the most
      challenging issue in semiconductor nanocomposites is their low mobilities, the
      AZO-RGO nanocomposites exhibit single crystal-like Hall mobility despite the
      large quantity of nanograin boundaries, which hinder the electron transport by
      the scattering with trapped charges. Because of the significantly weakened grain
      boundary barrier and the proper band alignment between the AZO and RGO, freely
      conducting electrons across the nanograin boundaries can be realized in the
      nanocomposites. This discovery of the structurally nanocrystalline-electrically
      single crystalline composite demonstrates a new route for enhancing the
      electrical properties in nanocomposites based on the hybrid strategy. 

PMID- 25136742
TI  - Tuning the gelation ability of racemic mixture by melamine: enhanced mechanical
      rigidity and tunable nanoscale chirality.
AB  - Understanding the relationship between molecular chirality of the gelators and
      the properties of the assembled supramolecular gels could be very important for
      developing novel functional soft matters. Although mixing the enantiomers with
      different molar ratios has been proved to be useful for modulating supramolecular
      assemblies, usually the racemates of different chiral molecules are not good
      gelators. In this study, the coassembly of the glutamic acid-based bolaamphiphile
      racemate and melamine was found to form hydrogels, while the assembly of the
      racemate only produced precipitates. Remarkably, the racemic hydrogels show lower
      CGC value, enhanced mechanical rigidity, and dual pH-responsive ability compared
      to the pure enantiomer hydrogels. The gelation properties, nanoscale chirality,
      and nanostructures of the racemic hydrogels can be regulated flexibly by changing
      molar ratios of different molecular building blocks. 

PMID- 25136743
TI  - Dye-sensitized solar cells employing doubly or singly open-ended TiO2 nanotube
      arrays: structural geometry and charge transport.
AB  - We systematically investigated the charge transport properties of doubly or
      singly open-ended TiO2 nanotube arrays (DNT and SNT, respectively) for their
      utility as electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The SNT or DNT arrays
      were transferred in a bottom-up (B-up) or top-up (T-up) configuration onto a
      fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate onto which had been deposited a 2 MUm
      thick TiO2 nanoparticle (NP) interlayer. This process yielded four types of DSCs
      prepared with SNTs (B-up or T-up) or DNT (B-up or T-up). The photovoltaic
      performances of these DSCs were analyzed by measuring the dependence of the
      charge transport on the DSC geometry. High resolution scanning electron
      microscopy techniques were used to characterize the electrode cross sections, and
      electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to characterize the electrical
      connection at the interface between the NT array and the TiO2 NP interlayer. We
      examined the effects of decorating the DNT or SNT arrays with small NPs (sNP@DNT
      and sNP@SNT, respectively) in an effort to increase the extent of dye loading.
      The DNT arrays decorated with small NPs performed better than the decorated SNT
      arrays, most likely because the Ti(OH)4 precursor solution flowed freely into the
      array through the open ends of the NTs in the DNT case but not in the SNT case.
      The sNP@DNT-based DSC exhibited a better PCE (10%) compared to the sNP@SNT-based
      DSCs (6.8%) because the electrolyte solution flow was not restricted, direct
      electron transport though the NT arrays was possible, the electrical connection
      at the interface between the NT array and the TiO2 NP interlayer was good, and
      the array provided efficient light harvesting. 

PMID- 25136741
TI  - Discovery of a chemical modification by citric acid in a recombinant monoclonal
      antibody.
AB  - Recombinant therapeutic monoclonal antibodies exhibit a high degree of
      heterogeneity that can arise from various post-translational modifications. The
      formulation for a protein product is to maintain a specific pH and to minimize
      further modifications. Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), citric acid is
      commonly used for formulation to maintain a pH at a range between 3 and 6 and is
      generally considered chemically inert. However, as we reported herein, citric
      acid covalently modified a recombinant monoclonal antibody (IgG1) in a
      phosphate/citrate-buffered formulation at pH 5.2 and led to the formation of so
      called "acidic species" that showed mass increases of 174 and 156 Da,
      respectively. Peptide mapping revealed that the modification occurred at the N
      terminus of the light chain. Three additional antibodies also showed the same
      modification but displayed different susceptibilities of the N-termini of the
      light chain, heavy chain, or both. Thus, ostensibly unreactive excipients under
      certain conditions may increase heterogeneity and acidic species in formulated
      recombinant monoclonal antibodies. By analogy, other molecules (e.g., succinic
      acid) with two or more carboxylic acid groups and capable of forming an anhydride
      may exhibit similar reactivities. Altogether, our findings again reminded us that
      it is prudent to consider formulations as a potential source for chemical
      modifications and product heterogeneity. 

PMID- 25136744
TI  - Oxidation of bromophenols and formation of brominated polymeric products of
      concern during water treatment with potassium permanganate.
AB  - The extensive use of bromophenols (BrPs) in industrial products leads to their
      occurrence in freshwater environments. This study explored the oxidation kinetics
      of several BrPs (i.e., 2-BrP, 3-BrP, 4-BrP, 2,4-diBrP, and 2,6-diBrP) and
      potential formation of brominated polymeric products of concern during water
      treatment with potassium permanganate [Mn(VII)]. These BrPs exhibited appreciable
      reactivity toward Mn(VII) with the maxima of second-order rate constants
      (kMn(VII)) at pH near their pKa values, producing bell-shaped pH-rate profiles.
      The unusual pH-dependency of kMn(VII) was reasonably explained by a tentative
      reaction model, where the formation of an intermediate between Mn(VII) and
      dissociated BrP was likely involved. A novel and powerful precursor ion scan
      (PIS) approach was used for selective detection of brominated oxidation products
      by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-triple quadrupole mass
      spectrometry. Results showed that brominated dimeric products such as
      hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs) and hydroxylated
      polybrominated biphenyls (OH-PBBs) were readily produced. For instance, 2'-OH-BDE
      68, one of the most naturally abundant OH-PBDEs, could be formed at a relatively
      high yield possibly via the coupling between bromophenoxyl radicals generated
      from the one-electron oxidation of 2,4-diBrP by Mn(VII). Given the altered or
      enhanced toxicological effects of these brominated polymeric products compared to
      the BrP precursors, it is important to better understand their reactivity and
      fate before Mn(VII) is applied by water utilities for the oxidative treatment of
      BrP-containing waters. 

PMID- 25136745
TI  - Stimulation of cannabinoid receptors by using Rubus coreanus extracts to control
      osteoporosis in aged male rats.
AB  - A substantial proportion of men with prostatic disease have an increased risk of
      bone loss. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Rubus coreanus
      Miquel (RCM) extracts on osteoporosis that occurs with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea
      (MNU)-induced prostatic hyperplasia. The rats used in this study were categorized
      into groups of healthy controls, rats treated with MNU, and rats treated with MNU
      and RCM. The rats were sacrificed after 10 weeks of RCM treatment, after which
      ultrasonography, serum biochemical tests, histopathological examinations,
      immunohistochemical analysis, and semi-quantitative reverse-transcription
      polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed. There were no marked
      differences in body weight gain and the size and weight of the prostate gland
      between the MNU group and the MNU and RCM group. However, treatment with RCM
      inhibited osteoclastic osteolysis and reduced dysplastic progress in the prostate
      gland, as observed by histopathological evaluation and by analyzing changes in
      the levels of bone regulatory factors. In addition, the group treated with MNU
      and RCM had higher expression levels of cannabinoid receptors-1, -2, and
      osteoprotegerin. These results indicate that the anti-osteoporotic effect of RCM
      in prostatic hyperplasia is attributable to the cannabinoid receptor-related
      upregulation of osteoblastogenesis and inhibition of prostatic hyperplasia. The
      results of the present study suggest that treatment with RCM may benefit
      osteoporotic patients with prostatic disease by simultaneously altering the
      activation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. 

PMID- 25136746
TI  - Additional correction of OAB symptoms by two anti-muscarinics for men over 50
      years old with residual symptoms of moderate prostatic obstruction after
      treatment with Tamsulosin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the effectiveness and safety of combined standard-dosed
      Solifenacin and Trospium for management of symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB)
      in elderly patients after the treatment with Tamsulosin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      total of 417 men over 50 years of age (average age 57.9 (8.3)) with diagnosed
      prostatic obstruction (score 8-19 according to I-PSS), who had not taken
      Tamsulosin before, were enrolled in the study. I-PSS questionnaire (from 8 to 19 
      moderate) and Awareness Tool questionnaire for evaluating OAB symptoms (total
      score for OAB symptoms over 8) were used at the beginning and at the end of the
      observation. Also, urodynamic parameters were examined. RESULT: Percentage of
      patients with prevalent symptoms of obstruction of urethra decreases after the
      treatment with Tamsulosin and then rises again (36.2%), but absolute number of
      patients remains smaller than initial data. Percentage of patients with relative
      prevalence of symptoms of overactive bladder slightly increases against
      administration of Tamsulosin and reaches initial values at the time of
      administration of anti-muscarinic drugs with absolute decrease in number of such
      patients. CONCLUSION: Combination of Trospium and Solifenacin is an effective way
      to manage residual symptoms of hyperactive bladder during treatment of early
      obstruction of urinary bladder.

PMID- 25136747
TI  - Routine screening for postnatal depression in a public health family service
      unit: a retrospective study of self-excluding women.
AB  - At this time, there is limited scientific knowledge about women who exclude
      themselves from screening programs for postnatal depression. In this
      retrospective descriptive study, we have sought to investigate the socio
      demographic and psycho-social factors of women who withdraw from PND screening of
      their own accord. Study participants were 525 women attending antenatal classes
      who later took part in institutional routine screening for PND at the Consultorio
      Familiare Service of the National Health Service, Italy. The PND screening
      program consisted of the completion of the postpartum depression predictors
      inventory-revised and psychological well-being (PWB) questionnaires within eight
      to nine months of pregnancy, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, GHQ-12 and
      PWB within six to eight weeks after childbirth. The Responders group was made up
      of 346 subjects - 65.9% of the total sample - who completed the entire program of
      screening for PND. The Non-Responders group, on the other hand, consisted of 179
      subjects - 34.1% of the total sample - who, after childbirth, withdrew from the
      screening program. Compared to the Responders group, the Non-Responders group
      showed a greater number of subjects with marital dissatisfaction, and with
      unemployment as a stressful event. Health professionals who detect marital
      dissatisfaction and/or unemployment as a stressful event in pregnant women should
      bear in mind that these individuals, besides being at high risk for depression
      after delivery, will also tend to exclude themselves from screening for PND. 

PMID- 25136748
TI  - Successful transportation of precious cargo: becoming an expert neonatal
      transport nurse.

PMID- 25136749
TI  - Responding to traumatic birth: subgaleal hemorrhage, assessment, and management
      during transport.
AB  - Subgaleal hemorrhage is an uncommon but often fatal complication of a traumatic
      birth. Careful assessment and monitoring of the infant following birth are
      necessary to ensure prompt intervention, referral, and improved outcomes.
      Additional care, planning, and communication are especially important in the
      transport environment. 

PMID- 25136750
TI  - Family-centered care during acute neonatal transport.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate current transport team communication practices and identify
      areas for improvement from the parents' perspective. We also sought to determine
      whether parents perceived that they were active participants in the care of their
      infants during the transport process, consistent with the concepts of providing
      family-centered care (FCC). SUBJECTS: Purposeful sampling of mothers and fathers
      (or maternally designated support person if the father was not involved) of 25
      infants who were transported for acute care to a level III neonatal intensive
      care unit (NICU) between October 1, 2012, and September 18, 2013. DESIGN: This
      quality improvement project used quantitative and qualitative analysis of a
      parent questionnaire. METHODS: Mothers and fathers (or the support person) of
      transported infants were invited to complete a questionnaire consisting of yes/no
      and open-ended questions within the first 2 weeks of their infants' transport to
      a level III NICU. The questions were related to the communication and information
      parents received and their ability to participate in the transport process.
      RESULTS: Twenty-seven parents completed the questionnaire. Responses to yes/no
      questions identified areas for improvement for the transport team. These included
      providing parents the opportunity to view an informational video; ensuring that
      mothers had the opportunity to provide colostrum or breast milk before transport;
      and providing an explanation to parents about their role as active participants
      in their infants' care. Responses to the open-ended questions indicated that
      approximately 40% of parents felt they had received adequate information about
      their infants' care during the transport and many parents (40%) cited separation
      from their infants as very concerning and causing distress. More than one-third
      (40%) of the parents specifically stated that at least 1 parent should accompany
      the infant during the transport. One father in this sample had been able to
      accompany his infant to the tertiary center. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of FCC
      core concepts during an acute neonatal transport is important to parents. The
      orientation of parents to FCC during the transport process may facilitate
      communication and help them become active participants in their infants' care.

PMID- 25136751
TI  - Therapeutic hypothermia on transport: providing safe and effective cooling
      therapy as the link between birth hospital and the neonatal intensive care unit.
AB  - Therapeutic hypothermia as a neuroprotective strategy in neonates is an
      established standard of care for infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
      (HIE) in tertiary care neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). To maximize the
      neuroprotective effect in infants with HIE, hypothermia is initiated as soon as
      possible after birth. Many infants who would benefit from therapeutic hypothermia
      are not born at centers that have intensive care units or offer therapeutic
      hypothermia and are thus transported to a tertiary care center with a NICU,
      offering specialty services of therapeutic hypothermia and pediatric neurology.
      The neonatal transport team plays a significant role in the management of these
      critically ill infants. Clinical research provides data for safe and effective
      management of these infants during therapeutic hypothermia in the NICU; however,
      there are no evidence-based clinical guidelines for management before and during
      transport. The establishment of evidence-based guidelines for cooling before and
      during transport will facilitate early recognition of infants who would benefit
      from therapeutic hypothermia therapy, and decrease delay in initiation of
      therapy. Careful assessment, monitoring, and intervention by the transport team
      are critical to provide appropriate care and ensure safe transport of these
      infants. 

PMID- 25136752
TI  - Managing common neonatal respiratory conditions during transport.
AB  - As neonatal care in the tertiary setting advances, neonatal transport teams are
      challenged with incorporating these innovations into their work environment. One
      of the largest areas of advancement over the last decade involves respiratory
      support and management. Many major respiratory treatments and the equipment
      required have been adapted for transport, whereas others are not yet feasible.
      This article reviews the history of respiratory management during neonatal
      transport and discusses current methodologies and innovations in transport
      respiratory management. 

PMID- 25136754
TI  - Bioactive anthraquinone derivatives from the mangrove-derived fungus Stemphylium
      sp. 33231.
AB  - Four new anthraquinone derivatives (1-4) and four new alterporriol-type
      anthranoid dimers (14-17), along with 17 analogues, were isolated from the solid
      rice fermentation of the fungus Stemphylium sp. 33231 obtained from the mangrove
      Bruguiera sexangula var. rhynchopetala collected from the South China Sea. Their
      structures were elucidated using comprehensive spectroscopic methods. The
      absolute configurations of 1, 3, and 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray
      diffraction of their derivatives (1a, 3b, and 4a). The absolute configurations of
      the chiral 17-19 were determined by comparing their CD spectra with 21. The
      inhibitory activities of most of the compounds against seven terrestrial
      pathogenic bacteria and two cancer cell lines were evaluated. 

PMID- 25136755
TI  - Blocked inverted indices for exact clustering of large chemical spaces.
AB  - The calculation of pairwise compound similarities based on fingerprints is one of
      the fundamental tasks in chemoinformatics. Methods for efficient calculation of
      compound similarities are of the utmost importance for various applications like
      similarity searching or library clustering. With the increasing size of public
      compound databases, exact clustering of these databases is desirable, but often
      computationally prohibitively expensive. We present an optimized inverted index
      algorithm for the calculation of all pairwise similarities on 2D fingerprints of
      a given data set. In contrast to other algorithms, it neither requires GPU
      computing nor yields a stochastic approximation of the clustering. The algorithm
      has been designed to work well with multicore architectures and shows excellent
      parallel speedup. As an application example of this algorithm, we implemented a
      deterministic clustering application, which has been designed to decompose
      virtual libraries comprising tens of millions of compounds in a short time on
      current hardware. Our results show that our implementation achieves more than 400
      million Tanimoto similarity calculations per second on a common desktop CPU.
      Deterministic clustering of the available chemical space thus can be done on
      modern multicore machines within a few days. 

PMID- 25136759
TI  - Cyber safety for adolescent girls: bullying, harassment, sexting, pornography,
      and solicitation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To examine cyber safety for adolescent girls, specifically
      issues around the definition, measurement, prevalence, and impact of
      cyberbullying, harassment, sexting, pornography, and solicitation. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Despite some continuing disagreements about definition, especially
      around cyberbullying and cyber harassment, and about measurement, it is clear
      that a significant minority of adolescents have potentially or actually harmful
      experiences on the Internet. There are important sex differences, and those
      exploited by pornography are mainly women. On some measures, these dangers have
      increased in recent years, although the extent can be exaggerated. The nature of
      Internet grooming appears to be changing. Negative effects are well documented in
      a range of domains, although more longitudinal studies are needed. Individual
      coping strategies, family and school-based support, and legal actions, all have a
      role to play in minimizing these dangers. SUMMARY: Cyber safety is an important
      issue. More research and action is needed, and interventions need to be evaluated
      for their effectiveness.

PMID- 25136758
TI  - Addressing the instability of DNA nanostructures in tissue culture.
AB  - DNA nanotechnology is an advanced technique that could contribute diagnostic,
      therapeutic, and biomedical research devices to nanomedicine. Although such
      devices are often developed and demonstrated using in vitro tissue culture
      models, these conditions may not be compatible with DNA nanostructure integrity
      and function. The purpose of this study was to characterize the sensitivity of 3D
      DNA nanostructures produced via the origami method to the in vitro tissue culture
      environment and identify solutions to prevent loss of nanostructure integrity. We
      examined whether the physiological cation concentrations of cell culture medium
      and the nucleases present in fetal bovine serum (FBS) used as a medium supplement
      result in denaturation and digestion, respectively. DNA nanostructure
      denaturation due to cation depletion was design- and time-dependent, with one of
      four tested designs remaining intact after 24 h at 37  degrees C. Adjustment of
      medium by addition of MgSO4 prevented denaturation. Digestion of nanostructures
      by FBS nucleases in Mg(2+)-adjusted medium did not appear design-dependent and
      became significant within 24 h and when medium was supplemented with greater than
      5% FBS. We estimated that medium supplemented with 10% FBS contains greater than
      256 U/L equivalent of DNase I activity in digestion of DNA nanostructures. Heat
      inactivation at 75  degrees C and inclusion of actin protein in medium
      inactivated and inhibited nuclease activity, respectively. We examined the impact
      of medium adjustments on cell growth, viability, and phenotype. Adjustment of
      Mg(2+) to 6 mM did not appear to have a detrimental impact on cells. Heat
      inactivation was found to be incompatible with in vitro tissue culture, whereas
      inclusion of actin had no observable effect on growth and viability. In two in
      vitro assays, immune cell activation and nanoparticle endocytosis, we show that
      using conditions compatible with cell phenotype and nanostructure integrity is
      critical for obtaining reliable experimental data. Our study thus describes
      considerations that are vital for researchers undertaking in vitro tissue culture
      studies with DNA nanostructures and some potential solutions for ensuring that
      nanostructure integrity and functions are maintained during experiments. 

PMID- 25136760
TI  - Teen pregnancy: an update.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide clinicians with a review of recent research and
      clinically applicable tools regarding teen pregnancy. RECENT FINDINGS: Teen
      pregnancy rates have declined but still remain a significant problem in the USA.
      Teen pregnancy prevention was identified by Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention as one of its top six priorities, which is increasing research and
      intervention data. Long-acting contraceptive methods are acceptable to teens and
      have been shown to reduce teen birth rates. Pregnant teens need special attention
      to counseling on pregnancy options and reducing risk during pregnancy with
      regular prenatal care. Postpartum teens should be encouraged and supported to
      breastfeed, monitored for depression, and have access to reliable contraception
      to avoid repeat undesired pregnancy. SUMMARY: This review highlights important
      issues for all providers caring for female adolescents and those who may
      encounter teen pregnancy. Foremost prevention of teen pregnancy by comprehensive
      sexual education and access to contraception is the priority. Educating patients
      and healthcare providers about safety and efficacy of long-acting reversible
      contraception is a good step to reducing undesired teen pregnancies. Rates of
      postpartum depression are greater in adolescents than in adults, and adolescent
      mothers need to be screened and monitored for depression. Strategies to avoid
      another undesired pregnancy shortly after delivery should be implemented.

PMID- 25136761
TI  - Role of apical support defect: correction in women undergoing vaginal prolapse
      surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim was to review most recent literature and provide
      updates in clinical management and surgical treatment of apical pelvic organ
      prolapse. RECENT FINDINGS: In patients who decline surgical intervention, formal
      referral to pelvic floor muscle training is beneficial over self-directed Kegel
      exercises. Systematic reviews revealed that sacrocolpopexy has better long-term
      outcomes than vaginal approaches. Uterosacral ligament suspension and
      sacrospinous ligament suspension have equal efficacy at 1 year. These procedures
      should be considered as acceptable alternatives to sacrocolpopexy. Two randomized
      controlled trials have demonstrated equal efficacy between robotic and
      laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. SUMMARY: Minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy should be
      considered the gold standard for apical prolapse, but these techniques are
      associated with longer operating times and higher complication rates and longer
      convalescence than nonmesh vaginal surgery. Surgeons must individualize surgical
      technique for each patient and should consider a vaginal approach in patients who
      do not desire laparotomy and are not candidates for minimally invasive surgery.

PMID- 25136762
TI  - Patient perspective in health technology assessment of pharmaceuticals in
      Finland.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The need to consider the patient perspective in health technology
      assessments (HTA) has been widely recognized. In July 2012, the Finnish Medicines
      Agency (Fimea) published a national recommendation for integrating the patient
      perspective into the HTAs of pharmaceuticals. The aim of this study is to
      describe the development of the recommendation for integrating the patient
      perspective into the HTA process of pharmaceuticals in Finland. METHODS: The
      development of the recommendation was based on a review of international
      recommendations and experiences of patient and public involvement in HTA. The
      draft recommendation was tested in two focus group discussions (n = 7 patients)
      and three individual interviews among diabetes patients (type 1 or 2) using long
      acting insulin treatment. The recommendation was open for public consultation in
      April 2012 and revised according to the comments received. RESULTS: Patients will
      be involved in multiple stages of Fimea's HTA process. The recommendation
      includes step-by-step instructions on how to assess the patient perspective. The
      main focus is on qualitative interviews, which will be conducted at the beginning
      of the assessments to gain information, particularly on patient preferences and
      values, including positive and negative outcomes important to patients and
      ethical and social aspects of the medicine's use. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendation
      will act as a tool to integrate patients' experiences, needs and preferences into
      Fimea's HTAs of pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 25136763
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of wild Irish mushroom extracts in RAW264.7 mouse
      macrophage cells.
AB  - Mushrooms and mushroom extracts have traditionally been used as therapies for a
      wide variety of ailments, including allergy, arthritis, and other inflammatory
      disorders. However, more evidence is required on the mechanism by which mushrooms
      exert these effects. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory properties of
      ethanol and hot water extracts prepared from 27 fungal samples collected between
      October and November 2011 at various forest locations in the southwest of Ireland
      were investigated using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophage
      (RAW264.7 cells) model of inflammation. LPS-stimulated cells were incubated in
      the presence of mushroom extracts at nontoxic concentrations for 24 h and the
      production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was quantified by ELISA. Seven ethanolic and
      one hot water extract that decreased IL-6 production were selected for further
      study. The extracts were then incubated with LPS-stimulated cells for 24 h and
      the production of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and nitric oxide
      (NO) was measured. Ethanolic extracts prepared from Russula mairei, Lactarius
      blennius, Craterellus tubaeformis, Russula fellea, and Craterellus cornucopioides
      demonstrated selective anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing the production of
      NO and IL-6 but not TNF-alpha in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. These findings
      support existing evidence of the anti-inflammatory potential of mushroom
      extracts. 

PMID- 25136764
TI  - Nanoscale metal-organic frameworks for real-time intracellular pH sensing in live
      cells.
AB  - Real-time measurement of intracellular pH in live cells is of great importance
      for understanding physiological/pathological processes and developing
      intracellular drug delivery systems. We report here the first use of nanoscale
      metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs) for intracellular pH sensing in live cells.
      Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was covalently conjugated to a UiO NMOF to
      afford F-UiO NMOFs with exceptionally high FITC loadings, efficient fluorescence,
      and excellent ratiometric pH-sensing properties. Upon rapid and efficient
      endocytosis, F-UiO remained structurally intact inside endosomes. Live cell
      imaging studies revealed endo- and exocytosis of F-UiO and endosome acidification
      in real time. Fluorescently labeled NMOFs thus represent a new class of
      nanosensors for intracellular pH sensing and provide an excellent tool for
      studying NMOF-cell interactions. 

PMID- 25136766
TI  - Effects of the steric hindrance of micropores in the hyper-cross-linked polymeric
      adsorbent on the adsorption of p-nitroaniline in aqueous solution.
AB  - A hyper-cross-linked polymeric adsorbent with "--CH2--phenol--CH2--" as the cross
      linked bridge (denoted GQ-05), and another hyper-cross-linked polymeric adsorbent
      with "--CH2--p-cresol--CH2--" as the cross-linked bridge (denoted GQ-03) were
      synthesized to reveal the effect of the steric hindrance of micropores in the
      hyper-cross-linked polymeric adsorbent on adsorption capacity and adsorption rate
      of p-nitroaniline (PNA) from aqueous solution. The results of adsorption kinetics
      indicated the order of the adsorption rate GQ-05>GQ-03. The pseudo-first-order
      rate equation could describe the entire adsorption process of PNA onto GQ-05
      while the equation characterized the adsorption process of GQ-03 in two stages.
      The order of the adsorption capacity GQ-05>GQ-03 was demonstrated by
      thermodynamic analysis and dynamic adsorption. The steric hindrance of micropores
      in the hyper-cross-linked polymeric adsorbent was a crucial factor for the order
      of the adsorption capacity and adsorption rate.

PMID- 25136765
TI  - On the possible role of macrofungi in the biogeochemical fate of uranium in
      polluted forest soils.
AB  - Interactions of macrofungi with U, Th, Pb and Ag were investigated in the former
      ore mining district of Pribram, Czech Republic. Samples of saprotrophic (34
      samples, 24 species) and ectomycorrhizal (38 samples, 26 species) macrofungi were
      collected from a U-polluted Norway spruce plantation and tailings and analyzed
      for metal content. In contrast to Ag, which was highly accumulated in fruit
      bodies, concentrations of U generally did not exceed 3mg/kg which indicates a
      very low uptake rate and efficient exclusion of U from macrofungi. In
      ectomycorrhizal tips (mostly determined to species level by DNA sequencing), U
      contents were practically identical with those of the non-mycorrhizal fine spruce
      roots. These findings suggest a very limited role of macrofungi in uptake and
      biotransformation of U in polluted forest soils. Furthermore, accumulation of U,
      Th, Pb and Ag in macrofungal fruit-bodies apparently does not depend on total
      content and chemical fractionation of these metals in soils (tested by the BCR
      sequential extraction in this study). 

PMID- 25136767
TI  - A sweet new wave: structures and mechanisms of enzymes that digest
      polysaccharides from marine algae.
AB  - Marine algae contribute approximately half of the global primary production. The
      large amounts of polysaccharides synthesized by these algae are degraded and
      consumed by microbes that utilize carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), thus
      creating one of the largest and most dynamic components of the Earth's carbon
      cycle. Over the last decade, structural and functional characterizations of
      marine CAZymes have revealed a diverse set of scaffolds and mechanisms that are
      used to degrade agars, carrageenan, alginate and ulvan-polysaccharides from red,
      brown and green seaweeds, respectively. The analysis of these CAZymes is not only
      expanding our understanding of their functions but is enabling the enhanced
      annotation of (meta)-genomic data sets, thus promoting an improved understanding
      of microbes that drive this marine component of the carbon cycle. Furthermore,
      this information is setting a foundation that will enable marine algae to be
      harnessed as a novel resource for biorefineries. In this review, we cover the
      most recent structural and functional analyses of marine CAZymes that are
      specialized in the digestion of macro-algal polysaccharides. 

PMID- 25136768
TI  - Insulin-like growth factor-1 attenuates apoptosis and protects neurochemical
      phenotypes of dorsal root ganglion neurons with paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity
      in vitro.
AB  - Paclitaxel (PT)-induced neurotoxicity is a significant problem associated with
      successful treatment of cancers. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a
      neurotrophic factor and plays an important role in promoting axonal growth from
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Whether IGF-1 has protective effects on
      neurite growth, cell viability, neuronal apoptosis and neuronal phenotypes in DRG
      neurons with PT-induced neurotoxicity is still unclear. In this study, primary
      cultured rat DRG neurons were used to assess the effects of IGF-1 on DRG neurons
      with PT-induced neurotoxicity. The results showed that PT exposure caused neurite
      retraction in a dose-dependent manner. PT exposure caused a decrease of cell
      viability and an increase in the ratio of apoptotic cells which could be reversed
      by IGF-1. The percentage of calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactive (CGRP
      IR) neurons and neurofilament (NF)-200-IR neurons, mRNA, and protein levels of
      CGRP and NF-200 decreased significantly after treatment with PT. IGF-1
      administration had protective effects on CGRP-IR neurons, but not on NF-200-IR
      neurons. Either extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) inhibitor
      PD98059 or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 K) inhibitor LY294002 blocked the
      effect of IGF-1. The results imply that IGF-1 may attenuate apoptosis to improve
      neuronal cell viability and promote neurite growth of DRG neurons with PT-induced
      neurotoxicity. Moreover, these results support an important neuroprotective role
      of exogenous IGF-1 on distinct subpopulations of DRG neurons which is responsible
      for skin sensation. The effects of IGF-1 might be through ERK1/2 or PI3 K/Akt
      signaling pathways. These findings provide experimental evidence for IGF-1
      administration to alleviate neurotoxicity of distinct subpopulations of DRG
      neurons induced by PT.

PMID- 25136770
TI  - Early response to chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment: Value
      of dynamic contrast-enhanced 3.0 T MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) value for predicting early nasopharyngeal carcinoma
      (NPC) chemoradiotherapy (CRT) response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients
      with advanced NPC were recruited and received three DCE-MRI exams before
      treatment (Pre-Tx), as well as 3 days (Day 3-Tx) and 40 days (Day 40-Tx) after
      chemotherapy initiation (two neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles, NAC). We used DCE
      Tool to measure primary tumor kinetic parameters (K(trans) , Kep , ve , and vp )
      using the extended Tofts model. Kinetic parameters and corresponding changes were
      compared between responders and nonresponders after NAC or CRT treatment using
      Student's t or Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Response to two NAC cycles
      correlated with short-term local control (P = 0.01). Compared to the nonresponder
      group, the responder group presented with significantly larger DeltaK(trans) (0
      3) , DeltaKep(0-3) , and Deltavp(0-3) values after NAC (P < 0.05). The complete
      response group after CRT exhibited significantly lower K(trans) (Day 40-Tx) and
      larger DeltaK(trans) (0-3) values than the residual group (P = 0.05). High
      sensitivity (range: 74.1%-90%) and moderate-to-high specificity (range: 50%
      84.3%) distinguished nonresponders from responders grouping after NAC or CRT,
      with diagnostic efficiency ranging from 69.3%-88%. CONCLUSION: Our study showed
      kinetic parameter changes earlier after chemotherapy were potential markers for
      NPC patients receiving CRT therapy following NAC.

PMID- 25136771
TI  - Biological risk among hospital housekeepers.
AB  - Although not directly responsible for patient care, hospital housekeepers are
      still susceptible to accidents with biological material. The objectives of this
      study were to establish profile and frequency of accidents among hospital
      housekeepers, describe behaviors pre- and postaccident, and risk factors. This
      was a cross-sectional study with hospital housekeepers in Goiania, Brazil. Data
      were obtained from interviews and vaccination records. The observations were as
      follows: (1) participating workers: 94.3%; (2) incomplete hepatitis B
      vaccination: 1 in 3; and (3) accident rate: 26.5%, mostly percutaneous with
      hypodermic needles, and involved blood from an unknown source; roughly half
      occurred during waste management. Upon review, length of service less than 5
      years, completed hepatitis B vaccination, and had been tested for anti-HBs
      (hepatitis B surface antigen) influenced frequency of accidents. These findings
      suggest that improper disposal of waste appears to enhance the risk to hospital
      housekeepers. All hospital workers should receive continued training with regard
      to waste management.

PMID- 25136769
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of oligonucleotides containing a nitrogen mustard
      formamidopyrimidine monoadduct of deoxyguanosine.
AB  - N(5)-Substituted formamidopyrimidine adducts have been observed from the reaction
      of dGuo or DNA with aziridine containing electrophiles, including nitrogen
      mustards. However, the role of substituted Fapy-dGuo adducts in the biological
      response to nitrogen mustards and related species has not been extensively
      explored. We have developed chemistry for the site-specific synthesis of
      oligonucleotides containing an N(5)-nitrogen mustard Fapy-dGuo using the
      phosphoramidite approach. The lesion was found to be a good substrate for
      Escherichia coli endonuclease IV and formamidopyrimidine glycosylase. 

PMID- 25136772
TI  - Structural and mutational analysis of a monomeric and dimeric form of a single
      domain antibody with implications for protein misfolding.
AB  - Camelid single domain antibodies (sdAb) are known for their thermal stability and
      reversible refolding. We have characterized an unusually stable sdAb recognizing
      Staphylococcal enterotoxin B with one of the highest reported melting
      temperatures (T(m) = 85 degrees C). Unexpectedly, ~10-20% of the protein formed a
      dimer in solution. Three other cases where <20% of the sdAb dimerized have been
      reported; however, this is the first report of both the monomeric and dimeric X
      ray crystal structures. Concentration of the monomer did not lead to the
      formation of new dimer suggesting a stable conformationally distinct species in a
      fraction of the cytoplasmically expressed protein. Comparison of periplasmic and
      cytoplasmic expression showed that the dimer was associated with cytoplasmic
      expression. The disulfide bond was partially reduced in the WT protein purified
      from the cytoplasm and the protein irreversibly unfolded. Periplasmic expression
      produced monomeric protein with a fully formed disulfide bond and mostly
      reversible refolding. Crystallization of a disulfide-bond free variant,
      C22A/C99V, purified from the periplasm yielded a structure of a monomeric form,
      while crystallization of C22A/C99V from the cytoplasm produced an asymmetric
      dimer. In the dimer, a significant conformational asymmetry was found in the loop
      residues of the edge beta-strands (S50-Y60) containing the highly variable
      complementarity determining region, CDR2. Two dimeric assemblies were predicted
      from the crystal packing. Mutation of a residue at one of the interfaces, Y98A,
      disrupted the dimer in solution. The pleomorphic homodimer may yield insight into
      the stability of misfolded states and the importance of the conserved disulfide
      bond in preventing their formation.

PMID- 25136774
TI  - Inpatient and emergency service utilization in patients with idiopathic
      intracranial hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) are
      diagnosed in the emergency department (ED) or visit the ED during the course of
      their illness. We studied the use of inpatient and emergency services, determined
      what procedures and tests were provided at those encounters, evaluated how these
      variables changed over the study period and examined the coding validity of the
      International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 code for IIH (348.2) for adult
      patients seen in our affiliated EDs and inpatient services. METHODS:
      Retrospective review of medical records over a 11-year period (2000-2011).
      RESULTS: We were able to analyze 137 encounters from 51 patients. Sixty-eight
      percent of encounters were to the ED and 40% of those patients were subsequently
      admitted to the hospital. The most common symptoms were headaches (96%), vision
      change (53%), and photophobia (27%). Recurrent symptoms accounted for 43% of
      encounters, followed by surgical complications (26%) and initial presentation
      (12%). Four patients (25% of the patients who received a diagnosis in the ED)
      were misdiagnosed at their initial presentation and correctly diagnosed on a
      subsequent ED visit. The number of ED visits more than doubled over the study
      period. The ICD-9 code had a low positive predictive value (55%) for identifying
      patients with IIH. CONCLUSIONS: The ED was commonly used by patients with IIH,
      with a mean of 2.7 visits per patient. The rate of a missed diagnosis was similar
      to another published series and is concerning for potentially permanent visual
      loss in undiagnosed patients. In our experience, the ICD-9 code vastly
      overestimated the number of ED and inpatient encounters attributable to IIH. This
      has important implications for research studies, particularly those relying on
      national inpatient databases.

PMID- 25136775
TI  - Idiopathic opticochiasmatic arachnoiditis.
AB  - : A critical review of the literature indicates that idiopathic opticochiasmatic
      arachnoiditis, once considered an important consideration in patients with
      otherwise unexplained optic atrophy, is not a valid disease entity. 

PMID- 25136773
TI  - Genistein disrupts glucocorticoid receptor signaling in human uterine endometrial
      Ishikawa cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The link between environmental estrogen exposure and defects in the
      female reproductive tract is well established. The phytoestrogen genistein is
      able to modulate uterine estrogen receptor (ER) activity, and dietary exposure is
      associated with uterine pathologies. Regulation of stress and immune functions by
      the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is also an integral part of maintaining
      reproductive tract function; disruption of GR signaling by genistein may also
      have a role in the adverse effects of genistein. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the
      transcriptional response to genistein in Ishikawa cells and investigated the
      effects of genistein on GR-mediated target genes. METHODS: We used Ishikawa cells
      as a model system to identify novel targets of genistein and the synthetic
      glucocorticoid dexamethasone through whole genome microarray analysis. Common
      gene targets were defined and response patterns verified by quantitative real
      time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The mechanism of
      transcriptional antagonism was determined for select genes. RESULTS: Genistein
      regulated numerous genes in Ishikawa cells independently of estradiol, and the
      response to coadministration of genistein and dexamethasone was unique compared
      with the response to either estradiol or dexamethasone alone. Furthermore,
      genistein altered glucocorticoid regulation of GR target genes. In a select set
      of genes, co-regulation by dexamethasone and genistein was found to require both
      GR and ERalpha signaling, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using Ishikawa cells, we
      observed that exposure to genistein resulted in distinct changes in gene
      expression and unique differences in the GR transcriptome.

PMID- 25136776
TI  - Sorafenib regulating ERK signals pathway in gastric cancer cell.
AB  - The involvement of ERK signals in gastric carcinoma was investigated using
      Western blot, MTT, and flow cytometric analysis in cultured cells SGC7901.
      Results showed that treatment of sorafenib potently inhibited gastric SGC7901
      cells proliferation, migration, invasion as well as promoted apoptosis. Treatment
      of sorafenib significantly decreased phosphorylation activation of ERK protein in
      a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of sorafenib still significantly increased
      caspase-3, bax, cyt-c protein expression and decreased bcl-2 protein in a dose
      dependent manner. Our study confirms that ERK signals pathway is closely
      associated with development of gastric cancer. Deactivation of phosphorylation of
      ERK protein is one of the mechanisms of sorafenib inhibiting gastric cancer. 

PMID- 25136777
TI  - Integrated biomarker responses in zebrafish exposed to sulfonamides.
AB  - Dispersed pharmaceuticals such as sulfonamides pose a threat to aquatic
      ecosystems. We evaluated potential biomarkers of sulfonamide exposure using an
      extended zebrafish (Danio rerio) toxicity test. The tested sulfonamides induced
      obvious effects on spontaneous swimming activity and heartbeat rate in zebrafish.
      Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were examined to
      reflect the biomarker response of zebrafish exposed to three sulfonamides
      (sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine (SDZ) and sulfadimidine). Both GST and MDA showed
      time-dependent responses to sulfonamide exposure. GST activity was significantly
      increased after exposure to sulfonamides for 3 days, while MDA concentration
      reached a maximum during the first day and then declined. These results suggest
      that MDA may be a more sensitive biomarker of sulfonamide toxicity than GST.
      These investigations demonstrated that SDZ was a typical inducer of metabolic
      enzymes, suggesting that it poses a potential ecotoxicological risk to aquatic
      ecosystems. 

PMID- 25136778
TI  - Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxant actions and mechanisms
      induced by total flavonoids of Elsholtzia splendens in rat aortas.
AB  - Elsholtzia splendens (ES) is, rich in flavonoids, used to repair copper
      contaminated soil in China, which has been reported to benefit cardiovascular
      systems as folk medicine. However, few direct evidences have been found to
      clarify the vasorelaxation effect of total flavonoids of ES (TFES). The
      vasoactive effect of TFES and its underlying mechanisms in rat thoracic aortas
      were investigated using the organ bath system. TFES (5-200mg/L) caused a
      concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in endothelium-intact rings, which was not
      abolished but significantly reduced by the removal of endothelium. The nitric
      oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (100MUM)
      and the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,2-alpha]quinoxalin-1
      one (30MUM) significantly blocked the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of
      TFES. Meanwhile, NOS activity in endothelium-intact aortas was concentration
      dependently elevated by TFES. However, indomethacin (10MUM) did not affect TFES
      induced vasorelaxation. Endothelium-independent vasorelaxation of TFES was
      significantly attenuated by KATP channel blocker glibenclamide. The accumulative
      Ca(2+)-induced contraction in endothelium-denuded aortic rings primed with KCl or
      phenylephrine was markedly weakened by TFES. These results revealed that the
      NOS/NO/cGMP pathway is likely involved in the endothelium-dependent
      vasorelaxation induced by TFES, while activating KATP channel, inhibiting
      intracellular Ca(2+) release, blocking Ca(2+) channels and decreasing Ca(2+)
      influx into vascular smooth muscle cells might contribute to the endothelium
      independent vasorelaxation conferred by TFES. 

PMID- 25136779
TI  - All-trans-retinoid acid (ATRA) suppresses chondrogenesis of rat primary hind limb
      bud mesenchymal cells by downregulating p63 and cartilage-specific molecules.
AB  - P63 null mice have no or truncated limbs and mutations in human p63 cause several
      skeletal syndromes that also show limb and digit abnormalities, suggesting its
      essential role in bone development. In the current study, we investigated the
      effect of ATRA on chondrogenesis using mesenchymal cells from rat hind limb bud
      and further examined the mRNA and protein expression of Sox9 and Col2a1 and p63
      in rat hind limb bud cells. Limb buds were isolated from embryos from euthanized
      female rats. Growth of hind limb bud mesenchymal cells was determined by the 3
      (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assays. Formation of
      cartilage nodules was examined by Alcian blue-nuclear fast red staining. The
      expression of Sox9, Col2al and p63 was determined by Real-time RT-PCR and
      immunoblotting assays, respectively. Our MTT assays revealed that ATRA at 1 and
      10MUM significantly suppressed the growth of mesenchymal cells from rat hind limb
      bud at 24 and 48h (P<0.01 vs. controls). Alcian blue staining further showed that
      ATRA caused a significant dose-dependent reduction in the area of cartilage
      nodules (P<0.05 in all vs. controls). At 1MUM ATRA, the area of cartilage nodules
      from hind limb bud cells was reduced to 0.05+/-0.03mm from 0.15+/-0.01mm in
      controls. Real-time RT-PCR assays further indicated that 1 and 10MUM ATRA
      markedly reduced the mRNA expression of Sox9, Col2al and p63 in hind limb bud
      cells (P<0.05 in all vs. controls). In addition, ATRA time-dependently inhibits
      the mRNA expression of p63, Sox9 and Col2al. Western blotting assays additionally
      showed that ATRA dose-dependently reduced the expression of Sox9, Col2al and p63
      (P<0.05 in all vs. controls). Together, our results suggest that ATRA suppresses
      chondrogenesis by modulating the expression of Sox9, Col2al and p63 in primary
      hind limb bud mesenchymal cells. 

PMID- 25136780
TI  - Macrophage-derived chemokine (CCL22) is a novel mediator of lung inflammation
      following hemorrhage and resuscitation.
AB  - Resuscitation of patients after hemorrhage often results in pulmonary
      inflammation and places them at risk for the development of acute respiratory
      distress syndrome. Our previous data indicate that macrophage-derived chemokine
      (MDC/CCL22) is elevated after resuscitation, but its direct role in this
      inflammatory response is unknown. Macrophage-derived chemokine signaling through
      the C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) is implicated in other pulmonary
      proinflammatory conditions, leading us to hypothesize that MDC may also play a
      role in the pathogenesis of lung inflammation following hemorrhage and
      resuscitation. To test this, C57BL/6 mice underwent pressure-controlled
      hemorrhage followed by resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution. Pulmonary
      inflammation and inflammatory cell recruitment were analyzed with histological
      staining, and serum- and tissue-level cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. Pulmonary inflammation and cell recruitment following
      hemorrhage and resuscitation were associated with systemic MDC levels. Inhibition
      of MDC via injection of a specific neutralizing antibody prior to hemorrhage and
      resuscitation significantly reduced pulmonary levels of the chemotactic cytokines
      keratinocyte-derived chemokine and macrophage inflammatory proteins 2 and 1alpha,
      as well as inflammatory cell recruitment to the lungs. Intravenous administration
      of recombinant MDC prior to resuscitation augmented pulmonary inflammation and
      cell recruitment. Histological evaluation revealed the expression of CCR4 within
      the bronchial epithelium, and in vitro treatment of activated bronchial
      epithelial cells with MDC resulted in production and secretion of neutrophil
      chemokines. The present study identifies MDC as a novel mediator of lung
      inflammation after hemorrhage and resuscitation. Macrophage-derived chemokine
      neutralization may provide a therapeutic strategy to mitigate this inflammatory
      response. 

PMID- 25136783
TI  - Screening for hyperuricaemia and gout: a perspective and research agenda.
AB  - The goal of a screening programme is to reduce an adverse health outcome in a
      defined population. Screening can be undertaken at several stages throughout the
      disease course: before the onset of disease, early in the course of the disease,
      or in established disease (for complications). In the setting of asymptomatic
      hyperuricaemia and gout, the aim of screening would be to identify those
      individuals with hyperuricaemia and therefore at risk of gout, with the aim of
      introducing interventions to prevent the onset of gout. Herein we consider the
      concepts of screening for hyperuricaemia and gout, potential screening methods,
      and target populations that might benefit from such an approach.

PMID- 25136782
TI  - Paraneoplastic syndromes in rheumatology.
AB  - For patients that present with musculoskeletal symptoms, diagnostic procedures
      carried out by physicians and rheumatologists are primarily aimed at confirming
      or excluding the occurrence of primary rheumatic diseases. Another important
      trigger for musculoskeletal disease, however, is the presence of a tumour.
      Careful clinical investigation and knowledge of the gestalt of musculoskeletal
      syndromes related to respective tumour entities is of utmost importance for the
      diagnosis of paraneoplastic rheumatic diseases such as hypertrophic
      osteoarthropathy, paraneoplastic polyarthritis, RS3PE syndrome, palmar fasciitis
      and polyarthritis, cancer-associated myositis and tumour-induced osteomalacia.
      This places great responsibility on rheumatologists in diagnosing malignancies
      and referring the patient for effective treatment. The selective influence of
      tumours on musculoskeletal tissue is surprising and indicates that tumours alter
      tissues such as the periosteum, synovial membrane, subcutaneous connective
      tissue, fascia, muscles and bones by specific molecular processes. Some of the
      underlying mechanisms have been unravelled, providing valuable information on the
      physiologic and pathophysiologic roles of mediators such as vascular endothelial
      growth factor and fibroblast growth factor 23. 

PMID- 25136781
TI  - Transforming growth factor beta--at the centre of systemic sclerosis.
AB  - Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) has long been implicated in fibrotic
      diseases, including the multisystem fibrotic disease systemic sclerosis (SSc).
      Expression of TGF-beta-regulated genes in fibrotic skin and lungs of patients
      with SSc correlates with disease activity, which points to this cytokine as the
      central mediator of pathogenesis. Patients with SSc often develop pulmonary
      arterial hypertension (PAH), a particularly lethal complication caused by
      vascular dysfunction. Several genetic diseases with vascular features related to
      SSc, such as familial PAH and hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, are caused
      by mutations in the TGF-beta-sensing ALK-1 signalling pathway. These observations
      suggest that increased TGF-beta signalling causes both vascular and fibrotic
      features of SSc. The question of how latent TGF-beta becomes activated in local
      SSc tissues is, therefore, central to the understanding of SSc. Both TGF-beta1
      and TGF-beta3 can be activated by integrins alphavbeta6 and alphavbeta8, whose
      upregulation in bronchial epithelial cells can activate TGF-beta in SSc lungs.
      Other alphav integrins, thrombospondin-1 or altered TGF-beta sequestration by
      matrix proteins might be important in other target tissues. How the immune system
      triggers this process remains unclear, although links between inflammation and
      TGF-beta activation are emerging. Together, these observations provide an
      increasingly secure framework for understanding TGF-beta in SSc pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25136784
TI  - IL-6 biology: implications for clinical targeting in rheumatic disease.
AB  - IL-6 has been linked to numerous diseases associated with inflammation, including
      rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis and several types of
      cancer. Moreover, IL-6 is important in the induction of hepatic acute-phase
      proteins for the trafficking of acute and chronic inflammatory cells, the
      differentiation of adaptive T-cell responses, and tissue regeneration and
      homeostatic regulation. Studies have investigated IL-6 biology using cell-bound
      IL-6 receptors expressed predominantly on hepatocytes and certain haematopoietic
      cells versus activation mediated by IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptors via a second
      protein, gp130, which is expressed throughout the body. Advances in this research
      elucidating the differential effects of IL-6 activation provide important
      insights into the role of IL-6 in health and disease, as well as its potential as
      a therapeutic target. Knowledge of the basic biology of IL-6 and its signalling
      pathways can better inform both the research agenda for IL-6-based targeted
      therapies as well as the clinical use of strategies affecting IL-6-mediated
      inflammation. This Review covers novel, emerging aspects of the biology of IL-6,
      which might lead to more specific blockade of IL-6 signalling without
      compromising the protective function of this cytokine in the body's defence
      against infections. 

PMID- 25136787
TI  - A simplified coulometric method for multi-sample measurements of total dissolved
      inorganic carbon concentration in marine waters.
AB  - A new system requiring greatly reduced operator intervention has been developed
      for the determination of dissolved inorganic carbon concentration in marine
      waters. Based on a coulometric method, the system has an accuracy and precision
      comparable to more complex and expensive methods currently employed. A syringe
      pump equipped with a 12-port distribution valve is used to precisely dispense an
      acid solution and sample into a gas stripper. The system can autonomously measure
      eight discrete samples in duplicate or triplicate with no operator input. The
      best precision (%RSD) obtained was 0.022% (n = 14) or less than +/-1.0 MUmol kg(
      1). The system is calibrated against a certified reference material (CRM).
      Average offset from the CRM was 1.2 MUmol kg(-1). Sample throughput was 4 samples
      per h. Carryover effects are negligible but field sample analyses suggest that
      prefiltering may be necessary in highly turbid waters. 

PMID- 25136786
TI  - The role of genetics and epigenetics in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.
AB  - Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease of unclear aetiology. A
      multitude of genetic studies, ranging from candidate-gene studies to genome-wide
      association studies, have identified a large number of genetic susceptibility
      factors for SSc and its clinical phenotypes, but the contribution of these
      factors to disease susceptibility is only modest. However, in an endeavour to
      explore how the environment might affect genetic susceptibility, epigenetic
      research into SSc is rapidly expanding. Orchestrated by environmental factors,
      epigenetic modifications can drive genetically predisposed individuals to develop
      autoimmunity, and are thought to represent the crossroads between the environment
      and genetics in SSc. Therefore, in addition to providing a comprehensive
      description of the current understanding of genetic susceptibility underlying
      SSc, this Review describes the involvement of epigenetic phenomena, including DNA
      methylation patterns, histone modifications and microRNAs, in SSc.

PMID- 25136785
TI  - Improving cardiovascular and renal outcomes in gout: what should we target?
AB  - Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that hyperuricaemia and gout
      are intricately linked with hypertension, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney
      disease and cardiovascular disease. A number of studies suggest that
      hyperuricaemia and gout are independent risk factors for the development of these
      conditions and that these conditions account, in part, for the increased
      mortality rate of patients with gout. In this Review, we first discuss the links
      between hyperuricaemia, gout and these comorbidities, and present the mechanisms
      by which uric acid production and gout might favour the development of
      cardiovascular and renal diseases. We then emphasize the potential benefit of
      urate-lowering therapies on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with
      hyperuricaemia. The mechanisms that link elevated serum uric acid levels and gout
      with these comorbidities seem to be multifactorial, implicating low-grade
      systemic inflammation and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, as well as the
      deleterious effects of hyperuricaemia itself. Patients with asymptomatic
      hyperuricaemia should be treated by nonpharmacological means to lower their SUA
      levels. In patients with gout, long-term pharmacological inhibition of XO is a
      treatment strategy that might also reduce cardiovascular and renal comorbidities,
      because of its dual effect of lowering SUA levels as well as reducing free
      radical production during uric acid formation.

PMID- 25136788
TI  - L. monocytogenes in a cheese processing facility: Learning from contamination
      scenarios over three years of sampling.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the changing patterns of Listeria
      monocytogenes contamination in a cheese processing facility manufacturing a wide
      range of ready-to-eat products. Characterization of L. monocytogenes isolates
      included genotyping by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus
      sequence typing (MLST). Disinfectant-susceptibility tests and the assessment of
      L. monocytogenes survival in fresh cheese were also conducted. During the
      sampling period between 2010 and 2013, a total of 1284 environmental samples were
      investigated. Overall occurrence rates of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes were
      21.9% and 19.5%, respectively. Identical L. monocytogenes genotypes were found in
      the food processing environment (FPE), raw materials and in products.
      Interventions after the sampling events changed contamination scenarios
      substantially. The high diversity of globally, widely distributed L.
      monocytogenes genotypes was reduced by identifying the major sources of
      contamination. Although susceptible to a broad range of disinfectants and
      cleaners, one dominant L. monocytogenes sequence type (ST) 5 could not be
      eradicated from drains and floors. Significantly, intense humidity and steam
      could be observed in all rooms and water residues were visible on floors due to
      increased cleaning strategies. This could explain the high L. monocytogenes
      contamination of the FPE (drains, shoes and floors) throughout the study (15.8%).
      The outcome of a challenge experiment in fresh cheese showed that L.
      monocytogenes could survive after 14days of storage at insufficient cooling
      temperatures (8 and 16 degrees C). All efforts to reduce L. monocytogenes
      environmental contamination eventually led to a transition from dynamic to stable
      contamination scenarios. Consequently, implementation of systematic environmental
      monitoring via in-house systems should either aim for total avoidance of FPE
      colonization, or emphasize a first reduction of L. monocytogenes to sites where
      contamination of the processed product is unlikely. Drying of surfaces after
      cleaning is highly recommended to facilitate the L. monocytogenes eradication. 

PMID- 25136789
TI  - The influence of subminimal inhibitory concentrations of benzalkonium chloride on
      biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes.
AB  - Disinfectants, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAC), are commonly used to control
      Listeria monocytogenes and other pathogens in food processing plants. Prior
      studies have demonstrated that the resistance to BAC of L. monocytogenes was
      associated with the prolonged survival of three strains of molecular serotype
      1/2a in an Iberian pork processing plant. Because survival in such environments
      is related to biofilm formation, we hypothesised that the influence of BAC on the
      biofilm formation potential of L. monocytogenes might differ between BAC
      resistant strains (BAC-R, MIC>=10mg/L) and BAC-sensitive strains (BAC-S,
      MIC<=2.5mg/L). To evaluate this possibility, three BAC-R strains and eight BAC-S
      strains, which represented all of the molecular serotype 1/2a strains detected in
      the sampled plant, were compared. Biofilm production was measured using the
      crystal violet staining method in 96-well microtitre plates. The BAC-R strains
      produced significantly (p<0.05) less biofilm than the BAC-S in the absence of
      BAC, independent of the rate of planktonic growth. In contrast, when the biofilm
      values were measured in the presence of BAC, one BAC-R strain (S10-1) was able to
      form biofilm at 5mg/L of BAC, which prevented biofilm formation among the rest of
      the strains. A genetic determinant of BAC resistance recently described in L.
      monocytogenes (Tn6188) was detected in S10-1. When a BAC-S strain and its
      spontaneous mutant BAC-R derivative were compared, resistance to BAC led to
      biofilm formation at 5mg/L of BAC and to a significant (p<0.05) stimulation of
      biofilm formation at 1.25mg/L of BAC, which significantly (p<0.05) reduced the
      biofilm level in the parent BAC-S strain. Our results suggest that the effect of
      subminimal inhibitory concentrations of BAC on biofilm production by L.
      monocytogenes might differ between strains with different MICs and even between
      resistant strains with similar MICs but different genetic determinants of BAC
      resistance. For BAC-R strains similar to S10-1, subminimal inhibitory BAC may
      represent an advantage, compensating for the weak biofilm formation level that
      might be associated with resistance. Biofilm formation in the presence of
      increased subminimal inhibitory concentrations of the disinfectant may represent
      an important attribute among certain resistant and persistent strains of L.
      monocytogenes. 

PMID- 25136790
TI  - Tonic water-induced generalized bullous fixed eruption.

PMID- 25136792
TI  - Low carrier density epitaxial graphene devices on SiC.
AB  - The transport characteristics of graphene devices with low n- or p-type carrier
      density (~10(10) -10(11) cm(-2) ), fabricated using a new process that results in
      minimal organic surface residues, are reported. The p-type molecular doping
      responsible for the low carrier densities is initiated by aqua regia. The
      resulting devices exhibit highly developed nu = 2 quantized Hall resistance
      plateaus at magnetic field strengths of less than 4 T. 

PMID- 25136791
TI  - Rationale and study design of the REM-HF study: remote management of heart
      failure using implanted devices and formalized follow-up procedures.
AB  - AIMS: We wish to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of remote monitoring
      of heart failure patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices. METHODS: REM
      HF is a multicentre, randomized, non-blinded, parallel trial designed to compare
      weekly remote monitoring-driven management with usual care for patients with
      cardiac implanted electronic devices (ICD, CRT-D, or CRT-P). The trial is event
      driven, and the final analysis will be performed when 546 events have been
      observed or the study is terminated at the interim analysis. We have randomized
      1650 patients to be followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Patients will remain in
      the trial up to study termination. The first patient was randomized in September
      2011 and the study is expected to complete in early 2016. The primary combined
      endpoint is time to first event of all-cause death or unplanned hospitalization
      for cardiovascular reasons. An economic evaluation will be performed, estimating
      the cost per quality-adjusted life year, with direct costs estimated from the
      National Health Service perspective and quality of life assessed by the EQ-5D,
      Short-Form 12, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaires. The study design
      has been informed by a feasibility study. CONCLUSION: REM-HF is a multicentre
      randomized study that will provide important data on the effect of remote
      monitoring-driven management of implanted cardiac devices on morbidity and
      mortality, as well as the cost-effectiveness of this approach.

PMID- 25136793
TI  - The perception of materials through oral sensation.
AB  - This paper presents the results of a multimodal study of oral perception
      conducted with a set of material samples made from metals, polymers and woods, in
      which both the somatosensory and taste factors were examined. A multidimensional
      scaling analysis coupled with subjective attribute ratings was performed to
      assess these factors both qualitatively and quantitatively. The perceptual
      somatosensory factors of warmth, hardness and roughness dominated over the basic
      taste factors, and roughness was observed to be a less significant sensation
      compared to touch-only experiments. The perceptual somatosensory ratings were
      compared directly with physical property data in order to assess the correlation
      between the perceived properties and measured physical properties. In each case,
      a strong correlation was observed, suggesting that physical properties may be
      useful in industrial design for predicting oral perception. 

PMID- 25136795
TI  - Blood lead levels and associated factors among children in Guiyu of China: a
      population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Children's health problems caused by the electronic waste (e-waste)
      lead exposure in China remains. To assess children's blood lead levels (BLLs) in
      Guiyu of China and investigate risk factors of children's elevated BLLs in Guiyu.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: 842 children under 11 years of age from Guiyu and Haojiang
      were enrolled in this population-based study during 2011-2013. Participants
      completed a lifestyle and residential environment questionnaire and their
      physical growth indices were measured, and blood samples taken. Blood samples
      were tested to assess BLLs. Children's BLLs between the two groups were compared
      and factors associated with elevated BLLs among Guiyu children were analyzed by
      group Lasso logistic regression model. RESULTS: Children living in Guiyu had
      significant higher BLLs (7.06 ug/dL) than the quantity (5.89 ug/dL) of Haojiang
      children (P<0.05). Subgroup analyses of BLLs exceeding 10 ug/dL showed the
      proportion (24.80%) of high-level BLLs for Guiyu children was greater than that
      (12.84%) in Haojiang (P<0.05). Boys had greater BLLs than girls, irrespectively
      of areas (P<0.05). The number of e-waste piles or recycling workshops around the
      house (odds ratio, 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37 to 3.87)
      significantly contributed to the elevated BLLs of children in Guiyu, and girls
      had less risk (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.83) of e-waste lead exposure
      than boys. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis reinforces the importance of shifting e
      waste recycling piles or workshops to non-populated areas as part of a
      comprehensive response to e-waste lead exposure control in Guiyu. To correct the
      problem of lead poisoning in children in Guiyu should be a long-term mission.

PMID- 25136797
TI  - A systematic review of financial debt in adolescents and young adults:
      prevalence, correlates and associations with crime.
AB  - Financial debt in young people has increased in recent years. Because debt may
      have severe consequences, and it may enhance criminal behavior, insight into the
      prevalence and determinants of debt and its association with crime is important.
      We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 manuscripts to examine
      the prevalence of financial debt (k = 23), correlates and risk factors of debt (k
      = 16), and associations between debt and criminal behavior in adolescents and
      young adults (k = 8). Findings revealed that the prevalence of debt is
      substantial among young people; on average, 49% reported to have at least some
      debt, 22% had financial problems. Older participants and ethnic minorities were
      found to have higher levels of debt than younger and indigenous counterparts.
      Females had more financial problems and higher student loans. Low self-esteem, a
      pro-debt attitude (of young people and their parents), lack of perceived control
      towards financial management, poor social functioning, financial stress and
      external locus of control were found to have the strongest associations with
      debt. Studies reported strong associations between debt and crime. Particularly,
      strong associations were found between serious and persistent crime in young
      people and later (young adult) debt or financial problems.

PMID- 25136798
TI  - On the use of leaf spectral indices to assess water status and photosynthetic
      limitations in Olea europaea L. during water-stress and recovery.
AB  - Diffusional limitations to photosynthesis, relative water content (RWC), pigment
      concentrations and their association with reflectance indices were studied in
      olive (Olea europaea) saplings subjected to water-stress and re-watering. RWC
      decreased sharply as drought progressed. Following rewatering, RWC gradually
      increased to pre-stress values. Photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs),
      mesophyll conductance (gm), total conductance (gt), photochemical reflectance
      index (PRI), water index (WI) and relative depth index (RDI) closely followed
      RWC. In contrast, carotenoid concentration, the carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio,
      water content reflectance index (WCRI) and structural independent pigment index
      (SIPI) showed an opposite trend to that of RWC. Photosynthesis scaled linearly
      with leaf conductance to CO2; however, A measured under non-photorespiratory
      conditions (A1%O2) was approximately two times greater than A measured at 21%
      [O2], indicating that photorespiration likely increased in response to drought.
      A1%O2 also significantly correlated with leaf conductance parameters. These
      relationships were apparent in saturation type curves, indicating that under non
      photorespiratory conditions, CO2 conductance was not the major limitations to A.
      PRI was significant correlated with RWC. PRI was also very sensitive to pigment
      concentrations and photosynthesis, and significantly tracked all CO2 conductance
      parameters. WI, RDI and WCRI were all significantly correlated with RWC, and most
      notably to leaf transpiration. Overall, PRI correlated more closely with
      carotenoid concentration than SIPI; whereas WI tracked leaf transpiration more
      effectively than RDI and WCRI. This study clearly demonstrates that PRI and WI
      can be used for the fast detection of physiological traits of olive trees
      subjected to water-stress. 

PMID- 25136800
TI  - Effects of infection by Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli on the
      reproductive performance of the vector Rhodnius prolixus.
AB  - The insect Rhodnius prolixus is responsible for the transmission of Trypanosoma
      cruzi, which is the etiological agent of Chagas disease in areas of Central and
      South America. Besides this, it can be infected by other trypanosomes such as
      Trypanosoma rangeli. The effects of these parasites on vectors are poorly
      understood and are often controversial so here we focussed on possible negative
      effects of these parasites on the reproductive performance of R. prolixus,
      specifically comparing infected and uninfected couples. While T. cruzi infection
      did not delay pre-oviposition time of infected couples at either temperature
      tested (25 and 30 degrees C) it did, at 25 degrees C, increase the e-value in the
      second reproductive cycle, as well as hatching rates. Meanwhile, at 30 degrees C,
      T. cruzi infection decreased the e-value of insects during the first cycle and
      also the fertility of older insects. When couples were instead infected with T.
      rangeli, pre-oviposition time was delayed, while reductions in the e-value and
      hatching rate were observed in the second and third cycles. We conclude that both
      T. cruzi and T. rangeli can impair reproductive performance of R. prolixus,
      although for T. cruzi, this is dependent on rearing temperature and insect age.
      We discuss these reproductive costs in terms of potential consequences on
      triatomine behavior and survival. 

PMID- 25136803
TI  - An alteration in ATG16L1 stability in Crohn disease.
AB  - Individuals who harbor a common coding polymorphism (Thr300Ala) within a
      structurally unclassified region of ATG16L1 are at increased risk for the
      development of Crohn disease. Recently, we reported on the generation and
      characterization of knockin mice carrying the ATG16L1 T300A variant. We
      demonstrate that multiple cell types from T300A knock-in mice exhibit reduced
      selective autophagy, and we mechanistically link this phenotype with an increased
      susceptibility of ATG16L1 T300A to CASP3- and CASP7-mediated cleavage. These
      findings demonstrate how a single polymorphism can result in cell type- and
      pathway-specific disruptions of selective autophagy and alterations in the
      inflammatory milieu that can contribute to disease. 

PMID- 25136801
TI  - Regulation of autophagy and chloroquine sensitivity by oncogenic RAS in vitro is
      context-dependent.
AB  - Chloroquine (CQ) is an antimalarial drug and late-stage inhibitor of autophagy
      currently FDA-approved for use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other
      autoimmune diseases. Based primarily on its ability to inhibit autophagy, CQ and
      its derivative, hydroxychloroquine, are currently being investigated as primary
      or adjuvant therapy in multiple clinical trials for cancer treatment. Oncogenic
      RAS has previously been shown to regulate autophagic flux, and cancers with high
      incidence of RAS mutations, such as pancreatic cancer, have been described in the
      literature as being particularly susceptible to CQ treatment, leading to the
      hypothesis that oncogenic RAS makes cancer cells dependent on autophagy. This
      autophagy "addiction" suggests that the mutation status of RAS in tumors could
      identify patients who would be more likely to benefit from CQ therapy. Here we
      show that RAS mutation status itself is unlikely to be beneficial in such a
      patient selection because oncogenic RAS does not always promote autophagy
      addiction. Moreover, oncogenic RAS can have opposite effects on both autophagic
      flux and CQ sensitivity in different cells. Finally, for any given cell type, the
      positive or negative effect of oncogenic RAS on autophagy does not necessarily
      predict whether RAS will promote or inhibit CQ-mediated toxicity. Thus, although
      our results confirm that different tumor cell lines display marked differences in
      how they respond to autophagy inhibition, these differences can occur
      irrespective of RAS mutation status and, in different contexts, can either
      promote or reduce chloroquine sensitivity of tumor cells. 

PMID- 25136802
TI  - A role of autophagy in PTP4A3-driven cancer progression.
AB  - Autophagy, a "self-eating" cellular process, has dual roles in promoting and
      suppressing tumor growth, depending on cellular context. PTP4A3/PRL-3, a plasma
      membrane and endosomal phosphatase, promotes multiple oncogenic processes
      including cell proliferation, invasion, and cancer metastasis. In this study, we
      demonstrate that PTP4A3 accumulates in autophagosomes upon inhibition of
      autophagic degradation. Expression of PTP4A3 enhances PIK3C3-BECN1-dependent
      autophagosome formation and accelerates LC3-I to LC3-II conversion in an ATG5
      dependent manner. PTP4A3 overexpression also enhances the degradation of SQSTM1,
      a key autophagy substrate. These functions of PTP4A3 are dependent on its
      catalytic activity and prenylation-dependent membrane association. These results
      suggest that PTP4A3 functions to promote canonical autophagy flux. Unexpectedly,
      following autophagy activation, PTP4A3 serves as a novel autophagic substrate,
      thereby establishing a negative feedback-loop that may be required to fine-tune
      autophagy activity. Functionally, PTP4A3 utilizes the autophagy pathway to
      promote cell growth, concomitant with the activation of AKT. Clinically, from the
      largest ovarian cancer data set (GSE 9899, n = 285) available in GEO, high levels
      of expression of both PTP4A3 and autophagy genes significantly predict poor
      prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. These studies reveal a critical role of
      autophagy in PTP4A3-driven cancer progression, suggesting that autophagy could be
      a potential Achilles heel to block PTP4A3-mediated tumor progression in
      stratified patients with high expression of both PTP4A3 and autophagy genes. 

PMID- 25136806
TI  - Insignificant medium-term vitamin D status change after 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      testing in a large managed care population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the clinical utility of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)
      testing in achieving medium-term vitamin D (VD) sufficiency in a managed care
      population. METHODS: Retrospective study of a continuously-enrolled patient
      population in a 3-year period between 2011 and 2013. Primary outcome was VD
      status at ~1 year after 25(OH)D testing. Patient demographics, comorbidities,
      medications, and 25(OH)D test results were gathered from relevant databases and
      multivariate logistic regression analysis used to study the risk factors of
      persistent VD deficiency or insufficiency. RESULTS: Of 22,784 patients, 7533
      (females 69.3%) did 14,563 25(OH)D tests, with an estimated cost of $582,520. Of
      the 7533 patients, 1126 had another 25(OH)D test at 300-400 days after the first
      one. Based on the two test results, 234 patients (20.8%) maintained sufficient
      25(OH)D levels; 132 (11.7%) turned from VD-sufficient into VD-insufficient or 
      deficient; 538 (47.8%) remained VD-insufficient or -deficient, and only 222
      (19.7%) improved to be VD-sufficient. Overall, only 8.0% more patients were VD
      sufficient at ~1 year after 25(OH)D testing. Only younger age and higher BMI were
      independent risk factors for persistent low 25(OH)D levels and high-dose VD use
      was not associated with achieving VD sufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: 25(OH)D testing
      only benefits a small portion of patients thus lacks clinical utility in
      achieving VD sufficiency in the medium term but incurs a significant cost. A
      practical strategy to treat VD deficiency or insufficiency is needed; without it,
      25(OH)D testing adds little value to most patients' health and should be used
      with discretion.

PMID- 25136805
TI  - Transcriptome analysis of the oil-rich tea plant, Camellia oleifera, reveals
      candidate genes related to lipid metabolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rapidly driven by the need for developing sustainable sources of
      nutritionally important fatty acids and the rising concerns about environmental
      impacts after using fossil oil, oil-plants have received increasing awareness
      nowadays. As an important oil-rich plant in China, Camellia oleifera has played a
      vital role in providing nutritional applications, biofuel productions and
      chemical feedstocks. However, the lack of C. oleifera genome sequences and little
      genetic information have largely hampered the urgent needs for efficient
      utilization of the abundant germplasms towards modern breeding efforts of this
      woody oil-plant. RESULTS: Here, using the 454 GS-FLX sequencing platform, we
      generated approximately 600,000 RNA-Seq reads from four tissues of C. oleifera.
      These reads were trimmed and assembled into 104,842 non-redundant putative
      transcripts with a total length of ~38.9 Mb, representing more than 218-fold of
      all the C. oleifera sequences currently deposited in the GenBank (as of March
      2014). Based on the BLAST similarity searches, nearly 42.6% transcripts could be
      annotated with known genes, conserved domains, or Gene Ontology (GO) terms.
      Comparisons with the cultivated tea tree, C. sinensis, identified 3,022 pairs of
      orthologs, of which 211 exhibited the evidence under positive selection. Pathway
      analysis detected the majority of genes potentially related to lipid metabolism.
      Evolutionary analysis of omega-6 fatty acid desaturase (FAD2) genes among 20 oil
      plants unexpectedly suggests that a parallel evolution may occur between C.
      oleifera and Olea oleifera. Additionally, more than 2,300 simple sequence repeats
      (SSRs) and 20,200 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in the C.
      oleifera transcriptome. CONCLUSIONS: The generated transcriptome represents a
      considerable increase in the number of sequences deposited in the public
      databases, providing an unprecedented opportunity to discover all related-genes
      associated with lipid metabolic pathway in C. oleifera. It will greatly enhance
      the generation of new varieties of C. oleifera with increased yields and high
      quality.

PMID- 25136807
TI  - [Arthrogenic muscle inhibition after trauma - is there an age dependency of the
      intensity of arthrogenic muscle inhibition?].
AB  - Backround: Knee trauma with arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) lead to muscle
      weakness. The aim of this study was to analyse the intensity of AMI after
      meniscus and cartilage injuries and to investigate the association between age,
      BMI and severity of cartilage leasions with AMI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 48
      patients with meniscus or cartilage injury were preoperatively interviewed and
      examined for isometric maximum force values of the extension muscles of the knee
      joints. We analysed AMI as comparison of maximum isometric force values between
      healthy and injured leg by use of Wilcoxon matched pairs test. Moreover a
      regression analysis was done to assess the association between age, BMI and
      severity of cartilage lesion with AMI. RESULTS: Trauma of the knee joint with
      meniscus or cartilage injuries led to a 23.6 % reduction of maximum force values
      of injured in comparison to healthy leg (460.1 +/- 223.6 N vs. 601.9 +/- 224.6 N,
      P < 0,000001) in mean. Regression analysis did not show associations between age
      (beta -2.645, P = 0.345), BMI (beta 2.268, P = 0.792) or severity of cartilage
      damage (beta -13.527, P = 0.670) with AMI. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma of the knee joint
      with meniscus or cartilage damage cause an AMI with 23.6 % force reduction. We
      could not identify an association between age and AMI.

PMID- 25136804
TI  - Abeta1-42 monomers or oligomers have different effects on autophagy and
      apoptosis.
AB  - The role of autophagy and its relationship with apoptosis in Alzheimer disease
      (AD) pathogenesis is poorly understood. Disruption of autophagy leads to buildup
      of incompletely digested substrates, amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide accumulation in
      vacuoles and cell death. Abeta, in turn, has been found to affect autophagy.
      Thus, Abeta might be part of a loop in which it is both the substrate of altered
      autophagy and its cause. Given the relevance of different soluble forms of Abeta1
      42 in AD, we have investigated whether monomers and oligomers of the peptide have
      a differential role in causing altered autophagy and cell death. Using
      differentiated SK-N-BE neuroblastoma cells, we found that monomers hamper the
      formation of the autophagic BCL2-BECN1/Beclin 1 complex and activate the
      MAPK8/JNK1-MAPK9/JNK2 pathway phosphorylating BCL2. Monomers also inhibit
      apoptosis and allow autophagy with intracellular accumulation of autophagosomes
      and elevation of levels of BECN1 and LC3-II, resulting in an inhibition of
      substrate degradation due to an inhibitory action on lysosomal activity.
      Oligomers, in turn, favor the formation of the BCL2-BECN1 complex favoring
      apoptosis. In addition, they cause a less profound increase in BECN1 and LC3-II
      levels than monomers without affecting the autophagic flux. Thus, data presented
      in this work show a link for autophagy and apoptosis with monomers and oligomers,
      respectively. These studies are likely to help the design of novel disease
      modifying therapies. 

PMID- 25136808
TI  - The response of human thermal sensation and its prediction to temperature step
      change (cool-neutral-cool).
AB  - This paper reports on studies of the effect of temperature step-change (between a
      cool and a neutral environment) on human thermal sensation and skin temperature.
      Experiments with three temperature conditions were carried out in a climate
      chamber during the period in winter. Twelve subjects participated in the
      experiments simulating moving inside and outside of rooms or cabins with air
      conditioning. Skin temperatures and thermal sensation were recorded. Results
      showed overshoot and asymmetry of TSV due to the step-change. Skin temperature
      changed immediately when subjects entered a new environment. When moving into a
      neutral environment from cool, dynamic thermal sensation was in the thermal
      comfort zone and overshoot was not obvious. Air-conditioning in a transitional
      area should be considered to limit temperature difference to not more than 5
      degrees C to decrease the unacceptability of temperature step-change. The linear
      relationship between thermal sensation and skin temperature or gradient of skin
      temperature does not apply in a step-change environment. There is a significant
      linear correlation between TSV and Qloss in the transient environment. Heat loss
      from the human skin surface can be used to predict dynamic thermal sensation
      instead of the heat transfer of the whole human body. 

PMID- 25136809
TI  - Stress hyperglycaemia in hospitalised patients and their 3-year risk of diabetes:
      a Scottish retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperglycaemia during hospital admission is common in patients who
      are not known to have diabetes and is associated with adverse outcomes. The risk
      of subsequently developing type 2 diabetes, however, is not known. We linked a
      national database of hospital admissions with a national register of diabetes to
      describe the association between admission glucose and the risk of subsequently
      developing type 2 diabetes. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In a retrospective cohort
      study, patients aged 30 years or older with an emergency admission to hospital
      between 2004 and 2008 were included. Prevalent and incident diabetes were
      identified through the Scottish Care Information (SCI)-Diabetes Collaboration
      national registry. Patients diagnosed prior to or up to 30 days after
      hospitalisation were defined as prevalent diabetes and were excluded. The
      predicted risk of developing incident type 2 diabetes during the 3 years
      following hospital discharge by admission glucose, age, and sex was obtained from
      logistic regression models. We performed separate analyses for patients aged 40
      and older, and patients aged 30 to 39 years. Glucose was measured in 86,634
      (71.0%) patients aged 40 and older on admission to hospital. The 3-year risk of
      developing type 2 diabetes was 2.3% (1,952/86,512) overall, was <1% for a glucose
      <= 5 mmol/l, and increased to approximately 15% at 15 mmol/l. The risks at 7
      mmol/l and 11.1 mmol/l were 2.6% (95% CI 2.5-2.7) and 9.9% (95% CI 9.2-10.6),
      respectively, with one in four (21,828/86,512) and one in 40 (1,798/86,512)
      patients having glucose levels above each of these cut-points. For patients aged
      30-39, the risks at 7 mmol/l and 11.1 mmol/l were 1.0% (95% CI 0.8-1.3) and 7.8%
      (95% CI 5.7-10.7), respectively, with one in eight (1,588/11,875) and one in 100
      (120/11,875) having glucose levels above each of these cut-points. The risk of
      diabetes was also associated with age, sex, and socio-economic deprivation, but
      not with specialty (medical versus surgical), raised white cell count, or co
      morbidity. Similar results were obtained for pre-specified sub-groups admitted
      with myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and stroke.
      There were 25,193 deaths (85.8 per 1,000 person-years) over 297,122 person-years,
      of which 2,406 (8.1 per 1,000 person-years) were attributed to vascular disease.
      Patients with glucose levels of 11.1 to 15 mmol/l and >15 mmol/l had higher
      mortality than patients with a glucose of <6.1 mmol/l (hazard ratio 1.54; 95% CI
      1.42-1.68 and 2.50; 95% CI 2.14-2.95, respectively) in models adjusting for age
      and sex. Limitations of our study include that we did not have data on ethnicity
      or body mass index, which may have improved prediction and the results have not
      been validated in non-white populations or populations outside of Scotland.
      CONCLUSION: Plasma glucose measured during an emergency hospital admission
      predicts subsequent risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Mortality was also 1.5
      fold higher in patients with elevated glucose levels. Our findings can be used to
      inform patients of their long-term risk of type 2 diabetes, and to target
      lifestyle advice to those patients at highest risk. Please see later in the
      article for the Editors' Summary.

PMID- 25136810
TI  - A quantitative prioritisation of human and domestic animal pathogens in Europe.
AB  - Disease or pathogen risk prioritisations aid understanding of infectious agent
      impact within surveillance or mitigation and biosecurity work, but take
      significant development. Previous work has shown the H-(Hirsch-)index as an
      alternative proxy. We present a weighted risk analysis describing infectious
      pathogen impact for human health (human pathogens) and well-being (domestic
      animal pathogens) using an objective, evidence-based, repeatable approach; the H
      index. This study established the highest H-index European pathogens.
      Commonalities amongst pathogens not included in previous surveillance or risk
      analyses were examined. Differences between host types (humans/animals/zoonotic)
      in pathogen H-indices were explored as a One Health impact indicator. Finally,
      the acceptability of the H-index proxy for animal pathogen impact was examined by
      comparison with other measures. 57 pathogens appeared solely in the top 100
      highest H-indices (1) human or (2) animal pathogens list, and 43 occurred in
      both. Of human pathogens, 66 were zoonotic and 67 were emerging, compared to 67
      and 57 for animals. There were statistically significant differences between H
      indices for host types (humans, animal, zoonotic), and there was limited evidence
      that H-indices are a reasonable proxy for animal pathogen impact. This work
      addresses measures outlined by the European Commission to strengthen climate
      change resilience and biosecurity for infectious diseases. The results include a
      quantitative evaluation of infectious pathogen impact, and suggest greater
      impacts of human-only compared to zoonotic pathogens or scientific under
      representation of zoonoses. The outputs separate high and low impact pathogens,
      and should be combined with other risk assessment methods relying on expert
      opinion or qualitative data for priority setting, or could be used to prioritise
      diseases for which formal risk assessments are not possible because of data gaps.

PMID- 25136811
TI  - Combination effect of epigenetic regulation and ionizing radiation in colorectal
      cancer cells.
AB  - Exposure of cells to ionizing radiation (IR) induces, not only, activation of
      multiple signaling pathways that play critical roles in cell fate determination,
      but also alteration of molecular pathways involved in cell death or survival.
      Recently, DNA methylation has been established as a critical epigenetic process
      involved in the regulation of gene expression in cancer cells, suggesting that
      DNA methylation inhibition may be an effective cancer treatment strategy. Because
      alterations of gene expression by DNA methylation have been considered to
      influence radioresponsiveness, we investigated the effect of a DNA
      methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), on
      radiosensitivity. In addition, we investigated the underlying cellular mechanisms
      of combination treatments of ionizing irradiation (IR) and 5-aza-dC in human
      colon cancer cells. Colon cancer cell lines were initially tested for radiation
      sensitivity by IR in vitro and were treated with two different doses of 5-aza-dC.
      Survival of these cell lines was measured using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)
      2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and clonogenic assays. The effects of 5-aza-dC
      along with irradiation on cell growth, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and
      apoptosis-related gene expression were examined. Combination irradiation
      treatment with 5-aza-dC significantly decreased growth activity compared with
      irradiation treatment alone or with 5-aza-dC treatment alone. The percentage of
      HCT116 cells in the sub-G1 phase and their apoptotic rate was increased when
      cells were treated with irradiation in combination with 5-aza-dC compared with
      either treatment alone. These observations were strongly supported by increased
      caspase activity, increased comet tails using comet assays, and increased protein
      levels of apoptosis-associated molecules (caspase 3/9, cleaved PARP). Our data
      demonstrated that 5-aza-dC enhanced radiosensitivity in colon cancer cells, and
      the combination effects of 5-aza-dC with radiation showed greater cellular
      effects than that of single treatment, suggesting that the combination of 5-aza
      dC and radiation has the potential to become a clinical strategy for the
      treatment of cancer. 

PMID- 25136812
TI  - The Snail transcription factor regulates the numbers of neural precursor cells
      and newborn neurons throughout mammalian life.
AB  - The Snail transcription factor regulates diverse aspects of stem cell biology in
      organisms ranging from Drosophila to mammals. Here we have asked whether it
      regulates the biology of neural precursor cells (NPCs) in the forebrain of
      postnatal and adult mice, taking advantage of a mouse containing a floxed Snail
      allele (Snailfl/fl mice). We show that when Snail is inducibly ablated in the
      embryonic cortex, this has long-term consequences for cortical organization. In
      particular, when Snailfl/fl mice are crossed to Nestin-cre mice that express Cre
      recombinase in embryonic neural precursors, this causes inducible ablation of
      Snail expression throughout the postnatal cortex. This loss of Snail causes a
      decrease in proliferation of neonatal cortical neural precursors and
      mislocalization and misspecification of cortical neurons. Moreover, these
      precursor phenotypes persist into adulthood. Adult neural precursor cell
      proliferation is decreased in the forebrain subventricular zone and in the
      hippocampal dentate gyrus, and this is coincident with a decrease in the number
      of adult-born olfactory and hippocampal neurons. Thus, Snail is a key regulator
      of the numbers of neural precursors and newborn neurons throughout life. 

PMID- 25136813
TI  - Gene-specific function prediction for non-synonymous mutations in monogenic
      diabetes genes.
AB  - The rapid progress of genomic technologies has been providing new opportunities
      to address the need of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) molecular
      diagnosis. However, whether a new mutation causes MODY can be questionable. A
      number of in silico methods have been developed to predict functional effects of
      rare human mutations. The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of
      different bioinformatics methods in the functional prediction of nonsynonymous
      mutations in each MODY gene, and provides reference matrices to assist the
      molecular diagnosis of MODY. Our study showed that the prediction scores by
      different methods of the diabetes mutations were highly correlated, but were more
      complimentary than replacement to each other. The available in silico methods for
      the prediction of diabetes mutations had varied performances across different
      genes. Applying gene-specific thresholds defined by this study may be able to
      increase the performance of in silico prediction of disease-causing mutations. 

PMID- 25136816
TI  - Plasma anti-mullerian hormone: an endocrine marker for in vitro embryo production
      from Bos taurus and Bos indicus donors.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between plasma anti
      mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration and in vitro embryo production (IVP) from
      Bos taurus (Holstein) and Bos indicus (Nelore) donors. A total of 59 Holstein (15
      prepubertal heifers aged 8-10 mo, 15 cyclic heifers aged 12-14 mo, 14 lactating
      cows, and 15 nonlactating cows) and 34 Nelore (12 prepubertal heifers aged 10-11
      mo, 10 prepubertal heifers aged 21-23 mo, and 12 cyclic heifers aged 24-26 mo)
      females were enrolled. All females underwent an ovum pick-up (OPU), without
      previous synchronization of the follicular wave, and IVP procedure. Immediately
      before the OPU procedure, blood samples were collected for subsequent AMH
      determination. A positive correlation was observed between the plasma AMH and
      number of in vitro embryos produced from Holstein (r = 0.36, P < 0.001) and
      Nelore (r = 0.50, P = 0.003) donors. For additional analyses, donors within each
      genotype were classified into 1 of 2 AMH categories (low or high) according to
      the average AMH concentration for each genotype. The results revealed that
      females classified as having high AMH presented a greater number of visible
      aspirated follicles (Holstein: 20.9 +/- 1.5 vs 13.6 +/- 0.9, P < 0.0001; Nelore:
      54.3 +/- 6.1 vs 18.6 +/- 2.1, P < 0.0001) and a greater number of recovered
      cumulus-oocyte complexes (Holstein: 17.3 +/- 1.5 vs 9.0 +/- 0.9, P < 0.0001;
      Nelore: 45.3 +/- 6.4 vs 13.4 +/- 1.7, P < 0.0001). However, there was no
      difference in the blastocyst production rate (Holstein: 20.6% +/- 4.0% vs 19.8%
      +/- 4.2%, P = 0.60; Nelore: 33.7% +/- 6.5% vs 27.4% +/- 5.5%, P = 0.41, high and
      low AMH, respectively). Moreover, donors classified as having high AMH yielded a
      greater number of embryos produced per OPU (Holstein: 3.0 +/- 0.7; Nelore: 7.0 +/
      1.7) compared with those classified as having low AMH (Holstein: 1.2 +/- 0.3, P
      = 0.04; Nelore: 2.2 +/- 0.5, P = 0.007). In conclusion, although the plasma AMH
      concentration did not alter the ability of the cumulus-oocyte complex to reach
      the blastocyst stage, the AMH concentration in plasma can be an accurate
      endocrine marker for the in vitro embryo yield from either B. taurus (Holstein)
      or B. indicus (Nelore) donors. Therefore, AMH is a promising tool to enhance the
      overall efficiency of OPU-IVP programs in the field as a selective criterion for
      high embryo producing donors. 

PMID- 25136814
TI  - Immobilization of captive tigers (Panthera tigris) with a combination of
      tiletamine, zolazepam, and detomidine.
AB  - The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of the administration of a
      combination of tiletamine-zolazepam and detomidine (TZD) in 9 tigers (Panthera
      tigris). Nine captive tigers were immobilized with tiletamine-zolazepam and
      detomidine administered intramuscularly. At the end of the procedure
      immobilization was partially reversed with atipamezole. Lateral recumbency was
      achieved in 15.6 +/- 5.9 min. The median induction score [scored 1 (excellent) to
      4 (poor)] was 1. The immobilization score [scored 1 (poor) to 6 (too deep)] was 5
      (4-5) at all study times. After atipamezole administration, all tigers
      experienced severe ataxia and incoordination. Median recovery score [scored 1
      (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 2.5 (range 2-3). No neurologic and/or important
      adverse reactions were noticed within 5 days after recovery. The combination
      tiletamine-zolazepam with detomidine proved to be effective in immobilizing
      captive healthy tigers but it maybe associated with hypertension and ataxia
      during recovery. Zoo Biol. 34:40-45, 2015. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc. 

PMID- 25136817
TI  - Effervescence-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction using a solid
      effervescent agent as a novel dispersion technique for the analysis of fungicides
      in apple juice.
AB  - A novel effervescence-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method
      has been developed for the determination of four fungicides in apple juice
      samples. In this method, a solid effervescent agent is added into samples to
      assist the dispersion of extraction solvent. The effervescent agent is
      environmentally friendly and only produces an increase in the ionic strength and
      a negligible variation in the pH value of the aqueous sample, which does not
      interfere with the extraction of the analytes. The parameters affecting the
      extraction efficiency were investigated including the composition of effervescent
      agent, effervescent agent amount, formulation of effervescent agent, adding mode
      of effervescent agent, type and volume of extraction solvent, and pH. Under
      optimized conditions, the method showed a good linearity within the range of 0.05
      2 mg/L for pyrimethanil, fludioxonil, and cyprodinil, and 0.1-4 mg/L for kresoxim
      methyl, with the correlation coefficients >0.998. The limits of detection for the
      method ranged between 0.005 and 0.01 mg/L. The recoveries of the target
      fungicides in apple juice samples were in the range of 72.4-110.8% with the
      relative standard deviations ranging from 1.2 to 6.8%. 

PMID- 25136818
TI  - Synthesis of aromatic (13)C/(2)H-alpha-ketoacid precursors to be used in
      selective phenylalanine and tyrosine protein labelling.
AB  - Recent progress in protein NMR spectroscopy revealed aromatic residues to be
      valuable information sources for performing structure and motion analysis of high
      molecular weight proteins. However, the applied NMR experiments require tailored
      isotope labelling patterns in order to regulate spin-relaxation pathways and
      optimize magnetization transfer. We introduced a methodology to use alpha
      ketoacids as metabolic amino acid precursors in cell-based overexpression of
      phenylalanine and/or tyrosine labelled proteins in a recent publication, which we
      have now developed further by providing synthetic routes to access the
      corresponding side-chain labelled precursors. The target compounds allow for
      selective introduction of (13)C-(1)H spin systems in a highly deuterated chemical
      environment and feature alternating (12)C-(13)C-(12)C ring-patterns. The
      resulting isotope distribution is especially suited to render straightforward
      (13)C spin relaxation experiments possible, which provide insight into the
      dynamic properties of the corresponding labelled proteins. 

PMID- 25136819
TI  - Demonstration of ultrarapid interfacial formation of 1D fullerene nanorods with
      photovoltaic properties.
AB  - We demonstrate ultrarapid interfacial formation of one-dimensional (1D) single
      crystalline fullerene C60 nanorods at room temperature in 5 s. The nanorods of ~
      11 MUm in length and ~ 215 nm in diameter are developed in a hexagonal close-pack
      crystal structure, contrary to the cubic crystal structure of pristine C60.
      Vibrational and electronic spectroscopy provide strong evidence that the nanorods
      are a van der Waals solid, as evidenced from the preservation of the electronic
      structure of the C60 molecules within the rods. Steady state optical spectroscopy
      reveals a dominance of charge transfer excitonic transitions in the nanorods. A
      significant enhancement of photogenerated charge carriers is observed in the
      nanorods in comparison to pristine C60, revealing the effect of shape on the
      photovoltaic properties. Due to their ultrarapid, large-scale, room-temperature
      synthesis with single-crystalline structure and excellent optoelectronic
      properties, the nanorods are expected to be promising for photosensitive devices
      applications.

PMID- 25136820
TI  - Links of justice and rejection sensitivity with aggression in childhood and
      adolescence.
AB  - Individual differences in justice sensitivity and rejection sensitivity have been
      linked to differences in aggressive behavior in adults. However, there is little
      research studying this association in children and adolescents and considering
      the two constructs in combination. We assessed justice sensitivity from the
      victim, observer, and perpetrator perspective as well as anxious and angry
      rejection sensitivity and linked both constructs to different forms (physical,
      relational), and functions (proactive, reactive) of self-reported aggression and
      to teacher- and parent-rated aggression in N = 1,489 9- to 19-year olds in
      Germany. Victim sensitivity and both angry and anxious rejection sensitivity
      showed positive correlations with all forms and functions of aggression. Angry
      rejection sensitivity also correlated positively with teacher-rated aggression.
      Perpetrator sensitivity was negatively correlated with all aggression measures,
      and observer sensitivity also correlated negatively with all aggression measures
      except for a positive correlation with reactive aggression. Path models
      considering the sensitivity facets in combination and controlling for age and
      gender showed that higher victim justice sensitivity predicted higher aggression
      on all measures. Higher perpetrator sensitivity predicted lower physical,
      relational, proactive, and reactive aggression. Higher observer sensitivity
      predicted lower teacher-rated aggression. Angry rejection sensitivity predicted
      higher proactive and reactive aggression, whereas anxious rejection sensitivity
      did not make an additional contribution to the prediction of aggression. The
      findings are discussed in terms of social information processing models of
      aggression in childhood and adolescence.

PMID- 25136821
TI  - Instability of trinucleotidic repeats during chromatin remodeling in spermatids.
AB  - Transient DNA breaks and evidence of DNA damage response have recently been
      reported during the chromatin remodeling process in haploid spermatids, creating
      a potential window of enhanced genetic instability. We used flow cytometry to
      achieve separation of differentiating spermatids into four highly purified
      populations using transgenic mice harboring 160 CAG repeats within exon 1 of the
      human Huntington disease gene (HTT). Trinucleotic repeat expansion was found to
      occur immediately following the chromatin remodeling steps, confirming the
      genetic instability of the process and pointing to the origin of paternal
      anticipation observed in some trinucleotidic repeats diseases. 

PMID- 25136823
TI  - Uniform versus asymmetric shading mediates crown recession in conifers.
AB  - In this study we explore the impact of asymmetrical vs. uniform crown shading on
      the mortality and growth of upper and lower branches within tree crowns, for two
      conifer species: shade intolerant lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and shade
      tolerant white spruce (Picea glauca). We also explore xylem hydraulics, foliar
      nutrition, and carbohydrate status as drivers for growth and expansion of the
      lower and upper branches in various types of shading. This study was conducted
      over a two-year period across 10 regenerating forest sites dominated by lodgepole
      pine and white spruce, in the lower foothills of Alberta, Canada. Trees were
      assigned to one of four shading treatments: (1), complete uniform shading of the
      entire tree, (2) light asymmetric shading where the lower 1/4-1/3 of the tree
      crown was shaded, (3) heavy asymmetric shading as in (2) except with greater
      light reduction and (4) control in which no artificial shading occurred and most
      of the entire crown was exposed to full light. Asymmetrical shading of only the
      lower crown had a larger negative impact on the bud expansion and growth than did
      uniform shading, and the effect was stronger in pine relative to spruce. In
      addition, lower branches in pine also had lower carbon reserves, and reduced
      xylem-area specific conductivity compared to spruce. For both species, but
      particularly the pine, the needles of lower branches tended to store less C than
      upper branches in the asymmetric shade, which could suggest a movement of
      reserves away from the lower branches. The implications of these findings
      correspond with the inherent shade tolerance and self-pruning behavior of these
      conifers and supports a carbon based mechanism for branch mortality--mediated by
      an asymmetry in light exposure of the crown.

PMID- 25136824
TI  - Differential axonal conduction patterns of mechano-sensitive and mechano
      insensitive nociceptors--a combined experimental and modelling study.
AB  - Cutaneous pain sensations are mediated largely by C-nociceptors consisting of
      both mechano-sensitive (CM) and mechano-insensitive (CMi) fibres that can be
      distinguished from one another according to their characteristic axonal
      properties. In healthy skin and relative to CMi fibres, CM fibres show a higher
      initial conduction velocity, less activity-dependent conduction velocity slowing,
      and less prominent post-spike supernormality. However, after sensitization with
      nerve growth factor, the electrical signature of CMi fibres changes towards a
      profile similar to that of CM fibres. Here we take a combined experimental and
      modelling approach to examine the molecular basis of such alterations to the
      excitation thresholds. Changes in electrical activation thresholds and activity
      dependent slowing were examined in vivo using single-fibre recordings of CM and
      CMi fibres in domestic pigs following NGF application. Using computational
      modelling, we investigated which axonal mechanisms contribute most to the
      electrophysiological differences between the fibre classes. Simulations of axonal
      conduction suggest that the differences between CMi and CM fibres are strongly
      influenced by the densities of the delayed rectifier potassium channel (Kdr), the
      voltage-gated sodium channels NaV1.7 and NaV1.8, and the Na+/K+-ATPase.
      Specifically, the CM fibre profile required less Kdr and NaV1.8 in combination
      with more NaV1.7 and Na+/K+-ATPase. The difference between CM and CMi fibres is
      thus likely to reflect a relative rather than an absolute difference in protein
      expression. In support of this, it was possible to replicate the experimental
      reduction of the ADS pattern of CMi nociceptors towards a CM-like pattern
      following intradermal injection of nerve growth factor by decreasing the
      contribution of Kdr (by 50%), increasing the Na+/K+-ATPase (by 10%), and reducing
      the branch length from 2 cm to 1 cm. The findings highlight key molecules that
      potentially contribute to the NGF-induced switch in nociceptors phenotype, in
      particular NaV1.7 which has already been identified clinically as a principal
      contributor to chronic pain states such as inherited erythromelalgia. 

PMID- 25136825
TI  - Deep brain stimulation of the antero-medial globus pallidus interna for Tourette
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have previously reported the results of Deep Brain Stimulation
      (DBS) of the antero-medial globus pallidus interna (GPi) for severe Tourette
      Syndrome (TS) in 11 patients. We extend this case series to 17 patients and a
      longer follow-up to a maximum of 46 months. METHODS: 17 patients (14 male; mean
      age 29.1 years, range 17-51 years) with severe and medically intractable TS were
      implanted with Medtronic quadripolar electrodes bilaterally in the antero-medial
      GPi. The primary outcome measure was the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS).
      Secondary outcome measures included the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale,
      Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Gilles de la Tourette Quality of Life Scale and
      Global Assessment of Functioning. Follow up was at one month, three months and
      finally at a mean 24.1 months (range 8-46 months) following surgery. RESULTS:
      Overall, there was a 48.3% reduction in motor tics and a 41.3% reduction in
      phonic tics at one month, and this improvement was maintained at final follow-up.
      12 out of 17 (70.6%) patients had a>50% reduction in YGTSS score at final follow
      up. Only 8 patients required ongoing pharmacotherapy for tics post-surgery.
      Patients improved significantly on all secondary measures. Adverse consequences
      included lead breakage in 4 patients, infection (1), transient anxiety (2),
      dizziness (1), poor balance (1) and worsening of stuttering (1). CONCLUSIONS:
      This case series provides further support that antero-medial GPi DBS is an
      effective and well tolerated treatment for a subgroup of severe TS, with benefits
      sustained up to 4 years.

PMID- 25136828
TI  - Environmental factors associated with success rates of Australian stock herding
      dogs.
AB  - This study investigated the current management practices associated with stock
      herding dogs on Australian farms. A parallel goal was to determine whether these
      practices and the characteristics of the dog handlers were associated with
      success rates. Success rate refers to the proportion of dogs acquired by the
      farmer that were retained as working dogs. Data on a total of 4,027 dogs were
      obtained through The Farm Dog Survey which gathered information from 812 herding
      dog owners around Australia. Using logistic regression, significant associations
      were identified between success rate and seven variables: dog breed, housing
      method, trial participation, age of the dog at acquisition, electric collar use,
      hypothetical maximum treatment expenditure and the conscientiousness score of the
      owner's personality. These findings serve as a guide to direct further research
      into ways of optimising herding dog performance and welfare. They emphasise the
      importance of not only examining the genetic predispositions of the working dog
      but also the impact the handler can have on a dog's success in the workplace. 

PMID- 25136826
TI  - The flavones apigenin and luteolin induce FOXO1 translocation but inhibit
      gluconeogenic and lipogenic gene expression in human cells.
AB  - The flavones apigenin (4',5,7,-trihydroxyflavone) and luteolin (3',4',5,7,
      tetrahydroxyflavone) are plant secondary metabolites with antioxidant,
      antiinflammatory, and anticancer activities. We evaluated their impact on cell
      signaling pathways related to insulin-resistance and type 2 diabetes. Apigenin
      and luteolin were identified in our U-2 OS (human osteosarcoma) cell screening
      assay for micronutrients triggering rapid intracellular translocation of the
      forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FOXO1), an important mediator of insulin
      signal transduction. Insulin reversed the translocation of FOXO1 as shown by live
      cell imaging. The impact on the expression of target genes was evaluated in HepG2
      (human hepatoma) cells. The mRNA-expression of the gluconeogenic enzymes
      phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pc), the
      lipogenic enzymes fatty-acid synthase (FASN) and acetyl-CoA-carboxylase (ACC)
      were down-regulated by both flavones with smaller effective dosages of apigenin
      than for luteolin. PKB/AKT-, PRAS40-, p70S6K-, and S6-phosphorylation was reduced
      by apigenin and luteolin but not that of the insulin-like growth factor receptor
      IGF-1R by apigenin indicating a direct inhibition of the PKB/AKT-signaling
      pathway distal to the IGF-1 receptor. N-acetyl-L-cysteine did not prevent FOXO1
      nuclear translocation induced by apigenin and luteolin, suggesting that these
      flavones do not act via oxidative stress. The roles of FOXO1, FOXO3a, AKT,
      sirtuin1 (SIRT1), and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived2)-like2 (NRF2),
      investigated by siRNA knockdown, showed differential patterns of signal pathways
      involved and a role of NRF2 in the inhibition of gluconeogenic enzyme expression.
      We conclude that these flavones show an antidiabetic potential due to reduction
      of gluconeogenic and lipogenic capacity despite inhibition of the PKB/AKT pathway
      which justifies detailed investigation in vivo. 

PMID- 25136829
TI  - No correlation between TIMP2 -418 G>C polymorphism and increased risk of cancer:
      evidence from a meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP2) is involved in the regulation
      of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and shown to implicate in cancer development
      and progression. The results from the published studies based on the association
      between TIMP2 -418 G>C polymorphism and cancer risk are inconsistent. In this
      meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the potential association between TIMP2 -418
      G>C polymorphism and cancer risk. METHODOLOGY: We searched PubMed (Medline) and
      EMBASE web databases to cover all studies based on relationship of TIMP2 -418 G>C
      polymorphism and risk of cancer until October 2013. The meta-analysis was
      performed for selected case-control studies and pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95%
      confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for all genetic models. RESULTS: A
      total of 2225 cancer cases and 2532 controls were included from ten eligible case
      control studies. Results from overall pooled analysis suggested no evidence of
      significant risk between TIMP2 -418 G>C polymorphism and cancer risk in any of
      the genetic models, such as, allele (C vs. G: OR = 1.293, 95% CI = 0.882 to
      1.894, p = 0.188), homozygous (CC vs. GG: OR = 0.940, 95% CI = 0.434 to 2.039, p
      = 0.876), heterozygous (GC vs. GG: OR = 1.397, 95% CI = 0.888 to 2.198, p =
      0.148), dominant (CC+GC vs. GG: OR = 1.387, 95% CI = 0.880 to 2.187, p = 0.159)
      and recessive (CC vs. GG+GC: OR = 0.901, 95% CI = 0.442 to 1.838, p = 0.774)
      models. No evidence of publication bias was detected during the analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis suggests that the TIMP2 -418 G>C
      polymorphism may not be involved in predisposing risk factor for cancer in
      overall population. However, future larger studies with group of populations are
      needed to analyze the possible correlation.

PMID- 25136830
TI  - Characterization of the regulatory mechanisms of activating transcription factor
      3 by hypertrophic stimuli in rat cardiomyocytes.
AB  - AIMS: Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a stress-activated immediate
      early gene suggested to have both detrimental and cardioprotective role in the
      heart. Here we studied the mechanisms of ATF3 activation by hypertrophic stimuli
      and ATF3 downstream targets in rat cardiomyocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS: When
      neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to endothelin-1 (ET-1, 100 nM) and
      mechanical stretching in vitro, maximal increase in ATF3 expression occurred at 1
      hour. Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) by PD98059
      decreased ET-1- and stretch-induced increase of ATF3 protein but not ATF3 mRNA
      levels, whereas protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 attenuated both ATF3 mRNA
      transcription and protein expression in response to ET-1 and stretch. To
      characterize further the regulatory mechanisms upstream of ATF3, p38 mitogen
      activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was investigated using a gain-of
      function approach. Adenoviral overexpression of p38alpha, but not p38beta,
      increased ATF3 mRNA and protein levels as well as DNA binding activity. To
      investigate the role of ATF3 in hypertrophic process, we overexpressed ATF3 by
      adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. In vitro, ATF3 gene delivery attenuated the
      mRNA transcription of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
      (PAI-1), and enhanced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and Nkx-2.5 DNA binding
      activities. Reduced PAI-1 expression was also detected in vivo in adult rat heart
      by direct intramyocardial adenovirus-mediated ATF3 gene delivery. CONCLUSIONS:
      These data demonstrate that ATF3 activation by ET-1 and mechanical stretch is
      partly mediated through ERK and cAMP-PKA pathways, whereas p38 MAPK pathway is
      involved in ATF3 activation exclusively through p38alpha isoform. ATF3 activation
      caused induction of modulators of the inflammatory response NF-kappaB and Nkx
      2.5, as well as attenuation of pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory proteins IL-6
      and PAI-1, suggesting cardioprotective role for ATF3 in the heart.

PMID- 25136831
TI  - A quantitative comparison of single-cell whole genome amplification methods.
AB  - Single-cell sequencing is emerging as an important tool for studies of genomic
      heterogeneity. Whole genome amplification (WGA) is a key step in single-cell
      sequencing workflows and a multitude of methods have been introduced. Here, we
      compare three state-of-the-art methods on both bulk and single-cell samples of E.
      coli DNA: Multiple Displacement Amplification (MDA), Multiple Annealing and
      Looping Based Amplification Cycles (MALBAC), and the PicoPLEX single-cell WGA kit
      (NEB-WGA). We considered the effects of reaction gain on coverage uniformity,
      error rates and the level of background contamination. We compared the
      suitability of the different WGA methods for the detection of copy-number
      variations, for the detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and for de-novo
      genome assembly. No single method performed best across all criteria and
      significant differences in characteristics were observed; the choice of which
      amplifier to use will depend strongly on the details of the type of question
      being asked in any given experiment. 

PMID- 25136832
TI  - The transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 cation channel is abundant in
      macrophages accumulating at the peri-infarct zone and may enhance their migration
      capacity towards injured cardiomyocytes following myocardial infarction.
AB  - PURPOSE: A novel family of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, that may
      hold a role in calcium homeostasis, has recently been described. By employing a
      GeneChip array analysis we have demonstrated a clear and specific upregulation of
      the TRP vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) mRNA in the left ventricles (LV) 3-5 days post-acute
      myocardial infarction (MI) compared to sham-operated controls, both in rats and
      in mice. We sought to characterize the cardiac cellular subpopulations in which
      TRPV2 is overexpressed upon acute MI. METHODS: Lewis rats underwent an acute MI
      by ligation of the left anterior descending artery or chest opening only (sham).
      The animals were terminated at various time points and an immunohistochemical
      (IHC) and immunofluorescent (IFC) staining of the LV sections as well as a flow
      cytometry analysis of LV-derived cells were carried out, using anti-TRPV2 and
      anti-monocyte/macrophage antibodies. Rat alveolar macrophage cells, NR8383,
      transiently transfected with TRPV2 siRNA were allowed to migrate towards hypoxic
      conditioned media of the rat cardiac myoblast line H9C2 using a trans-well
      migration assay. The macrophage cells migrating to the bottom side of the inserts
      were counted. RESULTS: The IHC and IFC staining as well as the flow cytometry
      data demonstrated a substantial expression of TRPV2 in infiltrating macrophages
      in the peri-infarct region 3-5 days post-acute MI. The in vitro migration assay
      data demonstrated that following inhibition of the TRPV2 channel, the number of
      migrating macrophages towards conditioned medium of hypoxic cardiomyocytes was
      significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: TRPV2 is highly expressed on the peri-infarct
      infiltrating macrophages and may play an important role in post-MI phagocytosis.
      Better characterization of this channel may pave the way for identifying a new
      target for modulating the dramatic post-MI immune reactions.

PMID- 25136833
TI  - HLXB9 gene expression, and nuclear location during in vitro neuronal
      differentiation in the SK-N-BE neuroblastoma cell line.
AB  - Different parts of the genome occupy specific compartments of the cell nucleus
      based on the gene content and the transcriptional activity. An example of this is
      the altered nuclear positioning of the HLXB9 gene in leukaemia cells observed in
      association with its over-expression. This phenomenon was attributed to the
      presence of a chromosomal translocation with breakpoint proximal to the HLXB9
      gene. Before becoming an interesting gene in cancer biology, HLXB9 was studied as
      a developmental gene. This homeobox gene is also known as MNX1 (motor neuron and
      pancreas homeobox 1) and it is relevant for both motor neuronal and pancreatic
      beta cells development. A spectrum of mutations in this gene are causative of
      sacral agenesis and more broadly, of what is known as the Currarino Syndrome, a
      constitutional autosomal dominant disorder. Experimental work on animal models
      has shown that HLXB9 has an essential role in motor neuronal differentiation.
      Here we present data to show that, upon treatment with retinoic acid, the HLXB9
      gene becomes over-expressed during the early stages of neuronal differentiation
      and that this corresponds to a reposition of the gene in the nucleus. More
      precisely, we used the SK-N-BE human neuroblastoma cell line as an in vitro model
      and we demonstrated a transient transcription of HLXB9 at the 4th and 5th days of
      differentiation that corresponded to the presence, predominantly in the cell
      nuclei, of the encoded protein HB9. The nuclear positioning of the HLXB9 gene was
      monitored at different stages: a peripheral location was noted in the
      proliferating cells whereas a more internal position was noted during
      differentiation, that is while HLXB9 was transcriptionally active. Our findings
      suggest that HLXB9 can be considered a marker of early neuronal differentiation,
      possibly involving chromatin remodeling pathways. 

PMID- 25136834
TI  - Complement factor H, vitronectin, and opticin are tyrosine-sulfated proteins of
      the retinal pigment epithelium.
AB  - Lack of tyrosine sulfation of ocular proteins results in disorganized
      photoreceptor structure and drastically reduced visual function, demonstrating
      the importance of this post-translational modification to vision. To understand
      the role that tyrosine sulfation plays in the function of ocular proteins, we
      identified some tyrosine-sulfated proteins in the retinal pigment epithelium
      using two independent methods, immuno-affinity column purification with an anti
      sulfotyrosine specific antibody and computer-based sequence analysis of retinal
      pigment epithelium secretome by means of the prediction program Sulfinator.
      Radioactive labeling followed by thin layer electrophoresis revealed that three
      proteins, vitronectin, opticin, and complement factor H (CFH), were post
      translationally modified by tyrosine sulfation. The identification of vitronectin
      and CFH as tyrosine-sulfated proteins is significant, since both are deposited in
      drusen in the eyes of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
      Furthermore, mutations in CFH have been determined to be a major risk factor in
      the development of AMD. Future studies that seek to understand the role of CFH in
      the development of AMD should take into account the role that tyrosine sulfation
      plays in the interaction of this protein with its partners, and examine whether
      modulating sulfation provides a potential therapeutic target. 

PMID- 25136835
TI  - NLRP3 gene silencing ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy in a type 2 diabetes rat
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3
      (NLRP3) inflammasome is associated with metabolic disorder and cell death, which
      are important triggers in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). We aimed to explore
      whether NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to DCM and the mechanism
      involved. METHODS: Type 2 diabetic rat model was induced by high fat diet and low
      dose streptozotocin. The characteristics of type 2 DCM were evaluated by
      metabolic tests, echocardiography and histopathology. Gene silencing therapy was
      used to investigate the role of NLRP3 in the pathogenesis of DCM. High glucose
      treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes were used to determine the mechanism by which NLRP3
      modulated the DCM. The cell death in vitro was detected by TUNEL and EthD-III
      staining. TXNIP-siRNA and pharmacological inhibitors of ROS and NF-kB were used
      to explore the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. RESULTS: Diabetic rats
      showed severe metabolic disorder, cardiac inflammation, cell death, disorganized
      ultrastructure, fibrosis and excessive activation of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated
      speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), pro-caspase-1,
      activated caspase-1 and mature interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). Evidence for
      pyroptosis was found in vivo, and the caspase-1 dependent pyroptosis was found in
      vitro. Silencing of NLRP3 in vivo did not attenuate systemic metabolic
      disturbances. However, NLRP3 gene silencing therapy ameliorated cardiac
      inflammation, pyroptosis, fibrosis and cardiac function. Silencing of NLRP3 in
      H9c2 cardiomyocytes suppressed pyroptosis under high glucose. ROS inhibition
      markedly decreased nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) phosphorylation, thioredoxin
      interacting/inhibiting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3 inflammasome, and mature IL-1beta
      in high glucose treated H9c2 cells. Inhibition of NF-kB reduced the activation of
      NLRP3 inflammasome. TXNIP-siRNA decreased the activation of caspase-1 and IL
      1beta. CONCLUSION: NLRP3 inflammasome contributed to the development of DCM. NF
      kappaB and TXNIP mediated the ROS-induced caspase-1 and IL-1beta activation,
      which are the effectors of NLRP3 inflammasome. NLRP3 gene silencing may exert a
      protective effect on DCM.

PMID- 25136836
TI  - Light scattering sensor for direct identification of colonies of Escherichia coli
      serogroups O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145 and O157.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) have emerged as
      important foodborne pathogens, among which seven serogroups (O26, O45, O103,
      O111, O121, O145, O157) are most frequently implicated in human infection. The
      aim was to determine if a light scattering sensor can be used to rapidly identify
      the colonies of STEC serogroups on selective agar plates. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Initially, a total of 37 STEC strains representing seven serovars were
      grown on four different selective agar media, including sorbitol MacConkey
      (SMAC), Rainbow Agar O157, BBL CHROMagarO157, and R&F E. coli O157:H7, as well as
      nonselective Brain Heart Infusion agar. The colonies were scanned by an automated
      light scattering sensor, known as BARDOT (BActerial Rapid Detection using Optical
      scattering Technology), to acquire scatter patterns of STEC serogroups, and the
      scatter patterns were analyzed using an image classifier. Among all of the
      selective media tested, both SMAC and Rainbow provided the best differentiation
      results allowing multi-class classification of all serovars with an average
      accuracy of more than 90% after 10-12 h of growth, even though the colony
      appearance was indistinguishable at that early stage of growth. SMAC was chosen
      for exhaustive scatter image library development, and 36 additional strains of
      O157:H7 and 11 non-O157 serovars were examined, with each serogroup producing
      unique differential scatter patterns. Colony scatter images were also tested with
      samples derived from pure and mixed cultures, as well as experimentally
      inoculated food samples. BARDOT accurately detected O157 and O26 serovars from a
      mixed culture and also from inoculated lettuce and ground beef (10-h broth
      enrichment +12-h on-plate incubation) in the presence of natural background
      microbiota in less than 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: BARDOT could potentially be used as a
      screening tool during isolation of the most important STEC serovars on selective
      agar plates from food samples in less than 24 h.

PMID- 25136838
TI  - Solvent-assisted electrospray ionization for direct analysis of various compounds
      (complex) from low/nonpolar solvents and eluents.
AB  - Electrospray ionization (ESI) is a powerful ionization technique with a wide
      range of applications. However, the analytes in low/nonpolar solvents cannot be
      analyzed directly in electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), because
      low/nonpolar solvents are incompatible with ESI, because of their low
      conductivity. To circumvent this problem, we introduce an electrospray-based
      ionization method termed solvent-assisted electrospray ionization (SAESI). With
      the help of electrospray solvents at the tip of the spray needle, compounds in
      "non-electrospray ionization-friendly" solvents can be ionized directly using
      solvent-assisted electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (SAESI-MS). The key
      features that the assistant solvent can be chosen flexibly and makes little
      interference to samples lead to better ionization performance in detection of
      organic reaction intermediates and real-time analysis of polymers and chiral
      drugs separated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and normal phase liquid
      chromatography (NPLC). Furthermore, it can achieve online hydrogen/deuterium
      (H/D) exchange reaction and even mitigate the signal suppression caused by strong
      acid modifiers in liquid chromatography. In addition, all parts of this device
      are commercially available and it only requires two parameters to be optimized,
      which makes SAESI easy to handle. 

PMID- 25136837
TI  - Metabolic characterization of adults with binge eating in the general population:
      the Framingham Heart Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the metabolic profile of individuals with objective binge
      eating (OBE) and to evaluate whether associations between OBE and metabolic risk
      factors are mediated by body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Participants from the
      Framingham Heart Study, Third Generation and Omni 2 cohorts (n = 3,551, 53.1%
      women, mean age 46.4 years) were screened for binge eating. Multivariable
      adjusted regression models to examine the associations of OBE with metabolic risk
      factors were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of OBE was 4.8% in women and 4.9% in
      men. Compared to non-binge eating, OBE was associated with higher odds of
      hypertension (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.32-2.60), hypertriglyceridemia (OR 1.42, 95% CI
      1.01-2.01), low HDL (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.18-2.44), insulin resistance (OR 3.18, 95%
      CI 2.25-4.50) and metabolic syndrome (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.94-3.90). Fasting glucose
      was 7.2 mg dl(-1) higher in those with OBE (P = 0.0001). Individuals with OBE had
      more visceral, subcutaneous and liver fat. Most of these associations were
      attenuated with adjustment for BMI, with the exception of fasting glucose.
      CONCLUSIONS: Binge eating is associated with a high burden of metabolic risk
      factors. Much of the associated risk appears to be mediated by BMI, with the
      exception of fasting glucose.

PMID- 25136839
TI  - Extracellular vesicles as a platform for 'liquid biopsy' in glioblastoma
      patients.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-secreted vesicles that range from 30-2000
      nm in size. These vesicles are secreted by both normal and neoplastic cells.
      Physiologically, EVs serve multiple critical biologic functions, including
      cellular remodeling, intracellular communication, modulation of the tumor
      microenvironment and regulation of immune function. Because EVs contain genetic
      and proteomic contents that reflect the cell of origin, it is possible to detect
      tumor-specific material in EVs secreted by cancer cells. Importantly, EVs
      secreted by cancer cells transgress anatomic compartments and can be detected in
      the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and other biofluids of cancer patients. In this
      context, there is a growing interest in analyzing EVs from the biofluid of cancer
      patients as a means of disease diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. In this
      article, we review the development of EVs as a diagnostic platform for the most
      common form of brain cancer, glioblastoma, discuss potential clinical
      translational opportunities and identify the central challenges associated with
      future clinical applications. 

PMID- 25136841
TI  - The diagnosis accuracy of PLA2R-AB in the diagnosis of idiopathic membranous
      nephropathy: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The presence of antibodies against the M-type phospholipase A2
      receptor (PLA2R-AB) is considered to be a promising serological diagnostic
      biomarker of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN). However, controversy
      remains about the diagnostic accuracy of serum PLA2R-AB testing. Here, we
      performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess the overall diagnostic value of
      serum PLA2R-AB testing in iMN detection. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and CNKI
      (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched for relevant original
      articles through January 31, 2014. The summary sensitivity, specificity, positive
      likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were
      estimated using the bivariate model. The heterogeneity among studies was explored
      by subgroup and meta-regression analysis. RESULTS: 9 articles, including 15
      studies, were eventually identified with a total of 2212 patients. The summary
      sensitivity of all studies is 78% (95% CI: 66% to 87%) and the specificity is 99%
      (95% CI: 96% to 100%). The summary positive and negative likelihood ratios are
      96.1 (95% CI, 19.5 to 472.1) and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.14 to 0.35), respectively. The
      DOR is 437 (95%CI, 74 to 2592). The subgroup analysis and meta-regression suggest
      the test interval is the main source of heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Serum PLA2R
      AB testing is a useful tool to detect iMN. In addition, considering the high
      heterogeneity and potential publication bias, further high quality studies are
      needed in the future.

PMID- 25136840
TI  - The promise of methylation on beads for cancer detection and treatment.
AB  - Despite numerous technical hurdles, the realization of true personalized medicine
      is becoming a progressive reality for the future of patient care. With the
      development of new techniques and tools to measure the genetic signature of
      tumors, biomarkers are increasingly being used to detect occult tumors, determine
      the choice of treatment and predict outcomes. Methylation of CpG islands at the
      promoter region of genes is a particularly exciting biomarker as it is cancer
      specific. Older methods to detect methylation were cumbersome, operator-dependent
      and required large amounts of DNA. However, a newer technique called methylation
      on beads has resulted in a more uniform, streamlined and efficient assay.
      Furthermore, methylation on beads permits the extraction and processing of
      miniscule amounts of methylated tumor DNA in the peripheral blood. Such a
      technique may aid in the clinical detection and treatment of cancers in the
      future. 

PMID- 25136842
TI  - Advanced disease at enrollment in HIV care in four sub-Saharan African countries:
      change from 2006 to 2011 and multilevel predictors in 2011.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine changes between 2006 and 2011 in the proportion of HIV
      positive patients newly enrolled in HIV care with advanced disease and the median
      CD4 cell count at enrollment; and identify patient, facility, and contextual
      level factors associated with late enrollment in care in 2011. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional over time. METHODS: For time-trends analyses, routinely collected
      patient-level data (307 110 adults newly enrolled in 138 HIV clinical care
      facilities) in Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda and Tanzania; and for analyses of
      correlates, patient-level data (46 201 in 195 facilities), and facility and
      population-level survey data were used. Late enrollment was defined as CD4 cell
      count 350 cells/MUl or less and/or WHO clinical stage 3/4. RESULTS: Late
      enrollment declined from 69.9 to 57.2% (P < 0.0001); median CD4 cell count
      increased from 242 to 292 cells/MUl (Ptrend < 0.0001). In 2011, risk of late
      enrollment was significantly higher for men and nonpregnant women vs. pregnant
      women; patients aged above 25 vs. 15-25 years; nonmarried vs. married; and those
      entering from sites other than prevention of mother-to-child transmission. More
      extensive HIV testing coverage in the region of a facility was significantly
      associated with lower risk of late enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite improvement,
      in 2011, 57% of patients entered HIV care who were already antiretroviral therapy
      eligible. The lower risk of late enrollment among those referred from prevention
      of mother-to-child transmission and in regions where HIV testing coverage was
      higher suggests that innovative approaches to rapidly increase testing uptake
      among people living with HIV prior to the development of symptoms have the
      potential to reduce late enrollment in care.

PMID- 25136844
TI  - Repeated measurements of NT-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin T or C
      reactive protein do not predict future allograft rejection in heart transplant
      recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies on the prognostic value of serial biomarker assays for future
      occurrence of allograft rejection (AR) are scarce. We examined whether repeated
      measurements of NT-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), troponin T (TropT)
      and C-reactive protein (CRP) predict AR. METHODS: From 2005 to 2010, 77
      consecutive heart transplantation (HTx) recipients were included. The NT-proBNP,
      TropT, and CRP were measured at 16 +/- 4 (mean +/- standard deviation)
      consecutive routine endomyocardial biopsy surveillance visits during the first
      year of follow-up. Allograft rejection was defined as International Society for
      Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) grade 2R or higher at endomyocardial
      biopsy. Joint modeling was used to assess the association between repeated
      biomarker measurements and occurrence of future AR. Joint modeling accounts for
      dependence among repeated observations in individual patients. RESULTS: The mean
      age of the patients at HTx was 49 +/- 9.2 years, and 68% were men. During the
      first year of follow-up, 1,136 biopsies and concurrent blood samples were
      obtained, and 56 patients (73%) experienced at least one episode of AR. All
      biomarkers were elevated directly after HTx and achieved steady-state after ~ 12
      weeks, both in patients with or without AR. No associations were present between
      the repeated measurements of NT-proBNP, TropT, or CRP and AR both early (weeks 0
      12) and late (weeks 13-52) in the course after HTx (hazard ratios for weeks 13
      52: 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.55-1.68), 0.67 (0.27-1.69), and 1.44 (0.90
      2.30), respectively, per ln[unit]). Combining the three biomarkers in one model
      also rendered null results. CONCLUSION: The temporal evolution of NT-proBNP,
      TropT, and CRP before AR did not predict occurrence of acute AR both in the early
      and late course of the first year after HTx.

PMID- 25136843
TI  - Satisfaction With Life Among Living Kidney Donors: A RELIVE Study of Long-Term
      Donor Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about living kidney donors' satisfaction with life
      (SWL) after donation. We compared donors' SWL to previously reported general
      population samples and investigated predictors of donors' SWL. METHODS: Three
      transplant centers mailed questionnaires to assess SWL, physical health,
      optimism, retrospective evaluation of the donation experience, and demographic
      characteristics to living kidney donors' homes between 2010 and 2012. Two
      thousand four hundred fifty-five donors who were between 5 and 48 years from the
      time of their donor surgery completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: Eighty-four
      percent of donors were satisfied with their lives (scores >= 20 on the
      Satisfaction With Life Scale). Donors were at least as satisfied with their lives
      as previously reported general population samples. After adjusting for physical
      health, optimism, and demographics, donors' SWL was significantly associated with
      donors' recalled experience of donation. Social support and positive effects of
      the donation on relationships predicted greater SWL. Financial difficulties
      associated with donation and longer recovery times predicted lower SWL. Recipient
      outcomes were not significantly related to donor SWL. DISCUSSION: Limitations
      include the lack of predonation SWL data, potential bias in postdonation SWL
      because of the situational context of the questionnaire, and a sample that is not
      representative of all U.S. living kidney donors. Nonetheless, strategies focused
      on improving the donation experience, particularly related to recovery time,
      financial issues, and social support, may result in greater SWL after donation.

PMID- 25136845
TI  - Compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining kidney in medically complex living
      kidney donors over the long term.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The criteria for living kidney donation are changing, resulting in
      increased numbers of individuals with risk factors being accepted as donors. The
      long-term function and volume changes in the remaining kidney of these medically
      complex donors remain largely unknown. METHODS: Living kidney donors with three
      separate risk factors (older age, obesity, or hypertension) were reevaluated 5
      years after donation. The function and volume of the remaining kidney were
      assessed and compared to those of standard donors. RESULTS: The body size
      correlated significantly with the kidney size and glomerular filtration rate
      (GFR) at the time of donation. Five years after donation, the remaining kidney
      size increased by a mean of 29.3%, and the GFR by 35.6%. The increase in GFR was
      uniform. In univariate analysis, neither the changes in the size nor the changes
      in the 1GFR were found to be associated with the risk factors. CONCLUSION:
      Medically complex living donors demonstrate similar compensatory increase in
      function and volume of the remaining kidney compared to standard donors, 5 years
      after donation.

PMID- 25136846
TI  - "Early" withdrawal of glucocorticosteroids is well tolerated by kidney transplant
      recipients without increasing allograft rejection while preserving bone
      integrity.

PMID- 25136847
TI  - Protective effect of neutralization of the extracellular high-mobility group box
      1 on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in miniature swine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strategies that reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) have the
      potential to expand the numbers of available organs for transplantation. Recent
      reports in rodent models have demonstrated that high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)
      acts as an alarm in initiating the inflammatory response resulting from ischemic
      injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of anti
      HMGB1 antibodies on renal IRI in preclinical large animals. METHODS: One hundred
      twenty minutes of warm and 60 min of cold renal ischemia were induced in 8 CLAWN
      miniature swine. Three of eight animals received intravenous anti-HMGB1 antibody
      at 1 mg/kg just before the reperfusion of renal blood flow. Renal function was
      assessed by serum creatinine and renal biopsy. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)
      1beta, IL-6, and HMGB1 were measured. RESULTS: The concentration of HMGB1
      increased as early as 30 min after reperfusion and before the elevation of IL
      1beta and IL-6. Serum creatinine levels were markedly elevated, peaking at a
      median of 5 days (peak creatinine levels: 11.6 +/- 1.6 mg/dL) and recovering by
      day 14. Anti-HMGB1 antibody injection dramatically decreased renal damage as well
      as serum levels of HMGB1 associated with IRI. Renal function returned to near
      normal by day 9, and peak creatinine levels were markedly lower (7.4 +/- 0.2
      mg/dL), and biopsies possessed fewer pathologic changes when compared to the
      control group. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated the beneficial effects
      of perioperative administration of anti-HMGB1 antibody in reducing renal IRI in a
      clinically relevant, large animal model.

PMID- 25136850
TI  - Adherence to the 2010 American College of Cardiology Foundation Appropriate Use
      Criteria for Cardiac Computed Tomography: Quality Analysis at a Tertiary Referral
      Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In November 2010, the American College of Cardiology Foundation
      published revised appropriateness criteria (AC) for cardiac computed tomography
      (CT). We evaluated adherence to these criteria by providers of different
      subspecialties at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: Reports of 383 consecutive
      patients who underwent clinically indicated cardiac CT from December 1, 2010, to
      July 31, 2011, were reviewed by physicians with appropriate training in cardiac
      CT. Scans were classified as appropriate, inappropriate, or uncertain based on
      the revised 2010 AC. Studies that did not fall under any of the specified
      indications were labeled as unclassified. Adherence to the AC was also analyzed
      as a function of provider type. Research scans were excluded from this analysis.
      RESULTS: Three hundred eight exams (80%) were classified as appropriate; 26 (7%),
      as inappropriate; 30 (8%), as uncertain; and 19 (5%), as unclassified. Of the 19
      (5%) unclassified cardiac CT exams, the most common indication was for evaluation
      of suspected aortic dissection. Three hundred five exams (80%) were referred by
      cardiologists; 73 (19%), by internists; and 5 (1%), by neurologists. Of the 305
      cardiology-referred studies, 221 (73%) were ordered by general cardiologists; 28
      (9%), by interventional cardiologists; and 56 (19%), by electrophysiologists.
      There was no significant difference in adherence to the criteria between provider
      specialties or between cardiology subspecialties (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: high
      across provider specialties.

PMID- 25136848
TI  - Lymphocyte depletion after alemtuzumab induction disrupts intestinal fungal
      microbiota in cynomolgus monkeys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The interactions of specific fungal phylotypes with immune cells have
      been recently documented; however, little is known whether gut fungal microbiota
      is influenced by aberrant immune response in immunosuppressive state. This study
      aimed to define the biologic impact of lymphocyte depletion on gut fungal
      microbiota and their relationship. METHODS: Fifteen male cynomolgus monkeys with
      CD52 antigen negative on erythrocytes were administered intravenously with a
      single dose (3.0 mg kg body weight) of alemtuzumab. Depletion and repopulation of
      circulating and mucosal lymphocytes were determined. The dynamic variations of
      intestinal fungal microbiota were characterized using 18S ribosomal DNA-based
      molecular techniques. RESULTS: The fungal microbiota in colonal mucosa was
      perturbed during lymphocyte depletion, characterized by increased diversity and
      colonization of Candida albicans, Aspergillus clavatus, and Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae. The diversity of the fecal fungal population decreased markedly after
      mucosal lymphocyte depletion, and specific fungal phylotypes, especially Candida
      albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Botryotinia fuckeliana, were expanded
      (P<0.05). After reconstitution of mucosal lymphocytes, the composition and
      diversity of the gut fungal microbiota were both recovered. A close association
      of the community diversity and Candida albicans colonization with T lymphocyte
      subsets was also identified. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that mucosal
      lymphocyte depletion leads to the dysbiosis of gut fungal microbiota, suggesting
      its role in maintaining host-fungus homeostasis. The pathophysiologic
      consequences of this altered fungal colonization might provide novel clues to
      uncover the underlying mechanism of enteric fungal infection in immunosuppressive
      therapies.

PMID- 25136849
TI  - Polyomavirus nephropathy: quantitative urinary polyomavirus-Haufen testing
      accurately predicts the degree of intrarenal viral disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A qualitative highly predictive urinary test for polyomavirus
      nephropathy (PVN) is the PV-Haufen test. This article evaluates whether a
      quantitative PV-Haufen analysis, that is, the number of PV-Haufen shed per
      milliliter urine, predicts PVN disease grades and the severity of intrarenal PV
      replication. METHODS: Polyomavirus-Haufen were counted in 40 urine samples from
      patients with biopsy-proven definitive PVN. The number of PV-Haufen was
      correlated with both histologic PVN disease grades 1 to 3 and the number of SV40
      T-expressing cells as indicators of intrarenal PV replication in corresponding
      renal allograft biopsies (manual counts and automated morphometry). Findings from
      quantitative PV-Haufen analyses were compared to conventional laboratory test
      results, that is, BK viremia (quantitative polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) and
      BK viruria (quantitative PCR and decoy cell counts). RESULTS: Polyomavirus-Haufen
      counts showed excellent correlation (alpha0.77-0.86) with the severity of
      intrarenal PV replication and disease grades. In particular, low PV-Haufen
      numbers strongly correlated with early PVN grade 1 and minimal intrarenal
      expression of SV40-T antigen (P < 0.001). In comparison, BK viremia and viruria
      levels by PCR showed only modest correlations with histologic SV40-T expression
      (alpha0.40-0.49) and no significant correlation with disease grades or minimal
      intrarenal PV replication. No correlations were seen with urinary decoy cell
      counts. In contrast to conventional quantitative PCR assays or decoy cell counts,
      quantitative urinary PV-Haufen testing accurately reflects the severity of PV
      replication, tissue injury, and PVN disease grades. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative PV
      Haufen testing is a novel noninvasive approach to patient management for the
      diagnosis and prediction of PVN disease grades and monitoring of disease course
      during therapy.

PMID- 25136851
TI  - Physicians' Practice of Dispensing Medicines: A Qualitative Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The physical act of giving medication to patients to administer away
      from a health care setting, dispensing, is normally performed by pharmacists.
      Dispensing of medication by physicians is a neglected patient safety issue, and
      having observed considerable variation in practice, the lead author sought to
      explore this issue further. A literature review yielded zero articles pertaining
      to this, so an exploratory study was commenced. The qualitative arm, relating to
      junior physicians' experience of, and training in, dispensing, is reported here.
      METHODS: Focus groups were conducted to explore the beliefs, ideas, and
      experiences of physicians-in-training pertaining to dispensing of medication.
      These were recorded and transcribed. The transcriptions were thematically
      analyzed using the grounded theory. RESULTS: The emergency department was the
      most common site of dispensing. No formal training in dispensing had been
      received. Informal training was variable in content and utility. The physicians
      felt that dispensing was part of their role. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being expected
      to dispense, and the patient safety issues involved in giving drugs to patients
      to use at home, physicians do not feel that they have been trained to undertake
      this task. These findings from 1 hospital raise questions about the wider quality
      and safety of this practice.

PMID- 25136852
TI  - Family Satisfaction in Critical Care Units: Does an Open Visiting Hours Policy
      Have an Impact?
AB  - : For critically ill patients, the interaction between health care providers and
      family members is essential in daily decision making. Improving this relationship
      has a positive impact on satisfaction with the overall care provided to patients
      and reduces family member symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic
      stress disorder. In this study, we analyzed the impact of visitation policy (open
      versus restricted) on family satisfaction using the previously well-validated
      Critical Care Family Satisfaction Survey (CCFSS) questionnaire. METHODS: This is
      a cross-sectional prospective observational study conducted between November 1,
      2009, and January 31, 2010, in 2 critical care units with 2 different visiting
      policy systems, unit A (open visiting hours) and B (restricted visiting hours),
      comparing family satisfaction in both units using the CCFSS questionnaire.
      Responses were grouped in 5 satisfaction constructs, namely, the support
      construct, which assesses the degree of satisfaction with the support of the
      intensive care staff as perceived by relatives; the assurance construct, which
      assesses the degree of satisfaction regarding honest answers being given and the
      responder's confidence that the patient is receiving the best care possible; the
      proximity construct, which assesses the degree of satisfaction with the physical
      and emotional access to the patient; the information construct, which assesses
      the degree of satisfaction with the adequacy of information given to relatives;
      and the comfort construct, which assesses satisfaction with physical comfort and
      amenities. RESULTS: During the study period, 115 questionnaires were distributed
      in each of the 2 sites. The response rates in units A and B were 92% (106) and
      100% (115), respectively. The mean stay time in the intensive care unit was 3.7
      days. There were more trauma cases in unit A and more cardiac patients in unit B.
      There was no significant difference between the 2 units in any of the 5
      satisfaction constructs, the support, assurance, proximity, information, and
      comfort constructs, although there was a nonsignificant trend favoring the unit
      with the more liberal visit policy regarding amenities (unit A). CONCLUSIONS: We
      concluded that family satisfaction to care provided in intensive care as measured
      by the CCFSS questionnaire was not influenced by frequency of visitation among
      Saudi families. Factors other than open visiting hours may be important to
      evaluate.

PMID- 25136854
TI  - Conservation genetics of the Philippine tarsier: cryptic genetic variation
      restructures conservation priorities for an island archipelago primate.
AB  - Establishment of conservation priorities for primates is a particular concern in
      the island archipelagos of Southeast Asia, where rates of habitat destruction are
      among the highest in the world. Conservation programs require knowledge of
      taxonomic diversity to ensure success. The Philippine tarsier is a flagship
      species that promotes environmental awareness and a thriving ecotourism economy
      in the Philippines. However, assessment of its conservation status has been
      impeded by taxonomic uncertainty, a paucity of field studies, and a lack of
      vouchered specimens and genetic samples available for study in biodiversity
      repositories. Consequently, conservation priorities are unclear. In this study we
      use mitochondrial and nuclear DNA to empirically infer geographic partitioning of
      genetic variation and to identify evolutionarily distinct lineages for
      conservation action. The distribution of Philippine tarsier genetic diversity is
      neither congruent with expectations based on biogeographical patterns documented
      in other Philippine vertebrates, nor does it agree with the most recent
      Philippine tarsier taxonomic arrangement. We identify three principal
      evolutionary lineages that do not correspond to the currently recognized
      subspecies, highlight the discovery of a novel cryptic and range-restricted
      subcenter of genetic variation in an unanticipated part of the archipelago, and
      identify additional geographically structured genetic variation that should be
      the focus of future studies and conservation action. Conservation of this
      flagship species necessitates establishment of protected areas and targeted
      conservation programs within the range of each genetically distinct variant of
      the Philippine tarsier. 

PMID- 25136856
TI  - Short- and long-term effects of ambient ozone and fine particulate matter on the
      respiratory health of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease subjects.
AB  - To date, no study has evaluated the short- and long-term effects air pollution
      exposure on emphysematous subjects who have undergone lung volume reduction
      surgery (LVRS). Data from the National Emphysema Treatment Trial study (1998
      2003) included 1,218 subjects, aged 39 to 84. Daily values of ambient fine
      particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 MUm; PM2.5) and ozone were
      obtained. Mixed-effects models tested the association between short- and long
      term pollutant concentrations and changes in pulmonary function. Cumulative air
      pollution exposure was strongly associated with worsened respiratory function and
      symptoms. Mean PM2.5 was associated with poorer lung function. Lagged exposures
      were poorly associated with respiratory health outcomes. There were detrimental
      respiratory and pulmonary effects observed in response to even low levels of
      ambient air pollutants among study participants. These results are indicative
      that exposures even below those of air quality standards may still pose
      significant risks to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      subjects.

PMID- 25136855
TI  - A canonical circuit for generating phase-amplitude coupling.
AB  - 'Phase amplitude coupling' (PAC) in oscillatory neural activity describes a
      phenomenon whereby the amplitude of higher frequency activity is modulated by the
      phase of lower frequency activity. Such coupled oscillatory activity--also
      referred to as 'cross-frequency coupling' or 'nested rhythms'--has been shown to
      occur in a number of brain regions and at behaviorally relevant time points
      during cognitive tasks; this suggests functional relevance, but the circuit
      mechanisms of PAC generation remain unclear. In this paper we present a model of
      a canonical circuit for generating PAC activity, showing how interconnected
      excitatory and inhibitory neural populations can be periodically shifted in to
      and out of oscillatory firing patterns by afferent drive, hence generating higher
      frequency oscillations phase-locked to a lower frequency, oscillating input
      signal. Since many brain regions contain mutually connected excitatory-inhibitory
      populations receiving oscillatory input, the simplicity of the mechanism
      generating PAC in such networks may explain the ubiquity of PAC across diverse
      neural systems and behaviors. Analytic treatment of this circuit as a nonlinear
      dynamical system demonstrates how connection strengths and inputs to the
      populations can be varied in order to change the extent and nature of PAC
      activity, importantly which phase of the lower frequency rhythm the higher
      frequency activity is locked to. Consequently, this model can inform attempts to
      associate distinct types of PAC with different network topologies and
      physiologies in real data.

PMID- 25136859
TI  - Amino acid-based zwitterionic polymers: antifouling properties and low
      cytotoxicity.
AB  - A group of five amino acid containing zwitterionic vinyl monomers, based on
      serine, lysine, ornithine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid, respectively, were
      proposed and developed for potential antifouling applications. Their polymer
      brushes were grafted on gold chips by surface-initiated photoiniferter-mediated
      polymerization. We then compared their performance in resisting protein
      adsorption from full human serum and plasma. All five polymers can reduce protein
      adsorption by more than 90% compared to the unmodified gold. The ornithine-based
      and aspartic acid-based poly(methacrylamide) can most strongly resist protein
      adsorption from serum and plasma, compared to the other three. The ability of
      surfaces to suppress bacterial adhesion is another criterion in evaluating
      antifouling properties of materials. Our results show that the five polymer
      grafted surfaces can significantly suppress Escherichia coli K12 adhesion to 99%
      compared to the bare gold surface. The zwitterionic structure of amino acids,
      with homogenously distributed and balanced positive and negative charges, is
      responsible for the outstanding antifouling properties. Considering multiple
      potential applications (e.g. medical devices and drug delivery) of the
      antifouling materials, we further systematically evaluated the cytotoxicity of
      both monomers and polymer nanogels for all five materials at various
      concentrations. Very low cytotoxicity was observed for all tested amino acid
      based monomers and nanogels, which is comparable or even lower than the
      traditional and some newly developed antifouling materials, which might be
      related to the biomimetic nature of amino acids. 

PMID- 25136857
TI  - Erythrocyte-derived microparticles supporting activated protein C-mediated
      regulation of blood coagulation.
AB  - Elevated levels of erythrocyte-derived microparticles are present in the
      circulation in medical conditions affecting the red blood cells. Erythrocyte
      derived microparticles expose phosphatidylserine thus providing a suitable
      surface for procoagulant reactions leading to thrombin formation via the tenase
      and prothrombinase complexes. Patients with elevated levels of circulating
      erythrocyte-derived microparticles have increased thrombin generation in vivo.
      The aim of the present study was to investigate whether erythrocyte-derived
      microparticles are able to support the anticoagulant reactions of the protein C
      system. Erythrocyte-derived microparticles were isolated using
      ultracentrifugation after incubation of freshly prepared erythrocytes with the
      ionophore A23187 or from outdated erythrocyte concentrates, the different
      microparticles preparations yielding similar results. According to flow cytometry
      analysis, the microparticles exposed phoshatidylserine and bound lactadherin,
      annexin V, and protein S, which is a cofactor to activated protein C. The
      microparticles were able to assemble the tenase and prothrombinase complexes and
      to stimulate the formation of thrombin in plasma-based thrombin generation assay
      both in presence and absence of added tissue factor. The addition of activated
      protein C in the thrombin generation assay inhibited thrombin generation in a
      dose-dependent fashion. The anticoagulant effect of activated protein C in the
      thrombin generation assay was inhibited by a monoclonal antibody that prevents
      binding of protein S to microparticles and also attenuated by anti-TFPI
      antibodies. In the presence of erythrocyte-derived microparticles, activated
      protein C inhibited tenase and prothrombinase by degrading the cofactors FVIIIa
      and FVa, respectively. Protein S stimulated the Arg306-cleavage in FVa, whereas
      efficient inhibition of FVIIIa depended on the synergistic cofactor activity of
      protein S and FV. In summary, the erythrocyte-derived microparticle surface is
      suitable for the anticoagulant reactions of the protein C system, which may be
      important to balance the initiation and propagation of coagulation in vivo. 

PMID- 25136860
TI  - Chemically modified peptide scaffolds target the CFTR-associated ligand PDZ
      domain.
AB  - PDZ domains are protein-protein interaction modules that coordinate multiple
      signaling and trafficking pathways in the cell and that include active
      therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and addiction.
      Our previous work characterized a PDZ interaction that restricts the apical
      membrane half-life of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
      (CFTR). Using iterative cycles of peptide-array and solution-binding analysis, we
      targeted the PDZ domain of the CFTR-Associated Ligand (CAL), and showed that an
      engineered peptide inhibitor rescues cell-surface expression of the most common
      CFTR disease mutation DeltaF508. Here, we present a series of scaffolds
      containing chemically modifiable side chains at all non-motif positions along the
      CAL PDZ domain binding cleft. Concordant equilibrium dissociation constants were
      determined in parallel by fluorescence polarization, isothermal titration
      calorimetry, and surface plasmon resonance techniques, confirming robust affinity
      for each scaffold and revealing an enthalpically driven mode of inhibitor
      binding. Structural studies demonstrate a conserved binding mode for each
      peptide, opening the possibility of combinatorial modification. Finally, we
      diversified one of our peptide scaffolds with halogenated substituents that
      yielded modest increases in binding affinity. Overall, this work validates our
      approach and provides a stereochemical foundation for further CAL inhibitor
      design and screening. 

PMID- 25136861
TI  - Ire1 mediated mRNA splicing in a C-terminus deletion mutant of Drosophila Xbp1.
AB  - The Unfolded Protein Response is a homeostatic mechanism that permits eukaryotic
      cells to cope with Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress caused by excessive
      accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER lumen. The more conserved branch of
      the UPR relies on an ER transmembrane enzyme, Ire1, which, upon ER stress,
      promotes the unconventional splicing of a small intron from the mRNA encoding the
      transcription factor Xbp1. In mammals, two specific regions (the hydrophobic
      region 2--HR2--and the C-terminal translational pausing site) present in the
      Xbp1unspliced protein mediate the recruitment of the Xbp1 mRNA-ribosome-nascent
      chain complex to the ER membrane, so that Xbp1 mRNA can be spliced by Ire1. Here,
      we generated a Drosophila Xbp1 deletion mutant (Excision101) lacking both HR2 and
      C-terminal region, but not the Ire1 splicing site. We show that Ire1-dependent
      splicing of Xbp1 mRNA is reduced, but not abolished in Excision101. Our results
      suggest the existence of additional mechanisms for ER membrane targeting of Xbp1
      mRNA that are independent of the C-terminal domain of Drosophila Xbp1unspliced.

PMID- 25136862
TI  - MicroRNA-410 suppresses migration and invasion by targeting MDM2 in gastric
      cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies in tumors in the East
      Asian countries. Identifying precise prognostic markers and effective therapeutic
      targets is important in the treatment of gastric cancer. microRNAs (miRNAs) play
      important roles in tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms by which miRNAs
      regulate gastric cancer metastasis remain poorly understood. In this study, we
      found that the levels of miR-410 in gastric cancer and cell lines were much lower
      than that in the normal control, respectively, and the lower level of miR-410 was
      significantly associated with lymph-node metastasis. Transfection of miR-410
      mimics could significantly inhibit the cell proliferation, migration and invasion
      in the HGC-27 gastric cancer cell lines. In contrast, knockdown of miR-410 had
      the opposite effect on the cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Moreover,
      we also found that MDM2 was negatively regulated by miR-410 at the post
      transcriptional level, via a specific target site with the 3'UTR by luciferase
      reporter assay. The expression of MDM2 was inversely correlated with miR-410
      expression in gastric cancer tissues, and overexpression of MDM2 in miR-410
      transfected gastric cancer cells effectively rescued the inhibition of cell
      proliferation and invasion caused by miR-410. Thus, our findings suggested that
      miR-410 acted as a new tumor suppressor by targeting the MDM2 gene and inhibiting
      gastric cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion. The findings of this
      study contributed to the current understanding of these functions of miR-410 in
      gastric cancer. 

PMID- 25136863
TI  - Superior laryngeal nerve injury: effects, clinical findings, prognosis, and
      management options.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) provides motor innervation
      to the cricothyroid muscle. However, the functions of this muscle and the
      anatomic variations of the nerve that supplies it are not fully understood. SLN
      paresis and paralysis (SLNp) is difficult to diagnose because of a lack of
      consistent laryngeal findings, and its effects on the voice likely go beyond
      simple pitch elevation control. RECENT FINDINGS: Although SLNp has traditionally
      been thought to lead to voice pitch limitation, recent research findings reveal
      multiple roles for this nerve in voice and speech. Cricothyroid muscles are the
      primary controls of fundamental frequency of voice. SLNp can lead to significant
      contraction of pitch range, vocal fold vibratory phase asymmetry, and acoustic
      aperiodicity, thus leading to an overall poor vocal quality. In addition,
      cricothyroid muscles may also play a role in pitch lowering and shifting from
      voiced to unvoiced sounds during speech. SUMMARY: Subtle signs, symptoms, and
      diagnostic findings associated with SLNp make this disorder difficult to
      characterize clinically. Lack of treatment methodologies to restore the dynamic
      action of the cricothyroid muscles poses difficulties in treating patients with
      this condition. A more thorough understanding of the effects of SLNp will improve
      diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 25136865
TI  - A perspective on the evolution of distal radius fracture treatment.

PMID- 25136866
TI  - En bloc joystick reduction of a comminuted intra-articular distal radius
      fracture: a technical trick.
AB  - A patient with a 1-month-old intra-articular distal radius fracture (treated
      closed in a splint) presented with an unacceptable degree of pain and stiffness
      caused by shortening and dorsal angulation of the distal radius. The fracture was
      comminuted with 4 or 5 distinct fragments, several involving the articular
      surface. Surgical correction was attempted. During the procedure, it was noted
      that, though the distal radius was shortened and angulated, there was actually
      acceptable congruity of the articular surface itself, despite the intra-articular
      nature of the fracture. Bone quality was poor and healing incomplete. Thus, we
      were concerned the currently congruous articular surface would fall apart with
      manipulation. Given this situation, we used a unique scaffolding technique with
      Kirschner wires placed in perpendicular fashion to both hold the articular
      surface intact and manipulate it en bloc. This technique is a simple way to turn
      a complex fracture into an easily reduced 2-part fracture. 

PMID- 25136864
TI  - In vitro inflammation inhibition model based on semi-continuous toll-like
      receptor biosensing.
AB  - A chemical inhibition model of inflammation is proposed by semi-continuous
      monitoring the density of toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1) expressed on mammalian
      cells following bacterial infection to investigate an in vivo-mimicked drug
      screening system. The inflammation was induced by adding bacterial lysate (e.g.,
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa) to a mammalian cell culture (e.g., A549 cell line). The
      TLR1 density on the same cells was immunochemically monitored up to three cycles
      under optimized cyclic bacterial stimulation-and-restoration conditions. The
      assay was carried out by adopting a cell-compatible immunoanalytical procedure
      and signal generation method. Signal intensity relative to the background control
      obtained without stimulation was employed to plot the standard curve for
      inflammation. To suppress the inflammatory response, sodium salicylate, which
      inhibits nuclear factor-kappaB activity, was used to prepare the standard curve
      for anti-inflammation. Such measurement of differential TLR densities was used as
      a biosensing approach discriminating the anti-inflammatory substance from the non
      effector, which was simulated by using caffeic acid phenethyl ester and
      acetaminophen as the two components, respectively. As the same cells exposed to
      repetitive bacterial stimulation were semi-continuously monitored, the efficacy
      and toxicity of the inhibitors may further be determined regarding persistency
      against time. Therefore, this semi-continuous biosensing model could be
      appropriate as a substitute for animal-based experimentation during drug
      screening prior to pre-clinical tests. 

PMID- 25136867
TI  - Volar plate capsulodesis for metacarpophalangeal hyperextension with basal joint
      arthritis.
AB  - Basal joint arthritis leads to thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) hyperextension
      that may prevent physiologic pinch. Various techniques have been used to address
      this hyperextension, but most are technically challenging, time-consuming, and
      not supported by long-term follow-up results. Furthermore, few groups have
      reported subjective, patient-based outcomes after such procedures. In a
      retrospective study, we evaluated a cohort of 14 patients who underwent a novel
      technique of thumb MCP capsulodesis in conjunction with basal joint arthroplasty.
      A mean of 4.74 years after surgery, subjective outcome measures (Disabilities of
      the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; visual analog scale for pain; patient
      satisfaction) and objective outcome measures (range of motion, grip and pinch
      strengths) all reflected excellent function. The described technique for MCP
      capsulodesis is an attractive adjunct to basal joint arthroplasty, but further
      prospective studies are needed to establish specific operative indications.

PMID- 25136868
TI  - Online ratings of orthopedic surgeons: analysis of 2185 reviews.
AB  - Online ratings of orthopedic surgeons have not been studied. We conducted a study
      to evaluate the online ratings of orthopedic surgeons in a major metropolitan
      region, to identify trends in ratings of orthopedic surgeons, and to analyze
      ratings to identify variables of significance in determining overall rating.
      Website traffic was used to identify the 8 busiest physician rating websites:
      AngiesList.com, EverydayHealth.com, Thirdage.com, Yelp.com, HealthGrades.com,
      Vitals.com, UCompareHealthcare.com, and RateMDs.com. These websites were
      consulted for data regarding orthopedic surgeons in a major metropolitan region
      with a population of 1.3 million in September 2012. Surgeon ratings were scaled
      from 0 to 100 for homogeneity. Of the 8 websites considered, 4 were excluded
      because of inaccessible or unreliable data. The qualifying sites were
      HealthGrades.com, Vitals.com, UCompareHealthcare.com, and RateMDs.com, with 2185
      reviews total. Across these websites, mean overall rating of orthopedic surgeons
      was 81.8 (between 100, definitely recommend, and 80, mostly recommend). Five
      variables were statistically significant (Ps < .01) for higher ratings: ease of
      scheduling, time spent with patient, wait time, surgeon proficiency/knowledge,
      and bedside manner. 

PMID- 25136869
TI  - Arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization with percutaneous assistance and
      posteroinferior capsular plication.
AB  - To study the technique and clinical outcomes of arthroscopic shoulder
      stabilization with anterior labral repair and percutaneous posteroinferior
      capsular plication, we retrospectively reviewed 20 cases. Mean (SD) final
      postoperative follow-up was 3.4 (0.6) years (range, 2.7-5.1 years). A mean (SD)
      of 4.9 (0.9) suture anchors (range, 4-7) was used during surgery, with 1.6 (0.7)
      (range, 1-3) devoted to the posteroinferior plication. There were statistically
      significant improvements in forward elevation (P = .016) and internal rotation (P
      = .018) from before surgery to final postoperative follow-up; external rotation
      did not change (P = .336). Significant improvements (P < .001) were also seen in
      visual analog scale pain ratings, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons survey
      scores, and Simple Shoulder Test scores. Mean (SD) Rowe instability score at
      final follow-up was 81.1 (28.9). Eighty-five percent of the patients returned to
      sport at or above preinjury level, and 70% returned to a degree of athletic
      physical contact at or above preinjury level. Two cases (10%) were categorized as
      treatment failures (redislocation). Percutaneously assisted arthroscopic anterior
      stabilization with posteroinferior capsular plication produces acceptable
      results, with functional outcomes and redislocation rates comparable to those
      reported in the literature. 

PMID- 25136870
TI  - The normal patella--does it exist? A histologic analysis.
AB  - It is unclear if healthy-appearing patellae in patients having total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) can be selectively retained. In the study reported here, we
      hypothesized that grossly normal-appearing patellae in TKA candidates would show
      significant evidence of microscopic degeneration and thinning of the articular
      cartilage. Ninety-six consecutive patients (110 knees) with primary degenerative
      osteoarthritis were recruited from a single institution between November 2010 and
      June 2011. Thirteen patellae (11 patients) had grossly normal-appearing
      cartilage. A pathologist measured patellar cartilage thickness in each quadrant
      and evaluated for evidence of microscopic degenerative change. Mean cartilage
      thickness was 2.35 mm (range, 1.0-3.0 mm) for superomedial quadrant, 2.31 mm
      (range, 1.5-3.0 mm) for superolateral quadrant, 2.31 mm (range, 1.0-4.0 mm) for
      inferomedial quadrant, and 2.62 mm (range, 1.5-3.5 mm) for inferolateral
      quadrant. Four-point mean (SD) was 2.39 (0.79) mm. Each patella demonstrated at
      least 2 of the predefined histologic markers of degeneration: fibrillation,
      fibrosis, chondrocyte proliferation, cyst formation, and fissuring and/or
      thinning. Even healthy-appearing patellae on gross examination have clear
      histologic markers of early to moderate articular degeneration. Further
      comparisons of cartilage thickness using area measurements are needed before the
      significance of the effect of this deterioration on the technique of selective
      patellar retention during TKA can be known. 

PMID- 25136871
TI  - Nonaccidental traumatic dislocation of the hip in a 3-year-old child: a report of
      a rare pediatric injury.
AB  - Traumatic hip dislocations are rare in children, and reports of these injuries
      focus primarily on the risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral head as well as the
      long-term efficacy of treatment. Anatomical characteristics of the hip in young
      children, such as ligamentous laxity and a pliable acetabulum, can allow hip
      dislocation with low-energy trauma, but these injuries occur primarily in school
      aged children during play activities. We report a hip dislocation in a 3-year-old
      child with no clear explanation of the mechanism of injury and with multiple
      unexplained bruises at different stages of healing that led to the diagnosis of
      nonaccidental trauma (NAT). This case highlights the need to consider NAT in
      young patients with a traumatic hip dislocation. 

PMID- 25136872
TI  - Snapping knee caused by symptomatic fabella in a native knee.
AB  - We report a case of a 31-year-old man with a 5-year history of snapping knee
      syndrome secondary to a single, large symptomatic fabella of the knee. On
      physical examination, the patient was able to reproduce an audible and palpable
      snapping with active range of motion. His condition was refractory to physical
      therapy. He had undergone a prior iliotibial band release at an outside facility.
      After excision of the fabella, measuring 15 * 8 * 9 mm, the patient's snapping
      and pain with activity were resolved. 

PMID- 25136873
TI  - Effects of corticosteroid injection on nerve conduction testing for the diagnosis
      of carpal tunnel syndrome.
AB  - We conducted a study to determine the change in nerve conduction testing after
      steroid injection in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). One hundred
      forty-five patients with suspected CTS were targeted for this study. Twenty-seven
      patients underwent testing before and after injection. Repeat studies were
      performed 4 to 6 weeks after injection. All data from the electrodiagnostic
      studies were entered into a database and used for comparison. Before injection,
      mean (SD) distal motor latency (DML) was 5.01 (0.9) ms, and mean (SD) peak
      sensory latency (PSL) was 5.01 (0.88) ms. After injection, mean (SD) DML was 4.82
      (0.7) ms, and mean (SD) PSL was 4.69 (0.66) ms. Mean (SD) difference between
      preinjection and postinjection DML was 0.187 (0.45) ms, and mean difference
      between preinjection and postinjection PSL was 0.319 (0.48) ms. Both differences
      were statistically significant (paired t test). Our study results showed a
      statistical difference between testing done before and after steroid injection.
      These results indicate that injections given before electrodiagnostic testing
      alter results and may affect patient management. 

PMID- 25136874
TI  - Critical review of patient education materials from the American Academy of
      Orthopaedic Surgeons.
AB  - We performed an expanded readability analysis to determine if the American
      Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, AAOS, had sufficiently improved its patient
      education materials since they were originally studied in 2007. In March 2013, we
      downloaded patient education materials from the AAOS patient information website,
      Your Orthopaedic Connection. Using 10 different readability formulas, we found
      that the mean grade level of patient education materials on the website is 8.84.
      Flesch-Kincaid analysis showed a mean grade level of 9.98, range, 6.6-12.6. Nine
      other readability analyses showed a mean reading level of 7.7, range, 6.5-13.7.
      Although this is an improvement over the 2007 level, it is above the average
      national reading comprehension level. The readability of patient education
      materials on the AAOS website still exceeds the average reading ability of a US
      adult. Revisions made over the 5 years leading up to this latest study resulted
      in better readability. The Prevention and Safety entries, written near seventh
      grade level, should serve as a model for the remaining articles. 

PMID- 25136875
TI  - Do practice settings influence defensive medicine in orthopedic surgery?
AB  - Defensive medicine is often practiced out of fear of legal liability. We
      conducted a study to compare the costs of defensive medicine among US orthopedic
      surgeons by practice type and American Medical Association (AMA) state medical
      liability classification. Two thousand surgeons registered with the American
      Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons were sent a survey on defensive medicine. Costs
      were analyzed using 2011 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data. Of the
      2000 surgeons, 1214 (61%) completed the survey. Results showed that defensive
      tests were ordered by a higher proportion of nonacademic physicians than academic
      physicians in all 8 categories of orthopedic care, with a mean difference of
      $2348 in monthly defensive expenditures between groups. A higher rate of
      defensive testing by orthopedists in AMA crisis states versus safe states was
      also observed in 6 of the 8 areas of care studied, with mean monthly defensive
      expenditures ranging from $9208 in crisis states to $6596 in safe states.
      Defensive orthopedics contributes significantly to health care costs, with
      marginal benefit to patients-especially in nonacademic and crisis-state
      orthopedics practices. 

PMID- 25136876
TI  - Disseminated coccidioidomycosis of the spine in an immunocompetent patient.
AB  - Coccidioidomycosis infections result from inhalation of the dimorphic fungus
      Coccidiodes immitis. Coccidioidomycosis typically is benign, but its extremely
      rare disseminated form can result in significant morbidity and mortality.
      Dissemination of the fungus to the spine is difficult to control and usually
      requires an aggressive combination approach (surgical/medical). In this article,
      we report the case of a 27-year-old Indonesian man with vertebral osteomyelitis
      caused by disseminated coccidioidomycosis. We outline the case management
      (includes 30-month follow-up) and review the treatment recommendations. The
      patient presented with an unstable C5 pathologic fracture caused by C immitis.
      After corpectomy and stabilization of the cervical spine along with antifungal
      therapy with amphotericin B and oral fluconazole, he developed multiple
      complications. This case illustrates some of the potential pitfalls in managing
      spinal osteomyelitis caused by C immitis and the need for continuous medical
      therapy after surgical treatment. 

PMID- 25136877
TI  - Bladder tear during revision total hip arthroplasty.
AB  - Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and revision total hip arthroplasty are among the
      most commonly performed orthopedic procedures. There are many reported
      complications of THA, but intrapelvic complications are a rare subset. Bladder
      injuries have infrequently been described in association with this common
      procedure. We present an unusual case of a bladder tear occurring
      intraoperatively during a revision THA. It is suspected that the patient's
      history of multiple prior hip procedures caused adhesions of the bladder to the
      pelvic floor and predisposed the bladder to injury during acetabular revision.
      Previous reports of bladder injury relating to THA have described thermal
      necrosis, component migration, and occasional direct perforation. There are no
      prior case reports describing bladder tears related to adhesions occurring
      intraoperatively during revision THA. This case report highlights the importance
      of surgeon awareness of an unusual complication. In this case, intraoperative and
      postoperative recognition of a hematuria diagnosis led to the appropriate
      treatment, and this patient had an acceptable outcome. 

PMID- 25136878
TI  - The business side of medicine for orthopedic residents and fellows: when were we
      supposed to learn this?
AB  - CPT, CMS, RAC, ICD-10, ACA, RVU, ACO-these are a few of the 3-letter acronyms I
      find myself swimming in while completing my final years of orthopedic training.
      It has suddenly become clear that this aspect of my future career, the business
      side, has lacked appropriate preparation. From countless hours buried in
      textbooks as a first-year medical student to late nights in the operating room as
      a fellow, I realize that I have had no formal business training, not even a
      single course, while nearing the completion of, effectively, the 28th grade. All
      while just days away from running my own business-my clinical practice as an
      orthopedic surgeon. 

PMID- 25136879
TI  - Cystatin C and risk of mortality among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention.
AB  - AIMS: We tested the prognostic value of cystatin C in patients with documented
      coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary artery
      intervention (PCI). We also tested the hypothesis that the incremental predictive
      value of cystatin C on all-cause mortality was superior to that of glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR) by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD)
      formula. METHODS AND RESULTS: Included in the study were 2,757 patients (mean age
      63 years, 77% men). Blood samples for cystatin C levels were collected
      immediately before PCI. During a median follow-up of two years, 114 patients
      died. In multivariable Cox analyses, after adjustment for several confounders,
      GFR (p=0.004) and cystatin C concentration (p<0.0001) were independent predictors
      of all-cause death. Cystatin C predicted all-cause death (c-statistic: 0.794)
      better than GFR estimate based on creatinine (c-statistic: 0.776, p=0.008 for
      comparison), and significantly reclassified 15% of patients into categories that
      reflected their actual likelihood of death more accurately (p=0.005). Adding
      cystatin C and GFR in the same multivariable survival model, only cystatin C
      level was a significant predictor of death. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents for
      the first time the incremental predictive value of cystatin C over the creatinine
      based MDRD formula on all-cause mortality for CAD patients undergoing PCI.

PMID- 25136880
TI  - Impact of frailty on short- and long-term morbidity and mortality after
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation: risk assessment by Katz Index of
      activities of daily living.
AB  - AIMS: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) represents a less invasive
      treatment option for elderly patients. Therefore, we aimed to determine the
      impact of frailty measured by the Katz Index of activities of daily living (ADL)
      on short- and long-term mortality after TAVI. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our study
      included 300 consecutive patients (mean age, 82+/-5 years) who had undergone TAVI
      at our institution (158 transapical, 142 transfemoral procedures). At baseline,
      144 patients were impaired in at least one ADL and therefore defined as frail
      (Katz Index <6). Regarding in-hospital outcome, all serious complications except
      for stage 3 acute kidney injury were equally distributed in both groups, but
      early mortality was significantly higher in frail persons (5.5% vs. 1.3%, p=0.04
      for immediate procedural mortality; 17% vs. 5.8%, p=0.002 for 30-day mortality;
      and 23% vs. 6.4%, p<0.0001 for procedural mortality). The risk-score-based 30-day
      mortality estimates (29% vs. 24% for log. EuroSCORE I, 9.5% vs. 7.5% for
      EuroSCORE II, and 8.8% vs. 5.9% for STS score) reflected neither the observed 30
      day mortality in both groups nor the threefold risk elevation in frail patients.
      In contrast, the Katz Index <6 was identified as a significant independent
      predictor of long-term all-cause mortality by multivariate analysis (HR 2.67 [95%
      CI: 1.7-4.3], p<0.0001). During follow-up (median observation period 537 days)
      56% of frail vs. 24% of non-frail patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty status
      measured by the Katz Index represents a powerful predictor of adverse early and
      late outcome after TAVI, whereas commonly used risk scores lack calibration and
      discrimination in a TAVI-specific patient cohort. Therefore, we propose the
      incorporation of this simple and reproducible measure into pre-TAVI risk
      assessment.

PMID- 25136881
TI  - Immediate multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention versus culprit lesion
      intervention in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by
      cardiogenic shock: results of the ALKK-PCI registry.
AB  - AIMS: Current guidelines recommend immediate multivessel percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) in patients with cardiogenic shock, despite the lack of
      randomised trials. We sought to investigate the use and impact on outcome of
      multivessel PCI in current practice in cardiogenic shock in Germany. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Between January 2008 and December 2011 a total of 735 consecutive
      patients with acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock and multivessel
      coronary artery disease underwent immediate PCI in 41 hospitals in Germany. Of
      these, 173 (23.5%) patients were treated with immediate multivessel PCI. The
      acute success of PCI with respect to TIMI 3 flow did not differ between the
      groups (82.5% versus 79.6%). In-hospital mortality with multivessel PCI and
      culprit lesion PCI was 46.8% and 35.8%, respectively. In multivariate analysis
      multivessel PCI was associated with an increased mortality (odds ratio 1.5; 95%
      confidence interval 1.15-1.84). CONCLUSIONS: In current clinical practice in
      Germany multivessel PCI is used only in one quarter of patients with cardiogenic
      shock treated with primary PCI. We observed an adverse effect of immediate
      multivessel PCI. Therefore, a randomised trial is needed to determine the
      definitive role of multivessel PCI in cardiogenic shock.

PMID- 25136882
TI  - Prognostic impact of multivessel versus culprit vessel only percutaneous
      intervention for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease presenting
      with acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - AIMS: To determine whether multivessel (MV) percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) performed in one procedure improves outcomes when compared to single-vessel
      (SV) PCI for the culprit lesion(s) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation
      acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). METHODS AND RESULTS: We utilised the Acute
      Catheterisation and Urgent Intervention Triage StrategY (ACUITY) study database
      to analyse the outcomes of 2,255 patients with MV disease who underwent SV PCI
      compared to 609 patients who underwent MV PCI in the setting of NSTE-ACS. The
      primary endpoint was the one-year rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE):
      death from any cause, myocardial infarction (MI), or ischaemia-driven
      revascularisation. At one year, patients undergoing MV PCI compared to SV PCI had
      similar rates of MACE (24.1% vs. 21.7%, respectively, p=0.11). However, death/MI
      was significantly higher in the MV PCI group (15.7% vs. 12.6%, p=0.05), primarily
      driven by higher rates of periprocedural non-Q-wave MI. Rates of death, ischaemia
      driven revascularisation, stent thrombosis, acute renal failure and major
      bleeding were similar in both groups. By multivariable analysis with propensity
      score adjustment, MV PCI was not an independent predictor of one-year MACE
      (HR=1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96, 1.55; p=0.12) or death/MI (HR=1.28;
      95% CI: 0.95, 1.74; p=0.15). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with NSTE-ACS and MV
      disease, MV PCI does not appear to provide a clear clinical benefit over SV PCI.
      Randomised clinical trials specifically addressing these two strategies in this
      population, with attention to quality of life and symptom relief, are warranted.

PMID- 25136883
TI  - A first-in-man clinical evaluation of Ultimaster, a new drug-eluting coronary
      stent system: CENTURY study.
AB  - AIMS: To report the six-month angiographic and two-year clinical outcome data
      from the first-in-man study with the Ultimaster DES, a thin-strut cobalt-chromium
      sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) with an innovative abluminal-gradient-coated
      bioresorbable polymer. METHODS AND RESULTS: CENTURY is a multicentre, single-arm,
      prospective study that enrolled 105 patients (113 lesions) with coronary artery
      disease. All patients were scheduled to have an angiographic follow-up at six
      months, while 45 and 20 patients respectively had IVUS and OCT assessments. The
      primary endpoint was six-month in-stent late lumen loss. Secondary endpoints
      included clinical, IVUS and OCT outcomes. Clinical follow-up is available up to
      two years and will continue up to five years. Procedural success was 97.1% and
      device success was 100%. Angiographic late loss at six months was 0.04+/-0.35 mm,
      also reflected in a low binary restenosis rate of 0.9% and confirmed by IVUS
      assessed neointimal volume obstruction of 1.02+/-1.62%. The mean strut coverage
      assessed by OCT was 96.2% with 1.66+/-4.02 malapposed stent struts. There were no
      deaths in the study, three (2.9%) periprocedural and one (0.9%) spontaneous
      myocardial infarction, not related to the target vessel. At one and two years,
      the target lesion failure rate was 3.8% and 5.7%, while the TLR rate was 1.9% and
      2.8%, respectively. There was one acute definite stent thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS:
      The UltimasterTM novel bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent demonstrated
      good performance, including high procedural success and strong suppression of
      neointimal proliferation at six months. Good safety and effectiveness were shown
      up to two years in the studied population.

PMID- 25136884
TI  - Three-year clinical outcome in the Primary Stenting of Totally Occluded Native
      Coronary Arteries III (PRISON III) trial: a randomised comparison between
      sirolimus-eluting stent implantation and zotarolimus-eluting stent implantation
      for the treatment of total coronary occlusions.
AB  - AIMS: Sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) have been shown to be superior to Endeavor
      zotarolimus-eluting stents (ZES) and comparable to Resolute ZES at eight-month
      angiography in patients treated for total coronary occlusions (TCO). This study
      investigated clinical outcome at three-year follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: The
      PRISON III trial investigated the efficacy and safety of SES against ZES
      (Endeavor and Resolute) in two study phases. In the first phase, 51 patients were
      randomised to receive SES and 46 to Endeavor ZES. In the second phase, 103 and
      104 patients were randomised to SES or Resolute ZES, respectively. Between one
      and three years there were only a few additional clinical events in all groups.
      As a result, the rates of target lesion revascularisation 12.2% vs. 19.6%,
      p=0.49, target vessel failure 14.3% vs. 19.6%, p=0.68, and definite or probable
      stent thrombosis 4.1% vs. 2.2% were comparable between SES and Endeavor ZES at
      three years. In the second study phase, the rates of target lesion
      revascularisation 10% vs. 5.9%, p=0.42, target vessel failure 10% vs. 7.9%,
      p=0.79 and definite or probable stent thrombosis 1.0% vs. 0% were similar between
      SES and Resolute ZES. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated a low incidence
      of clinical events between one- and three-year follow-up with either SES compared
      to Endeavor ZES or SES versus Resolute ZES in patients treated for total coronary
      occlusions.

PMID- 25136885
TI  - Initial experience and clinical evaluation of the Absorb bioresorbable vascular
      scaffold (BVS) in real-world practice: the AMC Single Centre Real World PCI
      Registry.
AB  - AIMS: To report procedural and midterm clinical outcomes after the use of the
      second-generation Absorb everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold
      (Absorb BVS) in a real-world percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) registry.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients assigned to treatment with the Absorb BVS in
      the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, between August 2012 and August 2013 were
      included in a prospective registry. A total of 135 patients were included in the
      study, including 53 (39%) acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (13% ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI]). In total 159 lesions were treated,
      including 102 (62%) with a type B2 or C classification. Pre- and post-procedural
      quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) analyses showed an acute gain of 1.37+/
      0.53 mm. An angiographic success rate was achieved in 152 (96%) of the lesions.
      Six-month follow-up was available in 97% of the patients. Six-month cumulative
      target vessel failure (composite of all-cause mortality, any myocardial
      infarction [MI] and target vessel revascularisation [TVR]) rate was 8.5%,
      including a 3.0% MI, 3.0% definite scaffold thrombosis, 6.3% target lesion
      revascularisation, and an 8.5% TVR rate. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Absorb BVS
      in a cohort reflecting daily clinical practice is feasible and associated with
      good procedural safety and angiographic success rate. In addition, six-month
      follow-up is associated with acceptable clinical outcomes.

PMID- 25136886
TI  - Severe infective endocarditis after MitraClip implantation treated by cardiac
      surgery.
AB  - AIMS: To report the first described case of a mitral valve infective endocarditis
      (IE) post MitraClip(r). METHODS AND RESULTS: An 88-year-old patient at high
      surgical risk (log. EuroSCORE 30.4%) underwent a MitraClip procedure for severe
      eccentric organic mitral regurgitation (MR) due to prolapse with a flail leaflet
      of the P2 segment (flail gap 6 mm). After one month, the patient was readmitted
      to our department for fever and recurrence of shortness of breath. An
      echocardiogram demonstrated severe MR recurrence due to ulceration in the region
      of the posterior leaflet despite good insertion of both clips, and a large
      vegetation of 1513 mm within the clip region. Blood cultures were positive for
      staphylococcus aureus. The patient was treated by cardiac surgery with mitral
      valve replacement due to IE despite a very high logistic EuroSCORE of 56.8%.
      Histological and bacteriological analysis of the clip devices confirmed active
      IE. After cardiac surgery, transthoracic echocardiography showed no mitral
      regurgitation and a mean gradient across the mitral valve bioprosthesis of about
      5 mmHg. The patient was discharged to a rehabilitation department 15 days after
      cardiac surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment as bail-out therapy for MR
      recurrence secondary to IE after MitraClip can be successfully carried out
      despite a high surgical risk.

PMID- 25136887
TI  - Single bolus intravenous regadenoson injection versus central venous infusion of
      adenosine for maximum coronary hyperaemia in fractional flow reserve measurement.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the hyperaemic effect of a single
      bolus regadenoson injection to a central venous adenosine infusion for inducing
      hyperaemia in the measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: One hundred patients scheduled for FFR measurement were enrolled. FFR
      was first measured by IV adenosine (140 ug/kg/min), thereafter by IV bolus
      regadenoson injection (400 ug), followed by another measurement by IV adenosine
      and bolus injection of regadenoson. The regadenoson injections were randomised to
      central or peripheral intravenous. Hyperaemic response and duration of steady
      state maximum hyperaemia were studied, central versus peripheral venous
      regadenoson injections were compared, and safety and reproducibility of repeated
      injections were investigated. Mean age was 66+/-8 years, 75% of the patients were
      male. The target stenosis was located in the LM, LAD, LCX, and RCA in 7%, 54%,
      20% and 19%, respectively. There was no difference in FFR measured by adenosine
      or by regadenoson (DeltaFFR=0.00+/-0.01, r=0.994, p<0.001). Duration of maximum
      hyperaemia after regadenoson was variable (10-600 s). No serious side effects of
      either drug were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Maximum coronary hyperaemia can be
      achieved easily, rapidly, and safely by one single intravenous bolus of
      regadenoson administered either centrally or peripherally. Repeated regadenoson
      injections are safe. The hyperaemic plateau is variable. Clinical Trial
      Registration: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/
      show/study/NCT01809743?term=NCT01809743&rank=1 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
      NCT01809743).

PMID- 25136888
TI  - Safety of second-generation drug-eluting stents three years after randomised use
      in the TWENTE trial.
AB  - AIMS: To assess three-year clinical outcome following randomised use of the
      second-generation Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZES) and the XIENCE V
      everolimus-eluting stent (EES). For Resolute ZES and randomised use, outcome data
      >=3 years are relatively scarce. METHODS AND RESULTS: The TWENTE trial examined
      1,391 patients with stable angina or non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes,
      of whom 21.6% were diabetics, 70.1% had complex B2 or C lesions and 77.4% had
      "off-label" indications for DES use. Three-year follow-up data were obtained in
      1,381 patients (99.3%; 10 withdrawals). Adverse clinical events were
      independently adjudicated. The primary endpoint target vessel failure (TVF), a
      composite of cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction and
      clinically indicated target vessel revascularisation, was 12.1% for Resolute ZES
      and 13.4% for XIENCE V EES (p=0.50). Cardiac death rates were 1.9% vs. 3.5%
      (p=0.06); the other individual components of TVF also showed no significant
      between-group differences. The rates of definite-or-probable stent thrombosis
      (1.4% vs. 1.6%, p=0.82) and very late stent thrombosis (0.6% vs. 0.4%, p=1.0) did
      not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Three-year follow-up data of patients
      included in the randomised TWENTE trial demonstrated similar and sustained safety
      and efficacy of Resolute ZES and XIENCE V EES.

PMID- 25136889
TI  - Investigation of manic and euthymic episodes identifies state- and trait-specific
      gene expression and STAB1 as a new candidate gene for bipolar disorder.
AB  - Bipolar disorder (BD) is a highly heritable psychiatric disease characterized by
      recurrent episodes of mania and depression. To identify new BD genes and
      pathways, the present study employed a three-step approach. First, gene
      expression profiles of BD patients were assessed during both a manic and an
      euthymic phase. These profiles were compared intra-individually and with the gene
      expression profiles of controls. Second, those differentially expressed genes
      that were considered potential trait markers of BD were validated using data from
      the Psychiatric Genomics Consortiums' genome-wide association study (GWAS) of BD.
      Third, the implicated molecular mechanisms were investigated using pathway
      analytical methods. In the present patients, this novel approach identified: (i)
      sets of differentially expressed genes specific to mania and euthymia; and (ii) a
      set of differentially expressed genes that were common to both mood states. In
      the GWAS data integration analysis, one gene (STAB1) remained significant (P=1.9
      * 10(-4)) after adjustment for multiple testing. STAB1 is located in close
      proximity to PBMR1 and the NEK4-ITIH1-ITIH3-ITIH4 region, which are the top
      findings from GWAS meta-analyses of mood disorder, and a combined BD and
      schizophrenia data set. Pathway analyses in the mania versus control comparison
      revealed three distinct clusters of pathways tagging molecular mechanisms
      implicated in BD, for example, energy metabolism, inflammation and the ubiquitin
      proteasome system. The present findings suggest that STAB1 is a new and highly
      promising candidate gene in this region. The combining of gene expression and
      GWAS data may provide valuable insights into the biological mechanisms of BD. 

PMID- 25136893
TI  - Viscoelasticity and interface bending properties of lecithin reverse wormlike
      micelles studied by diffusive wave spectroscopy in hydrophobic environment.
AB  - Upon the addition of minute quantities of water into a phosphatidylcholine (PC)
      solution in certain organic solvents, PC micelles elongate into giant reverse
      wormlike micelles that entangle and form highly viscous microemulsions, called
      lecithin organogels. We investigated the microrheological properties of
      concentrated PC-cyclohexane reverse wormlike micellar systems by diffusive wave
      spectroscopy (DWS) in apolar medium, combined with bulk shear rheology. We
      applied DWS to our oil-continuous system by using hydrophobic poly(hydroxystearic
      acid)-grafted PMMA particles as monodisperse tracer particles. Relevant
      parameters such as the micellar scission energy and persistence length were
      extracted from the microrheology data and interpreted according to the sphere-to
      rod-to-sphere structural transition. On the basis of these quantities, we
      calculated the bending and saddle-splay moduli of the PC-covered water
      cyclohexane interface. This approach represents a new method for the quantitative
      estimation of these fundamental parameters, which are thought to underpin the
      self-assembly of surfactants. 

PMID- 25136892
TI  - Lithospermum erythrorhizon extract protects keratinocytes and fibroblasts against
      oxidative stress.
AB  - Oxidative stress damages dermal and epidermal cells and degrades extracellular
      matrix proteins, such as collagen, ultimately leading to skin aging. The present
      study evaluated the potential protective effect of the aqueous methanolic extract
      obtained from Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LE) against oxidative stress, induced
      by H2O2 and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, on human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and human
      dermal fibroblast-neonatal (HDF-n) cells. Exposure of cells to H2O2 or UVB
      irradiation markedly increased oxidative stress and reduced cell viability.
      However, pretreatment of cells with the LE extract not only increased cell
      viability (up to 84.5%), but also significantly decreased oxidative stress.
      Further, the LE extract downregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase
      1, an endopeptidase that degrades extracellular matrix collagen. In contrast,
      treatment with the LE extract did not affect the expression of procollagen type 1
      in HDF-n cells exposed to UVA irradiation. Thirteen phenolic compounds, including
      derivatives of shikonin and caffeic acid, were identified by ultrahigh
      performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass
      spectrometry. These results suggest that LE-derived extracts may protect
      oxidative-stress-induced skin aging by inhibiting degradation of skin collagen,
      and that this protection may derive at least in part from the antioxidant
      phenolics present in these extracts. Further studies are warranted to determine
      the potential utility of LE-derived extracts in both therapeutic and cosmetic
      applications.

PMID- 25136894
TI  - Chromatic induction from surrounding stimuli under perceptual suppression.
AB  - The appearance of colors can be affected by their spatiotemporal context. The
      shift in color appearance according to the surrounding colors is called color
      induction or chromatic induction; in particular, the shift in opponent color of
      the surround is called chromatic contrast. To investigate whether chromatic
      induction occurs even when the chromatic surround is imperceptible, we measured
      chromatic induction during interocular suppression. A multicolor or uniform color
      field was presented as the surround stimulus, and a colored continuous flash
      suppression (CFS) stimulus was presented to the dominant eye of each subject. The
      subjects were asked to report the appearance of the test field only when the
      stationary surround stimulus is invisible by interocular suppression with CFS.
      The resulting shifts in color appearance due to chromatic induction were
      significant even under the conditions of interocular suppression for all surround
      stimuli. The magnitude of chromatic induction differed with the surround
      conditions, and this difference was preserved regardless of the viewing
      conditions. The chromatic induction effect was reduced by CFS, in proportion to
      the magnitude of chromatic induction under natural (i.e., no-CFS) viewing
      conditions. According to an analysis with linear model fitting, we revealed the
      presence of at least two kinds of subprocesses for chromatic induction that
      reside at higher and lower levels than the site of interocular suppression. One
      mechanism yields different degrees of chromatic induction based on the complexity
      of the surround, which is unaffected by interocular suppression, while the other
      mechanism changes its output with interocular suppression acting as a gain
      control. Our results imply that the total chromatic induction effect is achieved
      via a linear summation of outputs from mechanisms that reside at different levels
      of visual processing. 

PMID- 25136890
TI  - Dysfunctional dopaminergic neurotransmission in asocial BTBR mice.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized
      by pronounced social and communication deficits and stereotyped behaviours.
      Recent psychosocial and neuroimaging studies have highlighted reward-processing
      deficits and reduced dopamine (DA) mesolimbic circuit reactivity in ASD patients.
      However, the neurobiological and molecular determinants of these deficits remain
      undetermined. Mouse models recapitulating ASD-like phenotypes could help generate
      hypotheses about the origin and neurophysiological underpinnings of clinically
      relevant traits. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI),
      behavioural and molecular readouts to probe dopamine neurotransmission
      responsivity in BTBR T(+) Itpr3(tf)/J mice (BTBR), an inbred mouse line widely
      used to model ASD-like symptoms owing to its robust social and communication
      deficits, and high level of repetitive stereotyped behaviours. C57BL/6J (B6) mice
      were used as normosocial reference comparators. DA reuptake inhibition with GBR
      12909 produced significant striatal DA release in both strains, but failed to
      elicit fMRI activation in widespread forebrain areas of BTBR mice, including
      mesolimbic reward and striatal terminals. In addition, BTBR mice exhibited no
      appreciable motor responses to GBR 12909. DA D1 receptor-dependent behavioural
      and signalling responses were found to be unaltered in BTBR mice, whereas
      dramatic reductions in pre- and postsynaptic DA D2 and adenosine A2A receptor
      function was observed in these animals. Overall these results document profoundly
      compromised DA D2-mediated neurotransmission in BTBR mice, a finding that is
      likely to have a role in the distinctive social and behavioural deficits
      exhibited by these mice. Our results call for a deeper investigation of the role
      of dopaminergic dysfunction in mouse lines exhibiting ASD-like phenotypes, and
      possibly in ASD patient populations. 

PMID- 25136895
TI  - The rise of China in the International Trade Network: a community core detection
      approach.
AB  - Theory of complex networks proved successful in the description of a variety of
      complex systems ranging from biology to computer science and to economics and
      finance. Here we use network models to describe the evolution of a particular
      economic system, namely the International Trade Network (ITN). Previous studies
      often assume that globalization and regionalization in international trade are
      contradictory to each other. We re-examine the relationship between globalization
      and regionalization by viewing the international trade system as an
      interdependent complex network. We use the modularity optimization method to
      detect communities and community cores in the ITN during the years 1995-2011. We
      find rich dynamics over time both inter- and intra-communities. In particular,
      the Asia-Oceania community disappeared and reemerged over time along with a
      switch in leadership from Japan to China. We provide a multilevel description of
      the evolution of the network where the global dynamics (i.e., communities
      disappear or reemerge) and the regional dynamics (i.e., community core changes
      between community members) are related. Moreover, simulation results show that
      the global dynamics can be generated by a simple dynamic-edge-weight mechanism. 

PMID- 25136896
TI  - Is non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol a marker and therapeutic target for
      dyslipidemia in metabolic syndrome?

PMID- 25136897
TI  - Real-world evidence in pain research: a review of data sources.
AB  - Outcomes research studies use clinical and administrative data generated in the
      course of patient care or from patient surveys to examine the effectiveness of
      treatments. Health care providers need to understand the limitations and
      strengths of the real-world data sources used in outcomes studies to meaningfully
      use the results. This paper describes five types of databases commonly used in
      the United States for outcomes research studies, discusses their strengths and
      limitations, and provides examples of each within the context of pain treatment.
      The databases specifically discussed are generated from (1) electronic medical
      records, which are created from patient-provider interactions; (2) administrative
      claims, which are generated from providers' and patients' transactions with
      payers; (3) integrated health systems, which are generated by systems that
      provide both clinical care and insurance benefits and typically represent a
      combination of electronic medical record and claims data; (4) national surveys,
      which provide patient-reported responses about their health and behaviors; and
      (5) patient registries, which are developed to track patients with a given
      disease or exposure over time for specified purposes, such as population
      management, safety monitoring, or research.

PMID- 25136898
TI  - An examination of global and regional opioid consumption trends 1980-2011.
AB  - Despite expert recognition that strong opioid analgesics are the cornerstone of
      treatment for moderate to severe pain, most of the world's population lacks
      adequate availability of opioids. Moreover, great disparities in availability of
      opioids continue to exist between higher- and lower-to-middle-income countries.
      This study examined more than 30 years of consumption data reported to the
      International Narcotics Control Board, from 1980 to 2011, for five opioids that
      are indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain: fentanyl,
      hydromorphone, morphine, oxycodone, and pethidine. As such, this study offers a
      regional and global perspective on opioid consumption, providing an indication of
      preparedness for treating moderate to severe pain. Countries are categorized
      according to the World Health Organization's six geographical regions. Morphine
      equivalence (ME) statistics were calculated for each study drug, allowing for
      equianalgesic comparisons between consumption of the study opioids and well as
      the ability to aggregate all study opioids (Total ME). The ME statistic is
      adjusted for country population, which allows for uniform global-, regional-, and
      country-level equianalgesic comparisons of consumption of morphine with other
      opioids. Although overall trend lines revealed general increases by region,
      profound inequities in opioid consumption continue to abound globally.

PMID- 25136899
TI  - TRPS1 Haploinsufficiency Results in Increased STAT3 and SOX9 mRNA Expression in
      Hair Follicles in Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome.

PMID- 25136900
TI  - Effect of cleansing methods on saliva-contaminated zirconia--an evaluation of
      resin bond durability.
AB  - The aims of this study were to investigate 1) the influence of cleansing methods
      after saliva contamination and 2) aging conditions (thermocycling and water
      storage) on zirconia shear bond strength (SBS) with a resin cement. One hundred
      and eighty zirconia specimens were sandblasted with 50 MUm aluminum oxide
      particles, immersed in saliva for one minute (with the exception of the control
      group, [C]), and divided into groups according to the cleansing method, as
      follows: water rinse (W); 37% phosphoric acid gel (PA); cleaning paste (ie,
      Ivoclean(r)) containing mainly zirconium oxide (IC); and 70% isopropanol (AL).
      Scanning electron microscopy was done to qualitatively evaluate the zirconia
      surface after each cleansing method. For the SBS test, resin cement buttons were
      bonded to the specimens using a dedicated jig. SBS was evaluated according to
      standard protocols after 24 hours, 5000 thermal cycles (TC), or 150 days of water
      storage. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance
      and Tukey test (p<0.05). Data showed a significant effect for the 150 days of
      water storage, TC, and 24 hours of water storage (150 days < TC < 24 hours).
      Group comparisons showed that PA < AL and W < IC and C. SBS ranged from 10.4 to
      21.9 MPa (24 hours), from 6.4 to 14.8 MPa (TC), and from 2.9 to 7.0 MPa (150
      days). Failure analysis revealed a greater percentage of mixed failures for the
      majority of the specimens and a smaller percentage of adhesive failures at the
      ceramic-resin cement interface. Our findings suggest that Ivoclean(r) was able to
      maintain adequate SBS values after TC and 150 days of storage, comparable to the
      uncontaminated zirconia.

PMID- 25136901
TI  - Transdentinal cell photobiomodulation using different wavelengths.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transdentinal
      irradiation with different light-emitting diode (LED) parameters on odontoblast
      like cells (MDPC-23). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Human dentin discs (0.2 mm thick)
      were obtained, and cells were seeded on their pulp surfaces with complete culture
      medium (Dulbecco modified Eagle medium). Discs were irradiated from the occlusal
      surfaces with LED at different wavelengths (450, 630, and 840 nm) and energy
      densities (0, 4, and 25 J/cm(2)). Cell viability (methyltetrazolium assay),
      alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), total protein synthesis (TP), and cell
      morphology (scanning electron microscopy) were evaluated. Gene expression of
      collagen type I (Col-I) was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR). Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test with a 5% significance level.
      RESULTS: Higher cell viability (21.8%) occurred when the cells were irradiated
      with 630 nm LED at 25 J/cm(2). Concerning TP, no statistically significant
      difference was observed between irradiated and control groups. A significant
      increase in ALP activity was observed for all tested LED parameters, except for
      450 nm at 4 J/cm(2). Quantitative PCR showed a higher expression of Col-I by the
      cells subjected to infrared LED irradiation at 4 J/cm(2). More attached cells
      were observed on dentin discs subjected to irradiation at 25 J/cm(2) than at 4
      J/cm(2). CONCLUSION: The infrared LED irradiation at an energy density of 4
      J/cm(2) and red LED at an energy density of 25 J/cm(2) were the most effective
      parameters for transdentinal photobiomodulation of cultured odontoblast-like
      cells.

PMID- 25136902
TI  - Effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration on enamel color and microhardness.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrogen
      peroxide gels with different concentrations (20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%) on enamel
      Knoop microhardness (KNH) as well as on changes in dental color (C). METHODS:
      Cylindrical specimens of enamel/dentin (3-mm diameter and 2-mm thickness) were
      obtained from bovine incisors and randomly divided into six groups (n=20),
      according to the concentration of the whitening gel (20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, control,
      thickener). After polishing, initial values of KNH0 and color measurement,
      assessed by spectrophotometry using the CIE L*a*b* system, were taken from the
      enamel surface. The gels were applied on the enamel surface for 30 minutes, and
      immediate values of KNHi were taken. After seven days of being stored in
      artificial saliva, new measures of KNH7 and color (L7* a7* b7*, for calculating
      DeltaE, DeltaL, and Deltab) were made. Data were submitted to statistical
      analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Differences in
      gel concentration and time did not influence the microhardness (p=0.54 and
      p=0.29, respectively). In relation to color changes, DeltaE data showed that the
      35% gel presented a higher color alteration than the 20% gel did (p=0.006).
      CONCLUSION: Bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide gel was more effective than with
      the 20% gel, without promoting significant adverse effects on enamel surface
      microhardness.

PMID- 25136903
TI  - Influence of pH on the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide whitening.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of pH on the bleaching effect of hydrogen
      peroxide on chromogen agents. METHOD: Hydrogen peroxide 50% was mixed with red
      wine or with an alcoholic solution of tobacco in glass cuvettes, resulting in
      final peroxide concentrations of 16.97% and 21.12%, respectively. The pH of this
      mixture was measured and adjusted with 3.3 M HCl solution or 2.5 M NaOH solution
      to obtain the final pH values of 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0. After
      mixing, the color of these solutions was evaluated in a reflectance
      spectrophotometer; readings were repeated after 10 minutes for the wine solution
      and 20 minutes for the tobacco solution. Ten samples were prepared for each
      solution at each pH. Color changes (Delta E) were calculated. The data were
      statistically analyzed using analysis of variance one-way and Tukey tests, with a
      significance level of 5%. RESULTS: There were significant differences among the
      different pH values for the wine and tobacco solutions (p=0.0001). The Tukey test
      showed that for both solutions, pH 9.0 resulted in a significantly greater
      bleaching effect than the other values tested. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of
      hydrogen peroxide bleaching is directly proportional to the increase in its pH.

PMID- 25136904
TI  - Polymerization shrinkage and depth of cure of bulk-fill resin composites and
      highly filled flowable resin.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the polymerization behavior and depth of
      cure (DOC) of recently introduced resin composites for posterior use: highly
      filled flowable composite and composites for bulk fill. A highly filled flowable
      (G-aenial Universal Flo [GUF]), two bulk-fill flowables (Surefil SDR Flow [SDR]
      and Venus Bulk fill [VBF]), and a bulk-fill nonflowable composite (Tetric N-Ceram
      Bulk fill [TBF]) were compared with two conventional composites (Tetric Flow
      [TF], Filtek Supreme Ultra [FS]). Linear polymerization shrinkage and
      polymerization shrinkage stress were each measured with custom-made devices. To
      evaluate DOC, the composite specimen was prepared using a mold with a hole of 4
      mm depth and 4 mm internal diameter. The hole was bulk filled with each of the
      six composites and light cured for 20 seconds, followed by 24 hours of water
      storage. The surface hardness was measured on the top and the bottom using a
      Vickers microhardness (HV) indenter. The linear polymerization shrinkage of the
      composite specimens after photo-initiation decreased in the following order: TF
      and GUF > VBF > SDR > FS and TBF (p<0.05). The polymerization shrinkage stress of
      the six composite groups decreased in the following order: GUF > TF and VBF > SDR
      > FS and TBF (p<0.05). The mean bottom surface HV of SDR and VBF exceeded 80% of
      the top surface HV (HV-80%). However, the bottom of GUF and TBF failed to reach
      HV-80%. A highly filled flowable (GUF) revealed limitations in polymerization
      shrinkage and DOC. Bulk-fill flowables (SDR and VBF) were properly cured in 4-mm
      bulk, but they shrank more than the conventional nonflowable composite. A bulk
      fill nonflowable (TBF) showed comparable shrinkage to the conventional
      nonflowable composite, but it was not sufficiently cured in the 4-mm bulk.

PMID- 25136905
TI  - Color masking of developmental enamel defects: a case series.
AB  - Developmental defects involving color alteration of enamel frequently compromise
      the esthetic appearance of the tooth. The resin infiltration technique represents
      an alternative treatment for color masking of these lesions and uniformization of
      tooth color. This technique is considered relatively simple and microinvasive,
      since only a minimal portion of enamel is removed. This article illustrates the
      color-masking effect with resin infiltration of fluorosis and traumatic
      hypomineralization lesions with a case series. The final esthetic outcomes
      demonstrated the ability of the resin infiltrant to mask the color of white
      developmental defect lesions, resulting in satisfactory clinical esthetic
      improvements. However, in more severe cases, the color-masking effect was not
      complete.

PMID- 25136906
TI  - Efficiency of dual-cured resin cement polymerization induced by high-intensity
      LED curing units through ceramic material.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the ability of high-intensity light
      emitting diode (LED) and other curing units to cure dual-cured resin cement
      through ceramic material. METHODS: A halogen curing unit (Jetlite 3000, Morita),
      a second-generation LED curing unit (Demi, Kerr), and two high-intensity LED
      curing units (PenCure 2000, Morita; Valo, Ultradent) were tested. Feldspathic
      ceramic plates (VITABLOCS Mark II, A3; Vita Zahnfabrik) with thicknesses of 1.0,
      2.0, and 3.0 mm were prepared. Dual-cured resin cement samples (Clearfil Esthetic
      Cement, Kuraray Noritake Dental) were irradiated directly or through one of the
      ceramic plates for different periods (5, 10, 15, or 20 seconds for the high
      intensity LED units and 20, 40, 60, or 80 seconds for the others). The Knoop
      hardness test was used to determine the level of photopolymerization that had
      been induced in the resin cement. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of
      variance and Dunnett's post-hoc test to identify test-control (maximum
      irradiation without a ceramic plate) differences for each curing unit (p<0.05).
      RESULTS: For all curing units, the curing conditions had a statistically
      significant effect on the Knoop hardness numbers (KHNs) of the irradiated cement
      samples (p<0.001). In general, the KHN decreased with increasing plate thickness
      and increased as the irradiation period was extended. Jetlite 3000 achieved
      control-level KHN values only when the plate thickness was 1.0 mm. At a plate
      thickness >=2.0 mm, the LED units (except for PenCure 2000 at 3.0 mm) were able
      to achieve control-level KHN values when the irradiation time was extended. At a
      plate thickness of 3.0 mm, irradiation for 20 seconds with the Valo or for 80
      seconds with the Demi were the only methods that produced KHN values equivalent
      to those produced by direct irradiation. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the type of
      curing unit used, indirect irradiation of dual-cured resin cement through a
      ceramic plate resulted in decreased KHN values compared with direct irradiation.
      When the irradiation period was extended, only the LED units were able to achieve
      similar KHN values to those observed under direct irradiation in the presence of
      plates >=2.0-mm thick. High-intensity LED units require a shorter irradiation
      period than halogen and second-generation LED curing units to obtain KHN values
      similar to those observed during direct irradiation.

PMID- 25136907
TI  - A case report of gingival enlargement associated with invasive cervical
      resorption.
AB  - Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a rare external dental resorption with
      unknown etiology; it progresses asymptomatically in the cervical area of the
      permanent teeth. Lesions are mostly misdiagnosed as internal resorption or
      caries, which leads to erroneous treatments. This case report presents the
      clinical and radiological diagnosis, as well as the results of treatment and 3
      year follow-up in a 50-year-old female patient with gingival enlargement
      associated with ICR in tooth No. 25. Granulation tissue was removed by accessing
      the cervical resorption area through a flap operation. Following the endodontic
      treatment, the tooth was restored using composite resin and the hyperplastic
      lesion was excised. In conclusion, it should be kept in mind that clinical,
      radiological, and pathological evaluation in the differential diagnosis of
      localized hyperplastic lesions in the gingiva is of importance and that ICR could
      play a role in the etiology of these lesions.

PMID- 25136909
TI  - The chemistry of imperfections in N-graphene.
AB  - Many propositions have been already put forth for the practical use of N-graphene
      in various devices, such as batteries, sensors, ultracapacitors, and next
      generation electronics. However, the chemistry of nitrogen imperfections in this
      material still remains an enigma. Here we demonstrate a method to handle N
      impurities in graphene, which allows efficient conversion of pyridinic N to
      graphitic N and therefore precise tuning of the charge carrier concentration. By
      applying photoemission spectroscopy and density functional calculations, we show
      that the electron doping effect of graphitic N is strongly suppressed by
      pyridinic N. As the latter is converted into the graphitic configuration, the
      efficiency of doping rises up to half of electron charge per N atom. 

PMID- 25136911
TI  - Cycloartane triterpenoids and their glycosides from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga
      foetida.
AB  - A phytochemical study on the rhizomes of Cimicifuga foetida resulted in the
      isolation of two new cycloartane triterpenoids (1 and 2), eight new cycloartane
      glycosides (3-10), and six known cycloartane glycoside analogues (11-16). The
      structures of 1-10 were determined by application of spectroscopic methods, with
      the absolute configuration of 1 determined by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1
      6, as three pairs of epimers at C-10 and C-24, belong to a seven-membered-ring
      variant of 9,10-seco-9,19-cycloartane triterpenoids, and glycosides 3-10 were
      found to be 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosides. The cytotoxicity of the isolates was
      evaluated against five selected human tumor cell lines, and the known compounds
      15 and 16 showed cytotoxicity against the hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cell
      line with IC50 values of 5.5 and 6.3 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 25136908
TI  - A novel microRNA-132-sirtuin-1 axis underlies aberrant B-cell cytokine regulation
      in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis [corrected].
AB  - Clinical trial results demonstrating that B-cell depletion substantially reduces
      new relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have established that B
      cells play a role in the pathophysiology of MS relapses. The same treatment
      appears not to impact antibodies directed against the central nervous system,
      which underscores the contribution of antibody-independent functions of B cells
      to disease activity. One mechanism by which B cells are now thought to contribute
      to MS activity is by over-activating T cells, including through aberrant
      expression of B cell pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the mechanisms
      underlying the observed B cell cytokine dysregulation in MS remain unknown. We
      hypothesized that aberrant expression of particular microRNAs might be involved
      in the dysregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine responses of B cells of patients
      with MS. Through screening candidate microRNAs in activated B cells of MS
      patients and matched healthy subjects, we discovered that abnormally increased
      secretion of lymphotoxin and tumor necrosis factor alpha by MS B cells is
      associated with abnormally increased expression of miR-132. Over-expression of
      miR-132 in normal B cells significantly enhanced their production of lymphotoxin
      and tumor necrosis factor alpha. The over-expression of miR-132 also suppressed
      the miR-132 target, sirtuin-1. We confirmed that pharmacological inhibition of
      sirtuin-1 in normal B cells induces exaggerated lymphotoxin and tumor necrosis
      factor alpha production, while the abnormal production of these cytokines by MS B
      cells can be normalized by resveratrol, a sirtuin-1 activator. These results
      define a novel miR-132-sirtuin-1 axis that controls pro-inflammatory cytokine
      secretion by human B cells, and demonstrate that a dysregulation of this axis
      underlies abnormal pro-inflammatory B cell cytokine responses in patients with
      MS. 

PMID- 25136912
TI  - My career path for developing gene therapy for blinding diseases: the importance
      of mentors, collaborators, and opportunities.

PMID- 25136914
TI  - Gene therapy briefs.

PMID- 25136915
TI  - Emerging neuronal precursors from amniotic fluid-derived down syndrome induced
      pluripotent stem cells.

PMID- 25136917
TI  - Medication overuse headache - An under-diagnosed problem in shunted idiopathic
      intracranial hypertension patients.
AB  - Purpose. Management of headache in a subgroup of shunted idiopathic intracranial
      hypertension (IIH) patients is a well- described and difficult task. We present
      our series of shunted IIH patients with medication overuse headache (MOH) and
      discuss the role of careful pain management in this group of patients. Materials
      and methods. A retrospective review of shunted IIH patients with headache, who
      had their shunt function assessed by monitoring their intracranial pressure and
      were subsequently diagnosed with MOH. Results. A total of 15 patients were
      identified. The mean time between the diagnosis of IIH and the diagnosis of
      medication overuse headache was 6 years (standard deviation 4.9, range 2-18
      years). The majority of patients in this group (12/15) had undergone multiple
      shunt revisions. Conclusions. Medication overuse headache in shunted IIH patients
      can lead to the requirement of hospital admission, investigations and procedures.
      We suggest that opiates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (NSAIDs)
      are used for a specified duration post-operatively and reviewed regularly. We
      suggest that patients are counselled regarding medication overuse headache in a
      multidisciplinary setting.

PMID- 25136913
TI  - Retinal gene therapy using adeno-associated viral vectors: multiple applications
      for a small virus.

PMID- 25136918
TI  - Surface plasmon dependence on the electron density profile at metal surfaces.
AB  - We use an extension of the hydrodynamic model to study nonlocal effects in the
      collective plasmon excitations at metal surfaces and narrow gaps between metals,
      including the surface spill-out of conduction band electrons. In particular, we
      simulate metal surfaces consisting of a smooth conduction-electron density
      profile and an abrupt jellium edge. We focus on aluminum and gold as prototypical
      examples of simple and noble metals, respectively. Our calculations agree with
      the dispersion relations measured from planar surfaces for these materials.
      Systems involving small gaps display a regime of tunnelling electrons, which is
      partially captured by the overlap of electron densities. This extension of the
      hydrodynamic model to cope with inhomogeneous density profiles provides a
      relatively fast and accurate way of describing the optical response of metal
      surfaces at subnanometer distances. 

PMID- 25136919
TI  - Have preferences of girls changed almost 3 years after the much debated start of
      the HPV vaccination program in The Netherlands? A discrete choice experiment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess how girls' preferences have changed almost 3 years after
      the much debated start of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program.
      METHODS: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted among girls aged 11-15
      years who were invited, or were not yet invited, to get vaccinated. A panel
      latent class model was used to determine girls' preferences for vaccination based
      on five characteristics: degree of protection against cervical cancer; duration
      of protection; risk of mild side-effects; age of vaccination; and the number of
      required doses of the vaccine. RESULTS: The response rate was 85% (500/592). Most
      girls preferred vaccination at age 14 years (instead of at age 9 years) and a 2
      dose scheme (instead of the current 3-dose scheme). Girls were willing to trade
      off 7% (CI: 3.2% to 10.8%) of the degree of protection to have 10% less risk of
      mild side-effects, and 4% (CI: 1.2% to 5.9%) to receive 2 doses instead of 3
      doses. Latent class analyses showed that there was preference heterogeneity among
      girls, i.e., higher educated girls and HPV vaccinated girls had a higher
      probability to opt for HPV vaccination at a higher age than lower educated girls
      or non-vaccinated girls. CONCLUSIONS: Three years after the start of HPV
      vaccination program the risk of mild side-effects and age at vaccination seem to
      have become less important. For the Dutch national immunization program, we
      recommend not to lower the current target age of 12 years. A 2-dose scheme may
      result in a higher uptake and we recommend that if this scheme is introduced, it
      needs to receive adequate publicity.

PMID- 25136920
TI  - Analysis of lymph node metastasis correlation with prognosis in patients with T2
      gastric cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the correlated factors for lymph node metastasis and
      prognosis for patients with T2 gastric cancer. METHODS: A total of 442 patients
      with T2 gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy from January 1996 to December
      2009 were evaluated. The clinicopathological parameters were analyzed for lymph
      node metastasis and prognosis, including gender, age, tumor size, tumor location,
      histological type, depth of invasion, vascular tumor emboli, nervous invasion,
      resection type, and pathological stage. RESULTS: The rate of lymph node
      metastasis was 45.9%. Univariate analysis showed that depth of invasion, tumor
      size, and vascular tumor emboli were associated with lymph node metastasis.
      Logistic regression demonstrated that depth of invasion, tumor size, and vascular
      tumor emboli were independently predictive factors for lymph node metastasis. The
      5-year survival rate was 64.0%. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size,
      tumor location, resection type, and pathological stage were independent
      prognostic factors. Based on tumor size, there were significant differences of 5
      year survival between small size tumor (<6 cm) and large size tumor (>= 6 cm)
      according to stage IIA (P = 0.006). Based on tumor location, there were
      significant differences of 5-year survival among different tumor location
      according to stage IB. Based on resection type, there were significant
      differences of overall 5-year survival between curative surgery and palliative
      surgery according to stage IIB (P = 0.015) and IIIA (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Depth of invasion, tumor size, and vascular tumor emboli were independently
      predictive factors for lymph node metastasis. Tumor size, tumor location,
      resection type, and pathological stage were independent prognostic factors.

PMID- 25136923
TI  - New technique of immediate nipple reconstruction during immediate autologous DIEP
      or MS-TRAM breast reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex is the final step in
      surgical restoration of the breast. Usually considered a secondary complement to
      breast reconstruction, nipple-areola creation is ordinarily done after an
      interval of several months using different techniques involving local flaps or
      composite graft from the opposite nipple. METHODS: Because the position of the
      nipple-areola complex is well defined from the outset in skin-sparing mastectomy,
      the authors propose a new technique of immediate nipple reconstruction using the
      skin envelope after skin-sparing mastectomy. A modified wise pattern design of
      skin-sparing mastectomy with 3 local flaps is used. The dermal-fat flaps are
      lifted and sutured together to form the new nipple. RESULTS: Seventeen patients
      (average age, 47 years; range, 33-58 years) underwent immediate nipple
      reconstruction between March 2010 and January 2012 (11 bilateral and 6 unilateral
      cases). Average follow-up was 13 months (range, 2-25 months). Aesthetic results
      were evaluated retrospectively from photographic documentation. A minimum average
      score of 7.2 points was achieved in all evaluated criteria using a 10-point
      scale. Patient satisfaction with nipple reconstruction was studied by means of a
      questionnaire. The shape of the nipple received an average of 9.7 points and the
      position of the nipple 9.9 points on the 10-point scale; 77% of patients were
      also very satisfied with nipple sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: One-stage nipple
      reconstruction with immediate breast reconstruction using our technique of 3
      local flaps on skin envelope flap is possible. This simple, reliable, and rapid
      technique gives stable aesthetic results over time. Reconstruction may be
      completed sooner and with fewer procedures. Nipple reconstruction should no
      longer be considered as a secondary complement to immediate breast reconstruction
      using deep inferior epigastric perforator or muscle-sparing transverse rectus
      abdominis myocutaneous flap. Our technique is suitable for patients with ptotic
      or hypertrophic breasts.

PMID- 25136922
TI  - An E2F1-HOXB9 transcriptional circuit is associated with breast cancer
      progression.
AB  - Homeobox B9 (HOXB9), a member of the homeobox gene family, is overexpressed in
      breast cancer and promotes tumor progression and metastasis by stimulating
      epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis within the tumor
      microenvironment. HOXB9 activates the TGFbeta-ATM axis, leading to checkpoint
      activation and DNA repair, which engenders radioresistance in breast cancer
      cells. Despite detailed reports of the role of HOXB9 in breast cancer, the
      factors that regulate HOXB9 transcription have not been extensively examined.
      Here we uncover an underlying mechanism that may suggest novel targeting
      strategies for breast cancer treatment. To identify a transcription factor
      binding site (TFBS) in the HOXB9 promoter region, a dual luciferase reporter
      assay was conducted. Protein candidates that may directly attach to a TFBS of
      HOXB9 were examined by Q-PCR, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA),
      chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and mutation analysis. A HOXB9 promoter
      region from -404 to -392 was identified as TFBS, and E2F1 was a potential binding
      candidate in this region. The induction of HOXB9 expression by E2F1 was observed
      by Q-PCR in several breast cancer cell lines overexpressing E2F1. The stimulatory
      effect of E2F1 on HOXB9 transcription and its ability to bind the TFBS were
      confirmed by luciferase, EMSA and ChIP assay. Immunohistochemical analysis of 139
      breast cancer tissue samples revealed a significant correlation between E2F1 and
      HOXB9 expression (p<0.001). Furthermore, a CDK4/6 inhibitor suppressed E2F1
      expression and also reduced expression of HOXB9 and its downstream target genes.
      Our in vitro analysis identified the TFBS of the HOXB9 promoter region and
      suggested that E2F1 is a direct regulator of HOXB9 expression; these data support
      the strong correlation we found between E2F1 and HOXB9 in clinical breast cancer
      samples. These results suggest that targeting the E2F1/HOXB9 axis may be a novel
      strategy for the control or prevention of cancer progression and metastasis. 

PMID- 25136924
TI  - Nickel-based thin film on multiwalled carbon nanotubes as an efficient
      bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting.
AB  - Herein, we report electrodeposited nickel-based thin film (NiOx) on multiwalled
      carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a highly efficient bifunctional catalyst for both
      the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Under
      reductive conditions (-1.2 V vs Ag/AgCl), the hydrogen evolution catalyst (H2
      NiO(x)) was facilely deposited on MWCNTs. The resulting film demonstrates good
      catalytic activity for hydrogen production in a near-neutral aqueous solution at
      low overpotential. When switched to oxidative conditions (+1.1 V vs Ag/AgCl), the
      amorphous H2-NiO(x) film onto MWCNTs can be transformed into another amorphous
      material (O2-NiO(x)) to efficiently catalyze OER. The NiO(x)-MWCNTs catalyst was
      further characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X
      ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show
      that the content of oxygen in the O2-NiO(x)-MWCNTs film is higher than that in
      the H2-NiO(x)-MWCNTs film. The NiOx-MWCNTs catalyst has good catalytic stability,
      and the film is reversible when the potentials are switched between the reductive
      conditions and oxidative conditions. The Faradaic efficiencies of hydrogen and
      oxygen production are >95%.

PMID- 25136925
TI  - Metamorphosis alters contaminants and chemical tracers in insects: implications
      for food webs.
AB  - Insects are integral to most freshwater and terrestrial food webs, but due to
      their accumulation of environmental pollutants they are also contaminant vectors
      that threaten reproduction, development, and survival of consumers. Metamorphosis
      from larvae to adult can cause large chemical changes in insects, altering
      contaminant concentrations and fractionation of chemical tracers used to
      establish contaminant biomagnification in food webs, but no framework exists for
      predicting and managing these effects. We analyzed data from 39 studies of 68
      analytes (stable isotopes and contaminants), and found that metamorphosis effects
      varied greatly. delta(15)N, widely used to estimate relative trophic position in
      biomagnification studies, was enriched by ~ 10/00 during metamorphosis, while
      delta(13)C used to estimate diet, was similar in larvae and adults. Metals and
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were predominantly lost during
      metamorphosis leading to ~ 2 to 125-fold higher larval concentrations and higher
      exposure risks for predators of larvae compared to predators of adults. In
      contrast, manufactured organic contaminants (such as polychlorinated biphenyls)
      were retained and concentrated in adults, causing up to ~ 3-fold higher adult
      concentrations and higher exposure risks to predators of adult insects. Both food
      web studies and contaminant management and mitigation strategies need to consider
      how metamorphosis affects the movement of materials between habitats and
      ecosystems, with special regard for aquatic-terrestrial linkages.

PMID- 25136926
TI  - Nitrite and hydroxylamine as nitrogenase substrates: mechanistic implications for
      the pathway of N2 reduction.
AB  - Investigations of reduction of nitrite (NO2(-)) to ammonia (NH3) by nitrogenase
      indicate a limiting stoichiometry, NO2(-) + 6e(-) + 12ATP + 7H(+) -> NH3 + 2H2O +
      12ADP + 12Pi. Two intermediates freeze-trapped during NO2(-) turnover by
      nitrogenase variants and investigated by Q-band ENDOR/ESEEM are identical to
      states, denoted H and I, formed on the pathway of N2 reduction. The proposed NO2(
      ) reduction intermediate hydroxylamine (NH2OH) is a nitrogenase substrate for
      which the H and I reduction intermediates also can be trapped. Viewing N2 and
      NO2(-) reductions in light of their common reduction intermediates and of NO2(-)
      reduction by multiheme cytochrome c nitrite reductase (ccNIR) leads us to propose
      that NO2(-) reduction by nitrogenase begins with the generation of NO2H bound to
      a state in which the active-site FeMo-co (M) has accumulated two [e(-)/H(+)]
      (E2), stored as a (bridging) hydride and proton. Proton transfer to NO2H and H2O
      loss leaves M-[NO(+)]; transfer of the E2 hydride to the [NO(+)] directly to form
      HNO bound to FeMo-co is one of two alternative means for avoiding formation of a
      terminal M-[NO] thermodynamic "sink". The N2 and NO2(-) reduction pathways
      converge upon reduction of NH2NH2 and NH2OH bound states to form state H with [
      NH2] bound to M. Final reduction converts H to I, with NH3 bound to M. The
      results presented here, combined with the parallels with ccNIR, support a N2
      fixation mechanism in which liberation of the first NH3 occurs upon delivery of
      five [e(-)/H(+)] to N2, but a total of seven [e(-)/H(+)] to FeMo-co when obligate
      H2 evolution is considered, and not earlier in the reduction process. 

PMID- 25136927
TI  - Serum sphingolipids reflect the severity of chronic HBV infection and predict the
      mortality of HBV-acute-on-chronic liver failure.
AB  - Patients with HBV-acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) have high mortality
      and frequently require liver transplantation; few reliable prognostic markers are
      available. As a class of functional lipids, sphingolipids are extensively
      involved in the process of HBV infection. However, their role in chronic HBV
      infection remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the serum
      sphingolipid profile in a population of patients with chronic HBV infection,
      paying special attention to exploring novel prognostic markers in HBV-ACLF. High
      performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to examine
      the levels of 41 sphingolipids in 156 serum samples prospectively collected from
      two independent cohorts. The training and validation cohorts comprised 20 and 28
      healthy controls (CTRL), 29 and 23 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and
      30 and 26 patients with HBV-ACLF, respectively. Biometric analysis was used to
      evaluate the association between sphingolipid levels and disease stages.
      Multivariate analysis revealed difference of sphingolipid profiles between CHB
      and HBV-ACLF was more drastic than that between CTRL and CHB, which indicated
      that serum sphingolipid levels were more likely to associate with the progression
      HBV-ACLF rather than CHB. Furthermore, a 3-month mortality evaluation of HBV-ACLF
      patients showed that dhCer(d18 : 0/24 : 0) was significantly higher in survivors
      than in non-survivors (including deceased patients and those undergoing liver
      transplantation, p < 0.05), and showed a prognostic performance similar to that
      of the MELD score. The serum sphingolipid composition varies between CTRL and
      chronic HBV infection patients. In addition, dhCer(d18 : 0/24 : 0) may be a
      useful prognostic indicator for the early prediction of HBV-ACLF.

PMID- 25136928
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of kendomycin and its analogues.
AB  - Ansa compounds are gifts from microbes with intriguing molecular structures and
      highly potent bioactivities. One of the ansa compounds, kendomycin, has an oxa
      metacyclophane skeleton with a quinone methide core and a fully substituted
      tetrahydropyran ring. Beyond a common synthetic strategy for construction of the
      ansa skeleton (i.e., elongation of an alkyl chain from an aromatic core followed
      by macrocyclization), we challenged a new method for construction of the ansa
      skeleton via simultaneous macrocyclization and benzannulation (using an
      intramolecular Dotz benzannulation). Understanding the reactivity of various
      Fischer-type omega-alkynyloxy chromium carbene complexes with kendomycin analogue
      syntheses led to achievement of the total synthesis of kendomycin. Investigations
      of structure-activity relationships revealed the need for an ansa skeleton for
      antimicrobial activity. Therefore, we envisage that this intramolecular Dotz
      benzannulation will enable divergent syntheses of ansa compounds which have
      important bioactive potential. 

PMID- 25136930
TI  - Fibroepithelial polyp of the epiglottis.
AB  - PATIENT: Male, 11. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Fibroepithelial polyp of epiglottis.
      SYMPTOMS: Dysphagia * sore throat. MEDICATION: -. CLINICAL PROCEDURE: -.
      SPECIALTY: -. OBJECTIVE: Rare disease. BACKGROUND: Fibroepithelial polyp, a
      common type of tumor in the skin and genitourinary tract, is very rare in the
      respiratory tract. We describe clinical, radiologic, and histological features of
      a fibroepithelial polyp as a rare cause of an epiglottic mass in a child. CASE
      REPORT: An 11-year-old female presented with a 2-month history of sore throat and
      dysphagia. Flexible laryngoscopy and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) revealed a
      mass on the lingual surface of the epiglottis. The mass was removed using a
      carbon dioxide laser and was confirmed histologically as a fibroepithelial polyp.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fibroepithelial polyp, although uncommon, should be considered in
      the differential diagnosis of epiglottic mass in children.

PMID- 25136929
TI  - Accounting for photophysical processes and specific signal intensity changes in
      fluorescence-detected sedimentation velocity.
AB  - Fluorescence detected sedimentation velocity (FDS-SV) has emerged as a powerful
      technique for the study of high-affinity protein interactions, with hydrodynamic
      resolution exceeding that of diffusion-based techniques, and with sufficient
      sensitivity for binding studies at low picomolar concentrations. For the detailed
      quantitative analysis of the observed sedimentation boundaries, it is necessary
      to adjust the conventional sedimentation models to the FDS data structure. A key
      consideration is the change in the macromolecular fluorescence intensity during
      the course of the experiment, caused by slow drifts of the excitation laser
      power, and/or by photophysical processes. In the present work, we demonstrate
      that FDS-SV data have inherently a reference for the time-dependent
      macromolecular signal intensity, resting on a geometric link between radial
      boundary migration and plateau signal. We show how this new time-domain can be
      exploited to study molecules exhibiting photobleaching and photoactivation. This
      expands the application of FDS-SV to proteins tagged with photoswitchable
      fluorescent proteins, organic dyes, or nanoparticles, such as those recently
      introduced for subdiffraction microscopy and enables FDS-SV studies of their
      interactions and size distributions. At the same time, we find that conventional
      fluorophores undergo minimal photobleaching under standard illumination in the
      FDS. These findings support the application of a high laser power density for the
      detection, which we demonstrate can further increase the signal quality. 

PMID- 25136931
TI  - Comparison of the density of proteins and peptides grafted on silane layers and
      polyelectrolyte multilayers.
AB  - Immobilized proteins or peptides are of critical importance for applications such
      as biosensing or cell culture. We analyze the structure of layers of a large
      variety of proteins and peptides, grafted on silicon substrates by different
      routes differing in the nature of the intermediate layer linking the biomolecules
      to the substrate, either a silane monolayer, or a polyelectrolyte multilayer made
      from synthetic or natural polymers. The structural analysis is essentially
      performed by X-ray reflectometry, which proves to be an efficient methodology not
      requiring the use of tagged biomolecules, capable of evaluating consistently the
      amount of grafted biomolecules per surface area with estimated precisions ranging
      from 10 to 20%. The study provides a quantitative basis for selecting one among a
      series of well-proofed and sturdy grafting methodologies and underlines the
      potential of XRR for assessing the amount of grafted biomacromolecules without
      requiring the expensive tagging of molecules. Our results also show that, for the
      coupling route resting on synthetic polyelectrolytes, the grafting density is
      significantly lower than for direct coupling over a silane layer. In contrast,
      when performed over a cushion based on polysaccharides, the grafting density is
      well above the values found for a dense layer grafted on a silane monolayer,
      indicating partial penetration and swelling of the polysaccharide cushion. 

PMID- 25136932
TI  - 1,3-Halogen migration as an entry to aryl coppers from an unintuitive starting
      material.
AB  - A copper(I) catalyzed 1,3-halogen migration/borylation migrates a bromine from an
      sp(2) carbon to a benzylic carbon with concomitant borylation of the aryl-bromine
      bond. This transformation proceeds via an aryl copper intermediate which can be
      accessed independently and then trapped with electrophiles. As such, copper
      catalyzed 1,3-halogen migration provides unique and mild access to an aryl copper
      species that allows for rapid aromatic functionalization from an unconventional
      starting material.

PMID- 25136933
TI  - Combined antiretroviral therapy attenuates hepatic extracellular matrix
      remodeling in HIV patients assessed by novel protein fingerprint markers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) attenuates hepatic fibrosis in
      hepatitis C virus and HIV coinfected patients. However, the role of HIV or cART
      on hepatic fibrosis in HIV monoinfection is discussed controversially. During
      liver fibrosis, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular matrix
      (ECM) proteins into small soluble fragments, which reflect hepatic remodeling
      processes. This study used these novel biomarkers to investigate the effect of
      HIV and cART on hepatic fibrosis remodeling. DESIGN: In 249 patients with HIV
      monoinfection and 55 healthy controls, the serum levels of MMP-degraded collagen
      type III (C3M), biglycan (BGM), elastin (ELM), as well as the formation marker 7S
      (P4NP 7S), and MMP-degraded collagen type IV (C4M) were determined using specific
      ELISAs. Sixty-eight patients underwent a follow-up visit 3 years later including
      assessment of ECM markers and fibrosis using transient elastography (Fibroscan).
      RESULTS: C3M, BGM, C4M and P4NP 7S were significantly elevated in HIV patients
      compared to controls and correlated to HIV viral loads and inversely to cART
      duration. C4M, P4NP 7S and ELM were lower in patients under cART therapy and in
      patients without HIV viremia, indicating that lowering of the HIV load by cART
      attenuates remodeling of ECM. The levels of C3M, C4M, P4NP 7S and ELM correlated
      significantly with the progression of fibrosis in these patients. CONCLUSION:
      Specific therapy of patients with HIV monoinfection also beneficially influences
      liver fibrosis. These novel markers of liver fibrosis remodeling may help to
      monitor the hepatic effects by HIV therapy.

PMID- 25136934
TI  - Functionalised nanoparticles complexed with antibiotic efficiently kill MRSA and
      other bacteria.
AB  - Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are a vexing global health problem and
      have rendered ineffective many previously-used antibiotics. Here we demonstrate
      that antibiotic-linkage to surface-functionalized silica nanoparticles (sNP)
      significantly enhances their effectiveness against Escherichia coli, and
      Staphylococcus aureus, and even methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains
      that are resistant to most antibiotics. The commonly-used antibiotic penicillin-G
      (PenG) was complexed to dye-labeled sNPs (15 nm diameter) containing carboxyl
      groups located as either surface-functional groups, or on polymer-chains
      extending from surfaces. Both sNPs configurations efficiently killed bacteria,
      including MRSA strains. This suggests that activities of currently-ineffective
      antibiotics can be restored by nanoparticle-complexation and used to avert
      certain forms of antibiotic-resistance. 

PMID- 25136935
TI  - Subjective Health Complaints Among Workers in the Aftermath of an Oil Tank
      Explosion.
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess whether exposed workers had more subjective
      health complaints than controls 1 1/2 years after a chemical explosion involving
      a mixture of hydrocarbons and sulfurous compounds. A cross-sectional survey based
      on the Subjective Health Complaints Inventory (SHC) was conducted among 147
      exposed workers and 137 controls. A significantly higher total SCH score (linear
      regression, p=.01) was found for the exposed workers compared with controls when
      adjusting for gender, age, smoking habits, and educational level. The exposed
      workers reported significantly more headache, hot flashes, sleep problems,
      tiredness, dizziness, and sadness/depression. The cause of these complaints is
      unknown, but health personnel should be aware that health complaints might be
      related to polluting episodes even when exposure levels are below occupational
      guideline levels.

PMID- 25136936
TI  - What Does a Performance Measurement System Tell Us About the National
      Comprehensive Cancer Control Program?
AB  - CONTEXT: The National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) performance
      measurement system seeks to understand both the processes that funded programs
      undertake with their respective coalitions to implement the objectives of their
      cancer plans and the outcomes of those efforts. OBJECTIVE: To identify areas of
      achievement and technical assistance needs of NCCCP awardees. DESIGN: Program
      performance was assessed through surveys completed by program directors on
      performance indicators in 2009 and 2010 and queries from a Web-based management
      information system in 2011 and 2012. SETTING: Programs funded by the Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention's NCCCP. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-nine programs. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The key performance measures assessed were inclusion of
      diverse partners and key sectors in cancer coalitions, partners' involvement in
      activities, receiving in-kind resources from partners, using evidence-based
      interventions and data for setting priorities, conducting program evaluation,
      using community- or organization-level strategies to address cancer control
      efforts, and demonstrating progress toward achieving health outcomes. RESULTS:
      Most programs reported having active coalitions that represent diverse
      organizational sectors. Nearly all programs routinely assess the burden of
      cancer. In-kind resources to implement activities peaked at $64 716 in the second
      year of a 5-year funding cycle and declined in subsequent project years. By year
      3, more than 70% of programs reported having an evaluation plan. While programs
      reported that nearly two-thirds of their interventions were evidence-based, some
      programs implemented non-evidence-based interventions. A majority of programs
      successfully used at least 1 community- or organization-level change strategy.
      However, many programs did not incorporate objectives linked to health outcomes
      as they reported progress in implementing interventions. CONCLUSIONS: While NCCCP
      programs were strong at building and maintaining infrastructure, some programs
      may need additional technical assistance to increase the adoption of evidence
      based interventions, develop solid and responsive evaluation plans, and better
      link efforts to population-based measures that demonstrate impact toward reducing
      the burden of cancer.

PMID- 25136937
TI  - The diffusion of evidence-based decision making among local health department
      practitioners in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evidence-based decision making (EBDM) is the process, in local health
      departments (LHDs) and other settings, of translating the best available
      scientific evidence into practice. Local health departments are more likely to be
      successful if they use evidence-based strategies. However, EBDM and use of
      evidence-based strategies by LHDs are not widespread. Drawing on diffusion of
      innovations theory, we sought to understand how LHD directors and program
      managers perceive the relative advantage, compatibility, simplicity, and
      testability of EBDM. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Directors and managers of
      programs in chronic disease, environmental health, and infectious disease from
      LHDs nationwide completed a survey including demographic information and
      questions about diffusion attributes (advantage, compatibility, simplicity, and
      testability) related to EBDM. Bivariate inferential tests were used to compare
      responses between directors and managers and to examine associations between
      participant characteristics and diffusion attributes. RESULTS: Relative advantage
      and compatibility scores were high for directors and managers, whereas simplicity
      and testability scores were lower. Although health department directors and
      managers of programs in chronic disease generally had higher scores than other
      groups, there were few significant or large differences between directors and
      managers across the diffusion attributes. Larger jurisdiction population size was
      associated with higher relative advantage and compatibility scores for both
      directors and managers. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, directors and managers were in
      strong agreement on the relative advantage of an LHD using EBDM, with directors
      in stronger agreement than managers. Perceived relative advantage has been
      demonstrated to be the most important factor in the rate of innovation adoption,
      suggesting an opportunity for directors to speed EBDM adoption. However, lower
      average scores across all groups for simplicity and testability may be hindering
      EBDM adoption. Recommended strategies for increasing perceived EBDM simplicity
      and testability are provided.

PMID- 25136938
TI  - Electrospun polymer mat as a SERS platform for the immobilization and detection
      of bacteria from fluids.
AB  - This work demonstrates the development of a new class of SERS substrates that
      allows for the simultaneous: (i) filtration of bacteria from any solution (blood,
      urine, water, or milk), (ii) immobilization of bacteria on the SERS platform, and
      (iii) enhancing the Raman signal of bacteria. The proposed platform is based on
      an electrospun polymer mat covered with a 90 nm layer of gold. 

PMID- 25136939
TI  - Harms and benefits associated with exercise therapy for CFS/ME.

PMID- 25136940
TI  - Elements of rehabilitative strategies associated with negative outcomes in
      CFS/ME: the need for further investigations.

PMID- 25136941
TI  - Residential immersive life skills programs for youth with disabilities: service
      providers' perceptions of experiential benefits and key program features.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective was to determine service providers' perceptions of the
      experiential benefits of residential immersive life skills (RILS) programs for
      youth with disabilities, along with important program features. METHODS: Thirty
      seven service providers from three RILS programs took part in qualitative
      interviews. Themes were derived using a phenomenological approach. RESULTS: There
      were perceived benefits for youth, and also for parents and service providers.
      Study themes concerned the process of youth empowerment, life-changing
      experiences for youth and parents, and changed service provider views affecting
      practice. Youth changes were attributed to the residential group format and
      afforded opportunities, which included being away from home, navigating public
      transportation, directing attendant services, and sharing intense learning and
      social experiences with peers. Youth were seen to experience important personal
      changes in life skills, self-confidence, self-understandings, and self-advocacy.
      Perceived benefits for parents included realizations concerning their child's
      abilities and new hope for the future. Service providers indicated changes in
      their knowledge, perspectives, and approach to practice. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings suggest that life skills programs should be intentionally designed to
      provide challenging experiential opportunities that motivate youth to engage in
      new life directions by providing new insights, self-realizations, and positive
      yet realistic views of the future. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Service
      providers indicated the importance of challenging, real-world experiential
      opportunities that provide youth with disabilities with new insights, self
      realizations, and positive yet realistic views of the future. Important
      experiential opportunities for youth included being away from home, navigating
      public transportation, directing attendant care, and sharing intense learning and
      social experiences with peers. The findings provide preliminary qualitative
      evidence that life skills programs should be intentionally designed to provide
      experiential opportunities that equip youth with knowledge, skills, and
      confidence, and motivate them to engage in new life directions. Service providers
      indicated important changes to their practice as a result of their involvement in
      a RILS program, including adopting a more holistic and facilitative approach to
      practice.

PMID- 25136943
TI  - Surgery of primary lung cancer with oligometastatic m1b synchronous single brain
      metastasis: analysis of 37 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: At the time of diagnosis, lung cancer has often metastasized already.
      Brain metastases, however, are associated with a poor prognosis (median survival
      of less than 1 year). We evaluated the changes of the median survival after
      resection of the cerebral metastases and primary non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2009, 37
      patients (22 men, 15 women; median age: 55.64 years; age range: 38-72 years)
      underwent surgery for primary NSCLC after craniotomy and removal of the
      synchronous single brain metastasis. The overall survival was evaluated and risk
      factors identified. RESULTS: Mediastinal lymph node involvement was excluded with
      mediastinoscopy in 26 of the 37 patients. Postoperative N-stage was N0, N1, and
      N2 in 16 (43%), 10 (27%), and 11 (30%) patients, respectively. Histology was
      squamous cell carcinoma in 10 (27%), adenocarcinoma in 20 (54%), and large cell
      carcinoma in 7 (19%). The employed type of resection was anatomical segmentectomy
      in 6 and lobectomy in 31 patients. The 30-day mortality was 0% and postoperative
      complications occurred in 12 patients only (32%). The overall 1 and 2 years
      survival were 62 and 24%, respectively. None of the factors age, sex, tumor
      histology, primary location of the tumor, type of resection, adjuvant
      chemotherapy, or nodal status affected survival in the univariate analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The oncologic lung resection of NSCLC after the resection of a
      single brain metastasis can be implemented without an increased risk of
      complications or mortality. Despite the stage IV disease, the median survival
      appears encouraging.

PMID- 25136944
TI  - Cardiomegaly Is a Significant Predictor of Postoperative Atelectasis following
      Left Upper Superior Segmentectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Segmentectomy is becoming more common since many lung cancers are
      small when found. Left upper superior segmentectomy (LUSS) is the most popular
      procedure for segmentectomy. Atelectasis is a common postoperative complication
      following segmentectomy. In this study, we sought to better understand
      atelectasis of the lingular segment following LUSS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among
      265 patients who underwent segmentectomy of the lung at our institute between
      February 2008 and August 2012, 60 patients who underwent LUSS were investigated
      retrospectively. An intersegmental plane was created using a stapler in 41 and by
      cautery in 19. The relationships between atelectasis of the lingular segment and
      clinical factors were analyzed by multivariate analysis. The clinical factors
      examined included body mass index, preoperative cardio/thoracic dimension ratio
      (CTR), preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), the method used
      to make an intersegmental plane, the interval of thoracic drainage, and the
      degree of lobulation. RESULTS: Atelectasis of the lingular segment was seen in
      nine (15.0%) patients. Preoperative CTR predicted atelectasis of the lingular
      segment (p = 0.004). FEV1 was preserved in 73.8% of patients with atelectasis of
      the lingular segment and in 86.8% of the controls. This difference was
      significant (p = 0.027). Atelectasis of the middle lobe following RUL was seen in
      10/238 (4.2%) within the same period. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CTR was related
      to atelectasis of the lingular segment. One of the advantages of segmentectomy is
      that it enables the postoperative preservation of respiratory function. However,
      in patients with cardiomegaly, respiratory function following LUSS may be
      preserved less than expected.

PMID- 25136945
TI  - Novel thoughts on patient-prosthesis mismatch in aortic valve replacement: the
      rationale for the PAR I trial.
AB  - The hemodynamic performance of prosthetic tissue valves is influenced by valve
      design and valve-specific sizing strategies. Design determines the actual
      geometric opening area (GOA) of the prosthetic valve and sizing strategy its
      actual chosen size. Currently, hemodynamic performance is assessed by determining
      the effective orifice area (EOA; derived from the continuity equation by relating
      flow velocities with the area of the left ventricular outflow tract [LVOTA]). The
      question whether a valve is too small (patient-prosthesis mismatch [PPM]) is
      currently addressed by relating EOA to body surface area (EOA index [EOAi]).
      However, this relation may not be appropriate because the EOAi relates flow
      velocity to patient-specific anatomic parameters twice (i.e., LVOTA and body
      surface area). This potential confounder may explain the controversies regarding
      PPM. However, intuitively, leaving a gradient behind after aortic valve
      replacement cannot be irrelevant. PPM becomes even more relevant with
      transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation, where a second prosthesis is taking up
      inner space of a valve that may have already been too small initially. Thus, a
      reliable method to determine the presence of PPM is needed. The Prosthesis-to
      Annulus Relation I (PAR I) trial is a German multicenter study assessing the
      relation between the prosthetic GOA and the LVOTA as a potentially new parameter
      for the prediction of hemodynamic outcome. The results may possibly guide future
      valve size selection and may allow prediction of functionally relevant PPM. Here,
      we will demonstrate the shortcomings of the currently applied EOAi for the
      assessment of hemodynamic relevance and present the rationale for the PARI trial,
      which recently started recruiting patients. 

PMID- 25136946
TI  - Pediatric prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Fetal cardiology is a rapidly evolving field. Imaging
      technology continues to advance as do approaches to in-utero interventions and
      care of the critically ill neonate, with even greater demand for improvement in
      prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) and arrhythmias. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Reviewing the advances in prenatal diagnosis of CHD in such a rapidly
      developing field is a broad topic. Therefore, we have chosen to focus this review
      of recent literature on challenges in prenatal detection of CHD, challenges in
      prenatal counseling, advances in fetal arrhythmia diagnosis, and potential
      benefits to patients with CHD who are identified prenatally. SUMMARY: As methods
      and tools to diagnose and manage CHD and arrhythmias in utero continue to
      improve, future generations will hopefully see a reduction in both prenatal and
      neonatal morbidity and mortality. Prenatal diagnosis can and should be used to
      optimize location and timing of delivery and postnatal interventions.

PMID- 25136948
TI  - Pertussis: still a cause of death, seven decades into vaccination.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review the resurgence of pertussis, including recent trends
      in epidemiology and reasons for the resurgence, as well as updated vaccination
      schedules and recommendations. RECENT FINDINGS: There has been a resurgence of
      pertussis in recent decades, in the United States and worldwide. This is a
      preventable cause of hospitalizations and deaths, especially among the infant
      population. Possible reasons for the resurgence include increased awareness via
      surveillance and reporting, diagnostic testing improvements, infant
      susceptibility coupled with exposure to infected caregivers, waning immunity
      despite complete vaccination, inferior long-term efficacy of acellular vaccines
      compared with whole-cell vaccines, circulating mutant strains of the bacterium,
      and parents refusing vaccination of their children. Progressively updated vaccine
      recommendations should be adhered to, as this is currently the only available
      tool to stem the public health challenge. SUMMARY: The resurgence of pertussis is
      a multifaceted problem, but the implementation of immunization for all age groups
      is of utmost importance.

PMID- 25136947
TI  - Progress in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension in children.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pulmonary hypertension is a complex disease that extends
      beyond merely elevated pulmonary blood pressures and right ventricular
      dysfunction. Its multiple causes and ever-expanding diagnostic tools and
      therapeutic approaches make it a heterogeneous disease with widely variable
      clinical sequelae. There are still many unanswered questions that challenge our
      understanding of this disease. RECENT FINDINGS: The study of pulmonary
      hypertension in the pediatric patient is as robust as ever, with the creation and
      inclusion of pediatric-specific disease characteristics in the most recent WHO
      classification system, improved understanding of the pathophysiology of pulmonary
      hypertension in pediatric diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and
      increasingly expanding diagnostic tools and management possibilities. Although
      the use of pulmonary hypertension therapies in children previously often relied
      on expert opinion and inferences from studies involving adults, pediatric
      targeted research is becoming more widely supported and pursued, and has even
      come under recent debate, which at the very least stimulates further
      collaboration and discussion. SUMMARY: This review will highlight the changes in
      the pulmonary hypertension classification system, briefly explore pulmonary
      hypertension in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and provide updates on the diagnostic
      and management tools used by experts in the field.

PMID- 25136950
TI  - The polar high molecular weight fraction of the Agaricus blazei Murill extract,
      AndoSanTM, reduces the activity of the tumor-associated protease, legumain, in
      RAW 264.7 cells.
AB  - AndoSanTM is an extract of Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM; 82.4%), Hericium
      erinaceum (14.7%), and Grifola frondosa (2.9%). The main ingredient of AndoSan,
      AbM, is rich in different forms of beta-glucans. Since these exhibit potent
      antitumor activity and have immunomodulatory effects, the stimulatory effect of
      AndoSan on the production of different cytokines, chemokines, and leukocyte
      growth factors has predominantly been attributed to beta-glucans. AndoSan has
      been claimed to consist of 90% carbohydrate, of which 2.8% is beta-glucans, but
      in this study, we show that the carbohydrate content is only 2% of the dry
      weight, corresponding to 0.09% beta-glucan per mL of AndoSan. Fractionation of
      AndoSan, followed by carbohydrate analysis and HPLC analysis revealed that most
      of the glucose was concentrated in the polar high molecular weight fraction of
      AndoSan (ethanol insoluble water extract [EIWE]-A) and that this extract was able
      to significantly inhibit the activity of the tumor-associated protease, legumain,
      in RAW 264.7 cells. Legumain is synthesized as a zymogen and undergoes pH
      dependent autoactivation of the proform to reach an enzymatically active form. In
      this study, we demonstrate that both the polar and nonpolar AndoSan fractions are
      able to inhibit the autoactivation of prolegumain, and that the polar fractions
      of AndoSan are the most potent inhibitors of the active form of the enzyme. 

PMID- 25136951
TI  - Measurement of cardiac index by transpulmonary thermodilution using an implanted
      central venous access port: a prospective study in patients scheduled for
      oncologic high-risk surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transpulmonary thermodilution allows the measurement of cardiac index
      for high risk surgical patients. Oncologic patients often have a central venous
      access (port-a-catheter) for chronic treatment. The validity of the measurement
      by a port-a-catheter of the absolute cardiac index and the detection of changes
      in cardiac index induced by fluid challenge are unknown. METHODS: We conducted a
      monocentric prospective study. 27 patients were enrolled. 250 ml colloid volume
      expansions for fluid challenge were performed during ovarian cytoreductive
      surgery. The volume expansion-induced changes in cardiac index measured by
      transpulmonary thermodilution by a central venous access (CIcvc) and by a port-a
      catheter (CIport) were recorded. RESULTS: 23 patients were analyzed with 123
      pairs of measurements. Using a Bland and Altman for repeated measurements, the
      bias (lower and upper limits of agreement) between CIport and CIcvc was 0.14 (
      0.59 to 0.88) L/min/m2. The percentage error was 22%. The concordance between the
      changes in CIport and CIcvc observed during volume expansion was 92% with an r =
      0.7 (with exclusion zone). No complications (included sepsis) were observed
      during the follow up period. CONCLUSIONS: The transpulmonary thermodilution by a
      port-a-catheter is reliable for absolute values estimation of cardiac index and
      for measurement of the variation after fluid challenge. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      clinicaltrials.gov NCT02063009.

PMID- 25136957
TI  - Self-assembled Fe3O4/polymer hybrid microbubble with MRI/ultrasound dual-imaging
      enhancement.
AB  - An Fe3O4 nanoparticle/polymer hybrid microbubble was developed using a facile
      self-assembly approach. This approach involves two steps, including the initial
      fabrication of the iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP)/polymer hybrid microcapsules
      via self-assembly and a subsequent gas-filling process to yield the final
      microbubbles. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the
      composite gas-filled microbubbles exhibit excellent T2-weighted magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement as well as ultrasound (US) imaging
      enhancement capabilities. Besides, this flexible approach allows the facile
      control of the microbubbles' size and thus the imaging capabilities of the
      microbubbles through the tuning of the molar ratio between the precursors. 

PMID- 25136952
TI  - Selective HDAC inhibition for the disruption of latent HIV-1 infection.
AB  - Selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have emerged as a potential anti
      latency therapy for persistent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)
      infection. We utilized a combination of small molecule inhibitors and short
      hairpin (sh)RNA-mediated gene knockdown strategies to delineate the key HDAC(s)
      to be targeted for selective induction of latent HIV-1 expression. Individual
      depletion of HDAC3 significantly induced expression from the HIV-1 promoter in
      the 2D10 latency cell line model. However, depletion of HDAC1 or -2 alone or in
      combination did not significantly induce HIV-1 expression. Co-depletion of HDAC2
      and -3 resulted in a significant increase in expression from the HIV-1 promoter.
      Furthermore, concurrent knockdown of HDAC1, -2, and -3 resulted in a significant
      increase in expression from the HIV-1 promoter. Using small molecule HDAC
      inhibitors of differing selectivity to ablate the residual HDAC activity that
      remained after (sh)RNA depletion, the effect of depletion of HDAC3 was further
      enhanced. Enzymatic inhibition of HDAC3 with the selective small-molecule
      inhibitor BRD3308 activated HIV-1 transcription in the 2D10 cell line.
      Furthermore, ex vivo exposure to BRD3308 induced outgrowth of HIV-1 from resting
      CD4+ T cells isolated from antiretroviral-treated, aviremic HIV+ patients. Taken
      together these findings suggest that HDAC3 is an essential target to disrupt HIV
      1 latency, and inhibition of HDAC2 may also contribute to the effort to purge and
      eradicate latent HIV-1 infection. 

PMID- 25136958
TI  - Characterization of a cross-reactive, immunodominant and HLA-promiscuous epitope
      of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific major antigenic protein PPE68.
AB  - PPE68 (Rv3873), a major antignic protein encoded by Mycobacteriun tuberculosis
      specific genomic region of difference (RD)1, is a strong stimulator of peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from tuberculosis patients and
      Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG)-vaccianted healthy subjects in
      T helper (Th)1 cell assays, i.e. antigen-induced proliferation and interferon
      gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion. To confirm the antigen-specific recognition of PPE68
      by T cells in IFN-gamma assays, antigen-induced human T-cell lines were
      established from PBMCs of M. Bovis BCG-vaccinated and HLA-heterogeneous healthy
      subjects and tested with peptide pools of RD1 proteins. The results showed that
      PPE68 was recognized by antigen-specific T-cell lines from HLA-heteregeneous
      subjects. To further identify the immunodominant and HLA-promiscuous Th1-1 cell
      epitopes present in PPE68, 24 synthetic peptides covering the sequence of PPE68
      were indivdually analyzed for HLA-DR binding prediction analysis and tested with
      PBMCs from M. bovis BCG-vaccinated and HLA-heterogeuous healthy subjects in IFN
      gamma assays. The results identified the peptide P9, i.e. aa 121
      VLTATNFFGINTIPIALTEMDYFIR-145, as an immunodominant and HLA-DR promiscuous
      peptide of PPE68. Furthermore, by using deletion peptides, the immunodominant and
      HLA-DR promiscuous core sequence was mapped to aa 127-FFGINTIPIA-136.
      Interestingly, the core sequence is present in several PPE proteins of M.
      tuberculosis, and conserved in all sequenced strains/species of M. tuberculosis
      and M. tuberculosis complex, and several other pathogenic mycobacterial species,
      including M. leprae and M. avium-intracellulalae complex. These results suggest
      that the peptide aa 121-145 may be exploited as a peptide-based vaccine candidate
      against tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases. 

PMID- 25136959
TI  - Inside money, procyclical leverage, and banking catastrophes.
AB  - We explore a model of the interaction between banks and outside investors in
      which the ability of banks to issue inside money (short-term liabilities believed
      to be convertible into currency at par) can generate a collapse in asset prices
      and widespread bank insolvency. The banks and investors share a common belief
      about the future value of certain long-term assets, but they have different
      objective functions; changes to this common belief result in portfolio
      adjustments and trade. Positive belief shocks induce banks to buy risky assets
      from investors, and the banks finance those purchases by issuing new short-term
      liabilities. Negative belief shocks induce banks to sell assets in order to
      reduce their chance of insolvency to a tolerably low level, and they supply more
      assets at lower prices, which can result in multiple market-clearing prices. A
      sufficiently severe negative shock causes the set of equilibrium prices to
      contract (in a manner given by a cusp catastrophe), causing prices to plummet
      discontinuously and banks to become insolvent. Successive positive and negative
      shocks of equal magnitude do not cancel; rather, a banking catastrophe can occur
      even if beliefs simply return to their initial state. Capital requirements can
      prevent crises by curtailing the expansion of balance sheets when beliefs become
      more optimistic, but they can also force larger price declines. Emergency asset
      price supports can be understood as attempts by a central bank to coordinate
      expectations on an equilibrium with solvency. 

PMID- 25136961
TI  - A model for implementing guidelines for person-centered care in a nursing home
      setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systematic evaluations of knowledge translation interventions in
      nursing homes to improve practice are scarce. There is also a lack of studies
      focusing on creating sustainable evidence-based practice in the setting of
      residential dementia care. METHODS: The aim of this paper is to describe a model
      for implementing national evidence-based guidelines for care of persons with
      dementia in nursing homes. The secondary aim is to outline the nursing home staff
      experiences during the first year of the implementation process. The intervention
      had a participatory action research approach. This included educational
      activities such as: (i) thematic seminars introducing national guidelines for
      dementia care, (ii) regular unit-based seminars; and (iii) later dissemination of
      information in reflective seminars and several days of poster-exhibitions. Areas
      of practice development were selected on each of the 24 units, based on unit
      specific needs, and a quality improvement strategy was applied and evaluated.
      Each unit met ten times during a period of eight months. Data for this study were
      extracted from the reflective seminars and poster presentations, analyzed using a
      qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Findings showed that implementation of
      guidelines were perceived by staff as beneficial for both staff and the
      residents. However, barriers to identification of relevant sources of evidence
      and barriers to sustainable implementation were experienced. CONCLUSIONS: One of
      our assumptions was that dementia nursing homes can benefit from becoming
      knowledge driven, with care practices founded in evidence-based sources. Our
      findings show that to be partly true, even though most staff units found their
      efforts to pursue and utilize knowledge adversely impacted by time-logistics and
      practical workload challenges.

PMID- 25136960
TI  - Amygdalin blocks bladder cancer cell growth in vitro by diminishing cyclin A and
      cdk2.
AB  - Amygdalin, a natural compound, has been used by many cancer patients as an
      alternative approach to treat their illness. However, whether or not this
      substance truly exerts an anti-tumor effect has never been settled. An in vitro
      study was initiated to investigate the influence of amygdalin (1.25-10 mg/ml) on
      the growth of a panel of bladder cancer cell lines (UMUC-3, RT112 and TCCSUP).
      Tumor growth, proliferation, clonal growth and cell cycle progression were
      investigated. The cell cycle regulating proteins cdk1, cdk2, cdk4, cyclin A,
      cyclin B, cyclin D1, p19, p27 as well as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      related signals phosphoAkt, phosphoRaptor and phosphoRictor were examined.
      Amygdalin dose-dependently reduced growth and proliferation in all three bladder
      cancer cell lines, reflected in a significant delay in cell cycle progression and
      G0/G1 arrest. Molecular evaluation revealed diminished phosphoAkt, phosphoRictor
      and loss of Cdk and cyclin components. Since the most outstanding effects of
      amygdalin were observed on the cdk2-cyclin A axis, siRNA knock down studies were
      carried out, revealing a positive correlation between cdk2/cyclin A expression
      level and tumor growth. Amygdalin, therefore, may block tumor growth by down
      modulating cdk2 and cyclin A. In vivo investigation must follow to assess
      amygdalin's practical value as an anti-tumor drug. 

PMID- 25136962
TI  - Costing of commune health station visits for provider payment reform in Vietnam.
AB  - Expanding effective coverage in Vietnam will require better use of available
      resources and placing higher priority on primary care. The way providers are
      currently paid does not give priority to primary care and does not reflect the
      costs of delivering services. This paper aims to estimate the unit costs of
      primary care visits at commune health stations (CHS) in selected areas in
      Vietnam. Seventy-six CHS from two provinces in northern Vietnam were studied.
      Costs were calculated from the perspective of the CHS using the top-down costing
      using the step-down cost accounting technique in order to estimate the full cost
      of delivering services. On average, the cost of one outpatient visit in
      mountainous, rural and urban CHSs was VND 49,521 (US$2.40), VND 41,375 (US$2.01)
      and VND 39,794 (US$1.93), respectively. Personnel costs accounted for the highest
      share of total costs followed by medicines. The share of operating costs was
      minimal. On average, CHSs recover 18.9% of their total cost for an outpatient
      visit from social insurance payments or fees that can be charged patients. The
      results provide valuable information for policy-makers as they revise the
      provider payment methods to better reflect the costs of services and give greater
      priority to primary care. 

PMID- 25136964
TI  - The effect of insulin resistance on breast cancer risk in Latinas of Mexican
      origin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conclusive evidence has yet to emerge regarding the association
      between markers of hyperinsulinemia and breast cancer. We determined the effect
      of insulin resistance (IR) on breast cancer risk in Latinas of Mexican origin who
      did not have a direct family history of breast cancer and had not been previously
      diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes. METHODS: This was a case-control study in
      which a case (n=124) was defined as a patient with a recent histopathologic
      diagnosis of breast cancer and a control (n=197) was defined as a participant who
      had recently undergone a mammography and had either a Breast Imaging, Reporting &
      Data System (BI-RADS)-1 or a BI-RADS-2 score. Plasma glucose, insulin, and
      glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured. IR was determined by using the
      homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) criterion. Odds ratios (OR) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CI) were determined using unconditional binary logistic
      regression analysis. RESULTS: IR was detected in 33.9% of cases and 41.6% of
      controls, based on a HOMA-IR >=3.5. Although multivariate analysis did not show
      any association between IR and breast cancer risk (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.31-1.01), it
      showed that an HbA1c >=5.7% increased the risk of breast cancer (OR 3.41, 95% CI
      1.93-6.01), regardless of menopausal status. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest
      that IR had no effect on breast cancer risk; however HbA1c increased the risk in
      Latinas of Mexican origin who had not been diagnosed previously with prediabetes
      or diabetes and had no direct family history of breast cancer. Prospective
      studies are required to establish the impact of IR over time.

PMID- 25136963
TI  - Transcriptional profiling in rat hair follicles following simulated Blast insult:
      a new diagnostic tool for traumatic brain injury.
AB  - With wide adoption of explosive-dependent weaponry during military activities,
      Blast-induced neurotrauma (BINT)-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become
      a significant medical issue. Therefore, a robust and accessible biomarker system
      is in demand for effective and efficient TBI diagnosis. Such systems will also be
      beneficial to studies of TBI pathology. Here we propose the mammalian hair
      follicles as a potential candidate. An Advanced Blast Simulator (ABS) was
      developed to generate shock waves simulating traumatic conditions on brains of
      rat model. Microarray analysis was performed in hair follicles to identify the
      gene expression profiles that are associated with shock waves. Gene set
      enrichment analysis (GSEA) and sub-network enrichment analysis (SNEA) were used
      to identify cell processes and molecular signaling cascades affected by simulated
      bomb blasts. Enrichment analyses indicated that genes with altered expression
      levels were involved in central nervous system (CNS)/peripheral nervous system
      (PNS) responses as well as signal transduction including Ca2+, K+-transportation
      dependent signaling, Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) signaling and Mitogen Activated
      Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades. Many of the pathways identified as
      affected by shock waves in the hair follicles have been previously reported to be
      TBI responsive in other organs such as brain and blood. The results suggest that
      the hair follicle has some common TBI responsive molecular signatures to other
      tissues. Moreover, various TBI-associated diseases were identified as
      preferentially affected using a gene network approach, indicating that the hair
      follicle may be capable of reflecting comprehensive responses to TBI conditions.
      Accordingly, the present study demonstrates that the hair follicle is a
      potentially viable system for rapid and non-invasive TBI diagnosis. 

PMID- 25136966
TI  - Development of multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Bangladesh: a case-control
      study on risk factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for developing multidrug resistant
      tuberculosis in Bangladesh. METHODS: This case-control study was set in central,
      district and sub-district level hospitals of rural and urban Bangladesh. Included
      were 250 multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients as cases and 750 drug
      susceptible tuberculosis patients as controls. We recruited cases from all three
      government hospitals treating MDR-TB in Bangladesh during the study period.
      Controls were selected randomly from those local treatment units that had
      referred the cases. Information was collected through face-to-face interviews and
      record reviews. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression were used to
      analyse the data. RESULTS: Previous treatment history was shown to be the major
      contributing factor to MDR-TB in univariate analysis. After adjusting for other
      factors in multivariable analysis, age group "18-25" (OR 1.77, CI 1.07-2.93) and
      "26-45" (OR 1.72, CI 1.12-2.66), some level of education (OR 1.94, CI 1.32-2.85),
      service and business as occupation (OR 2.88, CI 1.29-6.44; OR 3.71, CI 1.59-8.66,
      respectively), smoking history (OR 1.58, CI 0.99-2.5), and type 2 diabetes (OR
      2.56 CI 1.51-4.34) were associated with MDR-TB. Previous treatment was not
      included in the multivariable analysis as it was correlated with multiple
      predictors. CONCLUSION: Previous tuberculosis treatment was found to be the major
      risk factor for MDR-TB. This study also identified age 18 to 45 years, some
      education up to secondary level, service and business as occupation, past smoking
      status, and type 2 diabetes as comorbid illness as risk factors. National
      Tuberculosis programme should address these risk factors in MDR-TB control
      strategy. The integration of MDR-TB control activities with diabetes and tobacco
      control programmes is needed in Bangladesh.

PMID- 25136965
TI  - Built environment change and change in BMI and waist circumference: Multi-ethnic
      Study of Atherosclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine longitudinal associations of the neighborhood built
      environment with objectively measured body mass index (BMI) and waist
      circumference (WC) in a geographically and racial/ethnically diverse group of
      adults. METHODS: This study used data from 5,506 adult participants in the Multi
      Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, aged 45-84 years in 2000 (baseline). BMI and WC
      were assessed at baseline and four follow-up visits (median follow-up 9.1 years).
      Time-varying built environment measures (population density, land-use,
      destinations, bus access, and street characteristics) were created using
      Geographic Information Systems. Principal components analysis was used to derive
      composite scores for three built environment factors. Fixed-effects models,
      tightly controlling for all time-invariant characteristics, estimated
      associations between change in the built environment, and change in BMI and WC.
      RESULTS: Increases in the intensity of development (higher density of walking
      destinations and population density, and lower percent residential) were
      associated with less pronounced increases or decreases over time in BMI and WC.
      Changes in connected retail centers (higher percent retail, higher street
      connectivity) and public transportation (distance to bus) were not associated
      with changes in BMI or WC. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal changes in the built
      environment, particularly increased density, are associated with decreases in BMI
      and WC.

PMID- 25136967
TI  - Age-stratified 5-year risks of cervical precancer among women with enrollment and
      newly detected HPV infection.
AB  - It is unclear whether a woman's age influences her risk of cervical
      intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) upon detection of HPV. A large
      change in risk as women age would influence vaccination and screening policies.
      Among 972,029 women age 30-64 undergoing screening with Pap and HPV testing
      (Hybrid Capture 2, Qiagen, Germantown, MD) at Kaiser Permanente Northern
      California (KPNC), we calculated age-specific 5-year CIN3+ risks among women with
      HPV infections detected at enrollment, and among women with "newly detected" HPV
      infections at their second screening visit. Women (57,899, 6.0%) had an
      enrollment HPV infection. Among the women testing HPV negative at enrollment with
      a second screening visit, 16,724 (3.3%) had a newly detected HPV infection at
      their second visit. Both enrollment and newly detected HPV rates declined with
      age (p < 0.001). Women with enrollment versus newly detected HPV infection had
      higher 5-year CIN3+ risks: 8.5% versus 3.9%, (p < 0.0001). Risks did not increase
      with age but declined slightly from 30-34 years to 60-64 years: 9.4% versus 7.4%
      (p = 0.017) for enrollment HPV and 5.1% versus 3.5% (p = 0.014) for newly
      detected HPV. Among women age 30-64 in an established screening program, women
      with newly detected HPV infections were at lower risk than women with enrollment
      infections, suggesting reduced benefit vaccinating women at older ages. Although
      the rates of HPV infection declined dramatically with age, the subsequent CIN3+
      risks associated with HPV infection declined only slightly. The CIN3+ risks among
      older women are sufficiently elevated to warrant continued screening through age
      65. 

PMID- 25136968
TI  - Characterizing of functional human coding RNA editing from evolutionary,
      structural, and dynamic perspectives.
AB  - A-to-I RNA editing has been recently shown to be a widespread phenomenon with
      millions of sites spread in the human transcriptome. However, only few are known
      to be located in coding sequences and modify the amino acid sequence of the
      protein product. Here, we used high-throughput data, variant prediction tools,
      and protein structural information in order to find structural and functional
      preferences for coding RNA editing. We show that RNA editing has a unique pattern
      of amino acid changes characterized by enriched stop-to-tryptophan changes,
      positive-to-neutral and neutral-to-positive charge changes. RNA editing tends to
      have stronger structural effect than equivalent A-to-G SNPs but weaker effect
      than random A-to-G mutagenesis events. Sites edited at low level tend to be
      located at conserved positions with stronger predicted deleterious effect on
      proteins comparing to sites edited at high frequencies. Lowly edited sites tend
      to destabilize the protein structure and affect amino acids with larger number of
      intra-molecular contacts. Still, some highly edited sites are predicted also to
      prominently affect structure and tend to be located at critical positions of the
      protein matrix and are likely to be functionally important. Using our pipeline,
      we identify and discuss several novel putative functional coding changing editing
      sites in the genes COPA (I164V), GIPC1 (T62A), ZN358 (K382R), and CCNI (R75G).

PMID- 25136969
TI  - Molecular cloning and characterization of a SID-1-like gene in Plutella
      xylostella.
AB  - RNA interference (RNAi) signal can spread from the point where the double
      stranded RNA (dsRNA) was initially applied to other cells or tissues. SID-related
      genes in Caenorhabditis elegans help in the spreading of this signal. However,
      the mechanisms of systemic RNAi are still not unveiled in insects. In this study,
      we cloned a full-length cDNA of sid-1-like gene, Pxylsid-1, from Plutella
      xylostella that contains 1,047 bp opening reading frame encoding a putative
      protein of 348 amino acids. This transcript is very much similar to the sil-1 in
      Bombyx mori (68.8%). The higher expression levels of Pxylsid-1 were found at the
      adult and fourth-instar stages compared to the second-instar stage with 21.48-
      and 10.36-fold increase, respectively. Its expression levels in different tissues
      were confirmed with the highest expression in the hemolymph, which showed 21.09
      fold increase than the midgut; however it was lower in other tissues. The result
      of RNAi by feeding bacterially expressed dsRNA targeting Pxylace-1, which showed
      that the mRNA level of Pxylace-1 decreased by 34.52 and 64.04% after 36- and 72-h
      treatment, respectively. However, the mRNA level of Pxylsid-1 was not
      significantly induced when the Pxylace-1 was downregulated. Furthermore, we found
      that downregulation of Pxylsid-1 did not affect the RNAi effect of Pxylace-1.
      Hence, the Pxylsid-1 may not be involved in absorption of dsRNA from the midgut
      fluid. A further study is needed to uncover the function of Pxylsid-1. 

PMID- 25136971
TI  - Accuracy of semiquantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for differentiating
      type II from type I endometrial carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate type II endometrial carcinoma characterization using
      dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and evaluate the
      diagnostic accuracy of semiquantitative DCE-MRI in differentiating type II from
      type I tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven patients with endometrial
      carcinoma were retrospectively evaluated using 3T DCE-MRI. The maximum absolute
      enhancement of signal intensity (SImax), maximum relative enhancement (SIrel),
      wash-in rate (WIR), and the SImax/SI (piriformis) ratio were analyzed. To
      differentiate type I from type II tumors, optimal threshold criteria were
      established. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical comparison and
      receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine optimal
      cutoff values. RESULTS: The SIrel (P < 0.001), WIR (P < 0.0001), and SImax/SI
      (piriformis) ratio (P < 0.0001), but not SImax, differed significantly between
      type I and type II carcinomas. Cutoff values of SIrel >=58.8, WIR >=37.0, and
      SImax/SI (piriformis) ratio >=1.55 had sensitivities of 93%, 93%, and 67%,
      specificities of 60%, 60%, and 79%, accuracies of 66%, 66%, and 67%,
      respectively, for predicting type II endometrial carcinoma. CONCLUSION:
      Endometrial carcinoma with strong (high level) enhancement on DCE-MRI is
      suggestive of type II endometrial carcinoma. Semiquantitative evaluation of DCE
      MRI may be useful for differentiating type II from type I tumors.

PMID- 25136970
TI  - Bistable expression of virulence genes in salmonella leads to the formation of an
      antibiotic-tolerant subpopulation.
AB  - Phenotypic heterogeneity can confer clonal groups of organisms with new
      functionality. A paradigmatic example is the bistable expression of virulence
      genes in Salmonella typhimurium, which leads to phenotypically virulent and
      phenotypically avirulent subpopulations. The two subpopulations have been shown
      to divide labor during S. typhimurium infections. Here, we show that
      heterogeneous virulence gene expression in this organism also promotes survival
      against exposure to antibiotics through a bet-hedging mechanism. Using
      microfluidic devices in combination with fluorescence time-lapse microscopy and
      quantitative image analysis, we analyzed the expression of virulence genes at the
      single cell level and related it to survival when exposed to antibiotics. We
      found that, across different types of antibiotics and under concentrations that
      are clinically relevant, the subpopulation of bacterial cells that express
      virulence genes shows increased survival after exposure to antibiotics.
      Intriguingly, there is an interplay between the two consequences of phenotypic
      heterogeneity. The bet-hedging effect that arises through heterogeneity in
      virulence gene expression can protect clonal populations against avirulent
      mutants that exploit and subvert the division of labor within these populations.
      We conclude that bet-hedging and the division of labor can arise through
      variation in a single trait and interact with each other. This reveals a new
      degree of functional complexity of phenotypic heterogeneity. In addition, our
      results suggest a general principle of how pathogens can evade antibiotics:
      Expression of virulence factors often entails metabolic costs and the resulting
      growth retardation could generally increase tolerance against antibiotics and
      thus compromise treatment. 

PMID- 25136972
TI  - Metabolomic profiling of serum in the progression of Alzheimer's disease by
      capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry.
AB  - There is high interest in the discovery of early diagnostic biomarkers of
      Alzheimer's disease, for which metabolomics exhibits a great potential. In this
      work, a metabolomic approach based on ultrafiltration and analysis by CE-MS has
      been used to obtain representative fingerprints of polar metabolites from serum
      samples in order to distinguish between patients with Alzheimer's disease, mild
      cognitive impairment, and healthy controls. By the use of partial least squares
      discriminant analysis it was possible to classify patients according to the
      disease stage and then identify potential markers. Significant increase was
      observed with progression of disease in levels of choline, creatinine, asymmetric
      dimethyl-arginine, homocysteine-cysteine disulfide, phenylalanyl-phenylalanine,
      and different medium chain acylcarnitines. On the other hand, asparagine,
      methionine, histidine, carnitine, acetyl-spermidine, and C5-carnitine were
      reduced in these serum samples. In this way, multiple essential pathways were
      found implicated in the underlying pathology, such as oxidative stress or defects
      in energy metabolism. However, the most interesting results are related to the
      association of several vascular risk factors with Alzheimer's disease. 

PMID- 25136973
TI  - Photoredox-catalyzed tandem radical cyclization of N-arylacrylamides: general
      methods to construct fluorinated 3,3-disubstituted 2-oxindoles using
      fluoroalkylsulfonyl chlorides.
AB  - Fluorinated radicals were generated from RfSO2Cl by photoredox catalysis under
      mild conditions, where Rf = n-C4F9, CF3, CF2H, CH2F, CH2CF3, and CF2CO2Me. This
      method provided a general way to construct fluorinated 2-oxindoles from reaction
      with N-arylacrylamides via a proposed tandem radical cyclization process. 

PMID- 25136974
TI  - Facing the challenges of chronic pruritus: a report from a multi-disciplinary
      medical itch centre in Germany.
AB  - The complex nature and difficult-to-establish aetiology of chronic pruritus (CP)
      makes it challenging to provide medical care for patients with CP. This challenge
      can only be met with a multidisciplinary approach. The first multidisciplinary
      Itch Centre in Germany was established at the University of Munster in 2002 to
      meet the needs of this patient population. More than 2,500 outpatients and 400
      inpatients are diagnosed and receive treatment each year. To ensure evidence
      based medical care, an electronic system for medical documentation and patient
      reported outcomes was established. Automated data transfer to a research database
      enables comprehensive data analysis. Our translational research has characterized
      peripheral and central itch mechanisms, provided novel clustering of CP patients,
      and identified novel target-specific therapies (e.g. neurokinin 1 receptor
      antagonist). The multidisciplinary approach, combined with basic, clinical and
      translational research, enables comprehensive medical care of patients as well as
      implementation of high-quality experimental and clinical studies. 

PMID- 25136975
TI  - Shell-programmed Au nanoparticle heterodimers with customized chiroptical
      activity.
AB  - Chiral plasmonic assemblies with strong and tunable chiroptical activity are
      emerging materials yet challenging to fabricate. Moreover, shell-programmed
      chiroptical regulation is really rare. Here, the chiroptical activity of core
      shell (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) heterodimers (HDs) with different types and
      thicknesses of the shell but featuring the same gap was exploited. It was found
      that the type of shell guided the position of the chiral peaks, and the shell
      thickness tuned the intensity but also moderately affected the wavelength shift
      at invariable interparticle distance. Shell deposition intensified the hot-spot
      chirality, and evidently guided the enantiomorphous chiral configuration,
      resulting in a startlingly intense, asymmetric, dipolar coupling strength. The
      magnitude of the chiroptical activity showed an 8-10 fold enhancement with a
      maximum anisotropy factor (g-factor) of 1.5 * 10(-2) . Shell-driven chiroptical
      regulation opens new avenues to feasibly fabricate chiroptically active materials
      with desired chiroptical response for the development of switchable recognition
      units for sensitive and various target detections. 

PMID- 25136977
TI  - A CASE OF HAEMATIDROSIS.

PMID- 25136976
TI  - Enzymatic degradation of (ligno)cellulose.
AB  - Glycoside-degrading enzymes play a dominant role in the biochemical conversion of
      cellulosic biomass into low-price biofuels and high-value-added chemicals. New
      insight into protein functions and substrate structures, the kinetics of
      recognition, and degradation events has resulted in a substantial improvement of
      our understanding of cellulose degradation. 

PMID- 25136978
TI  - The important role of catestatin in cardiac remodeling.
AB  - Catestatin (CST) was first discovered as a potent non-competitive and reversible
      inhibitor of catecholamine secretion. Recent reports on plasma CST level in heart
      diseases suggested a cardioprotective role for this peptide. Given that cardiac
      remodeling is the dominant pathologic process in cardiac dysfunction, we propose
      that CST participates in the regulation of concern pathways and contributes to
      the inhibition of cardiac remodeling. In this minireview, the potential mechanism
      of cardiac remodeling involving CST will be discussed from three aspects:
      hypertrophy, fibrosis, and apoptosis.

PMID- 25136979
TI  - Concordant biogeographic patterns among multiple taxonomic groups in the Mexican
      freshwater biota.
AB  - In this paper we analyse the degree of concordance in species richness and
      taxonomic distinctness (diversity) patterns among different freshwater taxonomic
      groups in order to test three long held patterns described in Mexican freshwater
      biogeography: 1. The aquatic biota of Mexico includes two distinct faunas, a rich
      Neotropical component in the south and a south-eastern region and a less rich
      Nearctic component towards central and northern latitudes of the country. 2. A
      hotspot of species richness and diversity has been recorded in the Usumacinta,
      including the Yucatan Peninsula. 3. The presence of two distinct biotas in
      Mexico, an eastern one distributed along the Gulf of Mexico slope, and a western
      one associated to the Pacific versant. We use species richness and taxonomic
      distinctness to explore patterns of diversity and how these patterns change
      between zoogeographical regions. This paper points out a clear separation between
      Neotropical and Nearctic drainage basins but also between eastern (Gulf of
      Mexico) and western (Pacific) drainage basins. Present data gives additional
      empirical support from freshwater biota for three long held beliefs regarding
      distributional patterns of the Mexican biota. The neotropical basins of Mexico
      are generally host to a richest and more diversified fauna, that includes more
      families, genera and species, compared to the less rich and less diverse fauna in
      the nearctic basins. 

PMID- 25136980
TI  - Unveiling the correlation between nanometer-thick molecular monolayer sensitivity
      and near-field enhancement and localization in coupled plasmonic oligomers.
AB  - Metal nanoclusters, sometimes called metamolecules or plasmonic oligomers,
      exhibit interesting optical properties such as Fano resonances and optical
      chirality. These properties promise a variety of practical applications,
      particularly in ultrasensitive biochemical sensing. Here we investigate
      experimentally the sensitivities of plasmonic pentamers and quadrumers to the
      adsorption of self-assembled nanometer-thick alkanethiol monolayers. The
      monolayer sensitivity of such oligomers is found to be significantly higher than
      that of single plasmonic nanoparticles and depends on the nanocluster
      arrangement, constituent nanoparticle shape, and the plasmon resonance
      wavelength. Together with full-wave numerical simulation results and the
      electromagnetic perturbation theory, we unveil a direct correlation between the
      sensitivity and the near-field intensity enhancement and spatial localization in
      the plasmonic "hot" spots generated in each nanocluster. Our observation is
      beyond conventional considerations (such as optimizing nanoparticle geometry or
      narrowing resonance line width) for improving the sensing performance of metal
      nanoclusters-based biosensors and opens the possibilities of using plasmonic
      nanoclusters for single-molecule detection and identification. 

PMID- 25136982
TI  - Registration of 2D histological sections with 3D micro-CT datasets from small
      animal vertebrae and tibiae.
AB  - The aim of this study was the registration of digitized thin 2D sections of mouse
      vertebrae and tibiae used for histomorphometry of trabecular bone structure into
      3D micro computed tomography (MUCT) datasets of the samples from which the
      sections were prepared. Intensity-based and segmentation-based registrations
      (SegRegs) of 2D sections and 3D MUCT datasets were applied. As the 2D sections
      were deformed during their preparation, affine registration for the vertebrae was
      used instead of rigid registration. Tibiae sections were additionally cut on the
      distal end, which subsequently undergone more deformation so that elastic
      registration was necessary. The Jaccard distance was used as registration quality
      measure. The quality of intensity-based registrations and SegRegs was practically
      equal, although precision errors of the elastic registration of segmentation
      masks in tibiae were lower, while those in vertebrae were lower for the intensity
      based registration. Results of SegReg significantly depended on the segmentation
      of the MUCT datasets. Accuracy errors were reduced from approximately 64% to 42%
      when applying affine instead of rigid transformations for the vertebrae and from
      about 43% to 24% when using B-spline instead of rigid transformations for the
      tibiae. Accuracy errors can also be caused by the difference in spatial
      resolution between the thin sections (pixel size: 7.25 MUm) and the MUCT data
      (voxel size: 15 MUm). In the vertebrae, average deformations amounted to a 6.7%
      shortening along the direction of sectioning and a 4% extension along the
      perpendicular direction corresponding to 0.13-0.17 mm. Maximum offsets in the
      mouse tibiae were 0.16 mm on average.

PMID- 25136981
TI  - Potentially inappropriate medication use in older patients in Swiss managed care
      plans: prevalence, determinants and association with hospitalization.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence and determinants of potentially
      inappropriate medication (PIM) use and association with hospitalizations in an
      elderly managed care population in Switzerland. METHODS: Using health care claims
      data of four health insurers for a sample of managed care patients 65 years of
      age and older to compare persons on PIM with persons not on PIM. Beers' 2012 and
      PRISCUS criteria were used to determine the potential inappropriateness of
      prescribed medications. The sample included 16'490 elderly patients on PIM and
      33'178 patients not on PIM in the time period of January 1, 2008 through December
      31, 2012. Prevalence estimates are standardized to the population of Switzerland.
      Associations between PIM and hospitalizations were examined by multivariate Cox
      regression analyses controlling for possible confounding variables. RESULTS: The
      estimated prevalence of PIM use in our managed care sample was 22.5%. Logistic
      regression analysis showed that number of different medications used in the
      previous year, total costs in the previous year and hospitalization in the
      previous year all significantly increased the likelihood of receiving PIM.
      Multiple Cox regression analysis revealed that those on cumulative levels of PIM
      use acted significantly as a factor related to greater hospitalization rates: the
      adjusted HR was 1.13 (95% CI 1.07-1.19) for 1 PIM, 1.27 (95% CI 1.19-1.35) for 2
      PIM, 1.35 (95% CI 1.22-1.50) for 3 PIM, and 1.63 (95% CI 1.40-1.90) for more than
      3 PIM compared to no PIM use. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PIM in managed care
      health plans are widely found but seem to be much lower than rates of non-managed
      care plans. Furthermore, our study revealed a significant association with
      adverse outcomes in terms of hospitalizations. These findings stress the need for
      further development of interventions to decrease drug-related problems and manage
      patients with multiple chronic conditions.

PMID- 25136983
TI  - Influence of organic solvents on catalytic behaviors and cell morphology of whole
      cell biocatalysts for synthesis of 5'-arabinocytosine laurate.
AB  - A whole-cell based method was developed for the regioselective synthesis of
      arabinocytosine laurate. Among the seven kinds of bacteria strains tested in the
      acylation reaction, Pseudomonas fluorescens gave the highest productivity and a
      higher 5'-regioselectivity than 99%. Compared with pure organic solvents, the use
      of organic solvent mixtures greatly promoted the yield of the whole-cell
      catalyzed reaction, but showed little influence on the 5'-regioselectivity. Of
      all the tested solvent mixtures, the best reaction result was found in isopropyl
      ether/pyridine followed by isopentanol/pyridine. However, the whole-cells showed
      much lower thermostability in isopropyl ether/pyridine than in THF-pyridine. To
      better understand the toxic effects of the organic solvents on P. fluorescens
      whole-cells and growing cells were further examined. Significant influences of
      organic solvents on the biomass of the cells were found, which differed depending
      on the type of solvents used. SEM analysis visually revealed the changes in the
      surface morphology of whole-cells and growing cells cultured in media containing
      various organic solvents, in terms of surface smoothness, bulges and changed cell
      sizes. Results demonstrated that organic toxicity to cell structure played an
      important role in whole-cell mediated catalysis. 

PMID- 25136985
TI  - Sequential inclusion of two berberine cations in cucurbit[8]uril cavity: kinetic
      and thermodynamic studies.
AB  - A combination of absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic studies with
      isothermal calorimetric titrations and stopped-flow measurements is a powerful
      way to reveal the thermodynamics and kinetics of inclusion complex formation with
      cucurbit[8]uril (CB8). The unique photophysical characteristics of berberine
      (B(+)), a pharmaceutically important natural alkaloid, were exploited to
      distinguish the consecutive encapsulation processes, and to examine the
      confinement in the CB8 cavity. The highly environment sensitive fluorescence
      lifetime of B(+) permitted the selective detection of various cucurbituril
      complexes, and indicated to what extent the embedded guest was available for
      interaction with water. Highly stable 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 B(+) : CB8 complexes were
      produced due to the release of the high energy water molecules from the CB8
      interior, and the second binding step proved to be almost 3 times more
      exothermic. The favorable entropy change contributed appreciably to the driving
      force of 1 : 1 encapsulation. In contrast, the embedment of the second B(+) in
      CB8 led to substantial entropy diminution. The kinetics of encapsulation was
      followed in real time by recording the fluorescence intensity change after rapid
      mixing of B(+) and CB8. No evidence was found for intermediates. The rate
      constants of (64 +/- 9) * 10(6), and (5.0 +/- 0.5) * 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) were found
      for the 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 associations, whereas 3.8 +/- 0.6, and 0.6 +/- 0.1 s(-1)
      were obtained as the rate constants of the reverse processes at 283 K,
      respectively. 

PMID- 25136986
TI  - Interface recombination current in type II heterostructure bipolar diodes.
AB  - Wide-gap semiconductors are often unipolar and can form type II bipolar
      heterostructures with large band discontinuities. We present such diodes with
      very high rectification larger than 1 * 10(10). The current is assumed to be
      entirely due to interface recombination. We derive the ideality factor for both
      symmetric and asymmetric diodes and find it close to 2 in agreement with
      experimental data from NiO/ZnO and CuI/ZnO type II diodes. The comparison with
      experimental results shows that the actual interface recombination rate is orders
      of magnitude smaller than its possible maximum value. 

PMID- 25136984
TI  - Rhinitis, asthma and respiratory infections among adults in relation to the home
      environment in multi-family buildings in Sweden.
AB  - Risk factors for rhinitis, asthma and respiratory infections in the home
      environment were studied by a questionnaire survey. Totally 5775 occupants (>= 18
      years old) from a stratified random sample of multi-family buildings in Sweden
      participated (46%). 51.0% had rhinitis in the last 3 months (current rhinitis);
      11.5% doctor diagnosed asthma; 46.4% respiratory infections in the last 3 months
      and 11.9% antibiotic medication for respiratory infections in the last 12 months.
      Associations between home environment and health were analyzed by multiple
      logistic regression, controlling for gender, age and smoking and mutual
      adjustment. Buildings constructed during 1960-1975 were risk factors for day time
      breathlessness (OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.03-2.29). And those constructed during 1976
      1985 had more current rhinitis (OR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.12-1.84) and respiratory
      infections (OR = 1.46, 95%CI 1.21-1.78). Cities with higher population density
      had more current rhinitis (p = 0.008) and respiratory infections (p<0.001).
      Rented apartments had more current rhinitis (OR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.07-1.40), wheeze
      (OR = 1.20, 95%CI 1.02-1.41), day time breathlessness (OR = 1.31, 95%CI 1.04
      1.66) and respiratory infections (OR = 1.13, 95%CI 1.01-1.26). Living in colder
      parts of the country was a risk factor for wheeze (p = 0.03) and night time
      breathlessness (p = 0.002). Building dampness was a risk factor for wheeze (OR =
      1.42, 95%CI 1.08-1.86) and day time breathlessness (OR = 1.57, 95%CI 1.09-2.27).
      Building dampness was a risk factor for health among those below 66 years old.
      Odor at home was a risk factor for doctor diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.08
      2.06) and current asthma (OR = 1.52, 95%CI 1.03-2.24). Environmental tobacco
      smoke (ETS) was a risk factor for current asthma (OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.09-2.16).
      Window panel condensation was a risk factor for antibiotic medication for
      respiratory infections (OR = 1.41, 95%CI 1.10-1.82). In conclusion, rhinitis,
      asthma and respiratory infections were related to a number of factors in the home
      environment. Certain building years (1961-1985), building dampness, window panel
      condensation and odor in the dwelling may be risk factors.

PMID- 25136987
TI  - The potential impact of a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages on obesity in
      South African adults: a mathematical model.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of obesity in South Africa has risen
      sharply, as has the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Research
      shows that consumption of SSBs leads to weight gain in both adults and children,
      and reducing SSBs will significantly impact the prevalence of obesity and its
      related diseases. We estimated the effect of a 20% tax on SSBs on the prevalence
      of and obesity among adults in South Africa. METHODS: A mathematical simulation
      model was constructed to estimate the effect of a 20% SSB tax on the prevalence
      of obesity. We used consumption data from the 2012 SA National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey and a previous meta-analysis of studies on own- and
      cross-price elasticities of SSBs to estimate the shift in daily energy
      consumption expected of increased prices of SSBs, and energy balance equations to
      estimate shifts in body mass index. The population distribution of BMI by age and
      sex was modelled by fitting measured data from the SA National Income Dynamics
      Survey 2012 to the lognormal distribution and shifting the mean values.
      Uncertainty was assessed with Monte Carlo simulations. RESULTS: A 20% tax is
      predicted to reduce energy intake by about 36 kJ per day (95% CI: 9-68 kJ).
      Obesity is projected to reduce by 3.8% (95% CI: 0.6%-7.1%) in men and 2.4% (95%
      CI: 0.4%-4.4%) in women. The number of obese adults would decrease by over 220
      000 (95% CI: 24 197-411 759). CONCLUSIONS: Taxing SSBs could impact the burden of
      obesity in South Africa particularly in young adults, as one component of a multi
      faceted effort to prevent obesity.

PMID- 25136989
TI  - Non-injection synthesis of doped zinc oxide plasmonic nanocrystals.
AB  - Plasmonic metal oxide nanocrystals bridge the optoelectronic gap between
      semiconductors and metals. In this study, we report a facile, non-injection
      synthesis of ZnO nanocrystals doped with Al, Ga, or In. The reaction readily
      permits dopant/zinc atomic ratios of over 15%, is amenable to high precursor
      concentrations (0.2 M and greater), and provides high reaction yields (>90%). The
      resulting colloidal dispersions exhibit high transparency in the visible spectrum
      and a wavelength-tunable infrared absorption, which arises from a dopant-induced
      surface plasmon resonance. Through a detailed investigation of reaction
      parameters, the reaction mechanism is fully characterized and correlated to the
      optical properties of the synthesized nanocrystals. The distinctive optical
      features of these doped nanocrystals are shown to be readily harnessed within
      thin films that are suitable for optoelectronic applications. 

PMID- 25136990
TI  - Milling, water uptake, and modification properties of different barley (Hordeum
      vulgare L.) lots in relation to grain composition and structure.
AB  - Milling properties, water uptake, and modification in malting were studied in 14
      barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) lots from two consecutive crop years. In all barley
      lots studied, grains with lower beta-glucan and protein content and higher starch
      content produced finer flours upon milling. Grains with lower beta-glucan content
      also hydrated more rapidly during steeping. A detailed study of two cultivars
      from two crop years indicated that similar environmental conditions could induce
      a higher beta-glucan content and concentration of aggregated B hordein in the
      peripheral endosperm and a lower proportion of C hordein entrapped among
      aggregated hordeins deeper within the endosperm. These characteristics were
      associated with production of coarser flours during milling as well as with
      slower water uptake and lower modification. However, the data do not distinguish
      between the effect of beta-glucan content and that of hordein localization.
      Distribution of beta-glucan or total protein within the kernel was not linked to
      hydration or modification. 

PMID- 25136988
TI  - High IL-17E and low IL-17C dermal expression identifies a fibrosis-specific motif
      common to morphea and systemic sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High interleukin (IL)-17A levels are characteristically found in the
      skin of systemic sclerosis (SSc) individuals. Our aim was to investigate whether
      the dermal expression of IL-17A and related IL-17 family members (i.e. IL-17C, IL
      17E and IL-17F) could distinguish fibrotic from healthy skin and could show
      similarities in SSc and morphea, two disorders with presumed distinct
      pathogenesis, but characterized by skin fibrosis. METHODS: Biopsies were obtained
      from the involved skin of 14 SSc, 5 morphea and 8 healthy donors (HD) undergoing
      plastic surgery. Immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence techniques were coupled
      to a semi-automated imaging quantification approach to determine the presence of
      the IL-17 family members in the skin. The in vitro effects induced by the IL-17
      family members on fibroblasts from normal and SSc individuals were assessed by
      ELISA and RIA. RESULTS: Positive cells for each of the IL-17 isoforms
      investigated were present in the dermis of all the individuals tested, though
      with variable frequencies. SSc individuals had increased frequency of IL-17A+ (p
      = 0.0237) and decreased frequency of IL-17F+ (p = 0.0127) and IL-17C+ cells (p =
      0.0008) when compared to HD. Similarly, morphea individuals had less frequent IL
      17C+ cells (p = 0.0186) in their skin but showed similar number of IL-17A+ and IL
      17F+ cells when compared to HD. Finally, IL-17E+ cells were more numerous in
      morphea (p = 0.0109) and tended to be more frequent in SSc than in HD. Fibroblast
      production of IL-6, MMP-1 and MCP-1 was enhanced in a dose-dependent manner in
      the presence of IL-17E and IL-17F, but not in the presence of IL-17C. None of the
      cytokine tested had significant effect on type I collagen production. Of
      interest, in SSc the frequency of both IL-17A and IL-17F positive cells increased
      with disease duration. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of IL-17A and IL-17F
      distinguish SSc to morphea individuals while dermal expression of IL-17C (low)
      and IL-17E (high) identifies a fibrosis-specific motif. The specific IL-17C/IL
      17E cytokine combination may thus play a role in the development of fibrosis.

PMID- 25136991
TI  - Visible light-driven pure water splitting by a nature-inspired organic
      semiconductor-based system.
AB  - For the first time, it is demonstrated that the robust organic semiconductor g
      C3N4 can be integrated into a nature-inspired water splitting system, analogous
      to PSII and PSI in natural photosynthesis. Two parallel systems have been
      developed for overall water splitting under visible light involving graphitic
      carbon nitride with two different metal oxides, BiVO4 and WO3. Consequently, both
      hydrogen and oxygen can be evolved in an ideal ratio of 2:1, and evolution rates
      in both systems have been found to be dependent on pH, redox mediator
      concentration, and mass ratio between the two photocatalysts, leading to a stable
      and reproducible H2 and O2 evolution rate at 36 and 18 MUmol h(-1) g(-1) from
      water over 14 h. Our findings demonstrate g-C3N4 can serve as a multifunctional
      robust photocatalyst, which could also be used in other systems such as PEC cells
      or coupled solar cell systems. 

PMID- 25136992
TI  - Magnetic coupling and slow relaxation of magnetization in chain-based Mn(II),
      Co(II), and Ni(II) coordination frameworks.
AB  - Three isomorphous coordination polymers based on the chain with triple (MU-1,1
      N3)(MU-1,3-COO)2 bridges have been synthesized from a new zwitterionic
      dicarboxylate ligand [L(-) = 1-(4-carboxylatobenzyl)pyridinium-4-carboxylate].
      They are of formula [M(L)(N3)]n.3nH2O [M = Mn(II), Co(II), and Ni(II)]. In these
      compounds, the mixed-bridge chains are linked into 2D coordination networks by
      the N-benzylpyridinium spacers. The magnetic properties depend strongly on the
      nature of the metal center. The magnetic coupling through (MU-1,1-N3)(MU-1,3
      COO)2 is antiferromagnetic in the Mn(II) compound but ferromagnetic in the Co(II)
      and Ni(II) analogues. Magnetostructural analyses indicate that the magnitude of
      the magnetic coupling can be correlated to the M-N-M angle of the azide bridge
      and the average M-O-C-O torsion angle of the carboxylate bridge. As the values of
      these parameters increase, the antiferromagnetic coupling for Mn(II) decreases
      while the ferromagnetic coupling for Co(II) increases. With strong magnetic
      anisotropy, the Co(II) compound behaves as a single-chain magnet showing
      hysteresis and Glauber-type slow dynamics probably in the infinite-chain region,
      with Delta(tau)/k = 86 K, Delta(xi)/k = 26 K, and Delta(A)/k = 34 K. With weaker
      anisotropy, the Ni(II) species shows slow relaxation of magnetization at much
      lower temperature.

PMID- 25136993
TI  - Do neuraxial techniques affect perioperative outcomes? The story of vantage
      points and number games.

PMID- 25136994
TI  - Vitamin D and your patients: don't accept wimpy.

PMID- 25136995
TI  - The growing burden of perioperative heart failure.

PMID- 25136996
TI  - Hydroxyethyl starches: a tale of two contexts: the problem of knowledge.

PMID- 25136997
TI  - Cognitive outcomes after infant spinal anesthesia: the other side of the coin.

PMID- 25136998
TI  - Goal-directed therapy: time to move on?

PMID- 25136999
TI  - Hypovitaminosis D in hospitalized patients: a marker of frailty or a disease
      requiring treatment?

PMID- 25137000
TI  - Positive end-expiratory pressure to increase internal jugular vein size is poorly
      tolerated in obese anesthetized adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Central venous cannulation is technically challenging in obese
      patients. We hypothesized that positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) increases
      the size of the internal jugular vein (IJV) in obese adults. METHODS: The
      circumference and cross-sectional area of the IJV were measured in obese patients
      under general anesthesia at PEEP 0, 5, and 10 cm H2O. Results are reported as
      means +/- SE. RESULTS: PEEP at 10 cm H2O was tolerated by 18 of 24 obese
      patients. Each 5 cm H2O of PEEP increased the cross-sectional area by 0.16 +/-
      0.02 cm (P < 0.0001) and the circumference by 0.23 +/- 0.03 cm (P < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: PEEP modestly increases the size of the IJV in obese adults but was
      poorly tolerated because of hypotension.

PMID- 25137001
TI  - Neurodevelopmental assessment after anesthesia in childhood: review of the
      literature and recommendations.
AB  - Preclinical studies have established that anesthesia is toxic to the brain in
      neonatal animals, but scant research investigates the neurodevelopmental effects
      of exposure to anesthesia. In this article, we discuss the issue of outcome
      measurement of children after anesthesia administered between infancy and
      approximately 4 years of age. Recent studies are reviewed with the goal of
      understanding the contributions and limitations of the extant literature with
      respect to neurodevelopmental outcome. A review of school-based information
      (academic achievement and learning disability characterization), which are most
      frequently applied to measure cognitive outcome in cohort studies, is provided.
      The strengths and limitations of this literature is reviewed, followed by a
      discussion of how future trials investigating neurodevelopmental outcome after
      anesthesia might be improved by procedures designed specifically to assess the
      status of the central nervous system. Neuropsychological assessment is described
      and proposed as a way to increase the validity and sensitivity of forthcoming
      studies that intend to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of exposure to
      anesthesia during infancy and early childhood. 

PMID- 25137002
TI  - Bernoulli Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) control charts for monitoring of
      anesthesiologists' performance in supervising anesthesia residents and nurse
      anesthetists.
AB  - We describe our experiences in using Bernoulli cumulative sum (CUSUM) control
      charts for monitoring clinician performance. The supervision provided by each
      anesthesiologist is evaluated daily by the Certified Registered Nurse
      Anesthetists (CRNAs) and/or anesthesia residents with whom they work. Each of 9
      items is evaluated (1 = never, 2 = rarely, 3 = frequently, 4 = always). The score
      is the mean of the 9 responses. Choosing thresholds for low scores is
      straightforward, <2.0 for CRNAs and <3.0 for residents. Bernoulli CUSUM detection
      of low scores was within 50 +/- 14 (median +/- quartile deviation) days rather
      than 182 days without use of CUSUM. The true positive detection of
      anesthesiologists with incidences of low scores greater than the chosen "out-of
      control" rate was 14 of 14. The false-positive detection rate was 0 of 29. This
      CUSUM performance exceeded that of Shewhart individual control charts, for which
      the smallest threshold sufficiently large to detect 14 of 14 true positives had
      false-positive detection of 16 of 29 anesthesiologists. The Bernoulli CUSUM
      assumes that scores are known right away, which is untrue. However, CUSUM
      performance was insensitive to this assumption. The Bernoulli CUSUM assumes
      statistical independence of scores, which also is untrue. For example, when an
      evaluation of an anesthesiologist 1 day by a CRNA had a low score, there was an
      increased chance that another CRNA working in a different operating room on the
      same day would also give that same anesthesiologist a low score (P < 0.0001).
      This correlation among scores does affect the Bernoulli CUSUM, such that
      detection is more likely. This is an advantage for our continual process
      improvement application since it flags individuals for further evaluation by
      managers while maintaining confidentiality of raters. 

PMID- 25137004
TI  - Intravenous starches: is suspension the best solution?

PMID- 25137003
TI  - Interleukin 10 mediated by herpes simplex virus vectors suppresses neuropathic
      pain induced by human immunodeficiency virus gp120 in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated sensory neuropathy is a
      common neurological complication of HIV infection affecting up to 30% of HIV
      positive individuals. However, the exact neuropathological mechanisms remain
      unknown, which hinders our ability to develop effective treatments for HIV
      related neuropathic pain (NP). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that
      inhibition of proinflammatory factors with overexpression of interleukin (IL)-10
      reduces HIV-related NP in a rat model. METHODS: NP was induced by the application
      of recombinant HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 into the sciatic nerve. The hindpaws
      of rats were inoculated with nonreplicating herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors
      expressing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 or control vector. Mechanical
      threshold was tested using von Frey filaments before and after treatments with
      the vectors. The mechanical threshold response was assessed over time using the
      area under curves. The expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated kinase,
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha, stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha, and C-X-C
      chemokine receptor type 4 in both the lumbar spinal cord and the L4/5 dorsal root
      ganglia (DRG), was examined at 14 and 28 days after vector inoculation using
      Western blots. RESULTS: We found that in the gp120-induced NP model, IL-10
      overexpression mediated by the HSV vector resulted in a significant elevation of
      the mechanical threshold that was apparent on day 3 after vector inoculation
      compared with the control vector (P < 0.001). The antiallodynic effect of the
      single HSV vector inoculation expressing IL-10 lasted >28 days. The area under
      curve in the HSV vector expressing IL-10 was increased compared with that in the
      control vector (P < 0.0001). HSV vectors expressing IL-10 reversed the
      upregulation of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated kinase, tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha, stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha, and C-X-C chemokine receptor
      type 4 expression at 14 and/or 28 days in the DRG and/or the spinal dorsal horn.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our studies demonstrate that blocking the signaling of these
      proinflammatory molecules in the DRG and/or the spinal cord using the HSV vector
      expressing IL-10 is able to reduce HIV-related NP. These results provide new
      insights on the potential mechanisms of HIV-associated NP and a proof of concept
      for treating painful HIV sensory neuropathy with this type of gene therapy.

PMID- 25137005
TI  - Volume therapy with hydroxyethyl starches: are we throwing the anesthesia baby
      out with the intensive care unit bathwater?

PMID- 25137006
TI  - Does regional analgesia for major surgery improve outcome? Focus on epidural
      analgesia.

PMID- 25137007
TI  - Does it expire, or doesn't it? Only the manufacturer knows for sure.

PMID- 25137008
TI  - Plagiarism by any other name (author)?

PMID- 25137009
TI  - Textbook plagiarism reform.

PMID- 25137010
TI  - Why is there still plagiarism?

PMID- 25137011
TI  - In response.

PMID- 25137012
TI  - Improved quality of anesthesia and cancer recurrence studies.

PMID- 25137013
TI  - Small-molecule inhibitors of SETD8 with cellular activity.
AB  - SETD8/SET8/Pr-SET7/KMT5A is the sole protein lysine methyltransferase (PKMT)
      known to monomethylate lysine 20 of histone H4 in vivo. SETD8's methyltransferase
      activity has been implicated in many essential cellular processes including DNA
      replication, DNA damage response, transcription modulation, and cell cycle
      regulation. Developing SETD8 inhibitors with cellular activity is a key step
      toward elucidating the diverse roles of SETD8 via convenient pharmacological
      perturbation. From the hits of a prior high throughput screen (HTS), SPS8I1-3
      (NSC663284, BVT948, and ryuvidine) were validated as potent SETD8 inhibitors.
      These compounds contain different structural motifs and inhibit SETD8 via
      distinct modes. More importantly, these compounds show cellular activity by
      suppressing the H4K20me1 mark of SETD8 and recapitulate characteristic S/G2/M
      phase cell cycle defects as observed for RNAi-mediated SETD8 knockdown. The
      commonality of SPS8I1-3 against SETD8, together with their distinct structures
      and mechanisms for SETD8 inhibition, argues for the collective application of
      these compounds as SETD8 inhibitors. 

PMID- 25137014
TI  - New glycoproteomics software, GlycoPep Evaluator, generates decoy glycopeptides
      de novo and enables accurate false discovery rate analysis for small data sets.
AB  - Glycoproteins are biologically significant large molecules that participate in
      numerous cellular activities. In order to obtain site-specific protein
      glycosylation information, intact glycopeptides, with the glycan attached to the
      peptide sequence, are characterized by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) methods
      such as collision-induced dissociation (CID) and electron transfer dissociation
      (ETD). While several emerging automated tools are developed, no consensus is
      present in the field about the best way to determine the reliability of the tools
      and/or provide the false discovery rate (FDR). A common approach to calculate
      FDRs for glycopeptide analysis, adopted from the target-decoy strategy in
      proteomics, employs a decoy database that is created based on the target protein
      sequence database. Nonetheless, this approach is not optimal in measuring the
      confidence of N-linked glycopeptide matches, because the glycopeptide data set is
      considerably smaller compared to that of peptides, and the requirement of a
      consensus sequence for N-glycosylation further limits the number of possible
      decoy glycopeptides tested in a database search. To address the need to
      accurately determine FDRs for automated glycopeptide assignments, we developed
      GlycoPep Evaluator (GPE), a tool that helps to measure FDRs in identifying
      glycopeptides without using a decoy database. GPE generates decoy glycopeptides
      de novo for every target glycopeptide, in a 1:20 target-to-decoy ratio. The
      decoys, along with target glycopeptides, are scored against the ETD data, from
      which FDRs can be calculated accurately based on the number of decoy matches and
      the ratio of the number of targets to decoys, for small data sets. GPE is freely
      accessible for download and can work with any search engine that interprets ETD
      data of N-linked glycopeptides. The software is provided at
      https://desairegroup.ku.edu/research.

PMID- 25137016
TI  - Recent developments in transition metal-catalysed spiroketalisation.
AB  - The spiroketal motif occurs in a wide range of biologically active natural
      products and represents a valuable target in medicinal chemistry and total
      synthesis. In recent years, innovative new synthetic methods have substantially
      expanded the range of potential precursors, cyclisation modes and opportunities
      for asymmetric catalysis and tandem processes. This Perspective aims to highlight
      recent rapid advances in the use of transition metal catalysis for spiroketal
      formation, in the context of our own investigations into gold-catalysed
      asymmetric spiroketalisation. 

PMID- 25137015
TI  - Synthesis of aliphatic sulfur pentafluorides by oxidation of SF5-containing
      anisole, phenols, and anilines.
AB  - 4-(Pentafluorosulfanyl)catechol, 2-amino-4-(pentafluorosulfanyl)phenol, and 2
      amino-5-(pentafluorosulfanyl)phenol undergo oxidation by lead tetraacetate at
      ambient temperature leading to dearomatization and the formation of SF5
      substituted nitriles and esters of cis,cis-hexa-2,4-dienedioic (muconic) acid in
      good yields. 4-(Pentafluorosulfanyl)phenol and 4-(pentafluorosulfanyl)anisole are
      oxidized by 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide in concentrated sulfuric acid to
      provide 2-(5-oxo-3-(pentafluorosulfanyl)-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-yl)acetic acid [3
      (pentafluorosulfanyl)muconolactone] and small amounts of side products--SF5
      containing maleic and succinic acids. The methods presented are the first
      examples of the practical synthesis of aliphatic SF5-containing compounds from
      readily available aromatic ones.

PMID- 25137017
TI  - Key role of dual specificity kinase TTK in proliferation and survival of
      pancreatic cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most aggressive
      human malignancies with an overall 5-year survival rate of <5%. Despite
      significant advances in treatment of the disease during the past decade, the
      median survival rate (~6 months) has hardly improved, warranting the need to
      identify novel targets for therapeutic approaches. METHODS: Quantitative real
      time PCR, western blot analyses and immunohistochemical staining of tissue
      microarrays were used to analyse the expression of TTK gene in primary PDAC
      tissues and cell lines. To inhibit TTK kinase expression in a variety of
      pancreatic cancer cell lines, RNA interference was used. Functional roles of this
      kinase in the context of PDAC were studied using cell proliferation, viability
      and anchorage-independent growth assays. Western blotting, fluorescence-activated
      cell sorting analyses and fluorescence microscopy were used to gain mechanistic
      insight into the functional effects. CONCLUSIONS: We show that the dual
      specificity kinase TTK (also known as Mps1), is strongly overexpressed in human
      PDAC. Functionally, cell proliferation was significantly attenuated following TTK
      knockdown, whereas apoptosis and necrosis rates were significantly increased. In
      addition, anchorage-independent growth, a hallmark of malignant transformation
      and metastatic potential, was strongly impaired in the absence of TTK gene
      function. Interestingly, immortalised normal pancreatic hTERT-HPNE cells were not
      affected by loss of TTK function. Mechanistically, these effects in cancer cells
      were associated with increased formation of micronuclei, suggesting that loss of
      TTK function in pancreatic cancer cells results in chromosomal instability and
      mitotic catastrophe. Taken together, our data show that TTK function is critical
      for growth and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells, thus establishing this
      kinase as an interesting new target for novel therapeutic approaches in combating
      this malignancy.

PMID- 25137019
TI  - Serum endostatin levels are elevated in colorectal cancer and correlate with
      invasion and systemic inflammatory markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endostatin, a fragment of collagen XVIII, is an endogenous
      angiogenesis inhibitor with anti-tumour functions. However, elevated circulating
      endostatin concentrations have been found in several human cancers including
      colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Serum endostatin levels were measured by enzyme
      linked immunoassay from a series of 143 patients with CRC and from 84 controls,
      and correlated with detailed clinicopathological features of CRC, serum leukocyte
      differential count and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. RESULTS: Patients with
      CRC had higher serum endostatin levels than the controls (P=0.005), and high
      levels associated with age, tumour invasion through the muscularis propria and
      poor differentiation, but not with metastases. Endostatin levels showed a
      positive correlation with the markers of systemic inflammatory response and a
      negative correlation with the densities of tumour-infiltrating mast cells and
      dendritic cells. Collagen XVIII was expressed in tumour stroma most strikingly in
      blood vessels and capillaries, and in the muscle layer of the bowel wall.
      CONCLUSIONS: Elevated endostatin levels in CRC correlate with systemic
      inflammation and invasion through the muscularis propria. Increased endostatin
      level may be a result of invasion-related cleavage of collagen XVIII expressed in
      the bowel wall. The negative correlations between serum endostatin and
      intratumoural mast cells and immature dendritic cells may reflect angiogenesis
      inhibition by endostatin.

PMID- 25137018
TI  - Urinary TIMP-1 and MMP-2 levels detect the presence of pancreatic malignancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A majority of patients with pancreatic malignancies, including both
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours
      (pNETs), present with advanced disease due to a lack of specific symptoms and
      current diagnostic limitations, making this disease extremely difficult to
      detect. Our goal was to determine whether urinary matrix metalloproteases (uMMPs)
      and/or their endogenous inhibitors, urinary tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases
      (uTIMPs), could be detected in the urine of patients with pancreatic malignancies
      and whether they may serve as independent predictors of disease status. METHODS:
      Retrospective analyses of urine samples (n=139) from PDAC and pNET patients as
      well as age- and sex-matched controls were conducted. Urinary MMP-2 and uTIMP-1
      levels were determined using ELISA and zymography. Biomarker expression in tumour
      and normal pancreatic tissues was analysed via immunohistochemistry (IHC).
      RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that, when
      controlling for age and sex, uMMP-2 (P<0.0001) and uTIMP-1 (P<0.0001) but not
      uMMP-9, were significant independent predictors for distinguishing between PDAC
      patients and healthy controls. Our data also indicated that uMMP-2 was an
      independent predictor of the presence of pNET. In addition, uTIMP-1 levels could
      differentiate the two cancer groups, PDAC and pNET, respectively.
      Immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed that MMP-2 and TIMP-1 protein expression
      is significantly upregulated in PDAC tissue compared with the normal pancreas.
      CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results suggest that the detection of uMMP-2 and
      uTIMP-1 may have diagnostic value in the detection of pancreatic malignancies and
      that uTIMP-1 may be useful in distinguishing between pancreatic adenocarcinoma
      and neuroendocrine tumours.

PMID- 25137023
TI  - Probing the optical property and electronic structure of TiO2 nanomaterials for
      renewable energy applications.

PMID- 25137021
TI  - Chromosome 9p deletion in clear cell renal cell carcinoma predicts recurrence and
      survival following surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wider clinical applications of 9p status in clear cell renal cell
      carcinoma (ccRCC) are limited owing to the lack of validation and consensus for
      interphase fluorescent in situ hybridisation (I-FISH) scoring technique. The aim
      of this study was to analytically validate the applicability of I-FISH in
      assessing 9p deletion in ccRCC and to clinically assess its long-term prognostic
      impact following surgical excision of ccRCC. METHODS: Tissue microarrays were
      constructed from 108 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tumour paraffin blocks.
      Interphase fluorescent in situ hybridisation analysis was undertaken based on
      preset criteria by two independent observers to assess interobserver variability.
      9p status in ccRCC tumours was determined and correlated to clinicopathological
      variables, recurrence-free survival and disease-specific survival. RESULTS: There
      were 80 ccRCCs with valid 9p scoring and a median follow-up of 95 months. Kappa
      statistic for interobserver variability was 0.71 (good agreement). 9p deletion
      was detected in 44% of ccRCCs. 9p loss was associated with higher stage, larger
      tumours, necrosis, microvascular and renal vein invasion, and higher SSIGN
      (stage, size, grade and necrosis) score. Patients with 9p-deleted ccRCC were at a
      higher risk of recurrence (P=0.008) and RCC-specific mortality (P=0.001). On
      multivariate analysis, 9p deletion was an independent predictor of recurrence
      (hazard ratio 4.323; P=0.021) and RCC-specific mortality (hazard ratio 4.603;
      P=0.007). The predictive accuracy of SSIGN score improved from 87.7% to 93.1% by
      integrating 9p status to the model (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Loss of 9p is
      associated with aggressive ccRCC and worse prognosis in patients following
      surgery. Our findings independently confirm the findings of previous reports
      relying on I-FISH to detect 9p (CDKN2A) deletion.

PMID- 25137020
TI  - Phorbol ester stimulates ethanolamine release from the metastatic basal prostate
      cancer cell line PC3 but not from prostate epithelial cell lines LNCaP and P4E6.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignancy alters cellular complex lipid metabolism and membrane
      lipid composition and turnover. Here, we investigated whether tumorigenesis in
      cancer-derived prostate epithelial cell lines influences protein kinase C-linked
      turnover of ethanolamine phosphoglycerides (EtnPGs) and alters the pattern of
      ethanolamine (Etn) metabolites released to the medium. METHODS: Prostate
      epithelial cell lines P4E6, LNCaP and PC3 were models of prostate cancer (PCa).
      PNT2C2 and PNT1A were models of benign prostate epithelia. Cellular EtnPGs were
      labelled with [1-(3)H]-Etn hydrochloride. PKC was activated with phorbol ester
      (TPA) and inhibited with Ro31-8220 and GF109203X. D609 was used to inhibit PLD
      (phospholipase D). [(3)H]-labelled Etn metabolites were resolved by ion-exchange
      chromatography. Sodium oleate and mastoparan were tested as activators of PLD2.
      Phospholipase D activity was measured by a transphosphatidylation reaction. Cells
      were treated with ionomycin to raise intracellular Ca(2+) levels. RESULTS:
      Unstimulated cell lines release mainly Etn and glycerylphosphorylEtn (GPEtn) to
      the medium. Phorbol ester treatment over 3h increased Etn metabolite release from
      the metastatic PC3 cell line and the benign cell lines PNT2C2 and PNT1A but not
      from the tumour-derived cell lines P4E6 and LNCaP; this effect was blocked by
      Ro31-8220 and GF109203X as well as by D609, which inhibited PLD in a
      transphosphatidylation reaction. Only metastatic PC3 cells specifically
      upregulated Etn release in response to TPA treatment. Oleate and mastoparan
      increased GPEtn release from all cell lines at the expense of Etn. Ionomycin
      stimulated GPEtn release from benign PNT2C2 cells but not from cancer-derived
      cell lines P4E6 or PC3. Ethanolamine did not stimulate the proliferation of LNCaP
      or PC3 cell lines but decreased the uptake of choline (Cho). CONCLUSIONS: Only
      the metastatic basal PC3 cell line specifically increased the release of Etn on
      TPA treatment most probably by PKC activation of PLD1 and increased turnover of
      EtnPGs. The phosphatidic acid formed will maintain a cancer phenotype through the
      regulation of mTOR. Ethanolamine released from cells may reduce Cho uptake,
      regulating the membrane PtdEtn:PtdCho ratio and influencing the action of PtdEtn
      binding proteins such as RKIP and the anti-apoptotic hPEBP4. The work highlights
      a difference between LNCaP cells used as a model of androgen-dependent early
      stage PCa and androgen-independent PC3 cells used to model later refractory stage
      disease.

PMID- 25137024
TI  - Ab initio study of potential ultrafast internal conversion routes in oxybenzone,
      caffeic acid, and ferulic acid: implications for sunscreens.
AB  - Oxybenzone (OB) and ferulic acid (FA) both find use in commercial sunscreens;
      caffeic acid (CA) differs from FA by virtue of an -OH group in place of a -OCH3
      group on the aromatic ring. We report the results of ab initio calculations
      designed to explore the excited state nonradiative relaxation pathways that
      provide photostability to these molecules and the photoprotection they offer
      toward UV-A and UV-B radiation. In the case of OB, internal conversion (IC) is
      deduced to occur on ultrafast time scales, via a barrierless electron-driven H
      atom transfer pathway from the S1(1(1)npi*) state to a conical intersection (CI)
      with the ground (S0) state potential energy surface (PES). The situation with
      respect to CA and FA is somewhat less clear-cut, with low energy CIs identified
      by linking excited states to the S0 state following photoexcitation and
      subsequent evolution along (i) a ring centered out-of-plane deformation
      coordinate, (ii) the E/Z isomerism coordinate and, in the case of CA, (iii) an O
      H stretch coordinate. Analogy with catechol suggests that the last of these
      processes (if active) would lead to radical formation (and thus potential
      phototoxicity), encouraging a suggestion that FA might be superior to CA as a
      sunscreen ingredient. 

PMID- 25137022
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of alternative strategies for integrating MRI into breast
      cancer screening for women at high risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended for women at high
      risk for breast cancer. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of alternative
      screening strategies involving MRI. METHODS: Using a microsimulation model, we
      generated life histories under different risk profiles, and assessed the impact
      of screening on quality-adjusted life-years, and lifetime costs, both discounted
      at 3%. We compared 12 screening strategies combining annual or biennial MRI with
      mammography and clinical breast examination (CBE) in intervals of 0.5, 1, or 2
      years vs without, and reported incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).
      RESULTS: Based on an ICER threshold of $100,000/QALY, the most cost-effective
      strategy for women at 25% lifetime risk was to stagger MRI and mammography plus
      CBE every year from age 30 to 74, yielding ICER $58,400 (compared to biennial MRI
      alone). At 50% lifetime risk and with 70% reduction in MRI cost, the recommended
      strategy was to stagger MRI and mammography plus CBE every 6 months
      (ICER=$84,400). At 75% lifetime risk, the recommended strategy is biennial MRI
      combined with mammography plus CBE every 6 months (ICER=$62,800). CONCLUSIONS:
      The high costs of MRI and its lower specificity are limiting factors for annual
      screening schedule of MRI, except for women at sufficiently high risk.

PMID- 25137025
TI  - Somatotropinomas, but not nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas, maintain a
      functional apoptotic RET/Pit1/ARF/p53 pathway that is blocked by excess GDNF.
AB  - Acromegaly is caused by somatotroph cell adenomas (somatotropinomas [ACROs]),
      which secrete GH. Human and rodent somatotroph cells express the RET receptor. In
      rodents, when normal somatotrophs are deprived of the RET ligand, GDNF (Glial
      Cell Derived Neurotrophic Factor), RET is processed intracellularly to induce
      overexpression of Pit1 [Transcription factor (gene : POUF1) essential for
      transcription of Pituitary hormones GH, PRL and TSHb], which in turn leads to
      p19Arf/p53-dependent apoptosis. Our purpose was to ascertain whether human ACROs
      maintain the RET/Pit1/p14ARF/p53/apoptosis pathway, relative to nonfunctioning
      pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). Apoptosis in the absence and presence of GDNF was
      studied in primary cultures of 8 ACROs and 3 NFPAs. Parallel protein extracts
      were analyzed for expression of RET, Pit1, p19Arf, p53, and phospho-Akt. When
      GDNF deprived, ACRO cells, but not NFPAs, presented marked level of apoptosis
      that was prevented in the presence of GDNF. Apoptosis was accompanied by RET
      processing, Pit1 accumulation, and p14ARF and p53 induction. GDNF prevented all
      these effects via activation of phospho-AKT. Overexpression of human Pit1 (hPit1)
      directly induced p19Arf/p53 and apoptosis in a pituitary cell line. Using in
      silico studies, 2 CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (cEBPalpha) consensus
      binding sites were found to be 100% conserved in mouse, rat, and hPit1 promoters.
      Deletion of 1 cEBPalpha site prevented the RET-induced increase in hPit1 promoter
      expression. TaqMan qRT-PCR (real time RT-PCR) for RET, Pit1, Arf, TP53, GDNF,
      steroidogenic factor 1, and GH was performed in RNA from whole ACRO and NFPA
      tumors. ACRO but not NFPA adenomas express RET and Pit1. GDNF expression in the
      tumors was positively correlated with RET and negatively correlated with p53. In
      conclusion, ACROs maintain an active RET/Pit1/p14Arf/p53/apoptosis pathway that
      is inhibited by GDNF. Disruption of GDNF's survival function might constitute a
      new therapeutic route in acromegaly.

PMID- 25137026
TI  - Triiodothyronine prevents cardiac ischemia/reperfusion mitochondrial impairment
      and cell loss by regulating miR30a/p53 axis.
AB  - Mitochondrial dysfunctions critically affect cardiomyocyte survival during
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this scenario p53 activates multiple
      signaling pathways that impair cardiac mitochondria and promote cell death. p53
      is a validated target of miR-30 whose levels fall under ischemic conditions.
      Although triiodothyronine (T3) rescues post-ischemic mitochondrial activity and
      cell viability, no data are available on its role in the modulation of p53
      signaling in I/R. Here we test the hypothesis that early T3 supplementation in
      rats inhibits the post I/R activation of p53 pro-death cascade through the
      maintenance of miRNA 30a expression. In our model, T3 infusion improves the
      recovery of post-ischemic cardiac performance. At the molecular level, the
      beneficial effect of T3 is associated with restored levels of miR-30a expression
      in the area at risk (AAR) that correspond to p53 mRNA downregulation. The
      concomitant decrease in p53 protein content reduces Bax expression and limits
      mitochondrial membrane depolarization resulting in preserved mitochondrial
      function and decreased apoptosis and necrosis extent in the AAR. Also in primary
      cardiomyocyte culture of neonatal rats, T3 prevents both miR-30a downregulation
      and p53 raise induced by hypoxia. The regulatory effect of T3 is greatly
      suppressed by miR-30a knockdown. Overall these data suggest a new mechanism of T3
      mediated cardioprotection that is targeted to mitochondria and acts, at least in
      part, through the regulation of miR-30a/p53 axis.

PMID- 25137028
TI  - Progesterone induces RhoA Inactivation in male rat aortic smooth muscle cells
      through up-regulation of p27(kip1.).
AB  - Previously, we showed that progesterone (P4) at physiologic concentrations (5nM
      500nM) inhibits proliferation and migration of rat aortic smooth muscle cells
      (RASMCs). The P4-induced migration inhibition in RASMC was resulted from Rat
      sacroma homolog gene family, member A (RhoA) inactivation induced by activating
      the cSrc/AKT/ERK 2/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated signaling
      pathway. We also demonstrated that up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase
      inhibitor 1B (p27(kip1)) is involved in the P4-induced migration inhibition in
      RASMC. Because P4 can increase formation of the p27(kip1)-RhoA complex in RASMC,
      this finding led us to hypothesize that the P4-induced inactivation in RhoA might
      be caused by up-regulation of p27(kip1). Here, we showed that P4 increased
      phosphorylation of p27(kip1) at Ser10 in the nucleus, which in turn caused
      p27(kip1) translocation from the nucleus to the cytosol, subsequently increasing
      formation of the p27(kip1)-RhoA complex. These effects were blocked by knocking
      down kinase-interacting stathmin (KIS) using KIS small interfering RNA. Knock
      down of p27(kip1) abolished the P4-induced decreases in the level of RhoA protein
      in RASMC. However, pretreatment of RASMC with the proteasome inhibitor, N
      (benzyloxycarbonyl)leucinylleucinylleucinal (MG132), prevented the P4-induced
      degradation of p27(kip1) and RhoA. Taken together, our investigation of P4
      induced migration inhibition in RASMC showed a sequence of associated
      intracellular events that included 1) increase in formation of the KIS-p27(kip1)
      complex in the nucleus; 2) phosphorylated nuclear p27(kip1) at Ser10; 3)
      increased cytosolic translocation of p27(kip1) and formation of the p27(kip1)
      RhoA complex in the cytosol; and 4) degradation of p27(kip1) and RhoA through the
      ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. These findings highlight the molecular mechanisms
      underlying P4-induced migration inhibition in RASMC.

PMID- 25137027
TI  - Role of melanocortin signaling in neuroendocrine and metabolic actions of leptin
      in male rats with uncontrolled diabetes.
AB  - Although the antidiabetic effects of leptin require intact neuronal melanocortin
      signaling in rodents with uncontrolled diabetes (uDM), increased melanocortin
      signaling is not sufficient to mimic leptin's glucose-lowering effects. The
      current studies were undertaken to clarify the role of melanocortin signaling in
      leptin's ability to correct metabolic and neuroendocrine disturbances associated
      with uDM. To accomplish this, bilateral cannulae were implanted in the lateral
      ventricle of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and leptin was coinfused
      with varying doses of the melanocortin 3/4 receptor (MC3/4R) antagonist, SHU9119.
      An additional cohort of streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats received
      intracerebroventricular administration of either the MC3/4R agonist, melanotan
      II, or its vehicle. Consistent with previous findings, leptin's glucose-lowering
      effects were blocked by intracerebroventricular SHU9119. In contrast, leptin
      mediated suppression of hyperglucagonemia involves both melanocortin dependent
      and independent mechanisms, and the degree of glucagon inhibition was associated
      with reduced plasma ketone body levels. Increased central nervous system
      melanocortin signaling alone fails to mimic leptin's ability to correct any of
      the metabolic or neuroendocrine disturbances associated with uDM. Moreover, the
      inability of increased melanocortin signaling to lower diabetic hyperglycemia
      does not appear to be secondary to release of the endogenous MC3/4R inverse
      agonist, Agouti-related peptide (AgRP), because AgRP knockout mice did not show
      increased susceptibility to the antidiabetic effects of increased MC3/4R
      signaling. Overall, these data suggest that 1) AgRP is not a major driver of
      diabetic hyperglycemia, 2) mechanisms independent of melanocortin signaling
      contribute to leptin's antidiabetic effects, and 3) melanocortin receptor
      blockade dissociates leptin's glucose-lowering effect from its action on other
      features of uDM, including reversal of hyperglucagonemia and ketosis, suggesting
      that brain control of ketosis, but not blood glucose levels, is glucagon
      dependent.

PMID- 25137030
TI  - Calculating hominin and nonhuman anthropoid femoral head diameter from acetabular
      size.
AB  - Femoral head size provides important information on body size in extinct species.
      Although it is well-known that femoral head size is correlated with acetabular
      size, the precision with which femoral head size can be estimated from acetabular
      size has not been quantified. The availability of accurate 3D surface models of
      fossil acetabular remains opens the possibility of obtaining accurate estimates
      of femoral head size from even fragmentary fossil remains [Hammond et al.,: Am J
      Phys Anthropol 150 (2013) 565-578]. Here we evaluate the relationship between
      spheres fit to surface models of the femoral head and acetabulum of a large
      sample of extant anthropoid primates. Sphere diameters are tightly correlated and
      scale isometrically. In spite of significant taxonomic and possibly functional
      differences in the relationship between femoral head size and acetabulum size,
      percent prediction errors of estimated femoral head size remain low regardless of
      the taxonomic composition of the reference sample. We provide estimates of
      femoral head size for a series of fossil hominins and monkeys.

PMID- 25137029
TI  - In vivo fluorescence imaging and urinary monoamines as surrogate biomarkers of
      disease progression in a mouse model of pheochromocytoma.
AB  - Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) is a rare but potentially lethal neuroendocrine tumor
      arising from catecholamine-producing chromaffin cells. Especially for metastatic
      PHEO, the availability of animal models is essential for developing novel
      therapies. For evaluating therapeutic outcome in rodent PHEO models, reliable
      quantification of multiple organ lesions depends on dedicated small-animal in
      vivo imaging, which is still challenging and only available at specialized
      research facilities. Here, we investigated whether whole-body fluorescence
      imaging and monitoring of urinary free monoamines provide suitable parameters for
      measuring tumor progression in a murine allograft model of PHEO. We generated an
      mCherry-expressing mouse PHEO cell line by lentiviral gene transfer. These cells
      were injected subcutaneously into nude mice to perform whole-body fluorescence
      imaging of tumor development. Urinary free monoamines were measured by liquid
      chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Tumor fluorescence intensity and
      urinary outputs of monoamines showed tumor growth-dependent increases (P < .001)
      over the 30 days of monitoring post-tumor engraftment. Concomitantly, systolic
      blood pressure was increased significantly during tumor growth. Tumor volume
      correlated significantly (P < .001) and strongly with tumor fluorescence
      intensity (rs = 0.946), and urinary outputs of dopamine (rs = 0.952),
      methoxytyramine (rs = 0.947), norepinephrine (rs = 0.756), and normetanephrine
      (rs = 0.949). Dopamine and methoxytyramine outputs allowed for detection of
      lesions at diameters below 2.3 mm. Our results demonstrate that mouse
      pheochromocytoma (MPC)-mCherry cell tumors are functionally similar to human
      PHEO. Both tumor fluorescence intensity and urinary outputs of free monoamines
      provide precise parameters of tumor progression in this sc mouse model of PHEO.
      This animal model will allow for testing new treatment strategies for chromaffin
      cell tumors.

PMID- 25137031
TI  - Antidiabetic potentials of essential oil extracted from the leaves of Hoslundia
      opposita Vahl.
AB  - This study was aimed at assessing the potential of essential oil from the leaf of
      Hoslundia opposita in the treatment of diabetes. Forty-eight rats (Rattus
      norvegicus) were randomized into two groups; nondiabetic and diabetic groups,
      each with four subgroups. Animals in the diabetic group were induced with
      diabetes using a single dose of alloxan monohydrate, 160 mg/kg body weight (b.
      wt.). The rats were treated with 110 and 220 mg/kg b. wt. of the essential oil.
      All treatments were administered, intraperitoneally, once a day for 4 days. In
      the nondiabetic condition, there was no effect of the oil on fasting blood
      glucose (FBG) levels in rats. In diabetic rats, the oil caused a significant
      reduction in FBG levels. Treatment with 110 mg/kg b. wt. of the oil reduced FBG
      almost to the normoglycemic level by day 4 and the overall glucose excursion
      during a 3-h intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test approached the baseline level
      at 120 min. Also, hepatic glycogen was significantly higher, while the glucose
      concentrations were lower in the diabetic-treated group when compared with the
      diabetic untreated group. Histological examinations revealed a mildly distorted
      architecture of the pancreatic islets beta-cells of diabetic rats treated with
      the oil, while those of the untreated rats were severely degenerated. Overall,
      the in vivo antihyperglycemic activity of the essential oil may prove to be of
      clinical importance in the management of type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 25137032
TI  - Multicomponent diffusion in solute-containing micelle and microemulsion
      solutions.
AB  - Holographic interferometry was used to obtain new results for the four
      coefficients that determine rates of multicomponent diffusion of hydrophobic
      solutes and surfactants in microemulsions. The three solutes pentanol, octanol,
      and heptane were examined in microemulsions formed from decaethylene glycol
      monododecyl ether (C12E10) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). These coefficients
      are compared with relevant binary and effective binary diffusion coefficients,
      and also with ternary diffusion coefficients reported in the literature. It is
      shown that a strong coupling exists between the diffusion of hydrophobic solutes
      and surfactant in solute-containing microemulsions. In particular, the presence
      of a gradient in the concentration of the solute can induce a surprisingly large
      flux of surfactant either up or down the solute gradient. Within the framework of
      irreversible thermodynamics, these results indicate that hydrophobic solute
      molecules significantly alter the chemical potential of the surfactant in
      microemulsions. These effects are present to a comparable degree for both the
      nonionic C12E10 and ionic SDS microemulsions. 

PMID- 25137036
TI  - Effect of resveratrol administration on metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity,
      and insulin secretion.
AB  - AIM: This study evaluated the effect of resveratrol administration on metabolic
      syndrome, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion. METHODS: A randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 24 patients
      with diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in accordance with the International
      Diabetes Federation criteria. Glucose and insulin levels were measured after a 75
      gram dextrose load. Triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      concentrations at baseline were also evaluated. Twelve patients received trans
      resveratrol (500 mg) three times per day before meals for 90 days. The remaining
      12 patients received placebo at the same dose. The area under the curve (AUC)
      values of glucose and insulin, total insulin secretion, first-phase of insulin
      secretion, and insulin sensitivity were calculated. RESULTS: After resveratrol
      administration, there were significant differences in total weight (94.4+/-13.2
      vs. 90.5+/-12.3 kg, P=0.007), body mass index (BMI) (35.6+/-3.2 vs. 34.3+/-3.0
      kg/m(2), P=0.006), fat mass (41.2+/-7.9 vs. 38.8+/-6.0 kg, P=0.001), and waist
      circumference (WC) (109+/-9 vs. 105+/-10 cm, P=0.004). There were also
      significant differences in AUC of insulin (48,418+/-22,707 vs. 26,473+/-8,273
      pmol/L, P=0.003) and insulinogenic index (0.48+/-0.22 vs. 0.28+/-0.08, P=0.004).
      CONCLUSIONS: Administration of resveratrol significantly decreases weight, BMI,
      fat mass, WC, AUC of insulin, and total insulin secretion.

PMID- 25137033
TI  - Recognition and management of delirium among doctors, nurses, physiotherapists,
      and psychologists: an Italian survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no studies that have identified the ability to recognize
      and manage delirium among Italian health providers caring for patients at risk.
      Therefore, the Italian Association of Psychogeriatrics (AIP) conducted a
      multicenter survey among doctors, nurses, psychologists and physiotherapists to
      assess their competence regarding the theme of delirium and its management in the
      everyday clinical practice. METHODS: The survey period was 1st June 2013 to 30th
      November 2013. The invitation to participate was sent via email, with publication
      on the AIP website. The survey included 14 questions and two case vignettes.
      RESULTS: A total of 648/1,500 responses were collected. Most responders were
      doctors (n = 322/800), followed by nurses (n = 225/500), psychologists (n =
      51/100), and physiotherapists (n = 30/100). Generally, doctors and psychologists
      correctly defined delirium, while nurses and physiotherapists did not. The most
      frequently used diagnostic tools were the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and
      the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV. Delirium intensity
      was rarely assessed. Hypoactive delirium was generally managed with non
      pharmacological approaches, while hyperactive delirium with a combination of non
      pharmacological and pharmacological approaches. However, possible causes of
      delirium were under-assessed by half of doctors and by the majority of other
      professionals. Nurses, psychologists and physiotherapists did not answer the case
      vignettes, while doctors identified the correct answer in most cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first Italian survey among health providers caring for
      patients at risk of delirium. This is also the first survey including doctors,
      nurses, psychologists and physiotherapists. The results emphasize the importance
      of training to improve knowledge of this relevant unmet medical need.

PMID- 25137035
TI  - Evidence for the presence of novel beta-melatonin receptors along with classical
      alpha-melatonin receptors in the fish Rasbora daniconius (Ham.).
AB  - The effects of melatonin (MT) were examined on the isolated scale melanophores
      from dorso-lateral (D-L) and band regions of a tropical fish Rasbora daniconius.
      Our study primarily aimed for further depiction of the signaling receptors
      involved in MT mediated pigment translocations in the fish. Melanophore Size
      Index (MSI) was employed as a recording parameter for the responses of
      melanophores to MT and various antagonists. MT has induced aggregation as well as
      dispersion in D-L region and aggregation in band region melanophores during
      summer season. During winter, MT-induced responses were only of aggregatory type
      in D-L region, while in the band region there was an increase in the sensitivity.
      The responses of the melanophores to MT were reversible. The aggregation of
      innervated melanophores induced by MT on the D-L and band regions was partially
      mediated through the neurotransmitters released under the influence of MT and
      partially by the specific MT receptors. Luzindole and K185 have completely
      blocked the aggregatory responses of D-L and band region melanophores.
      Aggregatory receptors may be of the conventional alpha-MT type. Dispersion of D-L
      and band region melanophores induced by MT in the presence of various antagonists
      and on denervated band region could be the result of activation of beta-MT
      receptors of dispersive nature. Presence of alpha and beta MT receptors is thus
      indicated in this fish melanophores. 

PMID- 25137037
TI  - Modulation of chemotherapeutic drug resistance in neuroblastoma SK-N-AS cells by
      the neural apoptosis inhibitory protein and miR-520f.
AB  - The acquisition of multidrug resistance is a major impediment to the successful
      treatment of neuroblastoma, a clinically heterogeneous cancer accounting for ~15%
      of all pediatric cancer deaths. The MYCN transcription factor, whose gene is
      amplified in ~30% of high-risk neuroblastoma cases, influences drug resistance by
      regulating a cadre of genes, including those involved with drug efflux, however,
      other high-risk subtypes of neuroblastoma lacking MYCN amplification, such as
      those with chromosome 11q deletions, also acquire multidrug resistance. To
      elucidate additional mechanisms involved with drug resistance in non-MYCN
      amplified tumour cells, an SK-N-AS subline (SK-N-AsCis24) that is significantly
      resistant to cisplatin and cross resistant to etoposide was developed through a
      pulse-selection process. High resolution aCGH analysis of SK-N-AsCis24 revealed a
      focal gain on chromosome 5 containing the coding sequence for the neural
      apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP). Significant overexpression of NAIP mRNA and
      protein was documented, while experimental modulation of NAIP levels in both SK-N
      AsCis24 and in parental SK-N-AS cells confirmed that NAIP was responsible for the
      drug resistant phenotype by apoptosis inhibition. Furthermore, a decrease in the
      NAIP targeting microRNA, miR-520f, was also demonstrated to be partially
      responsible for increased NAIP levels in SK-N-AsCis24. Interestingly, miR-520f
      levels were determined to be significantly lower in postchemotherapy treatment
      tumours relative to matched prechemotherapy samples, consistent with a role for
      this miRNA in the acquisition of drug resistance in vivo, potentially through
      decreased NAIP targeting. Our findings provide biological novel insight into
      neuroblastoma drug-resistance and have implications for future therapeutic
      research. 

PMID- 25137038
TI  - Identification of conserved and novel microRNAs in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea
      gigas by deep sequencing.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulatory processes in various
      organisms. To date many studies have been performed in the investigation of
      miRNAs of numerous bilaterians, but limited numbers of miRNAs have been
      identified in the few species belonging to the clade Lophotrochozoa. In the
      current study, deep sequencing was conducted to identify the miRNAs of
      Crassostrea gigas (Lophotrochozoa) at a genomic scale, using 21 libraries that
      included different developmental stages and adult organs. A total of 100 hairpin
      precursor loci were predicted to encode miRNAs. Of these, 19 precursors (pre
      miRNA) were novel in the oyster. As many as 53 (53%) miRNAs were distributed in
      clusters and 49 (49%) precursors were intragenic, which suggests two important
      biogenetic sources of miRNAs. Different developmental stages were characterized
      with specific miRNA expression patterns that highlighted regulatory variation
      along a temporal axis. Conserved miRNAs were expressed universally throughout
      different stages and organs, whereas novel miRNAs tended to be more specific and
      may be related to the determination of the novel body plan. Furthermore, we
      developed an index named the miRNA profile age index (miRPAI) to integrate the
      evolutionary age and expression levels of miRNAs during a particular
      developmental stage. We found that the swimming stages were characterized by the
      youngest miRPAIs. Indeed, the large-scale expression of novel miRNAs indicated
      the importance of these stages during development, particularly from
      organogenetic and evolutionary perspectives. Some potentially important miRNAs
      were identified for further study through significant changes between expression
      patterns in different developmental events, such as metamorphosis. This study
      broadened the knowledge of miRNAs in animals and indicated the presence of
      sophisticated miRNA regulatory networks related to the biological processes in
      lophotrochozoans. 

PMID- 25137039
TI  - Enhanced cross-presentation and improved CD8+ T cell responses after
      mannosylation of synthetic long peptides in mice.
AB  - The use of synthetic long peptides (SLP) has been proven to be a promising
      approach to induce adaptive immune responses in vaccination strategies. Here, we
      analyzed whether the efficiency to activate cytotoxic T cells by SLP-based
      vaccinations can be increased by conjugating SLPs to mannose residues. We could
      demonstrate that mannosylation of SLPs results in increased internalization by
      the mannose receptor (MR) on murine antigen-presenting cells. MR-mediated
      internalization targeted the mannosylated SLPs into early endosomes, from where
      they were cross-presented very efficiently compared to non-mannosylated SLPs. The
      influence of SLP mannosylation was specific for cross-presentation, as no
      influence on MHC II-restricted presentation was observed. Additionally, we showed
      that vaccination of mice with mannosylated SLPs containing epitopes from either
      ovalbumin or HPV E7 resulted in enhanced proliferation and activation of antigen
      specific CD8+ T cells. These findings demonstrate that mannosylation of SLPs
      augments the induction of a cytotoxic T cell response in vitro and in vivo and
      might be a promising approach to induce cytotoxic T cell responses in e.g. cancer
      therapy and anti-viral immunity. 

PMID- 25137040
TI  - Comparison of interferon-gamma release assay to two cut-off points of tuberculin
      skin test to detect latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in primary health
      care workers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An interferon-gamma release assay, QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) test, has
      been introduced an alternative test for the diagnosis of latent Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Here, we compared the performance of QFT with
      tuberculin skin test (TST) measured at two different cut-off points among primary
      health care work (HCW) in Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried
      out among HCWs in four Brazilian cities with a known history of high incidence of
      TB. Results of the QFT were compared to TST results based on both >=5 mm and >=10
      mm as cut-off points. RESULTS: We enrolled 632 HCWs. When the cut-off value of
      >=10 mm was used, agreement between QFT and TST was 69% (k = 0.31), and when the
      cut-off of >=5 mm was chosen, the agreement was 57% (k = 0.22). We investigated
      possible factors of discordance of TST vs QFT. Compared to the TST-/QFT- group,
      risk factors for discordance in the TST+/QFT- group with TST cut-off of >=5 mm
      included age between 41-45 years [OR = 2.70; CI 95%: 1.32-5.51] and 46-64 years
      [OR = 2.04; CI 95%: 1.05-3.93], BCG scar [OR = 2.72; CI 95%: 1.40-5.25], and
      having worked only in primary health care [OR = 2.30; CI 95%: 1.09-4.86]. On the
      other hand, for the cut-off of >=10 mm, BCG scar [OR = 2.26; CI 95%: 1.03-4.91],
      being a household contact of a TB patient [OR = 1.72; CI 95%: 1.01-2.92] and
      having had a previous TST [OR = 1.66; CI 95%: 1.05-2.62], were significantly
      associated with the TST+/QFT- group. No statistically significant associations
      were found among the TST-/QFT+ discordant group with either TST cut-off value.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although we identified BCG vaccination to contribute to the
      discordance at both TST cut-off measures, the current Brazilian recommendation
      for the initiation of LTBI treatment, based on information gathered from medical
      history, TST, chest radiograph and physical examination, should not be changed.

PMID- 25137041
TI  - Expression of STAT5, COX-2 and PIAS3 in correlation with NSCLC histhopathological
      features.
AB  - Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), their inhibitors and
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) participate in transformations of many various types of
      cancers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between
      STAT5A/B, COX-2, and PIAS3 mRNA expression and tumor staging, metastasis status,
      and histopathological subtype in 71 patients with confirmed non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis. Total RNA was isolated from NSCLC tissue samples and
      the expression of the studied genes was assessed using TaqMan probes in real-time
      PCR assay. The expression levels of STAT5A, STAT5B, and COX-2 genes were
      increased in 69%, 79%, and 71% NSCLC samples respectively, while PIAS3 expression
      was decreased in the majority (69%) of the studied tissues. Statistically
      significant differences were observed between STAT5 isoforms (P = 0.0008), with
      higher expression of STAT5B. We found statistically significant positive
      correlation between STAT5B and COX-2 (rho = 0.045), and significant negative
      correlation between STAT5B and PIAS3 (rho = -0.049). The negative correlation
      between STAT5B and PIAS3 (rho = -0.43) was also observed in T2a+T2b tumor group.
      Additionally, STAT5B and COX-2 expression levels were significantly different
      between T1a+T1b and T2a+T2b tumors (P = 0.002 and P = 0.041, respectively), with
      higher expression of both genes in T2 tumor stage. PIAS3 expression was
      significantly lower in NSCC subtype as compared with SCC subtype (P = 0.017).
      Also, STAT5A and STAT5B immunoexpression was assessed, and the results indicated
      significantly higher protein levels in NSCLC patients as compared with controls
      (P = 0.048 and P = 0.034, respectively). High STAT5B immunoexpression was
      positively correlated with STAT5B gene expression in tumors (rho = 0.755). STAT5B
      protein level was also significantly higher in T2a+T2b tumors, reflecting high
      STAT5B gene expression in this group. There was no statistically significant
      association between mRNA and protein expression levels of the studied genes and
      patients' characteristics: age, gender, smoking. The obtained results highlight
      the importance of the genes STAT5B and COX-2 in lung cancer progression. 

PMID- 25137042
TI  - Oligomerization mechanisms of an H-NS family protein, Pmr, encoded on the plasmid
      pCAR1 provide a molecular basis for functions of H-NS family members.
AB  - Enterobacterial H-NS-like proteins and Pseudomonas MvaT-like proteins share low
      homology at the amino acid sequence level, but both can function as xenogeneic
      silencers and are included in the H-NS family of proteins. H-NS family members
      have dimerization/oligomerization and DNA-binding domains connected by a flexible
      linker and form large nucleoprotein complexes using both domains. Pmr, an MvaT
      like protein encoded on the IncP-7 carbazole-degradative plasmid pCAR1, is a key
      regulator of an interaction between pCAR1 and its host Pseudomonas putida KT2440.
      KT2440 has two transcribed genes that encode the MvaT-like proteins TurA and
      TurB. Our previous transcriptome analyses suggested that the functions of Pmr,
      TurA and TurB are non-equivalent, although the detailed underlying mechanisms
      remain unclear. In this study, we focused on the protein-protein interactions of
      Pmr, and assessed the homo-oligomerization capacity of various substituted and
      truncated Pmr derivatives by protein-protein cross-linking analysis. Six of the
      seven residues identified as important for homo-oligomerization in Pmr were
      located near the N-terminus, and the putative flexible linker or the region near
      that was not involved in homo-oligomerization, suggesting that Pmr homo
      oligomerization is different from that of enterobacterial H-NS and that the
      functional mechanism differs between H-NS-like and MvaT-like proteins. In
      addition, we assessed homo- and hetero-oligomerization of Pmr by surface plasmon
      resonance analysis and found that the coupling ratio of TurB-Pmr oligomers is
      smaller than that of Pmr-Pmr or TurA-Pmr oligomers. These results raised the
      possibility that composition of the hetero-oligomers of Pmr, TurA, and TurB could
      explain why the different gene sets were affected by either pmr, turA, or turB
      disruption in our previous studies. 

PMID- 25137046
TI  - Bugs split to attack and gamble to survive.

PMID- 25137044
TI  - Glycoconjugate vaccine containing Escherichia coli O157:H7 O-antigen linked with
      maltose-binding protein elicits humoral and cellular responses.
AB  - Glycoconjugate is one of the most efficacious and safest vaccines against
      bacterial pathogens. Previous studies of glycoconjugates against pathogen E. coli
      O157:H7 focused more on the humoral responses they elicited. However, little was
      known about their cellular responses. In this study, we exploited a novel
      approach based on bacterial protein N-linked glycosylation system to produce
      glycoconjugate containing Escherichia coli O157:H7 O-antigen linked with maltose
      binding protein and examined its humoral and cellular responses in BALB/c mice.
      The transfer of E. coli O157:H7 O-antigen to MBP was confirmed by western blot
      and MALDI-TOF MS. Mice injected with glycoconjugate O-Ag-MBP elicited serum
      bactericidal antibodies including anti-E. coli O157:H7 O-antigen IgG and IgM.
      Interestingly, O-Ag-MBP also stimulated the secretion of anti-E. coli O157:H7 O
      antigen IgA in intestine. In addition, O-Ag-MBP stimulated cellular responses by
      recruiting Th1-biased CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells. Meanwhile, O-Ag-MBP induced the
      upregulation of Th1-related IFN-gamma and downregulation of Th2-related IL-4, and
      the upregulation of IFN-gamma was stimulated by MBP in a dose-dependent manner.
      MBP showed TLR4 agonist-like properties to activate Th1 cells as carrier protein
      of O-Ag-MBP. Thus, glycoconjugate vaccine E. coli O157:H7-specific O-Ag-MBP
      produced by bacterial protein N-linked glycosylation system was able to elicit
      both humoral and Th1-biased cellular responses. 

PMID- 25137043
TI  - Molecular signatures of the evolving immune response in mice following a
      Bordetella pertussis infection.
AB  - Worldwide resurgence of pertussis necessitates the need for improvement of
      pertussis vaccines and vaccination strategies. Since natural infections induce a
      longer-lasting immunity than vaccinations, detailed knowledge of the immune
      responses following natural infection can provide important clues for such
      improvement. The purpose was to elucidate the kinetics of the protective immune
      response evolving after experimental Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis)
      infection in mice. Data were collected from (i) individual analyses, i.e.
      microarray, flow cytometry, multiplex immunoassays, and bacterial clearance; (ii)
      twelve time points during the infection; and (iii) different tissues involved in
      the immune responses, i.e. lungs, spleen and blood. Combined data revealed
      detailed insight in molecular and cellular sequence of events connecting
      different phases (innate, bridging and adaptive) of the immune response following
      the infection. We detected a prolonged acute phase response, broad pathogen
      recognition, and early gene signatures of subsequent T-cell recruitment in the
      lungs. Activation of particular transcription factors and specific cell markers
      provided insight into the time course of the transition from innate towards
      adaptive immune responses, which resulted in a broad spectrum of systemic
      antibody subclasses and splenic Th1/Th17 memory cells against B. pertussis. In
      addition, signatures preceding the local generation of Th1 and Th17 cells as well
      as IgA in the lungs, considered key elements in protection against B. pertussis,
      were established. In conclusion, molecular and cellular immunological processes
      in response to live B. pertussis infection were unraveled, which may provide
      guidance in selecting new vaccine candidates that should evoke local and
      prolonged protective immune responses. 

PMID- 25137048
TI  - Stress tolerance and ecophysiological ability of an invader and a native species
      in a seasonally dry tropical forest.
AB  - Ecophysiological traits of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. and a phylogenetically
      and ecologically similar native species, Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan,
      were studied to understand the invasive species' success in caatinga, a
      seasonally dry tropical forest ecosystem of the Brazilian Northeast. To determine
      if the invader exhibited a superior resource-capture or a resource-conservative
      strategy, we measured biophysical and biochemical parameters in both species
      during dry and wet months over the course of two years. The results show that P.
      juliflora benefits from a flexible strategy in which it frequently outperforms
      the native species in resource capture traits under favorable conditions (e.g.,
      photosynthesis), while also showing better stress tolerance (e.g., antioxidant
      activity) and water-use efficiency in unfavorable conditions. In addition, across
      both seasons the invasive has the advantage over the native with higher
      chlorophyll/carotenoids and chlorophyll a/b ratios, percent N, and leaf protein.
      We conclude that Prosopis juliflora utilizes light, water and nutrients more
      efficiently than Anadenanthera colubrina, and suffers lower intensity oxidative
      stress in environments with reduced water availability and high light radiation. 

PMID- 25137047
TI  - Coupling of X-chromosome reactivation with the pluripotent stem cell state.
AB  - X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female mammals is a dramatic example of
      epigenetic gene regulation, which entails the silencing of an entire chromosome
      through a wide range of mechanisms involving noncoding RNAs, chromatin
      modifications, and DNA-methylation. While XCI is associated with the
      differentiated cell state, it is reversed by X-chromosome reactivation (XCR) ex
      vivo in pluripotent stem cells and in vivo in the early mouse embryo and the
      germline. Critical in the regulation of XCI vs. XCR is the X-inactivation center,
      a multigene locus on the X-chromosome harboring several long noncoding RNA genes
      including, most prominently, Xist and Tsix. These genes, which sit at the top of
      the XCI hierarchy, are by themselves controlled by pluripotency factors, coupling
      XCR with the naive pluripotent stem cell state. In this point-of-view article we
      review the latest findings regarding this intricate relationship between cell
      differentiation state and epigenetic control of the X-chromosome. In particular,
      we discuss the emerging picture of complex multifactorial regulatory mechanisms,
      ensuring both a fine-tuned and robust X-reactivation process. 

PMID- 25137051
TI  - Punishment based on public benefit fund significantly promotes cooperation.
AB  - In prisoner's dilemma game (shortly, PD game), punishment is most frequently used
      to promote cooperation. However, outcome varies when different punishment
      approaches are applied. Here the PD game is studied on a square lattice when
      different punishment patterns are adopted. As is known to all, tax system, a
      common tool to adjust the temperature of the economy, is widely used in human
      society. Inspired by this philosophy, players in this study would pay
      corresponding taxes in accordance with their payoff level. In this way, public
      benefit fund is established consequently and it would be utilized to punish
      defectors. There are two main methods for punishing: slight intensity of
      punishment (shortly, SLP) and severe intensity of punishment (shortly, SEP). When
      the totaling of public benefit fund keeps relatively fixed, SLP extends further,
      which means more defectors would be punished; by contrast, SEP has a smaller
      coverage. It is of interest to verify whether these two measures can promote
      cooperation and which one is more efficient. Simulate results reveal that both of
      them can promote cooperation remarkably. Specifically speaking, SLP shows
      constant advantage from the point of view either of fractions of cooperation or
      average payoff. 

PMID- 25137049
TI  - The MacBlue binary transgene (csf1r-gal4VP16/UAS-ECFP) provides a novel marker
      for visualisation of subsets of monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells and
      responsiveness to CSF1 administration.
AB  - The MacBlue transgenic mouse uses the Csf1r promoter and first intron to drive
      expression of gal4-VP16, which in turn drives a cointegrated gal4-responsive UAS
      ECFP cassette. The Csf1r promoter region used contains a deletion of a 150 bp
      conserved region covering trophoblast and osteoclast-specific transcription start
      sites. In this study, we examined expression of the transgene in embryos and
      adult mice. In embryos, ECFP was expressed in the large majority of macrophages
      derived from the yolk sac, and as the liver became a major site of
      monocytopoiesis. In adults, ECFP was detected at high levels in both Ly6C+ and
      Ly6C- monocytes and distinguished them from Ly6C+, F4/80+, CSF1R+ immature
      myeloid cells in peripheral blood. ECFP was also detected in the large majority
      of microglia and Langerhans cells. However, expression was lost from the majority
      of tissue macrophages, including Kupffer cells in the liver and F4/80+
      macrophages of the lung, kidney, spleen and intestine. The small numbers of
      positive cells isolated from the liver resembled blood monocytes. In the gut,
      ECFP+ cells were identified primarily as classical dendritic cells or blood
      monocytes in disaggregated cell preparations. Immunohistochemistry showed large
      numbers of ECFP+ cells in the Peyer's patch and isolated lymphoid follicles. The
      MacBlue transgene was used to investigate the effect of treatment with CSF1-Fc, a
      form of the growth factor with longer half-life and efficacy. CSF1-Fc massively
      expanded both the immature myeloid cell (ECFP-) and Ly6C+ monocyte populations,
      but had a smaller effect on Ly6C- monocytes. There were proportional increases in
      ECFP+ cells detected in lung and liver, consistent with monocyte infiltration,
      but no generation of ECFP+ Kupffer cells. In the gut, there was selective
      infiltration of large numbers of cells into the lamina propria and Peyer's
      patches. We discuss the use of the MacBlue transgene as a marker of
      monocyte/macrophage/dendritic cell differentiation. 

PMID- 25137050
TI  - Transcriptional response of Musca domestica larvae to bacterial infection.
AB  - The house fly Musca domestica, a cosmopolitan dipteran insect, is a significant
      vector for human and animal bacterial pathogens, but little is known about its
      immune response to these pathogens. To address this issue, we inoculated the
      larvae with a mixture of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and profiled
      the transcriptome 6, 24, and 48 h thereafter. Many genes known to controlling
      innate immunity in insects were induced following infection, including genes
      encoding pattern recognition proteins (PGRPs), various components of the Toll and
      IMD signaling pathways and of the proPO-activating and redox systems, and
      multiple antimicrobial peptides. Interestingly, we also uncovered a large set of
      novel immune response genes including two broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides
      (muscin and domesticin), which might have evolved to adapt to house-fly's unique
      ecological environments. Finally, genes mediating oxidative phosphorylation were
      repressed at 48 h post-infection, suggesting disruption of energy homeostasis and
      mitochondrial function at the late stages of infection. Collectively, our data
      reveal dynamic changes in gene expression following bacterial infection in the
      house fly, paving the way for future in-depth analysis of M. domestica's immune
      system. 

PMID- 25137052
TI  - Doxycycline inducible Kruppel-like factor 4 lentiviral vector mediates
      mesenchymal to epithelial transition in ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - Ovarian cancer presents therapeutic challenges due to its typically late
      detection, aggressive metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The transcription
      factor Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) has been implicated in human cancers as a
      tumor suppressor or oncogene, although its role depends greatly on the cellular
      context. The role of KLF4 in ovarian cancer has not been elucidated in
      mechanistic detail. In this study, we investigated the role of KLF4 in ovarian
      cancer cells by transducing the ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and OVCAR3 with a
      doxycycline-inducible KLF4 lentiviral vector. Overexpression of KLF4 reduced cell
      proliferation, migration, and invasion. The epithelial cell marker gene E
      cadherin was significantly upregulated, whereas the mesenchymal cell marker genes
      vimentin, twist1 and snail2 (slug) were downregulated in both KLF4-expressing
      SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells. KLF4 inhibited the transforming growth factor beta
      (TGFbeta)-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ovarian cancer
      cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that KLF4 functions as a tumor
      suppressor gene in ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting TGFbeta-induced EMT.

PMID- 25137053
TI  - Refined candidate region for F4ab/ac enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
      susceptibility situated proximal to MUC13 in pigs.
AB  - F4 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (F4 ETEC) are an important cause of diarrhea
      in neonatal and newly-weaned pigs. Based on the predicted differential O
      glycosylation patterns of the 2 MUC13 variants (MUC13A and MUC13B) in F4ac ETEC
      susceptible and F4ac ETEC resistant pigs, the MUC13 gene was recently proposed as
      the causal gene for F4ac ETEC susceptibility. Because the absence of MUC13 on
      Western blot from brush border membrane vesicles of F4ab/acR+ pigs and the
      absence of F4ac attachment to immunoprecipitated MUC13 could not support this
      hypothesis, a new GWAS study was performed using 52 non-adhesive and 68 strong
      adhesive pigs for F4ab/ac ETEC originating from 5 Belgian farms. A refined
      candidate region (chr13: 144,810,100-144,993,222) for F4ab/ac ETEC susceptibility
      was identified with MUC13 adjacent to the distal part of the region. This
      candidate region lacks annotated genes and contains a sequence gap based on the
      sequence of the porcine GenomeBuild 10.2. We hypothesize that a porcine orphan
      gene or trans-acting element present in the identified candidate region has an
      effect on the glycosylation of F4 binding proteins and therefore determines the
      F4ab/ac ETEC susceptibility in pigs. 

PMID- 25137056
TI  - ACUTE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION DUE TO INTRA-ABDOMINAL CAUSES.

PMID- 25137054
TI  - Identification, localization, and quantification of neuronal cell membrane
      receptors with plasmonic probes: role of protein kinase D1 in their distribution.
AB  - Detecting, imaging, and being able to localize the distribution of several cell
      membrane receptors on a single neuron are very important topics in neuroscience
      research. In the present work, the distribution of metabotropic glutamate
      receptor 1a (mGluR1a) density on neuron cells on subcellular length scales is
      determined by evaluating the role played by protein kinase D1 (PKD1) in the
      trafficking of membrane proteins, comparing the distribution of mGluR1a in
      experiments performed in endogenous PKD1 expression with those in the presence of
      kinase-inactive protein kinase D1 (PKD1-kd). The localization, distribution, and
      density of cell surface mGluR1a were evaluated using 90 nm diameter Au
      nanoparticle (NP) probes specifically functionalized with a high-affinity and
      multivalent labeling function, which allows not only imaging NPs where this
      receptor is present but also quantifying by optical means the NP density. This is
      so because the NP generates a density (rho)-dependent SERS response that
      facilitated a spatial mapping of the mGluR1a density distribution on subcellular
      length scales (dendrites and axons) in an optical microscope. The measured rho
      values were found to be significantly higher on dendrites than on axons for
      endogenous PKD1, while an increase of rho on axons was observed when PKD1 is
      altered. The spatial distribution of the NP immunolabels through scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the results obtained by fluorescence bright
      field analysis and dark-field spectroscopy and provided additional structural
      details. In addition, it is shown using electrodynamic simulations that SERS
      spectroscopy could be a very sensitive tool for the spatial mapping of cell
      membrane receptors on subcellular length scales, as SERS signals are almost
      linearly dependent on NP density and therefore give indirect information on the
      distribution of cell membrane proteins. This result is important since the
      calibration of the rho-dependent near-field enhancement of the Au immunolabels
      through correlation of SERS and SEM paves the way toward quantitative
      immunolabeling studies of cell membrane proteins involved in neuron polarity.
      From the molecular biology point of view, this study shows that in cultured
      hippocampal pyramidal cells mGluR1a is predominantly transported to dendrites and
      excluded from axons. Expression of kinase-inactive protein kinase D1 (PKD1-kd)
      dramatically and selectively alters the intracellular trafficking and membrane
      delivery of mGluR1a-containing vesicles. 

PMID- 25137058
TI  - 3D reconstruction of atomic structures from high angle annular dark field (HAADF)
      STEM images and its application on zeolite silicalite-1.
AB  - High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) has shown to be very
      powerful for solving three-dimensional (3D) structures of unknown crystals. HRTEM
      has a unique advantage over diffraction for solving structures. Crystallographic
      structure factor phases, which are lost in diffraction can be directly obtained
      from HRTEM images. For the determination of a 3D crystalline structure by HRTEM,
      the crystallographic structure factor amplitudes and phases extracted from HRTEM
      images along different zone axes are combined to reconstruct a 3D electrostatic
      potential map. In recent years, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)
      has reached the atomic resolution, which is comparable to that of HRTEM. Here we
      show, for the first time, that the structure factor phases can be also obtained
      from high angle annular dark-field (HAADF)-STEM images and used for 3D
      reconstruction of atomic structures. This is applied to the complex zeolite
      structure, silicalite-1 (Formula SiO2, framework code MFI, Pnma, a = 20.090 A, b
      = 19.738 A and c = 13.142 A). We have compared the amplitudes and phases obtained
      from HAADF-STEM images with those from HRTEM images. 

PMID- 25137055
TI  - Synthesis, PL characterizations and concentration quenching effect in Dy(3+) and
      Eu(3+) activated LiCaBO3 phosphor.
AB  - LiCaBO3 :Dy(3+) /Eu(3+) phosphors were synthesized by a solid-state reaction. The
      synthesized materials were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction pattern
      (XRD) for confirmation. All the structural parameters were calculated from the
      XRD data. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed rod-like morphology.
      Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra showed two emissions (484 and 577 nm) in
      Dy(3+) -doped LiCaBO3 :Dy(3+) phosphors with the concentration quenching effect
      and the critical distance was calculated to be about 22.76 A. LiCaBO3 :Eu(3+)
      phosphor was effectively excited by a near-UV light of 392 nm. The emission
      spectra exhibited the transition from (5) D0 level to (7) FJ (J = 0-2) with main
      emission at 614 nm, which comes from the electrodipole transition because of the
      asymmetric point group. The quenching concentration of Eu(3+) is about 0.2 mol%,
      and the critical distance was calculated to be about 38.93 A.

PMID- 25137059
TI  - Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for open-angle glaucoma: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and
      primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: This is a systematic review and meta
      analysis of case-control and cohort studies. The literature search included two
      databases (PubMed and Embase) and the reference lists of the retrieved studies.
      Separate meta-analyses for case-control studies and cohort studies were conducted
      using random-effects models, with results reported as adjusted odds ratios (ORs)
      and relative risks (RRs), respectively. RESULTS: Thirteen studies--seven case
      control studies and six population-based cohort studies--were included in this
      meta-analysis. The pooled RR of the association between DM and POAG based on the
      risk estimates of the six cohort studies was 1.40 (95% CI, 1.25-1.57). The pooled
      OR of the association between DM and POAG based on the risk estimates of the
      seven case-control studies was 1.49 (95% CI, 1.17-1.88). There was considerable
      heterogeneity among the case-control studies that reported an association between
      DM mellitus and POAG (P<0.001) and no significant heterogeneity among the cohort
      studies (P = 0.377). After omitting the case-control study that contributed
      significantly to the heterogeneity, the pooled OR for the association between DM
      and POAG was 1.35 (95% CI, 1.06-1.74). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with DM have an
      increased risk of developing POAG.

PMID- 25137060
TI  - Genomic inverse PCR for exploration of ligated breakpoints (GIPFEL), a new method
      to detect translocations in leukemia.
AB  - Here we present a novel method "Genomic inverse PCR for exploration of ligated
      breakpoints" (GIPFEL) that allows the sensitive detection of recurrent
      chromosomal translocations. This technique utilizes limited amounts of DNA as
      starting material and relies on PCR based quantification of unique DNA sequences
      that are created by circular ligation of restricted genomic DNA from
      translocation bearing cells. Because the complete potential breakpoint region is
      interrogated, a prior knowledge of the individual, specific interchromosomal
      fusion site is not required. We validated GIPFEL for the five most common gene
      fusions associated with childhood leukemia (MLL-AF4, MLL-AF9, MLL-ENL, ETV6
      RUNX1, and TCF3-PBX1). A workflow of restriction digest, purification, ligation,
      removal of linear fragments and precipitation enriching for circular DNA was
      developed. GIPFEL allowed detection of translocation specific signature sequences
      down to a 10-4 dilution which is close to the theoretical limit. In a blinded
      proof-of-principle study utilizing DNA from cell lines and 144 children with B
      precursor-ALL associated translocations this method was 100% specific with no
      false positive results. Sensitivity was 83%, 65%, and 24% for t(4;11), t(9;11)
      and t(11;19) respectively. Translocation t(12;21) was correctly detected in 64%
      and t(1;19) in 39% of the cases. In contrast to other methods, the
      characteristics of GIPFEL make it particularly attractive for prospective
      studies. 

PMID- 25137061
TI  - A national survey of skin infections, care behaviors and MRSA knowledge in the
      United States.
AB  - A nationally representative sample of approximately 2000 individuals was surveyed
      to assess SSTI infections over their lifetime and then prospectively over six
      months. Knowledge of MRSA, future likelihood to self-treat a SSTI and self-care
      behaviors was also queried. Chi square tests, linear and multinomial regression
      were used for analysis. About 50% of those with a reported history of a SSTI
      typical of MRSA had sought medical treatment. MRSA knowledge was low: 28% of
      respondents could describe MRSA. Use of protective self-care behaviors that may
      reduce transmission, such as covering a lesion, differed with knowledge of MRSA
      and socio-demographics. Those reporting a history of a MRSA-like SSTI were more
      likely to respond that they would self-treat than those without such a history
      (OR 2.05 95% CI 1.40, 3.01; p<0.001). Since half of respondents reported not
      seeking care for past lesions, incidence determined from clinical encounters
      would greatly underestimate true incidence. MRSA knowledge was not associated
      with seeking medical care, but was associated with self-care practices that may
      decrease transmission. 

PMID- 25137062
TI  - The IkappaB kinase complex is required for plexin-B-mediated activation of RhoA.
AB  - Plexins are widely expressed transmembrane proteins that mediate the cellular
      effects of semaphorins. The molecular mechanisms of plexin-mediated signal
      transduction are still poorly understood. Here we show that signalling via B
      family plexins leading to the activation of the small GTPase RhoA requires
      activation of the IkappaB kinase (IKK)-complex. In contrast, plexin-B-dependent
      regulation of R-Ras activity is not affected by IKK activity. This regulation of
      plexin signalling depends on the kinase activity of the IKK-complex, but is
      independent of NF-kappaB activation. We confirm that the IKK-complex is active in
      tumour cells and osteoblasts, and we demonstrate that plexin-B-dependent tumour
      cell invasiveness and regulation of osteoblast differentiation require an active
      IKK-complex. This study identifies a novel, NF-kappaB-independent function of the
      IKK-complex and shows that IKK directs plexin-B signalling to the activation of
      RhoA. 

PMID- 25137064
TI  - Conscious brain-to-brain communication in humans using non-invasive technologies.
AB  - Human sensory and motor systems provide the natural means for the exchange of
      information between individuals, and, hence, the basis for human civilization.
      The recent development of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) has provided an
      important element for the creation of brain-to-brain communication systems, and
      precise brain stimulation techniques are now available for the realization of non
      invasive computer-brain interfaces (CBI). These technologies, BCI and CBI, can be
      combined to realize the vision of non-invasive, computer-mediated brain-to-brain
      (B2B) communication between subjects (hyperinteraction). Here we demonstrate the
      conscious transmission of information between human brains through the intact
      scalp and without intervention of motor or peripheral sensory systems. Pseudo
      random binary streams encoding words were transmitted between the minds of
      emitter and receiver subjects separated by great distances, representing the
      realization of the first human brain-to-brain interface. In a series of
      experiments, we established internet-mediated B2B communication by combining a
      BCI based on voluntary motor imagery-controlled electroencephalographic (EEG)
      changes with a CBI inducing the conscious perception of phosphenes (light
      flashes) through neuronavigated, robotized transcranial magnetic stimulation
      (TMS), with special care taken to block sensory (tactile, visual or auditory)
      cues. Our results provide a critical proof-of-principle demonstration for the
      development of conscious B2B communication technologies. More fully developed,
      related implementations will open new research venues in cognitive, social and
      clinical neuroscience and the scientific study of consciousness. We envision that
      hyperinteraction technologies will eventually have a profound impact on the
      social structure of our civilization and raise important ethical issues. 

PMID- 25137065
TI  - Pyramidal cells make specific connections onto smooth (GABAergic) neurons in
      mouse visual cortex.
AB  - One of the hallmarks of neocortical circuits is the predominance of recurrent
      excitation between pyramidal neurons, which is balanced by recurrent inhibition
      from smooth GABAergic neurons. It has been previously described that in layer 2/3
      of primary visual cortex (V1) of cat and monkey, pyramidal cells filled with
      horseradish peroxidase connect approximately in proportion to the spiny
      (excitatory, 95% and 81%, respectively) and smooth (GABAergic, 5% and 19%,
      respectively) dendrites found in the neuropil. By contrast, a recent
      ultrastructural study of V1 in a single mouse found that smooth neurons formed
      51% of the targets of the superficial layer pyramidal cells. This suggests that
      either the neuropil of this particular mouse V1 had a dramatically different
      composition to that of V1 in cat and monkey, or that smooth neurons were
      specifically targeted by the pyramidal cells in that mouse. We tested these
      hypotheses by examining similar cells filled with biocytin in a sample of five
      mice. We found that the average composition of the neuropil in V1 of these mice
      was similar to that described for cat and monkey V1, but that the superficial
      layer pyramidal cells do form proportionately more synapses with smooth dendrites
      than the equivalent neurons in cat or monkey. These distributions may underlie
      the distinct differences in functional architecture of V1 between rodent and
      higher mammals. 

PMID- 25137066
TI  - Digital mapping of soil organic carbon contents and stocks in Denmark.
AB  - Estimation of carbon contents and stocks are important for carbon sequestration,
      greenhouse gas emissions and national carbon balance inventories. For Denmark, we
      modeled the vertical distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) and bulk density,
      and mapped its spatial distribution at five standard soil depth intervals (0-5, 5
      15, 15-30, 30-60 and 60-100 cm) using 18 environmental variables as predictors.
      SOC distribution was influenced by precipitation, land use, soil type, wetland,
      elevation, wetness index, and multi-resolution index of valley bottom flatness.
      The highest average SOC content of 20 g kg(-1) was reported for 0-5 cm soil,
      whereas there was on average 2.2 g SOC kg(-1) at 60-100 cm depth. For SOC and
      bulk density prediction precision decreased with soil depth, and a standard error
      of 2.8 g kg(-1) was found at 60-100 cm soil depth. Average SOC stock for 0-30 cm
      was 72 t ha(-1) and in the top 1 m there was 120 t SOC ha(-1). In total, the
      soils stored approximately 570 Tg C within the top 1 m. The soils under
      agriculture had the highest amount of carbon (444 Tg) followed by forest and semi
      natural vegetation that contributed 11% of the total SOC stock. More than 60% of
      the total SOC stock was present in Podzols and Luvisols. Compared to previous
      estimates, our approach is more reliable as we adopted a robust quantification
      technique and mapped the spatial distribution of SOC stock and prediction
      uncertainty. The estimation was validated using common statistical indices and
      the data and high-resolution maps could be used for future soil carbon assessment
      and inventories.

PMID- 25137068
TI  - Nitrogen-enriched hierarchically porous carbons prepared from polybenzoxazine for
      high-performance supercapacitors.
AB  - Nitrogen-enriched hierarchically porous carbons (HPCs) were synthesized from a
      novel nitrile-functionalized benzoxazine based on benzoxazine chemistry using a
      soft-templating method and a potassium hydroxide (KOH) chemical activation method
      and used as electrode materials for supercapacitors. The textural and chemical
      properties could be easily tuned by adding a soft template and changing the
      activation temperature. The introduction of the soft-templating agent (surfactant
      F127) resulted in the formation of mesopores, which facilitated fast ionic
      diffusion and reduced the internal resistance. The micropores of HPCs were
      extensively developed by KOH activation to provide large electrochemical double
      layer capacitance. As the activation temperature increased from 600 to 800 
      degrees C, the specific surface area of nitrogen-enriched carbons increased
      dramatically, micropores were enlarged, and more meso/macropores were developed,
      but the nitrogen and oxygen content decreased, which affected the electrochemical
      performance. The sample HPC-800 activated at 800  degrees C possesses a high
      specific surface area (1555.4 m(2) g(-1)), high oxygen (10.61 wt %) and nitrogen
      (3.64 wt %) contents, a hierarchical pore structure, a high graphitization
      degree, and good electrical conductivity. It shows great pseudocapacitance and
      the largest specific capacitance of 641.6 F g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(
      1) in a 6 mol L(-1) KOH aqueous electrolyte when measured in a three-electrode
      system. Furthermore, the HPC-800 electrode exhibits excellent rate capability
      (443.0 F g(-1) remained at 40 A g(-1)) and good cycling stability (94.3%
      capacitance retention over 5000 cycles). 

PMID- 25137067
TI  - Efficient in vivo deletion of a large imprinted lncRNA by CRISPR/Cas9.
AB  - Recent genome-wide studies have revealed that the majority of the mouse genome is
      transcribed as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and growing evidence supports the
      importance of ncRNAs in regulating gene expression and epigenetic processes.
      However, the low efficiency of conventional gene targeting strategies has
      hindered the functional study of ncRNAs in vivo, particularly in generating large
      fragment deletions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with multiple expression
      variants. The bacterial clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
      (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) system has recently been applied as an
      efficient tool for engineering site-specific mutations of protein-coding genes in
      the genome. In this study, we explored the potential of using the CRISPR/Cas9
      system to generate large genomic deletions of lncRNAs in mice. We developed an
      efficient one-step strategy to target the maternally expressed lncRNA, Rian, on
      chromosome 12 in mice. We showed that paired sgRNAs can precisely generate large
      deletions up to 23kb and the deletion efficiency can be further improved up to
      33% by combining multiple sgRNAs. The deletion successfully abolished the
      expression of Rian from the maternally inherited allele, validating the
      biological relevance of the mutations in studying an imprinted locus. Mutation of
      Rian has differential effects on expression of nearby genes in different somatic
      tissues. Taken together, we have established a robust one-step method to engineer
      large deletions to knockout lncRNA genes with the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Our work
      will facilitate future functional studies of other lncRNAs in vivo. 

PMID- 25137063
TI  - Toxicological profile of ultrapure 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorbiphenyl (PCB 180)
      in adult rats.
AB  - PCB 180 is a persistent non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (NDL-PCB)
      abundantly present in food and the environment. Risk characterization of NDL-PCBs
      is confounded by the presence of highly potent dioxin-like impurities. We used
      ultrapure PCB 180 to characterize its toxicity profile in a 28-day repeat dose
      toxicity study in young adult rats extended to cover endocrine and behavioral
      effects. Using a loading dose/maintenance dose regimen, groups of 5 males and 5
      females were given total doses of 0, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300, 1000 or 1700 mg PCB
      180/kg body weight by gavage. Dose-responses were analyzed using benchmark dose
      modeling based on dose and adipose tissue PCB concentrations. Body weight gain
      was retarded at 1700 mg/kg during loading dosing, but recovered thereafter. The
      most sensitive endpoint of toxicity that was used for risk characterization was
      altered open field behavior in females; i.e. increased activity and distance
      moved in the inner zone of an open field suggesting altered emotional responses
      to unfamiliar environment and impaired behavioral inhibition. Other dose
      dependent changes included decreased serum thyroid hormones with associated
      histopathological changes, altered tissue retinoid levels, decreased hematocrit
      and hemoglobin, decreased follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone
      levels in males and increased expression of DNA damage markers in liver of
      females. Dose-dependent hypertrophy of zona fasciculata cells was observed in
      adrenals suggesting activation of cortex. There were gender differences in
      sensitivity and toxicity profiles were partly different in males and females. PCB
      180 adipose tissue concentrations were clearly above the general human population
      levels, but close to the levels in highly exposed populations. The results
      demonstrate a distinct toxicological profile of PCB 180 with lack of dioxin-like
      properties required for assignment of WHO toxic equivalency factor. However, PCB
      180 shares several toxicological targets with dioxin-like compounds emphasizing
      the potential for interactions. 

PMID- 25137069
TI  - Hope for the best or prepare for the worst? Towards a spatial cognitive bias test
      for mice.
AB  - Cognitive bias, the altered information processing resulting from the background
      emotional state of an individual, has been suggested as a promising new indicator
      of animal emotion. Comparable to anxious or depressed humans, animals in a
      putatively negative emotional state are more likely to judge an ambiguous
      stimulus as if it predicts a negative event, than those in positive states. The
      present study aimed to establish a cognitive bias test for mice based on a
      spatial judgment task and to apply it in a pilot study to serotonin transporter
      (5-HTT) knockout mice, a well-established mouse model for the study of anxiety-
      and depression-related behavior. In a first step, we validated that our setup can
      assess different expectations about the outcome of an ambiguous stimulus: mice
      having learned to expect something positive within a maze differed significantly
      in their behavior towards an unfamiliar location than animals having learned to
      expect something negative. In a second step, the use of spatial location as a
      discriminatory stimulus was confirmed by showing that mice interpret an ambiguous
      stimulus depending on its spatial location, with a position exactly midway
      between a positive and a negative reference point provoking the highest level of
      ambiguity. Finally, the anxiety- and depression-like phenotype of the 5-HTT
      knockout mouse model manifested--comparable to human conditions--in a trend for a
      negatively distorted interpretation of ambiguous information, albeit this effect
      was not statistically significant. The results suggest that the present cognitive
      bias test provides a useful basis to study the emotional state in mice, which may
      not only increase the translational value of animal models in the study of human
      affective disorders, but which is also a central objective of animal welfare
      research.

PMID- 25137070
TI  - Catalytic profile of Arabidopsis peroxidases, AtPrx-2, 25 and 71, contributing to
      stem lignification.
AB  - Lignins are aromatic heteropolymers that arise from oxidative coupling of lignin
      precursors, including lignin monomers (p-coumaryl, coniferyl, and sinapyl
      alcohols), oligomers, and polymers. Whereas plant peroxidases have been shown to
      catalyze oxidative coupling of monolignols, the oxidation activity of well
      studied plant peroxidases, such as horseradish peroxidase C (HRP-C) and AtPrx53,
      are quite low for sinapyl alcohol. This characteristic difference has led to
      controversy regarding the oxidation mechanism of sinapyl alcohol and lignin
      oligomers and polymers by plant peroxidases. The present study explored the
      oxidation activities of three plant peroxidases, AtPrx2, AtPrx25, and AtPrx71,
      which have been already shown to be involved in lignification in the Arabidopsis
      stem. Recombinant proteins of these peroxidases (rAtPrxs) were produced in
      Escherichia coli as inclusion bodies and successfully refolded to yield their
      active forms. rAtPrx2, rAtPrx25, and rAtPrx71 were found to oxidize two syringyl
      compounds (2,6-dimethoxyphenol and syringaldazine), which were employed here as
      model monolignol compounds, with higher specific activities than HRP-C and
      rAtPrx53. Interestingly, rAtPrx2 and rAtPrx71 oxidized syringyl compounds more
      efficiently than guaiacol. Moreover, assays with ferrocytochrome c as a substrate
      showed that AtPrx2, AtPrx25, and AtPrx71 possessed the ability to oxidize large
      molecules. This characteristic may originate in a protein radical. These results
      suggest that the plant peroxidases responsible for lignin polymerization are able
      to directly oxidize all lignin precursors. 

PMID- 25137071
TI  - Circulating miR-19a and miR-205 in serum may predict the sensitivity of luminal A
      subtype of breast cancer patients to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with epirubicin
      plus paclitaxel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The luminal A subtype of breast cancer has a good prognosis and is
      sensitive to endocrine therapy but is less sensitive to chemotherapy. It is
      necessary to identify biomarkers to predict chemosensitivity and avoid over
      treatment. We hypothesized that miRNAs in the serum might be associated with
      chemosensitivity. METHODS: Sixty-eight breast cancer patients received
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy with epirubicin plus paclitaxel. The serum of the
      patients was collected before chemotherapy and stored at -80 degrees C. The
      samples were classified into two groups in term of the chemosensitivity. We
      identified the differential expression patterns of miRNAs between the
      chemotherapy sensitive and resistant groups using microRNA profiling. Four miRNAs
      that were differentially expressed between the two groups were further validated
      in another 56 samples. We created a model fitting formula and a receiver
      operating characteristics (ROC) curve using logistic regression analysis to
      evaluate the prediction potency. RESULTS: We identified 8 miRNAs differentially
      expressed between the two groups: 6 miRNAs were up-regulated, and 2 miRNAs were
      down-regulated in the resistant group compared with the sensitive group. The
      expression of miR-19a and miR-205 were determined to have significant differences
      between the two groups (P<0.05). A predictive model of these two miRNAs was
      created by the logistic regression analysis. The probability of this model was
      89.71%. Based on the ROC curve, the specificity was 75.00%, and the sensitivity
      was 81.25%. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of miR-19a and miR-205 in the serum may
      predict the chemosensitivity of luminal A subtype of breast cancer to epirubicin
      plus paclitaxel neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 25137072
TI  - The free caesareans policy in low-income settings: an interrupted time series
      analysis in Mali (2003-2012).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Several countries have instituted fee exemptions for caesareans to
      reduce maternal and newborn mortality. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of fee
      exemptions for caesareans on population caesarean rates taking into account
      different levels of accessibility. METHODS: The observation period was from
      January 2003 to May 2012 in one Region and covered 11.7 million person-years.
      Exemption fees for caesareans were adopted on June 26, 2005. Data were obtained
      from a registration system implemented in 2003 that tracks all obstetrical
      emergencies and interventions including caesareans. The pre-intervention period
      was 30 months and the post-intervention period was 83 months. We used an
      interrupted time series to evaluate the trend before and after the policy
      adoption and the overall tendency. FINDINGS: During the study period, the
      caesarean rate increased from 0.25 to 1.5% for the entire population. For women
      living in cities with district hospitals that provided caesareans, the rate
      increased from 1.7% before the policy was enforced to 5.7% 83 months later. No
      significant change in trends was observed among women living in villages with a
      healthcare centre or those in villages with no healthcare facility. For the
      latter, the caesarean rate increased from 0.4 to 1%. CONCLUSIONS: After nine
      years of implementation policy in Mali, the caesarean rate achieved in cities
      with a district hospital reached the full beneficial effect of this measure,
      whereas for women living elsewhere this policy did not increase the caesarean
      rate to a level that could contribute effectively to reduce their risk of
      maternal death. Only universal access to this essential intervention could reduce
      the inequities and increase the effectiveness of this policy.

PMID- 25137073
TI  - pH dependence of conformational fluctuations of the protein backbone.
AB  - Proton binding equilibria (pK(a) values) of ionizable groups in proteins are
      exquisitely sensitive to their microenvironments. Apparent pK(a) values measured
      for individual ionizable residues with NMR spectroscopy are actually population
      weighted averages of the pK(a) in different conformational microstates. NMR
      spectroscopy experiments with staphylococcal nuclease were used to test the
      hypothesis that pK(a) values of surface Glu and Asp residues are affected by pH
      sensitive fluctuations of the backbone between folded and locally unfolded
      conformations. (15)N spin relaxation studies showed that as the pH decreases from
      the neutral into the acidic range the amplitudes of backbone fluctuations in the
      ps-ns timescale increase near carboxylic residues. Hydrogen exchange experiments
      suggested that backbone conformational fluctuations promoted by decreasing pH
      also reflect slower local or sub-global unfolding near carboxylic groups. This
      study has implications for structure-based pKa calculations: (1) The timescale of
      the backbone's response to ionization events in proteins can range from ps to ms,
      and even longer; (2) pH-sensitive fluctuations of the backbone can be localized
      to both the segment the ionizable residue is attached to or the one that occludes
      the ionizable group; (3) Structural perturbations are not necessarily propagated
      through Coulomb interactions; instead, local fluctuations appear to be coupled
      through the co-operativity inherent to elements of secondary structure and to
      networks of hydrogen bonds. These results are consistent with the idea that local
      conformational fluctuations and stabilities are important determinants of
      apparent pK(a) values of ionizable residues in proteins.

PMID- 25137075
TI  - Obstetric triage.

PMID- 25137074
TI  - Orthology detection combining clustering and synteny for very large datasets.
AB  - The elucidation of orthology relationships is an important step both in gene
      function prediction as well as towards understanding patterns of sequence
      evolution. Orthology assignments are usually derived directly from sequence
      similarities for large data because more exact approaches exhibit too high
      computational costs. Here we present PoFF, an extension for the standalone tool
      Proteinortho, which enhances orthology detection by combining clustering,
      sequence similarity, and synteny. In the course of this work, FFAdj-MCS, a
      heuristic that assesses pairwise gene order using adjacencies (a similarity
      measure related to the breakpoint distance) was adapted to support multiple
      linear chromosomes and extended to detect duplicated regions. PoFF largely
      reduces the number of false positives and enables more fine-grained predictions
      than purely similarity-based approaches. The extension maintains the low memory
      requirements and the efficient concurrency options of its basis Proteinortho,
      making the software applicable to very large datasets. 

PMID- 25137076
TI  - Should informed consent be required for routine newborn screening and for the
      storage of blood samples?

PMID- 25137079
TI  - Subsequent pregnancy after having a baby who was hospitalized in the NICU.
AB  - PURPOSE: To understand experiences of mothers who had a baby hospitalized in the
      NICU and then decided to have another pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We
      used a descriptive phenomenological approach to study 12 mothers in Japan who had
      a child hospitalized in the NICU and had a subsequent child. Data were collected
      by semistructured interviews that occurred two to four times per participant.
      Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method. RESULTS: Although all of the mothers
      had a child who was making steady progress, they experienced difficulty when
      deciding on having another pregnancy. Our analysis identified five theme
      clusters: delaying pregnancy; unwavering view about having subsequent children;
      changing values regarding pregnancy and childbirth; relief of anxiety and fear
      about repeated hospitalization in the NICU; and preparedness to accept the
      outcome of pregnancy. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our study suggests that mothers
      require support during babies' hospitalization in the NICU and for the process of
      decision-making about a subsequent pregnancy. Family-centered care as the basis
      for nursing practice in the NICU is ideal to provide this type of support.

PMID- 25137078
TI  - Women's perspectives on falls and fall prevention during pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury in women. During
      pregnancy, even a minor fall can result in adverse consequences. Evidence to
      inform effective and developmentally appropriate pregnancy fall prevention
      programs is lacking. Early research on pregnancy fall prevention suggests that
      exercise may reduce falls. However, acceptability and effectiveness of pregnancy
      fall prevention programs are untested. PURPOSE: To better understand postpartum
      women's perspective and preferences on fall prevention strategies during
      pregnancy to formulate an intervention. METHODS: Focus groups and individual
      interviews were conducted with 31 postpartum women using descriptive qualitative
      methodology. Discussion of falls during pregnancy and fall prevention strategies
      was guided by a focus group protocol and enhanced by 1- to 3-minute videos on
      proposed interventions. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, and
      analyzed using NVivo 10 software. RESULTS: Emerging themes were environmental
      circumstances and physical changes of pregnancy leading to a fall, prevention
      strategies, barriers, safety concerns, and marketing a fall prevention program.
      Wet surfaces and inappropriate footwear commonly contributed to falls. Women
      preferred direct provider counseling and programs including yoga and Pilates.
      IMPLICATIONS: Fall prevention strategies tailored to pregnant women are needed.
      Perspectives of postpartum women support fall prevention through provider
      counseling and individual or supervised exercise programs.

PMID- 25137080
TI  - Breast cancer risk assessment in primary care.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common cancer (when excluding skin cancers) in women
      and the second most common cause of cancer death in women, with a lifetime
      prevalence of 12.5% (, ; ). Breast cancer screening reduces risk of cancer death,
      thereby increasing rate of survival to up to 89% for women with stage 1 and 2
      breast cancer (; ). Despite these data, undue harm may occur with unnecessary
      screening because overidentification of risk, and excessive, costly biopsies may
      result. Costs and benefits of screening must be weighed. Nurses at all levels can
      play a pivotal role in promotion of appropriate breast cancer screening and
      subsequently breast cancer prevention by using accurate screening tools, such as
      the Tyrer-Cuzick model. Although there are some limitations with this tool,
      screening at the primary care level has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes
      (). Its use can help nurses accurately assess a woman's breast cancer risk, by
      promoting appropriate screening at the primary care level (). 

PMID- 25137081
TI  - Parenting and concerns of pregnant women in buprenorphine treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: Opioid-dependent pregnant women are characterized by drug use during
      pregnancy and deficits in knowledge of newborn care and feeding, and of child
      development. We assessed parenting skills and concerns among pregnant women in
      buprenorphine treatment for prescription opioid dependence. STUDY DESIGN AND
      METHODS: We interviewed 32 pregnant women who received buprenorphine treatment
      for prescription opioid dependence in a primary care setting and administered
      questionnaires, including the Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory version 2
      (AAPI-2) and Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire. RESULTS: AAPI
      2 scores revealed medium risk of abuse for all five scales: inappropriate
      expectations of the child, low level of empathy, strong belief in corporal
      punishment, reversal of parent-child roles, and oppression of children's power
      and independence. Primary concerns of participants were neonatal abstinence
      syndrome (NAS) and their child's health. Pregnant women who received
      buprenorphine for treatment of prescription opioid dependence showed a lack of
      appropriate parenting skills, but did not express concern about their ability to
      parent. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our findings suggest a need for nurses to assist
      prescription opioid-dependent pregnant women in acquiring additional parenting
      skills, to refer for educational parenting intervention, and to educate patients
      about NAS.

PMID- 25137083
TI  - Potential tools to assess diet quality.

PMID- 25137082
TI  - Women's experience of decision-making with medication abortion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication abortion received regulatory approval in 2001 in the
      United States with healthcare providers increasingly offering this method.
      However, most studies in the United States have only explored acceptability and
      decision-making with women who participated in clinical trials. Overall, the
      literature on women's experience with a method that it is now widely available is
      under research in the United States. OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze the
      women's experience as they choose the option of and experienced the process of
      medication abortion. DESIGN: A constructivist grounded theory study. SETTING:
      Outpatient clinical offices in a three-state area in the northeast region of the
      United States. PARTICIPANTS: A purposive sample of 22 women aged 16 to 45 who
      experienced a medication abortion. METHODS: Data were collected by in-depth, open
      ended, face-to-face interviews. The constant comparative method was used for
      analysis. RESULTS: Five interwoven categories emerged regarding women's initial
      decision to have a medication abortion: choosing a natural process, avoiding
      "surgery," respecting the "baby," scheduling to meet needs, and appreciating the
      home setting. The enhanced sense of personal control associated with the
      medication abortion option was the overriding reason given for choosing this
      method. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the paucity of literature on the
      reasons why women choose medication abortion. It is important for nurses to
      understand the complexity of medication abortion decision-making so that they can
      effectively support women through this process.

PMID- 25137084
TI  - Human factors, usability, and the electronic health record.

PMID- 25137085
TI  - Fostering hope: documenting interventions targeting Ethiopian child brides.

PMID- 25137087
TI  - Underwater birth: an elective intervention with safety concerns.

PMID- 25137088
TI  - Synthesis of sulfur-bridged polycycles via Pd-catalyzed dehydrogenative
      cyclization.
AB  - A general approach to sulfur-bridged polycycles by palladium-catalyzed double
      C(sp(2))-H bond oxidative cyclization is presented. This protocol afforded
      diverse sulfur-bridged five-, six-, and seven-membered polycycles in moderate to
      good yields with a tolerance for a wide variety of functional groups. A sulfide
      bridged six-membered pyrene-thienoacene compound was synthesized readily using
      this method, and excellent performance for photoluminescence quantum yield was
      observed. 

PMID- 25137089
TI  - Quantitative measurement of ligand exchange on iron oxides via radiolabeled oleic
      acid.
AB  - Ligand exchange of hydrophilic molecules on the surface of hydrophobic iron oxide
      nanoparticles produced via thermal decomposition of chelated iron precursors is a
      common method for producing aqueous suspensions of particles for biomedical
      applications. Despite the wide use, relatively little is understood about the
      efficiency of ligand exchange on the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles and how
      much of the hydrophobic ligand is removed. To address this issue, we utilized a
      radiotracer technique to track the exchange of a radiolabeled (14)C-oleic acid
      ligand with hydrophilic ligands on the surface of magnetite nanoparticles. Iron
      oxide nanoparticles functionalized with (14)C-oleic acid were modified with
      poly(ethylene glycol) with terminal functional groups including, L-3,4
      dihydroxyphenylalanine, a nitrated L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, carboxylic acid,
      a phosphonate, and an amine. Following ligand exchange, the nanoparticles and
      byproducts were analyzed using liquid scintillation counting and inductively
      coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. The labeled and unlabeled particles were
      further characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light
      scattering to determine particle size, hydrodynamic diameter, and zeta potential.
      The unlabeled particles were characterized via thermogravimetric analysis and
      vibrating sample magnetometry. Radioanalytical determination of the (14)C from
      (14)C-oleic acid was used to calculate the amount of oleic acid remaining on the
      surface of the particles after purification and ligand exchange. There was a
      significant loss of oleic acid on the surface of the particles after ligand
      exchange with amounts varying for the different functional binding groups on the
      poly(ethylene glycol). Nonetheless, all samples demonstrated some residual oleic
      acid associated with the particles. Quantification of the oleic acid remaining
      after ligand exchange reveals a binding hierarchy in which catechol derived
      anchor groups displace oleic acid on the surface of the nanoparticles better than
      the phosphonate, followed by the amine and carboxylic acid groups. Furthermore,
      the results show that these ligand exchange reactions do not necessarily occur to
      completion as is often assumed, thus leaving a residual amount of oleic acid on
      the surface of the particles. A thorough analysis of ligand exchange is required
      to develop nanoparticles that are suitable for their desired application.

PMID- 25137091
TI  - International nursing partnerships for global cancer control.

PMID- 25137090
TI  - The effect of temperature on the catalytic conversion of Kraft lignin using near
      critical water.
AB  - The catalytic conversion of suspended LignoBoost Kraft lignin was performed in
      near-critical water using ZrO2/K2CO3 as the catalytic system and phenol as the co
      solvent and char suppressing agent. The reaction temperature was varied from 290
      to 370 degrees C and its effect on the process was investigated in a continuous
      flow (1kg/h). The yields of water-soluble organics (WSO), bio-oil and char (dry
      lignin basis) were in the ranges of 5-11%, 69-87% and 16-22%, respectively. The
      bio-oil, being partially deoxygenated, exhibited higher carbon content and heat
      value, but lower sulphur content than lignin. The main 1-ring aromatics (in WSO
      and diethylether-soluble bio-oil) were anisoles, alkylphenols, catechols and
      guaiacols. The results show that increasing temperature increases the yield of 1
      ring aromatics remarkably, while it increases the formation of char moderately.
      An increase in the yields of anisoles, alkylphenols and catechols, together with
      a decrease in the yield of guaiacols, was also observed. 

PMID- 25137093
TI  - Cancer in the aging: what are we doing to family caregivers?

PMID- 25137092
TI  - End-of-life care pathways for improving outcomes in caring for the dying.

PMID- 25137094
TI  - Panning for the gold in health research: incorporating studies' methodological
      quality in meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews now routinely assess methodological quality to
      gauge the validity of the included studies and of the synthesis as a whole.
      Although trends from higher quality studies should be clearer, it is uncertain
      how often meta-analyses incorporate methodological quality in models of study
      results either as predictors, or, more interestingly, in interactions with
      theoretical moderators. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: We survey 200 meta-analyses in
      three health promotion domains to examine when and how meta-analyses incorporate
      methodological quality. RESULTS: Although methodological quality assessments
      commonly appear in contemporary meta-analyses (usually as scales), they are
      rarely incorporated in analyses, and still more rarely analysed in interaction
      with theoretical determinants of the success of health promotions. The few meta
      analyses (2.5%) that did include such an interaction analysis showed that
      moderator results remained significant in higher quality studies or were present
      only among higher quality studies. We describe how to model quality interactively
      with theoretically derived moderators and discuss strengths and weaknesses of
      this approach and in relation to current meta-analytic practice. CONCLUSIONS: In
      large literatures exhibiting heterogeneous effects, meta-analyses can incorporate
      methodological quality and generate conclusions that enable greater confidence
      not only about the substantive phenomenon but also about the role that
      methodological quality itself plays.

PMID- 25137095
TI  - High proton conduction at above 100  degrees C mediated by hydrogen bonding in a
      lanthanide metal-organic framework.
AB  - A lanthanide metal-organic framework (MOF) compound of the formulation
      [Eu2(CO3)(ox)2(H2O)2].4H2O (1, ox = oxalate) was prepared by hydrothermal
      synthesis with its structure determined crystallographically. Temperature
      dependent but humidity-independent high proton conduction was observed with a
      maximum of 2.08 * 10(-3) S cm(-1) achieved at 150  degrees C, well above the
      normal boiling point of water. Results from detailed structural analyses,
      comparative measurements of conductivities using regular and deuterated samples,
      anisotropic conductivity measurements using a single-crystal sample, and variable
      temperature photoluminescence studies collectively establish that the protons
      furnished by the Eu(III)-bound and activated aqua ligands are the charge carriers
      and that the transport of proton is mediated along the crystallographic a-axis by
      ordered hydrogen-bonded arrays involving both aqua ligands and adjacent oxalate
      groups in the channels of the open framework. Proton conduction was enhanced with
      the increase of temperature from room temperature to about 150  degrees C, which
      can be rationalized in terms of thermal activation of the aqua ligands and the
      facilitated transport between aqua and adjacent oxalate ligands. A complete
      thermal loss of the aqua ligands occurred at about 160  degrees C, resulting in
      the disintegration of the hydrogen-bonded pathway for proton transport and a
      precipitous drop in conductivity. However, the structural integrity of the MOF
      was maintained up to 350  degrees C, and upon rehydration, the original structure
      with the hydrogen-bonded arrays was restored, and so was its high proton
      conduction ability. 

PMID- 25137097
TI  - The geographic origin of Helicobacter pylori isolated from Costa Rican patients.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori infects a significant proportion of the world population and
      it is associated with pathologies which include chronic atrophic gastritis,
      peptic ulcer, and gastric neoplasias such as gastric adenocarcinoma and MALT
      lymphoma. Costa Rica has a high prevalence of the infection and an elevated
      incidence of gastric cancer and its associated mortality. The global population
      structure for H. pylori has been established using a MLST scheme. The population
      structure of the strains of H. pylori circulating in Costa Rica is currently
      unknown. We characterized the geographical origin of 24 H. pylori isolates from
      Costa Rican patients. We identified 142 new alleles for the genes included in the
      scheme and in eight of the 24 isolates from Costa Rican patients, all seven
      alleles sequenced were described for the first time. Twenty-one isolates from
      Costa Rican patients group with hpEurope strains and the remaining three isolates
      grouped with hspWAfrica isolates (Bayesian posterior probability values above
      0.70, P = 0.05, after 2 000 000 generations). The obtained result in the MLST
      analysis was not unexpected and reflects the genetic composition of the Costa
      Rican population. 

PMID- 25137098
TI  - Tax fraud.

PMID- 25137099
TI  - Hiring scribes.

PMID- 25137096
TI  - Virulence and draft genome sequence overview of multiple strains of the swine
      pathogen Haemophilus parasuis.
AB  - Haemophilus parasuis is the cause of Glasser's disease in swine, which is
      characterized by systemic infection resulting in polyserositis, meningitis, and
      arthritis. Investigation of this animal disease is complicated by the enormous
      differences in the severity of disease caused by H. parasuis strains, ranging
      from lethal systemic disease to subclinical carriage. To identify differences in
      genotype that could account for virulence phenotypes, we established the
      virulence of, and performed whole genome sequence analysis on, 11 H. parasuis
      strains. Virulence was assessed by evaluating morbidity and mortality following
      intranasal challenge of Caesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived (CDCD) pigs.
      Genomic DNA from strains Nagasaki (serotype 5), 12939 (serotype 1), SW140
      (serotype 2), 29755 (serotype 5), MN-H (serotype 13), 84-15995 (serotype 15),
      SW114 (serotype 3), H465 (serotype 11), D74 (serotype 9), and 174 (serotype 7)
      was used to generate Illumina paired-end libraries for genomic sequencing and de
      novo assembly. H. parasuis strains Nagasaki, 12939, SH0165 (serotype 5), SW140,
      29755, and MN-H exhibited a high level of virulence. Despite minor differences in
      expression of disease among these groups, all pigs challenged with these strains
      developed clinical signs consistent with Glasser's disease between 1-7 days post
      challenge. H. parasuis strains 84-15995 and SW114 were moderately virulent, in
      that approximately half of the pigs infected with each developed Glasser's
      disease. H. parasuis strains H465, D74, and 174 were minimally virulent or
      avirulent in the CDCD pig model. Comparative genomic analysis among strains
      identified several noteworthy differences in coding regions. These coding regions
      include predicted outer membrane, metabolism, and pilin or adhesin related genes,
      some of which likely contributed to the differences in virulence and systemic
      disease observed following challenge. These data will be useful for identifying
      H. parasuis virulence factors and vaccine targets. 

PMID- 25137100
TI  - Seeking simplicity.

PMID- 25137101
TI  - Protecting the family.

PMID- 25137102
TI  - Leading the charge.

PMID- 25137103
TI  - Casting a vision.

PMID- 25137104
TI  - Public mental health.

PMID- 25137105
TI  - Social determinants of mental health.
AB  - A person's mental health and many common mental disorders are shaped by various
      social, economic, and physical environments operating at different stages of
      life. Risk factors for many common mental disorders are heavily associated with
      social inequalities, whereby the greater the inequality the higher the inequality
      in risk. The poor and disadvantaged suffer disproportionately, but those in the
      middle of the social gradient are also affected. It is of major importance that
      action is taken to improve the conditions of everyday life, beginning before
      birth and progressing into early childhood, older childhood and adolescence,
      during family building and working ages, and through to older age. Action
      throughout these life stages would provide opportunities for both improving
      population mental health, and for reducing risk of those mental disorders that
      are associated with social inequalities. As mental disorders are fundamentally
      linked to a number of other physical health conditions, these actions would also
      reduce inequalities in physical health and improve health overall. Action needs
      to be universal: across the whole of society and proportionate to need. Policy
      making at all levels of governance and across sectors can make a positive
      difference.

PMID- 25137106
TI  - Mental disability, human rights and the capabilities approach: searching for the
      foundations.
AB  - Those seeking to improve the well-being of individuals with disabilities
      worldwide often draw on the idea of human rights. More recently, a variety of
      international human rights legislation such as the Convention on the Rights of
      Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has come into force worldwide. The present
      article aims to ground human rights of people with disabilities such as those in
      the CRPD in a theory of social justice called the capabilities approach (CA).
      This article discusses the reasons for grounding rights in a theory of justice,
      the links between the CA and human rights, the central concern for disability and
      individuals with disabilities in the CA, and seven central components of the CA.

PMID- 25137107
TI  - Climate change: the next challenge for public mental health?
AB  - Climate change is increasingly recognized as one of the greatest threats to human
      health of the 21st century, with consequences that mental health professionals
      are also likely to face. While physical health impacts have been increasingly
      emphasized in literature and practice, recent scholarly literature indicates that
      climate change and related weather events and environmental changes can
      profoundly impact psychological well-being and mental health through both direct
      and indirect pathways, particularly among those with pre-existing vulnerabilities
      or those living in ecologically sensitive areas. Although knowledge is still
      limited about the connections between climate change and mental health, evidence
      is indicating that impacts may be felt at both the individual and community
      levels, with mental health outcomes ranging from psychological distress,
      depression and anxiety, to increased addictions and suicide rates. Drawing on
      examples from diverse geographical areas, this article highlights some climate
      sensitive impacts that may be encountered by mental health professionals. We then
      suggest potential avenues for public mental health in light of current and
      projected changes, in order to stimulate thought, debate, and action.

PMID- 25137108
TI  - Evaluation of a comedy intervention to improve coping and help-seeking for mental
      health problems in a women's prison.
AB  - Rates of mental illness and self-harm are very high among women prisoners.
      Questionnaires assessed prisoners' knowledge of and attitudes towards mental
      health problems, and relevant behavioural intentions before and after the
      intervention, to evaluate the effectiveness of a comedy show in a women's prison
      to reduce mental health stigma and improve coping and help-seeking for mental
      health problems. The intervention appeared to have been successful in improving
      some aspects of prisoners' knowledge about the effectiveness of psychotherapy (Z
      = - 2.304, p = 0.021) and likelihood of recovery from mental health problems (Z =
      - 2.699, p = 0.007). There were significant post-intervention increases in the
      proportion who stated they would discuss or disclose mental health problems with
      all but one of the sources of help in the questionnaire, which was consistent
      with the increases in the number of prisoners who rated themselves as likely to
      start using different sources of help or prison activities. There was no
      improvement in intentions to associate with people with a mental health problem.
      The intervention appeared effective in improving factors that might increase help
      seeking and improve coping, but not those that would change behaviour towards
      others with a mental health problem.

PMID- 25137109
TI  - Disclosure of domestic violence in mental health settings: a qualitative meta
      synthesis.
AB  - Little is known about how psychiatric services respond to service users'
      experiences of domestic violence. This qualitative meta-synthesis examined the
      healthcare experiences and expectations of mental health service users
      experiencing domestic violence. Twenty-two biomedical, social science, grey
      literature databases and websites were searched, supplemented by citation
      tracking and expert recommendations. Qualitative studies which included mental
      health service users (aged >= 16 years) with experiences of domestic violence
      were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently extracted data from
      included papers and assessed quality. Findings from primary studies were combined
      using meta-synthesis techniques. Twelve studies provided data on 140 female and
      four male mental health service users. Themes were generally consistent across
      studies. Overarching theoretical constructs included the role of professionals in
      identifying domestic violence and facilitating disclosures, implementing
      personalized care and referring appropriately. Mental health services often
      failed to identify and facilitate disclosures of domestic violence, and to
      develop responses that prioritized service users' safety. Mental health services
      were reported to give little consideration to the role of domestic violence in
      precipitating or exacerbating mental illness and the dominance of the biomedical
      model and stigma of mental illness were found to inhibit effective responses.
      Mental health services often fail to adequately address the violence experienced
      by mental health service users. This meta-synthesis highlights the need for
      mental health services to establish appropriate strategies and responses to
      domestic violence to ensure optimal care of this vulnerable population.

PMID- 25137110
TI  - A public health initiative for reducing access to pesticides as a means to
      committing suicide: findings from a qualitative study.
AB  - Widespread use of pesticides among farmers in rural India, provides an easy means
      for suicide. A public health initiative involving storage of pesticides in a
      central storage facility could be a possible strategy for reducing mortality and
      morbidity related to pesticide poisoning. This qualitative study explored
      community perceptions towards a central pesticide storage facility in villages in
      rural South India. Sixteen focus group discussions held with consenting adults
      from intervention and control villages were followed by eight more a year after
      initiation of the storage facility. Analysis revealed four themes, namely,
      reasons for committing suicide and methods used, exposure to pesticides and first
      aid practices, storage and disposal of pesticides, and perceptions towards the
      storage facility. The facility was appreciated as a means of preventing suicides
      and for providing a safe haven for pesticide storage. The participatory process
      that guided its design, construction and location ensured its acceptability. Use
      of qualitative methods helped provide deep insights into the phenomenon of
      pesticide suicide and aided the understanding of community perceptions towards
      the storage facility. The study suggests that communal storage of pesticides
      could be an important step towards reducing pesticide suicides in rural areas.

PMID- 25137111
TI  - Building mental health workforce capacity through training and retention of
      psychiatrists in Zimbabwe.
AB  - Despite the need to improve the quantity and quality of psychiatry training in
      sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), very little is known about the experiences of
      psychiatric trainees in the region. This is the first study examining psychiatric
      trainees in a low-income country in SSA. It was carried out as part of the needs
      assessment for a unique Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI) programme
      to find African solutions for medical shortages in Africa. We approached all
      doctors who had trained in post-graduate psychiatry in Zimbabwe in 2010 and
      conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with all except one (n = 6). We
      analysed the data using constant comparison and thematic analysis. Trainees
      described the apprenticeship model as the programme's primary strength, through
      providing clinical exposure and role models. Programme weaknesses included
      shortages in information sources, trainee salaries, trainers, public health
      education, and in the mental health service. Most respondents were, however,
      eager to continue practising psychiatry in Zimbabwe, motivated by family ties,
      national commitment and helping vulnerable, stigmatized individuals. Respondents
      called for sub-speciality training and for infrastructure and training to do
      research. Resources need to be made available for psychiatric trainees in more
      SSA settings to develop public health competencies. However, investment in
      psychiatry training programmes must balance service provision with trainees'
      educational needs. Directing investment towards needs identified by trainees may
      be a cost-effective, context-sensitive way to increase retention and learning
      outcomes.

PMID- 25137112
TI  - Corporate social responsibility and mental health: the Premier League football
      Imagine Your Goals programme.
AB  - Football is increasingly used to facilitate recovery in mental health services,
      often in partnership with football clubs. However, few clubs have made mental
      health part of their corporate social responsibility programmes until recently.
      We report the impact on participants of the 'Imagine Your Goals' programme, run
      by 16 Premier League football clubs in conjunction with England's Time to Change
      programme to reduce mental health-related stigma and discrimination. Mixed
      methods evaluation used pre/post measures of well-being, access to social
      capital, focus groups held early on and towards the end of the two-year
      programmes, and questionnaires for coaching staff. There were no significant
      changes to participants' mental well-being scores between baseline and follow-up,
      nor to the total number of social resources accessible through their networks.
      However, there was a statistically significant increase at follow-up in the mean
      score of the personal skills subscale of the Resource Generator-UK. Participants'
      individual skills were also higher at follow-up. Qualitative data showed
      programmes had largely met participants' expectations in terms of socializing,
      providing structure and improving fitness levels, exceeded expectations in
      relationships with coaching staff and additional activities, but did not always
      meet them in improving football skills. Participants varied in their knowledge of
      exit opportunities, depending on which club's programme they attended. A minority
      of clubs reported difficulties in recruitment and concerns about planning for the
      future of the projects. Football clubs and the charitable foundations they set up
      can successfully deliver programmes to people with mental health problems which
      improve access to personal skills social capital and have other potential
      benefits.

PMID- 25137113
TI  - Mental Health First Aid is an effective public health intervention for improving
      knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a standardized, psychoeducational programme
      developed to empower the public to approach, support and refer individuals in
      distress by improving course participants' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
      related to mental ill-health. The present paper aims to synthesize published
      evaluations of the MHFA programme in a meta-analysis to estimate its effects and
      potential as a public mental health awareness-increasing strategy. Fifteen
      relevant papers were identified through a systematic literature search.
      Standardized effect sizes were calculated for three different outcome measures:
      change in knowledge, attitudes, and helping behaviours. The results of the meta
      analysis for these outcomes yielded a mean effect size of Glass's Delta = 0.56
      (95% CI = 0.38 - 0.74; p < 0.001), 0.28 (95% CI = 0.22 - 0.35; p < 0.001) and
      0.25 (95% CI = 0.12 - 0.38; p < 0.001), respectively. Results were homogenous,
      and moderator analyses suggested no systematic bias or differences in results
      related to study design (with or without control group) or 'publication quality'
      (journal impact factor). The results demonstrate that MHFA increases
      participants' knowledge regarding mental health, decreases their negative
      attitudes, and increases supportive behaviours toward individuals with mental
      health problems. The MHFA programme appears recommendable for public health
      action.

PMID- 25137114
TI  - Social support network typologies and health outcomes of older people in low and
      middle income countries--a 10/66 Dementia Research Group population-based study.
AB  - This study aims to assess the construct validity of the Wenger social support
      network typology in low and middle income countries. We hypothesize that, in
      comparison with the integrated network type, the non-integrated network type is
      associated with loneliness, depression, poor quality of life (less happiness),
      poor self-reported health, increased disability and higher care needs. Cross
      sectional one-phase surveys were conducted of all residents aged 65 and over in
      catchment areas in eight low and middle income countries (India, China, Cuba,
      Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico). Wenger's
      Practitioner Assessment of Network Type (PANT) was used to measure social network
      type. Family dependent, local self-contained, wider community-focused and private
      restricted network types were considered non-integrated, in comparison to the
      locally integrated network type. Overall, 17,031 participants were interviewed.
      Family dependent and locally integrated network types were the most prevalent.
      Adjusted pooled estimates across sites showed that loneliness, depression, less
      happiness, poor health, disability, and need for care were significantly
      associated with non-integrated network type. The findings of this study support
      the construct validity of Wenger's network typology in low and middle income
      countries. However, further research is required to test the criterion validity
      of Wenger typology using longitudinal data. Identifying older people who are
      vulnerable could inform the development of social care interventions to support
      older people and their families in the context of deteriorating health.

PMID- 25137115
TI  - Eating disorders as a public health issue: prevalence and attributable impairment
      of quality of life in an Italian community sample.
AB  - The prevalence of eating disorders (ED) in the community is still under debate,
      as well as the measure of their impact on the well-being of individuals. It was
      decided to evaluate the prevalence of eating disorders in an Italian community
      sample as well as to measure the burden of the quality of life of people and to
      compare it to those attributable to other chronic illnesses. A community survey
      of 4,999 people using a questionnaire on health services utilization, the
      Advanced Neuropsychiatric Tools and Assessment Schedule (ANTAS), a semi
      structured clinical interview derived from the non-patient version of the DSM-IV
      (SCID/NP) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) was conducted. A total of 3,398
      individuals were interviewed (68% of those recruited). Lifetime prevalence for
      overall ED was 1.7%; for anorexia 0.7%; for bulimia 0.6% and for binge eating
      disorder 0.5%. ED was more frequent in women than in men. No cases of anorexia in
      men were identified. ED showed an attributable burden in impairing quality of
      life with no statistically significant differences with those due to major
      depressive disorder, bipolar spectrum disorders and Wilson's disease. Of the
      pathological conditions considered, only multiple sclerosis showed a worsening
      attributable burden. ED thus has a non-negligible frequency in Italy, with severe
      impact on quality of life comparable to that produced by severe chronic
      psychiatric and general medical conditions. These elements emphasize that ED is a
      serious public health issue.

PMID- 25137116
TI  - Preparation for parenthood programme: experiences from southern India.
AB  - Parenting skills are critically important to ensure that children are brought up
      in a safe environment. Recent evidence shows that studies of parenting skills are
      still at a preliminary stage in low- and middle-income countries. These need to
      involve family practitioners and religious groups who often play a major role in
      preparing young people in India. There are organized programmes available in the
      country for Christian adults to prepare themselves for marriage and family life
      through various church initiatives and activities. In order to develop a
      programme which can be used to prepare young parents for responsibilities of
      parenthood, a needs assessment was carried out among 70 young adults who attended
      a marriage preparation course in Bangalore, India. All the participants belonged
      to the Christian faith. Participants consisted of 53% men and 47% women whose
      average age for deciding to get married was 26.8 years. All of them expressed a
      need for such a preparatory programme for parenthood. They considered they needed
      to know about normal child development, behavioural management of children, to
      develop adequate skills in handling children at different ages, and deal with
      their own past issues with their own parents when they were being parented. The
      results suggest that the development of a preparatory programme for young adults
      to support them in the role of parenthood must take their views and needs into
      account.

PMID- 25137117
TI  - Psychological well-being of parents and family caregivers of children with
      hearing impairment in south India: influence of behavioural problems in children
      and social support.
AB  - Parents of children with hearing impairment are at increased risk of mental
      health morbidities. We examined the predictive factors associated with
      caregiver's strain and psychological morbidities in parents and family caregivers
      of children with hearing impairment. In total, n = 201 parents and family
      caregivers of children with and without hearing impairment aged 3 to 16 years
      were recruited. Caregiver's strain and psychological morbidities were measured
      using the Zarit Burden scale and the World Health Organization's Self-Reporting
      Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Presence of behavioural problems in children was measured
      using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. After adjustment, low
      educational attainment and domestic violence were found to be associated with
      caregiving strain, whereas dissatisfaction with social support from family,
      behavioural problems in children, and domestic violence strongly predicted
      psychological morbidities. Addressing the mental healthcare needs of parents may
      help in downsizing the impact of psychological morbidities on the well-being of
      children with hearing impairment.

PMID- 25137118
TI  - ICD-10 mental and behavioural disorders due to use of crack and powder cocaine as
      treated at a public psychiatric emergency service: an analysis of visit
      predictors.
AB  - The present study investigated the predictors of an increased number of visits
      from individuals with some of the diagnoses noted in chapter F14 of ICD-10, from
      calls to the emergency psychiatric unit of a general hospital in Sao Paulo state,
      Brazil, in the period 2011-2012. Poisson regression models were carried out for
      the outcome variable, accounting for number of subsequent visits to the
      psychiatric emergency unit. For the analysis of this outcome we took into account
      the exposure time of each individual in the study. Our findings point to a
      population at risk for frequent psychiatric emergency service visits: individuals
      over 25 years. This population should be targeted for interventions on entry into
      public healthcare due to increased psychiatric morbidity and greater clinical
      morbidity already confirmed by previous studies. We discussed the need of these
      individuals for special attention during the clinical or psychiatric emergency
      consultation which, unfortunately, may be the access point for the public health
      system. None of the other variables were related to the outcome of interest, such
      as those related to the level of individual entry into the care network before
      and after treatment, and other variables related to medical acts during the
      visit.

PMID- 25137119
TI  - Retention predictors of a smoking treatment provided by a public psychosocial
      unit in Brazil.
AB  - Psychosocial units in Brazil (CAPS) provide access to mental health and addiction
      patients, who are not routinely treated for nicotine dependence. The present
      study analysed predictors of retention of a 6-week treatment provided by a CAPS
      unit to 367 smokers with a high rate of psychiatric disorders and addictions for
      the period 2007-2010. Several baseline variables were collected. Retention was
      defined as the presence of the individual in all four medical consultations and
      six group sessions. Multivariate discrete time Cox survival regression models
      were used to test for the outcome of interest. Timetables were used to explore in
      which moment of the treatment each predictor was important. Time to smoking the
      first cigarette (TTFC) 5 min or later after waking and nicotine patch use
      (nicotine replacement therapy, NRT) were associated with retention. The present
      study supports the importance of the variables TTFC and NRT when used in
      treatment retention for a sample with a high rate of psychiatric and alcohol
      disorders. NRT seems to be very important in the beginning of the treatment,
      probably because of withdrawal symptoms. Individuals currently undergoing
      psychiatric treatment and with alcohol problems had good retention rates
      comparable to the other individuals.

PMID- 25137120
TI  - The right to health in Paraguay.
AB  - Access to facilities, services and opportunities designed to meet the needs of
      health is a fundamental human right and is the key for people to enjoy other
      human rights. However, in Paraguay, this right is still far from becoming
      reality. The status of the country is the most disadvantaged when compared to the
      average condition of the Mercosur (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay
      and Venezuela). Health, as a human right, expands as a social, economic, and
      political matter. Inequality, poverty, exploitation, violence and injustice are
      at the root of its poor quality and the consequent shortcomings that emerge from
      it. Access to health in Paraguay must be further developed using a human rights
      framework linking it with improving quality of life for all citizens. Such an
      approach means that potentially powerful barriers and interests must be
      questioned and contested wherever appropriate and that political and economic
      priorities must change drastically.

PMID- 25137121
TI  - The crisis in psychiatry: a public health perspective.
AB  - The role and responsibilities of psychiatry and psychiatrists have changed
      significantly in recent decades as a consequence of changes in society. The
      target of psychiatrists has moved from the treatment of specific mental disorders
      to the management of a wide range of psychological conditions. Following these
      changes, a public health approach has been claimed as necessary for psychiatric
      practice and research, given the current ongoing crisis in mental health. If we
      want to promote a public health approach, the following actions should be
      responsibly taken by modern mental health professionals: (1) the identification
      of causes of mental disorders, (2) the refinement of diagnoses, (3) the social
      inclusion of patients, (4) the involvement of users and carers in mental health
      research and practice, and (5) the improvement of psychiatric treatments and
      services. This crisis should represent a stimulus for all psychiatrists and a
      reconceptualization of psychiatry as public health is not in question.

PMID- 25137125
TI  - Effect of hydration on the kinetics of proton-bound dimer formation: experimental
      and theoretical study.
AB  - A kinetic study was performed on the proton-bound dimer formation of
      cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, and cycloheptanone at atmospheric pressure with
      ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) at the temperature range of 30 to 70  degrees C.
      Measured rate constants were in the range of 9.5 * 10(-11) to 4.5 * 10(-10) cm(3)
      s(-1). Rate constants were also calculated using average dipole orientation (ADO)
      theory employing density functional theory (DFT). Calculated rate constants were
      in the range of 1.0-5.5 * 10(-9) cm(3) s(-1). The difference between experimental
      and calculated rate constants was interpreted based on the hydration of the
      protonated monomers so that water molecules were replaced with a neutral monomer
      molecule in the process of dimer formation. This process requires activation
      energy for the formation of dimer and consequently reduces the rate constants. To
      verify our hypothesis, an effective rate constant (keff) was introduced, which
      accounted for the energetically activated water-monomer replacement in the dimer
      formation reactions. A good agreement was observed between the experimental rate
      constants and calculated keff, confirming the validity of the proposed model in
      explaining the kinetics of dimer formation in atmospheric pressure. 

PMID- 25137126
TI  - Interface engineering for CVD graphene: current status and progress.
AB  - In the past decade, graphene and graphene-like 2D materials have drawn more and
      more attention in both academia and industry due to their fascinating properties.
      As an atomically thin 2D layered material, graphene has extremely high
      environmental susceptibility, that is, its properties are strongly affected by
      its surroundings. In this review, the current status and progress in graphene
      interface engineering are systematically discussed, including the interface
      between graphene (carbon sources) and an underlying growth substrate (catalyst),
      the interface between graphene and a supporting layer during a transfer process,
      as well as the interface between graphene and a modified substrate from the
      viewpoint of device applications. These key techniques involved in graphene
      synthesis, transfer, and device substrates can be further applied to other
      related 2D layered materials such as MoS2 . Moreover, by combining 2D crystals in
      one particular stack, 2D-based heterostructures with desired functionalities can
      be achieved, which opens up a new avenue for the future applications of 2D
      layered materials. 

PMID- 25137123
TI  - Spatio-temporal analyses of Symbiodinium physiology of the coral Pocillopora
      verrucosa along large-scale nutrient and temperature gradients in the Red Sea.
AB  - Algal symbionts (zooxanthellae, genus Symbiodinium) of scleractinian corals
      respond strongly to temperature, nutrient and light changes. These factors vary
      greatly along the north-south gradient in the Red Sea and include conditions,
      which are outside of those typically considered optimal for coral growth.
      Nevertheless, coral communities thrive throughout the Red Sea, suggesting that
      zooxanthellae have successfully acclimatized or adapted to the harsh conditions
      they experience particularly in the south (high temperatures and high nutrient
      supply). As such, the Red Sea is a region, which may help to better understand
      how zooxanthellae and their coral hosts successfully acclimatize or adapt to
      environmental change (e.g. increased temperatures and localized eutrophication).
      To gain further insight into the physiology of coral symbionts in the Red Sea, we
      examined the abundance of dominant Symbiodinium types associated with the coral
      Pocillopora verrucosa, and measured Symbiodinium physiological characteristics
      (i.e. photosynthetic processes, cell density, pigmentation, and protein
      composition) along the latitudinal gradient of the Red Sea in summer and winter.
      Despite the strong environmental gradients from north to south, our results
      demonstrate that Symbiodinium microadriaticum (type A1) was the predominant
      species in P. verrucosa along the latitudinal gradient. Furthermore, measured
      physiological characteristics were found to vary more with prevailing seasonal
      environmental conditions than with region-specific differences, although the
      measured environmental parameters displayed much higher spatial than temporal
      variability. We conclude that our findings might present the result of long-term
      acclimatization or adaptation of S. microadriaticum to regionally specific
      conditions within the Red Sea. Of additional note, high nutrients in the South
      correlated with high zooxanthellae density indicating a compensation for a
      temperature-driven loss of photosynthetic performance, which may prove promising
      for the resilience of these corals under increase of temperature increase and
      eutrophication. 

PMID- 25137128
TI  - Three-dimensional titanium dioxide nanomaterials.

PMID- 25137124
TI  - Bioinformatic indications that COPI- and clathrin-based transport systems are not
      present in chloroplasts: an Arabidopsis model.
AB  - Coated vesicle transport occurs in the cytosol of yeast, mammals and plants. It
      consists of three different transport systems, the COPI, COPII and clathrin
      coated vesicles (CCV), all of which participate in the transfer of proteins and
      lipids between different cytosolic compartments. There are also indications that
      chloroplasts have a vesicle transport system. Several putative chloroplast
      localized proteins, including CPSAR1 and CPRabA5e with similarities to cytosolic
      COPII transport-related proteins, were detected in previous experimental and
      bioinformatics studies. These indications raised the hypothesis that a COPI-
      and/or CCV-related system may be present in chloroplasts, in addition to a COPII
      related system. To test this hypothesis we bioinformatically searched for
      chloroplast proteins that may have similar functions to known cytosolic COPI and
      CCV components in the model plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa (subsp.
      japonica) (rice). We found 29 such proteins, based on domain similarity, in
      Arabidopsis, and 14 in rice. However, many components could not be identified and
      among the identified most have assigned roles that are not related to either COPI
      or CCV transport. We conclude that COPII is probably the only active vesicle
      system in chloroplasts, at least in the model plants. The evolutionary
      implications of the findings are discussed. 

PMID- 25137129
TI  - Molecular dynamics simulations of tri-n-butyl-phosphate/n-dodecane mixture:
      thermophysical properties and molecular structure.
AB  - Molecular dynamics simulations of tri-n-butyl-phosphate (TBP)/n-dodecane mixture
      in the liquid phase have been carried out using two recently developed TBP force
      field models (J. Phys. Chem. B 2012, 116, 305) in combination with the all-atom
      optimized potentials for liquid simulations (OPLS-AA) force field model for n
      dodecane. Specifically, the electric dipole moment of TBP, mass density of the
      mixture, and the excess volume of mixing were computed with TBP mole fraction
      ranging from 0 to 1. It is found that the aforementioned force field models
      accurately predict the mass density of the mixture in the entire mole fraction
      range. Commensurate with experimental measurements, the electric dipole moment of
      the TBP was found to slightly increase with the mole fraction of TBP in the
      mixture. Also, in accord with experimental data, the excess volume of mixing is
      positive in the entire mole fraction range, peaking at TBP mole fraction range
      0.3-0.5. Finally, a close examination of the spatial pair correlation functions
      between TBP molecules, and between TBP and n-dodecane molecules, revealed
      formation of TBP dimers through self-association at close distance, a phenomenon
      with ample experimental evidence. 

PMID- 25137127
TI  - Transcription, reverse transcription, and analysis of RNA containing artificial
      genetic components.
AB  - Expanding the synthetic biology of artificially expanded genetic information
      systems (AEGIS) requires tools to make and analyze RNA molecules having added
      nucleotide "letters". We report here the development of T7 RNA polymerase and
      reverse transcriptase to catalyze transcription and reverse transcription of xNA
      (DNA or RNA) having two complementary AEGIS nucleobases, 6-amino-5-nitropyridin-2
      one (trivially, Z) and 2-aminoimidazo[1,2a]-1,3,5-triazin-4(8H)-one (trivially,
      P). We also report MALDI mass spectrometry and HPLC-based analyses for oligomeric
      GACUZP six-letter RNA and the use of ribonuclease (RNase) A and T1 RNase as
      enzymatic tools for the sequence-specific degradation of GACUZP RNA. We then
      applied these tools to analyze the GACUZP and GACTZP products of polymerases and
      reverse transcriptases (respectively) made from DNA and RNA templates. In
      addition to advancing this 6-letter AEGIS toward the biosynthesis of proteins
      containing additional amino acids, these experiments provided new insights into
      the biophysics of DNA.

PMID- 25137130
TI  - Identification of phosphopeptides with unknown cleavage specificity by a de novo
      sequencing assisted database search strategy.
AB  - In theory, proteases with broad cleavage specificity could be applied to digest
      protein samples to improve the phosphoproteomic analysis coverage. However, in
      practice this approach is seldom employed. This is because the identification of
      phosphopeptides without enzyme specificity by conventional database search
      strategy is extremely difficult due to the huge search space. In this study, we
      investigated the performance of a de novo sequencing assisted database search
      strategy for the identification of such phosphopeptides. Firstly, we compared the
      performance of conventional database search strategy and the de novo sequencing
      assisted database search strategy for the identification of peptides and
      phosphopeptides without stetting enzyme specificity. It was found that the
      identification sensitivity dropped significantly for the conventional one while
      it was only slightly decreased for the new approach. Then, this new search
      strategy was applied to identify phosphopeptides generated by Proteinase K
      digestion, which resulted in the identification of 717 phosphopeptides. Finally,
      this strategy was utilized for the identification of serum endogenous
      phosphopeptides, which were generated in vivo by different kinds of proteases and
      kinases, and the identification of 68 unique serum endogenous phosphopepitdes was
      successfully achieved.

PMID- 25137131
TI  - Grape seed extract improves epithelial structure and suppresses inflammation in
      ileum of IL-10-deficient mice.
AB  - Defect in intestinal epithelial structure is a critical etiological factor of
      several intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate the effect of grape seed extract (GSE), which contains
      a mixture of polyphenols, on ileal mucosal structure and inflammation in
      interleukin (IL)-10-deficient mice, a common model for studying inflammatory
      bowel disease. Wild-type and IL-10-deficient mice were fed GSE at 0 or 1% (based
      on dry feed weight) for 16 weeks. GSE supplementation decreased crypt depth and
      increased (P < 0.05) the ratio of villus/crypt length in the terminal ileum.
      Consistently, the dietary GSE decreased (P < 0.05) proliferation and enhanced (P
      < 0.05) differentiation of epithelial cells. These changes in gut epithelium were
      associated with the suppression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of
      activated B-cell (NF-kappaB) signaling. Furthermore, compared with WT mice, IL-10
      deletion promoted beclin-1 and AMPK expression, both of which were decreased to
      normal by GSE supplementation. These changes were associated with alterations in
      epithelial barrier function as indicated by reduced pore forming claudin-2
      protein expression and increased barrier forming claudin-1 protein expression in
      the ileum of GSE supplemented mice. In summary, our data indicates that GSE
      exerts protective effects to the ileal epithelial structure in IL-10-deficient
      mice possibly through the suppression of inflammatory response. 

PMID- 25137135
TI  - Local coordination geometry perturbed beta-diketone dysprosium single-ion
      magnets.
AB  - A series of three beta-diketone mononuclear dysprosium complexes, namely,
      Dy(TFI)3(H2O)2 (1), Dy(TFI)3(bpy) (2), and [Dy(TFI)3(Phen)].0.02CHCl3 (3) (TFI =
      2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1-indone, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10
      phenanthroline) have been designed and synthesized. Crystal structure analysis
      reveals that complexes 1-3 have haveisomorphic structures in which the central
      Dy(III) ion is eight-coordinated by six oxygen atoms from three TFI ligands and
      two O/N atoms from auxiliary ligands, forming a distorted bicapped trigonal
      prismatic geometry for 1, a distorted dodecahedral geometry for 2, and a
      distorted square antiprismatic geometry for 3, respectively. Magnetic studies
      indicate that complex 2 with D(2d) symmetry and 3 with D(4d) symmetry exhibit
      slow magnetic relaxation with barrier heights (U(eff)/k(B)) of 48.8 K for 2 and
      57.9 K for 3. Strikingly, the relaxation time (tau) of 0.0258 s for 3 is about 20
      times that for 2, which is presumably associated with larger rotation of the SAP
      surroundings for 3. Further, complexes 2 and 3 exhibit essential magnetic
      hysteresis loops at 1.8 K. These extend the recent reports of the single-ion
      magnets (SIMs) of beta-diketone mononuclear dysprosium complexes.

PMID- 25137134
TI  - A novel reaction of peroxiredoxin 4 towards substrates in oxidative protein
      folding.
AB  - Peroxiredoxin 4 (Prx4) is the only endoplasmic reticulum localized peroxiredoxin.
      It functions not only to eliminate peroxide but also to promote oxidative protein
      folding via oxidizing protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). In Prx4-mediated
      oxidative protein folding we discovered a new reaction that the sulfenic acid
      form of Prx4 can directly react with thiols in folding substrates, resulting in
      non-native disulfide cross-linking and aggregation. We also found that PDI can
      inhibit this reaction by exerting its reductase and chaperone activities. This
      discovery discloses an off-pathway reaction in the Prx4-mediated oxidative
      protein folding and the quality control role of PDI. 

PMID- 25137133
TI  - Mitochondriome and cholangiocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA) of the liver was the target of more interest,
      recently, due mainly to its increased incidence and possible association to new
      environmental factors. Somatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations have been
      found in several cancers. Some of these malignancies contain changes of mtDNA,
      which are not or, very rarely, found in the mtDNA databases. In terms of
      evolutionary genetics and oncology, these data are extremely interesting and may
      be considered a sign of poor fitness, which may conduct in some way to different
      cellular processes, including carcinogenesis. MitoChip analysis is a strong tool
      for investigations in experimental oncology and was carried out on three CCA cell
      lines (HuCCT1, Huh-28 and OZ) with different outcome in human and a Papova
      immortalized normal hepatocyte cell line (THLE-3). Real time quantitative PCR,
      western blot analysis, transmission electron microscopy, confocal laser
      microscopy, and metabolic assays including L-Lactate and NAD+/NADH assays were
      meticulously used to identify mtDNA copy number, oxidative phosphorylation
      (OXPHOS) content, ultrastructural morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential
      (DeltaPsim), and differential composition of metabolites, respectively. Among 102
      mtDNA changes observed in the CCA cell lines, 28 were non-synonymous coding
      region alterations resulting in an amino acid change. Thirty-eight were
      synonymous and 30 involved ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) regions.
      We found three new heteroplasmic mutations in two CCA cell lines (HuCCT1 and Huh
      28). Interestingly, mtDNA copy number was decreased in all three CCA cell lines,
      while complexes I and III were decreased with depolarization of mitochondria. L
      Lactate and NAD+/NADH assays were increased in all three CCA cell lines. MtDNA
      alterations seem to be a common event in CCA. This is the first study using
      MitoChip analysis with comprehensive metabolic studies in CCA cell lines
      potentially creating a platform for future studies on the interactions between
      normal and neoplastic cells. 

PMID- 25137136
TI  - Integrating multi-omics for uncovering the architecture of cross-talking pathways
      in breast cancer.
AB  - Cross-talk among abnormal pathways widely occurs in human cancer and generally
      leads to insensitivity to cancer treatment. Moreover, alterations in the abnormal
      pathways are not limited to single molecular level. Therefore, we proposed a
      strategy that integrates a large number of biological sources at multiple levels
      for systematic identification of cross-talk among risk pathways in cancer by
      random walk on protein interaction network. We applied the method to multi-Omics
      breast cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), including somatic
      mutation, DNA copy number, DNA methylation and gene expression profiles. We
      identified close cross-talk among many known cancer-related pathways with complex
      change patterns. Furthermore, we identified key genes (linkers) bridging these
      cross-talks and showed that these genes carried out consistent biological
      functions with the linked cross-talking pathways. Through identification of
      leader genes in each pathway, the architecture of cross-talking pathways was
      built. Notably, we observed that linkers cooperated with leaders to form the
      fundamentation of cross-talk of pathways which play core roles in deterioration
      of breast cancer. As an example, we observed that KRAS showed a direct connection
      to numerous cancer-related pathways, such as MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting
      that it may be a central communication hub. In summary, we offer an effective way
      to characterize complex cross-talk among disease pathways, which can be applied
      to other diseases and provide useful information for the treatment of cancer. 

PMID- 25137138
TI  - Germination shifts of C3 and C4 species under simulated global warming scenario.
AB  - Research efforts around the world have been increasingly devoted to investigating
      changes in C3 and C4 species' abundance or distribution with global warming, as
      they provide important insight into carbon fluxes and linked biogeochemical
      cycles. However, changes in the early life stage (e.g. germination) of C3 and C4
      species in response to global warming, particularly with respect to asymmetric
      warming, have received less attention. We investigated germination percentage and
      rate of C3 and C4 species under asymmetric (+3/+6 degrees C at day/night) and
      symmetric warming (+5/+5 degrees C at day/night), simulated by alternating
      temperatures. A thermal time model was used to calculate germination base
      temperature and thermal time constant. Two additional alternating temperature
      regimes were used to test temperature metrics effect. The germination percentage
      and rate increased continuously for C4 species, but increased and then decreased
      with temperature for C3 species under both symmetric and asymmetric warming.
      Compared to asymmetric warming, symmetric warming significantly overestimated the
      speed of germination percentage change with temperature for C4 species. Among the
      temperature metrics (minimum, maximum, diurnal temperature range and average
      temperature), maximum temperature was most correlated with germination of C4
      species. Our results indicate that global warming may favour germination of C4
      species, at least for the C4 species studied in this work. The divergent effects
      of asymmetric and symmetric warming on plant germination also deserve more
      attention in future studies. 

PMID- 25137137
TI  - A novel cell line derived from pleomorphic adenoma expresses MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1,
      TIMP2, and shows numeric chromosomal anomalies.
AB  - Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common salivary gland neoplasm, and it can be
      locally invasive, despite its slow growth. This study aimed to establish a novel
      cell line (AP-1) derived from a human pleomorphic adenoma sample to better
      understand local invasiveness of this tumor. AP-1 cell line was characterized by
      cell growth analysis, expression of epithelial and myoepithelial markers by
      immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, 3D cell culture assays, cytogenetic
      features and transcriptomic study. Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
      and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) was also analyzed by immunofluorescence and
      zymography. Furthermore, epithelial and myoepithelial markers, MMPs and TIMPs
      were studied in the tumor that originated the cell line. AP-1 cells showed
      neoplastic epithelial and myoepithelial markers, such as cytokeratins, vimentin,
      S100 protein and smooth-muscle actin. These molecules were also found in vivo, in
      the tumor that originated the cell line. MMPs and TIMPs were observed in vivo and
      in AP-1 cells. Growth curve showed that AP-1 exhibited a doubling time of 3.342
      days. AP-1 cells grown inside Matrigel recapitulated tumor architecture.
      Different numerical and structural chromosomal anomalies were visualized in
      cytogenetic analysis. Transcriptomic analysis addressed expression of 7 target
      genes (VIM, TIMP2, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1, ACTA2 e PLAG1). Results were compared to
      transcriptomic profile of non-neoplastic salivary gland cells (HSG). Only MMP9
      was not expressed in both libraries, and VIM was expressed solely in AP-1
      library. The major difference regarding gene expression level between AP-1 and
      HSG samples occurred for MMP2. This gene was 184 times more expressed in AP-1
      cells. Our findings suggest that AP-1 cell line could be a useful model for
      further studies on pleomorphic adenoma biology. 

PMID- 25137139
TI  - The CRISPR/Cas9 System Facilitates Clearance of the Intrahepatic HBV Templates In
      Vivo.
AB  - Persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA)
      under current antiviral therapy is a major barrier to eradication of chronic
      hepatitis B (CHB). Curing CHB will require novel strategies for specific
      disruption of cccDNA. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic
      repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system is a newly developed tool for site-specific cleavage
      of DNA targets directed by a synthetic guide RNA (gRNA) base-paired to the target
      DNA sequence. To examine whether this system can cleave HBV genomes, we designed
      eight gRNAs against HBV of genotype A. With the HBV-specific gRNAs, the
      CRISPR/Cas9 system significantly reduced the production of HBV core and surface
      proteins in Huh-7 cells transfected with an HBV-expression vector. Among eight
      screened gRNAs, two effective ones were identified. Interestingly, one gRNA
      targeting the conserved HBV sequence acted against different genotypes. Using a
      hydrodynamics-HBV persistence mouse model, we further demonstrated that this
      system could cleave the intrahepatic HBV genome-containing plasmid and facilitate
      its clearance in vivo, resulting in reduction of serum surface antigen levels.
      These data suggest that the CRISPR/Cas9 system could disrupt the HBV-expressing
      templates both in vitro and in vivo, indicating its potential in eradicating
      persistent HBV infection. 

PMID- 25137141
TI  - Forensic interpretation of molecular variation on networks of disease
      transmission and genetic inheritance.
AB  - This paper describes the inference-on-networks (ION) framework for forensic
      interpretat ION of molecular typing data in cases involving allegations of
      infectious microbial transmission, association of disease outbreaks with alleged
      sources, and identifying familial relationships using mitochondrial or Y
      chromosomal DNA. The framework is applicable to molecular typing data obtained
      using any technique, including those based on electrophoretic separations. A key
      insight is that the networks associated with disease transmission or DNA
      inheritance can be used to define specific testable relationships and avoid the
      ambiguity and subjectivity associated with the criteria used for inferring
      genetic relatedness now in use. We discuss specific applications of the framework
      to the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Singapore and
      the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) outbreak in Great Britain. 

PMID- 25137140
TI  - The MicroRNA Biology of the Mammalian Nucleus.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of genome-encoded small RNAs that are primarily
      considered to be post-transcriptional negative regulators of gene expression
      acting in the cytoplasm. Over a decade of research has focused on this canonical
      paradigm of miRNA function, with many success stories. Indeed, miRNAs have been
      identified that act as master regulators of a myriad of cellular processes, and
      many miRNAs are promising therapeutic targets or disease biomarkers. However, it
      is becoming increasingly apparent that the canonical view of miRNA function is
      incomplete. Several lines of evidence now point to additional functions for
      miRNAs in the nucleus of the mammalian cell. The majority of cellular miRNAs are
      present in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and certain miRNAs show specific
      nuclear enrichment. Additionally, some miRNAs colocalize with sub-nuclear
      structures such as the nucleolus and chromatin. Multiple components of the miRNA
      processing machinery are present in the nuclear compartment and are shuttled back
      and forth across the nuclear envelope. In the nucleus, miRNAs act to regulate the
      stability of nuclear transcripts, induce epigenetic alterations that either
      silence or activate transcription at specific gene promoters, and modulate
      cotranscriptional alternative splicing events. Nuclear miRNA-directed gene
      regulation constitutes a departure from the prevailing view of miRNA function and
      as such, warrants detailed further investigation. 

PMID- 25137143
TI  - Lactase persistence and dairy intake in Mapuche and Mestizo populations from
      southern Chile.
AB  - Lactase persistence (LP) occurs at a very low frequency in indigenous populations
      from Latin America, offering an opportunity to understand the relationship
      between this genetic trait and patterns of dairy consumption. Here, the frequency
      of LP is analyzed from Mapuche and -an adjacent- mestizo population inhabiting
      the Araucania region. In addition to genotyping for LP, participants were
      surveyed in relation to general perception and consumption habits of dairy
      products. Low LP frequency (10%) and very low dairy intake was found among the
      Mapuche population as compared with Mestizo populations inhabiting Chile. The
      survey reported that the main reasons for avoidance of dairy were the
      gastrointestinal symptoms after dairy intake and cultural dietary habits. The
      interaction between low LP genotype frequency, low dairy intake, and
      sociocultural determinants is here discussed in the light of their potential
      health outcomes.

PMID- 25137142
TI  - The cytoplasmic capping complex assembles on adapter protein nck1 bound to the
      proline-rich C-terminus of Mammalian capping enzyme.
AB  - Cytoplasmic capping is catalyzed by a complex that contains capping enzyme (CE)
      and a kinase that converts RNA with a 5'-monophosphate end to a 5' diphosphate
      for subsequent addition of guanylic acid (GMP). We identify the proline-rich C
      terminus as a new domain of CE that is required for its participation in
      cytoplasmic capping, and show the cytoplasmic capping complex assembles on Nck1,
      an adapter protein with functions in translation and tyrosine kinase signaling.
      Binding is specific to Nck1 and is independent of RNA. We show by sedimentation
      and gel filtration that Nck1 and CE are together in a larger complex, that the
      complex can assemble in vitro on recombinant Nck1, and Nck1 knockdown disrupts
      the integrity of the complex. CE and the 5' kinase are juxtaposed by binding to
      the adjacent domains of Nck1, and cap homeostasis is inhibited by Nck1 with
      inactivating mutations in each of these domains. These results identify a new
      domain of CE that is specific to its function in cytoplasmic capping, and a new
      role for Nck1 in regulating gene expression through its role as the scaffold for
      assembly of the cytoplasmic capping complex. 

PMID- 25137144
TI  - Percutaneous radiofrequency facet joint denervation with monitoring of compound
      muscle action potential of the multifidus muscle group for treating chronic low
      back pain: a preliminary report.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      study the effectiveness of percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy of facet joints
      by monitoring compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) of the multifidus muscle
      group as an objective index of treatment efficacy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND:
      Percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy of the medial branches of the dorsal rami
      of the lumbar nerves is a widely accepted treatment for chronic lumbar
      intervertebral joint pain. However, its success rate has varied in different
      studies because an objective method for evaluating the facet joint denervation is
      lacking. METHODS: Fifty-five patients (age range, 19-76 y; mean age, 55 y) with
      low back pain persisting for >=3 months, in whom facet block and/or block of the
      medial branch of the dorsal ramus were only temporarily effective, were included.
      The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system for back pain was used
      for clinical assessment. JOA scores were measured before treatment and 1 week, 3
      months, 6 months, and 12 months afterward. The improvement rate was calculated
      with >=40% improvement rate defined as successful, and the success rate was
      subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: The patient success rate was 75% (41/55) at 1
      week, 71% (39/55) at 3 months, 60% (33/55) at 6 months, and 51% (28/55) at 12
      months after treatment. Two cases had minor postoperative complications, which
      were localized burning pain lasting <1 week at the site of electrode insertion.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that percutaneous radiofrequency facet joint
      denervation with CMAPs monitoring is a safe, long-lasting, and effective
      treatment for chronic facet joint pain. CMAP monitoring may be useful as an
      objective index for facet denervation.

PMID- 25137146
TI  - Reduced Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure to Assess Dysphagia After Anterior
      Cervical Spine Surgery.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, randomized control pilot study. OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of this study was to determine whether continuous monitoring and
      adjustment of the endotracheal tube cuff pressure (ETTCP) to 15 mm Hg during ACSS
      would alter the incidence of postoperative dysphagia. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:
      Postoperative dysphagia is a recognized potential complication of anterior
      cervical spine surgery (ACSS). Recent findings on preventive measures suggest
      that certain intraoperative practices may minimize this complication. METHODS:
      Fifty patients undergoing ACSS, arthroplasty, or fusion, completed routine
      lateral cervical preoperative plain films and questionnaires [Dysphagia
      Disability Index (DDI), Bazaz-Yoo Dysphagia Score (BYDS), and Short Form (36)
      Health Survey]. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: treatment group with
      ETTCP maintained at 15 mm Hg and control group with cuff pressure monitored
      without manipulation. Radiographs and questionnaires were obtained at 24 hours, 6
      weeks, and 3 and 6 months postsurgery to assess soft tissue thickness and rates
      of dysphagia. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups
      in the soft tissue thickness or questionnaire scores at any timepoint (P>0.05).
      Within-group analysis revealed treatment and control groups had a significantly
      higher 24-hour postoperative soft tissue thickness and questionnaire scores
      compared with follow-up measurements (P<0.05). In the pooled group (n=50), the 24
      hour postoperative DDI, BYDS, and soft tissue thickness were significantly higher
      compared with all other timepoints (P<0.01). DDI scores >=10 related to dysphagia
      were in 59% of patients at 24 hours, 35% at 6 weeks, 24% at 3 months, and 18% at
      6 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests decreased ETTCP has no effect on the
      prevalence of dysphagia. The incidence of dysphagia decreases over time and
      normalizes by 6 months postsurgery.

PMID- 25137145
TI  - Surgical treatment of large abdominally involved primary dumbbell tumor in the
      lumbar region.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective clinical study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to assess the efficacy of a combined anterior and posterior approach,
      or single-stage posterior extensive approach for resection of large abdominally
      involved dumbbell tumor in the lumbar region. BACKGROUND: Resection of the large
      spinal-retroperitoneal involved dumbbell tumor is particularly controversial and
      challenging because of unique exposure requirements. METHODS: From June 2006 to
      October 2011, 18 consecutive patients suffering from large dumbbell tumors in the
      lumbar region were involved. In the initial 8 patients, a combined posterior and
      anterior surgical approach was applied. The remaining 10 patients were surgically
      treated with a single posterior extensive approach to excise both the intraspinal
      and intra-abdominal tumors. Reconstruction with bone or mesh grafts was also
      performed simultaneously in 3 of the 10 patients in this group. RESULTS: The
      perioperative period was uneventful for 7 of 8 patients who underwent combined
      surgery. However, 1 patient encountered right nephrectomy because of a ruptured
      renal vein and refractory bleeding during anterior tumor exposure. Histopathology
      revealed the presence of schwannoma (n=4), neurofibroma (n=3), and neuroblastoma
      (n=1). With the mean of 52 months of follow-up, metastasis occurred in 1 patient
      with neuroblastoma. In the 10 patients with only the posterior approach,
      histopathology demonstrated schwannoma (n=5), neurofibroma (n=3), small round
      cell mesenchymal tumor (n=1), and benign fibrous histiocytoma (n=1). No
      recurrence was detected at the mean follow-up of 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: The
      posterior extensive approach is safe and effective to remove the large
      abdominally involved dumbbell tumors, and also facilitates simultaneously
      reconstruction of the vertebral body, as compared with the combined posterior and
      anterior approach.

PMID- 25137147
TI  - The Reliabilities of Radiographic Measurements of Cervical Sagittal Alignment in
      Ankylosing Spondylitis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective study design. OBJECTIVE: To test the
      interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities of 5 specific measures of global
      cervical sagittal alignment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and to
      suggest a better means of measuring cervical sagittal alignment. SUMMARY OF
      BACKGROUND DATA: The intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of several
      different methods of measuring cervical lordosis have been reported. However,
      they have not been studied till yet in patients with AS. METHODS: Interobserver
      and intraobserver reliabilities of 5 specific measures of cervical lordosis were
      evaluated in patients with AS. Eighty patients with AS were allocated to a
      nonankylosis or an ankylosis group, and the reliabilities of the Cobb C1-C7, Cobb
      C2-C7, centroid, posterior tangent, and Ishihara index methods were evaluated.
      RESULTS: The intraclass and interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of all 5
      methods were generally high. For the 80 study subjects, ICCs were >=0.84
      (excellent) for all 5 radiographic methods. However, comparison of the ICCs, 95%
      confidence intervals, and mean absolute differences (MAD) between groups with
      varying degrees of ankylosis showed that the reliability of lordosis measurements
      decreased as the severity of ankylosis increased. The 5 methods consistently
      demonstrated higher ICCs for both interobserver and intraobserver comparisons in
      the nonankylosis group. However, in the ankylosis group, the Cobb C1-C7 method
      demonstrated high ICCs for both interobserver and intraobserver comparisons,
      whereas the other 4 methods had high ICCs only for intraobserver comparisons. The
      intraobserver MADs were similar for the 5 methods (2.4-3.9), but the
      interobserver MADs of measurement methods in both groups showed low measurement
      reliability except for the Cobb C1-C7 methods. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a
      reliability analysis of different cervical lordosis measurement methods in AS,
      and shows that the Cobb C1-C7 method provides a reliable means for measuring
      cervical lordosis in AS.

PMID- 25137149
TI  - Synthesis of a poly-hydroxypyrolidine-based inhibitor of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis GlgE.
AB  - Long treatment times, poor drug compliance, and natural selection during
      treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) have given rise to extensively drug
      resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). As a result, there is a need to identify new
      antituberculosis drug targets. Mtb GlgE is a maltosyl transferase involved in
      alpha-glucan biosynthesis. Mutation of GlgE in Mtb increases the concentration of
      maltose-1-phosphate (M1P), one substrate for GlgE, causing rapid cell death. We
      have designed 2,5-dideoxy-3-O-alpha-d-glucopyranosyl-2,5-imino-d-mannitol (9) to
      act as an inhibitor of GlgE. Compound 9 was synthesized using a convergent
      synthesis by coupling thioglycosyl donor 14 and 5-azido-3-O-benzyl-5-deoxy-1,2-O
      isopropylidene-beta-d-fructopyranose (23) to form disaccharide 24. A reduction
      and intramolecular reductive amination transformed the intermediate disaccharide
      24 to the desired pyrolidine 9. Compound 9 inhibited both Mtb GlgE and a variant
      of Streptomyces coelicolor (Sco) GlgEI with Ki = 237 +/- 27 MUM and Ki = 102 +/-
      7.52 MUM, respectively. The results confirm that a Sco GlgE-V279S variant can be
      used as a model for Mtb GlgE. In conclusion, we designed a lead transition state
      inhibitor of GlgE, which will be instrumental in further elucidation of the
      enzymatic mechanism of Mtb GlgE. 

PMID- 25137150
TI  - SDF-1alpha stiffens myeloma bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells through the
      activation of RhoA-ROCK-Myosin II.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B lymphocyte malignancy that remains incurable despite
      extensive research efforts. This is due, in part, to frequent disease recurrences
      associated with the persistence of myeloma cancer stem cells (mCSCs). Bone marrow
      mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) play critical roles in supporting mCSCs through
      genetic or biochemical alterations. Previously, we identified mechanical
      distinctions between BMSCs isolated from MM patients (mBMSCs) and those present
      in the BM of healthy individuals (nBMSCs). These properties of mBMSC contributed
      to their ability to preferentially support mCSCs. To further illustrate
      mechanisms underlying the differences between mBMSCs and nBMSCs, here we report
      that (i) mBMSCs express an abnormal, constitutively high level of phosphorylated
      Myosin II, which leads to stiffer membrane mechanics, (ii) mBMSCs are more
      sensitive to SDF-1alpha-induced activation of MYL2 through the G(i./o)-PI3K-RhoA
      ROCK-Myosin II signaling pathway, affecting Young's modulus in BMSCs and (iii)
      activated Myosin II confers increased cell contractile potential, leading to
      enhanced collagen matrix remodeling and promoting the cell-cell interaction
      between mCSCs and mBMSCs. Together, our findings suggest that interfering with
      SDF-1alpha signaling may serve as a new therapeutic approach for eliminating
      mCSCs by disrupting their interaction with mBMSCs.

PMID- 25137152
TI  - A longer diagnostic interval is a risk for depression in amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recognizing depressive symptoms in patients with amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) remains problematic given the potential overlap with the normal
      psychological responses to a terminal illness. Understanding mental health and
      disease-related risk factors for depression is key to identifying psychological
      morbidity. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive
      symptoms in ALS and to explore mental health and disease-related risk factors for
      depression. METHOD: Structured medical and psychiatric history questionnaires and
      a validated depression scale (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21) were
      completed by 27 ALS patients (60% female; 59% limb onset; age 65.11 +/- SE 2.21)
      prior to their initial review at a multidisciplinary clinic. Physical function
      was assessed with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale
      (ALSFRS-R). RESULTS: At the time of initial assessment, 44% of patients had a
      previous psychiatric history, although the majority (62%) reported no symptoms of
      depression. The mean ALSFRS-R score was 37.78 +/- SE 1.22, with an average
      diagnostic interval of 16.04 +/- SE 2.39 months. Logistic regression analysis
      revealed that the length of the diagnostic interval alone predicted depressive
      symptoms (chi2(3, n = 26) = 9.21, Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.12, p < 0.05. SIGNIFICANCE
      OF RESULTS: The illness experiences of ALS patients rather than established
      mental health risk factors influence the manifestation of depressive symptoms in
      the early stages of the disease, with clinical implications for the assessment
      and treatment of psychological morbidity. Patients with lengthy diagnostic
      intervals may be prime targets for psychological assessment and intervention,
      especially in the absence of ALS-specific tests and biomarkers.

PMID- 25137151
TI  - Osteogenic gene transcription is regulated via gap junction-mediated cell-cell
      communication.
AB  - An analytical study of cell-cell communications between murine osteoblast-like
      MLO-A5 cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-like C3H10T1/2 cells
      was performed. C3H10T1/2 cells expressing green fluorescent protein (10T-GFP
      cells) were generated to enable the isolation of the BMSC-like cells from co
      cultures with MLO-A5 cells. The mRNA expression levels of several osteogenic
      transcription factors (Runx2, Osterix, Dlx5, and Msx2) did not differ between the
      co-cultured and mono-cultured 10T-GFP cells, but those of alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) were 300- to 400-fold higher in the co-cultured
      cells. Patch clamp and biocytin transfer assays revealed gap junction-mediated
      communication between co-cultured 10T-GFP and MLO-A5 cells. The addition of a gap
      junction inhibitor suppressed the increases in the expression levels of the ALP
      and BSP mRNAs in co-cultured 10T-GFP cells. Furthermore, the histone acetylation
      levels were higher in co-cultured 10T-GFP cells than in mono-cultured 10T-GFP
      cells. These results suggest that osteoblasts and BMSCs associate via gap
      junctions, and that gap junction-mediated signaling induces histone acetylation
      that leads to elevated transcription of the genes encoding ALP and BSP in BMSCs. 

PMID- 25137155
TI  - Application of empirical wave run-up formulas to the Polish Baltic Sea coast.
AB  - Advanced, multidimensional models are typically applied when researching
      processes occurring in the nearshore. Relatively simple, empirical equations are
      commonly used in coastal engineering practice in order to estimate extreme wave
      run-up on beaches and coastal structures. However, they were mostly calibrated to
      the characteristics of oceanic coasts, which have different wave regime than a
      semi-enclosed basin like the Baltic Sea. In this paper we apply the formulas to
      the Polish Baltic Sea coast. The equations were adjusted to match local
      conditions in two test sites in Miedzyzdroje and Dziwnowek, where beaches are
      under continuous video surveillance. Data from WAM wave model and coastal gauge
      stations were used, as well as precise measurements of the beaches' cross
      sections. More than 600 run-up events spanning from June to December 2013 were
      analysed, including surges causing dune erosion. Extreme wave run-up R2% was
      calculated and presented as a percentage value indicating what part of the beach
      was inundated. The method had a root-mean-square error of 6.1 and 6.5 percentage
      points depending on the test site. We consider it is a fast and computationally
      undemanding alternative to morphodynamic models. It will constitute a part of the
      SatBaltyk Operating System-Shores, delivering forecasts of wave run-up on the
      beaches for the entire Polish coastline. 

PMID- 25137153
TI  - Molecular analysis of Aedes aegypti classical protein tyrosine phosphatases
      uncovers an ortholog of mammalian PTP-1B implicated in the control of egg
      production in mosquitoes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases (PTPs) are enzymes that catalyze
      phosphotyrosine dephosphorylation and modulate cell differentiation, growth and
      metabolism. In mammals, PTPs play a key role in the modulation of canonical
      pathways involved in metabolism and immunity. PTP1B is the prototype member of
      classical PTPs and a major target for treating human diseases, such as cancer,
      obesity and diabetes. These signaling enzymes are, hence, targets of a wide array
      of inhibitors. Anautogenous mosquitoes rely on blood meals to lay eggs and are
      vectors of the most prevalent human diseases. Identifying the mosquito ortholog
      of PTP1B and determining its involvement in egg production is, therefore,
      important in the search for a novel and crucial target for vector control.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We conducted an analysis to identify the ortholog
      of mammalian PTP1B in the Aedes aegypti genome. We identified eight genes coding
      for classical PTPs. In silico structural and functional analyses of proteins
      coded by such genes revealed that four of these code for catalytically active
      enzymes. Among the four genes coding for active PTPs, AAEL001919 exhibits the
      greatest degree of homology with the mammalian PTP1B. Next, we evaluated the role
      of this enzyme in egg formation. Blood feeding largely affects AAEL001919
      expression, especially in the fat body and ovaries. These tissues are critically
      involved in the synthesis and storage of vitellogenin, the major yolk protein.
      Including the classical PTP inhibitor sodium orthovanadate or the PTP substrate
      DiFMUP in the blood meal decreased vitellogenin synthesis and egg production.
      Similarly, silencing AAEL001919 using RNA interference (RNAi) assays resulted in
      30% suppression of egg production. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The data reported
      herein implicate, for the first time, a gene that codes for a classical PTP in
      mosquito egg formation. These findings raise the possibility that this class of
      enzymes may be used as novel targets to block egg formation in mosquitoes.

PMID- 25137154
TI  - Transmission of epi-alleles with MET1-dependent dense methylation in Arabidopsis
      thaliana.
AB  - DNA methylation in plants targets cytosines in three sequence contexts, CG, CHG
      and CHH (H representing A, C or T). Each of these patterns has traditionally been
      associated with distinct DNA methylation pathways with CHH methylation being
      controlled by the RNA dependent DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway employing small
      RNAs as a guide for the de novo DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASE (DRM2), and
      maintenance DNA METHYLTRANSFERASE1 (MET1) being responsible for faithful
      propagation of CG methylation. Here we report an unusual 'dense methylation'
      pattern under the control of MET1, with methylation in all three sequence
      contexts. We identified epi-alleles of dense methylation at a non coding RNA
      locus (At4g15242) in Arabidopsis ecotypes, with distinct dense methylation and
      expression characteristics, which are stably maintained and transmitted in
      genetic crosses and which can be heritably altered by depletion of MET1. This
      suggests that, in addition to its classical CG maintenance function, at certain
      loci MET1 plays a role in creating transcriptional diversity based on the
      generation of independent epi-alleles. Database inspection identified several
      other loci with MET1-dependent dense methylation patterns. Arabidopsis ecotypes
      contain distinct epi-alleles of these loci with expression patterns that
      inversely correlate with methylation density, predominantly within the
      transcribed region. In Arabidopsis, dense methylation appears to be an exception
      as it is only found at a small number of loci. Its presence does, however,
      highlight the potential for MET1 as a contributor to epigenetic diversity, and it
      will be interesting to investigate the representation of dense methylation in
      other plant species. 

PMID- 25137156
TI  - Stereoselective synthesis of C-fused pyranoindoles, pyranobenzofurans and
      pyranobenzothiophene scaffolds using oxa-Pictet-Spengler type reaction of
      vinylogous carbonates.
AB  - C-fused pyranoheterocycles can be readily assembled using an intramolecular oxa
      Pictet-Spengler type reaction of vinylogous carbonates in a highly
      stereoselective manner. Required indole and benzofuran rings tethered to
      vinylogous carbonates are prepared by a tandem Sonogashira coupling
      nucleopalladation reaction. The entire process can also be carried out in a 'one
      pot' manner starting from homopropargyl alcohol. The C-fused pyranoindoles could
      be converted to spirooxindoles as well as to ring expanded products under
      oxidative conditions. 

PMID- 25137157
TI  - Underestimated potential of organometallic rhenium complexes as anticancer
      agents.
AB  - In the recent years, organometallic compounds have become recognized as promising
      anti-cancer drug candidates. While radioactive (186/188)Re compounds are already
      used in clinics for cancer treatment, cold Re organometallic compounds have
      mostly been explored as luminescent probes for cell imaging and photosensitizers
      in photocatalysis. However, a growing number of studies have recently revealed
      the potential of Re organometallic complexes as anti-cancer agents. Several
      compounds have displayed cytotoxicity equaling or exceeding that of the well
      established anti-cancer drug cisplatin. In this review, we present the currently
      known Re organometallic complexes that have shown anti-proliferative activity on
      cancer cell lines. A particular emphasis is placed on their cellular uptake and
      localization as well as their potential mechanism of action. 

PMID- 25137158
TI  - [Cost-minimization analysis of subcutaneous abatacept in the treatment of
      rheumatoid arthritis in Spain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the cost of treating rheumatoid arthritis patients that
      have failed an initial treatment with methotrexate, with subcutaneous abatacept
      versus other first-line biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. METHOD:
      Subcutaneous abatacept was considered comparable to intravenous abatacept,
      adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab and
      tocilizumab, based on indirect comparison using mixed treatment analysis. A cost
      minimization analysis was therefore considered appropriate. The Spanish Health
      System perspective and a 3 year time horizon were selected. Pharmaceutical and
      administration costs (Euros 2013) of all available first-line biological disease
      modifying antirheumatic drugs were considered. Administration costs were obtained
      from a local costs database. Patients were considered to have a weight of 70 kg.
      A 3% annual discount rate was applied. Deterministic and probabilistic
      sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Subcutaneous abatacept proved in
      the base case to be less costly than all other biologic antirrheumatic drugs
      (ranging from Euros -831.42 to Euros -9,741.69 versus infliximab and tocilizumab,
      respectively). Subcutaneous abatacept was associated with a cost of Euros
      10,760.41 per patient during the first year of treatment and Euros 10,261.29 in
      subsequent years. The total 3-year cost of subcutaneous abatacept was Euros
      29,953.89 per patient. Sensitivity analyses proved the model to be robust.
      Subcutaneous abatacept remained cost-saving in 100% of probabilistic sensitivity
      analysis simulations versus adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept and golimumab,
      in more than 99.6% versus intravenous abatacept and tocilizumab and in 62.3%
      versus infliximab. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with subcutaneous abatacept is cost
      saving versus intravenous abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept,
      golimumab, infliximab and tocilizumab in the management of rheumatoid arthritis
      patients initiating treatment with biological antirheumatic drugs.

PMID- 25137159
TI  - [Long-term cost-effectiveness of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in acute coronary
      syndrome in Spain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness relationship of Ticagrelor versus
      Clopidogrel for the management of acute coronary syndrome in Spain. METHODS: The
      data from the PLATO study were used for the calculation of the events rate and
      health-related quality of life for Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel for the first 12
      months, whereas the costs were obtained from Spanish sources. Quality of life
      adjusted survival and costs were estimated according to the fact that the
      patients did not suffer any thrombotic event (myocardial infarction or ictus) or
      this one was not fatal. The lifetime cots, life years gained, and the quality of
      life-adjusted survival were estimated for both treatment arms. Incremental cost
      effectiveness ratios were assessed through the perspective of the Spanish
      healthcare system for 2013, by using a macro-costs strategy based on published
      literature and the survival tables for the Spanish population. RESULTS: Treatment
      with Ticagrelor was associated to an incremental cost of 1,228 Euros per year, an
      increase in 0.1652 life years gained, and 0.1365 years adjusted by quality of
      life, as compared to Clopidogrel. The cost for one quality of life-adjusted life
      year was 8,997 Euros and the cost per one gained life year of 7,435 ?. The
      sensitivity analysis showed consistent results. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of acute
      coronary syndrome for 12 months with Ticagrelor was associated with a cost per 1
      life year of quality of life-adjusted cost below the cost-effectiveness limits
      generally accepted in Spain.

PMID- 25137160
TI  - [Intravenous drugs infusion safety through smart pumps].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of smart infusion pumps in reducing errors related
      with the administration of intravenous medications. METHOD: Retrospective,
      observational study analyzing the implementation of a system with smart
      intravenous infusion pumps (Hospira MedNetTM) and the role of the safety system
      for the detection of errors during the administration of drugs, sera, and blood.
      We included infusions administered at the day-care hospitals of hematology,
      oncology, rheumatology, and oncopediatrics. We analyzed adherence to the safety
      system, the number of programming errors detected, the commonly implicated drugs
      in these errors, and improvement actions. RESULTS: During the study period, 120
      smart pumps were implemented and data on 70,028 infusions were gathered. The rate
      of adherence to the safety program was 62.30% in hematology (6,887 infusions),
      60,30% in oncology (28,127 infusions), 46,50% in rheumatology (1,950 infusions)
      and 1.8% in oncopediatrics (139 infusions). 3,481 out of the established limits
      programming alerts were generated by the pumps: 2,716 of relative limit and 765
      of absolute limit. En 807 infusions (2.17%), errors that could have had
      consequences for the patients could be prevented. These findings allowed
      implementing a series of strategies aimed at minimizing these errors in the
      future. CONCLUSIONS: The Hospira MedNetTM system detects deviations from the
      established protocols of intravenous infusion, preventing in this way potential
      adverse events for the patients. It also allows establishing correction measures
      and implementing the improvement strategies.

PMID- 25137161
TI  - [Validation of genetic polymorphisms associated to the toxicity of chemotherapy
      in colorectal cancer patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate the associations previously found in three cohorts of
      patients from the General University Hospital Gregorio Maranon, between the
      polymorphisms rs1128503, rs2032582 and rs1045642 of the ABCB1 gene and the hand
      foot syndrome and diarrhea in colorectal cancer patients treated with
      chemotherapy regimes containing Capecitabine and 5-Fluorouracil, respectively,
      and between the polymorphisms rs2297595 of the DPYD gene and nausea/vomiting,
      rs11615 of ERCC1 and neutropenia, and rs28399433 CYP2A6 and neutropenia, in
      colorectal cancer patients treated with FOLFOX or XELOX as adjuvant therapy.
      METHOD: Colorectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy regimes, containing
      Capecitabine (n = 157), 5-Fluorouracil (n = 99) were included in the study, as
      well as patients treated with XELOX or FOLFOX (n = 83) as adjuvant therapy. The
      patients included were recruited from the Doce de Octubre University Hospital and
      from the Gregorio Maranon General University Hospital, and signed the informed
      consent form. DNA was obtained from blood samples. Genotyping was carried out
      with SNaPshot. Contingency tables were created for analyzing the associations
      between the genotypes and the adverse reactions. RESULTS: None of the
      associations previously identified was replicated in the validation cohort.
      CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacogenetic studies with a limited sample size must be validated
      with bigger cohorts, if possible by means of multicentre studies, reducing the
      variables to the maximum and should never be used in clinical practice without
      validation.

PMID- 25137162
TI  - [Adherence, satisfaction and health-related quality of life in HIV-infected
      patients with antiretroviral therapy in Spain. The ARPAS study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between satisfaction with antiretroviral
      therapy (ART), adherence and quality of life (QoL) in adult patients diagnosed
      with HIV infection and ART according to the posologic load. METHOD: Multicenter,
      observational and cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic, clinical and of
      posologic load (1, 2-4 or > 4 tablets/day), adherence (SMAQ, dispensation
      recordings (DR) and visual analogical scale), satisfaction (ESART questionnaire)
      and QoL (MOS-HIV) variables were gathered. An adherent patient was defined as the
      one presenting simultaneously adherence according to SMAQ and DR > 95%. RESULTS:
      328 patients (76% men; 46.0 +/- 9.2 years) were evaluated. The posology of 1
      tablet/day, 2-4 tablets/day and > 4 tablets/day occurred in 29%, 37% and 34% of
      the patients, respectively. Although the evaluation performed through the SMAQ
      questionnaire and the VAS scale independently showed statistically significant
      differences in favor of the 1 tablet/day scheme, the percentage (49%) of adherent
      patients according to the combined variable did not differ between the groups
      based on the posologic load. The satisfaction with ART and QoL were high in the
      three groups, being the 1 tablet/day scheme the one related with higher
      satisfaction and lower rate of adverse effects on fat metabolism. There were no
      differences in patients' satisfaction by the adherence level. CONCLUSIONS:
      Adherence, satisfaction with ART and QoL of the patients with ART are high.
      Although higher in patients taking 1 tablet/day, the satisfaction did not differ
      according to the level of adherence and no correlation was observed between
      satisfaction with ART and quality of life.

PMID- 25137163
TI  - [Analysis of ocular toxicity of fluconazole and voriconazole eyedrops using HET
      CAM].
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of the study is to provide toxicological information
      through the HET-CAM test of Fluconazole and Voriconazole eye drops prepared
      commonly in Pharmacy Services for the treatment of fungal keratitis. METHOD:
      Experimental Study. The ocular toxicity of topical voriconazole 10 mg/ml and
      fluconazole 2 mg/ml were evaluated by the hen's egg test (HET) on the
      chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The effects on blood vessels were based on its
      behavior during 300 seconds and processes that may occur at each time, then we
      calculated the irritation index (is, irritation score). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:
      Both eye drops, voriconazol and fluconazole have been proven to be safe, since
      the IS that we obtained was zero for both samples and did not present significant
      signs of irritation. Therefore, these eyedrops are considered suitable for ocular
      use from a toxicological point of view.

PMID- 25137164
TI  - [Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication in hospitalized elderly
      patients by using explicit criteria].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prescribing in older
      adults is quite prevalent and is associated with an increased risk for adverse
      drug events, morbidity, and utilization of health care resources. The aim of this
      study was to determine the prevalence and type of PIM in polypharmacy elderly
      patients on admission and discharge and the factors associated with their
      prescription. Just as the applicability of various explicit criteria selected
      from the literature and adapted to our area. METHODS: We performed a cross
      sectional study for 12 months (March 2010-February 2011) on 179 polypharmacy
      elderly patients admitted to an Internal Medicine Department. We created a list
      of 50 PIM using a Delphi approach based on previous published criteria (Beers,
      Stopp, BMC and Priscus). Through patient interviews, review of medical records
      and discharge reconciliation report, we identified the prevalence of PIM in the
      patients. We also analyzed the relationship between different factors and the
      prescription of PIM. RESULTS: The prevalence of patients with PIM on admission
      and discharge were 71% and 48%, respectively. Out of the 50 selected PIM, 27 and
      26 were detected on admission and discharge, respectively (55.5% and 57.69%
      included on STOPP criteria). We detected two factors associated with PIM
      prescription at discharge: severe-total dependence (OR = 1.8) and prescription of
      more than 11 drugs (OR = 2). CONCLUSIONS: PIM prevalence in our population is
      very high (70%), especially at hospital admission. These findings support the
      need for measures aimed at improving the quality of prescriptions, especially on
      dependent patients with polypharmacy.

PMID- 25137166
TI  - Medication non-adherence as a cause of hospital admissions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: 1. To determine the profile of patients who are admitted to hospital
      as a result of non-adherence. 2. To obtain an estimate of the economic impact for
      the hospital. METHODS: Observational and retrospective study that included
      patients who were admitted to hospital with a secondary diagnosis of "Personal
      history of non-compliance with chronic medication" according to International
      Classification of Diseases, during 2012. DATA COLLECTED: demographics;
      socioeconomic and clinical data; data related to the treatment; readmissions;
      hospital days; degree of adherence: <= 75% or severe non-adherence and > 75% or
      moderate non-adherence; type of non-adherence: non-persistence and noncompliance;
      hospitalization costs. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Eighty-seven
      patients were admitted. These patients caused 104 episodes (16.3% were
      readmissions). 71.2% were men, and 51.5 (SD 17.8) years old. All patients had a
      chronic disease, adherence <= 75% (76%) and non-persistence (63.5%). Polypharmacy
      (47.1%) was not associated with non-adherence. Total stay was 1,527 days (mean
      stay was 14.7 (SD 14.0) days/episode): psychiatry 827 days (54.2%); cardiology
      174 days (11.4%); critical unit 48 days (3.1%). Patients with a degree of
      adherence <= 75% had a mean stay/episode higher than those with a degree of
      adherence > 75%, without significant differences (p > 0.05, t-Student). Overall
      cost of hospitalization was Euros 594,230.8, with a mean cost/episode: Euros
      5,713.6 (SD 5,039.5). Mean cost/episode for adherence <= 75% was higher than >
      75%, Euros 6,275.8 (SD 5,526.2) vs Euros 3,895.6 (SD 2,371.3), (p < 0.05, t
      Student). CONCLUSIONS: The profile of this patient is fundamentally, a male
      psychiatric or chronic cardiac patient with a degree of adherence <= 75% due to
      abandoning domiciliary treatment. Admissions due to medication non-adherence are
      associated with an important depletion of economic resources in the hospital.

PMID- 25137167
TI  - [Toward a new model of pharmacy management comprehensive care of patients with
      chronic kidney disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The treatment of chronic kidney disease represents 2.5% of the
      National Healthcare System budget. Given the panorama of economic crisis, actions
      aimed at containing the costs in this kind of pathologies should be implemented.
      METHOD: Centralization of the management of the medications used for the
      treatment of chronic kidney disease and its complications aims at reducing the
      pharmaceutical expenditure. RESULTS: The new contracts of public healthcare
      administrations with companies of dialysis centers establish a single price by
      which the contractor takes care of the integral management of the patients,
      including the dialysis therapy and pharmacological treatment. Drug management at
      dialysis centers will be handled by specialized pharmacists by means of the
      creation of pharmacy departments or drug warehouse. CONCLUSIONS: these measures
      aim at improving healthcare of the patient in hemodialysis program, with health
      benefits at a lower healthcare cost.

PMID- 25137165
TI  - [Cost-effectiveness analysis of aflibercept in combination with FOLFIRI in the
      treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incremental cost per life-year gained (LYG) of
      aflibercept in combination with FOLFIRI as second-line treatment in metastatic
      colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients previously treated with oxaliplatin. METHODS:
      Based on clinical trial VELOUR results, a three-state Markov model (stable
      disease, progression and death) with 2-week cycle duration was designed.
      Transition to health state "progression" implied the interruption of second-line
      treatment and administration of a third-line treatment (post-second line
      chemotherapy). Cost estimation included disease management cost (pharmaceutical,
      adverse event management, administration costs, etc.). Both cost and outcomes
      were discounted (3% annually). Sensitivity analyses (SA) were performed to test
      model robustness. RESULTS: Administration of aflibercept + FOLFIRI as second-line
      treatment provided 1.78 LYG (21 life-months gained). With FOLFIRI 1.43 LYG (17
      months) were obtained. The cost of the clinical management of aflibercept +
      FOLFIRI implied an additional investment of Euros 13,564 compared with FOLFIRI
      for a lifetime horizon, being total costs for aflibercept + FOLFIRI of Euros
      38,346, compared to Euros 24,782 with FOLFIRI. In the cost-effectiveness analysis
      Euros 38,931/LYG was obtained with aflibercept in combination with FOLFIRI versus
      FOLFIRI. CONCLUSION: Aflibercept in combination with FOLFIRI increased overall
      survival versus FOLFIRI, so it is an effective strategy in the treatment of
      patients with mCRC. Aflibercept in combination with FOLFIRI is an efficient
      strategy for second-line mCRC treatment from the National Health System
      perspective.

PMID- 25137168
TI  - [Review of pharmacological interactions of oral anticancer drugs provided at
      pharmacy department].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the pharmacologic interactions of oral anti-cancer drugs
      provided at an outpatient clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anti-cancer drugs
      included in the Phamacotherapeutic Guideline of the Hospital were identified. A
      literature search was carried out on the pharmacologic interactions in MEDLINE(r)
      and EMBASE(r) (with the filer language English or Spanish, and the descriptors:
      "name of the anti-cancer drug" AND ("drug interactions" OR "pharmacokinetic")),
      Up-to-date(r), MICROMEDEX(r) and the drug information sheet for the EMA and the
      FDA. Information was also gathered from the abstract presented to European and
      Spanish scientific meetings for the last 4 years. When an interaction was
      analyzed and had clinical relevance, the best pharmacotherapeutic interaction
      free alternative was sought. RESULTS: Twenty-three drugs were identified, of
      which Chlorambucil, Fludarabine, Lenalidomide, Melphalan, and Thalidomide were
      the active compounds with the lowest likelihood of producing a pharmacologic
      interaction. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (particularly Erlotinib, Imatinib,
      Lapatinib, and Pazopanib) are the drugs with highest number of pharmacologic
      interactions described, many of them with severe clinical consequences, with
      increases and decreases of the plasma levels of anti-cancer drugs. The active
      compounds identified that may have pharmacologic interactions with anticancer
      drugs were mainly: Allopurinol, Amiodarone, Carbamazepine, Dabigatran, Digoxin,
      Spironolactone, Phenytoin, Itraconazol, Repaglinide, Silodosin, Tamoxifen,
      Verapamil, and Warfarin. Pharmacologic interactions through the cytochrome P450
      1A2, 2D6, 2C8, 2C9, 3A4 were the most important for tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
      Other non-pharmacologic compounds, with an important potential of producing
      relevant pharmacologic interaction were immunomodulators (Echinacea extracts) and
      Hypericum perforatum. CONCLUSIONS: Oral anticancer drugs have numerous
      pharmacologic interactions that should be monitored during pharmacotherapy. Given
      its position, the hospital pharmacist is the key professional for identifying and
      assessing the pharmacologic interactions or oral anticancer drugs that may have
      clinical consequences.

PMID- 25137169
TI  - [An update in drug use during pregnancy: risk classification].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review medicines pregnancy category and establish the degree of
      conformity between the two systems more used: FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
      and ACPM (advisory Committee on Prescription Medicines). METHODS: drugs used in
      most frequent pathologies during pregnancy have been selected and found its
      pregnancy category according to FDA and ACPM. The degree of conformity has been
      established between both categorisation systems. RESULTS: a total of 270
      medicines were reviewed. 260 drugs had pregnancy category by FDA and 245 by ACPM
      system. 232 drugs had pregnancy category defined by both classifications (FDA and
      ACPM). We found 70,2% of them in the same pregnancy category. CONCLUSIONS: The
      discrepancies found in both pregnancy categorisation systems can be confused in
      order to prescribe and know its safety statement of medicines during pregnancy
      which can limits its utility. It would be desirable more studies after medicines
      registered to get more information which could help to use safety drugs during
      pregnancy and minimize discrepancies between both pregnancy categorisation
      systems.

PMID- 25137170
TI  - [Treatment with urea as an alternative to tolvaptan for the syndrome of
      inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone].

PMID- 25137171
TI  - [Are scientific literature databases a good source of scientific evidence for
      discontinuing a drug from the market?].

PMID- 25137172
TI  - [Systemic absorption of oral vancomycin in colitis patients. A propos of 2
      cases].

PMID- 25137173
TI  - [Management of systemic idiopathic juvenile arthritis in pediatrics with
      biological agents: a propos of a case].

PMID- 25137174
TI  - [Intralesional rituximab in ocular adnexal lymphoma].

PMID- 25137175
TI  - Climatic niche conservatism and biogeographical non-equilibrium in Eschscholzia
      californica (Papaveraceae), an invasive plant in the Chilean Mediterranean
      region.
AB  - Species climate requirements are useful for predicting their geographic
      distribution. It is often assumed that the niche requirements for invasive plants
      are conserved during invasion, especially when the invaded regions share similar
      climate conditions. California and central Chile have a remarkable degree of
      convergence in their vegetation structure, and a similar Mediterranean climate.
      Such similarities make these geographic areas an interesting natural experiment
      for testing climatic niche dynamics and the equilibrium of invasive species in a
      new environment. We tested to see if the climatic niche of Eschscholzia
      californica is conserved in the invaded range (central Chile), and we assessed
      whether the invasion process has reached a biogeographical equilibrium, i.e.,
      occupy all the suitable geographic locations that have suitable conditions under
      native niche requirements. We compared the climatic niche in the native and
      invaded ranges as well as the projected potential geographic distribution in the
      invaded range. In order to compare climatic niches, we conducted a Principal
      Component Analysis (PCA) and Species Distribution Models (SDMs), to estimate E.
      californica's potential geographic distribution. We also used SDMs to predict
      altitudinal distribution limits in central Chile. Our results indicated that the
      climatic niche occupied by E. californica in the invaded range is firmly
      conserved, occupying a subset of the native climatic niche but leaving a
      substantial fraction of it unfilled. Comparisons of projected SDMs for central
      Chile indicate a similarity, yet the projection from native range predicted a
      larger geographic distribution in central Chile compared to the prediction of the
      model constructed for central Chile. The projected niche occupancy profile from
      California predicted a higher mean elevation than that projected from central
      Chile. We concluded that the invasion process of E. californica in central Chile
      is consistent with climatic niche conservatism but there is potential for further
      expansion in Chile. 

PMID- 25137176
TI  - An efficient and highly versatile synthetic route to prepare iron oxide
      nanoparticles/nanocomposites with tunable morphologies.
AB  - We report a versatile synthetic method for the in situ self-assembly of magnetic
      nanoparticle-functionalized polymeric nanomorphologies, including spherical
      micelles and rod-like and worm-like micelles and vesicles. Poly(oligoethylene
      glycol methacrylate)-block-(methacrylic acid)-block-poly(styrene) (POEGMA-b-PMAA
      b-PST) triblock copolymer chains were simultaneously propagated and self
      assembled via a polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) approach.
      Subsequently, the carboxylic acid groups in the copolymers were used to complex
      an iron ion (Fe(II)/Fe(III)) mixture. Iron oxide nanoparticles were then formed
      in the central block, within the polymeric nanoparticles, via alkaline
      coprecipitation of the iron(II) and (III) salts. Nanoparticle morphologies,
      particle sizes, molecular weights, and chemical structures were then
      characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering
      (DLS), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and (1)H NMR measurements. TEM
      micrographs showed that the average size of the magnetic nanoparticles was ~7 nm
      at the hydrophobic/hydrophilic nexus contained within the nanoparticles. In
      addition, XRD was used to confirm the formation of iron oxide nanoparticles.
      Importantly, the polymeric nanoparticle morphologies were not affected by the
      coprecipitation of the magnetic nanoparticles. The hybrid nanoparticles were then
      evaluated as negative MRI contrast agents, displaying remarkably high transverse
      relaxivities (r2, greater than 550 mM(-1) s(-1) at 9.4 T); a result, that we
      hypothesize, ensues from iron oxide nanoparticle clustering at the hydrophobic
      hydrophilic interface. This simple synthetic procedure is highly versatile and
      produces nanocarriers of tunable size and shape with high efficacy as MRI
      contrast agents and potential utility as theranostic delivery vectors. 

PMID- 25137177
TI  - A novel HoxB cluster protein expressed in the hindbrain and pharyngeal arches.
AB  - We describe a novel zebrafish line that fluorescently tags a previously unknown
      protein, CT74a, allowing us to follow its endogenous expression in real time and
      at subcellular resolution in live embryos. Our results showed that CT74a-Citrine
      fusion protein is expressed in the developing pharyngeal arches, hindbrain, and
      fin buds in a pattern highly reminiscent of transcription factors belonging to
      anterior Hox gene families, including expression in a subset of neuronal nuclei.
      Consistent with this, splinkerette-PCR revealed that CT74a-Citrine's genomic
      integration is within the HoxB region, and 3' RACE demonstrated that its
      downstream coding sequence has no recognizable homology. Thus, CT74a is a
      previously unknown protein located within the HoxB cluster adjacent to Hoxb4a and
      is expressed in a Hoxb4a-like pattern.

PMID- 25137178
TI  - LM and TEM study of the orthokeratinized and parakeratinized epithelium of the
      tongue in the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos f. domestica).
AB  - The previous histological studies of the lingual mucosa in birds characterized
      two types of keratinized epithelium, i.e. orthokeratinized and parakeratinized.
      These epithelia are composed of three layers: basal, intermediate and
      keratinized. The present study showed detailed ultrastructural features of cells
      in particular layers of two types of keratinized epithelia on the tongue in the
      domestic duck and defined structural differences. TEM observations showed a
      gradual reduction in cell organelles in the following layers, at increasing
      amounts of keratin fibers. The characteristic feature of the ortho- and
      parakeratinized epithelium is the presence of sub-layers in the intermediate
      layer, i.e. the upper and lower part, which results from the different shape of
      cell nuclei and dye affinity of the cytoplasm. The keratinized layer of ortho-
      and parakeratinized epithelium is built of two types of cells such as electron
      dark and light cells, which undergo exfoliation. The basic difference between the
      keratinized epithelia is the presence of flattened cell nuclei in the keratinized
      layer of the parakeratinized epithelium. The differentiating feature is also an
      arrangement of keratin fibers in the cell cytoplasm of the keratinized layer. The
      analysis of the thickness of the epithelium and the keratinized layer, indicated
      differences between keratinized epithelia, which result from two variants of
      performing protective functions, either through a thick keratinized layer or by a
      higher epithelium. Differences in the ultrastructure of the ortho- and
      parakeratinized epithelium are associated with mechanical functions of the
      epithelium resulting from different forces acting on the tongue during feeding
      activities. 

PMID- 25137179
TI  - Targeted theranostic prodrugs based on an aggregation-induced emission (AIE)
      luminogen for real-time dual-drug tracking.
AB  - A targeted theranostic delivery system containing two prodrugs with drug tracking
      and activation monitoring functions was developed for visualizing cancer cell
      ablation with synergistic anticancer effects. 

PMID- 25137180
TI  - The influence of Chinese one-child family status on developmental coordination
      disorder status.
AB  - We conducted a population-based study on Developmental Coordination Disorder
      (DCD) in mainland China to explore the influence of one-child status in Chinese
      families on DCD. A total of 4001 children selected from 160 classes in 15 public
      nursery schools. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children assessed motor
      function. The prevalence of DCD in Chinese one-child families (8.7%) was higher
      than that in multi-child families (5.9%). Chinese one-child family status
      (compared with younger children in multi-child families) were negatively related
      with total score (-1.793), Manual dexterity (-0.228), Aiming and catching (
      1.145), Balance (-0.433) of MABC-2 and DCD (OR=2.294) when adjusted for the
      children's and family's characteristics, and perinatal factors (each p<0.05). As
      one of the studies in this Chinese context, it provides a platform for future
      intervention programs in one-child families in preventing children's
      developmental disorders. 

PMID- 25137182
TI  - Yoga: a biobehavioral approach to reduce symptom distress in women with urge
      urinary incontinence.
AB  - Urge urinary incontinence is a debilitating chronic condition that poses
      challenges for affected women and the clinicians who care for them.
      Multicomponent behavioral therapies have shown promise in allowing women to
      manage their symptoms. New evidence suggests an underlying pathophysiologic
      inflammatory process for urge urinary incontinence, and complementary therapies
      that address the psychoneuroimmunology component may improve the health and
      quality of life for the millions of women with this condition. Yoga, a mind-body
      therapy, has been shown to reduce inflammation and may help improve symptoms of
      urge urinary incontinence. More research is necessary to demonstrate the
      effectiveness of yoga to reduce urge urinary incontinence symptom burden and
      improve quality of life.

PMID- 25137181
TI  - Assessment of EGFR mutations in circulating tumor cell preparations from NSCLC
      patients by next generation sequencing: toward a real-time liquid biopsy for
      treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Assessment of EGFR mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      patients is mandatory for optimization of pharmacologic treatment. In this
      respect, mutation analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may be desirable
      since they may provide real-time information on patient's disease status.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Blood samples were collected from 37 patients enrolled in
      the TRIGGER study, a prospective phase II multi-center trial of erlotinib
      treatment in advanced NSCLC patients with activating EGFR mutations in tumor
      tissue. 10 CTC preparations from breast cancer patients without EGFR mutations in
      their primary tumors and 12 blood samples from healthy subjects were analyzed as
      negative controls. CTC preparations, obtained by the Veridex CellSearch System,
      were subjected to ultra-deep next generation sequencing (NGS) on the Roche 454 GS
      junior platform. RESULTS: CTCs fulfilling all Veridex criteria were present in
      41% of the patients examined, ranging in number between 1 and 29. In addition to
      validated CTCs, potential neoplastic elements were seen in 33 cases. These
      included cells not fulfilling all Veridex criteria (also known as "suspicious
      objects") found in 5 (13%) of 37 cases, and isolated or clustered large naked
      nuclei with irregular shape observed in 33 (89%) cases. EGFR mutations were
      identified by NGS in CTC preparations of 31 (84%) patients, corresponding to
      those present in matching tumor tissue. Twenty-five (96%) of 26 deletions at exon
      19 and 6 (55%) of 11 mutations at exon 21 were detectable (P = 0.005). In 4 (13%)
      cases, multiple EGFR mutations, suggesting CTC heterogeneity, were documented. No
      mutations were found in control samples. CONCLUSIONS: We report for the first
      time that the CellSearch System coupled with NGS is a very sensitive and specific
      diagnostic tool for EGFR mutation analysis in CTC preparations with potential
      clinical impact.

PMID- 25137183
TI  - Physical exercise restores microvascular function in obese rats with metabolic
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are related to systemic functional
      microvascular alterations, including a significant reduction in microvessel
      density. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise
      training on functional capillary density in the skeletal muscle and skin of obese
      rats with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: We used male Wistar-Kyoto rats that had
      been fed a standard commercial diet (CON) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 32 weeks.
      Animals receiving the HFD were randomly divided into sedentary (HFD+SED) and
      training groups (HFD+TR) at the 20(th) week. After 12 weeks of aerobic treadmill
      training, the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max); hemodynamic, biochemical, and
      anthropometric parameters; and functional capillary density were assessed. In
      addition, a maximal exercise test was performed. RESULTS: Exercise training
      increased the VO2max (69 +/- 3 mL/kg per min) and exercise tolerance (30 +/- 1
      min) compared with the HFD+SED (41 +/- 6 mL/kg per min, P < 0.05 and 16 +/- 1
      min, P < 0.001) and with the CON (52 +/- 7 mL/kg per min and 18 +/- 1 min, P <
      0.05) groups. The HFD+TR group also showed reduced retroperitoneal fat (0.03 +/-
      0.00 vs. 0.05 +/- 0.00 gram/gram, P < 0.001), epididymal fat (0.01 +/- 0.00 vs.
      0.02 +/- 0.00 gram/gram, P < 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (127 +/- 2 vs.
      150 +/- 2 mmHg, P<0.001). The HFD+TR group also demonstrated improved glucose
      tolerance, as evaluated by an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, fasting
      plasma glucose levels (5.0 +/- 0.1 vs. 6.4 +/- 0.2 mmol/L, P<0.001) and fasting
      plasma insulin levels (26.5 +/- 2.3 vs. 38.9 +/- 3.7 MUIU/mL, P < 0.05). Glucose
      tolerance did not differ between HFD+TR and CON groups. Exercise training also
      increased the number of spontaneously perfused capillaries in the skeletal muscle
      (252 +/- 9 vs. 207 +/- 9 capillaries/mm(2)) of the training group compared with
      that in the sedentary animals (260 +/- 15 capillaries/mm(2)). CONCLUSIONS: These
      results demonstrate that exercise training reverses capillary rarefaction in our
      experimental model of metabolic syndrome and obesity.

PMID- 25137185
TI  - Delay in seeking medical help following Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or "mini
      stroke": a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prompt treatment following Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) can reduce
      the risk of subsequent stroke and disability. However, many patients delay in
      making contact with medical services. This study aimed to explore TIA patients'
      accounts of delay between symptom onset and contacting medical services including
      how decisions to contact services were made and the factors discussed in relation
      to delay. METHODS: Twenty interviews were conducted with TIA patients in England.
      Using a previous systematic review as an initial framework, interview data were
      organised into categories of symptom recognition, presence of others and type of
      care sought. A thematic analysis was then conducted to explore descriptions of
      care-seeking relevant to each category. RESULTS: Delay in contacting medical
      services varied from less than an hour to eight days. Awareness of typical stroke
      symptoms could lead to urgent action when more severe TIA symptoms were present
      but could lead to delay when experienced symptoms were less severe. The role of
      friends and family varied widely from deciding on and enacting care-seeking
      decisions to simply providing transport to the GP practice. When family or
      friends played a greater role, and both made and enacted care-seeking decisions,
      delays were often shorter, even when patients themselves failed to identify
      symptoms. Healthcare professionals also impacted on patients' care-seeking with
      greater delays in seeking further care for the same episode described when
      patients perceived a lack of urgency during initial healthcare interactions.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new information on patients' decisions to
      contact medical services following TIA and identifies overlapping factors that
      can lead to delay in receiving appropriate treatment. While recognition of
      symptoms may contribute to delay in contacting medical services, additional
      factors, including full responsibility being taken by others and initial
      healthcare interactions, can over-ride or undermine the importance of patients'
      own identification of TIA.

PMID- 25137187
TI  - From the Editor-in-Chief's Desk.

PMID- 25137186
TI  - CTAG-containing cleavage site profiling to delineate Salmonella into natural
      clusters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The bacterial genus Salmonella contains thousands of serotypes that
      infect humans or other hosts, causing mild gastroenteritis to potentially fatal
      systemic infections in humans. Pathogenically distinct Salmonella serotypes have
      been classified as individual species or as serological variants of merely one or
      two species, causing considerable confusion in both research and clinical
      settings. This situation reflects a long unanswered question regarding whether
      the Salmonella serotypes exist as discrete genetic clusters (natural species) of
      organisms or as phenotypic (e.g. pathogenic) variants of a single (or two)
      natural species with a continuous spectrum of genetic divergence among them. Our
      recent work, based on genomic sequence divergence analysis, has demonstrated that
      genetic boundaries exist among Salmonella serotypes, circumscribing them into
      clear-cut genetic clusters of bacteria. METHODOLOGIES/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To
      further test the genetic boundary concept for delineating Salmonella into clearly
      defined natural lineages (e.g., species), we sampled a small subset of conserved
      genomic DNA sequences, i.e., the endonuclease cleavage sites that contain the
      highly conserved CTAG sequence such as TCTAGA for XbaI. We found that the CTAG
      containing cleavage sequence profiles could be used to resolve the genetic
      boundaries as reliably and efficiently as whole genome sequence comparisons but
      with enormously reduced requirements for time and resources. CONCLUSIONS:
      Profiling of CTAG sequence subsets reflects genetic boundaries among Salmonella
      lineages and can delineate these bacteria into discrete natural clusters.

PMID- 25137189
TI  - Lurasidone treatment in a child with autism spectrum disorder with irritability
      and aggression.

PMID- 25137188
TI  - Childhood depression subscales using repeated sessions on Children's Depression
      Rating Scale - revised (CDRS-R) scores.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although acute treatments have been shown to be effective in treating
      early-onset depression, only one-third or thereabouts reach a remission within 3
      months. Unfortunately, delayed time to remission in early-onset depression leads
      to poorer therapeutic outcomes. Clearly, there is a need to identify, diagnose,
      and provide effective treatment of a depressed patient quickly. A sophisticated
      understanding of depression subscales and their change over time with treatment
      could enhance pathways to individualized treatment approaches for childhood
      depression. OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have found that the clinician-measured
      instrument, Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) measures multiple
      subscales (or components) of depression. The aim of this study was to see how
      these subscales may change over the course of a 12-week study. This knowledge
      will help determine if dimensions/subscales of childhood depression (paralleling
      the adult literature) using the subscales derived from factor analysis procedure
      is useful. METHODS: We examined two clinical trials in which youth (n=234) with
      major depressive disorder (MDD) were treated openly with fluoxetine for eight
      sessions spread over 12 weeks. The CDRS-R was completed based on clinician
      interviews with parent and child at each session. Classical test theory and
      component analysis with associated parallel analysis (oblique rotation) were
      conducted on each week's scores. RESULTS: Although more factors were needed for
      the baseline and first two therapy sessions, a two-factor solution sufficed
      thereafter. Depressed facial affect, listless speech, and hypoactivity best
      defined Factor I, whereas sleep problems, appetite disturbance, physical
      symptoms, irritability, guilt, and weeping best defined Factor II. All other
      symptoms cross-loaded almost equally on the two factors. The scale's reliability
      (internal consistency) improved from baseline to exit sessions (alpha=0.65-0.91).
      As a result, the clinicians' assessments of the various symptoms became more
      highly related to one another. This caused the first eigenvalue to increase from
      3.24 to 7.38 and the variance explained to increase (%) from 19% to 43% over
      sessions. These two factors may reflect 1) clinician-observed signs and 2)
      reported symptoms of depression. CONCLUSIONS: Factor analysis of CDRS-R data in a
      single session consistently generates a complex and difficult to interpret
      structure of at least three factors. This makes it very difficult to understand
      what these factors measure. However, when gathered over additional sessions, the
      CDRS-R structure tends to simplify to two factors. The reasons for this
      simplification are as yet unclear and in need of further study.

PMID- 25137192
TI  - Monitoring cellular stress responses using integrated high-frequency impedance
      spectroscopy and time-resolved ELISA.
AB  - We have developed a lab-on-a-chip system for continuous and non-invasive
      monitoring of microfluidic cell cultures using integrated high-frequency
      contactless impedance spectroscopy. Electrically insulated microfabricated
      interdigitated electrode structures were embedded into four individually
      addressable microchambers to reliably and reproducibly detect cell-substrate
      interactions, cell viability and metabolic activity. While silicon nitride
      passivated sensor substrates provided a homogeneous cell culture surface that
      minimized cell orientation along interdigitated electrode structures, the
      application of high-frequency AC fields reduced the impact of the 300 nm thick
      passivation layer on sensor sensitivity. The additional implementation of
      multivariate data analysis methods such as partial least square (PLS) for high
      frequency impedance spectra provided unambiguous information on intracellular
      pathway activation, up and down-regulation of protein synthesis as well as global
      cellular stress responses. A comparative cell analysis using connective tissue
      fibroblasts showed that high-frequency contactless impedance spectroscopy and
      time-resolved quantification of IL-6 secretion using ELISA provided similar
      results following stimulation with circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines IL
      1beta and TNFalpha. The combination of microfluidics with contactless impedance
      sensing and time-resolved quantification of stress factor release will provide
      biologist with a new tool to (a) establish a variety of uniform cell culture
      surfaces that feature complex biochemistries, micro- and nanopatterns; and (b) to
      simultaneously characterize cell responses under physiologically relevant
      conditions using a complementary non-invasive cell analysis method. 

PMID- 25137193
TI  - Sequence specific detection of restriction enzymes at DNA-modified carbon
      nanotube field effect transistors.
AB  - Protein-DNA interactions play a central role in many cellular processes, and
      their misregulation has been implicated in a number of human diseases. Thus,
      there is a pressing need for the development of analytical strategies for
      interrogating the binding of proteins to DNA. Herein, we report the electrical
      monitoring of a prototypical DNA-binding protein, the PvuII restriction enzyme,
      at microfluidic-encapsulated, DNA-modified carbon nanotube field effect
      transistors. Our integrated platform enables the sensitive, sequence specific
      detection of PvuII at concentrations as low as 0.5 pM in a volume of 0.025 MUL
      (corresponding to ~7500 proteins). These figures of merit compare favorably to
      state of the art values reported for alternative fluorescent and electrical
      assays. The overall detection strategy represents a step toward the massively
      parallel electrical monitoring, identification, and quantification of protein-DNA
      interactions at arrayed nanoscale devices.

PMID- 25137194
TI  - Plasmonic effects of au/ag bimetallic multispiked nanoparticles for photovoltaic
      applications.
AB  - In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the use of plasmons,
      that is, free electron oscillations in conductors, to boost the performance of
      both organic and inorganic thin film solar cells. This has been driven by the
      possibility of employing thin active layers in solar cells in order to reduce
      materials costs, and is enabled by significant advances in fabrication
      technology. The ability of surface plasmons in metallic nanostructures to guide
      and confine light in the nanometer scale has opened up new design possibilities
      for solar cell devices. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of
      highly monodisperse, reasonably stable, multipode Au/Ag bimetallic nanostructures
      using an inorganic additive as a ligand for photovoltaic applications. A
      promising surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect has been observed for
      the synthesized bimetallic Au/Ag multispiked nanoparticles, which compare
      favorably well with their Au and Ag spherical nanoparticle counterparts. The
      synthesized plasmonic nanostructures were incorporated on the rear surface of an
      ultrathin planar c-silicon/organic polymer hybrid solar cell, and the overall
      effect on photovoltaic performance was investigated. A promising enhancement in
      solar cell performance parameters, including both the open circuit voltage (VOC)
      and short circuit current density (JSC), has been observed by employing the
      aforementioned bimetallic multispiked nanoparticles on the rear surface of solar
      cell devices. A power conversion efficiency (PCE) value as high as 7.70% has been
      measured in a hybrid device with Au/Ag multispiked nanoparticles on the rear
      surface of an ultrathin, crystalline silicon (c-Si) membrane (~ 12 MUm). This
      value compares well to the measured PCE value of 6.72% for a similar device
      without nanoparticles. The experimental observations support the hope for a
      sizable PCE increase, due to plasmon effects, in thin-film, c-Si solar cells in
      the near future.

PMID- 25137195
TI  - Feasibility of ballistic strengthening exercises in neurologic rehabilitation.
AB  - Conventional methods for strength training in neurologic rehabilitation are not
      task specific for walking. Ballistic strength training was developed to improve
      the functional transfer of strength training; however, no research has
      investigated this in neurologic populations. The aim of this pilot study was to
      evaluate the feasibility of applying ballistic principles to conventional leg
      strengthening exercises in individuals with mobility limitations as a result of
      neurologic injuries. Eleven individuals with neurologic injuries completed seated
      and reclined leg press using conventional and ballistic techniques. A 2 * 2
      repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare power measures (peak
      movement height and peak velocity) between exercises and conditions. Peak jump
      velocity and peak jump height were greater when using the ballistic jump
      technique rather than the conventional concentric technique (P < 0.01). These
      findings suggest that when compared with conventional strengthening exercises,
      the incorporation of ballistic principles was associated with increased peak
      height and peak velocities. 

PMID- 25137197
TI  - The World Health Organization disability action plan.

PMID- 25137196
TI  - Contralateral lumbar radicular pain shortly after a transforaminal epidural
      steroid injection: an unusual sequel.

PMID- 25137198
TI  - [Anesthesiologists teach teachers, teachers train students, students are
      lifesavers!].

PMID- 25137200
TI  - [Case report: Aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage -- complicated course due to
      coincidental manifestation of an inverted Tako-Tsubo-cardiomyopathy].
AB  - We report the case of a patient who suffered a serious subarachnoid hemorrhage
      with a cardialaffection and development of an inverted Tako-Tsubo-cardiomyopathy.
      To avoid apparent cerebral ischemia due to severe cerebral vasospasm after
      exhaustion of conservative therapeutic options a temporarily endovascular therapy
      with continuous intra-arterial application of Nimodipine was necessary. In the
      overall protracted and complicated course the special challenge were the
      therapeutic efforts to avoid apparent cerebral ischemia in context to the
      significant cardial affection.

PMID- 25137201
TI  - [Subsyndromal delirium -- experience in psychiatry -- expectations for
      postoperative management].
AB  - The phenomenon of delirium is well known since over 100 years. The anesthesiology
      has recognized that early detection and therapy results in significant
      improvement of postoperative clinical state of health of the patients. In the
      following article it will be discussed that it could be profitable to make a
      further step: threatening the subsyndromal delirium. Because there are only few
      experiences in anesthesiology, this thesis will be substantiated by datas from
      psychiatry.

PMID- 25137202
TI  - [Resuscitation between the guidelines -- what has happened since 2010].
AB  - The standards of treatment of patients suffering cardiac arrest is defined by
      international guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, that are updated
      every five years. Scientific knowledge is continuously increasing and recent
      studies should be considered and discussed to improve the results of daily
      emergency care. There are some leading topics of the ongoing discussion
      concerning airwaymanagement, mechanical ventilation, mechanical cpr-devices and
      extracorporal life support. The strategies of postresuscitation care are also in
      the focus of interest. This review presents and discusses the value of recent
      investigations on resuscitation science. 

PMID- 25137203
TI  - [Patient safety -- mission for the future: Anesthesia -- but sure!].

PMID- 25137204
TI  - [Patient safety -- mission for the future: Managing complications: what do I tell
      to the patients and what to the relatives?].
AB  - In cases of unintended treatment courses an adequate communication is mandatory.
      Empathetic conversations expressing human warmth can pave the way to the
      avoidance of forensic consequences. The laws on patient's rights obligate the
      responsible physician to inform on request the patient about all recognizable
      circumstances that may lead to the assumption of a treatment error and to avoid
      hazards to health. The patient has a right to view his or her complete patient
      records and to demand that copy be made at the patient's expense. In the case of
      information to relatives the physician must observe the content and scope of
      his/her obligation to medical confidentiality. 

PMID- 25137205
TI  - [Patient safety -- mission for the future: Recommendations for the management of
      severe treatment complications and burdensome courses (preventing the "second
      victim")].
AB  - Avoiding complications is a major goal of all patient safety efforts. We are used
      to working with all kinds of algorithms for avoiding adverse events or for the
      diagnosis and treatment of possible unforeseen or inadvertent complications in
      our patients. As a matter of fact, severe complications certainly have an impact
      not only on the patient, but also on the medical team involved ("second victim").
      Obviously there is no published standard in Germany on how to deal with this
      professional problem. Therefore, the German Society of Anaesthesiology and
      Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) has elaborated guidelines for the individual
      professional concerned, for the colleagues of doctors involved, as well as for
      the supervisors and hospital institutions. The aim of these recommendations is to
      encourage our professional society to set a focus on this problem and to offer a
      structured course of action for the case that a major complication occurs in
      spite of all our efforts to maintain our patient's safety. 

PMID- 25137206
TI  - [Patient safety -- mission for the future: The importance of Critical Incident
      Reporting Systems (CIRS) in clinical practice].
AB  - Every day patients experience harm due to errors and complications. To improve
      this situation, patient safety is increasingly becoming important in the
      treatment process. One aspect to increase patient safety is the Critical Incident
      Reporting System (CIRS). Observers and members of the care team are given the
      opportunity to anonymously report critical incidents and thus allow an analysis
      by an evaluation team. The goal is not to sanction the behavior of an individual,
      but to identify particular structural and organizational sources of error and to
      derive improvements. 

PMID- 25137207
TI  - [Patient safety -- mission for the future: Healthcare-associated infections and
      antibiotic resistance].
AB  - Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are considered as one of the major
      challenges for modern health care. In the context of demographic change and the
      expected increase of invasive and complex patient treatment and concommittantrise
      in numbers of patients with underlying diseases with susceptibility to
      infections, quality of care and patient safety will in the near future depend
      strongly on the prevention of HAI. To avoid preventable HAI in terms of improved
      quality of care is beyond question, therefore mainly the prevalence of highly
      resistant microorganisms (HRMO) will becrucial for the success of treatment of
      unpreventable HAI. In addition to MRSA, the greatest danger in relation to
      antibiotic resistance worldwide are now considered tob e carbapenem-resistant
      Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) or multidrug-resistant Gram-negative (4MRGN) bacteria.
      In case oft he uncontrolled spread of HRMO unpreventable infections become also
      untreatable. The prevalence of HRMO varies between different countries.
      Especially in the Netherlands and Denmark HRMO such as MRSA, VRE and CRE/4MRGN
      are still significantly less common than in Germany or France. The reason lies in
      the fact that in nearly all Dutch hospitals anintegrative infectious disease
      service (clinical microbiology and/or infectious diseaseas wellinfection
      prevention) was established already years ago, while in Germany - with few
      exceptions - in most hospitals only a basic infectious disease services
      (consulting hygienist, microbiological diagnosis is held by laboratories often
      far away from the patient). As hospitals are connected with each other with
      respect to theircommon care of patients, one of the most important challenges in
      future infection prevention will be the implementation of regional and
      intersectoral infection prevention and control. 

PMID- 25137208
TI  - [Scientific Update: ARDS and ECMO -- 4th ARDS/ECMO Symposium in Marburg].

PMID- 25137211
TI  - Cardiac Transplants With Cyclosporin-A and Low-Dose Prednisone: Histologic
      Graduation of Rejection.

PMID- 25137212
TI  - Hydraphile synthetic ion channels alter root architecture in Arabidopsis
      thaliana.
AB  - The presence of low concentrations of hydraphile synthetic amphiphiles have been
      found to dramatically alter the primary/lateral root architectural balance in the
      A. thaliana plant model system and a correlation to ion transport by the
      hydraphiles is consistent with the effects. 

PMID- 25137213
TI  - Dissolution, agglomerate morphology, and stability limits of protein-coated
      silver nanoparticles.
AB  - Little is understood regarding the impact that molecular coatings have on
      nanoparticle dissolution kinetics and agglomerate formation in a dilute
      nanoparticle dispersion. Dissolution and agglomeration processes compete in
      removing isolated nanoparticles from the dispersion, making quantitative time
      dependent measurements of the mechanisms of nanoparticle loss particularly
      challenging. In this article, we present in situ ultra-small-angle X-ray
      scattering (USAXS) results, simultaneously quantifying dissolution,
      agglomeration, and stability limits of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) coated with
      bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein. When the BSA corona is disrupted, we find
      that the loss of silver from the nanoparticle core is well matched by a second
      order kinetic rate reaction, arising from the oxidative dissolution of silver.
      Dissolution and agglomeration are quantified, and morphological transitions
      throughout the process are qualified. By probing the BSA-AgNP suspension around
      its stability limits, we provide insight into the destabilization mechanism by
      which individual particles rapidly dissolve as a whole rather than undergo slow
      dissolution from the aqueous interface inward, once the BSA layer is breached.
      Because USAXS rapidly measures over the entire nanometer to micrometer size range
      during the dissolution process, many insights are also gained into the
      stabilization of NPs by protein and its ability to protect the labile metal core
      from the solution environment by prohibiting the diffusion of reactive species.
      This approach can be extended to a wide variety of coating molecules and reactive
      metal nanoparticle systems to carefully survey their stability limits, revealing
      the likely mechanisms of coating breakdown and ensuing reactions. 

PMID- 25137214
TI  - High-performance ionic diode membrane for salinity gradient power generation.
AB  - Salinity difference between seawater and river water is a sustainable energy
      resource that catches eyes of the public and the investors in the background of
      energy crisis. To capture this energy, interdisciplinary efforts from chemistry,
      materials science, environmental science, and nanotechnology have been made to
      create efficient and economically viable energy conversion methods and materials.
      Beyond conventional membrane-based processes, technological breakthroughs in
      harvesting salinity gradient power from natural waters are expected to emerge
      from the novel fluidic transport phenomena on the nanoscale. A major challenge
      toward real-world applications is to extrapolate existing single-channel devices
      to macroscopic materials. Here, we report a membrane-scale nanofluidic device
      with asymmetric structure, chemical composition, and surface charge polarity,
      termed ionic diode membrane (IDM), for harvesting electric power from salinity
      gradient. The IDM comprises heterojunctions between mesoporous carbon (pore size
      ~7 nm, negatively charged) and macroporous alumina (pore size ~80 nm, positively
      charged). The meso-/macroporous membrane rectifies the ionic current with
      distinctly high ratio of ca. 450 and keeps on rectifying in high-concentration
      electrolytes, even in saturated solution. The selective and rectified ion
      transport furthermore sheds light on salinity-gradient power generation. By
      mixing artificial seawater and river water through the IDM, substantially high
      power density of up to 3.46 W/m(2) is discovered, which largely outperforms some
      commercial ion-exchange membranes. A theoretical model based on coupled Poisson
      and Nernst-Planck equations is established to quantitatively explain the
      experimental observations and get insights into the underlying mechanism. The
      macroscopic and asymmetric nanofluidic structure anticipates wide potentials for
      sustainable power generation, water purification, and desalination. 

PMID- 25137215
TI  - Self-regulation and protective health behaviour: how regulatory focus and
      anticipated regret are related to vaccination decisions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined how individual motivational orientations and anticipated
      regret are related to the protective health decision of vaccination behaviour.
      DESIGN: The proposed relations were examined in a large-scale sample (N = 3168)
      and three medium-sized samples (N = 151, N = 194, N = 208). Questionnaires were
      applied to assess regulatory focus, anticipated regret and vaccination behaviour.
      RESULTS: Increased prevention-focused self-regulation - which is represented by
      concerns about security-related goals, responsibilities and obligations - was
      related to a greater likelihood of vaccination. Prevention-focused individuals'
      higher likelihood of getting vaccinated seems at least in part to be a
      consequence of anticipated regret for not vaccinating. Study 3 suggests that
      regulatory focus is less related to vaccination decisions when regret is
      increased by the decision-making context; that is, when information highlighting
      vaccination effectiveness and a low likelihood of adverse responses is provided.
      CONCLUSION: Prevention-focused self-regulation is related to a greater likelihood
      of engaging in health-protective behaviour. This can be explained by prevention
      focused individuals' greater tendency to anticipate regret about getting ill as a
      consequence of not adopting protective measures. If people perceive a protective
      measure such as a vaccination as highly effective, anticipated regret for not
      adopting it is generally increased, and individual differences in regulatory
      focus no longer predict the decision.

PMID- 25137217
TI  - Single-molecule-magnet behavior in the family of [Ln(OETAP)2] double-decker
      complexes (Ln=lanthanide, OETAP=octa(ethyl)tetraazaporphyrin).
AB  - Double-decker complexes of lanthanide cations can be readily prepared with
      tetraazaporphyrins (porphyrazines). We have synthesized and characterized a
      series of neutral double-decker complexes [Ln(OETAP)2 ] (Ln=Tb(3+), Dy(3+),
      Gd(3+), Y(3+); OETAP=octa(ethyl)tetraazaporphyrin). Some of these complexes show
      analogous magnetic features to their phthalocyanine (Pc) counterparts. The Tb(3+)
      and Dy(3+) derivatives exhibit single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior with high
      blocking temperatures over 50 and 10 K, respectively. These results confirm that,
      in double-decker complexes that involve Tb or Dy, the (N4)2 square antiprism
      coordination mode has an important role in inducing very large activation
      energies for magnetization reversal. In contrast with their Pc counterparts, the
      use of tetraazaporphyrin ligands endows the presented [Ln(OETAP)2] complexes with
      extraordinary chemical versatility. The double-decker complexes that exhibit SMM
      behavior are highly soluble in common organic solvents, and easily processable
      even through sublimation.

PMID- 25137216
TI  - Replacing intrusive thoughts: investigating thought control in relation to OCD
      symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Control of obsessive thoughts in Obsessive Compulsive
      Disorder (OCD) involves both avoidance and removal of undesirable intrusive
      thoughts. Thought suppression tasks tap both of these processes but experimental
      results have been inconsistent. Experimental tasks allowing more focused study of
      the processes involved in controlling intrusive thoughts may be needed. In two
      experiments, control over neutral, standardized intrusive and personal intrusive
      thoughts was investigated as participants attempted to replace them with neutral
      thoughts. METHODS: Non-selected university students (Experiment 1: N = 61) and
      university students scoring high and low on self-report measure of OC symptoms
      (Experiment 2: N = 40) performed a computerized thought replacement task.
      RESULTS: In experiment 1 replacing personal intrusive thoughts took longer than
      replacing neutral thoughts. Self-reports showed that intrusive thoughts were
      rated more difficult to replace and were associated with greater thought
      reoccurrence during replacement, larger emotional reaction and more discomfort.
      These results were largely replicated in experiment 2. Furthermore, the high OC
      symptom group experienced greater overall difficulty controlling thoughts on the
      replacement task, experienced more reoccurrences of personal intrusive thoughts,
      larger emotional reactions and discomfort associated with them, and felt a
      greater urge to remove them. LIMITATIONS: All participants were non-clinical
      university students, and older adults with OCD should be tested. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings are in line with cognitive behavioural theories of OCD. They support the
      usefulness of thought replacement as a research paradigm to study thought control
      in OCD and possibly other psychological conditions characterized by repetitive
      thoughts.

PMID- 25137218
TI  - Layered double hydroxide-based nanomaterials as highly efficient catalysts and
      adsorbents.
AB  - Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are a class of anion clays consisting of brucite
      like host layers and interlayer anions, which have attracted increasing interest
      in the fields of catalysis/adsorption. By virtue of the versatility in
      composition, morphology, and architecture of LDH materials, as well as their
      unique structural properties (intercalation, topological transformation, and self
      assembly with other functional materials), LDHs display great potential in the
      design and fabrication of nanomaterials applied in photocatalysis, heterogeneous
      catalysis, and adsorption/separation processes. Taking advantage of the
      structural merits and various control synthesis strategies of LDHs, the active
      center structure (e.g., crystal facets, defects, geometric and electronic states,
      etc.) and macro-nano morphology can be facilely manipulated for specific
      catalytic/adsorbent processes with largely enhanced performances. In this review,
      the latest advancements in the design and preparation of LDH-based functional
      nanomaterials for sustainable development in catalysis and adsorption are
      summarized. 

PMID- 25137219
TI  - Evidence that neurovascular coupling underlying the BOLD effect increases with
      age during childhood.
AB  - Functional MRI using blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) imaging has provided
      unprecedented insights into the maturation of the human brain. Task-based fMRI
      studies have shown BOLD signal increases with age during development (ages 5-18)
      for many cognitive domains such as language and executive function, while
      functional connectivity (resting-state) fMRI studies investigating regionally
      synchronous BOLD fluctuations have revealed a developing functional organization
      of the brain from a local into a more distributed architecture. However,
      interpretation of these results is confounded by the fact that the BOLD signal is
      directly related to blood oxygenation driven by changes in blood flow and only
      indirectly related to neuronal activity, and may thus be affected by changing
      neuronal-vascular coupling. BOLD signal and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were
      measured simultaneously in a cohort of 113 typically developing awake
      participants ages 3-18 performing a narrative comprehension task. Using a novel
      voxelwise wild bootstrap analysis technique, an increased ratio of BOLD signal to
      relative CBF signal change with age (indicative of increased neuronal-vascular
      coupling) was seen in the middle temporal gyri and the left inferior frontal
      gyrus. Additionally, evidence of decreased relative oxygen metabolism (indicative
      of decreased neuronal activity) with age was found in the same regions. These
      findings raise concern that results of developmental BOLD studies cannot be
      unambiguously attributed to neuronal activity. Astrocytes and astrocytic
      processes may significantly affect the maturing functional architecture of the
      brain, consistent with recent research demonstrating a key role for astrocytes in
      mediating increased CBF following neuronal activity and for astrocyte processes
      in modulating synaptic connectivity.

PMID- 25137220
TI  - Semiparametric adjusted exposure-response curves.
AB  - Exposure-response curves are central to understanding how continuous exposures
      relate to health outcomes. Common methods to plot such curves include the use of
      crude and adjusted regression, with the exposure specified using fractional
      polynomials or regression splines. These approaches are subject to important
      limitations. In this article, we illustrate the use of semiparametric marginally
      adjusted exposure-response curves obtained via inverse probability weighting. We
      explore the relation between interpregnancy interval and preterm birth in a
      cohort of over 720,000 live births in Quebec between 1989 and 2008. We include
      online supplementary material showing how mixed modeling routines in standard
      software packages can be used to implement the procedure, and how pointwise
      bootstrap confidence intervals can be obtained. 

PMID- 25137221
TI  - Effectiveness of three different walking prescription durations on total physical
      activity in normal- and overweight women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: While there is a dose-response relationship between physical activity
      (PA) and health benefit, little is known about the effectiveness of different PA
      prescriptions on total daily PA. AIM: To test, under real-life conditions and
      using an objective, non-invasive measurement technique (accelerometry), the
      effect of prescribing additional physical activity (walking only) of different
      durations (30, 60 and 90 min/day) on compliance (to the activity prescribed) and
      compensation (to total daily PA). Participants in each group were prescribed 5
      sessions of walking per week over 4 weeks. METHODS: 55 normal-weight and
      overweight women (mean BMI 25 +/- 5 kg/m(2), height 165 +/- 1 cm, weight 68 +/- 2
      kg and mean age 27 +/- 1 years) were randomly assigned to 3 prescription groups:
      30, 60 or 90 min/day PA. RESULTS: Walking duration resulted in an almost linear
      increase in the number of steps per day during the prescription period from an
      average of about 10,000 steps per day for the 30-min prescription to about 14,000
      for the 90-min prescription. Compliance was excellent for the 30-min prescription
      but decreased significantly with 60-min and 90-min prescriptions. In parallel,
      degree of compensation subsequent to exercise increased progressively as length
      of prescription increased. CONCLUSION: A 30-min prescription of extra walking 5
      times per week was well tolerated. However, in order to increase total PA
      further, much more than 60 min of walking may need to be prescribed in the
      majority of individuals. While total exercise 'volume' increased with
      prescriptions longer than 30 min, compliance to the prescription decreased and
      greater compensation was evident.

PMID- 25137222
TI  - Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (non-metastatic).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumour of
      keratinocytes arising in the epidermis, with histological evidence of dermal
      invasion. Incidence varies by country, skin colour, and outdoor behaviour, and is
      as high as 400/100,000 in Australia. People with fair skin colour who have high
      sun exposure and sunburn easily with little or no tanning, people with xeroderma
      pigmentosum, and people who are immunosuppressed are most susceptible to squamous
      cell carcinoma. METHODS AND OUTCOMES: We conducted a systematic review and aimed
      to answer the following clinical questions: Does the use of sunscreen help
      prevent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and actinic (solar) keratosis? What is
      the optimal margin for primary excision of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (non
      metastatic)? Does radiotherapy after surgery affect local recurrence of cutaneous
      squamous cell carcinoma in people with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (non
      metastatic)? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other
      important databases up to August 2013 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated
      periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this
      review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food
      and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products
      Regulatory Agency (MHRA). RESULTS: We found five studies that met our inclusion
      criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for
      interventions. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, we present information
      relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions:
      sunscreens, primary excision, and radiotherapy after surgery.

PMID- 25137223
TI  - Deposition of Particles in Human Mouth-Throat Replicas and a USP Induction Port.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral inhalation is the common route of drug delivery to pulmonary
      airways. In general, deposition in the oropharyngeal airways from a drug-delivery
      device makes up a substantial portion of the emitted dose, which affects the dose
      delivered to the lung. Studies with airway replicas made from cadaver or magnetic
      resonance imaging scans show that for micrometer-sized particles, impaction is
      the dominant deposition mechanism. Several deposition studies in oropharyngeal
      replicas found that the deposition efficiency can be correlated with the mouth
      inlet velocity and inlet mouthpiece diameter. Other studies show that the
      deposition efficiency is best correlated with the mean diameter of internal
      geometry and the mean velocity based on the mean diameter. METHOD: We
      investigated the mouth inlet diameter, as well as internal airway dimensions and
      their influence on oropharyngeal deposition based on experimental data from this
      study. Several human oropharyngeal replicas with different mouth inlet diameters
      and the USP induction port were used. RESULTS: We found that the aerosol
      deposition increased with decreasing mouth inlet diameter. Several mathematical
      expressions were tried to correlate the deposition efficiency with the Stokes
      number calculated based on (1) mouth inlet diameter and inlet velocity, (2) mean
      diameter of internal geometry and mean velocity, (3) mouth inlet velocity and
      mean diameter, and (4) mouth inlet velocity and minimum diameter in the
      oropharyngeal replica. The best correlation was obtained in case 4. CONCLUSIONS:
      This correlation could explain the intra-subject variation when deposition was
      found to vary with mouth inlet diameter, such as in some aerosol drug-delivery
      devices. It could also explain the intersubject variability in oropharyngeal
      deposition when human volunteers with different airway geometries and mouth
      openings were studied.

PMID- 25137224
TI  - Protective effects of escin against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in mice.
AB  - Escin, a natural mixture of triterpenoid saponin isolated from the seed of the
      horse chestnut, is reported to have a potent antiulcer activity against ethanol
      induced gastric mucosal lesions. This study investigated the possible mechanisms
      underlying the gastroprotective effect of escin against indomethacin-induced
      gastric ulcer in mice. Gastric ulceration was induced by a single intragastric
      administration of indomethacin (18 mg/kg). The mice underwent intragastric
      treatment with escin at doses of 0.45, 0.9 or 1.8 mg/kg. Gastric lesion was
      estimated morphometrically and histopathologically 6 h after the indomethacin
      administration. The antioxidative parameters in gastric mucosa were measured.
      Moreover, the activity of myeloperoxidase and the contents of TNF-alpha, P
      selectin and VCAM-1 in gastric tissues were determined. The results showed that
      escin protected gastric tissues against indomethacin-induced gastropathy as
      demonstrated from a reduction in the ulcer index and an attenuation of
      histopathologic changes. Escin caused significant reductions of the contents of
      malondialdehyde, TNF-alpha, P-selectin, VCAM-1 and myeloperoxidase activity. The
      altered activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase
      in the stomach tissues were also ameliorated by escin treatment. The present
      study demonstrated that escin had a protective effect against indomethacin
      induced gastric ulcer in mice, not only by virtue of its antioxidant potential,
      but also due to its anti-inflammatory effect.

PMID- 25137228
TI  - Spectroscopic study of jet-cooled deuterated porphycenes: unusual isotopic
      effects on proton tunneling.
AB  - Porphycene (Pc) is a well-known model for studying double hydrogen transfer,
      which shows vibrational-mode-specific tunneling splitting when isolated in
      supersonic jets or helium nanodroplets. The effect of deuteration on tunneling
      splitting is reported for jet-cooled heterogeneous, deuterated Pc samples (Pc
      d(mix)) with the prevailing contribution of Pc-d12 isotopologue. The sample
      introduced into the gas phase using laser desorption is studied by means of laser
      induced fluorescence (LIF) and single vibronic level fluorescence (SVLF)
      measurements, in combination with quantum chemical calculations. The influence of
      molecular symmetry is studied by comparing Pc, Pc-d12, and Pc-d11. The spectra of
      Pc-d12 show strong similarity to those of the parent undeuterated porphycene
      (Pc). Comparable tunneling splitting is observed in the two isotopologues, both
      for the 0-0 transition and the most efficient promoting 2Ag mode. In contrast, an
      unusual isotopic effect is observed for the totally symmetrical 4Ag mode. While
      this vibration behaves as a neutral mode in Pc, neither enhancing nor decreasing
      the tunneling efficiency, it strongly promotes hydrogen transfer in Pc-d12. This
      observation is explained in terms of modification of the displacement vectors of
      the 4Ag mode upon deuteration. It demonstrates that isotope substitution affects
      hydrogen transfer even when the weak structural modifications are far from the
      reaction center, emphasizing the strongly multidimensional nature of the
      tunneling process.

PMID- 25137227
TI  - Structural and functional investigation of zebrafish (Danio rerio) NOD1 leucine
      rich repeat domain and its interaction with iE-DAP.
AB  - Nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1), a cytoplasmic pattern
      recognition receptor (PRR) and is a key component for modulating innate immunity
      and signaling. It is highly specific to gamma-D-Glu-mDAP (iE-DAP), a cell wall
      component of Gram-negative and few Gram-positive bacteria. In the absence of the
      experimental structure of NOD1 leucine rich repeat (NOD1-LRR) domain, the NOD
      signaling cascade mediated through NOD1 and iE-DAP interaction is poorly
      understood. Herein, we modeled 3D structure of zebrafish NOD1-LRR (zNOD1-LRR)
      through a protein-threading approach and structural integrity of the model was
      assessed using molecular dynamics simulations. Molecular interaction analysis of
      iE-DAP and zNOD1-LRR, their complex stability and binding free energy studies
      were conducted to anticipate the ligand binding residues in zNOD1. Our study
      revealed that His775, Lys777, Asp803, Gly805, Trp807, Asn831, Ser833, Ile859 and
      Trp861 situated in the beta-sheet region of zNOD1-LRR could be involved in iE-DAP
      recognition, which correlates the earlier findings in human. Comparison of
      binding free energies of native and mutant zNOD1-iE-DAP complexes delineated
      His775, Lys777, Asp803, Ser833 and Ile859 as the pivotal residues for energetic
      stability of NOD1 and iE-DAP interaction. This study provides the first
      comprehensive description of biophysical and biochemical parameters responsible
      for NOD1 and iE-DAP interaction in zebrafish, which is expected to shed more
      light on NOD1 signaling and therapeutic applications in other organisms.

PMID- 25137230
TI  - Magnetic susceptibility of uranium complexes.

PMID- 25137229
TI  - Simple and validated quantitative 1H NMR method for the determination of
      methylation, acetylation, and feruloylation degree of pectin.
AB  - The knowledge of pectin esterification degree is of primary importance to predict
      gelling and other properties of pectin from different sources. This paper reports
      the development of a simple and rapid (1)H NMR-based method for the simultaneous
      quantitative determination of methylation, acetylation, and feruloylation degree
      of pectin isolated from various food sources. Pectin esters are hydrolyzed in
      NaOH/D2O, and the obtained methanol, acetic acid, and ferulic acid are directly
      measured by (1)H NMR. High accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility of the
      method were obtained, and the analysis time is reduced as compared to
      conventional chromatography- or titration-based methods. 

PMID- 25137231
TI  - Uncommon cis configuration of a metal-metal bridging noninnocent Nindigo ligand.
AB  - In contrast to several reported coordination compounds of trans-Nindigo ligands
      [Nindigo = indigo-bis(N-arylimine) = LH2] with one or two six-membered chelate
      rings involving one indole N and one extracyclic N for metal binding, the new
      diruthenium complex ion [(acac)2Ru(MU,eta(2):eta(2)-L)Ru(bpy)2](2+) = 2(2+)
      exhibits edge-sharing five- and seven-membered chelate rings in the first
      documented case of asymmetric bridging by a Nindigo ligand in the cis
      configuration [L(2-) = indigo-bis(N-phenylimine)dianion]. The dication in
      compound [2](ClO4)2 displays one Ru(alpha-diimine)3 site and one ruthenium center
      with three negatively charged chelate ligands. Compound [2](ClO4)2 is obtained
      from the [Ru(bpy)2](2+)-containing cis precursor [(LH)Ru(bpy)2]ClO4 = [1]ClO4,
      which exhibits intramolecular H-bonding in the cation. Four accessible oxidation
      states each were characterized for the 1(n) and 2(n) redox series with respect to
      metal- or ligand-centered electron transfer, based on X-ray structures, electron
      paramagnetic resonance, and ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared
      spectroelectrochemistry in conjunction with density functional theory calculation
      results. The structural asymmetry in the Ru(III)/Ru(II) system 2(2+) is reflected
      by the electronic asymmetry (class I mixed-valence situation), leaving the
      noninnocent Nindigo bridge as the main redox-active site. 

PMID- 25137225
TI  - From pathways to networks: connecting dots by establishing protein-protein
      interaction networks in signaling pathways using affinity purification and mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Signal transductions are the basis of biological activities in all living
      organisms. Studying the signaling pathways, especially under physiological
      conditions, has become one of the most important facets of modern biological
      research. During the last decade, MS has been used extensively in biological
      research and is proven to be effective in addressing important biological
      questions. Here, we review the current progress in the understanding of signaling
      networks using MS approaches. We will focus on studies of protein-protein
      interactions that use affinity purification followed by MS approach. We discuss
      obstacles to affinity purification, data processing, functional validation, and
      identification of transient interactions and provide potential solutions for
      pathway-specific proteomics analysis, which we hope one day will lead to a
      comprehensive understanding of signaling networks in humans. 

PMID- 25137234
TI  - A multiple relevance feedback strategy with positive and negative models.
AB  - A commonly used strategy to improve search accuracy is through feedback
      techniques. Most existing work on feedback relies on positive information, and
      has been extensively studied in information retrieval. However, when a query
      topic is difficult and the results from the first-pass retrieval are very poor,
      it is impossible to extract enough useful terms from a few positive documents.
      Therefore, the positive feedback strategy is incapable to improve retrieval in
      this situation. Contrarily, there is a relatively large number of negative
      documents in the top of the result list, and it has been confirmed that negative
      feedback strategy is an important and useful way for adapting this scenario by
      several recent studies. In this paper, we consider a scenario when the search
      results are so poor that there are at most three relevant documents in the top
      twenty documents. Then, we conduct a novel study of multiple strategies for
      relevance feedback using both positive and negative examples from the first-pass
      retrieval to improve retrieval accuracy for such difficult queries. Experimental
      results on these TREC collections show that the proposed language model based
      multiple model feedback method which is generally more effective than both the
      baseline method and the methods using only positive or negative model. 

PMID- 25137233
TI  - The roles of cellular nanomechanics in cancer.
AB  - The biomechanical properties of cells and tissues may be instrumental in
      increasing our understanding of cellular behavior and cellular manifestations of
      diseases such as cancer. Nanomechanical properties can offer clinical translation
      of therapies beyond what are currently employed. Nanomechanical properties, often
      measured by nanoindentation methods using atomic force microscopy, may identify
      morphological variations, cellular binding forces, and surface adhesion behaviors
      that efficiently differentiate normal cells and cancer cells. The aim of this
      review is to examine current research involving the general use of atomic force
      microscopy/nanoindentation in measuring cellular nanomechanics; various factors
      and instrumental conditions that influence the nanomechanical properties of
      cells; and implementation of nanoindentation methods to distinguish cancer cells
      from normal cells or tissues. Applying these fundamental nanomechanical
      properties to current discoveries in clinical treatment may result in greater
      efficiency in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer, which ultimately
      can change the lives of patients. 

PMID- 25137238
TI  - Fumigant methyl iodide can methylate inorganic mercury species in natural waters.
AB  - Methyl iodide or iodomethane (CH3I) has recently been registered as a fumigant in
      many countries, although its environmental impacts are not well understood. Here
      we report the results of a study on the methylation of mercury by CH3I in natural
      water by incubation experiments using both Hg ((199)HgCl2 and CH3(201)Hg(+))- and
      hydrogen (CD3I)-stable isotope addition techniques. We find that methylation of
      Hg(0), Hg2(2+) and Hg(2+) by CH3I can occur in natural water under sunlight,
      while only Hg(0) and Hg2(2+) can be methylated in deionized water. We propose
      that the methylation of Hg by CH3I in natural waters is mediated by sunlight and
      involves two steps, the reduction of Hg(2+) to Hg(0)/Hg2(2+) and the subsequent
      methylation of Hg(0)/Hg2(2+) by CH3I. Further quantitative assessment suggests
      that CH3I-involved methylation of inorganic Hg could be an important source of
      CH3Hg(+) in an environment where CH3I has been used in large amounts as a
      fumigant.

PMID- 25137235
TI  - Effect of dialysis initiation timing on clinical outcomes: a propensity-matched
      analysis of a prospective cohort study in Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controversy persists regarding the appropriate initiation timing of
      renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. We evaluated
      the effect of dialysis initiation timing on clinical outcomes. Initiation times
      were classified according to glomerular filtration rate (GFR). METHODS: We
      enrolled a total of 1691 adult patients who started dialysis between August 2008
      and March 2013 in a multi-center, prospective cohort study at the Clinical
      Research Center for End Stage Renal Disease in the Republic of Korea. The
      patients were classified into the early-start group or the late-start group
      according to the mean estimated GFR value, which was 7.37 ml/min/1.73 m2. The
      primary outcome was patient survival, and the secondary outcomes were
      hospitalization, cardiovascular events, vascular access complications, change of
      dialysis modality, and peritonitis. The two groups were compared before and after
      matching with propensity scores. RESULTS: Before propensity score matching, the
      early-start group had a poor survival rate (P<0.001). Hospitalization,
      cardiovascular events, vascular access complications, changes in dialysis
      modality, and peritonitis were not different between the groups. A total of 854
      patients (427 in each group) were selected by propensity score matching. After
      matching, neither patient survival nor any of the other outcomes differed between
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no clinical benefit after adjustment by propensity
      scores comparing early versus late initiation of dialysis.

PMID- 25137239
TI  - Transportation optimization with fuzzy trapezoidal numbers based on possibility
      theory.
AB  - In this paper, a parametric method is introduced to solve fuzzy transportation
      problem. Considering that parameters of transportation problem have
      uncertainties, this paper develops a generalized fuzzy transportation problem
      with fuzzy supply, demand and cost. For simplicity, these parameters are assumed
      to be fuzzy trapezoidal numbers. Based on possibility theory and consistent with
      decision-makers' subjectiveness and practical requirements, the fuzzy
      transportation problem is transformed to a crisp linear transportation problem by
      defuzzifying fuzzy constraints and objectives with application of fractile and
      modality approach. Finally, a numerical example is provided to exemplify the
      application of fuzzy transportation programming and to verify the validity of the
      proposed methods. 

PMID- 25137236
TI  - Safety of hormonal replacement therapy and oral contraceptives in systemic lupus
      erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is conflicting data regarding exogenous sex hormones [oral
      contraceptives (OC) and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)] exposure and
      different outcomes on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this work is
      to determine, through a systematic review and meta-analysis the risks associated
      with estrogen use for women with SLE as well as the association of estrogen with
      developing SLE. METHODS AND FINDINGS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciElo, BIREME and the
      Cochrane library (1982 to July 2012), were databases from which were selected and
      reviewed (PRISMA guidelines) randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional, case
      control and prospective or retrospective nonrandomized, comparative studies
      without language restrictions. Those were evaluated by two investigators who
      extracted information on study characteristics, outcomes of interest, risk of
      bias and summarized strength of evidence. A total of 6,879 articles were
      identified; 20 full-text articles were included. Thirty-two meta-analyses were
      developed. A significant association between HRT exposure (Random model) and an
      increased risk of developing SLE was found (Rate Ratio: 1.96; 95%-CI: 1.51-2.56;
      P-value<0.001). One of eleven meta-analyses evaluating the risk for SLE
      associated with OC exposure had a marginally significant result. There were no
      associations between HRT or OC exposure and specific outcomes of SLE. It was not
      always possible to Meta-analyze all the available data. There was a wide
      heterogeneity of SLE outcome measurements and estrogen therapy administration.
      CONCLUSION: An association between HRT exposure and SLE causality was observed.
      No association was found when analyzing the risk for SLE among OC users, however
      since women with high disease activity/Thromboses or antiphospholipid-antibodies
      were excluded from most of the studies, caution should be exercised in
      interpreting the present results. To identify risk factors that predispose
      healthy individuals to the development of SLE who are planning to start HRT or OC
      is suggested.

PMID- 25137240
TI  - Gender and age-related differences in bilateral lower extremity mechanics during
      treadmill running.
AB  - Female runners have a two-fold risk of sustaining certain running-related
      injuries as compared to their male counterparts. Thus, a comprehensive
      understanding of the sex-related differences in running kinematics is necessary.
      However, previous studies have either used discrete time point variables and
      inferential statistics and/or relatively small subject numbers. Therefore, the
      first purpose of this study was to use a principal component analysis (PCA)
      method along with a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to examine the
      differences in running gait kinematics between female and male runners across a
      large sample of the running population as well as between two age-specific sub
      groups. Bilateral 3-dimensional lower extremity gait kinematic data were
      collected during treadmill running. Data were analysed on the complete sample (n
      = 483: female 263, male 220), a younger subject group (n = 56), and an older
      subject group (n = 51). The PC scores were first sorted by the percentage of
      variance explained and we also employed a novel approach wherein PCs were sorted
      based on between-gender statistical effect sizes. An SVM was used to determine if
      the sex and age conditions were separable and classifiable based on the PCA.
      Forty PCs explained 84.74% of the variance in the data and an SVM classification
      accuracy of 86.34% was found between female and male runners. Classification
      accuracies between genders for younger subjects were higher than a subgroup of
      older runners. The observed interactions between age and gender suggest these
      factors must be considered together when trying to create homogenous sub-groups
      for research purposes.

PMID- 25137241
TI  - Droplet electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for high throughput screening
      for enzyme inhibitors.
AB  - High throughput screening (HTS) is important for identifying molecules with
      desired properties. Mass spectrometry (MS) is potentially powerful for label-free
      HTS due to its high sensitivity, speed, and resolution. Segmented flow, where
      samples are manipulated as droplets separated by an immiscible fluid, is an
      intriguing format for high throughput MS because it can be used to reliably and
      precisely manipulate nanoliter volumes and can be directly coupled to
      electrospray ionization (ESI) MS for rapid analysis. In this study, we describe a
      "MS Plate Reader" that couples standard multiwell plate HTS workflow to droplet
      ESI-MS. The MS plate reader can reformat 3072 samples from eight 384-well plates
      into nanoliter droplets segmented by an immiscible oil at 4.5 samples/s and
      sequentially analyze them by MS at 2 samples/s. Using the system, a label-free
      screen for cathepsin B modulators against 1280 chemicals was completed in 45 min
      with a high Z-factor (>0.72) and no false positives (24 of 24 hits confirmed).
      The assay revealed 11 structures not previously linked to cathepsin inhibition.
      For even larger scale screening, reformatting and analysis could be conducted
      simultaneously, which would enable more than 145,000 samples to be analyzed in 1
      day.

PMID- 25137242
TI  - Isotopic studies of the diet of the people of the coast of British Columbia.
AB  - In 1982, Chisholm et al. used delta(13) C data for human burials from shell
      midden sites widely distributed on the coast of British Columbia (BC) to show the
      extreme dependence of these individuals on high trophic level marine consumers,
      principally salmon and marine mammals. Here, we present previously unpublished
      analyses of delta(15) N for some of the same individuals as well as delta(13) C
      data for additional individuals. Nitrogen isotope data show that the diet was
      dominated by high trophic level marine fauna including carnivorous fish and
      marine mammals. Although most burials were found in shell middens, marine
      mollusks made up of only a minor component of diet. The data for delta(13) C
      demonstrate that terrestrial faunal foods are undetectable in the diet of the
      majority of individuals, and seldom constitute more than 10% of the dietary
      protein of individuals living on the coast although terrestrial fauna were widely
      available as a potential source of protein. This dietary pattern of exclusion of
      land-based animals from their diet persisted for almost 6,000 years along a wide
      expanse of coastline. In contrast, people from the BC interior (100 km or more
      from the coast) consumed a mixed diet of terrestrial and marine foods including
      spawning salmon.

PMID- 25137244
TI  - Sex-specific relationships of physical activity, body composition, and muscle
      quality with lower-extremity physical function in older men and women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the sex-specific relationships of
      physical activity, body composition, and muscle quality with lower-extremity
      physical function in older men and women. METHODS: Seventy-nine community
      dwelling men (n = 39; mean [SD] age, 76.1 [6.2] y; mean [SD] body mass index,
      27.3 [3.8] kg/m(2)) and women (n = 40; mean [SD] age, 75.8 [5.5] y; mean [SD]
      body mass index, 27.0 [3.8] kg/m(2)) were assessed for physical activity via
      questionnaire, body composition via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning,
      leg extension power using the Nottingham power rig, and muscle quality (W/kg; the
      ratio of leg extension power [W] to lower-body mineral-free lean mass [kg]). A
      composite measure of physical function was obtained by summing Z scores from the
      6-minute walk, 8-ft up-and-go test, and 30-second chair-stand test. RESULTS: As
      expected, men had significantly greater levels of physical activity, lower
      adiposity, greater lean mass, higher leg extension power, and greater muscle
      quality compared with women (all P < 0.05). In linear regression analyses, muscle
      quality and physical activity were the strongest predictors of lower-extremity
      physical function in men and independently explained 42% and 29% of the variance,
      respectively. In women, muscle quality (16%) and percent body fat (12%) were
      independent predictors after adjustment for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle
      quality is the strongest predictor of lower-extremity physical function in men
      and women, but sex impacts the importance of physical activity and adiposity.
      These findings suggest that older men and women may benefit from different
      intervention strategies for preventing physical disability and also highlight the
      importance of weight management for older women to preserve physical function.

PMID- 25137243
TI  - Low-dose paroxetine (7.5 mg) improves sleep in women with vasomotor symptoms
      associated with menopause.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sleep disturbances are common among women in midlife; prevalence
      increases among perimenopausal/postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms.
      Paroxetine 7.5 mg is the only nonhormonal treatment that has been approved in the
      United States for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with
      menopause. In two pivotal phase 3 studies evaluating its efficacy and safety,
      improvements in sleep disturbances were also prospectively evaluated. METHODS:
      Postmenopausal women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms were randomly
      assigned to paroxetine 7.5 mg (n = 591) or placebo (n = 593) once daily for 12
      weeks (both studies) or 24 weeks (24-wk study). Predefined assessments on weeks
      4, 12, and 24 included number of nighttime awakenings attributed to vasomotor
      symptoms, sleep-onset latency, sleep duration, and sleep-related adverse events.
      The two studies' data for weeks 1 to 12 were pooled. RESULTS: At baseline,
      participants reported a mean of 3.6 awakenings/night attributed to vasomotor
      symptoms. Nighttime awakenings attributed to vasomotor symptoms were
      significantly reduced within 4 weeks of initiating paroxetine 7.5 mg treatment
      (39% reduction vs 28% for placebo; P = 0.0049), and reductions were sustained
      through 12 or 24 weeks of treatment. Paroxetine 7.5 mg treatment also
      significantly increased nighttime sleep duration (week 4, +31 vs +16 min for
      placebo; P = 0.0075), but no significant between-group differences in sleep-onset
      latency or sleep-related adverse events such as sedation were observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal women treated for menopausal vasomotor symptoms,
      paroxetine 7.5 mg significantly reduces the number of nighttime awakenings
      attributed to vasomotor symptoms and increases sleep duration without
      differentially affecting sleep-onset latency or sedation.

PMID- 25137245
TI  - Feelings of energy are associated with physical activity and sleep quality, but
      not adiposity, in middle-aged postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Feelings of fatigue and low energy are widespread among middle-aged
      women and have been shown to negatively affect quality of life. The aim of the
      present study was to examine the associations among adiposity, physical activity,
      and feelings of fatigue and energy in postmenopausal women. METHODS:
      Postmenopausal women (N = 74; mean [SD] age, 58.9 [3.8] y) were assessed for
      adiposity (via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), steps per day, minutes of
      moderate to vigorous physical activity per day (via an accelerometer), prior week
      intensity of psychological vigor (via the Profile of Mood States-Short Form), and
      prior month frequency of energy feelings (via the vitality scale of the 36-item
      Medical Outcomes Survey--Short Form). Sleep quality was measured using the
      Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, depression was measured using the Beck Depression
      Inventory-II, and perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale.
      RESULTS: Adiposity was negatively related to steps per day (r = -0.55, P < 0.05)
      and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day (r = -0.48, P <
      0.05). Adiposity was not significantly related to vigor, vitality, or any other
      psychological measures. Greater vitality was associated with lower total number
      of medications (r = -0.31, P < 0.01), more steps per day (r = 0.28, P < 0.05),
      and higher minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day (r = 0.37, P
      < 0.01). Prior week feelings of vigor were unrelated to any variable of interest.
      Regression analyses revealed that minutes of moderate to vigorous physical
      activity per day independently explained 8% of the variance in vitality, whereas
      sleep quality was also a significant predictor of vitality (both P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Engaging in recommended amounts of moderate to vigorous physical
      activity per day is associated with higher monthly frequency of energy feelings,
      regardless of adiposity status, in middle-aged postmenopausal women.

PMID- 25137248
TI  - Theoretical study for OH radical-initiated atmospheric oxidation of ethyl
      acrylate.
AB  - OH radical-initiated atmospheric oxidation of ethyl acrylate (ethyl 2-propenoate,
      EA) has been investigated by performing density functional theory (DFT)
      calculations. Optimizations of the reactants, intermediates, transition states
      and products were carried out at the MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level. Single-point
      energy calculations were performed at the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p) level of theory.
      The detailed oxidation mechanism was presented and discussed. The results show
      that the OH addition is more energetically favorable than the H abstraction. Rice
      Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory was used to predict the rate constants
      over the possible atmospheric temperature range of 180-370 K. The Arrhenius
      expression adequately describes the total rate constant: k(EA+OH)=(1.71*10(
      12))exp(805.42/T)cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). At 298 K, the atmospheric lifetime of
      ethyl acrylate determined by OH radicals is about 16.2h. In order to find out the
      effect of alkyl substitution on the reaction activity, rate constants for the
      reactions of methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate with OH
      radicals were also discussed. Calculation results show that the reaction activity
      may increase with the increased electron-donating substitution for electrophilic
      addition reaction.

PMID- 25137246
TI  - Ethics, economics, and the use of primaquine to reduce falciparum malaria
      transmission in asymptomatic populations.
AB  - Yoel Lubell and colleagues consider ethical and economic perspectives on mass
      drug administration of primaquine to limit transmission of P. falciparum malaria.
      Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary. 

PMID- 25137249
TI  - Preparation, anti-trypanosomal activity and localisation of a series of dipeptide
      based vinyl sulfones.
AB  - An improved, Weinreb amide-based, synthesis of anti-trypanosomal lysine
      containing vinyl sulfones is described incorporating, as a feature, diversity at
      the epsilon-lysine amino group. Members of this family demonstrated moderate to
      good efficacy as anti-trypanosomal agents and a fluorescent dansyl (19)
      derivative was used to investigate subcellular localisation of the compound
      class.

PMID- 25137250
TI  - Twisted intramolecular charge transfer and its contribution to the NLO activity
      of Diglycine Picrate: a vibrational spectroscopic study.
AB  - Single crystals of Diglycine Picrate (DGLP) were grown by slow evaporation
      technique and the vibrational spectral analysis is carried out using FT Raman and
      FT-IR spectroscopy, supported by Density Functional Theoretical (DFT)
      computations to derive equilibrium geometry, vibrational wavenumbers and first
      hyperpolarizability. The vibrational spectra confirm the existence of NH3(+) in
      DGLP. The influence of Twisted Intramolecular Charge Transfer (TICT) caused by
      the strong ionic ground state hydrogen bonding between charged species making
      DGLP crystal to have the non-centrosymmetric structure has been discussed. The
      Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis confirms the occurrence of strong
      intermolecular N-H?O hydrogen bond. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap and the first order
      hyperpolarizability were calculated and it supports the nonlinear optical
      activity of the Diglycine Picrate crystal.

PMID- 25137251
TI  - Recombination blurs phylogenetic groups routine assignment in Escherichia coli:
      setting the record straight.
AB  - The characterization of population structures plays a main role for understanding
      outbreaks and the dynamics of bacterial spreading. In Escherichia coli, the
      widely used combination of multiplex-PCR scheme together with goeBURST has some
      limitations. The purpose of this study is to show that the combination of
      different phylogenetic approaches based on concatenated sequences of MLST genes
      results in a more precise assignment of E. coli phylogenetic groups, complete
      understanding of population structure and reconstruction of ancestral clones. A
      collection of 80 Escherichia coli strains of different origins was analyzed
      following the Clermont and Doumith's multiplex-PCR schemes. Doumith's multiplex
      PCR showed only 1.7% of misassignment, whereas Clermont's-2000 protocol reached
      14.0%, although the discrepancies reached 30% and 38.7% respectively when
      recombinant C, F and E phylogroups were considered. Therefore, correct phylogroup
      attribution is highly variable and depends on the clonal composition of the
      sample. As far as population structure of these E. coli strains, including 48 E.
      coli genomes from GenBank, goeBURST provides a quite dispersed population
      structure; whereas NeighborNet approach reveals a complex population structure.
      MLST-based eBURST can infer different founder genotypes, for instance ST23/ST88
      could be detected as the founder genotypes for STC23; however, phylogenetic
      reconstructions might suggest ST410 as the ancestor clone and several
      evolutionary trajectories with different founders. To improve our routine
      understanding of E. coli molecular epidemiology, we propose a strategy based on
      three successive steps; first, to discriminate three main groups A/B1/C, D/F/E
      and B2 following Doumith's protocol; second, visualization of population
      structure based on MLST genes according to goeBURST, using NeighborNet to
      establish more complex relationships among STs; and third, to perform, a cost
      free characterization of evolutionary trajectories in variants emerging along the
      clonal expansion using parsimony methods of phylogenetic analysis. 

PMID- 25137252
TI  - Thrombopoietin treatment of one graft in a double cord blood transplant provides
      early platelet recovery while contributing to long-term engraftment in NSG mice.
AB  - Human cord blood (CB) hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplants demonstrate
      delayed early neutrophil and platelet recovery and delayed longer term immune
      reconstitution compared to bone marrow and mobilized peripheral blood
      transplants. Despite advances in enhancing early neutrophil engraftment, platelet
      recovery after CB transplantation is not significantly altered when compared to
      contemporaneous controls. Recent studies have identified a platelet-biased murine
      HSC subset, maintained by thrombopoietin (TPO), which has enhanced capacity for
      short- and long-term platelet reconstitution, can self-renew, and can give rise
      to myeloid- and lymphoid-biased HSCs. In previous studies, we have shown that
      transplantation of human CB CD34(+) cells precultured in TPO as a single graft
      accelerates early platelet recovery as well as yielding long-term repopulation in
      immune-deficient mice. In this study, using a double CB murine transplant model,
      we investigated whether TPO cultured human CB CD34(+) cells have a competitive
      advantage or disadvantage over untreated human CB CD34(+) cells in terms of (1)
      short-term and longer term platelet recovery and (2) longer term hematological
      recovery. Our studies demonstrate that the TPO treated graft shows accelerated
      early platelet recovery without impairing the platelet engraftment of untreated
      CD34(+) cells. Notably, this was followed by a dominant contribution to platelet
      production through the untreated CD34(+) cell graft over the intermediate to
      longer term. Furthermore, although the contribution of the TPO treated graft to
      long-term hematological engraftment was reduced, the TPO treated and untreated
      grafts both contributed significantly to long-term chimerism in vivo. 

PMID- 25137253
TI  - Does a no-take marine protected area benefit seahorses?
AB  - Seahorses are iconic charismatic species that are often used to 'champion' marine
      conservation causes around the world. As they are threatened in many countries by
      over-exploitation and habitat loss, marine protected areas (MPAs) could help with
      their protection and recovery. MPAs may conserve seahorses through protecting
      essential habitats and removing fishing pressures. Populations of White's
      seahorse, Hippocampus whitei, a species endemic to New South Wales, Australia,
      were monitored monthly from 2006 to 2009 using diver surveys at two sites within
      a no-take marine protected areas established in 1983, and at two control sites
      outside the no-take MPA sites. Predators of H. whitei were also identified and
      monitored. Hippocampus whitei were more abundant at the control sites. Seahorse
      predators (3 species of fish and 2 species of octopus) were more abundant within
      the no-take MPA sites. Seahorse and predator abundances were negatively
      correlated. Substantial variability in the seahorse population at one of the
      control sites reinforced the importance of long-term monitoring and use of
      multiple control sites to assess the outcomes of MPAs for seahorses. MPAs should
      be used cautiously to conserve seahorse populations as there is the risk of a
      negative impact through increased predator abundance. 

PMID- 25137254
TI  - Chemical modulation of mutant mGlu1 receptors derived from deleterious GRM1
      mutations found in schizophrenics.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a complex and highly heterogeneous psychiatric disorder whose
      precise etiology remains elusive. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
      have identified risk genes, they have failed to determine if rare coding single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) contribute in schizophrenia. Recently, two
      independent studies identified 12 rare, deleterious nsSNPS in the GRM1 gene,
      which encodes the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1 (mGlu1), in
      schizophrenic patients. Here, we generated stable cell lines expressing the mGlu1
      mutant receptors and assessed their pharmacology. Using both the endogenous
      agonist glutamate and the synthetic agonist DHPG, we found that several of the
      mutant mGlu1 receptors displayed a loss of function that was not due to a loss in
      plasma membrane expression. Due to a lack of mGlu1 positive allosteric modulators
      (PAM) tool compounds active at human mGlu1, we optimized a known mGlu4 PAM/mGlu1
      NAM chemotype into a series of potent and selective mGlu1 PAMs by virtue of a
      double "molecular switch". Employing mGlu1 PAMs from multiple chemotypes, we
      demonstrate that the mutant receptors can be potentiated by small molecules and
      in some cases efficacy restored to that comparable to wild type mGlu1 receptors,
      suggesting deficits in patients with schizophrenia due to these mutations may be
      amenable to intervention with an mGlu1 PAM. However, in wild type animals, mGlu1
      negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) are efficacious in classic models
      predictive of antipsychotic activity, whereas we show that mGlu1 PAMs have no
      effect to slight potentiation in these models. These data further highlight the
      heterogeneity of schizophrenia and the critical role of patient selection
      strategies in psychiatric clinical trials to match genotype with therapeutic
      mechanism. 

PMID- 25137255
TI  - Comparison of mercury contamination in live and dead dolphins from a newly
      described species, Tursiops australis.
AB  - Globally it is estimated that up to 37% of all marine mammals are at a risk of
      extinction, due in particular to human impacts, including coastal pollution.
      Dolphins are known to be at risk from anthropogenic contaminants due to their
      longevity and high trophic position. While it is known that beach-cast animals
      are often high in contaminants, it has not been possible to determine whether
      levels may also be high in live animals from the same populations. In this paper
      we quantitatively assess mercury contamination in the two main populations of a
      newly described dolphin species from south eastern Australia, Tursiops australis.
      This species appear to be limited to coastal waters in close proximity to a major
      urban centre, and as such is likely to be vulnerable to anthropogenic pollution.
      For the first time, we were able to compare blubber mercury concentrations from
      biopsy samples of live individuals and necropsies of beach-cast animals and show
      that beach-cast animals were highly contaminated with mercury, at almost three
      times the levels found in live animals. Levels in live animals were also high,
      and are attributable to chronic low dose exposure to mercury from the dolphin's
      diet. Measurable levels of mercury were found in a number of important prey fish
      species. This illustrates the potential for low dose toxins in the environment to
      pass through marine food webs and potentially contribute to marine mammal deaths.
      This study demonstrates the potential use of blubber from biopsy samples to make
      inferences about the health of dolphins exposed to mercury. 

PMID- 25137256
TI  - Document of standardization of enteral nutrition access in adults.
AB  - The group of standardization and protocols of the Spanish Society of Parenteral
      and Enteral Nutrition (SENPE) published in 2011 a consensus document
      SENPE/SEGHNP/ANECIPN/SECP on enteral access for paediatric nutritional support.
      Along the lines of this document, we have developed another document on adult
      patients to homogenize the clinical practice and improve the quality of care in
      enteral access in this age group. The working group included health professionals
      (nurses, dietitians and doctor) with extensive experience in enteral nutrition
      and access. We tried to find scientific evidence through a literature review and
      we used the criteria of the Agency for Health-care Research and Quality (AHRQ) to
      classify the evidence (Grade of Recommendation A, B or C). Later the document was
      reviewed by external experts to the group and requested the endorsement of the
      Scientific and Educational Committee (CCE) and the group of home artificial
      nutrition (NADYA) of the SENPE. The full text will be published as a monograph
      number in this journal. 

PMID- 25137257
TI  - [Mobile applications for nutrition, dietetics and healthy habits; analysis and
      consequences of an increasing trend].
AB  - A mobile application or app, is a software designed for smartphones and other
      mobile devices. Nowadays these have undergone a boom in its users offer and
      diversity, entering the field of medicine, for both professionals and patients.
      In "health apps" category, there is a part for the field of nutrition. It is
      estimated that in the category of "diet and fitness" more than 5,400 apps. AIM:
      Reviewing apps, to make a diagnosis of the quality and validity, and review
      studies witch incorporating apps as part of the project s methodology. METHODS:
      Literature search in major scientific databases, PubMed , SciELO , EMBASE (last 5
      years) . In the other hand, a search was conducted in the Android APPs Store, 7
      Key words were introduced in the form of APPs Sotre to analyze the top 5 of each
      search. RESULTS: 95 Apps were analyzed, and others used from research studies.
      The apps found to be an option as strategies for improvement and prevention of
      certain diseases related to nutrition, exercise and daily habits, both from the
      individual used or as professionals, but include the unreliability of the
      majority. From the 95 apps analyzed, 51.57% were classified as "low quality".
      CONCLUSION: Although most applications are not useful or safe, if in the future
      are normalized and improved, they could provide a useful tool for the healthcare
      system and society.

PMID- 25137258
TI  - Hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype: association with metabolic disorders and
      visceral fat in adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of Hypertriglyceridemic waist with
      metabolic disorders and visceral fat in adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study
      with 191 individuals of both sexes. Subjects were grouped according to Waist
      Circumference (WC) ratings (Men: > 90 cm; Women: > 80 cm) and triglycerides (TG)
      (> 150 mg/dl) in Group 1 (HTW Phenotype): elevated WC and TG; Group 2 (absence of
      HTW Phenotype): elevated WC and normal TG or normal WC and elevated TG or normal
      WC and TG. Metabolic alternations, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and
      visceral/subcutaneous fat index (VF/SF) measured by computed tomography were
      evaluated as cardiovascu - lar risk factors between the groups. RESULTS:
      Individuals with HTW phenotype, 82% had three or more cardiovascular risk
      factors. The association between cardiovascular risk factors with HTW phenotype
      revealed that among men 73.7% had hypercholesterolemia, 94.9% elevated non-HDLc
      and 78.9% excess of VAT area (p = 0.001). Among women, 65% had elevated Sistolic
      Blood Plessure, 80% hypercholesterolemia and 90% elevated non-HDLc (p < 0.02).
      CONCLUSION: The HTW phenotype associated with the metabolic alternations and VAT
      excess. Individuals with HTW had higher number of cardiovascular risk factors.
      The Hypertriglyceridemic waist can be used in clinical practice for investigating
      cardiovascular risk and visceral adipose tissue in individuals.

PMID- 25137259
TI  - Psychological well-being in a sample of obese patients compared with a control
      group.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The literature has found that obese patients usually report more
      depression and anxiety than normal weight individuals. However, not many
      investigations have studied the relationship between obesity and quality of life
      from a Positive Psychology approach. OBJECTIVE: In this study it is analyzed if
      obese patients have less psychological well-being than a control group (normal
      weight participants). METHOD: A total of 221 participants (111 obese individuals
      and 110 controls) were selected to conduct the study. To measure psychological
      well-being, the Spanish version of the Ryff's Scales was used. To measure mental
      health, the Spanish version of the mental health component of the Short Form 36
      Health Survey (SF-36) was used. RESULTS: It was found that obese participants
      reported less psychological well-being than normal weight individuals, but that
      there were not statistically significant differences in the case of mental health
      measured with the SF-36. DISCUSSION: According to the results, it can be
      concluded that reports of psychological well-being problems were much more common
      in participants with weight problems than in the control group.

PMID- 25137260
TI  - Beliefs, attitudes and phobias among Mexican medical and psychology students
      towards people with obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A high prevalence of stigmatizing attitude among healthcare personnel
      towards obese people has been reported. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the beliefs,
      attitudes and phobias that Mexican medical and psychology students have towards
      obese people. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 528 students
      enrolled at the Autonomous University of Baja California in psychology and
      medical schools. Weight, height and waist circumference were evaluated. Beliefs
      about obesity were assessed with the BAOP scale, attitudes towards obese people
      by the ATOP scale and obesity phobias by the F-scale. RESULTS: Participants
      achieved a mean F-scale score of 3.4. Only seven per cent showed neutral or
      positive attitudes towards obesity (<=?2.5). Less fat phobia was associated with
      beliefs that obesity was not a result of the person's self-control (p = 0.0001)
      and had better attitudes towards obese people (p = 0.0001). Men had higher risk
      of fat phobia (OR = 1.5). CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of phobias and negative
      attitudes towards obesity was observed. Men had higher stigma.

PMID- 25137261
TI  - Genome-wide screen of promoter methylation identifies novel markers in diet
      induced obese mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genome-wide promoter methylation and gene
      expression for the identification of methylation markers in obesity. METHODS:
      Using a high-fat, diet-induced obese mouse model, we performed comprehensive DNA
      methylation profiling of gene promoters to determine the differentially
      methylated genes using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation followed by
      hybridization to the NimbleGen MM8 CpG plus Promoter Microarray. We further
      integrated epigenomics data with gene expression profiling to identify promoters
      exhibiting an association between methylation status and the expression of
      downstream genes. RESULTS: A total of 24 hypermethylated promoters and 42
      hypomethylated promoters in epididymal fat were selected as methylation markers,
      which were associated with downregulated and upregulated gene expression,
      respectively. The promoter methylation and differential gene expression of three
      markers (Mmp2, Foxj3 and Ube2q2) in the fat were validated by sequencing
      bisulfitemodified DNA and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. The genes with
      these differentially methylated promoters and the associated transcriptional
      expression in the fat were primarily involved in biological activities in lipid
      metabolism and storage, cellular differentiation, immunity and the pathogenesis
      of obesity-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first
      effort to determine methylation markers in obese mice that may regulate gene
      transcription in obesity. Our approach has potential relevance for clinical
      applications by identifying markers useful in elucidating the mechanisms of
      obesity pathogenesis and its complications.

PMID- 25137262
TI  - Short term low-calorie diet improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic parameters
      in obese women.
AB  - Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with an increase of cardiovascular
      risk factors, including adipocytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the effect of low-calorie diet on serum lipids, adipokines, insulin resistance
      and body composition in obese women. It was a clinical trial with class I obese
      women aged 30-45 years submitted to hypocaloric diet for 90 days. Dietary intake,
      anthropometric parameters, body composition, serum lipids, glucose, insulin,
      leptin, adiponectin, HOMA-IR and QUICKI indexes were evaluated at the baseline,
      30, 60 and 90 days. There was 30% significant decrease in energy intake, and also
      decrease in body weight, body mass index and waist circumference (p < 0.01)
      throughout the treatment period. Despite the amount of lean body mass (kg)
      reduced in average, it was observed that lean body mass (%) had increased (p <
      0.01) and that the amount of fat body mass (kg) had decreased significantly in
      the third month (p < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure reduced up to -5mmHg (p <
      0.05) after 90 days. Was observed a decrease (p < 0.05) on serum insulin and HOMA
      IR until the 60th day, while the serum adiponectin increased (p < 0.01) during
      treatment. Corroborating with the reduction of fat body mass and weight, serum
      leptin also reduced (p < 0.01). These results suggest that the short-term low
      calorie diet reduces total body fat, mainly found in the abdominal region, and
      efficiently improve insulin sensitivity decreasing cardiovascular risk in obese
      women. 

PMID- 25137263
TI  - The relationship between dental caries and obesity among primary school children
      aged 5 to 14 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous study revealed that the link between dental caries and
      obesity has been controversial. The purpose of this research is to investigate
      the association between dental caries and obesity among primary school children
      in Wannan area, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed to collect
      the routine health screening data for primary school children aged 5-14 years in
      Wannan area,China, Overweight and obesity status were determined using the
      International Obesity Task Force standard (IOTF) BMI cut-off points. Caries
      status was recorded based on WHO recommendations. RESULTS: Our results revealed
      that the overall caries prevalence of the subjects was 44.9%, Maximum number of
      caries affected children belonged to underweight and normal group, followed by
      overweight, and the least number was obesity. These differences were
      statistically significant (chi-square test, P < 0.001). Children with obesity
      were 1.908 times (OR =1.908; CI95%=1.750, 2.079) more likely have caries than
      children with underweight or health weight. Overweight children were 1.547 times
      (OR = 1.547; CI95% = 1.479, 1.618) more likely to have caries than children with
      underweight or health weight. After adjusted the gender and age, a statistically
      significant association was also observed between body mass index categories and
      caries. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity may have a significant effect on caries prevalence
      of primary school children in Wannan area, China. The importance of obesity
      should not only be emphasized with respect to general diseases but also with
      regard to carious lesions.

PMID- 25137264
TI  - Association between nutritional status, C-reactive protein, adiponectin and HOMA
      AD in Brazilian children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In children, the presence of obesity is a major risk factor for the
      occurrence of cardiovascular diseases on the adulthood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      the association of anthropometry, body composition, clinical variables and
      biochemical profile with C-reactive protein and adiponectin levels, and insulin
      resistance in children in the municipality of Nova Era, Brazil. METHODS: Nested
      case-control study following a crosssectional study. We evaluated 178 children,
      57 of them classified as obese and 121 as normal-weight from a population of 1024
      schoolchildren 6 to 10 years old: Blood samples were collected after 12-hour fast
      to obtain serum and plasma. We collected anthropometric and body composition
      measures, systolic and diastolic blood pressure data. Sexual maturation was
      assessed according to the stage of sexual development. We performed Student's t
      test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's correlation, Spearman's test and multiple
      linear regression analysis. Independent variables with p < 0.05 were included in
      the multiple regression model. Residual analysis was performed to assess model
      validity. RESULTS: Among obese children, C-reactive protein levels were
      associated with triacylglycerol levels and body fat percentage estimated by
      skinfold thickness (R2 adjusted = 27.6%, p < 0.001). Adiponectin was associated
      with HOMA-IR, HOMAAD and body fat percentage estimated by skinfold thickness (R2
      adjusted = 75.5%, p < 0.001). HOMA-AD index was associated with HOMA-IR,
      adiponectin, systolic blood pressure and weight (R2 adjusted = 90.7%, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Significant associations were found between body composition,
      anthropometry, clinical variables, biochemical profile and adiponectin and C
      reactive protein levels and insulin resistance in obese and normal-weight
      children.

PMID- 25137265
TI  - Common variants in genes related to lipid and energy metabolism are associated
      with weight loss after an intervention in overweight/obese adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some SNPs related to lipid and energy metabolism may be implicated
      not only in the development of obesity and associated comorbidities, but also in
      the weight loss response after a nutritional intervention. OBJECTIVE: In this
      context, the present study analyzed four SNPs located within four genes known to
      be associated with obesity and other obesity-related complications, and their
      putative role in a weight-loss intervention in overweight/obese adolescents.
      METHODS: The study population consisted of 199 overweight/obese adolescents (13
      16 yr old) undergoing 10 weeks of a weight loss multidisciplinary intervention:
      the EVASYON programme (www.estudioevasyon.org). Adolescents were genotyped for 4
      SNPs, and anthropometric measurements and biochemical markers were analyzed at
      the beginning and after the intervention. RESULTS: Interestingly, APOA5(rs662799)
      was associated with the baseline anthropometric and biochemical outcomes, whereas
      FTO (rs9939609) seemed to be related with the change of these values after the 10
      week intervention. The other two SNPs, located in the CETP (rs1800777) and the
      APOA1 (rs670) genes, showed important relationships with adiposity markers.
      Specifically, a combined model including both SNPs turned up to explain up to 24%
      of BMI-SDS change after 10 weeks of the multidisciplinary intervention, which may
      contribute to under - stand the weight loss response. CONCLUSION: Common variants
      in genes related to lipid and energy metabolism may influence not only
      biochemical outcomes but also weight loss response after a multidisciplinary
      intervention carried out in obese/overweight adolescents..

PMID- 25137266
TI  - Finding new solutions in pediatric parenteral admixtures: how to improve quality
      and to deal with shortages.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pediatric parenteral nutrition enables normal growth even of
      preterm infants. Those children require, however, tailored parenteral nutrition
      and the creation of such can be challenging due to the risk of instability and
      shortages. OBJECTIVE: Prototypical parenteral admixtures were created using
      different calcium salts (organic and inorganic) and different lipid emulsions and
      tested for stability. 36 of parenteral admixtures containing two types of calcium
      salts: chloride or gluconolactobionate and different lipid emulsions
      (SMOFlipid(r) or Lipofundin MCT/LCT(r)) were under investigation. METHODS:
      Preliminary admixtures were prepared in two-chamber bags whereas lipid emulsions
      were placed separately in the second chamber. Pre-admixtures were stored for up
      to 21 days at +4oC. Contents of the two chambers were combined at t = 0 or after
      21 days of storage. Physical analysis of completed admixtures (visual inspection,
      microscopic observation, pH measurement and determination of the size
      distribution of oily droplets) was carried out after 21 days of the storage.
      Stability of lipid, commercial emulsions stored in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)
      bags for 42 days was also studied. RESULTS: Irrespectively of the time of storage
      of preadmixtures and type of calcium salt and different lipid emulsions among 36
      total parenteral admixtures only one showed signs of destabilization after
      preparation and one was unstable when stored for longer than 14 days. All other
      formulations were qualified to be stable during the study. All investigated
      commercial lipid emulsions were physically stable in EVA bags even when stored at
      room temperature. CONCLUSION: The study proved that it was possible to store pre
      admixture in EVA bags for 21 days at 4 degrees C as well as that CAN (critical
      aggregation number) and CaxP (the products of multiplication of calcium and
      phosphate ions concentration) should not be used as reliable indicators of
      admixture physical stability. No influence of the type of calcium salts on
      stability of admixtures was observed.

PMID- 25137267
TI  - Effect of long-term physical exercise program and/or diet on metabolic syndrome
      in obese boys.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There have been just a few studies examining the influence of
      detraining on obese boys. They conclude that any gains regress to the untrained
      control values during the detraining period. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the
      present study was thus to evaluate the effects of detraining (6 months) on
      metabolic syndrome after two types of intervention (both 31 months), one of an
      exercise program alone and the other of a diet-plus-exercise program, in obese
      boys. METHODS: The participants were 18 sedentary boys (8- 11 years old) with a
      body mass index equal or greater than the 97th percentile for the age and sex
      (male) of the subject, without any dysfunction or metabolic problem. The
      participants were divided into two groups - the E group (physical exercise
      program) and the E+D group (physical exercise program plus a low calorie diet).
      Metabolic parameters were evaluated (TC, HDL, LDL, TG, glucose, insulin, Systolic
      Blood Pressure, and Diastolic Blood Pressure), allowing the metabolic syndrome
      index to be calculated. RESULTS: Changes were observed in LDL-C (effect sizes = 
      3.19 and -2.28) and in the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (effect sizes = -3.02 and -1.16) in
      the E and E+D groups, respectively. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and
      obesity was completely removed only in the E group (100% norisk and non-obese
      subjects - < 90th percentile). CONCLUSIONS: Detraining from a long-term exercise
      program (with or without diet) seems not to negatively affect the cardiovascular
      profile, suggesting that the program provides benefits and fosters healthy habits
      that can be maintained over time, preventing the development of metabolic
      syndrome.

PMID- 25137268
TI  - [Sensory evaluation of enteral nutritional supplements].
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Enteral nutrition (EN) is indicated in patients who,
      although they may not eat enough food, maintain a sufficient function to receive,
      digest and absorb nutrients digestive system. Oral Nutritional Supplements (SON)
      are nutritionally complete or incomplete formulas (depending on whether or not
      provide all the nutrients needed to serve as the sole source of nutrients), which
      supplement inadequate oral diet. This study aims to evaluate the organoleptic
      characteristics of hyperproteic, normoproteic and fiber-enriched oral SON.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: SON test, carried out at the Department of Endocrinology
      and Nutrition Consortium Hospital General Universitario de Valencia from October
      2012 to February 2013. 137 SON were evaluated in total, of which 47 were
      hyperproteic, 46 normoproteic and 44 enriched in fiber. RESULTS: Of the SON
      evaluated in the group of hyperproteic the following 3 SON obtained the best
      scores: Fresenius Prot Energy Drink(r) (21,27, vanilla flavor), Avant Standard
      Nut(r) (20.3 , strawberry flavor) and Resource(r) Protein (20.01, chocolate
      flavor) In the group of normoproteic SON the 3 best rated were: Ensure Plus(r)
      (22.3, banana flavor), Ensure Plus(r) (21.9, peach flavor) and Fresubin Energy
      Drink(r) (21, strawberry flavor) In the group of fiber-enriched the 3 SON most
      appreciated were: 2 Kcal Fresubin Fibre Drink(r) (23.78, vanilla flavor), Ensure
      Plus(r) TwoCal (22.9, banana flavor) and Fortimel Compact(r) (21.5, strawberry
      flavor) CONCLUSIONS: The study aims to guide clinicians on what SON may be more
      acceptable to the patient, so that the SON serve their purpose and restore or
      improve nutritional status, as the SON intervention is safe and cost - effective,
      since they improve both the functionality and quality of life.

PMID- 25137269
TI  - [Anti-inflammatory activity of olive seed polyphenolic extract in the THP1-XBLUE
      CD14 human monocytes cell line].
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of a
      polyphenolic extract from olive pits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The THP1-XBlue-CD14
      (invivogen) cellular line, 80,000 cells/well, was incubated and inflammation
      (activation of NF-kb) was produced with 0.1 mg/mL of LPS (lipopolysaccharide from
      E. coli) for 24 hours. We assessed the presence of the extract (10 and 50 mg/L,
      biologically safe concentrations) for 2 hours at 37o C, before (preventive
      effect) and after (therapeutic effect) the proinflammatory activation, and the
      activity of alkaline phosphatase, which is expressed under the control of the NF
      kb transcriptional factor, was quantified by colorimetry. The percentage of
      activity of NF-kb as preventive effect and therapeutic effect was assessed by
      comparing it to control cultures of cells with LPS and without extract, which are
      considered 100% of NF-kb. RESULTS: The preventive anti-inflammatory capacity of
      the extract at 50 mg/L was 25.5% (95% CI: 16.8-34.2) and the therapeutic effect
      34.9% (95% CI: 25.3-44.4) for the same concentration, without any significant
      activity at 10 mg/L. CONCLUSION: An activity of polyphenols extracted from olive
      pits is shown, both in preventing inflammation and therapeutically eliminating
      inflammation through inhibition of NF-kB factor previously activated by LPS at
      concentrations of 50 mg/L of polyphenols, which previously haven been shown to be
      safe.

PMID- 25137270
TI  - Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies after bariatric surgery could be misleading if
      they are not appropriately adjusted.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the differences in frequency of fat-soluble vitamin
      deficiencies if we adjust their levels by its main carriers in plasma in patients
      undergoing Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).
      RESEARCH METHODS & PROCEDURES: We recruited 178 patients who underwent RYGB (n =
      116 patients) and BPD (n = 62 patients) in a single centre. Basal data
      information and one-year after surgery included: anthropometric measurements, fat
      soluble vitamins A, E and D, retinol binding protein (RBP) and total cholesterol
      as carriers of vitamin A and E respectively. Continuous data were compared using
      T-Student and proportions using chisquare test. RESULTS: There was a vitamin D
      deficiency of 96% of all patients, 10% vitamin A deficiency and 1.2% vitamin E
      deficiency prior to surgery. One year after surgery, 33% of patients were vitamin
      A deficient but the frequency reduced to 19% when we adjusted by RBP. We found a
      vitamin E deficiency frequency of 0% in RYGB and 4.8% in DBP one year after
      surgery. However, when we adjusted the serum levels to total cholesterol, we
      found an increased frequency of 8.7% in RYGB group for vitamin E deficiency and
      21.4% in DBP (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: We have found a different frequency of
      deficit for fat-soluble vitamin both in BPD and RYGB once we have adjusted for
      its main carriers. This is clinically relevant to prevent from overexposure and
      toxicity. We suggest that carrier molecules should be routinely requested when we
      assess fat-soluble vitamin status in patients who undergo malabsorptive
      procedures.

PMID- 25137271
TI  - High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among elite Spanish athletes the
      importance of outdoor training adaptation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The discovery of vitamin D muscle receptors in the last few years
      suggested a significant role in muscle tissue, pointing out athletes as a special
      group. Specific data are scarce. AIM: The main aim of the current paper was to
      provide, for the first time, comparable data about vitamin D status in elite
      Spanish athletes by sport, age, season and training environment. METHODS: Four
      hundred and eight elite athletes with a mean age of 22.8 +/- 8.4 years were
      recruited from the High-performance sport centre in Barcelona for this cross
      sectional study. Athletes from 34 different sports modalities were analysed. Data
      were available for vitamin D status, training environment, seasonality and number
      of medical visits. All data were analysed using SPSS version 18.0. RESULTS: Mean
      25(OH)D of all athletes was 56.7 +/- 23.4 nmol/L. Approximately 82% of the
      athletes were below the optimal levels, (< 75nmol/l), 45% had moderate deficient
      levels (< 50 nmol/L) and 6% had severe deficiency (< 27.5 nmol/L). We have
      observed a steady increase in 25(OH)D concentrations with increasing age (p <
      0.01) Highest levels were observed in those subjects training outdoors compared
      with those training indoor (p.

PMID- 25137272
TI  - [Evaluation of a nutritional intervention among elderly people: the Edumay
      project].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The adherence to a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern is associated with a
      morbi-mortality reduction, and with a better quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate a nutritional intervention among independent elderly people enrolled in
      an educational program to increase the knowledge of the food and daily diets,
      promoting a healthy dietary pattern. METHODS: Quasi-experimental design conducted
      in elderly participants who lived in foster home apartments owned by the City
      Council of Pamplona (n = 41). The intervention was based on six group sessions
      and an individual motivational session in a period of three months. Adherence to
      Mediterranean diet was evaluated through a 14-point scale previously validated.
      RESULTS: Eighty point five per cent of participants were women, with a median age
      of 79 years, the majority of them widowed (48.8%) and with primary education
      (58.5%). After the nutritional intervention the percentage of participants who
      consumed two or more servings of vegetables increased significantly versus the
      control group (p = 0.042). Similarly, in comparison with the control group, there
      was an increase in the percentage of participants who consumed three servings per
      week of legumes (p = 0.042), three or more servings per week of nuts (p = 0.003),
      and those who consumed preferably meat from chicken, turkey, or rabbit instead of
      veal, pork, hamburgers, or sausages (p = 0.011). DISCUSSION: An intervention
      based on individual and group sessions improved significantly several parameters
      of a Mediterranean dietary pattern.

PMID- 25137273
TI  - The influence of nutritional status and disease on adiponectin and TNF-alpha;
      levels in colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between
      adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha;?(TNF-alpha;) serum levels in
      colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and compare these levels to clinical stage and
      nutritional status. METHODS: A total of 79 patients were enrolled in the study
      (39 with CRC and 40 in the control). Nutritional status was assessed by Patient
      Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), body mass index (BMI), and phase
      angle (PhA). Adiponectin and TNF-alpha;?serum concentrations were determined
      using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin levels
      were higher among CRC patients (p = 0.001). TNF-alpha;?serum levels were not
      significantly different between the groups, but patients with stage III or IV CRC
      had higher levels of TNF-alpha;?than those with lower stage disease (p = 0.037).
      The three tools used for the assessment of nutritional status (BMI, PhA, and PG
      SGA) demonstrated that patients with a more severe nutritional deficit had higher
      adipocytokine levels, although these differences were significant only to TNF- ?,
      when distributed PhA in tertiles. CONCLUSIONS: Adiponectin levels were higher
      among CRC patients. Although TNF-alpha;?serum levels from CRC patients did not
      differ significantly to the control group, CRC patients with stage III or IV had
      higher levels compared to those with stage I and II tumors. Nutritional status,
      as determined by BMI, PhA, and PG-SGA, demonstrated that patients with a greatest
      nutritional deficit, had higher levels of adipocytokines; however, these
      differences were significant only for TNF-?, when distributed PhA in tertiles.

PMID- 25137274
TI  - [Pilot study about the effectivity of an intervention based on games in
      nutritional status and muscle strength on children].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The overnutrition is a constant on developing countries; Chile is
      not an exception because it has a marked tendency to overweight and obesity in
      schoolchildren. The muscular strength has been associated with cardiovascular and
      metabolic health status in scholars. Effective interventions using games are
      needed to improve the nutritional status and physical fitness in school children.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess the intervention effectiveness based on games played at
      school time to improve the nutritional status and physical fitness in
      schoolchildren. METHOD: 156 students aged between 7 to 15 years, attending to two
      public schools with full school day, to which a pilot program was applied. This
      pilot program was based on dynamic recreational games during 45 minutes from
      monday to friday for 3 months in the largest playtime of the school day. RESULTS:
      At the end of the intervention, we observed a significant modification on
      children nutritional status, which highlights an increase in the number of
      children that reached the normal nutritional status (p < 0.001). We also observed
      a significant number of obese children who reached overweight nutritional status
      (p < 0.001). We also observed a decrease of leg muscular strength at the end of
      the study. CONCLUSIONS: We found a positive effect of a program based on dynamic
      recreational games in the largest school playtime, improving nutritional status.
      However, we didn't observed modifications in the muscular strength.

PMID- 25137275
TI  - [Design and validation of a questionnaire to assess dietary behavior in Mexican
      students in the area of health].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The dietary behavior (DB) establishes the relationship between the
      human being and foods and has an influence on nutrient intake and, therefore, it
      contributes to the health or disease status of a population, even among college
      students. There exit some validated instruments to assess food and nutrients
      intake, but there are very few assessing DB. OBJECTIVE: To design and validate a
      questionnaire to assess DB in Mexican college students. METHODS: According to the
      literature and Reasoned Theory, a questionnaire assessing DB was designed. Its
      logic and content validity was determined by expert assessment. It was applied on
      two occasions with a 4-week interval to 333 students from the University of
      Guadalajara coursing the sixth semester of Medicine or Nutrition. The
      reproducibility was assessed by means of the interclass correlation coefficient.
      The construct validity and the internal consistency were calculated by Rasch
      analysis, for both the difficulty of the items and the subjects' capability.
      RESULTS: The questionnaire finally included 31 questions with multiple choice
      answers. The interclass correlation coefficient of the instrument was 0.76. The
      Cronbach alpha was 0.50 for the subjects' capability and 0.98 for the internal
      consistency of the items. 87.1% of the subjects and 89.8% of the items had INFIT
      and OUTFIT values within acceptable limits. CONCLUSIONS: The present
      questionnaire has the potentiality of measuring at low cost and in a practical
      way aspects related with DB in college student with the aim of establishing or
      following-up corrective or preventive actions.

PMID- 25137276
TI  - Adherence to the Mediterranean diet by nursing students of Murcia (Spain).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Mediterranean diet is recognized as one with the healthiest
      dietary patterns; however, this diet is deteriorating and being abandoned even in
      the Mediterranean countries themselves. Generally speaking, dietary habits get
      fixed during adolescence although during the college phase, students may
      experience important changes in their lifestyles. The KIDMED index is recognized
      as a good tool to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD). OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of this study was to assess AMD in college students and to evidence
      possible variations throughout the college period assessing differences between
      the college years. METHOD: A cross-sectional study with 213 alumni in first grade
      and 105 in fourth grade was carried out. The students were classified by gender,
      type of residence (parents' home or out of the parents' house) and body mass
      index (BMI) (< 25 or > 25). RESULTS: The BMI for the whole sample was 24.35 +/-
      2.71 in men and 22.54 +/- 3.25 in women (p < 0.001). The mean score in AMD was
      7.0 +/- 1.9, with 43% of the students showing good adherence. In general, a low
      intake of fruits, vegetables, rice or pasta was observed, foods that are included
      in the base of the dietary pyramid. Consumption of olive oil and legumes was very
      high and a direct relationship was observed between overweighed people (BMI > 25)
      and the habit of not having breakfast usually. No significant differences were
      observed between the student of first and fourth grades although those students
      in the fourth grade living away from the parental house had higher AMD level than
      the other students (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Educational programs promoting the
      intake of the different groups of food are recommended, was well as strategies
      promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables within the university area and
      the healthy habit of having breakfast.

PMID- 25137277
TI  - [Prevalence of nutritional risk evaluated with NRS-2002 in Mexican oncology
      population].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hospitalized patients have high risk of malnutrition, specially those
      with cancer. There are some screening tools that lead to the detection of
      malnutrition in hospitalized patients, as Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS
      2002), which we used in Mexican population with cancer at the moment of hospital
      admission to determine the prevalence of malnutrition risk, and to determine as
      well as the best predictive item to measuring nutritional risk in our population.
      METHODOLOGY: Nutritional status in cancer patients with NRS 2002 during hospital
      admission was assessed. To the analysis of variable non statistical parametric
      tests, student-t test, Pearson and Spearman test, as well as ANOVA test were
      used. To determine the best item for predicting nutritional risk in Mexican
      population with cancer, a logistic regression test was applied. RESULTS: Of our
      population, 50.2% of were classified as patients in nutritional risk at hospital
      admission. Gender, age, normal levels of IMC lower than 20.5, food intake, weight
      loss and hematological cancer were associated with nutritional risk (p < 0.05).
      The best model of logistic regression for predicting nutritional risk were the
      same used by NRS-2002 questionnaire (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition
      prevalence is high in cancer patients and NRS-2002 is a reliable tool for
      predicting nutritional risk in Mexican population with cancer.

PMID- 25137278
TI  - [Body composition and heart rate variability in patients with chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease pulmonary rehabilitation candidates].
AB  - Body composition is a non-invasive method, which gives us information about the
      distribution of tissues in the body structure, it is also an indicator of the
      risk of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The
      heart rate variability is a technique that gives us information of autonomic
      physiological condition, being recognized as an indicator which is decreased in a
      number of diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess body composition and
      heart rate variability. The methodology used is that of Debora Kerr (1988)
      endorsed by the International Society for advances in Cineantropometria for body
      composition and heart rate variability of the guidelines described by the
      American Heart Association (1996). Roscraff equipment, caliper Slimguide and
      watch Polar RS 800CX was used. , BMI 26.7 +/- 3.9 kg / m2; Muscle Mass 26.1 +/-
      6.3 kg ; Bone Mass 1.3 kg +/- 8.1 76 +/- 9.9 years Age : 14 candidates for
      pulmonary rehabilitation patients were evaluated , Adipose mass 16.4 +/- 3.6 kg ;
      FEV1 54 +/- 14%. Increased waist circumference and waist hip ratio was associated
      with a lower overall heart rate variability. The bone component was positively
      related to the variability of heart rate and patients with higher forced
      expiratory volume in one second had lower high frequency component in heart rate
      variability. In these patients, the heart rate variability is reduced globally
      and is associated with cardiovascular risk parameters.

PMID- 25137279
TI  - Hypomagnesaemia in critically ill patients with haematological malignancies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is currently little information regarding the incidence of
      hypomagnesaemia and its impact on the prognosis of critically ill patients with
      haematological malignancies. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to describe the
      incidence of hypomagnesaemia in critically ill patients with haematological
      malignancies admitted to an oncological intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A
      total of 102 critically ill patients with haematological malignancies, who were
      18 years of age and admitted to the ICU between January 2008 and April 2011, were
      included in this study. Hypomagnesaemia was defined as a serum magnesium
      concentration below 1.7 mg/dl. RESULTS: The incidence of hypomagnesaemia at
      admission or during the first 24 hours of stay in the ICU was 22.5% (23/102). The
      hospital mortality rates of patients with and without hypomagnesaemia were 47.8%
      and 60.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The incidence of hypomagnesaemia in
      critically ill patients with haematological malignancies was 22.5%. Mortality in
      the ICU and in the hospital was similar in patients with and without
      hypomagnesaemia.

PMID- 25137280
TI  - The calcium concentration of public drinking waters and bottled mineral waters in
      Spain and its contribution to satisfying nutritional needs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A sufficient intake of calcium enables correct bone mineralization.
      The bioavailability of calcium in water is similar to that in milk. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the concentration of calcium in public drinking water and bottled
      mineral water. METHODS: We used ion chromatography to analyse the calcium
      concentrations of public drinking waters in a representative sample of 108
      Spanish municipalities (21,290,707 people) and of 109 natural mineral waters sold
      in Spain, 97 of which were produced in Spain and 12 of which were imported.
      RESULTS: The average calcium concentration of public drinking waters was 38.96 +/
      32.44 mg/L (range: 0.40- 159.68 mg/L). In 27 municipalities, the water contained
      50-100 mg/L of calcium and in six municipalities it contained over 100 mg/L. The
      average calcium concentration of the 97 Spanish natural mineral water brands was
      39.6 mg/L (range: 0.6-610.1 mg/L). Of these, 34 contained 50-100 mg/L of calcium
      and six contained over 100 mg/L. Of the 12 imported brands, 10 contained over 50
      mg/L. Assuming water consumption is as recommended, water containing 50-100 mg/L
      of calcium provides 5.4-12.8% of the recommended intake of calcium for children
      aged one to thirteen, up to 13.6% for adolescents, 5.8-17.6% for adults, and up
      to 20.8% for lactating mothers. Water with 100-150 mg/L of calcium provides 10
      31% of the recommended dietary allowance, depending on the age of the individual.
      DISCUSSION: Public drinking water and natural mineral water consumption in a
      third of Spanish cities can be considered an important complementary source of
      calcium.

PMID- 25137281
TI  - There is chronic latent magnesium deficiency in apparently healthy university
      students.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Magnesium is an essential micronutrient for human body, and its
      deficiency has been associated with risk of non-communicable diseases. OBJECTIVE:
      Assessment of magnesium status, and evaluation of the frequency of magnesium
      deficiency in a group of healthy adults. METHODS: Plasma and erythrocyte
      magnesium levels, and magnesium intake were determined in 115 students (55 women
      and 60 men), from a public university in Brazil. RESULTS: The medians of
      magnesium concentration in plasma (0.76 mmol/L), erythrocyte (1.97 mmol/L), and
      of dietary daily intake (8.84 mmol/d) were low. Forty two percent of participants
      had plasma or erythrocyte magnesium below the limit of 0.75 and 1.65 mmol/L,
      respectively. A high percentage showed high probability of inadequate magnesium
      intake. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high frequency of subclinical magnesium
      deficiency in the adults assessed, that could be related to low dietary magnesium
      intake.

PMID- 25137283
TI  - [Analysis of food service and opinion of its users in a Catalan prison].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Studies on food services are increasing actually in Spain. However,
      there still is very little information on how this service is organized in
      prisons, and even less about how it is perceived by its residents. OBJECTIVES: To
      analyze the food service and menu in the Modelo Prison in Barcelona, and confront
      it with the perception of prisoners. METHODS: Semi-structured open interview with
      an official of the Division of Prisons, participant observation in the dining
      room and other spaces by one of the study researchers, and a specifically
      designed questionnaire adapted to this kind of institution. Nutrition and menu
      quality assessment was performed using the DIAL program and healthy eating index
      (IAS). RESULTS: The supplied menus usually contain an excess of fat (41.3%) and
      carbohydrate deficit (41.7 %) even if is acceptable under IAS score (58.4
      points). 75% of residents uses the dining room for daily main meals, spending
      less than 15 minutes on average per meal. The space is considered very noisy. The
      portions are considered adequate, but the taste, quality and service of food are
      negatively valued. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Some gaps between institutional
      proposals and everyday practices and perceptions of users are clearly denoted.
      Some changes in food and dishes served in the menus -such as reducing meat and
      increasing consumption of legumes- could contribute to improve nutrition,
      perception and final cost of the menu. A greater variety of food and more
      possibility of choice in the dining room and in the shop could be also positive.
      A strategic reorganization of the use of time and space in the dining room that
      would reduce the feeling of discomfort and noise could contribute to a better and
      more enjoyable use of it, while contributing to a better perception of food and
      welfare in general.

PMID- 25137282
TI  - Anthropometric, food intake differences and applicability of low-cost instruments
      for the measurement of body composition in two distinct groups of individuals
      with short bowel syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Short bowel syndrome is associated with weight loss due to
      nutrient, electrolyte and fluid malabsorption. In view of the pathophysiology of
      SBS, all patients would be expected to exhibit similar clinical signs and
      symptoms, whereas many variations occur probably due to the adaptive capacity of
      the remaining small intestine in order to compensate for the resected area.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a difference in nutritional status and
      food intake between patients receiving PNT, patients who do not receive PNT but
      are monitored on an ambulatory basis, and control subjects, and 2) to determine
      body composition by two different methods, i.e., electrical bioimpedance and skin
      fold measurement. METHODS: This was a case-control study where the subjects were
      divided into three groups: parenteral group (PG) - adults with a history of SBS
      intermittently using PNT; ambulatory group (AG) - adults with a history of SBS
      who do not receive PNT; control group (CG) - adults with no history of intestinal
      resections and/or use of PNT. The volunteers were submitted to measurements of
      body weight, height, body composition by bioimpedance analysis and assessment of
      food intake using a food frequency questionnaire. Univariate analysis of variance
      (ANOVA) with the aid of the SAS(r) 9.2. software, using the PROC GLM feature. The
      Student t-test was used to compare the instruments for the assessment of body
      composition, with the aid of the PROC TTEST feature of the SAS(r) 9.2 software.
      RESULTS: Thirty-two volunteers, 19 women and 13 men, participated in the study.
      The PNT group consisted of 9 volunteers, 4 women and 5 men, with a mean (+/- SD)
      age of 57 +/- 9 years. The nutrition status and food intake were different
      between the groups. There was no difference in percent body fat measured by
      anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Large
      resections, as well as the resected portions, explain the greater nutritional
      impairment of PG compared to AG and CG, although no significant difference in
      food consumption was detected between these three groups. Since the use of PNT
      can lead to a state of hyperhydration, the results of BIA should be interpreted
      with caution, in view of the fact that the lean mass determined by this method
      varies positively with the hydration state of an individual.

PMID- 25137284
TI  - Development of type 2 diabetes mellitus thirty-one years after Billroth II in a
      patient asking for diabetes surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes surgery in obese and slim patients seems to be a superior
      alternative to the current medical treatment. Gastric bypass is an alternative
      treatment for diabetes. Nevertheless, there are still doubts whether diabetes can
      recur if you gain weight or if the effects are maintained over time. Other
      questions refer to the type of surgery to make the bypass limb length or
      reservoir size for the resolution of the Diabetes Mellitus. PRESENTATION OF CASE:
      Male patient 69-year-old came to us in order to perform tailored One Anastomosis
      Gastric Bypass (BAGUA) to treat his type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic
      syndrome. He has a history of peptic ulcer treated with subtotal gastrectomy and
      Billroth II reconstruction 49 years ago. He currently is not obese and developed
      diabetes 31 years after surgery. DISCUSSION: Globally there are no reports of
      patients with normal BMI that after performing gastric bypass developed diabetes
      mellitus. There are cases where obese diabetic patients after gastric bypass
      improve or remits the T2DM, but it relapses due to insufficient weight loss or
      gain it. The patient with gastric bypass Billroth II type, should not developed
      diabetes. He is normal weight and not had weight gain that could be linked to the
      development of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The results generated by bariatric surgery
      are encouraging, but still do not clarify the precise way how surgery produces
      rapid improvement of systemic metabolism as in diabetes, but in our patient, the
      effect was quite different because the gastric bypass had no protective effect
      against diabetes.

PMID- 25137289
TI  - The role of cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in the
      assessment of patients with vestibular schwannomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical utility of VEMPs in patients suffering
      from unilateral vestibular schwannoma (VS) and to determine the optimal
      stimulation parameter (air conducted sound, bone conducted vibration) for
      evaluating the function of the vestibular nerve. METHODS: Data were obtained in
      63 patients with non-operated VS, and 20 patients operated on VS. Vestibular
      function was assessed by caloric, cervical and ocular VEMP testing. 37/63
      patients with conclusive ACS ocular VEMPs responses were studied separately.
      RESULTS: In the 63 non-operated VS patients, cVEMPs were abnormal in 65.1% of
      patients in response to AC STB and in 49.2% of patients to AC clicks. In the
      37/63 patients with positive responses from the unaffected side, oVEMPs were
      abnormal in 75.7% of patients with ACS, in 67.6% with AFz and in 56.8% with
      mastoid BCV stimulation. In 16% of the patients, VEMPs were the only abnormal
      test (normal caloric and normal hearing). Among the 26 patients who did not show
      oVEMP responses on either side with ACS, oVEMPs responses could be obtained with
      AFz (50%) and with mastoid stimulation (89%). CONCLUSIONS: The VEMP test
      demonstrated significant clinical value as it yielded the only abnormal test
      results in some patients suffering from a unilateral vestibular schwannoma. For
      oVEMPs, we suggest that ACS stimulation should be the initial test. In patients
      who responded to ACS and who had normal responses, BCV was not required. In
      patients with abnormal responses on the affected side using ACS, BCV at AFz
      should be used to confirm abnormal function of the superior vestibular nerve. In
      patients who exhibited no responses on either side to ACS, BCV was the only
      approach allowing assessment of the function of the superior vestibular nerve. We
      favor using AFz stimulation first because it is easier to perform in clinical
      practice than mastoid stimulation.

PMID- 25137290
TI  - A multimeric MR-optical contrast agent for multimodal imaging.
AB  - We describe the design, synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a multimodal and
      multimeric contrast agent. The agent consists of three macrocyclic Gd(III)
      chelates conjugated to a fluorophore and possesses high relaxivity, water
      solubility, and is nontoxic. The modular synthesis is amenable for the
      incorporation of a variety of fluorophores to generate molecular constructs for a
      number of applications.

PMID- 25137291
TI  - A cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) gene encoding a NAC transcription factor is
      involved in negative regulation of plant xylem development.
AB  - NAC proteins that compose of one large family of plant specific transcription
      factors (TF) play the important roles in many biological processes (such as
      morphogenesis, development, senescence and stress signal transduction). In this
      study, a gene (designated as GhXND1) encoding a NAC transcription factor was
      identified in cotton. Sequence analysis indicated that GhXND1 gene contains two
      introns inserted in its open reading frame (ORF). GhXND1 protein is localized in
      the cell nucleus, and displays the transactivation activity. GhXND1 transcripts
      were mainly detected in cotyledons, petals, roots, hypocotyls and stems, but
      little or no signals of GhXND1 expression were found in the other tissues.
      Ectopic expression of GhXND1 in Arabidopsis resulted in a reduction in number of
      xylem vessel cells and cell wall thickness of interfascicular fibers in the
      transgenic plants, compared with those of wild type. And expression of some cell
      wall biosynthesis-related genes was down-regulated in the GhXND1 transgenic
      plants. Collectively, the data presented in this study suggested that GhXND1 may
      be involved in regulation of plant xylem development. 

PMID- 25137292
TI  - Molecular characterization and expression analysis of the critical floral genes
      in hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.).
AB  - The full ORFs of three floral genes in hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.), CcAGL24
      (the AGAMOUS-LIKE24 homolog), CcSOC1 (the SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF
      CONSTANS1 homolog) and CcAP1 (the APETALA1 homolog) are derived using a 5' RACE
      PCR protocol. Through sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis, it is
      demonstrated that the three genes belong to the MADS-Box family. According to the
      evolutionary trees of the three genes, the homologous genes from the same family
      cluster well together, while those from different orders doesn't match
      evolutionary regularity of individual organisms. The result of Quantitative RT
      PCR analysis shows that the transcriptional levels of the three genes are up
      regulated in early stage and down-regulated in late stage in pistillate floral
      development. However, it takes different time to reach respective expression peak
      among the three genes. In staminate floral development, the transcription trend
      of the three genes is up-regulated, subsequently down-regulated, and then up
      regulated again. Nevertheless, those trajectories, peaks, expression levels,
      inflection points are different in pistillate floral development. The result
      suggests that their functions are different in between pistillate and staminate
      floral development. The probable ordinal site of the three genes in the flowering
      network from top down is CcAGL24, CcSOC1, and CcAP1, which is identical to that
      in herbaceous plants. Moreover, several adverse environmental factors trigger
      several negative genes and then confine the development of staminate floral buds.
      Our results suggest the possible relationship among the three critical floral
      genes and their functions throughout the floral development in hickory. 

PMID- 25137294
TI  - Nano-titanium dioxide bioreactivity with human alveolar type-I-like epithelial
      cells: Investigating crystalline phase as a critical determinant.
AB  - There can be significant variability between bioreactivity studies of
      nanomaterials that are apparently the same, possibly reflecting differences in
      the models used and differing sources of experimental material. In this study, we
      have generated two crystal forms of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2),
      pure anatase and pure rutile to address the hypothesis that the bioreactivity of
      these nanoparticles with human alveolar epithelium will depend on their crystal
      phase. We used a human alveolar type-I-like epithelial cell model (TT1; generated
      in-house from primary human alveolar epithelial type II cells); these cells cover
      95% of the alveolar epithelial surface area and are an important target cell for
      inhaled nanomaterials. Using literature as a guide, we hypothesised that pure
      anatase nano-TiO2 would display greater bioreactivity with TT1 cells in
      comparison to pure rutile nano-TiO2. However, we found the profile and pattern of
      inflammatory mediator release was similar between these two nano-TiO2 formats,
      although pure rutile treatment caused a small, but consistently greater, response
      for IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1. Interestingly, the temporal induction of oxidative
      stress (increased reactive oxygen species levels and depleted glutathione) varied
      markedly between the different nano-TiO2 formats. We have shown that a
      combination of using nanomaterials synthesised specifically for toxicological
      study and the use of a highly relevant, reproducible human lung cell model,
      offers a useful approach to delineating the physicochemical properties of
      nanomaterials that may be important in their cellular reactivity.

PMID- 25137293
TI  - Activation-induced cell death drives profound lung CD4(+) T-cell depletion in HIV
      associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - RATIONALE: As overall survival improves, individuals with HIV infection become
      susceptible to other chronic diseases, including accelerated chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVES: To determine whether individuals with HIV
      associated COPD exhibit dysregulated lung mucosal T-cell immunity compared with
      control subjects. METHODS: Using flow cytometry, we evaluated peripheral blood
      and lung mucosal T-cell immunity in 14 HIV(+)COPD(+), 13 HIV(+)COPD(-), and 7
      HIV(-)COPD(+) individuals. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: HIV(+)COPD(+)
      individuals demonstrated profound CD4(+) T-cell depletion with reduced CD4/CD8 T
      cell ratios in bronchoalveolar lavage-derived lung mononuclear cells, not
      observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and diminished CD4(+) T cell
      absolute numbers, compared with control subjects. Furthermore, HIV(+)COPD(+)
      individuals demonstrated decreased pulmonary HIV-specific and staphylococcal
      enterotoxin B-reactive CD4(+) memory responses, including loss of
      multifunctionality, compared with HIV(+)COPD(-) control subjects. In contrast,
      lung mucosal HIV-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses were preserved. Lung CD4(+) T
      cells from HIV(+)COPD(+) individuals expressed increased surface Fas death
      receptor (CD95) and programmed death-1, but similar bronchoalveolar lavage viral
      loads as control subjects. However, programmed death-1 expression inversely
      correlated with HIV-specific lung CD4(+)IFN-gamma(+) T-cell responses, suggesting
      functional exhaustion. Moreover, lung CD4(+) T cells from HIV(+)COPD(+) patients
      demonstrated increased basal and HIV antigen-induced expression of the early
      apoptosis marker annexin V compared with control subjects, which was
      significantly attenuated with anti-Fas blockade. Lastly, lung mucosal, but not
      blood, CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratios from HIV(+) patients significantly correlated with
      the FEV1, but not in HIV(-)COPD(+) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Together, our results
      provide evidence for profound lung mucosal CD4(+) T-cell depletion via a Fas
      dependent activation-induced cell death mechanism, along with impaired HIV
      specific CD4(+) immunity as immunologic features of HIV-associated COPD.

PMID- 25137295
TI  - Inhibition of potential uptake pathways for silver nanoparticles in the estuarine
      snail Peringia ulvae.
AB  - Mechanisms involved in the uptake of Ag NPs, and NPs in general, have been long
      debated within nano-ecotoxicology. In vitro studies provide evidence of the
      different available uptake pathways, but in vivo demonstrations are lacking. In
      this study, pharmacological inhibitors were employed to block specific uptake
      pathways that have been implicated in the transport of metal NPs and aqueous
      metal forms; phenamil (inhibits Na(+) channel), bafilomycin A1 (H(+) proton
      pump), amantadine (clathrin-mediated endocytosis), nystatin (caveolae-mediated
      endocytosis) and phenylarsine oxide (PAO, macropinocytosis). Peringia ulvae
      (snails) were exposed to 150 ug Ag L(-1) added as citrate capped Ag NPs or
      aqueous Ag (AgNO3) in combination with inhibitor treatment (determined by
      preliminary studies). Reductions in accumulated tissue burdens caused by the
      inhibitors were compared to control exposures (i.e. no inhibition) after 6 and 24
      h. No inhibitor treatment completely eliminated the uptake of Ag in either
      aqueous or NP form, but all inhibitor treatments, except phenamil, significantly
      reduced the uptake of Ag presented as Ag NPs. Clathrin- and caveolae-mediated
      endocytosis appear to be mechanisms exploited by Ag NPs, with the latter pathway
      only active at 24 h. Inhibition of the H(+) proton pump showed that a portion of
      Ag NP uptake is achieved as aqueous Ag and is explained by the dissolution of the
      particles (~25% in 24 h). This in vivo study demonstrates that uptake of Ag from
      Ag NPs is achieved by multiple pathways and that these pathways are
      simultaneously active.

PMID- 25137296
TI  - Assessing orally bioavailable commercial silver nanoparticle product on human
      cytochrome P450 enzyme activity.
AB  - Nanotechnology produces a wide range of medicinal compounds, including
      nanoparticulate silver, which are increasingly introduced in various forms for
      consumer use. As with all medicinal compounds, potential drug interactions are an
      important consideration for ingested silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticulate silver
      drug interactions may be mediated through induced oxidative stress in liver
      tissue where the majority of systemically bioavailable silver nanoparticles is
      found. To investigate whether an orally ingested commercially available colloidal
      silver nanoproduct produces pharmacokinetic interference on select cytochrome
      P450 enzymes, a prospective, single-blind, controlled in vivo human study using
      simultaneous administration of standardized probes for P450 enzyme classes
      CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 was conducted. Oral ingestion of a
      commercial colloidal silver nanoproduct produces detectable silver in human serum
      after 14 days of dosing. This silver, however, elicits no demonstrable clinically
      significant changes in metabolic, hematologic, urinary, physical findings or
      cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibition or induction activity. Given their increasingly
      broad, diverse human exposures, future characterization of human cytochrome P450
      enzyme activity for other systemically bioavailable nanotechnology products are
      warranted.

PMID- 25137297
TI  - Use of ultrasound for lower extremity.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To explore the recent advances in the use of ultrasound for
      lower extremity blocks, including approaches to the lumbar and sacral plexus
      blocks. RECENT FINDINGS: Procedures of the lower extremity often require blocks
      of the lumbar and sacral plexuses. The use of ultrasound offers some advantages,
      including the possibility to directly visualize the distribution of local
      anesthetics. SUMMARY: Lower extremity blocks under ultrasound guidance often
      require advanced skills because of the depth of target nerves. This review
      summarizes the recent advances in the use of ultrasound guidance over traditional
      techniques.

PMID- 25137298
TI  - How to give a scientific talk, present a poster, and write a research paper or
      proposal.

PMID- 25137299
TI  - Improved early performance of turkey poults given an Aloe ferox leaf extract with
      bentonite.
AB  - AT-402 (20 g/kg), a proprietary blend of Aloe ferox leaf extract and calcium
      bentonite, had no adverse effect on poult body weights at 3 weeks of age. Lower
      body weights and lower feed consumption were observed in 4-week-old poults given
      10 and 20 g/kg of AT-402 compared to poults given 0 or 5 g/kg. Floor-reared
      poults, given either 5 or 10 g/kg AT-402 to 4 weeks of age, were significantly
      heavier than controls (0 g/kg AT-402), and feed conversion ratios for AT-402
      given poults were improved. Xylose uptake in 5 g/kg AT-402-fed poults was
      significantly greater than in poults given AT-402 at 0 and 10 g/kg, reflecting
      increased body weights of 5 g/kg AT-402-fed poults. Delayed access by poults to
      the AT-402 until 10 d of age also improved 4-week body weights, suggesting that
      the AT-402 might improve performance as soon as it is given. AT-402 at 5 g/kg was
      most efficacious as demonstrated by improved body weights and feed conversions.

PMID- 25137301
TI  - Nitrogen self-doped porous carbon from surplus sludge as metal-free
      electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions.
AB  - Nitrogen self-doped porous carbon was prepared by calcination treatment of
      surplus sludge, a toxic byproduct from microbial wastewater treatments, and
      exhibited a mesoporous structure, as manifested in scanning and transmission
      electron microscopic measurements. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption studies showed
      that the porous carbon featured a BET surface area as high as 310.8 m(2)/g and a
      rather broad range of pore size from 5 to 80 nm. X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopic studies confirmed the incorporation of nitrogen into the graphitic
      matrix forming pyridinic and pyrrolic moieties. Interestingly, the obtained
      porous carbon exhibited apparent electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction in
      alkaline media, with the optimal temperatures identified within the range of 600
      to 800  degrees C, where the number of electron transfers involved in oxygen
      reduction was estimated to be 3.5 to 3.7 and the performance was rather
      comparable to leading literature results as a consequence of deliberate
      engineering of the graphitic matrix by nitrogen doping. 

PMID- 25137300
TI  - Bariatric surgery improves the cavernosal neuronal, vasorelaxation, and
      contraction mechanisms for erectile dysfunction as result of amelioration of
      glucose homeostasis in a diabetic rat model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment option for both obesity
      and obesity-related type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, little is known
      regarding the effects of bariatric surgery on erectile dysfunction among patients
      with T2DM. Therefore, we investigated whether bariatric surgery would lead to
      structural and biochemical changes in the corpus cavernosum. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      Twenty-five male Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats were assigned to either a
      control group (sham operation, n = 10) or a bariatric surgery group (gastric
      bypass surgery, n = 15). Four weeks after the operation, each group of rats was
      evaluated with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The penile intracavernous
      pressure was measured for erectile functional analysis. Histologic evaluation of
      the tissue was performed with Masson's trichrome staining. Endothelial nitric
      oxide synthase (eNOS), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), Rho kinase, and 8
      hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in the corpus cavernosum were assayed by
      using western blot and ELISA. RESULTS: The mean body weight of the bariatric
      surgery group was lower than the control group (p = 0.002). The postoperative
      OGTT result was lower in the bariatric surgery group than in the control group (p
      = 0.014), and this was lower than the preoperative value (p = 0.037). The
      intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio was higher in the bariatric
      surgery group compared to the control group (p = 0.021), and a higher cavernosum
      smooth muscle/collagen ratio was observed in the bariatric surgery group compared
      to the control group (p = 0.025). Likewise, the expression of eNOS and nNOS was
      higher in bariatric surgery group than in the control group (p = 0.027 and p =
      0.008, respectively). Decreased expression of Rho kinase and levels of 8-OHdG
      were observed in the bariatric surgery group (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: In this
      animal model, bariatric surgery appears to ameliorate T2DM-related metabolic
      dysfunction leading to structural and biochemical changes in the corpus
      cavernosum, and thus, results in improvement of erectile dysfunction associated
      with T2DM.

PMID- 25137302
TI  - Measuring bacterial adaptation dynamics at the single-cell level using a
      microfluidic chemostat and time-lapse fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - We monitored the dynamics of cell dimensions and reporter GFP expression in
      individual E. coli cells growing in a microfluidic chemostat using time-lapse
      fluorescence microscopy. This combination of techniques allows us to study the
      dynamical responses of single bacterial cells to nutritional shift-down or shift
      up for longer times and with more precision over the chemical environment than
      similar experiments performed on conventional agar pads. We observed two E. coli
      strains containing different promoter-reporter gene constructs and measured how
      both their cell dimensions and the GFP expression change after nutritional
      upshift and downshift. As expected, both strains have similar adaptation dynamics
      for cell size rearrangement. However, the strain with a ribosomal RNA promoter
      dependent reporter has a faster GFP production rate than the strain with a
      constitutive promoter reporter. As a result, the mean GFP concentration in the
      former strain changes rapidly with the nutritional shift, while that in the
      latter strain remains relatively stable. These findings characterize the present
      microfluidic chemostat as a versatile platform for measuring single-cell
      bacterial dynamics and physiological transitions. 

PMID- 25137305
TI  - [Individualised parent counselling in paediatric practices for the reduction of
      second-hand smoke exposure of their children: a feasibility study].
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a web-based programme
      provided by paediatric practices for counselling parents to reduce second-hand
      smoke exposure of their children. METHODS: Accompanying persons of children were
      systematically screened concerning tobacco smoking at their home in 2 Swiss
      paediatric practices. They were invited for programme participation if they or
      their partners smoked at home regularly. The web-based programme provided at
      least 1 computer-tailored counselling letter. Upto 3 additional counselling
      letters could be requested online by the participants over a period of 3 months.
      The letters were tailored according to the indoor smoking behaviour of the
      parents and considered individual barriers and resources for the establishment of
      a smoke-free home. Additionally, further information and advice could be
      requested on the programme website. Feasibility indicators were the participation
      rate, programme use, and programme evaluation by the participants. RESULTS: 3 055
      (82.3%) of 3 712 accompanying persons of children in the paediatric practices
      were screened concerning tobacco smoking at their home. 96 (56.8%) of 169
      eligible persons participated in the programme. 68 (70.8%) of the 96 programme
      participants could be reassessed at post assessment. 9 (15.0%) of 60 participants
      who provided a valid e-mail address requested more than one counselling letter.
      The counselling letters and the web-based programme were evaluated positively by
      the programme participants. CONCLUSION: Systematic screening combined with the
      provision of individually tailored counselling letters for parents to reduce
      second-hand smoke exposure of their children was feasible in paediatric
      practices. Possible strategies to in-crease the use and reach of the programme
      are -discussed.

PMID- 25137306
TI  - [Ambulatory care-sensitive conditions in Germany: a small area analysis (2006
      2009)].
AB  - PURPOSE: The paper aims (1) to identify and depict cartographically ambulatory
      care-sensitive conditions in Germany (based on data for the years 2006-2009) and
      (2) to discuss the implications. METHOD: The selection of ambulatory care
      sensitive conditions (ACSC) was based on a literature review by Purdy et al.
      (2009) because a German catalogue of ACSC does not yet exist. Five of these
      indications were excluded due to limited data -access or a low number of cases.
      Additionally, 2 -diagnoses that are potentially relevant for Germany were
      included. Subsequently, diagnosis-specific hospitalisation rates were calculated
      for each of the 412 counties (Stadtkreise and Landkreise). The spatial
      distribution of 6 selected diag-noses (heart failure, diabetes, dehydration and
      gastroenteritis, ENT infections, influenza and pneumonia as well as
      schizophrenia) was depicted and discussed. Furthermore, an overall analysis of
      diagnoses analysis was performed. RESULTS: Based on the overall analysis,
      counties with high hospitalisation rates were identified in Mecklenburg-Western
      Pomerania, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia as well as to a lesser degree in
      Brandenburg, Saarland, Rhineland Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia (for men
      and women). Low hospitalisation rates were often present in counties in Baden
      Wuerttemberg. Based on the diagnosis-specific analysis, some regional clusters
      could be identified. Thus, high hospitalisa-tion rates for heart failure,
      diabetes, ENT infections were especially present in Eastern Germany. In contrast,
      there were no distribution patterns for high hospitalisation rates due to
      influenza and pneumonia. However, differences could be also identified between
      rural and urban regions: while hospitalisations due to dehydration and
      gastroenteritis were more often in rural -districts, hospitalisations due to
      schizophrenia occurred more frequently in urban regions. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of
      the spatial distribution of ACSC -rates serves as an important indicator for the
      identification of districts where health-care quality and access (structural-
      related) can be optimised. The analysis of hospitalisation rates for 6 selected
      indications showed that for some indications there were clear regional
      differences in the distribution of ACSCs in -Germany.

PMID- 25137307
TI  - [Specialised out-patient palliative care (SAPV) in Bavaria: efficiency,
      structural and process-related effects and rural care].
AB  - Empirical indications show that specialised out-patient palliative care (SAPV),
      introduced in Germany in 2007, allows critically ill and dying patients to pass
      away within their own home even under complex symptoms. SAPV avoids emergency and
      hospital interferences, and the patient's wish to stay at home until the very end
      can be respected in most cases. The performance of SAPV is not solely focused on
      medical and patient-care aspects. It includes consulting and coordination work
      and also psycho-social support both of patients and family members. Within this
      framework, different active factors could be identified that are essential for
      high-quality care. Furthermore, the results show that the general ambulant care
      commodities on site determine the need, the extent and even the efficiency of
      SAPV. At the same time, SAPV changes also the respective care environment: it
      changes the roles of previous care providers and offers new resources, though not
      all existing resources (e. g., hospice services) are taken into account.

PMID- 25137304
TI  - Serum nutritional biomarkers and their associations with sleep among US adults in
      recent national surveys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The associations between nutritional biomarkers and measures of sleep
      quantity and quality remain unclear. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2005-2006 were used.
      We selected 2,459 adults aged 20-85, with complete data on key variables. Five
      sleep measures were constructed as primary outcomes: (A) Sleep duration; (B)
      Sleep disorder; (C) Three factors obtained from factor analysis of 15 items and
      labeled as "Poor sleep-related daytime dysfunction" (Factor 1), "Sleepiness"
      (Factor 2) and "Sleep disturbance" (Factor 3). Main exposures were serum
      concentrations of key nutrients, namely retinol, retinyl esters, carotenoids
      (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein+zeaxanthin, lycopene),
      folate, vitamin B-12, total homocysteine (tHcy), vitamin C, 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      (25(OH)D) and vitamin E. Main analyses consisted of multiple linear, logistic and
      multinomial logit models. RESULTS: Among key findings, independent inverse
      associations were found between serum vitamin B-12 and sleep duration, 25(OH)D
      and sleepiness (as well as insomnia), and between folate and sleep disturbance.
      Serum total carotenoids concentration was linked to higher odds of short sleep
      duration (i.e. 5-6 h per night) compared to normal sleep duration (7-8 h per
      night). CONCLUSIONS: A few of the selected serum nutritional biomarkers were
      associated with sleep quantity and quality. Longitudinal studies are needed to
      ascertain temporality and assess putative causal relationships.

PMID- 25137308
TI  - [Assistive Services in the Workplace of People with Hearing Impairment in the
      State of North Rhine-Westphalia].
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: Assistive services in the workplace are an important aspect of
      the participation of people with hearing impairment in working life. This article
      presents the results of the GINKO study and an survey conducted by the University
      of Cologne on behalf of the MAIS in order to provide a comprehensive examination
      of the employment situation of hearing impaired people in North Rhine-Westphalia.
      The GINKO study examines the impact of laws on the integration of hard-of-hearing
      and deaf people as well as people who have become deaf as adults, focusing on
      communication and organizations; this project was funded by the German Federal
      Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS). METHOD: In the GINKO study,
      conducted in cooperation with the German Association of the Hard of Hearing and
      the German Association of the Deaf, a standardised questionnaire with questions
      about the workplace was administered to employed people with hearing impairments.
      The questionnaire was administered on paper and was also available online
      accompanied by sign language videos. The University of Cologne study in North
      Rhine-Westphalia examined the service situation of hard-of-hearing, deaf and deaf
      blind people through face-to-face interviews and government statistics. RESULTS:
      The results of the nationwide GINKO study show that hearing-impaired people in
      North Rhine-Westphalia draw on assistive services in employment more often than
      hearing-impaired people in the rest of Germany. The study found statistically
      significant differences in the categories of "maintenance and development of
      professional knowledge and skills" and "psychosocial support in conflict
      situations resulting from disability". CONCLUSION: One reason for the more
      positive evaluations of the participants in North Rhine-Westphalia as compared to
      other regions in Germany could be the particular network of support services in
      that state. However, the overall positive results from North Rhine-Westphalia
      should not obscure the fact that a majority of participants in many areas of
      North Rhine-Westphalia reported much less positive evaluations. They reported
      that they did not (yet) have an accessible workplace and that assistive services
      are not available to all hearing impaired workers.

PMID- 25137309
TI  - Association of NCAM1 polymorphisms with autism and parental age at conception in
      a Chinese Han population.
AB  - AIMS: The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) has been reported to be involved
      in the development of the central nervous system and its mRNA level might
      decrease in the serum of autistic patients. However, there was no evidence of the
      association of the NCAM1 gene polymorphisms with autism. In the present study, we
      enrolled 237 children with autism and 451 healthy control subjects. Then, we used
      the direct DNA sequencing for genotyping five tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) in the NCAM1 gene. RESULTS: By using case-control association analyses, we
      found that three SNPs at the NCAM1 gene were associated with autism (rs 4937786,
      p=0.015; rs 12418058, p=0.0076; rs 1436109, p=0.0023). Two of them remained
      significant after the Bonferroni multiple testing correction (rs 12418058,
      P(corrected) =0.038; rs 1436109, P(corrected) =0.012). Moreover, two of the SNPs
      were associated with the parental age at conception in autism (rs 12418058,
      p=0.037; rs 1436109, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: These results showed that NCAM1 might
      play an important role in the pathogenesis of autism.

PMID- 25137310
TI  - Enantioselective olefin metathesis with cyclometalated ruthenium complexes.
AB  - The success of enantioselective olefin metathesis relies on the design of
      enantioenriched alkylidene complexes capable of transferring stereochemical
      information from the catalyst structure to the reactants. Cyclometalation of the
      NHC ligand has proven to be a successful strategy to incorporate stereogenic
      atoms into the catalyst structure. Enantioenriched complexes incorporating this
      design element catalyze highly Z- and enantioselective asymmetric ring
      opening/cross metathesis (AROCM) of norbornenes and cyclobutenes, and the
      difference in ring strain between these two substrates leads to different
      propagating species in the catalytic cycle. Asymmetric ring closing metathesis
      (ARCM) of a challenging class of prochiral trienes has also been achieved. The
      extent of reversibility and effect of reaction setup was also explored. Finally,
      promising levels of enantioselectivity in an unprecedented Z-selective asymmetric
      cross metathesis (ACM) of a prochiral 1,4-diene was demonstrated. 

PMID- 25137311
TI  - Trait-specific responses of wild bee communities to landscape composition,
      configuration and local factors.
AB  - Land-use intensification and loss of semi-natural habitats have induced a severe
      decline of bee diversity in agricultural landscapes. Semi-natural habitats like
      calcareous grasslands are among the most important bee habitats in central
      Europe, but they are threatened by decreasing habitat area and quality, and by
      homogenization of the surrounding landscape affecting both landscape composition
      and configuration. In this study we tested the importance of habitat area,
      quality and connectivity as well as landscape composition and configuration on
      wild bees in calcareous grasslands. We made detailed trait-specific analyses as
      bees with different traits might differ in their response to the tested factors.
      Species richness and abundance of wild bees were surveyed on 23 calcareous
      grassland patches in Southern Germany with independent gradients in local and
      landscape factors. Total wild bee richness was positively affected by complex
      landscape configuration, large habitat area and high habitat quality (i.e. steep
      slopes). Cuckoo bee richness was positively affected by complex landscape
      configuration and large habitat area whereas habitat specialists were only
      affected by the local factors habitat area and habitat quality. Small social
      generalists were positively influenced by habitat area whereas large social
      generalists (bumblebees) were positively affected by landscape composition (high
      percentage of semi-natural habitats). Our results emphasize a strong dependence
      of habitat specialists on local habitat characteristics, whereas cuckoo bees and
      bumblebees are more likely affected by the surrounding landscape. We conclude
      that a combination of large high-quality patches and heterogeneous landscapes
      maintains high bee species richness and communities with diverse trait
      composition. Such diverse communities might stabilize pollination services
      provided to crops and wild plants on local and landscape scales. 

PMID- 25137312
TI  - An abnormal N-heterocyclic carbene-carbon dioxide adduct from imidazolium acetate
      ionic liquids: the importance of basicity.
AB  - In the reaction of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [C2C1Im][OAc] ionic liquid
      with carbon dioxide at 125  degrees C and 10 MPa, not only the known N
      heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-CO2 adduct I, but also isomeric aNHC-CO2 adducts II
      and III were obtained. The abnormal NHC-CO2 adducts are stabilized by the
      presence of the polarizing basic acetate anion, according to static DFT
      calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics studies. A further possible
      reaction pathway is facilitated by the high basicity of the system, deprotonating
      the initially formed NHC-CO2 adduct I, which can then be converted in the
      presence of the excess of CO2 to the more stable 2-deprotonated anionic abnormal
      NHC-CO2 adduct via the anionic imidazolium-2,4-dicarboxylate according to DFT
      calculations on model compounds. This suggests a generalizable pathway to
      abnormal NHC complex formation.

PMID- 25137313
TI  - Microextraction by packed sorbent liquid chromatography with time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry of triazines employing a molecularly imprinted polymer.
AB  - Molecularly imprinted polymers for the determination of triazines were
      synthesized by precipitation using atrazine as template, methacrylic acid as
      functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker, and 2,2'
      azobisisobutrynitrile as initiator. The polymers were characterized by infrared
      spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy and packed in a device for
      microextraction by packed sorbent aiming for the preconcentration/cleanup of
      herbicides, such as atrazine, simazine, simetryn, ametryn, and terbutryn in corn
      samples. Liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry was
      used for the separation and determination of the herbicides. The selectivity
      coefficient of molecularly imprinted polymers was compared with that of
      nonimprinted polymer for the binary mixtures of atrazine/propanil and
      atrazine/picloram, and the values obtained were 15.6 and 2.96, respectively. The
      analytical curve ranged from 10 to 80 MUg/kg (r = 0.989) and the limits of
      detection and quantification in the corn matrices were 3.3 and 10 MUg/kg,
      respectively. Intra- and interday precisions were < 14.8% and accuracy was better
      than 90.9% for all herbicides. Polymer synthesis was successfully applied to the
      cleanup and preconcentration of triazines from fortified corn samples with 91.1
      109.1% of recovery. 

PMID- 25137316
TI  - [Procalcitonin as a marker of the postoperative infection in cardiovascular
      surgery].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Procalcitonin( PCT) is a new diagnostic marker of severe bacterial
      infection and sepsis. PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of PCT in patients with
      suspicion of bacterial infection after cardiovascular surgery. METHODS: From
      January 2012 to December 2012, 150 consecutive patients after cardiovascular
      surgery were studied retrospectively. Postoperative infection was diagnosed under
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guideline for healthcare
      associated infection, and biomarker levels and microbiological specimen were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Only blood stream infection group revealed higher PCT levels(
      median 5.0 ng/ml) than non blood stream infection group( median 0.1
      ng/ml)[p<0.01]. CONCLUSION: PCT is the best biomarker available for the clinical
      diagnosis of blood stream infection after cardiovascular surgery.

PMID- 25137318
TI  - [Determinants of prolonged mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery].
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine factors that delay weaning from ventilation
      after cardiac surgery. METHODS: A retrospective examination was made on 1,033
      patients who had undergone cardiac surgery through a midsternal incision between
      January 2009 and July 2011. The items examined were duration of postoperative
      ventilation, patient's background, and other surgical information. If patients
      were weaned within 24 hours from intensive care unit (ICU) admission, they were
      included in the timely weaning group. If patients required 24 hours or more to be
      weaned, they were included in the delayed weaning group. RESULTS: There was a
      relationship between prolonged ventilation and the following factors: emergency
      surgery, history of arrhythmia, history of motor system disorder, preoperative
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), preoperative New York Heart
      Association (NYHA) classification, preoperative left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF), operative method, operative time, blood loss, intraoperative
      fluid management, and number of days from surgery until achievement of
      independent gait. The independent factors delaying extubation were emergency
      surgery, preoperative NYHA classification, preoperative LVEF, operative method,
      operative time, blood loss, and intraoperative fluid management(p<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Surgical invasiveness and preoperative heart failure were involved in
      the prolonged ventilation after cardiac surgery.

PMID- 25137314
TI  - Increased microstructural white matter correlations in left, but not right,
      temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - Microstructural white matter tract correlations have been shown to reflect known
      patterns of phylogenetic development and functional specialization in healthy
      subjects. The aim of this study was to establish intertract correlations in a
      group of controls and to examine potential deviations from normality in temporal
      lobe epilepsy (TLE). We investigated intertract correlations in 28 healthy
      controls, 21 left TLE (LTLE) and 23 right TLE (RTLE). Nine tracts were
      investigated, comprising the parahippocampal fasciculi, the uncinate fasciculi,
      the arcuate fasciculi, the frontoparietal tracts, and the fornix. An abnormal
      increase in tract correlations was observed in LTLE, while RTLE showed intertract
      correlations similar to controls. In the control group, tract correlations
      increased with increasing fractional anisotropy (FA), while in the TLE groups
      tract correlations increased with decreasing FA. Cluster analyses revealed
      agglomeration of bilateral pairs of homologous tracts in healthy subjects, with
      such pairs separated in our LTLE and RTLE groups. Discriminant analyses aimed at
      distinguishing LTLE from RTLE, revealing that tract correlations produce higher
      rates of accurate group classification than FA values. Our results confirm and
      extend previous work by showing that LTLE compared to RTLE patients display not
      only more extensive losses in microstructural orientation but also more aberrant
      intertract correlations. Aberrant correlations may be related to pathologic
      processes (i.e., seizure spread) or to adaptive processes aimed at preserving key
      cognitive functions. Our data suggest that tract correlations may have predictive
      value in distinguishing LTLE from RTLE, potentially moving diffusion imaging to a
      place of greater prominence in clinical practice.

PMID- 25137319
TI  - [Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the lung].
AB  - We report a rare case of pulmonary intravascular papillary endothelial
      hyperplasia. The patient was a 63-year-old male. Multiple lung nodules were noted
      on chest computed tomography( CT) at preoperative check for gastric cancer.
      Metastatic lung tumor was suspected, and partial resection of the right lung was
      performed. Histopathologic examination revealed papillary proliferation lined by
      endothelial cells and a hematoma. Immunohistochemically, the endothelial cells
      were positive for CD31/CD34 and factor VIII related antigen. 

PMID- 25137321
TI  - [New prosthesis implant technique of aortic root abscess; circumferential
      transmural sutures].
AB  - A patient with aortic root abscess was successfully treated with a newly
      developed suture technique named "circumferential transmural sutures". This
      suture technique provides 1)a tight attachment of the prosthesis to the aortic
      wall and 2)a secure healing of infection by exposure of the abscess cavity to
      blood flow without complicated procedures. This technique would be a useful
      alternative for the aortic root abscess without left ventriculo-aortic
      disruption. 

PMID- 25137322
TI  - [Initial report of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy in Japan].
AB  - To date, more than 100 reports of several major pulmonary resections through a
      uniportal approach have been published. However, there have been no reports of
      uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy in Japan. We present herein a successful case
      of uniportal thoracoscopic right lower lobectomy through a 3.5-cm incision for 84
      year-old female patient with primary lung cancer (clinical stage I A).
      Postoperative course was uneventful and she discharged from the hospital on day 5
      postoperatively. Pathological diagnosis was primary adenocarcinoma of T1aN0M0,
      stage I A.

PMID- 25137323
TI  - [Pediatric case of congenital coronary artery fistula; surgical result and late
      changes in coronary artery aneurysm].
AB  - Congenital coronary artery fistula is an uncommon heart anomaly involving the
      coronary arteries. We report here a case of a 4-year-old boy who had a coronary
      fistula from the right coronary artery to the right ventricle, with a coronary
      aneurysm. He was asymptomatic, but the calculated ratio of pulmonary blood flow
      to systemic blood flow was shown to be high [pulmonary flow (Qp)/systemic
      flow(Qs)=1.78]. The coronary angiography showed that the right coronary artery
      was dilated beginning at the ostium and had an aneurysm at the acute marginal
      portion. A large spherical aneurysm approximately 20 mm in diameter was found to
      have been connected with coronary fistula opening into the right ventricle.
      Surgical repair by closure of the fistula under direct vision, partial resection
      and suture closure of the aneurysm was performed. Plication of the proximal
      portion of the right coronary artery was not performed, and the diffusely dilated
      artery was left untouched. After this operation, he recovered well under
      anticoagulant treatment with warfarin and aspirin. Postoperative angiography was
      performed 17 months after the surgery to evaluate morphological changes in the
      coronary artery. The angiography confirmed the closure of the fistula and the
      regression of coronary artery dilatation. 

PMID- 25137324
TI  - [Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis complicated with lung cancer].
AB  - A 54-year-old man with pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis( pulmonary NTM)
      who had been treated by antituberculous chemotherapy, developed a new nodule of
      1.3 cm in size in the segment 1/2 of the right upper lobe. The cavity of 3.5 cm
      in size in the segment 6 of the right lower lobe from which Mycobacterium
      intracellulare was bronchoscopically detected, was suspected to be pulmonary NTM
      lesion. Since lung cancer was highly suspected by radiological examinations,
      right upper lobectomy and S6 segmentectomy were performed. Pathological diagnosis
      for the right upper lobe nodule was adenocarcinoma. 

PMID- 25137325
TI  - [Pulmonary actinomycosis that was difficult to make an accurate diagnosis].
AB  - A 35-year-old man was referred to our hospital, because of recurrent pneumonia.
      His chest X-ray film and computed tomography showed mass-like consolidation with
      a cavity in the right upper lobe. He underwent a bronchoscopic examination, but
      no diagnosis was established. Therefore a surgical biopsy was performed, but the
      pathological findings revealed that it was only an inflammatory change without
      any malignant component. For a while, antibiotic and the steroid treatment was
      continued resulting in the aggravation of clinical findings. Finally, an upper
      lobe excision was performed for the complete excision of the lesion. As a result
      of pathology, pulmonary actinomycosis was diagnosed. 

PMID- 25137326
TI  - [Purtscher's retinopathy following blunt chest compression].
AB  - Following chest or abdominal injury, acute blurring of vision occurs without
      direct eye injury. This disease is known as Purtscher's retinopathy. A 74-year
      old man suffered blunt chest injury by air bag inflation at traffic accident.
      Next morning, he suddenly complained of visual abnormality. An ophthalmoscopy
      revealed multiple cotton-wool exudation and retinal edema. He was diagnosed as
      Purtscher's retinopathy. The symptoms of soft exudation and retinal edema
      gradually resolved. The visual acuity gradually improved, but not reached to the
      previous level. We must be aware of this retinopathy, since this is rare but
      sometimes sight-threatening condition. 

PMID- 25137330
TI  - [Successful excision of a left ventricular fibroma in an adult patient; report of
      a case].
AB  - A 55-year-old man was referred with a diagnosis of a left ventricular thrombus.
      Echocardiography revealed that he had a thrombus in the free wall of the left
      ventricle. Under cardiopulmonary bypass, we removed the intramural tumor. After
      the removal, the defect was repaired by Dor operation. Pathological examination
      revealed the tumor was a cardiac fibroma. He is doing well without any troubles 3
      years after the operation. 

PMID- 25137331
TI  - [Adult endocardial blood cyst; report of a case].
AB  - We report herein a rare case of endocardial blood cyst (EBC) in an adult patient.
      A 63-year-old asymptomatic woman underwent echocardiography, which incidentally
      detected a cardiac tumor in the right atrium. On echocardiography, the tumor was
      revealed to be a 30-mm round mass with thin, hyperechogenic walls and
      heterogeneously hypoechogenic contents. The lesion was attached to the septum. On
      computed tomography, the tumor appeared partly calcified and showed poor contrast
      enhancement. On magnetic resonance imaging, the lesion appeared isointense or
      slightly hyperintense in T1 and T2-weighted sequences. Myxoma was strongly
      suspected based on these preoperative imaging findings. The tumor was
      successfully excised under cardiopulmonary bypass. Gross examination confirmed
      that the cyst was filled with blood. The cystic walls comprised thin-layered
      fibrous tissue lined with endocardial cells. No tumor cells were found. The
      diagnosis of EBC was confirmed based on histopathological examination, and the
      postoperative course was uneventful. 

PMID- 25137332
TI  - [Bilateral pulmonary artery occlusion due to primary pulmonary artery sarcoma;
      report of a case].
AB  - 60-year-old female who complained of severe dyspnea was admitted with a diagnosis
      of massive pulmonary embolism. An emergency operation was undertaken due to right
      side heart failure. Under extracorporeal circulation with beating heart, large,
      white and smooth surface mass which was originated from right pulmonary artery
      was removed. Pathology of the mass showed low differentiated sarcoma. No evidence
      of other primary lesion by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET
      CT) suggested primary pulmonary artery sarcoma. We scheduled total resection of
      the right lung, however postoperative CT showed large mass occupying from right
      pulmonary artery to main pulmonary trunk. Palliative chemo radiation therapy was
      introduced. Pulmonary artery sarcoma mimicking pulmonary thromboembolism is so
      malignant that the diagnosis and treatment should not be delayed. 

PMID- 25137334
TI  - [Successful treatment using thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to
      mycotic aortic aneurysm; report of a case].
AB  - We describe a case with mycotic aneurysm in a descending thoracic aorta. We
      applied thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) technique to that aortic
      aneurysm after administering the high dose antibiotics and controlling the
      infection. Postoperative course was uneventful and he was in a good condition. 

PMID- 25137335
TI  - [Surgical treatment for infective prosthetic mitral valve endocarditis with
      cardiogenic shock; report of a case].
AB  - We report a surgical case of active infective prosthetic mitral valve
      endocarditis with cardiogenic shock. The causative organism was methicillin
      resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (MRCNS) During medical treatment, the
      prosthetic valve was abruptly detouched partially from the mitral annulus, and
      the patient developed rapid hemodynamic deterioration. We performed emergency re
      do mitral valve replacement. The postoperative course was uneventful. Rapid
      establishment of femoro-femoral bypass was very effective for the emergency re-do
      valve surgery. 

PMID- 25137336
TI  - [Bridge to recovery with ventricular assist device support for eosinophilic
      myocarditis].
AB  - A 39-year-old man initially presented with cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
      His symptom got worse gradually, and he was admitted to a nearby hospital.
      Echocardiography revealed a dilated left ventricle and severe left ventricular
      dysfunction. Despite inotropic and intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) support,
      the patient developed cardiogenic shock with fever of unknown origin, followed by
      multi-organ failure. A left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) was implanted.
      Pathologic evaluation showed an extensive eosinophil-rich inflammatory
      infiltrate, and consistent with the diagnosis of eosinophilic myocarditis. After
      high-dose steroid administration, the cardiac function improved and explantation
      of the LVAD was successfully performed. The patient was discharged and remains
      well at the 24-month follow-up. 

PMID- 25137337
TI  - [Pulmonary metastasis from breast cancer 38 years after mastectomy; report of a
      case].
AB  - A 76-year-old woman with a history of radical mastectomy for cancer of the right
      breast 38 years previously developed a solitary right lung nodule which was a
      metastasis from breast cancer. Diagnosis of the cause of a solitary pulmonary
      nodule is usually difficult in a patient with a history of extrapulmonary
      malignancy. A solitary pulmonary metastasis from breast cancer with a disease
      free interval of longer than 15 years has been quite rarely reported. We describe
      an unusual case of a solitary pulmonary metastasis from breast cancer 38 years
      after the initial treatment. 

PMID- 25137338
TI  - [An operative case of thymic cyst with thymoma;report of a case].
AB  - Thymic cyst with thymoma is a rare disease. A 67-year-old woman was referred to
      our hospital for right chest pain and cough. Mass shadow in the right hilum was
      detected in the chest radiograph. Chest computed tomography( CT) revealed a
      cystic mass with partially thickened wall suggesting solid tumor at the anterior
      mediastinum. The tumor was resected by median sternotomy. Histopathological
      finding was a multilocular thymic cyst with thymoma of spindle cell type. 

PMID- 25137339
TI  - [Hemopneumothorax after thoracic sympathetic nerve block; report of a case].
AB  - A 72-year-old man, who had been treated pneumothorax 50 years ago, visited a
      physician complaining of dyspnea after thoracic sympathetic nerve block for
      postherpetic neuralgia. The patient was diagnosed as pneumothorax, and was
      consulted to our hospital. Clinical sign and the chest radiography suggested
      tension hemopneumothorax, and the chest drainage was immediately performed.
      Although bloody fluid of 1,100 ml was initially drained, no further increase was
      noted. The patient was discharged on the 21st hospital day. 

PMID- 25137341
TI  - Effects of tea intake on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled
      trials.
AB  - The effect of tea intake on blood pressure (BP) is controversial. We performed a
      meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials to determine the changes in
      systolic and diastolic BP due to the intake of black and green tea. A systematic
      search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials
      Register up to May 2014. The weighted mean difference was calculated for net
      changes in systolic and diastolic BP using fixed-effects or random-effects
      models. Previously defined subgroup analyses were performed to explore the
      influence of study characteristics. A total of twenty-five eligible studies with
      1476 subjects were selected. The acute intake of tea had no effects on systolic
      and diastolic BP. However, after long-term tea intake, the pooled mean systolic
      and diastolic BP were lower by - 1.8 (95 % CI - 2.4, - 1.1) and - 1.4 (95 % CI -
      2.2, - 0.6) mmHg, respectively. When stratified by type of tea, green tea
      significantly reduced systolic BP by 2.1 (95 % CI - 2.9, - 1.2) mmHg and
      decreased diastolic BP by 1.7 (95 % CI - 2.9, - 0.5) mmHg, and black tea showed a
      reduction in systolic BP of 1.4 (95 % CI - 2.4, - 0.4) mmHg and a decrease in
      diastolic BP of 1.1 (95 % CI - 1.9, - 0.2) mmHg. The subgroup analyses showed
      that the BP-lowering effect was apparent in subjects who consumed tea more than
      12 weeks (systolic BP - 2.6 (95 % CI - 3.5, - 1.7) mmHg and diastolic BP - 2.2
      (95 % CI - 3.0, - 1.3) mmHg, both P< 0.001). The present findings suggest that
      long-term ( >= 12 weeks) ingestion of tea could result in a significant reduction
      in systolic and diastolic BP. 

PMID- 25137342
TI  - Does antibiotic use affect childhood asthma rates in China?

PMID- 25137340
TI  - Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) of white matter multiple sclerosis
      lesions: Interpreting positive susceptibility and the presence of iron.
AB  - PURPOSE: Within multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions iron is present in chronically
      activated microglia. Thus, iron detection with MRI might provide a biomarker for
      chronic inflammation within lesions. Here, we examine contributions of iron and
      myelin to magnetic susceptibility of lesions on quantitative susceptibility
      mapping (QSM). METHODS: Fixed MS brain tissue was assessed with MRI including
      gradient echo data, which was processed to generate field (phase), R2* and QSM.
      Five lesions were sectioned and evaluated by immunohistochemistry for presence of
      myelin, iron and microglia/macrophages. Two of the lesions had an elemental
      analysis for iron concentration mapping, and their phospholipid content was
      estimated from the difference in the iron and QSM data. RESULTS: Three of the
      five lesions had substantial iron deposition that was associated with microglia
      and positive susceptibility values. For the two lesions with elemental analysis,
      the QSM derived phospholipid content maps were consistent with myelin labeled
      histology. CONCLUSION: Positive susceptibility values with respect to water
      indicate the presence of iron in MS lesions, although both demyelination and iron
      deposition contribute to QSM.

PMID- 25137343
TI  - Asthma prevalence among Hispanic adults in Puerto Rico and Hispanic adults of
      Puerto Rican descent in the United States - results from two national surveys.
AB  - Abstract Objective: To assess whether asthma prevalence differs between Hispanic
      adults living in Puerto Rico and Hispanic adults of Puerto Rican descent living
      in the United States. METHODS: We used 2008-2010 Behavioral Risk Factor
      Surveillance System data, administered in Puerto Rico for Hispanic adults living
      in Puerto Rico (Hispanics in Puerto Rico), and 2008-2010 National Health
      Interview Survey data for Hispanic adults of Puerto Rican descent living in the
      United States (Puerto Rican Americans). We used 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to
      compare asthma prevalence between corresponding subgroups; non-overlapping CIs
      indicate statistical significance. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic
      regression were used to assess the association between current asthma status and
      socio-demographic factors and health risk behaviors within each Puerto Rican
      population. RESULTS: Current asthma prevalence among Hispanics in Puerto Rico
      (7.0% [6.4%-7.7%]) was significantly lower than the prevalence among Puerto Rican
      Americans (15.6% [13.0%-18.1%]). The prevalence among almost all socio
      demographic and health risk subgroups of Hispanics in Puerto Rico was
      significantly lower than the prevalence among the corresponding subgroups of
      Puerto Rican Americans. Adjusting for potential confounders did not alter the
      results. Asthma prevalence was significantly associated with obesity among Puerto
      Rican Americans (adjusted prevalence ratios [aPR]=1.5 [1.1-2.0]), and among
      Hispanics in Puerto Rico was associated with obesity (aPR=1.6 [1.3-1.9]), smoking
      (aPR=1.4 [1.1-1.9]) and being female (aPR=1.9 [1.5-2.4]). CONCLUSION: Asthma was
      more prevalent among Puerto Rican Americans than Hispanics in Puerto Rico.
      Although the observed associations did not explain all variations in asthma
      prevalence between these two populations, they may lay the foundation for future
      research.

PMID- 25137344
TI  - Symptoms after removal of ureteral stents.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Urology practices frequently encounter individuals who
      experience various degrees of pain/discomfort after ureteral stent removal. These
      symptoms have been previously proved to greatly affect functionality,
      convalescence time, quality of life, and healthcare costs. The etiology is
      unclear, but the condition is often self-limiting. We counsel individuals on
      their risk of having post-ureteral stent removal pain based on anecdotal data. We
      sought to evaluate the incidence of post-ureteral stent removal pain and attempt
      to find the probable cause. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All individuals who had a
      ureteral stent placed and subsequently removed for various etiologies (between
      January 2012 and May 2013) were evaluated by filling a survey conducted by a
      member of the healthcare team 1 to 3 weeks after ureteral stent removal.
      Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to assess correlation between
      demographics, operative procedures, convalescent time, and post-ureteral stent
      removal symptoms. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS((r))
      software, and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical
      significance. RESULTS: Of the 104 individuals in the final cohort, 64% had
      symptoms after stent removal (pain, hematuria, frequency, urgency, or fever), and
      among those with symptoms, 60% experienced pain/discomfort. On univariate
      analysis, stone basketing and indwelling stent discomfort correlated positively
      with pain after stent removal. On the other hand, the use of anticholinergics and
      a longer indwelling stent duration were associated with less pain after stent
      removal. On multivariate analysis, correlation with procedures involving basket
      extraction and indwelling stent discomfort maintained significance. CONCLUSION:
      Our series suggests that two of three individuals who undergo ureteral stent
      removal experience symptoms thereafter. Individuals undergoing stone basket
      extraction and those who experienced stent discomfort were more likely to have
      pain after stent removal. Anticholinergic use and stents indwelling for a longer
      time were associated with less pain after stent removal.

PMID- 25137345
TI  - Attenuation of anti-tuberculosis therapy induced hepatotoxicity by Spirulina
      fusiformis, a candidate food supplement.
AB  - Therapy using Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF) leads to induction of
      hepatotoxicity in some individuals undergoing anti-tuberculosis treatment. In
      this study, we assessed the effect of Spirulina fusiformis on INH and RIF induced
      hepatotoxicity in rats compared with hepatoprotective drug Silymarin. Induction
      of hepatotoxicity was measured by changes in the liver marker enzymes (aspartate
      transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase). The antioxidant
      status was also analyzed in liver tissue homogenate and plasma by measurement of
      superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase,
      and lipid peroxidation levels. We also aimed to study the binding and
      interactions of the transcription factors Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) and Farnesoid
      X Receptor (FXR) with INH, RIF, and representative active compounds of Spirulina
      fusiformis by in silico methods. The administration of INH and RIF resulted in
      significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the antioxidant levels and total protein
      levels. There was also a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of liver
      marker enzymes. Spirulina fusiformis was seen to protect the parameters from
      significant changes upon challenge with INH and RIF in a dose-dependent manner.
      This was corroborated by histological examination of the liver. The results of
      the in silico analyses further support the wet lab results.

PMID- 25137346
TI  - Clinical and pathologic characteristics of intranasal abuse of combined opioid
      acetaminophen medications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The nonmedical abuse of prescription opioids via intranasal
      administration is a growing problem. The objective of this study is to
      investigate of the typical presentation of intranasal opioid-acetaminophen abuse
      and outline optimal therapy. METHODS: This study was a retrospective chart
      review. Patients with intranasal pathology from inhalation of combined opioid
      acetaminophen medications (COAMs) from 3 academic otolaryngology practices in
      western Pennsylvania from January 2012 to October 2012 were included in the
      review. RESULTS: Seven adults ranging in age from 23 to 46 years were identified
      with nasal complaints from the intranasal inhalation of COAMs. All patients
      presented with nasal pain and were found to have fibrinous necrotic nasal mucosa
      involving the posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Of the 7 patients, 6
      (85.7%) presented with a septal perforation. Pathology and culture revealed
      fungus in 85.7% of the patients; however, no invasive fungal disease was noted in
      any of the specimens. Patients did not improve with either systemic or topical
      antifungal therapy. Polarizable material characteristic of talc used as a tablet
      binder was present in the histopathology of 4 of 7 (57.1%) patients. Patients who
      abstained from intranasal drug use along with serial debridement demonstrated the
      greatest improvement. CONCLUSION: Intranasal COAM abuse causes nasal pain, tissue
      necrosis with potential septal and palatal perforation, and noninvasive fungal
      colonization. Antifungal therapy was of no benefit in the current series of
      patients. Current therapy should focus on recognition of the etiology of
      patients' pathology and encourage abstinence from intranasal use of these drugs
      along with serial debridements.

PMID- 25137350
TI  - Hydrogen bonding networks tune proton-coupled redox steps during the enzymatic
      six-electron conversion of nitrite to ammonia.
AB  - Multielectron multiproton reactions play an important role in both biological
      systems and chemical reactions involved in energy storage and manipulation. A key
      strategy employed by nature in achieving such complex chemistry is the use of
      proton-coupled redox steps. Cytochrome c nitrite reductase (ccNiR) catalyzes the
      six-electron seven-proton reduction of nitrite to ammonia. While a catalytic
      mechanism for ccNiR has been proposed on the basis of studies combining
      computation and crystallography, there have been few studies directly addressing
      the nature of the proton-coupled events that are predicted to occur along the
      nitrite reduction pathway. Here we use protein film voltammetry to directly
      interrogate the proton-coupled steps that occur during nitrite reduction by
      ccNiR. We find that conversion of nitrite to ammonia by ccNiR adsorbed to
      graphite electrodes is defined by two distinct phases; one is proton-coupled, and
      the other is not. Mutation of key active site residues (H257, R103, and Y206)
      modulates these phases and specifically alters the properties of the detected
      proton-dependent step but does not inhibit the ability of ccNiR to conduct the
      full reduction of nitrite to ammonia. We conclude that the active site residues
      examined are responsible for tuning the protonation steps that occur during
      catalysis, likely through an extensive hydrogen bonding network, but are not
      necessarily required for the reaction to proceed. These results provide important
      insight into how enzymes can specifically tune proton- and electron transfer
      steps to achieve high turnover numbers in a physiological pH range. 

PMID- 25137351
TI  - Inhibitory effects of butein on cancer metastasis and bioenergetic modulation.
AB  - Tumor metastasis is the major obstacle for cancer treatment. Previous studies
      have shown that butein exhibits antiangiogenesis property and anticancer effects
      in different kinds of human cancer cells. However, the effects of butein on
      metastasis and energy metabolism of cancer cells are mostly unknown. This study
      showed that butein significantly inhibited invasion of cancer cells without
      acting in a cytotoxic fashion. It was further demonstrated that butien
      dramatically suppressed cancer metastasis by an in vivo CAM-intravasation model.
      Additionally, butein concentration-dependently repressed the expression and
      activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and urokinase plasminogen
      activator (uPA). The study indicated that butein may repress MMP-9 and uPA
      proteolytic activities and subsequently inhibit cancer metastasis via
      Akt/mTOR/p70S6K translational machinery. Moreover, butein may partly suppress
      cancer metastasis by down-regulating ATP synthesis via both oxidative and
      glycolytic metabolism. The results suggest that butein is a potential
      antimetastatic agent worthy of further development for cancer treatment. 

PMID- 25137352
TI  - Sensitive electrochemical sensors for simultaneous determination of ascorbic
      acid, dopamine, and uric acid based on Au@Pd-reduced graphene oxide
      nanocomposites.
AB  - Sensitive electrochemical sensors were fabricated with reduced graphene oxide
      supported Au@Pd (Au@Pd-RGO) nanocomposites by one-step synthesis for individual
      and simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), and uric
      acid (UA) with low detection limits and wide concentration ranges. From the Au@Pd
      RGO-modified electrodes, well-separated oxidation peaks and enhanced peak
      currents of AA, DA, and UA were observed owing to the superior conductivity of
      RGO and the excellent catalytic activity of Au@Pd nanoparticles. For individual
      detection, the linear responses of AA, DA, and UA were in the concentration
      ranges of 0.1-1000, 0.01-100, and 0.02-500 MUM with detection limits of 0.02,
      0.002, and 0.005 MUM (S/N = 3), respectively. For simultaneous detection by
      synchronous change of the concentrations of AA, DA, and UA, the linear response
      ranges were 1-800, 0.1-100, and 0.1-350 MUM with detection limits of 0.28, 0.024,
      and 0.02 MUM (S/N = 3), respectively. The fabricated sensors were further applied
      to the detection of AA, DA, and UA in urine samples. The Au@Pd-RGO nanocomposites
      have promising applications in highly sensitive and selective electrochemical
      sensing. 

PMID- 25137354
TI  - A three-step process to facilitate the annulation of polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons.
AB  - A new efficient three-step process to annulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      (PAHs) has been developed, providing access to PAHs with saturated rings that
      under current chemical methods would be difficult to produce in an efficient
      manner. This method relies on a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of
      various brominated PAHs with cyclohexanone to yield alpha-arylated ketones, which
      are converted to regiospecific vinyl triflates and cyclized by a palladium
      catalyzed intramolecular arene-vinyl triflate coupling to produce PAHs with
      incorporated saturated rings or "tetrahydroindeno-annulated" PAHs. 

PMID- 25137353
TI  - Perturbation of long-range water dynamics as the mechanism for the antifreeze
      activity of antifreeze glycoprotein.
AB  - Very little is known about the mechanism of antifreeze action of antifreeze
      glycoproteins (AFGPs) present in Antarctic teleost fish. Recent NMR and CD
      studies assisted with total synthesis of synthetic AFGP variants have provided
      insight into the structure of short AFGP glycopeptides, though the observations
      did not yield information on the antifreeze mechanism of action. In this study,
      we use Hamiltonian replica exchange (HREX) molecular dynamics simulations to
      probe the structure and surrounding aqueous environments of both the natural
      (AFGP8) and synthetic (s-AFGP4) AFGPs. AFGPs can adopt both amphiphilic and
      pseudoamphiphilic conformations, the preference of which is related to the
      proline content of the peptide. The arrangement of carbohydrates allows the
      hydroxyl groups on terminal galactose units to form stable water bridges which in
      turn influence the hydrogen-bond network, structure, and dynamics of the
      surrounding solvent. Interestingly, these local effects lead to the perturbation
      of the tetrahedral environment for water molecules in hydration layers far (10.0
      12.0 A) from the AFGPs. This structure-induced alteration of long-range hydration
      dynamics is proposed to be the major contributor to antifreeze activity, a
      conclusion that is in line with terahertz spectroscopy experiments. The detailed
      structure-mechanism correlation provided in this study could lead to the design
      of better synthetic AFGP variants. 

PMID- 25137356
TI  - A statewide survey of adult and pediatric outpatient palliative care services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outpatient palliative care services can improve patient outcomes, yet
      little is known about their structure and characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To describe
      the structure and characteristics of outpatient palliative care services
      associated with California hospitals. DESIGN: Electronic survey.
      SETTING/SUBJECTS: All 377 acute care hospitals in California. MEASUREMENTS:
      Outpatient palliative care services structure and operational characteristics,
      including staffing, clinical availability, and funding. RESULTS: Overall 96%
      (361/377) of hospitals responded. Of the 136 hospitals with an adult palliative
      care service, 18% (n=24) reported an outpatient palliative care service with a
      mean age of 3.7 years. Of the 42 hospitals offering pediatric palliative care
      services, 19% (n=8) reported an outpatient palliative care service with a mean
      age of 3.4 years. On average, adult outpatient palliative care services see 159
      new patients per year with 722 follow-up visits. Pediatric outpatient palliative
      care services see 10 new patients per year with 28 follow-up visits. The average
      staffing of adult outpatient palliative care services is 2.1 full-time equivalent
      (FTE; range, 0.2-12) and for pediatric outpatient palliative care services 0.7
      FTE (range, 0.1-2.0). Adult outpatient palliative care services operate a mean of
      3.9 days per week compared to 1.1 days per week for pediatric outpatient
      palliative care services. Few services provided 24/7 coverage (25% adult, 38%
      pediatric). Wait times for newly referred patients were 11 days for adults and 9
      days for pediatrics. Most referrals are received from oncology (adult=47%,
      pediatric=43%). Funding for outpatient palliative care services is largely
      through institutional support (adult=80%, pediatric=62%), followed by foundations
      (adult=10.3%, pediatric=23%), billing (adult=8.8%, pediatric=0%), and
      philanthropy (adult=0.9%, pediatric=15%). Compared to similar data from 2007, the
      prevalence of outpatient palliative care services affiliated with hospitals in
      California has not changed significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Few California hospitals
      offer outpatient palliative care services. This finding has remained consistent
      over time. Adult and pediatric outpatient palliative care services care primarily
      for patients with cancer, operate part-time with modest staffing, and are funded
      primarily by their institution. Making the case for value to engender more
      institutional support, increasing billing revenue, system initiatives, and
      partnering with insurers may lead to the establishment of more outpatient
      palliative care services.

PMID- 25137357
TI  - Synthesis, detailed characterization, and theoretical understanding of
      mononuclear chromium(III)-containing polyoxotungstates [Cr(III)(HX(V)W7O28)2]13-
      (X = P, As) with exceptionally large magnetic anisotropy.
AB  - Two monochromium(III)-containing heteropolytungstates, [Cr(III)(HP(V)W7O28)2](13
      ) (1a) and [Cr(III)(HAs(V)W7O28)2](13-) (2a), were prepared via simple, one-pot
      reactions in aqueous, basic medium, by reaction of the composing elements, and
      then isolated as hydrated sodium salts, Na13[Cr(III)(HP(V)W7O28)2].47H2O (1) and
      Na13[Cr(III)(HAs(V)W7O28)2].52H2O (2). Polyanions 1a and 2a comprise an
      octahedrally coordinated Cr(III) ion, sandwiched by two {PW7} or {AsW7} units.
      Both compounds 1 and 2 were fully characterized in the solid state by single
      crystal XRD, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and elemental analyses, magnetic
      susceptibility, and EPR measurements. Magnetic studies on 1 and 2 demonstrated
      that both compounds exhibit appreciable deviation from typical paramagnetic
      behavior, and have a ground state S = 3/2, as expected for a Cr(III) ion, but
      with an exceptionally large zero-field uniaxial anisotropy parameter (D). EPR
      measurements on powder and single-crystal samples of 1 and 2 using 9.5, 34.5, and
      239.2 GHz frequencies and over 4-295 K temperature fully support the
      magnetization results and show that D = +2.4 cm(-1), the largest and sign
      assigned D-value so far reported for an octahedral Cr(III)-containing, molecular
      compound. Ligand field analysis of results from CASSCF and NEVPT2-correlated
      electronic structure calculations on Cr(OH)6(3-) model complexes allowed to
      unravel the crucial role of the second coordination sphere of Cr(III) for the
      unusually large magnetic anisotropy reflected by the experimental value of D. The
      newly developed theoretical modeling, combined with the synthetic procedure for
      producing such unusual magnetic molecules in a well-defined and essentially
      magnetically isolated environment, appears to be a versatile new research area.

PMID- 25137358
TI  - Amino acids as chiral auxiliaries in cyanuric chloride-based chiral derivatizing
      agents for enantioseparation by liquid chromatography.
AB  - This review summarizes and critically evaluates the recent research on
      application of amino acids and amino acid amides as chiral auxiliaries in
      cyanuric chloride (CC) based chiral derivatizing agents (CDRs), used in the
      indirect approach for enantiomeric resolution. Methods of synthesis of such CDRs,
      methods for synthesis of diastereomers of a variety of racemic compounds and
      parameters of liquid chromatographic separation, along with their prospects and
      their limitations in indirect enantioresolution, are discussed. Application of
      the said CDR(s) and the technical approach to be used that are discussed should
      be beneficial for control of enantiomeric purity in pharmaceutical industry,
      verification of enantiomeric ratio of commercial formulations and the development
      of methods for indirect resolution of a variety of chiral compounds.
      Derivatization methods are particularly required when a chromophore is to be
      introduced in low UV absorbing molecules, for their detection.

PMID- 25137359
TI  - Reconstructing Austronesian population history in Island Southeast Asia.
AB  - Austronesian languages are spread across half the globe, from Easter Island to
      Madagascar. Evidence from linguistics and archaeology indicates that the
      'Austronesian expansion,' which began 4,000-5,000 years ago, likely had roots in
      Taiwan, but the ancestry of present-day Austronesian-speaking populations remains
      controversial. Here, we analyse genome-wide data from 56 populations using new
      methods for tracing ancestral gene flow, focusing primarily on Island Southeast
      Asia. We show that all sampled Austronesian groups harbour ancestry that is more
      closely related to aboriginal Taiwanese than to any present-day mainland
      population. Surprisingly, western Island Southeast Asian populations have also
      inherited ancestry from a source nested within the variation of present-day
      populations speaking Austro-Asiatic languages, which have historically been
      nearly exclusive to the mainland. Thus, either there was once a substantial
      Austro-Asiatic presence in Island Southeast Asia, or Austronesian speakers
      migrated to and through the mainland, admixing there before continuing to western
      Indonesia. 

PMID- 25137365
TI  - Development of an organic lateral resolution test device for imaging mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - An organic lateral resolution test device has been developed to measure the
      performance of imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) systems. The device contains
      periodic gratings of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and lipid bars covering a wide
      range of spatial frequencies. Microfabrication technologies were employed to
      produce well-defined chemical interfaces, which allow lateral resolution to be
      assessed using the edge-spread function (ESF). In addition, the design of the
      device allows for the direct measurement of the modulation transfer function
      (MTF) to assess image quality. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and time-of
      flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) were used to characterize the
      device. TOF-SIMS imaging was used to measure the chemical displacement of
      biomolecules in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) matrix
      crystals. In a proof-of-concept experiment, the platform was also used to
      evaluate MALDI matrix application methods, specifically aerosol spray and
      sublimation methods. 

PMID- 25137366
TI  - Reconciling "stress" and "health" in physical anthropology: what can
      bioarchaeologists learn from the other subdisciplines?
AB  - The concepts of "stress" and "health" are foundational in physical anthropology
      as guidelines for interpreting human behavior and biocultural adaptation in the
      past and present. Though related, stress and health are not coterminous, and
      while the term "health" encompasses some aspects of "stress," health refers to a
      more holistic condition beyond just physiological disruption, and is of
      considerable significance in contributing to anthropologists' understanding of
      humanity's lived experiences. Bioarchaeological interpretations of human health
      generally are made from datasets consisting of skeletal markers of stress,
      markers that result from (chronic) physiological disruption (e.g., porotic
      hyperostosis; linear enamel hypoplasia). Non-specific indicators of stress may
      measure episodes of stress and indicate that infection, disease, or nutritional
      deficiencies were present in a population, but in assessing these markers,
      bioarchaeologists are not measuring "health" in the same way as are human
      biologists, medical anthropologists, or primatologists. Rather than continue to
      diverge on separate (albeit parallel) trajectories, bioarchaeologists are advised
      to pursue interlinkages with other subfields within physical anthropology toward
      bridging "stress" and "health." The papers in this special symposium set include
      bioarchaeologists, human biologists, molecular anthropologists, and
      primatologists whose research develops this link between the concepts of "stress"
      and "health," encouraging new avenues for bioarchaeologists to consider and
      reconsider health in past human populations.

PMID- 25137367
TI  - Effect of prolonged sitting and breaks in sitting time on endothelial function.
AB  - Sitting time (ST) is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors, whereas
      breaking ST has been reported to be beneficial for reducing cardiovascular risk.
      PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to examine the effects of breaking ST on
      superficial femoral artery (SFA) endothelial function. HYPOTHESES: 1) Prolonged
      sitting would induce endothelial dysfunction and changes in shear forces, and 2)
      breaking ST with brief periods of activity would prevent attenuation in
      endothelial function. METHODS: Twelve nonobese men (24.2 +/- 4.2 yr) participated
      in two randomized 3-h sitting trials. In the sitting (SIT) trial, subjects were
      seated on a firmly cushioned chair for 3 h without moving their lower
      extremities. In the breaking ST trial (ACT), subjects sat similar to the SIT
      trial but walked on a treadmill for 5 min at 2 mph at 30 min, 1 h 30 min, and 2 h
      30 min during the sitting interval. SFA flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed
      at baseline, 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h in each trial. Statistical analyses were performed
      using dependent variables SFA FMD and shear rates. Significance was set at P <=
      0.05. RESULTS: In the SIT trial, there was a significant decline in SFA FMD from
      baseline to 3 h (baseline, 4.72% +/- 3.78%; 1 h, 0.52% +/- 0.85%; 2 h, 1.66% +/-
      1.11%; 3 h, 2.2% +/- 2.15; P < 0.05 by ANOVA) accompanied by a decline in mean
      shear rate and antegrade shear rate but no difference in shear rate (area under
      the curve). By two-way repeated-measures ANOVA, ACT prevented the sitting-induced
      decline in FMD (baseline, 4.5% +/- 2.3%; 1 h, 5.04% +/- 2.85%; 2 h, 5.28% +/-
      5.05%; 3 h, 6.9% +/- 4.5%) along with no decline in shear rates. CONCLUSION:
      Three hours of sitting resulted in a significant impairment in shear rate and SFA
      FMD. When light activity breaks were introduced hourly during sitting, the
      decline in FMD was prevented.

PMID- 25137368
TI  - Eccentric hamstring strength and hamstring injury risk in Australian footballers.
AB  - PURPOSE: Are eccentric hamstring strength and between-limb imbalance in eccentric
      strength, measured during the Nordic hamstring exercise, risk factors for
      hamstring strain injury (HSI)? METHODS: Elite Australian footballers (n = 210)
      from five different teams participated. Eccentric hamstring strength during the
      Nordic exercise was obtained at the commencement and conclusion of preseason
      training and at the midpoint of the season. Injury history and demographic data
      were also collected. Reports on prospectively occurring HSI were completed by the
      team medical staff. Relative risk (RR) was determined for univariate data, and
      logistic regression was employed for multivariate data. RESULTS: Twenty-eight new
      HSI were recorded. Eccentric hamstring strength below 256 N at the start of the
      preseason and 279 N at the end of the preseason increased the risk of future HSI
      2.7-fold (RR, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 5.5; P = 0.006) and 4.3-fold
      (RR, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 11.0; P = 0.002), respectively. Between
      limb imbalance in strength of greater than 10% did not increase the risk of
      future HSI. Univariate analysis did not reveal a significantly greater RR for
      future HSI in athletes who had sustained a lower limb injury of any kind within
      the last 12 months. Logistic regression revealed interactions between both
      athlete age and history of HSI with eccentric hamstring strength, whereby the
      likelihood of future HSI in older athletes or athletes with a history of HSI was
      reduced if an athlete had high levels of eccentric strength. CONCLUSION: Low
      levels of eccentric hamstring strength increased the risk of future HSI.
      Interaction effects suggest that the additional risk of future HSI associated
      with advancing age or previous injury was mitigated by higher levels of eccentric
      hamstring strength.

PMID- 25137370
TI  - Low-frequency severe-intensity interval training improves cardiorespiratory
      functions.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study investigated the effects of severe-intensity interval
      training at a frequency of once a week on cardiorespiratory function at rest and
      during exercise. METHODS: Fourteen young healthy males were randomly assigned to
      either an interval training group or control group. Cardiorespiratory function
      was investigated by incremental maximal exercise test and constant work rate
      submaximal exercise test before and after the intervention period in all
      subjects. Submaximal exercise test was conducted at two work rates (80%
      ventilatory threshold (VT) level and 100% VT level plus 50% of the difference
      between VT and peak oxygen consumption (VO2)) for 8 min; the same work rates and
      duration were used before and after training. Left ventricular adaptations were
      assessed by echocardiography under supine resting conditions before and after
      training. In the interval training group, seven subjects performed cycle
      ergometer training once per week for 3 months. The training consisted of three
      bouts of exercises to volitional fatigue at 80% maximum work rate. RESULTS:
      Increased VO2max (+13%, P = 0.015), VT (+21%, P = 0.001), and left ventricular
      posterior wall thickness (+18%, P = 0.002) and reduced minute ventilation (-12%,
      P = 0.032) and blood lactate concentration (-16%, P = 0.025) during high
      intensity exercise were observed after the training program compared with
      baseline. Although not significant, VO2 and cycling economy (VO2 per work rate)
      during high-intensity exercise decreased slightly after training. CONCLUSION: The
      present results indicate that severe-intensity interval training, even when
      performed at a low frequency, markedly improves cardiorespiratory function as
      well as induces cardiac morphological adaptations involving left ventricular
      hypertrophy and cardiorespiratory metabolic response during submaximal exercise.
      The present findings may provide new insights for low-frequency, severe-intensity
      interval training in the field of sports science.

PMID- 25137369
TI  - Accelerometer adherence and performance in a cohort study of US Hispanic adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study described participant adherence to wearing the accelerometer
      and accelerometer performance in a cohort study of adults. METHODS: From 2008 to
      2011, 16,415 US Hispanic/Latino adults age 18-74 yr enrolled in the Hispanic
      Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Immediately after the baseline visit,
      participants wore an Actical accelerometer for 1 wk. This study explored
      correlates of accelerometer participation and adherence, defined as wearing it
      for at least three of a possible six days for >=10 h.d. Accelerometer performance
      was assessed by exploring the number of different values of accelerometer counts
      per minute for each participant. RESULTS: Overall, 92.3% (n = 15,153) had at
      least 1 d with accelerometer data and 77.7% (n = 12,750) were adherent. Both
      accelerometer participation and adherence were higher among participants who were
      married or partnered, reported a higher household income, were first-generation
      immigrants, or reported lower sitting time. Participation was also higher among
      those with no stair limitations. Adherence was higher among participants who were
      male, older, employed or retired, not US born, preferred Spanish over English,
      reported higher work activity or lower recreational activity, and with a lower
      body mass index. Among the sample that met the adherence definition, the maximum
      recorded count per minute was 12,000, and there were a total of 5846 different
      counts per minute. On average, participants had 112.5 different counts per minute
      over 6 d (median, 106; interquartile range, 91-122). The number of different
      counts per minute was higher among men, younger ages, normal weight, and those
      with higher accelerometer-assessed physical activity. CONCLUSION: Several
      correlates differed between accelerometer participation and adherence. These
      characteristics could be targeted in future studies to improve accelerometer
      wear. The performance of the accelerometer provided insight into creating a more
      accurate nonwear algorithm.

PMID- 25137372
TI  - Long-term fertilization modifies the structures of soil fulvic acids and their
      binding capability with Al.
AB  - The binding characteristics of organic ligands and minerals in fulvic acids (FAs)
      with Al are essential for understanding soil C sequestration, remain poorly
      understood. In this study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
      combined with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) analysis was
      applied for the first time to explore the binding of Al with organic ligands and
      minerals in soil FAs. For these analyses, two contrasting treatments were
      selected from a long-term (i.e., 22-year) fertilization experiment: chemical
      (NPK) fertilization and swine manure (SM) fertilization. The results showed that
      the long-term application of organic and inorganic fertilizers to soils had
      little effect on the compositions of the fluorescent substances and organic
      ligands in the soil FAs. However, long-term SM fertilization increased the
      weathered Al and Si concentrations in the soil FAs compared with long-term
      chemical fertilization. Furthermore, organic ligands in the soil FAs were mainly
      bound with Al in the NPK treatment, whereas both organic ligands and minerals (Al
      O-Si, Si-O) were bound with Al under the M fertilization conditions. Both
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and X-ray diffraction spectra
      demonstrated that amorphous and short-range-ordered nanominerals were abundant in
      the soil FAs from the SM plot in contrast to the soil FAs from the NPK plot. This
      result illustrates the role nanominerals play in the preservation of soil FAs by
      during long-term organic fertilization. In summary, the combination of FTIR and
      2D correlation spectroscopy is a promising approach for the characterization of
      the binding capability between soil FAs and Al, and a better understanding FA-Al
      binding capability will greatly contribute to global C cycling. 

PMID- 25137373
TI  - Functional networks of nucleocytoplasmic transport-related genes differentiate
      ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathies. A new therapeutic opportunity.
AB  - Heart failure provokes alterations in the expression of nucleocytoplasmic
      transport-related genes. To elucidate the nucleocytoplasmic transport-linked
      functional network underlying the two major causes of heart failure, ischemic
      cardiomyopathy (ICM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), we examined global
      transcriptome profiles of left ventricular myocardium tissue samples from 31
      patients (ICM, n = 10; DCM, n = 13) undergoing heart transplantation and control
      donors (CNT, n = 8) using RNA-Sequencing and GeneMANIA. Comparative profiling of
      ICM versus control and DCM versus control showed 1081 and 2440 differentially
      expressed genes, respectively (>1.29-fold; P<0.05). GeneMANIA revealed
      differentially regulated functional networks specific to ICM and DCM. In
      comparison with CNT, differential expression was seen in 9 and 12
      nucleocytoplasmic transport-related genes in ICM and DCM groups, respectively.
      DDX3X, KPNA2, and PTK2B were related to ICM, while SMURF2, NUP153, IPO5, RANBP3,
      NOXA1, and RHOJ were involved in DCM pathogenesis. Furthermore, the two
      pathologies shared 6 altered genes: XPO1, ARL4, NFKB2, FHL3, RANBP2, and RHOU
      showing an identical trend in expression in both ICM and DCM. Notably, the core
      of the derived functional networks composed of nucleocytoplasmic transport
      related genes (XPO1, RANBP2, NUP153, IPO5, KPNA2, and RANBP3) branched into
      several pathways with downregulated genes. Moreover, we identified genes whose
      expression levels correlated with left ventricular mass index and left
      ventricular function parameters in HF patients. Collectively, our study provides
      a clear distinction between the two pathologies at the transcriptome level and
      opens up new possibilities to search for appropriate therapeutic targets for ICM
      and DCM. 

PMID- 25137375
TI  - Discovery of covalent inhibitors of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, a
      target for the treatment of malaria.
AB  - We developed a new class of covalent inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum
      glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, a validated target for the treatment of
      malaria, by screening a small library of 3-bromo-isoxazoline derivatives that
      inactivate the enzyme through a covalent, selective bond to the catalytic
      cysteine, as demonstrated by mass spectrometry. Substituents on the isoxazolinic
      ring modulated the potency up to 20-fold, predominantly due to an electrostatic
      effect, as assessed by computational analysis. 

PMID- 25137374
TI  - The ginsenoside 20-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol induces
      autophagy and apoptosis in human melanoma via AMPK/JNK phosphorylation.
AB  - Studies have shown that a major metabolite of the red ginseng ginsenoside Rb1,
      called 20-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (GPD), exhibits
      anticancer properties. However, the chemotherapeutic effects and molecular
      mechanisms behind GPD action in human melanoma have not been previously
      investigated. Here we report the anticancer activity of GPD and its mechanism of
      action in melanoma cells. GPD, but not its parent compound Rb1, inhibited
      melanoma cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Further investigation
      revealed that GPD treatment achieved this inhibition through the induction of
      autophagy and apoptosis, while Rb1 failed to show significant effect at the same
      concentrations. The inhibitory effect of GPD appears to be mediated through the
      induction of AMPK and the subsequent attenuation of mTOR phosphorylation. In
      addition, GPD activated c-Jun by inducing JNK phosphorylation. Our findings
      suggest that GPD suppresses melanoma growth by inducing autophagic cell death and
      apoptosis via AMPK/JNK pathway activation. GPD therefore has the potential to be
      developed as a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of human melanoma. 

PMID- 25137376
TI  - Susceptibility-weighted imaging in heat stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of susceptibility-weighted imaging in the detection
      of intracranial hemorrhage after heat stroke and in the prognosis. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The study group consisted of eight patients after heat stroke, with a
      score of 3 to 9 in Glasgow Coma Scale. The MR studies were performed with a 1.5 T
      scanner. Susceptibility-weighted imaging data were collected within 2-5 days
      after heat stroke. The study was approved by ethics committee, and written
      informed consents were obtained from family members of the patients. RESULTS:
      Punctate hemorrhages were detected in brain stem, corona radiata and frontal lobe
      by susceptibility-weighted imaging for three patients. Among the three cases, two
      patients came to death in the 5th day and the 25th day after heat stroke
      respectively. Another patient became a persistent vegetative state and died about
      3 months later. Five patients with no hemorrhage detected gradually recovered and
      cerebellar dysfunction remained to various degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Heat stroke is a
      life-threatening condition characterized by hyperthermia and accompanied by
      various complications such as disseminated intravascular coagulation.
      Susceptibility-weighted imaging is a very useful tool for detection of
      intracranial hemorrhage and may probably evaluate the prognosis after heat
      stroke.

PMID- 25137377
TI  - Central venous-to-arterial CO2-gap may increase in severe isovolemic anemia.
AB  - Despite blood transfusions are administered to restore adequate tissue
      oxygenation, transfusion guidelines consider only hemoglobin as trigger value,
      which gives little information about the balance between oxygen delivery and
      consumption. Central venous oxygen saturation is an alternative, however its
      changes reflect systemic metabolism and fail to detect regional hypoxia. A
      complementary parameter to ScvO2 may be central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide
      difference (CO2-gap). Our aim was to investigate the change of alternative
      transfusion trigger values in experimental isovolemic anemia. After splenectomy,
      anesthetized Vietnamese mini pigs (n = 13, weight range: 18-30 kg) underwent
      controlled bleeding in five stages (T1-T5). During each stage approximately 10%
      of the estimated starting total blood volume was removed and immediately replaced
      with an equal volume of colloid. Hemodynamic measurements and blood gas analysis
      were then performed. Each stage of bleeding resulted in a significant fall in
      hemoglobin, the O2-extraction increased significantly from T3 and ScvO2 showed a
      similar pattern and dropped below the physiological threshold of 70% at T4. By T4
      CO2-gap increased significantly and well correlated with VO2/DO2 and ScvO2. To
      our knowledge, this is the first study to show that anemia caused altered oxygen
      extraction may have an effect on CO2-gap.

PMID- 25137378
TI  - Can POCIS be used in Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) monitoring networks?
      A study focusing on pesticides in a French agricultural watershed.
AB  - In this study, the main current limitations in the application of the Polar
      Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler (POCIS) in regulatory monitoring programmes
      were evaluated. POCIS were exposed from March to December by successive periods
      of 14 days in the River Trec (Lot et Garonne, France) and analysed for 34
      pesticides. The study of the uncertainty related to the POCIS data was performed
      and we concluded that it might be up to 138%, which is higher than European Union
      requirements but this issue was adequately counterbalanced by the gain of
      temporal representativeness. Comparison with data from the official monitoring
      programme from the French Water Agency showed that the POCIS is already suitable
      for both operational and investigative monitoring. The sampled fraction issue,
      and then compliance with Environmental Quality Standards, was also addressed. It
      was confirmed that POCIS samples only the dissolved fraction of dimethenamid and
      showed that for compounds like atrazine, desethylatrazine and metolachlor, the
      POCIS concentration is equivalent to the whole water concentration. For
      dimethenamid, which exhibited a tendency to adsorb on suspended matter, a method
      was suggested to assess the raw water concentration from the POCIS measure.
      Finally, an innovative procedure for using passive sampler data for compliance
      checks in the framework of surveillance monitoring is proposed.

PMID- 25137379
TI  - The impact of organochlorines and metals on wild fish living in a tropical
      hydroelectric reservoir: bioaccumulation and histopathological biomarkers.
AB  - This study evaluates the contaminants in water and their bioaccumulation in the
      gills and liver of two ecologically distinct fish species, Astyanax fasciatus and
      Pimelodus maculatus, living in the reservoir of the Furnas hydroelectric power
      station located in Minas Gerais in the southeastern Brazil. The histological
      alterations in these organs are also examined. Water and fish were collected in
      June and December from five sites (site 1: FU10, site 2: FU20, site 3: FU30, site
      4: FU40 and site 5: FU50) in the reservoir, and agrochemicals and metals selected
      based on their use in the field crops surrounding the reservoir were analyzed in
      the water and in the fish gills and livers. The concentrations of the
      organochlorines aldrin/dieldrin, endosulfan and heptachlor/heptachlor epoxide as
      well as the metals copper, chromium, iron and zinc in the gills and livers of
      both fish species were higher in June than in December; the liver accumulated
      higher concentrations of contaminants than the gills. The organochlorine
      metolachlor was detected only in the liver. The histological pattern of changes
      was similar in both species with regard to contaminant accumulation in the gills
      and liver. Fish from FU10, the least contaminated site, exhibited normal gill
      structure and moderate to heavy liver damage. Fish collected at FU20 to FU50,
      which were contaminated with organochlorines and metals, showed slight to
      moderate gill damage in June and irreparable liver damage in the livers in June
      and December. The histological changes in the gills and liver were suitable to
      distinguishing contaminated field sites and are therefore useful biomarkers for
      environmental contamination representing a biological end-point of exposure. 

PMID- 25137380
TI  - A multi-level biological approach to evaluate impacts of a major municipal
      effluent in wild St. Lawrence River yellow perch (Perca flavescens).
AB  - The development of integrated ecotoxicological approaches is of great interest in
      the investigation of global concerns such as impacts of municipal wastewater
      effluents on aquatic ecosystems. The objective of this study was to investigate
      the effects of a major wastewater municipal effluent on fish using a multi-level
      biological approach, from gene transcription and enzyme activities to
      histological changes. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were selected based on
      their wide distribution, their commercial and recreational importance, and the
      availability of a customized microarray. Yellow perch were sampled upstream of a
      major municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and 4 km and 10 km downstream
      from its point of discharge in the St. Lawrence River (Quebec, Canada).
      Concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), polybrominated diphenyl
      ethers (PBDEs) and metals/trace elements in whole body homogenates were
      comparable to those from other industrialized regions of the world. Genomic
      results indicated that the transcription level of 177 genes was significantly
      different (p<0.024) between exposed and non-exposed fish. Among these genes, 38
      were found to be differentially transcribed at both downstream sites. Impacted
      genes were associated with biological processes and molecular functions such as
      immunity, detoxification, lipid metabolism/energy homeostasis (e.g., peroxisome
      proliferation), and retinol metabolism suggesting impact of WWTP on these
      systems. Moreover, antioxidant enzyme activities were more elevated in perch
      collected at the 4 km site. Biomarkers of lipid metabolism, biosynthetic
      activity, and aerobic capacities were significantly lower (p<0.05) in fish
      residing near the outfall of the effluent. Histological examination of the liver
      indicated no differences between sites. Correlations between PFAS, PBDE, and
      metal/trace element tissue concentrations and markers of peroxisomal
      proliferation, oxidative stress, and retinoid metabolism were found at the gene
      and cellular levels. Present results suggest that relating transcriptomic
      analyses to phenotypic responses is important to better understand impacts of
      environmental contamination on wild fish populations.

PMID- 25137381
TI  - Antimony in the soil-water-plant system at the Su Suergiu abandoned mine
      (Sardinia, Italy): strategies to mitigate contamination.
AB  - This study was aimed to implement the understanding of the Sb behavior in near
      surface environments, as a contribution to address appropriate mitigation actions
      at contaminated sites. For this purpose, geochemical data of soil (8 sites),
      water (29 sites), and plant (12 sites) samples were collected. The study area is
      located at Su Suergiu and surroundings in Sardinia (Italy), an abandoned mine
      area heavily contaminated with Sb, with relevant impact on water bodies that
      supply water for agriculture and domestic uses. Antimony in the soil horizons
      ranged from 19 to 4400 mg kg(-1), with highest concentrations in soils located
      close to the mining-related wastes, and concentrations in the topsoil much higher
      than in the bedrock. The Sb readily available fraction was about 2% of the total
      Sb in the soil. Antimony in the pore water ranged from 23 to 1700 MUg L(-1), with
      highest values in the Sb-rich soils. The waters showed neutral to slightly
      alkaline pH, redox potential values indicating oxidizing conditions, electrical
      conductivity in the range of 0.2 to 3.7 mS cm(-1), and dissolved organic carbon
      <=2 mg L(-1). The waters collected upstream of the mine have Ca-bicarbonate
      dominant composition, and median concentration of Sb(tot) of 1.7 MUg L(-1) (that
      is total antimony determined in waters filtered through 0.45 MUm), a value
      relatively high as compared with the background value (<=0.5 MUg L(-1) Sb)
      estimated for Sardinian waters, but below the limits established by the European
      Union and the World Health Organization for drinking water (5 MUg L(-1) Sb and 20
      MUg L(-1) Sb, respectively). The waters flowing in the mine area are
      characterized by Ca-sulfate dominant composition, and median concentrations of
      7000 MUg L(-1) Sb(tot). Extreme concentrations, up to 30,000 MUg L(-1) Sb(tot),
      were observed in waters flowing out of the slag materials derived from the
      processing of Sb-ore. The Sb(III) was in the range of 0.8 to 760 MUg L(-1) and
      represented up to 6% of Sb(tot). In the waters collected downstream of the mine,
      median Sb(tot) concentrations decreased as distance from the mine area increases:
      1300 MUg L(-1) Sb(tot) in the stream Rio Ciurixeda at 3 km distance, and 25 MUg
      L(-1) Sb(tot) in the main River Flumendosa 15 km further downstream. Attenuation
      of Sb contamination was mainly due to dilution. Results of modeling, carried out
      by both EQ3 and Visual MINTEQ computer programs, suggest that sorption of
      dissolved Sb onto solid phases, and/or precipitation of Sb-bearing minerals,
      likely give a minor contribution to attenuation of Sb contamination. The slightly
      alkaline pH and oxidizing conditions might favor the persistence of inorganic
      Sb(V)-bearing species at long distance in the studied waters. Concentrations of
      Sb in the plants Pistacia lentiscus and Asparagus ranged from 0.1 to 22 mg kg(
      1), with maximum values in plants growing very close to the mining-related
      wastes. The P. lentiscus grows well on the soils highly contaminated with Sb at
      Su Suergiu and might be used for revegetation of the Sb-rich heaps, thus
      contributing to reduce the dispersion of contaminated materials. Major effects of
      contamination were observed on the water bodies located downstream of the Su
      Suergiu abandoned mine. The maximum load (16.6 kg Sb per day) to the Flumendosa,
      the main aquatic recipient, was observed after heavy rain events. Therefore,
      priorities of mitigation actions should be focused on minimizing the contact of
      rain and runoff waters on the heaps of mining wastes.

PMID- 25137382
TI  - Impact of fresh organic matter incorporation on PAH fate in a contaminated
      industrial soil.
AB  - The impacts of fresh organic matter (OM) incorporation in an industrial PAH
      contaminated soil on its structure and contaminant concentrations (available and
      total) were monitored. A control soil and a soil amended with the equivalent of
      10 years maize residue input were incubated in laboratory-controlled conditions
      over 15 months. The structure of the amended soil showed an aggregation process
      trend which is attributable to (i) the enhanced microbial activity resulting from
      fresh OM input itself and (ii) the fresh OM and its degradation products.
      Initially the added organic matter was evenly distributed among all
      granulodensimetric fractions, and then rapidly degraded in the sand fraction,
      while stabilizing and accumulating in the silts. PAH degradation remained slight,
      despite the enhanced microbial biomass activity, which was similar to kinetics of
      the turnover rate of OM in an uncontaminated soil. The silts stabilized the
      anthropogenic OM and associated PAH. The addition of fresh OM tended to
      contribute to this stabilization process. Thus, in a context of plant growth on
      this soil two opposing processes might occur: rhizodegradation of the available
      contaminant and enhanced stabilization of the less available fraction due to
      carbon input.

PMID- 25137383
TI  - Comparative study on PCDD/F pollution in soil from the Antarctic, Arctic and
      Tibetan Plateau.
AB  - The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans
      (PCDFs) in 35 soil samples collected from Fildes Peninsula in the Antarctic, Ny
      Alesund in the Arctic, and Zhangmu-Nyalam in the Tibetan Plateau were reported in
      this study. A comparison of the total concentration and TEQ of PCDD/Fs at the
      Three Poles was conducted. Both the total concentration and TEQ of PCDD/Fs
      demonstrates a decreasing trend in the order of Zhangmu-Nyalam (mean: 26.22 pg/g,
      0.37 pg I-TEQ/g)>Ny-Alesund (mean: 9.97 pg/g, 0.33 pg I-TEQ/g)>Fildes Peninsula
      (mean: 2.18 pg/g, 0.015 pg I-TEQ/g) (p<0.05). In all samples, the congener and
      homologue profiles dominated with higher (seven and eight) chlorinated PCDD/Fs
      (more than 85% of the total mass percentage of PCDD/Fs) at the Three Poles.
      Finally, a FLEXPART backward simulation was used to preliminarily identify the
      potential local and regional anthropogenic sources of PCDD/Fs. The results imply
      that the air masses passing over surrounding regions with significant PCDD/F
      emissions might contribute to the occurrence of PCDD/Fs in both the Arctic and
      Tibetan Plateau.

PMID- 25137384
TI  - Advanced hybrid supercapacitor based on a mesoporous niobium pentoxide/carbon as
      high-performance anode.
AB  - Recently, hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs), which combine the use of battery and
      supercapacitor, have been extensively studied in order to satisfy increasing
      demands for large energy density and high power capability in energy-storage
      devices. For this purpose, the requirement for anode materials that provide
      enhanced charge storage sites (high capacity) and accommodate fast charge
      transport (high rate capability) has increased. Herein, therefore, a preparation
      of nanocomposite as anode material is presented and an advanced HSC using it is
      thoroughly analyzed. The HSC comprises a mesoporous Nb2O5/carbon (m-Nb2O5-C)
      nanocomposite anode synthesized by a simple one-pot method using a block
      copolymer assisted self-assembly and commercial activated carbon (MSP-20) cathode
      under organic electrolyte. The m-Nb2O5-C anode provides high specific capacity
      with outstanding rate performance and cyclability, mainly stemming from its
      enhanced pseudocapacitive behavior through introduction of a carbon-coated
      mesostructure within a voltage range from 3.0 to 1.1 V (vs Li/Li(+)). The HSC
      using the m-Nb2O5-C anode and MSP-20 cathode exhibits excellent energy and power
      densities (74 W h kg(-1) and 18,510 W kg(-1)), with advanced cycle life (capacity
      retention: ~90% at 1000 mA g(-1) after 1000 cycles) within potential range from
      1.0 to 3.5 V. In particular, we note that the highest power density (18,510 W kg(
      1)) of HSC is achieved at 15 W h kg(-1), which is the highest level among similar
      HSC systems previously reported. With further study, the HSCs developed in this
      work could be a next-generation energy-storage device, bridging the performance
      gap between conventional batteries and supercapacitors.

PMID- 25137385
TI  - DNA nanoparticles with core-shell morphology.
AB  - Mannobiose-modified polyethylenimines (PEI) are used in gene therapy to generate
      nanoparticles of DNA that can be targeted to the antigen-presenting cells of the
      immune system. We report that the sugar modification alters the DNA organization
      within the nanoparticles from homogenous to shell-like packing. The depth
      dependent packing of DNA within the nanoparticles was probed using AFM nano
      indentation. Unmodified PEI-DNA nanoparticles display linear elastic properties
      and depth-independent mechanics, characteristic of homogenous materials.
      Mannobiose-modified nanoparticles, however, showed distinct force regimes that
      were dependent on indentation depth, with 'buckling'-like response that is
      reproducible and not due to particle failure. By comparison with theoretical
      studies of spherical shell mechanics, the structure of mannobiosylated particles
      was deduced to be a thin shell with wall thickness in the order of few
      nanometers, and a fluid-filled core. The shell-core structure is also consistent
      with observations of nanoparticle denting in altered solution conditions, with
      measurements of nanoparticle water content from AFM images, and with images of
      DNA distribution in Transmission Electron Microscopy. 

PMID- 25137387
TI  - A reliable and efficient protocol for human pluripotent stem cell differentiation
      into the definitive endoderm based on dispersed single cells.
AB  - Differentiation of pluripotent cells into endoderm-related cell types initially
      requires in vitro gastrulation into the definitive endoderm (DE). Most
      differentiation protocols are initiated from colonies of pluripotent cells
      complicating their adaption due to insufficiently defined starting conditions.
      The protocol described here was initiated from a defined cell number of dispersed
      single cells and tested on three different human embryonic stem cell lines and
      one human induced pluripotent stem cell line. Combined activation of
      ActivinA/Nodal signaling and GSK3 inhibition for the first 24 h, followed by
      ActivinA/Nodal signaling efficiently induced the DE state. Activation of
      ActivinA/Nodal signaling alone was not effective. Efficient GSK3 inhibition
      allowed the reduction of the ActivinA concentration during the entire protocol. A
      feeder-independent cultivation of pluripotent cells was preferred to achieve the
      high efficiency and robustness since feeder cells hindered the differentiation
      process. Additionally, inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)
      signaling pathway was not required, nonetheless yielding high cell numbers
      efficiently committed toward the DE. Finally, the endoderm generated could be
      differentiated further into PDX1-positive pan-pancreatic cells and NGN3-positive
      endocrine progenitors. Thus, this efficient and robust DE differentiation
      protocol is a step forward toward better reproducibility due to the well-defined
      conditions based on dispersed single cells from feeder-free-cultivated human
      pluripotent cells.

PMID- 25137386
TI  - Associations between stroke mortality and weekend working by stroke specialist
      physicians and registered nurses: prospective multicentre cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Observational studies have reported higher mortality for patients
      admitted on weekends. It is not known whether this "weekend effect" is modified
      by clinical staffing levels on weekends. We aimed to test the hypotheses that
      rounds by stroke specialist physicians 7 d per week and the ratio of registered
      nurses to beds on weekends are associated with mortality after stroke. METHODS
      AND FINDINGS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 103 stroke units (SUs)
      in England. Data of 56,666 patients with stroke admitted between 1 June 2011 and
      1 December 2012 were extracted from a national register of stroke care in
      England. SU characteristics and staffing levels were derived from cross-sectional
      survey. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs)
      of 30-d post-admission mortality, adjusting for case mix, organisational,
      staffing, and care quality variables. After adjusting for confounders, there was
      no significant difference in mortality risk for patients admitted to a stroke
      service with stroke specialist physician rounds fewer than 7 d per week (adjusted
      HR [aHR] 1.04, 95% CI 0.91-1.18) compared to patients admitted to a service with
      rounds 7 d per week. There was a dose-response relationship between weekend
      nurse/bed ratios and mortality risk, with the highest risk of death observed in
      stroke services with the lowest nurse/bed ratios. In multivariable analysis,
      patients admitted on a weekend to a SU with 1.5 nurses/ten beds had an estimated
      adjusted 30-d mortality risk of 15.2% (aHR 1.18, 95% CI 1.07-1.29) compared to
      11.2% for patients admitted to a unit with 3.0 nurses/ten beds (aHR 0.85, 95% CI
      0.77-0.93), equivalent to one excess death per 25 admissions. The main limitation
      is the risk of confounding from unmeasured characteristics of stroke services.
      CONCLUSIONS: Mortality outcomes after stroke are associated with the intensity of
      weekend staffing by registered nurses but not 7-d/wk ward rounds by stroke
      specialist physicians. The findings have implications for quality improvement and
      resource allocation in stroke care. Please see later in the article for the
      Editors' Summary.

PMID- 25137389
TI  - Modulation of gephyrin-glycine receptor affinity by multivalency.
AB  - Gephyrin is a major determinant for the accumulation and anchoring of glycine
      receptors (GlyRs) and the majority of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors
      (GABAARs) at postsynaptic sites. Here we explored the interaction of gephyrin
      with a dimeric form of a GlyR beta-subunit receptor-derived peptide. A 2 A
      crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of gephyrin (GephE) in complex with a
      15-residue peptide derived from the GlyR beta-subunit defined the core binding
      site, which we targeted with the dimeric peptide. Biophysical analyses via
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermofluor, and isothermal titration
      calorimetry (ITC) demonstrated that this dimeric ligand is capable of binding
      simultaneously to two receptor binding sites and that this multivalency results
      in a 25-fold enhanced affinity. Our study therefore suggests that the oligomeric
      state of gephyrin and the number of gephyrin-binding subunits in the pentameric
      GABAARs and GlyRs together control postsynaptic receptor clustering. 

PMID- 25137390
TI  - Crystal structure of the mouse interleukin-3 beta-receptor: insights into
      interleukin-3 binding and receptor activation.
AB  - Interleukin-3 (IL-3) is a cytokine secreted by mast cells and activated T-cells
      known to be an important regulator of differentiation, survival, proliferation
      and activation of a range of haemopoietic lineages. The effects of IL-3 on target
      cells are mediated by a transmembrane receptor system composed of a cytokine
      specific alpha-subunit and a beta-subunit, the principal signalling entity. In
      the mouse, two beta-subunits have co-evolved: a common beta-subunit (betac)
      shared between IL-3 and the related cytokines IL-5 and granulocyte/macrophage
      colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF); and an IL-3-specific beta-subunit (betaIL-3).
      betaIL-3 differs from betac in its specificity for IL-3 and its capacity to bind
      IL-3 directly in the absence of an alpha-subunit, and, in the absence of
      structural information, the basis for these properties has remained enigmatic. In
      the present study, we have solved the crystal structure of the betaIL-3
      ectodomain at 3.45 A (1 A=0.1 nm) resolution. This structure provides the first
      evidence that betaIL-3 adopts an arch-shaped intertwined homodimer with similar
      topology to the paralogous betac structure. In contrast with apo-betac, however,
      the ligand-binding interface of betaIL-3 appears to pre-exist in a conformation
      receptive to IL-3 engagement. Molecular modelling of the IL-3-betaIL-3 interface,
      in conjunction with previous mutational studies, suggests that divergent
      evolution of both betaIL-3 and IL-3 underlies their unique capacity for direct
      interaction and specificity. 

PMID- 25137391
TI  - Composite-walled magnetic microcapsules at the water-toluene interface by ligand
      polymerization.
AB  - The liquid-liquid interface has been exploited as a platform for devising gold
      and iron oxide nanoparticle (NP)-decorated composite microcapsules (MCs) by cross
      linking between -OH groups of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) attached to the iron
      oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticle surface and starch attached to the gold (Au)
      nanoparticle surface in the presence of terephthaloyl chloride as a cross-linker.
      These nanoparticle-decorated capsules form a shell of both types of nanoparticles
      with water as the minor phase and toluene as the major phase. The morphology of
      these capsules has been characterized by optical, transmission, and scanning
      electron microscopy images, and the polymerization reaction has been established
      by UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopic studies. The magnetic behavior of the capsules
      has been illustrated by using an external magnetic field to tailor the magnetic
      control of the capsules. The encapsulated phase was impregnated with dye
      molecules of three different sizes, viz., fluorescein isothiocyanate and its
      dextran conjugates, to investigate the permeability of the capsule wall by
      fluorescence spectroscopy. Interestingly, the microcapsules exhibit size
      selective permeability across the capsule wall that points to their plausible
      applications in controlled encapsulation and release. 

PMID- 25137392
TI  - Estimating risks and relative risks in case-base studies under the assumptions of
      gene-environment independence and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
AB  - Many diseases result from the interactions between genes and the environment. An
      efficient method has been proposed for a case-control study to estimate the
      genetic and environmental main effects and their interactions, which exploits the
      assumptions of gene-environment independence and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. To
      estimate the absolute and relative risks, one needs to resort to an alternative
      design: the case-base study. In this paper, the authors show how to analyze a
      case-base study under the above dual assumptions. This approach is based on a
      conditional logistic regression of case-counterfactual controls matched data. It
      can be easily fitted with readily available statistical packages. When the dual
      assumptions are met, the method is approximately unbiased and has adequate
      coverage probabilities for confidence intervals. It also results in smaller
      variances and shorter confidence intervals as compared with a previous method for
      a case-base study which imposes neither assumption. 

PMID- 25137393
TI  - Dynamic analysis and pattern visualization of forest fires.
AB  - This paper analyses forest fires in the perspective of dynamical systems. Forest
      fires exhibit complex correlations in size, space and time, revealing features
      often present in complex systems, such as the absence of a characteristic length
      scale, or the emergence of long range correlations and persistent memory. This
      study addresses a public domain forest fires catalogue, containing information of
      events for Portugal, during the period from 1980 up to 2012. The data is analysed
      in an annual basis, modelling the occurrences as sequences of Dirac impulses with
      amplitude proportional to the burnt area. First, we consider mutual information
      to correlate annual patterns. We use visualization trees, generated by
      hierarchical clustering algorithms, in order to compare and to extract
      relationships among the data. Second, we adopt the Multidimensional Scaling (MDS)
      visualization tool. MDS generates maps where each object corresponds to a point.
      Objects that are perceived to be similar to each other are placed on the map
      forming clusters. The results are analysed in order to extract relationships
      among the data and to identify forest fire patterns. 

PMID- 25137395
TI  - Transformation of oxcarbazepine and human metabolites of carbamazepine and
      oxcarbazepine in wastewater treatment and sand filters.
AB  - Carbamazepine (CBZ) and oxcarbazepine (OXC) are widely used anticonvulsants that
      are extensively metabolized in the human body. The pharmaceuticals and their
      human metabolites are present in influents and effluents of wastewater treatment
      plants (WWTPs), in rivers and streams, and in drinking water. In this study, the
      biodegradation of OXC and its main human metabolite, 10-hydroxy-CBZ (10OHCBZ),
      and the main human metabolite of CBZ, 10,11-dihydro-10,11-dihydroxy-CBZ
      (DiOHCBZ), was investigated in contact with activated sludge from a wastewater
      treatment plant (WWTP) and sand filter material from a waterworks. The
      transformation of DiOHCBZ, 10OHCBZ, and OXC led to the formation of the following
      main TPs: 1-(2-benzoic acid)-(1H,3H)-quinazoline-2,4-dione (BaQD), 1-(2-benzoic
      acid)-(1H,3H)-quinazoline-2-one (BaQM), 9-aldehyde-acridine, 9-carboxylic acid
      acridine (9-CA-ADIN), hydroxyl 9-CA-ADIN, acridone (ADON), 11-keto-OXC, and 2,2'
      (carbamoylazanediyl)dibenzoic acid. TP formation could be explained by three
      proposed transformation pathways, including reactions such as oxidation, alpha
      ketol rearrangement, or benzylic acid rearrangement. The results highlight the
      fact that the TP abundances strongly depend on the concentrations spiked in the
      lab-scale experiments. BaQD, 9-CA-ADIN, and ADON were detected in WWTP effluents,
      rivers, and streams. 9-CA-ADIN was found at maximum concentrations in WWTP
      effluent and rivers up to 920 +/- 50 ng L(-1) and 304 +/- 26 ng L(-1),
      respectively. Even in drinking water, BaQD and 9-CA-ADIN were present at
      concentrations of 26 +/- 2 ng L(-1) and 189 +/- 3 ng L(-1), respectively. 

PMID- 25137394
TI  - KRAS genotypic changes of circulating tumor cells during treatment of patients
      with metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) could represent a non-invasive
      source of cancer cells used for longitudinal monitoring of the tumoral mutation
      status throughout the course of the disease. The aims of the present study were
      to investigate the detection of KRAS mutations in CTCs from patients with
      metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and to compare their mutation status during
      treatment or disease progression with that of the corresponding primary tumors.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Identification of the seven most common KRAS mutations on
      codons 12 and 13 was performed by Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA)-based qPCR method.
      The sensitivity of the assay was determined after isolation of KRAS mutant cancer
      cells spiked into healthy donors' blood, using the CellSearch Epithelial Cell
      kit. Consistent detection of KRAS mutations was achieved in samples containing at
      least 10 tumor cells/7.5 ml of blood. RESULTS: The clinical utility of the assay
      was assessed in 48 blood samples drawn from 31 patients with mCRC. All patients
      had PIK3CA and BRAF wild type primary tumors and 14 KRAS mutant tumors. CTCs were
      detected in 65% of specimens obtained from 74% of patients. KRAS mutation
      analysis in CTC-enriched specimens showed that 45% and 16.7% of patients with
      mutant and wild type primary tumors, respectively, had detectable mutations in
      their CTCs. Assessing KRAS mutations in serial blood samples revealed that
      individual patient's CTCs exhibited different mutational status of KRAS during
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings support the rationale for using the
      CTCs as a dynamic source of tumor cells which, by re-evaluating their KRAS
      mutation status, could predict, perhaps more accurately, the response of mCRC
      patients to targeted therapy.

PMID- 25137397
TI  - Considerations for assessment of reproductive and developmental toxicity of
      oligonucleotide-based therapeutics.
AB  - This white paper summarizes the current consensus of the Reproductive
      Subcommittee of the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group on strategies to assess
      potential reproductive and/or developmental toxicities of therapeutic
      oligonucleotides (ONs). The unique product characteristics of ONs require
      considerations when planning developmental and reproductive toxicology studies,
      including (a) chemical characteristics, (b) assessment of intended and unintended
      mechanism of action, and (c) the optimal exposure, including dosing regimen.
      Because experience across the various classes of ONs as defined by their chemical
      backbone is relatively limited, best practices cannot be defined. Rather, points
      to consider are provided to help in the design of science-based reproductive
      safety evaluation programs based upon product attributes. 

PMID- 25137398
TI  - CO2 deserts: implications of existing CO2 supply limitations for carbon
      management.
AB  - Efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change will require deep reductions in
      anthropogenic CO2 emissions on the scale of gigatonnes per year. CO2 capture and
      utilization and/or storage technologies are a class of approaches that can
      substantially reduce CO2 emissions. Even though examples of this approach, such
      as CO2-enhanced oil recovery, are already being practiced on a scale >0.05
      Gt/year, little attention has been focused on the supply of CO2 for these
      projects. Here, facility-scale data newly collected by the U.S. Environmental
      Protection Agency was processed to produce the first comprehensive map of CO2
      sources from industrial sectors currently supplying CO2 in the United States.
      Collectively these sources produce 0.16 Gt/year, but the data reveal the presence
      of large areas without access to CO2 at an industrially relevant scale (>25
      kt/year). Even though some facilities with the capability to capture CO2 are not
      doing so and in some regions pipeline networks are being built to link CO2
      sources and sinks, much of the country exists in "CO2 deserts". A life cycle
      analysis of the sources reveals that the predominant source of CO2, dedicated
      wells, has the largest carbon footprint further confounding prospects for
      rational carbon management strategies. 

PMID- 25137396
TI  - Wood smoke enhances cigarette smoke-induced inflammation by inducing the aryl
      hydrocarbon receptor repressor in airway epithelial cells.
AB  - Our previous studies showed that cigarette smokers who are exposed to wood smoke
      (WS) are at an increased risk for chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function.
      The present study was undertaken to determine the mechanisms for WS-induced
      adverse effects. We studied the effect of WS exposure using four cohorts of mice.
      C57Bl/6 mice were exposed for 4 or 12 weeks to filtered air, to 10 mg/m(3) WS for
      2 h/d, to 250 mg/m(3) cigarette smoke (CS) for 6 h/d, or to CS followed by WS
      (CW). Inflammation was absent in the filtered air and WS groups, but enhanced by
      twofold in the bronchoalveolar lavage of the CW compared with CS group as
      measured by neutrophil numbers and levels of the neutrophil chemoattractant,
      keratinocyte-derived chemokine. The levels of the anti-inflammatory lipoxin,
      lipoxin A4, were reduced by threefold along with cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 and
      microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1 in airway epithelial cells and PGE2
      levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage of CW compared with CS mice. We replicated,
      in primary human airway epithelial cells, the changes observed in mice.
      Immunoprecipitations showed that WS blocked the interaction of aryl hydrocarbon
      receptor (AHR) with AHR nuclear transporter to reduce expression of COX-2 and
      mPGES-1 by increasing expression of AHR repressor (AHRR). Collectively, these
      studies show that exposure to low concentrations of WS enhanced CS-induced
      inflammation by inducing AHRR expression to suppress AHR, COX-2, and mPGES-1
      expression, and levels of PGE2 and lipoxin A4. Therefore, AHRR is a potential
      therapeutic target for WS-associated exacerbations of CS-induced inflammation. 

PMID- 25137399
TI  - Optimal data systems: the future of clinical predictions and decision support.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of the review is to describe the evolving concept
      and role of data as it relates to clinical predictions and decision-making.
      RECENT FINDINGS: Critical care medicine is, as an especially data-rich specialty,
      becoming acutely cognizant not only of its historic deficits in data utilization
      but also of its enormous potential for capturing, mining, and leveraging such
      data into well-designed decision support modalities as well as the formulation of
      robust best practices. SUMMARY: Modern electronic medical records create an
      opportunity to design complete and functional data systems that can support
      clinical care to a degree never seen before. Such systems are often referred to
      as 'data-driven,' but a better term is 'optimal data systems' (ODS). Here we
      discuss basic features of an ODS and its benefits, including the potential to
      transform clinical prediction and decision support.

PMID- 25137400
TI  - A history of outcome prediction in the ICU.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There are few first-hand accounts that describe the history of
      outcome prediction in critical care. This review summarizes the authors' personal
      perspectives about the development and evolution of Acute Physiology and Chronic
      Health Evaluation over the past 35 years. RECENT FINDINGS: We emphasize what we
      have learned in the past and more recently our perspectives about the current
      status of outcome prediction, and speculate about the future of outcome
      prediction. SUMMARY: There is increasing evidence that superior accuracy in
      outcome prediction requires complex modeling with detailed adjustment for
      diagnosis and physiologic abnormalities. Thus, an automated electronic system is
      recommended for gathering data and generating predictions. Support, either public
      or private, is required to assist users and to update and improve models. Current
      outcome prediction models have increasingly focused on benchmarks for resource
      use, a trend that seems likely to increase in the future.

PMID- 25137401
TI  - ICU severity of illness scores: APACHE, SAPS and MPM.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to evaluate the latest versions of the Acute
      Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, Simplified Acute Physiology Score and
      Mortality Probability Model scores, make comparisons and describe their strengths
      and limitations. Additionally, we provide critical analysis and recommendations
      for the use of these scoring systems in different scenarios. RECENT FINDINGS: The
      last generation of ICU scoring systems (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health
      Evaluation IV, Mortality Probability Model 0-III (MPM0-III) and Simplified Acute
      Physiology Score 3) was widely validated in different regions of the world and in
      distinct settings comprising general ICU patients as well as specific subgroups
      such as critically ill cancer patients, cardiovascular, surgical, acute kidney
      injury requiring renal replacement therapy and those in need of extra-corporeal
      membrane oxygen. Conflicting results are reported, and in general the scores
      presented a good discrimination despite a worse calibration as compared with the
      ones described in the original studies that generated them. Nonetheless, such
      calibration is often improved when customizations are performed both at ICU and
      region or country level. SUMMARY: ICU scoring systems provide a valuable
      framework to characterize patients' severity of illness for the evaluation of ICU
      performance, for quality improvement initiatives and for benchmarking purposes.
      However, to ensure the best accuracy, constant updates as well as regional
      customizations are required.

PMID- 25137402
TI  - Is there still a role for low-dose dopamine use in acute heart failure?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a major health problem worldwide,
      with no proven therapy. Low-dose dopamine has been used in this entity to improve
      renal outcomes in the past decades. The aim of this article is to review the
      former and recent clinical trials about the use of low-dose dopamine in AHF.
      RECENT FINDINGS: The Dopamine in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure II study
      enrolled 161 patients with AHF and found no improvement in clinical outcomes with
      the addition of dopamine. Similarly, the Renal Optimization Strategies Evaluation
      in Acute Heart Failure trial, which included 360 patients with AHF and renal
      dysfunction, evaluated the efficacy of 72-h infusion of either low-dose
      nesiritide or low-dose dopamine versus placebo in addition to standardized
      diuretic treatment. No differences were found between both treatment groups and
      placebo with regard to the coprimary endpoints of cumulative urine volume and
      change from baseline in plasma cystatin C. SUMMARY: On the basis of the current
      data, there is no role for the routine use of low-dose dopamine in nonhypotensive
      patients with AHF. Further studies are needed to define the role of low-dose
      dopamine in patients with AHF and hypotension. Until the availability of more
      data, the use of dopamine in AHF should be individualized.

PMID- 25137403
TI  - Predicting outcome in critical care: past, present and future.

PMID- 25137404
TI  - (001) SrTiO3 | (001) MgO interface and oxygen-vacancy stability from first
      principles calculations.
AB  - In-depth understanding of interfacial atomistic structures is required to design
      heterointerfaces with controlled functionalities. Using density functional theory
      calculations, we investigate the interfacial structure of (001) SrTiO3 | (001)
      MgO, and characterize the stable interface structure. Among the four types of
      possible interface structures, we show that the TiO2-terminated SrTiO3 containing
      electrostatically attractive Mg-O and Ti-O ion-ion interactions forms the most
      stable interface. We also show that oxygen vacancies can be preferentially
      stabilized across the interface via manipulating interfacial strain. We elucidate
      that oxygen vacancies are most stable in the tensile-strain material, and
      unstable in compressive strain material. This stability is explained from
      equation-of-state analysis using a single crystal, where the oxygen vacancy shows
      a larger volume than the oxygen ion, thus explaining its stability under tensile
      strained conditions. 

PMID- 25137405
TI  - Label free detection of specific protein binding using a microwave sensor.
AB  - The specific binding of streptavidin to biotinylated protein A was demonstrated
      using a microwave detection system. In control experiments, the degree of non
      specific binding was negligible. The method of detection was used to monitor the
      adsorption of two other proteins, cytochrome c and glucose oxidase, on to the IDE
      microwave sensor surface. The response of the sensor was also examined on
      different substrate materials, with detection of protein binding observed
      obtained on both smooth, conductive (gold) and on rough, insulating
      (hydroxyapatite) surfaces. 

PMID- 25137406
TI  - R-134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane) Inhalation Induced Reactive Airways
      Dysfunction Syndrome.
AB  - R-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) is widely used as a refrigerant and as an
      aerosol propellant. Inhalation of R-134a can lead to asphyxia, transient
      confusion, and cardiac arrhythmias. We report a case of reactive airways
      dysfunction syndrome secondary to R-134a inhalation. A 60-year-old nonsmoking man
      without a history of lung disease was exposed to an air conditioner refrigerant
      spill while performing repairs beneath a school bus. Afterward, he experienced
      worsening shortness of breath with minimal exertion, a productive cough, and
      wheezing. He was also hypoxic. He was admitted to the hospital for further
      evaluation. Spirometry showed airflow obstruction with an FEV1 1.97 L (45%
      predicted). His respiratory status improved with bronchodilators and oral
      steroids. A repeat spirometry 2 weeks later showed improvement with an FEV1 2.5 L
      (60% predicted). Six months after the incident, his symptoms had improved, but he
      was still having shortness of breath on exertion and occasional cough. 

PMID- 25137407
TI  - Polyhydroxybutyrate-coated magnetic nanoparticles for doxorubicin delivery:
      cytotoxic effect against doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cell line.
AB  - In this study, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)
      were prepared by coprecipitation of iron salts (Fe and Fe) by ammonium hydroxide.
      Characterizations of PHB-coated MNPs were performed by Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, thermal gravimetric
      analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, and transmission electron microscopy
      analyses. Doxorubicin was loaded onto PHB-MNPs, and the release efficiencies at
      different pHs were studied under in vitro conditions. The most efficient drug
      loading concentration was found about 87% at room temperature in phosphate
      buffered saline (pH 7.2). The drug-loaded MNPs were stable up to 2 months in
      neutral pH for mimicking physiological conditions. The drug release studies were
      performed with acetate buffer (pH 4.5) that mimics endosomal pH. Doxorubicin
      (60%) released from PHB-MNPs within 65 hours. Doxorubicin-loaded PHB-MNPs were
      about 2.5-fold more cytotoxic as compared with free drug on resistant Michigan
      Cancer Foundation-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma, MCF-7) cell line (1 MUM
      doxorubicin) in vitro. Therefore, doxorubicin-loaded PHB-MNPs lead to overcome
      the drug resistance. 

PMID- 25137408
TI  - Nicotinic Acid and new-onset diabetes.

PMID- 25137409
TI  - Maternal plasma DNA testing: experience of women counseled at a prenatal
      diagnosis center.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the early introduction of circulating cell-free (ccf) DNA
      testing in a prenatal diagnosis center serving a statewide population. RESULTS: A
      retrospective chart review of patients at high aneuploidy risk counseled during
      the two 10-week periods that documents indication, risk, maternal age, insurance
      coverage, decisions, and reasoning behind that decision. Among the 299 included
      women, indication was advanced maternal age (17% with and 56% without an
      additional indication), positive serum screen (15%), and abnormal ultrasound
      (12%). Uptake increased from 10% to 17%, as did patient awareness of the test (4%
      to 14%). Women with lower copayments were more likely to complete testing (23%
      vs. 5%, p<0.001). Most women completing testing (75%) wanted to avoid an invasive
      procedure, while those declining cited testing would not change anything (47%),
      preferred diagnostic testing (16%), negative follow-up testing (20%), and
      cost/insurance issues (9%). One of 42 tests was positive (trisomy 21).
      CONCLUSIONS: Individual patient follow-up allows us to document ccfDNA-related
      patient decision-making. Nearly half of the women did not want further testing
      and one in seven preferred immediate diagnostic testing. Patient costs were a
      barrier to testing that, if avoided, could increase test uptake by 50% or more.

PMID- 25137410
TI  - AgONO-assisted direct C-H arylation of heteroarenes with anilines.
AB  - A novel copper-catalyzed C-H arylation of heteroarenes with anilines by an in
      situ diazonium reaction is established by using silver nitrite (AgONO) as an
      unconventional nitrosating reagent under acid-free conditions. It provides a
      complementary approach for the C-H arylation of electron-rich heteroarenes with
      aromatic amines affording a variety of heterobiaryls in moderate to good yields.

PMID- 25137411
TI  - Upregulated plasma and urinary levels of nucleosides as biological markers in the
      diagnosis of primary gallbladder cancer.
AB  - We first detected aberrant nucleoside levels in the plasma, urine, bile, and
      tissues from cases and controls to explore them as biomarkers in the diagnosis of
      gallbladder cancer. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography was
      used to assess the levels of ten nucleosides in these samples from gallbladder
      cancer patients, gallstone patients, and healthy controls. Plasma and urine
      samples were collected from patients with gallbladder cancer (n = 202), patients
      with gallstones (n = 203), and healthy controls (n = 205); bile and tissue
      samples were collected from 91 gallbladder cancer patients, 93 gallstone
      patients; and 90 were donated after cardiac death. Of the ten nucleosides
      analyzed, eight urinary nucleosides, five plasma nucleosides, three bile
      nucleosides, and one tissue nucleoside were significantly upregulated in the
      gallbladder cancer patients compared to control groups (p < 0.05). Among these
      upregulated nucleosides, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of urinary
      nucleosides in the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer patients were 89.4, 97.1, and
      95.7%, respectively, those of plasma nucleosides were 91.2, 95.6, and 94.2%,
      respectively, those of bile nucleosides were 95.3, 96.4, and 95.1%, respectively,
      and those of tissue nucleosides were 86.2, 93.8, and 92.6%, respectively. These
      results suggest that nucleosides may be as useful as biological markers for
      gallbladder cancer. 

PMID- 25137412
TI  - Classification algorithms for the identification of structural injury in TBI
      using brain electrical activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need for objective criteria adjunctive to standard
      clinical assessment of acute Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Details of the
      development of a quantitative index to identify structural brain injury based on
      brain electrical activity will be described. METHODS: Acute closed head injured
      and normal patients (n=1470) were recruited from 16 US Emergency Departments and
      evaluated using brain electrical activity (EEG) recorded from forehead
      electrodes. Patients had high GCS (median=15), and most presented with low
      suspicion of brain injury. Patients were divided into a CT positive (CT+) group
      and a group with CT negative findings or where CT scans were not ordered
      according to standard assessment (CT-/CT_NR). Three different classifier
      methodologies, Ensemble Harmony, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator
      (LASSO), and Genetic Algorithm (GA), were utilized. RESULTS: Similar performance
      accuracy was obtained for all three methodologies with an average
      sensitivity/specificity of 97.5%/59.5%, area under the curves (AUC) of 0.90 and
      average Negative Predictive Validity (NPV)>99%. Sensitivity was highest for CT+
      cases with potentially life threatening hematomas, where two of three classifiers
      were 100%. CONCLUSION: Similar performance of these classifiers suggests that the
      optimal separation of the populations was obtained given the overlap of the
      underlying distributions of features of brain activity. High sensitivity to CT+
      injuries (highest in hematomas) and specificity significantly higher than that
      obtained using ED guidelines for imaging, supports the enhanced clinical utility
      of this technology and suggests the potential role in the objective, rapid and
      more optimal triage of TBI patients.

PMID- 25137413
TI  - Induction of highly functional hepatocytes from human umbilical cord mesenchymal
      stem cells by HNF4alpha transduction.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the differentiation potential of human umbilical mesenchymal
      stem cells (HuMSCs) and the key factors that facilitate hepatic differentiation.
      METHODS: HuMSCs were induced to become hepatocyte-like cells according to a
      previously published protocol. The differentiation status of the hepatocyte-like
      cells was examined by observing the morphological changes under an inverted
      microscope and by immunofluorescence analysis. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha
      (HNF4alpha) overexpression was achieved by plasmid transfection of the hepatocyte
      like cells. The expression of proteins and genes of interest was then examined by
      Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or
      real-time RT-PCR methods. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that HuMSCs can
      easily be induced into hepatocyte-like cells using a published differentiation
      protocol. The overexpression of HNF4alpha in the induced HuMSCs significantly
      enhanced the expression levels of hepatic-specific proteins and genes. HNF4alpha
      overexpression may be associated with liver-enriched transcription factor
      networks and the Wnt/beta-Catenin pathway. CONCLUSION: The overexpression of
      HNF4alpha improves the hepatic differentiation of HuMSCs and is a simple way to
      improve cellular sources for clinical applications.

PMID- 25137414
TI  - Resting state functional connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex in
      veterans with and without post-traumatic stress disorder.
AB  - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that is associated
      with structural and functional alterations in several brain areas, including the
      anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Here, we examine resting state functional
      connectivity of ACC subdivisions in PTSD, using a seed-based approach. Resting
      state magnetic resonance images were obtained from male veterans with (n = 31)
      and without (n = 25) PTSD, and healthy male civilian controls (n = 25). Veterans
      with and without PTSD (combat controls) had reduced functional connectivity
      compared to healthy controls between the caudal ACC and the precentral gyrus, and
      between the perigenual ACC and the superior medial gyrus and middle temporal
      gyrus. Combat controls had increased connectivity between the rostral ACC and
      precentral/middle frontal gyrus compared to PTSD patients and healthy civilian
      controls. The resting state functional connectivity differences in the perigenual
      ACC network reported here indicate that veterans differ from healthy controls,
      potentially due to military training, deployment, and/or trauma exposure. In
      addition, specific alterations in the combat controls may potentially be related
      to resilience. These results underline the importance of distinguishing trauma
      exposed (combat) controls from healthy civilian controls when studying PTSD.

PMID- 25137415
TI  - A nationwide 2010-2012 analysis of U.S. health care utilization in inflammatory
      bowel diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implementation of the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) calls for a
      collaborative effort to transform the U.S. health care system toward patient
      centered and value-based care. To identify how specialty care can be improved, we
      mapped current U.S. health care utilization in patients with inflammatory bowel
      diseases (IBD) using a national insurance claims database. METHODS: We performed
      a cross-sectional study analyzing U.S. health care utilization in 964,633
      patients with IBD between 2010 and 2012 using insurance claims data, including
      pharmacy and medical claims. Frequency of IBD-related care utilization
      (medication, tests, and treatments) and their charges were evaluated.
      Subsequently, outcomes were put into the framework of current U.S. guidelines to
      identify areas of improvement. RESULTS: A disproportionate usage of
      aminosalicylates in Crohn's disease (42%), frequent corticosteroid use (46%, with
      9% long-term users), and low rates of corticosteroid-sparing drugs (thiopurines
      15%; methotrexate 2.7%) were observed. Markers for inflammatory activity, such as
      C-reactive protein or fecal calprotectin were not commonly used (8.8% and 0.13%,
      respectively). Although infrequently used (11%), anti-TNF antibody therapy
      represents a major part of observed IBD charges. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis shows
      2010-2012 utilization and medication patterns of IBD health care in the United
      States and suggests that improvement can be obtained through enhanced guidelines
      adherence.

PMID- 25137416
TI  - Disease course and management strategy of pouch neoplasia in patients with
      underlying inflammatory bowel diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the disease course and management strategy for pouch
      neoplasia. METHODS: Patients undergoing ileal pouch surgery for underlying
      ulcerative colitis who developed low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia,
      or adenocarcinoma in the pouch were identified. RESULTS: All eligible 44 patients
      were evaluated. Of the 22 patients with initial diagnosis of pouch LGD, 6 (27.3%)
      had persistence or progression after a median follow-up of 9.5 (4.1-17.6) years.
      Family history of colorectal cancer was shown to be a risk factor associated with
      persistence or progression of LGD (P = 0.03). Of the 12 patients with pouch high
      grade dysplasia, 5 (41.7%) had a history of (n = 2, 16.7%) or synchronous (n = 4,
      33.3%) pouch LGD. Pouch high-grade dysplasia either persisted or progressed in 3
      patients (25.0%) after the initial management, during a median time interval of
      5.4 (2.2-9.2) years. Of the 14 patients with pouch adenocarcinoma, 12 (85.7%) had
      a history of (n = 2, 14.3%) or synchronous dysplasia (n = 12, 85.7%). After a
      median follow-up of 2.1 (0.6-5.2) years, 6 patients with pouch cancer (42.9%)
      died. Comparison of patients with a final diagnosis of pouch adenocarcinoma (14,
      32.6%), and those with dysplasia (29, 67.4%) showed that patients with
      adenocarcinoma were older (P = 0.04) and had a longer duration from IBD diagnosis
      or pouch construction to the detection of pouch neoplasia (P = 0.007 and P =
      0.0013). CONCLUSIONS: The risk for progression of pouch dysplasia can be
      stratified. The presence of family history of colorectal cancer seemed to
      increase the risk for persistence or progression for patients with pouch LGD. The
      prognosis for pouch adenocarcinoma was poor.

PMID- 25137417
TI  - Barriers and facilitators to successful transition from pediatric to adult
      inflammatory bowel disease care from the perspectives of providers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For adolescents and young adults (AYA) with inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD), the transition from pediatric to adult care is often challenging
      and associated with gaps in care. Our study objectives were to (1) identify
      outcomes for evaluating transition success and (2) elicit the major barriers and
      facilitators of successful transition. METHODS: We interviewed pediatric and
      adult IBD providers from across the United States with experience caring for AYAs
      with IBD until thematic saturation was reached after 12 interviews. We elicited
      the participants' backgrounds, examples of successful and unsuccessful transition
      of AYAs for whom they cared, and recommendations for improving transition using
      the Social-Ecological Model of Adolescent and Young Adult Readiness to Transition
      framework. We coded interview transcripts using the constant comparative method
      and identified major themes. RESULTS: Participants reported evaluating transition
      success and failure using health care utilization outcomes (e.g., maintaining
      continuity with adult providers), health outcomes (e.g., stable symptoms), and
      quality of life outcomes (e.g., attending school). The patients' level of
      developmental maturity (i.e., ownership of care) was the most prominent
      determinant of transition outcomes. The style of parental involvement (i.e.,
      helicopter parent versus optimally involved parent) and the degree of support by
      providers (e.g., care coordination) also influenced outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: IBD
      transition success is influenced by a complex interplay of patient developmental
      maturity, parenting style, and provider support. Multidisciplinary IBD care teams
      should aim to optimize these factors for each patient to increase the likelihood
      of a smooth transfer to adult care.

PMID- 25137418
TI  - Assessment of histologic disease activity in Crohn's disease: a systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is an idiopathic, chronic, transmural
      inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Because mucosal involvement
      is near-universal, endoscopic healing has emerged as an important aspect in
      improving outcome. However, resolution of histologic disease activity has
      potential to convey additional benefit beyond that attained with endoscopic
      healing alone. Validated scoring systems of histologic disease activity are
      required to further assess this possibility. The aim of this study was to
      systematically review the existing histologic disease activity indices (HDAI) for
      CD and to assess their operating properties and potential use as outcome measures
      in clinical trials. METHODS: MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), PubMed, the Cochrane
      Library (CENTRAL), and Digestive Disease Week (DDW) abstracts were searched from
      1981 to April 2013 for applicable studies to identify relevant studies for review
      and analysis. RESULTS: In total, 3732 citations were screened to obtain 89
      articles for inclusion. Sixty-six HDAIs were characterized as either stepwise or
      numerical instruments. These HDAIs were used for either assessment of response to
      medical therapy or for comparison with biomarkers or imaging tests. None of the
      HDAIs identified was developed according to currently accepted methods for
      developing evaluative instruments, and none have been formally validated.
      CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of histologic disease activity has potential value in
      CD; however, no validated measures are available. Additional research is needed
      to develop a methodologically rigorous instrument for use in clinical
      investigation and potentially for clinical practice.

PMID- 25137421
TI  - Serum androgen levels in elite female athletes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prior to the implementation of the blood steroidal module of the
      Athlete Biological Passport, we measured the serum androgen levels among a large
      population of high-level female athletes as well as the prevalence of biochemical
      hyperandrogenism and some disorders of sex development (DSD). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: In 849 elite female athletes, serum T, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate,
      androstenedione, SHBG, and gonadotrophins were measured by liquid chromatography
      mass spectrometry high resolution or immunoassay. Free T was calculated. The
      sampling hour, age, and type of athletic event only had a small influence on T
      concentration, whereas ethnicity had not. Among the 85.5% that did not use oral
      contraceptives, 168 of 717 athletes were oligo- or amenorrhoic. The oral
      contraceptive users showed the lowest serum androgen and gonadotrophin and the
      highest SHBG concentrations. After having removed five doped athletes and five
      DSD women from our population, median T and free T values were close to those
      reported in sedentary young women. The 99th percentile for T concentration was
      calculated at 3.08 nmol/L, which is below the 10 nmol/L threshold used for
      competition eligibility of hyperandrogenic women with normal androgen
      sensitivity. Prevalence of hyperandrogenic 46 XY DSD in our athletic population
      is approximately 7 per 1000, which is 140 times higher than expected in the
      general population. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to establish normative
      serum androgens values in elite female athletes, while taking into account the
      possible influence of menstrual status, oral contraceptive use, type of athletic
      event, and ethnicity. These findings should help to develop the blood steroidal
      module of the Athlete Biological Passport and to refine more evidence-based fair
      policies and recommendations concerning hyperandrogenism in female athletes.

PMID- 25137423
TI  - Elevated FGF21 leads to attenuated postnatal linear growth in preterm infants
      through GH resistance in chondrocytes.
AB  - CONTEXT: The hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key metabolic
      regulator in the adaptation to fasting. In food-restricted mice, inhibition of
      skeletal growth is mediated by the antagonistic effect of FGF21 on GH action in
      the liver and growth plate. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess
      the role of FGF21 in growth regulation in humans using postnatal growth failure
      of very preterm infants as a model. DESIGN: FGF21 levels were measured serially
      in very preterm infants, and their linear growth evaluated from birth to term
      equivalent age. Primary chondrocytes obtained from pediatric donors were used to
      test whether FGF21 can directly interfere with GH signaling. RESULTS: A negative
      association (beta -.415, P < .005, linear regression model) of FGF21 levels with
      the change in SD score for length was found. In primary chondrocytes, FGF21
      upregulated basal and GH-induced SOCS2 expression and inhibited GH-induced signal
      transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) phosphorylation as well as GH
      induced COLII and ALP expression. Finally, FGF21 inhibited GH-induced IGF-1
      expression and cell proliferation, indicating GH resistance. However, FGF21 did
      not affect IGF-1-induced cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated FGF21 serum
      levels during the first weeks of life are independently associated with postnatal
      growth failure in preterm infants. Furthermore, our data provide mechanistic
      insights into GH resistance secondary to prematurity and may offer an explanation
      for the growth failure commonly seen in chronic conditions of childhood.

PMID- 25137422
TI  - Parathyroid hormone 1-84 alters circulating vascular endothelial growth factor
      levels in hypoparathyroidism.
AB  - CONTEXT: We previously reported on four patients treated with PTH(1-84) who
      recovered from postoperative hypoparathyroidism many years after onset. Because
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to be necessary for the
      induction of PTH-mediated angiogenesis, we postulated a possible role for VEGF in
      the recovery of parathyroid function in these subjects. OBJECTIVE: Our objective
      was to measure VEGF levels in subjects with hypoparathyroidism who regained
      parathyroid gland function and matched controls. SETTING AND DESIGN: Subjects
      with hypoparathyroidism who regained parathyroid gland function were each matched
      to two hypoparathyroid controls by postoperative etiology, age (within 5 y),
      menopausal status, and duration of hypoparathyroidism. We measured serum VEGF
      levels at baseline and through 48 months of PTH(1-84) therapy. RESULTS: VEGF
      levels increased after the initiation of PTH(1-84) therapy for the entire cohort,
      from 309.7 +/- 162 pg/ml at baseline to 380.2 +/- 178 pg/ml at 12 months (P =
      .03). Levels trended downward thereafter. There were no significant differences
      in VEGF levels between the subjects with recovery of parathyroid function and the
      matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: PTH(1-84) alters serum VEGF levels in subjects
      with hypoparathyroidism. Additional investigation is necessary to understand the
      mechanisms by which some subjects with postoperative hypoparathyroidism recover
      parathyroid gland function.

PMID- 25137420
TI  - Genetic risk score for prediction of newborn adiposity and large-for-gestational
      age birth.
AB  - CONTEXT: Macrosomic infants are at increased risk for adverse metabolic outcomes.
      Improving prediction of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) birth may help prevent
      these outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine whether genes
      associated with obesity-related traits in adults are associated with newborn
      size, and whether a genetic risk score (GRS) predicts LGA birth. SETTING AND
      DESIGN: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 40 regions associated with
      adult obesity-related traits were tested for association with newborn size. GRS's
      for birth weight and sum of skinfolds (SSF) specific to ancestry were calculated
      using the most highly associated SNP for each ancestry in genomic regions with
      one or more SNPs associated with birth weight and/or SSF in at least one ancestry
      group or meta-analyses. PARTICIPANTS: Newborns from the Hyperglycemia Adverse
      Pregnancy Outcomes Study were studied (942 Afro-Caribbean, 1294 Northern
      European, 573 Mexican-American, and 1182 Thai). OUTCOME MEASURES: Birth weight
      >90th percentile (LGA) and newborn SSF >90th percentile were primary outcomes.
      RESULTS: After adjustment for ancestry, sex, gestational age at delivery, parity,
      maternal genotype, maternal smoking/alcohol intake, age, body mass index, height,
      blood pressure and glucose, 25 and 23 SNPs were associated (P < .001) with birth
      weight and newborn SSF, respectively. The GRS was highly associated with both
      phenotypes as continuous variables across all ancestries (P <= 1.6 * 10(-19)) and
      improved prediction of birth weight and SSF >90th percentile when added to a
      baseline model incorporating the covariates listed above. CONCLUSIONS: A GRS
      comprised of SNPs associated with adult obesity-related traits may provide an
      approach for predicting LGA birth and newborn adiposity beyond established risk
      factors.

PMID- 25137424
TI  - Intra-tissue steroid profiling indicates differential progesterone and
      testosterone metabolism in the endometrium and endometriosis lesions.
AB  - CONTEXT: Aberrant sex steroid signaling is suggested to promote endometriosis
      growth by several mechanisms, and the tissue concentrations of sex steroids are
      key determinants of the hormone action. However, their concentrations are only
      superficially known in the endometrium and endometriosis lesions. OBJECTIVE: This
      study sought to evaluate whether the tissue steroid hormone concentrations in
      endometriosis differ from the endometrium or serum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Steroid analysis of serum and tissue specimens of women with endometriosis (n =
      60) and healthy controls (n=16) was measured, and supporting data from
      quantitative RT-PCR for steroidogenic enzymes and explant cultures of a subset of
      specimens is provided. RESULTS: Endometrial tissue progesterone (P4)
      concentrations reflected the serum P4 levels during the menstrual cycle, whereas
      in endometriosis lesions, the cycle-dependent change was missing. Remarkably high
      tissue T concentrations were measured in endometriosis lesions independent of the
      cycle phase, being 5-19 times higher than the corresponding serum levels.
      Tissue/serum ratio of T was further increased in patients with contraceptive
      medication. The altered tissue steroid concentrations in endometriosis were in
      line with the expression of various steroidogenic enzymes in the lesions, of
      which HSD3B2 showed constantly high expression, whereas CYP11A1 expression was
      low. Furthermore, the high concentration of sex steroids detected in the ovarian
      lesions involves their production by the lesion and by the adjacent ovarian
      tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Endometriosis lesions present with progestin and androgen
      metabolism, which are different from that of the endometrium, and the lesions are
      characterized by high tissue T and a loss of cyclical changes in tissue P4
      concentration.

PMID- 25137425
TI  - No improvement of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) vasorelaxant effect despite
      increase in HDL cholesterol concentration in type 2 diabetic patients treated
      with glitazones.
AB  - CONTEXT: High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) from type 2 diabetic patients are
      unable to counteract the inhibitory effect of oxidized low-density lipoproteins
      (ox-LDLs) on vasorelaxation. We hypothesized that glitazones, which improve
      glycemic control and dyslipidemia, could correct this abnormality. OBJECTIVES AND
      DESIGN: We compared the ability of HDL from controls (n = 12) and from type 2
      diabetic patients before and after 6 months of treatment with either
      rosiglitazone (n = 11) or pioglitazone (n = 8) to counteract the inhibitory
      effect of ox-LDL on vasodilatation of rabbit aorta rings. RESULTS: Rosiglitazone
      induced a decrease in hemoglobin A1c (7.7% +/- 1.1% vs 9.8% +/- 1.0%, P = .003)
      and an increase in HDL cholesterol (1.14 +/- 0.32 vs 0.98 +/- 0.24 mmol/L, P =
      .033). Pioglitazone induced a decrease in hemoglobin A1c (8.3% +/- 2.5% vs 9.5%
      +/- 3.2%, P = .068) and serum triglycerides (1.58 +/- 0.89 vs 2.03 +/- 0.70
      mmol/L, P = .069) and an increase in HDL cholesterol (1.39 +/- 0.22 vs 1.14 +/-
      0.22 mmol/L, P = .018). The triglyceride content of HDL was unchanged by
      rosiglitazone and was decreased by 25% (P = .068) by pioglitazone. HDL from
      controls counteracted the inhibitory effect of ox-LDL on vasodilatation (maximal
      relaxation [Emax] = 74.4% +/- 3.5% vs 51.9% +/- 3.3%, P = .0029), whereas HDL
      from type 2 diabetic patients did not (Emax = 51.7% +/- 5.8% vs 52.3% +/- 4.6% [P
      = .66] and 52.7% +/- 5.5% vs 51.9% +/- 4.5% [P = .78] for the rosiglitazone and
      pioglitazone group, respectively). Rosiglitazone or pioglitazone did not improve
      Emax (58.6% +/- 5.9% vs 52.3% +/- 4.6% [P = .15] and 49.3% +/- 6.5% vs 51.9% +/-
      4.5% [P = .48], respectively). CONCLUSION: Glitazones increased the concentration
      of HDL cholesterol without restoring the ability of HDL particles to protect the
      endothelium from oxidative stress-induced dysfunction, meaning that HDL remained
      dysfunctional with impaired antiatherogenic properties.

PMID- 25137426
TI  - Comprehensive next-generation sequencing analyses of hypoparathyroidism:
      identification of novel GCM2 mutations.
AB  - CONTEXT: In most patients with hypoparathyroidism (HP), the etiology is not
      defined clinically. Eight genes (AIRE, CASR, CLDN16, GATA3, GCM2, PTH, TBCE, and
      TRPM6) are known to be responsible genes associated with HP; however, no previous
      study has screened the eight responsible genes comprehensively in HP patients.
      OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the genetic defect in HP
      patients. We also described clinical and molecular findings of two HP patients
      with novel GCM2 mutations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 20 nonconsanguineous
      Japanese patients with child-onset permanent HP without 22q11 deletion. Mutations
      and genomic rearrangements involving the eight genes were screened by targeted
      next-generation sequencing (NGS). We also screened genetic rearrangements by
      array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) in the mutation-negative patients.
      A putative deletion, which was suspected by NGS, was additionally analyzed by
      droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and junction PCR. Identified novel nucleotide-level
      GCM2 mutants were characterized in vitro. RESULTS: We identified seven patients
      with a single gene disorder, including a CASR mutation, GATA3 mutations, and
      novel GCM2 mutations (R367Tfs*15, T370M, and the deletion encompassing exon 1).
      This submicroscopic deletion, which had been suspected by NGS, could not be
      detected by aCGH and was confirmed by ddPCR and junction PCR. Functional studies
      of R367Tfs*- and T370M-GCM2 demonstrated a reduction of target gene
      transactivation in both. CONCLUSIONS: Using comprehensive NGS analyses, we
      identified the genetic defect in 35% of HP patients in our cohort and discovered
      novel GCM2 mutations including submicroscopic deletion that was undetectable by
      aCGH.

PMID- 25137429
TI  - Impact factor for 2013.

PMID- 25137428
TI  - Letrozole vs anastrozole for height augmentation in short pubertal males: first
      year data.
AB  - CONTEXT: Aromatase inhibitors are used off-label to treat short stature in
      peripubertal boys. OBJECTIVE: To investigate short- and long-term hormonal and
      auxologic differences in short pubertal boys treated with letrozole (L) or
      anastrozole (A). DESIGN: PATIENTS are seen for laboratory evaluation and physical
      examination every 6 months, bone age yearly, DEXA and spine film every 2 years.
      They will be followed until they reach their final height. This is a preliminary
      report after 1 year of treatment. SETTING: A single academic children's hospital
      outpatient clinic. PATIENTS: Boys with age >10 years, bone age <= 14 years,
      clinical and hormonal evidence of central puberty, and either height < fifth
      percentile or predicted adult height (PAH) more than 10 cm below mid-parental
      height (MPH). INTERVENTION: Letrozole (2.5 mg) or anastrozole (1 mg) was
      administered orally each day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hormonal and clinical
      parameters, growth velocity, and change in bone age and PAH. RESULTS: Thirty-nine
      boys have completed 1 year of treatment. Baseline means were age 14.1 years, PAH
      166 cm, and testosterone 198 ng/dL. At 1 year, letrozole resulted in higher LH (L
      6.1 +/- 2.5 vs A 3.2 +/- 1.7 IU/L) and testosterone (1038 +/- 348 vs 536 +/- 216
      ng/dL) with lower estradiol (2.8 +/- 2.8 vs 5.6 +/- 2.9 pg/mL) and IGF-1 (237 +/-
      51 vs 331 +/- 79 ng/mL). First year growth velocities were identical (7.2
      cm/year), but an increase in PAH was greater in the anastrozole group (4.2 +/-
      3.5 vs 1.4 +/- 4.4 cm, p = 0.03) after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: We present first-year
      data from a direct comparison of anastrozole and letrozole for height
      augmentation in short pubertal boys. Letrozole was more potent in hormonal
      manipulation than anastrozole. First-year growth velocities were comparable, but
      improvement in PAH was greater in the anastrozole group. It remains to be seen if
      positive PAH trends will translate to increase in final height in either group.

PMID- 25137427
TI  - Prospective study of surgical treatment of acromegaly: effects on ghrelin,
      weight, adiposity, and markers of CV risk.
AB  - CONTEXT: Although epidemiological studies have found that GH and IGF-1
      normalization reduce the excess mortality of active acromegaly to expected rates,
      cross-sectional data report some cardiovascular (CV) risk markers to be less
      favorable in remission than active acromegaly. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the
      study was to test the hypothesis that remission of acromegaly after surgical
      therapy increases weight and adiposity and some CV risk markers and these changes
      are paralleled by a rise in ghrelin. DESIGN: Forty-two adults with untreated,
      active acromegaly were studied prospectively. Changes in outcome measures from
      before to after surgery were assessed in 26 subjects achieving remission (normal
      IGF-1) and 16 with persistent active acromegaly (elevated IGF-1) after surgery.
      SETTING: The study was conducted at tertiary referral centers for pituitary
      tumors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Endocrine, metabolic, and CV risk parameters,
      anthropometrics, and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were
      measured. RESULTS: Remission increased total ghrelin, body weight, waist
      circumference, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, high-density lipoprotein, and
      leptin and reduced systolic blood pressure, homeostasis model assessment score,
      triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a) by 6 months and for 32 +/- 4 months after
      surgery. The ghrelin rise correlated with the fall in the levels of GH, IGF-1,
      and insulin and insulin resistance. Weight, waist circumference, and ghrelin did
      not increase significantly in the persistent active acromegaly group. Total body
      fat, trunk fat, and perentage total body fat increased by 1 year after surgery in
      15 remission subjects: the increase in body fat correlated with the rise in total
      ghrelin. CONCLUSIONS: Although most markers of CV risk improve with acromegaly
      remission after surgery, some markers and adiposity increase and are paralleled
      by a rise in total ghrelin, suggesting that these changes may be related.
      Understanding the mechanisms and long-term implications of the changes that
      accompany treatment of acromegaly is important to optimizing management because
      some aspects of the postoperative profile associate with the increased metabolic
      and CV risk in other populations.

PMID- 25137430
TI  - The effect of dexmedetomidine on intraocular pressure increase in patients during
      robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the steep Trendelenburg
      position.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative continuous
      infusion of dexmedetomidine on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients undergoing
      robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) in the steep
      Trendelenburg (ST). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight patients were randomly
      divided into two groups. The dexmedetomidine group (Group D, n=34) received a
      continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine at a rate of 0.4 MUg kg(-1) hour(-1) from
      the induction of anesthesia until the end of the ST position, while the control
      group (Group C, n=34) received an equal volume of physiologic saline at the same
      rate under conventional general anesthesia with sevoflurane and remifentanil. IOP
      was measured at 11 predefined time points for all patients. RESULTS: Significant
      differences in IOP were detected between the two groups by a linear mixed model
      analysis (p<0.001). The highest mean IOP was 19.9+/-5.0 mm Hg in Group D and
      25.7+/-5.0 mm Hg in Group C; both were measured 60 minutes after the patients had
      been placed in the ST position. No significant between-group differences in
      ocular perfusion pressure, mean blood pressure, or heart rate were observed
      between the two groups. No ocular or other complications were noted. CONCLUSION:
      Intraoperative continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine may help alleviate IOP
      increase in patients undergoing RALRP in the ST position.

PMID- 25137431
TI  - Correction of the deviated septum: from ancient Egypt to the endoscopic era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obstructed nasal breathing can occur due to deviation of the nasal
      septum. When the external nose appears grossly normal and cosmesis is not the
      focus, septoplasty has been the procedure used to straighten the septum with the
      goal of improving nasal airflow. Septoplasty has evolved over time. METHODS: A
      historical literature review was conducted to look for primary source journal
      articles and medical conferences proccedings addressing the evolution of the
      septoplasty procedure. RESULTS: Early techniques involved forcible fractures and
      splinting. Submucous resection was the first major advancement in surgical
      technique. Once the complications resulting from this technique were observed, it
      was subsequently revised with attempts to better address the caudal septal
      deviation. Attention was then turned to better incorporating the role surrounding
      support structures, such as the upper lateral cartilages. The premaxilla-maxilla
      approach attempted to address the overall nasal structure to best improve nasal
      breathing. The advent of endoscopic technique has been the most recent shift in
      surgical technique with improved visualization allowing for targeted septoplasty
      and reoperation on complicated cases including pituitary and skull base surgery.
      CONCLUSION: This paper discusses the evolution of septoplasty techniques over
      time from the initial undertakings of the ancient Egyptians to the modern-day
      septoplasty. While the principles behind septoplasty have remained much the same,
      experience has allowed for refinement of surgical technique. No doubt new
      instrumentations and innovations will further help to tailor the practice of
      septoplasty to the anatomy and functional needs of each individual patient.

PMID- 25137433
TI  - Enhanced electrochemical methanation of carbon dioxide with a dispersible
      nanoscale copper catalyst.
AB  - Although the vast majority of hydrocarbon fuels and products are presently
      derived from petroleum, there is much interest in the development of routes for
      synthesizing these same products by hydrogenating CO2. The simplest hydrocarbon
      target is methane, which can utilize existing infrastructure for natural gas
      storage, distribution, and consumption. Electrochemical methods for methanizing
      CO2 currently suffer from a combination of low activities and poor selectivities.
      We demonstrate that copper nanoparticles supported on glassy carbon (n-Cu/C)
      achieve up to 4 times greater methanation current densities compared to high
      purity copper foil electrodes. The n-Cu/C electrocatalyst also exhibits an
      average Faradaic efficiency for methanation of 80% during extended electrolysis,
      the highest Faradaic efficiency for room-temperature methanation reported to
      date. We find that the level of copper catalyst loading on the glassy carbon
      support has an enormous impact on the morphology of the copper under catalytic
      conditions and the resulting Faradaic efficiency for methane. The improved
      activity and Faradaic efficiency for methanation involves a mechanism that is
      distinct from what is generally thought to occur on copper foils. Electrochemical
      data indicate that the early steps of methanation on n-Cu/C involve a pre
      equilibrium one-electron transfer to CO2 to form an adsorbed radical, followed by
      a rate-limiting non-electrochemical step in which the adsorbed CO2 radical reacts
      with a second CO2 molecule from solution. These nanoscale copper electrocatalysts
      represent a first step toward the preparation of practical methanation catalysts
      that can be incorporated into membrane-electrode assemblies in electrolyzers. 

PMID- 25137434
TI  - Development of nanodroplets for histotripsy-mediated cell ablation.
AB  - This report describes the synthesis of amphiphilic copolymers (ABC-1 and ABC-2)
      composed of a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block, a central
      poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) block, and a random copolymer of heptadecafluorodecyl
      methacrylate (HDFMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) forming the hydrophobic block,
      which are used to form nanodroplets for ultrasound-mediated cell ablation.
      Specifically, the effect of molecular weight of PEG and P(HDFMA-co-MMA) blocks on
      polymer's ability to self-assemble around a variable amount (0%, 1%, and 2% v/v)
      of perfluoropentane (PFP) forming nanodroplets is investigated. The ability of
      different nanodroplets formulations embedded with a monolayer of red blood cells
      (RBCs) in tissue-mimicking agarose phantoms to initiate and sustain a bubble
      cloud in response to ultrasound treatments with different acoustic pressures and
      the associated ablation of RBCs were also investigated. Results show that ABC-1
      polymer composed of a 2 kDa PEG block and a 6.7 kDa P(HDFMA-co-MMA) block better
      encapsulate the PFP core compared to ABC-2 polymer composed of a 5 kDa PEG block
      and 11.4 kDa P(HDFMA-co-MMA) block. Further, the ablative capacity indicated by
      the damage area in the RBCs monolayer increased with the increase in PFP content
      and reached its maximum with the nanodroplets formulated using ABC-1 polymer and
      encapsulating 2% v/v PFP. The nanodroplets formulated using ABC-1 polymer and
      loaded with 2% PFP produced the cavitation cloud and exhibited their ablative
      effect at an acoustic pressure that is 2.5-fold lower than the acoustic pressure
      needed to generate the same effect using a histotripsy (ultrasound) pulse alone,
      which indicates the ability of these nanodroplets to achieve targeted and self
      limiting fractionation of disease cells while sparing neighboring healthy ones.
      Results also show that effective nanodroplets maintained their size and
      concentration upon incubation with bovine serum albumin at 37  degrees C for 24
      h, which indicates their stability in physiologic conditions and their promise
      for in vivo cancer cell ablation. 

PMID- 25137437
TI  - Understanding solvation in the low global warming hydrofluoroolefin HFO-1234ze
      propellant.
AB  - Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), with zero ozone-depleting effect and very low global
      warming potential, are considered to be the next-generation high-pressure working
      fluids. They have industrial relevance in areas including refrigeration and
      medical aerosols. One major challenge expected in the replacement of existing
      working fluids with HFOs is the solubility and solvation of additives in such
      hydrophobic and oleophobic low dielectric semifluorinated solvents. The study of
      the solvation of chemistries that represent those additives by HFOs is,
      therefore, of great relevance. In this work, we systematically investigate how
      the polarity and structure of fragments (the tail, t) that represent those
      additives affect their binding energy (Eb) with HFO-1234ze (1,1,1,3
      tetrafluoropropene) (the solvent, s; Eb(st)). We also compare and contrast those
      results with those for the working fluids that are most widely used in the
      industry, the hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) HFA-134a and HFA-227. Three main
      chemistries were investigated: alkanes, ethers, and esters. It was found that HFO
      1234ze interacts quite favorably with ethers and esters, as indicated by their
      Eb(st), while Eb(st) with alkanes was much lower. While ether and ester groups
      showed little difference in Eb(st), the much lower self-interaction energy
      between ether tail-tail fragments (Eb(tt)) is expected to result in improved
      solubility/solvation of those groups in HFO-1234ze when compared with the more
      polar ester groups. The ratio Eb(st)/Eb(tt) is defined as the enhancement factor
      (Eenh) and is expected to be a better predictor of solubility/solvation of the
      tail fragments. The branching of the tail groups upon the addition of pendant CH3
      groups did not significantly affect the solvation by the propellant. At low
      branching density (one CH3 pendant group), it did not affect tail-tail self
      interaction either. However, at high enough branching (two CH3 groups), steric
      hindrance caused a significant decrease in Eb(tt) and thus an increase in Eenh,
      suggesting that branching may be used as a strategy to enhance solvation in HFO
      propellants. Finally, the solvation behavior of HFO-1234ze was found to be
      similar to that of HFA-134a, thus suggesting similar considerations may apply for
      both propellants, when solvation properties are of a concern to the application. 

PMID- 25137438
TI  - Triethylborane-initiated radical chain fluorination: a synthetic method derived
      from mechanistic insight.
AB  - We offer a mild, metal-free sp(3) C-H fluorination alternative using Selectfluor
      and a substoichiometric amount of triethylborane--an established radical
      initiator in the presence of O2. This radical-chain-based synthetic method is
      particularly noteworthy as an offspring of the insight gained from a mechanistic
      study of copper-promoted aliphatic fluorination, constructively turning O2 from
      an enemy to an ally. Furthermore, BEt3/O2 is a preferred initiator in industrial
      processes, as it is economical, is low in toxicity, and lends way to easier
      workup.

PMID- 25137436
TI  - Effects of nanopillar array diameter and spacing on cancer cell capture and cell
      behaviors.
AB  - While substrates with nanopillars (NPs) have emerged as promising platforms for
      isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), the influence of diameter and
      spacing of NPs on CTC capture is still unclear. In this paper, CTC-capture yield
      and cell behaviors have been investigated by using antibody functionalized NPs of
      various diameters (120-1100 nm) and spacings (35-800 nm). The results show a
      linear relationship between the cell capture yield and effective contact area of
      NP substrates where a NP array of small diameter and reasonable spacing is
      preferred; however, spacing that is too small or too large adversely impairs the
      capture efficiency and specificity, respectively. In addition, the formation of
      pseudopodia between captured cells and the substrate is found to be dependent not
      only on cell adhesion status but also on elution strength and shear direction.
      These findings provide essential guidance in designing NP substrates for more
      efficient capture of CTCs and manipulation of cytomorphology in future. 

PMID- 25137435
TI  - Evidence that the C-terminal domain of a type B PutA protein contributes to
      aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and substrate channeling.
AB  - Proline utilization A (PutA) is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the
      oxidation of proline to glutamate. Structures of type A PutAs have revealed the
      catalytic core consisting of proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Delta(1)-pyrroline
      5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH) modules connected by a substrate-channeling
      tunnel. Type B PutAs also have a C-terminal domain of unknown function (CTDUF)
      that is absent in type A PutAs. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), mutagenesis,
      and kinetics are used to determine the contributions of this domain to PutA
      structure and function. The 1127-residue Rhodobacter capsulatus PutA (RcPutA) is
      used as a representative CTDUF-containing type B PutA. The reaction progress
      curve for the coupled PRODH-P5CDH activity of RcPutA does not exhibit a time lag,
      implying a substrate channeling mechanism. RcPutA is monomeric in solution, which
      is unprecedented for PutAs. SAXS rigid body modeling with target-decoy validation
      is used to build a model of RcPutA. On the basis of homology to aldehyde
      dehydrogenases (ALDHs), the CTDUF is predicted to consist of a beta-hairpin fused
      to a noncatalytic Rossmann fold domain. The predicted tertiary structural
      interactions of the CTDUF resemble the quaternary structural interactions in the
      type A PutA dimer interface. The model is tested by mutagenesis of the
      dimerization hairpin of a type A PutA and the CTDUF hairpin of RcPutA. Similar
      functional phenotypes are observed in the two sets of variants, supporting the
      hypothesis that the CTDUF mimics the type A PutA dimer interface. These results
      suggest annotation of the CTDUF as an ALDH superfamily domain that facilitates
      P5CDH activity and substrate channeling by stabilizing the aldehyde-binding site
      and sealing the substrate-channeling tunnel from the bulk medium. 

PMID- 25137439
TI  - Fabrication of Si/ZnS radial nanowire heterojunction arrays for white light
      emitting devices on Si substrates.
AB  - Well-separated Si/ZnS radial nanowire heterojunction-based light-emitting devices
      have been fabricated on large-area substrates by depositing n-ZnS film on p-type
      nanoporous Si nanowire templates. Vertically oriented porous Si nanowires on p-Si
      substrates have been grown by metal-assisted chemical etching catalyzed using Au
      nanoparticles. Isolated Si nanowires with needle-shaped arrays have been made by
      KOH treatment before ZnS deposition. Electrically driven efficient white light
      emission from radial heterojunction arrays has been achieved under a low forward
      bias condition. The observed white light emission is attributed to blue and green
      emission from the defect-related radiative transition of ZnS and Si/ZnS
      interface, respectively, while the red arises from the porous surface of the Si
      nanowire core. The observed white light emission from the Si/ZnS nanowire
      heterojunction could open up the new possibility to integrate Si-based optical
      sources on a large scale. 

PMID- 25137440
TI  - A simple validated RP-HPLC bioanalytical method for the quantitative
      determination of a novel valproic acid arylamide derivative in rat hepatic
      microsomes.
AB  - A simple and specific bioanalytical method based on reversed-phase high
      performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled with ultraviolet detection
      was developed and validated for the determination of a novel valproic acid
      arylamide, N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propylpentanamide (HO-AAVPA) in rat hepatic
      microsomes (a subcellular fraction containing phase I enzymes, especially
      cytochrome P450). The chromatographic separation was achieved using a reversed
      phase Zorbax SB-C18 column and a mobile phase of acetic acid in water (0.2% v/v)
      and acetonitrile (40:60 v/v) with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The calibration
      curve was linear over the range of 882-7060 ng/mL (r(2)  = 0.9987), and the lower
      limit of quantification and the lower limit of determination were found to be 882
      and 127.99 ng/mL, respectively. The method was validated with excellent
      sensitivity, and intra-day accuracy and precision varied from 93.79 to 93.12%,
      and from 2.12 to 4.36%, respectively. The inter-day accuracy and precision ranged
      from 93.29 to 97.30% and from 0.68 to 3.60%, respectively. The recovery of HO
      AAVPA was measured between 91.36 and 97.98%. The assay was successfully applied
      to the analysis of kinetic metabolism and pharmacokinetic parameters in vitro by
      a substrate depletion approach.

PMID- 25137441
TI  - Syntheses of two vanadium oxide-fluoride materials that differ in phase
      matchability.
AB  - The syntheses of two noncentrosymmetric (NCS) vanadium oxide-fluoride compounds
      that originate from the same synthetic reagent concentrations are presented.
      Hydrothermal and low-temperature syntheses allow the isolation of metastable
      products that may form new phases (or decompose) upon heating and allow creation
      of chemically similar but structurally different materials. NCS materials
      synthesis has been a long-standing goal in inorganic chemistry: in this article,
      we compare two chemically similar NCS inorganic materials, NaVOF(4)(H(2)O) (I)
      and NaVO(2-x)F(2+x) (II; x = 1/3). These materials originate from the same,
      identical reagent mixtures but are synthesized at different temperatures: 100 
      degrees C and 150  degrees C, respectively. Compound I crystallizes in Pna2(1): a
      = 9.9595(4) A, b = 9.4423(3) A, and c = 4.8186(2) A. Compound II crystallizes in
      P2(1): a = 6.3742(3) A, b = 3.5963(2) A, c = 14.3641(7) A, and beta = 110.787(3)
      degrees . Both materials display second-harmonic-generation activity; however,
      compound I is type 1 non-phase-matchable, whereas compound II is type 1 phase
      matchable.

PMID- 25137442
TI  - Bioarcheology has a "health" problem: conceptualizing "stress" and "health" in
      bioarcheological research.
AB  - This article provides a critical historical overview of the stress concept in
      bioarcheological research and critically evaluates the term "health" in reference
      to skeletal samples. Stress has a considerable history in 20th century
      physiological research, and the term has reached a critical capacity of meaning.
      Stress was operationalized around a series of generalized physiological responses
      that were associated with a deviation from homeostasis. The term was incorporated
      into anthropological research during the mid-20th century, and further defined in
      bioarcheological context around a series of skeletal indicators of physiological
      disruption and disease. Emphases on stress became a predominate area of research
      in bioarcheology, and eventually, many studies utilized the terms "health" and
      "stress" interchangeably as part of a broader, problem-oriented approach to
      evaluating prehistoric population dynamics. Use of the term "health" in relation
      to skeletal samples is associated with the intellectual history of
      bioarcheological research, specifically influences from cultural ecology and
      processualist archeology and remains problematic for two reasons. First, health
      represents a comprehensive state of well-being that includes physiological status
      and individual perception, factors that cannot be readily observed in skeletal
      samples. Second, the categorization of populations into relative levels of health
      represents a typological approach, however unintentional. This article advocates
      for the integration of methodological and theoretical advances from human biology
      and primatology, while simultaneously incorporating the theoretical constructs
      associated with social epidemiology into bioarcheological research. Such an
      approach will significantly increase the applicability of bioarcheological
      findings to anthropological and evolutionary research, and help realize the goal
      of a truly relevant bioarcheological paradigm.

PMID- 25137443
TI  - Importance of sample form and surface temperature for analysis by ambient plasma
      mass spectrometry (PADI).
AB  - Many different types of samples have been analyzed in the literature using plasma
      based ambient mass spectrometry sources; however, comprehensive studies of the
      important parameters for analysis are only just beginning. Here, we investigate
      the effect of the sample form and surface temperature on the signal intensities
      in plasma-assisted desorption ionization (PADI). The form of the sample is very
      important, with powders of all volatilities effectively analyzed. However, for
      the analysis of thin films at room temperature and using a low plasma power, a
      vapor pressure of greater than 10(-4) Pa is required to achieve a sufficiently
      good quality spectrum. Using thermal desorption, we are able to increase the
      signal intensity of less volatile materials with vapor pressures less than 10(-4)
      Pa, in thin film form, by between 4 and 7 orders of magnitude. This is achieved
      by increasing the temperature of the sample up to a maximum of 200  degrees C.
      Thermal desorption can also increase the signal intensity for the analysis of
      powders. 

PMID- 25137444
TI  - Best practice or last resort? Employing graduate teaching assistants as clinical
      instructors.
AB  - Many institutions need to employ GTAs, and students need the teaching experience
      that working as a GTA offers. Some recommendations to support a positive outcome
      are as follows: (1) GTAs should not make up a significantly large percentage of
      the total clinical faculty employed. Yet within reasonable limits, employ GTAs,
      wherever possible; (2) evaluate GTAs' performance on an ongoing as well as
      summative basis to be sure that they are meeting expectations set for providing
      instruction; and (3) hire new faculty members who worked previously as a GTA or
      in similar roles to ensure faculty succession with educators who are clinical
      experts.

PMID- 25137445
TI  - Use of multiuser, high-fidelity virtual simulation to teach leadership styles to
      nursing students.

PMID- 25137446
TI  - Integrating an academic electronic health record in a nursing program: creating a
      sense of urgency and sustaining change.

PMID- 25137447
TI  - Clinical coordinator role in a nursing program: challenges and rewards, perils
      and pitfalls.

PMID- 25137448
TI  - Interprofessional education competencies.

PMID- 25137449
TI  - Barcode training innovation.

PMID- 25137450
TI  - Podcasting in undergraduate nursing programs.
AB  - Little information is available regarding the value of podcasting in nursing
      education. This mixed-methods study described nursing students' (n=101)
      perceptions of podcasted materials, the benefits of podcasting, and when and
      where students used podcasted materials. Students (86%) believed podcasts
      enriched their learning, and 95% reported podcasts as valuable tools in the
      learning environment. Most students (94%) would recommend podcasting in other
      courses and accessed podcast materials 3 times per week. More than half of the
      students (55%) accessed podcast materials in multiple places (ie, in the car, in
      the home, and at school).

PMID- 25137451
TI  - Investigating the effects of solvent on the ultrafast dynamics of a
      photoreversible ruthenium sulfoxide complex.
AB  - The photochromic complex [Ru(bpy)2(pySO)](2+) [pySO is 2
      (isopropylsulfinylmethyl)pyridine] undergoes wavelength specific, photoreversible
      S -> O and O -> S linkage isomerizations. Irradiation of the ground state S
      bonded complex with blue light produces the O-bonded isomer, while irradiation of
      the O-bonded isomer with green light produces the S-bonded isomer. Furthermore,
      isomerization time constants are solvent-dependent. Ultrafast transient
      absorption spectroscopy has been employed to investigate the relaxation processes
      that lead to S -> O isomerization in 1,2-dichloroethane, propylene carbonate, and
      ethylene glycol. The isomerization is most rapid in 1,2-dichloroethane and
      slowest in ethylene glycol. Photochemical reversion of the O-bonded isomer in
      propylene carbonate has further been investigated and indicates similar
      relaxation or isomerization kinetics, though the excited states that lead to
      isomerization are distinct between the S- and O-bonded isomers. 

PMID- 25137452
TI  - A primer on TCR signaling.

PMID- 25137453
TI  - Integrative biology of T cell activation.
AB  - The activation of T cells mediated by the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) requires
      the interaction of dozens of proteins, and its malfunction has pathological
      consequences. Our major focus is on new developments in the systems-level
      understanding of the TCR signal-transduction network. To make sense of the
      formidable complexity of this network, we argue that 'fine-grained' methods are
      needed to assess the relationships among a few components that interact on a
      nanometric scale, and those should be integrated with high-throughput '-omic'
      approaches that simultaneously capture large numbers of parameters. We illustrate
      the utility of this integrative approach with the transmembrane signaling protein
      Lat, which is a key signaling hub of the TCR signal-transduction network, as a
      connecting thread. 

PMID- 25137454
TI  - Insights into the initiation of TCR signaling.
AB  - The initiation of T cell antigen receptor signaling is a key step that can result
      in T cell activation and the orchestration of an adaptive immune response. Early
      events in T cell receptor signaling can distinguish between agonist and
      endogenous ligands with exquisite selectivity, and show extraordinary sensitivity
      to minute numbers of agonists in a sea of endogenous ligands. We review our
      current knowledge of models and crucial molecules that aim to provide a
      mechanistic explanation for these observations. Building on current understanding
      and a discussion of unresolved issues, we propose a molecular model for
      initiation of T cell receptor signaling that may serve as a useful guide for
      future studies. 

PMID- 25137463
TI  - Francois Kourilsky 1934-2014.

PMID- 25137455
TI  - Serine-threonine kinases in TCR signaling.
AB  - T lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation are controlled by signaling
      pathways initiated by the T cell antigen receptor. Here we explore how key serine
      threonine kinases and their substrates mediate T cell signaling and coordinate T
      cell metabolism to meet the metabolic demands of participating in an immune
      response. 

PMID- 25137456
TI  - The self-obsession of T cells: how TCR signaling thresholds affect fate
      'decisions' and effector function.
AB  - Self-reactivity was once seen as a potential characteristic of T cells that was
      eliminated by clonal selection to protect the host from autoimmune pathology. It
      is now understood that the T cell repertoire is in fact broadly self-reactive,
      even self-centered. The strength with which a T cell reacts to self ligands and
      the environmental context in which this reaction occurs influence almost every
      aspect of T cell biology, from development to differentiation to effector
      function. Here we highlight recent advances and discoveries that relate to T cell
      self-reactivity, with a particular emphasis on T cell antigen receptor (TCR)
      signaling thresholds. 

PMID- 25137464
TI  - Breaking barriers: a GPCR triggers immunity in nematodes.

PMID- 25137465
TI  - c-Myc and AP4: a relay team for metabolic reprogramming of CD8+ T cells.

PMID- 25137474
TI  - Retraction: Interleukin 17 acts in synergy with B cell-activating factor to
      influence B cell biology and the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 25137466
TI  - RNA exosomes keep endogenous RNA under the radar.

PMID- 25137478
TI  - Small-molecule suppression of beta-lactam resistance in multidrug-resistant gram
      negative pathogens.
AB  - Recent efforts toward combating antibiotic resistance in bacteria have focused on
      Gram-positive bacteria; however, multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria pose
      a significant risk to public health. An orthogonal approach to the development of
      new antibiotics is to develop adjuvant compounds that enhance the susceptibility
      of drug-resistant strains of bacteria to currently approved antibiotics. This
      paper describes the synthesis and biological activity of a library of aryl amide
      2-aminoimidazoles based on a lead structure from an initial screen. A small
      molecule was identified from this library that is capable of lowering the minimum
      inhibitory concentration of beta-lactam antibiotics by up to 64-fold. 

PMID- 25137479
TI  - High-density, stretchable, all-solid-state microsupercapacitor arrays.
AB  - We report on the successful fabrication of stretchable microsupercapacitor (MSC)
      arrays on a deformable polymer substrate that exhibits high electrochemical
      performance even under mechanical deformation such as bending, twisting, and
      uniaxial strain of up to 40%. We designed the deformable substrate to minimize
      the strain on MSCs by adopting a heterogeneous structure consisting of stiff PDMS
      islands (on which MSCs are attached) and a soft thin film (mixture of Ecoflex and
      PDMS) between neighboring PDMS islands. Finite element method analysis of strain
      distribution showed that an almost negligible strain of 0.47% existed on the PDMS
      islands but a concentrated strain of 107% was present on the soft thin film area
      under a uniaxial strain of 40%. The use of an embedded interconnection of the
      liquid metal Galinstan helped simplify the fabrication and provided mechanical
      stability under deformation. Furthermore, double-sided integration of MSCs
      increased the capacitance to twice that of MSCs on a conventional planar
      deformable substrate. In this study, planar-type MSCs with layer-by-layer
      assembled hybrid thin film electrodes of MWNT/Mn3O4 and PVA-H3PO4 electrolyte
      were fabricated; when they are integrated into a circuit, these MSCs increase the
      output voltage beyond the potential of the electrolyte used. Therefore, various
      LEDs that require high voltages can be operated under a high uniaxial strain of
      40% without any decrease in their brightness. The results obtained in this study
      demonstrate the high potential of our stretchable MSC arrays for their
      application as embedded stretchable energy storage devices in bioimplantable and
      future wearable nanoelectronics. 

PMID- 25137480
TI  - Microgel-like aggregates of isotactic and atactic poly(methacrylic acid) chains
      in aqueous alkali chloride solutions as evidenced by light scattering.
AB  - A comparative light-scattering study of isotactic and atactic poly(methacrylic
      acid), iPMA and aPMA, respectively, in aqueous solutions with added alkali
      chlorides, XCl (X = Li, Na, Cs), at 25  degrees C and XCl concentration of 0.1
      mol L(-1), demonstrates that both PMA isomers are strongly associated at low
      degrees of neutralization, alphaN (= 0 for aPMA and 0.25 for iPMA), in the
      presence of all XCls. The shape parameter rho and the scattering functions
      suggest that aggregates have the characteristics of microgel particles, with a
      dense core surrounded by a less dense shell. The extent of aggregation depends on
      the stereoregular structure of the polymer and on the type of the added cation.
      Li(+) and Na(+) ions support aggregation better than Cs(+) ions. Besides, iPMA
      chains are more strongly aggregated than aPMA chains and form particles with a
      denser core. A model of the aggregation process is suggested for iPMA. At high
      alphaN, a slow diffusive process (so-called extraordinary or anomalous mode in
      diffusion of polyelectrolytes), arising from electrostatic interactions between
      charged chains, is observed for both PMAs. Results suggest that under the same
      experimental conditions iPMA is effectively more charged than aPMA. The role of
      ions in the slow-mode phenomenon is less pronounced than in aggregation. 

PMID- 25137481
TI  - Response to "power in the study of mortality and necrotizing soft tissue
      infections".

PMID- 25137482
TI  - Resurfaced shape complementary proteins that selectively bind the oncoprotein
      gankyrin.
AB  - Increased cellular levels of protein-protein interactions involving the ankyrin
      repeat oncoprotein gankyrin are directly linked to aberrant cellular events and
      numerous cancers. Inhibition of these protein-protein interactions is thus an
      attractive therapeutic strategy. However, the relatively featureless topology of
      gankyrin's putative binding face and large surface areas involved in gankyrin
      dependent protein-protein interactions present a dramatic challenge to small
      molecule discovery. The size, high folding energies, and well-defined surfaces
      present in many proteins overcome some of the challenges faced by small molecule
      discovery. We used split-superpositive Green Fluorescent Protein (split-spGFP)
      reassembly to screen a 5*10(9) library of resurfaced proteins that are shape
      complementary to the putative binding face of gankyrin and identified mutants
      that potently and selectively bind this oncoprotein in vitro and in living cells.
      Collectively, our findings represent the first synthetic proteins that bind
      gankyrin and may represent a general strategy for developing protein basic
      research tools and drug leads that bind disease-relevant ankyrin repeats.

PMID- 25137483
TI  - Carbohydrate-to-carbohydrate interactions between alpha2,3-linked sialic acids on
      alpha2 integrin subunits and asialo-GM1 underlie the bone metastatic behaviour of
      LNCAP-derivative C4-2B prostate cancer cells.
AB  - Complex interplays among proteins, lipids and carbohydrates can alter the
      phenotype and are suggested to have a crucial role in tumour metastasis. Our
      previous studies indicated that a complex of the GSLs (glycosphingolipids), AsGM1
      (asialo-GM1), which lacks alpha2,3-linked sialic acid, and alpha2beta1 integrin
      receptors is responsible for the metastatic behaviour of C4-2B prostate cancer
      cells. Herein, we identified and addressed the functional significance of changes
      in sialylation during prostate cancer progression. We observed an increase in
      alpha2,3-linked sialic acid residues on alpha2 subunits of alpha2beta1 integrin
      receptors, correlating with increased gene expression of alpha2,3-STs
      (sialyltransferases), particularly ST3GAL3. Cell surface alpha2,3-sialylation of
      alpha2 subunits was required for the integrin alpha2beta1-dependent cell adhesion
      to collagen type I and the same alpha2,3-linked sialic acid residues on the
      integrin receptor were responsible for the interaction with the carbohydrate
      moiety of AsGM1, explaining the complex formation between AsGM1 and alpha2beta1
      integrin receptors. These results provide novel insights into the role of sialic
      acids in the organization and function of important membrane components in
      invasion and metastatic processes.

PMID- 25137484
TI  - Variability and reliability of diurnal cortisol in younger and older adults:
      implications for design decisions.
AB  - The extant research is inconclusive regarding the best sampling methods to
      construct reliable measures of between-person differences in derived parameters
      of diurnal cortisol, and no study provides such recommendations for detecting
      within-person changes. These studies determined how many days of sampling are
      necessary to assess between-person differences and within-person changes over
      multiple occasions in diurnal mean, diurnal slope, and area under the curve
      (AUC). Generalizability and decision analyses were conducted on diurnal salivary
      cortisol data from two separate longitudinal studies, one with younger adults
      (N=124) and one with older adults (N=148). In both studies, results indicated
      that 3 days of data collection provided the minimal level of reliability in mean
      cortisol to detect between-person differences; 4-8 days were necessary to
      reliably assess AUC, and 10 days for cortisol slope. Similarly, in order to
      reliably characterize within-person changes across occasions, at least 3 days of
      data collection were needed for mean cortisol and AUC and 5-8 days for slope.
      Results also indicated that only two samples per day, taken morning and evening,
      could faithfully reproduce the diurnal slope calculated from 3 or 4 samples
      (r=.97-.99). Instead of having participants provide many samples per day over the
      course of a few days, we recommend collecting fewer samples per day over more
      days. 

PMID- 25137486
TI  - Staffing of healthcare workers and patient mortality: randomized trials needed.
AB  - In a Perspective accompanying a study by Benjamin Bray and colleagues, Meeta
      Kerlin discusses the evidence that physician and nurse workforces are associated
      with patient mortality, why clearer guidelines for appropriate workforce size are
      not available, and the next steps needed to address the knowledge gaps. Please
      see later in the article for the Editors' Summary. 

PMID- 25137485
TI  - Stability and predictors of change in salivary cortisol measures over six years:
      MESA.
AB  - A major challenge in characterizing features of the daily cortisol curve is
      variability in features over time. Few studies have examined the stability of
      daily features of the cortisol curve over long periods or the predictors of long
      term changes. Repeated salivary cortisol measures on 580 adults from the MESA
      Stress study were used to examine the stability of various features of the daily
      cortisol curve (wakeup value, the cortisol awakening response (CAR), the early
      and late decline slope and the area under the curve (AUC)), over short periods
      (several days) and long periods (approximately 6-years) and to investigate the
      association of demographic factors with the changes. Intraclass correlation
      coefficients (ICCs) were used to estimate the short and long term stability.
      Piecewise linear mixed models were used to assess factors associated with changes
      in features over time. For most features, short term stability (ICCs: 0.17-0.74)
      was higher than long term stability (ICCs: 0.05-0.42), and long term stability
      was highest when several days were averaged for each time point. The decline over
      the day showed the highest long term stability: when several days for each wave
      were averaged the stability of the daily decline slope across 6 years was similar
      (or higher) than the stability across short periods. AUC had high stability over
      short periods (ICCs: 0.65-0.74) but much lower stability across long periods
      (ICC: 0.05). All features of daily cortisol curve investigated changed
      significantly over the approximately 6 year follow-up period. The wakeup cortisol
      became higher; the CAR became smaller; both the early and late decline became
      flatter; and the AUC became larger. Hispanics experienced significantly larger
      increases in the wakeup value; and African-Americans and Hispanics showed less
      flattening over time of the early decline slope than Non-Hispanic Whites. Our
      findings have implications for characterization of features in studies linking
      cortisol to health outcomes. The presence of variability over time suggests
      opportunities for future investigation of the predictors of changes over time as
      well as the links between these changes and health outcomes. 

PMID- 25137488
TI  - Boronate affinity nanoparticles for nucleoside separation.
AB  - Boronate affinity systems have been recently used for the specific isolation of
      cis-diol group carrying biomolecules such as glycoproteins, nucleosides,
      carbohydrates. Nanosized materials have been extremely used for the
      biotechnological purposes due to their unique properties and their high surface
      areas. The objective of this presented work was to develop a new boronate
      affinity system for the nucleoside adsorption. For this purpose, poly(HEMA)
      nanoparticles were synthesized by using surfactant free emulsion polymerization
      technique and then functionalized with phenylboronic acid. Synthesized
      nanoparticles were characterized with FTIR, SEM, and Zeta size analysis. Nucleic
      acid adsorption experiments were repeated for different medium pH values, for
      various nucleosides concentrations, for different temperatures and ionic
      strengths, in order to determine the optimum adsorption conditions. In the light
      of these studies, it can be concluded that this boronate ligand carrying
      nanoparticles were very valuable for the separation of nucleosides. 

PMID- 25137490
TI  - Geo-engineering in lakes: a crisis of confidence?

PMID- 25137489
TI  - Advances in preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles for
      therapeutics.
AB  - CONTEXT: Polymers have been largely explored for the preparation of nanoparticles
      due to ease of preparation and modification, large gene/drug loading capacity,
      and biocompatibility. Various methods have been adapted for the preparation and
      characterization of chitosan nanoparticles. OBJECTIVE: Focus on the different
      methods of preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles. METHODS:
      Detailed literature survey has been done for the studies reporting various
      methods of preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles. RESULTS
      AND CONCLUSION: Published database suggests of several methods which have been
      developed for the preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles as
      per the application.

PMID- 25137487
TI  - Illuminating breast cancer invasion: diverse roles for cell-cell interactions.
AB  - Metastasis begins when tumors invade into surrounding tissues. In breast cancer,
      the study of cell interactions has provided fundamental insights into this
      complex process. Powerful intravital and 3D organoid culture systems have emerged
      that enable biologists to model the complexity of cell interactions during cancer
      invasion in real-time. Recent studies utilizing these techniques reveal distinct
      mechanisms through which multiple cancer cell and stromal cell subpopulations
      interact, including paracrine signaling, direct cell-cell adhesion, and
      remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Three cell interaction mechanisms have
      emerged to explain how breast tumors become invasive: epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition, collective invasion, and the macrophage-tumor cell feedback loop.
      Future work is needed to distinguish whether these mechanisms are mutually
      exclusive or whether they cooperate to drive metastasis. 

PMID- 25137491
TI  - Recent developments in biological activities of chalcones: a mini review.
AB  - Chalcones represent key structural motif in the plethora of biologically active
      molecules including synthetic and natural products. Synthetic manipulations of
      chalcones or their isolation from natural sources are being investigated
      worldwide for the development of more potent and efficient drugs for the
      treatment of several dreadful diseases such as cancer, diabetes, HIV,
      tuberculosis, malaria etc. Over the past few years, a large volume of research
      papers and review articles highlighting the significance of chalcone derivatives
      has been compiled in the literature. The present review article focuses on the
      recent developments (2010-2014) on various pharmacological and medicinal aspects
      of chalcones and their analogues. 

PMID- 25137492
TI  - Apoptosis and necrosis in the circumventricular organs after experimental
      subarachnoid hemorrhage as detected with annexin V and caspase 3 immunostaining.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The circumventricular organs (CVOs) are essential for most autonomic
      and endocrine functions. Trauma and bleeding can affect their function. The aim
      of this study was to investigate apoptosis and necrosis in CVOs in the early
      period after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats, using annexin V
      affinity and caspase 3 immunostaining. METHODS: Three experimental groups were
      used: Days 1 and 2 after SAH, and a control group, seven Wistar albino rats each.
      Subarachnoid hemorrhage was accomplished by transclival basilar artery puncture.
      Rats were perfused with 0.9% NaCl and 0.1M phosphate buffer pH 7.4 until heart
      stoppage. Apoptosis and necrosis in CVOs were measured by flow cytometry with
      annexin V staining, and by caspase 3 immunostaining. RESULTS: Apoptosis in the
      organum vasculosum lamina terminalis (OVLT), median eminence (ME), and area
      postrema (AP) was significantly higher in the Day 1 group than in the control
      group. Apoptosis in the subfornicial organ (SFO), OVLT, ME, and AP was
      significantly higher in the Day 2 group than in the control group. There were
      significant differences between the Day 1 and Day 2 groups, except for AP.
      Necrosis in SFO and OVLT was significantly higher in the Day 2 group than in the
      Day 1 or control groups, whereas necrosis in the ME and AP did not differ between
      the three groups. Caspase 3-positive cell density was more intense in the Day 2
      group than in the Day 1 and control groups. DISCUSSION: Prevention of apoptosis
      may potentially improve impaired functions of CVOs after SAH.

PMID- 25137494
TI  - Multilayered modeling of particulate matter removal by a growing forest over
      time, from plant surface deposition to washoff via rainfall.
AB  - Airborne fine particulate matter (PM) is responsible for the most severe health
      effects induced by air pollution in Europe. Vegetation, and forests in
      particular, can play a role in mitigating this pollution since they have a large
      surface area to filter PM out of the air. Many studies have solely focused on dry
      deposition of PM onto the tree surface, but deposited PM can be resuspended to
      the air or may be washed off by precipitation dripping from the plants to the
      soil. It is only the latter process that represents a net-removal from the
      atmosphere. To quantify this removal all these processes should be accounted for,
      which is the case in our modeling framework. Practically, a multilayered PM
      removal model for forest canopies is developed. In addition, the framework has
      been integrated into an existing forest growth model in order to account for
      changes in PM removal efficiency during forest growth. A case study was performed
      on a Scots pine stand in Belgium (Europe), resulting for 2010 in a dry deposition
      of 31 kg PM2.5 (PM < 2.5 MUm) ha(-1) yr(-1) from which 76% was resuspended and
      24% washed off. For different future emission reduction scenarios from 2010 to
      2030, with altering PM2.5 air concentration, the avoided health costs due to
      PM2.5 removal was estimated to range from 915 to 1075 euro ha(-1) yr(-1). The
      presented model could even be used to predict nutrient input via particulate
      matter though further research is needed to improve and better validate the
      model. 

PMID- 25137495
TI  - Tears of the rotator cuff. Causes--diagnosis--treatment.
AB  - Rotator cuff ruptures are the most common degenerative tendon injury and occur
      mainly in older patients as multifactorial disorders manifesting the main
      symptoms of pain and restricted range of motion. Thorough clinical examination of
      the shoulder includes testing the function of the rotator cuff and leads to a
      tentative clinical diagnosis that is the prerequisite for diagnostic imaging
      procedures. Sonography of the shoulder gives rapid access to a very good
      sensitive overview of the rotator cuff. Conventional radiological imaging permits
      differential diagnosis since a reduced acromiohumeral interval is understood as a
      direct sign of rotator cuff rupture. The gold standard in imaging diagnostics is
      MRI because it not only delivers images of rotator cuff defects, but also permits
      interpretation of degenerative changes in the musculature. Significant pain
      relief can be achieved by conservative therapy such as analgesia, manual therapy
      and physiotherapeutic exercises and leads to improvements in the active range of
      motion. Persistent pain or progressive pain during conservative therapy are
      indications for surgical intervention. Arthroscopy-assisted treatment is tissue
      friendlier than open surgery and is today considered the standard for surgical
      treatment of rotator cuff rupture because of higher patient acceptance. Recent
      studies report that surgical rotator cuff repair leads to significant improvement
      in function, pain relief, and greater patient satisfaction. The principles of
      postoperative care after surgical rotator cuff repair are immobilization and
      gradual loading with passive and active exercises. 

PMID- 25137493
TI  - Vitamin D status and predictors of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in
      Western Australian adolescents.
AB  - Despite the importance of skeletal growth during adolescence, there is limited
      research reporting vitamin D status and its predictors in adolescents. Using
      prospective data from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, we
      investigated vitamin D status and predictors of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      (25(OH)D) concentrations in adolescents. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were
      measured in the same participants at 14 and 17 years (n 1045 at both time
      points). The percentage of adolescents with serum 25(OH)D concentrations < 50, 50
      74.9 and >= 75 nmol/l was reported year-round and by month of blood collection.
      We examined the predictors of serum 25(OH)D concentrations, including sex, race,
      month of blood collection, physical activity, BMI, family income, and Ca and
      vitamin D intakes (n 919 at 14 years; n 570 at 17 years), using a general linear
      mixed model. At 14 years, 31 % of adolescents had serum 25(OH)D concentrations
      between 50 and 74.9 nmol/l and a further 4 % had concentrations < 50 nmol/l. At
      17 years, 40 % of adolescents had serum 25(OH)D concentrations between 50 and
      74.9 nmol/l and 12 % had concentrations < 50 nmol/l. Caucasian ethnicity, being
      sampled at the end of summer, exercising more, having a lower BMI, a higher Ca
      intake and a higher family income were significantly associated with higher serum
      25(OH)D concentrations. The proportion of adolescents with serum 25(OH)D
      concentrations < 50 nmol/l was low in this Western Australian cohort. There is a
      need for international consensus on defining adequate vitamin D status in order
      to determine whether strategies to increase vitamin D status in adolescents are
      warranted. 

PMID- 25137496
TI  - Biomechanical and biological aspects of defect treatment in fractures using
      helical plates.
AB  - The clinical case of figure 1 through figure 11 shows a series of impressive
      failures of plate fixation. The plates were repeatedly applied bridging a
      comminuted bone segment in a heavy patient. The biomechanical analysis elaborates
      why this happened and proposes an unconventional procedure to prevent this
      failure with a minimally invasive procedure. A plate bridging an open gap or a
      defect in a long bone diaphysis is exposed to full functional load. According to
      clinical observations such plate application often fails even without external
      load such as weight bearing. The plate risks to break through fatigue when
      exposed during a long time to cyclic loading. This type of failure has been
      observed even with broad plates as well in femoral as in tibiae. The first option
      to avoid such failure consists in protecting the plate by installing load sharing
      between plate and either bone or an additional implant. This reduces the load
      carried by the plate to a safe level. Load sharing with bone may be installed at
      surgery by establishing solid mechanical bridge between the two main fragments of
      the fractured bone. The optimal load sharing relies on a solid compressed contact
      between the main fragments. It can be established because the bone is able to
      take a large load which results in optimal protection of the plate. In the case
      of an extended comminuted bone segment it may be very difficult, traumatizing and
      inefficient to reconstruct the bone. In the present case it was impossible to
      establish load sharing through the bone. The second option protecting the plate
      is provided by callus bridging of the gap or defect. The formation of a solid
      callus bridge takes time but the fatigue failure of the plate also takes time.
      Therefore, the callus bridge may prevent a late fatigue failure. The surgeon may
      select one of several options: - Replacing the lack of bone support using a
      second plate which immediately alleviates plate loading. The drawback of
      application of a second conventional plate is the extent of surgical trauma at
      the critical site of healing. - Shingling and/or applying an autologous
      cancellous bone graft: This procedure provides initially no relevant load sharing
      but will do so after a couple of weeks. The mechanical coupling of the comparably
      soft graft and the main fracture fragments presents little problems. Applying a
      cortical bone graft: Such a graft does provide initial only small load sharing
      and does a less good job inducing callus than a cancellous graft. Furthermore,
      the coupling by callus between a somewhat rigid bone graft and the mobile main
      fracture fragments requires a solid maintained contact. If the cortical graft is
      fixed using implants with small contact area to the graft such as screws or
      cerclage loops, the local stress may be critical and the graft may break. When
      the cortical graft is fixed with cerclage wires the procedure must take into
      account the limited strength of the individual cerclage. Therefore multiple and
      well-spaced cerclages are required and may lead to success especially if an
      intramedullary component of the implant contributes to protection (6). The degree
      of unloading depends apparently on the stiffness of the material of the
      protecting splint. Though, more important is the effect of the dimensions of the
      splint. While titanium as a material is about 50% less stiff than steel, the
      thickness of the implant changes the stiffness with the third power. That is
      doubling the thickness results in eightfold increased stiffness. When considering
      the unloading by application of a second plate the leverage of the second plate
      plays an important role. The larger the distance between the axis of bending and
      the second implant the larger the protecting effect. The helical plate (2, 3, 7)
      as introduced by A.A.D. Fernandez offers biological and mechanical advantages. It
      can be applied without touching the fracture site maintaining the critical
      biology intact and provides mechanically efficient unloading. Its application is
      fairly simple: The helical plate is modified conventional long and small plate
      that is twisted between its ends about 90 degrees. The twist is applied using
      "bending irons" (4, 5, 8) whereby the force required is small and the exact
      degree of twist is not critical. Therefore the twist is applicable operating
      bending irons by hand. Assuming a situation where a plate bridging a defect or
      non-union has failed the broken plate is replaced by a similar implant: At the
      distal end of the bone fracture and opposite to the surgical approach a small
      incision allows to slide in the helical plate in such a way that proximally the
      plate ends on the same side of the limb as the replaced plate. Ideally the two
      plate ends meet and the application of the helical plate does not ask for an
      additional surgical exposure at this location. Otherwise a small minimally
      invasive exposure is required. The helical plate is then fixed to the main bone
      fragments using a couple of locked screws. The following case demonstrates the
      use and efficiency of the helical plate saving a situation where multiple
      attempts using conventional plates had failed. The successful final treatment of
      this case was performed by A. A. D. Fernandez. 

PMID- 25137497
TI  - Determining the risk of falling in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture
      surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study examines the risk of falling in elderly patients
      who underwent hip fracture surgery in the orthopaedic clinic during the
      postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was a cross-sectional
      study. The study sample consisted of 71 elderly patients aged more than 65 years
      undergoing hip fracture surgery. A questionnaire, the Tinetti balance test and
      the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) were used. RESULTS The analyses included
      71 elderly patients with a mean age of 78.45 years. All patients had been
      hospitalized for hip fracture due to falling, and 29.6% had a history of falling
      in the one year prior to hospitalization. The mean MMSE score was 18.37 +/- 6.54
      and the mean Tinetti score was 11.10 +/- 6.66. CONCLUSION We found that as the
      mean age of the elderly patients increased, the risk of falling also increased
      and the MMSE scores deteriorate and that the elderly patients living alone were
      at a greater risk of falling and had worse cognitive function, that those with a
      history of falling before hospitalization were at a greater risk of falling again
      and that the risk of falling increased as cognitive function declined. Key
      words:elderly, falling, hip fracture, risk of falling. 

PMID- 25137498
TI  - [The effect of central anatomical single-bundle versus anatomical double-bundle
      reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament on knee stability. a clinical
      study].
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY A comparison of the efficacy of central anatomical single
      bundle (CASB) reconstruction with that of double-bundle (DB) repair of the
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in relation to knee stability in anteroposterior
      translation (APT), internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) of the
      joint. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 40 patients were evaluated; 20 had ACL
      reconstruction by the CASB technique using hamstrings and 20 underwent DB repair
      surgery. The average age was 31.3 years, and the group included 22 men and 18
      women with 19 right and 21 left knees. The KT-1000 test was used to assess the
      amount of APT in the knee and rotational deviations were measured by the
      Rolimeter. In the DB patients, measurements were performed before surgery (on
      joints with ACL injury), then after reconstruction of the anteromedial (AM) or
      the posterolateral (PL) bundle and subsequently after repair of both ACL bundles.
      The CASB patients were assessed before and after graft insertion. RESULTS The
      average APT value was 18.5 mm for the pre-operative knees and it fell to 8.9 mm
      after AM bundle reconstruction. However, when the PL bundle was inserted in the
      first place, the average APT value was 13.1 mm only. The average values recorded
      after the DB and CASB reconstructions were 6.1 mm and 9.1 mm, respectively. The
      average IR range of motion in the pre-operative joints was 18.6 degrees. After AM
      bundle reconstruction it was 13.9 degrees and after PL bundle repair it was 15.3
      degrees. In DB reconstruction the average IR value achieved 10.4 degrees, and in
      CASB repair surgery it was 13.7 degrees. The average ER range of motion in the
      pre-operative joints was 17.8 degrees. After AM bundle reconstruction it was 14.5
      degrees and after PL bundle repair it was 14.9 degrees. In DB reconstruction the
      average ER value achieved 11.4 degrees, and in CASB repair surgery it was 14.5
      degrees. DISCUSSION Rotational stability of the knee after ACL reconstruction is
      one of the most important factors in restoring physiological kinematics of the
      joint after ACL injury. Since there are not many studies comparing knee
      rotational stability after CASB with that after DB reconstructions, the results
      presented here may contribute to selecting the optimal method of ACL
      reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS The results show that, in ACL reconstruction, the DB
      technique provides better stability to the knee, in both APT and rotation, than
      the CASB method. The latter has the same effect on knee stability as the presence
      of the AM bundle alone. When the PL bundle is added, knee stability, in both APT
      and internal/external rotation, is increased in comparison with central single
      bundle ACL repair. Key words:anterior cruciate ligament, navigation, central
      anatomical single-bundle reconstruction, double-bundle reconstruction. 

PMID- 25137499
TI  - [The angular profile of a cage has no influence on segmental alignment after
      anterior cervical stand-alone interbody fusion].
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The original aim of this prospective semi-randomised study
      was to determine associations between segmental sagittal alignment after Anterior
      Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) and subjective and clinical results. Two
      types of cages, cage P with parallel end-plates and cage A with 5-degree
      angulations, were used in the patients treated for degenerative conditions.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 94 consecutive patients, 56 treated by single
      level ACDF and 38 undergoing a two-level procedure, completed 8 years of follow
      up. The patients in equally-sized A and P subgroups were examined at 6 weeks and
      1, 2 and 8 years after surgery. The follow-up included X-ray in a neutral lateral
      position, a questionnaire assessing pain in neck and shoulder regions and JOA
      scores. The results including the cumulative incidence of surgical procedures
      indicated for adjacent segment diseases were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: An
      average increase in the lordotic angle at 6 weeks after surgery was 2.32 degrees 
      for the implant P and 2.02 degrees  for the implant A subgroup. During 8 years of
      follow-up the average values decreased to 1.51 degrees  and 1.36 degrees ,
      respectively. The proportion of patients with no or minimal neck and shoulder
      pain decreased, in subgroup P, from the initial 85% at 6 weeks to 59% at 8 years
      after the surgery and, in subgroup A, from 89% to 40 %. The average JOA score of
      16 at 6 weeks in both subgroups, at 8 years, had a value of 15.9 in subgroup P
      and 16.0 in subgroup A. The cumulative incidence of surgery for adjacent segment
      disease 8 years was 8.3% for subgroup P and 6.3% for subgroup A. No statistically
      significant differences between the subgroups at any follow-up period were
      recorded in either morphological characteristics or clinical outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: The ability to lordotize a segment by stand-alone ACDF is below the
      angular resolution of current radiographic methods, irrespective of the sagittal
      profile of the implant used. Comparable morphological results haven't been
      reflected by significant difference in subjective and clinical outcome and also
      in the incidence of surgery for adjacent segment disease. Such results were not
      expected and therefore post-operative sagittal alignment mechanisms in stand
      alone cage assisted ACDF will require further investigation. Key words:cervical
      vertebrae, surgical technique, spinal fusion, sagittal alignment, clinical
      outcome.

PMID- 25137500
TI  - Epithelioid osteosarcoma of the scapula.
AB  - Epithelioid and epithelial neoplasms of bone are rare. They include different
      epithelioid variants of vascular lesions, osteoblastoma, chondroblastoma and most
      importantly metastatic carcinoma. Up to now, only few cases of epithelioid
      osteosarcoma were described. In this case the authors report a 53-year-old
      patient presented with a medical history of chronic shoulder pain for 3 years.
      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI and computed tomography (CT) showed a
      destructive, partially calcified osseous lesion of the scapula with expansion
      into the surrounding soft tissue, suggestive of a primary bone tumor.
      Histologically, the tumor consisted of epithelioid cells with expression of
      cytokeratine and the lesion was primarily diagnosed as metastatic carcinoma. With
      regard to the MRI morphology untypical for metastatic disease the histopathologic
      slides were re-evaluated and detection of tumor osteoid led to the diagnosis of
      epithelioid osteosarcoma. Chemotherapy was initiated, however follow-up imaging
      studies showed rapidly progressive disease of both primary tumor and lung
      metastases. In conclusion, epithelioid neoplasms of the bone are extremetumourly
      rare and must be distinguished from metastatic carcinoma. Despite the presence of
      cytokeratine positive cells a thorough histological evaluation is mandatory and
      osteoid detection is essential in order to establish the correct diagnosis and
      further treatment. Key words: osteosarcoma, epithelioid, aneurysmal bone cyst,
      chondrosarcoma, pathology, immunohistochemistry. 

PMID- 25137501
TI  - [Surgical treatment of ischial apophysis avulsion. Case report].
AB  - The optimal management of ischial apophysis avulsion, especially indications for
      surgery, is not well defined. The authors present the case of a 16-year-old man
      who sustained an avulsion fracture of the ischial apophysis during his athlete
      training programme. The avulsion was diagnosed by X-ray. Because of displacement,
      surgery was indicated and open reduction with osteosynthesis was performed using
      a subgluteal approach on the eighth day after injury. Full weight bearing was
      allowed at nine weeks after injury, after the post-operative rehabilitation
      programme had been completed. Return to his sports activity was allowed at four
      months after injury. At one post-operative year the patient was free of any
      symptoms. The proper surgical treatment of a displaced ischial apophysis avulsion
      and subsequent rehabilitation allow for early full weight bearing, including
      sports activities. The subgluteal approach provides good access to the ischial
      tuberosity with a minimal risk of complications and a good cosmetic outcome. Key
      words:apophysis, ischial tuberosity, avulsion. 

PMID- 25137502
TI  - Engineering the interfaces of ITO@Cu2S nanowire arrays toward efficient and
      stable counter electrodes for quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells.
AB  - Among the issues that restrict the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of quantum
      dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), insufficient catalytic activity and
      stability of counter electrodes (CEs) are critical but challenging ones. The
      state-of-the-art Cu/Cu2S CEs still suffer from mechanical instability and
      uncertainty due to the reaction of copper and electrolyte. Herein, ITO@Cu2S core
      shell nanowire arrays were developed to fabricate CEs for QDSSCs, which have no
      such issues in Cu/Cu2S CEs. These nanowire arrays exhibited small charge transfer
      resistance and sheet resistance, and provided more active catalytic sites and
      easy accessibility for electrolyte due to the three-dimensional structure upon
      use as CEs. More interestingly, it was found that the interface of ITO/Cu2S
      significantly affected the performance of ITO@Cu2S nanowire array CEs. By varying
      synthetic methods, a series of ITO@Cu2S nanowire arrays were prepared to
      investigate the influence of ITO/Cu2S interface on their performance. The results
      showed that ITO@Cu2S nanowire array CEs with a continuous Cu2S nanocrystal shell
      fabricated via an improved cation exchange route exhibited excellent and
      thickness-dependent performance. The PCE of corresponding QDSSCs increased by
      11.6 and 16.5% compared to that with the discrete Cu2S nanocrystal and the
      classic Cu/Cu2S CE, respectively, indicating its promising potential as a new
      type of CE for QDSSCs. 

PMID- 25137503
TI  - A silver nanoparticle embedded hydrogel as a substrate for surface contamination
      analysis by surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
AB  - A surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate, capable of extracting small
      amounts of organic species from surfaces of different types of materials with
      variable roughness, has been fabricated. The substrate consists of Ag NPs
      encapsulated in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels, commonly known as PVA
      "slime". Unlike traditional SERS substrates, such as colloidal suspensions, the
      resulting PVA slime SERS substrate presents good viscoelasticity, allowing it to
      conform to the surface of various materials of arbitrary roughness. Surfaces of
      different materials, including sandpapers, cotton, metal, and wood, previously
      contaminated with nile blue A (NBA) were analyzed with the PVA slime SERS
      substrate. Limits of detection (LOD) as low as 100 ppb (0.79 ng in a total amount
      on an area of ~3 cm(2)) were achieved for all surfaces tested. Pesticides and
      Sudan red III on the glass surface have also been detected, with a LOD of 1.6 ng
      per ~3 cm(2). 

PMID- 25137504
TI  - From theory to evidence: long-term evaluation of the mechanism of action and flap
      integration of distal vascularized lymph node transfers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonanatomic (distal) placement of vascularized lymph node (VLN)
      transfers have shown efficacy in the treatment of extremity lymphedema, but the
      mechanism by which these flaps provide relief of lymphedema remains unclear.
      Intrinsic lymphovenous connections have been previously shown to exist in the
      transferred flap. But, the long-term interaction of the VLN flap and surrounding
      lymphedematous extremity has not been previously investigated. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective maintained database of patients
      who underwent VLN transfer was evaluated. Patients who underwent distal VLN
      transfer and had more than 1-year follow-up were identified. Lymphodynamic
      evaluation was performed using 0.3 to 0.6 mL indocyanine green (ICG) injection at
      5 cm proximal to the flap edge on identified patients. Migration direction of dye
      and latency period was evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 20 patients were identified
      who met inclusion criteria. Average long-term follow-up was 27.3 months. The
      average circumference reduction of the affected extremity was 40.5%. ICG
      appearance within the VLN flap was found in all patients occurring on average in
      178.3 seconds. In all cases, flow occurred in the distal direction (toward the
      flap) with proximal placement of dye. Latency period was found to inversely
      correlate with circumference reduction (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Distal,
      nonanatomic placement of VLN flaps provide sustained limb circumference reduction
      in extremity lymphedema patients following a minimum of 1-year postoperatively.
      Flap integration with the recipient site reliably occurs as witnessed with
      consistent ICG drainage, and occurs in the gravity-dependent direction. Faster
      clearance of ICG will result in improved clinical limb circumference reduction.

PMID- 25137505
TI  - Vitamin D and skeletal muscle function in athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To highlight recently published data about the vitamin D
      status of athletes, and effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength
      and performance in the athletic population.The vitamin D receptor exists in
      skeletal muscle, and muscle weakness has been reported in individuals who are
      severely deficient [25(OH)D <25 nmol/l]. Experimental findings reveal the
      cellular and genomic mechanisms implicating vitamin D in muscle mass, strength
      and function, and raise questions about the role of vitamin D in the achievement
      of optimum athletic performance. RECENT FINDINGS: Athletes appear to have the
      same risk of vitamin D deficiency and seasonal variance in status as nonathletic
      members of the same population, with the exception of athletes who train and
      compete indoors whose risk of deficiency is somewhat greater. Interventions with
      vitamin D supplements have had mixed results, with a positive effect on muscle
      function observed only in participants with insufficient status [25(OH)D <50
      nmol/l]. SUMMARY: There have been relatively few robust interventions with
      vitamin D supplementation in athletic populations who are vitamin D deficient,
      and none which have been able to establish the ideal 25(OH)D concentration for
      optimum performance.

PMID- 25137506
TI  - Development of personalized functional foods needs metabolic profiling.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is growing interest in applying metabolic profiling
      technologies to food science as this approach is now embedded into the foodomics
      toolbox. This review aims at exploring how metabolic profiling can be applied to
      the development of functional foods. RECENT FINDINGS: One of the biggest
      challenges of modern nutrition is to propose a healthy diet to populations
      worldwide that must suit high inter-individual variability driven by complex gene
      nutrient-environment interactions. Although a number of functional foods are now
      proposed in support of a healthy diet, a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition
      is inappropriate and new personalized functional foods are necessary. Metabolic
      profiling technologies can assist at various levels of the development of
      functional foods, from screening for food composition to identification of new
      biomarkers of food intake to support diet intervention and epidemiological
      studies. SUMMARY: Modern 'omics' technologies, including metabolic profiling,
      will support the development of new personalized functional foods of high
      relevance to 21st century medical challenges, such as controlling the worldwide
      spread of metabolic disorders and ensuring healthy ageing.

PMID- 25137507
TI  - High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and its relationship with
      components of polycystic ovary syndrome in Indian adolescent women with
      polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
AB  - C-reactive protein (CRP) is a risk marker for type 2 diabetes mellitus and
      cardiovascular diseases. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), limited data are
      available on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and its
      relationship with components of PCOS especially in Indian women. The objective
      was to determine serum hs-CRP concentration in adolescent women with and without
      PCOS and to assess possible correlations of serum hs-CRP levels with components
      of PCOS in Indian women. One hundred and sixty women with PCOS and sixty non-PCOS
      women having normal menstrual cycles were included. Clinical assessment included
      anthropometry, Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) score and blood pressure (BP) measurement.
      Laboratory evaluation included estimation of T4, TSH, LH, FSH, total
      testosterone, prolactin, cortisol, 17OHP, hs-CRP, lipid profile, and insulin, and
      glucose after 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. Homeostasis Model Assessment
      Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check
      Index (QUICKI) and glucose intolerance was calculated. FG score, LH, FSH, total
      Testosterone, HOMA-IR and QUICKI were significantly different among women with or
      without PCOS (p < 0.01). Although hs-CRP levels showed a higher trend in women
      having PCOS, there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). A
      significant and positive correlation was found between hs-CRP and body mass index
      (BMI) (r = 0.308, p < 0.01) among PCOS group. The results in Indian adolescent
      women suggest that hs-CRP levels may not per se be associated with PCOS, rather
      can be related to fat mass in this subset of subjects.

PMID- 25137508
TI  - Discordant phenotype in monozygotic female twins with Lys35Thr TTR familial
      amyloidotic polyneuropathy.
AB  - Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy is the hereditary form of transthyretin
      amyloidosis that is rapidly progressive. Discordant expression of Val30Met
      transthyretin amyloid in monozygotic twins has been reported in the past, in
      Europe and Asia. We report the first case of discordant expression of Lys35Thr
      transthyretin amyloid in female monozygotic twins in North America with eye
      involvement and peripheral neuropathy. 

PMID- 25137509
TI  - Dermatomyositis-associated sensory neuropathy: a unifying pathogenic hypothesis.
AB  - Neuropathy as extramuscular manifestation of dermatomyositis (DM) is
      controversial due to uncommon occurrence, heterogeneity of associated nerve
      pathology, and lack of unifying pathogenetic mechanism(s). We describe a patient
      with classic manifestations of DM and extramuscular manifestation of neuropathy.
      Nerve pathology showed deposits of terminal complement complex (C5b-9). Her
      examination showed mild proximal weakness, rash, and sensory impairment in
      fingertips, toes, and nose. EMG/NCS revealed irritable myopathy and mild sensory
      neuropathy. Muscle biopsy showed features suggestive of DM, including deposition
      of C5b-9. CK was elevated to 214 and ANA was positive at 1:160. Etiological work
      up for neuropathy, including diabetes, was negative. Sural nerve biopsy at light
      level revealed very mild large fiber sensory neuropathy. EM showed moderately
      severe involvement of small sensory fibers. Neuropathy may be an underrecognized
      manifestation of DM. Nerve pathology demonstrating complement-mediated damage
      could be a unifying mechanism of muscle and nerve injury. 

PMID- 25137510
TI  - Small fiber abnormalities in skin biopsies of patients with benign
      fasciculations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients with benign fasciculations have evidence
      for axonal loss in skin biopsies. METHODS: Epidermal sensory and sweat gland
      nerve fiber densities were quantified in skin biopsies of 11 patients with benign
      fasciculations and no other known cause for neuropathy. RESULTS: Nine of the 11
      patients (82%) had significantly reduced epidermal or sweat gland nerve fiber
      densities at the calf or thigh, in comparison with control values. CONCLUSIONS:
      The presence of reduced epidermal and sweat gland nerve fiber density indicates
      the presence of axonal loss in patients with benign fasciculations.

PMID- 25137511
TI  - Neuromuscular pathology case.

PMID- 25137512
TI  - Rare case of a localized radial nerve amyloid neuropathy.
AB  - We report the case of a 55-year-old woman with a 6-month history of progressive
      paresis of the right radial nerve. Perioperative imaging detected a spindle
      shaped expansion of the radial nerve caused by an isolated local deposit of
      amyloid (amyloidoma). The deposit was resected in 2 phases and the resulting
      defect was bridged by a sural nerve autograft. Overall internal and hematological
      examination did not reveal systemic amyloidosis or lymphoproliferative disorder.
      The reason for our report is that localized forms of amyloid neuropathy are very
      rare. 

PMID- 25137513
TI  - Spinal magnetic resonance imaging in chronic poliomyelitis.

PMID- 25137514
TI  - Revisiting the evidence for neuropathy caused by pyridoxine deficiency and
      excess.
AB  - Pyridoxine deficiency and excess have been implicated as a cause for peripheral
      neuropathy. As a result, unrelated neuropathies are often treated with pyridoxine
      based on questionable evidence. However, neurological practitioners frequently
      discourage patients from taking pyridoxine in excess of 50 mg/d given concerns
      around the development of a toxic sensory neuronopathy. There is no systematic
      review to support either of the 2 practices. To address this gap in knowledge, we
      reviewed the available literature on neuropathy attributed to pyridoxine
      deficiency and excess. Based on the current limited data, it can be concluded
      that very low doses of daily pyridoxine are required to prevent peripheral
      neuropathy. There is inadequate evidence to support routine pyridoxine
      supplementation in patients with disorders of peripheral nervous system.
      Supplementation with pyridoxine at doses greater than 50 mg/d for extended
      duration may be harmful and should be discouraged. 

PMID- 25137516
TI  - Appearance of thymoma 5 years after thymectomy for nonthymomatous myasthenia
      gravis.

PMID- 25137517
TI  - A case of an African American man with ataxia and oculomotor apraxia 2.

PMID- 25137518
TI  - Solid-phase microextraction of phthalate esters by a new coating based on a
      thermally stable polypyrrole/graphene oxide composite.
AB  - A novel polypyrole/graphene oxide coating was made by the electrochemical
      polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and graphene
      oxide on a platinum wire. The prepared fiber has shown a good thermal stability
      up to 300 degrees C. The fiber was applied to the direct solid-phase
      microextraction and gas chromatographic analysis of four phthalate esters. The
      effect of four parameters on gas chromatography peak area including extraction
      temperature, extraction time, injection temperature, and ionic strength were
      investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits were between
      0.042 and 0.26 MUg/L. The intraday and interday relative standard deviations
      obtained at 55 MUg/L, using a single fiber, were 8.2-16% and 17.3-25.6%,
      respectively. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of phthalate
      esters in two real samples of boiling water in cheap disposable clear plastic
      drinking cups showing recoveries from 83 to 120%. 

PMID- 25137519
TI  - Advance in PD research explored a new field on ubiquitin biology.

PMID- 25137520
TI  - Heavy metals, organic solvents, and multiple sclerosis: An exploratory look at
      gene-environment interactions.
AB  - Exposure to heavy metals and organic solvents are potential etiologic factors for
      multiple sclerosis (MS), but their interaction with MS-associated genes is under
      studied. The authors explored the relationship between environmental exposure to
      lead, mercury, and solvents and 58 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MS
      associated genes. Data from a population-based case-control study of 217
      prevalent MS cases and 496 age-, race-, gender-, and geographically matched
      controls were used to fit conditional logistic regression models of the
      association between the chemical, gene, and MS, adjusting for education and
      ancestry. MS cases were more likely than controls to report lead (odds ratio [OR]
      = 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07, 3.86) and mercury exposure (OR =
      2.06; 95% CI: 1.08, 3.91). Findings of potential gene-environment interactions
      between SNPs in TNF-alpha, TNF-beta, TCA-beta, VDR, MBP, and APOE, and lead,
      mercury, or solvents should be considered cautiously due to limited sample size. 

PMID- 25137522
TI  - Safety of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy in patients with prior
      abdominopelvic or inguinal surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite the widespread use of minimally invasive radical
      prostatectomy (MIRP), there remain concerns regarding its safety in patients with
      a history of prior abdominopelvic or inguinal surgery. METHODS: A prospective
      database of 1165 MIRP procedures performed by a single surgeon at a high-volume
      tertiary care center from 2001 to 2013 was analyzed. After an initial period of
      transperitoneal MIRP (TP), an extraperitoneal (EP) approach was used
      preferentially beginning in 2005 (for both laparoscopic and robotic cases), and
      robotics were used preferentially beginning in 2010. Overall perioperative
      complications, major complications (Clavien-Dindo III or IV), and abdominal
      complications (e.g., ileus, bowel/organ injury, or vascular injury) were compared
      for patients with and without a prior surgical history. Uni- and multivariate
      logistic regression were used to control the impact of robotics, approach,
      operative time, estimated blood loss, case number, prostate weight, and primary
      Gleason on complications. RESULTS: Three hundred patients undergoing MIRP had
      prior abdominopelvic or inguinal surgery (25.8%). Of these, 102 (34%) underwent
      TP and 198 (66%) EP MIRP. Robotics was used in 286 cases (24.6%) and pure
      laparoscopy in 879 (75.4%). Complications occurred in 111 patients (9.5%) from
      the total cohort, with major complications in 32 (2.75%) and abdominal
      complications in 19 (1.63%). Prior surgery was not associated with overall,
      major, or abdominal complications. Of the controlling factors, only increasing
      operative time was associated with postoperative abdominal complications (most of
      which were ileus) on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this large single
      surgeon series where both EP and TP approaches to MIRP are utilized, prior
      abdominopelvic or inguinal surgery was not associated with an increased risk of
      perioperative complications.

PMID- 25137521
TI  - Amide proton transfer-weighted imaging of the head and neck at 3 T: a feasibility
      study on healthy human subjects and patients with head and neck cancer.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and repeatability of amide
      proton transfer-weighted (APTw) MRI for the head and neck on clinical MRI
      scanners. Six healthy volunteers and four patients with head and neck tumors
      underwent APTw MRI scanning at 3 T. The APTw signal was quantified by the
      asymmetric magnetization transfer ratio (MTRasym) at 3.5 ppm. Z spectra of normal
      tissues in the head and neck (masseter muscle, parotid glands, submandibular
      glands and thyroid glands) were analyzed in healthy volunteers. Inter-scan
      repeatability of APTw MRI was evaluated in six healthy volunteers. Z spectra of
      patients with head and neck tumors were produced and APTw signals in these tumors
      were analyzed. APTw MRI scanning was successful for all 10 subjects. The parotid
      glands showed the highest APTw signal (~7.6% average), whereas the APTw signals
      in other tissues were relatively moderate. The repeatability of APTw signals from
      the masseter muscle, parotid gland, submandibular gland and thyroid gland of
      healthy volunteers was established. Four head and neck tumors showed positive
      mean APTw ranging from 1.2% to 3.2%, distinguishable from surrounding normal
      tissues. APTw MRI was feasible for use in the head and neck regions at 3 T. The
      preliminary results on patients with head and neck tumors indicated the potential
      of APTw MRI for clinical applications.

PMID- 25137523
TI  - Hemostatic effect of hot saline irrigation during functional endoscopic sinus
      surgery: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The endoscopically magnified operative field in functional endoscopic
      sinus surgery (FESS) makes even a small amount of bleeding a potentially
      significant hindrance. It is thought that irrigation with hot saline during
      surgery may improve surgical field of view by producing a hemostatic effect. Our
      objective was to assess the effectiveness of hot saline irrigation (HSI) compared
      to room temperature saline irrigation (RTSI) in the control of intraoperative
      bleeding during FESS. METHODS: Sixty-two chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients
      undergoing FESS were randomized to 2 treatment arms in an equal ratio. Subjects
      received either HSI (49 degrees C) or RTSI (18 degrees C), 20 mL every 10
      minutes, for the duration of FESS. The Boezaart endoscopic field of view grading
      system was the primary outcome measure. Boezaart score, heart rate, and mean
      arterial blood pressure (MABP) were recorded at 10-minute intervals between
      irrigations. RESULTS: Mean endoscopic surgical field of view (Boezaart score) did
      not significantly differ between the HSI and RTSI groups (1.5 +/- 0.6 vs 1.3 +/-
      0.5; p = 0.23). However, when FESS was longer than 2 hours in duration, the
      Boezaart scores were significantly better in the HSI group (1.6 +/- 0.6 vs 1.2 +/
      0.4; p = 0.04). We found that blood loss per minute was significantly reduced (p
      = 0.02) in all cases in which HSI was used (2.3 +/- 1.0) compared to RTSI (1.7 +/
      1.1). Despite this, heart rate (p = 0.32) and MABP (p = 0.14) did not
      significantly differ between treatment groups. CONCLUSION: HSI may be beneficial
      in improving surgical field of view in FESS after 2 hours of operating time. A
      significant reduction in rate of blood loss may be attained with HSI.

PMID- 25137524
TI  - Direct comparison of electrochemical and spectrochemical kinetics for catalytic
      oxygen reduction.
AB  - We describe here a direct comparison of electrochemical and spectrochemical
      experiments to determine rates and selectivity of oxygen reduction catalyzed by
      iron 5,10,15,20-meso-tetraphenylporphyrin chloride. Good agreement was found
      between the two methods, suggesting the same mechanism is occurring under both
      conditions, with the same third-order rate law, similar selectivity, and the
      derived rate constants agreeing within a factor of at most 4, with k(cat) ? 2 *
      10(6) M(-2) s(-1). This Communication provides a rare example of a redox
      catalytic process characterized by two common but very different methods.

PMID- 25137525
TI  - Surface-initiated hyperbranched polyglycerol as an ultralow-fouling coating on
      glass, silicon, and porous silicon substrates.
AB  - Anionic ring-opening polymerization of glycidol was initiated from activated
      glass, silicon, and porous silicon substrates to yield thin, ultralow-fouling
      hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) graft polymer coatings. Substrates were
      activated by deprotonation of surface-bound silanol functionalities. HPG
      polymerization was initiated upon the addition of freshly distilled glycidol to
      yield films in the nanometer thickness range. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,
      contact angle measurements, and ellipsometry were used to characterize the
      resulting coatings. The antifouling properties of HPG-coated surfaces were
      evaluated in terms of protein adsorption and the attachment of mammalian cells.
      The adsorption of bovine serum albumin and collagen type I was found to be
      reduced by as much as 97 and 91%, respectively, in comparison to untreated
      surfaces. Human glioblastoma and mouse fibroblast attachment was reduced by 99
      and 98%, respectively. HPG-grafted substrates outperformed polyethylene glycol
      (PEG) grafted substrates of comparable thickness under the same incubation
      conditions. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of antifouling HPG graft
      polymer coatings on a selected range of substrate materials and open the door for
      their use in biomedical applications. 

PMID- 25137526
TI  - Catalytic mechanism of bacteriophage T4 Rad50 ATP hydrolysis.
AB  - Spontaneous double-strand breaks (DSBs) are one of the most deleterious forms of
      DNA damage, and their improper repair can lead to cellular dysfunction. The Mre11
      and Rad50 proteins, a nuclease and an ATPase, respectively, form a well-conserved
      complex that is involved in the initial processing of DSBs. Here we examine the
      kinetic and catalytic mechanism of ATP hydrolysis by T4 Rad50 (gp46) in the
      presence and absence of Mre11 (gp47) and DNA. Single-turnover and pre-steady
      state kinetics on the wild-type protein indicate that the rate-limiting step for
      Rad50, the MR complex, and the MR-DNA complex is either chemistry or a
      conformational change prior to catalysis. Pre-steady state product release
      kinetics, coupled with viscosity steady state kinetics, also supports that the
      binding of DNA to the MR complex does not alter the rate-limiting step. The lack
      of a positive deuterium solvent isotope effect for the wild type and several
      active site mutants, combined with pH-rate profiles, implies that chemistry is
      rate-limiting and the ATPase mechanism proceeds via an asymmetric, dissociative
      like transition state. Mutation of the Walker A/B and H-loop residues also
      affects the allosteric communication between Rad50 active sites, suggesting
      possible routes for cooperativity between the ATP active sites. 

PMID- 25137527
TI  - Introduction of a methodology for visualization and graphical interpretation of
      Bayesian classification models.
AB  - Supervised machine learning models are widely used in chemoinformatics,
      especially for the prediction of new active compounds or targets of known
      actives. Bayesian classification methods are among the most popular machine
      learning approaches for the prediction of activity from chemical structure. Much
      work has focused on predicting structure-activity relationships (SARs) on the
      basis of experimental training data. By contrast, only a few efforts have thus
      far been made to rationalize the performance of Bayesian or other supervised
      machine learning models and better understand why they might succeed or fail. In
      this study, we introduce an intuitive approach for the visualization and
      graphical interpretation of naive Bayesian classification models. Parameters
      derived during supervised learning are visualized and interactively analyzed to
      gain insights into model performance and identify features that determine
      predictions. The methodology is introduced in detail and applied to assess
      Bayesian modeling efforts and predictions on compound data sets of varying
      structural complexity. Different classification models and features determining
      their performance are characterized in detail. A prototypic implementation of the
      approach is provided. 

PMID- 25137528
TI  - Strong negative nanocatalysis: oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution at very
      small (2 nm) gold nanoparticles.
AB  - The electron transfer kinetics associated with both the reduction of oxygen and
      of protons to form hydrogen at gold nanoparticles are shown to display strong
      retardation when studied at citrate capped ultra small (2 nm) gold nanoparticles.
      Negative nanocatalysis in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is reported for
      the first time. 

PMID- 25137530
TI  - HPLC-UV method for quantifying etoposide in plasma and tumor interstitial fluid
      by microdialysis: application to pharmacokinetic studies.
AB  - A simple and sensitive bioanalytical method was developed and validated for
      determination of etoposide in plasma and microdialysis samples of Walker-256
      tumor-bearing rats. A microdialysis probe was implanted in the center of a
      subcutaneous tumor and Ringer's solution was used as perfusion medium.
      Chromatographic separation was conducted on a Shimadzu CLC-C8 column using a
      mobile phase consisting of water-acetonitrile (70:30; v/v) adjusted to pH 4.0 +/-
      0.1 with formic acid at a gradient flow rate of 1.0-0.6 mL/min, an injection
      volume of 30 MUL and UV detection at 210 nm. Microdialysate samples were analyzed
      without processing and plasma samples (100 MUL) were spiked with phenytoin as
      internal standard (IS) (1 ug/mL) followed by extraction with tert-butyl methyl
      ether. The organic layer was evaporated and reconstituted with 100 MUL of mobile
      phase before injection. The methods for plasma and microdialysate were linear in
      the ranges of 25-10,000 ng/mL and of 10-1500 ng/mL, respectively. All the
      validation parameters such as intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy and
      stability were within the limits established by international guidelines. The
      present method was successfully applied in the investigation of etoposide
      pharmacokinetics in rat plasma and microdialysate tumor samples following a
      single 15 mg/kg intravenous dose.

PMID- 25137529
TI  - Iminosugar C-glycoside analogues of alpha-D-GlcNAc-1-phosphate: synthesis and
      bacterial transglycosylase inhibition.
AB  - We herein describe the first synthesis of iminosugar C-glycosides of alpha-D
      GlcNAc-1-phosphate in 10 steps starting from unprotected D-GlcNAc. A
      diastereoselective intramolecular iodoamination-cyclization as the key step was
      employed to construct the central piperidine ring of the iminosugar and the C
      glycosidic structure of alpha-D-GlcNAc. Finally, the iminosugar phosphonate and
      its elongated phosphate analogue were accessed. These phosphorus-containing
      iminosugars were coupled efficiently with lipophilic monophosphates to give lipid
      linked pyrophosphate derivatives, which are lipid II mimetics endowed with potent
      inhibitory properties toward bacterial transglycosylases (TGase).

PMID- 25137532
TI  - Halide-bridged binuclear HX-splitting catalysts.
AB  - Two-electron mixed-valence compounds promote the rearrangement of the two
      electron bond photochemically. Such complexes are especially effective at
      managing the activation of hydrohalic acids (HX). Closed HX-splitting cycles
      require proton reduction to H2 and halide oxidation to X2 to be both
      accomplished, the latter of which is thermodynamically and kinetically demanding.
      Phosphazane-bridged Rh2 catalysts have been especially effective at activating HX
      via photogenerated ligand-bridged intermediates; such intermediates are analogues
      of the classical ligand-bridged intermediates proposed in binuclear elimination
      reactions. Herein, a new family of phosphazane-bridged Rh2 photocatalysts has
      been developed where the halide-bridged geometry is designed into the ground
      state. The targeted geometries were accessed by replacing previously used alkyl
      isocyanides with aryl isocyanide ligands, which provided access to families of
      Rh2L1 complexes. H2 evolution with Rh2 catalysts typically proceeds via two
      electron photoreduction, protonation to afford Rh hydrides, and photochemical H2
      evolution. Herein, we have directly observed each of these steps in
      stoichiometric reactions. Reactivity differences between Rh2 chloride and bromide
      complexes have been delineated. H2 evolution from both HCl and HBr proceeds with
      a halide-bridged Rh2 hydride photoresting state. The H2-evolution efficiency of
      the new family of halide-bridged catalysts is compared to a related catalyst in
      which ligand-bridged geometries are not stabilized in the molecular ground state,
      and the new complexes are found to more efficiently facilitate H2 evolution. 

PMID- 25137531
TI  - EPR, ENDOR, and electronic structure studies of the Jahn-Teller distortion in an
      Fe(V) nitride.
AB  - The recently synthesized and isolated low-coordinate Fe(V) nitride complex has
      numerous implications as a model for high-oxidation states in biological and
      industrial systems. The trigonal [PhB((t)BuIm)3Fe(V)=N](+) (where (PhB((t)BuIm)3(
      ) = phenyltris(3-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene)), (1) low-spin d(3) (S = 1/2)
      coordination compound is subject to a Jahn-Teller (JT) distortion of its doubly
      degenerate (2)E ground state. The electronic structure of this complex is
      analyzed by a combination of extended versions of the formal two-orbital pseudo
      Jahn-Teller (PJT) treatment and of quantum chemical computations of the PJT
      effect. The formal treatment is extended to incorporate mixing of the two e
      orbital doublets (30%) that results from a lowering of the idealized molecular
      symmetry from D3h to C3v through strong "doming" of the Fe-C3 core.
      Correspondingly we introduce novel DFT/CASSCF computational methods in the
      computation of electronic structure, which reveal a quadratic JT distortion and
      significant e-e mixing, thus reaching a new level of synergism between
      computational and formal treatments. Hyperfine and quadrupole tensors are
      obtained by pulsed 35 GHz ENDOR measurements for the (14/15)N-nitride and the
      (11)B axial ligands, and spectra are obtained from the imidazole-2-ylidene (13)C
      atoms that are not bound to Fe. Analysis of the nitride ENDOR tensors
      surprisingly reveals an essentially spherical nitride trianion bound to Fe, with
      negative spin density and minimal charge density anisotropy. The four-coordinate
      (11)B, as expected, exhibits negligible bonding to Fe. A detailed analysis of the
      frontier orbitals provided by the electronic structure calculations provides
      insight into the reactivity of 1: JT-induced symmetry lowering provides an
      orbital selection mechanism for proton or H atom transfer reactivity. 

PMID- 25137533
TI  - Chronic lung disease and detection of pulmonary artery dilatation in high
      resolution computerized tomography of chest in chronic arsenic exposure.
AB  - Lung affection in chronic arsenicosis developing from chronic ingestion of
      arsenic contaminated groundwater has been known but little is known on its effect
      on pulmonary arterial system. A cross sectional study was carried out at two
      geographically similar areas and demographically similar populations with or
      without evidence of chronic arsenic exposure in West Bengal, India. The willing
      participants in both the groups with chronic respiratory symptoms were evaluated
      with High Resolution Computerized Tomography (HRCT) of Chest. Evaluation of High
      Resolution Computerized Tomography of chest followed clinical assessment of lung
      disease in194 and 196 subjects from the arsenic exposed and unexposed people; the
      former had a higher prevalence of cough OR(Odds Ratio) 3.23 (95% CI(Confidence
      Interval): 1.72-6.07) and shortness of breath OR1.76 (95% CI: 0.84-3.71),
      respectively. The arsenic exposed individuals showed higher score for
      bronchiectasis [mean +/- SD(Standard Deviation)] as 2.41 +/- 2.32 vs. 1.22 +/-
      1.48 (P <0.001), pulmonary artery branch dilatation (PAD) as 2.48 +/- 2.33 vs.
      0.78 +/- 1.56, (P <0.001) and pulmonary trunk dilatation as 0.26 +/- 0.45 vs.
      nil. Age-adjusted prevalence odds ratio (POR) for Pulmonary Artery Dilatation
      Found in HRCT comparing those exposed to arsenic (Group 1) to unexposed
      participants (Group 2) was found to be 6.98 (CI: 2.26-16.48). There was a strong
      dose-response relationship between the PAD (Pulmonary Artery Dilatation) and
      cumulative arsenic exposure. Pulmonary trunk and branch dilatation in chronic
      arsenicosis is a frequent abnormality seen in HRCT Chest of arsenicosis patients.
      The significance of such finding needs further investigation. 

PMID- 25137534
TI  - Adsorption and removal of arsenic (V) using crystalline manganese (II,III) oxide:
      Kinetics, equilibrium, effect of pH and ionic strength.
AB  - Manganese (II,III) oxide (Mn3O4) crystalline powder was evaluated as a potential
      sorbent for removal of arsenic (V) from water. Adsorption isotherm experiments
      were carried out to determine the adsorption capacity using de-ionized (DI)
      water, a synthetic solution containing bicarbonate alkalinity, and two natual
      groundwater samples. Adsorption isotherm data followed the Langmuir and
      Freundlich equations, indicating favorable adsorption of arsenic (V) onto Mn3O4,
      while results from the Dubinin-Radushkevich equation were suggestive of
      chemisorption of arsenic (V). When normalized to the sorbent surface area, the
      maximum adsorption capacity of Mn3O4 for arsenic (V) was 101 MUg m(-2),
      comparable to that of activated alumina. Arsenic (V) adsorption onto Mn3O4
      followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Adsorption of arsenic (V) was greatest at
      pH 2, while adsorption at pH 7-9 was within 91% of maximum adsorption, whereas
      adsorption decreased to 32% of maximum adsorption at pH 10. Surface charge
      analysis confirmed the adsorption of arsenic (V) onto the acidic surface of the
      Mn3O4 sorbent with a pHPZC of 7.32. The presence of coexisting ions bicarbonate
      and phosphate resulted in a decrease in arsenic (V) uptake. Comparable adsorption
      capacities were obtained for the synthetic solution and both groundwater samples.
      Overall, crystalline Mn3O4 was an effective and viable sorbent for removal of
      arsenic (V) from natural water, removing greater than 95% of arsenic (V) from a 1
      mg L(-1) solution within 60 min of contact time. 

PMID- 25137535
TI  - Kinetic study of adsorption of arsenic onto New Zealand Ironsand (NZIS).
AB  - New Zealand Ironsand (NZIS), an iron-rich sand ubiquitous to the coast of the
      North Island of New Zealand was examined for the removal of arsenic (both As
      (III) and As (V)) by adsorption. Batch experiments were performed to evaluate the
      adsorption kinetics at three different pH conditions (3.0, 7.5 and 11.0). In
      addition, a column test was conducted to obtain the breakthrough curve and
      appraise the arsenic removal capacity of NZIS used as a filter media. The kinetic
      study showed that a very long contact time (>144 h) was needed to reach
      equilibrium and the nature of the adsorption was well described (R(2) value more
      than 0.96 at each pH condition) with a pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic
      model for both As (III) and As (V). In column tests, a pore volume (PV) of 700
      and 400 yielded a total arsenic level less than the WHO guideline value of 10
      MUg/L for As (III) and As (V), respectively. 

PMID- 25137536
TI  - Characterization of arsenite-oxidizing bacteria isolated from arsenic
      contaminated groundwater of West Bengal.
AB  - Nine arsenic (As)-resistant bacterial strains isolated from As-rich groundwater
      samples of West Bengal were characterized to elucidate their potential in
      geomicrobial transformation and bioremediation aspects. The 16S rRNA gene-based
      phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strains were affiliated with genera
      Actinobacteria, Microbacterium, Pseudomonas and Rhizobium. The strains exhibited
      high resistance to As [Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) >= 10 mM As(3+) and
      MIC >= 450 mM As(5+)] and other heavy metals, e.g., Cu(2+), Cr(2+), Ni(2+), etc.
      (MIC >= 2 mM) as well as As transformation (As(3+) oxidation and As(5+)
      reduction) capabilities. Their ability to utilize diverse carbon source(s)
      including hydrocarbons and different alternative electron acceptor(s) (As(5+),
      SO4(2-), S2O3(2-), etc.) during anaerobic growth was noted. Growth at wide range
      of pH, temperature and salinity, production of siderophore and biofilm were
      observed. Together with these, growth pattern and transformation kinetics
      indicated a high As(3+) oxidation activity of the isolates Rhizobium sp. CAS934i,
      Microbacterium sp. CAS905i and Pseudomonas sp. CAS912i. A positive relation
      between high As(3+) resistance and As(3+) oxidation and the supportive role of
      As(3+) in bacterial growth was noted. The results highlighted As(3+) oxidation
      process and metabolic repertory of strains indigenous to contaminated groundwater
      and indicates their potential in As(3+) detoxification. Thus, such metabolically
      well equipped bacterial strains with highest As(3+) oxidation activities may be
      used for bioremediation of As contaminated water and effluents in the near
      future. 

PMID- 25137537
TI  - Variation in composition and relative content of accumulated photopigments in a
      newly isolated Rhodobacter capsulatus strain XJ-1 in response to arsenic.
AB  - This study aimed to isolate and characterize a new arsenic (As)-tolerant
      bacterial strain (XJ-1) from the Halosol soil, to evaluate its As tolerance, and
      to examine the variation in composition and relative content of accumulated
      photosynthetic pigments in response to As. The experiments were performed with
      high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), inductively-coupled plasma mass
      spectrometry (ICP-MS), liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), thin
      layer chromatography (TLC) and grayscale intensity image analysis using Gel-Pro
      analyzer software. Strain XJ-1 was identified as Rhodobacter (R.) capsulatus
      based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and physiological characteristics. Strain XJ-1
      was able to grow when exposed to arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)] under
      anaerobic-light conditions. The median effective concentrations (EC50) of As(III)
      and As(V) were 0.61 mM and 2.03 mM, respectively. Strain XJ-1 could reduce As(V)
      to As(III), but As(III) could not be transformed back to As(V) or other organic
      As compounds. Accumulation of bacteriochlorophylls and carotenoids in strain XJ-1
      varied in the presence of 0.2-1.2 mM As(III) and 0-2.5 mM As(V). As exposure
      resulted in pronounced variation in compositions and contents of photosynthetic
      pigments, especially hydroxyspheroidene, bacteriophaeophytin, the ratio of
      tetrahydrogeranylgeranyl to phytylated BChl a, and the ratio of spheroidene to
      spheroidenone. This research highlights the adaptative response of R. capsulatus
      strain XJ-1 photosystems to environmental As, and demonstrates the potential of
      utilizing the sensitivity of its photosynthetic pigments to As(III) and As(V) for
      the biodetection of As in the environment. 

PMID- 25137538
TI  - Amperometric determination of cadmium, lead, and mercury metal ions using a novel
      polymer immobilised horseradish peroxidase biosensor system.
AB  - This work was undertaken to develop a novel Pt/PANI-co-PDTDA/HRP biosensor system
      for environmental applications to investigate the inhibition studies by specific
      heavy metals, to provide data suitable for kinetic studies and further
      application of the biosensor to environmental samples. The newly constructed
      biosensor was compared to the data of the well-researched Pt/PANI/HRP biosensor.
      Optimised experimental conditions, such as the working pH for the biosensor was
      evaluated. The functionality of the amperometric enzyme sensor system was
      demonstrated by measuring the oxidation current of hydrogen peroxide followed by
      the development of an assay for determination of metal concentration in the
      presence of selected metal ions of Cd(2+), Pb(2+) and Hg(2+). The detection
      limits were found to be 8 * 10(-4) MUg L(-1) for cadmium, 9.38 * 10(-4) MUg L(-1)
      for lead and 7.89 * 10(-4) MUg L(-1) for mercury. The World Health Organisation
      recommended that the maximum safety level of these metals should not exceed 0.005
      mg L(-1) of Cd(2+), 0.01 mg L(-1) of Pb(2+) and 0.001 mg L(-1) of Hg(2+.),
      respectively. The analytical and detection data for the metals investigated were
      observed to be lower than concentrations recommended by several bodies including
      World Health Organisation and Environmental Protection Agencies. Therefore the
      biosensors developed in this study can be used to screen the presence of these
      metals in water samples because of its low detection limit. The modes of
      inhibition of horseradish peroxidase by Pb(2+), Cd(2+) and Hg(2+) as analysed
      using the double reciprocal plots of the Michaelis-Menten equation was found to
      be reversible and uncompetitive inhibition. Based on the Km(app) and Imax values
      for both biosensors the results have shown smaller values. These results also
      proved that the enzyme modified electrode is valuable and can be deployed for the
      determination or screening of heavy metals. 

PMID- 25137540
TI  - Strategies of management for the whole treatment of leachates generated in a
      landfill and in a composting plant.
AB  - This study compares the leachates generated in the treatment of Municipal Solid
      Wastes (MSW) of similar origin but managed in two different ways: (a) sorting and
      composting in a Treatment Plant in Aranda de Duero (Burgos, Spain), and (b)
      direct dumping in a landfill in Aranda de Duero (Burgos, Spain) with no prior
      treatment. Two different leachates were considered for the former: those
      generated in the fermentation shed (P1) and those generated in the composting
      tunnels (P2); another leachate was collected from the landfill (P3). Physical and
      chemical properties, including heavy metal contents, were seasonally monitored in
      the different leachates. This study allowed us to conclude that the sampling
      season had a significant effect on Pb, Cd, Ni, Mg and total-N contents (P <
      0.01). Similarly, leachates P1, P2 and P3 exhibited significant overall
      differences for most of the measured parameters except for Cd, Cu, Pb, K, Fe, C
      inorg and C-org contents (P < 0.01). This study concludes with the feasibility of
      a whole treatment for both leachates using ultrafiltration in a membrane
      bioreactor (MBR). 

PMID- 25137539
TI  - Removal of dicyclohexyl acetic acid from aqueous solution using ultrasound, ozone
      and their combination.
AB  - Naphthenic acids are a complex mixture of organic components, some of which
      include saturated alkyl-substituted cycloaliphatic carboxylic acids and acyclic
      aliphatic acids. They are naturally found in hydrocarbon deposits like oil sand,
      petroleum, bitumen and crude oil. In this study, the oxidation of a relatively
      high molecular weight naphthenic acid (Dicyclohexyl acetic acid) was investigated
      using ozonation, ultrasonication and hydrogen peroxide alone and their
      combinations. Effects on oxidation of dicyclohexyl acetic acid (DAA) were
      measured for different concentrations of ozone ranging between 0.7 to 3.3 mg L(
      1) and pH in the range 6 to 10. Ultrasonication and hydrogen peroxide alone were
      not effective to oxidize dicyclohexyl acetic acid, but combining ultrasonication
      with H2O2 had a significant effect on oxidation of dicyclohexyl acetic acid with
      maximum removal reaching to 84 +/- 2.2% with 81 +/- 2.1% reduction in chemical
      oxygen demand (COD). Synergistic effects were observed for combining
      ultrasonication with ozonation and resulted in 100% DAA removal with 98 +/- 0.8%
      reduction in COD within 15 min at 3.3 mg L(-1) ozone concentration and 130 Watts
      ultrasonication power. The reaction conditions obtained for the maximum oxidation
      of DAA and COD removal were used for the degradation of naphthenic acids mixture
      extracted from oil sands process water (OSPW). The percentage oxidation of NAs
      mixture extracted from OSPW was 89.3 +/- 1.1% in ozonation and combined ozonation
      and ultrasonication, but COD removal observed was 65 +/- 1.2% and 78 +/- 1.4% for
      ozonation and combined ozonation and ultrasonication treatments, respectively. 

PMID- 25137541
TI  - Cosmetic wastewater treatment using the Fenton, Photo-Fenton and H2O2/UV
      processes.
AB  - Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), such as the Fenton, photo-Fenton and H2O2/UV
      processes, have been investigated for the treatment of cosmetic wastewaters that
      were previously coagulated by FeCl3. The Photo-Fenton process at pH 3.0 with
      1000/100 mg L(-1) H2O2/Fe(2+) was the most effective (74.0% Chemical Oxygen
      Demand (COD) removal). The Fenton process with 1200/500 mg L(-1) H2O2/Fe(2+)
      achieved a COD removal of 72.0%, and the H2O2/UV process achieved a COD removal
      of 47.0%. Spreading the H2O2 doses over time to obtain optimal conditions did not
      improve COD removal. The kinetics of the Fenton and photo-Fenton processes may be
      described by the following equation: d[COD]/dt = -a[COD] t(m) (t represents time
      and a and m are constants). The rate of COD removal by the H2O2/UV process may be
      described by a second-order reaction equation. Head Space, Solid-Phase
      MicroExtraction, Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) were
      used to identify 48 substances in precoagulated wastewater. Among these
      substances, 26 were fragrances. Under optimal AOP conditions, over 99% of the
      identified substances were removed in 120 min. 

PMID- 25137542
TI  - Influence of parameters on the photocatalytic degradation of phenolic
      contaminants in wastewater using TiO2/UV system.
AB  - The photocatalytic degradation of phenol in aqueous suspension using commercial
      TiO2 powder (Degussa P-25) irradiated with UV light was investigated.
      Photodegradation was compared using a photocatalyst (TiO2 alone), direct
      photolysis (UV alone) and TiO2/UV in a single batch reactor with mercury lamp
      irradiation. The study focused on the influence of various operating parameters
      on phenol treatment efficiency, including catalyst dosage, initial concentration
      of phenol, temperature, pH and change in pH were systematically investigated. The
      highest phenol degradation rate was obtained at pH 9.0, temperature 60 degrees C
      and catalyst dose of 2 g L(-1) with higher mineralization efficiency (in terms of
      TOC reduction). Experimental results showed that under optimized conditions the
      phenol removal efficiency was 98% and 100% for the TiO2/UV and TiO2/UV/H2O2
      system, respectively. No significant effect on addition of chloride and metal
      ions was observed. Photodegradation of phenol followed first-order kinetics. To
      test whether the phenol removal was possible for wastewater using a TiO2/UV
      system, the degradation study was conducted with the real obtained wastewater.
      The removal of phenol from obtained wastewater and the synthetic wastewater
      containing phenol was comparable. The TiO2/UV system developed here is expected
      to be useful for the treatment of wastewater containing phenol. 

PMID- 25137543
TI  - Comparison of five wastewater COD fractionation methods for dynamic simulation of
      MBR systems.
AB  - Five different wastewater COD fractionation methods were employed for simulating
      an experimental MBR wastewater treatment plant using WEST. The predictions of
      dynamic simulations using as input the data obtained according to each influent
      characterization methodology were compared with the results of the experimental
      system and differences between experimental and predicted values were analyzed in
      order to select the fractionation method which provides the best fitting and
      minimizes errors. Three of these methods were based on the determination of the
      biodegradable fractions using respirometric assays of real wastewater filtered
      through 0.45- and 0.22-MUm pore size filters or adding a previous flocculation
      step before filtration. Moreover, a method based on physicochemical analyses and
      another one based on theoretical coefficients were also compared. Simulated
      system performance and effluent quality greatly depended upon the influent
      characterization and the proper model calibration. Thus the importance of
      selecting a suitable fractionation methodology is high, especially in MBR systems
      working at specific operational conditions that may alter COD fractions. In this
      study, MLSS in the bioreactors and sludge supernatant COD concentrations were
      better predicted when the influent characterization was based on respirometric
      methods. Both the method based on theoretical coefficients and the
      physicochemical method underestimated the particulate inert fraction and
      therefore, also the MLSS concentrations. Moreover, these results showed that for
      a correct effluent COD prediction in MBR systems, it is necessary to take into
      account that the membrane retained part of the soluble inert fraction. 

PMID- 25137544
TI  - An integrated use of multiple biomarkers to investigate the individual and
      combined effect of copper and cadmium on the marine green mussel (Perna viridis).
AB  - The present study documents individual and combined sub-lethal effect of one
      redox active (copper) and one non-redox active (cadmium) metal on green mussel
      (Perna viridis). The mussels were exposed to 60 MUg L(-1) of Cu and 150 MUg L(-1)
      of Cd (individually and in combination) for 21 days. Histopathological and
      ultrastructural studies revealed significant metal induced alterations such as
      vacuolization, fusion of gill lamellae, enhance mucous deposition, hyperplasia
      and necrosis in gills. Antioxidant enzyme assays revealed significant increase in
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione
      peroxidase (GPx) activity. Similarly, single exposure to Cd and Cu caused
      significant induction in Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity. However, combined
      Cu+Cd exposure modulated suppression in MDH activity. Unlike MDH, Cu and Cd
      individual exposure resulted in a decrease in esterase (EST) activity, but their
      combined exposure caused an induction. Non-enzymatic biomarkers such as lipid
      peroxidation (LPO) and metallothionein (MT) levels showed no significant change
      in response to Cu exposure, whereas, individual Cd exposure or Cd exposure in
      combination with Cu caused significant changes in their levels. Comet assay
      revealed a significant increase in DNA damage upon metal exposure. These results
      indicate that Cu (redox active) and Cd (non-redox active) can induce measurable
      physiological, biochemical as well as genotoxic perturbations in mussels even at
      sub-lethal concentrations. A monitoring programme based on the biomarkers
      discussed here would be useful to study the effect of metal pollutants reaching
      the coastal waters. 

PMID- 25137545
TI  - Efficacy of hair analysis for monitoring exposure to uranium: a mini-review.
AB  - In spite of the ease with which samples may be collected and the stability of the
      samples after collection, the use of hair mineral analysis for monitoring
      environmental exposures and evaluating heavy metal poisonings has remained
      controversial since its initial applications for these purposes in the early
      1950s. Among the major arguments against using hair mineral analysis in general
      were the absence of biokinetic models and/or metabolic data that adequately
      described the incorporation of trace elements into the hair, the absence of
      correlations between the concentrations of trace elements in the hair and their
      concentrations in other tissues, the inability to distinguish between trace
      elements that were deposited in the hair endogenously and those that were
      deposited on the hair exogenously, the absence of reliable reference ranges for
      interpreting the results of hair mineral analysis and a lack of standard
      procedures for the collecting, preparing and analyzing the hair samples. The
      developments of the past two decades addressing these objections are reviewed
      here, and arguments supporting the use of hair analysis for monitoring
      environmental and/or occupational exposures to uranium are made on the basis of
      the information presented in this review. 

PMID- 25137546
TI  - Ecotoxicity of silver nanomaterials in the aquatic environment: a review of
      literature and gaps in nano-toxicological research.
AB  - There has been extensive growth in nanoscale technology in the last few decades
      to such a degree that nanomaterials (NMs) have become a constituent in a wide
      range of commercial and domestic products. With NMs already in use in several
      consumer products, concerns have emerged regarding their potential adverse
      environmental impacts. Although research has been undertaken in order to minimise
      the gaps in our understanding of NMs in the environment, little is known about
      their bioavailability and toxicity in the aquatic environment. Nano-toxicology is
      defined as the study of the toxicity of nanomaterials. Nano-toxicology studies
      remain poorly and unevenly distributed. To date most of the research undertaken
      has been restricted to a narrow range of test species such as daphnids. Crabs are
      bio-indicators that can be used for toxicological research on NMs since they
      occupy a significant position in the aquatic food chain. In addition, they are
      often used in conventional ecotoxicological studies due to their high sensitivity
      to environmental stressors and are abundantly available. Because they are benthic
      organisms they are prone to contaminant uptake and bioaccumulation. To our
      knowledge the crab has never been used in nano-toxicological studies. In this
      context, an extensive review on published scientific literature on the
      ecotoxicity of silver NPs (AgNPs) on aquatic organisms was conducted. Some of the
      most common biomarkers used in ecotoxicological studies are described. Emphasis
      is placed on the use of biomarker responses in crabs as monitoring tools, as well
      as on its limitations. Additionally, the gaps in nano-toxicological research and
      recommendations for future research initiatives are addressed. 

PMID- 25137547
TI  - Method to simultaneously determine the sphingosine 1-phosphate breakdown product
      (2E)-hexadecenal and its fatty acid derivatives using isotope-dilution HPLC
      electrospray ionization-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid involved in various
      physiological processes, can be irreversibly degraded by the membrane-bound S1P
      lyase (S1PL) yielding (2E)-hexadecenal and phosphoethanolamine. It is discussed
      that (2E)-hexadecenal is further oxidized to (2E)-hexadecenoic acid by the long
      chain fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase ALDH3A2 (also known as FALDH) prior to
      activation via coupling to coenzyme A (CoA). Inhibition or defects in these
      enzymes, S1PL or FALDH, result in severe immunological disorders or the Sjogren
      Larsson syndrome, respectively. Hence, it is of enormous importance to
      simultaneously determine the S1P breakdown product (2E)-hexadecenal and its fatty
      acid metabolites in biological samples. However, no method is available so far.
      Here, we present a sensitive and selective isotope-dilution high performance
      liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of (2E)-hexadecenal and its
      fatty acid metabolites following derivatization with 2-diphenylacetyl-1,3
      indandione-1-hydrazone and 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)carbodiimide.
      Optimized conditions for sample derivatization, chromatographic separation, and
      MS/MS detection are presented as well as an extensive method validation. Finally,
      our method was successfully applied to biological samples. We found that (2E)
      hexadecenal is almost quantitatively oxidized to (2E)-hexadecenoic acid, that is
      further activated as verified by cotreatment of HepG2 cell lysates with (2E)
      hexadecenal and the acyl-CoA synthetase inhibitor triacsin C. Moreover,
      incubations of cell lysates with deuterated (2E)-hexadecenal revealed that no
      hexadecanoic acid is formed from the aldehyde. Thus, our method provides new
      insights into the sphingolipid metabolism and will be useful to investigate
      diseases known for abnormalities in long-chain fatty acid metabolism, e.g., the
      Sjogren-Larsson syndrome, in more detail. 

PMID- 25137548
TI  - A Novel SHOC2 Variant in Rasopathy.
AB  - Rasopathies are a group of genetic disorders caused by germline mutations in
      multiple genes of the Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2)
      pathway. The only previously identified missense mutation in SHOC2, a scaffold
      protein of the ERK1/2 pathway, led to Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen
      hair. Here, we report a novel mutation in SHOC2(c.519G>A; p.M173I) that leads to
      a Rasopathy with clinical features partially overlapping those occurring in
      Noonan and cardiofaciocutaneous syndromes. Studies to clarify the significance of
      this SHOC2 variant revealed that the mutant protein has impaired capacity to
      interact with protein phosphatase 1c (PP1c), leading to insufficient activation
      of RAF-1 kinase. This SHOC2 variant thus is unable to fully rescue ERK1/2
      activity in cells depleted of endogenous SHOC2. We conclude that SHOC2 mutations
      can cause a spectrum of Rasopathy phenotypes in heterozygous individuals.
      Importantly, our work suggests that individuals with mild Rasopathy symptoms may
      be underdiagnosed. 

PMID- 25137549
TI  - Discovery of carbohybrid-based 2-aminopyrimidine analogues as a new class of
      rapid-acting antimalarial agents using image-based cytological profiling assay.
AB  - New antimalarial agents that exhibit multistage activities against drug-resistant
      strains of malaria parasites represent good starting points for developing next
      generation antimalarial therapies. To facilitate the progression of such agents
      into the development phase, we developed an image-based parasitological screening
      method for defining drug effects on different asexual life cycle stages of
      Plasmodium falciparum. High-throughput screening of a newly assembled diversity
      oriented synthetic library using this approach led to the identification of
      carbohybrid-based 2-aminopyrimidine compounds with fast-acting growth inhibitory
      activities against three laboratory strains of multidrug-resistant P. falciparum.
      Our structure-activity relationship study led to the identification of two
      derivatives (8aA and 11aA) as the most promising antimalarial candidates (mean
      EC50 of 0.130 and 0.096 MUM against all three P. falciparum strains, selectivity
      indices >600, microsomal stabilities >80%, and mouse malaria ED50 values of 0.32
      and 0.12 mg/kg/day, respectively), targeting all major blood stages of multidrug
      resistant P. falciparum parasites. 

PMID- 25137550
TI  - RBC transfusion in pediatric patients supported with extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation: is there an impact on tissue oxygenation?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine first the RBC transfusion practice in pediatric patients
      supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and second the relationship
      between transfusion of RBCs and changes in mixed venous saturation (SvO2) and
      cerebral regional tissue oxygenation, as measured by near-infrared spectroscopy
      in patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. DESIGN:
      Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Pediatric, cardiovascular, and
      neonatal ICUs of a tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: All pediatric
      patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between January 1,
      2010, and December 31, 2010. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      There were 45 patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The
      median (interquartile range) phlebotomy during extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation was 75 mL/kg (33, 149 mL/kg). A total of 617 transfusions were
      administered (median, 9 per patient; range = 1-57). RBC volumes transfused during
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support were 254 mL/kg (136, 557) and 267
      mL/kg (187, 393; p = 0.82) for cardiac and noncardiac patients, respectively.
      Subtracting the volume of RBCs used for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
      circuit priming, median RBC transfusion volumes were 131 and 80 mL/kg for cardiac
      and noncardiac patients, respectively (p = 0.26). The cardiac surgical patients
      received the most RBCs (529 vs 74 mL/kg for nonsurgical cardiac patients). The
      median hematocrit maintained during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support
      was 37%, with no difference between cardiac and noncardiac patients. Patients
      supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were exposed to a median of
      10.9 (range, 3-43) individual donor RBC units. Most transfusions resulted in no
      significant change in either SvO2 or cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy. Only 5%
      of transfusions administered (31/617) resulted in an increase in SvO2 of more
      than 5%, whereas an increase in cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy of more than
      5 was only observed in 9% of transfusions (53/617). Most transfusions (73%) were
      administered at a time when the pretransfusion SvO2 was more than 70%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were
      exposed to large RBC transfusion volumes for treatment of mild anemia resulting
      from blood loss, particularly phlebotomy. In the majority of events, RBC
      transfusion did not significantly alter global tissue oxygenation, as assessed by
      changes in SvO2 and cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy. Most transfusions were
      administered at a time at which the patient did not appear to be oxygen delivery
      dependent according to global measures of tissue oxygenation.

PMID- 25137552
TI  - Time to reappraise the use of body mass index in genetic association studies of
      children?

PMID- 25137551
TI  - Greater fluctuations in serum sodium levels are associated with increased
      mortality in children with externalized ventriculostomy drains in a PICU.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Dysnatremia is common in critically ill children due to disruption of
      hormonal homeostasis. Children with brain injury are at risk for syndrome of
      inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, cerebral salt wasting, and sodium losses due
      to externalized ventricular drain placement. We hypothesized that among PICU
      patients managed with an externalized ventricular drain, hyponatremia is common,
      hyponatremia is associated with seizures and in-hospital mortality, and greater
      sodium fluctuations are associated with in-hospital mortality. DESIGN:
      Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary care PICU. PATIENTS: All
      pediatric patients treated in the PICU with an externalized ventricular drain
      from January 2005 to December 2009. Patients were identified by searching the
      physician order entry database for externalized ventricular drain orders.
      Hyponatremia was defined as the minimum sodium during patients' externalized
      ventricular drain time and was categorized as mild (131-134 mEq/L) or moderate to
      severe (<= 130 mEq/L). Magnitude of sodium fluctuation was defined as the
      difference between a patient's highest and lowest sodium during the time in which
      an externalized ventricular drain was in use (up to 14 d). Seizure was defined as
      a clinically evident convulsion during externalized ventricular drain presence. A
      priori confounders were age, history of epilepsy, and externalized ventricular
      drain indication. Multivariable regression was performed to test the association
      between sodium derangements and outcomes. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: Three hundred eighty patients were eligible. One hundred nine (29%)
      had mild hyponatremia, and 30 (8%) had moderate to severe hyponatremia. Twenty
      eight patients (7%) had a seizure while hospitalized. Eighteen patients died (5%)
      prior to discharge. Survivors had a median daily sodium fluctuation of 1 mEq/L [0
      5] vs non-survivors 9 mEq/L [6-11] (p < 0.001) and a median sodium fluctuation of
      5 mEq/L [2-8] vs non-survivors 15 mEq/L [9-24] (p < 0.001) during externalized
      ventricular drain management. After controlling for a priori covariates and
      potential confounders, hyponatremia was not associated with an increased odds of
      seizures or in-hospital mortality. However, greater fluctuations in daily sodium
      (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06-1.8) and greater fluctuations in sodium during
      externalized ventricular drain management were associated with increased odds of
      in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.2-2.11). CONCLUSIONS:
      Hyponatremia was common in PICU patients treated with externalized ventricular
      drains but not associated with seizures or in-hospital mortality. Greater sodium
      fluctuations during externalized ventricular drain management were independently
      associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality.

PMID- 25137553
TI  - Improving the oral health of residents with intellectual and developmental
      disabilities: an oral health strategy and pilot study.
AB  - This article presents an oral health (OH) strategy and pilot study focusing on
      individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) living in
      group homes. The strategy consists of four components: (1) planned action in the
      form of the behavioral contract and caregiver OH action planning; (2) capacity
      building through didactic and observation learning training; (3) environmental
      adaptations consisting of additional oral heath devices and strategies to create
      a calm atmosphere; and (4) reinforcement by post-training coaching. A pilot study
      was conducted consisting of pre- and post-assessment data collected 1 week before
      and 1 week after implementing a 1-month OH strategy. The study sample comprised
      11 group homes with 21 caregivers and 25 residents with IDD from one service
      organization in a Midwestern city. A process evaluation found high-quality
      implementation of the OH strategy as measured by dosage, fidelity, and caregiver
      reactions to implementing the strategy. Using repeated cross-sectional and
      repeated measures analyses, we found statistically significant positive changes
      in OH status and oral hygiene practices of residents. Caregiver self-efficacy as
      a mechanism of change was not adequately evaluated; however, positive change was
      found in some but not all types of caregiver OH support that were assessed.
      Lessons learned from implementing the pilot study intervention and evaluation are
      discussed, as are the next steps in conducting an efficacy study of the OH
      strategy. 

PMID- 25137555
TI  - Photocontrolled nanoparticle delivery systems for biomedical applications.
AB  - "Smart" stimuli-responsive nanomaterials are becoming popular as targeted
      delivery systems because they allow the use of internal or external stimuli to
      achieve spatial or temporal control over the delivery process. Among the stimuli
      that have been used, light is of special interest because it is not only
      noninvasive but also controllable both spatially and temporally, thus allowing
      unprecedented control over the delivery of bioactive molecules such as nucleic
      acids, proteins, drugs, etc. This is particularly advantageous for biomedical
      applications where specificity and selectivity are highly desired. Several
      strategies have evolved under the umbrella of light based delivery systems and
      can be classified into three main groups. The first strategy involves "caging" of
      the bioactive molecule using photolabile groups, loading these caged molecules
      onto a carrier and then "uncaging" or activating them at the targeted site upon
      irradiation with light of a particular wavelength. The second strategy makes use
      of nanocarriers that themselves are made photoresponsive either through
      modification with photosensitive groups or through the attachment of photolinkers
      on the carrier surface. These nanoparticles upon irradiation dissociate,
      releasing the cargo encapsulated within, or the photolinkers attaching the cargo
      to the surface get cleaved, resulting in release. The third approach makes use of
      the surface plasmon resonance of noble metal based nanoparticles. Upon
      irradiation with light at the plasmon resonant frequency, the resulting thermal
      or nonthermal field enhancement effects facilitate the release of bioactive
      molecules loaded onto the nanoparticles. In addition, other materials, certain
      metal sulfides, graphene oxide, etc., also exhibit photothermal transduction that
      can be exploited for targeted delivery. These approaches, though effective, are
      constrained by their predominant use of UV or visible light to which most
      photolabile groups are sensitive. Near infrared (NIR) excitation is preferred
      because NIR light is safer and can penetrate deeper in biological tissues.
      However, most photolabile groups cannot be excited by NIR light directly. So
      light conversion from NIR to UV/visible is required. Nanomaterials that display
      upconversion or two-photon-excitation properties have been developed that can
      serve as nanotransducers, converting NIR to UV/visible light to which the
      aforementioned photoresponsive moieties are sensitive. This Account will review
      the existing light-based nanoparticle delivery systems, their applications, the
      limitations they face, and the technologies that have emerged in an effort to
      overcome these limitations.

PMID- 25137554
TI  - Plasmonic library based on substrate-supported gradiential plasmonic arrays.
AB  - We present a versatile approach to produce macroscopic, substrate-supported
      arrays of plasmonic nanoparticles with well-defined interparticle spacing and a
      continuous particle size gradient. The arrays thus present a "plasmonic library"
      of locally noncoupling plasmonic particles of different sizes, which can serve as
      a platform for future combinatorial screening of size effects. The structures
      were prepared by substrate assembly of gold-core/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)
      shell particles and subsequent post-modification. Coupling of the localized
      surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) could be avoided since the polymer shell
      separates the encapsulated gold cores. To produce a particle array with a broad
      range of well-defined but laterally distinguishable particle sizes, the substrate
      was dip-coated in a growth solution, which resulted in an overgrowth of the gold
      cores controlled by the local exposure time. The kinetics was quantitatively
      analyzed and found to be diffusion rate controlled, allowing for precise tuning
      of particle size by adjusting the withdrawal speed. We determined the kinetics of
      the overgrowth process, investigated the LSPRs along the gradient by UV-vis
      extinction spectroscopy, and compared the spectroscopic results to the
      predictions from Mie theory, indicating the absence of local interparticle
      coupling. We finally discuss potential applications of these substrate-supported
      plasmonic particle libraries and perspectives toward extending the concept from
      size to composition variation and screening of plasmonic coupling effects. 

PMID- 25137557
TI  - Analyzing and grading effectiveness research: a new approach.

PMID- 25137556
TI  - Association between ambient noise exposure, hearing acuity, and risk of acute
      occupational injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the associations between acute workplace
      injury risk, ambient noise exposure, and hearing acuity, adjusting for reported
      hearing protection use. METHODS: In a cohort of 9220 aluminum manufacturing
      workers studied over six years (33 300 person-years, 13 323 person-jobs),
      multivariate mixed effects models were used to estimate relative risk (RR) of all
      injuries as well as serious injuries by noise exposure category and hearing
      threshold level (HTL) adjusting for recognized and potential confounders.
      RESULTS: Compared to noise <82 dBA, higher exposure was associated with elevated
      risk in a monotonic and statistically significant exposure-response pattern for
      all injuries and serious injuries with higher risk estimates observed for serious
      injuries [82-84.99 dBA: RR 1.26, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.96-1.64; 85
      87.99 dBA: RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.05-1.85; >=88 dBA: RR 2.29, 95% CI 1.52-3.47].
      Hearing loss was associated with increased risk for all injuries, but was not a
      significant predictor of risk for the subset of more serious injuries. Compared
      to those without hearing loss, workers with HTL >=25 dB had 21% increased all
      injury risk (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.09-1.33) while those with HTL 10-24.99 dB had 6%
      increased risk (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00-1.13). Reported hearing protection type did
      not predict injury risk. CONCLUSION: Noise exposure levels as low as 85 dBA may
      increase workplace injury risk. HTL was associated with increased risk for all,
      but not the subset of serious, injuries. Additional study is needed both to
      confirm the observed associations and explore causal pathways.

PMID- 25137558
TI  - Transplantation: recognizing self versus non-self: new territory for monocytes.

PMID- 25137561
TI  - Development: Wnt5a implicated in CAKUT.

PMID- 25137565
TI  - Effect of calcium-ozone treatment on chemical and biological properties of
      polyethylene terephthalate.
AB  - Ozone (O3 ) treatment of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in distilled water was
      performed in the presence and absence of calcium (Ca(2+) ). PET was oxidized and
      thus carboxylic and hydroxyl functional groups were introduced on its surface
      after O3 treatment, regardless of the presence or absence of Ca(2+) . In the case
      of O3 treatment with Ca(2+) , PET surface was modified with Ca(2+) . Ca(2+)
      immobilization was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectrometric analysis.
      Hydrophilicity was investigated by measuring contact angles (CA). CA of PET
      decreased significantly after ozonation. Surface topography of PET before and
      after ozone treatment was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and showed no
      morphological changes. In vitro studies showed enhanced rat bone marrow cell
      responses on the O3 -treated PET surface. Ca(2+) -O3 oxidation at 37 degrees C
      for 6 h is expected to be an effective method to fabricate PET with good
      biocompatibility.

PMID- 25137566
TI  - Study of the kinetics and mechanism of rapid self-assembly in block copolymer
      thin films during solvo-microwave annealing.
AB  - Microwave annealing is an emerging technique for achieving ordered patterns of
      block copolymer films on substrates. Little is understood about the mechanisms of
      microphase separation during the microwave annealing process and how it promotes
      the microphase separation of the blocks. Here, we use controlled power microwave
      irradiation in the presence of tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent, to achieve lateral
      microphase separation in high-chi lamellar-forming poly(styrene-b-lactic acid) PS
      b-PLA. A highly ordered line pattern was formed within seconds on silicon,
      germanium and silicon on insulator (SOI) substrates. In-situ temperature
      measurement of the silicon substrate coupled to condition changes during "solvo
      microwave" annealing allowed understanding of the processes to be attained. Our
      results suggest that the substrate has little effect on the ordering process and
      is essentially microwave transparent but rather, it is direct heating of the
      polar THF molecules that causes microphase separation. It is postulated that the
      rapid interaction of THF with microwaves and the resultant temperature increase
      to 55  degrees C within seconds causes an increase of the vapor pressure of the
      solvent from 19.8 to 70 kPa. This enriched vapor environment increases the
      plasticity of both PS and PLA chains and leads to the fast self-assembly
      kinetics. Comparing the patterns formed on silicon, germanium and silicon on
      insulator (SOI) and also an in situ temperature measurement of silicon in the
      oven confirms the significance of the solvent over the role of substrate heating
      during "solvo-microwave" annealing. Besides the short annealing time which has
      technological importance, the coherence length is on a micron scale and dewetting
      is not observed after annealing. The etched pattern (PLA was removed by an Ar/O2
      reactive ion etch) was transferred to the underlying silicon substrate
      fabricating sub-20 nm silicon nanowires over large areas demonstrating that the
      morphology is consistent both across and through the film. 

PMID- 25137567
TI  - A fluorescent biosensor based on carbon dots-labeled oligodeoxyribonucleotide and
      graphene oxide for mercury (II) detection.
AB  - As the newest two members of the carbon materials family, carbon dots (CDs) and
      graphene oxide (GO) possess many excellent optical properties resulting in a wide
      range of applications. In this work, we successfully synthesized CDs with a high
      quantum-yield, and labeled them on oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN). The
      fluorescence of resultant CDs-labeled oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN-CDs) was
      quenched by GO via fluorescence resonance energy transfer. In the presence of
      Hg(2+), the fluorescence was recovered by the release of ODN-CDs from GO due to
      the formation of T-Hg(2+)-T duplex. In the light of this theory, we designed a
      simple, highly sensitive and selective fluorometric Hg(2+) sensor based on CDs
      labeled oligodeoxyribonucleotide and GO without complicated, costly and time
      consuming operations. Under the optimal conditions, a linear relationship was
      obtained between relative fluorescence intensity and the concentration of Hg(2+)
      in the range of 5-200 nM (R(2)=0.974). The present GO-based sensor system is
      highly selective toward Hg(2+) over a wide range of metal ions and has a
      detection limit of 2.6 nM. This method is reliable, and has been successfully
      applied for the detection of Hg(2+) in practical samples.

PMID- 25137568
TI  - "That one makes things small": Experimentally induced spontaneous memories in 3.5
      year-olds.
AB  - We introduce a new method for examining spontaneous (unprompted) autobiographical
      memories in 3.5-year-old children, by inducing them in a laboratory setting.
      Thirty-eight 3.5-year-olds, who had previously participated in a study in our lab
      involving highly unique props, were brought back after a one-month delay to the
      same lab arranged as in the original study and with the same Experimenter
      present. While waiting for the Experimenter in front of the props, their
      spontaneous verbalizations about the previous unique experiment were recorded,
      scored, and compared to those of 29 naive Controls of the same age. The children
      in the experimental group produced significantly more spontaneous verbalizations
      related to the to-be-remembered event measured on a variety of dimensions. The
      study introduces a promising new approach to investigating spontaneous memories
      in young children in a controlled lab setting. The findings are discussed in
      relation to involuntary autobiographical memories as examined in adults. 

PMID- 25137569
TI  - Distorted subjective reports of stimulus onsets under dual-task conditions:
      Delayed conscious perception or estimation bias?
AB  - We investigated whether selecting a response for one task delays the conscious
      perception of another stimulus (delayed conscious perception hypothesis). In two
      experiments, participants watched a revolving clock hand while performing two
      tasks in close succession (i.e. a dual-task). Two stimuli were presented with
      varying stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). After each trial, participants
      separately estimated the onsets of the two stimuli on the clock face. Across two
      experiments and four conditions, we manipulated response requirements and
      assessed their impact on perceived stimulus onsets. Results showed that (a)
      providing speeded responses to the stimuli did lead to greater SOA-dependent
      misperceptions of both stimulus onsets as compared to a solely perceptual
      condition, and (b) that response grouping reduced these misperceptions. Overall,
      the results provide equivocal evidence for the delayed conscious perception
      hypothesis. They rather suggest that participants' estimates of the two stimulus
      onsets are biased by the interval between their responses. 

PMID- 25137562
TI  - Translational research in ADPKD: lessons from animal models.
AB  - Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused by mutations in
      PKD1 or PKD2, which encode polycystin-1 and polycystin-2, respectively. Rodent
      models are available to study the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
      and for preclinical testing of potential therapies-either genetically engineered
      models carrying mutations in Pkd1 or Pkd2 or models of renal cystic disease that
      do not have mutations in these genes. The models are characterized by age at
      onset of disease, rate of disease progression, the affected nephron segment, the
      number of affected nephrons, synchronized or unsynchronized cyst formation and
      the extent of fibrosis and inflammation. Mouse models have provided valuable
      mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of PKD; for example, mutated Pkd1 or
      Pkd2 cause renal cysts but additional factors are also required, and the rate of
      cyst formation is increased in the presence of renal injury. Animal studies have
      also revealed complex genetic and functional interactions among various genes and
      proteins associated with PKD. Here, we provide an update on the preclinical
      models commonly used to study the molecular pathogenesis of ADPKD and test
      potential therapeutic strategies. Progress made in understanding the
      pathophysiology of human ADPKD through these animal models is also discussed. 

PMID- 25137570
TI  - Looking at proteins from two dimensions: a review on five decades of 2D
      electrophoresis.
AB  - Separating proteins according to two different gel-electrophoretic methods not
      only increases the resolution power for highly complex samples when compared to
      one-dimensional separations, but is also a valuable tool for protein and protein
      complex characterization. There are a number of different electrophoresis methods
      which can be combined. The combination of isoelectric focusing under denaturing
      conditions and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis delivers the highest
      resolution of all bio-analytic techniques. This is a short review on the history
      and state of the art of two-dimensional electrophoresis methods, and contains
      some practical tips for high resolution 2D electrophoresis, which are based on
      several decades of experience with this method.

PMID- 25137572
TI  - Singly protonated dehydronorcantharidin silver coordination polymer induces
      apoptosis of lung cancer cells via reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial
      pathway.
AB  - Silver complexes have been shown to possess antimicrobial and anticancer
      properties. Ag-SP-DNC, a novel silver and singly protonated dehydronorcantharidin
      complex, was synthesized in our previous study. In this study, we offer evidence
      that Ag-SP-DNC elicits a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated mitochondrial
      apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Ag-SP-DNC inhibited the growth of A549 cells by
      inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Ag-SP-DNC induced apoptosis
      was associated with the levels of intracellular ROS. The further study revealed
      that Ag-SP-DNC disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential, induced the
      caspase-3 activation and led to the translocation of apoptosis inducing factor
      and endonucleaseG to the nucleus. These findings have important implications for
      the development of silver complexes for anticancer applications. 

PMID- 25137571
TI  - Effects of lateral funiculus sparing, spinal lesion level, and gender on recovery
      of bladder voiding reflexes and hematuria in rats.
AB  - Deficits in bladder function are complications following spinal cord injury
      (SCI), severely affecting quality of life. Normal voiding function requires
      coordinated contraction of bladder and urethral sphincter muscles dependent upon
      intact lumbosacral reflex arcs and integration of descending and ascending spinal
      pathways. We previously reported, in electrophysiological recordings, that
      segmental reflex circuit neurons in anesthetized male rats were modulated by a
      bilateral spino-bulbo-spinal pathway in the mid-thoracic lateral funiculus. In
      the present study, behavioral measures of bladder voiding reflexes and hematuria
      (hemorrhagic cystitis) were obtained to assess the correlation of plasticity
      dependent recovery to the degree of lateral funiculus sparing and mid-thoracic
      lesion level. Adult rats received mid-thoracic-level lesions at one of the
      following severities: complete spinal transection; bilateral dorsal column
      lesion; unilateral hemisection; bilateral dorsal hemisection; a bilateral lesion
      of the lateral funiculi and dorsal columns; or a severe contusion. Voiding
      function and hematuria were evaluated by determining whether the bladder was
      areflexic (requiring manual expression, i.e., "crede maneuver"), reflexive
      (voiding initiated by perineal stroking), or "automatic" (spontaneous voiding
      without caretaker assistance). Rats with one or both lateral funiculi spared
      (i.e., bilateral dorsal column lesion or unilateral hemisection) recovered
      significantly faster than animals with bilateral lateral funiculus lesions,
      severe contusion, or complete transection. Bladder reflex recovery time was
      significantly slower the closer a transection lesion was to T10, suggesting that
      proximity to the segmental sensory and sympathetic innervation of the upper
      urinary tract (kidney, ureter) should be avoided in the choice of lesion level
      for SCI studies of micturition pathways. In addition, hematuria duration was
      significantly longer in males, compared to females, despite similar bladder
      reflex onset times. We conclude that the sparing of the mid-thoracic lateral
      funiculus on one side is required for early recovery of bladder reflex voiding
      function and resolution of hematuria. 

PMID- 25137573
TI  - Pyridine-3-carboxamide-6-yl-ureas as novel inhibitors of bacterial DNA gyrase:
      structure based design, synthesis, SAR and antimicrobial activity.
AB  - The development of antibacterial drugs based on novel chemotypes is essential to
      the future management of serious drug resistant infections. We herein report the
      design, synthesis and SAR of a novel series of N-ethylurea inhibitors based on a
      pyridine-3-carboxamide scaffold targeting the ATPase sub-unit of DNA gyrase.
      Consideration of structural aspects of the GyrB ATPase site has aided the
      development of this series resulting in derivatives that demonstrate excellent
      enzyme inhibitory activity coupled to potent Gram positive antibacterial
      efficacy. 

PMID- 25137574
TI  - Isolation and cytotoxic effect of anthraquinones from Morinda umbellata.
AB  - Four new anthraquinones, 1,6-dihydroxy-2-methoxymethylanthraquinone (1), 6
      hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-methoxymethylanthraquinone (3), 3,6-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2
      methylanthraquinone (4), and 6-hydroxy-2-methoxymethylanthraquinone (8), together
      with 12 known anthraquinones and 6 other known compounds, were isolated from the
      EtOAc extract of Morinda umbellata. Among the isolated compounds, 1, rubiadin
      (14), and, 3-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylanthraquinone (16) exhibited significant
      cytotoxicities against HepG2 cells, with GI50 values of 4.4, 3.6, and 4.8 uM,
      respectively.

PMID- 25137575
TI  - Bioactive sesquiterpene coumarins from Ferula pseudalliacea.
AB  - One new and five known sesquiterpene coumarins were isolated from the roots of
      Ferula pseudalliacea. The structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, and HR
      ESIMS data as 4'-hydroxy kamolonol acetate (1), kamolonol (2), szowitsiacoumarin
      A (3), farnesiferon B (4), farnesiferol C (5), and flabellilobin A (6). The
      absolute configuration of compounds 1, 2, and 4 was established by comparison of
      experimental and simulated electronic circular dichroism spectra using time
      dependence density function theory. 4'-Hydroxy kamolonol acetate and kamolonol
      showed antibacterial activity against Heliobacter pylori and Staphylococcus
      aureus at a concentration of 64 ug/mL. Kamolonol, 4'-hydroxy kamolonol acetate,
      and farnesiferon B displayed a cytotoxic activity in HeLa cells, with an IC50 of
      3.8, 4.5, and 7.7 uM, respectively.

PMID- 25137577
TI  - Compromise solutions between conservation and road building in the tropics.
AB  - Road construction is now common through wilderness and protected areas in
      tropical and subtropical countries with adverse consequences for their high
      native biodiversity. Here, we summarize the scope of the problem and advance
      specific compromise solutions that reconcile development with conservation. 

PMID- 25137576
TI  - Antioxidative activity of diarylheptanoids from the bark of black alder (Alnus
      glutinosa) and their interaction with anticancer drugs.
AB  - Diarylheptanoids belong to polyphenols, a group of plant secondary metabolites
      with multiple biological properties. Many of them display antioxidative,
      cytotoxic, or anticancer actions and are increasingly recognized as potential
      therapeutic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant and
      cytoprotective activity of two diarylheptanoids: platyphylloside 5(S)-1,7-di(4
      hydroxyphenyl)-3-heptanone-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and its newly
      discovered analog 5(S)-1,7-di(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-O-beta-D-[6-(E-p
      coumaroylglucopyranosyl)]heptane-3-one (2), both isolated from the bark of black
      alder (Alnus glutinosa). To that end, we have employed a cancer cell line (NCI
      H460), normal human keratinocytes (HaCaT), and peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells. The effects on cell growth were assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2
      yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay. Cell death was examined
      by annexin V/propidium iodide staining on a flow cytometer. Reactive oxygen
      species production was examined by dihydroethidium staining. Mitochondrial
      structure and doxorubicin localization were visualized by fluorescent microscopy.
      Gene expression of manganese superoxide dismutase and hypoxia-inducible factor
      1alpha was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
      Diarylheptanoids antagonized the effects of either doxorubicin or cisplatin,
      significantly increasing their IC50 values in normal cells. Diarylheptanoid 1
      induced the retention of doxorubicin in cytoplasm and reduced mitochondrial
      fragmentation associated with doxorubicin application. Diarylheptanoid 2 reduced
      the reactive oxygen species production induced by cisplatin. Both compounds
      increased the messenger ribonucleic acid expression of enzymes involved in
      reactive oxygen species elimination (manganese superoxide dismutase and hypoxia
      inducible factor-1alpha). These results indicate that neutralization of reactive
      oxygen species is an important mechanism of diarylheptanoid action, although
      these compounds exert a considerable anticancer effect. Therefore, these
      compounds may serve as protectors of normal cells during chemotherapy without
      significantly diminishing the effect of the applied chemotherapeutic. 

PMID- 25137578
TI  - Beaked whales.

PMID- 25137579
TI  - piRNAs.

PMID- 25137580
TI  - Multisensory context portends object memory.

PMID- 25137581
TI  - Touch improvement at the hand transfers to the face.

PMID- 25137582
TI  - Embodiment of others' hands elicits arousal responses similar to one's own hands.

PMID- 25137583
TI  - Object perception: where do we see the weight?
AB  - A new study of the response of the human brain as subjects view objects of
      different weights they are about to lift shows that the weight of objects, which
      influences the way we act upon them, is represented in the ventral stream of the
      visual cortex. 

PMID- 25137584
TI  - Golgi apparatus: finally mechanics comes to play in the secretory pathway.
AB  - New findings report a mechanical role for actin in Golgi organization and
      vesicular trafficking. An elegant study uses optical tweezers and live-cell
      imaging to demonstrate the effects of a mechanical constraint on the dynamics of
      secretory membrane trafficking, combining physical experimental approaches with
      in cellulo studies of endomembranes. 

PMID- 25137585
TI  - Behavioral sequencing: competitive queuing in the fly CNS.
AB  - A study of grooming behaviors in Drosophila suggests a neuronal mechanism for how
      animals produce complex motor patterns from ordered interactions among modules of
      different motor acts. This mechanism may be a common one in many nervous systems.

PMID- 25137586
TI  - Multiciliogenesis: multicilin directs transcriptional activation of centriole
      formation.
AB  - During differentiation of multiciliated cells, numerous centrioles are generated
      in each cell to act as templates for the formation of a corresponding number of
      cilia. A new study reveals that multicilin, a protein required for
      multiciliogenesis, is a key component of a regulatory complex that activates the
      transcription of genes required for centriole formation. 

PMID- 25137587
TI  - Animal behaviour: task differentiation by personality in spider groups.
AB  - In social animals, group efficiency is often assumed to increase with task
      differentiation, but this requires that individuals are better than generalists
      at the task they specialize in. A new study finds that individual Anelosimus
      studiosus spiders do predominantly perform the task they excel at, in line with
      their individual personality type, when they are placed in groups. 

PMID- 25137588
TI  - Dinosaur evolution: feathers up for selection.
AB  - A new specimen of the early bird Archaeopteryx shows remarkable plumage
      preservation, including pennaceous leg feathers. But whether birds went through a
      four-winged stage, and in what exact functional context feathers evolved remains
      a matter of debate. 

PMID- 25137589
TI  - Vision: two plus four equals six.
AB  - Using two UV-sensitive visual pigments and the UV-filtering properties of four
      mycosporine-like amino acids, mantis shrimp create six spectrally distinct UV
      receptors. This is yet another example of the unique ways in which mantis shrimp
      have adapted to extract information from their visual world. 

PMID- 25137590
TI  - Genetics: finding genes for schizophrenia.
AB  - New studies have substantially advanced our understanding of the genetic
      architecture of schizophrenia, but we are far from identifying the underlying
      mutations. We may require new approaches to understand the biological
      implications of insights into the genetics of psychiatric disease. 

PMID- 25137591
TI  - Evolution: ctenophore genomes and the origin of neurons.
AB  - Recent sequencing of ctenophore genomes opens a new era in the study of this
      unique and phylogenetically distant group. The presence of neurodevelopmental
      genes, pre- and postsynaptic modules, and transmitter molecules is consistent
      with a single origin of neurons. 

PMID- 25137593
TI  - Anomalous crystallization as a signature of the fragile-to-strong transition in
      metallic glass-forming liquids.
AB  - We study the fragile-to-strong (F-S) transition of metallic glass-forming liquids
      (MGFLs) by measuring the thermal response during annealing and dynamic heating of
      La55Al25Ni5Cu15 glass ribbons fabricated at different cooling rates. We find that
      the glasses fabricated in the intermediate regime of cooling rates (15-25 m/s)
      exhibit an anomalous crystallization behavior upon reheating as compared to the
      glasses formed at other cooling rates. This anomalous crystallization behavior
      implies the existence of a thermodynamic F-S transition, could be used as an
      alternative method for detecting the F-S transition in MGFLs, and sheds light on
      the structure origin of the F-S transition. This work also contributes to
      obtaining a general thermodynamic picture of the F-S transition in supercooled
      liquids. 

PMID- 25137594
TI  - Research progress in structure-activity relationship of bioactive peptides.
AB  - Bioactive peptides are specific protein fragments that have positive impact on
      health. They are important sources of new biomedicine, energy and high
      performance materials. The beneficial effects of bioactive peptides are due to
      their antioxidant, antihypertensive, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, and
      immunomodulatory activities. The structure-activity relationship of bioactive
      peptides plays a significant role in the development of innovative and
      unconventional synthetic polymeric counterparts. It provides the basis of the
      stereospecific synthesis, transformation, and development of bioactive peptide
      products. This review covers the progress of studies in the structure-activity
      relationship of some bioactive peptides including antioxidant peptides,
      angiotensin-I-converting enzyme-inhibitory peptides, and anticarcinogenic
      peptides in the past decade. 

PMID- 25137595
TI  - Mn(II/III) complexes as promising redox mediators in quantum-dot-sensitized solar
      cells.
AB  - The advancement of quantum dot sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) technology depends
      on optimizing directional charge transfer between light absorbing quantum dots,
      TiO2, and a redox mediator. The nature of the redox mediator plays a pivotal role
      in determining the photocurrent and photovoltage from the solar cell.
      Kinetically, reduction of oxidized quantum dots by the redox mediator should be
      rapid and faster than the back electron transfer between TiO2 and oxidized
      quantum dots to maintain photocurrent. Thermodynamically, the reduction potential
      of the redox mediator should be sufficiently positive to provide high
      photovoltages. To satisfy both criteria and enhance power conversion
      efficiencies, we introduced charge transfer spin-crossover Mn(II/III) complexes
      as promising redox mediator alternatives in QDSSCs. High photovoltages ~ 1 V were
      achieved by a series of Mn poly(pyrazolyl)borates, with reduction potentials ~
      0.51 V vs Ag/AgCl. Back electron transfer (recombination) rates were slower than
      Co(bpy)3, where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, evidenced by electron lifetimes up to 4
      orders of magnitude longer. This is indicative of a large barrier to electron
      transport imposed by spin-crossover in these complexes. Low solubility prevented
      the redox mediators from sustaining high photocurrent due to mass transport
      limits. However, with high fill factors (~ 0.6) and photovoltages, they
      demonstrate competitive efficiencies with Co(bpy)3 redox mediator at the same
      concentration. More positive reduction potentials and slower recombination rates
      compared to current redox mediators establish the viability of Mn
      poly(pyrazolyl)borates as promising redox mediators. By capitalizing on these
      characteristics, efficient Mn(II/III)-based QDSSCs can be achieved with more
      soluble Mn-complexes.

PMID- 25137596
TI  - Writing an abstract to sell your scholarly work.

PMID- 25137592
TI  - Aberrant regulation and function of microRNAs in cancer.
AB  - Malignant neoplasms are consistently among the top four leading causes of death
      in all age groups in the United States, despite a concerted effort toward
      developing novel therapeutic approaches. Our understanding of and therapeutic
      strategy for treating each of these neoplastic diseases have been improved
      through decades of research on the genetics, signaling pathways, and cellular
      biology that govern tumor cell initiation, progression and maintenance. Much of
      this work has concentrated on post-translational modifications and abnormalities
      at the DNA level, including point mutations, amplifications/deletions, and
      chromosomal translocations, and how these aberrant events affect the expression
      and function of protein-coding genes. Only recently has a novel class of
      conserved gene regulatory molecules been identified as a major contributor to
      malignant neoplastic disease. This review focuses on how these small non-coding
      RNA molecules, termed microRNAs (miRNAs), can function as oncogenes or tumor
      suppressors, and how the misexpression of miRNAs and dysregulation of factors
      that regulate miRNAs contribute to the tumorigenic process. Specific focus is
      given to more recently discovered regulatory mechanisms that go awry in cancer,
      and how these changes alter miRNA expression, processing, and function.

PMID- 25137600
TI  - Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome: a case study and disease overview.
AB  - Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome is caused by a deletion of a segment on the short arm
      (p) of chromosome 4. The major features of this disorder include a characteristic
      facial appearance known as the "Greek helmet," delayed growth and development;
      prenatally and postnatally, intellectual disabilities, and seizures. To provide
      comprehensive and appropriate nursing and medical care to infants with Wolf
      Hirschhorn syndrome, it is imperative to know and understand the disorder. A case
      study of a 36 weeks' gestational age white-Hispanic male infant with Wolf
      Hirschhorn syndrome is presented with the purpose of increasing clinical
      knowledge and the implications for the clinical nurse and neonatal nurse
      practitioner. 

PMID- 25137602
TI  - What opportunities does NANN provide to support evidence-based practice and
      research?

PMID- 25137601
TI  - The neonatal nurse's role in preventing abusive head trauma.
AB  - Abusive head trauma in infants occurs in 24.6 to 39.8 per 100,000 infants in
      developed countries. Abusive head trauma refers to any type of intentional head
      trauma an infant sustains, as a result of an injury to the skull or intracranial
      contents from a blunt force and/or violent shaking. The clinical question was:
      what evidence-based interventions have been implemented by neonatal nurses to
      prevent abusive head trauma in infants? PubMed was searched to obtain English
      language publications from 2005 to May 2014 for interventions focused on
      preventing abusive head trauma using the key term "shaken baby syndrome." A total
      of 10 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. All of the
      interventions targeted prevention of abusive head trauma with information about
      abusive head trauma/shaken baby syndrome and the "normal" infant crying
      behaviors. Interventions taught parents why infants cried, how to calm the
      infants, ways to cope with inconsolable infants, and how to develop a plan for
      what to do if they could not cope anymore. Parents who participated in the
      interventions were consistently able to explain the information and tell others
      about the dangers of shaking infants compared to the control parents. Only 2
      studies calculated the preintervention abusive head trauma rate and the
      postintervention frequency of abusive head trauma. Each found significant
      differences in abusive head trauma. 

PMID- 25137603
TI  - Hemorrhagic Hairy Polyp Causing Velopharyngeal Dysfunction in a Newborn.
AB  - Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) can be secondary to anatomic, neurologic, or
      functional maldevelopment in the pediatric population. We present a case of
      transient VPD after the removal of a voluminous oropharyngeal hairy polyp in a
      newborn with an intact palate. This report sensitizes physicians, speech-language
      pathologists, and occupational therapists not only to the repercussions of
      oropharyngeal congenital masses, such as hairy polyps, on the feeding mechanisms
      of a newborn but also to the possibility of conservative management.

PMID- 25137604
TI  - Clinical Factors Affecting Length of Stay After 100 Consecutive Cases of Primary
      Cleft Lip Repair.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the hospital course of 100 consecutive infants after
      primary cleft lip repair (PCLR) and identify factors related to length of stay
      (LOS). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive infants who were
      routinely admitted after PCLR. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENTS: One
      hundred consecutive infants undergoing PCLR. Demographic and perioperative data
      were collected and analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: LOS, planned before data
      collection. RESULTS: Male:female ratio was 65:35. Seventy-two infants had
      unilateral cleft lip; syndromic association was documented in 15 patients. Mean
      age and weight at PCLR were 5.6 +/- 4.0 months and 6.7 +/- 1.3 kg, respectively.
      Mean duration of surgery was 2.5 +/- 0.9 hours, and mean duration of general
      anesthesia was 3.4 +/- 0.9 hours. A total of 3.3 +/- 1.5 mL of intraoperative
      local anesthetic was used per patient. Intravenous fluids were necessary after
      transfer from the post-anesthesia care unit to the general ward in 98% of
      patients. Almost half (44%) of all patients received intravenous morphine 23
      hours or more after hospital admission. Mean LOS was 35.8 +/- 13.9 hours. No
      association was identified between patient demographic factors and LOS.
      Multivariate linear regression models identified significant positive correlation
      between LOS and duration of general anesthesia (P = .002). Greater volume of
      postoperative oral intake (P = .000) and higher acetaminophen dosage on the floor
      (P = .000) correlated with decreased LOS. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies
      perioperative factors associated with LOS. Our findings question the safety of
      routine outpatient or short-stay observation after PCLR.

PMID- 25137605
TI  - High risk of adult asthma following severe wheezing in early life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe wheezing in early life is associated with an increased risk of
      asthma during childhood and adolescence. The aim of the present follow-up was to
      investigate the asthma prevalence and risk factors for asthma in adulthood.
      METHODS: We have prospectively studied asthma development in 101 children
      hospitalized due to severe wheezing before the age of 24 months. The cohort was
      re-investigated at a mean age of 27 years and tested for bronchial hyper
      responsiveness and allergic sensitization. The response rate in adulthood was 81%
      (82/101). The results were compared with a population-based, age-matched control
      group (n = 1,210) recruited from the West Sweden Asthma Study. RESULTS: Current
      doctor-diagnosed asthma was found in 37% (30/82) compared with 7% (82/1,210) in
      the control group. The risk of adult asthma in the cohort compared with the
      control group was increased 10-fold (adjusted OR 10.0, 95% CI 5.3-18.7),
      independently of allergic rhinitis, gender, smoking and heredity. Within the
      cohort, current allergy (aOR 9.6, 95% CI 3.0-31.2) and female gender (aOR 3.2,
      95% CI 1.1-9.3) independently increased the risk of adult asthma. Females with
      current allergy had the highest risk of adult asthma (OR 29.4, 95% CI 5.0-173.3),
      compared with males without allergy. When separately adjusting for factors
      present at admission in early life within the cohort, a family history of asthma
      was a significant risk factor for asthma in adulthood (aOR 4.0, 95% CI 1.3-12.5).
      CONCLUSION: Subjects with severe early wheezing have a 10-fold increase in the
      risk of adult asthma compared to an age-matched control group, adjusted for
      allergic rhinitis, gender, smoking and heredity.

PMID- 25137606
TI  - Determination of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in aqueous soil
      matrices: a critical analysis of the 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate
      derivatization reaction and application to adsorption studies.
AB  - The assessment of the environmental fate of glyphosate and its degradation
      product (aminomethylphosphonic acid) is of great interest given the widespread
      use of the herbicide. Studies of adsorption-desorption and transport processes in
      soils require analytical methods with sensitivity, accuracy, and precision
      suitable for determining the analytes in aqueous equilibrium solutions of varied
      complexity. In this work, the effect of factors on the yield of the
      derivatization of both compounds with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate for
      applying in aqueous solutions derived from soils was evaluated through factorial
      experimental designs. Interference effects coming from background electrolytes
      and soil matrices were established. The whole method had a linear response up to
      640 ng/mL (R(2) > 0.999) under optimized conditions for high-performance liquid
      chromatography with fluorescence detection. Limits of detection were 0.6 and 0.4
      ng/mL for glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid, respectively. The relative
      standard deviation was 4.4% for glyphosate (20 ng/mL) and 5.9% for
      aminomethylphosphonic acid (10 ng/mL). Adsorption of compounds on four different
      soils was assessed. Isotherm data fitted well the Freundlich model (R(2) > 0.97).
      Kf constants varied between 93 +/- 3.1 and 2045 +/- 157 for glyphosate and
      between 99 +/- 4.1 and 1517 +/- 56 (MUg(1-1/) (n)  mL(1/) (n) ( ) g(-1) ) for
      aminomethylphosphonic acid, showing the broad range of applicability of the
      proposed method. 

PMID- 25137612
TI  - Collagen and related extracellular matrix proteins in atherosclerotic plaque
      development.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The structure, composition and turnover of the extracellular
      matrix (ECM) as well as cell-matrix interactions are crucial in the developing
      atherosclerotic plaque. There is a need for further insight into specific
      proteins in the ECM and their functions in the developing plaque, and during the
      last few years a number of publications have highlighted this very important
      field of research. These novel findings will be addressed in the present review.
      RECENT FINDINGS: This review covers literature focused on collagen and ECM
      proteins interacting with collagen, and what their roles may be in plaque
      development. SUMMARY: Acute myocardial infarction and stroke are common diseases
      that cause disability and mortality, and the underlying mechanism is often the
      rupture of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque. The vascular ECM and the tissue
      repair in the atherosclerotic lesion are important players in plaque progression.
      Understanding how specific proteins in the ECM interact with cells in the plaque
      and affect the fate of the plaque can lead to new treatments for cardiovascular
      disease.

PMID- 25137613
TI  - Electrochemical determination of the density of states of nanostructured NiO
      films.
AB  - Mesoporous p-type NiO films were prepared by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor
      deposition (AACVD) and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The
      nanostructure of the films was investigated by field emission gun scanning
      electron microscopy (FEG-SEM). The density of states (DOS) in these
      nanostructured films has been determined by means of electrochemical impedance
      spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The analysis reveals an exponential
      distribution of band gap states above the valence band that extends around 1.5
      eV. In addition, monoenergetic states were also identified which overlap with the
      exponential distribution. This distribution of states has an enormous influence
      in the electronic processes of the devices in which NiO electrodes are employed
      (electrochromism, water splitting or energy storage). Especially, in p-type dye
      sensitized solar cells (p-DSCs), it is thought that intra-band-gap states are
      responsible for the fast observed recombination processes, whose existence and
      distribution has not been clearly determined yet and are now confirmed and
      quantified by our analysis. This provides a better comprehension of the
      recombination events which represent one of the main losses in p-DSCs. 

PMID- 25137614
TI  - Does hindered transport theory apply to desalination membranes?
AB  - As reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration polyamide membranes become
      increasingly used for water purification, prediction of pollutant transport is
      required for membrane development and process engineering. Many popular models
      use hindered transport theory (HTT), which considers a spherical solute moving
      through an array of fluid-filled rigid cylindrical pores. Experiments and
      molecular dynamic simulations, however, reveal that polyamide membranes have a
      distinctly different structure of a "molecular sponge", a network of randomly
      connected voids widely distributed in size. In view of this disagreement, this
      study critically examined the validity of HTT by directly measuring diffusivities
      of several alcohols within a polyamide film of commercial RO membrane using
      attenuated total reflection-FTIR. It is found that measured diffusivities deviate
      from HTT predictions by as much as 2-3 orders of magnitude. This result indicates
      that HTT does not adequately describe solute transport in desalination membranes.
      As a more adequate alternative, the concept of random resistor networks is
      suggested, with resistances described by models of activated transport in "soft"
      polymers without a sharp size cutoff and with a proper address of solute
      partitioning. 

PMID- 25137615
TI  - Generalized workflow for generating highly predictive in silico off-target
      activity models.
AB  - Chemical structure data and corresponding measured bioactivities of compounds are
      nowadays easily available from public and commercial databases. However, these
      databases contain heterogeneous data from different laboratories determined under
      different protocols and, in addition, sometimes even erroneous entries. In this
      study, we evaluated the use of data from bioactivity databases for the generation
      of high quality in silico models for off-target mediated toxicity as a decision
      support in early drug discovery and crop-protection research. We chose human
      acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) inhibition as an exemplary end point for our case
      study. A standardized and thorough quality management routine for input data
      consisting of more than 2,200 chemical entities from bioactivity databases was
      established. This procedure finally enables the development of predictive QSAR
      models based on heterogeneous in vitro data from multiple laboratories. An
      extended applicability domain approach was used, and regression results were
      refined by an error estimation routine. Subsequent classification augmented by
      special consideration of borderline candidates leads to high accuracies in
      external validation achieving correct predictive classification of 96%. The
      standardized process described herein is implemented as a (semi)automated
      workflow and thus easily transferable to other off-targets and assay readouts. 

PMID- 25137616
TI  - Prevalence and Characteristics of Chemical Intolerance: A Japanese Population
      Based Study.
AB  - Population-based cross-sectional study was performed to estimate the prevalence
      of chemical intolerance and to examine the characteristics of the sample. A Web
      based survey was conducted that included 7,245 adults in Japan. The criteria for
      chemical intolerance proposed by Skovbjerg yielded a prevalence of 7.5% that was
      approximately consistent with that reported from a Danish population-based
      survey. Female gender, older age, and renovation in the house during the past 7
      years were positively associated with chemical intolerance. Improvements in the
      condition were observed with daily ventilation habits. Medical history of atopic
      dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, multiple chemical sensitivity, and
      depression were associated with chemical intolerance. Fatigue, depressed mood,
      and somatic symptoms were also positively correlated with chemical intolerance.
      Better elucidation of the causes, comorbidities, concomitants, and consequences
      of chemical intolerance has the potential to provide effective solutions for its
      prevention and treatment. 

PMID- 25137617
TI  - Workplace psychosocial factors associated with hypertension in the U.S.
      workforce: a cross-sectional study based on the 2010 national health interview
      survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore associations between self-reported hypertension and
      workplace psychosocial factors that are common among U.S. workers and to identify
      industries and occupations (I&Os) that are associated with a high prevalence of
      hypertension, even after adjustment for common known risk factors. METHODS: Data
      from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey were used to examine relationships
      between the prevalence of self-reported hypertension and job insecurity, hostile
      work environment, work- family imbalance, work hours and I&O. RESULTS: Job
      insecurity (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI):
      1.04-1.19)) and hostile work environment (aPR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03-1.29) were
      significantly associated with hypertension. Hypertension prevalence was
      significantly elevated among those employed in Healthcare Support occupations and
      Public Administration industries. CONCLUSION: Addressing hostile work
      environments and the stress associated with job insecurity may improve workers'
      health. Other occupational factors that contribute to the variation in prevalence
      of hypertension by I&O should be sought.

PMID- 25137618
TI  - Comparison of duplex stabilizing properties of 2'-fluorinated nucleic acid
      analogues with furanose and non-furanose sugar rings.
AB  - We compare the duplex stabilizing properties of 2'-fluorinated nucleic acid
      analogues with furanose and non-furanose ring systems and dissect the relative
      contributions of hydration, sugar conformation, and fluorine configuration toward
      the overall T(m) value. We find that the stabilization imparted by fluorine
      substitution is additive over that obtained by restricting the conformation of
      the sugar ring itself. Our studies support further evaluation of fluorinated
      nucleic acid analogues with non-furanose sugar rings as surrogates of 2'-F RNA
      for therapeutic antisense applications.

PMID- 25137620
TI  - Organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos and its metabolites alter the expression
      of biomarker genes of differentiation in D3 mouse embryonic stem cells in a
      comparable way to other model neurodevelopmental toxicants.
AB  - There are discrepancies about whether chlorpyrifos is able to induce
      neurodevelopmental toxicity or not. We previously reported alterations in the
      pattern of expression of biomarker genes of differentiation in D3 mouse embryonic
      stem cells caused by chlorpyrifos and its metabolites chlorpyrifos-oxon and 3,5,6
      trichloro-2-pyridinol. Now, we reanalyze these data comparing the effects on
      these genes with those caused in the same genes by retinoic acid, valproic acid,
      and penicillin-G (model compounds considered as strong, weak, and non
      neurodevelopmental toxicants, respectively). We also compare the effects of
      chlorpyrifos and its metabolites on the cell viability of D3 cells and 3T3 mouse
      fibroblasts with the effects caused in the same cells by the three model
      compounds. We conclude that chlorpyrifos and its metabolites act, regarding these
      end-points, as the weak neurodevelopmental toxicant valproic acid, and
      consequently, a principle of caution should be applied avoiding occupational
      exposures in pregnant women. A second independent experiment run with different
      cellular batches coming from the same clone obtained the same result as the first
      one. 

PMID- 25137619
TI  - Propylene cross-bridged macrocyclic bifunctional chelator: a new design for
      facile bioconjugation and robust (64)Cu complex stability.
AB  - The first macrocyclic bifunctional chelator incorporating propylene cross-bridge
      was efficiently synthesized from cyclam in seven steps. After the introduction of
      an extra functional group for facile conjugation onto the propylene cross-bridge,
      the two carboxylic acid pendants could contribute to strong coordination of
      Cu(II) ions, leading to a robust Cu complex. The cyclic RGD peptide conjugate of
      PCB-TE2A-NCS was prepared and successfully radiolabeled with (64)Cu ion. The
      radiolabeled peptide conjugate was evaluated in vivo through a biodistribution
      study and animal PET imaging to demonstrate high tumor uptake with low
      background. 

PMID- 25137621
TI  - The clinical utility of vocal dosimetry for assessing voice rest.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Voice rest is frequently recommended following surgical
      disruption of vocal fold epithelium, but patients report variable adherence to
      voice rest recommendations. The objective of this study was to assess the
      clinical utility of an ambulatory vocal dosimeter for measuring adherence to
      voice rest recommendations. STUDY DESIGN: Outcomes research. METHODS: Part 1: To
      determine the utility of the dosimeter in nonclinical use, the relationship
      between self-reported voice use and dosimeter measurements was examined in normal
      subjects (n = 11) who prospectively logged voice use while wearing the dosimeter.
      Part 2: To determine clinical utility of the dosimeter, patients undergoing vocal
      fold surgery for which postoperative voice rest was recommended (n = 11) wore a
      dosimeter for 2 days prior to and 2 days after surgery. Phonation percent and
      sound level were compared at baseline and during voice rest. RESULTS: The
      dosimeter performed as hypothesized with both normal subjects and patients. A
      moderate correlation (r = 0.62) was noted between self-reported voice use and
      dosimeter measurements in normal subjects. In patients on voice rest, a
      statistically and clinically significant decrease was observed in measured voice
      use, both in phonation time (P = .002) and intensity of phonation (P = .004).
      CONCLUSIONS: Ambulatory vocal dosimetry may have clinical utility for assessing
      adherence to voice rest recommendations. This information will be useful for the
      design of future studies on voice rest.

PMID- 25137623
TI  - Plasmon enhanced terahertz emission from single layer graphene.
AB  - We show that surface plasmons, excited with femtosecond laser pulses on
      continuous or discontinuous gold substrates, strongly enhance the generation and
      emission of ultrashort, broadband terahertz pulses from single layer graphene.
      Without surface plasmon excitation, for graphene on glass, 'nonresonant laser
      pulse-induced photon drag currents' appear to be responsible for the relatively
      weak emission of both s- and p-polarized terahertz pulses. For graphene on a
      discontinuous layer of gold, only the emission of the p-polarized terahertz
      electric field is enhanced, whereas the s-polarized component remains largely
      unaffected, suggesting the presence of an additional terahertz generation
      mechanism. We argue that in the latter case, 'surface-plasmon-enhanced optical
      rectification', made possible by the lack of inversion symmetry at the graphene
      on gold surface, is responsible for the strongly enhanced emission. The
      enhancement occurs because the electric field of surface plasmons is localized
      and enhanced where the graphene is located: at the surface of the metal. We
      believe that our results point the way to small, thin, and more efficient
      terahertz photonic devices. 

PMID- 25137622
TI  - Morquio A syndrome-associated mutations: a review of alterations in the GALNS
      gene and a new locus-specific database.
AB  - Morquio A syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis IVA) is an autosomal recessive disorder
      that results from deficient activity of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6
      sulfatase (GALNS) due to alterations in the GALNS gene, which causes major
      skeletal and connective tissue abnormalities and effects on multiple organ
      systems. The GALNS alterations associated with Morquio A are numerous and
      heterogeneous, and new alterations are continuously identified. To aid detection
      and interpretation of GALNS alterations, from previously published research, we
      provide a comprehensive and up-to-date listing of 277 unique GALNS alterations
      associated with Morquio A identified from 1,091 published GALNS alleles. In
      agreement with previous findings, most reported GALNS alterations are missense
      changes and even the most frequent alterations are relatively uncommon. We found
      that 48% of patients are assessed as homozygous for a GALNS alteration, 39% are
      assessed as heterozygous for two identified GALNS alterations, and in 13% of
      patients only one GALNS alteration is detected. We report here the creation of a
      locus-specific database for the GALNS gene (http://galns.mutdb.org/) that
      catalogs all reported alterations in GALNS to date. We highlight the challenges
      both in alteration detection and genotype-phenotype interpretation caused in part
      by the heterogeneity of GALNS alterations and provide recommendations for
      molecular testing of GALNS. 

PMID- 25137625
TI  - Response to "are the results likely biased toward the null?".

PMID- 25137626
TI  - N-doped graphene: an alternative carbon-based matrix for highly efficient
      detection of small molecules by negative ion MALDI-TOF MS.
AB  - Gas-phase N-doped graphene (gNG) was synthesized by a modified thermal annealing
      method using gaseous melamine as nitrogen source and then for the first time
      applied as a matrix in negative ion matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for small molecule analysis.
      Unlike the complicated adducts produced in positive ion mode, MS spectra obtained
      on gNG matrix in negative ion mode was only featured by deprotonated molecule ion
      peaks without matrix interference. By the gNG assisted desorption/ionization
      (D/I) process, some applications were carried out on a wide range of low
      molecular weight (MW) analytes including amino acids, fatty acids, peptides,
      anabolic androgenic steroids as well as anticancer drugs, with an extraordinary
      laser desorption/ionization (LDI) efficiency over traditional alpha-cyano-4
      hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and other carbon-based materials in the negative ion
      detection mode. By comparison of a series of graphene-based matrixes, two main
      factors of matrix gNG were unveiled to play a decisive role in assisting negative
      ion D/I process: a well-ordered pi-conjugated system for laser absorption and
      energy transfer; pyridinic-doped nitrogen species functioning as deprotonation
      sites for proton capture on negative ionization. The good salt tolerance and high
      sensitivity allowed further therapeutic monitoring of anticancer drug nilotinib
      in the spiked human serum, a real case of biology. Signal response was definitely
      obtained between 1 mM and 1 MUM, meeting the demand of assessing drug level in
      the patient serum. This work creates a new application branch for nitrogen-doped
      graphene and provides an alternative solution for small molecule analysis. 

PMID- 25137627
TI  - Effective ion mobility calculations for macromolecules by scattering on electron
      clouds.
AB  - Broad commercialization and increasing resolving power of ion mobility
      spectrometry/mass spectrometry (IMS/MS) platforms have engendered an explosion of
      IMS applications to structural characterization of gas-phase biomolecules. That
      has renewed interest in more accurate and rapid ion mobility calculations that
      are needed to elicit ion geometries from the measurements. An approach based on
      scattering on electron density isosurfaces (SEDI) that mirrors the physics of
      molecular collisions was proven superior to the common methods involving atomic
      coordinates a decade ago but has remained impractical for large ions because of
      extreme computational demands. Here, we accelerate SEDI by up to ~500 times using
      the fragment molecular orbital approach for surface generation and the
      multiplexed scattering algorithm in conjunction with the new grid extrapolation
      procedure for cross section evaluations. Parallelization of the code on a
      supercomputer has produced major further speed gains, allowing SEDI calculations
      for proteins (defined by over a million surface points) with a precision of <0.1%
      in 1 min. Initial tests reveal the anticipated dependence of mobility on the ion
      charge state and lower cross sections in view of reduced surface roughness.
      Present developments are expected to lead to broad application of SEDI in IMS
      studies of macromolecules, enabling more accurate and reliable structural
      assignments. 

PMID- 25137624
TI  - A proposal for assessing study quality: Biomonitoring, Environmental
      Epidemiology, and Short-lived Chemicals (BEES-C) instrument.
AB  - The quality of exposure assessment is a major determinant of the overall quality
      of any environmental epidemiology study. The use of biomonitoring as a tool for
      assessing exposure to ubiquitous chemicals with short physiologic half-lives
      began relatively recently. These chemicals present several challenges, including
      their presence in analytical laboratories and sampling equipment, difficulty in
      establishing temporal order in cross-sectional studies, short- and long-term
      variability in exposures and biomarker concentrations, and a paucity of
      information on the number of measurements required for proper exposure
      classification. To date, the scientific community has not developed a set of
      systematic guidelines for designing, implementing and interpreting studies of
      short-lived chemicals that use biomonitoring as the exposure metric or for
      evaluating the quality of this type of research for WOE assessments or for peer
      review of grants or publications. We describe key issues that affect epidemiology
      studies using biomonitoring data on short-lived chemicals and propose a
      systematic instrument--the Biomonitoring, Environmental Epidemiology, and Short
      lived Chemicals (BEES-C) instrument--for evaluating the quality of research
      proposals and studies that incorporate biomonitoring data on short-lived
      chemicals. Quality criteria for three areas considered fundamental to the
      evaluation of epidemiology studies that include biological measurements of short
      lived chemicals are described: 1) biomarker selection and measurement, 2) study
      design and execution, and 3) general epidemiological study design considerations.
      We recognize that the development of an evaluative tool such as BEES-C is neither
      simple nor non-controversial. We hope and anticipate that the instrument will
      initiate further discussion/debate on this topic.

PMID- 25137630
TI  - Trichomonas vaginalis infections are rare among young patients attending an STI
      clinic in Sweden.

PMID- 25137631
TI  - Low-density lipoprotein-mimicking nanoparticles for tumor-targeted theranostic
      applications.
AB  - This study introduces multifunctional lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), mimicking the
      structure and compositions of low-density lipoproteins, for the tumor-targeted co
      delivery of anti-cancer drugs and superparamagnetic nanocrystals. Paclitaxel (4.7
      wt%) and iron oxide nanocrystals (6.8 wt%, 11 nm in diameter) are co-encapsulated
      within folate-functionalized LNPs, which contain a cluster of nanocrystals with
      an overall diameter of about 170 nm and a zeta potential of about -40 mV. The
      folate-functionalized LNPs enable the targeted detection of MCF-7, human breast
      adenocarcinoma expressing folate receptors, in T2 -weighted magnetic resonance
      images as well as the efficient intracellular delivery of paclitaxel. Paclitaxel
      free LNPs show no significant cytotoxicity up to 0.2 mg mL(-1) , indicating the
      excellent biocompatibility of the LNPs for intracellular drug delivery
      applications. The targeted anti-tumor activities of the LNPs in a mouse tumor
      model suggest that the low-density lipoprotein-mimetic LNPs can be an effective
      theranostic platform with excellent biocompatibility for the tumor-targeted co
      delivery of various anti-cancer agents. 

PMID- 25137632
TI  - Influence of emulsifier concentration on nanoemulsion gelation.
AB  - Nanoemulsion gels are a new class of soft materials that manifest stronger
      elasticity even at lower dispersed phase volume fraction. In this work, gelation
      in 40 wt % canola oil-in-water nanoemulsions was investigated as a function of
      emulsifier type (anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or nonionic Tween 20) and
      concentration. It was observed that the liquid nanoemulsions transformed into
      viscoelastic gels at a specific concentration range of SDS, whereas no gelation
      was observed for Tween 20. The apparent viscosity, yield stress, and storage
      modulus of the nanogels increased with SDS concentration until 15 times critical
      micelle concentration (CMC), thereafter decreased steadily as the gelation
      weakened beginning 20 CMC. Three regimes of colloidal interactions in the
      presence of emulsifier were proposed. (1) Repulsive gelation: at low SDS
      concentration (0.5-2 times CMC) the repulsive charge cloud around the
      nanodroplets acted as interfacial shell layer that significantly increased the
      effective volume fraction of the dispersed phase (phi(eff)). When phi(eff) became
      comparable to the volume fraction required for maximal random jamming,
      nanoemulsions formed elastic gels. (2) Attractive gelation: as the SDS
      concentration increased to 5-15 times CMC, phi(eff) dropped due to charge
      screening by more counterions from SDS, but depletion attractions generated by
      micelles in the continuous phase led to extensive droplet aggregation which
      immobilized the continuous phase leading to stronger gel formation. (3) Decline
      in gelation due to oscillatory structural forces (OSF): at very high SDS
      concentration (20-30 time CMC), structural forces were manifested due to the
      layered-structuring of excess micelles in the interdroplet regions resulting in
      loss of droplet aggregation. Tween 20 nanoemulsions, on the other hand, did not
      show repulsive gelation due to lack of charge cloud, while weak depletion
      attraction and early commencement of OSF regime leading to liquid-like behavior
      at all concentrations. The nanogels possess great potential for use in low-fat
      foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products.

PMID- 25137633
TI  - Riboswitch engineering - making the all-important second and third steps.
AB  - Synthetic biology uses our understanding of biological systems to develop
      innovative solutions for challenges in fields as diverse as genetic control and
      logic devices, bioremediation, materials production or diagnostics and therapy in
      medicine by designing new biological components. RNA-based elements are key
      components of these engineered systems. Their structural and functional diversity
      is ideal for generating regulatory riboswitches that react with many different
      types of output to molecular and environmental signals. Recent advances have
      added new sensor and output domains to the existing toolbox, and demonstrated the
      portability of riboswitches to many different organisms. Improvements in
      riboswitch design and screens for selecting in vivo active switches provide the
      means to isolate riboswitches with regulatory properties more like their natural
      counterparts. 

PMID- 25137634
TI  - Functional characterization of SjB10, an intracellular serpin from Schistosoma
      japonicum.
AB  - SUMMARY Serine protease inhibitors (serpin) play essential roles in many
      organisms. Mammalian serpins regulate the blood coagulation, fibrinolysis,
      inflammation and complement activation pathways. In parasitic helminths, serpins
      are less well characterized, but may also be involved in evasion of the host
      immune response. In this study, a Schistosoma japonicum serpin (SjB10),
      containing a 1212 bp open reading frame (ORF), was cloned, expressed and
      functionally characterized. Sequence analysis, comparative modelling and
      structural-based alignment revealed that SjB10 contains the essential structural
      motifs and consensus secondary structures of inhibitory serpins. Transcriptional
      profiling demonstrated that SjB10 is expressed in adult males, schistosomula and
      eggs but particularly in the cercariae, suggesting a possible role in cercarial
      penetration of mammalian host skin. Recombinant SjB10 (rSjB10) inhibited
      pancreatic elastase (PE) in a dose-dependent manner. rSjB10 was recognized
      strongly by experimentally infected rat sera indicating that native SjB10 is
      released into host tissue and induces an immune response. By immunochemistry,
      SjB10 localized in the S. japonicum adult foregut and extra-embryonic layer of
      the egg. This study provides a comprehensive demonstration of sequence and
      structural-based analysis of a functional S. japonicum serpin. Furthermore, our
      findings suggest that SjB10 may be associated with important functional roles in
      S. japonicum particularly in host-parasite interactions. 

PMID- 25137629
TI  - Selective activation of M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors reverses MK-801
      induced behavioral impairments and enhances associative learning in rodents.
AB  - Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
      (mAChR) represent a novel approach for the treatment of psychotic symptoms
      associated with schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. We recently
      reported that the selective M4 PAM VU0152100 produced an antipsychotic drug-like
      profile in rodents after amphetamine challenge. Previous studies suggest that
      enhanced cholinergic activity may also improve cognitive function and reverse
      deficits observed with reduced signaling through the N-methyl-d-aspartate subtype
      of the glutamate receptor (NMDAR) in the central nervous system. Prior to this
      study, the M1 mAChR subtype was viewed as the primary candidate for these actions
      relative to the other mAChR subtypes. Here we describe the discovery of a novel
      M4 PAM, VU0467154, with enhanced in vitro potency and improved pharmacokinetic
      properties relative to other M4 PAMs, enabling a more extensive characterization
      of M4 actions in rodent models. We used VU0467154 to test the hypothesis that
      selective potentiation of M4 receptor signaling could ameliorate the behavioral,
      cognitive, and neurochemical impairments induced by the noncompetitive NMDAR
      antagonist MK-801. VU0467154 produced a robust dose-dependent reversal of MK-801
      induced hyperlocomotion and deficits in preclinical models of associative
      learning and memory functions, including the touchscreen pairwise visual
      discrimination task in wild-type mice, but failed to reverse these stimulant
      induced deficits in M4 KO mice. VU0467154 also enhanced the acquisition of both
      contextual and cue-mediated fear conditioning when administered alone in wild
      type mice. These novel findings suggest that M4 PAMs may provide a strategy for
      addressing the more complex affective and cognitive disruptions associated with
      schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. 

PMID- 25137636
TI  - Dependency denied: health inequalities in the neo-liberal era.
AB  - The ways in which inequality generates particular population health outcomes
      remains a major source of dispute within social epidemiology and medical
      sociology. Wilkinson and Pickett's The Spirit Level (2009), undoubtedly
      galvanised thinking across the disciplines, with its emphasis on how income
      inequality shapes the distribution of health and social problems. In this paper,
      we argue that their focus on income inequality, whilst important, understates the
      role of neoliberal discourses and practises in making sense of contemporary
      inequality and its health-related consequences. Many quantitative studies have
      demonstrated that more neoliberal countries have poorer health compared to less
      neoliberal countries, but there are few qualitative studies which explore how
      neoliberal discourses shape accounts and experiences and what protections and
      resources might be available to people. This article uses findings from a
      qualitative psycho-social study employing biographical-narrative interviews with
      women in Salford (England) to understand experiences of inequality as posited in
      The Spirit Level. We found evidence for the sorts of damages resulting from
      inequality as proposed in The Spirit Level. However, in addition to these, the
      most striking finding was the repeated articulation of a discourse which we have
      termed "no legitimate dependency". This was something both painful and damaging,
      where dependency of almost any sort was disavowed and responsibility was assumed
      by the self or "othered" in various ways. No legitimate dependency, we propose,
      is a partial (and problematic) internalisation of neoliberal discourses which
      becomes naturalised and unquestioned at the individual level. We speculate that
      these sorts of discourses in conjunction with a destruction of protective
      resources (both material and discursive), lead to an increase in strain and
      account in part for well-known damages consequent on life in an unequal society.
      We conclude that integrating understandings of neoliberalism into theorising
      about inequality enriches sociological perspectives in this area. 

PMID- 25137635
TI  - The association between psychosocial stress and mortality is mediated by
      lifestyle and chronic diseases: the Hoorn Study.
AB  - Psychosocial stress is associated with chronic disease. We evaluated whether in
      the general population the number of stressful life events is associated with
      risk of mortality and whether this association is mediated by behavioral factors
      and morbidities. We conducted this study in the Hoorn cohort; a population-based
      cohort study among older men and women. Our main variable of interest was the
      number of stressful life events experienced during the previous 5 years, which
      were assessed by questionnaire. We calculated Cox proportional hazard ratios
      (HRs) for all-cause and cause-specific mortality during follow-up for those who
      experienced stressful life events compared to those who did not. We included 2385
      participants (46% male; 62 +/- 7 years). During 20 years of follow-up 834 (35%)
      participants died, of whom 239 (28.6%) died of cardiovascular disease. Compared
      to the group with no stressful life events, the age, sex and socioeconomic status
      adjusted HRs (with 95% confidence intervals) for all-cause mortality, for the
      groups who had 1 event, 2 events, 3 events and >=4 events were 0.89 (0.72-1.09),
      1.01 (0.81-1.24), 1.29 (1.00-1.66) and 1.44 (1.08-1.92), respectively. Similar
      results were observed for cardiovascular mortality. Mediation analysis showed
      that smoking, prevalent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease were
      statistically significant mediators of the association between the number of
      stressful life events and mortality. Having 3 or more stressful life events is
      associated with a significantly increased risk for mortality in an elderly
      population-based cohort. This association is mediated by smoking, type 2 diabetes
      and cardiovascular disease. 

PMID- 25137637
TI  - Histamine H1 receptor cell membrane chromatography online high-performance liquid
      chromatography with mass spectrometry method reveals houttuyfonate as an
      activator of the histamine H1 receptor.
AB  - Allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body to an allergen. Histamine is
      responsible for many of the acute symptoms of allergic diseases. Many of the
      allergic and inflammatory actions of histamine are mediated by the histamine H1
      receptor. In the present study, we established a two-dimensional histamine H1
      receptor/cell membrane chromatography with online high-performance liquid
      chromatography and mass spectrometry method for screening potential histamine
      activating components in a traditional Chinese medicine injection. The
      specification of the method was validated by screening, separating, and
      identifying a mixed standard solution of diphenhydramine hydrochloride,
      gefitinib, tamsulosin, and nitrendipine. The Yujin injection, an example of
      traditional Chinese medicine injection, was screened and potential allergic
      components acting on the histamine H1 receptor were identified. A Ca(2+) flux
      assay showed that houttuyfonate and Yujin injection induced calcium release in a
      dose-dependent manner. This suggests that houttuyfonate is an activator of the
      histamine H1 receptor. The mechanism of houttuyfonate activation involves
      phosphorylation of the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor. In conclusion, this
      two-dimensional method can rapidly detect and enrich target components isolated
      from the Yujin injection. This indicates that individuals with an overexpression
      of the histamine H1 receptor should be aware of possible allergic reactions when
      receiving the Yujin injection. 

PMID- 25137639
TI  - Role of Pb(II) defects in the mechanism of dissolution of plattnerite (beta-PbO2)
      in water under depleting chlorine conditions.
AB  - Destabilization of lead corrosion scales present in plumbing materials used in
      water distribution systems results in elevated lead concentrations in drinking
      water. Soluble lead release caused by changes in water chemistry has been linked
      to dissolution of lead carbonate and/or lead oxide solid phases. Although prior
      studies have examined the effects of varying water chemistry on the dissolution
      of plattnerite (beta-PbO2), beta-PbO2 dissolution under depleting chlorine
      conditions is poorly understood. This paper reports results obtained for long
      term batch dissolution experiments for solid phase beta-PbO2 under depleting
      chlorine conditions. Results indicate that the initial availability of free
      chlorine effectively depresses dissolved lead concentrations released from beta
      PbO2. However, the dissolved lead levels remained low (~4 MUg/L) even after free
      chlorine was depleted. Detailed spectroscopic characterization of solid samples
      collected during the beta-PbO2 experiments indicates that changes in the
      electronic structure of PbO2 occurred during the dissolution. This further points
      out that Pb2+ defects present in crystalline beta-PbO2 play a dominant role in
      the dissolution of this solid phase.

PMID- 25137638
TI  - Dual effects of familial Alzheimer's disease mutations (D7H, D7N, and H6R) on
      amyloid beta peptide: correlation dynamics and zinc binding.
AB  - Although the N-terminal region of Amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides plays dual roles
      as metal-coordinating sites and conformational modulator, few studies have been
      performed to explore the effects of mutations at this region on the overall
      conformational ensemble of Abeta and the binding propensity of metal ions. In
      this work, we focus on how three familial Alzheimer's disease mutations (D7H,
      D7N, and H6R) alter the structural characteristics and thermodynamic stabilities
      of Abeta42 using molecular dynamics simulations. We observe that each mutation
      displays increased beta-sheet structures in both N and C termini. In particular,
      both the N terminus and central hydrophobic region of D7H can form stable beta
      hairpin structures with its C terminus. The conserved turn structure at Val24
      Lys28 in all peptides and Zn2+-bound Abeta42 is confirmed as the common
      structural motif to nucleate folding of Abeta. Each mutant can significantly
      increase the solvation free energy and thus enhance the aggregation of Abeta
      monomers. The correlation dynamics between Abeta(1-16) and Abeta(17-42) fragments
      are elucidated by linking the domain motions with the corresponding structured
      conformations. We characterize the different populations of correlated domain
      motions for each mutant from a more macroscopic perspective, and unexpectedly
      find that Zn2+-bound Abeta42 ensemble shares the same populations as Abeta42,
      indicating that the binding of Zn2+ to Abeta follows the conformational selection
      mechanism, and thus is independent of domain motions, even though the structures
      of Abeta have been modified at a residue level.

PMID- 25137640
TI  - Impaired development of neural-crest cell-derived organs and intellectual
      disability caused by MED13L haploinsufficiency.
AB  - MED13L is a component subunit of the Mediator complex, an important regulator of
      transcription that is highly conserved across eukaryotes. Here, we report MED13L
      disruption in a translocation t(12;19) breakpoint of a patient with Pierre-Robin
      syndrome, moderate intellectual disability, craniofacial anomalies, and muscular
      defects. The phenotype is similar to previously described patients with MED13L
      haploinsufficiency. Knockdown of MED13L orthologue in zebrafish, med13b, showed
      early defective migration of cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) that contributed
      to cartilage structure deformities in the later stage, recapitulating
      craniofacial anomalies seen in human patients. Notably, we observed abnormal
      distribution of developing neurons in different brain regions of med13b morphant
      embryos, which could be rescued upon introduction of full-length human MED13L
      mRNA. To compare with mammalian system, we suppressed MED13L expression by short
      hairpin RNA in ES-derived human neural progenitors, and differentiated them into
      neurons. Transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression of components of
      Wnt and FGF signaling pathways in MED13L-deficient neurons. Our finding provides
      a novel insight into the mechanism of overlapping phenotypic outcome targeting
      NCCs derivatives organs in patients with MED13L haploinsufficiency, and
      emphasizes a clinically recognizable syndromic phenotype in these patients. 

PMID- 25137641
TI  - Hippocampal network oscillations - recent insights from in vitro experiments.
AB  - Network oscillations are present throughout the mammalian brain. They are
      important for certain cognitive functions, such as learning and memory. The
      hippocampus exhibits prominent oscillations similar to those seen in other parts
      of the cortex. Due to its highly organised lamellar structure, ex vivo and in
      vitro preparations from the hippocampus have provided experimental models within
      which to study network oscillations. As such, experiments in hippocampal slices
      continue to progress our understanding about both the mechanisms and functions of
      cortical network oscillations. Here, advances from the past two years are
      summarised, and the current state of the field discussed. 

PMID- 25137642
TI  - Novel electrochemical fingerprinting methods for the precise determination of
      Pt(shell) coverage on Ru(core) nanoparticles.
AB  - The surface composition of nanoparticles is critical in defining their chemical
      and electrochemical properties. However, there are a limited number of tools that
      can rapidly and reliably establish these important characteristics at this small
      scale. In the present work, a series of Rucore@Ptshell nanoparticles (2 or 3 nm
      diameter Ru core, 0 to 2 monolayers of Pt in the shell layer) were synthesized
      and several novel electrochemical fingerprinting methods were developed to
      determine the Pt shell characteristics. These involved tracking the charge
      associated with the reduction of the oxide film formed on the exposed Rucore, as
      well as the potential and charge associated with COads stripping, giving the
      precise coverage of the first and second Pt monolayer, respectively. 

PMID- 25137643
TI  - Trypanocidal activity of free and nanoencapsulated curcumin on Trypanosoma
      evansi.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo trypanocidal activity of free
      and nanoencapsulated curcumin against Trypanosoma evansi. In vitro efficacy of
      free curcumin (CURC) and curcumin-loaded in lipid-core nanocapsules (C-LNCs) was
      evaluated to verify their lethal effect on T. evansi. To perform the in vivo
      tests, T. evansi-infected animals were treated with CURC (10 and 100 mg kg(-1),
      intraperitoneally [i.p.]) and C-LNCs (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) during 6 days, with the
      results showing that these treatments significantly attenuated the parasitaemia.
      Infected untreated rats showed protein peroxidation and an increase of
      nitrites/nitrates, whereas animals treated with curcumin showed a reduction on
      these variables. As a result, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide
      dismutase and catalase) differs between groups (P<0.05). Infected animals and
      treated with CURC exhibited a reduction in the levels of alanine aminotransferase
      and creatinine, when compared with the positive control group. The use of
      curcumin in vitro resulted in a better parasitaemia control, an antioxidant
      activity and a protective effect on liver and kidney functions of T. evansi
      infected adult male Wistar rats.

PMID- 25137644
TI  - Healthcare system and the wealth-health gradient: a comparative study of older
      populations in six countries.
AB  - The present study provides a comparative analysis of the association between
      wealth and health in six healthcare systems (Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany,
      the Czech Republic, Israel, the United States). National samples of individuals
      fifty years and over reveal considerable cross-country variations in health
      outcomes. In all six countries wealth and health are positively associated. The
      findings also show that state-based healthcare systems produce better population
      health outcomes than private-based healthcare systems. The results indicate that
      in five out of the six countries studied, the wealth-health gradients were
      remarkably similar, despite significant variations in healthcare system type.
      Only in the United States was the association between wealth and health
      substantially different from, and much greater than that in the other five
      countries. The findings suggest that private-based healthcare system in the U.S.
      is likely to promote stronger positive associations between wealth and health. 

PMID- 25137645
TI  - Perceived quality of an alternative to acute hospitalization: an analytical study
      at a community hospital in Hallingdal, Norway.
AB  - There is growing international interest in the geography of health care
      provision, with health care providers searching for alternatives to acute
      hospitalization. In Norway, the government has recently legislated for municipal
      authorities to develop local health services for a selected group of patients,
      with a quality equal to or better than that provided by hospitals for emergency
      admissions. General practitioners in Hallingdal, a rural district in southern
      Norway, have for several years referred acutely somatically ill patients to a
      community hospital, Hallingdal sjukestugu (HSS). This article analyzes patients'
      perceived quality of HSS to demonstrate factors applicable nationally and
      internationally to aid in the development of local alternatives to general
      hospitals. We used a mixed-methods approach with questionnaires, individual
      interviews and a focus group interview. Sixty patients who were taking part in a
      randomized, controlled study of acute admissions at HSS answered the
      questionnaire. Selected patients were interviewed about their experiences and a
      focus group interview was conducted with representatives of local authorities,
      administrative personnel and health professionals. Patients admitted to HSS
      reported statistically significant greater satisfaction with several care aspects
      than those admitted to the general hospital. Factors highlighted by the patients
      were the quiet and homelike atmosphere; a small facility which allowed them a
      good overall view of the unit; close ties to the local community and continuity
      in the patient-staff relationship. The focus group members identified some
      overarching factors: an interdisciplinary and holistic approach, local ownership,
      proximity to local general practices and close cooperation with the specialist
      health services at the hospital. Most of these factors can be viewed as general
      elements relevant to the development of local alternatives to acute
      hospitalization both nationally and internationally. This study indicates that
      perceived quality should be one of the main motivations for developing
      alternatives to general hospital admissions. 

PMID- 25137646
TI  - Enrolment of older people in social health protection programs in West Africa-
      does social exclusion play a part?
AB  - Although the population of older people in Africa is increasing, and older people
      are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to urbanisation, breakdown of family
      structures and rising healthcare costs, most African countries have no social
      health protection for older people. Two exceptions include Senegal's Plan Sesame,
      a user fees exemption for older people and Ghana's National Health Insurance
      Scheme (NHIS) where older people are exempt from paying premiums. Evidence on
      whether older people are aware of and enrolling in these schemes is however
      lacking. We aim to fill this gap. Besides exploring economic indicators, we also
      investigate whether social exclusion determines enrolment of older people. This
      is the first study that tries to explore the social, political, economic and
      cultural (SPEC) dimensions of social exclusion in the context of social health
      protection programs for older people. Data were collected by two cross-sectional
      household surveys conducted in Ghana and Senegal in 2012. We develop SPEC indices
      and conduct logistic regressions to study the determinants of enrolment. Our
      results indicate that older people vulnerable to social exclusion in all SPEC
      dimensions are less likely to enrol in Plan Sesame and those that are vulnerable
      in the political dimension are less likely to enrol in NHIS. Efforts should be
      taken to specifically enrol older people in rural areas, ethnic minorities, women
      and those isolated due to a lack of social support. Consideration should also be
      paid to modify scheme features such as eliminating the registration fee for older
      people in NHIS and creating administration offices for ID cards in remote
      communities in Senegal. 

PMID- 25137647
TI  - Discovery of high affinity ligands for beta2-adrenergic receptor through
      pharmacophore-based high-throughput virtual screening and docking.
AB  - Novel high affinity compounds for human beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2-AR) were
      searched among the clean drug-like subset of ZINC database consisting of
      9,928,465 molecules that satisfy the Lipinski's rule of five. The screening
      protocol consisted of a high-throughput pharmacophore screening followed by an
      extensive amount of docking and rescoring. The pharmacophore model was composed
      of key features shared by all five inactive states of beta2-AR in complex with
      inverse agonists and antagonists. To test the discriminatory power of the
      pharmacophore model, a small-scale screening was initially performed on a
      database consisting of 117 compounds of which 53 antagonists were taken as active
      inhibitors and 64 agonists as inactive inhibitors. Accordingly, 7.3% of the ZINC
      database subset (729,413 compounds) satisfied the pharmacophore requirements,
      along with 44 antagonists and 17 agonists. Afterwards, all these hit compounds
      were docked to the inactive apo form of the receptor using various docking and
      scoring protocols. Following each docking experiment, the best pose was further
      evaluated based on the existence of key residues for antagonist binding in its
      vicinity. After final evaluations based on the human intestinal absorption (HIA)
      and the blood brain barrier (BBB) penetration properties, 62 hit compounds have
      been clustered based on their structural similarity and as a result four
      scaffolds were revealed. Two of these scaffolds were also observed in three high
      affinity compounds with experimentally known Ki values. Moreover, novel chemical
      compounds with distinct structures have been determined as potential beta2-AR
      drug candidates. 

PMID- 25137648
TI  - Psychological distress and risk of peripheral vascular disease, abdominal aortic
      aneurysm, and heart failure: pooling of sixteen cohort studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Examine the little-tested relation of psychological distress with
      peripheral vascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and heart failure.
      METHODS: Pooling of raw data from 166,631 male and female participants in 16 UK
      based cohort studies. Psychological distress was measured using the 12-item
      General Health Questionnaire. Peripheral vascular disease, abdominal aortic
      aneurysm, and heart failure events were based on death register linkage. RESULTS:
      During a mean follow-up 9.5 years there were 17,368 deaths of which 8625 were
      cardiovascular disease-related. Relative to the asymptomatic group (0 score), the
      highly distressed group (score 7-12) experienced an elevated risk of peripheral
      vascular disease (adjusted hazard ratio; 95% confidence interval: 3.39; 1.97,
      5.82) and heart failure (1.76; 1.37, 2.26). Psychological distress was weakly
      related to the risk of death from abdominal aortic aneurysm. As anticipated,
      distress was associated with cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and
      all strokes combined. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we provide new evidence
      of mental health-related cardiovascular disease presentations.

PMID- 25137651
TI  - Quantification of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) and ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in
      meconium for detection of alcohol abuse during pregnancy: Correlation study
      between both biomarkers.
AB  - This article presents results from 47 meconium samples, which were analyzed for
      fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) and ethyl glucuronide (EtG) for detection of
      gestational alcohol consumption. A validated microwave assisted extraction (MAE)
      method in combination with GC-MS developed in the Institute of Forensic Science
      (Santiago de Compostela) was used for FAEE and the cumulative concentration of
      ethyl myristate, ethyl palmitate and ethyl stearate with a cut-off of 600ng/g was
      applied for interpretation. A simple method for identification and quantification
      of EtG has been evaluated by ultrasonication followed solid phase extraction
      (SPE). Successful validation parameters were obtained for both biochemical
      markers of alcohol intake. FAEE and EtG concentrations in meconium ranged between
      values lower than LOD and 32,892ng/g or 218ng/g respectively. We have analyzed
      FAEE and EtG in the same meconium aliquot, enabling comparison of the efficiency
      of gestational ethanol exposure detection. Certain agreement between the two
      biomarkers was found as they are both a very specific alcohol markers, making it
      a useful analysis for confirmation. 

PMID- 25137652
TI  - An activity-integrated strategy involving ultra-high-performance liquid
      chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and fraction collector
      for rapid screening and characterization of the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in
      Coptis chinensis Franch. (Huanglian).
AB  - An activity integrated strategy was established and validated to screen alpha
      glucosidase inhibitors by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole
      time-of-flight mass spectrometry and fraction collector (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS-FC).
      UHPLC was used to separate the components in Coptis chinensis Franch. (Huanglian
      in Chinese) extract, which was identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS to acquire structural
      information and collected by the fraction collector. Finally, the collected
      fractions were tested for inhibitory activity of alpha-glucosidase. The results
      showed that Huanglian extract had the alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity with
      the IC50 value at 3.528mg mL(-1), which could be used for the treatment of
      diabetes. Alkaloids were the main components that had inhibitory activity of
      alpha-glucosidase in Huanglian extract, while the inhibitory activity of phenolic
      acids against alpha-glucosidase was relatively weaker. Coptisine, epiberberine,
      jatrorrhizin and berberine were screened and identified as alpha-glucosidase
      inhibitors from Huanglian extract in vitro. Compared with conventional methods,
      the integrated UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS-FC method could quantitatively analyze alpha
      glucosidase inhibitory activity of individual constituent and provide the total
      alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the samples. The results demonstrated
      that the activity integrated UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS-FC method was an effective and
      powerful tool for screening and identifying active ingredients from Traditional
      Chinese medicines.

PMID- 25137653
TI  - Development of an improved ligand exchange chiral stationary phase based on
      leucinol for the resolution of proton pump inhibitors.
AB  - As an effort to develop improved ligand exchange chiral stationary phases (CSPs)
      for the resolution of chiral drugs, the residual silanol groups on the silica
      surface of a CSP based on sodium N-[(S)-1-hydroxymethyl-3-methylbutyl]-N
      undecylaminoacetate, a (S)-leucinol derivative, were protected with n-octyl
      groups. The residual silanol group-protected CSP was applied to the resolution of
      proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole and
      rabeprazole. The resolution of PPIs on the residual silanol group-protected CSP
      was excellent with the separation factors (alpha) in the range of 4.32-6.42 and
      the resolution factors (RS) in the range of 6.70-7.15. The improved chiral
      recognition ability of the residual silanol group-protected CSP was rationalized
      to be originated from the protection of the non-enantioselective interaction
      sites on the silica surface and the improved lipophilicity of the stationary
      phase. 

PMID- 25137654
TI  - Does nature have joints worth carving? A discussion of taxometrics, model-based
      clustering and latent variable mixture modeling.
AB  - Taxometric procedures, model-based clustering and latent variable mixture
      modeling (LVMM) are statistical methods that use the inter-relationships of
      observed symptoms or questionnaire items to investigate empirically whether the
      underlying psychiatric or psychological construct is dimensional or categorical.
      In this review we show why the results of such an investigation depend on the
      characteristics of the observed symptoms (e.g. symptom prevalence in the sample)
      and of the sample (e.g. clinical, population sample). Furthermore, the three
      methods differ with respect to their assumptions and therefore require different
      types of a priori knowledge about the observed symptoms and their inter
      relationships. We argue that the choice of method should optimally match and make
      use of the existing knowledge about the data that are analyzed. 

PMID- 25137658
TI  - Contribution of contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonovue to describe the
      microvascularization of uterine fibroid tumors before and after uterine artery
      embolization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The principal objective of this study was to use contrast-enhanced
      ultrasonography to describe the characteristics of fibroid microvascularization
      before and after embolization. STUDY DESIGN: Forty women had contrast-enhanced
      ultrasonography with Sonovue((r)) injections before uterine artery embolization,
      the day afterwards, and at 6-12 months afterwards. An MRI was also performed
      before and after the procedure. RESULTS: Two thirds of the fibroids took up the
      contrast product before the myometrium did, and 45.8% were vascularized along the
      peripheral rim of the fibroid, compared with 41.6% with a principal pedicle and
      from the center in three (12.6%). After embolization at day one (D1), the
      myometrium was fully enhanced, that is, perfusion of the myometrium was plainly
      visible, in 25 cases (69.4%; n=36), partially enhanced in eight (22.2%), and
      totally avascular in three (8.4%). Analysis of the failures according to imaging
      criteria the day after embolization (D1) showed failure in seven women, with
      partial enhancement for six, and total for one. In the imaging at 6 months (M6),
      contrast ultrasonography showed failure for three women, with enhancement of the
      largest fibroid. This enhancement was total in two cases and partial (40%) in
      one. There were five failures according to MRI at M6, with partial enhancement.
      Only two of these failures were simultaneously failures according to the contrast
      enhanced ultrasonography. There were five clinical failures, two consistent with
      the imaging at 6 months and four predictable on D1. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced
      ultrasonography is feasible and useful to understand fibroid vascularization and
      for monitoring embolization; its correlation with MRI is good, its concordance
      less so.

PMID- 25137659
TI  - Simply avoiding reactivating fear memory after exposure therapy may help to
      consolidate fear extinction memory--a reply.

PMID- 25137673
TI  - Synergetic gating of metal-latching ligands and metal-chelating proteins for
      mesoporous silica nanovehicles to enhance delivery efficiency.
AB  - Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems are highly desirable for improved
      therapeutic efficacy and minimized adverse effects of drugs. Mesoporous silica
      nanoparticles (MSNs) functionalized with pentadentate ligands, N-(3
      trimethoxysilylpropyl)ethylenediamine triacetate (TSP-DATA), in the presence of
      metal ions with and without myoglobin (Mb)-containing surface-accessible
      histidine residues, were constructed for pH-triggered controlled release. The
      DATA ligands immobilized on the MSN pore outlets could encapsulate cargo within
      the pores by metal latching across pore openings, and release efficiency
      increased with the increase of surface density of the DATA ligands. The release
      efficiencies for the metal-chelating protein nanogates, through multiple-site
      binding of Mb with the metal-chelating ligands, were higher than those for the
      metal-latching ligand nanogates but were almost independent of surface density of
      the ligands investigated. Both the metal-latching ligands and the metal-chelating
      proteins played a synergetic role in gating MSNs for high-loading drug delivery
      and stimuli-responsive controlled release. The constructed Mb-Cu(2+)-gated MSN
      delivery system has promising applications in targeted drug therapy of tumors. 

PMID- 25137681
TI  - Uncertainty representation of grey numbers and grey sets.
AB  - In the literature, there is a presumption that a grey set and an interval-valued
      fuzzy set are equivalent. This presumption ignores the existence of discrete
      components in a grey number. In this paper, new measurements of uncertainties of
      grey numbers and grey sets, consisting of both absolute and relative
      uncertainties, are defined to give a comprehensive representation of
      uncertainties in a grey number and a grey set. Some simple examples are provided
      to illustrate that the proposed uncertainty measurement can give an effective
      representation of both absolute and relative uncertainties in a grey number and a
      grey set. The relationships between grey sets and interval-valued fuzzy sets are
      also analyzed from the point of view of the proposed uncertainty representation.
      The analysis demonstrates that grey sets and interval-valued fuzzy sets provide
      different but overlapping models for uncertainty representation in sets. 

PMID- 25137674
TI  - Fluorinated polyimide gate dielectrics for the advancing the electrical stability
      of organic field-effect transistors.
AB  - Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) that operated with good electrical
      stability were prepared by synthesizing fluorinated polyimide (PI) gate
      dielectrics based on 6FDA-PDA-PDA PI and 6FDA-CF3Bz-PDA PI. 6FDA-PDA-PDA PI and
      6FDA-CF3Bz-PDA PI contain 6 and 18 fluorine atoms per repeat unit, respectively.
      These fluorinated polymers provided smooth surface topographies and surface
      energies that decreased as the number of fluorine atoms in the polymer backbone
      increased. These properties led to a better crystalline morphology in the
      semiconductor film grown over their surfaces. The number of fluorine atoms in the
      PI backbone increased, the field-effect mobility improved, and the threshold
      voltage shifted toward positive values (from -0.38 to +2.21 V) in the OFETs with
      pentacene and triethylsilylethynyl anthradithiophene. In addition, the highly
      fluorinated polyimide dielectric showed negligible hysteresis and a notable gate
      bias stability under both a N2 environment and ambient air.

PMID- 25137682
TI  - Distributed finite-time containment control for double-integrator multiagent
      systems.
AB  - In this paper, the distributed finite-time containment control problem for double
      integrator multiagent systems with multiple leaders and external disturbances is
      discussed. In the presence of multiple dynamic leaders, by utilizing the
      homogeneous control technique, a distributed finite-time observer is developed
      for the followers to estimate the weighted average of the leaders' velocities at
      first. Then, based on the estimates and the generalized adding a power integrator
      approach, distributed finite-time containment control algorithms are designed to
      guarantee that the states of the followers converge to the dynamic convex hull
      spanned by those of the leaders in finite time. Moreover, as a special case of
      multiple dynamic leaders with zero velocities, the proposed containment control
      algorithms also work for the case of multiple stationary leaders without using
      the distributed observer. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the
      proposed control algorithms. 

PMID- 25137683
TI  - Community-aware task allocation for social networked multiagent systems.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a novel community-aware task allocation model for
      social networked multiagent systems (SN-MASs), where the agent' cooperation
      domain is constrained in community and each agent can negotiate only with its
      intracommunity member agents. Under such community-aware scenarios, we prove that
      it remains NP-hard to maximize system overall profit. To solve this problem
      effectively, we present a heuristic algorithm that is composed of three phases:
      1) task selection: select the desirable task to be allocated preferentially; 2)
      allocation to community: allocate the selected task to communities based on a
      significant task-first heuristics; and 3) allocation to agent: negotiate
      resources for the selected task based on a nonoverlap agent-first and breadth
      first resource negotiation mechanism. Through the theoretical analyses and
      experiments, the advantages of our presented heuristic algorithm and community
      aware task allocation model are validated. 1) Our presented heuristic algorithm
      performs very closely to the benchmark exponential brute-force optimal algorithm
      and the network flow-based greedy algorithm in terms of system overall profit in
      small-scale applications. Moreover, in the large-scale applications, the
      presented heuristic algorithm achieves approximately the same overall system
      profit, but significantly reduces the computational load compared with the greedy
      algorithm. 2) Our presented community-aware task allocation model reduces the
      system communication cost compared with the previous global-aware task allocation
      model and improves the system overall profit greatly compared with the previous
      local neighbor-aware task allocation model. 

PMID- 25137684
TI  - Hyperspectral image classification using functional data analysis.
AB  - The large number of spectral bands acquired by hyperspectral imaging sensors
      allows us to better distinguish many subtle objects and materials. Unlike other
      classical hyperspectral image classification methods in the multivariate analysis
      framework, in this paper, a novel method using functional data analysis (FDA) for
      accurate classification of hyperspectral images has been proposed. The central
      idea of FDA is to treat multivariate data as continuous functions. From this
      perspective, the spectral curve of each pixel in the hyperspectral images is
      naturally viewed as a function. This can be beneficial for making full use of the
      abundant spectral information. The relevance between adjacent pixel elements in
      the hyperspectral images can also be utilized reasonably. Functional principal
      component analysis is applied to solve the classification problem of these
      functions. Experimental results on three hyperspectral images show that the
      proposed method can achieve higher classification accuracies in comparison to
      some state-of-the-art hyperspectral image classification methods. 

PMID- 25137685
TI  - A new design of robust Hinfinity sliding mode control for uncertain stochastic T
      S fuzzy time-delay systems.
AB  - In this paper, a novel dynamic sliding mode control scheme is proposed for a
      class of uncertain stochastic nonlinear time-delay systems represented by Takagi
      Sugeno fuzzy models. The key advantage of the proposed scheme is that two very
      restrictive assumptions in most existing sliding mode control approaches for
      stochastic fuzzy systems have been removed. It is shown that the closed-loop
      control system trajectories can be driven onto the sliding surface in finite time
      almost certainly. It is also shown that the stochastic stability of the resulting
      sliding motion can be guaranteed in terms of linear matrix inequalities;
      moreover, the sliding-mode controller can be obtained simultaneously. Simulation
      results illustrating the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed approaches
      are also provided. 

PMID- 25137686
TI  - Bare bones particle swarm optimization with scale matrix adaptation.
AB  - Bare bones particle swarm optimization (BBPSO) is a swarm algorithm that has
      shown potential for solving single-objective unconstrained optimization problems
      over continuous search spaces. However, it suffers of the premature convergence
      problem that means it may get trapped into a local optimum when solving
      multimodal problems. In order to address this drawback and improve the
      performance of the BBPSO, we propose a variant of this algorithm, named by us as
      BBPSO with scale matrix adaptation (SMA), SMA-BBPSO for short reference. In the
      SMA-BBPSO, the position of a particle is selected from a multivariate t
      distribution with a rule for adaptation of its scale matrix. We use the
      multivariate t-distribution in its hierarchical form, as a scale mixtures of
      normal distributions. The t -distribution has heavier tails than those of the
      normal distribution, which increases the ability of the particles to escape from
      a local optimum. In addition, our approach includes the normal distribution as a
      particular case. As a consequence, the t -distribution can be applied during the
      optimization process by maintaining the proper balance between exploration and
      exploitation. We also propose a simple update rule to adapt the scale matrix
      associated with a particle. Our strategy consists of adapting the scale matrix of
      a particle such that the best position found by any particle in its neighborhood
      is sampled with maximum likelihood in the next iteration. A theoretical analysis
      was developed to explain how the SMA-BBPSO works, and an empirical study was
      carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The
      experimental results show the suitability of the proposed approach in terms of
      effectiveness to find good solutions for all benchmark problems investigated.
      Nonparametric statistical tests indicate that SMA-BBPSO shows a statistically
      significant improvement compared with other swarm algorithms.

PMID- 25137687
TI  - Exposure fusion using boosting Laplacian pyramid.
AB  - This paper proposes a new exposure fusion approach for producing a high quality
      image result from multiple exposure images. Based on the local weight and global
      weight by considering the exposure quality measurement between different exposure
      images, and the just noticeable distortion-based saliency weight, a novel hybrid
      exposure weight measurement is developed. This new hybrid weight is guided not
      only by a single image's exposure level but also by the relative exposure level
      between different exposure images. The core of the approach is our novel boosting
      Laplacian pyramid, which is based on the structure of boosting the detail and
      base signal, respectively, and the boosting process is guided by the proposed
      exposure weight. Our approach can effectively blend the multiple exposure images
      for static scenes while preserving both color appearance and texture structure.
      Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach successfully
      produces visually pleasing exposure fusion images with better color appearance
      and more texture details than the existing exposure fusion techniques and tone
      mapping operators. 

PMID- 25137688
TI  - Acquisition of causal models for local distributions in Bayesian networks.
AB  - To specify a Bayesian network, a local distribution in the form of a conditional
      probability table, often of an effect conditioned on its n causes, needs to be
      acquired, one for each non-root node. Since the number of parameters to be
      assessed is generally exponential in n , improving the efficiency is an important
      concern in knowledge engineering. Non-impeding noisy-AND (NIN-AND) tree causal
      models reduce the number of parameters to being linear in n , while explicitly
      expressing both reinforcing and undermining interactions among causes. The key
      challenge in NIN-AND tree modeling is the acquisition of the NIN-AND tree
      structure. In this paper, we formulate a concise structure representation and an
      expressive causal interaction function of NIN-AND trees. Building on these
      representations, we propose two structural acquisition methods, which are
      applicable to both elicitation-based and machine learning-based acquisitions.
      Their accuracy is demonstrated through experimental evaluations. 

PMID- 25137689
TI  - Sensor-driven area coverage for an autonomous fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle.
AB  - Area coverage with an onboard sensor is an important task for an unmanned aerial
      vehicle (UAV) with many applications. Autonomous fixed-wing UAVs are more
      appropriate for larger scale area surveying since they can cover ground more
      quickly. However, their non-holonomic dynamics and susceptibility to disturbances
      make sensor coverage a challenging task. Most previous approaches to area
      coverage planning are offline and assume that the UAV can follow the planned
      trajectory exactly. In this paper, this restriction is removed as the aircraft
      maintains a coverage map based on its actual pose trajectory and makes control
      decisions based on that map. The aircraft is able to plan paths in situ based on
      sensor data and an accurate model of the on-board camera used for coverage. An
      information theoretic approach is used that selects desired headings that
      maximize the expected information gain over the coverage map. In addition, the
      branch entropy concept previously developed for autonomous underwater vehicles is
      extended to UAVs and ensures that the vehicle is able to achieve its global
      coverage mission. The coverage map over the workspace uses the projective camera
      model and compares the expected area of the target on the ground and the actual
      area covered on the ground by each pixel in the image. The camera is mounted on a
      two-axis gimbal and can either be stabilized or optimized for maximal coverage.
      Hardware-in-the-loop simulation results and real hardware implementation on a
      fixed-wing UAV show the effectiveness of the approach. By including the already
      developed automatic takeoff and landing capabilities, we now have a fully
      automated and robust platform for performing aerial imagery surveys. 

PMID- 25137690
TI  - DEC: dynamically evolving clustering and its application to structure
      identification of evolving fuzzy models.
AB  - Identification of models from input-output data essentially requires estimation
      of appropriate cluster centers. In this paper, a new online evolving clustering
      approach for streaming data is proposed. Unlike other approaches that consider
      either the data density or distance from existing cluster centers, this approach
      uses cluster weight and distance before generating new clusters. To capture the
      dynamics of the data stream, the cluster weight is defined in both data and time
      space in such a way that it decays exponentially with time. It also applies
      concepts from computational geometry to determine the neighborhood information
      while forming clusters. A distinction is made between core and noncore clusters
      to effectively identify the real outliers. The approach efficiently estimates
      cluster centers upon which evolving Takagi-Sugeno models are developed. The
      experimental results with developed models show that the proposed approach
      attains results at par or better than existing approaches and significantly
      reduces the computational overhead, which makes it suitable for real-time
      applications. 

PMID- 25137691
TI  - A generic method for the evaluation of interval type-2 fuzzy linguistic
      summaries.
AB  - Linguistic summarization has turned out to be an important knowledge discovery
      technique by providing the most relevant natural language-based sentences in a
      human consistent manner. While many studies on linguistic summarization have
      handled ordinary fuzzy sets [type-1 fuzzy set (T1FS)] for modeling words, only
      few of them have dealt with interval type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2FS) even though IT2FS
      is better capable of handling uncertainties associated with words. Furthermore,
      the existent studies work with the scalar cardinality based degree of truth which
      might lead to inconsistency in the evaluation of interval type-2 fuzzy (IT2F)
      linguistic summaries. In this paper, to overcome this shortcoming, we propose a
      novel probabilistic degree of truth for evaluating IT2F linguistic summaries in
      the forms of type-I and type-II quantified sentences. We also extend the
      properties that should be fulfilled by any degree of truth on linguistic
      summarization with T1FS to IT2F environment. We not only prove that our
      probabilistic degree of truth satisfies the given properties, but also illustrate
      by examples that it provides more consistent results when compared to the
      existing degree of truth in the literature. Furthermore, we carry out an
      application on linguistic summarization of time series data of Europe Brent Spot
      Price, along with a comparison of the results achieved with our approach and that
      of the existing degree of truth in the literature. 

PMID- 25137692
TI  - Generalized Laplacian eigenmaps for modeling and tracking human motions.
AB  - This paper presents generalized Laplacian eigenmaps, a novel dimensionality
      reduction approach designed to address stylistic variations in time series. It
      generates compact and coherent continuous spaces whose geometry is data-driven.
      This paper also introduces graph-based particle filter, a novel methodology
      conceived for efficient tracking in low dimensional space derived from a spectral
      dimensionality reduction method. Its strengths are a propagation scheme, which
      facilitates the prediction in time and style, and a noise model coherent with the
      manifold, which prevents divergence, and increases robustness. Experiments show
      that a combination of both techniques achieves state-of-the-art performance for
      human pose tracking in underconstrained scenarios. 

PMID- 25137693
TI  - Maximal entropy random walk for region-based visual saliency.
AB  - Visual saliency is attracting more and more research attention since it is
      beneficial to many computer vision applications. In this paper, we propose a
      novel bottom-up saliency model for detecting salient objects in natural images.
      First, inspired by the recent advance in the realm of statistical thermodynamics,
      we adopt a novel mathematical model, namely, the maximal entropy random walk
      (MERW) to measure saliency. We analyze the rationality and superiority of MERW
      for modeling visual saliency. Then, based on the MERW model, we establish a
      generic framework for saliency detection. Different from the vast majority of
      existing saliency models, our method is built on a purely region-based strategy,
      which is able to yield high-resolution saliency maps with well preserved object
      shapes and uniformly highlighted salient regions. In the proposed framework, the
      input image is first over-segmented into superpixels, which are taken as the
      primary units for subsequent procedures, and regional features are extracted.
      Then, saliency is measured according to two principles, i.e., uniqueness and
      visual organization, both implemented in a unified approach, i.e., the MERW model
      based on graph representation. Intensive experimental results on publicly
      available datasets demonstrate that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art
      saliency models. 

PMID- 25137694
TI  - Significant body point labeling and tracking.
AB  - In this paper, a method is presented to label and track anatomical landmarks
      (e.g., head, hand/arm, feet), which are referred to as significant body points
      (SBPs), using implicit body models. By considering the human body as an inverted
      pendulum model, ellipse fitting and contour moments are applied to classify it as
      being in Stand, Sit, or Lie posture. A convex hull of the silhouette contour is
      used to determine the locations of SBPs. The particle filter or a motion flow
      based method is used to predict SBPs in occlusion. Stick figures of various
      activities are generated by connecting the SBPs. The qualitative and quantitative
      evaluation show that the proposed method robustly labels and tracks SBPs in
      various activities of two different (low and high) resolution data sets. 

PMID- 25137695
TI  - A framework for biodynamic feedthrough analysis--part II: validation and
      application.
AB  - Biodynamic feedthrough (BDFT) is a complex phenomenon, that has been studied for
      several decades. However, there is little consensus on how to approach the BDFT
      problem in terms of definitions, nomenclature, and mathematical descriptions. In
      this paper, the framework for BDFT analysis, as presented in Part I of this dual
      publication, is validated and applied. The goal of this framework is twofold.
      First of all, it provides some common ground between the seemingly large range of
      different approaches existing in BDFT literature. Secondly, the framework itself
      allows for gaining new insights into BDFT phenomena. Using recently obtained
      measurement data, parts of the framework that were not already addressed
      elsewhere, are validated. As an example of a practical application of the
      framework, it will be demonstrated how the effects of control device dynamics on
      BDFT can be understood and accurately predicted. Other ways of employing the
      framework are illustrated by interpreting the results of three selected studies
      from the literature using the BDFT framework. The presentation of the BDFT
      framework is divided into two parts. This paper, Part II, addresses the
      validation and application of the framework. Part I, which is also published in
      this journal issue, addresses the theoretical foundations of the framework. The
      work is presented in two separate papers to allow for a detailed discussion of
      both the framework's theoretical background and its validation. 

PMID- 25137718
TI  - High-resolution mesoscopic fluorescence molecular tomography based on compressive
      sensing.
AB  - Mesoscopic fluorescence molecular tomography (MFMT) is new imaging modality
      aiming at 3-D imaging of molecular probes in a few millimeter thick biological
      samples with high-spatial resolution. In this paper, we develop a compressive
      sensing-based reconstruction method with l1-norm regularization for MFMT with the
      goal of improving spatial resolution and stability of the optical inverse
      problem. Three-dimensional numerical simulations of anatomically accurate
      microvasculature and real data obtained from phantom experiments are employed to
      evaluate the merits of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the
      proposed method can achieve 80 MUm spatial resolution for a biological sample of
      3 mm thickness and more accurate quantifications of concentrations and locations
      for the fluorophore distribution than those of the conventional methods.

PMID- 25137719
TI  - Novel active comb-shaped dry electrode for EEG measurement in hairy site.
AB  - Electroencephalography (EEG) is an important biopotential, and has been widely
      applied in clinical applications. The conventional EEG electrode with conductive
      gels is usually used for measuring EEG. However, the use of conductive gel also
      encounters with the issue of drying and hardening. Recently, many dry EEG
      electrodes based on different conductive materials and techniques were proposed
      to solve the previous issue. However, measuring EEG in the hairy site is still a
      difficult challenge. In this study, a novel active comb-shaped dry electrode was
      proposed to measure EEG in hairy site. Different form other comb-shaped or spike
      shaped dry electrodes, it can provide more excellent performance of avoiding the
      signal attenuation, phase distortion, and the reduction of common mode rejection
      ratio. Even under walking motion, it can effectively acquire EEG in hairy site.
      Finally, the experiments for alpha rhythm and steady-state visually evoked
      potential were also tested to validate the proposed electrode. 

PMID- 25137720
TI  - Motion artifacts in capacitive ECG measurements: reducing the combined effect of
      DC voltages and capacitance changes using an injection signal.
AB  - Capacitive electrodes are a promising alternative to the conventional adhesive
      electrodes for ECG measurements. They provide more comfort to the patient when
      integrated in everyday objects (e.g., beds or seats) for long-term monitoring.
      However, the application of capacitive sensors is limited by their high
      sensitivity to motion artifacts. For example, motion at the body-electrode
      interface causes variations of the coupling capacitance which, in the presence of
      a dc voltage across the coupling capacitor, create strong artifacts in the
      measurements. The origin, relevance, and reduction of this specific and important
      type of artifacts are studied here. An injection signal is exploited to track the
      variations of the coupling capacitance in real time. This information is then
      used by an identification scheme to estimate the artifacts and subtract them from
      the measurements. The method was evaluated in simulations, lab environments, and
      in a real-life recording on an adult's chest. For the type of artifact under
      study, a strong artifact reduction ranging from 40 dB for simulated data to 9 dB
      for a given real-life recording was achieved. The proposed method is automated,
      does not require any knowledge about the measurement system parameters, and
      provides an online estimate for the dc voltage across the coupling capacitor. 

PMID- 25137721
TI  - Four-class classification of skin lesions with task decomposition strategy.
AB  - This paper proposes a new computer-aided method for the skin lesion
      classification applicable to both melanocytic skin lesions (MSLs) and
      nonmelanocytic skin lesions (NoMSLs). The computer-aided skin lesion
      classification has drawn attention as an aid for detection of skin cancers.
      Several researchers have developed methods to distinguish between melanoma and
      nevus, which are both categorized as MSL. However, most of these studies did not
      focus on NoMSLs such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin cancer
      and seborrheic keratosis (SK) despite their high incidence rates. It is
      preferable to deal with these NoMSLs as well as MSLs especially for the potential
      users who are not enough capable of diagnosing pigmented skin lesions on their
      own such as dermatologists in training and physicians with different expertise.
      We developed a new method to distinguish among melanomas, nevi, BCCs, and SKs.
      Our method calculates 828 candidate features grouped into three categories:
      color, subregion, and texture. We introduced two types of classification models:
      a layered model that uses a task decomposition strategy and flat models to serve
      as performance baselines. We tested our methods on 964 dermoscopy images: 105
      melanomas, 692 nevi, 69 BCCs, and 98 SKs. The layered model outperformed the flat
      models, achieving detection rates of 90.48%, 82.51%, 82.61%, and 80.61% for
      melanomas, nevi, BCCs, and SKs, respectively. We also identified specific
      features effective for the classification task including irregularity of color
      distribution. The results show promise for enhancing the capability of the
      computer-aided skin lesion classification. 

PMID- 25137722
TI  - Identifying Virtual 3D Geometric Shapes with a Vibrotactile Glove.
AB  - The emergence of off-screen interaction devices is bringing the field of virtual
      reality to a broad range of applications where virtual objects can be manipulated
      without the use of traditional peripherals. However, to facilitate object
      interaction, other stimuli such as haptic feedback are necessary to improve the
      user experience. To enable the identification of virtual 3D objects without
      visual feedback, a haptic display based on a vibrotactile glove and multiple
      points of contact gives users an enhanced sensation of touching a virtual object
      with their hands. Experimental results demonstrate the capacity of this
      technology in practical applications. 

PMID- 25137724
TI  - A Tool-Free Calibration Method for Turntable-Based 3D Scanning Systems.
AB  - Turntable-based 3D scanners are popular but require calibration of the turntable
      axis. Existing methods for turntable calibration typically make use of specially
      designed tools, such as a chessboard or criterion sphere, which users must
      manually install and dismount. In this article, the authors propose an automatic
      method to calibrate the turntable axis without any calibration tools. Given a
      scan sequence of the input object, they first recover the initial rotation axis
      from an automatic registration step. Then they apply an iterative procedure to
      obtain the optimized turntable axis. This iterative procedure alternates between
      two steps: refining the initial pose of the input scans and approximating the
      rotation matrix. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated on a
      structured light-based scanning system. 

PMID- 25137723
TI  - Visualization beyond the desktop--the next big thing.
AB  - Visualization is coming of age. With visual depictions being seamlessly
      integrated into documents, and data visualization techniques being used to
      understand increasingly large and complex datasets, the term "visualization"' is
      becoming used in everyday conversations. But we are on a cusp; visualization
      researchers need to develop and adapt to today's new devices and tomorrow's
      technology. Today, people interact with visual depictions through a mouse.
      Tomorrow, they'll be touching, swiping, grasping, feeling, hearing, smelling, and
      even tasting data. The next big thing is multisensory visualization that goes
      beyond the desktop.

PMID- 25137725
TI  - Automated segmentation of breast in 3-D MR images using a robust atlas.
AB  - This paper presents a robust atlas-based segmentation (ABS) algorithm for
      segmentation of the breast boundary in 3-D MR images. The proposed algorithm
      combines the well-known methodologies of ABS namely probabilistic atlas and atlas
      selection approaches into a single framework where two configurations are
      realized. The algorithm uses phase congruency maps to create an atlas which is
      robust to intensity variations. This allows an atlas derived from images acquired
      with one MR imaging sequence to be used to segment images acquired with a
      different MR imaging sequence and eliminates the need for intensity-based
      registration. Images acquired using a Dixon sequence were used to create an atlas
      which was used to segment both Dixon images (intra-sequence) and T1-weighted
      images (inter-sequence). In both cases, highly accurate results were achieved
      with the median Dice similarity coefficient values of 94% +/-4% and 87 +/-6.5%,
      respectively.

PMID- 25137726
TI  - Bias reduction for low-statistics PET: maximum likelihood reconstruction with a
      modified Poisson distribution.
AB  - Positron emission tomography data are typically reconstructed with maximum
      likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM). However, MLEM suffers from positive
      bias due to the non-negativity constraint. This is particularly problematic for
      tracer kinetic modeling. Two reconstruction methods with bias reduction
      properties that do not use strict Poisson optimization are presented and compared
      to each other, to filtered backprojection (FBP), and to MLEM. The first method is
      an extension of NEGML, where the Poisson distribution is replaced by a Gaussian
      distribution for low count data points. The transition point between the Gaussian
      and the Poisson regime is a parameter of the model. The second method is a
      simplification of ABML. ABML has a lower and upper bound for the reconstructed
      image whereas AML has the upper bound set to infinity. AML uses a negative lower
      bound to obtain bias reduction properties. Different choices of the lower bound
      are studied. The parameter of both algorithms determines the effectiveness of the
      bias reduction and should be chosen large enough to ensure bias-free images. This
      means that both algorithms become more similar to least squares algorithms, which
      turned out to be necessary to obtain bias-free reconstructions. This comes at the
      cost of increased variance. Nevertheless, NEGML and AML have lower variance than
      FBP. Furthermore, randoms handling has a large influence on the bias.
      Reconstruction with smoothed randoms results in lower bias compared to
      reconstruction with unsmoothed randoms or randoms precorrected data. However,
      NEGML and AML yield both bias-free images for large values of their parameter.

PMID- 25137727
TI  - Compressive sensing of sparse tensors.
AB  - Compressive sensing (CS) has triggered an enormous research activity since its
      first appearance. CS exploits the signal's sparsity or compressibility in a
      particular domain and integrates data compression and acquisition, thus allowing
      exact reconstruction through relatively few nonadaptive linear measurements.
      While conventional CS theory relies on data representation in the form of
      vectors, many data types in various applications, such as color imaging, video
      sequences, and multisensor networks, are intrinsically represented by higher
      order tensors. Application of CS to higher order data representation is typically
      performed by conversion of the data to very long vectors that must be measured
      using very large sampling matrices, thus imposing a huge computational and memory
      burden. In this paper, we propose generalized tensor compressive sensing (GTCS)-a
      unified framework for CS of higher order tensors, which preserves the intrinsic
      structure of tensor data with reduced computational complexity at reconstruction.
      GTCS offers an efficient means for representation of multidimensional data by
      providing simultaneous acquisition and compression from all tensor modes. In
      addition, we propound two reconstruction procedures, a serial method and a
      parallelizable method. We then compare the performance of the proposed method
      with Kronecker compressive sensing (KCS) and multiway compressive sensing (MWCS).
      We demonstrate experimentally that GTCS outperforms KCS and MWCS in terms of both
      reconstruction accuracy (within a range of compression ratios) and processing
      speed. The major disadvantage of our methods (and of MWCS as well) is that the
      compression ratios may be worse than that offered by KCS. 

PMID- 25137728
TI  - Topology preserving thinning of cell complexes.
AB  - A topology preserving skeleton is a synthetic representation of an object that
      retains its topology and many of its significant morphological properties. The
      process of obtaining the skeleton, referred to as skeletonization or thinning, is
      a very active research area. It plays a central role in reducing the amount of
      information to be processed during image analysis and visualization, computer
      aided diagnosis, or by pattern recognition algorithms. This paper introduces a
      novel topology preserving thinning algorithm, which removes simple cells-a
      generalization of simple points-of a given cell complex. The test for simple
      cells is based on acyclicity tables automatically produced in advance with
      homology computations. Using acyclicity tables render the implementation of
      thinning algorithms straightforward. Moreover, the fact that tables are
      automatically filled for all possible configurations allows to rigorously prove
      the generality of the algorithm and to obtain fool-proof implementations. The
      novel approach enables, for the first time, according to our knowledge, to thin a
      general unstructured simplicial complex. Acyclicity tables for cubical and
      simplicial complexes and an open source implementation of the thinning algorithm
      are provided as an additional material to allow their immediate use in the vast
      number of applications arising in medical imaging and beyond. 

PMID- 25137729
TI  - On continuous user authentication via typing behavior.
AB  - We hypothesize that an individual computer user has a unique and consistent
      habitual pattern of hand movements, independent of the text, while typing on a
      keyboard. As a result, this paper proposes a novel biometric modality named
      typing behavior (TB) for continuous user authentication. Given a webcam pointing
      toward a keyboard, we develop real-time computer vision algorithms to
      automatically extract hand movement patterns from the video stream. Unlike the
      typical continuous biometrics, such as keystroke dynamics (KD), TB provides a
      reliable authentication with a short delay, while avoiding explicit key-logging.
      We collect a video database where 63 unique subjects type static text and free
      text for multiple sessions. For one typing video, the hands are segmented in each
      frame and a unique descriptor is extracted based on the shape and position of
      hands, as well as their temporal dynamics in the video sequence. We propose a
      novel approach, named bag of multi-dimensional phrases, to match the cross
      feature and cross-temporal pattern between a gallery sequence and probe sequence.
      The experimental results demonstrate a superior performance of TB when compared
      with KD, which, together with our ultrareal-time demo system, warrant further
      investigation of this novel vision application and biometric modality.

PMID- 25137730
TI  - Time-Varying Ankle Mechanical Impedance During Human Locomotion.
AB  - In human locomotion, we continuously modulate joint mechanical impedance of the
      lower limb (hip, knee, and ankle) either voluntarily or reflexively to
      accommodate environmental changes and maintain stable interaction. Ankle
      mechanical impedance plays a pivotal role at the interface between the neuro
      mechanical system and the physical world. This paper reports, for the first time,
      a characterization of human ankle mechanical impedance in two degrees-of-freedom
      simultaneously as it varies with time during walking. Ensemble-based linear time
      varying system identification methods implemented with a wearable ankle robot,
      Anklebot, enabled reliable estimation of ankle mechanical impedance from the pre
      swing phase through the entire swing phase to the early-stance phase. This
      included heel-strike and toe-off, key events in the transition from the swing to
      stance phase or vice versa. Time-varying ankle mechanical impedance was
      accurately approximated by a second order model consisting of inertia, viscosity,
      and stiffness in both inversion-eversion and dorsiflexion-plantarflexion
      directions, as observed in our previous steady-state dynamic studies. We found
      that viscosity and stiffness of the ankle significantly decreased at the end of
      the stance phase before toe-off, remained relatively constant across the swing
      phase, and increased around heel-strike. Closer investigation around heel-strike
      revealed that viscosity and stiffness in both planes increased before heel-strike
      occurred. This finding is important evidence of "pretuning" by the central
      nervous system. In addition, viscosity and stiffness were greater in the sagittal
      plane than in the frontal plane across all subgait phases, except the early
      stance phase. Comparison with previous studies and implications for clinical
      study of neurologically impaired patients are provided. 

PMID- 25137731
TI  - An Intelligent Robotic Hospital Bed for Safe Transportation of Critical
      Neurosurgery Patients Along Crowded Hospital Corridors.
AB  - We present a novel design of an intelligent robotic hospital bed, named Flexbed,
      with autonomous navigation ability. The robotic bed is developed for fast and
      safe transportation of critical neurosurgery patients without changing beds.
      Flexbed is more efficient and safe during the transportation process comparing to
      the conventional hospital beds. Flexbed is able to avoid en-route obstacles with
      an efficient easy-to-implement collision avoidance strategy when an obstacle is
      nearby and to move towards its destination at maximum speed when there is no
      threat of collision. We present extensive simulation results of navigation of
      Flexbed in the crowded hospital corridor environments with moving obstacles.
      Moreover, results of experiments with Flexbed in the real world scenarios are
      also presented and discussed. 

PMID- 25137732
TI  - Feasibility of Energy-Autonomous Wireless Microsensors for Biomedical
      Applications: Powering and Communication.
AB  - In this review, biomedical-related wireless miniature devices such as implantable
      medical devices, neural prostheses, embedded neural systems, and body area
      network systems are investigated and categorized. The two main subsystems of such
      designs, the RF subsystem and the energy source subsystem, are studied in detail.
      Different application classes are considered separately, focusing on their
      specific data rate and size characteristics. Also, the energy consumption of
      state-of-the-art communication practices is compared to the energy that can be
      generated by current energy scavenging devices, highlighting gaps and
      opportunities. The RF subsystem is classified, and the suitable architecture for
      each category of applications is highlighted. Finally, a new figure of merit
      suitable for wireless biomedical applications is introduced to measure the
      performance of these devices and assist the designer in selecting the proper
      system for the required application. This figure of merit can effectively fill
      the gap of a much required method for comparing different techniques in
      simulation stage before a final design is chosen for implementation. 

PMID- 25137733
TI  - Optoelectronic Systems Trained With Backpropagation Through Time.
AB  - Delay-coupled optoelectronic systems form promising candidates to act as powerful
      information processing devices. In this brief, we consider such a system that has
      been studied before in the context of reservoir computing (RC). Instead of
      viewing the system as a random dynamical system, we see it as a true machine
      learning model, which can be fully optimized. We use a recently introduced
      extension of backpropagation through time, an optimization algorithm originally
      designed for recurrent neural networks, and use it to let the network perform a
      difficult phoneme recognition task. We show that full optimization of all system
      parameters of delay-coupled optoelectronics systems yields a significant
      improvement over the previously applied RC approach. 

PMID- 25137734
TI  - Phase Oscillatory Network and Visual Pattern Recognition.
AB  - We explore a properly interconnected set of Kuramoto type oscillators that
      results in a new associative-memory network configuration, which includes second-
      and third-order additional terms in the Fourier expansion of the network's
      coupling. Investigation of the response of the network to different external
      stimuli indicates an increase in the network capability for coding and
      information retrieval. Comparison of the network output with that of an
      equivalent experiment with subjects, for recognizing perturbed binary patterns,
      shows comparable results between the two approaches. We also discuss the enhanced
      storage capacity of the network. 

PMID- 25137736
TI  - Universal fuzzy models and universal fuzzy controllers for discrete-time
      nonlinear systems.
AB  - This paper investigates the problems of universal fuzzy model and universal fuzzy
      controller for discrete-time nonaffine nonlinear systems (NNSs). It is shown that
      a kind of generalized T-S fuzzy model is the universal fuzzy model for discrete
      time NNSs satisfying a sufficient condition. The results on universal fuzzy
      controllers are presented for two classes of discrete-time stabilizable NNSs.
      Constructive procedures are provided to construct the model reference fuzzy
      controllers. The simulation example of an inverted pendulum is presented to
      illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method. These results
      significantly extend the approach for potential applications in solving complex
      engineering problems. 

PMID- 25137737
TI  - A new evolutionary algorithm with structure mutation for the maximum balanced
      biclique problem.
AB  - The maximum balanced biclique problem (MBBP), an NP-hard combinatorial
      optimization problem, has been attracting more attention in recent years.
      Existing node-deletion-based algorithms usually fail to find high-quality
      solutions due to their easy stagnation in local optima, especially when the scale
      of the problem grows large. In this paper, a new algorithm for the MBBP,
      evolutionary algorithm with structure mutation (EA/SM), is proposed. In the EA/SM
      framework, local search complemented with a repair-assisted restart process is
      adopted. A new mutation operator, SM, is proposed to enhance the exploration
      during the local search process. The SM can change the structure of solutions
      dynamically while keeping their size (fitness) and the feasibility unchanged. It
      implements a kind of large mutation in the structure space of MBBP to help the
      algorithm escape from local optima. An MBBP-specific local search operator is
      designed to improve the quality of solutions efficiently; besides, a new repair
      assisted restart process is introduced, in which the Marchiori's heuristic repair
      is modified to repair every new solution reinitialized by an estimation of
      distribution algorithm (EDA)-like process. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on
      a large set of benchmark graphs with various scales and densities. Experimental
      results show that: 1) EA/SM produces significantly better results than the state
      of-the-art heuristic algorithms; 2) it also outperforms a repair-based EDA and a
      repair-based genetic algorithm on all benchmark graphs; and 3) the advantages of
      EA/SM are mainly due to the introduction of the new SM operator and the new
      repair-assisted restart process. 

PMID- 25137738
TI  - Active learning with imbalanced multiple noisy labeling.
AB  - With crowdsourcing systems, it is easy to collect multiple noisy labels for the
      same object for supervised learning. This dynamic annotation procedure fits the
      active learning perspective and accompanies the imbalanced multiple noisy
      labeling problem. This paper proposes a novel active learning framework with
      multiple imperfect annotators involved in crowdsourcing systems. The framework
      contains two core procedures: label integration and instance selection. In the
      label integration procedure, a positive label threshold (PLAT) algorithm is
      introduced to induce the class membership from the multiple noisy label set of
      each instance in a training set. PLAT solves the imbalanced labeling problem by
      dynamically adjusting the threshold for determining the class membership of an
      example. Furthermore, three novel instance selection strategies are proposed to
      adapt PLAT for improving the learning performance. These strategies are
      respectively based on the uncertainty derived from the multiple labels, the
      uncertainty derived from the learned model, and the combination method (CFI).
      Experimental results on 12 datasets with different underlying class distributions
      demonstrate that the three novel instance selection strategies significantly
      improve the learning performance, and CFI has the best performance when labeling
      behaviors exhibit different levels of imbalance in crowdsourcing systems. We also
      apply our methods to a real-world scenario, obtaining noisy labels from Amazon
      Mechanical Turk, and show that our proposed strategies achieve very high
      performance. 

PMID- 25137739
TI  - A dual-population differential evolution with coevolution for constrained
      optimization.
AB  - Inspired by the fact that in modern society, team cooperation and the division of
      labor play important roles in accomplishing a task, this paper proposes a dual
      population differential evolution (DPDE) with coevolution for constrained
      optimization problems (COPs). The COP is treated as a bi-objective optimization
      problem where the first objective is the actual cost or reward function to be
      optimized, while the second objective accounts for the degree of constraint
      violations. At each generation during the evolution process, the whole population
      is divided into two based on the solution's feasibility to treat the both
      objectives separately. Each subpopulation focuses on only optimizing the
      corresponding objective which leads to a clear division of work. Furthermore,
      DPDE makes use of an information-sharing strategy to exchange search information
      between the different subpopulations similar to the team cooperation. The
      comparison of the proposed method on a number of benchmark functions with
      selected state-of-the-art constraint-handling algorithms indicates that the
      proposed technique performs competitively and effectively. 

PMID- 25137740
TI  - New techniques for mining frequent patterns in unordered trees.
AB  - We consider a new tree mining problem that aims to discover restrictedly embedded
      subtree patterns from a set of rooted labeled unordered trees. We study the
      properties of a canonical form of unordered trees, and develop new Apriori-based
      techniques to generate all candidate subtrees level by level through two
      efficient rightmost expansion operations: 1) pairwise joining and 2) leg
      attachment. Next, we show that restrictedly embedded subtree detection can be
      achieved by calculating the restricted edit distance between a candidate subtree
      and a data tree. These techniques are then integrated into an efficient
      algorithm, named frequent restrictedly embedded subtree miner (FRESTM), to solve
      the tree mining problem at hand. The correctness of the FRESTM algorithm is
      proved and the time and space complexities of the algorithm are discussed.
      Experimental results on synthetic and real-world data demonstrate the
      effectiveness of the proposed approach. 

PMID- 25137752
TI  - Case reports have a low priority in the EJPD.

PMID- 25137753
TI  - On whole person care. Dementia road map must transcend politics.

PMID- 25137754
TI  - The NHS must build resilience.

PMID- 25137755
TI  - Patient engagement. Press the right buttons to activate your patients.

PMID- 25137756
TI  - Patient records. The dataset with no name.

PMID- 25137757
TI  - Patient records: case studies. Return to the source. How health researchers are
      already using pseudonymisation of data at source.

PMID- 25137758
TI  - Service improvement. The exemplar hospital.

PMID- 25137759
TI  - Enhanced perspective.

PMID- 25137760
TI  - Frail older people improve their care. Pave the way for better elderly care.

PMID- 25137761
TI  - Lessons from a school master.

PMID- 25137762
TI  - Power up staff with hands-on action.

PMID- 25137763
TI  - [The world of Toulouse-Lautrec--litographies of the Museum of Fine Arts].

PMID- 25137764
TI  - [Dilemmas of studying rare diseases].

PMID- 25137765
TI  - [The cultural history of the discovery of insulin].

PMID- 25137766
TI  - [Correlations of health, happiness and wellbeing in modern society].

PMID- 25137767
TI  - [Neuroethics].

PMID- 25137768
TI  - The dishonest math of PPACA.

PMID- 25137769
TI  - Severe ocular trauma in the emergency room.
AB  - To assess the nature, severity, and mechanisms of ocular trauma in the emergency
      room at an academic teaching hospital. METHODS: Individual review of patients'
      records involving ocular trauma in the emergency room. Severe intraocular trauma
      was defined as any injury that required intraocular surgery, any traumatic optic
      neuropathy, or total destruction of the eye. RESULTS: Of 519 patients in 2010
      seen in the emergency room for ocular trauma, 52 patients (10%) had severe ocular
      trauma. Contusions (17) were the most common injury, followed closely by
      penetrating lacerations (16) and ruptures (16). In addition, 33 of these 52
      patients (63.5%) had a full-thickness open globe injury, with physical assault as
      the most common etiology. CONCLUSION: The most common severe ocular traumas seen
      in the emergency room were contusions, penetrating lacerations, and ruptures.
      Penetrating lacerations and ruptures were the most common causes of open eye wall
      injuries.

PMID- 25137770
TI  - The Mississippi State Tuberculosis Sanatorium and the evolution of thoracic
      surgery in Mississippi.

PMID- 25137771
TI  - Call the surgeon please.

PMID- 25137773
TI  - No room for error.

PMID- 25137772
TI  - More thoughts on Medicaid expansion.

PMID- 25137774
TI  - The Veterans Administration Hospital scandal: views of a Mississippi physician.

PMID- 25137775
TI  - Securing the future of healthcare: students in your practice.

PMID- 25137776
TI  - Stepping up to leadership: why oral health?

PMID- 25137777
TI  - Thematic analysis of personal statements in physician assistant program
      admissions.
AB  - PURPOSE: The written personal statement is widely used in health professions
      program admissions. The purposes of this study were to identify the common themes
      manifesting in the personal statements of physician assistant (PA) program
      applicants and to measure the odds of matriculation while controlling for other
      admission covariates. METHODS: This study was a retrospective mixed-method
      observational study of CASPA admissions data. From the aggregate pool of 14,682
      CASPA applications in the 2009-2010 admissions cycle, we randomly selected a
      subset of 600 unique de-identified applicants with complete application data. We
      coded the major themes and subthemes for each personal statement. We then
      performed maximum likelihood logistic regression analysis that compared the odds
      of matriculation based on the major themes and known cognitive admission
      variables. RESULTS: We identified eight major themes including altruism and the
      desire to help people, challenges and hardships, experience, key accomplishments,
      personal characteristics, positive perception of PA career attributes, role
      models, and a religious or spiritual quest. The only major theme increasing the
      odds of matriculation was role models, specifically exposure to a PA role model.
      Grade-point average far exceeded all other variables influencing the odds of
      matriculation. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found the personal statement to be
      an unreliable tool for predicting successful PA program matriculation.

PMID- 25137778
TI  - Generation 1.5--a different kind of millennial student.
AB  - Much attention has been paid to so-called "millennial students" in recent years,
      particularly regarding their relationship to technology, learning, and
      communication. Less notice has been taken of another kind of millennial student
      increasingly represented in our classrooms --those who were born in another
      country, but received a significant amount of their schooling here. Often
      referred to as Generation 1.5 because they have language characteristics in
      common with first- and second-generation immigrants, these bilingual students are
      a valuable resource for the physician assistant (PA) profession. However, just as
      teaching native-born millennial students may require some adjustment of
      instructional methods, Generation 1.5 students will require PA educators to pay
      closer attention to some aspects of teaching and learning. This article will
      discuss some of the particular challenges that Generation 1.5 students face and
      will argue that these challenges can be met in ways that are likely to help other
      nontraditional students as well.

PMID- 25137779
TI  - Physician assistant specialty choice: a factor analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors related to physician
      assistant (PA) graduates' specialty choice. METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional
      study of PAs graduating between 2007 and 2009 was conducted (N = 12,128). Factor
      analysis was performed on 897 useable survey responses. The cohort profile
      resembles that of recent AAPA census data regarding demographic and specialty
      choice distribution. RESULTS: Principal component factor analysis of perception
      items identified five factors that explained 52.6% of the response variance.
      Factors included personal satisfaction, intellectual challenge, patient care
      commitment, image of primary care, and professional satisfaction. The influence
      items analysis yielded five factors, explained 45.2% of the variance, and
      included practice environment, nature of patient care, lifestyle, employment
      opportunities, and risk aversion. These factors parallel previous findings of
      Hauer, et al. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of factors affecting specialty choice
      should provide an enhanced understanding to organizations as they explore
      strategies to increase recruitment and expansion of the primary care workforce.

PMID- 25137780
TI  - Utilization of a self-selection process for clinical rotation assignments: a
      report on student and clinical coordinator satisfaction.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a self-selection
      process for clinical rotation on student satisfaction with the program. Chatham
      University provides its students with the opportunity to self-select all of their
      clinical rotations from a list of pre-approved sites that have been determined to
      meet accreditation standards. METHODS: A survey was administered to all senior
      students enrolled in Chatham's Physician Assistant Program to assess their
      perceptions of the self-selection clerkship process. In addition, a survey was
      sent to all clinical coordinators nationwide to determine the techniques they
      used at their programs to assign students to rotation sites. RESULTS: Of the
      program's 61 students, 52 participated, yielding an 85.2% response rate. It was
      determined that students are very satisfied with the process of self-selection of
      the clinical rotation sites. Students reported that they take greater ownership
      in their rotations, because they were assigned to the rotations they wanted.
      Rotation self-selection was also reported as a desired feature of our program. Of
      192 clinical coordinators that received the survey, 46 participated, and we found
      that 57% allow self-selection for elective rotations, and 43% do not allow
      selection of any rotations. CONCLUSIONS: Despite limitations such as loss of
      sites and preceptor turnover, the self-selection process is beneficial for both
      students and clinical coordinators. The process used could be easily adapted to
      other physician assistant programs.

PMID- 25137782
TI  - Culture, diversity, race, and the standards: assessing and addressing the hidden
      curricula.

PMID- 25137781
TI  - Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in physician assistant students: initial
      prevalence and transmission during clinical rotations.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluated physician assistant (PA) students for nasal
      carriage of Staphylococcus aureus (prerotations) and then again just prior to
      graduation. It also attempted to correlate initial and subsequent sample results
      with subject-specific survey data relating to students' general medical, social,
      behavioral, and geographical situations. METHODS: Nasal swab cultures were self
      collected using standardized techniques. Colonies suspicious for Staph underwent
      further workup to determine if Staphylococcus aureus was present. RESULTS: Nine
      (eight females, one male) of 34 subjects (26.5%) were positive for Methicillin
      sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in the nares at baseline and all nine
      subjects remained positive during the second sampling. No subjects were found to
      have Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at baseline and no
      subjects were positive for MRSA during phase two sampling. Routine sharing of
      drinks from common glassware was identified in all positive subjects, while
      subjects negative for colonization reported only seldom or no participation in
      that activity (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical rotations did not appear to
      alter carriage status. However, a strong association between nasal carriage and
      participation in certain social behaviors was observed.

PMID- 25137783
TI  - Targeting instructional strategies to address Gen Y learner characteristics.

PMID- 25137784
TI  - Things we wish we'd known before physician assistant school: a physician
      assistant student survival guide.

PMID- 25137785
TI  - Fostering lifelong learning in the physician assistant student through internet
      based continuing medical education.

PMID- 25137786
TI  - National Nurses Week highlights the many leadership roles of nurses.

PMID- 25137788
TI  - A bundle strategy including patient hand hygiene to decrease clostridium
      difficile infections.
AB  - Prevention strategies for Clostridium difficile infection traditionally have
      addressed barrier precautions, environmental disinfection, and health care worker
      hand hygiene. When applied as a bundle, this approach has been used widely as an
      evidence-based strategy to prevent hospital-acquired C. difficile infection.
      Expanding the bundle to include patient hand hygiene is a nurse-driven approach
      to prevent C. difficile transmission.

PMID- 25137787
TI  - Seriously now...hospital food is no joke.

PMID- 25137789
TI  - Empowering the development of a nurse-driven protocol.
AB  - Results from a research project examining nurses' knowledge of diabetes empowered
      direct-care nurses to develop a hypoglycemia protocol, increasing accountability
      for the care provided and helping move from tradition-based to evidence-based
      practice.

PMID- 25137790
TI  - Stemming the obesity epidemic: are nurses credible coaches?
AB  - Obesity has become a health crisis in the United States, leading to serious
      physical, social, and psychological outcomes. Nurses are obese in the same
      proportion as the general population, which may discredit them as role models of
      and educators for healthful living.

PMID- 25137791
TI  - Decision-making models used by medical-surgical nurses to activate rapid response
      teams.
AB  - Medical-surgical nurses were queried about the decision-making process used to
      request assistance from the rapid response team (RRT). Results indicated the type
      of process is correlated to the frequency of RRT calls made.

PMID- 25137792
TI  - Taste dysfunction and eating behaviors in survivors of head and neck cancer
      treatment.
AB  - Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery result in eating problems for patients with
      head and neck cancer. Eating is essential to physical and social functioning.
      Strategies for head and neck cancer survivors to cope with eating and taste
      impairments are reported in this study.

PMID- 25137793
TI  - Postoperative management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea: implications
      for the medical-surgical nurse.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects up to 7% of Americans, and those undergoing
      surgery are at risk for complications. Medical-surgical nurses should be
      knowledgeable regarding this common disorder and understand how to screen
      effectively and monitor patients with OSA.

PMID- 25137794
TI  - Nursing knowledge of physiological and psychological outcomes related to patient
      sleep deprivation in the acute care setting.
AB  - In this study, nurses' knowledge regarding sleep quality outcomes in the acutely
      ill patient population was assessed. Also evaluated was the possible impact of
      nurses' knowledge of the effects of quality sleep on their choice of activities
      to promote patient rest.

PMID- 25137796
TI  - Use of theoretical frameworks in research.

PMID- 25137795
TI  - Making ABGs simple.

PMID- 25137798
TI  - Monkey in the middle!

PMID- 25137797
TI  - Informed consent: whose duty to inform?

PMID- 25137799
TI  - Harm reduction: compassionate care of persons with addictions.

PMID- 25137800
TI  - Conscientious objection in nursing: definition and criteria for acceptance.

PMID- 25137802
TI  - A compromise.

PMID- 25137801
TI  - Clement Victor Vignes, A.M., D.D.S.,D.SC., F.A.C.D.

PMID- 25137803
TI  - Governmental affairs and national initiative update.

PMID- 25137804
TI  - Do you remember?

PMID- 25137805
TI  - Computer placement in the treatment rooms.

PMID- 25137806
TI  - The Family Bank Trust.

PMID- 25137807
TI  - Clinical analytics for data-driven models of care.

PMID- 25137808
TI  - A population-based care transition model for chronically ill elders.
AB  - Elders with chronic illness are hospitalized more often than those without major
      chronic disease, and nearly one-fifth of hospitalizations result in re-admission
      within 30 days of discharge from the hospital. Care transition management
      programs address chronic disease complexity to reduce unnecessary
      hospitalization, improve quality of care, and reduce medical expense. This report
      describes how informatics influenced the transformation of a regional managed
      care organization from one focused on specific chronic disease prevalence to one
      targeting population-specific chronic conditions based on complexity. The key
      implication of these results is that population-based informatics can amplify the
      impact of programs designed to improve quality and prevent avoidable admissions
      and, at the same time, speed the rate of translation of evidence-based
      interventions to entire populations. This approach demonstrated an effective,
      efficient way to translate evidence-based research to the Medicare population,
      smoothing the transition back into the community, and preventing avoidable
      hospital admissions.

PMID- 25137809
TI  - Group visits for chronic illness management: implementation challenges and
      recommendations.
AB  - The group visit approach to improve chronic illness self-management appears
      promising in terms of selected outcomes, but little information is available
      about best ways to organize and implement group visits. This literature review of
      84 articles identified group visit implementation challenges, including lack of a
      group visit billing code, inadequate administrative support and resources,
      difficult participant recruitment and retention, and logistical issues such as
      space and scheduling. Recommendations for future implementation initiatives were
      also abstracted from the literature. Patients and providers can benefit from well
      planned and well-conducted group visits. These benefits include greater patient
      and provider satisfaction, reduced overall utilization, improved clinical
      outcomes, and greater provider efficiency and productivity.

PMID- 25137810
TI  - A hospital system approach at decreasing falls with injuries and cost.
AB  - Falls and fall-related injuries continue to challenge every health care
      organization. Falls are a nurse-sensitive quality outcome. Patient falls are a
      leading cause of injuries in hospitals, considered to be among the most expensive
      adverse event, and continue to be a patient safety concern. Researchers analyzed
      the impact of a standardized fall prevention program across 50 acute care
      hospitals in 11 states. The implementation of a standardized multifactorial
      program for adult patients appears to have reduced falls with injuries by 58.3%
      over a 2-year period, allowing for a potential cost avoidance reduction of
      $776,064 in 2013 dollars.

PMID- 25137811
TI  - Nurse staffing and the relationship to job satisfaction and retention.
AB  - The purpose of this quantitative, correlational research study was to examine the
      relationships between nurse staffing, job satisfaction, and nurse retention in an
      acute care hospital environment. Results indicated a moderately strong, inverse
      relationship between job satisfaction and nurse retention. A weak positive
      relationship between job satisfaction and nurse staffing was identified. Nurses
      reported experiencing job dissatisfaction in the past 6 months specifically
      related to the number of patients assigned. Analysis suggested nurses are staying
      with their current employer because of the current economic environment.
      Improving nurse staffing will be necessary when the economy improves to prevent
      the departure of discontented nurses from acute care facilities.

PMID- 25137812
TI  - Hospital performance in China: do location and hospital level matter?
AB  - In this study, the operational and financial differences of hospitals were
      assessed by geographical area and by various levels of government ownership.
      Hospital geographic location (east, middle, and west) had a significant impact on
      hospital financial performance, but no significant influence on operational
      performance. Hospital government ownership level (province, city, and county) had
      a significant influence on both operational and financial performance. China's
      current public policy of not fully subsidizing its public hospital systems and
      limiting their ability to set prices for certain health care services may have
      negative and unintended consequences in its ability to provide needed health care
      services to its population. The government should revisit its policies to
      eliminate the differences regarding hospital performance related to location and
      government ownership levels.

PMID- 25137813
TI  - Building staffing science: two milestones.
AB  - Health care and nurse staffing present interesting challenges for nursing and
      health care leaders. The recently released Evidence and Excellence in Staffing
      (2nd edition) creates a framework for research and organizational improvement
      that leads to the development and sharing of best practices. A new model for
      staffing excellence has emerged with five core concepts. This new position paper
      calls for generating and disseminating 25-30 new best practices in nurse staffing
      across the care continuum over the next 3 years.

PMID- 25137815
TI  - Caring for myself so that I can care for others.

PMID- 25137814
TI  - Planes, trains, and other interruptions: such is life!
AB  - Nurse leaders can spend a significant part of their careers traveling. Self-care
      and personal mindfulness need not suffer when we are away from home and our
      normal routine. Personal health plans can be adapted in practical ways to travel
      with you. So pack your bags with whatever feeds your self-nurturing needs, grab
      some kale chips and comfortable shoes, and let's get going!

PMID- 25137816
TI  - Waiting for your coronation: a career-limiting trap.
AB  - Women are often reluctant to apply for promotions even when they are well
      deserved, simply believing good job performance will naturally lead to rewards.
      This phenomenon of advancement reticence has led to such labels as "tiara
      syndrome," "girl disease", and "imposter syndrome". Women often undervalue their
      skills and are less effective at self-promotion than their male counterparts. A
      number of strategies can help battle these "syndromes" and ease the stress of
      "taking off the tiara".

PMID- 25137817
TI  - Using the lens of history to understand nursing practice and policy: an interview
      with Julie Fairman.

PMID- 25137818
TI  - Paying it forward: Nursing Economic$ award winners reflect.

PMID- 25137819
TI  - I Love Lucy, George C. and Twitty too.

PMID- 25137820
TI  - Alan Kirk Wilson, MD. Focused physician has presidential ambitions for AMS member
      participation.

PMID- 25137821
TI  - 2014 hypertension and cholesterol guidelines.

PMID- 25137822
TI  - 2014 Awards Luncheon recognition for outstanding service.

PMID- 25137823
TI  - Highlights from House of Delegates meeting & word from the AMA.

PMID- 25137824
TI  - Physician communication in a social media climate. To share or not to share-
      thoughts on each side.

PMID- 25137825
TI  - Arkansas payment improvement initiative. Episodes of care update.

PMID- 25137826
TI  - Historical insights in the progression and development of gingivectomy.
AB  - During the last three centuries since the identification of periodontal disease,
      various non-surgical and surgical forms of periodontal therapy have been
      described and documented in the dental literature. The main objective of
      periodontal treatment has been initially the removal of "diseased gingiva,"
      either through the implementation of various surgical techniques, or through the
      application of caustic drugs or pressing patches. Although the differences in the
      suggested techniques created significant controversies between some of the
      greatest clinicians and researchers in dentistry, their main goals remained the
      rehabilitation of the oral cavity and the therapeutic management of the problems
      sustained from periodontal disease.

PMID- 25137827
TI  - A short history of the Royal Odonto Chirurgical Society of Scotland.
AB  - In the mid-19th Century, the practice of dentistry in Britain was unregulated and
      chaotic. Organised training was non-existent, and the public was unable to be
      assured of satisfactory, ethical treatment. A group of Scottish practitioners,
      led by John Smith, an Edinburgh surgeon, established the Odonto Chirurgical
      Society of Scotland in 1867 as an ethical dental society promoting education and
      regulation of the emerging profession. The Society has prospered over the years.
      It was granted the title "Royal" on the occasion of its centenary in 1967, and
      approaches its 150th year with confidence.

PMID- 25137828
TI  - Historical perspectives on the roots of the apical negative pressure irrigation
      technique in endodontics.
AB  - The removal of the infectious process caused by an abscess in the periapical
      tissues was a challenge to dentists in the early part of the 20th century. While
      they recognized the need to debride the periapical tissues, the process was slow,
      tedious, and often fraught with failure that resulted in tooth extraction.
      However, with some creative ingenuity, an irrigation-suction apparatus was
      developed in the 1930s that enabled rapid and thorough debridement. This
      appliance went through multiple developmental permutations and was successful in
      achieving the desired goal. Interestingly, while the purpose of this device was a
      controlled periapical debridement through the root canal, and not necessarily a
      focus on a cleaning of the intricacies of the root canal system, the basic
      concept purported was similar to contemporary approaches used in root canal
      debridement today.

PMID- 25137829
TI  - Dental Postcards LV. Dr. Ernest A Carpenter: an early advocate of preventive
      dentistry.

PMID- 25137830
TI  - Dental trade cards XL. A toothbush in hand.

PMID- 25137831
TI  - What stress is doing to your brain.

PMID- 25137833
TI  - Diabetic cooking.

PMID- 25137832
TI  - Family awareness. Monitoring diabetes risk.

PMID- 25137834
TI  - Blood glucose self-monitoring. Part 2: monitoring technique.
AB  - To measure the concentration of glucose in your blood, you put a strip in the
      meter, poke a hole in your finger to get a sample of blood, touch the tip of the
      test strip to the drop of blood, and wait for the result. It sounds pretty
      straightforward. But, of course, the devil is in the details.

PMID- 25137835
TI  - Talking about diabetes. Six tips for improved communication.

PMID- 25137837
TI  - [An expert in integrative medical cardiology].

PMID- 25137836
TI  - What your doctor is reading.ore evidence for value of bariatric surgery.

PMID- 25137838
TI  - [Several problems we should pay attention to in scientific research on
      integrative medicine].

PMID- 25137839
TI  - [Therapeutic effect of Astragalus and Angelica mixture on the renal function and
      TCM syndrome factors in treating stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect of Astragalus and Angelica Mixture
      (AAM) on treating CKD patients according to different CKD primary diseases,
      staging and TCM syndromes. METHODS: A multicentre, open-label, and self control
      clinical design was used, and thirty-two patients in line with inclusive criteria
      were recruited. Based on maintaining their previous basic CKD treatment, patients
      additionally took AAM (Astragalus and Angelica each 30 g), once a day, three
      months consisted of one therapeutic course. Serum creatinine (SCr), estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eG- FR), 24 h urinary total protein (UTP), plasma
      albumin (ALB), hemoglobin (Hb), and changes of TCM syndrome factor integrals were
      compared before treatment, at the end of month 1, 2, and 3. The differences in
      the aforesaid indices were compared between CKD patients with different CKD
      primary diseases (chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic renal tubulointerstitial
      disease, hypertensive renal damage), different CKD stages (CKD 3 and CKD 4), and
      patients of qi-blood deficiency syndrome (QBDS) and non-QBDS. RESULTS: AAM could
      improve 78.12% (25/32) patients' renal function. Compared with before treatment,
      SCr decreased (12.08% +/- 10.11%), eGFR increased (21.14% +/- 18.55%), and ALB
      increased (2.76% +/- 1.97%) at the end of 3-month treatment (all P < 0.05). As
      for TCM syndrome factor integrals, compared with before treatment, the integrals
      for qi deficiency syndrome, blood deficiency syndrome, and yin deficiency
      syndrome decreased, while the integrals for dampness heat syndrome and turbid
      toxin syndrome increased (all P < 0.05). There was no obvious difference in all
      indices except the integral for hypertensive renal damage patients of yin
      deficiency syndrome (P > 0.05). The SCr decreasing percent was 19.82% +/- 8.30%
      for patients of non-QBDS and 5.24% +/- 10.75% for patients of QBDS. The latter
      was higher with statistical difference (P < 0.05). As for TCM syndrome factor
      integrals, the integral differences of qi deficiency and blood deficiency were
      obviously higher in patients of QBDS, when compared with patients of non-QBDS (P
      < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AAM could improve the renal function of CKD patients,
      elevate their ALB levels, and ameliorate associated qi deficiency syndrome, blood
      deficiency syndrome, and yin deficiency syndrome, especially for CKD patients of
      QBDS.

PMID- 25137840
TI  - [Effect of Chinese herbal therapy on T-lymphocytes of IgA nephropathy patients: a
      clinical observation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Chinese herbal therapy on T-lymphocyte
      subsets in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: Totally 36 inpatients
      and outpatients at Department of Nephropathy, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of
      Chinese Medical Sciences, from June 2011 to June 2013 were recruited in the
      treatment group, while 20 volunteers were recruited as the healthy control group.
      Patients in the IgAN group only took Chinese herbal decoctions by syndrome typing
      for 3 months (except those accompanied with hypertension additionally took
      antihypertensive agents such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and/or
      dihydropyridines calcium antagonist). No intervention was performed in the
      healthy control group. The values of Th1, Th2, and CD4+ CD25+ Treg, and red blood
      cell number in urine were detected using flow cytometry before and after
      treatment. 24 h urine protein was detected using inmmunoturbidimetry. RESULTS:
      Compared with the healthy control group, the CD4+ CD25+ Treg level obviously
      decreased in the IgAN group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01). In the
      IgAN group, Th1, 24 h urine protein, and urine red blood cell counts were
      obviously lower after treatment, showing statistical difference when compared
      with before treatment (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Chinese herbal therapy could
      reduce urine erythrocyte number and 24 h urine protein of IgAN patients, and down
      regulating Th1 expression might be its mechanism.

PMID- 25137841
TI  - [Clinical analysis of syndrome-relative biological indices in acute lacuna
      encephalon infarction patients of upper hyperactivity of Gan Yang syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze and summarize changes of syndrome-related biological
      indices in acute lacuna encephalon infarction patients of upper hyperactivity of
      Gan yang syndrome (UHGYS), thus providing objective evidence for syndrome typing
      and disease identification. METHODS: Recruited were 50 patients at Department of
      Encephalopathy, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, who
      were in line with diagnostic criteria of UHGYS as the experimental group in this
      study. Another 40 healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group from May
      2010 to July 2012. Blood routines (including WBC, RBC, Hb, NEUT%, and LY%),
      hepatic and renal functions tests (including ALT, AST, TBIL, TP, ALB, Cr, and
      BUN) were performed by automatic whole blood analyzer and colorimetric technique.
      The levels of fasting blood glucose, HbAlc, blood lipids (including TC, TG, HDL
      C, LDL-C, and VLDL-C), and coagulation functions (including AT-III, PT, PTA, INR,
      TT, APTT, and FBG, reaction time), renin, angiotensin II, hs-CRP, and Hcy were
      also measured. The thyroid functions (including FT3, FT4, T3, T4, and TSH) were
      detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The levels of tumor necrosis
      factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-6 and IL-1 in serum were measured by ELISA and
      radioimmunoassay respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, RBC,
      LY%, ALT, TP, ALB, HDL-C, AT-III activities, contents of PTA and FT4 obviously
      decreased, TBIL, BUN, Glu, HbAlc, TSH, hs-CRP, renin, Ang II, TNF-alpha, IL-1 and
      IL-6 significantly increased in the experimental group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: The pathological process of acute lacuna encephalon infarction
      patients of UHGYS was closely correlated with thyroid functions, the renin
      angiotensin-aldosterone system, the extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation systems,
      as well as inflammation reaction.

PMID- 25137842
TI  - [Effect of acupuncture-anesthetic composite anesthesia on the incidence of POCD
      and TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 in elderly patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of acupuncture-anesthetic composite anesthesia
      (AACA) on the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and changes
      of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 in elderly patients. METHODS: Totally 83
      patients undergoing surgical resection of gastrointestinal tumor were randomly
      assigned to the simple anesthesia group (A group, 41 cases) and the AACA group (B
      group, 42 cases). Patients in Group A received endotracheal general anesthesia.
      Those in Group B were induced by acupuncture anesthesia for 30 min by needling at
      Baihui (DU20), Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36). The electro-acupuncture (EA)
      apparatus was connected after arrival of qi, with the wave pattern of density
      2/100 Hz. The stimulus intensity was set by patients' tolerance, with the peak
      current of 5 mA. Then the endotracheal general anesthesia was performed and the
      EA lasted till the end of the surgery. The cognitive function of all patients was
      assessed before operation and at day 3 after operation using mini-mental state
      examination (MMSE). POCD was confirmed if with one or more decreased stand- ard.
      The peripheral venous blood was collected before anesthesia induction (TO),
      immediately at the end of surgery (T1), 24 h after operation (T2), and 48 h after
      operation (T3), and serum concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were
      correspondingly measured using ELISA. RESULTS: The postoperative anesthesia
      awakening time was shorter in Group B than in Group A [(20.37 +/- 6.09) min vs
      (29.24 +/- 7.48) min, P < 0.05]. The remifentanil dose used during the operation
      was less in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.05). The incidence of POCD at day 3
      was lower in Group B than in Group A [10/41 (23.8%) vs 15/42 (36.5%), P < 0.05].
      The concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha at T1-T3 were higher than
      those at TO in the two groups (P < 0.05). The increment of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta
      was less in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION AACA could reduce the
      incidence of POCD and inhibit postoperative release of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and
      IL-6 in elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection.

PMID- 25137843
TI  - [Jiawei shentong zhuyu decoction prevented the occurrence of failed back surgery
      syndrome and its effect on serum TNF-alpha a clinical study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical roles of Jiawei Shentong Zhuyu Decoction
      (JSZD) in preventing the occurrence of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), and
      to observe its effect on serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). METHODS:
      Totally 100 patients prepared for surgical operation due to lumbar intervertebral
      disc herniation were randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control
      group according to random number table, 50 cases in each group. Patients in the
      treatment group additionally took JSZD, one dose per day, taken in two portions,
      once in the morning and once in the evening. Those in the control group took
      Celecoxib Capsule (200 mg each time, once per day) and Mecobalamin Tablet (0.5 mg
      each time, 3 times per day). They only took Mecobalamin Tablet from the 11th day.
      All patients were treated for 30 days. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA)
      score was performed before treatment, at week 1, after treatment, at 6 months of
      followed-ups, and at 12 months of followed-ups. And the levels of TNF-alpha in
      the peripheral blood were observed before treatment and at one month after
      treatment. RESULTS: Totally 93 patients completed the followed-up study. The JOA
      scores were improved after treatment, at 6 and 12 months of followed-ups (P <
      0.05, P < 0.01). The JOA score at 6 months of followed-ups was superior in the
      treatment group to that of the control group (P < 0.05). Five patients
      (accounting for 10.6%) suffered from FBSS in the treatment group, while 9
      (accounting for 19.6%) suffered from FBSS in the control group. The treatment
      group was superior to the control group (P < 0.05). The TNFalpha level was
      improved after treatment in the two groups. Of them, the improvement of TNF-alpha
      in the treatment group was better than that of the control group (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The application of JSZD was effective for preventing the occurrence
      of FBSS, and improved the serum TNF-alpha level.

PMID- 25137844
TI  - [Effect of application of acupuncture-anesthetic composite anesthesia on
      hysteroscopic surgery: a clinical study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the analgesic effect and safety of acupuncture-anesthetic
      composite anesthesia (AACA) in hysteroscopic surgery. METHODS: Totally 93
      patients undergoing hysteroscopic surgery were randomly assigned to the
      intravenous anesthesia group (A group, 30 cases), the AACA group (B group, 32
      cases), and the acupuncture combined with intravenous anesthesia group (C group,
      31 cases). Patients in Group A were anesthetized by sufentanil combined propofol.
      Those in Group B were anesthetized by sufentanil combined acupuncture. Those in
      Group C were anesthetized by sufentanil, propofol combined acupuncture. Yinlian
      and Ququan (LR8) were needled for patients in Group B and C. The peri-operative
      mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2), the
      surgical time, the recovery time, the sufentanil and propofol dosages, adverse
      anesthesia reactions were observed. Meanwhile, the OAA/S score, Ramsay sedation
      score, and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) were also measured. RESULTS: Compared with
      Group A and C, patients in Group B were awake, with obvious increased OAA/S score
      (P < 0.01). Ramsay sedation score was significantly lower (P < 0.01).The MAP and
      HR were elevated (P < 0.05). The patient case of SpO2 less than 85% during the
      operation decreased (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative dizziness was
      reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with Group A, the propofol consumption decreased in
      Group C (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the operation time,
      the sufentanil dosage, VAS score, the incidence of postoperative nause- a and
      vomiting among the three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The patients were awake
      in AACA. The intraoperative sedation was better than that obtained by intravenous
      anesthesia. But the analgesic effect was similar to that obtained by intravenous
      anesthesia.

PMID- 25137845
TI  - [Treatment of chronic heart failure of Xin-Shen yang deficiency, interior
      retention of water-fluid syndrome by external application of Zhuangshenling
      recipe combined with western medicine: a clinical study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of external application of Zhuangshenling Recipe
      (ZR) combined with Western medicine (WM) on the heart function of chronic heart
      failure (CHF) patients of Xin-Shen yang deficiency, interior retention of water
      fluid syndrome (XSYDIRWFS). METHODS: Totally 140 CHF patients of XSYDIRWFS were
      randomly assigned to two groups, the treatment group and the control group, 70 in
      each group. All patients received WM therapy. Those in the treatment group were
      applied with ZR at Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23), while those in the control
      group were applied with placebos at Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23). The
      therapeutic course for all was 12 weeks. The integrals of TCM syndrome, grading
      of cardiac function, brain natriuretic polypeptide (BNP), and 6 min walking
      distance were observed before and after treatment. RESULTS: After twelve weeks of
      treatment, the effective rate of improved grading of cardiac function, the total
      effective rate of TCM syndrome efficacy, and the BNP level were obviously better
      in the treatment group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in 6 min
      walking distance between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: External
      application of ZR combined with WM could improve the heart function of CHF
      patients of XSYDIRWFS.

PMID- 25137846
TI  - [Effect of Chinese drugs for Pi strengthening Shen benefiting on the immunity
      function of HIV patients' specific T cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Chinese drugs for Pi strengthening Shen
      benefiting (CDPSSB) on the immunity function of HIV/AIDS patients' specific T
      cells. METHODS: Totally 20 patients were randomly recruited from the treated
      group [treated by CDPSSB combined highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART)]
      and 23 patients were randomly recruited from the control group (treated by HAART
      alone). All patients were follow-up infected persons form You'an Hospital between
      from June 2010 to June 2012. CD4+ T absolute counts and HIV viral load were
      detected. Meanwhile, HIV whole gene overlapping peptides were used as stimulating
      antigen. The response intensity of HIV specific T cells was detected in the two
      groups. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in CD4 T absolute counts or
      HIV viral load between the two groups (P > 0.05). The response intensity of HIV
      specific T cells was significantly enhanced in the treated group, when compared
      with the control group (P < 0.05). Along with elongation of treatment time (6,
      12, 18, and 24 months) in the treated group, the response intensity of HIV
      specific T cells showed enhancing tendency, but there was no statistical
      difference among these time points (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: CDPSSB could enhance
      improve the immunity function of HIV specific T cells, which might be one of its
      mechanisms.

PMID- 25137847
TI  - [Analysis of tongue figure features in 990 cases of sexually transmitted and
      intravenous drug use spread HIV infected population in Xinjiang].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the tongue manifestation features of sexually
      transmitted and intravenous drug use spread HIV infected population in Xinjiang.
      METHODS: Recruited were 990 HIV infected subjects in Xinjiang from May 2011 to
      March 2012, who were assigned to the intravenous drug use spread HIV infected
      (498 cases) and the sexually transmitted (492 cases). By using tongue figure
      shoot combined with analyses of experts, tongue manifestations were analyzed and
      compared between the sexually transmitted and the intravenous drug use spread
      from four aspects, i.e., the tongue color, the tongue shape, the fur color, and
      the fur property. RESULTS: Compared with the sexually transmitted population, red
      tongue, fissured tongue, yellow fur, thick fur, eroded fur, deficiency of fur
      fluid were more often seen, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). Compared
      with the intravenous drug use spread population, pale tongue, white fur, and thin
      fur were more often seen, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      The tongue manifestations of the intravenous drug use spread HIV population
      reflected inner exuberance of evil toxin and heat impairing qi and yin. Compared
      with the intravenous drug use spread population, the attack of HIV infection was
      more hiding in the sexually transmitted population, with milder internal injury.
      Their Wei-qi was not damaged and no obvious change occurred in the tongue figure.

PMID- 25137848
TI  - [Effect of compound qingqin liquid on the expression levels of ang II and COX-2
      mRNA transcription and protein expression in the renal tissue of uric acid
      nephropathy rats: an experimental study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Compound Qingqin Liquid (CQL) on the
      expression level of angiotensin II (Ang II) and COX-2 mRNA transcription and
      protein expression in the renal tissue of rats with uric acid nephropathy.
      METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, the model
      group, the positive drug group, the high, moderate, and low dose CQL group
      according to number randomization principle. The model was established by
      gastrogavage of adenine, accompanied with yeast feeding. Distilled water was
      given by gastrogavage to rats in the blank control group and the model group.
      Allopurinol at the daily dose of 9.33 mg/kg was given by gastrogavage to rats of
      the positive control group. CQL at the daily dose of 3.77 g/kg, 1.89 g/kg, and
      0.09 g/kg was respectively given by gastrogavage to rats in the high, moderate,
      and low dose CQL groups. All treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Rats were randomly
      divided at week 4 (3 in the blank control group, and 6 in the rest groups), and
      the rest rats were killed at week 6. The renal tissue was extracted. The
      expression level of Ang II and COX-2 mRNA transcription were detected by RT-PCR.
      The expression level of Ang II was detected by ELISA. The expression level of COX
      2 protein was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemical assay. RESULTS:
      Compared with the blank control group, except the mRNA expression of Ang II at
      week 4, the mRNA and protein expression of Ang II and COX-2 obviously increased
      at week 4 and 6 in the model group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The COX-2 protein
      expression at week 4 was obviously lower in the high and moderate dose CQL groups
      than in the model group and the low dose CQL group (P < 0.05); the average
      integral of optical density value was obviously lower in the positive control
      group than in the model group. Except the mRNA expression of Ang II in the high
      dose CQL group at week 6, the mRNA and protein expression of Ang II obviously
      decreased in the positive control group and each dose CQL group (P < 0.01, P <
      0.05). Of them, the effects were better in the high and moderate dose CQL groups
      than in the positive control group and the low dose CQL group (P < 0.05, P <
      0.01). Besides, the mRNA expression of COX-2, the average integral of optical
      density value were obviously lower in the positive control group and each dose
      CQL group than in the model group (P < 0.05). The protein expression of COX-2 was
      obviously lower in the high and moderate dose CQL groups than in the model group
      (P < 0.05). Of them, the mRNA expression of COX-2 was better in the moderate dose
      CQL group than in the positive control group (P < 0.05); the protein expression
      of COX-2 was better in the high dose CQL group than in the low dose CQL group (P
      < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CQL was capable of lowering the expression level of Ang II,
      COX-2 mRNA transcription and protein expression, thus suppressing the
      inflammatory pathological injury of the renal tissue.

PMID- 25137849
TI  - [Renal protection of Tangke Decoction on rats with diabetes and its effect on the
      expression of TGF-beta1/Smad4].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Tangke Decoction (TD) on the expression of
      TGF-beta1/Smad4 of rats with early diabetes and to explore the effect and
      mechanism of TD against the renal injury induced by diabetes. METHODS: SD rats
      were randomly divided into the normal control group (n = 12), the model group (n
      = 10), the Chinese herbs prevented group (n =10), the Chinese herbs treated group
      (n = 10), and the Western medicine control group (n = 10). TD (18 mg/kg) was
      given by gastrogavage to rats in the Chinese herbs prevented group immediately
      after successful modeling for 12 weeks, once daily. At the 4th week of successful
      modeling, rats in the rest 4 groups were administered by gastrogavage. Equal
      volume of normal saline was given to rats in the model group and the normal
      control group. Benazepril suspension (1 mg/kg) was administered by gastrogavage
      to rats in the Western medicine control group for 8 weeks, once daily. TD (18
      mg/kg) was given by gastrogavage to rats in the Chinese herbs treated group for 8
      weeks, once daily. The body weight, kidney weight, index of kidney weight,
      fasting blood sugar, 24 h urinary albumin excretion rate were examined after
      experiment. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by HE
      staining, Masson staining, and electron microscope. The expression of renal
      transforming growth factor-beta1, (TGF-beta1) and Smad4 were detected using
      immunohistochemical assay. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the
      body weight of rats decreased significantly; the kidney weight, index of kidney
      weight, blood sugar, 24 h urinary protein excretion, the urinary albumin
      excretion rate,TGF-beta1 and Smad4 expression increased significantly in the
      model group (all P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the aforesaid indices
      were improved in each treatment group with statistical difference (P < 0.05, P <
      0.01). Compared with the Western medicine control group, the kidney weight, index
      of kidney weight, blood sugar, 24 h urinary protein excretion, and the urinary
      albumin excretion rate were obviously improved in the Chinese herbs prevented
      group (P < 0.01). The renal pathological changes were most obvious in the model
      group significantly, but they were improved in all treatment groups. CONCLUSION:
      TD could obviously improve the symptoms of diabetes and down-regulate the
      expression of renal TGF-beta1 and Smad4 of early diabetic nephropathy rats, which
      suggested that TD had certain preventive effect on early diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 25137850
TI  - [Ginkgo biloba extract 50 inhibited beta-amyloid-induced oxidative stress in
      rats' hippocampal neurons: an experimental study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE To study the in vitro effect and mechanism of Ginkgo biloba Extract 50
      (GBE50) for inhibiting beta-amyloid (Abeta)-induced oxidative stress in rats'
      hippocampal neurons. METHODS: The primary hippocampal neurons were cultured in
      vitro and divided into 4 groups, i. e. the normal control group (Ctrl), the Abeta
      group, the propanediol control group (PDO), and the six GBE50 concentrations
      groups (5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 microg/mL). Excepted the Ctrl group, neurons
      were induced to oxidative stress by 20 gmolLAbeta25-35. The MTT and fluorescent
      probes labeling were used to observe the effect of GBE50 with different
      concentrations on the cell viability and the generation of intracellular reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) in neurons. Furthermore, Western blot was used to detect the
      cytoplasmic/total cytochrome C (Cyto C) ratio and total intracytoplasmal Cyto C,
      and the effect of the expression of oxidative stress-related protein Cyto C and
      activated Caspase-3 in three GBE50 concentrations groups (25, 50, and 100
      microg/mL). RESULTS: Compared with the Ctrl group, the cell vitality was
      obviously lowered and intracellular ROS generation significantly increased after
      induction of 20 micromol/L Abeta25-35 (both P < 0.05). Compared with the Abeta
      group, the cell vitality was evidently improved after treated with different
      GBE50 doses. Except for 10 microg/mL, the cell vitality could be obviously
      elevated along with increased drug concentrations (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the
      intracellular ROS generation decreased significantly in each GBE50 dose groups (P
      < 0.05). Abeta could increase the cytoplasmic/total Cyto C ratio and enhance the
      activated Caspase-3 expression significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the Abeta
      group, among the three concentrations of GBE50, the Cyto C ratio was obviously
      lowered in the 100 microg/mL GBE50 group (P < 0.05), and the expression of
      activated Caspase-3 significantly decreased in 50 microg/mL and 100 microg/mL
      GBE50 groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS : 20 micromol/L Abeta25-35 could induce the
      generation of intracellular ROS in hippocampal neurons. GBE50 could inhibit Abeta
      induced intracellular oxidative stress of neurons through lowering the
      cytoplasmic/total Cyto C ratio and inhibiting the activation of apoptosis protein
      Caspase-3 expression.

PMID- 25137851
TI  - [Effect of advanced glycation end products on the function and angiogenesis of
      adipose tissue-derived stem cells and the protective effect of danhong injection:
      an experimental study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Nepsilon-(carboxymethyl) lysine albumin
      (CMLs), a primary advanced glycation end products (AGEPs) isoform in diabetic
      body, on the function and angiogenesis of adipose tissue-derived stem cells
      (ADSCs) and the protective effect of Danhong Injection (DH). METHODS Human ADSCs
      were cultured and separated from human subcutaneous fatty tissue using enzymatic
      digestion and centrifugation. The morphology was observed using optical
      microscope and differentiation capacities assessed. Cells were exposed to 5
      different interventions respectively for 24 h, i.e., PBS, 60 1 microg/mL BSA, 60
      microg/mL CML-BSA, 100 microL/mL DH, and 60 micro./mL CML-BSA +100 microL/mL DH.
      Their effect on the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and secretion were
      observed using WST-1 assay, Transwell assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI flow meter test
      reagent kit, human VEGF reagent kit, ELISA reagent kit, respectively. The effect
      on ADSCs angiogenesis was observed by in vitro angiogenesis test. RESULTS:
      Compared with the BSA group, the capacities of proliferation and migration could
      be significantly inhibited by CML-BSA, the apoptosis promoted, the secretion of
      VEGF reduced, and the angiogenesis of ADSCs weakened (P < 0.05). Compared with
      the blank control group, 100 microL/mL DH could significantly promote the
      proliferation and migration capacities of ADSCs, inhibit apoptosis of ADSCs,
      increase the secretion of VEGF, and improve the angiogenesis of ADSCs (P < 0.05).
      Compared with the CML-BSA group, the inhibition of CML-BSA on the proliferation
      and migration capacities of ADSCs could be significantly reversed, the promotion
      of CML-BSA on the apoptosis of ADSCs improved, the secretion of VEGF increased,
      and the angiogenesis of ADSCs elevated (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: clusion CMLs could
      significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration capacities of ADSCs,
      promote their apoptosis, and inhibit their angiogeneses, which could be improved
      by DH.

PMID- 25137852
TI  - [Effect of zhenqing recipe on non-alcoholic fatty liver in type 2 diabetes rats
      and the expression of SIK1].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Zhenqing Recipe (ZQR) on non-alcoholic fatty
      liver (NAFL), and the expression of hepatic salt-inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) and
      sterol-regulatory element binding protein-ic (SREBP-lc) in type 2 diabetes rats.
      METHODS: A rat model of type 2 diabetes was established by high fat/sucrose diet
      combined with intraperitoneal injection of small dose streptozotocin (STZ) .
      Modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, the ZQR group, and the
      metformin group, 8 in each group. Eight rats were recruited as a normal control
      group. ZQR at the daily dose of 12 g crude drugs/kg was administered to rats in
      the ZQR group by gastrogavage. Metformin suspension at the daily dose of 150
      mg/kg was administered to rats in the metformin group by gastrogavage. Equal
      volume of distilled water was administered to rats in the normal control group
      and the model group. All medication lasted for 12 weeks. The levels of fasting
      blood glucose (FBG), free fatty acid (FFA), serum triglyceride (TG), serum total
      cholesterol (TC), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST) were detected. The body weight and wet liver weight were
      weighed, and the liver weight index calculated. The liver TG content was
      measured. The pathological changes of liver and the expression of SIK1 were
      observed by HE staining and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein expression
      of SIK1 and SREBP-1c were detected using RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS:
      Compared with the normal control group, FBG, FFA, TG, TC, ALT, AST, liver weight
      index, and liver TG contents significantly increased (P < 0.01); liver steatosis
      was severe, the mRNA and protein expression of SIK1 obviously decreased (P <
      0.01); mRNA and protein expression of SREBP-1c increased (P < 0.01). After drug
      therapy, compared with the model group, FBG, FFA, TG, TC, ALT, AST, and liver
      weight index significantly decreased, liver TG contents significantly decreased,
      the mRNA and protein expression of SIK1 obviously increased, while mRNA and
      protein expression of SREBP-1c obviously decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in the
      ZQR group and the metformin group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); and the pathological
      changes were also improved. All the indices were improved more in the ZQR group
      (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this experiment, we found that the expression of
      SIK1 decreased in NAFL rats with type 2 diabetes. ZQR could alleviate lesion of
      NAFL type 2 diabetes rats possibly by up-regulating hepatic SIK1 expression at
      mRNA and protein levels.

PMID- 25137853
TI  - [Effect of Mudan Granule on islets beta cell function in monosodium glutamate
      induced obese mice with insulin resistance: an experimental study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Mudan Granule (MD) on the glucose metabolism
      and beta cell function in monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced obese mice with
      insulin resistance (IR). METHODS: MSG obese mice were induced by subcutaneous
      injecting MSG (4 g/kg for 7 successive days in neonatal ICR mice). Forty MSG mice
      with IR features were recruited and divided into four groups according to body
      weight, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and the
      percentage of blood glucose decreased within 40 min in the IR test, i.e., the
      model group (Con), the low dose MD group, the high dose MD group, and the
      Metformin group (Met). Besides, another 10 ICR mice were recruited as the normal
      control group (Nor). The water solvent of 2.5 g/kg MD or 5 g/kg MD was
      respectively administered to mice in the low dose MD group and the high dose MD
      group. Metformin hydrochloride was given to mice in the Met group at 0.2 g/kg
      body weight. Equal dose solvent distilled water was administered to mice in the
      Nor group and the Con group by gastrogavage, once per day. All medication was
      lasted for 15 weeks. Insulin tolerance test (ITT) and oral glucose tolerance test
      (OGTT) were performed after 6 weeks of treatment. Beta cell function was assessed
      by hyperglycemic clamp technique. The morphological changes in the pancreas were
      evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Changes of iNOS, NF-kappaB p65, and
      p-NF-kappaB p65 in the pancreas were tested. RESULTS: Compared with the Nor
      group, the blood glucose level, AUC, and fasting blood insulin, ONOO-contents,
      iNOS activities, and the expression of iNOS, NF-kappaB p65 subunit, pNF-kappaB
      p65 subunit obviously increased; decreased percentage of blood glucose within 40
      min in ITT, glucose infusion rate (GIR), Clamp 1 min insulin, and Max-Insulin
      obviously decreased in the Con group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the Con
      group, the aforesaid indices could be improved in the Met group (P < 0.05, P <
      0.01). In the low dose MD group, AUC, iNOS activities, and the expression of iNOS
      and p-NF-kappaB p65 subunit obviously decreased; percentage of blood glucose
      within 40 min in ITT and GIR obviously increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In the
      high dose MD group, AUC, ONOO-contents, iNOS activities, and the expression of
      iNOS, NF-kappaB p65 subunit, and p-NF-KB p65 subunit obviously decreased;
      percentage of blood glucose within 40 min in ITT, Max-Insulin, and GIR obviously
      increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: MD could significantly improve IR and
      functional disorder of 3 cells in MSG obese mice, which might be associated with
      lowering inflammatory reaction in the pancreas.

PMID- 25137854
TI  - [Roles of TRPV1 receptor in electroacupuncture regulating the jejunal motility of
      mice: an experimental study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the intestinal movement of transient receptor potential
      vanilloid 1 or vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) knockout mice after stimulated by
      electroacupuncture (EA), and to primarily explore the roles of TRPV1 receptor in
      the jejunal motility regulated by acupuncture. METHODS: Normal wild-type CL57BL/6
      and TRPV1 gene knockout mice were recruited in two groups, the B6 group and the
      TRPV1 group, 15 in each group. The thermal threshold and the mechanical pain
      threshold were respectively detected using JL-F digital photo thermal analyzer
      instrument and ALMEMO2450 machine. The difference between the two thresholds were
      compared. Meanwhile, a self-made pressure head was placed in the jejunum. The
      internal pressure was monitored. When the pressure was stable, 2 mA 2/15 Hz EA at
      Quchi (LI11), Tianshu (ST25), Shangjuxu (ST37), and Dachangshu (BL25) to observe
      the changes of intestinal pressure value between before and after EA. The curve
      of internal pressures was recorded. RESULTS: (1) The stimulation of light/heat
      and mechanical stimulation were obviously slowed in the TRPV1 group than in the
      B6 group (P < 0.01). (2) In the intestinal pressure observation experiment, the
      bowel movement was not obviously seen in the two groups when acupunctured at
      Quchi (LI11) and Shangjuxu (ST37) (P > 0.05). (3) Acupuncture at Tianshu (ST25)
      and Dachangshu (BL25) of TRPV1 knockout mice could lead to intestinal movement (P
      < 0.05), mainly inhibited bowel movement. The changing degree was equivalent to
      that of B6 mice. CONCLUSIONS: Under the physiological condition, TRPV1 might be
      mediated by thermal and mechanical stimulation. But TRPV1 mediated acupuncture
      effect was quite complex, indicating TRPV1 mice might be one of intestinal
      movement mediating factors.

PMID- 25137856
TI  - [A blind technique used in randomized controlled trials of treatment based on
      changes of syndromes].
AB  - Treatment based on syndrome differentiation is an essential feature of
      traditional Chinese medical diagnosis. The interventions based on changes of
      syndrome types in randomized controlled trials are complicated, leading to the
      difficulty of blind method enforcement. This article described a double-blind
      method. It could be used in randomized controlled trials under the condition of
      different syndrome types and different medications. It numbered drugs in two
      stages, and in two phases to achieve double-blind. This method not only
      guaranteed investigators and subjects to be in blinded conditions, but also
      achieved using different medications for patients of different syndromes. It also
      caused no drug waste. It was scientific and feasible.

PMID- 25137855
TI  - [Prevention of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides for high power microwave
      radiation induced testicular injury in rats: an experimental research].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides on
      testicular injury induced by exposure to high power microwave (HPM) in rats.
      METHODS: A total of 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups,
      i.e., the normal control group, the microwave radiation model group, the
      treatment group, the new microwave radiation model group, and the prevention
      group, 6 in each group. All rats, except those in the normal control group, were
      exposed to microwave at an average power density of 200 mW/cm2 for 6 min. Rats in
      the control group and the model group were administered with normal saline by
      gastrogavage, once a day. Rats in the treatment group and the prevention group
      were given with Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides by gastrogavage, 2 mL each time
      (400 mg/kg body weight), once a day. All rats were sacrificed on the 11th day.The
      sperm density and the rate of sperm deformity were determined. Pathological
      changes of testis were observed by light microscope and transmission electron
      microscope. RESULTS: Short-term HPM irradiation could significantly reduce the
      sperm density and increase the sperm deformity rate (P < 0.05). Meanwhile,
      obvious pathological changes of testes occurred. Compared with the two model
      groups, the sperm density increased and the sperm deformity rate decreased in the
      treatment group and the prevention group (P < 0.05). Under the light microscope,
      injuries of spermatogenic cells and stromal cells, as well as vascular dilatation
      and congestion were obviously alleviated in the treatment group and the
      prevention group. Mitochondrial swelling and endoplasmic reticulum expansion
      shown by ultrastructural observation were also significantly alleviated. Of them,
      injuries of spermatogenic cells and inflammation response were milder in the
      treatment group than in the prevention group. CONCLUSIONS: Inonotus obliquus
      polysaccharides had significant protective effect on microwave radiation induced
      testicular injury. Better effect was obtained by therapeutic medication than
      preventive medication.

PMID- 25137857
TI  - [The application principle and strategies of transliteration in English
      translation of Chinese medicine].

PMID- 25137858
TI  - [The effectiveness and mechanism of Chinese medicine and pharmacy in intervening
      myocardial fibrosis].

PMID- 25137859
TI  - [An overviewn of integrative medical research of heart failure patients with
      normal ejection fraction].

PMID- 25137860
TI  - Preoxygenation-routine preoxygenation during induction and recovery from
      anesthesia is recommended as a minimal safety precaution.

PMID- 25137861
TI  - Fentanyl-induced cough--pathophysiology and prevention.
AB  - Many reports have demonstrated that intravenous administration of a bolus of
      fentanyl at induction of anesthesia can cause coughing with varying degrees. This
      cough can be benign, but sometimes it causes undesirable side effects including
      an increase in intraabdominal, intracranial or intraocular pressure. Many studies
      demonstrated that the incidence and severity of fentanyl-induced cough could be
      related to age, ethnicity, history of smoking, as well as to the rate, route,
      dose and concentration of fentanyl administered. This cough was described by
      several mechanisms including an inhibition of central sympathetic system leading
      to vagal predominance, reflex bronchonstriction after the stimulation of
      tracheobronchial tree receptors, or histamine release. The efficacy of several
      measures to avoid fentanyl-induced cough have been demonstrated, and several
      anesthetics adjuncts can be given prior to fentanyl administration aiming at
      decreasing this unwanted side effect.

PMID- 25137862
TI  - Cerebral "hyperoxygenation" with inhalational induction of anesthesia in
      children: a retrospective comparison between vasoparalytic sevoflurane vs.
      vasoneutral fentanyl.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The higher levels of oxygen in cerebrum may contribute to neuro
      apoptosis, analogous to direct tissue injury induced by toxic levels of oxygen.
      Earlier report highlighted the possibility of cerebral "hyperoxygenation"
      secondary to inhalational induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane in small
      number of children. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective review was whether
      similar cerebral "hyperoxygenation" trends can be seen in larger and
      retrospective patients' database. METHODS: Data of patients who had undergone
      cardiac surgeries at Children's Hospital during the two-year period (2010-2011)
      was retrieved during this retrospective review: (a) stored computer data from
      INVOS Cerebral/Somatic Oximeter for oximetry numbers and total duration of
      oximetry monitoring, (b) paper chart perfusion records of the cardiac surgeries
      for age and sex of the patient, urgency of the surgery, type of induction
      (inhalational or intravenous), and total duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, (c)
      general medical records for inpatient setting vs. outpatient setting of the
      patient, and (d) anesthesia medical records for name of the medications used
      during induction of anesthesia to segregate the patients who had fentanyl as a
      lone induction agent and sevoflurane as a lone induction agent, for final
      statistical calculations and analysis. For the two-year period (2010-2011), data
      of 358 patients who had cardiac surgeries at Children's Hospital were reviewed.
      However, after deletions of various patients' data due to various reasons, only
      69 patients (0-4 years of age) who had sevoflurane induction were analyzed for
      final statistical comparisons to 14 patients (0-4 years of age) who had fentanyl
      induction. RESULTS: Cerebral and renal "hyperoxygenation" occurred during the
      first 127 minutes with sevoflurane as compared to fentanyl though the percentage
      changes from pre-induction values in oximetry during this time did not reach
      level of significance. However, only cerebral "hyperoxygenation" persisted in the
      last 127 minutes when patients had been induced with sevoflurane as compared to
      fentanyl. CONCLUSION: Cerebral "hyperoxygenation" occurs with inhalational
      induction of anesthesia with vasoparalytic sevoflurane in children 0 to 4 years
      of age when compared to anesthesia induction with vasoneutral fentanyl.

PMID- 25137863
TI  - Comparison between intravenous patient controlled analgesia and patient
      controlled epidural analgesia in cirrhotic patients after hepatic resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is one of the most important problems that
      confront surgical patients. The aim of this work is to compare pain control using
      intravenous patient controlled analgesia (PCA) and patient controlled epidural
      analgesia (PCEA) in cirrhotic patients undergoing elective hepatic resection.
      METHODS: Thirty four adult patients ASAI and II scheduled for liver resection
      were randomly allocated into two groups-Group (P) with I.V (PCA) with fentanyl
      and Group (E) (PCEA) via epidural catheter using Bubivacaine 0.125% plus 2
      microgram per ml fentanyl. Coagulation changes were followed and pain score was
      compared in both groups. RESULTS: 34 child A cirrhotic patients, undergoing liver
      resection were studied. The demographic data were comparable in both groups.
      There was a significant decrease in pain score in both groups during the follow
      up period when compared to their initial score. When comparing average pain score
      between both groups, the PCEA group had significantly lower values. The changes
      in prothrombin time (PT), INR, and hemoglobin (Hb), were significant all over the
      follow up period compared to their corresponding base line values. 2 cases needed
      FFP to normalize the INR for epidural removal. There was no significant
      difference regarding postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in both groups, no
      clinical manifestation suggesting epidural hematoma, and no cases were recorded
      to have respiratory depression. There were no significant differences in patient
      satisfaction and ICU stay. CONCLUSION: The two modalities of pain control seems
      to be nearly equivalent, but considering the risk of epidural catheter insertion
      and removal in cirrhotic patients who are further exposed to hepatectomy with
      subsequent additional coagulopathy, it may be wise to consider IVPCA technique as
      a policy for pain management in cirrhotic patient undergoing hepatectomy.

PMID- 25137864
TI  - Simulation training in endotracheal intubation in a pediatric residency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Airway management and endotracheal intubation are essential skills
      for pediatric residents. Simulation-based technology is used for training
      residents but it remains unclear whether high fidelity simulation results in
      better retention of skills compared to low fidelity. The study assesses high
      fidelity simulation of endotracheal intubation and traditional low fidelity
      training in improving pediatric residents' knowledge retention and technical
      skills; and if the difference translates into higher "real time" intubation
      success rates. METHODS: Second and third year pediatric residents were randomized
      into high fidelity (intervention) or low fidelity simulation (control) groups.
      Airway management and intubation skills were taught using a didactic lecture and
      demonstration on low fidelity mannequins. Knowledge was assessed before
      randomization (T0) and 6 months after training (T6). Other outcome measures were:
      1) airway management and intubation skills at T6 and T12 (12 months later) and 2)
      successful intubation of actual patients by T12. RESULTS: 10 out of 11 residents
      completed the intervention. Theoretical knowledge improved for both groups.
      Participants made less mistakes (M) overtime: M (T0) = 3.2 and M (T6) = 2.6 for
      the intervention group, and M (T0) = 4 and M (T6) = 2.40 for the control. There
      was no significant effect of fidelity on intubation skills or the number of
      successful intubations recorded in logbooks (allp > 0.05). In some instances
      intubation skills showed regression over time. CONCLUSION: High fidelity
      simulation showed no impact on residents' airway management and intubation
      skills. Retention of theoretical knowledge persisted over time while practical
      skills remained at baseline or declined.

PMID- 25137865
TI  - A simple protocol to improve safety and reduce cost in hemodialysis patients
      undergoing elective surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) miss their routine
      intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), electrolyte abnormalities and volume overload
      often occur. An institutional protocol to ensure that patients receiving IHD have
      elective surgeries scheduled within 24 hours after their dialysis may reduce
      procedural delays or cancellations caused by hyperkalemia and hypervolemia after
      a missed IHD session. The effect of this protocol was evaluated. METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review was performed for ESRD patients receiving IHD who
      underwent surgery from 6 months before to 6 months after the institutional
      protocol was implemented. Preoperative potassium values, timing of IHD relative
      to surgery, and the nature of surgery (elective or emergent) were documented. The
      percentage of patients having IHD more than 24 hours before their elective
      surgery was compared before and after protocol implementation. Average potassium
      values were compared when IHD occurred within 24 hours vs. more than 24 hours,
      using t test analysis. Cost associated with delay and cancellation for IHD was
      also explored. RESULTS: Of the 15,799 cases performed, 190 involved ESRD patients
      receiving IHD. Before the protocol, 32.1% of elective cases (n = 17) involved
      patients scheduled for surgery more than 24 hours after IHD vs. 12.0% (n = 6)
      after the protocol. Preoperative potassium values were less when patients
      underwent IHD within 24 hours than at more than 24 hours (mean [SD], 4.32 [0.6]
      mEq/L vs 4.63 [0.8] mEq/L; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: The simple scheduling policy is
      effective at reducing both cost and unnecessary perioperative risks for patients.

PMID- 25137866
TI  - Emetogenicity-risk procedures in same day surgery center of an academic
      university hospital in United States: a retrospective cost-audit of postoperative
      nausea vomiting management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the variable results of published studies, it is imperative
      for ambulatory surgery centers to self-audit local cost-implications for post
      operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) management. OBJECTIVE: Our retrospective
      cost-audit assessed if there were comparative peri-anesthesia care cost-trends
      among patients who had undergone Low-Emetogenicity-Risk Procedures (LERP),
      Moderate-Emetogenicity-Risk Procedures (MERP) and Severe-Emetogenicity-Risk
      Procedures (SERP). METHODS: This study was a review of Same Day Surgery Center
      practices in an academic university hospital setting during a three-year period
      (2010-2012). The patient lists were accessed from CIS and CITRIX App Bar for time
      audit and OR (operating room) schedule reports. Subsequently, OR pharmacy
      department ran a search for peri-operative anti-emetics and opioids that were
      billed for the patients at Same Day Surgery Center for the review period. The
      primary outcomes were the comparative costs/charges of these medications and
      comparative durations/ charges for these patients' stay in the post-anesthesia
      care unit (PACU). Secondary outcomes analyzed in the study included peri
      anesthesia durations. RESULTS: A total of 8,657 patient records were analyzed.
      Almost all analyzed variables revealed statistically significant inter-variable
      positive correlations. The patients' age was significantly (P < 0.001) different
      among LERP/MERP/SERP patients (LERP: 48.8 +/- 14.7 years; MERP: 61.8 +/- 14.6
      years; SERP: 51.3 +/- 14.5 years). In regards to primary and secondary outcomes,
      the statistical significant differences among LERP/MERP/SERP patients (after
      correcting for both patients' age as well as patients' sex) were only achieved
      for preoperative times (P = 0.002; Power = 0.9), operating room recovery times (P
      = 0.003; Power = 0.9), PACU stay times (P < 0.001; Power = 1.0), and PACU charges
      (P < 0.001; Power = 1.0). CONCLUSION: PACU stay times and PACU charges were
      significantly higher in patients who had undergone SERP as compared to patients
      who had undergone LERP or MERP at our Same Day Surgery Center.

PMID- 25137867
TI  - The use of Airtraq laryngoscope versus Macintosh laryngoscope and fiberoptic
      bronchoscope by experienced anesthesiologists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare the hemodynamic parameters, intubation times,
      upper airway trauma and postoperative sore throat scores of the patients with
      normal airway anatomy, intubated with the Airtraq, Macintosh laryngoscope and
      fiberoptic bronchoscope, by experienced anesthesiologists. METHODS: Ninety
      patients, scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia were
      randomly divided into three groups (n = 30): Group A: Airtraq laryngoscope, Group
      M: Macintosh laryngoscope and Group FB: fiberoptic bronchoscope. The time to
      intubation and success rates were recorded. The hemodynamic parameters before and
      one minute after the anesthesia induction were recorded and the measurements were
      repeated 3, 4 and 5 minutes after the endotracheal intubation. The postoperative
      sore throat scores and signs of any trauma were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean
      arterial blood pressure and heart rate were not significantly different between
      the three groups. The mean intubation time interval did not differ between
      groups. Highest postoperative sore throat scores were recorded at the 6th hour
      post extubation. The scores were 37.6 +/- 20.9 in Group A, 13.3 +/- 16.8 in Group
      M and 13.6 +/- 14.0 in Group FB. The scores in Group A were significantly higher
      compared to other groups. The number of patients requiring additional analgesia
      to relieve sore throat was also significantly higher in Group A. CONCLUSION: The
      Airtraq laryngoscope seems to be a more traumatic airway device in the routine
      endotracheal intubation compared to Macintosh laryngoscope and fiberoptic
      bronchoscope, when used by experienced anesthesiologists. It also does not offer
      advantage over the first-attempt success rates, the intubation times and
      hemodynamic parameters.

PMID- 25137868
TI  - Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia in a pediatric patient with acute
      intermittent porphyria: literature review and case report.
AB  - Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques placed under general anesthesia
      have not been reported in pediatric patients with acute intermittent porphyria
      (AIP). A 9-year-old male with AIP presented for right inguinal herniorraphy.
      Family history included one relative's death after anesthesia. Preoperative
      preparation included reviewing medications safe for AIP patients, minimizing
      known AIP triggers (fasting, stress) and ensuring access to rescue medications.
      Intraoperative management included a propofol induction with the patient's mother
      present in the operating room. We performed an ultrasound-guided ilioinguinal
      iliohypogastric nerve block under general anesthesia. The surgery proceeded
      without complications and the patient did not demonstrate signs of an AIP crisis.

PMID- 25137870
TI  - Unusually difficult intraesophageal bougie insertion in an intubated pediatric
      patient.

PMID- 25137869
TI  - Anesthetic considerations and management of a patient with unsuspected carcinoid
      crisis during hepatic tumor resection.
AB  - Anesthetic management for massive blood loss in liver surgery concomitant with
      hemodynamic instability secondary to carcinoid crisis can be challenging in the
      perioperative setting. Hypotension, diarrhea, facial flushing, bronchospasm, and
      tricuspid and pulmonic valvular diseases are the common manifestations of
      carcinoid syndrome. This report illustrates the importance of early recognition
      and treatment for signs and symptoms of carcinoid syndrome not only in the
      preoperative setting but also in the intraoperative phase to prevent undue
      cardiovascular collapse.

PMID- 25137871
TI  - Successful intubation using McGRATH MAC in a patient with Treacher Collins
      syndrome.

PMID- 25137872
TI  - Anesthesia care providers' based interdisciplinary peri-operative cross-over post
      market--safety-surveillance: is it futuristic patient safety idea? Running title:
      post-hire PMSS for interventionists.

PMID- 25137873
TI  - Predictive factor for hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients who presented
      with acute variceal bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cirrhotic patients who were hospitalized due to acute variceal
      bleeding and subsequently developed hepatic encephalopathy during hospital stay
      had dreadful outcome and high mortality rate. Recommendations regarding
      management and prevention of encephalopathy in these patients are not available
      in the current clinical practice guidelines. Defining high-risk patients could
      possibly prevent or early detect hepatic encephalopathy and help develop
      prophylactic management. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential of certain clinical
      predictors of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients presented with acute
      variceal bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The medical records of cirrhotic patients
      with diagnosis of acute variceal bleeding by endoscopy were retrospectively
      examined for clinical parameters. Potential predictive factors for hepatic
      encephalopathy were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS:
      One hundred seventy four cirrhotic patients who presented with acute variceal
      bleeding were enrolled in the present study. Hepatic encephalopathy was developed
      in 25 patients (14.4%). Multivariate analysis showed cirrhosis Child C, serum
      potassium < 3.5 mmole/L, WBC > 10,000 cells/mm3, and hemoglobin < 8 gm/dL on the
      day of admission were significant factors predicting hepatic encephalopathy in
      cirrhotic patients presenting with acute variceal bleeding (adjusted odds ratio
      36.7, 9.25, 4.91, and 4.52, respectively). Cirrhotic patients presented with
      acute variceal bleeding who developed hepatic encephalopathy had higher rate of
      infection (40% vs. 5.4%), respiratory failure (20% vs. 2%), unit of red blood
      cell transfusion (3.8 +/- 1.8 units vs. 2.6 +/- 1.8 units), volume of fresh
      frozen plasma transfusion (1,000 (0-4,000) cc vs. 500 (0-5,000) cc), length of
      stay (9.0 +/- 3.5 days vs. 5.6 +/- 1.8 days), and mortality rate (8% vs. 0.7%),
      than non-hepatic encephalopathy p-value < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Cirrhotic patients
      presented with acute variceal bleeding with cirrhosis Child C, serum potassium <
      3.5 mmole/L, WBC > 10,000 cells/mm3, and hemoglobin < 8 gm/dL were significant
      predictors for development of hepatic encephalopathy. Cirrhotic patients with
      acute variceal bleeding who developed hepatic encephalopathy had high morbidity
      and mortality rates.

PMID- 25137874
TI  - Short-term administration of an angiotensin II receptor blocker in patients with
      long-term hemodialysis patients improves insulin resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is commonly observed in uremic patients.
      Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) are reported to act as insulin sensitizers
      in the animal model of hypertension and hypertensive patients. The authors
      investigated the effects of valsartan on insulin resistance and glucose
      metabolism in patients with long-term hemodialysis in the prospective, randomized
      controlled study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty-three hemodialysis patients were
      randomized into two treatment groups, valsartan 80 to 320 mg/day (n = 18) or non
      renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system blocking antihypertensive agents (control, n
      = 15), treated for 12 weeks. Insulin resistance determined by homeostasis model
      assessment (HOMA-IR), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin, and
      blood pressure monitoring were measured during the study. RESULTS: At baseline,
      metabolic profiles did not significantly differ between the treatment and the
      control groups. After 12 weeks of treatment, the valsartan group significantly
      improved HOMA-IR from 2.6 +/- 0.9 to 2.3 +/- 0.7 (p = 0.041) and significantly
      decreased FPG from 90.1 +/- 15.1 to 84.8 +/- 13.2 mg/dL (p = 0.008). In contrast,
      the control group was not associated with any significant changes in HOMA-IR,
      FPG, and fasting insulin levels. At the end of 12-week treatment, HOMA-IR, FPG,
      and fasting insulin levels were not significantly different between the two
      groups. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the antihypertensive action of
      valsartan improves glucose metabolism by improving the peripheral insulin
      sensitivity in subjects with long-term dialysis.

PMID- 25137875
TI  - The comparative study of diabetic specific formula and standard formula on
      postprandial plasma glucose control in type 2 DM patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the postprandial plasma glucose level after diabetic
      specific formula (DSF) and standard formula (SF) administration in type 2
      diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty type 2 diabetic patients were
      included in the present randomized, controlled, double-blind, cross-over study.
      Subjects received DSF and isocaloric SF as a bolus administration of 400 mL while
      continuing their anti-diabetic medications. Venous blood samples were collected
      and analyzed to assess plasma glucose levels at pre- and at 30, 60, 90, 120, and
      180 min post-administration of the formulas. RESULTS: Postprandial glucose
      profiles were significantly lower with DSF compared to SF administration
      determined as a mean glucose concentration at 2-hour post-administration. The
      glucose area under the curve (AUC) after DSF consumption was 33% lower than the
      AUC after SF consumption, p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Use of DSF resulted in a
      significantly lower postprandial rise in plasma glucose concentrations than using
      SF. It should be the preferred option in diabetic patients who need nutritional
      support.

PMID- 25137876
TI  - The reliability of calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from four
      different formulas in Thai diabetic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is usually calculated by
      the Friedewald formula but it has certain limitations, especially in
      hypertriglyceridemia and diabetes mellitus (DM). OBJECTIVE: Assess the
      reliability of LDL-C levels calculated from four formulas (Friedewald, Anandaraja
      and colleagues, Chen et al, and Vujovic et al) when compared to direct LDL-C
      measurement (dLDL-C) in DM with various triglycerides (TG) levels. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: The present study included 2,967 fasting Thai diabetic patients with TG
      levels less than 400 mg/dl. The total cholesterol and TG levels were measured by
      enzymatic colorimetric assay. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and dLDL-C
      levels were measured by homogeneous enzymatic colorimetric assay. The calculated
      LDL-C (cLDL-C) from each formula was compared to dLDL-C. In addition, the degree
      of agreement between the methods was assessed. RESULTS: The mean and standard
      deviation (SD) of dLDL-C was 122.3 (37.1) mg/dl, the mean (SD) of cLDL-C from the
      formula of Friedewald (F-LDL-C), Anandaraja and colleagues, Chen et al, and
      Vujovic et al (Vu-LDL-C) were 115.2 (35.8), 120.8 (35.2), 116.6 (34.2), and 123.9
      (37.4) mg/dl, respectively. In aspect of the accuracy defined as the percentage
      of dLDL-C minus the cLDL-C within -10 to 10 mg/dl; the accuracy of Vu-LDL-C were
      higher than the other cLDL-C in overall and the most of subgroups of TG levels,
      except in the subgroup of TG levels < 100 mg/dl which the accuracy of F-LDL-C was
      the highest. The overall number of dLDL-C minus Vu-LDL-C within -10 to 10 mg/dl
      was 2,655 cases (89.5% with p < 0.001). The Vu-LDL-C showed a little discordance
      with dLDL-C at the higher levels of TG. All cLDL-C had systematic differences
      from dLDL-C, while only Vu-LDL-C had no proportional difference. The Vu-LDL-C
      yielded the lowest mean of difference between dLDL-C and cLDL-C of -1.60 with SD
      of 6.31 mg/dl, while F-LDL-C yielded the highest value of 7.06 with SD of 7.91
      mg/dl. The Vu-LDL-C had the narrowest range of 95% limits of agreement (-13.97 to
      10.77 mg/dl) and the difference neither depended on the magnitude of LDL-C
      measurements nor had proportional error. CONCLUSION: The modified Friedewald
      formula of Vujovic et al provided the most accuracy with acceptable degree of
      agreement in DM compared to those derived from the original Friedewald formula or
      the others. The interference caused by hypertriglyceridemia was obviously
      diminished; thus, the formula of Vujovic et al is more reliable than the others
      in DM if TG levels are range from under 400 mg/dl to 100 mg/dl.

PMID- 25137877
TI  - Experience with surgical treatment of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas at a
      university hospital in Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas (RSTS) are rare malignant tumors
      with a distinguishing feature of slow growth in the silent retroperitoneal space.
      The patients usually present late with a large retroperitoneal mass surrounded by
      the major vascular structures and visceral organs rendering curative resection an
      extremely difficult and risky operation. The purpose of the present study was to
      demonstrate surgical experience and results of treatment of RSTS at King
      Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Operative techniques of these complex surgical
      procedures were also described. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was
      performed in patients who had RSTS and underwent surgical resection between June
      2003 and November 2011 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok,
      Thailand. All patients were followed after the operations until death or last
      follow-up at the out-patient clinic in October 2012. Data collection included
      demographic data, details of operations, operative complications, neoadjuvant and
      adjuvant chemoradiation therapy, local recurrence, treatment of local recurrence,
      and 5-year overall survival rate. Factors associated with local recurrence were
      also examined. RESULTS: During the 9.4-year period, 18 patients entered into the
      present study. Fourteen (77.8%) were female and four (22.2%) were male. The age
      ranged from 44 to 80 years (median 53.5 years). Duration of symptoms ranged from
      one week to 24 months (median 3.5 months). The tumor size ranged from 10 to 48 cm
      (median 27 cm) in greatest dimension. All patients underwent preoperative CT
      scan. Preoperative core needle biopsy was performed in one patient. One patient
      had preoperative radiation therapy. Sixteen patients (88.9%) underwent complete
      gross resection (CGR) (R0 or R1 resection) and two (11.1%) had palliative
      resection (R2 resection). All patients who had CGR (n = 16) had one or more
      contiguous organ resection (kidney 87.5%, colon 50%, or adrenal gland 43.7%). The
      operative time ranged from 120 to 360 minutes (median 330 minutes). The operative
      blood transfusion ranged from 0 to 12 units (median 2.5 units). Postoperative
      bleeding complication requiring reoperation occurred in three patients (16.7%).
      One patient had postoperative uncomplicated pancreatic fistula. There was no
      perioperative mortality. The final pathological reports were liposarcoma in 15
      patients (83.3%). Other histology were atypical lipomatous tumor malignant
      fibrous histiocytoma, and unspecified spindle cell tumor in one patient each. Two
      patients who had palliative resection died at six and 16 months after the
      operations. Local recurrence occurred in five patients who had CGR (31.3%). One
      of them died at 60 months after the operation. The median follow-up time in
      patients who underwent CGR was 39.5 months (range 12-114 months). The 5-year
      overall survival of the entire cohort was 73.5% (95% CI: 44.3-88.4%). The 5-year
      overall survival of patients who had CGR was 83.3% (95% CI: 53.5-98.5%).
      Univariate analysis of the tumor size, tumor grading, status of the surgical
      margins, and primary operation or re-resection revealed no statistical
      significance in patients who had CGR with and without local recurrence.
      CONCLUSION: Acceptable outcomes after complete surgical resection of the RSTS
      were achieved from this small but important case-series. The authors have
      demonstrated that CGR with concomitant resection of the contiguous organs can be
      safely performed in patients with large RSTS. Preoperative CT scan was invaluable
      for diagnosis and treatment plan. Preoperative core needle biopsy was not
      necessary when preoperative CT scan was diagnostic. Intention for curative
      resection should be attempted whenever possible to minimize chance of local
      recurrence and improve survival. Experience of the surgical team is an important
      factor for successful results when conducting these technically demanding
      operations.

PMID- 25137878
TI  - Reliability of a Thai version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)
      for the Thai population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and test the reliability of a Thai version of the
      International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS-Th). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A Thai
      version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS-Th) was developed after
      conducting many steps. The original English version of the International Prostate
      Symptom Score (IPSS) was translated into Thai by three urologists working
      independently. After having compared the original English version with various
      translations, the final Thai version was obtained. Fifty Thai males possessing a
      good understanding of both English and Thai were asked to complete the Thai
      version of the IPSS. Two weeks later, they were asked to complete the English
      version of the IPSS. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha.
      Next, 118 Thai males were tested using the Thai version of the IPSS and retested
      after two weeks. As such, the reliability of the Thai version of the IPSS was
      evaluated using the test-retest method. RESULTS: For the Thai IPSS version,
      Cronbach's alpha was 0.77 and the English version of the IPSS was 0.88. The test
      retest reliability was 0.96. CONCLUSION: The Thai version of the IPSS was found
      to be reliable and should be a useful tool for patient assessment, follow-up, and
      research in the population of Thai-speaking patients.

PMID- 25137879
TI  - A prospective analytical study of the effects and adverse events of alendronate
      (Aldren70) treatment in Thai postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the efficacy and adverse events of alendronate (Aldren70)
      after 12 months of treatment in 50 to 70 years old postmenopausal women. MATERIAL
      AND METHOD: The authors observed 50 postmenopausal women who had clinical
      conditions of osteopenia or osteoporosis and had never been treated with
      alendronate acid. Bone mineral density (BMD) of L1-L4, the left hip, and the left
      forearm were performed at the initial assessment and after 12 months of
      treatment. The serum levels of osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type 1 N-terminal
      propeptide (PINP) and beta-crosslaps (beta-CTx) were performed at the baseline
      and then after 3 months, 6 months and 12 months of treatment. The data were
      analyzed using the SPSS software. Paired t-test was used to compare lumbar spine,
      hip and forearm before and after treatment. RESULTS: Treated by using Aldren70
      once weekly for one year the BMD of the lumbar spine increased highly up to
      11.26% (g/cm2) and 25.82% (T-score) from the base line (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001,
      respectively). On the other hand, the change in BMD of the left hip increased
      17.54% (g/cm2), 8.2% (T-score), at the left forearm increased 3.96% (g/cm2),
      7.62% (T-score) after 12 months respectively. There was significant increase of
      BMD between before and after 12 months. The mean values of bone markers at the
      0.05 level before treatment, three months, six months, and 12 months of treatment
      in osteocalcin were 0.2813, 0.1242, 0.896, and 0.0889 ng/ml respectively. The
      PINP were 36.1762, 19.3894, 14.3084, and 15.1260 ng/ml respectively. Beta
      crosslaps were 0.2813, 0.1242, 0.0896, and 0.0889 ng/ml respectively. Adverse
      events found in five patients were the symptoms of stomachache (2.4%),
      constipation/diarrhea (1.2%), palpitation (1.2%), and muscle/bone pain (1.2%).
      CONCLUSION: The generic alendronate (Aldren 70) in our clinical trial was found
      to be highly effective at the spine concerning the bone mass improvement and less
      at the hip and wrist joints in comparison. All the result figures met the
      standard efficacy after 12 months follow-up by increasing bone mass and reducing
      serum bone markers.

PMID- 25137880
TI  - Acetabular cup placement in navigated and non-navigated total hip arthroplasty
      (THA): results of two consecutive series using a cementless short stem.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acetabular component malposition has been linked to increased rates
      of dislocation, impingement, pelvic osteolysis, cup migration, leg length
      discrepancy and polyethylene wear in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty
      (THA). OBJECTIVE: Compare the acetabular component positioning and the operative
      time in two consecutive short-stem cementless THA series without and with using
      an imageless navigation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The retrospective study consisted
      of 31 cases of short-stem cementless THA without navigation (NNAV) and 30 cases
      with navigation (NAV). CT scans were performed in all cases at two-month or later
      postoperatively. The abduction and anteversion angles measured on postoperative
      CT were compared between two groups using t-test. The percentage of cup placement
      (abduction, anteversion and combined) within the safe zone for each group was
      compared using Chi-square test at a 0.05 level of significance. The operative
      time was compared between two groups using t-test. RESULTS: The mean abduction
      was 43.97 (range, 33-52, SD 4.44) in NNAV group and 41.37 (range, 37-45, SD 2.01)
      in NAV group. This difference was significant (p = 0.004). The mean anteversion
      was 22.58 (range, 2-39, SD 10.68) in NNAV group and 13.57 (range, 7-18, SD 3.28)
      in NAV group. This difference was significant (p < 0.001). According to the
      criteria of Lewinnek et al, 96.8% in NNAV group were placed within the safe zone
      for abduction, 51.6% for anteversion, and 48.4% for both abduction and
      anteversion. In NAV group, all 30 cups (100%) were placed within the safe zone
      for abduction, anteversion, and both. There were significant differences in the
      percentage of cup placement within the safe zone for anteversion (p < 0.001), for
      both abduction and anteversion (p < 0.001) but not significant for abduction (p =
      0.32) between two groups. The mean operative time was 107.09 and 110.67 minutes
      for NNAV and NAV group respectively, this difference was not significant (p =
      0.49). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated a significant increase in the
      placement of acetabular cups within the safe zone using imageless navigation
      compared to freehand technique, especially at anteversion angle.

PMID- 25137881
TI  - Prevalence of atypical femoral fractures in Thai patients at a single
      institution.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the prevalence of atypical femoral fracture (AFF) in Thai
      patients at a single institution based on the 2010 and 2013 American Society of
      Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) criteria and the sensitivity and specificity of
      each radiographic feature of AFF to identify bisphosphonate treatment. MATERIAL
      AND METHOD: The authors retrospectively reviewed plain radiographs of 856
      patients who were diagnosed with subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures
      between 2002 and 2013. Only those who had major radiographic features of AFF
      according to the 2010 ASBMR criteria were included. Next, the prevalence of
      atypical fracture was recalculated based on the revised 2013 ASBMR criteria.
      Furthermore, the specificity and sensitivity of each radiological finding to
      detect bisphosphonate treatment were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      atypical femoral fracture based on 2010 ASBMR criteria at this institution was
      5.7%. Two patients had all radiographic features of AFF but sustained a high
      energy trauma and could be diagnosed with AFF based on the 2013 ASBMR criteria.
      Among all of the radiographic features to define AFF, a localized periosteal
      thickening of the lateral femoral cortex was the most specific sign to detect
      bisphosphonate treatment (0.98; 95% CI 0.96-0.99). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of
      AFF in Thai patients at a single institution was approximately 6%. Although the
      prevalence of AFF did not dramatically change after applying the 2013 revised
      ASBMR criteria, this reflected some gap in the diagnosis criteria, which should
      require further refinement. The authors suggested that the ASBMR criteria should
      be used only with those having acute fractures.

PMID- 25137882
TI  - Diagnostic properties of the STOP-Bang and its modified version in screening for
      obstructive sleep apnea in Thai patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the diagnostic properties of the original and a modified STOP
      Bang, as well as testing the additional use of a waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) of
      > or = 0.55 in screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Thai patients.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: Three hundred and three patients (186 males and 117 females)
      who underwent anthropometric measurement and standard polysomnography were asked
      to complete the STOP-Bang questionnaire. Subjects were considered high-risk if
      their scores were > or = 3. Patients with significant co-morbidities were
      excluded. RESULTS: Screening for OSA involved measurements of STOP-Bang
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive
      value at several apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) cut-off points. At AHI 5, these
      values were 87.3%, 48.1%, 82.2%, and 52.2%, respectively. At AHI 15, these values
      were 92.6%, 36.4%, 58.5%, and 83.6%, respectively. The modified STOP-Bang (using
      a cut-off of BMI > 30 kg/m2) showed slightly increased sensitivities at the AHI
      cut-off points of 5 and 15 with values of 88.7% and 93.2%, respectively, with
      improved area under the curves. Furthermore, by applying the WHtR of > or = 0.55
      to those patients who were classified as high-risk by the questionnaires, the
      specificities for predicting OSA were improved to 85.2% and 76.1% for the
      aforementioned cut-off points, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both STOP-Bang and its
      modified version were highly sensitive measures for OSA screening in medical or
      dental clinics. However, the modified version might be more suitable for Thais
      and Asians, and the additional use of WHtR > or = 0.55 might be useful for
      reducing the unnecessary sleep investigation or management in those who were
      classified as high-risk patients.

PMID- 25137883
TI  - Clinical outcome of postoperative radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy in
      adult glioblastoma multiforme in Ramathibodi Hospital: a retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the treatment outcome of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in
      Ramathibodi Hospital from overall survival rate and related prognostic factors.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: Medical records of patients with histological diagnosis of
      GBM treated at Radiation Oncology Division, Radiology Department, Ramathibodi
      Hospital between 2000 and 2010 were reviewed and available data extracted for
      evaluation of treatment outcome. RESULTS: There were 47 patients with mean age at
      diagnosis of 51.9 years (range from 18 to 82 years). Surgery (partial 76.6%,
      total 12.8%, and biopsy 10.6%) followed by postoperative radiotherapy (mean dose
      52 gray) was the treatment of choice with or without concurrent and adjuvant
      Temozolomide (TMZ). With median follow-up time of 0.9 years, the median survival
      of the patients was 2.1 years (95% CI 1.08-7.36), whereas one and two-year
      overall survival rates were 78.0% and 57.8%, respectively. In univariate
      analysis, persistent neurological deficit after surgery and presenting symptom of
      visual disturbance were identified to lower overall survival while multivariate
      analysis, younger age, and higher radiation dose were identified as favorable
      prognostic factors to improve overall survival. Re-surgery or re-irradiation in
      some selected cases of recurrent or progressive disease was considered as a
      choice for palliative treatment. CONCLUSION: Proper management of GBM patient was
      surgical removal and postoperative radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy.
      Proper palliative treatment modality was considered in selected cases of
      recurrent or progressive disease.

PMID- 25137884
TI  - Committed suicide: forensic autopsy analysis at Ramathibodi Hospital during year
      2001-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suicide is one of the most important causes of death in the world. To
      study the behaviors and risk factors may be helpful to prevent suicide.
      OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively study the factors that affected suicide in forensic
      postmortem cases at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between 2001 and
      2010. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two hundred ninety suicidal cases from 7,102 forensic
      postmortem autopsies in Ramathibodi Hospital between 2001 and 2010 were
      descriptively retrospective studied. Study topics included sex, age, nationality,
      year, methods of suicide, and HIV. RESULTS: The suicide-rate in the present study
      varied between 2.53% and 6.91% (average 4.08%) of the forensic autopsy cases. The
      peak was found in 2003. Males had higher suicide rate than females [ratio of M:F
      of 4.3:1 (235 males and 55 females)]. The age varied from seven years to 91
      years. Although the average age of suicide was 37.38 years, the peak was found in
      the young adult (age group of 21 to 30 years). Male, younger age, and foreigner
      were related to suicide with statistical significance. Hanging was the most
      frequent method of suicide followed by fall from height (62.1% and 17.2%
      respectively) and by firearm (in male) and toxic substance ingestion (in
      females). Of all the suicide, 5.1% were HIV seropositive, which is slightly more
      than non-HIV cases (4.0%) but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION:
      The suicidal cases among unusual death were related to varieties of factors.
      Male, younger age, and foreigner were significant related to suicide. Hanging and
      falling from height were the most frequent method of suicide.

PMID- 25137885
TI  - Necrotizing fasciitis: a rare manifestation of late-onset neonatal group B
      streptococcal infection.
AB  - Preterm infants have a risk factor of developing late-onset group B streptococcal
      (GBS) infection. A 62-day-old infant who was a former 25-week male infant
      presented with fever and an erythematous, warm and tender, soft tissue swelling
      in the right submandibular region. He was diagnosed with cellulitis. Within 72
      hours, his lesion had rapidly progressed to necrotizing fasciitis. His blood
      culture grew penicillin-sensitive GBS. This reported case illustrates necrotizing
      fasciitis as a rare manifestation of late-onset neonatal GBS infection.

PMID- 25137887
TI  - President's update. Leading the way in primary health care.

PMID- 25137886
TI  - Paget's disease of bone in ethnic Thai presented with urologic symptoms and
      misleading as metastatic prostate cancer: report of a case with a review of the
      literature.
AB  - Paget's disease of bone is common in some parts of Europe and in countries
      inhabited by European emigrants. In Western Countries, Paget's bone disease is
      one of the priorities in differential diagnosis for elderly patients who present
      osteoblastic lesions, so it is unlikely to be overlooked, even though patients
      may present symptoms unrelated to bone lesions. However in Asian countries where
      Paget's disease is rare, metastatic prostate cancer appears to be the most common
      cause for osteoblastic lesions, thus, the Paget's disease is unlikely to be of
      much concern. This may lead to undue emphasis on investigations to support the
      diagnosis of prostate cancer. In this report, a 69 year-old man presented pain in
      the right leg and difficulty urinating. The plain film showed osteoblastic
      lesions of the right pelvic bone and lumbar spine. The pertinent routine
      laboratory findings revealed increased levels of serum alkaline phosphatase 125
      U/L (normal 27-86). Metastatic prostate cancer was highly suspected and
      investigations focused upon this, including a serum prostate specific antigen
      assay, a transurethral cystoscopic examination, an intravenous pyelogram, and an
      ultrasonogram of the prostate gland. However all of these investigations failed
      to support prostate cancer. Bone biopsy was performed twice, resulting in a
      report supporting Paget's disease of bone. The patient was treated with
      alendronate for three months. Radiologic findings, six months later, showed signs
      of improvement. He died one year later of heart failure that could plausibly had
      been a cardiovascular complication of Paget's disease. Better awareness of
      Paget's disease in Thailand and other Asian countries should reduce the incidence
      of unnecessary investigations and avoid a misleading diagnosis, which could lead
      to inappropriate treatment for metastatic prostatic cancer and undesirable
      psychological impact associated with being misinformed regarding malignancy.

PMID- 25137888
TI  - Clarification on breastfeeding article from previous issue.

PMID- 25137889
TI  - Response from author.

PMID- 25137890
TI  - Nursing's purpose.

PMID- 25137891
TI  - Can decreasing antipsychotic use lead to growth in mental and emotional health?

PMID- 25137892
TI  - Assignment of Client Care Guidelines enhanced to focus on leadership of RN role.

PMID- 25137893
TI  - An interview with Deputy Minister Janet Davidson.

PMID- 25137894
TI  - Every nurse a leader.

PMID- 25137895
TI  - Radiology. In search of a clear picture.

PMID- 25137896
TI  - On centralisation versus localisation. Stop one-track thinking to boost public
      support.

PMID- 25137897
TI  - Our safe staffing guidance is based on strong evidence.

PMID- 25137899
TI  - A Tory manifesto should not be conservative. How the NHS divides the Tories.

PMID- 25137898
TI  - Put the constitution on the front line.

PMID- 25137900
TI  - Imaging. Putting PET CT to the test.

PMID- 25137901
TI  - Patients experience. Give patients a valid voice to broadcast.

PMID- 25137902
TI  - Acute care. A&E needs more than a sticking plaster solution.

PMID- 25137903
TI  - Commissioning. Come together to put cancer care on the right path.

PMID- 25137904
TI  - Unraveling the mystery of MU audits. 7 strategies to protect your practice.

PMID- 25137905
TI  - Managing transitions of care. Effective care transition management is a key to
      achieving value-based care for your patients.

PMID- 25137906
TI  - 4 ways to protect your practice's schedule against emergencies.

PMID- 25137907
TI  - Post-implementation: making the EHR system work for you.

PMID- 25137908
TI  - Only credentialed medical assistants can enter EHR orders.

PMID- 25137909
TI  - Handling high-deductible patients requires communication, policies.

PMID- 25137910
TI  - Protect your assets by incorporating your practice.

PMID- 25137911
TI  - Preventing and treating COPD.

PMID- 25137912
TI  - How important are young adults to the ACA's insurance exchanges?

PMID- 25137913
TI  - Comparative analysis of early distance visual acuity in patients after coaxial
      phacoemulsification through the micro-incision (1.8 mm) and after standard
      phacoemulsification through the small incision (2.75 mm).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to evaluate early postoperative visual
      acuity outcomes of coaxial phacoemulsification with a foldable intraocular lens
      implantation, performed through a 1.8 mm wide clear corneal microincision (C
      MICS) and to compare it with standard phacoemulsification through a 2.75 mm
      incision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examined group consisted of a non-randomised,
      prospective series of 130 eyes of 130 patients who underwent coaxial 1.8 mm
      microincision cataract surgery with foldable intraocular lens implantation (MI60,
      Bausch & Lomb). The reference group comprised 123 eyes of 123 patients who
      underwent standard phacoemulsification through the 2.75 mm incision with foldable
      intraocular lens implantation (Akreos Adapt AO, Bausch & Lomb). The following
      parameters were evaluated preoperatively and one day after the surgery: distance
      uncorrected visual acuity, distance best corrected visual acuity, intraocular
      pressure, anterior and posterior segment of the eye. All patients were divided
      into groups according to the LOCS III scale. RESULTS: The improvement of distance
      uncorrected visual acuity and distance best corrected visual acuity was observed
      postoperatively in both groups. The mean uncorrected visual acuity in the
      examined group was significantly better than in the reference group on the first
      postoperative day (0.88 +/- 0.18 vs 0.79 +/- 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: The early
      postoperative visual acuity results of C-MICS were better than the results of
      standard small incision phacoemulsification. As far as fast visual rehabilitation
      after MICS is concerned, the early uncorrected visual acuity should be considered
      as an important yardstick in measuring success in cataract surgery. These results
      are due to the MICS technique, which seems to be the minimally invasive surgery,
      and should be regarded nowadays as a procedure of choice.

PMID- 25137914
TI  - In vivo imaging of the mouse retina using high-resolution optical coherence
      tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this study, we demonstrate the advantages of high-resolution optical
      coherence tomography for the non-invasive, in vivo, three-dimensional imaging of
      the mouse retina. METHODS: High-resolution optical coherence tomography images of
      the mouse retina were acquired using the Bioptigen Envisu R2200-HR SD-OCT system.
      We measured the retinal thickness and compared the measurements to those obtained
      using conventional histology techniques. RESULTS: High-resolution spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography enables high-quality in vivo visualization of
      retinal structures in mice, providing an accurate quantitative description of
      retinal layers. Additionally, the ultra-high-speed system offers many advantages
      over histology, e.g., it permits the visualization of retinal microvasculature
      and pulsatile flow dynamics. CONCLUSIONS: Spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography is a new important tool for the in vivo analysis of mouse eyes.

PMID- 25137915
TI  - [Increased expression of endothelin-1-- a novel diagnostic marker for early AMD
      detection?].
AB  - AIM: The relationship between ischemic vascular disease and age-related macular
      degeneration may indicate the role of vascular injury as the primary insult
      causing functional deficits in age-related macular degeneration. The vasoactive
      factors produced by endothelial cells include endothelin-1 (ET-1), which is one
      of the most potent vasoconstricting peptides. In this study we sought to explore
      the potential role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of age-related
      macular degeneration by measuring the concentration of ET-1 in peripheral blood
      of individuals diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration and evaluating its
      intracellular expression in peripheral blood cells, on mRNA level. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Peripheral blood samples from 31 patients with diagnosed dry age-related
      macular degeneration and 46 patients with neovascular age-related macular
      degeneration were collected. Forty six age- and sex-matched volunteers without
      age-related macular degeneration were enrolled as a control group. ET-1 plasma
      levels were analyzed by ELISA and intracellular expression of ET-1 in peripheral
      blood cells was studied by using qRT-PCR. RESULTS: The expression of
      intracellular ET-1 was significantly elevated in peripheral blood cells of both
      dry and wet age-related macular degeneration patients compared with the control
      subjects. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that ET-1 was specifically
      expressed in the circulating endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: We assume that
      damaged endothelial cells may release a variety of vasoconstricting molecules,
      including ET-1, leading to derangement between the endothelium-derived relaxing
      and contracting factors. Local retinal ischemia consequently develops which may
      promote the development of retinal degeneration in patients with age-related
      macular degeneration,

PMID- 25137916
TI  - Bilateral serous retinal detachment in preeclampsia--a case report.
AB  - Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal/neonatal mortality
      worldwide. Serous retinal detachment is an unusual cause of visual loss in
      pregnancy. This is a case report of a 17-year-old patient who was admitted to the
      obstetric ward with symptoms of preeclampsia. The pregnancy was terminated by
      cesarean section at 38 gestational weeks. The patient complained of blurred
      vision in both eyes throughout the perinatal period. The ophthalmic examination
      revealed serous retinal detachment in both eyes. The optical coherence tomography
      demonstrated the hyporeflective area between the retinal pigment epithelium and
      the neurosensory retina. With blood pressure control at postpartum, there serous
      retinal detachment resolved spontaneously and patient's vision improved.

PMID- 25137917
TI  - Multifocal syphilitic chorioretinitis--a case report.
AB  - The aim of the paper is to report a case of a 22-year-old male patient with
      chronic bilateral uveitis and retinitis secondary to syphilis. Until the
      diagnosis, the patient had been treated symptomatically with ceftriaxone which
      resulted in visual acuity improvement. The patient was referred to the Sexually
      Transmitted Disease Clinic for causal treatment after which he did not continue
      further ophthalmic monitoring. After a year he contacted the Department again due
      to vision deterioration and a relapse of retinitis and choroiditis was diagnosed.
      The patient was referred to the Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic for causal
      treatment which he never received as he did not present there. Since the
      beginning of the 21st century the incidence of syphilis has significantly
      increased. Although it is an infectious disease with potentially permanently
      debilitating effect e.g. on vision, its treatment is not compulsory in Poland.
      Infectious etiology and primary syphilis should always be considered in patients
      with progressive retinitis, choroiditis and vitritis.

PMID- 25137918
TI  - [Photodynamic therapy in a patient with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy-
      a case report].
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic
      therapy as the treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: A 59-year-old man was referred to the Department of Ophthalmology
      and Ocular Oncology, Jagiellonian University in Cracow with a complaint of
      recurrent visual acuity impairment in his left eye, which he had noticed for the
      first time three years earlier. The complete ophthalmic examination was extended
      by the additional diagnostic procedures of optical coherence tomography and
      fluorescein angiography and the patient was diagnosed with chronic central serous
      chorioretinopathy. He was eligible for the photodynamic therapy with a full dose
      of verteporfin, which was performed. The patient was subsequently re-assessed at
      3 and 6 months following treatment completion. During the follow up assessment
      the amount of subretinal fluid on fundus examination and the best-corrected
      visual acuity (Snellen) were evaluated. The follow up optical coherence
      tomography was also performed. RESULTS: Six months after photodynamic therapy the
      subretinal fluid resolved completely, the distance best-corrected visual acuity
      improved from 0.2 to 0.5 and the near best-corrected visual acuity from 2.25 to
      0.5. No treatment-induced adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: The
      photodynamic therapy may be effective in the management of selected cases with
      chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. central serous chorioretinopathy,
      photodynamic therapy.

PMID- 25137919
TI  - [Leukoaraiosis as a cause of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy--a
      case report].
AB  - The paper presents the case of a 61-year-old man with specific symptoms of non
      arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. The head computed tomographyscans
      revealed multiple leukoaraiotic lesions. Leukoaraiosis is a disease affecting
      small cerebral vessels. Its pathogenesis is associated with a chronic
      inflammatory process and ischemic vascular endothelial dysfunction which reduce
      the cerebral blood flow. It cannot be ruled out that this process, alongside with
      Horton disease, hypertension, diabetes and atherosclerosis, may also be involved
      in the pathogenesis of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
      leukoaraiosis, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

PMID- 25137920
TI  - [Idiopathic choroidal neovascularization--case report].
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a patient with peripapillary idiopathic choroidal
      neovascularization treated with an anti-VEGF (anti- vascular endothelial growth
      factor) agent (bevacizumab) observed during for 9 months. PATIENT AND METHODS:
      Twenty nine years old man was referred to the Department for diagnosis and
      treatment because of unilateral visual acuity decrease in the right eye (VA RE-
      0.1) and metamorphopsias. The routine ophthalmic examination revealed macular
      edema and peripapillaryedema with epiretinal and intraretinal hemorrhages. The
      optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, as well as laboratory
      tests were performed in order to exclude uveitis. Due to the difficulties in the
      diagnosis indocyanine green angiography was also performed. Based on clinical
      symptoms and the findings of the additional diagnostic procedures, the patient
      was diagnosed with idiopathic choroidal neovascularization. The patient was
      qualified for anti-VEGF therapy and received three intravitreal injections of
      bevacizumab at the dose of 1.25 mg, at monthly intervals. RESULTS: Significant
      improvement of visual acuity (VA RE - 1.0) and regression of the peripapillary
      edema with hemorrhages were achieved after the third injection of 1.25 mg
      bevacizumab. At 6 months, peripapillary scarring was observed in the area
      involved by the primary lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-VEGF therapy is the effective
      treatment of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization in the described case. The
      visual acuity improvement and rapid regression of posterior segment lesions after
      bevacizumab administration were observed.

PMID- 25137921
TI  - [Glaucoma after laser diode treatment in retinopathy of prematurity--case
      series].
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze treatment and outcomes in children with
      glaucoma secondary to diode laser photocoagulation in retinopathy of prematurity.
      METHODS: The group of 1507 newborns, examined as outpatients between 2008 and
      2013, were retrospectively analyzed. Five patients (0.3%) (nine eyes) with
      glaucoma following laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity were
      identified. Demographic and clinical data was obtained from medical records and
      compared with corresponding results in the group of glaucoma-free children
      subjected to diode laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity. The
      statistical analysis included Shapiro-Wilk test and U-Mann-Whitney test with
      statistical significance level p < 0.05. RESULTS: The following data was
      collected - mean post-menstrual age at the moment of photocoagulationwas 42 Hbd
      (38-42) and it was 49.9 (43-54) weeks at the moment of diagnosis of angle-closure
      glaucoma. The intraocular pressure was significantly elevated in nine in ten eyes
      which was confirmed objectively and the mean intraocular pressure was 32.0 mmHg
      (21.6-42.4). The mean corneal diameter was 11.25 mm (10-13) and it was associated
      with the decreased corneal thickness in pachymetry (p < 0.05). Six eyes (66.6%)
      required surgical intervention and intraocular pressure normalization was
      achieved in all patients. Additionally, the affected eyes tended to be myopic
      (mean spherical equivalent -1.625 diopter) and have a greater axial length (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Secondary glaucoma can develop following laser treatment for
      severe retinopathy of prematurity. Topical treatment and surgical intervention
      provide effective management.

PMID- 25137922
TI  - [A case of familial pupillary iris pigment epithelium cysts].
AB  - Iris cysts are rare lesions. In some cases, they may mimic melanoma and cause
      diagnostic difficulties. Through imaging tests such as ultrasound biomicroscopy
      we can evaluate the structure changes and determine the location for easy
      diagnosis. Iris cysts often require only observation. In some cases specialist
      treatment is necessary. One of the methods is transpupillary cystotomy perform
      using the Nd:YAG laser. The paper presents the case of familial pupillary cysts
      of the iris pigment epithelium in a father and a daughter.

PMID- 25137923
TI  - Is binocular vision worth considering in people with low vision?
AB  - In someone with good vision, binocular vision provides benefits which could not
      be obtained by monocular viewing only. People with visual impairment often have
      abnormal binocularity. However, they often use both eyes simultaneously in their
      everyday activities. Much remains to be known about binocular vision in people
      with visual impairment. As the binocular status of people with low vision
      strongly influences their treatment and rehabilitation, it should be evaluated
      and considered before diagnosis and further recommendations.

PMID- 25137924
TI  - [Not only optic neuropathy: new molecular and clinical aspects of OPA1 gene
      mutations].
AB  - Autosomal dominant optic nerve atrophy is the most frequent dominantly inherited
      optic neuropathy. The main causesof the disease are OPA1 gene mutations, which
      are detected in about 60% of patients. Encoded by the nuclear genome the OPA1
      protein plays an important role in a wide variety of processes crucial to the
      proper functioning of mitochondria, the role of OPAl in many of them has been
      discovered recently. A detailed study of patients with mutations in the OPA1 gene
      has shown that about 20% of them present symptoms of a multiple system disease,
      which may include hearing loss, progressive external ophthalmoplegia, ataxia,
      myopathy, peripheral neuropathy, spastic paraparesis and multiple sclerosis-like
      illness. This clinical manifestation is difficult to differentiate from other
      neurodegenerative diseases, that is why genetic testing is very important in
      order to determine the molecular basis of the disease in these patients.

PMID- 25137925
TI  - [Terson syndrome--a literature review].
AB  - Tersone syndrome was first described in 1900 as haemorrhages in the eye that
      occur as a consequence of intracranial hemorrhage. The main cause of the syndrome
      in adults is a subarachnoid hemorrhage following the rupture of intracranial
      aneurysm. The pathogenesis has not been fully understood. It is believed that the
      increase of intracranial pressure results in the hemodynamic changes in ocular
      vessels. Reported symptoms include decrease of visual acuity following
      generalized symptoms such as headache, loss of consciousness and meningealsigns.
      Physical examination usually reveals vitreous hemorrhage (classic Terson's
      syndrome) and other forms of intraocular hemorrhage. The authors reviewed the
      available literature on the Terson's Syndrome. Clinical presentation,
      pathogenesis, diagnosis, and available treatment options are presented and
      discussed, considering the rare occurrence of this disease.

PMID- 25137926
TI  - [Congenital optic disc anomalies--own observations].
AB  - The aim of this article is to present a clinical picture of congenital optic
      nerve anomalies, which occur quite frequently in the general population, may
      cause low vision and visual field defects. These abnormalities can coexist with
      central nervous system defects or the other ocular abnormalities. Some of them
      may be misdiagnosed as papilloedema during the episode of intracranial fluid
      pressure elevation or glaucomatous neuropathy. Diagnosing the congenital nerve
      optic disc defects coexisting with multiorgans anomalies requires
      multidisciplinary medical care especially in babies. developmental optic disc
      anomalies, congenital eye abnormalities, differential diagnosis.

PMID- 25137927
TI  - [Lucian Rydel (1833-1895)--ophthalmologist and the rector of the Jagiellonian
      University of Cracow].
AB  - Lucjan Rydel (1833-1895), was a Polish ophthalmologist, professor and the head of
      the Department of Ophthalmology in Cracow, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (1875
      1878 and 1882-1883), the rector of the Jagiellonian University (1884-1888). He
      studied medicine at the Jagiellonian University and the University of Vienna,
      where he received the title of Doctor of Medicine in 1859, and Doctor of Surgery
      in 1861. He was an assistant of F. Arlt. He had four sons: Adam (neurologist),
      Lucjan (poet), Mieczyslaw, Stanislaw, and two daughters: Helena and Anna. His son
      Lucjan (1870-1918) was a poet and a playwright of the Young Poland movement, a
      journalist, a critic, a social activist and a pedagogue. He was a friend of
      Stanistlaw Wyspianski. Lucjan Rydel was an author of dozens of clinical and
      research works published in Polish and German. In his works, he described the
      diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, corneal diseases, retinal degeneration,
      retinal detachment and myopia. His article published in 1864 was one of the first
      comprehensive works in Polish literature devoted to retinitis pigmentosa.

PMID- 25137928
TI  - "Employers must back speaking out safely drive".

PMID- 25137929
TI  - NICE sets out stall on staffing.

PMID- 25137930
TI  - Lack of nurses at the top leads NMC to set up advisory panel.

PMID- 25137931
TI  - Nurses "more cautious" than doctors in prescribing.

PMID- 25137933
TI  - NICE: SIDS linked to sleeping with baby.

PMID- 25137932
TI  - Training scheme cuts dementia drug use.

PMID- 25137934
TI  - Preterm survival better in larger units.

PMID- 25137935
TI  - Resist demands for antibiotics, staff told.

PMID- 25137936
TI  - Nurses support prostate cancer drug appeal.

PMID- 25137937
TI  - Nurses in Wales to get pound 160 but ministers reject blanket 1% pay rise.

PMID- 25137938
TI  - End-of-life nursing care getting better.

PMID- 25137939
TI  - Duty of candour for NHS closer to becoming law.

PMID- 25137940
TI  - RCN ends indemnity insurance cover for employed members.

PMID- 25137941
TI  - WW1 nurse to be celebrated with Royal Mint coin.

PMID- 25137942
TI  - "Unison says yes to strike action and knows it can be done safely".

PMID- 25137943
TI  - "Helping care home residents is not always in their interests".

PMID- 25137944
TI  - Sobering thoughts about liver disease.

PMID- 25137946
TI  - Overweight and obese adults: lifestyle weight management.

PMID- 25137945
TI  - Comparing nurses' and doctors' prescribing habits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nurses' prescribing activity in a mental health trust prompted
      examination of whether nurse prescribers replicate their mentors' prescribing
      habits. AIM: To explore nurses' and medical mentors' prescribing habits to inform
      nurse-prescribing strategy. METHOD: The trust's 14 most-active nurse prescribers
      and nine of their medical mentors were interviewed. Transcripts underwent
      phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: 64 themes emerged showing nurses and doctors
      approach prescribing differently. Themes were grouped into four categories.
      DISCUSSION: Nurse prescribers tend to have greater holistic awareness of patients
      but are also more risk averse. CONCLUSION: Greater strategic vision is required
      to incentivise nurse prescribing; on its current trajectory it will not meet
      identified prescribing needs.

PMID- 25137947
TI  - Nursing care for end-stage liver disease.
AB  - Nurses are seeing more and more patients with liver disease, many of whom are
      under 65. Most common causes are avoidable and, as liver disease may take up to
      30 years to develop, identifying those at risk is key. Patients with liver
      disease often have a fluctuating course of complications that needs a team
      approach to care. Improving end-of-life care can also reduce the number of these
      patients who die in hospital. This article, the first in a two-part series,
      explores some common complications of liver disease and best practice for nurses
      treating patients with end-stage liver disease.

PMID- 25137948
TI  - A toolkit for encouraging activities in care homes.
AB  - Activity is vital for the physical and psychological wellbeing of care home
      residents. It should be an integral part of their daily routine but can be viewed
      as an additional burden for busy staff. Activity is defined as everything we
      "do", and even older people who are frail can still be active. Nurses need to
      consider how activity can be incorporated into residents' daily lives; the Living
      Well Through Activity in Care Homes toolkit, produced by the College of
      Occupational Therapists, aims to help staff provide meaningful activities for
      residents.

PMID- 25137949
TI  - Reducing need to restrain vulnerable patients.
AB  - A multiprofessional consortium led by the Royal College of Nursing has developed
      guidance on reducing the need for restrictive interventions in hospitals and
      residential or care homes. The guidance, published by the Department of Health
      this year, states that nurses and other staff must create therapeutic
      environments that promote wellness, and must use restrictive interventions only
      when there is a real possibility of harm to the person, staff or the public.
      Staff must not restrain people in a way that affects their airway, breathing or
      circulation, and restrictive intervention must not include the deliberate
      application of pain. Interventions used must always be the least restrictive
      option to meet the immediate need.

PMID- 25137950
TI  - 60 seconds with Garry Swann.

PMID- 25137951
TI  - Driving down cases of TB.

PMID- 25137952
TI  - [Healthy aging].

PMID- 25137953
TI  - [Genevieve Ruault, homage to a grand lady].

PMID- 25137954
TI  - [Cerebrovascular accidents, don't forget number 15].

PMID- 25137955
TI  - [The benefits of home health aides].

PMID- 25137956
TI  - [Decision making, medical treatment and the end of life].

PMID- 25137957
TI  - [Preventing psychological suffering and suicide in the elderly].

PMID- 25137958
TI  - [A simple tool to measure the immediate wellbeing of elderly people in nursing
      homes].
AB  - Immediate wellbeing and quality of life in an institution are of paramount
      importance. The assessment of the quality of life of elderly people is both
      complex and poorly adapted to daily practices. The instant assessment of
      wellbeing tool (EVIBE), developed in the field, is an original and practical
      alternative. This tool allows caregivers to carry out an immediate assessment and
      a qualitative approach with residents while involving professionals in a well
      treatment approach improving daily practices.

PMID- 25137959
TI  - [Speech therapy for cognitive disorders in elderly patients].
AB  - The aim of providing speech therapy to elderly patients, in the framework of a
      personalised approach, is to help them maintain their autonomy and delay their
      move to a specialised hospital. The family and caregivers play an essential role
      in ensuring the success of this therapy.

PMID- 25137960
TI  - [Interprofessionalism in geriatrics].
AB  - A system for the coordinated care of elderly people in geriatrics was set up at
      Luxembourg general hospital. The creation of the short-stay geriatric unit
      resulted in a reorganisation which questioned the notions of team, cohesion and
      skill. This article describes the successful experience and the benefit it has
      brought patients.

PMID- 25137961
TI  - [Non pharmacological management of cognition disorders. Listening and calming
      tensions].

PMID- 25137962
TI  - [Non pharmacological therapies for Alzheimer's].
AB  - A number of non pharmacological therapies for Alzheimer's disease exist, focusing
      on cognitive, psycho-social, sensory, physical and environmental aspects.
      Although their absolute efficacy has not been proven, their results are
      encouraging. Outpatient therapy to maintain patients' competencies changes how
      the objectives and methods of patient care are viewed. By establishing
      individualised, relational care, it aims above all to preserve the patient's
      quality of life. It recognises the role, contribution and skill of the caregiver.

PMID- 25137964
TI  - [Nursing care and essential oils in geriatrics].
AB  - Aromatherapy is a valuable complementary therapeutic tool which is increasingly
      being used in hospitals. Essential oils help to improve patients' quality of
      life. They can be used for well-being purposes as well in specific nursing
      procedures. Some services offer aromatherapy through diffusion, inhalation,
      massages or aromatic baths. The benefits for healthcare teams as well as for
      patients are undeniable. There is also a significant reduction in the consumption
      of certain drugs.

PMID- 25137963
TI  - [The snoezelen as a form of caring].
AB  - The concept of the snoezelen originated in The Netherlands. It is based on the
      stimulation of the senses and relaxation. It offers a unique opportunity for
      human contact between the caregiver and the patient, which helps to restore self
      awareness and improve the distorted body percept. It emphasises the caring aspect
      of nursing.

PMID- 25137965
TI  - [Haptonomy in geriatric units].
AB  - Haptonomy lies at the heart of the human relationship. This specific contact
      concerns the most sensitive part of the human being and considers the person as a
      whole. The indications are notably the feeling of abandonment or insecurity.
      Testimony.

PMID- 25137966
TI  - [The therapeutic meal, a moment of sharing].
AB  - Therapeutic meals were set up at Chateau-Gombert geriatric clinic in Marseille on
      the initiative of the hospital's dietician and psychologist. They are an
      opportunity for elderly people who may or may not have cognitive disorders and
      who are suffering from eating disorders to enjoy and share in a convivial moment
      and to rediscover a sometimes forgotten ritual. The initiative has had a positive
      effect on the quantity of food eaten.

PMID- 25137968
TI  - [A storyteller in gerontology].
AB  - Storytelling in geriatrics is a way of contributing to the construction of an
      alternative to the pharmacological treatment of cognitive disorders. To carry out
      such an activity, aside from having a repertoire of targeted stories and the
      talent of a good storyteller, it is important to know how to create a convivial
      atmosphere where the patient will feel appreciated and valued.

PMID- 25137967
TI  - [A garden as a care tool in a cognitive-behavior unit].
AB  - Cognitive-behaviour units are specialised units within follow-up and
      rehabilitation care services for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. These
      units were created in response to measure 17 of the 3rd Alzheimer's Plan. To
      stabilise behavioural disorders, as part of a non pharmacological care plan, the
      therapeutic garden is a useful care tool. This article presents an original
      initiative in Nancy.

PMID- 25137969
TI  - [Bibliography. Non pharmacological management of cognition disorders].

PMID- 25137970
TI  - [Never neglect the medical history of a patient].

PMID- 25137971
TI  - [Prevention of inappropriate prescriptions in the elderly].

PMID- 25137972
TI  - Safe and sound. Informed design approaches help to prevent patient harm.

PMID- 25137973
TI  - A new utility.

PMID- 25137974
TI  - Data-driven planning. Statistical research an Lean concepts help determine space
      needs.

PMID- 25137975
TI  - Measuring up. Strategies for benchmarking cooling water systems.

PMID- 25137976
TI  - Built to last. Furniture designers push the envelope on durability, comfort and
      ergonomics.

PMID- 25137977
TI  - Surface safety. Best practices in surface and medical device disinfection.

PMID- 25137978
TI  - Adapting to the new health care environment.

PMID- 25137979
TI  - Applying Lean principles to ES operations.

PMID- 25137980
TI  - A deciding role. ES involvement in the design and construction process.

PMID- 25137981
TI  - ["I am mostly interested in special, seemingly unsolvable problems related to
      surgery" Conversation with Dr. Gabor Vogt].

PMID- 25137982
TI  - [Once more on the heart cathedral--paradogmas for the heart as a symbol].

PMID- 25137983
TI  - [The artist and his age].

PMID- 25137984
TI  - [The Helsinki Declaration at 50 years: comments on the 2013 modifications].

PMID- 25137985
TI  - [A professor of ophthalmology at the University of Harkov].

PMID- 25137986
TI  - Cross-border collaboration.

PMID- 25137987
TI  - Cure for the common clinic.

PMID- 25137988
TI  - A standard of care: patient-safety advocates issue call for watchdog.

PMID- 25137989
TI  - HHS defends expanded 340B drug discounts.

PMID- 25137990
TI  - States struggle to find sources to fund Obamacare exchanges for 2015.

PMID- 25137991
TI  - Diagnosing a community's health needs. Not-for-profit hospitals target health
      improvement efforts under reform law.

PMID- 25137992
TI  - The flaw in the law. Millions at risk of losing coverage in lawsuit challenging
      subsidies.

PMID- 25137993
TI  - Better reporting--the next step in reducing patient harm.

PMID- 25137994
TI  - Healthcare leaders must live in today's world and plan for tomorrow's.

PMID- 25137995
TI  - Committed to publicly reporting both the good and the bad.

PMID- 25137996
TI  - Hospital margins slump due to squeeze from volume, rates, investments.

PMID- 25137997
TI  - Smarter checklists. Designers of comprehensive app hope to advance hospital use
      of patient-safety tools.

PMID- 25137998
TI  - The big bulk up. Hospital systems grow through dealmaking as regulators fret
      about prices.

PMID- 25137999
TI  - Efficient, quality care can aid shrinking margins.

PMID- 25138000
TI  - Acquisitions and affiliations: how the new wave is different.

PMID- 25138001
TI  - Maine hospital slashes transfusions, reducing patient risk, costs.

PMID- 25138002
TI  - Think more about how technology affects quality.

PMID- 25138003
TI  - Don't blame fat.

PMID- 25138004
TI  - The changing lives of teens. Kids have cut some risky behaviors--and picked up
      others.

PMID- 25138005
TI  - Dieters, beware. Supplements for weight loss are heavy on claims and light on
      scientific proof.

PMID- 25138006
TI  - The contraception showdown.

PMID- 25138007
TI  - Applications of induced pluripotent stem cells in the modeling of human
      inflammatory bowel diseases.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic and involve the gastrointestinal
      tract; the two primary IBDs are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Existing
      treatments for IBD include control of active inflammation and regulation of
      immune disorders, and commonly used drugs include salicylates, corticosteroids,
      and immunosuppressants. At the same time, an in-depth study of IBD pathogenesis
      promoted the acceptance of bioimmunotherapy by increasing numbers of people.
      However, long-term use of these drugs can cause adverse reactions that are
      difficult for patients to overcome, with limited efficacy for critically ill
      patients. Recent studies have found that stem cell transplantation is a new and
      effective therapy and IBD treatment, particularly for refractory cases. Stem
      cells, especially induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), can differentiate into
      functional intestinal epithelia and their use avoids ethical issues arising from
      embryonic stem cells, providing a new kind of seed cell for alternative
      treatments for IBD. This paper reviews iPSCs as a potential new treatment for
      IBDs in order to provide an experimental and clinical reference. 

PMID- 25138008
TI  - The composition of WHO's expert committee on essential medicines needs more
      scrutiny.

PMID- 25138009
TI  - Egg-yolk protein by-product as a source of ACE-inhibitory peptides obtained with
      using unconventional proteinase from Asian pumpkin (Cucurbita ficifolia).
AB  - In the present study angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides
      were isolated from egg-yolk protein preparation (YP). Enzymatic hydrolysis
      conducted using unconventional enzyme from Cucurbita ficifolia (dose: 1000 U/mg
      of hydrolyzed YP (E/S (w/w)=1:7.52)) was employed to obtain protein hydrolysates.
      The 4-h hydrolysate exhibited a significant (IC50=482.5 MUg/mL) ACE inhibitory
      activity. Moreover, hydrolysate showed no cytotoxic activity on human and animal
      cell lines which makes it a very useful multifunctional method for peptide
      preparation. The compiled isolation procedure (ultrafiltration, size-exclusion
      chromatography and RP-HPLC) of bioactive peptides from YP hydrolysate resulted in
      obtaining peptides with the strong ACE inhibitory activity. One homogeneous and
      three heterogeneous peptide fractions were identified. The peptides were composed
      of 9-18 amino-acid residues, including mainly arginine and leucine at the N
      terminal positions. To confirm the selected bioactive peptide sequences their
      analogs were chemically synthesized and tested. Peptide LAPSLPGKPKPD showed the
      strongest ACE inhibitory activity, with IC50 value of 1.97 MUmol/L. BIOLOGICAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: Peptides with specific biological activity can be used in
      pharmaceutical, cosmetic or food industries. Because of their potential role as
      physiological modulators, as well as theirhigh safety profile, they can be used
      as natural pharmacological compounds or functional food ingredients. The
      development of biotechnological solutions to obtain peptides with desired
      biological activity is already in progress. Studies in this area are focused on
      using unconventional highly specific enzymes and more efficient methods developed
      to conduct food process technologies. Natural peptides have many advantages. They
      are mainly toxicologically safe, have wide spectra of therapeutic actions,
      exhibit less side effects compared to synthetic drugs and are more efficiently
      absorbed in the intestinal tract. The complexity of operation of large scale
      technologies and high cost of purification techniques are limiting factors to the
      commercialization of food-derived bioactive peptides. Research on the isolation
      of bioactive peptides in order to reduce the processing time and costs is
      continuously developing. Bioactive peptides can also be released from protein by
      products of the food industry, which reduce the substrate expense and production
      cost as well as provide the added advantage of an efficient waste disposal.
      Moreover, proteins as precursors of food-derived peptides are well-tolerated by
      the human body and therefore their application in drug development may reduce
      costs and duration of toxicological studies during research, development and
      clinical trials.

PMID- 25138012
TI  - Cross-national comparison of job satisfaction in doctors during economic
      recession.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Job satisfaction in doctors is related to migration, burnout,
      turnover and health service quality. However, little is known about their job
      satisfaction during economic recessions. Iceland and Norway have similar health
      care systems, but only Iceland was affected severely by the 2008 economic crisis.
      AIMS: To examine job satisfaction in Icelandic and Norwegian doctors, to compare
      job satisfaction with Icelandic data obtained before the current recession and to
      examine job satisfaction in response to cost-containment initiatives. METHODS: A
      survey of all doctors working in Iceland during 2010, a representative comparison
      sample of Norwegian doctors from 2010 and a historic sample of doctors who worked
      at Landspitali University Hospital in Iceland during 2003. The main outcome
      measure was job satisfaction, which was measured using a validated 10-item scale.
      RESULTS: Job satisfaction levels in Icelandic doctors (response rate of 61%, n =
      622/1024), mean = 47.7 (SD = 10.9), were significantly lower than those of
      Norwegian doctors (response rate of 67%, n = 1025/1522), mean = 53.2 (SD = 8.5),
      after controlling for individual and work-related factors. Doctors at Landspitali
      University Hospital (response rate of 59%, n = 345/581) were less satisfied
      during the recession. Multiple regression analysis showed that cost-containment
      significantly affected job satisfaction (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Job
      satisfaction in doctors was lower in Iceland than in Norway, which may have been
      attributable partly to the current economic recession.

PMID- 25138013
TI  - The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among mushroom workers in Ireland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, hypersensitivity
      pneumonitis and upper airways symptoms have been ascribed to fungal exposures.
      Mushroom workers may be at risk of these as a consequence. AIMS: To assess the
      prevalence of respiratory symptoms in mushroom workers. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study assessed 4 weeks of respiratory symptoms among mushroom workers
      divided into four categories of exposure, using a self-administered respiratory
      questionnaire and spirometry. RESULTS: The population of 191 subjects was
      predominantly (66%) from Eastern Europe; 61% were women and 39% were under 30. It
      included 73 growers, 38 composters, 26 administrators and 52 packers. Among all
      workers, there was a high prevalence (67%) of one or more respiratory symptoms
      which did not appear to vary by age, gender, pack-years of smoking or duration of
      employment. There was a significant improvement in respiratory symptoms in
      workers during absence from the workplace (P < 0.001). Spirometry readings across
      all groups were within normal values. Symptom profiles suggest that as many as 22
      workers had symptoms of airways disease; 18 (82%) of these were mushroom growers.
      Growers were significantly more likely to have symptoms consistent with airways
      disease than all other workers, odds ratio 9.2 (95% CI 3.0-28.4). CONCLUSIONS:
      There was a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms among mushroom workers.
      Mushroom growers may be at high risk of airways disease, possibly from fungal
      antigens or related exposures.

PMID- 25138014
TI  - An overview of the sequence features of N- and C-terminal segments of the human
      chemokine receptors.
AB  - Chemokine receptors play a crucial role in the cellular signaling enrolling
      extracellular ligands chemotactic proteins which recruit immune cells. They
      possess seven trans-membrane helices, an extracellular N-terminal region with
      three extracellular hydrophilic loops being important for search and recognition
      of specific ligand(s), and an intracellular C-terminal region with three
      intracellular loops that couple G-proteins. Although the functional aspects of
      the terminal segments of the extra-and intra-cellular G proteins are universally
      identified, the molecular basis on which they rest are still unclear because they
      are not definable by means of X-rays due to their high mobility and are not easy
      to study in the membrane. The purpose of this work is to define which physical
      chemical properties of the terminal segments of the human chemokine receptors are
      at the basis of their functional mechanisms. Therefore, we have evaluated their
      physical-chemical properties in terms of amino acid composition, local
      flexibility, disorder propensity, net charge distribution and putative sites of
      post-translational modifications. Our results support the conclusion that all 19
      C-terminal and N-terminal segments of human chemokine receptors are very flexible
      due to the systematic presence of intrinsic disorder. Although, the purpose of
      this plasticity clearly appears that of controlling and modulating the binding of
      ligands, we provide evidence that the overlap of linearly charged stretches,
      intrinsic disorder and post-translational modification sites, consistently found
      in these motives, is a necessary feature to exert the function. The role of the
      intrinsic disorder has been discussed considering the structural information
      coming from intrinsically disordered model compounds which support the view that
      the chemokine terminals have to be considered as strong polyampholytes or
      polyelectrolytes where conformational ensembles and structural transitions
      between them are modulated by charge fraction variations. Also the role of post
      translational modifications has been found coherent with this view because,
      changing the charge fraction, they guide structural transitions between
      ensembles. Moreover, we have also considered our results from an evolutionary
      point of view in order to understand if the features found in humans were also
      present in other species. Our data evidenced that the structural features of the
      human terminals of the chemokine receptors were shared and evolutionarily
      conserved particularly among mammals. This means that the various organisms not
      only tolerate but select intrinsic disorder for the terminal regions of their
      receptors, reflecting constraints that point to molecular recognition. In
      conclusion the terminal segments of chemokine receptors must be considered as
      strong polyampholytes where the charge fraction variations induced by post
      translational modifications are the driving physico-chemical feature able to
      adapt the conformations of the terminal segments to their functions. 

PMID- 25138015
TI  - Development of a cytokine-producing immortalized murine Kupffer cell line.
AB  - Kupffer cells (KC) play a critical role in both liver physiology and the
      pathogenesis of various liver diseases. Isolated primary KC have a limited
      lifespan in culture, and due to the relatively low number obtained, limit their
      study in vitro. Here, a cytokine-producing immortalized KC (ImKC) line was
      established from transgenic mice that express the thermolabile mutant tsA58 of
      the Simian virus 40 large T antigen under the control of the H-2k(b) promoter.
      Primary KC were obtained using a three step procedure: liver perfusion,
      centrifugal elutriation, and sorting for F4/80+ cells. ImKC were identified
      within the small-intermediate population of KC that maintained stable expression
      of F4/80, and the surface antigens CD11b, CD14 and TLR4. ImKC grow at IFNgamma
      independent manner at 37 degrees C and exhibited a doubling time of ~24 h when
      cultured in RPMI 1640 with 5% FBS. Our observations indicate that both activation
      of telomerase and expression of P53 are markedly increased, suggesting that
      enhanced telomerase activity and P53 expression may contribute to the
      immortalization of this cell population. ImKC cells maintained a high capacity to
      phagocytose FITC-latex beads, and bind/phagocytose erythrocytes. In addition,
      similar to primary KC, ImKC responded to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS: 0.1-1MUg/ml) by upregulating mRNA levels of TNFalpha (23-fold), IL-6 (28
      fold), and IL-1beta (1459-fold), as measured by qRT-PCR. Protein levels of
      TNFalpha and IL-6 were also increased, 10-fold and 12-fold, respectively.
      Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production were significantly
      enhanced in ImKC following an LPS challenge. Furthermore, LPS elicited a marked
      increase in mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) phospho-(ERK1/2, JNK) and NF
      kappaB p50 with decreased IkappaBalpha in ImKC, as assessed by Western blot.
      Collectively, these results demonstrate that the ImKC line retains critical
      characteristics of primary KC, and thus provides a useful tool to assess the role
      of KC in liver injury and chronic diseases.

PMID- 25138016
TI  - Serum cytokine profiles of Khorasan veterans 23 years after sulfur mustard
      exposure.
AB  - Sulfur mustard (SM) is an incapacitating chemical warfare agent that was used
      against Iranian soldiers during the period from 1983 to 1988. We have
      investigated serum cytokines profiles of Khorasan veterans who were exposed to SM
      >23 years earlier. Forty-four male Iranian veterans who had >40% disabilities due
      to delayed complications of SM poisoning and had disabilities were investigated.
      A total of 30 healthy male volunteers (relatives of the veterans) were selected
      as the control group. Cytokine levels were measured in the serum of case and
      control subjects using commercial ELISA kits. Hematologic parameters (white/red
      blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, immune cell differentials) were also
      performed on blood samples from the study subjects. The results indicated that
      serum levels of ICAM-1 were significantly higher in the samples from SM-exposed
      veterans (772.8 [+/- 15.1] ng/ml [p=0.014] vs. control values of 710.2 [+/- 20.0]
      ng/ml). On the other hand, serum IL-1beta, IL-8 levels and TNFalpha, were
      significantly lower for the veterans than the controls (IL-1beta: 3.8 [+/- 0.1]
      vs. 4.3 [+/- 0.2] pg/ml, p=0.037; IL-8: 21.0 [+/- 6.1] vs. 84.6 [+/- 20.3] pg/ml,
      p=0.002; TNFalpha: 4.5 [+/- 0.1] vs. 5.5 [+/- 0.1] pg/ml, p=0.027). Levels of
      other assayed cytokines, e.g., IL-2, -4, -5, -6, -10, and -12, IFNgamma, TNFbeta,
      and sVCAM-1 were not significantly different between the study populations. None
      of the assayed hematologic parameters appeared to differ as well. It seems
      possible that dysfunctions could have been induced in the innate immune functions
      of the SM-exposed veterans as a result of these changes in cytokine expression
      and that these, in turn, may have contributed to the increased incidence of a
      myriad of diseases that have been documented in these veterans, including
      cancers. Future studies must focus on examining the significance of these changes
      in circulating cytokines and their potential contribution to the development of
      different diseases in veterans exposed to SM.

PMID- 25138017
TI  - Interleukin-28A enhances autoimmune disease in a retinal autoimmunity model.
AB  - Interleukin-28A (IL-28A), a member of type III interferons (IFN-lambdas),
      promotes antiviral, antitumor and immune responses. However, its ability to
      regulate autoimmune diseases is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the
      effect of IL-28A on retinal antigen-induced experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis
      (EAU), a mouse model of human T-cell-mediated autoimmune eye disease. We found
      that administration of IL-28A enhanced EAU scores and autoimmune response
      parameters including delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), Ag-specific T cell
      proliferation and the production of Ag-specific IL-17 and IFN-gamma in the
      priming phase. The effect of IL-28A was abrogated by administration of a
      neutralizing antibody against IL-28A. Our results suggest that IL-28A is capable
      of exacerbating a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Thus, targeting IL-28A may
      provide a new therapeutic approach to T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases such as
      uveitis. 

PMID- 25138018
TI  - Bone marrow involvement of Langerhans cell histiocytosis: immunohistochemical
      evaluation of bone marrow for CD1a, Langerin, and S100 expression.
AB  - AIMS: Although bone marrow (BM) involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis
      (LCH) is a negative prognostic indicator, there are no widely accepted criteria
      to define BM involvement in LCH. We evaluated the BM of LCH patients at diagnosis
      by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for S100, CD1a and Langerin, along with
      other features. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of
      75 patients diagnosed as LCH at our center. IHC stains of Langerin, CD1a and S100
      were done using paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Only three cases showed
      massive involvement of clustered Langerhans cells. There were linear associations
      between positive cell count and disease extent. Some discordant results between
      Langerin and CD1a IHC stains were noted. Among cases showing positive results for
      all three IHC stains, six patients (54.5%) were in the multisystem group, and
      three patients (27.3%) had cytopenias. The reactivation-free survival rates did
      not differ between the group positive for CD1a or Langerin, and the group
      negative for Langerin and CD1a. CONCLUSIONS: Langerin and CD1a seem to be useful
      markers of Langerhans cells, and S100 might be a nonspecific marker for these
      cells, in the BM. Both Langerin and CD1a IHC staining is needed to evaluate the
      BM involvement of LCH.

PMID- 25138019
TI  - An online version of the Mooney Face Test: phenotypic and genetic associations.
AB  - The Mooney Face Test is a widely used test of face perception, but was originally
      designed to be administered by personal interview. We have developed a three
      alternative forced-choice version for online testing. We tested 397 healthy
      adults between the ages of 18 and 42 (M=24 years). There was a wide range of
      performance (64-100% correct; M=89.6%). We observed a significant sex difference
      favoring males (.31 standard deviation; p =.004). In addition, independently of
      sex, higher 2D:4D digit ratios were significantly associated with higher scores
      (rho=.14, p=.006). A genome-wide association study (GWAS) for a subset of 370
      participants identified an association between Mooney performance and a
      polymorphism in the RAPGEF5 gene (rs1522280; p=9.68*10(-8)). This association
      survives a permutation test (p=.031). 

PMID- 25138020
TI  - Repeating pulmonary rehabilitation: prevalence, predictors and outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone of care
      in chronic respiratory diseases; yet its benefits diminish over time. Repeating
      PR may be beneficial; however, little is known about the characteristics and
      outcomes of repeaters. This study aimed to establish the proportion of repeaters,
      identify characteristics that predict repetition and compare the magnitude of
      benefits achieved between initial and subsequent programmes. METHODS: Patients
      with stable chronic respiratory diseases who attended PR over a 9-year period
      were included. Outcome measures included the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and the
      Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire-Self-Reported (CRDQ-SR). Independent
      predictors of repeating were identified. RESULTS: Of 296 patients, 59 (20%)
      repeated PR, most within 1-3 years. Following the initial programme, repeaters
      had significant decline in 6MWD (-96.1 +/- 84.6 m; P < 0.001) and CRDQ-SR scores
      (mean decline -3.6 points, range -0.1 to -7.9 points; P < 0.005). The improvement
      in 6MWD was less in the repeat programme compared with the first (38.4 +/- 50.7 m
      vs 67 +/- 40.4 m; P = 0.005), while the change in CRDQ-SR was similar in all
      domains. A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis increased the odds of
      repeating PR (odds ratio (OR) 4.8; P = 0.005) while improved mastery in the
      initial programme reduced the odds (OR 0.9; P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: One in five
      patients repeated PR, achieving clinically significant improvements in exercise
      tolerance and quality of life. Patients with small improvements in disease
      mastery after initial PR were more likely to repeat the programme and may benefit
      from earlier intervention or longer duration PR.

PMID- 25138022
TI  - Coadministrating luteolin minimizes the side effects of the aromatase inhibitor
      letrozole.
AB  - Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been used as adjuvant therapeutic agents for
      breast cancer. Their adverse side effect on blood lipid is well documented. Some
      natural compounds have been shown to be potential AIs. In the present study, we
      compared the efficacy of the flavonoid luteolin to the clinically approved AI
      letrozole (Femara; Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ) in a cell and a
      mouse model. In the in vitro experimental results for aromatase inhibition, the
      Ki values of luteolin and letrozole were estimated to be 2.44 uM and 0.41 nM,
      respectively. Both letrozole and luteolin appeared to be competitive inhibitors.
      Subsequently, an animal model was used for the comparison. Aromatase-expressing
      MCF-7 cells were transplanted into ovariectomized athymic mice. Luteolin was
      given by mouth at 5, 20, and 50 mg/kg, whereas letrozole was administered by
      intravenous injection. Similar to letrozole, luteolin administration reduced
      plasma estrogen concentrations and suppressed the xenograft proliferation. The
      regulation of cell cycle and apoptotic proteins-such as a decrease in the
      expression of Bcl-xL, cyclin-A/D1/E, CDK2/4, and increase in that of Bax-was
      about the same in both treatments. The most significant disparity was on blood
      lipids. In contrast to letrozole, luteolin increased fasting plasma high-density
      lipoprotein concentrations and produced a desirable blood lipid profile. These
      results suggested that the flavonoid could be a coadjuvant therapeutic agent
      without impairing the action of AIs. 

PMID- 25138023
TI  - [Burnout among high school students and tobacco use].

PMID- 25138021
TI  - Thrombin inhibition with dabigatran protects against high-fat diet-induced fatty
      liver disease in mice.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of obesity
      and metabolic syndrome. Robust coagulation cascade activation is common in obese
      patients with NAFLD. We identified a critical temporal relationship between
      thrombin generation and the manifestation of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and
      injury in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 1, 2, and 3 months. Mice
      fed a HFD exhibited dramatic increases in hepatocellular injury and inflammation
      over time. Hepatic fibrin deposition preceded an increase in serum alanine
      aminotransferase, and the most dramatic changes in liver histopathology occurred
      in conjunction with a detectable increase in plasma thrombin-antithrombin levels
      at 3 months. To directly determine whether thrombin activity promotes NAFLD
      pathogenesis, mice were fed a HFD and simultaneously treated with the direct
      thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate for 3 months. Notably, dabigatran
      treatment significantly reduced hepatic fibrin deposition, hepatic inflammation,
      hepatocellular injury, and steatosis in mice fed a HFD. Of interest, dabigatran
      treatment also significantly attenuated HFD-induced body weight gain. Gene
      expression analysis suggested that thrombin potentially drives NAFLD pathogenesis
      by altering the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism and bile
      acid synthesis. Collectively, the results suggest that thrombin activity is
      central to HFD-induced body weight gain, liver injury, and inflammation and
      provide the proof-of-principle evidence that pharmacological thrombin inhibition
      could be effective in limiting NAFLD and associated pathologies. 

PMID- 25138024
TI  - Urinary metabolomics for noninvasive detection of borderline and acute T cell
      mediated rejection in children after kidney transplantation.
AB  - The goal of this study was to evaluate the utility of urinary metabolomics for
      noninvasive diagnosis of T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) in pediatric kidney
      transplant recipients. Urine samples (n = 277) from 57 patients with surveillance
      or indication kidney biopsies were assayed for 134 unique metabolites by
      quantitative mass spectrometry. Samples without TCMR (n = 183) were compared to
      borderline tubulitis (n = 54) and TCMR (n = 30). Partial least squares
      discriminant analysis identified distinct classifiers for TCMR (area under
      receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.892; 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 0.827-0.957) and borderline tubulitis (AUC = 0.836; 95% CI 0.781-0.892),
      respectively. Application of the TCMR classifier to borderline tubulitis samples
      yielded a discriminant score (-0.47 +/- 0.33) mid-way between TCMR (-0.20 +/-
      0.34) and No TCMR (-0.80 +/- 0.32) (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Discriminant
      scoring for combined borderline/TCMR versus No TCMR (AUC = 0.900; 95% CI 0.859
      0.940) applied to a validation cohort robustly distinguished between samples with
      (-0.08 +/- 0.52) and without (-0.65 +/- 0.54, p < 0.001) borderline/TCMR (p <
      0.001). The TCMR discriminant score was driven by histological t-score, ct-score,
      donor-specific antibody and biopsy indication, and was unaffected by renal
      function, interstitial or microcirculatory inflammation, interstitial fibrosis or
      pyuria. These preliminary findings suggest that urinary metabolomics is a
      sensitive, specific and noninvasive tool for TCMR identification that is superior
      to serum creatinine, with minimal confounding by other allograft injury
      processes.

PMID- 25138025
TI  - Inflammation and immune system activation after traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Treatment options for managing traumatic brain injury remain limited. Therapies
      that limit the development of secondary brain injury--the delayed injury that can
      occur days to weeks after initial presentation--would have a major impact on
      outcomes and reduce the medical, social, and economic burden of this devastating
      disease. A growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation and activation of
      the immune system is a central driver of secondary brain injury. This article
      reviews the evidence for inflammation mediating secondary injury after head
      trauma and outlines potential approaches for immunomodulatory therapies after
      traumatic brain injury.

PMID- 25138028
TI  - The challenge: do pharmaceuticals present a risk to the environment, and what
      needs to be done to answer the question?

PMID- 25138027
TI  - In response: industry perspective.

PMID- 25138026
TI  - Endogenous retrovirus-K and nervous system diseases.
AB  - A new appreciation of the microbiome is changing the way we perceive human health
      and disease. The holobiontic nature of humans is even etched into our DNA in the
      form of viral symbionts. Empirical evidence for the presence of endogenous
      retroviruses (ERVs) in the human genome and their activity in homeostatic and
      pathologic states has accumulated; however, no causal relationship with human
      disease has been established to date. In this review, we will focus on the role
      of endogenous retrovirus-K in neurologic disease. Specifically, we will attempt
      to reconcile the pathologic contribution of ERVK in disparate neurologic diseases
      by providing evidence as to inter-individual differences in ERVK genotypes,
      addressing the molecular regulation of ERVK, and provide detailed examples of
      ERVK-mediated processes in nervous system diseases. 

PMID- 25138029
TI  - In response: governmental perspective.

PMID- 25138030
TI  - Thrombospondin-1 is produced by retinal glial cells and inhibits the growth of
      vascular endothelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: By the release of antiangiogenic factors, Muller glial cells
      provide an angiostatic environment in the normal and ischemic retina. We
      determined whether Muller cells produce thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a known
      inhibitor of angiogenesis. METHODS: Secretion of TSP-1 by cultured Muller cells
      was determined with ELISA. Slices of rat retinas and surgically excised retinal
      membranes of human subjects were immunostained against TSP-1 and the glial marker
      vimentin. The effects of TSP-1 on the growth of bovine retinal endothelial cells
      (BRECs) and activation of ERK1/2 were determined with DNA synthesis and migration
      assays, and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Cultured Muller cells
      secrete TSP-1 under normoxic and hypoxic (0.2% O2) conditions. Secretion of TSP-1
      was increased in hypoxia compared to normoxia. In rat retinal slices, glial,
      retinal ganglion, and possibly horizontal cells were stained for TSP-1. Retinal
      glial cells in preretinal membranes from human subjects with nonhypoxic
      epiretinal gliosis (macular pucker) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy,
      respectively, were immunopositive for TSP-1. Exogenous TSP-1 reduced the VEGF
      induced proliferation and migration of BRECs and decreased the phosphorylation
      level of ERK1/2 in BRECs. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that Muller cells are one
      major source of TSP-1 in the normal and ischemic retina. Glia-derived TSP1 may
      inhibit angiogenic responses in the ischemic retina.

PMID- 25138031
TI  - Lutecium fluoride hollow mesoporous spheres with enhanced up-conversion
      luminescent bioimaging and light-triggered drug release by gold nanocrystals.
AB  - Uniform Na5Lu9F32 hollow mesoporous spheres (HMSs) have been successfully
      prepared by a facile and mild (50  degrees C for 5 h) coprecipitation process,
      and Au nanocrystals (NCs) with particle size of about 10 nm were conjugated to
      poly(ether imide) (PEI) modified HMSs by electrostatic interaction. Compared with
      Na5Lu9F32:Yb/Er HMSs, the up-conversion (UC) luminescence intensity of
      Na5Lu9F32:Yb/Er@Au HMSs was much higher under low pump power due to the local
      field enhancement (LFE) of Au NCs, and there is a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
      effect with nonradiative transitions which generates a thermal effect. These two
      effects have been proved by theoretical discrete-dipole approximation (DDA)
      simulation. The good biocompatibility of Na5Lu9F32:Yb/Er@Au HMSs indicates them
      as a promising candidate in the biological field. Particularly, under near
      infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, a rapid doxorubicin (DOX) release was achieved
      due to the thermal effect of Au NCs. In this case, Na5Lu9F32:Yb/Er@Au HMSs
      exhibit an apparent NIR light-controlled "on/off" drug release pattern. In
      addition, UC luminescent images uptaken by cells show brighter green and red
      emission under NIR laser excitation. Therefore, this novel multifunctional
      (mesoporous, enhanced UC luminescent, and light-triggered drug release) material
      should be potential as a suitable targeted cancer therapy carrier and bioimaging.

PMID- 25138034
TI  - Coronary artery tortuosity in spontaneous coronary artery dissection:
      angiographic characteristics and clinical implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly
      recognized nonatherosclerotic cause of acute coronary syndrome. The angiographic
      characteristics of SCAD are largely undetermined. The goal of this study was to
      determine the prevalence of coronary tortuosity in SCAD and whether it may be
      implicated in the disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with confirmed SCAD
      (n=246; 45.3+/-8.9 years; 96% women) and 313 control patients without SCAD or
      coronary artery disease who underwent coronary angiography were included in this
      case-control study. Angiograms were reviewed for coronary tortuosity and assigned
      a tortuosity score. Tortuosity was common in patients presenting with their first
      SCAD event (78% versus 17% in controls; P<0.0001; tortuosity score, 4.41+/-1.73
      versus 2.33+/-1.49 in controls; P<0.0001) despite a low prevalence of
      hypertension (34%). Recurrent SCAD (n=40) occurred within segments of tortuosity
      in 80% of cases. Severe tortuosity (>=2 consecutive curvatures >=180 degrees )
      was associated with a higher risk of recurrent SCAD (hazard ratio, 3.29; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.99-8.29; P=0.05). Tortuosity score >5 was associated with
      a trend toward higher risk of recurrent SCAD (P=0.16). Prespecified angiographic
      markers of tortuosity including corkscrew appearance and multivessel symmetrical
      tortuosity were associated with extracoronary vasculopathy including
      fibromuscular dysplasia (P<0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery
      tortuosity is highly prevalent in the SCAD population and is associated with
      recurrent SCAD. Recurrent SCAD most often occurs within segments of tortuosity.
      Angiographic features of SCAD are associated with extracoronary vasculopathy,
      including fibromuscular dysplasia. These findings suggest that coronary
      tortuosity may serve as a marker or potential mechanism for SCAD.

PMID- 25138035
TI  - Effect of single tibial artery revascularization on microcirculation in the
      setting of critical limb ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benefits of 2-dimensional (2D) angiosome-oriented infrapopliteal
      revascularization remain controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was
      to clarify the effect of single tibial artery revascularization on the dorsal and
      plantar microcirculation of critically ischemic limbs based on skin perfusion
      pressure (SPP). METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-seven interventions that only involved
      either anterior tibial artery (ATA) or posterior tibial artery (PTA)
      revascularization were included in this study. SPP was measured on the dorsal
      side (theoretically ATA perfusion area) and the plantar side (theoretically PTA
      perfusion area) before and after the procedure. Dorsal and plantar SPP increased
      significantly, from 33 (IQR 23-40.5) to 52 (IQR 32.5-65) mm Hg (P<0.0001) and
      31.6+/-16.1 to 44.8+/-19.2 mm Hg (P=0.001) after ATA revascularization,
      respectively, and from 29.3+/-14.0 to 42.4+/-19.7 mm Hg (P=0.003) and 29.3+/-9.8
      to 43.5+/-15.9 mm Hg (P<0.001) after PTA revascularization, respectively. Both
      ATA and PTA revascularization were not associated with any significant
      differences in DeltaSPP between the dorsal and the plantar regions of the foot.
      Only 64% and 58% of ATA revascularization cases showed higher post-SPP and
      DeltaSPP on the dorsal side than on the plantar side, respectively. Also, only
      47% and 40% of PTA revascularization cases showed higher post-SPP and DeltaSPP on
      the plantar side than on the dorsal side, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Single
      tibial artery revascularization, whether of the ATA or PTA, yielded comparable
      improvements in microcirculation of the dorsal and plantar foot. Approximately
      half of the feet revascularized had a change in microcirculation that was not
      consistent with the 2D angiosome theory.

PMID- 25138036
TI  - Management and outcome of metastatic clear cell sarcoma.

PMID- 25138037
TI  - Treatment of fracture sequelae of the proximal humerus: comparison of
      hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fracture sequelae (FS) of the proximal humerus is a challenging
      scenario in shoulder surgery. Despite they have been traditionally treated with
      hemiarthroplasty (HA), the use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has been
      recently introduced. However, there are no studies comparing the results of HA
      and RSA in FS. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional and
      quality of life-related outcomes, and complications in the treatment of proximal
      humeral FS between HA and RSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A therapeutic prospective
      non-randomized comparative study was conducted. All consecutive patients with
      diagnosis of FS after non-operative treatment of proximal humeral fractures and
      no previous shoulder surgery were considered for this study. A total of 32
      patients (24 females, 8 males) with a mean (SD) age at the time of surgery of
      80.1 (4.9) years were finally included: 12 in the HA group, and 20 in the RSA
      group. FS were treated with shoulder arthroplasty by the implantation of either
      HA or RSA. Constant score (total and specific items), quality of life (assessed
      through SF-36), and complications requiring revision surgery were compared
      between groups. RESULTS: All parameters of the Constant score significantly
      improved in the postoperative compared to preoperative period when considering
      the entire sample. The RSA group demonstrated a higher improvement in total
      Constant score (p = 0.06) and Constant activity level (p = 0.02) compared to the
      HA group. The HA demonstrated a higher number of complications compared to the
      RSA (p = 0.05). There were no differences in SF-36 scores between both groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The shoulder arthroplasty is an effective treatment for FS with
      significant improvement in pain and function. The RSA may be a better option than
      HA for FS given the trend towards better total Constant score and a significantly
      lower number of complications requiring revision surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic level II evidence.

PMID- 25138038
TI  - Effects of diesel and kerosene on germination and growth of coastal wetland plant
      species.
AB  - This study aims to investigate effects of diesel and kerosene on seed germination
      and seedling growth among coastal wetland plants to select species that can be
      used for the restoration and revegetation of oil-polluted habitats. Tests on 51
      species were performed in Petri dishes containing 0 %, 6 %, 12 %, and 18 %
      diesel, 20 %, 40 %, and 60 % kerosene; each treatment combination was replicated
      five times with 20 seeds in each Petri dish. All dishes were held in a growth
      chamber with 20 degrees C day of 12 h/15 degrees C night of 12 h in 80 % humidity
      for 20 days for calculating the germination percentage, seedling weight, and
      seedling vitality. The germination percentage of Rumex stenophyllus decreased
      significantly in diesel and kerosene treatments. The weights of seedlings treated
      with diesel and kerosene either increased or decreased in comparison with
      controls depending on the species. Vitality percentage values were high for
      seedlings of Chenopodium ficifolium. Thus, herbaceous plant responses to oil
      treatments are species-specific.

PMID- 25138039
TI  - Prevalence comparisons of somatic and psychiatric symptoms between community
      nonpatients without pain, acute pain patients, and chronic pain patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Somatic/psychiatric symptoms are frequently found in chronic pain
      patients (CPPs). The objectives of this study were to determine 1) which
      somatic/psychiatric symptoms are more commonly found in acute pain patients
      (APPs) and CPPs vs community nonpatients without pain (CNPWPs) and 2) if
      somatic/psychiatric symptom prevalence differs between APPs and CPPs. DESIGN: The
      above groups were compared statistically for endorsement of 15 symptoms: fatigue,
      numbness/tingling, dizziness, difficulty opening/closing mouth, muscle weakness,
      difficulty staying asleep, depression, muscle tightness, nervousness,
      irritability, memory, falling, nausea, concentration, and headaches. RESULTS:
      After controlling for age, gender, and level of pain, APPs and CPPs had a
      statistically significantly greater prevalence (at a P < 0.01 level) for 11 and
      13 symptoms, respectively, vs CNPWPs. After controlling for age, gender, and
      level of pain, CPPs had a statistically significantly greater prevalence (at a P
      < 0.01 level) for eight symptoms vs APPs. Symptoms were highly correlated in both
      APPs and CPPs. CONCLUSIONS: CPPs are characterized to a significantly greater
      extent than comparison groups by somatic/psychiatric symptoms that are highly
      intercorrelated. This has implications for clinical practice and future research.

PMID- 25138040
TI  - Using and interpreting serum albumin and prealbumin as nutritional markers in
      patients on chronic dialysis.

PMID- 25138042
TI  - Ser9-phosphorylated GSK3beta induced by 14-3-3zeta actively antagonizes cell
      apoptosis in a NF-kappaB dependent manner.
AB  - The activity of glycogen synthase kinase beta (GSK3beta) is mainly regulated by
      its Ser9 phosphorylation. It has been believed for a long time that Ser9
      phosphorylation regulates the functions of GSK3beta through inhibition of its
      kinase activity. In this study, we have confirmed the interaction of Ser9
      phosphorylated GSK3beta with 14-3-3zeta by using GST pull-down assays. We show
      that 14-3-3zeta enhances Ser9 phosphorylation of GSK3beta by PKC. Surprisingly,
      using a NF-kappaB luciferase reporter system, we find that Ser9-phosphorylation
      of GSK3beta promoted by 14-3-3zeta is critical for the activation of NF-kappaB
      pathway, which may thwart the pro-apoptotic activity of GSK3beta. Inhibition of
      either NF-kappaB or GSK3beta significantly abolishes the anti-apoptotic effect of
      14-3-3zeta and Ser9-phosphorylated GSK3beta, suggesting that Ser9-phosphorylated
      GSK3beta actively antagonizes cell apoptosis in a NF-kappaB dependent manner. 

PMID- 25138041
TI  - Influence of irradiation time on subsurface degree of conversion and
      microhardness of high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of irradiation time on degree of conversion
      (DC) and microhardness of high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composites in depths up
      to 6 mm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four bulk-fill materials (Tetric EvoCeram Bulk
      Fill--TECBF; x-tra fil--XF; QuixFil--QF; SonicFill-SF) and one conventional nano
      hybrid resin composite (Tetric EvoCeram--TEC) were irradiated for 10, 20, or 30 s
      at 1,170 mW/cm(2). DC and Knoop microhardness (KHN) were recorded after 24-h dark
      storage at five depths: 0.1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 mm. Data were statistically analyzed
      using ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-hoc test (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: With
      increasing bulk thickness, DC and KHN significantly decreased for TEC. TECBF and
      SF showed a significant decrease in DC and KHN at 4-mm depth after 10-s
      irradiation, but no decrease in DC after 30-s irradiation (p > 0.05). XF and QF
      demonstrated no significant DC decrease at depths up to 6 mm after irradiation of
      at least 20 s. At 4-mm depth, all materials tested achieved at least 80 % of
      their maximum DC value, irrespective of irradiation time. However, at the same
      depth (4 mm), only XF and QF irradiated for 30 s achieved at least 80 % of their
      maximum KHN value. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding DC, the tested bulk-fill resin
      composites can be safely used up to at least 4-mm incremental thickness. However,
      with respect to hardness, only XF and QF achieved acceptable results at 4-mm
      depth with 30 s of irradiation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Minimum irradiation times
      stated by the manufacturers cannot be recommended for placement of high-viscosity
      bulk-fill materials in 4-mm increments.

PMID- 25138043
TI  - The economic burden of time-loss injuries to youth players participating in week
      long rugby union tournaments.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Rugby Union ("rugby") is a popular sport with high injury risk.
      Burden of injury is described by the incidence and severity of injury. However
      reports have ignored the monetary cost of injuries. Therefore the aim of this
      study was to describe the monetary cost associated with youth rugby injuries.
      DESIGN: This descriptive study quantified medical treatments of injured players
      at the South African Rugby Union Youth tournaments in 2011/2012 and the days of
      work parents missed as a result of the injuries. A health insurer used these data
      to calculate associated costs. METHODS: Legal guardians of the 421 injured
      players were contacted telephonically on a weekly basis until they returned to
      play. Treatments costs were estimated in South African Rands based on 2013
      insurance rates and converted to US$ using purchasing power parities. RESULTS: Of
      the 3652 players, 2% (n=71) sought medical care after the tournament. For these
      players, average treatment costs were high (US$731 per player, 95% CI: US$425
      US$1096), with fractures being the most expensive type of injury. Players with
      medical insurance had higher costs (US$937, 95% CI: US$486-US$1500) than those
      without (US$220, 95% CI: US$145-US$302). CONCLUSIONS: Although a minority of
      players sought follow-up treatment after the tournaments, the cost of these
      injuries was high. Players without medical insurance having lower costs may
      indicate that these players did not receive adequate treatment for their
      injuries. Injury prevention efforts should consider injuries with high costs and
      the treatment of players without medical insurance.

PMID- 25138044
TI  - The coupling of tautomerization to hydration in the transition state on the
      pyrimidine photohydration reaction path.
AB  - The ground state reaction path for formation of the pyrimidine hydrates was
      calculated using a nudged elastic band (NEB) approach, combined with a
      calculation of the transition state, and implemented using a numerical basis set
      in the density functional theory (DFT) code DMol(3). The model systems used for
      study consist of 1-methyl pyrimidines with a H2O molecule as the reactant, and
      the corresponding C5-hydro-C6-hydroxypyrimidine as the product. The barrier to
      addition of water across the C5-C6 pi-bond ranges from 43-48 kcal mol(-1) in the
      1-methylpyrimidines (1-MP) studied. Similar but slightly smaller barriers of 34
      45 kcal mol(-1) were found for the tautomers of the 1-MPs, i.e. the enols of
      uridine and thymine and imine of cytosine. Comparison of these calculations with
      previous computational and experimental work suggests that a hot ground state
      formed by the rapid internal conversion of pyrimidines has sufficient energy to
      permit crossover from the common form to the tautomeric form of the pyrimidine at
      the transition state. The hot ground state mechanism can account for the
      experimentally observed yield and thermal reversion of pyrimidine photohydrates,
      while simultaneously explaining the effect of photohydrates on the mutation rate.

PMID- 25138045
TI  - Effect of different assumptions for brain water content on absolute measures of
      cerebral oxygenation determined by frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy in
      preterm infants: an observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brain-water content (BWC) decreases with maturation of the brain and
      potentially affects parameters of cerebral oxygenation determined by near
      infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Most commercially available devices do not take
      these maturational changes into account. The aim of this study was to determine
      the effect of different assumptions for BWC on parameters of cerebral oxygenation
      in preterm infants. METHODS: Concentrations of oxy-, deoxy- and total hemoglobin
      and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcStO2) were calculated based on
      absolute coefficients of absorption and scattering determined by multi-distance
      Frequency-Domain-NIRS assuming BWCs of 75-95%, which may be encountered in
      newborn infants depending on gestational and postnatal age. RESULTS: This range
      of BWC gave rise to a linear modification of the assessed NIRS parameters with a
      maximum change of 10%. This may result in an absolute overestimation of rcStO2 by
      (median (range)) 4 (1-8)%, if the calculation is based on the lowest BWC (75%) in
      an extremely preterm infant with an anticipated BWC of 95%. CONCLUSION:
      Clinicians wishing to rely on parameters of cerebral oxygenation determined by
      NIRS should consider that maturational changes in BWC not taken into account by
      most devices may result in a deviation of cerebral oxygenation readings by up to
      8% from the correct value.

PMID- 25138046
TI  - Effect of atrazine and fenitrothion at no-observed-effect-levels (NOEL) on
      amphibian and mammalian corticosterone-binding-globulin (CBG).
AB  - This study determines the effect of atrazine and fenitrothion no-observed-effect
      levels (NOEL) on the binding of corticosterone (B) to corticosterone-binding
      globulin (CBG) in an amphibian and a mammal. Plasma from five cane toads and five
      Wistar rats was exposed to atrazine and fenitrothion at the NOEL approved for
      Australian fresh water residues and by the World Health Organization (WHO). The
      concentration required to displace 50% (IC50) of B binding to CBG was determined
      by a competitive microdialysis protein assay. Competition studies showed that
      both atrazine and fenitrothion at NOEL are able to compete with B for CBG binding
      sites in toad and rat plasma. The IC50 levels for atrazine in toads and rats were
      0.004 nmol/l and 0.09 nmol/l respectively. In the case of fenitrothion the IC50
      level found in toads was 0.007 nmol/l, and 0.025 nmol/l in rats. Plasma dilution
      curves showed parallelism with the curve of B, demonstrating that these agro
      chemicals are competitively inhibiting binding to CBG. The displacement of B by
      atrazine and fenitrothion would affect the total:free ratio of B and consequently
      disrupt the normal stress response. This is the first time that the potential
      disruptive effect of atrazine and fenitrothion on B-CBG interaction at the NOELs
      has been demonstrated in amphibian and mammalian models.

PMID- 25138047
TI  - The reliability of fetal MRI in the assessment of brain malformations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the inter- and intraobserver reliability of different fetal
      MRI measurements in cases of fetal brain malformations and to examine the
      concordance between ultrasonography (US) and MRI findings. METHODS: Fetal brain
      MRIs and US findings of 56 pregnant women were retrieved from the institutional
      database. Standardized fetal brain MRI measurements were performed by 4
      observers, and the inter- and intraobserver reliability was determined.
      Additionally, US and MRI findings were retrospectively compared. RESULTS: The
      interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was above 0.9 for the
      cerebellum and posterior horn of the lateral ventricle. The measurements
      regarding the third ventricle (0.50), the fourth ventricle (0.58), and the corpus
      callosum (0.63) showed poor reliability. Overall, the intraobserver reliability
      was greater than the interobserver reliability. US and MRI findings were
      discordant in 29% of the cases with MRI rendering an extended diagnosis in 18%, a
      change of diagnosis in 3.6%, and excluding pathological findings suspected on US
      in 7.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal MRI is a valuable complement to US in the
      investigation of fetal brain malformations. The reliability of most parameters
      was high, except for the measurements of the third and fourth ventricles and the
      corpus callosum.

PMID- 25138048
TI  - Targeting primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma.

PMID- 25138049
TI  - 'Sex' in the cancer cell.

PMID- 25138050
TI  - Deletion of Ptprd and Cdkn2a cooperate to accelerate tumorigenesis.
AB  - PTPRD encodes the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type D and is frequently
      inactivated across many human cancers. Despite its frequent inactivation, it is
      unknown whether loss of PTPRD promotes tumorigenesis in vivo. PTPRD is located on
      chromosome 9p, as is CDKN2A, and the two loci are frequently deleted together.
      Here, we show that co-deletion of Ptprd and Cdkn2a cooperate to accelerate
      tumorigenesis. Interestingly,heterozygous loss of Ptprd was sufficient to promote
      tumorigenesis in our model, suggesting that Ptprd may be a haploinsufficient
      tumor suppressor. The loss of Ptprd resulted in changes to the tumor spectrum in
      mice and increased the frequency of lymphomas. In total, we reveal that Ptprd is
      a tumor suppressor that can promote tumorigenesis in concert with Cdkn2a loss. 

PMID- 25138051
TI  - Denosumab mimics the natural decoy receptor osteoprotegerin by interacting with
      its major binding site on RANKL.
AB  - Bone homeostasis critically relies on the RANKL-RANK-OPG axis which can be
      targeted by the fully human monoclonal antibody denosumab in conditions with
      increased bone resporption such as bone metastases. The binding site and
      therefore the molecular mechanism by which this antibody inhibits RANKL has not
      been characterized so far. Here, we used random peptide phage display library
      screenings to identify the denosumab epitope on RANKL. Alignments of phage
      derived peptide sequences with RANKL suggested that this antibody recognized a
      linear epitope between position T233 and Y241. Mutational analysis confirmed the
      core residues as critical for this interaction. The spatial localization of this
      epitope on a 3-dimensional model of RANKL showed that it overlapped with the
      major binding sites of OPG and RANK on RANKL. We conclude that denosumab inhibits
      RANKL by both functional and molecular mimicry of the natural decoy receptor OPG.

PMID- 25138054
TI  - Recurrence of a Delayed-Onset Posttraumatic Renal Pseudoaneurysm after Initially
      Successful Transarterial Embolization.
AB  - Hemodynamically stable patients with renal injury can be managed conservatively.
      Anatomy typically leads to physiologic confinement of urinomas or renal hematomas
      to the interfascial planes of the retroperitoneum. In the presented case there
      was unusual reperfusion 14 days after a successful embolization of a renal
      pseudoaneurysm, at this time 28 days after the initiating trauma. This article
      discusses the evolution, treatment options and possible underlying causes for the
      reperfusion of this late-onset renal pseudoaneurysm.

PMID- 25138052
TI  - Inhibition of lung tumor growth by targeting EGFR/VEGFR-Akt/NF-kappaB pathways
      with novel theanine derivatives.
AB  - The molecularly targeted agents, including anti-VEGF or anti-EGFR monoclonal
      antibody and some inhibitors of EGFR tyrosine kinase, are effective in the
      treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to a certain extent, but the
      benefit for a proportion of patients is still limited. Hence, it is necessary and
      urgent to develop more selective and effective molecular targeted agents against
      lung cancer. Here, we have synthesized novel theanine derivatives, methyl
      coumarin-3-carboxylyl L-theanine (TMC), ethyl coumarin-3-carboxylyl L-theanine
      (TEC), ethyl 6-fluorocoumarin- 3-carboxylyl L-theanine (TFC), and ethyl 6
      nitrocoumarin-3-carboxylyl L-theanine (TNC), which are fluorescent small
      molecules, based on their parental compound theanine and studied their anticancer
      activities in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models of human and mouse cancers. Our
      results show that the four theanine derivatives significantly inhibit the lung
      cancer cell migration and the growth of lung cancer and leukemia cell lines. TFC
      and TNC display enhanced effects with anticancer drugs cytarabine vincristine,
      andmethotrexate on inhibition of lung cancer cell growth and no toxicity to the
      normal human embryonic lung fibroblast and peripheral blood lymphocytes. TFC and
      TNC exhibit strong suppression of the highly metastatic Lewis lung cancer (LLC)
      and A549 tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice without toxicity to mice. TFC and TNC
      can effectively suppress the growth of lung cancer cells in vitro, ex vivo and in
      vivo by targeting EGFR/VEGFR-Akt/NF-kappaB pathways. Our study has suggested that
      TFC and TNC may have the therapeutic and/or adjuvant therapeutic applications in
      the treatment of lung cancers and other cancer. 

PMID- 25138053
TI  - Clusterin inhibition using OGX-011 synergistically enhances zoledronic acid
      activity in osteosarcoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite recent improvements in therapeutic management of osteosarcoma,
      ongoing challenges in improving the response to chemotherapy warrants new
      strategies still needed to improve overall patient survival. Among new
      therapeutic approaches, zoledronic acid (ZOL) represents a promising adjuvant
      molecule to chemotherapy to limit the osteolytic component of bone tumors.
      However, ZOL triggers the elevation of heat shock proteins (Hsp), including Hsp27
      and clusterin (CLU), which could enhance tumor cell survival and treatment
      resistance. We hypothesized that targeting CLU using siRNA or the antisense drug,
      OGX-011, will suppress treatment-induced CLU induction and enhance ZOL-induced
      cell death in osteosarcoma (OS) cells. METHODS: The combined effects of OGX-011
      and ZOL were investigated in vitro on cell growth, viability, apoptosis and cell
      cycle repartition of ZOL-sensitive or -resistant human OS cell lines (SaOS2,
      U2OS, MG63 and MNNG/HOS). RESULTS: In OS cell lines, ZOL increased levels of
      HSPs, especially CLU, in a dose- and time-dependent manner by mechanism including
      increased HSF1 transcription activity. The OS resistant cells to ZOL exhibited
      higher CLU expression level than the sensitive cells. Moreover, CLU
      overexpression protects OS sensitive cells to ZOL-induced cell death by
      modulating the MDR1 and farnesyl diphosphate synthase expression. OGX-011
      suppressed treatment-induced increases in CLU and synergistically enhanced the
      activity of ZOL on cell growth and apoptosis. These biologic events were
      accompanied by decreased expression of HSPs, MDR1 and HSF1 transcriptional
      activity. In vivo, OGX-011, administered 3 times a week (IP, 20mg/kg),
      potentiated the effect of ZOL (s.c; 50ug/kg), significantly inhibiting tumor
      growth by 50% and prolonging survival in MNNG/HOS xenograft model compared to ZOL
      alone. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that ZOL-mediated induction of CLU can
      be attenuated by OGX-011, with synergistic effects on delaying progression of
      osteosarcoma.

PMID- 25138056
TI  - The psychometric properties of the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)
      in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a literature review.
AB  - Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQL) is particularly important in
      patients with progressive and incurable diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis (IPF). The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) has frequently
      been used to measure HRQL in patients with IPF, but it was developed for patients
      with obstructive lung diseases. The aim of this review was to examine published
      data on the psychometric performance of the SGRQ in patients with IPF. A
      comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies reporting data on the
      internal consistency, construct validity, test-retest reliability, and
      interpretability of the SGRQ in patients with IPF, published up to August 2013.
      In total, data from 30 papers were reviewed. Internal consistency was moderate
      for the SGRQ symptoms score and excellent for the SGRQ activity, impact and total
      scores. Validity of the SGRQ symptoms, activity, impact and total scores was
      supported by moderate to strong correlations with other patient-reported outcome
      measures and with a measure of exercise capacity. Most correlations were
      moderately strong between SGRQ activity or total scores and forced or static
      vital capacity, the most commonly used marker of IPF severity. There was evidence
      that changes in SGRQ domain and total scores could detect within-subject
      improvement in health status, and differentiate groups of patients whose health
      status had improved, declined or remained unchanged. Although the SGRQ was not
      developed specifically for use with patients with IPF, on balance, its
      psychometric properties are adequate and suggest that it may be a useful measure
      of HRQL in this patient population. However, several questions remain
      unaddressed, and further research is needed to confirm the SGRQ's utility in IPF.

PMID- 25138057
TI  - Serum microRNA-29 levels correlate with disease progression in patients with
      chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of serum microRNA-29 (miR-29) as a biomarker
      for the prediction of disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) infection. METHODS: Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction assay, serum miR-29a, miR-29b and miR-29c levels were measured in
      patients with chronic HBV infection, and the correlation between serum miR-29
      levels and the participants' liver biochemistry, fibrotic stage and
      necroinflammation grade were also evaluated. RESULTS: Altogether 91 patients with
      chronic HBV infection were divided by fibrotic stage into S0/1 (no or mild
      fibrosis), S2/3 (progressive fibrosis) and S4 (cirrhosis) subgroups, and 12
      healthy individuals were also included in the study. Serum miR-29a and miR-29c in
      S0-3 were significantly higher than those in S4 patients (P < 0.001); however,
      the difference between S0/1 and S2/3 patients was not significant. miR-29b levels
      were higher in S0/1 patients than in other patient groups, but did not differ
      between S2/3 and S4 patients. At fibrotic stages of S0/1 and S2/3, patients with
      no or mild liver inflammation (G0/1) tended to express higher miR-29 levels than
      those with advanced inflammation (G2-4) (P > 0.05). miR-29a-c showed significant
      correlation with alanine transaminase levels (P < 0.05 for miR-29a, miR-29b and
      miR-29c) in S0-3 patients. The expression of miR-29 was highest in immune
      tolerant patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum miR-29 levels are negatively
      correlated with liver fibrotic stages and necroinflammation grades in patients
      with chronic HBV infection. miR-29 appears to be a novel biomarkers for
      predicting disease progression in these patients.

PMID- 25138055
TI  - PET imaging in ischemic cerebrovascular disease: current status and future
      directions.
AB  - Cerebrovascular diseases are caused by interruption or significant impairment of
      the blood supply to the brain, which leads to a cascade of metabolic and
      molecular alterations resulting in functional disturbance and morphological
      damage. These pathophysiological changes can be assessed by positron emission
      tomography (PET), which permits the regional measurement of physiological
      parameters and imaging of the distribution of molecular markers. PET has
      broadened our understanding of the flow and metabolic thresholds critical for the
      maintenance of brain function and morphology: in this application, PET has been
      essential in the transfer of the concept of the penumbra (tissue with perfusion
      below the functional threshold but above the threshold for the preservation of
      morphology) to clinical stroke and thereby has had great impact on developing
      treatment strategies. Radioligands for receptors can be used as early markers of
      irreversible neuronal damage and thereby can predict the size of the final
      infarcts; this is also important for decisions concerning invasive therapy in
      large ("malignant") infarctions. With PET investigations, the reserve capacity of
      blood supply to the brain can be tested in obstructive arteriosclerosis of the
      supplying arteries, and this again is essential for planning interventions. The
      effect of a stroke on the surrounding and contralateral primarily unaffected
      tissue can be investigated, and these results help to understand the symptoms
      caused by disturbances in functional networks. Chronic cerebrovascular disease
      causes vascular cognitive disorders, including vascular dementia. PET permits the
      detection of the metabolic disturbances responsible for cognitive impairment and
      dementia, and can differentiate vascular dementia from degenerative diseases. It
      may also help to understand the importance of neuroinflammation after stroke and
      its interaction with amyloid deposition in the development of dementia. Although
      the clinical application of PET investigations is limited, this technology had
      and still has a great impact on research into cerebrovascular diseases.

PMID- 25138058
TI  - Ranolazine as a promising treatment option for atrial fibrillation:
      electrophysiologic mechanisms, experimental evidence, and clinical implications.
AB  - Currently available agents for pharmacologic management of atrial fibrillation
      (AF) are limited by their suboptimal efficacy and nonnegligible proarrhythmic
      risk. Ranolazine (RN) is a novel antianginal agent with increasingly appreciated
      antiarrhythmic properties that can suppress ventricular and supraventricular
      arrhythmias including AF. In this review, we describe the electrophysiological
      properties of RN, focusing on atrial-selective inhibition of a number of ion
      channels implicated in the development of AF, particularly the sodium current. We
      further summarize evidence from experimental studies that demonstrate a potent AF
      suppressing effect of RN, alone or in combination with other antiarrhythmic
      drugs. Of clinical relevance, we present growing evidence from preliminary
      clinical investigations indicating the safety and efficacy of RN for prevention
      and treatment of AF in various clinical settings including prevention of AF in
      patients with acute coronary syndromes, prevention and conversion of
      postoperative AF after surgical coronary revascularization, sinus rhythm
      maintenance in drug-resistant recurrent AF, and facilitating of electrical or
      pharmacological cardioversion in cardioversion-resistant patients. While current
      experimental and clinical evidence points to RN as a potentially promising agent
      for suppression of AF, well-designed, large-scale trials will be required before
      RN can be considered for pharmacological treatment of AF in clinical practice. 

PMID- 25138059
TI  - Adolescent chronic pain and association to perinatal factors: linkage of Birth
      Registry data with the Young-HUNT Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the associations of birthweight,
      gestation and 5-min Apgar score with self-reported chronic nonspecific pain in a
      large, unselected adolescent population. METHODS: The third population-based Nord
      Trondelag Health Study (HUNT) included 8200 adolescents aged 13-19 years,
      constituting 78.2% of adolescents in Nord-Trondelag County. In the target age
      group, 13-18 years, data on pain frequency from 10 localizations were available
      from 7373 adolescents. Chronic nonspecific pain was defined as pain at least once
      a week during the last 3 months, not related to any known disease or injury.
      Chronic multisite pain was defined as chronic pain in at least three
      localizations, and chronic daily pain was defined as chronic pain almost every
      day. Perinatal data were retrieved from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, and
      data were available for 7120 of the 7373 adolescents. Covariates included
      adolescent and maternal general health measures from the HUNT study. RESULTS: We
      found no consistent association between preterm birth and chronic pain and no
      clear association between birthweight and chronic pain complaints in adolescence.
      Post-term birth in boys and a low 5-min Apgar score in both sexes tended to
      increase the reporting of chronic pain in adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal
      factors, and especially preterm birth and low birthweight, did not seem to have a
      major impact on pain complaints in adolescence.

PMID- 25138061
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of darunavir/ritonavir once daily in virologically
      suppressed, treatment-experienced HIV-infected children.

PMID- 25138062
TI  - Acid-promoted chemoselective introduction of amide functionality onto aromatic
      compounds mediated by an isocyanate cation generated from carbamate.
AB  - Carbamates have been used as precursors of isocyanates, but heating in the
      presence of strong acids is required because cleavage of the C-O bond in
      carbamates is energy-demanding even in acid media. Direct amidation of aromatic
      compounds by isocyanate cations generated at room temperature from carbamoyl
      salicylates in trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH) was examined. Carbamates with
      ortho-salicylate as an ether group (carbamoyl salicylates) showed dramatically
      accelerated O-C bond dissociation in TfOH, which resulted in facile generation of
      the isocyanate cation. These chemoselective intermolecular aromatic amidation
      reactions proceeded even at room temperature and showed good compatibility with
      other electrophilic functionalities and high discrimination between N
      monosubstituted carbamate and N,N-disubstituted carbamate. The reaction rates of
      secondary and tertiary amide formation were markedly different, and this
      difference was utilized to achieve successive (tandem) amidation reactions of
      molecules with an N-monosubstituted carbamate and an N,N-disubstituted carbamate
      with two kinds of aromatic compounds.

PMID- 25138060
TI  - Star-shaped poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate) with
      porphyrin core: synthesis, self-assembly, singlet oxygen research and recognition
      properties.
AB  - Star-shaped porphyrin-cored poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(lactobionamidoethyl
      methacrylate) block copolymers (SPPLA-b-PLAMA) were synthesized via RAFT of
      unprotected Lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate (LAMA) in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone
      (NMP) solution at 70  degrees C. The structure of this as-synthesized SPPLA-b
      PLAMA block copolymer was thoroughly studied by nuclear magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and Fourier transforms
      infrared. Moreover, under the irradiation, such SPPLA-b-PGAMA copolymer exhibits
      efficient singlet oxygen generation (0.17) and indicates high fluorescence
      quantum yields (0.20). Notably, with UV-vis investigation, SPPLA-b-PLAMA showed a
      very specific recognition with RCA120 lectin. This will not only provide
      potentially prophyrin-cored star-shaped SPPLA-b-PLAMA block copolymers for
      targeted photodynamic therapy, but also improve the physical, biodegradation,
      biocompatibility properties of PLA-based biomaterials.

PMID- 25138063
TI  - High- but not low-intensity light leads to oxidative stress and quality loss of
      cold-stored baby leaf spinach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality management in the fresh produce industry is an important
      issue. Spinach is exposed to various adverse conditions (temperature, light,
      etc.) within the supply chain. The present experiments were conducted to
      investigate the effect of light conditions (dark, low-intensity light (LL) and
      high-intensity light (HL)) and photoperiod (6 h HL and 18 h dark) on the quality
      changes of cold-stored spinach. RESULTS: HL exposure resulted in oxidative
      stress, causing tissue damage and quality loss as evidenced by increased membrane
      damage and water loss. The content of total ascorbic acid was reduced under HL
      conditions. On the other hand, storage of spinach under LL conditions gave
      promising results, as nutritional quality was not reduced, while texture
      maintenance was improved. No significant differences, with the exception of
      nutritional quality, were found between spinach leaves stored under continuous
      (24 h) low-intensity light (30-35 umol m(-2) s(-1)) and their counterparts stored
      under the same light integral over 6 h (130-140 umol m(-2) s(-1)). CONCLUSION: LL
      extended the shelf-life of spinach. The amount of light received by the leaves
      was the key factor affecting produce quality. Light intensity, however, has to be
      low enough not to cause excess oxidative stress and lead to accelerated
      senescence.

PMID- 25138064
TI  - Effect of almond consumption on the serum fatty acid profile: a dose-response
      study.
AB  - Consumption of almonds has been shown to be associated with a decreased risk of
      CHD, which may be related to their fatty acid (FA) composition. However, the
      effect of almond consumption on the serum FA composition is not known. Therefore,
      in the present study, we investigated whether almond consumption would alter the
      serum FA profile and risk of CHD, as calculated using Framingham's 10-year risk
      score, in a dose-dependent manner in hyperlipidaemic individuals when compared
      with a higher-carbohydrate control group using dietary interventions
      incorporating almonds. A total of twenty-seven hyperlipidaemic individuals
      consumed three isoenergetic (mean 1770 kJ/d) supplements during three 1-month
      dietary phases: (1) full-dose almonds (50-100 g/d); (2) half-dose almonds with
      half-dose muffins; (3) full-dose muffins. Fasting blood samples were obtained at
      weeks 0 and 4 for the determination of FA concentrations. Almond intake (g/d) was
      found to be inversely associated with the estimated Framingham 10-year CHD risk
      score (P= 0.026). In both the half-dose and full-dose almond groups, the
      proportions of oleic acid (OA) and MUFA in the TAG fraction (half-almond: OA P=
      0.003; MUFA P= 0.004; full-almond: OA P< 0.001; MUFA P< 0.001) and in the NEFA
      fraction (half-almond: OA P= 0.01; MUFA P= 0.04; full-almond: OA P= 0.12; MUFA P=
      0.06) increased. The estimated Framingham 10-year CHD risk score was inversely
      associated with the percentage change of OA (P= 0.011) and MUFA (P= 0.016)
      content in the TAG fraction. The proportions of MUFA in the TAG and NEFA
      fractions were positively associated with changes in HDL-cholesterol
      concentrations. Similarly, the estimated Framingham 10-year CHD risk score was
      inversely associated with the percentage change of OA (P= 0.069) and MUFA content
      in the NEFA fraction (P= 0.009). In conclusion, the results of the present study
      indicate that almond consumption increases OA and MUFA content in serum TAG and
      NEFA fractions, which are inversely associated with CHD lipid risk factors and
      overall estimated 10-year CHD risk. 

PMID- 25138065
TI  - CXCL13 as a new biomarker of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis -
      from bench to bedside?
AB  - Different studies over the last decade have linked the B cell-attracting
      chemokine CXC ligand 13 (CXCL13) to the autoimmune disease systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE). A pathogenetic role of this chemokine for disease
      manifestation in SLE was described initially in mouse models for SLE. Mechanisms
      of CXCL13 actions were also identified in SLE patients. Moreover, various
      clinical studies have identified CXCL13 serum levels as a useful biomarker in
      patients with SLE of different ethnicities for disease activity. In addition,
      CXCL13 seems to be a promising marker for the diagnosis of lupus nephritis, one
      of the most severe complications of SLE. However, its exact place within the
      mechanisms that lead to SLE remains to be defined. Further research is needed to
      resolve more details of the pathomechanism and the signalling pathway of CXCL13
      in SLE. Blocking CXCL13 or the signal pathways of CXCL13 is seen as a promising
      therapeutic approach for SLE and will be addressed in the near future. This
      review summarizes all papers that linked CXCL13 to SLE and highlights its
      importance in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of SLE. 

PMID- 25138066
TI  - Hyalurosome gene regulation and dose-dependent restoration of skin atrophy by
      retinaldehyde and defined-size hyaluronate fragments in dermatoporosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dermatoporosis is an emerging clinical condition caused by
      chronological skin aging, long-term sun exposure and chronic use of
      corticosteroids; however, genomic expression in dermatoporosis and the efficacy
      of different therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat dermatoporosis have not
      been investigated so far. OBJECTIVE: We examined the possible effect of topical
      retinaldehyde (RAL) and defined-size hyaluronate fragments (HAFi) on the
      expression of hyalurosome genes potentially involved in the pathogenesis of
      dermatoporosis. We also explored the effect of different concentrations of HAFi
      on skin thickness. METHODS: 13 persons were separated into a young control group
      (n = 8) and a dermatoporosis group (n = 5). Topical treatment of both groups with
      a combination of 0.05% RAL and 1 or 0.2% HAFi was applied on the forearm twice
      daily for 30 days. Forearm skin biopsies of both groups were performed before and
      after application. Hyalurosome genes CD44, heparin-binding epidermal growth
      factor (HB-EGF), ErbB1, hyaluronate synthase 3 (HAS3) and Hyal2 were chosen as
      potential markers of dermatoporosis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed for quantification of mRNA expression of the
      target hyalurosome genes. Measurement of forearm skin thickness before and after
      treatment was performed by ultrasonography. Analysis of the results was done by
      Student's t test. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
      RESULTS: In qRT-PCR analysis the relative expression of hyalurosome (CD44, HAS3,
      HB-EGF) genes was found to be reduced in patients prior to topical treatment and
      to be notably increased following treatment. The reduced expression of CD44 and
      HAS3 in patients was specifically restored in dermatoporotic patients after
      treatment. No difference in skin thickness was observed in controls after
      treatment. The treatment caused a significant increase in skin thickness in
      dermatoporotic patients. This increase was more significant with 1% HAFi when
      compared to 0.2% HAFi. RAL and HAFi also caused a significant reduction in
      purpuric lesions in patients with dermatoporosis. CONCLUSION: Our results
      indicate that topically applied RAL and HAFi regulate hyalurosome gene expression
      in dermatoporosis and that they show a dose-dependent effect on the correction of
      skin atrophy in dermatoporotic patients.

PMID- 25138067
TI  - Differential accumulation of callose, arabinoxylan and cellulose in nonpenetrated
      versus penetrated papillae on leaves of barley infected with Blumeria graminis f.
      sp. hordei.
AB  - In plants, cell walls are one of the first lines of defence for protecting cells
      from successful invasion by fungal pathogens and are a major factor in basal host
      resistance. For the plant cell to block penetration attempts, it must adapt its
      cell wall to withstand the physical and chemical forces applied by the fungus.
      Papillae that have been effective in preventing penetration by pathogens are
      traditionally believed to contain callose as the main polysaccharide component.
      Here, we have re-examined the composition of papillae of barley (Hordeum vulgare)
      attacked by the powdery mildew fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh) using
      a range of antibodies and carbohydrate-binding modules that are targeted to cell
      wall polysaccharides. The data show that barley papillae induced during infection
      with Bgh contain, in addition to callose, significant concentrations of cellulose
      and arabinoxylan. Higher concentrations of callose, arabinoxylan and cellulose
      are found in effective papillae, compared with ineffective papillae. The papillae
      have a layered structure, with the inner core consisting of callose and
      arabinoxylan and the outer layer containing arabinoxylan and cellulose. The
      association of arabinoxylan and cellulose with penetration resistance suggests
      new targets for the improvement of papilla composition and enhanced disease
      resistance. 

PMID- 25138069
TI  - Genetic analysis of Enterobius vermicularis isolated from a chimpanzee with
      lethal hemorrhagic colitis and pathology of the associated lesions.
AB  - Human pinworms, Enterobius vermicularis, are normally recognized as minor
      pathogens. However, a fatal case of human pinworm infection has been reported in
      a nonhuman primate, a zoo reared chimpanzee. Here, we histopathologically
      examined the lesions in tissues from the deceased chimpanzee and genetically
      characterized the isolated worms to investigate the pathogenicity and determine
      the phylogeny. We identified ulcers deep in the submucosa where many parasites
      were found to have invaded the lamina propria mucosa or submucous tissue. An
      inflammatory reaction consisting mainly of neutrophils and lymphocytes but not
      eosinophils was observed around the parasites, and intense hemorrhage in the
      lamina propria was confirmed. The parasites were morphologically similar to E.
      vermicularis based on the shape of the copulatory spicules. Mitochondrial
      cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene products were amplified from worm DNA by PCR
      and were genetically identified as E. vermicularis based on >98.7% similarity of
      partial sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences clustered
      together with other chimpanzee E. vermicularis isolates in a group which has been
      referred to as type C and which differs from human isolates (type A). The samples
      were negative for bacterial pathogens and Entamoeba histolytica indicating that
      E. vermicularis could be pathogenic in chimpanzees. Phylogenetic clustering of
      the isolates indicated that the parasite may be host specific.

PMID- 25138070
TI  - Exsheathment and midgut invasion of nocturnally subperiodic Brugia malayi
      microfilariae in a refractory vector, Aedes aegypti (Thailand strain).
AB  - Exsheathment and midgut invasion of nocturnally subperiodic Brugia malayi
      microfilariae were analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy in a
      refractory vector, Aedes aegypti (Thailand strain). Results showed that
      exsheathed microfilariae represented only approximately 1% of the total
      microfilaria midguts dissected at 5-min post-infected blood meal (PIBM). The
      percentage of exsheathed microfilariae found in midguts progressively increased
      to about 20, 60, 80, 90, and 100% at 1-, 2-5-, 6-12-, 18-36-, and 48-h PIBM,
      respectively. Importantly, all the microfilariae penetrating the mosquito midguts
      were exsheathed. Midgut invasion by the exsheathed microfilariae was observed
      between 2- and 48-h PIBM. SEM analysis revealed sheathed microfilariae surrounded
      by small particles and maceration of the microfilarial sheath in the midguts,
      suggesting that the midguts of the refractory mosquitoes might have protein(s)
      and/or enzyme(s) and/or factor(s) that induce and/or accelerate exsheathment. The
      microfilariae penetrated the internal face of the peritrophic matrix (PM) by
      their anterior part and then the midgut epithelium, before entering the hemocoel
      suggesting that PM was not a barrier against the microfilariae migrating towards
      the midgut. Melanized microfilariae were discovered in the hemocoel examined at
      96-h PIBM suggesting that the refractory mosquitoes used melanization reactions
      against this parasite. This study provided evidence that A. aegypti (Thailand
      strain) has refractory mechanisms against B. malayi in both midgut and hemocoel.

PMID- 25138071
TI  - Outcomes of repeat laparoscopic liver resection compared to the primary
      resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Repeat laparoscopic liver resection (R-LLR) can be technically
      challenging. Data on this topic are scarce and many investigators would question
      its feasibility and outcomes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
      safety, feasibility, oncological efficiency and outcomes of R-LLR. METHODS: We
      reviewed a prospectively collected database of 403 patients undergoing 422
      laparoscopic liver resections (LLRs) from August 2003 to August 2013. Data of 19
      patients undergoing R-LLR were analyzed and compared to the primary resection (P
      LLR) in these patients. Demographic and clinical data were studied. A subgroup
      analysis was done for minor resections. RESULTS: Twenty R-LLRs were performed in
      19 patients (female 58 %; mean age: 57.5 years; age range: 23-79 years).
      Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) were the commonest indication for R-LLR (60
      %), followed by neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NETLM) (20 %) and
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (10 %). The majority (90 %) of resections were for
      malignant disease (18/20). There were three conversions (15 %), and two patients
      developed complications (10 %). The operative time (p = 0.005) and blood loss (p
      = 0.03) were both significantly greater in R-LLR compared to P-LLR, whereas
      length of stay (median 4 days; p = 0.30) and complications (p = 0.58) did not
      differ between the groups. R0 resection rates for P-LLR and R-LLR were 95 and 90
      %, respectively (p = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat LLR is safe, feasible, and can be
      performed with minimal morbidity. It appears to be technically more challenging
      than P-LLR, but without any increase in complications or length of hospital stay.

PMID- 25138068
TI  - Identification, immunolocalization, and characterization analyses of an
      exopeptidase of papain superfamily, (cathepsin C) from Clonorchis sinensis.
AB  - Cathepsin C is an important exopeptidase of papain superfamily and plays a number
      of great important roles during the parasitic life cycle. The amino acid sequence
      of cathepsin C from Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) showed 54, 53, and 49%
      identities to that of Schistosoma japonicum, Schistosoma mansoni, and Homo
      sapiens, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis utilizing the sequences of papain
      superfamily of C. sinensis demonstrated that cathepsin C and cathepsin Bs came
      from a common ancestry. Cathepsin C of C. sinensis (Cscathepsin C) was identified
      as an excretory/secretory product by Western blot analysis. The results of
      transcriptional level and translational level of Cscathepsin C at metacercaria
      stage were higher than that at adult worms. Immunolocalization analysis indicated
      that Cscathepsin C was specifically distributed in the suckers (oral sucker and
      ventral sucker), eggs, vitellarium, intestines, and testis of adult worms. In the
      metacercaria, it was mainly detected on the cyst wall and excretory bladder.
      Combining with the results mentioned above, it implies that Cscathepsin C may be
      an essential proteolytic enzyme for proteins digestion of hosts, nutrition
      assimilation, and immune invasion of C. sinensis. Furthermore, it may be a
      potential diagnostic antigen and drug target against C. sinensis infection.

PMID- 25138074
TI  - Inhibitory effect of plantaricin peptides (Pln E/F and J/K) against Escherichia
      coli.
AB  - Plantaricins are small bioactive peptides produced by Lactobacillus plantarum
      strains that exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against closely-related
      Gram-positive bacteria, including food spoilage organisms. In comparison,
      bacteriocins including plantaricins, are usually less effective against Gram
      negative organisms. In this study, we demonstrate that heterologously expressed
      and purified plantaricins, Pln E, -F, -J, and -K when tested against Gram
      negative model organism Escherichia coli K-12 were highly effective under certain
      conditions. The apparent tolerance of Gram-negative members to these peptides has
      been explained on the basis of the presence of the outer membrane (OM) that acts
      as a protective barrier. We have shown that agents and/or conditions that
      destabilize OM of E. coli K-12, make it susceptible to plantaricin peptides. In
      order to further strengthen this conclusion, an OM lipoprotein-defective lpp
      mutant strain of E. coli K-12 was also studied and compared. A significant loss
      of cell viability both in terms of CFU/ml as well as with live-dead dual staining
      combined with flow cytometry, could be demonstrated with the lpp mutant in
      comparison to the wild type strain. The results indicate that plantaricins can
      inhibit Gram-negative bacteria if the outer-membrane is weakened and it can be
      used in preservation of food with the help of some food-grade chelating agents. 

PMID- 25138075
TI  - A longitudinal study on the impact of active surveillance for prostate cancer on
      anxiety and distress levels.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with potentially indolent prostate cancer (PC) can be managed
      with active surveillance (AS). Our objective was to analyse how anxiety and
      distress develop in men with untreated PC and whether highly anxious men quit AS.
      METHODS: One hundred and fifty Dutch patients who opted for AS in the Prostate
      cancer Research International: Active Surveillance Study were invited to
      participate in an additional prospective, longitudinal quality of life (QoL)
      study within 6 months after diagnosis. Participants completed questionnaires with
      validated measures on anxiety and distress at inclusion (t = 0), 9 (t = 9) and 18
      (t = 18) months after diagnosis. We assessed changes in scores on depression
      (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale), generic anxiety
      (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6)), PC-specific anxiety (Memorial Anxiety
      Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC)) and decisional conflict (Decisional Conflict
      Scale (DCS)) about patients' treatment choice between t = 0, t = 9 and t = 18
      using repeated measures analysis. RESULTS: Response rates for patients still on
      AS at t = 0, t = 9 and t = 18 assessments were 86%, 90% and 96%, respectively.
      Nine patients (7%, 9/129) between t = 0 and t = 9 and 33 of 108 patients (31%)
      between t = 9 and t = 18 stopped AS, mostly (86%) because of protocol-based
      reasons. CES-D, total MAX-PC and DCS scores did not change significantly (p >
      0.05) when comparing t = 18 with t = 9 and t = 0 scores, but generic anxiety
      (STAI-6; p = 0.033) and fear of disease progression (sub-score of the MAX-PC; p =
      0.007) decreased significantly. These differences, however, were clinically
      modest (0.089 SD and 0.281 SD). Overall, six of 129 men (5%) discontinued AS
      because of anxiety and distress. CONCLUSIONS: When men with low-risk PC are
      managed with AS, fear of disease progression and general anxiety decreased, and
      only few may discontinue AS because of anxiety and distress. This suggests that
      negative QoL effects are limited in men with favourable clinical characteristics
      who opted for AS. (Registered trial number, NTR1718) .

PMID- 25138076
TI  - Proteomic investigation of the hippocampus in prenatally stressed mice implicates
      changes in membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal, and metabolic function.
AB  - Prenatal stress influences the development of the fetal brain and so contributes
      to the risk of the development of psychiatric disorders in later life. The
      hippocampus is particularly sensitive to prenatal stress, and robust
      abnormalities have been described in the hippocampus in schizophrenia and
      depression. The aim of this study was to determine whether prenatal stress is
      associated with distinct patterns of differential protein expression in the
      hippocampus using a validated mouse model. We therefore performed a comparative
      proteomic study assessing female hippocampal samples from 8 prenatally stressed
      mice and 8 control mice. Differential protein expression was assessed using 2
      dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis and subsequent mass spectrometry.
      The observed changes in a selected group of differentially expressed proteins
      were confirmed by Western blotting. In comparison to controls, 47 protein spots
      (38 individual proteins) were found to be differentially expressed in the
      hippocampus of prenatally stressed mice. Functional grouping of these proteins
      revealed that prenatal stress influenced the expression of proteins involved in
      brain development, cytoskeletal composition, stress response, and energy
      metabolism. Western blotting was utilized to validate the changes in calretinin,
      hippocalcin, profilin-1 and the signal-transducing adaptor molecule STAM1. Septin
      5 could not be validated via Western blotting due to methodological issues.
      Closer investigation of the validated proteins also pointed to an interesting
      role for membrane trafficking deficits mediated by prenatal stress. Our findings
      demonstrate that prenatal stress leads to altered hippocampal protein expression,
      implicating numerous molecular pathways that may provide new targets for
      psychotropic drug development.

PMID- 25138077
TI  - Diffraction interference induced superfocusing in nonlinear Talbot effect.
AB  - We report a simple, novel subdiffraction method, i.e. diffraction interference
      induced superfocusing in second-harmonic (SH) Talbot effect, to achieve focusing
      size of less than lambdaSH/4 (or lambdapump/8) without involving evanescent waves
      or subwavelength apertures. By tailoring point spread functions with Fresnel
      diffraction interference, we observe periodic SH subdiffracted spots over a
      hundred of micrometers away from the sample. Our demonstration is the first
      experimental realization of the Toraldo di Francia's proposal pioneered 62 years
      ago for superresolution imaging. 

PMID- 25138078
TI  - Use of prophylactic postoperative antibiotics during surgical drain presence
      following mastectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: National guidelines recommend one dose of perioperative antibiotics
      for breast surgery and discourage postoperative continuation. However, reported
      skin and soft tissue infection (SSI) rates after mastectomy range from 1-26 %,
      higher than expected for clean cases. Utility of routine or selective
      postoperative antibiotic use for duration of drain presence following mastectomy
      remains uncertain. METHODS: This study included all female patients who underwent
      mastectomy without reconstruction at our institution between 2005 and 2012. SSI
      was defined using CDC criteria or clinical diagnosis of cellulitis. Information
      on risk factors for infection (age, body mass index [BMI], smoking status,
      diabetes, steroid use), prior breast cancer treatment, drain duration, and
      antibiotic use was abstracted from medical records. Multivariable logistic
      regression was used to assess the association between postoperative antibiotic
      use and the occurrence of SSI, adjusting for concurrent risk factors. RESULTS:
      Among 480 patients undergoing mastectomy without reconstruction, 425 had
      sufficient documentation for analysis. Of these, 268 were prescribed antibiotics
      (63 %) at hospital discharge. An overall SSI rate of 7.3 % was observed, with 14
      % of patients without postoperative antibiotics developing SSI compared with 3.4
      % with antibiotics (p < 0.0001). Factors independently associated with SSI were
      smoking and advancing age. Diabetes, steroid use, BMI, prior breast surgery,
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy, prior radiation, concomitant axillary surgery, and
      drain duration were not associated with increased SSI rates. CONCLUSIONS: SSI
      rates among patients who did and did not receive postoperative antibiotics after
      mastectomy were significantly different, particularly among smokers and women of
      advanced age. These patient subgroups may warrant special consideration for
      postoperative antibiotics.

PMID- 25138079
TI  - Intraoperative radiation therapy: a critical analysis of the ELIOT and TARGIT
      trials. Part 2--TARGIT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two randomized intraoperative radiation therapy trials for early
      stage breast cancer were recently published. The ELIOT Trial used electrons
      (IOERT), and the TARGIT-A Trial Update used 50-kV X-rays (IORT). These studies
      were compared for similarities and differences. The results were analyzed and
      used to determine which patients might be suitable for single-dose treatment.
      METHODS: The primary sources of data were the ELIOT Trial and TARGIT-A Trial, as
      well as a comprehensive analysis of the peer-reviewed literature of accelerated
      partial breast irradiation (APBI) using 50-kV X-rays or electrons. Studies
      published or presented prior to March 2014 were analyzed for efficacy, patient
      restrictions, complications, and outcome. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 5.8
      years, the 5-year recurrence rates for ELIOT versus EBRT patients were 4.4 and
      0.4 %, respectively, p = 0.0001. A low-risk ELIOT group was identified with a 5
      year recurrence rate of 1.5 %. With a median follow-up of 29 months, the 5-year
      recurrence rates for the TARGIT-A versus EBRT patients were 3.3 and 1.3 %,
      respectively, p = 0.042. CONCLUSIONS: With 5.8 years of median follow-up, IOERT
      appears to have a subset of low risk women for whom IOERT is acceptable. With 29
      months of median follow-up the results of IORT with 50-kV devices are promising,
      but longer follow-up data are required. At the current time, single-fraction
      IOERT or IORT patients should be treated under strict institutional protocols.

PMID- 25138080
TI  - Exploring barriers to payer utilization of genetic counselors.
AB  - Access to genetic counselors' services is neither universal nor automatic, due in
      part to the gatekeeper role of healthcare payers--the companies and agencies that
      purchase healthcare services on patients' behalf and control the bulk of
      healthcare spending. This pilot study surveyed and analyzed the relative
      importance of barriers to expanded payer coverage of genetic counselors'
      services. Surveys were mailed to 263 medical directors and quality assurance
      directors at health insurance carriers throughout the United States. Respondents
      provided demographic information and indicated the importance of nine possible
      barriers, plus an optional write-in "other." Twenty-two surveys were analyzed.
      "Evidence that use of genetic counselors improves health outcomes" led the list
      of factors having a significant/very significant influence on coverage policy.
      Sixteen respondents (73 %) rated this factor "4" or "5" on a Likert scale; it
      also received the most #1 rankings and the highest score using a weighted-mean
      analysis. Provider practice guidelines, CMS/Medicare regulations, and genetic
      counselor licensure-all of which are outside of payers' direct control-also
      ranked highly. The research demonstrates that although the potential barriers to
      expanded reimbursement for genetic counselors are numerous and complex, some are
      more consistently identified as important and therefore more deserving of
      legislative and advocacy resources to effect change. Future research should
      endeavor to increase survey response and include providers as well as payers.

PMID- 25138081
TI  - The utilization of counseling skills by the laboratory genetic counselor.
AB  - The number of available genetic testing options and the nuances associated with
      these options continue to expand. In addition, the scope of genetic testing has
      broadened to areas and specialties beyond Medical Genetics. In response to these
      changes, diagnostic laboratories have employed genetic counselors to help
      navigate the increasing complexity of genetic testing, given their expertise and
      training in human genetics. However a largely unrecognized aspect of this role
      involves the use of counseling skills. Counseling skills are used by laboratory
      genetic counselors in a variety of situations to convey information and
      facilitate understanding among clinicians and medical staff. This helps to reduce
      test ordering errors, promote optimal test utilization, and ensure best patient
      care practices. The specific counseling skills used by laboratory counselors will
      be explored using three fictional case vignettes, followed by a discussion of the
      applicability of these skills in other contexts. Exploration of the unique ways
      in which laboratory genetic counselors apply their counseling skills can be
      useful for professional development and instructive for graduate training
      programs. 

PMID- 25138083
TI  - The clash of mechanical and electrical size-effects in ZnO nanowires and a double
      power law approach to elastic strain engineering of piezoelectric and piezotronic
      devices.
AB  - The piezoelectric performance of ultra-strength ZnO nanowires (NWs) depends on
      the subtle interplay between electrical and mechanical size-effects. "Size
      dependent" modeling of compressed NWs illustrates why experimentally observed
      mechanical stiffening can indeed collide with electrical size-effects when the
      size shrinks, thereby lowering the actual piezoelectric function from bulk
      estimates. "Smaller" is not necessarily "better" in nanotechnology. 

PMID- 25138082
TI  - Chiral amine synthesis using omega-transaminases: an amine donor that displaces
      equilibria and enables high-throughput screening.
AB  - The widespread application of omega-transaminases as biocatalysts for chiral
      amine synthesis has been hampered by fundamental challenges, including
      unfavorable equilibrium positions and product inhibition. Herein, an efficient
      process that allows reactions to proceed in high conversion in the absence of by
      product removal using only one equivalent of a diamine donor (ortho
      xylylenediamine) is reported. This operationally simple method is compatible with
      the most widely used (R)- and (S)-selective omega-TAs and is particularly
      suitable for the conversion of substrates with unfavorable equilibrium positions
      (e.g., 1-indanone). Significantly, spontaneous polymerization of the isoindole by
      product generates colored derivatives, providing a high-throughput screening
      platform to identify desired omega-TA activity. 

PMID- 25138084
TI  - The development of ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase inhibitors.
AB  - Radiation and genotoxic drugs are two of the cornerstones of current cancer
      treatment strategy. However, this type of therapy often suffers from radio- or
      chemo-resistance caused by DNA repair mechanisms. With the aim of increasing the
      efficacy of these treatments, there has been great interest in studying DNA
      damage responses (DDR). Among the plethora of signal and effector proteins
      involved in DDR, three related kinases ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated), ATR
      (ATM and Rad3-related) and DNA-PK (DNA-dependent protein kinase) play the main
      roles in initiation and regulation of signaling pathways in response to DNA
      double and single strand breaks (DSB and SSB). ATM inhibitors, as well as those
      of ATR and DNA-PK, provide an opportunity to sensitize cancer cells to therapy.
      Moreover, they can lead to selective killing of cancer cells, exploiting a
      concept known as synthetic lethality. However, only a very few selective
      inhibitors have been identified to this date. This mini-review is focused both on
      the development of selective inhibitors of ATM and other inhibitors which have
      ATM as one of their targets. 

PMID- 25138085
TI  - Xanthomicrol: a comprehensive review of its chemistry, distribution, biosynthesis
      and pharmacological activity.
AB  - Highly methoxylated flavones, which have known potential as cancer
      chemopreventive agents, accumulate on the leaf surfaces of some plant species and
      their physiological role is to protect the plant against harmful UV radiation.
      Xanthomicrol is one of the methoxylated flavones currently attracting most
      attention from researchers worldwide because of its promising pharmacological
      activities, including anti-spasmodic, anti-platelet and anti-cancer effects,
      among others. This review covers the chemistry and biological origin,
      distribution and pharmacological activity of xanthomicrol. Knowledge of the
      botanical distribution of this compound will not only encourage the use of plant
      sources for pharmacological purposes, but will also serve as a reference in the
      search for this valuable flavonoid in another genus or family. New approaches to
      xanthomicrol production are also described, including biotechnological attempts
      to develop xanthomicrol-producing plant cell factories. 

PMID- 25138086
TI  - The toolbox of designing nanoparticles for tumors.
AB  - Nanoparticles (NPs) show great promise in the treatment of a wide range of
      diseases, which provides advantages and offers a new prospect for tumor
      detection, prevention and treatment. In order to eradicate the cancer cell, the
      NPs need to flow to different regions of tumors via blood vessels, and then
      penetrate through the interstitial space to reach the target cells. However, the
      environment and physiological characteristics in tumor tissues are different from
      that in normal ones, mainly in the irregular blood vessels, the lack of lymphatic
      network, low pH, hypoxia, immune function and so on. Meanwhile, the differences
      also exist among different tumor tissues. To achieve the optimal therapeutic
      effect, the NPs should be carefully designed by considering the therapeutic
      application, the target site and the route of administration. This review shows a
      variety of barriers in the tumor tissues, and provides a toolbox of designing the
      NPs for tumor treatment. In particular, the particle size, shape and surface
      chemistry, and the NPs in preclinical and clinical stage use have been discussed.

PMID- 25138087
TI  - Sea, carbohydrates and clotting: a triad on the road of drug discovery.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases (CDs) are the principal cause of death in the world.
      Anticoagulation is the commonest therapeutic strategy for treatments of CDs in
      clinical settings. Although possessed of numerous downsides, heparin is the main
      clinical anticoagulant/antithrombotic agent used so far. Novel sulfated
      polysaccharides like the marine dermatan sulfate, sulfated fucans and galactans
      are also able to block clot and thrombus formation. These relatively new marine
      glycans call special attention mostly due to their unique structures and distinct
      mechanisms of action. This structural uniqueness is seen by the peculiar aspect
      of these polysaccharides being made of clear and regular sulfation patterns. The
      structures have been reported only in polysaccharides from marine invertebrates
      like sea urchins and cucumbers. This report intends to prove the promising
      combination of the triad sea-carbohydrates-clotting in drug discovery of the
      cardiovascular field. 

PMID- 25138088
TI  - Benzimidazoles: an ideal privileged drug scaffold for the design of multitargeted
      anti-inflammatory ligands.
AB  - The recent research area endeavors to discover ultimate multi-target ligands, an
      increasingly feasible and attractive alternative to existing mono-targeted drugs
      for treatment of complex, multi-factorial inflammation process which underlays
      plethora of debilitated health conditions. In order to improvise this option,
      exploration of relevant chemical core scaffold will be an utmost need. Privileged
      benzimidazole scaffold being historically versatile structural motif could offer
      a viable starting point in the search for novel multi-target ligands against
      multi-factorial inflammation process since, when appropriately substituted, it
      can selectively modulate diverse receptors, pathways and enzymes associated with
      the pathogenesis of inflammation. Despite this remarkable capability, the multi
      target capacity of the benzimidazole scaffold remains largely unexploited. With
      this in focus, the present review article attempts to provide synopsis of
      published research to exemplify the valuable use of benzimidazole nucleus and
      focus on their suitability as starting scaffold to develop multi-targeted anti
      inflammatory ligands. 

PMID- 25138089
TI  - Drug targeting systems for cancer therapy: nanotechnological approach.
AB  - Progress in cancer treatment remains challenging because of the great nature of
      tumor cells to be drug resistant. However, advances in the field of
      nanotechnology have enabled the delivery of drugs for cancer treatment by
      passively and actively targeting to tumor cells with nanoparticles. Dramatic
      improvements in nanotherapeutics, as applied to cancer, have rapidly accelerated
      clinical investigations. In this review, drug-targeting systems using
      nanotechnology and approved and clinically investigated nanoparticles for cancer
      therapy are discussed. In addition, the rationale for a nanotechnological
      approach to cancer therapy is emphasized because of its promising advances in the
      treatment of cancer patients. 

PMID- 25138090
TI  - An overview of conjugated linoleic acid: microbial production and application.
AB  - Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has attracted considerable attention in health due
      to its important physiological properties proved in several in vivo experiments.
      Many bacteria, especially some probiotics, are able to produce CLA from the
      linoleic acid (LA) present in milk. In this review, CLA production by
      microorganisms is described. Then factors on the influencing the microbial
      production and the initial CLA content in milk fat are introduced. After a
      glimpse on the content of CLA in dairy products and human body, health benefits
      of CLA including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antiathrosclerosis and anti
      osteoporosis properties, as well as prevention of body fat increase and function
      as stimulator of the immunity system are explained. 

PMID- 25138091
TI  - Natural products; pharmacological importance of family Cucurbitaceae: a brief
      review.
AB  - Compounds derived from nature have played a major role in drug discovery. They
      became the basis for the development of new pharmaceuticals. In this scope,
      family Cucurbitaceae is a prominent source of secondary metabolites, mainly
      triterpenoids. In this paper, we provide a brief review of cucurbitane
      metabolites that exhibit an extensive range of biological actions specifically
      antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, and antiparasitic
      effects. 

PMID- 25138092
TI  - Enoyl ACP reductase as effective target for the synthesized novel antitubercular
      drugs: a-state-of-the-art.
AB  - The emergence of drug resistant strains of important human pathogens has created
      an urgent necessity to find new targets and novel antitubercular agents.
      According to the literature survey, we noticed that enoyl ACP reductase is one of
      the most promising targets. This enzyme is the most important catalyst for the
      FAS II synthesis of mycolic acid, which is the most essential component of the
      mycobacterial cell wall. This review summarizes the progress made in the design
      of enoyl ACP reductase inhibitors and the role played by 3D-structure of the
      enzyme in drug design process. 

PMID- 25138093
TI  - Occurrence and biological activities of eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes.
AB  - As important members of the terpenes family, sesquiterpenes represent a group of
      natural compounds with diverse skeletal types. Among them, the eremophilane-type
      sesquiterpenes, widely present in several genera (such as Ligularia, Senecio,
      Cacalia) of Asteraceae, account for a small number of natural compounds and form
      differently from other sesquiterpenes because they challenged the isoprene rule
      of biosynthesis. Due to the unique structural features and various functional
      groups, these compounds possess a number of biological activities such as anti
      tumor, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, having received increasing interest
      in the recent years. This review summarizes the occurrence of eremophilane-type
      sesquiterpenes and research progresses on their biological activities since the
      1990 s.

PMID- 25138094
TI  - Combined cancer therapy with non-conventional drugs: all roads lead to AMPK.
AB  - AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key energy sensor that regulates
      cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK activation is associated with decreased
      phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6 kinase and causes
      a general reduction in mRNA translation and protein synthesis. Therefore, AMPK is
      a novel target for anticancer therapy. Metformin and aspirin are two traditional
      drugs that are widely used as anti-diabetes and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
      drugs (NSAIDs), respectively. Much evidence has confirmed that these two drugs
      demonstrated encouraging anti-cancer properties. Most importantly, both inhibited
      tumor proliferation and were mainly dependent on the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
      In addition, several other drugs, such as resveratrol, berberine, statins,
      epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and capsaicin, have provided a similar capacity
      for tumor inhibition, and the anti-cancer effects of most of them were mainly the
      result of AMPK activation. In the current review, we summarize the literature on
      combination therapy based on these non-classical drugs and their potential
      mechanisms for activating AMPK. Combinations of these drugs will provide a novel
      cancer therapeutic regimen. 

PMID- 25138095
TI  - Identification of a pathogenic variant in TREX1 in early-onset cerebral systemic
      lupus erythematosus by Whole-exome sequencing.
AB  - Objective. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) isa chronic and heterogeneous
      autoimmune disease. Both twin and sibling studies indicate a strong genetic
      contribution to lupus, but in the majority of cases the pathogenic variant
      remains to be identified. The genetic contribution to disease is likely to be
      greatest in cases with early onset and severe phenotypes. Whole-exome sequencing
      now offers the possibility of identifying rare alleles responsible for disease in
      such cases. This study was undertaken to identify genetic causes of SLE using
      whole-exome sequencing.Methods. We performed whole-exome sequencing in a 4-year
      old girl with early-onset SLE and conducted biochemical analysis of the putative
      defect.Results. Whole-exome sequencing in a 4-year-old girl with cerebral lupus
      identified a rare, homozygous mutation in the three prime repair exonuclease 1
      gene(TREX1) that was predicted to be highly deleterious.The TREX1 R97H mutant
      protein had a 20-fold reduction in exonuclease activity and was associated with
      an elevated interferon-alpha signature in the patient.The discovery and
      characterization of a pathogenic TREX1 variant in our proband has therapeutic
      implications.The patient is now a candidate for therapy. Conclusion. Our study is
      the first to demonstrate that whole-exome sequencing can be used to identify rare
      or novel deleterious variants as genetic causes of SLE and, through a
      personalized approach, improve therapeutic options.

PMID- 25138096
TI  - Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick July 21, 1944-July 12, 2014.

PMID- 25138097
TI  - An automatic robotic system for three-dimensional tooth crown preparation using a
      picosecond laser.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laser techniques have been introduced into dentistry to overcome the
      drawbacks of traditional treatment methods. The existing methods in dental
      clinical operations for tooth crown preparation have several drawbacks which
      affect the long-term success of the dental treatment. OBJECTIVE: To develop an
      improved robotic system to manipulate the laser beam to achieve safe and accurate
      three-dimensional (3D) tooth ablation, and thus to realize automatic tooth crown
      preparation in clinical operations. METHOD: We present an automatic laser
      ablation system for tooth crown preparation in dental restorative operations. The
      system, combining robotics and laser technology, is developed to control the
      laser focus in three-dimensional motion aiming for high speed and accuracy crown
      preparation. The system consists of an end-effector, a real-time monitor and a
      tooth fixture. A layer-by-layer ablation method is developed to control the laser
      focus during the crown preparation. Experiments are carried out with picosecond
      laser on wax resin and teeth. RESULTS: The accuracy of the system is satisfying,
      achieving the average linear errors of 0.06 mm for wax resin and 0.05 mm for
      dentin. The angle errors are 4.33 degrees  for wax resin and 0.5 degrees  for
      dentin. The depth errors for wax resin and dentin are both within 0.1 mm. The
      ablation time is 1.5 hours for wax resin and 3.5 hours for dentin. CONCLUSIONS:
      The ablation experimental results show that the movement range and the resolution
      of the robotic system can meet the requirements of typical dental operations for
      tooth crown preparation. Also, the errors of tooth shape and preparation angle
      are able to satisfy the requirements of clinical crown preparation. Although the
      experimental results illustrate the potential of using picosecond lasers for 3D
      tooth crown preparation, many research issues still need to be studied before the
      system can be applied to clinical operations.

PMID- 25138099
TI  - Loss-of-function variants of SETD5 cause intellectual disability and the core
      phenotype of microdeletion 3p25.3 syndrome.
AB  - Intellectual disability (ID) has an estimated prevalence of 2-3%. Due to its
      extreme heterogeneity, the genetic basis of ID remains elusive in many cases.
      Recently, whole exome sequencing (WES) studies revealed that a large proportion
      of sporadic cases are caused by de novo gene variants. To identify further genes
      involved in ID, we performed WES in 250 patients with unexplained ID and their
      unaffected parents and included exomes of 51 previously sequenced child-parents
      trios in the analysis. Exome analysis revealed de novo intragenic variants in SET
      domain-containing 5 (SETD5) in two patients. One patient carried a nonsense
      variant, and the other an 81 bp deletion located across a splice-donor site.
      Chromosomal microarray diagnostics further identified four de novo non-recurrent
      microdeletions encompassing SETD5. CRISPR/Cas9 mutation modelling of the two
      intragenic variants demonstrated nonsense-mediated decay of the resulting
      transcripts, pointing to a loss-of-function (LoF) and haploinsufficiency as the
      common disease-causing mechanism of intragenic SETD5 sequence variants and SETD5
      containing microdeletions. In silico domain prediction of SETD5, a predicted SET
      domain-containing histone methyltransferase (HMT), substantiated the presence of
      a SET domain and identified a novel putative PHD domain, strengthening a
      functional link to well-known histone-modifying ID genes. All six patients
      presented with ID and certain facial dysmorphisms, suggesting that SETD5 sequence
      variants contribute substantially to the microdeletion 3p25.3 phenotype. The
      present report of two SETD5 LoF variants in 301 patients demonstrates a
      prevalence of 0.7% and thus SETD5 variants as a relatively frequent cause of ID.

PMID- 25138101
TI  - Evaluation of the Dutch BRCA1/2 clinical genetic center referral criteria in an
      unselected early breast cancer population.
AB  - In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of the Dutch Clinical Genetic
      Center (CGC) referral guidelines for BRCA1/2 mutation testing in 903 early breast
      cancer patients, unselected for family history, diagnosed in a cancer hospital
      before the age of 50 years in 1974-2002; most prevalent Dutch pathogenic BRCA1/2
      mutations had been analyzed on coded DNA in a research setting. Forty-nine (5.4%)
      of the patients were proven to be BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. We found that 78%
      and 69% of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers identified met the criteria for
      referral to the CGC based on age, family history and synchronous multiple tumors;
      reflected by a combined sensitivity of 75.5% and specificity of 63.2%. More than
      half of the BRCA1 mutation carriers, that is, 58% had a triple-negative tumor.
      The highest AUC was obtained by shifting the age at diagnosis threshold criterion
      from 40 to 35 years and by adding a 'triple-negative breast cancer' criterion
      with an age threshold of 45 years; the specificity increased to 71.2%, whereas
      the sensitivity remained the same; that is, a referral of fewer patients will
      lead to the identification of at least the same number of BRCA1/2 mutation
      carriers. Two-thirds of the BRCA1/2 mutation carriers identified in this research
      setting had been referred for counseling and testing. Our results indicate that,
      awaiting a possibly more extended mutation screening of all breast cancer
      patients, the triple-negative status of a breast cancer should be added to the
      CGC referral criteria. 

PMID- 25138100
TI  - Identification of a novel ARL13B variant in a Joubert syndrome-affected patient
      with retinal impairment and obesity.
AB  - Joubert syndrome (JS) is a genetically heterogeneous autosomal recessive
      ciliopathy with 22 genes implicated to date, including a small, ciliary GTPase,
      ARL13B. ARL13B is required for cilia formation in vertebrates. JS patients
      display multiple symptoms characterized by ataxia due to the cerebellar vermis
      hypoplasia, and that can also include ocular abnormalities, renal cysts, liver
      fibrosis or polydactyly. These symptoms are shared with other ciliopathies, some
      of which display additional phenotypes, such as obesity. Here we identified a
      novel homozygous missense variant in ARL13B/JBTS8 in a JS patient who displayed
      retinal defects and obesity. We demonstrate the variant disrupts ARL13B function,
      as its expression did not rescue the mutant phenotype either in Arl13b(scorpion)
      zebrafish or in Arl13b(hennin) mouse embryonic fibroblasts, while the wild-type
      ARL13B did. Finally, we show that ARL13B is localized within the primary cilia of
      neonatal mouse hypothalamic neurons consistent with the known link between
      hypothalamic ciliary function and obesity. Thus our data identify a novel ARL13B
      variant that causes JS and retinopathy and suggest an extension of the phenotypic
      spectrum of ARL13B mutations to obesity. 

PMID- 25138102
TI  - A missense variant of the ATP1A2 gene is associated with a novel phenotype of
      progressive sensorineural hearing loss associated with migraine.
AB  - Hereditary sensorineural hearing loss is an extremely clinical and genetic
      heterogeneous disorder in humans. Especially, syndromic hearing loss is
      subdivided by combinations of various phenotypes, and each subtype is related to
      different genes. We present a new form of progressive hearing loss with migraine
      found to be associated with a variant in the ATP1A2 gene. The ATP1A2 gene has
      been reported as the major genetic cause of familial migraine by several previous
      studies. A Korean family presenting progressive hearing loss with migraine was
      ascertained. The affected members did not show any aura or other neurologic
      symptoms during migraine attacks, indicating on a novel phenotype of syndromic
      hearing loss. To identify the causative gene, linkage analysis and whole-exome
      sequencing were performed. A novel missense variant, c.571G>A (p.(Val191Met)),
      was identified in the ATP1A2 gene that showed co-segregation with the phenotype
      in the family. In silico studies suggest that this variant causes a change in
      hydrophobic interactions and thereby slightly destabilize the A-domain of
      Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. However, functional studies failed to show any effect of the
      p.(Val191Met) substitution on the catalytic rate of this enzyme. We describe a
      new phenotype of progressive hearing loss with migraine associated with a variant
      in the ATP1A2 gene. This study suggests that a variant in Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase can
      be involved in both migraine and hearing loss. 

PMID- 25138103
TI  - Orange alert.

PMID- 25138105
TI  - Misclassification due to age grouping in measures of child development.
AB  - PURPOSE: Screens for developmental delay generally provide a set of norms for
      different age groups. Development varies continuously with age, however, and
      applying a single criterion for an age range will inevitably produce
      misclassifications. In this report, we estimate the resulting error rate for one
      example: the cognitive subscale of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler
      Development (BSID-III). DESIGN: Data come from a general population sample of 594
      children (305 male) aged 1 month to 42.5 months who received the BSID-III as part
      of a validation study. We used regression models to estimate the mean and
      variance of the cognitive subscale as a function of age. We then used these
      results to generate a dataset of one million simulated participants and compared
      their status before and after division into age groups. Finally, we applied
      broader age bands used in two other instruments and explored likely validity
      limitations when different instruments are compared. RESULTS: When BSID-III age
      groups are used, 15% of cases are missed and 15% of apparent cases are false
      positives. Wider age groups produced error rates from 27% to 46%. Comparison of
      different age groups suggests that sensitivity in validation studies would be
      limited, under certain assumptions, to 70% or less. IMPLICATIONS: The use of age
      groups produces a large number of misclassifications. Although affected children
      will usually be close to the threshold, this may lead to misreferrals. Results
      may help to explain the poor measured agreement of development screens. Scoring
      methods that treat child age as continuous would improve instrument accuracy.

PMID- 25138104
TI  - Assessment of neonatal care in clinical training facilities in Kenya.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An audit of neonatal care services provided by clinical training
      centres was undertaken to identify areas requiring improvement as part of wider
      efforts to improve newborn survival in Kenya. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using
      indicators based on prior work in Kenya. Statistical analyses were descriptive
      with adjustment for clustering of data. SETTING: Neonatal units of 22 public
      hospitals. PATIENTS: Neonates aged <7 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of
      care was assessed in terms of availability of basic resources (principally
      equipment and drugs) and audit of case records for documentation of patient
      assessment and treatment at admission. RESULTS: All hospitals had oxygen, 19/22
      had resuscitation and phototherapy equipment, but some key resources were missing
      for example kangaroo care was available in 14/22. Out of 1249 records, 56.9% (95%
      CI 36.2% to 77.6%) had a standard neonatal admission form. A median score of 0
      out of 3 for symptoms of severe illness (IQR 0-3) and a median score of 6 out of
      8 for signs of severe illness (IQR 4-7) were documented. Maternal HIV status was
      documented in 674/1249 (54%, 95% CI 41.9% to 66.1%) cases. Drug doses exceeded
      recommendations by >20% in prescriptions for penicillin (11.6%, 95% CI 3.4% to
      32.8%) and gentamicin (18.5%, 95% CI 13.4% to 25%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Basic resources are generally available, but there are deficiencies in key areas.
      Poor documentation limits the use of routine data for quality improvement.
      Significant opportunities exist for improvement in service delivery and adherence
      to guidelines in hospitals providing professional training.

PMID- 25138107
TI  - A review of pre-admission advanced airway management in combat casualties,
      Helmand Province 2013.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Airway compromise is the third leading cause of potentially
      preventable combat death. Pre-hospital airway management has lower success rates
      than in hospital. This study reviewed advanced airway management focusing on
      cricothyroidotomies and supraglottic airway devices in combat casualties prior to
      admission to a Role 3 Hospital in Afghanistan. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      review of all casualties who required advanced airway management prior to arrival
      at the Role 3 Hospital, Bastion, Helmand Province over a 30-week period
      identified by the US Joint Theatre Trauma Registry. The notes and relevant X-rays
      were analysed. The opinions of US and UK clinical Subject Matter Experts (SME)
      were then sought. RESULTS: Fifty-seven advanced airway interventions were
      identified. 45 casualties had attempted intubations, 37 (82%) were successful and
      of those who had failed intubations, one had a King LT Airway (supraglottic
      device) and seven had a rescue cricothyroidotomy. The other initial advanced
      airway interventions were five attempted King LT airways and seven attempted
      cricothyroidotomies. In total, 14 cricothyroidotomies were performed; in this
      group, there were nine complications/significant events. CONCLUSIONS: The SMEs
      suggested that dedicated surgical airway kits should be used and students in
      training should be taught to secure the cricothyroidotomy tube as well as how to
      insert it. This review re-emphasises the need to 'ensure the right person, with
      the right equipment and the right training, is present at the right time if we
      are to improve the survival of patients with airway compromise on the
      battlefield'. The audit reference number is RCDM/Res/Audit/1036/12/0368.

PMID- 25138106
TI  - Changes in sleep characteristics and airway obstruction in OSAHS patients with
      multi-level obstruction following simple UPPP, UPPP-GA, or UPPP-TBA: a
      prospective, single-center, parallel group study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in S3 sleep and the apnea hypopnea index (AHI),
      SpO2 desaturation and CT90, and to determine changes in the degree of airway
      collapse and in the cross-sectional area of the retropalatal and lingual region
      in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome patients. METHOD: All subjects
      underwent overnight polysomnography and were evaluated using Muller's test and
      magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, 3, and 12 months following surgery.
      RESULT: The mean S3 scores in patients receiving uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
      combined with genioglossus advancement (UPPP-GA) or UPPP combined with tongue
      base advancement using the ReposeTM system (UPPP-TBA) noticeably increased.
      Marked improvement was seen in the mean AHI, LSO2, and CT90 scores 3 and 12
      months following surgery compared to baseline. Airway collapsed by 25-50% in the
      greatest proportion undergoing surgery at the tongue base. CONCLUSION: UPPP-GA
      and UPPP-TBA more effectively improve S3 sleep, and mean AHI, LSO2, and CT90
      scores. In addition, they effectively alleviate airway obstruction by improving
      the cross-sectional area of these regions.

PMID- 25138108
TI  - Cardiovascular disease and cancer compete for the outcome of death.

PMID- 25138109
TI  - Does a single session of high-intensity interval training provoke a transient
      elevated risk of falling in seniors and adults?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Balance and strength training can reduce seniors' fall risk up to
      50%. Available evidence suggests that acute bouts of neuromuscular and endurance
      exercise deteriorate postural control. High-intensity endurance training has been
      successfully applied in different populations. Thus, it seemed valuable to
      examine the acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on
      neuromuscular performance in seniors and young adults. OBJECTIVE: The acute
      impact of a HIIT session on balance performance and muscle activity after
      exercise cessation and during post-exercise recovery was examined in young and
      old adults. We intended to investigate whether a transient exercise-induced fall
      risk may occur in both groups. METHODS: 20 healthy seniors (age 70 (SD 4) years)
      and young adults (age 27 (SD 3) years) were examined on 3 days. After exhaustive
      ramp-like treadmill testing in order to determine maximal heart rate (HRmax) on
      the first day, either a 4 * 4 min HIIT at 90% of HRmax or a control condition
      (CON) was randomly performed on the second and third day, respectively. Balance
      performance (postural sway) was assessed during single limb stance with open eyes
      (SLEO) and double limb stance with closed eyes (DLEC). EMG was recorded for the
      soleus (SOL), anterior tibialis (TIB), gastrocnemius (GM) and peroneus longus
      (PL) muscles at the dominant leg. All measures were collected before, immediately
      as well as 10, 30 and 45 min after HIIT and CON, respectively. RESULTS: Compared
      to CON, HIIT induced significant increases of postural sway immediately after
      exercise cessation during SLEO in both groups (adults: p < 0.001, Delta = +25%
      sway; seniors: p = 0.007, Delta = +15% sway). Increased sway during DLEC was only
      found for seniors immediately and 10 min after HIIT (post: p = 0.003, Delta =
      +14% sway, 10 min post: p = 0.004, Delta = +18% sway). Muscle activity was
      increased during SLEO for TIB until 10 min post in seniors (0.008 < p < 0.03) and
      immediately after HIIT in adults (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HIIT training may cause
      an acute 'open-fall-window' with a transient impairment of balance performance
      for at least 10 min after exercise cessation in both groups. Occluded vision in
      seniors seems to prolong this period up to 30 min. Thus, the advantage of HIIT
      with regard to time efficiency seems debatable when considering transient HIIT
      induced impairments of neuromuscular function.

PMID- 25138110
TI  - Treatment of pegylated interferon-alpha2a in chronic hepatitis B patients
      demonstrating a spontaneous decline in HBV DNA after acute exacerbation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbation (AE) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is usually
      followed by a spontaneous decline in HBV DNA levels. The subsequent treatment is
      controversial. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of pegylated
      interferon-alpha2a (PEG-IFN-alpha2a) for such CHB patients. METHODS: A total of
      74 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients with a spontaneous HBV DNA
      decline (by >2 log10 IU*ml(-1), compared with baseline levels before antiviral
      treatment) after AE (alanine aminotransferase [ALT]: 10-30-fold the upper limit
      of normal [ULN], total bilirubin [TBIL]: 2-20 mg*dl(-1), prothrombin time
      activity >60%) were included. In total, 22 patients (group A) received PEG-IFN
      alpha2a treatment (180 ug*kg(-1)*week(-1), when ALT was <10 ULN and TBIL<2 mg*dl(
      1)) for 48 weeks, with 48 weeks of treatment-free follow-up. Twenty-one patients
      (group B) selected continual entecavir therapy. Thirty-one patients (group C,
      control group) received routine liver-protective drugs. RESULTS: At week 96,
      virological response rates were 90.5%, 100% and 48%, and ALT normalization rates
      were 81%, 95% and 40% for groups A, B and C, respectively. HBeAg seroconversion
      rates were 71.4%, 45% and 32% in groups A, B and C, respectively. A high
      hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss rate was observed in PEG-IFN-alpha2a
      treated patients, while no entecavir-treated patients achieved HBsAg loss. Group
      A patients suffered from typical PEG-IFN therapy-related adverse events. No
      severe adverse event was observed in any groups. CONCLUSIONS: PEG-IFN-alpha2a is
      effective and safe for treating CHB patients demonstrating a spontaneous decline
      in HBV DNA after AE, and yields an increased likelihood of HBsAg loss.

PMID- 25138112
TI  - Israeli Society of Medical Genetics NIPT Committee Opinion 072013: Non-invasive
      prenatal testing of cell-free DNA in maternal plasma for detection of fetal
      aneuploidy.
AB  - Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma is
      a novel approach, designed for detecting common aneuploidies in the fetus. The
      Israeli Society of Medical Geneticists (ISMG) supports its use according to the
      guidelines stated herein. The clinical data collected thus far indicate that NIPT
      is highly sensitive in detecting trisomies 21 and 18, and fairly sensitive in
      detecting trisomy 13 and sex chromosome aneuploidies. Because false-positive
      results may occur, an abnormal result must be validated by invasive prenatal
      testing. At this juncture, NIPT does not replace existing prenatal screening
      tests for Down syndrome, as these are relatively inexpensive and cost-effective.
      Nonetheless, NIPT may be offered to women considered to be at high risk for fetal
      chromosomal abnormalities as early as 10 weeks of gestation. The ISMG states that
      NIPT should be an informed patient choice, and that pretest counseling regarding
      the limitations of NIPT is warranted. Women at high risk for genetic disorders
      not detected by NIPT should be referred for genetic counseling. A normal test
      result may be conveyed by a relevant healthcare provider, while an abnormal
      result should be discussed during a formal genetic consultation session.

PMID- 25138111
TI  - Fear of movement/(Re)injury in low back pain: confirmatory validation of a German
      version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), an instrument for measuring
      fear of movement/(re)injury, has been confirmed as an important predictor for the
      persistence of pain-related disability. The aims of this study were to evaluate
      the psychometric properties of a German version of the TSK (TSK-GV), examining
      aspects of content validity with special focus on fear-avoidance and endurance,
      and to confirm criterion-related validity in patients with low back pain (LBP).
      METHODS: A total of 191 patients with LBP were included in this study. Several
      models with different factor structures from published studies were compared in a
      confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistencies of the TSK-GV and its
      subscales were examined, and correlations with related self-report measures were
      calculated. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the TSK-GV was alpha = 0.73. A
      two-factor model with 11 items was found to be the best fit for our data. The two
      factors were labelled Somatic Focus (SF) and Activity Avoidance (AA). The total
      score, SF and AA revealed moderate to high correlations with other fear-avoidance
      variables. CONCLUSIONS: The TSK-GV is a reliable and valid measure for assessing
      the fear of movement/(re)injury.

PMID- 25138113
TI  - Ten years of experience with first-trimester screening for fetal aneuploidy
      employing biochemistry from gestational weeks 6+0 to 13+6.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To validate the performance of first-trimester screening for fetal
      aneuploidy employing blood samples drawn in gestational weeks 6-13. METHODS:
      Prospective combined first-trimester screening for fetal aneuploidy in Denmark
      was validated in two large datasets: (1) a dataset from the Central Denmark
      Region including 147,768 pregnancies from October 2003 to October 2013, and (2) a
      national dataset including 220,739 pregnancies from January 2008 to August 2011.
      RESULTS: For trisomy 21, the weekly median multiple of the median (MoM) increased
      from 0.37 in week 6 to 0.70 in week 13 (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A),
      and from 0.99 in week 6 to 2.68 in week 13 (free betahCG). The overall detection
      rate (DR) for fetal trisomy 21 was 91.2%. Employing blood samples from
      gestational week 9, the DR was 97% (p = 0.05). For fetal trisomy 18, trisomy 13
      and triploidy, the overall DRs after first-trimester screening were 79.5, 86 and
      85%. In the national dataset, the overall DR for trisomy 21 was 86.3% ranging
      from 89 (weeks 9 and 10) to 80% (weeks 12 and 13). CONCLUSION: The results from
      both datasets show that blood sampling in gestational weeks 9-10 is a robust and
      high-performance strategy, which can be applied for routine first-trimester
      screening in clinical practice. (c) 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID- 25138115
TI  - Prospective study of spinal orthoses in women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are not many clinical trials investigating the efficiency and
      compliance of using spinal orthoses in the management of osteoporosis.
      OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term
      use and the compliance of spinal orthoses in postmenopausal women with vertebral
      fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical trial of spinal orthoses in postmenopausal
      women. METHODS: Women were separated into groups wearing different types of
      orthoses (Spinomed, Osteomed, Spinomed active, and Spine-X). Isometric maximum
      strength of trunk muscles (F/Wabdominals-extensors) was calculated and back pain
      was assessed in all women. In addition, women completed a compliance
      questionnaire about the use of the orthoses. RESULTS: Spinomed decreased pain (p
      = 0.001) and increased trunk muscle strength (F/Wabdominals, p = 0.005 and
      F/Wextensors, p = 0.003, respectively). The compliance of wearing an orthosis for
      6 months was 66%. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that orthoses could be an
      effective intervention for back pain and muscle strengthening in osteoporotic
      women. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In women with established osteoporosis, wearing
      Spinomed orthosis for at least 2 h/day for 6 months decreased back pain
      significantly and increased personal isometric trunk muscle strength. All spinal
      orthoses could be valuable instruments to help all requested rehabilitation
      programs like spine muscles' strengthening and postural correct behavior, but
      only when used properly.

PMID- 25138114
TI  - Effects of physical exertion on trans-tibial prosthesis users' ability to
      accommodate alignment perturbations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has long been reported that a range of prosthesis alignments is
      acceptable in trans-tibial prosthetics. This range was shown to be smaller when
      walking on uneven surfaces. It has also been argued that findings on gait with
      prostheses that were obtained under laboratory conditions are limited in their
      applicability to real-life environments. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the
      hypothesis that efforts to compensate for suboptimal alignments by active users
      of trans-tibial prostheses become less effective when levels of physical exertion
      increase. STUDY DESIGN: A 2 * 2 repeated-measures analysis of variance was
      conducted to compare the effects of physical exertion and subtle alignment
      perturbations on gait with trans-tibial prostheses. METHODS: The gait of eight
      subjects with trans-tibial amputation was analyzed when walking with two
      different prosthesis alignments and two different physical exertion levels. The
      main and interaction effects were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Bilateral
      step length symmetry and measures of step variability within the same leg were
      found to be affected by the intervention. There was no significant effect on
      index variables that combined kinematic or kinetic measures. CONCLUSION: Findings
      showed that persons with trans-tibial prostheses responded heterogeneously to the
      interventions. For most variables, the research hypothesis could not be
      confirmed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings support the practice of allotting several
      sessions to the alignment of trans-tibial prostheses, as users' gait responds
      differently to perturbations when external factors (e.g. exertion) change.
      Furthermore, the found inhomogeneity in the population of persons with trans
      tibial amputation supports the use of technical gait assessment methods in
      clinical practice.

PMID- 25138116
TI  - Political parties must tackle racial discrimination against staff and patients.

PMID- 25138117
TI  - A prospective cross-sectional study on quality of life and treatment satisfaction
      in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy without other major late diabetic
      complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess quality of life and treatment satisfaction in patients with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy (DR) using validated
      instruments, with comparison to patients without DR. METHODS: A prospective cross
      sectional study was designed to assess the influence of retinopathy on quality of
      life and treatment satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who do
      not have any other advanced late complications that could interfere with these
      outcomes. We included 148 patients with DR and 149 without DR, all without other
      advanced diabetic complications. Quality of life was assessed using the Audit of
      Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL) questionnaire, and treatment
      satisfaction was assessed using the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire
      (DTSQ). Clinical and treatment variables related to diabetes were also collected.
      The degree of DR was classified according to the International Clinical
      Classification System. Multivariate linear regression models were used to model
      the ADDQoL and DTSQ scores according to sociodemographical and clinical
      characteristics, and to model the adjusted relationship of DTSQ with ADDQoL. In
      DR patients, a subanalysis assessed the relationship of these scores with the
      degree of retinopathy, severity of macular edema, and previous photocoagulation
      treatment. RESULTS: DR was associated with significantly lower quality of life (p
      < 0.001), when examining the two general quality of life items and most of the
      specific domains. Concerning DTSQ, no difference was found in the total score,
      and only two domains that assess the perception of glycemic control (hyper- and
      hypoglycemia) showed a worse score in DR (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively).
      Quality of life was significantly affected by the severity of DR, and treatment
      satisfaction was significantly affected by the severity of macular edema. In the
      multivariate analysis, a significant effect of the interaction between diabetes
      duration, insulin therapy, and the presence of DR was found for both, ADDQoL and
      DTSQ. CONCLUSION: In the absence of other major complications, DR has a negative
      impact on quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further, treatment
      satisfaction was not affected by the presence of DR.

PMID- 25138119
TI  - Isolation of a dihydrobenzofuran lignan, icariside E4, with an antinociceptive
      effect from Tabebuia roseo-alba (Ridley) Sandwith (Bignoniaceae) bark.
AB  - The antinociceptive activity of icariside E4, a dihydrobenzofuran-type lignan
      isolated from Tabebuia roseo-alba (Ridley) Sandwith (Bignoniaceae) bark, was
      evaluated in mice by using chemical and thermal models of nociception.
      Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of crude T. roseo-alba bark extract and its
      methanol fraction inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction in mice.
      Furthermore, i.p. administration of 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg of icariside E4 reduced
      the number of writhes evoked by acetic acid injection by 46.9, 82.3, and 66.6%,
      respectively. Icariside E4 administration had no effect in the first phase of the
      formalin test, but it reduced nociceptive behavior in the second phase as
      indicated by a reduction in the licking time. Icariside E4 did not modify thermal
      nociception in the hot-plate test model, suggesting that it had a peripheral
      antinociceptive action. The antinociceptive effect of icariside E4 in the
      writhing test was reversed by pre-administration of glibenclamide, but not of
      naloxone, atropine, yohimbine, or haloperidol. Together, these results indicated
      that the antinociceptive activity of icariside E4 from T. roseo-alba in models of
      chemical pain occurred through ATP-sensitive K(+) channel-dependent mechanisms.

PMID- 25138120
TI  - Using gene genealogies to detect rare variants associated with complex traits.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Standard population genetic theory says that
      deleterious genetic variants are likely rare and fairly recently introduced.
      However, can this expectation lead to more powerful tests of association between
      diseases and rare genetic variation? The gene genealogy describes the
      relationships between haplotypes sampled from the general population. Although
      ancestral tree-based methods, inspired by the gene genealogy concept, have been
      developed for finding associations with common genetic variants, here we ask
      whether gene genealogies can help in identifying genomic regions containing
      multiple rare causal variants. METHODS: With data simulated under several
      demographic models and using known gene genealogies, we developed and compared
      several tree-based statistics to determine which, if any, could detect the type
      of clustering expected with rare causal variants and whether the genealogic tree
      provides additional information about disease associations. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSIONS: We found that a novel statistic based on the scaled distance between
      the tips of a tree performed better than other tree-based statistics. When data
      were simulated with mild population growth, this statistic outperformed two
      standard non-tree-based methods, showing that an ancestral tree-based approach
      has potential for rare variant discovery.

PMID- 25138121
TI  - Oral viscous budesonide as a first-line approach to esophageal stenosis in
      epidermolysis bullosa: an open-label trial in six children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Esophageal and pharyngeal problems are common in the majority of
      patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Repeated blister formation and
      ulceration, coupled with chronic inflammation, result in scarring and development
      of esophageal strictures. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether oral
      viscous budesonide (OVB) was useful for treating esophageal structures in six
      pediatric patients (aged 8-17 years) with EB who were affected by dysphagia and
      esophageal strictures. METHODS: Patients were treated for 4 months with twice
      daily oral budesonide nebulizer solution 0.5 mg/2 mL mixed with maltodextrin 5 g
      and artificial sweeteners. RESULTS: One patient developed a severe oral mycotic
      infection and discontinued treatment. The other five patients completed the
      treatment regimen and displayed significantly lower stricture indices (SIs) post
      treatment (mean SI +/- standard deviation 0.736 +/- 0.101 pre-treatment versus
      0.558 +/- 0.162 post-treatment; p = 0.008). Patients experienced a mean SI
      decrease of 0.178 (range 0.026-0.296), as well as improved dietary habits in the
      absence of side effects. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that topical
      corticosteroids may significantly alleviate strictures in pediatric patients with
      EB, thereby limiting the need for endoscopic dilation and considerably improving
      patients' quality of life.

PMID- 25138122
TI  - Perioperative and postoperative complications after Ophira mini sling operations.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate perioperative and postoperative complications of mini sling
      operations in the surgical treatment of female urinary incontinence. METHODS: The
      study was comprised of 151 female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI)
      or mixed incontinence (MUI) with predominant SUI patients who underwent the mini
      sling procedure. The duration of the follow-up ranged from 6 to 21 months. All
      women had positive cough stress tests preoperatively. The procedure was performed
      under local (86.1 %) or spinal anesthesia (13.9 %) with the same mini slings for
      all cases. Patients were examined in the outpatient clinic at 1 and 6 months
      after surgery. RESULTS: The mean age was 49 years old (SD 10) with a range of 26
      82. Of the 151 patients, 42 (27.8 %) presented MUI, while 109 (72.2 %) presented
      SUI. Mean parity was 3 +/- 1. Mean body mass index was 28.9 +/- 3.5. 60 (39.7 %)
      of the cases were postmenopausal. There were 73 women who participated in 6
      months follow-ups and 78 women who did 1-year follow-ups. The mean operating time
      was 13 +/- 3.1 min. There were no major intraoperative complications due to mini
      sling surgery. 120 (79.5 %) patients were discharged the day following the
      surgery. Ten patients (6.1 %) had de novo urge incontinence in their post
      operative follow-ups which was resolved using anti-cholinergic drugs. Two
      patients (1.2 %) required sling sections due to prolonged bladder outlet
      obstruction. There were 15 patients that complained about de novo dyspareunia
      (9.9 %). Vaginal mesh extrusion was reported in 18 (11.9 %) patients. The mean
      preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin concentrations were 12.9 +/- 1.3 and
      12.5 +/- 1.3 g/dL, respectively. CONCLUSION: The mini sling system can be
      considered an easy and effective method for treating stress urinary incontinence
      without major complication rates.

PMID- 25138123
TI  - The effect of physical exercise on postpartum fitness, hormone and lipid levels:
      a randomized controlled trial in primiparous, lactating women.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of an exercise training program combining low
      impact dance aerobic, resistance and stretching exercise on physical fitness,
      hormone and lipid levels of postpartum, primiparous, lactating women. METHODS:
      Thirty seven primiparous, lactating women were randomly assigned at 4-6 weeks
      postpartum to either follow an exercise training program of 50-60 min aerobic,
      strengthening and stretching exercise, 3 days a week, for 12 weeks
      (interventional group; n = 20) or no training program at all (control group; n =
      17). The following parameters were measured at baseline and 12 weeks later: (1)
      for evaluation of physical fitness: VO2max, muscular endurance, joint mobility
      and body fat; (2) for evaluation of the lipidemic profile: triglyceride, total
      cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels, and (3) levels of hormones associated with
      lactation: prolactin, estradiol, cortisol, TSH, fT3 and fT4. RESULTS: After
      completion of the exercise training program, comparisons between the
      interventional and the control group showed statistically significant mean
      changes in VO2max (p = 0.003), muscular endurance of the upper extremities (p <
      0.001), and the abdomen (p < 0.001), flexibility (p = 0.042), and body fat (p =
      0.007). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean
      changes of lipid and hormone levels. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a low-impact
      exercise training program appears to improve physical fitness of postpartum
      women, while it does not seem to affect lipid levels and lactation-associated
      hormone levels. Hence, implementation of an exercise training program combining
      low-impact dance aerobic, resistance and stretching exercise is feasible in
      postpartum, primiparous, lactating women.

PMID- 25138124
TI  - Cervical cancer screening in Germany: group-specific participation rates in the
      state of Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony). A study with health insurance data.
AB  - PURPOSE: The participation rates in cervical screenings are varying over
      different countries. This is only partly due to the availability of organized
      screening programs, as the rates are also varying between countries were such
      programs were implemented. For Germany the level of knowledge is low, and
      information are outdated. In order to improve the level of knowledge, we examined
      whether the participation rates in cervical screenings in a large German
      insurance population were changing over time, and whether these changes were
      different with respect to age and qualification of the participating women.
      METHODS: The analyses were based on the complete anonymised dataset of a large
      statutory health insurance in Lower Saxony, Germany, with case numbers between
      940,827 (2006) and 1,044,797 (2011) women aged 20 years and older. RESULTS:
      Between 2006 and 2011 the overall annual participation rates were increasing from
      44.8 to 47.6%. The highest rates occurred in women with the highest qualification
      level, thus leading to increasing social differences over time. There was a peak
      in the age group of 25-29 years from annually 60.3 (2006) to 60.2% (2011), and bi
      annually from 77 to 77.1% with constantly decreasing rates up to the age of 60.
      No substantial differences occurred between a 2- and a 3-year observation period.
      CONCLUSIONS: Over time only small increases of participation rates in cervical
      screenings occurred. These findings may be interpreted in favor of population
      based screenings within an invitation program.

PMID- 25138125
TI  - Associations between adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein and clinical parameters
      in polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated a possible association between serum adipocyte fatty acid
      binding protein (A-FABP) levels and clinical parameters in women with polycystic
      ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Our study included 86 women: 49 with PCOS (study
      group), 37 with non-PCOS (control group). We recorded and analyzed age, body mass
      index [BMI = weight (kg)/height (m)(2)], waist circumference, and blood pressure
      and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/FSH, free
      testosterone (fT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 17-OH progesterone, insulin,
      glucose, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very
      low density lipoprotein, HOMA-IR, and A-FABP levels. RESULTS: The mean BMI, waist
      circumference, and levels of serum LH, fT, LH/FSH, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR
      were significantly higher in PCOS patients (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation
      analysis showed positive correlations of A-FABP levels with BMI and HOMA-IR
      levels and a negative correlation between A-FABP and fT levels. A ROC curve
      analysis found that BMI, waist circumference, and levels of fT, A-FABP, and HOMA
      IR were discriminative parameters. CONCLUSION: Serum A-FABP levels may be a good
      prognostic marker in predicting metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases in
      PCOS patients.

PMID- 25138126
TI  - The influence of body weight on sexual function and quality of life in women with
      polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess sexual function (SF) and quality of life (QOL) in women with
      polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted
      to assess 56 women with PCOS and 102 control women with regular menstrual cycles.
      To assess SF and QOL in Brazilian women with PCOS with Female Sexual Function
      Index (FSFI) and the WHOQOL-bref questionnaires. RESULTS: Women with PCOS had a
      worse evaluation to arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, pain and total FSFI, and
      there was no difference in sexual desire and orgasm. Besides, they had a worse
      evaluation concerning health status than controls. The body mass index was
      inversely correlated to the QOL, especially to the physical, psychological,
      environment aspects and self-assessment of QOL, but it did not show correlation
      to the SF. CONCLUSION: Women with PCOS had a worse sexual function and self
      assessment of health condition in comparison to controls. The body weight as
      isolated symptom was correlated to the worsening in quality of life, but not with
      the worsening of sexual function.

PMID- 25138127
TI  - Effects of electro-acupuncture on labor pain management.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a non-pharmacologic electro-acupuncture
      method at different acupoints on labor pain management. METHODS: Nulliparous
      women under the maternity care of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of
      Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital were recruited and allocated into two experimental
      groups (EX-B2 group and SP6 group) and one control group, each with 60 eligible
      participants. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain during active
      phase of labor before and 30, 60, 120 min after intervention. The duration of
      active phase, the duration of second stage of labor, the duration of third stage
      of labor, use of oxytocin, neonatal birth weight, neonatal Apgar score at 1 and 5
      min were considered as secondary outcomes of this study. RESULTS: After 30 min
      intervention, the mean VAS scores of both EX-B2 group and SP6 group were
      significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.01); however, no
      significant difference was observed between the two experimental groups (P >
      0.05). After 60 and 120 min intervention, the mean VAS scores of EX-B2 group were
      significantly lower than SP-6 group (P < 0.05). Both EX-B2 group and SP6 group
      had significant lower VAS scores after interventions and shorter time used in
      active phase of labor than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study
      revealed that the application of electro-acupuncture at EX-B2 and SP6 acupoints
      could be used as a non-pharmacologic method to reduce labor pain and shorten the
      duration of active phase of labor.

PMID- 25138128
TI  - Oral versus vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor in Enugu, Nigeria: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aimed at comparing the effectiveness and maternal
      satisfaction of oral misoprostol with vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor
      at term. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial of 140 term
      pregnant women at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria, was
      conducted from April 2011 to May 2012. The women were equally randomized into two
      groups (A and B) to receive oral and vaginal misoprostol, respectively. RESULTS:
      The vaginal route reduced the mean induction-vaginal delivery interval by four
      and-half hours (20.7 +/- 12.1 vs. 16.2 +/- 10.4; mean difference: 4.50, 95% CI
      0.63-0.82; p = 0.02). Furthermore, the mean dose of misoprostol required to
      achieve induction of labor and the mean duration of oxytocin augmentation when
      indicated were significantly less in the vaginal group than in the oral group
      (2.5 +/- 1.3 vs. 2.0 +/- 1.1; mean difference: 0.50, 95% CI 0.10-0.90; p = 0.02
      and 4.6 +/- 3.2 vs. 3.4 +/- 3.1; mean difference: 1.20, 95% CI 0.15-0.23; p =
      0.03 respectively). However, neonatal complications and maternal satisfaction
      were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both routes of administration
      are effective in the induction of labor at term and have comparable maternal
      satisfaction. However, the vaginal route has the added advantage of shorter
      induction-delivery interval among others, and thus should be highly considered
      when induction of labor is indicated at term.

PMID- 25138130
TI  - Advances in chalcones with anticancer activities.
AB  - Chalcones are naturally occurring compounds exhibiting broad spectrum biological
      activities including anticancer activity through multiple mechanisms. Literature
      on anticancer chalcones highlights the employment of three pronged strategies,
      namely; structural manipulation of both aryl rings, replacement of aryl rings
      with heteroaryl scaffolds, molecular hybridization through conjugation with other
      pharmacologically interesting scaffolds for enhancement of anticancer properties.
      Methoxy substitutions on both the aryl rings (A and B) of the chalcones,
      depending upon their positions in the aryl rings appear to influence anticancer
      and other activities. Similarly, heterocyclic rings either as ring A or B in
      chalcones, also influence the anticancer activity shown by this class of
      compounds. Hybrid chalcones formulated by chemically linking chalcones to other
      prominent anticancer scaffolds such as pyrrol[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines,
      benzothiazoles, imidazolones have demonstrated synergistic or additive
      pharmacological activities. The successful application of these three pronged
      strategies for discovering novel anticancer agents based on chalcone scaffold has
      resulted in many novel and chemically diverse chalcones with potential
      therapeutic application for many types of cancer. This review summarizes the
      concerted efforts expended on the design and development of anticancer chalcones
      recorded in recent literature and also provides an overview of the patents
      published in this area between 2007 and 2014 (WO2013022951, WO201201745 &
      US2012029489).

PMID- 25138129
TI  - Identification of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the synovial fluid of
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous
      population of innate immune cells with a granulocyte-like or monocyte-like
      phenotype and a unique ability to suppress T-cell responses. MDSCs have been
      shown to accumulate in cancer patients, but recent studies suggest that these
      cells are also present in humans and animals suffering from autoimmune diseases.
      We previously identified MDSCs in the synovial fluid (SF) of mice with
      experimental autoimmune arthritis. The goal of the present study was to identify
      MDSCs in the SF of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: RA SF cells
      were studied by flow cytometry using antibodies to MDSC cell surface markers as
      well as by analysis of cell morphology. The suppressor activity of RA SF cells
      toward autologous peripheral blood T cells was determined ex vivo. We employed
      both antigen-nonspecific (anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies) and antigen-specific
      (allogeneic cells) induction systems to test the effects of RA SF cells on the
      proliferation of autologous T cells. RESULTS: SF from RA patients contained MDSC
      like cells, the majority of which showed granulocyte (neutrophil)-like phenotype
      and morphology. RA SF cells significantly suppressed the proliferation of anti
      CD3/CD28-stimulated autologous T cells upon co-culture. When compared side by
      side, RA SF cells had a more profound inhibitory effect on the alloantigen
      induced than the anti-CD3/CD28-induced proliferation of autologous T cells.
      CONCLUSION: MDSCs are present among RA SF cells that are commonly regarded as
      inflammatory neutrophils. Our results suggest that the presence of neutrophil
      like MDSCs in the SF is likely beneficial, as these cells have the ability to
      limit the expansion of joint-infiltrating T cells in RA.

PMID- 25138131
TI  - Patent analysis as a tool for research planning: study on natural based
      therapeutics against cancer stem cells.
AB  - Medicines developed from traditional systems are well known for their various
      important pharmaceutical uses. Cancer has been known since ancient times and has
      been mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic books. Thus natural based products play a
      significant role in cancer chemotherapeutics. Further, approximately 70% of
      anticancer compounds are based on natural products or have been derived from
      their structural scaffolds. Hence, there is a growing interest for developing
      medicines from these natural resources. Amongst the methods of treating cancer,
      therapies targeting cancer stem cell are found to control metastatic tumor which
      is a newly identified factor associated with relapse. This patent review aims to
      highlight the use of natural products to treat cancer by targeting the cancer
      stem cells. The review will also provide insights into the reported mechanisms by
      which the natural products act in order to suppress or kill cancer stem cells.
      The analysis has been done using various criteria such as the patenting trend
      over the years, comparison of active assignee and a comparison of the technical
      aspects as disclosed in the different patent documents. The analysis further
      highlights different bioactives, the scaffolds of which could thus be a promising
      candidate in the development of anti-cancer drugs by targeting the cancer stem
      cells. The technical aspects covered in this review include: Bioactives and
      formulations comprising the extracts or bioactives, their mode of action and the
      type of assay considered to study the efficacy of the natural products. Further
      the mapping has helped us to identify potential therapeutic areas to evaluate
      herbs/bioactives and their uses for developing new formulations.

PMID- 25138132
TI  - Fetal myelomeningocele repair: the post-MOMS experience at the Children's
      Hospital of Philadelphia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fetal myelomeningocele (fMMC) repair has become accepted as a
      standard of care option in selected circumstances. We reviewed our outcomes for
      fMMC repair from referral and evaluation through surgery, delivery and neonatal
      discharge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients referred for potential fMMC repair
      were reviewed from January 1, 2011 through March 7, 2014. Maternal and neonatal
      data were collected on the 100 patients who underwent surgery. RESULTS: 29% of
      those evaluated met the criteria and underwent fMMC repair (100 cases). The
      average gestational age was 21.9 weeks at evaluation and 23.4 weeks at fMMC
      repair. Complications included membrane separation (22.9%), preterm premature
      rupture of membranes (32.3%) and preterm labor (37.5%). Average gestational age
      at delivery was 34.3 weeks and 54.2% delivered at >=35 weeks. The perinatal loss
      rate was 6.1% (2 intrauterine fetal demises and 4 neonatal demises); 90.8% of
      women delivered at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and 3.4% received
      transfusions. With regard to the neonates, 2 received ventriculoperitoneal shunts
      prior to discharge; 71.1% of neonates had no evidence of hindbrain herniation on
      MRI. Of the 80 neonates evaluated, 55% were assigned a functional level of one or
      more better than the prenatal anatomic level. CONCLUSION: In an experienced
      program, maternal and neonatal outcomes for patients undergoing fMMC repair are
      comparable to results of the MOMS trial.

PMID- 25138134
TI  - Cytomegalovirus central nervous system compartmentalization in a patient
      presenting with AIDS.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) central nervous system involvement is uncommon and hardly
      diagnosed because it can mimic many different conditions. We here present a case
      of an HIV-positive patient with neurological signs and symptoms (headache,
      asthenia, confusion, hallucinations, ataxia) with concurrent opportunistic
      diseases (neurotoxoplasmosis, disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma, disseminated CMV
      infection). CMV CNS involvement was not initially considered given the observed
      multiple comorbidities: antiviral treatment duration was probably not adequate
      given the end-organ disease. Concomitantly, plasma CMV DNA was undetectable while
      cerebrospinal fluid viral load was 31,340 copies/ml. Ganciclovir treatment
      followed by oral valganciclovir maintenance was associated with the slow
      disappearance of symptoms, the improvement of MRI images and the persistent
      undetectability of CMV DNA. The case here reported highlights the challenges of
      diagnosing CMV encephalitis in HIV-positive patients (with several cerebral
      comorbidities), the incomplete knowledge of the appropriate treatment for such a
      disease and the possibility of CMV replication in the cerebrospinal fluid despite
      undetectable plasma CMV DNA. 

PMID- 25138135
TI  - A vanishing lymphoma in the cheek.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We describe the unusual case of a 66-year-old woman who presented
      with a cheek mass that completely abated with oral steroids. CASE REPORT:
      Multiple separate biopsies of the mass were negative or inconclusive. MRI
      revealed a large mass, yet after a short steroid course, this mass was completely
      undetectable on clinical examination. A repeat biopsy eventually revealed
      follicular lymphoma. DISCUSSION: Lymphomas are known to be steroid sensitive; the
      medication is an essential component of the common CHOP therapy. While known to
      occur in the central nervous system, to the best of our knowledge, the presence
      of a 'vanishing' lymphoma has not been documented in the head and neck. We
      discuss the likely physiology of the vanishing lymphoma, and the diagnostic
      difficulty it presents. CONCLUSION: When a lymphoma is suspected, patient care
      may be optimized if biopsy is delayed until steroids have been discontinued.

PMID- 25138136
TI  - The association between family meals and early-adolescents' weight status change
      in the context of parental discipline practices: the moderating roles of
      ethnicity and acculturation.
AB  - This study examines the interactions among family meals, parental discipline
      practices, ethnicity, and acculturation on weight status change in a diverse
      sample of early-adolescents. Data were obtained from the Early Childhood
      Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS-K), a nationally representative
      sample of children who entered kindergarten during 1998-1999. In fifth grade,
      parents reported on child and household routines. In fifth and eighth grade,
      children were weighed and measured at school. Above and beyond covariates, less
      acculturated Hispanic adolescents who ate more family meals and experienced low
      parental behavioral control in fifth grade were less likely to make a healthy
      change (gamma = -0.15, OR = 0.86, p < 0.05) and more likely to make an unhealthy
      change (gamma = 0.32, OR = 1.38, p < 0.05) in their weight status by eighth
      grade, when compared to White Non-Hispanic adolescents. The implications of
      interactions among family meals, parental discipline practices, and healthy
      weight promotion are discussed in the context of ethnicity and acculturation.

PMID- 25138137
TI  - Disparities in Access to Prenatal Care Services for African Immigrant Women in
      Spain.
AB  - This retrospective cohort study compares the utilization of prenatal care between
      African immigrant and native Spanish women. For 2007-2010, we identified 231
      pregnant African immigrant women. The native-born population sample was obtained
      by simple random sampling in a 1:3 ratio. The Kessner Index (KI) and our Own
      Index (OI) were applied to rate prenatal care adequacy in three categories
      (adequate, intermediate, and inadequate). Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using
      non-conditional logistic regression. Prenatal care was adequate according to the
      indexes (KI or OI) in 21.3 and 25.8% of North Africans and in 22.5 and 30.4% of
      sub-Saharan Africans. The ORs of inadequacy when adjusted for maternal age,
      social risk factors, and previous reproductive outcomes were 30.32 and 35.47 (KI
      or OI) in North and 64.43 and 67.93 in sub- Saharan Africans. These results
      suggest significant differences in obtaining adequate prenatal care between
      immigrant and native Spanish women.

PMID- 25138138
TI  - Evaluating Job Demands and Control Measures for Use in Farm Worker Health
      Surveillance.
AB  - Workplace stress likely plays a role in health disparities; however, applying
      standard measures to studies of immigrants requires thoughtful consideration. The
      goal of this study was to determine the appropriateness of two measures of
      occupational stressors ('decision latitude' and 'job demands') for use with
      mostly immigrant Latino farm workers. Cross-sectional data from a pilot module
      containing a four-item measure of decision latitude and a two-item measure of job
      demands were obtained from a subsample (N = 409) of farm workers participating in
      the National Agricultural Workers Survey. Responses to items for both constructs
      were clustered toward the low end of the structured response-set. Percentages of
      responses of 'very often' and 'always' for each of the items were examined by
      educational attainment, birth country, dominant language spoken, task, and crop.
      Cronbach's alpha, when stratified by subgroups of workers, for the decision
      latitude items were (0.65-0.90), but were less robust for the job demands items
      (0.25-0.72). The four-item decision latitude scale can be applied to occupational
      stress research with immigrant farm workers, and potentially other immigrant
      Latino worker groups. The short job demands scale requires further investigation
      and evaluation before suggesting widespread use.

PMID- 25138139
TI  - Sensitivity and false alarm rate of a fall sensor in long-term fall detection in
      the elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About a third of home-dwelling older people fall each year, and
      institutionalized older people even report a two- or threefold higher rate for
      falling. Automatic fall detection systems have been developed to support the
      independent and secure living of the elderly. Even though good fall detection
      sensitivity and specificity in laboratory settings have been reported, knowledge
      about the sensitivity and specificity of these systems in real-life conditions is
      still lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term
      fall detection sensitivity and false alarm rate of a fall detection prototype in
      real-life use. METHODS: A total of 15,500 h of real-life data from 16 older
      people, including both fallers and nonfallers, were monitored using an
      accelerometry-based sensor system with an implemented fall detection algorithm.
      RESULTS: The fall detection system detected 12 out of 15 real-life falls, having
      a sensitivity of 80.0%, with a false alarm rate of 0.049 alarms per usage hour
      with the implemented real-time system. With minor modification of data analysis
      the false alarm rate was reduced to 0.025 false alarms per hour, equating to 1
      false fall alarm per 40 usage hours. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that
      automatic accelerometric fall detection systems might offer a tool for improving
      safety among older people.

PMID- 25138140
TI  - Temporary arterial embolization of liver parenchyma with degradable starch
      microspheres (EmboCept(r)S) in a swine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the embolic properties, time to
      reperfusion, and histologic changes in temporary embolization of liver tissue
      with degradable starch microspheres (DSM) in a swine model. METHODS: In four
      adult minipigs, DSMs were injected into the right or left hepatic artery on the
      lobar level until complete stasis of the blood flow was detectable
      angiographically. The time required to complete angiographically determined
      reperfusion was noted. The animals were killed 3 h after complete reperfusion,
      and samples were taken from the liver. Histologic examinations of the embolized
      liver parenchyma and untreated tissue were performed. RESULTS: Hepatic arterial
      embolization using DSMs was technically successful in all cases, with complete
      blood flow stasis shown by control angiography. A single vial of DSMs (450 mg/7.5
      ml) was sufficient to embolize a whole liver lobe in all cases. Angiography
      showed complete reconstitution of hepatic arterial perfusion after a mean time to
      reperfusion of 32 +/- 6.1 min (range, 26-39 min). Hematoxylin and eosin staining
      showed no histologically detectable differences between untreated tissue and
      parenchyma embolized with DSMs except for mild sinusoidal congestion in one case.
      Indirect in situ DNA nick end labeling staining (TUNEL) showed only single
      positive hepatocytes, indicating apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Temporary embolization of
      the hepatic artery using DSMs is feasible with complete reperfusion after 30 min
      in pigs. Even after complete arterial blood flow stasis, no extensive tissue
      damage to the embolized liver parenchyma was observed at histologic examinations
      in this short-term study.

PMID- 25138141
TI  - Antibacterial activity of biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesized with gum
      ghatti and gum olibanum: a comparative study.
AB  - Presently, silver nanoparticles produced by biological methods have received
      considerable significance owing to the natural abundance of renewable, cost
      effective and biodegradable materials, thus implementing the green chemistry
      principles. Compared with the nanoparticles synthesized using chemical methods,
      most biogenic silver nanoparticles are protein capped, which imparts stability
      and biocompatibility, and enhanced antibacterial activity. In this study, we
      compared the antibacterial effect of two biogenic silver nanoparticles produced
      with natural plant gums: gum ghatti and gum olibanum against Gram-negative and
      Gram-positive bacteria. Bacterial interaction with nanoparticles was probed both
      in planktonic and biofilm modes of growth; employing solid agar and liquid broth
      assays for inhibition zone, antibiofilm activity, inhibition of growth kinetics,
      leakage of intracellular contents, membrane permeabilization and reactive oxygen
      species production. In addition, cytotoxicity of the biogenic nanoparticles was
      evaluated in HeLa cells, a human carcinoma cell line. Antibacterial activity and
      cytotoxicity of the silver nanoparticles synthesized with gum ghatti (Ag NP-GT)
      was greater than that produced with gum olibanum (Ag NP-OB). This could be
      attributed to the smaller size (5.7 nm), monodispersity and zeta potential of the
      Ag NP-GT. The study suggests that Ag NP-GT can be employed as a cytotoxic
      bactericidal agent, whereas Ag NP-OB (7.5 nm) as a biocompatible bactericidal
      agent. 

PMID- 25138143
TI  - Contact lenses: new devices for nucleotide delivery in ocular pathologies.

PMID- 25138142
TI  - Vancomycin blocks autophagy and induces interleukin-1beta release in macrophages.
AB  - Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a serious condition that can
      cause organ failure as an exaggerated immunoresponse to the infection or other
      causes. Recently, autophagy was reported as a key process that regulates
      inflammatory responses in macrophages. Vancomycin is one of the most commonly
      prescribed antibiotics for sepsis treatment or following surgery. However, there
      are no studies on how vancomycin affects autophagy or inflammation. Here, we
      treated macrophage cell lines with vancomycin and lipopolysaccharides and found
      that vancomycin blocks autophagy and increases inflammatory responses. This
      finding suggests that vancomycin should be more cautiously administered in order
      to prevent unwanted SIRS during sepsis. 

PMID- 25138144
TI  - Treatment moderators of cognitive behavior therapy to reduce aggressive behavior:
      a meta-analysis.
AB  - Maladaptive aggression in adolescents is an increasing public health concern.
      Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and promising
      treatments of aggression. However, there is a lack of information on predictors
      of treatment response regarding CBT. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed
      examining the role of predictors on treatment response of CBT. Twenty-five
      studies were evaluated (including 2,302 participants; 1,580 boys and 722 girls),
      and retrieved through searches on PubMed, PsycINFO and EMBASE. Effect sizes were
      calculated for studies that met inclusion criteria. Study population differences
      and specific CBT characteristics were examined for their explanatory power. There
      was substantial variation across studies in design and outcome variables. The
      meta-analysis showed a medium treatment effect for CBT to reduce aggression
      (Cohen'd = 0.50). No predictors of treatment response were found in the meta
      analysis. Only two studies did examine whether proactive versus reactive
      aggression could be a moderator of treatment outcome, and no effect was found of
      this subtyping of aggression. These study results suggest that CBT is effective
      in reducing maladaptive aggression. Furthermore, treatment setting and duration
      did not seem to influence treatment effect, which shows the need for development
      of more cost-effective and less-invasive interventions. More research is needed
      on moderators of outcome of CBT, including proactive versus reactive aggression.
      This requires better standardization of design, predictors, and outcome measures
      across studies. 

PMID- 25138146
TI  - Bioinspired design and assembly of layered double hydroxide/poly(vinyl alcohol)
      film with high mechanical performance.
AB  - Inspired by the hierarchical structure and excellent mechanical performance of
      nacre, LDH nanosheets with an appropriate aspect ratio to withstand significant
      loads and at the same time allow for rupture under the pull-out mode were
      synthesized as artificial building blocks for the fabrication of nacre-like
      films. Multilayered PVA/LDH films with a high tensile strength and ductility were
      prepared for the first time by bottom-up layer-by-layer assembly of pretreated
      LDH nanosheets and spin-coating of PVA. The weight fraction of inorganic LDH
      platelets in the hybrid PVA/LDH films (wp) was controlled by changing the
      concentration of PVA solution applied in the spin-coating process. The resulting
      films revealed that the PVA/LDH hybrid films were piled close together to form a
      well-defined stratified structure resembling the brick-and-mortar structure of
      natural nacre. In the hybrid films, the content of inorganic LDH platelets was
      comparable to the value in nacre, up to 96.9 wt %. It could be clearly seen that
      the mechanical performance of the as-prepared PVA/LDH films was greatly improved
      by increasing the rigid building-block LDHs. The tensile strength of the 2 wt %
      PVA/LDH hybrid film reached a value of 169.36 MPa, thus exceeding the strength of
      natural nacre and reaching 4 times that of a pure PVA film. Meanwhile, its
      elastic modulus was comparable to that of lamellar bone. 

PMID- 25138147
TI  - Relationships between the effect of sunitinib and immature blood vessels in
      metastatic renal cell cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to investigate the relationships between
      the effect of sunitinib and immature microvessels which are not covered by
      pericytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 29 patients with clear-cell
      renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who took sunitinib after radical nephrectomy or biopsy
      due to metastatic RCC. Associations among clinicopathological factors, responses
      to sunitinib, and patient survival were reviewed. CD31 was used to stain
      endothelial cells, and anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin was used to stain
      pericytes. Immature vessels were defined as vessels that were positive only for
      CD31 staining. A high pericyte coverage was defined as a rate of pericyte
      coverage above 40%. RESULTS: Partial responses, disease stabilization, and
      disease progression constituted 51.7, 10.4, and 37.9% of cases, respectively.
      Nine cases had a low pericyte coverage (31.0%). In the high-pericyte-coverage
      group, the number of metastatic sites was smaller (p=0.003). The overall response
      rate to sunitinib was greater in the high-pericyte-coverage group than in the low
      pericyte-coverage group (p=0.027). The median overall survival and the median
      progression-free survival were not significantly different between the high- and
      low-pericyte-coverage groups. CONCLUSION: In the high-pericyte-coverage group,
      the overall response rates to sunitinib were higher, and the numbers of
      metastatic sites were smaller.

PMID- 25138145
TI  - Chronic multisite pain in adolescent girls and boys with emotional and behavioral
      problems: the Young-HUNT study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic multisite pain with
      high disability in relation to emotional or behavioral problems and resilience
      factors in adolescence. A second aim was to investigate if resilience factors
      could attenuate the associations between psychiatric symptoms and chronic
      multisite pain. The study was based on a large cross-sectional study carried out
      in Norway between 2006 and 2008 and included 7,070 adolescents aged 13-19 years.
      Chronic multisite pain was defined as pain at least once a week during the last 3
      months, scoring high on a disability index, and occurring in three or more
      locations. Chronic multisite pain was prevalent among adolescents with high
      scores (>85%) for anxiety/depression, social anxiety, conduct or attention
      problems (22.8-31.0 for girls, 8.8-19.0% for boys). Several coexistent
      psychiatric symptoms increased the prevalence of chronic multisite pain for both
      girls and boys. Resilience factors, including high self-esteem, seldom feeling
      lonely, and high scores for family cohesion or social competence, were associated
      with a lower prevalence and markedly attenuated the association between
      psychiatric symptoms and chronic multisite pain. Psychiatrists should be careful
      to assess and treat comorbid chronic pain in adolescents with emotional or
      behavioral problems.

PMID- 25138148
TI  - Donor-transmitted HTLV-1-associated myelopathy in a kidney transplant recipient-
      case report and literature review.
AB  - Clinical disease due to human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), a
      retrovirus endemic in certain regions of the world, is rarely reported after
      solid organ transplantation. In 2009, universal deceased donor organ screening
      for HTLV-1 was discontinued in the United States. We report the first case of
      donor-derived HTLV-1-associated myelopathy in a kidney transplant recipient from
      the United States. The patient, who was HTLV-1-seronegative prior to
      transplantation, likely acquired HTLV-1 infection from a seropositive organ
      donor. In this era when screening of donors and recipients for HTLV infection is
      not mandatory, clinicians should be vigilant in recognizing the risk and
      potential occurrence of this donor-derived infection in recipients with
      epidemiologic exposures.

PMID- 25138150
TI  - Micropercutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Management of Bilateral Renal Stones in
      a 7-Month-Old Infant: The Youngest Case in the Literature.
AB  - During infancy, the renal parenchyma and pelvicalyceal system are relatively
      fragile. Therefore, percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the management of renal
      stones in this age group is a challenging procedure for urologists. Herein, we
      present the uneventful management of bilateral renal stones using
      micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (microperc) administered to a 7-month-old
      infant with recurrent urinary tract infections. In this paper, the advantages and
      disadvantages of the microperc procedure are discussed. As far as we know, our
      patient is the youngest case in whom the microperc procedure has been performed. 

PMID- 25138149
TI  - Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: a comprehensive update.
AB  - Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a clinico-radiological
      syndrome characterized by recurrent thunderclap headache, with or without
      neurologic symptoms, and reversible vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries. RCVS
      affects patients in various racial and ethnic groups and in all age groups,
      although most commonly in the fourth decade of life. Many conditions and
      exposures have been linked to RCVS, including vasoactive drugs and the peripartum
      period. Disturbance of the cerebral vascular tone is thought to contribute to the
      disease's pathophysiology. RCVS generally follows a monophasic course. Associated
      strokes and cerebral hemorrhages are not uncommon. In this review we will attempt
      to provide a comprehensive overview of RCVS, with emphasis on the controversies
      in the field and the newest findings in the reported literature. 

PMID- 25138151
TI  - The effectiveness of collaborative care for people with memory problems in
      primary care: results of the CAREDEM case management modelling and feasibility
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with dementia and their families need support in different
      forms, but currently services are often fragmented with variable quality of care.
      Case management offers a way of co-ordinating services along the care pathway and
      therefore could provide individualised support; however, evidence of the
      effectiveness of case management for dementia is inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To
      adapt the intervention used in a promising case management project in the USA and
      test its feasibility and acceptability in English general practice. DESIGN: In
      work package 1, a design group of varied professionals, with a carer and staff
      from the voluntary sector, met six times over a year to identify the skills and
      personal characteristics required for case management; protocols from the US
      study were adapted for use in the UK. The feasibility of recruiting general
      practices and patient-carer dyads and of delivering case management were tested
      in a pilot study (work package 2). An embedded qualitative study explored
      stakeholder views on study procedures and case management. SETTING: Four general
      practices, two in the north-east of England (Newcastle) one in London and one in
      Norfolk, took part in a feasibility pilot study of case management. PARTICIPANTS:
      Community-dwelling people with dementia and their carers who were not already
      being case managed by other services. INTERVENTION: A social worker shared by the
      two practices in the north-east and practice nurses in the other two practices
      were trained to deliver case management. We aimed to recruit 11 people with
      dementia from each practice who were not already being case managed. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Numbers of people with dementia and their carers recruited, numbers and
      content of contacts, needs identified and perceptions of case management among
      stakeholders. RESULTS: Recruitment of practices and patients was slow and none of
      the practices achieved its recruitment target. It took more than 6 months to
      recruit a total of 28 people with dementia. Practice Quality and Outcome
      Framework registers for dementia contained only 60% of the expected number of
      people, most living in care homes. All stakeholders were positive about the
      potential of case management; however, only one of the four practices achieved a
      level of case management activity that might have influenced patient and carer
      outcomes. Case managers' activity levels were not related solely to time
      available for case management. Delivery of case management was hindered by
      limited clarity about the role, poor integration with existing services and a
      lack of embeddedness within primary care. There were discrepancies between case
      manager and researcher judgements about need, and evidence of a high threshold
      for acting on unmet need. The practice nurses experienced difficulties in ring
      fencing case management time. CONCLUSIONS: The model of case management developed
      and evaluated in this feasibility study is unlikely to be sustainable in general
      practice under current conditions and in our view it would not be appropriate to
      attempt a definitive trial of this model. This study could inform the development
      of a case management role with a greater likelihood of impact. Different
      approaches to recruiting and training case managers, and identifying people with
      dementia who might benefit from case management, are needed, as is exploration of
      the scale of need for this type of working. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current
      Controlled Trials ISRCTN74015152. FUNDING: This project was funded by the
      National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment
      programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 18,
      No. 52. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

PMID- 25138152
TI  - Vocal fold paresis accompanying vocal fold polyps.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate patients with vocal fold polyps using
      laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) for the presence of vocal fold paresis and to
      compare transnasal fiberoptic and rigid stroboscopic findings between polyp
      patients with normal LEMG and with vocal fold paresis. Thirty-five patients with
      a vocal fold polyp underwent transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy, rigid
      laryngostroboscopy, and LEMG. The findings were compared between the LEMG
      confirmed vocal fold paresis patients and the normal LEMG patients. LEMG resulted
      in a diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral vocal fold paresis in 17 of 35 patients
      (48.6 %). More men than women with vocal fold polyps had vocal fold paresis (p <
      0.05). The vocal fold paresis group had higher presence of axial rotation and
      hypomobility of vocal folds, higher asymmetry of vertical height of vocal folds,
      and less presence of longitudinal stretch of vocal folds (p < 0.05). Medial
      lateral compression of the false vocal folds and anterior-posterior approximation
      of the larynx did not show any difference between the groups. No significant
      difference was found in vibratory wave characteristics between the groups through
      rigid laryngostroboscopy. Vocal fold paresis was present in almost half of the
      patients with vocal fold polyps. Paresis can only be accurately diagnosed with
      LEMG. Transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopic examination is helpful to recognize
      vocal fold paresis in vocal fold polyp patients, while stroboscopic examination
      is not useful to identify it in vocal fold polyp patients.

PMID- 25138153
TI  - In vivo over-expression of KGF mimic human middle ear cholesteatoma.
AB  - We reported previously that keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), a mesenchymal cell
      derived paracrine growth factor, plays an important role in middle ear
      cholesteatoma formation, which is characterized by marked proliferation of
      epithelial cells. Here, we investigated whether KGF, the main factor that induces
      cholesteatoma, overexpression in vivo results in the formation of cholesteatoma.
      Flag-hKGF cDNA driven by CMV14 promoter was transfected through electroporation
      into the external auditory canal (EAC) of rats once (short-term model) or five
      times on every fourth day (long-term model). Ears transfected with empty vector
      were used as controls. Successful transfection of plasmids into epithelial and
      stromal cells was confirmed by Flag immunohistochemistry. In the short-term
      model, the intensity of KGF protein was the strongest in hKGF transfected ear at
      day 4. KGF expression induced epithelial cell proliferation, reaching a peak
      level at day 4 and then decreased later, while in the long-term model, KGF
      expression in the EAC led to middle ear cholesteatoma formation. In conclusion,
      we described here a new experimental model of human middle ear cholesteatoma, and
      demonstrated that KGF and KGF receptor paracrine action play an essential role in
      middle ear cholesteatoma formation in an in vivo model.

PMID- 25138154
TI  - Renegotiating cultural practices as a result of HIV in the eastern region of
      Malawi.
AB  - A number of studies have shown that HIV awareness is very high among Malawians
      and yet infection rates are rising. Local cultural practices have been identified
      as contributing to this contradictory situation. Using data from 12 focus-group
      discussions collected in Balaka, Zomba, Machinga and Mangochi, the paper explores
      the reformulation of nine cultural practices as a preventive measure against HIV.
      The study reveals that cultural practices that involve sexual acts for completion
      are mediated through condoms and HIV tests. The study also shows that traditional
      herbs known for healing ailments are repurposed to symbolise sexual acts. We
      conclude that the idea of repurposing offers an avenue in which initiation and
      cleansing rites that involve sexual acts are replaced by other semiotics such as
      a traditional medicine called mtela. We also conclude that the modifications to
      cultural practices do not indicate complete abandonment of associated traditions,
      rather, they constitute the renegotiation of cultural practices and meanings
      associated with particular rites of passage. Lastly, we propose that a
      comprehensive prevention programme needs to be part of a wider national HIV
      prevention effort combining a women and child rights and empowerment agenda and,
      critically, lifestyle lessons in a process of cultural renegotiation. 

PMID- 25138156
TI  - First-hand sensory experience plays a limited role in children's early
      understanding of seeing and hearing as sources of knowledge: evidence from
      typically hearing and deaf children.
AB  - One early-developing component of theory of mind is an understanding of the link
      between sensory perception and knowledge formation. We know little about the
      extent to which children's first-hand sensory experiences drive the development
      of this understanding, as most tasks capturing this early understanding target
      vision, with less attention paid to the other senses. In this study, 64 typically
      hearing children (Mage  = 4.0 years) and 21 orally educated deaf children (Mage 
      = 5.44 years) were asked to identify which of two informants knew the identity of
      a toy animal when each had differing perceptual access to the animal. In the
      'seeing' condition, one informant saw the animal and the other did not; in the
      'hearing' condition, one informant heard the animal and the other did not. For
      both hearing and deaf children, there was no difference between performance on
      hearing and seeing trials, but deaf children were delayed in both conditions.
      Further, within both the hearing and deaf groups, older children outperformed
      younger children on these tasks, indicating that there is a developmental
      progression. Taken together, the pattern of results suggests that experiences
      other than first-hand sensory experiences drive children's developing
      understanding that sensory perception is associated with knowledge. 

PMID- 25138155
TI  - Random variation in rectal position during radiotherapy for prostate cancer is
      two to three times greater than that predicted from prostate motion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Radiotherapy for prostate cancer does not explicitly take into account
      daily variation in the position of the rectum. It is important to accurately
      assess accumulated dose (DA) to the rectum in order to understand the
      relationship between dose and toxicity. The primary objective of this work was to
      quantify systematic (Sigma) and random (sigma) variation in the position of the
      rectum during a course of prostate radiotherapy. METHODS: The rectum was manually
      outlined on the kilo-voltage planning scan and 37 daily mega-voltage image
      guidance scans for 10 participants recruited to the VoxTox study. The femoral
      heads were used to produce a fixed point to which all rectal contours were
      referenced. RESULTS: Sigma [standard deviation (SD) of means] between planning
      and treatment was 4.2 mm in the anteroposterior (AP) direction and 1.3 mm left
      right (LR). sigma (root mean square of SDs) was 5.2 mm AP and 2.7 mm LR. Superior
      inferior variation was less than one slice above and below the planning position.
      CONCLUSION: Our results for Sigma are in line with published data for prostate
      motion. sigma, however, was approximately twice as great as that seen for
      prostate motion. This suggests that DA may differ from planned dose in some
      patients treated with radiotherapy for prostate cancer. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE:
      This work is the first to use daily imaging to quantify Sigma and sigma of the
      rectum in prostate cancer. sigma was found to be greater than published data,
      providing strong rationale for further investigation of individual DA.

PMID- 25138158
TI  - The pathogenic mechanism of diabetes varies with the degree of overexpression and
      oligomerization of human amylin in the pancreatic islet beta cells.
AB  - The aggregation of human amylin (hA) to form cytotoxic structures has been
      closely associated with the causation of type 2 diabetes. We sought to advance
      understanding of how altered expression and aggregation of hA might link beta
      cell degeneration with diabetes onset and progression, by comparing phenotypes
      between homozygous and hemizygous hA-transgenic mice. The homozygous mice
      displayed elevated islet hA that correlated positively with measures of oligomer
      formation (r=0.91; P<0.0001). They also developed hyperinsulinemia with transient
      insulin resistance during the prediabetes stage and then underwent rapid beta
      cell loss, culminating in severe juvenile-onset diabetes. The prediabetes stage
      was prolonged in the hemizygous mice, wherein beta-cell dysfunction and extensive
      oligomer formation occurred in adulthood at a much later stage, when hA levels
      were lower (r=-0.60; P<0.0001). This is the first report to show that hA-evoked
      diabetes is associated with age, insulin resistance, progressive islet
      dysfunction, and beta-cell apoptosis, which interact variably to cause the
      different diabetes syndromes. The various levels of hA elevation cause different
      extents of oligomer formation in the disease stages, thus eliciting early- or
      adult-onset diabetes syndromes, reminiscent of type 1 and 2 diabetes,
      respectively. Thus, the hA-evoked diabetes phenotypes differ substantively
      according to degree of amylin overproduction. These findings are relevant to the
      understanding of the pathogenesis and the development of experimental
      therapeutics for diabetes.

PMID- 25138159
TI  - The CAP1/Prss8 catalytic triad is not involved in PAR2 activation and protease
      nexin-1 (PN-1) inhibition.
AB  - Serine proteases, serine protease inhibitors, and protease-activated receptors
      (PARs) are responsible for several human skin disorders characterized by impaired
      epidermal permeability barrier function, desquamation, and inflammation. In this
      study, we addressed the consequences of a catalytically dead serine protease on
      epidermal homeostasis, the activation of PAR2 and the inhibition by the serine
      protease inhibitor nexin-1. The catalytically inactive serine protease
      CAP1/Prss8, when ectopically expressed in the mouse, retained the ability to
      induce skin disorders as well as its catalytically active counterpart (75%,
      n=81). Moreover, this phenotype was completely normalized in a PAR2-null
      background, indicating that the effects mediated by the catalytically inactive
      CAP1/Prss8 depend on PAR2 (95%, n=131). Finally, nexin-1 displayed analogous
      inhibitory capacity on both wild-type and inactive mutant CAP1/Prss8 in vitro and
      in vivo (64% n=151 vs. 89% n=109, respectively), indicating that the catalytic
      site of CAP1/Prss8 is dispensable for nexin-1 inhibition. Our results demonstrate
      a novel inhibitory interaction between CAP1/Prss8 and nexin-1, opening the search
      for specific CAP1/Prss8 antagonists that are independent of its catalytic
      activity.

PMID- 25138160
TI  - Sumanenyl metallocenes: synthesis and structure of mono- and trinuclear
      zirconocene complexes.
AB  - Mono- and trinuclear sumanenyl zirconocene complexes Cp(sumanenyl)ZrCl2,
      Cp*(sumanenyl)ZrCl2, and (C21H9)[(Cp*)ZrCl2]3 were successfully synthesized. In
      the mononuclear complexes, convex binding with disturbed eta(5)-bonding was
      confirmed in a solid state. As demonstrated in the trinuclear complex, the
      multibenzylic anion of sumanene offers a novel ligand for the multinuclear
      metallocenes. 

PMID- 25138157
TI  - Melanoma upregulates ICAM-1 expression on endothelial cells through engagement of
      tumor CD44 with endothelial E-selectin and activation of a PKCalpha-p38-SP-1
      pathway.
AB  - Cancer metastasis involves multistep adhesive interactions between tumor cells
      (TCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), but the molecular mechanisms of intercellular
      communication in the tumor microenvironment remain elusive. Using static and flow
      coculture systems in conjunction with flow cytometry, we discovered that certain
      receptors on the ECs are upregulated on melanoma cell adhesion. Direct contact
      but not separate coculture between human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) and
      a human melanoma cell line (Lu1205) increased intercellular adhesion molecule 1
      (ICAM-1) and E-selectin expression on HUVECs by 3- and 1.5-fold, respectively,
      compared with HUVECs alone. The nonmetastatic cell line WM35 failed to promote
      ICAM-1 expression changes in HUVECs on contact. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) revealed that EC-TC contact has a synergistic effect on the expression of
      the cytokines interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, and growth-related oncogene alpha (Gro
      alpha). By using E-selectin cross-linking and beads coated with CD44
      immunopurified from Lu1205 cells, we showed that CD44/selectin ligation was
      responsible for the ICAM-1 up-regulation on HUVECs. Protein kinase Calpha (PKC
      alpha) activation was found to be the downstream target of the CD44/selectin
      initiated signaling, as ICAM-1 elevation was inhibited by siRNA targeting
      PKCalpha or a dominant negative form of PKCalpha (PKCalpha DN). Western blot
      analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) showed that TC-EC
      contact mediated p38 phosphorylation and binding of the transcription factor SP-1
      to its regulation site. In conclusion, CD44/selectin binding signals ICAM-1 up
      regulation on the EC surface through a PKCalpha-p38-SP-1 pathway, which further
      enhances melanoma cell adhesion to ECs during metastasis.

PMID- 25138161
TI  - Identification of essential histidine residues involved in heme binding and
      Hemozoin formation in heme detoxification protein from Plasmodium falciparum.
AB  - Malaria parasites digest hemoglobin within a food vacuole to supply amino acids,
      releasing the toxic product heme. During the detoxification, toxic free heme is
      converted into an insoluble crystalline form called hemozoin (Hz). Heme
      detoxification protein (HDP) in Plasmodium falciparum is one of the most potent
      of the hemozoin-producing enzymes. However, the reaction mechanisms of HDP are
      poorly understood. We identified the active site residues in HDP using a
      combination of Hz formation assay and spectroscopic characterization of mutant
      proteins. Replacement of the critical histidine residues His122, His172, His175,
      and His197 resulted in a reduction in the Hz formation activity to approximately
      50% of the wild-type protein. Spectroscopic characterization of histidine
      substituted mutants revealed that His122 binds heme and that His172 and His175
      form a part of another heme-binding site. Our results show that the histidine
      residues could be present in the individual active sites and could be ligated to
      each heme. The interaction between heme and the histidine residues would serve as
      a molecular tether, allowing the proper positioning of two hemes to enable heme
      dimer formation. The heme dimer would act as a seed for the crystal growth of Hz
      in P. falciparum. 

PMID- 25138162
TI  - The cost-effectiveness of infliximab in Crohn's disease.
AB  - Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part
      of the gastrointestinal tract. It leads to severe symptoms and reduced quality of
      life. Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha and is effective in
      treating moderate to severe CD. It is associated with high treatment costs, but
      subsequent reductions in hospitalisation and surgery have been reported. This
      review examines the evidence for the cost-effectiveness of infliximab for the
      treatment of CD. Studies have been found to be very heterogeneous depending on
      setting, costs assumed and clinical data. Within the UK setting infliximab has
      been found to be cost effective with increased costs of around L25,000 per
      quality adjusted life year gained. 

PMID- 25138163
TI  - Arterial pressure and flow wave analysis using time-domain 1-D hemodynamics.
AB  - We reviewed existing methods for analyzing, in the time domain, physical
      mechanisms underlying the patterns of blood pressure and flow waveforms in the
      arterial system. These are wave intensity analysis and separations into several
      types of waveforms: (i) forward- and backward-traveling, (ii) peripheral and
      conduit, or (iii) reservoir and excess. We assessed the physical information
      provided by each method and showed how to combine existing methods in order to
      quantify contributions to numerically generated waveforms from previous cardiac
      cycles and from specific regions and properties of the numerical domain: the
      aortic root, arterial bifurcations and tapered vessels, peripheral reflection
      sites, and the Windkessel function of the aorta. We illustrated our results with
      numerical examples involving generalized arterial stiffening in a distributed one
      dimensional model or localized changes in the model parameters due to a femoral
      stenosis, carotid stent or abdominal aortic aneurysm. 

PMID- 25138164
TI  - Design and validation of a novel ferromagnetic bare metal stent capable of
      capturing and retaining endothelial cells.
AB  - Rapid healing of vascular stents is important for avoiding complications
      associated with stent thrombosis, restenosis, and bleeding related to
      antiplatelet drugs. Magnetic forces can be used to capture iron-labeled
      endothelial cells immediately following stent implantation, thereby promoting
      healing. This strategy requires the development of a magnetic stent that is
      biocompatible and functional. We designed a stent from the weakly ferromagnetic
      2205 stainless steel using finite element analysis. The final design exhibited a
      principal strain below the fracture limit of 30% during crimping and expansion.
      Ten stents were fabricated and validated experimentally for fracture resistance.
      Another 10 stents magnetized with a neodymium magnet showed a magnetic field in
      the range of 100-750 mG. The retained magnetism was sufficiently strong to
      capture magnetically-labeled endothelial cells on the stent surfaces during in
      vitro studies. Magnetically-labeled endothelial cell capture was also verified in
      vivo after 7 days following coronary implantation in 4 pigs using histological
      analysis. Images of the stented blood vessels showed uniform endothelium
      formation on the stent surfaces. In conclusion, we have designed a ferromagnetic
      bare metal stent from 2205 stainless steel that is functional, biocompatible, and
      able to capture and retain magnetically-labeled endothelial cells in order to
      promote rapid stent healing. 

PMID- 25138166
TI  - Improved amorphous/crystalline silicon interface passivation for heterojunction
      solar cells by low-temperature chemical vapor deposition and post-annealing
      treatment.
AB  - In this study, hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin films are deposited
      using a radio-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD)
      system. The Si-H configuration of the a-Si:H/c-Si interface is regulated by
      optimizing the deposition temperature and post-annealing duration to improve the
      minority carrier lifetime (taueff) of a commercial Czochralski (Cz) silicon
      wafer. The mechanism of this improvement involves saturation of the
      microstructural defects with hydrogen evolved within the a-Si:H films due to the
      transformation from SiH2 into SiH during the annealing process. The post
      annealing temperature is controlled to ~180  degrees C so that silicon
      heterojunction solar cells (SHJ) could be prepared without an additional
      annealing step. To achieve better performance of the SHJ solar cells, we also
      optimize the thickness of the a-Si:H passivation layer. Finally, complete SHJ
      solar cells are fabricated using different temperatures for the a-Si:H film
      deposition to study the influence of the deposition temperature on the solar cell
      parameters. For the optimized a-Si:H deposition conditions, an efficiency of
      18.41% is achieved on a textured Cz silicon wafer. 

PMID- 25138165
TI  - Change of direction in the biomechanics of atherosclerosis.
AB  - The non-uniform distribution of atherosclerosis within the arterial system has
      been attributed to pro-atherogenic influences of low, oscillatory haemodynamic
      wall shear stress (WSS) on endothelial cells (EC). This theory is challenged by
      the changes in lesion location that occur with age in human and rabbit aortas.
      Furthermore, a number of point-wise comparisons of lesion prevalence and WSS have
      failed to support it. Here we investigate the hypothesis that multidirectional
      flow-characterized as the average magnitude of WSS components acting transversely
      to the mean vector (transWSS)-plays a key role. Maps of lesion prevalence around
      aortic branch ostia in immature and mature rabbits were compared with equivalent
      maps of time average WSS, the OSI (an index characterizing oscillatory flow) and
      transWSS, obtained from computational simulations; Spearman's rank correlation
      coefficients were calculated for aggregated data and 95% confidence intervals
      were obtained by bootstrapping methods. Lesion prevalence correlated positively,
      strongly and significantly with transWSS at both ages. Correlations of lesion
      prevalence with the other shear metrics were not significant or were
      significantly lower than those obtained for transWSS. No correlation supported
      the low, oscillatory WSS theory. The data are consistent with the view that
      multidirectional near-wall flow is highly pro-atherogenic. Effects of
      multidirectional flow on EC, and methods for investigating them, are reviewed.
      The finding that oscillatory flow has pro-inflammatory effects when acting
      perpendicularly to the long axis of EC but anti-inflammatory effects when acting
      parallel to it may explain the stronger correlation of lesion prevalence with
      transWSS than with the OSI. 

PMID- 25138167
TI  - Absence of amplification of the FGFR1-gene in human malignant mesothelioma of the
      pleura: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignant disease with a worse outcome.
      Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGFR1) may be an interesting target for selective
      tyrosine kinases inhibitors (TKI) in MPM. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the amplification of the FGFR1 gene in patients suffering from MPM. FINDINGS: We
      identified nineteen male patients treated in our department between August 2008
      and July 2010 matching the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 68 years.
      Histopathological examination confirmed thirteen patients with epitheloid
      subtype, five with biphasic and one patient with sarcomatoid. Fluorescence in
      situ hybridization analysis revealed no polysomy nor an amplification of the FGFR
      gene copy number in any case. CONCLUSION: Regarding that also EGFR amplifications
      in MPM are absolute rarities, our findings may be a hint that TKI's will not
      satisfy the hope for a new era in the treatment of MPM.

PMID- 25138168
TI  - Comparative assembly hubs: web-accessible browsers for comparative genomics.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Researchers now have access to large volumes of genome sequences for
      comparative analysis, some generated by the plethora of public sequencing
      projects and, increasingly, from individual efforts. It is not possible, or
      necessarily desirable, that the public genome browsers attempt to curate all
      these data. Instead, a wealth of powerful tools is emerging to empower users to
      create their own visualizations and browsers. RESULTS: We introduce a pipeline to
      easily generate collections of Web-accessible UCSC Genome Browsers interrelated
      by an alignment. It is intended to democratize our comparative genomic browser
      resources, serving the broad and growing community of evolutionary genomicists
      and facilitating easy public sharing via the Internet. Using the alignment, all
      annotations and the alignment itself can be efficiently viewed with reference to
      any genome in the collection, symmetrically. A new, intelligently scaled
      alignment display makes it simple to view all changes between the genomes at all
      levels of resolution, from substitutions to complex structural rearrangements,
      including duplications. To demonstrate this work, we create a comparative
      assembly hub containing 57 Escherichia coli and 9 Shigella genomes and show
      examples that highlight their unique biology. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION:
      The source code is available as open source at:
      https://github.com/glennhickey/progressiveCactus The E.coli and Shigella genome
      hub is now a public hub listed on the UCSC browser public hubs Web page.

PMID- 25138169
TI  - Pepper: cytoscape app for protein complex expansion using protein-protein
      interaction networks.
AB  - We introduce Pepper (Protein complex Expansion using Protein-Protein
      intERactions), a Cytoscape app designed to identify protein complexes as densely
      connected subnetworks from seed lists of proteins derived from proteomic studies.
      Pepper identifies connected subgraph by using multi-objective optimization
      involving two functions: (i) the coverage, a solution must contain as many
      proteins from the seed as possible, (ii) the density, the proteins of a solution
      must be as connected as possible, using only interactions from a proteome-wide
      interaction network. Comparisons based on gold standard yeast and human datasets
      showed Pepper's integrative approach as superior to standard protein complex
      discovery methods. The visualization and interpretation of the results are
      facilitated by an automated post-processing pipeline based on topological
      analysis and data integration about the predicted complex proteins. Pepper is a
      user-friendly tool that can be used to analyse any list of proteins.
      AVAILABILITY: Pepper is available from the Cytoscape plug-in manager or online
      (http://apps.cytoscape.org/apps/pepper) and released under GNU General Public
      License version 3.

PMID- 25138170
TI  - The difficulty in evaluating all findings in study on use of macrolides in mother
      and child and risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

PMID- 25138171
TI  - Pertuzumab in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel for the treatment of
      HER2-positive metastatic or locally recurrent unresectable breast cancer.
AB  - The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) invited the
      manufacturer of pertuzumab (Roche) to submit evidence for the clinical and cost
      effectiveness of pertuzumab + trastuzumab + docetaxel for the treatment of human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic or locally
      recurrent unresectable breast cancer in accordance with the Institute's Single
      Technology Appraisal (STA) process. The Liverpool Reviews and Implementation
      Group (LRiG) at the University of Liverpool was commissioned to act as the
      Evidence Review Group (ERG). This article summarises the ERG's review of the
      evidence submitted by the manufacturer and provides a summary of the Appraisal
      Committee's (AC) initial decision. At the time of writing, final guidance had not
      been published by NICE. The clinical evidence was mainly derived from an ongoing
      phase III randomised double-blind placebo-controlled international multicentre
      clinical trial (CLEOPATRA), designed to evaluate efficacy and safety in 808
      patients, which compared pertuzumab + trastuzumab + docetaxel (pertuzumab arm)
      with placebo + trastuzumab + docetaxel (control arm). Both progression-free
      survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed at two data cut-off points
      May 2011 (median follow-up of 18 months) and May 2012 (median follow-up of 30
      months). At both time points, PFS was significantly longer in the pertuzumab arm
      (18.5 months compared with 12.4 months in the control arm at the first data cut
      off point and 18.7 versus 12.4 months at the second data cut-off point).
      Assessment of OS benefit suggested an improvement for patients in the pertuzumab
      arm with a strong trend towards an OS benefit at the second data cut-off point;
      however, due to the immaturity of the OS data, the magnitude of the OS benefit
      was uncertain. Importantly, cardiotoxicity was not increased in patients treated
      with a combination of pertuzumab + trastuzumab + docetaxel. The ERG's main
      concern with the clinical effectiveness data was the lack of mature OS data. An
      additional concern of the AC was that the majority of patients in the randomised
      controlled trial were trastuzumab naive, which does not reflect current clinical
      practice. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) generated by the
      manufacturer's model are considered to be commercial in confidence data and
      therefore cannot be published. Nevertheless, the results of the manufacturer's
      probabilistic sensitivity analyses suggest that pertuzumab + trastuzumab +
      docetaxel has a 0 % probability of being cost effective at a willingness-to-pay
      of L30,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained when compared with trastuzumab +
      docetaxel. The ERG believes that more realistic estimates of the ICERs are
      considerably higher, almost double those presented by the manufacturer. This is
      because the ERG believes that due to the manner in which the economic model is
      constructed, the additional survival benefit following disease progression that
      is generated for patients treated with pemetrexed + trastuzumab + docetaxel is
      unrealistic. At the time of writing, NICE had not made a final decision regarding
      this technology but had instead referred the issue of the assessment of
      technologies that are not effective at a zero price to their Decision Support
      Unit for advice. 

PMID- 25138172
TI  - Associations of socioeconomic position and pain prevalence in the United States:
      findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pain is a significant burden within the U.S. adult population, but
      little is known regarding epidemiology of pain, particularly with respect to
      race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic position (SEP). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      study was to describe and evaluate prevalence and distribution of pain in the
      United States. METHODS: With data from the population-based 2003-2004 National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, prevalence of acute (<3 months) and
      chronic (>= 3 months) pain was evaluated, including subgroup analyses of race,
      ethnicity, and SEP, with SEP defined by the poverty-to-income ratio, a ratio
      derived from the federal poverty level, accounting for household income and
      number of household members. RESULTS: Prevalence of acute pain was 12.2% (95%
      confidence interval: 11.2-13.3%). Non-Hispanic black as well as Hispanic and
      Mexican-American individuals had higher rates of acute pain than non-Hispanic
      white people, and a higher prevalence was noted in those with higher SEP. Chronic
      pain prevalence was 15.6% (13.4-17.7%), with non-Hispanic white people having a
      higher prevalence than those in other racial and ethnic groups. CONCLUSION:
      Trends of chronic pain by SEP were opposite of acute pain as those in the highest
      SEP group tended to have less chronic pain than those in lower SEP groups. These
      findings suggest that SEP, in addition to race and ethnicity, may play a role in
      the development of pain as well as its treatment and management.

PMID- 25138173
TI  - Deferasirox for iron chelation in multitransfused children with sickle cell
      disease; long-term experience in the East London clinical haemoglobinopathy
      network.
AB  - Deferasirox (DFX) has been licensed for iron chelation in patients with sickle
      cell disease (SCD), but there is limited data on its long-term efficacy and
      safety in children. This retrospective study included 62 regularly transfused
      children managed in the East London and Essex Clinical Haemoglobinopathy Network
      (mean age 9.2 +/- 3.2 yr). Efficacy measurements consisted of monthly serum
      ferritin (SF) and annual R2 MRI-estimated liver iron concentration (LIC), and
      safety markers included serum creatinine and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The
      mean duration of DFX treatment was 2.5 +/- 1.4 yr, and mean dose at 36 months was
      25 mg/kg/d. Mean SF at initiation of treatment was 2542 +/- 952 ng/mL and
      increased to 4691 +/- 2255 ng/mL at 36 months (P = 0.05). Mean LIC on first scan
      was 10.3 mg/g dry weight and did not decrease significantly on follow-up scans.
      There was a significant correlation between relative change in LIC and in SF
      (R(2) = 0.66, P < 0.001). Reversible transaminitis episodes, probably due to drug
      induced hepatitis, were noted in 53% of patients. Responses to an adherence and
      acceptability questionnaire indicated that more than 50% of children had
      difficulties in taking DFX, commonly because of unpleasant taste. Our results
      show that more than 50% of children with SCD have inadequate control of iron
      overload with DFX. It is not clear whether this is because of frequent dose
      interruptions, poor tolerability and adherence, or poor efficacy of the drug. We
      recommend further studies to confirm these findings and to optimise iron
      chelation in this population.

PMID- 25138174
TI  - Do mixotrophs grow as photoheterotrophs? Photophysiological acclimation of the
      chrysophyte Ochromonas danica after feeding.
AB  - Mixotrophy is increasingly recognized as an important and widespread nutritional
      strategy in various taxonomic groups ranging from protists to higher plants. We
      hypothesize that the availability of alternative carbon and energy sources during
      mixotrophy allows a switch to photoheterotrophic growth, where the photosynthetic
      apparatus mainly provides energy but not fixed carbon. Because such a change in
      the function of the photosynthetic machinery is probably reflected in its
      composition, we compared the photosynthetic machinery in Ochromonas danica during
      autotrophic and mixotrophic growth. Compared with autotrophic growth, the total
      pigmentation of O. danica was reduced during mixotrophic growth. Furthermore, the
      photosystem I (PSI):PSII ratio increased, and the cellular content of Rubisco
      decreased not only absolutely, but also relative to the content of PSII. The
      changing composition of the photosynthetic apparatus indicates a shift in its
      function from providing both carbon and energy during photoautotrophy to mainly
      providing energy during mixotrophy. This preference for photoheterotrophic growth
      has interesting implications for the contribution of mixotrophic species to
      carbon cycling in diverse ecosystems. 

PMID- 25138175
TI  - Potentiation of the in vitro antistaphylococcal effect of oxacillin and
      tetracycline by the anti-inflammatory drug diacetyl rhein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The anti-inflammatory drug diacetyl rhein has been found to possess
      promising antistaphylococcal effects against various drug-resistant strains in
      our previous study. In the present work, we explored the in vitro combinatory
      interactions of diacetyl rhein with oxacillin and tetracycline against 13
      standard strains and clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, including those
      resistant to erythromycin, methicillin and tetracycline. METHODS: Minimum
      inhibitory concentrations were determined by broth microdilution assay, and the
      effects of combinations were evaluated according to the sum of fractional
      inhibitory concentrations (SigmaFICs). RESULTS: Synergistic or additive effects
      were observed against all S. aureus strains (SigmaFIC 0.258-1), whereas diacetyl
      rhein-oxacillin appeared to be the most effective combination, synergistically
      inhibiting the growth of 4 strains tested. CONCLUSION: To our best knowledge,
      this is the first report on a synergistic antibacterial effect of diacetyl rhein.
      Our results suggest this promising compound for further evaluation of its
      synergistic anti-infective potential as an agent with a combined anti
      inflammatory and synergistic antibacterial action.

PMID- 25138176
TI  - CYP-13A12 of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a PUFA-epoxygenase involved
      in behavioural response to reoxygenation.
AB  - A specific behavioural response of Caenorhabditis elegans, the rapid increase of
      locomotion in response to anoxia/reoxygenation called the O2-ON response, has
      been used to model key aspects of ischaemia/reperfusion injury. A genetic
      suppressor screen demonstrated a direct causal role of CYP (cytochrome P450)
      13A12 in this response and suggested that CYP-eicosanoids, which in mammals
      influence the contractility of cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells,
      might function in C. elegans as specific regulators of the body muscle cell
      activity. In the present study we show that co-expression of CYP-13A12 with the
      NADPH-CYP-reductase EMB-8 in insect cells resulted in the reconstitution of an
      active microsomal mono-oxygenase system that metabolized EPA (eicosapentaenoic
      acid) and also AA (arachidonic acid) to specific sets of regioisomeric epoxy and
      hydroxy derivatives. The main products included 17,18-EEQ (17,18
      epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid) from EPA and 14,15-EET (14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic
      acid) from AA. Locomotion assays showed that the defective O2-ON response of C20
      PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid)-deficient, Delta-12 and Delta-6 fatty acid
      desaturase mutants (fat-2 and fat-3 respectively) can be restored by feeding the
      nematodes AA or EPA, but not ETYA (eicosatetraynoic acid), a non-metabolizable AA
      analogue. Short-term incubation with 17,18-EEQ was sufficient to rescue the
      impaired locomotion of the fat-3 strain. The endogenous level of free 17,18-EEQ
      declined during anoxia and was rapidly restored in response to reoxygenation. On
      the basis of these results, we suggest that CYP-dependent eicosanoids such as
      17,18-EEQ function as signalling molecules in the regulation of the O2-ON
      response in C. elegans. Remarkably, the exogenously administered 17,18-EEQ
      increased the locomotion activity under normoxic conditions and was effective not
      only with C20-PUFA-deficient mutants, but to a lesser extent also with wild-type
      worms.

PMID- 25138177
TI  - Innovations: resetting our thinking to solve problems.

PMID- 25138178
TI  - SEDUCEd by optical coherence tomography in drug-eluting balloon assessment.

PMID- 25138179
TI  - Lessons from acute and late scaffold failures in the ABSORB EXTEND trial: have we
      really learned them all?

PMID- 25138180
TI  - Emerging strategies for rapid reversal of anticoagulation in patients undergoing
      catheter-based interventions: aptamers enter the RADAR.

PMID- 25138182
TI  - Optical coherence tomography study of healing characteristics of paclitaxel
      eluting balloons vs. everolimus-eluting stents for in-stent restenosis: the
      SEDUCE (Safety and Efficacy of a Drug elUting balloon in Coronary artery
      rEstenosis) randomised clinical trial.
AB  - AIMS: Little is known about the respective healing responses and clinical
      efficacy and safety of drug-eluting balloons (DEB) and the second generation of
      drug-eluting stents (DES) when used to treat in-stent restenosis (ISR). In this
      study, we set out to compare prospectively the healing characteristics, as
      assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT), of DEB versus DES after treatment
      of ISR in bare metal stents (BMS). METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty patients with BMS
      ISR were randomised to treatment with a paclitaxel-eluting balloon vs. an
      everolimus-eluting stent (EES). The primary endpoint was the percentage of
      uncovered struts, assessed with OCT at nine months, as a marker of vessel wall
      healing. A mean of 366+/-135 and 636+/-184 struts were analysed per patient in
      the DEB and EES groups, respectively. The percentage of uncovered struts per
      patient was significantly lower with DEB vs. EES (1.4% vs. 3.1%, p=0.025). Mean
      neointimal hyperplasia area was 2.4+/-1.08 mm in DEB vs. 1.92+/-0.67 mm in EES
      (p=0.1806), while the percentage of malapposed struts per patient was very low in
      both groups (0.2% vs. 0.3%, p=0.699). At nine months, angiographic in-stent MLD
      (minimum lumen diameter) was lower (2.13 vs. 2.54 mm, p=0.006), while diameter
      stenosis (26.4 vs. 11.4%, p=0.002), and LLL (0.28 vs. 0.07 mm, p=0.1) were higher
      after DEB compared to EES. During one-year follow-up, we did not observe
      differences in the rates of death, TLR (target lesion revascularisation) or stent
      thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: DEB appears to be associated with better healing
      characteristics, as assessed by stent strut coverage with OCT, but tended to be
      slightly less effective compared to EES. These findings give support to the use
      of either DEB or EES as valuable treatment options for ISR. CLINICAL TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT 01065532.

PMID- 25138183
TI  - Comparison of bivalirudin and heparin in patients undergoing rotational
      atherectomy: a subanalysis of the randomised ROTAXUS trial.
AB  - AIMS: Bivalirudin has emerged as a meaningful alternative to heparin in patients
      undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). To date, it is unclear
      whether bivalirudin has advantages in patients undergoing rotational atherectomy
      (RA). METHODS AND RESULTS: The current subgroup analysis of the ROTAXUS trial
      compared patients receiving bivalirudin (n=129) to those receiving unfractionated
      heparin (UFH) (n=111). Efficacy was assessed by the frequency of periprocedural
      myocardial infarction (MI) and safety by the frequency of major access-site
      bleeding (ASB). Baseline characteristics were similar. Periprocedural MI occurred
      less frequently in the bivalirudin group (22% vs. 37.5%, p=0.02), while ASB did
      not differ significantly (2.3% vs. 5.5%, p=0.20). This effect was larger in the
      RA group, where bivalirudin significantly reduced periprocedural MI (15.7% vs.
      38.7%, p=0.01) with a trend towards reduced major ASB (2.9% vs. 10.2%, p=0.09).
      In the control group without RA, bivalirudin was not superior to UFH regarding
      periprocedural MI (28.6% vs. 36.6%, p=0.42) and major ASB (1.7% vs. 1.7%,
      p=0.99). CONCLUSIONS: This analysis suggests a differential benefit of
      bivalirudin in patients treated with RA. Patients receiving bivalirudin during RA
      showed significantly less periprocedural MI and fewer ASB compared to patients
      treated with UFH.

PMID- 25138184
TI  - ST peak during percutaneous coronary intervention serves as an early prognostic
      predictor in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the clinical importance of the ST peak phenomenon during
      primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Continuous ST
      monitoring was performed in 942 STEMI patients from arrival until 90 minutes
      after revascularisation. ST peak was defined as >=1 mm increase in the ST-segment
      during PCI compared with the ST elevation before intervention. ST peak was
      observed in 26.9% of patients. During median follow-up of 4.1 years, 20.7% of
      patients experienced a major adverse cardiac event (MACE). ST peak was associated
      with higher rates of mortality (13.4% versus 9.3%; p=0.044), admission for heart
      failure (10.6% versus 5.2%; p=0.002) and MACE (26.9% versus 18.2%; p=0.002), but
      not reinfarction (7.1% versus 5.2%; p=0.14). In two different Cox regression
      analyses, adjusting for predictors of MACE and ST peak including ST resolution
      and epicardial flow, ST peak remained significantly associated with MACE:
      adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.40 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.95) and 1.41
      (95% CI: 1.02-1.96). CONCLUSIONS: In the largest study hitherto evaluating the ST
      peak phenomenon during primary PCI, we demonstrated that ST peak is a strong
      predictor of adverse long-term outcome and provides independent prognostic
      information beyond that provided by ST resolution and epicardial flow.

PMID- 25138185
TI  - Serial intravascular ultrasound observations from the Tryton first-in-man study.
AB  - AIMS: To report serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) findings of bifurcation
      lesions treated with the dedicated Tryton Side Branch Stent to assess mechanisms
      of restenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Tryton FIM study was a multicentre,
      prospective, single-arm, "first-in-man" study to treat de novo bifurcation
      lesions. Minimum lumen area (MLA) sites and overall volumes were analysed within
      main vessels and side branches. Overall, 27 main vessels and 22 side branches had
      paired baseline and follow-up IVUS. The post-intervention main vessel MLA
      decreased from 5.3 (4.1, 6.2) to 4.8 (3.4, 5.7) mm2 at follow-up, p=0.02, and the
      side branch MLA decreased from 3.5 (3.0, 3.8) to 2.5 (2.2, 3.2) mm2, p=0.0005.
      Stent area at the side branch did not change (mean stent area from 4.0 [3.3, 4.1]
      to 3.8 [3.4, 4.2] mm3/mm, p=0.95). Neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) net volume
      obstruction (%) measured 1.8% (0.5, 7.0) for the entire main vessel and 14.9%
      (2.3, 31.1) for the entire side branch stents. In both main vessel and side
      branches the decrease in lumen area correlated significantly with NIH.
      CONCLUSIONS: Serial IVUS analysis of a new side branch Tryton stent showed no
      chronic stent recoil. Side branch underexpansion was common and along with
      superimposed NIH contributed to the reduction in lumen dimensions at follow-up.

PMID- 25138186
TI  - A rare cause of transient ischaemic attack in a young man: cardiac papillary
      fibroelastoma.

PMID- 25138187
TI  - Left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial
      fibrillation: rationale, devices in clinical development and insights into
      implantation techniques.
AB  - AIMS: In patients with atrial fibrillation, a relevant stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc
      score >=2) and a relative or absolute contraindication for oral anticoagulation,
      catheter-based LAA occlusion is performed increasingly in Europe. The present
      article summarises the rationale, clinical data, devices, implantation techniques
      and follow-up drug regimens. METHODS AND RESULTS: European survey data on
      patients with atrial fibrillation support the need for non-pharmacological
      approaches for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. A relevant
      bleeding risk remains with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs), which are also
      dependent on drug compliance. Recent long-term data from the PROTECT-AF trial and
      the CAP registry regarding the WATCHMAN LAA occluder device suggest safety and
      efficacy. First registry data support the safety of two other CE-marked devices,
      the AMPLATZER Cardiac Plug (ACP) and the Coherex WaveCrest device, which have
      become available in Europe. Other LAA occlusion devices are in clinical
      development. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter-based LAA occlusion is now being developed
      further as an interventional approach for stroke prevention in patients with
      atrial fibrillation. Implantation techniques and devices are being improved,
      which will probably result in better procedural safety. Appropriate operator
      training is of major importance for this approach.

PMID- 25138188
TI  - Percutaneous closure of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm: results from a
      multicentre experience.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous closure (PC) using
      modified double-disc ventricular septal defect (VSD) occluders in patients with
      ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSVA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 2005 and
      2012, 25 patients were enrolled in our study for attempted PC. There were five
      patients (20%) with RSVA combined with VSD and two (8%) with aortic regurgitation
      (AR). The median age was 45 years (24-74 years). The QP/QS was 2.4+/-0.6 (1.6
      4.0). The median diameter of lesions was 6 mm (4-8 mm) while the median size of
      occluders was 8 mm (6-12 mm). Twenty-three patients (92%) underwent PC
      successfully. Occluders were retrieved in two patients within one week. Trivial
      residual shunts developed in three and mild occluder-related AR occurred in five
      at discharge. During a median follow-up of 19 months (6-96 months) all trivial
      residual shunts vanished and mild occluder-related AR disappeared in four out of
      five patients. The proportion of patients in NYHA Class III/IV was reduced from
      72% at baseline to 12% at the time of last follow-up (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In
      selected patients with RSVA, PC using modified double-disc occluders may become a
      valuable alternative to surgery with encouraging immediate outcomes and midterm
      results.

PMID- 25138189
TI  - Distal embolisation during carotid stenting is predicted by circulating levels of
      LDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein.
AB  - AIMS: Distal embolisation during carotid artery stenting (CAS) is the main cause
      of cerebral complications; thus, the amount of embolisation occurring during CAS
      can be considered as a surrogate endpoint of cerebral complications. Our aim was
      to find patient characteristics which are associated with a higher risk of
      embolisation during CAS. METHODS AND RESULTS: From January to December 2010 all
      consecutive patients undergoing CAS with embolic protection at three medium- to
      high-volume Italian centres were prospectively enrolled in this multicentre
      study. After CAS, the embolic debris was classified by visual inspection into two
      groups: "scarce" (no debris or hardly visible debris), and "relevant" (visible
      embolic debris) embolisation. Two hundred and thirty-six consecutive patients
      (79% males, 32.7% symptomatic) were enrolled. Open cell stents were used in 52.7%
      of the patients, distal filters were employed in 85.5% and proximal protection in
      14.5%. Procedural success was achieved in 100% of procedures. Relevant
      embolisation was observed in 16.1% of patients, including those who suffered all
      the periprocedural complications (4.2%). At multivariate statistical analysis,
      high circulating LDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels were the only
      factors associated with relevant embolisation. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, high
      circulating LDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels were associated with
      relevant embolisation after CAS, opening up the hypothesis that therapy with
      statins before elective CAS may reduce plaque embolisation and improve outcome.
      (EudraCT number: 016737-95).

PMID- 25138190
TI  - Balloon pulmonary angioplasty: an additional treatment option to improve the
      prognosis of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA)
      in patients with non-operable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
      (CTEPH) using the results of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) for operable patients
      as a reference, and annotate the role of BPA in the management of CTEPH. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Data from 53 CTEPH patients were collected retrospectively. Twenty
      four operable patients underwent PEA, and 29 non-operable patients underwent BPA.
      Patients who underwent BPA showed improved mean pulmonary arterial pressure,
      pulmonary vascular resistance, and cardiac output (39.4+/-6.9 to 21.3+/-5.6 mmHg,
      763+/-308 to 284+/-128 dyn.s-1.cm-5, 3.47+/-0.80 to 4.26+/-1.15 L/min,
      respectively); patients who received PEA showed similar efficacy (44.4+/-11.0 to
      21.6+/-6.7 mmHg, 781+/-278 to 258+/-125 dyn.s-1.cm-5, 3.35+/-1.11 to 4.44+/-1.58
      L/min, respectively). The mortality rates of BPA and PEA patients were 3.4% and
      8.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and safety of BPA for non-operable
      cases were similar to those achieved using PEA for operable cases. BPA could be
      an additional treatment option for non-operable CTEPH patients, and most CTEPH
      patients can be satisfactorily treated by BPA or PEA.

PMID- 25138191
TI  - Tools & Techniques - statistics: non-inferiority trials.

PMID- 25138192
TI  - How should I treat an undeployed stent stuck in the proximal LAD? Going for
      another round...

PMID- 25138193
TI  - The use of radial access decreases the risk of vascular access-site-related
      complications at a patient level but is associated with an increased risk at a
      population level: the radial paradox.

PMID- 25138194
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis of barley WRKY proteins and characterization of HvWRKY1 and
      -2 as repressors of the pathogen-inducible gene HvGER4c.
AB  - The WRKY transcription factors belong to an evolutionarily conserved superprotein
      family predominantly present in the plant kingdom. WRKY proteins of barley are
      not yet fully annotated and most of them are not functionally characterized. We
      performed a genome-wide identification of WRKY members based on the recently
      accessible barley draft genome sequence and full-length cDNA datasets. As a
      result, 34 novel putative proteins have been identified which extend the existing
      list for barley WRKYs to 94. Phylogenetic analysis of the WRKY domains allowed
      ranking into three groups (I, II, III), with an expansion in group III in
      monocots. Two members of subgroup IIa, the wound and pathogen-inducible HvWRKY1
      and HvWRKY2, are known as negative defense regulators. Here, we demonstrate that
      both transcription factors repress the activity of the powdery mildew-induced
      promoter of HvGER4c, a germin-like defense-related protein. The repression did
      not require the negative defense regulator MLO nor was it affected by the
      presence of the R protein MLA12. Moreover, the expression of the Arabidopsis
      ortholog AtWRKY40 in barley compromised basal resistance to powdery mildew,
      providing evidence for functional conservation of sequence-related WRKY proteins
      across monocots and dicots. 

PMID- 25138196
TI  - Policy brief. Do unemployed women give birth to infants with higher rates of
      infant mortality and low birthweight?

PMID- 25138197
TI  - Does "Out of work" get into the womb? Exploring the relationship between
      unemployment and adverse birth outcomes.
AB  - This study uses Texas vital records from 1994 to 2003 to examine the relationship
      between self-reported maternal unemployment and birth outcomes, including
      birthweight and infant mortality. In the preferred specification, a sample
      containing 1,344, 605 sibling births to 604,649 mothers was used. Regression
      results indicated that within the same women, being unemployed was associated
      with lower average birthweights and higher rates of infant mortality than being
      engaged in market work, especially when unemployment preceded market work, and a
      range of hypothesized mediators did little to attenuate these relationships.
      Interaction models revealed that the poor average birth outcomes related to
      unemployment were driven by observations with at least one other indicator of
      health complication, such as presence of a medical risk factor. These results
      confirm that the relationship between unemployment and mother-child health varies
      across individuals, although further research is needed to understand the causal
      linkages connecting unemployment, health risks, and birth outcomes. 

PMID- 25138195
TI  - Effectiveness of individual placement and support supported employment for young
      adults.
AB  - AIM: The individual placement and support (IPS) model of supported employment was
      first developed in community mental health centres for adults with severe mental
      illness. While IPS is an established evidence-based practice in this broad
      population, evidence on its effectiveness focused specifically on young adults
      has been limited. The current study aimed to address this gap. METHODS: To
      investigate the effects of IPS on young adults, the authors conducted a secondary
      analysis on a pooled sample of 109 unemployed young adults (under age 30) from
      four randomized controlled trials employing a common research protocol that
      included a standardized measurement battery and rigorous fidelity monitoring.
      Researchers assessed these participants over 18 months on nine competitive
      employment outcome measures. RESULTS: On all measures, the IPS group had
      significantly better employment outcomes. Overall, 40 (82%) of IPS participants
      obtained employment during follow-up compared with 25 (42%) of control
      participants, chi(2) = 17.9, P < .001. IPS participants averaged 25.0 weeks of
      employment, compared with 7.0 weeks for control participants, t = 4.50, P < .001.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current analysis supports a small number of previous studies in
      showing that IPS is highly effective in helping young adults with severe mental
      illness to attain competitive employment. When young adults acquire competitive
      jobs and initiate a path towards normal adult roles, they may avoid the cycle of
      disability and psychiatric patient roles that are demeaning and demoralizing.

PMID- 25138199
TI  - Stress proliferation across generations? Examining the relationship between
      parental incarceration and childhood health.
AB  - Stress proliferation theory suggests that parental incarceration may have
      deleterious intergenerational health consequences. In this study, I use data from
      the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) to estimate the
      relationship between parental incarceration and children's fair or poor overall
      health, a range of physical and mental health conditions, activity limitations,
      and chronic school absence. Descriptive statistics show that children of
      incarcerated parents are a vulnerable population who experience disadvantages
      across an array of health outcomes. After adjusting for demographic,
      socioeconomic, and familial characteristics, I find that parental incarceration
      is independently associated with learning disabilities, attention deficit
      disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral or conduct
      problems, developmental delays, and speech or language problems. Taken together,
      results suggest that children's health disadvantages are an overlooked and
      unintended consequence of mass incarceration and that incarceration, given its
      unequal distribution across the population, may have implications for population
      level racial-ethnic and social class inequalities in children's health. 

PMID- 25138198
TI  - Gender and reinforcing associations between socioeconomic disadvantage and body
      mass over the life course.
AB  - Using the 1957-1993 data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, we explore
      reciprocal associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and body mass in the
      1939 birth cohort of non-Hispanic white men and women. We integrate the
      fundamental cause theory, the gender relations theory, and the life course
      perspective to analyze gender differences in (a) the ways that early
      socioeconomic disadvantage launches bidirectional associations of body mass and
      SES and (b) the extent to which these mutually reinforcing effects generate
      socioeconomic disparities in midlife body mass. Using structural equation
      modeling, we find that socioeconomic disadvantage at age 18 is related to higher
      body mass index and a greater risk of obesity at age 54, and that this
      relationship is significantly stronger for women than men. Moreover, women are
      more adversely affected by two mechanisms underlying the focal association: the
      obesogenic effect of socioeconomic disadvantage and the SES-impeding effect of
      obesity. These patterns were also replicated in propensity score-matching models.
      We conclude that gender and SES act synergistically over the life course to shape
      reciprocal chains of two disadvantaged statuses: heavier body mass and lower SES.

PMID- 25138201
TI  - "I want you to save my kid!": Illness management strategies, access, and
      inequality at an elite university research hospital.
AB  - Using data drawn from interviews and observations with 18 families whose children
      were diagnosed with life-threatening, often rare diseases, I examine how families
      accessed and negotiated medical care at a top 10-ranked university research
      hospital. Access to highly specialized and technologically advanced care was
      essential in these critical cases. Combining analysis of these high-stakes cases
      with recent work highlighting the interactional dynamics of care delivery, I show
      how families followed different paths to elite care and used different illness
      management strategies throughout the treatment process depending on their ability
      to mobilize what Janet Shim terms cultural health capital. These diverging
      illness management strategies reproduced inequality even at the top of the U.S.
      healthcare system by allowing some families to secure microadvantages throughout
      the illness experience. These findings suggest a complex interplay between
      structures of care delivery and families' illness management strategies and point
      to the need for broader conceptualizations of healthcare advantages. 

PMID- 25138200
TI  - How health conditions translate into self-ratings: a comparative study of older
      adults across Europe.
AB  - Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, we examine
      how respondents translate morbidity and disability into self-rated health (SRH),
      how national populations differ in SRH, and how normative and person-specific
      reporting styles shape SRH. We construct proxy variables that allow us to specify
      cultural differences in reporting styles and individual differences in relative
      rating behavior. Using generalized logistic regression, we find that both of
      these dimensions of subjectivity are related to SRH; however, their inclusion
      does not significantly alter the connection between SRH and the set of disease
      and disability indicators. Further, country differences in SRH persist after
      controlling for all these factors. Our findings suggest that observed country
      differences in SRH reflect compositional differences, cultural differences in
      reporting styles, and perceptions of how health restricts typical activities. SRH
      also seems to capture underlying but unmeasured health differences across
      populations. 

PMID- 25138202
TI  - Spillover effects of an uninsured population.
AB  - A lack of health insurance has long been associated with negative effects on
      individual and family health due to access barriers. However, we know little
      about how a lack of health insurance affects wider communities beyond health
      care. Based on in-depth interviews in two Los Angeles communities, we report how
      a lack of health insurance affects the functioning of religious institutions and
      schools from kindergarten to 12th grade. We find a negative spillover effect at
      the individual and institutional levels for schools experiencing greater
      absenteeism due to health insurance problems of pupils. However, we find that
      religious organizations are little affected by a lack of health insurance of
      adherents. Instead, churches offer health programs as a means to engage their
      communities. Besides documenting a negative and a positive spillover effect, we
      offer a conceptual framework for the qualitative study of health spillover
      effects and examine the policy implications of our findings. 

PMID- 25138203
TI  - Influence of distinct asthma phenotypes on lung function following weight loss in
      the obese.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There appears to be two distinct clinical phenotypes of
      obese patients with asthma-those with early-onset asthma and high serum IgE (TH2
      high), and those with late-onset asthma and low serum IgE (TH2-low). The aim of
      the present study was to determine in the two phenotypes of obese asthma the
      effect of weight loss on small airway function. METHODS: TH2-low (n = 8) and TH2
      high (n = 5) obese asthmatics underwent methacholine challenge before and 12
      months following bariatric surgery. Dose-response slopes as measures of
      sensitivity to airway closure and narrowing were measured as maximum % fall
      forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/FVC,
      respectively, divided by dose. Resting airway mechanics were measured by forced
      oscillation technique. RESULTS: Weight loss reduced sensitivity to airway closure
      in TH 2-low but not TH2-high obese asthmatics (pre-post mean change +/- 95%
      confidence interval: 1.8 +/- 0.8 doubling doses vs -0.3 +/- 1.7 doubling doses, P
      = 0.04). However, there was no effect of weight loss on the sensitivity to airway
      narrowing in either group (P = 0.8, TH2-low: 0.8 +/- 1.0 doubling doses, TH2
      high: -1.1 +/- 2.5 doubling doses). In contrast, respiratory resistance (20 Hz)
      improved in TH2-high but not in TH2-low obese asthmatics (pre-post change median
      interquartile range: 1.5 (1.3-2.8) cmH2O/L/s vs 0.6 (-1.8-0.8) cmH2O/L/s, P =
      0.03). CONCLUSIONS: TH2-low obese asthmatics appear to be characterized by
      increased small airway responsiveness and abnormalities in resting airway
      function that may persist following weight loss. However, this was not the case
      for TH2-high obese asthmatics, highlighting the complex interplay between IgE
      status and asthma pathophysiology in obesity.

PMID- 25138207
TI  - Hospice Comics: Representations of Patient and Family Experience of Illness and
      Death in Graphic Novels.
AB  - Non-fiction graphic novels about illness and death created by patients and their
      loved ones have much to teach all readers. However, the bond of empathy made
      possible in the comic form may have special lessons for healthcare providers who
      read these texts and are open to the insights they provide.

PMID- 25138208
TI  - Label-free detection of serum proteins using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
      for colorectal cancer screening.
AB  - Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of serum proteins purified from
      human serum samples were employed to detect colorectal cancer. Acetic acid as a
      new aggregating agent was introduced to increase the magnitude of the SERS
      enhancement. High-quality SERS spectra of serum proteins were acquired from 103
      cancer patients and 103 healthy volunteers. Tentative assignments of SERS bands
      reflect that some specific biomolecular contents and protein secondary structures
      change with colorectal cancer progression. Principal component analysis combined
      with linear discriminant analysis was used to assess the capability of this
      approach for identifying colorectal cancer, yielding diagnostic accuracies of
      100% (sensitivity: 100%; specificity: 100%) based on albumin SERS spectroscopy
      and 99.5% (sensitivity: 100%; specificity: 99%) based on globulin SERS
      spectroscopy, respectively. A partial least squares (PLS) approach was introduced
      to develop diagnostic models. An albumin PLS model successfully predicted the
      unidentified subjects with a diagnostic accuracy of 93.5% (sensitivity: 95.6%;
      specificity: 91.3%) and the globulin PLS model gave a diagnostic accuracy of
      93.5% (sensitivity: 91.3%; specificity: 95.6%). These results suggest that serum
      protein SERS spectroscopy can be a sensitive and clinically powerful means for
      colorectal cancer detection.

PMID- 25138206
TI  - Impact of medical and psychiatric multi-morbidity on mortality in diabetes:
      emerging evidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multi-morbidity, or the presence of multiple chronic diseases, is a
      major problem in clinical care and is associated with worse outcomes.
      Additionally, the presence of mental health conditions, such as depression,
      anxiety, etc., has further negative impact on clinical outcomes. However, most
      health systems are generally configured for management of individual diseases
      instead of multi-morbidity. The study examined the prevalence and differential
      impact of medical and psychiatric multi-morbidity on risk of death in adults with
      diabetes. METHODS: A national cohort of 625,903 veterans with type 2 diabetes was
      created by linking multiple patient and administrative files from 2002 through
      2006. The main outcome was time to death. Primary independent variables were
      numbers of medical and psychiatric comorbidities over the study period.
      Covariates included age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, area of
      residence, service connection, and geographic region. Cox regression was used to
      model the association between time to death and multi-morbidity adjusting for
      relevant covariates. RESULTS: Hypertension (78%) and depression (13%) were the
      most prevalent medical and psychiatric comorbidities, respectively; 23% had 3+
      medical comorbidities, 3% had 2+ psychiatric comorbidities and 22% died. Among
      medical comorbidities, mortality risk was highest in those with congestive heart
      failure (hazard ratio, HR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.89-1.95), Lung disease (HR = 1.42; 95%
      CI 1.40-1.44) and cerebrovascular disease (HR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.37-1.40). Among
      psychiatric comorbidities, mortality risk was highest in those with substance
      abuse (HR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.46-1.54), psychoses (HR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.14-1.19) and
      depression (HR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.03-1.07). There was an interaction between
      medical and psychiatric comorbidity (p = 0.003) so stratified analyses were
      performed. HRs for effect of 3+ medical comorbidity (2.63, 2.66, 2.15) remained
      high across levels of psychiatric comorbidities (0, 1, 2+), respectively. HRs for
      effect of 2+ psychiatric comorbidity (1.69, 1.63, 1.42, 1.38) declined across
      levels of medical comorbidity (0, 1, 2, 3+), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Medical
      and psychiatric multi-morbidity are significant predictors of mortality among
      older adults (veterans) with type 2 diabetes with a graded response as
      multimorbidity increases.

PMID- 25138209
TI  - Waveband selection of reagent-free determination for thalassemia screening
      indicators using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total
      reflection.
AB  - A reagent-free determination method for the thalassemia screening indicators
      hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was
      developed based on Fourier transform infrared spectrometers equipped with an
      attenuated total reflection accessory. A random and stability-dependent rigorous
      process of calibration, prediction, and validation was conducted. Appropriate
      wavebands were selected using the improved moving window partial least squares
      method with stability and equivalence. The obtained optimal wavebands were 1722
      to 1504 cm-1 for Hb, 1653 to 901 cm-1 for MCH, and 1562 to 964 cm-1 for MCV. A
      model set equivalent to the optimal model was proposed for each indicator; the
      public waveband of Hb equivalent wavebands was 1717 to 1510 cm-1, and the public
      equivalent waveband for MCH and MCV was 1562 to 901 cm-1. All selected wavebands
      were within the MIR fingerprint region and achieved high validation effects. The
      sensitivity and specificity were 100.0% and 96.9% for the optimal wavebands and
      100.0% and 95.3% for the equivalent wavebands, respectively. Thus, the spectral
      prediction was highly accurate for determining negative and positive for
      thalassemia screening. This technique is rapid and simple in comparison with
      conventional methods and is a promising tool for thalassemia screening in large
      populations.

PMID- 25138204
TI  - Immunotherapy using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic
      cells to treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
AB  - Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by Gram-negative bacteria induces tolerance and
      suppresses inflammatory responses in vivo; however, the mechanisms are poorly
      understood. In this study we show that LPS induces apoptosis of bone marrow
      derived dendritic cells (DCs) and modulates phenotypes of DCs. LPS treatment up
      regulates expression of tolerance-associated molecules such as CD205 and galectin
      1, but down-regulates expression of Gr-1 and B220 on CD11c(+) DCs. Moreover, LPS
      treatment regulates the numbers of CD11c(+) CD8(+) , CD11c(+) CD11b(low) and
      CD11c(+) CD11b(hi) DCs, which perform different immune functions in vivo. Our
      data also demonstrated that intravenous transfer of LPS-treated DCs blocks
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) development and down-regulates
      expression of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma t (ROR-gammat),
      interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22 and interferon (IFN)-gamma in myelin
      oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-primed CD4(+) T cells in the peripheral
      environment. These results suggest that LPS-induced apoptotic DCs may lead to
      generation of tolerogenic DCs and suppress the activity of MOG-stimulated
      effector CD4(+) T cells, thus inhibiting the development of EAE in vivo. Our
      results imply a potential mechanism of LPS-induced tolerance mediated by DCs and
      the possible use of LPS-induced apoptotic DCs to treat autoimmune diseases such
      as multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 25138210
TI  - Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: cerebral perfusion measured with pCASL
      before and repeatedly after CSF removal.
AB  - Pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) measurements were performed in
      20 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) to investigate
      whether cerebral blood flow (CBF) increases during the first 24 hours after a
      cerebrospinal fluid tap test (CSF TT). Five pCASL magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) scans were performed. Two scans were performed before removal of 40 mL CSF,
      and the other three at 30 minutes, 4 hours, and 24 hours, respectively after the
      CSF TT. Thirteen different regions of interest (ROIs) were manually drawn on
      coregistered MR images. In patients with increased CBF in lateral and frontal
      white matter after the CSF TT, gait function improved more than it did in
      patients with decreased CBF in these regions. However, in the whole sample, there
      was no significant increase in CBF after CSF removal compared with baseline
      investigations. The repeatability of CBF measurements at baseline was high, with
      intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.60 to 0.90 for different ROIs, but the
      median regional variability was in the range of 5% to 17%. Our results indicate
      that CBF in white matter close to the lateral ventricles plays a role in the
      reversibility of symptoms after CSF removal in patients with iNPH. 

PMID- 25138212
TI  - Oncologic validity of recipient vessel preservation in microvascular free-flap
      reconstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The use of free-flap reconstruction requires a more limited neck
      dissection to allow for microvascular anastomosis. This study seeks to determine
      the oncologic validity of cervical vessel preservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The current study is a prospective review of cervical vessel biopsies from
      patients undergoing resection of squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) tumors of the
      head and neck with free tissue reconstruction. RESULTS: From June 2010 to March
      2012, 227 recipient vessel biopsies were performed on 100 patients. Three of
      these patients had grossly abnormal vessels, with malignancy confirmed by frozen
      section analysis. One patient had a vessel positive for malignancy that was
      grossly normal but found to have SCCA on the final pathology. CONCLUSIONS: When
      the recipient vessel appears grossly suspicious, a frozen section biopsy and re
      resection should be considered. Recipient vessel trimmings should routinely be
      sent for permanent pathology since in rare cases, they can be involved by tumor,
      affecting the margin status, prognosis, and indications for adjuvant therapy.

PMID- 25138213
TI  - miR-326-histone deacetylase-3 feedback loop regulates the invasion and
      tumorigenic and angiogenic response to anti-cancer drugs.
AB  - Histone modification is known to be associated with multidrug resistance
      phenotypes. Cancer cell lines that are resistant or have been made resistant to
      anti-cancer drugs showed lower expression levels of histone deacetylase-3
      (HDAC3), among the histone deacetylase(s), than cancer cell lines that were
      sensitive to anti-cancer drugs. Celastrol and Taxol decreased the expression of
      HDAC3 in cancer cell lines sensitive to anti-cancer drugs. HDAC3 negatively
      regulated the invasion, migration, and anchorage-independent growth of cancer
      cells. HDAC3 conferred sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs in vitro and in vivo.
      TargetScan analysis predicted miR-326 as a negative regulator of HDAC3. ChIP
      assays and luciferase assays showed a negative feedback loop between HDAC3 and
      miR-326. miR-326 decreased the apoptotic effect of anti-cancer drugs, and the miR
      326 inhibitor increased the apoptotic effect of anti-cancer drugs. miR-326
      enhanced the invasion and migration potential of cancer cells. The miR-326
      inhibitor negatively regulated the tumorigenic, metastatic, and angiogenic
      potential of anti-cancer drug-resistant cancer cells. HDAC3 showed a positive
      feedback loop with miRNAs such as miR-200b, miR-217, and miR-335. miR-200b, miR
      217, and miR-335 negatively regulated the expression of miR-326 and the invasion
      and migration potential of cancer cells while enhancing the apoptotic effect of
      anti-cancer drugs. TargetScan analysis predicted miR-200b and miR-217 as negative
      regulators of cancer-associated gene, a cancer/testis antigen, which is known to
      regulate the response to anti-cancer drugs. HDAC3 and miR-326 acted upstream of
      the cancer-associated gene. Thus, we show that the miR-326-HDAC3 feedback loop
      can be employed as a target for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics. 

PMID- 25138214
TI  - Vesicle associated membrane protein 8 (VAMP8)-mediated zymogen granule exocytosis
      is dependent on endosomal trafficking via the constitutive-like secretory
      pathway.
AB  - Acinar cell zymogen granules (ZG) express 2 isoforms of the vesicle-associated
      membrane protein family (VAMP2 and -8) thought to regulate exocytosis. Expression
      of tetanus toxin to cleave VAMP2 in VAMP8 knock-out (-/-) acini confirmed that
      VAMP2 and -8 are the primary VAMPs for regulated exocytosis, each contributing
      ~50% of the response. Analysis of VAMP8(-/-) acini indicated that although
      stimulated secretion was significantly reduced, a compensatory increase in
      constitutive secretion maintained total secretion equivalent to wild type (WT).
      Using a perifusion system to follow secretion over time revealed VAMP2 mediates
      an early rapid phase peaking and falling within 2-3 min, whereas VAMP8 controls a
      second prolonged phase that peaks at 4 min and slowly declines over 20 min to
      support the protracted secretory response. VAMP8(-/-) acini show increased
      expression of the endosomal proteins Ti-VAMP7 (2-fold) and Rab11a (4-fold) and
      their redistribution from endosomes to ZGs. Expression of GDP-trapped Rab11a-S25N
      inhibited secretion exclusively from the VAMP8 but not the VAMP2 pathway. VAMP8(
      /-) acini also showed a >90% decrease in the early endosomal proteins
      Rab5/D52/EEA1, which control anterograde trafficking in the constitutive-like
      secretory pathway. In WT acini, short term (14-16 h) culture also results in a
      >90% decrease in Rab5/D52/EEA1 and a complete loss of the VAMP8 pathway, whereas
      VAMP2-secretion remains intact. Remarkably, rescue of Rab5/D52/EEA1 expression
      restored the VAMP8 pathway. Expressed D52 shows extensive colocalization with
      Rab11a and VAMP8 and partially copurifies with ZG fractions. These results
      indicate that robust trafficking within the constitutive-like secretory pathway
      is required for VAMP8- but not VAMP2-mediated ZG exocytosis. 

PMID- 25138215
TI  - Transcriptional regulation of the intestinal nuclear bile acid farnesoid X
      receptor (FXR) by the caudal-related homeobox 2 (CDX2).
AB  - Farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) is a bile acid-activated transcription factor
      that belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily. It is highly expressed in the
      enterohepatic system, where it senses bile acid levels to consequently reduce
      their synthesis while inducing their detoxification. Bile acids are intestinal
      tumor promoters and their concentrations have to be tightly regulated. Indeed,
      reduced expression of FXR in the intestine increases colorectal cancer
      susceptibility in mice, whereas its activation can promote apoptosis in
      genetically modified cells. Notably, despite the broad knowledge of the FXR
      enterohepatic transcriptional activity, the molecular mechanisms regulating FXR
      expression in the intestine are still unknown. Herein, by combining both gain and
      loss of function approaches and FXR promoter activity studies, we identified
      caudal-related homeobox 2 (CDX2) transcription factor as a positive regulator of
      FXR expression in the enterocytes. Our results provide a putative novel tool for
      modulating FXR expression against bile acid-related colorectal cancer
      progression. 

PMID- 25138211
TI  - Targeting TRP channels for novel migraine therapeutics.
AB  - Migraine is increasingly understood to be a disorder of the brain. In susceptible
      individuals, a variety of "triggers" may influence altered central excitability,
      resulting in the activation and sensitization of trigeminal nociceptive afferents
      surrounding blood vessels (i.e., the trigeminovascular system), leading to
      migraine pain. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are expressed in a
      subset of dural afferents, including those containing calcitonin gene related
      peptide (CGRP). Activation of TRP channels promotes excitation of nociceptive
      afferent fibers and potentially lead to pain. In addition to pain, allodynia to
      mechanical and cold stimuli can result from sensitization of both peripheral
      afferents and of central pain pathways. TRP channels respond to a variety of
      endogenous conditions including chemical mediators and low pH. These channels can
      be activated by exogenous stimuli including a wide range of chemical and
      environmental irritants, some of which have been demonstrated to trigger migraine
      in humans. Activation of TRP channels can elicit CGRP release, and blocking the
      effects of CGRP through receptor antagonism or antibody strategies has been
      demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of migraine. Identification of
      approaches that can prevent activation of TRP channels provides an additional
      novel strategy for discovery of migraine therapeutics.

PMID- 25138216
TI  - Regression of replication forks stalled by leading-strand template damage: I.
      Both RecG and RuvAB catalyze regression, but RuvC cleaves the holliday junctions
      formed by RecG preferentially.
AB  - The orderly progression of replication forks formed at the origin of replication
      in Escherichia coli is challenged by encounters with template damage, slow moving
      RNA polymerases, and frozen DNA-protein complexes that stall the fork. These
      stalled forks are foci for genomic instability and must be reactivated. Many
      models of replication fork reactivation invoke nascent strand regression as an
      intermediate in the processing of the stalled fork. We have investigated the
      replication fork regression activity of RecG and RuvAB, two proteins commonly
      thought to be involved in the process, using a reconstituted DNA replication
      system where the replisome is stalled by collision with leading-strand template
      damage. We find that both RecG and RuvAB can regress the stalled fork in the
      presence of the replisome and SSB; however, RuvAB generates a completely unwound
      product consisting of the paired nascent leading and lagging strands, whereas
      RuvC cleaves the Holliday junction generated by RecG-catalyzed fork regression.
      We also find that RecG stimulates RuvAB-catalyzed regression, presumably because
      it is more efficient at generating the initial Holliday junction from the stalled
      fork. 

PMID- 25138217
TI  - Regression of replication forks stalled by leading-strand template damage: II.
      Regression by RecA is inhibited by SSB.
AB  - Stalled replication forks are sites of chromosome breakage and the formation of
      toxic recombination intermediates that undermine genomic stability. Thus,
      replication fork repair and reactivation are essential processes. Among the many
      models of replication fork reactivation is one that invokes fork regression
      catalyzed by the strand exchange protein RecA as an intermediate in the
      processing of the stalled fork. We have investigated the replication fork
      regression activity of RecA using a reconstituted DNA replication system where
      the replisome is stalled by collision with leading-strand template damage. We
      find that RecA is unable to regress the stalled fork in the presence of the
      replisome and SSB. If the replication proteins are removed from the stalled fork,
      RecA will catalyze net regression as long as the Okazaki fragments are sealed.
      RecA-generated Holliday junctions can be detected by RuvC cleavage, although this
      is not a robust reaction. On the other hand, extensive branch migration by RecA,
      where a completely unwound product consisting of the paired nascent leading and
      lagging strands is produced, is observed under conditions where RuvC activity is
      suppressed. This branch migration reaction is inhibited by SSB, possibly
      accounting for the failure of RecA to generate products in the presence of the
      replication proteins. Interestingly, we find that the RecA-RuvC reaction is
      supported to differing extents, depending on the template damage; templates
      carrying a cyclopyrimidine dimer elicit more RecA-RuvC product than those
      carrying a synthetic abasic site. This difference could be ascribed to a higher
      affinity of RecA binding to DNAs carrying a thymidine dimer than to those with an
      abasic site. 

PMID- 25138218
TI  - Formation of amyloid fibers by monomeric light chain variable domains.
AB  - Systemic light chain amyloidosis is a lethal disease characterized by excess
      immunoglobulin light chains and light chain fragments composed of variable
      domains, which aggregate into amyloid fibers. These fibers accumulate and damage
      organs. Some light chains induce formation of amyloid fibers, whereas others do
      not, making it unclear what distinguishes amyloid formers from non-formers. One
      mechanism by which sequence variation may reduce propensity to form amyloid
      fibers is by shifting the equilibrium toward an amyloid-resistant quaternary
      structure. Here we identify the monomeric form of the Mcg immunoglobulin light
      chain variable domain as the quaternary unit required for amyloid fiber assembly.
      Dimers of Mcg variable domains remain stable and soluble, yet become prone to
      assemble into amyloid fibers upon disassociation into monomers. 

PMID- 25138219
TI  - Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and podocyte injury
      via thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) during hyperhomocysteinemia.
AB  - NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been reported to
      activate NLRP3 inflammasomes resulting in podocyte and glomerular injury during
      hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcys). However, the mechanism by which the inflammasome
      senses ROS is still unknown in podocytes upon hHcys stimulation. The current
      study explored whether thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), an endogenous
      inhibitor of the antioxidant thioredoxin and ROS sensor, mediates hHcys-induced
      NLRP3 inflammasome activation and consequent glomerular injury. In cultured
      podocytes, size exclusion chromatography and confocal microscopy showed that
      inhibition of TXNIP by siRNA or verapamil prevented Hcys-induced TXNIP protein
      recruitment to form NLRP3 inflammasomes and abolished Hcys-induced increases in
      caspase-1 activity and IL-1beta production. TXNIP inhibition protected podocytes
      from injury as shown by normal expression levels of podocyte markers, podocin and
      desmin. In vivo, adult C57BL/6J male mice were fed a folate-free diet for 4 weeks
      to induce hHcys, and TXNIP was inhibited by verapamil (1 mg/ml in drinking water)
      or by local microbubble-ultrasound TXNIP shRNA transfection. Evidenced by
      immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation studies, glomerular inflammasome
      formation and TXNIP binding to NLRP3 were markedly increased in mice with hHcys
      but not in TXNIP shRNA-transfected mice or those receiving verapamil.
      Furthermore, TXNIP inhibition significantly reduced caspase-1 activity and IL
      1beta production in glomeruli of mice with hHcys. Correspondingly, TXNIP shRNA
      transfection and verapamil attenuated hHcys-induced proteinuria, albuminuria,
      glomerular damage, and podocyte injury. In conclusion, our results demonstrate
      that TXNIP binding to NLRP3 is a key signaling mechanism necessary for hHcys
      induced NLRP3 inflammasome formation and activation and subsequent glomerular
      injury. 

PMID- 25138222
TI  - Sustained remission of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm after
      unrelated allogeneic stem cell transplantation--a single center experience.
AB  - Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematodermic
      neoplasm which typically presents with skin infiltrates with or without
      lymphadenopathy and bone marrow involvement. No standard of care exists for this
      aggressive disease and prognosis is particularly poor. Here, we present our
      experience with nine BPDCN patients diagnosed at our institution between 2005 and
      2012. BPDCN patients were identified in the databases at the Department of
      Hematology and Oncology, the Department of Dermatology, and the Institute of
      Pathology at the Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg. There were six male and
      three female patients with a median age at diagnosis of 66 years. Sites involved
      were skin (five cases), lymph nodes (five cases), and bone marrow (five cases).
      Treatments varied from single agent chemotherapy to polychemotherapy and
      allogeneic stem cell transplantation for consolidation. The three patients that
      were treated with acute leukemia-type induction therapy followed by allogeneic
      stem cell transplantation (one after standard conditioning and two after reduced
      intensity conditioning using fludarabine in combination with thiotepa) achieved
      sustained remissions and are alive with a follow-up of 8, 35, and 41 months. In
      contrast, median survival in the less intensively treated patients was only 9.5
      (range 1 to 29) months. 

PMID- 25138221
TI  - Roles of Bacillus subtilis DprA and SsbA in RecA-mediated genetic recombination.
AB  - Bacillus subtilis competence-induced RecA, SsbA, SsbB, and DprA are required to
      internalize and to recombine single-stranded (ss) DNA with homologous resident
      duplex. RecA, in the ATP . Mg(2+)-bound form (RecA . ATP), can nucleate and form
      filament onto ssDNA but is inactive to catalyze DNA recombination. We report that
      SsbA or SsbB bound to ssDNA blocks the RecA filament formation and fails to
      activate recombination. DprA facilitates RecA filamentation; however, the
      filaments cannot engage in DNA recombination. When ssDNA was preincubated with
      SsbA, but not SsbB, DprA was able to activate DNA strand exchange dependent on
      RecA . ATP. This work demonstrates that RecA . ATP, in concert with SsbA and
      DprA, catalyzes DNA strand exchange, and SsbB is an accessory factor in the
      reaction. In contrast, RecA . dATP efficiently catalyzes strand exchange even in
      the absence of single-stranded binding proteins or DprA, and addition of the
      accessory factors marginally improved it. We proposed that the RecA-bound
      nucleotide (ATP and to a lesser extent dATP) might dictate the requirement for
      accessory factors.

PMID- 25138220
TI  - Rapid binding of plasminogen to streptokinase in a catalytic complex reveals a
      three-step mechanism.
AB  - Rapid kinetics demonstrate a three-step pathway of streptokinase (SK) binding to
      plasminogen (Pg), the zymogen of plasmin (Pm). Formation of a fluorescently
      silent encounter complex is followed by two conformational tightening steps
      reported by fluorescence quenches. Forward reactions were defined by time courses
      of biphasic quenching during complex formation between SK or its COOH-terminal
      Lys(414) deletion mutant (SKDeltaK414) and active site-labeled [Lys]Pg ([5
      (acetamido)fluorescein]-D-Phe-Phe-Arg-[Lys]Pg ([5F]FFR-[Lys]Pg)) and by the SK
      dependences of the quench rates. Active site-blocked Pm rapidly displaced [5F]FFR
      [Lys]Pg from the complex. The encounter and final SK .[5F]FFR-[Lys]Pg complexes
      were weakened similarly by SK Lys(414) deletion and blocking of lysine-binding
      sites (LBSs) on Pg kringles with 6-aminohexanoic acid or benzamidine. Forward and
      reverse rates for both tightening steps were unaffected by 6-aminohexanoic acid,
      whereas benzamidine released constraints on the first conformational tightening.
      This indicated that binding of SK Lys(414) to Pg kringle 4 plays a role in
      recognition of Pg by SK. The substantially lower affinity of the final SK . Pg
      complex compared with SK . Pm is characterized by a ~ 25-fold weaker encounter
      complex and ~ 40-fold faster off-rates for the second conformational step. The
      results suggest that effective Pg encounter requires SK Lys(414) engagement and
      significant non-LBS interactions with the protease domain, whereas Pm binding
      additionally requires contributions of other lysines. This difference may be
      responsible for the lower affinity of the SK . Pg complex and the expression of a
      weaker "pro"-exosite for binding of a second Pg in the substrate mode compared
      with SK . Pm.

PMID- 25138223
TI  - Good lateral harmonic stability combined with adequate gait speed is required for
      low fall risk in older people.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Good lateral harmonic stability in gait may be important for
      minimising fall risk in older people because many falls occur during walking when
      the base of support is narrowest in the mediolateral (ML) direction. However, the
      traditional ML harmonic ratio (MLHR) may be a sub-optimal measure of gait quality
      because of insufficient frequency resolution. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective
      was to investigate if a new measure of lateral harmonic stability, the 8-step
      MLHR, could discriminate older fallers from non-fallers while taking different
      walking speeds into account. METHODS: Repeat walks over 20 m were completed by 96
      older people (mean age 80, SD 4 years); 35 participants had a history of one or
      more falls in the past year. The traditional MLHR and the 8-step MLHR were
      obtained from an accelerometer attached to the sacrum. RESULTS: Compared to the
      traditional MLHR, the 8-step MLHR demonstrated similar univariate ability to
      identify significant differences in fall risk based on age, walking speed and
      physiology (p <= 0.05). When differences in walking speed were taken into
      account, we observed that participants who walked both faster than average and
      had above-average lateral harmonic stability (by the 8-step MLHR) were 5.3 times
      less likely to be fallers than all other participants (relative risk: 0.19, 95%
      confidence interval: 0.06-0.57). For the traditional MLHR, however, no
      significant differences between the fallers and non-fallers were evident.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that good lateral harmonic stability interacts
      with adequate gait speed and, when coincident, are associated with reduced fall
      risk in older people. Future research could examine whether interventions
      focusing on enhancing both gait speed and lateral stability can reduce fall risk
      and whether these combined gait measures can remotely predict deteriorating
      health using wearable technology.

PMID- 25138224
TI  - Efficacy and tolerability of fixed-combination brinzolamide/timolol in Latin
      American patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension previously on
      brimonidine/timolol fixed combination.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fixed-combination glaucoma medications are commonly used to achieve
      target intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in patients uncontrolled with
      monotherapy; however, ocular discomfort associated with eye drops can decrease
      adherence. This study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of twice-daily fixed
      combination brinzolamide 1%/timolol 0.5% (BRINZ/TIM-FC) in Latin American
      patients transitioned from fixed-combination brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5%
      (BRIM/TIM-FC) because of insufficient IOP control or treatment intolerance.
      METHODS: This 8-week, open-label, prospective study was conducted at six sites in
      Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. Enrolled patients were aged >=18 years with open
      angle glaucoma (including primary, exfoliative, or pigment-dispersion glaucoma)
      or ocular hypertension with IOP of 19-35 mmHg in >=1 eye at baseline (on BRIM/TIM
      FC). Patients self-administered BRINZ/TIM-FC to both eyes at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
      daily for 8 weeks. The primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were mean IOP
      change from baseline at week 8 and percentage of patients achieving target IOP
      (<=18 mmHg) at week 8, respectively. Exploratory endpoints included patient and
      investigator preference for treatment at week 8. Adverse events (AEs) were
      assessed as the safety endpoint. RESULTS: Fifty patients (mean +/- SD age, 66.7
      +/- 11.5 years) received BRINZ/TIM-FC, and 49 were included in the intent-to
      treat population. Mean +/- SD IOP was significantly reduced from baseline after 8
      weeks of treatment with BRINZ/TIM-FC (-3.6 +/- 3.0 mmHg; P < 0.0001, Wilcoxon
      signed-rank test; 17.1% reduction). Overall, 55.3% of patients achieved IOP <=18
      mmHg at week 8. Significantly more patients (89.4%) and investigators (95.7%)
      preferred BRINZ/TIM-FC to BRIM/TIM-FC (both P < 0.0001, exact binomial test). Of
      the 13 AEs observed, 8 were related to BRINZ/TIM-FC; the most common treatment
      related AEs were eye irritation (n = 4) and abnormal sensation in the eye (n =
      2). CONCLUSION: BRINZ/TIM-FC provides an effective and well-tolerated treatment
      option for patients transitioned from BRIM/TIM-FC.

PMID- 25138225
TI  - Syphilis Infection: An Uncommon Etiology of Infectious Nonimmune Fetal Hydrops
      with Anemia.
AB  - An increased prevalence of syphilis has been observed in many developed countries
      over the last decade. During pregnancy, syphilis can affect the fetus through
      development of nonspecific symptoms such as microcephaly, ascites,
      hepatosplenomegaly, dilated and echogenic bowel, placentomegaly, and, uncommonly,
      fetal hydrops. Congenital syphilis also leads to hematologic abnormalities such
      as anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and leukocytosis. We present a case of
      nonimmune fetal hydrops with anemia related to syphilis infection. Diagnosis was
      confirmed by a maternal serological test and microbiological testing on amniotic
      fluid, umbilical cord, and placental tissues. The patient was treated with
      penicillin and the fetus received an intrauterine red blood cell transfusion, but
      fetal death occurred shortly after. Such a presentation is mostly related to
      parvovirus B19, and syphilis etiology is poorly mentioned because physicians have
      rarely seen early congenital syphilis in the past. However, given the increasing
      prevalence of this disease in the adult population, clinicians should remain
      alert to the various presentations of congenital syphilis. 

PMID- 25138227
TI  - Secretoneurin as a marker for hypoxic brain injury after cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The neuropeptide secretoneurin (SN) shows widespread distribution in the
      brain. We evaluated whether SN is elevated after cardiopulmonary resuscitation
      (CPR) and could serve as a potential new biomarker for hypoxic brain injury after
      CPR. METHODS: This was a prospective observational clinical study. All patients
      admitted to a tertiary medical intensive care unit after successful CPR with
      expected survival of at least 24 h were consecutively enrolled from September
      2008 to April 2013. Serum SN and neuron-specific enolase were determined in 24 h
      intervals starting with the day of CPR for 7 days. Neurological outcome was
      assessed with the Cerebral Performance Categories Scale (CPC) at hospital
      discharge. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients were included with 49 % surviving to
      good neurological outcome (CPC 1-2). SN serum levels peaked within the first 24 h
      showing on average a sixfold increase above normal. SN levels were significantly
      higher in patients with poor (CPC 3-5) than in patients with good neurological
      outcome [0-24 h: 75 (43-111) vs. 38 (23-68) fmol/ml, p < 0.001; 24-48 h: 45 (24
      77) vs. 23 (16-39) fmol/ml, p < 0.001]. SN determined within the first 48 h
      showed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of
      0.753 (0.665-0.841). NSE in the first 72 h had a ROC-AUC of 0.881 (0.815-0.946).
      When combining the two biomarkers an AUC of 0.925 (0.878-0.972) for outcome
      prediction could be reached. CONCLUSIONS: SN is a promising early biomarker for
      hypoxic brain injury. Further studies will be required for confirmation of these
      results.

PMID- 25138228
TI  - Understanding incretins.

PMID- 25138230
TI  - Ask the wrong question, you'll the get the wrong answer.

PMID- 25138229
TI  - PROF-ETEV study: prophylaxis of venous thromboembolic disease in critical care
      units in Spain.
AB  - PURPOSE: Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) in critically ill patients has a
      high incidence despite prophylactic measures. This fact could be related to an
      inappropriate use of these measures due to the absence of specific VTE risk
      scores. To assess the current situation in Spain, we have performed a cross
      sectional study, analyzing if the prophylactic measures were appropriate to the
      patients' VTE risk. METHODS: Through an electronic questionnaire, we carried out
      a single day point prevalence study on the VTE prophylactic measures used in
      several critical care units in Spain. We performed a risk stratification for VTE
      in three groups: low, moderate-high, and very high risk. The American College of
      Chest Physicians guidelines were used to determine if the patients were receiving
      the recommended prophylaxis. RESULTS: A total of 777 patients were included; 62%
      medical, 30% surgical, and 7% major trauma patients. The median number of the
      risk factors for VTE was four. According to the proposed VTE risk score, only 2%
      of the patients were at low risk, whereas 83% were at very high risk. Sixty-three
      percent of patients received pharmacological prophylaxis, 12% mechanical
      prophylaxis, 6% combined prophylaxis, and 19% did not receive any prophylactic
      measure. According to criteria suggested by the guidelines, 23% of medical, 71%
      of surgical, and 70% of major trauma patients received an inappropriate
      prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Most critically ill patients are at high or very high
      risk of VTE, but there is a low rate of appropriate prophylaxis. The efforts to
      improve the identification of patients at risk, and the implementation of
      appropriate prevention protocols should be enhanced.

PMID- 25138226
TI  - Consensus summary statement of the International Multidisciplinary Consensus
      Conference on Multimodality Monitoring in Neurocritical Care : a statement for
      healthcare professionals from the Neurocritical Care Society and the European
      Society of Intensive Care Medicine.
AB  - Neurocritical care depends, in part, on careful patient monitoring but as yet
      there are little data on what processes are the most important to monitor, how
      these should be monitored, and whether monitoring these processes is cost
      effective and impacts outcome. At the same time, bioinformatics is a rapidly
      emerging field in critical care but as yet there is little agreement or
      standardization on what information is important and how it should be displayed
      and analyzed. The Neurocritical Care Society in collaboration with the European
      Society of Intensive Care Medicine, the Society for Critical Care Medicine, and
      the Latin America Brain Injury Consortium organized an international,
      multidisciplinary consensus conference to begin to address these needs.
      International experts from neurosurgery, neurocritical care, neurology, critical
      care, neuroanesthesiology, nursing, pharmacy, and informatics were recruited on
      the basis of their research, publication record, and expertise. They undertook a
      systematic literature review to develop recommendations about specific topics on
      physiologic processes important to the care of patients with disorders that
      require neurocritical care. This review does not make recommendations about
      treatment, imaging, and intraoperative monitoring. A multidisciplinary jury,
      selected for their expertise in clinical investigation and development of
      practice guidelines, guided this process. The GRADE system was used to develop
      recommendations based on literature review, discussion, integrating the
      literature with the participants' collective experience, and critical review by
      an impartial jury. Emphasis was placed on the principle that recommendations
      should be based on both data quality and on trade-offs and translation into
      clinical practice. Strong consideration was given to providing pragmatic guidance
      and recommendations for bedside neuromonitoring, even in the absence of high
      quality data. 

PMID- 25138231
TI  - Ten years' experience for hypospadias repair: combined buccal mucosa graft and
      local flap for urethral reconstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To share our experience in hypospadias repair and discuss the
      clinical implications of our method, which consists of a combined buccal mucosa
      graft and local flap for urethroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 1,394 cases (median
      age 11.3 years, age range 5 months to 53 years) of hypospadias which were
      repaired using our method between July 2000 and December 2010 in our department
      were included in this study. The patients who had a short penis or did not have
      chordee were excluded from the data. 588 cases (42.2%) had previously undergone
      surgery in other hospitals but failed; 806 (57.8%) cases had undergone the first
      treatment in our department. RESULTS: Of the 806 cases which had undergone the
      first treatment in our department, we successfully reconstructed the urethra for
      747 patients (92.3%), and 59 patients had complications (7.7%); of the 588 cases
      which had previously undergone surgery but failed, we successfully reconstructed
      the urethra for 522 patients (88.8%), and 66 patients had complications (11.2%).
      The most common complication was urethra fistula (70; 5%); other complications
      include necrosis of the skin flap and infection resulting in wound disruption
      (19; 1.4%), urethral diverticula (11; 0.8%) and urethral stricture (25; 1.8%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our method appears to be a safe, simple and satisfactory surgical
      procedure and can provide relatively enough tissue to reconstruct the urethra
      with a higher success rate.

PMID- 25138232
TI  - Caudal lumbar vertebral fractures in California Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred
      racehorses.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: To gain insight into the pathophysiology of equine
      lumbar vertebral fractures in racehorses. OBJECTIVES: To characterise equine
      lumbar vertebral fractures in California racehorses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      case series and prospective case-control study. METHODS: Racehorse post mortem
      reports and jockey injury reports were retrospectively reviewed. Vertebral
      specimens from 6 racehorses affected with lumbar vertebral fractures and 4
      control racehorses subjected to euthanasia for nonspinal fracture were assessed
      using visual, radiographic, computed tomography and histological examinations.
      RESULTS: Lumbar vertebral fractures occurred in 38 Quarter Horse and 29
      Thoroughbred racehorses over a 22 year period, primarily involving the 5th and/or
      6th lumbar vertebrae (L5-L6; 87% of Quarter Horses and 48% of Thoroughbreds).
      Lumbar vertebral fractures were the third most common musculoskeletal cause of
      death in Quarter Horses and frequently involved a jockey injury. Lumbar vertebral
      specimens contained anatomical variations in the number of vertebrae, dorsal
      spinous processes and intertransverse articulations. Lumbar vertebral fractures
      examined in 6 racehorse specimens (5 Quarter Horses and one Thoroughbred) coursed
      obliquely in a cranioventral to caudodorsal direction across the adjacent L5-L6
      vertebral endplates and intervertebral disc, although one case involved only one
      endplate. All cases had evidence of abnormalities on the ventral aspect of the
      vertebral bodies consistent with pre-existing, maladaptive pathology.
      CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar vertebral fractures occur in racehorses with pre-existing
      pathology at the L5-L6 vertebral junction that is likely predisposes horses to
      catastrophic fracture. Knowledge of these findings should encourage assessment of
      the lumbar vertebrae, therefore increasing detection of mild vertebral injuries
      and preventing catastrophic racehorse and associated jockey injuries.

PMID- 25138233
TI  - Unwanted childbearing and household food insecurity in the United States.
AB  - Household food insecurity is a population health concern disproportionately
      affecting families with children in the United States. Unwanted childbearing may
      place unanticipated strain on families to meet basic needs, heightening the risk
      for household food insecurity. We investigated the association between mother's
      and father's report of unwanted childbearing and exposure to household food
      insecurity among children residing in two-parent households in the United States.
      Data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study - Birth Cohort, a nationally
      representative cohort of US children (n ~ 6150), were used to estimate the odds
      of household food insecurity when children were aged 9 months and 2 years,
      separately, based on parental report of unwanted childbearing. The majority of
      children were reported as wanted by both parents (74.4%). Of the sample, report
      of unwanted childbearing by father-only was 20.0%, mother-only was 3.4% and joint
      mother and father was 2.2%. Household food insecurity was higher when children
      were 9 months compared with 2 years. In adjusted models accounting for
      confounders, children born to mothers and fathers who jointly reported unwanted
      childbearing were at higher odds of exposure to household food insecurity at 9
      months [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.97,
      5.57] and 2 years (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.12, 5.68). In two-parent households, we
      found that children raised by parents reporting unwanted childbearing were more
      likely to be exposed to food insecurity and potentially related stressors.
      Further studies that prospectively measure wantedness before the child's birth
      will aid in confirming the direction of this association. 

PMID- 25138235
TI  - Current research and recent breakthroughs on the mental health effects of
      disasters.
AB  - A large existing academic disaster mental health literature provides a foundation
      to help guide disaster mental health response. Recent studies, however, have
      indicated that reconceptualization of certain mental health aspects of disasters
      may be indicated to guide further research to inform the planning and
      implementation of disaster mental health interventions. In particular, there is
      need to more carefully measure specific postdisaster disorders and syndromes
      using full diagnostic assessments, differentiate pre-existing from incident (new)
      postdisaster psychopathology, appropriately consider disaster trauma exposure
      groups in assessing psychopathology, and conduct prospective follow-up
      assessments over time from the acute postdisaster period to the long term.
      Further descriptive and longitudinal research is needed to better characterize
      the occurrence and course of fully-assessed psychiatric disorders after different
      disasters, clarify the role of disaster trauma exposures in the development of
      postdisaster psychopathology, and deconstruct confounding effects in
      determination of causalities in mental health consequences of disasters.

PMID- 25138234
TI  - Antipsychotic induced weight gain: genetics, epigenetics, and biomarkers
      reviewed.
AB  - Antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) is a prevalent side effect of
      antipsychotic treatment, particularly with second generation antipsychotics, such
      as clozapine and olanzapine. At this point, there is virtually nothing that can
      be done to predict who will be affected by AIWG. However, hope for the future of
      prediction lies with genetic risk factors. Many genes have been studied for their
      association with AIWG with a variety of promising findings. This review will
      focus on genetic findings in the last year and will discuss the first epigenetic
      and biomarker findings as well. Although there are significant findings in many
      other genes, the most consistently replicated findings are in the melanocortin 4
      receptor (MC4R), the serotonin 2C receptor (HTR2C), the leptin, the neuropeptide
      Y (NPY) and the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) genes. The study of genetic risk
      variants poses great promise in creating predictive tools for side effects such
      as AIWG.

PMID- 25138237
TI  - Variation in seminal plasma alters the ability of ram spermatozoa to survive
      cryopreservation.
AB  - Variation in the effect of seminal plasma on sperm function and fertility has
      been hypothesised to be due to differences between males and their seminal plasma
      composition. The freezing resilience of individual rams (n=17) was investigated
      to characterise inter-male variation. This was determined by measuring the degree
      of change in motility induced by cryopreservation (Experiment 1). Experiment 2
      examined the effect of pooled seminal plasma from rams identified as having high
      or low resilience to freezing on the cryosurvival of washed spermatozoa from
      either high (n=3) or low (n=3) sperm freezing resilience rams. Immediately after
      thawing and throughout the incubation period (0-4h), spermatozoa from high
      resilience rams frozen with high-resilience seminal plasma demonstrated superior
      motility to spermatozoa from high-resilience rams frozen with low-resilience
      seminal plasma (P<0.001). Similarly, spermatozoa from low-resilience rams frozen
      with high-resilience seminal plasma exhibited higher motility than spermatozoa
      from low-resilience rams frozen with low-resilience seminal plasma immediately
      after thawing (0h; P<0.001). The present study shows that variation in freezing
      resilience of ram spermatozoa is related to the source and composition of the
      seminal plasma. 

PMID- 25138236
TI  - Pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders in German-speaking countries: current status
      and changes between 1994 and 2011.
AB  - Over the past years, international treatment guidelines have been established for
      the treatment of anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, little is known as to whether
      the actual inpatient treatment follows these guidelines. The main goal of this
      study was to answer the question whether patients with anxiety disorder are
      treated according to treatment guidelines. A total of 2,573 psychiatric
      inpatients with the diagnosis of anxiety disorder (920 men, 1,653 women) were
      identified on the basis of the data of the international drug safety programme in
      psychiatry AMSP. Of these patients, 25.3% presented with phobia, 26.6% with panic
      disorder, 18.7% with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and 29.4% with other
      diagnoses of anxiety. In all of the patients, 12.7% did not receive any
      psychotropic medication and 22.9% were not treated with antidepressants. Only
      59.3% of patients with GAD, 73.9% of patients with panic disorder, and 52.1% of
      patients with phobia were treated according to diagnostic guidelines. The
      majority (60.3%) of all patients received one or two psychotropic drugs, and only
      3.7% received five or more psychotropic drugs. In two groups of patients (one
      group with phobia and one with panic disorder), the annual prescription rate of
      antidepressants significantly increased over time. The prescription rate for
      anticonvulsants in patients with GAD increased from 0% in 1997 to 41.7% in 2011,
      and for antipsychotics, from 40.7% in 1997 to 47.2% in 2011. In particular,
      patients with GAD were commonly treated with antipsychotics.

PMID- 25138238
TI  - PIXSIC, a pixelated beta+-sensitive probe for radiopharmacological investigations
      in rat brain: binding studies with [18F]MPPF.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to demonstrate the pharmacokinetic potential of
      a wireless pixelated beta(+)-sensitive probe (PIXSIC). PROCEDURES: The binding of
      2'-methoxyphenyl-(N-2'-pyridinyl)-p-[(18)F]fluoro-benzamidoethylpiperazine
      ([(18)F]MPPF), a 5-HT1A serotonin receptor radiopharmaceutical, was measured in
      anesthetized rats and compared to microPET data. The effects of a 5-HT1A
      antagonist injection on in vivo [(18)F]MPPF binding were monitored by PIXSIC.
      RESULTS: PIXSIC allowed differentiating the radioactive kinetics according to the
      location of its pixels in the hippocampus, cortex, corpus callosum, and
      cerebellum. The device accurately detected the changes in [(18)F]MPPF binding,
      after 5-HT1A antagonist blockade. The time-activity curves were reproducible and
      consistent with kinetics obtained simultaneously with a microPET camera.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the ability of the PIXSIC device to record
      reliably the binding of PET ligands, with a high spatiotemporal resolution in
      anesthetized rodents. These first in vivo results are a key stage on the path to
      its implementation in awake freely moving animals.

PMID- 25138240
TI  - Dislocation mechanism of deuterium retention in tungsten under plasma
      implantation.
AB  - We have developed a new theoretical model for deuterium (D) retention in tungsten
      based alloys on the basis of its being trapped at dislocations and transported to
      the surface via the dislocation network with parameters determined by ab initio
      calculations. The model is used to explain experimentally observed trends of D
      retention under sub-threshold implantation, which does not produce stable lattice
      defects to act as traps for D in conventional models. Saturation of D retention
      with implantation dose and effects due to alloying of tungsten with, e.g.
      tantalum, are evaluated, and comparison of the model predictions with
      experimental observations under high-flux plasma implantation conditions is
      presented. 

PMID- 25138239
TI  - Hypomagnesaemia associated with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors.
AB  - Hypomagnesaemia and associated hypocalcaemia and hypoparathyroidism have been
      increasingly recognised as rare long-term side-effects of proton pump inhibitors
      (PPIs). The PPIs may inhibit active magnesium (Mg) absorption by interfering with
      transcellular transient receptor potential melastatin-6 and -7 (TRPM 6 and 7)
      channels. More recent cell culture studies have suggested concomitant inhibition
      of passive Mg absorption by omeprazole. After being treated with a range of PPIs,
      the four patients in our case series developed hypomagnesaemia, which responded
      to withdrawal of therapy and initiation of Mg replacement. Their clinical course
      and management demonstrate key aspects of hypomagnesaemia associated with long
      term use of PPIs. 

PMID- 25138241
TI  - Analysis of the Italian generic medicines retail market: recommendations to
      enhance long-term sustainability.
AB  - Italy is among the European countries with the lowest uptake of generic
      medicines. This paper provides a perspective on the Italian generic medicines
      retail market. Fast market entrance of generic medicines in Italy is hindered by
      several factors: the existence of Complementary Protection Certificates in the
      past, the large market for copies and multiple cases of patent linkage. Prices of
      generic medicines in Italy are low compared to other European countries. To
      contain pharmaceutical expenditure, pharmaceutical companies are currently forced
      to pay back in case of overspending, which disproportionally penalizes small and
      fast growing companies, to which most generic companies belong to. Current demand
      side policies do not successfully stimulate the use of generic medicines. The
      current market environment surrounding the Italian generic medicines retail
      market (i.e., low prices, low volumes) threatens its long-term sustainability.
      Recommendations to enhance the long-term sustainability of the Italian generic
      medicines retail market round off this perspective paper. 

PMID- 25138243
TI  - Central versus peripheral arterial cannulation and neurological outcomes after
      thoracic aortic surgery: meta-analysis and meta-regression of 4459 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thoracic aortic surgeries remain with high mortality rates, often
      associated with postoperative neurological complications. The choice of the right
      cannulation site is extremely important for suitable blood supply and maintenance
      of vital functions, especially of the central nervous system. OBJECTIVES: To
      compare the influence of central versus peripheral arterial cannulation on
      neurological outcomes in patients undergoing thoracic aortic surgery through
      systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL/CCTR,
      SciELO, LILACS and reference lists of relevant articles were searched for
      clinical studies that reported in-hospital neurological outcomes after central or
      peripheral arterial cannulation during thoracic aortic surgery procedures until
      December 2013. The principal summary measures were Odds Ratio (OR) for central
      compared to peripheral arterial cannulation with 95% confidence interval (CI) and
      p-values considered statistically significant when <0.05. The ORs were combined
      across studies, using the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model and fixed
      effects model using the Mantel-Haenszel model--both models were weighted. The
      meta-analysis was completed using the software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis
      version 2 (Biostat Inc., Englewood, NJ). RESULTS: Six studies were identified and
      included a total of 4459 patients (1180 for central and 3279 for peripheral
      cannulation). There was no significant difference between the central and
      peripheral groups regarding neurological outcomes. The meta-regression evidenced
      no relationship between neurological outcomes and the variables age, sex,
      previous coronary event, previous neurological event, urgency surgery,
      cardiopulmonary bypass time, activated clotting time and esophageal temperature
      with p > 0,05. CONCLUSION: When it comes to neurological outcomes in patients
      undergoing thoracic aortic surgery, there was no evidence that argues in favor of
      any choice of arterial cannulation site, which makes us reject any superiority of
      one approach over the other in this regard.

PMID- 25138242
TI  - The regulatory effect of UL-16 binding protein-3 expression on the cytotoxicity
      of NK cells in cancer patients.
AB  - The activating immunoreceptor NKG2D (natural killer group 2, member D) and its
      ligands play important roles in the innate and adaptive immune responses. UL16
      binding protein 3 (ULBP3), an NKG2D ligand, is overexpressed on certain
      epithelial tumor cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of ULBP3
      expression on the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells. ULBP3 were
      measured by flow cytometry analysis, immunohistochemistry, and time-resolved
      fluoroimmunoassay. The cytotoxicity of NK cells was determined with the lactate
      dehydrogenase release assay. We found that ULBP3 was overexpressed on tumor cell
      lines and tumor tissues. Serum from cancer patients, but not from healthy donors,
      contained elevated levels of soluble ULBP3 (sULBP3). Importantly, high expression
      of ULBP3 on the cell surface of tumor cells augmented NKG2D-mediated NK cell
      cytotoxicity. However, low levels of sULBP3 (<15 ng/ml) weakened the cytotoxicity
      of NK cells by decreasing NKG2D expression on NK cells. Further analysis showed
      that serum samples from most cancer patients (>70%) contained the low level of
      sULBP3. Our results demonstrate that tumor cells express surface and soluble
      ULBP3, which regulate NK cell activity. Thus, ULBP3 is a potential therapeutic
      target for improving the immune response against cancer.

PMID- 25138244
TI  - Real-time data acquisition and alerts may reduce reaction time and improve
      perfusionist performance during cardiopulmonary bypass.
AB  - Delayed perfusionist identification and reaction to abnormal clinical situations
      has been reported to contribute to increased mortality and morbidity. The use of
      automated data acquisition and compliance safety alerts has been widely accepted
      in many industries and its use may improve operator performance. A study was
      conducted to evaluate the reaction time of perfusionists with and without the use
      of compliance alert. A compliance alert is a computer-generated pop-up banner on
      a pump-mounted computer screen to notify the user of clinical parameters outside
      of a predetermined range. A proctor monitored and recorded the time from an alert
      until the perfusionist recognized the parameter was outside the desired range.
      Group one included 10 cases utilizing compliance alerts. Group 2 included 10
      cases with the primary perfusionist blinded to the compliance alerts. In Group 1,
      97 compliance alerts were identified and, in group two, 86 alerts were
      identified. The average reaction time in the group using compliance alerts was
      3.6 seconds. The average reaction time in the group not using the alerts was
      nearly ten times longer than the group using computer-assisted, real-time data
      feedback. Some believe that real-time computer data acquisition and feedback
      improves perfusionist performance and may allow clinicians to identify and
      rectify potentially dangerous situations. 

PMID- 25138246
TI  - Predictive factors for clinical response to allergy immunotherapy in children
      with asthma and rhinitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, no predictive methods for the clinical response to allergy
      immunotherapy (AIT) are available. We sought to evaluate the pretreatment
      parameters used in diagnosing allergic asthma and/or rhinitis including allergen
      skin-prick test responses, serum specific and total IgE (sIgE and tIgE) levels
      and blood eosinophil counts, and to identify whether these can be used to predict
      clinical effectiveness in children treated with immunotherapy. METHODS: This
      study involved 185 children who had undergone 3 years of standardized-quality
      house-dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy. Clinical characteristics and
      laboratory parameters were analyzed. A multivariate unconditional logistic
      regression model and receiver operating characteristic curves were used.
      Predicted probabilities and predictive areas under the curve were calculated.
      RESULTS: The clinical response to AIT was effective in 129/185 (69.7%) patients.
      Four variables were associated with clinical response by multivariate logistic
      analysis: tobacco smoke exposure [odds ratio (OR) 2.845 and 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.147-7.058; p = 0.024], a family history of atopy (OR 2.881 and
      95% CI 1.240-6.692; p = 0.014), a serum tIgE level >=965 kU/l (OR 5.917 and 95%
      CI 2.320-15.089; p = 0.000) and an sIgE/tIgE ratio >=6% (OR 0.336 and 95% CI
      0.124-0.911; p = 0.032). The sensitivity and specificity of the area under the
      curve of the serum tIgE were higher than those of serum sIgE and sIgE/tIgE ratio
      alone. CONCLUSION: Tobacco smoke exposure, atopic family history, serum tIgE and
      sIgE/tIgE ratio were in significant correlation with clinical response to AIT in
      children, which may be helpful for patient selection before immunotherapy. The
      serum tIgE is superior to both the serum sIgE/tIgE ratio and sIgE levels alone in
      predicting clinical effectiveness.

PMID- 25138248
TI  - Negative Religious Coping Predicts Disordered Eating Pathology Among Orthodox
      Jewish Adolescent Girls.
AB  - Recent research suggests the importance of exploring religious and spiritual
      factors in relation to the continuum of disordered eating. This continuum ranges
      from mild disordered eating behaviors and attitudes to moderate levels of
      disordered eating pathology (DEP) through full-blown clinical levels of eating
      disorders (EDs). The current study is the first to explore the role that
      religious coping (both positive and negative) plays in the development DEP, which
      is considered a risk factor for the development of EDs. In addition, the study
      aims to describe levels of DEP among a non-clinical sample of 102 Orthodox Jewish
      adolescent females. Participants completed a questionnaire measuring religious
      coping strategies, DEP and self-esteem. Results indicated that greater use of
      negative religious coping was associated with higher levels of DEP. Mediation
      analyses suggested that greater negative religious coping is related to lower
      levels of self-esteem, which accounts for higher levels of DEP. Furthermore,
      findings revealed relatively lower overall levels of DEP among this sample,
      compared to similar populations in Israel and the USA. These results suggest that
      a strong religious and spiritual identity may serve as a protective factor
      against DEP. 

PMID- 25138249
TI  - Impaired left atrial function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
AB  - AIMS: Left atrial (LA) enlargement is present in the majority of heart failure
      with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients and is a marker of risk.
      However, the importance of LA function in HFpEF is less well understood. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: The PARAMOUNT trial enrolled HFpEF patients (LVEF >=45%, NT-proBNP
      >400 pg/mL). We assessed LA reservoir, conduit, and pump function using two
      dimensional volume indices and speckle tracking echocardiography in 135 HFpEF
      patients in sinus rhythm at the time of echocardiography and 40 healthy controls
      of similar age and gender. Systolic LA strain was related to clinical
      characteristics and measures of cardiac structure and function. Compared with
      controls, HFpEF patients had worse LA reservoir, conduit, and pump function. The
      differences in systolic LA strain (controls 39.2 +/- 6.6% vs. HFpEF 24.6 +/-
      7.3%) between groups remained significant after adjustments and even in the
      subsets of HFpEF patients with normal LA size or without a history of AF. Among
      HFpEF patients, lower systolic LA strain was associated with higher prevalence of
      prior HF hospitalization and history of AF, as well as worse LV systolic
      function, and higher LV mass and LA volume. However, NT-proBNP and E/E' were
      similar across the quartiles of LA function. CONCLUSIONS: In this HFpEF cohort,
      we observed impairment in all phases of LA function, and systolic LA strain was
      decreased independent of LA size or history of AF. LA dysfunction may be a marker
      of severity and play a pathophysiological role in HFpEF. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      NCT00887588.

PMID- 25138251
TI  - Angiopep-2 and activatable cell penetrating peptide dual modified nanoparticles
      for enhanced tumor targeting and penetrating.
AB  - Delivering chemotherapeutics by nanoparticles into tumor was influenced by at
      least two factors: specific targeting and highly efficient penetrating of the
      nanoparticles. In this study, two targeting ligands, angiopep-2 and activatable
      cell penetrating peptide (ACP), were functionalized onto nanoparticles for tumor
      targeting delivery. In this system, angiopep-2 is a ligand of low-density
      lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) which was highly expressed on tumor
      cells, and the ACP was constructed by the conjugation of RRRRRRRR (R8) with
      EEEEEEEE through a matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) sensitive linker, enabling
      the ACP with tumor microenvironment-responsive cell penetrating property. 4h
      incubation of ACP with MMP-2 leads to over 80% cleavage of ACP, demonstrating ACP
      indeed possessed MMP-2 responsive property. The constructed dual targeting
      nanoparticles (AnACNPs) were approximately 110 nm with a polydispersity index of
      0.231. In vitro, ACP modification and angiopep-2 modification could both enhance
      the U-87 MG cell uptake because of the high expression of MMP-2 and LRP-1 on C6
      cells. AnACNPs showed higher uptake level than the single ligand modified
      nanoparticles. The uptake of all particles was time- and concentration-dependent
      and endosomes were involved. In vivo, AnACNPs showed best tumor targeting
      efficiency. The distribution of AnACNPs in tumor was higher than all the other
      particles. After microvessel staining with anti-CD31 antibody, the fluorescent
      distribution demonstrated AnACNPs could distribute in the whole tumor with the
      highest intensity. In conclusion, a novel drug delivery system was developed for
      enhanced tumor dual targeting and elevated cell internalization.

PMID- 25138250
TI  - Enhancement in bioavailability of ketorolac tromethamine via intranasal in situ
      hydrogel based on poloxamer 407 and carrageenan.
AB  - The objective of this study was to construct a new in situ gel system based on
      the combination of poloxamer 407 and carrageenan (carrageenan-poloxamer 407
      hydrogel, CPH) for intranasal delivery of ketorolac tromethamine. CPH showed
      potassium ion concentration - dependent erosion characteristics which ensured
      slow erosion in aqueous environment containing potassium ion at the physiological
      level. Loading with ketorolac tromethamine influenced erosion, drug release and
      thermosensitive properties of CPH. CPH containing 15% ketorolac tromethamine
      showed suitable gelation temperature (near 35 degrees C) and in vitro sustained
      release profiles. Pharmacokinetic study of intranasal CPH containing 15%
      ketorolac tromethamine in rats demonstrated enhanced absolute bioavailability
      (68.8 +/- 23.3%) and prolonged mean residence time (8.8 +/- 3.5h) in comparison
      with the intranasal solution group (24.8 +/- 13.8%, 3.9 +/- 0.6h). Nasal
      ciliotoxicity evaluation on an in situ toad palate model preliminarily showed the
      safety of CPH for intranasal use. All results suggested the potential of CPH as a
      new sustained - release platform for the intranasal delivery of ketorolac
      tromethamine.

PMID- 25138252
TI  - Liposome-based co-delivery of siRNA and docetaxel for the synergistic treatment
      of lung cancer.
AB  - Combination of more than one therapeutic strategy is the standard treatment in
      clinics. Co-delivery of chemotherapeutic drug and small interfering RNA (siRNA)
      within a nanoparticulate system will suppress the tumor growth. In the present
      study, docetaxel (DTX) and BCL-2 siRNA was incorporated in a PEGylated liposome
      to systemically deliver in a lung cancer model (A549). The resulting nanoparticle
      (lipo-DTX/siRNA) was stable and exhibited a sustained release profile. The co
      delivery of therapeutic moieties inhibited the cell proliferation (A549 and H226)
      in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, the co-delivery system of DTX and siRNA
      exhibited a remarkable apoptosis of cancer cells with elevated levels of caspase
      3/7 activity (apoptosis markers). Cell cycle analysis further showed remarkable
      increase in sub-G0/G1 phase, indicating increasing hypodiploids or apoptotic
      cells. Pharmacokinetic study showed a long circulating profile for DTX from lipo
      DTX/siRNA system facilitating the passive tumor targeting. In vivo antitumor
      study on A549 cell bearing xenograft tumor model exhibited a remarkable tumor
      regression profile for lipo-DTX/siRNA with 100% survival rate. The favorable
      tumor inhibition response was attributed to the synergistic effect of DTX potency
      and MDR reversing ability of BCL-2 siRNA in the tumor mass. Overall, experimental
      results suggest that co-delivery of DTX and siRNA could be promising approach in
      the treatment of lung cancers.

PMID- 25138254
TI  - Development of nanocrystal formulation of meloxicam with improved dissolution and
      pharmacokinetic behaviors.
AB  - The present study aimed to develop nanocrystal formulations of meloxicam (MEL) in
      order to enhance its biopharmaceutical properties and provide a rapid onset of
      action. Nanocrystal formulations were prepared by wet-milling and lyophilization
      with hydrophilic polymers used as aggregation inhibitors. Aggregation inhibitors
      were selected based on high-throughput screening of crystal growth inhibition in
      supersaturated MEL solution. Supersaturation of MEL was observed in PVP K-30, HPC
      SSL, and POVACOAT Type F solution. Although the particle size distributions of
      pulverized MEL with PVP K-30 (MEL/PVP), HPC-SSL (MEL/HPC), and POVACOAT Type F
      (MEL/POVA) were in the nanometer range following lyophilization, increases in
      micron-sized aggregates were observed after storage at 60 degrees C for 21 days.
      The order of increased amount of aggregates was MEL/POVA?MEL/HPC>MEL/PVP. These
      findings showed that hydrophilic polymers that inhibited crystal growth in
      supersaturated MEL solutions tended to prevent aggregation. The dissolution
      behavior of all nanocrystal formulations tested was markedly enhanced compared
      with that of unpulverized MEL. Oral administration of MEL/PVP showed a 2.0h
      shortened Tmax and a 5.0-fold increase in bioavailability compared with
      unpulverized MEL. These findings showed that the MEL/PVP mixture was
      physicochemically stable and provided a rapid onset of action and enhanced
      bioavailability after oral administration.

PMID- 25138253
TI  - Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin grafted polyethyleneimine used as transdermal
      penetration enhancer of diclofenac sodium.
AB  - The objective of this investigation was to develop a novel cationic polymer,
      hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin grafted polyethyleneimine (HP-beta-CD-PEI1800),
      as a penetration enhancer, and evaluate its viability on improving transdermal
      delivery of diclofenac sodium. In this study, HP-beta-CD-PEI1800 was
      characterized by (1)H NMR and DSC methods, respectively. The hydrophilic drug
      diclofenac sodium was chosen as model drug, and the transdermal permeation
      enhancement of HP-beta-CD-PEI1800 was estimated in vitro by using Franz diffusion
      cells fitted with mouse dorsal skins, the in vivo kinetics of diclofenac sodium
      was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The cumulative
      drug content deposited in epidermis and dermis was measured at the pre-determined
      time point of 3, 6, and 9h, and the permeation profile was significantly higher
      than that of the control groups. In addition, the cytotoxicity and skin
      irritation of enhancer was evaluated by MTT assay and histological examination,
      respectively, and the results indicated that the polymer we prepared were non
      toxic and non-irritant after exposure to skins. All the results suggested that HP
      beta-CD-PEI1800 could be a safe and efficient penetration enhancer of diclofenac
      sodium.

PMID- 25138255
TI  - Formulation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a cationic emulsion as a
      vehicle for improving adenoviral gene transfer.
AB  - Advancements in the use of adenoviral vectors in gene therapy have been limited
      by the need for specific receptors on targeted cell types, immunogenicity and
      hepatotoxicity following systemic administration. In an effort to overcome the
      current limitations of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer, cationic emulsions were
      explored as a vehicle to improve adenoviral vector-mediated gene transfer.
      Complexation of adenovirus with emulsions containing the cationic lipid 1,2
      dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) enhanced the potency of adenoviral
      gene transfer as compared to DOTAP liposomes. Among the various emulsion
      formulations examined, those containing the iodized oil, Lipiodol, as an inner
      core and stabilized by DOTAP/cholesterol/1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphoethanolamine-N-methoxy(poly-ethylene glycol)-5000 most efficiently
      enhanced adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. Optimized Lipiodol-containing
      emulsions appear to be more strongly associated with adenoviral particles,
      exhibiting higher complex stability compared to other formulations. They provide
      the adenovirus with an additional cellular entry mechanism through caveolae
      dependent endocytosis, thereby increasing adenovirus entry into cells.
      Furthermore, adenovirus-emulsion complexation significantly reduced transgene
      expression in the liver following systemic administration. These findings
      indicate that emulsion complexation may be a promising strategy for overcoming
      many of the challenges associated with the use of adenoviruses in gene therapy.
      Additionally, the observation of increased transgene expression in lung together
      with reduced expression in liver demonstrates that the adenovirus-emulsion
      complex may act as a lung-targeting adenoviral gene delivery system. 

PMID- 25138256
TI  - Amorphous isradipine nanosuspension by the sonoprecipitation method.
AB  - The aims of this study are to increase and explain the mechanism of dissolution
      enhancement of isradipine using the sonoprecipitation method for stable
      nanosuspensions. There have been still few of published researches on formulation
      of isradipine using nanoparticle engineering. Nanosuspension systems were
      prepared upon various factors including amplitude and the time length of
      ultrasonication. The dissolution test was performed according to the USP paddle
      method in intestinal fluid (pH 6.8). The crystalline structure of drug, the
      molecular interaction, morphology and size of nanosuspension were also
      investigated to determine the mechanism of dissolution enhancement. The
      sonoprecipitation method with use of HPMC 6 showed its potential in enhancement
      of the drug release rate. Stable nanosuspension was significantly depended on
      amplitude and time of ultrasonication since these factors affected on the size of
      nanoparticles. The synergistic effects of reduction of drug crystallinity and
      particle size could increase the dissolution rate of isradipine by providing a
      stable nanosuspension. This work may contribute to a new strategy for improvement
      dissolution rate of isradipine.

PMID- 25138257
TI  - On the scaling behavior of electric conductivity in [C4mim][NTf2].
AB  - In this work we examine, for the first time, the molar conductivity behavior of
      the deeply supercooled room temperature ionic liquid [C4mim][NTf2] in the
      temperature, pressure and volume thermodynamic space in terms of density scaling
      (TV(gamma))(-1) combined with the equation of state (EOS). The exponent
      gammasigma determined from the Avramov model analysis is compared with the
      coefficient obtained from the viscosity studies carried out at moderate
      temperatures. Therefore, the experimental results presented herein provide the
      answer to the long-standing question regarding the validity of thermodynamic
      scaling of ionic liquids over a wide temperature range, i.e. from the normal
      liquid state to the glass transition point. Finally, we investigate the
      relationship between the dynamic and thermodynamic properties of [C4mim][NTf2]
      represented by scaling exponent gamma and Gruneisen constant gammaG,
      respectively. 

PMID- 25138258
TI  - Reproductive interference between Rana dalmatina and Rana temporaria affects
      reproductive success in natural populations.
AB  - Experimental evidence suggests that reproductive interference between
      heterospecifics can seriously affect individual fitness; support from field
      studies for such an effect has, however, remained scarce. We studied reproductive
      interference in 25 natural breeding ponds in an area where two ranid frogs, Rana
      dalmatina and Rana temporaria, co-occur. The breeding seasons of the two species
      usually overlap and males of both species are often found in amplexus with
      heterospecific females, even though matings between heterospecifics produce no
      viable offspring. We estimated species abundance ratios based on the number of
      clutches laid and evaluated fertilization success. In ponds with low spatial
      complexity and a species abundance ratio biased towards R. temporaria, the
      average fertilization success of R. dalmatina eggs decreased, while this
      relationship was not detectable in spatially more complex ponds. Fertilization
      success of R. temporaria did not decrease with increasing relative numbers of
      heterospecifics. This asymmetry in fitness effects of reproductive interference
      may be attributed to R. temporaria males being more competitive in scramble
      competition for females than R. dalmatina males. Our study is among the first to
      demonstrate that in natural breeding populations of vertebrates interference
      among heterospecifics has the potential to substantially lower reproductive
      success at the population level, which may in turn affect population dynamics. 

PMID- 25138260
TI  - Epidemiology of forearm fractures in adults in Denmark: national age- and gender
      specific incidence rates, ratio of forearm to hip fractures, and extent of
      surgical fracture repair in inpatients and outpatients.
AB  - National epidemiological studies of forearm fractures are scarce. We examined in-
      and outpatient rates in Denmark, including anatomical location, surgery,
      hospitalization ratio, recurrent fractures, and ratio of forearm to hip
      fractures. This may be useful for triangulation in countries with less detailed
      information. Rates were higher than previously estimated. INTRODUCTION: Despite a
      significant contribution to the overall burden of osteoporotic, nonvertebral
      fractures, relatively little information is available about age- and gender
      specific incidence rates for many countries including Denmark. METHODS: We used
      national individual patient data on inpatient and outpatient treatment to
      calculate rates of forearm fractures, taking readmissions into account, with
      subtables for distal and proximal fractures. We also calculated ratios of forearm
      to hip fractures that may be useful when imputing forearm fracture rates from
      other administrative sources. In addition, we report the rates of hospital
      admission and the rates of surgical treatment, allowing readers to extrapolate
      from the number of admissions or surgical procedures to incidence rates, should
      their data sources be less comprehensive. RESULTS: Forearm fracture rates were
      278 per 100,000 patient years in men aged 50+ and 1,110 per 100,000 in women aged
      50+. The female to male incidence rate ratio was 4.0 for the age group 50+ but
      close to unity in persons aged 40 or under. Two thirds of patients were treated
      on an outpatient basis with little difference across age and gender strata. Four
      out of five fractures were treated conservatively. The rate of forearm fractures
      in Denmark was somewhat higher in both genders than recently imputed from hip
      fracture rates and were close to the rates previously reported in studies from
      Norway and Sweden. CONCLUSION: The rates of forearm fracture in Denmark are
      higher than previously estimated and very similar to the high risk reported from
      studies in Norway and Sweden.

PMID- 25138259
TI  - Vitamin D and skeletal health in infancy and childhood.
AB  - During growth, severe vitamin D deficiency in childhood can result in symptomatic
      hypocalcaemia and rickets. Despite the suggestion from some studies of a secular
      increase in the incidence of rickets, this observation may be driven more by
      changes in population demographics than a true alteration to age, sex and
      ethnicity-specific incidence rates; indeed, rickets remains uncommon overall and
      is rarely seen in fair-skinned children. Additionally, the impact of less severe
      vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency has received much interest in recent
      years, and in this review, we consider the evidence relating vitamin D status to
      fracture risk and bone mineral density (BMD) in childhood and adolescence. We
      conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support the suggestion that low
      serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] increases childhood fracture risk. Overall,
      the relationship between 25(OH)D and BMD is inconsistent across studies and
      across skeletal sites within the same study; however, there is evidence to
      suggest that vitamin D supplementation in children with the lowest levels of
      25(OH)D might improve BMD. High-quality randomised trials are now required to
      confirm this benefit.

PMID- 25138262
TI  - Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the occurrence of musculoskeletal
      diseases: a 3-year follow-up to the road study.
AB  - Assessment of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in association with the occurrence
      of musculoskeletal diseases using a population-based cohort study design revealed
      that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels could predict the occurrence of
      osteoporosis at the femoral neck within 3 years, but not the occurrence of knee
      osteoarthritis or lumbar spondylosis. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to
      clarify the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) levels and
      occurrence of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in the general population. METHODS:
      The Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability study, a large
      scale population-based cohort study, was performed during 2005-2007. Serum 25D
      levels were measured in 1,683 participants. Of these, 1,384 individuals (81.9%)
      completed a second follow-up survey 3 years later. Osteoporosis was defined
      according to World Health Organization criteria, in which osteoporosis is
      diagnosed by T-scores of bone mineral density (BMD) that are 2.5 standard
      deviations (SD) less than normal BMD. Knee osteoarthritis and lumbar spondylosis
      were defined as Kellgren-Lawrence grade >=2, using paired X-ray films. Cumulative
      incidences were determined according to changes in measurements using World
      Health Organization criteria for osteoporosis or Kellgren-Lawrence grades for
      osteoarthritis between the baseline and second survey. RESULTS: The mean (SD)
      serum 25D level of the 1,384 participants in both surveys was 23.4 ng/mL (6.5).
      The annual cumulative incidences of osteoporosis at L2-4 and the femoral neck
      were 0.76 and 1.83%/year, respectively. The incidences of knee osteoarthritis and
      lumbar spondylosis were 3.3 and 11.4%/year, respectively. After adjusting for
      potential associated factors, logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds
      ratio for the occurrence of femoral neck osteoporosis significantly decreased as
      serum 25D levels increased (+1 SD; odds ratio 0.67; 95% confidence interval 0.49
      0.92; p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Higher serum 25D levels may prevent the occurrence
      of osteoporosis at the femoral neck, but not knee osteoarthritis, lumbar
      spondylosis, or osteoporosis at L2-4.

PMID- 25138261
TI  - A systematic review on the use of daily subcutaneous administration of
      teriparatide for treatment of patients with osteoporosis at high risk for
      fracture in Asia.
AB  - This systematic review aimed to examine the evidence for teriparatide in Asia for
      osteoporosis with a high fracture risk and for exploratory (unapproved) bone
      related indications. MEDLINE (1946+), EMBASE (1966+), and ClinicalTrials.gov
      (2008+) were searched (16 August 2013); all studies of daily subcutaneous
      teriparatide 20 MUg for bone-related conditions from China, Hong Kong, Japan,
      Republic of Korea, Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan were included. Evidence on
      efficacy/safety was retrieved primarily from randomized controlled trials (10
      publications) of postmenopausal women from Japan and China. In these studies,
      teriparatide was well tolerated; subjects had significantly greater increases in
      lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) from baseline compared with placebo,
      antiresorptive agents, or elcatonin/calcitonin; bone turnover markers increased
      from baseline and were sustained at elevated levels during teriparatide
      treatment. Few studies reported fracture risk, pain, or quality of life; one
      study showed a lower incidence of new-onset vertebral fracture with teriparatide
      versus antiresorptive agents. Nonrandomized studies (nine publications, one
      unpublished trial) conducted mainly in Taiwan, Japan, and the Republic of Korea
      provided supporting data for efficacy. The exploratory (unapproved) use of
      teriparatide (17 publications) for fracture healing and osteonecrosis of the jaw
      was described primarily in case reports. The clinical effectiveness of
      teriparatide for treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who are at
      high risk of fracture in Asia is focused primarily on improvements in BMD and
      tolerability. Recommended additional studies may include assessment of fracture
      risk and the effect of teriparatide on pain, quality of life, and mortality in
      Asia. 

PMID- 25138263
TI  - Postpartum osteoporosis and vertebral fractures in two patients treated with
      enoxaparin during pregnancy.
AB  - Postpartum osteoporosis (PPO) is a rare disease associated with pregnancy and
      lactation period. Here, we report severe PPO and multiple vertebral compression
      fractures in two patients treated with enoxaparin--low-molecular-weight heparin
      (LMWH)--throughout their pregnancy. A 34-year-old woman who has delivered her
      second baby 3 months ago presented with severe low-back pain. She was treated
      with enoxaparin 40 mg/day for 8 months during her pregnancy. Dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DEXA) showed low T- and Z-scores in lumbar (L) vertebras. In
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), severe height losses in thoracic (T) 12, L1,
      and L2 vertebras were detected. She was diagnosed to have severe PPO and multiple
      vertebral compression fractures and was prescribed risedronate 35 mg/week,
      calcium, and vitamin D. The other patient was a 36-year-old woman diagnosed with
      PPO and vertebral fractures at the third week postpartum. She was also treated
      with enoxaparin 60 mg/day during her pregnancy. Severe osteoporosis in L
      vertebras and height losses indicative for compression fractures in T5-8, T11-12,
      and L2-5 vertebras were detected by DEXA and MRI, respectively. She was treated
      with calcitonin 200 U/day, calcium, and vitamin D. These findings suggest that
      vertebral compression fractures and PPO may be one of the causes of severe back
      pain in postpartum patients. Treatment with LMWH during pregnancy might be
      considered as a new risk factor for this rare condition.

PMID- 25138264
TI  - Polymorphisms in genes in the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway are associated with bone
      mineral density at different skeletal sites in post-menopausal women.
AB  - Association between 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNFSF11,
      TNFRSF11A, and TNFRSF11B genes in the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway with bone mineral
      density (BMD) in 881 post-menopausal women. Our results suggest that TNFSF11 and
      TNFRSF11A, but not TNFRSF11B, genetic polymorphisms influence BMD mainly in the
      femoral neck in post-menopausal Chinese women. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this
      study was to assess the relationship of polymorphisms in the TNFSF11, TNFRSF11A,
      and TNFRSF11B genes in the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway with bone mineral density (BMD)
      in a cohort of Chinese post-menopausal women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study
      was conducted in 881 post-menopausal women aged 50-89 years. All participants
      underwent lumbar spinal (LS) and femoral neck (FN) BMD evaluation by dual-energy
      X-ray absorptiometry. Twenty-two TNFSF11, TNFRSF11A, and TNFRSF11B SNPs were
      genotyped. We tested whether a single SNP or a haplotype was associated with BMD
      variations. RESULTS: Two SNPs in the TNFSF11 gene (rs2277439 and rs2324851) and
      one in the TNFRSF11A gene (rs7239261) were found to be significantly associated
      with FN BMD (p = 0.014, 0.013, and 0.047, respectively). Haplotype TGACGT of
      TNFSF11 rs9525641-rs2277439-rs2324851-rs2875459-rs2200287-rs9533166 was a genetic
      risk factor toward a lower FN BMD (beta = -0.1473; p = 0.01126). In contrary,
      haplotype TAGCGT of TNFSF11 rs9525641-rs2277439-rs2324851-rs2875459-rs2200287
      rs9533166 was genetic protective factor for LS BMD (beta = 0.3923; p = 0.04917).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that TNFSF11 and TNFRSF11A, but not TNFRSF11B,
      genetic polymorphisms influence BMD mainly in the femoral neck in post-menopausal
      Chinese women. This contributes to the understanding of the role of genetic
      variation in this pathway in determining bone health.

PMID- 25138266
TI  - Basophil activation test in wasp venom allergy during mastocytosis.

PMID- 25138265
TI  - Effects of vitamin D supplementation on neuroplasticity in older adults: a double
      blinded, placebo-controlled randomised trial.
AB  - Vitamin D can improve muscle function and reduce falls, but whether it can
      strengthen neural connections within the brain and nervous system is not known.
      This 10-week randomised controlled trial indicates that treatment with 2,000
      IU/day vitamin D3 does not significantly alter neuroplasticity relative to
      placebo in older adults. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine
      the effects of vitamin D supplementation on neuroplasticity, serum brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and muscle strength and function in older adults.
      METHODS: This was a 10-week double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised trial
      in which 26 older adults with 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD] concentrations 25-60
      nmol/L were randomised to 2,000 IU/day vitamin D3 or matched placebo. Single- and
      paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation applied over the motor cortex was
      used to assess changes in motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and short-interval
      intracortical inhibition (SICI), as measures of corticospinal excitability and
      inhibition respectively, by recording electromyography (EMG) responses to
      stimulation from the wrist extensors. Changes in muscle strength, stair climbing
      power, gait (timed-up-and-go), dynamic balance (four square step test), serum
      25(OH)D and BDNF concentrations were also measured. RESULTS: After 10 weeks, mean
      25(OH)D levels increased from 46 to 81 nmol/L in the vitamin D group with no
      change in the placebo group. The vitamin D group experienced a significant 8-11%
      increase in muscle strength and a reduction in cortical excitability (MEP
      amplitude) and SICI relative to baseline (all P < 0.05), but these changes were
      not significantly different from placebo. There was no effect of vitamin D on
      muscle power, function or BDNF. CONCLUSIONS: Daily supplementation with 2,000 IU
      vitamin D3 for 10 weeks had no significant effect on neuroplasticity compared to
      placebo, but the finding that vitamin D treatment alone was associated with a
      decrease in corticospinal excitability and intracortical inhibition warrants
      further investigation as this suggests that it may improve the efficacy of neural
      transmission within the corticospinal pathway.

PMID- 25138267
TI  - beta-Glucosidase BGLU42 is a MYB72-dependent key regulator of rhizobacteria
      induced systemic resistance and modulates iron deficiency responses in
      Arabidopsis roots.
AB  - Selected soil-borne rhizobacteria can trigger an induced systemic resistance
      (ISR) that is effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens. In Arabidopsis
      thaliana, the root-specific transcription factor MYB72 is required for the onset
      of ISR, but is also associated with plant survival under conditions of iron
      deficiency. Here, we investigated the role of MYB72 in both processes. To
      identify MYB72 target genes, we analyzed the root transcriptomes of wild-type Col
      0, mutant myb72 and complemented 35S:FLAG-MYB72/myb72 plants in response to ISR
      inducing Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS417. Five WCS417-inducible genes were
      misregulated in myb72 and complemented in 35S:FLAG-MYB72/myb72. Amongst these, we
      uncovered beta-glucosidase BGLU42 as a novel component of the ISR signaling
      pathway. Overexpression of BGLU42 resulted in constitutive disease resistance,
      whereas the bglu42 mutant was defective in ISR. Furthermore, we found 195 genes
      to be constitutively upregulated in MYB72-overexpressing roots in the absence of
      WCS417. Many of these encode enzymes involved in the production of iron
      mobilizing phenolic metabolites under conditions of iron deficiency. We provide
      evidence that BGLU42 is required for their release into the rhizosphere.
      Together, this work highlights a thus far unidentified link between the ability
      of beneficial rhizobacteria to stimulate systemic immunity and mechanisms induced
      by iron deficiency in host plants. 

PMID- 25138268
TI  - Combined Y-shaped common channel transureteroureterostomy with Boari flap to
      treat bilateral long-segment ureteral strictures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ureteral stricture is a complication of several etiologies including
      idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, infection, radiotherapy, instrumentation,
      and surgical procedures. A variety of techniques have been reported for
      management. The transureteroureterostomy and bladder flap have been the standard
      procedures for repairing distal ureteral defects of unilateral ureter. Bilateral
      ureteral stricture is an uncommon condition that challenges usual reconstructive
      procedures. It is a difficult task to reconstruct the complex situation of
      bilateral ureteral strictures. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old female underwent
      concurrent chemoradiotherapy for stage IVB squamous cell carcinoma of cervix.
      Subsequently, she had stricture of bilateral distal ureters with bilateral
      hydroureteronephrosis which was found by computed tomography. The renal function
      deteriorated during the follow-up period. She had periodic change of double-J
      stents and percutaneous nephrostomy. However, the renal function still
      deteriorated. We performed a combined Y-shaped common channel
      transureteroureterostomy with Boari flap to reconstruct bilateral long-segment
      ureteral strictures. The patient recovered uneventfully. CONCLUSION:
      Reconstruction of bilateral ureteral strictures is a difficult treatment. We
      developed a modified technique for the complex situation of bilateral ureteral
      strictures. To our knowledge, this has not been previously reported in the
      scientific literature and it is a feasible procedure to treat bilateral long
      segment ureteral strictures.

PMID- 25138269
TI  - Why did the proton cross the road? Humour and science communication.
AB  - The use of humour in public discourse about science has grown remarkably over the
      past few years, and when used in science communication activities is being seen
      as a great way to bring science to the public through laughter. However, barely
      any research has been published either on the often-assumed beneficial learning
      effects of humour in informal science education, or on the wider social functions
      and effects of humour about science and how humorous public discourse about
      science can influence the public understanding of science and the science-society
      relationship. This research note reviews some of the literature on the psychology
      and sociology of humour and comedy and tries to apply some of its insights to the
      effects humour might have when used in science communication. Although not
      intended to be anti-humour, this note attempts at least to start a more critical
      conversation on the value of humour in the communication of science. 

PMID- 25138270
TI  - A first-principles investigation of the stabilities and electronic properties of
      SrZrO3 (1 1 0) (1  *  1) polar terminations.
AB  - The stabilities and electronic properties of SrZrO3 (1 1 0) (1  *  1) polar
      terminations were investigated systematically by the first-principles density
      functional theory method. Five possible polar surfaces, i.e. O-deficient, O-rich,
      stoichiometric, SrO-rich and SrO-deficient ones, were considered. The calculated
      results indicated that the charge neutralization and polarity compensation
      condition could be achieved by charge redistributions of surface atoms. For the O
      deficient (1 1 0) termination, some filled electronic states were separated from
      the original conduction bands, while a surface reconstruction was found for the O
      rich (1 1 0) surface. The remaining three (1 1 0) terminations remained
      insulated. Furthermore, a stability diagram involving seven different
      terminations was constructed using the surface grand potential technique, in
      which the effect of the chemical environment was included. The calculated results
      indicated that three (1 1 0) (O-rich, SrO-rich and stoichiometric) and 2 (0 0 1)
      (ZrO2 and SrO) terminations could be stabilized in distinct areas, whereas the O
      deficient surface was unstable within the whole region. Finally, we drew a
      comparison of stability behaviors between SrZrO3 (1 1 0) (1  *  1) polar surfaces
      and the counterparts of ATiO3 (A = Ba, Pb, Sr) and BaZrO3 materials. 

PMID- 25138271
TI  - Extraprostatic extension (EPE) of prostatic carcinoma: is its proximity to the
      surgical margin or Gleason score important?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between histopathological factors of
      extraprostatic prostate cancer and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with
      extraprostatic extension (EPE) without positive margins, seminal vesicle or lymph
      node involvement were analysed from a consecutive radical prostatectomy cohort of
      1136 (2002-2006) for: (i) distance of EPE from the margin; (ii) Gleason score of
      the EPE; and (iii) extent of EPE. Log-rank, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression
      analyses were performed. RESULTS: The study included 194 pT3a, pN0, R0 patients
      with a median follow-up of 5.4 years, with 37 (19%) patients experiencing
      biochemical relapse (BCR). On univariable analysis, patients with a Gleason score
      of >=8 in the extraprostatic portion showed increased incidence of BCR compared
      with those with Gleason scores of <=7 (P = 0.03). The proximity of the EPE to the
      margin (0.01-7.5 mm) did not correlate with BCR. On multivariable analysis, the
      extent of EPE, the Gleason score of the dominant nodule or of the EPE portion did
      not correlate with BCR. CONCLUSION: Data from this study using current
      International Society of Urological Pathology Gleason scoring and EPE criteria
      indicate that close proximity of EPE to the margin is not associated with
      recurrence. Gleason score >=8 within EPE is associated with an increased BCR risk
      on univariable analysis, but larger studies are required to confirm whether
      extensive Gleason pattern 4 in an EPE indicates increased risk in an otherwise
      overall Gleason score 7 cancer.

PMID- 25138272
TI  - Etanercept restores normal insulin signal transduction in beta2-adrenergic
      receptor knockout mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inhibition of TNFalpha protects the retina against diabetic-like
      changes in rodent models. The mechanism by which TNFalpha induces deleterious
      retinal changes is not known. Previously, we have shown that TNFalpha can inhibit
      normal insulin signal transduction, leading to increased apoptosis in both
      retinal endothelial cells (REC) and Muller cells. Additionally, beta2-adrenergic
      receptor knockout mice (beta2KO) have increased TNFalpha levels and decreased
      insulin receptor activity. In this study, we hypothesized that inhibition of
      TNFalpha in beta2KO mice would increase normal insulin signaling, leading to
      improved retinal function. METHODS: C57BL6 or beta2KO mice were left untreated or
      treated with etanercept (0.3 mg/kg subcutaneously, 3* a week) for 2 months.
      Electroretinogram analyses were done before treatment was initiated and after two
      months of treatment with etanercept on all mice. Western blot or ELISA analyses
      were done on whole retinal lysates from all four groups of mice for TNFalpha,
      suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), insulin receptor, and apoptotic
      proteins. RESULTS: Etanercept significantly reduced TNFalpha levels in beta2KO
      mice, leading to increased insulin receptor phosphorylation on tyrosine
      1150/1151. SOCS3 levels were increased in beta2KO mice, which were reduced after
      etanercept treatment. Pro-apoptotic proteins were reduced in etanercept-treated
      beta2KO mice. Etanercept improved ERG amplitudes in beta2KO mice. CONCLUSIONS:
      Inhibition of TNFalpha by etanercept protects the retina likely through reduced
      TNFalpha-mediated insulin resistance, leading to reduced apoptosis.

PMID- 25138273
TI  - Continuous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for postoperative pain
      control after hernia surgery: a randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single-injection transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block provides
      postoperative analgesia and decreases supplemental analgesic requirements.
      However, there is currently no evidence from randomized, controlled studies
      investigating the possible benefits of continuous TAP blocks. Therefore, the aim
      of this randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled study was to determine if
      benefits are afforded by adding a multiple-day, ambulatory, continuous
      ropivacaine TAP block to a single-injection block following hernia surgery.
      METHODS: Preoperatively, subjects undergoing unilateral inguinal (N=19) or peri
      umbilical (N=1) hernia surgery received unilateral or bilateral TAP perineural
      catheter(s), respectively. All received a ropivacaine 0.5% (20 mL) bolus via the
      catheter(s). Subjects were randomized to either postoperative perineural
      ropivacaine 0.2% or normal saline using portable infusion pump(s). Subjects were
      discharged home where the catheter(s) were removed the evening of postoperative
      day (POD) 2. Subjects were contacted on POD 0-3. The primary endpoint was average
      pain with movement (scale: 0-10) queried on POD 1. RESULTS: Twenty subjects of a
      target 30 were enrolled due to the primary surgeon's unanticipated departure from
      the institution. Average pain queried on POD 1 for subjects receiving ropivacaine
      (N=10) was a mean (standard deviation) of 3.0 (2.6) vs 2.8 (2.7) for subjects
      receiving saline (N=10; 95% confidence interval difference in means -2.9 to 3.4;
      P=0.86). There were no statistically significant differences detected between
      treatment groups in any secondary endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      study do not support adding an ambulatory, continuous ropivacaine infusion to a
      single-injection ropivacaine TAP block for hernia surgery. However, the present
      investigation was underpowered, and further study is warranted.

PMID- 25138276
TI  - Highly oriented polymer semiconductor films compressed at the surface of ionic
      liquids for high-performance polymeric organic field-effect transistors.
AB  - A novel and versatile method to align polymer semiconductors is demonstrated.
      Spreading and subsequent mechanical compression of a polymer thin film on an
      ionic liquid's surface yield a polymer thin film that has high uniaxial
      orientation of the polymer backbone, which is tested for typical polymer
      semiconductors of PB16TTT, PNDTBTC20, and P3HT. TFTs fabricated by the method
      exhibit significantly higher mobility compared to TFTs fabricated using a
      conventional spin-coating process. 

PMID- 25138274
TI  - Nuclear factor I-C (NFIC) regulates dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and E
      cadherin via control of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) during dentinogenesis.
AB  - Odontoblasts are a type of terminally differentiated matrix-secreting cells. A
      number of molecular mechanisms are involved in the differentiation of
      odontoblasts. Several studies demonstrated that Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4)
      promotes odontoblast differentiation via control of dentin sialophosphoprotein
      (DSPP). Because nuclear factor I-C (NFIC) is also known to control DSPP, we
      investigated the relationship between NFIC and KLF4 during odontoblast
      differentiation. Klf4 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in Nfic(-/-)
      pulp cells compared with wild type cells. In immunohistochemistry assays, dentin
      matrix protein 1 (Dmp1), and DSP protein expression was barely observed in Nfic(
      /-) odontoblasts and dentin matrix. Nfic bound directly to the Klf4 promoter and
      stimulated Klf4 transcriptional activity, thereby regulating Dmp1 and DSPP
      expression during odontoblast differentiation. Nfic or Klf4 overexpression
      promoted mineralized nodule formation in MDPC-23 cells. In addition, Nfic
      overexpression also decreased Slug luciferase activity but augmented E-cadherin
      promoter activity via up-regulation of Klf4 in odontoblasts. Our study reveals
      important signaling pathways during dentinogenesis: the Nfic-Klf4-Dmp1-Dspp and
      the Nfic-Klf4-E-cadherin pathways in odontoblasts. Our results indicate the
      important role of NFIC in regulating KLF4 during dentinogenesis. 

PMID- 25138277
TI  - Agar-supported cultivation of Halorubrum sp. SSR, and production of halocin C8 on
      the scale-up prototype Platotex.
AB  - Halorubrum sp. SSR was isolated from a solar saltern in Algeria. The strain
      exhibited a high antibiotic activity against the indicator strain Natronorubrum
      aibiense G23, and the bioactive compound showed thermal, acid and alkali
      stability. SSR was grown on agar-supported cultivation (AgSF) to compare yields
      and applicability with traditional submerged cultivation. AgSF scale-up was
      implemented taking benefit from the solid-state cultivation prototype Platotex.
      This technology leads to high amounts of the target Halocin and facilitate the
      downstream steps. The antibiotic compound was purified according to a fast
      efficient procedure including ion exchange chromatography followed by a
      fractionation on C18 Sep-Pack cartridge. The compound was identified as Halocin
      C8 according to N-terminal amino acid sequencing and high-resolution mass
      spectrometry.

PMID- 25138275
TI  - Endogenous glucuronyltransferase activity of LARGE or LARGE2 required for
      functional modification of alpha-dystroglycan in cells and tissues.
AB  - Mutations in the LARGE gene have been identified in congenital muscular dystrophy
      (CMD) patients with brain abnormalities. Both LARGE and its paralog, LARGE2 (also
      referred to as GYLTL1B) are bifunctional glycosyltransferases with
      xylosyltransferase (Xyl-T) and glucuronyltransferase (GlcA-T) activities, and are
      capable of forming polymers consisting of [-3Xyl-alpha1,3GlcAbeta1-] repeats.
      LARGE-dependent modification of alpha-dystroglycan (alpha-DG) with these
      polysaccharides is essential for the ability of alpha-DG to act as a receptor for
      ligands in the extracellular matrix. Here we report on the endogenous enzymatic
      activities of LARGE and LARGE2 in mice and humans, using a newly developed assay
      for GlcA-T activity. We show that normal mouse and human cultured cells have
      endogenous LARGE GlcA-T, and that this activity is absent in cells from the
      Large(myd) (Large-deficient) mouse model of muscular dystrophy, as well as in
      cells from CMD patients with mutations in the LARGE gene. We also demonstrate
      that GlcA-T activity is significant in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle of
      wild-type and Large2(-/-) mice, but negligible in the corresponding tissues of
      the Large(myd) mice. Notably, GlcA-T activity is substantial, though reduced, in
      the kidneys of both the Large(myd) and Large2(-/-) mice, consistent with the
      observation of alpha-DG/laminin binding in these contexts. This study is the
      first to test LARGE activity in samples as small as cryosections and, moreover,
      provides the first direct evidence that not only LARGE, but also LARGE2, is vital
      to effective functional modification of alpha-DG in vivo. 

PMID- 25138278
TI  - Spatial distribution of diatom and cyanobacterial mats in the Dead Sea is
      determined by response to rapid salinity fluctuations.
AB  - Cyanobacteria and diatom mats are ubiquitous in hypersaline environments but have
      never been observed in the Dead Sea, one of the most hypersaline lakes on Earth.
      Here we report the discovery of phototrophic microbial mats at underwater
      freshwater seeps in the Dead Sea. These mats are either dominated by diatoms or
      unicellular cyanobacteria and are spatially separated. Using in situ and ex situ
      O2 microsensor measurements we show that these organisms are photosynthetically
      active in their natural habitat. The diatoms, which are phylogenetically
      associated to the Navicula genus, grew in culture at salinities up to 40 % Dead
      Sea water (DSW) (14 % total dissolved salts, TDS). The unicellular cyanobacteria
      belong to the extremely halotolerant Euhalothece genus and grew at salinities up
      to 70 % DSW (24.5 % TDS). As suggested by a variable O2 penetration depth
      measured in situ, the organisms are exposed to drastic salinity fluctuations
      ranging from brackish to DSW salinity within minutes to hours. We could
      demonstrate that both phototrophs are able to withstand such extreme short-term
      fluctuations. Nevertheless, while the diatoms recover better from rapid
      fluctuations, the cyanobacteria cope better with long-term exposure to DSW. We
      conclude that the main reason for the development of these microbial mats is a
      local dilution of the hypersaline Dead Sea to levels allowing growth. Their
      spatial distribution in the seeping areas is a result of different recovery rates
      from short or long-term fluctuation in salinity.

PMID- 25138279
TI  - The saci_2123 gene of the hyperthermoacidophile Sulfolobus acidocaldarius encodes
      an ATP-binding cassette multidrug transporter.
AB  - Multidrug resistance (MDR) transporters are capable of secreting structurally and
      functionally unrelated toxic compounds from the cell. Among this group are ATP
      binding cassette (ABC) transporters. These membrane proteins are typically
      arranged as either hetero- or homo-dimers of ABC half-transporters with each
      subunit consisting of a membrane domain fused at the C-terminus to an ATP-binding
      domain, or as full transporters in which the two subunits are fused into a single
      polypeptide. The saci_2123 gene of the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus
      acidocaldarius is the only gene in the genome that encodes an ATP-binding
      cassette half-transporter, while a homologous gene is present in the genomes of
      S. solfataricus, S. tokodaii and S islandicus. Saci_2123 shares homology with
      well-characterized bacterial and mammalian MDR transporters. The saci_2132 gene
      is up-regulated when cells are exposed to drugs. A deletion mutant of saci_2132
      was found to be more vulnerable to a set of toxic compounds, including
      detergents, antibiotics and uncouplers as compared to the wild-type strain, while
      the drug resistance could be restored through the plasmid-based expression of
      saci_2132. These data demonstrate that Saci_2132 is an archaeal ABC-MDR
      transporter and therefore it was termed Smr1 (Sulfolobus multidrug resistance
      transporter 1). 

PMID- 25138281
TI  - Dual role of Tlx3 as modulator of Prrxl1 transcription and phosphorylation.
AB  - The proper establishment of the dorsal root ganglion/spinal cord nociceptive
      circuitry depends on a group of homeodomain transcription factors that includes
      Prrxl1, Brn3a and Tlx3. By the use of epistatic analysis, it was suggested that
      Tlx3 and Brn3a, which highly co-localize with Prrxl1 in these tissues, are
      required to maintain Prrxl1 expression. Here, we report two Tlx3-dependent
      transcriptional mechanisms acting on Prrxl1 alternative promoters, referred to as
      P3 and P1/P2 promoters. We demonstrate that (i) Tlx3 induces the transcriptional
      activity of the TATA-containing promoter P3 by directly binding to a bipartite
      DNA motif and (ii) it synergistically interacts with Prrxl1 by indirectly
      activating the Prrxl1 TATA-less promoters P1/P2 via the action of Brn3a. The Tlx3
      N-terminal domain 1-38 was shown to have a major role on the overall Tlx3
      transcriptional activity and the C-terminus domain (amino acids 256-291) to
      mediate the Tlx3 effect on promoters P1/P2. On the other hand, the 76-111 domain
      was shown to decrease Tlx3 activity on the TATA-promoter P3. In addition to its
      action on Prrxl1 alternative promoters, Tlx3 proved to have the ability to induce
      Prrxl1 phosphorylation. The Tlx3 domain responsible for Prrxl1
      hyperphosphorylation was mapped and encompasses amino acid residues 76 to 111.
      Altogether, our results suggest that Tlx3 uses distinct mechanisms to tightly
      modulate Prrxl1 activity, either by controlling its transcriptional levels or by
      increasing Prrxl1 phosphorylation state. 

PMID- 25138282
TI  - Enrichment options for African painted dogs (Lycaon pictus).
AB  - Best practices for carnivore enrichment encourage the diversity of species
      typical behaviors, increased activity, and reduced stereotypic behavior; ideally
      considering the life-history and behavior of each species. African wild dogs
      (Lycaon pictus), or painted dogs, are social carnivores that have large home
      ranges and complex pack dynamics (e.g., variation in group size, relatedness,
      etc.). As there are relatively few studies on painted dog enrichment, the goal of
      this study was to compile a list of enrichment options used by institutions
      participating in the species survival plan (SSP). Representatives were asked to
      describe social groups (n = 45), enclosures (n = 21), enrichment practices
      (options, delivery frequency, perceived success), and overall best practices.
      Respondents (61%, n = 23) reported using options for all six enrichment
      categories recommended by the Canid Taxon Advisory Group: environmental
      enrichment devices, habitat, sensory, food, behavioral, and social. Perceived
      success was significantly higher for the food category, followed by the sensory
      and behavioral categories. All respondents reported delivering enrichment at
      least multiple times a month, and most reported multiple times per week.
      Enclosure size did not differ significantly for mixed-sex groups (n = 28)
      compared to single-sex groups (n = 17). We discuss respondents' suggestions for
      best practices and the need to record data to compare perceived success with
      actual behavioral effects, controlling for variation in group size and
      composition. Overall, respondents recommended a flexible approach, since not all
      painted dogs and groups respond in the same way to the enrichment options.

PMID- 25138284
TI  - Scandium carbide/cyanide alloyed cluster inside fullerene cage: synthesis and
      structural studies of Sc3(MU3-C2)(MU3-CN)@Ih-C80.
AB  - A new Sc3(C2)(CN)@Ih-C80 metallofullerene encaging a scandium carbide/cyanide
      alloyed cluster was prepared and investigated. Sc3(C2)(CN)@Ih-C80 was synthesized
      by the arc-discharging method and isolated by HPLC. Its experimental (13)C NMR
      spectrum with two signals clearly confirms an icosahedral C80 cage, and
      theoretically calculated (13)C NMR peaks agree well with the experimental
      results. Further, theoretical calculations disclosed that the endohedral MU3-C2
      and MU3-CN moieties are situated on each side of the triangular shaped Sc3 unit
      to form a scandium carbide/cyanide alloyed cluster. Kohn-Sham molecular orbitals
      reveals the electronic structure of (Sc(3+))3(C2)(2-)(CN)(-)@C80(6-), in which
      two anions, MU3-C2(2-) and MU3-(CN)(-), construct and stabilize this special
      molecule together. The FTIR and Raman spectra of Sc3(C2)(CN)@Ih-C80 were analyzed
      by comparison of the experimental and calculated results to further confirm its
      structure and to uncover cluster-based vibrational modes. 

PMID- 25138283
TI  - Double-clicking peptides onto phosphorothioate oligonucleotides: combining two
      proapoptotic agents in one molecule.
AB  - Described here is a method for the conjugation of phosphorothioate
      oligonucleotides (PSOs) with peptides. PSOs are key to antisense technology.
      Peptide-PSO conjugates may improve target specificity, tissue distribution, and
      cellular uptake of PSOs. However, the highly nucleophilic phosphorothioate
      structure poses a challenge to conjugation chemistry. Herein, we introduce a new
      method which involves a sequence of oxime ligation and strain-promoted [2+3]
      cycloaddition. The usefulness of the method was demonstrated in the synthesis of
      peptide-PSO conjugates that targeted two suppressors of both the intrinsic and
      the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. It is shown that the activity of a PSO
      sequence targeted against mRNA from c-Flip can be enhanced by conjugation with a
      peptide mimetic designed to inhibit the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein
      (XIAP). 

PMID- 25138285
TI  - Neuroimaging features in C9orf72 and TARDBP double mutation with FTD phenotype.
AB  - Increasing evidence has shown that morphological and functional neuroimaging may
      help to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to behavioral
      disturbances in patients with genetic or sporadic frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
      The C9orf72 expansion was found in association with the N267S TARDBP mutation in
      two siblings with behavioral-variant FTD (bvFTD). In one of them with very mild
      dementia, MRI showed symmetric atrophy of temporal, inferolateral and orbital
      frontal cortex, while [18F]FDG-PET disclosed more extended hypometabolism in
      dorsolateral and inferolateral frontal cortex, anterior cingulate, and caudate
      nucleus. Hypometabolism in right lateral and orbital frontal cortex was confirmed
      also in comparison with a group of sporadic bvFTD patients. These findings appear
      as the neuroimaging hallmark of double C9orf72 and TARDBP gene mutation with a
      bvFTD phenotype. 

PMID- 25138280
TI  - The chicken chorioallantoic membrane model in biology, medicine and
      bioengineering.
AB  - The chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is a simple, highly vascularized
      extraembryonic membrane, which performs multiple functions during embryonic
      development, including but not restricted to gas exchange. Over the last two
      decades, interest in the CAM as a robust experimental platform to study blood
      vessels has been shared by specialists working in bioengineering, development,
      morphology, biochemistry, transplant biology, cancer research and drug
      development. The tissue composition and accessibility of the CAM for experimental
      manipulation, makes it an attractive preclinical in vivo model for drug screening
      and/or for studies of vascular growth. In this article we provide a detailed
      review of the use of the CAM to study vascular biology and response of blood
      vessels to a variety of agonists. We also present distinct cultivation protocols
      discussing their advantages and limitations and provide a summarized update on
      the use of the CAM in vascular imaging, drug delivery, pharmacokinetics and
      toxicology.

PMID- 25138286
TI  - Importance of branched-chain amino acids in patients with liver cirrhosis and
      advanced hepatocellular carcinoma receiving hepatic arterial infusion
      chemotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to clarify the effect of
      a branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) on the liver function and the prognosis of
      Child-Pugh class (C-P) A and B liver cirrhosis (LC) patients with advanced
      hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) undergoing hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy
      (HAIC). METHODS: Ninety-two adult Japanese patients with LC and aHCC underwent
      HAIC. They were in C-P A or B, and they showed multiple partial responses or
      stable disease. We excluded 11 patients classified as C-P C and 47 patients who
      showed no response. The patients were divided into an HAIC group receiving HAIC
      alone (n = 43) and a BCAA group treated with HAIC plus BCAA (n = 49). HAIC was
      delivered via the proper hepatic artery. The BCAA group also received oral
      administration of BCAA. RESULTS: In the BCAA group, serum albumin increased
      significantly after HAIC, while there were no significant changes in serum total
      bilirubin, serum aminotransferases, prothrombin time, ascites, and hepatic
      encephalopathy. The C-P score decreased significantly after HAIC compared with
      before HAIC in C-P B patients, although there was no significant change in C-P A
      patients. Survival of the BCAA group was significantly longer than that of the
      HAIC group, with the median survival time being 426 versus 272 days for C-P B
      patients, although there was no significant difference for C-P A patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Branched-chain amino acids might improve the survival and C-P score
      by increasing serum albumin in C-P B patients with aHCC receiving HAIC.

PMID- 25138288
TI  - Yb/Er co-doped phosphate all-solid single-mode photonic crystal fiber.
AB  - An all-solid Yb(3+)/Er(3+) co-doped single-mode phosphate photonic crystal fiber
      (PCF) with Watt-level output power and 20 MUm core diameter is demonstrated for
      the first time. A PCF whose refractivity of the active core is lower than that of
      the background glass is suggested and theoretically confirmed to be in single
      mode operation at 40 MUm core diameter.

PMID- 25138287
TI  - Patterns of change in implementation of state alcohol control policies in the
      United States, 1999-2011.
AB  - AIMS: To examine state alcohol control policy implementation by policy efficacy
      and intent. DESIGN: A descriptive longitudinal analysis of policy implementation.
      SETTING: The United States, 1999-2011. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty states and the
      District of Columbia. MEASUREMENTS: Twenty-nine state-level policies were rated
      based on an implementation rating (IR; range = 0.0-1.0) gathered from the Alcohol
      Policy Information System, government and industry reports and other sources; and
      expert judgment about policy efficacy for addressing binge drinking and alcohol
      impaired driving among the general population and youth, respectively. FINDINGS:
      On average, implementation of the most effective general population policies did
      not change [mean IR = 0.366 in 1999; 0.375 in 2011; slope for annual change =
      0.001; 95% confidence interval (CI) for the slope -0.001, 0.002]. In contrast,
      implementation increased over time for less effective policies (mean IR = 0.287
      in 1999; 0.427 in 2011; slope for annual change compared with most effective
      policies = 0.009; slope 95% CI = 0.002-0.007), for youth-oriented policies (mean
      IR = 0.424 in 1999; 0.511 in 2011; slope for annual change compared with most
      effective policies = 0.007; slope 95% CI = 0.005-0.009), and for impaired driving
      policies (mean IR = 0.493 in 1999; 0.608 in 2011; slope for annual change
      compared with most effective policies = 0.0105; slope 95% CI = 0.007-0.014).
      CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of politically palatable state alcohol policies, such
      as those targeting youth and alcohol-impaired driving, and less effective
      policies increased during 1999-2011 in the United States, while the most
      effective policies that may maximally protect public health remained underused.

PMID- 25138290
TI  - Evaluation and validation of a serum bactericidal antibody assay for Haemophilus
      influenzae type b and the threshold of protection.
AB  - Prior to routine immunisation, Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) was a
      major cause of serious bacterial infections, particularly in young children. In
      the United Kingdom, introduction of the Hib conjugate vaccine into the national
      childhood immunisation schedule has led to a sustained decline in invasive Hib
      disease across all age-groups. Evaluation of the immune response to Hib conjugate
      vaccines involves measurement of serum IgG antibodies against the capsular
      polyribosyl-ribitol-phosphate (PRP) polysaccharide by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA), with accepted short-term and long-term protective thresholds of
      >=0.15MUg/mL and >=1.0MUg/mL, respectively. These levels were derived by passive
      immunisation or immunisation with pure polysaccharide, and their relevance for
      protection following immunisation with conjugate vaccines remains unclear. This
      study aimed to modify and optimise a serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) assay to
      evaluate the functional activity of Hib antibodies generated following Hib
      conjugate vaccination. Validation of the Hib SBA assay was deemed acceptable for
      all assay parameters tested. A strong correlation between anti-PRP IgG
      concentrations and SBA titres was observed in vaccinated adults (r=0.81), as well
      as infants after primary immunisation at 2, 3, and 4 months (r=0.635) and after
      the 12-month booster (r=0.746). The assay identified some children with high anti
      PRP IgG but low SBA activity and vice versa. The predictive protective SBA titre
      corresponding to a post-booster anti-PRP IgG of 1.0MUg/mL was 8. Thus, the
      optimised Hib SBA assay was specific and reproducible and correlated with anti
      PRP IgG. Such assays may have a role in evaluating immune responses to conjugate
      vaccines in addition to measuring capsular antibodies. 

PMID- 25138291
TI  - Development of a BCG challenge model for the testing of vaccine candidates
      against tuberculosis in cattle.
AB  - Vaccination is being considered as part of a sustainable strategy for the control
      of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in the UK. The live attenuated Mycobacterium bovis
      bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) has been used experimentally to vaccinate cattle
      against BTB. However, BCG confers partial protection against BTB and therefore,
      there is a need to develop improved vaccines. BTB vaccine efficacy experiments
      require the use of biosafety level 3 facilities which are expensive to maintain,
      generally oversubscribed and represent a bottle neck for the testing of vaccine
      candidates. One indicator of the induction of protective responses would be the
      ability of the host's immune response to control/kill mycobacteria. In this work
      we have evaluated an intranodal BCG challenge for the selection of vaccine
      candidates at biosafety level 2 which are capable of inducing mycobactericidal
      responses. To our knowledge, this is the first such report. Whilst BCG only
      confers partial protection, it is still the standard against which other vaccines
      are judged. Therefore we tested the BCG intranodal challenge in BCG (Danish
      strain) vaccinated cattle and showed that vaccinated cattle had lower BCG cfu
      counts than naive cattle at 14 and 21 days after intranodal challenge with BCG
      (Tokyo strain). This model could help prioritize competing TB vaccine candidates
      and exploration of primary and secondary immune responses to mycobacteria. 

PMID- 25138295
TI  - Resumption of work after acute coronary syndrome or coronary artery bypass
      surgery.

PMID- 25138292
TI  - Rethinking cumulative exposure in epidemiology, again.
AB  - The use of cumulative exposure, the product of intensity and duration, has
      enjoyed great popularity in epidemiology of chronic diseases despite numerous
      known caveats in its interpretation. We briefly review the history of use of
      cumulative exposure in epidemiology and propose an alternative method for
      relating time-integrated exposures to health risks. We argue, as others before us
      have, that cumulative exposure metrics obscures the interplay of exposure
      intensity and duration. We propose to use a computationally simple alternative in
      which duration and intensity of exposure are modelled as a main effect and their
      interaction, cumulative exposure, only be added if there is evidence of deviation
      from this additive model. We also consider the Lubin-Caporaso model of interplay
      of exposure intensity and duration. The impact of measurement error in intensity
      on model selection was also examined. The value of this conceptualization is
      demonstrated using a simulation study and further illustrated in the context of
      respiratory health and occupational exposure to latex dust. We demonstrate why
      cumulative exposure has been so popular because the cumulative exposure metric
      per se gives a robust answer to the existence of an association, regardless of
      the underlying true mechanism of disease. Treating cumulative exposure as the
      interaction of main effects of exposure duration and intensity enables
      epidemiologists to derive more information about mechanism of disease then
      fitting cumulative exposure metric by itself, and without the need to collect
      additional data. We propose that the practice of fitting duration, intensity and
      cumulative exposure separately to epidemiologic data should lead to
      conceptualization of cumulative exposure as interaction of main effects of
      duration and intensity of exposure.

PMID- 25138293
TI  - Impact of ambient fine particulate matter carbon measurement methods on observed
      associations with acute cardiorespiratory morbidity.
AB  - Elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) represent a substantial portion of
      particulate matter <2.5 MUm in diameter (PM2.5), and have been associated with
      adverse health effects. EC and OC are commonly measured using the National
      Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method or the Interagency
      Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) method. Measurement method
      differences could have an impact on observed epidemiologic associations. Daily
      speciated PM2.5 data were obtained from the St Louis-Midwest Supersite, and St
      Louis emergency department (ED) visit data were obtained from the Missouri
      Hospital Association for the period June 2001 to April 2003. We assessed acute
      associations between cardiorespiratory ED visits and EC and OC from NIOSH and
      IMPROVE methods using Poisson generalized linear models controlling for temporal
      trends and meteorology. Associations were generally similar for EC and OC from
      the different measurement methods. The most notable difference between methods
      was observed for congestive heart failure and EC (for example, warm season rate
      ratios (95% confidence intervals) per interquartile range change in EC
      concentration were: NIOSH=1.06 (0.99-1.13), IMPROVE=1.01 (0.96-1.07)). Overall,
      carbon measurement method had little impact on acute associations between EC, OC,
      and ED visits. Some specific differences were observed, however, which may be
      related to particle composition.

PMID- 25138294
TI  - Cow allergen (Bos d2) and endotoxin concentrations are higher in the settled dust
      of homes proximate to industrial-scale dairy operations.
AB  - Airborne contaminants produced by industrial agricultural facilities contain
      chemical and biological compounds that can impact the health of residents living
      in close proximity. Settled dust can be a reservoir for these contaminants and
      can influence long-term exposures. In this study, we sampled the indoor- and
      outdoor-settled dust from 40 homes that varied in proximity to industrial-scale
      dairies (ISD; industrial-scale dairy, a term used in this paper to describe a
      large dairy farm and adjacent waste sprayfields, concentrated animal feeding
      operation or animal feeding operation, that uses industrial processes) in the
      Yakima Valley, Washington. We analyzed settled dust samples for cow allergen (Bos
      d2, a cow allergen associated with dander, hair, sweat and urine, it is a member
      of the lipocalin family of allergens associated with mammals), mouse allergen
      (Mus m1; major mouse allergen, a mouse urinary allergen, in the lipocalin
      family), dust mite allergens (Der p1 (Dermatophagoides pteronissinus 1) and Der
      f1 (Dermatophagoides farinae 1)), and endotoxin (a component of the cell walls of
      gram negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharide, which can be found in air and dust
      and can produce a strong inflammatory response). A concentration gradient was
      observed for Bos d2 and endotoxin measured in outdoor-settled dust samples based
      on proximity to ISD. Indoor-settled dust concentrations of Bos d2 and endotoxin
      were also highest in proximal homes. While the associated health effects of
      exposure to cow allergen in settled dust is unknown, endotoxin at concentrations
      observed in these proximal homes (100 EU/mg) has been associated with increased
      negative respiratory health effects. These findings document that biological
      contaminants emitted from ISDs are elevated in indoor- and outdoor-settled dust
      samples at homes close to these facilities and extend to as much as three miles
      (4.8 km) away.

PMID- 25138296
TI  - Primary central nervous system lymphoma in the elderly.

PMID- 25138297
TI  - Prognosis factors in Japanese elderly patients with primary central nervous
      system lymphoma treated with a nonradiation, intermediate-dose methotrexate
      containing regimen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nearly half of all patients with primary central nervous system
      lymphoma (PCNSL) are known to be aged over 60 years. However, clinical factors
      affecting treatment outcomes in elderly patients are understudied. METHODS: We
      analyzed 38 patients with PCNSL older than 60 years. All patients were treated
      with a nonradiation, intermediate-dose methotrexate-containing regimen between
      March 2005 and May 2013 at the University of Tsukuba Hospital. RESULTS: The 3
      year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 56.2% (95%
      confidence interval (CI) 36.2-76.2%) and 29.8% (95% CI 9-50.6%), respectively,
      with a median follow-up of 36.5 months. We found that an age > 75 years, a
      Karnofsky performance score < 70, altered mentation, and a creatinine clearance
      (CrCl) > 90 ml/min were significant (p < 0.05) factors associated with a worse
      survival, by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that CrCl (p <
      0.05; hazard ratio (HR) = 3.39; 95% CI 1.08-10.68) and altered mentation (p <
      0.05; HR = 6.27; 95%CI 1.37-28.83) were independent significant association
      factors. The most frequent adverse event was myelosuppression, with grade 3-4
      hematologic toxicities in 28 patients. No delayed neurotoxicities were observed.
      CONCLUSION: More intensive therapy may be introduced in selected patients with
      poor prognosis factors to improve outcomes.

PMID- 25138298
TI  - Distress in cancer patients and their caregivers and association with the
      caregivers' perception of dyadic communication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Discrepancies within cancer-affected couples can disrupt security
      within the dyadic relationship during cancer treatment. This study investigated
      the patients' and caregivers' distress and associations between the caregivers'
      perception of the patients' degree of open communication and their distress.
      PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, 189 pairs of cancer
      patients (31% gastrointestinal, 34% lung, 35% urological cancers) and their
      partners were assessed for distress (QSC-R10), depression and anxiety (PHQ-2/GAD
      2). The caregivers also reported their perception of the patients' degree of
      disclosure regarding cancer-relevant topics (CCAT-F Disclosure subscale),
      caregiver strain (CSI), and unmet needs (SCNS-P&C). Prevalences of clinically
      significant distress were calculated. Associations were calculated between the
      caregivers' and the patients' ratings and between the caregivers' distress and
      their perception of the patients' degree of disclosure. RESULTS: 33% of the
      caregivers and 25% of the patients exhibited significant anxiety, with a tendency
      towards a higher frequency in the caregivers (p = 0.10). The prevalence of
      depression was lower but equally high in caregivers and patients. The caregivers'
      perceived non-disclosure by the patients was primarily associated with their
      anxiety (r = 0.31), disease-specific distress (r = 0.32), and
      psychological/emotional needs (r = 0.35). CONCLUSION: The identification of
      caregivers reporting problems in communicating with patients should be pursued in
      clinical practice as this might indicate that caregivers are particularly
      burdened.

PMID- 25138299
TI  - Thymic epithelial tumors: analysis of prognostic factors with emphasis on the
      role of adjuvant radiation therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognostic impacts of histopathological classification, Masaoka
      staging system, extent of surgery, and adjuvant treatment approaches in thymic
      epithelial tumors (TETs) were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of 22
      patients were retrospectively reviewed. Total thymectomy was performed on 5
      patients and thymectomy on 17. Complete resection was achieved for 14 patients.
      Radiation therapy (RT) was considered for all patients with stage III or IV
      disease and all patients undergoing incomplete resections. RESULTS: Local control
      had been achieved in all patients and all were alive with no evidence of disease
      (ANED) at 0.2-7.8 years (median, 2.3 years). Of 4 patients with stage II disease,
      2 (favorable group) had undergone complete resections and 2 (intermediate group)
      had undergone incomplete resections. Those undergoing incomplete resections had
      received RT. Of these 4 patients, all were ANED. All 4 patients with Masaoka
      stage III disease that were involved in the study had undergone incomplete
      resections and had received RT. Also, these patients were ANED. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with TETs undergoing less than complete resections might be referred for
      RT in the postoperative setting, while the role of RT in patients undergoing
      complete resections remains unclear.

PMID- 25138300
TI  - Staging of primary breast cancer is not indicated in asymptomatic patients with
      early tumor stages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The routinely practiced staging for distant metastasis in patients
      with primary breast cancer has been increasingly questioned. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Data from 742 patients with breast cancer who had completed staging
      (chest x-ray, liver ultrasound, and bone scan) were retrospectively analyzed.
      Present findings were transferred to a dataset of a voluntarily monitored
      benchmarking project by the West German Breast Center that included patient data
      of 179 breast cancer centers. RESULTS: Routine staging examinations revealed in
      1.2% (n = 9) distant metastasis and in 38.8% (n = 288) suspicious results. In
      total, 15 patients (2%) had distant metastases confirmed by additional
      diagnostics. The existence of distant metastases correlated with tumor size,
      nodal state, and lymphatic vessel spread. Tumor size and nodal state were
      independent predictors for disseminated disease. The risk of exhibiting distant
      metastases was 0.77% for patients with tumor stage pT1 pN1. Based on these
      findings, in 159,310 patients 41,728 chest x-rays, 43,950 liver ultrasounds, and
      39,037 bone scans could have been avoided. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic patients with
      tumor stages <= pT1 pN1 do not benefit from staging of primary breast cancer.
      Suspending staging examinations for these patients could reduce cost without
      restricting oncologic safety.

PMID- 25138301
TI  - Meta-analyses of the effect of CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 polymorphisms on the risk of
      head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 are important genes encoding enzymes involved in
      the metabolism of toxic chemicals and carcinogens. However, inconclusive results
      for the association between CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 polymorphisms and the risk of head
      and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have been reported. We conducted a meta
      analysis to evaluate the association of CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 polymorphisms with the
      risk of HNSCC. METHODS: A database search yielded 19 relevant studies. 3
      polymorphisms were included in the meta-analysis: CYP1A1, CYP2D6*4 and CYP2D6*10.
      Random or fixed effect models were used in the analysis. RESULTS: The CYP1A1
      polymorphism was associated with HNSCC (for m1m1 vs. m1m2: odds ratio (OR) =
      1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.030-1.542, pheterogeneity = 0.025; for the
      recessive model: OR = 1.316, 95% CI = 1.065-1.625, pheterogeneity = 0.001). The
      analysis showed evidence for association between the CYP2D6*4 polymorphism and
      HNSCC in Asian populations; however, negative results were also observed in other
      models. A significant association was also observed between CYP2D6*10
      polymorphism and HNSCC risk. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that the
      CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to both
      development and progression of HNSCC.

PMID- 25138302
TI  - CyberKnife Treatment for Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma of the Ilium in an
      adult: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare vascular neoplasm
      that mainly affects infants. KHE rarely develops in adolescents and adults. These
      tumors tend to be locally invasive, but are not known to produce distant
      metastases. Numerous treatment modalities are available for KHE, but the optimal
      therapy is unknown. CASE REPORT: A 51-year-old woman was diagnosed with KHE of
      the ilium in September 2005. The lesion recurred within 5 years of local
      excision, and was subsequently treated with CyberKnife. Within 1 month of
      CyberKnife therapy, pain intensity was significantly reduced and the patient's
      quality of life was significantly improved. Since January 2011, she has remained
      pain-free and has had no signs of recurrence or metastasis for more than 2 years
      following CyberKnife therapy. CONCLUSION: We report the first CyberKnife
      treatment of an adult with KHE of the bone without accompanying cutaneous changes
      and Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. CyberKnife treatment could be a useful temporizing
      measure for bone KHE.

PMID- 25138303
TI  - DNA repair gene--XRCC1 in relation to genome instability and role in colorectal
      carcinogenesis.
AB  - Colorectal carcinogenesis is a multifactorial and multi-gene process, involving 3
      major genetic instability pathways: chromosomal instability, microsatellite
      instability and CpG island methylator phenotype. Inefficient DNA repair is one of
      the causes of genetic instability leading to tumorigenesis. Defects in DNA repair
      genes are associated with cancer development. The XRCC1 gene is an important DNA
      repair genes and forms the component of several different damage recovery
      pathways, including base excision repair and single-strand breaks repair - the
      processes frequently involved in cancer transformation. In this review we have
      shed light on the structure and functioning of the XRCC1 gene and its protein,
      and the role played by XRCC1 in colorectal carcinogenesis.

PMID- 25138304
TI  - PAPST1 regulates sulfation of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in epithelial MDCK II
      cells.
AB  - Proteoglycan (PG) sulfation depends on activated nucleotide sulfate, 3'
      phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS). Transporters in the Golgi membrane
      translocate PAPS from the cytoplasm into the organelle lumen where PG sulfation
      occurs. Silencing of PAPS transporter (PAPST) 1 in epithelial MDCK cells reduced
      PAPS uptake into Golgi vesicles. Surprisingly, at the same time sulfation of
      heparan sulfate (HS) was stimulated. The effect was pathway specific in polarized
      epithelial cells. Basolaterally secreted proteoglycans (PGs) displayed an altered
      HS sulfation pattern and increased growth factor binding capacity. In contrast,
      the sulfation pattern of apically secreted PGs was unchanged while the secretion
      was reduced. Regulation of PAPST1 allows epithelial cells to prioritize between
      PG sulfation in the apical and basolateral secretory routes at the level of the
      Golgi apparatus. This provides sulfation patterns that ensure PG functions at the
      extracellular level, such as growth factor binding. 

PMID- 25138306
TI  - Theoretical study of enzymatic catalysis explains why the trapped covalent
      intermediate in the E303C mutant of glycosyltransferase GTB was not detected in
      the wild-type enzyme.
AB  - Hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations were used to study the
      catalytic mechanism of the retaining human alpha-(1,3)-galactosyltransferase
      (GTBWT) and its E303C mutant (GTBE303C). Both backside (via covalent glycosyl
      enzyme intermediate, CGEI) and frontside SNi-like mechanisms (via oxocarbenium
      ion intermediate, OCII) were investigated. The calculations suggest that both
      mechanisms are feasible in the enzymatic catalysis. The nucleophilic attack of
      the acceptor substrate to the anomeric carbon of OCII is the rate-determining
      step with an overall reaction barrier (DeltaE(?) = 19.5 kcal mol(-1)) in
      agreement with an experimental rate constant (kcat = 5.1 s(-1)). A calculated
      alpha-secondary kinetic isotope effect (alpha-KIE) of 1.27 (GTBWT) and 1.26
      (GTBE303C) predicts dissociative character of the transition state in agreement
      with experimentally measured alpha-KIE of other retaining glycosyltransferases.
      Remarkably, stable CGEI in GTBE303C compared with its counterpart in GTBWT may
      explain why the CGEI has been detected by mass spectrometry only in GTBE303C (
      Soya N, Fang Y, Palcic MM, Klassen JS. 2011. Trapping and characterization of
      covalent intermediates of mutant retaining glycosyltransferases. Glycobiology,
      21: 547-552). 

PMID- 25138305
TI  - Galectin-3 in angiogenesis and metastasis.
AB  - Galectin-3 is a member of the family of beta-galactoside-binding lectins
      characterized by evolutionarily conserved sequences defined by structural
      similarities in their carbohydrate-recognition domains. Galectin-3 is a unique,
      chimeric protein consisting of three distinct structural motifs: (i) a short NH2
      terminal domain containing a serine phosphorylation site; (ii) a repetitive
      proline-rich collagen-alpha-like sequence cleavable by matrix metalloproteases;
      and (iii) a globular COOH-terminal domain containing a carbohydrate-binding motif
      and an NWGR anti-death motif. It is ubiquitously expressed and has diverse
      biological functions depending on its subcellular localization. Galectin-3 is
      mainly found in the cytoplasm, also seen in the nucleus and can be secreted by
      non-classical, secretory pathways. In general, secreted galectin-3 mediates cell
      migration, cell adhesion and cell-cell interactions through the binding with high
      affinity to galactose-containing glycoproteins on the cell surface. Cytoplasmic
      galectin-3 exhibits anti-apoptotic activity and regulates several signal
      transduction pathways, whereas nuclear galectin-3 has been associated with pre
      mRNA splicing and gene expression. Its unique chimeric structure enables it to
      interact with a plethora of ligands and modulate diverse functions such as cell
      growth, adhesion, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune function, apoptosis
      and endocytosis emphasizing its significance in the process of tumor progression.
      In this review, we have focused on the role of galectin-3 in tumor metastasis
      with special emphasis on angiogenesis. 

PMID- 25138307
TI  - Residents' and preceptors' perceptions of the use of the iPad for clinical
      teaching in a family medicine residency program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As Family Medicine programs across Canada are transitioning into a
      competency-based curriculum, medical students and clinical teachers are
      increasingly incorporating tablet computers in their work and educational
      activities. The purpose of this pilot study was to identify how preceptors and
      residents use tablet computers to implement and adopt a new family medicine
      curriculum and to evaluate how they access applications (apps) through their
      tablet in an effort to support and enhance effective teaching and learning.
      METHODS: Residents and preceptors (n = 25) from the Family Medicine program
      working at the Pembroke Regional Hospital in Ontario, Canada, were given iPads
      and training on how to use the device in clinical teaching and learning
      activities and how to access the online curriculum. Data regarding the use and
      perceived contribution of the iPads were collected through surveys and focus
      groups. This mixed methods research used analysis of survey responses to support
      the selection of questions for focus groups. RESULTS: Reported results were
      categorized into: curriculum and assessment; ease of use; portability; apps and
      resources; and perceptions about the use of the iPad in teaching/learning
      setting. Most participants agreed on the importance of accessing curriculum
      resources through the iPad but recognized that these required enhancements to
      facilitate use. The iPad was considered to be more useful for activities
      involving output of information than for input. Participants' responses regarding
      the ease of use of mobile technology were heterogeneous due to the diversity of
      computer proficiency across users. Residents had a slightly more favorable
      opinion regarding the iPad's contribution to teaching/learning compared to
      preceptors. CONCLUSIONS: iPad's interface should be fully enhanced to allow easy
      access to online curriculum and its built-in resources. The differences in
      computer proficiency level among users should be reduced by sharing knowledge
      through workshops led by more skillful iPad users. To facilitate collection of
      information through the iPad, the design of electronic data-input forms should
      consider the participants' reported negative perceptions towards typing data
      through mobile devices. Technology deployment projects should gather sufficient
      evidence from pilot studies in order to guide efforts to adapt resources and
      infrastructure to relevant needs of Family Medicine teachers and learners.

PMID- 25138308
TI  - Diglycerol-based polyesters: melt polymerization with hydrophobic anhydrides.
AB  - The melt polymerization of diglycerol with bicyclic anhydride monomers derived
      from a naturally occurring monoterpene provides an avenue for polyesters with a
      high degree of sustainability. The hydrophobic anhydrides are synthesized at
      ambient temperature via a solvent-free Diels-Alder reaction of alpha-phellandrene
      with maleic anhydride. Subsequent melt polymerizations with tetra-functional
      diglycerol are effective under a range of [diglycerol]/[anhydride] ratios. The
      hydrophobicity of alpha-phellandrene directly impacts the swelling behavior of
      the resulting polyesters. The low E factors (<2), large amount of bio-based
      content (>75%), ambient temperature monomer synthesis, and polymer degradability
      represent key factors in the design of these sustainable polyesters.

PMID- 25138309
TI  - Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus : effect of different
      criteria for elimination of duplicates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of different
      systems for eliminating duplicates in order to optimize the calculation of the
      prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.
      METHODS: We compare the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
      criterion, time criteria and the criterion recommended by the European
      Antimicrobial Surveillance System (EARSS). RESULTS: Multiple isolates of MRSA are
      frequently recovered from successive cultures from the same patient (the average
      isolation rate of MRSA is 2.72), which demonstrates the importance of eliminating
      duplicates. When CLSI criterion data are compared to those obtained using other
      criteria, a significant increase in the number of S. aureus isolates was found
      applying time criteria (up to 36%) or the EARSS criterion (13%). There is also an
      increase in the methicillin resistance rate (between 3.31 and 3.96%; p < 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the EARSS method, with the proper quality controls
      and latest software tools available, is the best for determining the true
      situation of MRSA.

PMID- 25138310
TI  - Circulating mRNA for the PLAC1 gene as a second trimester marker (14-18 weeks'
      gestation) in the screening for late preeclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a model for prediction of late preeclampsia (PE; which
      develops at or after 34 weeks' gestation) based on maternal history and
      characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and circulating levels of mRNA for
      the placenta-specific 1 (PLAC1) gene in maternal plasma at 14-18 weeks'
      gestation. METHOD: This was a screening study of singleton pregnancies at 14-18
      weeks' gestation including 43 women that subsequently developed PE and 200 that
      were unaffected by PE. A Gaussian model was fitted to the log distribution of the
      multiple of the median (log MoM) PLAC1 mRNA in the PE group and in the unaffected
      group. Likelihood ratios for log MoM of circulating levels of mRNA for the PLAC1
      gene were used to combine the a priori risk from maternal characteristics with
      MAP to produce patient-specific risks for each case. RESULTS: Screening by
      maternal characteristics (including BMI, woman's mother's history of PE, previous
      PE, and parity) (a priori risk) and MAP detected 46.8% of all cases of late PE at
      a fixed false-positive rate (FPR) of 10%. The addition of PLAC1 yielded a
      detection rate (DR) of 62.8% at the same level of FPR. PLAC1 alone yielded a DR
      of 30.2%. CONCLUSION: In late PE, molecular markers can be used to improve the DR
      of screening and can be a valid option for the biochemical approach.

PMID- 25138313
TI  - Super-responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy remain at risk for
      ventricular arrhythmias and benefit from defibrillator treatment.
AB  - AIMS: Mortality and ventricular arrhythmias are reduced in patients responding to
      cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). This response is accompanied by
      improvement in LVEF, and some patients even outgrow original eligibility criteria
      for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. It is however
      unclear if these patients still benefit from ICD treatment. The current study
      aimed to evaluate if the incidence of ICD therapy is related to the extent of CRT
      response. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients who underwent primary prevention CRT
      defibrillator implantation were included. They were divided into subgroups
      according to the reduction in LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) 6 months after
      implantation. Pre-defined subgroups were: negative responders (increased LVESV),
      non-responders (decreased LVESV 0-14%), responders (decreased LVESV 15-29%), and
      super-responders (decreased LVESV >=30%). During a median follow-up of 57 months
      (25th-75th percentile 39-84), 512 patients were studied [101 (20%) negative
      responders, 101 (20%) non-responders, 149 (29%) responders, and 161 (31%) super
      responders]. In the first year of follow-up super-responders received
      significantly less appropriate ICD therapy (3% vs. 12%; P < 0.001). The 5-year
      cumulative incidence of appropriate ICD therapy was 31% [95% confidence interval
      (CI) 19-43] in negative responders, 39% (95% CI 25-53) in non-responders, 34%
      (95% CI 25-43) in responders, and 27% (95% CI 18-35) in super-responders,
      respectively (p = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of CRT response was associated
      with a parallel reduction of appropriate device therapy during the first year of
      follow-up. Thereafter, no association was observed. Furthermore, 23% of super
      responders were treated for potentially life-threatening arrhythmias and benefit
      from ICD treatment.

PMID- 25138312
TI  - Personal and psychosocial predictors of doping use in physical activity settings:
      a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of empirical evidence on demographic and
      psychosocial predictors of doping intentions and behaviors utilizing a variety of
      variables and conceptual models. However, to date there has been no attempt to
      quantitatively synthesize the available evidence and identify the strongest
      predictors of doping. OBJECTIVES: Using meta-analysis, we aimed to (i) determine
      effect sizes of psychological (e.g. attitudes) and social-contextual factors
      (e.g. social norms), and demographic (e.g. sex and age) variables on doping
      intentions and use; (ii) examine variables that moderate such effect sizes; and
      (iii) test a path analysis model, using the meta-analyzed effect sizes, based on
      variables from the theory of planned behavior (TPB). DATA SOURCES: Articles were
      identified from online databases, by contacting experts in the field, and
      searching the World Anti-Doping Agency website. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Studies that measured doping behaviors and/or doping intentions,
      and at least one other demographic, psychological, or social-contextual variable
      were included. We identified 63 independent datasets. STUDY APPRAISAL AND
      SYNTHESIS METHOD: Study information was extracted by using predefined data fields
      and taking into account study quality indicators. A random effects meta-analysis
      was carried out, correcting for sampling and measurement error, and identifying
      moderator variables. Path analysis was conducted on a subset of studies that
      utilized the TPB. RESULTS: Use of legal supplements, perceived social norms, and
      positive attitudes towards doping were the strongest positive correlates of
      doping intentions and behaviors. In contrast, morality and self-efficacy to
      refrain from doping had the strongest negative association with doping intentions
      and behaviors. Furthermore, path analysis suggested that attitudes, perceived
      norms, and self-efficacy to refrain from doping predicted intentions to dope and,
      indirectly, doping behaviors. LIMITATIONS: Various meta-analyzed effect sizes
      were based on a small number of studies, which were correlational in nature. This
      is a limitation of the extant literature. CONCLUSIONS: This review identifies a
      number of important correlates of doping intention and behavior, many of which
      were measured via self-reports and were drawn from an extended TPB framework.
      Future research might benefit from embracing other conceptual models of doping
      behavior and adopting experimental methodologies that will test some of the
      identified correlates in an effort to develop targeted anti-doping policies and
      programs.

PMID- 25138311
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis of concussion in rugby union.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rugby Union, a popular full-contact sport played throughout the
      world, has one of the highest rates of concussion of all full-contact sports.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current review was to systematically evaluate the
      available evidence on concussion in Rugby Union and to conduct a meta-analysis of
      findings regarding the incidence of concussion. METHODS: Articles were retrieved
      via a number of online databases. The current review examined all articles
      published in English up to May 2014 pertaining to concussion in Rugby Union
      players. The key search terms included 'Rugby Union', 'rugby', 'union', and
      'football', in combination with the injury terms 'athletic injuries',
      'concussion', 'sports concussion', 'sports-related concussion', 'brain
      concussion', 'brain injury', 'brain injuries', 'mild traumatic brain injury',
      'mTBI', 'traumatic brain injury', 'TBI', 'craniocerebral trauma', 'head injury',
      and 'brain damage'. RESULTS: The final search outcome following the eligibility
      screening process resulted in the inclusion of 96 articles for this review. The
      meta-analysis included a total of 37 studies. The results of the meta-analysis
      revealed an overall incidence of match-play concussion in men's rugby-15s of 4.73
      per 1,000 player match hours. The incidence of concussion during training was
      0.07 per 1,000 practice hours. The incidence of concussion in women's rugby-15s
      was 0.55 per 1,000 player match hours. In men's rugby-7s match-play, concussion
      incidence was 3.01 per 1,000 player match hours. The incidence of concussion
      varied considerably between levels of play, with elite level play recording a
      rate of 0.40 concussions per 1,000 player match hours, schoolboy level 0.62
      concussions per 1,000 player match hours, and the community or sub-elite level
      recording a rate of 2.08 concussions per 1,000 player match hours. The incidence
      of concussion in men's rugby-15s as a function of playing position (forwards vs.
      backs) was 4.02 and 4.85 concussions per 1,000 player match hours, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Concussion is a common injury sustained and reported in match play
      and to a lesser extent during practice by Rugby Union players. Based on the
      available published data, there appears to be a variation in risk of concussion
      across level of play, with the sub-elite level having the greatest incidence of
      injury. Future research focused on studying the acute consequences and best
      management strategies in current players, and the potential longer term outcomes
      of concussion in retired players, is needed. A focus on the areas of prevention,
      injury identification, and medical management, and risk for long-term outcomes
      will be of benefit to current athletes.

PMID- 25138314
TI  - Physiological and biochemical characterization of Azospirillum brasilense strains
      commonly used as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.
AB  - Azospirillum is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) genus vastly
      studied and utilized as agriculture inoculants. Isolation of new strains under
      different environmental conditions allows the access to the genetic diversity and
      improves the success of inoculation procedures. Historically, the isolation of
      this genus has been performed by the use of some traditional culture media. In
      this work we characterized the physiology and biochemistry of five different A.
      brasilense strains, commonly used as cereal inoculants. The aim of this work is
      to contribute to pose into revision some concepts concerning the most used
      protocols to isolate and characterize this bacterium. We characterized their
      growth in different traditional and non-traditional culture media, evaluated some
      PGPR mechanisms and characterized their profiles of fatty acid methyl esters and
      carbon-source utilization. This work shows, for the first time, differences in
      both profiles, and ACC deaminase activity of A. brasilense strains. Also, we show
      unexpected results obtained in some of the evaluated culture media. Results
      obtained here and an exhaustive knowledge revision revealed that it is not
      appropriate to conclude about bacterial species without analyzing several
      strains. Also, it is necessary to continue developing studies and laboratory
      techniques to improve the isolation and characterization protocols. 

PMID- 25138315
TI  - Steric self-assembly of laterally confined organic semiconductor molecule
      analogues.
AB  - Self-assembly of planar molecules can be a critical route to control morphology
      in organic optoelectronic systems. In this study, Monte Carlo simulations were
      performed with polygonal disc analogues to planar semiconducting molecules under
      confinement. By examining statistically the molecular density and configurations
      of such analogues, we have observed that the symmetry of the confining medium can
      have a greater impact on the final densified particle configurations than the
      intramolecular interactions. Using the steric frustration imparted by
      confinement, novel self-assembled (partially) ordered phases are available. Our
      Monte Carlo simulations suggest new avenues to control ordering and morphology of
      planar molecules, which are critical for high-performance organic optoelectronic
      devices. 

PMID- 25138318
TI  - "The beautyful ones are not yet born" might not hold true for much longer:
      Njideka Akunyili.

PMID- 25138319
TI  - CDC: Ebola risk to US patients is low, but clinicians should be on alert.

PMID- 25138329
TI  - A piece of my mind. Beyond conflicts of interest: disclosing medical biases.

PMID- 25138330
TI  - Bronchiolitis, deception in research, and clinical decision making.

PMID- 25138331
TI  - Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency: progress and challenges.

PMID- 25138332
TI  - Effect of oximetry on hospitalization in bronchiolitis: a randomized clinical
      trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Routine use of pulse oximetry has been associated with changes in
      bronchiolitis management and may have lowered the hospitalization threshold for
      patients with bronchiolitis. OBJECTIVE: To examine if infants with bronchiolitis
      whose displayed oximetry measurements have been artificially elevated 3
      percentage points above true values experience hospitalization rates at least 15%
      lower compared with infants with true values displayed. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial conducted from 2008
      to 2013 in a tertiary-care pediatric emergency department in Toronto, Ontario,
      Canada. Participants were 213 otherwise healthy infants aged 4 weeks to 12 months
      with mild to moderate bronchiolitis and true oxygen saturations of 88% or higher.
      INTERVENTIONS: Pulse oximetry measurements with true saturation values displayed
      or with altered saturation values displayed that have been increased 3 percentage
      points above true values. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was
      hospitalization within 72 hours, defined as inpatient admission within this
      interval or active hospital care for greater than 6 hours. Secondary outcomes
      included the use of supplemental oxygen in the emergency department, level of
      physician agreement with discharge from the emergency department, length of
      emergency department stay, and unscheduled visits for bronchiolitis within 72
      hours. RESULTS: Forty-four of 108 patients (41%) in the true oximetry group and
      26 of 105 (25%) in the altered oximetry group were hospitalized within 72 hours
      (difference, 16% [95% CI for the difference, 3.6% to 28.4%]; P = .005). Using the
      emergency department physician as a random effect, the primary treatment effect
      remained significant (adjusted odds ratio, 4.0 [95% CI, 1.6 to 10.5]; P = .009).
      None of the secondary outcomes were significantly different between the groups.
      There were 23 of 108 (21.3%) subsequent unscheduled medical visits for
      bronchiolitis in the true oximetry group and 15 of 105 (14.3%) in the altered
      oximetry group (difference, 7% [95% CI, -0.3% to 0.2%]; P = .18). CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Among infants presenting to an emergency department with mild to
      moderate bronchiolitis, those with an artificially elevated pulse oximetry
      reading were less likely to be hospitalized within 72 hours or to receive active
      hospital care for more than 6 hours than those with unaltered oximetry readings.
      This suggests that oxygen saturation should not be the only factor in the
      decision to admit, and its use may need to be reevaluated. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00673946.

PMID- 25138333
TI  - Sustained care intervention and postdischarge smoking cessation among
      hospitalized adults: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Health care systems need effective models to manage chronic diseases
      like tobacco dependence across transitions in care. Hospitalizations provide
      opportunities for smokers to quit, but research suggests that hospital-delivered
      interventions are effective only if treatment continues after discharge.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an intervention to sustain tobacco treatment
      after hospital discharge increases smoking cessation rates compared with standard
      care. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A randomized clinical trial compared
      sustained care (a postdischarge tobacco cessation intervention) with standard
      care among 397 hospitalized daily smokers (mean age, 53 years; 48% were males;
      81% were non-Hispanic whites) who wanted to quit smoking after discharge and
      received a tobacco dependence intervention in the hospital; 92% of eligible
      patients and 44% of screened patients enrolled. The study was conducted from
      August 2010 through November 2012 at Massachusetts General Hospital.
      INTERVENTIONS: Sustained care participants received automated interactive voice
      response telephone calls and their choice of free smoking cessation medication
      (any type approved by the US Food and Drug Administration) for up to 90 days. The
      automated telephone calls promoted cessation, provided medication management, and
      triaged smokers for additional counseling. Standard care participants received
      recommendations for postdischarge pharmacotherapy and counseling. MAIN OUTCOMES
      AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was biochemically confirmed past 7-day tobacco
      abstinence at 6-month follow-up after discharge from the hospital; secondary
      outcomes included self-reported tobacco abstinence. RESULTS: Smokers randomly
      assigned to sustained care (n = 198) used more counseling and more
      pharmacotherapy at each follow-up assessment than those assigned to standard care
      (n = 199). Biochemically validated 7-day tobacco abstinence at 6 months was
      higher with sustained care (26%) than with standard care (15%) (relative risk
      [RR], 1.71 [95% CI, 1.14-2.56], P = .009; number needed to treat, 9.4 [95% CI,
      5.4-35.5]). Using multiple imputation for missing outcomes, the RR for 7-day
      tobacco abstinence was 1.55 (95% CI, 1.03-2.21; P = .04). Sustained care also
      resulted in higher self-reported continuous abstinence rates for 6 months after
      discharge (27% vs 16% for standard care; RR, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.15-2.51]; P = .007).
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among hospitalized adult smokers who wanted to quit
      smoking, a postdischarge intervention providing automated telephone calls and
      free medication resulted in higher rates of smoking cessation at 6 months
      compared with a standard recommendation to use counseling and medication after
      discharge. These findings, if replicated, suggest an approach to help achieve
      sustained smoking cessation after a hospital stay. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01177176.

PMID- 25138335
TI  - Red papules on the tongue of a patient with hemiparesis.

PMID- 25138336
TI  - Elevated serum ferritin.

PMID- 25138337
TI  - Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 among pregnant women, 1989
      2010.

PMID- 25138338
TI  - Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction prevention after radiotherapy for prostate
      cancer.

PMID- 25138339
TI  - Tadalafil for erectile dysfunction prevention after radiotherapy for prostate
      cancer--reply.

PMID- 25138334
TI  - Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency in 11 screening programs
      in the United States.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) using
      assays to detect T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) began in Wisconsin in
      2008, and SCID was added to the national recommended uniform panel for newborn
      screened disorders in 2010. Currently 23 states, the District of Columbia, and
      the Navajo Nation conduct population-wide newborn screening for SCID. The
      incidence of SCID is estimated at 1 in 100,000 births. OBJECTIVES: To present
      data from a spectrum of SCID newborn screening programs, establish population
      based incidence for SCID and other conditions with T-cell lymphopenia, and
      document early institution of effective treatments. DESIGN: Epidemiological and
      retrospective observational study. SETTING: Representatives in states conducting
      SCID newborn screening were invited to submit their SCID screening algorithms,
      test performance data, and deidentified clinical and laboratory information
      regarding infants screened and cases with nonnormal results. Infants born from
      the start of each participating program from January 2008 through the most recent
      evaluable date prior to July 2013 were included. Representatives from 10 states
      plus the Navajo Area Indian Health Service contributed data from 3,030,083
      newborns screened with a TREC test. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Infants with SCID
      and other diagnoses of T-cell lymphopenia were classified. Incidence and, where
      possible, etiologies were determined. Interventions and survival were tracked.
      RESULTS: Screening detected 52 cases of typical SCID, leaky SCID, and Omenn
      syndrome, affecting 1 in 58,000 infants (95% CI, 1/46,000-1/80,000). Survival of
      SCID-affected infants through their diagnosis and immune reconstitution was 87%
      (45/52), 92% (45/49) for infants who received transplantation, enzyme
      replacement, and/or gene therapy. Additional interventions for SCID and non-SCID
      T-cell lymphopenia included immunoglobulin infusions, preventive antibiotics, and
      avoidance of live vaccines. Variations in definitions and follow-up practices
      influenced the rates of detection of non-SCID T-cell lymphopenia. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Newborn screening in 11 programs in the United States identified SCID
      in 1 in 58,000 infants, with high survival. The usefulness of detection of non
      SCID T-cell lymphopenias by the same screening remains to be determined.

PMID- 25138340
TI  - Statins and ischemic stroke.

PMID- 25138341
TI  - Treatment for opioid use disorder.

PMID- 25138342
TI  - Statins and ischemic stroke--reply.

PMID- 25138344
TI  - Treatment for opioid use disorder--reply.

PMID- 25138346
TI  - Hasty generalizations.

PMID- 25138347
TI  - The effect of passively acquired antibodies on Lawsonia intracellularis infection
      and immunity in the horse.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Multiple hypotheses into the age-based
      susceptibility of animals to Lawsonia intracellularis exist, including the
      decline of passively acquired antibodies. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the
      decline in passively acquired antibodies in horses is responsible for the age
      predilection of equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE). Additional objectives
      included examination of various risk factors for the development of EPE as well
      as the determination of naturally occurring attack rates for clinical and
      subclinical EPE. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, multifarm field study. METHODS: A
      total of 369 mare and foal pairs from 15 central Kentucky Thoroughbred farms were
      used in this study, which took place from January 2012 to February 2013. Serum
      samples were collected from mares and foals within 48 h of parturition, and then
      monthly from foals to February of their yearling year. Lawsonia intracellularis
      specific antibodies were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      RESULTS: No effect of passively acquired antibodies on the occurrence of
      presumptive clinical or subclinical EPE was noted. In total, 5.3% and 6.3% of
      seropositive horses developed presumptive clinical or subclinical EPE,
      respectively. In multiple logistic regression models, colts were at a
      significantly greater risk than fillies of developing presumptive clinical EPE
      (odds ratio [OR] 5.468, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.134-26.362, P = 0.034) or
      a combination of either presumptive clinical or subclinical EPE (OR 3.861, 95% CI
      1.461-10.206, P = 0.006) while foals that were weaned in September or beyond were
      at a lower risk of developing presumptive EPE (OR = 0.281, 95% CI 0.0807-0.981, P
      = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show that passively acquired
      antibodies to L. intracellularis do not have an effect on the occurrence of
      clinical or subclinical EPE. A number of novel findings, including identification
      of the disease rate among naturally exposed horses, warrant additional work as
      they may help to identify potential risk factors for L. intracellularis exposure
      and/or the reservoir host(s) of the bacterium.

PMID- 25138348
TI  - Controlled release of ziprasidone solid dispersion systems from osmotic pump
      tablets with enhanced bioavailability in the fasted state.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to develop a controlled release of
      ziprasidone with no food effect by the osmotic release strategy. METHODS: The
      solution of ziprasidone and poloxamer188 (P188) with different weight ratios was
      spray-dried to form solid dispersion of ziprasidone (SD-ZIP). The SD-ZIP was
      characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (X-RD) and solubility testing. The SD
      ZIP osmotic pump tablets were prepared by wet granulation method. The effect of
      formulation variables on the release characteristic was investigated. The SD-ZIP
      osmotic pump tablets were administered to fasted and fed beagle dogs and their
      pharmacokinetics were compared to commercial formulation Zeldox(r) as a control.
      RESULTS: The results of DSC and X-RD indicated that ziprasidone resides in P188
      with no crystalline changes. Solubility studies demonstrated that the solubility
      of SD-ZIP was substantially improved compared to ziprasidone and physical
      mixtures of ziprasidone and P188. The optimized formulation and drug release
      profiles of SD-ZIP osmotic pump tablets in different medium were obtained which
      showed typical osmotically controlled release and could fitted to zero-order
      kinetics with good linear correlation. Pharmacokinetic studies in beagle dogs
      showed ziprasidone with prolong actions and no food effect was achieved
      simultaneously in SD-ZIP osmotic pump tablet compared with Zeldox(r). CONCLUSION:
      The SD-ZIP osmotic pump tablet could be able to enhance the bioavailability in
      the fasted state and showed sustained release with prolonged actions.

PMID- 25138349
TI  - Preparation and evaluation of SEDDS of simvastatin by in vivo, in vitro and ex
      vivo technique.
AB  - The objective of this work was to formulate a Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery
      System (SEDDS) of simvastatin, a poorly soluble drug and to evaluate by in vivo,
      in vitro and ex vivo techniques. Oils and surfactants were screened out depending
      upon their solubilizing capacity. Among all of the solvents, Capryol 90 showed
      good solubilizing capacity. It dissolved 105 mg/ml of simvastatin. Tween-80 also
      showed good solubilizing capacity which was 117 mg/ml. The two excipients were
      used to prepare simvastatin SEDDS. Formulations were initially checked for the
      color, clarity and sedimentation. The SEDDS formulations were transparent and
      clear. Formulation F2 containing 7:3 (m/m) mixture of Capryol 90/Tween-80
      produced smallest micro-emulsion with particles size of 0.074 um and drug release
      was higher than other formulation (102% within 20 min). Ex vivo study of the
      SEDDS formulation was evaluated using guinea pig intestinal sac. Drug diffused
      from F2 formulation was significantly higher than pure drug (p < 0.001). In vivo
      study of SEDDS was performed in albino mice using plasma cholesterol level as a
      pharmacodynamic marker parameter. The test formulation (F2) appeared remarkable
      reduction in plasma cholesterol level, after oral administration which showed
      that SEDDS may be an effective technique for the oral administration of
      simvastatin. 

PMID- 25138350
TI  - Analysis of curing of a sustained release coating formulation by application of
      NIR spectroscopy to monitor changes associated with glyceryl monostearate.
AB  - For controlled release, latex or pseudolatex coatings to function as designed, it
      must be cured at temperatures at or slightly above the polymer's glass transition
      temperature. The focus of this study is to develop an understanding of the curing
      process and to develop near infrared spectroscopy as a tool for monitoring
      curing. Differential scanning calorimetry studies were used to determine how the
      thermal properties of glyceryl monostearate (GMS) and its polymorphic forms
      relate to the extent of Eudragit(r) polymer coat curing at different curing
      temperatures. The different GMS melting endotherms were used to monitor the
      extent of curing and as references for model development. The calculated melting
      peak areas for the GMS were plotted versus time and found to be dependent on time
      and temperature used for curing. Principal component analysis and parallel factor
      analysis were used to investigate the effect of curing on the films and showed
      that spectral changes could be could be directly related to the changes
      associated with the GMS during curing. Partial least square models developed
      could predict the extent of curing and the final state of GMS post curing. 

PMID- 25138353
TI  - Interactions of Papua New Guinea medicinal plant extracts with antiretroviral
      therapy.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: A substantial proportion of the population in
      Papua New Guinea (PNG) lives with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Treatment
      requires lifelong use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The majority of people in
      PNG use traditional medicines (TM) derived from plants for all types of health
      promotions. Consequently, there is a concern that herb-drug interactions may
      impact the efficacy of ART. Herb-drug, or drug-drug, interactions occur at the
      level of metabolism through two major mechanisms: enzyme induction or enzyme
      inhibition. In this study, extracts of commonly-used medicinal plants from PNG
      were screened for herb-drug interactions related to cytochrome P450s (CYPs).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty nine methanol extracts of TM plants were screened
      for their ability to induce CYPs by human aryl hydrocarbon receptor- (hAhR-) and
      human pregnane X receptor- (hPXR-) dependent mechanisms, utilizing a commercially
      available cell-based luciferase reporter system. Inhibition of three major CYPs,
      CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6, was determined using human liver microsomes and
      enzyme-selective model substrates. RESULTS: Almost one third of the TM plant
      extracts induced the hAhR-dependent expression of CYP1A2, the hPXR-dependent
      expression of CYP3A4, or both. Almost two thirds inhibited CYP1A2, CYP3A4, or
      CYP2D6, or combinations thereof. Many plant extracts exhibited both induction and
      inhibition properties. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that the potent and selective
      ability of extracts from PNG medicinal plants to affect drug metabolizing enzymes
      through induction and/or inhibition is a common phenomenon. Use of traditional
      medicines concomitantly with ART could dramatically alter the concentrations of
      antiretroviral drugs in the body; and their efficacy. PNG healthcare providers
      should counsel HIV patients because of this consequence.

PMID- 25138354
TI  - Inhibition of the toxic effects of Bothrops asper venom by pinostrobin, a
      flavanone isolated from Renealmia alpinia (Rottb.) MAAS.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Renealmia alpinia has been traditionally used to
      treat snakebites by indigenous Embera-Katios tribes belonging to the regions of
      Antioquia and Choco, Colombia, and it has been shown to inhibit the enzymatic and
      biological activities of Bothrops venoms and their purified phospholipase A2
      (PLA2) toxins. In addition to its common local usage against snakebites,
      Renealmia alpinia is commonly used to treat pain. To evaluate the inhibitory
      ability of pinostrobin, the main compound in the dichloromethane extract of
      Renealmia alpinia, on the toxic effects of Bothrops asper venom through in vitro
      and in vivo models and to evaluate its activity against pain and edema. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Pinostrobin was isolated from the dichloromethane extract of
      Renealmia alpinia leaves. The protective properties of the extract and of
      pinostrobin against the indirect hemolytic, coagulant and proteolytic effects of
      Bothrops asper venom were evaluated in vitro, and the anti-hemorrhagic and anti
      inflammatory activity were evaluated in vivo. RESULTS: Renealmia alpinia extract
      significantly inhibited the proteolytic activity and indirect hemolytic activity
      of Bothrops asper venom at a venom:extract ratio of 1:20. Moreover, the present
      data demonstrate that pinostrobin may mitigate some venom-induced local tissue
      damage due to hemorrhagic effects, and the compound is also responsible for the
      analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the extract from Renealmia alpinia.
      This is the first report to describe pinostrobin in the species Renealmia alpinia
      and its properties in vitro against Bothrops asper venom. CONCLUSION: Our studies
      of the activity of Renealmia alpinia against the venom of Bothrops asper have
      confirmed that this species possesses inhibitory effects against Bothrops asper
      venom in both in vitro and in vivo models and that these effects may be due to
      pinostrobin, supporting the traditional usage of the plant. Additionally,
      pinostrobin may be responsible for the anti-hemorrhagic and analgesic activity
      (peripheral analgesic activity) of Renealmia alpinia.

PMID- 25138355
TI  - Itching in patients with chronic hand eczema: data from the CARPE registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Itching is a leading symptom of chronic hand eczema (CHE) having a
      great impact on patients. The determinants of itching in CHE are unclear.
      OBJECTIVE: We performed a cross-sectional analysis investigating factors
      associated with the presence and severity of itch in CHE patients from the CARPE
      registry. METHODS: We present baseline data on itch in relationship with
      sociodemographic factors, severity of CHE, atopy, contact allergy, treatment and
      patient- reported outcomes including health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
      RESULTS: Of 1,051 patients with CHE, 78.1% reported itching. Significant positive
      associations with itching were observed for younger age groups (17-25 and 26-45
      years), for moderate, severe and very severe CHE and for small/moderate
      impairment in HRQoL. Atopic skin diathesis, hardly being able to realize
      treatment recommendations and very or extremely large impairments in HRQoL were
      associated with itch severity. CONCLUSION: Taking the identified variables into
      account may help identify vulnerable groups most affected by (severe) itch.

PMID- 25138356
TI  - FTY720 (fingolimod) modulates the severity of viral-induced encephalomyelitis and
      demyelination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: FTY720 (fingolimod) is the first oral drug approved by the Food and
      Drug Administration for treatment of patients with the relapsing-remitting form
      of the human demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis. Evidence suggests that the
      therapeutic benefit of FTY720 occurs by preventing the egress of lymphocytes from
      lymph nodes thereby inhibiting the infiltration of disease-causing lymphocytes
      into the central nervous system (CNS). We hypothesized that FTY720 treatment
      would affect lymphocyte migration to the CNS and influence disease severity in a
      mouse model of viral-induced neurologic disease. METHODS: Mice were infected
      intracranially with the neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus. Infected
      animals were treated with increasing doses (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) of FTY720 and
      morbidity and mortality recorded. Infiltration of inflammatory virus-specific T
      cells (tetramer staining) into the CNS of FTY720-treated mice was determined
      using flow cytometry. The effects of FTY720 treatment on virus-specific T cell
      proliferation, cytokine production and cytolytic activity were also determined.
      The severity of neuroinflammation and demyelination in FTY720-treated mice was
      examined by flow cytometry and histopathologically, respectively, in the spinal
      cords of the mice. RESULTS: Administration of FTY720 to JHMV-infected mice
      resulted in increased clinical disease severity and mortality. These results
      correlated with impaired ability to control viral replication (P < 0.05) within
      the CNS at days 7 and 14 post-infection, which was associated with diminished
      accumulation of virus-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (P < 0.05) into the CNS.
      Reduced neuroinflammation in FTY720-treated mice correlated with increased
      retention of T lymphocytes within draining cervical lymph nodes (P < 0.05).
      Treatment with FTY720 did not affect virus-specific T cell proliferation,
      expression of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha or cytolytic activity. FTY720-treated mice
      exhibited a reduction in the severity of demyelination associated with dampened
      neuroinflammation. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that FTY720 mutes
      effective anti-viral immune responses through impacting migration and
      accumulation of virus-specific T cells within the CNS during acute viral-induced
      encephalomyelitis. FTY720 treatment reduces the severity of neuroinflammatory
      mediated demyelination by restricting the access of disease-causing lymphocytes
      into the CNS but is not associated with viral recrudescence in this model.

PMID- 25138357
TI  - Yeast studies reveal moonlighting functions of the ancient actin cytoskeleton.
AB  - Classic functions of the actin cytoskeleton include control of cell size and
      shape and the internal organization of cells. These functions are manifest in
      cellular processes of fundamental importance throughout biology such as the
      generation of cell polarity, cell migration, cell adhesion, and cell division.
      However, studies in the unicellular model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      (Baker's yeast) are giving insights into other functions in which the actin
      cytoskeleton plays a critical role. These include endocytosis, control of protein
      translation, and determination of protein 3-dimensional shape (especially
      conversion of normal cellular proteins into prions). Here, we present a concise
      overview of these new "moonlighting" roles for the actin cytoskeleton and how
      some of these roles might lie at the heart of important molecular switches. This
      is an exciting time for researchers interested in the actin cytoskeleton. We show
      here how studies of actin are leading us into many new and exciting realms at the
      interface of genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology. While many of the
      pioneering studies have been conducted using yeast, the conservation of the actin
      cytoskeleton and its component proteins throughout eukaryotes suggests that these
      new roles for the actin cytoskeleton may not be restricted to yeast cells but
      rather may reflect new roles for the actin cytoskeleton of all eukaryotes.

PMID- 25138358
TI  - How to choose an anesthesia ventilator?
AB  - During the past few years, many manufacturers have developed a new generation
      anesthesia ventilators or anesthesia workstations with innovative technology and
      introduced so-called new ventilatory modes in the operating room. The aim of this
      article is to briefly explain how an anesthesia ventilator works, to describe the
      main differences between the technologies used, to describe the main criteria for
      evaluating technical and pneumatic performances and to list key elements not to
      be forgotten during the process of acquiring an anesthesia ventilator. 

PMID- 25138359
TI  - Large Urethro-Vesico-Vaginal Fistula due to a Vaginal Foreign Body in a 22-Year
      Old Woman: Case Report and Literature Review.
AB  - In the non-industrialized countries of Africa and Asia obstetric fistulas are
      more frequently caused by prolonged labour, whereas in countries with developed
      healthcare systems they are generally the result of complications of
      gynaecological surgery or, rarely, benign pathologies like inflammation or
      foreign bodies. A 22-year-old woman was brought to the gynaecology clinic because
      of foul-smelling vaginal discharge. On pelvic examination a ring-like foreign
      body was impacted between the anterior and posterior vaginal wall. MRI scan
      confirmed the presence of a cylindrical foreign body in the vagina and the
      patient revealed that she had 'involuntarily' inserted a plastic bubble bath cap
      into the vagina. At surgery removal of the cap was difficult and at the end of
      the manoeuver evidence of a huge urethro-vesico-vaginal fistula occurred. The
      patient was discharged with bilateral ureteral stents and suprapubic catheter.
      After 3 months we performed an end-to-end anastomotic urethroplasty to repair the
      urethral avulsion and restored the bladder/trigonal and vaginal/cervical defects
      with 3 layers of sutures; 3 months later the patient had no complaints. Complex
      genital fistulas represent an extremely debilitating morbidity. In our case, a
      vaginal approach was successful, but the choice between an abdominal or vaginal
      approach depends on the surgeon's experience and training.

PMID- 25138360
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 25138361
TI  - Biomechanics of incisor retraction with mini-implant anchorage.
AB  - Mini-implants have been successfully incorporated into orthodontic practice all
      over the world. One of the most popular applications of mini-implant anchorage is
      to facilitate retraction of the anterior teeth. This article reviews the
      mechanics involved in anterior tooth retraction with mini-implant supported
      anchorage. An attempt has been made to synthesize information available in the
      literature and present it in a manner that is easily understandable from a
      clinical perspective. We discuss the fundamental differences mini-implant based
      incisor retraction has when compared to conventional techniques, mechanical
      factors affecting this process and provide a step-by-step analysis of incisor
      retraction. In addition, various models of space closure are discussed that have
      evolved through careful evaluation of in vitro and in vivo experiments. 

PMID- 25138362
TI  - An active, skeletally anchored transpalatal appliance for derotation,
      distalization and vertical control of maxillary first molars.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate treatment outcomes
      of the skeletally anchored 'Frog' appliance. DESIGN: A single-centre,
      retrospective study was performed. SETTING: Private orthodontic practice.
      PARTICIPANTS: Patients who had undergone comprehensive orthodontic treatment with
      the skeletally anchored 'Frog' appliance. METHODS: 43 participants (20 males and
      23 females) who had received treatment with the skeletally anchored 'Frog'
      appliance where included. In order to explore dentoalveolar and skeletal
      treatment outcomes, pre- (T1) and post- (T2) treatment measurements were
      performed on patients' plaster models and cephalometric images. Comparisons
      between T1 and T2 were made by means of a Student's t-test. All statistical
      analyses were conducted at the 0.05 level of statistical significance. RESULTS:
      Study model analysis revealed a statistically significant derotation of maxillary
      molars (MUDeltaT2-T1=9.5 degrees , P<0.001) as well as an increase in transverse
      arch dimensions at the end of treatment (MUDeltaT2-T1=2.2 mm, P<0.001).
      Cephalometric changes included bodily distalization of maxillary molars
      (MUDelta(T2-T1)=-1.9 mm, P<0.001), as well as noticeable angular displacement
      (MUDeltaT2-T1=4.1 degrees , P=0.004). No significant anchorage loss was observed,
      as displayed by the limited change in maxillary incisor position (MUDelta(T1
      T2)=0.2 mm, P=0.45). In addition, excellent vertical control of the maxillary
      molars was achieved, with no change in the mandibular plane (ML/NSL) angle
      (MUDeltaT2-T1=0.3 degrees , P=0.38). CONCLUSIONS: The skeletal 'Frog' is
      effective in derotating and distalizing maxillary molars without anchorage loss
      and with excellent vertical control.

PMID- 25138363
TI  - Hard and soft tissue considerations at mini-implant insertion sites.
AB  - Various factors influence where orthodontic mini-implants will be placed. This
      article highlights the pertinent variables that should find consideration when
      planning the placement of orthodontic mini-implants. 

PMID- 25138364
TI  - Clinical outcomes of cases with missing lateral incisors treated with the 'T'
      Mesialslider.
AB  - The objective of this article is to review the fabrication and activation
      procedures of the 'T'-Mesialslider and to present the clinical outcomes in cases
      where canine substitution is the treatment of choice for missing maxillary
      lateral incisors. The 'T'-Mesialslider allows for effective mesial translation of
      the canines and the posterior dentition, without significant loss of anterior
      anchorage and with good vertical control. Possible adverse effects of the
      appliance and clinical recommendations for their management are also discussed.
      In canine substitution cases with high anchorage demands, the 'T'-Mesialslider
      provides an effective treatment option. 

PMID- 25138365
TI  - Molar intrusion in the management of anterior openbite and 'high angle' Class II
      malocclusions.
AB  - Orthodontic correction of anterior openbite has conventionally involved
      extraction therapy or an adjunctive maxillary impaction osteotomy. However, bone
      anchored molar intrusion treatments have been reported in recent years as a less
      invasive alternative for such patients. This paper describes the concepts and
      treatment processes involved with mini-implant molar intrusion to correct
      anterior openbite and reduce patients' excessive vertical facial proportions. 

PMID- 25138366
TI  - The Hybrid Hyrax Distalizer, a new all-in-one appliance for rapid palatal
      expansion, early class III treatment and upper molar distalization.
AB  - Growing class III patients with maxillary deficiency may be treated with a
      maxillary protraction facemask. Because the force generated by this appliance is
      applied to the teeth, the inevitable mesial migration of the dentition can result
      in anterior crowding, incisor proclination and a possible need for subsequent
      extraction therapy. The Hybrid Hyrax appliance, anchored on mini-implants in the
      anterior palate, can be used to overcome these side-effects during the facemask
      therapy. In some class III cases, there is also a need for subsequent
      distalization after the orthopaedic treatment. In this paper, clinical
      application of the Hybrid Hyrax Distalizer is described, facilitating both
      orthopaedic advancement of the maxilla and simultaneous orthodontic distalization
      of the maxillary molars. 

PMID- 25138367
TI  - Mini-implant applications in orthognathic surgical treatment.
AB  - Orthognathic surgical treatment conventionally relies on the use of full arch
      fixed orthodontic appliances. However, the introduction of orthodontic mini
      implants has altered surgical options in terms of providing an alternative to
      fixation (intermaxillary fixation, IMF) screws and even to maxillary osteotomy.
      This paper describes the integration of mini-implants within orthognathic
      treatments in terms of 'surgery first' treatments and by introducing the concept
      of the conversion of bimaxillary cases into mandible-only surgery treatments. 

PMID- 25138368
TI  - Temporary replacement of missing maxillary lateral incisors with orthodontic
      miniscrew implants in growing patients: rationale, clinical technique, and long
      term results.
AB  - The missing maxillary lateral incisor in adolescent patients presents an
      orthodontic challenge. Historically, there have been three treatment options to
      address this clinical problem: (1) canine substitution, (2) tooth auto
      transplantation, and (3) dental restoration. Unfortunately, these methods are not
      without limitation. A novel treatment concept, originating in 2003 and utilizing
      orthodontic miniscrew implants, is presented along with the rationale, clinical
      technique and 8 years of follow-up. 

PMID- 25138369
TI  - Translational mini-screw implant research.
AB  - It is important to thoroughly test new materials as well as techniques when these
      innovations are to be utilized in the human clinical situation. Translational
      research fills this important niche. The purpose of translational research is to
      establish the continuity of evidence from the laboratory to the clinic and in so
      doing, provide evidence that the material is functioning appropriately and that
      the process in the human will be successful. This concept applies to the mini
      screw implant; which, has been very successfully introduced into the orthodontic
      armamentarium over the last decade for application as a temporary anchorage
      device. The examples of translational research that will be illustrated in this
      paper have paved the way to ensure that clinicians have evidence to confidently
      utilize mini-screw implants in orthodontic practice. Needless to say, more
      studies are needed to ensure a safe, effective and efficient manner to practice
      orthodontics. 

PMID- 25138371
TI  - Resveratrol treatment as an adjunct to pharmacological management in type 2
      diabetes mellitus--systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The red wine polyphenol, resveratrol, is highly effective in treating type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in animal models, but there is no consensus regarding
      its efficacy in humans. We conducted a systematic review, which included searches
      in nine scholarly databases and six clinical trial registries, and identified
      randomized controlled clinical trials whereby resveratrol was used as an adjunct
      to pharmaceutical interventions in T2DM. Meta-analysis on clinical parameters was
      performed for available data. Of 764 articles originally identified, data from
      six unique datasets, examining a total of 196 T2DM patients (104 resveratrol, 92
      control/placebo) ultimately met inclusion criteria. Statistically significant (p
      < 0.05) positive effects, indicating that resveratrol supplementation was more
      effective than placebo/control, were identified for systolic blood pressure,
      hemoglobin A1c, and creatinine, but not for fasting glucose, homeostatic model
      assessment of insulin resistance, diastolic blood pressure, insulin,
      triglycerides, LDL, or HDL cholesterol. No major adverse events were reported and
      side effects of resveratrol were not different than placebo/control. Though
      limitations in sample size and treatment duration preclude definitive changes in
      clinical practice, significant improvements in multiple cardiometabolic
      biomarkers and an excellent safety profile support resveratrol as a leading
      candidate as an adjunct to pharmacological management of T2DM. 

PMID- 25138370
TI  - Non-HLA genes PTPN22, CDK6 and PADI4 are associated with specific autoantibodies
      in HLA-defined subgroups of rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Genetic susceptibility to complex diseases has been intensively
      studied during the last decade, yet only signals with small effect have been
      found leaving open the possibility that subgroups within complex traits show
      stronger association signals. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autoantibody
      production serves as a helpful discriminator in genetic studies and today anti
      citrullinated cyclic peptide (anti-CCP) antibody positivity is employed for
      diagnosis of disease. The HLA-DRB1 locus is known as the most important genetic
      contributor for the risk of RA, but is not sufficient to drive autoimmunity and
      additional genetic and environmental factors are involved. Hence, we addressed
      the association of previously discovered RA loci with disease-specific
      autoantibody responses in RA patients stratified by HLA-DRB1*04. METHODS: We
      investigated 2178 patients from three RA cohorts from Sweden and Spain for 41
      genetic variants and four autoantibodies, including the generic anti-CCP as well
      as specific responses towards citrullinated peptides from vimentin, alpha-enolase
      and type II collagen. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated different genetic
      associations of autoantibody-positive disease subgroups in relation to the
      presence of DRB1*04. Two specific subgroups of autoantibody-positive RA were
      identified. The SNP in PTPN22 was associated with presence of anti-citrullinated
      enolase peptide antibodies in carriers of HLA-DRB1*04 (Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel
      test P = 0.0001, P corrected <0.05), whereas SNPs in CDK6 and PADI4 were
      associated with anti-CCP status in DRB1*04 negative patients (Cochran-Mantel
      Haenszel test P = 0.0004, P corrected <0.05 for both markers). Additionally we
      see allelic correlation with autoantibody titers for PTPN22 SNP rs2476601 and
      anti-citrullinated enolase peptide antibodies in carriers of HLA-DRB1*04 (Mann
      Whitney test P = 0.02) and between CDK6 SNP rs42041 and anti-CCP in non-carriers
      of HLA-DRB1*04 (Mann Whitney test P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: These data point to
      alternative pathways for disease development in clinically similar RA subgroups
      and suggest an approach for study of genetic complexity of disease with strong
      contribution of HLA.

PMID- 25138372
TI  - Human mate selection and addiction: a conceptual critique.
AB  - The authors review past work on modeling human mate selection, and suggest, using
      illustrations from existing literature on the impact of alcoholism on
      relationship formation and dissolution and reproduction, that the challenges of
      adequately characterizing human mate selection have not yet been overcome. Some
      paths forwards are suggested. 

PMID- 25138373
TI  - Early erythropoietin in post-diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome: a case-control
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although erythropoietin (EPO) deficiency has been reported in
      children with post-diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D + HUS), very limited
      clinical data on EPO use in this disease are currently available. In this case
      control study we examined whether EPO administration would reduce the number of
      red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in D + HUS patients under our care. METHODS:
      Data from children treated exclusively with RBC transfusions (controls; n = 21)
      were retrospectively compared with data on those who also received EPO for the
      treatment of anemia (cases; n = 21). RESULTS: Both patient groups were similar in
      age (p = 0.9), gender (p = 0.12), weight (p = 1.00) and height (p = 0.66). Acute
      phase severity was also comparable, as inferred by the need for dialysis (p =
      0.74), the duration of dialysis (p = 0.3), length of hospitalization (p = 0.81),
      presence of severe bowel (p = 1.00) or neurological injury (p = 0.69), arterial
      hypertension (p = 1.00) and death (p = 1.00). No differences in the hemoglobin
      level at admission (p = 0.51) and discharge (p = 0.28) were noted. Three children
      treated with EPO and two controls did not require any RBC transfusion (p = 1.00).
      Median number of RBC transfusions needed by cases and controls was 2 (p = 0.52).
      CONCLUSION: Treatment with EPO did not reduce the number of RBC transfusions in D
      + HUS children. Assessment of EPO efficacy in D + HUS merits further studies.

PMID- 25138374
TI  - Mechanism of the palladium-catalyzed hydrothiolation of alkynes to thioethers: a
      DFT study.
AB  - The mechanisms of the palladium-catalyzed hydrothiolation of alkynes with thiols
      were investigated using density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-31G(d, p) (SDD
      for Pd) level. Solvent effects on these reactions were explored using the
      polarizable continuum model (PCM) for the solvent tetrahydrofuran (THF).
      Markovnikov-type vinyl sulfides or cis-configured anti-Markovnikov-type products
      were formed by three possible pathways. Our calculation results suggested the
      following: (1) the first step of the cycle is a proton-transfer process from
      thiols onto the palladium atom to form a palladium-thiolate intermediate. The
      palladium-thiolate species is attacked on alkynes to obtain an elimination
      product, liberating the catalyst. (2) The higher activation energies for the
      alkyne into the palladium-thiolate bond indicate that this step is the rate
      determining step. The Markovnikov-type vinyl sulfide product is favored. However,
      for the aromatic alkyne, the cis-configured anti-Markovnikov-type product is
      favored. (3) The activation energy would reduce when thiols are substituted with
      an aromatic group. Our calculated results are consistent with the experimental
      observations of Frech and colleagues for the palladium-catalyzed hydrothiolation
      of alkynes to thiols. 

PMID- 25138375
TI  - DFT study of the per-6-amino-beta-cyclodextrin as catalyst in synthesis of 2-aryl
      2,3-dihydro-4-quinolones.
AB  - The synthesis of 2-aryl-2,3-dihydro-4-quinolones in the presence of per-6-amino
      beta-cyclodextrin (per-6-ABCD) as catalyst can improve selectivity and yield. The
      interaction between per-6-ABCD and benzaldehyde or o-aminoacetophenone plays an
      important role in this reaction. This paper studies the complexes of per-6-ABCD
      with benzaldehyde and o-aminoacetophenone using density functional theory (DFT)
      method. The reaction process is investigated by studying the energy of the
      reactants and the product. Hydrogen bonds are researched on the basis of natural
      bonding orbital (NBO) analysis, the results propose the donor-acceptor
      interactions of complex. The Mulliken charge and frontier orbital are employed
      for revealing the charge distribution. In addition, (13)C nuclear magnetic
      resonance ((13)CNMR) spectroscopy shows that the carbon atom on the aldehyde
      group for benzaldehyde, carbonyl group and the carbon atom connected with
      carbonyl group for o-aminoacetophenone are apparently activated in the cavity of
      per-6-ABCD. The probable catalytic mechanism of per-6-ABCD is discussed in terms
      of the calculated parameters. 

PMID- 25138376
TI  - Measurement of neck circumference and its correlation with body composition in a
      sample of students in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the correlation between neck
      circumference (NC) and body mass index (BMI) in children, and to determine NC
      percentiles for Brazilian children. METHODS: The subjects of this cross-sectional
      study were students between the ages of 6 and 19 years from five schools in Sao
      Paulo, Brazil. Clinical and anthropometric data were collected from the students
      from April 2011 to June 2012. NC was measured at the level of the cricoid
      cartilage. We calculated Pearson correlation coefficients between NC and other
      indices of obesity with Sigma Stat 3.5. NC percentiles were produced using the
      LMS (lambda, mu, and sigma) method (STATA 12.0). RESULTS: Among 2,794 students,
      49.9% were male. NC was significantly correlated with age, BMI, waist
      circumference (WC), and body fat percentage (%BF). The NC of boys was greater
      than that of girls. The NC curves of smoothed 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th,
      and 97th percentiles were constructed by age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: NC can be used
      in the assessment of obesity in childhood. There was a positive correlation
      between NC and BMI, WC and %BF. This study was the first to provide NC
      percentiles for children in Brazil.

PMID- 25138377
TI  - The effectiveness of community-based loan funds for transport during obstetric
      emergencies in developing countries: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Scarcity and costs of transport have been implicated as key barriers
      to accessing care when obstetric emergencies occur in community settings.
      Community-based loans have been used to increase utilization of health facilities
      and potentially reduce maternal mortality by providing funding at community level
      to provide emergency transport. This review aimed to provide evidence of the
      effect of community-based loan funds on utilization of health facilities and
      reduction of maternal mortality in developing countries. METHODS: Electronic
      databases of published literature and websites were searched for relevant
      literature using a pre-defined set of search terms, inclusion and exclusion
      criteria. Screening of titles, abstracts and full-text articles were done by at
      least two reviewers independently. Quality assessment was carried out on the
      selected papers. Data related to deliveries and obstetric complications attended
      at facilities, maternal deaths and live births were extracted to measure and
      compare the effects of community-based loan funds using odds ratios (ORs) and
      reductions in maternal mortality ratio. Forest plots are presented where
      possible. RESULTS: The results of the review show that groups where community
      based loan funds were implemented (alongside other interventions) generally
      recorded increases in utilization of health facilities for deliveries, with ORs
      of 3.5 (0.97-15.48) and 3.55 (1.56-8.05); and an increase in utilization of
      emergency obstetric care with ORs of 2.22 (0.51-10.38) and 3.37 (1.78-6.37).
      Intervention groups also experienced a positive effect on met need for
      complications and a reduction in maternal mortality. CONCLUSION: There is some
      evidence to suggest that community-based loan funds as part of a multifaceted
      intervention have positive effects. Conclusions are limited by challenges of
      study design and bias. Further studies which strengthen the evidence of the
      effects of loan funds, and mechanism for their functionality, are recommended.

PMID- 25138380
TI  - Abstracts of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
      68th Annual Meeting, 10-13 September, 2014, San Diego, California, USA.

PMID- 25138378
TI  - Ganoderic acid Me induces the apoptosis of competent T cells and increases the
      proportion of Treg cells through enhancing the expression and activation of
      indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in mouse lewis lung cancer cells.
AB  - The indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-(IDO-) mediated microenvironment plays an
      important role in tumor immune escape. It is known that ganoderic acid Me can
      enhance IFN-gamma expression and IDO is preferentially induced by IFN-gamma.
      However, whether GA-Me can induce IDO expression has not been clarified yet. We
      established stable clones of IDO-overexpressing 2 LL cells (2LL-EGFP-IDO). After
      co-culturing with IDO expressing or control vector-transfected 2LL-EGFP cells, T
      cell apoptosis was determined and the proportion of the regulatory T cells
      (Tregs) and CD8+ T cell subset was measured. The total cellular protein samples
      of 2 LL-EGFP-IDO cells were isolated for detecting JAK-STAT1 signalling pathway.
      Co-culture supernatants were used to detect amino acids and cytokines. IDO
      transfected 2 LL cells yielded high level of IDO enzymatic activity, resulting in
      complete depletion of tryptophan from the culture medium. We found that apoptosis
      occurred in T cells after cocultured with IDO+2LL cells and the proportion of
      CD4+CD25+ cells and FoxP3+ cells increased while CD8+ cells decreased. The
      specific inhibitor of IDO, 1-D-MT and GA-Me efficiently enhanced T cell
      apoptosis, increased Tregs, and reduced CD8+ T cells in vitro. Increased
      expression of IDO, p-JAK1 and p-STAT1 were confirmed by Western blot analysis.
      The levels of IFN-gamma, IL-10, LDH and kynurenine in co-culture supernatant
      correspondingly increased, while tryptophan reduced. These results suggest that
      GA-Me contributing to IDO helps to create a tolerogenic milieu in lung tumors by
      directly inducing T cell apoptosis, restraining CD8+ T cell activation, and
      enhancing Treg-mediated immunosuppression.

PMID- 25138381
TI  - West Nile virus: should pediatricians care?
AB  - Given the recurrent serious outbreaks of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the United
      States over the past decade, the spread to Canada and South America, the
      recurrent outbreaks in Europe, and the potential for serious neurological disease
      even in children under 18 years, paediatricians in affected areas must consider
      WNV in the differential diagnosis of all children presenting with aseptic
      meningitis, encephalitis and acute flaccid paralysis. Additionally, given that
      WNV encephalitis can occur after WNV infection, suspicion for neurological WNV
      disease must remain high even after otherwise benign febrile illnesses if the
      child lives in or has traveled to an affected region. Under-diagnosis in the
      pediatric population is likely a serious problem, necessitating further
      educational efforts. More follow-up studies of WNV neurological disease in
      children and youth are needed to better understand the potential long-term
      sequelae during vulnerable times of neurodevelopment and neural remodeling.
      Similarly, more research is need on short and long-term fetal outcomes of
      maternal WNV infection. 

PMID- 25138382
TI  - The association of major patterns of physical activity, sedentary behavior and
      sleep with health-related quality of life: a cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the prospective association of patterns of physical
      activity, sedentary behavior and sleep with health-related quality of life (HRQL)
      in the general population of Spain. METHODS: A cohort study with 4271 individuals
      aged >= 18 years was recruited in 2008-2010 and followed-up prospectively through
      2012. Activity patterns were derived from factor analysis. HRQL was assessed with
      the SF-12 questionnaire, and suboptimal HRQL was defined as a score below the sex
      specific sample median. RESULTS: Three main activity patterns were identified. A
      higher adherence to the pattern named "vigorous activity-seated at the computer"
      was inversely associated with a suboptimal score in the physical-composite
      summary (PCS) of the SF-12 (multivariate adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for the
      highest vs. the lowest quartile 0.71; 95% confidence interval [IC] 0.55-0.90; p
      trend=0.003). The "light activity-seated for reading" pattern was inversely
      associated with a suboptimal score in the mental-composite summary (aOR=0.73; 95%
      CI=0.61-0.89; p-trend=0.002). However, a higher adherence to the "seated for
      watching TV-daytime sleeping" pattern was directly associated with suboptimal PCS
      (aOR=1.35; 95% CI=1.10-1.66; p-trend=0.008). CONCLUSION: Patterns including any
      physical activity were associated with better physical or mental HRQL. However, a
      pattern defined by sedentary behavior with diurnal sleep showed worse HRQL and
      should be a priority target of preventive interventions.

PMID- 25138384
TI  - Hematologic findings predictive of bone marrow disease in dogs with multicentric
      large-cell lymphoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the bone marrow is needed for complete staging in dogs
      with multicentric large-cell lymphoma, but is often omitted in clinical practice.
      OBJECTIVES: The objective was to determine if routine peripheral blood findings,
      including microscopic evaluation of blood smears, can predict the presence of
      bone marrow involvement in dogs with lymphoma. METHODS: Hematologic data
      including evaluation of blood smears and bone marrow aspirates from 107 dogs
      newly diagnosed with large-cell lymphoma were retrospectively evaluated.
      Neoplastic lymphocytes were identified based on cell size, nuclear size,
      chromatin pattern, and the presence of nucleoli. Positive specimens were defined
      as having >= 10% neoplastic lymphocytes. Two groups were established based on the
      presence or absence of lymphoma in the bone marrow. Variables (positive blood
      smear, HCT, platelet count, and total and differential WBC counts) were evaluated
      to determine if they were predictive of bone marrow involvement using univariate
      and multivariate logistic models. RESULTS: Thrombocytopenia and the presence of >
      10% neoplastic lymphocytes on blood smears were identified as significant
      variables for predicting the presence of bone marrow involvement. When considered
      independently, either a positive blood smear or thrombocytopenia had low
      sensitivity (60%) and moderate specificity (89% and 87%, respectively).
      Sensitivity increased when these variables were evaluated together (80%).
      CONCLUSIONS: In dogs with multicentric large-cell lymphoma, thrombocytopenia or
      the presence of neoplastic lymphocytes in circulation is suggestive of bone
      marrow involvement, but not definitive. Normal peripheral blood findings do not
      exclude the possibility of lymphoma in the bone marrow.

PMID- 25138383
TI  - Possibilities for discrimination between chewing of coca leaves and abuse of
      cocaine by hair analysis including hygrine, cuscohygrine, cinnamoylcocaine and
      cocaine metabolite/cocaine ratios.
AB  - Contrary to the illegal use of any form of manufactured cocaine, chewing of coca
      leaves and drinking of coca tea are allowed and are very common and socially
      integrated in several South American countries. Because of this different legal
      state, an analytical method for discrimination between use of coca leaves and
      abuse of processed cocaine preparations is required. In this study, the
      applicability of hair analysis for this purpose was examined. Hair samples from
      26 Argentinean coca chewers and 22 German cocaine users were analysed for cocaine
      (COC), norcocaine (NC), benzoylecgonine (BE), ecgonine methyl ester (EME),
      cocaethylene (CE), cinnamoylcocaine (CIN), tropacocaine (TRO), cuscohygrine (CUS)
      and hygrine (HYG) by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) in
      combination with triplequad mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and hybrid quadrupole time
      of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS). The following concentrations (range,
      median, ng/mg) were determined in hair of the coca chewers: COC 0.085-75.5, 17.0;
      NC 0.03-1.15, 0.12; BE 0.046-35.5, 6.1; EME 0.014-6.0, 0.66; CE 0.00-13.8, 0.38;
      CIN 0.005-16.8, 0.79; TRO 0.02-0.16, 0.023; CUS 0.026-26.7, 0.31. In lack of a
      reference substance, only qualitative data were obtained for HYG, and two
      metabolites of CUS were detected which were not found in hair of the cocaine
      users. For interpretation, the concentrations of the metabolites and of the coca
      alkaloids in relation to cocaine were statistically compared between coca chewers
      and cocaine users. By analysis of variance (ANOVA) significant differences were
      found for all analytes (alpha = 0.000 to 0.030) with the exception of TRO (alpha
      = 0.218). The ratios CUS/COC, CIN/COC and EME/COC appeared to be the most
      suitable criteria for discrimination between both groups with the means and
      medians 5-fold to 10-fold higher for coca chewers and a low overlap of the ranges
      between both groups. The same was qualitatively found for HYG. However, these
      criteria cannot exclude cocaine use in addition to coca chewing. In this regard
      screening for typical cutting agents can be helpful and led to the detection of
      levamisole (21*), lidocaine (6*) and paracetamol (3*) in the 22 samples from
      German cocaine users, whereas no levamisole, lidocaine (3*) and paracetamol (1*)
      were found in hair from the Argentinean coca chewers. These criteria have to be
      confirmed for South American cocaine consumers including smokers of coca paste
      and may be different because of different composition of the drug and other use
      habits.

PMID- 25138385
TI  - Absorption spectrophotometric, fluorescence and quantum chemical investigations
      on non-covalent interaction between PC70BM and designed diporphyrin in solution.
AB  - Present work reports the photophysical insights on supramolecular interaction of
      a C70 derivative, namely, [6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM),
      with two designed diporphyrin molecules having dithiophene (1) and carbazole (2)
      spacer in toluene and benzonitrile. Both absorption spectrophotometric and steady
      state fluorescence investigations reveal efficient complexation of PC70BM with 1
      and 2 in both toluene and benzonitrile. The magnitude of average value of binding
      constant, viz., Kav, for the complexes of PC70BM with 1 and 2 in toluene
      (benzonitrile) are estimated to be 2.185 * 10(3)dm(3)mol(-1) (3.215 *
      10(3)dm(3)mol(-1)) and 10.180 * 10(3)dm(3)mol(-1) (25.405 * 10(3)dm(3)mol(-1)),
      respectively. Selectivity in binding for the complexation process of PC70BM with
      1 and 2 is estimated to be ~4.6 and ~7.90 as observed in toluene and
      benzonitrile, respectively. The complexation between PC70BM and diporphyrin is
      well accounted by a theoretical model which takes into account the electronic
      subsystems of both acceptor and donor. Ab initio calculations in vacuo establish
      that size selective orientation pattern of PC70BM towards the cavity of
      diporphyrin dictates the magnitude of binding and electronic structure of the
      PC70BM/diporphyrin complexes.

PMID- 25138386
TI  - Beyond barriers: fundamental 'disconnects' underlying the treatment of breast
      cancer patients' sexual health.
AB  - Sexual health concerns represent one of the most frequently experienced and
      longest-lasting effects of breast cancer treatment, but research suggests that
      service providers rarely discuss sexual health with their patients. Existing
      research examining barriers to addressing patients' sexual health concerns has
      focused on discrete characteristics of the provider-patient interaction without
      considering the broader context in which these interactions occur. Drawing on the
      experiences of 21 breast cancer survivors, this paper explores three ways in
      which fundamental cultural and structural characteristics of the cancer care
      system in the USA may prevent breast cancer survivors from addressing their
      sexual health concerns, including: (1) when patients discussed sexual health with
      their providers, their providers approached sexuality as primarily physical,
      while participants experienced complex, multidimensional sexual health concerns;
      (2) specialisation within cancer care services made it difficult for patients to
      identify the appropriate provider to address their concerns; and (3) the
      structure of cancer care literally disconnects patients from the healthcare
      system at the time when sexual side effects commonly emerged. These data suggest
      that addressing breast cancer survivors' sexual health concerns requires a
      multifaceted approach to health systems change. 

PMID- 25138387
TI  - [Listeria monocytogenes and its relationship with non-biological therapy in
      inflammatory bowel disease].

PMID- 25138388
TI  - Age-related pattern and monocyte-acquired haemozoin associated production of
      erythropoietin in children with severe malarial anaemia in Ghana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria continues to be a global health challenge, affecting more
      than half the world's population and causing approximately 660,000 deaths
      annually. The majority of malaria cases are caused by Plasmodium falciparum and
      occur in sub-Saharan Africa. One of the major complications asscociated with
      malaria is severe anaemia, caused by a cycle of haemoglobin digestion by the
      parasite. Anaemia due to falciparum malaria in children has multifactorial
      pathogenesis, which includes suppression of bone marrow activity. Recent studies
      have shown that haemozoin, which is a by-product of parasite haemoglobin
      digestion, may play an important role in suppression of haemoglobin production,
      leading to anaemia. In this study we correlated the levels of erythropoietin
      (EPO), as an indicator of stimulation of haemoglobin production, to the levels of
      monocyte acquired haemozoin in children with both severe and uncomplicated
      malaria. There was a significantly negative correlation between levels of
      haemozoin-containing monocytes and EPO, which may suggest that haemozoin
      suppresses erythropoiesis in severe malaria. A multiple linear regression
      analysis and simple bar was used to investigate associations between various
      haematological parameters. METHODS: To examine the levels of erythropoietin in
      the age categories, the levels of erythropoietin was measured using a commercial
      Enyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Giemsa-stained blood smears were used
      to determine percentage pigment containing monocytes. The haemozoin containing
      monocytes was expressed as a percentage of the total number of monocytes. To
      obtain the number of haemozoin containing monocytes/MUL the percentage of
      haemozoin containing monocytes was multiplied by the absolute number of
      monocytes/MUL from the automated haematology analyzer. RESULTS: The levels of
      erythropoietin in younger children (<3 years) was significantly higher than in
      older children with a similar degree of malaria anaemia (Hb levels) (p < 0.005).
      Haemozoin-containing monocytes were relatively higher in severe malaria anaemia
      patients compared to those with uncomplicated malaria (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Age purportedly has a direct effect on background levels of erythropoietin. With
      corresponding decreased levels of erythropoietin in older children with the same
      degree of severe malarial anaemia, conceivably, the bone marrows of younger
      children with acute malaria may be less sensitive to erythropoietin.

PMID- 25138389
TI  - A health-economic analysis of diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
      with continuous positive airway pressure in relation to cardiovascular disease.
      The Greek experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is common in adult population
      and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially due to
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both diagnosis, based on polysomnography, and
      treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), carry a potentially
      high cost. The present study aims to analyze the cost-effectiveness of CPAP
      treatment versus no treatment, in the long-term, as it examines the effect of
      this treatment on the incidence of CVD. METHODS: A Markov model was constructed
      to observe the disease evolution in patients with OSAS based on published
      evidence. Data on treatment costs were collected from public hospitals in Greece.
      Within each cycle of the model, each patient may remain free of CVD, may develop
      CVD, may die due to a cause related to CVD, or may die from other causes. The
      model begins at the age of 55 years in a severe OSAS patient (apnea-hypopnea
      index >=30/h) and lasts for 45 years. RESULTS: Within the limitation of the
      model, CPAP was found to be a cost-effective strategy versus no treatment, due to
      the reduction of the cost for the CVD treatment, when the analysis was restricted
      to the male population. Moreover, CPAP was found to be clinically more effective
      than no treatment, as it increases life expectancy in both males and females.
      CONCLUSIONS: CPAP was found to be clinically more effective therapy than no
      treatment in relation to CVD and a cost-effective strategy in males with severe
      OSAS.

PMID- 25138390
TI  - The role of pharmacies and pharmacists in managing controlled substance
      dispensing.
AB  - The epidemic of prescription opioid-related morbidity and mortality demonstrates
      the need for a fresh, open, and balanced approach to managing pain while
      minimizing adverse personal and public health outcomes. Interventions by
      pharmacists in situations in which prescriptions are felt to be inappropriate
      have raised the ire of prescribers who feel their professional judgment is being
      questioned and their time is being usurped from patient care. Pharmacists,
      however, represent an important check and balance in the opioid analgesic
      prescribing chain, and prescribers should embrace their involvement and recognize
      that the time and effort of the pharmacist are directed at improving care of
      individual patients and keeping a watchful eye on the public health. Pharmacies
      need to keep a mindful eye toward professional practices of physicians and use
      noninvasive means, such as database inquiries, prior to directly contacting a
      prescriber. Collaboration is the most professional approach that can be taken to
      assure that our joint priority of caring for patients in distress will be
      accomplished effectively and safely. 

PMID- 25138391
TI  - Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT (LDCT), or when a public health
      intervention is beyond the patient's benefit.

PMID- 25138392
TI  - Passive smoking assessed by salivary cotinine and self-report in relation to
      cause-specific mortality: 17-year follow-up of study participants in the UK
      Health and Lifestyle Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence that passive smoking is a risk factor for cardiovascular
      disease and selected cancers is largely derived from studies in which this
      exposure is self-reported. Objective assessment using biochemical techniques may
      yield a more accurate estimate of risk, although each approach has its strengths
      and weaknesses. We examined the association of salivary cotinine, a widely
      utilised biomarker for passive smoking, and self-reported passive smoking in the
      home, with mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease and all cancers
      combined. METHODS: In 1992, investigators on the UK Health and Lifestyle Survey
      collected data on salivary cotinine, self-reported smoking (direct and passive)
      and a range of covariates in 3731 men and women aged 25 years and over. Mortality
      was ascertained using linkage to national death records. RESULTS: Analyses were
      based on 2523 individuals (1433 [57%] women) who classified themselves as non
      smokers (never and former). Seventeen years of follow-up gave rise to 588 deaths
      (253 from cardiovascular disease and 146 from cancer). In men, adjusted hazard
      ratios (HR) for the association between cotinine levels (1.3-15.0 [high] vs <=0.3
      [low] ng/mL) and the various mortality outcomes were weak for total mortality
      (HR; 95% CI: 1.22; 0.91 to 1.64) and cardiovascular disease (1.25; 0.78 to 1.99)
      and absent for all cancers combined (1.10; 0.61 to 2.00). Corresponding
      associations were generally stronger when self-reported passive smoking (some vs
      none) was the exposure of interest: 1.53 (1.12 to 2.08), 1.88 (1.20 to 2.96) and
      1.58 (0.85 to 2.93). The pattern of association for women in both sets of
      analyses was less consistent. CONCLUSIONS: In men in the present study, compared
      with our biochemical marker of passive smoking, cotinine, mortality was generally
      more consistently associated with self-reported passive smoking.

PMID- 25138393
TI  - Goals and grades for medical teachers.

PMID- 25138394
TI  - [Re: The animal welfare act should be expanded to include children].

PMID- 25138395
TI  - [G.E. Berge replies].

PMID- 25138396
TI  - [Re: Wise suggestions about abortion referral].

PMID- 25138397
TI  - [Re: The psychiatrist role in crisis].

PMID- 25138398
TI  - [Re: Renal sympathetic denervation in treatment-resistant hypertension].

PMID- 25138400
TI  - [Dental health when using bisphosphonates against breast cancer].

PMID- 25138401
TI  - [Differences in treatment of stroke].

PMID- 25138402
TI  - [Medication Reconciliation--important measure for better treatment].

PMID- 25138404
TI  - [Citation analysis of research articles from Norwegian health enterprises, 2005
      2011].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The citation frequency of a publication is often interpreted as an
      expression of its scientific impact. Previous citation analyses of Norwegian
      medical research have either focused on universities and university hospitals or
      on subject areas at the national level. Such analyses have paid little attention
      to other health enterprises, despite a strong increase in their research activity
      during the last decade. MATERIAL AND METHOD: For all health enterprises with more
      than 25 publications in the Web of Science during the period 2005-2011 we have
      calculated field normalized citation indexes at the institution and subject
      levels. RESULTS: On the whole, research undertaken by the health enterprises is
      frequently cited, and some medium-sized health enterprises stand out in terms of
      their high average citation indexes: Helse Stavanger Health Enterprise,
      Diakonhjemmet Hospital and Helse Nord-Trondelag Health Enterprise, although Oslo
      University Hospital Health Enterprise and Helse Bergen Health Enterprise account
      for more than half of the most cited articles. INTERPRETATION: In citation
      analyses at the aggregated level, highly and infrequently cited research
      groups/departments may balance each other. This appears to be the case in the
      largest health enterprises. Some medium-sized health enterprises that have a more
      concentrated research portfolio will thus accumulate higher average citation
      indexes than the largest university hospitals.

PMID- 25138405
TI  - [Two migrated intrauterine devices].

PMID- 25138406
TI  - [A man in his forties with swelling in both orbits].
AB  - Erdheim-Chester disease. A multi-disiplinary challenge. The histiocytoses are a
      diverse, but rare group of disorders with symptoms affecting many organs, varying
      from self-limiting, localised lesions to disseminated multi-organ disease. The
      diagnostic challenges are illustrated and discussed in the following case. CASE
      REPORT: A man in his forties was admitted to hospital due to pain in his right
      eye and visual disturbances. MRI imaging detected a mass in his right orbit and a
      minor mass in his left orbit. The histological results of the mass in his right
      orbit revealed an inflammatory process with lymphocytes and macrophages and no
      sign of vasculitis, infection or malignancy. The diagnosis pseudotumor orbita was
      made and treatment with corticosteroids was initiated. He did not respond to
      corticosteroids or radiotherapy and increasing symptoms necessitated
      rehospitalisation. Further tests disclosed a multisystem disease which affected
      the aorta, skeleton, lung, heart and kidney. The biopsy was reconsidered and the
      disease was classified as a histiocytosis with CD68 positive and CD1a negative
      cells. The diagnosis Erdheim-Chester was given, about 14 months after the initial
      hospitalisation. Treatment with interferon alpha was started.

PMID- 25138407
TI  - [Goals and means in medical education].

PMID- 25138408
TI  - [Hidden learning within the medical education--what books do not tell].

PMID- 25138409
TI  - [Professionalism does not come by itself].

PMID- 25138410
TI  - Lack of earthing in Cambodia.

PMID- 25138411
TI  - [Watchdog in medical records].

PMID- 25138423
TI  - Colloid cysts: endoscopic or microsurgical resection?

PMID- 25138424
TI  - Perspectives: has intraoperative near infrared indocyanine green video
      angiography replaced formal angiography in aneurysm surgery?

PMID- 25138426
TI  - Does a test impact on a patient's life many years from now?

PMID- 25138425
TI  - Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in adults with
      Philadelphia-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia: no difference in the high-
      and low-risk groups.
AB  - Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the most effective
      post-consolidation therapy and curative option for adult patients with
      Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-negative) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
      in first complete remission (CR1). A human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical
      related donor (haplo-RD) is one of the most important alternative sources for
      those without HLA-identical sibling donor (ISD). The present study aimed to
      evaluate the outcomes of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (haplo-HSCT) in adult Ph-negative ALL CR1 patients (n = 183). We produced an
      unmanipulated haplo-HSCT protocol including granulocyte colony stimulating factor
      (G-CSF) for all donors, intensive immune suppression, anti-thymocyte globulin,
      and combination of G-CSF-primed bone marrow harvest and G-CSF-mobilized
      peripheral blood stem cells harvest as the source of stem cell grafts. The median
      age for high-risk versus low-risk groups were 29 versus 23 years. Three-year
      incidences of relapse mortality and nonrelapse mortality for high-risk versus low
      risk groups were 7.1% versus 11.1% (p = 0.498) and 18.0% versus 16.2% (p =
      0.717), respectively. Three-year probabilities of disease-free survival and
      overall survival for high-risk versus low-risk groups were 67.6% versus 68.2% (p
      = 0.896) and 74.9% versus 72.7% (p = 0.981), respectively. Multivariate analysis
      showed that limited cGVHD and a lower pre-HSCT comorbidity burden were associated
      with better outcomes. In summary, comparable outcomes were observed among high-
      and low-risk Ph-negative ALL CR1 patients after haplo-HSCT. Haplo-RD could be
      considered for adults with Ph-negative ALL in CR1 as an important alternative
      source of donors in cases when no ISD is available. 

PMID- 25138428
TI  - A hospital-based survey on food allergy in the population of Kolkata, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food allergy is increasing worldwide, and Asian countries are not the
      exception. Still, ample data are lacking in India. We conducted a cross-sectional
      study in a metropolis of Eastern India to record the presence of food allergy
      among the local population. METHODS: The prevalence of food allergy was
      investigated among patients reporting to The Institute of Child Health and
      Mediland Diagnostics in Kolkata, India. A total of 5,161 patients were subdivided
      into 3 age groups and surveyed accordingly. The evaluation was conducted via a
      questionnaire and a skin prick test. RESULTS: Among the 5,161 patients tested,
      4,160 showed a positive response to one or more food items. Banana (32%), brinjal
      (29%), wheat (22%), and egg (23%) were found to be dominant allergens. Sixty
      three percent of patients with a family history of allergy showed either a sudden
      or an insidious mode of onset, whereas the remaining 37% suffered insidious
      allergic symptoms with no record of a family history of allergy. Skin rashes,
      cough, and sneezing were the major symptoms observed. Patients in the age group
      of 15-40 years were the most susceptible. CONCLUSION: It has been observed that
      certain specific foods consumed in specific regions cause allergies that are
      unique to their respective populations. In the present study, the most commonly
      consumed foods in the studied area, e.g. banana, brinjal, wheat, and egg, had
      severe effects on the local population. Complementary studies in other countries
      as well as in other parts of India will allow us to gain further insight into
      this fact. Some other influencing factors were found to be genetics, cultural
      habits, and occupation. Avoidance of the allergy-causing food is the best way to
      deal with food allergy.

PMID- 25138427
TI  - Molecular imaging to predict ventricular arrhythmia in heart failure.
AB  - Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a major cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in
      patients with heart failure (HF). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and
      heart failure class according to the New York Heart association (NYHA) are in
      most common use to identify patients that may benefit from implantable
      cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy. But during 3 years of follow up only
      35% of patients receive appropriate ICD action. Therefore, there is a continued
      need for refinement of selection criteria for ICD implantation. In this regard,
      molecular imaging of the autonomic nervous system, which plays a central role in
      HF progression and cardiac electro-mechanical regulation, can make a substantial
      contribution. This article reviews the currently available literature concerning
      the value of molecular neuronal cardiac imaging for prediction of ventricular
      arrhythmias in HF patients. 

PMID- 25138429
TI  - Poor dietary diversity and low nutrient density of the complementary diet for 6-
      to 24-month-old children in urban and rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
AB  - Infants and toddlers have high nutritional requirements relative to body size but
      consume small amounts of food and therefore need nutrient-dense complementary
      foods. A cross-sectional study included children aged 6-24 months, stratified in
      three age categories (6-11 months, 12-17 months and 18-24 months) and randomly
      selected from an urban (n = 158) and a rural (n = 158) area, both of low socio
      economic status, in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. Dietary diversity
      and nutrient density of the complementary diet (excluding breast milk and formula
      milk) based on a repeated 24-h dietary recall was assessed. For breastfeeding
      children, nutrient density of the complementary diet was adequate for protein,
      vitamin A and vitamin C; and inadequate for 100% of children for zinc, for >80%
      of children for calcium, iron and niacin; and between 60% and 80% of children for
      vitamin B6 and riboflavin. Urban/rural differences in density for animal and
      plant protein, cholesterol and fibre occurred in 18-24-month-old children. Fewer
      than 25% of children consumed >=4 food groups, with no urban/rural differences.
      Higher dietary diversity was associated with higher nutrient density for protein
      and several of the micronutrients including calcium, iron and zinc. The poor
      nutrient density for key micronutrients can probably be ascribed to lack of
      dietary variety, and little impact of mandatory fortification of maize meal/wheat
      flour on infants/toddlers' diet. Targeted strategies are needed to enable mothers
      to feed their children a more varied diet.

PMID- 25138430
TI  - Is the incidence of malignancy increased in patients with sarcoidosis? A
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - A possible causal relationship between sarcoidosis and malignancy has been the
      subject of debates for decades. To better understand this association, we
      conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies that reported
      relative risk, hazard ratio or standardized incidence ratio with 95% confidence
      interval (CI) comparing the incidence of malignancy in patients with sarcoidosis
      versus non-sarcoidosis participants. Pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% CI were
      calculated using a random-effect, generic inverse variance methodology. Five
      studies were identified and included in our data analyses. The pooled RR of
      malignancy in patients with sarcoidosis was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.04-1.40). However,
      when we performed a sensitivity analysis that included only studies that compared
      the incidence of malignancy after the first year of the diagnosis of sarcoidosis
      with the incidence of malignancy after the first year of index date for non
      sarcoidosis controls, the pooled risk ratio decreased and did not reach
      statistical significance (RR 1.13, 95% CI: 0.97-1.32). Furthermore, analysis for
      publication bias has suggested that publication bias in favour of positive
      studies may be present. In conclusion, after accounting for possible detection
      bias and publication bias, there does not appear be a significant association
      between sarcoidosis and malignancy. 

PMID- 25138431
TI  - A review of the indirect protection of younger children and the elderly through a
      mass influenza vaccination program in Japan.
AB  - In the past, Japan's strategy for controlling influenza was to vaccinate
      schoolchildren based on the theory that this could reduce influenza epidemics in
      the community, and a special program to vaccinate schoolchildren against
      influenza was begun in 1962. However, the program was discontinued in 1994
      because of lack of evidence that it had limited the spread of influenza in the
      community. In 2001, it was reported that a clear decrease in excess mortality had
      coincided with the timing of the schoolchild vaccination program. This decrease
      could have potentially occurred because elderly people were protected by herd
      immunity generated by the program. Moreover, the program protected the younger
      siblings of schoolchildren against influenza-associated encephalopathy. Finally,
      the program was effective in reducing the number of class cancellations and
      absenteeism from school. During the period when the program was in effect,
      Japanese schoolchildren served as a barrier against influenza in the community. 

PMID- 25138432
TI  - Variation in plant defences among populations of a range-expanding plant:
      consequences for trophic interactions.
AB  - Although plant-herbivore-enemy interactions have been studied extensively in
      cross-continental plant invasions, little is known about intra-continental range
      expanders, despite their rapid spread globally. Using an ecological and
      metabolomics approach, we compared the insect performance of a generalist and
      specialist herbivore and a parasitoid, as well as plant defence traits, among
      native, exotic invasive and exotic non-invasive populations of the Turkish
      rocket, Bunias orientalis, a range-expanding species across parts of Eurasia. In
      the glasshouse, the generalist herbivore, Mamestra brassicae, and its parasitoid,
      Microplitis mediator, performed better on non-native than on native plant
      populations. Insect performance did not differ between the two non-native
      origins. By contrast, the specialist herbivore, Pieris brassicae, developed
      poorly on all populations. Differences in trichome densities and in the
      metabolome, particularly in the family-specific secondary metabolites (i.e.
      glucosinolates), may explain population-related variation in the performance of
      the generalist herbivore and its parasitoid. Total glucosinolate concentrations
      were significantly induced by herbivory, particularly in native populations.
      Native populations of B. orientalis are generally better defended than non-native
      populations. The role of insect herbivores and dietary specialization as a
      selection force on defence traits in the range-expanding B. orientalis is
      discussed. 

PMID- 25138433
TI  - Overestimation of body size in eating disorders and its association to body
      related avoidance behavior.
AB  - Body-related avoidance behavior, e.g., not looking in the mirror, is a common
      feature of eating disorders. It is assumed that it leads to insufficient feedback
      concerning one's own real body form and might thus contribute to distorted mental
      representation of one's own body. However, this assumption still lacks empirical
      foundation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the
      relationship between misperception of one's own body and body-related avoidance
      behavior in N = 78 female patients with Bulimia nervosa and eating disorder not
      otherwise specified. Body-size misperception was assessed using a digital photo
      distortion technique based on an individual picture of each participant which was
      taken in a standardized suit. In a regression analysis with body-related
      avoidance behavior, body mass index and weight and shape concerns as predictors,
      only body-related avoidance behavior significantly contributed to the explanation
      of body-size overestimation. This result supports the theoretical assumption that
      body-related avoidance behavior makes body-size overestimation more likely.

PMID- 25138434
TI  - Quercetin induces mitochondrial-derived apoptosis via reactive oxygen species
      mediated ERK activation in HL-60 leukemia cells and xenograft.
AB  - Quercetin is a plant-derived bioflavonoid that was recently shown to have
      multiple anticancer activities in various solid tumors. Here, novel molecular
      mechanisms through which quercetin exerts its anticancer effects in acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML) cells were investigated. Results from Western blot and flow
      cytometric assays revealed that quercetin significantly induced caspase-8,
      caspase-9, and caspase-3 activation, poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage,
      and mitochondrial membrane depolarization in HL-60 AML cells. The induction of
      PARP cleavage by quercetin was also observed in other AML cell lines: THP-1, MV4
      11, and U937. Moreover, treatment of HL-60 cells with quercetin induced sustained
      activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and inhibition of ERK
      by an ERK inhibitor significantly abolished quercetin-induced cell apoptosis.
      MitoSOX red and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin fluorescence, respectively, showed that
      mitochondrial superoxide and intracellular peroxide levels were higher in
      quercetin-treated HL-60 cells compared with the control group. Moreover, both N
      acetylcysteine and the superoxide dismutase mimetic, MnTBAP, reversed quercetin
      induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production, ERK activation, and
      subsequent cell death. The in vivo xenograft mice experiments revealed that
      quercetin significantly reduced tumor growth through inducing intratumoral
      oxidative stress while activating the ERK pathway and subsequent cell apoptosis
      in mice with HL-60 tumor xenografts. In conclusions, our results indicated that
      quercetin induced cell death of HL-60 cells in vitro and in vivo through
      induction of intracellular oxidative stress following activation of an ERK
      mediated apoptosis pathway. 

PMID- 25138436
TI  - Gadolinium- or iodine-based contrast media: which choice?

PMID- 25138435
TI  - Role of two types of angiotensin II receptors in colorectal carcinoma
      progression.
AB  - Angiotensin II (Ang-II) is a bioactive peptide associated closely with the
      progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). We examined the expression
      and role of 2 Ang-II receptor types in 20 cases of CRC. Ang-II type 1 receptor
      (AT1R) protein was localized to the plasma membrane, whereas Ang-II type 2
      receptor (AT2R) protein was localized to the nuclei. AT1R expression showed a
      direct correlation with tumor stage and liver metastasis, whereas AT2R expression
      showed an inverse correlation. A knockdown study of the AT1R or AT2R with Ang-II
      treatment was performed to reveal their individual roles in a mouse rectal cell
      line CMT93, which expresses both Ang-II receptor types. AT2R knockdown showed
      that the AT1R was associated with tumor growth, survival, invasion and VEGF-A
      secretion in CMT93 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, AT1R knockdown
      showed that the AT2R was associated with increased VEGF-A secretion at low Ang-II
      concentrations, whereas high concentrations of Ang-II inhibited tumor growth,
      survival, invasion and VEGF-A secretion. Thus, the AT1R showed a monophasic
      protumoral effect, while the AT2R showed a biphasic amphitumoral effect. Our
      findings suggest that a high angiotensinogen condition in the liver might evoke
      the antitumoral role of the AT2R in CRC cells.

PMID- 25138438
TI  - Commercially available mobile phone headache diary apps: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Headache diaries are often used by headache sufferers to self-monitor
      headaches. With advances in mobile technology, mobile electronic diary apps are
      becoming increasingly common. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to identify and
      evaluate all commercially available mobile headache diary apps for the two most
      popular mobile phone platforms, iOS and Android. METHODS: The authors developed a
      priori a set of 7 criteria that define an ideal headache diary app intended to
      help headache sufferers better understand and manage their headaches, while
      providing relevant data to health professionals. The app criteria were intended
      as minimum requirements for an acceptable headache diary app that could be
      prescribed by health care professionals. Each app was evaluated and scored
      against each criterion. RESULTS: Of the 38 apps identified, none of the apps met
      all 7 app criteria. The 3 highest scoring apps, meeting 5 of the app criteria,
      were iHeadache (developed by Better QOL), ecoHeadache (developed by
      ecoTouchMedia), and Headache Diary Pro (developed by Froggyware). Only 18% of the
      apps were created with scientific or clinical headache expertise and none of the
      apps reported on psychometric properties. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the growing market
      and demand, there is a concerning lack of scientific expertise and evidence base
      associated with headache diary apps.

PMID- 25138437
TI  - OsABCG15 encodes a membrane protein that plays an important role in anther
      cuticle and pollen exine formation in rice.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: An ABC transporter gene ( OsABCG15 ) was proven to be involved in
      pollen development in rice. The corresponding protein was localized on the plasma
      membrane using subcellular localization. Wax, cutin, and sporopollenin are
      important for normal development of the anther cuticle and pollen exine,
      respectively. Their lipid soluble precursors, which are produced in the tapetum,
      are then secreted and transferred to the anther and microspore surface for
      polymerization. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the
      transport of these precursors. Here, we identified and characterized a member of
      the G subfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, OsABCG15, which is
      required for the secretion of these lipid-soluble precursors in rice. Using map
      based cloning, we found a spontaneous A-to-C transition in the fourth exon of
      OsABCG15 that caused an amino acid substitution of Thr-to-Pro in the predicted
      ATP-binding domain of the protein sequence. This osabcg15 mutant failed to
      produce any viable pollen and was completely male sterile. Histological analysis
      indicated that osabcg15 exhibited an undeveloped anther cuticle, enlarged middle
      layer, abnormal Ubisch body development, tapetum degeneration with a falling
      apart style, and collapsed pollen grains without detectable exine. OsABCG15 was
      expressed preferentially in the tapetum, and the fused GFP-OsABCG15 protein was
      localized to the plasma membrane. Our results suggested that OsABCG15 played an
      essential role in the formation of the rice anther cuticle and pollen exine. This
      role may include the secretion of the lipid precursors from the tapetum to
      facilitate the transfer of precursors to the surface of the anther epidermis as
      well as to microspores.

PMID- 25138439
TI  - Tethering metal ions to photocatalyst particulate surfaces by bifunctional
      molecular linkers for efficient hydrogen evolution.
AB  - A simple and versatile method for the preparation of photocatalyst particulates
      modified with effective cocatalysts is presented; the method involves the
      sequential soaking of photocatalyst particulates in solutions containing
      bifunctional organic linkers and metal ions. The modification of the particulate
      surfaces is a universal and reproducible method because the molecular linkers
      utilize strong covalent bonds, which in turn result in modified monolayer with a
      small but controlled quantity of metals. The photocatalysis results indicated
      that the CdS with likely photochemically reduced Pd and Ni, which were initially
      immobilized via ethanedithiol (EDT) as a linker, were highly efficient for
      photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from Na2S-Na2SO3-containing aqueous solutions.
      The method developed in this study opens a new synthesis route for the
      preparation of effective photocatalysts with various combinations of bifunctional
      linkers, metals, and photocatalyst particulate materials.

PMID- 25138440
TI  - Pathologic changes associated with suspected hypovitaminosis A in amphibians
      under managed care.
AB  - Vitamin A deficiency is a recently recognized nutritional disease in amphibians
      fed insect-based diets. The classic pathologic lesion that has been associated
      with hypovitaminosis A in amphibians is squamous metaplasia of the lingual and
      oral mucosa. In an attempt to further characterize the range of lesions that may
      be associated with vitamin A deficiency, we reviewed archived amphibian necropsy
      reports from three facilities. As previously reported, the tongue was the most
      commonly affected site in animals presenting with squamous metaplasia. However,
      metaplastic changes were also observed in a variety of locations that included
      the oral cavity, nasal cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, cloaca, skin, urinary
      bladder, ureter, and reproductive tract. In addition, species and age-specific
      differences were noted in the development of squamous metaplasia. This review
      highlights the need to establish standardized guidelines for optimal postmortem
      tissue sampling of amphibians in order to maximize the accurate diagnosis of
      pathologic lesions that may be associated with hypovitaminosis A. Zoo Biol.
      33:508-515, 2014. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc. 

PMID- 25138442
TI  - Multifunctional Ag-decorated porous TiO2 nanofibers in dye-sensitized solar
      cells: efficient light harvesting, light scattering, and electrolyte contact.
AB  - Designing the photoanode structure in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is vital
      to realizing enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, novel
      multifunctional silver-decorated porous titanium dioxide nanofibers (Ag/pTiO2
      NFs) made by simple electrospinning, etching, and chemical reduction processes
      are introduced. The Ag/pTiO2 NFs with a high surface area of 163 m(2)  g(-1)
      provided sufficient dye adsorption for light harvesting. Moreover, the
      approximately 200 nm diameter and rough surface of the Ag/pTiO2 NFs offered
      enough light scattering, and the enlarged interpores among the NFs in the
      photoanode also permitted electrolyte circulation. Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were
      well dispersed on the surface of the TiO2 NFs, which prevented aggregation of the
      Ag NPs after calcination. Furthermore, a localized surface plasmon resonance
      effect by the Ag NPs served to increase the light absorption at visible
      wavelengths. The surface area and amount of Ag NPs was optimized. The PCE of
      pTiO2 NF-based DSSCs was 27 % higher (from 6.2 to 7.9 %) than for pure TiO2 NFs,
      whereas the PCE of Ag/pTiO2 NF-based DSSCs increased by about 12 % (from 7.9 to
      8.8 %). Thus, the PCE of the multifunctional pTiO2 NFs was improved by 42 %, that
      is, from 6.2 to 8.8 %. 

PMID- 25138441
TI  - Exogenous salicylic acid activates two signaling arms of the unfolded protein
      response in Arabidopsis.
AB  - The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a highly conserved cellular response that
      prevents abnormal maturation of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The
      expression of genes encoding ER chaperones is induced during the UPR. In the
      Arabidopsis UPR, two membrane-bound transcription factors, bZIP60 and bZIP28,
      activate the expression of those genes. bZIP60 is regulated by unconventional
      cytoplasmic splicing catalyzed by inositol requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), which is
      located in the ER membrane. bZIP28 is regulated by intramembrane proteolysis.
      Pathogen infection and salicylic acid (SA) have been reported to induce the
      expression of some UPR genes. Here, we show that UPR genes including BiP3, a
      marker gene of the Arabidopsis UPR, are induced by exogenous SA treatment and
      activation of bZIP60 in an IRE1-dependent manner. The induction of gene
      expression and activation of bZIP60 were independent of NPR1 and HsfB1 under
      these experimental conditions. We generated antibodies to detect the proteolytic
      products of bZIP28 after SA treatment. An assay using these antibodies showed
      that SA activated bZIP28, as well as activating bZIP60 through IRE1. Together,
      these results show that exogenous SA treatment activates two signaling arms of
      the Arabidopsis UPR. We propose a possible mechanism of activation of the UPR
      machinery by SA. 

PMID- 25138443
TI  - Comment on the paper by Kamel et al. Entitled 'Primary cytomegalovirus infection
      in pregnant Egyptian women confirmed by cytomegalovirus IgG avidity testing'.

PMID- 25138445
TI  - An iron(II) complex featuring kappa(3) and labile kappa(2)-bound PNP pincer
      ligands - striking differences between CH2 and NH spacers.
AB  - Treatment of anhydrous FeCl2 with 2 equiv. of the pincer ligand PNP-Ph afforded
      the diamagnetic cationic octahedral complex [Fe(kappa(3)-P,N,P-PNP)(kappa(2)-P,N
      PNP)Cl](+) featuring a kappa(2)-P,N-bound PNP ligand. Preliminary reactivity
      studies revealed that the kappa(2)-P,N-bound PNP ligand is labile reacting with
      CO to afford trans-[Fe(PNP-Ph)(CO)2Cl](+). 

PMID- 25138444
TI  - Development and evaluation of a new survey instrument to measure the quality of
      colorectal cancer screening decisions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Guidelines for colorectal cancer screening recommend that patients be
      informed about options and be able to select preferred method of screening;
      however, there are no existing measures available to assess whether this happens.
      METHODS: Colorectal Cancer Screening Decision Quality Instrument (CRC-DQI)
      includes knowledge items and patients' goals and concerns. Items were generated
      through literature review and qualitative work with patients and providers.
      Hypotheses relating to the acceptability, feasibility, discriminant validity and
      retest reliability of the survey were examined using data from three studies: (1)
      2X2 randomized study of participants recruited online, (2) cross-sectional sample
      of patients recruited in community health clinics, and (3) cross-sectional sample
      of providers recruited from American Medical Association Master file. RESULTS:
      338 participants were recruited online, 94 participants were recruited from
      community health centers, and 115 physicians were recruited. The CRC-DQI was
      feasible and acceptable with low missing data and high response rates for both
      online and paper-based administrations. The knowledge score was able to
      discriminate between those who had seen a decision aid or not (84% vs. 64%, p <
      0.001) and between providers, online patients and clinic patients (89% vs. 74%
      vs. 41%, p < 0.001 for all comparisons). The knowledge score and most of the
      goals had adequate retest reliability. About half of the participants received a
      test that matched their goals (47% and 51% in online and clinic samples
      respectively). Many respondents who had never been screened had goals that
      indicated a preference for colonoscopy. A minority of respondents in the online
      (21%) and in clinic (2%) samples were both well informed and received a test that
      matched their goals. CONCLUSIONS: The CRC-DQI demonstrated good psychometric
      properties in diverse samples, and across different modes of administration. Few
      respondents made high quality decisions about colon cancer screening.

PMID- 25138463
TI  - Overproduction of geranylgeraniol in Coprinopsis cinerea by the expression of
      geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase gene.
AB  - (E, E, E)-Geranylgeraniol (GGOH) is a valuable ingredient of many perfumes and a
      valuable precursor for synthesizing pharmaceuticals. In an attempt to increase
      the GGOH concentration in Coprinopsis cinerea, we demonstrated that the
      expression of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (ggpps) gene isolated from
      Taxus x media could promote GGOH production. Furthermore, the concentrations of
      squalene and ergosterol were measured in the engineered strains. Expectedly,
      significant decreases of squalene and ergosterol levels were observed in those
      strains transformed with ggpps gene. This could be explained by the partial
      redirection of metabolic flux from squalene to GGOH, whose biosynthesis competes
      for the same precursor with squalene. This work suggested that the expression of
      ggpps in higher fungi was an effective method for bio-production of GGOH. 

PMID- 25138464
TI  - Pathology of gastric lesions in donkeys: A preliminary study.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) are important
      working animals, particularly in countries where the majority of the population
      lives below the poverty line. Gastric ulceration has been shown to be common in
      British donkeys but donkeys from other parts of the world have not been as
      extensively researched. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed as a preliminary
      overview of the severity and distribution of gastric lesions in mature donkeys
      and to document which parasites were present. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study of
      pathological findings. METHODS: Stomachs of 35 mature draught donkeys were
      examined grossly and histopathology samples taken from 5 regions of the gastric
      mucosa. RESULTS: Gross examination revealed hyperaemia, oedema, erosions and
      ulcers in addition to parasitic lesions. Histopathological examination revealed
      hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, vacuolar degeneration of stratified squamous cells,
      gastritis, erosions, ulcerations, scarring, hyperactivity of mucus glands,
      periglandular fibroplasia and parasitic granulomes with infestation by
      Gasterophilus spp. larvae, Habronema spp. and Draschia megastoma. CONCLUSIONS: In
      donkeys, ulceration of the nonglandular regions of the stomach is more prominent
      than the glandular regions and parasitic infestations were frequent.

PMID- 25138465
TI  - Sonographic appearance of thyroid glands in patients treated with intensity
      modulated radiotherapy or conventional radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the sonographic appearances of the
      thyroid glands in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients whose cervical lymph
      nodes were treated with conventional radiotherapy (RT) or intensity-modulated
      radiotherapy (IMRT). The post-RT sonographic appearances of the thyroid glands in
      NPC patients were also correlated with the thyroid function. METHODS: One hundred
      and three NPC patients who had completed RT of cervical lymph nodes using the
      anterior cervical field, 30 NPC patients who had completed RT of cervical lymph
      nodes using IMRT, and 61 healthy subjects were included in the study. Thyroid
      glands were sonographically assessed for their size, echogenicity, vascularity,
      and internal architecture. Thyroid function tests were also performed on each
      subject. RESULTS: In comparison with the patients with abnormal thyroid function,
      the thyroid glands of the patients with normal thyroid function tended to be
      homogeneous and to have greater volume and echogenicity index (p < 0.05).
      Compared with those of the healthy subjects, the thyroid glands of patients
      previously treated with IMRT and those treated with the anterior cervical field
      showed significantly lower thyroid volume, lower incidence and number of nodules,
      and higher vascularity index (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The patient's history of
      previous RT should be taken into consideration in the sonographic examination of
      the thyroid gland post-RT. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound
      43:210-223, 2015.

PMID- 25138466
TI  - Protonation induced shifting of electron-accepting centers in intramolecular
      charge transfer chromophores: a theoretical study.
AB  - A new series of chameleonic molecules containing azulene and benzothiadiazole
      (BT) were designed and synthesized. In the neutral state, BT functions as an
      electron accepting center, while upon protonation, the electron accepting center
      shifts to azulene moieties, leading to a remarkable extension of absorption to
      the NIR region, i.e. up to 2.5 MUm. The interchange between donor and acceptor
      characters upon protonation was confirmed by UV-vis-NIR spectral studies and
      supported by DFT calculations. Furthermore, the HOMO-LUMO level of ICT
      chromophores could be finely tailored by a different arrangement of azulenes and
      BTs in the molecules. The interchange between donor and acceptor characters upon
      protonation provides an alternative yet effective approach to fine tune optical
      and electronic properties of NIR chromophores.

PMID- 25138468
TI  - Converting molecular monolayers into functional membranes.
AB  - Carbon nanomembranes are constructed from monolayers of molecular amphiphiles
      assembled on a water surface. The floating molecular film is cross-linked to form
      a mechanically stable nanomembrane. By varying the type of molecules, the surface
      area, and the exposure condition, the membrane's stiffness, thickness, and
      permeability can be tailored. 

PMID- 25138469
TI  - Systematic review of literature of cemented femoral components: what is the
      durability at minimum 20 years followup?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cemented femoral total hip arthroplasty may be one of the most
      successful surgical interventions of all time. However, although results are very
      encouraging over the early to mid-term followup, relatively few studies have
      analyzed the durability of these implants beyond 20 years followup. To evaluate
      the performance of contemporary implants, it is important to understand how
      previous implants perform at 20 or more years of followup; one way to do this is
      to aggregate the available data in the form of a systematic review.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) How durable is cemented femoral fixation in the long term
      (minimum 20-year followup) with respect to aseptic loosening? (2) Is the
      durability of cemented femoral fixation dependent on age of the patient? (3) Are
      the long-term results of the cemented femoral fixation dependent on any
      identifiable characteristics of the prosthesis such as surface finish? METHODS: A
      systematic review was performed to identify long-term studies of cemented femoral
      components. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria to 1228
      articles found with a search in PubMed and EMBASE, 17 studies with a minimum of
      20-year followup on cemented femoral components were thoroughly analyzed in an
      attempt to answer the questions of this review. The quality of the studies
      reviewed was assessed with the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies
      (MINORS) instrument. All studies were case series and cohort sizes ranged from
      110 to 2000 hips for patients older than 50 years of age and 41 to 93 hips for
      patients younger than 50 years at the time of surgery. RESULTS: Among the six
      case series performed in patients older than 50 years of age, survivorship for
      aseptic loosening of the femoral component ranged from 86% to 98% at 20 years
      followup. There were no obvious differences for younger patients when analyzing
      the five studies in patients younger than age 50 years in which survivorship free
      from aseptic loosening for these studies ranged from 77% at 20 years in one study
      and 68% to 94% at 25 years in the other studies. Although data pooling could not
      be performed because of heterogeneity of the studies included here, it appeared
      that stems with a rougher surface finish did not perform as well as polished
      stems; survivorship of stems with rougher surface finishes varied between 86% and
      87%, whereas those with smoother finishes ranged between 93.5% and 98% at 20
      years. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent long-term fixation in both older and younger
      patients can be obtained with cemented, polished femoral stems. These results
      provide material for comparison with procedures performed with newer cementing
      techniques and newer designs, both cemented and cementless, at this extended
      duration of followup.

PMID- 25138470
TI  - CORR Insights(r): What sports activity levels are achieved in patients with
      modular tumor endoprostheses of osteosarcoma about the knee?

PMID- 25138471
TI  - Are Harris hip scores and gait mechanics related before and after THA?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Discordance between subjective and objective functional measures
      hinders the development of new ways to improve THA outcomes. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES:
      We asked if (1) any kinematic or kinetic gait variables are correlated with
      preoperative Harris hip scores (HHS), (2) any kinematic or kinetic gait variables
      are correlated with postoperative HHS, and (3) pre- to postoperative changes in
      any kinematic or kinetic gait variables are associated with the change in HHS?
      METHODS: For this retrospective study, an institutional review board-approved
      data repository that included all individuals who participated in motion analysis
      research studies was used to identify subjects evaluated before (n=161) and at
      least 6 months after primary unilateral THA (n=156). Selected kinematic (sagittal
      plane dynamic hip ROM and kinetic (peak external moments about the hip in the
      sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes) gait variables were collected at
      subjects' self-selected normal walking speeds. We used first-order partial
      correlations to identify relationships between HHS and gait variables,
      controlling for the influence of speed. RESULTS: Preoperative HHS correlated with
      hip ROM (R|speed=0.260; p<0.001) and the peak extension moment (R|speed=0.164;
      p=0.038), postoperative HHS correlated with the peak internal rotation moment
      (R|speed=0.178; p=0.034), and change in HHS correlated with change in hip ROM
      (R|speed=0.288; p=0.001) and peak external rotation moment (R|speed=0.291;
      p=0.002). Similar associations were seen when the HHS pain and function were
      analyzed separately. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified relationships between a
      common clinical outcome measure and specific, modifiable gait adaptations that
      can persist after THA-ROM and transverse plane gait moments. Addressing these
      aspects of gait dysfunction through focused rehabilitation could be a new
      strategy for improving clinical outcomes. Prospective studies are needed to
      evaluate this concept. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study. See the
      Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 25138472
TI  - What is the effect of advanced age and comorbidity on postoperative morbidity and
      mortality after musculoskeletal tumor surgery?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the elderly population is increasing rapidly, little
      information is available regarding how the risk of postoperative mortality and
      morbidity increases when combined with age and comorbidity burden in patients
      undergoing musculoskeletal tumor surgery. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We evaluated the
      effect of age and comorbidity burden on the (1) postoperative complication rate
      and (2) in-hospital mortality rate after musculoskeletal tumor surgery. METHODS:
      We identified 5716 patients undergoing musculoskeletal tumor surgery during 2007
      to 2012 using a Japanese national inpatient database. Logistic regression
      analyses were performed to examine the relationships of various factors with the
      rates of mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: The postoperative complication rate
      (6.7%) was associated with male sex (p = 0.033), age 80 years or older (p =
      0.001), tumor located in the lower extremity (p = 0.001) or trunk (p = 0.019),
      Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4 or greater (p < 0.001), blood transfusion (p <
      0.001), and duration of anesthesia of 240 minutes or longer (p < 0.001). The in
      hospital mortality (0.8%) was related to the Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4 or
      greater (p < 0.001), blood transfusion (p < 0.001), and high hospital volume (p =
      0.016). The morbidity (21.6%; OR, 3.29; p < 0.001) and mortality (4.1%; OR, 5.95;
      p < 0.001) in patients 80 years or older with a Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4
      or greater was increased three and six times, respectively, compared with
      patients 64 years or younger with no comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: We found that age
      and comorbidity burden together greatly increased the risk of morbidity and
      mortality. Our study showed quantitative evidence that will assist physicians in
      assessing perioperative risk accurately and provide a more informative
      explanation to elderly patients undergoing musculoskeletal tumor surgery. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prognostic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a
      complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 25138473
TI  - Do patients with insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent diabetes have
      different risks for complications after arthroplasty?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes are known to be at greater risk for
      complications after arthroplasty than are patients without diabetes. However, we
      do not know whether there are important differences in the risk of perioperative
      complications between patients with diabetes who are insulin-dependent (Type 1 or
      2) and those who are not insulin-dependent. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of
      our study was to compare (1) medical complications (including death), (2)
      surgical complications, and (3) readmissions within 30 days between patients with
      insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent diabetes, and with patients who do not
      have diabetes. METHODS: A total of 43,299 patients undergoing THA or TKA between
      2005 and 2011 were selected from the American College of Surgeon's National
      Surgical Quality Improvement Program's (ACS-NSQIP(r)) database. Generalized
      linear models were used to assess the relationship between diabetes status and
      outcomes (no diabetes [n=36,574], insulin dependent [n=1552], and noninsulin
      dependent [n=5173]). Multivariate models were established adjusting for
      confounders including age, sex, race, BMI, smoking, steroid use, hypertension,
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and anesthesia type. Post hoc comparisons
      between patient groups were made using a Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Patients
      who were insulin dependent had increased odds of experiencing a medical
      complication (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0; p<0.001), as did patients who were
      noninsulin dependent (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4; p<0.001). An increased likelihood
      of 30-day mortality was found only for patients who were insulin dependent (OR,
      3.74; 95% CI, 1.6-8.5; p=0.007). However, neither diabetic state was associated
      with surgical complications. Finally, readmission was found to be independently
      associated with insulin-dependent diabetes (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1; p=0.023).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes are most likely to have a
      medical complication or be readmitted within 30 days after total joint
      replacement. However, patients who are insulin dependent or noninsulin dependent
      are no more likely than patients without diabetes to have a surgical
      complication. Physicians and hospitals should keep these issues in mind when
      counseling patients and generating risk-adjusted outcome reports. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a
      complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 25138474
TI  - Buccal grafts for urethroplasty in pre-pubertal boys: what happens to the
      neourethra after puberty?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Buccal mucosa grafts (BMG) are often used in complex urethral
      reconstruction. Following pubertal endogenous androgen stimulation (EAS) in
      prepubertal boys, there are concerns that the neourethra may not grow
      proportionally to the phallus. To address the paucity of literature on the topic,
      this article reports on data for post-pubertal follow up after pre-pubertal BMG
      urethroplasties (BMGU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of boys
      who underwent staged BMGU before the age of 12 years at a single referral center
      between 2000 and 2010 and who were followed up until after puberty. Demographic
      information, initial meatal location, quality of graft before tubularization,
      flow rate parameters (FRP) and complications were captured. RESULTS: Of the 137
      patients who underwent staged BMGU during the study period, 10 satisfied the
      inclusion criteria. Mean patient age at first stage BMGU was eight years (range
      five to eleven years). The mean follow-up was 40.6 months (9-66 months). The
      grafts were harvested from the cheek and lower lip in seven and three cases,
      respectively. The mean interval between the first and second stage was 15.8
      months (6-87 months). Complications included one urethro-cutaneous fistula and
      two cases of glanular dehiscence. The final position of the meatus was glanular
      in nine boys and coronal in one. Importantly, no recurrent ventral curvature (VC)
      was found during the second stage BMGU or reported after puberty. All patients
      demonstrated normal maximum flow after puberty (mean 25.7 ml/s). CONCLUSION:
      Buccal mucosa grafts appear to grow proportionally to the phallus after pubertal
      EAS. No recurrent VC or inadequate FRP were observed in this series. Despite the
      small number of subjects, the results are reassuring and support continued use of
      BMG in the pediatric pre-pubertal population.

PMID- 25138475
TI  - Primary versus secondary ureteroscopy for pediatric ureteral stones.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of primary versus secondary ureteroscopy for
      pediatric ureteral stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review
      study that included 66 children aged less than 12 years, who were subdivided into
      two groups: Group A, which included 42 children who had undergone primary
      ureteroscopy without pre-stenting; and Group B, which included 24 children who
      had undergone ureteroscopy after ureteric stenting. Kidneys, ureters and bladder
      radiographs were done on the first postoperative day to assess the degree of
      stone clearance and stent position. RESULTS: Age, gender, stone location and
      stone size were not significantly different between both groups. In Group A, 31
      (73.8%) children required ureteric dilation, 13 (31%) had a tight ureter that
      failed to respond to dilation, 25 (59.5%) displayed complete stone clearance, and
      of these, 13 (52%) needed postoperative stenting. One child experienced ureteric
      injury during stone disintegration and was stented for two weeks. Children in
      Group B experienced a 95.8% complete stone clearance rate, with no ureteric
      injury reported; postoperative stenting was performed in three (12.5%) children..
      CONCLUSION: Secondary ureteroscopy is preferable over primary ureteroscopy in
      pediatric populations because of a significantly lower need for ureteric
      dilation, shorter procedure time and better stone clearance rate..

PMID- 25138476
TI  - Screening of mutations in NOL3 in a myoclonic syndromes series.

PMID- 25138477
TI  - Clinical characteristics and outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage in young adults.
AB  - Data on determinants of prognosis after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in young
      adults are scarce. Our aim was to identify clinical determinants of prognosis
      after ICH in adults aged 18-50. We investigated 98 consecutive patients with an
      ICH, aged 18-50 years, admitted to our hospital between 1980 and 2010. Collected
      ICH characteristics included presenting symptoms, etiology, location, severity
      and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Outcomes were case-fatality (death within 30 days),
      poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale >2), long-term mortality and
      recurrent ICH. We assessed discriminatory power of factors associated with case
      fatality [area under receiver operating curve (AUC)]. Case-fatality was 20.4 % (n
      = 20) and well predicted by the GCS (AUC 0.83). Among 30-day survivors, a poor
      functional outcome at discharge was present in 51.3 %. During a mean follow-up of
      11.3 years mortality was only increased in patients aged 40-50 years
      [standardized mortality ratio 4.8 (95 % CI 2.3-8.6)], but not in patients aged 18
      40 years. Recurrent ICH occurred in 6 patients [10-year cumulative incidence 12.2
      % (95 % CI 1.5-22.9 %)], all with the index ICH attributable to structural
      vascular malformations. Prognosis after ICH in young adults is poor, mainly due
      to high case-fatality, that is well predicted by the GCS. An exception is 30-day
      survivors <40 years, who have a similar risk of dying as the general population.
      Recurrence risk is especially present in patients with structural vascular
      malformations, whereas risk seems to be very low in other patients.

PMID- 25138478
TI  - Non-convulsive status epilepticus after ischemic stroke: a hospital-based stroke
      cohort study.
AB  - To evaluate in the setting of a stroke unit ward the usefulness of a prolonged
      (>6 h) video-EEG recording (PVEEG) in identifying non-convulsive status
      epilepticus (NCSE) in patients with an acute ischemic stroke. Predictors of NCSE
      were also evaluated. Patients with an acute ischemic stroke, referred to our
      unit, were included in this prospective observational study. A PVEEG recording
      was implemented after stroke in all patients during the first week: (a) promptly
      in those exhibiting a clear or suspected epileptic manifestation; (b) at any time
      during the routine activity in the remaining patients. After the first week, a
      standard EEG/PVEEG recording was hooked up only in presence of an evident or
      suspected epileptic manifestation or as control of a previous epileptic episode.
      NCSE was identified in 32 of the 889 patients (3.6 %) included in the study. It
      occurred early (within the first week) in 20/32 (62.5 %) patients and late in the
      remaining 12. Diagnosis was made on the basis of a specific clinical suspect (n =
      19, 59.4 %) or without any suspect (n = 13, 40.6 %). In a multivariate analysis,
      a significant association of NCSE was observed with NIHSS score, infarct size and
      large atherothrombotic etiology. NCSE is not a rare event after an acute ischemic
      stroke and a delayed diagnosis could worsen patient prognosis. Since NCSE can be
      difficult to be diagnosed only on clinical grounds, implementation of a prompt
      PVEEG should be kept available in a stroke unit whenever a patient develop signs,
      although subtle, consistent with NCSE.

PMID- 25138479
TI  - Fetal bronchoscopy as a useful procedure in a case with prenatal diagnosis of
      congenital microcystic adenomatoid malformation.
AB  - Massive microcystic congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) and
      bronchial atresia are associated with a high perinatal mortality secondary to
      lung hypoplasia and cardiac dysfunction, and fetal intervention should be
      considered to improve prognosis. Therapeutic options include open fetal surgery
      with pulmonary resection, fetal sclerotherapy and fetoscopy. We present a case
      with a severely enlarged left lung without ultrasound signs of dilated airways
      compatible with the diagnosis of microcystic CCAM, hydrops and severe
      contralateral lung hypoplasia that was treated successfully at 30 weeks of
      gestation by fetal bronchoscopy, through which bronchial atresia was identified
      at the end of the left mainstem bronchi and permeabilized by laser ablation.
      After fetal surgery, weekly follow-up showed a progressive decrease in the
      affected lung size and an increase in the contralateral hypoplastic lung size,
      demonstrating normal dimensions of both lungs at 34 weeks of gestation, reversal
      of the mediastinal shift, and complete disappearance of hydrops. A healthy
      neonate was delivered uneventfully at term with no need for respiratory support,
      and the boy is now doing well at 15 months of age. This report demonstrates that
      in cases with prenatal diagnosis of large microcystic CCAM, fetal bronchoscopy
      can be used to refine the diagnosis of bronchial atresia and as a therapeutic
      tool with good outcome.

PMID- 25138480
TI  - Mobile teledermatology is a valid method to estimate prevalence of melanocytic
      naevi in children.
AB  - The prevalence of melanocytic naevi in children correlates with sun exposure and
      may serve as an objective population risk indicator of future melanoma incidence.
      The aim was to investigate if mobile teledermatology could offer a valid
      methodology compared with standard manual, face-to-face counting of naevi on the
      back of children. Ninety-seven children aged 7-16 years were enrolled. One
      dermatologist performed manual naevi counting and imaging of the child's back
      using an iPhone 4S comprising a safe-coded mobile application. Two other
      dermatologists independently counted naevi from the images. Cohen's weighted
      kappa (kappaw) coefficient demonstrated substantial agreement for both
      dermatologists: kappaw = 0.69 (0.57-0.81 [95% confidence intervals]) and kappaw =
      0.78 (0.70-0.86), compared with the manual assessment. Inter-rater reliability
      was also substantial (kappaw = 0.80 [0.73-0.87]). Use of mobile teledermatology
      proved valid for estimating naevi prevalence on the back and could provide a more
      feasible methodology following trends in sun exposure in children. 

PMID- 25138481
TI  - ICEBERG: Intimal Carotid Evaluation Before Echocardiography Reveals Global
      Vascular Risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that carotid ultrasonography provides
      important prognostic information about cardiovascular risk assessment. Our
      objective was to determine whether abbreviated rapid carotid ultrasonographic
      screening would reveal important global vascular risk information in statin-naive
      patients referred for routine transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). METHODS:
      Abbreviated carotid ultrasonographic imaging was performed in 560 consecutive
      patients undergoing TTE. The common carotid artery (CCA), the carotid bulb, and
      the internal carotid artery (ICA) were scanned. Maximal CCA intima-media
      thickness (IMT) was measured in the far wall. Carotid plaque was defined using
      the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study criteria. RESULTS: Of the
      2283 patients who underwent TTE during a 1-year period, a total of 560 patients
      met inclusion criteria. There were 241 men, with a mean age of 63.2 +/- 12.8
      years and a mean CCA IMT of 1.11 +/- 0.48 mm; 61% (147) had carotid plaque. The
      319 women had a mean age of 66.3 +/- 10.8 years and a mean CCA IMT of 1.03 +/-
      0.36 mm; 62.4% (199) had carotid plaque. All patients with plaque were considered
      to be at high risk. CONCLUSIONS: Of the 560 consecutive statin-naive patients
      referred for TTE with no history of vascular disease, a large proportion of both
      men (61%) and women (62.4%) had carotid plaque, indicating a high risk for
      vascular events according to the Canadian lipid guidelines. Although such
      patients are seen in the echocardiography laboratory, the addition of an
      abbreviated carotid ultrasonographic screening provides important information
      regarding risk stratification and the implementation of preventive therapy.

PMID- 25138482
TI  - Is plant-based cardioprotection evidence-based?

PMID- 25138483
TI  - Stem cell therapy for the treatment of nonischemic cardiomyopathy: a systematic
      review of the literature and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stem cell (SC) therapy improves left ventricular function and
      dimensions in ischemic heart disease. Few small-scale trials have studied the
      effects of SC therapy on nonischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP), the leading cause of
      heart transplantation in the adults. The objectives were to gain a better insight
      into the effects of SC therapy for nonischemic CMP by conducting a systematic
      review of the literature and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
      METHODS: Medline, EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,
      Embase, and the ClinicalTrials.gov databases were screened for randomized
      controlled trials involving SC for treatment of nonischemic CMP. Weighted mean
      differences of improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left
      ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were calculated using a random effect
      analysis model. RESULTS: Four trials were included in this meta-analysis (244
      patients). The weighted mean LVEF improvement was 4.87% (95% confidence interval,
      1.32-8.43%) in the treatment group compared with the control group (P = 0.01).
      The weighted mean decrease of LVEDD in the treatment group was of -2.19 mm (95%
      confidence interval, -5.69 to 1.30) compared with the control group (P = 0.22).
      On subgroup analysis, results were similar in studies involving peripheral CD34
      positive or bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (P = 0.33 for subgroup
      differences). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first meta-analysis to show that for the
      treatment of nonischemic CMP, SC therapy might improve LVEF, but not LVEDD.
      Further trials should aim to circumscribe the optimal SC regimen in this setting,
      and to assess long-term clinical outcomes as primary end points.

PMID- 25138484
TI  - Purulent pericarditis after transbronchial biopsy.
AB  - A 28-year-old woman experienced hypotension and unresponsiveness. She had
      undergone bronchoscopy with needle biopsy 2 weeks before admission to evaluate
      hilar lymphadenopathy given suspicion of sarcoidosis. She had an elevated white
      blood cell count of 28,000/MUL and a serum creatinine level of 4.0 mg/dL.
      Echocardiography showed a large pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis resulted
      in removal of 400 mL of yellow-green purulent material that grew Streptococcus
      milleri, Prevotella, Veillonella, and Peptostreptococcus species. Pericardiectomy
      and mediastinal washout were performed. Subsequently, her condition rapidly
      improved. She returned home after 26 days of admission. At 12-month follow-up,
      the patient had made a full recovery. 

PMID- 25138485
TI  - Revascularization strategies for coronary disease: art or science?

PMID- 25138486
TI  - Death and digoxin: stop me if you've heard this one before.

PMID- 25138487
TI  - Improving efficiency of initial tests for efficacy in smoking cessation drug
      discovery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One obstacle to rapid development of new smoking cessation
      medications is the inefficient early clinical evaluation of the efficacy of novel
      drugs, which inform us as to whether or not to proceed with the greater expense
      and time of more formal clinical trials. The vast majority of novel drugs fail to
      show efficacy for cessation only after substantial resources have been spent and,
      thus, are largely wasted. AREAS COVERED: The author reviews the general
      limitations in the current typical procedures for initial tests of cessation
      efficacy in novel drugs. Small, randomized clinical trials often have good
      validity but may have practical limitations in achieving adequate statistical
      power to test novel versus placebo treatment conditions. Lab tests of acute drug
      effects on abstinence symptoms, during brief enforced cessation periods, are
      practical but have limited clinical predictive validity. EXPERT OPINION: Initial
      efficacy testing may be more efficient if done using innovative crossover designs
      that evaluate brief 'practice' quit periods for both active and placebo
      treatments within the same smokers, recruiting those high in quit motivation.
      Because this approach would require far fewer subjects and a shorter duration of
      testing, results could be obtained more rapidly and inexpensively to indicate
      that a novel drug may, or may not, be sufficiently efficacious as to warrant the
      greater costs and time of formal randomized clinical trials.

PMID- 25138488
TI  - Clinical heterogeneity of the C9orf72 genetic mutation in frontotemporal
      dementia.
AB  - The C9orf72 genetic mutation represents the most common cause of familial
      frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Studies
      over the last 2 years have revealed a number of key features of this mutation in
      the fields of clinical neurology, imaging, pathology, and genetics. Despite these
      efforts, the clinical phenotype appears to extend beyond FTD and ALS into the
      realm of psychiatric disease, and while highly variable survival rates have been
      reported, the clinical course of carriers remains relatively unexplored. This
      report describes two contrasting C9orf72 cases, one with a protracted indolent
      course dominated by neuropsychiatric features and the other with a rapidly
      progressive dementia. In both cases, initial structural brain imaging was
      relatively normal. 

PMID- 25138489
TI  - A critical domain of Sweet potato chlorotic fleck virus nucleotide-binding
      protein (NaBp) for RNA silencing suppression, nuclear localization and viral
      pathogenesis.
AB  - RNA silencing is an important mechanism of antiviral defence in plants. To
      counteract this resistance mechanism, many viruses have evolved RNA silencing
      suppressors. In this study, we analysed five proteins encoded by Sweet potato
      chlorotic fleck virus (SPCFV) for their abilities to suppress RNA silencing using
      a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based transient expression assay in Nicotiana
      benthamiana line 16c plants. Our results showed that a putative nucleotide
      binding protein (NaBp), but not other proteins encoded by the virus, could
      efficiently suppress local and systemic RNA silencing induced by either sense or
      double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules. Deletion mutation analysis of NaBp
      demonstrated that the basic motif (an arginine-rich region) was critical for its
      RNA silencing suppression activity. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy
      imaging of transfected protoplasts expressing NaBp fused to GFP, we showed that
      NaBp accumulated predominantly in the nucleus. Mutational analysis of NaBp
      demonstrated that the basic motif represented part of the nuclear localization
      signal. In addition, we demonstrated that the basic motif in NaBp was a
      pathogenicity determinant in the Potato virus X (PVX) heterogeneous system.
      Overall, our results demonstrate that the basic motif of SPCFV NaBp plays a
      critical role in RNA silencing suppression, nuclear localization and viral
      pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25138490
TI  - Structural classification and general principles for the design of spherical
      molecular hosts.
AB  - Cryptands, carcerands, polyoxometalates, and molecular capsules are cagelike
      hosts that complex guests through encapsulation. Following the discovery of a
      nanometer scale supramolecular shell-like spheroid, these and other shell-like
      hosts were structurally classified. Their frameworks may be catalogued according
      to principles of solid geometry. This has led to the identification of hosts that
      have not yet been synthesized or discovered (such as the cuboctahedron shown;
      X=O, S) and should lead to the design of additional container assemblies. 

PMID- 25138491
TI  - Crystalline bacterial cell surface layers (s layers): from supramolecular cell
      structure to biomimetics and nanotechnology.
AB  - An astonishingly broad application potential in biotechnology, biomimetics, and
      nanotechnology is revealed by studies on the structure, chemistry, biosynthesis,
      genetics, self-assembly, and function of supramolecular surface layers (S
      layers). These are monomolecular, crystalline assemblies of protein or
      glycoprotein subunits and represent one of the most commonly observed surface
      structures of prokaryotic cell envelopes (see schematic representation of an
      archaebacterial cell envelope). 

PMID- 25138492
TI  - Miniature continuous-flow polymerase chain reaction: a breakthrough?
AB  - A time-space conversion enables the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to be carried
      out in a continuous-flow process: the mobile reaction mixture is pumped
      continuously through a glass microchip and passes many times through three
      constant temperature zones (see picture). The flow rate can be varied to obtain
      an amplification time of only 90 s. When combined with other continuous-flow
      microdevices this micromachine may prove useful for routine medical applications
      and biochemical research. 

PMID- 25138493
TI  - Heterogenization of metallocene catalysts for alkene polymerization.
AB  - Beyond mere convenience: In large-scale industrial processes for alkene
      polymerization the essentially homogeneous metallocene/activator catalyst systems
      are heterogenized (example shown) to improve polymer properties. New mesoporous
      and organic catalyst supports and their application in this field of catalysis
      are described. 

PMID- 25138494
TI  - Aromatic polyhedral hydroxyborates: bridging boron oxides and boron hydrides.
AB  - No explosion, but per-B-hydroxylation occurs if the icosahedral boron hydrides
      [closo-B12 H12 ](2-) (see picture), [closo-CB11 H12 ](-) , or closo-1,12-(CH2
      OH)2 -1,12-C2 B10 H10 are refluxed in 30 % hydrogen peroxide. Thus, the three
      isoelectronic species [closo-B12 (OH)12 ](2-) , [closo-1-H-1-CB11 (OH)11 ](-) ,
      and closo-1,12-H2 -1,12-C2 B10 (OH)10 were obtained. ?=BH, ?=BOH. 

PMID- 25138495
TI  - The Equilibrium between Localized and Delocalized States of Thermochromic
      Semibullvalenes and Barbaralanes-Direct Observation of Transition States of
      Degenerate Cope Rearrangements.
AB  - The UV/Vis spectra of thermochromic semibullvalenes 1 and barbaralanes recorded
      at various temperatures yield enthalpy differences between the two degenerate
      classical structures 1 and 1' and the less stable species (1*) that absorb at
      long wavelengths. The latter species are interpreted in terms of higher,
      delocalized states that are located just above the flat potential energy barrier
      between the ground states (DeltaH(0) =11 (R=H; in butyronitrile), 1 kJ mol(-1)
      (R=Ph)). 

PMID- 25138496
TI  - Solvent Effects on the Equilibrium between Localized and Delocalized States of
      Thermochromic Semibullvalenes and Barbaralanes.
AB  - The position of the equilibrium between localized and delocalized states of
      thermochromic semibullvalenes and barbaralanes (see the Equation) depends
      strongly on the solvent. Dipolar aprotic solvents, particularly N,N'
      dimethylpropylene urea, favor the delocalized, bishomoaromatic state (DeltaH(0)
      =8 kJ mol(-1) (cyclohexane), DeltaH(0) <0 kJ mol(-1) (N,N'-dimethylpropylene
      urea)). 

PMID- 25138497
TI  - Efficient cleavage-cross-coupling strategy for solid-phase synthesis-a modular
      building system for combinatorial chemistry.
AB  - A new modular building system for the combinatorial chemistry was developed on
      the basis of triazene linkers. Starting from an aniline system, further
      functional units and virtually any alkene or alkyne as terminator furnished
      lipophilic multicomponent systems in high yields and purities without the need
      for purification steps (see schematic representation). 

PMID- 25138498
TI  - An oxidation-labile traceless linker for solid-phase synthesis.
AB  - Traceless release of biaryls, acetylenes, alkenes, heterocycles, thioethers, and
      secondary amines from different solid supports can be achieved under very mild
      conditions by using a hydrazide group. This group, which is converted into an
      acyl diazene by oxidation and subsequently cleaved by a nucleophile (see scheme),
      is thus an attractive new linker for solid-phase synthesis and combinatorial
      chemistry. 

PMID- 25138499
TI  - Design of new mesogenic block molecules: formation of columnar mesophases by
      calamitic bolaamphiphiles with lateral lipophilic substituents.
AB  - Rigid bolaamphiphiles with lateral alkyl chains such as 1 form columnar
      mesophases of a novel type based on microsegregation of the three incompatible
      parts of the molecules (shown schematically). 

PMID- 25138500
TI  - Catalytic asymmetric aminohydroxylation with amino-substituted heterocycles as
      nitrogen sources.
AB  - The suprafacial, vicinal addition of a heterocyclic moiety and a hydroxyl group
      is achieved by the osmium-catalyzed asymmetric aminohydroxylation (AA) of olefins
      with amino-substituted heterocycles as the nitrogen sources. Amino alcohols are
      obtained in up to 97 % yield and with up to 99 % ee when a ligand derived from
      dihydroquinidine (DHQD-L) is used [Eq. (1); R(i) indicates the remaining portion
      of the heterocycle (Het); H2 O is the O source]. The AA can now be considered as
      a means to directly introduce complex, biologically relevant substructures to
      hydrocarbon backbones. 

PMID- 25138501
TI  - High-resolution calorimetry: new perspectives for the study of phase transitions.
AB  - Only 7 pg of substance are needed to measure solid-solid phase transitions in n
      alkanes with a new type of calorimeter (see schematic picture). This corresponds
      to a transition heat of only 500 pJ. The small time constant of the calorimeter
      additionally permits the observation of dynamic effects in the examined phase
      transitions. 

PMID- 25138503
TI  - Solvothermal Synthesis of the Canted Antiferromagnet {K2 [CoO3 PCH2 N(CH2 CO2 )2
      ]}6 ?x H2 O.
AB  - A rare example of a molecular species prepared by solvothermal synthesis is the
      macrocyclic cobalt phosphonate/carboxylate 1, whose structure is shown
      schematically. At low temperatures this compound displays spontaneous
      magnetization due to canted antiferromagnetic ordering, which is very unusual for
      a discrete molecular material. 

PMID- 25138502
TI  - Homoleptic lanthanide complexes of chelating phosphanamides-an experimental and
      theoretical study.
AB  - Four chelating ligands are present in the first phosphanamide complexes of Group
      3 metals and the lanthanides (see structure shown). However, these ligands
      coordinate to form a distorted molecular structure. The compounds were
      characterized by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis and quantum-mechanical
      investigations with density functional theory and MP2 methods. 

PMID- 25138504
TI  - C-C Bond Formation between Fischer Carbene Complexes and Allylic Alcohols by a
      [3,4] Sigmatropic Rearrangement Promoted by a [1,2] M(CO)5 Shift.
AB  - A [1,2] M(CO)5 shift promotes a [3,4] sigmatropic rearrangement after the
      addition of allylic alcohols to Fischer alkenylcarbene complexes of tungsten or
      chromium in the presence of alkoxide ions. This opens a new synthetic route to
      the adducts 1. The reaction is also applicable to propargylic alcohols.
      [M]=Mo(CO)5 , W(CO)5 . 

PMID- 25138505
TI  - Total synthesis of (+)-lactacystin.
AB  - A double stereodifferentiating crotylation between aldehyde 1 and silane (S)-2 to
      afford homoallylic alcohol 3 is the key diastereoselective step (anti:syn >30:1)
      in an efficient asymmetric synthesis of (+)-lactacystin. This compound is a
      metabolite isolated from Streptomyces sp. OM-6519 that exhibits significant
      neurotrophic activity. An additional important step in the synthesis is a
      catalytic asymmetric aminohydroxylation used as the key step in the synthesis of
      the (2R,3S)-hydroxyleucine synthon. 

PMID- 25138506
TI  - Aerobic Oxidation of Primary Alcohols by a New Mononuclear Cu(II) -Radical
      Catalyst.
AB  - Primary alcohols such as ethanol or benzyl alcohol are selectively and
      catalytically oxidized by the mononuclear copper(II) radical complex 1-a
      functional model of the metalloenzyme galactose oxidase-with oxygen from air at
      20 degrees C to give the corresponding aldehydes and H2 O2 in about 60 % yield. 

PMID- 25138507
TI  - Synthesis, Structure, and Redox Properties of [{(eta(5) -C5 H5 )Co(S2 C6 H4 )}2
      Mo(CO)2 ], a Novel Metalladithiolene Cluster.
AB  - Metal-metal bond formation by a cobaltadithiolene complex was observed for the
      first time in the reaction of [Co(eta(5) -C5 H5 )(S2 C6 H4 )] with [Mo(CO)3 (py)3
      ] and BF3 to give the Co-Mo-Co cluster 1. Cyclic voltammetry reveals that 1
      undergoes two one-electron reduction steps at the Co centers, which is indicative
      of transmission of the Co-Co electronic interaction through the Mo center. 

PMID- 25138508
TI  - The Synthesis and Molecular Structure of the First Two-Coordinate, Dinuclear
      sigma-Bonded Mercury(I) RHgHgR Compound.
AB  - A linear Si-Hg-Hg-Si arrangement and a Hg-Hg distance of 265.69 pm are exhibited
      by the first two-coordinate, dinuclear sigma-bonded organomercury(I) compound 1.
      It was formed unexpectedly in the reaction of two equivalents of the silane (Me3
      SiMe2 Si)3 SiH with tBu2 Hg. In contrast if the reagents are allowed to react in
      a 1:1 ratio the expected mercury(II) compound (Me3 SiMe2 Si)3 SiHgtBu is
      obtained. 

PMID- 25138509
TI  - Hexasupersilyl-triprismo-hexastannane (tBu3 Si)6 Sn6 -The First Molecular Tin
      Compound Containing a Sn6 Prism.
AB  - Dark violet hexastannane (tBu3 Si)6 Sn6 displays a new framework motif for
      molecular tin compounds, in which six Sn atoms are located at the corners of a
      trigonal prism. The compound can be synthesized according to Equation (a).
      R*=SitBu3 . 

PMID- 25138510
TI  - Syntheses and ligating properties of molybdocene alkoxides-the first
      heterodimetallic alkoxide containing molybdenum and bismuth.
AB  - Fluorinated alkoxide ligands RO(-) (R=CH(CF3 )2 ) are the key to the isolation of
      compounds of the type [Cp2 Mo(OR)2 ]. When electron-donating groups R are
      employed, the Mo(OR)2 moiety can, and necessarily has to, serve as a ligand for
      Lewis acidic fragments, allowing the isolation and structural characterization of
      the first heterodimetallic alkoxide containing a Bi and a Mo center (1). 

PMID- 25138511
TI  - A spreader-bar approach to molecular architecture: formation of stable artificial
      chemoreceptors.
AB  - The destructive influence of lateral diffusion on nanostructured monolayers can
      be prevented by using the spreader-bar technique. This approach allows the
      formation of stable artificial receptors for barbituric acid by lateral
      structuring of a dodecanethiol monolayer with molecular spreader-bars from
      thiobarbituric acid without chemical polymerization (see schematic
      representation). The new technique may have applications in chemosensors,
      affinity chromatography, stereoselective catalysis, and molecular electronics. 

PMID- 25138512
TI  - Synthesis and Structures of cis- and trans-[Os(Bcat)(aryl)(CO)2 (PPh3 )2 ]:
      Compounds of Relevance to the Metal-Catalyzed Hydroboration Reaction and the
      Metal-Mediated Borylation of Arenes.
AB  - Support for key steps of the mechanism for the transition metal catalyzed
      hydroboration reaction is provided by the characterization and reactions of 1, a
      cis-(boryl)(aryl) complex of osmium(II). This compound readily eliminates o
      tolylBcat to give the osmium(0) intermediate 2, which in the presence of HBcat
      reestablishes the osmium-boron bond by forming 3. R=o-tolyl, H2 cat=catechol=1,2
      (HO)2 C6 H4 . 

PMID- 25138513
TI  - Thermally Stable Heterobinuclear Bivalent Group 14 Metal Complexes Ar2 M-Sn[1,8
      (NR)2 C10 H6 ] (M=Ge, Sn; Ar=2,6-(Me2 N)2 C6 H3 ; R=CH2 tBu).
AB  - The first thermally robust Ge(II) -Sn(II) compound 1 and the structurally
      characterized Sn(II) -Sn(II) analogue 2, which maintain their structural
      integrity in solution, were obtained by treating MAr2 (M=Ge, Sn; Ar=2,6-(Me2 N)2
      C6 H3 ) with Sn[1,8-(NR2 )2 C10 H6 ] (R=CH2 tBu). On the basis of structural and
      spectroscopic data, the M-Sn bond is regarded as the interaction of a MAr2 donor
      with an Sn[1,8-(NR2 )2 C10 H6 ] acceptor. 

PMID- 25138514
TI  - Kinetic Resolution of Diiron Acyl Complexes-An Approach to Asymmetric Bicyclic
      beta-Lactams.
AB  - Kinetic resolution is achieved in the reaction of racemic diiron complexes like 1
      with the chiral nitrone (-)-2. Oxidative removal of the metal and reductive
      cleavage of the N-O bond provides beta-amino acids. This sequence was used in the
      synthesis of beta-amino acids as well as the corresponding beta-lactams 4 (via
      3). 

PMID- 25138515
TI  - Surface coordination chemistry: corrosion inhibition by tetranuclear cluster
      formation of iron with salicylaldoxime.
AB  - A tetranuclear iron cluster is the principal component of the purple coatings
      produced by treating a mild steel surface with a salicylaldoxime corrosion
      inhibitor. This was shown by comparison of the spectroscopic data with those of
      the cluster [{Fe(salH)(HsalH)}4 ], which was obtained from FeCl3 and
      salicylaldoxime (H2 salH) and has a distorted tetrahedral arrangement of Fe(III)
      atoms coordinated by terminal (1-) and bridging (2-) salicylaldoximate ligands
      (the central core of the cluster is depicted). 

PMID- 25138516
TI  - Stereoselective Solid-Phase Synthesis of beta-Lactams-A Novel
      Cyclization/Cleavage Step towards 1-Oxacephams.
AB  - Despite the antibiotic activity and the attractiveness of beta-lactams, the solid
      phase synthesis of this class of compounds has been barely reported. Now the
      diastereoselective synthesis of the 1-oxacepham 2 from the resin-bound beta
      lactam derivative 1 has been achieved in five steps. The synthesis of 2 and other
      1-oxacephams is attractive because all the reaction steps proceed in high yield,
      the purity of the product is high, and the reaction sequence is simple. 

PMID- 25138517
TI  - A method for the selection of catalytic activity using phage display and
      proximity coupling.
AB  - Phage display has been used extensively for the selection of proteins with
      binding sites for ligands. Here, as illustrated with the example of DNA
      polymerase, the use of phage display for selection according to catalytic
      activity is described. Active enzymes are selected by binding of the reaction
      product P (see the scheme) cross-linked in the proximity of the enzyme E that
      catalyzed the reaction with the substrate S. 

PMID- 25138518
TI  - Alkyl migration aptitudes in the vinylidene-acetylene rearrangement and isotope
      effect in the vinylidene formation process from a deuterium-labeled cyclopropene.
AB  - The secret of the mechanism of vinylidene rearrangements has been unlocked by the
      use of specifically labeled cyclopropenes under mild thermal conditions (see the
      Equations). (13) C labeling gives the surprising 1,2-alkyl migratory aptitude
      sequence Et>iPr>Me. Deuterium labeling yields the first measurement of the
      primary kinetic isotope effect in the ring opening of a cyclopropene to form a
      vinylidene. 

PMID- 25138519
TI  - The First Total Synthesis of 6-Sulfo-de-N-acetylsialyl Lewis(x) Ganglioside: A
      Superior Ligand for Human L-Selectin.
AB  - Originally discovered as a minor by-product of 6-sulfo-N-acetylsialyl Lewis(x) ,
      the de-N-acetylated form 1 is a superior L-selectin ligand to the N-acetyl form.
      To substantiate the extraordinary reactivity of 1, it was synthesized for the
      first time and its binding to L-selectin investigated. Compound 1 and related
      structures may be high-affinity endogenous ligands for L-selectin that are
      involved in the interaction of leukocytes with the vascular endothelium. 

PMID- 25138520
TI  - Metabolites with a novel c30 backbone from marine ciliates.
AB  - Challenging questions are raised about the biosynthetic origin of vannusal A (1),
      a metabolite that is isolated from the tropical marine ciliate Euplotes vannus
      and contains an unusual C30 backbone. 

PMID- 25138521
TI  - Molecular Recognition within a Self-Assembled Cylindrical Host.
AB  - A change in geometry is necessary on entry into the capsule: a supramolecular
      associate approximately 1.8 nm long (see schematic representation), which
      consists of two halves stabilized by hydrogen bonds, influences the intra- and
      intermolecular interactions of the guest molecules encapsulated. Thus tertiary
      amides and anilides such as 1, which exist in solution preferably as E rotamers,
      are fixed in the Z conformation inside the capsule for steric reasons. 

PMID- 25138522
TI  - Is the Bis(MU-oxo)dicopper Core Capable of Hydroxylating an Arene?
AB  - Direct attack of the bis(MU-oxo)dicopper core on an arene appears feasible in
      tyrosinase and model complexes on the basis of studies of new [Cu(III) 2 (MU-O)2
      ](2+) compounds supported by bidentate imine/amine ligands. In the first
      demonstration of such reactivity for a bis(MU-oxo)dicopper core, decomposition of
      these intermediates caused hydroxylation of a pendant phenyl ring [Eq. (a)] in a
      reaction analogous to that catalyzed by tyrosinase. 

PMID- 25138523
TI  - Cyclopropanation enantioselectivity is pressure dependent in supercritical
      fluoroform.
AB  - The tunable dielectric constant epsilon of supercritical fluoroform is the
      explanation for pressure-dependent enantioselectivity in a reaction conducted at
      low pressure. For the cyclopropanation of styrene and methyl phenyldiazoacetate
      with a dirhodium catalyst, the enantioselectivity was significantly higher at 52
      bar than above 80 bar (see plot). 

PMID- 25138524
TI  - A Diazoalkane Derivative of a Polyoxometalate: Preparation and Structure of [Mo6
      O18 (NNC(C6 H4 OCH3 )CH3 )](2-).
AB  - A new metathetical route to diazoalkane complexes is described which allows the
      introduction of such ligands into previously inaccessible environments. The
      method, which involves the exchange of oxo and [N2 CR2 ] ligands, is illustrated
      by the preparation of the first diazoalkane-polyoxometalate complex 1. 

PMID- 25138525
TI  - Heterosupramolecular chemistry: programmed pseudorotaxane assembly at the surface
      of a nanocrystal.
AB  - Gold nanocrystals, stabilized by thiols covalently bound to a dibenzo[24]crown-8
      moiety, have been programmed to recognize and selectively bind dibenzylammonium
      cations in solution. This results in a self-organization process at the surface
      of a nanocrystal with the assembly of a pseudorotaxane (see picture). 

PMID- 25138526
TI  - Structural abnormalities of corpus callosum and cortical axonal tracts
      accompanied by decreased anxiety-like behavior and lowered sociability in spock3-
      mutant mice.
AB  - Spock3/Testican-3 is a nervous system-expressed heparan sulfate proteoglycan
      belonging to a subgroup of the BM-40/SPARC/osteonectin family, the role of which
      in brain development is unclear. Because Spock1, a member of the Spock family,
      inhibits their attachment to substrates and the neurite outgrowth of cultured
      neuronal cells, Spock3 is also thought to be similarly involved in the neuronal
      development. In the present study, we established a Spock3-mutant mouse harboring
      a deletion extending from the presumptive upstream regulatory region to exon 4 of
      the Spock3 locus and performed histological and behavioral studies on these
      mutant mice. In wild-type (WT) mice, all Spock members were clearly expressed
      during brain development. In adults, intense Spock1 and Spock2 expressions were
      observed throughout the entire brain; whereas, Spock3 expression was no longer
      visible except in the thalamic nuclei. Thus, Spock3 expression is mostly confined
      to the developmental stage of the brain. In adult mutant mice, the cells of all
      cortical layers were swollen. The corpus callosum was narrowed around the central
      region along the rostral-caudal axis and many small spaces were observed without
      myelin sheaths throughout the entire corpus callosum. In addition, the cortical
      input and output fibers did not form into thick bundled fibers as well as the WT
      counterparts did. Moreover, a subpopulation of corticospinal axonal fibers
      penetrated into the dorsal striatum with moderately altered orientations.
      Consistent with these modifications of brain structures, the mutant mice
      exhibited decreased anxiety-like behavior and lowered sociability. Together,
      these results demonstrate that Spock3 plays an important role in the formation or
      maintenance of major neuronal structures in the brain.

PMID- 25138527
TI  - Global disulfide bond profiling for crude snake venom using dimethyl labeling
      coupled with mass spectrometry and RADAR algorithm.
AB  - Snake venom consists of toxin proteins with multiple disulfide linkages to
      generate unique structures and biological functions. Determination of these
      cysteine connections usually requires the purification of each protein followed
      by structural analysis. In this study, dimethyl labeling coupled with LC-MS/MS
      and RADAR algorithm was developed to identify the disulfide bonds in crude snake
      venom. Without any protein separation, the disulfide linkages of several
      cytotoxins and PLA2 could be solved, including more than 20 disulfide bonds. The
      results show that this method is capable of analyzing protein mixture. In
      addition, the approach was also used to compare native cytotoxin 3 (CTX III) and
      its scrambled isomer, another category of protein mixture, for unknown disulfide
      bonds. Two disulfide-linked peptides were observed in the native CTX III, and 10
      in its scrambled form, X-CTX III. This is the first study that reports a platform
      for the global cysteine connection analysis on a protein mixture. The proposed
      method is simple and automatic, offering an efficient tool for structural and
      functional studies of venom proteins. 

PMID- 25138528
TI  - Developmental trajectories of prejudice and tolerance toward immigrants from
      early to late adolescence.
AB  - Adolescence is an important period for the development of relationships between
      immigrants and non-immigrants, yet little is known about how problematic
      personality traits affect adolescents' relationships with and attitudes toward
      immigrants. This work identified the roles of intergroup relationships and one
      dimension of problematic personality traits, namely callous-unemotional traits,
      in the development of adolescents' tolerance and prejudice. Three annual
      measurements of a large community sample (N = 1,542) of non-immigrant adolescents
      (M age = 15.31 at first measurement; 50.2% girls) were used to show that
      tolerance and prejudice toward immigrants represent two dimensions with distinct
      developmental trajectories from early to late adolescence. Callous-unemotional
      traits predicted fewer decreases in prejudice toward immigrants, yet were not
      directly associated with tolerance. Intergroup friendships predicted stronger
      increases in tolerance, which, in turn, predicted decreases in prejudice toward
      immigrants. Thus, tolerance and prejudice toward immigrants seem to be
      differentially influenced by social experiences and problematic personality
      traits.

PMID- 25138530
TI  - Scenario planning for community development in Vietnam: a new tool for integrated
      health approaches?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Like many countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam's rapid population and
      economic growth has met challenges in infrastructure development, especially
      sanitation in rural areas. OBJECTIVE: As an entry point, we developed scenario
      planning as an action-research tool in a peri-urban community to identify first
      steps towards improving their complex sanitation problem and to, systemically,
      address emerging/re-emerging infectious diseases, as these are commonly linked to
      unsafe water and inadequate sanitation conditions. As an integrated approach, the
      process of constructing scenarios allowed us to work across sectors and
      stakeholders to incorporate this knowledge into a common vision. DESIGN: We
      conducted focus group discussions to identify and rank driving forces, orally
      constructed scenarios for the most uncertain drivers, discussed scenario
      implications and options, and examined the overall process for usefulness and
      sustainability. During a one-month scoping phase and in between focus group
      meetings, we carried out household visits which helped us understand the context
      of data and gather feedback from participants outside of the formal data
      collection process. Recorded results from these activities were used to develop
      subsequent tools. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The research process gave us insights
      into how to adapt the scenario planning tool to identify alternative options.
      This involved choosing boundary partners, negotiating priorities, drawing out
      participant learning through self-assessment of our process (a prerequisite for
      changing mental models and thus achieving outcomes), and understanding how
      conveyed messages may reinforce the status quo. These insights showed the
      importance of examining research results beyond outputs and outcomes, namely
      through process.

PMID- 25138529
TI  - Effects of advanced glycation end products on calcium handling in cardiomyocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in
      diabetes and the engagement of receptor for AGE (RAGE) by AGEs contributes to the
      pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy. This study aims to investigate the
      effects of AGE/RAGE on ryanodine receptor (RyR) activity and Ca(2+) handling in
      cardiomyocytes to elucidate the possible mechanism underlying cardiac dysfunction
      in diabetic cardiomypathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Confocal imaging Ca(2+) spark,
      the elementary Ca(2+) release event reflecting RyR activity in intact cell, as
      well as SR Ca(2+) content and systolic Ca(2+) transient were performed in
      cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. The results show that 50 mg/ml AGE
      increased the frequency of Ca(2+) sparks by 160%, while 150 mg/ml AGE increased
      it by 53%. AGE decreased the amplitude, width and duration of Ca(2+) sparks.
      Blocking RAGE with anti-RAGE IgG completely abolished the alteration of Ca(2+)
      sparks. The SR Ca(2+) content indicated by the amplitude (DeltaF/F0) of 20 mM
      caffeine-elicited Ca(2+) transient was significantly decreased by 150 mg/ml AGE.
      In parallel, the amplitude of systolic Ca(2+) transient evoked by 1 Hz-field
      stimulation was remarkably decreased by 150 mg/ml AGE. The anti-RAGE antibody
      completely restored the impaired SR load and systolic Ca(2+) transient.
      CONCLUSION: AGE/RAGE signal enhanced Ca(2+) spark-mediated SR Ca(2+) leak,
      causing partial depletion of SR Ca(2+) content and consequently decreasing
      systolic Ca(2+) transient, which may contribute to contractile dysfunction in
      diabetic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 25138531
TI  - Experiences in anti-tuberculosis treatment in patients with multiple previous
      treatments and its impact on drug resistant tuberculosis epidemics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) patients with a history of multiple anti-TB
      treatments are the 'neglected' group to the free anti-TB treatment policy in
      China. OBJECTIVE: To understand the experiences of TB patients with multiple
      previous treatments with regard to bacteriological diagnosis and treatment
      regimens, especially for second-line anti-TB drugs, and how this might influence
      the risks of multidrug and extensively drug-resistant TB (M/XDR-TB). DESIGN: A
      cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 county/district TB clinics in five
      provinces of China. The study participants were TB patients that had at least two
      previous treatment episodes that lasted longer than 1 month each. Face-to-face
      interviews and drug susceptibility testing (DST) were conducted with the
      consenting participants. RESULTS: A total of 328 TB patients were recruited. The
      proportion of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) was 58.2% in the 287 DST
      confirmed patients. Forty-two percent of the patients did not complete their
      first treatment course. About 23.8% of the participants had a history of taking
      second-line drugs, and more than 77.8% of them were treated in county TB
      dispensaries where only sputum microscopy was applied. Multivariate analysis
      found that the use of second-line drugs was significantly associated with
      frequency of previous treatments (p<0.01), but not with drug resistance profiles
      of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with multiple previous treatments are at
      extremely high risk of MDR-TB in China. The unregulated use of second-line drugs
      bring about the threat of XDR-TB epidemic. DST-guided treatment and strict
      regulations of anti-TB treatment should be assured for the high-risk TB patients
      for the prevention and control of M/XDR-TB.

PMID- 25138532
TI  - Interpretive focus groups: a participatory method for interpreting and extending
      secondary analysis of qualitative data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Participatory approaches to qualitative research practice constantly
      change in response to evolving research environments. Researchers are
      increasingly encouraged to undertake secondary analysis of qualitative data,
      despite epistemological and ethical challenges. Interpretive focus groups can be
      described as a more participative method for groups to analyse qualitative data.
      OBJECTIVE: To facilitate interpretive focus groups with women in Papua New Guinea
      to extend analysis of existing qualitative data and co-create new primary data.
      The purpose of this was to inform a transformational grounded theory and
      subsequent health promoting action. DESIGN: A two-step approach was used in a
      grounded theory study about how women experience male circumcision in Papua New
      Guinea. Participants analysed portions or 'chunks' of existing qualitative data
      in story circles and built upon this analysis by using the visual research method
      of storyboarding. RESULTS: New understandings of the data were evoked when women
      in interpretive focus groups analysed the data 'chunks'. Interpretive focus
      groups encouraged women to share their personal experiences about male
      circumcision. The visual method of storyboarding enabled women to draw pictures
      to represent their experiences. This provided an additional focus for whole-of
      group discussions about the research topic. CONCLUSIONS: Interpretive focus
      groups offer opportunity to enhance trustworthiness of findings when researchers
      undertake secondary analysis of qualitative data. The co-analysis of existing
      data and co-generation of new data between research participants and researchers
      informed an emergent transformational grounded theory and subsequent health
      promoting action.

PMID- 25138533
TI  - Paracelsus in nanotoxicology.

PMID- 25138535
TI  - Ubiquitin-activating enzyme is necessary for 17beta-estradiol-induced breast
      cancer cell proliferation and migration.
AB  - The sex steroid hormone 17beta-estradiol (E2) regulates breast cancer (BC) cell
      proliferation and migration through the activation of a plethora of signal
      transduction cascades (e.g., PI3K/AKT activation) starting after E2 binding to
      the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). The activity of the ubiquitin (Ub)-system
      modulates many physiological processes (e.g., cell proliferation and migration),
      and recently, a specific inhibitor (Pyr-41) of the Ub-activating enzyme (E1),
      which works as the activator of the Ub-based signaling, has been identified to
      prevent the functions of the Ub-system. Here, by using Pyr-41, we studied the
      involvement of the Ub-system in E2-induced signaling to proliferation and
      migration of BC cells. Our data indicate that E1 activity is involved in the
      E2:ERalpha signaling important for cell proliferation and migration through the
      modulation of the E2-evoked activation of the PI3K/AKT and the p38/MAPK pathways.
      These discoveries indicate a new molecular circuitry that can be further explored
      to define new opportunities for BC treatment.

PMID- 25138537
TI  - Changes in sexual signals are greater than changes in ecological traits in a
      dichromatic group of fishes.
AB  - Understanding the mechanisms by which phenotypic divergence occurs is central to
      speciation research. These mechanisms can be revealed by measuring differences in
      traits that are subject to different selection pressures; greater influence of
      different types of selection can be inferred from greater divergence in
      associated traits. Here, we address the potential roles of natural and sexual
      selection in promoting phenotypic divergence between species of snubnose darters
      by comparing differences in body shape, an ecologically relevant trait, and male
      color, a sexual signal. Body shape was measured using geometric morphometrics,
      and male color was measured using digital photography and visual system-dependent
      color values. Differences in male color are larger than differences in body shape
      across eight allopatric, phylogenetically independent species pairs. While this
      does not exclude the action of divergent natural selection, our results suggest a
      relatively more important role for sexual selection in promoting recent
      divergence in darters. Variation in the relative differences between male color
      and body shape across species pairs reflects the continuous nature of speciation
      mechanisms, ranging from ecological speciation to speciation by sexual selection
      alone. 

PMID- 25138536
TI  - The provision of mental health treatment after screening: exploring the
      relationship between treatment setting and treatment intensity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Primary care screening programs for mental health disorders are
      designed to detect patients who might benefit from treatment. As such, the
      utility of these programs is predicated on the actions that take place in
      response to a positive screen. Our objective was to characterize the cascade of
      care delivery steps following a positive screen for a mental health disorder.
      METHOD: We examined the care received by primary care patients over the year
      following a new positive screen for depression, posttraumatic stress disorder
      (PTSD) or alcohol misuse. We characterized whether the care adhered to practice
      guidelines for related mental health disorders and whether involvement of mental
      health specialists led to higher use of guideline-adherent practices. RESULTS:
      Many patients received appropriate treatment in the primary care setting and
      those whose scores were consistent with more severe illness were more likely to
      receive care in a mental health setting. Patients with positive screens for
      depression and PTSD who went on to be seen in mental health clinics received care
      that was consistent with treatment guidelines for the related disorder most of
      the time. In the case of patients with positive screens for alcohol misuse, few
      received guideline-recommended medications in any setting. However, a substantial
      portion of patients received some alcohol-related counseling from their primary
      care physicians during the visit in which their alcohol misuse was detected.
      CONCLUSION: It appears that the treatment system for mental health problems,
      which extends from primary care settings to mental health subspecialty settings,
      can provide adequate care when patients' mental health problems are identified
      through screening. The care provided in all settings can be improved, and
      additional steps to enhance the quality of care are warranted. This should
      include additional efforts to align screening and treatment.

PMID- 25138538
TI  - Single-stage multiple-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of
      staghorn stones under total ultrasonography guidance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-stage multiple-tract
      percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of staghorn stones solely
      guided by ultrasonography (US). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From May 2007 to July 2012,
      55 single-stage multiple-tract PCNL procedures were performed (53 patients, of
      whom 2 had bilateral stones). Caliceal puncture and dilatation were performed
      under US guidance in all cases. The procedure was evaluated for access success,
      length of postoperative hospital stay, complications (modified Clavien system),
      and stone clearance. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD) operating time was 84.87 +/- 24.9
      min, with a mean (+/-SD) postoperative hospital stay of 5.2 +/- 1.31 days. The
      patients experienced a mean (+/-SD) decrease in hemoglobin level of 8.23 +/- 2.39
      g/l and the stone-free rate after single-stage surgery was 78.18%. Extracorporeal
      shock wave lithotripsy was indicated in 2 cases as an auxiliary treatment. There
      were 10 grade 1 (62.5%) and 6 grade 2 (37.5%) complications; however, there were
      no complications above grade 3. CONCLUSION: Total US-guided single-stage multiple
      tract PCNL for treating staghorn calculi in selected cases is safe, feasible, and
      may be performed with an acceptable morbidity and with the advantage of
      preventing radiation hazards and damage to adjacent organs.

PMID- 25138539
TI  - Dextrin/poly (HEMA): pH responsive porous hydrogel for controlled release of
      ciprofloxacin.
AB  - Herein, we report an oral route administration for ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
      delivery using dextrin and poly (2-hydroxyethyl methylacrylate) based crosslinked
      hydrogel (c-Dxt/pHEMA). Various characteristics such as FTIR spectra, XRD
      analyses, UV-VIS-NIR spectra, FESEM and E-SEM analyses, rheological
      characteristics, gel kinetics, deswelling characteristics as well as
      biodegradation study of the hydrogel have been carried out. FTIR, XRD along with
      solid state UV-VIS-NIR analyses explain the good compatibility between the drug
      and the hydrogel matrix. The in vitro release study demonstrates that c-Dxt/pHEMA
      releases ciprofloxacin in a sustained way (33.75% of drug has been released in
      18h) and is expected to be a promising matrix for ciprofloxacin carrier. The
      release kinetics and mechanism suggest that drug release follows first order
      kinetics and non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Finally, the hydrogel shows
      excellent physical stability as carrier for ciprofloxacin up to 3 months. 

PMID- 25138534
TI  - Loss of PiT-1 results in abnormal endocytosis in the yolk sac visceral endoderm.
AB  - PiT-1 protein is a transmembrane sodium-dependent phosphate (Pi) transporter. PiT
      1 knock out (KO) embryos die from largely unknown causes by embryonic day (E)
      12.5. We tested the hypothesis that PiT-1 is required for endocytosis in the
      embryonic yolk sac (YS) visceral endoderm (VE). Here we present data supporting
      that PiT-1 KO results in a YS remodeling defect and decreased endocytosis in the
      YS VE. The remodeling defect is not due to an upstream cardiomyocyte requirement
      for PiT-1, as SM22alphaCre-specific KO of PiT-1 in the developing heart and the
      YS mesodermal layer (ME) does not recapitulate the PiT-1 global KO phenotype.
      Furthermore, we find that high levels of PiT-1 protein localize to the YS VE
      apical membrane. Together these data support that PiT-1 is likely required in YS
      VE. During normal development maternal immunoglobulin (IgG) is endocytosed into
      YS VE and accumulates in the apical side of the VE in a specialized lysosome
      termed the apical vacuole (AV). We have identified a reduction in PiT-1 KO VE
      cell height and a striking loss of IgG accumulation in the PiT-1 KO VE. The
      endocytosis genes Tfeb, Lamtor2 and Snx2 are increased at the RNA level.
      Lysotracker Red staining reveals a loss of distinct AVs, and yolk sacs incubated
      ex vivo with phRODO Green Dextran for Endocytosis demonstrate a functional loss
      of endocytosis. As yolk sac endocytosis is controlled in part by microautophagy,
      but expression of LC3 had not been examined, we investigated LC3 expression
      during yolk sac development and found stage-specific LC3 RNA expression that is
      predominantly from the YS VE layer at E9.5. Normalized LC3-II protein levels are
      decreased in the PiT-1 KO YS, supporting a requirement for PiT-1 in autophagy in
      the YS. Therefore, we propose the novel idea that PiT-1 is central to the
      regulation of endocytosis and autophagy in the YS VE. 

PMID- 25138540
TI  - Adsorption of copper(II) ions by a chitosan-oxalate complex biosorbent.
AB  - Oxalic acid, an effective metal-chelating ligand, is abundant in natural
      resources. In this study, a chitosan-oxalate complex biosorbent (COCB) was
      prepared by an iontropic cross-linking method. The COCB beads were characterized
      by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and
      thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD analysis shows that Cu(II) ions can
      form complexes with chitosan and oxalate. Adsorption of Cu(II) ions onto COCB
      beads was pH-dependent. The isothermal adsorption data fitted well to Langmuir
      equation with the maximum adsorption capacities of 227.27 mg/g for porous COCB
      beads and 175.44 mg/g for non-porous COCB beads at pH 5.0. The adsorption
      kinetics described by the pseudo-second-order diffusion models, suggesting that
      the rate-limiting step in adsorption was chemical sorption. Thermodynamic
      parameters (DeltaG degrees <0 and DeltaH degrees >0) indicated a spontaneous and
      endothermic adsorption process. The COCB bioadsorbent exhibited fast adsorption
      rate and high adsorption capacity for Cu(II) uptake.

PMID- 25138541
TI  - Solvent effects on polymer sorting of carbon nanotubes with applications in
      printed electronics.
AB  - Regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene) (P3AT) polymers have been previously reported
      for the selective, high-yield dispersion of semiconducting single-walled carbon
      nanotubes (SWCNTs) in toluene. Here, five alternative solvents are investigated,
      namely, tetrahydrofuran, decalin, tetralin, m-xylene, and o-xylene, for the
      dispersion of SWCNTs by poly(3-dodecylthiophene) P3DDT. The dispersion yield
      could be increased to over 40% using decalin or o-xylene as the solvents while
      maintaining high selectivity towards semiconducting SWCNTs. Molecular dynamics
      (MD) simulations in explicit solvents are used to explain the improved sorting
      yield. In addition, a general mechanism is proposed to explain the selective
      dispersion of semiconducting SWCNTs by conjugated polymers. The possibility to
      perform selective sorting of semiconducting SWCNTs using various solvents
      provides a greater diversity of semiconducting SWCNT ink properties, such as
      boiling point, viscosity, and surface tension as well as toxicity. The efficacy
      of these new semiconducting SWCNT inks is demonstrated by using the high boiling
      point and high viscosity solvent tetralin for inkjet-printed transistors, where
      solvent properties are more compatible with the inkjet printing head and improved
      droplet formation. 

PMID- 25138542
TI  - Bone augmentation using a synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide-based and a
      xenogenic hydroxyapatite-based bone substitute materials with and without
      recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2.
AB  - AIM: To test whether or not bone regeneration using deproteinized bovine bone
      mineral (DBBM) is comparable to hydroxyapatite/silica oxide (HA/SiO) and to test
      the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) as an
      adjunct to DBBM for localized bone regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In each
      of the 10 rabbits, 4 titanium cylinders were placed on the external cortical
      plates of their calvaria. Four treatment modalities were randomly allocated: (i)
      empty, (ii) HA/SiO, (iii) DBBM, and (iv) DBBM plus rhBMP-2 (DBBM/BMP). The
      animals were sacrificed at week 8. Descriptive histology and histomorphometric
      assessment using a superimposed test grid of points and cycloids were performed.
      RESULTS: The mean number of points of the test grid coinciding with bone within
      the cylinder reached 124 +/- 35 bone points for empty controls, 92 +/- 40 bone
      points for DBBM, 98 +/- 44 bone points for synthetic HA/SiO, and 146 +/- 34 bone
      points DBBM/BMP. The P-value for DBBM with and without BMP reached a borderline
      statistical significance of 0.051. However, the area of bone regeneration within
      the cylinders peaked for DBBM/BMP and was statistically significantly higher
      compared with empty cylinders (P < 0.05). The bone-to-bone substitute contact
      ranged between 32.9% +/- 21.7 for DBBM, 39.6 +/- 18.4% for HA/SiO, and 57.8% +/-
      10.2 for DBBM/BMP. The differences between DBBM/BMP and controls (DBBM, HA/SiO)
      were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DBBM and HA/SiO rendered
      comparable amounts of bone regeneration. The addition of rhBMP-2 to DBBM resulted
      in more favorable outcomes with respect to the area of bone regeneration and to
      bone-to-implant contact, thereby indicating the potential of this growth factor
      to enhance bone regeneration within this animal model.

PMID- 25138543
TI  - Successful peripheral neuromodulation for phantom limb pain.
AB  - SETTING: For decades, the heterogeneity of the amputee population and the complex
      interaction of biopsychosocial factors have confounded researchers' attempts to
      develop an effective treatment for phantom limb pain. Therefore, it remains
      difficult to treat, and affected patients often experience decreased quality of
      life, increased psychological distress, and poorer health outcomes. PATIENT: In
      the case study, we report a novel strategy for the peripheral placement of
      neuromodulation leads for the treatment of phantom limb pain in a patient who
      subsequently described complete and consistent pain relief independent of
      significant variations in psychosocial stress.

PMID- 25138544
TI  - Injury Response of Resected Human Brain Tissue In Vitro.
AB  - Brain injury affects a significant number of people each year. Organotypic
      cultures from resected normal neocortical tissue provide unique opportunities to
      study the cellular and neuropathological consequences of severe injury of adult
      human brain tissue in vitro. The in vitro injuries caused by resection
      (interruption of the circulation) and aggravated by the preparation of slices
      (severed neuronal and glial processes and blood vessels) reflect the reaction of
      human brain tissue to severe injury. We investigated this process using
      immunocytochemical markers, reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction and Western blot analysis. Essential features were rapid shrinkage of
      neurons, loss of neuronal marker expression and proliferation of reactive cells
      that expressed Nestin and Vimentin. Also, microglia generally responded strongly,
      whereas the response of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes
      appeared to be more variable. Importantly, some reactive cells also expressed
      both microglia and astrocytic markers, thus confounding their origin. Comparison
      with post-mortem human brain tissue obtained at rapid autopsies suggested that
      the reactive process is not a consequence of epilepsy. 

PMID- 25138545
TI  - Characterization of adipose-derived stem cells of anatomical region from mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stem cells constitute a group of great capacity for self-renewal,
      long-term viability, and multi-lineage potential. Several studies have provided
      evidence that adipose tissue represents an alternative source of stem cells, with
      the main benefit of adipose-derived stem cells being that they can be easily
      harvested from patients by a simple minimally invasive method and can be easily
      cultured. The aim of this study was to establish a culture protocol for obtaining
      and characterizing adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from C57BL/6 J mice.
      RESULTS: The results showed that the yield, viability, and cell morphology
      obtained differ according to the age of isolated anatomic regions of the adipose
      tissue from ovarian and epididymis. The results of determination of cyclin D1
      showed uniformity in the expression between different populations of ADSCs. A
      significant increase in the expression of caspase-3 active, was also observed in
      large cell populations from mice after 120 days. ADSCs were positive for
      mesenchymal markers CD90 and CD105, Nanog, SSEA-1, CD106, and VEGFR-1, and
      negative for hematopoietic markers CD34 and CD45. A large number of cells in S +
      G2/M phases was also observed for both sexes, demonstrating high proliferative
      capacity of ADSCs. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that the adipose tissue of C57BL/6 J
      mice, isolated from the studied anatomic regions, is a promising source for
      obtaining pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells with high viability and
      proliferative response.

PMID- 25138546
TI  - Neuromarkers of fatigue and cognitive complaints following chemotherapy for
      breast cancer: a prospective fMRI investigation.
AB  - The aim of this study is to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to
      prospectively examine pre-treatment predictors of post-treatment fatigue and
      cognitive dysfunction in women treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for breast
      cancer. Fatigue and cognitive dysfunction often co-occur in women treated for
      breast cancer. We hypothesized that pre-treatment factors, unrelated to
      chemotherapy per se, might increase vulnerability to post-treatment fatigue and
      cognitive dysfunction. Patients treated with (n = 28) or without chemotherapy (n
      = 37) and healthy controls (n = 32) were scanned coincident with pre- and one
      month post-chemotherapy during a verbal working memory task (VWMT) and assessed
      for fatigue, worry, and cognitive dysfunction. fMRI activity measures in the
      frontoparietal executive network were used in multiple linear regression to
      predict post-treatment fatigue and cognitive function. The chemotherapy group
      reported greater pre-treatment fatigue than controls and showed compromised
      neural response, characterized by higher spatial variance in executive network
      activity, than the non-chemotherapy group. Also, the chemotherapy group reported
      greater post-treatment fatigue than the other groups. Linear regression indicated
      that pre-treatment spatial variance in executive network activation predicted
      post-treatment fatigue severity and cognitive complaints, while treatment group,
      age, hemoglobin, worry, and mean executive network activity levels did not
      predict these outcomes. Pre-treatment neural inefficiency (indexed by high
      spatial variance) in the executive network, which supports attention and working
      memory, was a better predictor of post-treatment cognitive and fatigue complaints
      than exposure to chemotherapy per se. This executive network compromise could be
      a pre-treatment neuromarker of risk, indicating patients most likely to benefit
      from early intervention for fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. 

PMID- 25138547
TI  - Effects of radioiodine treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer on testis
      function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for
      differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) on testis function. DESIGN: A prospective
      longitudinal single-centre study was performed. A comprehensive andrological
      evaluation including hormonal assessment, semen analysis and scrotal ultrasound
      was undertaken in male patients undergoing RAI treatment for DTC. METHODS:
      Hormonal assessment of FSH, LH, testosterone (T), sperm concentration and
      motility and testis volume were determined in 20 patients in basal conditions, 6
      and 12 months after RAI. Results were analysed in the whole group of patients and
      then separately in those who received one single ablative treatment ('Single'
      group, n = 10) and those who received multiple treatments ('Multiple' group, n =
      10). RESULTS: In basal conditions, 3 of 20 (15%) patients had a reduced sperm
      count and belonged to the 'Multiple' group. After RAI, an increase of FSH (8.8 +/
      1.2 UI/l vs 5.2 +/- 1.2, P < 0.005) and a decrease in sperm concentration (28.8
      +/- 7.7 millions/ml vs 54.5 +/- 7.1, P < 0.005) and testis volume (15.2 +/- 3.1
      vs 13.7 +/- 0.8 ml, P < 0.005) occurred at 6 months in the whole group. One year
      after RAI, seven patients had oligozoospermia (five from the 'Multiple' group and
      two from the 'Single' group). Permanent impairment of one or more testis function
      parameters was observed in patients who underwent multiple RAI treatments: 50%
      for sperm count, 40% for FSH levels and testis volume and, respectively, in 20
      and 10% of those who received one single RAI treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The single
      ablative RAI treatment in cancer patients is better tolerated respect multiple
      RAI treatments regard testis function. Multiple treatments for recurrent or
      metastatic disease may cause a permanent impairment of one or more parameters
      related to the reproductive potential of male patients.

PMID- 25138548
TI  - Irreversible airway obstruction assessed by high-resolution computed tomography
      (HRCT), exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), and biological markers in induced sputum in
      patients with asthma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the significance of
      assessing irreversible airway obstruction (IAO) in asthma patients by high
      resolution computed tomography (HRCT), biological markers in induced sputum, and
      exhaled nitric oxide (FENO). METHODS: The study was conducted in 34 patients with
      IAO, 46 patients with reversible airway obstruction (RAO), 40 patients who did
      not have airway obstruction (NAO), and 40 healthy subjects serving as controls.
      These patients received a step therapy for at least 3 months based on the
      guidelines for the prevention and treatment of asthma. After achieving complete
      or partial control of asthma, HRCT, lung function, FENO, and chemokine levels in
      induced sputum were measured. RESULTS: The airway wall area (WA; %) correlated
      with forced expiratory volume-1 (FEV-1(L); r = -0.67, p < 0.0001), and
      significant differences in bronchial wall thickening (BWT) of the LEVEL E
      generation airways were observed between the asthma and control groups (p <
      0.01). FENO levels correlated with FEV-1 (%) in the IAO group (r = 0.49, p =
      0.01). The levels of matrix metalloproteases-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of
      matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in asthma patients with IAO, RAO, and NAO
      were significantly higher than those in the controls (p < 0.05). The level of
      neutrophilia in the sputum from the IAO group was higher than that from the RAO,
      NAO and control groups. CONCLUSION: Asthma patients with IAO have an increased
      BWT. Airway measurements with HRCT scans appear to be valuable in the evaluation
      of airway remodeling in asthma patients with IAO.

PMID- 25138549
TI  - Dabigatran: patient management in specific clinical settings.
AB  - Dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is licensed for the prevention of venous
      thromboembolism after knee and hip replacement, the prevention of stroke and
      systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and for the
      treatment of acute venous thromboembolism. As dabigatran has a favourable benefit
      risk profile, it is being increasingly used. Dabigatran differs from vitamin K
      antagonists as regards its pharmacological characteristics and its impact on
      certain laboratory tests, and also in the lack of a direct antagonist that can
      reverse dabigatran-induced anticoagulation. In emergency settings such as acute
      bleeding, emergency surgery, acute coronary syndrome, thrombolysis for ischaemic
      stroke or overdosing, specific strategies are required. A working group of
      experts from various disciplines has developed strategies for the management of
      dabigatran-treated patients in emergency settings. 

PMID- 25138551
TI  - Skeletal (stromal) stem cells: an update on intracellular signaling pathways
      controlling osteoblast differentiation.
AB  - Skeletal (marrow stromal) stem cells (BMSCs) are a group of multipotent cells
      that reside in the bone marrow stroma and can differentiate into osteoblasts,
      chondrocytes and adipocytes. Studying signaling pathways that regulate BMSC
      differentiation into osteoblastic cells is a strategy for identifying druggable
      targets for enhancing bone formation. This review will discuss the functions and
      the molecular mechanisms of action on osteoblast differentiation and bone
      formation; of a number of recently identified regulatory molecules: the non
      canonical Notch signaling molecule Delta-like 1/preadipocyte factor 1 (Dlk1/Pref
      1), the Wnt co-receptor Lrp5 and intracellular kinases. This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled: Stem Cells and Bone. 

PMID- 25138550
TI  - MicroRNA-17/20a inhibits glucocorticoid-induced osteoclast differentiation and
      function through targeting RANKL expression in osteoblast cells.
AB  - Glucocorticoids act on the osteoblasts to up-regulate the expression of RANKL,
      which is very important in the etiology of glucocorticoid-induced osteoclast
      differentiation and bone resorption. The mechanisms of this process are still not
      completely understood. Recent studies have shown that glucocorticoids mediate
      osteoblast function by decreasing the expression of microRNA-17-92a cluster.
      Coincidentally, we found that the microRNA-17/20a (microRNA-17, microRNA-20a)
      seed sequences were also complementary to a sequence conserved in the 3'-
      untranslated region of RANKL mRNA. Therefore, we hypothesized that
      glucocorticoids might promote osteoblast-derived RANKL expression by down
      regulating microRNA-17/20a, which favors differentiation and function of the
      osteoclasts. In the present study, Western blot analysis showed that microRNA
      17/20a markedly lowered the levels of RANKL protein and attenuated dexamethasone
      induced RANKL expression in the osteoblasts. The post-transcriptional repression
      of RANKL by microRNA-17/20a was further confirmed by the luciferase reporter
      assay. Furthermore, we found that dexamethasone-induced osteoclast
      differentiation and function were significantly attenuated in co-culture with
      osteoblast over-expressed microRNA-17/20a and osteoclast progenitors. These
      results showed that microRNA-17/20a may play a significant role in glucocorticoid
      induced osteoclast differentiation and function by targeting the RANKL expression
      in osteoblast cells. 

PMID- 25138552
TI  - Mathematical modelling and optimization of synthetic textile dye removal using
      soil composites as highly competent liner material.
AB  - Soil is widely used as adsorbent for removing toxic pollutants from their aqueous
      solutions due to its wide availability and cost efficiency. This study
      investigates the potential of soil and soil composites for removal of crystal
      violet (CV) dye from solution on a comparative scale. Optimisation of different
      process parameters was carried out using a novel approach of response surface
      methodology (RSM) and a central composite design (CCD) was used for determining
      the optimum experimental conditions, as well as the result of their interactions.
      Around 99.85 % removal of CV was obtained at initial pH 6.4, which further
      increased to 99.98 % on using soil and cement composite proving it to be the best
      admixture of those selected. The phenomenon was found to be represented best by
      the Langmuir isotherm at different temperatures. The process followed the pseudo
      second-order kinetic model and was determined to be spontaneous chemisorption in
      nature. This adsorbent can hence be suggested as an appropriate liner material
      for the removal of CV dye.

PMID- 25138553
TI  - Spatial distribution of heavy metal contamination in soils near a primitive e
      waste recycling site.
AB  - The total concentrations of 12 heavy metals in surface soils (SS, 0-20 cm),
      middle soils (MS, 30-50 cm) and deep soils (DS, 60-80 cm) from an acid-leaching
      area, a deserted paddy field and a deserted area of Guiyu were measured. The
      results showed that the acid-leaching area was heavily contaminated with heavy
      metals, especially in SS. The mean concentrations of Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Sb and
      Pb in SS from the acid-leaching area were 278.4, 684.1, 572.8, 1.36, 3,472, 1,706
      and 222.8 mg/kg, respectively. Heavy metal pollution in the deserted paddy field
      was mainly concentrated in SS and MS. The average values of Sb in SS and MS from
      the deserted paddy field were 16.3 and 20.2 mg/kg, respectively. However, heavy
      metal contamination of the deserted area was principally found in the DS.
      Extremely high concentrations of heavy metals were also observed at some special
      research sites, further confirming that the level of heavy metal pollution was
      very serious. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values revealed that the acid
      leaching area was severely polluted with heavy metals in the order of Sb > Sn >
      Cu > Cd > Ni > Zn > Pb, while deserted paddy field was contaminated predominately
      by metals in the order of Sb > Sn > Cu. It was obvious that the concentrations of
      some uncommon contaminants, such as Sb and Sn, were higher than principal
      contaminants, such as Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb, suggesting that particular attention
      should be directed to Sn and Sb contamination in the future research of heavy
      metals in soils from e-waste-processing areas. Correlation analysis suggested
      that Li and Be in soils from the acid-leaching area and its surrounding
      environment might have originated from other industrial activities and from
      batteries, whereas Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Sn and Sb contamination was most likely
      caused by uncontrolled electronic waste (e-waste) processing. These results
      indicate the significant need for optimisation of e-waste-dismantling
      technologies and remediation of polluted soil environment.

PMID- 25138554
TI  - Hydroxyl radical reaction rate coefficients as a function of temperature and IR
      absorption cross sections for CF3CH=CH2 (HFO-1243zf), potential replacement of
      CF3CH2F (HFC-134a).
AB  - CF3CH=CH2 (hydrofluoroolefin, HFO-1243zf) is a potential replacement of high
      global-warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbon (HFC-134a, CF3CFH2). Both the
      atmospheric lifetime and the radiative efficiency of HFO-1243zf are parameters
      needed for estimating the GWP of this species. Therefore, the aim of this work is
      (i) to estimate the atmospheric lifetime of HFO-1243zf from the reported OH rate
      coefficients, k OH, determined under tropospheric conditions and (ii) to
      calculate its radiative efficiency from the reported IR absorption cross
      sections. The OH rate coefficient at 298 K also allows the estimation of the
      photochemical ozone creation potential (epsilon(POCP)). The pulsed laser
      photolysis coupled to a laser-induced fluorescence technique was used to
      determine k OH for the reaction of OH radicals with HFO-1243zf as a function of
      pressure (50-650 Torr of He) and temperature (263-358 K). Gas-phase IR spectra of
      HFO-1243zf were recorded at room temperature using a Fourier transform IR
      spectrometer between 500 and 4,000 cm(-1). At all temperatures, k OH did not
      depend on bath gas concentration (i.e., on the total pressure between 50 and 650
      Torr of He). A slight but noticeable T dependence of k OH was observed in the
      temperature range investigated. The observed behavior is well described by the
      following Arrhenius expression: k OH(T) = (7.65 +/- 0.26) * 10(-13) exp [(165 +/-
      10) / T] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). Negligible IR absorption of HFO-1243zf was
      observed at wavenumbers greater than 1,700 cm(-1). Therefore, IR absorption cross
      sections, [Formula: see text], were determined in the 500-1,700 cm(-1) range.
      Integrated [Formula: see text] were determined between 650 and 1,800 cm(-1) for
      comparison purposes. The main diurnal removal pathway for HFO-1243zf is the
      reaction with OH radicals, which accounts for 64% of the overall loss by
      homogeneous reactions at 298 K. Globally, the lifetime due to OH reaction (tau
      OH) was estimated to be 8.7 days under the assumption of a well-mixed atmosphere.
      Assuming other removal pathways, the atmospheric lifetime (tau) was estimated to
      be ~6 days. Considering the estimated tau OH and the measured IR absorption cross
      sections of HFO-1243zf in the atmospheric window (720-1,250 cm(-1)), its lifetime
      corrected radiative efficiency was calculated to be 0.019 W m(-2) ppbv(-1).
      GWP100 years for the HFO investigated, 0.29, is negligible compared to that of
      HFC-134a, the HFC to be potentially replaced (GWP100 years = 1,300, Hodnebrog et
      al. (Rev Geophys 51:300-378, 2013)). epsilon POCP for HFO-1243zf was estimated to
      be around 1 order of magnitude lower than that for ethylene. In conclusion, HFO
      1243zf is fast degraded in the atmosphere, and it does not appreciably contribute
      to global warming and local/regional air pollution. Therefore, HFO-1243zf can be
      a suitable replacement for HFC-134a in air conditioning units.

PMID- 25138555
TI  - Evaluating the genotoxicity of urban PM2.5 using PCR-based methods in human lung
      cells and the Salmonella TA98 reverse test.
AB  - A number of compounds found in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter
      <2.5 (PM2.5) can interact with DNA either directly or after enzymatic
      transformation to induce DNA modifications. These particulate matter (PM)-induced
      alterations in DNA may be associated with increased frequencies of pollution
      associated diseases, such as lung cancer. In the present study, we applied
      different methods to assess the mutagenicity and genotoxicity of monthly PM2.5
      organic extracts collected over a full year. We used the Salmonella assay,
      exposed cultured human embryonic lung fibroblasts and applied extracellular
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and 2,3-bis[2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H
      tetrazolium-5-carboxyanilide inner salt (XTT) assays to assess the cytotoxicity
      of PM2.5 on the cells. We assessed both the expression levels of a number of DNA
      repair genes (using qRT-qPCR) and the genetic profile of the treated cells
      compared to the control. The expression levels of XRCC1 and APE1, which are
      involved in the first steps of base excision repair, as well as ERCC1, XPA and
      XPF, which encode nucleotide excision repair subunits, were analysed. The monthly
      mean of the PM2.5 collected was 35.16 +/- 22.06 MUg/m(3). The mutagenicity of
      PM2.5 to TA98 was 46 +/- 50 net revertants/m(3), while the mutagenicity to TA98 +
      S9 was 17 +/- 19 net revertants/m(3). The mean IC50 values were 2.741 +/- 1.414
      and 3.219 +/- 2.764 m(3) of equivalent air in the XTT and LDH assays,
      respectively. A marked and significant increase in APE1 expression levels was
      observed in the exposed cells. This effect was also significantly correlated with
      mutagenicity (p < 0.01). No induced AFLP fragment profile alterations were
      detected. The proposed approach seems to be useful for integrated evaluation and
      for highlighting the mechanisms inducing DNA damage.

PMID- 25138557
TI  - Chemical extractability of As and Pb from soils across long-term abandoned
      metallic mine sites in Korea and their phytoavailability assessed by Brassica
      juncea.
AB  - The chemical extractability of As and Pb (by 5 mM CaCl2, 0.1 M HCl, 0.05 M NH4
      (H2PO4), and aqua regia) from soils and their phytoavailability (by Brassica
      juncea) were assessed using 16 soil samples collected as a function of distance
      from mine pits across three long-term abandoned metallic mine sites. The total
      concentrations of As and Pb (17-41,000 and 27-10,047 mg kg(-1), respectively)
      decreased with increasing separation distance from the mine pits along a
      declining slope. However, the percentage of chemically leachable As and Pb mass
      (e.g., by 5 mM CaCl2, 0.1 M HCl, or 0.05 M NH4(H2PO4)) relative to total mass
      (e.g., by aqua regia) tended to increase exponentially with distance, indicating
      more chemically labile fractions present in less contaminated downgradient soils.
      Among soil components, extractable As concentrations were best described by
      coupling DCB-Al with other Al and Fe oxides. For Pb concentration, pH coupled to
      DCB-Al or Ox-Al provided a good predictive relationship. The inhibitory growth
      and uptake by plants were best correlated with the extractable concentrations by
      5 mM CaCl2 and 0.1 M HCl. In conclusion, the chemical extractability and
      phytoavailability of As and Pb are highly influenced by the relative labile
      fraction in abandoned mine soils, and its distribution in soils is essentially
      correlated with sampling distance from mine pits.

PMID- 25138556
TI  - Endocrine actions of pesticides measured in the Flemish environment and health
      studies (FLEHS I and II).
AB  - Within the Flemish Environment and Health studies (FLEHS I, 2002-2006, and FLEHS
      II, 2007-2012), pesticide exposure, hormone levels and degree of sexual
      maturation were measured in 14-15-year-old adolescents residing in Flanders
      (Belgium). In FLEHS II, geometric mean concentrations (with 95 % confidence
      interval (CI)) of 307 (277-341) and 36.5 ng L(-1) (34.0-39.2) were found for p,p'
      dichlorophenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). These
      values were respectively 26 and 60 % lower than levels in FLEHS I, 5 years
      earlier. Metabolites of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and of para
      dichlorobenzene were measured for the first time in FLEHS II, yielding
      concentrations of 11.4, 3.27 and 1.57 MUg L(-1) for the sum of dimethyl- and
      diethyl phosphate metabolites and 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP), respectively.
      Data on internal exposure of HCB showed a positive correlation with sexual
      maturation, testosterone and the aromatase index for boys and with free thyroxine
      (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (both boys and girls). For both p,p'
      DDE and HCB, a negative association with sexual development in girls was found.
      The OPP metabolites were negatively associated with sex hormone levels in the
      blood of boys and with sexual maturation (both boys and girls). The pesticide
      metabolite 2,5-DCP was negatively correlated with free T4, while a positive
      association with TSH was reported (boys and girls). These results show that even
      exposure to relatively low concentrations of pesticides can have significant
      influences on hormone levels and the degree of sexual maturation in 14-15-year
      old adolescents.

PMID- 25138558
TI  - Leaf-age and soil-plant relationships: key factors for reporting trace-elements
      hyperaccumulation by plants and design applications.
AB  - Relationships between the trace-elements (TE) content of plants and associated
      soil have been widely investigated especially to understand the ecology of TE
      hyperaccumulating species to develop applications using TE phytoextraction. Many
      studies have focused on the possibility of quantifying the soil TE fraction
      available to plants, and used bioconcentration (BC) as a measure of the plants
      ability to absorb TE. However, BC only offers a static view of the dynamic
      phenomenon of TE accumulation. Accumulation kinetics are required to fully
      account for TE distributions in plants. They are also crucial to design
      applications where maximum TE concentrations in plant leaves are needed. This
      paper provides a review of studies of BC (i.e. soil-plant relationships) and leaf
      age in relation to TE hyperaccumulation. The paper focuses of Ni and Mn
      accumulators and hyperaccumulators from New Caledonia who were previously
      overlooked until recent Ecocatalysis applications emerged for such species.
      Updated data on Mn hyperaccumulators and accumulators from New Caledonia are also
      presented and advocate further investigation of the hyperaccumulation of this
      element. Results show that leaf-age should be considered in the design of sample
      collection and allowed the reclassification of Grevillea meisneri known
      previously as a Mn accumulator to a Mn hyperaccumulator. 

PMID- 25138559
TI  - Environmental chemicals mediated the effect of old housing on adult health
      problems: US NHANES, 2009-2010.
AB  - Housing conditions affect occupants continuously, and health interventions have
      shown a positive association between housing investment or improvement and
      occupant's health. However, the sources of the housing problems were less
      understood. Since it was observed that lead dust and chloroanisoles released from
      housing (materials) as indoor pollutants affected child's health, we now aimed to
      examine the relationships among built year, environmental chemicals and
      individual health in adults in a national and population-based setting. Data were
      retrieved from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009
      2010, including demographics, housing characteristics, self-reported health
      status, biomarkers and blood and urinary chemical concentrations. Adults aged 20
      and above were included for statistical analysis (n = 5,793). Analysis involved
      chi-square test, t test, and survey-weighted general linear regression and
      logistic regression modelling. People who resided in older housing built before
      1990 tended to report chronic bronchitis, liver problems, stroke, heart failure,
      diabetes, asthma and emphysema. Higher values in HDL cholesterol, blood lead and
      blood cadmium and having positive responses of hepatitis A, B, C and E antibodies
      among occupants were also observed. Furthermore, higher environmental chemical
      concentrations related to old housing including urinary cadmium, cobalt,
      platinum, mercury, 2,5-dichlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol concentrations and
      mono-cyclohexyl phthalate and mono-isobutyl phthalate metabolites were shown in
      occupants as well. Older housing (>=30 years) seemed to contribute to the amount
      of environmental chemicals that affected human health. Regular monitoring,
      upgrading and renovation of housing to remove environmental chemicals and policy
      to support people in deprived situations against environmental injustice would be
      needed.

PMID- 25138560
TI  - Cancer risks and long-term community-level exposure to pentachlorophenol in
      contaminated areas, China.
AB  - Widespread use of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in schistosomiasis endemic areas had
      led to ubiquitous exposure to PCP and its residues. Numerous studies had revealed
      that occupational PCP exposure probably increased risk of cancers, but whether
      long-term community-level exposure to PCP generates the similarly carcinogenic
      effect, seldom studies focused on it. This study was to explore the cancer risks
      of long-term community-level PCP exposure from drinking water in a Chinese
      general population. Incident (2009-2012) cancer records were identified by local
      government national registry. And PCP concentration of raw drinking water samples
      in each district was measured by GC-MS/MS analysis for further division of three
      PCP exposure categories by interquartile range (high vs. medium vs. low).
      Internal comparisons were performed, and standard rate ratio was calculated to
      describe the relationship between PCP exposure and cancer risks by using low
      exposure group as the reference group. PCP was detected in all 27 raw drinking
      water samples ranging from 11.21 to 684.00 ng/L. A total of 6,750 cases (4,409
      male and 2,341 female cases) were identified, and age-standardized rate (world)
      was 154.95 per 100,000 person-years. The cancer incidence for the high-exposure
      group was remarkably high. Internal comparisons indicated that high PCP exposure
      might be positively associated with high cancer risks in the community
      population, particularly for leukemia (SRR = 5.93, 95 % CI = 5.24-6.71), maligant
      lymphoma (SRR = 2.27, 95 % CI = 2.10-2.54), and esophageal cancer (SRR = 2.42, 95
      % CI = 2.35-2.50). Long-term community-level exposure to PCP was probably
      associated with hemolymph neoplasm, neurologic tumors, and digestive system
      neoplasm.

PMID- 25138561
TI  - Differential effect of water-soluble chitin on collagen synthesis of human bone
      marrow stem cells and human periodontal ligament stem cells.
AB  - Human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs) represent a promising regenerative material
      because of their mutipotency, including their ability to regenerate collagenous
      soft tissues. We previously found that water-soluble chitin (WSC) enhances the
      ability of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) to synthesize collagen
      tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of WSC on hBMSCs and
      hPDLSCs for the collagen synthesis both in vitro and in vivo. hBMSCs and hPDLSCs
      were isolated and expanded with or without 0.3 mg/mL WSC. A series of in vitro
      and in vivo analyses were performed to evaluate their characteristics as stem
      cell populations. Then, collagen and hydroxyproline assays were conducted using
      both in vitro and in vivo assay models, and the real-time polymerase chain
      reaction was performed to analyze the expression of collagen-related markers. WSC
      treated and nontreated hBMSCs and hPDLSCs were transplanted into
      immunocompromised mice, and histology and immunohistochemistry analyses were
      conducted after 8 weeks. The in vitro results showed that those cells possessed
      the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells. The amount of soluble collagen
      synthesized was significantly greater in WSC-treated hBMSCs than in the
      nontreated group; conversely, treatment of hPDLSCs with WSC decreased the
      formation of soluble collagen. The amount of insoluble collagen synthesized was
      greater in the WSC-treated groups than in the nontreated groups for both hBMSCs
      and hPDLSCs. The hydroxyproline contents of the regenerated soluble and insoluble
      collagens were similar. The expressions of mRNA for collagen types I-V,
      hyaluronic acid synthase 1 (HAS1), HAS2, and HAS3, and the LOX family were higher
      in WSC-treated hPDLSCs than in the nontreated group, whereas WSC increased the
      expression of collagen type III and decreased that of collagen type I in hBMSCs.
      The histology and immunohistochemistry results revealed that WSC significantly
      increased the amount of collagen formed in vivo by both types of stem cells.
      Collectively, treatment with WSC significantly enhanced the collagen-forming
      potentials of hBMSCs and hPDLSCs, but the collagen they produced exhibited
      distinctively different characteristics. These findings suggest that the
      appropriate stem-cell source should be chosen based on the purpose of the
      required regenerated tissue.

PMID- 25138562
TI  - The expression of glucocorticoid receptor is negatively regulated by active
      androgen receptor signaling in prostate tumors.
AB  - The glucocorticoid and androgen receptors (GR and AR) can commonly regulate up to
      50% of their target genes in prostate cancer (PCa) cells. GR expression is
      stimulated by castration therapy, which has been proposed to be one mechanism
      that compensates for AR signaling blockade and promotes castration-resistant PCa
      (CRPC) progression. However, whether GR functions as a driver for CRPC or a
      marker reflecting AR activity remains unclear. Here, we applied PCa tissue
      microarrays to show that GR protein levels were elevated by castration therapy,
      but reduced to pre-castration levels when tumors were at the CRPC stage. Using
      subrenal capsule xenograft models, we showed that GR expression was inversely
      correlated with AR and PSA expressions. GR expression levels are not associated
      with tumor invasion and metastasis phenotypes. In castration-resistant C4-2
      xenografts expressing AR shRNA, regressing tumors induced by AR knockdown
      expressed higher levels of GR and lower levels of PSA than non-regressing tumors.
      Immunoblotting and real-time PCR assays further showed that AR knockdown or AR
      antagonists increased GR expression at both mRNA and protein levels. ChIP
      combined with DNA sequencing techniques identified a negative androgen responsive
      element (nARE) 160K base pairs upstream of the GR gene. Gel shift assays
      confirmed that AR directly interacted with the nARE and luciferase assays
      demonstrated that the nARE could mediate transcription repression by ligand
      activated AR. In conclusion, GR expression is negatively regulated by AR
      signaling and may serve as a marker for AR signaling in prostate tumors. 

PMID- 25138563
TI  - Beta-blocking agents in cardiovascular disease; are they here to stay?

PMID- 25138564
TI  - Allergen analysis of sea urchin roe using sera from five patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sea urchin roe can cause anaphylactic reactions the first time they
      are consumed; therefore, careful clinical attention should be paid to their
      effects. However, no previous study has examined the allergens in sea urchin roe
      using sera from more than one patient. We attempted to identify sea urchin
      allergens using sera from 5 patients with sea urchin allergies. METHODS: We
      enrolled 5 patients with relevant medical histories, positive results on a skin
      prick test and/or a food challenge test, and high levels of sea urchin-specific
      IgE in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We performed SDS-PAGE,
      immunoblotting, immunoblot inhibition, and N-terminal amino acid sequence
      detection. RESULTS: Ten protein bands ranging from 18 to 170 kDa were detected in
      more than 2 patients' sera. In immunoblotting, the protein band for the 170-kDa
      major yolk protein was recognized by 4 of the 5 sera. Furthermore, the reaction
      between IgE and the protein band for egg cortical vesicle protein (18 kDa) was
      inhibited by the addition of salmon roe extract. CONCLUSION: Major yolk protein
      was confirmed to be one of the main allergens in sea urchin roe. In addition, egg
      cortical vesicle protein (18 kDa) was demonstrated to be an important protein for
      cross-reactivity with salmon roe.

PMID- 25138566
TI  - 'They said it was bronchiolitis; is it going to turn into asthma doctor?'.
AB  - Acute bronchiolitis is a common paediatric disease of infancy. Its association
      with subsequent asthma development has puzzled clinicians and epidemiologists for
      decades. This article reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the role
      of acute bronchiolitis in the inception of asthma. There is little doubt that
      acute bronchiolitis is associated with an increased risk of recurrent wheezing
      throughout the primary school years although the direction of causality--i.e.
      whether bronchiolitis in infancy leads to asthma or it merely represents the
      first clinical presentation of predisposition to asthma--is uncertain. Existing
      evidence suggests that both host factors (e.g. prematurity, atopic
      predisposition) and acute viral infection characteristics (e.g. type of virus,
      severity) are operating in this relationship, perhaps with variable involvement
      in different individuals. Further clarification of these issues will help
      paediatricians provide evidence-based information regarding the long-term
      prognosis of this common disease to the families, and at the same time, it will
      facilitate prophylactic approaches and therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 25138567
TI  - Teaching nursing concepts through an online discussion board.
AB  - Barriers to course content engagement and student learning in nursing education
      abound. Some of these barriers include content overload, classroom time
      constraints, and large student numbers. One way to overcome these issues is the
      implementation of active learning strategies in the classroom. Despite the
      positive learning outcomes associated with active learning strategies described
      in the education literature, traditional passive learning strategies continue to
      be used by nurse educators in the classroom. This article details the results of
      a pilot study using an active teaching strategy-an online discussion board-which
      was designed to improve the learning engagement of beginning nursing students
      enrolled in their first face-to-face nursing course. The results of the semester
      long pilot study indicated a favorable student response to the active teaching
      strategy and improved overall success in the course by the students who
      participated fully in the online discussions.

PMID- 25138568
TI  - Integrating Reiki and community-engaged scholarship: an interdisciplinary
      educational innovation.
AB  - To provide students with a meaningful holistic care experience while integrating
      community-engaged scholarship, students partnered with a Reiki-prepared faculty
      member within a nurse-managed community clinic to offer Reiki to the clients and
      participate in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the modality. This article
      describes how students and faculty integrated holistic care, scholarship, and
      community engagement. This experience provided the students with an opportunity
      to embrace the art and science of holistic nursing while obtaining experience in
      measuring outcomes.

PMID- 25138565
TI  - Childhood maltreatment and the risk of pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive
      gestational weight gain.
AB  - The objective of this study was to estimate whether maternal history of childhood
      maltreatment was associated with pre-pregnancy obesity or excessive gestational
      weight gain. Pregnant women (n = 472) reported pre-pregnancy weight and height
      and gestational weight gain and were followed up to 16 years post-partum when
      they reported maltreatment on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). CTQ score
      ranged from no maltreatment (25) to severe maltreatment (125). Prenatal mental
      health modified the association between CTQ score and maternal weight (P < 0.15),
      and thus stratified models are presented. After adjusting for race, prenatal
      tobacco, marijuana and alcohol use, a one standard deviation (1 SD) increase in
      CTQ score was associated with a 45% increase in the risk of pre-pregnancy obesity
      among the 141 women with elevated anxiety (>=75th percentile on the State Trait
      Anxiety Inventory) [relative risk, RR (95% confidence interval, CI): 1.45 (1.12,
      1.88)], but was not associated among less anxious (<75th percentile) women [RR
      (95% CI): 1.10 (0.81, 1.51)]. Risk of excessive gestational weight gain was
      higher [adjusted RR (95% CI): 1.21 (1.07, 1.37)] with every 1 SD increase in CTQ
      score for anxious women. No association was observed for less anxious women
      [adjusted RR (95% CI): 0.89 (0.78, 1.02)]. Prenatal depression similarly modified
      the association between maltreatment and weight gain. Factors such as
      psychological status and traumatic experiences in early childhood may contribute
      to pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain.

PMID- 25138569
TI  - Three-calendar-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing: an innovative curriculum
      program.
AB  - The 3-calendar-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum program was
      developed to facilitate a quicker entry into professional nursing practice. This
      program offered many advantages, including financial and time-saving benefits for
      students, more efficient use of campus facilities, and flexibility in faculty
      scheduling. Evaluation of the program showed benefits in the success rate of
      course-work, in retention and graduation rates, and in subsequent NCLEX-RN pass
      rates. The NCLEX-RN pass rate for students in the 3-calendar-year BSN program was
      98.33%, compared with the national average pass rate (88.01%) for the same 5-year
      period for first-time test takers. The 3-calendar-year BSN program met the needs
      of both traditional and nontraditional students. It produced quality nurse
      graduates who were successful NCLEX-RN first-time test takers. The program has
      potential to be adopted by other universities with a student base composed of
      individuals of modest resources and diverse backgrounds.

PMID- 25138570
TI  - Meaningful learning: theoretical support for concept-based teaching.
AB  - Novice nurses' inability to transfer classroom knowledge to the bedside has been
      implicated in adverse patient outcomes, including death. Concept-based teaching
      is a pedagogy found to improve knowledge transfer. Concept-based teaching
      emanates from a constructivist paradigm of teaching and learning and can be
      implemented most effectively when the underlying theory and principles are
      applied. Ausubel's theory of meaningful learning and its construct of substantive
      knowledge integration provides a model to help educators to understand,
      implement, and evaluate concept-based teaching. Contemporary findings from the
      fields of cognitive psychology, human development, and neurobiology provide
      empirical evidence of the relationship between concept-based teaching, meaningful
      learning, and knowledge transfer. This article describes constructivist
      principles and meaningful learning as they apply to nursing pedagogy.

PMID- 25138571
TI  - Habitat differences influence genetic impacts of human land use on the American
      beech (Fagus grandifolia).
AB  - Natural reforestation after regional forest clearance is a globally common land
      use sequence. The genetic recovery of tree populations in these recolonized
      forests may depend on the biogeographic setting of the landscape, for instance
      whether they are in the core or in the marginal part of the species' range. Using
      data from 501 individuals genotyped across 7 microsatellites, we investigated
      whether regional differences in habitat quality affected the recovery of genetic
      variation in a wind-pollinated tree species, American beech (Fagus grandifolia)
      in Massachusetts. We compared populations in forests that were recolonized
      following agricultural abandonment to those in remnant forests that have only
      been logged in both central inland and marginal coastal regions. Across all
      populations in our entire study region, recolonized forests showed limited
      reduction of genetic diversity as only observed heterozygosity was significantly
      reduced in these forests (H(O) = 0.520 and 0.590, respectively). Within inland
      region, this pattern was observed, whereas in the coast, recolonized populations
      exhibited no reduction in all genetic diversity estimates. However, genetic
      differentiation among recolonized populations in marginal coastal habitat
      increased (F(st) logged = 0.072; F(st) secondary = 0.249), with populations
      showing strong genetic structure, in contrast to inland region. These results
      indicate that the magnitude of recovery of genetic variation in recolonized
      populations can vary at different habitats.

PMID- 25138572
TI  - Improving immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccines for genital herpes containing
      herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D.
AB  - No vaccines are approved for prevention or treatment of genital herpes. The focus
      of genital herpes vaccine trials has been on prevention using herpes simplex
      virus type 2 (HSV-2) glycoprotein D (gD2) alone or combined with glycoprotein B.
      These prevention trials did not achieve their primary end points. However, subset
      analyses reported some positive outcomes in each study. The most recent trial was
      the Herpevac Trial for Women that used gD2 with monophosphoryl lipid A and alum
      as adjuvants in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 seronegative women.
      Unexpectedly, the vaccine prevented genital disease by HSV-1 but not HSV-2.
      Currently, HSV-1 causes more first episodes of genital herpes than HSV-2,
      highlighting the importance of protecting against HSV-1. The scientific community
      is conflicted between abandoning vaccine efforts that include gD2 and building
      upon the partial successes of previous trials. We favor building upon success and
      present approaches to improve outcomes of gD2-based subunit antigen vaccines. 

PMID- 25138573
TI  - The influence of antioxidant THPC on the properties of polymer gel dosimeter.
AB  - In order to decrease the negative influence of oxygen to the response of PAG
      dosimeters THPC has been added to the gel in the role of scavenger. Apart from
      the decreased influence of oxygen, THPC also influences other properties of gel
      dosimeters. This study examines these influences and their quantification.
      Previous studies have shown that increasing the concentration of THPC causes a
      decreasing response of the dosimeter (as measured in the relaxation rate R2).
      Evaluation of the IR spectrum of gels irradiated by a variety of doses has shown
      that it is caused mostly by the changed structure of the arising polymer, not due
      to the decreased polymerization. THPC also changes the kinetics of the subsequent
      reactions in the gel after the end of irradiation. THPC has its influence also on
      the size of the dose response overshoot that happens in the areas of steep dose
      gradients. An easy model of action in the gel was suggested, which allows one to
      estimate the size and kinetics of the changed response of the dosimeter after the
      end of irradiation depending on the content of THPC, the size of the dose and the
      dose gradient. 

PMID- 25138574
TI  - Comparative effects of metformin and pioglitazone on YKL-40 in type 2 diabetes: a
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: Metformin and pioglitazone are believed to exert their long-term
      benefits by means of amelioration of chronic low-grade inflammation, a key event
      in development of diabetes and its long-term complications. The present trial was
      designed to investigate the comparative efficacy of the two anti-diabetes
      medications on serum concentrations of YKL-40, a novel marker of inflammation.
      METHODS: In a parallel-group, open-label, randomized trial setting
      (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier No. NCT01521624), 84 newly diagnosed, medication
      naive type 2 diabetes patients were assigned to metformin 1,000 mg daily (n = 42)
      or pioglitazone 30 mg daily (n = 42). Serum concentrations of YKL-40, along with
      highly sensitive C-reactive protein, indices of glycemic control and lipid
      profile were measured at baseline and after 3 months. RESULTS: In the analyzed
      sample (metformin = 40, pioglitazone = 42), both medications were equally
      effective with regard to control of hyperglycemia, and hsCRP reduction (p >
      0.05). However, metformin caused a significant decline in weight (p = 0.005), BMI
      (p = 0.004), and total cholesterol levels (p = 0.028) of the patients. Metformin
      also significantly reduced YKL-40 concentrations after 3 months (1.90 +/- 17 vs.
      1.66 +/- 0.15 ug/L, p = 0.019). The amount of change in the pioglitazone arm did
      not reach statistical significance (2.18 +/- 0.14 vs. 2.25 +/- 0.16 ug/L, p =
      0.687). When compared, metformin was significantly more effective than
      pioglitazone with respect to YKL-40 reduction in both univariate (p = 0.020,
      effect size = 6.7%) and multivariate models (p = 0.047, effect size = 5.7%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Metformin is more effective in reduction of YKL-40 concentration in
      short term and the effect seems to be independent of degree of glycemic control,
      or hsCRP reduction.

PMID- 25138576
TI  - Telomere-centric genome repatterning determines recurring chromosome number
      reductions during the evolution of eukaryotes.
AB  - Whole-genome duplication (WGD) is central to the evolution of many eukaryotic
      genomes, in particular rendering angiosperm (flowering plant) genomes much less
      stable than those of animals. Following repeated duplication/triplication(s),
      angiosperm chromosome numbers have usually been restored to a narrow range, as
      one element in a 'diploidization' process that re-establishes diploid heredity.
      In several angiosperms affected by WGD, we show that chromosome number reduction
      (CNR) is best explained by intra- and/or inter-chromosomal crossovers to form new
      chromosomes that utilize the existing telomeres of 'invaded' and centromeres of
      'invading' chromosomes, the alternative centromeres and telomeres being lost.
      Comparison with the banana (Musa acuminata) genome supports a 'fusion model' for
      the evolution of rice (Oryza sativa) chromosomes 2 and 3, implying that the grass
      common ancestor had seven chromosomes rather than the five implied by a 'fission
      model.' The 'invading' and 'invaded' chromosomes are frequently homoeologs,
      originating from duplication of a common ancestral chromosome and with greater
      than-average DNA-level correspondence to one another. Telomere-centric CNR
      following recursive WGD in plants is also important in mammals and yeast, and may
      be a general mechanism of restoring small linear chromosome numbers in higher
      eukaryotes.

PMID- 25138577
TI  - A unique case of an indolent myometrial T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder with
      phenotypic features resembling uterine CD8+ resident memory T cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Indolent extranodal T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders have recently
      been described as new entities in the gastrointestinal tract and acral sites
      displaying clonal T-cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement and nonactivated cytotoxic
      CD8+ T-cell phenotypes. METHODS/RESULTS: We report a unique case of an atypical
      myometrial T-cell lymphoproliferation in a 39-year-old multiparous woman, which
      shares many of the features mentioned above: CD8+/TIA1+/granzyme B- phenotype,
      clonal TCR rearrangement and indolent course. CONCLUSION(S): We hypothesize that
      it might derive from a subset of uterine nonrecirculating CD8+ resident memory T
      cells expanded after repeated exposure to allo-extravillous trophoblastic
      antigen.

PMID- 25138575
TI  - A therapeutic approach to treat prostate cancer by targeting Nm23-H1/h-Prune
      interaction.
AB  - Nm23-H1 is a metastasis suppressor gene whose overexpression is associated with
      both reduced cell motility in various cancers and increased metastatic potential
      in neuroblastomas, osteosarcomas, and hematological malignances. We previously
      reported that Nm23-H1 exerts tumor suppressor action in prostate cancer cells and
      that h-Prune, which is overexpressed in various tumor types, binds Nm23-H1.
      Moreover, blockage of the Nm23-H1/h-Prune interaction with a competitive
      permeable peptide (CPP) attenuates migration of breast and neuroblastoma cells.
      This series of events suggests that the Nm23-H1/h-Prune protein complex regulates
      cancer progression and that its specific impairment could be a new therapeutic
      strategy in oncology. We found that CPP leads to inhibition of the AKT/mTORv and
      NF-kBv signaling pathways and also activates apoptosis. To obtain a proof-of
      concept of our hypothesis, we used a xenograft model of prostate cancer to
      evaluate whether impairment of this complex using CPP results in an anti-tumoral
      effect. Using a mouse orthotopic model with bioluminescent imaging, we show
      evidences that CPP reduces prostate cancer metastases formation. In conclusion,
      CPP being able to impair formation of the h-Prune/Nm23-H1 complex holds promise
      for the treatment of prostate cancer.

PMID- 25138578
TI  - Usefulness of the diameter-axial-polar nephrometry score for predicting
      perioperative parameters in robotic partial nephrectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study aimed to verify the association between diameter-axial
      polar (DAP) nephrometry and surgical outcomes, postoperative renal function, and
      perioperative complications in patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy
      (RPN). METHODS: Diameter-axial-polar nephrometry was assessed using computed
      tomography or magnetic resonance imaging on 158 patients who received RPN between
      July 2007 and February 2013. Demographic data, surgical data, and perioperative
      complications were recorded, and percent change between the preoperative and last
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was determined. Linear regression
      analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between the DAP sum score and
      warm ischemia time (WIT), estimated blood loss (EBL), and percent decrease in
      eGFR. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the
      relationship between each DAP scoring parameter and surgical outcomes. RESULTS:
      The median patient age was 50.5 years and median DAP sum score was 6. On linear
      regression, the DAP sum score was associated with WIT and EBL. On multivariable
      regression, all DAP parameters were associated with WIT, but the polar distance
      was not associated with EBL. Patients with a higher DAP sum score showed greater
      decrease in eGFR after RPN. Patients with a DAP sum score of 6 or higher had a
      higher risk of major complications than those with a DAP sum score below 6.
      CONCLUSIONS: Diameter-axial-polar nephrometry predicted WIT and EBL in patients
      who underwent RPN. It was also associated with the decrease in eGFR and rate of
      major perioperative complications, and thus can be useful for surgical planning
      or patient counseling before RPN.

PMID- 25138579
TI  - The impact of adding low-dose oral desmopressin therapy to tamsulosin therapy for
      treatment of nocturia owing to benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding a low-dose oral
      desmopressin to tamsulosin therapy for treatment of nocturia in patients with
      benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Eligible patients with BPH and
      nocturia >=2/night were randomly allocated to two treatment groups; the first of
      which received 3-month treatment scheme of daily oral dose of tamsulosin OCAS 0.4
      mg and desmopressin MELT 60 mcg (D/T group), while the second one received
      tamsulosin OCAS 0.4 mg only (T group). Patients were followed on monthly basis
      and changes in the parameters from baseline to 3 months after treatment were
      assessed on I-PSS/QoL questionnaire, 7-day voiding diary, urinalysis, serum
      sodium, abdominal ultrasonography and uroflowmetry. RESULTS: A total of 248
      patients were included within the study; 123 patients in the combined D/T group
      and 125 patients in T group. The frequencies of night voids decreased by 64.3% in
      D/T group compared to 44.6% in T group. The first sleep period, significantly
      increased from 82.1 to 160.0 min and from 83.2 to 123.8 min in D/T and T group,
      respectively; and significant differences between both groups were observed at
      the end of study (p < 0.001). I-PSS, QoL score, post-void residual urine volume
      and Q max were significantly improved with no statistical difference between both
      groups. No serious adverse effects were reported in both groups. CONCLUSION: The
      addition of low-dose oral desmopressin therapy to an alpha-blocker tamsulosin
      provides effective treatment for nocturia in patients with LUTS/BPH.

PMID- 25138580
TI  - Carbon nanofibers modified with heteroatoms as metal-free catalysts for the
      oxidative dehydrogenation of propane.
AB  - Carbon nanofibres (CNFs) were modified with B and P by an ex situ approach. In
      addition, CNFs doped with N were prepared in situ using ethylenediamine as the N
      and C source. After calcination, the doped CNFs were used as catalysts for the
      oxidative dehydrogenation of propane. For B-CNFs, the effects of boron loading
      and calcination temperature on B speciation and catalytic conversion were
      studied. For the same reaction temperatures and conversions, B- and P-doped CNFs
      exhibited higher selectivities to propene than pristine CNFs. The N-CNFs were the
      most active but the least selective of the catalysts tested here. Our results
      also show that the type of P precursor affects the selectivity to propene and
      that CNFs modified using triphenylphosphine as the precursor provided the highest
      selectivity at isoconversion. 

PMID- 25138581
TI  - Fluorescence-guided surgery improves outcome in an orthotopic osteosarcoma nude
      mouse model.
AB  - In order to develop a model for fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS), 143B human
      osteosarcoma cells expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP) were injected into
      the intramedullary cavity of the tibia in nude mice. The fluorescent areas of
      residual tumors after bright-light surgery (BLS) and FGS were 10.2 +/- 2.4 mm(2)
      and 0.1 +/- 0.1 mm(2) , respectively (p<0.001). The BLS-treated mice and
      BLS+cisplatinum (CDDP)-treated mice had significant recurrence. In contrast, the
      FGS mice and FGS+CDDP mice had very little recurring tumor growth. Disease-free
      survival (DFS) in the BLS-, BLS+CDDP-, FGS-, and FGS+CDDP-treated mice was 12.5%,
      37.5%, 75.0%, and 87.5%, respectively. The FGS-treated mice had a significantly
      higher DFS rate than the BLS-treated mice (p=0.021). The FGS+CDDP-treated mice
      had significantly higher DFS rate than the BLS+CDDP-treated mice (p=0.043).
      Although chemotherapy significantly reduced multiple metastases (p=0.033), there
      was no significant correlation between FGS and lung metastasis. FGS significantly
      reduced the recurrence of the primary tumor but did not reduce lung metastasis.
      The combination of FGS and adjuvant CDDP reduced tumor recurrence and prevented
      multiple metastases. FGS and adjuvant chemotherapy should be performed as early
      as possible in the disease to prevent both recurrence and metastatic development.

PMID- 25138582
TI  - Diet, Physical Activity, Lifestyle Behaviors, and Prevalence of Childhood Obesity
      in Irish Children: The Cork Children's Lifestyle Study Protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is complex, and its aetiology is known to be
      multifaceted. The contribution of lifestyle behaviors, including poor diet and
      physical inactivity, to obesity remains unclear. Due to the current high
      prevalence, childhood obesity is an urgent public health priority requiring
      current and reliable data to further understand its aetiology. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of this study is to explore the individual, family, and environmental
      factors associated with childhood overweight and obesity, with a specific focus
      on diet and physical activity. A secondary objective of the study is to determine
      the average salt intake and distribution of blood pressure in Irish children.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of children 8-11 years old in
      primary schools in Cork, Ireland. Urban schools were selected using a probability
      proportionate to size sampling strategy, and a complete sample of rural schools
      from one area in Cork County were invited to participate. Information collected
      included physical measurement data (anthropometric measurements, blood pressure),
      early morning spot and 24 hour urine samples, a 3 day estimated food diary, and 7
      days of accelerometer data. Principal- (school head) reported, parent/guardian
      reported, and child-reported questionnaires collected information on lifestyle
      behaviors and environmental attributes. The Cork Children's Lifestyle Study
      (CCLaS) was designed by the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health in
      University College Cork, Ireland in 2011 and 2012. Piloting and modification of
      study methods was undertaken. Data collection took place between April 2012 and
      June 2013. RESULTS: Overall, 27/46 schools and 1075/1641 children, of which 623
      were boys, participated. Preliminary data analysis is underway. It is anticipated
      that the results of the CCLaS study will be available in late 2014. CONCLUSIONS:
      The CCLaS study has collected in-depth data on a wide range of individual,
      family, social, and environmental correlates which will allow us to access
      multilevel influences on childhood obesity. This study will contribute to the
      evidence base by highlighting current knowledge and gaps regarding the
      predominant drivers of childhood obesity.

PMID- 25138584
TI  - Scaphocephaly and cranial vault reconstruction: Renier's 'H' technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resulting from an early fusion of the sagittal suture, scaphocephaly
      (SC) is the most frequent form of all craniosynostosis and represents 40-60% of
      all cases. The scope of this study is to describe the first series of Renier's
      'H' technique to be applied in children with SC outside of France. METHODS: A
      consecutive review is made of the medical records of children hospitalized in the
      last 6 years (between March 2007 and March 2013) with isolated SC in whom
      Renier's 'H' technique was performed. RESULTS: Thirteen children met the criteria
      for inclusion in the study. Considering medical evaluation and parental
      satisfaction, the evaluation of postsurgical cranial reconstruction was
      classified as satisfactory in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: We consider the Renier's H
      technique to be effective in the cranial reshaping of children with isolated SC,
      with satisfactory esthetic postsurgical results.

PMID- 25138585
TI  - syn-1,2-carboboration of alkynes with borenium cations.
AB  - The reaction of 8-(trimethylsiloxy)quinoline (QOTMS) with BCl3 and (aryl)BCl2
      forms QOBCl2 and QOBCl(aryl). The subsequent addition of stoichiometric AlCl3
      follows one of two paths, dependent on the steric demands of the QO ligand and
      the electrophilicity of the resulting borenium cation. The phenyl- and 5
      hexylthienylborenium cations, QOBPh(+) and QOBTh(+), are formed, whereas QOBCl(+)
      is not. Instead, AlCl3 preferentially binds with QOBCl2 at oxygen, forming QOBCl2
      ?AlCl3, rather than abstracting chloride. A modest increase in the steric demands
      around oxygen, by installing a methyl group at the 7-position of the quinolato
      ligand, switches the reactivity with AlCl3 back to chloride abstraction, allowing
      formation of  Me 2QOBCl(+). All the prepared borenium cations are highly
      chlorophilic and exhibit significant interaction with AlCl4(-) resulting in an
      equilibrium concentration of Lewis acidic "AlCl3" species. The presence of
      "AlCl3(") species limits the alkyne substrates compatible with these borenium
      systems, with reaction of [QOBPh][AlCl4 ] with 1-pentyne exclusively yielding the
      cyclotrimerised product, 1,3,5-tripropylbenzene. In contrast, QOBPh(+) and
      QOBTh(+) systems effect the syn-1,2-carboboration of 3-hexyne. DFT calculations
      at the M06-2X/6-311G(d,p)/PCM(DCM) level confirm that the higher migratory
      aptitude of Ph versus Me leads to a lower barrier to 1,2-carboboration relative
      to 1,1-carboboration.

PMID- 25138586
TI  - The preparation and structure of Ge3F8 - a new mixed-valence fluoride of
      germanium, a convenient source of GeF2.
AB  - The new binary mixed-valence fluoride of germanium, Ge3F8, has been obtained by
      heating GeF4 with powdered Ge in an autoclave (390 K/4 bar/48 h). The structure
      contains pyramidal Ge(II)F3 and octahedral Ge(IV)F6 units, linked by fluoride
      bridges. The new compound is the missing member of the series (GeF2)n.GeF4 (n =
      2, 4, or 6). Sublimation of (GeF2)n.GeF4in vacuo provides a convenient source of
      GeF2 in ca. 30% overall yield. 

PMID- 25138583
TI  - The Lablite project: a cross-sectional mapping survey of decentralized HIV
      service provision in Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In sub-Saharan Africa antiretroviral therapy (ART) is being
      decentralized from tertiary/secondary care facilities to primary care. The
      Lablite project supports effective decentralization in 3 countries. It began with
      a cross-sectional survey to describe HIV and ART services. METHODS: 81
      purposively sampled health facilities in Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe were
      surveyed. RESULTS: The lowest level primary health centres comprised 16/20, 21/39
      and 16/22 facilities included in Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe respectively. In
      Malawi and Uganda most primary health facilities had at least 1 medical
      assistant/clinical officer, with average 2.5 and 4 nurses/midwives for median
      catchment populations of 29,275 and 9,000 respectively. Primary health facilities
      in Zimbabwe were run by nurses/midwives, with average 6 for a median catchment
      population of 8,616. All primary health facilities provided HIV testing and
      counselling, 50/53 (94%) cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT), 52/53 (98%)
      prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and 30/53 (57%) ART
      management (1/30 post ART-initiation follow-up only). All secondary and tertiary
      level facilities provided HIV and ART services. In total, 58/81 had ART
      provision. Stock-outs during the 3 months prior to survey occurred across
      facility levels for HIV test-kits in 55%, 26% and 9% facilities in Malawi, Uganda
      and Zimbabwe respectively; for CPT in 58%, 32% and 9% and for PMTCT drugs in 26%,
      10% and 0% of facilities (excluding facilities where patients were referred out
      for either drug). Across all countries, in facilities with ART stored on-site,
      adult ART stock-outs were reported in 3/44 (7%) facilities compared with 10/43
      (23%) facility stock-outs of paediatric ART. Laboratory services at primary
      health facilities were limited: CD4 was used for ART initiation in 4/9, 5/6 and
      13/14 in Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe respectively, but frequently only in
      selected patients. Routine viral load monitoring was not used; 6/58 (10%)
      facilities with ART provision accessed centralised viral loads for selected
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although coverage of HIV testing, PMTCT and cotrimoxazole
      prophylaxis was high in all countries, decentralization of ART services was
      variable and incomplete. Challenges of staffing and stock management were
      evident. Laboratory testing for toxicity and treatment effectiveness monitoring
      was not available in most primary level facilities.

PMID- 25138587
TI  - Unusual osteoporotic stress fracture: adjacent bilateral pedicle fractures.

PMID- 25138589
TI  - Effect of crude extracts of selected actinomycetes on biofilm formation of A.
      schindleri, M. aci, and B. cereus.
AB  - Actinomycetes are well known group of gram positive bacteria for their potential
      to produce antibiotics. This study sought to assess the ability of the selected
      actinomycetes to control biofilm forming bacteria isolated from different dental
      plaque samples. On the basis of morphological differences three out of ten
      different dental plaque bacterial isolates were selected for further study. These
      isolates were biochemically and genetically characterized and were identified as
      Acinetobacter schinndleri, Moraxella aci, and Bacillus cereus. Antibiotic
      resistant profile was measured through disc diffusion method and found that all
      three isolates were moderately sensitive to ofloxacin and erythromycin and
      resistant to trimethoprim. Antibacterial activity of ten different Streptomyces
      strains was assessed through an agar plug and well diffusion method against three
      dental biofilm forming bacteria. Two Streptomyces strains named as S.
      erythrogriseus and S. labedae showed good antibacterial activity against
      Moraxella and Acinetobacter strains. Ability of the four active antibiotic
      producing strains to inhibit biofilm formation was assessed using microtiter
      biofilm detection assay. It was found that biofilm forming ability of
      Acinetobacter and Moraxella was inhibited by S. labedae an antibiotic producing
      strain, while S. macrosporeus can only inhibit biofilm formation by B. cereus. 

PMID- 25138588
TI  - Ibrutinib inhibits collagen-mediated but not ADP-mediated platelet aggregation.
AB  - The BTK (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) inhibitor ibrutinib is associated with an
      increased risk of bleeding. A previous study reported defects in collagen- and
      adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-dependent platelet responses when ibrutinib was added
      ex vivo to patient samples. Whereas the collagen defect is expected given the
      central role of BTK in glycoprotein VI signaling, the ADP defect lacks a
      mechanistic explanation. In order to determine the real-life consequences of BTK
      platelet blockade, we performed light transmission aggregometry in 23 patients
      receiving ibrutinib treatment. All patients had reductions in collagen-mediated
      platelet aggregation, with a significant association between the degree of
      inhibition and the occurrence of clinical bleeding or bruising (P=0.044). This
      collagen defect was reversible on drug cessation. In contrast to the previous ex
      vivo report, we found no in vivo ADP defects in subjects receiving standard doses
      of ibrutinib. These results establish platelet light transmission aggregometry as
      a method for gauging, at least qualitatively, the severity of platelet impairment
      in patients receiving ibrutinib treatment.

PMID- 25138590
TI  - Effects of handling on fear reactions in young Icelandic horses.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY: Inclusion of objective temperament tests at
      practical horse breeding evaluations is of increased interest. It has been
      debated whether such tests may involve human handling, since there may be
      considerable differences in horses' handling experience. OBJECTIVES: To
      investigate the effect of a short-term standardised handling procedure on
      reactions of young horses in 2 types of fear tests (including and excluding human
      handling). STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study with 3-year-old Icelandic horses
      (n = 24). METHODS: Handled horses (n = 12) were trained according to a
      standardised handling procedure whereas controls (n = 12) remained untrained.
      Behavioural and heart rate responses in a novel object test and 2 handling fear
      tests (HFTs) were measured. The HFTs were conducted with both an unknown (HFT
      unknown) and a known handler (HFT-known). RESULTS: There was no effect of the
      handling procedure on the horses' behavioural and heart rate responses in the
      novel object test, nor in the HFT-unknown. In the HFT-known, however, handled
      horses showed a significantly shorter duration of reluctance behaviour compared
      with controls, whereas heart rates did not differ. Heart rates correlated
      significantly between tests. CONCLUSIONS: Previous handling may affect the
      behavioural fear response of horses when handled by their usual handler, whereas
      this effect did not apply to an unknown handler. Heart rates appeared unaffected
      by handling and may be a more reliable indicator of fearfulness. Known handlers
      may 'mask' behavioural responses of horses in fear tests and thus handling by a
      known handler during testing may not be appropriate for objective evaluation of
      fearfulness in a practical situation.

PMID- 25138592
TI  - A theoretical study of the L3 pre-edge XAS in Cu(II) complexes.
AB  - L2,3 spectra of Cu(II) complexes have been simulated by means of time dependent
      DFT. Besides the agreement between theory and experiment, the adopted approach
      provided further insights into the use of the Cu(II) L3-edge intensity and
      position to investigate the Cu-ligand symmetry-restricted covalency and the
      ligand-field strength.

PMID- 25138591
TI  - HIV-1 coreceptor usage in paired plasma RNA and proviral DNA from patients with
      acute and chronic infection never treated with antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - Although an independent evolution of viral quasispecies in different body sites
      might determine a differential compartmentalization of viral variants, the aim of
      this paper was to establish whether sequences from peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMCs) and plasma provide different or complementary information on HIV
      tropism in patients with acute or chronic infection. Tropism was predicted using
      genotypic testing combined with geno2pheno (coreceptor) analysis at a 10% false
      positive rate in paired RNA and DNA samples from 75 antiretroviral-naive patients
      (divided on the basis of avidity index into patients with a recent or long
      lasting infection). A high prevalence of R5 HIV strains (97%) was observed in
      both compartments (plasma and PBMCs) in patients infected recently. By contrast,
      patients with a long-lasting infection showed a quite different situation in the
      two compartments, revealing more (46%) X4/DM in PBMCs than patients infected
      recently (3%) (P = 0.008). As- a knowledge of viral strains in different
      biological compartments might be crucial to establish a therapeutic protocol, it
      could be extremely useful to detect not only viral strains in plasma, but also
      viruses hidden or archived in different cell compartments to better understand
      disease evolution and treatment efficacy in patients infected with HIV.

PMID- 25138594
TI  - Planet-satellite nanostructures made to order by RAFT star polymers.
AB  - The investigation and application of complex nanostructures requires the
      hierarchical arrangement of distinct domains on a small scale. Herein, we report
      a method to prepare planet-satellite arrangements using RAFT polymers. Our
      approach is based on star polymers decorated with trithiocarbonate groups on
      their outer periphery that attach to gold surfaces and thus provide the polymer
      with the ability to connect (larger) gold nanoparticle planets with (smaller)
      gold nanoparticle satellites. By adjusting the molecular weight of the polymeric
      linker, nanostructures with tailored planet-satellite distances, as evidenced by
      transmission electron microscopy, are obtained. This strategy offers a
      straightforward way to prepare gold nanoparticle scaffolds with multiple reactive
      functionalities at defined distances from the central core. 

PMID- 25138595
TI  - Time efficient way to calculate oxygen transfer areas and power input in
      cylindrical disposable shaken bioreactors.
AB  - Disposable orbitally shaken bioreactors are a promising alternative to stirred or
      wave agitated systems for mammalian and plant cell cultivation, because they
      provide a homogeneous and well-defined liquid distribution together with a simple
      and cost-efficient design. Cultivation conditions in the surface-aerated
      bioreactors are mainly affected by the size of the volumetric oxygen transfer
      area (a) and the volumetric power input (P/VL ) that both result from the liquid
      distribution during shaking. Since Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-commonly
      applied to simulate the liquid distribution in such bioreactors-needs high
      computing power, this technique is poorly suited to investigate the influence of
      many different operating conditions in various scales. Thus, the aim of this
      paper is to introduce a new mathematical model for calculating the values of a
      and P/VL for liquids with water-like viscosities. The model equations were
      derived from the balance of centrifugal and gravitational forces exerted during
      shaking. A good agreement was found among calculated values for a and P/VL , CFD
      simulation values and empirical results. The newly proposed model enables a time
      efficient way to calculate the oxygen transfer areas and power input for various
      shaking frequencies, filling volumes and shaking and reactor diameters. All these
      parameters can be calculated fast and with little computing power.

PMID- 25138596
TI  - Spatiotemporal mapping of vascularization and innervation in the fetal murine
      intestine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In mice, the intestinal tube develops from the splanchopleure before
      embryonic day 9.5. Subsequent patterning of nerves and blood vessels is critical
      for normal digestive function. A hierarchical branching vascular network allows
      for efficient nutrient absorption, while the complex enteric nervous system
      regulates intestinal motility as well as secretion, absorption, and blood flow.
      Despite the well-recognized significance of these systems, the precise mechanisms
      by which they develop have not been clearly established in mammals. RESULTS:
      Using a novel whole-mount immunohistochemical protocol, we visualize the pattern
      of intestinal neurovascular development in mice between embryonic day 10.5 and
      birth. In particular, we focus on the development and remodeling of the enteric
      vascular plexus, the migration and organization of enteric neural crest-derived
      cells, and the integration of peripheral sympathetic nerves with the enteric
      nervous system. These correlative data lead us to hypothesize a functional
      interaction between migrating neural crest-derived cells and endothelial cells of
      the primary capillary plexus, as well as a subsequent interaction between
      developing peripheral autonomic nerves and differentiated neural crest-derived
      cells. CONCLUSIONS: These studies provide useful anatomical data for continuing
      investigations on the functional mechanisms underlying intestinal organogenesis.

PMID- 25138598
TI  - Aerobic decolorization and degradation of Acid Orange G (AOG) by suspended
      growing cells and immobilized cells of a yeast strain Candida tropicalis TL-F1.
AB  - In this study, aerobic decolorization and degradation of azo dye Acid Orange G
      (AOG) by both suspended growing cells and immobilized cells of a yeast strain
      Candida tropicalis TL-F1 were studied. The effects of different parameters on
      decolorization of AOG by both growing suspended and immobilized strain TL-F1 were
      investigated. Furthermore, a possible decolorization mechanism of AOG was
      proposed through analyzing metabolic intermediates using UV-vis and high
      performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) methods. Strain TL
      F1 could decolorize AOG in both liquid and solid mediums through degradation. The
      optimal conditions for decolorization with suspended growing cells of strain TL
      F1 were as follows: 6-10 g/L sucrose, 5-7 g/L urea, >=6 % (v/v) inoculation size,
      >=160 rpm, 35-40  degrees C, and pH 5.0-6.0; and those for immobilized cells, the
      conditions were as follows: 4-6 g/L glucose, 0.2-0.4 g/L urea, 6-10 g/L (wet cell
      pellets) inoculation size, >=160 rpm, 35-40  degrees C, and pH 5.0-7.0. Results
      of UV-vis scanning spectra suggested that AOG was decolorized through
      biodegradation, and the possible pathway was proposed through the results of HPLC
      MS analysis and related literature. This is a systematic research on aerobic
      decolorization and degradation of AOG by both suspended and immobilized cells of
      a C. tropicalis strain. 

PMID- 25138597
TI  - Microbial degradation of linseed oil-based elastomer and subsequent accumulation
      of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) copolymer.
AB  - The microbial synthesis of environment-friendly poly(3-hydroxybutyrate--co-3
      hydroxyvalerate), PHBV, has been performed by using an alkaliphilic
      microorganism, Alkaliphilus oremlandii OhILAs strain (GenBank Accession number
      NR_043674.1), at pH 8 and at a temperature of 30-32  degrees C through the
      biodegradation of linseed oil-based elastomer. The yield of the copolymer on dry
      cell weight basis is 90 %. The elastomers used for the biodegradation have been
      synthesized by cationic polymerization technique. The yield of the PHBV copolymer
      also varies with the variation of linseed oil content (30-60 %) in the elastomer.
      Spectroscopic characterization ((1)H NMR and FTIR) of the accumulated product
      through biodegradation of linseed oil-based elastomers indicates that the
      accumulated product is a PHBV copolymer consisting of 13.85 mol% of 3
      hydroxyvalerate unit. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results
      indicate a decrease in the melting (T m) and glass transition temperature (T g)
      of PHBV copolymer with an increase in the content of linseed oil in the
      elastomer, which is used for the biodegradation. The gel permeation
      chromatography (GPC) results indicate that the weight average molecular weight (M
      w) of PHBV copolymer decreases with an increasing concentration of linseed oil in
      the elastomer. The surface morphology of the elastomer before and after
      biodegradation is observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic
      force microscope (AFM); these results indicate about porous morphology of the
      biodegraded elastomer. 

PMID- 25138599
TI  - Crystal structure of Talaromyces cellulolyticus (formerly known as Acremonium
      cellulolyticus) GH family 11 xylanase.
AB  - Talaromyces cellulolyticus (formerly known as Acremonium cellulolyticus) is one
      of the mesophilic fungi that can produce high levels of cellulose-related enzymes
      and are expected to be used for the degradation of polysaccharide biomass. In
      silico analysis of the genome sequence of T. cellulolyticus detected seven open
      reading frames (ORFs) showing homology to xylanases from glycoside hydrolase (GH)
      family 11. The gene encoding the GH11 xylanase C (TcXylC) with the highest
      activity was used for overproduction and purification of the recombinant enzyme,
      permitting solving of the crystal structure to a resolution of 1.98 A. In the
      asymmetric unit, two kinds of the crystal structures of the xylanase were
      identified. The main structure of the protein showed a beta-jelly roll structure.
      We hypothesize that one of the two structures represents the open form and the
      other shows the close form. The changing of the flexible region between the two
      structures is presumed to induce and accelerate the enzyme reaction. The
      specificity of xylanase toward the branched xylan is discussed in the context of
      this structural data and by comparison with the other published structures of
      xylanases. 

PMID- 25138600
TI  - Effects of temperature and substrate concentration on lipid production by
      Chlorella vulgaris from enzymatic hydrolysates of lipid-extracted microalgal
      biomass residues (LMBRs).
AB  - The enzymatic hydrolysates of the lipid-extracted microalgal biomass residues
      (LMBRs) from biodiesel production were evaluated as nutritional sources for the
      mixotrophic growth of Chlorella vulgaris and lipid production at different
      temperature levels and substrate concentrations. Both parameters had a
      significant effect on cell growth and lipid production. It was observed that C.
      vulgaris could grow mixotrophically in a wide range of temperatures (20~35 
      degrees C). The optimal temperature for cell growth and lipid accumulation of the
      mixotrophic growth of C. vulgaris was between 25 and 30  degrees C. The neutral
      lipids of the culture at 25  degrees C accounted for as much as 82 % of the total
      lipid content in the microalga at culture day 8. Fatty acid composition analysis
      showed that the increase of saturated fatty acids was proportional to the
      increase in temperature. The maximum biomass concentration of 4.83 g/L and the
      maximum lipid productivity of 164 mg/L/day were obtained at an initial total
      sugar concentration of 10 g/L and an initial total concentration of amino acids
      of 1.0 g/L but decreased at lower and higher substrate concentrations. The
      present results show that LMBRS could be utilized by the mixotrophic growth of C.
      vulgaris for microalgal lipid production under the optimum temperature and
      substrate concentration. 

PMID- 25138601
TI  - Optimizing cultivation strategies for robust algal growth and consequent removal
      of inorganic nutrients in pretreated livestock effluent.
AB  - Dilution was employed as a pretreatment strategy to increase light transmittance
      and decrease ammonia toxicity in piggery effluent prior to the cultivation of
      microalgae. The dilution effect was quantitatively determined based on both the
      maximum specific nutrient consumption rate and the maximum growth coefficient to
      minimize the usage of diluent. The biomass productivity of microalgae was also
      evaluated to select the best species among the five different candidates
      examined. A 20-fold dilution of piggery wastewater resulted in decreased
      chromaticity (584 mg Pt-Co L(-1)) and total nitrogen (76 mg L(-1)), on which the
      microalgae cultivation was more effective for an algal growth compared to the
      other dilution factors. If the initial cell concentration of Scenedesmus
      quadricauda increased, the production of biomass tended to improve. Robust growth
      and harvesting of S. quadricauda were achieved, and the associated consistent
      removal of inorganic nutrients was accomplished during the semi-continuous
      cultivation of the best species. 

PMID- 25138602
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 25138603
TI  - Disseminated cysticercosis revealed by subcutaneous nodules in a migrant from
      Cameroon.

PMID- 25138604
TI  - Twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence in a triple monochorionic pregnancy
      with two direct pump fetuses results in significant cyclic Doppler waveform.
AB  - We report a case of a twin-reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence
      complication in monochorionic triplets, in which both normal fetuses were
      directly connected to the umbilical cord of the acardiac fetus, thus both acting
      as a pump twin. Doppler ultrasound showed a significant waveform pattern with two
      superposed systolic waveforms in the same vessel. After birth, placental findings
      confirmed the existence of two direct pump twins. The Doppler pattern described
      here may be of help to distinguish the existence of two pump twins in a triplet
      monochorionic pregnancy with TRAP.

PMID- 25138605
TI  - Spironolactone in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy - a case
      series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is still
      poorly understood. An animal model of CSC proved that the mineralocorticoid
      receptor [1] of the choroid also plays a role in CSC. Since there is still no
      evidence-based therapy for non-self-limiting CSC, this case series evaluates the
      effect of oral spironolactone in CSC patients. METHODS: In this interventional,
      uncontrolled, prospective case series, we present 18 consecutive CSC patients.
      Patients were treated with spironolactone 25 mg twice daily (Spironolacton AL(r)
      50 mg, ALIUD PHARMA) for up to 12 weeks. Follow-up examinations with BCVA, OCT,
      and EDI-OCT were performed at 1, 2, and 3 months after starting the treatment.
      Main outcome measure was a change of subretinal fluid (SRF) (in micrometers)
      measured by optical coherence tomography. Secondary outcome was a change in
      central retinal thickness (CRT) (in micrometers) measured by OCT and a change in
      BCVA. RESULTS: The subretinal fluid (SRF; mean) decreased from 219 MUm (baseline)
      to 100 MUm (visit 3) (difference 119 MUm). Total central retinal thickness (CRT;
      mean) decreased from 405 MUm before treatment (baseline) to 287 MUm after
      treatment (difference 118 MUm). The BCVA (in logMAR; mean) increased from 0.32 at
      baseline to 0.20 at visit 3. CONCLUSION: Our case series could confirm a positive
      influence of spironolactone on the course CSC. Longer follow-up with a larger
      number of cases could provide more data about the long-term efficiency,
      recurrences, and safety of this well-tolerated and non-invasive treatment option
      of CSC.

PMID- 25138606
TI  - Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis: long-term follow-up of immunocompetent
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to report on the clinical findings and long-term prognosis
      of patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) anterior uveitis. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective observational study on 15 immunocompetent patients with CMV
      anterior uveitis and a follow-up longer than 24 months (mean: 62.1 +/- 28.5
      months). RESULTS: Uveitis was unilateral and hypertensive in all cases, with
      acute relapsing having the characteristics of Posner-Schlossman syndrome in nine
      (60 %) and chronic in nine patients (40 %), three of whom were clinically
      classified as Fuchs' heterocromic iridocyclitis (20 %). All patients received
      topical antiviral and corticosteroid therapy, with six patients also receiving
      systemic therapy with valganciclovir or acyclovir. The mean number of uveitis
      relapses significantly decreased, before and after anti-CMV therapy, from 0.23 +/
      0.17 to 0.03 +/- 0.03 (p < 0.001), without significant differences among
      patients treated with topical therapy alone or combined topical and systemic
      therapy. Cataracts developed in nine out of 13 patients (69.2 %). A chronic raise
      in intraocular pressure (IOP) was found in 13 patients (86.6 %), with nine
      requiring surgery (60 %). At the end of the follow-up, all patients had a
      quiescent uveitis, with ten of them requiring topical low dose steroid therapy
      (66.6 %) and combined with systemic acyclovir in four cases. Eight patients (53.3
      %) were on antiglaucomatous therapy. The last mean IOP value was 14.9 +/- 3.6
      mmHg (range 8-21 mmHg), and visual acuity was 0.89 +/- 0.21. CONCLUSIONS: CMV
      associated anterior uveitis has a fairly good long-term visual prognosis.
      Antiviral therapy can reduce the frequency of relapses, but cataracts and a
      chronic raise in IOP are frequent complications often requiring a surgical
      approach.

PMID- 25138608
TI  - Aberrant drug-related behaviors: a qualitative analysis of medical record
      documentation in patients referred to an HIV/chronic pain clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to rising rates of opioid addiction and overdose among
      individuals on chronic opioid therapy, aberrant drug-related behaviors (ADRBs)
      are an important and challenging issue. Our objective was to qualitatively
      investigate the documentation of ADRBs in the medical record. METHODS: Manually
      abstracted provider notes from an HIV primary care clinic were analyzed using
      content analysis methods. RESULTS: Categories of ADRBs identified included
      patients requesting opioids, obtaining nonprescribed opioids, and becoming
      emotional about opioids. We also identified several types of provider language
      used when documenting ADRBs, including purely descriptive language and emotional
      language such as labeling, frustration, and concern, and responses such as
      setting conditions for opioid prescription and action-oriented language.
      CONCLUSIONS: The impact of including emotional language in the medical record is
      unknown. Development of instruments that can be used to facilitate ADRB
      documentation, as well as evidence-based approaches to addressing ADRBs, is
      needed.

PMID- 25138609
TI  - Cutaneous manifestations of methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative
      disorders: report of two cases and a review of the literature.

PMID- 25138610
TI  - Heart failure as a risk factor for diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-recognized risk factor for heart
      failure (HF). We hypothesized that HF also increases the risk for DM. OBJECTIVE:
      We explored the hypothesis that HF is a risk factor for DM. METHODS: The
      Cardiovascular Health Study was a prospective cohort study of cardiovascular risk
      in ambulatory older adults. We used a limited-access dataset provided by the
      National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The impact of HF at baseline on DM
      after 3 or 4 years was examined in a cohort of 3,748 nondiabetic participants
      aged >=65 years. The magnitude and significance of the association were evaluated
      using logistic regression models. Analyses were performed with and without
      adjustment for confounders and separately among subjects with normal and impaired
      fasting glucose at baseline. RESULTS: Among subjects with normal fasting glucose
      at baseline, HF significantly increased the odds of developing impaired fasting
      glucose after 3 or 4 years [odds ratio (OR) 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      1.03-4.61, p = 0.043] or overt DM (OR 4.78, 95% CI 1.84-12.4, p < 0.001). After
      adjusting for demographic and biomedical factors, HF remained significantly
      associated with a worsening DM status (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.38-4.29, p = 0.002).
      CONCLUSIONS: In the elderly population, the presence of HF more than doubles the
      incidence of DM within a few years. This association remains significant when
      adjusting for age, gender and cardiovascular comorbidities.

PMID- 25138607
TI  - Multi-omic integrated networks connect DNA methylation and miRNA with skeletal
      muscle plasticity to chronic exercise in Type 2 diabetic obesity.
AB  - Epigenomic regulation of the transcriptome by DNA methylation and
      posttranscriptional gene silencing by miRNAs are potential environmental
      modulators of skeletal muscle plasticity to chronic exercise in healthy and
      diseased populations. We utilized transcriptome networks to connect exercise
      induced differential methylation and miRNA with functional skeletal muscle
      plasticity. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis were collected from middle-aged
      Polynesian men and women with morbid obesity (44 kg/m(2) +/- 10) and Type 2
      diabetes before and following 16 wk of resistance (n = 9) or endurance training
      (n = 8). Longitudinal transcriptome, methylome, and microRNA (miRNA) responses
      were obtained via microarray, filtered by novel effect-size based false discovery
      rate probe selection preceding bioinformatic interrogation. Metabolic and
      microvascular transcriptome topology dominated the network landscape following
      endurance exercise. Lipid and glucose metabolism modules were connected to:
      microRNA (miR)-29a; promoter region hypomethylation of nuclear receptor factor
      (NRF1) and fatty acid transporter (SLC27A4), and hypermethylation of fatty acid
      synthase, and to exon hypomethylation of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase and Ser/Thr
      protein kinase. Directional change in the endurance networks was validated by
      lower intramyocellular lipid, increased capillarity, GLUT4, hexokinase, and
      mitochondrial enzyme activity and proteome. Resistance training also lowered
      lipid and increased enzyme activity and caused GLUT4 promoter hypomethylation;
      however, training was inconsequential to GLUT4, capillarity, and metabolic
      transcriptome. miR-195 connected to negative regulation of vascular development.
      To conclude, integrated molecular network modelling revealed differential DNA
      methylation and miRNA expression changes occur in skeletal muscle in response to
      chronic exercise training that are most pronounced with endurance training and
      topographically associated with functional metabolic and microvascular plasticity
      relevant to diabetes rehabilitation. 

PMID- 25138611
TI  - Comparison of the long-term skeletal stability between a biodegradable and a
      titanium fixation system following BSSO advancement - a cohort study based on a
      multicenter randomised controlled trial.
AB  - Biodegradable fixation systems could reduce or eliminate the problems associated
      with removal of titanium plates. A multicenter randomised controlled trial (RCT)
      was performed in the Netherlands from December 2006-July 2009, and originally 230
      injured and orthognathic patients were included. The patients were randomly
      assigned to either a titanium control group (KLS Martin) or to a biodegradable
      test group (Inion CPS). The aim of the present study was to compare the long-term
      skeletal stability of advancement bilateral sagittal split osteotomies (BSSO) of
      a biodegradable system and a titanium system. Only patients from the original RCT
      who were at least 18 years old and who had a BSSO advancement osteotomy were
      included. Those who had simultaneous Le Fort I osteotomy or genioplasty were
      excluded. Analysis of skeletal stability was made by digital tracing of lateral
      cephalograms. Long-term skeletal stability in BSSO advancement did not differ
      significantly between patients treated with biodegradable plates and screws and
      those treated with titanium plates and screws. Given the comparable amount of
      relapse, the general use of Inion CPS in the treatment of BSSO advancement should
      not be discouraged. On the basis of other properties a total picture of the
      clinical use can be obtained; the short-term stability, the intraoperative
      switches, the number of plates removed and cost-effectiveness. Trial registration
      of original RCT: http://www.controlled-trials.com; ISRCTN 44212338. 

PMID- 25138612
TI  - Biomechanical investigation of naso-orbitoethmoid trauma by finite element
      analysis.
AB  - Naso-orbitoethmoid fractures account for 5% of all facial fractures. We used data
      derived from a white 34-year-old man to make a transient dynamic finite element
      model, which consisted of about 740 000 elements, to simulate fist-like impacts
      to this anatomically complex area. Finite element analysis showed a pattern of
      von Mises stresses beyond the yield criterion of bone that corresponded with
      fractures commonly seen clinically. Finite element models can be used to simulate
      injuries to the human skull, and provide information about the pathogenesis of
      different types of fracture. 

PMID- 25138613
TI  - Leucocyte-rich and platelet-rich fibrin for the treatment of bisphosphonate
      related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a prospective feasibility study.
AB  - Our aim was to assess the feasibility of using leucocyte-rich and platelet-rich
      fibrin (L-PRF) for the treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the
      jaw (BRONJ) in a single group study. After treatment with L-PRF, the response of
      each patient was recorded 1 month and 4 months postoperatively. Further
      assessments were made of the site, stage, concentration of c-terminal crosslinked
      telopepide of type 1 collagen, and actinomycosis. Among the total of 34 patients,
      26 (77%) showed complete resolution, 6 (18%) had delayed resolution, and 2 (6%)
      showed no resolution. There was a significant association between the response to
      treatment and the stage of BRONJ (p=0.002) but no other significant associations
      were detected. This study has shown that it is feasible to use L-PRF for the
      treatment of BRONJ, but the effectiveness cannot be judged with this study
      design. Randomised prospective trials are needed to confirm this. 

PMID- 25138614
TI  - Knee arthrodesis as limb salvage for complex failures of total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - Patients with multiple failures of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are challenging
      limb salvage cases. Twenty one patients over the last 10 years were referred to
      our service for knee fusion by arthroplasty surgeons who felt they were not
      candidates for revision TKA. Active infection was present in 76.2% and total bone
      loss averaged 6.6 cm. Lengthening was performed in 7/22 patients. Total time in
      Ilizarov frames was 9 months, with 93.3% union. Patients treated with IM fusion
      nails had 100% union. Average LLD increased from 3.6 to 4.5 cm following
      intervention, while those with concurrent lengthening improved to 1.6 cm.
      Findings suggest that bone loss and the soft-tissue envelope dictate knee fusion
      method, and multiple techniques may be needed. A treatment algorithm is
      presented.

PMID- 25138615
TI  - Relationship between mechanical axis-derived and anatomic landmark-derived
      femoral rotation in TKA: a three-dimensional CT study.
AB  - We sought to determine the relationship between the mechanical axis-derived and
      the anatomic landmark-derived femoral rotational axes using three dimensional
      computed tomographic images of 20 lower extremities. The mechanical axis-derived
      femoral rotational axis was created on the distal articular surface of the femur
      using coronal mechanical limb axis and the reconstructed images of the femur.
      Then, we measured the angular difference between mechanical axis-derived and
      anatomic landmark-derived femoral rotational axes. The mechanical axis-derived
      femoral rotational axis was externally rotated with a mean of 2.2 degrees 
      (range, 0 to 4.7 degrees ; SD, 1.0) compared with the surgical epicondylar axis.
      Our findings should be considered to obtain a proper femoral rotational axis in
      total knee arthroplasty.

PMID- 25138617
TI  - Shame if you do--shame if you don't: women's experiences of infant feeding.
AB  - Emotions such as guilt and blame are frequently reported by non-breastfeeding
      mothers, and fear and humiliation are experienced by breastfeeding mothers when
      feeding in a public context. In this paper, we present new insights into how
      shame-related affects, cognitions and actions are evident within breastfeeding
      and non-breastfeeding women's narratives of their experiences. As part of an
      evaluation study of the implementation of the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative
      Community Award within two primary (community based) care trusts in North West
      England, 63 women with varied infant feeding experiences took part in either a
      focus group or an individual semi-structured interview to explore their
      experiences, opinions and perceptions of infant feeding. Using a framework
      analysis approach and drawing on Lazare's categories of shame, we consider how
      the nature of the event (infant feeding) and the vulnerability of the individual
      (mother) interact in the social context to create shame responses in some
      breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers. Three key themes illustrate how
      shame is experienced and internalised through 'exposure of women's bodies and
      infant feeding methods', 'undermining and insufficient support' and 'perceptions
      of inadequate mothering'. The findings of this paper highlight how breastfeeding
      and non-breastfeeding women may experience judgement and condemnation in
      interactions with health professionals as well as within community contexts,
      leading to feelings of failure, inadequacy and isolation. There is a need for
      strategies and support that address personal, cultural, ideological and
      structural constraints of infant feeding. 

PMID- 25138618
TI  - Exploring the myths of morphine in cancer: views of the general practice
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Morphine is widely used in cancer care, and understanding the
      concerns and perceptions of patients, family and friends is vital to managing
      pain and distress effectively. The 'myths of morphine' have frequently been
      discussed in medical literature, yet the extent to which such views are held is
      not clear. This qualitative project explores the perceptions and attitudes of the
      wider community towards morphine use in cancer care, to understand this
      'mythology' according to those who in the future may themselves require its use.
      METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were held with patients presenting to a
      metropolitan general practice clinic in Melbourne, Australia. A grounded theory
      framework underpinned the data collection and thematic analysis undertaken.
      RESULTS: Interviewees (15) were aged 24-81, with a variety of experiences with
      cancer care and previous morphine use. Interviewees were highly supportive of
      morphine use in cancer care, with this attitude founded on the perceived severity
      of cancer pain and the powerful nature of morphine. They described a number of
      reasons morphine may be used in cancer care: to treat pain, to enable peace and
      also as a treatment for cancer. CONCLUSION: The public view of morphine to emerge
      from this study is markedly different from that discussed in the myths of
      morphine. It is viewed as a medication that has the ability to provide peace and
      control both pain and the course of cancer. The participants in this study
      described a wish for greater involvement in pain control decisions, perceiving
      morphine as a facilitator rather than a barrier to good cancer care.

PMID- 25138619
TI  - 'Prostate Abscess' as the Initial Manifestation of Granulomatosis with
      Polyangiitis (Wegener's Granulomatosis).
AB  - Prostatic involvement in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GWP), formerly known
      as Wegener's granulomatosis, is rare, mostly arising in the context of systemic
      involvement. Prostatic involvement as the first manifestation of this systemic
      disease is exceptionally rare. We hereby present the case of a 41-year-old male
      patient who underwent transurethral prostate resection for what was initially
      diagnosed as suppurative, focally necrotizing prostatitis. Prolonged
      postoperative fever that did not respond to various treatments, as well as the
      subsequent appearance of a left pleural effusion, a left upper pulmonary lobe
      lesion and cutaneous nodules, led to a reevaluation of histological slides which,
      along with the determination of serum c-ANCA/anti-PR3 antibody levels,
      established the diagnosis of GWP. Physicians, and especially urologists and
      infectious diseases specialists, should be aware of this rare association and
      consider GWP in the event of nonresolving prostatitis, especially when
      characteristic symptoms from other systems appear. 

PMID- 25138616
TI  - A systematic review of the quality of reporting in published smoking cessation
      trials for pregnant women: an explanation for the evidence-practice gap?
AB  - BACKGROUND: To facilitate translation of evidence into clinical practice, it is
      critical that clear, specific, and detailed information about interventions is
      provided in publications to promote replication, appropriate aggregation in meta
      analysis, and implementation. This study examined whether twenty elements of
      interventions deemed essential for such translational application were reported
      in sufficient detail in smoking cessation trials with pregnant women. METHODS:
      Searches of electronic databases using MeSH terms and keywords identified peer
      reviewed English language studies published between 2001 and 2012. Eligible
      studies reported a smoking cessation intervention targeted at pregnant women and
      met Cochrane's Effective Practice and Organization of Care group study design
      criteria. Each intervention arm of eligible studies was assessed against the
      developed twenty criteria. RESULTS: Thirty relevant studies reported the findings
      of 45 intervention arms. The mode of delivery of the intervention was reported in
      100% of intervention arms. Other well-reported criteria included reporting of the
      provider who delivered the intervention (96%), sample characteristics (80%), and
      the intervention setting (80%). Criteria not reported adequately included care
      provided to women who relapse (96% not reported), details about training given to
      providers (77% not reported), and the method of quit advice advised (76% not
      reported). No studies reported 100% of relevant criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Current
      standards of reporting of intervention content and implementation are suboptimal.
      The use of smoking cessation specific checklists for reporting of trials,
      standard reporting using behaviour change taxonomies, and the publication of
      protocols as supplements should be considered as ways of improving the
      specificity of reporting.

PMID- 25138620
TI  - An international consensus algorithm for management of chronic postoperative
      inguinal pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tension-free mesh repair of inguinal hernia has led to uniformly low
      recurrence rates. Morbidity associated with this operation is mainly related to
      chronic pain. No consensus guidelines exist for the management of this condition.
      The goal of this study is to design an expert-based algorithm for diagnostic and
      therapeutic management of chronic inguinal postoperative pain (CPIP). METHODS: A
      group of surgeons considered experts on inguinal hernia surgery was solicited to
      develop the algorithm. Consensus regarding each step of an algorithm proposed by
      the authors was sought by means of the Delphi method leading to a revised expert
      based algorithm. RESULTS: With the input of 28 international experts, an
      algorithm for a stepwise approach for management of CPIP was created. 26
      participants accepted the final algorithm as a consensus model. One participant
      could not agree with the final concept. One expert did not respond during the
      final phase. CONCLUSION: There is a need for guidelines with regard to management
      of CPIP. This algorithm can serve as a guide with regard to the diagnosis,
      management, and treatment of these patients and improve clinical outcomes. If an
      expectative phase of a few months has passed without any amelioration of CPIP, a
      multidisciplinary approach is indicated and a pain management team should be
      consulted. Pharmacologic, behavioral, and interventional modalities including
      nerve blocks are essential. If conservative measures fail and surgery is
      considered, triple neurectomy, correction for recurrence with or without
      neurectomy, and meshoma removal if indicated should be performed. Surgeons less
      experienced with remedial operations for CPIP should not hesitate to refer their
      patients to dedicated hernia surgeons.

PMID- 25138621
TI  - Secondary inguinal hydatidosis mimicking irreducible inguinal hernia: report of a
      rare case.
AB  - Peritoneal hydatidosis secondary to liver hydatid disease is not uncommon but
      peritoneal hydatidosis herniating to the inguinal canal is rare, with fewer than
      five cases reported in the literature. We describe a 54-year-old man who
      presented with a progressively enlarging soft, cystic swelling in the right
      inguinal region. Clinical examination suggestive of irreducible right inguinal
      hernia and ultrasonography revealed it to be a cystic swelling within the hernial
      sac. The swelling was excised en bloc and open mesh hernioplasty was performed.
      Cyst biopsy revealed hydatid disease; hence, the patient was put on adjunctive
      albendazole chemotherapy for 3 months.

PMID- 25138622
TI  - Ultrasound scoring in combination with ultrasound elastography for
      differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of ultrasound scores
      obtained by conventional ultrasonography and ultrasound elastography in the
      differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules in Chinese patients.
      METHODS: This study included 297 patients who were referred for surgery for
      compressive symptoms or suspicion of malignancy. Five hundred and twelve thyroid
      nodules were examined by ultrasonography. The final diagnosis was based on
      histological findings. A seven-point ultrasound scoring system based on
      conventional ultrasonography and a five-point scoring system based on ultrasound
      elastography were applied independently or in combination. The receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curves were graphed, and the areas under the curves (AUCs)
      were compared using the chi(2) -test. RESULTS: Solid composition, hypo-echoic
      appearance, an irregular or blurred margin, an aspect ratio >=1, intranodular
      blood flow and presence of microcalcifications were significant predictors of
      malignant thyroid nodules. The AUC (95% CI) was 0.9067 (0.8817-0.9318) for the
      ultrasound scores based on conventional ultrasonography and 0.9080 (0.8842
      0.9317) for the elasticity scores. The combination of these two scoring systems
      provided good accuracy with an AUC (95% CI) of 0.9415 (0.9223-0.9606), which was
      significantly higher than that obtained with the conventional ultrasound scores
      (chi(2)  = 36.03, P < 0.001) or the elasticity scores (chi(2)  = 12.80, P <
      0.001) individually. When we set the cut-point to >=5, the sensitivity and
      specificity were 85.22% and 87.38%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Elastography in
      combination with conventional ultrasonography is a promising imaging-based
      approach that can assist in the differential diagnosis of thyroid cancer.

PMID- 25138624
TI  - Evaluation of elastic bands for lower extremity resistance training in adults
      with and without musculo-skeletal pain.
AB  - Therapists commonly use elastic bands in resistance exercises during
      rehabilitation of smaller muscles, such as in the shoulder. However, the
      effectiveness has not yet been investigated for larger muscle groups. This study
      investigates muscle activity during lower extremity exercises. Electromyographic
      (EMG) activity of 10 muscles was measured in 24 women and 18 men during lunges
      with elastic resistance, lunges with dumbbells, and unilateral leg press in
      machine using 10 repetition maximum loadings, and normalized to maximal voluntary
      isometric contraction EMG. Lunges with dumbbells and leg press showed higher
      activity than lunges with elastic resistance for the vasti and rectus femoris (P
      < 0.01), whereas lunges with elastic resistance showed higher activity of gluteus
      maximus, hamstrings, and erector spinae (P < 0.01). Gender, age, and pain in the
      knees and hip did not influence these findings. However, pain in the lower back
      decreased muscular activity of the gluteus maximus and vastus medialis (P <
      0.01). Lunges with elastic resistance induce high levels of muscle activity in
      all the large muscle groups at the hip, knee, and back. Importantly, the
      efficiency of these exercises was equally high regardless of gender, age, and
      pain in the knees and hip, whereas pain in the lower back led to altered
      activation strategies. 

PMID- 25138625
TI  - Effects of garlic extract on spreading depression: In vitro and in vivo
      investigations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The potential use of garlic for prevention and treatment of different
      types of headaches has been suggested by several medieval literatures. Cortical
      spreading depression (CSD), a propagating wave of neuroglial depolarization, was
      established as a target for anti-migraine drugs. This study was designed to
      investigate the effect of garlic extract on CSD in adult rats. METHODS: CSD was
      induced by KCl microinjection in the somatosensory cortex. The effects of five
      different concentrations of garlic oil (1-500 MUl/l) were tested on different
      characteristic features of CSD in necocortical slices. In in vivo experiments,
      the effects of garlic oil on electrophysiological and morphological changes
      induced by CSD were investigated. RESULTS: Garlic oil in a dose-dependent manner
      decreased the amplitude of CSD but not its duration and velocity in neocortical
      brain slices. Garlic oil at concentration of 500 MUl/l reversibly reduced the
      amplitude of the field excitatory post-synaptic potentials and inhibited
      induction of long-term potentiation in the third layer of neocortical slices. In
      in vivo studies, systemic application of garlic oil (1 ml/l) for three
      consecutive days reduced the amplitude and repetition rate of CSD. Garlic oil
      also prevented of CSD-induced reactive astrocytosis in the neocortex. DISCUSSION:
      Garlic oil suppresses CSD, likely via inhibition of synaptic plasticity, and
      prevents its harmful effects on astrocyte. Further studies are required to
      identify the exact active ingredient(s) of garlic oil that inhibit CSD and may
      have the potential to use in treatment of CSD-related disorders.

PMID- 25138626
TI  - "There is iron and iron..." Burkinabe women's perceptions of iron
      supplementation: a qualitative study.
AB  - Most pregnant women in Burkina Faso are iron deficient and many are anemic. This
      study assessed women's understanding of anemia and the role of iron in preventing
      and treating this condition. A qualitative study was conducted within a
      randomized controlled trial of weekly iron supplementation in a rural malaria
      endemic area. Focus groups with women of similar age, parity, and marital status
      took place in 12 of 24 study villages. Two additional focus groups were conducted
      with female field workers. Tape-recorded transcripts were translated into French
      and analyzed using Framework analysis. Anemia, for which no Moore term or
      traditional treatment for anemia was evident, was described in terms of blood
      volume. Moderate blood loss (diminished blood) could be easily replaced by eating
      well and was not considered serious. Massive blood loss (finished blood) was a
      rare, life-threatening illness. Iron tablets could increase blood volume and help
      women withstand massive blood loss at delivery, but for the latter, transfusion
      was indicated. Women had no knowledge of iron's role and did not readily concede
      that iron supplements contained elemental iron. Neither adolescents nor field
      workers were convinced of the benefits of supplementing non-pregnant adolescents,
      who were incorrectly considered to be at low risk of anemia. Young women's
      knowledge of anemia did not provide an adequate explanatory framework to motivate
      anemia prevention. Improving information on the role of iron is especially
      important for adolescent girls who may be incorrectly considered at low risk of
      anemia as they have not yet experienced pregnancy. 

PMID- 25138627
TI  - Bone density among infants of gestational diabetic mothers and macrosomic
      neonates.
AB  - Decreased bone density has been found among infants of diabetic mothers and among
      large-for-gestational-age newborns. To evaluate which etiologies (physical or
      metabolic effect) have the greatest impact on neonatal bone density. A case
      control study was conducted that included two study groups: one comprising 20
      appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants of gestational diabetic mothers
      (IGDM) and matched controls, and the other comprising 20 macrosomic infants
      (birth weight > 4 kg) and matched controls. Bone density was examined along the
      tibia bone using quantitative ultrasound that measured speed of sound. Bone
      density among the group of macrosomic infants was significantly lower than among
      the control group (2,976 vs. 3,120 m/s respectively, p < 0.005). No differences
      in bone density were found between infants of diabetic mothers and their controls
      (3,005 vs. 3,043 m/s respectively, p = 0.286). Low bone density was predicted
      only by birth weight (for every increase of 100 g) (OR 1.148 [CI 1.014-1.299], p
      = 0.003). Bone density was found to be low among macrosomic newborn infants,
      whereas among AGA-IGDM infants bone density was similar to that of the control
      group. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that reduced fetal movements
      secondary to fetal macrosomia constitute the mechanism for reduced bone density.

PMID- 25138628
TI  - Pathways community care coordination in low birth weight prevention.
AB  - The evidence is limited on the effectiveness of home visiting care coordination
      in addressing poor birth outcome, including low birth weight (LBW). The Community
      Health Access Project (CHAP) utilizes community health workers (CHWs) to identify
      women at risk of having poor birth outcomes, connect them to health and social
      services, and track each identified health or social issue to a measurable
      completion. CHWs are trained individuals from the same highest risk communities.
      The CHAP Pathways Model is used to track each maternal health and social service
      need to resolution and CHWs are paid based upon outcomes. We evaluated the impact
      of the CHAP Pathways program on LBW in an urban Ohio community. Women
      participating in CHAP and having a live birth in 2001 through 2004 constituted
      the intervention group. Using birth certificate records, each CHAP birth was
      matched through propensity score to a control birth from the same census tract
      and year. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of CHAP
      participation with LBW while controlling for risk factors for LBW. We identified
      115 CHAP clients and 115 control births. Among the intervention group there were
      seven LBW births (6.1 %) compared with 15 (13.0 %) among non-CHAP clients. The
      adjusted odds ratio for LBW was 0.35 (95 % confidence interval, 0.12-0.96) among
      CHAP clients. This study provides evidence that structured community care
      coordination coupled with tracking and payment for outcomes may reduce LBW birth
      among high-risk women.

PMID- 25138629
TI  - New evidence on breastfeeding and postpartum depression: the importance of
      understanding women's intentions.
AB  - This study aimed to identify the causal effect of breastfeeding on postpartum
      depression (PPD), using data on mothers from a British survey, the Avon
      Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Multivariate linear and logistic
      regressions were performed to investigate the effects of breastfeeding on
      mothers' mental health measured at 8 weeks, 8, 21 and 32 months postpartum. The
      estimated effect of breastfeeding on PPD differed according to whether women had
      planned to breastfeed their babies, and by whether they had shown signs of
      depression during pregnancy. For mothers who were not depressed during pregnancy,
      the lowest risk of PPD was found among women who had planned to breastfeed, and
      who had actually breastfed their babies, while the highest risk was found among
      women who had planned to breastfeed and had not gone on to breastfeed. We
      conclude that the effect of breastfeeding on maternal depression is extremely
      heterogeneous, being mediated both by breastfeeding intentions during pregnancy
      and by mothers' mental health during pregnancy. Our results underline the
      importance of providing expert breastfeeding support to women who want to
      breastfeed; but also, of providing compassionate support for women who had
      intended to breastfeed, but who find themselves unable to. 

PMID- 25138630
TI  - Stiffness versus prestress relationship at subcellular length scale.
AB  - Local intracellular variations of cell mechanical properties, which are essential
      for vital cellular functions, have not been well characterized and are poorly
      understood. Here, we used results from our previous biomechanical imaging study
      to obtain relationships between intracellular shear modulus and prestress. We
      found that the subcellular shear modulus vs. prestress relationships exhibited
      positive linear correlations, consistent with previously observed behaviors at
      the whole cell and tissue levels. This, in turn, suggests that the prestress may
      be a unifying factor that determines material properties of living matter at
      different length scales. 

PMID- 25138632
TI  - Intoxication by angel's trumpet: case report and literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brugmansia, commonly referred to as angel's trumpet (AT), has been
      become popular in Korea as an ornamental shrub. However, it is not generally
      known by the public that this plant contains tropane alkaloids, and that
      ingestion of AT can lead to anticholinergic poisoning. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64
      year-old Korean female presented with acute mental changes caused by inadvertent
      ingestion of the petals of AT flowers used as a garnish in a traditional Korean
      food (bibimbop). She regained her usual level of awareness after 10 hours.
      CONCLUSION: Considering its easy availability, the toxicity of AT should be
      addressed to prevent accidental and intentional poisoning by this ornamental
      plant.

PMID- 25138631
TI  - Partial gravity unloading inhibits bone healing responses in a large animal
      model.
AB  - The reduction in mechanical loading associated with space travel results in
      dramatic decreases in the bone mineral density (BMD) and mechanical strength of
      skeletal tissue resulting in increased fracture risk during spaceflight missions.
      Previous rodent studies have highlighted distinct bone healing differences in
      animals in gravitational environments versus those during spaceflight. While
      these data have demonstrated that microgravity has deleterious effects on
      fracture healing, the direct translation of these results to human skeletal
      repair remains problematic due to substantial differences between rodent and
      human bone. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of
      partial gravitational unloading on long-bone fracture healing in a previously
      developed large animal Haversian bone model. In vivo measurements demonstrated
      significantly higher orthopedic plate strains (i.e. load burden) in the Partial
      Unloading (PU) Group as compared to the Full Loading (FL) Group following the 28
      day healing period due to inhibited healing in the reduced loading environment.
      DEXA BMD in the metatarsus of the PU Group decreased 17.6% (p<0.01) at the time
      of the ostectomy surgery. Four-point bending stiffness of the PU Group was 4.4
      times lower than that of the FL Group (p<0.01), while uCT and histomorphometry
      demonstrated reduced periosteal callus area (p<0.05), mineralizing surface
      (p<0.05), mineral apposition rate (p<0.001), bone formation rate (p<0.001), and
      periosteal/endosteal osteoblast numbers (p<0.001/p<0.01, respectively) as well as
      increased periosteal osteoclast number (p<0.05). These data provide strong
      evidence that the mechanical environment dramatically affects the fracture
      healing cascade, and likely has a negative impact on Haversian system healing
      during spaceflight. 

PMID- 25138633
TI  - Initial influence of right versus left lateral recumbency on the radiographic
      finding of duodenal gas on subsequent survey ventrodorsal projections of the
      canine abdomen.
AB  - Identification of the duodenum and potential abnormalities on survey abdominal
      radiographs is often difficult unless it contains gas. This study investigated
      the effect of patient positioning on the presence of duodenal gas in survey
      abdominal radiographs. One hundred dogs receiving a three-view survey abdominal
      radiographic study were enrolled in a prospective, randomized study where all
      dogs were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 51) dogs had a left lateral
      projection first, followed by a ventrodorsal projection, ending with a right
      lateral projection. Group B (n = 49) dogs had a right lateral projection first,
      followed by a ventrodorsal projection, ending with a left lateral projection. The
      presence of gas within the duodenum and level of distribution of gas throughout
      the duodenum were recorded for all three projections. In addition, the presence
      or absence of duodenal pseudoulcers was evaluated on all three projections for
      each dog. The results for the two groups were compared using Chi-square analysis
      with a P-value of less than 0.05 being considered significant. Results showed
      that dogs first placed in left lateral recumbency were significantly more likely
      to have duodenal gas on the subsequent ventrodorsal and right lateral
      radiographic projections compared to dogs first placed in right lateral
      recumbency (P-value < 0.0001). Pseudoulcers were seen in 11 dogs that had
      duodenal gas making the visualization of pseudoulcers on survey abdominal
      radiographs somewhat commonplace. This study emphasizes the benefit of using
      initial left lateral abdominal projections prior to other views for subsequent
      evaluation of the duodenum. 

PMID- 25138634
TI  - Metabolism of 20-hydroxyvitamin D3 by mouse liver microsomes.
AB  - 20-Hydroxyvitamin D3 [20(OH)D3], the major product of CYP11A1 action on vitamin
      D3, is biologically active and like 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] can
      inhibit proliferation and promote differentiation of a range of cells, and has
      anti-inflammatory properties. However, unlike 1,25(OH)2D3, it does not cause
      toxic hypercalcemia at high doses and is therefore a good candidate for
      therapeutic use to treat hyperproliferative and autoimmune disorders. In this
      study we analyzed the ability of mouse liver microsomes to metabolize 20(OH)D3.
      The two major products were identified from authentic standards as 20,24
      dihydroxyvitamin D3 [20,24(OH)2D3] and 20,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [20,25(OH)2D3].
      The reactions for synthesis of these two products from 20(OH)D3 displayed similar
      Km values suggesting that they were catalyzed by the same cytochrome P450. Some
      minor metabolites were produced by reactions with higher Km values for 20(OH)D3.
      Some metabolites gave mass spectra suggesting that they were the result of
      hydroxylation followed by dehydrogenation. One product had an increase in the
      wavelength for maximum absorbance from 263nm seen for 20(OH)D3, to 290nm,
      suggesting a new double bond was interacting with the vitamin D-triene
      chromophore. The two major products, 20,24(OH)2D3 and 20,25(OH)2D3 have both
      previously been shown to have higher potency for inhibition of colony formation
      by melanoma cells than 20(OH)D3, thus it appears that metabolism of 20(OH)D3 by
      mouse liver microsomes can generate products with enhanced activity. 

PMID- 25138635
TI  - Corpora lutea of pregnant and pseudopregnant domestic cats reveal similar
      steroidogenic capacities during the luteal life span.
AB  - In domestic cats, luteal phases of pregnancy and pseudopregnancy (non-pregnant
      luteal phase) differ in the course and level of plasma progesterone (P4).
      Therefore, we assumed differences in luteal steroidogenic capacities. Here we
      present a comprehensive analysis of intraluteal steroid biogenesis in the
      domestic cat. We quantitatively measured relative mRNA levels of steroidogenic
      acute regulatory protein (STAR), cytochrome P450 oxidases (CYP), hydroxysteroid
      dehydrogenases (HSD), steroid reductase (SRD) and enzymes involved in
      sulfoconjugation of steroids, i.e. sulfotransferase (SULT) and sulfatase (STS).
      Protein expression was analysed by Western Blot for HSD3B. Additionally,
      intraluteal steroid contents were determined. During the pseudopregnant luteal
      phase, expression of STAR (p=0.005), HSD3B1 (p<0.0001), CYP19A1 (p<0.0001) and
      HSD17B7 (p=0.008) decreased from formation of the corpus luteum (CL) onwards.
      HSD3B protein expression was highest in the development/maintenance stage of CL
      and declined during the subsequent luteal phase of pregnancy and pseudopregnancy.
      This was in accordance with decreasing intraluteal levels of P4, oestrogens and
      androgens. In contrast, expression of SRD5A1 (p<0.001) increased with progression
      through stages of the pseudopregnant CL, being indicative of P4 metabolism via an
      alternate pathway to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Compared to the formation stage,
      expression of SULT1E1 was higher in all other luteal stages of pseudopregnancy
      (p=0.004), implying a potential sulfoconjugation of oestrogens. Expression of
      CYP11A1 and CYP17A1 was unaffected by the luteal stage (p>0.05), suggesting a
      permanent capacity of cat CL to convert progestogens via androgen and oestrogen
      pathways. In general, mRNA expression profiles of steroidogenic enzymes during
      the pregnant luteal phase reflected the pseudopregnancy profiles. Intraluteal
      oestrogen (p<0.0001) and androgen (p=0.008) levels were higher in the formation
      stage compared to the following luteal stages of pseudopregnancy. Concentrations
      of P4 were higher in the development/maintenance compared to the regression
      stages (p=0.01). We conclude that cat CL of the same histomorphological stage are
      characterised by identical steroidogenic capacities independently of an on-going
      pregnancy. 

PMID- 25138636
TI  - Zinc oxide nanoparticles induced oxidative stress in mouse bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Engineered nanoparticles are developed for various applications in industrial,
      electrical, agricultural, pharmaceutical and medical fields due to their unique
      properties. Nanoparticles such as TiO(2) and ZnO are widely used in cosmetics for
      UV protection. The toxicological investigations of ZnO NPs are highly recommended
      because of the increasing use in various industrial and consumer products. The
      toxic potential of ZnO NPs was assumed to be caused by the release of free Zn+
      ions in the medium. Many of the in vivo studies suggest the toxic nature of ZnO
      NPs, the in vitro studies are certainly important to elucidate the mechanism of
      toxicity. This study examined the toxicity of ZnO NPs with the average size of 6
      8 nm on the isolated mice bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The study focuses
      on the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress-mediated cellular responses upon
      exposure to ZnO NPs. The results indicated that the exposure to ZnO NPs
      significantly affects cellular viability in a dose-dependent manner. Formation of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) was found to be the mechanism of cellular toxicity.
      The release of Zn(+) ions from the nanoparticles, due to the instability of ZnO
      NPs in the acidic compartment of lysosomes, also increases the ROS generation. In
      addition to increased ROS production, damage of lysosomal membrane and the
      activation of executioner caspase-3 and caspase-7 were observed, which eventually
      ends in apoptosis.

PMID- 25138638
TI  - Preparation of dibenzo[e,g]isoindol-1-ones via Scholl-type oxidative cyclization
      reactions.
AB  - A flexible synthesis of dibenzo[e,g]isoindol-1-ones has been developed.
      Dibenzo[e,g]isoindol-1-ones represent simplified benzenoid analogues of
      biological indolo[2,3-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazol-5-ones (indolocarbazoles),
      compounds that have demonstrated a wide range of biological activity. The
      synthesis of the title compounds involved tetramic acid sulfonates. Different
      aryl groups were introduced at C4 of the heterocyclic ring via Suzuki-Miyaura
      cross-coupling reactions. Finally, mild Scholl-type oxidative cyclizations
      mediated by phenyliodine(III) bis(trifluoroacetate) (PIFA) converted some of the
      latter compounds into the corresponding dibenzo[e,g]isoindol-1-ones. A systematic
      study of the oxidative cyclization revealed the following reactivity trend: 3,4
      dimethoxyphenyl ? 3-methoxyphenyl > 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl > 4-methoxyphenyl ~
      phenyl. Overall, the oxidative cyclization required at least two methoxy groups
      distributed in the aromatic rings, at least one of which had to be located para
      to the site of the cyclization. 

PMID- 25138637
TI  - G-protein-coupled receptor cell signaling pathways mediating embryonic chick
      retinal growth cone collapse induced by lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine-1
      phosphate.
AB  - In the development of the nervous system, one of the critical aspects is the
      proper navigation of axons to their targets, i.e. the problem of axonal guidance.
      We used the chick visual system as a model to investigate the role of the
      lysophospholipids lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)
      as potential axon guidance cues. We showed that both LPA and S1P cause a
      specific, dose-dependent growth cone collapse of retinal neurons in vitro in the
      chick model system, with slight differences compared to the mouse but very
      similar to observations in Xenopus. Because LPA and S1P receptors are G-protein
      coupled receptors, we analyzed the intracellular signaling pathways using
      pharmacological inhibitors in chick retinal neurons. Blocking rho kinase (ROCK)
      prevented growth cone collapse by LPA and S1P, while blocking PLC or chelating
      calcium had no effect on growth cone collapse. Inhibition of Gi/o with pertussis
      toxin resulted in a partial reduction of growth cone collapse, both with LPA and
      with S1P. Inhibition of p38 blocked growth cone collapse mediated by LPA but not
      S1P. Thus, in addition to the involvement of the G12/13-ROCK pathway, LPA- and
      S1P-induced collapse of chick retinal growth cones has a partial requirement for
      Gi/o.

PMID- 25138640
TI  - Microorganism-induced suppression of allergic airway disease: novel therapies on
      the horizon?
AB  - Allergic airway disease is a major global health burden, and novel treatment
      options are urgently needed. Numerous epidemiological and experimental studies
      suggest that certain helminths and bacteria protect against respiratory
      allergies. These microorganisms are strong regulators of the immune system, and
      various potential regulatory mechanisms by which they protect against allergic
      airway inflammation have been proposed. Whereas early studies addressed the
      beneficial effect of natural infections, the focus now shifts toward identifying
      the dominant protective molecules and exploring their efficacy in models of
      allergic airway disease. In this article, we will review the evidence for microbe
      mediated protection from allergic airway disease, the potential modes of action
      involved and discuss advances as well as limitations in the translation of this
      knowledge into novel treatment strategies against allergic airway disease. 

PMID- 25138639
TI  - The retrovirus/superantigen hypothesis of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is as yet unknown. Commonly, MS is
      assumed to be due to an autoimmune inflammation of the central nervous system
      (CNS). Neurodegeneration is regarded to be a secondary reaction. This concept is
      increasingly being challenged. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) that could be
      locally activated in the CNS have been proposed as an alternative concept. HERV
      encoded envelope proteins (env) can act as strong immune stimulators
      (superantigens). Thus, slow disease progression following neurodegeneration might
      be induced by re-activation of HERV expression directly, while relapses in
      parallel to inflammation might be secondary to the expression of HERV-encoded
      superantigens. It has been shown previously that T-cell superantigens are capable
      to induce a cellular inflammatory reaction in the CNS of experimental animals
      similar to that in MS. Furthermore, B-cell superantigens have been shown to
      activate blood leucocytes in vitro to produce immunoglobulin in an oligoclonal
      manner. It remains to be established, whether the outlined hypothesis accords
      with all known features of MS. Furthermore, anti-HERV agents may be taken into
      consideration to enrich and improve MS therapy. 

PMID- 25138641
TI  - A comparison of conventional methods for the quantification of bacterial cells
      after exposure to metal oxide nanoparticles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to potential interference of nanoparticles on bacterial
      quantification, there is a challenge to develop a fast, accurate and reproducible
      method for bacterial quantification. Currently various bacterial quantification
      methods are used by researchers performing nanoparticles study, but there has
      been no efficacy evaluation of these methods. Here we study interference of
      nanoparticles on three most commonly used conventional bacterial quantification
      methods, including colony counting to determine the colony-forming units (CFU),
      spectrophotometer method of optical density (OD) measurement, and flow cytometry
      (FCM). RESULTS: Three oxide nanoparticles including ZnO, TiO2, and SiO2 and four
      bacterial species including Salmonella enterica serovar Newport, Staphylococcus
      epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli were included in the
      test. Results showed that there is no apparent interference of the oxide
      nanoparticles on quantifications of all four bacterial species by FCM
      measurement; CFU counting is time consuming, less accurate and not suitable for
      automation; and the spectrophotometer method using OD measurement was the most
      unreliable method to quantify and detect the bacteria in the presence of the
      nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: In summary, FCM measurement proved to be the best
      method, which is suitable for rapid, accurate and automatic detection of bacteria
      in the presence of the nanoparticles.

PMID- 25138642
TI  - Moderate alcohol exposure during early brain development increases stimulus
      response habits in adulthood.
AB  - Exposure to alcohol during early central nervous system development has been
      shown variously to affect aspects of physiological and behavioural development.
      In extreme cases, this can extend to craniofacial defects, severe developmental
      delay and mental retardation. At more moderate levels, subtle differences in
      brain morphology and behaviour have been observed. One clear effect of
      developmental alcohol exposure is an increase in the propensity to develop
      alcoholism and other addictions. The mechanisms by which this occurs, however,
      are not currently understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that adult
      zebrafish chronically exposed to moderate levels of ethanol during early brain
      ontogenesis would show an increase in conditioned place preference for alcohol
      and an increased propensity towards habit formation, a key component of drug
      addiction in humans. We found support for both of these hypotheses and found that
      the exposed fish had changes in mRNA expression patterns for dopamine receptor,
      nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and MU-opioid receptor encoding genes.
      Collectively, these data show an explicit link between the increased proclivity
      for addiction and addiction-related behaviour following exposure to ethanol
      during early brain development and alterations in the neural circuits underlying
      habit learning. 

PMID- 25138643
TI  - Spatiotemporally consistent genomic signatures of reproductive isolation in a
      moving hybrid zone.
AB  - Studies of hybrid zone dynamics often investigate a single sampling period and
      draw conclusions from that temporal snapshot. Stochasticity can, however, result
      in loci with spurious outlier patterns, which is exacerbated by limited temporal
      or geographic sampling. Comparing admixed populations from different geographic
      regions is one way to detect repeatedly divergent genomic regions potentially
      involved in reproductive isolation. Temporal comparisons also allow us to control
      partially for the role of stochasticity, but the power of temporal sampling has
      not yet been adequately explored. In North America, black-capped (Poecile
      atricapillus) and Carolina (P. carolinensis) chickadees hybridize in a contact
      zone extending from New Jersey to Kansas. The hybrid zone is likely maintained by
      strong intrinsic selection against hybrids, and it is moving north. We used a
      reduced representation genomic approach and temporally spaced sampling-two
      samples of ~80 individuals separated by a decade-to determine the pattern and
      consistency of selection and genomic introgression in the chickadee hybrid zone.
      We report consistently low introgression for highly divergent loci between P.
      atricapillus and P. carolinensis in this moving hybrid zone. This is strong
      evidence that these loci may be linked to genomic regions involved in
      reproductive isolation between chickadees. 

PMID- 25138644
TI  - SCAI expert consensus statement for renal artery stenting appropriate use.
AB  - The pathophysiology of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) includes
      activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis with resultant renovascular
      hypertension. Renal artery stenting has emerged as the primary revascularization
      strategy in most patients with hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic RAS.
      Despite the frequency with which hemodynamically significant RAS is observed and
      high rates of technical success of renal artery stenting, there remains
      considerable debate among experts regarding the role of medical therapy versus
      revascularization for renovascular hypertension. Modern, prospective, multicenter
      registries continue to demonstrate improvement in systolic and diastolic blood
      pressure with excellent safety profiles in patients with RAS. Modern randomized,
      controlled clinical trials of optimal medical therapy versus renal stenting
      particularly designed to demonstrate preservation in renal function after renal
      artery stenting have demonstrated limited benefit. However, these trials
      frequently excluded patients that may benefit from renal artery stenting. This
      document was developed to guide physicians in the modern practical application of
      renal stenting, to highlight the current limitations in the peer-reviewed
      literature, to suggest best-practices in the performance of renal stenting and to
      identify opportunities to advance the field.

PMID- 25138645
TI  - Differences between motor point and innervation zone locations in the biceps
      brachii. An exploratory consideration for the treatment of spasticity with
      botulinum toxin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin (BTX) acts on the neuromuscular junction which can be
      located by the innervation zone (IZ). Clinically, the motor point (MP) is
      homologous to the IZ and it is used as the injection site of BTX. Differences in
      the effectiveness of the application of BTX between MP and IZ locations have been
      determined. OBJECTIVE: Compare the location of the MP obtained using electrical
      stimulation and the location of the IZ using a linear surface electrodes array on
      the biceps brachii muscle. METHODS: The biceps brachii muscle of twenty men was
      assessed. The MP was located using the torque measurement generated by electrical
      stimulation. The IZ was detected using a linear surface electrodes array.
      RESULTS: A difference between the MP and the IZ positions (75.8 vs. 86.5mm, delta
      10.7 mm; p=0.003, post-hoc power 0.89) was observed. DISCUSSION: The magnitude of
      the difference between the MP and the IZ may be clinically relevant. The IZ
      location using surface electromyography as a guide to optimize BTX injection is
      proposed.

PMID- 25138646
TI  - Rigid and Elastic taping changes scapular kinematics and pain in subjects with
      shoulder impingement syndrome; an experimental study.
AB  - Rigid and Elastic scapular taping is used in physical rehabilitation of shoulder
      impingement syndrome (SIS). It is believed to reduce pain and normalise scapular
      movement patterns. However, there is insufficient evidence to support its use.
      The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Rigid and Elastic taping
      techniques on the scapular kinematics and pain in patients with SIS. Eleven
      patients with SIS participated in the study. They performed elevation and
      lowering of the arm in the scapular and sagittal planes under three conditions:
      Baseline, Rigid taping and Elastic taping. The movements of the thorax, humerus
      and scapula were tracked. Scapular displacements and scapulothoracic joint
      rotations were calculated. Subjects used a visual analogue scale to rate the
      intensity of pain at rest and during movements in both planes. Both taping
      techniques externally rotated the scapula in sagittal plane movements (p<0.05)
      and resulted in reduced pain. In the scapular plane, Elastic taping increased the
      scapular retraction (p<0.05) and posterior displacement (p<0.01), but neither of
      the taping techniques had an effect on pain in this plane. In conclusion, both
      taping techniques had an effect on scapular kinematics and pain in movements
      occurring in the sagittal plane. Elastic taping also affected scapular kinematics
      in scapular plane movements, but without the concomitant decrease in pain. 

PMID- 25138648
TI  - Factors Related to the Differential Preference for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
      Between Patients With Terminal Cancer and That of Their Respective Family
      Caregivers.
AB  - There is little information regarding concordance between preferences for end-of
      life care of terminally ill patients with cancer and those of their family
      caregivers. A cross-sectional exploration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
      preference in 361 dyads was conducted. Patients or family caregivers who were
      willing to approve CPR were compared with dyads who did not support CPR. The
      patient's quality of life was more associated with family caregiver's willingness
      than patient's willingness. A patient was more likely to prefer CPR than their
      caregiver in dyads of females and emotionally stable patients. A family caregiver
      showed stronger support for CPR if the patient had controlled pain or stable
      health and the family caregiver had not been counseled for CPR. Communications
      should be focused on these individuals to improve the planning of end-of-life
      care. 

PMID- 25138647
TI  - Functional connectivity in frontal-striatal brain networks and cocaine self
      administration in female rhesus monkeys.
AB  - RATIONALE: Cocaine addiction is characterized by alternating cycles of abstinence
      and relapse and loss of control of drug use despite severe negative life
      consequences associated with its abuse. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present
      study was to elucidate critical neural circuits involved in individual
      vulnerabilities to resumption of cocaine self-administration following prolonged
      abstinence. METHODS: The subjects were three female rhesus monkeys in prolonged
      abstinence following a long history of cocaine self-administration. Initial
      experiments examined the effects of acute cocaine administration (0.3 mg/kg, IV)
      on functional brain connectivity across the whole brain and in specific brain
      networks related to behavioral control using functional magnetic resonance
      imaging in fully conscious subjects. Subsequently, these subjects were allowed to
      resume cocaine self-administration to determine whether loss of basal
      connectivity within specific brain networks predicted the magnitude of resumption
      of cocaine intake following prolonged abstinence. RESULTS: Acute cocaine
      administration robustly decreased global functional connectivity and selectively
      impaired top-down prefrontal circuits that control behavior, while sparing
      connectivity of striatal areas within limbic circuits. Importantly, impaired
      connectivity between prefrontal and striatal areas during abstinence predicted
      cocaine intake when these subjects were provided renewed access to cocaine.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, loss of prefrontal to striatal functional
      connectivity may be a critical mechanism underlying the negative downward spiral
      of cycles of abstinence and relapse that characterizes cocaine addiction.

PMID- 25138649
TI  - Knowledge About Hospice: Exploring Misconceptions, Attitudes, and Preferences for
      Care.
AB  - CONTEXT: Poor knowledge and misperceptions about hospice are believed to be
      common, but there is scant evidence about the public's understanding of hospice.
      OBJECTIVES: To examine hospice knowledge among geographically diverse adults; and
      describe linkages between knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about hospice care,
      and demographics. METHODS: A small cross-sectional telephone survey of adults
      living in the contiguous US was conducted using randomly selected numbers (cell
      phone and landline) and over-sampling of minorities. Measures assessed knowledge
      (23-item test), attitudes (8-item scale), experiences and preferences related to
      hospice. RESULTS: 123 participants completed surveys (response rate 46%). 106
      (86%) had heard about hospice, 65 (54%) of whom had a personal experience with
      hospice. Participants had an average hospice knowledge test score of 18 (SD =
      3.4) indicating moderate knowledge of hospice. A majority of respondents (62%)
      did not know that hospice cannot provide concurrent cure-oriented care.
      Misperceptions about eligibility, coverage of hospice, the provision of hospice
      in nursing homes or to persons who live alone were not uncommon (missed by >20%).
      Greater knowledge of hospice was associated with more favorable attitudes about
      the hospice philosophy of care (r = .22, p = .023) and a greater preference for
      hospice (p = .049). Respondents who were more educated, worked in the medical
      field, were non-Hispanic White, and had direct experience with hospice were also
      more likely to be more knowledgeable about hospice. CONCLUSION: Despite
      relatively high hospice awareness and favorability, myths and misperceptions
      about hospice still abound--and may drive ethnic disparities in end-of-life care.
      Educational interventions and future study are needed.

PMID- 25138651
TI  - Effect of diet- and lifestyle-based metabolic risk-modifying interventions on
      preeclampsia: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dietary and lifestyle interventions with the
      potential to modify metabolic risk factors on the risk of preeclampsia. DATA
      SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane from inception until February
      2013. Randomized trials in pregnant women evaluating the effect of dietary and
      lifestyle interventions with the potential to modify metabolic risks such as
      obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension on the risk of
      preeclampsia were included. STUDY SELECTION: Two independent reviewers selected
      studies, extracted data and assessed quality. Results were summarized as pooled
      relative risks (RR) for dichotomous data. RESULTS: Eighteen studies (8712 women)
      met our search criteria for inclusion. Six studies evaluated diet (2695 women),
      six studied mixed interventions with diet, physical activity and lifestyle (1438
      women) and six assessed essential fatty acid supplementation (4579 women). The
      interventions overall reduced the risk of preeclampsia (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69
      0.94; p = 0.006 I(2) = 0%) compared with the control group. Dietary interventions
      reduced the risk of preeclampsia by 33% (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.85; p = 0.001;
      I(2) = 0%). There was no reduction in the risk of preeclampsia with mixed
      interventions (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.66-1.32, p = 0.68, I(2) = 0%) or fatty acid
      supplementation (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.71-1.18; p = 0.49, I(2) = 15%). Meta
      regression showed a borderline impact of gestational diabetes status (p = 0.05)
      on the observed effect. CONCLUSION: Dietary and lifestyle interventions have the
      potential to reduce the risk of preeclampsia. The effect of additional
      therapeutic interventions in women with gestational diabetes mellitus on
      preeclampsia is not known.

PMID- 25138650
TI  - Circadian variation of mineral and bone parameters in end-stage renal disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mineral and bone parameters are actively managed in end-stage renal
      disease (ESRD). However, whether these undergo circadian variation is not known.
      We investigated the circadian variation of mineral and bone parameters in
      patients on long-term hemodialysis. METHODS: Seventeen ESRD patients on long-term
      hemodialysis and eight volunteers without kidney disease were enrolled. Subjects
      had all medications that affect calcium-phosphate-parathyroid hormone balance
      (phosphate binders, vitamin D analogues, and calcimimetics) discontinued.
      Thereafter, for a period of 5 days, subjects consumed a diet controlled in
      calcium (1,200 mg per day) and phosphorus (1,000 mg per day) content. On the
      sixth day (a non-dialysis day for the ESRD patients), enrollees underwent twelve
      2-h blood draws for phosphate, ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), total
      25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD), and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23). RESULTS:
      In the ESRD patients plasma phosphate demonstrated significant circadian
      variation (P < 0.00001). The peak occurred around 3:30 am and nadir occurred
      around 11:00 am. Ionized calcium (P = 0.0036), PTH (P = 0.0004) and 25OHD (P =
      0.009) also varied significantly during the circadian period; for ionized calcium
      peak and nadir occurred around 12:15 pm and 8:00 pm, parathyroid hormone 5:45 pm
      and 10:15 am, and 25OHD 9:45 am and 4:00 pm respectively. FGF-23 did not show a
      significant circadian variation. Only phosphate (P < 0.0001) and PTH (P =
      0.00008) demonstrated circadian variation in the control group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Blood concentrations of phosphate, calcium, PTH and 25-hydroxy vitamin D, exhibit
      a circadian variation in patients with ESRD. Knowledge of these phenomena is
      pertinent for the interpretation of clinical testing.

PMID- 25138652
TI  - CoroEval: a multi-platform, multi-modality tool for the evaluation of 3D coronary
      vessel reconstructions.
AB  - We present a software, called CoroEval, for the evaluation of 3D coronary vessel
      reconstructions from clinical data. It runs on multiple operating systems and is
      designed to be independent of the imaging modality used. At this point, its
      purpose is the comparison of reconstruction algorithms or acquisition protocols,
      not the clinical diagnosis. Implemented metrics are vessel sharpness and
      diameter. All measurements are taken from the raw intensity data to be
      independent of display windowing functions. The user can either import a vessel
      centreline segmentation from other software, or perform a manual segmentation in
      CoroEval. An automated segmentation correction algorithm is provided to improve
      non-perfect centrelines. With default settings, measurements are taken at 1 mm
      intervals along the vessel centreline and from 10 different angles at each
      measurement point. This allows for outlier detection and noise-robust
      measurements without the burden and subjectivity a manual measurement process
      would incur. Graphical measurement results can be directly exported to vector or
      bitmap graphics for integration into scientific publications. Centreline and
      lumen segmentations can be exported as point clouds and in various mesh formats.
      We evaluated the diameter measurement process using three phantom datasets. An
      average deviation of 0.03 +/- 0.03 mm was found. The software is available in
      binary and source code form at http://www5.cs.fau.de/CoroEval/.

PMID- 25138653
TI  - Time to gain trust and change--experiences of attachment and mindfulness-based
      cognitive therapy among patients with chronic pain and psychiatric co-morbidity.
AB  - The treatment of patients with chronic pain disorders is complex. In the
      rehabilitation of these patients, coping with chronic pain is seen as important.
      The aim of this study was to explore the meaning of attachment and mindfulness
      based cognitive therapy (CT) among patients with chronic pain and psychiatric co
      morbidity. A phenomenological approach within a lifeworld perspective was used.
      In total, 10 patients were interviewed after completion of 7- to 13-month
      therapy. The findings reveal that the therapy and the process of interaction with
      the therapist were meaningful for the patients' well-being and for a better
      management of pain. During the therapy, the patients were able to initiate a
      movement of change. Thus, CT with focus on attachment and mindfulness seems to be
      of value for these patients. The therapy used in this study was adjusted to the
      patients' special needs, and a trained psychotherapist with a special knowledge
      of patients with chronic pain might be required. 

PMID- 25138654
TI  - Stiff muscle fibers in calf muscles of patients with cerebral palsy lead to high
      passive muscle stiffness.
AB  - Cerebral palsy (CP), caused by an injury to the developing brain, can lead to
      alterations in muscle function. Subsequently, increased muscle stiffness and
      decreased joint range of motion are often seen in patients with CP. We examined
      mechanical and biochemical properties of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles,
      which are involved in equinus muscle contracture. Passive mechanical testing of
      single muscle fibers from gastrocnemius and soleus muscle of patients with CP
      undergoing surgery for equinus deformity showed a significant increase in fiber
      stiffness (p<0.01). Bundles of fibers that included their surrounding connective
      tissues showed no stiffness difference (p=0.28).). When in vivo sarcomere lengths
      were measured and fiber and bundle stiffness compared at these lengths, both
      fibers and bundles of patients with CP were predicted to be much stiffer in vivo
      compared to typically developing (TD) individuals. Interestingly, differences in
      fiber and bundle stiffness were not explained by typical biochemical measures
      such as titin molecular weight (a giant protein thought to impact fiber
      stiffness) or collagen content (a proxy for extracellular matrix amount). We
      suggest that the passive mechanical properties of fibers and bundles are thus
      poorly understood.

PMID- 25138655
TI  - Controls on foliar nutrient and aluminium concentrations in a tropical tree
      flora: phylogeny, soil chemistry and interactions among elements.
AB  - Foliar elemental concentrations are predictors of life-history variation and
      contribute to spatial patterns in biogeochemical cycling. We examined the
      contributions of habitat association, local soil environment, and elemental
      interactions to variation in foliar elemental concentrations in tropical trees
      using methods that account for phylogeny. We sampled top-soils and leaves of 58
      tropical trees in heath forest (HF) on nutrient-poor sand and mixed dipterocarp
      forest (MDF) on nutrient-rich clay soils. A phylogenetic generalized least
      squares method was used to determine how foliar nutrient and aluminium (Al)
      concentrations varied in response to habitat distribution, soil chemistry and
      other elemental concentrations. Foliar nitrogen (N) and Al concentrations were
      greater for specialists of MDF than for specialists of HF, while foliar calcium
      (Ca) concentrations showed the opposite trend. Foliar magnesium (Mg)
      concentrations were lower for generalists than for MDF specialists. Foliar
      element concentrations were correlated with fine-scale variation in soil
      chemistry in phylogenetically controlled analyses across species, but there was
      limited within-species plasticity in foliar elemental concentrations. Among Al
      accumulators, foliar Al concentration was positively associated with foliar Ca
      and Mg concentrations, and negatively associated with foliar phosphorus (P)
      concentrations. The Al-accumulation trait and relationships between foliar
      elemental and Al concentrations may contribute to species habitat partitioning
      and ecosystem-level differences in biogeochemical cycles.

PMID- 25138657
TI  - Stoichiometrically controlled revocable self-assembled "spiro" versus quadruple
      stranded "double-decker" type coordination cages.
AB  - The simple combination of Pd(II) with the tris-monodentate ligand bis(pyridin-3
      ylmethyl) pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate, L, at ratios of 1:2 and 3:4 demonstrated
      the stoichiometrically controlled exclusive formation of the "spiro-type" Pd1L2
      macrocycle, 1, and the quadruple-stranded Pd3L4 cage, 2, respectively. The
      architecture of 2 is elaborated with two compartments that can accommodate two
      units of fluoride, chloride, or bromide ions, one in each of the enclosures.
      However, the entry of iodide is altogether restricted. Complexes 1 and 2 are
      interconvertible under suitable conditions.

PMID- 25138656
TI  - Iron oxide encapsulated by ruthenium hydroxyapatite as heterogeneous catalyst for
      the synthesis of 2,5-diformylfuran.
AB  - Magnetic gamma-Fe2 O3 nanocrystallites encapsulated by hydroxyapatite (HAP),
      HAP@gamma-Fe2 O3 , were prepared followed by cation exchange of Ca(2+) on the
      external HAP surface with Ru(3+) to give the gamma-Fe2 O3 @HAP-Ru catalyst. The
      structure of the as-prepared catalyst was characterized, and its catalytic
      activity was studied in the aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).
      gamma-Fe2 O3 @HAP-Ru showed a high catalytic activity for the aerobic oxidation
      of HMF into 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF). A high DFF yield of 89.1 % with an HMF
      conversion of 100% was obtained after 4 h at 90  degrees C. Importantly, the
      synthesis of DFF from fructose was realized by two consecutive steps. The
      dehydration of fructose in the presence of a magnetic acid catalyst (Fe3 O4 @SiO2
      SO3 H) produced HMF in a yield of 90.1%. Then the Fe3 O4 @SiO2 ?SO3 H catalyst
      was removed from the reaction solution with a permanent magnet, and HMF in the
      resulting solution was further oxidized to DFF with a yield of 79.1% based on
      fructose. The synthesis of DFF from fructose by two steps avoids the tedious
      separation of the intermediate HMF, which saves time and energy.

PMID- 25138658
TI  - [Visual experiences during cataract surgery under topical anesthesia].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cataract patients observe structures, colors and movements during
      surgery. Is there any pattern to their visual experiences? METHODS: From 2005 to
      2011 a total of 20,000 phacoemulsification procedures were performed using
      topical anesthesia. From these patients we received 45 pictures which had been
      painted to reflect intraoperative their visual impressions so that approximately
      1 out of 500 of the patients painted a picture. A further 98 patients were
      questioned postoperatively about their intraoperative visual impressions and were
      shown the 45 pictures. They described their own visual experiences and any
      similarities with the 45 pictures were documented. RESULTS: All patients were
      awake and cooperative during surgery. Afterwards they described their visual
      experiences whereby 36 patients saw mainly blue, 32 red/pink and 27 saw yellow
      colors. Out of the 45 pictures 30 (67%) were identified as being similar to their
      own visual images and 10 patients could not describe any postoperative visual
      phenomena. CONCLUSION: Patients notice optical phenomena during cataract surgery
      under topical anesthesia with eye drops. Visual images are often similar among
      patients. The surgeon can use this knowledge to explain these experiences while
      talking to the patient intraoperatively. This may reassure patients during
      surgery.

PMID- 25138659
TI  - Resource utilization pattern and cost of tuberculosis treatment from the provider
      and patient perspectives in the state of Penang, Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies from both developed and developing countries have
      demonstrated a considerable fluctuation in the average cost of TB treatment. The
      objective of this study was to analyze the medical resource utilization among new
      smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients. We also estimated the cost of
      tuberculosis treatment from the provider and patient perspectives, and identified
      the significant cost driving factors. METHODS: All new smear positive pulmonary
      tuberculosis patients who were registered at the chest clinic of the Penang
      General Hospital, between March 2010 and February 2011, were invited to
      participate in the study. Provider sector costs were estimated using bottom-up,
      micro-costing technique. For the calculation of costs from the patients'
      perspective, all eligible patients who agreed to participate in the study were
      interviewed after the intensive phase and subsequently at the end of the
      treatment by a trained nurse. PASW was used to analyze the data (Predictive
      Analysis SoftWare, version 19.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). RESULTS: During the
      study period, 226 patients completed the treatment. However, complete costing
      data were available for 212 patients. The most highly utilized resources were
      chest X-ray followed by sputum smear examination. Only a smaller proportion of
      the patients were hospitalized. The average provider sector cost was MYR 992.34
      (i.e., USD 325.35 per patient) whereby the average patient sector cost was MYR
      1225.80 (i.e., USD 401.90 per patient). The average patient sector cost of our
      study population accounted for 5.7% of their annual family income. In multiple
      linear regression analysis, prolonged treatment duration (i.e., > 6 months) was
      the only predictor of higher provider sector costs whereby higher patient sector
      costs were determined by greater household income and persistent cough at the end
      of the intensive phase of the treatment. CONCLUSION: In relation to average
      provider sector cost, our estimates are substantially higher than the budget
      allocated by the Ministry of Health for the treatment of a tuberculosis case in
      Malaysia. The expenses borne by the patients and their families on the treatment
      of the current episode of tuberculosis were not catastrophic for them.

PMID- 25138660
TI  - Association of congenital left renal vein anomalies and unexplained hematuria:
      multidetector computed tomography findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether congenital renal vein anomalies are involved
      in the etiology of hematuria by analyzing abdominal multidetector computed
      tomography (MDCT) results. METHODS: Six hundred and eighty patients undergoing
      MDCT for various abdominal pathologies in whom possible causes of hematuria were
      excluded were retrospectively assessed in terms of left renal vein anomalies,
      such as circumaortic left renal vein (CLRV), retroaortic left renal vein (RLRV)
      and multiple renal vein (MRV). Patients with CLRV, RLRV or MRV and patients with
      normal left renal veins were compared in terms of the presence of hematuria.
      RESULTS: Left renal vein anomalies were detected in 100 patients (14.7%). RLRV,
      CLRV and MRV were identified in 5.4, 2.5 and 6.8% of patients, respectively.
      Hematuria was determined in 8.1% of patients with an RLRV anomaly and in 10.5% of
      patients with no RLRV anomaly (p=0.633). Hematuria was detected in 23.5% of
      patients with a CLRV anomaly and 10.1% of those without (p=0.074), and in 21.7%
      of patients with an MRV anomaly and 9.6% of those without (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS:
      In addition to increasing risk of complication during retroperitoneal surgery,
      numeric congenital renal vein anomalies are also significant in terms of leading
      to clinical symptoms such as hematuria.

PMID- 25138661
TI  - Satiety effects of a whole-grain fibre composite ingredient: reduced food intake
      and appetite ratings.
AB  - The current study assesses the impact on appetite and food intake of a novel co
      processed ingredient containing a viscous fibre and whole-grain high-amylose corn
      flour, a source of type 1 and type 2 resistant starch (HAM-RS). Ninety adults
      completed a crossover, placebo-controlled study comparing two doses of the
      ingredient (20 and 30 g) to a maltodextrin control in a fruit-based smoothie
      served with breakfast. Ad libitum food intake was measured over the day and
      visual analogue scales were used to assess subjective appetite sensations.
      Subjects consumed 7% less energy intake at dinner following the 30 g dose (p =
      0.02) compared to control. In addition, a trend for lower lunch intake (5% less
      weight of food) was observed for the 20 g dose (p = 0.10). Reductions were also
      observed for the two meals combined, with 3% lower energy intake for the 20 g
      dose (p = 0.04) and 5% less weight of food consumed for the 30 g dose (p = 0.04).
      Lower ratings of hunger were reported at 3 h after breakfast for both doses and
      also at 2 and 3 h after lunch for the 30 g dose. With ratings combined to compute
      an overall appetite score, a trend for lower appetite scores at 3 h after
      breakfast was found for both doses. Consistent with this, significant reductions
      in AUC hunger and prospective consumption were identified in the 30 g condition.
      A similar pattern of results was observed for fullness and desire to eat. The
      results of this study show that a new composite satiety ingredient comprised of a
      viscous fibre and whole-grain corn flour can affect acute satiety responses in
      men and women. 

PMID- 25138663
TI  - DNA replication timing: Coordinating genome stability with genome regulation on
      the X chromosome and beyond.
AB  - Recent studies based on next-generation DNA sequencing have revealed that the
      female inactive X chromosome is replicated in a rapid, unorganized manner, and
      undergoes increased rates of mutation. These observations link the organization
      of DNA replication timing to gene regulation on one hand, and to the generation
      of mutations on the other hand. More generally, the exceptional biology of the
      inactive X chromosome highlights general principles of genome replication. Cells
      may control replication timing by a combination of intrinsic replication origin
      properties, local chromatin states and global levels of replication factors,
      leading to a functional separation between the activity of genes and their
      mutation. 

PMID- 25138664
TI  - The role of jet eccentricity in generating disproportionately elevated
      transaortic pressure gradients in patients with aortic stenosis.
AB  - In patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and eccentric transaortic flow, greater
      pressure loss occurs as the jet collides with the aortic wall together with
      delayed and diminished pressure recovery. This leads to the elevated transaortic
      valve pressure gradients noted on both Doppler and cardiac catheterization. Such
      situations may present a diagnostic dilemma where traditional measures of
      stenosis severity indicate severe AS, while imaging modalities of the aortic
      valve geometric aortic valve area (GOA) suggest less than severe stenosis. In
      this study, we present a series of cases exemplifying this clinical dilemma and
      demonstrate how color M-mode, 2D and 3D transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal
      (TEE) echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA), and
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to resolve such discrepancies. 

PMID- 25138662
TI  - The evolution of mitochondrial genomes in modern frogs (Neobatrachia):
      nonadaptive evolution of mitochondrial genome reorganization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although mitochondrial (mt) gene order is highly conserved among
      vertebrates, widespread gene rearrangements occur in anurans, especially in
      neobatrachians. Protein coding genes in the mitogenome experience adaptive or
      purifying selection, yet the role that selection plays on genomic reorganization
      remains unclear. We sequence the mitogenomes of three species of Glandirana and
      hot spots of gene rearrangements of 20 frog species to investigate the diversity
      of mitogenomic reorganization in the Neobatrachia. By combing these data with
      other mitogenomes in GenBank, we evaluate if selective pressures or functional
      constraints act on mitogenomic reorganization in the Neobatrachia. We also look
      for correlations between tRNA positions and codon usage. RESULTS: Gene
      organization in Glandirana was typical of neobatrachian mitogenomes except for
      the presence of pseudogene trnS (AGY). Surveyed ranids largely exhibited gene
      arrangements typical of neobatrachian mtDNA although some gene rearrangements
      occurred. The correlation between codon usage and tRNA positions in
      neobatrachians was weak, and did not increase after identifying recurrent
      rearrangements as revealed by basal neobatrachians. Codon usage and tRNA
      positions were not significantly correlated when considering tRNA gene
      duplications or losses. Change in number of tRNA gene copies, which was driven by
      genomic reorganization, did not influence codon usage bias. Nucleotide
      substitution rates and dN/dS ratios were higher in neobatrachian mitogenomes than
      in archaeobatrachians, but the rates of mitogenomic reorganization and mt
      nucleotide diversity were not significantly correlated. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence
      suggests that adaptive selection drove the reorganization of neobatrachian
      mitogenomes. In contrast, protein-coding genes that function in metabolism showed
      evidence for purifying selection, and some functional constraints appear to act
      on the organization of rRNA and tRNA genes. As important nonadaptive forces,
      genetic drift and mutation pressure may drive the fixation and evolution of
      mitogenomic reorganizations.

PMID- 25138673
TI  - Identification of synergistic Cu/V redox pair in VCu:AlPO-5; a comparison with
      VCu:ZSM-5.
AB  - Vanadium(V) and copper(II) were co-deposited into AlPO-5 and H-ZSM-5 three
      dimensional microporous carriers to yield VCu:AlPO-5 and VCu:ZSM-5. The
      materials, along with copper analogues were tested for the selective oxidation of
      propene, and the catalysts perform in the following order: VCu:AlPO-5 > Cu:AlPO-5
      > VCu:ZSM-5 > Cu:ZSM-5. Acrolein was selectively formed over VCu:AlPO-5 and
      Cu:AlPO-5 over a very wide range from 300 to 450  degrees C, whereas VCu:ZSM-5
      displays a limited temperature window for acrolein formation (300-350  degrees
      C). Hence, the choice of carrier and presence of vanadium as a co-cation greatly
      affects the acrolein selectivity and activity window. The vanadium and copper
      reduction events were monitored by in situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)
      during C3H6-TPR (1.11%) to 450  degrees C. The Cu(II)/(I) redox pair initiates
      reduction of V(V) -> V(IV) in VCu:AlPO-5 and VCu:ZSM-5 at 375  degrees C.
      Metallic copper is the major valence fraction above 400  degrees C in both
      samples while vanadium is present as V(IV)/V(III) species. In the monometallic
      copper analogues Cu(I) is the major valence fraction above 350  degrees C, hence
      synergistic effects between the Cu/V pair causes hyper-reduction of copper. EXAFS
      shows that copper and vanadium are in close proximity in VCu:AlPO-5 only, being
      linked by bridging oxygens (Cu-O-V) believed to interact with propene. By
      contrast, propene adsorbs on Bronsted sites in VCu:ZSM-5 inhibiting acrolein
      formation at elevated temperatures, as confirmed by DRIFTS. We believe the
      reactive Cu/V pair in neutral AlPO-5 generates extralattice oxygens favouring
      acrolein formation over a wide temperature range.

PMID- 25138665
TI  - An in vitro model of innate lymphoid cell function and differentiation.
AB  - Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) are RAG-independent lymphocytes with important roles
      in innate immunity, and include group-1 (natural killer (NK) cell, ILC1), group-2
      (ILC2), and group-3 (lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi), NCR(+) ILC3) subsets. Group-3
      ILC express Rorgammat, produce interleukin (IL)-22, and are critically important
      in the normal function of mucosal tissues. Here, we describe a novel model cell
      line for the study of ILC function and differentiation. The parental MNK cell
      line, derived from NKR-P1B(+) fetal thymocytes, shows a capacity to differentiate
      in gammac cytokines. One IL-7-responsive subline, designated MNK-3, expresses
      Rorgammat and produces high levels of IL-22 in response to IL-23 and IL-1beta
      stimulation. MNK-3 cells display surface markers and transcript expression
      characteristic of group-3 ILC, including IL-7Ralpha (CD127), c-kit (CD117), CCR6,
      Thy1 (CD90), RANK, RANKL, and lymphotoxin (LTalpha1beta2). Using an in vitro
      assay of LTi cell activity, MNK-3 cells induce ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression on
      stromal cells in a manner dependent upon LTalpha1beta2 expression. A second IL-2
      responsive subline, MNK-1, expresses several NK cell receptors, perforin and
      granzymes, and shows some cytotoxic activity. Thus, MNK-1 cells serve as a model
      of ILC1/NK development and differentiation, whereas MNK-3 cells provide an
      attractive in vitro system to study the function of ILC3/LTi cells. 

PMID- 25138672
TI  - Acupuncture increases the diameter and reorganisation of collagen fibrils during
      rat tendon healing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our previous study showed that electroacupuncture (EA) increases the
      concentration and reorganisation of collagen in a rat model of tendon healing.
      However, the ultrastructure of collagen fibrils after acupuncture is unknown.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of acupuncture protocols on the ultrastructure
      of collagen fibrils during tendon healing. METHODS: Sixty-four rats were divided
      into the following groups: non-tenotomised (normal group), tenotomised (teno
      group), tenotomised and subjected to manual acupuncture at ST36 (ST36 group),
      BL57 (BL57 group) and ST36+BL57 (SB group) and EA at ST36+BL57 (EA group). The
      mass-average diameter (MAD) and the reorganisation of collagen fibril diameters
      were determined during the three phases of tendon healing (at 7, 14 and 21 days).
      RESULTS: The MAD increased during the three phases of healing in the SB group. In
      the EA group, MAD increased initially but was reduced at day 21. The
      reorganisation of collagen fibrils was improved in the EA and SB groups at days
      14 and 21, respectively. EA at day 21 appeared to reduce the reorganisation.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the use of EA up to day 14 and manual
      acupuncture at ST36+BL57 up to day 21 improve the ultrastructure of collagen
      fibrils, indicating strengthening of the tendon structure. These data suggest a
      potential role for acupuncture in rehabilitation protocols.

PMID- 25138666
TI  - CCR2(+)CD103(-) intestinal dendritic cells develop from DC-committed precursors
      and induce interleukin-17 production by T cells.
AB  - The identification of intestinal macrophages (mphis) and dendritic cells (DCs) is
      a matter of intense debate. Although CD103(+) mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) appear
      to be genuine DCs, the nature and origins of CD103(-) MPs remain controversial.
      We show here that intestinal CD103(-)CD11b(+) MPs can be separated clearly into
      DCs and mphis based on phenotype, gene profile, and kinetics. CD64(-)CD103(
      )CD11b(+) MPs are classical DCs, being derived from Flt3 ligand-dependent, DC
      committed precursors, not Ly6C(hi) monocytes. Surprisingly, a significant
      proportion of these CD103(-)CD11b(+) DCs express CCR2 and there is a selective
      decrease in CD103(-)CD11b(+) DCs in mice lacking this chemokine receptor.
      CCR2(+)CD103(-) DCs are present in both the murine and human intestine, drive
      interleukin (IL)-17a production by T cells in vitro, and show constitutive
      expression of IL-12/IL-23p40. These data highlight the heterogeneity of
      intestinal DCs and reveal a bona fide population of CCR2(+) DCs that is involved
      in priming mucosal T helper type 17 (Th17) responses. 

PMID- 25138674
TI  - Photobleaching reveals heterogeneous stoichiometry for equinatoxin II oligomers.
AB  - Equinatoxin II (EqtII), a sea anemone cytolysin, is known to oligomerize to form
      pores that spontaneously insert into membranes. Crystallographic and cryo-EM
      studies of structurally similar cytolysins offer contradictory evidence for pore
      stoichiometry. Here we used single-molecule photobleaching of fluorescently
      labeled EqtII to determine the stoichiometry of EqtII oligomers in supported
      lipid bilayers. A frequency analysis of photobleaching steps revealed a log
      normal distribution of stoichiometries with a mean of 3.4+/-2.3 standard
      deviations. Comparison of our experimental data with simulations of fixed
      stoichiometries supports our observation of a heterogeneous distribution of EqtII
      oligomerization. These data are consistent with a model of EqtII stoichiometry
      where pores are on average tetrameric, but with large variation in the number of
      subunits in individual pores. 

PMID- 25138675
TI  - Characterization of an organic solvent-tolerant thermostable glucoamylase from a
      halophilic isolate, Halolactibacillus sp. SK71 and its application in raw starch
      hydrolysis for bioethanol production.
AB  - A halophilic bacterium Halolactibacillus sp. SK71 producing extracellular
      glucoamylase was isolated from saline soil of Yuncheng Salt Lake, China. Enzyme
      production was strongly influenced by the salinity of growth medium with maximum
      in the presence of 5% NaCl. The glucoamylase was purified to homogeneity with a
      molecular mass of 78.5 kDa. It showed broad substrate specificity and raw starch
      hydrolyzing activity. Analysis of hydrolysis products from soluble starch by thin
      layer chromatography revealed that glucose was the sole end-product, indicating
      the enzyme was a true glucoamylase. Optimal enzyme activity was found to be at 70
      degrees C, pH 8.0, and 7.5% NaCl. In addition, it was highly active and stable
      over broad ranges of temperature (0-100 degrees C), pH (7.0-12.0), and NaCl
      concentration (0-20%), showing excellent thermostable, alkali stable, and
      halotolerant properties. Furthermore, it displayed high stability in the presence
      of hydrophobic organic solvents. The purified glucoamylase was applied for raw
      corn starch hydrolysis and subsequent bioethanol production using Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae. The yield in terms of grams of ethanol produced per gram of sugar
      consumed was 0.365 g/g, with 71.6% of theoretical yield from raw corn starch.
      This study demonstrated the feasibility of using enzymes from halophiles for
      further application in bioenergy production.

PMID- 25138676
TI  - Synthesis of composites SBA-15 mesoporous particles carrying oxytocin and
      evaluation of their properties, functions, and in vitro biological activities.
AB  - Using the organic template method, we have synthesized mesoporous SBA-15
      particles and characterized them by scanning electron microscopy and transmission
      electron microscopy. The bone metabolism regulating hormone oxytocin (OT) was
      selected as a model for preparation of drug/SBA-15 complexes. The process of drug
      loading was studied using X-ray diffraction and nitrogen absorption methods.
      Optimal drug loading parameters were experimentally investigated. The kinetics of
      drug release from the carrier was evaluated. Finally, the extractions of SBA-15
      particles were tested for cytotoxicity, in vitro hemolysis, and the direct
      attachment toxicity. Our findings suggest that SBA-15 materials have good
      biocompatibility. Moreover, we demonstrated that OT/SBA-15 complex can stimulate
      alkaline phosphatase activity in osteoblast cells. The study provides fundamental
      information for further in vivo drug-carrier testing. 

PMID- 25138678
TI  - Immunoglobulin G4-related paratesticular fibrous pseudotumor and retroperitoneal
      fibrosis: a case report.
AB  - A 46-year-old man with a past history of retroperitoneal fibrosis was admitted
      with an enlarged, hard right testis. The paratesticular lesion showed
      heterogeneous hypoechogenicity on ultrasonography, low signal intensity on T1-
      and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and lack of diffusion
      restriction on diffusion-weighted MRI. Following steroid treatment, the
      paratesticular mass was decreased in size on follow-up computed tomography. The
      radiologic and clinical features are recognized as a manifestation of
      immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disease involving the paratesticular region
      and retroperitoneum.

PMID- 25138679
TI  - Ursodeoxycholic acid, an inhibitor of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1alpha, did not
      increase the systemic exposure of pitavastatin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pitavastatin, a highly potent inhibitor of 3-hydroxy
      methylglutarylcoenzyme A reductase, is a known substrate of OATP1B1.
      Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) inhibits OATP1B1 expression by repressing hepatocyte
      nuclear factor 1alpha (HNF1alpha). Thus, the effects of UDCA on the
      pharmacokinetics of pitavastatin were investigated in healthy subjects. METHODS:
      An open-label, 2-phase, parallel study was conducted with 13 healthy volunteers.
      In the control phase, after an overnight fast, each subject received a single
      dose of 2 mg pitavastatin. After a 1-week washout period, in the UDCA phase,
      subjects received a daily oral dose of 600 mg of UDCA (300 mg b.i.d.) for 14
      days. On day 15, 2 mg of pitavastatin was administered as described previously
      for the control phase. RESULTS: In the UDCA phase, the maximum plasma
      concentration (C(max)) of pitavastatin was slightly higher than in the control
      phase (48.6 +/- 22.9 ng/mL vs. 42.4 +/- 16.1 ng/mL). However, the overall
      pharmacokinetic parameters of pitavastatin and pitavastatin lactone during the
      two study phases were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: UDCA had no
      significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of pitavastatin. These results do not
      support the notion that UDCA increases the systemic exposure of OATP1B1 substrate
      by inhibiting HNF1alpha and decreasing OATP1B1 transporter expression.

PMID- 25138677
TI  - Characterization of dsRed2-positive cells in the doublecortin-dsRed2 transgenic
      adult rat retina.
AB  - Doublecortin (DCX) is predominantly expressed in neuronal precursor cells and
      young immature neurons of the developing and adult brain, where it is involved in
      neuronal differentiation, migration and plasticity. Moreover, its expression
      pattern reflects neurogenesis, and transgenic DCX promoter-driven reporter models
      have been previously used to investigate adult neurogenesis. In this study, we
      characterize dsRed2 reporter protein-expressing cells in the adult retina of the
      transgenic DCX promoter-dsRed2 rat model, with the aim to identify cells with
      putative neurogenic activity. Additionally, we confirmed the expression of the
      dsRed2 protein in DCX-expressing cells in the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus.
      Adult DCX-dsRed2 rat retinas were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for expression
      of DCX, NF200, Brn3a, Sox2, NeuN, calbindin, calretinin, PKC-a, Otx2, ChAT, PSA
      NCAM and the glial markers GFAP and CRALBP, followed by confocal laser-scanning
      microscopy. In addition, brain sections of transgenic rats were analyzed for
      dsRed2 expression and co-localization with DCX, NeuN, GFAP and Sox2 in the cortex
      and dentate gyrus. Endogenous DCX expression in the adult retina was confined to
      horizontal cells, and these cells co-expressed the DCX promoter-driven dsRed2
      reporter protein. In addition, we encountered dsRed2 expression in various other
      cell types in the retina: retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), a subpopulation of
      amacrine cells, a minority of bipolar cells and in perivascular cells. Since also
      RGCs expressed dsRed2, the DCX-dsRed2 rat model might offer a useful tool to
      study RGCs in vivo under various conditions. Muller glial cells, which have
      previously been identified as cells with stem cell features and with neurogenic
      potential, did express neither endogenous DCX nor the dsRed2 reporter. However,
      and surprisingly, we identified a perivascular glial cell type expressing the
      dsRed2 reporter, enmeshed with the glia/stem cell marker GFAP and colocalizing
      with the neural stem cell marker Sox2. These findings suggest the so far
      undiscovered existence of perivascular associated cell with neural stem cell-like
      properties in the adult retina.

PMID- 25138680
TI  - Open-label, 2-period sequential drug interaction study to evaluate the effect of
      a 100-mg dose of desvenlafaxine on the pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen when
      coadministered in healthy postmenopausal female subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Potential drugdrug interactions are a concern for patients taking
      tamoxifen. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the effect of
      coadministering desvenlafaxine on tamoxifen pharmacokinetics. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This open-label, 2-period inpatient and outpatient study enrolled
      healthy, postmenopausal women. Period 1, day 1, subjects were administered
      tamoxifen 40 mg followed by 23 days of blood sampling for pharmacokinetic
      analyses. During period 2, subjects received desvenlafaxine 100 mg/d for 28 days;
      a single dose of tamoxifen 40 mg was administered with desvenlafaxine 100 mg on
      day 7, followed by 23 days of blood sampling. Pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen and
      its metabolites (AUC over infinite time (AUC(inf)), AUC to the last measurable
      concentration (AUC(last)), peak plasma concentration (C(max)) were compared for
      monotherapy vs. combination therapy using the ratio of adjusted mean differences.
      A superposition method was used in the statistical analysis of N-desmethyl
      tamoxifen and endoxifen to address the carry-over observed for those metabolites.
      The test for interaction was considered negative if the 90% confidence intervals
      (CIs) for the ratios were within 80 - 125%. RESULTS: Coadministration of
      tamoxifen with steady-state desvenlafaxine did not alter tamoxifen AUC(inf),
      AUC(last), and C(max), as reflected by the ratio of adjusted geometric means (90%
      CIs) of 100.7% (96.7%, 104.9%), 103.5% (100.2%, 106.9%), and 99.4% (94.0%,
      105.2%), respectively. Similarly, coadministration did not alter 4-hydroxy-
      tamoxifen and N-desmethyl-amoxifen pharmacokinetics. The 11.8% (88.2% (82.6%,
      94.2%)) and 8.0% (92.0% (84.7%, 100.0%)) decreases in endoxifen AUC(last) and
      C(max), respectively, were not significant (90% CIs fell wholly within the
      prespecified acceptance range). CONCLUSIONS: Steady-state desvenlafaxine 100 mg
      did not affect tamoxifen pharmacokinetics. For women treated with tamoxifen,
      desvenlafaxine may represent a safe and effective treatment unlikely to alter
      tamoxifen efficacy.

PMID- 25138681
TI  - Implications of different application sites on the bioavailability of a
      transdermal contraceptive patch containing ethinyl estradiol and gestodene: an
      open-label, randomized, crossover study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A novel once-a-week contraceptive patch delivers the same systemic
      exposure seen with a combined oral contraceptive pill containing 0.02 mg ethinyl
      estradiol (EE) and 0.06 mg gestodene (GSD). This study evaluated the relative
      bioavailability of EE and GSD after application of this patch to three different
      sites. METHODS: In this phase I, open-label, randomized, intra-individual
      comparison, crossover study, 43 women (aged 18 - 45 years) were randomized to one
      of six treatment sequences. Patches were applied to two test sites (buttocks and
      outer, upper arm) and one comparator site (lower abdomen). In each treatment
      period, four patches were worn for 7 days each, followed by a 7-day, patch-free
      interval. The primary objective was to investigate the relative bioavailability
      of transdermally administered EE and GSD between test and comparator sites using
      the primary variable area under the concentration- time curve (AUC(0-168)) during
      week 4 of each period. RESULTS: Of the 43 women who were randomized, 43 were
      included in the set for safety evaluation and 40 were included in the set for
      pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis. Three subjects were excluded from the PK analysis
      as they failed to complete the study. AUC(0-168) for EE and GSD were equal when
      the patch was applied to buttocks or abdomen (AUC(0-168) ratios: EE, 1.07 (94%
      confidence interval, CI: 0.994 - 1.16); GSD, 1.02 (94% CI: 0.946 - 1.10)).
      Relative bioavailabilities for EE and GSD were 31% and 24% higher, respectively,
      for arm vs. abdomen. AUC(0-168) 94% CI for the arm/abdomen ratio exceeded the pre
      defined bioequivalence range of 80 - 125% (EE: 1.21 - 1.42; GSD: 1.15 - 1.34).
      Other PK parameters were correspondingly higher for arm vs. buttocks or abdomen.
      Patch adhesion and tolerability were good, with no relevant differences between
      sites. CONCLUSION: Differences in systemic EE/GSD exposure following patch
      application to the outer, upper arm vs. lower abdomen and buttocks are unlikely
      to be clinically relevant, and there were no relevant safety concerns.

PMID- 25138682
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of vorapaxar and its metabolite following oral administration in
      healthy Chinese and American subjects.
AB  - AIM: Vorapaxar is a proteaseactivated receptor (PAR)-1 antagonist being developed
      for the prevention and treatment of thrombotic vascular events. To evaluate
      race/ethnic differences between Caucasians and Chinese in the pharmacokinetics of
      vorapaxar and its active metabolite SCH 2046273 (M20) or in the metabolite/parent
      ratio, we conducted a cross-study comparison on pharmacokinetic data of vorapaxar
      and M20 obtained from two similarly designed studies: one in healthy Chinese
      subjects and the other in a healthy Western (United States, [U.S.]) population.
      METHODS: The pharmacokinetic profiles of vorapaxar and M20 were characterized
      using open label, two treatment parallel group designs in men and women aged 18 -
      45 years. Vorapaxar was administered orally as a single dose of 40 mg in Chinese
      subjects (n = 14) or 120 mg in U.S. subjects (n = 14), or 2.5 mg QD for 6 weeks
      in both studies (Chinese, n = 14; U.S., n = 23). RESULTS: Vorapaxar was rapidly
      absorbed in both Chinese and U.S. subjects. Vorapaxar and M20 had similar
      elimination half-lives. The range of metabolite/parent ratios after single dose
      or daily administration was largely overlapped in Chinese and U.S. subjects.
      Steady state was attained by day 21 for vorapaxar and M20 in both race/ethnic
      groups. The accumulation ratios for vorapaxar and M20 during daily administration
      were similar in Chinese and U.S. subjects. Vorapaxar was well-tolerated in
      Chinese and U.S. subjects. CONCLUSION: The pharmacokinetic profiles of vorapaxar
      and M20 and the metabolite/parent ratios in healthy Chinese were generally
      comparable to those in a healthy Western population.

PMID- 25138683
TI  - Ultrafast photoswitching in a copper-nitroxide-based molecular magnet.
AB  - Molecular compounds with photoswitchable magnetic properties have been
      intensively investigated over the last decades due to their prospective
      applications in nanoelectronics, sensing and magnetic data storage. The family of
      copper-nitroxide-based molecular magnets represents a new promising type of
      photoswitchable compounds. We report the first study of these appealing systems
      using femtosecond optical spectroscopy. We unveil the mechanism of ultrafast (<50
      fs) spin state photoswitching and establish its principal differences compared to
      other photoswitchable magnets. On this basis, we propose potential advantages of
      copper-nitroxide-based molecular magnets for the future design of ultrafast
      magnetic materials. 

PMID- 25138684
TI  - Development of necrotising fasciitis in a patient treated for rheumatoid
      arthritis with tocilizumab.

PMID- 25138685
TI  - Reliability and validity of the pain on movement questionnaire (POM) in chronic
      neck pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This analysis aimed to determine reliability, validity, and
      responsiveness of the pain on movement (POM) questionnaire, an instrument
      developed to determine pain intensity induced by head movement. DESIGN: Data from
      nine randomized controlled trials for the treatment of chronic nonspecific neck
      pain were reanalyzed to determine reliability and validity of the POM
      questionnaire. METHODS: POM was assessed as ratings of pain intensity induced by
      head movement in six different directions. The instrument's structure was
      assessed using a factor analysis. Reliability (internal consistency) was
      determined using Cronbach's alpha, and validity (convergent validity) was
      determined by correlating the POM with pain at rest on a visual analog scale
      (VAS), the neck disability index (NDI), quality of life (short-form 36 health
      survey questionnaire [SF-36]) and range of motion. Responsiveness was indicated
      by sensitivity to changes over time in a subsample of 49 patients. RESULTS:
      Overall, 482 patients (mean age 50.3 +/- 12.4 years, 72.3% female) were included
      in the analysis, and 458 of them provided complete data set for the POM. Average
      POM was 43.9 +/- 20.8 mm on the VAS. The POM showed very good reliability as
      indicated by high internal consistency and moderate validity as indicated by
      significant correlations with the pain at rest, the NDI, and the SF-36. No
      correlations were found for POM with range of motion. The POM further proved to
      be responsive as it was sensitive to changes over time, and those changes were
      correlated to changes in pain intensity and NDI. CONCLUSIONS: The POM seems to be
      a reliable and valid instrument to assess POM in patients with chronic
      nonspecific neck pain.

PMID- 25138686
TI  - PML nuclear bodies: regulation, function and therapeutic perspectives.
AB  - PML nuclear bodies (NBs) were first described by electron microscopy and
      rediscovered through their treatment-reversible disruption in a rare leukaemia.
      They recruit multiple partner proteins and now emerge as interferon- and
      oxidative stress-responsive sumoylation factories. NBs mediate interferon-induced
      viral restriction, enhance proteolysis, finely tune metabolism and enforce stress
      induced senescence. Apart from being markers of cellular stress, PML NBs could be
      harnessed pharmacologically in a number of conditions, including cancer, viral
      infection or neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 25138687
TI  - Another casualty of sibling fixed-effects analysis of education and health: an
      informative null, or null information?

PMID- 25138688
TI  - From policy to practice: implementing frontline community health services for
      substance dependence--study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Substance abuse is a worldwide public health concern. Extensive
      scientific research has shown that screening and brief interventions for
      substance use disorders administered in primary care provide substantial benefit
      at relatively low cost. Frontline health clinicians are well placed to detect and
      treat patients with substance use disorders. Despite effectiveness shown in
      research, there are many factors that impact the implementation of these
      practices in real-world clinical practice. Recently, the Ministry of Health and
      Social Services in Quebec, Canada, issued two policy documents aimed at
      introducing screening and early intervention for substance abuse into frontline
      healthcare clinics in Quebec. The current research protocol was developed in
      order to study the process of implementation of evidence-based addiction
      treatment practices at three primary care clinics in Montreal (Phase 1). In
      addition, the research protocol was designed to examine the efficacy of overall
      policy implementation, including barriers and facilitators to addictions program
      development throughout Quebec (Phase 2). METHODS/DESIGN: Phase 1 will provide an
      in-depth case study of knowledge translation and implementation. The study
      protocol will utilize an integrated knowledge translation strategy to build
      collaborative mechanisms for knowledge exchange between researchers, addiction
      specialists, and frontline practitioners (guided by the principles of
      participatory-action research), and directly examine the process of knowledge
      uptake and barriers to transfer using both qualitative and quantitative
      methodologies. Evaluation will involve multiple measures, time points and
      domains; program uptake and effectiveness will be determined by changes in
      healthcare service delivery, sustainability and outcomes. In Phase 2, qualitative
      methods will be utilized to examine the contextual facilitators and barriers that
      frontline organizations face in implementing services for substance dependence.
      Phase 2 will provide the first study exploring the wide-scale implementation of
      frontline services for substance dependence in the province of Quebec and yield
      needed information about how to effectively implement mandated policies into
      clinical practice and impact public health. DISCUSSION: Findings from this
      research program will contribute to the understanding of factors associated with
      implementation of frontline services for substance dependence and help to inform
      future policy and organizational support for the implementation of evidence-based
      practices.

PMID- 25138689
TI  - Mean platelet volume is a prognostic factor in patients with acute kidney injury
      requiring continuous renal replacement therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Platelet size has been demonstrated to reflect platelet activity and to
      predict poor clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. However,
      the prognostic value of platelet size for mortality has not been studied in
      patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 349
      patients who received continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for AKI between
      August 2009 and October 2011 were divided into 2 groups based on the median mean
      platelet volume (MPV) at the time of CRRT initiation. Twenty-eight-day mortality
      rate was determined using Kaplan-Meier plots and time-dependent receiver
      operating characteristic curves were constructed. In addition, multivariate Cox
      analysis for mortality was used to evaluate the independent prognostic value of
      MPV. RESULTS: The mean age was 61.3 years, and 218 patients (62.5%) were male. At
      the initiation of CRRT, MPV level was inversely correlated with platelet count,
      whereas it was positively associated with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health
      Evaluation II scores. During the study period, 231 deaths (66.2%) occurred.
      Kaplan-Meier curve showed that 28-day all-cause mortality was significantly
      higher in patients with MPV>=10.2 fL compared with those with MPV<10.2 fL
      (P<.001). Moreover, Cox regression analysis revealed that MPV was an independent
      predictor for 28-day all-cause mortality after adjustment of age, age-adjusted
      Charlson Comorbidity Index, cause of AKI, platelet count, Acute Physiology and
      Chronic Health Evaluation II score, presence of malignancy, albumin, and C
      reactive protein (hazard ratio, 1.080; 95% confidence interval, 1.010-1.155;
      P=.023). CONCLUSION: Mean platelet volume at the time of CRRT initiation may be
      an inexpensive and useful predictor for 28-day all-cause mortality in patients
      with AKI requiring CRRT.

PMID- 25138690
TI  - Association between transient acute kidney injury and morbidity and mortality
      after lung transplantation: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common occurrence after lung
      transplantation (LTx). Whether transient AKI or early recovery is associated with
      improved outcome is uncertain. Our aim was to describe the incidence, factors,
      and outcomes associated with transient AKI after LTx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective cohort study of all adult recipients of LTx at the
      University of Alberta between 1990 and 2011. Our primary outcome transient AKI
      was defined as return of serum creatinine below Kidney Disease-Improving Global
      Outcome AKI stage I within 7days after LTx. Secondary outcomes included
      occurrence of postoperative complications, mortality, and long-term kidney
      function. RESULTS: Of 445 LTx patients enrolled, AKI occurred in 306 (68.8%)
      within the first week after LTx. Of these, transient AKI (or early recovery)
      occurred in 157 (51.3%). Transient AKI was associated with fewer complications
      including tracheostomy (17.2% vs 38.3%; P<.001), reintubation (16.4% vs 41.9%;
      P<.001), decreased duration of mechanical ventilation (median [interquartile
      range], 69 [41-142] vs 189 [63-403] hours; P<.001), and lower rates of chronic
      kidney disease at 3 months (28.5% vs 51.1%, P<.001) and 1 year (49.6% vs 66.7%,
      P=.01) compared with persistent AKI. Factors independently associated with
      persistent AKI were higher body mass index (per unit; odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.85-0.98; P=.01), cyclosporine use (OR, 0.29; 0.12-0.67;
      P=.01), longer duration of mechanical ventilation (per hour [log transformed];
      OR, 0.42; 0.21-0.81; P=.01), and AKI stages II to III (OR, 0.16; 0.08-0.29;
      P<.001). Persistent AKI was associated with higher adjusted hazard of death
      (hazard ratio, 1.77 [1.08-2.93]; P=.02) when compared with transient AKI (1.44
      [0.93-2.19], P=.09) and no AKI (reference category), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Transient AKI after LTx is associated with fewer complications and improved
      survival. Among survivors, persistent AKI portends an increased risk for long
      term chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 25138693
TI  - Cytoarchitecture of the telencephalon in the coral reef multiband Butterflyfish (
      Chaetodon multicinctus : Perciformes).
AB  - Detailed neuroanatomical studies of model species are necessary to facilitate
      comparative experiments which test hypotheses relevant to brain evolution and
      function. Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) boast numerous sympatric species that
      differ in social behavior, aggression and feeding ecology. However, the ability
      to test hypotheses relevant to brain function in this family is hindered by the
      lack of detailed neural descriptions. The cytoarchitecture of the telencephalon
      in the monogamous and territorial multiband butterflyfish, Chaetodon
      multicinctus, was determined with Nissl-stained serial sections and an
      immunohistochemical analysis of arginine vasotocin (AVT), serotonin, substance P
      and tyrosine hydroxylase. The ventral telencephalon was similar to that of other
      perciform fishes studied, with one major difference. A previously undescribed
      postcommissural region, the cuneate nucleus, was identified and putatively
      assigned to the ventral telencephalon. While the function of this nucleus is
      unknown, preliminary studies indicate that it may be part of a behaviorally
      relevant subpallial neural circuit that is modulated by AVT. The dorsal
      telencephalon consisted of 15 subdivisions among central, medial, lateral, dorsal
      and posterior zones. Several regions of the dorsal telencephalon of C.
      multicinctus differed from many other perciform fishes examined thus far. The
      nucleus taenia was in a more caudal position, and the central and lateral zones
      were enlarged. Within the lateral zone, an unusual third, ventral subdivision and
      a large-celled division were present. One hypothesis is that the enlarged ventral
      subdivision of the lateral zone (potential hippocampus homolog) relates to an
      enhancement of spatial learning or olfactory memory, which are important for this
      coral reef fish. This study provides the neuroanatomical basis for future
      comparative and evolutionary studies of brain organization and neuropeptide
      distributions, physiological studies of neural processing and insight into the
      complex social behavior of butterflyfishes.

PMID- 25138692
TI  - Effect of enamel protective agents on shear bond strength of orthodontic
      brackets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This paper aimed to study the effect of two enamel protective agents
      on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded with conventional
      and self-etching primer (SEP) adhesive systems. METHODS: The two protective
      agents used were resin infiltrate (ICON) and Clinpro; the two adhesive systems
      used were self-etching primer system (Transbond Plus Self Etching Primer +
      Transbond XT adhesive) and a conventional adhesive system (37% phosphoric acid
      etch + Transbond XT primer + Transbond XT adhesive ). Sixty premolars divided
      into three major groups and six subgroups were included. The shear bond strength
      was tested 72 h after bracket bonding. Adhesive remnant index scores (ARI) were
      assessed. Statistical analysis consisted of a one-way ANOVA for the SBS and
      Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney test for the ARI scores. RESULTS: In
      the control group, the mean SBS when using the conventional adhesive was 21.1 +/-
      7.5 MPa while when using SEP was 20.2 +/- 4.0 MPa. When ICON was used with the
      conventional adhesive system, the SBS was 20.2 +/- 5.6 MPa while with SEP was
      17.6 +/- 4.1 MPa. When Clinpro was used with the conventional adhesive system,
      the SBS was 24.3 +/- 7.6 MPa while with SEP was 11.2 +/- 3.5 MPa. Significant
      differences in the shear bond strength of the different groups (P = .000) was
      found as well as in the ARI scores distribution (P = .000). CONCLUSION: The type
      of the adhesive system used to bond the orthodontic brackets, either conventional
      or self-etching primer, influenced the SBS, while the enamel protective material
      influenced the adhesive remnant on the enamel surface after debonding.

PMID- 25138694
TI  - How does obesity affect fertility in men - and what are the treatment options?
AB  - Adiposity is associated with reduced fertility in men. The aetiology is
      multifactorial, with obese men at greater risk of suffering from impaired
      spermatogenesis, reduced circulating testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction
      and poor libido. The diagnosis and treatment of reduced fertility observed in
      obese men therefore requires insight into the underlying pathology, which has
      hormonal, mechanical and psychosocial aspects. This article summarises the
      current epidemiological, experimental and clinical trial evidence from the
      perspective of a practicing clinician. The following conclusions and
      recommendations can be drawn: Obesity is associated with low serum testosterone
      concentrations, but treatment with exogenous testosterone is likely to adversely
      impact on fertility. It is important to discuss this with men prior to initiation
      of testosterone therapy. Obesity adversely affects sperm concentration and may
      affect sperm quality. However, whether or not weight loss will correct these
      factors remain to be established. Oestrogen receptor modulators (and aromatase
      inhibitors) are unlicensed in the treatment for male hypogonadism and/or
      infertility. These treatments should hence be considered experimental approach
      until ongoing clinical trials report their outcomes.

PMID- 25138695
TI  - Coacervate delivery systems for proteins and small molecule drugs.
AB  - Coacervates represent an exciting new class of drug delivery vehicles, developed
      in the past decade as carriers of small molecule drugs and proteins. This review
      summarizes several well-described coacervate systems, including: i) elastin-like
      peptides for delivery of anticancer therapeutics; ii) heparin-based coacervates
      with synthetic polycations for controlled growth factor delivery; iii)
      carboxymethyl chitosan aggregates for oral drug delivery; iv) Mussel adhesive
      protein and hyaluronic acid coacervates. Coacervates present advantages in their
      simple assembly and easy incorporation into tissue engineering scaffolds or as
      adjuncts to cell therapies. They are also amenable to functionalization such as
      for targeting or for enhancing the bioactivity of their cargo. These new drug
      carriers are anticipated to have broad applications and noteworthy impact in the
      near future. 

PMID- 25138696
TI  - Effects of ventral pallidal D1 dopamine receptor activation on memory
      consolidation in morris water maze test.
AB  - In the present experiments, in adult male Wistar rats, the effect of
      microinjection of the D1 dopamine receptor agonist SKF38393 into the ventral
      pallidum on memory consolidation, as well as on resistance of the resulting
      memory trace against extinction were investigated in Morris water maze test.
      SKF38393 was applied in three doses (0.1, 1.0 or 5.0MUg in 0.4MUl physiological
      saline, respectively). To clarify whether the effect of the agonist was specific,
      in a separate group of animals, the D1 dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390
      (5.0MUg in 0.4MUl physiological saline) was administered 15min prior to 1.0MUg
      agonist treatment. In another group of animals, the same dose of antagonist was
      applied by itself. The two lower doses (0.1 and 1.0MUg) of the agonist
      accelerated memory consolidation relative to controls and increased the stability
      of the consolidated memory trace against extinction. Antagonist pretreatment
      eliminated the effects of the agonist, thus confirming that the effect was
      selectively specific to D1 dopamine receptors. Our findings indicate that the
      ventral pallidal D1 dopamine receptors are intimately involved in the control of
      the consolidation processes of spatial memory. 

PMID- 25138697
TI  - Frequency-dependent changes in the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in
      subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD): a resting-state fMRI study.
AB  - Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) allowed researchers
      to detect intrinsic brain activity during rest and has been considered an
      analytical tool for evaluation of dementia. Previously, subcortical ischemic
      vascular disease (SIVD) has been found decreased amplitude low-frequency
      fluctuations (ALFF) in a widely frequency range (0.01-0.08Hz) in the bilateral
      precuneus and increased ALFF values in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex
      (ACC), left insula and hippocampus, which showed significant correlations with
      the cognitive performance. In this study we analyzed the ALFF of 30 patients with
      SIVD in two different frequency bands (slow-5: 0.01-0.027Hz; slow-4: 0.027
      0.073Hz). In the slow-5 band, SIVD patients compared with controls exhibited
      significant higher ALFF in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, right putamen
      and right supplementary motor area, while lower ALFF in the right precuneus and
      right angular gyrus. A close correlation was found between the ALFF value of the
      right angular gyrus and ADL scores. In the slow-4 band, SIVD patients only
      exhibited increased ALFF in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, right
      putamen, left fusiform gyrus, and no correlation with cognitive scores was found.
      Our data demonstrate that SIVD patients have widespread abnormal intrinsic neural
      oscillations, which are dependent on specific frequency bands. ALFF of right
      angular gyrus at slow-5 band is more specific for SIVD and may be a useful tool
      to help SIVD diagnosis. 

PMID- 25138698
TI  - King-Devick test normative reference values for professional male ice hockey
      players.
AB  - The King-Devick (K-D) test, a measure of processing speed, visual tracking, and
      saccadic eye movements, has shown promise as a supplemental screening test
      following concussion. However, limited normative data for this test have been
      published.The K-D test was administered to 185 professional ice hockey players as
      a preseason baseline test in seasons 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. Their average age
      was 23.8 years (median = 22.0 years, range = 16-40 years). The average K-D score
      was 40.0 s (SD = 6.1 s, range = 24.0-65.7 s). K-D test performance showed no
      association with age, education, or the number of self-reported previous
      concussions in this sample. The association between trials 1 and 2 of the K-D
      test was good (ICC = 0.92, Pearson = 0.93). Normative values of the K-D test for
      professional male ice hockey players are reported. K-D test performance did not
      vary by age, education, or concussion history in this study. 

PMID- 25138699
TI  - Dietary LC-PUFA in iron-deficient anaemic pregnant and lactating guinea pigs
      induce minor defects in the offsprings' auditory brainstem responses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We previously demonstrated that a mild pre-natal/early post-natal
      iron-deficient anaemic (IDA) diet devoid of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty
      acids (LC-PUFA) affected development, neurophysiology, and cerebral lipid
      biochemistry of the guinea pigs' progeny. Impacts of dietary LC-PUFA on altered
      cerebral development resulting from pre-natal IDA are unknown. To address this
      health issue, impacts of mild gestational IDA in the presence of dietary LC-PUFA
      on the offsprings' neural maturation were studied in guinea pigs using auditory
      brainstem responses (ABRs) and assessments of brain fatty acids (FAs). METHODS:
      Female guinea pigs (n = 10/group) were fed an iron sufficient (IS) or IDA diet
      (146 and 12.7 mg iron/kg, respectively) with physiological amounts of LC-PUFA,
      during the gestation and lactation periods. From post-natal day (PNd) 9 onwards,
      the IS + PUFA diet was given to both groups of weaned offspring. Cerebral tissue
      and offsprings' ABR were collected on PNd24. RESULTS: There was no difference in
      peripheral and brainstem transmission times (BTTs) between IS + PUFA and IDA +
      PUFA siblings (n = 10/group); the neural synchrony was also similar in both
      groups. Despite the absence of differences in auditory thresholds, IDA + PUFA
      siblings demonstrated a sensorineural hearing loss in the extreme range of
      frequencies (32, 4, and 2 kHz), as well as modified brain FA profiles compared to
      the IS + PUFA siblings. DISCUSSION: The present study reveals that siblings born
      from dams exposed to a moderate IDA diet including balanced physiological LC-PUFA
      levels during pregnancy and lactation demonstrate minor impairments of ABR
      compared to the control siblings, particularly on the auditory acuity, but not on
      neural synchrony, auditory nerve velocity and BTT.

PMID- 25138700
TI  - Decreased BMP2 signal in GIT1 knockout mice slows bone healing.
AB  - Endochondral ossification, an important stage of fracture healing, is regulated
      by a variety of signaling pathways. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta)
      superfamily plays important roles and comprises TGFbetas, bone morphogenetic
      proteins (BMPs), and growth differentiation factors. TGFbetas primarily regulate
      cartilage formation and endochondral ossification. BMP2 shows diverse efficacy,
      from the formation of skeleton and extraskeletal organs to the osteogenesis and
      remodeling of bone. G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2-interacting protein-1
      (GIT1), a shuttle protein in osteoblasts, facilitates fracture healing by
      promoting bone formation and increasing the secretion of vascular endothelial
      growth factor. Our study examined whether GIT1 regulates fracture healing through
      the BMP2 signaling pathway and/or through the TGFbeta signaling pathway. GIT1
      knockout (KO) mice exhibited delayed fracture healing, chondrocyte accumulation
      in the fracture area, and reduced staining intensity of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8
      (pSmad1/5/8) and Runx2. Endochondral mineralization diminished while the staining
      intensity of phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2/3) showed no significant change. Bone
      marrow mesenchymal stem cells extracted from GIT1 KO mice showed a decline of
      pSmad1/5/8 levels and of pSmad1/5/8 translocated into the cell nucleus after BMP2
      stimulus. We detected no significant change in the pSmad2/3 level after TGFbeta1
      stimulus. Data obtained from reporter gene analysis of C3H10T1/2 cells cultured
      in vitro confirmed these findings. GIT1-siRNA inhibited transcription in the cell
      nucleus via pSmad1/5/8 after BMP2 stimulus but had no significant effect on
      transcription via pSmad2/3 after TGFbeta1 stimulus. Our results indicate that
      GIT1 regulates Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and mediates BMP2 regulation of Runx2
      expression, thus affecting endochondral ossification at the fracture site. 

PMID- 25138701
TI  - TGF-beta1 enhances SDF-1-induced migration and tube formation of choroid-retinal
      endothelial cells by up-regulating CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression.
AB  - Stromal derived factor (SDF)-1 has been confirmed to regulate angiogenesis in
      choroidal neovascularization formation via its two receptors, CXC chemokine
      receptors 4 (CXCR4) and 7 (CXCR7). Previous studies found that there is cross
      talk between the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and SDF-1 pathways in
      some types of immune or tumor cells, but much less is known about this
      interaction in endothelial cells. This study investigated the effects of TGF
      beta1 on CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression as well as SDF-1-induced migration and tube
      formation in choroid-retinal endothelial (RF/6A) cells. RF/6A cells were treated
      with recombinant TGF-beta1 at various concentrations and time points. Real-time
      PCR and Western blotting were used to examine the mRNA and protein levels of
      CXCR4 and CXCR7. In addition, transwell migration and Matrigel tube formation
      analyses were performed to investigate the role of TGF-beta1 pretreatment in SDF
      1-induced RF/6A cell migration and tube formation. Our results showed that
      treatment with recombinant human TGF-beta1 enhanced the CXCR4 and CXCR7 levels in
      time- and dose-dependent manners. The increased CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression
      resulted in increased SDF-1-induced RF/6A cell migration and tube formation. In
      addition, the transcriptional regulation of CXCR4 and CXCR7 by TGF-beta1 was
      found to be mediated by phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-related
      kinase1/2 pathway. Altogether, these results demonstrate that a cross-talk exists
      between the TGF-beta1 and SDF-1 pathways in choroid-retinal endothelial cells,
      reflecting a novel molecular mechanism that explains the pro-angiogenic effects
      of TGF-beta1 and possibly provides new perspectives for the treatment of CNV
      associated diseases. 

PMID- 25138702
TI  - Apollon/Bruce is upregulated by Humanin.
AB  - Humanin, a short bioactive peptide, inhibits a variety of cell deaths. Humanin
      mediated inhibition of neuronal cell death, caused by an Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      linked mutant gene occurs via binding of Humanin to its heterotrimeric Humanin
      receptor (htHNR), which results in the activation of the Janus-associated kinases
      (JAKs) and signal transducer and activator and transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling
      pathway. A previous study demonstrated that the Humanin-induced activation of the
      htHNR/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway leads to increased expression of SH3 domain
      binding protein 5 (SH3BP5), which is an essential effector of Humanin's anti-cell
      death activity in some cultured neuronal cells. However, it remains unknown
      whether SH3BP5 is the sole effector of the Humanin signaling pathway via
      htHNR/JAKs/STAT3. Here we show that the Humanin signaling pathway via
      htHNR/JAKs/STAT3 increased the expression levels of mRNA and protein of
      Apollon/Bruce, an unusual member of the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, and
      that overexpression of Apollon/Bruce inhibits neuronal death, caused by a London
      type familial AD-linked mutant (V642I) of amyloid beta precursor protein.
      Overall, the results indicate that expression of Apollon/Bruce is upregulated by
      Humanin, and Apollon/Bruce could be an effector of Humanin in a context-dependent
      manner. 

PMID- 25138703
TI  - Coordinated regulation of autophagy and apoptosis determines endothelial cell
      fate during Dengue virus type 2 infection.
AB  - Dengue is the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral disease in tropical regions.
      Severe cases may progress to Dengue hemorrhagic fever, suggesting vascular
      endothelial dysfunction in disease pathogenesis. In our previous study, we found
      that Dengue virus type 2 (DENV2) induced apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells
      via FasL/Fas- and XIAP-associated factor 1 (XAF1)-dependent pathways. In this
      paper, we demonstrate that DENV2 can induce autophagy in primary human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the human umbilical vein endothelial cell
      line EA.hy926. Inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyl adenine promoted apoptosis,
      while inhibition of apoptosis with Z-VAD-FMK facilitated autophagy in DENV2
      infected HUVECs and EA.hy926 cells. Interferon-alpha-inducible protein 6 (IFI6),
      a putative apoptosis regulator, inhibited DENV2-induced autophagy in EA.hy926
      cells, while XAF1, an inhibitor of anti-apoptotic XIAP, facilitated autophagy.
      Molecular regulators of apoptosis and autophagy interact at multiple levels to
      determine cell fate. Our data suggest that XAF1 and IFI6 are involved in
      regulating the balance between autophagy and apoptosis in DENV2-infected
      endothelial cells. 

PMID- 25138706
TI  - Comparative evaluation of seven different sample treatment approaches for large
      scale multiclass sport drug testing in urine by liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Sample preparation is a critical step in large-scale multiclass analysis such as
      sport drug testing. Due to the wide heterogeneity of the analytes and the
      complexity of the matrix, the selection of a correct sample preparation method is
      essential, looking for a compromise between good recoveries for most of the
      analytes and cleanliness of the extract. In the present work, seven sample
      preparation procedures based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) (with 5 different
      cartridges), liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and sorbent-supported liquid
      extraction (SLE) were evaluated for multiclass sport drug testing in urine. The
      selected SPE sorbents were polymeric cartridges Agilent PLEXATM and Oasis HLBTM,
      mixed mode cation and anion exchange cartridges Oasis MAXTM and MCXTM, and C18
      cartridges. LLE was performed using tert-butyl methyl ether and SLE was carried
      out using Agilent Chem ElutTM cartridges. To evaluate the proposed extraction
      procedures, a list of 189 compounds were selected as representative from
      different groups of doping agents, including 34 steroids, 14
      glucocorticosteroids, 24 diuretics and masking agents, 11 stimulants, 9 beta
      agonist, 16 beta-blockers, 6 Selective Estrogen Receptors Modulators (SERMs), 24
      narcotics and 22 other drugs of abuse/sport drugs. Blank urine samples were
      spiked at two levels of concentration, 2.5 and 25MUgL(-1) and extracted with the
      different extraction protocols (n=6). The analysis of the extracts was carried
      out by liquid chromatography electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The
      use of solid-phase extraction with polymer cartridges provided high recoveries
      for most of the analytes tested and was found the more suitable method for this
      type of application given the additional advantages such as low sample and
      solvent consumption along with increased automation and throughput.

PMID- 25138704
TI  - Epigenetic modifications and NF-kappaB pathway activity in Cu,Zn-SOD-deficient
      mice.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the possible impact of Cu,Zn-SOD deficiency
      on the level of epigenetic modifications in different mouse tissues, and the
      relationship between these modifications and the NF-kappaB transcription factor
      activity. Cu,Zn-SOD deficiency did not influence the level of 5mdC or 5hmdC in
      the analyzed tissues. Statistically significant organ-/tissue-specific
      differences between the levels of 5mdC and 5hmdC were demonstrated within each
      genotype. Also correlations between analyzed parameters pointed to wide
      tissue/genotype variety; we observed a positive correlation between 5mdC and NF
      kB proteins, p50 and RelA, in the liver of wild mice, as well as an inverse
      correlation between 5mdC and p65 in the brain of Cu,Zn-SOD-deficient animals.
      Moreover, a positive correlation was revealed between 5mdC and 5hmdC in the liver
      and brain of knockout mice. As the highest levels of both 5mdC and 5hmdC were
      observed in the brains of analyzed animals regardless of their genotype, and
      lower, comparable to each other, levels of these modifications were shown in the
      kidney and liver, active demethylation process seems to be tissue-/organ-specific
      and does not necessarily rely solely on the redox/oxidation state of cells.
      According to the most likely scenario, various tissues may differ in terms of
      their metabolic rates, which has potential influence on cofactors, and
      consequently on the activity of TET enzymes or activation of TET-independent
      mechanisms. 

PMID- 25138707
TI  - Dynamic high performance liquid chromatography on chiral stationary phases. Low
      temperature separation of the interconverting enantiomers of diazepam,
      flunitrazepam, prazepam and tetrazepam.
AB  - Diazepam and the structurally related 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones tetrazepam,
      prazepam and flunitrazepam are chiral molecules because they adopt a ground state
      conformation featuring a non-planar seven membered ring devoid of any reflection
      symmetry element. The two conformational enantiomers of this class of
      benzodiazepines interconvert rapidly at room temperature by a simple ring
      flipping process. Low temperature HPLC on the Whelk-O1 chiral stationary phase
      allowed us to separate the conformational enantiomers of diazepam and of the
      related 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones, under conditions where the interconversion rate
      is sufficiently low, compared to the chromatographic separation rate. Diazepam,
      tetrazepam and prazepam showed temperature dependent dynamic HPLC profiles with
      interconversion plateaus indicative of on-column enantiomer interconversion
      (enantiomerization) in the temperature range between -10  degrees C and -35 
      degrees C, whereas for flunitrazepam on-column interconversion was observed at
      temperatures between -40  degrees C and -66  degrees C. Simulation of exchange
      deformed HPLC profiles using a computer program based on the stochastic model
      yielded the apparent rate constants for the on-column enantiomerization and the
      corresponding free energy activation barriers. At -20  degrees C the
      enantiomerization barriers, DeltaG(?), for diazepam, prazepam and tetrazepam were
      determined to be in the range 17.6-18.7 kcal/mol. At -55  degrees C DeltaG(?) for
      flunitrazepam was determined to be in the 15.6-15.7 kcal/mol range. The
      experimental dynamic chromatograms and the corresponding interconversion barriers
      reported in this paper call for a reinterpretation of previously published
      results on the HPLC behavior of diazepam on chiral stationary phases.

PMID- 25138705
TI  - Hormonal regulation of the cytokine microenvironment in the mammary gland.
AB  - The mammary gland is a unique organ that undergoes hormone-driven developmental
      changes over the course of the ovarian cycle during adult life. Macrophages play
      a role in regulating cellular turnover in the mammary gland and may affect cancer
      susceptibility. However, the immune microenvironment that regulates macrophage
      function has not been described. Hormonal regulation of the cytokine
      microenvironment across the ovarian cycle was explored using microbead multiplex
      assay for 15 cytokines in mammary glands from C57Bl/6 mice at different stages of
      the oestrous cycle, and in ovariectomised mice administered oestradiol and
      progesterone. The cytokines that were found to fluctuate over the course of the
      oestrous cycle were colony-stimulating factor (CSF)1, CSF2, interferon gamma
      (IFNG) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFA), all of which were significantly
      elevated at oestrus compared with other phases. The concentration of serum
      progesterone during the oestrus phase negatively correlated with the abundance of
      cytokines CSF3, IL12p40, IFNG and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF). In
      ovariectomised mice, exogenous oestradiol administration increased mammary gland
      CSF1, CSF2, IFNG and LIF, compared with ovariectomised control mice. Progesterone
      administration together with oestradiol resulted in reduced CSF1, CSF3 and IFNG
      compared with oestradiol administration alone. This study suggests that the
      cytokine microenvironment in the mammary gland at the oestrus phase of the
      ovarian cycle is relatively pro-inflammatory compared with other stages of the
      cycle, and that the oestradiol-induced cytokine microenvironment is significantly
      attenuated by progesterone. A continuously fluctuating cytokine microenvironment
      in the mammary gland presumably regulates the phenotypes of resident leukocytes
      and may affect mammary gland cancer susceptibility. 

PMID- 25138708
TI  - "Old" metal oxide affinity chromatography as "novel" strategy for specific
      capture of cis-diol-containing compounds.
AB  - The metal oxide affinity chromatography (MOAC) materials have been extensively
      used for extraction of phosphate compounds in the past decade. Actually, some of
      these materials also possess adsorption affinity towards cis-diol-containing
      compounds, which was seldom explored in separation field so far. Here we present
      the proof-of-concept study to evaluate the feasibility of expanding MOAC for
      specific capture of cis-diol biomolecules. Benefitting from the high
      commercialisation of the metal oxide materials, such MOAC strategy possesses
      several advantages, like synthesis-free, low cost and high expandability.
      Firstly, the recognition of adenosine against 2'-deoxyadenosine was performed
      using zirconium oxide and cerium oxide, two typical commercial MOAC materials.
      The results showed that efficient adsorption and elution could be achieved easily
      by pH switching from basic to acidic. The isotherm curves demonstrated the
      adsorption process fitted well with Freundlich isotherm model and was spontaneous
      at room temperature (DeltaG(0)<0) with an exothermic nature (DeltaH(0)<0).
      Afterwards, the highly efficient and selective enrichment of various model cis
      diol biomolecules, including ribonucleosides, glycopeptides and glycoproteins,
      was achieved using this MOAC strategy. Finally, the endogenous ribonucleosides
      and modified ribonucleosides were successfully purified from human urine sample,
      which demonstrated the potential application of MOAC materials in the enrichment
      of target compounds from complex biological samples. Besides the excellent
      performance of extraction for cis-diol-containing compounds, equally important is
      that these materials are commercially available with low cost, which makes the
      MOAC a promising strategy for the study of cis-diol biomolecules in metabolomics
      and proteomics.

PMID- 25138709
TI  - Sodalis glossinidius prevalence and trypanosome presence in tsetse from Luambe
      National Park, Zambia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies are the biological vectors of African trypanosomes, the
      causative agents of sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in animals. The tsetse
      endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius has been suggested to play a role in tsetse
      susceptibility to infection. Here we investigate the prevalence of African
      trypanosomes within tsetse from the Luambe National Park, Zambia and if there is
      an association between S. glossinidius and presence of trypanosomes within the
      tsetse examined. METHODS: Tsetse representing three species (Glossina
      brevipalpis, Glossina morsitans morsitans and Glossina pallidipes), were sampled
      from Luambe National Park, Zambia. Following DNA extraction, PCR was used to
      examine the tsetse for presence of trypanosomes and the secondary endosymbiont S.
      glossinidius. RESULTS: S. glossinidius infection rates varied significantly
      between tsetse species, with G. brevipalpis (93.7%) showing the highest levels of
      infection followed by G. m. morsitans (17.5%) and G. pallidipes (1.4%). ITS-PCR
      detected a wide variety of trypanosomes within the tsetse that were analysed.
      Significant differences were found in terms of trypanosome presence between the
      three tsetse species. A high proportion of G. m. morsitans were shown to carry T.
      brucei s.l. DNA (73.7%) and of these around 50% were positive for Trypanosoma
      brucei rhodesiense. T. vivax, T. godfreyi, T. simiae, T. simiae Tsavo and T.
      congolense were also detected. No association was found between the occurrence of
      S. glossinidius and the presence of trypanosome DNA in any of the three tsetse
      species tested. CONCLUSION: The current work shows that T. b. rhodesiense was
      circulating in Luambe National Park, representing a risk for people living in the
      park or surrounding area and for tourists visiting the park. The differences in
      trypanosome DNA presence observed between the different tsetse species tested may
      indicate host feeding preferences, as the PCR will not discriminate between a fly
      with an active/resident infection compared to a refractory fly that has fed on an
      infected animal. This makes it difficult to establish if S. glossinidius may play
      a role in the susceptibility of tsetse flies to trypanosome infection.

PMID- 25138710
TI  - IMAGING DIAGNOSIS--URINARY BLADDER DUPLICATION IN A CAT.
AB  - A female kitten presented for chronic, intermittent, antibiotic-responsive
      urinary incontinence and chronic kidney disease. Abdominal ultrasound identified
      bilateral pelvic/ureteral dilation and three closely apposed thin-walled fluid
      filled structures in the caudal abdomen, extending toward the pelvic inlet.
      Excretory urography and negative contrast cystography identified contrast medium
      accumulation from the dilated ureters into two tubular soft tissue masses of the
      caudal abdomen, with subsequent gradual filling of a more cranially located
      urinary bladder. A retrograde vaginocystourethrogram identified a normal uterus,
      normal vagina, and a single urethra continuous with the cranially located urinary
      bladder. Antemortem diagnosis was suspicious for bilateral ectopic ureteroceles.
      Postmortem diagnosis, 35 months following initial presentation, determined the
      fluid-filled masses to have abundant smooth muscle in the wall, including a
      muscularis mucosa connected by a common ostium, consistent with urinary bladder
      duplication. Urinary bladder duplication should be included as a differential
      diagnosis in cats with these clinical and imaging characteristics. In this case,
      differentiation of ectopic ureterocele from urinary bladder duplication required
      histological confirmation. 

PMID- 25138711
TI  - exo-Brevicomin biosynthetic pathway enzymes from the Mountain Pine Beetle,
      Dendroctonus ponderosae.
AB  - exoBrevicomin (exo-7-ethyl-5-methyl-6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane) is an
      important semiochemical for a number of beetle species, including the highly
      destructive Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae). It is also found in
      other insects and the African elephant. Despite its significance, very little is
      known about its biosynthesis. A recent microarray analysis implicated a small
      cluster of three D. ponderosae genes in exo-brevicomin biosynthesis, two of which
      had identifiable open reading frames (Aw et al., 2010; BMC Genomics 11:215). Here
      we report further expression profiling of two genes in that cluster and
      functional analysis of their recombinantly-produced enzymes. One encodes a short
      chain dehydrogenase that used NAD(P)(+) as a co-factor to catalyze the oxidation
      of (Z)-6-nonen-2-ol to (Z)-6-nonen-2-one. We therefore named the enzyme (Z)-6
      nonen-2-ol dehydrogenase (ZnoDH). The other encodes the cytochrome P450, CYP6CR1,
      which epoxidized (Z)-6-nonen-2-one to 6,7-epoxynonan-2-one with very high
      specificity and substrate selectivity. Both the substrates and products of the
      two enzymes are intermediates in the exo-brevicomin biosynthetic pathway. Thus,
      ZnoDH and CYP6CR1 are enzymes that apparently catalyze the antepenultimate and
      penultimate steps in the exo-brevicomin biosynthetic pathway, respectively.

PMID- 25138712
TI  - Immunochemical quantification of cynomolgus CYP2J2, CYP4A and CYP4F enzymes in
      liver and small intestine.
AB  - 1. An increasing number of studies have indicated the roles of CYP4 proteins in
      drug metabolism; however, CYP4 expression has not been measured in cynomolgus
      monkeys, an important animal species for drug metabolism studies. 2. In this
      study, cynomolgus CYP4A11, CYP4F2/3, CYP4F11 and CYP4F12, along with CYP2J2, were
      immunoquantified using selective antibodies in 28 livers and 35 small intestines,
      and their content was compared with CYP1A, CYP2A, CYP2B6, CYP2C9/19, CYP2D,
      CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, previously quantified. 3. In livers, CYP2J2, CYP4A11,
      CYP4F2/3, CYP4F11 and CYP4F12, varied 1.3- to 4.3-fold, represented 11.2, 14.4,
      8.0, 2.7 and 0.3% of total immunoquantified CYP1-4 proteins, respectively. 4. In
      small intestines, CYP2J2, CYP4F2/3, CYP4F11 and CYP4F12, varied 2.4- to 9.7-fold,
      represented 6.9, 36.4, 2.4 and 9.3% of total immunoquantified CYP1-4 proteins,
      respectively, making CYP4F the most abundant P450 subfamily in small intestines.
      CYP4A11 was under the detection limit in all of the samples analyzed. 5.
      Significant correlations were found in liver for CYP4A11 with lauric acid 11-/12
      hydroxylation and for CYP4F2/3 and CYP4F11 with astemizole hydroxylation. 6. This
      study revealed the relatively abundant contents of cynomolgus CYP2J2, CYP4A11 and
      CYP4Fs in liver and/or small intestine, suggesting their potential roles for the
      metabolism of xenobitotics and endogenous substrates.

PMID- 25138713
TI  - Electrospun honeycomb as nests for controlled osteoblast spatial organization.
AB  - Honeycomb nanofibrous scaffolds were elaborated by electrospinning onto micro
      patterned collectors either with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(D, L
      lactic acid) (PLA). The unimodal distribution of fiber diameters, observed for
      PLA, led to relatively flat scaffolds; on the other hand, the bimodal
      distribution of PCL fiber diameters significantly increased the relief of the
      scaffolds' patterns due to the preferential deposition of the thick fiber
      portions on the walls of the collector's patterns via preferential electrostatic
      interaction. Finally, a biological evaluation demonstrated the effect of the
      scaffolds' relief on the spatial organization of MG63 osteoblast-like cells.
      Mimicking hemi-osteons, cell gathering was observed inside PCL honeycomb nests
      with a size ranging from 80 to 360 um.

PMID- 25138715
TI  - New clinical practice guidelines on the classification, evaluation and management
      of childhood interstitial lung disease in infants: what do they mean?
AB  - The American Thoracic Society (ATS) recently published a clinical practice
      guideline regarding the classification, evaluation, and management of childhood
      interstitial lung disease in infancy (chILD). As disease entities among infants
      with ILD are often distinct from forms seen in older children and adults, the
      guideline encourages an age-based classification system and focuses on the
      diagnostic approach to neonates and infants <2 years of age. The guideline
      reviews current evidence and recommendations for the evaluation, relevant genetic
      studies, and management of symptomatic infants. Here, we summarize the ATS
      guideline, highlight the major concepts, and discuss future strategies aimed at
      addressing current gaps in knowledge. 

PMID- 25138714
TI  - M1 and M2 macrophages: the chicken and the egg of immunity.
AB  - The purpose of this perspective is to describe a critical advance in
      understanding how immune responses work. Macrophages are required for all animal
      life: 'Inhibit' type macrophages in all animals (called M1) can rapidly kill
      pathogens, and are thus the primary host defense, and 'Heal' type macrophages
      (M2) routinely repair and maintain tissue integrity. Macrophages perform these
      activities in all animals without T cells, and also in T cell-deficient
      vertebrates. Although adaptive immunity can amplify macrophage polarization, the
      long-held notion that macrophages need to be 'activated' or 'alternatively
      activated' by T cells is incorrect; indeed, immunology has had it backward. M1/M2
      type macrophages necessarily direct T cells toward Th1- or Th2-like activities,
      respectively. That such macrophage-innate activities are the central directing
      element in immune responses is a dramatic change in understanding how immune
      systems operate. Most important, this revelation is opening up whole new
      approaches to immunotherapy. For example, many modern diseases, such as cancer
      and atherosclerosis, may not display 'foreign' antigens. However, there are clear
      imbalances in M1/M2-type responses. Correcting such innate imbalances can result
      in better health. Macrophages are the chicken and the egg of immunity.

PMID- 25138716
TI  - Deep resequencing reveals allelic variation in Sesamum indicum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Characterization of genome-wide patterns of allelic variation and
      linkage disequilibrium can be used to detect reliable phenotype-genotype
      associations and signatures of molecular selection. However, the use of Sesamum
      indicum germplasm for breeding is limited by the lack of polymorphism data.
      RESULTS: Here we describe the massively parallel resequencing of 29 sesame
      strains from 12 countries at a depth of >= 13-fold coverage for each of the
      samples tested. We detected an average of 127,347 SNPs, 17,961 small InDels, and
      9,266 structural variants per sample. The population SNP rate, population
      diversity (pi) and Watterson's estimator of segregating sites (thetaw) were
      estimated at 8.6 * 10-3, 2.5 * 10-3 and 3.0 * 10-3 bp-1, respectively. Of these
      SNPs, 23.2% were located within coding regions. Polymorphism patterns were
      nonrandom among gene families, with genes mediating interactions with the biotic
      or abiotic environment exhibiting high levels of polymorphism. The linkage
      disequilibrium (LD) decay distance was estimated at 150 kb, with no distinct
      structure observed in the population. Phylogenetic relationships between each of
      the 29 sesame strains were consistent with the hypothesis of sesame originating
      on the Indian subcontinent. In addition, we proposed novel roles for adenylate
      isopentenyltransferase (ITP) genes in determining the number of flowers per leaf
      axil of sesame by mediating zeatin biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      represents the first report of genome-wide patterns of genetic variation in
      sesame. The high LD distance and abundant polymorphisms described here increase
      our understanding of the forces shaping population-wide sequence variation in
      sesame and will be a valuable resource for future gene-phenotype and genome-wide
      association studies (GWAS).

PMID- 25138717
TI  - Memantine reduces alcohol drinking but not relapse in alcohol-dependent rats.
AB  - Alcoholism is a chronic relapsing disorder with consequences on health and that
      requires more effective treatments. Among alternative therapies, the therapeutic
      potential of the non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist
      memantine has been suggested. Despite promising results, its efficiency in the
      treatment of alcoholism remains controversial. Currently, there is no pre
      clinical data regarding its effects on the motivation for ethanol in post
      dependent (PD) animals exposed to intermittent ethanol vapor, a validated model
      of alcoholism. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of
      acute injections of memantine (0, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) on operant ethanol self
      administration in non-dependent (ND) and PD rats tested either during acute
      withdrawal or relapse after protracted abstinence. Our results showed that
      memantine (25 mg/kg) abolished ethanol self-administration in ND rats and reduced
      by half the one of PD rats during acute withdrawal. While this effect was
      observed only 6 hours after treatment in ND rats, it was long lasting in PD rats
      (at least 30 hours after injection). Furthermore, our results indicated that
      memantine did not modify the breaking point for ethanol. This suggests that
      memantine probably act by potentiating the pharmacological effect of ethanol but
      not by reducing motivation for ethanol. Finally, memantine was also ineffective
      in reducing relapse after protracted abstinence. Altogether, our pre-clinical
      results highlighted a potential therapeutic use of memantine that may be used as
      a replacement therapy drug but not as relapse-preventing drug. 

PMID- 25138718
TI  - Rapid evolution of adaptive niche construction in experimental microbial
      populations.
AB  - Many species engage in adaptive niche construction: modification of the local
      environment that increases the modifying organism's competitive fitness. Adaptive
      niche construction provides an alternative pathway to higher fitness, shaping the
      environment rather than conforming to it. Yet, experimental evidence for the
      evolutionary emergence of adaptive niche construction is lacking, leaving its
      role in evolution uncertain. Here we report a direct observation of the de novo
      evolution of adaptive niche construction in populations of the bacteria
      Pseudomonas fluorescens. In a laboratory experiment, we allowed several bacterial
      populations to adapt to a novel environment and assessed whether niche
      construction evolved over time. We found that adaptive niche construction emerged
      rapidly, within approximately 100 generations, and became ubiquitous after
      approximately 400 generations. The large fitness effect of this niche
      construction was dominated by the low fitness of evolved strains in the
      ancestrally modified environment: evolved niche constructors were highly
      dependent on their specific environmental modifications. Populations were
      subjected to frequent resetting of environmental conditions and severe reduction
      of spatial habitat structure, both of which are thought to make adaptive niche
      construction difficult to evolve. Our finding that adaptive niche construction
      nevertheless evolved repeatably suggests that it may play a more important role
      in evolution than generally thought. 

PMID- 25138719
TI  - Cross-resistance and baseline susceptibility of Mediterranean strains of Bemisia
      tabaci to cyantraniliprole.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius is a severe pest in many field
      and greenhouse crops worldwide and has developed resistance to insecticides from
      most chemical classes. The ease with which this pest develops resistance makes it
      essential to incorporate new compounds with different modes of action and no
      cross-resistance with those previously used into insecticide resistance
      management strategies. To that end, the systemic effect of the new diamide
      cyantraniliprole was tested with multiresistant, selected and field populations
      of Q-biotype B. tabaci from the Mediterranean area. RESULTS: Bioassays with
      multiresistant and laboratory-selected populations indicated no cross-resistance
      to cyantraniliprole in the B. tabaci strains exhibiting resistance to other
      insecticides. The LC50 values for nymphs from 14 field populations varied between
      0.011 and 0.116 mg L(-1), a 10.5-fold natural variability. The LC50 values for
      adults from three strains ranged from 0.060 to 0.096 mg L(-1). CONCLUSION: These
      baseline data will be helpful for monitoring future potential shifts in
      susceptibility to cyantraniliprole in Mediterranean whitefly populations within
      an IRM programme. Cyantraniliprole may play an important role in mitigating
      insecticide resistance in B. tabaci because of its high efficacy and its lack of
      cross-resistance to other insecticides, even in multiresistant Q-biotype
      populations collected from a highly problematic insecticide resistance area.

PMID- 25138720
TI  - Recanalization of chronic total occlusions of the superior mesenteric artery in
      patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia: technical and clinical outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and outcomes of endovascular recanalization of
      chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in
      patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single
      institution retrospective review was performed of 47 consecutive patients (18
      male, 29 female) who underwent endovascular stent placement for CTOs of the SMA
      between February 2006 and November 2012. All patients had symptoms of CMI.
      Procedural and follow-up data were collected for assessment of technical success,
      safety, and outcome. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 41 of 47 patients
      (87%). Forty-two of the 47 procedures were performed from a femoral approach.
      Fifteen patients underwent concurrent revascularization of the celiac artery. All
      patients who underwent successful recanalization reported symptomatic
      improvement. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed primary freedom from symptomatic
      recurrence of 95% at 12 months and 78% at 24 months. Symptomatic recurrence was
      observed in seven patients, all of whom underwent successful assisted or
      secondary endovascular procedures. Secondary freedom from symptomatic recurrence
      rates were 100% at 12 months and 88% 24 months. There were three (7%) minor
      access-related complications and no major complications. CONCLUSIONS:
      Endovascular stent-assisted recanalization of chronic SMA occlusions is safe and
      effective, with an acceptable rate of technical success and excellent midterm
      clinical outcomes.

PMID- 25138721
TI  - Detection of potentially skin sensitizing hydroperoxides of linalool in
      fragranced products.
AB  - On prolonged exposure to air, linalool can form sensitizing hydroperoxides.
      Positive hydroperoxide patch tests in dermatitis patients have frequently been
      reported, but their relevance has not been established. Owing to a lack of
      analytical methods and data, it is unclear from which sources the public might be
      exposed to sufficient quantities of hydroperoxides for induction of sensitization
      to occur. To address this knowledge gap, we developed analytical methods and
      performed stability studies for fine fragrances and deodorants/antiperspirants.
      In parallel, products recalled from consumers were analysed to investigate
      exposure to products used in everyday life. Liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry with high mass resolution was found to be optimal for the selective
      and sensitive detection of the organic hydroperoxide in the complex product
      matrix. Linalool hydroperoxide was detected in natural linalool, but the amount
      was not elevated by storage in a perfume formulation exposed to air. No
      indication of hydroperoxide formation in fine fragrances was found in stability
      studies. Aged fine fragrances recalled from consumers contained a geometric mean
      linalool concentration of 1,888 MUg/g and, corrected for matrix effects, linalool
      hydroperoxide at a concentration of around 14 MUg/g. In antiperspirants, we
      detected no oxidation products. In conclusion, very low levels of linalool
      hydroperoxide in fragranced products may originate from raw materials, but we
      found no evidence for oxidation during storage of products. The levels detected
      are orders of magnitude below the levels inducing sensitization in experimental
      animals, and these results therefore do not substantiate a causal link between
      potential hydroperoxide formation in cosmetics and positive results of patch
      tests. 

PMID- 25138722
TI  - Characterizing Pluripotent Stem Cells Using the TaqMan(r) hPSC Scorecard(TM)
      Panel.
AB  - Rapid technological developments for the efficient generation of footprint-free
      induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) enabled the creation of patient-specific
      iPSC for downstream applications in drug discovery and regenerative medicine.
      However, the large number of iPSCs, generated from diverse genetic backgrounds
      using various methods and culture conditions, created a steep challenge for rapid
      characterization and a demand for standardized methods. Current methods rely on a
      combination of in vitro and in vivo cellular analyses based on the expression of
      markers of self-renewal and the ability of the cells to differentiate into cell
      types representative of the three germ layers as a confirmation of functional
      pluripotency. These methods, though informative and extensively used, are not
      ideal for parallel analyses of large numbers of samples and hence not amenable to
      high-throughput environments. Recently, genetic and epigenetic expression
      signatures were used to define and confirm cell states, thus providing a
      surrogate molecular assay that can potentially replace complex in vivo cellular
      assays such as teratoma formation. In this chapter, we describe a molecular assay
      for rapid characterization and standardization of pluripotent stem cells. The
      TaqMan((r)) hPSC ScorecardTM Panel is a comprehensive gene expression real-time
      PCR assay that consists of 94 individual q-PCR assays comprised of a combination
      of control, housekeeping, self-renewal, and lineage-specific genes. The resulting
      expression data set is analyzed using cloud-based analysis software that compares
      the expression pattern against a reference standard composed of multiple
      functionally validated ESC and iPSC lines. This system was successfully used to
      test several ESC and iPSC lines in their undifferentiated states to confirm their
      signatures of self renewal, as well as their terminally differentiates states,
      via spontaneous differentiation and directed differentiation into specific
      lineages, to determine the lines' differentiation potential. This genetic
      analysis tool, together with the flexibility to utilize varying sample inputs and
      preparation methods, provides a rapid method to confirm functional pluripotency
      of ESCs and iPSCs.

PMID- 25138723
TI  - GMP-compliant human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells for cellular
      therapy.
AB  - Stem cells, which can be derived from different sources, demonstrate promising
      therapeutic evidences for cellular therapies. Among various types of stem cell,
      mesenchymal stem cells are one of the most common stem cells that are used in
      cellular therapy. Human subcutaneous adipose tissue provides an easy accessible
      source of mesenchymal stem cells with some considerable advantages. Accordingly,
      various preclinical and clinical investigations have shown enormous potential of
      adipose-derived stromal cells in regenerative medicine. Consequently, increasing
      clinical applications of these cells has elucidated the importance of safety
      concerns regarding clinical transplantation. Therefore, clinical-grade
      preparation of adipose-derived stromal cells in accordance with current good
      manufacturing practice guidelines is an essential part of their clinical
      applications to ensure the safety, quality, characteristics, and identity of cell
      products. Additionally, GMP-compliant cell manufacturing involves several issues
      to provide a quality assurance system during translation from the basic stem cell
      sciences into clinical investigations and applications. On the other hand,
      advanced cellular therapy requires extensive validation, process control, and
      documentation. It also evidently elucidates the critical importance of production
      methods and probable risks. Therefore, implementation of a quality management and
      assurance system in accordance with GMP guidelines can greatly reduce these risks
      particularly in the higher-risk category or "more than minimally manipulated"
      products. 

PMID- 25138724
TI  - Interstitial diffusion and the relationship between compartment modelling and
      multi-scale spatial-temporal modelling of (18)F-FLT tumour uptake dynamics.
AB  - Tumour cell proliferation can be imaged via positron emission tomography of the
      radiotracer 3'-deoxy-3'-18F-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT). Conceptually, the number
      of proliferating cells might be expected to correlate more closely with the
      kinetics of 18F-FLT uptake than with uptake at a fixed time. Radiotracer uptake
      kinetics are standardly visualized using parametric maps of compartment model
      fits to time-activity-curves (TACs) of individual voxels. However the
      relationship between the underlying spatiotemporal accumulation of FLT and the
      kinetics described by compartment models has not yet been explored. In this work
      tumour tracer uptake is simulated using a mechanistic spatial-temporal model
      based on a convection-diffusion-reaction equation solved via the finite
      difference method. The model describes a chain of processes: the flow of FLT
      between the spatially heterogeneous tumour vasculature and interstitium;
      diffusion and convection of FLT within the interstitium; transport of FLT into
      cells; and intracellular phosphorylation. Using values of model parameters
      estimated from the biological literature, simulated FLT TACs are generated with
      shapes and magnitudes similar to those seen clinically. Results show that the
      kinetics of the spatial-temporal model can be recovered accurately by fitting a 3
      tissue compartment model to FLT TACs simulated for those tumours or tumour sub
      volumes that can be viewed as approximately closed, for which tracer diffusion
      throughout the interstitium makes only a small fractional change to the quantity
      of FLT they contain. For a single PET voxel of width 2.5-5 mm we show that this
      condition is roughly equivalent to requiring that the relative difference in
      tracer uptake between the voxel and its neighbours is much less than one.

PMID- 25138725
TI  - The diagnosis of and treatment recommendations for anxiety disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders (panic disorder/agoraphobia, generalized anxiety
      disorder, social phobia, and specific phobias) are the most common mental
      illnesses. For example, the 12-month prevalence of panic disorder/agoraphobia is
      6%. METHOD: This guideline is based on controlled trials of psychotherapy and
      pharmacotherapy, retrieved by a systematic search for original articles that were
      published up to 1 July 2013. Experts from 20 specialty societies and other
      organizations evaluated the evidence for each treatment option from all available
      randomized clinical trials and from a synthesis of the recommendations of already
      existing international and German guidelines. RESULTS: 403 randomized controlled
      trials were evaluated. It was concluded that anxiety disorders should be treated
      with psychotherapy, psychopharmacological drugs, or both. Response rates to
      initial treatment vary from 45% to 65%. Cognitive behavioral therapy is supported
      by higher-level evidence than any other psychotherapeutic technique.
      Psychodynamic therapy is recommended as a second-line treatment. Among anxiolytic
      drugs, the agents of first choice are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and
      serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. The patient's preference should be
      considered in the choice of treatment. Drug treatment should be continued for 6
      to 12 months after remission. If psychotherapy or drug treatment is not
      adequately effective, then the treatment should be switched to the other form, or
      to a combination of both. CONCLUSION: The large amount of data now available from
      randomized controlled trials permits the formulation of robust evidence-based
      recommendations for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Future work should more
      closely address the necessary duration of psychotherapy and the efficacy of
      combined psychotherapy and drug treatment.

PMID- 25138728
TI  - Incomplete description.

PMID- 25138729
TI  - Critical additions required.

PMID- 25138727
TI  - Patients with cancer of unknown primary: a retrospective analysis of 223 patients
      with adenocarcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) now accounts for 2-3% of all fatal
      cases of cancer in Germany. Histologically, most of these tumors are either
      adenocarcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma. Scant data on their clinical
      features and prognosis are now available, and the published survival times are
      highly variable. In this article, we document and analyze our own experience with
      CUP to date. METHOD: We took all 223 patients with CUP (adenocarcinoma or
      undifferentiated carcinoma) whom we saw in our CUP clinic from 2006 to 2010 as an
      unaltered sample for retrospective analysis of clinical data and overall
      survival. We performed the analysis with Kaplan-Meier plotting, log-rank testing,
      and Cox regression. RESULTS: With a median follow-up time of 32.9 months, the
      median survival from the time of diagnosis was 16.5 months. Metastases were most
      commonly found in the lymph nodes, followed by the liver, bones, and lungs. The
      main pre-treatment prognostic variables that remained significant after
      adjustment for multiple testing were the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
      (ECOG) score for overall state of health and the number of organ systems
      involved. These variables were used to construct a practice-oriented risk
      stratification. CONCLUSION: In patients with adeno- or undifferentiated CUP
      syndrome, the ECOG score and the number of organ systems involved are important
      risk factors.

PMID- 25138726
TI  - Abdominal surgery in pregnancy--an interdisciplinary challenge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal operations are performed during ca. 2% of all pregnancies.
      They represent an unusual situation not only for the patient, but also for the
      involved surgeons and anesthesiologists. Appendectomy, followed by
      cholecystectomy are the two most common types of operation performed during
      pregnancy. Special questions arise with regard to the peri- and intraoperative
      management and the optimal surgical approach. METHOD: This review is based on
      pertinent articles retrieved by a selective search in the PubMed database.
      RESULTS: The question of laparoscopy versus laparotomy during pregnancy has been
      addressed to date only in case series and a few meta-analyses. Two meta-analyses
      have shown a significantly higher rate of miscarriage after laparoscopic,
      compared to open, appendectomy (relative risk [RR] 1.91, 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 1.31-2.77). The risk of preterm birth is also somewhat higher after
      laparoscopic appendectomy according to one meta-analysis on this subject (RR
      1.44, 95% CI 0.78-1.76), but significantly lower according to another meta
      analysis (2.1% vs. 8.1%, p<0.0001). For cholecystectomy, laparoscopy was
      associated with a lower miscarriage rate than laparotomy (1 in 89 cases, versus 2
      in 69 cases), but with a somewhat higher preterm birth rate (6 in 89 cases,
      versus 2 in 69 cases). Delay or non-performance of surgery in a patient with
      appendicitis or cholecystitis can lead to additional hospitalizations, a higher
      miscarriage rate, premature rupture of the membranes, and preterm birth.
      CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy in experienced hands is safe even during pregnancy, with
      the recognized advantages of minimally invasive surgery, yet it carries a higher
      miscarriage rate than laparotomy, with a comparable preterm birth rate. Before
      surgery, patients should be thoroughly informed about the operation they are
      about to undergo and the advantages and disadvantages of the available surgical
      approaches.

PMID- 25138730
TI  - Drugs can only affect symptoms.

PMID- 25138731
TI  - Large group of patients cannot be found.

PMID- 25138732
TI  - In reply.

PMID- 25138733
TI  - Mode of delivery and subsequent reproductive patterns. A national follow-up
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between mode of delivery and subsequent
      reproductive outcomes. DESIGN: Cohort study. POPULATION: Women with term
      singleton live births from 1987 to 2009. SETTING: Denmark, birth registration
      data. METHODS: Women with a first singleton delivery after 37 weeks were followed
      until the end of 2010, from a first birth to include subsequent live births. We
      used Cox's proportional hazards model stratified by parity to compare the
      likelihood for subsequent delivery according to mode of delivery at first and
      later births, estimating maternal age effects and lag time to next delivery. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE: Likelihood of a subsequent live-born child by previous delivery
      mode. RESULTS: We identified 642,052 women with a first delivery. Compared with
      women with a non-instrumental vaginal delivery, delivering a child by elective
      cesarean section implied a 23% (95% CI 0.76-0.787) decreased likelihood for
      subsequent delivery. Emergency cesarean section meant 16% fewer (95% CI 0.84
      0.85), and vaginal instrumental delivery 4% fewer subsequent deliveries (95% CI
      0.95-0.96). Hazard ratios were largely unchanged after controlling for parity and
      year of birth. Small age-trends were seen, with hazard ratios affected by
      maternal age at birth. Delivery mode at first birth affected marginally the time
      lag until next birth. CONCLUSIONS: Fecundity, measured as likelihood of a
      successive live-born child, varied with mode of delivery at the first and also
      subsequent births. A first or later delivery by cesarean section implied
      decreased likelihood of subsequent delivery compared with women with a first
      vaginal birth.

PMID- 25138734
TI  - A novel real-time CTL assay to measure designer T-cell function against HIV
      Env(+) cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To increase the immunosurveillance in HIV infection, we used
      retroviral vectors expressing CD4-chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to
      genetically modify autologous T cells and redirect CTL toward HIV. The CD4
      extracellular domain targets envelope and the intracellular signaling domains
      activate T cells. The maC46 fusion inhibitor binds HIV and blocks viral
      replication. METHODS: We stimulated rhesus PBMCs with antibodies to CD3/CD28 and
      cotransduced T cells with CD4-CAR and maC46 vectors. CD4-CAR-transduced T cells
      were added to Env(+) 293T cells at E:T of 1:1. Killing of target cells was
      measured as reduced impedance. RESULTS: We observed gene expression in 60-70% of
      rhesus CD3(+) CD8(+) T cells with the individual vectors and in 35% of the cells
      with both vectors. CD4-CAR-transduced populations specifically killed Env(+)
      cells. CONCLUSIONS: In these studies, we showed that designer T cells were
      redirected to kill Env(+) cells. Control of viremia without HAART would
      revolutionize treatment for HIV patients.

PMID- 25138735
TI  - Efficient water-splitting device based on a bismuth vanadate photoanode and thin
      film silicon solar cells.
AB  - A hybrid photovoltaic/photoelectrochemical (PV/PEC) water-splitting device with a
      benchmark solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 5.2% under simulated air
      mass (AM) 1.5 illumination is reported. This cell consists of a gradient-doped
      tungsten-bismuth vanadate (W:BiVO4 ) photoanode and a thin-film silicon solar
      cell. The improvement with respect to an earlier cell that also used gradient
      doped W:BiVO4 has been achieved by simultaneously introducing a textured
      substrate to enhance light trapping in the BiVO4 photoanode and further
      optimization of the W gradient doping profile in the photoanode. Various PV cells
      have been studied in combination with this BiVO4 photoanode, such as an amorphous
      silicon (a-Si:H) single junction, an a-Si:H/a-Si:H double junction, and an a
      Si:H/nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) micromorph junction. The highest
      conversion efficiency, which is also the record efficiency for metal oxide based
      water-splitting devices, is reached for a tandem system consisting of the
      optimized W:BiVO4 photoanode and the micromorph (a-Si:H/nc-Si:H) cell. This
      record efficiency is attributed to the increased performance of the BiVO4
      photoanode, which is the limiting factor in this hybrid PEC/PV device, as well as
      better spectral matching between BiVO4 and the nc-Si:H cell.

PMID- 25138736
TI  - Effects of supplementation with Heracleum persicum fruit extract on serum lipids
      in patients undergoing coronary angiography: a pilot trial.
AB  - Heracleum persicum Desf. Ex Fischer (Apiaceae) is a native medicinal plant in the
      Iranian traditional medicine and also a safe and common dietary spice. The
      present pilot study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementation with H.
      persicum fruits on serum lipid concentrations in a group of patients with minimal
      coronary artery disease. Subjects who were diagnosed with <50% luminal narrowing
      in any of the major coronary arteries in coronary angiography were recruited for
      this trial and were randomized to receive either H. persicum hydroalcoholic fruit
      extract (n=15; 300 mg/day) or placebo (n=12) for a period of 6 months. Serum
      concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured at baseline and
      at the end of study. No significant difference in concentrations of total
      cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol was observed between H. persicum extract and placebo groups (p>0.05).
      However, serum triglycerides levels were reduced after H. persicum extract
      supplementation in a borderline significant manner (p=0.063). Short-term
      supplementation with H. persicum fruit extract might be used as an adjunctive
      treatment for patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

PMID- 25138737
TI  - Alternative treatment of stereotactic cyst aspiration and radiosurgery for cystic
      brain metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical removal is the first choice of treatment for large cystic
      brain metastases. However, some patients cannot undergo surgical resection due to
      their general condition and/or the tumor location. AIMS: In this study, we
      investigated the feasibility and safety of stereotactic cyst aspiration and gamma
      knife radiosurgery (GKR) as an alternative treatment for these lesions and
      followed the volumetric changes in cystic and solid portions. METHODS: Between
      February 2005 and March 2012, a total of 24 patients underwent GKR after cyst
      aspiration for 29 cystic metastatic brain tumors. The median age was 60 years
      (range, 18-81). The number of male patients was 18 and that of female patients 6.
      Most of the patients were in class II (87.5%) based on the data of the Radiation
      Therapy Oncology Group using recursive partitioning analysis. We analyzed the
      changes in tumor volume, the local control rate, intracranial progression-free
      survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Before aspiration, the mean
      total tumor volume was 32.7 cm(3) (range, 12.1-103.3) and cystic volume was 18.6
      cm(3) (range, 8-72.3). The mean duration of cyst drainage was 1 day (range, 1-2).
      The mean amount of aspiration was 16.8 cm(3) (range, 6-67.4). After aspiration,
      the total mean volume was 12.4 cm(3) (range, 3.7-38.1) and cystic volume was 2.0
      cm(3) (range, 0.1-9.5). The nature of the cyst was serous in 18, serous and
      hemorrhagic in 3, and serous and necrotic in 8. The median prescription dose was
      16 Gy (range, 14-20). There was no treatment-related complication. The local
      control rate was 58.6% (17/29). The median survival to local recurrence was 6.0
      (+/-1.42) months. During the follow-up period, an Ommaya reservoir was placed in
      3 patients. Insertion of an Ommaya reservoir and whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT)
      or GKR were done in 2 patients, WBRT in 2, GKR in 1 and operation in 1. The
      median intracranial PFS and OS after intracranial metastasis was 5.2 (+/-0.42)
      and 6.8 (+/-0.38) months. CONCLUSIONS: Cyst aspiration and GKR were feasible and
      safe but not very efficient, which could be an alternative option for large
      cystic metastases in patients who could not expect longer survival time.

PMID- 25138738
TI  - Atrial electromechanical delay is impaired in patients with psoriasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate atrial electromechanical delay
      (EMD) in patients with psoriasis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients
      with psoriasis (26 mild-moderate, 17 severe) and 17 healthy control subjects were
      enrolled. Patients with psoriasis were divided into two groups: the mild-moderate
      group and the severe group according to their psoriasis area severity index
      (PASI) scores. Atrial EMD was measured from the lateral mitral annulus and called
      'PA lateral', from the septal mitral annulus, called 'PA septal', and from the
      right ventricle tricuspid annulus, called 'PA tricuspid'. Atrial EMD was defined
      as the time interval from the onset of atrial electrical activity (P wave on
      surface ECG) to the beginning of mechanical atrial contraction (late diastolic A
      wave). All three groups were compared with each other, and correlation analysis
      was performed to investigate the relationship between the PASI score and
      interatrial EMD. RESULTS: PA lateral was significantly higher in both the mild
      moderate psoriasis group and the severe psoriasis group compared to controls (69
      +/- 12 and 78 +/- 13 vs. 60 +/- 6 ms; p = 0.001). Also, PA septal (63 +/- 11 vs.
      53 +/- 6 ms; p = 0.005, post hoc analysis) and PA tricuspid (49 +/- 7 vs. 41 +/-
      5 ms; p = 0.009, post hoc analysis) were significantly higher in the severe
      psoriasis group than in the control group. Correlation analysis revealed that the
      PASI score was well correlated with PA lateral (r = 0.520, p < 0.001), PA septum
      (r = 0.460, p = 0.002), interatrial EMD (r = 0.371, p = 0.014) and intra-atrial
      EMD (r = 0.393, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Atrial EMD was prolonged in patients with
      psoriasis. The measurement of atrial EMD might be used to determine the risk of
      development of AF in patients with psoriasis.

PMID- 25138739
TI  - Prototype of biliary drug-eluting stent with photodynamic and chemotherapy using
      electrospinning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The combination of biliary stent with photodynamic and chemotherapy
      seemed to be a beneficial palliative treatment of unresectable
      cholangiocarcinoma. However, by intravenous delivery to the target tumor the
      distribution of the drug had its limitations and caused serious side effect on
      non-target organs. Therefore, in this study, we are going to develop a localized
      eluting stent, named PDT-chemo stent, covered with gemcitabine (GEM) and
      hematoporphyrin (HP). METHODS: The prototype of PDT-chemo stent was made through
      electrospinning and electrospraying dual-processes with an electrical charge to
      cover the stent with a drug-storing membrane from polymer liquid. The design of
      prototype used PU as the material of the backing layer, and PCL/PEG blends in
      different molar ratio of 9:1 and of 1:4 were used in two drug-storing layers with
      GEM and HP loaded respectively. RESULTS: The optical microscopy revealed that the
      backing layer was formed in fine fibers from electrospinning, while drug-storing
      layers, attributed to the droplets from electrospraying process. The covered
      membrane, the morphology of which was observed by scanning electron microscopy
      (SEM), covered the stent surface homogeneously without crack appearances. The GEM
      had almost 100% of electrosprayed efficiency than 70% HP loaded on the covered
      membrane due to the different solubility of drug in PEG/PCL blends. Drug release
      study confirmed the two-phased drug release pattern by regulating in different
      molar ratio of PEG/PCL blends polymer. CONCLUSIONS: The result proves that the
      PDT-chemo stent is composed of a first burst-releasing phase from HP and a later
      slow-releasing phase from GEM eluting. This two-phase of drug eluting stent may
      provide a new prospect of localized and controlled release treatment for
      cholangiocarcinoma disease.

PMID- 25138740
TI  - Quercetin reduces pluripotency, migration and adhesion of human teratocarcinoma
      cell line NT2/D1 by inhibiting Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
AB  - Quercetin, a bioflavonoid found in plant foods, has a wide range of therapeutic
      effects. In order to examine the therapeutic potential of quercetin in
      teratocarcinoma, we used the human teratocarcinoma cell line NT2/D1 as an in
      vitro model. We have shown that quercetin inhibits the proliferation, adhesion
      and migration of NT2/D1 cells and downregulates the expression of pluripotency
      factors SOX2, Oct4 and Nanog. Our results further suggest that the anticancer
      effect of quercetin against human teratocarcinoma cells is mediated by targeting
      the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Quercetin antagonized the Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling pathway in NT2/D1 cells by inhibiting beta-catenin nuclear
      translocation and the consequent downregulation of beta-catenin-dependent
      transcription. These data suggest that quercetin as a potent inhibitor of Wnt
      signaling may be an effective therapeutic agent in cancers with aberrant
      activation of the Wnt pathway. 

PMID- 25138741
TI  - Comprehensive three-dimensional analysis of right-sided aortic arch with multiple
      vascular anomalies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right-sided aortic arch is a rare congenital defect usually diagnosed
      incidentally in adults; it is often asymptomatic unless aneurismal disease
      develops. In half the cases, an aberrant left subclavian artery arises from a
      Kommerell's diverticulum; in these cases, congenital heart anomaly is very rarely
      present. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of incidentally-detected right-sided
      aortic arch with multiple vascular anomalies including left subclavian artery
      originating from a Kommerell's diverticulum, supra-sinus origin of coronary
      arteries and coronary arteriovenous fistula. CONCLUSION: Through comprehensive 3
      dimensional reconstruction of the aortic arch and surrounding structures we
      defined anatomical relationships, which is useful for follow-up and treatment.

PMID- 25138742
TI  - Amblyopia and the H Barry Collin research medal.

PMID- 25138743
TI  - Why are we still fitting reusable soft contact lenses?

PMID- 25138744
TI  - The tear ferning test: a simple clinical technique to evaluate the ocular tear
      film.
AB  - A healthy tear film is very important for many major functions of the ocular
      surface. Dry eye disease is a significant clinical problem that needs to be
      solved but the poor correlation between clinical signs and reported symptoms
      makes it difficult for the clinician to apply a scientific basis to his clinical
      management. The problem is compounded by the difficulties of evaluating the tear
      film due to its transparency, small volume and complex composition. Practical
      insight into tear film composition would be very useful to the clinician for
      patient diagnosis and treatment but detailed analysis is restricted to expensive,
      laboratory-based systems. There is a pressing need for a simple test. The tear
      ferning test is a laboratory test but it has the potential to be applied in the
      clinic setting to investigate the tear film in a simple way. Drying a small
      sample of tear fluid onto a clean, glass microscope slide produces a
      characteristic crystallisation pattern, described as a 'tear fern'. This test is
      currently not widely used because of some limitations that need to be overcome
      but several studies have demonstrated its potential. Such limitations need to be
      resolved so that tear ferning could be used in the clinic setting to assess the
      tear film. 

PMID- 25138745
TI  - Post-cataract surgery diplopia: aetiology, management and prevention.
AB  - Diplopia is an infrequent but distressing adverse outcome after uncomplicated
      cataract surgery. Many factors may contribute to the occurrence of this problem,
      including prolonged sensory deprivation resulting in disruption of sensory
      fusion, paresis of one or more extraocular muscles, myotoxic effects of local
      anaesthesia, optical aberrations (for example, aniseikonia) and pre-existing
      disorders (for example, thyroid orbitopathy). The purpose of this review is to
      present the aetiology and clinical features of diplopia after cataract surgery
      and to discuss the possible modalities for the prevention and treatment of this
      frustrating complication. 

PMID- 25138746
TI  - Comparison of four different binocular balancing techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several techniques of balancing have been proposed for the
      equalisation of the accommodative state between the two eyes. This study was
      designed to compare the results of different balancing techniques. METHODS: In
      this study, 60 subjects participated. Refractive errors were determined using
      retinoscopy and results were refined with monocular subjective refraction to
      determine the ametropia with the most plus lens and this was used as the starting
      point for balancing. The monocular refractive values before the balance were the
      same for all balancing procedures. Four balancing techniques, three dissociated
      and one associated, (alternate occlusion, prism-dissociated blur balance, prism
      dissociated red-green balance and Humphriss immediate contrast method) were used
      for the final refinement of findings. Results were analysed as the interocular
      spherical difference (IOSD) after the completion of each balance procedure. The
      interocular spherical difference was defined as the right eye sphere minus the
      left eye sphere. Data were analysed in SPSS.17 software using the paired samples
      t-test, the Pearson correlation, repeated measures ANOVA and 'intraclass
      correlation coefficient' (ICC) tests. RESULTS: The lowest mean difference was
      related to the alternate occlusion with the prism-dissociated blur balance
      techniques. The lowest 95% limits of agreement were related to the prism
      dissociated red-green balance with the Humphriss immediate contrast methods. The
      highest correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient were related to the
      prism-dissociated red-green balance with the Humphriss immediate contrast
      methods. CONCLUSIONS: The four balancing methods yield very similar results. The
      balance findings with red-green dissociated method and the Humphriss immediate
      contrast technique can be considered interchangeable and the other pairs of
      comparisons very nearly so.

PMID- 25138747
TI  - Selection considerations when using a 'standard optometrist' to evaluate clinical
      performance of other eye-care personnel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Selection of a standard professional is crucial for assessing the
      clinical performance of other eye-care personnel. This paper describes the
      selection considerations and the clinical competency assessment of two
      optometrists required to select a 'standard optometrist' (SO) for evaluating the
      clinical performance of vision technicians in India. METHODS: Two optometrists
      were short-listed from 21 optometrists who responded to an advertisement to be
      selected as a SO for the assessment of the performance of 24 vision technicians
      in rural vision centres. Each candidate optometrist performed a routine eye
      examination on 40 randomly selected, newly registered subjects in a tertiary
      hospital clinic. Their non-cycloplegic retinoscopic findings were compared with
      those of an experienced optometrist, while disease diagnoses were compared with
      the findings of an ophthalmologist. RESULTS: A comparison of retinoscopic
      findings showed that optometrist A produced retinoscopic values within +/-0.50 D
      agreement for the spherical equivalent (SE) 100 per cent of the time, while
      optometrist B obtained agreement 91.3 per cent of the time. Similarly,
      optometrist A's limits of agreement (SE = -0.63 to +0.45 D) and reproducibility
      limits (SE = 0.78 D) were better than those of optometrist B (SE = -0.98 to +0.70
      D and SE =1.18 D, respectively). Optometrist A demonstrated 89.2 per cent
      sensitivity in detecting ocular pathology compared to 76.3 per cent by
      optometrist B. CONCLUSIONS: Optometrist A achieved consistent and reproducible
      retinoscopic findings as well as higher sensitivity in detecting ocular pathology
      and was selected as the SO for a study to assess the clinical performance of one
      year trained vision technicians. The concept of a SO calibrated against an
      ophthalmologist for disease detection and diagnosis and an experienced
      optometrist for retinoscopy is a useful approach for the evaluation of eye-care
      personnel.

PMID- 25138748
TI  - Prevalence of visual problems among stroke survivors in Hong Kong Chinese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stroke, a common cerebrovascular accident, usually results in various
      extents of functional disability. Extensive studies have shown that ocular and
      visual problems are common in patients with stroke. Unfortunately, current stroke
      rehabilitation programs rarely address stroke-related ocular and visual problems
      in Hong Kong. METHODS: To examine how visual impairment (for example,
      deterioration in visual acuity and restriction in visual field) affects the
      stroke population in Hong Kong, vision screening was conducted for post-stroke
      patients attending in-patient and out-patient stroke clinics at two hospitals.
      RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen stroke patients were recruited. The percentage
      of various aspects of visual problems in Hong Kong post-stroke patients was
      generally lower than that reported in Western countries; however, a high
      percentage of patients had deficits in oculomotor (53.1 per cent) and vergence
      functions (11.5 per cent), restrictions in binocular visual field (11.5 per cent)
      and impairment in visual acuity (worse than 0.30 logMAR, 29.8 per cent).
      Conversely, only a small proportion of patients noticed problems with their
      vision (for example, diplopia and blurry vision) through subjective reports. This
      revealed that many post-stroke patients had undetected or undiagnosed ocular and
      visual problems. Appropriate referral was given to patients with visual problems
      for further evaluation and treatment. CONCLUSION: Neglecting visual problems may
      impose deteriorating effect on patients' stroke rehabilitation and functional
      independence and lead to increased incidents of injury. To address this potential
      hindrance in rehabilitation, formal screening for visual problems in stroke
      patients in a rehabilitation setting is essential.

PMID- 25138749
TI  - Agreement study of keratometric values measured by Biograph/LENSTAR, auto-kerato
      refractometer and Pentacam: decision for IOL calculation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to determine the agreement in keratometric readings
      measured with the Biograph/LENSTAR, the Pentacam and an auto-kerato-refractometer
      in a 40- to 64-year-old population. METHODS: This report is part of the first
      phase of the population-based Shahroud Cohort Eye Study. In virgin eyes,
      agreement among keratometry readings of three devices was examined in 7,260 eyes
      using the Bland-Altman method. The inter-device 95 per cent limits of agreement
      (95% LoA) and 95% confidence interval for upper and lower limits of agreement
      were calculated. Comparisons were made for keratometric readings of the flat and
      steep meridians as maximum keratometry (max-K), minimum keratometry (min-K) and
      their average (mean-K). RESULTS: Based on Biograph/LENSTAR measurements, averages
      of max-K, min-K and mean-K were 44.70 +/- 1.64, 43.87 +/- 1.54 and 44.28 +/- 1.58
      D, respectively. The quantile-quantile plot revealed that all three variables had
      normal distributions in this population. Agreement between the Biograph/LENSTAR
      and the auto-kerato-refractometer (max-K difference: -0.03 D, 95% LoA: -0.81 to
      0.75; min-K difference: -0.08 D, 95% LoA: -0.85 to 0.68) was better than the
      agreement between the Biograph/LENSTAR and the Pentacam (max-K difference: 0.50
      D, 95% LoA: -3.24 to 4.25; min-K difference: 0.59 D, 95% LoA: -3.00 to 4.17). The
      agreement between the Pentacam and the auto-kerato-refractometer (max-K
      difference: 0.54 D, 95% LoA: -3.16 to 4.24; min-K difference: 0.66 D, 95% LoA: 
      0.77 to 0.53) was worse than the other two pairs. CONCLUSION: These three devices
      are not interchangeable in terms of keratometry for calculation of the
      intraocular lens power. Agreement between the Biograph/LENSTAR and the auto
      kerato-refractometer can be increased with regression models but this is not true
      in case of Biograph/LENSTAR and Pentacam.

PMID- 25138750
TI  - Professor Robert F Hess DSc PhD MSc DipOptom: awarded the H Barry Collin Research
      Medal for 2013.

PMID- 25138751
TI  - Acute macular neuroretinopathy: the evolution of the disease through the use of
      newer diagnostic modalities.

PMID- 25138752
TI  - Combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium with hypo
      autofluorescence and cystic degeneration at the macula.

PMID- 25138755
TI  - Interventional magnetic resonance imaging-guided cell transplantation into the
      brain with radially branched deployment.
AB  - Intracerebral cell transplantation is being pursued as a treatment for many
      neurological diseases, and effective cell delivery is critical for clinical
      success. To facilitate intracerebral cell transplantation at the scale and
      complexity of the human brain, we developed a platform technology that enables
      radially branched deployment (RBD) of cells to multiple target locations at
      variable radial distances and depths along the initial brain penetration tract
      with real-time interventional magnetic resonance image (iMRI) guidance. iMRI
      guided RBD functioned as an "add-on" to standard neurosurgical and imaging
      workflows, and procedures were performed in a commonly available clinical MRI
      scanner. Multiple deposits of super paramagnetic iron oxide beads were safely
      delivered to the striatum of live swine, and distribution to the entire putamen
      was achieved via a single cannula insertion in human cadaveric heads. Human
      embryonic stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons were biocompatible with the iMRI
      guided RBD platform and successfully delivered with iMRI guidance into the swine
      striatum. Thus, iMRI-guided RBD overcomes some of the technical limitations
      inherent to the use of straight cannulas and standard stereotactic targeting.
      This platform technology could have a major impact on the clinical translation of
      a wide range of cell therapeutics for the treatment of many neurological
      diseases. 

PMID- 25138756
TI  - Sequential therapy with ranibizumab and dexamethasone intravitreal implant is
      better than dexamethasone monotherapy for macular oedema due to retinal vein
      occlusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sequential therapy with
      ranibizumab followed by dexamethasone intravitreal implant compared with
      dexamethasone monotherapy for macular oedema (MO) secondary to retinal vein
      occlusion (RVO). METHODS: In this retrospective interventional study, the medical
      records of subjects with MO due to RVO who received either ranibizumab followed
      by dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Group 1) or dexamethasone-implant
      monotherapy (Group 2) were included. Primary outcome was the proportion of
      subjects who exhibited best-corrected visual acuity (VA) gain and resolution of
      MO within 6 months. RESULTS: Thirty-three eyes were included (17 in Group 1, 16
      in Group 2). More subjects in Group 1 exhibited a VA gain of at least 0.5 (LogMAR
      units hereafter) than Group 2 (29% vs 0%, p=0.044). The speed of VA gain was
      greater in Group 1 (1.4+/-0.8 months vs 2.7+/-1.4 months, p=0.020). MO was
      controlled in more subjects in Group 1 at all measured time intervals, and this
      difference was statistically significant at 3 months and 4 months. Subjects with
      branch RVO experienced VA gain more rapidly if they were from Group 1 (p=0.023).
      CONCLUSIONS: Sequential therapy was found to be more effective than dexamethasone
      monotherapy in treating MO due to RVO.

PMID- 25138757
TI  - A comparison of methods used to evaluate mobility performance in the visually
      impaired.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare three different approaches to measuring mobility performance
      when evaluating the visually impaired. METHODS: 488 participants, including 192
      glaucoma, 112 age-related macular degeneration, 91 diabetic retinopathy and 93
      healthy volunteers, completed the Assessment of Disability Related to Vision
      (ADREV) mobility course. The performance of participants on the mobility course
      was evaluated by noting errors made and time required for completion. Errors
      noted and time taken were compared using multivariate logistic regression to
      determine which measurement better differentiated patients with visual disease
      from healthy volunteers. Multivariate logistic regression was also used to
      evaluate the combined metric of ADREV errors divided by time to determine its
      ability to discriminate participants with visual disease from healthy volunteers.
      RESULTS: Errors noted and time taken while ambulating through the standardised
      mobility course shared a weak but statistically significant association
      (Pearson's r=0.36, p<0.05). After controlling for demographic and medical
      comorbidities, logistic regression analysis revealed that errors noted were
      better at discriminating individuals with visual disease from healthy volunteers
      (OR 2.8-4.9, 95% CI 1.5 to 10.3) compared with the time taken for mobility course
      completion (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.2). These findings were consistent across all
      comparisons between healthy volunteers and participants with each type of visual
      impairment. Finally, the combined metric of ADREV errors divided by time was far
      more predictive of visual disease compared with either time taken or errors noted
      during mobility testing (OR 11.0-17.7, 95% CI 3.6 to 77.1). CONCLUSIONS: A
      validated scoring system based on errors is more effective when assessing visual
      disability during mobility testing than recording the time taken for course
      completion. The combined metric of ADREV errors noted divided by time taken was
      most predictive of all the methods used to evaluate visual disability during
      mobility testing.

PMID- 25138758
TI  - Comparative role of 20% cord blood serum and 20% autologous serum in dry eye
      associated with Hansen's disease: a tear proteomic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare the role of topically applied serum therapy with
      preservative-free artificial tear (AT) drops in patients with moderate to severe
      dry eye in Hansen's disease along with change in tear protein profile. METHODS:
      144 consecutive patients were randomly divided into three groups. After a
      baseline examination of clinical parameters, each of the patients received
      designated modality of topical therapy six times a day for 6 weeks. Post
      treatment documentation of clinical parameters was done at 6 weeks, and then at
      12 weeks after discontinuation of topical therapy. Analysis of three tear
      proteins using gel electrophoresis (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis) was done at baseline, at the first and second post-treatment
      visits. RESULTS: In the cord blood serum (CBS) group, except for McMonnies score
      and staining score, all other clinical parameters showed continued improvement in
      the first and second post-treatment analyses. In the autologous serum (ALS)
      group, all the clinical parameters except Schirmer's I showed significant
      improvement in the first post-treatment analysis .This was sustained at a
      significant level in the second analysis except for tear film break-up time
      (TBUT) and conjunctival impression cytology grading. In the AT group, all the
      parameters improved at a non-significant level except for TBUT in the first
      analysis. In the next analysis, apart from McMonnies score and TBUT, other
      clinical parameters did not improve. In the ALS and CBS groups, tear lysozyme,
      lactoferrin levels improved in both post-treatment measurements (statistically
      insignificant).Total tear protein continued to increase at statistically
      significant levels in the first and second post-treatment analyses in the CBS
      group and at a statistically insignificant level in the ALS group. In the AT
      group, the three tear proteins continued to decrease in both the analyses.
      CONCLUSIONS: In moderate to severe dry eye in Hansen's disease, serum therapy in
      comparison with AT drops, improves clinical parameters and causes betterment in
      tear protein profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CTRI/2013/07/003802.

PMID- 25138759
TI  - Cystoid macular oedema following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the incidence and potential risk factors of cystoid
      macular oedema (CMO) following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)
      with or without simultaneous cataract surgery. METHODS: In this study, 155 eyes
      of 88 patients suffering from Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (81%), bullous
      keratopathy (17.6%) or other corneal diseases (1.4%) underwent DMEK. 52% were
      pseudophacic (DMEK) and 48% received simultaneous cataract surgery (DMEK combined
      with cataract surgery (Triple-DMEK)) at the Eye Center at Albert Ludwigs
      University of Freiburg between May 2011 and June 2013. Spectral-domain optical
      coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months
      following (Triple-)DMEK and in unscheduled visits due to limited or decreased
      visual acuity. The medical records were reviewed for pre-existing comorbidities
      limiting visual acuity. Patients with a history of macular oedema were excluded.
      We estimated the incidence of CMO using the Kaplan-Meier method. Potential risk
      factors for CMO were analysed with a Cox regression analysis and Pearson's
      correlation. The Cox model included the following variables: patient age and
      axial length, simultaneous cataract surgery, rate of rebubbling, donor age and
      donor endothelial cell density. RESULTS: 13% of all eyes developed a single
      episode of CMO at the end of the follow-up. After 6 months, 13.3% of eyes
      following Triple-DMEK and 12.5% of eyes following DMEK showed CMO. There was a
      statistically significant correlation between CMO development and best spectacle
      corrected visual acuity. Long axial length had a protective effect on CMO
      development (HR=0.3; p=0.03). Under medical therapy, central foveal thickness
      decreased in all patients. CMO did not have a relevant effect on long-term visual
      acuity. CONCLUSIONS: CMO is a frequent complication following DMEK in phacic and
      pseudophacic eyes. The prognosis is excellent given medical treatment. We
      recommend regular SD-OCT monitoring during the first 6 months following DMEK.

PMID- 25138760
TI  - Inhibition by rebamipide of cytokine-induced or lipopolysaccharide-induced
      chemokine synthesis in human corneal fibroblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The dry-eye drug rebamipide has mucin secretagogue activity in
      and anti-inflammatory effects on corneal epithelial cells. Corneal stromal
      fibroblasts (transdifferentiated keratocytes) function as immune modulators in
      the pathogenesis of chronic ocular allergic inflammation and in innate immune
      responses at the ocular surface. The possible anti-inflammatory effects of
      rebamipide on human corneal stromal fibroblasts were examined. METHODS: Serum
      deprived cells were incubated for 1 h with rebamipide and then for various times
      in the additional absence or presence of cytokines or bacterial
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The release of chemokines into culture supernatants was
      determined with ELISAs. The intracellular abundance of chemokine mRNAs was
      quantitated by reverse transcription and real-time PCR analysis. Degradation of
      the nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) inhibitor IkappaBalpha was detected by
      immunoblot analysis. RESULTS: Rebamipide suppressed the release of interleukin
      (IL)-8 and the upregulation of IL-8 mRNA induced by tumour necrosis factor alpha
      (TNF-alpha) or LPS in corneal fibroblasts. It also inhibited eotaxin-1 (CCL-11)
      expression at the protein and mRNA levels induced by the combination of TNF-alpha
      and IL-4. In addition, rebamipide attenuated the degradation of IkappaBalpha
      induced by TNF-alpha or LPS. CONCLUSIONS: Rebamipide inhibited the synthesis of
      chemokines by corneal fibroblasts in association with suppression of NFkappaB
      signalling. Rebamipide may therefore prove effective for the treatment of corneal
      stromal inflammation associated with allergy or bacterial infection.

PMID- 25138761
TI  - Accelerated versus standard corneal collagen crosslinking combined with same day
      phototherapeutic keratectomy and single intrastromal ring segment implantation
      for keratoconus.
AB  - AIM: To compare the results of same day transepithelial phototherapeutic
      keratectomy (t-PTK) and single inferior intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) combined
      with standard versus accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for
      keratoconus. METHODS: All consecutive progressive keratoconus eyes that underwent
      standard or accelerated CXL treatment preceded by same day t-PTK and placement of
      a single inferior ICRS and had 6  and 12 months of follow-up were reviewed
      retrospectively. Eyes were classified into two groups, the 'standard' and the
      'accelerated' group, accordingly. Visual, refractive and topographic data prior
      to surgery and at 6 and 12 months post-treatment were analysed. RESULTS: Sixteen
      eyes were included in each of the standard and the accelerated groups. Mean
      patient age was 27.5+/-8.5 years and 30.5+/-10.7 years (p=0.38) in the standard
      and accelerated groups, respectively. There was a significant improvement in
      uncorrected distance visual acuity, refractive cylinder and all examined corneal
      parameters in both groups 12 months postsurgery. The corrected distance visual
      acuity and manifest refraction spherical equivalent showed a significant
      improvement after 12 months of follow-up only in the accelerated group. However,
      mean changes in all evaluated parameters did not differ significantly between the
      two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A combined treatment of accelerated CXL preceded by same
      day t-PTK and single ICRS is as effective as the combined treatment using
      standard CXL for visual rehabilitation in progressive keratoconus.

PMID- 25138762
TI  - In vivo confocal microscopic characterisation of the cornea in chronic graft
      versus-host disease related severe dry eye disease.
AB  - AIMS: To first describe in vivo confocal microscopic (IVCM) corneal findings in
      severe dry eye syndrome due to ocular chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD)
      after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. METHODS: IVCM of the central cornea
      was performed in 12 prospectively recruited patients with severe ocular cGvHD
      associated dry eye syndrome and in six control patients with haematological
      malignancies without cGvHD. Within each examined corneal layer, at least three
      non-overlapping areas were selected for representative analysis. RESULTS: The
      number of sub basal nerve branches was markedly reduced in patients with cGvHD.
      Sub basal nerve morphology was characterised by increased tortuosity and reduced
      reflectivity. Accumulation of hyper-reflective extracellular matrix,
      significantly increased haze and increased keratocyte density were found in the
      anterior stroma of the study group. CONCLUSIONS: IVCM findings of the cornea in
      patients with severe ocular cGvHD include a rarefaction of the sub basal corneal
      nerve plexus and dense accumulation of hyper-reflective extracellular matrix in
      the anterior stroma.

PMID- 25138764
TI  - Two novel mutations including a large deletion of the SLC4A11 gene causing
      autosomal recessive hereditary endothelial dystrophy.

PMID- 25138763
TI  - Infectious involvement in a tertiary center pediatric uveitis cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Studies of uveitis in children have focused primarily on non
      infectious causes. To date, no systematic study of infectious uveitis in children
      has been conducted. We investigate the prevalence of infectious causes of uveitis
      in children and explore the diagnostic value of analysing aqueous humour.
      METHODS: Retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral centre for paediatric
      uveitis. Medical records of 345 children with uveitis presenting from 1995
      through 2010 were reviewed for infectious causes (by serology and aqueous humour
      analysis). RESULTS: A diagnosis of infectious uveitis was established in 60/345
      (17%) children. The most prevalent pathogen was Toxoplasma gondii (36/60; 60%),
      followed by viral infections (18/60; 30%). The most prevalent viral pathogen was
      varicella-zoster virus (VZV), representing 7/18 (39%) children. Viral causes were
      less often bilateral than other infectious causes (p=0.04). Specific IgG serum
      levels determined in 42/60 (70%) patients, were positive in 41/42 (98%). Aqueous
      humour was analysed for 24/60 (40%) patients and was positive in 18/24 (75%).
      CONCLUSIONS: An infectious cause of uveitis was identified in 17% of children
      with uveitis. T gondii and VZV were the most prevalent pathogens. We recommend
      analysing the aqueous humour of every child with vision-threatening uveitis of
      undetermined origin.

PMID- 25138765
TI  - Oral azithromycin versus doxycycline in meibomian gland dysfunction: a randomised
      double-masked open-label clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess the efficacy and safety of oral azithromycin compared
      with oral doxycycline in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) who had
      failed to respond to prior conservative management. METHODS: 110 patients (>12
      years old) with MGD were randomly assigned to receive either oral 5-day
      azithromycin (500 mg on day 1 and then 250 mg/day) or 1-month doxycycline (200
      mg/day). They also continued eyelid warming/cleaning and artificial tears. A
      score comprising five symptoms and seven signs (primary outcome) was recorded
      prior to treatment and at 1 week, and 1 and 2 months after treatment. Total score
      was the sum of both scores at each follow-up. Side effects were recorded and
      overall clinical improvement was categorised as excellent, good, fair or poor
      based on the percentage of change in the total score. RESULTS: Symptoms and signs
      improved significantly in both groups (p=0.001). While improvement of symptoms
      was not different between the groups, bulbar conjunctival redness (p=0.004) and
      ocular surface staining (p=0.01) were significantly better in the azithromycin
      group. The azithromycin group showed a significantly better overall clinical
      response (p=0.01). Mild gastrointestinal side effects were not significantly
      different between the groups except for the second visit, when the doxycycline
      group had significantly more side effects (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Although both
      oral azithromycin and doxycycline improved the symptoms of MGD, 5-day oral
      azithromycin is recommended for its better effect on improving the signs, better
      overall clinical response and shorter duration of treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION
      NUMBER: NCT01783860.

PMID- 25138766
TI  - Transpalpebral proton beam radiotherapy of choroidal melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Collateral damage to upper eyelid margin during proton beam
      radiotherapy (PBR) for choroidal melanoma may cause squamous metaplasia of the
      tarsal conjunctiva with keratinisation, corneal irritation, discomfort and,
      rarely, corneal perforation. We evaluated transpalpebral PBR as a means of
      avoiding collateral damage to the upper eyelid margin without increasing the risk
      of failure of local tumour control. METHODS: Retrospective study of consecutive
      patients who underwent PBR for choroidal melanoma between 1992 and 2007 at the
      Royal Liverpool University Hospital and the Douglas Cyclotron at Clatterbridge
      Cancer Centre, UK. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included in this study.
      Mean basal tumour diameter and tumour thickness were 11.8 mm and 3.6 mm,
      respectively. PBR mean beam range and modulation were 26.5 mm and 16.9 mm
      respectively. The eyelid margin was included in the radiation field in 15 (24%)
      eyes. The median follow-up was 2.5 years. Local tumour recurrence developed in 2
      (3.2%) patients. In these two cases that developed tumour recurrence the
      transpalpebral treatment did not involve the eyelid margin. Six (9.5%) patients
      died of metastatic disease. No eyelid or ocular surface problems developed in any
      of the 48 patients who were treated without eyelid rim involvement, while 7 of
      the 15 patients with unavoidable irradiation of the eyelid rim developed some
      degree of madarosis. These seven patients all received more than 26.55 proton Gy
      to the eyelid margin. Symptoms, such as grittiness occurred in 12% of 48 patients
      without eyelid margin irradiation as compared with 53% of 15 patients whose lid
      margin was irradiated. CONCLUSIONS: Transpalpebral PBR of choroidal melanoma
      avoids eyelid and ocular surface complications without increasing failure of
      local tumour control.

PMID- 25138767
TI  - Severity of acute ocular involvement is independently associated with time to
      resolution of ocular disease in toxic epidermal necrolysis patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe, life-threatening
      mucocutaneous disorder that frequently involves the ocular surface. This study
      aims to investigate the natural history and resolution of acute ocular
      involvement in patients with TEN admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).
      METHODS: Case notes of patients admitted to ICU with TEN at a tertiary referral
      centre in a 9-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Patients'
      characteristics, severity of ocular involvement, SCORTEN systemic severity score
      and treatment were correlated with resolution of ocular involvement and time to
      resolution. RESULTS: Nine out of 10 (90%) patients had ocular involvement with 4
      graded as mild, 2 as moderate and 3 as severe. All had bilateral ocular disease.
      The median length of hospital stay was 28 days and the median time to resolution
      of ocular involvement was 19 days. Four out of 9 (44%) patients still had active
      ocular disease at the time of discharge. Only older age (p=0.032) and a milder
      grade of ocular disease (p=0.001) were significantly associated with resolution
      of ocular disease. In a multivariable Cox-regression model, only a milder grade
      of ocular disease remained independently associated with time to resolution of
      ocular disease (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Grading of acute ocular disease severity
      does not reflect systemic disease severity and is significantly associated with
      resolution and time to resolution of ocular involvement in TEN. The high rate of
      ocular involvement in patients with TEN and relatively large proportion of
      patients with active disease on discharge reiterates the need for constant
      ophthalmological monitoring of these patients.

PMID- 25138768
TI  - Re: Ang et al: Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty with
      anterior chamber intraocular lenses: complications and 3-year outcomes.

PMID- 25138770
TI  - Rationale and design of the Henry Ford Exercise Testing Project (the FIT
      project).
AB  - Although physical fitness is a powerful prognostic marker in clinical medicine,
      most cardiovascular population-based studies do not have a direct measurement of
      cardiorespiratory fitness. In line with the call from the National Heart Lung and
      Blood Institute for innovative, low-cost, epidemiologic studies leveraging
      electronic medical record (EMR) data, we describe the rationale and design of the
      Henry Ford ExercIse Testing Project (The FIT Project). The FIT Project is unique
      in its combined use of directly measured clinical exercise data retrospective
      collection of medical history and medication treatment data at the time of the
      stress test, retrospective supplementation of supporting clinical data using the
      EMR and administrative databases and epidemiologic follow-up for cardiovascular
      events and total mortality via linkage with claims files and the death registry.
      The FIT Project population consists of 69 885 consecutive physician-referred
      patients (mean age, 54 +/- 10 years; 54% males) who underwent Bruce protocol
      treadmill stress testing at Henry Ford Affiliated Hospitals between 1991 and
      2009. Patients were followed for the primary outcomes of death, myocardial
      infarction, and need for coronary revascularization. The median estimated peak
      metabolic equivalent (MET) level was 10, with 17% of the patients having a
      severely reduced fitness level (METs < 6). At the end of the follow-up duration,
      15.9%, 5.6%, and 6.7% of the patients suffered all-cause mortality, myocardial
      infarction, or revascularization procedures, respectively. The FIT Project is the
      largest study of physical fitness to date. With its use of modern electronic
      clinical epidemiologic techniques, it is poised to answer many clinically
      relevant questions related to exercise capacity and prognosis. 

PMID- 25138771
TI  - Fabrication of collagen scaffolds impregnated with sago starch capped silver
      nanoparticles suitable for biomedical applications and their physicochemical
      studies.
AB  - The present investigation attempts at fabricating collagen-based scaffolds
      impregnated with sago starch capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), useful for
      biomedical applications, and aims at studying their physicochemical aspects.
      AgNPs synthesized through a chemical reduction method, capped using different
      concentrations of sago starch, are incorporated into collagen derived from fish
      scales, and lyophilized to form scaffolds. FT-IR spectra confirm and validate the
      interaction of sago starch capped AgNPs with collagen in the scaffolds. TGA and
      DSC results indicate enhanced thermal stability of collagen scaffolds impregnated
      with sago capped AgNPs compared to collagen alone. All the collagen scaffolds
      containing sago starch capped AgNPs show high tensile strength values for their
      use as wound dressing materials. Moreover, lower minimum inhibitory concentration
      values are obtained for the above capped AgNP collagen scaffolds, which indicate
      higher antibacterial activities compared to uncapped AgNPs tested against both
      gram positive and negative bacterial strains. The novelty is that the developed
      scaffolds are biodegradable and in vitro studies reveal them as biocompatible and
      suitable for tissue regeneration applications. 

PMID- 25138772
TI  - Lactose-functionalized dendrimers arbitrate the interaction of galectin-3/MUC1
      mediated cancer cellular aggregation.
AB  - By using lactose-functionalized poly(amidoamine) dendrimers as a tunable
      multivalent platform, we studied cancer cell aggregation in three different cell
      lines (A549, DU-145, and HT-1080) with galectin-3. We found that small lactose
      functionalized G(2)-dendrimer 1 inhibited galectin-3-induced aggregation of the
      cancer cells. In contrast, dendrimer 4 (a larger, generation 6 dendrimer with 100
      carbohydrate end groups) caused cancer cells to aggregate through a galectin-3
      pathway. This study indicates that inhibition of cellular aggregation occurred
      because 1 provided competitive binding sites for galectin-3 (compared to its
      putative cancer cell ligand, TF-antigen on MUC1). Dendrimer 4, in contrast,
      provided an excess of ligands for galectin-3 binding; this caused crosslinking
      and aggregation of cells to be increased. 

PMID- 25138773
TI  - Potential application of aqueous two-phase systems and three-phase partitioning
      for the recovery of superoxide dismutase from a clarified homogenate of
      Kluyveromyces marxianus.
AB  - Superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) is an antioxidant enzyme that represents
      the primary cellular defense against superoxide radicals and has interesting
      applications in the medical and cosmetic industries. In the present work, the
      partition behavior of SOD in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) (using a standard
      solution and a complex extract from Kluyveromyces marxianus as sample) was
      characterized on different types of ATPS (polymer-polymer, polymer-salt, alcohol
      salt, and ionic liquid (IL)-salt). The systems composed of PEG 3350-potassium
      phosphate, 45% TLL, 0.5 M NaCl (315 U/mg, 87% recovery, and 15.1-fold
      purification) and t-butanol-20% ammonium sulfate (205.8 U/mg, 80% recovery and
      9.8-fold purification), coupled with a subsequent 100 kDa ultrafiltration stage,
      allowed the design of a prototype process for the recovery and partial
      purification of the product of interest. The findings reported herein demonstrate
      the potential of PEG-salt ATPS for the potential recovery of SOD.

PMID- 25138775
TI  - A study of structure and properties of molecularly thin methanol film using the
      modified surface forces apparatus.
AB  - A novel approach for studying the adsorption and evaporation processes of
      molecularly thin methanol film by the modified surface forces apparatus (M-SFA)
      is reported. This method can be used precisely to measure the thickness,
      morphology, and mechanical properties of the film confined between two mica
      surfaces in a real-time manner at gas atmosphere. By observing the adsorption and
      evaporation processes of the methanol molecule, it is found that the first
      adsorbed layer of the methanol film on the mica surface behaves as a solid-like
      structure. The thickness of this layer is measured to be about 3.2 A,
      approximately equal to the diameter of a methanol molecule. Besides, this first
      adsorbed layer can carry normalized loads of more than 5.6 atm due to the
      carrying capacity conserved by the bond of mica-OH. The outer layers of the
      methanol film are further adsorbed with the increase of the exposure time, which
      are liquid-like and can be easily eliminated out from the substrate. The present
      study suggests that the interacting mode between hydroxy and mica is of great
      potential in material science and biomedical systems.

PMID- 25138774
TI  - TGR5: pathogenetic role and/or therapeutic target in fibrosing cholangitis?
AB  - Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting
      the intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tree leading to bile duct strictures,
      progressive cholestasis, and development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The
      pathogenesis of PSC is still elusive; however, both an immune-mediated injury of
      the bile ducts as well as increased recruitment of intestinal-primed T
      lymphocytes to the biliary tracts seem to contribute to disease development and
      progression. TGR5 (Gpbar-1) is a G-protein-coupled receptor responsive to bile
      acids, which is expressed in cholangiocytes, intestinal epithelial cells, and
      macrophages of the liver and intestine as well as in CD14-positive monocytes of
      the peripheral blood. Activation of TGR5 in biliary epithelial cells promotes
      chloride and bicarbonate secretion, triggers cell proliferation, and prevents
      apoptotic cell death. In immune cells, stimulation of TGR5 inhibits cytokine
      expression and secretion, thus reducing systemic as well as hepatic and
      intestinal inflammation. The expression pattern of TGR5 in the liver and
      intestine as well as the potential protective functions of TGR5 suggest a role
      for this receptor in the pathogenesis of PSC. While mutations in the coding
      region of the TGR5 gene are too rare to contribute to overall disease
      susceptibility, the expression and localization of the receptor have not been
      studied in PSC livers. Pharmacological activation of TGR5 in mice promotes
      protective mechanisms in biliary epithelial cells and reduces hepatic and
      systemic inflammation; however, it also provokes pruritus. Further studies are
      needed to predict the potential benefits as well as side effects of TGR5 agonist
      treatment in PSC patients.

PMID- 25138776
TI  - Shifting focus of medical physics education during residency training.

PMID- 25138777
TI  - Biological monitoring of particulate matter accumulated in the lungs of urban
      asthmatic children in the Tel-Aviv area.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lung inflammation from exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) may
      be responsible for morbidity in asthma, but several studies using environmental
      monitoring data showed inconsistent results. Thus, the aim of this study was to
      evaluate the capability of induced sputum (IS) technology in order to
      biologically monitor PM in the lungs of urban asthmatic children. METHODS: We
      collected clinical, demographic, biological and environmental monitoring data on
      136 children referred for asthma evaluations. The study participants were divided
      into two groups according to IS eosinophil counts of <3% (non-eosinophilic
      inflammation, n = 52) and >=3% (eosinophilic inflammation, n = 84). RESULTS: The
      eosinophilic group displays significantly higher levels of fractional exhaled
      nitric oxide than the non-eosinophilic one (58.8 +/- 47.5 vs 28.9 +/- 34.2 ppm, p
      = 0.007). Particles (0-2.5 and 0-5 um) comprised a strong risk factor for
      eosinophilic inflammation in IS (>=3%). Children with >80% of particles (0-2.5
      um) out of the total PM accumulated in the airways displayed the highest OR 10.7
      (CI 2.052-56.4 p = 0.005) for an existing eosinophilic inflammation. Heme
      oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzyme levels in IS positively correlated with % eosinophils
      and with particles in IS ranging between 2 and 3 MUm. The level of HO-1 enzyme
      activity and FEV1/FVC in children with <3% eosinophils, but not >=3%, was
      positively and significantly correlated, showing a protective effect of HO-1.
      CONCLUSION: Accumulation of PM involves oxidative stress pathways and is a risk
      factor for developing eosinophilic inflammation in asthmatic children. IS can
      biologically monitor this process.

PMID- 25138778
TI  - Preoperative C-reactive protein in the serum: a prognostic biomarker for upper
      urinary tract urothelial carcinoma treated with radical nephroureterectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of preoperative serum C-reactive protein
      (CRP) on clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients with upper tract
      urothelial cancer (UTUC) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Data of 265 patients from three German centers who underwent RNU for
      UTUC without neoadjuvant chemotherapy between 1990 and 2012 were evaluated. Mean
      follow-up was 37 months (interquartile range 9-48). CRP was analyzed as a
      categorical and continuous variable for the prediction of recurrence-free
      survival (RFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and all-cause survival (ACS)
      using uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: The optimal cutoff
      for CRP was calculated by the Youden index at 0.90 mg/dl. Elevated CRP was
      significantly associated with pT3/4 and pN+ in a preoperative model including
      age, gender, tumor multifocality, tumor localization and the Eastern Cooperative
      Oncology Group Performance Status. In a multivariable Cox regression model
      adjusted for features significant in univariable analysis, categorized and
      continuous CRP levels were both independent predictors for RFS [hazard ratio (HR)
      1.18, p = 0.050; HR 1.03, p = 0.012] and DSS (HR 1.61, p = 0.026; HR 1.06, p =
      0.001). Continuous CRP was an independent predictor for ACS (HR 1.05, p = 0.036).
      CONCLUSIONS: Elevated preoperative CRP is significantly associated with
      aggressive tumor biology and an independent predictor for poor survival after
      RNU. Preoperative serum CRP represents an easily obtainable and cost-effective
      marker in UTUC and may help in counseling patients with regard to operative
      management and/or adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapies.

PMID- 25138780
TI  - Progress towards bioorthogonal catalysis with organometallic compounds.
AB  - The catalysis of bioorthogonal transformations inside living organisms is a
      formidable challenge--yet bears great potential for future applications in
      chemical biology and medicinal chemistry. We herein disclose highly active
      organometallic ruthenium complexes for bioorthogonal catalysis under biologically
      relevant conditions and inside living cells. The catalysts uncage allyl carbamate
      protected amines with unprecedented high turnover numbers of up to 270 cycles in
      the presence of water, air, and millimolar concentrations of thiols. By live-cell
      imaging of HeLa cells and with the aid of a caged fluorescent probe we could
      reveal a rapid development of intense fluorescence within the cellular cytoplasm
      and therefore support the proposed bioorthogonality of the catalysts. In
      addition, to illustrate the manifold applications of bioorthogonal catalysis, we
      developed a method for catalytic in-cell activation of a caged anticancer drug,
      which efficiently induced apoptosis in HeLa cells.

PMID- 25138781
TI  - Solitary red-purple plaque on the chest of a 7-year-old boy: a quiz. Microvenular
      haemangioma.

PMID- 25138782
TI  - Governance practices and performance in US academic medical centers.
AB  - Recognition of the complex nature of modern health care delivery has led to
      interest in investigating the ways in which various factors, including governance
      structures and practices, influence health care quality. In this study, the chief
      executive officers (CEOs) of US academic medical centers were surveyed to elicit
      their perceptions of board structures, activities, and attitudes reflecting 6
      widely identified governance best practices; the relationship between use of
      these practices and organizational performance, based on the University
      HealthSystem Consortium's Quality & Accountability rankings, was assessed. High
      performing hospitals showed greater use of all 6 practices, but the strongest
      evidence supported a focus on board member education and development, the
      rigorous use of performance measures to guide quality improvement, and systematic
      board self-assessment processes. All hospitals, even those with the highest
      quality ratings, had major gaps in their use of best practices for CEO and board
      assessments. These findings can serve as the basis for developing sound board
      improvement plans. 

PMID- 25138783
TI  - Impact of a pharmacy education program on chronic kidney disease patients with
      complications in an outpatient clinic at police general hospital.

PMID- 25138779
TI  - Genome-wide association study of maternal and inherited effects on left-sided
      cardiac malformations.
AB  - Congenital left-sided lesions (LSLs) are serious, heritable malformations of the
      heart. However, little is known about the genetic causes of LSLs. This study was
      undertaken to identify common variants acting through the genotype of the
      affected individual (i.e. case) or the mother (e.g. via an in utero effect) that
      influence the risk of LSLs. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed
      using data from 377 LSL case-parent triads, with follow-up studies in an
      independent sample of 224 triads and analysis of the combined data. Associations
      with both the case and maternal genotypes were assessed using log-linear analyses
      under an additive model. An association between LSLs and the case genotype for
      one intergenic SNP on chromosome 16 achieved genome-wide significance in the
      combined data (rs8061121, combined P = 4.0 * 10(-9); relative risk to
      heterozygote: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.9-3.7). In the combined data, there was also
      suggestive evidence of association between LSLs and the case genotype for a
      variant in the synaptoporin gene (rs1975649, combined P = 3.4 * 10(-7); relative
      risk to heterozygote: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.4-2.0) and between LSLs and the maternal
      genotype for an intergenic SNP on chromosome 10 (rs11008222, combined P = 6.3 *
      10(-7); relative risk to heterozygote: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.4-2.0). This is the first
      GWAS of LSLs to evaluate associations with both the case and maternal genotypes.
      The results of this study identify three candidate LSL susceptibility loci,
      including one that appears to be associated with the risk of LSLs via the
      maternal genotype. 

PMID- 25138784
TI  - Analgesic efficacy of prophylactic gabapentin and lornoxicam in preventing
      postendodontic pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In dental applications, as in all other medical applications, pain
      needs to be prevented or at least controlled. The use of the tooth as a model for
      studying pain mechanisms is well established. In the current study, we aimed to
      evaluate and compare the analgesic effects of gabapentin and lornoxicam,
      respectively, vs a placebo for postendodontic treatment pain. DESIGN AND METHODS:
      Clinical research was planned as prospective, randomized, and placebo controlled.
      Each subject was given 600 mg gabapentin (group G: N = 30), 8 mg lornoxicam
      (group L: N = 30), or a placebo (group C: N = 30) 30 min prior to endodontic
      treatment. OUTCOME MEASURES: At 4 (T(3)), 8 (T(4)), 12 (T(5)), and 24 (T(6)) h
      after preoperative (T(0)) time points, the analgesic efficacies of the agents
      were evaluated by using the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: In group G, VAS
      values were significantly greater at T(0) time point than at T(5) or T(6). T(0)
      time point VAS value in group L was lower than at T4 time point and greater than
      at T(6). In group C, T(0) time point VAS values were significantly lower at T(3)
      and T(5) time points and greater than at T(6) time point. VAS values in group G
      at T(5) time point were significantly lower than in group C or group L (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the obtained data, prophylactic lornoxicam
      controlled postendodontic treatment pain more effectively than did the placebo
      drugs, and gabapentin was more effective in controlling the pain than either
      lornoxicam or the placebo.

PMID- 25138786
TI  - Increased serum levels of interleukin-18, -23 and -17 in Chinese patients with
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-18, IL-23 and IL-17 in
      Chinese patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and explore correlations between
      the three cytokines and relevant parameters. METHODS: Serum concentrations of IL
      18, IL-23 and IL-17 were measured by ELISA for 53 AD patients and 53 sex- and age
      matched healthy controls in a community of elderly individuals in a Shanghai
      suburb. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-23 and IL-17 were
      significantly higher in AD patients than controls. The serum level of IL-23 was
      observed to be significantly higher (p = 0.049) in female AD patients than male
      AD patients. In addition, a significantly inverse correlation was found between
      IL-18 and MMSE score (rs = -0.356, p = 0.011) for all AD patients. CONCLUSION:
      Elevated IL-18, IL-23 and IL-17 levels are observed in AD patients and
      differences may exist between males and females. Besides, IL-18 may correlate
      with the severity of AD.

PMID- 25138785
TI  - Relationship among 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, insulin action, and
      cardiovascular disease risk in patients with essential hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although low plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations have
      been shown to predict risk of hypertension and associated cardiovascular disease
      (CVD), vitamin D repletion has not consistently lowered blood pressure or
      decreased CVD. One possibility for this discrepancy is the presence of
      considerable metabolic heterogeneity in patients with hypertension. To evaluate
      this possibility, we quantified relationships among insulin resistance, 25(OH)D
      concentration, and CVD risk factor profile in patients with essential
      hypertension. METHODS: Measurements were made of 25(OH)D concentrations, multiple
      CVD risk factors, and insulin resistance by the steady-state plasma glucose
      concentration during the insulin suppression test in 140 otherwise healthy
      patients with essential hypertension. RESULTS: As a group, the patients were
      overweight/obese and insulin resistant and had low 25(OH)D concentrations. The
      more insulin resistant the patients were, the worse the CVD risk profile was. In
      addition, the most insulin-resistant quartile had significantly lower 25(OH)D
      concentrations than the most insulin-sensitive quartile (20.3+/-1.4 vs. 25.8+/
      1.4ng/ml; P = 0.005). In the entire group, 25(OH)D concentration significantly
      correlated with magnitude of insulin resistance (steady-state plasma glucose
      concentration; r = -0.20; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There was considerable
      metabolic heterogeneity and substantial difference in magnitude of conventional
      CVD risk factors in patients with similar degrees of blood pressure elevation.
      The most insulin-resistant quartile of subjects had the lowest 25(OH)D
      concentration and the most adverse CVD risk profile, and they may be the subset
      of patients with essential hypertension most likely to benefit from vitamin D
      repletion.

PMID- 25138787
TI  - Usefulness of transient elastography by FibroScan for the evaluation of liver
      fibrosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is used for the assessment of
      liver fibrosis. However, there is limited data in Indian patients. AIMS AND
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find the correlation of LSM, aspartate
      transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) with fibrosis as assessed by liver
      biopsy (LB), and predictors of discordance between LB and LSM. METHODS: One
      hundred and eighty-five consecutive patients who underwent liver biopsy and
      transient elastography (TE) were enrolled. Fibrosis was graded by two independent
      pathologists using the METAVIR classification. Area under receiver operating
      curves (AUROC) was used to evaluate the accuracy of transient elastography and
      APRI in diagnosing significant fibrosis (F>2) and cirrhosis (F4). RESULTS:
      Predominant etiologies were hepatitis B (46 %) and hepatitis C (26 %). LSM was
      unsuccessful in ten patients (5 %) because of small intercostal space (n = 3) and
      obesity (n = 7). Fibrosis is significantly correlated with LSM (r = 0.901, p =
      0.001) and APRI (r = 0.736, p = 0.001). There was a significant difference in
      median LSM value in patients with no fibrosis (F0) in comparison to patients
      having mild fibrosis [mild portal fibrosis (F1) + fibrosis with few septa (F2)]
      (4.5 vs. 7.5 kPa, p = 0.001) and advanced fibrosis [bridging fibrosis that is
      spreading and connecting to other areas that contain fibrosis (F3) + cirrhosis or
      advanced scarring of the liver (F4)] (4.5 vs. 19.4 kPa, p = 0.001). Similarly,
      there was a significant difference in mean APRI value in patients with F0 in
      comparison to patients having mild fibrosis (F1 + F2) (0.55 +/- 0.31 vs. 1.09 +/-
      0.81, p = 0.001) and advanced fibrosis (F3 + F4) (2.3 +/- 1.3, p = 0.001). AUROC
      for diagnosis of significant fibrosis was 0.98 (95 % confidence interval (CI)
      0.963-0.999) for TE and 0.865 (95 % CI 0.810-0.920) for APRI. Optimal TE value
      was 10.0 kPa for diagnosis of significant fibrosis and 14.7 kPa for cirrhosis
      with specificity and sensitivity of 89 %, 98 % and 96 %, and 97 %, respectively.
      On multivariate analysis, total bilirubin and histological activity index (HAI)
      were identified as an independent predictor of TE inaccuracy. CONCLUSION: LSM is
      a reliable predictor of hepatic fibrosis in Indian patients. LSM is superior to
      APRI for noninvasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis, and high
      bilirubin (10.5 mg/dL) and Ishak HAI grade (>11) were independent predictors of
      discordance between LB and LSM.

PMID- 25138789
TI  - Regulation of angiopoietin-like protein 4 production during and after exercise.
AB  - Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) may regulate lipoprotein lipase-dependent
      plasma clearance of triacylglycerol from skeletal muscle during exercise. The aim
      of this study was to examine the importance of muscle in regulating ANGPTL4 in
      response to exercise. We sampled muscle biopsies and serum before, immediately
      after, and 2 h after 45 min of ergometer cycling. Sampling was done before and
      after a 12-week training intervention in controls and dysglycemic subjects.
      Moreover, fat biopsies were taken before and after the training intervention. The
      regulation of ANGPTL4 was also investigated in several tissues of exercising
      mice, and in cultured myotubes. ANGPTL4 levels in serum and expression in muscle
      were highest 2 h after exercise in both groups. Whereas ANGPTL4 was higher in
      muscle of exercising controls as compared to dysglycemic subjects, the opposite
      was observed in serum. In exercising mice, Angptl4 mRNA showed both higher basal
      expression and induction in liver compared to muscle. Angptl4 mRNA was much
      higher in adipose tissue than muscle and was also induced by exercise. We
      observed two mRNA isoforms of ANGPTL4 in muscle and fat in humans. Both were
      induced by exercise in muscle; one isoform was expressed 5- to 10-fold higher
      than the other. Studies in mice and cultured myotubes showed that both fatty
      acids and cortisol have the potential to increase ANGPTL4 expression in muscle
      during exercise. In conclusion, ANGPTL4 is markedly induced in muscle in response
      to exercise. However, liver and adipose tissue may contribute more than muscle to
      the exercise-induced increase in circulating ANGPTL4. 

PMID- 25138788
TI  - Antibiotic use in acute pancreatitis: an Indian multicenter observational study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prophylactic antibiotics are used frequently for acute pancreatitis
      (AP). Consensus guidelines do not recommend this currently, based on moderate
      quality evidence. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antibiotic use pattern
      in AP in India and propose a risk-directed approach to antibiotic use in AP.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multicenter study was conducted from 1 May 2013 to 31
      July 2013. Eleven participants from eight tertiary centers completed a
      questionnaire that captured patient demographics, etiology, admission status,
      presence of (peri)pancreatic necrosis, severity of pancreatitis, details of
      antibiotic use, and clinical outcomes (total hospital stay, persistent organ
      failure, need for ICU, total days in ICU, development of infections, in-hospital
      mortality). RESULTS: A total of 200 proformas were analyzed. Seventy-three (36.5
      %) had acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). Eighty-nine (44.5 %), 52 (26 %), and
      55 (27.5 %) patients had mild AP (MAP), moderately severe AP (MSAP), and severe
      AP (SAP), respectively. Forty-five (22.5 %) patients developed infections
      (unifocal 29; multifocal 16). One hundred thirty-four (67 %) patients received
      antibiotics, of which 89 (66.4 %) received prophylactic, while 45 (33.6 %)
      received therapeutic antibiotics. The distribution of antibiotic use according to
      the severity of AP was 43 (48.3 %) in patients with MAP (prophylactic in 41;
      therapeutic in 2), 36 (69.2 %) in patients with MSAP (prophylactic in 29;
      therapeutic in 7), and 55 (100 %) in patients with SAP (prophylactic in 19;
      therapeutic in 36). Therapeutic antibiotics were prescribed based on culture and
      sensitivity in 21 (46.7 %) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite nonrecommendation,
      prophylactic antibiotics are used frequently in AP. We emphasize on the need for
      multicenter randomized controlled trials on prophylactic antibiotics for AP based
      on a risk-directed approach, rather than a "blanket approach."

PMID- 25138790
TI  - Identification of the pre-Botzinger complex inspiratory center in calibrated
      "sandwich" slices from newborn mice with fluorescent Dbx1 interneurons.
AB  - Inspiratory active pre-Botzinger complex (preBotC) networks produce the neural
      rhythm that initiates and controls breathing movements. We previously identified
      the preBotC in the newborn rat brainstem and established anatomically defined
      transverse slices in which the preBotC remains active when exposed at one
      surface. This follow-up study uses a neonatal mouse model in which the preBotC as
      well as a genetically defined class of respiratory interneurons can be identified
      and selectively targeted for physiological recordings. The population of
      glutamatergic interneurons whose precursors express the transcription factor Dbx1
      putatively comprises the core respiratory rhythmogenic circuit. Here, we used
      intersectional mouse genetics to identify the brainstem distribution of Dbx1
      derived neurons in the context of observable respiratory marker structures. This
      reference brainstem atlas enabled online histology for generating calibrated
      sandwich slices to identify the preBotC location, which was heretofore
      unspecified for perinatal mice. Sensitivity to opioids ensured that slice rhythms
      originated from preBotC neurons and not parafacial respiratory
      group/retrotrapezoid nucleus (pFRG/RTN) cells because opioids depress preBotC,
      but not pFRG/RTN rhythms. We found that the preBotC is centered ~0.4 mm caudal to
      the facial motor nucleus in this Cre/lox reporter mouse during postnatal days 0
      4. Our findings provide the essential basis for future optically guided
      electrophysiological and fluorescence imaging-based studies, as well as the
      application of other Cre-dependent tools to record or manipulate respiratory
      rhythmogenic neurons. These resources will ultimately help elucidate the
      mechanisms that promote respiratory-related oscillations of preBotC Dbx1-derived
      neurons and thus breathing. 

PMID- 25138793
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 25138791
TI  - The exocyst and regulatory GTPases in urinary exosomes.
AB  - Cilia, organelles that function as cellular antennae, are central to the
      pathogenesis of "ciliopathies", including various forms of polycystic kidney
      disease (PKD). To date, however, the molecular mechanisms controlling
      ciliogenesis and ciliary function remain incompletely understood. A recently
      proposed model of cell-cell communication, called "urocrine signaling",
      hypothesizes that a subset of membrane bound vesicles that are secreted into the
      urinary stream (termed exosome-like vesicles, or ELVs), carry cilia-specific
      proteins as cargo, interact with primary cilia, and affect downstream cellular
      functions. This study was undertaken to determine the role of the exocyst, a
      highly conserved eight-protein trafficking complex, in the secretion and/or
      retrieval of ELVs. We used Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells expressing
      either Sec10-myc (a central component of the exocyst complex) or Smoothened-YFP
      (a ciliary protein found in ELVs) in experiments utilizing electron gold
      microscopy and live fluorescent microscopy, respectively. Additionally, human
      urinary exosomes were isolated via ultracentrifugation and subjected to mass
      spectrometry-based proteomics analysis to determine the composition of ELVs. We
      found, as determined by EM, that the exocyst localizes to primary cilia, and is
      present in vesicles attached to the cilium. Furthermore, the entire exocyst
      complex, as well as most of its known regulatory GTPases, are present in human
      urinary ELVs. Finally, in living MDCK cells, ELVs appear to interact with primary
      cilia using spinning disc confocal microscopy. These data suggest that the
      exocyst complex, in addition to its role in ciliogenesis, is centrally involved
      in the secretion and/or retrieval of urinary ELVs. 

PMID- 25138792
TI  - Acute insulin resistance stimulates and insulin sensitization attenuates vascular
      smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation.
AB  - Differential activation/deactivation of insulin signaling, PI-3K and MAP-K
      pathways by high glucose and palmitate, with/out the insulin sensitizer
      pioglitazone (PIO), have been previously shown in vascular smooth muscle cells
      (VSMCs). To determine the biological impact of these molecular changes, we
      examined VSMC migration and proliferation ("M"&"P") patterns in similar
      conditions. VSMCs from healthy human coronary arteries were incubated in growth
      medium and "M"&"P" were analyzed after exposure to high glucose (25 mmol/L) +/-
      palmitate (200 MUmol/L) and +/- PIO (8 MUmol/L) for 5 h. "M"&"P" were assessed
      by: (1) polycarbonate membrane barrier with chemo-attractants and extended cell
      protrusions quantified by optical density (OD595 nm); (2) % change in radius area
      (2D Assay) using inverted microscopy images; and (3) cell viability assay
      expressed as cell absorbance (ABS) in media. "M" in 25 mmol/L glucose media
      increased by ~25% from baseline and % change in radius area rose from ~20% to
      ~30%. The addition of PIO was accompanied by a significant decrease in "M" from
      0.25 +/- 0.02 to 0.19 +/- 0.02; a comparable decline from 0.25 +/- 0.02 to 0.18
      +/- 0.02 was also seen with 25 mmol/L of glucose +200 MUmol/L of palmitate. When
      PIO was coincubated with high glucose plus palmitate there was a 50% reduction in
      % change in radius. A ~10% increase in ABS, reflecting augmented "P" in media
      with 25 mmol/L glucose versus control was documented. The addition of PIO reduced
      ABS from 0.208 +/- 0.03 to 0.183 +/- 0.06. Both high glucose and palmitate showed
      ABS of ~0.140 +/- 0.02, which decreased with PIO to ~0.120 +/- 0.02, indicating
      "P" was reduced. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that high glucose and
      palmitate stimulate VSMCs migration and proliferation in vitro, which is
      attenuated by coincubation with the insulin sensitizer PIO. Although, we cannot
      ascertain whether these functional changes are coincident with the
      activation/deactivation of signal molecules, our findings are consistent with the
      theory that differential regulation of insulin signaling pathways in VSMCs in
      insulin-resistant states plays an important role in inflammation, arterial wall
      thickening, and plaque formation during development of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 25138794
TI  - Circuit-specific changes in D-serine-dependent activation of the N-methyl-D
      aspartate receptor in the aging hippocampus.
AB  - Age-related memory deficits have recently been associated with the impaired
      expression of D-serine-dependent synaptic plasticity in neuronal networks of the
      hippocampal CA1 area. However, whether such functional alterations are common to
      the entire hippocampus during aging remains unknown. Here, we found that D-serine
      was also required for the induction of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R)
      dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) at perforant path-granule cell synapses of
      the dentate gyrus. LTP as well as isolated NMDA-R synaptic potentials were
      impaired in slices from aged rats, but in contrast to the CA1, this defect was
      not reversed by exogenous D-serine. The lower activation of the glycine-binding
      site by the endogenous co-agonist does not therefore appear to be a critical
      mechanism underlying age-related deficits in NMDA-R activation in the dentate
      gyrus. Instead, our data highlight the role of changes in presynaptic inputs as
      illustrated by the weaker responsiveness of afferent glutamatergic fibers, as
      well as changes in postsynaptic NMDA-R density. Thus, our study indicates that
      although NMDA-R-dependent mechanisms driving synaptic plasticity are quite
      similar between hippocampal circuits, they show regional differences in their
      susceptibility to aging, which could hamper the development of effective
      therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing cognitive aging. 

PMID- 25138796
TI  - Paraneoplastic neuropathy with positive anti-Hu. A case report.

PMID- 25138795
TI  - Empyema due to Aggregatibacter aphrophilus and Parvimonas micra coinfection.

PMID- 25138797
TI  - Intrathoracic schwannoma of the vagus nerve.

PMID- 25138798
TI  - Thrombotic microangiopathy associated with tacrolimus in lung transplantation.
AB  - Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare complication associated with the use
      of calcineurin inhibitors in lung transplantation, irrespective of the underlying
      disease of the graft recipient. It usually occurs in incomplete forms,
      complicating and delaying diagnosis until damage is already irreversible. It is
      unrelated to time from transplantation and often presents with concomitant
      infection, which tends to confound diagnosis. The cases discussed here have a
      common causative agent and all present with concomitant infection. Treatment
      recommendations have changed in recent years with the introduction of
      plasmapheresis or, more recently, the availability of the antibody eculizumab.
      Notwithstanding, the most cost-effective measure is withdrawal or switching of
      the calcineurin inhibitor. TMA is an underdiagnosed clinical entity that should
      be considered in the management of transplantation patients. 

PMID- 25138799
TI  - Complementary home mechanical ventilation techniques. SEPAR Year 2014.
AB  - This is a review of the different complementary techniques that are useful for
      optimizing home mechanical ventilation (HMV). Airway clearance is very important
      in patients with HMV and many patients, particularly those with reduced peak
      cough flow, require airway clearance (manual or assisted) or assisted cough
      techniques (manual or mechanical) and suctioning procedures, in addition to
      ventilation. In the case of invasive HMV, good tracheostomy cannula management is
      essential for success. HMV patients may have sleep disturbances that must be
      taken into account. Sleep studies including complete polysomnography or
      respiratory polygraphy are helpful for identifying patient-ventilator asynchrony.
      Other techniques, such as bronchoscopy or nutritional support, may be required in
      patients on HMV, particularly if percutaneous gastrostomy is required.
      Information on treatment efficacy can be obtained from HMV monitoring, using
      methods such as pulse oximetry, capnography or the internal programs of the
      ventilators themselves. Finally, the importance of the patient's subjective
      perception is reviewed, as this may potentially affect the success of the HMV. 

PMID- 25138800
TI  - Case-control study of anaemia among middle-aged and elderly women in three rural
      areas of China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To propose a feasible suggestion to reduce the high prevalence of
      anaemia in middle-aged and elderly women by investigating risk factors,
      particularly nutritional factors, and analysing the effect on anaemia in three
      different rural areas of China. DESIGN: A case-control study. SETTING: Three
      counties of China. PARTICIPANTS: Women aged 50-75 years in the three counties.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adjusted OR (95% CI) of anaemia associated with diet,
      lifestyle and blood biochemical indices. RESULTS: Compared with controls, women
      with anaemia had lower body mass index (22.1 (3.2) kg/m(2) vs 23.2 (3.5) kg/m(2);
      p<0.001), a higher experience of shortage of food (45.0% vs 36.5%; p<0.001), less
      soy food intake (0.5 (0.3, 26.7) g/day vs 5.6 (0.4, 27.8) g/day; p<0.048), lower
      serum iron (13.4 (5.4) MUmol/L vs 16.4 (5.7) MUmol/L; p<0.001), lower ferritin
      (109.6 (85.6) ng/mL vs 131.0 (92.0) ng/mL; p<0.001), lower transferrin saturation
      levels (22.5 (9.5)% vs 26.8 (9.6)%; p<0.001) and higher levels of free
      erythrocyte protoporphyrin (42.4 (21.2) MUg/dL vs 39.6 (17.8) MUg/dL; p<0.001).
      Anaemia was significantly associated with BMI(OR=0.90, 95% CI (0.87 to 0.92)),
      food shortage experience (OR=1.39, 95% CI (1.15 to 1.69)), total protein
      (OR=0.66, 95%CI (0.54 to 0.80)), Albumin (OR=0.72, 95%CI (0.59 to 0.87)) in
      univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index,
      experience of food shortage, total protein and albumin were independently related
      to anaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Among middle-aged and elderly women in rural China, the
      nutrition status of anaemic cases is far below that of controls. Lower body mass
      index and a greater experience of food shortage are closely related to anaemia.
      Improving the blood protein status by consuming protein-sufficient foods such as
      soy food is a feasible approach for elderly anaemic women. Further research is
      needed on the effect of chronic inflammation and infectious disease on anaemia in
      elderly women in rural China.

PMID- 25138802
TI  - Third-wave cognitive therapy versus mentalisation-based treatment for major
      depressive disorder: a randomised clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the benefits and harms of third-wave cognitive therapy
      versus mentalisation-based therapy in a small sample of depressed participants.
      SETTING: The trial was conducted at an outpatient psychiatric clinic for non
      psychotic patients in Roskilde, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: 44 consecutive adult
      participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder. INTERVENTIONS: 18 weeks of
      third-wave cognitive therapy (n=22) versus 18 weeks of mentalisation-based
      treatment (n=22). OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was the Hamilton Rating Scale for
      Depression (HDRS) at end of treatment (18 weeks). Secondary outcomes were:
      remission (HDRS <8), Beck's Depression Inventory, Symptom Checklist 90 Revised
      and The WHO-Five Well-being Index 1999. RESULTS: The trial inclusion lasted for
      about 2 years as planned but only 44 out of the planned 84 participants were
      randomised. Two mentalisation-based participants were lost to follow-up. The
      unadjusted analysis showed that third-wave participants compared with
      mentalisation-based participants did not differ significantly regarding the 18
      weeks HDRS score (12.9 vs 17.0; mean difference -4.14; 95% CI -8.30 to 0.03;
      p=0.051). In the analysis adjusted for baseline HDRS score, the difference was
      favouring third-wave cognitive therapy (p=0.039). At 18 weeks, five of the third
      wave participants (22.7%) were in remission versus none of the mentalisation
      based participants (p=0.049). We recorded no suicide attempts or suicides during
      the intervention period in any of the 44 participants. No significant differences
      were found between the two intervention groups on the remaining secondary
      outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Third-wave cognitive therapy may be more effective than
      mentalisation-based therapy for depressive symptoms measured on the HDRS.
      However, more randomised clinical trials are needed to assess the effects of
      third-wave cognitive therapy and mentalisation-based treatment for depression.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Registered with Clinical Trials government identifier:
      NCT01070134.

PMID- 25138801
TI  - Targeting intensive versus conventional glycaemic control for type 1 diabetes
      mellitus: a systematic review with meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses of
      randomised clinical trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the benefits and harms of targeting intensive versus
      conventional glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. DESIGN:
      A systematic review with meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses of
      randomised clinical trials. DATA SOURCES: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      Science Citation Index Expanded and LILACS to January 2013. STUDY SELECTION:
      Randomised clinical trials that prespecified different targets of glycaemic
      control in participants at any age with type 1 diabetes mellitus were included.
      DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and
      extracted data. RESULTS: 18 randomised clinical trials included 2254 participants
      with type 1 diabetes mellitus. All trials had high risk of bias. There was no
      statistically significant effect of targeting intensive glycaemic control on all
      cause mortality (risk ratio 1.16, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.08) or cardiovascular
      mortality (0.49, 0.19 to 1.24). Targeting intensive glycaemic control reduced the
      relative risks for the composite macrovascular outcome (0.63, 0.41 to 0.96;
      p=0.03), and nephropathy (0.37, 0.27 to 0.50; p<0.00001. The effect estimates of
      retinopathy, ketoacidosis and retinal photocoagulation were not consistently
      statistically significant between random and fixed effects models. The risk of
      severe hypoglycaemia was significantly increased with intensive glycaemic targets
      (1.40, 1.01 to 1.94). Trial sequential analyses showed that the amount of data
      needed to demonstrate a relative risk reduction of 10% were, in general,
      inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant effect towards improved all
      cause mortality when targeting intensive glycaemic control compared with
      conventional glycaemic control. However, there may be beneficial effects of
      targeting intensive glycaemic control on the composite macrovascular outcome and
      on nephropathy, and detrimental effects on severe hypoglycaemia. Notably, the
      data for retinopathy and ketoacidosis were inconsistent. There was a severe lack
      of reporting on patient relevant outcomes, and all trials had poor bias control.

PMID- 25138803
TI  - Incentivised case finding for depression in patients with chronic heart disease
      and diabetes in primary care: an ethnographic study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the process of case finding for depression in people with
      diabetes and coronary heart disease within the context of a pay-for-performance
      scheme. DESIGN: Ethnographic study drawing on observations of practice routines
      and consultations, debriefing interviews with staff and patients and review of
      patient records. SETTING: General practices in Leeds, UK. PARTICIPANTS: 12
      purposively sampled practices with a total of 119 staff; 63 consultation
      observations and 57 patient interviews. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Audio recorded
      consultations and interviews with patients and healthcare professionals along
      with observation field notes were thematically analysed. We assessed outcomes of
      case finding from patient records. RESULTS: Case finding exacerbated the
      discordance between patient and professional agendas, the latter already
      dominated by the tightly structured and time-limited nature of chronic illness
      reviews. Professional beliefs and abilities affected how case finding was
      undertaken; there was uncertainty about how to ask the questions, particularly
      among nursing staff. Professionals were often wary of opening an emotional 'can
      of worms'. Subsequently, patient responses potentially suggesting emotional
      problems could be prematurely shut down by professionals. Patients did not
      understand why they were asked questions about depression. This sometimes led to
      defensive or even defiant answers to case finding. Follow-up of patients
      highlighted inconsistent systems and lines of communication for dealing with
      positive results on case finding. CONCLUSIONS: Case finding does not fit
      naturally within consultations; both professional and patient reactions somewhat
      subverted the process recommended by national guidance. Quality improvement
      strategies will need to take account of our results in two ways. First, despite
      their apparent simplicity, the case finding questions are not consultation
      friendly and acceptable alternative ways to raise the issue of depression need to
      be supported. Second, case finding needs to operate within structured pathways
      which can be accommodated within available systems and resources.

PMID- 25138804
TI  - Overall, gender and social inequalities in suicide mortality in Iran, 2006-2010:
      a time trend province-level study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Suicide is a major global health problem imposing a considerable
      burden on populations in terms of disability-adjusted life years. There has been
      an increasing trend in fatal and attempted suicide in Iran over the past few
      decades. The aim of the current study was to assess overall, gender and social
      inequalities across Iran's provinces during 2006-2010. DESIGN: Ecological study.
      SETTING: The data on distribution of population at the provinces were obtained
      from the Statistical Centre of Iran. The data on the annual number of deaths
      caused by suicide in each province were gathered from the Iranian Forensic
      Medicine Organization. METHODS: Suicide mortality rate per 100,000 population was
      calculated. Human Development Index was used as the provinces' social rank. Gini
      coefficient, rate ratio and Kunst and Mackenbach relative index of inequality
      were used to assess overall, gender and social inequalities, respectively. Annual
      percentage change was calculated using Joinpoint regression. RESULTS: Suicide
      mortality has slightly increased in Iran during 2006-2010. There was a
      substantial and constant overall inequality across the country over the study
      period. Male-to-female rate ratio was 2.34 (95% CI 1.45 to 3.79) over the same
      period. There were social inequalities in suicide mortality in favour of people
      in better-off provinces. In addition, there was an increasing trend in these
      social disparities over time, although it was not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found substantial overall, gender and social disparities in the
      distribution of suicide mortality across the provinces in Iran. The findings
      showed that men in the provinces with low socioeconomic status are at higher risk
      of suicide mortality. Further analyses are needed to explain these disparities.

PMID- 25138805
TI  - Geographic scale matters in detecting the relationship between neighbourhood food
      environments and obesity risk: an analysis of driver license records in Salt Lake
      County, Utah.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Empirical studies of the association between neighbourhood food
      environments and individual obesity risk have found mixed results. One possible
      cause of these mixed findings is the variation in neighbourhood geographic scale
      used. The purpose of this paper was to examine how various neighbourhood
      geographic scales affected the estimated relationship between food environments
      and obesity risk. DESIGN: Cross-sectional secondary data analysis. SETTING: Salt
      Lake County, Utah, USA. PARTICIPANTS: 403,305 Salt Lake County adults 25-64 in
      the Utah driver license database between 1995 and 2008. ANALYSIS: Utah driver
      license data were geo-linked to 2000 US Census data and Dun & Bradstreet business
      data. Food outlets were classified into the categories of large grocery stores,
      convenience stores, limited-service restaurants and full-service restaurants, and
      measured at four neighbourhood geographic scales: Census block group, Census
      tract, ZIP code and a 1 km buffer around the resident's house. These measures
      were regressed on individual obesity status using multilevel random intercept
      regressions. OUTCOME: Obesity. RESULTS: Food environment was important for
      obesity but the scale of the relevant neighbourhood differs for different type of
      outlets: large grocery stores were not significant at all four geographic scales,
      limited-service restaurants at the medium-to-large scale (Census tract or larger)
      and convenience stores and full-service restaurants at the smallest scale (Census
      tract or smaller). CONCLUSIONS: The choice of neighbourhood geographic scale can
      affect the estimated significance of the association between neighbourhood food
      environments and individual obesity risk. However, variations in geographic scale
      alone do not explain the mixed findings in the literature. If researchers are
      constrained to use one geographic scale with multiple categories of food outlets,
      using Census tract or 1 km buffer as the neighbourhood geographic unit is likely
      to allow researchers to detect most significant relationships.

PMID- 25138806
TI  - Multimorbidity in a marginalised, street-health Australian population: a
      retrospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Demographic and presentation profile of patients using an innovative
      mobile outreach clinic compared with mainstream practice. DESIGN: Retrospective
      cohort study. SETTING: Primary care mobile street health clinic and mainstream
      practice in Western Australia. PARTICIPANTS: 2587 street health and 4583
      mainstream patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence and patterns of chronic
      diseases in anatomical domains across the entire age spectrum of patients and
      disease severity burden using Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS). RESULTS:
      Multimorbidity (2+ CIRS domains) prevalence was significantly higher in the
      street health cohort (46.3%, 1199/2587) than age-sex-adjusted mainstream estimate
      (43.1%, 2000/4583), p=0.011. Multimorbidity prevalence was significantly higher
      in street health patients <45 years (37.7%, 615/1649) compared with age-sex
      adjusted mainstream patients (33%, 977/2961), p=0.003 but significantly lower if
      65+ years (62%, 114/184 vs 90.7%, 322/355, p<0.001). Controlling for age and
      gender, the mean CIRS Severity Index score for street health (M=1.4, SD=0.91) was
      significantly higher than for mainstream patients (M=1.1, SD=0.80), p<0.001.
      Furthermore, 44.2% (530/1199) of street health patients had at least one level 3
      or 4 score across domains compared with 18.3% (420/2294) for mainstream patients,
      p<0.001. Street health population comprised 29.6% (766/2587) Aboriginal patients
      with 50.4% (386/766) having multimorbidity compared with 44.6% (813/1821) for non
      Aboriginals, p=0.007. There were no comprehensive data on Indigenous status in
      the mainstream cohort available for comparison. Musculoskeletal, respiratory and
      psychiatric domains were most commonly affected with multimorbidity significantly
      associated with male gender, increasing age and Indigenous status. CONCLUSIONS:
      Age-sex-adjusted multimorbidity prevalence and disease severity is higher in the
      street health cohort. Earlier onset (23-34 years) multimorbidity is found in the
      street health cohort but prevalence is lower in 65+ years than in mainstream
      patients. Multimorbidity prevalence is higher for Aboriginal patients of all
      ages.

PMID- 25138808
TI  - Analgesia dose prescribing and estimated glomerular filtration rate decline: a
      general practice database linkage cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to quantify the short-term effect of non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin and paracetamol analgesia dose prescribing
      on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in the general practice
      population. DESIGN: A population-based longitudinal clinical data linkage cohort
      study. SETTING: Two large general practices in North Staffordshire, UK.
      PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 40 years and over with >=2 eGFR measurements spaced
      >=90 days apart between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010 were selected.
      EXPOSURE: Using WHO Defined Daily Dose standardised cumulative analgesia
      prescribing, patients were categorised into non-user, normal and high-dose
      groups. OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome was defined as a >5 mL/min/1.73
      m(2)/year eGFR decrease between the first and last eGFR. Logistic regression
      analyses were used to estimate risk, adjusting for sociodemographics,
      comorbidity, baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD) status, renin-angiotensin
      system inhibitors and other analgesia prescribing. RESULTS: There were 4145
      patients (mean age 66 years, 55% female) with an analgesia prescribing prevalence
      of 17.2% for NSAIDs, 39% for aspirin and 22% for paracetamol and stage 3-5 CKD
      prevalence was 16.1% (n=667). Normal or high-dose NSAID and paracetamol
      prescribing was not significantly associated with eGFR decline. High-dose aspirin
      prescribing was associated with a reduced risk of eGFR decline in patients with a
      baseline (first) eGFR >=60 mL/min/1.73 m(2); OR=0.52 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.77).
      CONCLUSIONS: NSAID, aspirin and paracetamol prescribing over 2 years did not
      significantly affect eGFR decline with a reduced risk of eGFR decline in high
      dose aspirin users with well-preserved renal function. However, the long-term
      effects of analgesia use on eGFR decline remain to be determined.

PMID- 25138809
TI  - Evaluation of My Medication Passport: a patient-completed aide-memoire designed
      by patients, for patients, to help towards medicines optimisation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A passport-sized booklet, designed by patients for patients to record
      details about their medicines, has been developed as part of a wider project
      focusing on improving prescribing in the elderly ('ImPE'). We undertook an
      evaluation of 'My Medication Passport' to gain an understanding of its value to
      patients and how it may be used in communications about medicines. SETTING: The
      Passport was launched in secondary care with the initial users being older people
      discharged home after an admission to one of the four North West London
      participating Trusts. The uptake subsequently spread to other (community)
      locations and other age groups. PARTICIPANTS: We recruited more than 200 patients
      from a cohort who had been given a passport as part of the improvement projects
      at one of four sites. Of them, 63% (133) completed the structured telephone
      questionnaire including 27% for whom English was not their first language.
      Approximately half of the respondents were male and 40% were over 70 years of
      age. RESULTS: More than half of the respondents had found their medication
      passport useful or helpful in some way; 42% through sharing details from it with
      others (most frequently family, carer or doctor) or using it as a platform for
      conversations with healthcare professionals. One-third of those questioned
      carried the passport with them at all times. CONCLUSIONS: My Medication Passport
      has been positively evaluated; we have a better understanding of how it is used
      by patients, what they are recording and how it can be an aid to dialogue about
      medicines with family, carers and healthcare professionals. Further development
      and spread is underway including an App for smartphones that will be subject to
      wider evaluation to include feedback from clinicians.

PMID- 25138807
TI  - MAXimising Involvement in MUltiMorbidity (MAXIMUM) in primary care: protocol for
      an observation and interview study of patients, GPs and other care providers to
      identify ways of reducing patient safety failures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Increasing numbers of older people are living with multiple long
      term health conditions but global healthcare systems and clinical guidelines have
      traditionally focused on the management of single conditions. Having two or more
      long-term conditions, or 'multimorbidity', is associated with a range of adverse
      consequences and poor outcomes and could put patients at increased risk of safety
      failures. Traditionally, most research into patient safety failures has explored
      hospital or inpatient settings. Much less is known about patient safety failures
      in primary care. Our core aims are to understand the mechanisms by which
      multimorbidity leads to safety failures, to explore the different ways in which
      patients and services respond (or fail to respond), and to identify opportunities
      for intervention. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We plan to undertake an applied
      ethnographic study of patients with multimorbidity. Patients' interactions and
      environments, relevant to their healthcare, will be studied through observations,
      diary methods and semistructured interviews. A framework, based on previous
      studies, will be used to organise the collection and analysis of field notes,
      observations and other qualitative data. This framework includes the domains:
      access breakdowns, communication breakdowns, continuity of care errors,
      relationship breakdowns and technical errors. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical
      approval was received from the National Health Service Research Ethics Committee
      for Wales. An individual case study approach is likely to be most fruitful for
      exploring the mechanisms by which multimorbidity leads to safety failures. A
      longitudinal and multiperspective approach will allow for the constant comparison
      of patient, carer and healthcare worker expectations and experiences related to
      the provision, integration and management of complex care. This data will be used
      to explore ways of engaging patients and carers more in their own care using
      shared decision-making, patient empowerment or other relevant models.

PMID- 25138810
TI  - Relationship between socioeconomic status and type 2 diabetes: results from Korea
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010-2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and
      type 2 diabetes using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      (KNHANES) 2010-2012. DESIGN: A pooled sample cross-sectional study. SETTING: A
      nationally representative population survey data. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 14,330
      individuals who participated in the KNHANES 2010-2012 were included in our
      analysis. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Prevalence of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: The
      relationship between SES and type 2 diabetes was assessed using logistic
      regression after adjusting for covariates including age, gender, marital status,
      region, body mass index, physical activity, smoking and high-risk drinking
      behaviour. After adjustment for covariates, our results indicated that
      individuals with the lowest income were more likely to have type 2 diabetes than
      those with the highest income (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.72). In addition, lower
      educational attainment was an independent factor for a higher prevalence of type
      2 diabetes in Korea. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the need for developing
      a health policy to ameliorate socioeconomic inequalities, in particular income
      and education-related disparities in type 2 diabetes, along with risk factors at
      the individual level. In addition, future investigations of type 2 diabetes among
      Koreans should pay more attention to the social determinants of diabetes in order
      to understand the various causes of the condition.

PMID- 25138811
TI  - Decision aids for randomised controlled trials: a qualitative exploration of
      stakeholders' views.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore stakeholders' perceptions of decision aids designed to
      support the informed consent decision-making process for randomised controlled
      trials. DESIGN: Qualitative semistructured interviews. Participants were provided
      with prototype trial decision aids in advance to stimulate discussion. Interviews
      were analysed using an established interpretive approach. PARTICIPANTS: 23
      stakeholders: Trial Managers (n=5); Research Nurses (n=5); Ethics Committee
      Chairs (n=5); patients (n=4) and Clinical Principal Investigators (n=4). SETTING:
      Embedded within two ongoing randomised controlled trials. All interviews
      conducted with UK-based participants. RESULTS: Certain key aspects (eg, values
      clarification exercises, presentation of probabilities, experiences of others and
      balance of options) in the prototype decision aids were perceived by all
      stakeholders as having a significant advantage (over existing patient information
      leaflets) in terms of supporting well informed appropriate decisions. However,
      there were some important differences between the stakeholder groups on specific
      content (eg, language used in the section on positive and negative features of
      taking part in a trial and the overall length of the trial decision aids).
      Generally the stakeholders believed trial decision aids have the potential to
      better engage potential participants in the decision-making process and allow
      them to make more personally relevant decisions about their participation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Compared to existing patient information leaflets, stakeholders
      perceived decision aids for trial participation to have the potential to promote
      a more 'informed' decision-making process. Further efforts to develop, refine and
      formally evaluate trial decision aids should be explored.

PMID- 25138812
TI  - Comparison and validation of International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for
      diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer in a Taiwanese
      cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria (ICDC) designed to
      diagnosis autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) has been proposed recently. The
      diagnostic performance of ICDC has not been previously evaluated in diffuse-type
      and focal-type AIP, respectively, in comparison with the revised HISORt and Asian
      criteria in Taiwan. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive patient cohort. SETTING:
      Largest tertiary referred centre hospital managing pancreatic disease in Taiwan.
      PARTICIPANTS: 188 patients with AIP and 130 with tissue proofed pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma were consecutively recruited. INTERVENTIONS: The ICDC, as well as
      revised HISORt and Asian criteria, was applied for each participant. Each
      diagnostic criterion of ICDC was validated with special reference to levels 1 and
      2 in diffuse-type and focal-type AIP. OUTCOMES: Sensitivity, specificity and
      accuracy. Each diagnostic criterion of ICDC was validated with special reference
      to levels 1 and 2 in AIP and focal-type AIP. RESULTS: The sensitivity,
      specificity and accuracy of ICDC for all AIP were the best: 89.4%, 100% and
      93.7%, respectively, in these three criteria. The sensitivity, specificity and
      accuracy of ICDC for focal-type AIP (84.9%, 100% and 93.8%) were also the best
      among these three criteria. The area under the curve of receiver-operator
      characteristic of ICDC was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.97) in all AIP and 0.93 (95% CI
      0.88 to 0.97) in focal-type AIP. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity, specificity and
      accuracy of ICDC are higher than the revised HISORt and Asian criteria. The
      sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of each criterion are higher in diffuse
      type AIP compared with focal-type AIP. Under the same specificity, the
      sensitivity and accuracy of ICDC are higher than other diagnostic criteria in
      focal-type AIP. ICDC has better diagnostic performance compared with previously
      proposed diagnostic criteria in diffuse-type and focal-type AIP.

PMID- 25138813
TI  - A community-based survey for different abnormal glucose metabolism among pregnant
      women in a random household study (SAUDI-DM).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of gestational diabetes
      mellitus (GDM) in a population known to have a high prevalence of abnormal
      glucose metabolism. METHODS: A household random population-based cross-sectional
      study of 13,627 women in the childbearing age, who were subjected to fasting
      plasma glucose if they were not known to have been diagnosed before with any type
      of diabetes. GDM cases were diagnosed using the International Association of
      Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IAPSG) criteria. RESULTS: The overall GDM
      prevalence was 36.6%, categorised into 32.4% new cases and 4.2% known cases.
      Another 3.6% had preconception type 1 or 2 diabetes. GDM cases were older and had
      a significantly higher body mass index, in addition to a higher rate of
      macrocosmic baby and history of GDM. Monthly income, educational level, living in
      urban areas and smoking were not found to be significantly different between
      normal and GDM cases. The most important and significant risk factors for GDM
      were history of GDM, macrosomic baby, obesity and age >30 years. However,
      hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein, family history of diabetes and
      increased triglycerides did not show any significant effect on GDM prevalence in
      this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This society is facing a real burden of abnormal
      glucose metabolism during pregnancy, where almost half of the pregnant women are
      subjected to maternal and neonatal complications. Early screening of pregnant
      women, especially those at a high risk for GDM, is mandatory to identify and
      manage those cases.

PMID- 25138814
TI  - A study protocol for a randomised open-label clinical trial of artesunate
      mefloquine versus chloroquine in patients with non-severe Plasmodium knowlesi
      malaria in Sabah, Malaysia (ACT KNOW trial).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Malaria due to Plasmodium knowlesi is reported throughout South
      East Asia, and is the commonest cause of it in Malaysia. P. knowlesi replicates
      every 24 h and can cause severe disease and death. Current 2010 WHO Malaria
      Treatment Guidelines have no recommendations for the optimal treatment of non
      severe knowlesi malaria. Artemisinin-combination therapies (ACT) and chloroquine
      have each been successfully used to treat knowlesi malaria; however, the rapidity
      of parasite clearance has not been prospectively compared. Malaysia's national
      policy for malaria pre-elimination involves mandatory hospital admission for
      confirmed malaria cases with discharge only after two negative blood films; use
      of a more rapidly acting antimalarial agent would have health cost benefits. P.
      knowlesi is commonly microscopically misreported as P. malariae, P. falciparum or
      P. vivax, with a high proportion of the latter two species being chloroquine
      resistant in Malaysia. A unified ACT-treatment protocol would provide effective
      blood stage malaria treatment for all Plasmodium species. METHODS AND ANALYSIS:
      ACT KNOW, the first randomised controlled trial ever performed in knowlesi
      malaria, is a two-arm open-label trial with enrolments over a 2-year period at
      three district sites in Sabah, powered to show a difference in proportion of
      patients negative for malaria by microscopy at 24 h between treatment arms
      (clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01708876). Enrolments started in December 2012, with
      completion expected by September 2014. A total sample size of 228 is required to
      give 90% power (alpha 0.05) to determine the primary end point using intention-to
      treat analysis. Secondary end points include parasite clearance time, rates of
      recurrent infection/treatment failure to day 42, gametocyte carriage throughout
      follow-up and rates of anaemia at day 28, as determined by survival analysis.
      ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by relevant institutional
      ethics committees in Malaysia and Australia. Results will be disseminated to
      inform knowlesi malaria treatment policy in this region through peer-reviewed
      publications and academic presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01708876.

PMID- 25138817
TI  - Implementation and use of electronic synoptic cancer reporting: an explorative
      case study of six Norwegian pathology laboratories.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The information contained in histopathology reports on surgical
      resections of cancer is fundamental for both patient treatment and cancer
      registries. Electronic synoptic histopathology reporting is considered superior
      to traditional narrative reporting with respect to both completeness and
      feasibility of data use. An electronic template for colorectal cancer reporting
      was introduced in Norway in 2005, but implementation has varied greatly between
      different pathology departments. In 2012, four pathology departments and the
      Norwegian Cancer Registry started a new initiative on electronic cancer
      reporting. As part of this initiative, this study was undertaken to learn more
      about factors influencing implementation and use. METHODS: Qualitative and
      quantitative data were obtained from six of the 17 public pathology departments
      in Norway using explorative case study methodology. Methods included document
      studies, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and audits on actual
      template use. A systematic analysis of data was conducted based on theoretical
      models for project management, stakeholder engagement, and individual acceptance
      of new information technology. RESULTS: Most key informants had a positive view
      on synoptic reporting, and five departments had tested the electronic template.
      Of these, four had implemented the template while one department had decided not
      to implement it due to layout concerns. Of the four departments using the
      template in daily routine, one had compulsory use, two consensus based use, while
      the fourth had voluntary use. Annual average usage of the electronic template in
      the three departments with compulsory or consensus based use was 92% compared to
      53% in the department with voluntary use. CONCLUSIONS: There was a general
      positive attitude towards electronic synoptic reporting. Reasons for not
      implementing the colorectal template were specific technical and quality issues
      not adequately addressed by the project organization having developed the
      template. A formal assessment of project outcomes with a task force handling such
      technical issues should accordingly have been established as part of the project.
      After an organizational decision on implementation, perceived job relevance and
      practical benefits are factors important for individual template use. Consistent
      high long-term usage was related to a departmental environment with a consensus
      based decision on use.

PMID- 25138815
TI  - Protocol for the RT Prepare Trial: a multiple-baseline study of radiation
      therapists delivering education and support to women with breast cancer who are
      referred for radiotherapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is limited evidence to guide the preparation of patients for
      radiotherapy. This paper describes the protocol for an evaluation of a radiation
      therapist led education intervention delivered to patients with breast cancer in
      order to reduce psychological distress. METHODS: A multiple-baseline study is
      being used. Usual care data is being collected prior to the start of the
      intervention at each of three sites. The intervention is delivered by radiation
      therapists consulting with patients prior to their treatment planning and on the
      first day of treatment. The intervention focuses on providing sensory and
      procedural information to patients and reducing pretreatment anxiety. Recruitment
      is occurring in three states in Australia. Eligible participants are patients who
      have been referred for radiotherapy to treat breast cancer. 200 patients will be
      recruited during a usual care phase and, thereafter, 200 patients in the
      intervention phase. Measures will be collected on four occasions-after meeting
      with their radiation oncologist, prior to treatment planning, on the first day of
      treatment and after treatment completion. The primary hypothesis is that patients
      who receive the radiotherapy preparatory intervention will report a significantly
      greater decrease in psychological distress from baseline to prior to radiotherapy
      treatment planning in comparison with the usual care group. Secondary outcome
      measures include concerns about radiotherapy, patient knowledge of radiotherapy,
      patient preparedness and quality of life. Patient health system usage and costs
      will also be measured. Multilevel mixed effects regression models will be applied
      to test for intervention effects. ETHICS: Ethics approval has been gained from
      Curtin University and the three recruiting sites. DISSEMINATION: Results will be
      reported in international peer reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registration: ACTRN12611001000998.

PMID- 25138819
TI  - Dissection of the posterior wall by guide-wire during internal jugular vein
      catheterization.
AB  - We report a case of posterior wall hematoma formation in the internal jugular
      vein after the puncture of central vein. An 82-year-old woman was scheduled for
      laparotomy for an abdominal incisional hernia. After induction of general
      anesthesia, we performed central venous catheterization via the right internal
      jugular vein under ultrasound guidance in the short-axis view and out-of plane
      technique. The ultrasound view after insertion of a guide-wire revealed a
      hematoma-like space on the posterior wall of the vein. We removed and reinserted
      the guide-wire. This time, insertion of the wire and catheter was uneventful.
      Seven days after the surgery, no hematoma-like space was found in the vein. The
      malposition of the guide-wire was detected before dilation, which enabled us to
      avoid complications in this case. We should note that the confirmation of guide
      wire placement in the vein is important during ultrasound-guided central venous
      catheterization. 

PMID- 25138816
TI  - Structural analysis of diheme cytochrome c by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass
      spectrometry and homology modeling.
AB  - A lack of X-ray or nuclear magnetic resonance structures of proteins inhibits
      their further study and characterization, motivating the development of new ways
      of analyzing structural information without crystal structures. The combination
      of hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) data in conjunction
      with homology modeling can provide improved structure and mechanistic
      predictions. Here a unique diheme cytochrome c (DHCC) protein from Heliobacterium
      modesticaldum is studied with both HDX and homology modeling to bring some
      definition of the structure of the protein and its role. Specifically, HDX data
      were used to guide the homology modeling to yield a more functionally relevant
      structural model of DHCC. 

PMID- 25138818
TI  - Skeletal versus conventional intraoral anchorage for the treatment of class II
      malocclusion: dentoalveolar and skeletal effects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study is to investigate the
      dentoalveolar and skeletal effects of two distalizing protocols featuring
      different anchorage systems used in patients with class II malocclusion: the MGBM
      system (skeletal anchorage) and Pendulum (intraoral anchorage). METHODS: The
      sample comprised 57 patients who were assigned to one of the two treatments: the
      MGBM group (30 patients, mean age 13.3 +/- 2.3 years) or the Pendulum group (27
      patients, mean age 12.8 +/- 1.7 years). Three serial cephalograms were obtained
      at baseline (T0), after molar distalization (T1), and after fixed appliance
      treatment (T2). Esthetic, skeletal, and dental parameters were considered.
      Pancherz's superimposition method was used to assess sagittal dental changes. The
      initial and final measurements and treatment changes were compared by means of a
      paired t test or a paired Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was tested at p
      < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001. RESULTS: In the MGBM group, the upper molar
      distalization was achieved in 7 months and showed a mean value of 4.9 mm (ms
      PLO); the amount of molar relationship correction was 5.9 mm. In the Pendulum
      group, the upper molar distalization was obtained in 9 months and showed a mean
      value of 2.5 mm (ms-PLO), while the molar relationship correction amounted to 4.9
      mm. Anterior anchorage loss occurred in both groups, although in the MGBM group,
      there was less mesial movement of the premolars. CONCLUSIONS: The MGBM system and
      the Pendulum appliance are both effective in the correction of class II
      malocclusions. The MGBM system was found to be more efficient than the Pendulum
      appliance, producing greater molar distalization in a shorter treatment time.

PMID- 25138821
TI  - Anisocoria after anesthesia induction caused by Adie syndrome.

PMID- 25138820
TI  - An unusual case of post-anaesthesia voice loss.

PMID- 25138822
TI  - An assessment of the awareness of local anesthetic systemic toxicity among multi
      specialty postgraduate residents.
AB  - Local anesthetics (LAs) are extensively used in clinical practice by both
      anesthesiologists and non-anesthesiologists and are often associated with
      systemic toxicity. We hypothesize that this awareness is inadequate among medical
      specialists and entails a risk of misdiagnosis and underreporting of such events.
      We therefore conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study to assess the
      level of understanding of LA use and effective management of systemic toxicity
      among 200 postgraduate residents of various specialties (with the exception of
      anesthesiology) in a tertiary care hospital in India from October to December
      2013. Among those residents who had used LAs (193/200), 27 and 25 % of responders
      correctly identified the toxic doses of lidocaine and of lidocaine + adrenaline,
      respectively. Of the responders, 70 % always performed a negative aspiration of
      blood before injecting the drug, 27 % sometimes aspirated and the remaining 3 %
      never aspirated. The majority of the responders (93 %) were unaware of the toxic
      dose of bupivacaine. Only 70 % of responders believed that LAs could be toxic [95
      % confidence interval (CI) 65.5-74.5 %], and 81 % of these correctly identified
      the signs and symptoms of cardiotoxicity. Only 2 % of responders knew that lipid
      emulsion is a part of its treatment (95 % CI 0.6-3.4 %). Based on these results,
      there is a definite need to increase the awareness of detection and treatment of
      local anesthetic toxicity among all medical practitioners who regularly use LAs. 

PMID- 25138823
TI  - Anterior temporal atrophy and posterior progression in patients with Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by specific motor and
      nonmotor impairments. This suggests that PD is characterized by disease-specific
      regional cortical atrophy. Given the change of symptoms over time, a concurrent
      increase in regional atrophy may further be assumed to reflect the dynamic
      process of disease progression. METHODS: In this study we retrospectively
      collected T1-weighted MRI scans from previous studies performed in our center,
      enabling the comparison of gray matter atrophy in 77 PD patients with 87 controls
      using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). This large VBM analysis provided the
      opportunity to investigate cortical atrophy in relation with disease progression.
      RESULTS: We found significant PD-related reductions of gray matter density
      bilaterally in the anterior temporal cortex, the left inferior frontal and left
      extrastriate visual cortex, independent from normal aging. The anterior temporal
      cortex did not show major progression, whereas particularly the posterior parts
      of the lateral temporal cortex and adjacent extrastriate visual cortex occurred
      at a later stage of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal pole atrophy as an early sign
      of PD is consistent with the PD pathology classification of Braak. The initial
      anterior temporal atrophy with spread to occipitotemporal and posterior parietal
      regions may subserve 'emotion-based' sensorimotor transformations and deficits in
      the visual domain, respectively, which may be regarded as premotor symptoms.

PMID- 25138824
TI  - Uterine fibroid research: a work in progress.

PMID- 25138825
TI  - Enodthelin 1 is elevated in plasma and explants from patients having uterine
      leiomyomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine a role for endothelin (ET) in progression of uterine
      fibroids. DESIGN: An in vitro model of fibroid and myometrium cultivation.
      PATIENTS: A total of 32 women undergoing hysterectomies for uterine fibroids and
      11 women undergoing hysterectomies for abnormal uterine bleeding (control
      population). RESULTS: Women with uterine fibroids were hypertensive and displayed
      significantly greater circulating ET-1 compared to control patients. Secretion of
      ET-1 was greater from the fibroids compared to myometrium explants. Endothelin 1
      secretion was attenuated with blockade of the angiotensin II type 1 or
      endothelinA receptors. Hypoxia stimulated ET-1 secretion from both myometrium and
      fibroid explants. Preproendothelin messenger RNA expression increased with
      hypoxia from fibroid explants compared to normoxic controls. CONCLUSIONS: These
      data support the hypothesis that uterine fibroids are associated with
      hypertension and increased ET-1, which is exacerbated with hypoxia. These data
      suggest a possible link between mechanisms of blood pressure regulation and
      development of uterine leiomyoma.

PMID- 25138826
TI  - Management of hypertension and heart failure in patients with Addison's disease.
AB  - Addison's disease may be complicated by hypertension and less commonly by heart
      failure. We review the pathophysiology of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis
      in Addison's disease and how this is altered in the setting of hypertension and
      heart failure. An essential first step in management in both conditions is
      optimizing glucocorticoid replacement and considering dose reduction if
      excessive. Following this, if a patient with Addison's disease remains
      hypertensive, the fludrocortisone dose should be reviewed and reduced if there
      are clinical and/or biochemical signs of mineralocorticoid excess. In the absence
      of such signs, where the renin is towards the upper end of the normal range or
      elevated, an angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonist or angiotensin converting
      enzyme (ACE) inhibitor is the treatment of choice, and the fludrocortisone dose
      should remain unchanged. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are clinically
      useful as second line agents, but diuretics should be avoided. In the setting of
      heart failure, there is an increase in total body sodium and water; therefore, it
      is appropriate to reduce and rarely consider ceasing the fludrocortisone. Loop
      diuretics may be used, but not aldosterone antagonists such as spironolactone or
      eplerenone. Standard treatment with ACE inhibitors, or as an alternative, AII
      receptor antagonists, are appropriate. Measurements of renin are no longer
      helpful in heart failure to determine the volume status but plasma levels of
      brain natriuretic peptide (BNP/proBNP) may help guide therapy. 

PMID- 25138827
TI  - The importance of nanoparticle shape in cancer drug delivery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nanoparticles have been successfully used for cancer drug delivery
      since 1995. In the design of commercial nanoparticles, size and surface
      characteristics have been exploited to achieve efficacious delivery. However, the
      design of optimized drug delivery platforms for efficient delivery to disease
      sites with minimal off-target effects remains a major research goal. One crucial
      element of nanoparticle design influencing both pharmacokinetics and cell uptake
      is nanoparticle morphology (both size and shape). In this succinct review, the
      authors collate the recent literature to assess the current state of
      understanding of the influence of nanoparticle shape on the effectiveness of drug
      delivery with a special emphasis on cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED: This review
      draws on studies that have focused on the role of nonspherical nanoparticles used
      for cancer drug delivery. In particular, the authors summarize the influence of
      nanoparticle shape on biocirculation, biodistribution, cellular uptake and
      overall drug efficacy. By comparing spherical and nonspherical nanoparticles,
      they establish some general design principles to serve as guidelines for
      developing the next generation of nanocarriers for drug delivery. EXPERT OPINION:
      Pioneering studies on nanoparticles show that nonspherical shapes show great
      promise as cancer drug delivery vectors. Filamentous or worm-like micelles
      together with other rare morphologies such as needles or disks may become the
      norm for next-generation drug carriers, though at present, traditional spherical
      micelles remain the dominant shape of nanocarriers described in the literature
      due to synthesis and testing difficulties. The few reports that do exist
      describing nonspherical nanoparticles show a number of favorable properties that
      should encourage more efforts to develop facile and versatile nanoparticle
      synthesis methodologies with the flexibility to create different shapes, tunable
      sizes and adaptable surface chemistries. In addition, the authors note that there
      is a current lack of understanding into the factors governing (and optimizing)
      the inter-relationships of size, surface characteristics and shapes of many
      nanoparticles proposed for use in cancer therapy.

PMID- 25138831
TI  - We need to help nurses practise what they preach.
AB  - Are you heavier than you would like to be? Nurses would no doubt respond in much
      the same way as any other group of people, with many saying 'yes' in response.
      The question is whether healthcare professionals should feel obliged to set a
      good example by living healthy lifestyles. 

PMID- 25138830
TI  - Editorial Comment to Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging with
      68Gallium-labeled ligand of prostate-specific membrane antigen: promising novel
      option in prostate cancer imaging?

PMID- 25138828
TI  - Metal nanobullets for multidrug resistant bacteria and biofilms.
AB  - Infectious diseases were one of the major causes of mortality until now because
      drug-resistant bacteria have arisen under broad use and abuse of antibacterial
      drugs. These multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a major challenge to the effective
      control of bacterial infections and this threat has prompted the development of
      alternative strategies to treat bacterial diseases. Recently, use of metallic
      nanoparticles (NPs) as antibacterial agents is one of the promising strategies
      against bacterial drug resistance. This review first describes mechanisms of
      bacterial drug resistance and then focuses on the properties and applications of
      metallic NPs as antibiotic agents to deal with antibiotic-sensitive and 
      resistant bacteria. We also provide an overview of metallic NPs as bactericidal
      agents combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their potential in vivo
      toxicology for further drug development. 

PMID- 25138833
TI  - RCN head of policy says costs of nurse training pilot are prohibitive.
AB  - A quarter of the 250 prospective nursing students recruited to a national
      training pilot set up to give them up to a year's caring experience have not
      pursued nursing as a career, Nursing Standard has learned. 

PMID- 25138834
TI  - NMC offers nurses instalment option on paying annual registration fees.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is asking nurses if they would like the
      option to pay their annual L100 registration fee in instalments. 

PMID- 25138835
TI  - College lobbies to keep NHS out of EU-US trade deal.
AB  - The RCN will begin lobbying European Union politicians and officials in the
      autumn to exclude health services from a controversial free trade agreement being
      negotiated between Europe and the United States. 

PMID- 25138836
TI  - Draft code is 'patronising' and too long, says RCN.
AB  - A proposed new code of practice for nurses drawn up by the Nursing and Midwifery
      Council (NMC) has been criticised as 'prescriptive and patronising' by the RCN. 

PMID- 25138837
TI  - Unions considering joint action in the autumn over pay award.
AB  - Thousands of NHS nurses, midwives and other staff may walk out of work for four
      hours in mid-October in a protest over pay. 

PMID- 25138839
TI  - As you were in first world war nursing.
AB  - Nursing students dressed up in uniforms from 100 years ago to commemorate the
      contribution of healthcare workers in the first world war. 

PMID- 25138840
TI  - All hospitals need i.v. therapy lead to reduce incidents, advises NICE.
AB  - Every hospital should appoint a lead for intravenous (i.v.) fluids to reduce the
      frequency of complications occurring, says a new quality standard published last
      week by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

PMID- 25138842
TI  - Yacker trackers could help keep noise down on wards.
AB  - A hospital in Australia may introduce 'yacker trackers'--devices that alert staff
      when there is excessive noise.

PMID- 25138843
TI  - Medication review saves nurses' time.
AB  - A project involving care home nurses that led to a significant reduction in
      unnecessary prescribing has saved around an hour a day of nursing time. 

PMID- 25138844
TI  - Audit uncovers weak skill mix.
AB  - More than a quarter of hospital wards in Wales do not have the nursing skill mix
      recommended by the chief nursing officer, according to an audit. 

PMID- 25138845
TI  - NSPCC tests staff values at mental health trust.
AB  - A child protection charity is training NHS recruiters to recognise which nurses
      are compassionate and caring enough to employ. 

PMID- 25138847
TI  - Meet Jon Billings, the man charged with modernising the NMC's image.
AB  - For the past year and a half the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has been a
      hive of activity as it tries to repair its tarnished reputation. Barely a month
      goes by without nurses being consulted on some proposed change, a requirement
      under the NMC's governing legislation. 

PMID- 25138853
TI  - Bariatric surgery.
AB  - Essential facts: Type 2 diabetes is linked closely to obesity. Bariatric surgery
      can lead to dramatic improvements in the management of the condition, according
      to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). There are two
      main types of bariatric surgery. A gastric band procedure uses a band to reduce
      the size of the stomach so a smaller amount of food is required to make the
      patient feel full. A gastric bypass is where the digestive system is re-routed
      past most of the stomach so less food is digested.

PMID- 25138854
TI  - Loosening the belt on weight loss procedures.

PMID- 25138855
TI  - From NHS to army--and back again.

PMID- 25138869
TI  - Help for overseas nurses unable to obtain supervised placements.
AB  - Nurses from outside the European Economic Area looking to work in the UK will no
      longer have to complete supervised practice placements (News August 6). 

PMID- 25138868
TI  - The NMC is taking too long to process overseas applications.
AB  - As acting head of nursing and midwifery education at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS
      Trust, I would like to comment on 'Supervised placements will be scrapped for
      staff coming to the UK' (News August 6). 

PMID- 25138870
TI  - If hospital nurses are to lose weight, the NHS needs to provide more food.
AB  - The focus on food in hospitals is invariably on the patients. So it is good to
      read that NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens is concerned by rising
      obesity rates and the health of his employees (Analysis August 13). 

PMID- 25138871
TI  - Fill in our survey to help foster a culture of health and fitness.
AB  - On behalf of the University of Aberdeen, I am inviting nurses to complete an
      online national survey on the influences on their eating and physical activity
      for managing body weight. 

PMID- 25138873
TI  - Seacole Statue Appeal reaches another important milestone.
AB  - As associate director of the NHS Confederation, I am delighted to have been
      appointed an ambassador for the Mary Seacole Statue Appeal. 

PMID- 25138874
TI  - A renationalised health service would drive down supply costs.
AB  - 'Politicians alienate nurses at their peril' and 'L32 for 100 wipes--what a waste
      of NHS money' (Editorial and News July 30) highlight poor procurement policies in
      the NHS.

PMID- 25138875
TI  - End of life care services for patients with heart failure.
AB  - Heart failure has high incidence and prevalence in the UK. However, access to
      palliative care services for patients with heart failure is inequitable. Patients
      with heart failure often do not receive specialist palliative care at the end of
      life, or referral is made only in the last days of life. This results in lost
      opportunities for advance care planning, psychological support for patients and
      families and symptom management. Prognostic tools are useful in ensuring
      appropriate referral. However, the controversy regarding the Liverpool Care
      Pathway has created uncertainty for healthcare professionals, patients and
      families. This article examines palliative care and end of life care services for
      patients with heart failure. It presents the case for service development and
      examines the benefits for patients who traditionally may not have had access to
      this care. 

PMID- 25138876
TI  - A parent information leaflet to promote mental health in children.
AB  - Positive mental health is an essential element of every child's overall health
      and lays the building blocks for mentally healthy adults. There is increasing
      emphasis on childhood mental health as a public health issue. Nurses should be
      able to provide parents with clear, practical and accurate information to promote
      and maintain positive childhood mental health. This article describes the
      background to, and development and piloting of, My Mind Matters Too, a parent
      information leaflet promoting positive mental health for young children. The
      leaflet cannot operate in a vacuum but must be combined with other services and
      interventions if it is to bring about changes in the often complex area of
      childhood mental health. 

PMID- 25138877
TI  - Psychological interventions in obsessive compulsive disorder.
AB  - Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health problem associated
      with poor quality of life, impaired functioning and increased risk of suicide.
      Improvement is unlikely and symptoms will remain chronic unless adequate
      treatment is provided. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2006a)
      guidelines on the management of OCD, recommend the use of psychological
      treatments that are based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Brief treatment
      forms of CBT are recommended initially and more intensive forms are offered when
      health gain is not apparent. While the presentation of OCD can be complex, nurses
      can assist in the recognition and treatment of OCD through additional training or
      current skills.

PMID- 25138878
TI  - Statins.
AB  - While I was aware of the link between high serum cholesterol and cardiovascular
      disease, I was unaware of the mechanism of atheroma development. The CPD article
      discussed the role of low-density lipoprotein in the development of
      atherosclerosis, which I found very interesting. 

PMID- 25138880
TI  - New enticements to return to nursing.
AB  - There are many benefits of supporting former registered nurses back into practice
      and on to the Nursing and Midwifery Council register. 

PMID- 25138879
TI  - Carers need care too.
AB  - NHS staff wellbeing has been high on the agenda since the Boorman review
      concluded that many organisations made insufficient investment in this area of
      employee welfare. 

PMID- 25138883
TI  - Student life--a template for good care.
AB  - A personal philosophy of nursing is a strategy that nurses can use to affirm that
      their practice is in harmony with their values. 

PMID- 25138884
TI  - Well trained in understanding.
AB  - Healthcare assistants (HCAs) at Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have
      been busy with a series of clinical training programmes run for them by the
      nearby Open University. 

PMID- 25138887
TI  - A course that allows me to fulfil my dream of nursing.
AB  - As a mature student with many life experiences, I always wanted to be a nurse,
      and the opportunity to study at BPP University school of health offered me the
      chance to fulfil my dream. The university's higher education certificate in
      health and social care allows students to apply for nurse training. 

PMID- 25138888
TI  - The memory services team.
AB  - In the award-winning memory services at Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
      in Carlisle, assistant practitioners are an essential part of the team. 

PMID- 25138889
TI  - Being washed by someone is therapeutic... and a treat.
AB  - When in Istanbul, I visited a hamam, a traditional Turkish bath. I'm familiar
      with other bathing rituals--steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi--but suspected being
      washed by someone in front of others was not very British.

PMID- 25138890
TI  - It is just a matter of application.
AB  - The Camilla Cavendish review of support worker education was clear that improving
      the quality of healthcare assistant (HCA) learning is central to delivering safe
      and effective care. Well trained staff should treat patients well, so the point
      of education and training must be to support HCAs to deliver effective care. But
      how to guarantee this? 

PMID- 25138891
TI  - Going the extra mile for patients.
AB  - Just 14 months after she changed career to become a healthcare assistant, Dot
      O'Meara was presented with one of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust's ten
      unsung hero awards, writes Carol Davis, freelance journalist. 

PMID- 25138892
TI  - Addressing dehydration.
AB  - Maintaining an adequate fluid intake is vital for health. Under normal
      circumstnces, humans require about 2.5 litres of fluid per day. Dehydration
      occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, and can be the result of
      either inadequate fluid intake or excessive fluid loss. 

PMID- 25138893
TI  - Legal advice. Richard Griffith on the Mental Capacity Act.
AB  - Frequently, I am asked by healthcare assistants (HCAs) what the Mental Capacity
      Act 2005 has to do with their practice as they are not concerned with formal
      assessments of decision-making capacity or determinations of patients' best
      interests. 

PMID- 25138894
TI  - Prevalence and characterization of small tympanic bone spicules and drumstick
      like hyperostotic tympanic bone spicules in the middle ear cavity of dogs.
AB  - Rounded, sessile, hyperattenuating structures detected in computed tomography
      (CT) studies of canine tympanic bullae have been termed "otoliths." These have
      been proposed to represent dystrophic mineralizations or heterotopic bone
      formations in the middle ear that are potentially related to chronic otitis
      media. Aims of the current study were to describe the prevalence, macroscopic,
      and histological features of structures consistent with "otoliths" in the canine
      tympanic cavity. Tympanic bullae from 50 routinely necropsied dogs and 139
      retrospectively retrieved CT scans of canine clinical cases were examined. Small
      tympanic bone spicules with pointed or clubbed tips essentially arising from the
      free margin of the septum bullae were bilaterally present in the tympanic
      cavities of all 50 of the necropsied dogs. In 48% of the dogs, "otolith"-like CT
      detectable bone spicules carrying drumstick-like hyperostoses that were 1-6 mm in
      diameter were also present. In the retrospective survey of bulla CT scans of 139
      cases, the prevalence of hyperostotic tympanic bone spicules (HTBS) was 20%.
      Findings from the current study indicated that the presence of small tympanic
      bone spicules in adult dogs is most likely due to physiological bone growth in
      the septum bullae and that HTBS represent osseous proliferations of small
      tympanic bone spicules. However, the factors inducing formation of hyperostotic
      spicules from small tympanic bone spicules remain unknown. The high prevalence of
      HTBS displaying a similar appearance in bulla CT scans in dogs suggests that
      these spicules should be included in a differential diagnosis list for
      "otoliths." 

PMID- 25138895
TI  - Validation of the German version of the Clinical Assessment Interview for
      Negative Symptoms (CAINS).
AB  - Validated assessment instruments could contribute to a better understanding and
      assessment of negative symptoms and advance treatment research. The aim of this
      study was to examine the psychometric properties of a German version of the
      Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS). In- and outpatients
      (N=53) with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were assessed with
      standardized interviews and questionnaires on negative and positive symptoms and
      general psychopathology in schizophrenia, depression, the ability to experience
      anticipatory and consummatory pleasure, and global functioning. The results
      indicated good psychometric properties, high internal consistency and promising
      inter-rater agreement for the German version of the CAINS. The two-factor
      solution of the original version of the CAINS was confirmed, indicating good
      construct validity. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations
      between the CAINS subscales with the negative symptom scale of the Positive and
      Negative Syndrome Scale, and with consummatory pleasure. The CAINS also exhibited
      discriminant validity indicated by its non-significant correlations with positive
      symptoms, general psychopathology and depression that are in line with the
      findings for the original version of the CAINS. In addition, the CAINS correlated
      moderately with global functioning. The German version of the CAINS appears to be
      a valid and suitable diagnostic tool for measuring negative symptoms in
      schizophrenia. 

PMID- 25138896
TI  - A phenomenological investigation of overvalued ideas and delusions in clinical
      and subclinical anorexia nervosa.
AB  - Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterised by distorted cognitions
      about body weight and shape; but little is known about the phenomenological
      characteristics of these beliefs. In this study, multidimensional and insight
      based measurements were used to compare beliefs about body weight and shape in AN
      to body image dissatisfaction in the general population, and delusional beliefs
      in schizophrenia. Twenty participants with clinical and sub-clinical AN, 27
      participants with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, and 23 healthy
      controls completed the Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale and the Psychotic
      Symptom Rating Scale in relation to a dominant belief regarding body weight/shape
      (or body dissatisfaction in healthy controls) or a current delusion. All groups
      completed the Peters Delusions Inventory to assess the prevalence of a range of
      delusion-like beliefs. Participants with clinical and subclinical AN experienced
      significantly higher preoccupation and distress for their belief in comparison to
      both participants with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder rating a delusional
      belief and the healthy controls rating a belief of body dissatisfaction. Both
      clinical groups were comparable on ratings of belief conviction and disruption.
      The data raise questions regarding the current frameworks that are used to
      describe beliefs in AN. 

PMID- 25138897
TI  - Epidemiology of dengue in a high-income country: a case study in Queensland,
      Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Australia is one of the few high-income countries where dengue
      transmission regularly occurs. Dengue is a major health threat in North
      Queensland (NQ), where the vector Aedes aegypti is present. Whether NQ should be
      considered as a dengue endemic or epidemic region is an ongoing debate. To help
      address this issue, we analysed the characteristics of locally-acquired (LA) and
      imported dengue cases in NQ through time and space. We describe the epidemiology
      of dengue in NQ from 1995 to 2011, to identify areas to target interventions. We
      also investigated the timeliness of notification and identified high-risk areas.
      METHODS: Data sets of notified cases and viraemic arrivals from overseas were
      analysed. We developed a time series based on the LA cases and performed an
      analysis to capture the relationship between incidence rate and demographic
      factors. Spatial analysis was used to visualise incidence rates through space and
      time. RESULTS: Between 1995 and 2011, 93.9% of reported dengue cases were LA,
      mainly in the 'Cairns and Hinterland' district; 49.7% were males, and the mean
      age was 38.0 years old. The sources of imported cases (6.1%) were Indonesia
      (24.6%), Papua New Guinea (23.2%), Thailand (13.4%), East Timor (8.9%) and the
      Philippines (6.7%), consistent with national data. Travellers importing dengue
      were predominantly in the age groups 30-34 and 45-49 years old, whereas the age
      range of patients who acquired dengue locally was larger. The number of LA cases
      correlated with the number of viraemic importations. Duration of viraemia of
      public health importance was positively correlated with the delay in
      notification. Dengue incidence varied over the year and was typically highest in
      summer and autumn. However, dengue activity has been reported in winter, and a
      number of outbreaks resulted in transmission year-round. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      emphasizes the importance of delay in notification and consequent duration of
      viraemia of public health importance for dengue outbreak duration. It also
      highlights the need for targeted vector control programmes and surveillance of
      travellers at airports as well as regularly affected local areas. Given the
      likely increase in dengue transmission with climate change, endemicity in NQ may
      become a very real possibility.

PMID- 25138898
TI  - Dynamics of bovine opsin bound to G-protein fragments.
AB  - G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large class of membrane proteins that
      mediate communication of the cell with the outer environment. Upon activation by
      an agonist, GPCRs undergo large-scale conformational changes that enable binding
      of the G protein to the receptor. A key open question concerns the mechanism of
      the long-distance coupling between the agonist-binding site and the cytoplasmic
      site where G protein binds. Here we address this question by exploring the
      molecular dynamics of bovine opsin bound to three different fragments of G
      proteins. We find that an extended network of hydrogen bonds connects the agonist
      retinal binding site to the G protein binding site via conserved amino acid
      residues. The dynamics of the hydrogen-bonding network inside opsin couples to
      interactions at the G protein binding site. 

PMID- 25138899
TI  - Survival trends among patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma in the United
      States.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Since the approval of sorafenib in December 2005, several targeted
      therapeutic agents have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced
      renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study was conducted to find out whether the
      improvements in survival of advanced RCC patients with targeted agents have
      translated into a survival benefit in a population-based cohort. METHODS: We
      analyzed the SEER 18 (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End RESULTS) registry
      database to calculate the relative survival rates for advanced RCC patients
      during 2001-2009, 2001-2005, 2006-2007 and 2008-2009. We also evaluated the
      survival rates by age (<65 and >=65 years) and sex. RESULTS: The total number of
      advanced RCC patients during 2001-2009, 2001-2005, 2006-2007 and 2008-2009 were
      7,047, 4,059, 1,548 and 1,440, respectively. During 2001-2009, the 1- and 3-year
      relative survival rates were 26.7+/-0.6 and 10.0+/-0.4%, respectively. There was
      no significant difference in 1-year relative survival rates for patients
      diagnosed during 2006-2007 and 2008-2009 compared to those diagnosed during 2001
      2005. Similarly, the 3-year survival rates for patients diagnosed during 2006
      2007 were similar to those diagnosed during 2001-2005. CONCLUSIONS: This
      population-based study showed that there was no significant improvement in
      relative survival rates among advanced RCC patients in the era of targeted
      agents.

PMID- 25138900
TI  - Current opinion on optimal systemic treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer:
      outcome of the ACTG/AGITG expert meeting ECCO 2013.
AB  - The treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer has evolved greatly in the last 15
      years, involving combined chemotherapy protocols and, in more recent times, new
      biologic agents. Clinical benefit from the use of targeted therapy with
      bevacizumab, aflibercept, cetuximab, panitumumab and regorafenib in the treatment
      of metastatic colorectal cancer is now well established with median overall
      survival accepted as over 24 months, and with super selection for extended RAS
      patients higher again. The optimal timing of treatment options requires careful
      consideration of predictive biomarkers, and importantly the potential for
      interactions, to derive the maximal benefit. A group of colorectal subspecialty
      medical oncologists from Australia, the USA, the Netherlands and Germany met
      during ECCO 2013 to discuss current practice. Subsequent new data from the
      American Society of Clinical Oncology were also reviewed. This article reviews
      the evidence discussed in support of modern treatments for colorectal cancer and
      the decision-making behind the treatment choices, with their benefits and risks.

PMID- 25138901
TI  - Effect of omeprazole dose, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and smoking on
      repair mechanisms in acute peptic ulcer bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) is a major cause of upper
      gastrointestinal bleeding. The effect of omeprazole on mucosal repair is unknown.
      AIMS: We studied the effect of omeprazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents,
      and smoking on PUB. METHODS: There were 43 PUB patients who received regular or
      high dose of omeprazole for 72 h. Biopsies from antrum and corpus were taken
      before and after treatment. Biopsy samples from 20 celiac disease patients worked
      as controls. The expression of Ki-67, Bcl-2, COX-2, Hsp27, and Hsp70 was analyzed
      from patients and controls. RESULTS: Bcl-2 expression in PUB patients was lower
      than in controls. However, Bcl-2 increased significantly from 5.0 (SD 4.5) to 9.1
      % (SD 6.7), p = 0.0004, in the antrum after omeprazole. In univariate analysis, a
      high omeprazole dose caused a more profound increase in Ki-67 expression in the
      corpus: 35.3 % (SD 54.8) than a regular dose: -10.1 % (SD 40.6), p = 0.022. In
      multivariate analysis, Ki-67 decreased significantly in the corpus between the
      pre- and posttreatment period (p = 0.011), while a high omeprazole dose (p =
      0.0265), the use of NSAIDs (p = 0.0208), and smoking (p = 0.0296) significantly
      increased Ki-67 expression. Bcl-2 in the corpus increased significantly (p =
      0.0003) after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that Bcl-2 may be an
      important factor in the pathogenesis of a peptic ulcer and PUB. In addition, high
      dose omeprazole increased the expression of Ki-67, which may enhance the healing
      process of a peptic ulcer.

PMID- 25138902
TI  - Endoclips to facilitate cannulation and sphincterotomy during ERCP in a patient
      with an ampulla within a large duodenal diverticulum: case report and literature
      review.

PMID- 25138903
TI  - Acute fatty liver of pregnancy treated with plasma exchange.

PMID- 25138904
TI  - Non-MalIg(G4)nant Biliary Obstruction: When the Pill Is Mightier than the Knife.

PMID- 25138905
TI  - More with less: pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy.

PMID- 25138906
TI  - Public supply well vulnerability.

PMID- 25138907
TI  - Cyantraniliprole: a valuable tool for Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)
      management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frankliniella occidentalis is a worldwide economically important
      pest. Scarcity of effective products and cross-resistance issues make resistance
      to existing insecticides a recurring problem that requires the development of new
      control tools, such as incorporating novel compounds. Lethal effects of
      cyantraniliprole on adults and larvae from field and insecticide-resistant
      populations were evaluated. In addition, the sublethal effects on biological
      features such as fecundity, fertility, feeding, oviposition and mating were
      studied. RESULTS: Results obtained for larvae produced LC50 values ranging from
      33.4 to 109.2 mg L(-1) , with a low natural variability (3.3-fold) and a LC50
      composite value of 52.2 mg L(-1) . The susceptibility for adults was 23-fold
      lower than for larvae. No evidence of cross-resistance between cyantraniliprole
      and established insecticides used against thrips was evident. Relevant sublethal
      effects of cyantraniliprole were demonstrated, including reduced fecundity,
      fertility, feeding, oviposition and mating success. CONCLUSION: Low variation in
      susceptibility across contemporary populations of F. occidentalis and a lack of
      cross-resistance to other insecticides indicate that cyantraniliprole is a
      potential candidate in rotation programmes within an insecticide resistance
      management strategy. The combined sublethal effect on reproduction will have an
      important impact on population reduction. Available data indicate that
      cyantraniliprole is likely to be a valuable tool for managing thrips populations.

PMID- 25138909
TI  - China's 50% caesarean delivery rate: is it too high?

PMID- 25138908
TI  - MG428 is a novel positive regulator of recombination that triggers mgpB and mgpC
      gene variation in Mycoplasma genitalium.
AB  - The human pathogen Mycoplasma genitalium employs homologous recombination to
      generate antigenic diversity in the immunodominant MgpB and MgpC proteins. Only
      recently, some of the molecular factors involved in this process have been
      characterized, but nothing is known about its regulation. Here, we show that M.
      genitalium expresses N-terminally truncated RecA isoforms via alternative
      translation initiation, but only the full-length protein is essential for gene
      variation. We also demonstrate that overexpression of MG428 positively regulates
      the expression of recombination genes, including recA, ruvA, ruvB and ORF2, a
      gene of unknown function co-transcribed with ruvAB. The co-ordinated induction of
      these genes correlated with an increase of mgpBC gene variation. In contrast,
      cells lacking MG428 were unable to generate variants despite expressing normal
      levels of RecA. Similarly, deletion analyses of the recA upstream region defined
      sequences required for gene variation without abolishing RecA expression. The
      requirement of these sequences is consistent with the presence of promoter
      elements associated with MG428-dependent recA induction. Sequences upstream of
      recA also influence the relative abundance of RecA isoforms, possibly through
      translational regulation. Overall, these results suggest that MG428 is a positive
      regulator of recombination and that precise control of recA expression is
      required to initiate mgpBC variation. 

PMID- 25138910
TI  - Attentional load interferes with target localization across saccades.
AB  - The retinal positions of objects in the world change with each eye movement, but
      we seem to have little trouble keeping track of spatial information from one
      fixation to the next. We examined the role of attention in trans-saccadic
      localization by asking participants to localize targets while performing an
      attentionally demanding secondary task. In the first experiment, attentional load
      decreased localization precision for a remembered target, but only when a saccade
      intervened between target presentation and report. We then repeated the
      experiment and included a salient landmark that shifted on half the trials. The
      shifting landmark had a larger effect on localization under high load, indicating
      that observers rely more on landmarks to make localization judgments under high
      than under low attentional load. The results suggest that attention facilitates
      trans-saccadic localization judgments based on spatial updating of gaze-centered
      coordinates when visual landmarks are not available. The availability of reliable
      landmarks (present in most natural circumstances) can compensate for the effects
      of scarce attentional resources on trans-saccadic localization. 

PMID- 25138911
TI  - Object ownership and action: the influence of social context and choice on the
      physical manipulation of personal property.
AB  - Understanding who owns what is important for guiding appropriate action in a
      social context. Previously, we demonstrated that ownership influences our
      kinematic patterns associated with hand-object interactions (Constable et al. in
      Cognition 119(3):430-437, 2011). Here, we present a series of experiments aimed
      at determining the underlying mechanisms associated with this effect. We asked
      participants to lift mugs that differed in terms of ownership status (Experiments
      1 and 2) and personal preference (Experiment 3) while recording spatial and
      acceleration measures. In Experiment 1, participants lifted their own mug with
      greater acceleration and drew it closer to themselves than they did the
      experimenter's mug. They also lifted the experimenter's mug further to the right
      compared with other mugs. In Experiment 2, spatial trajectory effects were
      preserved, but the acceleration effect abolished, when the owner of the 'other
      owned' mug was a known-but absent-confederate. Experiment 3 demonstrated that
      merely choosing to use a mug was not sufficient to elicit rightward drift or
      acceleration effects. We suggest that these findings reflect separate and
      distinct mechanisms associated with socially related visuomotor processing. 

PMID- 25138912
TI  - Vestibular evoked potentials (VsEPs) of cortical origin produced by impulsive
      acceleration applied at the nasion.
AB  - We report the results of a study to record vestibular evoked potentials (VsEPs)
      of cortical origin produced by impulsive acceleration (IA). In a sample of 12
      healthy participants, evoked potentials recorded by 70 channel
      electroencephalography were obtained by IA stimulation at the nasion and compared
      with evoked potentials from the same stimulus applied to the forefingers. The
      nasion stimulation gave rise to a series of positive and negative deflections in
      the latency range of 26-72 ms, which were dependent on the polarity of the
      applied IA. In contrast, evoked potentials from the fingers were characterised by
      a single N50/P50 deflection at about 50 ms and were polarity invariant. Source
      analysis confirmed that the finger evoked potentials were somatosensory in
      origin, i.e. were somatosensory evoked potentials, and suggested that the nasion
      evoked potentials plausibly included vestibular midline and frontal sources, as
      well as contributions from the eyes, and thus were likely VsEPs. These results
      show considerable promise as a new method for assessment of the central
      vestibular system by means of VsEPs produced by IA applied to the head.

PMID- 25138913
TI  - Revisiting the association between hypnotisability and blink rate.
AB  - Blink rate (BR), which is considered an index of the dopaminergic tone, has been
      studied in 41 subjects with high (highs), medium (mediums) and low (lows)
      hypnotisability scores in resting conditions. It has been found higher in highs;
      relaxation (indicated by skin conductance), anxiety and the proneness to
      absorption in tasks (assessed by questionnaires) were not responsible for the
      observed difference. In contrast, the BR difference did not survive controlling
      for mind wandering (MW questionnaire) whose variability could account for
      contrasting earlier reports, although no significant hypnotisability-related
      difference has been observed in MW scores. Findings do not allow to exclude that
      mechanisms other than dopaminergic ones may be involved in the observed
      difference in BR. In particular, we suggest that one of the mechanisms possibly
      sustaining the highs' higher BR may be a reduced cerebellar inhibition. In fact,
      cerebellar impairment is associated with higher BR and several studies of
      sensorimotor integration indicate different cerebellar controls in the highs' and
      lows' behavior. 

PMID- 25138914
TI  - Sodium-assisted formation of binding and traverse conformations of the substrate
      in a neurotransmitter sodium symporter model.
AB  - Therapeutics designed to increase synaptic neurotransmitter levels by inhibiting
      neurotransmitter sodium symporters (NSSs) classify a strategic approach to treat
      brain disorders such as depression or epilepsy, however, the critical elementary
      steps that couple downhill flux of sodium to uphill transport of neurotransmitter
      are not distinguished as yet. Here we present modelling of NSS member neuronal
      GAT1 with the substrate &#947;-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory
      neurotransmitter. GABA binding is simulated with the occluded conformation of
      GAT1 homodimer in an explicit lipid/water environment. Simulations performed in
      the 1-10 ns range of time elucidated persistent formation of halfextended minor
      and H-bridged major GABA conformations, referred to as binding and traverse
      conformations, respectively. The traverse GABA conformation was further
      stabilized by GAT1-bound Na(+)(1). We also observed Na(+)(1) translocation to
      GAT1-bound Cl(-) as well as the appearance of water molecules at GABA and GAT1
      bound Na(+)(2), conjecturing causality. Scaling dynamics suggest that the
      traverse GABA conformation may be valid for developing substrate inhibitors with
      high efficacy. The potential for this finding is significant with impact not only
      in pharmacology but wherever understanding of the mechanism of neurotransmitter
      uptake is valuable. 

PMID- 25138915
TI  - Feasibility study of a new RF coil design for prostate MRI.
AB  - The combined use of a torso-pelvic RF array coil and endorectal RF coil is the
      current state-of-the-art in prostate MRI. The endorectal coil provides high
      detection sensitivity to acquire high-spatial resolution images and spectroscopic
      data, while the torso-pelvic coil provides large coverage to assess pelvic lymph
      nodes and pelvic bones for metastatic disease. However, the use of an endorectal
      coil is an invasive procedure that presents difficulties for both patients and
      technicians. In this study, we propose a novel non-invasive RF coil design that
      can provide both image signal to noise ratio and field of view coverage
      comparable to the combined torso-pelvic and endorectal coil configuration. A
      prototype coil was constructed and tested using a pelvic phantom. The results
      demonstrate that this new design is a viable alternative for prostate MRI. 

PMID- 25138918
TI  - Fingolimod in active multiple sclerosis: an impressive decrease in Gd-enhancing
      lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fingolimod is a disease modifying therapy (DMT) in highly active
      relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), as is natalizumab. Fingolimod
      decreases annual relapse rates and gadolinium enhancing lesions on MRI as
      compared to either interferon beta (IFNbeta) or placebo. The effect of fingolimod
      on MRI outcomes compared to natalizumab treatment has not been investigated in
      (head to head) clinical trials. Clinical experience with natalizumab is much more
      extended and in general practice often preferred. CASE PRESENTATION: This case
      describes a 31-year old woman with RRMS, who experienced severe side effects on
      natalizumab. After a voluntary four months treatment free period, a severe
      relapse appeared which was treated with prednisone and plasmapheresis; thereafter
      fingolimod was initiated. In the following months MRI signs improved
      spectacularly. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that fingolimod might be a good
      alternative for natalizumab, especially for use in RRMS patients, with highly
      active, advanced disease, when natalizumab treatment is stopped due to side
      effects or even after a severe relapse.

PMID- 25138919
TI  - NMR of solutes in nematic and smectic A liquid crystals: the anisotropic
      intermolecular potential.
AB  - Orientational order parameters determined from (1)H NMR spectroscopy of solutes
      in liquid crystals that form both nematic and smectic A phases are used to
      determine the solute smectic A order parameters and the smectic-nematic coupling
      term. For the analysis, it is necessary to know the nematic part of the potential
      in the smectic A phase: various ways of extrapolating parameters from the nematic
      phase to the smectic phase are explored.

PMID- 25138917
TI  - Maternal age and serum concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin in early
      pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study whether maternal age is associated with serum concentration
      of human chorionic gonadotropin in early pregnancy. DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      study. SETTING: Oslo University Hospital in Oslo, Norway. POPULATION: All vital
      pregnancies in gestational week 8 conceived by in vitro fertilization between
      February 1996 and February 2013 (n = 4472). METHODS: Serum concentrations of
      human chorionic gonadotropin were measured on day 12 after embryo transfer/day 16
      following ovulation induction. Trends in geometric means of human chorionic
      gonadotropin concentrations by maternal age group were tested by linear
      regression analysis. We also studied the association of maternal age (years) with
      log-transformed human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations, and adjustments were
      made for number of embryos transferred, method of in vitro fertilization and year
      (period) of embryo transfer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Serum concentration of human
      chorionic gonadotropin. RESULTS: Geometric mean concentrations of human chorionic
      gonadotropin decreased with increasing maternal age (p = 0.024, test for trend by
      weighted linear regression). Also, we estimated a significant negative
      association of maternal age with log-transformed human chorionic gonadotropin
      concentrations (adjusted regression coefficient -0.011, standard error 0.003, p <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin in very
      early pregnancy decreased with maternal age. Since human chorionic gonadotropin
      is synthesized in trophoblast cells only, the lower human chorionic gonadotropin
      concentrations in women of advanced age may reflect functional impairment or
      delayed proliferation of trophoblast cells in early pregnancy in these women.

PMID- 25138920
TI  - Contending with uncertainty in conservation management decisions.
AB  - Efficient conservation management is particularly important because current
      spending is estimated to be insufficient to conserve the world's biodiversity.
      However, efficient management is confounded by uncertainty that pervades
      conservation management decisions. Uncertainties exist in objectives, dynamics of
      systems, the set of management options available, the influence of these
      management options, and the constraints on these options. Probabilistic and
      nonprobabilistic quantitative methods can help contend with these uncertainties.
      The vast majority of these account for known epistemic uncertainties, with
      methods optimizing the expected performance or finding solutions that achieve
      minimum performance requirements. Ignorance and indeterminacy continue to
      confound environmental management problems. While quantitative methods to account
      for uncertainty must aid decisions if the underlying models are sufficient
      approximations of reality, whether such models are sufficiently accurate has not
      yet been examined. 

PMID- 25138922
TI  - Enabling LiTFSI-based electrolytes for safer lithium-ion batteries by using
      linear fluorinated carbonates as (Co)solvent.
AB  - In this Full Paper we show that the use of lithium
      bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) as conducting salt in commercial
      lithium-ion batteries is made possible by introducing fluorinated linear
      carbonates as electrolyte (co)solvents. Electrolyte compositions based on LiTFSI
      and fluorinated carbonates were characterized regarding their ionic conductivity
      and electrochemical stability towards oxidation and with respect to their ability
      to form a protective film of aluminum fluoride on the aluminum surface. Moreover,
      the investigation of the electrochemical performance of standard lithium-ion
      anodes (graphite) and cathodes (Li[Ni1/3 Mn1/3 Co1/3 ]O2 , NMC) in half-cell
      configuration showed stable cycle life and good rate capability. Finally, an
      NMC/graphite full-cell confirmed the suitability of such electrolyte compositions
      for practical lithium-ion cells, thus enabling the complete replacement of LiPF6
      and allowing the realization of substantially safer lithium-ion batteries. 

PMID- 25138923
TI  - Characterisation of whisker control in the California sea lion (Zalophus
      californianus) during a complex, dynamic sensorimotor task.
AB  - Studies in pinniped whisker use have shown that their whiskers are extremely
      sensitive to tactile and hydrodynamic signals. While pinnipeds position their
      whiskers on to objects and have some control over their whisker protractions, it
      has always been thought that head movements are more responsible for whisker
      positioning than the movement of the whiskers themselves. This study uses ball
      balancing, a dynamic sensorimotor skill that is often used in human and robotic
      coordination studies, to promote sea lion whisker movements during the task. For
      the first time, using tracked video footage, we show that sea lion whisker
      movements respond quickly (26.70 ms) and mirror the movement of the ball, much
      more so than the head. We show that whisker asymmetry and spread are both altered
      to help sense and control the ball during balancing. We believe that by designing
      more dynamic sensorimotor tasks we can start to characterise the active nature of
      this specialised sensory system in pinnipeds.

PMID- 25138924
TI  - B chromosomes in the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans are present in all body
      parts analyzed and show extensive variation for rDNA copy number.
AB  - B chromosomes in the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans are considered to be
      mitotically stable, because all meiotic (primary spermatocytes and oocytes) or
      mitotic (embryos, ovarioles, and gastric caecum) cells analyzed within the same
      individual show the same B chromosome number. Nothing is known, however, about
      body parts with somatic tissues with no mitotic activity in adult individuals,
      constituting the immense majority of their body. Therefore, we investigated
      whether B chromosomes are present in 8 non-mitotically active somatic body parts
      from both sexes in addition to ovarioles and testes by PCR analysis of 2 B
      specific molecular markers. We also elucidated the number of B chromosomes that
      an individual carried through quantifying the B-located rDNA copy number by qPCR.
      Our results indicated the amplification of both B-specific markers in all
      analyzed body parts. However, we found high variation between males for the
      estimated number of rDNA units in the B chromosomes. These results demonstrate
      the presence of B chromosomes in all body parts from the same individual and
      suggest a high variation in the rDNA content of the B chromosomes carried by
      different individuals from the same population, presumably due to unequal
      crossovers during meiosis.

PMID- 25138926
TI  - [Echocardiography].
AB  - Assessment of ischemic mitral regurgitation( IMR) severity is important to
      stratify patients' management. Because IMR is influenced by loading condition
      seriously, it is difficult to evaluate severity of IMR in clinically stable
      condition at rest. Exercise stress echocardiography is useful tool to assess
      "true" severity of IMR. Recently, mitral valve plasty( undersized annuloplasty)
      creates a new problem, which is called "functional mitral stenosis". Exercise
      stress echocardiography also reveals this hemodynamics. Recent 3-dimensional (3D)
      echocardiography enables an intuitive understanding a valve anatomy by surgeon's
      view, and a more detailed quantitative evaluation. The 3D echocardiography can
      contribute to exact valve area calculation and can evaluate the forms of the
      valve ring which had difficulty in evaluation by 2D echocardiography. The
      treatment of structural heart disease with catheter has been introduced, and
      therefore the importance of the 3D echocardiography increases in this field. In
      this review, we describe the role of stress echocardiography on the assessment of
      IMR and the current status of 3D echocardiography. 

PMID- 25138927
TI  - [Role of cardiac computed tomography in cardiac surgery].
AB  - In the field of cardiovascular surgery, cardiac computed tomography (CT) has
      served an important role in association with the improvement of the spatial and
      temporal resolution. Because CT angiography (CTA) provides more available
      information than plain CT, CTA has been increasingly used to access the coronary
      arteries and graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
      Recently, minimally invasive cardiac surgeries, including CABG with left mini
      thoracotomy and mitral valve surgery with right mini-thoracotomy, are revived,
      which requires preoperative CTA to make a strategy of incision placement on the
      basis of anatomical relationship between the target structure of the heart and
      the thorax. In Japan, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was approved
      in the late 2013, and is expected to be widely performed in the future. CTA is
      extremely useful for TAVI patients to determine the choice of the valve size and
      the surgical approach. CT provides many other valuable findings to us, but if we
      cannot fully leverage it in the daily cardiovascular surgery, its value is
      decreased. We have to acquire enough skill to maximize the performance of CT in
      the practical clinical setting. 

PMID- 25138928
TI  - [Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging].
AB  - Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) evolves and is occupying an important
      status in cardiovascular diagnostic imaging. In particular, in the estimation of
      the cause of heart failure, or evaluation of severity-of-illness and prognostic
      presumption, utility is high clinically. In this chapter, about a selection
      sequence for taking image according to the purpose, description of findings, and
      its clinical utility are introduced. And the role which this imaging plays will
      be discussed in the near future. 

PMID- 25138930
TI  - [Evoked potentials monitoring in aortic surgery].
AB  - Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP), evoked spinal cord potential (ESCP) and
      motor evoked potential (MEP) have been used to detect spinal cord ischemia during
      aortic surgery. SSEP evaluates the sensory pathway, and is recorded from the
      sensory cortex by peripheral nerve stimulation. The interval from the onset of
      ischemia to change is relatively long(5-10 minutes). It has less frequently been
      used because of the high false negative and false positive rate. ESCP is recorded
      from the spinal cord by direct stimulation of the cord. It reflects the function
      of spinal tract but not that of alpha motor neurons. It is resistant to
      anesthesia and both the sensitivity and specificity is high, but the interval
      from ischemia to change is relatively long. Together with the necessity of 2
      epidural electrodes, its application in aortic surgery has become infrequent.
      Since the introduction of train pulse transcranial electrical stimulation,
      myogenic MEP have gained widespread acceptance. It evaluates motor pathways from
      the cortex to the muscle, and therefore is influenced by non-spinal factors such
      as peripheral nerve ischemia. Its vulnerability to anesthesia requires special
      anesthetic consideration, and baseline amplitude fluctuation is common. It is
      highly sensitive and shows changes in the early phase of spinal cord ischemia. 

PMID- 25138929
TI  - [Cerebral blood flow monitoring].
AB  - Cerebral ischemic events remain a major problem in patients undergoing cardiac
      and thoracic aortic surgery. Efforts to improve outcomes have been made in many
      aspects which include cerebral monitoring. New technology is making it possible
      to shed a light to the brain, which historically used to be a black box during
      general anesthesia in the operating room. Cerebral brain monitoring methods
      include cerebral oxymetry using near infrared spectroscopy, trans cranial
      Doppler, Jugular venous oxygen saturation, bispectral index, temporal artery
      pressure monitoring. Cerebral oxymetry probably is the most commonly used method
      among these based on its simplicity and reproducibility. Though it is easy to
      obtain numbers from cerebral oxymetry, it is important to understand the
      principle and the limitations to interpret the results, properly. 

PMID- 25138931
TI  - [How to use assist devices effectively in off-pump coronary artery bypass
      surgery].
AB  - Off-pump coronary artery bypass is a technically demanding procedure, which is,
      however, widely performed in Japan. In this paper, most widely used assist
      devices such as tissue stabilizers, heart positioners, intraluminal coronary
      artery shunts and proximal anastomosis assist devices are introduced along with
      tips of usage. 

PMID- 25138932
TI  - [Overview of ablation devices for atrial fibrillation surgery].
AB  - Since Cox-maze procedure was first reported in 1987, ablation technology has made
      great progress and revolutionized atrial fibrillation surgery. Various energy
      sources have been introduced to facilitate creating conduction block within the
      atria. These sources include radiofrequency, cryothermia, microwave, laser, and
      high-frequency focused ultrasound( HIFU). They have been utilized both
      endocardially in the arrested heart and epicardially in the beating heart. The
      goal of all these sources is to create transmural lesions which enable
      irreversible conduction block. They have been reported to have clinical efficacy,
      but each of them have their own advantages and disadvantages, and their ability
      of creating transmural lesions are also different. It is important for surgeons
      that they fully understand these differences to make appropriate use of these
      technologies for achieving safe atrial fibrillation surgery and developing less
      invasive new procedures. 

PMID- 25138933
TI  - [Intraaortic balloon pumping( IABP) in Japan].
AB  - The intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) is the most widely used circulatory assist
      device. IABP increases coronary perfusion in diastolic phase by the inflation of
      the balloon in the descending aorta (diastolic augmentation) and reduces
      afterload in systolic phase by the deflation of the balloon( systolic unloading).
      IABP improves the hemodynamic condition of patients who fall into acute heart
      failure and/or cardiogenic shock. Six-type IABP system can be used in Japan. The
      IABP-SHOCK II trial shows that there is no significant difference in mortality
      between optimal medical treatment with IABP and without IABP in addition to early
      revascularization. Clinical backgrounds in Japan are different from those in IABP
      SHOCK II trial, and the further prospective studies of IABP in Japan thus called
      for. 

PMID- 25138934
TI  - [Fundamental features on percutaneous cardiopulmonary support].
AB  - The fundamental features on percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) were
      reviewed. The number of PCPS installation in Japan has been increasing especially
      in the area of emergency medicine and cardiology. All-in-one package for PCPS
      system is becoming a mainstream in clinical practice. It is considered to be
      crucial to understand the details in characteristics and pitfalls on respective
      products. The results of nation-wide questionnaire indicate that the detailed
      criteria for PCPS usage in clinical practice appear to be variable among
      facilities in Japan;therefore, the formulation of guideline and educational
      system for PCPS installation is required. 

PMID- 25138935
TI  - [Implantable ventricular assist device].
AB  - Implantable ventricular assist device( VAD) is the only evidence-based option to
      treat stage D heart failure patients with significant symptoms at rest in spite
      of maximum medical therapy, other than heart transplant. Implantable VADs
      available in Japan include Evaheart, DuraHeart both from Japan, Jarvik 2000 and
      HeartMate II both from United States. In Japanese settings, implantable VAD is
      indicated and insured only for patients who are supposed to have an indication
      for receiving heart transplant, which means "bridge to transplantation" use. And
      in Japan, implantable VAD can be implanted for patients less than 65 years old if
      it needs to be insured. In the University of Tokyo Hospital, the mid-term
      outcomes of 41 implantable VAD patients were acceptable with 2 hospital deaths, 2
      remote deaths and one year survival rate at 88%.Considering the present Japanese
      situation with extreme shortage of organ donation, the extended application of
      implantable VADs as "Destination Therapy" is awaited, but quality of life of care
      givers as well as patients themselves and sustainable follow-up system provided
      by healthcare professionals need to be warranted.

PMID- 25138937
TI  - [Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair].
AB  - Endovascular aneurysm repair has brought revolution in the treatment of aortic
      disease. Although surgical treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysm impose large
      invasiveness on patients of aged population, endovascular aneurysm repair supply
      extreme less-invasive treatment for patients with thoracic aortic disease,
      because of unnecessary for thoracotomy and extracorporeal circulation. Thoracic
      endovascular aneurysm repair will have further applications and distributions
      with development and improvement of the device. 

PMID- 25138936
TI  - [Annuloplasty ring and band for valve repair].
AB  - Annulus dilatation is present in almost all patients with mitral regurgitation,
      tricuspid regurgitation. Therefore annuloplasty is required to obtain normal
      leaflet coaptation. Annuloplasty ring or band offers more stability in valve
      repair, improving long-term outcome. Since annuloplasty ring and band of various
      types can be used, to understand the characteristics and to select proper size
      are important. 

PMID- 25138938
TI  - [Transcatheter aortic valve replacement].
AB  - While transcatheter aortic valve replacement( TAVR) has spread rapidly all over
      the world for highrisk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), SAPIEN XT was
      approved in Japan in October 2013. Since that, approximately 400 TAVR cases were
      performed in Japan. In our institute, we have performed 164 cases since first
      case in Japan in 2009 and have achieved satisfactory early results(30-day
      mortality:1.2%). At the same time, however, simultaneously various TAVR-related
      complications including a paravalvular leak, stroke, vascular complications, and
      coronary obstruction were observed. A reduction in the incidence and severity of
      these complications had led technical improvements in various new devices(2nd
      generation TAVR device such as the SAPIEN 3, ACURATE, and JenaValve) and in
      implantation techniques including repositioning/recapturing features,
      paravalvular sealing technologies, and prevention of coronary obstruction.
      Furthermore, there is also increasing experience with special indications for
      TAVR such as pure aortic valve insufficiency or valve-in-valve techniques.
      Currently, an increasing number of publications of midterm results demonstrate
      good prosthetic valve function and durability, with good quality of life and low
      morbidity after TAVR. There are also some randomized trials such as PARTNER 2 or
      SURTAVI to investigate potential benefits of TAVR for intermediate-risk patients.
      These improvements in the TAVR devices promises the expansion of TAVR towards the
      treatment of lower-risk patients in the near future. 

PMID- 25138939
TI  - [da Vinci surgical system].
AB  - The da Vinci surgical system was developed by Intuitive Surgical Inc. in the
      United States as an endoscopic surgical device to assist remote control
      surgeries. In 1998, the Da Vinci system was first used for cardiothoracic
      procedures. Currently a combination of robot-assisted internal thoracic artery
      harvest together with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) through a mini
      incision (ThoraCAB) or totally endoscopic procedures including anastomoses under
      robotic assistance (TECAB) are being conducted for the treatment of coronary
      artery diseases. With the recent advances in catheter interventions, hybrid
      procedures combining catheter intervention with ThoraCAB or TECAB are anticipated
      in the future.On the other hand, with the decrease in number of coronary artery
      bypass surgeries, the share of valvular surgeries is expected to increase in the
      future. Among them, mitral valvuloplasty for mitral regurgitation is anticipated
      to be conducted mainly by low-invasive procedures, represented by minimally
      invasive cardiac surgery( MICS) and robot-assisted surgery. Apart from the
      intrinsic good surgical view, robotic-assisted systems offer additional
      advantages of the availability of an amplified view and the easy to observe the
      mitral valve in the physiological position. Thus, robotic surgical surgeries that
      make complicated procedures easier are expected to accomplish further
      developments in the future. Furthermore, while the number of surgeries for atrial
      septal defects has decreased dramatically following the widespread use of
      Amplatzer septal occluder, robotic surgery may become a good indication for cases
      in which the Amplatzer device is not indicated. In Japan, clinical trial of the
      da Vinci robotic system for heart surgeries has been completed. Statutory
      approval of the da Vinci system for mitral regurgitation and atrial septal
      defects is anticipated in the next few years. 

PMID- 25138940
TI  - [Percutaneous edge-to-edge repair using the MitraClip system].
AB  - Percutaneous edge-to-edge repair with the MitraClip system has emerged as a new
      therapeutic option for moderate to severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR).
      Several clinical studies demonstrated its safety and efficacy in patients with
      both degenerative and functional MR. Based on these results, this catheter-based
      therapy received CE mark for both etiologies of MR in 2008, and approval from
      United States (US) Food and Drug Administration for degenerative MR with
      prohibited surgical risk in 2013. To date, around 12,000 patients underwent the
      MitraClip therapy worldwide. In the present review article, we describe the
      concept and procedural steps of the MitraClip therapy, results of major clinical
      trials, and current status in US. 

PMID- 25138941
TI  - [Application of medical imaging to general thoracic surgery].
AB  - Medical imaging technology is rapidly progressing. Positron emission tomography
      (PET) has played major role in the staging and choice of treatment modality in
      lung cancer patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now routinely used for
      mediastinal tumors and the use of diffusion-weighted images (DWI) may help in the
      diagnosis of malignancies including lung cancers. The benefits of medical imaging
      technology are not limited to diagnostics, and include simulation or navigation
      for complex lung resection and other procedures. Multidetector row computed
      tomography (MDCT) shortens imaging time to obtain detailed and precise volume
      data, which improves diagnosis of small-sized lung cancers. 3-dimensional
      reconstruction of the volume data allows the safe performance of thoracoscopic
      surgery. For lung lobectomy, identification of the branching structures,
      diameter, and length of the arteries is useful in selecting the procedure for
      blood vessel treatment. For lung segmentectomy, visualization of venous branches
      in the affected segments and intersegmental veins has facilitated the
      preoperative determination of the anatomical intersegmental plane. Therefore, the
      application of medical imaging technology is useful in general thoracic surgery. 

PMID- 25138942
TI  - [Diagnostic bronchoscopy].
AB  - Endoscopic technology has developed markedly with endobronchial ultrasonography
      (EBUS) having become dramatically widespread over the past 10 years. EBUS-guided
      transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has become an important modality for
      the mediastinal staging of lung cancer as well as mediastinoscopy. The
      combination of EBUS with a guide sheath( EBUS-GS) and virtual navigation systems,
      such as Bf-NAVI, LungPoint, superDimension/Bronchus system, is useful for
      diagnosis of small peripheral pulmonary lesions. Moreover, the ability to observe
      lesions has increased using picture enhancement developed by new methods such as
      autofluorescence imaging( AFI), narrow band imaging (NBI), and FUJI intelligent
      color enhancement( FICE). However, these modalities have limited value in
      detection of lung cancer and preneoplastic lesions. In recent years, the
      indications for AFI have widened and it can be now used for evaluation of tumor
      extension. Knowledge of these new technologies is certainly useful to allow their
      routine clinical use by respiratory surgeons. We will review these new
      technologies in this paper. 

PMID- 25138943
TI  - [Present status of interventional pulmonology].
AB  - Endobronchial intervention has been well established in therapeutic and
      palliative methods for patients with malignant and benign airway obstruction.
      Central airway tumor obstruction could lead to significant dyspnea or hemoptysis
      and dramatically lower the quality of life. Such symptoms can be relieved
      immediately via bronchoscopic intervention. Endobronchial therapies such as
      neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet( Nd:YAG) laser therapy, argon plasma
      coagulation and microwave coagulation or stent placement are well-established
      treatment options. Each of these modalities has its specific advantages and
      disadvantages. Laser therapy is direct thermal ablation applied to endobronchial
      tumors. It has sufficient power to vaporize tissues and produces an excellent
      coagulation effect. However, the risk of perforation is high. On the other hand,
      photodynamic therapy has the curative potential for patients with early
      superficial lung cancer using low power laser. Moreover, it has recently been
      approved for the treatment of other cancers including advanced lung cancer. Stent
      placement is an effective treatment to re-establish airway patency and
      immediately relieve the patient from life-threatening dyspnea. Stent restenosis,
      migration, mucus plug and hemoptysis are common short-term and longterm problems.
      It is important to select the appropriate treatment method for each patient to
      avoid complications and achieve successful results. 

PMID- 25138944
TI  - [Thoracoscope for thoracoscopic surgery].
AB  - Thoracoscope is very important in thoracoscopic surgery (TS). There are many
      types of telescope and monitor. Also the placement of access port and location of
      the monitor image often differ between each institutions. Thoracic surgeons need
      to know these features to perform good TS. In our department, 2,375 patients (98%
      of all operation) were underwent 3-ports TS for 5 years. Operator always stands
      by patient's right side and camera assistant stands by patient's left side. Using
      2 monitors, left side of monitors image sets to patient's head side and camera
      assistant see the inverted image monitor. Regardless of the localization of the
      lesion, three ports are always placed in same intercostal space. One of the
      advantages of TS is the ability of obtaining close and magnified operative image
      which can be possible to be shared with assistant and other surgical staff. The
      other advantages is that surgeons can review the recorded surgical digital
      versatile disc(DVD). 

PMID- 25138945
TI  - [Characteristics of customized device for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery].
AB  - Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been a mainstay in surgical
      interventions for an early staged lung cancer over a decade. VATS procedures are
      nowadays categorized into 2 groups. One is a modified open procedures through a
      mini-thoracotomy with customization of conventional instruments. The other is a
      port-access procedure with use of newly developed instruments for endoscopic
      surgery. The optimal device adapting for individual surgical manipulations should
      be selected to make a VATS procedure safer and more feasible. The sample
      extraction using a bag is a most important step when VATS is completed, because
      the rupture of bag can result in cancer cell contamination. More useful devices
      adapting either for mini-thoracotomy VATS or for port-access VATS, will be
      developed with advancement of medical technology. 

PMID- 25138946
TI  - [Ultrasonically activated coagulating shears and the vessel sealing system in
      thoracic surgery].
AB  - While the recent emergence of energy-based surgical techniques has made surgical
      procedures less invasive, the safety and proper usage have yet to be
      investigated. Here we review the experimental and clinical use of ultrasonically
      activated coagulating shears and a vessel sealing system in thoracic surgery.
      Both energy devices have been reported to be safe for use with the pulmonary
      artery and vein, with a burst pressure above 100 mmHg. Although their combined
      use with a ligature at a central site appeared to be adequate, the long-term
      durability has yet to be verified. The thoracic duct was reported to be sealed
      with sufficient burst pressure using these energy devices, which are expected to
      provide an alternative treatment for chylothorax. There have also been a few
      reports of their usage with the lung parenchyma, but their clinical adaptation is
      seemingly limited. 

PMID- 25138947
TI  - [Efficacy of soft coagulation in thoracic surgery].
AB  - The soft coagulation is a novel mode of electrosurgical device which
      automatically regulates its output voltage to stay below 190 Volts, causing pure
      coagulation without carbonization. The soft coagulation is available with bipolar
      and monopolar devices in thoracic surgery. Bipolar scissors can be applied for
      dissection of pulmonary vessels safely and efficiently without the damage to
      vessel wall. Monopolar soft coagulation can be applied to shrink bullous change
      of lung, cease air leakage from lung parenchyme or bleeding from pulmonary
      vessels. 

PMID- 25138948
TI  - [Overview of surgical stapling devices].
AB  - Surgical stapler allows surgeons to do simultaneous cut and suture quickly in
      excellent quality. Surgical stapler is currently used widely and has become
      indispensable tool for thoracic surgery, especially for endoscopic surgery such
      as thoracoscopic lung lobectomy, although there was some reluctance for use at
      the dawn of the era of mechanical stapling device. Devices should be used for
      right place in right manner. There are various kinds of stapling devices and
      surgeons should follow manufactures' instruction appropriately to avoid possible
      malfunctions of the devices. Surgeons must be aware of possible risks in use of
      stapling devices and must learn pitfalls. Stapling devices do and will continue
      to be evolved, and surgeons have to keep the know-how updated. 

PMID- 25138949
TI  - [Operation-assisted robot.da Vinci (lung)].
AB  - The most favorable advantage of robotic surgery is the markedly free movement of
      joint-equipped robotic forceps under 3-dimensional high-vision. Accurate
      operation makes complex procedures straightforward and may overcome weak points
      of previous thoracoscopic surgery. The efficiency and safety improves with
      acquiring skills. However, the spread of robotic surgery in the general thoracic
      surgery field has been delayed compared to those in other fields. The surgical
      indications include primary lung cancer, thymic diseases, and mediastinal tumors,
      but it is unclear whether technical advantages felt by operators are directly
      connected to merits for patients. Moreover, problems concerning the cost and
      education have not been solved. Although evidence is insufficient for robotic
      thoracic surgery, it may be an extension of thoracoscopic surgery, and reports
      showing its usefulness for primary lung cancer, myasthenia gravis, and thymoma
      have been accumulating. Now, important thing is to carry out clinical trial for
      advanced medical care and insurance acquisition. Although it is necessary to
      solve important problems such as safety, education, training, the cost for the
      future development, advancing robot technology has a possibility to markedly
      change general thoracic surgery. 

PMID- 25138950
TI  - [Results of percutaneous cryoablation for malignant lung tumors compared with
      radiotherapy].
AB  - Radiotherapy has been regularly applied mainly for inoperable patients with non-
      small cell lung cancer, and various clinical trials have been performed. On the
      other hand, we have applied percutaneous cryoablation for lung tumors (PCLT)
      since 2002. In this paper, we describe our experience of PCLT compared to the
      results of radiation treatment. Three-year local progression-free rates with
      stereotactic body radiotherapy were 79-92% in stage I A and 30-79% in stage I B.
      Those with proton radiotherapy were 82-89% in stage I A and 49-62% in stage I B.
      CTCAE grade >=3 complications occurred in 3-28% cases, such as radiation
      pneumonitis. As for PCLT, 1-, 2- and 3-year local progression-free rates were
      80.4%, 69.0% and 67.7%, respectively. Pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and
      hemoptysis occurred after 61.7%, 70.5%, and 36.8% sessions, respectively. Of all
      cases with pneumothorax, 17.6% required chest tube insertion and 1.7% required
      pleurodesis. Delayed and recurrent pneumothorax occurred in 7.8% each. CTCAE
      grade >=3 complications occurred in 1.5% cases. The biggest advantage of PCLT
      compared with radiotherapy is the possibility to treat local recurrence at the
      same site as treated before. In addition, no radiation pneumonitis occurs in
      PCLT. Moreover, less space or budget is needed when PCLT is newly introduced in a
      hospital. Although high reliable clinical data is not achieved yet, PCLT is one
      of the promising methods in local treatment. 

PMID- 25138951
TI  - [Sentinel node identification of lung cancer].
AB  - Sentinel node identification is important for small-sized non small cell lung
      cancer patients who are candidates for segmentectomy in determining their
      eligibilities. Intraoperative sentinel node identification using indocyanine
      green or preoperative computed tomography lymphography by transbronchial
      injection of iopamidol are suitable for daily medical practices, because these
      methods take about only 10 minutes to identify sentinel nodes in addition to
      routine surgical or bronchoscopic procedures. 

PMID- 25138952
TI  - [Infrared thoracoscopy].
AB  - Infrared thoracoscopy with indocyanine green (ICG) is a new method of evaluating
      lung perfusion. We succeeded in visualizing lung emphysematous lesions and
      intersegmental borders using infrared thoracoscopy with ICG in animals, and
      within clinical investigations. There are 2 methods in infrared thoracoscopy. One
      is the 2-wavelength method, and the other is the 1-wavelength method. The 2-
      wavelength method is based on ICG absorption, and the 1-wavelength method is
      based on ICG fluorescence. The 2-wavelength method is superior for the clarity of
      images. On the other hand, the 1-wavelength method is superior for the duration
      of staining and the dose of ICG. Commonly, the inflation and deflation line has
      been used to identify the intersegmental border, but lung reinflation narrows the
      surgical view and can lead to prolongation of operation time, particularly in the
      context of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Infrared thoracoscopy with ICG
      is based on blood flow rather than on ventilation and can thus achieve anatomical
      segmentectomy without lung reinflation. This article closely reviews the
      principle and usefulness of infrared thoracoscopy, and difference between 2- and
      1- wavelength method. 

PMID- 25138953
TI  - [Image-enhanced endoscopy and magnifying endoscopy for esophageal cancer].
AB  - Image diagnoses for esophageal cancer are progressing. With regard to endoscopic
      examination, chrome endoscopy using iodine have been performed so far to identify
      the range of lesion and to detect multiple primary cancers. In addition to that,
      endoscopic ultrasonography is used to diagnose the depth of tumor invasion and to
      identify lymph node metastasis. Recently, image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) [e.g.
      Flexible spectral Imaging Color Enhancement (FICE), i-scan, Narrow Band Imaging
      (NBI), Autofluorescence imaging (AFI)] has developed. IEE is useful to detect
      superficial lesion, and is being utilized for diagnosing the tumor depth of
      invasion by using magnifying endoscopy( ME) together. In this literature, recent
      progress of endoscopic diagnosis, especially about IEE and ME, is reviewed. In
      addition to that, a way of endoscopic examination using IEE and ME is introduced.

PMID- 25138954
TI  - [Indocyanine green injection method for evaluating blood flow of gastric tube on
      esophageal cancer surgery].
AB  - The blood flow of esophageal substitute has been subjectively evaluated by
      surgeons. HyperEye Medical System (HEMS) allows for the visualization of the
      fluorescent image of indocyanine green (ICG) enhanced by near-infrared light
      among the surrounding vivid color images. We applied HEMS for evaluating the
      blood flow of right gastroepiploic artery and tissue blood flow of whole gastric
      tube during operation. Quantification of arterial blood flow and venous return
      has also been now developing for objective evaluation. We hope HEMS contributes
      to development of surgical results on various fields by establishing
      quantification of blood flow and clinical application. 

PMID- 25138955
TI  - [Thoracoscopic esophagectomy].
AB  - In recent years, the number of facilities performing thoracoscopic surgery of the
      esophagus has increased. Thoracoscopic surgery has many advantages, such as a
      magnification effect, good lighting, and a wide field of view. Esophagectomy
      requires fine manipulation within a deep and narrow space. Thus, thoracoscopic
      surgery is suitable for the performance of esophagectomy. The body position
      during this procedure may be either prone or left lateral decubitus. Because
      there are advantages in both cases, the relative merits are controversial. The
      operation time is longer than that of open thoracotomy, but the amount of
      bleeding is small in most cases of thoracoscopic esophagectomy. There are also
      some reports that thoracoscopic esophagectomy is comparable with open
      esophagectomy in terms of radicality and quality of lymph node dissection, and
      the intensive care unit and hospital stay durations are shortened. Robot-assisted
      esophagectomy is a promising technology for the fine manipulations and high
      quality 3-dimensional visualization required in the performance of esophageal
      thoracoscopic surgery. Thoracoscopic esophagectomy will become more widespread
      and undergo further development in the future with the spread of robotic surgery
      and 3-dimensional endoscopic surgery.

PMID- 25138956
TI  - Compressed-sensing-based fluorescence molecular tomographic image reconstruction
      with grouped sources.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the quality of reconstructed results can be improved with
      the increment of the number of measurements, the scale of the matrices involved
      in the reconstruction of fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) will become
      larger, which leads to the poor efficiency of the process of tomographic image
      reconstruction. In this paper, we proposed a new method for image reconstruction
      of FMT based on compressed sensing, in which a scheme of grouped sources is
      incorporated. METHODS: The forward equations are implemented using the finite
      element method (FEM). The reconstruction model is formulated under the framework
      of compressed sensing theory. The regularization term and the total variation
      penalty are incorporated in the objective function. During the reconstruction of
      FMT, the sources are divided into two groups for iteration in turn. One group of
      sources is employed in the first iteration of inverse problem, and the other
      group is employed in the next iteration. RESULTS: Simulation results demonstrate
      that the computation time and mean square error (MSE) of the reconstruction with
      our algorithm are less than those with the traditional method. The proposed
      algorithm can reconstruct the target with enhanced contrast and more accurate
      shape. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed algorithm can significantly improve the speed
      and accuracy of the reconstruction of FMT. Furthermore, our compressed-sensing
      based method can reduce the number of measurements.

PMID- 25138958
TI  - The beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol rescues acetaminophen-injured livers:
      Is it really safe?

PMID- 25138959
TI  - How Australian and New Zealand schools of optometry prepare students for
      culturally competent practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study is an investigation of how Australian and New Zealand
      schools of optometry prepare students for culturally competent practice. The aims
      are: (1) to review how optometric courses and educators teach and prepare their
      students to work with culturally diverse patients; and (2) to determine the
      demographic characteristics of current optometric students and obtain their views
      on cultural diversity. METHODS: All Australian and New Zealand schools of
      optometry were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected with two
      surveys: a curriculum survey about the content of the optometric courses in
      relation to cultural competency issues and a survey for second year optometry
      students containing questions in relation to cultural awareness, cultural
      sensitivity and attitudes to cultural diversity. RESULTS: Four schools of
      optometry participated in the curriculum survey (Deakin University, Flinders
      University, University of Melbourne and University of New South Wales). Sixty
      three students (22.3 per cent) from these four schools as well as the University
      of Auckland participated in the student survey. Cultural competency training was
      reported to be included in the curriculum of some schools, to varying degrees in
      terms of structure, content, teaching method and hours of teaching. Among second
      year optometry students across Australia and New Zealand, training in cultural
      diversity issues was the strongest predictor of cultural awareness and
      sensitivity after adjusting for school, age, gender, country of birth and
      language other than English. CONCLUSION: This study provides some evidence that
      previous cultural competency-related training is associated with better cultural
      awareness and sensitivity among optometric students. The variable approaches to
      cultural competency training reported by the schools of optometry participating
      in the study suggest that there may be opportunity for further development in all
      schools to consider best practice training in cultural competency.

PMID- 25138960
TI  - Response to impact of obstructive sleep apnea on cardiovascular outcomes in
      patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention: rationale and design of
      the sleep and stent study.

PMID- 25138961
TI  - Low-resolution structures of OmpA?DDM protein-detergent complexes.
AB  - We have used SAXS to determine the low-resolution structure of the outer-membrane
      protein OmpA from E. coli solubilized by the surfactant dodecyl maltoside (DDM).
      We have studied three variants of the transmembrane domain of OmpA-namely
      monomers, self-associated dimers, and covalently linked dimers-as well as the
      monomeric species of the full-length protein with the periplasmic domain. We can
      successfully model the structures of the monomeric and covalently linked dimer as
      one and two natively folded proteins in a DDM micelle, respectively, whereas the
      noncovalently linked dimer presents a more complicated structure, possibly due to
      higher-order species. We have determined the structure of the full-length protein
      to be that of a globular periplasmic domain attached through a flexible linker to
      the transmembrane domain. This approach provides valuable information about how
      membrane proteins are embedded in amphiphilic environments. 

PMID- 25138962
TI  - Maximizing binding capacity for protein A chromatography.
AB  - Advances in cell culture expression levels in the last two decades have resulted
      in monoclonal antibody titers of >=10 g/L to be purified downstream. A high
      capacity capture step is crucial to prevent purification from being the
      bottleneck in the manufacturing process. Despite its high cost and other
      disadvantages, Protein A chromatography still remains the optimal choice for
      antibody capture due to the excellent selectivity provided by this step. A dual
      flow loading strategy was used in conjunction with a new generation high capacity
      Protein A resin to maximize binding capacity without significantly increasing
      processing time. Optimum conditions were established using a simple empirical
      Design of Experiment (DOE) based model and verified with a wide panel of
      antibodies. Dynamic binding capacities of >65 g/L could be achieved under these
      new conditions, significantly higher by more than one and half times the values
      that have been typically achieved with Protein A in the past. Furthermore,
      comparable process performance and product quality was demonstrated for the
      Protein A step at the increased loading.

PMID- 25138964
TI  - Graves' dermopathy and acropachy.

PMID- 25138963
TI  - Adipogenic changes of hepatocytes in a high-fat diet-induced fatty liver mice
      model and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by steatosis
      associated with liver inflammation. As NAFLD progresses, triglycerides increase
      within hepatocytes, causing typical vacuoles that resemble adipocytes. However,
      whether these morphological changes in hepatocytes indicate potential functional
      changes is unclear. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) containing 42%
      fat. Markers for adipocytes in the liver were measured using real-time PCR,
      Western blot, and double immunofluorescent labeling. Cytokines in cell culture
      supernatants were quantified with ELISA. To determine the macrophage phenotype,
      hepatic classical M1 markers and alternative M2 markers were analyzed. After a 24
      week feeding period, adipocyte markers aP2 and PPARgamma increased at both the
      mRNA and protein level in the liver of HFD-fed mice. FITC-labeled aP2 and
      rhodamine-labeled albumin were both stained in the cytoplasm of steatotic
      hepatocytes as observed under confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cell membrane
      bound E-cadherin and albumin expression were reduced in steatotic hepatocytes
      compared to controls. However, hepatic adiponectin and adiponectin receptor-2
      expression decreased with upregulation of hepatic CD36, suggesting impaired
      adiponectin activity in livers of HFD-fed mice. Moreover, steatotic primary
      hepatocytes not only released pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFalpha, MCP-1,
      IL-6, and IL-18, but also could activate macrophages when co-cultured in vitro.
      In vivo, hepatic expression of M1 genes such as iNOS and TNFalpha was markedly
      increased in HFD-fed mice. In contrast, hepatic expression of M2 genes such as
      Arg1 and CD206 was significantly reduced. Specifically, the ratio of TNFalpha to
      CD206 in HFD-fed mice was notably upregulated. Overexpression of adipocyte
      specific genes in hepatocytes and their secretory function and epithelial
      phenotype impairment in NAFLD cause functional changes in steatotic hepatocytes
      aside from morphological changes. This suggests that adipogenic changes in
      hepatocytes are involved in pathogenesis of NAFLD.

PMID- 25138965
TI  - Water-mediated interactions between trimethylamine-N-oxide and urea.
AB  - The amphiphilic osmolyte trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is commonly found in
      natural organisms, where it counteracts biochemical stress associated with urea
      in aqueous environments. Despite the important role of TMAO as osmoprotectant,
      the mechanism behind TMAO's action has remained elusive. Here, we study the
      interaction between urea, TMAO, and water in solution using broadband (100 MHz
      1.6 THz) dielectric spectroscopy. We find that the previously reported tight
      hydrogen bonds between 3 water molecules and the hydrophilic amine oxide group of
      TMAO, remain intact at all investigated concentrations of urea, showing that no
      significant hydrogen bonding occurs between the two co-solutes. Despite the
      absence of direct TMAO-urea interactions, the solute reorientation times of urea
      and TMAO show an anomalous nonlinear increase with concentration, for ternary
      mixtures containing equal amounts of TMAO and urea. The nonlinear increase of the
      reorientation correlates with changes in the viscosity, showing that the
      combination of TMAO and urea cooperatively enhances the hydrogen-bond structure
      of the ternary solutions. This nonlinear increase is indicative of water mediated
      interaction between the two solutes and is not observed if urea is combined with
      other amphiphilic solutes. 

PMID- 25138967
TI  - Influence of fluorescent dye on physical-mechanical properties of luting cements
      for confocal microscopy analysis.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the influence of a fluorescent dye (rhodamine B) on the
      physical and mechanical properties of three different luting cements: a
      conventional adhesive luting cement (RelyX ARC, 3M/ESPE), a self-adhesive luting
      cement (RelyX U-200, 3M/ESPE), and a self-etching and self-adhesive luting cement
      (SeT PP, SDI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cements were mixed with 0.03 wt%
      rhodamine B, formed into bar-shaped specimens (n = 10), and light cured using an
      LED curing unit (Radii, SDI) with a radiant exposure of 32 J/cm(2) . The Knoop
      hardness (KHN), flexural strength (FS), and Young's modulus (YM) analyses were
      evaluated after storage for 24 h. RESULTS: Outcomes were subjected to two-way
      ANOVA and Tukey's test (P = 0.05) for multiple comparisons. No significant
      differences in FS or YM were observed among the tested groups (P >= 0.05); the
      addition of rhodamine B increased the hardness of the luting cements tested.
      CONCLUSION: The addition of a fluorescent agent at 0.03 wt% concentration does
      not negatively affect the physical-mechanical properties of the luting cement
      polymerization behavior.

PMID- 25138966
TI  - Oxygen uptake at different intensities and sub-techniques predicts sprint
      performance in elite male cross-country skiers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between sprint-prologue performance
      (using the classical technique) and the oxygen uptake at the lactate threshold
      (VO2obla), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and mean oxygen uptake during double
      poling (VO2dp). METHODS: Eight elite male cross-country skiers [age 24.8 +/- 4.8
      years, (mean +/- SD)] completed two treadmill roller-skiing tests using the
      diagonal-stride technique and a 60 s double-poling test on a ski-ergometer to
      determine their VO2obla, VO2max, and VO2dp. Performance data were generated from
      a 1.25 km sprint prologue. Power-function modelling was used to predict the
      skiers' race speeds based on the oxygen-uptake variables and body mass. RESULTS:
      There were correlations between the race speed and the absolute expression of the
      VO2obla (r = 0.79, P = 0.021), VO2max (r = 0.86, P = 0.0069), and VO2dp (r =
      0.94, P = 0.00062). The following power-function models were established for race
      speed prediction: 1.09 . VO2obla(0.21), 1.05 . VO2max(0.21), and 1.19 .
      VO2dp(0.20); these models explained 60% (P = 0.024), 73% (P = 0.0073), and 87% (P
      = 0.00073), respectively, of the variance in the race speed. However, body mass
      did not contribute to any of the models (P = 0.97, 0.88, and 0.21, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Oxygen uptake at different intensities and sub-techniques is an
      indicator of elite male sprint-prologue performance. The absolute expression of
      the investigated oxygen-uptake variables should be used when evaluating elite
      male sprint-prologue performances; if skiers oxygen uptake differs by 1%, their
      performances will likely differ by 0.2% in favour of the skier with higher oxygen
      uptake.

PMID- 25138968
TI  - Treatment of Complicated Spontaneous Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence via
      Fetoscopic Laser Ablation of the Vascular Communications.
AB  - Monochorionic diamniotic twins share a single placenta and have intertwin
      vascular communications that link the circulatory systems of the twins together.
      Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is an atypical form of twin-twin
      transfusion syndrome (TTTS) caused by net transfer of blood from one fetus to the
      other and is characterized by large intertwin hemoglobin differences in the
      absence of oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios. This condition may develop
      spontaneously (sTAPS) or as a result of residual vascular communications after
      prior laser surgery. Because of the relatively low prevalence and lack of
      clinical awareness, the natural history of sTAPS is unclear and the antenatal
      treatment remains controversial. Case series of sTAPS have described expectant
      management with timed delivery, intrauterine blood transfusion, and fetoscopic
      laser treatment. Favorable outcomes have been described in cases of uncomplicated
      sTAPS that underwent conservative measures. However, we believe that there may be
      a subgroup of high-risk or complicated sTAPS patients that may benefit from
      definitive treatment afforded by fetoscopic laser therapy. We describe 3
      complicated cases of sTAPS successfully treated with selective laser
      photocoagulation of communicating vessels. In 2 of the cases, placental pathology
      identified thrombosed fetal vessels of the polycythemic twin. 

PMID- 25138970
TI  - West Nile virus lineage 2 isolated from Culex modestus mosquitoes in the Czech
      Republic, 2013: expansion of the European WNV endemic area to the North?
AB  - We report the detection and isolation of four almost identical strains of West
      Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2from Culex modestus mosquitoes collected at three fish
      ponds in South Moravia, Czech Republic, during August 2013. Phylogenetic analysis
      demonstrated that the Czech WNV strains isolated are closely related to Austrian,
      Italian and Serbian strains reported in 2008,2011 and 2012, respectively. Our
      findings show the current northernmost range of lineage 2 WNV in Europe.

PMID- 25138969
TI  - Coupling of sterically hindered trisubstituted olefins and benzocyclobutenones by
      C-C activation: total synthesis and structural revision of cycloinumakiol.
AB  - The first total syntheses of the proposed structure of cycloinumakiol (1) and its
      C5 epimer (18) are achieved in a concise and efficient fashion. Starting from the
      known 3-hydroxybenzocyclobutenone, 1 and 18 are obtained in nine and five steps
      with overall yields of 15% and 33%, respectively. The key for the success of this
      approach is the use of a catalytic C-C activation strategy for constructing the
      tetracyclic core of 1 through carboacylation of a sterically hindered
      trisubstituted olefin with benzocyclobutenone. In addition, the structure of the
      natural cycloinumakiol was reassigned to 19-hydroxytotarol (7) through X-ray
      diffraction analysis. This work demonstrates the potential of C-C activation for
      streamlining complex natural product synthesis.

PMID- 25138971
TI  - A multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Newport gastroenteritis in Europe
      associated with watermelon from Brazil, confirmed by whole genome sequencing:
      October 2011 to January 2012.
AB  - In November 2011, the presence of Salmonella Newport in a ready-to-eat watermelon
      slice was confirmed as part of a local food survey in England. In late December
      2011, cases of S. Newport were reported in England, Wales, Northern Ireland,
      Scotland, Ireland and Germany. During the outbreak, 63 confirmed cases of S.
      Newport were reported across all six countries with isolates indistinguishable by
      pulsed-field gel electrophoresis from the watermelon isolate.A subset of outbreak
      isolates were whole-genome sequenced and were identical to, or one single
      nucleotide polymorphism different from the watermelon isolate.In total, 46
      confirmed cases were interviewed of which 27 reported watermelon consumption.
      Further investigations confirmed the outbreak was linked to the consumption of
      watermelon imported from Brazil.Although numerous Salmonella outbreaks associated
      with melons have been reported in the United States and elsewhere, this is the
      first of its kind in Europe.Expansion of the melon import market from Brazil
      represents a potential threat for future outbreaks. Whole genome sequencing is
      rapidly becoming more accessible and can provide a compelling level of evidence
      of linkage between human cases and sources of infection,to support public health
      interventions in global food markets.

PMID- 25138972
TI  - Epidemiology and outcome of invasive pneumococcal disease among adults in
      Belgium, 2009-2011.
AB  - This epidemiological study examined morbidity and case fatality of invasive
      pneumococcal disease (IPD) in adults in Belgium as well as distribution and
      antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes.Adults
      hospitalised with microbiologically proven IPD were prospectively enrolled. The
      study started in 2009 with patients aged >=50 years, whereas in 2010 and 2011,
      patients aged >=18 years were included. The clinical presentation, patient
      profile, treatment, outcome, and mortality were recorded during
      hospitalisation.Outcome was also assessed one month afterdischarge. Of the 1,875
      patients with IPD identified, 1,332 were included in the analysis. Bacteraemic
      pneumonia, affecting 1,049 of the patients, was the most frequent IPD type (79%),
      and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer were the main
      comorbidities.One-third of patients required admission to intensive care unit. A
      total of 208 (16%) patients died during hospitalisation and an additional 21 (2%)
      within one month after discharge. Case fatality rates of >=20%were observed in
      patients with chronic heart failure, hepatic disease, and renal insufficiency.
      Serotypes 7F, 1, 19A, and 3 were the most prevalent and together accounted for
      47% (569/1,214) of all IPD cases and 42% (80/189) of mortality. Of the patient
      isolates, 21% (255/1,204) were resistant to erythromycin and 22% (264/1,204) to
      tetracycline. Penicillin non-susceptibility was mostly found in serotype 19A
      isolates. These baseline data are essential when assessing the impact of
      pneumococcal conjugate vaccination in adults in the future.

PMID- 25138973
TI  - Information resources and latest news about Ebola virus disease available from
      ECDC.

PMID- 25138974
TI  - European Commission launches consultation on Science 2.0.

PMID- 25138977
TI  - IL-17 and IL-22 serum levels in greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Altered immune function may be an indicator of increased potential
      for the development of immunologically based diseases such as cancer,
      hypersensitivity and autoimmunity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate whether
      Th17 and Th22 cells are targeted by pesticide exposure, we analyzed IL-17 and IL
      22 serum levels in a population of 64 greenhouse workers. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:
      A significant increase in IL-22 concentration was observed in serum of the
      exposed subjects compared to controls. These findings support the hypothesis that
      exposure to pesticides may reduce host defenses against infections and cancer.

PMID- 25138978
TI  - Operating characteristics of PROMIS four-item depression and anxiety scales in
      primary care patients with chronic pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Depression and anxiety are prevalent in patients with chronic pain and
      adversely affect pain, quality of life, and treatment response. The purpose of
      this psychometric study was to determine the reliability and validity of the four
      item Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression
      and anxiety scales in patients with chronic pain. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of
      data from the Stepped Care to Optimize Pain care Effectiveness study, a
      randomized clinical trial of optimized analgesic therapy. SETTING: Five primary
      care clinics at the Roudebush VA Medical Center (RVAMC) in Indianapolis, Indiana.
      SUBJECTS: Two hundred forty-four primary care patients with chronic
      musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: All patients completed the four-item depression
      and anxiety scales from the PROMIS 29-item profile, as well as several other
      validated psychological measures. The minimally important difference (MID) using
      the standard error of measurement (SEM) was calculated for each scale, and
      convergent validity was assessed by interscale correlations at baseline and 3
      months. Operating characteristics of the PROMIS measures for detecting patients
      who had probable major depression or were anxiety-disorder screen-positive were
      calculated. RESULTS: The PROMIS scales had good internal reliability, and the MID
      (as represented by two SEMs) was 2 points for the depression scale and 2.5 points
      for the anxiety scale. Convergent validity was supported by strong interscale
      correlations. The optimal screening cutpoint on the 4- to 20-point PROMIS scales
      appeared to be 8 for both the depression and anxiety scales. CONCLUSIONS: The
      PROMIS four-item depression and anxiety scales are reasonable options as ultra
      brief measures for screening in patients with chronic pain.

PMID- 25138979
TI  - Early-onset Alzheimer's disease in two Iranian families: a genetic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) represents less than 5% of all
      AD cases. Autosomal dominant EOAD has been defined as the occurrence of at least
      three cases in three generations. Mutations in the amyloid precursor protein
      (APP), presenilin-1 and presenilin-2 genes have been recognized to be the cause
      of EOAD. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the genotype of EOAD in two generations of
      two families with EOAD living in an Iranian village. METHODS: The polymerase
      chain reaction method was used to study the presenilin-1 and APP genes in 25
      subjects of these generations. RESULTS: A guanine-to-adenine transition in exon
      17 of the APP gene resulting in a valine-to-isoleucine substitution at codon 717
      was detected in 14 subjects including 6 patients with EOAD. CONCLUSION: This
      mutation demonstrates the importance of gamma-secretase, the necessity of early
      detection of patients with memory decline in the susceptible population and
      raising public awareness of consanguinity marriages.

PMID- 25138980
TI  - Surgical versus conservative treatment for high-risk stress fractures of the
      lower leg (anterior tibial cortex, navicular and fifth metatarsal base): a
      systematic review.
AB  - AIM: To compare surgical and conservative treatment for high-risk stress
      fractures of the anterior tibial cortex, navicular and proximal fifth metatarsal.
      METHODS: Systematic searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and
      PEDro were performed to identify relevant prospective and retrospective studies.
      Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality.
      Main outcomes were return to sport and complication rate. RESULTS: 18 studies
      were included (2 anterior tibia (N=31), 8 navicular (N=200) and 8 fifth
      metatarsal (N=246)). For anterior tibial fracture, no studies on initial surgery
      were eligible. Conservative treatment resulted in high complication rates and few
      cases returned to sport. For navicular fracture, a weighted mean return to sport
      of 22 for conservative and 16 weeks for surgical treatment was found. Six weeks
      of non-weightbearing cast was mostly used as conservative treatment. Surgical
      procedures varied widely. For the fifth metatarsal fracture, weighted mean return
      to sport was 19 for conservative and 14 weeks for surgical treatment. Surgery
      consisted of intramedullary screw fixation or tension band wiring. For
      conservative methods, insufficient details were reported. Overall, there was a
      high risk of bias; sample sizes were small and GRADE level of evidence was low.
      CONCLUSIONS: Strong conclusions for surgical or conservative therapy for these
      high-risk stress fractures cannot be drawn; quality of evidence is low and
      subjected to a high risk of bias. However, there are unsatisfying outcomes of
      conservative therapy in the anterior tibia. The role of initial surgery is
      unknown. For the navicular, surgery provided an earlier return to sport; and when
      treated conservatively, weightbearing should be avoided. For the fifth
      metatarsal, surgery provided the best results. Treatment decision-making would
      greatly benefit from further prospective research. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      PROSPERO database of systematic reviews: CRD42013004201.

PMID- 25138982
TI  - Cancer Knowledge and Opportunities for Education Among HIV-Infected Patients in
      an Urban Academic Medical Center.
AB  - HIV-infected patients frequently present with advanced stage cancer. It is
      possible that late stage presentation may be related to lack of cancer knowledge
      and/or barriers to care. Questionnaires were administered to 285 adult HIV
      infected patients to evaluate knowledge of cancer risk factors and symptoms and
      barriers to care between 2011 and 2012. Differences in mean and percent scores by
      group were assessed using a t test for independent samples and chi-square
      analysis, respectively. Respondents were predominantly male (64%), African
      American (86%), and low income (60% < $10,000/year). Thirty-four (12%) had been
      diagnosed with cancer, and 169 (59%) had a family history of cancer. The mean
      knowledge score was 17.5 out of 24 questions (73%). Mean scores were not
      significantly different by sex, age, race, or income. Respondents with a college
      education scored significantly higher than those with less than a high school
      education (p < 0.01). In unadjusted analysis, a higher proportion of patients
      with a personal/family history of cancer (74%) scored in the highest quartile
      (>70% correct) compared to those without any personal history of cancer (62%) (p
      = 0.03). There was a higher level of cancer knowledge in this population compared
      to studies that have evaluated the HIV-uninfected population. Nevertheless, there
      were knowledge deficits, suggesting the need for further education about cancer
      to improve earlier detection rates and, ultimately, outcomes.

PMID- 25138984
TI  - Molecular interactions driving the layer-by-layer assembly of multilayers.

PMID- 25138983
TI  - Older women's experience with a benign breast biopsy-a mixed methods study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about older women's experience with a benign breast
      biopsy. OBJECTIVES: To examine the psychological impact and experience of women
      >= 65 years of age with a benign breast biopsy. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study
      using quantitative and qualitative methods. SETTING: Three Boston-based breast
      imaging centers. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-four English-speaking women >= 65 years
      without dementia referred for breast biopsy as a result of an abnormal mammogram,
      not aware of their biopsy results at baseline, and with a subsequent negative
      biopsy. MEASUREMENTS: We interviewed women at the time of breast biopsy (before
      women knew their results) and 6 months post-biopsy. At both interviews,
      participants completed the validated negative psychological consequences of
      screening mammography questionnaire (PCQ, scores range from 0 to 36 [high
      distress], PCQ >= 1 suggests a psychological consequence, PCQs <1 are reported at
      time of screening) and women responded to open-ended questions about their
      experience. At follow-up, participants described the quality of information
      received after their benign breast biopsy. We used a linear mixed effects model
      to examine if PCQs declined over time. We also reviewed participants' open-ended
      comments for themes. RESULTS: Overall, 88% (83/94) of participants were non
      Hispanic white and 33% (31/94) had a high-school degree or less. At biopsy, 76%
      (71/94) reported negative psychological consequences from their biopsy compared
      to 39% (37/94) at follow-up (p < 0.01). In open-ended comments, participants
      noted the anxiety (29%, 27/94) and discomfort (28%, 26/94) experienced at biopsy
      (especially from positioning on the biopsy table). Participants requested more
      information to prepare for a biopsy and to interpret their negative results.
      Forty-four percent (39/89) reported at least a little anxiety about future
      mammograms. CONCLUSIONS: The high psychological burden of a benign breast biopsy
      among older women significantly diminishes with time but does not completely
      resolve. To reduce this burden, older women need more information about
      undergoing a breast biopsy.

PMID- 25138986
TI  - The impact of intolerance of uncertainty, worry and irritability on quality of
      life in persons with epilepsy: irritability as mediator.
AB  - Epilepsy is a neurological disorder afflicting many people in the world. The
      impact of epilepsy on the quality of life of those afflicted with epilepsy is
      greater than the limitations imposed by the seizures alone. Among the several
      psychological disorders found to be comorbid with epilepsy are anxiety and
      depression, both of which impair quality of life in epilepsy. Some studies have
      reported that the anxiety seen in epilepsy is characterized by worry while the
      depression seen is characterized by irritability. A concept common to both
      anxiety and depression is intolerance of uncertainty. Therefore, the study
      explores the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty, worry and
      irritability and their association to quality of life in epilepsy. A descriptive
      correlational research method was used and the research sample comprised 60
      consecutive referrals seeking outpatient neurological services for epilepsy at
      Alavi Hospital in Ardebil. Data were collected by administering the Penn State
      Worry Questionnaire, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Irritability Questionnaire
      and Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory. Data were analyzed using Pearson's
      correlation coefficients and multivariate regression analysis. Mediation and
      moderation analyses were conducted. Findings indicated that intolerance of
      uncertainty, worry and irritability have unique significant effects on quality of
      life. The implications are that interventions aimed at improving the quality of
      life of patients with epilepsy should address their feelings of uncertainty,
      worry and irritability. Furthermore, irritability seems to mediate the impact of
      both intolerance of uncertainty and worry on quality of life of individuals with
      epilepsy. No significant moderation effects were noted. Results underscore the
      important role of irritability in the quality of life of persons with epilepsy.
      The findings are discussed with reference to the possibility of particular
      predisposing temperaments and add credence to the suggestion of an epileptic
      personality. 

PMID- 25138985
TI  - Serum levels of M-CSF, RANKL and OPG in rats fed with Kashin-Beck disease
      affected diet.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There were no studies on the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M
      CSF), receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in
      the pathogenesis of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). The objective of the present study
      was to investigate the serum M-CSF, RANKL and OPG in rats fed with KBD-affected
      diet. METHODS: Ninety Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The rats
      received standard commercial feed with or without T-2 toxin additive, low protein
      feed with or without or T-2 toxin additive and the KBD-affected feed. The serum
      bioactivity of M-CSF, RANKL and OPG was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay. RESULTS: The serum levels of M-CSF in E group rats were higher than those
      in the other groups in the five groups (P < 0.01). The serum levels of RANKL and
      OPG in E group rats were highest in the five groups and have significant
      difference compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The molecule of
      M-CSF, RANKL and OPG may be involved in the regulation of epiphyseal plate injury
      and repair in KBD, and its participation in the pathogenesis of KBD should be
      studied in the future.

PMID- 25138987
TI  - Calcification of the internal pudendal artery and development of erectile
      dysfunction in adenine-induced chronic kidney disease: a sentinel of systemic
      vascular changes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), erectile dysfunction (ED), and
      cardiovascular disease share common vascular etiologies and risk factors. AIM:
      Using a rat model, this is the first study to characterize the consequences of
      CKD in the onset and development of ED associated with differential regional
      vascular calcification and circulatory changes. METHODS: Stable CKD was generated
      at 3 weeks in male Sprague-Dawley rats given dietary adenine and progressed until
      7 weeks. Mineral content and morphometry were assessed in the internal pudendal
      arteries (IPAs), thoracic aorta, and carotid artery. Endothelial function was
      determined via changes in serum von Willebrand factor (VWF) and endothelium
      dependent relaxation of the thoracic aorta. RESULTS: In severe CKD rats, calcium
      and phosphate content in all arteries increased, and pulse wave velocity was
      elevated. Distal IPA segments, in particular, were the first to calcify, but
      penile tissue per se did not. CKD rats had endothelial dysfunction, as indicated
      by a decrease in acetylcholine-mediated relaxation (~40%) and an increase in
      serum VWF (~40%), as well as increased lumen diameter (20%) of the distal IPA.
      Erectile function, assessed using a centrally acting dopaminergic agent, was
      significantly impaired by 7 weeks (~40%). CONCLUSIONS: In CKD, the distal IPA
      appears to be more susceptible to vascular dysfunction and calcification.
      Additionally, the onset of ED may be an important sentinel of impending systemic
      vascular disease. To confirm this concept, future experimental and clinical
      studies will need to examine a range of vessel types and the use of supplementary
      methods to assess erectile function.

PMID- 25138988
TI  - Treatment effects of a fixed intermaxillary device to correct class II
      malocclusions in growing patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment effects of
      ForsusTM Fatigue Resistant Device (FRD; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) in growing
      patients with Class II non-extraction malocclusions. METHODS: A retrospective
      sample of 24 class II patients treated consecutively with the FRD followed by
      comprehensive orthodontic treatment was compared to a sample of untreated control
      subjects from the Bolton Brush Study who was matched in age, sex, and
      craniofacial morphology. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken before
      treatment (T1) and after removal of fixed appliances (T2). Growth changes were
      subtracted from the treatment changes to obtain the treatment effects of the
      appliance. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and a match paired t test. RESULTS:
      Significant differences were found between the treated and control groups for 12
      of the 29 measured variables (Co-Gn minus Co-Apt, Wits, Is-OLp, Ii-OLp, overjet,
      Mi-OLp, molar relationship, overbite, Mic-ML, SNA, ANB, and Ii-ML). With 27.8
      months of treatment, all patients were corrected to a class I dental arch
      relationship. Overjet and molar relationships were improved by an average of 4.7
      and 3.1 mm, respectively. This was contributed by a 1.2 mm of restraint in
      forward maxillary growth, 0.7 mm of forward movement of the mandible, 1.5 mm of
      backward movement of the maxillary incisors, 1.3 mm forward movement of the
      mandibular incisors, 0.5 mm backward movement of the maxillary molars, and 1.3 mm
      of forward movement of the mandibular molars. The overbite was decreased by 2 mm
      with no significant change in the occlusal, palatal, or mandibular plane.
      Individual variations in response to the FRD treatment were large for most of the
      parameters tested. Significant differences in treatment changes between male and
      female subjects were found only in a few parameters measured. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results demonstrate that significant overjet and overbite corrections can be
      obtained with the Forsus FRD in conjunction with comprehensive orthodontic
      treatment.

PMID- 25138989
TI  - Hyperplasia of rib and vertebra, associated with infiltrating lipoma: a rare case
      of focal overgrowth.
AB  - PURPOSE: Syndromes with focal overgrowth are rare and diagnosis is difficult
      because manifestations are highly variable and symptoms overlap between
      syndromes. Diagnosis depends on clinical history, physical examination, and
      radiologic and histologic findings. This report describes a case of focal
      overgrowth of the left seventh rib and half of the adjacent thoracic vertebra,
      with overlying infiltrating lipoma. METHODS: A 13-year-old boy presented with an
      asymptomatic chest wall mass caused by enlargement of the seventh rib and an
      overlying soft-tissue mass accompanied by enlargement of half of the seventh
      thoracic vertebra. MRI showed infiltration of lipomatous tissue in the muscles,
      but no interfascicular accumulation of adipose tissue in the thoracic spinal
      nerve. RESULTS: A similar case was presented in 1985 but without MR imaging.
      CONCLUSION: We report on a second case of focal overgrowth of a rib and half of
      the adjacent vertebra, and overlying lipoma. In addition to the first case, we
      present MR images demonstrating infiltration of the adipose tissue.

PMID- 25138990
TI  - PlasmaKineticTM versus cold knife internal urethrotomy in terms of recurrence
      rates: a prospective randomized study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of PlasmaKineticTM urethrotomy
      against cold knife direct vision internal urethrotomy in terms of recurrence
      rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 136 male patients with urethral
      strictures were enrolled into the study. The patients were allocated to cold
      knife or PlasmaKinetic urethrotomy groups sequentially by using computer
      generated numbers. Group A (PlasmaKinetic) and group B (cold knife) included 70
      and 66 patients, respectively. All patients were reevaluated at the 3rd, 9th and
      18th month postoperatively with uroflowmetry. RESULTS: Group A patients had a
      postoperative 3rd-month maximum flow rate value of 16.09 ml/s, whereas this same
      parameter was 15.15 ml/s in group B (p < 0.05). The urethral stricture recurrence
      rate up to the 9-month period was statistically significant for group A (14%)
      compared with group B (30%). When we compared the recurrence rates of these
      groups from postoperative day 1 up to the 18th month, the results were 37% for
      group A and 33% for group B (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: PlasmaKinetic urethrotomy
      provides a better recurrence-free rate during the early period compared with
      conventional cold knife therapy. Nevertheless, the outcome of the stricture did
      not change and fibrotic tissue reformed between the 9th and the 18th month.

PMID- 25138991
TI  - Blood-brain barrier drug delivery of IgG fusion proteins with a transferrin
      receptor monoclonal antibody.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Biologic drugs are large molecules that do not cross the blood-
      brain barrier (BBB). Brain penetration is possible following the re-engineering
      of the biologic drug as an IgG fusion protein. The IgG domain is a MAb against an
      endogenous BBB receptor such as the transferrin receptor (TfR). The TfRMAb acts
      as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry the fused biologic drug into the brain via
      receptor-mediated transport on the endogenous BBB TfR. AREAS COVERED: This review
      discusses TfR isoforms, models of BBB transport of transferrin and TfRMAbs, and
      the genetic engineering of TfRMAb fusion proteins, including BBB penetrating IgG
      neurotrophins, IgG-decoy receptors, IgG-lysosomal enzyme therapeutics and IgG
      avidin fusion proteins, as well as BBB transport of bispecific antibodies formed
      by fusion of a therapeutic antibody to a TfRMAb targeting antibody. Also
      discussed are quantitative aspects of the plasma pharmacokinetics and brain
      uptake of TfRMAb fusion proteins, as compared to the brain uptake of small
      molecules, and therapeutic applications of TfRMAb fusion proteins in mouse models
      of neural disease, including Parkinson's disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and
      lysosomal storage disorders. The review covers the engineering of TfRMAb-avidin
      fusion proteins for BBB targeted delivery of biotinylated peptide
      radiopharmaceuticals, low-affinity TfRMAb Trojan horses and the safety
      pharmacology of chronic administration of TfRMAb fusion proteins. EXPERT OPINION:
      The BBB delivery of biologic drugs is possible following re-engineering as a
      fusion protein with a molecular Trojan horse such as a TfRMAb. The efficacy of
      this technology will be determined by the outcome of future clinical trials.

PMID- 25138992
TI  - Supportive post-implant therapy: patient compliance rates and impacting factors:
      3-year follow-up.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate patient compliance rates and influential factors regarding a
      systematic SIT program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2008, we
      identified all patients who were provided with implant-supported restorations in
      the study centre. They had been recommended to attend a SIT program with a 3
      month recall. In 2012, a clinical retrospective cohort study on compliance rates
      over the first 3 years was performed different data were assessed in a regression
      analysis to identify potential influential factors. RESULTS: The inclusion
      criteria were met by 236 patients with 540 implants. Non-compliance rates
      increased over the 3 years (5.37%/7.78%/13.33%). Total non-compliance was
      observed in four patients (1.69%). No correlation to patient compliance was
      detected for "Age," "Gender," "Cardiovascular disease," "Pus/suppuration," or
      "Surgical case complexity." No decreasing effect of higher compliance rates on
      the patients' bleeding on probing (BOP+) values was found, but a statistical
      significance between lower compliance rates and increased pocket probing depth
      (PPD) was detected. The correlation between the presence of plaque and compliance
      did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: When patients with implant
      supported restorations are strongly recommended to comply with a SIT program with
      a 3-month recall, considerably high rates of compliance can be achieved.

PMID- 25138993
TI  - Differential association between metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease
      evaluated with cardiac computed tomography according to the presence of diabetes
      in a symptomatic Korean population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased risks of
      diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite the controversial inclusion
      of established diabetes in MetS, the association between MetS and CAD according
      to diabetes status has not been elucidated in the Asian population. METHODS: We
      evaluated the association between MetS and CAD using the parameters including any
      plaque, obstructive plaque, and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) >100
      according to diabetes status in 2,869 symptomatic Korean subjects who underwent
      cardiac computed tomographic angiography. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was
      significantly higher in the diabetic subjects than in the non-diabetic subjects
      (69% vs. 34%, P <0.001). The incidence of any plaque (64% vs. 43%, P <0.001),
      obstructive plaque (26% vs. 13%, P = 0.006), and CACS >100 (23% vs. 12%, P =
      0.012) was significantly higher in diabetic subjects than in non-diabetic
      subjects. Among the MetS components, decreased high-density lipoprotein level was
      significantly associated with any plaque (odds ratio [OR] 1.35), obstructive
      plaque (OR 1.55), and CACS >100 (OR 1.57) in the non-diabetic subjects (P <0.01,
      respectively). However, none of the MetS components were associated with all the
      parameters in the diabetic subjects. Multivariate regression analysis revealed
      that MetS and the number of MetS components (MetSN) were independently associated
      with any plaque (MetS: OR 1.55, P <0.001; MetSN: OR 1.22, P <0.001), obstructive
      plaque (MetS: OR 1.52, P = 0.003; MetSN: OR 1.25, P <0.001), and CACS >100 (MetS:
      OR 1.46, P = 0.015; MetSN: OR 1.21, P = 0.004) only in the non-diabetic subjects,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MetS was independently associated with the presence
      and severity of CAD only in the non-diabetic subjects among the symptomatic
      Korean population.

PMID- 25138995
TI  - Mental disorder and suicide: a faulty connection.

PMID- 25138994
TI  - Developing zebrafish models relevant to PTSD and other trauma- and stressor
      related disorders.
AB  - While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma- and stress-related
      disorders (TSRDs) represent a serious societal and public health concern, their
      pathogenesis is largely unknown. Given the clinical complexity of TSRD
      development and susceptibility, greater investigation into candidate biomarkers
      and specific genetic pathways implicated in both risk and resilience to trauma
      becomes critical. In line with this, numerous animal models have been extensively
      used to better understand the pathogenic mechanisms of PTSD and related TSRD.
      Here, we discuss the rapidly increasing potential of zebrafish as models of these
      disorders, and how their use may aid researchers in uncovering novel treatments
      and therapies in this field. 

PMID- 25138996
TI  - 'I move therefore I am': the anoetic ideomotor theory of autism.

PMID- 25138997
TI  - The importance of mental disorders in suicide.

PMID- 25138999
TI  - Training experience in gestures affects the display of social gaze in baboons'
      communication with a human.
AB  - Gaze behaviour, notably the alternation of gaze between distal objects and social
      partners that accompanies primates' gestural communication is considered a
      standard indicator of intentionality. However, the developmental precursors of
      gaze behaviour in primates' communication are not well understood. Here, we
      capitalized on the training in gestures dispensed to olive baboons (Papio anubis)
      as a way of manipulating individual communicative experience with humans. We
      aimed to delineate the effects of such a training experience on gaze behaviour
      displayed by the monkeys in relation with gestural requests. Using a food
      requesting paradigm, we compared subjects trained in requesting gestures (i.e.
      trained subjects) to naive subjects (i.e. control subjects) for their occurrences
      of (1) gaze behaviour, (2) requesting gestures and (3) temporal combination of
      gaze alternation with gestures. We found that training did not affect the
      frequencies of looking at the human's face, looking at food or alternating gaze.
      Hence, social gaze behaviour occurs independently from the amount of
      communicative experience with humans. However, trained baboons-gesturing more
      than control subjects-exhibited most gaze alternation combined with gestures,
      whereas control baboons did not. By reinforcing the display of gaze alternation
      along with gestures, we suggest that training may have served to enhance the
      communicative function of hand gestures. Finally, this study brings the first
      quantitative report of monkeys producing requesting gestures without explicit
      training by humans (controls). These results may open a window on the
      developmental mechanisms (i.e. incidental learning vs. training) underpinning
      gestural intentional communication in primates. 

PMID- 25139000
TI  - Predators in training: operant conditioning of novel behavior in wild Burmese
      pythons (Python molurus bivitattus).
AB  - Large pythons and boas comprise a group of animals whose anatomy and physiology
      are very different from traditional mammalian, avian and other reptilian models
      typically used in operant conditioning. In the current study, investigators used
      a modified shaping procedure involving successive approximations to train wild
      Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivitattus) to approach and depress an
      illuminated push button in order to gain access to a food reward. Results show
      that these large, wild snakes can be trained to accept extremely small food
      items, associate a stimulus with such rewards via operant conditioning and
      perform a contingent operant response to gain access to a food reward. The
      shaping procedure produced robust responses and provides a mechanism for
      investigating complex behavioral phenomena in massive snakes that are rarely
      studied in learning research. 

PMID- 25138998
TI  - The opioid system and brain development: effects of methadone on the
      oligodendrocyte lineage and the early stages of myelination.
AB  - Oligodendrocytes express opioid receptors throughout development, but the role of
      the opioid system in myelination remains poorly understood. This is a significant
      problem as opioid use and abuse continue to increase in two particular
      populations: pregnant addicts (in whom drug effects could target early
      myelination in the fetus and newborn) and adolescents and young adults (in whom
      late myelination of 'higher-order' regions takes place). Maintenance treatments
      for opioid addicts include the long-lasting opioids methadone and buprenorphine.
      Similar to our previous findings on the effects of buprenorphine, we have now
      found that early myelination in the developing rat brain is also altered by
      perinatal exposure to therapeutic doses of methadone. Pups exposed to this drug
      exhibited elevated brain levels of the 4 major splicing variants of myelin basic
      protein, myelin proteolipid protein, and myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein.
      Consistent with the enrichment and function of these proteins in mature myelin,
      analysis of the corpus callosum in these young animals also indicated an elevated
      number of axons with already highly compacted myelin sheaths. Moreover, studies
      in cultured cells showed that methadone exerts direct effects at specific stages
      of the oligodendrocyte lineage, stimulating the proliferation of progenitor cells
      while on the other hand accelerating the maturation of the more differentiated
      but still immature preoligodendrocytes. While the long-term effects of these
      observations remain unknown, accelerated or increased oligodendrocyte maturation
      and myelination could both disrupt the complex sequence of synchronized events
      leading to normal connectivity in the developing brain. Together with our
      previous observations on the effects of buprenorphine, the present findings
      further underscore a crucial function of the endogenous opioid system in the
      control of oligodendrocyte development and the timing of myelination.
      Interference with these regulatory systems by opioid use or maintenance
      treatments could disrupt the normal process of brain maturation at critical
      stages of myelin formation.

PMID- 25139001
TI  - Changes in perceptual speed and white matter microstructure in the corticospinal
      tract are associated in very old age.
AB  - The integrity of the brain's white matter is important for neural processing and
      displays age-related differences, but the contribution of changes in white matter
      to cognitive aging is unclear. We used latent change modeling to investigate this
      issue in a sample of very old adults (aged 81-103 years) assessed twice with a
      retest interval of 2.3 years. Using diffusion-tensor imaging, we probed white
      matter microstructure by quantifying mean fractional anisotropy and mean
      diffusivity of six major white matter tracts. Measures of perceptual speed,
      episodic memory, letter fluency, category fluency, and semantic memory were
      collected. Across time, alterations of white matter microstructure in the
      corticospinal tract were associated with decreases of perceptual speed. This
      association remained significant after statistically controlling for changes in
      white matter microstructure in the entire brain, in the other demarcated tracts,
      and in the other cognitive abilities. Changes in brain volume also did not
      account for the association. We conclude that white matter microstructure is a
      potent correlate of changes in sensorimotor aspects of behavior in very old age,
      but that it is unclear whether its impact extends to higher-order cognition.

PMID- 25139003
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of lipodystrophy in HIV-positive patients
      receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - We evaluated retrospectively an automated method for the separate detection of
      subcutaneous and visceral fat in the abdominal region by magnetic resonance
      studies in HIV-positive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy. The
      patients were divided into four different groups: lipoatrophy, lipohypertrophy,
      mixed and the control group. The use of software for the automated detection of
      abdominal compartment visceral adipose tissue (VAT), total adipose tissue (TAT)
      and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was compared to manual evaluation methods
      (fuzzy C-mean). The results of ROC analysis showed that the parameters,
      particularly the VAT, are better than the VAT/TAT and at identifying patients
      with the symptoms of abdominal fat accumulation. A sensitivity of 80.3% and a
      specificity of 79.5% resulted from a threshold VAT value of >87 cm(2). Moreover,
      the manual evaluation method was shown to provide greater values for VAT and the
      VAT/TAT ratio than those given by the automated method. In the present study, a
      rapid MRI protocol for the detection and assessment of the course of
      lipodystrophy was presented and tested on a group of patients with signs of HALS,
      as well as on an antiretroviral naive control group. 

PMID- 25139004
TI  - Access to post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure for men who have
      sex with men in an Irish healthcare setting.
AB  - Men who have sex with men experience disproportionate rates of HIV acquisition.
      Post-exposure prophylaxis following unprotected sexual exposure reduces HIV
      transmission. Our aim was to assess access to post-exposure prophylaxis for men
      who have sex with men in Irish emergency departments. We contacted all national
      24-hour adult emergency departments describing two scenarios; a seronegative man
      who has sex with men receiving unprotected insertive anal intercourse from a
      seropositive partner and secondly a woman sustaining a needle-stick injury from
      an unknown source. We recorded and compared responses regarding post-exposure
      prophylaxis advice in each situation. High proportions of emergency departments
      offered post-exposure prophylaxis for both situations despite minimal evidence to
      support use in needle-stick injury. Men who have sex with men were less likely to
      be asked to attend emergency departments for post-exposure prophylaxis
      administration than a person experiencing needle-stick injury. Men who have sex
      with men were less likely to be offered baseline serological testing for blood
      borne infections. Men who have sex with men were as likely as needle-stick injury
      to receive advice from healthcare workers in emergency departments and
      consultation durations were similar. This study identifies a need to educate
      healthcare workers in emergency departments on appropriate use of post-exposure
      prophylaxis following sexual exposure for men who have sex with men. Health care
      workers must appreciate the importance of post-exposure prophylaxis presentations
      as opportunities for intervention and HIV screening. 

PMID- 25139002
TI  - Reduced mediodorsal thalamic volume and prefrontal cortical spindle activity in
      schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We recently found marked deficits in sleep spindles, non-rapid eye
      movement (NREM) sleep oscillations that are generated within the thalamus and
      then amplified and sustained in the cortex, in patients with schizophrenia
      compared to both healthy and psychiatric controls. Here, we investigated the
      thalamic and cortical contributions to these sleep spindle deficits. METHODS:
      Anatomical volume of interest analysis (i.e., thalamic volumes) and
      electroencephalogram (EEG) source modeling (i.e., spindle-related cortical
      currents) were performed in patients with schizophrenia and healthy comparison
      subjects. FINDINGS: Schizophrenia patients had reduced mediodorsal (MD) thalamic
      volumes, especially on the left side, compared to healthy controls, whereas whole
      thalami and lateral geniculate nuclei did not differ between groups. Furthermore,
      left MD volumes were strongly correlated with the number of scalp-recorded
      spindles in an anterior frontal region, and cortical currents underlying these
      anterior frontal spindles were localized in the prefrontal cortex, in Brodmann
      area (BA) 10. Finally, prefrontal currents at the peak of spindle activity were
      significantly reduced in schizophrenia patients and correlated with their
      performance in an abstraction/working memory task. CONCLUSION: Altogether, these
      findings point to deficits in a specific thalamo-cortical circuitry in
      schizophrenia, which is associated with some cognitive deficits commonly reported
      in those patients.

PMID- 25139005
TI  - Model-assisted analysis of sugar metabolism throughout tomato fruit development
      reveals enzyme and carrier properties in relation to vacuole expansion.
AB  - A kinetic model combining enzyme activity measurements and subcellular
      compartmentation was parameterized to fit the sucrose, hexose, and glucose-6-P
      contents of pericarp throughout tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit development.
      The model was further validated using independent data obtained from domesticated
      and wild tomato species and on transgenic lines. A hierarchical clustering
      analysis of the calculated fluxes and enzyme capacities together revealed stage
      dependent features. Cell division was characterized by a high sucrolytic activity
      of the vacuole, whereas sucrose cleavage during expansion was sustained by both
      sucrose synthase and neutral invertase, associated with minimal futile cycling.
      Most importantly, a tight correlation between flux rate and enzyme capacity was
      found for fructokinase and PPi-dependent phosphofructokinase during cell division
      and for sucrose synthase, UDP-glucopyrophosphorylase, and phosphoglucomutase
      during expansion, thus suggesting an adaptation of enzyme abundance to metabolic
      needs. In contrast, for most enzymes, flux rates varied irrespectively of enzyme
      capacities, and most enzymes functioned at <5% of their maximal catalytic
      capacity. One of the major findings with the model was the high accumulation of
      soluble sugars within the vacuole together with organic acids, thus enabling the
      osmotic-driven vacuole expansion that was found during cell division. 

PMID- 25139006
TI  - Functional characterization of the small regulatory subunit PetP from the
      cytochrome b6f complex in Thermosynechococcus elongatus.
AB  - The cyanobacterial cytochrome b(6)f complex is central for the coordination of
      photosynthetic and respiratory electron transport and also for the balance
      between linear and cyclic electron transport. The development of a purification
      strategy for a highly active dimeric b(6)f complex from the thermophilic
      cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1 enabled characterization of the
      structural and functional role of the small subunit PetP in this complex.
      Moreover, the efficient transformability of this strain allowed the generation of
      a DeltapetP mutant. Analysis on the whole-cell level by growth curves,
      photosystem II light saturation curves, and P700(+) reduction kinetics indicate a
      strong decrease in the linear electron transport in the mutant strain versus the
      wild type, while the cyclic electron transport via photosystem I and cytochrome
      b(6)f is largely unaffected. This reduction in linear electron transport is
      accompanied by a strongly decreased stability and activity of the isolated
      DeltapetP complex in comparison with the dimeric wild-type complex, which binds
      two PetP subunits. The distinct behavior of linear and cyclic electron transport
      may suggest the presence of two distinguishable pools of cytochrome b(6)f
      complexes with different functions that might be correlated with supercomplex
      formation.

PMID- 25139007
TI  - A mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade module, MKK3-MPK6 and MYC2, is
      involved in blue light-mediated seedling development in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are involved in several signal
      transduction processes in eukaryotes. Light signal transduction pathways have
      been extensively studied in plants; however, the connection between MAPK and
      light signaling pathways is currently unknown. Here, we show that MKK3-MPK6 is
      activated by blue light in a MYC2-dependent manner. MPK6 physically interacts
      with and phosphorylates a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, MYC2, and
      is phosphorylated by a MAPK kinase, MKK3. Furthermore, MYC2 binds to the MPK6
      promoter and regulates its expression in a feedback regulatory mechanism in blue
      light signaling. We present mutational and physiological studies that illustrate
      the function of the MKK3-MPK6-MYC2 module in Arabidopsis thaliana seedling
      development and provide a revised mechanistic view of photomorphogenesis. 

PMID- 25139008
TI  - Riluzole likely lacks antidepressant efficacy in ketamine non-responders.

PMID- 25139010
TI  - Pertussis in Latin America: epidemiology and control strategies.
AB  - Pertussis is a serious respiratory disease in infants that can also affect
      children and adults. Vaccination against pertussis was introduced in the 1950s
      and in the 1990s a resurgence of pertussis was observed worldwide. The aim of
      this work is to summarize the recent data concerning pertussis disease in
      different countries of Latin America. In this geographic region, pertussis is
      nationally notifiable and cases should be reported to the appropriate health
      department/Ministry. Though the surveillance systems are not the same among Latin
      America countries, over recent decades an increasing number of cases have been
      detected. Most of these cases correspond to patients younger than 6 months old
      who received fewer than three doses of vaccine. However, cases in adolescent and
      adults have also been detected. For this situation, which is not peculiar to
      Latin America countries, several explanations have been proposed. 

PMID- 25139011
TI  - Validation of a web-based questionnaire to assess the dietary intake of Brazilian
      children aged 7-10 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Food Intake and Physical Activity of School Children (CAAFE)
      comprises an online questionnaire to self-report diet and physical activity of
      Brazilian schoolchildren. BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to assess the
      validity (matches, omissions and intrusions) and moderating factors of the CAAFE.
      METHODS: Direct observation was made of foods consumed (five public schools) and
      child self-reporting on the CAAFE. Additional data included school grade, gender,
      body mass index, completion of food diary, socioeconomic status and access to
      computer. Data were analysed using regression. RESULTS: In total, 602 children
      participated in the study [mean (SD) age 9.5 (1.24) years; 53.6% boys]. On
      average, there were 43% matches, 29% intrusions and 28% omissions. Matches
      doubled in third grade compared to the second grade (P = 0.004); matches almost
      tripled for afternoon snack compared to morning snack (P < 0.001); and matches
      were 69% higher for children with access to a computer at home (P < 0.01).
      Intrusions decreased by almost one-half in fifth compared to fourth grades (P =
      0.004). Omissions declined significantly in the third and fourth grades but
      increased in the fifth grade. Omissions were 47% lower for children in the
      highest income and lower among children who completed the food diary. No
      differences were found for gender or body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Children older
      than 8 years old, who owned a computer and completed a food diary, performed
      better in the CAAFE. A high incidence of disagreement was found in relation to
      the schools and the type of meal. Overall matches (43%), intrusions (29%) and
      omissions (28%) indicate that further studies are required to improve the
      validity of the CAAFE.

PMID- 25139009
TI  - The cumulative effect of different childhood trauma types on self-reported
      symptoms of adult male depression and PTSD, substance abuse and health-related
      quality of life in a large active-duty military cohort.
AB  - History of childhood trauma (CT) is highly prevalent and may lead to long-term
      consequences on physical and mental health. This study investigated the
      independent association of CT with symptoms of adult depression and posttraumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD), mental and physical health-related quality of life
      (HRQoL), as well as current tobacco consumption and alcohol abuse in a large
      homogenous cohort of 1254 never-deployed, young male Marines enrolled in the
      Marine Resiliency Study. Independent effects of CT history, number and type of CT
      on outcomes were analyzed using hierarchical multivariate logistic regression
      models. Our results suggested dose-dependent negative effect of an increasing
      number of trauma types of CT on depression, PTSD and HRQoL. Experience of single
      CT type demonstrated overall weak effects, while history of multiple CT types
      distinctively increased the likelihood of adult PTSD symptomology (OR: 3.1, 95%
      CI: 1.5-6.2), poor mental (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.7-3.1) and physical HRQoL (OR: 1.4,
      95% CI: 1.1-1.9). Risk for depression symptoms was similar for both single and
      multiple CT (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3-3.8 and OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.5 respectively).
      CT history had no effects on current tobacco use and alcohol abuse. Our study
      thus provides evidence for substantial additive effect of different CT types on
      adult mental and physical health with increasing levels of exposure. 

PMID- 25139013
TI  - Enhanced resistance of CXCR3 deficient mice to ocular HSV-1 infection is due to
      control of replication in the brain ependyma.
AB  - CXCR3 deficient (CXCR3(-/-)) mice are resistant to ocular HSV-1 infection in that
      less mice develop encephalitis and succumb to infection in comparison to wild
      type (WT) animals. A region of the brain previously identified to be crucial for
      development of encephalitis was evaluated in HSV-1-infected CXCR3(-/-) and WT
      mice. In this region, known as the ependyma, viral titer, infiltrating leukocyte
      populations, and key anti-viral cytokine message levels were evaluated. We found
      that CXCR3(-/-) mice possessed significantly less HSV-1 and expressed
      significantly more IFN-beta mRNA in the brain ependyma compared to WT animals
      during the development of encephalitis. 

PMID- 25139014
TI  - Immunosuppressants increase the levels of natural autoantibodies reactive with
      glycosaminoglycans in myasthenia gravis.
AB  - Increasing number of evidences support the role of glycosylation in the evolution
      of autoimmunity. We examined carbohydrate-reactive natural autoantibodies
      systematically for the first time in patients with autoimmune myasthenia gravis.
      Antibodies reactive to glycosaminoglycans were measured with CovaLink ELISA in
      the sera of 59 myasthenia patients as well as in 54 healthy controls. We used the
      GlycoChip carbohydrate array to characterize individual carbohydrate recognition
      patterns. Chondroitin-sulphate C and anti-alpha-mannose-specific IgG levels were
      significantly elevated in myasthenia patients. Unexpectedly, we found that
      immunosuppressants increased the levels of the protective IgM glycosaminoglycan
      reactive natural antibodies demonstrating a new role for these agents in
      immunoregulation. 

PMID- 25139015
TI  - Comparison of computed tomographic and pathologic findings in 17 dogs with
      primary adrenal neoplasia.
AB  - The CT appearance of canine adrenal masses has been reported, but associations
      between imaging features and pathologic features of these lesions have not been
      investigated in detail. The purpose of this study was to test associations
      between different types of adrenal neoplasia and their CT and pathologic
      features. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed and inclusion
      criteria were histologic diagnosis of primary adrenal neoplasia, contrast
      enhanced CT examination of the abdomen and surgical resection of the mass or
      necropsy examination. For all included dogs, CT images and histopathologic
      specimens were reviewed independently by two veterinary radiologists and a
      veterinary pathologist, respectively. Seventeen dogs met inclusion criteria.
      Diagnoses were adenocarcinoma in nine (53%) dogs, pheochromocytoma in five (29%)
      dogs, and adenoma in three (18%) dogs. Pheochromocytoma was associated with CT
      signs of vascular invasion (likelihood ratio = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.3-18.3, P = 0.03)
      and macroscopic vascular invasion (likelihood ratio = 9.6, 95% CI = 1.4-65.9, P =
      0.02). There was excellent agreement between signs of vascular invasion in CT
      images and vascular invasion at surgery or necropsy (kappa = 0.86, P = 0.001). A
      peripheral contrast-enhancing rim in delayed postcontrast CT images was
      associated with fibrous encapsulation of the tumor (kappa = 0.53, P = 0.05), and
      a heterogeneous pattern of contrast distribution in delayed postcontrast CT
      images was associated with adrenal hemorrhage or infarction on histological
      examination (kappa = 0.45, P = 0.05). Findings indicated that CT enabled
      assessment of adrenal neoplasia features that reflected their biological behavior
      and pathological findings, however overlapping characteristics between tumor
      types limited the potential for reliably distinguishing them based on CT alone. 

PMID- 25139016
TI  - Intermediate monocytes contribute to pathologic immune response in Leishmania
      braziliensis infections.
AB  - Ulcer development in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by
      Leishmania braziliensis is associated with high levels of tumor necrosis factor
      (TNF). We found that early after infection, before ulcer development, the
      frequency of CD16(+) (both intermediate [CD14(+)CD16(+)] and nonclassical
      [CD14(dim)CD16(+)]) monocytes was increased in the peripheral blood of patients
      with L. braziliensis, compared with uninfected controls. These results suggest
      that CD16(+) monocytes might promote disease. Also, we found that intermediate
      monocytes expressed CCR2 and that increased levels of CCL2 protein were present
      in lesions from patients, suggesting that intermediate monocytes are more likely
      than nonclassical monocytes to migrate to the lesion site. Finally, we found that
      the intermediate monocytes produced TNF. Our results show that intermediate
      monocytes are increased in frequency soon after infection; express CCR2, which
      would promote their migration into the lesions; and, owing to their production of
      TNF, can enhance the inflammatory response. 

PMID- 25139017
TI  - Probing of a human proteome microarray with a recombinant pathogen protein
      reveals a novel mechanism by which hookworms suppress B-cell receptor signaling.
AB  - Na-ASP-2 is an efficacious hookworm vaccine antigen. However, despite elucidation
      of its crystal structure and studies addressing its immunobiology, the function
      of Na-ASP-2 has remained elusive. We probed a 9000-protein human proteome
      microarray with Na-ASP-2 and showed binding to CD79A, a component of the B-cell
      antigen receptor complex. Na-ASP-2 bound to human B lymphocytes ex vivo and
      downregulated the transcription of approximately 1000 B-cell messenger RNAs
      (mRNAs), while only approximately 100 mRNAs were upregulated, compared with
      control-treated cells. The expression of a range of molecules was affected by Na
      ASP-2, including factors involved in leukocyte transendothelial migration
      pathways and the B-cell signaling receptor pathway. Of note was the downregulated
      transcription of lyn and pi3k, molecules that are known to interact with CD79A
      and control B-cell receptor signaling processes. Together, these results
      highlight a previously unknown interaction between a hookworm-secreted protein
      and B cells, which has implications for helminth-driven immunomodulation and
      vaccine development. Further, the novel use of human protein microarrays to
      identify host-pathogen interactions, coupled with ex vivo binding studies and
      subsequent analyses of global gene expression in human host cells, demonstrates a
      new pipeline by which to explore the molecular basis of infectious diseases. 

PMID- 25139019
TI  - Dietary pectin-derived acidic oligosaccharides improve the pulmonary bacterial
      clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in mice by modulating
      intestinal microbiota and immunity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A predominantly T-helper type 2 (Th2) immune response is critical in
      the prognosis of pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. But the mucosal and
      systemic immune responses can be influenced by the intestinal microbiota.
      METHODS: We assessed the effect of microbiota compositional changes induced by a
      diet enriched in 5% acidic oligosaccharides derived from pectin (pAOS) on the
      immune response and outcome of chronic pulmonary P. aeruginosa infection in mice.
      RESULTS: pAOS promoted Th1 polarization by increasing interferon gamma release,
      upregulating t-bet gene expression, decreasing interleukin 4 secretion, and
      downregulating gata3 gene expression. pAOS also sustained the release of
      keratinocyte chemoattractant, recruited polynuclear leukocytes and macrophages,
      stimulated M1 macrophage activation and interleukin 10 release, and decreased
      tumor necrosis factor alpha release in the lung. These effects led to increased
      bacterial clearance after the first and second P. aeruginosa infections. pAOS
      modified the intestinal microbiota by stimulating the growth of species involved
      in immunity development, such as Bifidobacterium species, Sutturella wadsworthia,
      and Clostridium cluster XIVa organisms, and at the same time increased the
      production of butyrate and propionate. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that
      pAOS may have beneficial effects by limiting the number and severity of pulmonary
      exacerbations in patients chronically infected with P. aeruginosa, such as
      individuals with cystic fibrosis.

PMID- 25139018
TI  - Human papillomavirus 16-specific T-cell responses and spontaneous regression of
      anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most anal cancers are attributable to persistent human papillomavirus
      type 16 (HPV-16) infection. The anal cancer precursor, high-grade squamous
      intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), frequently regresses spontaneously. We
      hypothesized that T-cell responses are associated with HSIL regression. METHODS:
      In men who have sex with men undergoing anal cytology and high-resolution
      anoscopy, we measured responses to HPV-16 oncogenic proteins E6 and E7, using the
      CD25/CD134 assay for CD4(+) antigen-specific T cells and intracellular cytokine
      staining for CD4(+) and CD8(+) antigen-specific T cells. RESULTS: Of 134
      participants (mean [SD] age, 51 [9.3] years; 31 [23.1%] infected with human
      immunodeficiency virus), 51 (38.1%) had HSIL. E6- and E7-specific CD4(+) T-cell
      responses were detected in 80 (59.7%) and 40 (29.9%) of the participants,
      respectively, and E6- and E7-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses were each detected
      in 25 (18.7%). HSIL was significantly associated with E7-specific CD8(+) T-cell
      responses (odds ratio, 4.09 [95% confidence interval, 1.55-10.77], P = .004), but
      not with any CD4(+) T-cell response (P >= .09). Twenty-six participants had HSIL
      a mean of 1 year before measurement of T-cell responses, and 6 (23%) of them were
      regressors. Five regressors (83%) had E6-specific CD4(+) T-cell responses vs 7 of
      20 (35%) nonregressors (Pexact = .065). CONCLUSIONS: Systemic HPV-16 E6- and E7
      specific T-cell responses were common in men who have sex with men. E6-specific
      CD4(+) T-cell responses may be associated with recent HSIL regression. CLINICAL
      TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02007421.

PMID- 25139020
TI  - BB0323 and novel virulence determinant BB0238: Borrelia burgdorferi proteins that
      interact with and stabilize each other and are critical for infectivity.
AB  - We have shown that Borrelia burgdorferi gene product BB0323 is essential for cell
      fission and pathogen persistence in vivo. Here we describe characterization of a
      conserved hypothetical protein annotated as BB0238, which specifically interacts
      with the N-terminal region of BB0323. We show that BB0238 is a subsurface
      protein, and similar to BB0323, exists in the periplasm and as a membrane-bound
      protein. Deletion of bb0238 in infectious B. burgdorferi did not affect microbial
      growth in vitro or survival in ticks, but the mutant was unable to persist in
      mice or transmit from ticks--defects that are restored on genetic
      complementation. Remarkably, BB0238 and BB0323 contribute to mutual
      posttranslational stability, because deletion of one causes dramatic reduction in
      the protein level of the other partner. Interference with the function of BB0238
      or BB0323 and their interaction may provide novel strategies to combat B.
      burgdorferi infection.

PMID- 25139021
TI  - Basis of virulence in a Panton-Valentine leukocidin-negative community-associated
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain.
AB  - Community-associated (CA) infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus (MRSA) are on a global rise. However, analysis of virulence
      characteristics has been limited almost exclusively to the US endemic strain
      USA300. CA-MRSA strains that do not produce Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)
      have not been investigated on a molecular level. Therefore, we analyzed virulence
      determinants in a PVL-negative CA-MRSA strain, ST72, from Korea. Genome-wide
      analysis identified 3 loci that are unique to that strain, but did not affect
      virulence. In contrast, phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) and the global virulence
      regulator Agr strongly affected lysis of neutrophils and erythrocytes, while
      alpha-toxin and Agr had a major impact on in vivo virulence. Our findings
      substantiate the general key roles these factors play in CA-MRSA virulence.
      However, our analyses also showed noticeable differences to strain USA300,
      inasmuch as alpha-toxin emerged as a much more important factor than PSMs in
      experimental skin infection caused by ST72. 

PMID- 25139022
TI  - Tr-1-like CD4+CD25-CD127-/lowFOXP3- cells are the main source of interleukin 10
      in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania braziliensis.
AB  - CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells have long been shown to mediate
      susceptibility to Leishmania infection, mainly via interleukin 10 production. In
      this work, we showed that the main sources of interleukin 10 in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis due to
      Leishmania braziliensis are CD4(+)CD25(-)CD127(-/low)FOXP3(-) cells. Compared
      with uninfected controls, patients with CL had increased frequencies of
      circulating interleukin 10-producing CD4(+)CD25(-)CD127(-/low) cells, which
      efficiently suppressed tumor necrosis factor alpha production by the total PBMC
      population. Also, in CL lesions, interleukin 10 was mainly produced by
      CD4(+)CD25(-) cells, and interleukin 10 messenger RNA expression was associated
      with interleukin 27, interleukin 21, and interferon gamma expression, rather than
      with FOXP3 or transforming growth factor beta expressions. Active production of
      both interleukin 27 and interleukin 21, together with production of interferon
      gamma and interleukin 10, was also detected in the lesions. Since these cytokines
      are associated with the differentiation and activity of Tr-1 cells, our results
      suggest that this cell population may play an important role in the
      immunomodulation of CL. Therefore, development of treatments that interfere with
      this pathway may lead to faster parasite elimination. 

PMID- 25139023
TI  - Fetal origins of malarial disease: cord blood cytokines as risk markers for
      pediatric severe malarial anemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe malarial anemia (SMA) remains a major cause of pediatric
      illness and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Here we test the hypothesis that
      prenatal exposures, reflected by soluble inflammatory mediators in cord blood,
      can condition an individual's susceptibility to SMA. METHODS: In a Tanzanian
      birth cohort (n = 743), we measured cord blood concentrations of tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF), TNF receptors I and II (TNF-RI and TNF-RII), interleukin (IL)
      1beta, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). After adjusting
      for conventional covariates, we calculated the hazard ratios (HR) for time to
      first SMA event with log(e) cytokine concentrations dichotomized at the median,
      by quartile, and per standard deviation (SD) increase. RESULTS: Low levels of
      TNF, TNF-RI, IL-1beta, and IL-5 and high levels of TNF-RII were associated
      statistically significantly and respectively with approximately 3-fold, 2-fold, 8
      fold, 4-fold, and 3-fold increased risks of SMA (Hb < 50 g/L). TNF, TNF-RI, and
      IL-1beta concentrations were inversely and log-linearly associated with SMA risk;
      the HR (95% confidence interval [CI]) per 1-SD increase were respectively 0.81
      (.65, 1.02), 0.76 (.62, .92), and 0.50 (.40, .62). CONCLUSIONS: These data
      suggest that proinflammatory cytokine levels at birth are inversely associated
      with SMA risk and support the hypothesis that pediatric malarial disease has
      fetal origins.

PMID- 25139024
TI  - MiR-136 targets E2F1 to reverse cisplatin chemosensitivity in glioma cells.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have gained much attention due to their critical roles in
      diverse biological events, including tumorigenesis. In this study, we demonstrate
      that miR-136 is down-regulated in two cohorts of patients with glioma.
      Furthermore, the low-level expression of miR-136 is significantly associated with
      a more aggressive and/or poor prognostic phenotype of patients with gliomas. Both
      gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that miR-136 expression can reverse
      cisplatin resistance and enhance the response to cisplatin treatment.
      Furthermore, we identified a novel direct target of miR-136, the E2F
      transcription factor 1 (E2F1) oncogene. Depletion of E2F1 recapitulated the tumor
      suppressive functions of miR-136, whereas re-expression of E2F1 attenuated the
      function of miR-136 in glioma cells. Finally, we revealed that miR-136 is
      inversely correlated with E2F1 expression in human glioma samples. The present
      study provides functional and mechanistic links between the tumor suppressor miR
      136 and the oncogene E2F1 for the development of chemoresistance in human glioma.
      Our results indicate that targeting of the miR-136/E2F1 axis may provide a
      promising therapeutic approach to treat glioma. 

PMID- 25139026
TI  - Temozolomide after radiotherapy in recurrent "low grade" diffuse brainstem glioma
      in adults.
AB  - Diffuse brainstem glioma is a rare disease in adults. Radiotherapy (RT) is
      usually considered to be the standard treatment. However, the role of
      chemotherapy in treating relapses after RT is unclear, and this study aimed to
      assess the use of temozolomide (TMZ) in this situation. We conducted a
      retrospective analysis of patients from our database with "low grade" adult
      diffuse infiltrating brainstem glioma who received TMZ at relapse after failing
      RT. The patients were diagnosed by histology or MRI criteria compatible with a
      low-grade glioma. The tumors were localized in the pons, medulla oblongata or
      midbrain, excluding supratentorial or infratentorial tumors that had infiltrated
      the brainstem secondarily. The patients' clinical and radiological responses were
      assessed, and their progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)
      time were estimated. Fifteen adult patients (median age 34 years) fulfilled the
      inclusion criteria. Histological analysis was available in 5 cases and showed
      grade II oligodendroglioma (2 cases), grade II oligoastrocytoma (2 cases), and
      grade II astrocytoma (1 case). Ten patients were selected by MRI criteria only.
      All patients received RT as initial treatment and had a median PFS of 34.2 months
      (95 % CI 24.1-44.2). The median KPS at the time of relapse was 80. TMZ was
      administered orally at 150-200 mg/m(2) for 5 days, every 28 days. Clinical
      improvement after TMZ was observed in 9 cases (60 %), whereas radiological
      assessment detected responses in 6/15 cases, including 4 partial and 2 minor
      responses. The estimated median PFS after TMZ was 9.5 months (95 % CI 7.9-11),
      and the median OS was 14.4 months (95 % CI 10.5-18.2). Grade 3 thrombopenia was
      observed in 26 % of cases. TMZ could be useful after RT failure in adult patients
      with recurrent diffuse "low grade" brainstem glioma. 

PMID- 25139025
TI  - Co-administration of ABT-737 and SAHA induces apoptosis, mediated by Noxa
      upregulation, Bax activation and mitochondrial dysfunction in PTEN-intact
      malignant human glioma cell lines.
AB  - We previously observed that glioma cells are differentially sensitive to ABT-737
      and, when used as a single-agent, this drug failed to induce apoptosis.
      Identification of therapeutic strategies to enhance the efficacy of the Bcl-2
      inhibitor ABT-737 in human glioma is of interest. Histone deacetylation
      inhibitors (HDACI) are currently being assessed clinically in patients with
      glioma, as regulation of epigenetic abnormalities is expected to produce pro
      apoptotic effects. We hypothesized that co-treatment of glioma with a BH3-mimetic
      and HDACI may induce cellular death. We assessed the combination of ABT-737 and
      HDACI SAHA in established and primary cultured glioma cells. We found combination
      treatment led to significant cellular death when compared to either drug as
      single agent and demonstrated activation of the caspase cascade. This enhanced
      apoptosis also appears dependent upon the loss of mitochondrial membrane
      potential and the release of cytochrome c and AIF into the cytosol. The
      upregulation of Noxa, truncation of Bid, and activation of Bax caused by this
      combination were important factors for cell death and the increased levels of
      Noxa functioned to sequester Mcl-1. This combination was less effective in PTEN
      deficient glioma cells. Both genetic and pharmacologic inactivation of the
      PI3K/Akt signaling pathway sensitized PTEN-deleted glioma cells to the
      combination. This study demonstrates that antagonizing apoptosis-resistance
      pathways, such as targeting the Bcl-2 family in combination with epigenetic
      modifiers, may induce cell death. These findings extend our previous observations
      that targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway may be additionally necessary to promote
      apoptosis in cancers lacking PTEN functionality. 

PMID- 25139027
TI  - Sequencing and de novo assembly of the red cusk-eel (Genypterus chilensis)
      transcriptome.
AB  - The red cusk-eel (Genypterus chilensis) is an endemic fish species distributed
      along the coasts of the Eastern South Pacific. Biological studies on this fish
      are scarce, and genomic information for G. chilensis is practically non-existent.
      Thus, transcriptome information for this species is an essential resource that
      will greatly enrich molecular information and benefit future studies of red cusk
      eel biology. In this work, we obtained transcriptome information of G. chilensis
      using the Illumina platform. The RNA sequencing generated 66,307,362 and
      59,925,554 paired-end reads from skeletal muscle and liver tissues, respectively.
      De novo assembly using the CLC Genomic Workbench version 7.0.3 produced 48,480
      contigs and created a reference transcriptome with a N50 of 846bp and average
      read coverage of 28.3*. By sequence similarity search for known proteins, a total
      of 21,272 (43.9%) contigs were annotated for their function. Out of these
      annotated contigs, 33.5% GO annotation results for biological processes, 32.6% GO
      annotation results for cellular components and 34.5% GO annotation results for
      molecular functions. This dataset represents the first transcriptomic resource
      for the red cusk-eel and for a member of the Ophidiimorpharia taxon.

PMID- 25139028
TI  - Bioaccumulation and toxicity of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate to the
      soil arthropod Folsomia candida.
AB  - The growing use of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) triggered an increasing interest
      in their environmental fate and possible ecotoxicological impacts. To investigate
      the potential risk of Ag-NP to soil organisms, the springtail Folsomia candida
      was exposed to Ag-NP (reported diameter size 3-8 nm) and AgNO3 in Lufa 2.2
      natural soil for 28 days to determine effects on survival and reproduction. Also,
      the kinetics of uptake and elimination of Ag were studied for F. candida exposed
      in Lufa 2.2 soil to Ag-NP (at 168 mg Ag/kg dry soil) and AgNO3 (at 30 and 60 mg
      Ag/kg dry soil). AgNO3 was toxic with an LC50 was 284 mg Ag/kg dry soil for
      effects on survival and EC10 and EC50 values of 47.6 and 99.5 mg Ag/kg dry soil,
      respectively for the effect on reproduction. These values did correspond with
      porewater concentrations of 0.801, 0.042 and 0.082 mg Ag/l, respectively. No
      effects on survival and reproduction of Ag-NP were observed up to 673 mg Ag/kg
      dry soil, although porewater concentration was similar to the EC50 for AgNO3.
      Exposure to both Ag forms caused a fast uptake of Ag, but the Ag elimination rate
      was significantly higher for Ag-NP than for AgNO3. Bioaccumulation factor was
      higher for AgNO3 (on average 5.64) than for Ag-NP (1.12). These findings indicate
      that silver ions are more toxic than Ag-NP and have a higher potential to
      accumulate in F. candida. 

PMID- 25139029
TI  - Aquatic environmental safety assessment and inhibition mechanism of chemicals for
      targeting Microcystis aeruginosa.
AB  - Cyanobacteria are a diverse group of Gram-negative bacteria that produce an array
      of secondary compounds with selective bioactivity against vertebrates,
      invertebrates, fungi, bacteria and cell lines. Recently the main methods of
      controlling cyanobacteria are using chemicals, medicinal plants and microorganism
      but fewer involved the safety research in hydrophytic ecosystems. In search of an
      environmentally safe compound, 53 chemicals were screened against the developed
      heavy cyanobacteria bloom Microcystis aeruginosa using coexistence culture system
      assay. The results of the coexistence assay showed that 9 chemicals inhibited M.
      aeruginosa effectively at 20 mg L(-1) after 7 days of exposure. Among them
      dimethomorph, propineb, and paraquat were identified that they are safe for
      Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus, Carassius auratus (Goldfish) and
      Bacillus subtilis within half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values 5.2,
      4.2 and 0.06 mg L(-1) after 7 days, respectively. Paraquat as the positive
      control observed to be more efficient than the other compounds with the
      inhibitory rate (IR) of 92% at 0.5 mg L(-1). For the potential inhibition
      mechanism, the chemicals could destroy the cell ultrastructure in different
      speed. The safety assay proved dimethomorph, propineb and paraquat as harmless
      formulations or products having potential value in M. aeruginosa controlling,
      with the advantage of its cell morphology degrading ability.

PMID- 25139031
TI  - Investigation on bacterial community and diversity in the multilayer aquifer
      aquitard system of the Pearl River Delta, China.
AB  - Bacteria play an important role in groundwater chemistry. The groundwater
      resource in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) is responsible for 50 million people's
      water requirement. High amount of ammonium, arsenic and methane had been reported
      in groundwater of the PRD, which was considered as the result of intensive
      bacterial metabolism in the multilayer aquifer-aquitard system. To investigate
      bacterial community in this system and its relation with groundwater chemistry,
      sediment and groundwater samples were taken from representative locations in the
      PRD at different lithological units. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene clone libraries were
      constructed for microbial identifications and community structures in different
      strata. Canonical correlation analysis between bacterial linages and environment
      variables (Cl(-), PO4(3-), SO4(2-), NH4(+)) showed that community structures were
      significantly modified by geological conditions. Higher bacterial diversity was
      observed in samples from the Holocene aquitard M1 and aquifer T1, while in the
      older aquitard M2 and basal aquifer T2, bacterial diversity was much lower.
      Chloroflexi, gamma-proteobacteria and delta-proteobacteria were the dominant
      phyla in the aquitard sediment. beta-proteobacteria was the dominant phylum in
      sediment which was strongly influenced by fresh water. The results of this study
      demonstrated that bacterial community contains information of geological events
      such as sea transgression and deltaic evolution, and microbes in the aquitards
      have great potential in dominating groundwater quality in aquifers.

PMID- 25139030
TI  - Modification of the brain proteome of Africanized honeybees (Apis mellifera)
      exposed to a sub-lethal doses of the insecticide fipronil.
AB  - Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole insecticide that is widely used in Brazilian
      agriculture for pest control. Although honeybees are not targets of fipronil,
      studies indicate that this pesticide can be harmful to honeybees. To assess the
      effects of fipronil in the brain of Africanized Apis mellifera workers, this
      study focused on the toxico-proteome profiling of the brain of newly emerged and
      aged honeybee workers that were exposed to a sub-lethal dose (10 pg fipronil per
      day. i.e. (1)/100 of LD50/bee/day during 5 days) of the insecticide. Proteomic
      analysis identified 25 proteins that were differentially up-regulated or down
      regulated when the fipronil-exposed and non-exposed groups were compared. These
      proteins are potentially related to pathogen susceptibility, neuronal chemical
      stress, neuronal protein misfolding, and occurrence of apoptosis, ischemia,
      visual impairment, damaged synapse formation, brain degeneration, memory and
      learning impairment. The exposure of honeybees to a very low dose of fipronil,
      even for a short period of time (5 days), was sufficient to cause a series of
      important neuroproteomic changes in the brains of honeybees. 

PMID- 25139032
TI  - Perchlorate-induced oxidative stress in isolated liver mitochondria.
AB  - As a new threat to environment all through the world, perchlorate (ClO4(-)) was
      predominantly a thyrotoxin, and its toxic manifestations in non-thyroid were also
      documented. To date, little is known about the effect of ClO4(-) on cell and
      organelle. To reveal the toxicity of ClO4(-) on living organism in-depth,
      mitochondria isolated from liver of Carassius auratus were incubated with
      different concentrations of ClO4(-). The results demonstrated that ClO4(-)
      induced mitochondrial oxidative stress, and subsequently caused a gradual opening
      of permeability transition pore leading to mitochondrial swelling and lipid
      peroxidative membrane damage. ClO4(-) has a conspicuous inhibition of electron
      transport chain activity which largely correlated to complexes I and IV. The
      investigations clearly demonstrated the oxidative stress of ClO4(-) in
      mitochondria, may well reveal cytotoxic effects in vitro that merit further
      investigation.

PMID- 25139033
TI  - Arsenic release from shallow aquifers of the Hetao basin, Inner Mongolia:
      evidence from bacterial community in aquifer sediments and groundwater.
AB  - Indigenous microbes play crucial roles in arsenic mobilization in high arsenic
      groundwater systems. Databases concerning the presence and the activity of
      microbial communities are very useful in evaluating the potential of microbe
      mediated arsenic mobilization in shallow aquifers hosting high arsenic
      groundwater. This study characterized microbial communities in groundwaters at
      different depths with different arsenic concentrations by DGGE and one sediment
      by 16S rRNA gene clone library, and evaluated arsenic mobilization in microcosm
      batches with the presence of indigenous bacteria. DGGE fingerprints revealed that
      the community structure changed substantially with depth at the same location. It
      indicated that a relatively higher bacterial diversity was present in the
      groundwater sample with lower arsenic concentration. Sequence analysis of 16S
      rRNA gene demonstrated that the sediment bacteria mainly belonged to Pseudomonas,
      Dietzia and Rhodococcus, which have been widely found in aquifer systems.
      Additionally, NO3(-)-reducing bacteria Pseudomonas sp. was the largest group,
      followed by Fe(III)-reducing, SO4(2-)-reducing and As(V)-reducing bacteria in the
      sediment sample. These anaerobic bacteria used the specific oxyanions as electron
      acceptor and played a significant role in reductive dissolution of Fe oxide
      minerals, reduction of As(V), and release of arsenic from sediments into
      groundwater. Microcosm experiments, using intact aquifer sediments, showed that
      arsenic release and Fe(III) reduction were microbially mediated in the presence
      of indigenous bacteria. High arsenic concentration was also observed in the batch
      without amendment of organic carbon, demonstrating that the natural organic
      matter in sediments was the potential electron donor for microbially mediated
      arsenic release from these aquifer sediments.

PMID- 25139034
TI  - The source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the
      topsoil in Xiaodian sewage irrigation area, North of China.
AB  - 31 topsoil samples were collected by grid method in Xiaodian sewage irrigation
      area, Taiyuan City, North of China. The concentrations of 16 kinds of polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by gas chromatograph coupled with
      mass spectrum. Generally speaking, the distribution order of PAHs in the area is:
      those with five and six rings > those with four rings > those with two and three
      rings. Source apportionment shows a significant zonation of the source of PAHs:
      the civil coal pollution occurred in the north part, the local and far factory
      pollution happened in the middle area and the mixed pollution sources from coal
      and wood combustion, automotive emission, presented in the south area. The
      distribution of PAHs has a definite relationship with the sewage water flow and
      soil adsorption. The related coefficient between PAHs and physicochemical
      property showed there was a negative correlation between pH, silt, clay and PAHs
      while there was a positive correlation between total organic carbon, sand and
      PAHs.

PMID- 25139036
TI  - Designing systematic and center-specific metrics to foster innovation.

PMID- 25139037
TI  - Bladder volume estimation from electrical impedance tomography.
AB  - Non-invasive estimation of bladder volume is required to progress from scheduled
      voiding to a demand-driven emptying scheme for patients with impaired bladder
      volume sensation. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a promising candidate
      for the non-invasive monitoring of bladder volume. This article focuses on four
      estimation algorithms used to map recorded EIT data to a volume estimate. Two
      different approaches are presented: the tomographic algorithms (one based on
      global impedance, the other on equivalent circular diameter) rely on the
      reconstruction of a tomographic image and then extract a volume estimate, whereas
      the parametric algorithms (one based on neural networks, the other on the
      singular value difference method) directly map the raw data to a volume estimate.
      The four algorithms presented here are evaluated for volume estimation error,
      noise tolerance and suppression of varying urine conductivity based on finite
      element simulation data. 

PMID- 25139035
TI  - Distribution patterns of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and anammox bacteria in the
      freshwater marsh of Honghe wetland in Northeast China.
AB  - Community characteristics of aerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and
      anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria in Honghe freshwater marsh, a
      Ramsar-designated wetland in Northeast China, were analyzed in this study.
      Samples were collected from surface and low layers of sediments in the
      Experimental, Buffer, and Core Zones in the reserve. Community structures of AOB
      were investigated using both 16S rRNA and amoA (encoding for the alpha-subunit of
      the ammonia monooxygenase) genes. Majority of both 16S rRNA and amoA gene-PCR
      amplified sequences obtained from the samples in the three zones affiliated with
      Nitrosospira, which agreed with other wetland studies. A relatively high richness
      of beta-AOB amoA gene detected in the freshwater marsh might suggest minimal
      external pressure was experienced, providing a suitable habitat for beta-AOB
      communities. Anammox bacteria communities were assessed using both 16S rRNA and
      hzo (encoding for hydrazine oxidoreductase) genes. However, PCR amplification of
      the hzo gene in all samples failed, suggesting that the utilization of hzo
      biomarker for detecting anammox bacteria in freshwater marsh might have serious
      limitations. Results with 16S rRNA gene showed that Candidatus Kuenenia was
      detected in only the Experimental Zone, whereas Ca. Scalindua including different
      lineages was observed in both the Buffer and Experimental Zones but not the Core
      Zone. These results indicated that both AOB and anammox bacteria have specific
      distribution patterns in the ecosystem corresponding to the extent of
      anthropogenic impact. 

PMID- 25139039
TI  - If groundwater is contaminated, will water from the well be contaminated?

PMID- 25139038
TI  - Balance of antiangiogenic and angiogenic factors in the context of the etiology
      of preeclampsia.
AB  - The "two-stage disorder" theory that is assumed for the etiology of preeclampsia
      hypothesizes that antiangiogenic and angiogenic factors and/or placental debris
      play an important role in this disorder. The physiological actions of placental
      debris occur via the balance between antiangiogenic and angiogenic factors.
      Accordingly, this balance between antiangiogenic and angiogenic factors should be
      investigated to elucidate the various pathological features of preeclampsia.
      Their accurate evaluation is needed to investigate not only antiangiogenic
      factors (such as sFlt-1 and sEng) and angiogenic factors (such as vascular
      endothelial growth factor, placental growth factor and transforming growth factor
      beta) but also the expression level of their receptors such as Flt-1 and Eng.
      However, it is ethically and technically difficult to investigate the above
      mentioned factors at antepartum in human patients. The examination of the ratios
      of sFlt-1/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor ligands and
      sEng/transforming vascular endothelial growth factor-beta and the use of
      experimental animal models may help in elucidating various unresolved issues in
      preeclampsia. 

PMID- 25139040
TI  - Gender-specific associations of appendicular muscle mass with BMD in elderly
      Italian subjects.
AB  - Currently used diagnostic measures for sarcopenia are based on the evaluation of
      appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) divided by height-squared (ASMMI). This
      study aimed to investigate the associations between different operational
      definitions of appendicular muscle mass and BMD at different skeletal sites in
      aging Italian men and women. In 1199 consecutive healthy Italian subjects, aged
      55 years or more (854 women, age 64.2 +/- 6.4 years and 165 men, age 65.3 +/- 6.1
      years), we measured BMD at the lumbar spine (LS-BMD), at femoral neck (FN-BMD),at
      total hip (TH-BMD), at total body (WB-BMD) and at the right hand (H-BMD) and body
      composition parameters [ASMM, ASMMI, ASMM/Weight, total lean mass and total fat
      mass by DXA]. In all subjects, we also measured sex hormones, 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      and bone turnover markers. In men, both ASMM and ASMMI were positively correlated
      with BMD at all sites, whereas in women, ASMM and ASMMI did not show any
      significant correlation with BMD. In men, multiple regression analyses showed
      that ASMM was positively associated (p < 0.01) with FN-BMD, TH-BMD and H-BMD;
      however, these associations were no longer present when lean mass was included.
      In women, both fat mass and lean mass were found positively associated with BMD
      at all sites. In conclusion, among the different operational measures of the
      ASMM, only ASMM was significantly associated with BMD in elderly men, but not in
      elderly women.

PMID- 25139043
TI  - Dynamic NMR study of cyclic derivatives of pyridoxine.
AB  - A series of pyridoxine derivatives was investigated by (1) H and 2D nuclear
      overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (NOESY) NMR. The free energies of activation
      for the pyridyl-oxygen rotation of the 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether of the seven
      membered acetals of pyridoxine were measured by dynamic NMR. A conformational
      exchange between the chair and twist forms of the seven-membered acetal ring was
      confirmed by dynamic NMR and STO3G computations.

PMID- 25139042
TI  - Burden of mental disorders and unmet needs among street homeless people in Addis
      Ababa, Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of mental disorders among homeless people is likely to be
      substantial in low income countries because of underdeveloped social welfare and
      health systems. As a first step towards advocacy and provision of care, we
      conducted a study to determine the burden of psychotic disorders and associated
      unmet needs, as well as the prevalence of mental distress, suicidality, and
      alcohol use disorder among homeless people in Addis Ababa, the capital of
      Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among street homeless
      adults. Trained community nurses screened for potential psychosis and
      administered standardized measures of mental distress, alcohol use disorder and
      suicidality. Psychiatric nurses then carried out confirmatory diagnostic
      interviews of psychosis and administered a locally adapted version of the
      Camberwell Assessment of Needs Short Appraisal Schedule. RESULTS: We assessed 217
      street homeless adults, about 90% of whom had experienced some form of mental or
      alcohol use disorder: 41.0% had psychosis, 60.0% had hazardous or dependent
      alcohol use, and 14.8% reported attempting suicide in the previous month.
      Homeless people with psychosis had extensive unmet needs with 80% to 100%
      reporting unmet needs across 26 domains. Nearly 30% had physical disability
      (visual and sensory impairment and impaired mobility). Only 10.0% of those with
      psychosis had ever received treatment for their illness. Most had lived on the
      streets for over 2 years, and alcohol use disorder was positively associated with
      chronicity of homelessness. CONCLUSION: Psychoses and other mental and
      behavioural disorders affect most people who are street homeless in Addis Ababa.
      Any programme to improve the condition of homeless people should include
      treatment for mental and alcohol use disorders. The findings have significant
      implications for advocacy and intervention programmes, particularly in similar
      low income settings.

PMID- 25139044
TI  - Biomimetic nanostructuring of copper thin films enhances adhesion to the negative
      electrode laminate in lithium-ion batteries.
AB  - Thin films of copper are widely used as current collectors for the negative
      electrodes in lithium-ion batteries. However, a major cause of battery failure is
      delamination between the current collector and the graphite anode. When silicon
      or tin is used as active material, delamination becomes a key issue owing to the
      large volume changes of these materials during lithation and delithation
      processes. Learning from Nature, we developed a new biomimetic approach based on
      the adhesion properties of the feet of geckos. The biomimetic approach improves
      adhesion between the laminate and the copper surface by introducing an array of
      Cu(OH)2 nanorods, which increases the surface area of the current collector. When
      graphite anode laminate is casted onto regular and a modified copper surfaces,
      the modified current collector displays superior adhesion to graphite and the
      PVDF binder-based electrode. The electrochemical performance of the batteries
      using these electrodes is not compromised by the additional chemistry of the
      Cu(OH)2 on the copper surface. The technique can lead to enhanced battery
      lifetimes over long-term cycling. 

PMID- 25139045
TI  - Cardiovascular disease risk is only elevated in hypertensive, formerly
      preeclamptic women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse the predicted 10- and 30-year risk scores for
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients who experienced preeclampsia (PE) 5-10
      years previously compared with healthy parous controls. DESIGN: Observational
      study. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital in the Netherlands. POPULATION: One
      hundred and fifteen patients with a history of PE and 50 controls. PE patients
      were categorised into two groups, hypertensive (n = 21) and normotensive (n =
      94), based on use of antihypertensive medication, and next categorised into
      subgroups based on the onset of PE: early-onset PE (n = 39) and late-onset PE (n
      = 76). METHODS: All participants underwent cardiovascular risk screening 5-10
      years after index pregnancy. We measured body mass, height and blood pressure.
      Blood was analysed for fasting glucose, insulin and lipid levels. All
      participants completed a validated questionnaire. The 10- and 30-year Framingham
      risk scores were calculated and compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Estimated
      Framingham 10- and 30-year risk scores for CVD. RESULTS: The overall 10- and 30
      year CVD median risks weighing subjects' lipids were comparable between formerly
      PE women and controls; 1.6 versus 1.5% (P = 0.22) and 9.0 versus 9.0% (P = 0.49),
      respectively. However, hypertensive formerly PE women have twice the CVD risk as
      normotensive formerly PE women: 10- and 30-year CVD median risks were 3.1 versus
      1.5% (P < 0.01) and 19.0% versus 8.0% (P < 0.01), respectively. Risk estimates
      based on BMI rather than lipid profile show comparable results. Early-onset PE
      clustered more often in the hypertensive formerly PE group and showed
      significantly higher 10- and 30-year CVD risk estimates based on lipids compared
      with the late-onset PE group: 1.7 versus 1.3% (P < 0.05) and 10.0 versus 7.0% (P
      < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Women who are hypertensive after
      preeclampsia, have a twofold risk of developing CVD in the next 10-30 years.
      Formerly PE women who are normotensive in the first 10 years after their
      preeclamptic pregnancy have a comparable future cardiovascular risk to healthy
      controls.

PMID- 25139046
TI  - Diabetic foot: lipids, new and old vascular risk markers.

PMID- 25139047
TI  - Structure of the full-length insecticidal protein Cry1Ac reveals intriguing
      details of toxin packaging into in vivo formed crystals.
AB  - For almost half a century, the structure of the full-length Bacillus
      thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal protein Cry1Ac has eluded researchers, since Bt
      derived crystals were first characterized in 1965. Having finally solved this
      structure we report intriguing details of the lattice-based interactions between
      the toxic core of the protein and the protoxin domains. The structure provides
      concrete evidence for the function of the protoxin as an enhancer of native
      crystal packing and stability. 

PMID- 25139048
TI  - Detection of insulin granule exocytosis by an electrophysiology method with high
      temporal resolution reveals enlarged insulin granule pool in BIG3-knockout mice.
AB  - We recently identified BIG3 as a negative regulator of insulin granule biogenesis
      and reported increased insulin secretion in BIG3-knockout (BKO) mice. To pinpoint
      the site of action for BIG3, we investigated whether BIG3 regulates quantal
      insulin granule exocytosis. We established an assay to detect insulin granule
      exocytosis by recording ATP-elicited currents at high temporal resolution by
      patch clamp. Similarly to insulin, ATP release was increased in BKO beta-cells.
      Although the frequency of insulin granule exocytosis was increased in BKO beta
      cells, quantal size or release kinetics remained unchanged. Electron microscopy
      studies showed that the number of insulin granules was increased by >60% in BKO
      beta-cells. However, the number of morphologically docked granules was unaltered.
      The number of insulin granules having significant distances away from plasma
      membrane was greatly increased in BKO beta-cells. Thus, BIG3 negatively regulates
      insulin granule exocytosis by restricting insulin granule biogenesis without the
      release kinetics of individual granules at the final exocytotic steps being
      affected. Depletion of BIG3 leads to an enlarged releasable pool of insulin
      granules, which accounts for increased release frequency and consequently
      increased insulin secretion. 

PMID- 25139049
TI  - Blood lipids affect rat islet blood flow regulation through beta3-adrenoceptors.
AB  - Pancreatic islet blood perfusion varies according to the needs for insulin
      secretion. We examined the effects of blood lipids on pancreatic islet blood flow
      in anesthetized rats. Acute administration of Intralipid to anesthetized rats
      increased both triglycerides and free fatty acids, associated with a simultaneous
      increase in total pancreatic and islet blood flow. A preceding abdominal vagotomy
      markedly potentiated this and led acutely to a 10-fold increase in islet blood
      flow associated with a similar increase in serum insulin concentrations. The
      islet blood flow and serum insulin response could be largely prevented by
      pretreatment with propranolol and the selective beta3-adrenergic inhibitor SR
      59230A. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester
      prevented the blood flow increase but was less effective in reducing serum
      insulin. Increased islet blood flow after Intralipid administration was also seen
      in islet and whole pancreas transplanted rats, i.e., models with different
      degrees of chronic islet denervation, but the effect was not as pronounced. In
      isolated vascularly perfused single islets Intralipid dilated islet arterioles,
      but this was not affected by SR-59230A. Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic
      nervous system are important for the coordination of islet blood flow and insulin
      release during hyperlipidemia, with a previously unknown role for beta3
      adrenoceptors.

PMID- 25139052
TI  - Vitamin D, asthma prevalence and asthma exacerbations: a large adult population
      based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of low vitamin D status on asthma, asthma morbidity and
      control is unclear. We aimed to investigate in adults the associations between
      serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and prevalent asthma as well as asthma
      exacerbations. METHODS: A cohort of Israeli adults aged 22-50 years with
      documented vitamin D status were extracted from Clalit Health Services (HMO)
      between July 1, 2008 and July 1, 2012. Among this population, those with
      physician-diagnosed asthma and asthma exacerbations were identified. Asthma
      exacerbations were defined as any of the following: prescription for oral
      corticosteroids, >5 prescriptions for short acting beta agonists and more than
      four visits to a physician for asthma. Logistic regression models assessed the
      associations between vitamin D and both asthma and asthma exacerbations. RESULTS:
      Approximately 308 000 members with at least one vitamin D measurement were
      included in the cohort. Among them, 6.9% (21 237) had physician-diagnosed asthma
      vs 5.7% in the general population. Serum 25-OHD levels across both groups were
      similar. However, among those with vitamin D deficiency, the odds of having an
      exacerbation were 25% greater compared to those with levels in the normal range.
      This association remained significant after controlling for known confounders.
      CONCLUSION: While there was no significant association between vitamin D status
      and physician-diagnosed asthma, there was a strong association with asthma
      exacerbations. The presented evidence supports vitamin D screening in the
      subgroup of asthmatics that are uncontrolled and experience recurrent
      exacerbations.

PMID- 25139051
TI  - SUMOylation protects against IL-1beta-induced apoptosis in INS-1 832/13 cells and
      human islets.
AB  - Posttranslational modification by the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)
      peptides, known as SUMOylation, is reversed by the sentrin/SUMO-specific
      proteases (SENPs). While increased SUMOylation reduces beta-cell exocytosis,
      insulin secretion, and responsiveness to GLP-1, the impact of SUMOylation on
      islet cell survival is unknown. Mouse islets, INS-1 832/13 cells, or human islets
      were transduced with adenoviruses to increase either SENP1 or SUMO1 or were
      transfected with siRNA duplexes to knockdown SENP1. We examined insulin
      secretion, intracellular Ca2+ responses, induction of endoplasmic reticulum
      stress markers and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and
      apoptosis by TUNEL and caspase 3 cleavage. Surprisingly, upregulation of SENP1
      reduces insulin secretion and impairs intracellular Ca2+ handling. This secretory
      dysfunction is due to SENP1-induced cell death. Indeed, the detrimental effect of
      SENP1 on secretory function is diminished when two mediators of beta-cell death,
      iNOS and NF-kappaB, are pharmacologically inhibited. Conversely, enhanced
      SUMOylation protects against IL-1beta-induced cell death. This is associated with
      reduced iNOS expression, cleavage of caspase 3, and nuclear translocation of NF
      kappaB. Taken together, these findings identify SUMO1 as a novel antiapoptotic
      protein in islets and demonstrate that reduced viability accounts for impaired
      islet function following SENP1 up-regulation.

PMID- 25139053
TI  - Karyotype evolution in the horseshoe bat Rhinolophus sedulus by whole-arm
      reciprocal translocation (WART).
AB  - Robertsonian (centric) fusion or fission is one of the predominant modes of
      chromosomal rearrangement in karyotype evolution among mammals. However, in
      karyotypes composed of only bi-armed chromosomes, creation of new chromosomal arm
      combinations in one step is possible only via whole-arm reciprocal translocation
      (WART). Although this type of rearrangement has often been proposed to play an
      important role in chromosomal evolution, direct observations of WARTs remained
      rare, and, in most cases, were found in hybrids of chromosomal races in the
      genera Mus and Sorex. For the first time, we present the karyotype of the
      horseshoe bat species Rhinolophus sedulus (2n = 28, FNa = 52), where a WART
      between 2 metacentric autosomes was detected by G-banding and confirmed by FISH
      with painting probes of the vespertilionid bat Myotis myotis. Among the 6
      specimens analyzed, 2 showed the heterozygous condition of the WART, 1 showed the
      presumed ancestral, and 3 specimens showed the derived homozygous state. As the
      existence of a hybrid zone at the sampling locality is thought to be rather
      improbable, the WART may indicate ongoing karyotype evolution in this taxon.

PMID- 25139050
TI  - Loss of vitamin D receptor signaling from the mammary epithelium or adipose
      tissue alters pubertal glandular development.
AB  - Vitamin D3 receptor (VDR) signaling within the mammary gland regulates various
      postnatal stages of glandular development, including puberty, pregnancy,
      involution, and tumorigenesis. Previous studies have shown that vitamin D3
      treatment induces cell-autonomous growth inhibition and differentiation of
      mammary epithelial cells in culture. Furthermore, mammary adipose tissue serves
      as a depot for vitamin D3 storage, and both epithelial cells and adipocytes are
      capable of bioactivating vitamin D3. Despite the pervasiveness of VDR in mammary
      tissue, individual contributions of epithelial cells and adipocytes, as well as
      the VDR-regulated cross-talk between these two cell types during pubertal mammary
      development, have yet to be investigated. To assess the cell-type specific effect
      of VDR signaling during pubertal mammary development, novel mouse models with
      mammary epithelial- or adipocyte-specific loss of VDR were generated.
      Interestingly, loss of VDR in either cellular compartment accelerated ductal
      morphogenesis with increased epithelial cell proliferation and decreased
      apoptosis within terminal end buds. Conversely, VDR signaling specifically in the
      mammary epithelium modulated hormone-induced alveolar growth, as ablation of VDR
      in this cell type resulted in precocious alveolar development. In examining
      cellular cross-talk ex vivo, we show that ligand-dependent VDR signaling in
      adipocytes significantly inhibits mammary epithelial cell growth in part through
      the vitamin D3-dependent production of the cytokine IL-6. Collectively, these
      studies delineate independent roles for vitamin D3-dependent VDR signaling in
      mammary adipocytes and epithelial cells in controlling pubertal mammary gland
      development.

PMID- 25139054
TI  - Pulmonary metastasis of giant cell tumor of bones.
AB  - Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) accounts for 5% of primary skeletal tumors.
      Although it is considered to be a benign lesion, there are still incidences of
      pulmonary metastasis. Pulmonary metastasis of GCTB may be affected by tumor
      grading and localization as well as the age, gender and overall health status of
      the patient. Patients with local recurrence are more likely to develop pulmonary
      metastasis of GCTB. High expression of some genes, cytokines and chemokines may
      also be closely related to the metastatic potential and prognosis of GCTB. The
      treatment of the primary GCTB is key to the final outcome of the disease, as
      intralesional curettage has a significantly higher local recurrence and pulmonary
      metastasis rate than wide resection. However, even patients with pulmonary
      metastasis seem to have a good prognosis after timely and appropriate surgical
      resection. It is hoped that with the development of novel surgical methods and
      drugs, pulmonary metastasis of GCTB can be prevented and treated more
      effectively. 

PMID- 25139055
TI  - Effect of natural compounds on insulin signaling.
AB  - Results of several epidemiological studies have indicated that diabetes mellitus
      will become a global epidemic in the next decades, being more than 400 million
      the human subjects in the world affected by this disease in the 2030. Most of
      these subjects will be affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) whose
      diffusion is mainly related to excessive caloric upload, sedentary life and
      obesity. Typically, the treatment for T2DM is diet, weight control, physical
      activity or hypoglycaemic and/or lipid-lowering drugs. Unfortunately, these drugs
      often show low effectiveness or adverse side effects, thereby forcing patient to
      discontinue medical treatment. Nevertheless traditional medicine suggests the use
      of several formulations or medicinal foods to treat T2DM. Most of them are
      characterized by safety, low cost, effectiveness, and good availability. Before
      the advent of modern pharmacology, these remedies were used to treat diabetes and
      obesity or prevent their onset. Today, we know that their effectiveness is due to
      the presence of several bioactive compounds able to influence insulin signaling
      pathway and cellular metabolism. In the last decades, many efforts have been
      carried out to clarify their action mechanism. Here we provide a classification
      of the natural compounds that stimulate the insulin pathway, highlighting their
      effectiveness in controlling glycaemia on diabetic animal models or improving
      insulin signaling in cellular systems. 

PMID- 25139056
TI  - Adjunctive graded body image exposure for eating disorders: A randomized
      controlled initial trial in clinical practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Graded body image exposure is a key component of CBT for eating
      disorders (EDs). However, despite being a highly anxiety-provoking intervention,
      its specific effectiveness is unknown. The aims of this initial study were to
      investigate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of individualized
      graded body image exposure to a range of feared/avoided body image-related
      situations in a sample of partially remitted ED patients. METHOD: Forty-five
      female adult participants were randomly assigned to maintenance treatment as
      usual (MTAU) only or MTAU plus five sessions of graded body image exposure.
      RESULTS: The graded body image exposure intervention led to large improvements in
      body avoidance as measured by two different methods. In addition, there was
      evidence of a significant impact of body image exposure on the overvaluation of
      shape, but not weight, 5 months after treatment. DISCUSSION: Taken together, the
      current results provide evidence of the feasibility of adjunctive individualized
      graded body image exposure within a clinical treatment program and suggest that
      graded body image exposure reduces body avoidance behaviors in partially remitted
      ED patients. Our findings suggest that individualized graded body image exposure
      shows promise as an intervention targeting the overvaluation of shape in EDs.

PMID- 25139058
TI  - Impact of optical antennas on active optoelectronic devices.
AB  - Remarkable progress has been made in the fabrication and characterization of
      optical antennas that are integrated with optoelectronic devices. Herein, we
      describe the fundamental reasons for and experimental evidence of the dramatic
      improvements that can be achieved by enhancing the light-matter interaction via
      an optical antenna in both photon-emitting and -detecting devices. In addition,
      integration of optical antennas with optoelectronic devices can lead to the
      realization of highly compact multifunctional platforms for future integrated
      photonics, such as low-cost lab-on-chip systems. In this review paper, we further
      focus on the effect of optical antennas on the detectivity of infrared
      photodetectors. One particular finding is that the antenna can have a dual effect
      on the specific detectivity, while it can elevate light absorption efficiency of
      sub-wavelength detectors, it can potentially increase the noise of the detectors
      due to the enhanced spontaneous emission rate. In particular, we predict that the
      detectivity of interband photon detectors can be negatively affected by the
      presence of optical antennas across a wide wavelength region covering visible to
      long wavelength infrared bands. In contrast, the detectivity of intersubband
      detectors could be generally improved with a properly designed optical antenna. 

PMID- 25139059
TI  - A review of the provision of appropriate advice by pharmacy staff for self
      medication in developing countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients in developing countries often prefer to self-medicate via
      community pharmacies. Pharmacy staff are therefore in a strategic position to
      optimize the health of the public by providing appropriate advice to patients who
      self-medicate. OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of pharmacy staff who
      provide appropriate advice when handling self-medication requests in developing
      countries. METHOD: A literature search was undertaken via MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL
      Plus, Web of Science and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. Studies that
      reported on the proportion of pharmacy staff providing appropriate advice when
      handling self-medication requests in developing countries were included. The
      appropriateness of advice was determined by each author's definition in the
      original studies. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. There
      were variations in methods, scenarios, how the authors reported and defined
      appropriate advice, and study populations. The proportion of pharmacy staff
      providing appropriate advice varied widely from 0% to 96%, with a minority
      providing appropriate advice in 83% of the scenarios performed. CONCLUSION: There
      was considerable variation in results, with the majority of studies reporting
      that inappropriate advice was provided by pharmacy staff when handling self
      medication requests in developing countries. Consistent and robust methods are
      required to provide comparisons across practice settings. There is also a need to
      identify contributing factors to poor provision of advice for developing
      intervention strategies for practice improvement.

PMID- 25139060
TI  - The costs of hepatitis A infections in South Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The incidence of hepatitis A infections among young adults has
      recently increased in South Korea. Although universal vaccination has often been
      suggested to mitigate the problem, its rationale has not been well-understood.
      Estimating the societal costs of hepatitis A infections might support the
      development of intervention strategies. METHODS: We classified hepatitis A
      infections into eight clinical pathways and estimated the number of occurrences
      and cost per case for each clinical pathway using claim data from National Health
      Insurance and several national surveys as well as assumptions based on previous
      studies. To determine the total costs of a hepatitis A infection, both direct and
      indirect costs were estimated. Indirect costs were estimated using the human
      capital approach. All costs are adjusted to the year 2008. RESULTS: There were
      30,240 identified cases of hepatitis A infections in 2008 for a total cost of
      80,873 million won (2.7 million won per case). Direct and indirect costs
      constituted 56.2% and 43.8% of the total costs, respectively. People aged 20-39
      accounted for 71.3% of total cases and 74.6% of total costs. Medical costs per
      capita were the lowest in the 0-4 age group and highest in the 20-29 age group.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study could provide evidence for development of cost-effective
      interventions to control hepatitis A infections. But the true costs including
      uncaptured and intangible costs of hepatitis A infections might be higher than
      our results indicate.

PMID- 25139057
TI  - A multilevel understanding of HIV/AIDS disease burden among African American
      women.
AB  - Disproportionate HIV/AIDS rates among African American women have been examined
      extensively, primarily from an individual-centered focus. Beyond individual
      behaviors, factors such as the hyperincarceration of African American men and
      geographically concentrated disadvantage may better explain inequitable disease
      burden. In this article I propose a conceptual model of individual, social, and
      structural factors that influence HIV transmission among African American women.
      The model can be used to develop comprehensive assessments and guide prevention
      programs in African American communities. 

PMID- 25139061
TI  - Improvement to the scanning electron microscope image adaptive Canny optimization
      colorization by pseudo-mapping.
AB  - An improvement to the previously proposed adaptive Canny optimization technique
      for scanning electron microscope image colorization is reported. The additional
      feature, called pseudo-mapping technique, is that the grayscale markings are
      temporarily mapped to a set of pre-defined pseudo-color map as a mean to instill
      color information for grayscale colors in chrominance channels. This allows the
      presence of grayscale markings to be identified; hence optimization colorization
      of grayscale colors is made possible. This additional feature enhances the
      flexibility of scanning electron microscope image colorization by providing wider
      range of possible color enhancement. Furthermore, the nature of this technique
      also allows users to adjust the luminance intensities of selected region from the
      original image within certain extent.

PMID- 25139062
TI  - Homeostatic sleep pressure is the primary factor for activation of cortical
      nNOS/NK1 neurons.
AB  - Cortical interneurons, immunoreactive for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)
      and the receptor NK1, express the functional activity marker Fos selectively
      during sleep. NREM sleep 'pressure' is hypothesized to accumulate during waking
      and to dissipate during sleep. We reported previously that the proportion of
      Fos(+) cortical nNOS/NK1 neurons is correlated with established
      electrophysiological markers of sleep pressure. As these markers covary with the
      amount of NREM sleep, it remained unclear whether cortical nNOS/NK1 neurons are
      activated to the same degree throughout NREM sleep or whether the extent of their
      activation is related to the sleep pressure that accrued during the prior waking
      period. To distinguish between these possibilities, we used hypnotic medications
      to control the amount of NREM sleep in rats while we varied prior wake duration
      and the resultant sleep pressure. Drug administration was preceded by 6 h of
      sleep deprivation (SD) ('high sleep pressure') or undisturbed conditions ('low
      sleep pressure'). We find that the proportion of Fos(+) cortical nNOS/NK1 neurons
      was minimal when sleep pressure was low, irrespective of the amount of time spent
      in NREM sleep. In contrast, a large proportion of cortical nNOS/NK1 neurons was
      Fos(+) when an equivalent amount of sleep was preceded by SD. We conclude that,
      although sleep is necessary for cortical nNOS/NK1 neuron activation, the
      proportion of cells activated is dependent upon prior wake duration.

PMID- 25139063
TI  - Dynamic interactions between plasma IL-1 family cytokines and central endogenous
      opioid neurotransmitter function in humans.
AB  - Evidence in animal models suggests IL-1 family cytokines interact with central
      endogenous opioid neurotransmitter systems, inducing or perpetuating pathological
      states such as persistent pain syndromes, depression, substance use disorders,
      and their comorbidity. Understanding these interactions in humans is particularly
      relevant to understanding pathological states wherein this neurotransmitter
      system is implicated (ie, persistent pain, mood disorders, substance use
      disorders, etc). Here, we examined relationships between IL-1beta, IL-1ra, and
      functional measures of the endogenous opioid system in 34 healthy volunteers, in
      the absence and presence of a standardized sustained muscular pain challenge, a
      psychophysical challenge with emotionally and physically stressful components. Mu
      opioid receptor availability in vivo was examined with [(11)C]carfentanil
      positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. Sex and neuroticism impacted IL-1
      family cytokines; higher baseline IL-1beta and IL-1ra was identified in females
      with lower neuroticism. Higher baseline IL-1beta was also associated with reduced
      MU-opioid receptor availability (amygdala) and greater pain sensitivity. The pain
      challenge increased IL-1beta in females with high neuroticism. Strong
      associations between IL-1ra (an anti-nociceptive cytokine) and MU-opioid receptor
      activation (VP/NAcc) were identified during the pain challenge and the resulting
      analgesic effect of MU-opioid receptor activation was moderated by changes in IL
      1beta whereby volunteers with greater pain induced increase in IL-1beta
      experienced less endogenous opioid analgesia. This study demonstrates the
      presence of relationships between inflammatory factors and a specific central
      neurotransmitter system and circuitry, of relevance to understanding
      interindividual variations in regulation of responses to pain and other physical
      and emotional stressors. 

PMID- 25139064
TI  - Functional genetic variation of the cannabinoid receptor 1 and cannabis use
      interact on prefrontal connectivity and related working memory behavior.
AB  - Cannabinoid signaling is involved in different brain functions and it is mediated
      by the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1), which is encoded by the CNR1 gene. Previous
      evidence suggests an association between cognition and cannabis use. The logical
      interaction between genetically determined cannabinoid signaling and cannabis use
      has not been determined. Therefore, we investigated whether CNR1 variation
      predicts CNR1 prefrontal mRNA expression in postmortem prefrontal human tissue.
      Then, we studied whether functional variation in CNR1 and cannabis exposure
      interact in modulating prefrontal function and related behavior during working
      memory processing. Thus, 208 healthy subjects (113 males) were genotyped for the
      relevant functional SNP and were evaluated for cannabis use by the Cannabis
      Experience Questionnaire. All individuals performed the 2-back working memory
      task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. CNR1 rs1406977 was associated
      with prefrontal mRNA and individuals carrying a G allele had reduced CNR1
      prefrontal mRNA levels compared with AA subjects. Moreover, functional
      connectivity MRI demonstrated that G carriers who were also cannabis users had
      greater functional connectivity in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and
      reduced working memory behavioral accuracy during the 2-back task compared with
      the other groups. Overall, our results indicate that the deleterious effects of
      cannabis use are more evident on a specific genetic background related to its
      receptor expression. 

PMID- 25139065
TI  - Hypoactivation of the ventral and dorsal striatum during reward and loss
      anticipation in antipsychotic and mood stabilizer-naive bipolar disorder.
AB  - Increased activity within known reward-processing neurocircuitry (eg, ventral
      striatum, VS) has been reported among medicated individuals with bipolar disorder
      (BD) I and II. However, such findings are confounded by the potential
      ameliorative effects of mood-stabilizing and antipsychotic medications on neural
      activations. This study tests the hypothesis that a pathophysiological locus of
      alterations in reward processing is present within the striatum in antipsychotic
      and lithium-naive individuals with BD. Twenty antipsychotic and lithium-naive
      individuals with BD II or BD not-otherwise specified (NOS) and 20 matched healthy
      comparison individuals participated in functional magnetic resonance imaging
      during the performance of a monetary incentive delay task. Between-group
      comparisons were conducted using small-volume correction focusing on orthogonal a
      priori regions of interest centered in the VS and dorsal striatum (DS),
      respectively. During reward anticipation, unmedicated individuals with BD II/NOS
      had decreased activity within the DS (but not VS). During loss anticipation, on
      the other hand, decreased activation within both the VS and DS was observed.
      Across all participants, DS activity (during reward anticipation) was positively
      associated with putamen volume. This is the first report of decreased dorsal and
      ventral striatal activity among unmedicated individuals with BD II/NOS. These
      data contradict a simple 'reward hypersensitivity' model of BD, and add to a
      growing body of literature suggesting that blunted reward processing may be a
      vulnerability factor for both mood- and addiction-related disorders. 

PMID- 25139066
TI  - Chemoenzymatic synthesis of trehalose analogues: rapid access to chemical probes
      for investigating mycobacteria.
AB  - Trehalose analogues are emerging as valuable tools for investigating
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but progress in this area is slow due to the
      difficulty in synthesizing these compounds. Here, we report a chemoenzymatic
      synthesis of trehalose analogues that employs the heat-stable enzyme trehalose
      synthase (TreT) from the hyperthermophile Thermoproteus tenax. By using TreT,
      various trehalose analogues were prepared quickly (1 h) in high yield (up to >99
      % by HPLC) in a single step from readily available glucose analogues. To
      demonstrate the utility of this method in mycobacteria research, we performed a
      simple "one-pot metabolic labeling" experiment that accomplished probe synthesis,
      metabolic labeling, and imaging of M. smegmatis in a single day with only TreT
      and commercially available materials. 

PMID- 25139067
TI  - Liver resection for colorectal metastases: results and prognostic factors with 10
      year follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: Actual 5-year survival rates after resection of colorectal liver
      metastases (CLM) are 25-45%, whereas 10-year survival rates are extrapolated from
      survival curves. Few studies have reported long-term survivors with 10 years of
      actual follow-up. Therefore, no recurrences occurring after 10-plus years have
      been reported. The aim of our study was to analyze actual 10-year survival rates
      and prognostic factors. METHODS: Clinical data of patients with CLM who had
      undergone first liver resection in our center between January 1990 and December
      2000 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients of mean age 64
      years were studied. Three patients were excluded from the study: one because of
      postoperative death, and two from being lost to follow-up. All other subjects had
      a potential 10-year follow-up. Only 33% patients received perioperative
      chemotherapy. The actual 10-year overall and disease-free survival rate were 22
      and 19%, respectively. Poor prognostic factors were disease-free interval less
      than 1 year, wedge liver resection, clinical risk score>2, segment 1 CLM
      location, and peritumoral lymphangitis. Good prognostic factors were tumors
      having mucinous components in primary tumor and CLM located in the right lobe.
      CONCLUSIONS: With actual long-term follow-up for 10 years, disease-free survival
      rate is 19% and mainly depends on surgical management. Recurrence continues to
      occur more than 5 years after liver resection for CLM; cure cannot be assumed at
      this time. Clinical risk score is a good predictor of cure and should be taken
      into account when choosing perioperative treatment.

PMID- 25139068
TI  - Development of a dynamic model for ventral hernia mesh repair.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The adequate way of mesh fixation in laparoscopic ventral hernia
      repair is still subject to debate. So far, simulation has only been carried out
      in a static way, thereby omitting dynamic effects of coughing or vomiting. We
      developed a dynamic model of the anterior abdominal wall. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      An aluminium cylinder was equipped with a pressure controlled, fluid-filled
      plastic bag, simulating the abdominal viscera. A computer-controlled system
      allowed the control of influx and efflux, thus creating pressure peaks of up to
      200 mmHg to simulate coughing and 290 mmHg to simulate vomiting. We tested
      fixation with tacks (Absorbatack, Covidien Deutschland, Neustadt a. D., Germany).
      The model was controlled for the friction coefficient of the tissue against the
      mesh and the physiologic elasticity of the abdominal wall surrogate. RESULTS: The
      model was able to create pressure peaks equivalent to physiologic coughs or
      vomiting. Physiologic elasticity was thereby maintained. We could show that the
      friction coefficient is crucial to achieve a physiologic situation. The meshes
      showed a tendency to dislocate with an increasing number of coughs (Fig. 4).
      Nevertheless, when applied in a plain manner, the meshes withstood more cough
      cycles than when applied with a bulge as in laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS:
      The dynamic movement of the abdominal wall, the friction between tissue and mesh
      and the way of mesh application are crucial factors that have to be controlled
      for in simulation of ventral abdominal hernia closure. We could demonstrate that
      patient specific factors such as the frequency of coughing as well as the
      application technique influence the long term stability of the mesh.

PMID- 25139069
TI  - The Charlson comorbidity index predicts survival after disease recurrence in
      patients following radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic clinical and histopathological parameters,
      including comorbidity indices at the time of radical cystectomy (RC), for overall
      survival (OS) after recurrence following RC for urothelial carcinoma of the
      bladder (UCB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study was
      carried out in 555 unselected consecutive patients who underwent RC with pelvic
      lymph node dissection for UCB from 2000 to 2010. A total of 227 patients with
      recurrence comprised our study group. Cox proportional hazards regression models
      were calculated with established variables to assess their independent influence
      on OS after recurrence. RESULTS: The median time from RC to recurrence and the
      median OS after recurrence was 10.9 and 5.4 months, respectively. Neither the
      time to recurrence nor the type of recurrence (systematic vs. local) was
      predictive of the OS. In contrast, age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.53, p = 0.011), lymph
      node metastasis (HR 1.56, p = 0.007), and positive surgical margins (HR 1.53, p =
      0.046) significantly affected the OS after disease recurrence. In addition, the
      dichotomized Charlson comorbidity index (CCI; dichotomized into >2 vs. 0-2) was
      the only comorbidity score with an independent prediction of OS (HR 1.41, p =
      0.033). We observed a significant gain in the base model's predictive accuracy,
      i.e. from 68.4 to 70.3% (p < 0.001), after inclusion of the dichotomized CCI.
      CONCLUSIONS: We present the first outcome study of comorbidity indices used as
      predictors of OS after disease recurrence in patients undergoing RC for UCB. The
      CCI at the time of RC had no significant influence on the time to recurrence but
      represented an independent predictor of OS after disease recurrence.

PMID- 25139070
TI  - Assessment of mass transfer and mixing in rigid lab-scale disposable bioreactors
      at low power input levels.
AB  - Mass transfer, mixing times and power consumption were measured in rigid
      disposable stirred tank bioreactors and compared to those of a traditional glass
      bioreactor. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient and mixing times are usually
      determined at high agitation speeds in combination with sparged aeration as used
      for single cell suspension and most bacterial cultures. In contrast, here low
      agitation speeds combined with headspace aeration were applied. These settings
      are generally used for cultivation of mammalian cells growing adherent to
      microcarriers. The rigid disposable vessels showed similar engineering
      characteristics compared to a traditional glass bioreactor. On the basis of the
      presented results appropriate settings for adherent cell culture, normally
      operated at a maximum power input level of 5 W m(-3) , can be selected. Depending
      on the disposable bioreactor used, a stirrer speed ranging from 38 to 147 rpm
      will result in such a power input of 5 W m(-3) . This power input will mix the
      fluid to a degree of 95% in 22 +/- 1 s and produce a volumetric mass transfer
      coefficient of 0.46 +/- 0.07 h(-1) .

PMID- 25139071
TI  - Surface plasmon enhanced photochemical etching of p-type GaP: a direct
      demonstration of wavelength selectivity.
AB  - We report here on significant enhancement of the photochemical etching of p-type
      gallium phosphide (GaP) by Au plasmonic nanostructures. The photochemical etching
      rate of defect (dislocation) states of Au-coated p-GaP samples is ten times
      higher than blank samples when irradiated with 532 nm laser. It is confirmed that
      the enhancement of photochemical etching is wavelength selective. Only 532 nm
      laser can efficiently increase the photochemical etching rate, while lasers of
      other wavelengths (375, 405, 445, and 473 nm) show limited or negative effects.
      This observation can be attributed to defect (dislocation) enhanced photochemical
      etching through localized surface plasmon resonance of Au nanostructures. This
      method may open a new pathway for controlled fabrication of novel optoelectronic
      devices. 

PMID- 25139073
TI  - Injectional anthrax - new presentation of an old disease.
AB  - Bacillus anthracis infection (anthrax) has three distinct clinical presentations
      depending on the route of exposure: cutaneous, gastrointestinal and inhalational
      anthrax. Each of these can lead to secondary bacteraemia and anthrax meningitis.
      Since 2009,anthrax has emerged among heroin users in Europe,presenting a novel
      clinical manifestation, 'injectional anthrax', which has been attributed to
      contaminated heroin distributed throughout Europe; before 2009 only one case was
      reported. During 2012 and 2013,new cases of injectional anthrax were diagnosed in
      Denmark, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.Here we present a comprehensive
      review of the literature and information derived from different reporting systems
      until 31 December 2013. Overall 70 confirmed cases were reported, with 26
      fatalities (37% case fatality rate).The latest two confirmed cases occurred in
      March 2013. Thirteen case reports have been published,describing 18 confirmed
      cases. Sixteen of these presented as a severe soft tissue infection that differed
      clinically from cutaneous anthrax, lacked the characteristic epidemiological
      history of animal contact and ten cases required complimentary surgical
      debridement. These unfamiliar characteristics have led to delays of three to 12
      days in diagnosis, inadequate treatment and a high fatality rate. Clinicians'
      awareness of this recently described clinical entity is key for early 'and
      successful management of patients.

PMID- 25139072
TI  - Psychometric Properties of Two Brief Versions of the Voices Acceptance and Action
      Scale (VAAS): Implications for the Second-wave and Third-wave Behavioural and
      Cognitive Approaches to Auditory Hallucinations.
AB  - Despite a steep rise in the evidence base for third-wave cognitive and
      behavioural therapy approaches over the past decade, a scarcity of change
      measures relevant to these therapies as applied to psychosis is arguably slowing
      empirical progress in the area. The Voices Acceptance and Action Scale (VAAS), a
      measure of acceptance of voice experiences, is a notable exception. However,
      there are no published data on its psychometric properties outside of that
      provided by the scale developers. The current study explored the psychometric
      properties of two brief versions of the VAAS in a sample of psychotic voice
      hearers in a routine outpatient mental health service. Evidence from the current
      study suggests that both brief versions are robust measures of acceptance of
      voice experiences. Some limited support for the shortened VAAS-9 as being a
      marginally improved scale over the original brief VAAS-12 was also found. The
      current study found acceptance of voices to be highly related to depression,
      anxiety, stress and general negative affect and to predict unique variance in
      depression and general negative affect beyond that attributable to negative
      beliefs about voices and thought suppression. It was also found that acceptance
      was positively related to the use of reappraisal, indicating that the
      distinctiveness of acceptance from appraisal processes may be less pronounced in
      this context than what was has been reported previously. Implications for future
      research, as well as the practice of second-wave and third-wave cognitive and
      behavioural approaches to psychosis, are discussed. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: Two
      brief versions of the VAAS instrument were found to be robust measures of
      acceptance of psychotic voice experiences. The construct of acceptance of voices
      is highly related to indices of well-being and negative appraisal processes in
      psychosis and appears to offer an alternative route to therapeutically addressing
      the toxic effects of negative beliefs about voices. The recent focus on
      acceptance-based techniques within cognitive and behavioural approaches to
      psychosis was supported.

PMID- 25139074
TI  - Increase of pertussis incidence in 2010 to 2012 after 12 years of low circulation
      in Spain.
AB  - In Spain, whole cell pertussis vaccination started in 1975, with three doses
      before the age of 6-7 months. Doses at 15-18 months and 4-6 years were introduced
      in 1996 and 2001, respectively. Spain switched to an acellular vaccine in 2005.
      From 1998 to 2009, pertussis incidence rates remained <=1.5 cases/100,000
      inhabitants but increased from 2010 to 7.5 cases/100,000 in 2012. Data from 1998
      to 2012 were analysed to assess disease trends and susceptible populations. We
      defined four epidemic periods: 1998-2001 (reference), 2002-05, 2006-09 and 2010
      12. In 2002-05, the incidence rate increased in individuals aged 15-49 years
      (IRR: 1.41 (95% CI: 1.11-1.78)) and >=50 years (IRR: 2.78 (95% CI: 1.78-4.33))
      and in 2006-09 increased also in infants aged <3 months (IRR: 1.83 (95% CI: 1.60
      2.09)). In 2010-12, the incidence rate increased notably in all age groups, with
      IRRs ranging between 2.5 (95% CI: 2.3-2.8) in 5-9 year-olds and 36.0 (95% CI:
      19.4-66.8) in 20-29 year-olds. These results, consistent with the country's
      vaccination history, suggest a progressive accumulation of susceptible
      individuals due to waning immunity after years of low incidence. Further
      vaccination strategies should be assessed and implemented to prevent pertussis in
      pre-vaccinated infants, in whom the disease is more severe.

PMID- 25139075
TI  - Potential association between the recent increase in campylobacteriosis incidence
      in the Netherlands and proton-pump inhibitor use - an ecological study.
AB  - The Netherlands saw an unexplained increase in campylobacteriosis incidence
      between 2003 and 2011, following a period of continuous decrease. We conducted an
      ecological study and found a statistical association between campylobacteriosis
      incidence and the annual number of prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors
      (PPIs), controlling for the patient's age, fresh and frozen chicken purchases
      (with or without correction for campylobacter prevalence in fresh poultry meat).
      The effect of PPIs was larger in the young than in the elderly. However, the
      counterfactual population-attributable fraction for PPIs was largest for the
      elderly (ca 45% in 2011) and increased at population level from 8% in 2004 to 27%
      in 2011. Using the regression model and updated covariate values, we predicted a
      trend break for 2012, largely due to a decreased number of PPI prescriptions,
      that was subsequently confirmed by surveillance data. Although causality was not
      shown, the biological mechanism, age effect and trend-break prediction suggest a
      substantial impact of PPI use on campylobacteriosis incidence in the Netherlands.
      We chose the ecological study design to pilot whether it is worthwhile to further
      pursue the effect of PPI on campylobacteriosis and other gastrointestinal
      pathogens in prospective cohort studies. We now provide strong arguments to do
      so.

PMID- 25139076
TI  - The hanta hunting study: underdiagnosis of Puumala hantavirus infections in
      symptomatic non-travelling leptospirosis-suspected patients in the Netherlands,
      in 2010 and April to November 2011.
AB  - Leptospirosis and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) are hard to
      distinguish clinically since these two important rodent-borne zoonoses share
      hallmark symptoms such as renal failure and haemorrhage. Leptospirosis is caused
      by infection with a spirochete while HFRS is the result of an infection with
      certain hantaviruses. Both diseases are relatively rare in the Netherlands.
      Increased incidence of HFRS has been observed since 2007 in countries that border
      the Netherlands. Since a similar rise in incidence has not been registered in the
      Netherlands, we hypothesise that due to overlapping clinical manifestations,
      hantavirus infections may be confused with leptospirosis, leading to
      underdiagnosis. Therefore, we tested a cohort of non-travelling Dutch patients
      with symptoms compatible with leptospirosis, but with a negative diagnosis,
      during 2010 and from April to November 2011. Sera were screened with pan
      hantavirus IgG and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Sera with IgM
      reactivity were tested by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). ELISA (IgM positive)
      and IFA results were confirmed using focus reduction neutralisation tests
      (FRNTs). We found hantavirus-specific IgG and/or IgM antibodies in 4.3% (11/255)
      of samples taken in 2010 and in 4.1% (6/146) of the samples during the 2011
      period. After FRNT confirmation, seven patients were classed as having acute
      Puumala virus infections. A review of hantavirus diagnostic requests revealed
      that at least three of the seven confirmed acute cases as well as seven probable
      acute cases of hantavirus infection were missed in the Netherlands during the
      study period.

PMID- 25139077
TI  - WHO publishes handbook on the analysis of TB surveillance data.

PMID- 25139080
TI  - CRPS-related neurogenic edema responsive to dextromethorphan/quinidine.

PMID- 25139079
TI  - Phosphonated near-infrared fluorophores for biomedical imaging of bone.
AB  - The conventional method for creating targeted contrast agents is to conjugate
      separate targeting and fluorophore domains. A new strategy is based on the
      incorporation of targeting moieties into the non-delocalized structure of
      pentamethine and heptamethine indocyanines. Using the known affinity of
      phosphonates for bone minerals in a model system, two families of bifunctional
      molecules that target bone without requiring a traditional bisphosphonate are
      synthesized. With peak fluorescence emissions at approximately 700 or 800 nm,
      these molecules can be used for fluorescence-assisted resection and exploration
      (FLARE) dual-channel imaging. Longitudinal FLARE studies in mice demonstrate that
      phosphonated near-infrared fluorophores remain stable in bone for over five
      weeks, and histological analysis confirms their incorporation into the bone
      matrix. Taken together, a new strategy for creating ultra-compact, targeted near
      infrared fluorophores for various bioimaging applications is described. 

PMID- 25139081
TI  - Kinetics of primary bile acids in patients after proctocolectomy and ileal pouch
      anal anastomosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high incidence of cholesterol gallstones in patients after
      proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) may be due to an
      increased loss of bile acids. We aimed to evaluate the kinetics of the primary
      bile acids cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) in these patients.
      METHODS: Pool sizes, synthesis rates, and fractional turnover rates of CA and
      CDCA were determined by combined capillary gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass
      spectrometry in serum samples after administration of [13C]CA and [13C]CDCA in 6
      patients and 9 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: In patients with IPAA, pool sizes of
      CA and CDCA were 11.5 (8.2-23.8) and 12.1 (6.7-20.1) umol/kg, respectively, and
      were significantly lower than in healthy controls [36.0 (24-47) and 29.0 (21-42)
      umol/kg, respectively; p < 0.05, each]. Fractional turnover rates of CA [1.19
      (1.06-1.82) vs. 0.31 (0.13-0.54) per day] and CDCA [1.01 (0.50-1.63) vs. 0.23
      (0.09-0.36) per day] were increased fourfold in patients with IPAA (p < 0.05,
      each). Synthesis rates of CDCA [10.2 (5.2-32.9) vs. 6.6 (2.7-10.5) umol/kg per
      day, p = 0.05] and CA [15.1 (9.3-39.4) vs. 11.5 (3.1-20.5) umol/kg per day, n.s.]
      tended to be higher in patients with IPAA than in controls. CONCLUSION: The
      reduced pool size of primary bile acids may contribute to the high incidence of
      cholesterol gallstones in patients after proctocolectomy and IPAA.

PMID- 25139082
TI  - Azithromycin hydrates-implications of processing-induced phase transformations.
AB  - According to label claims, in commercial solid dosage forms, azithromycin (AZI)
      exists either as a monohydrate (MH) or as a dihydrate (DH). Although these two
      forms are known to be relatively stable in the solid state, AZI sesquihydrate
      (SH) was observed in a drug product. This was believed to be a consequence of a
      processing-induced phase transformation. Our goal was to prepare and characterize
      AZI SH and map its solid-state transition pathways with other AZI phases. When
      dehydrated at temperatures <80 degrees C, DH yielded an isomorphic dehydrate,
      whereas dehydration at >=80 degrees C yielded SH. Heating SH to 100 degrees C or
      holding at 0% RH at room temperature, yielded an amorphous product through an
      intermediate isomorphic dehydrate, isostructural to SH. On the other hand,
      dehydration of MH (at >=60 degrees C) resulted in amorphization with no
      intermediate crystalline anhydrate. Diagnostic XRD peaks of AH, MH, SH, and DH
      enabled their unambiguous identification. However, the presence of crystalline
      excipients hindered active pharmaceutical ingredient characterization in drug
      product. Pattern subtraction method was used to selectively remove the
      contribution of the crystalline excipients to the overall diffraction pattern,
      thereby facilitating the physical characterization of AZI in the drug product.

PMID- 25139083
TI  - Controlling radiation exposure in interventional cardiology.

PMID- 25139084
TI  - Noncardiac surgery after coronary revascularization: more contemporary evidence
      needed.

PMID- 25139085
TI  - Reconciling poststenotic pressure with hyperemic flow: comparing coronary flow
      reserve, instantaneous wave-free ratio, and fractional flow reserve.

PMID- 25139086
TI  - Torrent of troponin.

PMID- 25139087
TI  - How to move toward the least invasive transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation procedure?

PMID- 25139088
TI  - Mechanisms by which transradial approach may reduce mortality in ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction.

PMID- 25139089
TI  - Delayed and fatal embolization of a left atrial appendage closure device.

PMID- 25139090
TI  - Unanticipated pseudocoarctation highlights the importance of visualizing aortic
      arch anatomy before transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

PMID- 25139091
TI  - Response to letter regarding, "administration of a loading dose has no additive
      effect on platelet aggregation during the switch from ongoing clopidogrel
      treatment to ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome".

PMID- 25139093
TI  - Identification of miRNAs as potential new biomarkers for nervous system cancer.
AB  - Several recent studies have indicated the possibility of detecting dysregulated
      microRNAs (miRNAs) to diagnose nervous system cancer (NSC). Our study was
      conducted to explore the clinical applicability of miRNAs as potential ideal
      biomarkers for the diagnosis of NSC. For this meta-analysis, a systematic
      literature search was conducted in the Embase, Medline, Cochrane, Wangfang, and
      Sinomed databases. A standard quality tool-quality assessment of diagnostic
      accuracy studies was employed to assess the quality of the included studies.
      Specificity, sensitivity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under curve (AUC)
      were pooled to assess overall test accuracy. In total, 25 studies from 7
      articles, including 388 patients with NSC and 435 controls (healthy controls and
      patients with neurologic disorders), were included in this meta-analysis. For the
      studied miRNAs, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR for predicting NSC
      were 85% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80-89%), 85% (95% CI 80-89%), and 32 (95%
      CI 19-55), respectively. The pooled AUC for miRNAs identifying NSC was 0.92. In
      addition, results from subgroup analyses indicated that using miRNA panels yield
      a much better diagnostic accuracy when compared with using a particular miRNA.
      The current evidence suggests that miRNAs, especially miRNA panels on body
      fluids, may be suitable for use as diagnostic biomarkers for NSC patients.
      However, more prospective studies using larger cohorts should be conducted to
      confirm their degree of accuracy.

PMID- 25139094
TI  - Reduction of alpha-dystroglycan expression is correlated with poor prognosis in
      glioma.
AB  - Dystroglycan (DG), a multifunctional protein dimer of non-covalently linked alpha
      and beta subunits, is best known as an adhesion and transduction molecule linking
      the cytoskeleton and intracellular signaling pathways to extracellular matrix
      proteins. Loss of DG binding, possibly by degradation or disturbed glycosylation,
      has been reported in a variety of cancers. DG is abundant at astroglial endfeet
      forming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and glia limitans; so, we examined if loss
      of expression is associated with glioma. Expression levels of alpha-DG and beta
      DG were assessed by immunohistochemistry in a series of 78 glioma specimens to
      determine the relationship with tumor grade and possible prognostic significance.
      alpha-DG immunostaining was undetectable in 44 of 49 high-grade specimens (89.8%)
      compared to 15 of 29 low-grade specimens (51.72%) (P<0.05). Moreover, loss of
      alpha-DG expression was an independent predictor of shorter disease-free survival
      (DFS) (hazards ratio (HR) = 0.142, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.033-0.611,
      P=0.0088). Reduced expression of both alpha-DG and beta-DG was also a powerful
      negative prognostic factor for DFS (HR=2.556, 95% CI 1.403-4.654, P=0.0022) and
      overall survival (OS) (HR=2.193, 95% CI 1.031-4.666, P=0.0414). Lack of alpha-DG
      immunoreactivity is more frequent in high-grade glioma and is an independent
      predictor of poor clinical outcome. Similarly, lack of both alpha-DG and beta-DG
      immunoreactivity is a strong independent predictor of clinical outcome.

PMID- 25139095
TI  - Collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (Cthrc1) is an independently prognostic
      biomarker of non-small cell lung cancers with cigarette smoke.
AB  - Collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (Cthrc1) has been recently documented
      in various malignancies, but its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      remains uncertain. In the current study, we investigated the level of Cthrc1 in
      NSCLC tissues by immunohistochemistry. Results revealed that Cthrc1
      overexpression was significantly associated with differentiation (P=0.039), tumor
      node-metastasis (TNM) stage (P=0.035), lymph node status (P=0.001), and cigarette
      smoke (P=0.037). Furthermore, it was shown that patients with high Cthrc1
      expression had significantly poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-free
      survival (DFS; P=0.004 and P=0.010, respectively). Interestingly, high Cthrc1
      expression was an independent prognostic factor for both OS and DFS (P=0.010 and
      P=0.005, respectively) only in NSCLCs with cigarette smoke. These results
      indicated and suggested that Cthrc1 could be used as a prognostic marker for
      NSCLC, and it may play an important role in the smoked-related NSCLC.

PMID- 25139096
TI  - Primary epidural hemangiopericytoma in the sacrum: a rare case and literature
      review.
AB  - Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is an uncommon highly vascular neoplasm that originated
      from Zimmerman's pericytes which surrounds the endothelial tissue. Primary
      epidural HPC of the sacrum is extremely rare. We reported an unusual case of
      primary epidural malignant HPC of the sacrum that invaded vertebral bone and
      caused rectum compression in a 57-year-old male for the first time. The patient
      presented progressive low back pain and ribbon-like stool over 3 months. The
      surgical intervention involved sacrectomy and en bloc resection of the tumor. We
      described the clinical, radiological, and histological features of this tumor and
      reviewed the literature.

PMID- 25139092
TI  - Regulation of male sex determination: genital ridge formation and Sry activation
      in mice.
AB  - Sex determination is essential for the sexual reproduction to generate the next
      generation by the formation of functional male or female gametes. In mammals,
      primary sex determination is commenced by the presence or absence of the Y
      chromosome, which controls the fate of the gonadal primordium. The somatic
      precursor of gonads, the genital ridge is formed at the mid-gestation stage and
      gives rise to one of two organs, a testis or an ovary. The fate of the genital
      ridge, which is governed by the differentiation of somatic cells into Sertoli
      cells in the testes or granulosa cells in the ovaries, further determines the sex
      of an individual and their germ cells. Mutation studies in human patients with
      disorders of sex development and mouse models have revealed factors that are
      involved in mammalian sex determination. In most of mammals, a single genetic
      trigger, the Y-linked gene Sry (sex determination region on Y chromosome),
      regulates testicular differentiation. Despite identification of Sry in 1990,
      precise mechanisms underlying the sex determination of bipotential genital ridges
      are still largely unknown. Here, we review the recent progress that has provided
      new insights into the mechanisms underlying genital ridge formation as well as
      the regulation of Sry expression and its functions in male sex determination of
      mice.

PMID- 25139098
TI  - Lymph node ratio as an independent prognostic indicator in stage III colorectal
      cancer: especially for fewer than 12 lymph nodes examined.
AB  - Although nodal invasion represents one of the most powerful prognostic indicators
      in colorectal cancer (CRC), marked heterogeneity exists within stage III
      patients. Lymph node ratio (LNR) may offer more precise prognostication in stage
      III CRC. The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic impact of LNR on
      survival in stage III CRC patients. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 288
      consecutive patients who underwent radical resection for stage III CRC between
      January 2000 and December 2008 in the Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Peking
      University People's Hospital. The patients were divided into three groups
      according to LNR quartiles: LNR < 0.167 (n=72), 0.167 <= LNR < 0.562 (n = 140),
      and LNR  >= 0.562 (n=76). The association between overall survival (OS) and
      disease-free survival (DFS) and 11 variables including age, gender, tumor
      location, size, grade, histology, tumor (T) stage, number of metastatic LNs, and
      LNR was analyzed by multivariate analysis. Survival curves were plotted by the
      Kaplan-Meier method. Both LNR and the number of metastatic LNs were significant
      prognostic factors for 5-year DFS and OS in stage III CRC patients. LNR was an
      independent prognostic factor for 5-year OS. LNR remained an independent
      prognostic factor in patients with fewer than 12 lymph nodes examined. LNR was a
      potent independent prognostic predictor for OS and DFS in stage III CRC patients,
      especially for patients with fewer than 12 lymph nodes examined.

PMID- 25139099
TI  - Prognostic role of microRNA-31 in various cancers: a meta-analysis.
AB  - To date, many studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNA) exhibit altered
      expression levels in various cancers and may play a potential role as diagnostic
      and prognostic biomarkers of cancers. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate
      the exact role of microRNA-31 (miR-31) for survival and discuss the possibility
      of utilizing miR-31 to predict the prognosis of patients with various human
      cancers. Electronic literature databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and
      Embase were searched for articles published until May 2014. The articles only
      written in English were considered. Data were extracted from studies comparing
      overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), or postoperative survival
      (PS) in patients with multiple cancers, which showed higher miR-31 expression
      than with similar patients. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) of miR-31 for survival and
      95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Ten studies with a total of 1,648
      participants were included for the meta-analysis. For OS, the pooled HRs of
      higher miR-31 expression in cancers indicated significant predictor poorer
      survival in general cancers in either univariate analysis (HR=2.34, 95 % CI=1.15
      3.52, P<0.05) or multivariate analysis (HR=1.15, 95 % CI=1.04-1.26, P<0.05). For
      CSS, elevated miR-31 was also a significant predictor to general cancers in
      multivariate analysis (HR=1.77, 95 % CI=1.06-2.47, P<0.05). And, no association
      was found between miR-31 expression and PS. In conclusion, the present findings
      indicate that high miR-31 expression is associated with poor OS and CSS in
      patients with general cancers and miR-31 may be a useful clinical prognostic
      biomarker.

PMID- 25139097
TI  - Role of novel and GWAS originated PLCE1 genetic variants in susceptibility and
      prognosis of esophageal cancer patients in northern Indian population.
AB  - Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified variants in
      phospholipase C epsilon1 (PLCE1) as novel susceptibility markers for esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Chinese population. Although few studies have
      replicated this findings in other populations, but results are contradictory. So,
      we aimed to replicate association of two previously reported non-synonymous
      polymorphisms (rs2274223A>G and rs3765524C>T) from haplotype block 10 and
      evaluated a novel variant (rs7922612C>T) from haplotype block 2 of PLCE1 with
      susceptibility and prognosis of ESCC in northern Indian population. The
      genotyping of PLCE1 variants were performed in 293 histopathologically confirmed
      incident ESCC cases (including 177 follow-up cases) and 314 age-, gender-, and
      ethnicity-matched controls using PCR RFLP. All statistical analyses were
      performed through SPSS version 15.0. Modeling and functional prediction of two
      non-synonymous variants were carried out using bioinformatics tools. PLCE1
      polymorphisms were not associated with susceptibility to ESCC or its clinical
      phenotypes (tumor location/lymph node metastasis). No interaction with
      environmental risk factors was found. In silico analysis suggested negligible
      effect on structure of PLCE1 protein due to PLCE1 rs2274223 (H1927R) and
      rs3765524 (T1777I) polymorphisms. Survival analysis showed PLCE1 rs7922612CT + TT
      genotype conferred adverse outcome to ESCC patients. Our study for the first time
      suggests that GWAS originated PLCE1 variants do not have independent role in
      susceptibility of ESCC in northern Indian population; however, a novel haplo
      tagging SNP rs7922612 may modify survival outcome of ESCC patients.

PMID- 25139100
TI  - Glycolytic activity with 18F-FDG PET/CT predicts final neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      response in breast cancer.
AB  - The purpose of the present study is to explore the relation between glycolytic
      metabolism assessed by (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) and final neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy (NC) response in locally advanced breast tumors. Of women with
      breast cancer, 126 were prospectively evaluated. All patients underwent (18)F-FDG
      PET/CT previous to NC. Standard uptake value (SUV) max was calculated in the
      primary tumor. After NC, residual primary tumor specimen was histopathologically
      classified according to Miller and Payne tumor regression grades (TRG), from G1
      to G5 and in response groups as good responders (G4 or G5), partial responders
      (G2 or G3), and non-responders (G1). Furthermore, residual lesions were
      classified following a binary assessment as responders (G4 or G5) and non
      responders (the rest of cases). The relationship between SUV max with TRG and
      response groups was evaluated. Of tumors, 127 were assessed (a patient had
      bilateral breast lesions). TRG were as follows: G1 (27), G2 (27), G3 (32), G4
      (11), and G5 (30). Forty-one were classified as good responders, 59 as partial
      responders, and 27 as non-responders. For the binary assessment, 41 lesions were
      classified as responders and 86 as non-responders. We found statistical
      differences (p=0.02) between the mean SUV max and TRG with greater SUV values for
      G5 compared to the other TRG. Good responders showed greater mean SUV max +/- SD
      compared to partial responders and non-responders (10.51 +/- 6.64 for good
      responders, 6.94 +/- 5.81 for partial responders, and 5.23 +/- 2.76 for non
      responders; p=0.001). Baseline tumor metabolism assessing by FDG PET/CT was
      associated with the final histopathologic status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy,
      with greater SUV max values for good responders compared to the less responder
      cancers.

PMID- 25139101
TI  - The preoperative lymphocyte to monocyte ratio predicts clinical outcomes in
      patients with stage II/III gastric cancer.
AB  - Recently, lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) has been reported to be associated
      with clinical outcomes in some types of cancer but has not been explored in
      gastric cancer. In this study, we analyzed the association between LMR and
      clinical outcomes in stage II/III gastric cancer patients. Preoperative LMR
      calculated from peripheral lymphocyte and monocyte with corresponding clinical
      features from 426 stage II/III gastric cancer patients was noted. Kaplan-Meier
      method and Cox regression model were applied for overall survival (OS) and
      recurrence-free survival (RFS). Related with smaller tumor size (p<0.001),
      increased LMR could predict better OS [hazard ratio (HR), 0.688; 95% confidence
      interval (CI), 0.521-0.908, p=0.008] and was borderline significantly associated
      with better RFS (HR, 0.775; 95% CI, 0.592-1.01, p=0.06) in stage II/III gastric
      cancer patients through multivariable analysis. Subgroup analyses revealed that
      except stage III patients for RFS which yielded borderline significance
      (p=0.052), lower LMR was associated with poor clinical outcomes for patients
      regardless of different stages or whether the patients received adjuvant
      chemotherapy. The elevated preoperative LMR level was a significant favorable
      factor in the prognosis of stage II/III gastric cancer patients, especially for
      those with stage II. However, further validation of our findings is warranted.

PMID- 25139102
TI  - The lncRNA-MYC regulatory network in cancer.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely studied in recent years, and
      accumulating evidence identified lncRNAs as crucial regulators of various
      biological processes, including cell cycle progression, chromatin remodeling,
      gene transcription, and posttranscriptional processing. In addition, the fact
      that lncRNAs interact with the MYC gene family in human carcinomas has been
      discovered. This review summarizes the latest progress on the investigation of
      lncRNAs and MYC, particularly focusing on the interplay between lncRNAs and MYC
      in cancer to reveal the significance of lncRNA-MYC network in regulating
      initiation, development, and metastasis of tumors. Further research and
      collection of clinical data would provide a better understanding of lncRNA-MYC
      network in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 25139103
TI  - EMMPRIN and ADAM12 in prostate cancer: preliminary results of a prospective
      study.
AB  - Extracellular metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and a disintegrin and
      metalloproteinase (ADAM12) play a major role in cancer invasion and metastasis
      owing to the fact that they are directly related to the cell microenvironment and
      extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. The aim of this study was to search for
      an answer to the question "whether the determination of EMMPRIN and ADAM12 values
      especially in urine may be helpful for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer
      without employing invasive methods" and also to check whether they may be useful
      for the determination of the patients with high metastasis risk. Peripheral blood
      and urine from 66 prostate cancer patients (40 local, 20 locally advanced, 6
      metastatic) and 14 healthy controls were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) method. Serum EMMPRIN and ADAM12 values of the patients were seen
      to be statistically higher than the serum EMMPRIN and ADAM12 values of the
      healthy controls (p=0.01 and p=0.001, respectively). The urine ADAM12 levels were
      significantly higher in patients (p=0.013). No significant relationships were
      found between urine EMMPRIN values of the patients and the healthy controls
      (p>0.05). Positive correlation between urine EMMPRIN-urine ADAM12 tests was found
      in total patients group (r=0.683, p=0.001). Our preliminary results revealed that
      serum EMMPRIN and ADAM12 values and urine ADAM12 values may be useful markers in
      prostate cancer therapy. Due to the high correlation between these two tests, we
      are of the opinion that the use of urine ADAM12 in clinic may be sufficient and
      favorable together with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for treatment.

PMID- 25139104
TI  - TriMatch comparison of the efficacy of FloSeal versus TachoSil versus no
      hemostatic agents for partial nephrectomy: results from a large multicenter
      dataset.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of hemostatic agents, TachoSil and FloSeal,
      during partial nephrectomy using a large multicenter dataset. METHODS: Data of
      1055 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy between January 2009 and December
      2012 in 19 Italian centers were collected within an observational multicentric
      study (RECORd Project). The decision whether or not to use hemostatic agents
      after renorrhaphy and the type of hemostatic agents applied was adopted according
      to the centers' and surgeons' preference. A TriMatch propensity score analysis
      was applied to balance three study groups (no hemostatic agents, TachoSil,
      FloSeal) for sex, age, surgical indication (elective/relative vs imperative),
      clinical stage (cT1a vs cT1b), tumor exophyticity, approach (open vs minimally
      invasive), technique (standard partial nephrectomy vs simple enucleation),
      preoperative hemoglobin and creatinine. Postoperative complications and variation
      of hemoglobin and creatinine values between preoperative versus third
      postoperative day were compared. RESULTS: TriMatch analysis allowed us to obtain
      66 well-balanced triplets. No differences were found in terms of outcomes between
      the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that adding
      hemostatic agents to renorraphy during partial nephrectomy does not provide
      better surgical outcomes.

PMID- 25139105
TI  - HES1 as an independent prognostic marker in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Notch signaling is one of the main involved pathways in cell
      differentiation and organogenesis, and its deregulation may lead to
      tumorigenesis. In this pathway, targeted to the CSL (CBF1, Suppressor of Hairless
      or Lag-1) complex, notch intracellular domain (NICD) releases corepressors and
      recruits MAML1 as coactivator triggering the activation of notch signaling
      transcription complex. Hairy enhance of split-1 (HES1) is one of the notch
      signaling target genes which is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription
      factor acting as a proliferation stimulator through the suppression of cell cycle
      inhibitors such as p27 and p21. AIMS: In this study, we aimed to analyze the role
      of HES1 in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS:
      Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of HES1 in fresh tumoral tissues and their margin
      normal samples were assessed in 50 ESCC patients by real-time polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Thirteen out of 50 cases (26 %) had HES1
      underexpression, while HES1 overexpression was observed only in 4 (8 %) samples.
      HES1 underexpression was significantly correlated with tumor depth of invasion (P
      = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Although we have not observed any significant correlation
      between the HES1 expression and notch activation in ESCC, this study is the first
      report that elucidated the HES1 underexpression in ESCC and revealed its
      correlation with the invasiveness of ESCC.

PMID- 25139106
TI  - Does multifunctionality matter to US farmers? Farmer motivations and conceptions
      of multifunctionality in dairy systems.
AB  - The concept of multifunctionality describes and promotes the multiple non
      production benefits that emerge from agricultural systems. The notion of
      multifunctional agriculture was conceived in a European context and largely has
      been used in European policy arenas to promote and protect the non-production
      goods emerging from European agriculture. Thus scholars and policy-makers
      disagree about the relevance of multifunctionality for United States agricultural
      policy and US farmers. In this study, we explore lived expressions of
      multifunctional agriculture at the farm-level to examine the salience of the
      multifunctionality concept in the US. In particular, we investigate rotational
      grazing and confinement dairy farms in the eastern United States as case studies
      of multifunctional and productivist agriculture. We also analyze farmer
      motivations for transitioning from confinement dairy to rotational grazing
      systems. Through interviews with a range of dairy producers in Wisconsin,
      Pennsylvania, and New York, we found that farmers were motivated by multiple
      factors--including improved cow health and profitability--to transition to
      rotational grazing systems to achieve greater farm-level multifunctionality.
      Additionally, rotational grazing farmers attributed a broader range of production
      and non-production benefits to their farm practice than confinement dairy
      farmers. Further, rotational grazing dairy farmers described a system-level
      notion of multifunctionality based on the interdependence of multiple benefits
      across scales--from the farm to the national level--emerging from grazing
      operations. We find that the concept of multifunctionality could be expanded in
      the US to address the interdependence of benefits emerging from farming
      practices, as well as private benefits to farmers. We contend that understanding
      agricultural benefits as experienced by the farmer is an important contribution
      to enriching the multifunctionality concept in the US context, informing agri
      environmental policy and programs, and ultimately expanding multifunctional
      agricultural practice in the US.

PMID- 25139107
TI  - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-Italian version: regression based norms and
      equivalent scores.
AB  - The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief cognitive screening
      instrument developed by Nasreddine et al. to detect mild cognitive impairment, a
      high-risk condition for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. In this
      study we report normative data on the MoCA-Italian version, collected on a sample
      of 225 Italian healthy subjects ranged in age between 60 and 80 years, and in
      formal education from 5 to 23 years. The global normal cognition was established
      in accordance with the Mini-Mental State Examination score and with the Prose
      Memory Test score (Spinnler and Tognoni, Ital J Neurol Sci 6:25-27, 1987). None
      of the participants had a history of psychiatric, neurological, cerebrovascular
      disorders or brain injury or took drugs affecting cognition. Linear regression
      analysis was performed to evaluate the potential effect of age, education and sex
      on the MoCA total performance score. We provide correction grids to adjust raw
      scores and equivalent scores with cut-off value to allow comparison between MoCA
      performance and others neuropsychological test scores that can be administered on
      the same subject.

PMID- 25139108
TI  - Are atraumatic spinal needles as efficient as traumatic needles for lumbar
      puncture?
AB  - The most frequent complication of lumbar puncture is post lumbar puncture
      headache (PLPH). Recent studies confirmed that the use of atraumatic spinal
      needles significantly reduces the risk of PLPH. However, the majority of
      neurologists still use traumatic needles, possibly caused by misconceptions and
      beliefs about practical performance of atraumatic spinal needles. Therefore, we
      investigated the practical characteristics of atraumatic and traumatic spinal
      needles. An experimental setup with a fluid column was used with (1) a
      physiological NaCl 0.9 % solution and (2) a high protein content solution. Flow
      rates and duration of pressure measurements were measured using a traumatic
      needle and an atraumatic needle. The average flow rate differed less than 10 %
      between the two needle types with NaCl solution, and for the high protein
      solution the difference was even smaller. Time taken to perform accurate pressure
      measurements did not differ between the two needle types using NaCl 0.9 %, and
      was even slightly shorter for the atraumatic needle when using the high protein
      solution. Average flow rates and duration of pressure measurements are comparable
      between atraumatic spinal needles and traumatic needles. Therefore, these
      performance characteristics are no reason to favor traumatic needles over
      atraumatic needles.

PMID- 25139109
TI  - TLR4 enhances histamine-mediated pruritus by potentiating TRPV1 activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have indicated that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a
      pathogen-recognition receptor that triggers inflammatory signals in innate immune
      cells, is also expressed on sensory neurons, implicating its putative role in
      sensory signal transmission. However, the possible function of sensory neuron
      TLR4 has not yet been formally addressed. In this regard, we investigated the
      role of TLR4 in itch signal transmission. RESULTS: TLR4 was expressed on a
      subpopulation of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons that express TRPV1. In
      TLR4-knockout mice, histamine-induced itch responses were compromised while TLR4
      activation by LPS did not directly elicit an itch response. Histamine-induced
      intracellular calcium signals and inward currents were comparably reduced in TLR4
      deficient sensory neurons. Reduced histamine sensitivity in the TLR4-deficient
      neurons was accompanied by a decrease in TRPV1 activity. Heterologous expression
      experiments in HEK293T cells indicated that TLR4 expression enhanced capsaicin
      induced intracellular calcium signals and inward currents. CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      show that TLR4 on sensory neurons enhances histamine-induced itch signal
      transduction by potentiating TRPV1 activity. The results suggest that TLR4 could
      be a novel target for the treatment of enhanced itch sensation.

PMID- 25139111
TI  - Need of standardization in bariatric surgery: is it time to think about? Comment
      on Contreras J E, Santander C, Court I, Bravo J. Correlation between age and
      weight loss after bariatric surgery. Obesity Surgery 2013; 23(8):1286-9.

PMID- 25139110
TI  - Comparison between rapid and mixed maxillary expansion through an assessment of
      dento-skeletal effects on posteroanterior cephalometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the dento-skeletal effects of
      rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and mixed maxillary expansion (MME), assessed on
      posteroanterior (PA) cephalograms. METHODS: Treatment groups consisted of 42
      patients; mean age in RME group (n = 21,13 female and 8 male subjects) was 8.8
      years +/- 1.37 at T0 and 9.6 years +/- 1.45 at T1 and mean age in MME group (n =
      21, 12 female and 9 male patients) was 8.9 years +/- 2.34 at T0 and 10.5 years +/
      2.08 at T1. Seventeen bilateral anatomic landmarks, 16 linear (12 skeletal and 4
      dental) and 4 angular measurements were assessed for each patient at T0 and T1.
      Data from the two groups were compared using independent sample t test (p <
      0.05). RESULTS: At T0, the groups were similar for all examined variables (p >
      0.05). Significant and equal increase of lateronasal and maxillary and upper and
      lower molar widths (p < 0. 01) occurred in both groups at T1. Significant but
      different increases were observed for maxillary incisal, upper left first molar
      lateroorbitale, and maxillary first molar angles (p < 0.001 vs. p < 0.05).
      Significant increases were reported for upper inter-incisal width apex (p <
      0.001) and upper right first molar-lateroorbitale angle (p < 0.05) only in the
      RME group. At T1, differences in maxillary incisal angle (p < 0.05), upper left
      first molar-lateroorbitale, and maxillary first molar angles (p < 0.001) were
      noted. CONCLUSIONS: RME and MME were both effective to increase skeletal
      transverse dimensions by opening mid-palatal suture in growing patients, while
      MME was associated with minor dental side effects than RME.

PMID- 25139112
TI  - Deficits in anticipatory but not consummatory pleasure in people with recent
      onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
AB  - The majority of studies examining self-reported anticipatory and consummatory
      pleasure in schizophrenia, as measured on the Temporal Experience of Pleasure
      Scale (TEPS), have been conducted on chronically ill people with the disorder. In
      this study, people with a recent-onset schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis (first
      psychotic episode within one year of study participation) (n=88) and people
      without a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis (n=66) were administered the TEPS.
      People with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis reported significantly lower
      scores of anticipatory, but not consummatory, pleasure on the TEPS compared to
      the control group. TEPS anticipatory pleasure scores were also significantly,
      negatively correlated with negative symptoms, but neither TEPS anticipatory nor
      consummatory pleasure scores were significantly correlated with functioning
      measures. Our results replicate previous findings with chronically ill people
      with schizophrenia on the TEPS. 

PMID- 25139113
TI  - Effects of COMT genotype on cognitive ability and functional capacity in
      individuals with schizophrenia.
AB  - Cognitive and functional impairments are core features of schizophrenia. This
      study examined the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype and its
      relationship to cognition and functional capacity in 188 individuals with
      schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. We found that in a dose-response
      fashion, individuals with more Met alleles performed significantly better on
      tests of learning/memory and abstraction. The effects of COMT genotype on
      cognition were modest, explaining about 3% of the variance in learning/memory and
      abstraction. Larger studies will be needed to examine the relationships between
      COMT and other genes and cognitive performance and everyday functioning. 

PMID- 25139115
TI  - Towards a solution of the wires' slippage problem of the Ilizarov external
      fixator.
AB  - Clinical experience has indicated that many complications during treatment with
      the Ilizarov method, and mainly tract infection, are related to decreased wire
      tension. The aim of this work was to evaluate biomechanically a novel wire
      tensioning and clamping system that will minimise or even diminish the reduction
      of the wire pretension during treatment. The proposed approach is based on
      threading of the wire end in a sufficient length. The wire pretension is applied
      by twisting a nut on the threaded part of the wires against the ring and is
      recorded by an incorporated force sensor. For biomechanical evaluation, the
      frame, consisting of a polyethylene bar, simulating the bone fragment, suspended
      on two rings, was subjected to a dynamic load of 0-800 N at a frequency of 0.5
      Hz. After dynamic loading for 20 min, loss of the initial wire pretension for the
      novel clamping system ranged between 12 and 16%. The average loss for
      conventionally clamped wires was 75%. The advantages of the novel clamping system
      were the much greater ability to sustain the transverse load and the easy and
      effectual wire re-tensioning. Although wire slippage has been avoided with the
      novel system, wire material yield is still responsible for a pretension loss.

PMID- 25139114
TI  - Comparative analysis of pedicular vascular control techniques during laparoscopic
      nephrectomy: en bloc stapling or separate ligation?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of en bloc stapling and separate
      ligation techniques for renal vascular control during laparoscopic nephrectomy.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data were collected from 60 patients who underwent
      laparoscopic nephrectomies using en bloc stapling (n = 27, group 1) or the
      separate ligation method (n = 33, group 2). Comparative analysis was carried out
      between the two groups, examining operative times, blood loss, intra- and
      postoperative complications and hospital stay. RESULTS: Compared with the
      separate ligation method, the en bloc hilar control technique was associated with
      a shorter total operating time (98 vs. 121 min, p = 0.029). However, both groups
      were similar in terms of estimated blood loss, hemoglobin drop, changes in
      creatinine level and postoperative hospital stay. The total complication rates in
      group 1 and 2 were 3.7 and 15.1%, respectively, with a statistically significant
      difference. There were no complications related to the use of the endo-GIA
      stapler and no patients required conversion to open surgery in group 1. In group
      2, 2 patients required conversion to open surgery, including 1 due to renal vein
      bleeding secondary to inaccurate vascular control and the other due to bleeding
      from the vena cava during dissection. In addition, 1 patient had a superficial
      bowel injury that was repaired laparoscopically and another had a superficial
      liver tear that was managed without conversion or transfusion. CONCLUSION: En
      bloc ligation of the renal hilum is an easy and reliable technique that allows
      safe and fast control of the renal pedicle.

PMID- 25139116
TI  - Impact of baseline microbiological status on clinical outcomes in generalized
      aggressive periodontitis patients treated with or without adjunctive amoxicillin
      and metronidazole: an exploratory analysis from a randomized controlled clinical
      trial.
AB  - AIM: To explore whether subjects harbouring A. actinomycetemcomitans, P.
      gingivalis or T. forsythia at baseline showed increased clinical benefits with
      the adjunctive use of systemic amoxicillin and metronidazole (AMX-MET) during non
      surgical treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Forty one subjects were included in this 6-month randomized placebo
      controlled clinical trial using a 7-day course of systemic AMX-MET or placebo as
      adjuncts to non-surgical periodontal therapy. Clinical and microbiological
      parameters were collected at baseline, 2 and 6 months after treatment.
      Microbiological cultures were processed for pooled subgingival samples and
      identities of isolates were determined by PCR for A. actinomycetemcomitans, P.
      gingivalis and T. forsythia RESULTS: At 6 months, the test treatment resulted in
      significant additional improvements in the primary outcome variable compared to
      placebo, and the effect of the adjunctive antimicrobials was not modified by the
      baseline microbiological status in the primary analysis. However, secondary
      exploratory subgroup analyses showed improved clinical outcomes in subjects
      harbouring A. actinomycetemcomitans at baseline compared to subjects who did not
      harbour this pathogen. CONCLUSIONS: All subjects benefited from the tested
      adjunctive antimicrobial regimen, although subjects who harboured A.
      actinomycetemcomitans at baseline may show greater clinical benefits. Larger
      appropriately powered studies are needed to confirm whether adjunctive AMX-MET is
      more beneficial for GAgP patients who harbour A. actinomycetemcomitans, along
      with other key periodontal pathogens.

PMID- 25139117
TI  - The nonaspanins TM9SF2 and TM9SF4 regulate the plasma membrane localization and
      signalling activity of the peptidoglycan recognition protein PGRP-LC in
      Drosophila.
AB  - Transmembrane 9 (TM9) proteins, or nonaspanins, are a family of proteins
      conserved throughout evolution and characterized by 9 transmembrane domains. In
      Drosophila, TM9 superfamily protein member 4 (TM9SF4) and its closest paralogue,
      TM9SF2, contribute to phagocytosis of various types of particles, while TM9SF4
      displays non-redundant requirement in Gram-negative bacteria engulfment. In
      addition, the two TM9 proteins control the actin cytoskeleton in larval
      haemocytes and in Drosophila S2 cells. Here, we show that TM9SF4 and TM9SF2 co
      immunoprecipitate with the peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP)-LC, which
      triggers the Drosophila immune response to bacterial infection. Furthermore, both
      TM9 proteins co-localize with this receptor in intracellular vesicles and at the
      plasma membrane in Drosophila S2 cells in culture and in the fly fat body.
      Silencing TM9SF4 prevents plasma membrane localization of PGRP-LC, whereas
      silencing TM9SF2 does not, which may account for the non-redundant role of TM9SF4
      in phagocytosis of Gram-negative bacteria. Finally, we provide a set of data
      suggesting that TM9 proteins can prevent inappropriate signalling from the
      unstimulated receptor.

PMID- 25139118
TI  - Assessment of coronary artery intimal thickening in patients with a previous
      diagnosis of Kawasaki disease by using high resolution transthoracic
      echocardiography: our experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a generalized systemic vasculitis of unknown
      etiology involving medium and small size blood vessels, particularly the coronary
      arteries. In these vessels a progressive stenosis may result from active
      remodeling with an intimal proliferation and neoangiogenesis. The aim of our
      study was to assess, by using high-resolution transthoracic 2D Echocardiography,
      if subjects with a previous diagnosis of Kawasaki disease after several years
      show a coronary intimal thickening, suggestive of a persistent cardiovascular
      risk. METHODS: We assessed measurement of thickening, inner diameter and outer
      diameter of coronary arteries using 2D Echocardiography (Philips E 33 with multy
      frequency S8-3 and S12-4 probes) and examining the proximal portion of left main
      coronary artery just above the aortic valve with parasternal short axis view.
      RESULTS: We found a significant intimal thickening in patients with previous
      Kawasaki disease compared to healthy controls. In particular, we noticed that
      also subjects not suffering from coronary impairment in acute phase have higher
      values of thickening than healthy controls, and this wall thickening may confer a
      higher cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore we concluded that the
      assessment of coronary artery thickening by high-resolution transthoracic 2D
      Echocardiography may become an essential instrument to evaluate late
      cardiovascular risk in subjects with a diagnosis of Kawasaki disease in
      childhood.

PMID- 25139119
TI  - Natural compounds in epigenetics: a current view.
AB  - The successful treatment of many human diseases, including cancer, has come to be
      considered a major challenge, as patient response to therapy is difficult to
      predict. Recently, considerable efforts are being focused on the development of
      new tools to meet the growing demand for personalized medicine. With few
      exceptions, synthetic compounds have been unable to meet initial expectations for
      their clinical use. The last twenty years have been characterized by the failure
      of several drugs in advanced clinical development, possibly due to the
      insufficient understanding of molecular pathways underlying their mechanism of
      action. Although the biodiversity of compounds found in nature has been poorly
      explored until now, the field of naturally occurring drugs is rapidly expanding.
      Here, we review the current knowledge on the use of natural compounds with
      particular emphasis on those that display a chromatin remodeling effect coupled
      with anticancer action. 

PMID- 25139120
TI  - Chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity of semicarbazide hydrochloride in Wistar
      Hannover GALAS rats.
AB  - We performed a combined study to determine the chronic toxicity and
      carcinogenicity of semicarbazide hydrochloride (SEM-HCl). Male and female Wistar
      Hannover GALAS rats were fed a diet containing SEM-HCl at 0, 10, 50, and 250ppm
      for 52weeks (10 rats/sex/group) or for 104weeks (50 rats/sex/group). Enlargement
      of the knee joints was apparent in both sexes at 250ppm. Reduced body weight was
      observed at 250ppm from week 76 only in males. SEM-HCl exerted no toxic effects
      on hematology, serum biochemistry, or organ weights. Histopathologically,
      disarrangement of chondrocytes accompanied by increased connective tissues, and
      degeneration of articular cartilage were found in males at 50ppm and above and in
      females at 250ppm. Mild changes in the elastic laminae were observed at 250ppm
      for both sexes in the chronic toxicity study. There were no significant
      intergroup differences in the incidences or types of any tumors. Taken together,
      toxicological effects of chronic exposure to SEM-HCI mainly occurred in the bone,
      cartilage, and aorta. Based on histopathological findings, the no-observed
      adverse-effect-level was 10ppm in males and 50ppm in females (equal to
      0.6mg/kg/day in males and 3.9mg/kg/day in females). SEM-HCl was not carcinogenic
      in rats. 

PMID- 25139121
TI  - Toxicological in vitro and subchronic evaluation of LASSBio-596.
AB  - LASSBio-596, 2-[4-(1,4-tiazinan-4-ylsulfonyl) phenylcarbamoyl] benzoic acid, is
      an achiral compound containing a subunit carboxylic amide, was capable of
      preventing induced mechanical and morphological changes in the lungs that
      commonly caused the onset of asthma. Previous studies to determine the acute
      toxicity of oral LASSBio-596 at dose of 2000mg/kg caused no deaths in any of the
      tested animals. To further evaluate the safety of LASSBio-596, in vitro and in
      vivo tests were carried out. Regarding to in vitro test were used renal, hepatic,
      pulmonary, cardiac, neurologic and intestinal cell lines. They were evaluated
      using neutral red (NR) and [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide] (MTT) assays. Micronuclei also was performed. Concerning to in vivo was
      performed subchronic on Wistar rats at doses of 10, 50, and 250mg/kg and
      zebrafish test. The in vitro tests results showed the safety of LASSBio-596.
      However, subchronic toxicity study results revealed changes in the blood
      parameters of amylase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase
      (AST), glucose and creatine kinase (CK) which is used for cardiotoxicity
      evaluation, although, did not identify any histopathological alterations.
      However, zebrafish test demonstrated cardiac damage. It was impossible to
      estimate the no-observed-adverse-effect-levels and lowest observed-adverse-effect
      level due to the presence of cardiotoxicity in all tested doses. 

PMID- 25139122
TI  - Investigation of the MICs of fidaxomicin and other antibiotics against Hungarian
      Clostridium difficile isolates.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro activities of fidaxomicin and
      other antibiotics against 188 Clostridium difficile strains collected from
      different centers of Hungary. C. difficile isolates showed minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) range for fidaxomicin of <=0.008-0.5 mg/L, with a MIC90 of
      0.125 mg/L. Only four isolates (2.1%) had 0.5 mg/L MIC to fidaxomicin. The
      obtained MICs showed identical distribution to those found in the EUCAST database
      for wild-type strains. 

PMID- 25139123
TI  - Intra-genomic variation in G + C content and its implications for DNA stable
      isotope probing.
AB  - Combining deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA-based) stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP) with
      high-throughput sequencing provides a powerful culture-independent means to link
      microbial metabolic function to genomic information and taxonomic identity. DNA
      buoyant density (BD) in isopycnic gradients is dependent on both isotope
      incorporation and G + C content. G + C content varies across a genome but is
      constrained at rrn operons; hence, the ability to resolve isotopically labelled
      DNA from unlabelled DNA in SIP may vary between small subunit-ribosomal nucleic
      acid (SSU rRNA) amplicon and shotgun-read sequencing applications. We tested this
      hypothesis by evaluating the G + C content of genomic DNA fragments that
      encompassed either an SSU rRNA template ('amplicon-fragments') or a shotgun read
      template ('shotgun-fragments'). We find that, contrary to expectations, the BD
      distribution of amplicon-fragments is non-normal and can be highly skewed.
      Furthermore, the BD distribution of amplicon-fragments can differ substantially
      from that of shotgun-fragments from the same genome. Our findings demonstrate the
      impact of G + C content on the downstream applications of DNA-SIP, which will aid
      in proper experimental design and the development of statistical tests to
      accurately identify sequences derived from isotopically labelled DNA. 

PMID- 25139124
TI  - The impact of a tumor diagnosis on patients' attitudes toward advance directives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although advance care planning and the completion of advance
      directives (ADs) are important tools to avoid unwanted aggressive care once
      patients have lost their decision-making capacity, only a minority of cancer
      patients are admitted with completed ADs, and little is known about patients'
      wishes regarding AD consultations. METHODS: For 1 year, every new patient
      admitted to the hematology/oncology outpatient clinic of the University Hospital
      Regensburg received a self-administered questionnaire comprising a self
      evaluation of AD knowledge and questions about preferences regarding consultation
      partners and the time of consultation. Disease-related data were collected from
      medical records. Statistics were calculated with SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 500
      questionnaires handed out, 394 (75%) were evaluable and analyzed. Twenty-eight
      percent of the participants had completed an AD (living will or health care
      proxy). Ninety-two percent of the participants without ADs had never received a
      consultation offer from any professional involved. Only 20% perceived a clear
      relation between cancer and AD consultations. More than 50% of the participants
      without ADs were in favor of consultations 'now' or 'in a few weeks', while more
      than 40% objected to AD consultations. CONCLUSIONS: Oncology patients have a
      large unmet demand for AD consultations. However, a relevant percentage of these
      patients object to AD consultations. Structured and early AD consultation offers
      should be made, and early discussions about indications for aggressive treatment
      should take place.

PMID- 25139126
TI  - Cardiovascular risk associated with testosterone-boosting medications: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent reports have significantly halted the enthusiasm regarding
      androgen-boosting; suggesting that testosterone supplementation (TS) increases
      cardiovascular (CV) events. AREAS COVERED: In order to overcome some of the
      limitations of the current evidence, the authors performed an updated systematic
      review and meta-analysis of all placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials
      (RCTs) on the effect of TS on CV-related problems. Out of 2747 retrieved
      articles, 75 were analyzed, including 3016 and 2448 patients in TS and placebo
      groups, respectively, and a mean duration of 34 weeks. Our analyses, performed on
      the largest number of studies collected so far, indicate that TS is not related
      to any increase in CV risk, even when composite or single adverse events were
      considered. In RCTs performed in subjects with metabolic derangements a
      protective effect of TS on CV risk was observed. EXPERT OPINION: The present
      systematic review and meta-analysis does not support a causal role between TS and
      adverse CV events. Our results are in agreement with a large body of literature
      from the last 20 years supporting TS of hypogonadal men as a valuable strategy in
      improving a patient's metabolic profile, reducing body fat and increasing lean
      muscle mass, which would ultimately reduce the risk of heart disease.

PMID- 25139127
TI  - Ceftolozane/tazobactam (CXA 201) for the treatment of intra-abdominal infections.
AB  - During the mid-nineties, 95-97% of intra-abdominal infection (IAI)- associated
      microbes were susceptible to commonly used antibiotics. Nowadays, in Gram
      negative bacilli, beta-lactam resistance and the associated co-resistance to
      other antibiotics leading to multidrug resistance is reaching crisis proportions.
      This is a critical issue in the treatment of IAIs, especially for complicated
      IAIs and for those of nosocomial origin in severely ill patients. In this
      setting, this article reviews the place in the therapeutic armamentarium of
      ceftolozane/tazobactam, a new cephalosporin/beta-lactamase inhibitor with good
      activity against extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae,
      with stability to AmpC beta-lactamases and good anti-pseudomonal activity being
      stable against the most common resistance mechanisms driven by mutation in
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A profound review of its in vitro activity, in vivo
      efficacy in animal models, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy
      in clinical trials in complicated IAIs and safety data is performed. 

PMID- 25139125
TI  - Depression and risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in a cohort study of older
      Americans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine if depression is independently
      associated with risk of hospitalization for pneumonia after adjusting for
      demographics, medical comorbidity, health-risk behaviors, baseline cognition and
      functional impairments. METHODS: This secondary analysis of prospectively
      collected data examined a population-based sample of 6704 Health and Retirement
      Study (HRS) (1998-2008) participants>50years old who consented to have their
      interviews linked to their Medicare claims and were without a dementia diagnosis.
      The eight-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and/or
      International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
      (ICD-9-CM) depression diagnoses were used to identify baseline depression. ICD-9
      CM diagnoses were used to identify hospitalizations for which the principal
      discharge diagnosis was for bacterial or viral pneumonia. The odds of
      hospitalization for pneumonia for participants with depression relative to those
      without depression were estimated using logistic regression models. Population
      attributable fractions were calculated to determine the extent that
      hospitalizations for pneumonia could be attributable to depression. RESULTS:
      After adjusting for demographic characteristics, clinical factors, and health
      risk behaviors, depression was independently associated with increased odds of
      hospitalization for pneumonia (odds ratio [OR]: 1.28, 95% confidence interval
      [95%CI]: 1.08, 1.53). This association persisted after adjusting for baseline
      cognition and functional impairments (OR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.50). In this
      cohort, 6% (95%CI: 2%, 10%) of hospitalizations for pneumonia were potentially
      attributable to depression. CONCLUSION: Depression is independently associated
      with increased odds of hospitalization for pneumonia. This study provides
      additional rationale for integrating mental health care into medical settings in
      order to improve outcomes for older adults.

PMID- 25139128
TI  - A cross-sectional exploration of the personality traits of dietitians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Personality traits refer to habitual patterns of behaviour, thought
      and emotions, and have been shown to influence health professionals' career
      decisions, career development, job satisfaction and retention. There is an
      opportunity to better understand and support the career pathways of dietitians by
      exploring their personality traits. The two primary aspects of personality are:
      (i) temperament traits, which determine automatic emotional responses to
      experiences, and are generally stable over lifetime, and (ii) character traits,
      which reflect personal goals and values, and tend to develop with life
      experience. The present study explored the levels of temperament and character
      traits of dietitians, as well as their relationship to demographic variables.
      METHODS: The study comprised a cross-sectional online survey of 346 Australian
      dietitians [95% female; mean (SD) age 32 (10) years; mean (SD) time since
      graduation 7 (9) years]. Temperament and character traits were measured by the
      Temperament and Character Inventory. Key demographic variables were measured to
      describe career decisions and pathways of dietitians. Multivariate analyses of
      variance was used to investigate the relationship between demographic variables
      and personality traits. RESULTS: Levels of several traits were significantly
      associated with gender, age and highest level of education. In comparison to the
      general population, the dietitians displayed average levels of Novelty Seeking;
      high levels of Harm Avoidance, Reward Dependence, Persistence, Self-Directedness
      and Cooperativeness; and low levels of Self-Transcendence. CONCLUSIONS: The
      dietitians in the present study displayed levels of personality traits that were
      similar to other health professionals, although they differed from the general
      population. These findings are the precursor to further work that may inform
      recruitment strategies and career counselling in dietetics.

PMID- 25139130
TI  - Interactions of N2O5 and related nitrogen oxides with ice surfaces: desorption
      kinetics and collision dynamics.
AB  - The detailed interactions of nitrogen oxides with ice are of fundamental interest
      and relevance for chemistry in cold regions of the atmosphere. Here, the
      interactions of NO, NO2, N2O4, and N2O5 with ice surfaces at temperatures between
      93 and 180 K are investigated with molecular beam techniques. Surface collisions
      are observed to result in efficient transfer of kinetic energy and trapping of
      molecules on the ice surfaces. NO and NO2 rapidly desorb from pure ice with upper
      bounds for the surface binding energies of 0.16 +/- 0.02 and 0.26 +/- 0.03 eV,
      respectively. Above 150 K, N2O4 desorption follows first-order kinetics and is
      well described by the Arrhenius parameters Ea = 0.39 +/- 0.04 eV and A =
      10((15.4+/-1.2)) s(-1), while a stable N2O4 adlayer is formed at lower
      temperatures. A fraction of incoming N2O5 reacts to form HNO3 on the ice surface.
      The N2O5 desorption rates are substantially lower on pure water ice (Arrhenius
      parameters: Ea = 0.36 +/- 0.02 eV; A = 10((15.3+/-0.7)) s(-1)) than on HNO3
      covered ice (Ea = 0.24 +/- 0.02 eV; A = 10((11.5+/-0.7)) s(-1)). The N2O5
      desorption kinetics also sensitively depend on the sub-monolayer coverage of
      HNO3, with a minimum in N2O5 desorption rate at a low but finite coverage of
      HNO3. The studies show that none of the systems with resolvable desorption
      kinetics undergo ordinary desorption from ice, and instead desorption likely
      involves two or more surface states, with additional complexity added by
      coadsorbed molecules. 

PMID- 25139129
TI  - Evaluation of surface roughness and bond strength of quartz fiber posts after
      various pre-treatments.
AB  - PURPOSE: Debonding at the post-adhesive interface is a major problem for quartz
      fiber posts. The objective of this study was to evaluate surface roughness and
      bond strength of quartz fiber posts after various surface treatments. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Sixty-six quartz fiber posts were randomly divided into six
      experimental groups (n = 11) including group C, untreated (control); group SB,
      sandblasted; group SC, silica coated; group HF, hydrofluoric acid-etched; group
      N, Nd:YAG laser irradiated; group E, Er:YAG laser irradiated. Surface roughness
      of the posts was measured before and after pre-treatment. They were then bonded
      to resin cement and tensile bond strength was determined in a universal testing
      machine. Furthermore, two-way ANOVA and post hoc comparison tests (alpha = 0.05)
      were performed on all data. RESULTS: The highest mean force value was observed in
      group SB and followed by group E. Tukey's HSD test showed that there was no
      statistical difference between group SB and group E (p = 0.673). The highest mean
      roughness value was observed in group SB and a significant difference was found
      between group SB and all other groups (p < 0.001). This study reveals that
      sandblasting and Er:YAG laser irradiation provided a significant increase in bond
      strength between quartz fiber posts and resin cement. CONCLUSIONS: Sandblasting
      or Er:YAG laser-irradiation of the surface of the quartz fiber post before
      cementation is recommended for increasing retention.

PMID- 25139131
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of equine head disorders: 84 cases
      (2000-2013).
AB  - The equine head is an anatomically complex area, therefore advanced tomographic
      imaging techniques, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI), are often required for diagnosis and treatment planning. The purpose of
      this multicenter retrospective study was to describe MRI characteristics for a
      large sample of horses with head disorders. Horses imaged over a period of 13
      years were recruited. Eighty-four horses met the inclusion criteria, having
      neurological (n = 65), sinonasal (n = 14), and soft tissue (n = 5) disorders.
      Magnetic resonance imaging accurately depicted the anatomy and allowed
      identification of the primary lesion and associated changes. There were good
      correlations between MRI findings and intraoperative or postmortem results.
      Magnetic resonance imaging showed the exact localization of the lesions, their
      size, and relation to surrounding structures. However, in the neurological group,
      there were 45 horses with no MRI abnormalities, 29 of which had a history of
      recurrent seizures, related to cryptogenic epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging
      was otherwise a valuable diagnostic tool, and can be used for studying a broad
      range of head disorders using either low-field or high-field magnets. 

PMID- 25139132
TI  - Primary aerodigestive presentations of Pierre Robin sequence/complex and
      predictive factors of airway type and management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To document the mode and age of primary aerodigestive presentation of
      Pierre Robin sequence/complex (PRS/C) children to the otolaryngologist and to
      explore predictive factors of upper airway type and management. METHODS: This is
      a retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary pediatric referral center. A
      prospective surgical database was searched for children who were diagnosed with
      PRS/C. Demographics, presenting complaint, secondary diagnoses, type of upper
      airway obstruction, secondary airway lesions, presence of cleft palate, and
      airway interventions were collected. Multiple linear regression analysis was
      performed to predict upper airway obstruction type and intervention. RESULTS:
      Seventy-seven potentially eligible patients were identified. Forty-six were
      included (20 females). Mean age at presentation was 20.4+/-36.9 months (range 1
      191.25 months). Twenty-three primarily presented with respiratory failure, 14
      with sleep disordered breathing, and nine with swallowing dysfunction. Children
      with presentations other than respiratory failure were older (p=0.004). Nineteen
      were syndromic. Overt cleft palate was more common in those presenting with
      respiratory failure (p=0.01). The type of airway obstruction encountered and use
      of tracheostomy were positively predicted by the primary presenting feature of
      respiratory failure (p<0.05) and male gender (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: A substantial
      number of PRS/C patients present later than the neonatal period with
      presentations other than respiratory failure. Both male gender and presentation
      with respiratory failure predicted a more severe airway obstruction type and the
      need for trachesotomy.

PMID- 25139133
TI  - Hear here: children with hearing loss learn words by listening.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Early use of hearing devices and family participation in auditory
      verbal therapy has been associated with age-appropriate verbal communication
      outcomes for children with hearing loss. However, there continues to be great
      variability in outcomes across different oral intervention programmes and little
      consensus on how therapists should prioritise goals at each therapy session for
      positive clinical outcomes. This pilot intervention study aimed to determine
      whether therapy goals that concentrate on teaching preschool children with
      hearing loss how to distinguish between words in a structured listening programme
      is effective, and whether gains in speech perception skills impact on vocabulary
      and speech development without them having to be worked on directly in therapy.
      METHOD: A multiple baseline across subjects design was used in this within
      subject controlled study. 3 children aged between 2:6 and 3:1 with moderate
      severe to severe-profound hearing loss were recruited for a 6-week intervention
      programme. Each participant commenced at different stages of the 10-staged
      listening programme depending on their individual listening skills at
      recruitment. Speech development and vocabulary assessments were conducted before
      and after the training programme in addition to speech perception assessments and
      probes conducted throughout the intervention programme. RESULTS: All participants
      made gains in speech perception skills as well as vocabulary and speech
      development. Speech perception skills acquired were noted to be maintained a week
      after intervention. In addition, all participants were able to generalise speech
      perception skills learnt to words that had not been used in the intervention
      programme. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study found that therapy directed at listening
      alone is promising and that it may have positive impact on speech and vocabulary
      development without these goals having to be incorporated into a therapy
      programme. Although a larger study is necessary for more conclusive findings, the
      results from this preliminary study are promising in support of emphasise on
      listening skills within auditory-verbal therapy programmes.

PMID- 25139134
TI  - Ketamine peritonsillar infiltration during tonsillectomy in pediatric patients:
      An updated meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Peri-operative ketamine peritonsillar infiltration in children can
      reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), but its
      postoperative analgesic time is short. A previous meta-analysis in 2011 was
      inconclusive due to insufficient data. Consequently, we updated the meta-analysis
      to verify the role of ketamine peritonsillar infiltration for tonsillectomy in
      pediatric patients. METHODS: Ten randomized controlled trials with a total of 522
      cases were included. Pain intensity was measured by standard modified CHEOPS
      score. RESULTS: The pain scores of ketamine group at 30 min and 60 min were
      significantly lower than placebo group after surgery [weighted mean difference
      (WMD) -1.20, 95% CI -2.20 to -0.19, P=0.02; WMD -1.71, 95% CI -2.12 to -0.22,
      P=0.02]. Analgesic requirement in ketamine group were less than placebo group
      [risk ratio (RR) 0.51, 95% CI 0.26-0.97; P=0.04]. Moreover, the incidence of PONV
      was lower in ketamine group. (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54-0.97; P=0.03). However, there
      were no differences between these two groups in operation time, anesthesia time,
      first analgesic time and pain score at 120 min. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to placebo,
      ketamine peritonsillar infiltration can relieve postoperative pain within one
      hour but not at 120 min and reduces analgesic requirement and incidence of PONV.
      Moreover, there was no difference in the first analgesic time.

PMID- 25139135
TI  - Unique migration of a dental needle into the parapharyngeal space: successful
      removal by an intraoral approach and simulation for tracking visibility in X-ray
      fluoroscopy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The first objective was to describe a novel case of migration of a
      broken dental needle into the parapharyngeal space. The second was to address the
      importance of simulation elucidating visualization of such a thin needle under X
      ray fluoroscopy. METHODS: Clinical case records (including computed tomography
      [CT] and surgical approaches) were reviewed, and a simulation experiment using a
      head phantom was conducted using the same settings applied intraoperatively.
      RESULTS: A 36-year-old man was referred after failure to locate a broken 31-G
      dental needle. Computed tomography revealed migration of the needle into the
      parapharyngeal space. Intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy failed to identify the
      needle, so a steel wire was applied as a reference during X-ray to locate the
      foreign body. The needle was successfully removed using an intraoral approach
      with tonsillectomy under surgical microscopy. The simulation showed that the
      dental needle was able to be identified only after applying an appropriate
      compensating filter, contrasting with the steel wire. CONCLUSION: Meticulous
      preoperative simulation regarding visual identification of dental needle foreign
      bodies is mandatory. Intraoperative radiography and an intraoral approach with
      tonsillectomy under surgical microscopy offer benefits for accessing the
      parapharyngeal space, specifically for cases medial to the great vessels.

PMID- 25139136
TI  - Exploring the implementation of a medication adherence programme by community
      pharmacists: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication adherence has been identified as an important factor for
      clinical success. Twenty-four Swiss community pharmacists participated in the
      implementation of an adherence support programme for patients with hypertension,
      diabetes mellitus and/or dyslipidemia. The programme combined tailored
      consultations with patients about medication taking (expected at an average of
      one intervention per month) and the delivery of each drug in an electronic
      monitoring system (MEMS6TM). OBJECTIVE: To explore pharmacists' perceptions and
      experiences with implementation of the medication adherence programme and to
      clarify why only seven patients were enrolled in total. SETTING: Community
      pharmacies in French-speaking Switzerland. METHOD: Individual in-depth interviews
      were audio-recorded, with 20 of the pharmacists who participated in the adherence
      programme. These were transcribed verbatim, coded and thematically analysed.
      Process quality was ensured by using an audit trail detailing the development of
      codes and themes; furthermore, each step in the coding and analysis was verified
      by a second, experienced qualitative researcher. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Community
      pharmacists' experiences and perceptions of the determining factors influencing
      the implementation of the adherence programme. RESULTS: Four major barriers were
      identified: (1) poor communication with patients resulting in insufficient
      promotion of the programme; (2) insufficient collaboration with physicians; (3)
      difficulty in integrating the programme into pharmacy organisation; and (4)
      insufficient pharmacist motivation. This was related to the remuneration
      perceived as insufficient and to the absence of clear strategic thinking about
      the pharmacist position in the health care system. One major facilitator of the
      programme's implementation was pre-existing collaboration with physicians.
      CONCLUSION: A wide range of barriers was identified. The implementation of
      medication adherence programmes in Swiss community pharmacies would benefit from
      an extended training aimed at developing communication and change management
      skills. Individualised onsite support addressing relevant barriers would also be
      necessary throughout the implementation process.

PMID- 25139137
TI  - Barriers to the implementation of advanced clinical pharmacy services at
      Portuguese hospitals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In some countries, such as Portugal, clinical pharmacy services in
      the hospital setting may be implemented to a lower extent than desirable. Several
      studies have analysed the perceived barriers to pharmacy service implementation
      in community pharmacy. OBJECTIVE: To identify the barriers towards the
      implementation of advanced clinical pharmacy services at a hospital level in
      Portugal, using medication follow-up as an example. SETTING: Hospital pharmacies
      in Portugal. METHODS: A qualitative study based on 20 face-to-face semi
      structured interviews of strategists and hospital pharmacists. The interview
      guide was based on two theoretical frameworks, the Borum's theory of
      organisational change and the Social Network Theory, and then adapted for the
      Portuguese reality and hospital environments. A constant comparison process with
      previously analysed interviews, using an inductive approach, was carried out to
      allow themes to emerge. Themes were organised following the Leavitt's
      Organizational Model: functions and objectives; hospital pharmacist; structure of
      pharmacy services; environment; technology; and medication follow-up based on the
      study topic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Barriers towards practice change. RESULTS:
      Medication follow-up appeared not to be a well-known service in Portuguese
      hospital pharmacies. The major barriers at the pharmacist level were their mind
      set, resistance to change, and lack of readiness. Lack of time, excessive
      bureaucratic and administrative workload, reduced workforce, and lack of support
      from the head of the service and other colleagues were identified as structural
      barriers. Lack of access to patients' clinical records and cumbersome procedures
      to implement medication follow-up were recognised as technological barriers. Poor
      communication with other healthcare professionals, and lack of support from
      professional associations were the major environmental barriers. CONCLUSION: Few
      of the barriers identified by Portuguese hospital pharmacists were consistent
      with previous reports from community pharmacy. The mind-set of pharmacists and
      predetermined attitudes are recognised as barriers that can give rise to new
      perceived barriers.

PMID- 25139138
TI  - Reply: To PMID 23535238.

PMID- 25139139
TI  - Thyroid screening in pregnancy.
AB  - The adverse impact of overt hypothyroidism that complicates pregnancy outcomes is
      well-established and not debated. For more than a decade, however,
      endocrinologists and obstetricians have been debating whether screening for
      subclinical thyroid disorders during pregnancy should be routine or should
      continue to be based on symptoms and risk factors. Several observational studies
      have suggested that offspring of women with asymptomatic thyroid dysfunction were
      at increased risk for impaired neurodevelopment. Other studies have suggested
      that pregnant women with subclinical thyroid disease, particularly those
      identified with an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level may be at
      increased risk for pregnancy complications such as fetal death, preterm birth, or
      placental abruption. These data have prompted both obstetric and endocrinologic
      professional societies to draft recommendations regarding screening for thyroid
      disease during pregnancy, some of which are not entirely based on available
      evidence. The prevalence of overt thyroid disease is estimated to be 1-2 per 1000
      pregnancies and historically has not been considered high enough to justify
      routine screening. Lower TSH thresholds (>2.5 mU/L) for the diagnosis of
      hypothyroidism have been promoted, and women with subclinical thyroid dysfunction
      commonly are included in estimates of thyroid disease during pregnancy, both of
      which exaggerate prevalence rates. The most compelling recent evidence on this
      issue has come from the Controlled Antenatal Thyroid Screening trial. After
      almost 22,000 pregnant women were screened for either isolated high TSH or
      isolated low free thyroxine level, 390 children of treated women with either
      diagnosis were compared with 404 children of similar women who were not treated
      during pregnancy. Treatment had no effect on mean offspring IQ at age 3 years or
      the number of children with an IQ <85. Authors of this landmark study concluded
      that antenatal screening and maternal treatment for women with subclinical
      thyroid dysfunction did not result in improved cognitive function. An ongoing
      intervention trial conducted by the Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of
      Child Health and Human Development's Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network will
      provide further clarity to this important question. In the interim, the debating
      authors have concluded, after careful review of the currently published
      literature, that routine screening for subclinical thyroid dysfunction during
      pregnancy is not currently warranted at this time. 

PMID- 25139140
TI  - Impact of robotic operative efficiency on profitability.

PMID- 25139142
TI  - In situ observation of model catalysts under reaction conditions using X-ray core
      level spectroscopy.
AB  - Chemical reactions at solid surfaces are of great importance in heterogeneous
      catalysis and the understanding of their reaction mechanisms has been challenged
      for a long time by a wide variety of approaches. In situ observation of model
      catalysts under reaction conditions is a promising approach to understand the
      mechanisms. Toward this aim we have been developing several spectroscopic
      techniques using synchrotron-radiation X-rays. In this Personal Account,
      synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray core-level spectroscopies for in situ
      observation are introduced and some of their applications in studying the
      mechanisms of catalytic reactions are highlighted. Future directions for further
      development of these spectroscopies are also described. 

PMID- 25139141
TI  - Life in urban areas and breast cancer risk in the French E3N cohort.
AB  - It has been suggested that women living in urban areas are at higher risk of
      breast cancer (BC) compared to women living in rural areas. However, most
      published studies on this topic are ecological and did not adjust for individual
      BC risk factors. We investigated this hypothesis in a French prospective cohort.
      Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association
      between birth or residence in an urban area and BC risk among 75,889 women of the
      French E3N cohort (aged 38-66 years at recruitment in 1990) before and after
      adjustment for known BC risk factors and stratifying on birth cohort. From 1990
      to 2008, a total of 5,145 BC cases were diagnosed. Being born in an urban area
      was associated with BC risk before (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.18) and after (HR
      1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.14) adjustment for known BC risk factors. Living in an urban
      area in 1990 was not associated with BC risk. Being born in an urban area is
      associated with a weak increase in BC risk. This may be suggestive of higher
      exposure to air pollution and to other environmental exposures, to be
      investigated in future studies. 

PMID- 25139143
TI  - Morphometric analysis and lymph node yield in laparoscopic complete mesocolic
      excision performed by supervised trainees.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation (CME)
      produces an optimal colonic cancer specimen. The ability of expert laparoscopic
      surgeons to produce equivalent specimens is unknown. METHODS: Fresh specimen
      photographs and clinicopathological data from patients undergoing
      laparoscopically assisted CME at St Mark's Hospital, Harrow, were submitted for
      independent pathological review. Surgery was performed by a mixture of consultant
      specialists and trainees under consultant specialist supervision, between
      February 2010 and July 2011. The planes of surgery were graded and tissue
      morphometry was performed using standard methods. The results were compared with
      published data from open CME and non-CME surgery. RESULTS: In total, 69 patients
      were identified, and in 96 per cent resection was performed completely or
      partially by surgical trainees. Laparoscopic CME produced a similar specimen to
      open CME. The laparoscopic mesocolic plane resection rate was similar to that for
      open surgery (90 versus 88 per cent). The distance between the bowel wall and
      site of vascular division was similar for laparoscopic and open right-sided CME
      (92 versus 95 mm respectively). The corresponding values for left-sided CME were
      also similar (103 versus 107 mm). Compared with values from two non-CME series,
      laparoscopic CME had a higher mesocolic plane rate (90 versus 40 and 48 per
      cent), and resected more tissue between the bowel wall and the vascular division
      (right-sided: 92 versus 72 and 76 mm; left-sided: 103 versus 85 and 70 mm). The
      lymph node yield remained low following laparoscopic CME compared with open CME
      (median 18 versus 32; P < 0.001) and identical to that of non-CME surgery (median
      18). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic CME can be performed to the same standard as open
      surgery by supervised trainees. However, this did not increase the lymph node
      yield.

PMID- 25139144
TI  - Shear rate normalization is not essential for removing the dependency of flow
      mediated dilation on baseline artery diameter: past research revisited.
AB  - A ratio index (FMD%) is used ubiquitously to scale (by simple division) brachial
      artery flow-mediated dilation (Ddiff) in direct proportion to baseline diameter
      (Dbase). It is now known that Ddiff is inversely proportional to Dbase rendering
      FMD% wholly inappropriate. Consequently, FMD% is still substantially dependent on
      Dbase. Although this problem is grounded in statistics, normalization of FMD% for
      the change in arterial shear rate (DeltaSR) has been proposed to remove this
      Dbase-dependency. It was hypothesized that, if the flow-mediated response is
      scaled properly to Dbase in the first place, shear rate normalization would not
      be needed to remove Dbase-dependency. Dedicated software (Digitizelt) was
      employed to extract the data from a seminal study on FMD% normalization. The
      underlying allometric relationship between Dbase and peak diameter (Dpeak) was
      described. The re-analyses revealed that the absolute change in arterial diameter
      was strongly inversely proportional to Dbase (r= - 0.7, P < 0.0005). The
      allometric exponent for the Dbase-Dpeak relationship was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78-0.86)
      rather than the value of 1 needed for appropriate use of FMD%. The allometric
      approach completely eliminated the originally reported dependency on Dbase
      without any need for DeltaSR normalization (r=0.0, P=0.96). The correlation
      between DeltaSR and FMD% reduced from 0.69 to 0.37, when adjusted for Dbase. In
      conclusion, this new re-analysis of data from an influential study demonstrates
      that the FMD%-Dbase correlation is caused by the inappropriate size-scaling
      properties of FMD% itself. Removal of Dbase-dependency via FMD%/DeltaSR
      normalization is not essential at all if allometric scaling is applied to isolate
      the flow-mediated response in the first place. Consequently, the influence of
      DeltaSR on this properly scaled response can also be isolated and quantified
      accurately without the confounding influence of Dbase. 

PMID- 25139145
TI  - Contribution of generative leisure activities to cognitive function in elderly
      Sri Lankan adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the unique contribution of generative leisure activities,
      defined as activities motivated by a concern for others and a need to contribute
      something to the next generation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Peri
      urban and rural area in southern Sri Lanka. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling
      adults aged 60 and older (N = 252). MEASUREMENTS: The main predictors were
      leisure activities, grouped into generative, social, or solitary. The main
      outcome was cognitive function, assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
      (MoCA) and the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly
      (IQCODE). RESULTS: More-frequent engagement in generative leisure activities was
      associated with higher levels of cognitive function, independent of the effect of
      other social and solitary leisure activities. In a fully adjusted model combining
      all three leisure activities, generative activities independently predicted
      cognitive function as measured using the MoCA (beta = 0.47, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 0.11-0.83) and the IQCODE (beta = -0.81, 95% CI = -1.54 to 
      0.09). In this combined model, solitary activities were also independently
      associated with slower cognitive decline using the MoCA (beta = 0.40, 95% CI =
      0.16-0.64) but not the IQCODE (beta = -0.38, 95% CI = -0.88-0.12); the
      association with social activities did not reach statistical significance with
      either measure. These associations did not differ meaningfully according to sex.
      CONCLUSION: Generative leisure activities are a promising area for the
      development of interventions aimed at reducing cognitive decline in elderly
      adults.

PMID- 25139146
TI  - The patterns of health care utilization by elderly Europeans: frailty and its
      implications for health systems.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the patterns of health care utilization by the elderly and
      test the influence of functional decline. DATA SOURCE AND STUDY DESIGN: We used
      the three regular waves of the SHARE survey to estimate the influence of frailty
      on health care utilization in 10 European countries. We controlled for the main
      correlates of frailty and unobserved individual effects. RESULTS: The frail
      elderly increase their primary and hospital care utilization before the onset of
      disability. Multimorbidity moderates the effect of frailty on care utilization.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of frailty is high in most countries and is expected
      to increase. This renders frailty prevention and remediation efforts imperative
      for two complementary reasons: to promote healthier aging and to reduce the
      burden on health systems.

PMID- 25139147
TI  - Antimicrobial light-activated materials: towards application for food and
      environmental safety.
AB  - AIMS: To produce light-activated antimicrobial materials composed of the
      photodynamic dye phloxine B incorporated into paper or cellulose membranes and to
      investigate ability of these materials to decrease bacterial loads on their
      surfaces as well as on food surfaces that were in contact with these materials
      under illumination with regular white light. METHODS AND RESULTS: Antimicrobial
      cellulose-based materials with incorporated phloxine B were produced using a
      layer-by-layer deposition method. Antimicrobial properties of the materials were
      tested in model systems as well as for decontamination of food and food contact
      surfaces. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus anthracis
      were efficiently killed by exposure of the bacterial suspension to the dye
      containing material under illumination with white light, but Salmonella
      Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 were only partially affected.
      Application of the materials for decontamination of food surfaces artificially
      contaminated with L. monocytogenes was shown to be ineffective, while the self
      decontamination of the material surface by exposure to white light resulted in
      eradication of L. monocytogenes cells from the material surface. CONCLUSIONS: The
      developed materials showed significant self-decontaminating ability when under
      illumination; however, decontamination of food surfaces in contact with the
      developed materials was not achieved. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The
      study demonstrates the antibacterial activity of materials with incorporated
      photodynamic dyes when under illumination with regular-intensity white light.
      Possible uses of the light-activated antimicrobial materials for food processing,
      as food contact surfaces, and surfaces in public areas to prevent cross
      contamination are discussed.

PMID- 25139148
TI  - Brain tumor cells in circulation are enriched for mesenchymal gene expression.
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain cancer characterized by local
      invasion and angiogenic recruitment, yet metastatic dissemination is extremely
      rare. Here, we adapted a microfluidic device to deplete hematopoietic cells from
      blood specimens of patients with GBM, uncovering evidence of circulating brain
      tumor cells (CTC). Staining and scoring criteria for GBM CTCs were first
      established using orthotopic patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and then applied
      clinically: CTCs were identified in at least one blood specimen from 13 of 33
      patients (39%; 26 of 87 samples). Single GBM CTCs isolated from both patients and
      mouse PDX models demonstrated enrichment for mesenchymal over neural
      differentiation markers compared with primary GBMs. Within primary GBMs, RNA in
      situ hybridization identified a subpopulation of highly migratory mesenchymal
      tumor cells, and in a rare patient with disseminated GBM, systemic lesions were
      exclusively mesenchymal. Thus, a mesenchymal subset of GBM cells invades the
      vasculature and may proliferate outside the brain. SIGNIFICANCE: GBMs are locally
      invasive within the brain but rarely metastasize to distant organs, exemplifying
      the debate over "seed" versus "soil." We demonstrate that GBMs shed CTCs with
      invasive mesenchymal characteristics into the circulation. Rare metastatic GBM
      lesions are primarily mesenchymal and show additional mutations absent in the
      primary tumor.

PMID- 25139149
TI  - Haematological and biochemical reference intervals for free-ranging brown bears
      (Ursus arctos) in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Establishment of haematological and biochemical reference intervals
      is important to assess health of animals on individual and population level.
      Reference intervals for 13 haematological and 34 biochemical variables were
      established based on 88 apparently healthy free-ranging brown bears (39 males and
      49 females) in Sweden. The animals were chemically immobilised by darting from a
      helicopter with a combination of medetomidine, tiletamine and zolazepam in April
      and May 2006-2012 in the county of Dalarna, Sweden. Venous blood samples were
      collected during anaesthesia for radio collaring and marking for ecological
      studies. For each of the variables, the reference interval was described based on
      the 95% confidence interval, and differences due to host characteristics sex and
      age were included if detected. To our knowledge, this is the first report of
      reference intervals for free-ranging brown bears in Sweden. RESULTS: The
      following variables were not affected by host characteristics: red blood cell,
      white blood cell, monocyte and platelet count, alanine transaminase, amylase,
      bilirubin, free fatty acids, glucose, calcium, chloride, potassium, and cortisol.
      Age differences were seen for the majority of the haematological variables,
      whereas sex influenced only mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, aspartate
      aminotransferase, lipase, lactate dehydrogenase, beta-globulin, bile acids,
      triglycerides and sodium. CONCLUSIONS: The biochemical and haematological
      reference intervals provided and the differences due to host factors age and
      gender can be useful for evaluation of health status in free-ranging European
      brown bears.

PMID- 25139153
TI  - Dynamic changes in composition of extracts of natural products as monitored by in
      situ NMR.
AB  - The direct in situ NMR observation and quantification, based on the aldehyde -CH
      chemical shift region, of the inter-conversion of secoiridoid derivatives due to
      temperature and solvent effects is demonstrated in complex extracts of natural
      products without prior isolation of the individual components. The equilibrium
      between the aldehyde hydrate form and the dialdehyde form of the oleuropein
      aglycon of an olive leaf aqueous extract in D(2)O was shown to be temperature
      dependent. The resulting thermodynamic values of the Van't Hoff plot with
      DeltaH(o)  = -26.34 +/- 1.00 kJ mol(-1) and TDeltaS degrees  (298 K) = -24.70 +/-
      1.00 kJ mol(-1) demonstrate a significant entropy term which nearly compensates
      the effect of enthalpy at room temperature. The equilibrium between the two
      diastereomeric hemiacetal forms and the dialdehyde form of the oleuropein 6-O
      beta-d-glucopyranoside aglycon of an olive leaf aqueous extract in CD(3) OD was
      also shown to be strongly temperature dependent again because of the significant
      entropy term (TDeltaS degrees  (298 K) = -26.50 +/- 1.39 kJ mol(-1)) compared
      with that of the enthalpy term (DeltaH(o)  = -36.64 +/- 1.46 kJ mol(-1)). This is
      the first demonstration of the significant role of the entropy parameter in
      determining the equilibrium of chemical transformations in complex mixtures of
      natural products due to solvent and temperature effects.

PMID- 25139151
TI  - Evaluation of Hounsfield Units as a predictive factor for the outcome of
      extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and stone composition.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of the Hounsfield Unit
      (HU) values as a predictive factor of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
      outcome for ureteral and renal stones. We also assessed the possibility that HU
      values could be used to predict stone composition. A retrospective study was
      performed to measure stone HU values in 260 patients who underwent extracorporeal
      shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for solitary renal and ureteral stones from July
      2007 to January 2012. Stone volume, location, skin-to-stone distance, stone HU
      values, and stone composition were assessed. Success of ESWL was defined as: (1)
      being stone-free or (2) residual stone fragments <4 mm after 3 months by
      radiography. Of the 260 assessed patients, 141 (54.2%) were stone-free, 32
      (12.3%) had residual stone fragments <4 mm (clinically insignificant stone
      fragments), and 87 (33.5%) had residual stone fragments >=4 mm after one round of
      ESWL. Multivariate analysis revealed that stone location and mean HU were
      significant predictors of ESWL success. Receiver operating characteristic curves
      defined cutoff values for predicting treatment outcome. Treatment success rates
      were significantly higher for stones <815 HU than with stones >815 HU (P <
      0.0265). HU of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones were higher than
      those of uric acid stones, but we could not differentiate between calcium oxalate
      monohydrate and calcium oxalate dihydrate stones. Evaluation of stone HU values
      prior to ESWL can predict treatment outcome and aid in the development of
      treatment strategies.

PMID- 25139150
TI  - Comparative evaluation of efficacy of use of naftopidil and/or celecoxib for
      medical treatment of distal ureteral stones.
AB  - We performed a randomized, prospective study to assess the possible role of
      combined a1D-receptor antagonist naftopidil and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
      hormones celecoxib for the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones.
      Patients were randomized to one of the three treatment groups. Treatment group 1
      patients received naftopidil 50 mg/day, group 2 patients received naftopidil 50
      mg/day plus celecoxib 200 mg (Take two capsules (400 mg) by mouth immediately,
      then take one capsule (200 mg) by mouth every 12 h), and group 3 patients
      received celecoxib 200 mg (Take two capsules (400 mg) by mouth immediately, then
      take one capsule (200 mg) by mouth every 12 h). All patients were instructed to
      drink at least 2 L of fluids daily. Pain descriptions were recorded by the
      patients using the visual analog scale. All patients were followed up for 2
      weeks. A total of 105 patients provided consent and 103 patients completed the
      study. Stone expulsion was observed in 29 patients in group 1 (29 of 35, 82.86
      %), 33 patients in group 2 (33 of 35, 94.29 %) and 20 patients in group 3 (20 of
      33, 60.61 %). A statistically significant difference was noted with Chi-square
      testing for stone expulsion rate between groups 1 and 3, and groups 2 and 3 (P =
      0.04 and P = 0.000, respectively). Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to access the
      expulsion rate of each group over time. A significant difference was shown for
      the expulsion rate between the group 3 and the other two groups. (P < 0.001 by
      log-rank test).Average time to expulsion for groups 1, 2 and 3 was 8.00 +/- 2.07,
      7.70 +/- 2.34 and 10.65 +/- 2.92 days, respectively (P = 0.000). Treatment with
      naftopidil and celecoxib appears to be beneficial in distal ureter stone
      clearance, shortened the expulsion time, and could be used reliably and
      successfully to reduce the frequency and intensity of the pain episodes
      particularly.

PMID- 25139154
TI  - High-performance photoelectrochemical cells based on a binuclear ruthenium
      catalyst for visible-light-driven water oxidation.
AB  - Two photoanodes based on a binuclear (2) and a mononuclear ruthenium (3) water
      oxidation catalysts were assembled in combination with a molecular
      photosensitizer (1) by using a co-adsorption method. The anodes were used in dye
      sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (DS-PECs) for visible-light-driven water
      splitting. A DS-PEC device using TiO2 (1+2) as working electrode (WE) exhibits
      better performance than TiO2 (1+3) as WE in light-driven water splitting.
      Detailed photoelectrochemical studies on these DS-PEC devices are discussed. 

PMID- 25139156
TI  - A call to wellness - Whitiwhitia i te ora: exploring Maori and occupational
      therapy perspectives on health.
AB  - The World Health Organization records that indigenous peoples throughout the
      world experience poor health. The concept of health was explored from a Maori
      world view and compared with occupational therapy perspectives. The aim was to
      understand and value indigenous knowledge and promote culturally safe responsive
      practice. Maori methodologies were employed to protect the Maori knowledge shared
      in the study. This involved applying seven principles, including respect for
      people, be cautious, and look, listen, and speak. Perspectives on health and
      wellbeing were collected in 2008-2009 from indigenous occupational therapists,
      other occupational therapists and indigenous health practitioners using
      interviews and a questionnaire. The findings are presented as a conceptual
      framework, depicting a whare, a Maori meeting house to show relationships between
      culture and health. Key concepts held by occupational therapists and Maori were
      spirituality, holistic views, client responsive practice, and environmental
      contexts. Areas of difference were the focus on occupations, the interdependence
      of indigenous relationships, and the place of the extended family in supporting
      wellness. A strength was the respect for Maori methodologies and limitations were
      the number of participants (N = 23) and the small proportion of Maori therapists
      in Aotearoa/New Zealand. RECOMMENDATIONS: Attention to culture is vital for
      appropriate, safe, and responsive practice. The conceptual framework provides a
      tool to inform, guide, and evaluate practice understandings. It acknowledges the
      importance of the individual within their extended family, their natural
      environment, and the historical, social, and political realities of living as
      Maori. Further research should explore the use of the framework and interaction
      between occupational therapy practice and specific indigenous cultures.

PMID- 25139157
TI  - A simple thoracoscopic plication technique for diaphragmatic eventration in
      neonates and infants: technical details and initial results.
AB  - PURPOSE: Existing minimal-access surgical approaches for correction of
      symptomatic diaphragmatic eventration may be technically difficult in neonates
      and infants. We report technical details and initial outcomes of a novel, simple
      thoracoscopic repair technique. METHODS: The technique uses one 3-mm camera port,
      a 3-mm instrument incision without a port, and an 18-gauge spinal needle, which
      is passed through the chest wall into the pleural space. The excess diaphragm is
      first plicated over the needle, after which a non-absorbable suture is passed
      through the needle and tied extracorporeally. The needle is passed repeatedly
      until the desired degree of tension is achieved. A retrospective review was
      performed for all patients undergoing repair by this technique. RESULTS: Nine
      patients have undergone thoracoscopic plication at a median age of 3 months
      (range 0.2-13.2 mos.) and a median weight of 4.5 kg (range 2.3-8.2 kg). No organ
      injuries or conversions to thoracotomy occurred. Median operative time was 60
      min. Patients repaired beyond the neonatal period were extubated in the operating
      room. There were two post-operative pneumothoraces. No recurrences have been seen
      at a mean follow-up of 17 months. CONCLUSION: This technique of thoracoscopic
      diaphragm plication is safe, effective, and technically straightforward in
      neonates and infants.

PMID- 25139155
TI  - Muscle ectopic fat deposition contributes to anabolic resistance in obese
      sarcopenic old rats through eIF2alpha activation.
AB  - Obesity and aging are characterized by decreased insulin sensitivity (IS) and
      muscle protein synthesis. Intramuscular ceramide accumulation has been implicated
      in insulin resistance during obesity. We aimed to measure IS, muscle ceramide
      level, protein synthesis, and activation of intracellular signaling pathways
      involved in translation initiation in male Wistar young (YR, 6-month) and old
      (OR, 25-month) rats receiving a low- (LFD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks.
      A corresponding cellular approach using C2C12 myotubes treated with palmitate to
      induce intracellular ceramide deposition was taken. A decreased ability of
      adipose tissue to store lipids together with a reduced adipocyte diameter and a
      development of fibrosis were observed in OR after the HFD. Consequently, OR fed
      the HFD were insulin resistant, showed a strong increase in intramuscular
      ceramide level and a decrease in muscle protein synthesis associated with
      increased eIF2alpha phosphorylation. The accumulation of intramuscular lipids
      placed a lipid burden on mitochondria and created a disconnect between metabolic
      and regulating pathways in skeletal muscles of OR. In C2C12 cells, palmitate
      induced ceramide accumulation was associated with a decreased protein synthesis
      together with upregulated eIF2alpha phosphorylation. In conclusion, a reduced
      ability to expand adipose tissues was found in OR, reflecting a lower lipid
      buffering capacity. Muscle mitochondrial activity was affected in OR conferring a
      reduced ability to oxidize fatty acids entering the muscle cell. Hence, OR were
      more prone to ectopic muscle lipid accumulation than YR, leading to decreased
      muscle protein anabolism. This metabolic change is a potential therapeutic target
      to counter sarcopenic obesity. 

PMID- 25139158
TI  - Esophagogastric dissociation reduces the re-operation rate for persistent
      gastroesophageal reflux in severely neurologically impaired children.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this study we want to demonstrate the effectiveness of the
      esophagogastric dissociation as a first level operation in treatment of the
      gastroesophageal reflux in severe neurologically impaired children, in term of a
      reduction of reoperation rate. METHODS: We divided patients operated from 1998 to
      2005 in a group A, composed by children treated with fundoplication, and in a
      group AR, composed by the patients of group A who had a recurrence of reflux and
      that was treated with esophagogastric dissociation. Patients operated from 2005
      to 2013 were selected on the basis of the severity of the neurological impairment
      and were divided in a group B, treated with fundoplication, and in a group C of
      more severe impaired children, treated with esophagogastric dissociation. Data
      regarding the complications of the A and C groups were analyzed with Fisher's
      test. RESULTS: We evaluated 63 patients: 34 (54%) in group A, 11 in group AR, 15
      (23.6%) in group B, 14 (22.4%) in group C. The Fisher's test showed a non
      significant difference with a p value of 0.2. CONCLUSION: Despite of statistic
      result we believe that TOGD is a useful procedure as the first choice of surgical
      management in severe neurological impaired children affected by gastroesophageal
      reflux.

PMID- 25139159
TI  - A secreted protein with plant-specific cysteine-rich motif functions as a mannose
      binding lectin that exhibits antifungal activity.
AB  - Plants have a variety of mechanisms for defending against plant pathogens and
      tolerating environmental stresses such as drought and high salinity. Ginkbilobin2
      (Gnk2) is a seed storage protein in gymnosperm that possesses antifungal activity
      and a plant-specific cysteine-rich motif (domain of unknown function26 [DUF26]).
      The Gnk2-homologous sequence is also observed in an extracellular region of
      cysteine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases that function in response to biotic
      and abiotic stresses. Here, we report the lectin-like molecular function of Gnk2
      and the structural basis of its monosaccharide recognition. Nuclear magnetic
      resonance experiments showed that mannan was the only yeast (Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae) cell wall polysaccharide that interacted with Gnk2. Gnk2 also
      interacted with mannose, a building block of mannan, with a specificity that was
      similar to those of mannose-binding legume lectins, by strictly recognizing the
      configuration of the hydroxy group at the C4 position of the monosaccharide. The
      crystal structure of Gnk2 in complex with mannose revealed that three residues
      (asparagine-11, arginine-93, and glutamate-104) recognized mannose by hydrogen
      bonds, which defined the carbohydrate-binding specificity. These interactions
      were directly related to the ability of Gnk2 to inhibit the growth of fungi,
      including the plant pathogenic Fusarium spp., which were disrupted by mutation of
      arginine-93 or the presence of yeast mannan in the assay system. In addition,
      Gnk2 did not inhibit the growth of a yeast mutant strain lacking the alpha1,2
      linked mannose moiety. These results provide insights into the molecular basis of
      the DUF26 protein family. 

PMID- 25139160
TI  - Increased ratio of electron transport to net assimilation rate supports elevated
      isoprenoid emission rate in eucalypts under drought.
AB  - Plants undergoing heat and low-CO2 stresses emit large amounts of volatile
      isoprenoids compared with those in stress-free conditions. One hypothesis posits
      that the balance between reducing power availability and its use in carbon
      assimilation determines constitutive isoprenoid emission rates in plants and
      potentially even their maximum emission capacity under brief periods of stress.
      To test this, we used abiotic stresses to manipulate the availability of reducing
      power. Specifically, we examined the effects of mild to severe drought on
      photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR) and net carbon assimilation rate
      (NAR) and the relationship between estimated energy pools and constitutive
      volatile isoprenoid emission rates in two species of eucalypts: Eucalyptus
      occidentalis (drought tolerant) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (drought sensitive).
      Isoprenoid emission rates were insensitive to mild drought, and the rates
      increased when the decline in NAR reached a certain species-specific threshold.
      ETR was sustained under drought and the ETR-NAR ratio increased, driving
      constitutive isoprenoid emission until severe drought caused carbon limitation of
      the methylerythritol phosphate pathway. The estimated residual reducing power
      unused for carbon assimilation, based on the energetic status model,
      significantly correlated with constitutive isoprenoid emission rates across
      gradients of drought (r(2) > 0.8) and photorespiratory stress (r(2) > 0.9).
      Carbon availability could critically limit emission rates under severe drought
      and photorespiratory stresses. Under most instances of moderate abiotic stress
      levels, increased isoprenoid emission rates compete with photorespiration for the
      residual reducing power not invested in carbon assimilation. A similar mechanism
      also explains the individual positive effects of low-CO2, heat, and drought
      stresses on isoprenoid emission. 

PMID- 25139161
TI  - Increased GDF9 and BMP15 mRNA levels in cumulus granulosa cells correlate with
      oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo quality in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oocyte secreted factors (OSFs), including growth differentiation
      factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), play an important role
      in the process of follicular development and oocyte maturation. Since OSFs are
      expressed in oocytes and cumulus granulosa cells, the aim of the present study
      was to explore whether the expression levels of GDF9 and BMP15 mRNAs in cumulus
      granulosa cells can be used as molecular markers for predicting oocyte
      developmental potential. METHODS: Cumulus cells of 2426 cumulus-oocyte complexes
      were collected from 196 female patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection (ICSI) and were used for mRNA detection on the egg retrieval day.
      Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between OSF
      expression and general physiological parameters. Partial correlation analysis was
      used to analyze the correlation between OSF expression and oocyte developmental
      potential. Covariance analysis was used to compare OSF expression among different
      groups. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to examine the
      diagnostic value of GDF9 and BMP15 mRNA for predicting pregnancy. RESULTS: The
      expression levels of GDF9 and BMP15 mRNAs were significantly associated with age,
      body mass index (BMI), oocyte maturation, normal fertilization, and cleavage rate
      (P < 0.05). The expression levels of GDF9 and BMP15 mRNAs in the group with high
      quality embryos were significantly higher than those in the group without high
      quality embryos (P < 0.05). The expression levels of GDF9 and BMP15 mRNAs in the
      pregnancy group were significantly higher than those in the nonpregnancy group (P
      < 0.05). The cut-off value of GDF9 mRNA for predicting pregnancy was 4.82, with a
      sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 64%. The cut-off value of BMP15 mRNA for
      predicting pregnancy was 2.60, with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of
      52%. CONCLUSIONS: The expression levels of GDF9 and BMP15 mRNAs were closely
      associated with oocyte maturation, fertilization, embryo quality, and pregnancy
      outcome; therefore, GDF9 and BMP15 mRNAs in cumulus granulosa cells may be
      considered as new molecular markers for predicting oocyte developmental
      potential.

PMID- 25139162
TI  - Clinical symptoms predict poor overall survival in chronic-dialysis patients with
      renal cell carcinoma associated with end-stage renal disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate which clinical symptoms predict the survival of patients
      with renal cell carcinoma associated with end-stage renal disease under chronic
      dialysis. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 401 patients with renal cell
      carcinoma associated with end-stage renal disease who underwent radical
      nephrectomy at our institute up through December 2012. Patients were divided into
      two groups: the symptomatic group and the incidental group, by diagnosis. We
      compared the clinicopathologic features and patient survival of the two groups
      and investigated prognostic factors using Cox multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of
      the 401 patients, 124 (30.9%) were in the symptomatic group and 277 (69.0%) in
      the incidental group. The symptomatic group included more advanced tumors in
      terms of larger tumor size, higher stage and higher grade compared with the
      incidental group. The 5-year cancer-specific survival and overall survival of the
      symptomatic and incidental groups were 76.9 vs. 95.3% (P < 0.001) and 64.2 vs.
      84.9% (P < 0.001), respectively. On multivariate analysis, the presence of
      symptoms, higher age, higher stage, diabetic nephropathy and longer hemodialysis
      duration were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic detection
      was significantly associated with worse overall survival in patients with renal
      cell carcinoma associated with end-stage renal disease as well as sporadic renal
      cell carcinoma. The high incidence of renal cell carcinoma as well as the poor
      oncologic outcome in patients with longer dialysis therapy may suggest an
      important role for routine screening in these patients.

PMID- 25139163
TI  - Construction of predictive models for cancer-specific survival of patients with
      non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with bacillus Calmette-Guerin: results
      from a multicenter retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to clarify the prognostic factors and to
      validate the bacillus Calmette-Guerin failure classification advocated by Nieder
      et al. in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer who had intravesical
      recurrence after bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy. METHODS: Data from 402
      patients who received intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy between
      January 1990 and November 2011 were collected from 10 institutes. Among these
      patients, 187 with bacillus Calmette-Guerin failure were analyzed for this study.
      RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (15.5%) were diagnosed with progression at the
      first recurrence after bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy. Eighteen (62.1%) of them
      died of bladder cancer. A total of 158 patients were diagnosed with non-muscle
      invasive bladder cancer at the first recurrence after bacillus Calmette-Guerin
      therapy. Of them, 23 (14.6%) underwent radical cystectomy. No patients who
      underwent radical cystectomy died of bladder cancer during the follow-up. On
      multivariate analysis of the 135 patients with bladder preservation, the
      independent prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival were age (>=70 [P =
      0.002]), tumor size (>=3 cm [P = 0.015]) and the Nieder classification (bacillus
      Calmette-Guerin refractory [P < 0.001]). In a subgroup analysis, the estimated 5
      year cancer-specific survival rates in the groups with no positive, one positive
      and two to three positive factors were 100, 93.4 and 56.8%, respectively (P <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with stage progression at the first recurrence
      after bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy had poor prognoses. Three prognostic
      factors for predicting survival were identified and used to categorize patients
      with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with bacillus Calmette-Guerin
      into three risk groups based on the number of prognostic factors in each one.

PMID- 25139164
TI  - Barriers to cervical cancer screening and follow-up care among Black Women in
      Massachusetts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore factors that might lead to delays in appropriate cervical
      cancer screening and diagnosis among Black women in Massachusetts. DESIGN:
      Qualitative using focus groups. SETTING: Hospitals, health centers, and community
      based organizations in Boston, Massachusetts. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-four
      participants including Black, non-Hispanic women from the general population and
      cervical cancer survivors, community leaders in women's health, and health care
      providers. METHODS: Six focus groups. Data were analyzed using methods based on
      grounded theory. RESULTS: Findings from interviews revealed that inadequate
      information and education of providers and patients create barriers to
      appropriate screening and treatment practices for Black women. Fear, cultural
      beliefs, and compounding factors related to poverty, gender roles, and health
      system barriers create delays to screening and follow-up care. Also, unconscious
      bias, therapeutic delays, and miscommunication are important factors affecting
      continuity of care. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a need for comprehensive,
      culturally specific cervical cancer prevention education initiatives and
      interventions for Black women and strategies to improve patient-provider
      relationships.

PMID- 25139166
TI  - Mean sojourn time of preclinical gastric cancer in Korean men: a retrospective
      observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This retrospective cohort study aimed to estimate the mean sojourn
      time (MST) of preclinical gastric cancer in Korean men. METHODS: The subjects
      consisted of voluntary male screenees aged 40 to 69 years who underwent
      subsequent screening gastroscopies after testing negative at a baseline screening
      performed between January 2007 and December 2011. A new case was defined if
      gastric cancer cells were present in the biopsy specimens obtained from
      gastroscopy. The follow-up period was calculated as the number of person-years
      between the date of baseline screening gastroscopy and positive findings at a
      subsequent screening. The MST was calculated using transition rates of gastric
      cancer to determine the best screening interval. RESULTS: Of the 171 979
      voluntary male screenees, 61 688 (36%) underwent subsequent screening
      gastroscopies between January 2007 and December 2011. A total of 91 incident
      cases were found during 19 598 598 person-years of follow-up. The MST of gastric
      cancer was 2.37 years (95% confidence intervals, 1.92 to 2.96), and those aged 40
      to 49 years had a shorter MST than those 50 to 69 years did. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings support the 2-year interval of screening recommended by the nationwide
      gastric cancer screening program in Korea. Further studies for the age-specific
      MST among women are needed. OBJECTIVES: This retrospective cohort study aimed to
      estimate the mean sojourn time (MST) of preclinical gastric cancer in Korean men.
      METHODS: The subjects consisted of voluntary male screenees aged 40 to 69 years
      who underwent subsequent screening gastroscopies after testing negative at a
      baseline screening performed between January 2007 and December 2011. A new case
      was defined if gastric cancer cells were present in the biopsy specimens obtained
      from gastroscopy. The follow-up period was calculated as the number of person
      years between the date of baseline screening gastroscopy and positive findings at
      a subsequent screening. The MST was calculated using transition rates of gastric
      cancer to determine the best screening interval. RESULTS: Of the 171 979
      voluntary male screenees, 61 688 (36%) underwent subsequent screening
      gastroscopies between January 2007 and December 2011. A total of 91 incident
      cases were found during 19 598 598 person-years of follow-up. The MST of gastric
      cancer was 2.37 years (95% confidence intervals, 1.92 to 2.96), and those aged 40
      to 49 years had a shorter MST than those 50 to 69 years did. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings support the 2-year interval of screening recommended by the nationwide
      gastric cancer screening program in Korea. Further studies for the age-specific
      MST among women are needed.

PMID- 25139165
TI  - Cancer control programs in East Asia: evidence from the international literature.
AB  - Cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world,
      including the countries of North-East and South-East Asia. Assessment of burden
      through cancer registration, determination of risk and protective factors, early
      detection and screening, clinical practice, interventions for example in
      vaccination, tobacco cessation efforts and palliative care all should be included
      in comprehensive cancer control programs. The degree to which this is possible
      naturally depends on the resources available at local, national and international
      levels. The present review concerns elements of cancer control programs
      established in China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan in North-East Asia, Viet Nam,
      Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia as representative larger countries of South
      East Asia for comparison, using the published literature as a guide. While major
      advances have been made, there are still areas which need more attention,
      especially in South-East Asia, and international cooperation is essential if
      standard guidelines are to be generated to allow effective cancer control efforts
      throughout the Far East. 

PMID- 25139167
TI  - Variations in the hospital standardized mortality ratios in Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The hospital standardized mortality ratio (HSMR) has been widely used
      because it allows for robust risk adjustment using administrative data and is
      important for improving the quality of patient care. METHODS: All inpatients
      discharged from hospitals with more than 700 beds (66 hospitals) in 2008 were
      eligible for inclusion. Using the claims data, 29 most responsible diagnosis
      (MRDx), accounting for 80% of all inpatient deaths among these hospitals, were
      identified, and inpatients with those MRDx were selected. The final study
      population included 703 571 inpatients including 27 718 (3.9% of all inpatients)
      in-hospital deaths. Using logistic regression, risk-adjusted models for
      predicting in-hospital mortality were created for each MRDx. The HSMR of
      individual hospitals was calculated for each MRDx using the model coefficients.
      The models included age, gender, income level, urgency of admission, diagnosis
      codes, disease-specific risk factors, and comorbidities. The Elixhauser
      comorbidity index was used to adjust for comorbidities. RESULTS: For 26 out of 29
      MRDx, the c-statistics of these mortality prediction models were higher than 0.8
      indicating excellent discriminative power. The HSMR greatly varied across
      hospitals and disease groups. The academic status of the hospital was the only
      factor significantly associated with the HSMR. CONCLUSIONS: We found a large
      variation in HSMR among hospitals; therefore, efforts to reduce these variations
      including continuous monitoring and regular disclosure of the HSMR are required.
      OBJECTIVES: The hospital standardized mortality ratio (HSMR) has been widely used
      because it allows for robust risk adjustment using administrative data and is
      important for improving the quality of patient care. METHODS: All inpatients
      discharged from hospitals with more than 700 beds (66 hospitals) in 2008 were
      eligible for inclusion. Using the claims data, 29 most responsible diagnosis
      (MRDx), accounting for 80% of all inpatient deaths among these hospitals, were
      identified, and inpatients with those MRDx were selected. The final study
      population included 703 571 inpatients including 27 718 (3.9% of all inpatients)
      in-hospital deaths. Using logistic regression, risk-adjusted models for
      predicting in-hospital mortality were created for each MRDx. The HSMR of
      individual hospitals was calculated for each MRDx using the model coefficients.
      The models included age, gender, income level, urgency of admission, diagnosis
      codes, disease-specific risk factors, and comorbidities. The Elixhauser
      comorbidity index was used to adjust for comorbidities. RESULTS: For 26 out of 29
      MRDx, the c-statistics of these mortality prediction models were higher than 0.8
      indicating excellent discriminative power. The HSMR greatly varied across
      hospitals and disease groups. The academic status of the hospital was the only
      factor significantly associated with the HSMR. CONCLUSIONS: We found a large
      variation in HSMR among hospitals; therefore, efforts to reduce these variations
      including continuous monitoring and regular disclosure of the HSMR are required.

PMID- 25139169
TI  - Analysis of the change of health status among the republic of Korea air force
      soldiers during military service.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the health status of
      Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) soldiers changed after one year of military
      service. METHODS: We selected 483 ROKAF soldiers from the 11 749 recruits who
      participated in the 2011 physical examination. The selected soldiers underwent
      another physical examination in 2012 for advancement to senior airman. Data from
      2011 and 2012 were merged. To collect data on lifestyle, a questionnaire was sent
      to all included subjects via the military intranet e-mail service. RESULTS: The
      percentage of recruits with an abnormal alanine transaminase level (normal range
      <40 IU/L) decreased from recruitment (13.7%) to the following year (2.7%).
      Moreover, the percentage of obese soldiers (body mass index >=25 kg/m(2))
      decreased from recruitment (20.5%) to the following year (10.4%). There was a
      significant change in mean duration of exercise carried out each day before
      (0.8+/-1.3 hours) and after (1.0+/-0.7 hours) joining the ROKAF service.
      CONCLUSIONS: These ROKAF soldiers were generally in good health before and after
      joining the armed service. After one year of military service, the health status
      of most soldiers improved, especially with respect to body mass index and alanine
      transaminase level. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether
      the health status of Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) soldiers changed after
      one year of military service. METHODS: We selected 483 ROKAF soldiers from the 11
      749 recruits who participated in the 2011 physical examination. The selected
      soldiers underwent another physical examination in 2012 for advancement to senior
      airman. Data from 2011 and 2012 were merged. To collect data on lifestyle, a
      questionnaire was sent to all included subjects via the military intranet e-mail
      service. RESULTS: The percentage of recruits with an abnormal alanine
      transaminase level (normal range <40 IU/L) decreased from recruitment (13.7%) to
      the following year (2.7%). Moreover, the percentage of obese soldiers (body mass
      index >=25 kg/m2) decreased from recruitment (20.5%) to the following year
      (10.4%). There was a significant change in mean duration of exercise carried out
      each day before (0.8+/-1.3 hours) and after (1.0+/-0.7 hours) joining the ROKAF
      service. CONCLUSIONS: These ROKAF soldiers were generally in good health before
      and after joining the armed service. After one year of military service, the
      health status of most soldiers improved, especially with respect to body mass
      index and alanine transaminase level.

PMID- 25139168
TI  - The prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors and the Framingham Risk
      Score in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention over the last 17 years by
      gender: time-trend analysis from the Mayo Clinic PCI Registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate trends of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      risk factor profiles over 17 years in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
      patients at the Mayo Clinic. METHODS: We performed a time-trend analysis within
      the Mayo Clinic PCI Registry from 1994 to 2010. Results were the incidence and
      prevalence of CVD risk factors as estimate by the Framingham risk score. RESULTS:
      Between 1994 and 2010, 25 519 patients underwent a PCI. During the time assessed,
      the mean age at PCI became older, but the gender distribution did not change. A
      significant trend towards higher body mass index and more prevalent
      hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetes was found over time. The
      prevalence of current smokers remained unchanged. The prevalence of ever-smokers
      decreased among males, but increased among females. However, overall CVD risk
      according to the Framingham risk score (FRS) and 10-year CVD risk significantly
      decreased. The use of most of medications elevated from 1994 to 2010, except for
      beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors decreased after 2007
      and 2006 in both baseline and discharge, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the
      major risk factors improved and the FRS and 10-year CVD risk declined in this
      population of PCI patients. However, obesity, history of hypercholesterolemia,
      hypertension, diabetes, and medication use increased substantially. Improvements
      to blood pressure and lipid profile management because of medication use may have
      influenced the positive trends. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate trends
      of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor profiles over 17 years in
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients at the Mayo Clinic. METHODS: We
      performed a time-trend analysis within the Mayo Clinic PCI Registry from 1994 to
      2010. Results were the incidence and prevalence of CVD risk factors as estimate
      by the Framingham risk score. RESULTS: Between 1994 and 2010, 25 519 patients
      underwent a PCI. During the time assessed, the mean age at PCI became older, but
      the gender distribution did not change. A significant trend towards higher body
      mass index and more prevalent hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetes
      was found over time. The prevalence of current smokers remained unchanged. The
      prevalence of ever-smokers decreased among males, but increased among females.
      However, overall CVD risk according to the Framingham risk score (FRS) and 10
      year CVD risk significantly decreased. The use of most of medications elevated
      from 1994 to 2010, except for beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme
      inhibitors decreased after 2007 and 2006 in both baseline and discharge,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the major risk factors improved and the FRS
      and 10-year CVD risk declined in this population of PCI patients. However,
      obesity, history of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, and medication
      use increased substantially. Improvements to blood pressure and lipid profile
      management because of medication use may have influenced the positive trends.

PMID- 25139170
TI  - Older adults' perception of chronic illness management in South Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Despite the recent emphasis on a patient-centered chronic care model,
      few studies have investigated its use in older adults in South Korea. We explored
      how older Korean adults perceive and cope with their chronic illness. METHODS: We
      conducted focus group interviews in Seoul, Korea in January 2010. Focus groups
      were formed by disease type (hypertension and type 2 diabetes) and gender using
      purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 60 and over who had
      been diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension and received care at a community
      health center for at least six months prior to participation. Interview data were
      analyzed through descriptive content analysis. RESULTS: Among personal factors,
      most participants felt overwhelmed when they received their diagnosis. However,
      with time and control of their acute symptoms using medication, their worry
      diminished and participants tended to denying being identified as a patient or
      sick person. Among socio-familial factors, participants reported experiencing
      stigma with their chronic illness and feeling it was a symbol of weakness.
      Instead of modifying their lifestyles, which might interfere with their social
      relationships, they resorted to only following their medicine regime prescribed
      by their doctor. Participants also reported feeling that their doctor only
      prescribed medications and acted in an authoritative and threatening manner to
      induce and reinforce participants' compliance with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: For
      successful patient-centered management of chronic illnesses, supportive
      environments that include family, friends, and healthcare providers should be
      established. OBJECTIVES: Despite the recent emphasis on a patient-centered
      chronic care model, few studies have investigated its use in older adults in
      South Korea. We explored how older Korean adults perceive and cope with their
      chronic illness. METHODS: We conducted focus group interviews in Seoul, Korea in
      January 2010. Focus groups were formed by disease type (hypertension and type 2
      diabetes) and gender using purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria were patients
      aged 60 and over who had been diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension and
      received care at a community health center for at least six months prior to
      participation. Interview data were analyzed through descriptive content analysis.
      RESULTS: Among personal factors, most participants felt overwhelmed when they
      received their diagnosis. However, with time and control of their acute symptoms
      using medication, their worry diminished and participants tended to denying being
      identified as a patient or sick person. Among socio-familial factors,
      participants reported experiencing stigma with their chronic illness and feeling
      it was a symbol of weakness. Instead of modifying their lifestyles, which might
      interfere with their social relationships, they resorted to only following their
      medicine regime prescribed by their doctor. Participants also reported feeling
      that their doctor only prescribed medications and acted in an authoritative and
      threatening manner to induce and reinforce participants' compliance with
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: For successful patient-centered management of chronic
      illnesses, supportive environments that include family, friends, and healthcare
      providers should be established.

PMID- 25139171
TI  - Effect of DOCA/salt hypertension on CRF expression in the amygdala and the
      autonomic stress response in conscious rats.
AB  - The effects of DOCA/salt treatment on amygdala-area CRF gene expression and the
      autonomic response to air jet stress (AJS) were evaluated in conscious male
      Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Fifteen days of DOCA/salt treatment significantly
      increased resting arterial pressure (AP), decreased resting heart rate (HR) and
      significantly reduced regional CRF mRNA compared to controls (23+/-7% vs. 100+/
      26%) independent of changes in regional CRF receptor expression. Twenty min of
      AJS elicited a rise in AP (~15mmHg) that was similar in both DOCA/salt animals
      (n=11) and controls (n=6). Alternatively, increases in HR were significantly
      different in the DOCA/salt animals compared to controls; including one group of
      DOCA/salt animals (n=5) which responded with an attenuated HR response at the
      onset of AJS (low-responders) and a second group (n=6) which demonstrated an
      elevated HR response to AJS (high-responders), specifically during the last 10min
      of AJS. The divergent HR responses to AJS in the DOCA/salt animals were linked to
      differences in resting heart rate variability. During recovery HR returned to
      baseline within 10min in both control and the low responder DOCA group but
      indicators of spontaneous baroreflex gain only increased significantly in
      controls. HR in the high-responder DOCA animals did not return to baseline during
      the same period. These results show that DOCA/salt treatment triggers
      downregulation of CRF gene expression in the region of the amygdala and
      significantly alters the HR response to acute stress but does not alter the
      pressor response to stress compared to normotensive controls. 

PMID- 25139172
TI  - Potential application of non-flavonoid phenolics in diabetes: antiinflammatory
      effects.
AB  - Polyphenols are members of a very large family of plant-derived compounds that
      may have beneficial effects on human health, and thus their study has become an
      increasingly important area of human nutrition research. Considering that it is
      increasingly accepted that chronic sub-acute inflammation plays an important role
      in the development of insulin resistance and of diabetes in animals and in
      humans, the aim of the present review is to compile information concerning the
      anti-inflammatory effects of non-flavonoid polyphenols on diabetes prevention
      and/or treatment. Most of these studies have been carried out with different
      cultured cells and using animal models displaying different types of diabetes,
      such as diabetes induced by streptozotocin or streptozotocin-nicotinamide,
      genetic diabetes or diabetes induced by high-fat feeding. In general terms, non
      flavonoid polyphenols reduce the production of inflammatory mediators, such as IL
      1beta, IL-8, MCP-1, COX-2 or iNOS in these animal models of diabetes. This effect
      is accompanied in the vast majority of these studies by improved insulin action.
      In addition, some of the non-flavonoid polyphenols are also able to ameliorate or
      prevent several pathological alterations associated with the development of
      diabetes, such as nephropathy, cardiopathy or retinopathy. Very little
      information has been reported with regard to human studies to date. Thus, new
      studies are needed to confirm if the beneficial effects observed in preclinical
      studies can apply to human beings. 

PMID- 25139173
TI  - Ulipristal acetate resembles mifepristone in modulating human fallopian tube
      function.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Do ulipristal acetate (UPA) and mifepristone have an effect on
      ciliary beat frequency and muscular contractions in the human Fallopian tube?
      SUMMARY ANSWER: UPA, in resemblance to mifepristone, inhibits ciliary beat and
      muscular contraction of the human Fallopian tube, probably through an agonistic
      effect on the tubal progesterone receptor. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: UPA, like
      mifepristone, acts as an emergency contraceptive mainly by inhibiting ovulation.
      Little is known about its effects on tubal function. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE,
      DURATION: This was an in vitro experimental study using Fallopian tube samples
      collected from 11 women undergoing hysterectomy for benign non-tubal
      gynaecological conditions. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The tubal
      epithelium and longitudinal smooth muscle fibres were isolated, cultured and
      treated with UPA at graded concentrations of 0, 20, 200 and 2000 ng/ml, and
      mifepristone at graded concentrations of 0, 300, 3000 and 30 000 ng/ml,
      respectively. After treatment, ciliary beat frequency was determined using a
      photometric method. Basal tone, amplitude and frequency of muscular contraction
      were recorded through a force transducer. The mRNA expression of progesterone
      receptor (total and PR-B isoform), glycodelin and adrenomedullin were determined
      by real-time quantitative PCR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: There was an
      overall dose-dependent suppressive effect on ciliary beat frequency (P < 0.0001)
      after treatment with UPA at all concentrations and with mifepristone at 3000
      ng/ml or above. The basal tone, amplitude and frequency of muscular contractions
      were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) after treatment with UPA at 200 ng/ml or
      above, and with mifepristone at 3000 ng/ml or above. UPA treatment at 200 ng/ml
      or above significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of progesterone receptor
      and glycodelin and down-regulated the mRNA expression of adrenomedullin in
      Fallopian tube tissue (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Whether or
      not the tubal effect may translate into additional mechanisms for contraceptive
      action in vivo is uncertain. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The clinical
      relevance of UPA with regard to contraceptive activity is worthy of further
      exploration. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The study was supported by a Seed
      Fund from the Centre of Reproduction, Development and Growth, Faculty of
      Medicine, the University of Hong Kong. All authors have no competing interest to
      declare.

PMID- 25139176
TI  - Fast synthesis of high-quality reduced graphene oxide at room temperature under
      light exposure.
AB  - An approach of presenting new reducing reagents, sodium-benzophenone (Na-B) or Na
      B in the presence of the hydrazine (Na-B-H) system under light exposure could
      produce rGOs with/without N-doping at room temperature in both the solution phase
      and on a solid substrate. Benzophenone activated those solutions acting as a
      photosensitizer under light. It was assumed that the newly generated radical
      anions with electrons from Na-B under light can reduce GO to rGO sheets (rGONa
      B1). In addition, the Na-B-H system can allow a higher degree of reduction with
      the doping of nitrogen atoms by the introduction of hydrazine to produce radical
      anions and electrons with a sodium hydrazide complex, which helps decrease the
      sheet resistance of the as-made rGONa-B-H2. The excellent properties (very low
      oxygen content (C/O ~16.2), and low sheet resistance (~130 Omega square(-1))) of
      the rGOs were confirmed by XPS, XRD, IR, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, wettability,
      and sheet resistance measurements. High-quality rGO films on flexible substrates
      could be prepared by directly immersing the GO films in these solutions for
      several minutes. 

PMID- 25139174
TI  - The effect of metformin treatment in vivo on acute and long-term energy
      metabolism and progesterone production in vitro by granulosa cells from women
      with polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: What are the consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
      pathology and metformin-pretreatment in vivo in women with PCOS on the metabolism
      and steroid production of follicular phenotype- and long-term cultured-granulosa
      cells (GC)? SUMMARY ANSWER: PCOS pathology significantly compromised glucose
      metabolism and the progesterone synthetic capacity of follicular- and long-term
      cultured-GCs and the metabolic impact of PCOS on GC function was alleviated by
      metformin-pretreatment in vivo. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Granulosa cells from women
      with PCOS have been shown to have an impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake
      and lactate production in vitro. However, these results were obtained by placing
      GCs in unphysiological conditions in culture medium containing high glucose and
      insulin concentrations. Moreover, existing data on insulin-responsive steroid
      production in vitro by PCOS GCs vary. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION: Case
      control experimental research comparing glucose uptake, pyruvate and lactate
      production and progesterone production in vitro by GCs from three aetiological
      groups, all undergoing IVF; healthy control women (Control, n = 12), women with
      PCOS treated with metformin in vivo (Metformin, n = 8) and women with PCOS not
      exposed to metformin (PCOS, n = 8). The study was conducted over a period of 3
      years between 2007 and 2010. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Rotterdam
      criteria were used for the diagnosis of PCOS; all subjects were matched for age,
      BMI and baseline FSH. Individual patient cultures were undertaken with cells
      incubated in a validated, physiological, serum-free culture medium containing
      doses of 0-6 mM glucose and 0-100 ng/ml insulin for 6 h and 144 h to quantify the
      impact of treatments on acute and long-term metabolism, respectively, and
      progesterone production. The metabolite content of spent media was measured using
      spectrophotometric plate reader assay. The progesterone content of spent media
      was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Viable GC number was
      quantified after 144 h of culture by the vital dye Neutral Red uptake assay. MAIN
      RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Granulosa cells from women with PCOS pathology
      revealed reduced pyruvate production and preferential lactate production in
      addition to their reduced glucose uptake during cultures (P < 0.05). Metformin
      pretreatment alleviated this metabolic lesion (P < 0.05) and enhanced cell
      proliferation in vitro (P < 0.05), but cells retained a significantly reduced
      capacity for progesterone synthesis compared with controls (P < 0.05).
      LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Although significant treatment effects were
      detected in this small cohort, further studies are required to underpin the
      molecular mechanisms of the effect of metformin on GCs. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE
      FINDINGS: The individual patient culture strategy combined with multifactorial
      experimental design strengthens the biological interpretation of the data.
      Collectively, these results support the notion that there is an inherent
      impairment in progesterone biosynthetic capacity of the GCs from women with PCOS.
      The positive, acute metabolic effect and the negative long-term steroidogenic
      effect on GCs following metformin exposure in vivo may have important
      implications for follicular development and luteinized GC function when the drug
      is used in clinical practice. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No competing
      interests. This work was supported by the UK Medical Research Council Grant
      Reference number G0800250.

PMID- 25139177
TI  - Retroperitoneal laparoscopic reimplantation of the left renal vein for nutcracker
      syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the feasibility of retroperitoneal laparoscopic
      reimplantation of the left renal vein (LRV) for nutcracker syndrome (NCS).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients with NCS underwent the surgery. Both patients
      complained of gross hematuria and flank discomfort that could not be relieved by
      resting. They were placed in a supine position and 5 ports were placed in the
      right abdominal wall. The procedures were performed with a retroperitoneal
      approach. The LRV was transected and then reimplanted into the distal inferior
      vena cava. RESULTS: The procedures were performed successfully without any major
      complications. The total operation time was 105 and 120 min, respectively.
      Hematuria and flank discomfort were resolved after the surgery. Ultrasonography
      revealed a patent lumen without compression. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal
      laparoscopic reimplantation of the LRV appears to be a feasible procedure with
      satisfactory short-term outcomes.

PMID- 25139175
TI  - Severe teenage acne and risk of endometriosis.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Is there a relationship between severe teenage acne and
      endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER: Endometriosis is positively associated with severe
      teenage acne. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: No studies have specifically explored a
      possible association between severe acne in adolescence and risk of
      endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This prospective cohort study used
      data collected from 88 623 female nurses from September 1989 to June 2009 as part
      of the Nurses' Health Study II (NHS II) cohort. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING,
      METHODS: Regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and
      confidence intervals (CIs) for endometriosis among women with and without severe
      teenage acne. Multivariate models were adjusted for established risk factors of
      endometriosis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A total of 4 382
      laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis cases were documented during 1 132 272
      woman-years of follow-up. Compared with women without a history of severe teenage
      acne, women who had severe teenage acne had a 20% increased risk of endometriosis
      (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08-1.32). The association was not affected by adjusting for
      use of tetracycline or isotretinoin. LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION: The HR
      is likely to be underestimated since we only included endometriosis cases
      confirmed by laparoscopy. Although geographically diverse, the NHS II cohort is
      primarily Caucasian, which may limit generalization to more ethnically diverse
      populations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY: The results of this study suggest
      that severe teenage acne is associated with an increased risk of endometriosis.
      As a visible and non-invasive clinical indicator, severe teenage acne may be
      useful for early detection of endometriosis. We bring this counter-intuitive
      association to the attention of clinicians for the benefit of the patient and an
      early diagnosis of endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST: This study
      was funded by research grant CA176726 from the National Institute of Health. M.K.
      is supported by a Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship within the 7th
      European Community Framework Programme (#PIOF-GA-2011-302078). The funding
      agencies had no role in the design of the study, in the analysis and
      interpretation of the data, in the writing of the report or in the decision to
      submit the paper for publication.

PMID- 25139178
TI  - The (lack of) effect of alprazolam on eating behavior in anorexia nervosa: a
      preliminary report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Anxiety is a prominent symptom in anorexia nervosa (AN), and higher
      pre-meal anxiety has been associated with lower caloric intake. Yet, the causal
      relationship has not been assessed. We proposed that reducing anxiety with a
      short acting benzodiazepine would increase caloric intake among individuals with
      AN. METHOD: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled cross-over study,
      we administered alprazolam 0.75 mg to inpatients with AN (n = 17) and assessed
      caloric intake in a laboratory test meal. Within-subject differences in caloric
      intake, anxiety, and fatigue were compared between alprazolam and placebo days.
      RESULTS: Caloric intake did not differ on alprazolam versus placebo (t(15) =
      1.72, p = .11). Alprazolam did not reduce anxiety, but was associated with
      increased fatigue. DISCUSSION: This study was not able to evaluate the causal
      role of anxiety in meal intake among individuals with AN, as alprazolam did not
      alter anxiety symptoms. These data further suggest that the therapeutic role for
      short-acting benzodiazepines in AN is likely limited.

PMID- 25139180
TI  - Photoinduced energy transfer from poly(N-vinylcarbazole) to tricarbonylchloro
      (2,2'-bipyridyl)rhenium(I).
AB  - This work investigates the photoinduced energy transfer from poly(N
      vinylcarbazole) (PVK), as a donor material, to fac-(2,2'-bipyridyl)Re(CO)3Cl, as
      a catalyst acceptor, for its potential application towards CO2 reduction.
      Photoluminescence quenching experiments reveal dynamic quenching through
      resonance energy transfer in solid donor/acceptor mixtures and in solid/liquid
      systems. The bimolecular reaction rate constant at solution-film interfaces for
      the elementary reaction of the excited state with the quencher material could be
      determined as 8.8(+/-1.4)*10(11)  L mol(-1)  s(-1) by using Stern-Volmer
      analysis. This work shows that PVK is an effective and cheap absorber material
      that can act efficiently as a redox photosensitizer in combination with fac-(2,2'
      bipyridyl)Re(CO)3Cl as a catalyst acceptor, which might lead to possible
      applications in photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

PMID- 25139179
TI  - In silico model-based inference: a contemporary approach for hypothesis testing
      in network biology.
AB  - Inductive inference plays a central role in the study of biological systems where
      one aims to increase their understanding of the system by reasoning backwards
      from uncertain observations to identify causal relationships among components of
      the system. These causal relationships are postulated from prior knowledge as a
      hypothesis or simply a model. Experiments are designed to test the model.
      Inferential statistics are used to establish a level of confidence in how well
      our postulated model explains the acquired data. This iterative process, commonly
      referred to as the scientific method, either improves our confidence in a model
      or suggests that we revisit our prior knowledge to develop a new model. Advances
      in technology impact how we use prior knowledge and data to formulate models of
      biological networks and how we observe cellular behavior. However, the approach
      for model-based inference has remained largely unchanged since Fisher, Neyman and
      Pearson developed the ideas in the early 1900s that gave rise to what is now
      known as classical statistical hypothesis (model) testing. Here, I will summarize
      conventional methods for model-based inference and suggest a contemporary
      approach to aid in our quest to discover how cells dynamically interpret and
      transmit information for therapeutic aims that integrates ideas drawn from high
      performance computing, Bayesian statistics, and chemical kinetics.

PMID- 25139181
TI  - Robust pro-inflammatory and lesser anti-inflammatory immune responses during
      primary simian varicella virus infection and reactivation in rhesus macaques.
AB  - Simian varicella virus (SVV) infection of non-human primates models human
      varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection. Assessment of cell signaling immune
      responses in monkeys after primary SVV infection, after immunosuppression and
      during reactivation revealed strong pro-inflammatory responses and lesser anti
      inflammatory components during varicella and reactivation. Pro-inflammatory
      mediators elevated during varicella included interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma),
      interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), interferon
      inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant protein (I-TAC), interferon processing
      protein (IP-10), and anti-inflammatory interleukin-1 Receptor antagonist (IL
      1Ra). After immunosuppression and at reactivation, levels of pro-inflammatory
      mediators MCP-1, eotaxin, IL-6, IL-8, MIF, RANTES (regulated-on-activation normal
      T-cell expressed and secreted), and HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) were elevated,
      as was the anti-inflammatory mediator IL-1Ra. Characterization of cytokine,
      chemokine and growth factor responses during different stages of varicella virus
      infection will facilitate immunotherapeutic and vaccine strategies. 

PMID- 25139182
TI  - Review of West Nile virus epidemiology in Italy and report of a case of West Nile
      virus encephalitis.
AB  - West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus that causes neurological disorders in less
      than 1 % of infected subjects. Human cases of WNV-associated fever and/or
      neurological disorders have been reported in Italy since 2008. The first outbreak
      occurred in the northeastern region of Italy surrounding the Po River and was
      caused by the Po River lineage 1 strain, and since then, WNV infections have been
      reported in several regions of central Italy. Although the virus is highly
      genetically conserved, stochastic mutations in its genome may lead to the
      emergence of new strains, as was observed in Italy in 2011 with the
      identification of two new lineage 1 strains, the WNV Piave and WNV Livenza
      strains. To help further define WNV epidemiology in Italy, we describe a case of
      an Italian man living in the Po River area who developed fatal encephalitis in
      2009 due to infection with the WNV Piave strain. This finding supports the notion
      that the Piave strain has been circulating in this area of Italy for 2 years
      longer than was previously believed.

PMID- 25139184
TI  - Revealing the distribution of the atoms within individual bimetallic catalyst
      nanoparticles.
AB  - To be able to correlate the catalytic properties of nanoparticles with their
      structure, detailed knowledge about their make-up on the atomic level is
      required. Herein, we demonstrate how atom-probe tomography (APT) can be used to
      quantitatively determine the three-dimensional distribution of atoms within a
      Au@Ag nanoparticle with near-atomic resolution. We reveal that the elements are
      not evenly distributed across the surface and that this distribution is related
      to the surface morphology and residues from the particle synthesis. 

PMID- 25139183
TI  - Frequent utilization of the emergency department for acute heart failure
      syndrome: a population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although most research on patients with acute heart failure syndrome
      (AHFS) has focused on readmissions, this may provide an incomplete picture of
      health-care utilization. We examined the proportion and characteristics of
      patients with frequent emergency department (ED) visits for AHFS and associated
      health-care utilization. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective cohort study of
      adults with at least 1 ED visit for AHFS between 2010 and 2011 was performed,
      derived from population-based multipayer data of state ED and inpatient databases
      for 2 large and diverse states, California and Florida. The analytic sample
      comprised 113 033 patients with 175 491 ED visits for AHFS. During the 1-year
      follow-up period, 30.8% of patients had >=2 (frequent) visits, accounting for
      55.4% (95% confidence interval, 55.2-55.5%) of all ED visits for AHFS. In the
      multivariable model, significant predictors of frequent ED visits were non
      Hispanic black race, Hispanic ethnicity, Medicaid insurance, and lower median
      household income (all P<0.001). At the visit level, patients with frequent ED
      visits accounted for 55.0% (95% confidence interval, 54.8-5.3%) of all AHFS
      hospitalizations via ED. Total charges for AHFS were $3.08 billion (95%
      confidence interval, $3.03-3.14 billion) in Florida alone; patients with frequent
      ED visits accounted for 53.3% of total charges (95% confidence interval, 53.2
      53.3%). CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort study, we found that one third (31%) of
      ED patients with AHFS had frequent ED visits for this condition and that minority
      race/ethnicity and lower socioeconomic status were associated with frequent ED
      visits. Individuals with frequent ED visits accounted for the majority of ED
      visits, hospitalizations, and hospital charges.

PMID- 25139186
TI  - Identifying soluble mediators of nuclear receptor and insulin signaling may
      enhance noninvasive diagnosis of fibrosis in Fatty liver disease.

PMID- 25139185
TI  - Epicardial adipose tissue thickness, flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial
      artery, and carotid intima-media thickness: Associations in rheumatoid arthritis
      patients.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this work was to evaluate epicardial adipose tissue (EAT),
      carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the
      brachial artery in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients using ultrasonographic
      methods. Interrelationships between these three parameters in RA patients were
      also investigated. METHODS: EAT thickness, CIMT, and FMD were measured by
      ultrasonography. We measured the disease activity score (DAS28), health
      assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
      Spearman or Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the association
      between clinical findings, CIMT, FMD, and EAT. RESULTS: A total of 90 RA patients
      [19 men, mean age 54 years (range 21-76 years)] and 59 age- and gender-matched
      control subjects [17 men, mean age 54 years (range 26-80 years)] were included in
      the study. Patients with RA had a mean 4.34 DAS28 points (range 0-40 points) and
      the mean duration of the disease was 77.1 months (range 1-360 months). We found
      that RA patients had thicker EAT (7.7 +/- 1.7 mm vs 6.2 +/- 1.8 mm, p < 0.001),
      increased CIMT [0.9 (0.5-1.2) mm vs 0.6 (0.4-0.9) mm, p < 0.001], and decreased
      FMD values [5.7 % (- 23.5 to 20 %) vs. 8.5 % (- 4.7 to 22.2 %), p = 0.028] when
      compared to control subjects. CRP levels were significantly higher in the RA
      group [0.81 (range 0.1-13.5) vs 0.22 (range 0.05-12), p < 0.001]. EAT thickness
      was negatively correlated with FMD (r = - 0.26, p < 0.001) and positively
      correlated with CIMT values (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). CIMT also negatively
      correlated with FMD (r = - 0.29, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: EAT can be simply
      measured by echocardiography and correlated with FMD and CIMT. It can be used as
      a first-line measurement for estimating burden of atherosclerosis in RA patients.

PMID- 25139188
TI  - Human evolution: making the most of damage.

PMID- 25139189
TI  - Pathogen genetics: temporary survival of the fittest?

PMID- 25139187
TI  - Using next-generation sequencing to isolate mutant genes from forward genetic
      screens.
AB  - The long-lasting success of forward genetic screens relies on the simple
      molecular basis of the characterized phenotypes, which are typically caused by
      mutations in single genes. Mapping the location of causal mutations using genetic
      crosses has traditionally been a complex, multistep procedure, but next
      generation sequencing now allows the rapid identification of causal mutations at
      single-nucleotide resolution even in complex genetic backgrounds. Recent advances
      of this mapping-by-sequencing approach include methods that are independent of
      reference genome sequences, genetic crosses and any kind of linkage information,
      which make forward genetics amenable for species that have not been considered
      for forward genetic screens so far. 

PMID- 25139190
TI  - Population genomics: a new window into the genetics of complex diseases.

PMID- 25139193
TI  - The effect of protein PEGylation on physical stability in liquid formulation.
AB  - The presence of micron aggregates in protein formulations has recently attracted
      increased interest from regulatory authorities, industry, and academia because of
      the potential undesired side effects of their presence. In this study, we
      characterized the micron aggregate formation of hen egg-white lysozyme (Lyz) and
      its diPEGylated (5 kDa) analog as a result of typical handling stress conditions.
      Both proteins were subjected to mechanical stress in the absence and presence of
      silicone oil (SO), elevated temperatures, and freeze-thaw cycles. Flow imaging
      microscopy showed that PEGylated Lyz formed approximately half as many particles
      as Lyz, despite its lower apparent thermodynamic stability and more loose protein
      fold. Further characterization showed that the PEGylation led to a change from
      attractive to repulsive protein-protein interactions, which may partly explain
      the reduced particle formation. Surprisingly, the PEGylated Lyz adsorbed an order
      of magnitude faster onto SO, despite being much larger in size, as determined by
      small-angle X-ray scattering and dynamic light scattering measurements. Thus,
      PEGylation may significantly reduce, but not prevent, micron aggregate formation
      of a protein during typical handling stresses.

PMID- 25139191
TI  - Carbachol-induced colonic mucus formation requires transport via NKCC1, K+
      channels and CFTR.
AB  - The colonic mucosa protects itself from the luminal content by secreting mucus
      that keeps the bacteria at a distance from the epithelium. For this barrier to be
      effective, the mucus has to be constantly replenished which involves exocytosis
      and expansion of the secreted mucins. Mechanisms involved in regulation of mucus
      exocytosis and expansion are poorly understood, and the aim of this study was to
      investigate whether epithelial anion secretion regulates mucus formation in the
      colon. The muscarinic agonist carbachol was used to induce parallel secretion of
      anions and mucus, and by using established inhibitors of ion transport, we
      studied how inhibition of epithelial transport affected mucus formation in mouse
      colon. Anion secretion and mucin exocytosis were measured by changes in membrane
      current and epithelial capacitance, respectively. Mucus thickness measurements
      were used to determine the carbachol effect on mucus growth. The results showed
      that the carbachol-induced increase in membrane current was dependent on NKCC1 co
      transport, basolateral K(+) channels and Cftr activity. In contrast, the
      carbachol-induced increase in capacitance was partially dependent on NKCC1 and
      K(+) channel activity, but did not require Cftr activity. Carbachol also induced
      an increase in mucus thickness that was inhibited by the NKCC1 blocker
      bumetanide. However, mice that lacked a functional Cftr channel did not respond
      to carbachol with an increase in mucus thickness, suggesting that carbachol
      induced mucin expansion requires Cftr channel activity. In conclusion, these
      findings suggest that colonic epithelial transport regulates mucus formation by
      affecting both exocytosis and expansion of the mucin molecules. 

PMID- 25139194
TI  - Highly stretchable and conductive silver nanowire thin films formed by soldering
      nanomesh junctions.
AB  - Silver nanowires (AgNWs) have been widely used for stretchable and foldable
      conductors due to their percolating network nanostructure. To enhance the
      mechanical strength of AgNW thin films under extreme stretching conditions, in
      this study, we utilize a simple chemical reaction to join AgNW network
      connections. Upon applying a reactive ink over AgNW thin films, silver
      nanoparticles are preferentially generated over the nanowire junctions and solder
      the nanomesh structures. The soldered nanostructure reinforces the conducting
      network and exhibits no obvious change in electrical conductivity in the
      stretching or rolling process with elongation strains up to 120%. Several
      examples are also demonstrated to show potential applications of this material in
      stretchable electronic devices. 

PMID- 25139192
TI  - Effect of high-fat diet on rat myometrium during pregnancy-isolated myometrial
      mitochondria are not affected.
AB  - Laboring women with elevated body mass index (BMI) have an increased risk of
      inefficient uterine labor contractions, and despite the significance of
      mitochondria in the production of energy to drive uterine contractions,
      mitochondrial function in the myometrium with reference to the BMI has not been
      explored. The objective of this study was to determine whether obesity prior to
      and during gestation affects oxidative capacity and/or morphology of mitochondria
      in the myometrium at term in an animal model. Rat dams were fed for 47 days prior
      to impregnation and during gestation with either (1) a regular chow diet, (2) a
      low-fat high-carbohydrate diet, or (3) a high-fat low-carbohydrate diet (n = 10
      in each group). On day 20 of gestation, corresponding to term pregnancy, total
      hysterectomy was performed with subsequent examination of the function and
      morphology of myometrial mitochondria. Body composition was regularly assessed by
      quantitative magnetic resonance imaging, and blood sampling was done prior to
      diet assignment, impregnation, and hysterectomy. Dams on the high-fat low
      carbohydrate diet achieved higher fat percentage compared to rats on the regular
      chow diet (p < 0.05). Maximal oxygen consumption, phosphate/oxygen ratio, or the
      amount of mitochondria per gram of myometrium did not differ between the three
      feeding groups. Electron microscopic examinations did not reveal any
      morphological differences in mitochondria between groups; however, a previously
      undescribed subsarcolemmal localization of the mitochondria in the myocyte was
      identified. We did not find evidence of altered myometrial mitochondrial function
      or morphology in this animal model of obesity prior to and during pregnancy.

PMID- 25139195
TI  - Lack of effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide on
      psoriasis in glucose-tolerant patients--a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R)
      agonists used for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes might also
      improve their psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of the GLP
      1R agonist liraglutide in glucose-tolerant patients with plaque psoriasis.
      METHODS: A total of 20 obese (body mass index > 25 kg/m(2)), glucose-tolerant
      patients with plaque psoriasis (psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) of at
      least 8) were randomized 1:1 to once-daily subcutaneous injections with
      liraglutide or placebo for an 8-week period. The primary end points were
      improvement in PASI and dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Secondary end
      points included changes in weight and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP)
      levels, as well as adverse events. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, no
      significant change in PASI was found in the liraglutide group (mean+/-standard
      deviation: -2.6 +/- 2.1) compared with the placebo group (-1.3 +/- 2.4) (P =
      0.228). No difference in DLQI was observed between the groups [-2.5 +/- 4.4
      (liraglutide) vs. -3.7 +/- 4.8 (placebo); P = 0.564]. HsCRP did not change in any
      of the groups (0.26 +/- 1 (placebo) vs. 0.25 +/- 2.2 (liraglutide); P = 0.992).
      Liraglutide treatment resulted in a bodyweight loss of 4.7 +/- 2.5 kg compared
      with 1.6 +/- 2.7 kg in the placebo group (P = 0.014) accompanied by decreased
      cholesterol levels. No serious adverse events occurred during the 8-week
      observation period. The most common complaint was transient nausea, which
      occurred in 45% of the liraglutide-treated patients but in none from the placebo
      group. CONCLUSION: Liraglutide treatment for 8 weeks did not significantly change
      PASI, DLQI, or hsCRP in a small group of glucose-tolerant obese patients with
      plaque psoriasis compared with placebo. A significant weight loss and decrease in
      cholesterol levels was observed in liraglutide-treated patients.

PMID- 25139196
TI  - Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for different molecular breast cancer subtypes: a
      retrospective study in Russian population.
AB  - The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the objective clinical
      response (cOR), pathological complete response (pCR), and progression-free
      survival (PFS) in 231 Russian patients with four subtypes of breast cancer
      treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. About 130 (56.3 %) patients received
      anthracycline-based, 56 (24.2 %) capecitabine-containing (CAX), 28 (12.1 %)
      taxotere and 17 (7.4 %) non-anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimens at the
      Tomsk Cancer Research Institute between 2000 and 2010. Tumors were subtyped
      according to the hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor
      2 (HER2) immunohistochemical data. The majority of tumors (48.9 %) were ER+/PR+
      and HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-), 10.4 % were ER+ PR+ and HER2-positive (HR+/HER2+),
      9.1 % were ER-/PR- and HER2-overexpressed (HER2-enriched) and 31.6 % were ER-/PR-
      and HER2-negative (triple negative). Both cOR and pCR were significantly higher
      in the triple-negative tumors compared to the other subtypes (P = 0.021 and P =
      0.033, respectively). Among the four chemotherapy regimens, only CAX regimen had
      a predictive value for cOR (HR 2.30, 95 % CI 1.16-4.58, P = 0.009). Multivariate
      regression analysis showed that the triple-negative subtype (HR 2.54, 95 % CI
      1.06-1.42, P = 0.011) and CAX regimen (HR 3.01, 95 % CI 1.01-1.46, P = 0.002)
      were significantly associated with cOR. No association between patient's PFS and
      a tumor subtype was observed. However, there was a trend for a prolonged PFS
      among patients with cOR (P = 0.056). Our data indicate a potentially better
      prognosis for triple-negative breast cancer patients if treated with the CAX
      neoadjuvant regimen.

PMID- 25139198
TI  - Re: Eric A. Klein, Matthew R. Cooperberg, Cristina Magi-Galluzzi, et al. A 17
      gene assay to predict prostate cancer aggressiveness in the context of gleason
      grade heterogeneity, tumor multifocality, and biopsy undersampling. Eur urol
      2014;66:550-60.

PMID- 25139197
TI  - Preoperative Prostate-specific Antigen Isoform p2PSA and Its Derivatives, %p2PSA
      and Prostate Health Index, Predict Pathologic Outcomes in Patients Undergoing
      Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: Results from a Multicentric European
      Prospective Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently available predictive models fail to assist clinical
      decision making in prostate cancer (PCa) patients who are potential candidates
      for radical prostatectomy (RP). New biomarkers would be welcome. OBJECTIVE: To
      test the hypothesis that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) isoform p2PSA and its
      derivatives, percentage of p2PSA to free PSA (%p2PSA) and the Prostate Health
      Index (PHI), predict PCa characteristics at final pathology. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: An observational prospective multicentre European study was
      performed in 489 consecutive PCa patients treated with RP. Total PSA (tPSA), free
      PSA (fPSA), and p2PSA levels were determined. The %fPSA [(fPSA / tPSA) * 100],
      %p2PSA [(p2PSA pg/ml) / (fPSA ng/ml * 1000) * 100], and PHI [(p2PSA / fPSA) *
      ?tPSA] were calculated. INTERVENTION: Open or robot-assisted RP. OUTCOME
      MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Logistic regression models were fitted to
      test the predictors of pT3 stage and/or pathologic Gleason score (GS) >=7 and to
      determine their predictive accuracy. The base multivariable model included tPSA,
      digital rectal examination, biopsy GS, and percentage of positive biopsy cores.
      Decision curve analysis provided an estimate of the net benefit obtained using
      p2PSA, %p2PSA, or PHI. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 344 patients (70%) were
      affected by pT3 disease or pathologic GS >=7; pT3 disease and pathologic GS >=7
      were present in 126 patients (26%). At univariable analysis, p2PSA, %p2PSA, and
      PHI were significant predictors of pT3 disease and/or pathologic GS >=7 (all p <=
      0.001). The inclusion of PHI significantly increased the accuracy of the base
      multivariable model by 2.3% (p=0.003) and 2.4% (p=0.01) for the prediction of pT3
      disease and/or pathologic GS >=7, respectively. However, at decision curve
      analysis, models including PHI did not show evidence of a greater clinical net
      benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Both %p2PSA and PHI are significant predictors of
      unfavourable PCa characteristics at final pathology; however, %p2PSA and PHI did
      not provide a greater net benefit for clinical decision making. PATIENT SUMMARY:
      Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) isoform p2PSA and its derivatives, percentage of
      p2PSA to free PSA and the Prostate Health Index, are associated with adverse
      characteristics of prostate cancer; however, these biomarkers provided only a
      slight net benefit for clinical decision making.

PMID- 25139199
TI  - Reply from authors re: David Margel. Metformin to prevent prostate cancer: a call
      to unite. Eur urol 2014;66:1021-2.

PMID- 25139201
TI  - Mechanisms of remembering the past and imagining the future--new data from
      autobiographical memory tasks in a lifespan approach.
AB  - We investigated the episodic/semantic distinction in remembering the past and
      imagining the future and explored cognitive mechanisms predicting events'
      specificity throughout the lifespan. Eighty-three 6- to 81-year-old participants,
      divided into 5 age groups, underwent past, present and future episodic (events'
      evocation) and semantic (self-descriptions) autobiographical tasks and a
      complementary cognitive test battery (executive functions, working and episodic
      memory). The main results showed age effects on episodic events' evocation
      indicating an inverted U function (i.e., developmental progression from 6 to
      21years and aging decline). By contrast, age effects were slighter on self
      descriptions while self-defining events' evocation increased with age.
      Furthermore, age effects on episodic events' evocation were mainly mediated by
      age effects on cognitive functions and personal semantics. These new findings
      indicate a developmental and aging episodic/semantic distinction for both
      remembering the past and imagining the future, and suggest that above
      similarities, these abilities could have a fundamentally different basis.

PMID- 25139200
TI  - Radiologically determined orthodontically induced external apical root resorption
      in incisors after non-surgical orthodontic treatment of class II division 1
      malocclusion: a systematic review.
AB  - This study aims to critically evaluate orthodontically induced external apical
      root resorption (OIEARR) in incisors of patients undergoing non-surgical
      orthodontic treatment of class II division 1 malocclusion by a systematic review
      of the published data. An electronic search of two databases was performed; the
      bibliographies of relevant articles were also reviewed. Studies were included if
      they examined the amount of OIEARR in incisors produced during non-surgical
      orthodontic treatment of individuals with class II division I malocclusion in the
      permanent dentition. Individuals had no previous history of OIEARR, syndromes,
      pathologies, or general diseases. Study selections, risk of bias assessment, and
      data extraction were performed in duplicate. Eight studies of moderate
      methodological quality were finally included. An increased prevalence (65.6% to
      98.1%) and mild to moderate severity of OIEARR (<4 mm and <1/3 original root)
      were reported. No sex difference in root resorption was found. For the maxillary
      incisors, there was no evidence that either the central or lateral incisor was
      more susceptible to OIEARR. A weak to moderate positive correlation between
      treatment duration and root resorption, and anteroposterior apical displacement
      and root resorption was found. Current limited evidence suggests that non
      surgical comprehensive orthodontic treatment to correct class II division 1
      malocclusions causes increased prevalence and severity of OIEARR the more the
      incisor roots are displaced and the longer this movement takes.

PMID- 25139203
TI  - Antiretroviral therapy initiation in an Australian cohort: implications for
      increased use of antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management is entering a "universal test and
      treat" phase, although the benefits from this approach in developed world
      scenarios are uncertain. We analyzed 79 combination anti-retroviral therapy
      (cART)-naive HIV-positive individuals who were intensively prospectively followed
      from 2004 to 2013. We studied HIV-related illnesses, potential HIV transmissions,
      impact on sexual behavior, and factors impeding earlier cART initiation. Sixty
      eight (86 %) subjects commenced cART at a mean of 6.0 years after diagnosis: 71 %
      with a CD4 T-cell count <350 cells/MUl. A significant minority of subjects (29 %)
      resisted initiation of cART despite physician recommendation for a mean of 18
      months. Only one HIV-related illness occurred in a patient who had not previously
      recorded a CD4 T-cell count <500 cell/MUl, totaling 195 person-years of
      observation. A 40 % increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occurred
      after commencing cART. We detected six HIV transmissions in our cohort, all of
      which were before initiating cART and 5 of them had a prior CD4 T-cell count <500
      cells/MUl. Illnesses related to cART deferral were rare and most HIV
      transmissions we detected occurred in people with a prior CD4 T-cell count <500
      cells/MUl. Our study raises concerns about increasing STI rates after cART
      initiation. Focusing resources on cART initiation among patients with CD4 T-cell
      counts <500 cells/MUl and enhancing safe sexual practices should remain a
      priority.

PMID- 25139202
TI  - Multicenter phase II study of a combination of cyclosporine a, methotrexate and
      mycophenolate mofetil for GVHD prophylaxis: results of the Chinese Bone Marrow
      Transplant Cooperative Group (CBMTCG).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improvement of current GVHD prophylactic therapies remains an
      important goal in the allo-HSCT. We have described a novel prophylaxis regimen in
      a single institution trial. The Chinese Bone Marrow Transplant Cooperative Group
      (CBMTCG) initiated a phase II multicenter study. METHODS: The study was designed
      as a prospective, single arm phase II open-label, multicenter clinical trial. The
      primary endpoint was improvement of aGVHD by 25% over historical control (40%) in
      Chinese patients. 508 patients were enrolled. All of the patients received
      cyclosporine A (CsA), methotrexate (MTX) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (0.5-1.0
      g daily for 30 days) as GVHD prophylaxis regimen. RESULTS: The primary endpoint
      was met with cumulative incidences of grades 2 to 4 and grades 3 to 4 aGVHD of
      23.2% and 10.3%, respectively. Incidence for cGVHD was 67.4%. The non-relapse
      mortality (NRM) rate was 18.4% at 2 years. The probabilities of leukemia free
      survival (LFS) for non-advanced stage and advanced stage patients at 2 years were
      69.7% and 44.8% respectively (p = 0.000). Recipient age >= 40 years, advanced
      stage and Busulfan-Fludarabine(BuFlu) conditioning regimen were identified as
      major risk factors for aGVHD. Recipient age >= 40 years, BuFlu conditioning
      regimens, female donor/male recipient and prior aGVHD were associated with cGVHD.
      Despite lower RM (relapse mortality), patients with grade 2-4 aGVHD had higher
      NRM and worse OS and LFS compared to patients with grade 0-1 aGVHD. In contrast,
      patients with cGVHD had better OS and LFS and lower RM compared to patients
      without cGVHD. CONCLUSION: The novel GVHD regimen decreased the risk for aGVHD by
      42% without improving the risk for cGVHD compared to historical controls.
      Development of aGVHD was associated with worse OS and LFS as well as higher NRM.
      In contrast, cGVHD was associated with improved OS and LFS likely attributed to a
      GVL effect.

PMID- 25139204
TI  - A common copy number variation polymorphism in the CNTNAP2 gene: sexual
      dimorphism in association with healthy aging and disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New therapeutic targets are needed to fight aging-related diseases
      and increase life span. A new female-specific association with diseases and
      limited survival past 80 years was recently reported for a copy number variation
      (CNV) in the CNTNAP4 gene from the neurexin superfamily. OBJECTIVE: We asked
      whether there are CNVs that are associated with aging phenotypes within other
      genes from the neurexin superfamily and whether this association is sex specific.
      METHODS: Select CNV polymorphisms were genotyped with proprietary TaqMan qPCR
      assays. RESULTS: A case/control study, in which a group of 81- to 90-year-old
      community-dwelling Caucasians with no chronic diseases (case) was compared to a
      similar control group of 65- to 75-year-olds, revealed a negative association
      with healthy aging for the ins allele of common esv11910 CNV in the CNTNAP2 gene
      (n = 388; OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14-0.59, p = 0.0004 for males, and OR = 0.82, 95%
      CI: 0.42-1.57, p = 0.625 for females). This male-specific association was
      validated in a study of an independent group of 76- to 80-year-olds. To look for
      a corresponding positive association of the allele with aging-related diseases,
      two case subgroups of 81- to 90-year-olds, one composed of individuals with
      cognitive impairment and the other with various diseases not directly related to
      the nervous system, such as cardiovascular diseases, etc., were compared to a
      healthy control subgroup of the same age. A positive male-specific association
      was found for both cases (OR = 2.75, p = 0.008 for association with cognitive
      impairment, and OR = 3.18, p = 0.002 for other diseases combined). CONCLUSIONS: A
      new male-specific association with aging is reported for a CNV in the CNTNAP2
      gene. The polymorphism might be useful for diagnosing individual genetic
      predispositions to healthy aging versus aging complicated by chronic diseases.

PMID- 25139205
TI  - Drug prescription by telephone consultation in Danish out-of-hours primary care:
      a population-based study of frequency and associations with clinical severity and
      diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Danish general practitioners (GPs) answer all calls to the out-of
      hours primary care service. About 60% of the calls are terminated on the
      telephone through provision of medical advice and prescription of medication.
      Nevertheless, little is known about the prescription patterns of telephone
      consultations, such as prescription frequency and indications for drug use. Our
      aim was to examine the characteristics of patients and GPs in telephone
      consultations resulting in drug prescription. METHODS: The study was based on a
      12-month survey on reasons for encounter in the Danish out-of-hours primary care
      service. A total of 385 GPs (55.5% of all GPs from Central Denmark Region on duty
      during a year) participated in answering electronic pop-up questionnaires
      integrated in the electronic patient administration system. The questionnaires
      contained items on reasons for encounter (e.g. existing chronic disease or new
      health problem), diagnoses, and GP-assessed severity of the health problem. Data
      on time of contact, patient gender and age, and prescribed medication (Anatomic
      Therapeutic Chemical classifications) for telephone consultations were obtained
      from the patient administration system. Differences in characteristics of
      patients, general practitioners, and contacts were examined, and associations
      with prescribed medication were analysed using a multivariate analysis with
      prevalence ratios. RESULTS: Medication was prescribed in 19.9% of the included
      4,173 telephone consultations; antibiotics and analgesics were prescribed most
      frequently (10.8% and 2.5%, respectively). GPs tended to assess contacts
      resulting in antibiotic prescription as more severe than other contacts. For high
      severity contacts, there was a lower likelihood for prescription (prevalence
      ratio = 0.28 (0.16-0.47)). Children aged 0-4 years had lower probability of
      receiving a prescription compared with patients aged 18-40 years. The
      prescription rate was highest during the first four hours of the opening hours of
      the out-of-hours primary care service. CONCLUSION: One in five of all telephone
      consultations involved drug prescription; antibiotics constituted half of these
      prescriptions. Drug prescription by telephone was less likely to be offered in
      cases involving 'severe' reason for encounter or children. This study calls for
      further studies of drug prescriptions issued via out-of-hours primary care
      telephone consultations.

PMID- 25139206
TI  - Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and the risk of congenital
      cerebral palsy in children.
AB  - Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent pollutants and endocrine
      disruptors that may affect fetal brain development. We investigated whether
      prenatal exposure to PFASs increases the risk of congenital cerebral palsy (CP).
      The source population for this study includes 83,389 liveborn singletons and
      mothers enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort during 1996-2002. We
      identified 156 CP cases by linking the cohort to the Danish National Cerebral
      Palsy Register, and we randomly selected 550 controls using a case-cohort design.
      We measured 16 PFASs in maternal plasma collected in early or midpregnancy, and 6
      PFASs were quantifiable in more than 90% of the samples. We found a higher risk
      of CP in boys with higher maternal PFAS levels; per 1-unit (natural-log ng/mL)
      increase, the risk ratios were 1.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.0, 2.8) for
      perfluorooctane sulfonate and 2.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.2, 3.6) for
      perfluorooctanoic acid. We also observed a dose-response pattern of CP risk in
      boys per quartile of maternal level of perfluorooctane sulfonate and
      perfluorooctanoic acid (P for trend < 0.01). PFASs were associated with both
      unilateral and bilateral spastic CP subphenotypes. No association between PFASs
      and CP was found in girls. Prenatal exposures to PFASs may increase the risk of
      CP in boys, but the finding is novel and replication is needed.

PMID- 25139207
TI  - Ozone and daily mortality rate in 21 cities of East Asia: how does season modify
      the association?
AB  - Previous studies in East Asia have revealed that the short-term associations
      between tropospheric ozone and daily mortality rate were strongest in winter,
      which is opposite to the findings in North America and Western Europe. Therefore,
      we investigated the season-varying association between ozone and daily mortality
      rate in 21 cities of East Asia from 1979 to 2010. Time-series Poisson regression
      models were used to analyze the association between ozone and daily nonaccidental
      mortality rate in each city, testing for different temperature lags. The best
      fitting model was obtained after adjustment for temperature in the previous 2
      weeks. Bayesian hierarchical models were applied to pool the city-specific
      estimates. An interquartile-range increase of the moving average concentrations
      of same-day and previous-day ozone was associated with an increase of 1.44% (95%
      posterior interval (PI): 1.08%, 1.80%) in daily total mortality rate after
      adjustment for temperature in the previous 2 weeks. The corresponding increases
      were 0.62% (95% PI: 0.08%, 1.16%) in winter, 1.46% (95% PI: 0.89%, 2.03%) in
      spring, 1.60% (95% PI: 1.03%, 2.17%) in summer, and 1.12% (95% PI: 0.73%, 1.51%)
      in fall. We found significant associations between short-term exposure to ozone
      and higher mortality rate in East Asia that varied considerably from season to
      season with a significant trough in winter. 

PMID- 25139209
TI  - Smoking decreases structural and functional resilience in the subgingival
      ecosystem.
AB  - AIMS: Dysbiotic microbial communities underlie the aetiology of several oral
      diseases, especially in smokers. The ability of an ecosystem to rebound from the
      dysbiotic state and re-establish a health-compatible community, a characteristic
      known as resilience, plays an important role in susceptibility to future disease.
      The present investigation was undertaken to examine the effects of smoking on
      colonization dynamics and resilience in marginal and subgingival biofilms.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Marginal and subgingival plaque and gingival crevicular
      fluid samples were collected from 25 current and 25 never smokers with pre
      existing gingivitis at baseline, following resolution, after 1, 2 4, 7, 14 and 21
      days of undisturbed plaque formation and following resolution. 16S cloning and
      sequencing was used for bacterial identification and multiplexed bead-based flow
      cytometry was used to quantify the levels of 27 immune mediators. RESULTS:
      Smokers demonstrated an early pathogenic colonization that led to sustained
      pathogen enrichment with periodontal and respiratory pathogens, eliciting a
      florid immune response. Smokers also demonstrated greater abundance of pathogenic
      species, poor compositional correlation between marginal and subgingival
      ecosystems, and significantly greater pro-inflammatory responses following
      resolution of the second episode of disease. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of the
      subgingival microbiome to "reset" itself following episodes of disease is
      decreased in smokers, thereby lowering the resilience of the ecosystem and
      decreasing its resistance to future disease.

PMID- 25139210
TI  - Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystitis requiring
      percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage.
AB  - PURPOSE: Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has been performed
      for patients with gallbladder stones but without acute cholecystitis. We report
      our experience of performing SILC for patients with cholecystitis requiring
      percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD). METHODS: We performed
      SILC via an SILS-Port with additional 5-mm forceps through an umbilical incision
      in ten patients with cholecystitis requiring PTGBD. RESULTS: All procedures were
      completed successfully. The mean operative time was 124 min (range 78-169 min)
      and there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The mean
      postoperative hospital stay was 2.7 days. All patients were satisfied with the
      cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: Our procedure may represent an alternative to
      conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) for patients who fervently demand
      the cosmetic advantages, despite cholecystitis requiring PTGBD. SILC should be
      performed carefully to avoid bile duct injury because the only advantage of SILC
      over CLC is cosmetic.

PMID- 25139211
TI  - Current status of third-generation implantable left ventricular assist devices in
      Japan, Duraheart and HeartWare.
AB  - Recently, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become a viable
      therapeutic approach as a bridge to cardiac transplantation, as well as
      destination therapy or as part of the bridge to recovery. In Japan, paracorporeal
      pneumatic devices are the only choice for such therapy, as implantable LVADs are
      not yet generally available due to device lag, which represents a serious problem
      in this field. Clinical trials of four different continuous-flow pumps, both
      axial and centrifugal flow types, were completed at about the same time, and two
      of those devices, DuraHeart and EVAHEART, have already been approved for use in
      Japan. Thus, reports of advanced treatment for severe heart failure with these
      devices are expected. The DuraHeart (Terumo Heart, Ann Arbor, MI, USA) and
      another device named the HeartWare (HeartWare Inc, Miami Lakes, FL, USA) are so
      called third-generation devices, as they have achieved miniaturization and
      improvements in performance from the use of magnetic levitation. Based on our
      experiences from both clinical research and experimental use, we herein discuss
      the DuraHeart and HeartWare devices, with a focus on the clinical outcomes and
      management strategies. Because of the long waiting period for heart
      transplantation in Japan, these two devices are considered to have important
      roles in the near future for the treatment of severe heart failure, and a
      comprehensive strategy for LVAD therapy including such third-generation
      implantable devices is expected. 

PMID- 25139208
TI  - Effect of different human papillomavirus serological and DNA criteria on vaccine
      efficacy estimates.
AB  - Two trials of clinically approved human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, Females
      United to Unilaterally Reduce Endo/Ectocervical Disease (FUTURE I/II) and the
      Papilloma Trial Against Cancer in Young Adults (PATRICIA), reported a 22%
      difference in vaccine efficacy (VE) against cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
      grade 2 or worse in HPV-naive subcohorts; however, serological testing methods
      and the HPV DNA criteria used to define HPV-unexposed women differed between the
      studies. We applied previously described methods to simulate these HPV-naive
      subcohorts within the Costa Rica HPV16/18 Vaccine Trial and assessed how these
      criteria affect the estimation of VE. We applied 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) thresholds for HPV16 and HPV18 seropositivity (8 and 7 ELISA
      units/mL, respectively, for PATRICIA; 54 and 65 ELISA units/mL, respectively, for
      FUTURE I/II (to approximate the competitive Luminex immunoassay)) and 2 criteria
      for HPV DNA positivity (12 oncogenic HPV types, plus HPV66 and 68/73 for
      PATRICIA; or plus HPV6 and 11 for FUTURE I/II). VE was computed in the 2 naive
      subcohorts. Using the FUTURE I/II and PATRICIA criteria, VE estimates against
      cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse, regardless of HPV type, were
      69.0% (95% confidence interval: 40.3%, 84.9%) and 80.8% (95% confidence interval:
      52.6%, 93.5%), respectively (P = 0.1). Although the application of FUTURE I/II
      criteria to our cohort resulted in the inclusion of more sexually experienced
      women, methodological differences did not fully explain the VE differences.

PMID- 25139212
TI  - Appearance deceives: unusual pneumothorax: traumatic phrenic nerve paralysis.

PMID- 25139213
TI  - Cardiac involvement in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia.
AB  - Myocardial involvement has not been extensively investigated in mitochondrial
      myopathies. The aim of the study was to assess the myocardial morpho-functional
      changes in patients with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO).
      Twenty patients with PEO and 20 controls underwent standard echocardiography with
      tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and integrated backscatter (IBS) analyses. These
      techniques are capable of providing non-invasively the early, subtle structural
      and functional changes of the myocardium. TDI myocardial systolic (Sm) and early
      (Em) and late (Am) diastolic velocities of left ventricular walls were
      determined. The systo-diastolic variation of IBS was also determined. Patients
      with PEO exhibited lower Sm, lower Em, and higher Am, and a reduced Em/Am ratio
      than controls (p<0.001 for all) at interventricular septum and lateral wall
      levels. In PEO patients, septal and posterior wall cyclic variations of IBS were
      significantly lower than those in controls (p<0.001). Patients with PEO showed
      myocardial wall remodeling characterized by increased fibrosis and early left
      ventricular systo-diastolic function abnormalities. Although cardiac involvement
      in PEO is generally considered to be limited to the cardiac conduction system,
      left ventricular dysfunction may be present and should receive more attention in
      the management of these patients.

PMID- 25139214
TI  - Admission of hematopoietic cell transplantation patients to the intensive care
      unit at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Hospital.
AB  - Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can have
      complications that require management in the intensive care unit (ICU). We
      conducted a retrospective study of patients undergoing HCT between 2007 and 2011
      with admission to the ICU. We analyzed 97 patients, with an average age of 37
      (range, 15 to 68). The main indications for HCT were hematologic malignancies
      (84%, n = 82). Ninety percent (n = 87) received myeloablative conditioning.
      Thirty-one percent were admitted (autologous transplant recipients 15%,
      allogeneic transplant recipients 34%, and umbilical cord blood [UCB] transplant
      recipients 48%) with an average length of stay of 19 days (range, 1 to 73 days).
      The average time between transplantation and transfer was 15 days. The main
      causes of admission were acute respiratory failure (63%) and septic shock (20%).
      ICU mortality was 20% for autologous transplantations and 64% for allogeneic
      transplantations (adult donor and UCB combined). On average, patients died 108
      days after the transplantation (range, 4 to 320 days). One-year overall survival,
      comparing patients entering the ICU with those never admitted, was 16% versus 82%
      (P < .0001) for allogeneic transplantations (adult donor and UCB combined) and
      80% versus 89% (P = not significant) for autologous transplantations. Acute graft
      versus-host disease was significantly associated with death in ICU after UCB HCT.
      ICU support is satisfactory in about one half of patients admitted, characterized
      by a short and medium term prognosis not as unfavorable as has been previously
      reported.

PMID- 25139215
TI  - The outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for children with
      FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication-positive acute myelogenous
      leukemia.
AB  - FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) internal tandem duplication (ITD) is a somatic
      mutation associated with poor outcome when treated with chemotherapy alone. In
      children, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is recommended, but very
      limited data on outcome are reported. We determined the outcome of 29 children
      with FLT3/ITD-positive acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) who underwent allogeneic
      HSCT in 4 pediatric centers. Eleven patients (38%) received matched related donor
      hematopoietic stem cells and 18 (62%) received alternative donors. Eighteen
      patients (62%) received total body irradiation (TBI)-based regimens. No patients
      experienced transplantation-related mortality. Eleven patients (38%) experienced
      relapsed disease. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 2 years was 34.7% (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 20.4% to 54.9%). Two-year disease-free survival (DFS)
      and overall survival (OS) were 65.3% (95% CI, 45.1% to 79.6%) and 82.2% (95% CI,
      58.5% to 91.3%), respectively. There was no difference in the DFS of patients who
      received transplants from related donors versus the DFS of those who received
      transplants from alternative donors (hazard ratio [HR], 2.64; 95% CI, .79 to
      8.76; P = .10), using univariate analysis. Patients with higher FLT3/ITD ratio at
      diagnosis had significantly worse DFS (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.93; P = .03).
      The use of TBI in the preparative regimen was associated with superior DFS (HR,
      .29; 95% CI, .08 to .99; P = .04) and OS (HR, .07; 95% CI, .01 to .62; P = .002).
      We conclude that allogeneic HSCT improves DFS and OS in children with FLT3/ITD
      positive AML compared with what has been reported in those treated with
      chemotherapy alone.

PMID- 25139217
TI  - Cytomegalovirus infection in patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation in Portugal: a five-year retrospective review.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is 1 of the leading causes of morbidity and
      mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT),
      mainly within the first 100 days after transplantation. We aimed to characterize
      CMV infection in a cohort of 305 patients with different malignancies undergoing
      aHSCT at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto between January 2008 and
      December 2012. In total, 184 patients (60.3%) developed CMV infection, mainly
      viral reactivations rather than primary infections (96.2% versus 3.8%,
      respectively). The majority of patients (166 of 184) developed CMV infection
      <=100 days after transplantation, with median time to infection of 29 days
      (range, 0 to 1285) and median duration of infection of 10 days (range, 2 to 372).
      Multivariate analysis revealed that CMV infection was increased in donor (D)
      /recipient (R)+ and D+/R+ (odds ratio [OR], 10.5; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      4.35 to 25.4; P < .001) and in patients with mismatched or unrelated donors (OR,
      2.54; 95% CI, 1.34 to 4.80; P = .004). Cox regression model showed that the risk
      of death was significantly increased in patients >38 years old (OR, 1.89; 95% CI,
      1.14 to 3.12; P = .0137), who underwent transplantation with peripheral blood
      (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.33 to 6.86; P = .008), with mismatched or unrelated donor
      (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.48 to 3.13; P < .001), and who developed CMV infection (OR,
      1.76; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.90; P = .025). Moreover, patients who developed CMV
      infection had a significantly reduced median post-transplantation survival (16
      versus 36 months; P = .002). 

PMID- 25139218
TI  - Maternal serum PAPP-A as an early marker of obstetric complications?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether low first-trimester
      PAPP-A levels are associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was carried out using a Down's
      syndrome assays database over a 6-year period, between the 8th and 11th week of
      pregnancy. There were 164 women with PAPP-A multiples of median (MoM) levels <0.3
      and 1,640 women with PAPP-A MoM levels >=0.3 who served as a control group.
      Outcome measures were the prevalence of miscarriages, gestational hypertension,
      preeclampsia, pre-term delivery, gestational diabetes and intrauterine growth
      retardation in both groups. RESULTS: The two groups significantly differed only
      for miscarriages: 29 (17.7%) vs. 159 (9.7%), p = 0.04, OR 1.7; gestational
      hypertension: 15 (9.1%) vs. 74 (4.5%), p = 0.02, OR 2.1, and preeclampsia: 9
      (5.5%) vs. 29 (1.8%), p = 0.02, OR 2.5. DISCUSSION: Even if in this study the
      PAPP-A cutoff considered was lower and was assayed in an earlier period compared
      with other studies, the detection rate for adverse pregnancy outcomes did not
      improve.

PMID- 25139216
TI  - Safety and efficacy of targeted-dose busulfan and bortezomib as a conditioning
      regimen for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma undergoing a second
      autologous blood progenitor cell transplantation.
AB  - Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who relapse after autologous transplantation
      have limited therapeutic options. We conducted a prospective, multicenter, phase
      IIa study to investigate the safety and efficacy of i.v. busulfan (Bu) in
      combination with bortezomib as a conditioning regimen for a second
      autotransplantation. Because a safe Bu exposure was unknown in patients receiving
      this combination, Bu was initially targeted to a total area under the
      concentration-time curve (AUC) of 20,000 MUM * minute. As no concentration
      limiting toxicity was observed in 6 patients, this Bu exposure was utilized in
      the following treatment cohort (n = 24). Individualized Bu dose, based on test
      dose .8 mg/kg pharmacokinetics (PK), was administered daily for 4 consecutive
      days starting 5 days before transplantation, followed by a single dose of
      bortezomib (1.3 mg/m(2)) 1 day before transplantation. The total mean dose of
      i.v. Bu (including the test dose and 4-day administration) was 14.2 mg/kg
      (standard deviation = 2.48; range, 8.7 to 19.2). Confirmatory PK demonstrated
      that only 2 of 30 patients who underwent transplantation were dosed outside the
      Bu AUC target and dose adjustments were made for the last 2 doses of i.v. Bu. The
      median age was 59 years (range, 48 to 73). Median time from first to second
      transplantation was 28.0 months (range, 12 to 119). Of 26 evaluable patients, 10
      patients attained a partial response (PR) or better at 3 months after
      transplantation, with 2 patients attaining a complete response. At 6 months after
      transplantation, 5 of 12 evaluable patients had maintained or improved their
      disease status. Median progression-free survival was 191 days, whereas median
      overall survival was not reached during the study period. The most common grade 3
      and 4 toxicities were febrile neutropenia (50.0%) and stomatitis (43.3%). One
      transplantation-related death was observed. A combination of dose-targeted i.v.
      Bu and bortezomib induced PR or better in one third of patients with MM who
      underwent a second autotransplantation, with acceptable toxicity. 

PMID- 25139219
TI  - Anti-amyloidogenic property of human gastrokine 1.
AB  - Gastrokine 1 (GKN1) is a stomach-specific protein expressed in normal gastric
      tissue but absent in gastric cancer. GKN1 plays a major role in maintaining
      gastric mucosa integrity and is characterized by the presence of a BRICHOS domain
      consisting of about 100 amino acids also found in several unrelated proteins
      associated with major human diseases like BRI2, related to familial British and
      Danish dementia and surfactant protein C (SP-C), associated with respiratory
      distress syndrome. It was reported that recombinant BRICHOS domains from BRI2 and
      SP-C precursor (proSP-C) prevent fibrils formation of amyloid-beta peptide
      (Abeta), that is the major component of extracellular amyloid deposits in
      Alzheimer's disease. Here we investigated on the interaction between human
      recombinant GKN1 (rGKN1) and Abeta peptide (1-40) that derives from the partial
      hydrolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). GKN1 prevented amyloid
      aggregation and fibrils formation by inhibiting Abeta(1-40) polymerization, as
      evaluated by SDS-PAGE, thioflavin-T binding assay and gel filtration experiments.
      Mass spectrometry showed the formation of a prevailing 1:1 complex between GKN1
      and Abeta(1-40). SPR analysis of GKN1/Abeta interaction led to calculate a
      dissociation constant (KD) of 34 MUM. Besides its interaction with Abeta(1-40),
      GKN1 showed also to interact with APP as evaluated by confocal microscopy and Ni
      NTA pull-down. Data strongly suggest that GKN1 has anti-amyloidogenic properties
      thus functioning as a chaperone directed against unfolded segments and with the
      ability to recognize amyloidogenic polypeptides and prevent their aggregation. 

PMID- 25139220
TI  - Bacterial role in pine wilt disease development - review and future perspectives.
AB  - Mutualistic and beneficial relationships between nematodes and bacteria are
      highly present in nature, mostly occurring because of nutritional dependence and
      pathogen protection, and intrinsically related with the environment, the
      ecological conditions and the nematode life stages. Thirty-four years have passed
      since the first hypothesis suggesting a bacterial role in pine wilt disease
      (PWD), associated with the pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.
      In 1980, researchers reported that bacteria associated with the PWN could produce
      toxins that lead to PWD development in pine seedlings. It was also suggested a
      double vector system for PWD, where bacteria were vectored by the PWN and the PWN
      vectored by an insect from the Monochamus genus. Presently, the specific
      involvement of bacteria in such complex disease is still controversial, even
      though the increased number of studies focused on the potential bacteria role has
      increased considerably. This review is an up-to-date comprehensive perspective
      and brings new insights on the role of PWN-associated bacteria in PWD. 

PMID- 25139221
TI  - Residues of deoxynivalenol (DON) and its metabolite de-epoxy-DON in eggs, plasma
      and bile of laying hens of different genetic backgrounds.
AB  - In the present study, the potential for carry-over of deoxynivalenol (DON) into
      eggs and DON residues in plasma and bile of laying hens of different genetic
      backgrounds after long-term feeding trial was investigated. A total of 80, 23
      week-old laying hens were assigned to a feeding trial with two diets, a control
      diet and a Fusarium toxin-contaminated diet (FUS) (0.4 and 9.9 mg DON kg(-1),
      respectively). In the 60th week of hen's life, 10 eggs from each group were
      collected. In the 70th week of hen's life, all hens were slaughtered and samples
      of blood and bile were collected. The samples were analysed by liquid
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for DON and de-epoxy-DON. DON
      was only detected in samples of hens which fed the FUS diet while none of the
      samples analysed had detectable levels of de-epoxy-DON. In plasma and bile
      samples, DON levels ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 ng ml(-1) and from 1.8 to 4.1 ng ml(
      1), respectively. DON levels in egg yolk and albumen ranged between 0.0-0.46 ng
      g(-1) and 0.0-0.35 ng g(-1), respectively, corresponding to carry-over rates of
      DON into eggs from 0.0 to 0.000016. Moreover, no differences in DON levels or
      carry-over rates were noticed between the two tested breeds. These results show
      that very low levels of DON were transferred into eggs and indicate that although
      eggs could contribute to human exposure to DON, the levels are very low and
      insignificant.

PMID- 25139222
TI  - Effects of the volatile anesthetic sevoflurane on tonic GABA currents in the
      mouse striatum during postnatal development.
AB  - The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane, which is widely used in pediatric surgery,
      has proposed effects on GABAA receptor-mediated extrasynaptic tonic inhibition.
      In the developing striatum, medium-sized spiny projection neurons have tonic GABA
      currents, which function in the excitatory/inhibitory balance and maturation of
      striatal neural circuits. In this study, we examined the effects of sevoflurane
      on the tonic GABA currents of medium spiny neurons in developing striatal slices.
      Sevoflurane strongly increased GABAA receptor-mediated tonic conductance at
      postnatal days 3-35. The antagonist of the GABA transporter-1, 1-[2
      [[(diphenylmethylene)imino]oxy]ethyl]-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-3-pyridinecarboxylic
      acid hydrochloride further increased tonic GABA conductance during the
      application of sevoflurane, thereby increasing the total magnitude of tonic
      currents. Both GABA (5 MUM) and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridine-3-ol
      hydrochloride, the delta-subunit-containing GABAA receptor agonist, induced tonic
      GABA currents in medium spiny neurons but not in cholinergic neurons. However,
      sevoflurane additively potentiated the tonic GABA currents in both cells.
      Interestingly, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridine-3-ol hydrochloride
      sensitive neurons made a large current response to sevoflurane, indicating the
      contribution of the delta-subunit on sevoflurane-enhanced tonic GABA currents.
      Our findings suggest that sevoflurane can affect the tone of tonic GABA
      inhibition in a developing striatal neural network.

PMID- 25139223
TI  - A safety evaluation of aripiprazole for treating schizophrenia during pregnancy
      and puerperium.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Aripiprazole (ARI) is a second-generation antipsychotic acting as a
      dopamine-serotonin system stabilizer and partial agonist at D2 receptors. The
      drug is indicated in several and severe psychiatric disorders which are
      particularly frequent in women during the childbearing age. AREA COVERED: A
      systematic review of studies investigating the reproductive safety of ARI. EXPERT
      OPINION: For first trimester use, reviewed data provide no clear evidence about
      the safety of the drug for the developing fetus. However, a decline of plasma
      levels (PLs) throughout the pregnancy compared with PLs before pregnancy was
      observed. This finding suggests the need to increase the dosage during pregnancy
      in order to maintain stable PLs. If used during late pregnancy, some signals
      exist suggesting that ARI may worse neonatal outcomes. Hence, clinicians should
      consider withdrawing the drug before the last month of pregnancy to reduce the
      risks of neonatal complications. However, such risks must be weighed against the
      risks of woman's symptom deterioration. In any case, parturition should happen in
      hospitals equipped with well-organized neonatal intensive care units. No
      information is available on the impact of antenatal exposure to ARI on the main
      neurodevelopmental milestones. Infant exposure to the drug through maternal milk
      may increase the risk of insufficient milk production and neonatal somnolence.

PMID- 25139224
TI  - Diagnostic laparoscopy with 5-aminolevulinic-acid-mediated photodynamic diagnosis
      enhances the detection of peritoneal micrometastases in advanced gastric cancer.
AB  - OBJECTS: Recently, we reported that diagnostic laparoscopy with photodynamic
      diagnosis using oral 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA-PDD) is a promising tool for
      diagnosing early peritoneal metastases in gastric cancer. The present study
      evaluated the usefulness of adding ALA-PDD to conventional diagnostic laparoscopy
      and assessed the association of the ALA-PDD results with peritoneal fluid
      cytology and molecular diagnostic testing. METHODS: Diagnostic laparoscopy using
      sequential white light (WL) and ALA-PDD observations was performed in 52 advanced
      gastric cancer patients, and the sensitivity of ALA-PDD for detecting peritoneal
      disease was compared to WL. Peritoneal fluid samples from the same patients were
      also subjected to cytological examination and molecular diagnosis using a
      transcription-reverse transcription concerted reaction (TRC). RESULTS: Twenty
      four of the 52 patients (46%) had no macroscopic evidence of peritoneal
      metastases on WL examination; however, ALA-PDD detected dissemination in 5 of
      these 24 patients (21%) (pd-P). Cytological examination was negative in 4 of the
      5 pd-P patients, and molecular testing using TRC was negative in 3 of the 5 pd-P
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that diagnostic laparoscopy with
      ALA-PDD improved the sensitivity for the detection of peritoneal metastases. ALA
      PDD may be a useful technique for the preoperative staging of advanced gastric
      cancer and can complement examinations of peritoneal lavage fluids.

PMID- 25139225
TI  - Blue-colored tert-butylamine clathrate hydrate.
AB  - Clathrate hydrates preserve active species more stably than the other icy
      materials and investigation of the behavior of the active species elucidates the
      physicochemical properties of clathrate hydrates like guest-guest interaction.
      Color of the tert-butylamine clathrate hydrate changes to blue after gamma
      irradiation and is bleachable with visible light. The electron spin resonance
      (ESR) spectrum at 120 K mainly consists of a triplet signal of the C-centered
      radical NH2C(CH3)2CH2* together with a single signal at g = 2.0008. The latter
      signal disappears after light exposure. These results indicate that both the blue
      color and the single ESR signal are derived from trapped electrons in the
      hydrate. They thermally decay around 140-160 K by the first-order reaction, and
      the activation energy is 27 kJ/mol. Since tert-butylamine molecules can capture
      protons due to the high proton affinity, electrons may remain in the hydrate
      without reacting with protons, making the hydrate blue after gamma irradiation.
      The long-lived trapped electrons in the tert-butylamine hydrate have an advantage
      to investigate those in icy materials because tert-butylamine hydrate is nonionic
      and has a tetra-coordinated host water network like crystalline ice without any
      substitution for water molecules. 

PMID- 25139226
TI  - Periodontal dressing after surgical crown lengthening: a randomized clinical
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal
      dressing on post-operative pain and swelling after surgical crown lengthening.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A blind, randomized, clinical trial was carried out with
      36 patients. Following surgical crown lengthening, the individuals were randomly
      allocated to the periodontal dressing group (PDG) and control group (CG, non
      placement of periodontal dressing). Pain and discomfort were analyzed using a
      visual analog scale (VAS), verbal scale (VS) and the number of analgesics
      consumed in 7 days post-operatively. Post-operative infection, stability of the
      gingival margin and type of healing were also evaluated. RESULTS: The PDG had a
      significantly higher percentage of responses of 'strong pain' on the VS in the
      first day post-operatively (33.3% vs 5.3%, p = 0.03) and greater pain on the
      first and second days post-operatively based on the VAS. Moreover, a significant
      difference between groups was found regarding gingival swelling after 7 days.
      However, gingival recession was found in 57.8% of the sites in the CG and only
      5.5% of sites in the PDG. No change in condition was found among individuals with
      conjunctive tissue/bone exposure in the CG in the immediate post-operative period
      and 80% of the patients in the PDG had healing by first intention after 7 days.
      CONCLUSION: The use of periodontal dressing seems to be preferable following
      surgical crown lengthening with connective tissue/bone exposure. However,
      adequate post-operative analgesic strategies should be employed due to the
      possibility of intense pain in the first 24 hours.

PMID- 25139227
TI  - The therapeutic potential of a C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR-4)
      antagonist on hypertrophic scarring in vivo.
AB  - Effective prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars (HTSs), a dermal form of
      fibrosis that frequently occurs following thermal injury to deep dermis, are
      unsolved significant clinical problems. Previously, we have found that stromal
      cell-derived factor 1/CXCR4 signaling is up-regulated during wound healing in
      burn patients and HTS tissue after thermal injury. We hypothesize that blood
      borne mononuclear cells are recruited into wound sites after burn injury through
      the chemokine pathway of stromal cell-derived factor 1 and its receptor CXCR4.
      Deep dermal injuries to the skin are often accompanied by prolonged inflammation,
      which leads to chemotaxis of mononuclear cells into the wounds by chemokine
      signaling where fibroblast activation occurs and ultimately HTS are formed.
      Blocking mononuclear cell recruitment and fibroblast activation, CXCR4 antagonism
      is expected to reduce or minimize scar formation. In this study, the inhibitory
      effect of CXCR4 antagonist CTCE-9908 on dermal fibrosis was determined in vivo
      using a human HTS-like nude mouse model, in which split-thickness human skin is
      transplanted into full-thickness dorsal excisional wounds in athymic mice, where
      these wounds subsequently develop fibrotic scars that resemble human HTS as
      previously described. CTCE-9908 significantly attenuated scar formation and
      contraction, reduced the accumulation of macrophages and myofibroblasts, enhanced
      the remodeling of collagen fibers, and down-regulated the gene and protein
      expression of fibrotic growth factors in the human skin tissues. These findings
      support the potential therapeutic value of CXCR4 antagonist in dermal fibrosis
      and possibly other fibroproliferative disorders. 

PMID- 25139228
TI  - Investigation of age-related differences in an adapted Hayling task.
AB  - The Hayling task is traditionally used to assess activation and inhibitory
      processes efficiency among various populations, such as elderly adults. However,
      the classical design of the task may also involve the influence of strategy use
      and efficiency of sentence processing in the possible differences between
      individuals. Therefore, the present study investigated activation and inhibitory
      processes in aging with two formats of an adapted Hayling task designed to reduce
      the involvement of these alternative factors. Thirty young adults (M=20.7 years)
      and 31 older adults (M=69.6 years) performed an adapted Hayling task including a
      switching block (i.e., unblocked design) in addition to the classical task (i.e.,
      blocked design), and the selection of the response between two propositions. The
      results obtained with the classical blocked design showed age-related deficits in
      the suppression sections of the task but also in the initiation ones. These
      findings can be explained by a co-impairment of both inhibition and activation
      processes in aging. The results of the unblocked Hayling task, in which strategy
      use would be reduced, confirmed this age-related decline in both activation and
      inhibition processes. Moreover, significant correlations between the unblocked
      design and the Trail Making Test revealed that flexibility is equally involved in
      the completion of both sections of this design. Finally, the use of a forced
      response choice offers a format that is easy to administer to people with normal
      or pathological aging. This seems particularly relevant for these populations in
      whom the production of an unrelated word often poses problems. 

PMID- 25139229
TI  - Arabidopsis thaliana calmodulin-like protein CML24 regulates pollen tube growth
      by modulating the actin cytoskeleton and controlling the cytosolic Ca(2+)
      concentration.
AB  - Cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)]cyt), which is essential during pollen
      germination and pollen tube growth, can be sensed by calmodulin-like proteins
      (CMLs). The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes over 50 CMLs, the physiological
      role(s) of most of which are unknown. Here we show that the gene AtCML24 acts as
      a regulator of pollen germination and pollen tube extension, since the pollen
      produced by loss-of-function mutants germinated less rapidly than that of wild
      type (WT) plants, the rate of pollen tube extension was slower, and the final
      length of the pollen tube was shorter. The [Ca(2+)]cyt within germinated pollen
      and extending pollen tubes produced by the cml24 mutant were higher than their
      equivalents in WT plants, and pollen tube extension was less sensitive to changes
      in external [K(+)] and [Ca(2+)]. The pollen and pollen tubes produced by cml24
      mutants were characterized by a disorganized actin cytoskeleton and lowered
      sensitivity to the action of latrunculin B. The observations support an
      interaction between CML24 and [Ca(2+)]cyt and an involvement of CML24 in actin
      organization, thereby affecting pollen germination and pollen tube elongation.

PMID- 25139232
TI  - Genetics of osteoporosis.
AB  - Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by low bone mineral density
      (BMD) and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, which increases
      susceptibility to fractures. BMD is a complex quantitative trait with normal
      distribution and seems to be genetically controlled (in 50-90% of the cases),
      according to studies on twins and families. Over the last 20 years, candidate
      gene approach and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with low BMD, osteoporosis,
      and osteoporotic fractures. These SNPs have been mapped close to or within genes
      including those encoding nuclear receptors and WNT-beta-catenin signaling
      proteins. Understanding the genetics of osteoporosis will help identify novel
      candidates for diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

PMID- 25139230
TI  - Seed-specific increased expression of 2S albumin promoter of sesame qualifies it
      as a useful genetic tool for fatty acid metabolic engineering and related
      transgenic intervention in sesame and other oil seed crops.
AB  - The sesame 2S albumin (2Salb) promoter was evaluated for its capacity to express
      the reporter gusA gene encoding beta-glucuronidase in transgenic tobacco seeds
      relative to the soybean fad3C gene promoter element. Results revealed increased
      expression of gusA gene in tobacco seed tissue when driven by sesame 2S albumin
      promoter. Prediction based deletion analysis of both the promoter elements
      confirmed the necessary cis-acting regulatory elements as well as the minimal
      promoter element for optimal expression in each case. The results also revealed
      that cis-regulatory elements might have been responsible for high level
      expression as well as spatio-temporal regulation of the sesame 2S albumin
      promoter. Transgenic over-expression of a fatty acid desaturase (fad3C) gene of
      soybean driven by 2S albumin promoter resulted in seed-specific enhanced level of
      alpha-linolenic acid in sesame. The present study, for the first time helped to
      identify that the sesame 2S albumin promoter is a promising endogenous genetic
      element in genetic engineering approaches requiring spatio-temporal regulation of
      gene(s) of interest in sesame and can also be useful as a heterologous genetic
      element in other important oil seed crop plants in general for which seed oil is
      the harvested product. The study also established the feasibility of fatty acid
      metabolic engineering strategy undertaken to improve quality of edible seed oil
      in sesame using the 2S albumin promoter as regulatory element. 

PMID- 25139233
TI  - Screening of recombinant Escherichia coli using activation of green fluorescent
      protein as an indicator.
AB  - A novel cloning vector that can be used to identify recombinant Escherichia coli
      colonies by activation of the green fluorescent protein gene (GFP) was
      constructed. Screening using the vector does not require special reagents. The
      recombinant plasmid activates GFP, and the rate of false-positive results is low.

PMID- 25139231
TI  - The pineapple AcMADS1 promoter confers high level expression in tomato and
      Arabidopsis flowering and fruiting tissues, but AcMADS1 does not complement the
      tomato LeMADS-RIN (rin) mutant.
AB  - A previous EST study identified a MADS box transcription factor coding sequence,
      AcMADS1, that is strongly induced during non-climacteric pineapple fruit
      ripening. Phylogenetic analyses place the AcMADS1 protein in the same superclade
      as LeMADS-RIN, a master regulator of fruit ripening upstream of ethylene in
      climacteric tomato. LeMADS-RIN has been proposed to be a global ripening
      regulator shared among climacteric and non-climacteric species, although few
      functional homologs of LeMADS-RIN have been identified in non-climacteric
      species. AcMADS1 shares 67 % protein sequence similarity and a similar expression
      pattern in ripening fruits as LeMADS-RIN. However, in this study AcMADS1 was not
      able to complement the tomato rin mutant phenotype, indicating AcMADS1 may not be
      a functionally conserved homolog of LeMADS-RIN or has sufficiently diverged to be
      unable to act in the context of the tomato network of interacting proteins. The
      AcMADS1 promoter directed strong expression of the GUS reporter gene to fruits
      and developing floral organs in tomato and Arabidopsis thaliana, suggesting
      AcMADS1 may play a role in flower development as well as fruitlet ripening. The
      AcMADS1 promoter provides a useful molecular tool for directing transgene
      expression, particularly where up-regulation in developing flowers and fruits is
      desirable.

PMID- 25139234
TI  - Mammalian target of rapamycin is essential for cardiomyocyte survival and heart
      development in mice.
AB  - Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a critical regulator of protein
      synthesis, cell proliferation and energy metabolism. As constitutive knockout of
      Mtor leads to embryonic lethality, the in vivo function of mTOR in perinatal
      development and postnatal growth of heart is not well defined. In this study, we
      established a muscle-specific mTOR conditional knockout mouse model (mTOR-mKO) by
      crossing MCK-Cre and Mtor(flox/flox) mice. Although the mTOR-mKO mice survived
      embryonic and perinatal development, they exhibited severe postnatal growth
      retardation, cardiac muscle pathology and premature death. At the cellular level,
      the cardiac muscle of mTOR-mKO mice had fewer cardiomyocytes due to apoptosis and
      necrosis, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy. At the molecular level, the cardiac
      muscle of mTOR-mKO mice expressed lower levels of fatty acid oxidation and
      glycolysis related genes compared to the WT littermates. In addition, the mTOR
      mKO cardiac muscle had reduced Myh6 but elevated Myh7 expression, indicating
      cardiac muscle degeneration. Furthermore, deletion of Mtor dramatically decreased
      the phosphorylation of S6 and AKT, two key targets downstream of mTORC1 and
      mTORC2 mediating the normal function of mTOR. These results demonstrate that mTOR
      is essential for cardiomyocyte survival and cardiac muscle function. 

PMID- 25139235
TI  - WRNIP1 functions upstream of DNA polymerase eta in the UV-induced DNA damage
      response.
AB  - WRNIP1 (WRN-interacting protein 1) was first identified as a factor that
      interacts with WRN, the protein that is defective in Werner syndrome (WS). WRNIP1
      associates with DNA polymerase eta (Poleta), but the biological significance of
      this interaction remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the functional
      interaction between WRNIP1 and Poleta by generating knockouts of both genes in
      DT40 chicken cells. Disruption of WRNIP1 in Poleta-disrupted (POLH(-/-)) cells
      suppressed the phenotypes associated with the loss of Poleta: sensitivity to
      ultraviolet light (UV), delayed repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD),
      elevated frequency of mutation, elevated levels of UV-induced sister chromatid
      exchange (SCE), and reduced rate of fork progression after UV irradiation. These
      results suggest that WRNIP1 functions upstream of Poleta in the response to UV
      irradiation. 

PMID- 25139236
TI  - Cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 ubiquitinates endonuclease G but does
      not affect endonuclease G-mediated cell death.
AB  - Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) are evolutionarily well conserved and
      have been recognized as the key negative regulators of apoptosis. Recently, the
      role of IAPs as E3 ligases through the Ring domain was revealed. Using proteomic
      analysis to explore potential target proteins of DIAP1, we identified Drosophila
      Endonuclease G (dEndoG), which is known as an effector of caspase-independent
      cell death. In this study, we demonstrate that human EndoG interacts with IAPs,
      including human cellular Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein 1 (cIAP1). EndoG was
      ubiquitinated by IAPs in vitro and in human cell lines. Interestingly, cIAP1 was
      capable of ubiquitinating EndoG in the presence of wild-type and mutant
      Ubiquitin, in which all lysines except K63 were mutated to arginine. cIAP1
      expression did not change the half-life of EndoG and cIAP1 depletion did not
      alter its levels. Expression of dEndoG 54310, in which the mitochondrial
      localization sequence was deleted, led to cell death that could not be suppressed
      by DIAP1 in S2 cells. Moreover, EndoG-mediated cell death induced by oxidative
      stress in HeLa cells was not affected by cIAP1. Therefore, these results indicate
      that IAPs interact and ubiquitinate EndoG via K63-mediated isopeptide linkages
      without affecting EndoG levels and EndoG-mediated cell death, suggesting that
      EndoG ubiquitination by IAPs may serve as a regulatory signal independent of
      proteasomal degradation. 

PMID- 25139237
TI  - Distribution and baseline values of trace elements in the sediment of Var River
      catchment, Southeast France.
AB  - This study reports on the determination of trace element (TE)-Li, As, Co, Cs, Cu,
      Pb, U, and Zn-and major element (ME)-Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Mn, Na, and K
      concentrations in 18 riverbed sediments and a sediment core from the Var River
      catchment using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The
      results were compared with those of a reference sediment core, and the
      contribution of clay and organic carbon contents in the distribution of TE and ME
      in the sediment samples was investigated. The mean concentrations of the ME were
      comparable in both core and riverbed samples and were within the natural
      averages. In the case of TE, the concentrations were lower in riverbed sediment
      samples than those found in the sediment core. High mean concentration of As was
      observed (7.6 MUg g(-1)) in both core and riverbed sediments, relatively higher
      than the worldwide reported values. The obtained data indicated that the natural
      high level of arsenic might be originated from the parent rocks, especially
      metamorphic rocks surrounding granites and from Permian sediments. Statistical
      approach, viz., Pearson correlation matrix, was applied to better understand the
      correlation among TE in both riverbed and sediment core samples. No significant
      metallic contamination was detected in the low Var valley despite of the
      localization of several industrial facilities. Therefore, results confirm that
      the concentrations of the TE obtained in the riverbed sediments could be
      considered as a baseline guide for future pollution monitoring program. 

PMID- 25139238
TI  - Soil response to a 3-year increase in temperature and nitrogen deposition
      measured in a mature boreal forest using ion-exchange membranes.
AB  - The projected increase in atmospheric N deposition and air/soil temperature will
      likely affect soil nutrient dynamics in boreal ecosystems. The potential effects
      of these changes on soil ion fluxes were studied in a mature balsam fir stand
      (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill) in Quebec, Canada that was subjected to 3 years of
      experimentally increased soil temperature (+4  degrees C) and increased inorganic
      N concentration in artificial precipitation (three times the current N
      concentrations using NH4NO3). Soil element fluxes (NO3, NH4, PO4, K, Ca, Mg, SO4,
      Al, and Fe) in the organic and upper mineral horizons were monitored using buried
      ion-exchange membranes (PRSTM probes). While N additions did not affect soil
      element fluxes, 3 years of soil warming increased the cumulative fluxes of K, Mg,
      and SO4 in the forest floor by 43, 44, and 79 %, respectively, and Mg, SO4, and
      Al in the mineral horizon by 29, 66, and 23 %, respectively. We attribute these
      changes to increased rates of soil organic matter decomposition. Significant
      interactions of the heating treatment with time were observed for most elements
      although no clear seasonal patterns emerged. The increase in soil K and Mg in
      heated plots resulted in a significant but small K increase in balsam fir foliage
      while no change was observed for Mg. A 6-15 % decrease in foliar Ca content with
      soil warming could be related to the increase in soil-available Al in heated
      plots, as Al can interfere with the root uptake of Ca. 

PMID- 25139240
TI  - Applications of time-domain spectroscopy to electron-phonon coupling dynamics at
      surfaces.
AB  - Photochemistry is one of the most important branches in chemistry to promote and
      control chemical reactions. In particular, there has been growing interest in
      photoinduced processes at solid surfaces and interfaces with liquids such as
      water for developing efficient solar energy conversion. For example, photoinduced
      charge transfer between adsorbates and semiconductor substrates at the surfaces
      of metal oxides induced by photogenerated holes and electrons is a core process
      in photovoltaics and photocatalysis. In these photoinduced processes, electron
      phonon coupling plays a central role. This paper describes how time-domain
      spectroscopy is applied to elucidate electron-phonon coupling dynamics at metal
      and semiconductor surfaces. Because nuclear dynamics induced by electronic
      excitation through electron-phonon coupling take place in the femtosecond time
      domain, the pump-and-probe method with ultrashort pulses used in time-domain
      spectroscopy is a natural choice for elucidating the electron-phonon coupling at
      metal and semiconductor surfaces. Starting with a phenomenological theory of
      coherent phonons generated by impulsive electronic excitation, this paper
      describes a couple of illustrative examples of the applications of linear and
      nonlinear time-domain spectroscopy to a simple adsorption system, alkali metal on
      Cu(111), and more complex photocatalyst systems. 

PMID- 25139239
TI  - Identifying fecal pollution sources using 3M(TM) Petrifilm (TM) count plates and
      antibiotic resistance analysis in the Horse Creek Watershed in Aiken County, SC
      (USA).
AB  - Sources of fecal coliform pollution in a small South Carolina (USA) watershed
      were identified using inexpensive methods and commonly available equipment.
      Samples from the upper reaches of the watershed were analyzed with 3M(TM)
      Petrifilm(TM) count plates. We were able to narrow down the study's focus to one
      particular tributary, Sand River, that was the major contributor of the coliform
      pollution (both fecal and total) to a downstream reservoir that is heavily used
      for recreation purposes. Concentrations of total coliforms ranged from 2,400 to
      120,333 cfu/100 mL, with sharp increases in coliform counts observed in samples
      taken after rain events. Positive correlations between turbidity and fecal
      coliform counts suggested a relationship between fecal pollution and stormwater
      runoff. Antibiotic resistance analysis (ARA) compared antibiotic resistance
      profiles of fecal coliform isolates from the stream to those of a watershed
      specific fecal source library (equine, waterfowl, canines, and untreated sewage).
      Known fecal source isolates and unknown isolates from the stream were exposed to
      six antibiotics at three concentrations each. Discriminant analysis grouped known
      isolates with an overall average rate of correct classification (ARCC) of 84.3 %.
      A total of 401 isolates from the first stream location were classified as equine
      (45.9 %), sewage (39.4 %), waterfowl (6.2 %), and feline (8.5 %). A similar
      pattern was observed at the second sampling location, with 42.6 % equine, 45.2 %
      sewage, 2.8 % waterfowl, 0.6 % canine, and 8.8 % feline. While there were slight
      weather-dependent differences, the vast majority of the coliform pollution in
      this stream appeared to be from two sources, equine and sewage. This information
      will contribute to better land use decisions and further justify implementation
      of low-impact development practices within this urban watershed. 

PMID- 25139241
TI  - Patient-reported outcomes in long-term survivors of metastatic colorectal cancer
      needing liver resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Five-year survival after hepatic resection for colorectal cancer
      (CRC) liver metastases is good, but data on patient-reported outcomes are
      lacking. This study describes the long-term impact of liver surgery for CRC
      metastases on patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: The study used the European
      Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life
      Questionnaire (QLQ) C30 and the disease-specific module, EORTC QLQ-LMC21. For
      functional scales, mean scores out of 100 with 95 per cent c.i. were calculated;
      differences of 10 points or more were considered clinically significant.
      Responses to symptom scales and items were categorized as 'minimal' or 'severe'.
      Proportions and 95 per cent c.i. for symptoms were calculated. RESULTS: A total
      of 241 patients were recruited; nine (3.7 per cent) had unresectable disease and
      were excluded. Some 68 (42 men) of 80 long-term survivors participated; their
      mean age was 69.5 years and median follow-up was 8.0 (range 6.9-9.2) years.
      Values for baseline and 1-year patient-reported outcome data were similar. Scores
      for functional scales were excellent (emotional function: 92, 95 per cent c.i. 87
      to 96; social function: 94, 89 to 99; role function: 94, 90 to 98), reflecting
      clinically significant improvements from baseline values of 17 (10 to 24), 12 (3
      to 21) and 12 (3 to 20) respectively. Severe symptoms were uncommon (affected
      less than 5 per cent of patients) for most patient-reported outcome scales or
      items, but persistent severe symptoms were noted for sexual function (2 per cent
      increase from baseline), peripheral neuropathy (2 per cent increase),
      constipation (10 per cent increase) and diarrhoea (5 per cent increase).
      CONCLUSION: Long-term survivors of metastatic colorectal cancer who have
      undergone liver surgery have excellent global quality of life, high levels of
      function and few symptoms.

PMID- 25139242
TI  - Changeable naevi in people at high risk for melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Naevi may change in size, shape and colour due to
      multiple inherent and external factors. We observed naevi changing size in adults
      at high risk of melanoma, and assessed associations of change with demographic
      factors, skin type, sites of naevi and history of melanoma. METHODS: In total, 29
      participants with a personal or first-degree family history of melanoma or those
      deemed at high risk with multiple naevi of variable morphologies had all
      melanocytic naevi 0.5-1 cm imaged and their maximum diameter recorded. Maximum
      diameters from repeat imaging of naevi 12 months later were compared to baseline
      measurements. Newly appearing naevi >=5 mm and naevi that grew or decreased in
      size by 20% or more were defined as changeable naevi. Associations between
      changeable naevi and participants' age, sex, skin type, body sites of naevi and
      personal and family history of melanoma were assessed. RESULTS: There was no
      difference in changeable naevus rates among sex, age or skin type. Among the body
      sites, the head and neck were most likely to have changeable naevi, and the upper
      limbs the least likely. A family history of melanoma almost tripled the
      likelihood of having changeable naevi compared with those without both personal
      and family melanoma history. CONCLUSIONS: Naevi can continue to change in size
      throughout adulthood, showing both increases and decreases in size as well as the
      appearance of new naevi. This has important clinical implications, in particular
      for sequential body imaging used for the detection of melanoma.

PMID- 25139243
TI  - The functional coupling of the deep abdominal and paraspinal muscles: the effects
      of simulated paraspinal muscle contraction on force transfer to the middle and
      posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia.
AB  - The thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) consists of aponeurotic and fascial layers that
      interweave the paraspinal and abdominal muscles into a complex matrix stabilizing
      the lumbosacral spine. To better understand low back pain, it is essential to
      appreciate how these muscles cooperate to influence lumbopelvic stability. This
      study tested the following hypotheses: (i) pressure within the TLF's paraspinal
      muscular compartment (PMC) alters load transfer between the TLF's posterior and
      middle layers (PLF and MLF); and (ii) with increased tension of the common tendon
      of the transversus abdominis (CTrA) and internal oblique muscles and incremental
      PMC pressure, fascial tension is primarily transferred to the PLF. In cadaveric
      axial sections, paraspinal muscles were replaced with inflatable tubes to
      simulate paraspinal muscle contraction. At each inflation increment, tension was
      created in the CTrA to simulate contraction of the deep abdominal muscles.
      Fluoroscopic images and load cells captured changes in the size, shape and
      tension of the PMC due to inflation, with and without tension to the CTrA. In the
      absence of PMC pressure, increasing tension on the CTrA resulted in anterior and
      lateral movement of the PMC. PMC inflation in the absence of tension to the CTrA
      resulted in a small increase in the PMC perimeter and a larger posterior
      displacement. Combining PMC inflation and tension to the CTrA resulted in an
      incremental increase in PLF tension without significantly altering tension in the
      MLF. Paraspinal muscle contraction leads to posterior displacement of the PLF.
      When expansion is combined with abdominal muscle contraction, the CTrA and
      internal oblique transfers tension almost exclusively to the PLF, thereby
      girdling the paraspinal muscles. The lateral border of the PMC is restrained from
      displacement to maintain integrity. Posterior movement of the PMC represents an
      increase of the PLF extension moment arm. Dysfunctional paraspinal muscles would
      reduce the posterior displacement of the PLF and increase the compliance of the
      lateral border. The resulting change in PMC geometry could diminish any effects
      of increased tension of the CTrA. This study reveals a co-dependent mechanism
      involving balanced tension between deep abdominal and lumbar spinal muscles,
      which are linked through the aponeurotic components of the TLF. This implies the
      existence of a point of equal tension between the paraspinal muscles and the
      transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles, acting through the CTrA.

PMID- 25139244
TI  - Susceptibility of Escherichia coli to the toxic L-proline analogue L
      selenaproline is dependent on two L-cystine transport systems.
AB  - AIMS: L-Selenaproline (L-selenazolidine-4-carboxylic acid) is a toxic analogue of
      L-proline that inhibits the growth of the urinary tract pathogen Escherichia coli
      in both laboratory culture media and normal human urine. The aim of this study
      was to identify the transport systems involved in its uptake. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Deletion mutants from the Keio collection were tested for their
      susceptibility to L-selenaproline (SCA) and L-selenocystine (SeCys) on minimal
      salts agar medium. All single-gene mutants were sensitive to both compounds, but
      double mutants with deletions in fliY and ydjN or in yecS and ydjN were resistant
      to SCA and SeCys. The YdjN transporter active in strain JW1905 (DeltafliY::kan
      yecC(+) yecS(+) ydjN(+)) was inhibited by both SCA and SeCys, but the FliY YecS
      YecC ABC transporter system active in strain JW1718 (fliY(+) yecC(+) yecS(+)
      DeltaydjN::kan) was best inhibited by these compounds in the presence of
      dithiothreitol. CONCLUSIONS: L-selenaproline and L-selenocystine are accumulated
      by both the FliY YecC YecS and the YdjN L-cystine transporter systems in E. coli.
      SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Because susceptibility to selenium
      containing analogues of L-proline and L-cystine is dependent on multiple
      transport systems, these compounds may be effective in the treatment of urinary
      tract infections.

PMID- 25139245
TI  - Pressure mat analysis of naturally occurring lameness in young pigs after
      weaning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lameness is a common problem in modern swine husbandry. It causes
      welfare problems in affected pigs as well as financial problems for farmers. To
      minimize these negative consequences of lameness, new treatment and prevention
      strategies need to be developed and validated using objective and quantitative
      measurement techniques. An example of such a putative diagnostic tool is the use
      of a pressure mat. Pressure mats are able to provide both objective loading
      (kinetic) as well as objective movement (kinematic) information on pig
      locomotion.In this study, pressure mat analysis was used to assess compensatory
      force redistribution in lame pigs; in particular a predefined set of four
      pressure mat parameters was evaluated for its use to objectively distinguish
      clinically lame from sound pigs. Kinetic data from 10 clinically lame and 10
      healthy weaned piglets were collected. These data were analyzed to answer three
      research questions. Firstly the pattern of compensatory weight distribution in
      lame animals was studied using the asymmetry indices (ASI) for several
      combinations of limbs. Secondly, the correlation between total left-right
      asymmetry index and visual scores of lameness was assessed. Thirdly, by using
      receiver-operated curve (ROC) analysis, optimal cutoff values for these ASIs were
      then calculated to objectively detect lame pigs. RESULTS: Lame animals generally
      showed a shift in loading towards their diagonal and contralateral limbs,
      resulting in a clear left-right asymmetry. The degree of lameness as graded by
      visual scoring correlated well with the total left-right ASIs. Lame pigs could be
      objectively distinguished from sound pigs based on clear cutoff points calculated
      by ROC analysis for the complete set of four evaluated parameters. CONCLUSIONS:
      The gait of lame pigs is asymmetric, due to the unloading of the affected limb
      and concomitant weight redistribution towards other limbs. This asymmetry
      objectively expressed as total left-right asymmetry, correlates well with the
      subjective visual lameness scoring and can be used to objectively distinguish
      lame from sound pigs. Pressure mat gait analysis of pigs, therefore, appears to
      be a promising and useful tool to objectively quantify and possibly early detect
      lameness in pigs.

PMID- 25139246
TI  - Retrograde closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect using muscular
      ventricular septal occluder: a single-center experience of a novel technique.
AB  - We herein report the advantages of retrograde ventricular septal defect (VSD)
      closure using a muscular VSD device for perimembranous VSDs. Perimembranous VSDs
      are conventionally closed by an antegrade technique (arteriovenous looping
      technique) using a patent ductus arteriosus or asymmetric perimembranous VSD
      device. However, we used a symmetrical muscular VSD device in all cases described
      in this report. Use of the antegrade technique for the first few patients with
      VSD resulted in prolonged procedural and fluoroscopic times and frequent slippage
      of the device into the right ventricle. Subsequent use of the retrograde
      technique shortened the procedural time and allowed for easier closure of the
      perimembranous VSD. We performed retrograde closure of perimembranous VSDs using
      a symmetrical muscular VSD device in 130 patients. We obtained a high rate of
      successful deployment (88.5%) and a low rate of complications (6.0%). We also
      achieved shorter procedural and fluoroscopic times than those associated with the
      antegrade technique.

PMID- 25139250
TI  - Has the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental illnesses (fifth edition)
      jumped the shark and is it now time for Australia to reconsider reliance on it?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to consider whether, in light of the
      significant controversy surrounding the Diagnostic and statistical manual of
      mental illnesses (fifth edition) (DSM-5), it may be time for Australia to
      reconsider the influence of, and its past reliance on, the DSM. Also considered
      is whether it is now time, with the imminent publication of the The international
      statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (eleventh
      edition) (ICD-11), to move to the ICD-11 as the primary instrument for diagnosis
      and research in Australia. CONCLUSION: That DSM-5 begins its life in an
      unprecedented plethora of criticism, not only from lay people but also from
      mental health professionals, which should sound a note of caution for continued
      reliance on it in Australia.

PMID- 25139249
TI  - Oxidant-free dehydrogenative coupling reactions via hydrogen evolution.
AB  - Oxidant-free dehydrogenative coupling reactions: Recently, coupling reactions
      have followed a novel strategy for the construction of C==C, C==N, C==P, and S==S
      bonds by dehydrogenation without using any extra oxidant, via H2 evolution. These
      breakthroughs inspire a new direction in the construction of chemical bonds,
      towards more sustainable, highly atom-economical, and environmentally benign
      synthetic methods.

PMID- 25139252
TI  - Investigation into the structural composition of hydroalcoholic solutions as
      basis for the development of multiple suppression pulse sequences for NMR
      measurement of alcoholic beverages.
AB  - An eight-fold suppression pulse sequence was recently developed to improve
      sensitivity in (1) H NMR measurements of alcoholic beverages [Magn. Res. Chem.
      2011 (49): 734-739]. To ensure that only one combined hydroxyl peak from water
      and ethanol appears in the spectrum, adjustment to a certain range of ethanol
      concentrations was required. To explain this observation, the structure of water
      ethanol solutions was studied. Hydroalcoholic solutions showed extreme behavior
      at 25% vol, 46% vol, and 83% vol ethanol according to (1) H NMR experiments. Near
      infrared spectroscopy confirmed the occurrence of four significant compounds
      ('individual' ethanol and water structures as well as two water-ethanol complexes
      of defined composition - 1 : 1 and 1 : 3). The successful multiple suppression
      can be achieved for every kind of alcoholic beverage with different alcoholic
      strengths, when the final ethanol concentration is adjusted to a range between
      25% vol and 46% vol (e.g. using dilution or pure ethanol addition). In this
      optimum region, an individual ethanol peak was not detected, because the
      'individual' water structure and the 1 : 1 ethanol-water complex predominate. The
      nature of molecular association in ethanol-water solutions is essential to
      elucidate NMR method development for measurement of alcoholic beverages. The
      presented approach can be used to optimize other NMR suppression protocols for
      binary water-organic solvent mixtures, where hydrogen bonding plays a dominant
      role.

PMID- 25139251
TI  - Continuous regional anaesthesia provides effective pain management and reduces
      opioid requirement following major lower limb amputation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Postoperative stump pain after major lower limb amputation is a
      significant impediment to the recovery of amputees. The vast majority of patients
      require opioid analgesics following surgery, which are associated with opioid
      related side-effects. Here, we investigate whether intraoperative placement of a
      peripheral nerve stump catheter followed by continuous infusion of local
      anesthetic is as effective at pain control as current analgesic practices. If
      beneficial, this procedure could potentially reduce post-amputation opioid
      consumption and opioid-related adverse effects. METHODS: A retrospective chart
      review was conducted of 198 patients over a 4-year period who had undergone a
      major lower limb amputation for indications related to peripheral vascular
      disease. Postoperatively, 102 patients received a perineural catheter were
      compared to 96 patients who did not. The primary outcomes of this study were the
      amount of morphine equivalents used in the first 72 hours postoperatively and
      postoperative pain intensity in the first 24 hours. RESULTS: A total of 198 lower
      limb amputations were selected for analyses. Multiple regression analyses
      indicated that perineural catheter use was associated with a lower cumulative
      postoperative opioid consumption over the first 72 hours but not postoperative
      pain scores at 24 hours. Perineural catheter use led to a 40% reduction in opioid
      use during the first 72 hours postoperatively. Mixed model repeated measures
      analysis demonstrated that this opioid reduction was consistent over time. Other
      variables related to total opioid use included age, pre-surgical chronic pain,
      pre-surgical opioid use, patient-controlled analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous
      perineural infusions of local anesthetic are a safe and effective method for
      reducing post-amputation opioid analgesic medications after major lower limp
      amputation.

PMID- 25139247
TI  - Williams-Beuren syndrome: computed tomography imaging review.
AB  - Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) affects young infants and children. The underlying
      etiopathogenesis of this rare disease is due to the mutation of the elastin gene
      that is responsible for the elasticity of the arterial wall. As a result of
      inadequate elastin production, the major systemic arteries become abnormally
      rigid and can be manifested by an impediment to the blood flow. The most common
      cardiovascular abnormalities encountered in WBS are supravalvular aortic
      stenosis, pulmonary arterial stenosis, and mitral valve prolapse. Less frequently
      observed cardiovascular abnormalities include coarctation of the aorta,
      ventricular septal defect, patent ductus, subaortic stenosis, and hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy. Coronary artery stenosis and severe impediment to the bi
      ventricular outflow as a result of supravalvular aortic and pulmonary artery
      stenosis predispose patients to sudden death. Patients with progressed arterial
      stenosis and severe stenosis are likely to require intervention to prevent
      serious complications. Rarely, imaging findings may precede clinical
      presentation, which allows the radiologist to participate in the patient care.
      However, to be more prudent, the radiologist must be accustomed to the imaging
      characteristics of WBS as well as the patient's clinical information, which could
      raise the suspicion of WBS. We performed a retrospective analysis of all the
      available images from patients diagnosed with WBS in last 4 years at our
      institution, and present key imaging findings along with a review of the
      literature to summarize the clinically relevant features as demonstrated by
      multidetector computed tomography in WBS. Cross-sectional imaging plays a vital
      role in the diagnosis of WBS cases with equivocal clinical features. MDCT
      evaluation of complex cardiovascular abnormalities of WBS including coronary
      artery disease is feasible with modern MDCT scanners and in the future, this
      approach could provide accurate information for planning, navigation, and
      noninvasive assessment of the secondary arterial changes in WBS and thus reducing
      the dependence upon invasive contrast catherization techniques.

PMID- 25139253
TI  - Symptomatic hypercalcemia in a rabies survivor underwent hemodialysis.
AB  - Adrenal insufficiency is an uncommon and easily ignored cause among most
      etiologies of hypercalcemia because not all cases of adrenal insufficiency
      presented with hypercalcemia. In most cases of adrenal insufficiency, viral
      encephalitis-related panhypopituitarism is a rare complication that is
      sporadically encountered in previous studies. However, this complication has
      never been reported in rabies encephalitis because of the extremely high rate of
      mortality. Rapid recovery from hypercalcemia state after glucocorticoid
      supplement is a direct hint of adrenal insufficiency related hypercalcemia. 

PMID- 25139254
TI  - Identification of an MLL4-GPS2 fusion as an oncogenic driver of undifferentiated
      spindle cell sarcoma in a child.
AB  - Undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma (UDS) is a poorly defined or understood
      entity, essentially a waste-basket for cases failing to fulfill criteria for
      better-established diagnoses based on combined histology, immunohistochemistry,
      and tumor genetic assays. We identified a novel chromosomal translocation
      t(17;19)(p13;q13) in a pediatric UDS and have characterized this alteration to
      show rearrangement of the MLL4 and GPS2 genes, resulting in an in-frame fusion
      gene MLL4-GPS2, the expression of which promotes anchorage-independent growth.
      MLL4 was previously reported to be similarly rearranged in hepatocellular
      carcinomas, notably those positive for hepatitis B virus. Isolated reports of
      individual rearrangements of GPS2 in a prostate carcinoma cell line and in
      glioblastoma multiforme, each with different partner genes, recently emerged from
      high-throughput sequencing studies but have not been further evaluated for
      biological effect.

PMID- 25139255
TI  - Dismal outcome of acute myeloid leukemia secondary to myelodysplastic syndrome
      and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia after azacitidine failure in a daily-life
      setting.

PMID- 25139256
TI  - Systematic reviews addressing identified health policy priorities in Eastern
      Mediterranean countries: a situational analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews can offer policymakers and stakeholders concise,
      transparent, and relevant evidence pertaining to pressing policy priorities to
      help inform the decision-making process. The production and the use of systematic
      reviews are specifically limited in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The extent
      to which published systematic reviews address policy priorities in the region is
      still unknown. This situational analysis exercise aims at assessing the extent to
      which published systematic reviews address policy priorities identified by
      policymakers and stakeholders in Eastern Mediterranean region countries. It also
      provides an overview about the state of systematic review production in the
      region and identifies knowledge gaps. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search
      of the Health System Evidence database to identify published systematic reviews
      on policy-relevant priorities pertaining to the following themes: human resources
      for health, health financing, the role of the non-state sector, and access to
      medicine. Priorities were identified from two priority-setting exercises
      conducted in the region. We described the distribution of these systematic
      reviews across themes, sub-themes, authors' affiliations, and countries where
      included primary studies were conducted. RESULTS: Out of the 1,045 systematic
      reviews identified in Health System Evidence on selected themes, a total of 200
      systematic reviews (19.1%) addressed the priorities from the Eastern
      Mediterranean region. The theme with the largest number of systematic reviews
      included was human resources for health (115) followed by health financing (33),
      access to medicine (27), and role of the non-state sector (25). Authors based in
      the region produced only three systematic reviews addressing regional priorities
      (1.5%). Furthermore, no systematic review focused on the Eastern Mediterranean
      region. Primary studies from the region had limited contribution to systematic
      reviews; 17 systematic reviews (8.5%) included primary studies conducted in the
      region. CONCLUSIONS: There are still gaps in the production of systematic reviews
      addressing policymakers' and stakeholders' priorities in the Eastern
      Mediterranean region. Efforts should be directed towards better aligning
      systematic review production with policy needs and priorities. Study findings can
      inform the agendas of researchers, research institutions, and international
      funding agencies of priority areas where systematic reviews are required.

PMID- 25139257
TI  - The efficacy of an intervention for the management of postpartum fatigue.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a psychoeducational intervention, Wide Awake
      Parenting (WAP), to decrease symptoms of postnatal fatigue. DESIGN: A randomized
      controlled trial. SETTING: Local government areas within the Australian state of
      Victoria. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and two mothers were randomly allocated to
      either the professionally-led telephone support intervention (n = 63), self
      directed written intervention (n = 67), or waitlist control (n = 72). METHODS:
      The professionally-led group received a workbook, home visit, and three telephone
      support calls. The self-directed written group received the workbook only, and
      the control group received usual health care services. Primary outcomes were
      symptoms of fatigue, depression, anxiety and stress, and health care beliefs and
      behaviors. Mothers were followed up at 2- and 6-weeks postintervention. RESULTS:
      Mothers in the professionally-led group reported fewer symptoms of fatigue than
      mothers in the control condition at 6 weeks postintervention. Mothers in either
      intervention had more positive attitudes toward their health- and self-care
      behaviors at postintervention and follow-up. Mothers in the professionally-led
      intervention reported fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress than
      mothers in the other conditions at postintervention. CONCLUSION: Wide Awake
      Parenting is effective in promoting mothers' self-efficacy to prioritize, plan
      for, and engage in health and self-care behaviors to promote mental health and
      manage fatigue. Implications and future opportunities for WAP are discussed.

PMID- 25139258
TI  - PARP inhibitor olaparib increases the oncolytic activity of dl922-947 in in vitro
      and in vivo model of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - PARP inhibitors are mostly effective as anticancer drugs in association with DNA
      damaging agents. We have previously shown that the oncolytic adenovirus dl922-947
      induces extensive DNA damage, therefore we hypothesized a synergistic antitumoral
      effect of the PARP inhibitor olaparib in association with dl922-947. Anaplastic
      thyroid carcinoma was chosen as model since it is a particularly aggressive tumor
      and, because of its localized growth, it is suitable for intratumoral treatment
      with oncolytic viruses. Here, we show that dl922-947 infection induces PARP
      activation, and we confirm in vitro and in vivo that PARP inhibition increases
      dl922-947 replication and oncolytic activity. In vitro, the combination with
      olaparib exacerbates the appearance of cell death markers, such as Annexin V
      positivity, caspase 3 cleavage, cytochrome C release and propidium iodide
      permeability. In vivo, we also observed a better viral distribution upon PARP
      inhibition. Changes in CD31 levels suggest a direct effect of olaparib on tumor
      vascularization and on the viral distribution within the tumor mass. The
      observation that PARP inhibition enhances the effects of dl922-947 is highly
      promising not only for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma but, in
      general, for the treatment of other tumors that could benefit from the use of
      oncolytic viruses.

PMID- 25139261
TI  - Surface plasmon enhancement of broadband photoluminescence emission from graphene
      oxide.
AB  - The photoluminescence (PL) emission studies of both graphene oxide (GO) and
      partially reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been investigated. It has been
      observed that GO has broadband emission from the green to near infrared range and
      upon reduction rGO shows blue PL emission. The broadband PL emission is due to
      the recombination of the electron-hole pair in the sp(2) domain embedded within
      the sp(3) matrix. The broadband PL emission also suggests the existence of
      various sizes of the sp(2) domain within the same matrix. Furthermore, PL
      emission from GO in the presence of an Au metal thin film has been investigated.
      It has been observed that the entire broadband emission from GO in the green to
      near infrared wavelength region is enhanced significantly at room temperature.
      The Au-GO interface exhibits surface plasmon resonance in the visible wavelength
      region and is responsible for over 10 fold enhancement in the photoluminescence
      at ~2.36 eV. The electrical property measurements on the GO and rGO thin films
      suggested that the rGO exhibits significantly higher electrical conductivity
      compared to that of the GO thin film. Furthermore, the GO thin film exhibits
      semiconducting behaviour. These properties make the material quite suitable for
      fabrication of new generation photonic devices. 

PMID- 25139259
TI  - Evolution of the central sulcus morphology in primates.
AB  - The central sulcus (CS) divides the pre- and postcentral gyri along the dorsal
      ventral plane of which all motor and sensory functions are topographically
      organized. The motor-hand area of the precentral gyrus or KNOB has been described
      as the anatomical substrate of the hand in humans. Given the importance of the
      hand in primate evolution, here we examine the evolution of the motor-hand area
      by comparing the relative size and pattern of cortical folding of the CS surface
      area from magnetic resonance images in 131 primates, including Old World monkeys,
      apes and humans. We found that humans and great apes have a well-formed motor
      hand area that can be seen in the variation in depth of the CS along the dorsal
      ventral plane. We further found that great apes have relatively large CS surface
      areas compared to Old World monkeys. However, relative to great apes, humans have
      a small motor-hand area in terms of both adjusted and absolute surface areas.

PMID- 25139260
TI  - Development and scale-up of a commercial fed batch refolding process for an anti
      CD22 two chain immunotoxin.
AB  - We describe the development and scale-up of a novel two chain immunotoxin
      refolding process. This work provides a case study comparing a clinical
      manufacturing process and the commercial process developed to replace it. While
      the clinical process produced high quality material, it suffered from low yield
      and high yield variability. A systematic approach to process development and
      understanding led to a number of improvements that were implemented in the
      commercial process. These include a shorter inclusion body recovery process,
      limiting the formation of an undesired deamidated species and the implementation
      of fed batch dilution refolding for increased refold titers. The use of a
      combination of urea, arginine and DTT for capture column cleaning restored the
      binding capacity of the capture step column and resulted in consistent capture
      step yields compared to the clinical process. Scalability is shown with data from
      250 L and 950 L scale refolding processes. Compared to the clinical process it
      replaces, the commercial process demonstrated a greater than fivefold improvement
      in volumetric productivity at the 950 L refolding scale.

PMID- 25139262
TI  - A content analysis of weight stigmatization in popular television programming for
      adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study provides updated information regarding the prevalence and
      characteristics of weight stigma in popular adolescent television programming,
      using a sample of favorite shows named by diverse adolescents. METHOD:
      Participants in a large, population-based study of Minnesota adolescents (N =
      2,793, mean age = 14.4) listed their top three favorite television shows. A
      coding instrument was developed to analyze randomly selected episodes from the
      most popular 10 programs. Weight-stigmatizing incidents were compared across
      television show characteristics and characters' gender and weight status.
      RESULTS: Half (50%) of the 30 episodes analyzed contained at least one weight
      stigmatizing incident. Both youth- and adult-targeted shows contained weight
      stigmatizing comments, but the percent of these comments was much higher for
      youth-targeted (55.6%) than general audience-targeted shows (8.3%). Male
      characters were more likely than females to engage in (72.7% vs. 27.3%), and be
      the targets of, weight stigma (63.6% vs. 36.4%), and there was no difference in
      the amount of weight stigmatizing directed at average weight females compared to
      overweight females. Targets of these instances showed a negative response in only
      about one-third of cases, but audience laughter followed 40.9% of cases.
      DISCUSSION: The portrayal of weight stigmatization on popular television shows
      including targeting women of average weight-sends signals to adolescents about
      the wide acceptability of this behavior and the expected response, which may be
      harmful. Prevention of weight stigmatization should take a multi-faceted approach
      and include the media. Future research should explore the impact that weight
      related stigma in television content has on viewers.

PMID- 25139264
TI  - The effects of character transposition within and across words in Chinese
      reading.
AB  - Given the lack of spaces between words in Chinese text, Chinese readers must
      parse these characters into words using their word knowledge. In this situation,
      are the characters belonging to a single word or to different words understood
      via different character-order encoding processes? In this study, we explored the
      effects of word boundaries in Chinese text on character-order encoding. We used
      four-character words (the one-word condition) and two two-character words (the
      two-word condition) as our targets. We embedded the target words into sentences
      and then manipulated the previews of the words using the boundary paradigm. The
      preview was identical to the target word (identity condition), had the two middle
      characters of the target word transposed (TC condition), or had two middle
      characters that were different from those in the target word (SC condition).
      Fixation durations on the target word in the TC condition were much longer than
      those in the identity condition for the two-word condition, but they were not
      significantly different for the one-word condition. Furthermore, for the one-word
      condition, gaze durations were longer in the SC than in the TC condition, whereas
      for the two-word condition, the difference between the TC and SC conditions was
      not significant. Word boundaries were found to affect the character-order
      encoding in Chinese reading, further suggesting the early occurrence of word
      segmentation. 

PMID- 25139263
TI  - Investigating the thermostability of succinate: quinone oxidoreductase enzymes by
      direct electrochemistry at SWNTs-modified electrodes and FTIR spectroscopy.
AB  - Succinate: quinone reductases (SQRs) are the enzymes that couple the oxidation of
      succinate and the reduction of quinones in the respiratory chain of prokaryotes
      and eukaryotes. Herein, we compare the temperature-dependent activity and
      structural stability of two SQRs, the first from the mesophilic bacterium
      Escherichia coli and the second from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus
      thermophilus, using a combined electrochemical and infrared spectroscopy
      approach. Direct electron transfer was achieved with full membrane protein
      complexes at single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)-modified electrodes. The
      possible structural factors that contribute to the temperature-dependent activity
      of the enzymes and, in particular, to the thermostability of the Thermus
      thermophilus SQR are discussed. 

PMID- 25139267
TI  - Structural basis for the identification of an i-motif tetraplex core with a
      parallel-duplex junction as a structural motif in CCG triplet repeats.
AB  - CCG triplet repeats can fold into tetraplex structures, which are associated with
      the expansion of (CCG)n trinucleotide sequences in certain neurological diseases.
      These structures are stabilized by intertwining i-motifs. However, the structural
      basis for tetraplex i-motif formation in CCG triplet repeats remains largely
      unknown. We report the first crystal structure of a CCG-repeat sequence, which
      shows that two dT(CCG)3 A strands can associate to form a tetraplex structure
      with an i-motif core containing four C:C(+) pairs flanked by two G:G homopurine
      base pairs as a structural motif. The tetraplex core is attached to a short
      parallel-stranded duplex. Each hairpin itself contains a central CCG loop in
      which the nucleotides are flipped out and stabilized by stacking interactions.
      The helical twists between adjacent cytosine residues of this structure in the i
      motif core have an average value of 30 degrees , which is greater than those
      previously reported for i-motif structures. 

PMID- 25139265
TI  - 2-(trimethylammonium) ethyl (R)-3-methoxy-3-oxo-2-stearamidopropyl phosphate
      suppresses osteoclast maturation and bone resorption by targeting macrophage
      colony stimulating factor signaling.
AB  - 2-(Trimethylammonium) ethyl (R)-3-methoxy-3-oxo-2-stearamidopropyl phosphate [(R)
      TEMOSPho], a derivative of an organic chemical identified from a natural product
      library, promotes highly efficient megakaryopoiesis. Here, we show that (R)
      TEMOSPho blocks osteoclast maturation from progenitor cells of hematopoietic
      origin, as well as blocking the resorptive function of mature osteoclasts. The
      inhibitory effect of (R)-TEMOSPho on osteoclasts was due to a disruption of the
      actin cytoskeleton, resulting from impaired downstream signaling of c-Fms, a
      receptor for macrophage-colony stimulating factor linked to c-Cbl,
      phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), Vav3, and Rac1. In addition, (R)-TEMOSPho
      blocked inflammation-induced bone destruction by reducing the numbers of
      osteoclasts produced in mice. Thus, (R)-TEMOSPho may represent a promising new
      class of antiresorptive drugs for the treatment of bone loss associated with
      increased osteoclast maturation and activity. 

PMID- 25139266
TI  - Upregulation of miR-760 and miR-186 is associated with replicative senescence in
      human lung fibroblast cells.
AB  - We have previously shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) miR-760, miR-186, miR-337-3p,
      and miR-216b stimulate premature senescence through protein kinase CK2 (CK2) down
      regulation in human colon cancer cells. Here, we examined whether these four
      miRNAs are involved in the replicative senescence of human lung fibroblast IMR-90
      cells. miR-760 and miR-186 were significantly upregulated in replicatively
      senescent IMR-90 cells, and their joint action with both miR-337-3p and miR-216b
      was necessary for efficient downregulation of the alpha subunit of CK2 (CK2alpha)
      in IMR-90 cells. A mutation in any of the four miRNA-binding sequences within the
      CK2alpha 3'-untranslated region (UTR) indicated that all four miRNAs should
      simultaneously bind to the target sites for CK2alpha downregulation. The four
      miRNAs increased senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-gal) staining,
      p53 and p21(Cip1/WAF1) expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production
      in proliferating IMR-90 cells. CK2alpha over-expression almost abolished this
      event. Taken together, the present results suggest that the upregulation of miR
      760 and miR-186 is associated with replicative senescence in human lung
      fibroblast cells, and their cooperative action with miR-337-3p and miR-216b may
      induce replicative senescence through CK2alpha downregulation-dependent ROS
      generation.

PMID- 25139268
TI  - Prospective long-term assessment of sedation-related adverse events and patient
      satisfaction for upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fear of pain and sedation-related adverse events are impediments for
      patients to attend endoscopic screening or surveillance programs. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the long-term effect of different sedation protocols in patients
      undergoing screening or surveillance endoscopy. Moreover, motivation of patients
      to decline endoscopic procedures was evaluated by focusing on the patient's
      satisfaction, fear and pain in relation to type of sedation used. METHODS: 
      DESIGN: A prospective, double-blind controlled trial data collection was
      performed by using a standardized clinical questionnaire followed by a telephone
      interview 3-4 weeks after the initial endoscopic procedure. SETTING: The study
      was conducted at the Department of Medicine I at the University Hospital of
      Erlangen-Nuremberg. Data collection was performed during June 2012 till April
      2013. PATIENTS: Overall, 307 patients were prospectively evaluated (44.3% female,
      mean age 51 +/- 17.4 years; mean BMI 25.5 +/- 5.7). 247 patients (80.5%) were
      outpatients, 60 inpatients (19.5%). INTERVENTIONS: Endoscopic procedures were
      divided into five groups: (i) procedures in the upper gastrointestinal tract,
      (ii) complete colonoscopies, (iii) ileocolonoscopies, (iv) incomplete
      colonoscopies, and (v) other procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patient
      satisfaction, fear and pain were measured in a structured and standardized
      clinical interview using a 6-point numerical rating scale, where 1 was 'very
      satisfied/no pain' and 6 was 'very unsatisfied/unsupportable pain'. RESULTS:
      Different types of sedation were assessed: propofol in monosedation (6.5%),
      combination of propofol + meperidine (41.0%), combination of midazolam +
      meperidine (48.5%) and other combinations (3.9%). Patient satisfaction was
      significantly reduced regarding fear and pain during the endoscopic procedure (p
      = 0.001 and p = 0.0001, respectively). All patients receiving propofol
      monosedation indicated significantly less pain in comparison to other sedation
      groups (p < 0.0001). Moreover, sedation with midazolam + meperidine increased the
      fear during the procedure significantly in comparison to monosedation with
      propofol (p = 0.082). Propofol/meperidine in combination and midazolam/meperidine
      increased the probability for cardiovascular events in comparison to monosedation
      with propofol (p = 0.005; p = 0.039). Finally, we observed significantly lower
      doses of propofol when used in monosedation than propofol in combination with
      meperidine (p = 0.066). LIMITATION: Single-center study at a tertiary referral
      center. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol in monosedation should preferably be used for
      patient sedation in screening and surveillance endoscopies. Whether this approach
      could also improve participation rates in screening and surveillance endoscopies
      requires further investigations.

PMID- 25139270
TI  - Metabolism: sugar on the brain.

PMID- 25139269
TI  - Endovascular Management of Cavernous Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysms
      Following Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the
      Literature.

PMID- 25139273
TI  - Oscillations: a dynamic role for astrocytes.

PMID- 25139276
TI  - Evidence for a radial strain gradient in apple fruit cuticles.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: The morphological outer side of the apple fruit cuticle is
      markedly more strained than the inner side. This strain is released upon wax
      extraction. This paper investigates the effect of ablating outer and inner
      surfaces of isolated cuticular membranes (CM) of mature apple (Malus * domestica)
      fruit using cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) on the release of strain
      after extraction of waxes. Strain release was quantified as the decrease in area
      of CM discs following CAPP treatment and subsequent solvent extraction of wax.
      Increasing duration of CAPP treatment proportionally decreased CM mass per unit
      area. There was no difference in mass loss rate between CAPP treatments of outer
      or inner surfaces. Also, there was no difference in surface area of CMs before
      and after CAPP treatment. However, upon subsequent wax extraction, surface area
      of CMs decreased indicating the release of strain. Increasing the duration of
      CAPP treatment resulted in increasing strain release up to 47.7 +/- 8.0 % at 20
      min when CAPP was applied to the inner surface. In contrast, strain release was
      independent of CAPP duration averaging about 12.1 +/- 0.6 % when applied to the
      outer surface of the CM. Our results provide evidence for a marked gradient of
      strain between the outer side (strained) and the inner side of the CM (not
      strained) of mature apple fruit.

PMID- 25139278
TI  - Having a promising efficacy on type II diabetes, it's definitely a green tea
      time.
AB  - The beneficial effects of green tea have been confirmed in various diseases, such
      as different types of cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. The effective
      components of green tea mainly include tea polysaccharides and tea polyphenols,
      such as catechin, particularly (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate. Increasing in vivo
      and in vitro evidences have explored the potential molecular mechanisms of green
      tea as well as the specific biological actions. Moreover, clinical trials have
      also explored the potential value of green tea components in treating metabolic
      syndromes, such as obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This
      study explores the effects of the two major green tea components on the
      improvement of type II diabetes. It is concluded that regular consumption of
      green tea is beneficial for the improvement of high-fat dietary-induced obesity
      and type II diabetes. 

PMID- 25139277
TI  - Regulatory control of carotenoid accumulation in winter squash during storage.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: Storage promotes carotenoid accumulation and converts
      amylochromoplasts into chromoplasts in winter squash. Such carotenoid enhancement
      is likely due to continuous biosynthesis along with reduced turnover and/or
      enhanced sequestration. Postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables is often
      required and frequently results in nutritional quality change. In this study, we
      investigated carotenoid storage plastids, carotenoid content, and its regulation
      during 3-month storage of winter squash butternut fruits. We showed that storage
      improved visual appearance of fruit flesh color from light to dark orange, and
      promoted continuous accumulation of carotenoids during the first 2-month storage.
      Such an increased carotenoid accumulation was found to be concomitant with starch
      breakdown, resulting in the conversion of amylochromoplasts into chromoplasts.
      The butternut fruits contained predominantly beta-carotene, lutein, and
      violaxanthin. Increased ratios of beta-carotene and violaxanthin to total
      carotenoids were noticed during the storage. Analysis of carotenoid metabolic
      gene expression and PSY protein level revealed a decreased expression of
      carotenogenic genes and PSY protein following the storage, indicating that the
      increased carotenoid level might not be due to increased biosynthesis. Instead,
      the increase likely resulted from a continuous biosynthesis with a possibly
      reduced turnover and/or enhanced sequestration, suggesting a complex regulation
      of carotenoid accumulation during fruit storage. This study provides important
      information to our understanding of carotenogenesis and its regulation during
      postharvest storage of fruits.

PMID- 25139279
TI  - In vivo evaluation of thiolated chitosan tablets for oral insulin delivery.
AB  - Chitosan-6-mercaptonicotinic acid (chitosan-6-MNA) is a thiolated chitosan with
      strong mucoadhesive properties and a pH-independent reactivity. This study aimed
      to evaluate the in vivo potential for the oral delivery of insulin. The
      comparison of the nonconjugated chitosan and chitosan-6-MNA was performed on
      several studies such as mucoadhesion, release, and in vivo studies. Thiolated
      chitosan formulations were both about 80-fold more mucoadhesive compared with
      unmodified ones. The thiolated chitosan tablets showed a sustained release for 5
      h for the polymer of 20 kDa and 8 h for the polymer of 400 kDa. Human insulin was
      quantified in rats' plasma by means of ELISA specific for human insulin with no
      cross-reactivity with the endogenous insulin. In vivo results showed thiolation
      having a tremendous impact on the absorption of insulin. The absolute
      bioavailabilities were 0.73% for chitosan-6-MNA of 20 kDa and 0.62% for chitosan
      6-MNA 400 kDa. The areas under the concentration-time curves (AUC) of chitosan-6
      MNA formulations compared with unmodified chitosan were 4.8-fold improved for the
      polymer of 20 kDa and 21.02-fold improved for the polymer of 400 kDa. The
      improvement in the AUC with regard to the most promising aliphatic thiomer was up
      to 6.8-fold. Therefore, chitosan-6-MNA represents a promising excipient for the
      oral delivery of insulin.

PMID- 25139280
TI  - alpha-Synuclein Misfolding Versus Aggregation Relevance to Parkinson's Disease:
      Critical Assessment and Modeling.
AB  - alpha-Synuclein, an abundant and conserved presynaptic brain protein, is
      implicated as a critical factor in Parkinson's disease (PD). The aggregation of
      alpha-synuclein is believed to be a critical event in the disease process. alpha
      Synuclein is characterized by a remarkable conformational plasticity, adopting
      different conformations depending on the environment. Therefore, it is classified
      as an "intrinsically disordered protein." Recently, a debate has challenged the
      view on the intrinsically disordered behavior of alpha-synuclein in the cell. It
      has been proposed that alpha-synuclein is a stable tetramer with a low propensity
      for aggregation; however, its destabilization leads to protein misfolding and its
      aggregation kinetics. In our critical analysis, we discussed about major issues:
      (i) why alpha-synuclein conformational behavior does not fit into the normal
      secondary structural characteristics of proteins, (ii) potential amino acids
      involved in the complexity of misfolding in alpha-synuclein that leads to
      aggregation, and (iii) the role of metals in misfolding and aggregation. To
      evaluate the above critical issues, we developed bioinformatics models related to
      secondary and tertiary conformations, Ramachandran plot, free energy change,
      intrinsic disordered prediction, solvent accessibility, and FoldIndex pattern. To
      the best of our knowledge, this is a novel critical assessment to understand the
      misfolding biology of synuclein and its relevance to Parkinson's disease. 

PMID- 25139283
TI  - A partial differential equation for pseudocontact shift.
AB  - It is demonstrated that pseudocontact shift (PCS), viewed as a scalar or a tensor
      field in three dimensions, obeys an elliptic partial differential equation with a
      source term that depends on the Hessian of the unpaired electron probability
      density. The equation enables straightforward PCS prediction and analysis in
      systems with delocalized unpaired electrons, particularly for the nuclei located
      in their immediate vicinity. It is also shown that the probability density of the
      unpaired electron may be extracted, using a regularization procedure, from PCS
      data. 

PMID- 25139282
TI  - The Antidepressant-Like Effect of Fish Oil: Possible Role of Ventral Hippocampal
      5-HT1A Post-synaptic Receptor.
AB  - The pathophysiology of depression is not completely understood; nonetheless,
      numerous studies point to serotonergic dysfunction as a possible cause.
      Supplementation with fish oil rich docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic
      acids (EPA) during critical periods of development produces antidepressant
      effects by increasing serotonergic neurotransmission, particularly in the
      hippocampus. In a previous study, the involvement of 5-HT1A receptors was
      demonstrated and we hypothesized that fish oil supplementation (from conception
      to weaning) alters the function of post-synaptic hippocampal 5-HT1A receptors. To
      test this hypothesis, female rats were supplemented with fish oil during
      habituation, mating, gestation, and lactation. The adult male offspring was
      maintained without supplementation until 3 months of age, when they were
      subjected to the modified forced swimming test (MFST) after infusion of vehicle
      or the selective 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY100635, and frequency of swimming,
      immobility, and climbing was recorded for 5 min. After the behavioral test, the
      hippocampi were obtained for quantification of serotonin (5-HT) and its
      metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and for 5-HT1A receptor
      expression by Western blotting analysis. Fish oil-supplemented offspring
      displayed less depressive-like behaviors in the MFST reflected by decreased
      immobility and increased swimming and higher 5-HT hippocampal levels. Although
      there was no difference in the expression of hippocampal 5-HT1A receptors, intra
      hippocampal infusion of a sub-effective dose of 8-OH-DPAT enhanced the
      antidepressant effect of fish oil in supplemented animals. In summary, the
      present findings suggest that the antidepressant-like effects of fish oil
      supplementation are likely related to increased hippocampal serotonergic
      neurotransmission and sensitization of hippocampal 5-HT1A receptors.

PMID- 25139286
TI  - Hexavalent chromium reduction in contaminated soil: A comparison between ferrous
      sulphate and nanoscale zero-valent iron.
AB  - Iron sulphate (FeSO4) and colloidal nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) as reducing
      agents were compared, with the aim of assessing their effectiveness in hexavalent
      chromium [Cr(VI)] removal from a contaminated industrial soil. Experiments were
      performed on soil samples collected from an industrial site where a nickel
      contamination, caused by a long-term productive activity, was also verified. The
      influence of reducing agents amount with respect to chromium content and the
      effectiveness of deoxygenation of the slurry were discussed. The soil was fully
      characterized before and after each test, and sequential extractions were
      performed to assess chemico-physical modifications and evaluate metals mobility
      induced by washing. Results show that both the reducing agents successfully
      lowered the amount of Cr(VI) in the soil below the threshold allowed by Italian
      Environmental Regulation for industrial reuse. Cr(VI) reduction by colloidal nZVI
      proved to be faster and more effective: the civil reuse of soil [Cr(VI)<2mg/kg]
      was only achieved using colloidal nZVI within 60min adopting a nZVI/Cr(VI) molar
      ratio of 30. The reducing treatment resulted in an increase in the amount of
      chromium in the oxide-hydroxide fraction, thus confirming a mechanism of chromium
      iron hydroxides precipitation. In addition, a decrease of nickel (Ni) and lead
      (Pb) content in soil was also observed when acidic conditions were established. 

PMID- 25139285
TI  - Urgent lung transplant programme in Italy: analysis of the first 14 months.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Lung transplantation (LTx) is the only effective treatment for end
      stage lung disease. In rapidly deteriorating patients awaiting transplant,
      supportive strategies for lung function allow only a short period of support and
      lung transplantation remains the definitive therapy. An urgent transplant
      programme may reduce the waiting time, allowing lung transplantation in these
      patients. METHODS: Since November 2010 a nation-wide urgent lung transplant
      programme has been established in Italy and patients on the waiting list
      dependent on mechanical ventilation and/or extracorporeal lung support (ECLS) can
      be transplanted on an emergency basis with the first available graft in the
      country. Results of the first 14 months of this programme are analysed here.
      RESULTS: From November 2010 to December 2011, 28 patients (14 males, mean age
      33.6 +/- 14.4 years) were considered for urgent LTx. Rapidly deteriorating lung
      function was supported with mechanical ventilation alone in 4 patients (14.3%),
      ECLS in 13 patients (46.4%) and mechanical ventilation plus ECLS in the remaining
      11 patients (39.3%). Three patients (10.7%) were excluded because of worsening
      conditions, 3 patients (10.7%) while on the urgent listed and 22 patients (78.6%)
      underwent transplantation after 9.8 +/- 6.2 days of being on the urgent list. The
      30-day mortality rate after LTx was 18%, and the 1-year survival rate was 71.4%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The urgent lung transplant programme allowed transplantation in a
      significant percentage of prioritized patients with acceptable 30-day and 1-year
      mortality rates. An accurate selection of recipients may further improve the
      clinical impact of this programme, reducing the ethical concerns about
      transplantation in high-risk patients.

PMID- 25139281
TI  - Updated findings of the association and functional studies of DRD2/ANKK1 variants
      with addictions.
AB  - Both nicotine and alcohol addictions are severe public health hazards worldwide.
      Various twin and family studies have demonstrated that genetic factors contribute
      to vulnerability to these addictions; however, the susceptibility genes and the
      variants underlying them remain largely unknown. Of susceptibility genes
      investigated for addictions, DRD2 has received much attention. Considering new
      evidence supporting the association of DRD2 and its adjacent gene ankyrin repeat
      and kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1) with various addictions, in this paper, we
      provide an updated view of the involvement of variants in DRD2 and ANKK1 in the
      etiology of nicotine dependence (ND) and alcohol dependence (AD) based on
      linkage, association, and molecular studies. This evidence shows that both genes
      are significantly associated with addictions; however the association with ANKK1
      appears to be stronger. Thus, both more replication studies in independent
      samples and functional studies of some of these variants are warranted.

PMID- 25139287
TI  - The role of telomeres and telomerase in hematologic malignancies and
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Telomeres are specific nucleoprotein structures at the ends of eukaryotic
      chromosomes. Telomeres and telomere-associated proteins maintain genome stability
      by protecting the ends of chromosomes from fusion and degradation. In normal
      somatic cells, the length of the telomeres gradually becomes shortened with cell
      division. In tumor cells, the shortening of telomeres length is accelerated under
      the increased proliferation pressure. However, it will be maintained at an
      extremely short length as the result of activation of telomerase. Significantly
      shortened telomeres, activation of telomerase, and altered expression of telomere
      associated proteins are common features of various hematologic malignancies and
      are related with progression or chemotherapy resistance in these diseases. In
      patients who have received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the
      telomere length and the telomerase activity of the engrafted donor cells have a
      significant influence on HSCT outcomes. Transplantation-related factors should be
      taken into consideration because of their impacts on telomere homeostasis. As
      activation of telomerase is widespread in tumor cells, it has been employed as a
      target point in the treatment of neoplastic hematologic disorders. In this
      review, the characteristics and roles of telomeres and telomerase both in
      hematologic malignancies and in HSCT will be summarized. The current status of
      telomerase-targeted therapies utilized in the treatment of hematologic
      malignancies will also be reviewed. 

PMID- 25139288
TI  - Comparative evaluation of molar distalization therapy with erupted second molar:
      Segmented versus Quad Pendulum appliance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are controversial opinions about the effect of erupted second
      molars on distalization of the first molars. Most of the distalizing devices are
      anchored on the first molars, without including second molars; so, differences
      between sequentially distalize maxillary molars (second molar followed by the
      first molar) or distalize second and first molars together are not clear. The aim
      of the study was to compare sequential versus simultaneous molar distalization
      therapy with erupted second molar using two different modified Pendulum
      appliances followed by fixed appliances. METHODS: The treatment sample consisted
      of 35 class II malocclusion subjects, divided in two groups: group 1 consisted of
      24 patients (13 males and 11 females) with a mean pre-treatment age of 12.9
      years, treated with the Segmented Pendulum (SP) and fixed appliances; group 2
      consisted of 11 patients (6 males and 5 females) with a mean pre-treatment age of
      13.2 years, treated with the Quad Pendulum (QP) and fixed appliances. Lateral
      cephalograms were obtained before treatment (T1), at the end of distalization
      (T2), and at the end of orthodontic fixed appliance therapy (T3). A Student t
      test was used to identify significant between-group differences between T1 to T2,
      T2 to T3, and T1 to T3. RESULTS: QP and SP were equally effective in distalizing
      maxillary molars (3.5 and 4 mm, respectively) between T1 and T2; however, the
      maxillary first molar showed less distal tipping (4.6 degrees  vs. 9.6 degrees )
      and more extrusion (1.1 vs. 0.2 mm) in the QP group than in the SP group, as well
      as the vertical facial dimension, which increased more in the QP group (1.2
      degrees ) than in the SP group (0.7 degrees ). At T3, the QP group maintained
      greater increase in lower anterior facial height and molar extrusion and decrease
      in overbite than the SP group. CONCLUSION: Quad Pendulum seems to have greater
      increase in vertical dimension and molar extrusion than the Segmented Pendulum.

PMID- 25139289
TI  - NK cells kill mycobacteria directly by releasing perforin and granulysin.
AB  - Although the mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic effect of NK cells on tumor
      cells and intracellular bacteria have been studied extensively, it remains
      unclear how these cells kill extracellular bacterial pathogens. In this study, we
      examine how human NK cells kill Mycobacterium kansasii and M.tb. The underlying
      mechanism is contact dependent and requires two cytolytic proteins: perforin and
      granulysin. Mycobacteria induce enhanced expression of the cytolytic proteins via
      activation of the NKG2D/NCR cell-surface receptors and intracellular signaling
      pathways involving ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPKs. These results suggest that NK cells
      use similar cellular mechanisms to kill both bacterial pathogens and target host
      cells. This report reveals a novel role for NK cells, perforin, and granulysin in
      killing mycobacteria and highlights a potential alternative defense mechanism
      that the immune system can use against mycobacterial infection. 

PMID- 25139291
TI  - Effects of surface wettability on gecko adhesion underwater.
AB  - Recent experiments have shown that gecko adhesion underwater depends
      significantly on surface wettability. Theoretical models of a gecko seta adhering
      on different substrates are firstly established in order to disclose such an
      adhesion mechanism. The results show that the capillary force induced by nano
      bubbles between gecko seta and the substrate is the mainly influencing factor.
      The capillary force exhibits an attractive feature between gecko setae and
      hydrophobic surfaces underwater. However, it is extremely weak or even repulsive
      on hydrophilic surfaces underwater. A self-similarly splitting model is further
      considered to simulate multiple gecko setae on substrates underwater. It is
      interesting to find that the total capillary force depends significantly on the
      number of nano-bubble bridges and wettability of substrates. The total force is
      attractive and increases monotonically with the increase of the splitting number
      on hydrophobic substrates underwater. However, it decreases drastically or even
      becomes repulsive on hydrophilic substrates underwater. The present result can
      not only give a reasonable explanation on the existing experimental observations
      but also be helpful for the design of novel biomimetic adhesives. 

PMID- 25139290
TI  - The mucosal expression pattern of interferon-epsilon in rhesus macaques.
AB  - Type I IFNs play an important role in innate and adaptive immunity against viral
      infections. A novel type I IFN, namely IFN-epsilon, which can protect against
      vaginal transmission of HSV2 and Chlamydia muridarum bacterial infection, has
      been described in mice and humans. Nevertheless, the principle cell type and the
      expression pattern of IFN-epsilon in tissues remain uncertain. In addition, the
      expression of IFN-epsilon in Indian rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) has not been
      reported. Here, we analyzed IFN-epsilon expression in multiple mucosal sites of
      uninfected or SIV-infected Indian rhesus macaques using IHCS. We report for the
      first time the detection of IFN-epsilon expression in situ in the lung, foreskin,
      vaginal, cervical, and small and large intestinal mucosae of rhesus macaques. We
      found that the expression of IFN-epsilon was exclusive to the epithelial cells in
      all of the aforementioned mucosal tissues. Furthermore, the macaque IFN-epsilon
      sequence in this study revealed that macaque IFN-epsilon is highly conserved
      among human and other nonhuman primates. Lastly, SIV rectal infection did not
      significantly alter the expression of IFN-epsilon in rectal mucosae. Together,
      these findings indicate that IFN-epsilon may function as the first line of
      defense against the invasion of mucosal pathogens. Further studies should be
      conducted to examine IFN-epsilon protection against gastrointestinal as well as
      respiratory infections. 

PMID- 25139292
TI  - In vivo penetration of bare and lipid-coated silica nanoparticles across the
      human stratum corneum.
AB  - Skin penetration of silica nanoparticles (NP) currently used in pharmaceutical
      and cosmetic products is a topic of interest not only to evaluate their possible
      toxicity, but also to understand their behaviour upon contact with the skin and
      to exploit their potential positive effects in drug or cosmetic delivery field.
      Therefore, the present work aimed to elucidate the in vivo mechanism by which
      amorphous hydrophilic silica NP enter human stratum corneum (SC) through the
      evaluation of the role played by the nanoparticle surface polarity and the human
      hair follicle density. Two silica samples, bare hydrophilic silica (B-silica,
      162+/-51nm in size) and hydrophobic lipid-coated silica (LC-silica, 363+/-74nm in
      size) were applied on both the volar and dorsal side of volunteer forearms.
      Twelve repetitive stripped tapes were removed from the human skin and evaluated
      for elemental composition by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and for
      silicon content by Inductively Coupled Plasma quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (ICP
      MS). All the stripped tapes revealed nanosized structures generally located in
      the broad spaces between corneocytes and characterized by the same elemental
      composition (relative weight percentage of silicon and silicon to oxygen weight
      ratio) than that of the applied samples. However, only about 10% B-silica
      permeated until the deepest SC layers considered in the study indicating a silica
      retention in the upper layers of SC, regardless of the hair follicle density.
      Otherwise, the exposure to LC-silica led to a greater silica skin penetration
      extent into the deeper SC layers (about 42% and 18% silica following volar and
      dorsal forearm application, respectively) indicating that the NP surface polarity
      played a predominant role on that of their size in determining the route and the
      extent of penetration. 

PMID- 25139293
TI  - A simple and effective approach for the treatment of dyslipidemia using anionic
      nanoliposomes.
AB  - The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-dyslipidemic effects of
      nanoliposomes with different phospholipid compositions. Three sets of liposomal
      formulations (20Mm; 100nM in size) were prepared with low (SPC), medium (POPC)
      and high (HSPC) phase transition temperature values with and without cholesterol
      and anionic phosphatidyl glycerol (HSPC/DSPG; POPC/DMPG; SPC/EPG). The liposomal
      preparations were characterized for their size and zeta potential (dynamic light
      scattering), J774A.1 macrophages uptake (flow cytometry) and lipid-modifying
      effects (tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidemic mouse model). Anionic formulations
      displayed the highest rate of uptake by macrophages. Among them, HSPC/DSPG and
      SPC/EPG liposomes had the best lipid-modifying activity. These two formulations
      exerted favorable impact on all lipid profile parameters by reducing LDL-C (by up
      to 76% [HSPC/DSPG] and 86% [SPC/EPG]), total cholesterol (by up to 52%
      [HSPC/DSPG] and 68% [SPC/EPG]), triglycerides (by up to 88% [HSPC/DSPG] and 73%
      [SPC/EPG]), apoB (by up to 44% [HSPC/DSPG] and 35% [SPC/EPG]) and elevating HDL-C
      (by up to 85% [HSPC/DSPG] and 75% [SPC/EPG]) concentrations. Atherogenic indices
      were also effectively reduced following HSPC/DSPG (by up to 69%) and SPC/EPG (by
      up to 79%) injections. Empty, cholesterol-free nanoliposomal formulations
      containing 75% anionic phospholipid (PG) might serve as effective and rapid
      acting anti-dyslipidemic agents. Further research is warranted to confirm the
      observed anti-dyslipidemic effects of anionic nanoliposomes in diet-induced
      hyperlipidemic models, and also to evaluate the potential protective effects in
      regressing atheromatous lesions. 

PMID- 25139294
TI  - Biomarkers for personalizing omega-3 fatty acid dosing.
AB  - Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
      PGE2 in colon tissue can be reduced by increasing dietary eicosapentaenoic acid
      (EPA). The dose-dependent relationships between dietary EPA, serum
      EPA:arachidonate (AA) ratio, urinary PGE2 metabolites, and colonic eicosanoids
      were evaluated to develop biomarkers for prediction of colonic PGE2. Male rats
      were fed diets containing EPA:omega6 fatty acid ratios of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, or
      0.6 for 5 weeks. Increasing the dietary EPA:omega6 fatty acid ratio increased
      EPA:AA ratios in serum and in the proximal, transverse, and distal colon (P <
      0.001). The urinary PGE2 metabolite was reduced (P = 0.006). EPA-rich diets
      reduced colonic tissue PGE2 concentrations by 58% to 66% and increased PGE3 by 19
      to 28-fold. Other AA-derived eicosanoids were reduced by 35% to 83%. The changes
      were not linear, with the largest changes in eicosanoids observed with the lower
      doses. A mathematical model predicts colonic tissue eicosanoids from the EPA:AA
      ratio in serum and the EPA dose. Every 10% increase in serum EPA:AA was
      associated with a 2% decrease in the (geometric) mean of PGE2 in the distal
      colon. These mathematical relationships can now be applied to individualized EPA
      dosing in clinical trials.

PMID- 25139295
TI  - Widefield optical imaging of changes in uptake of glucose and tissue
      extracellular pH in head and neck cancer.
AB  - The overall objective of this study was to develop an optical imaging approach to
      simultaneously measure altered cell metabolism and changes in tissue
      extracellular pH with the progression of cancer using clinically isolated
      biopsies. In this study, 19 pairs of clinically normal and abnormal biopsies were
      obtained from consenting patients with head and neck cancer at University of
      California, Davis Medical Center. Fluorescence intensity of tissue biopsies
      before and after topical delivery of 2-NBDG (2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4
      yl)amino]-2-deoxy-D-glucose) and Alexa 647-pHLIP [pH (low) insertion peptide] was
      measured noninvasively by widefield imaging, and correlated with pathologic
      diagnosis. The results of widefield imaging of clinical biopsies demonstrated
      that 2-NBDG and pHLIP peptide can accurately distinguish the pathologically
      normal and abnormal biopsies. The results also demonstrated the potential of this
      approach to detect subepithelial lesions. Topical application of the contrast
      agents generated a significant increase in fluorescence contrast (3- to 4-fold)
      in the cancer biopsies as compared with the normal biopsies, irrespective of the
      patient and location of the biopsy within a head and neck cavity. This unpaired
      comparison across all the patients with cancer in this study highlights the
      specificity of the imaging approach. Furthermore, the results of this study
      indicated that changes in intracellular glucose metabolism and cancer acidosis
      are initiated in the early stages of cancer, and these changes are correlated
      with the progression of the disease. In conclusion, this novel optical molecular
      imaging approach to measure multiple biomarkers in cancer has a significant
      potential to be a useful tool for improving early detection and prognostic
      evaluation of oral neoplasia.

PMID- 25139296
TI  - Analysis of DNA methylation in bowel lavage fluid for detection of colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - Aberrant DNA methylation could potentially serve as a biomarker for colorectal
      neoplasms. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of using DNA methylation
      detected in bowel lavage fluid (BLF) for colorectal cancer screening. A total of
      508 BLF specimens were collected from patients with colorectal cancer (n = 56),
      advanced adenoma (n = 53), minor polyp (n = 209), and healthy individuals (n =
      190) undergoing colonoscopy. Methylation of 15 genes (miR-1-1, miR-9-1, miR-9-3,
      miR-34b/c, miR-124-1, miR-124-2, miR-124-3, miR-137, SFRP1, SFRP2, APC, DKK2,
      WIF1, LOC386758, and ZNF582) was then analyzed in MethyLight assays, after which
      receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to assess the
      diagnostic performance of BLF methylation. Through analyzing BLF specimens in a
      training set (n = 345), we selected the three genes showing the greatest
      sensitivity for colorectal cancer detection (miR-124-3, 71.8%; LOC386758, 79.5%;
      and SFRP1, 74.4%). A scoring system based on the methylation of those three genes
      (M-score) achieved 82% sensitivity and 79% specificity, and the area under the
      ROC curve (AUC) was 0.834. The strong performance of this system was then
      validated in an independent test set (n = 153; AUC = 0.808). No significant
      correlation was found between M-score and the clinicopathologic features of the
      colorectal cancers. Our results demonstrate that DNA methylation in BLF specimens
      may be a useful biomarker for the detection of colorectal cancer.

PMID- 25139297
TI  - Comparative analysis of gender-related differences in symptoms and referral
      patterns prior to initial diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: a
      prospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze gender-specific differences regarding clinical symptoms,
      referral patterns and tumor biology prior to initial diagnosis of urothelial
      carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with an
      initial diagnosis of UCB was included. All patients completed a questionnaire on
      demographics, clinical symptoms and referral patterns. RESULTS: In total, 68
      patients (50 men, 18 women) with newly diagnosed UCB at admission for
      transurethral resection of bladder tumors were recruited. Dysuria was more often
      observed in women (55.6 vs. 38.0%, p = 0.001). Direct consultation of the
      urologist was conducted by 84.0% of males and 66.7% of females (p = 0.120). One
      third of the women saw their general practitioner and/or gynecologist once or
      twice (p = 0.120) before referral to the urologist. Furthermore, women were
      significantly more often treated for urinary tract infections than men (61.1 vs.
      20.0%, p = 0.005). Cystoscopy at first presentation to the urologist was more
      often performed in men than women (88.0 vs. 66.7%, p = 0.068), with a more
      favorable tumor detection rate at first cystoscopy in men (96.0 vs. 50.0%, p <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed referral patterns might lead to deferred diagnosis
      of UCB and consequently to adverse outcome. Thus, primary care physicians might
      consider referring patients with bladder complaints to specialized care earlier.

PMID- 25139298
TI  - Preoperative smoking cessation can reduce postoperative complications in gastric
      cancer surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the close link between cigarette smoking and the development
      of gastric cancer, little is known about the effects of cigarette smoking on
      surgical outcomes after gastric cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether preoperative smoking status and the duration of smoking
      cessation were associated with short-term surgical consequences in gastric cancer
      surgery. METHODS: Among 1,489 consecutive patients, 1,335 patients who underwent
      curative radical gastrectomy at the Samsung Medical Center between January and
      December 2009 were included in the present study. The smoking status was
      determined using questionnaires before surgery. Smokers were divided into four
      groups according to the duration of smoking cessation preoperatively (<2, 2-4, 4
      8, and >8 weeks). The primary endpoint was postoperative complications (wound,
      lung, leakage, and bleeding); secondary endpoints were 3-year recurrence-free
      survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-two
      patients (39.1 %) were smokers. Smokers had a significantly higher overall
      incidence of postoperative complications than nonsmokers (12.3 vs. 5.2 %, P <
      0.001, respectively), especially in impaired wound healing, pulmonary problems,
      and leakage. Smokers also had more severe complications than nonsmokers. After
      adjusting for other risk factors, the odds ratio (95 % CI) for the development of
      postoperative complications in the subgroups who stopped smoking <2 weeks, 2-4, 4
      8, and >8 weeks preoperatively were 3.35 (1.92-5.83), 0.99 (0.22-4.38), 2.18
      (1.00-4.76), and 1.32 (0.70-2.48), respectively, compared with the nonsmokers.
      There were no significant differences in 3-year RFS (P = 0.884) and OS (P =
      0.258) between smokers and nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative smoking
      cessation for at least 2 weeks will help to reduce the incidence of postoperative
      complications in gastric cancer surgery.

PMID- 25139299
TI  - Nursing assistants' communication styles in Korean American older adults with
      dementia: a review of the literature.
AB  - As ethnic diversity increases in the United States with the anticipated increase
      in dementia, it is critical to understand the implications of dementia and
      culturally appropriate communication for ethnic minority older adults with
      dementia. Utilizing the Ethno-Cultural Gerontological Nursing model and the
      Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold model, this article describes the
      relationship between nursing assistants' communication style and behavioral
      symptoms of dementia, focused on Korean American older adults with dementia
      residing in nursing homes. The discussion includes reviewing currently available
      studies, nursing implications, and suggestions for future studies. 

PMID- 25139301
TI  - Monitoring of oil pollution at Gemsa Bay and bioremediation capacity of bacterial
      isolates with biosurfactants and nanoparticles.
AB  - Fifteen crude oil-degrading bacterial isolates were isolated from an oil-polluted
      area in Gemsa Bay, Red Sea, Egypt. Two bacterial species showed the highest
      growth rate on crude oil hydrocarbons. From an analysis of 16S rRNA sequences,
      these isolates were identified as Pseudomonas xanthomarina KMM 1447 and
      Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 17588. Gas Chromatographic (GC) analysis of the crude
      oil remaining in the culture medium after one week at 30 degrees C showed that
      the optimum biodegradation of crude petroleum oil was demonstrated at 50% in
      medium containing biosurfactant with two types of nanoparticles separately and
      two bacterial species. The complete degradation of some different members of
      polyaromatics and the percentage biodegradation of other polyaromatics increased
      in microcosm containing two different types of nanoparticles with biosurfactant
      after 7 days. In conclusion, these bacterial strains may be useful for the
      bioremediation process in the Gemsa Bay, Red Sea decreasing oil pollution in this
      marine ecosystem.

PMID- 25139300
TI  - Establishment of invasive and non-invasive reporter systems to investigate
      American elm-Ophiostoma novo-ulmi interactions.
AB  - Dutch elm disease (DED), caused by ascomycete fungi in the Ophiostoma genus, is
      the most devastating disease of American elm (Ulmus americana) trees. Cerato
      ulmin (CU), a hydrophobin secreted by the fungus, has been implicated in the
      development of DED, but its role in fungal pathogenicity and virulence remains
      uncertain and controversial. Here, we describe reporter systems based on the CU
      promoter and three reporter proteins (GFP, GUS and LUC), developed as research
      tools for quantitative and qualitative studies of DED in vitro, in vivo and in
      planta. A strain of the aggressive species Ophiostoma novo-ulmi was transformed
      with the reporter constructs using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and the
      fungal transformants, namely M75-GFP, M75-GUS and M75-LUC, were examined for
      mitotic stability after repeated subcultures. The intensity of GFP fluorescence
      was strong in M75-GFP spores and hyphae, allowing microscopic investigations of
      spore structure, fungal morphogenesis and fungal development. The interaction of
      M75-GFP and U. americana callus cells was explored with scanning laser confocal
      microscopy facilitating qualitative studies on fungal strategies for the invasion
      and penetration of elm cells. M75-GUS was generated to provide an invasive, yet
      quantitative approach to study fungal-plant interactions in vitro and in planta.
      The generation of M75-LUC transformants was aimed at providing a non-destructive
      quantitative approach to study the role of CU in vivo. The sensitivity, low
      background signal and linearity of LUC assays all predict a very reliable
      approach to investigate and re-test previously claimed roles of this CU in fungal
      pathogenicity. These reporter systems provide new tools to investigate plant
      pathogen interactions in this complex pathosystem and may aid in better
      understanding the development of DED. 

PMID- 25139302
TI  - Use of indicator chemicals to characterize the plastic fragments ingested by
      Laysan albatross.
AB  - Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) ingest plastic marine debris of a wide
      range of shape, sizes and sources. To better characterize this plastic and
      provide insights regarding its provenance and persistence in the environment, we
      developed a simple method to classify plastic fragments of unknown origin
      according to the resin codes used by the Society of Plastics Industry. Known
      plastics were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) to
      identify indicator chemicals characteristic of each plastic resin. Application of
      this method to fragments of ingested plastic debris from boluses of Laysan
      albatross from Kure Atoll, Hawai'i, yielded proportions of 0.8% High Density
      Polyethylene, 6.8% Polystyrene, 8.5% Polyethylene Terephthalate, 20.5% Polyvinyl
      Chloride and 68.4% Polypropylene. Some fragments were composed of multiple resin
      types. These results suggest that infrequently recycled plastics are the dominant
      fragments ingested by albatross, and that these are the most prevalent and
      persistent resin types in the marine environment.

PMID- 25139303
TI  - Causes and risk factors for revision hip preservation surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identifying causes and risk factors for failure of hip preservation
      surgery is critical to properly address residual pathological abnormalities in
      the revision setting and improve outcomes in this subset of patients. PURPOSE: To
      identify the structural causes of failure in both open and arthroscopic hip
      preservation procedures and to identify demographic and radiographic risk factors
      that correlate with the need for revision surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A single-center hip preservation registry
      was reviewed (N = 1898 procedures in 1600 patients) to identify 147 patients (n =
      152 procedures) who had undergone previous pelvic surgery. Exclusion criteria
      included residual deformity from pediatric hip disease (n = 5 patients).
      Preoperative demographics, intraoperative findings, radiographic data, and
      clinical outcome scores were compared between cohorts with and without revision
      surgery in the registry. Postoperative, short-term patient-reported outcome
      scores for the revision cohort were described. RESULTS: The most common reason
      for revision was residual intra-articular femoroacetabular impingement (74.8%),
      followed by extra-articular impingement (9.5%). The majority of revision cases
      (78.9%) could be addressed with arthroscopic surgery, with the exception of extra
      articular impingement or residual acetabular dysplasia, which necessitated open
      approaches. Patients who underwent revision were more likely to be female, were
      younger in age, and had worse preoperative outcome scores than did those in the
      primary cohort. Abnormal femoral version and the presence of acetabular dysplasia
      were not significantly different between the revision and primary cohorts. Short
      term improvements in patient-reported outcome scores were found in the revision
      cohort at a mean of 15.0 months from the last revision surgery. CONCLUSION:
      Residual intra- and extra-articular impingement were the most common reasons for
      revision in this cohort. Patients who underwent revision tended to be younger in
      age, were female, and had worse preoperative hip functional outcomes than did
      those in the primary cohort. Abnormal femoral version or acetabular coverage was
      not increased in our revision cohort.

PMID- 25139305
TI  - Abstracts of the XXXIXth Sir Peter Freyer Memorial Lecture and Surgical
      Symposium, September 5-6, 2014, Galway, Ireland.

PMID- 25139306
TI  - Abstracts of the Joint Annual Scientific Meeting of the Irish Association of
      Vascular Surgeons and the Northern Ireland Vascular Society, May 2014.

PMID- 25139304
TI  - Pharmacologic cholinesterase inhibition improves survival in acetaminophen
      induced acute liver failure in the mouse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the most widely used analgesic and
      antipyretic pharmaceutical substances in the world and accounts for most cases of
      drug induced liver injury resulting in acute liver failure. Acute liver failure
      initiates a sterile inflammatory response with release of cytokines and innate
      immune cell infiltration in the liver. This study investigates, whether
      pharmacologic acetylcholinesterase inhibition with neostigmine diminishes liver
      damage in acute liver failure via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.
      METHODS: Acute liver failure was induced in BALB/c mice by a toxic dose of
      acetaminophen (APAP). Neostigmine and/or N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) were applied
      therapeutically at set time points and the survival was investigated. Liver
      damage was assessed by serum parameters, histopathology and serum cytokine assays
      12 h after initiation of acute liver failure. RESULTS: Serum parameters,
      histopathology and serum cytokine assays showed pronounced features of acute
      liver failure 12 h after application of acetaminophen (APAP). Neostigmine
      treatment led to significant reduction of serum liver enzymes (LDH (47,147 +/-
      12,726 IU/l vs. 15,822 +/- 10,629 IU/l, p = 0.0014) and ALT (18,048 +/- 4,287
      IU/l vs. 7,585 +/- 5,336 IU/l, p = 0.0013), APAP-alone-treated mice vs. APAP +
      neostigmine-treated mice), inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1beta (147 +/- 19 vs.
      110 +/- 25, p = 0.0138) and TNF-alpha (184 +/- 23 vs. 130 +/- 33, p = 0.0086),
      APAP-alone-treated mice vs. APAP + neostigmine-treated mice) and
      histopathological signs of damage.Animals treated with NAC in combination with
      the peripheral cholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine showed prolonged survival and
      improved outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Neostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
      that ameliorates the effects of APAP-induced acute liver failure in the mouse and
      therefore may provide new treatment options for affected patients.

PMID- 25139307
TI  - Factors associated with long diagnostic delay in celiac disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Here, we investigated the factors associated with long diagnostic
      delay in celiac disease and the impact of the national Current Care Guidelines in
      reducing the delay. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This population-based study involved
      825 adult celiac disease patients. The diagnosis was considered delayed when the
      interval between first symptoms and diagnosis was >10 years. The patients were
      asked about the duration and type of symptoms before diagnosis, time and site
      (tertiary, secondary, or primary care) of the diagnosis, family history of the
      disease, and presence of significant comorbidities. Analysis was performed by
      binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Altogether, 261 (32%) out of 825
      participants reported a diagnostic delay of >10 years. Female gender,
      neurological or musculoskeletal disorders and presence of diarrhea, abdominal
      pain, and malabsorption were associated with prolonged delay. Male gender,
      diagnosis after the introduction of the first Current Care Guidelines in 1997,
      and being detected by serological screening, and family history of celiac disease
      were associated with a lower risk of delayed diagnosis. Factors not associated
      with the delay were site of diagnosis, age, and presence of dermatitis
      herpetiformis, type 1 diabetes, or thyroidal disease. CONCLUSION: The number of
      long diagnostic delays in celiac disease has decreased over the past decades. The
      shift of diagnostics from secondary and tertiary care to primary care has not
      been detrimental. National guidelines together with increased awareness and
      active screening in at-risk groups of celiac disease are important in these
      circumstances.

PMID- 25139308
TI  - When you smile, you become happy: evidence from resting state task-based fMRI.
AB  - Simulation studies on emotion have shown that facial actions can initiate and
      modulate particular emotions. However, the neural mechanisms of these initiating
      and modulating functions are unclear. In this study, we used resting-state
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and task-based fMRI to explore these
      processes by examining spontaneous cerebral activities and brain activations
      under two conditions: holding a pen using only the teeth (HPT: facilitating the
      muscles typically associated with smiling) and holding a pen using only the lips
      (HPL: inhibiting the muscles typically associated with smiling). The resting
      state fMRI results showed that compared with the HPL condition, significant
      increases in the amplitudes of low-frequency fluctuations were found in the right
      posterior cingulate gyrus [PCG; Brodmann area 31 (BA31)] and in the left middle
      frontal gyrus (MFG; BA9) in the HPT condition. These findings might be related to
      the initiation of positive emotions (PCG) and to the control and allocation of
      attention (MFG). The task-based fMRI results showed that the inferior parietal
      lobule, left supplementary motor area, superior parietal lobule, precuneus, and
      bilateral middle cingulum were active when facial manipulation influenced the
      recognition of emotional facial expressions. These results demonstrate that
      facial actions might not only initiate a particular emotion and draw attention,
      but also influence face-based emotion recognition. 

PMID- 25139309
TI  - Combination of LED light and platelet-derived growth factor to accelerate
      dentoalveolar osteogenesis.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the adjunctive effect of LED light in platelet
      derived growth factor (PDGF)-aided dentoalveolar osteogenesis. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Full-thickness osseous wounds were created on rat maxillae and were
      either unfilled or filled with poly-(D,L-lactide) and poly-(D,L-lactide-co
      glycolide) microspheres encapsulating PDGF. Animals received daily 660 +/- 25 nm
      LED light irradiation at 0, 10 (LD), or 20 (HD) J/cm(2) , were killed at days 4
      28 (n = 6/group/time) and evaluated by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT),
      histology, and the expressions of osteopontin and tartrate-resistant acid
      phosphatase (TRAP). RESULTS: Greater osteogenesis was noted in the PDGF-treated
      defects at day 14. Under the LED light irradiation, osteogenesis was
      significantly greater in both LD and HD groups of the non-PDGF-treated defects,
      but only in the LD group of the PDGF-treated defects. No significant differences
      in osteogenesis among groups were noted at day 28. Greater bone marrow space was
      noted in the LED light-irradiated specimens, especially in the PDGF-treated
      defects at both time points. Osteopontin was significantly promoted in the LD
      group at both time points, and TRAP was significantly promoted in all LED light
      irradiated groups at day 28. CONCLUSION: LED light could an adjunct to promote
      early PDGF-aided dentoalveolar osteogenesis by facilitating the osteoblast
      osteoclast coupling.

PMID- 25139311
TI  - Abstracts of the Joint meeting of the Federation of European Physiological
      Societies (FEPS) and the Hungarian Physiological Society, 27-30 August 2014,
      Budapest, Hungary.

PMID- 25139310
TI  - Transcriptional responses of the bacterial antagonist Serratia plymuthica to the
      fungal phytopathogen Rhizoctonia solani.
AB  - Rhizobacteria with biocontrol ability exploit a range of mechanisms to compete
      successfully with other microorganisms and to ensure their growth and survival in
      the rhizosphere, ultimately promoting plant growth. The rhizobacterium Serratia
      plymuthica AS13 is able to promote oilseed rape growth and improve seedling
      survival in the presence of the fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani AG 2-1;
      however, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the antagonism of
      Serratia is limited. To elucidate possible mechanisms, genome-wide gene
      expression profiling of S. plymuthica AS13 was carried out in the presence or
      absence of R. solani. We used RNA sequencing methodology to obtain a
      comprehensive overview of Serratia gene expression in response to R. solani. The
      differential gene expression profiles of S. plymuthica AS13 revealed
      significantly increased expression of genes related to the biosynthesis of the
      antibiotic pyrrolnitrin (prnABCD), protease production and transporters. The
      results presented here provide evidence that antibiosis is a major functional
      mechanism underlying the antagonistic behaviour of S. plymuthica AS13.

PMID- 25139312
TI  - Canine progenitor epidermal keratinocytes express various inflammatory markers,
      including interleukin-8 and CD40, which are affected by certain antibiotics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacterial skin infections are common in dogs and humans.
      Keratinocytes have phenotypic features of nonprofessional antigen-presenting
      cells and express various cytokines. However, little is known about the effects
      of antibiotics on inflammatory markers in canine keratinocytes.
      HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To investigate inflammatory markers in canine progenitor
      epidermal keratinocytes (CPEKs) and to determine the effects of selected
      antibiotics on these markers. METHODS: The CPEKs were exposed for 2-24 h to three
      concentrations of amoxicillin, cefalexin, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole (or
      its nitroso metabolite), amikacin or enrofloxacin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) and immunocytochemistry were used to detect major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) II. CD40 and CXCR1 [interleukin (IL)-8 receptor]
      were detected using ELISA. Secreted cytokines/chemokines were quantified using a
      multiplex kit. RESULTS: No MHC II protein was detected. CD40 protein was found at
      24 h, with levels being significantly increased by enrofloxacin. The CPEKs
      secreted no detectable monocyte chemotactic protein-1; undetectable to low
      (picogram per millilitre range) concentrations of IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15,
      tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma and granulocyte-macrophage colony
      stimulating factor; and high (nanogram per millilitre range) concentrations of IL
      8. Levels of IL-8 increased over 24 h following cell proliferation. They were
      significantly increased by enrofloxacin after 8 h, and by cefalexin,
      sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole, its nitroso metabolite and enrofloxacin after
      24 h. The CPEKs expressed CXCR1. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Canine
      progenitor epidermal keratinocytes express various inflammatory proteins, with
      expression profiles being affected by certain antibiotics. This supports previous
      work showing keratinocytes to be mediators of inflammation and demonstrates the
      potential pro-inflammatory effects of certain antibiotics in the skin.

PMID- 25139313
TI  - Update on ultra-long-acting beta agonists in chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: For the last two decades, long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) have
      been a cornerstone in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD). They relax airway smooth muscle and augment expiratory airflow, which
      reduces hyperinflation and improves dyspnea, functional capacity and quality of
      life. In recent years, Indacaterol, a LABA with an ultra-long duration of action
      (ultra-LABA), which only requires once-daily dosing, was approved by the FDA. The
      clinical efficacy of indacaterol is comparable, and, in some aspects better, than
      the currently available LABAs. AREAS COVERED: This article reviews the
      pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy, safety and potential role of the
      ultra-LABAs in COPD management. EXPERT OPINION: Ultra-LABAs are effective
      bronchodilators with a prolonged duration of action. By decreasing dosing
      frequency, ultra-LABAs potentially may improve respiratory medication adherence,
      which is associated with better survival and less healthcare utilization. In
      addition to their salubrious benefits, beta agonists may produce untoward
      effects. Increased mortality and hospitalizations among patients with left
      ventricular heart failure, who were treated with beta agonists, has caused
      concern about their use in patients with COPD and heart disease. Further
      experience and testing will determine the optimal role of ultra-LABAs in the
      management of COPD.

PMID- 25139314
TI  - Disseminated intravascular coagulation secondary to advanced pancreatic cancer
      treated successfully with combination chemotherapy.
AB  - Both solid and hematologic malignancies may be complicated by coagulopathies.
      Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in the presence of pancreatic cancer
      is generally unrecognized and may have fatal consequences. The diagnosis of DIC
      in a patient with advanced cancer is a poor prognostic indicator. Presented here
      is a case study consisting of two patients presenting with a new diagnosis of
      pancreatic cancer complicated by DIC. Aggressive supportive treatment in addition
      to systemic chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel was
      initiated and DIC was controlled. An early diagnosis of DIC and the
      administration of systemic chemotherapy with a high response rate and an ability
      to reduce tumor bulk rapidly may offer some patients the probability of recovery.

PMID- 25139315
TI  - Emotion regulation and the temporal dynamics of emotions: Effects of cognitive
      reappraisal and expressive suppression on emotional inertia.
AB  - The tendency for emotions to be predictable over time, labelled emotional
      inertia, has been linked to low well-being and is thought to reflect impaired
      emotion regulation. However, almost no studies have examined how emotion
      regulation relates to emotional inertia. We examined the effects of cognitive
      reappraisal and expressive suppression on the inertia of behavioural, subjective
      and physiological measures of emotion. In Study 1 (N = 111), trait suppression
      was associated with higher inertia of negative behaviours. We replicated this
      finding experimentally in Study 2 (N = 186). Furthermore, in Study 2, instructed
      suppressors and reappraisers both showed higher inertia of positive behaviours,
      and reappraisers displayed higher inertia of heart rate. Neither suppression nor
      reappraisal were associated with the inertia of subjective feelings in either
      study. Thus, the effects of suppression and reappraisal on the temporal dynamics
      of emotions depend on the valence and emotional response component in question. 

PMID- 25139316
TI  - The intramuscular glucagon stimulation test does not provide good discrimination
      between normal and inadequate ACTH reserve when used in the investigation of
      short healthy children.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Few studies have addressed the role of the glucagon stimulation
      test (GST) in evaluating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in children. We
      investigated the diagnostic value of the GST in evaluating the adrenocortical
      response in short healthy children. METHODS: The GST was performed in 190
      children investigated for short stature. A peak cortisol >500 nmol/l was
      considered a normal response. In the 45 (23.7%) with subnormal response, a 250
      MUg ACTH test was done. RESULTS: The rate of subnormal adrenal response to GST
      was higher among boys (33.9 vs. 8.9%, p < 0.001) and among children >=6 years
      than among younger children (32.7 vs. 18.4%, p < 0.02). Both mean basal and peak
      cortisol levels were higher in girls than in boys: 381 +/- 165 vs. 319 +/- 151
      nmol/l (p = 0.003) and 741 +/- 102 vs. 595 +/- 208 nmol/l (p < 0.001),
      respectively. Peak cortisol on GST was associated with basal cortisol (r = 0.45,
      p < 0.001) but not with glucose nadir (r = -0.31, p = 0.67), peak GH (r = 0.069,
      p = 0.33) or BMI-SDS (r = -0.08, p = 0.28). Peak cortisol was >500 nmol/l in all
      the patients undergoing an ACTH stimulation test. CONCLUSIONS: Since adrenal
      response to GST is age- and gender-related and the false-positive rate is high,
      its routine performance in healthy children warrants reconsideration.

PMID- 25139317
TI  - Transdermal uptake and organ distribution of silver from two different wound
      dressings in rats after a burn trauma.
AB  - Silver-containing wound dressings are an integral part of wound therapy in adult
      and pediatric burn patients. The antimicrobial effect of silver is well known and
      has been described in numerous studies. Side effects are rarely reported from
      silver-containing wound care products, even though systemic absorption of silver
      has been shown by elevated levels of silver in the blood of patients after silver
      exposure during wound therapy. This animal study investigated the silver levels
      of blood and in which organs and tissues silver is detectable after long-term
      application of silver-containing wound dressings after a burn trauma. In male
      rats, a major full-thickness scald was created on their backs according to a
      standardized burn model. Two different silver-containing wound dressings
      (nanocrystalline silver [NCS] and silver sulphate foam [SSF]) were applied
      initially and changed every 7 days. Weekly blood drawings revealed an increase of
      blood silver in week three with significant higher values in the SSF compared
      with NCS group (Ag MUg/kg 135.8 vs. 61.7; means; p <= 0.05). Thereafter, the NCS
      group showed significantly higher blood silver levels than the SSF group at week
      five (Ag MUg/kg 192.3 vs. 81.3; means; p <= 0.01) and six (Ag MUg/kg 168.2 vs.
      32.9; means; p <= 0.01). After 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and the
      organs and tissues were analyzed for their silver content by inductively coupled
      plasma mass-spectrometry. Silver was detectable in all analyzed organs and tissue
      samples, with higher silver values in parenchymatous organs in the NCS than SSF
      group (Ag MUg/kg; spleen: 3,469 vs. 260; kidney: 3,186 vs. 289; liver: 2,022 vs.
      313; means; p <= 0.05). Silver was also detectable in brain, testis, lung, heart,
      and muscle tissue. 

PMID- 25139319
TI  - A family cluster of negative T-waves reversible after hyperventilation in young
      brothers without epicardial coronary disease.

PMID- 25139318
TI  - Acquired von Willebrand syndrome in adult patients with congenital heart disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Postoperative bleeding is common in patients with congenital heart
      disease (CHD). However, little is known about the role and prevalence of acquired
      von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS). METHODS: We evaluated the prevalence of AVWS in
      relation to underlying cardiac defects, operative procedures and the presence of
      Eisenmenger syndrome. The prothrombin time, aPTT, platelet function analysis (PFA
      100), von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag), VWF activity, VWF collagen binding
      activity (VWF:CB), factor VIII activity and multimeric analysis were measured in
      addition to tests evaluating heart, liver and kidney functions. RESULTS: A total
      of 221 patients were screened and 192 patients were included in the study. The
      overall prevalence of AVWS was 20.8%. AVWS was identified across all of the
      cardiac defects, with the highest prevalence in the defects of great complexity
      (38.6% compared to 9.4% in patients with CHD of simple/moderate complexity,
      p<0.001), Eisenmenger syndrome (p<0.001) and more severe heart failure symptoms
      (NYHA III/IV vs. NYHA I, p<0.001; NYHA III/IV vs. NYHA II, p=0.044). A
      combination of multimeric analysis, VWF:CB to VWF:Ag ratio (sensitivity: 77.5%,
      specificity: 93.3%) and PFA-100 (PFA Col/Epi sens.: 77%, spec.: 52%; PFA Col/ADP
      sens.: 75%, spec.: 74.3%) were used to detect AVWS. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrated that AVWS occurred in patients with various congenital cardiac
      defects, but the highest prevalence occurred in the patients with complex CHD and
      Eisenmenger syndrome. We, therefore, suggest preoperative screening for AVWS in
      all of the patients with CHD, particularly in the patients with CHD of greater
      complexity and suffering from Eisenmenger syndrome.

PMID- 25139320
TI  - Life threatening iatrogenic abnormal venous return following atrial septal defect
      surgery.

PMID- 25139322
TI  - A safe and easy technique to sample the coronary sinus--facilitating a closer
      look at cardiac disease.

PMID- 25139321
TI  - Atorvastatin treatment improves the effects of mesenchymal stem cell
      transplantation on acute myocardial infarction: the role of the RhoA/ROCK/ERK
      pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Statins protect mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) against the harsh
      microenvironment and improve the efficacy of MSC transplantation after acute
      myocardial infarction (AMI); however, the mechanism remains uncertain.
      Furthermore, the transdifferentiation potential of MSCs in the post-infarct heart
      remains highly controversial. The RhoA/Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming kinase
      (ROCK) pathway participates in many aspects of the damaged heart after AMI and
      related to the "pleiotropic" effects of statins. This study aimed to explore
      whether atorvastatin (ATV) facilitates the survival and therapeutic efficacy of
      MSCs via the inhibition of RhoA/ROCK pathway and subsequently its downstream
      molecular extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), and to investigate the
      transdifferentiation potential of MSCs in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: Female rats
      received myocardial injections of male rat MSCs 30 min after AMI. Four weeks
      after AMI, ATV combined with MSC treatment resulted in improved cardiac function
      and reduced infarct area. ATV facilitated the MSC survival, as revealed by the
      increased expression of Y chromosomal genes and the increased number of Y
      chromosome-positive cells; however, no transdifferentiation markers were
      observed. ATV inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines both in vitro
      and vivo, accompanied by suppression of ROCK and ERK activities. Geranylgeranyl
      pyrophosphate (GGPP) abrogated the effects of ATV in the H9c2 cells under
      hypoxia/serum deprivation (H/SD), while the ROCK inhibitor fasudil mimicked the
      benefits of ATV after AMI. CONCLUSIONS: ATV improves the post-infarct
      microenvironment via RhoA/ROCK/ERK inhibition and thus facilitates the survival
      and efficacy of implanted MSCs. Transdifferentiation may be not responsible for
      the cardiac benefits that follow MSC transplantation.

PMID- 25139323
TI  - Residual platelet reactivity and outcomes with 5 mg prasugrel therapy in elderly
      patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients older than 75 years old,
      prasugrel 10 mg maintenance therapy has shown less clinical efficacy and higher
      risk of bleeding. In patients older than 75 years, a prasugrel dose of 5 mg
      should be used if treatment is deemed necessary. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study
      was to compare platelet reactivity and outcomes in elderly patients receiving
      prasugrel 5mg therapy with non-elderly patients receiving prasugrel 10 mg
      therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive ACS patients undergoing percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) treated with prasugrel were included. Of 718
      patients, 228 (32%) had >=75 years and received prasugrel 5 mg/day. Residual
      platelet reactivity (RPR) was 47+/-18% and 36+/-16% in the elderly and non
      elderly group, respectively (p=0.001). High RPR (>=70%) was found in 9% and 2%
      (p=0.0001) in elderly and non-elderly patients, respectively. In the 6-month
      follow-up, there was no difference in mortality, stent thrombosis, and
      reinfarction rates between the 2 groups but a higher rate of TIMI minor bleeding
      (7.9% vs 2.4%; p=0.001) in elderly as compared with younger patients. Age>=75
      years was independently associated with bleeding events (HR 2.162 [1.105-4.229];
      p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients receiving prasugrel 5mg are more likely
      to experience high RPR than younger patients treated by prasugrel 10 mg. Despite
      the use of a reduced prasugrel maintenance dose and a higher level of RPR,
      elderly patients show increased risk of bleeding during prasugrel therapy as
      compared to younger patients.

PMID- 25139324
TI  - Comparative evaluation of HAS-BLED and ATRIA scores by investigating the full
      potential of their bleeding prediction schemes in non-valvular atrial
      fibrillation patients on vitamin-K antagonists.

PMID- 25139325
TI  - Experimental assessment of the effects of sublethal salinities on growth
      performance and stress in cultured tra catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus).
AB  - The effects of a range of different sublethal salinities were assessed on
      physiological processes and growth performance in the freshwater 'tra' catfish
      (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) juveniles over an 8-week experiment. Fish were
      distributed randomly among 6 salinity treatments [2, 6, 10, 14 and 18 g/L of
      salinity and a control (0 g/L)] with a subsequent 13-day period of acclimation.
      Low salinity conditions from 2 to 10 g/L provided optimal conditions with high
      survival and good growth performance, while 0 g/L and salinities >14 g/L gave
      poorer survival rates (p < 0.05). Salinity levels from freshwater to 10 g/L did
      not have any negative effects on fish weight gain, daily weight gain, or specific
      growth rate. Food conversion ratio, however, was lowest in the control treatment
      (p < 0.05) and highest at the maximum salinities tested (18 g/L treatment).
      Cortisol levels were elevated in the 14 and 18 g/L treatments after 6 h and
      reached a peak after 24-h exposure, and this also led to increases in plasma
      glucose concentration. After 14 days, surviving fish in all treatments appeared
      to have acclimated to their respective conditions with cortisol levels remaining
      under 5 ng/mL with glucose concentrations stable. Tra catfish do not appear to be
      efficient osmoregulators when salinity levels exceed 10 g/L, and at raised
      salinity levels, growth performance is compromised. In general, results of this
      study confirm that providing culture environments in the Mekong River Basin do
      not exceed 10 g/L salinity and that cultured tra catfish can continue to perform
      well.

PMID- 25139326
TI  - 2-Phenylethynesulfonamide (PES) uncovers a necrotic process regulated by
      oxidative stress and p53.
AB  - 2-Phenylethynesulfonamide (PES) or pifithrin-MU is a promising anticancer agent
      with preferential toxicity for cancer cells. The type of cell death and the
      molecular cascades activated by this compound are controversial. Here, we
      demonstrate PES elicits a caspase- and BAX/BAK-independent non-necroptotic
      necrotic cell death, since it is not inhibited by necrostatin-1. This process is
      characterized by an early generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting
      in p53 up-regulation. Accordingly, thiolic antioxidants protect cells from PES
      induced death. Furthermore, inhibiting the natural sources of glutathione with l
      buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO) strongly cooperates with PES in triggering
      cytotoxicity. Genetically modified p53-null or p53 knocked-down cells show
      resistance to PES-driven necrosis. The predominant localization of p53 in
      chromatin-enriched fractions added to the up-regulation of the p53-responsive
      gene p21, strongly suggest the involvement of a transcription-dependent p53
      program. On the other hand, we report an augmented production of ROS in p53
      positive cells that, added to the increased p53 content in response to PES
      elicited ROS, suggests that p53 and ROS are mutually regulated in response to
      PES. In sum, p53 up-regulation by ROS triggers a positive feedback loop
      responsible of further increasing ROS production and reinforcing PES-driven non
      necroptotic necrosis. 

PMID- 25139331
TI  - Neurocognitive predictors of substance use disorders and nicotine dependence in
      ADHD probands, their unaffected siblings, and controls: a 4-year prospective
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a risk factor for
      substance use disorders (SUDs) and nicotine dependence (ND). Neurocognitive
      deficits may predict the increased risk of developing SUDs and nicotine
      dependence. METHODS: This study comprised three groups derived from the Dutch
      part of the International Multicenter ADHD Genetics (IMAGE) study: ADHD probands
      (n = 294), unaffected siblings (n = 161), and controls (n = 214). At baseline
      (age = 12.2), a range of neurocognitive functions was assessed including
      executive functions (inhibition, working memory, timing), measures of motor
      functioning (motor timing and tracking) and IQ. After a mean follow-up of 4.2
      years, SUDs and ND were assessed. RESULTS: None of the neurocognitive functions
      predicted later SUDs or ND in ADHD probands, even after controlling for
      medication use and conduct disorder. Slower response inhibition predicted later
      nicotine dependence in unaffected siblings (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.22-3.48), and
      lower IQ predicted increased risk for SUDs in controls (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.12
      3.44). CONCLUSIONS: Cold executive functions, motor functioning, and IQ did not
      predict the elevated risk of SUDs and ND in ADHD. Future studies should target
      'hot' executive functions such as reward processing as risk factors for SUDs or
      ND.

PMID- 25139327
TI  - Modulating energy arriving at photochemical reaction centers: orange carotenoid
      protein-related photoprotection and state transitions.
AB  - Photosynthetic organisms tightly regulate the energy arriving to the reaction
      centers in order to avoid photodamage or imbalance between the photosystems. To
      this purpose, cyanobacteria have developed mechanisms involving relatively rapid
      (seconds to minutes) changes in the photosynthetic apparatus. In this review, two
      of these processes will be described: orange carotenoid protein(OCP)-related
      photoprotection and state transitions which optimize energy distribution between
      the two photosystems. The photoactive OCP is a light intensity sensor and an
      energy dissipater. Photoactivation depends on light intensity and only the red
      active OCP form, by interacting with phycobilisome cores, increases thermal
      energy dissipation at the level of the antenna. A second protein, the
      "fluorescence recovery protein", is needed to recover full antenna capacity under
      low light conditions. This protein accelerates OCP conversion to the inactive
      orange form and plays a role in dislodging the red OCP protein from the
      phycobilisome. The mechanism of state transitions is still controversial. Changes
      in the redox state of the plastoquinone pool induce movement of phycobilisomes
      and/or photosystems leading to redistribution of energy absorbed by
      phycobilisomes between PSII and PSI and/or to changes in excitation energy
      spillover between photosystems. The different steps going from the induction of
      redox changes to movement of phycobilisomes or photosystems remain to be
      elucidated. 

PMID- 25139332
TI  - Lack of association between the 389C>T polymorphism (rs769217) in the catalase
      (CAT) gene and the risk of vitiligo: an update by meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The catalase (CAT) T/C at codon 389 in the exon 9
      polymorphism has been implicated in susceptibility to vitiligo but a large number
      of studies have reported inconclusive results. The purpose of this study is to
      evaluate the association between the catalase gene polymorphism (389C>T) and the
      risk of vitiligo. METHODS: A meta-analysis was carried out to analyse the
      association between 389C>T and vitiligo risk. RESULTS: Eight case-control studies
      with 2923 cases and 4237 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The results
      indicated that there was no association between this polymorphism and vitiligo
      (TT + CT versus CC: OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.98-1.20, P = 0.11, T versus C: OR =
      1.07, 95% CI = 0.99-1.16, P = 0.092). In a subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no
      significant association between the CAT gene 389C>T polymorphism and vitiligo
      susceptibility was found in Caucasians (TT + CT versus CC: OR = 1.15, 95% CI =
      0.98-1.35, P = 0.08; T versus C: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.97-1.19, P = 0.173) and
      Asians (TT + CT versus CC: OR = 1.12, 95% CI =0.93-1.34, P = 0.23; T versus C: OR
      = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.94-1.21, P = 0.321). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that
      389C>T may not contribute to vitiligo susceptibility. However, larger primary
      studies with the consideration of gene-environment and gene-gene interactions are
      still required to further evaluate the interaction of CAT gene polymorphism with
      vitiligo susceptibility.

PMID- 25139333
TI  - Diagnostic and prognostic value of preoperative combined GFAP, IGFBP-2, and YKL
      40 plasma levels in patients with glioblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circulating proteins released by tumor cells have recently been
      investigated as potential single surrogate biomarkers for glioblastoma multiforme
      (GBM). The aim of the current hypothesis-generating study was to evaluate the
      diagnostic and prognostic role of preoperative insulin-like growth factor-binding
      protein 2 (IGFBP-2), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), and glial fibrillary
      acidic protein (GFAP) plasma levels in patients with GBM, both as single markers
      and as a combined profile. METHODS: Plasma samples from 111 patients with GBM and
      a subset of 40 patients with nonglial brain tumors were obtained preoperatively.
      Plasma from 99 healthy controls was also analyzed. IGFBP-2, YKL-40, and GFAP
      levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay tests. Their
      association with histological and radiological variables was assessed. RESULTS:
      Circulating levels of all 3 proteins were found to be significantly higher in
      patients with GBM compared with healthy controls (P < .01). Only YKL-40 and GFAP
      were found to demonstrate significant differences between patients with GBM and
      nonglial brain tumors (P = .04). GFAP was undetectable (<0.02 ng/mL) in all
      patients without GBM. A receiver operating characteristic analysis accounting for
      a 2-step diagnostic procedure including the 3 biomarkers afforded an area under
      the curve of 0.77 for differentiating patients with GBM from those with nonglial
      brain tumors. There was a significant correlation between tumor volume and plasma
      IGFBP-2 level (Spearman Rho correlation coefficient, 0.22; P = .025) and GFAP
      (Spearman Rho correlation coefficient, 0.36; P < .001) among patients with GBM.
      Preoperative plasma IGFBP-2 levels were found to be independently associated with
      worse overall survival among patients with GBM (hazard ratio, 1.3; P = .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: A combined profile of preoperative IGFBP-2, GFAP, and YKL-40 plasma
      levels could serve as an additional diagnostic tool for patients with inoperable
      brain lesions suggestive of GBM. In addition, IGFBP-2 levels appear to constitute
      an independent prognostic factor in patients with GBM.

PMID- 25139334
TI  - Modeling and forecasting the distribution of Vibrio vulnificus in Chesapeake Bay.
AB  - AIM: To construct statistical models to predict the presence, abundance and
      potential virulence of Vibrio vulnificus in surface waters of Chesapeake Bay for
      implementation in ecological forecasting systems. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      evaluated and applied previously published qPCR assays to water samples (n =
      1636) collected from Chesapeake Bay from 2007-2010 in conjunction with State
      water quality monitoring programmes. A variety of statistical techniques were
      used in concert to identify water quality parameters associated with V.
      vulnificus presence, abundance and virulence markers in the interest of
      developing strong predictive models for use in regional oceanographic modeling
      systems. A suite of models are provided to represent the best model fit and
      alternatives using environmental variables that allow them to be put to immediate
      use in current ecological forecasting efforts. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental
      parameters such as temperature, salinity and turbidity are capable of accurately
      predicting abundance and distribution of V. vulnificus in Chesapeake Bay. Forcing
      these empirical models with output from ocean modeling systems allows for
      spatially explicit forecasts for up to 48 h in the future. SIGNIFICANCE AND
      IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study uses one of the largest data sets compiled to
      model Vibrio in an estuary, enhances our understanding of environmental
      correlates with abundance, distribution and presence of potentially virulent
      strains and offers a method to forecast these pathogens that may be replicated in
      other regions.

PMID- 25139335
TI  - The difference in immune response and IL-12p35 methylation between newborns and
      adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The immune system of newborn is generally depressed by impaired
      production of Th1-cell associated cytokines, which results in increased
      susceptibility to intracellular pathogens and poor response to vaccinations. For
      avoiding abortion, the maternal and fetal immune systems tend to Th2-cell
      polarizing cytokines. Besides, IL-12p35 is a determining factor of the
      bioactivity of IL-12, which has an important role in the Th1 response. Recently
      methylated DNA is known to associate to inhibit transcription. Therefore, we
      explored the methylation status of CpG sites upstream of the coding sequence of
      the IL-12p35 gene to determine whether neonatal peripheral blood mononuclear cell
      (PBMC) synthesis lower level of IL-12 is related to methylated DNA. RESULTS:
      PBMCs from adults expressed higher levels of IL-12p40 (p = 0.303) and IL-12p70 (p
      = 0.045) and had a strong ability to produce IL-12p35 mRNA (p = 0.01). However,
      there was no difference in the methylation status of CpG sites in the promoter of
      IL-12p35 between adults and newborns. CONCLUSIONS: We found that PBMC synthesis
      of bioactive IL-12p70 was significantly impaired in the neonatal period,
      potentially though a reduction in IL-12p35 production. The reeducation in IL
      12p35 production might not be due to methylation of the promoter gene. But, the
      impairment of IL-12p35 expression during the neonatal period might be caused by
      other epigenetic regulation occurs in the chromatin level.

PMID- 25139337
TI  - Single-nucleotide polymorphism associations in common with immune responses to
      measles and rubella vaccines.
AB  - Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate immune response genes were
      evaluated for associations with measles- and rubella-specific neutralizing
      antibodies, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and interleukin (IL)-6 secretion in two
      separate association analyses in a cohort of healthy immunized subjects. We
      identified six SNP associations shared between the measles-specific and rubella
      specific immune responses, specifically neutralizing antibody titers (DDX58),
      secreted IL-6 (IL10RB, IL12B), and secreted IFN-gamma (IFNAR2, TLR4). An intronic
      SNP (rs669260) in the antiviral innate immune receptor gene, DDX58, was
      significantly associated with increased neutralizing antibody titers for both
      measles and rubella viral antigens post-MMR vaccination (p values 0.02 and
      0.0002, respectively). Significant associations were also found between IL10RB
      (rs2284552; measles study p value 0.006, rubella study p value 0.00008) and IL12B
      (rs2546893; measles study p value 0.005, rubella study p value 0.03) gene
      polymorphisms and variations in both measles- and rubella virus-specific IL-6
      responses. We also identified associations between individual SNPs in the IFNAR2
      and TLR4 genes that were associated with IFN-gamma secretion for both measles and
      rubella vaccine-specific immune responses. These results are the first to
      indicate that there are SNP associations in common across measles and rubella
      vaccine immune responses and that SNPs from multiple genes involved in innate and
      adaptive immune response regulation may contribute to the overall human antiviral
      response. 

PMID- 25139336
TI  - KIR diversity in Maori and Polynesians: populations in which HLA-B is not a
      significant KIR ligand.
AB  - HLA class I molecules and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) form a
      diverse system of ligands and receptors that individualize human immune systems
      in ways that improve the survival of individuals and populations. Human
      settlement of Oceania by island-hopping East and Southeast Asian migrants started
      ~3,500 years ago. Subsequently, New Zealand was reached ~750 years ago by
      ancestral Maori. To examine how this history impacted KIR and HLA diversity, and
      their functional interaction, we defined at high resolution the allelic and
      haplotype diversity of the 13 expressed KIR genes in 49 Maori and 34 Polynesians.
      Eighty KIR variants, including four 'new' alleles, were defined, as were 35
      centromeric and 22 telomeric KIR region haplotypes, which combine to give >50
      full-length KIR haplotypes. Two new and divergent variant KIR form part of a
      telomeric KIR haplotype, which appears derived from Papua New Guinea and was
      probably obtained by the Asian migrants en route to Polynesia. Maori and
      Polynesian KIR are very similar, but differ significantly from African, European,
      Japanese, and Amerindian KIR. Maori and Polynesians have high KIR haplotype
      diversity with corresponding allotype diversity being maintained throughout the
      KIR locus. Within the population, each individual has a unique combination of HLA
      class I and KIR. Characterizing Maori and Polynesians is a paucity of HLA-B
      allotypes recognized by KIR. Compensating for this deficiency are high
      frequencies (>50 %) of HLA-A allotypes recognized by KIR. These HLA-A allotypes
      are ones that modern humans likely acquired from archaic humans at a much earlier
      time. 

PMID- 25139338
TI  - Smoking and risk of low- and high-grade prostate cancer: results from the REDUCE
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although the relationship between smoking and prostate cancer risk is
      inconsistent, some studies show that smoking is associated with prostate cancer
      mortality. Whether this reflects delayed diagnosis or direct smoking-related
      effects is unknown. REDUCE, which followed biopsy-negative men with protocol
      dictated prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-independent biopsies at 2 and 4 years,
      provides an opportunity to evaluate smoking and prostate cancer diagnosis with
      minimal confounding from screening biases. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Logistic
      regression was conducted to test the association between smoking and cancer on
      the first on-study biopsy (no cancer, low-grade Gleason 4-6, high-grade Gleason 7
      10) in REDUCE. RESULTS: Of 6,240 men with complete data and >=1 on-study biopsy,
      2,937 (45.8%) never smoked, 929 (14.5%) were current smokers, and 2,554 (39.8%)
      were former smokers. Among men with negative first on-study biopsies, smokers
      were 36% less likely to receive a second on-study biopsy (P < 0.001). At first on
      study biopsy, 941 (14.7%) men had cancer. Both current and former smoking were
      not significantly associated with either total or low-grade prostate cancer (all
      P > 0.36). Current (OR = 1.44, P = 0.028) but not former smokers (OR = 1.21, P =
      0.12) were at increased risk of high-grade disease. On secondary analysis, there
      was an interaction between smoking and body mass index (BMI; Pinteraction =
      0.017): current smokers with BMI <= 25 kg/m(2) had an increased risk of low-grade
      (OR = 1.54, P = 0.043) and high-grade disease (OR = 2.45, P = 0.002), with null
      associations for BMI >= 25 kg/m(2). CONCLUSION: Among men with elevated PSA and
      negative pre-study biopsy in REDUCE, in which biopsies were largely PSA
      independent, smoking was unrelated to overall prostate cancer diagnosis but was
      associated with increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.

PMID- 25139340
TI  - Paracrine network: another step in the complexity of resistance to EGFR blockade?
AB  - Increased secretion of EGFR ligands amphiregulin and TGFalpha by limited KRAS
      mutant clones is suggested as a paracrine resistance mechanism to anti-EGFR
      antibodies in colorectal cancer models. These findings are biologically sound but
      need to be replicated, including in the clinical setting, to foresee whether they
      are clinically relevant and therapeutically exploitable.

PMID- 25139339
TI  - Mismatch repair status and BRAF mutation status in metastatic colorectal cancer
      patients: a pooled analysis of the CAIRO, CAIRO2, COIN, and FOCUS studies.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and prognostic value of mismatch repair
      (MMR) status and its relation to BRAF mutation (BRAF(MT)) status in metastatic
      colorectal cancer (mCRC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A pooled analysis of four phase
      III studies in first-line treatment of mCRC (CAIRO, CAIRO2, COIN, and FOCUS) was
      performed. Primary outcome parameter was the hazard ratio (HR) for median
      progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in relation to MMR and
      BRAF. For the pooled analysis, Cox regression analysis was performed on
      individual patient data. RESULTS: The primary tumors of 3,063 patients were
      analyzed, of which 153 (5.0%) exhibited deficient MMR (dMMR) and 250 (8.2%) a
      BRAF(MT). BRAF(MT) was observed in 53 (34.6%) of patients with dMMR tumors
      compared with 197 (6.8%) of patients with proficient MMR (pMMR) tumors (P <
      0.001). In the pooled dataset, median PFS and OS were significantly worse for
      patients with dMMR compared with pMMR tumors [HR, 1.33; 95% confidence interval
      (CI), 1.12-1.57 and HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.13-1.61, respectively), and for patients
      with BRAF(MT) compared with BRAF wild-type (BRAF(WT)) tumors (HR, 1.34; 95% CI,
      1.17-1.54 and HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.66-2.19, respectively). PFS and OS were
      significantly decreased for patients with BRAF(MT) within the group of patients
      with pMMR, but not for BRAF status within dMMR, or MMR status within BRAF(WT) or
      BRAF(MT). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of dMMR and BRAF(MT) in patients with mCRC is
      low and both biomarkers confer an inferior prognosis. Our data suggest that the
      poor prognosis of dMMR is driven by the BRAF(MT) status.

PMID- 25139343
TI  - Ocular and histologic findings in a series of children with infantile pompe
      disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the ophthalmologic and histologic findings in a series of
      children with infantile Pompe disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy
      (ERT). METHODS: Records of children with infantile Pompe disease treated with ERT
      who had at least one complete ophthalmic examination and the ocular
      histopathology of children with infantile Pompe disease who were treated with ERT
      were reviewed. The patients' clinical history, including external ocular
      examination, ocular alignment and motility, dilated fundus examination, and
      cycloplegic refraction, was evaluated. A literature review was performed for
      ophthalmologic findings in infantile Pompe disease using PubMed. RESULTS: The
      clinical findings of 13 children were included and the ocular histopathology of 3
      children with infantile Pompe disease who were treated with ERT were reviewed.
      Forty-six percent (6 of 13) had bilateral ptosis, 23% (3 of 13) had strabismus,
      62% (8 of 13) had myopia, and 69% (9 of 13) had astigmatism. On histologic
      examination, there was vacuolar myopathy affecting the extraocular muscles,
      ciliary body, and iris smooth muscle and glycogen accumulation in corneal
      endothelial, lens epithelium, and retinal ganglion cells, and within lysosomes of
      scleral fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: It is important that ophthalmic providers are
      aware of the high prevalence of myopia, astigmatism, and ptosis in children with
      infantile Pompe disease treated with ERT because they are potentially amblyogenic
      but treatable factors.

PMID- 25139344
TI  - Endocrine effects of valproic acid therapy in girls with epilepsy: a prospective
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: It is controversial whether the endocrine dysfunction in epilepsy
      patients is caused by the epilepsy itself, the antiepileptic therapy, or both. We
      prospectively evaluated the long-term impact of valproic acid monotherapy
      compared to other anti-epileptic drugs on anthropometric, metabolic, hormonal,
      and ultrasonographic parameters in girls with epilepsy. METHODS: Fifty-seven
      female patients with epilepsy who had started therapy at mean age of 11.5 +/- 3.3
      years, 42 with valproic acid (mean dose 13.1 +/- 7.0 mg/kg/day and 15 with other
      anti-epileptic agents were followed for a mean of 3.2 years (range 1.0-8.5 years)
      in our center. Clinical, hormonal and transabdominal pelvic ultrasound data were
      collected at 3 time points: before and 6-12 months after onset of anti-epileptic
      drug treatment; and at the last visit while patients were still taking anti
      epileptic drugs. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences
      regarding changes in height, body mass index standard deviation score, levels of
      glucose and insulin, or lipid and endocrine profile from first to last visits.
      Mean thyroid-stimulating hormone level increased significantly between first and
      last visit only in the valproic acid group (p < 0.001), with no significant
      difference in free T4 level over time or between groups. The rate of clinical
      polycystic ovary syndrome for the valproic acid group (11%) was comparable to
      that reported in healthy controls (5-10%). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of
      valproic acid had no adverse effect on body weight, metabolic status or endocrine
      function over an average follow-up of 3.2 years. Valproic acid appears to be safe
      for use in girls with epilepsy.

PMID- 25139345
TI  - Successful treatment of cataplexy in patients with early-infantile Niemann-Pick
      disease type C: use of tricyclic antidepressants.
AB  - Cataplexy is a brief episode of bilateral loss of muscle tone with intact
      consciousness, triggered by a variety of strong emotions such as anger, laugh,
      humor or surprise and it is considered to represent the physiologic atonia of
      rapid eye movement sleep. On the other hand, Niemann-Pick type C is a
      neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease, characterized by the accumulation of
      cholesterol and glycosphingolipids. Cataplexy is a relatively specific and common
      neurologic sign seen in almost 50% of all patients with Niemann-Pick type C. The
      aim of this report is to demonstrate the successful treatment of cataplexy with
      the use of a tricyclic antidepressant imipiramine, in two patients between the
      ages 6-9, with mild to moderate mental retardation, molecularly diagnosed as
      Niemann-Pick type C 1 and currently under miglustat treatment and to discuss the
      possible mechanisms of drug action in the light of cataplexy and Niemann-Pick
      type C pathophysiology.

PMID- 25139346
TI  - The healthcare utilization and cost of treating patients experiencing
      inappropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks: a propensity score
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inappropriate shocks (IASs) from implantable cardioverter
      defibrillators (ICDs) are associated with decreased quality of life, but whether
      they increase healthcare utilization and treatment costs is unknown. We sought to
      determine the impact of IASs on subsequent healthcare utilization and treatment
      costs. METHODS: We conducted a case-control analysis of ICD patients at a single
      institution from 1997 to 2010 and who had >=12 months of post-ICD implant follow
      up. Cases included all patients experiencing an IAS during the first 12 months
      after implantation. Eligible control patients did not receive a shock of any kind
      during the 12 months after implantation. Propensity scores based on 36 covariates
      (area under curve = 0.78) were used to match cases to controls. We compared the
      rate (occurrences/person year [PY]) of healthcare utilization immediately
      following IAS to the end of the 12-month follow-up period to the rate in the no
      shock group over 12 months of follow-up. We also compared 12-month postimplant
      treatment (outpatient clinic, emergency room, and hospitalization) costs in both
      groups. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients experiencing >=1 IAS during the first 12
      months after implant (contributing 48 PYs) were matched to 76 no-shock patients
      (contributing 76 PYs). Cardiovascular (CV)-related clinic visit and
      hospitalization rates were increased following an IAS compared to those not
      receiving a shock (4.0 vs 3.3 and 0.7 vs 0.5, respectively, P = 0.02 for both).
      CV-related emergency room visitation (0.15 vs 0.08) rates were also numerically
      higher following an IAS, but did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.26).
      Patients experiencing an IAS accrued greater treatment costs during the 12 months
      postimplant compared to no-shock patients ($13,973 +/- $46,345 vs $6,790 +/-
      $19,091, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Recipients of IAS utilize the healthcare system
      more frequently following an IAS than patients not experiencing a shock. This
      increased utilization results in higher costs of treating IAS patients during the
      12 months postimplant.

PMID- 25139347
TI  - Balloon inflation time in angioplasty of dialysis access stenosis.

PMID- 25139349
TI  - Reed-Sternberg cell-derived lymphotoxin-alpha activates endothelial cells to
      enhance T-cell recruitment in classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
AB  - It is known that cells within the inflammatory background in classical Hodgkin
      lymphoma (cHL) provide signals essential for the continual survival of the
      neoplastic Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells. However, the mechanisms
      underlying the recruitment of this inflammatory infiltrate into the involved
      lymph nodes are less well understood. In this study, we show in vitro that HRS
      cells secrete lymphotoxin-alpha (LTalpha) which acts on endothelial cells to
      upregulate the expression of adhesion molecules that are important for T cell
      recruitment. LTalpha also enhances the expression of hyaluronan which
      preferentially contributes to the recruitment of CD4(+) CD45RA(+) naive T cells
      under in vitro defined flow conditions. Enhanced expression of LTalpha in HRS
      cells and tissue stroma; and hyaluronan on endothelial cells are readily detected
      in involved lymph nodes from cHL patients. Our study also shows that although NF
      kappaB and AP-1 are involved, the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway is the dominant
      regulator of LTalpha production in HRS cells. Using pharmacological inhibitors,
      our data suggest that activity of COX1, but not of COX2, directly regulates the
      expression of nuclear c-Fos in HRS cells. Our findings suggest that HRS cell
      derived LTalpha is an important mediator that contributes to T cell recruitment
      into lesional lymph nodes in cHL. 

PMID- 25139348
TI  - Export of virulence proteins by malaria-infected erythrocytes involves remodeling
      of host actin cytoskeleton.
AB  - Following invasion of human red blood cells (RBCs) by the malaria parasite,
      Plasmodium falciparum, a remarkable process of remodeling occurs in the host cell
      mediated by trafficking of several hundred effector proteins to the RBC
      compartment. The exported virulence protein, P falciparum erythrocyte membrane
      protein 1 (PfEMP1), is responsible for cytoadherence of infected cells to host
      endothelial receptors. Maurer clefts are organelles essential for protein
      trafficking, sorting, and assembly of protein complexes. Here we demonstrate that
      disruption of PfEMP1 trafficking protein 1 (PfPTP1) function leads to severe
      alterations in the architecture of Maurer's clefts. Furthermore, 2 major surface
      antigen families, PfEMP1 and STEVOR, are no longer displayed on the host cell
      surface leading to ablation of cytoadherence to host receptors. PfPTP1 functions
      in a large complex of proteins and is required for linking of Maurer's clefts to
      the host actin cytoskeleton. 

PMID- 25139350
TI  - X chromosome inactivation analysis reveals a difference in the biology of ET
      patients with JAK2 and CALR mutations.
AB  - Calreticulin mutations (CALR(MUT)) are found in a significant proportion of
      patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) lacking JAK2(V617F) or MPL
      mutations. They are associated with substantially different hematological and
      clinical features and define a distinct subtype of ET. We show here that their
      presence is significantly correlated with a clonal X chromosome inactivation
      pattern (XCIP). Of 105 female ET patients investigated, 61 had an interpretable
      XCIP, and a clonal pattern was observed in 88% of CALR(MUT) patients compared
      with 26% of JAK2(V617F) (P = .0002) and 9% of JAK2(V617F)/MPL/CALR wild-type
      patients (P < .0001). Neutrophil CALR(MUT) level was significantly higher than
      JAK2(V617F) level (median, 50% vs 18%; P < .0001), and wild-type myelopoiesis was
      suppressed in CALR(MUT) but not JAK2(V617F) patients. These data are suggestive
      of truly monoclonal hematopoiesis in CALR(MUT) patients and provide further
      evidence that the biology associated with CALR mutations is markedly different
      from that of JAK2(V617F) mutations. 

PMID- 25139352
TI  - Molecular and clinical predictors of inhibitor risk and its prevention and
      treatment in mild hemophilia A.
AB  - The risk for inhibitor development in mild hemophilia A (factor VIII levels
      between 5 and 40 U/dL) is larger than previously anticipated, continues
      throughout life, and is particularly associated with certain mutations in F8.
      Desmopressin may reduce inhibitor risk by avoiding exposure to FVIII
      concentrates, but the heterogenous biological response to desmopressin, showing
      large interindividual variation, may limit its clinical use. However, predictors
      of desmopressin response have been recently identified, allowing the selection of
      the best candidates to this treatment. 

PMID- 25139353
TI  - Phosphoinositide 3-kinase beta mediates microvascular endothelial repair of
      thrombotic microangiopathy.
AB  - Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) commonly involves injury of kidney glomerular
      endothelial cells (ECs) and fibrin occlusion of the capillaries. The mechanisms
      underlying repair of the microvasculature and recovery of kidney function are
      poorly defined. In the developing vasculature, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase
      (PI3K) alpha isoform integrates many growth factor cues. However, the role of
      individual isoforms in repair of the established vasculature is unclear. We found
      that postnatal endothelial deletion of PI3Kbeta sensitizes mice to lethal acute
      kidney failure after TMA injury. In vitro, PI3Kbeta-deficient ECs show reduced
      angiogenic invasion of fibrin matrix with unaltered sensitivity to proapoptotic
      stress compared with wild-type ECs. This correlates with decreased expression of
      the EC tip cell markers apelin and Dll4 and is associated with a reduction in
      migration and proliferation. In vivo, PI3Kbeta-knockdown ECs are deficient in
      assembly of microvessel-like structures. These data identify a critical role for
      endothelial PI3Kbeta in microvascular repair following injury. 

PMID- 25139351
TI  - Inhibition of leukemia cell engraftment and disease progression in mice by
      osteoblasts.
AB  - The bone marrow niche is thought to act as a permissive microenvironment required
      for emergence or progression of hematologic cancers. We hypothesized that
      osteoblasts, components of the niche involved in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)
      function, influence the fate of leukemic blasts. We show that osteoblast numbers
      decrease by 55% in myelodysplasia and acute myeloid leukemia patients. Further,
      genetic depletion of osteoblasts in mouse models of acute leukemia increased
      circulating blasts and tumor engraftment in the marrow and spleen leading to
      higher tumor burden and shorter survival. Myelopoiesis increased and was coupled
      with a reduction in B lymphopoiesis and compromised erythropoiesis, suggesting
      that hematopoietic lineage/progression was altered. Treatment of mice with acute
      myeloid or lymphoblastic leukemia with a pharmacologic inhibitor of the synthesis
      of duodenal serotonin, a hormone suppressing osteoblast numbers, inhibited loss
      of osteoblasts. Maintenance of the osteoblast pool restored normal marrow
      function, reduced tumor burden, and prolonged survival. Leukemia prevention was
      attributable to maintenance of osteoblast numbers because inhibition of serotonin
      receptors alone in leukemic blasts did not affect leukemia progression. These
      results suggest that osteoblasts play a fundamental role in propagating leukemia
      in the marrow and may be a therapeutic target to induce hostility of the niche to
      leukemia blasts.

PMID- 25139355
TI  - Clonal analysis identifies hemogenic endothelium as the source of the blood
      endothelial common lineage in the mouse embryo.
AB  - The first blood and endothelial cells of amniote embryos appear in close
      association in the blood islands of the yolk sac (YS). This association and in
      vitro lineage analyses have suggested a common origin from mesodermal precursors
      called hemangioblasts, specified in the primitive streak during gastrulation.
      Fate mapping and chimera studies, however, failed to provide strong evidence for
      a common origin in the early mouse YS. Additional in vitro studies suggest
      instead that mesodermal precursors first generate hemogenic endothelium, which
      then generate blood cells in a linear sequence. We conducted an in vivo clonal
      analysis to determine the potential of individual cells in the mouse epiblast,
      primitive streak, and early YS. We found that early YS blood and endothelial
      lineages mostly derive from independent epiblast populations, specified before
      gastrulation. Additionally, a subpopulation of the YS endothelium has hemogenic
      activity and displays characteristics similar to those found later in the
      embryonic hemogenic endothelium. Our results show that the earliest blood and
      endothelial cell populations in the mouse embryo are specified independently, and
      that hemogenic endothelium first appears in the YS and produces blood precursors
      with markers related to definitive hematopoiesis. 

PMID- 25139354
TI  - The DPY30 subunit in SET1/MLL complexes regulates the proliferation and
      differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells.
AB  - Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications, have emerged as important
      factors influencing cell fate determination. The functional role of H3K4
      methylation, however, remains largely unclear in the maintenance and
      differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)/hematopoietic progenitor cells
      (HPCs). Here we show that DPY30, a shared core subunit of the SET1/MLL family
      methyltransferase complexes and a facilitator of their H3K4 methylation activity,
      is important for ex vivo proliferation and differentiation of human CD34(+) HPCs.
      DPY30 promotes HPC proliferation by directly regulating the expression of genes
      critical for cell proliferation. Interestingly, while DPY30 knockdown in HPCs
      impaired their differentiation into the myelomonocytic lineage, it potently
      promoted hemoglobin production and affected the kinetics of their differentiation
      into the erythroid lineage. In an in vivo model, we show that morpholino-mediated
      dpy30 knockdown resulted in severe defects in the development of the zebrafish
      hematopoietic system, which could be partially rescued by coinjection of dpy30
      messenger RNA. Taken together, our results establish a critical role of DPY30 in
      the proliferation and appropriate differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor
      cells and in animal hematopoiesis. Finally, we also demonstrate a crucial role of
      DPY30 in the growth of several MLL1-fusion-mediated leukemia cell lines. 

PMID- 25139356
TI  - Somatic mutations identify a subgroup of aplastic anemia patients who progress to
      myelodysplastic syndrome.
AB  - The distinction between acquired aplastic anemia (AA) and hypocellular
      myelodysplastic syndrome (hMDS) is often difficult, especially nonsevere AA. We
      postulated that somatic mutations are present in a subset of AA, and predict
      malignant transformation. From our database, we identified 150 AA patients with
      no morphological evidence of MDS, who had stored bone marrow (BM) and
      constitutional DNA. We excluded Fanconi anemia, mutations of telomere
      maintenance, and a family history of BM failure (BMF) or cancer. The initial
      cohort of 57 patients was screened for 835 known genes associated with BMF and
      myeloid cancer; a second cohort of 93 patients was screened for mutations in
      ASXL1, DNMT3A, BCOR, TET2, and MPL. Somatic mutations were detected in 19% of AA,
      and included ASXL1 (n = 12), DNMT3A (n = 8) and BCOR (n = 6). Patients with
      somatic mutations had a longer disease duration (37 vs 8 months, P < .04), and
      shorter telomere lengths (median length, 0.9 vs 1.1, P < .001), compared with
      patients without mutations. Somatic mutations in AA patients with a disease
      duration of >6 months were associated with a 40% risk of transformation to MDS (P
      < .0002). Nearly one-fifth of AA patients harbor mutations in genes typically
      seen in myeloid malignancies that predicted for later transformation to MDS. 

PMID- 25139357
TI  - A nonsense mutation in IKBKB causes combined immunodeficiency.
AB  - Identification of the molecular etiologies of primary immunodeficiencies has led
      to important insights into the development and function of the immune system. We
      report here the cause of combined immunodeficiency in 4 patients from 2 different
      consanguineous Qatari families with similar clinical and immunologic phenotypes.
      The patients presented at an early age with fungal, viral, and bacterial
      infections and hypogammaglobulinemia. Although their B- and T-cell numbers were
      normal, they had low regulatory T-cell and NK-cell numbers. Moreover, patients' T
      cells were mostly CD45RA(+)-naive cells and were defective in activation after T
      cell receptor stimulation. All patients contained the same homozygous nonsense
      mutation in IKBKB (R286X), revealed by whole-exome sequencing with undetectable
      IKKbeta and severely decreased NEMO proteins. Mutant IKKbeta(R286X) was unable to
      complex with IKKalpha/NEMO. Immortalized patient B cells displayed impaired
      IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and NFkappaB nuclear translocation. These data
      indicate that mutated IKBKB is the likely cause of immunodeficiency in these 4
      patients. 

PMID- 25139358
TI  - Donor CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells are necessary for posttransplantation
      cyclophosphamide-mediated protection against GVHD in mice.
AB  - Posttransplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is an effective prophylaxis against
      graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However, it is unknown whether PTCy works
      singularly by eliminating alloreactive T cells via DNA alkylation or also by
      restoring the conventional (Tcon)/regulatory (Treg) T-cell balance. We studied
      the role of Tregs in PTCy-mediated GVHD prophylaxis in murine models of
      allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (alloBMT). In 2 distinct MHC-matched
      alloBMT models, infusing Treg-depleted allografts abrogated the GVHD-prophylactic
      activity of PTCy. Using allografts in which Foxp3(+) Tregs could be selectively
      depleted in vivo, either pre- or post-PTCy ablation of donor thymus-derived Tregs
      (tTregs) abolished PTCy protection against GVHD. PTCy treatment was associated
      with relative preservation of donor Tregs. Experiments using combinations of
      Foxp3(-) Tcons and Foxp3(+) Tregs sorted from different Foxp3 reporter mice
      indicated that donor Treg persistence after PTCy treatment was predominantly
      caused by survival of functional tTregs that retained Treg-specific demethylation
      and also induction of peripherally derived Tregs. Finally, adoptive transfer of
      tTregs retrieved from PTCy-treated chimeras rescued PTCy-treated, Treg-depleted
      recipients from lethal GVHD. Our findings indicate that PTCy-mediated protection
      against GVHD is not singularly dependent on depletion of donor alloreactive T
      cells but also requires rapidly recovering donor Tregs to initiate and maintain
      alloimmune regulation. 

PMID- 25139359
TI  - Acute myocardial infarct size is related to periodontitis extent and severity.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease has been associated with 40% of deaths in high-income
      countries and 28% in lower-income countries. The relationship between
      periodontitis and acute myocardial infarction is well documented, but it has not
      been established whether the extent and severity of periodontitis influence the
      infarct size. This cross-sectional and analytic study was designed to investigate
      the association of chronic periodontitis extent and severity with acute
      myocardial infarct size as indicated by serum cardiac troponin I and myoglobin
      levels. Sociodemographic, periodontal, cardiologic, and hematologic variables
      were gathered in 112 consecutive patients with myocardial infarction. The extent
      (Arbes Index) and severity (Periodontal Inflammatory Severity Index) of the
      chronic periodontitis were significantly associated with troponin I levels after
      controlling for sociodemographic and clinical confounders (change in R (2) =
      .041, p < .02, and R (2) = .031, p = .04). However, only the extent index
      accounted for levels of myoglobin (change in R (2) = .030, p < .05), total
      leukocytes (change in R (2) = .041 p < .02), and neutrophils (change in R (2) =
      .059, p < .01). Mediated regression analysis showed that leukocytes and
      neutrophils may underlie these observed relationships of chronic periodontitis
      with troponin I and myoglobin. To our knowledge, this study contributes the first
      research data demonstrating that the extent and severity of periodontitis is
      positively associated with acute myocardial infarct size as measured by serum
      troponin I and myoglobin levels. 

PMID- 25139360
TI  - In vivo bioreactors for mandibular reconstruction.
AB  - Large mandibular defects are difficult to reconstruct with good functional and
      aesthetic outcomes because of the complex geometry of craniofacial bone. While
      the current gold standard is free tissue flap transfer, this treatment is limited
      in fidelity by the shape of the harvested tissue and can result in significant
      donor site morbidity. To address these problems, in vivo bioreactors have been
      explored as an approach to generate autologous prefabricated tissue flaps. These
      bioreactors are implanted in an ectopic site in the body, where ossified tissue
      grows into the bioreactor in predefined geometries and local vessels are
      recruited to vascularize the developing construct. The prefabricated flap can
      then be harvested with vessels and transferred to a mandibular defect for optimal
      reconstruction. The objective of this review article is to introduce the concept
      of the in vivo bioreactor, describe important preclinical models in the field,
      summarize the human cases that have been reported through this strategy, and
      offer future directions for this exciting approach. 

PMID- 25139361
TI  - Fluorapatite-modified scaffold on dental pulp stem cell mineralization.
AB  - In previous studies, fluorapatite (FA) crystal-coated surfaces have been shown to
      stimulate the differentiation and mineralization of human dental pulp stem cells
      (DPSCs) in two-dimensional cell culture. However, whether the FA surface can
      recapitulate these properties in three-dimensional culture is still unknown. This
      study examined the differences in behavior of human DPSCs cultured on electrospun
      polycaprolactone (PCL) NanoECM nanofibers with or without the FA crystals. Under
      near-physiologic conditions, the FA crystals were synthesized on the PCL
      nanofiber scaffolds. The FA crystals were evenly distributed on the scaffolds.
      DPSCs were cultured on the PCL+FA or the PCL scaffolds for up to 28 days.
      Scanning electron microscope images showed that DPSCs attached well to both
      scaffolds after the initial seeding. However, it appeared that more multicellular
      aggregates formed on the PCL+FA scaffolds. After 14 days, the cell proliferation
      on the PCL+FA was slower than that on the PCL-only scaffolds. Interestingly, even
      without any induction of mineralization, from day 7, the upregulation of several
      pro-osteogenic molecules (dmp1, dspp, runx2, ocn, spp1, col1a1) was detected in
      cells seeded on the PCL+FA scaffolds. A significant increase in alkaline
      phosphatase activity was also seen on FA-coated scaffolds compared with the PCL
      only scaffolds at days 14 and 21. At the protein level, osteocalcin expression
      was induced only in the DPSCs on the PCL+FA surfaces at day 21 and then
      significantly enhanced at day 28. A similar pattern was observed in those
      specimens stained with Alizarin red and Von Kossa after 21 and 28 days. These
      data suggest that the incorporation of FA crystals within the three-dimensional
      PCL nanofiber scaffolds provided a favorable extracellular matrix
      microenvironment for the growth, differentiation, and mineralization of human
      DPSCs. This FA-modified PCL nanofiber scaffold shows promising potential for
      future bone, dental, and orthopedic regenerative applications. 

PMID- 25139362
TI  - Multiphasic scaffolds for periodontal tissue engineering.
AB  - For a successful clinical outcome, periodontal regeneration requires the
      coordinated response of multiple soft and hard tissues (periodontal ligament,
      gingiva, cementum, and bone) during the wound-healing process. Tissue-engineered
      constructs for regeneration of the periodontium must be of a complex 3
      dimensional shape and adequate size and demonstrate biomechanical stability over
      time. A critical requirement is the ability to promote the formation of
      functional periodontal attachment between regenerated alveolar bone, and newly
      formed cementum on the root surface. This review outlines the current advances in
      multiphasic scaffold fabrication and how these scaffolds can be combined with
      cell- and growth factor-based approaches to form tissue-engineered constructs
      capable of recapitulating the complex temporal and spatial wound-healing events
      that will lead to predictable periodontal regeneration. This can be achieved
      through a variety of approaches, with promising strategies characterized by the
      use of scaffolds that can deliver and stabilize cells capable of cementogenesis
      onto the root surface, provide biomechanical cues that encourage perpendicular
      alignment of periodontal fibers to the root surface, and provide osteogenic cues
      and appropriate space to facilitate bone regeneration. Progress on the
      development of multiphasic constructs for periodontal tissue engineering is in
      the early stages of development, and these constructs need to be tested in large
      animal models and, ultimately, human clinical trials. 

PMID- 25139363
TI  - Antibacterial efficacy of exogenous nitric oxide on periodontal pathogens.
AB  - Current treatments for periodontitis (e.g., scaling/root planing and
      chlorhexidine) have limited efficacy since they fail to suppress microbial
      biofilms satisfactorily over time, and the use of adjunctive antimicrobials can
      promote the emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms. Herein, we report the
      novel application of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing scaffolds (i.e., dendrimers and
      silica particles) as anti-periodontopathogenic agents. The effectiveness of
      macromolecular NO release was demonstrated by a 3-log reduction in
      periodontopathogenic Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas
      gingivalis viability. In contrast, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus
      sanguinis, caries-associated organisms, were substantially less sensitive to NO
      treatment. Both dendrimer- and silica-based NO release exhibited substantially
      less toxicity to human gingival fibroblasts at concentrations necessary to
      eradicate periodontopathogens than did clinical concentrations of chlorhexidine.
      These results suggest the potential utility of macromolecular NO-release
      scaffolds as a novel platform for the development of periodontal disease
      therapeutics. 

PMID- 25139364
TI  - Advanced biomatrix designs for regenerative therapy of periodontal tissues.
AB  - Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that causes loss of the tooth-supporting
      apparatus, including periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. A broad
      range of treatment options is currently available to restore the structure and
      function of the periodontal tissues. A regenerative approach, among others, is
      now considered the most promising paradigm for this purpose, harnessing the
      unique properties of stem cells. How to make full use of the body's innate
      regenerative capacity is thus a key issue. While stem cells and bioactive factors
      are essential components in the regenerative processes, matrices play pivotal
      roles in recapitulating stem cell functions and potentiating therapeutic actions
      of bioactive molecules. Moreover, the positions of appropriate bioactive matrices
      relative to the injury site may stimulate the innate regenerative stem cell
      populations, removing the need to deliver cells that have been manipulated
      outside of the body. In this topical review, we update views on advanced designs
      of biomatrices-including mimicking of the native extracellular matrix, providing
      mechanical stimulation, activating cell-driven matrices, and delivering bioactive
      factors in a controllable manner-which are ultimately useful for the regenerative
      therapy of periodontal tissues. 

PMID- 25139366
TI  - The dynamic impact of repeated stress on the hippocampal spatial map.
AB  - Stress alters the function of many physiological processes throughout the body,
      including in the brain. A neural circuit particularly vulnerable to the effects
      of stress is the hippocampus, a key component of the episodic and spatial memory
      system in both humans and rodents. Earlier studies have provided snapshots of
      morphological, molecular, physiological and behavioral changes in the hippocampus
      following either acute or repeated stress. However, the cumulative impact of
      repeated stress on in vivo hippocampal physiology remains unexplored. Here we
      report the stress-induced modulation of the spatially receptive fields of the
      hippocampal CA1 'place cells' as mice explore familiar and novel tracks after 5
      and 10 days of immobilization stress. We find that similar to what has been
      observed following acute stress, five days of repeated stress results in
      decreased excitability of CA1 pyramidal cells. Following ten days of chronic
      stress, however, this decreased hippocampal excitability is no longer evident,
      suggesting adaptation may have occurred. In addition to these changes in neuronal
      excitability, we find deficient context discrimination, wherein both short-term
      and chronic stress impair the ability of the hippocampus to unambiguously
      distinguish novel and familiar environments. These results suggest that a loss of
      network flexibility may underlie some of the behavioral deficits accompanying
      chronic stress.

PMID- 25139367
TI  - Long-term prevention of postoperative Crohn's disease recurrence with
      azathioprine: the wolf in the sheep clothing.

PMID- 25139368
TI  - Amyloidosis presenting as a colonic mass. A case report.

PMID- 25139365
TI  - Biomaterials for craniofacial bone engineering.
AB  - Conditions such as congenital anomalies, cancers, and trauma can all result in
      devastating deficits of bone in the craniofacial skeleton. This can lead to
      significant alteration in function and appearance that may have significant
      implications for patients. In addition, large bone defects in this area can pose
      serious clinical dilemmas, which prove difficult to remedy, even with current
      gold standard surgical treatments. The craniofacial skeleton is complex and
      serves important functional demands. The necessity to develop new approaches for
      craniofacial reconstruction arises from the fact that traditional therapeutic
      modalities, such as autologous bone grafting, present myriad limitations and
      carry with them the potential for significant complications. While the optimal
      bone construct for tissue regeneration remains to be elucidated, much progress
      has been made in the past decade. Advances in tissue engineering have led to
      innovative scaffold design, complemented by progress in the understanding of stem
      cell-based therapy and growth factor enhancement of the healing cascade. This
      review focuses on the role of biomaterials for craniofacial bone engineering,
      highlighting key advances in scaffold design and development. 

PMID- 25139369
TI  - Fatal case of hepatic portal venous gas following palliative stenting and
      chemotherapy for occlusive advanced colorectal cancer.

PMID- 25139370
TI  - Mesenteric fibromatosis.
AB  - Mesenteric fibromatosis is a rare, locally invasive, non-metastasizing type of
      intra-abdominal fibromatoses with a very high rate of recurrence. Because of
      rarity, these tumors pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. These tumors
      may remain asymptomatic, but commonly present as a painless mass. There are no
      clear treatment guidelines. Surgical excision with wide margin is the preferred
      modality of treatment. Medical therapy is indicated for inoperable and recurrent
      tumors. There are several isolated case reports on mesenteric fibromatosis with
      different and unusual presentations and its complications. Though several studies
      have been published on extra-abdominal fibromatosis as well as on extramesenteric
      abdominal fibromatosis, but extensive research studies are still lacking on
      mesenteric fibromatosis. The aim of this article is to present current knowledge
      on mesenteric fibromatosis, our experience of four cases, and comprehensive
      review of available literature. 

PMID- 25139371
TI  - Structural modification of plasma albumin in sickle cell anemia.

PMID- 25139372
TI  - Long-term observation of the vitreomacular relationship in normal fellow eyes of
      patients with unilateral idiopathic macular holes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe long-term changes in the vitreomacular relationship in
      normal fellow eyes of patients with unilateral idiopathic macular holes (MHs).
      METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational case series. The medical records
      of patients who underwent surgery for idiopathic MHs between May 2000 and
      December 2010 were reviewed. Patients who had clinically normal fellow eyes and
      underwent 12 months or more of follow-up were included. The vitreomacular
      relationship in the fellow eyes was evaluated using optical coherence tomography
      (OCT) and slit-lamp biomicroscopy. RESULTS: The study included 153 patients with
      a mean age of 65.5 years and a mean follow-up of 33.5 months (range, 12-121). The
      incidence of vitreomacular attachments evaluated by OCT was 52% (80 eyes) at
      initial examination, which decreased to 41, 37 and 23% at 1, 2 and 3 years after
      the initial examination, respectively. Of the 80 eyes with vitreomacular
      attachments at initial examination, 40 (50%) still had vitreomacular attachments
      at the final visit. Of the remaining 40 eyes in which vitreomacular separation
      occurred during follow-up, 11 (28%) developed an MH, with a mean interval of 45
      months. None of the eyes with vitreomacular separation at presentation developed
      an MH. CONCLUSION: This largest series of fellow eyes of MHs followed by OCT
      shows that, at presentation, about half of the patients already have premacular
      vitreous detachment and therefore no risk of MH, and that second MH develops in
      about 30% in the process of vitreomacular separation, which evolves over a
      prolonged period.

PMID- 25139373
TI  - Results from a secondary data analysis regarding satisfaction with health care
      among African American women living with HIV/AIDS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze satisfaction with health care among African American women
      living with HIV/AIDS. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of baseline data of African
      American women who participated in Protect and Respect, a sexual risk reduction
      program for women living with HIV/AIDS SETTING: HIV Care Clinic in an urban city
      in the northeast United States. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty-seven (157)
      African American women living with HIV/AIDS. METHODS: Regression analyses were
      used to examine the relationships between demographic variables, self-reported
      health characteristics, communication with health care providers, and
      satisfaction with health care provider. RESULTS: A majority of women reported
      satisfaction with medical services (88%, n = 140). Communication with health care
      providers, detectable viral load, education, income, self-reported health status,
      and sexual orientation were significantly bivariately associated with
      satisfaction with healthcare (all ps < .05). In the multivariate models, no
      variables significantly predicted satisfaction with healthcare. CONCLUSION:
      Because satisfaction with health care can influence the quality of care received,
      health outcomes, and adherence to provider recommendations among patients living
      with HIV/AIDS, health care providers' ability to elicit satisfaction from their
      patients is just as important as the services they provide. This project is one
      of the first studies to find high rates of satisfaction with health care among
      African American women living with HIV/AIDS. Further examination of satisfaction
      with health care among African American women living HIV/AIDS may help in
      narrowing health care disparities and negative treatment outcomes.

PMID- 25139374
TI  - Globalization and eating disorder risk: peer influence, perceived social norms,
      and adolescent disordered eating in Fiji.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The increasing global health burden imposed by eating disorders
      warrants close examination of social exposures associated with globalization that
      potentially elevate risk during the critical developmental period of adolescence
      in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The study aim was to investigate the
      association of peer influence and perceived social norms with adolescent eating
      pathology in Fiji, a LMIC undergoing rapid social change. METHOD: We measured
      peer influence on eating concerns (with the Inventory of Peer Influence on Eating
      Concerns; IPIEC), perceived peer norms associated with disordered eating and body
      concerns, perceived community cultural norms, and individual cultural
      orientations in a representative sample of school-going ethnic Fijian adolescent
      girls (n = 523). We then developed a multivariable linear regression model to
      examine their relation to eating pathology (measured by the Eating Disorder
      Examination-Questionnaire; EDE-Q). RESULTS: We found independent and
      statistically significant associations between both IPIEC scores and our proxy
      for perceived social norms specific to disordered eating (both p < .001) and EDE
      Q global scores in a fully adjusted linear regression model. DISCUSSION: Study
      findings support the possibility that peer influence as well as perceived social
      norms relevant to disordered eating may elevate risk for disordered eating in
      Fiji, during the critical developmental period of adolescence. Replication and
      extension of these research findings in other populations undergoing rapid social
      transition--and where globalization is also influencing local social norms--may
      enrich etiologic models and inform strategies to mitigate risk.

PMID- 25139376
TI  - Exploration of yttria films as gate dielectrics in sub-50 nm carbon nanotube
      field-effect transistors.
AB  - Thin yttria films were investigated for use as gate dielectrics in carbon
      nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFETs) with the gate length scaled down to
      sub-50 nm size. The yttria film provided an omega-shaped gate dielectric with a
      low interface trap density, a low average sub-threshold swing of 74 mV per decade
      for both long and short CNTFETs, and a small drain-induced barrier lowering. It
      was also shown that the performance of CNTFETs increases with decreasing
      temperature, with an excellent sub-threshold swing of 22 mV per decade at liquid
      nitrogen temperatures. A method was developed to retrieve the interface trap
      density in CNTFETs and a low interface trap density of 5.2 * 10(6) cm(-1) was
      achieved, indicating the high electric quality of the yttria films. 

PMID- 25139375
TI  - Impaired autophagy: a link between neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric
      diseases.
AB  - Protein misfolding, and subsequent aggregation have been proven as the leading
      cause of most known dementias. Many of these, in addition to neurodegeneration,
      show profound changes in behaviour and thinking, thus, psychiatric symptoms. On
      the basis of the observation that progressive myoclonic epilepsies and
      neurodegenerative diseases share some common features of neurodegeneration, we
      proposed autophagy as a possible common impairment in these diseases. Here, we
      argue along similar lines for some neuropsychiatric conditions, among them
      depression and schizophrenia. We propose that existing and new therapies for
      these seemingly different diseases could be augmented with drugs used for
      neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric diseases, respectively, among them some
      which modulate or augment autophagy. 

PMID- 25139377
TI  - Transient tasks and enduring emotions: the impacts of affective content, task
      relevance, and picture duration on the sustained late positive potential.
AB  - The present experiments were designed to examine the influences of picture
      duration, task relevance, and affective content on neural measures of sustained
      engagement, as indexed by the late positive potential (LPP). Much prior work has
      shown that the event-related potential in and around the P3-here referred to as
      the early LPP-is modulated by affective content, nonaffective task relevance, and
      stimulus duration. However, later portions of the LPP (>1,000 ms) may represent
      either a return to baseline or a continued physiological process related to
      motivational engagement. In the present experiments, we tested whether modulation
      of the later LPP depends on varying motivational engagement using stimulus
      duration, affective content, and task relevance. The results of Experiment 1
      revealed that stimulus duration modulates the sustained LPP (i.e., 1,000-2,000
      ms) in response to affective, but not task-relevant, stimuli from a modified
      counting oddball task. The results of Experiment 2 revealed that the sustained
      increase in the LPP is sensitive to both emotional content and task relevance
      when the task requires sustained engagement with target stimuli (e.g.,
      determining the duration of stimulus presentation). The impacts of emotional
      content and task relevance had additive effects on the later portion of the LPP.
      In sum, both emotional content and task relevance can result in a protracted
      increase in the later LPP. These data suggest that affective content
      automatically sustains engagement, whereas task relevance only prolongs
      engagement when it is necessary for task completion.

PMID- 25139378
TI  - Stability of noble-gas-bound SiH3+ clusters.
AB  - The stability of noble gas (Ng)-bound SiH3(+) clusters is explored by ab initio
      computations. Owing to a high positive charge (+1.53 e(-)), the Si center of
      SiH3(+) can bind two Ng atoms. However, the Si-Ng dissociation energy for the
      first Ng atom is considerably larger than that for the second one. As we go down
      group 18, the dissociation energy gradually increases, and the largest value is
      observed for the case of Rn. For NgSiH3(+) clusters, the Ar-Rn dissociation
      processes are endergonic at room temperature. For He and Ne, a much lower
      temperature is required for it to be viable. The formation of Ng2SiH3(+) clusters
      is also feasible, particularly for the heavier members and at low temperature. To
      shed light on the nature of Si-Ng bonding, natural population analysis, Wiberg
      bond indices computations, electron-density analysis, and energy-decomposition
      analysis were performed. Electron transfer from the Ng centers to the
      electropositive Si center occurs only to a small extent for the lighter Ng atoms
      and to a somewhat greater extent for the heavier analogues. The Si-Xe/Rn bonds
      can be termed covalent bonds, whereas the Si-He/Ne bonds are noncovalent. The Si
      Ar/Kr bonds possess some degree of covalent character, as they are borderline
      cases. Contributions from polarization and charge transfer and exchange are key
      terms in forming Si-Ng bonds. We also studied the effect of substituting the H
      atoms of SiH3(+) by halide groups (-X) on the Ng binding ability. SiF3(+) showed
      enhanced Ng binding ability, whereas SiCl3(+) and SiBr3(+) showed a lower ability
      to bind Ng than SiH3(+). A compromise originates from the dual play of the
      inductive effect of the -X groups and X->Si pi backbonding (p(z)-p(z)
      interaction).

PMID- 25139379
TI  - Use of biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease: Statements of the Italian Group
      for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - The introduction of biological therapies, particularly anti-TNFalpha agents, has
      revolutionized the management of inflammatory bowel disease in those cases which
      are refractory to conventional treatment; however these drugs are not risk-free
      and their use has substantially increased the cost of treatment. As marketing
      protection expires for original, first-generation biopharmaceuticals, lower-cost
      "copies" of these drugs produced by competitor companies-referred to as
      biosimilars-are already entering the market. In September 2013, the European
      Medicines Agency approved two infliximab biosimilars for treatment of adult and
      paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients, a decision based largely on
      efficacy and safety data generated in studies of patients with ankylosing
      spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. For many clinicians, extrapolation
      practices and the general question of interchangeability between biosimilars and
      reference biologics are cause for concern. In the present paper, the Italian
      Group for inflammatory bowel disease presents its statements on these issues,
      with emphasis on the peculiar clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel
      disease and the importance of providing physicians and patients with adequate
      information and guarantees on the safety and efficacy of these new drugs in the
      specific setting of inflammatory bowel disease. 

PMID- 25139380
TI  - Thymoglobulin induction in kidney transplantation.

PMID- 25139381
TI  - Preservation of donor hearts using hypothermic oxygenated perfusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypothermic machine perfusion of donor hearts enables continuous
      aerobic metabolism and washout of toxic metabolic byproducts. We evaluated the
      effect of machine perfusion on cardiac myocyte integrity in hearts preserved for
      4 h in a novel device that provides pulsatile oxygenated hypothermic perfusion
      (Paragonix Sherpa PerfusionTM Cardiac Transport System). MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Pig hearts were harvested and stored in Celsior(r) solution for 4 h using either
      conventional cold storage on ice (4-h CS, n=6) or the Sherpa device (4-h
      pulsatile perfusion (PP), n=6). After cold preservation, hearts were evaluated
      using a non-working heart Langendorff system. Controls (n=3) were reperfused
      immediately after organ harvest. Biopsies were taken from the apex of the left
      ventricle before storage, after storage, and after reperfusion to measure ATP
      content and endothelin-1 in the tissue. Ultrastructural analysis using electron
      microscopy was performed. RESULTS: Four-hour CS, 4-h PP, and control group did
      not show any significant differences in systolic or diastolic function (+dP/dt, 
      dP/dt, EDP). Four-hour PP hearts showed significantly more weight gain than 4-h
      CS after preservation, which shows that machine perfusion led to myocardial
      edema. Four-hour CS led to higher endothelin-1 levels after preservation,
      suggesting more endothelial dysfunction compared to 4-h PP. Electron microscopy
      revealed endothelial cell rupture and damaged muscle fibers in the 4-h CS group
      after reperfusion, but the cell structures were preserved in the 4-h PP group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hypothermic pulsatile perfusion of donor hearts leads to a better
      preserved cell structure compared to the conventional cold storage method. This
      may lead to less risk of primary graft failure after orthotopic heart
      transplantation.

PMID- 25139382
TI  - A cytoprotective and degradable metal-polyphenol nanoshell for single-cell
      encapsulation.
AB  - Single-cell encapsulation promises the cytoprotection of the encased cells
      against lethal stressors, reminiscent of the sporulation process in nature.
      However, the development of a cytocompatible method for chemically mimicking the
      germination process (i.e., shell degradation on-demand) has been elusive, despite
      the shell degradation being pivotal for the practical use of functional cells as
      well as for single cell-based biology. We report that an artificial shell,
      composed of tannic acid (TA) and Fe(III) , on individual Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      controllably degrades on-demand, while protecting the yeast from multiple
      external aggressors, including UV-C irradiation, lytic enzymes, and silver
      nanoparticles. Cell division is suppressed by the TA-Fe(III) shell, but restored
      fully upon shell degradation. The formation of a TA-Fe(III) shell would provide a
      versatile tool for achieving the chemical version of "sporulation and
      germination". 

PMID- 25139383
TI  - Factor structure and gender stability in the multidimensional condom attitudes
      scale.
AB  - Sexually transmitted infections continue to trouble the United States and can be
      attenuated through increased condom use. Attitudes about condoms are an important
      multidimensional factor that can affect sexual health choices and have been
      successfully measured using the Multidimensional Condom Attitudes Scale (MCAS).
      Such attitudes have the potential to vary between men and women, yet little work
      has been undertaken to identify if the MCAS accurately captures attitudes without
      being influenced by underlying gender biases. We examined the factor structure
      and gender invariance on the MCAS using confirmatory factor analysis and item
      response theory, within-subscale differential item functioning analyses. More
      than 770 participants provided data via the Internet. Results of differential
      item functioning analyses identified three items as differentially functioning
      between the genders, and removal of these items is recommended. Findings
      confirmed the previously hypothesized multidimensional nature of condom attitudes
      and the five-factor structure of the MCAS even after the removal of the three
      problematic items. In general, comparisons across genders using the MCAS seem
      reasonable from a methodological standpoint. Results are discussed in terms of
      improving sexual health research and interventions.

PMID- 25139384
TI  - A multimodal examination of emotional responding to a trauma-relevant film among
      traumatic motor vehicle accident survivors.
AB  - The Facial Action Coding System (Ekman & Friesen) has shown promise as a
      behavioral measure of emotional experience. The current study examined the degree
      of (de)synchrony between self-reported and facial expressions of fear, disgust,
      and sadness in response to a traumatic event-relevant film among individuals who
      had experienced a traumatic motor vehicle accident. Given high rates of
      comorbidity between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depressive symptoms,
      the potential impacts of both PTSS and depressive symptoms on emotional
      responding were examined. Results demonstrated synchrony between self-reported
      and facial expressions of disgust and sadness; however, no association between
      measures of fear was observed. Furthermore, depressive symptoms were associated
      with greater fear responding and PTSS were associated only with self-reported
      fear. Together, results support the importance of examining discrete negative
      emotions, rather than broad valence categories, when examining fear-based
      responding in traumatic event-exposed populations. Additional research examining
      the psychometric properties of the Facial Action Coding System as a measure of
      discrete emotional experiences among traumatic event-exposed individuals is
      needed to advance multimodal assessment approaches that yield incremental
      information for understanding emotional responding in this population. 

PMID- 25139385
TI  - Oculopalatal tremor: variations on a theme by Guillain and Mollaret.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oculopalatal tremor (OPT) is a delayed complication of a brainstem
      lesion, characterized by involuntary contractions of the soft palate associated
      with a synchronized ocular pendular nystagmus. MRI reveals inferior olivary
      nucleus hypersignal/hypertrophy (IONH). Our objective was to refine the clinical
      profile of patients with OPT and to report a few oddities in both presentation
      and evolution. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients diagnosed
      with OPT and a literature search. RESULTS: From our database, we retrieved 5 men
      and 3 women with a diagnosis of OPT. Eighty-two patients with OPT were retrieved
      from the literature and were compiled with our series. The average age was 54
      years and there was a male predominance. Brainstem vascular lesion was the most
      common etiology (80%). Prominent vertical pendular nystagmus was found in 90%.
      Dissociated nystagmus was mostly associated to unilateral contralateral IONH on
      MRI, while bilateral symmetrical nystagmus was due to a bilateral IONH in the
      majority of cases. Three oddities were found amongst our 8 patients: prominent
      nystagmus ipsilateral to IONH; disappearance of IONH on MRI despite persisting
      nystagmus, and asymptomatic OPT. CONCLUSION: The clinical profile of OPT is
      rather stereotyped. Rarely do patients deviate from the classical description of
      OPT.

PMID- 25139386
TI  - [Medicines for children and "off-label use" 5 years after implementation of the
      Paediatric Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006. An interim analyis].
AB  - Regulation EC 1901/2006, better known as the "Paediatric Regulation," targets the
      challenging aim of improving the supply of pharmaceutical products for children
      and adolescents living in Europe. In order to counteract the much-debated and
      long-standing problem of "off-label" use within paediatrics, the Paediatric
      Regulation established two new paediatric procedures in order to increase the
      number of medicines licensed for children in future. This article reports on the
      outcomes of these procedures, covering the period from 2007 to the present. The
      aim was to find out how many substances underwent the paediatric procedures and
      how many medicinal products have been approved explicitly for children as a
      result. In the second part, a prioritized off-label analysis was conducted
      focusing on the top 100 substances most frequently prescribed to children and
      adolescents in Germany in 2011. The top 100 substances consist of the respective
      top 20 substances of five therapeutic areas. The prescription scores are based on
      the GAmSi project of the National Association of the Statutory Health Insurance
      of Germany. The rankings refer to outpatient care and cover the statutory health
      insured paediatric population of Germany below 18 years of age, divided into two
      age groups, children and adolescents. In order to investigate whether the most
      frequently prescribed substances are labelled for paediatric use, 200 SmPCs were
      screened and evaluated (cut-off date: 31 December 2012). In a final step, the
      relation between the top 100 substances and the Paediatric Regulation was
      examined. For this purpose, it was investigated whether the listed substances are
      or have been subject to the paediatric procedures in order to identify potential
      positive impacts of the Paediatric Regulation. 

PMID- 25139388
TI  - Advanced kinetic analysis as a tool for formulation development and prediction of
      vaccine stability.
AB  - We have used a protein-based vaccine, a live virus vaccine, and an experimental
      adjuvant to evaluate the utility of an advanced kinetic modeling approach for
      stability prediction. The modeling approach uses a systematic and simple
      procedure for the selection of the most appropriate kinetic equation to describe
      the degradation rate of compounds subjected to accelerated conditions. One-step
      and two-step reactions with unlimited combinations of kinetic models were
      screened for the three products under evaluation. The most appropriate
      mathematical model for a given product was chosen based on the values of residual
      sum of squares and the weight parameter w. A relatively simple n-th order kinetic
      model best fitted the degradation of an adjuvanted protein vaccine with a
      prediction error lower than 10%. A more complex two-step model was required to
      describe inactivation of a live virus vaccine under normal and elevated storage
      temperatures. Finally, an autocatalytic-type kinetic model best fitted the
      degradation of an oil-in-water adjuvant formulation. The modeling approach
      described here could be used for vaccine stability prediction, expiry date
      estimation, and formulation selection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the
      first report describing a global kinetic analysis of degradation of vaccine
      components with high prediction accuracy.

PMID- 25139387
TI  - Regulation of HPV16 E6 and MCL1 by SF3B1 inhibitor in head and neck cancer cells.
AB  - ABT-737 inhibits the anti-apoptotic proteins B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and BCL
      X(L). Meayamycin B switches the splicing pattern of myeloid cell leukemia factor
      1 (MCL1) pre-mRNA. Specifically, inhibition of splicing factor 3B subunit 1
      (SF3B1) with meayamycin B promotes the generation of the proapoptotic, short
      splicing variant (MCL1-S) and diminishes the antiapoptotic, long variant (MCL1
      L). This action was previously associated with the cytotoxicity of meayamycin B
      in non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines. ABT-737 induced apoptosis in
      response to an ablation of MCL1-L by meayamycin B. In this study, we further
      exploited this synergistic combination in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
      (HNSCC), up to 90% of which overexpress MCL1 and BCL-X(L). In a panel of seven
      HNSCC cell lines, the combination of meayamycin B and ABT-737 rapidly triggered a
      Bax/Bak-mediated apoptosis that overcame the resistance from HPV16-positive HNSCC
      against each agent alone. Both RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that meayamycin
      B up-regulated MCL1-S and down-regulated MCL1-L. Significantly, we discovered
      that SF3B1 was involved in the splicing of oncogenic HPV16 E6 to produce non
      oncogenic HPV16 E6*, indicating that SF3B1 may inhibit HPV16-induced
      tumorigenesis.

PMID- 25139389
TI  - Public health implications of obstructive sleep apnea burden.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the implications of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) burden
      among Indian children. METHODS: MonteCarlo simulations were performed in order to
      estimate the number of OSA related obesity cases among Indian children (1-14 y of
      age) and the number of cases of stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2
      diabetes, considered as main adverse outcomes of OSA related childhood obesity,
      according to untreated and treated [adenotonsillectomy (AT) alone and AT
      associated to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)] pediatric OSA. Data
      used to perform MonteCarlo simulations were derived from a review about current
      literature exploring OSA related obesity. RESULTS: The analysis on the number of
      adverse outcomes according to treated and untreated obesity related to OSA showed
      that treatments reduce the number of obesity cases, resulting in a great
      reduction of the amount of stroke, CHD and type 2 diabetes cases. However, the
      cost for treating adverse outcome was higher in patients treated for obesity
      related to OSA compared to those not receiving any treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The
      reduction in the number of adverse outcomes due to treatment of obesity related
      OSA implicates the urgent need for public health policies in providing screening
      for OSA among children population: an early detection and a consequently prompt
      reaction to pediatric OSA could improve the burden of OSA related obesity.

PMID- 25139390
TI  - Cross-regional analysis of multiple factors associated with childhood obesity in
      India: a national or local challenge?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate obesogenic co-causing factors, promoting rise of weight
      in children, associated to local differences in India. METHODS: Overall 1,680
      children, aged 3-11 and balanced by gender, were recruited in school contexts
      distributed in seven major Indian cities. All children were weighted and measured
      in order to calculate their BMI. A validated cultural specific questionnaire was
      administered to children's parents for assessing socio-demographic data, eating
      habits, physical activity, etc. Furthermore children's brand awareness scores
      were computed in order to analyze their affiliation towards food-based
      advertisement. Descriptive statistics of frequencies, duration and intensity of
      the various factors were performed. Chi-square tests or Wilcoxon signed rank test
      were used for evaluating significance of differences in factors distribution
      across Indian cities. RESULTS: Four factors, promoting rise of children's weight,
      were individuated as associated to urban differences, namely meal times consumed
      in the family, parents' BMI, brand awareness and physical activity. These aspects
      exercised a significant impact on children's body size in Kolkata and Chennai.
      Hyderabad and Mumbai, instead, were the cities where religion played some role in
      influencing children's weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: Such findings underline the need
      to frame obesity as a situated phenomenon rather than a national problem. Health
      policies, implemented in treating and preventing obesity, should be therefore
      specifically focused on locally situated peculiarities.

PMID- 25139391
TI  - 18-Electron rule inspired Zintl-like ions composed of all transition metals.
AB  - Zintl phase compounds constitute a unique class of compounds composed of metal
      cations and covalently bonded multiply charged cluster anions. Potential
      applications of these materials in solution chemistry and thermoelectric
      materials have given rise to renewed interest in the search for new Zintl ions.
      Up to now these ions have been mostly composed of group 13, 14, and 15 post
      transition metal elements and no Zintl ions composed of all transition metal
      elements are known. Using gradient corrected density functional theory we show
      that the 18-electron rule can be applied to design a new class of Zintl-like ions
      composed of all transition metal atoms. We demonstrate this possibility by using
      Ti@Au12(2-) and Ni@Au6(2-) di-anions as examples of Zintl-like ions. Predictive
      capability of our approach is demonstrated by showing that FeH6(4-) in an already
      synthesized complex metal hydride, Mg2FeH6, is a Zintl-like ion, satisfying the
      18-electron rule. We also show that novel Zintl phase compounds can be formed by
      using all transition metal Zintl-like ions as building blocks. For example, a two
      dimensional periodic structure of Na2[Ti@Au12] is semiconducting and nonmagnetic
      while a one-dimensional periodic structure of Mg[Ti@Au12] is metallic and
      ferromagnetic. Our results open the door to the design and synthesis of a new
      class of Zintl-like ions and compounds with potential for applications. 

PMID- 25139392
TI  - Synthesis of novel two-phase Co@SiO2 nanorattles with high catalytic activity.
AB  - Noble metal nanocatalysts with remarkable catalytic properties have attracted
      much attention; however, the high cost of these materials limits their industrial
      applications. Here, we design and prepare Co@SiO2 nanorattles as a mixture of hcp
      Co and fcc-Co phases as a substitute. The nanorattles exhibit both superior
      catalytic activity and high stability for the reduction of p-nitrophenol. The
      reduction rate nearly follows pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the reaction rate
      constant is as high as 0.815 min(-1) and is maintained at 0.565 min(-1) even
      after storing for one month, which is higher than that reported for noble metal
      nanocatalysts. Such an excellent property can be attributed to the novel two
      phase composition and rattle-type structure. 

PMID- 25139393
TI  - The prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites of stray and refuge
      dogs in four locations in India.
AB  - A gastrointestinal parasite survey of 411 stray and refuge dogs sampled from four
      geographical and climactically distinct locations in India revealed these animals
      to represent a significant source of environmental contamination for parasites
      that pose a zoonotic risk to the public. Hookworms were the most commonly
      identified parasite in dogs in Sikkim (71.3%), Mumbai (48.8%) and Delhi (39.1%).
      In Ladakh, which experiences harsh extremes in climate, a competitive advantage
      was observed for parasites such as Sarcocystis spp. (44.2%), Taenia hydatigena
      (30.3%) and Echinococcus granulosus (2.3%) that utilise intermediate hosts for
      the completion of their life cycle. PCR identified Ancylostoma ceylanicum and
      Ancylostoma caninum to occur sympatrically, either as single or mixed infections
      in Sikkim (Northeast) and Mumbai (West). In Delhi, A. caninum was the only
      species identified in dogs, probably owing to its ability to evade unfavourable
      climatic conditions by undergoing arrested development in host tissue. The
      expansion of the known distribution of A. ceylanicum to the west, as far as
      Mumbai, justifies the renewed interest in this emerging zoonosis and advocates
      for its surveillance in future human parasite surveys. Of interest was the
      absence of Trichuris vulpis in dogs, in support of previous canine surveys in
      India. This study advocates the continuation of birth control programmes in stray
      dogs that will undoubtedly have spill-over effects on reducing the levels of
      environmental contamination with parasite stages. In particular, owners of pet
      animals exposed to these environments must be extra vigilant in ensuring their
      animals are regularly dewormed and maintaining strict standards of household and
      personal hygiene. 

PMID- 25139394
TI  - Frequency evaluation of different extraction protocols in orthodontic treatment
      during 35 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies that show frequencies of different orthodontic treatment
      protocols can be used as valuable parameters in the interpretation of treatment
      tendency with time. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate all
      orthodontic treatment planning conducted at the Orthodontic Department at Bauru
      Dental School, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, since 1973, in order to
      investigate extraction and non-extraction protocol frequencies selected at each
      considered period. METHODS: The sample comprised 3,413 records of treated
      patients and was evaluated according to the protocol choice, divided into 10
      groups: Protocol 0 (non-extraction); Protocol 1 (four first premolar
      extractions); Protocol 2 (two first maxillary and two second mandibular
      premolars); Protocol 3 (two maxillary premolar extractions); Protocol 4 (four
      second premolars); Protocol 5 (asymmetric premolar extractions); Protocol 6
      (incisor or canine extractions); Protocol 7 (first or second molar extractions);
      Protocol 8 (atypical extractions) and Protocol 9 (agenesis and previously missing
      permanent teeth). These protocols were evaluated in seven 5-year intervals:
      Interval 1 (1973 to 1977); Interval 2 (1978 to 1982); Interval 3 (1983 to 1987);
      Interval 4 (1988 to 1992); Interval 5 (1993 to 1997); Interval 6 (1998 to 2002);
      Interval 7 (2003 to 2007). The frequency of each protocol was compared between
      the seven intervals, using the proportion test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The results
      showed that 10 protocol frequencies were significantly different among the 7 time
      intervals. CONCLUSIONS: The non-extraction protocol frequency increased gradually
      with consequent reduction of extraction treatments. The four premolar extraction
      protocol frequency decreased gradually while the two maxillary premolar
      extraction protocol has maintained the same frequency of indications throughout
      time.

PMID- 25139395
TI  - Small-molecule survivin inhibitor YM155 enhances radiosensitization in esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma by the abrogation of G2 checkpoint and suppression of
      homologous recombination repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Survivin is overexpressed in cancer cells and plays a crucial role in
      apoptosis evasion. YM155, a small-molecule inhibitor of survivin, could enhance
      the cytotoxicity of various DNA-damaging agents. Here, we evaluated the
      radiosensitizaion potential of YM155 in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
      (ESCC). METHODS: Cell viability was determined by CCK8 assay. The
      radiosensitization effect of YM155 was evaluated by clonogenic survival and
      progression of tumor xenograft. Cell cycle progression was determined by flow
      cytometric analysis. Radiation-induced DNA double strand break (DSB) and
      homologous recombination repair (HRR) were detected by the staining of gamma-H2AX
      and RAD51, respectively. Expression of survivin and cell cycle regulators was
      detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: YM155 induced radiosensitization in
      ESCC cell lines Eca109 and TE13, associated with the abrogation of radiation
      induced G2/M checkpoint, impaired Rad51 focus formation, and the prolongation of
      gamma-H2AX signaling. G2/M transition markers, including the activation of
      cyclinB1/Cdc2 kinase and the suppression of Cdc2 Thr14/Tyr15 phosphorylation were
      induced by YM155 in irradiated cells. The combination of YM155 plus irradiation
      delayed the growth of ESCC tumor xenografts to a greater extent compared with
      either treatment modality alone. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the
      abrogation of G2 checkpoint and the inhibition of HRR contribute to
      radiosensitization by YM155 in ESCC cells.

PMID- 25139396
TI  - Anthocyanins as a potential therapy for diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. A
      plethora of literature indicates that oxidative stress may play a central role in
      the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. One could thus hypothesise that
      antioxidant therapies may be protective for diabetic retinopathy. Anthocyanins
      are important natural bioactive pigments responsible for red-blue colour of
      fruits, leaves, seeds, stems and flowers in a variety of plant species. Apart
      from their colours, anthocyanins are known to be health-promoting phytochemicals
      with potential properties useful to protect against oxidative stress in some
      degenerative diseases. They also have a variety of biological properties
      including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and cardio-protective
      properties. Some reports further suggest a therapeutic role of anthocyanins to
      prevent and/or protect against ocular diseases but more studies are needed to
      examine their potential as alternative therapy to diabetic retinopathy. The
      present article reviews the available literature concerning the beneficial role
      of anthocyanins in diabetic retinopathy. 

PMID- 25139397
TI  - Primary Urothelial Carcinoma of the Prostate with Glandular Differentiation: A
      Case Report.
AB  - A 53-year-old man presented to our department with acute urinary retention and an
      approximate 8-year history of frequent urination, dysuria, poor urinary stream
      and nocturia. His prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values were normal (<4 ng/ml)
      upon repeated testing. The patient was diagnosed with benign prostatic
      hyperplasia, although there was no significant improvement in his symptoms after
      treatment with oral finasteride and doxazosin. He then underwent transurethral
      resection of the prostate in February 2013, and histopathological examination
      showed adenocarcinoma of the prostate. His treatment regimen included daily oral
      bicalutamide and subcutaneous injection of Zoladex once per month. Three months
      later, radical prostatectomy was performed, and a prostate histopathological
      examination indicated primary urothelial carcinoma with glandular
      differentiation. His PSA values were normal (<4 ng/ml) before and after the
      radical prostatectomy. After the second operation, the patient received
      chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin. Two months later, magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) indicated local tumor recurrence. The patient was treated with
      chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy for 2 months, and subsequent MRI results
      showed that the recurrent tumor volume was significantly reduced. As a result,
      radiotherapy was stopped. The patient remains alive, and his general condition
      has clearly improved.

PMID- 25139398
TI  - Prognostic factors for patients with atypical or malignant meningiomas treated at
      a single center.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to summarize our experience in managing patients
      with an atypical or malignant meningioma at our institution, with a specific
      focus on determining the prognostic factors for treatment outcome. We reviewed
      the records of 126 patients with atypical or malignant meningiomas from January
      2001 to August 2011. Data collected included gender, age, Karnofsky Performance
      Scale (KPS) score, pathology results, cleavability, and bone invasion. The
      symptoms and signs were recorded for further outcome analysis. There were 37
      malignant meningiomas and 89 atypical meningiomas. Total resection (Simpson grade
      I-II) was achieved in 80.9% of atypical patients (n = 72) and 67.6% of malignant
      patients (n = 25). Forty patients (44.9%) in the atypical group underwent
      radiotherapy after surgery, while 26 (70.2%) patients underwent radiotherapy in
      the malignant group. The median follow-up duration was 25 months. Patients with a
      secondary tumor had a much shorter progression-free survival (PFS) than those
      with a primary tumor in the malignant group. The malignant meningioma group had
      lower overall survival. Progression-free survival for patients in the malignant
      group who received postoperative radiotherapy was longer than that for those who
      did not receive radiotherapy. In conclusion, total resection of the tumor was
      important because patients with a secondary tumor were much more likely to have
      recurrence than patients with a primary tumor in the atypical and malignant
      meningioma groups. Also, radiotherapy should be performed after surgery for a
      malignant meningioma.

PMID- 25139399
TI  - Alirocumab inhibits atherosclerosis, improves the plaque morphology, and enhances
      the effects of a statin.
AB  - Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition is a potential
      novel strategy for treatment of CVD. Alirocumab is a fully human PCSK9 monoclonal
      antibody in phase 3 clinical development. We evaluated the antiatherogenic
      potential of alirocumab in APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice. Mice received a Western-type
      diet and were treated with alirocumab (3 or 10 mg/kg, weekly subcutaneous dosing)
      alone and in combination with atorvastatin (3.6 mg/kg/d) for 18 weeks. Alirocumab
      alone dose-dependently decreased total cholesterol (-37%; -46%, P < 0.001) and
      TGs (-36%; -39%, P < 0.001) and further decreased cholesterol in combination with
      atorvastatin (-48%; -58%, P < 0.001). Alirocumab increased hepatic LDL receptor
      protein levels but did not affect hepatic cholesterol and TG content. Fecal
      output of bile acids and neutral sterols was not changed. Alirocumab dose
      dependently decreased atherosclerotic lesion size (-71%; -88%, P < 0.001) and
      severity and enhanced these effects when added to atorvastatin (-89%; -98%, P <
      0.001). Alirocumab reduced monocyte recruitment and improved the lesion
      composition by increasing the smooth muscle cell and collagen content and
      decreasing the macrophage and necrotic core content. Alirocumab dose-dependently
      decreases plasma lipids and, as a result, atherosclerosis development, and it
      enhances the beneficial effects of atorvastatin in APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice. In
      addition, alirocumab improves plaque morphology. 

PMID- 25139400
TI  - Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation modifies fatty acid incorporation in tissues
      and prevents hypoxia induced-atherosclerosis progression in apolipoprotein-E
      deficient mice.
AB  - The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), displays anti
      inflammatory properties that may prevent atherosclerosis progression. Exposure of
      apolipoprotein-E deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)
      accelerates atherosclerosis progression. Our aim was to assess DHA
      supplementation influence on fatty acid incorporation in different tissues/organs
      and on atherosclerosis progression in ApoE(-/-) mice exposed to CIH. ApoE(-/-)
      mice were exposed to CIH or normoxia (N) and randomized to four groups (N
      control, CIH control, N+DHA, and CIH+DHA). DHA-supplementation enhanced DHA and
      reduced arachidonic acid (AA) contents in tissues/organs. CIH control mice
      exhibited increased atherosclerosis lesion sizes compared to N control mice. DHA
      prevented CIH induced atherosclerosis but did not improve atherosclerosis burden
      in N mice. Aortic matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression was decreased in
      CIH+DHA mice (p=0.007). DHA-supplementation prevented CIH-induced atherosclerosis
      acceleration. This was associated with a decrease of AA incorporation and of
      aortic MMP-2 gene expression. 

PMID- 25139401
TI  - High blood oxygen affinity in the air-breathing swamp eel Monopterus albus.
AB  - The Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus, Zuiew 1793) is a facultative air-breathing
      fish with reduced gills. Previous studies have shown that gas exchange seems to
      occur across the epithelium of the buccopharyngeal cavity, the esophagus and the
      integument, resulting in substantial diffusion limitations that must be
      compensated by adaptations in others steps of the O2 transport system to secure
      adequate O2 delivery to the respiring tissues. We therefore investigated O2
      binding properties of whole blood, stripped hemoglobin (Hb), two major isoHb
      components and the myoglobin (Mb) from M. albus. Whole blood was sampled using
      indwelling catheters for blood gas analysis and determination of O2 equilibrium
      curves. Hb was purified to assess the effects of endogenous allosteric effectors,
      and Mb was isolated from heart and skeletal muscle to determine its O2 binding
      properties. The blood of M. albus has a high O2 carrying capacity [hematocrit
      (Hct) of 42.4+/-4.5%] and binds O2 with an unusually high affinity (P50=2.8+/
      0.4mmHg at 27 degrees C and pH7.7), correlating with insensitivity of the Hb to
      the anionic allosteric effectors that normally decrease Hb-O2 affinity. In
      addition, Mb is present at high concentrations in both heart and muscle (5.16+/
      0.99 and 1.08+/-0.19mg ? g wet tissue-1, respectively). We suggest that the high
      Hct and high blood O2 affinity serve to overcome the low diffusion capacity in
      the relatively inefficient respiratory surfaces, while high Hct and Mb
      concentration aid in increasing the O2 flux from the blood to the muscles.

PMID- 25139402
TI  - Cold hardiness and deacclimation of overwintering Papilio zelicaon pupae.
AB  - Seasonally-acquired cold tolerance can be reversed at warm temperatures, leaving
      temperate ectotherms vulnerable to cold snaps. However, deacclimation, and its
      underlying mechanisms, has not been well-explored in insects. Swallowtail
      butterflies are widely distributed but in some cases their range is limited by
      low temperature and their cold tolerance is seasonally acquired, implying that
      they experience mortality resulting from deacclimation. We investigated cold
      tolerance and hemolymph composition of Anise swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) pupae
      during overwintering in the laboratory, and after four days exposure to warm
      temperatures in spring. Overwintering pupae had supercooling points around -20.5
      degrees C and survived brief exposures to -30 degrees C, suggesting partial
      freeze tolerance. Overwintering pupae had hemolymph osmolality of approximately
      920 mOsm, imparted by high concentrations of glycerol, K+ and Na+. After exposure
      to spring warming, supercooling points increased to approximately -17 degrees C,
      and survival of a 1h exposure to -20 degrees C decreased from 100% to 0%. This
      deacclimation was associated with decreased hemolymph osmolality and reduced
      glycerol, trehalose, Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations. We compared cold tolerance of
      pupae to weather conditions at and beyond the species' northern range boundary.
      Minimum temperatures at the range boundary approached the lower lethal
      temperature of pupae, and were colder north of the range, suggesting that cold
      hardiness may set northern range limits. Minimum temperatures following warm
      snaps were likely to cause mortality in at least one of the past three years.
      Cold snaps in the spring are increasing in frequency as a result of global
      climate change, so are likely to be a significant source of mortality for this
      species, and other temperate ectotherms.

PMID- 25139403
TI  - The role of rosiglitazone in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells
      after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent evidence has demonstrated that rosiglitazone can attenuate
      cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Some studies have
      shown that rosiglitazone can suppress inflammation and immune responses after
      SAH. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which cerebral vasospasm is
      attenuated is not clear. METHODS: In this study, SAH was created using a "double
      hemorrhage" injection rat model. Rats were randomly divided into three groups and
      treated with saline (control group), untreated (SAH group), or treated with
      rosiglitazone. Using immunocytochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining,
      and measurement of the basilar artery, we investigated the formation of
      pathologic changes in the basilar artery, measured the expression of caveolin-1
      and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and investigated the role of
      rosiglitazone in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation in the basilar
      artery after SAH. RESULTS: In this study, we observed significant pathologic
      changes in the basilar artery after experimental SAH. The level of vasospasm
      gradually increased with time during the 1st week, peaked on day 7, and almost
      recovered on day 14. After rosiglitazone treatment, the level of vasospasm was
      significantly attenuated in comparison with the SAH group. Immunocytochemistry
      staining showed that caveolin-1 expression was significantly increased in the
      rosiglitazone group, compared with the SAH group. Inversely, the expression of
      PCNA showed a notable decrease after rosiglitazone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results indicate that rosiglitazone can attenuate cerebral vasospasm following
      SAH. Up-regulation of caveolin-1 by rosiglitazone may be a new molecular
      mechanism for this response, which is to inhibit proliferation of VSMCs after
      SAH, and this study may provide a novel insight to prevent delayed cerebral
      vasospasm (DCVS).

PMID- 25139404
TI  - Phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 is regulated by signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 3 in acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Overexpression of protein-tyrosine phosphatase of regenerating liver 3 (PRL-3)
      has been identified in about 50% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
      The mechanism of regulation of PRL-3 remains obscure. Signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a latent transcriptional factor, has also
      been often found to be activated in AML. We first identified STAT3-consensus
      binding sites in the promoter of PRL-3 genes. Then we experimentally validated
      the direct binding and transcriptional activation. We applied shRNA-mediated
      knockdown and overexpression approaches in STAT3(-/-) liver cells and leukemic
      cells to validate the functional regulation of PRL-3 by STAT3. A STAT3 core
      signature, derived through data mining from publicly available gene expression
      data, was employed to correlate PRL-3 expression in large AML patient samples. We
      discovered that STAT3 binds to the -201 to -210 region of PRL-3, which was
      conserved between human and mouse. Importantly, PRL-3 protein was significantly
      reduced in mouse STAT3-knockout liver cells compared with STAT3-wild type
      counterparts, and ectopic expression of STAT3 in these cells led to a pronounced
      increase in PRL-3 protein. We demonstrated that STAT3 functionally regulated PRL
      3, and STAT3 core signature was enriched in AML with high PRL-3 expression.
      Targeting either STAT3 or PRL-3 reduced leukemic cell viability. Silencing PRL-3
      impaired invasiveness and induced leukemic cell differentiation. In conclusion,
      PRL-3 was transcriptionally regulated by STAT3. The STAT3/PRL-3 regulatory loop
      contributes to the pathogenesis of AML, and it might represent an attractive
      therapeutic target for antileukemic therapy. 

PMID- 25139405
TI  - A trans-outer membrane porin-cytochrome protein complex for extracellular
      electron transfer by Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA.
AB  - The multi-heme, outer membrane c-type cytochrome (c-Cyt) OmcB of Geobacter
      sulfurreducens was previously proposed to mediate electron transfer across the
      outer membrane. However, the underlying mechanism has remained uncharacterized.
      In G. sulfurreducens, the omcB gene is part of two tandem four-gene clusters,
      each is predicted to encode a transcriptional factor (OrfR/OrfS), a porin-like
      outer membrane protein (OmbB/OmbC), a periplasmic c-type cytochrome (OmaB/OmaC)
      and an outer membrane c-Cyt (OmcB/OmcC) respectively. Here, we showed that
      OmbB/OmbC, OmaB/OmaC and OmcB/OmcC of G. sulfurreducens PCA formed the porin
      cytochrome (Pcc) protein complexes, which were involved in transferring electrons
      across the outer membrane. The isolated Pcc protein complexes reconstituted in
      proteoliposomes transferred electrons from reduced methyl viologen across the
      lipid bilayer of liposomes to Fe(III)-citrate and ferrihydrite. The pcc clusters
      were found in all eight sequenced Geobacter and 11 other bacterial genomes from
      six different phyla, demonstrating a widespread distribution of Pcc protein
      complexes in phylogenetically diverse bacteria. Deletion of ombB-omaB-omcB-orfS
      ombC-omaC-omcC gene clusters had no impact on the growth of G. sulfurreducens PCA
      with fumarate but diminished the ability of G. sulfurreducens PCA to reduce
      Fe(III)-citrate and ferrihydrite. Complementation with the ombB-omaB-omcB gene
      cluster restored the ability of G. sulfurreducens PCA to reduce Fe(III)-citrate
      and ferrihydrite. 

PMID- 25139406
TI  - Therapeutic decision making in patients with newly diagnosed low grade glioma.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Low grade gliomas (LGG) encompass primary brain tumors that
      are typically well-differentiated and do not exhibit frankly malignant histologic
      features. These tumors can be further classified by their cellular morphology
      (eg, oligodendroglioma, pilocytic astrocytoma, etc), which does convey prognostic
      and therapeutic implications. Typically, low grade gliomas convey an overall
      better prognosis for patients as opposed to the higher grade primary brain
      tumors. Surgery for low grade gliomas and timing of such intervention remains
      controversial. Maximal resection of these tumors appears to prolong progression
      free survival. Advanced surgical techniques, including language mapping and awake
      craniotomies, have been shown to decrease morbidity associated with resection of
      lesions in eloquent areas of the brain. Radiation therapy has been proven
      effective in increasing time to progression in LGG, and emerging data support a
      role for combined modality therapy incorporating chemotherapy. Postoperative RT
      has been shown to have significant benefits with regards to progression free
      survival. Recent advances in molecular genetic markers, including the combined
      loss of chromosome arms 1p and 19q, and the mutation of the isocitrate
      dehydrogenase gene (IDH1/IDH2) have allowed for increased accuracy of predicting
      susceptibility to chemotherapeutic agents, as well as having some role in
      determining prognosis. PCV and temozolomide chemotherapy have both been studied
      when assessing progression free survival for LGG patients. Approaching patients
      with LGGs can be somewhat daunting given the lack of Class I evidence based
      protocols. However, significant evidence is now mounting to suggest early,
      maximal surgical excision; followed by fractionated RT will be the mainstays of
      treatment. Clearly, additional evidence is also mounting for the addition of
      chemotherapy in the treatment paradigm for patients with LGGs.

PMID- 25139407
TI  - Microbial signature profiles of periodontally healthy and diseased patients.
AB  - AIM: To determine microbial profiles that discriminate periodontal health from
      different forms of periodontal diseases. METHODS: Subgingival biofilm was
      obtained from patients with periodontal health (27), gingivitis (11), chronic
      periodontitis (35) and aggressive periodontitis (24), and analysed for the
      presence of >250 species/phylotypes using HOMIM. Microbial differences among
      groups were examined by Mann-Whitney U-test. Regression analyses were performed
      to determine microbial risk indicators of disease. RESULTS: Putative and
      potential new periodontal pathogens were more prevalent in subjects with
      periodontal diseases than periodontal health. Detection of Porphyromonas
      endodontalis/Porphyromonas spp. (OR 9.5 [1.2-73.1]) and Tannerella forsythia (OR
      38.2 [3.2-450.6]), and absence of Neisseria polysaccharea (OR 0.004 [0-0.15]) and
      Prevotella denticola (OR 0.014 [0-0.49], p < 0.05) were risk indicators of
      periodontal disease. Presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (OR 29.4
      [3.4-176.5]), Cardiobacterium hominis (OR 14.9 [2.3-98.7]), Peptostreptococcaceae
      sp. (OR 35.9 [2.7-483.9]), P. alactolyticus (OR 31.3 [2.1-477.2]), and absence of
      Fretibacterium spp. (OR 0.024 [0.002-0.357]), Fusobacterium
      naviforme/Fusobacterium nucleatum ss vincentii (OR 0.015 [0.001-0.223]),
      Granulicatella adiacens/Granulicatella elegans (OR 0.013 [0.001-0.233], p < 0.05)
      were associated with aggressive periodontitis. CONCLUSION: There were specific
      microbial signatures of the subgingival biofilm that were able to distinguish
      between microbiomes of periodontal health and diseases. Such profiles may be used
      to establish risk of disease.

PMID- 25139408
TI  - Arabidopsis thaliana IRX10 and two related proteins from psyllium and
      Physcomitrella patens are xylan xylosyltransferases.
AB  - The enzymatic mechanism that governs the synthesis of the xylan backbone polymer,
      a linear chain of xylose residues connected by beta-1,4 glycosidic linkages, has
      remained elusive. Xylan is a major constituent of many kinds of plant cell walls,
      and genetic studies have identified multiple genes that affect xylan formation.
      In this study, we investigate several homologs of one of these previously
      identified xylan-related genes, IRX10 from Arabidopsis thaliana, by heterologous
      expression and in vitro xylan xylosyltransferase assay. We find that an IRX10
      homolog from the moss Physcomitrella patens displays robust activity, and we show
      that the xylosidic linkage formed is a beta-1,4 linkage, establishing this
      protein as a xylan beta-1,4-xylosyltransferase. We also find lower but
      reproducible xylan xylosyltransferase activity with A. thaliana IRX10 and with a
      homolog from the dicot plant Plantago ovata, showing that xylan
      xylosyltransferase activity is conserved over large evolutionary distance for
      these proteins. 

PMID- 25139409
TI  - ?

PMID- 25139410
TI  - Burden of carbapenem-resistant organisms in the Frankfurt/Main Metropolitan Area
      in Germany 2012/2013 - first results and experiences after the introduction of
      legally mandated reporting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The federal state of Hesse, Germany, introduced a laboratory-based
      reporting scheme for carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs). METHOD: The results
      of the first year of mandated reporting of CROs from April 2012 through March
      2013 to the Public Health Authority of Frankfurt/Main, responsible for a
      population of 700,000 inhabitants, are described. RESULTS: Within a period of 12
      months 243 CROs were notified to the health authority. Of these 213 isolates had
      been reported from 16 of the 17 hospitals in Frankfurt/Main, 6 from ambulatory
      settings and 24 from clinics outside of Frankfurt/Main. Mean incidence rate per
      1,000 patient days in hospitals was 0.138 (range 0.02-0.28). CONCLUSION: In
      Frankfurt/Main almost all hospitals have reported CROs in the study period though
      the frequency of isolation varies strongly and many facilities only report CROs
      sporadically. Molecular data indicate a high diversity of different
      carbapenemases. Autochthonous transmission must be assumed despite the absence of
      major outbreaks. Rapid and coordinated efforts by clinicians and health
      departments are crucial to control the spread of CRO infections. The mandatory
      reporting scheme provides important data to guide the implementation of
      preventive measures.

PMID- 25139411
TI  - Immediate hypersensitivity reaction following liposomal amphotericin-B (AmBisome)
      infusion.
AB  - Liposomal amphotericin-B (AmBisome) is now becoming first choice for the
      treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) patients due to high efficacy and
      less toxicity. The reported incidence of hypersensitivity reactions to liposomal
      amphotericin-B (AmBisome), especially during therapy, is very rare. We report two
      patients with kala-azar: one developed breathing difficulties and hypotension
      followed by shock and the other had facial angioedema with chest tightness during
      treatment. Both patients were managed with immediate action of injection:
      adrenaline, diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone. In our experience, AmBisome can
      cause severe hypersensitivity reactions that warrant proper support and close
      supervision. 

PMID- 25139412
TI  - Use of long-acting reversible contraceptives in the UK from 2004 to 2010:
      analysis using The Health Improvement Network Database.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)
      in the UK over the period 2004 to 2010, using the general practice database The
      Health Improvement Network (THIN). METHODS: Women in THIN, aged 18 to 44 years
      during 2004 to 2010, who had been registered with their general practitioner for
      at least five years, with a prescription history of at least one year were
      included. THIN was searched using the Read and MULTILEX codes for: copper
      intrauterine devices (Cu-IUDs), the levonorgestrel releasing-intrauterine system
      (LNG-IUS), progestogen-only implants, and progestogen-only injections. RESULTS:
      The prevalence of progestogen-only implant use rose from 0.5 to 3.4%, and that of
      the LNG-IUS from 3.1 to 5.2%. The annual incidence and prevalence of progestogen
      only implant use increased for all age groups but was most marked in younger
      women, whereas the use of the LNG-IUS augmented with increasing age. For all
      women, there was a small decrease in the prevalence of use of Cu-IUDs (from 5.4
      to 4.8%) and progestogen-only injections (from 3.6 to 3.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Uptake
      of progestogen-only implants and the LNG-IUS increased over the period 2004 to
      2010 in the UK, but LARC use in young women remains low.

PMID- 25139413
TI  - PTEN loss-mediated Akt activation increases the properties of cancer stem-like
      cell populations in prostate cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the PTEN/PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB pathway plays an
      important role in regulating the prostate cancer stem-like cell population by
      upregulating ABCG2. METHODS: Targeted PTEN knockdown in human prostate DU145 and
      22Rv1 cells using a small interfering RNA were confirmed by immunoblot analysis
      using antibodies of PTEN, phospho-Akt, Akt, and alpha-tubulin. Knockdown PTEN
      DU145 and 22Rv1 cells were augmented, and the stem cell-like properties were
      examined by cell viability and tumor sphere formation and treated by Akt IV
      inhibitor to provide the signal transduction pathway. Luciferase activity assays
      were performed. RESULTS: The knockdown of PTEN in prostate cancer cell lines
      increased the stem-like properties of the cells, including their sphere-forming
      ability, stem cell population number, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related
      gene expression, and ABCG2 expression. Additionally, PTEN expression was highly
      associated with elevated expression of phospho-Akt. Treatment with an Akt
      inhibitor suppressed the PTEN-mediated effects on the properties of these stem
      like cells as well as drug resistance, ABCG2 expression, and the NF-kappaB
      pathway. CONCLUSION: The loss of PTEN in prostate cancer cells resulted in an
      increased PI3K/Akt pathway. Due to the Akt activation, PTEN loss may play an
      important role in prostate cancer by promoting cancer stemness through a
      mechanism that involves enhanced NF-kappaB signaling.

PMID- 25139414
TI  - Etiology, clinical features and management of acute recurrent pancreatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the etiology and clinical features of acute recurrent
      pancreatitis (ARP) and to determine its optimal management and outcomes. METHODS:
      ARP cases among acute pancreatitis patients who were admitted to the West China
      Hospital, Sichuan University from January 2008 to December 2012 were
      retrospectively collected. Their etiology, clinical features, treatments and
      outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Of all pancreatitis patients, 8.9% were
      classified as ARP. The proportions of mild and severe diseases were 85.7% and
      14.3%, respectively. The common etiological factors were biliogenic (31.0%),
      alcohol (26.2%), hyperlipidemia (21.4%) and pancreaticobiliary malformation
      (15.4%). At first 46 cases were cryptogenic and among them 36 were subsequently
      confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Among the
      hyperlipidemic ARP patients, 72.2% failed to routinely monitor and control serum
      lipids. ERCP was performed in 88 cases, and 48 also required an endoscopic
      sphincterotomy or calculus removal. Twenty-two patients underwent
      cholangiopancreatic duct stent placement, and pancreatic necrosectomy was
      performed on eight severe cases. The overall outcomes indicate that 8.3% of the
      cases progressed to chronic pancreatitis and 33.3% of the cases receiving
      etiological treatment were recurrence-free. There were no deaths in this study.
      CONCLUSIONS: The etiological factors of ARP are similar to those of acute
      pancreatitis at the first attack. The management of ARP should be fully
      considered based on etiological investigation.

PMID- 25139415
TI  - Basosquamous carcinoma: is it an aggressive tumor?
AB  - Basosquamous carcinoma is a rare cutaneous tumour that is considered an
      aggressive type of basal cell carcinoma with an increased risk of recurrence and
      metastases. This impression has been perpetuated in the literature, despite
      limited scientific data and conflicting results of some authors. This present
      study was aimed to evaluate the clinical-pathological features of this tumour and
      follow-up of a series of basosquamous carcinoma. Basosquamous carcinoma patients
      who underwent surgical excision between January 2000 and February 2012 were
      analyzed retrospectively. Their medical files were reviewed and the corresponding
      routinely stained sections (with hematoxylin-eosin) were re-evaluated by two
      pathologists. Thirty-five patients with basosquamous carcinoma were operated on
      in this period. Most tumurs were located in the head and neck area (94%), and the
      mean age of the patients was 69.8 years. Margin involvements were seen in 11
      patients (31.4%) and all of them underwent re-excision. There was only one local
      recurrence. There was neither regional lymph node nor distant metastasis in this
      series. The recurrence rate of basosquamous carcinoma is found as 4%, lower than
      that of most other similar studies. Further pathologic studies are needed to
      better classify basosquamous carcinoma and to increase consistency between the
      results of studies. Surgical excision and regular follow-up are considered as the
      treatment of choice. 

PMID- 25139416
TI  - Streptococcus oriloxodontae sp. nov., isolated from the oral cavities of
      elephants.
AB  - Two strains were isolated from oral cavity samples of healthy elephants. The
      isolates were Gram-positive, catalase-negative, coccus-shaped organisms that were
      tentatively identified as a streptococcal species based on the results of
      biochemical tests. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis suggested
      classification of these organisms in the genus Streptococcus with Streptococcus
      criceti ATCC 19642(T) and Streptococcus orisuis NUM 1001(T) as their closest
      phylogenetic neighbours with 98.2 and 96.9% gene sequence similarity,
      respectively. When multi-locus sequence analysis using four housekeeping genes,
      groEL, rpoB, gyrB and sodA, was carried out, similarity of concatenated sequences
      of the four housekeeping genes from the new isolates and Streptococcus mutans was
      89.7%. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments suggested that the new isolates were
      distinct from S. criceti and other species of the genus Streptococcus. On the
      basis of genotypic and phenotypic differences, it is proposed that the novel
      isolates are classified in the genus Streptococcus as representatives of
      Streptococcus oriloxodontae sp. nov. The type strain of S. oriloxodontae is NUM
      2101(T) ( =JCM 19285(T) =DSM 27377(T)).

PMID- 25139417
TI  - Geobacter soli sp. nov., a dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacterium isolated from
      forest soil.
AB  - A novel Fe(III)-reducing bacterium, designated GSS01(T), was isolated from a
      forest soil sample using a liquid medium containing acetate and ferrihydrite as
      electron donor and electron acceptor, respectively. Cells of strain GSS01(T) were
      strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, motile, non-spore-forming and slightly
      curved rod-shaped. Growth occurred at 16-40  degrees C and optimally at 30 
      degrees C. The DNA G+C content was 60.9 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was
      MK-8. The major fatty acids were C(16:0), C(18:0) and
      C(16:1)omega7c/C(16:1)omega6c. Strain GSS01(T) was able to grow with
      ferrihydrite, Fe(III) citrate, Mn(IV), sulfur, nitrate or anthraquinone-2,6
      disulfonate, but not with fumarate, as sole electron acceptor when acetate was
      the sole electron donor. The isolate was able to utilize acetate, ethanol,
      glucose, lactate, butyrate, pyruvate, benzoate, benzaldehyde, m-cresol and phenol
      but not toluene, p-cresol, propionate, malate or succinate as sole electron donor
      when ferrihydrite was the sole electron acceptor. Phylogenetic analyses based on
      16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain GSS01(T) was most closely related to
      Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA(T) (98.3% sequence similarity) and exhibited low
      similarities (94.9-91.8%) to the type strains of other species of the genus
      Geobacter. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain GSS01(T) and G. sulfurreducens
      PCA(T) was 41.4 +/- 1.1%. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic
      characterization and physiological tests, strain GSS01(T) is believed to
      represent a novel species of the genus Geobacter, and the name Geobacter soli sp.
      nov. is proposed. The type strain is GSS01(T) ( =KCTC 4545(T) =MCCC 1K00269(T)).

PMID- 25139418
TI  - Taxonomy and phylogeny of two species of the genus Deviata (Protista, Ciliophora)
      from China, with description of a new soil form, Deviata parabacilliformis sp.
      nov.
AB  - The morphology and morphogenesis of a soil hypotrichous ciliate, Deviata
      parabacilliformis sp. nov., isolated from northern China, were investigated. D.
      parabacilliformis measures about 75-210 * 25-60 um in vivo, with an elongate and
      flexible body. It possesses one right marginal row, two to four left marginal
      rows and three dorsal kineties. The main morphogenetic features of D.
      parabacilliformis are: (i) the oral primordium originates de novo; (ii) anlage IV
      of the opisthe originates from parental frontoventral row V, anlage V originates
      de novo, and anlage VI forms from frontoventral row VI; and (iii) anlage I of the
      proter originates from the anterior portion of the parental paroral, anlage II
      originates from the buccal cirrus, anlage III originates from the parabuccal
      cirri, anlage IV originates from parental frontoventral row IV and anlage V forms
      from the anterior of parental frontoventral row VI. The morphology of an edaphic
      population of another species of the genus Deviata, Deviata bacilliformis (Gelei
      1954) Eigner 1995, was also investigated. This work also provides the first
      record of SSU rRNA gene sequences for species of the genus Deviata. Molecular
      phylogenetic analysis suggests that Deviata is not monophyletic, and its position
      is poorly resolved due to weak phylogenetic signal of the 18S marker in the
      Stichotrichida.

PMID- 25139419
TI  - Is the Sequential Laser Technique for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Truly
      Superior to the Standard Selective Technique? A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of sequential laser
      coagulation in the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). DATA
      SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched
      for comparative studies on the efficacy of sequential versus standard selective
      laser coagulation for TTTS. The primary outcome measure in these studies was
      survival of at least one twin, both twins and fetal demise. RESULTS: Three cohort
      studies comparing the selective laser treatment technique (n = 120) versus the
      sequential technique (n = 224) in 344 monochorionic twin pregnancies were
      included. Mean survival of at least one twin was 88% in the selective group
      versus 92% (p = 0.22) in the sequential group. Mean survival of both twins was
      lower in the selective group (52%) than in the sequential group (75%) (p =
      0.002). Donor fetal demise decreased from 34% in the selective to 10% in the
      sequential group (p < 0.01), and recipient fetal demise decreased from 16 to 7%
      (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Limited evidence suggests improved double neonatal
      survival as well as decreased donor and recipient fetal demise with the use of
      the sequential technique. However, these results are based on small non
      randomized studies with evident forms of bias and methodological limitations. A
      randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of sequential laser technique
      is therefore required.

PMID- 25139420
TI  - Neural processing of recollection, familiarity and priming at encoding: evidence
      from a forced-choice recognition paradigm.
AB  - The distinction between neural mechanisms of explicit and implicit expressions of
      memory has been well studied at the retrieval stage, but less at encoding. In
      addition, dissociations obtained in many studies are complicated by
      methodological difficulties in obtaining process-pure measures of different types
      of memory. In this experiment, we applied a subsequent memory paradigm and a two
      stage forced-choice recognition test to classify study ERP data into four
      categories: subsequent remembered (later retrieved accompanied by detailed
      information), subsequent known (later retrieved accompanied by a feeling of
      familiarity), subsequent primed (later retrieved without conscious awareness) and
      subsequent forgotten (not retrieved). Differences in subsequent memory effects
      (DM effects) were measured by comparing ERP waveform associated with later memory
      based on recollection, familiarity or priming with ERP waveform for later
      forgotten items. The recollection DM effect involved a robust sustained (onset at
      300 ms) prefrontal positive-going DM effect which was right-lateralized, and a
      later (onset at 800 ms) occipital negative-going DM effect. Familiarity involved
      an earlier (300-400 ms) prefrontal positive-going DM effect and a later (500-600
      ms) parietal positive-going DM effect. Priming involved a negative-going DM
      effect which onset at 600 ms, mainly distributed over anterior brain sites. These
      results revealed a sequence of components that represented cognitive processes
      underlying the encoding of verbal information into episodic memory, and
      separately supported later remembering, knowing and priming.

PMID- 25139421
TI  - Adverse effects of antipsychotics on micro-vascular endothelial cells of the
      human blood-brain barrier.
AB  - Although the mechanisms of action of antipsychotics (APs) on neuronal function
      are well understood, very little is known about their effects on cells of the
      blood-brain barrier (BBB); one function of which is to limit the access of these
      amphiphilic compounds to the central nervous system. To address this question we
      have investigated the cytological and functional effects of four APs:
      chlorpromazine (CLP), haloperidol (HAL), risperidone (RIS) and clozapine (CLZ),
      at concentrations typical of high therapeutic dosage on a human brain
      microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) model of the BBB. At ~10 uM all four APs
      impaired the ability of HBMECs to reduce MTT which was followed by decreased
      Trypan blue exclusion and increased Lactate dehydrogenase release. These effects
      were associated with oxidative stress which was partly reversed by incubation in
      10mM glutathione. At their EC50 concentrations for MTT reduction, all four APs
      disrupted cellular ultrastructure and morphology. HAL, CPZ and CLZ increased
      Caspase -3, -8 and -9 activity, chromatin condensation and fragmentation, data
      indicative of apoptosis. These events were associated with decreased transcytosis
      of Evans blue and increased transendothelial potential difference and electrical
      resistance of this BBB model. These findings suggest that at high therapeutic
      concentrations, CPZ and CLZ are likely to incur cytoxic effects and apoptosis of
      BBB endothelia with an impairment of barrier functionality. Such events may
      underlie the aetiology of neuroleptic associated cerebral oedema and neuroleptic
      malignant syndrome.

PMID- 25139422
TI  - Musical phrase boundaries, wrap-up and the closure positive shift.
AB  - We investigated global integration (wrap-up) processes at the boundaries of
      musical phrases by comparing the effects of well and non-well formed phrases on
      event-related potentials time-locked to two boundary points: the onset and the
      offset of the boundary pause. The Closure Positive Shift, which is elicited at
      the boundary offset, was not modulated by the quality of phrase structure (well
      vs. non-well formed). In contrast, the boundary onset potentials showed different
      patterns for well and non-well formed phrases. Our results contribute to specify
      the functional meaning of the Closure Positive Shift in music, shed light on the
      large-scale structural integration of musical input, and raise new hypotheses
      concerning shared resources between music and language. 

PMID- 25139423
TI  - Polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-3 impairs long-term depression in Purkinje neurons
      of SCA3 transgenic mouse by inhibiting HAT and impairing histone acetylation.
AB  - Our previous study using a transgenic mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type
      3 (SCA3) reported that disease-causing ataxin-3-Q79 caused cerebellar malfunction
      by inducing transcriptional downregulation. Long-term depression (LTD) of
      parallel fiber-Purkinje neuron glutamatergic transmission is believed to be a
      cellular mechanism for motor learning and motor coordination in the cerebellum.
      Downregulated mRNA expression of calcineurin B, IP3-R1, myosin Va and PLC beta4,
      which are required for the induction of cerebellar LTD, led to an impairment of
      LTD induction in Purkinje neurons of SCA3 transgenic mouse. Our study suggested
      that ataxin-3-Q79 caused hypoacetylation of cerebellar histone H3 or H4 by
      inhibiting the activity of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) without affecting the
      activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC). Consistent with the hypothesis that
      hypoacetylated H3 or H4 histone associated with promoter regions of downregulated
      genes is the molecular mechanism underlying ataxin-3-Q79-induced transcriptional
      repression, chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative real-time PCR analysis
      showed hypoacetylation of H3 or H4 histone associated with the proximal promoter
      of downregulated calcineurin B, IP3-R1, myosin Va or PLC beta4 gene in the
      cerebellum of SCA3 mouse. HDAC inhibitor sodium butyrate reversed ataxin-3-Q79
      induced hypoacetylation of histone H3 or H4 associated with the proximal promoter
      of calcineurin B, IP3-R1, myosin Va or PLC beta4 gene. Sodium butyrate also
      prevented ataxin-3-Q79-induced impairment of LTD induction in Purkinje neurons of
      SCA3 mice. Our results suggest that polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-3-Q79 impairs
      HAT activity, leading to histone hypoacetylation, downregulated expression of
      cerebellar genes required for LTD induction and impaired induction of cerebellar
      LTD in the SCA3 transgenic mouse.

PMID- 25139424
TI  - What's new in the literature: an update of new research since the original WHS
      diabetic foot ulcer guidelines in 2006.
AB  - The objective of the paper was to update the diabetic foot ulcer guidelines that
      were previously published in 2006. We performed a key word search using MEDLINE
      and Cochrane reviews for publication between January 2006 and January 2012.
      Articles that fit the inclusion criteria were reviewed and the previous
      guidelines were updated. 

PMID- 25139425
TI  - Trophic niche and habitat shifts of sympatric Gerreidae.
AB  - The diet and mouth growth rates of three Gerreidae species (Eugerres brasilianus,
      Eucinostomus melanopterus and Diapterus rhombeus) were assessed at different
      ontogenetic phases (juveniles, sub-adults and adults) in order to detect
      allometric growth, and whether they are related to habitat and seasonal changes
      in the Goiana Estuary, north-east Brazil. The importance of each prey for each
      ontogenetic phase was described using the index of relative importance. The three
      species showed seasonal ontogenetic shifts in diet and allometric growth of mouth
      morphology. They also had an exclusively zoobenthic diet, comprising mainly
      Polychaeta, Copepoda, Ostracoda, Gastropoda and Bivalvia. Mouth development
      showed a possible influence on diet changes for E. melanopterus. Significant
      interactions (P < 0.01) were detected among seasons, areas and ontogenetic phases
      for the most important prey for E. brasilianus and E. melanopterus. Diet overlaps
      are evidence of intra and interspecific competition among gerreids for specific
      prey. A conceptual model of the competition and seasonal diet shifts among
      ontogenetic phases of gerreids is given. The sediment ingested due to the feeding
      mechanisms of Gerreidae species could also partially explain the ingestion of
      synthetic items observed for all ontogenetic phases, which indicates one of a
      myriad effects of human activities (e.g. artisanal fishery) in this estuary. 

PMID- 25139426
TI  - Effect of cooked white rice with high beta-glucan barley on appetite and energy
      intake in healthy Japanese subjects: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - White rice is a dominant grain-based food in Japan, but excess intake of polished
      rice may cause obesity. Barley is a grain-based food, similar to white rice, but
      it has the potential to control appetite and reduce energy intake. We
      investigated the effect of cooked white rice with high beta-glucan barley on
      appetite and energy intake. The study was conducted as a randomized crossover
      design with twenty-one healthy Japanese women [mean +/- standard deviation body
      mass index (BMI) 23.3 +/- 0.7 kg/m(2)]. Subjects consumed a breakfast of cooked
      white rice with high beta-glucan barley (BAR) or white rice (WR), followed by an
      ad libitum lunch and dinner. Energy intake was measured at the lunch and the
      dinner using plate waste. Subjects' perception scores on hunger, fullness,
      satiety, and prospective food consumption were assessed using a visual analogue
      scale (VAS) before and after the breakfast, lunch and dinner. BAR significantly
      reduced the VAS scores of hunger and prospective food consumption, and increased
      fullness before lunch compared to WR (P = 0.032, 0.019 and 0.038, respectively).
      Energy intake at lunch and the cumulative energy intake (lunch + dinner)
      subsequent to BAR consumption were significantly lower than WR (P = 0.035 and
      0.021, respectively). BAR was able to modulate appetite and reduce energy intake.
      The combination of white rice with high beta-glucan barley could play a
      beneficial role in preventing and treating obesity and other obesity-related
      metabolic diseases. 

PMID- 25139427
TI  - Molecular cloning of two novel peroxidases and their response to salt stress and
      salicylic acid in the living fossil Ginkgo biloba.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Peroxidase isoenzymes play diverse roles in plant
      physiology, such as lignification and defence against pathogens. The actions and
      regulation of many peroxidases are not known with much accuracy. A number of
      studies have reported direct involvement of peroxidase isoenzymes in the
      oxidation of monolignols, which constitutes the last step in the lignin
      biosynthesis pathway. However, most of the available data concern only
      peroxidases and lignins from angiosperms. This study describes the molecular
      cloning of two novel peroxidases from the 'living fossil' Ginkgo biloba and their
      regulation by salt stress and salicylic acid. METHODS: Suspension cell cultures
      were used to purify peroxidases and to obtain the cDNAs. Treatments with
      salicylic acid and sodium chloride were performed and peroxidase activity and
      gene expression were monitored. KEY RESULTS: A novel peroxidase was purified,
      which preferentially used p-hydroxycinnamyl alcohols as substrates and was able
      to form dehydrogenation polymers in vitro from coniferyl and sinapyl alcohols.
      Two peroxidase full-length cDNAs, GbPrx09 and GbPrx10, were cloned. Both
      peroxidases showed high similarity to other basic peroxidases with a putative
      role in cell wall lignification. Both GbPrx09 and GbPrx10 were expressed in
      leaves and stems of the plant. Sodium chloride enhanced the gene expression of
      GbPrx09 but repressed GbPrx10, whereas salicylic acid strongly repressed both
      GbPrx09 and GbPrx10. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the data suggest the
      participation of GbPrx09 and GbPrx10 in the developmental lignification programme
      of the cell wall. Both peroxidases possess the structural characteristics
      necessary for sinapyl alcohol oxidation. Moreover, GbPrx09 is also involved in
      lignification induced by salt stress, while salicylic acid-mediated lignification
      is not a result of GbPrx09 and GbPrx10 enzymatic activity.

PMID- 25139428
TI  - Floral structure of Emmotum (Icacinaceae sensu stricto or Emmotaceae), a
      phylogenetically isolated genus of lamiids with a unique pseudotrimerous
      gynoecium, bitegmic ovules and monosporangiate thecae.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Icacinaceae sensu stricto consist of a group of early
      branching lineages of lamiids whose relationships are not yet resolved and whose
      detailed floral morphology is poorly known. The most bizarre flowers occur in
      Emmotum: the gynoecium has three locules on one side and none on the other. It
      has been interpreted as consisting of three fertile and two sterile carpels or of
      one fertile carpel with two longitudinal septa and two sterile carpels. This
      study focused primarily on the outer and inner morphology of the gynoecium to
      resolve its disputed structure, and ovule structure was also studied. In
      addition, the perianth and androecium were investigated. METHODS: Flowers and
      floral buds of two Emmotum species, E. harleyi and E. nitens, were collected and
      fixed in the field, and then studied by scanning electron microscopy. Microtome
      section series were used to reconstruct their morphology. KEY RESULTS: The
      gynoecium in Emmotum was confirmed as pentamerous, consisting of three fertile
      and two sterile carpels. Each of the three locules behaves as the single locule
      in other Icacinaceae, with the placenta of the two ovules being identical, which
      shows that three fertile carpels are present. In addition, it was found that the
      ovules are bitegmic, which is almost unique in lamiids, and that the stamens have
      monosporangiate thecae, which also occurs in the closely related family
      Oncothecaceae, but is not known from any other Icacinaceae sensu lato so far.
      CONCLUSIONS: The flowers of Emmotum have unique characters at different
      evolutionary levels: the pseudotrimerous gynoecium at angiosperm level, the
      bitegmic ovules at lamiid level and the monosporangiate thecae at family or
      family group level. However, in general, the floral morphology of Emmotum fits
      well in Icacinaceae. More comparative research on flower structure is necessary
      in Icacinaceae and other early branching lineages of lamiids to better understand
      the initial evolution of this large lineage of asterids.

PMID- 25139430
TI  - Ophthalmic imaging.
AB  - INTRODUCTION OR BACKGROUND: The last two decades have seen a revolution in
      ophthalmic imaging. In this review we present an overview of the breadth of
      ophthalmic imaging modalities in use today and describe how the role of
      ophthalmic imaging has changed from documenting abnormalities visible on clinical
      examination to the detection of clinically silent abnormalities which can lead to
      an earlier and more precise diagnosis. SOURCES OF DATA: This review is based on
      published literature in the fields of ophthalmic imaging and with focus on most
      commonly used imaging modalities. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: New imaging techniques
      enable non-invasive evaluation of ocular structures at a resolution of a few
      micrometres. This has led to a re-evaluation of diagnostic criteria for ocular
      disease, which were previously defined by clinical findings without significant
      reference to imaging. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Lack of formal training and clinical
      guidelines regarding use of new imaging techniques in diagnosing and monitoring
      various ocular conditions. Lack of large normative databases and
      interchangeability issues between different commercial machines can hinder the
      detection of disease progression. GROWING POINTS: Imaging devices are being
      constantly refined with improved image capture and image analysis tools. AREAS
      TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Clinical applications of new techniques and
      devices have yet to be determined using systematic scientific research methods.

PMID- 25139431
TI  - A multidisciplinary approach to determine factors associated with calf rearing
      practices and calf mortality in dairy herds.
AB  - In the Netherlands, an increase in ear-tagged calf mortality (3 days to 1 year of
      age) in dairy farms was observed. The aim was to determine why calf mortality
      increased and how to reduce calf mortality in herds with structural high rates. A
      multi-disciplinary approach was chosen to study this phenomenon. First analysis
      of census data revealed that the majority of the calves died in the first month
      of life. In addition, a panel of 236 farmers indicated that the increase in calf
      mortality might be related to priority, time management and the mind-set of
      farmers. For that reason a questionnaire was carried out to detect risk factors
      for mortality among young calves (<1 month) in 100 dairy farms with increased
      calf mortality compared to 100 dairy farms with stable and below average calf
      mortality. The results showed that, besides management factors such as IBR and
      BVDV control, and purchase of cattle, also the answers to statements giving an
      indication on the farmers' mind-set, were associated with calf mortality.
      Therefore, a qualitative sociological study on the farmers' identity was
      conducted by performing in-depth interviews among 30 farmers with structurally
      high calf mortality rates. Afterwards, the results were communicated with a
      veterinary advisor who visited the farmers and gave tailored advice. Most of the
      interviewed farmers believed to have sufficient knowledge and skills regarding
      calf rearing. The farmers did not share their calf rearing problems with
      colleagues and advisors but they mentioned to be open to receive advice if not
      communicated in a reproaching or pedantic way. The sociologist distinguished
      three different phases of awareness concerning calf mortality among the farmers:
      (1) farmers who were only partly, or not at all, aware of high calf mortality;
      (2) farmers who felt powerless because of their inability to find a solution to
      their problems; and (3) farmers who knew they can be inaccurate when it comes to
      rearing calves, but were reluctant to change this. With the background
      information of the farmers' identity it was easier for the veterinary advisor to
      provide tailored advice resulting in a higher probability of following up. A
      first evaluation in which calf mortality rates in the six months after providing
      the advice were monitored, indicated that the advice resulted in reduced
      mortality. The combination of census data, epidemiological and qualitative
      sociological research revealed that advisors should be aware of the attitude and
      mind-set of the farmer and adapt their approach and advice accordingly. 

PMID- 25139429
TI  - Back to the future with the AGP-Ca2+ flux capacitor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are ubiquitous in green plants. AGPs
      comprise a widely varied group of hydroxyproline (Hyp)-rich cell surface
      glycoproteins (HRGPs). However, the more narrowly defined classical AGPs
      massively predominate and cover the plasma membrane. Extensive glycosylation by
      pendant polysaccharides O-linked to numerous Hyp residues like beads of a
      necklace creates a unique ionic compartment essential to a wide range of
      physiological processes including germination, cell extension and fertilization.
      The vital clue to a precise molecular function remained elusive until the recent
      isolation of small Hyp-arabinogalactan polysaccharide subunits; their structural
      elucidation by nuclear magentic resonance imaging, molecular simulations and
      direct experiment identified a 15-residue consensus subunit as a beta-1,3-linked
      galactose trisaccharide with two short branched sidechains each with a single
      glucuronic acid residue that binds Ca(2+) when paired with its adjacent
      sidechain. SCOPE: AGPs bind Ca(2+) (Kd ~ 6 MUm) at the plasma membrane (PM) at pH
      ~5.5 but release it when auxin-dependent PM H(+)-ATPase generates a low
      periplasmic pH that dissociates AGP-Ca(2+) carboxylates (pka ~3); the
      consequential large increase in free Ca(2+) drives entry into the cytosol via
      Ca(2+) channels that may be voltage gated. AGPs are thus arguably the primary
      source of cytosolic oscillatory Ca(2+) waves. This differs markedly from animals,
      in which cytosolic Ca(2+) originates mostly from internal stores such as the
      sarcoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, we propose that external dynamic Ca(2+)
      storage by a periplasmic AGP capacitor co-ordinates plant growth, typically
      involving exocytosis of AGPs and recycled Ca(2+), hence an AGP-Ca(2+) oscillator.
      CONCLUSIONS: The novel concept of dynamic Ca(2+) recycling by an AGP-Ca(2+)
      oscillator solves the long-standing problem of a molecular-level function for
      classical AGPs and thus integrates three fields: AGPs, Ca(2+) signalling and
      auxin. This accounts for the involvement of AGPs in plant morphogenesis,
      including tropic and nastic movements.

PMID- 25139432
TI  - A novel method to identify herds with an increased probability of disease
      introduction due to animal trade.
AB  - In the design of surveillance, there is often a desire to target high risk herds.
      Such risk-based approaches result in better allocation of resources and improve
      the performance of surveillance activities. For many contagious animal diseases,
      movement of live animals is a main route of transmission, and because of this,
      herds that purchase many live animals or have a large contact network due to
      trade can be seen as a high risk stratum of the population. This paper presents a
      new method to assess herd disease risk in animal movement networks. It is an
      improvement to current network measures that takes direction, temporal order, and
      also movement size and probability of disease into account. In the study, the
      method was used to calculate a probability of disease ratio (PDR) of herds in
      simulated datasets, and of real herds based on animal movement data from dairy
      herds included in a bulk milk survey for Coxiella burnetii. Known differences in
      probability of disease are easily incorporated in the calculations and the PDR
      was calculated while accounting for regional differences in probability of
      disease, and also by applying equal probability of disease throughout the
      population. Each herd's increased probability of disease due to purchase of
      animals was compared to both the average herd and herds within the same risk
      stratum. The results show that the PDR is able to capture the different
      circumstances related to disease prevalence and animal trade contact patterns.
      Comparison of results based on inclusion or exclusion of differences in risk also
      highlights how ignoring such differences can influence the ability to correctly
      identify high risk herds. The method shows a potential to be useful for risk
      based surveillance, in the classification of herds in control programmes or to
      represent influential contacts in risk factor studies. 

PMID- 25139433
TI  - I want it all and I want it now: Delay of gratification in preschool children.
AB  - On the delay-of-gratification choice paradigm, 4-year-olds typically choose the
      larger, delayed reward, exhibiting delay of gratification, whereas 3-year-olds
      typically choose the small, immediate reward. Despite this highly replicated
      finding, the cognitive mechanism(s) underlying 3-year-olds' failure on the choice
      paradigm remain unclear. Recently, several researchers have proposed the
      involvement of the "hot" affective system and the "cool" cognitive system in pre
      schoolers' performance on the choice paradigm. Using this "hot" and "cool"
      systems framework, we tested 112 3- and 4-year-olds on a modified choice paradigm
      that was designed to help young children better utilize their "cool" system,
      allowing them to make more mindful and future-oriented decisions. In the modified
      paradigm, 3-year-olds made choices consistent with those of 4-year-olds,
      exhibiting delay of gratification. These findings have important implications for
      previous theoretical accounts of 3-year-old children's failure to delay
      gratification. Additionally, they highlight the critical role that the method
      plays in young children's performance on cognitive paradigms.

PMID- 25139434
TI  - Population structure and genetic analysis of narrow-clawed crayfish (Astacus
      leptodactylus) populations in Turkey.
AB  - The genetic differentiation among Turkish populations of the narrow-clawed
      crayfish was investigated using a partial sequence of cytochrome oxidase subunit
      I gene (585 bp) of 183 specimens from 17 different crayfish populations. Median
      joining network and all phylogenetic analyses disclosed a strong haplotype
      structure with three prominent clades diverged by a range between 20 and 50
      mutations and substantial inter-group pairwise sequence divergence (5.19-6.95 %),
      suggesting the presence of three distinct clades within the Anatolian populations
      of Astacus leptodactylus. The divergence times among the three clades of Turkish
      A. leptodactylus are estimated to be 4.96-3.70 Mya using a molecular clock of 1.4
      % sequence divergence per million years, pointing to a lower Pliocene separation.
      The high level of genetic variability (H d = 95.8 %, pi = 4.17 %) and numerous
      private haplotypes suggest the presence of refugial populations in Anatolia
      unaffected by Pleistocene habitat restrictions. The pattern of genetic variation
      among Turkish A. leptodactylus populations, therefore, suggests that the
      unrevealed intraspecific genetic structure is independent of geographic tendency
      and congruent with the previously reported geographic distribution and number of
      subspecies (A. l. leptodactylus and A. l. salinus) of A. leptodactylus.

PMID- 25139435
TI  - Mesenchymal stromal cells: the magic Band-Aid?

PMID- 25139437
TI  - [PROMIS((r)): A platform to evaluate health status and the results of
      interventions].

PMID- 25139436
TI  - Enterovirus 71-induced autophagy increases viral replication and pathogenesis in
      a suckling mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously reported that Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection activates
      autophagy, which promotes viral replication both in vitro and in vivo. In the
      present study we further investigated whether EV71 infection of neuronal SK-N-SH
      cells induces an autophagic flux. Furthermore, the effects of autophagy on EV71
      related pathogenesis and viral load were evaluated after intracranial inoculation
      of mouse-adapted EV71 (MP4 strain) into 6-day-old ICR suckling mice. RESULTS: We
      demonstrated that in EV71-infected SK-N-SH cells, EV71 structural protein VP1 and
      nonstructural protein 2C co-localized with LC3 and mannose-6-phosphate receptor
      (MPR, endosome marker) proteins by immunofluorescence staining, indicating
      amphisome formation. Together with amphisome formation, EV71 induced an
      autophagic flux, which could be blocked by NH4Cl (inhibitor of acidification) and
      vinblastine (inhibitor of fusion), as demonstrated by Western blotting. Suckling
      mice intracranially inoculated with EV71 showed EV71 VP1 protein expression
      (representing EV71 infection) in the cerebellum, medulla, and pons by
      immunohistochemical staining. Accompanied with these infected brain tissues,
      increased expression of LC3-II protein as well as formation of LC3 aggregates,
      autophagosomes and amphisomes were detected. Amphisome formation, which was
      confirmed by colocalization of EV71-VP1 protein or LC3 puncta and the endosome
      marker protein MPR. Thus, EV71-infected suckling mice (similar to EV71-infected
      SK-N-SH cells) also show an autophagic flux. The physiopathological parameters of
      EV71-MP4 infected mice, including body weight loss, disease symptoms, and
      mortality were increased compared to those of the uninfected mice. We further
      blocked EV71-induced autophagy with the inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA), which
      attenuated the disease symptoms and decreased the viral load in the brain tissues
      of the infected mice. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we reveal that EV71 infection
      of suckling mice induces an amphisome formation accompanied with the autophagic
      flux in the brain tissues. Autophagy induced by EV71 promotes viral replication
      and EV71-related pathogenesis.

PMID- 25139438
TI  - Total synthesis and biological studies of cryptocin and derivatives of equisetin
      and fusarisetin A.
AB  - Total synthesis of cryptocin, a fungus metabolite, was achieved based on the
      biosynthetic hypothesis. A variety of derivatives of cryptocin, equisetin and
      fusarisetin A were prepared, wherein the racemization of C-3 and
      diastereoselectivity of C-5 were investigated. We further examined their
      inhibitory effects on breast cancer cell survival and metastasis, and summarized
      the structure-activity relationship. 

PMID- 25139440
TI  - Novel paracrine modulation of Notch-DLL4 signaling by fibulin-3 promotes
      angiogenesis in high-grade gliomas.
AB  - High-grade gliomas are characterized by exuberant vascularization, diffuse
      invasion, and significant chemoresistance, resulting in a recurrent phenotype
      that makes them impossible to eradicate in the long term. Targeting protumoral
      signals in the glioma microenvironment could have significant impact against
      tumor cells and the supporting niche that facilitates their growth. Fibulin-3 is
      a protein secreted by glioma cells, but absent in normal brain, that promotes
      tumor invasion and survival. We show here that fibulin-3 is a paracrine activator
      of Notch signaling in endothelial cells and promotes glioma angiogenesis. Fibulin
      3 overexpression increased tumor VEGF levels, microvascular density, and vessel
      permeability, whereas fibulin-3 knockdown reduced vessel density in xenograft
      models of glioma. Fibulin-3 localization in human glioblastomas showed dense
      fiber-like condensations around tumor blood vessels, which were absent in normal
      brain, suggesting a remarkable association of this protein with tumor
      endothelium. At the cellular level, fibulin-3 enhanced endothelial cell motility
      and association to glioma cells, reduced endothelial cell sprouting, and
      increased formation of endothelial tubules in a VEGF-independent and Notch
      dependent manner. Fibulin-3 increased ADAM10/17 activity in endothelial cells by
      inhibiting the metalloprotease inhibitor TIMP3; this resulted in increased Notch
      cleavage and increased expression of DLL4 independently of VEGF signaling.
      Inhibition of ADAM10/17 or knockdown of DLL4 reduced the proangiogenic effects of
      fibulin-3 in culture. Taken together, these results reveal a novel, proangiogenic
      role of fibulin-3 in gliomas, highlighting the relevance of this protein as an
      important molecular target in the tumor microenvironment.

PMID- 25139441
TI  - Radiation-induced secondary malignancy in prostate cancer: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk of radiation-induced secondary malignancy in
      patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: We identified 690 references from PubMed,
      Embase and the Cochrane Library before August 1, 2012, that reported secondary
      malignancy in patients with prostate cancer after receiving radiation therapy
      (RT), and finally four studies were included. We calculated summary estimates
      using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: The overall standardized incidence
      ratio (SIR) of secondary malignancy in patients with prostate cancer receiving RT
      to the general population was 1.14 (95% CI 1.04-1.32). In the subgroup analysis,
      no increment in radiation-induced secondary malignancy risk was detected. In
      terms of SIR with different follow-up intervals, there was no difference in SIR
      (>6 months; <5 years) (SIR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.75-1.89) and SIR (>5 years; <10
      years) (SIR = 1.39, 95% CI 0.87-2.23). When the follow-up extended to >10 years,
      a significantly increased secondary malignancy risk was observed (SIR = 1.45, 95%
      CI 1.23-1.72). There is no significantly increased secondary malignancy risk in
      patients receiving no RT. CONCLUSION: RT is associated with increased secondary
      malignancy in patients with prostate cancer; this effect only become conspicuous
      more than 10 years after treatment.

PMID- 25139442
TI  - Boron-double-ring sheet, fullerene, and nanotubes: potential hydrogen storage
      materials.
AB  - Similar to carbon-based graphene, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, boron atoms
      can form sheets, fullerenes, and nanotubes. Here we investigate several of these
      novel boron structures all based on the boron double ring within the framework of
      density functional theory. The boron sheet is found to be metallic and flat in
      its ground state. The spherical boron cage containing 180 atoms is also stable
      and has I symmetry. Stable nanotubes are obtained by rolling up the boron sheet,
      and all are metallic. The hydrogen storage capacity of boron nanostructures is
      also explored, and it is found that Li-decorated boron sheets and nanotubes are
      potential candidates for hydrogen storage. For Li-decorated boron sheets, each Li
      atom can adsorb a maximum of 4 H2 molecules with g(d) =7.892 wt %. The hydrogen
      gravimetric density increases to g(d) =12.309 wt % for the Li-decorated (0,6)
      boron nanotube.

PMID- 25139443
TI  - Adult newborn neurons are involved in learning acquisition and long-term memory
      formation: the distinct demands on temporal neurogenesis of different cognitive
      tasks.
AB  - There is evidence that adult hippocampal neurogenesis influences hippocampal
      function, although the role these neurons fulfill in learning and consolidation
      processes remains unclear. Using a novel fast X-ray ablation protocol to deplete
      neurogenic cells, we demonstrate that immature adult hippocampal neurons are
      required for hippocampal learning and long-term memory formation. Moreover, we
      found that long-term memory formation in the object recognition and passive
      avoidance tests, two paradigms that involve circuits with distinct emotional
      components, had different temporal demands on hippocampal neurogenesis. These
      results reveal new and unexpected aspects of neurogenesis in cognitive processes.

PMID- 25139444
TI  - Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome: diagnostic yield of comprehensive clinical
      evaluation of pediatric first-degree relatives.
AB  - AIMS: Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) is most often caused by heritable
      cardiac diseases. Studies in adults have identified evidence of inherited
      cardiovascular diseases in up to 53% of families, but data on the prevalence of
      familial disease in children are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the yield of clinical screening in pediatric first-degree relatives of victims of
      SADS using a systematic and comprehensive protocol. METHODS: Patients referred
      for family screening after sudden cardiac death (SCD) of a family member were,
      retrospectively, enrolled into the study. Systematic evaluation of the children
      included clinical examination, family history, electrocardiogram (ECG),
      echocardiogram, 24-hour tape, and signal-averaged ECG. Older patients also
      underwent exercise testing, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and ajmaline
      provocation testing. RESULTS: A total of 90 children from 52 consecutive families
      were included in the study. An inherited cardiac disease was identified in seven
      first-degree children from seven (13.5%) families (five children were diagnosed
      with Brugada syndrome, one with long QT syndrome, and one with catecholaminergic
      polymorphic ventricular tachycardia). Two further children had late potentials on
      signal-averaged ECGs with no other abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: These data show a
      high prevalence of inherited heart disease in pediatric first-degree relatives of
      SADS victims. The results highlight the importance of a systematic, comprehensive
      approach and ongoing screening of pediatric family members.

PMID- 25139445
TI  - Reconfirmation of the anatomy of the left triangular ligament and the appendix
      fibrosa hepatis in human livers, and its implication in abdominal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to clarify the anatomy between the
      left triangular ligament (LTL) and the appendix fibrosa hepatis (AFH) in order
      not to sever the AFH when dissecting the LTL. METHODS: Totals of 43 and 27
      cadaveric livers were examined macroscopically and histologically, respectively.
      RESULTS: The LTL attached itself to the diaphragmatic surface of the AFH through
      almost all lengths of the AFH. This might be the reason why AFH is so often
      dissected together with the LTL. There were two types of relation between the LTL
      and the AFH; in one type, the starting point of the LTL existed on the left liver
      and in the other type, it was on the AFH. Twenty-five of 27 AFH included remnants
      of the bile duct and 12 of 25 AFH had comparatively large bile ducts, which was
      unexceptionally accompanied by the well-developed peribiliary vascular plexus.
      AFH showed a variety of shapes, such as rectangular (6/43), long triangular
      (4/43), short triangular (7/43), triangular plus cordlike (11/43), cordlike
      (12/43) and bifurcated (3/43) types. CONCLUSIONS: As AFH sometimes includes
      relatively large bile ducts, it is recommended for surgeons to sever the AFH not
      just simply by electrocautery but by ligating its stump securely.

PMID- 25139446
TI  - [Everyday competencies and learning processes in old age. Results and
      perspectives of the PIAAC extension study "Competencies in later life"].
AB  - This article deals with the study "Competencies in later life" (CiLL), a parallel
      study to the German program for the international assessment of adult
      competencies (PIAAC) survey which assesses the level and distribution of skills
      of the adult population in a representative study. Assuming the growing
      importance of learning and education in a society challenged by demographic
      changes, the first section of the paper outlines the qualitative research of
      learning activities of focus groups in the daily life of elderly people. The
      second section of the paper presents the survey design and exemplary findings of
      the quantitative CiLL study. Initial results show that basic skills of the
      elderly are highly influenced by personal and sociodemographic variables,
      particularly by educational background. The data available indicate that the
      participation of the elderly in adult education and the options available for
      competence development have to be increased. 

PMID- 25139447
TI  - Electroactive bacteria--molecular mechanisms and genetic tools.
AB  - In nature, different bacteria have evolved strategies to transfer electrons far
      beyond the cell surface. This electron transfer enables the use of these bacteria
      in bioelectrochemical systems (BES), such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and
      microbial electrosynthesis (MES). The main feature of electroactive bacteria
      (EAB) in these applications is the ability to transfer electrons from the
      microbial cell to an electrode or vice versa instead of the natural redox
      partner. In general, the application of electroactive organisms in BES offers the
      opportunity to develop efficient and sustainable processes for the production of
      energy as well as bulk and fine chemicals, respectively. This review describes
      and compares key microbiological features of different EAB. Furthermore, it
      focuses on achievements and future prospects of genetic manipulation for
      efficient strain development. 

PMID- 25139448
TI  - CO2 /HCO3- perturbations of simulated large scale gradients in a scale-down
      device cause fast transcriptional responses in Corynebacterium glutamicum.
AB  - The exploration of scale-down models to imitate the influence of large scale
      bioreactor inhomogeneities on cellular metabolism is a topic with increasing
      relevance. While gradients of substrates, pH, or dissolved oxygen are often
      investigated, oscillating CO2/HCO3 (-) levels, a typical scenario in large
      industrial bioreactors, is rarely addressed. Hereby, we investigate the metabolic
      and transcriptional response in Corynebacterium glutamicum wild type as well as
      the impact on L-lysine production in a model strain exposed to pCO2 gradients of
      (75-315) mbar. A three-compartment cascade bioreactor system was developed and
      characterized that offers high flexibility for installing gradients and residence
      times to mimic industrial-relevant conditions and provides the potential of
      accurate carbon balancing. The phenomenological analysis of cascade fermentations
      imposed to the pCO2 gradients at industry-relevant residence times of about 3.6
      min did not significantly impair the process performance, with growth and product
      formation being similar to control conditions. However, transcriptional analysis
      disclosed up to 66 differentially expressed genes already after 3.6 min under
      stimulus exposure, with the overall change in gene expression directly
      correlateable to the pCO2 gradient intensity and the residence time of the cells.

PMID- 25139449
TI  - Revised scheme for the mechanism of photoinhibition and its application to
      enhance the abiotic stress tolerance of the photosynthetic machinery.
AB  - When photosynthetic organisms are exposed to abiotic stress, their photosynthetic
      activity is significantly depressed. In particular, photosystem II (PSII) in the
      photosynthetic machinery is readily inactivated under strong light and this
      phenomenon is referred to as photoinhibition of PSII. Other types of abiotic
      stress act synergistically with light stress to accelerate photoinhibition.
      Recent studies of photoinhibition have revealed that light stress damages PSII
      directly, whereas other abiotic stresses act exclusively to inhibit the repair of
      PSII after light-induced damage (photodamage). Such inhibition of repair is
      associated with suppression, by reactive oxygen species (ROS), of the synthesis
      of proteins de novo and, in particular, of the D1 protein, and also with the
      reduced efficiency of repair under stress conditions. Gene-technological
      improvements in the tolerance of photosynthetic organisms to various abiotic
      stresses have been achieved via protection of the repair system from ROS and,
      also, by enhancing the efficiency of repair via facilitation of the turnover of
      the D1 protein in PSII. In this review, we summarize the current status of
      research on photoinhibition as it relates to the effects of abiotic stress and we
      discuss successful strategies that enhance the activity of the repair machinery.
      In addition, we propose several potential methods for activating the repair
      system by gene-technological methods. 

PMID- 25139450
TI  - The dissection profile and mechanism of tissue-selective dissection of the piezo
      actuator-driven pulsed water jet as a surgical instrument: laboratory
      investigation using Swine liver.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The water jet technique dissects tissue while sparing cord
      like structures such as blood vessels. The mechanism of such tissue-selective
      dissection has been unknown. The novel piezo actuator-driven pulsed water jet
      (ADPJ) system can achieve dissection with remarkably reduced water consumption
      compared to the conventional water jet; however, the system's characteristics and
      dissection capabilities on any organ have not been clarified. The purposes of
      this study were to characterize the physical properties of the novel ADPJ system,
      evaluate the dissection ability in swine organs, and reveal the mechanism of
      tissue-selective dissection. METHODS: The pulsed water jet system comprised a
      pump chamber driven by a piezo actuator, a stainless steel tube, and a nozzle.
      The peak pressure of the pulsed water jet was measured through a sensing hole
      using a pressure sensor. The pulsed water jet technique was applied on swine
      liver in order to dissect tissue on a moving table using one-way linear ejection
      at a constant speed. The dissection depth was measured with light microscopy and
      evaluated histologically. The physical properties of swine liver were evaluated
      by breaking strength tests using tabletop universal testing instruments. The
      liver parenchyma was also cut with three currently available surgical devices to
      compare the histological findings. RESULTS: The peak pressure of the pulsed water
      jet positively correlated with the input voltage (R(2) = 0.9982, p < 0.0001), and
      this was reflected in the dissection depth. The dissection depth negatively
      correlated with the breaking strength of the liver parenchyma (R(2) = 0.6694, p <
      0.0001). The average breaking strengths of the liver parenchyma, hepatic veins,
      and Glisson's sheaths were 1.41 +/- 0.45, 8.66 +/- 1.70, and 29.6 +/- 11.0 MPa,
      respectively. The breaking strength of the liver parenchyma was significantly
      lower than that of the hepatic veins and Glisson's sheaths. Histological staining
      confirmed that the liver parenchyma was selectively dissected, preserving the
      hepatic veins and Glisson's sheaths in contrast to what is commonly observed with
      electrocautery or ultrasonic instruments. CONCLUSIONS: The dissection depth of
      liver tissue is well controlled by input voltage and is influenced by the moving
      velocity and the physical properties of the organ. We showed that the device can
      be used to assure liver resection with tissue selectivity due to tissue-specific
      physical properties. Although this study uses an excised organ, further in vivo
      studies are necessary. The present work demonstrates that this device may
      function as an alternative tool for surgery due to its good controllability of
      the dissection depth and ability of tissue selectivity.

PMID- 25139451
TI  - The use of elemental mass spectrometry in phosphoproteomic applications.
AB  - Reversible phosphorylation is one of the most important post-translational
      modifications in mammalian cells. Because this molecular switch is an important
      mechanism that diversifies and regulates proteins in cellular processes,
      knowledge about the extent and quantity of phosphorylation is very important to
      understand the complex cellular interplay. Although phosphoproteomics strategies
      are applied worldwide, they mainly include only molecular mass spectrometry (like
      MALDI or ESI)-based experiments. Although identification and relative
      quantification of phosphopeptides is straightforward with these techniques,
      absolute quantification is more complex and usually requires for specific
      isotopically phosphopeptide standards. However, the use of elemental mass
      spectrometry, and in particular inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP
      MS), in phosphoproteomics-based experiments, allow one to absolutely quantify
      phosphopeptides. Here, these phosphoproteomic applications with ICP-MS as
      elemental detector are reviewed. Pioneering work and recent developments in the
      field are both described. Additionally, the advantage of the parallel use of
      molecular and elemental mass spectrometry is stressed.

PMID- 25139452
TI  - Socioecological factors in sexual decision making among urban girls and young
      women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine how girls and young women living in disadvantaged urban
      neighborhoods make decisions relating to sexual debut and HIV prevention. DESIGN:
      Thirty semistructured in-depth interviews. We used a socioecological approach to
      investigate the role of neighborhood and social context on sexual decision
      making. SETTING: Community-based organizations and on-campus interview sites.
      PARTICIPANTS: African American and Latina girls and young women age 13 to 24
      living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. METHODS: We examine their attitudes and
      beliefs about sex, first opportunities for sexual intercourse, prevention
      behaviors, and neighborhood environments. RESULTS: Lack of neighborhood safety
      and safe socialization places led youth to spend significant amounts of time
      indoors, often without adult supervision. CONCLUSION: The findings provide
      insight into the socioecological context in which girls are situated as they
      navigate sexual decision making. Unsupervised, cloistered time coupled with peer
      norms to engage in sexual behavior may contribute to increased risky sexual
      behavior among some youth. Prevention efforts should consider neighborhood
      context and incorporate structural and community-level interventions to create
      social environments that support healthy sexual decision making.

PMID- 25139453
TI  - Can renal ultrasonography predict early success after pyeloplasty in children? A
      prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the predictive value of 6 ultrasonographic (USG) parameters
      for early detection of children at risk of recurrent obstruction. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized study included all patients who underwent
      pyeloplasty between 2010 and 2012. All of the patients had completed at least 6
      months of follow-up and preoperative and postoperative USG imaging data were
      available. The primary outcome was the correlation between USG and diuretic
      scintigraphic parameters. The secondary outcome was the predictive ability of the
      pelvicalyceal system parameters, measured by USG, of parenchymal growth after
      surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were evaluated. The mean age was 3.6 years
      (range 0.1-12). The mean (+/- standard deviation) differential renal function
      improved from 37.4 +/- 11 ml/min to 37.7 +/- 14 ml/min, which was a difference of
      no statistical significance. On the other hand, the mean (+/- SD) half-time
      (T1/2) significantly improved. After constructing a linear regression model of
      the 4 USG parameters and the parenchymal growth, the model explained 57.2% of the
      variance in parenchymal growth after pyeloplasty. The calyx-to-parenchyma ratio
      change was the largest unique contribution for explaining the variance in
      parenchymal growth, followed by anteroposterior diameter and calyceal dilatation.
      CONCLUSION: We proved that calyx-to-parenchyma ratio, anteroposterior diameter
      and calyceal dilatation are independent predictors of early success after
      pyeloplasty.

PMID- 25139454
TI  - Antibiotic dispensation by Lebanese pharmacists: a comparison of higher and lower
      socio-economic levels.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Indiscriminate use of antibiotics contributes to a global spread of
      antimicrobial resistance. Previous studies showed an excessive consumption of
      antibiotics purchased without medical prescription from community pharmacies,
      mainly in developing countries. There is a shortage of studies revealing the role
      of community pharmacists in the overuse of antibiotics. Our objective is to study
      the dispensing policy of non-medical prescription antibiotics in community
      pharmacies, assessing the possible influence of the socio-economic level of the
      area over this practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between
      February and May 2011 among 100 pharmacists working in Beirut's pharmacies and
      its suburbs. Pharmacies were divided into 2 groups according to the socio
      economic level of the population living in the pharmacy area. A self-administered
      questionnaire was filled by pharmacists. RESULTS: Over-the-counter antibiotic
      availability existed in both higher and lower socio-economic areas: on the whole,
      32% of antibiotics were dispensed without medical prescription, with higher
      frequency in lower socio-economic areas (p=0.003). Dispensing injectable
      antibiotics without medical prescription was significantly higher in lower socio
      economic areas (p=0.021), as well as dispensing an association of 2 antibiotics
      without medical prescription (p=0.001). Pharmacists working in lower socio
      economic areas recommended more frequent antibiotics to children and the elderly
      (p<0.001 and p=0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: Dispensing antibiotics without
      medical prescription in Beirut community pharmacies is a common practice,
      particularly in lower socioeconomic areas. This public health problem should be
      addressed at the social, educational, and legislative levels.

PMID- 25139455
TI  - Evidence of topological surface state in three-dimensional Dirac semimetal
      Cd3As2.
AB  - The three-dimensional topological semimetals represent a new quantum state of
      matter. Distinct from the surface state in the topological insulators that
      exhibits linear dispersion in two-dimensional momentum plane, the three
      dimensional semimetals host bulk band dispersions linearly along all directions.
      In addition to the gapless points in the bulk, the three-dimensional Weyl/Dirac
      semimetals are also characterized by "topologically protected" surface state with
      Fermi arcs on their surface. While Cd3As2 is proposed to be a viable candidate of
      a Dirac semimetal, more investigations are necessary to pin down its nature. In
      particular, the topological surface state, the hallmark of the three-dimensional
      semimetal, has not been observed in Cd3As2. Here we report the electronic
      structure of Cd3As2 investigated by angle-resolved photoemission measurements on
      the (112) crystal surface and detailed band structure calculations. The measured
      Fermi surface and band structure show a good agreement with the band structure
      calculations with two bulk Dirac-like bands approaching the Fermi level and
      forming Dirac points near the Brillouin zone center. Moreover, the topological
      surface state with a linear dispersion approaching the Fermi level is identified
      for the first time. These results provide experimental indications on the nature
      of topologically non-trivial three-dimensional Dirac cones in Cd3As2. 

PMID- 25139456
TI  - Prognostic value of midregional pro-A-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro
      B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with stable coronary heart disease
      followed over 8 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathophysiological studies suggest that A-type natriuretic peptides
      (ANPs) might provide valuable information beyond B-type natriuretic peptides
      (BNPs) about cardiac dysfunction in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).
      We aimed to assess the predictive value of midregional pro-A-type natriuretic
      peptide (MR-proANP) for recurrent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in stable
      CHD patients for whom information on N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) was already
      available. METHODS: Plasma concentrations of MR-proANP and NT-proBNP were
      measured at baseline in a cohort of 1048 patients aged 30-70 years with CHD who
      were participating in an in-hospital rehabilitation program. Main outcome
      measures were cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and
      nonfatal stroke. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 8.1 years, 150 patients
      (incidence 21.1 per 1000 patient-years) experienced a secondary CVD event. MR
      proANP was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.89 (95% CI, 1.01-3.57) when
      the top quartile was compared to the bottom quartile in the fully adjusted model
      (P for trend = 0.011). For NT-proBNP the respective HR was 2.22 (95% CI, 1.19
      4.14) with a P for trend = 0.001. Finally, MR-proANP improved various model
      performance measures, including c-statistics and reclassification metrics, but
      without being superior to NT-proBNP. CONCLUSIONS: Although we found an
      independent association of MR-proANP as well as NT-proBNP when used as single
      markers with recurrent CVD events after adjustment for established risk factors,
      the results of a simultaneous assessment of both markers indicated that MR-proANP
      fails to provide additional prognostic information to NT-proBNP in the population
      studied.

PMID- 25139457
TI  - Integrative bioinformatics analysis reveals new prognostic biomarkers of clear
      cell renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The outcome of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is still
      unpredictable. Even with new targeted therapies, the average progression-free
      survival is dismal. Markers for early detection and progression could improve
      disease outcome. METHODS: To identify efficient and hitherto unrecognized
      pathogenic factors of the disease, we performed a uniquely comprehensive pathway
      analysis and built a gene interaction network based on large publicly available
      data sets assembled from 28 publications, comprising a 3-prong approach with high
      throughput mRNA, microRNA, and protein expression profiles of 593 ccRCC and 389
      normal kidney samples. We validated our results on 2 different data sets of 882
      ccRCC and 152 normal tissues. Functional analyses were done by proliferation,
      migration, and invasion assays following siRNA (small interfering RNA) knockdown.
      RESULTS: After integration of multilevel data, we identified aryl-hydrocarbon
      receptor (AHR), grainyhead-like-2 (GRHL2), and KIAA0101 as new pathogenic
      factors. GRHL2 expression was associated with higher chances for disease relapse
      and retained prognostic utility after controlling for grade and stage [hazard
      ratio (HR), 3.47, P = 0.012]. Patients with KIAA0101-positive expression suffered
      worse disease-free survival (HR, 3.64, P < 0.001), and in multivariate analysis
      KIAA0101 retained its independent prognostic significance. Survival analysis
      showed that GRHL2- and KIAA0101-positive patients had significantly lower disease
      free survival (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001). We also found that KIAA0101 silencing
      decreased kidney cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Using
      an integrative system biology approach, we identified 3 novel factors as
      potential biomarkers (AHR, GRHL2 and KIAA0101) involved in ccRCC pathogenesis and
      not linked to kidney cancer before.

PMID- 25139458
TI  - Phosphine-catalyzed annulations of 4,4-dicyano-2-methylenebut-3-enoates with
      maleimides and maleic anhydride.
AB  - A novel phosphine-catalyzed [4+1] annulation of maleimides with 4,4-dicyano-2
      methylenebut-3-enoates has been developed to afford spirocyclic products, and the
      maleimides serves as C1  synthons. Moreover, a phosphine-catalyzed formal [3+2]
      annulation between 4,4-dicyano-2-methylenebut-3-enoates and maleic anhydride has
      been also achieved, and maleic anhydride behaved as a C3  synthon in the
      reaction, thus efficiently affording the functionalized cyclopentenones. A stable
      phosphinium-containing zwitterionic compound is the key reactive intermediate in
      both annulations and was successfully isolated. Plausible mechanisms have been
      proposed on the basis of control experiments and deuterium-labeling experiments. 

PMID- 25139459
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of a novel second-order nonlinear optical
      chromophore based on a new julolidine donor.
AB  - A new chromophore HK containing the cis,cis-1,7-diethoxy-3-isopropyljulolidine
      group as a novel electron-donor, thiophene as a pi-conjugated bridge and a
      tricyanofuran (TCF) acceptor has been synthesized and systematically investigated
      in this paper. Its corresponding chromophore FTC using 4-(diethyl amino)benzyl as
      the electron donor group was also prepared for comparison. This is the first time
      that the cis,cis-1,7-diethoxy-3-isopropyljulolidine group was introduced into NLO
      materials. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to calculate the HOMO-LUMO
      energy gap and first-order hyperpolarizability (beta) of the new chromophore. The
      HOMO-LUMO gap was also investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Upon using the
      cis,cis-1,7-diethoxy-3-isopropyljulolidine group as the donor, a reduced energy
      gap of 1.007 eV was obtained compared with chromophore FTC (DeltaE = 1.529 eV).
      The high molecular hyperpolarizability of the new chromophore can be effectively
      translated into large electro-optic (EO) coefficients (r33) in poled polymers.
      The doped films containing the new chromophore HK showed a value of 72 pm V(-1)
      at the concentration of 25 wt% at 1310 nm. This value is almost two times higher
      than the EO activity of the usually reported traditional (N,N-diethyl) aniline
      nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophore FTC. High r33 values indicated that the new
      julolidine donor can efficiently improve the electron-donating ability and reduce
      intermolecular electrostatic interactions, thus enhancing the macroscopic EO
      activity. These properties, together with good solubility, suggest the potential
      use of the new chromophore in advanced materials devices. 

PMID- 25139460
TI  - Effect of ERK1/2 signaling pathway in electro-acupuncture mediated up-regulation
      of heme oxygenase-1 in lungs of rabbits with endotoxic shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of electro
      acupuncture (EA), a traditional clinical method, are widely accepted, but its
      mechanisms are not yet well defined. In this study, we investigated the role of
      extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2) pathways on electro
      acupuncture - mediated up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in rabbit lungs
      injured by LPS-induced endotoxic shock. MATERIAL/METHODS: Seventy rabbits were
      randomly divided into 7 groups: group C, group M, group D, group SEAM, group EAM,
      group EAMPD, and group PD98059. Male New England white rabbits were given EA
      treatment on both sides once a day on days 1-5, and then received LPS to
      replicate the experimental model of injured lung induced by endotoxic shock.
      Then, they were killed by exsanguination at 6 h after LPS administration. The
      blood samples were collected for serum examination, and the lungs were removed
      for pathology examination, determination of wet-to-dry weight ratio, MDA content,
      SOD activity, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, determination of HO-1 protein
      and mRNA expression, and determination of ERK1/2 protein. RESULTS: The results
      revealed that after EA treatment, expression of HO-1and ERK1/2 was slightly
      increased compared to those in other groups, accompanied with less severe lung
      injury as indicated by lower index of lung injury score, lower wet-to-dry weight
      ratio, MDA content, and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, and greater SOD
      activity (p<0.05 for all). After pretreatment with ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, the
      effect of EA treatment and expression of HO-1 were suppressed (p<0.05 for all).
      CONCLUSIONS: After electro-acupuncture stimulation at ST36 and BL13, severe lung
      injury during endotoxic shock was attenuated. The mechanism may be through up
      regulation of HO-1, mediated by the signal transductions of ERK1/2 pathways.
      Thus, the regulation of ERK1/2 pathways via electro-acupuncture may be a
      therapeutic strategy for endotoxic shock.

PMID- 25139462
TI  - Novel strategies for preventing diabetes and obesity complications with natural
      polyphenols.
AB  - During the last years, the list of resveratrol effects has grown in parallel with
      the number of other members of the polyphenol family described to modulate
      glucose or lipid handling. In the same time, more than ten human studies on the
      influence of resveratrol supplementation on two related metabolic diseases,
      obesity and diabetes, have indicated that impressive beneficial effects co-exist
      with lack of demonstration of clinical relevance, irrespective of the daily dose
      ingested (0.075 to 1.5 g per capita) or the number of studied patients. Such
      contrasting observations have been proposed to depend on the degree of insulin
      resistance of the patients incorporated in the study. To date, no definitive
      conclusion can be drawn on the antidiabetic or antiobesity benefits of
      resveratrol. On the opposite, studies on animal models of diabesity consistently
      indicated that resveratrol impairs diverse insulin actions in adipocytes,
      blunting glucose transport, lipogenesis and adipogenesis. Since resveratrol also
      favours lipolysis and limits the production of proinflammatory adipokines, its
      administration in rodents results in limitation of fat deposition, activation of
      hexose uptake into muscle, improvement of insulin sensitivity, and facilitation
      of glucose disposal. Facing to a somewhat disappointing extrapolation to man of
      these promising antidiabetic and antiobesity properties, attention must be paid
      to re-examine resveratrol targets, especially those attainable after polyphenol
      ingestion and to re-define the responses to low doses. In this context, human
      adipocytes are proposed as a convenient model for the screening of "novel"
      polyphenols that can reproduce, out class, or reinforce resveratrol metabolic
      actions, Moreover, the use of combination of polyphenols is proposed to treat
      diabesity complications in view of recently reported synergisms. Lastly,
      multidisciplinar approaches are recommended for future investigations,
      considering the wide range of polyphenol actions that induce body fat reduction,
      liver disease mitigation, muscle function improvement, cardiovascular and renal
      protection.

PMID- 25139461
TI  - Telocytes subtypes in human urinary bladder.
AB  - Urinary bladder voiding is a complex mechanism depending upon interplay among
      detrusor, urothelium, sensory and motor neurons and connective tissue cells. The
      identity of some of the latter cells is still controversial. We presently
      attempted to clarify their phenotype(s) in the human urinary bladder by
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemistry. At this latter
      aim, we used CD34, PDGFRalpha, alphaSMA, c-Kit and calreticulin antibodies. Both,
      TEM and immunohistochemistry, showed cells that, sharing several telocyte (TC)
      characteristics, we identified as TC; these cells, however, differed from each
      other in some ultrastructural features and immunolabelling according to their
      location. PDGFRalpha/calret-positive, CD34/c-Kit-negative TC were located in the
      sub-urothelium and distinct in two subtypes whether, similarly to myofibroblasts,
      they were alphaSMA-positive and had attachment plaques. The sub-urothelial TC
      formed a mixed network with myofibroblasts and were close to numerous nerve
      endings, many of which nNOS-positive. A third TC subtype, PDGFRalpha/alphaSMA/c
      Kit-negative, CD34/calret-positive, ultrastructurally typical, was located in the
      submucosa and detrusor. Briefly, in the human bladder, we found three TC
      subtypes. Each subtype likely forms a network building a 3-D scaffold able to
      follow the bladder wall distension and relaxation and avoiding anomalous wall
      deformation. The TC located in the sub-urothelium, a region considered a sort of
      sensory system for the micturition reflex, as forming a network with
      myofibroblasts, possessing specialized junctions with extracellular matrix and
      being close to nerve endings, might have a role in bladder reflexes. In
      conclusions, the urinary bladder contains peculiar TC able to adapt their
      morphology to the organ activity. 

PMID- 25139463
TI  - Return to football and long-term clinical outcomes after thumb ulnar collateral
      ligament suture anchor repair in collegiate athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate return to play after complete thumb ulnar collateral
      ligament (UCL) injury treated with suture anchor repair for both skill position
      and non-skill position collegiate football athletes and report minimum 2-year
      clinical outcomes in this population. METHODS: For this retrospective study,
      inclusion criteria were complete rupture of the thumb UCL and suture anchor
      repair in a collegiate football athlete performed by a single surgeon who used an
      identical technique for all patients. Data collection included chart review,
      determination of return to play, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and
      Hand (QuickDASH) outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 18 collegiate football athletes
      were identified, all of whom were evaluated for follow-up by telephone, e-mail,
      or regular mail at an average 6-year follow-up. Nine were skill position players;
      the remaining 9 played in nonskill positions. All players returned to at least
      the same level of play. The average QuickDASH score for the entire cohort was 1
      out of 100; QuickDASH work score, 0 out of 100; and sport score, 1 out of 100.
      Average time to surgery for skill position players was 12 days compared with 43
      for non-skill position players. Average return to play for skill position players
      was 7 weeks postoperatively compared with 4 weeks for non-skill position players.
      There was no difference in average QuickDASH overall scores or subgroup scores
      between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Collegiate football athletes treated for thumb UCL
      injuries with suture anchor repair had quick return to play, reliable return to
      the same level of activity, and excellent long-term clinical outcomes. Skill
      position players had surgery sooner after injury and returned to play later than
      non-skill position players, with no differences in final level of play or
      clinical outcomes. Management of thumb UCL injuries in collegiate football
      athletes can be safely and effectively tailored according to the demands of the
      player's football position. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

PMID- 25139464
TI  - Constrained postures and spatial S-R compatibility as measured by the Simon
      effect.
AB  - Whereas working under constrained postures is known to influence the worker's
      perceived comfort and health, little is known in regard to its influence on
      performance. Employing an Auditory Simon task while varying posture, we
      investigated the relationship between constrained postures and cognitive
      processes in three experiments. In Experiment 1 and 2, participants operated a
      rocker switch or a control knob with one hand either in front or in the back of
      their body and while either sitting or kneeling. Perceived musculoskeletal
      exertion was gathered with a questionnaire. Results of the first two experiments
      showed differently perceived comfort and a minor effect of constrained posture on
      cognitive performance. However, results indicated that spatial coding in the back
      compares to either a virtual turn of the observer towards the control device
      (front-device coding) or along the observer's hand (effector coding). To clarify
      this issue the rocker switch was operated with one or two hands in Experiment 3,
      showing a comparable coding only in the one-hand condition and indicating
      evidence for the effector-coding hypothesis in the back. 

PMID- 25139465
TI  - Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection:
      Role of Intravascular Ultrasound.
AB  - Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare, life-threatening
      condition that usually manifests as an acute myocardial infarction. Diagnosing
      SCAD with conventional coronary angiogram can be challenging, particularly if the
      true lumen is severely narrowed. Our case highlights the challenges in performing
      successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with SCAD.
      Intravascular ultrasound can prove to be a pivotal tool in the diagnosis and
      successful management of such cases by establishing the anatomic site of
      dissection, and confirming stent placement in the true lumen following PCI. 

PMID- 25139466
TI  - Os(II) phosphors with near-infrared emission induced by ligand-to-ligand charge
      transfer transition.
AB  - Heating of Os3(CO)12 with 6 equiv of 2-(3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5
      yl) pyridine (fptzH) in refluxing diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, followed by
      sequential treatment with stoichiometric Me3NO and addition of PPhMe2, afforded
      two isomeric mixtures of red-emitting [Os(fptz)2(PPhMe2)2] (1T and 1C), for which
      the notations T and C stand for the trans and cis-oriented fptz chelates,
      respectively. Alternatively, preparation of Os(II) complex using a 1:1 mixture of
      5,5'-di(trifluoromethyl)-3,3'-di-1,2,4-triazole (dttzH2) and 2,2'-bipyridine
      (bpy), instead of fptzH, gave isolation of a mononuclear Os(II) complex
      [Os(bpy)(dttz)(CO)2] (2) in moderate yield. Replacement of CO with PPhMe2 on 2
      afforded near-infrared (NIR)-emitting Os(II) complex [Os(bpy)(dttz)(PPhMe2)2]
      (3). The single-crystal X-ray structural analyses were executed on 1C, 2, and 3
      to reveal the structural influence imposed by the various chelates. The
      photophysical and electrochemical properties were measured and discussed using
      the results of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT
      calculations. Complex 3 is selected as the dopant to probe its electroluminescent
      properties by fabrication of the NIR emitting organic light-emitting diodes. 

PMID- 25139467
TI  - Single-item measures for depression and anxiety: Validation of the Screening Tool
      for Psychological Distress in an inpatient cardiology setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are common among patients with cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) and confer significant cardiac risk, contributing to CVD morbidity
      and mortality. Unfortunately, due to the lack of screening tools that address the
      specific needs of hospitalized patients, few cardiac inpatient programs offer
      routine screening for these forms of psychological distress, despite
      recommendations to do so. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to validate single
      item measures for depression and anxiety among cardiac inpatients. METHODS:
      Consecutive inpatients were recruited from the cardiology and cardiac surgery
      step-down units at a university-affiliated, quaternary-care hospital. Subjects
      completed a questionnaire that included: (a) demographics, (b) single-item
      measures for depression and anxiety (from the Screening Tool for Psychological
      Distress (STOP-D)), and (c) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
      RESULTS: One hundred and five participants were recruited with a wide variety of
      cardiac diagnoses, having a mean age of 66 years, and 28% were women. Both STOP-D
      items were highly correlated with their corresponding validated measures and
      demonstrated robust receiver-operator characteristic curves. Severity scores on
      both items correlated well with established severity cut-off scores on the
      corresponding subscales of the HADS. CONCLUSIONS: The STOP-D is a self
      administered, self-report measure using two independent items that provide
      severity scores for depression and anxiety. The tool performs very well compared
      with other previously validated measures. Requiring no additional scoring and
      being free, STOP-D offers a simple and valid method for identifying hospitalized
      cardiac patients who are experiencing psychological distress. This crucial first
      step triggers initiation of appropriate monitoring and intervention, thus
      reducing the likelihood of the adverse cardiac outcomes associated with
      psychological distress.

PMID- 25139468
TI  - The importance of interactions between patients and healthcare professionals for
      heart failure self-care: A systematic review of qualitative research into patient
      perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effective heart failure (HF) self-care can improve clinical outcomes
      but is dependent on patients' undertaking a number of complex self-care
      behaviors. Research into the effectiveness of HF management programs demonstrates
      mixed results. There is a need to improve understanding of patient perspectives'
      of self-care need in order to enhance supportive interventions. AIM: This paper
      reports selected findings from a systematic review of qualitative research
      related to HF self-care need from the patients' perspective. The focus here is on
      those facets of patient-healthcare professional relationships perceived by
      patients to influence HF self-care. METHOD: We searched multiple healthcare
      databases to identify studies reporting qualitative findings with extractable
      data related to HF self-care need. Joanna Briggs Institute systematic review
      methods were employed and recognized meta-synthesis techniques were applied.
      Critical realist theory provided analytical direction to highlight how individual
      and contextual factors came together in complex ways to influence behavior and
      outcomes. RESULTS: Altogether 24 studies (1999-2012) containing data on patient
      healthcare professional relationships and HF self-care were included. Interaction
      with healthcare professionals influenced self-care strongly but was notably mixed
      in terms of reported quality. Effective HF self-care was more evident when
      patients perceived that their healthcare professional was responsive, interested
      in their individual needs, and shared information. Poor communication and lack of
      continuity presented common barriers to HF self-care. CONCLUSION: Interactions
      and relationships with clinicians play a substantial role in patients' capacity
      for HF self-care. The way healthcare professionals interact with patients
      strongly influences patients' understanding about their condition and self-care
      behaviors.

PMID- 25139469
TI  - Covariate measurement error correction methods in mediation analysis with failure
      time data.
AB  - Mediation analysis is important for understanding the mechanisms whereby one
      variable causes changes in another. Measurement error could obscure the ability
      of the potential mediator to explain such changes. This article focuses on
      developing correction methods for measurement error in the mediator with failure
      time outcomes. We consider a broad definition of measurement error, including
      technical error, and error associated with temporal variation. The underlying
      model with the "true" mediator is assumed to be of the Cox proportional hazards
      model form. The induced hazard ratio for the observed mediator no longer has a
      simple form independent of the baseline hazard function, due to the conditioning
      event. We propose a mean-variance regression calibration approach and a follow-up
      time regression calibration approach, to approximate the partial likelihood for
      the induced hazard function. Both methods demonstrate value in assessing
      mediation effects in simulation studies. These methods are generalized to
      multiple biomarkers and to both case-cohort and nested case-control sampling
      designs. We apply these correction methods to the Women's Health Initiative
      hormone therapy trials to understand the mediation effect of several serum sex
      hormone measures on the relationship between postmenopausal hormone therapy and
      breast cancer risk. 

PMID- 25139470
TI  - Utilization of Zwitterion-based solutions to dissect the relative effects of
      solution pH and ionic strength on the aggregation behavior and conformational
      stability of a fusion protein.
AB  - Solution pH and ionic strength (I) have complex effects on protein stability. We
      developed an experimental approach based on exploitation of the zwitterionic
      characteristic of amino acid molecules to probe the relative contribution from
      each. A variety of types of amino acid solutions were adopted to investigate the
      effects of pH and I in a manner that allows independent evaluation of each
      factor. The same effect could not be achieved using conventional buffer
      solutions. Size-exclusion chromatography, capillary differential scanning
      calorimetry, and fluorescence spectroscopy were utilized to probe the protein
      aggregation and conformation. The results suggested that, in addition to pH,
      solution ionic strength as a function of ionization state of the amino acid
      molecules and the ions introduced by pH adjustment played an important role in
      the aggregation and conformation of the protein studied. This experimental
      approach offers a useful tool to aid fundamental understanding of the relative
      effects of solution pH and ionic strength on protein stability.

PMID- 25139471
TI  - Using (18)F-FLT PET to distinguish between malignant and benign breast lesions
      with suspicious findings in mammography and breast ultrasound.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic performance of 3'-deoxy-3'
      [(18)F]fluorothymidine ((18)F-FLT) PET in women with suspicious breast findings
      on conventional imaging (mammography and breast ultrasound). METHODS: Twenty
      eight women with suspicious findings on conventional imaging were enrolled. A
      whole-body PET/CT in the supine position (first PET) was performed 60 min after
      intravenous injection of 0.07 mCi/kg (18)F-FLT, followed by a regional PET of the
      breast in the prone position (second PET). For each lesion, the SUVmax of the
      first PET (SUV1) and second PET (SUV2) were measured. For the receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) analysis of the diagnostic parameters, of the cutoff points
      with sensitivities >90 %, we chose the one with highest specificity as the
      optimal cutoff point to obtain the corresponding sensitivity and specificity.
      RESULTS: A total of 34 breast lesions (21 benign, 13 malignant) were analyzed.
      The SUV1 and SUV2 of the malignant lesions (median values 4.6 vs. 4.4,
      respectively) were higher than those of the benign lesions that had medians of
      1.2 and 1.0, respectively (P = 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of
      SUV1 (0.905) showed no significant difference from that of SUV2 (0.912) (P =
      0.77). The sensitivity and specificity using SUV1 = 1.24 as cutoff were 92.3 and
      52.4 %, and those using SUV2 = 1.5 as cutoff were 92.3 and 66.7 %, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: (18)F-FLT PET showed acceptable diagnostic performance for suspicious
      breast findings on conventional imaging, and SUV2 showed higher specificity than
      SUV1.

PMID- 25139472
TI  - 68Gallium- and 90Yttrium-/ 177Lutetium: "theranostic twins" for diagnosis and
      treatment of NETs.
AB  - Abundant expression of somatostatin receptors (SSTR) is frequently identified in
      differentiated neuroendocrine tumors and may serve as potential target for
      diagnostic imaging and treatment. This article discusses the "theranostic
      approach" of SSTR-targeting compounds including an overview of its role for
      diagnosis, staging and restaging, discussing its way to being established in
      clinical routine, and giving an outlook about further potentially relevant
      developments. 

PMID- 25139473
TI  - Glucose control and diabetic neuropathy: lessons from recent large clinical
      trials.
AB  - Diabetic peripheral and autonomic neuropathies are common complications of
      diabetes with broad spectrums of clinical manifestations and high morbidity.
      Studies using various agents to target the pathways implicated in the development
      and progression of diabetic neuropathy were promising in animal models. In
      humans, however, randomized controlled studies have failed to show efficacy on
      objective measures of neuropathy. The complex anatomy of the peripheral and
      autonomic nervous systems, the multitude of pathogenic mechanisms involved, and
      the lack of uniformity of neuropathy measures have likely contributed to these
      failures. To date, tight glycemic control is the only strategy convincingly shown
      to prevent or delay the development of neuropathy in patients with type 1
      diabetes and to slow the progression of neuropathy in some patients with type 2
      diabetes. Lessons learned about the role of glycemic control on distal
      symmetrical polyneuropathy and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy are discussed
      in this review. 

PMID- 25139474
TI  - Lossless data compression for improving the performance of a GPU-based
      beamformer.
AB  - The powerful parallel computation ability of a graphics processing unit (GPU)
      makes it feasible to perform dynamic receive beamforming However, a real time GPU
      based beamformer requires high data rate to transfer radio-frequency (RF) data
      from hardware to software memory, as well as from central processing unit (CPU)
      to GPU memory. There are data compression methods (e.g. Joint Photographic
      Experts Group (JPEG)) available for the hardware front end to reduce data size,
      alleviating the data transfer requirement of the hardware interface.
      Nevertheless, the required decoding time may even be larger than the transmission
      time of its original data, in turn degrading the overall performance of the GPU
      based beamformer. This article proposes and implements a lossless compression
      decompression algorithm, which enables in parallel compression and decompression
      of data. By this means, the data transfer requirement of hardware interface and
      the transmission time of CPU to GPU data transfers are reduced, without
      sacrificing image quality. In simulation results, the compression ratio reached
      around 1.7. The encoder design of our lossless compression approach requires low
      hardware resources and reasonable latency in a field programmable gate array. In
      addition, the transmission time of transferring data from CPU to GPU with the
      parallel decoding process improved by threefold, as compared with transferring
      original uncompressed data. These results show that our proposed lossless
      compression plus parallel decoder approach not only mitigate the transmission
      bandwidth requirement to transfer data from hardware front end to software system
      but also reduce the transmission time for CPU to GPU data transfer. 

PMID- 25139475
TI  - Lipopolysaccharide-induced sickness behavior in lactating rats decreases
      ultrasonic vocalizations and exacerbates immune system activity in male
      offspring.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study analyzed the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on
      maternal behavior during lactation and possible correlations with changes in
      emotional and immune responses in offspring. METHODS: Lactating rats received 100
      MUg/kg LPS, and the control group received saline solution on lactation day (LD)
      3. Maternal general activity and maternal behavior were observed on LD5 (i.e. the
      day that the peak of fever occurred). In male pups, hematological parameters and
      ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) were assessed on LD5. At weaning, an additional
      dose of LPS (50 ug/kg, i.p.) was administered in male pups, and open-field
      behavior, oxidative burst and phagocytosis were evaluated. RESULTS: A reduction
      in the time in which dams retrieved the pups was observed, whereas no effects on
      maternal aggressive behavior were found. On LD5, a reduction of the frequency of
      USVs was observed in pups, but no signs of inflammation were found. At weaning,
      an increase in immune system activity was observed, but no differences in open
      field behavior were found. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that inflammation
      in lactating mothers disrupted mother/pup interactions and may have produced
      short- and long-term effects on pup behavior as well as biological pathways that
      modulate inflammatory responses to bacterial endotoxin challenge in pups.

PMID- 25139476
TI  - Rescue balloon dilation of the ampulla for retrieving an impacted biliary
      extraction basket.

PMID- 25139477
TI  - Are perfluoroalkyl acids in waste water treatment plant effluents the result of
      primary emissions from the technosphere or of environmental recirculation?
AB  - Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) have been suggested to be one of the major
      pathways of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) from the technosphere to the aquatic
      environment. The origin of PFAAs in WWTP influents is either from current primary
      emissions or a result of recirculation of PFAAs that have been residing and
      transported in the environment for several years or decades. Environmental
      recirculation can then occur when PFAAs from the environment enter the wastewater
      stream in, e.g., tap water. In this study 13 PFAAs and perfluorooctane
      sulfonamide were analyzed in tap water as well as WWTP influent, effluent and
      sludge from three Swedish cities: Bromma (in the metropolitan area of Stockholm),
      Bollebygd and Umea. A mass balance of the WWTPs was assembled for each PFAA.
      Positive mass balances were observed for PFHxA and PFOA in all WWTPs, indicating
      the presence of precursor compounds in the technosphere. With regard to
      environmental recirculation, tap water was an important source of PFAAs to the
      Bromma WWTP influent, contributing >40% for each quantified sulfonic acid and up
      to 30% for the carboxylic acids. The PFAAs in tap water from Bollebygd and Umea
      did not contribute significantly to the PFAA load in the WWTP influents. Our
      results show that in order to estimate current primary emissions from the
      technosphere, it may be necessary to correct the PFAA emission rates in WWTP
      effluents for PFAAs present in tap water, especially in the case of elevated
      levels in tap water. 

PMID- 25139478
TI  - [Aneurysms of the thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta].
AB  - The incidence and operations of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms
      have significantly increased. The indications for repair are considered to be a
      diameter of 6 cm or more and 5.5 cm for patient groups with increased risk of
      rupture. Complex open surgical repair is associated with significant mortality
      and complication rates. Total or hybrid endovascular repair seems to reduce early
      postoperative complications and mortality. The endovascular approach has evolved
      to be a good and predominant alternative to open repair of these aneurysms for
      older and high-risk patients as well as for aneurysms with optimal morphological
      suitability. Notwithstanding, at present a complete paradigm shift from open to
      endovascular repair for all patients, especially those with complex aneurysms,
      cannot yet be established.

PMID- 25139479
TI  - [Transvaginal cholecystectomy: results of a randomized study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transvaginal cholecystectomy (TVC) is regarded as a model operation
      in the newly developed field of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery
      (NOTES). Randomized, controlled trials to assess TVC as a surgical strategy are
      largely missing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a double blind, randomized,
      controlled, single center trial in female patients > 18 years with symptomatic
      cholecystolithiasis comparing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) and TVC. The
      study investigated pain reduction of >= 1 point on a visual-numeric rating scale
      with a follow-up after 7 days. Secondary endpoints were complications and patient
      reported outcome. Groups were established using computer-generated randomization
      and sealed envelopes in the operating theatre. At the end of the surgical
      procedure all patients received a standard 4-trocar dressing as for CLC and a
      vaginal tamponade. RESULTS: A total of 426 patients were asked to participate, of
      which 97 were randomized, 51 in the CLC, 41 in the TVC groups and 5 were excluded
      from the study. Patients were comparable regarding age, body mass index (BMI) and
      American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. Surgical and anesthesia times
      were significantly different. There was no difference in postoperative pain. The
      majority of patients were satisfied with both procedures and TVC was recommended
      to other patients by 93 % of patients in the TVC group. CONCLUSION: The results
      did not show superiority of TVC over CLC with regards to postoperative pain. With
      no differences in postoperative pain and high patient satisfaction, TVC can be
      recommended to future patients as an alternative method. For confirmation of this
      evaluation of TVC further randomized trials are needed.

PMID- 25139481
TI  - Regulation of insulin on lipid metabolism in freshly isolated hepatocytes from
      yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco).
AB  - Although the metabolic actions of insulin in fish have been investigated widely
      in the past years, the regulatory effect of insulin on lipid metabolism has
      received little attention, especially in primary hepatocytes of fish. In the
      present study, freshly hepatocytes were isolated from yellow catfish, cultured
      and subjected to different insulin levels (0, 10, 100 and 1000nM) for 0h, 24h and
      48h. Triglyceride (TG) content, activity and expression of several key enzymes
      involved in lipid metabolism, as well as mRNA levels of key transcription factors
      related to lipid metabolism, were assessed at 0h, 24h and 48h, respectively.
      Insulin incubation tended to increase the activities and expression of several
      lipogenic enzymes (such as FAS, G6PD, 6PGD). However, reduced CPT I gene
      expression was observed in hepatocytes following incubation treatment. Insulin
      administration also tended to up-regulate SREBP-1 expression but down-regulate
      PPARalpha mRNA levels. Insulin incubation enhanced lipogenesis and reduced
      lipolysis of freshly isolated hepatocytes of yellow catfish, in coincidence with
      increased TG content. Pearson correlations between expression of SREBP-1 and
      PPARalpha, and expression and activity of several enzymes were also observed,
      especially at 48-h insulin incubation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the
      first to study the effects of insulin on lipogenesis and lipolysis at both
      transcriptional and enzymatic levels using primary hepatocytes culture model in
      fish, which will help to understand the regulation of lipid metabolism by insulin
      in vivo, and will give us new insight into the insulin role in nutrient
      metabolism in fish. 

PMID- 25139482
TI  - The strong relation between post-hemodialysis blood methylglyoxal levels and post
      hemodialysis blood glucose concentration rise.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis is known to decrease blood glucose concentration (BGC),
      insulin, and methylglyoxal levels. However, the effects of decreases in these
      factors on the increase in post-hemodialysis BGC remain unknown. This study
      identifies the effects of hemodialysis-induced changes in concentrations of these
      elements on post-hemodialysis BGC. METHODS: Study subjects included seventeen
      insulin-treated diabetes patients receiving hemodialysis. The fluctuations in BGC
      on hemodialysis-treatment days and non-hemodialysis-treatment days were evaluated
      using a continuous glucose monitoring system. BGC was evaluated before breakfast,
      before starting hemodialysis, at the end of hemodialysis, 1 h post-hemodialysis
      (lunch), and 6 h post-hemodialysis (dinner). BGC, insulin, and methylglyoxal
      levels were measured at the start and end of hemodialysis. This study also
      evaluated the changes in the concentrations of glucose and insulin in the
      arterial line and the venous line during hemodialysis. RESULTS: Hemodialysis
      decreases BGC, insulin, and methylglyoxal levels. Concentrations of glucose and
      insulin in the arterial line gradually decreased during dialysis, while
      concentrations in the venous line approached their original concentrations in the
      dialysis solution. BGC rose sharply after eating lunch 1 h post-hemodialysis. The
      blood glucose, insulin, and methylglyoxal concentrations at the end of
      hemodialysis were associated with the M values and the mean amplitude of glycemic
      excursion values between before lunch and dinner. In particular, methylglyoxal
      concentration at the end of hemodialysis was strongly related to the post
      hemodialysis increase in BGC. CONCLUSION: Hemodialysis-induced decreases in
      methylglyoxal concentrations and methylglyoxal concentration at the end of
      hemodialysis influence post-hemodialysis fluctuations in BGC.

PMID- 25139483
TI  - Early life seizures in female rats lead to anxiety-related behavior and abnormal
      social behavior characterized by reduced motivation to novelty and deficit in
      social discrimination.
AB  - Previously, we demonstrated that male Wistar rats submitted to neonatal status
      epilepticus showed abnormal social behavior characterized by deficit in social
      discrimination and enhanced emotionality. Taking into account that early insult
      can produce different biological manifestations in a gender-dependent manner, we
      aimed to investigate the social behavior and anxiety-like behavior in female
      Wistar rats following early life seizures. Neonate female Wistar rats at 9 days
      postnatal were subject to pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus and the control
      received saline. Behavioral tests started from 60 days postnatal and were carried
      out only during the diestrus phase of the reproductive cycle. In sociability test
      experimental animals exhibited reduced motivation for social encounter and
      deficit in social discrimination. In open field and the elevated plus maze,
      experimental animals showed enhanced emotionality with no changes in basal
      locomotor activity. The results showed that female rats submitted to neonatal
      status epipepticus showed impaired social behavior, characterized by reduced
      motivation to novelty and deficit in social discrimination in addition to
      enhanced emotionality.

PMID- 25139484
TI  - Exposure to static and time-varying magnetic fields from working in the static
      magnetic stray fields of MRI scanners: a comprehensive survey in the Netherlands.
AB  - Clinical and research staff who work around magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      scanners are exposed to the static magnetic stray fields of these scanners.
      Although the past decade has seen strong developments in the assessment of
      occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields from MRI scanners, there is
      insufficient insight into the exposure variability that characterizes routine MRI
      work practice. However, this is an essential component of risk assessment and
      epidemiological studies. This paper describes the results of a measurement survey
      of shift-based personal exposure to static magnetic fields (SMF) (B) and motion
      induced time-varying magnetic fields (dB/dt) among workers at 15 MRI facilities
      in the Netherlands. With the use of portable magnetic field dosimeters, >400 full
      shift and partial shift exposure measurements were collected among various jobs
      involved in clinical and research MRI. Various full-shift exposure metrics for B
      and motion-induced dB/dt exposure were calculated from the measurements,
      including instantaneous peak exposure and time-weighted average (TWA) exposures.
      We found strong correlations between levels of static (B) and time-varying
      (dB/dt) exposure (r = 0.88-0.92) and between different metrics (i.e. peak
      exposure, TWA exposure) to express full-shift exposure (r = 0.69-0.78). On
      average, participants were exposed to MRI-related SMFs during only 3.7% of their
      work shift. Average and peak B and dB/dt exposure levels during the work inside
      the MRI scanner room were highest among technical staff, research staff, and
      radiographers. Average and peak B exposure levels were lowest among cleaners,
      while dB/dt levels were lowest among anaesthesiology staff. Although modest
      exposure variability between workplaces and occupations was observed, variation
      between individuals of the same occupation was substantial, especially among
      research staff. This relatively large variability between workers with the same
      job suggests that exposure classification based solely on job title may not be an
      optimal grouping strategy for epidemiological purposes.

PMID- 25139485
TI  - Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway
      and outcomes of patients treated with first-line cytotoxic chemotherapy combined
      with bevacizumab for advanced colorectal cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the
      efficacy of first-line cytotoxic chemotherapy plus bevacizumab and single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of angiogenic genes in patients with advanced
      colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: DNA was extracted from blood samples of 125
      patients, and 12 SNPs were evaluated for association with the objective response
      rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS:
      The vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) rs833061 T/T was associated with
      superior ORR compared to its alternative genotypes (75.9 vs. 50.8%; p = 0.008),
      and the interleukin 8 rs4073 A/A genotype tended to be associated with poor ORR
      (45.0 vs. 66.0%; p = 0.067). The median PFS and OS were superior in patients with
      the fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1) rs9513070 A/A genotype (8.7 vs. 6.6
      months; p = 0.001 and 26.4 vs. 16.1 months; p = 0.038, respectively). The kinase
      insert domain receptor rs1531289 G/G genotype tended to be associated with
      improved PFS (8.0 vs. 7.1 months; p = 0.069). In haplotype analysis, the FLT1
      rs9513070/rs9554320/rs9582036 GCA haplotype was associated with inferior PFS and
      OS (p = 0.004 and p = 0.041, respectively). CONCLUSION: The VEGFA rs833061 SNP is
      associated with the ORR, and the FLT1 rs9513070 SNP and FLT1 GCA haplotypes are
      associated with PFS and OS in advanced CRC patients treated with cytotoxic
      chemotherapy plus bevacizumab.

PMID- 25139486
TI  - Stroke care continues to show "unacceptable variation," audit finds.

PMID- 25139487
TI  - Systemic exposure of topical erythromycin in comparison to oral administration
      and the effect on cytochrome P450 3A4 activity.
AB  - AIMS: Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, which is frequently used as a
      topical formulation for the treatment of acne. It is also known as an inhibitor
      of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4. In this study, the systemic
      availability of topical erythromycin, hence the influence on the activity of
      CYP3A, is evaluated in comparison to orally administered erythromycin. METHODS:
      Sixteen healthy volunteers received consecutively topical (two applications of
      800 mg) and oral erythromycin (two dose groups, 250 and 1000 mg, with n = 8) to
      assess erythromycin pharmacokinetics. A microdose of midazolam (3 MUg orally) was
      used to determine the effect on CYP3A activity. RESULTS: After topical
      administration, erythromycin was detected in the plasma of every participant
      without causing a statistically significant alteration of CYP3A activity. After
      oral administration, the dose-normalized erythromycin exposure (AUCinfinity ) was
      1335 h ng ml(-1) after 250 mg and 3-fold higher after the 1000 mg dose (4051 h ng
      ml(-1); P < 0.01), suggesting nonlinear pharmacokinetics of erythromycin. Both
      oral doses inhibited CYP3A activity; midazolam clearance was decreased to 61%
      (250 mg) and 21% (1000 mg). The relationship between erythromycin exposure and
      CYP3A activity (Hill equation) revealed a 50% reduction of CYP3A activity by an
      erythromycin AUCinfinity of 2106 h ng ml(-1). CONCLUSIONS: Topical erythromycin
      did not cause clinically relevant CYP3A alterations, although low systemic
      availability of erythromycin was observed. This supports the assumption that
      treatment with topical erythromycin is not critical in terms of CYP3A inhibition.
      Furthermore, substantial nonlinearity of erythromycin pharmacokinetics after two
      different oral doses was observed, possibly due to autoinhibition.

PMID- 25139488
TI  - What are the pharmacotherapy options for treating prediabetes?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has risen to
      epidemic proportions, and this is associated with enormous cost. T2DM is preceded
      by 'prediabetes', and the diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or
      impaired fasting glucose (IFG) provides an opportunity for targeted intervention.
      Prediabetic subjects manifest both core defects characteristic of T2DM, that is,
      insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. Interventions which improve insulin
      sensitivity and/or preserve beta-cell function are logical strategies to delay
      the conversion of IGT/IFG to T2DM or revert glucose tolerance to normal. AREAS
      COVERED: The authors examine pharmacologic agents that have proven to decrease
      the conversion of IGT to T2DM and represent potential treatment options in
      prediabetes. EXPERT OPINION: Weight loss improves whole body insulin sensitivity,
      preserves beta-cell function and decreases progression of prediabetes to T2DM. In
      real life long-term weight loss is the exception and, even if successful, 40 -
      50% of IGT individuals still progress to T2DM. Pharmacotherapy provides an
      alternative strategy to improve insulin sensitivity and preserve beta-cell
      function. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are highly effective in T2DM prevention. Long
      acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs, because they augment beta-cell
      function and promote weight loss, are effective in preventing IGT progression to
      T2DM. Metformin is considerably less effective than TZDs or GLP-1 analogs.

PMID- 25139489
TI  - Cellular distribution of Egr1 transcription in the male rat pituitary gland.
AB  - The transcription factor gene Egr1 is necessary for female fertility; EGR1
      protein is an established molecular regulator of adult female gonadotroph
      function where it mediates GNRH-stimulated transcription of the Lhb gene. Recent
      studies have also implicated pituitary EGR1 in the mediation of other
      physiological signals indicating an integrative function. However, the role of
      EGR1 in males is less well defined and this uncertainty is compounded by the
      absence of cellular expression data in the male pituitary gland. The aim of this
      study, therefore, was to define the distribution of Egr1 gene expression in the
      adult male rat pituitary. To further this aim, we have evaluated cellular
      populations in a transgenic rat model (Egr1-d2EGFP), in which we demonstrate
      regulated green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in EGR1+ pituitary cells.
      Cellular filling by GFP enabled morphological and molecular differentiation of
      different populations of gonadotrophs; Egr1 transcription and LHB were highly co
      localised in a major population of large cells but only minimally co-localised in
      small GFP+ cells; the latter cells were shown to be largely (80%) composed of
      minority populations of GH+ somatotrophs (9% of total GH+) and PRL+ lactotrophs
      (3% of total PRL+). Egr1 transcription was not found in TSH+, ACTH+ or SOX2+
      precursor cells and was only minimally co-localised in S-100beta+
      folliculostellate cells. Our demonstration that the Egr1 gene is actively and
      selectively transcribed in a major sub-population of male LHB+ cells indicates a
      largely conserved role in gonadotroph function and has provided a basis for
      further defining this role. 

PMID- 25139490
TI  - 1,25-Vitamin D3 promotes cardiac differentiation through modulation of the WNT
      signaling pathway.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Low
      levels of vitamin D are associated with high risk of myocardial infarction, even
      after controlling for factors associated with coronary artery disease. A growing
      body of evidence indicates that vitamin D plays an important role in CVD-related
      signaling pathways. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism by
      which vitamin D modulates heart development. The WNT signaling pathway plays a
      pivotal role in tissue development by controlling stem cell renewal, lineage
      selection and, even more importantly, heart development. In this study, we
      examined the role of 1,25-D3 (the active form of vitamin D) on cardiomyocyte
      proliferation, apoptosis, cell phenotype, cell cycle progression and
      differentiation into cardiomyotubes. We determined that the addition of 1,25-D3
      to cardiomyocytes cells: i) inhibits cell proliferation without promoting
      apoptosis; ii) decreases expression of genes related to the regulation of the
      cell cycle; iii) promotes formation of cardiomyotubes; iv) induces the expression
      of casein kinase-1-alpha1, a negative regulator of the canonical WNT signaling
      pathway; and v) increases the expression of the noncanonical WNT11, which it has
      been demonstrated to induce cardiac differentiation during embryonic development
      and in adult cells. In conclusion, we postulate that vitamin D promotes cardiac
      differentiation through a negative modulation of the canonical WNT signaling
      pathway and by upregulating the expression of WNT11. These results indicate that
      vitamin D repletion to prevent and/or improve cardiovascular disorders that are
      linked with abnormal cardiac differentiation, such as post infarction cardiac
      remodeling, deserve further study. 

PMID- 25139491
TI  - Damnacanthal inhibits the NF-kappaB/RIP-2/caspase-1 signal pathway by inhibiting
      p56lck tyrosine kinase.
AB  - Damnacanthal is a major constituent of Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) and exhibits
      anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effects of
      damnacanthal on allergic diseases have not been determined. In this study, we
      investigated the effect of damnacanthal on mast cell-mediated allergic
      inflammatory responses. Damnacanthal significantly and dose-dependently inhibited
      compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock, histamine release and
      intracellular calcium levels. In particular, IgE-mediated passive cutaneous
      anaphylaxis was significantly inhibited by the oral administration of
      damnacanthal. In addition, we report for the first time that p56lck tyrosine
      kinase was expressed in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore
      A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated mast cells. Furthermore, damnacanthal inhibited the up
      regulation of p56lck tyrosine kinase activity by PMACI and repressed PMACI
      induced histidine decarboxylase expression and activity. Damnacanthal also
      inhibited PMACI-induced interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor
      alpha expressions by suppressing nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation
      and suppressed the activation of caspase-1 and the expression of receptor
      interacting protein-2. This study shows damnacanthal inhibits the NF
      kappaB/receptor-interacting protein-2/caspase-1 signal pathway by inhibiting
      p56lck tyrosine kinase and suggests that damnacanthal has potential for the
      treatment of mast cell-mediated allergic disorders.

PMID- 25139492
TI  - Monitoring the response of bone metastases to treatment with Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging and nuclear medicine techniques: a review and position statement by the
      European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer imaging group.
AB  - Assessment of the response to treatment of metastases is crucial in daily
      oncological practice and clinical trials. For soft tissue metastases, this is
      done using computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Positron
      Emission Tomography (PET) using validated response evaluation criteria. Bone
      metastases, which frequently represent the only site of metastases, are an
      exception in response assessment systems, because of the nature of the fixed bony
      defects, their complexity, which ranges from sclerotic to osteolytic and because
      of the lack of sensitivity, specificity and spatial resolution of the previously
      available bone imaging methods, mainly bone scintigraphy. Techniques such as MRI
      and PET are able to detect the early infiltration of the bone marrow by cancer,
      and to quantify this infiltration using morphologic images, quantitative
      parameters and functional approaches. This paper highlights the most recent
      developments of MRI and PET, showing how they enable early detection of bone
      lesions and monitoring of their response. It reviews current knowledge, puts the
      different techniques into perspective, in terms of indications, strengths,
      weaknesses and complementarity, and finally proposes recommendations for the
      choice of the most adequate imaging technique. 

PMID- 25139493
TI  - Prenatal Diagnosis of Infantile Myofibroma with Postnatal Imaging Correlation.
AB  - Infantile myofibroma is the most common fibrous tumor in infancy. A majority of
      these lesions are solitary and occur in the head and neck region. Unless visceral
      sites are involved, the clinical course is typically benign. However, the
      difficulty in these cases is the differentiation of a benign myofibroma from a
      solitary malignant neoplasm and determination of visceral involvement. Prenatal
      diagnosis of this condition is rarely described in the literature, but it does
      indeed have a role in perinatal management. Our patient was initially identified
      by prenatal ultrasound with fetal MRI for further characterization of the mass.
      We present the case of a prenatally diagnosed solitary infantile myofibroma of
      the lower extremity and highlight the role of prenatal imaging in the diagnosis
      and treatment of this condition. 

PMID- 25139494
TI  - Glycogen phosphorylase BB in myocardial infarction.
AB  - Early experimental and clinical reports on glycogen phosphorylase BB (GPBB)
      kinetics following myocardial ischemic injury suggested that it could be a useful
      diagnostic marker for early detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). After
      more than two decades of investigation, there is now overwhelming body of
      evidence that do not support the use of GPBB measurement in diagnosis of acute
      AMI in patients presenting with acute chest pain. Currently, GPBB cannot be
      recommended as a diagnostic marker of AMI either as a stand-alone test or as an
      addition to (high-sensitive) troponin testing. It should be noted that these
      considerations apply to the early diagnosis of AMI, not to the prognostic
      stratification, which is also suggested but it warrants further investigation.
      The aim of this review is to summarize available evidence of GPBB measurement in
      early diagnosis of myocardial infarction. 

PMID- 25139495
TI  - Intra-day and inter-day biological variations of peripheral blood lymphocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The proportion and absolute numbers of lymphocyte subsets are
      important indices that reflect the immunological status of the body. Few studies
      on biological variations of absolute lymphocyte subset counts and no study in
      Asian population are currently available. Furthermore, there have been few
      reports on the biological variation of these indices in the short term. METHODS:
      At 8:00AM, 12:00PM, and 4:00PM on days 1, 3, and 5, venous blood was collected
      from 20 healthy volunteers. All participants maintained their normal lifestyles.
      The percent and absolute lymphocyte subset counts were measured using single 
      platform method. RESULTS: Intraday and interday biological variations for the
      absolute and percent counts of lymphocyte subsets were relatively constant. The
      intra-individual coefficient of variation (CVI) and inter-individual coefficient
      of variation (CVG) were similar to those in previous studies. Biological
      variations in the percent and absolute counts for the CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-),
      CD3(+)CD4(+)CD8(+), and CD3(+)CD16(+)CD56(+) subsets were relatively high.
      CONCLUSIONS: These observations are clinically valuable. Investigation on the CVI
      and CVG may allow us to determine the utility of traditional population based
      reference ranges. Documentation of the reference change values may be used as
      objective delta-check values in quality management and decide whether the change
      that occur in an individual's serial results before the change is significant.
      The present study also enriched the database regarding the biological variations
      of lymphocyte subsets in Asian population.

PMID- 25139496
TI  - Serum levels of soluble Fas ligand, granzyme B and cytochrome c during adjuvant
      chemotherapy of breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anticancer agents used in chemotherapy for tumors induce apoptosis in
      malignant cells. Soluble Fas ligand, granzyme B and cytochrome c are key elements
      in the process of apoptosis. The objective of this preliminary study was to
      evaluate the changes in the serum concentrations of these parameters in breast
      cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty
      patients with histopathologically proven breast cancer were included in the
      present study. The blood samples were taken after surgery before chemotherapy and
      after 3weeks of administration of the first cycle of chemotherapy. Thirty healthy
      female controls were selected for comparison. Soluble FasL, granzyme B and
      cytochrome c were estimated from serum by ELISA. RESULTS: Significantly increased
      concentrations of soluble FasL, granzyme B and cytochrome c were found in stage
      II and stage III of breast cancer patients after chemotherapy compared with
      concentrations before chemotherapy (P<0.0001). A significant positive correlation
      was found between soluble FasL and cytochrome c as well as between granzyme B and
      cytochrome c in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Serum
      concentrations of apoptotic markers such as soluble FasL, granzyme B and
      cytochrome c were increased after administration of the first cycle of
      chemotherapeutic drugs. The measurement of these circulating apoptotic markers
      may help clinicians in evaluating treatment efficacy in breast cancer.

PMID- 25139497
TI  - What forgetting tells us about remembering: the influence of top-down control on
      hemispheric asymmetries in verbal memory.
AB  - It has been suggested that left hemisphere (LH) advantages in verbal processing
      is due to superior top-down control of verbal information. It is not clear how
      top-down mechanisms affect the encoding and retrieval of verbal information from
      hemispheric memory and whether they only influence activation or also encompass
      the inhibition of verbal information. The directed forgetting method, in
      conjunction with divided visual field presentation, was used to examine the
      influence of top-down control mechanisms on hemispheric asymmetries in verbal
      memory. Participants were cued to remember or forget words. Cues were presented
      either simultaneously with targets or after a short delay. A recognition memory
      test using divided visual field presentation was then given. Response times (RTs)
      revealed effects of cue timing in the LH. With simultaneous cues, RTs were faster
      to "Remember" words compared to "Forget" words. With delayed cues, RTs for
      "Remember" and "Forget" words were equivalent. In the right hemisphere (RH),
      "Remember" words were consistently faster than "Forget" words, regardless of cue
      timing. These data provide evidence that top-down mechanisms influenced LH verbal
      memory retrieval more than RH verbal memory retrieval. Finally, there was little
      evidence to suggest the hemispheres differ in inhibitory processing. 

PMID- 25139498
TI  - Unexpected roles for ancient proteins: flavone 8-hydroxylase in sweet basil
      trichomes is a Rieske-type, PAO-family oxygenase.
AB  - Most elucidated hydroxylations in plant secondary metabolism are catalyzed by
      oxoglutarate- or cytochrome P450-dependent oxygenases. Numerous hydroxylations
      still evade clarification, suggesting that they might be performed by alternative
      enzyme types. Here, we report the identification of the flavone 8-hydroxylase
      (F8H) in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) trichomes as a Rieske-type oxygenase.
      Several features of the F8H activity in trichome protein extracts helped to
      differentiate it from a cytochrome P450-catalyzed reaction and identify candidate
      genes in the basil trichome EST database. The encoded ObF8H proteins share
      approximately 50% identity with Rieske-type protochlorophyllide a oxygenases
      (PTC52) from higher plants. Homology cloning and DNA blotting revealed the
      presence of several PTC52-like genes in the basil genome. The transcripts of the
      candidate gene designated ObF8H-1 are strongly enriched in trichomes compared to
      whole young leaves, indicating trichome-specific expression. The full-length
      ObF8H-1 protein possesses a predicted N-terminal transit peptide, which directs
      green fluorescent protein at least in part to chloroplasts. The F8H activity in
      crude trichome protein extracts correlates well with the abundance of ObF8H
      peptides. The purified recombinant ObF8H-1 displays high affinity for salvigenin
      and is inactive with other tested flavones except cirsimaritin, which is 8
      hydroxylated with less than 0.2% relative activity. The efficiency of in vivo 8
      hydroxylation by engineered yeast was improved by manipulation of protein
      subcellular targeting. blast searches showed that occurrence of several PTC52
      like genes is rather common in sequenced plant genomes. The discovery of ObF8H
      suggests that Rieske-type oxygenases may represent overlooked candidate catalysts
      for oxygenations in specialized plant metabolism. 

PMID- 25139499
TI  - "They Sweat for Science": The Harvard Fatigue Laboratory and Self-Experimentation
      in American Exercise Physiology.
AB  - In many scientific fields, the practice of self-experimentation waned over the
      course of the twentieth century. For exercise physiologists working today,
      however, the practice of self-experimentation is alive and well. This paper
      considers the role of the Harvard Fatigue Laboratory and its scientific director,
      D. Bruce Dill, in legitimizing the practice of self-experimentation in exercise
      physiology. Descriptions of self-experimentation are drawn from papers published
      by members of the Harvard Fatigue Lab. Attention is paid to the ethical and
      practical justifications for self-experimentation in both the lab and the field.
      Born out of the practical, immediate demands of fatigue protocols, self
      experimentation performed the long-term, epistemological function of uniting
      physiological data across time and space, enabling researchers to contribute to a
      general human biology program. 

PMID- 25139500
TI  - Mesenchymal stromal cells as an adjuvant treatment for severe late-onset
      hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - The management of severe late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis (LO-HC) after allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is still challenging. Because
      mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess anti-inflammatory and tissue repair
      promoting properties, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of MSC
      infusions in 7 of 33 patients with severe LO-HC after allogeneic HSCT. During
      treatment, each patient received at least one MSC infusion of Wharton's jelly
      derived from the umbilical cord of a third-party donor. In 6 patients, MSC
      treatment was initiated within 3 days of gross hematuria onset, while the 7th
      patient received an infusion 40 days later. The median dose was 1.0 (0.8-1.6) *
      10(6)/kg. Five of 7 patients responded to treatment. Notably, gross hematuria
      promptly disappeared in 3 patients after 1 infusion, with a time to remission not
      seen in patients without MSC infusion. Two patients showed no response even after
      several infusions. No acute or late complications were recorded. Our findings
      indicate that MSC transfusion might be a feasible and safe supplemental therapy
      for patients with severe LO-HC after allogeneic HSCT.

PMID- 25139501
TI  - Interventional endoscopy for the treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst and walled
      off necrosis (with videos).
AB  - Pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis are typical late complications of
      acute pancreatitis, and they require drainage in symptomatic cases presenting
      with infection. Transgastrointestinal endoscopic treatment with endoscopic
      ultrasound-guided drainage has become common and yields a good treatment outcome
      for pancreatic pseudocyst. Walled-off necrosis, however, contains necrotic
      tissue, and thus many cases additionally require an invasive treatment that
      includes endoscopic necrosectomy. Methods that involve a procedure-specific large
      diameter metal stent, additional endoscopic drainage techniques, and the hybrid
      approach method of adding percutaneous drainage have been described, and
      considerable advances in these methods have now made it possible to cure almost
      all cases of walled-off necrosis with endoscopic treatment alone. However,
      without being restricted to endoscopic treatments, a wide range of options
      including surgery should be considered as treatments for walled-off necrosis. 

PMID- 25139502
TI  - A methodological review of the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) and its
      derivatives among breast cancer survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: A systematic review of the validity, reliability and sensitivity of the
      Short Form (SF) health survey measures among breast cancer survivors. METHODS: We
      searched a number of databases for peer-reviewed papers. The methodological
      quality of the papers was assessed using the COnsenus-based Standards for the
      selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). RESULTS: The review
      identified seven papers that assessed the psychometric properties of the SF-36 (n
      = 5), partial SF-36 (n = 1) and SF-12 (n = 1) among breast cancer survivors.
      Internal consistency scores for the SF measures ranged from acceptable to good
      across a range of language and ethnic sub-groups. The SF-36 demonstrated good
      convergent validity with respective subscales of the Functional Assessment of
      Cancer Treatment-General scale and two lymphedema-specific measures. Divergent
      validity between the SF-36 and Lymph-ICF was modest. The SF-36 demonstrated good
      factor structure in the total breast cancer survivor study samples. However, the
      factor structure appeared to differ between specific language and ethnic sub
      groups. The SF-36 discriminated between survivors who reported or did not report
      symptoms on the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Symptom Checklist and SF-36
      physical sub-scales, but not mental sub-scales, discriminated between survivors
      with or without lymphedema. Methodological quality scores varied between and
      within papers. CONCLUSION: Short Form measures appear to provide a reliable and
      valid indication of general health status among breast cancer survivors though
      the limited data suggests that particular caution is required when interpreting
      scores provided by non-English language groups. Further research is required to
      test the sensitivity or responsiveness of the measure.

PMID- 25139503
TI  - Nestin downregulation in rat vascular smooth muscle cells represents an early
      marker of vascular disease in experimental type I diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nestin was reported to directly contribute to cell proliferation and
      the intermediate filament protein was detected in vascular smooth muscle cells.
      In experimental type I diabetes, nestin downregulation in the heart was
      identified as an incipient pathophysiological event. The following study tested
      the hypothesis that dysregulation of nestin expression in vascular smooth muscle
      cells represented an early event of vascular disease in experimental type I
      diabetes. METHODS/RESULTS: In the carotid artery and aorta of adult male Sprague
      Dawley rats, a subpopulation of vascular smooth muscle cells co-expressed nestin
      and was actively involved in the cell cycle as reflected by the co-staining of
      nuclear phosphohistone-3. The infection of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells
      with a lentivirus containing a shRNAmir directed against nestin significantly
      reduced protein expression and concomitantly attenuated basal DNA synthesis. Two
      weeks following injection of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with streptozotocin,
      the endothelial response of aortic rings to acetylcholine, vascular morphology
      and the total density of vascular smooth muscle cells in the vasculature of type
      I diabetic rats were similar to normal rats. By contrast, nestin protein levels
      and the density of nestin(+)/phosphohistone-3(+)-vascular smooth muscle cells
      were significantly reduced in type I diabetic rats. The in vivo observations were
      recapitulated in vitro as exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells to 30 mM D
      glucose inhibited DNA synthesis and concomitantly reduced nestin protein
      expression. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycaemia-mediated nestin downregulation and the
      concomitant reduction of cycling vascular smooth muscle cells represent early
      markers of vascular disease in experimental type I diabetes.

PMID- 25139504
TI  - Stages of recovery in early psychosis: Associations with symptoms, function, and
      narrative development.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to explore the links between recovery stages,
      symptoms, function, and narrative development among individuals with a recent
      onset of psychosis. DESIGN: A qualitative longitudinal study was conducted
      including quantitative data at baseline. METHODS: Forty-seven participants were
      administered the Indiana Psychiatric Illness Interview three times over 9 months
      and content analysis was performed. Participants also completed the Social
      Functioning Scale, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale--Expanded, the California
      Verbal Learning Test, and the Trailing Making Test at baseline. Descriptive
      discriminant analysis was performed. RESULTS: Results suggested that participants
      were mostly in the first two stages of recovery (moratorium, awareness) and that
      being in the awareness, rather than moratorium, stage was associated, to a
      different extent, with richer narrative development, better levels of
      psychosocial function, less negative and positive symptoms, and more years of
      education. Furthermore, recovery appeared to be a stable process over the
      assessment period. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery is a complex concept including objective
      and subjective aspects. In the recovery path of persons recently diagnosed with
      psychosis, social engagement, narrative development, and occupational functioning
      seem to be particularly important aspects. This study is a first step, and future
      research is needed with larger and more diverse participant pools, and
      assessments conducted over longer periods of time. PRACTITIONER POINTS: As
      greater level of social engagement was the most robust predictor of membership in
      the awareness versus moratorium stage, treatment of early psychosis should
      include interventions targeting social relations and social skills. As greater
      narrative development was the second most robust predictor, enhancing it via
      psychotherapy could be a pertinent clinical goal.

PMID- 25139505
TI  - Ebola.

PMID- 25139506
TI  - Experimental countermeasures against Ebola virus: current progress and an ethical
      conundrum.

PMID- 25139513
TI  - Wide complex tachycardia: what is the mechanism?

PMID- 25139514
TI  - One-year vascular adaptations following pregnancies complicated by hypertension.

PMID- 25139515
TI  - Experts condemn "flawed" NICE process over its rejection of prostate cancer drug.

PMID- 25139516
TI  - Impact of advanced hearing aid technology on speech understanding for older
      listeners with mild to moderate, adult-onset, sensorineural hearing loss.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health conditions of
      older people. Hearing aids are the customary treatment and they improve quality
      of life in older adults. Even so, relatively few older adults with uncomplicated,
      mild to moderate, adult-onset, sensorineural hearing loss use hearing aids. One
      reason for this is a belief that hearing aids do not provide sufficient value to
      justify their expense. Although modern hearing aids are available at several
      price points, there is minimal evidence about the relative benefits of premium
      level versus basic-level hearing aid technologies. OBJECTIVE: This research was
      designed to demonstrate the relative effectiveness of premium hearing aids
      compared with basic hearing aids in improving speech understanding and quality of
      life. METHODS: 25 participants, including both new and experienced hearing aid
      users, completed blinded month-long field trials with each of four pairs of
      hearing aids: two basic and two premium level. Outcomes were laboratory speech
      understanding tests, standardized questionnaires and open-ended diary items.
      RESULTS: Participants reacted very positively to all the hearing aids. Both
      everyday speech understanding and quality of life were substantially improved
      with hearing aids. RESULTS for both new and experienced users were consistent
      with a conclusion that there were no statistically significant or clinically
      important differences in improvement between the premium- and basic-level hearing
      aids. CONCLUSIONS: It should not be assumed that more costly hearing aids always
      produce better outcomes. With contemporary hearing aids from two major
      manufacturers, the subjects obtained as much improvement in speech understanding
      and quality of life from lower-cost basic-level instruments as from higher-cost
      premium-level instruments. Regardless of technology level, comprehensive best
      practice fitting protocols should be followed to optimize results for every
      patient.

PMID- 25139517
TI  - Preclinical evaluation and test-retest studies of [(18)F]PSS232, a novel
      radioligand for targeting metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5).
AB  - PURPOSE: A novel, (18)F-labelled metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5
      (mGlu5) derivative of [(11)C]ABP688 ([(11)C]1), [(18)F]PSS232 ([(18)F] ]5), was
      evaluated in vitro and in vivo for its potential as a PET agent and was used in
      test-retest reliability studies METHODS: The radiosynthesis of [(18)F]5 was
      accomplished via a one-step reaction using a mesylate precursor. In vitro
      stability was determined in PBS and plasma, and with liver microsomal enzymes.
      Metabolite studies were performed using rat brain extracts, blood and urine. In
      vitro autoradiography was performed on horizontal slices of rat brain using 1 and
      8, antagonists for mGlu5 and mGlu1, respectively. Small-animal PET,
      biodistribution, and test-retest studies were performed in Wistar rats. In vivo,
      dose-dependent displacement studies were performed using 6 and blocking studies
      with 7. RESULTS: [(18)F]5 was obtained in decay-corrected maximal radiochemical
      yield of 37 % with a specific activity of 80 - 400 GBq/MUmol. Treatment with rat
      and human microsomal enzymes in vitro for 60 min resulted in 20 % and 4 % of
      hydrophilic radiometabolites, respectively. No hydrophilic decomposition products
      or radiometabolites were found in PBS or plasma. In vitro autoradiography on rat
      brain slices showed a heterogeneous distribution consistent with the known
      distribution of mGlu5 with high binding to hippocampal and cortical regions, and
      negligible radioactivity in the cerebellum. Similar distribution of radioactivity
      was found in PET images. Under displacement conditions with 6, reduced [(18)F]5
      binding was found in all brain regions except the cerebellum. 7 reduced binding
      in the striatum by 84 % on average. Test-retest studies were reproducible with a
      variability ranging from 6.8 % to 8.2 %. An extended single-dose toxicity study
      in Wistar rats showed no compound-related adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The new
      mGlu5 radiotracer, [(18)F]5, showed specific and selective in vitro and in vivo
      properties and is a promising radioligand for PET imaging of mGlu5 in humans.

PMID- 25139518
TI  - Incidental colonic focal FDG uptake on PET/CT: can the maximum standardized
      uptake value (SUVmax) guide us in the timing of colonoscopy?
AB  - PURPOSE: In patients undergoing (18)F-FDG PET/CT, incidental colonic focal
      lesions can be indicative of inflammatory, premalignant or malignant lesions. The
      maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of these lesions, representing the FDG
      uptake intensity, might be helpful in differentiating malignant from benign
      lesions, and thereby be helpful in determining the urgency of colonoscopy. The
      aim of our study was to assess the incidence and underlying pathology of
      incidental PET-positive colonic lesions in a large cohort of patients, and to
      determine the usefulness of the SUVmax in differentiating benign from malignant
      pathology. METHODS: The electronic records of all patients who underwent FDG
      PET/CT from January 2010 to March 2013 in our hospital were retrospectively
      reviewed. The main indications for PET/CT were: characterization of an
      indeterminate mass on radiological imaging, suspicion or staging of malignancy,
      and suspicion of inflammation. In patients with incidental focal FDG uptake in
      the large bowel, data regarding subsequent colonoscopy were retrieved, if
      performed within 120 days. The final diagnosis was defined using colonoscopy
      findings, combined with additional histopathological assessment of the lesion, if
      applicable. RESULTS: Of 7,318 patients analysed, 359 (5 %) had 404 foci of
      unexpected colonic FDG uptake. In 242 of these 404 lesions (60 %), colonoscopy
      follow-up data were available. Final diagnoses were: adenocarcinoma in 25 (10 %),
      adenoma in 90 (37 %), and benign in 127 (53 %). The median [IQR] SUVmax was
      significantly higher in adenocarcinoma (16.6 [12 - 20.8]) than in benign lesions
      (8.2 [5.9 - 10.1]; p < 0.0001), non-advanced adenoma (8.3 [6.1 - 10.5]; p <
      0.0001) and advanced adenoma (9.7 [7.2 - 12.6]; p < 0.001). The receiver
      operating characteristic curve of SUVmax for malignant versus nonmalignant
      lesions had an area under the curve of 0.868 (SD +/- 0.038), the optimal cut-off
      value being 11.4 (sensitivity 80 %, specificity 82 %, positive predictive value
      34 %, negative predictive value 98 %). CONCLUSION: In these patients with
      incidental colonic focal activity undergoing PET/CT (the largest series published
      to date), malignancies had significantly higher SUVmax values than all other
      types of lesions. However, SUVmax could not distinguish between benign lesions
      and adenomas. In conclusion, all incidental findings in the colon should be
      further evaluated and lesions with SUVmax >=11.4 should be evaluated without
      delay.

PMID- 25139519
TI  - Diagnostic and therapeutic uses of nanomaterials in the brain.
AB  - Nanomedicine has recently emerged as an exciting tool able to improve the early
      diagnosis and treatment of a variety of intractable or age-related brain
      disorders. The most relevant properties of nanomaterials are that they can be
      engineered to cross the blood brain barrier, to target specific cells and
      molecules and to act as vehicles for drugs. Potentially beneficial properties of
      nanotherapeutics derived from its unique characteristics include improved
      efficacy, safety, sensitivity and personalization compared to conventional
      medicines. In this review, recent advances in available nanostructures and
      nanomaterials for brain applications will be described. Then, the latest
      applications of nanotechnology for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological
      disorders, in particular brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases, will be
      reviewed. Recent investigations of the neurotoxicity of the nanomaterial both in
      vitro and in vivo will be summarized. Finally, the ongoing challenges that have
      to be meet if new nanomedical products are to be put on the market will be
      discussed and some future directions will be outlined. 

PMID- 25139520
TI  - Ischemic colitis: A forgotten entity. Results of a retrospective study in 118
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to document our 6-year experiences in
      identifying the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, risk factors and
      the outcomes of patients with ischemic colitis (IC) in a community hospital
      setting. METHODS: The medical records of patients who were diagnosed with IC from
      2007 to 2013 in two community hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Their
      clinical characteristics, laboratory results, radiological, endoscopic and
      histological evidence, anatomic location of the lesion, comorbidities,
      concomitant use of drugs, and so on, were collected. RESULTS: A total of 118
      patients with IC was identified, most were elderly individuals with a female
      predominance. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and
      diarrhea. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease and diabetes
      mellitus were the most common comorbidities. Erythema, edema and
      erosions/ulcerations were the most common endoscopic findings. Left colon was the
      most affected location of lesion (84.8%), and there was one case of pancolitis.
      The descending colon was the most common affected segment, while rectum was the
      least affected segment. Severe IC occurred in 12.7% of the patients. Death within
      30 days from the diagnosis of the disease occurred in 4.2%. CONCLUSIONS: IC is
      majorly occurred in elderly with a female predominance. Cardiovascular disease
      and its associated risk factors are the most common comorbidities. Left colon is
      the most affected location of the disease and the overall mortality rate was
      4.2%. Physicians should make every effort to identify these patients, especially
      those with high risks.

PMID- 25139521
TI  - Memory traces of long-range coordinated oscillations in the sleeping human brain.
AB  - Cognition involves coordinated activity across distributed neuronal networks.
      Neuronal activity during learning triggers cortical plasticity that allows for
      reorganization of the neuronal network and integration of new information. Animal
      studies have shown post-learning reactivation of learning-elicited neuronal
      network activity during subsequent sleep, supporting consolidation of the
      reorganization. However, no previous studies, to our knowledge, have demonstrated
      reactivation of specific learning-elicited long-range functional connectivity
      during sleep in humans. We here show reactivation of learning-induced long-range
      synchronization of magnetoencephalography power fluctuations in human sleep.
      Visuomotor learning elicited a specific profile of long-range cortico-cortical
      synchronization of slow (0.1 Hz) fluctuations in beta band (12-30 Hz) power. The
      parieto-occipital part of this synchronization profile reappeared in delta band
      (1-3.5 Hz) power fluctuations during subsequent sleep, but not during the
      intervening wakefulness period. Individual differences in the reactivated
      synchronization predicted postsleep performance improvement. The presleep resting
      state synchronization profile was not reactivated during sleep. The findings
      demonstrate reactivation of long-range coordination of neuronal activity in
      humans, more specifically of reactivation of coupling of infra-slow fluctuations
      in oscillatory power. The spatiotemporal profile of delta power fluctuations
      during sleep may subserve memory consolidation by echoing coordinated activation
      elicited by prior learning.

PMID- 25139522
TI  - Renal denervation for treatment of hypertension and beyond.

PMID- 25139523
TI  - Blood pressure and blood flow find its way.

PMID- 25139525
TI  - Reconfigurable swarms of nematic colloids controlled by photoactivated surface
      patterns.
AB  - Different phoretic driving mechanisms have been proposed for the transport of
      solid or liquid microscopic inclusions in integrated chemical processes. It is
      now shown that a substrate that was chemically modified with photosensitive self
      assembled monolayers enables the direct control of the assembly and transport of
      large ensembles of micrometer-sized particles and drops that were dispersed in a
      thin layer of anisotropic fluid. This strategy separates particle driving, which
      was realized by AC electrophoresis, and steering, which was achieved by elastic
      modulation of the nematic host fluid. Inclusions respond individually or in
      collective modes following arbitrary reconfigurable paths that were imprinted by
      irradiation with UV or blue light. Relying solely on generic material properties,
      the proposed procedure is versatile enough for the development of applications
      that involve either inanimate or living materials. 

PMID- 25139524
TI  - A spatial simulation model for dengue virus infection in urban areas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization estimates that the global number of
      dengue infections range between 80-100 million per year, with some studies
      estimating approximately three times higher numbers. Furthermore, the geographic
      range of dengue virus transmission is extending with the disease now occurring
      more frequently in areas such as southern Europe. Ae. aegypti, one of the most
      prominent dengue vectors, is endemic to the far north-east of Australia and the
      city of Cairns frequently experiences dengue outbreaks which sometimes lead to
      large epidemics. METHOD: A spatially-explicit, individual-based mathematical
      model that accounts for the spread of dengue infection as a result of human
      movement and mosquito dispersion is presented. The model closely couples the four
      key sub-models necessary for representing the overall dynamics of the physical
      system, namely those describing mosquito population dynamics, human movement,
      virus transmission and vector control. Important features are the use of high
      quality outbreak data and mosquito trapping data for calibration and validation
      and a strategy to derive local mosquito abundance based on vegetation coverage
      and census data. RESULTS: The model has been calibrated using detailed 2003
      dengue outbreak data from Cairns, together with census and mosquito trapping
      data, and is shown to realistically reproduce a further dengue outbreak. The
      simulation results replicating the 2008/2009 Cairns epidemic support several
      hypotheses (formulated previously) aimed at explaining the large-scale epidemic
      which occurred in 2008/2009; specifically, while warmer weather and increased
      human movement had only a small effect on the spread of the virus, a shorter
      virus strain-specific extrinsic incubation time can explain the observed
      explosive outbreak of 2008/2009. CONCLUSION: The proof-of-concept simulation
      model described in this study has potential as a tool for understanding factors
      contributing to dengue spread as well as planning and optimizing dengue control,
      including reducing the Ae. aegypti vector population and for estimating the
      effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of future vaccination programmes. This model
      could also be applied to other vector borne viral diseases such as chikungunya,
      also spread by Ae. aegypti and, by re-parameterisation of the vector sub-model,
      to dengue and chikungunya viruses spread by Aedes albopictus.

PMID- 25139526
TI  - Head-mounted display for a personal integrated image monitoring system: ureteral
      stent placement.
AB  - The personal head-mounted display (HMD) has emerged as a novel image monitoring
      system. We present here the application of a high-definition organic
      electroluminescent binocular HMD in ureteral stent placement. Our HMD system
      displayed multiple forms of information such as integrated, sharp, high-contrast
      images using a four-split screen or a picture-in-picture technique both
      seamlessly and synchronously. When both the operator and the assistant wore an
      HMD, they could continuously and simultaneously monitor the cystoscopic and
      fluoroscopic images in an ergonomically natural position. Furthermore, each
      participant was able to modulate the displayed images depending on the procedure.
      In all five cases, both the operator and the assistant successfully used this
      system with no unfavorable event. No participants experienced any HMD wear
      related adverse effects. We therefore believe this HMD system might be
      potentially beneficial during ureteral stent placement procedures. Furthermore,
      it is compact, easily introduced and affordable.

PMID- 25139527
TI  - 7,8-dihydroxyflavone protects PC12 cells against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced cell
      death through modulating PI3K/Akt and JNK pathways.
AB  - We have recently shown that 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) protects PC12 cells
      against 6-OHDA-induced cytotoxicity through its antioxidant activity. In the
      present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuronal
      protective activity of 7,8-DHF. Western blot analysis showed that 6-OHDA (100MUM,
      24h) enhanced the phosphorylation of JNK and ERK1/2, but it markedly suppressed
      the expression of p-Akt, implying that 6-OHDA induces PC12 cell death through
      activating the pro-apoptotic MAPKs pathway but suppressing the survival PI3K/Akt
      pathway. More importantly, addition of 7,8-DHF fully prevented the activation of
      JNK and suppression of Akt induced by 6-OHDA. Interestingly, pretreatment with
      the PI3K-specific inhibitor LY294002 largely blocked 7,8-DHF function in
      protecting PC12 cells from 6-OHDA-induced cell death. In contrast, the MEK
      inhibitor PD98059 showed little effect on the protective activity of 7,8-DHF.
      These results suggest that 7,8-DHF might protect PC12 cells from 6-OHDA-induced
      cell death through activating PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibiting JNK pathway.

PMID- 25139528
TI  - Disruption reduces accuracy and P3b amplitudes in the attentional blink.
AB  - In everyday life, distracting stimuli often interfere with daily tasks, and
      disrupt successful task performance. The attentional blink paradigm (a deficit in
      reporting the second target (T2) in a rapid stream of visual stimuli) allows for
      an investigation of disruption by rapidly appearing stimuli. Specifically, the
      magnitude of the attentional blink deficit can be manipulated by positioning
      relevant stimuli at strategic locations within the visual stream. The current
      study therefore designed and tested a disruption paradigm that aimed to reduce T2
      accuracy using a disruptor stimulus. Electroencephalography was used to reveal
      the neural correlates of the effect. To that end, targets were defined by task
      set colours. The item immediately preceding T2 appeared in a task-set colour
      (disrupted trials) or a different colour (non-disrupted trials). The results
      revealed that T2 accuracy was reduced on disrupted trials, and disruption
      appeared to be worse when T2 appeared inside the attentional blink window. The
      behavioural data were paralleled by the neural results. On trials where T2
      appeared within the AB window and was correctly reported, T2-P3b amplitude (a
      neural correlate of working memory consolidation) was significantly depressed on
      disrupted trials compared with non-disrupted trials. Single trial plots of P3b
      amplitude confirmed a weaker neural trace for T2 on disrupted trials. These data
      indicate that the magnitude and neural signature of the attentional blink deficit
      is malleable, and can be influenced by non-target, task-relevant stimuli. 

PMID- 25139529
TI  - rs11098403 polymorphism near NDST3 is associated with a reduced risk of
      schizophrenia in a Han Chinese population.
AB  - A recent genome-wide association study indicated that rs11098403, a single
      nucleotide polymorphism in the vicinity of NDST3, was strongly associated with
      the risk of schizophrenia in Caucasians. However, this relation has not been
      validated in other populations or ethnic groups. Herein, we conducted a case
      control study to investigate the association of rs11098403 polymorphism with the
      schizophrenia risk in a Han Chinese population comprising 440 schizophrenia
      patients and 450 control subjects. For the first time, we showed that the minor
      allele (G) of rs11098403 is closely associated with a reduced risk of
      schizophrenia (OR=0.614; 95% CI: 0.453-0.833; P=0.002; Power=0.832). Meanwhile,
      the G allele of rs11098403 seemed to reduce the schizophrenia risk via a dominant
      manner (GG+AG vs. AA, OR=0.526; 95% CI: 0.374-0.74; P<0.001). Furthermore, this
      association was further confirmed using an independent replication sample
      containing 267 schizophrenia patients and 400 control subjects with a Han Chinese
      descent (OR=0.652; 95% CI: 0.469-0.907; P=0.011; Power=0.772). Taken together,
      these findings demonstrate a significant association between rs11098403 and
      schizophrenia risk in Han Chinese, confirming the data that previously obtained
      from Caucasians. 

PMID- 25139530
TI  - XLPE based Al2O3-clay binary and ternary hybrid nanocomposites: self-assembly of
      nanoscale hybrid fillers, polymer chain confinement and transport
      characteristics.
AB  - Transport properties of hybrid nanoparticle based cross-linked polyethylene
      (XLPE)-Al2O3-clay binary and ternary nanocomposites have been investigated with
      special significance to the hybrid effect and synergism of hybrid nanofillers.
      Compiling the temperature and filler effects demonstrates the self-assembly of
      hybrid nanofillers in confining the polymer chain dynamics. Studies on transport
      mechanisms, transport coefficients, and swelling parameters confirm the superior
      solvent resistant properties of hybrid filler reinforced nanocomposites.
      Experiments confirmed the extra stability of the ternary hybrid nanocomposites
      against the process of solvent penetration. Thermodynamic and kinetic
      investigations reveal that the nanofillers are competent to alter the
      thermodynamic feasibility and rate constant parameters. Theoretical predictions
      by the Peppas-Sahlin model suggest that the diffusion process is well thought-out
      to be a combination of diffusion into the swollen polymer and the polymer chain
      relaxation process. The morphology and the network density estimation confirm the
      presence of filler networks and the trapped polymer chains inside them, in
      ternary systems, which elucidate the microstructure assisted solvent resistant
      properties of the ternary hybrid nanocomposites. The amount of polymer chains
      immobilized by the filler surface was computed from dynamic mechanical analysis
      and a nice correlation was established between transport characteristics and the
      polymer chain confinement. 

PMID- 25139531
TI  - Range expansion of Ixodes ricinus to higher altitude, and co-infestation of small
      rodents with Dermacentor marginatus in the Northern Apennines, Italy.
AB  - Immature ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor marginatus) were collected from
      small rodents (Apodemus spp. and Myodes glareolus), in the Northern Apennines,
      Italy, at an altitude up to 1650 m above sea level (a.s.l.), from 2009 through
      2012. While D. marginatus had been found at the same location in studies carried
      out in 1994, I. ricinus was very rare or absent. Prevalence (95% confidence
      interval) of infestation by I. ricinus larvae on Apodemus spp. was 54.4% (47.5,
      61.2), and it was greater than prevalence of D. marginatus larvae on the same
      hosts (23.3%, 17.8, 29.5). The mean (standard deviation) numbers of I. ricinus
      and D. marginatus larvae per individual Apodemus spp. were similar: 2.3 (4.1) and
      2.1 (9.8), respectively. The monthly infestation pattern of the two tick species
      on Apodemus spp. were different. I. ricinus larvae were more frequent in June and
      September, than in July-August. I. ricinus nymphs were generally rare, and were
      most frequently found in July. The prevalence of D. marginatus larvae peaked in
      July-August, whereas nymphs were mostly active in August-September. Increasing
      population densities of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and increasing
      temperatures, in the last decades, in the Apennine area might have contributed to
      the observed range expansion of I. ricinus.

PMID- 25139532
TI  - Preoperative chemoradiation therapy for esophageal cancer is a risk factor for
      the elevation of high mobility group box-1, leading to an increase in
      postoperative severe pulmonary complications.
AB  - We herein clarified the time course of changes in the serum high mobility group
      box chromosomal protein-1 (HMGB-1) concentrations in esophageal cancer patients
      after esophagectomy, and investigated whether the perioperative serum HMGB-1
      levels correlate with the administration of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy
      (NACRT) and the postoperative clinical course, especially the occurrence of
      pulmonary complications, in such patients. Sixty patients who underwent right
      transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were enrolled in this study.
      The relationship between the perioperative serum HMGB-1 levels and NACRT, and the
      postoperative severe pulmonary complications were evaluated. Patients with severe
      pulmonary complications (n = 44) tended to have undergone NACRT more often than
      those without severe pulmonary complications (n = 16). The preoperative and
      postoperative day 7 serum HMGB-1 concentrations were significantly higher in
      patients with severe pulmonary complications than those in patients without
      severe pulmonary complications. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, the
      use of NACRT and the preoperative elevations in the serum HMGB-1 levels (>4.2
      ng/mL) were found to be significantly associated with pulmonary dysfunction.
      Furthermore, the response to NACRT was found to be significantly associated with
      the preoperative serum HMGB-1 levels. The use of NACRT contributes to
      preoperative serum HMGB-1 elevation, and these were risk factors for the
      occurrence of severe postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with
      esophageal cancer after thoracic esophagectomy. 

PMID- 25139533
TI  - Increased oligodendrogenesis by humanin promotes axonal remyelination and
      neurological recovery in hypoxic/ischemic brains.
AB  - Oligodendrocytes are the predominant cell type in white matter and are highly
      vulnerable to ischemic injury. The role of oligodendrocyte dysfunction in
      ischemic brain injury is unknown. In this study, we used a 24-amino acid peptide
      S14G-Humanin (HNG) to examine oligodendrogenesis and neurological functional
      recovery in a hypoxic/ischemic (H/I) neonatal model. Intraperitoneal HNG pre
      treatment decreased infarct volume following H/I injury. Delayed HNG treatment 24
      h after H/I injury did not reduce infarct volume but did decrease neurological
      deficits and brain atrophy. Delayed HNG treatment did not attenuate axonal
      demyelination at 48 h after H/I injury. However, at 14 d after H/I injury,
      delayed HNG treatment increased axonal remyelination, the thickness of corpus
      callosum at the midline, the number of Olig2(+) /BrdU(+) cells, and levels of
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our results suggest that targeting
      oligodendrogenesis via delayed HNG treatment may represent a promising approach
      for the treatment of stroke.

PMID- 25139534
TI  - Molecular features and survival outcomes of the intrinsic subtypes within HER2
      positive breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of the biological heterogeneity within HER2
      positive (HER2+) breast cancer is not fully understood. Here, we evaluated the
      molecular features and survival outcomes of the intrinsic subtypes within HER2+
      breast cancer. METHODS: We interrogated The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 495) and
      Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) datasets
      (n = 1730) of primary breast cancers for molecular data derived from DNA, RNA and
      protein, and determined intrinsic subtype. Clinical HER2 status was defined
      according to American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/College of American
      Pathologists (CAP) guidelines or DNA copy-number aberration by single nucleotide
      polymorphism arrays. Cox models tested the prognostic significance of each
      variable in patients not treated with trastuzumab (n = 1711). RESULTS: Compared
      with clinically HER2 (cHER2)-negative breast cancer, cHER2+ breast cancer had a
      higher frequency of the HER2-enriched (HER2E) subtype (47.0% vs 7.1%) and a lower
      frequency of Luminal A (10.7% vs 39.0%) and Basal-like (14.1% vs 23.4%) subtypes.
      The likelihood of cHER2-positivity in HER2E, Luminal B, Basal-like and Luminal A
      subtypes was 64.6%, 20.0%, 14.4% and 7.3%, respectively. Within each subtype,
      only 0.3% to 3.9% of genes were found differentially expressed between cHER2+ and
      cHER2-negative tumors. Within cHER2+ tumors, HER2 gene and protein expression was
      statistically significantly higher in the HER2E and Basal-like subtypes than
      either luminal subtype. Neither cHER2 status nor the new 10-subtype copy number
      based classification system (IntClust) added independent prognostic value to
      intrinsic subtype. CONCLUSIONS: When the intrinsic subtypes are taken into
      account, cHER2-positivity does not translate into large changes in the expression
      of downstream signaling pathways, nor does it affect patient survival in the
      absence of HER2 targeting.

PMID- 25139535
TI  - HER2-positive breast cancer, intrinsic subtypes, and tailoring therapy.

PMID- 25139536
TI  - Commentary: Socioeconomic status and hypertension in low- and middle-income
      countries: can we learn anything from existing studies?

PMID- 25139537
TI  - Rejoinder: Socioeconomic gradients and hypertension in low- and middle-income
      countries: a straw man and no solutions.

PMID- 25139538
TI  - Comparison of Chinese and international psychiatrists' views on classification of
      mental disorders.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to explore the views and attitudes of Chinese
      psychiatrists on mental disorders classification, and to compare their
      similarities and differences with those of the international mental health
      professionals. METHODS: Two hundred and ninety members of the Chinese Society of
      Psychiatry were invited to participate in the study and 211 completed the survey.
      RESULTS: Ninety-one percent of Chinese participants regularly used a formal
      classification system, with more users of the International Classification of
      Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10; 48.8%) or Chinese Classification of Mental
      Disorders 3rd Edition (39.3%) than the 4th Edition of Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual (11.4%). Like their global counterparts, Chinese respondents regarded
      communication among clinicians as the most important purpose of a classification
      and preferred a simpler system with fewer categories. Chinese psychiatrists were
      more likely than international participants to prefer a system with strict
      diagnostic criteria for all disorders and to endorse problems with a cultural
      applicability of the classification. However, only a minority (31.3%) indicated
      that they saw a need for a national classification. DISCUSSION: Overall, Chinese
      psychiatrists have similar opinions and attitudes on most issues of the
      classification to the international clinicians. Areas of divergent views may
      provide meaningful information for ICD revision in China.

PMID- 25139539
TI  - Investigating the role of neuropathic pain relief in decreasing gait variability
      in diabetes mellitus patients with neuropathic pain: a randomized, double-blind
      crossover trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM) develop gait dysfunction
      contributing to falls, reluctance to perform activities and injuries. Neuropathic
      pain (NeP) related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is associated with
      increased gait variability that may contribute to gait dysfunction. We used a
      portable device (GaitMeterTM) and related gait and balance measures to measure
      gait parameters in painful DPN (PDPN) subjects prior to and during analgesia. Our
      hypothesis was that PDPN subjects would have decreased gait step variability when
      receiving pharmacological relief of NeP. METHODS: DPN subjects with at least
      moderate NeP were assessed in a randomized, double-blind crossover study of
      pregabalin versus placebo. The outcome measure was variability in step length and
      step velocity. Testing for Timed Get-Up-and-Go Test, Tinetti Mobility Scales,
      Sway Testing, a Physiological Profile Approach, and fall-related surveys were
      also performed. DPN severity was quantified using the Utah Early Neuropathy
      Score. RESULTS: PDPN subjects developed increased, rather than decreased, step
      length and step velocity variability during pregabalin treatment. There were no
      significant differences between cohorts for other physiological gait and balance
      testing. Non-significant NeP relief occurred in the pregabalin phase of study as
      compared with placebo. There was a negative relationship for step length with
      pain severity. CONCLUSION: Analgesia did not decrease gait variability in PDPN
      patients, and in fact, increased gait variability was seen during pregabalin
      treatment. Other important relationships of gait dysfunction with PDPN should be
      sought.

PMID- 25139540
TI  - Routine plasma biochemistry analytes in clinically healthy cats: within-day
      variations and effects of a standard meal.
AB  - Limited information is available on pre-analytical variations in plasma analytes
      in cats. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of the time of
      sampling and a standard meal on plasma analytes in healthy cats. Eight healthy,
      adult, fasted cats underwent blood sampling every 2 h from 8 am to 8 pm twice at
      a 12 day interval. On the days of sampling, four cats were kept fasted and the
      others were fed just after the first sample, in a crossover design. Plasma
      glucose, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, calcium, phosphate,
      proteins, albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase and
      alkaline phosphatase were assayed on each sample. Effects of time of sampling and
      meal on plasma biochemistry results were tested using a general linear model.
      Diurnal variations in tested plasma analytes in fasted cats were negligible
      except for urea and creatinine, which gave noticeably higher plasma
      concentrations in the afternoon than in the morning. Observed postprandial
      variations were of some importance for phosphate and creatinine and of
      indisputable clinical relevance for CO2 and urea. 

PMID- 25139542
TI  - Cosmetic surgeon is struck off for putting commercial interests ahead of his
      patients.

PMID- 25139543
TI  - Selective transamidation of 3-oxo-N-acyl homoserine lactones by hydrazine
      derivatives.
AB  - A method for the selective transamidation of the 3-oxo sub-family of N-acyl
      homoserine lactones (3-oxo-AHLs) under physiologically relevant conditions has
      been developed. The reaction has the potential to serve as a strategy for
      selective knockdown of key autoinducers in a multicellular environment. 

PMID- 25139544
TI  - Chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans for CNS homeostasis-implications for
      material design.
AB  - Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are complex biomolecules that are known
      to facilitate patterning of axonal direction and cell migration during the early
      growth and development phase of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). In
      adults, they continue to control neuronal plasticity as major constituents of the
      "peri-neuronal nets" (PNNs) that surround adult CNS neurons. CSPGs are also
      barrier-forming molecules that are selectively upregulated by invading reactive
      astroglia after injury to the CNS, and are responsible for the active repulsion
      of regenerating neurons post-injury. Recent evidence however suggests that the
      diverse sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains attached to CSPGs are key
      components that play paradoxical roles in influencing nerve regeneration post
      injury to the CNS. Sulfated GAG repeats attached to the CSPG core protein help
      mediate cell migration, neuritogenesis, axonal pathfinding, and axonal repulsion
      by directly trapping and presenting a whole host of growth factors to cells
      locally, or by binding to specific membrane bound proteins on the cell surface to
      influence cellular function. In this review, we will present the current gamut of
      interventional strategies used to bridge CNS deficits, and discuss the potential
      advantages of using sulfated GAG based biomaterials to facilitate the repair and
      regeneration of the injured CNS. 

PMID- 25139545
TI  - Mutations in the NS5A gene of hepatitis C virus subtype 1b and response to peg
      IFNalpha-2a/RBV combination therapy in Azerbaijani patients.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major causes of chronic liver
      disease throughout the world. The presence of mutations in different regions of
      the HCV subtype 1b (HCV-1b) nonstructural 5A (NS5A) gene may be associated with
      response to interferon therapy. This study evaluated whether amino acid
      substitutions in the NS5A protein of HCV-1b correlated with response to pegylated
      interferon alfa-2a (peg-IFNalpha-2a) and ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy in
      Azerbaijani patients. From March 2010 to April 2014, a total of 34 chronically
      HCV-1b-infected Azerbaijani patients were enrolled in this prospective study.
      After extraction of RNA from plasma specimens, the entire sequences of the NS5A
      gene of HCV was amplified by reverse transcription nested polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-nested PCR), and the PCR products were sequenced subsequently. The
      data that were obtained revealed that there was no correlation between the
      response to HCV combination therapy and the number of mutations in the NS5A
      PKRBD, NS5A-ISDR, and NS5A-V3 regions of HCV. It also was found that changes from
      isoleucine to valine (I2252 V), aspartic acid to glutamic acid (D2257), arginine
      to lysine (R2269 K), and arginine to glycine in NS5A-PKRBD and from glycine to
      glutamic acid (G2379E) in the NS5A-V3 region were not associated with HCV
      treatment outcome. This study showed that genetic variability in the NS5A-PKRBD,
      NS5A-ISDR, and NS5A-V3 regions is not a predictive factor of SVR, NR or relapse
      in HCV genotype1b treated with peg-IFNalpha-2a/RBV combination therapy.

PMID- 25139546
TI  - Replication of Chinese sacbrood virus in primary cell cultures of Asian honeybee
      (Apis cerana).
AB  - A primary cell culture system was established for the first time from embryonic
      tissues of Asian honeybee, Apis cerana, and used to trace the early infection
      process of Chinese sacbrood virus (CSBV), an iflavirus in the family Iflaviridae.
      A monolayer of epithelium-like cells of A. cerana, approximately 8-10 MUm in
      diameter, was grown in Kimura's insect medium at 28  degrees C within 3-4 days of
      setting up the cultures. Such cultured cells were inoculated with CSBV purified
      from infected larvae or pupae for 2 h. In electron and confocal micrographs,
      viral particles accumulated as filamentous or vesicular inclusions in the
      cytoplasm of infected cultured cells at 36 h post-inoculation (hpi). Real-time
      quantitative RT-PCR assay showed that the expression levels of four cistrons of
      CSBV in the cultured cells increased rapidly between 12 and 48 hpi. This newly
      established primary cell culture derived from A. cerana will be useful for
      further studies of infection caused by CSBV.

PMID- 25139547
TI  - Experimental inoculation of equine coronavirus into Japanese draft horses.
AB  - Recently, outbreaks associated with equine coronavirus (ECoV) have occurred in
      Japan and the United States. While ECoV is likely to be pathogenic to horses, it
      has not been shown that experimental inoculation of horses with ECoV produces
      clinical signs of disease. In this study, we inoculated three Japanese draft
      horses with an ECoV-positive diarrheic fecal sample to confirm infection after
      inoculation and to investigate the clinical course and virus shedding patterns of
      ECoV. Virus neutralization tests showed that all three horses became infected
      with ECoV. Two of the three horses developed clinical signs similar to those
      observed during ECoV outbreaks, including fever, anorexia, and gastrointestinal
      dysfunction. All horses excreted a large amount of virus into their feces for
      more than 9 days after inoculation regardless of the presence or absence of
      clinical signs, which suggests that feces are an important source of ECoV
      infection. ECoV was also detected in nasal swabs from all horses, suggesting that
      respiratory transmission of ECoV may occur. Both symptomatic horses developed
      viremia, while the asymptomatic horse did not. White blood cell counts and serum
      amyloid A concentrations changed relative to the clinical condition of the
      inoculated horses; these may be useful markers for monitoring the clinical status
      of horses infected with ECoV. This is the first report of induction of clinical
      signs of ECoV infection in horses by experimental inoculation. These clinical and
      virological findings should aid further investigation of the pathogenesis of
      ECoV.

PMID- 25139548
TI  - Is postoperative computed tomography evaluation a prognostic indicator in
      patients with optimally debulked advanced ovarian cancer?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgeon's intraoperative assessment of residual tumor
      (RT) disease with that identified on postoperative computed tomography (CT) in
      patients undergoing optimal primary surgical cytoreduction (RT <1 cm) and to
      identify the prognostic significance of postoperative CT scan of RT. METHODS:
      Patients with FIGO stage III-IV ovarian cancer treated at the Gynecologic
      Oncology Unit of the National Cancer Institute between November 2011 and March
      2013, who underwent optimal primary cytoreduction and were entered in prospective
      controlled clinical trials requiring a baseline postoperative CT evaluation
      within 30 days, were enrolled. All CT scans were reviewed by a dedicated
      radiologist to evaluate RT. Median follow-up was 16 months. RESULTS: 64 out of
      160 patients met the eligibility criteria. RT = 0, 0.1 < RT < 0.5 cm, and 0.6 <
      RT < 1 cm was reported in 53 (82.8%), 9 (14.1%) and 2 (3.1%) cases, respectively.
      Postoperative CT disagreed with RT in 13 out of 64 (20.3%) cases. Progression
      free survival (PFS) of patients with a positive and negative postoperative CT
      scan of RT was 5 months (95% CI 1-15 months) and 28 months (95% CI 2-46 months),
      respectively (p < 0.0001). Evidence of the disease using postoperative CT was an
      independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (HR = 8.87, 95% CI = 3.23
      24.31, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of the disease using postoperative CT
      was associated with a significant decrease in PFS in patients who underwent
      optimal primary cytoreduction. RT status as evaluated with early postoperative CT
      may have an important role in prognostic assessment.

PMID- 25139549
TI  - Reply to the letter to the editor 'second-line chemotherapy in advanced biliary
      cancer: the present now will later be past' by Vivaldi et al.

PMID- 25139550
TI  - A phase II randomized study evaluating the addition of iniparib to gemcitabine
      plus cisplatin as first-line therapy for metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iniparib is a novel anticancer agent initially considered a poly (ADP
      ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, but subsequently shown to act via non
      selective protein modification through cysteine adducts. This randomized phase II
      study investigated the addition of iniparib to gemcitabine-cisplatin in
      metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Patients with histologically confirmed stage IV NSCLC were randomized 2 : 1 to
      receive gemcitabine (1250 mg/m(2), days 1/8) and cisplatin (75 mg/m(2), day 1)
      with [gemcitabine/cisplatin/iniparib (GCI)] or without [gemcitabine/cisplatin
      (GC)] iniparib (5.6 mg/kg, days 1/4/8/11) every 3 weeks for six cycles. The
      primary end point was the overall response rate (ORR). Secondary objectives
      included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. The
      study was not designed for formal efficacy comparison, the control arm being to
      benchmark results against the literature. RESULTS: One hundred and nineteen
      patients were randomized (39 GC and 80 GCI). More GCI patients were male (80% GCI
      and 67% GC) and had PS 0 (61% GCI and 49% GC). The ORR was 25.6% [95% confidence
      interval (CI) 13.0%-42.1%] with GC versus 20.0% (95% CI 11.9%-30.4%) with GCI,
      which did not allow rejection of the null hypothesis (ORR with GCI <=20%; P =
      0.545). Median PFS was 4.3 (95% CI 2.8-5.6) months with GC and 5.7 (95% CI 4.6
      6.6) months with GCI (hazard ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.56-1.40). Median OS was 8.5
      (95% CI 5.5 to not reached) months with GC, and 12.0 (95% CI 8.9-17.1) months
      with GCI (hazard ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.48-1.27). More GCI patients received second
      line treatment (51% GC and 68% GCI). Toxicity was similar in the two arms. Grade
      3-4 toxicities included asthenia (28% GC and 8% GCI), nausea (3% GC and 14% GCI),
      and decreased appetite (10% in each). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of iniparib to GC did
      not improve ORR over GC alone. The GCI safety profile was comparable to GC alone.
      Imbalances in PS and gender distribution may have impacted study results
      regarding PFS and OS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier
      NCT01086254.

PMID- 25139551
TI  - Antihypertensive medication exposure and cardiovascular outcomes in hemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Our understanding of the effectiveness of cardioprotective
      medications in maintenance dialysis patients is based upon drug exposures
      assessed at a single point in time. We employed a novel, time-dependent approach
      to modeling medication use over time to examine outcomes in a large national
      cohort. METHODS: We linked Medicaid prescription claims with United States Renal
      Data System registry data and Medicare claims for 52,922 hypertensive maintenance
      dialysis patients. All-cause mortality and a combined cardiovascular disease
      (CVD)-endpoint were modeled as functions of exposure to cardioprotective
      antihypertensive medications (renin angiotensin system antagonists, beta
      adrenergic blockers, and calcium channel blockers) measured with three time
      dependent covariates (weekly exposure status, proportion of prior weeks with
      exposure, and number of switches in exposure status) and with propensity
      adjustment. RESULTS: Current cardioprotective medication exposure status as
      compared to not exposed was associated with lower adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs)
      for mortality, though the magnitude depended upon the proportion of prior weeks
      with medication (duration) and the number of switches between active and non
      active use (switches) (AHR range 0.54-0.90). Combined CVD-endpoints depended upon
      the proportion of weeks on medication: AHR = 1.18 for 10% and AHR = 0.90 for 90%
      of weeks. Combined CVD-endpoint was also lower for patients with fewer switches.
      CONCLUSIONS: Effectiveness depends not only on having a drug available but is
      tempered by duration and stability of use, likely reflecting variation in
      clinical stability and patient behavior.

PMID- 25139552
TI  - A Retrospective Review of the Clinical Experience of Linezolid with or Without
      Rifampicin in Prosthetic Joint Infections Treated with Debridement and Implant
      Retention.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Debridement and prosthesis retention, combined with a prolonged
      antibiotic regimen including rifampicin, is an accepted therapeutic approach when
      the duration of symptoms is less than 4 weeks and there are no radiological signs
      of loosening. The outcome of patients managed with this strategy has been
      previously assessed in several articles with success rates of 60-90%. This study
      aims to review the clinical experience with linezolid in 3 different hospitals
      from Spain and France in patients with prosthetic joint infection (PJI) managed
      with debridement, retention of the implant and treated with linezolid with or
      without rifampicin. METHODS: Patients with an acute PJI who underwent open
      debridement with implant retention treated with linezolid for more than 7 days in
      3 hospitals from Barcelona, Tours and Lille between 2005 and 2011 were
      retrospectively reviewed. Relevant information about demographics, co-morbidity,
      type of implant, surgical treatment, microorganism isolated, antimicrobial
      therapy, adverse events (AEs) and outcomes were recorded from patients. RESULTS:
      A total of 39 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age (SD) was 70.5
      (8.8) years and 9 patients had diabetes mellitus (23%). There were 25 (64%) knee
      prostheses, 13 (33%) hips and 1 shoulder (3%). The median interquartile range
      (IQR) days from arthroplasty to infection diagnosis was 17 (19-48) and 33 (85%)
      cases were diagnosed within the first 60 days. The median (IQR) duration of
      antibiotic treatment was 70.5 (34-96) days and the median (IQR) number of days on
      linezolid treatment was 44.5 (30-81). AEs were observed in 15 patients (38%),
      with gastrointestinal complaints in 8 cases and anemia in 5 being the most
      frequent. After a median (IQR) follow-up of 2.5 (1.8-3.6) years, there were 11
      failures (28%) (8 relapses and 3 new infections). The failure rate was higher in
      the rifampicin group (36% vs. 18%) mainly due to a higher relapse rate (27% vs.
      12%) although differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION:
      Management of acute PJIs with debridement and retention of the implant linezolid,
      with or without rifampicin, is associated with a high remission rate and it is an
      alternative treatment for infections due to fluoroquinolone and/or rifampicin
      resistant staphylococci.

PMID- 25139553
TI  - Searching for the molecular benchmark of physiological intestinal anastomotic
      healing in rats: an experimental study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This investigation focuses on the physiological characteristics of gene
      transcription of intestinal tissue following anastomosis formation. METHODS: In
      eight rats, end-to-end ileo-ileal anastomoses were performed (n = 2/group). The
      healthy intestinal tissue resected for this operation was used as a control. On
      days 0, 2, 4 and 8, 10-mm perianastomotic segments were resected. Control and
      perianastomotic segments were examined with an Affymetrix microarray chip to
      assess changes in gene regulation. Microarray findings were validated using real
      time PCR for selected genes. In addition to screening global gene expression, we
      identified genes intensely regulated during healing and also subjected our data
      sets to an overrepresentation analysis using the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto
      Encyclopedia for Genes and Genomes (KEGG). RESULTS: Compared to the control
      group, we observed that the number of differentially regulated genes peaked on
      day 2 with a total of 2,238 genes, decreasing by day 4 to 1,687 genes and to
      1,407 genes by day 8. PCR validation for matrix metalloproteinases-3 and -13
      showed not only identical transcription patterns but also analogous regulation
      intensity. When setting the cutoff of upregulation at 10-fold to identify genes
      likely to be relevant, the total gene count was significantly lower with 55, 45
      and 37 genes on days 2, 4 and 8, respectively. A total of 947 GO subcategories
      were significantly overrepresented during anastomotic healing. Furthermore, 23
      overrepresented KEGG pathways were identified. CONCLUSION: This study is the
      first of its kind that focuses explicitly on gene transcription during intestinal
      anastomotic healing under standardized conditions. Our work sets a foundation for
      further studies toward a more profound understanding of the physiology of
      anastomotic healing.

PMID- 25139554
TI  - Surgical electronic logbook: A step forward.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The surgical electronic logbook (surgical e-logbook) aims to:
      simplify registration of the training activities of surgical residents, and to
      obtain reliable and detailed reports about these activities for resident
      evaluation. METHODS: The surgical e-logbook is a unique and shared database.
      Residents prospectively record their activities in 3 areas: surgical, scientific
      and teaching. We can access activity reports that are constantly updated.
      RESULTS: Study period using the surgical e-logbook: Between June 2011 and May
      2013. Number of surgeries reported: 4,255. Number of surgical procedures
      reported: 11,907. Number of surgeries per resident per year reported: 250. Number
      of surgical procedures per resident per year reported: 700. Surgical activity as
      a primary surgeon during the first year of residency is primarily in emergency
      surgery (68,01%) and by laparotomy (97,73%), while during the fifth year of
      residency 51,27% is performed in elective surgery and laparoscopy is used in
      23,10% of cases. During this period, residents participated in a total of 11
      scientific publications, 75 conference presentations and 69 continuing education
      activities. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical e-logbook is a useful tool that simplifies
      the recording and analysis of data about surgical and scientific activities of
      the residents. It is a step forward in the evaluation of the training of surgical
      residents, however, is only an intermediate step towards the development of a
      larger Spanish registry.

PMID- 25139555
TI  - Thoracic aortic cannulation with antegrade perfusion for the procurement of
      abdominal organs.
AB  - The definitive acceptance of an organ as valid for transplant depends on the
      surgical team performing the multiorgan recovery; and unexpected difficulties can
      occur. The demographic characteristics of donors has changed, and some accepted
      donors can present difficulties in surgical technique and risky decisions on the
      validity of the retrieved organ or organs. An alternative method to the
      cannulation of the abdominal aorta is proposed when there is evidence of disease
      in the infrarenal aorta during the multiorgan procurement. The retrocardiac
      descending thoracic aorta is cannulated using an antegrade perfusion; this
      technique allows an increase in organ recovery. 

PMID- 25139556
TI  - Evaluation of the influence of metabolic processes and body composition on
      cognitive functions: Nutrition and Dementia Project (NutrDem Project).
AB  - The global increase in the prevalence of dementia and its associated
      comorbidities and consequences has stimulated intensive research focused on
      better understanding of the basic mechanisms and the possibilities to prevent
      and/or treat cognitive decline or dementia. The etiology of cognitive decline and
      dementia is very complex and is based upon the interplay of genetic and
      environmental factors. A growing body of epidemiological evidence has suggested
      that metabolic syndrome and its components may be important in the development of
      cognitive decline. Furthermore, an abnormal body mass index in middle age has
      been considered as a predictor for the development of dementia. The Nutrition and
      Dementia Project (NutrDem Project) was started at the Department of Old Age
      Psychiatry and Psychotic Disorders with close cooperation with Department of
      Medical Psychology. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of dietary
      patterns, nutritional status, body composition (with evaluation of visceral fat)
      and basic regulatory mechanisms of metabolism in elderly patients on cognitive
      functions and the risk of cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment and/or
      dementia). 

PMID- 25139557
TI  - Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) for the assessment of two
      compartment body composition.
AB  - This review is directed to define the efficacy of bioelectrical impedance vector
      analysis (BIVA) for assessing two-compartment body composition. A systematic
      literature review using MEDLINE database up to 12 February 2014 was performed.
      The list of papers citing the first description of BIVA, obtained from SCOPUS,
      and the reference lists of included studies were also searched. Selection
      criteria included studies comparing the results of BIVA with those of other
      techniques, and studies analyzing bioelectrical vectors of obese, athletic,
      cachectic and lean individuals. Thirty articles met the inclusion criteria. The
      ability of classic BIVA for assessing two-compartment body composition has been
      mainly evaluated by means of indirect techniques, such as anthropometry and
      bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Classic BIVA showed a high agreement with
      body mass index, that can be interpreted in relation to the greater body mass of
      obese and athletic individuals, whereas the comparison with BIA showed less
      consistent results, especially in diseased individuals. When a reference method
      was used, classic BIVA failed to accurately recognize FM% variations, whereas
      specific BIVA furnished good results. Specific BIVA is a promising alternative to
      classic BIVA for assessing two-compartment body composition, with potential
      application in nutritional, sport and geriatric medicine.

PMID- 25139558
TI  - Measuring diet in primary school children aged 8-11 years: validation of the
      Child and Diet Evaluation Tool (CADET) with an emphasis on fruit and vegetable
      intake.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The Child And Diet Evaluation Tool (CADET) is a 24-h food
      diary that measures the nutrition intake of children aged 3-7 years, with a focus
      on fruit and vegetable consumption. Until now CADET has not been used to measure
      nutrient intake of children aged 8-11 years. To ensure that newly assigned
      portion sizes for this older age group were valid, participants were asked to
      complete the CADET diary (the school and home food diary) concurrently with a 1
      day weighed record. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 67 children with a mean age of
      9.3 years (s.d.: +/- 1.4, 51% girls) participated in the study. Total fruit and
      vegetable intake in grams and other nutrients were extracted to compare the mean
      intakes from the CADET diary and Weighed record using t-tests and Pearson's r
      correlations. Bland-Altman analysis was also conducted to assess the agreement
      between the two methods. RESULTS: Correlations comparing the CADET diary to the
      weighed record were high for fruit, vegetables and combined fruit and vegetables
      (r=0.7). The results from the Bland-Altman plots revealed a mean difference of 54
      g (95% confidence interval: -88, 152) for combined fruit and vegetables intake.
      CADET is the only tool recommended by the National Obesity Observatory that has
      been validated in a U.K. population and provides nutrient level data on
      children's diets. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study conclude that CADET
      can provide high-quality nutrient data suitable for evaluating intervention
      studies now for children aged 3-11 years with a focus on fruit and vegetable
      intake.

PMID- 25139559
TI  - Assessment and definition of lean body mass deficiency in the elderly.
AB  - Although the effect of age on body composition has been intensively discussed
      during the past 20 years, we do not have a uniform definition of sarcopenia. A
      suitable definition of low, lean body mass should be based on magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) estimates of muscle mass. Using recent MRI data of a population of
      446 healthy free-living Caucasian volunteers (247 females, 199 males) age 18-78
      years, a low skeletal muscle mass and sarcopenia were defined as a skeletal
      muscle mass >1 and >2 s.d. below the mean value obeserved in younger adults at
      age 18-39 years. The cutoffs for low muscle mass according to the skeletal muscle
      index (skeletal muscle mass/(height)(2)) or the appendicular skeletal muscle mass
      index (skeletal muscle mass of the limbs/(height)(2)) were 6.75 or 4.36 kg/m(2)
      for females and 8.67 or 5.54 kg/m(2) for males, respectively. On the basis of
      these cutoffs, prevalences of sarcopenia in the group of adults at >60 years are
      calculated to be 29% in females and 19.0% in males. Faced with different
      sarcopenic phenotypes (that is, sarcopenia related to frailty and osteopenia;
      sarcopenic obesity related to metabolic risks; cachexia related to wasting
      diseases), future definitions of sarcopenia should be extended to the relations
      between (i) muscle mass and adipose tissue and (ii) muscle mass and bone mass.
      Suitable cutoffs should be based on the associations between estimates of body
      compositions and metabolic risks (for axample, insulin resistance), inflammation
      and muscle function (that is, muscle strength).

PMID- 25139560
TI  - Long-term exposure of human gingival fibroblasts to cigarette smoke condensate
      reduces cell growth by modulating Bax, caspase-3 and p53 expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of oral tissue
      damage leading to periodontal disease. Gingival fibroblasts, the predominant cell
      type inhabiting gingival connective tissue, play a critical role in remodeling
      and maintaining gingival structure. The objective of this study was to
      investigate the effect of long-term exposure to cigarette smoke on human gingival
      fibroblast survival/apoptosis and the molecular pathways involved in these cell
      responses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human gingival fibroblasts were extracted from
      healthy non-smokers and cultured in the presence of cigarette smoke condensate
      (CSC). At the end of each time point, cell growth was evaluated by means of MTT
      assay. Apoptotic and necrotic gene's expression was investigated by polymerase
      chain reaction array and by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and cell cycle
      assays. Western blot was used to investigate Bax and p53 proteins. These tests
      were supported by caspase 3 activity analyses. RESULTS: High levels of CSC
      decreased cell growth and deregulated cell cycle progression by increasing the
      G(0)/G(1) and reducing the S and G(2)/M phases of the gingival fibroblasts.
      Polymerase chain reaction arrays revealed the activation of several apoptotic
      genes by CSC, including TNF receptors, caspases, Bax and p53. This was supported
      by increases in the Bax and p53 protein levels as well as by an elevated activity
      of caspase-3 in the CSC-exposed cells. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated
      that both Bax and caspase-3 displayed a cytosolic and mitochondrial distribution
      in the CSC-exposed gingival fibroblasts, compared to controls. The damaging
      effect of CSC on gingival fibroblast growth was also supported by the decrease in
      interleukin 6 and 8 secretion by the gingival fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: These
      results suggest that CSC may contribute to deregulating fibroblast functions.
      This can compromise fibroblast-epithelial cell interactions, which ultimately
      increases the risk of gingival tissue damage and the onset of periodontitis.

PMID- 25139561
TI  - Tissue-specific actions of FXR in metabolism and cancer.
AB  - The nuclear Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) is a transcription factor critically
      involved in metabolic homeostasis in the gut-liver axis. FXR activity is mediated
      by hormonal and dietary signals and driven by bile acids (BAs), which are the
      natural FXR ligands. Given the great physiological importance in BA homeostasis,
      as well as in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, FXR plays a pivotal
      role in the pathogenesis of a wide range of disease of the liver, biliary tract
      and intestine, including hepatic and colorectal cancer. In the last years several
      studies have shown the relative FXR tissue-specific importance, highlighting
      synergism and additive effects in the liver and intestine. Gain- and loss-of-FXR
      function mouse models have been generated in order to identify the biological
      processes and the molecular FXR targets. Taking advantage of the knowledge on the
      structure-activity relationship of BAs for FXR, semi-synthetic and synthetic
      molecules have been generated to obtain more selective and powerful FXR
      activators than BAs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Linking
      transcription to physiology in lipodomics. 

PMID- 25139563
TI  - New and unusual forms of calcium oxalate raphide crystals in the plant kingdom.
AB  - Calcium oxalate crystals in higher plants occur in five major forms namely
      raphides, styloids, prisms, druses and crystal sand. The form, shape and
      occurrence of calcium oxalate crystals in plants are species- and tissue
      specific, hence the presence or absence of a particular type of crystal can be
      used as a taxonomic character. So far, four different types of needle-like
      raphide crystals have been reported in plants. The present work describes two new
      and unusual forms of raphide crystals from the tubers of Dioscorea polystachya-
      six-sided needles with pointed ends (Type V) and four-sided needles with beveled
      ends (Type VI). Both of these new types of needles are distinct from the other
      four types by each having a surrounding membrane that envelopes a bundle of 10-20
      closely packed thin crystalline sheets. The previously known four types of
      needles have solid or homogenous crystalline material, surrounded by a membrane
      or lamellate sheath called a crystal chamber. Only the Type VI crystals have
      beveled ends and the needles of the other five types have pointed ends.

PMID- 25139562
TI  - Protectins and maresins: New pro-resolving families of mediators in acute
      inflammation and resolution bioactive metabolome.
AB  - Acute inflammatory responses are protective, yet without timely resolution can
      lead to chronic inflammation and organ fibrosis. A systems approach to
      investigate self-limited (self-resolving) inflammatory exudates in mice and
      structural elucidation uncovered novel resolution phase mediators in vivo that
      stimulate endogenous resolution mechanisms in inflammation. Resolving
      inflammatory exudates and human leukocytes utilize DHA and other n-3 EFA to
      produce three structurally distinct families of potent di- and trihydroxy
      containing products, with several stereospecific potent mediators in each family.
      Given their potent and stereoselective picogram actions, specific members of
      these new families of mediators from the DHA metabolome were named D-series
      resolvins (Resolvin D1 to Resolvin D6), protectins (including protectin D1
      neuroprotectin D1), and maresins (MaR1 and MaR2). In this review, we focus on a)
      biosynthesis of protectins and maresins as anti-inflammatory-pro-resolving
      mediators; b) their complete stereochemical assignments and actions in vivo in
      disease models. Each pathway involves the biosynthesis of epoxide-containing
      intermediates produced from hydroperoxy-containing precursors from human
      leukocytes and within exudates. Also, aspirin triggers an endogenous DHA
      metabolome that biosynthesizes potent products in inflammatory exudates and human
      leukocytes, namely aspirin-triggered Neuroprotectin D1/Protectin D1 [AT
      (NPD1/PD1)]. Identification and structural elucidation of these new families of
      bioactive mediators in resolution has opened the possibility of diverse patho
      physiologic actions in several processes including infection, inflammatory pain,
      tissue regeneration, neuroprotection-neurodegenerative disorders, wound healing,
      and others. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Oxygenated
      metabolism of PUFA: analysis and biological relevance".

PMID- 25139564
TI  - Successful transplantation of kidney allografts in sensitized rats after
      syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and fludarabine.
AB  - Current methods to remove donor-specific HLA antibody (DSA) from sensitized
      patients remain imperfect. We tested novel approaches to desensitization using an
      animal model of allogeneic sensitization with skin grafts from dark agouti (DA)
      to Lewis rats. At the peak IgG alloantibody response we transplanted DA kidneys
      into nephrectomized Lewis recipients (n = 6) and all died within 10 days from
      antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants
      (HSCT) from DA donors failed to engraft after lethal or sub-lethal irradiation.
      Sensitized rats given lethal irradiation plus syngeneic green fluorescent protein
      (GFP) + HSCT had repopulation of blood, spleen, thymus and lymph nodes by GFP+
      cells. At 2 months after HSCT, serum DSA levels were reduced 60-70% and DSA (IgG)
      production in cultured splenocytes was also significantly decreased. However,
      there was only a modest improvement in graft survival from an average of 6.5 to
      13.9 (n = 9) days. Adding seven daily doses of fludarabine to the preconditioning
      regimen resulted in long-term survival (>90 days) in 7 out of 10 rat kidney
      allografts. We conclude that syngeneic HSCT performed after preconditioning with
      irradiation and fludarabine can reduce DSA, prevent DSA rebound and AMR, enabling
      successful transplantation in animals with strong antibody reactivity to the
      donor MHC.

PMID- 25139565
TI  - Fragment-based identification and optimization of a class of potent pyrrolo[2,1
      f][1,2,4]triazine MAP4K4 inhibitors.
AB  - MAP4K4 has been shown to regulate key cellular processes that are tied to disease
      pathogenesis. In an effort to generate small molecule MAP4K4 inhibitors, a
      fragment-based screen was carried out and a pyrrolotriazine fragment with
      excellent ligand efficiency was identified. Further modification of this fragment
      guided by X-ray crystal structures and molecular modeling led to the discovery of
      a series of promising compounds with good structural diversity and
      physicochemical properties. These compounds exhibited single digit nanomolar
      potency and compounds 35 and 44 achieved good in vivo exposure. 

PMID- 25139566
TI  - Synthesis of N-glycan units for assessment of substrate structural requirements
      of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III.
AB  - N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnT) III is a glycosyltransferase which produces
      bisected N-glycans by transferring GlcNAc to the 4-position of core mannose.
      Bisected N-glycans are involved in physiological and pathological processes
      through the functional regulation of their carrier proteins. An understanding of
      the biological functions of bisected glycans will be greatly accelerated by use
      of specific inhibitors of GnT-III. Thus far, however, such inhibitors have not
      been developed and even the substrate-binding mode of GnT-III is not fully
      understood. To gain insight into structural features required of the substrate,
      we systematically synthesized four N-glycan units, the branching parts of the
      bisected and non-bisected N-glycans. The series of syntheses were achieved from a
      common core trimannose, giving bisected tetra- and hexasaccharides as well as non
      bisected tri- and pentasaccharides. A competitive GnT-III inhibition assay using
      the synthetic substrates revealed a vital role for the Manbeta(1-4)GlcNAc moiety.
      In keeping with previous reports, GlcNAc at the alpha1,3-branch is also involved
      in the interaction. The structural requirements of GnT-III elucidated in this
      study will provide a basis for rational inhibitor design. 

PMID- 25139567
TI  - A specific cytochrome P450 hydroxylase in herboxidiene biosynthesis.
AB  - The anti-cholesterol natural product herboxidiene is synthesized by a
      noniterative modular polyketide synthase (HerB, HerC and HerD) and three
      tailoring enzymes (HerE, HerF and HerG) in Streptomyces chromofuscus A7847. In
      this work, the putative monooxygenase HerG was expressed in Escherichia coli and
      the purified enzyme was subjected to biochemical studies. It was identified as a
      cytochrome P450 enzyme responsible for the stereospecific hydroxylation at C-18.
      This enzyme is highly substrate-specific as it efficiently hydroxylates 18-deoxy
      25-demethyl-herboxidiene, but showed no activity towards 18-deoxy-herboxidiene.
      The kcat/Km value for the HerG-catalyzed hydroxylation of 18-deoxy-25-demethyl
      herboxidiene was determined to be 1669.70+/-47.36 M(-1) s(-1). In vitro co
      reaction of HerG with the methyltransferase HerF and analysis of the product
      formation in S. chromofuscus A7847 revealed that the biosynthetic intermediate 18
      deoxy-25-demethyl-herboxidiene is successively hydroxylated at C-18 by HerG and
      methylated at 17-OH to yield the final product herboxidiene. The minor metabolite
      18-deoxy-hereboxidiene is a byproduct of the biosynthetic pathway.

PMID- 25139568
TI  - Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling study of 2-(1,3,4
      thiadiazolyl-thio and 4-methyl-thiazolyl-thio)-quinazolin-4-ones as a new class
      of DHFR inhibitors.
AB  - A new series of 2-(1,3,4-thiadiazolyl- or 4-methyl-thiazolyl)thio-6-substituted
      quinazolin-4-one analogs was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in
      vitro DHFR inhibition, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Compounds 29, 34,
      and 39 proved to be the most active DHFR inhibitors with IC50 values range of 0.1
      0.6 MUM. Compounds 28, 31 and 33 showed remarkable broad-spectrum antimicrobial
      activity comparable to the known antibiotic Gentamicin. Compounds 26, 33, 39, 43,
      44, 50, 55 and 63 showed broad spectrum antitumor activity with GI values range
      of 10.1-100%. Molecular modeling study concluded that recognition with key amino
      acid Glu30, Phe31 and Phe34 is essential for binding. ADMET properties prediction
      of the active compounds suggested that compounds 29 and 34 could be orally
      absorbed with diminished toxicity.

PMID- 25139569
TI  - Synthesis, biological evaluation and SAR analysis of O-alkylated analogs of
      quercetin for anticancer.
AB  - O-Alkylated quercetin analogs were synthesized and their anticancer activities
      were assessed by a high-throughout screening (HTS) method. The structure-activity
      relationships (SAR) showed that introduction of long alkyl chain such as propyl
      group at the C-3 OH position or short alkyl chain such as ethyl group at the C-4'
      OH position were very important for keeping inhibitory activities against the 16
      cancer cell lines. Furthermore, when the two n-butyl groups were introduced into
      the C-3, C-7 or C-4', C-7 positions, the anticancer activity was enhanced. 

PMID- 25139570
TI  - Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors from
      a series of 2-amino-4-methylpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives.
AB  - Inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of
      rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway by PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors provides a
      promising new approach to the treatment of cancers. In this Letter, we identified
      structurally novel and potent PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors from a series of 2-amino
      4-methylpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives. Their synthesis and structure
      activity relationships are reported. 

PMID- 25139571
TI  - Identification of cytidine 2',3'-cyclic monophosphate and uridine 2',3'-cyclic
      monophosphate in Pseudomonas fluorescens pfo-1 culture.
AB  - Cytidine 2',3'-cyclic monophosphate (2',3'-cCMP) and uridine 2',3'-cyclic
      monophosphate (2',3'-cUMP) were isolated from Pseudomonas fluorescens pfo-1 cell
      extracts by semi-preparative reverse phase HPLC. The structures of the two
      compounds were confirmed by NMR and mass spectroscopy against commercially
      available authentic samples. Concentrations of both intracellular and
      extracellular 2',3'-cCMP and 2',3'-cUMP were determined. Addition of 2',3'-cCMP
      and 2',3'-cUMP to P. fluorescens pfo-1 culture did not significantly affect the
      level of biofilm formation in static liquid cultures. 

PMID- 25139572
TI  - Palladium-templated subcomponent self-assembly of macrocycles, catenanes, and
      rotaxanes.
AB  - The reaction of 2,6-diformylpyridine with diverse amines and Pd(II) ions gave
      rise to a variety of metallosupramolecular species, in which the Pd(II) ion is
      observed to template a tridentate bis(imino)pyridine ligand. These species
      included a mononuclear complex as well as [2+2] and [3+3] macrocycles. The
      addition of pyridine-containing macrocyclic capping ligands allows for
      topological complexity to arise, thereby enabling the straightforward preparation
      of structures that include a [2]catenane, a [2]rotaxane, and a doubly threaded
      [3]rotaxane. 

PMID- 25139573
TI  - The BODE index, a multidimensional grading system, reflects impairment of right
      ventricle functions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a
      speckle-tracking study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not only
      characterized by chronic airflow limitation, but is also a systemic disease.
      There is no information about alterations in right ventricle (RV) functions
      precipitated by systemic manifestations of COPD. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate
      the relationship between the BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea,
      and exercise capacity) index that evaluates systemic manifestations of COPD and
      RV functions by means of 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE)
      in COPD patients. METHODS: The study involved 135 COPD patients and 37 control
      subjects. All patients underwent 2D-STE, pulmonary function tests and 6-min walk
      tests, and were divided into quartiles according to their calculated BODE index
      score. RESULTS: COPD patients had impaired RV and left-ventricle diastolic
      functions compared to controls. There was a decreasing trend from quartile 1 (Q1)
      to Q4 in RV functional parameters, i.e., RV free wall strain (RVFW-S, p < 0.001),
      tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p < 0.001), systolic myocardial
      velocity (p < 0.001), RV fractional area change (p < 0.001), RV myocardial
      performance index (p < 0.001) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (p < 0.001).
      The transmitral Doppler E wave/lateral mitral annular tissue Doppler E wave ratio
      was similar in the 4 BODE index quartiles (p = 0.159). Multivariate analysis was
      performed to find independent predictors of decreased RVFW-S (<=19.06), and the
      BODE index (in quartiles; OR 4.61 and 95% CI 1.85-11.63) was found to be an
      independent predictor. In a partial correlation analysis adjusted for forced
      expiratory volume in 1s % predicted, RVFW-S was correlated with the 6-min walk
      distance (r = 0.498). CONCLUSION: The BODE index, which can be easily evaluated
      in office settings, may provide information about reduced RV functions as well as
      guiding treatment and helping to predict prognosis in COPD patients.

PMID- 25139574
TI  - Postoperative radiation therapy for extramammary Paget's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare cutaneous malignancy
      that is usually treated with surgery. Patients with positive surgical margins
      require adjuvant therapy, but there have been few reports on the use of radiation
      therapy. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of postoperative radiation
      therapy in EMPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with EMPD involving
      the genitalia underwent radiation therapy as adjuvant therapy after surgery. Ten
      patients had inguinal lymph node involvement before radiation therapy, but none
      had distant metastases. A median total dose of 59.4 Gy (range, 45-64.8 Gy) was
      delivered to the tumour bed in 30 fractions (range, 23-36 fractions). RESULTS: At
      a median follow-up period of 38 months, all patients had local control. However,
      six patients had developed distant metastases 6-43 months after radiation
      therapy. The distant metastasis-free rates were 66% at 3 years and 55% at 5
      years. Inguinal lymph node involvement was a significant risk factor for distant
      metastases. Four patients died 33-58 months after irradiation; the causes of
      death were tumour progression in three patients and infectious pneumonia in one.
      The overall and cause-specific survival rates were both 92% at 3 years, and 62%
      and 71% at 5 years, respectively. No therapy-related toxicities of grade >= 3
      were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative radiation therapy is safe and effective
      in maintaining local control in patients with EMPD.

PMID- 25139575
TI  - Electrified emotions: Modulatory effects of transcranial direct stimulation on
      negative emotional reactions to social exclusion.
AB  - Social exclusion, ostracism, and rejection can be emotionally painful because
      they thwart the need to belong. Building on studies suggesting that the right
      ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (rVLPFC) is associated with regulation of
      negative emotions, the present experiment tests the hypothesis that decreasing
      the cortical excitability of the rVLPFC may increase negative emotional reactions
      to social exclusion. Specifically, we applied cathodal transcranial direct
      current stimulation (tDCS) over the rVLPFC and predicted an increment of negative
      emotional reactions to social exclusion. In Study 1, participants were either
      socially excluded or included, while cathodal tDCS or sham stimulation was
      applied over the rVLPFC. Cathodal stimulation of rVLPFC boosted the typical
      negative emotional reaction caused by social exclusion. No effects emerged from
      participants in the inclusion condition. To test the specificity of tDCS effects
      over rVLPFC, in Study 2, participants were socially excluded and received
      cathodal tDCS or sham stimulation over a control region (i.e., the right
      posterior parietal cortex). No effects of tDCS stimulation were found. Our
      results showed that the rVLPFC is specifically involved in emotion regulation and
      suggest that cathodal stimulation can increase negative emotional responses to
      social exclusion. 

PMID- 25139576
TI  - Predicting fetal lung maturity using the fetal pulmonary artery Doppler wave
      acceleration/ejection time ratio.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the acceleration/ejection time ratio of the fetal
      main pulmonary artery Doppler waveform (PATET) can accurately predict the results
      of fetal lung maturity testing in amniotic fluid. METHODS: We prospectively
      studied pregnant women attending our ultrasound unit for clinically indicated
      fetal lung maturity testing. An ultrasound examination that included measurement
      of the PATET was performed before the results of the amniocentesis were reported.
      The results of the PATET and the surfactant/albumin ratio were compared, and a
      receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the PATET cutoff
      with the optimal sensitivity and specificity for predicting surfactant/albumin
      ratio results. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Forty
      three patients were included in this study. The receiver operating characteristic
      curve demonstrated that a PATET cutoff of 0.3149 provided a specificity of 93%
      (95% CI 77-98%), a sensitivity of 73% (95% CI 48-89%), a negative predictive
      value of 87% (95% CI 70-95%), and a positive predictive value of 85% (95% CI 58
      96%) for predicting immature surfactant/albumin ratio results. CONCLUSION: The
      PATET may provide a noninvasive means of determining fetal lung maturity with
      acceptable levels of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.

PMID- 25139577
TI  - Nestin expression and glial response in the hippocampus of mice after
      trimethyltin treatment.
AB  - Nestin is a protein of embryonic intermediate filaments expressed by multipotent
      neural stem cells. In the present study, the nestin expression pattern in the
      mouse hippocampus 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 days after treatment with trimethyltin (TMT)
      was examined to explore the possible role played by nestin in chemically induced
      hippocampal injury. TMT treatment (2.5mg/kg, intraperitoneally) selectively
      injured the dentate gyrus (DG) of the mouse hippocampus. The level of hippocampal
      mRNA encoding nestin increased significantly 2 and 3 days post-treatment and
      thereafter decreased (at 4 and 8 days post-treatment). The level of nestin
      protein significantly increased 2 - 4 days post-treatment, particularly in the
      injured region of the DG, and predominantly in glial fibrillary acidic protein
      positive astrocytes in the hippocampal DG. Ki67-positive proliferating cells were
      increased following TMT treatment and co-localized with nestin-positive reactive
      astrocytes. Thus, we suggest that nestin contributes to remodeling of the
      chemically injured DG via glial scar formation and the alteration of
      neurogenesis. 

PMID- 25139578
TI  - Longitudinal resting state fMRI analysis in healthy controls and premanifest
      Huntington's disease gene carriers: a three-year follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated that in the premanifest stage of
      Huntington's disease (preHD), a reduced functional connectivity exists compared
      to healthy controls. In the current study, we look at possible changes in
      functional connectivity occurring longitudinally over a period of 3 years, with
      the aim of assessing the potential usefulness of this technique as a biomarker
      for disease progression in preHD. METHODS: Twenty-two preHD and 17 healthy
      control subjects completed resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI) scans in two visits with 3 years in between. Differences in resting state
      connectivity were examined for eight networks of interest using FSL with three
      different analysis types: a dual regression method, region of interest approach,
      and an independent component analysis. To evaluate a possible combined effect of
      gray matter volume change and the change in blood oxygenation level dependent
      signal, the analysis was performed with and without voxel-wise correction for
      gray matter volume. To evaluate possible correlations between functional
      connectivity change and the predicted time to disease onset, the preHD group was
      classed as preHD-A if >=10.9 years and preHD-B if <10.9 years from predicted
      disease onset. Possible correlations between burden of pathology score and
      functional connectivity change in preHD were also assessed. Finally, longitudinal
      change in whole brain and striatal volumetric measures was assessed in the
      studied cohort. RESULTS: Longitudinal analysis of the resting state-fMRI (RS
      fMRI) data revealed no differences in the degree of connectivity change between
      the groups over a period of 3 years, though a significantly higher rate of
      striatal atrophy was found in the preHD group compared to controls in the same
      period. DISCUSSION: Based on the results found in this study, the provisional
      conclusion is that RS-fMRI lacks sensitivity in detecting changes in functional
      connectivity in HD gene carriers prior to disease manifestation over a 3-year
      follow-up period.

PMID- 25139579
TI  - Chassis organism from Corynebacterium glutamicum--a top-down approach to identify
      and delete irrelevant gene clusters.
AB  - For synthetic biology applications, a robust structural basis is required, which
      can be constructed either from scratch or in a top-down approach starting from
      any existing organism. In this study, we initiated the top-down construction of a
      chassis organism from Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032, aiming for the
      relevant gene set to maintain its fast growth on defined medium. We evaluated
      each native gene for its essentiality considering expression levels, phylogenetic
      conservation, and knockout data. Based on this classification, we determined 41
      gene clusters ranging from 3.7 to 49.7 kbp as target sites for deletion. 36
      deletions were successful and 10 genome-reduced strains showed impaired growth
      rates, indicating that genes were hit, which are relevant to maintain biological
      fitness at wild-type level. In contrast, 26 deleted clusters were found to
      include exclusively irrelevant genes for growth on defined medium. A combinatory
      deletion of all irrelevant gene clusters would, in a prophage-free strain,
      decrease the size of the native genome by about 722 kbp (22%) to 2561 kbp.
      Finally, five combinatory deletions of irrelevant gene clusters were
      investigated. The study introduces the novel concept of relevant genes and
      demonstrates general strategies to construct a chassis suitable for
      biotechnological application. 

PMID- 25139580
TI  - Efficacy of interleukin-1 targeting treatments in patients with familial
      mediterranean Fever.
AB  - Herein, we reported our experience in colchicine-resistant familial Mediterranean
      fever (FMF) patients who are treated with anti-interleukin-1 (IL-1) drugs. A
      retrospective review of medical records of anti-IL-1 recipients was performed.
      The main clinical characteristics of these patients and the evolution after anti
      IL-1 were recorded. There were 20 patients (11 male [M] and 9 female [F]).
      Despite regular colchicine treatment, median number of attacks per month and per
      year was 1 (1-4) and 12 (4-50), respectively. Twelve patients were receiving
      anakinra, and eight patients were treated with canakinumab. The number of monthly
      and yearly attacks after IL-1 treatment was significantly decreased after the
      biologic agent (p < 0.05). One patient did not respond to the treatment, and one
      patient developed serious infection during anti-IL-1. We also observed a
      significant decrease in proteinuria in the amyloidosis complicated FMF patients.
      Anti-IL-1 targeting drugs seem safe and effective therapies in colchicine
      resistant FMF. 

PMID- 25139581
TI  - Flavonoids inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes and cytokine/chemokine production in
      human whole blood.
AB  - Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and the production of cytokines/chemokines are important
      targets for the modulation of the inflammatory response. Although a large variety
      of inhibitors of these pathways have been commercialized, some of those
      inhibitors present severe side effects, governing the search for new molecules,
      as alternative anti-inflammatory agents. This study was undertaken to study an
      hitherto not evaluated group of flavonoids, concerning its capacity to inhibit
      COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, as well as to inhibit the production of the cytokines
      and a chemokine, in a complex matrix involved in the systemic inflammatory
      process, the blood, aiming the establishment of a structure-activity
      relationship. The results obtained reveal promising flavonoids for the modulation
      of the inflammatory process, namely the ones presenting a catechol group in B
      ring, as some flavonoids were able to simultaneously inhibit the production of
      inflammatory prostaglandin E2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines. 

PMID- 25139582
TI  - Omentin changes following bariatric surgery and predictive links with biomarkers
      for risk of cardiovascular disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although no receptor has yet been identified, changes in circulating
      levels of the adipokine designated as Omentin have been demonstrated in obesity
      and related comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance,
      metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation. METHODS: Changes in Omentin levels
      at 1 and 5 days and 6 and 12 months in response to biliopancreatic diversion with
      duodenal switch bariatric surgery were evaluated, specifically to investigate if
      changes preceded gain of insulin sensitivity. RESULTS: Pre-operative plasma
      Omentin was not different between men (n = 18) vs women (n = 48), or diabetic
      status but correlated with body mass index (BMI). Altogether, Omentin increased
      as early as 24-h post-surgery, with changes maintained up to 1-year. Fifty-nine
      percent of subjects increased Omentin >10% by 24-H following surgery (OmentinINC
      p < 0.0001), while 18% of subjects decreased (OmentinDEC p < 0.0001), with
      changes maintained throughout one-year. These two groups had comparable age, sex
      distribution, diabetes, BMI, waist circumference and fat mass, however OmentinDEC
      had elevated levels of cardiovascular risk markers; homocysteine (p = 0.019), NT
      proBNP (p = 0.006) and total bilirubin (p = 0.0001) while red blood cell (RBC)
      count was lower (p = 0.0005) over the one-year period. Omentin levels at 1-DAY
      also correlated with immune parameters (white blood cell count, % neutrophil, %
      monocytes, % lymphocytes). CONCLUSION: OmentinDEC at 1 day following surgery may
      be a marker of cardiovascular "at-risk" group before weight loss or insulin
      sensitivity restoration.

PMID- 25139583
TI  - Tissue multifractality and Born approximation in analysis of light scattering: a
      novel approach for precancers detection.
AB  - Multifractal, a special class of complex self-affine processes, are under recent
      intensive investigations because of their fundamental nature and potential
      applications in diverse physical systems. Here, we report on a novel light
      scattering-based inverse method for extraction/quantification of multifractality
      in the spatial distribution of refractive index of biological tissues. The method
      is based on Fourier domain pre-processing via the Born approximation, followed by
      the Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis. The approach is experimentally
      validated in synthetic multifractal scattering phantoms, and tested on biopsy
      tissue slices. The derived multifractal properties appear sensitive in detecting
      cervical precancerous alterations through an increase of multifractality with
      pathology progression, demonstrating the potential of the developed methodology
      for novel precancer biomarker identification and tissue diagnostic tool. The
      novel ability to delineate the multifractal optical properties from light
      scattering signals may also prove useful for characterizing a wide variety of
      complex scattering media of non-biological origin. 

PMID- 25139584
TI  - Factors affecting chronic pain and increases of analgesic drug consumption after
      knee arthroplasty.

PMID- 25139585
TI  - Pain therapy with high risk: one-sided presentation of the results from the
      latest phase III study on tanezumab in osteoarthritis pain.

PMID- 25139586
TI  - Evidence for efficacy of acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache:
      methodological critique of randomised trials for oral treatments.
AB  - The International Headache Society (IHS) provides guidance on the conduct of
      trials for acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache (TTH), a common
      disorder with considerable disability. Electronic and other searches identified
      randomised, double-blind trials of oral drugs treating episodic TTH with moderate
      or severe pain at baseline, or that tested drugs at first pain onset. The aims
      were to review methods, quality, and outcomes reported (in particular the IHS
      recommended primary efficacy parameter pain-free after 2 hours), and to assess
      efficacy by meta-analysis. We identified 58 reports: 55 from previous reviews and
      searches, 2 unpublished reports, and 1 clinical trial report with results. We
      included 40 reports of 55 randomised trials involving 12,143 patients. Reporting
      quality was generally good, with potential risk of bias from incomplete outcome
      reporting and small size; the 23 largest trials involved 82% of patients. Few
      trials reported IHS outcomes. The number needed to treat values for being pain
      free at 2 hours compared with placebo were 8.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.2
      to 15) for paracetamol 1000 mg, 8.9 (95% CI 5.9 to 18) for ibuprofen 400mg, and
      9.8 (95% CI 5.1 to 146) for ketoprofen 25mg. Lower (better) number needed to
      treat values were calculated for outcomes of mild or no pain at 2 hours, and
      patient global assessment. These were similar to values for these drugs in
      migraine. No other drugs had evaluable results for these patient-centred
      outcomes. There was no evidence that any one outcome was better than others. The
      evidence available for treatment efficacy is small in comparison to the size of
      the clinical problem.

PMID- 25139587
TI  - Challenges and cautions with small and retrospective postoperative pain genome
      wide association studies with TAOK3.

PMID- 25139588
TI  - Affective disturbance associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder does not
      disrupt emotional modulation of pain and spinal nociception.
AB  - In healthy individuals, emotions modulate pain and spinal nociception according
      to a valence linear trend (ie, pain/nociception is highest during negative
      emotions and lowest during positive emotions). However, emerging evidence
      suggests that emotional modulation of pain (but not spinal nociception) is
      disrupted in fibromyalgia and disorders associated with chronic pain risk (eg,
      major depression, insomnia). The present study attempted to extend this work and
      to examine whether women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a cyclical
      syndrome associated with debilitating affective symptoms during the late-luteal
      (premenstrual) phase of the menstrual cycle, is also associated with disrupted
      emotional modulation of pain. To do so, an affective picture-viewing procedure
      was used to study emotional modulation of pain and spinal nociception in 14 women
      with PMDD and 14 control women during mid-follicular, ovulatory, and late-luteal
      phases of the menstrual cycle (verified by salivary hormone levels and
      luteinizing hormone tests). At each phase, mutilation, neutral, and erotic
      pictures were presented to manipulate emotion. During picture viewing,
      suprathreshold electrocutaneous stimuli were presented to evoke pain and the
      nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR; a physiological measure of spinal nociception).
      Statistically powerful linear mixed model analyses confirmed that pictures evoked
      the intended emotional states in both groups across all menstrual phases.
      Furthermore, emotion modulated pain and NFR according to a valence linear trend
      in both groups and across all menstrual phases. Thus, PMDD-related affective
      disturbance is not associated with a failure to emotionally modulate pain,
      suggesting that PMDD does not share this pain phenotype with major depression,
      insomnia, and fibromyalgia. 

PMID- 25139589
TI  - The effect of oxcarbazepine in peripheral neuropathic pain depends on pain
      phenotype: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phenotype-stratified
      study.
AB  - In neuropathic pain it has been suggested that pain phenotype based on putative
      pain mechanisms may predict response to treatment. This was a randomised, double
      blind, placebo-controlled, and phenotype-stratified study with 2 6-week treatment
      periods of oxcarbazepine (1800-2400mg) and placebo. The primary efficacy measure
      was change in median pain intensity between baseline and the last week of
      treatment measured on an 11-point numeric rating scale, and the primary objective
      was to compare the effect of oxcarbazepine in patients with and without the
      irritable nociceptor phenotype as defined by hypersensitivity and preserved small
      nerve fibre function determined by detailed quantitative sensory testing. Ninety
      seven patients with peripheral neuropathic pain due to polyneuropathy, surgical
      or traumatic nerve injury, or postherpetic neuralgia were randomised. The
      intention-to-treat population comprised 83 patients: 31 with the irritable and 52
      with the nonirritable nociceptor phenotype. In the total sample, oxcarbazepine
      relieved pain of 0.7 points (on a numeric rating scale 0-10; 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.4-1.4) more than placebo (P=0.015) and there was a significant
      interaction between treatment and phenotype of 0.7 (95% CI 0.01-1.4, P=0.047).
      The number needed to treat to obtain one patient with more than 50% pain relief
      was 6.9 (95% CI 4.2-22) in the total sample, 3.9 (95% CI 2.3-12) in the
      irritable, and 13 (95% CI 5.3-infinity) in the nonirritable nociceptor phenotype.
      In conclusion, oxcarbazepine is more efficacious for relief of peripheral
      neuropathic pain in patients with the irritable vs the nonirritable nociceptor
      phenotype. 

PMID- 25139590
TI  - Nox2-dependent signaling between macrophages and sensory neurons contributes to
      neuropathic pain hypersensitivity.
AB  - Emerging lines of evidence indicate that production of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) at distinct sites of the nociceptive system contributes to the processing
      of neuropathic pain. However, the mechanisms underlying ROS production during
      neuropathic pain processing are not fully understood. We here detected the ROS
      generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase isoform Nox2 in
      macrophages of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in mice. In response to peripheral nerve
      injury, Nox2-positive macrophages were recruited to DRG, and ROS production was
      increased in a Nox2-dependent manner. Nox2-deficient mice displayed reduced
      neuropathic pain behavior after peripheral nerve injury, whereas their immediate
      responses to noxious stimuli were normal. Moreover, injury-induced upregulation
      of tumor necrosis factor alpha was absent, and activating transcription factor 3
      induction was reduced in DRG of Nox2-deficient mice, suggesting an attenuated
      macrophage-neuron signaling. These data suggest that Nox2-dependent ROS
      production in macrophages recruited to DRG contributes to neuropathic pain
      hypersensitivity, underlining the observation that Nox-derived ROS exert specific
      functions during the processing of pain. 

PMID- 25139591
TI  - Supraspinal TRPV1 modulates the emotional expression of abdominal pain.
AB  - The transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor type-1 (TRPV1) is critically
      involved in peripheral nociceptive processes of somatic and visceral pain.
      However, the role of the capsaicin receptor in the brain regarding visceral pain
      remains elusive. Here, we studied the contribution of TRPV1 to abdominal pain
      transmission at different nociceptive pathway levels using TRPV1 knock-out mice,
      resiniferatoxin-mediated deletion of TRPV1-positive primary sensory neurons, and
      intracerebral TRPV1 antagonism. We found that constitutive genetic TRPV1 deletion
      or peripheral TRPV1 deletion reduced acetic acid-evoked abdominal constrictions,
      without affecting referred abdominal hyperalgesia or allodynia in an acute
      pancreatitis model of visceral pain. Notably, intracerebral TRPV1 antagonism by
      SB 366791 significantly reduced chemical and inflammatory spontaneous abdominal
      nocifensive responses, as observed by reduced expressions of nociceptive facial
      grimacing, illustrating the affective component of pain. In addition to the
      established role of cerebral TRPV1 in anxiety, fear, or emotional stress, we
      demonstrate here for the first time that TRPV1 in the brain modulates visceral
      nociception by interfering with the affective component of abdominal pain. 

PMID- 25139592
TI  - Dyspneic athlete.
AB  - Breathing concerns in athletes are common and can be due to a wide variety of
      pathology. The most common etiologies are exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
      (EIB) and paradoxic vocal fold movement disorder (PVFMD). Although some patients
      may have both, PVFMD is often misdiagnosed as EIB, which can lead to unnecessary
      treatment. The history and physical exam are important to rule out life
      threatening pulmonary and cardiac causes as well as common conditions such as
      gastroesophageal reflux disease, sinusitis, and allergic etiologies. The history
      and physical exam have been shown to be not as vital in diagnosing EIB and PVFMD.
      Improvement in diagnostic testing with office base spirometry, bronchoprovocation
      testing, eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH) and video laryngoscopy are essential
      in properly diagnosing these conditions. Accurate diagnosis leads to proper
      management, which is essential to avoid unnecessary testing and save healthcare
      costs. Also important to the physician treating dyspnea in athletes is knowing
      regulations on medications, drug testing, and proper documentation needed for
      certain organizations. The differential diagnosis of dyspnea is broad and is not
      limited to EIB and PVFMD. Ruling out life threatening cardiac and pulmonary
      causes with a proper history, physical, and appropriate testing is essential. The
      purpose of this review is to highlight recent literature on the diagnosis and
      management of EIB and PVFMD as well as discuss other potential causes for dyspnea
      in the athlete. 

PMID- 25139593
TI  - Do thrombotic events during endovascular interventions lead to poorer outcomes in
      patients with severe limb ischemia?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intra-procedural acute thrombosis (IPAT) is a complication of
      endovascular procedures. We aim to identify risk factors for IPAT and compare the
      outcomes of patients with or without IPAT. METHODS: Paired T test and chi (2)
      test were used to identify risk factors and short-term outcomes. Kaplan-Meier
      survival analysis was used for mid-term outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 228
      procedures were performed with 21 IPAT events (9.21%). The odds ratio of Indian
      patients developing IPAT was 2.8x (95% CI 1.1-7.6). Patients with in-stent
      occlusion or prior IPAT were 5.6x (95% CI 1.3-24.2) and 5.6x (95% CI 1.3-24.4)
      more likely to develop an IPAT event. Patients without IPAT had significantly
      more improvement in mean runoff score (-1.15 +/- 1.31, p < 0.01). The odds of
      patients with IPAT requiring subsequent endovascular intervention and arterial
      bypass surgery were 4.2x (95% CI 1.6-10.7) and 7.1x (95% CI 1.9-27.0). There was
      no significant Kaplan-Meier estimated overall survival or amputation-free
      survival difference between patients with or without IPAT event. CONCLUSION:
      Indian ethnicity, in-stent occlusion and previous IPAT were associated with
      higher risk of IPAT. Even after successful endovascular salvage, patients with
      IPATs were more likely to require secondary revascularization procedure. Patients
      with IPATs had no decrease in overall survival or amputation-free survival.

PMID- 25139594
TI  - Wound debridement optimisation.
AB  - Wound debridement, the removal of contaminated tissue and senescent cells, is the
      cornerstone in the care of patients with chronic wounds. 

PMID- 25139595
TI  - Device-related atypical pressure ulcer after cardiac surgery.
AB  - Medical devices must be closely monitored to prevent harm to patients. Pressure
      ulcers secondary to medical devices present a significant health burden in terms
      of length of stay in hospital and cost. Intensivists, anaesthetists and other
      professionals involved in managing critically ill patients following cardiac
      surgery need to be aware that pressure ulcers may develop in atypical sites and
      present at a later stage of the hospital stay. This case report highlights the
      important issue of device-related pressure ulcers in the cardiac surgical
      intensive care setting, particularly when the clinical status of the patient may
      preclude routine assessment and prophylaxis. An algorithm for preventing such
      pressure ulcers is suggested.

PMID- 25139596
TI  - The use of immunosuppressive agents in the management of recalcitrant lower limb
      ulcers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lower limb ulcers that are resistant to standard forms of treatment
      place a significant burden on both patients and health services. There is no
      widely agreed definition of a recalcitrant ulcer but failure to heal following 6
      12 months of focused treatment would identify a small group of patients with
      highly resistant ulceration. We describe a series of patients with recalcitrant
      ulceration for which immunosuppressive agents have been used. METHODS: This is a
      case series of 13 patients who underwent immunomodulation therapy for lower limb
      ulcers at a tertiary referral university hospital. Regimens of immunomodulation
      used mainly ciclosporin and/or cyclophosphamide, with concurrent antibiotic
      therapy. Case notes and computer systems were analysed by two reviewers. A
      patient was deemed to have a success if their ulcer fully healed while on
      immunomodulation therapy. RESULTS: Over a period of eight years, from 2004-2012,
      13 patients underwent immunomodulation therapy. Among these patients there were
      18 ulcerated limbs. Ulcer healing occurred in 10 limbs out of 18 (55.6%) and full
      healing occurred in six patients (46.2%). Ulcers were present for a median of
      five years (range 2-40 years), with a median diameter of 7.5 cm (range 4-18 cm)
      before treatment. CONCLUSION: Treatment of truly recalcitrant ulceration can be
      very frustrating for both the patient and physician, with poor success from more
      standard forms of treatment. We report experience with immunomodulation therapy
      that suggests there may be benefit from using this treatment in a subset of
      patients with this debilitating disease.

PMID- 25139597
TI  - A novel approach to the treatment of diabetic foot abscesses - a case series.
AB  - Diabetic foot abscesses are an occasional complication of diabetic foot
      infections usually involving osteomyelitis and significant soft tissue injury.
      The standard of care for diabetic foot abscesses is the performance of immediate
      surgical drainage and debridement. However, this therapeutic mode involves more
      often than not, some extent of minor amputation and bony loss. With the advent of
      new therapeutic techniques it may be possible to treat diabetic foot abscesses
      conservatively. OBJECTIVE: To explore adjunct therapies in the treatment of
      diabetic foot abscesses in order to avoid extensive surgery, amputation and
      tissue loss whilst maintaining limb integrity. METHOD AND RESULTS: Between
      January 2011 and June 2012, six patients with a diabetic foot abscess and
      osteomyelitis presented at our diabetic foot clinic. They were treated with
      topical oxygen and the abscesses were drained using PolyMem(r) Wic(r) Silver Rope
      (PWSR). All patients experienced full recovery and remained disease free during a
      follow up period of 4-21 months. CONCLUSION: Amputation and the removal of
      infected bone had once been considered the sole treatment for diabetic foot
      osteomyelitis. Multiple case series and accumulation of clinical experience has
      shown otherwise, and nowadays medical management of osteomyelitis is the
      preferred treatment in select patients. In our study, we present a case series of
      patients suffering from diabetic foot abscesses treated non-surgically. Hopefully
      this series will lay the foundation for further data demonstrating the
      feasibility of a conservative approach for diabetic foot abscesses, which may
      overcome the infection without requiring amputation.

PMID- 25139598
TI  - Momordica charantia ointment accelerates diabetic wound healing and enhances
      transforming growth factor-beta expression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) plays an important role in
      wound healing. Delayed wound healing is a consequence of diabetes, leading to
      high morbidity and poor quality of life. Momordica charantia (MC) fruit possesses
      anti-diabetic and wound healing properties. This study aimed to explore the
      changes in TGF-beta expression in diabetic wounds treated with topical MC fruit
      extract. METHODS: Fifty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a normal
      control group and five diabetic groups of ten rats each. Intravenous
      streptozotocin (50mg/kg) was given to induce diabetes in the diabetic groups.
      Full thickness excision wounds were created on the thoracodorsal region of the
      animals, and these wounds were then treated with vehicle, MC powder, MC ointment
      and povidone ointment or ointment base for ten days. Wound healing was determined
      by the rate of wound closure, total protein content and TGF-beta expression in
      the wounds, and histological observation. RESULTS: Diabetic groups showed delayed
      wound closure rates compared to the control group. The wound closure rate in the
      MC ointment group was significantly faster than that of the untreated diabetic
      group (p<0.05). The MC ointment group also showed intense TGF-beta expression and
      a high level of total protein content. CONCLUSION: MC ointment has a promising
      potential for use as an alternative topical medication for diabetic wounds. This
      work has shown that it accelerates wound healing in diabetic rats, and it is
      suggested here that this occurs by enhancing TGF-beta expression. Further work is
      recommended to explore this effect.

PMID- 25139599
TI  - Effects of SertaSil on wound healing in the rat.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: SertaSil is a novel product for the topical management of wound
      exudate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of SertaSil to
      promote wound healing in a pre-clinical wound model. METHODS: An aseptic wound
      was induced in rats by administering 1ml 10% calcium chloride solution into the
      subcutaneous layer under local anaesthesia. Following opening of the abscess,
      animals were divided into a control group (no treatment) and either SertaSil or
      Gentaxane, which were applied topically to the wound every 24 hours until a clean
      wound was achieved, that is, free from necrosis, pus and fibrinogenous
      thickenings. RESULTS: Rats (n=15 per group) receiving SertaSil reached the clean
      wound stage in 3.0 +/- 0.4 days compared to 7.0 +/- 0.4 days for Gentaxane and
      10.0 +/- 0.4 days for the control. Time to wound closure was 13.9 +/- 0.3 days
      for SertaSil, 18.7 +/- 0.6 days for Gentaxane, and 23.0 +/- 0.4 days for the
      control. The surface area of the wounds were measured at day 1 and day 13. At day
      1, the wound surface areas (mm2) were similar in all three groups (157.4 +/-
      8.9), but at day 13 the SertaSil group had significantly smaller wound areas (5.2
      +/- 1.7) compared to the Gentaxane (38.0 +/- 1.5) and control groups (95.7 +/-
      11.3). The study was conducted in young rats that are still growing and gaining
      weight. At day 19, only the rats receiving SertaSil exhibited a weight increase
      (271 +/- 5 g) indicating good recovery, whereas rats receiving Gentaxane did not
      gain weight (249 +/- 5 g) and rats in the control group lost weight (242 +/- 16
      g). CONCLUSION: The study found that SertaSil reduced the time to reaching a
      clean wound by 60% compared to Gentaxane and promoted faster wound closure and
      better recovery. These findings suggest that SertaSil may be valuable for use in
      the treatment of wounds in patients.

PMID- 25139600
TI  - Adhesion of the ulcerative pathogen Mycobacterium ulcerans to DACC-coated
      dressings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer disease,
      the third most common mycobacteriosis after tuberculosis and leprosy and an
      emerging public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa. The bacteria produce a
      diffusible cytotoxin called mycolactone, which triggers the formation of necrotic
      lesions in cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. The principal aim of this study
      was to characterise the cell surface hydrophobicity of Mycobacterium ulcerans and
      determine if bacteria bind to dialkyl carbamoyl chloride (DACC)-coated dressings
      through hydrophobic interactions in vitro. Since mycolactone displays hydrophobic
      groups, a secondary aim was to compare mycolactone binding to hydrophobic and
      standard dressings. METHODS: We used hydrophobic interaction chromatography to
      evaluate the cell surface hydrophobicity of Mycobacterium ulcerans, compared to
      that of other microorganisms colonising wounds. The binding of Mycobacterium
      ulcerans bacteria to DACC-coated and control dressings was then assessed
      quantitatively by measurement of microbial adenosine triphosphate (ATP), while
      that of mycolactone was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy. RESULTS: Compared
      to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
      Mycobacterium ulcerans displayed the highest cell surface hydrophobicity,
      irrespective of the bacterial production of mycolactone. Mycobacterium ulcerans
      bacteria bound to DACC-coated dressings [corrected] better than untreated
      controls. Mycolactone did not bind stably to hydrophobic, nor standard dressings,
      in the conditions tested. CONCLUSION: Retention of Mycobacterium ulcerans and
      other wound pathogens to DACC-coated dressings may help reduce the bacterial load
      in Buruli ulcers and thereby improve healing. Dressings efficiently capturing
      mycolactone may bring an additional clinical benefit, by accelerating the
      elimination of the toxin during the course of antibiotic treatment.

PMID- 25139601
TI  - Biofilms in wounds: the chicken or the egg?

PMID- 25139602
TI  - Issues, following cancer treatment, that patients would like to discuss at their
      review consultation.

PMID- 25139605
TI  - The poet, his poem, and the surgeon: the stories behind the enduring appeal of
      Invictus.

PMID- 25139606
TI  - Effect of instructor feedback on skills retention after laparoscopic simulator
      training: follow-up of a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Instructor feedback reduces the number of repetitions and time to
      reach proficiency during laparoscopic simulator training. The objective of this
      study was to examine the effect of instructor feedback on long-term skill
      retention. METHODS: A 6-month follow-up of a randomized trial. Participants were
      surgical novices (medical students). All participants (n = 99) initially
      practiced a laparoscopic salpingectomy on the LapSim virtual reality simulator to
      proficiency. The intervention group could request instructor feedback, whereas
      the control group could not. After 6 months, the participants (n = 65) practiced
      on the simulator until they reached proficiency again. The primary outcomes were
      the total time and the number of repetitions. RESULTS: Initially, the
      intervention group used significantly fewer repetitions (29 vs 65, p < 0.0005)
      and less total training time (162 vs 342 min, p < 0.0005) than the control group
      to reach the proficiency level. At follow-up, both the groups used an equal
      number of repetitions (21 vs 20, p = 0.72) and time (83 vs 73 min, p = 0.37) to
      reach the same proficiency level. CONCLUSIONS: Instructor feedback during
      proficiency-based laparoscopic simulator training does not affect the long-term
      retention of skills.

PMID- 25139607
TI  - Measuring general surgery residents' communication skills from the patient's
      perspective using the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Communication Assessment Tool (CAT) has been used and validated to
      assess Family and Emergency Medicine resident communication skills from the
      patient's perspective. However, it has not been previously reported as an outcome
      measure for general surgery residents. The purpose of this study is to establish
      initial benchmarking data for the use of the CAT as an evaluation tool in an
      osteopathic general surgery residency program. Results are analyzed quarterly and
      used by the program director to provide meaningful feedback and targeted goal
      setting for residents to demonstrate progressive achievement of interpersonal and
      communication skills with patients. DESIGN: The 14-item paper version of the CAT
      (developed by Makoul et al. for residency programs) asks patients to anonymously
      rate surgery residents on discrete communication skills using a 5-point rating
      scale immediately after the clinical encounter. Results are reported as the
      percentage of items rated as "excellent" (5) by the patient. SETTING: The setting
      is a hospital-affiliated ambulatory urban surgery office staffed by the residency
      program. PARTICIPANTS: Participants are representative of adult patients of both
      sexes across all ages with diverse ethnic backgrounds. They include preoperative
      and postoperative patients, as well as those needing diagnostic testing and
      follow-up. RESULTS: Data have been collected on 17 general surgery residents from
      a single residency program representing 5 postgraduate year levels and 448
      patient encounters since March 2012. The reliability (Cronbach alpha) of the tool
      for surgery residents was 0.98. The overall mean percentage of items rated as
      excellent was 70% (standard deviations = 42%), with a median of 100%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The CAT is a useful tool for measuring 1 facet of resident
      communication skills-the patient's perception of the physician-patient encounter.
      The tool provides a unique and personalized outcome measure for identifying
      communication strengths and improvement opportunities, allowing residents to
      receive specific feedback and mentoring by program directors.

PMID- 25139608
TI  - Fast redox-triggered shuttling motions in a copper rotaxane based on a
      phenanthroline-terpyridine conjugate.
AB  - Fast shuttling motions in solution have been observed by cyclic voltammetry in a
      Cu(I/II)-based [2] rotaxane. In the reported system, the different coordination
      preferences of both copper oxidation states are exploited to promote the
      electrochemically-triggered gliding of the ring from a tetra to a
      pentacoordinated site and vice versa. The thread of this rotaxane consists of a
      tridentate 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine chelating unit directly bonded through its 5
      position to the 3-position of the bidentate 1,10-phenanthroline unit. This
      distribution reduces to a minimum the distance between the two coordination sites
      and lessens the congestion around the tetrahedral environment. These two factors
      have been demonstrated to highly increase the kinetics of the switching process.
      In addition, the electrochemical experiments carried out in different solvent
      mixtures evidenced the influence of the solvent on the shuttling mechanism. 

PMID- 25139609
TI  - Insulin treatment guided by subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring compared
      to frequent point-of-care measurement in critically ill patients: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Glucose measurement in intensive care medicine is performed
      intermittently with the risk of undetected hypoglycemia. The workload for the ICU
      nursing staff is substantial. Subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
      systems are available and may be able to solve some of these issues in critically
      ill patients. METHODS: In a randomized controlled design in a mixed ICU in a
      teaching hospital we compared the use of subcutaneous CGM with frequent point of
      care (POC) to guide insulin treatment. Adult critically ill patients with an
      expected stay of more than 24 hours and in need of insulin therapy were included.
      All patients received subcutaneous CGM. CGM data were blinded in the control
      group, whereas in the intervention group these data were used to feed a
      computerized glucose regulation algorithm. The same algorithm was used in the
      control group fed by intermittent POC glucose measurements. Safety was assessed
      with the incidence of severe hypoglycemia (<2.2 mmol/L), efficacy with the
      percentage time in target range (5.0 to 9.0 mmol/L). In addition, we assessed
      nursing workload and costs. RESULTS: In this study, 87 patients were randomized
      to the intervention and 90 to the control group. CGM device failure resulted in
      78 and 78 patients for analysis. The incidence of severe glycemia and percentage
      of time within target range was similar in both groups. A significant reduction
      in daily nursing workload for glucose control was found in the intervention group
      (17 versus 36 minutes; P <0.001). Mean daily costs per patient were significantly
      reduced with EUR 12 (95% CI -32 to -18, P = 0.02) in the intervention group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous CGM to guide insulin treatment in critically ill
      patients is as safe and effective as intermittent point-of-care measurements and
      reduces nursing workload and daily costs. A new algorithm designed for frequent
      measurements may lead to improved performance and should precede clinical
      implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01526044. Registered 1
      February 2012.

PMID- 25139610
TI  - Rituximab in the treatment of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.
AB  - Rituximab is a B-cell depleting monoclonal antibody that is gaining popularity as
      an effective therapy for many autoimmune cytopenias. This article systematically
      evaluates its therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of different types of
      autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. We conclude that there is sufficient evidence to
      recommend it as a second line therapy for warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
      (wAIHA) either as monotherapy or combined therapy. Evidence from a single
      randomized controlled trial suggests that it may also be more efficacious as
      first line therapy in combination with steroids than steroids alone. A fewer
      number of studies have assessed its role in cold autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
      (cAIHA) and cold agglutinin disease (CAD) with success rates varying from 45-66%.
      In the absence of alternative definitive therapy, rituximab should be considered
      for patients with symptomatic CAD and significant haemolysis. Case reports of its
      efficacy in mixed autoimmune haemolytic anaemias are available but evidence from
      case series or larger cohorts are nonexistent. 

PMID- 25139611
TI  - Density functional studies on (NCH)n azagraphane: activated surface for
      organocatalysis.
AB  - Quantum chemical analysis shows aza-graphane isomers, with alternate C-H and N:
      sites as ideal organocatalysts; their kinetic stability arises from the tertiary
      orthoamide. DFT calculations give split-off bands originating from nitrogen lone
      pairs with substantial mixing of hydrogen, indicating an optimal balance between
      nitrogen basicity and C-H activation through the anomeric effect. 

PMID- 25139612
TI  - Implementation of evidence-based HIV interventions for young adult African
      American women in church settings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the barriers and facilitators to using African American
      churches as sites for implementation of evidence-based HIV interventions among
      young African American women. DESIGN: Mixed methods cross-sectional design.
      SETTING: African American churches in Philadelphia, PA. PARTICIPANTS: 142 African
      American pastors, church leaders, and young adult women ages 18 to 25. METHODS:
      Mixed methods convergent parallel design. RESULTS: The majority of young adult
      women reported engaging in high-risk HIV-related behaviors. Although church
      leaders reported willingness to implement HIV risk-reduction interventions, they
      were unsure of how to initiate this process. Key facilitators to the
      implementation of evidence-based interventions included the perception of the
      leadership and church members that HIV interventions were needed and that the
      church was a promising venue for them. A primary barrier to implementation in
      this setting is the perception that discussions of sexuality should be private.
      CONCLUSION: Implementation of evidence-based HIV interventions for young adult
      African American women in church settings is feasible and needed. Building a
      level of comfort in discussing matters of sexuality and adapting existing
      evidence-based interventions to meet the needs of young women in church settings
      is a viable approach for successful implementation.

PMID- 25139613
TI  - Preparation and hydrosilylation activity of a molybdenum carbonyl complex that
      features a pentadentate bis(imino)pyridine ligand.
AB  - Attempts to prepare low-valent molybdenum complexes that feature a pentadentate
      2,6-bis(imino)pyridine (or pyridine diimine, PDI) chelate allowed for the
      isolation of two different products. Refluxing Mo(CO)6 with the pyridine
      substituted PDI ligand, (PyEt)PDI, resulted in carbonyl ligand substitution and
      formation of the respective bis(ligand) compound ((PyEt)PDI)2Mo (1). This complex
      was investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and density functional
      theory calculations indicated that 1 possesses a Mo(0) center that back-bonds
      into the pi*-orbitals of the unreduced PDI ligands. Heating an equimolar solution
      of Mo(CO)6 and the phosphine-substituted PDI ligand, (Ph2PPr)PDI, to 120  degrees
      C allowed for the preparation of ((Ph2PPr)PDI)Mo(CO) (2), which is supported by a
      kappa(5)-N,N,N,P,P-(Ph2PPr)PDI chelate. Notably, 1 and 2 have been found to
      catalyze the hydrosilylation of benzaldehyde at 90  degrees C, and the
      optimization of 2-catalyzed aldehyde hydrosilylation at this temperature afforded
      turnover frequencies of up to 330 h(-1). Considering additional experimental
      observations, the potential mechanism of 2-mediated carbonyl hydrosilylation is
      discussed. 

PMID- 25139614
TI  - Low-grade albuminuria associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in young
      adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in type 2 diabetics, and
      microalbuminuria is associated with cardiovascular disease morbidity. We aimed to
      investigate the potential association between low-grade albuminuria and arterial
      stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2013, a
      retrospective study was performed in 578 patients with type 2 diabetes (339 male
      patients and 239 female patients) with normal urinary albumin-to-creatinine
      ratios (ACRs; <30 mg/g) from Fuzhou, China. Patients were stratified into
      tertiles based on urinary ACR levels (lowest tertile, urinary ACR < 4.8 mg/g;
      highest tertile, urinary ACR >= 20.1 mg/g). Arterial stiffness was measured via
      brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. RESULTS: Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity,
      age, duration of diabetes, systolic blood pressure and pulse wave velocity
      progressively increased across all urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio tertiles
      (p < 0.05). Patients in the second and the highest tertiles had significantly
      elevated pulse wave velocity [114.6 mm/s (95% CI = 36.8-192.4) and 209.4 mm/s
      (95% CI = 131.8-286.9)], p = 0.004 and 0.000] compared with those in the lowest
      ACR tertile. The association between ACR and elevated pulse wave velocity still
      persisted in patients younger than 65 years of age and those with diabetes <10
      years, conferring 45 or 51% greater risk of elevated pulse wave velocity (OR =
      1.451; 95% CI = 1.119-1.881; p = 0.005 or OR = 1.515; 95% CI = 1.167-1.966; p =
      0.0018) with each ACR tertile increment. Each ACR tertile increment conferred
      31.7% higher risk of increased pulse wave velocity (OR = 1.317; 95% CI = 1.004
      1.729; p = 0.0468). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with type 2 diabetes with urinary
      albumin excretion in the upper normal range were still at risk for target organ
      damage. Low-grade albuminuria might be an early marker for the detection of
      arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in younger
      patients with type 2 diabetes with shorter durations of disease.

PMID- 25139615
TI  - Expression and clinical significance of ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 in
      serum and placental tissue in Chinese patients with preeclampsia.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of ATP-binding
      cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1) in pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE). METHODS:
      52 pregnant women with PE who were admitted for delivery were enrolled in the
      study, while 30 normal pregnant inpatients were chosen as controls. Blood lipid
      and serum ABCA1 concentrations were assayed by enzymatic analysis and ELISA,
      respectively, and the expression of the ABCA1 gene and its encoded protein were
      detected and quantified by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: In the study
      group, blood lipid levels were significantly higher than those in the control
      group (p < 0.01), while the ABCA1 gene and its encoded protein expression in both
      serum and placental tissue were lower than that of controls. These differences
      were highly correlated with disease severity (p < 0.05). In PE patients, serum
      ABCA1 concentration was positively correlated with ABCA1 protein expression in
      placental tissue (r = 0.384, p < 0.01) and high-density lipoprotein level (r =
      0.318, p < 0.05), but negatively correlated with low-density lipoprotein level (r
      = -0.279, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In PE women, expression of ABCA1 was decreased,
      suggesting that ABCA1 may play an important role in onset of PE by altering blood
      lipid metabolism.

PMID- 25139616
TI  - JLK1486, a N,N-[(8-hydroxyquinoline)methyl]-substituted benzylamine analogue,
      inhibits melanoma proliferation and induces autophagy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate anti-proliferatory activity of a selected N,N-[(8
      hydroxyquinoline)methyl]-substituted benzylamine (JLK1486) on melanoma cells and
      to characterize its mechanism of cell population growth inhibition. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In vitro cultures of B16F10 (mouse melanoma) cells were used as a model
      to characterize anti-proliferatory activity of JLK1486 using MTT growth assay,
      trypan blue viability assessment, cell cycle analysis, melanin production, beta
      galactosidase and acridine orange staining. RESULTS: Proliferating B16F10 and
      also MeWo (human melanoma) cells were strongly growth inhibited by JLK1486,
      displaying IC50 values of 196 nm and 110 nm respectively. Anti-proliferatory
      effects were independent of cell death and were characterized by a distinct
      accumulation of cells in G0 /G1 phase. Tyrosinase activity and relative melanin
      content remained unchanged indicating that the anti-proliferatory activity was
      not due to phenotype differentiation. Although treated B16F10 cells stained
      strongly positive for senescence marker beta-galactosidase, cells regained near
      normal proliferatory activity after removal of JLK1486. Increased acridine orange
      staining and presence of perinuclear vacuoles suggested induction of autophagy in
      B16F10 cells. Furthermore, JLK1486 pre-treatment completely abolished melphalan
      and antimycin A-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION: JLK1486 provides a promising
      chemical scaffold to develop new anti-melanoma drugs or combination therapies,
      due to its potent inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of autophagy, at
      pharmacologically relevant concentrations.

PMID- 25139617
TI  - Effects of medical therapy or surgery on prostatic and bladder resistive indices
      in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The effects of medical therapy or surgery on bladder and prostatic
      resistive indices (RIs) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive
      of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) were evaluated in the present study.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 124 consecutive LUTS/BPH patients who were
      candidates for medical therapy (alfuzosin 10 mg once daily, n=66) or surgery
      (transurethral prostatectomy (TUR-P), n=58) were prospectively included. Baseline
      assessment of patients was performed with the International Prostate Symptom
      Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and prostatic and bladder RIs
      measured using power Doppler imaging (PDI). All patients were re-evaluated 3
      months after treatment measuring the same parameters. RESULTS: Following medical
      therapy, mean IPSS (17.2+/-5.1 vs. 8.3+/-5.3, p=0.0001), postvoiding residual
      (PVR) urine (80.0+/-80.5 vs. 40.3+/-38.6, p=0.0001), and prostatic RI (0.73+/-0.1
      vs. 0.70+/-0.1, p=0.0001) were decreased, Qmax (13.7+/-4.2 vs. 16.9+/-5.9,
      p=0.0001) was increased, and bladder RI remained unchanged (0.70+/-0.1 vs. 0.70+/
      0.1, p=0.68). Mean IPSS (25.3+/-5.6 vs. 6.0+/-4.5, p=0.0001), PVR urine volume
      (134.5+/-115.5 vs. 35.7+/-25.9, p=0.0001), and prostatic (0.78+/-0.1 vs. 0.67+/
      0.04, p=0.0001) and bladder RIs (0.72+/-0.1 vs. 0.64+/-0.04, p=0.005) were
      decreased, and Qmax (8.0+/-4.5 vs. 17.2+/-8.2, p=0.0001) was increased after TUR
      P. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that TUR-P decreased both prostatic and
      bladder RIs, while alpha-blocker therapy did not change bladder RI in the early
      posttreatment period in LUTS/BPH patients.

PMID- 25139618
TI  - Does pain interfere with antidepressant depression treatment response and
      remission in patients with depression and pain? An evidence-based structured
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this evidence-based structured review was to
      determine if there is consistent evidence that pain interferes with achieving
      antidepressant treatment response/remission of depression in patients with
      depression and pain. METHODS: After exclusion criteria were applied, of 2,801
      studies/reports, 17 studies addressed this question. They were sorted into the
      four hypotheses outlined herein after. The percentage of studies supporting/not
      supporting each hypothesis was calculated. The strength and consistency of the
      evidence for each hypothesis were rated according to the Agency for Health Care
      Research and Quality (AHRQ) guidelines. RESULTS: For the first hypothesis
      (pretreatment pain levels will predict antidepressant depression response), nine
      out of 10 (90%) studies supported it. For the second hypothesis (treatment
      decreases in pain will be associated with antidepressant depression response),
      two out of two (100%) studies supported it. For the third hypothesis
      (pretreatment pain levels will predict antidepressant depression remission), six
      out of six (100%) studies supported it. For the fourth hypothesis (treatment
      decreases in pain will be associated with antidepressant depression remission),
      five out of five (100%) supported it. Utilizing these percentages and AHRQ
      guidelines, hypotheses 1, 3, and 4 received an A rating for consistency of
      studies in supporting them. A consistency rating for hypothesis 2 could not be
      generated because of too few studies in that group. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent
      evidence was found that antidepressant treatment of depression in patients with
      depression and pain can be negatively impacted by pain for achieving depression
      response/remission. However, the overall number of studies supporting each
      hypothesis was small. In addition, several potential confounders of the results
      of this study were identified.

PMID- 25139620
TI  - Downregulation of endogenous STAT3 augments tumoricidal activity of interleukin
      15 activated dendritic cell against lymphoma and leukemia via TRAIL.
AB  - Effector functions in tumor resistance by dendritic cells (DCs) are less well
      characterized. In this study, we describe that the murine DCs upon stimulation
      with recombinant IL-15 in vitro or in vivo, expresses TNF superfamily member
      TRAIL which mediates cytotoxicity and growth inhibition against a murine lymphoma
      called Dalton lymphoma (DL) via apoptosis. Presence of tumor lysate or intact
      tumor cells significantly reduces the DC mediated tumoricidal effect, possibly
      via masking and down-regulating TRAIL in DCs. The antitumor effect of DC derived
      TRAIL was further augmented by deactivation of STAT3 in tumor cells by
      cucurbitacin I, which makes it more susceptible to DC derived TRAIL Treatment of
      tumor cells with cucurbitacin I upregulates TRAIL receptor expression in addition
      to activation of caspases. Compared to naive DCs, DCs from tumor bearing mice are
      significantly impaired in TRAIL expression and consequent antitumor functions
      against DL which was partially restored by activation with IL-15 or LPS. Priming
      with recombinant IL-15 prolongs the survival of tumor bearing mice treated with
      cucurbitacin I. Naive peripheral blood DCs derived from chronic myeloid leukemia
      (CML) patients have significant impairment in expression of TRAIL and consequent
      tumoricidal properties against TRAIL sensitive lymphoma cell lines and primary
      tumor cells compared to normal control.

PMID- 25139619
TI  - Celastrol induces unfolded protein response-dependent cell death in head and neck
      cancer.
AB  - The survival rate for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not
      seen marked improvement in recent decades despite enhanced efforts in prevention
      and the introduction of novel therapies. We have reported that pharmacological
      exacerbation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) is an effective approach to
      killing OSCC cells. The UPR is executed via distinct signaling cascades whereby
      an initial attempt to restore folding homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum
      during stress is complemented by an apoptotic response if the defect cannot be
      resolved. To identify novel small molecules able to overwhelm the adaptive
      capacity of the UPR in OSCC cells, we engineered a complementary cell-based assay
      to screen a broad spectrum of chemical matter. Stably transfected CHO-K1 cells
      that individually report (luciferase) on the PERK/eIF2alpha/ATF4/CHOP (apoptotic)
      or the IRE1/XBP1 (adaptive) UPR pathways, were engineered [1]. The triterpenoids
      dihydrocelastrol and celastrol were identified as potent inducers of UPR
      signaling and cell death in a primary screen and confirmed in a panel of OSCC
      cells and other cancer cell lines. Biochemical and genetic assays using OSCC
      cells and modified murine embryonic fibroblasts demonstrated that intact PERK
      eIF2-ATF4-CHOP signaling is required for pro-apoptotic UPR and OSCC death
      following celastrol treatment. 

PMID- 25139621
TI  - Erg cooperates with TGF-beta to control mesenchymal differentiation.
AB  - Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling plays an integral role in
      skeletal development. Conditional deletion of the TGF-beta type II receptor
      (Tgfbr2) from type II Collagen (Col2a) expressing cells results in defects in
      development of the annulus fibrosus (AF) of the intervertebral disc (IVD). We
      previously used microarray analysis to search for marker genes of AF as well as
      transcription factors regulated by TGF-beta during AF development. The
      transcription factor avian erythroblastosis virus E-26 (v-ets) oncogene related
      (Erg) was identified in the microarray screen as a candidate regulator of AF
      development. To study the effects of TGF-beta on AF differentiation and the role
      of Erg in this process, we used mouse sclerotome grown in micromass cultures. At
      0.5ng TGF-beta/ml, sclerotome cells started to express markers of AF. Regulation
      of Erg by TGF-beta was confirmed in these cells. In addition, TGF-beta soaked
      Affi-gel beads implanted into the axial skeleton of stage HH 25 chick embryos
      showed that TGF-beta could induce expression of Erg mRNA in vivo. Next, an
      adenovirus to over-express Erg in primary sclerotome micromass cultures was
      generated. Over-expression of Erg led to a change in cell morphology and
      inhibition of differentiation into hyaline cartilage as seen by reduced Alcian
      blue staining and decreased Sox9 and c-Maf expression. Erg was not sufficient to
      induce expression of AF markers and expression of Sca1, a marker of pluripotent
      progenitor cells, was up-regulated in Erg expressing cells. When cells that
      ectopically expressed Erg were treated with TGF-beta, enhanced expression of
      specific differentiation markers was observed suggesting Erg can cooperate with
      TGF-beta to regulate differentiation of the sclerotome. Furthermore, we showed
      using co-immunopreciptiation that Erg and Smad3 bind to each other suggesting a
      mechanism for their functional interaction. 

PMID- 25139622
TI  - An ADARPEF survey on respiratory management in pediatric anesthesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There have been recent changes with regard to tools and concepts for
      respiratory management of children undergoing general anesthesia. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the practice of pediatric anesthetists concerning: preoxygenation,
      breathing systems, ventilation modes, anesthetic agent and airway device,
      strategies for a general anaesthetic of less than 30 min using spontaneous
      respiration, and opinion about technical aspects of ventilation. METHODS: Online
      questionnaire sent by e-mail to all the anesthetists registered on the mailing
      list of the French-speaking Pediatric Anesthetists and Intensivists Association
      (ADARPEF). RESULTS: 232 questionnaires (46%) were returned. More than 25% of
      anesthetists surveyed declared that they do not perform preoxygenation before
      induction for children <15 years old, apart from neonates and clinical specific
      situations. When performed, <65% chose a FiO2 higher than 80%. Inhalational
      induction with sevoflurane is the preferred mode of induction set at 6% or 8%,
      respectively, 69% [62-75] vs 25% [18-31]. For induction, the circle system was
      the most popular circuit used in all ages. The accessory breathing system
      Mapleson B type-was predominantly used for neonates (44% [37-54]). For
      maintenance of an anesthesia lasting <30 min in spontaneous breathing, the use of
      laryngeal mask increased with age, and the endotracheal tube was reserved for
      neonates (40% [33-48]). Pressure support ventilation was rarely used from the
      beginning of induction but was widely used for maintenance, whatever the age
      group. Results differed according to the type of institution. CONCLUSION:
      Ventilation management depends on the age and institutions in terms of circuit,
      airway device or ventilation mode, and specific differences exist for neonates.

PMID- 25139624
TI  - In vivo correlation between axon diameter and conduction velocity in the human
      brain.
AB  - The understanding of the relationship between structure and function has always
      characterized biology in general and neurobiology in particular. One such
      fundamental relationship is that between axon diameter and the axon's conduction
      velocity (ACV). Measurement of these neuronal properties, however, requires
      invasive procedures that preclude direct elucidation of this relationship in
      vivo. Here we demonstrate that diffusion-based MRI is sensitive to the fine
      microstructural elements of brain wiring and can be used to quantify axon
      diameter in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrate the in vivo correlation between the
      diameter of an axon and its conduction velocity in the human brain. Using
      AxCaliber, a novel magnetic resonance imaging technique that enables us to
      estimate in vivo axon diameter distribution (ADD) and by measuring the
      interhemispheric transfer time (IHTT) by electroencephalography, we found
      significant linear correlation, across a cohort of subjects, between brain
      microstructure morphology (ADD) and its physiology (ACV) in the tactile and
      visual sensory domains. The ability to make a quantitative assessment of a
      fundamental physiological property in the human brain from in vivo measurements
      of ADD may shed new light on neurological processes occurring in neuroplasticity
      as well as in neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. 

PMID- 25139623
TI  - Cerebellar control of gait and interlimb coordination.
AB  - Synaptic and intrinsic processing in Purkinje cells, interneurons and granule
      cells of the cerebellar cortex have been shown to underlie various relatively
      simple, single-joint, reflex types of motor learning, including eyeblink
      conditioning and adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex. However, to what
      extent these processes contribute to more complex, multi-joint motor behaviors,
      such as locomotion performance and adaptation during obstacle crossing, is not
      well understood. Here, we investigated these functions using the Erasmus Ladder
      in cell-specific mouse mutant lines that suffer from impaired Purkinje cell
      output (Pcd), Purkinje cell potentiation (L7-Pp2b), molecular layer interneuron
      output (L7-Deltagamma2), and granule cell output (alpha6-Cacna1a). We found that
      locomotion performance was severely impaired with small steps and long step times
      in Pcd and L7-Pp2b mice, whereas it was mildly altered in L7-Deltagamma2 and not
      significantly affected in alpha6-Cacna1a mice. Locomotion adaptation triggered by
      pairing obstacle appearances with preceding tones at fixed time intervals was
      impaired in all four mouse lines, in that they all showed inaccurate and
      inconsistent adaptive walking patterns. Furthermore, all mutants exhibited
      altered front-hind and left-right interlimb coordination during both performance
      and adaptation, and inconsistent walking stepping patterns while crossing
      obstacles. Instead, motivation and avoidance behavior were not compromised in any
      of the mutants during the Erasmus Ladder task. Our findings indicate that cell
      type-specific abnormalities in cerebellar microcircuitry can translate into
      pronounced impairments in locomotion performance and adaptation as well as
      interlimb coordination, highlighting the general role of the cerebellar cortex in
      spatiotemporal control of complex multi-joint movements. 

PMID- 25139625
TI  - Endogenous-cue prospective memory involving incremental updating of working
      memory: an fMRI study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prospective memory paradigms are conventionally classified on the
      basis of event-, time-, or activity-based intention retrieval. In the vast
      majority of such paradigms, intention retrieval is provoked by some kind of
      external event. However, prospective memory retrieval cues that prompt intention
      retrieval in everyday life are commonly endogenous, i.e., linked to a specific
      imagined retrieval context. We describe herein a novel prospective memory
      paradigm wherein the endogenous cue is generated by incremental updating of
      working memory, and investigated the hemodynamic correlates of this task.
      METHODS: Eighteen healthy adult volunteers underwent functional magnetic
      resonance imaging while they performed a prospective memory task where the
      delayed intention was triggered by an endogenous cue generated by incremental
      updating of working memory. Working memory and ongoing task control conditions
      were also administered. RESULTS: The 'endogenous-cue prospective memory
      condition' with incremental working memory updating was associated with maximum
      activations in the right rostral prefrontal cortex, and additional activations in
      the brain regions that constitute the bilateral fronto-parietal network, central
      and dorsal salience networks as well as cerebellum. In the working memory control
      condition, maximal activations were noted in the left dorsal anterior insula.
      CONCLUSIONS: Activation of the bilateral dorsal anterior insula, a component of
      the central salience network, was found to be unique to this 'endogenous-cue
      prospective memory task' in comparison to previously reported exogenous- and
      endogenous-cue prospective memory tasks without incremental working memory
      updating. Thus, the findings of the present study highlight the important role
      played by the dorsal anterior insula in incremental working memory updating that
      is integral to our endogenous-cue prospective memory task.

PMID- 25139626
TI  - Erratum to: Glutamate receptors of the delta family are widely expressed in the
      adult brain.

PMID- 25139627
TI  - [Care of geriatric otorhinolaryngology patients].

PMID- 25139628
TI  - Standard of care and future pharmacological treatment options for malignant
      glioma: an urgent need for screening and identification of novel tumor-specific
      antigens.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Malignant gliomas (MGs) represent the most common primary brain
      tumors in adults, the most deadly of which is grade IV glioblastoma. Patients
      with glioblastoma undergoing current standard-of-care therapy have a median
      survival of 12 - 15 months. AREAS COVERED: Over the past 25 years, there have
      been modest advancements in the treatment of MGs. Assessment of therapeutic
      responses has continued to evolve to account for the increasing number of agents
      being tested in the clinic. Currently approved therapies for primary tumors have
      been extended for use in the setting of recurrent disease with modest efficacy.
      Agents initially approved for recurrent gliomas have begun to demonstrate
      efficacy against de novo tumors but will ultimately need to be evaluated in
      future studies for scheduling, timing and dosing relative to chemotherapy. EXPERT
      OPINION: Screening and identification of tumor-specific mutations is critical for
      the advancement of effective therapy that is both safe and precise for the
      patient. Two unique antigens found in glioblastoma are currently being employed
      as targets for immunotherapeutic vaccines, one of which has advanced to Phase III
      testing. Whole genome sequencing of MGs has yielded two other novel mutations
      that offer great promise for the development of molecular inhibitors.

PMID- 25139629
TI  - Mandarin version of the Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire: A valid instrument for
      assessing symptoms in Asians.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a Mandarin version of the Leeds Dyspepsia
      Questionnaire (M-LDQ) in Asian patients with dyspepsia. METHODS: The M-LDQ was
      developed according to standardized methods. The validity, internal consistency,
      test-retest reliability and responsiveness of the instrument were evaluated in
      both primary and secondary care patients. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients (mean
      age 54.0 +/- 15.8 years, of whom 59% were women and 72.3% of whom had at least
      secondary level education) were recruited between August 2012 and March 2013,
      from both primary (n = 100) and secondary care clinics (n = 84). Both the
      internal consistency of all components of the M-LDQ (Cronbach's alpha 0.79) and
      test-retest reliability (Spearman's correlation coefficient 0.78) were good. The
      M-LDQ was valid in diagnosing dyspepsia in primary care (area under the receiver
      operating characteristics curve 0.84) and was able to discriminate between
      secondary and primary care patients (median cumulative LDQ score 13.0 vs 3.0, P <
      0.0001). Among eight patients with organic dyspepsia, the median M-LDQ score
      reduced significantly from 21.0 (pretreatment) to 9.5 (4 weeks post-treatment) (P
      < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The M-LDQ is a valid and responsive instrument for
      assessing ethnic Chinese adults with dyspepsia.

PMID- 25139630
TI  - Outcomes in acute heart failure: 30-day readmission versus death.
AB  - For patients hospitalized with acute heart failure, health policy initiatives in
      the USA have drawn attention to 30-day mortality and readmission. Confusion
      around definitions, populations, and thus reported rates for these two outcomes
      is common. Among Medicare fee-for-service patients hospitalized with heart
      failure, all-cause mortality 30 days from the time of admission is 11.7 % and all
      cause unplanned readmission 30 days from discharge is 23.0 %. Rates for Medicaid
      and commercially insured patients are lower. Mortality rates have been relatively
      stable, while readmission rates increased under the Diagnosis Related Group
      payment system then began decreasing under the Hospital Readmission Reductions
      Program. Risk models are reasonable at predicting mortality, whereas readmission
      has been harder to anticipate. The use of risk-standardized hospital rates as
      performance measures has generated considerable debate. Future work should
      clarify the interaction between the two measures, the optimal time window and
      factors influencing rates and trends-including socioeconomic status. 

PMID- 25139631
TI  - Patterns and determinants of new first-line antihyperglycaemic drug use in
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - AIMS: We evaluated the patterns and determinants that influence the selection,
      timing and duration of first-line antihyperglycaemic drug (AHD) treatment in
      patients with type 2 diabetes in Germany, focusing specifically on treatment
      naive AHD initiators. METHODS: Pharmacy dispensing claims data were linked with a
      cohort of patients newly enrolled in a German Disease Management Program for type
      2 diabetes (DMP-DM2) between 2003 and 2009. We examined uptake of first-line
      pharmacotherapy in previously unmedicated patients and identified predictors of
      receiving AHD therapy in general and metformin in particular using multivariable
      regression analyses. RESULTS: There were 27,138 unmedicated patients with type 2
      diabetes and 47.0% of them were started on AHD treatment within 5 years after
      enrollment. Initial severity of diabetes was the major predictor of receiving
      first-line pharmacotherapy. Metformin accounted for 63% of newly prescribed AHD
      in 2003 and more than 80% in 2009 while sulfonylureas accounted for only 10%.
      Initiating metformin as first-line AHD was associated with younger age, higher
      BMI, lower HbA1c, and shorter diabetes duration (multivariate p<0.001 for all).
      Therapy switch or step-up was less frequent among metformin initiators than
      sulfonylurea initiators. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients were not started
      on AHD therapy within 5 years after enrollment. In line with recent therapy
      guidelines, current first-line antihyperglycaemic treatment was increasingly
      based on metformin. AHD initiators started on sulfonylurea were generally more
      advanced in their disease and were started later on primary pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 25139632
TI  - Predictors of diabetes foot complications among patients with diabetes in Saudi
      Arabia.
AB  - AIMS: To identify risk factors and clinical biomarkers of prevalent diabetes foot
      complications, including foot ulcers, gangrene and amputations among patients
      with diabetes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: 598 diabetes patients from Jeddah
      participated in the current study. Patients were considered to have diabetes foot
      complications if they reported diagnosis of foot ulcers or gangrene or
      amputations in a questionnaire administered by a physician and confirmed by
      clinical exams. Information on socio-demographic and lifestyle variables was self
      reported by patients, and several clinical markers were assessed following
      standard procedures. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes foot complications in
      this population was 11.4%. In the multivariable model without adjustment for PAD
      (peripheral artery disease) and DPN (diabetes peripheral neuropathy), non-Saudi
      nationality, longer diabetes duration and insulin use was significantly
      associated with higher diabetes foot complications prevalence. Each 1g/L increase
      of hemoglobin was associated with 2.8% lower prevalence of diabetes foot
      complications. In the multivariable model adjusting for PAD and DPN, the
      previously observed associations except for nationality were no longer
      significant. Patients with both DPN and PAD had 9.73 times the odds of diabetes
      foot complications compared to the patients with neither condition. CONCLUSION:
      In this population, longer diabetes duration, insulin use, lower hemoglobin
      levels and non-Saudi nationality were associated with higher prevalence of foot
      complications. These associations were largely explained by the presence of DPN
      and PAD except for non-Saudi nationality. Diabetes patients with both DPN and PAD
      had nearly 10-fold increased risk of foot complications than those with neither
      condition.

PMID- 25139633
TI  - Pulmonary vascular tone is dependent on the central modulation of sympathetic
      nerve activity following chronic intermittent hypoxia.
AB  - Chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH) provokes a centrally mediated increase in
      sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). Although this sympathetic hyperexcitation has
      been linked to systemic hypertension, its effect on the pulmonary vasculature is
      unclear. This study aimed to assess IH-mediated sympathetic excitation in
      modulating pulmonary vasculature tone, particularly acute hypoxia vasoconstrictor
      response (HPV), and the central beta-adrenergic signaling pathway for
      facilitating the increase in SNA. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to IH (cycle
      of 4% O2 for 90 s/air for 90 s) for 8 h/day for 6 weeks. Subsequently, rats were
      anesthetized and either pulmonary SNA was recorded (electrophysiology), or the
      pulmonary vasculature was visualized using microangiography. Pulmonary
      sympathetic and vascular responses to acute hypoxia were assessed before and
      after central beta1-adrenergic receptor blockade (Metoprolol, 200 nmol i.c.v.).
      Chronic IH increased baseline SNA (110% increase), and exacerbated the
      sympathetic response to acute hypoxia. Moreover, the magnitude of HPV in IH rats
      was blunted compared to control rats (e.g., 10 and 20% vasoconstriction,
      respectively). In only the IH rats, beta1-receptor blockade with metoprolol
      attenuated the hypoxia-induced increase in pSNA and exacerbated the magnitude of
      acute HPV, so that both sympathetic and HPV responses were similar to that of
      control rats. Interestingly, the expression of beta1-receptors within the
      brainstem was similar between both control and IH rats. These results suggest
      that the centrally mediated increase in SNA following IH acts to blunt the local
      vasoconstrictor effect of acute hypoxia, which reflects an inherent difference
      between vasodilator and vasoconstrictor actions of SNA in pulmonary and systemic
      circulations.

PMID- 25139634
TI  - Metabolomic analysis of amino acid and fat metabolism in rats with L-tryptophan
      supplementation.
AB  - Tryptophan (TRP) is an important precursor for several neurotransmitters and
      metabolic regulators, which play a vital role in regulating nutrient metabolism.
      The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of tryptophan
      supplementation on the biochemical profiles, intestinal structure, liver
      structure and serum metabolome in rats. Rats received daily intragastric
      administration of either tryptophan at doses of 200 mg/kg body weight per day or
      saline (control group) for 7 days. TRP supplementation had a tendency to decrease
      the body weight of rats (P > 0.05). The levels of urea and CHO in serum were
      decreased in the TRP-supplemented group rats compared with control group rats (P
      < 0.05). TRP supplementation increased the villus height and the ratio of villus
      height to crypt depth in the jejunum compared to control group rats (P < 0.05).
      Metabolic effects of tryptophan supplementation include: (1) increases in the
      serum concentrations of lysine, glycine, alanine, glutamate, glutamine,
      citrulline, methionine, tyrosine, 1-methylhistidine, and albumin, and decreases
      in the concentrations of serum branched-chain amino acid (isoleucine, valine and
      leucine); (2) decreases in the serum concentrations of formate and nitrogenous
      products (trimethylamine, TMAO, methylamine and dimethylamine), and in the
      contraction of trimethylamine in feces; (3) decreases in serum levels of lipids,
      low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, together with the elevated
      ratio of acetoacetate to beta-hydroxybutyrate. The results indicate that
      tryptophan supplementation reduced the catabolism of dietary amino acids and
      promoted protein synthesis in rats, promoted the oxidation of fatty acid and
      reduced fat deposition in the body of rats.

PMID- 25139635
TI  - A review of the economic tools for assessing new medical devices.
AB  - Whereas the economic evaluation of pharmaceuticals is an established practice
      within international health technology assessment (HTA) and is often produced
      with the support of comprehensive methodological guidance, the equivalent
      procedure for medical devices is less developed. Medical devices, including
      diagnostic products, are a rapidly growing market in healthcare, with over 10,000
      medical technology patent applications filed in Europe in 2012-nearly double the
      number filed for pharmaceuticals. This increase in the market place, in
      combination with the limited, or constricting, budgets that healthcare decision
      makers face, has led to a greater level of examination with respect to the
      economic evaluation of medical devices. However, methodological questions that
      arise due to the unique characteristics of medical devices have yet to be
      addressed fully. This review of journal publications and HTA guidance identified
      these characteristics and the challenges they may subsequently pose from an
      economic evaluation perspective. These unique features of devices can be grouped
      into four categories: (1) data quality issues; (2) learning curve; (3) measuring
      long-term outcomes from diagnostic devices; and (4) wider impact from
      organisational change. We review the current evaluation toolbox available to
      researchers and explore potential future approaches to improve the economic
      evaluation of medical devices. 

PMID- 25139636
TI  - Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis co-existing with breast cancer: a case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare pulmonary disease
      characterized by excessive alveolar accumulation of surfactant due to defective
      alveolar clearance by macrophages. There are only a few published case reports of
      pulmonary alveolar proteinosis occurring in association with solid cancers. To
      the best of our knowledge, there are no previously reported cases of pulmonary
      alveolar proteinosis associated with breast cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year
      old Asian woman, a nonsmoker, presented to our institution with a right breast
      mass. Biopsy examination of the lesion revealed scirrhous carcinoma. A chest
      computed tomography scan for metastases showed abnormal shadows in both upper
      lung fields. As a result of flexible fiberscopic bronchoscopy, this patient was
      diagnosed as having pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. This case was categorized as
      autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis due to the positive anti-granulocyte
      macrophage colony-stimulating factor antibody. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
      decreased gradually after mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The present case involved the
      coincident occurrence of autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis with breast
      cancer; breast cancer may be a factor during pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
      development.

PMID- 25139638
TI  - Role of dietary fats in the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome.
AB  - A symposium on the health significance of dietary fat in the prevention and
      treatment of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) was held at the 20th International
      Congress of Nutrition in Granada, Spain, on September 19, 2013. Four nutrition
      experts addressed the topics of dietary fat and obesity, effects of dietary fat
      quality in obesity and insulin resistance, influence of early nutrition on the
      later risk of MetS and the relative merits of high- or low-fat diets in
      counteracting MetS. Participants agreed that preventing weight gain and achieving
      weight loss in overweight and obese patients were key strategies for reducing
      MetS. Both low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets are associated with weight loss,
      but adherence to the diet is the most important factor in achieving success.
      Avoidance of high saturated fats contributes to lower health risks among obese,
      MetS and diabetic patients. Further, healthy maternal weight at conception and in
      pregnancy is more important that weight gain during pregnancy for reducing the
      risk of obesity in the offspring. The effects of different polyunsaturated fatty
      acids on MetS and weight loss require clarification.

PMID- 25139639
TI  - TACE performed in patients with a single nodule of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually undergo
      transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) if they are not candidates for curative
      surgical or ablative therapy. The primary aim of the study was to assess the
      overall survival and clinical determinants of survival in patients with single
      HCC who underwent TACE. The secondary aims were tumor response, local and distant
      recurrence rates, time to recurrence and the impact of TACE on liver function.
      METHODS: The outcomes of 148 consecutive patients with single HCC who underwent
      TACE from January 2004 to December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS:
      Complete response (CR) was observed in 95/148 (64%) patients and a partial
      response (PR) in 39 (26%) patients. The recurrence rate was 27%, 42% and 65% at
      6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. The day after TACE, 56 (38%) patients had a
      Child-Pugh increase >= 1 and 93 (63%) had a MELD increase >= 1. Median survival
      was 36.0 months with 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 85%, 50% and 26%,
      respectively. Bland portal thrombosis was not seen to have any impact at
      univariate survival analysis; however, a slight impairment of PS (PS-1) in small
      tumors had some, although minor, impact on prognosis. Factors associated with
      shorter survival at multivariate analysis were tumor >5 cm, absence of CR,
      ascites, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) >= 14.5 ng/mL and a MELD increase >= 1.
      CONCLUSIONS: Transarterial chemoembolization is a valid treatment option in
      patients with single HCC not suitable for curative treatment. Bland PVT has no
      major impact on survival and a slight impairment of PS attributable to cirrhosis
      in patients within the Milan criteria should not preclude the use of TACE.

PMID- 25139640
TI  - First you find the "criminals" in research fraud.

PMID- 25139641
TI  - Triphasic and epithelioid minimal fat renal angiomyolipoma and clear cell renal
      cell carcinoma: qualitative and quantitative CEUS characteristics and
      distinguishing features.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS)
      characteristics of minimal fat renal angiomyolipoma (AML) (triphasic and
      epithelioid) and compare them to each other and to clear cell renal cell
      carcinoma (ccRCC) to explore their differential diagnostic clue. METHODS:
      Qualitative and quantitative CEUS analyses were retrospectively conducted for
      epithelioid renal AMLs (EAMLs) (n = 15), triphasic minimal fat AMLs (TAMLs) (n =
      25), and ccRCCs (n = 113). Enhancement patterns and features with CEUS were
      qualitatively evaluated. As for the quantitative parameters, rise times (RT),
      time to peak (TTP), and tumor-to-cortex enhancement ratio (TOC ratio) were
      compared among these renal tumor histotypes. RESULTS: No significant differences
      were detected on conventional ultrasound in the three histotypes of renal tumor.
      On qualitative CEUS analysis, centripetal enhancement in cortical phase (73.3% in
      EAMLs, 84.0% in TAMLs vs. 18.6% in ccRCCs, p < 0.001 for both), homogeneous peak
      enhancement (100.0% in both EAMLs and TAMLs vs. 43.4% in ccRCCs, p < 0.001 for
      both), and iso-enhancement in parenchyma phase (53.3% in AMLs, 52.0% in TAMLs vs.
      26.5% in ccRCCs, p = 0.034 and 0.013, respectively) were valuable traits for
      differentiating EAMLs and TAMLs from ccRCCs. Furthermore, with quantitative
      analysis, RT and TTP were much shorter in ccRCCs than those in EAMLs and TAMLs.
      However, all these qualitative and quantitative characteristics made no
      significant difference between EAMLs and TAMLs. In the differential diagnosis of
      EAMLs from TAMLs, pseudocapsule sign was valuable (40.0% in EAMLs vs. 0.0% in
      TAMLs, p < 0.001), and TOC ratio was much higher in EAMLs (166.01 +/- 64.47%)
      than that in TAMLs (93.74 +/- 46.56%)(p < 0.001), though they did make overlaps
      with ccRCCs. With either heterogeneous peak enhancement or the presence of
      pseudocapsule or TOC ratio >97.34% as the criteria to differentiate ccRCCs and
      EAMLs from TAMLs, the sensitivity and specificity were 80.0% and 87.5%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative and quantitative CEUS analyses are helpful
      in the differential diagnosis of ccRCCs, EAMLs, and TAMLs.

PMID- 25139642
TI  - The role of pure iterative reconstruction in conventional dose CT enterography.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pure iterative reconstruction (Pure IR) has been proposed as a solution
      to improve diagnostic quality of low dose CT images. We assess the performance of
      model based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) in improving conventional dose CT
      enterography (CTE) images. METHODS: 43 Crohn's patients (27 female) (38.5 +/-
      12.98 years) referred for CTE were included. Images were reconstructed with pure
      IR (MBIR, General Electric Healthcare) in addition to standard department
      protocol (reconstructed with hybrid iterative reconstruction (Hybrid IR) [60%
      filtered back projection/40% adaptive statistical IR (General Electric
      Healthcare)]. Image quality was assessed objectively and subjectively at 6
      anatomical levels. Clinical interpretation was undertaken in consensus by 2
      blinded radiologists along with 2 non-blinded readers ('gold standard'). Results
      were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists. RESULTS: Mean
      effective radiation dose was 6.05 +/- 2.84 mSv (size specific dose estimates 9.25
      +/- 2.9 mGy). Objective and subjective assessment yielded 6106 data points. Pure
      IR images significantly outperformed those using standard reconstruction
      techniques across all subjective (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) (noise, contrast
      resolution, spatial resolution, streak artifact, axial diagnostic acceptability,
      coronal diagnostic acceptability) and objective (p < 0.004) (noise, signal-to
      noise ratio) parameters. Clinical reads of the pure IR images agreed more closely
      with the gold standard reads than the hybrid IR image reads in terms of overall
      Crohn's activity grade (kappa = 0.630, 0.308) and detection of acute
      complications (kappa = 1.0, 0.896). Results were comparable for bowel wall
      disease severity assessment (kappa = 0.523, 0.593). CONCLUSIONS: Pure IR
      considerably improves image quality of conventional dose CTE images and therefore
      its use should be expanded beyond low dose protocols to improving image quality
      at conventional dose CT imaging.

PMID- 25139643
TI  - Multimodality imaging of common and uncommon peritoneal diseases: a review for
      radiologists.
AB  - Peritoneal disease can be caused by a wide spectrum of pathologies. While
      peritoneal disease is usually caused by primary or secondary malignancies, benign
      diseases can occur and mimic malignancies. This article begins with an overview
      of peritoneal embryology and anatomy followed by a detailed description of the
      multimodality imaging appearance of peritoneal diseases. Common diseases include
      peritoneal carcinomatosis, pseudomyxoma peritonei, lymphomatosis, sarcomatosis,
      and tuberculous peritonitis. The uncommon diseases which cause peritoneal disease
      include desmoid fibromatosis, desmoplastic small round cell tumor, malignant
      mesothelioma, well-differentiated mesothelioma, multicystic mesothelioma,
      papillary serous carcinoma, leiomyomatosis, extramedullary hematopoiesis,
      inflammatory pseudotumor and amyloidosis. This manuscript will help the
      radiologist become familiar with the different peritoneal spaces, pathways of
      spread, multimodality imaging appearance and differential diagnoses of peritoneal
      diseases in order to report the essential information for surgeons and
      oncologists to plan treatment. 

PMID- 25139644
TI  - Far-field atrial sensing by the left ventricular channel of a biventricular
      device.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The left ventricular (LV) channel of Biotronik biventricular devices
      used for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is designed with the capability
      of sensing via the LV lead. Therefore a displaced LV lead in a coronary vein
      could sense far-field atrial signals and interfere with CRT. METHODS: The
      Biotronik troubleshooting archives containing data of approximately 700
      transvenous CRT-D cases (D = defibrillator) were examined for atrial far-field
      sensing by the LV channel. We selected three cases from the archives to
      demonstrate the typical features of LV sensing of far-field atrial activity.
      RESULTS: We found 3 typical cases of far-field atrial sensing by the LV channel.
      The LV lead was displaced in 2 cases and possibly in the third patient. Two cases
      exhibited short intervals between LV sensed events (LVs-LVs = 207-218 ms), a
      finding typical of this form of far-field atrial sensing by an LV lead. In the
      third case, short LVs-LVs intervals were not observed because spontaneous LV
      activation failed to generate an LVs marker (corresponding with the terminal LVs
      marker in a short LVs-LVs interval). LV activity was unsensed during the blanking
      period of the LV upper rate interval initiated by the first LVs that actually
      generated by far-field oversensing. This response was also observed
      intermittently in a patient who presented with short LVs-LVs intervals.
      CONCLUSIONS: Far-field atrial oversensing by the LV channel of a CRT-D device
      occurs mostly with LV lead displacement. The diagnosis is important because it
      interferes with the delivery of therapeutic CRT but it is not life-threatening.
      Oversensing can be easily corrected by simple reprogramming of the device or LV
      lead repositioning if there is high LV pacing threshold.

PMID- 25139645
TI  - Synthesis and properties of single domain sphere-shaped barium hexa-ferrite nano
      powders via an ultrasonic-assisted co-precipitation route.
AB  - To synthesize high quality barium hexa-ferrite nano powders, an ultrasonic
      assisted co-precipitation method has been used and the influences of the
      ultrasonic technique on the particle morphologies and magnetic properties of the
      synthesized barium hexa-ferrite nano powders have been investigated. The results
      indicated that the introduction of ultrasonic energy into the co-precipitation
      process promoted the composition homogeneities of the co-precipitated precursors,
      minished their particle sizes, and exerted the additional surface barriers
      between the particles, which influenced both the phase formation and particle
      growth-up processes during the subsequent heating treatment and altered the
      particle sizes, size distributions and particle shapes of the final synthesized
      powders. The average particle sizes of the synthesized nano powders dramatically
      decreased from 210 nm to about 100 nm as the inputting ultrasonic power
      increased, while the size distribution became increasingly uniform except for a
      few of large particles existed as the inputting power approached to a high value.
      The magnetization at 1.4 T of the as-synthesized barium hexa-ferrite dramatically
      increased and approached to the highest value of 57.9 emu/g due to the
      elimination of multi-domain particles, the alleviation of particle adhesion and
      the evolution of particle shape from flake to quasi-sphere as well as the uniform
      particle size distribution as the ultrasonic assistance was employed, and
      slightly decreased because of the coarsening in particle sizes.

PMID- 25139646
TI  - Stable carbon isotope ratio profiling of illicit testosterone preparations-
      domestic and international seizures.
AB  - Gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) is now
      established as a robust and mature analytical technique for the doping control of
      endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids in human sport. It relies on the
      assumption that the carbon isotope ratios of naturally produced steroids are
      significantly different to synthetically manufactured testosterone or
      testosterone prohormones used in commercial medical or dietary supplement
      products. Recent publications in this journal have highlighted the existence of
      black market testosterone preparations with carbon isotope ratios within the
      range reported for endogenous steroids (i.e. delta(13) C >= -25.8 0/00). In this
      study, we set out to profile domestic and international law enforcement seizures
      of illicit testosterone products to monitor the prevalence of 'enriched'
      substrates--which if administered to human subjects would be considered
      problematic for the use of current GC-C-IRMS methodologies for the doping control
      of testosterone in sport. The distribution of delta(13) C values for this illicit
      testosterone sample population (n = 283) ranged from -23.4 0/00 to -32.9 0/00
      with mean and median of -28.6 0/00--comparable to previous work. However, only 13
      out of 283 testosterone samples (4.6 %) were found to display delta(13) C values
      >= -25.8 0/00, confirming that in the vast majority of cases of illicit
      testosterone administration, current GC-C-IRMS doping control procedures would be
      capable of confirming misuse.

PMID- 25139647
TI  - Electroconvulsive stimulation, but not chronic restraint stress, causes
      structural alterations in adult rat hippocampus--a stereological study.
AB  - The neurobiological mechanisms underlying depression are not fully understood.
      Only a few previous studies have used validated stereological methods to test how
      stress and animal paradigms of depression affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis
      and whether antidepressant therapy can counteract possible changes in an animal
      model. Thus, in this study we applied methods that are state of the art in regard
      to stereological cell counting methods. Using a validated rat model of depression
      in combination with a clinically relevant schedule of electroconvulsive
      stimulation, we estimated the total number of newly formed neurons in the
      hippocampal subgranular zone. Also estimated were the total number of neurons and
      the volume of the granule cell layer in adult rats subjected to chronic restraint
      stress and electroconvulsive stimulation either alone or in combination. We found
      that chronic restraint stress induces depression-like behavior, without
      significantly changing neurogenesis, the total number of neurons or the volume of
      the hippocampus. Further, electroconvulsive stimulation prevents stress-induced
      depression-like behavior and increases neurogenesis. The total number of neurons
      and the granule cell layer volume was not affected by electroconvulsive
      stimulation.

PMID- 25139648
TI  - [The future of the CT scan; will CT replace conventional radiography?].
AB  - The number of CT scans being made has increased over the past few years. New CT
      technology has been developed to reduce the individual patient radiation dose. By
      using this technology it is possible to make CT scans with a radiation dose
      approaching conventional X-rays, which means that in the future radiation dose
      may not form a limitation to making CT scans. The indication for CT scans will
      broaden, and low-dose CT scans will increasingly replace conventional
      radiography. 

PMID- 25139649
TI  - [Delusional infestation, a therapeutic challenge].
AB  - Delusional infestation, formally known as delusional parasitosis, poses a
      therapeutic challenge. This article provides tools to engage these patients with
      psychiatric treatment. We present two men aged 49 and 48 who saw the
      dermatologist with skin symptoms due to primary and secondary delusional
      infestation, respectively. Despite their anosognosia, both patients were
      successfully treated with antipsychotics thanks to the collaboration between
      dermatology and psychiatry. To increase the acceptability of treatment with
      antipsychotics, emphasis should be placed on their antipruritic properties and
      the effect on degree of preoccupation with the infection rather than their
      antipsychotic properties. Follow-up is important, as patients mostly do not
      attribute their recovery to antipsychotics and the risk of recurrence is high
      after cessation of antipsychotic medication. 

PMID- 25139650
TI  - [Risks of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy].
AB  - Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is defined as pruritus during
      pregnancy in the absence of primary skin lesions, combined with an increase in
      serum total bile salts and/or abnormal serum liver tests. This article provides
      an insight into the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations by presenting two
      cases. ICP usually presents around 34 weeks of gestation, but can be present
      early in pregnancy as described in a 32-year-old patient pregnant after in-vitro
      fertilization. DNA analysis showed a mutation in the ABCB4 gene, causing MDR3
      deficiency. Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment seems to alleviate maternal pruritus
      and possibly reduces perinatal risks related to the severe form of ICP, defined
      as fasted serum bile salt levels of >= 40 MUmol/l at any point during the
      pregnancy. Short-term rifampicin treatment can be considered in patients with
      persistent pruritus. Induction of labour is advised only after 37 weeks of
      gestation in patients with severe ICP. 

PMID- 25139651
TI  - [Ethnic differences in uptake of professional maternity care assistance].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the ethnic differences in the uptake of professional
      maternity care assistance (MCA) in the Netherlands, and the factors that may
      explain these differences. Additionally the effect of MCA on health risk
      behaviour around infants is examined. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey. METHOD:
      Questionnaire data from 3967 mothers from the ABCD study (Amsterdam Born Children
      and their Development) included during pregnancy in 2003-2004, were used. We
      examined the explanatory role of ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, mastery of
      the Dutch language, parity, housing situation and place of giving birth on MCA
      uptake, and the effect of MCA uptake on health risk behaviour around infants,
      such as smoking indoors, infant sleep behaviour, infant nutrition, and response
      to infant crying. RESULTS: Mothers of non-Western origin less often used MCA than
      Dutch mothers (Ghanaian: 70%; Turkish: 75%; Moroccan: 79%; Surinamese: 81%; Dutch
      Caribbean: 85% vs. Dutch: 95%). Higher educational level, better mastery of the
      Dutch language, having a paid job and home delivery were all independently
      associated with the uptake of MCA, and also partially explained ethnic
      differences in the uptake of MCA. Mothers who received MCA more often breastfed,
      more often gave vitamin K when not breastfeeding, and more often lived in smoke
      free homes. The protective effect of MCA was stronger for non-Western mothers
      than for Dutch mothers. CONCLUSION: Mothers of non-Western origin make less use
      of professional MCA. Given that the use of MCA is associated with a less risk
      behaviour around infants, efforts should be made to improve the accessibility of
      professional MCA for mothers of non-Western origin.

PMID- 25139652
TI  - [Interaction between NSAIDs and acetylsalicylic acid disregarded].
AB  - In 2013 the European Medicines Agency declared that diclofenac is contraindicated
      in patients with arterial thrombotic complications, based on a meta-analysis of
      randomised controlled trials on the adverse reactions of NSAIDs. The same
      decision was taken for coxibs some years earlier. The Dutch authorities (CBG/MEB)
      informed physicians and pharmacists about this decision without taking into
      account whether these patients were using prophylactic acetylsalicylic acid or
      not. It has been shown that NSAIDs with high COX-1 affinity like ibuprofen and
      naproxen cause a pharmacodynamic interaction with the inhibition of thromboxane
      synthesis by acetylsalicylic acid. This interaction does not occur with
      relatively COX-2-selective NSAIDs such as coxibs and diclofenac. Therefore, in
      patients who use acetylsalicylic acid for thromboprophylaxis, contraindicating
      coxibs or diclofenac is not justified, on the contrary: they are preferable. 

PMID- 25139653
TI  - [Potential lowering of sepsis-related mortality via screening and implementation
      of guidelines].
AB  - The incidence of sepsis continues to increase. However, over the past decade
      marked reductions in sepsis-related in-hospital mortality have been reported.
      Large variations in the presentation and severity of illness may be encountered
      in ICU patients with severe sepsis, which might preclude the success of screening
      and guideline programmes. However, the authors of this article were able to prove
      that a national programme involving screening and a package of interventions did
      lower relative in-hospital mortality by 16.7% over 3.5 years in 52 participating
      hospitals in the Netherlands. In-hospital mortality did not change in 30 non
      participating hospitals. Therefore, the authors recommend implementing updated
      guidelines, sepsis quality indicators and programmes with a package of
      interventions to further reduce sepsis mortality. Furthermore, additional
      research on long term consequences in sepsis survivors is warranted. 

PMID- 25139654
TI  - Fetal growth restriction as a perinatal and long-term health problem: clinical
      challenges and opportunities for future (4P) fetal medicine.

PMID- 25139655
TI  - Nanofiber scaffolds for treatment of spinal cord injury.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common neurologic disorder that results in loss of
      sensory function and mobility. It is well documented that tissue engineering is a
      potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of SCI. In this connection, various
      biomaterials have been explored to meet the needs of SCI tissue engineering and
      these include natural materials, synthetic biodegradable polymers and synthetic
      non- degradable polymers. Nanofiber scaffolds are newly emerging biomaterials
      that have been widely utilized in tissue engineering recently. In comparison to
      the traditional biomaterials, nanofibers have advantages in topography and
      porosity, thus mimicking the naturally occurring extracellular matrix. Besides,
      they exhibit excellent biocompatibility with low immunogenicity, and furthermore
      they are endowed with properties that help to bridge the lesion cavity or gap,
      and serve as an effective delivery system for graft cells or therapeutic drugs.
      This review summarizes some of the unique properties of nanofiber scaffolds which
      are critical to their potential application in treatment of injured spinal cord. 

PMID- 25139656
TI  - Hereditary cancer syndromes with high risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer:
      surgical options for personalized care.
AB  - Cancer genomics has increased our recognition of specific hereditary cancer
      mutations. Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome and Lynch
      syndrome are two such entities in which women carrying specific mutations may be
      at high risk for developing breast, ovarian, and/or endometrial cancers. Risk
      reducing surgery such as prophylactic mastectomy, oophorectomy, and/or
      hysterectomy may allow women to decrease these risks after completing
      childbearing. Background, indications, and consequences of these procedures are
      reviewed.

PMID- 25139657
TI  - Characterization of a mutant glucose isomerase from Thermoanaerobacterium
      saccharolyticum.
AB  - A series of site-directed mutant glucose isomerase at tryptophan 139 from
      Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum strain B6A were purified to gel
      electrophoretic homogeneity, and the biochemical properties were determined.
      W139F mutation is the most efficient mutant derivative with a tenfold increase in
      its catalytic efficiency toward glucose compared with the native GI. With a
      maximal activity at 80  degrees C of 59.58 U/mg on glucose, this mutant
      derivative is the most active type ever reported. The enzyme activity was maximal
      at 90  degrees C and like other glucose isomerase, this mutant enzyme required
      Co(2+) or Mg(2+) for enzyme activity and thermal stability (stable for 20 h at 80
      degrees C in the absence of substrate). Its optimum pH was around 7.0, and it
      had 86 % of its maximum activity at pH 6.0 incubated for 12 h at 60  degrees C.
      This enzyme was determined as thermostable and weak-acid stable. These findings
      indicated that the mutant GI W139F from T. saccharolyticum strain B6A is
      appropriate for use as a potential candidate for high-fructose corn syrup
      producing enzyme. 

PMID- 25139658
TI  - Inactivation of Aleutian mink disease virus through high temperature exposure in
      vitro and under field-based composting conditions.
AB  - Disposal of manure contaminated with Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is a
      significant concern to the mink industry. Inactivation of AMDV under field
      conditions has received limited attention in the scientific literature. We
      evaluated the thermal inactivation of AMDV in vitro and during composting of mink
      manure. Spleen homogenate containing AMDV was heated under controlled conditions
      at 45 degrees C, 55 degrees C, and 65 degrees C for 3 days. Results of the in
      vitro study identified complete absence of viral replication in mink at 65
      degrees C only. Next, manure-mixed AMDV packed in polyester pouches was inserted
      in different layers of three replicate mink manure compost piles. The virus was
      retrieved after the compost piles had undergone a heating period and subsequently
      returned to ambient temperatures. Temperature regimes in the compost piles were
      categorized as >=65 degrees C, >=60-64 degrees C, and >=55-59 degrees C.
      Initially, layer-wise composite virus samples were assayed for virus replication
      in mink. Twenty-one-day post-inoculation (p.i.) plasma tested for AMDV and
      antibodies indicated infection in 40%, 80%, and 100% of mink inoculated from
      samples originating from the top, center and bottom layers of the piles,
      respectively. Subsequently, the virus was extracted from individual pouches in
      compost layers achieving thermal activity >=65 degrees C and was tested in mink.
      No antibodies or virus was detected in plasma taken weekly up to day 21 p.i. PCR
      data of bone marrow and lymph nodes collected on day 21 p.i. also showed no AMDV.
      However, mink that received virus from positive control manure indicated
      infection in their plasma as early as 1 week p.i. 

PMID- 25139659
TI  - Evaluating the potential of marine Bacteriovorax sp. DA5 as a biocontrol agent
      against vibriosis in Litopenaeus vannamei larvae.
AB  - The potential application of Bdellovibrio-and-like organisms (BALOs) for the
      biocontrol of bacterial diseases has been widely recognized. However, no marine
      BALOs have been reported for Vibrio-related infections in penaeid shrimp. In the
      present study, the bacteriolytic ability of the marine Bacteriovorax strain DA5
      against Vibrio alginolyticus zouA was examined by cocultivation and electron
      microscopy, and optimal lysis was observed at 30-35 degrees C and 20-300/00
      salinity along with a high multiplicity of infection. Then, we showed that
      experimentally infected Litopenaeus vannamei larvae exhibited significantly
      higher survival with incremental DA5 levels. Finally, variation in the bacterial
      counts and the bacterial community in larval rearing water was investigated after
      prophylactic application of DA5. The elimination effect of DA5 on vibrios was
      visible at early time points, whereas only a few non-dominant bacteria, rather
      than the predominant populations, were affected through analysis of denaturing
      gradient gel electrophoresis of the 16S rDNA V3 region. Accordingly, the
      prophylactic and therapeutic efficacies of DA5 on vibriosis associated with L.
      vannamei could markedly enhance larval survivability, and these results will
      facilitate the application of marine Bacteriovorax to control vibriosis in shrimp
      larviculture. 

PMID- 25139660
TI  - Recent developments in the effects of nitric oxide-donating statins on
      cardiovascular disease through regulation of tetrahydrobiopterin and nitric
      oxide.
AB  - Since the discovery of the importance of nitric oxide (NO) to the human body
      three decades ago, numerous laboratory and clinical studies have been done to
      explore its potential therapeutic actions on many organs. In the cardiovascular
      system, NO works as a volatile signaling molecule regulating the vascular
      permeability and vascular tone, preventing thrombosis and inflammation, as well
      as inhibiting the smooth muscle hyperplasia. Thus, NO is important in the
      prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. NO is synthesized by NO
      synthase (NOS) with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as the crucial cofactor. Many
      studies have been done to form nitric oxide donors so as to deliver NO directly
      to the vessel walls. In addition, NO moieties have been incorporated into
      existing therapeutic agents to enhance the NO bioavailability, including statins.
      Statins are inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme (HMG-CoA), the rate
      limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway. By inhibiting this pathway, statins
      lower blood cholesterol and exert their pleiotropic effects through activity in
      reaction cascades, such as Rho/ROCK and Rac 1/NADPH oxidase pathways. Statins
      have also been observed to implement their non-lipid effects by promoting BH4
      synthesis with increase of NO bioavailability. Furthermore, NO-donating statins
      in laboratory studies have demonstrated to produce better therapeutic effects
      than their parent's drugs. They offer better anti-inflammatory, anti
      proliferative and antithrombotic actions on cardiovascular system. They also
      cause better revascularization in peripheral ischemia and produce greater
      enhancement in limb reperfusion and salvage. In addition, it has been shown that
      NO-donating statin caused less myotoxicity, the most common side effect related
      to treatment with statins. The initial studies have demonstrated the superior
      therapeutic effects of NO-donating statins while producing fewer side effects. 

PMID- 25139661
TI  - Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a weight reduction strategy in obese patients
      after kidney transplantation.
AB  - Morbid obesity is associated with increased graft loss and shortened graft
      survival in kidney transplant patients. Treating obesity in transplant patients
      may improve graft outcomes. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), an effective
      bariatric operation, is relatively unlikely to interfere with absorption of anti
      rejection medications. Data on relevant renal function parameters were collected
      from all LSGs performed on renal transplant patients at our center (n = 10). The
      procedure was successful in eight patients, with no mortality, graft rejection or
      dysfunction. The median age and follow-up were 57 years and 14 months,
      respectively. Seven patients had over 1 year of follow-up. The median
      preoperative weight and BMI were 119 kg (96-152) and 42 kg/m(2) (37-49),
      respectively. The median hospital stay was 4 days. The median postoperative
      weight and BMI at 6 months and 1 year were 86 kg and 31 kg/m(2) and 83 kg and 29
      kg/m(2) , respectively. Urinary protein excretion and serum creatinine decreased
      significantly in all patients (p < 0.05). One patient developed two
      complications, acute renal failure and sleeve stricture, both of which resolved
      with treatment. LSG provided effective weight loss in renal transplant patients
      without adverse effects on graft function and immunosuppression.

PMID- 25139662
TI  - Progressive rash and fever in an infant.

PMID- 25139663
TI  - Would the Use of Bedside Bladder Ultrasound Decrease the Necessity of Invasive
      Bladder Catheterization in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit?

PMID- 25139664
TI  - Breastfeeding in African Americans may not depend on sleep arrangement: a mixed
      methods study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite high bedsharing rates, breastfeeding rates are low among
      African Americans. OBJECTIVE: Describe the association between breastfeeding and
      bedsharing; elucidate barriers to breastfeeding in African Americans. METHODS:
      African American mothers with infants <6 months were recruited for this cross
      sectional, mixed-methods study and completed an infant care practices survey. A
      subgroup participated in focus groups or individual interviews. RESULTS: A total
      of 412 completed the survey; 83 participated in a focus group or interview. Lower
      socioeconomic status mothers were more likely to breastfeed exclusively or at all
      if they bedshared (P = .02 and P = .01, respectively). Bedsharing was not
      associated with breastfeeding among higher socioeconomic status mothers. Breast
      pain, lack of support, and maternal skepticism about breastfeeding benefits were
      barriers; the latter was a recurrent theme among nonbreastfeeding mothers.
      CONCLUSIONS: While bedsharing is associated with breastfeeding in lower
      socioeconomic groups, it is not in higher socioeconomic African American groups.
      Skepticism about breastfeeding benefits may contribute to low breastfeeding rates
      in African Americans.

PMID- 25139665
TI  - Copper-mediated C6-selective dehydrogenative heteroarylation of 2-pyridones with
      1,3-azoles.
AB  - A copper-mediated C6-selective dehydrogenative heteroarylation of 2-pyridones
      with 1,3-azoles has been developed. The reaction proceeded smoothly by twofold C
      H cleavage even in the absence of noble-metal catalysts. The observed site
      selectivity was directed by a pyridyl substituent on the nitrogen atom of the
      pyridone ring. This directing group was readily removed after the coupling event,
      thus leading to 2-pyridone derivatives with a free N-H group. Moreover, in some
      cases, catalytic turnover of the Cu salt was also possible with the ideal
      terminal oxidant: molecular oxygen in air.

PMID- 25139666
TI  - Family based genome-wide copy number scan identifies complex rearrangements at
      17q21.31 in dyslexics.
AB  - Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a complex heritable disorder with unexpected
      difficulty in learning to read and spell despite adequate intelligence,
      education, environment, and normal senses. We performed genome-wide screening for
      copy number variations (CNVs) in 10 large Indian dyslexic families using
      Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0. Results revealed the complex genomic
      rearrangements due to one non-contiguous deletion and five contiguous micro
      duplications and micro deletions at 17q21.31 region in three dyslexic families.
      CNVs in this region harbor the genes KIAA1267, LRRC37A, ARL17A/B, NSFP1, and NSF.
      The CNVs in case 1 and case 2 at this locus were found to be in homozygous state
      and case 3 was a de novo CNV. These CNVs were found with at least one CNV having
      a common break and end points in the parents. This cluster of genes containing
      NSF is implicated in learning, cognition, and memory, though not formally
      associated with dyslexia. Molecular network analysis of these and other dyslexia
      related module genes suggests NSF and other genes to be associated with
      cellular/vesicular membrane fusion and synaptic transmission. Thus, we suggest
      that NSF in this cluster would be the nearest gene responsible for the learning
      disability phenotype.

PMID- 25139668
TI  - The role of parents in children's school life: student motivation and socio
      emotional functioning.

PMID- 25139667
TI  - Comprehensive disease control (CDC): what does achieving CDC mean for patients
      with rheumatoid arthritis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed the impact of simultaneous achievement of
      clinical, functional and structural efficacy, herein referred to as comprehensive
      disease control (CDC), on short-term and long-term work-related outcomes, health
      related quality of life (HRQoL), pain and fatigue. METHODS: Data were pooled from
      three randomised trials of adalimumab plus methotrexate for treatment of early
      stage or late-stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA). CDC was defined as 28-joint
      Disease Activity Score using C reactive protein <2.6, Health Assessment
      Questionnaire <0.5 and change from baseline in modified Total Sharp Score <=0.5.
      Changes in scores at weeks 26 and 52 for work-related outcomes, Short Form 36 (SF
      36) physical (PCS) and mental component scores (MCS), a Visual Analogue Scale
      measuring pain (VAS-Pain) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy
      Fatigue (FACIT-F) were compared between patient groups defined by achievement of
      CDC at week 26 using linear regression with adjustment for baseline scores.
      RESULTS: Patients with RA who achieved CDC at week 26 (n=200) had significantly
      greater improvements in VAS-Pain (46.9 vs 26.9; p<0.0001), FACIT-F (13.3 vs 7.5;
      p<0.0001), SF-36 PCS (19.7 vs 8.9; p<0.0001) and SF-36 MCS (8.1 vs 5.0; p=0.0004)
      than those who did not (n=1267). Results were consistent at week 52 and among
      methotrexate-naive patients with early RA, methotrexate-experienced patients with
      late-stage RA and patients with inadequate response to methotrexate. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with RA who achieved CDC at week 26 had improved short-term and long
      term HRQoL, pain, fatigue and work-related outcomes compared with patients who do
      not. These results demonstrate that the joint achievement of all CDC components
      provides meaningful benefits to patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: DE019:
      NCT00195702, PREMIER: NCT00195702, OPTIMA: NCT00195702.

PMID- 25139669
TI  - Production of transgenic dairy goat expressing human alpha-lactalbumin by somatic
      cell nuclear transfer.
AB  - Production of human alpha-lactalbumin (halpha-LA) transgenic cloned dairy goats
      has great potential in improving the nutritional value and perhaps increasing the
      yield of dairy goat milk. Here, a mammary-specific expression vector 5A,
      harboring goat beta-lactoglobulin (betaLG) promoter, the halpha-LA gene, neo(r)
      and EGFP dual markers, was constructed. Then, it was effectively transfected into
      goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) and the expression of halpha-LA was
      investigated. Both the halpha-LA transcript and protein were detected in the
      transfected GMECs after the induction of hormonal signals. In addition, the 5A
      vector was introduced into dairy goat fetal fibroblasts (transfection efficiency
      ~60-70%) to prepare competent transgenic donor cells. A total of 121 transgenic
      fibroblast clones were isolated by 96-well cell culture plates and screened with
      nested-PCR amplification and EGFP fluorescence. After being frozen for 8 months,
      the transgenic cells still showed high viabilities, verifying their ability as
      donor cells. Dairy goat cloned embryos were produced from these halpha-LA
      transgenic donor cells by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), and the rates of
      fusion, cleavage, and the development to blastocyst stages were 81.8, 84.4, and
      20.0%, respectively. A total of 726 reconstructed embryos derived from the
      transgenic cells were transferred to 74 recipients and pregnancy was confirmed at
      90 days in 12 goats. Of six female kids born, two carried halpha-LA and the
      halpha-LA protein was detected in their milk. This study provides an effective
      system to prepare SCNT donor cells and transgenic animals for human recombinant
      proteins.

PMID- 25139670
TI  - Skeletal defects in Osterix-Cre transgenic mice.
AB  - Cre/loxP recombination is a powerful strategy widely used for in vivo conditional
      gene targeting. This technique has made possible many important discoveries of
      gene function in normal and disease biology. However, due to the transgenic
      nature of most Cre mouse strains undesired phenotypes occasionally occur in Cre
      mice. Here we report skeletal defects in Osterix-Cre (Osx-Cre) transgenic mice
      including delayed calvarial ossification and fracture calluses at multiple
      skeletal sites. These data suggest that Osx-Cre containing controls should be
      used for both in vivo and in vitro skeletal analyses of conditional knockout mice
      generated with this Osx-Cre mouse strain. 

PMID- 25139671
TI  - Cytological Features of Carcinosarcoma ex Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid
      Gland: A Case Report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carcinosarcoma of the salivary gland is an extremely rare tumor
      composed of carcinomatous and sarcomatoid components. This report describes the
      cytological and pathological findings of a case of carcinosarcoma ex pleomorphic
      adenoma arising in the right parotid gland. CASE: A 47-year-old female visited a
      hospital with swelling of the right parotid region, slight pain and facial palsy.
      Fine-needle aspiration smears showed both clustered epithelium-like cells and
      singly scattered cells in a necrotic background. The cells, especially the
      latter, exhibited significant cellular pleomorphism and had irregularly shaped
      nuclei. Myxoid stroma-like cell clusters without cellular atypism were also seen.
      The right parotid gland was resected, and the tumor tissue was histologically
      diagnosed as carcinosarcoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. CONCLUSION: The cytological
      findings of carcinosarcoma ex pleomorphic adenoma have been reported in very few
      cases. In the present case, various components, including the presence of
      atypical epithelium-like cell clusters and singly scattered atypical cells with
      stromal components on cytological specimens, led to consideration of the
      diagnosis of carcinosarcoma ex pleomorphic adenoma.

PMID- 25139672
TI  - CSF levels of Abeta1-38/Abeta1-40/Abeta1-42 and (11)C PiB-PET studies in three
      clinical variants of primary progressive aphasia and Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a cognitive syndrome characterized by
      progressive and isolated language impairments due to neurodegenerative diseases.
      Recently, an international group of experts published a Consensus Classification
      of the three PPA clinical variants (naPPA, svPPA and lvPPA). We analyzed 24
      patients with PPA by cognitive functions, neuroimaging (MRI, (99 m)Tc ECD-SPECT,
      (11)C PiB-PET and FDG-PET) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis (ptau-181,
      Abeta1-42, Abeta1-40 and Abeta1-38), to elucidate relationships between
      neuroimaging studies and biochemical findings in the three PPA clinical variants.
      Cognitive and speech functions were measured by mini-mental state examination and
      standard language test of aphasia. The patients with lvPPA showed significant
      decreases in CSF Abeta1-42 and ratios of Abeta1-42/Abeta1-40 and Abeta1-42/Abeta1
      38, and significant increases in CSF ptau-181 and ratios of ptau-181/Abeta1-42
      and ptau-181/Abeta1-38; these findings were similar to those of patients with
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). We observed a higher frequency of the ApoE epsilon4
      allele in the lvPPA patients relative to the two other PPA variants. In (11)C PiB
      PET of lvPPA patients, PiB positive findings were detected in cortices of
      frontal, temporal and parietal lobes and the posterior cingulate, where massive
      Abeta may accumulate due to AD. Our results of AD-CSF markers including Abeta1-38
      and (11)C PiB-PET in the lvPPA patients demonstrate a common pathological
      mechanism with the occurrence of AD.

PMID- 25139673
TI  - Homology modeling, molecular dynamics, and docking studies of pattern-recognition
      transmembrane protein-lipopolysaccharide and beta-1,3 glucan-binding protein from
      Fenneropenaeus indicus.
AB  - Lipopolysaccharide and beta-1,3 glucan-binding protein (LGBP) is a family of
      pattern-recognition transmembrane proteins (PRPs) which plays a vital role in the
      immune mechanism of crustaceans in adverse conditions. Fenneropenaeus indicus
      LGBP-deduced amino acid has conserved potential recognition motif for beta-1,3
      linkages of polysaccharides and putative RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) cell adhesion sites
      for the activation of innate defense mechanism. In order to understand the
      stimulating activity of beta-1,3 glucan (beta-glucan) and its interaction with
      LGBP, a 3D model of LGBP is generated. Molecular docking is performed with this
      model, and the results indicate Arg71 with strong hydrogen bond from RGD domain
      of LGBP. Moreover, from the docking studies, we also suggest that Arg34, Lys68,
      Val135, and Ala146 in LGBP are important amino acid residues in binding as they
      have strong bonding interaction in the active site of LGBP. In our in vitro
      studies, yeast agglutination results suggest that shrimp F. indicus LGBP
      possesses sugar binding and recognition sites in its structure, which is
      responsible for agglutination reaction. Our results were synchronized with the
      already reported evidence both in vivo and in vitro experiments. This
      investigation may be valuable for further experimental investigation in the
      synthesis of novel immunomodulator. 

PMID- 25139674
TI  - Progression of muscle histopathology but not of spliceopathy in myotonic
      dystrophy type 2.
AB  - Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is an autosomal dominant progressive disease
      involving skeletal and cardiac muscle and brain. It is caused by a
      tetranucleotide repeat within the first intron of the CNBP gene that leads to an
      alteration of the alternative splicing of several genes. To understand the
      molecular mechanisms that play a role in DM2 progression, the evolution of
      skeletal muscle histopathology and biomolecular findings in successive biopsies
      have been studied. Biceps brachii biopsies from 5 DM2 patients who underwent two
      successive biopsies at different years of age have been used. Muscle
      histopathology has been assessed on sections immunostained with fast or slow
      myosin. FISH in combination with MBNL1-immunofluorescence has been performed to
      evaluate ribonuclear inclusion and MBNL1 foci dimensions in myonuclei. Gene and
      protein expression and alteration of alternative splicing of several genes have
      been evaluated over time. All DM2 patients examined show a worsening of muscle
      histopathology and an increase of foci dimensions over time. The progressive
      worsening of myotonia in DM2 patients may be due to the decrease of CLCN1 mRNA
      observed in all patients examined. However, a worsening of alternative splicing
      alterations has not been evidenced over time. The data obtained in this study
      confirm that DM2 is a slow progression disease since histological and
      biomolecular alterations observed in skeletal muscle are minimal even after 10
      year interval. The data indicate that muscle morphological alterations evolve
      more rapidly over time than the molecular changes thus indicating that muscle
      biopsy is a more sensitive tool than biomolecular markers to assess disease
      progression at muscle level. 

PMID- 25139675
TI  - Beneficial effect of cilostazol-mediated neuronal repair following trimethyltin
      induced neuronal loss in the dentate gyrus.
AB  - Cilostazol acts as an antiplatelet agent and has other pleiotropic effects based
      on phosphodiesterase-3-dependent mechanisms. We evaluated whether cilostazol
      would have a beneficial effect on neuronal repair following hippocampal neuronal
      damage by using a mouse model of trimethyltin (TMT)-induced neuronal loss/self
      repair in the hippocampal dentate gyrus [Ogita et al. (2005) J Neurosci Res
      82:609-621]; these mice will hereafter be referred to as impaired animals. A
      single treatment with cilostazol (10 mg/kg, i.p.) produced no significant change
      in the number of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-incorporating cells in the
      dentate granule cell layer (GCL) or subgranular zone on day 3 after TMT
      treatment. However, chronic treatment with cilostazol on days 3-15 posttreatment
      resulted in an increase in the number of BrdU-incorporating cells in the dentate
      GCL of the impaired animals, and these cells were positive for neuronal nuclear
      antigen or doublecortin. Cilostazol was effective in elevating the level of
      phosphorylated cyclic adrenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein
      (pCREB) in the dentate gyrus of impaired animals. The results of a forced
      swimming test revealed that the chronic treatment with cilostazol improved the
      depression-like behavior seen in the impaired animals. In the cultures of
      hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells, exposure to cilostazol produced not
      only enhancement of proliferation activity but also elevation of pCREB levels.
      Taken together, our data suggest that cilostazol has a beneficial effect on
      neuronal repair following neuronal loss in the dentate gyrus through promotion of
      proliferation and/or neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells in the
      subgranular zone.

PMID- 25139676
TI  - Robotic-assisted fluorescence sentinel lymph node mapping using multimodal image
      guidance in an animal model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate positron emission tomography/computed tomography
      (PET/CT) preoperative imaging and intraoperative detection of a fluorescent
      labeled receptor-targeted radiopharmaceutical in a prostate cancer animal model.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three male beagle dogs underwent an intraprostatic
      injection of fluorescent-tagged tilmanocept, radiolabeled with both gallium Ga-68
      and technetium Tc-99m. One hour after injection, a pelvic PET/CT scan was
      performed for preoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping. The definition of
      SLN was a standardized uptake value that exceeded 5% of the lymph node with the
      highest standardized uptake value. Thirty-six hours later, we performed robotic
      assisted SLN dissection using a fluorescence-capable camera system. Fluorescent
      lymph nodes were clipped, the abdomen was opened, and the pelvic and
      retroperitoneal nodes were excised. All excised nodal packets were assayed by in
      vitro nuclear counting and reported as the percentage of injected dose. RESULTS:
      Preoperative PET/CT imaging identified a median of 3 SLNs per animal. All SLNs
      (100%) identified by the PET/CT were fluorescent during robotic-assisted lymph
      node dissection. Of all fluorescent nodes visualized by the camera system, 9 of
      12 nodes (75%) satisfied the 5% rule defined by the PET/CT scan. The 2 lymph
      nodes that did not qualify accumulated <0.002% of the injected dose. CONCLUSION:
      Fluorescent-labeled tilmanocept has optimal logistic properties to obtain
      preoperative PET/CT and subsequent real-time intraoperative confirmation during
      robotic-assisted SLN dissection.

PMID- 25139677
TI  - High-throughput nucleoside phosphate monitoring in mammalian cell fed-batch
      cultivation using quantitative matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time
      of-flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - Current methods for monitoring multiple intracellular metabolite levels in
      parallel are limited in sample throughput capabilities and analyte selectivity.
      This article presents a novel high-throughput method based on matrix-assisted
      laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) for
      monitoring intracellular metabolite levels in fed-batch processes. The MALDI-TOF
      MS method presented here is based on a new microarray sample target and allows
      the detection of nucleoside phosphates and various other metabolites using stable
      isotope labeled internal standards. With short sample preparation steps and thus
      high sample throughput capabilities, the method is suitable for monitoring
      mammalian cell cultures, such as antibody producing hybridoma cell lines in
      industrial environments. The method is capable of reducing the runtime of
      standard LC-UV methods to approximately 1 min per sample (including 10 technical
      replicates). Its performance is exemplarily demonstrated in an 8-day monitoring
      experiment of independently controlled fed-batches, containing an antibody
      producing mouse hybridoma cell culture. The monitoring profiles clearly confirmed
      differences between cultivation conditions. Hypothermia and hyperosmolarity were
      studied in four bioreactors, where hypothermia was found to have a positive
      effect on the longevity of the cell culture, whereas hyperosmolarity lead to an
      arrest of cell proliferation. The results are in good agreement with HPLC-UV
      cross validation experiments. Subsequent principal component analysis (PCA)
      clearly separates the different bioreactor conditions based on the measured mass
      spectral profiles. This method is not limited to any cell line and can be applied
      as a process analytical tool in biotechnological processes. 

PMID- 25139678
TI  - Structural insights into binding of small molecule inhibitors to Enhancer of
      Zeste Homolog 2.
AB  - Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is a SET domain protein lysine
      methyltransferase (PKMT) which has recently emerged as a chemically tractable and
      therapeutically promising epigenetic target, evidenced by the discovery and
      characterization of potent and highly selective EZH2 inhibitors. However, no
      experimental structures of the inhibitors co-crystallized to EZH2 have been
      resolved, and the structural basis for their activity and selectivity remains
      unknown. Considering the need to minimize cross-reactivity between prospective
      PKMT inhibitors, much can be learned from understanding the molecular basis for
      selective inhibition of EZH2. Thus, to elucidate the binding of small-molecule
      inhibitors to EZH2, we have developed a model of its fully-formed cofactor
      binding site and used it to carry out molecular dynamics simulations of protein
      ligand complexes, followed by molecular mechanics/generalized born surface area
      calculations. The obtained results are in good agreement with biochemical
      inhibition data and reflect the structure-activity relationships of known
      ligands. Our findings suggest that the variable and flexible post-SET domain
      plays an important role in inhibitor binding, allowing possibly distinct binding
      modes of inhibitors with only small variations in their structure. Insights from
      this study present a good basis for design of novel and optimization of existing
      compounds targeting the cofactor binding site of EZH2. 

PMID- 25139679
TI  - Antimicrobial activity of alexidine, chlorhexidine and cetrimide against
      Streptococcus mutans biofilm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of antimicrobial solutions has been recommended to disinfect
      demineralized dentin prior to placing the filling material. The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the ability of several antimicrobials in controlling
      Streptococcus mutans (SM) biofilm formed in dentin. METHODS: Antimicrobial
      activity of 0.2% and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 0.2% cetrimide (CTR) and 0.2%, 0.5%,
      1% and 2% alexidine (ALX) was assayed on 1-week SM biofilm formed on standardized
      coronal dentin blocks. Results of SM biofilm antimicrobial activity by different
      protocols were expressed as the kill percentage of biofilm and the term
      "eradication" was used to denote the kill of 100% of the bacterial population. To
      compare the efficacies of the different protocols the Student t test was used,
      previously subjecting data to the Anscombe transformation. RESULTS: All ALX
      concentrations tested and 0.2% CTR achieved a kill percentage higher than 99%,
      followed by 2% CHX with percentages above 96% (no statistically significant
      difference among them). Whereas 2% ALX and 0.2% CTR respectively showed
      eradication in 10 and 9 of the twelve specimens, 0.2% CHX did not produce
      eradication in any case. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that, when used for
      one minute, 2% and 1% alexidine, and 0.2% cetrimide, achieve eradication of
      Streptococcus mutans biofilm in most specimens when applied to a dentin
      volumetric model.

PMID- 25139680
TI  - Food addiction in a Spanish sample of eating disorders: DSM-5 diagnostic subtype
      differentiation and validation data.
AB  - Although the concept of 'food addiction' (FA) has raised growing interest because
      of evidence for similarities between substance dependence and excessive food
      intake, there is a lack of studies that explore this construct among the wide
      spectrum of eating disorders (EDs). Besides providing validation scores of a
      Spanish version of the Yale FA Scale (YFAS-S), this study examined the prevalence
      of 'FA' among ED subtypes compared with healthy-eating controls (HCs) and the
      association between 'FA' scores, eating symptomatology and general
      psychopathology. A sample of 125 adult women with ED, diagnosed according to
      Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 criteria, and 82 healthy
      eating women participated in the study. All participants were assessed with the
      YFAS-S, the ED Inventory-2 and the Symptom Checklist-Revised. Results showed that
      the internal structure of the one-dimensional solution for the YFAS-S was very
      good (alpha = 0.95). The YFAS-S has a good discriminative capacity to
      differentiate between ED and controls (specificity = 97.6% and sensitivity (Se) =
      72.8%; area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.90) and a good Se
      to screen for specific ED subtypes. YFAS-S scores were associated with higher
      levels of negative affect and depression, higher general psychopathology, more
      severe eating pathology and greater body mass index. When comparing the
      prevalence of 'FA' between ED subtypes, the lowest prevalence of 'FA', measured
      with the YFAS-S, was for the anorexia nervosa (AN) restrictive subtype with 50%,
      and the highest was for the AN binge-purging subtype (85.7%), followed by bulimia
      nervosa (81.5%) and binge eating disorder (76.9%). In conclusion, higher YFAS-S
      scores are associated with bingeing ED-subtype patients and with more eating
      severity and psychopathology. Although the 'FA' construct is able to
      differentiate between ED and HC, it needs to be further explored.

PMID- 25139681
TI  - Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge in rural
      Western Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is accepted as the best way of feeding infants, and
      health authorities recommend exclusive breastfeeding to around 6 months of age,
      but despite the evidence of its benefits, few mothers meet this goal. Infants who
      are exclusively breastfed in the early postpartum period are more likely to
      continue breastfeeding at 6 and 12 months, reinforcing the role that Baby
      Friendly hospital practices play in supporting exclusive breastfeeding.
      OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the rate of breastfeeding initiation
      and identify the factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at discharge
      from hospital for rural mothers. METHODS: The prospective cohort study recruited
      489 women from hospitals in regional Western Australia following the birth of
      their infant. Breastfeeding exclusivity at discharge was assessed based on
      mothers' self-reported infant feeding behavior during her hospital stay. The self
      administered baseline questionnaire was completed by 427 mothers. RESULTS:
      Breastfeeding was initiated by 97.7% of the mothers in this cohort, with 82.7%
      exclusively breastfeeding at hospital discharge. The odds of exclusive
      breastfeeding at discharge were more than 4 times higher for women whose infants
      did not require admission to the special care nursery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]
      = 4.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.98-9.99). Demand feeding (aOR = 3.33; 95%
      CI, 1.59-6.95) and 24-hour rooming-in (aOR = 2.31; 95% CI, 1.15-4.62) were also
      significant positive factors. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that hospital
      practices are strong predictors of exclusive breastfeeding. Greater emphasis on
      Baby-Friendly hospital practices in the early postpartum period may help the
      establishment of exclusive breastfeeding, assisting rural mothers to reach
      established international breastfeeding recommendations.

PMID- 25139682
TI  - Temperature-dependent photoluminescence in light-emitting diodes.
AB  - Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (TDPL), one of the most effective and
      powerful optical characterisation methods, is widely used to investigate carrier
      transport and localized states in semiconductor materials. Resonant excitation
      and non-resonant excitation are the two primary methods of researching this
      issue. In this study, the application ranges of the different excitation modes
      are confirmed by analysing the TDPL characteristics of GaN-based light-emitting
      diodes. For resonant excitation, the carriers are generated only in the quantum
      wells, and the TDPL features effectively reflect the intrinsic photoluminescence
      characteristics within the wells and offer certain advantages in characterising
      localized states and the quality of the wells. For non-resonant excitation, both
      the wells and barriers are excited, and the carriers that drift from the barriers
      can contribute to the luminescence under the driving force of the built-in field,
      which causes the existing equations to become inapplicable. Thus, non-resonant
      excitation is more suitable than resonant excitation for studying carrier
      transport dynamics and evaluating the internal quantum efficiency. The
      experimental technique described herein provides fundamental new insights into
      the selection of the most appropriate excitation mode for the experimental
      analysis of carrier transport and localized states in p-n junction devices. 

PMID- 25139683
TI  - Binding kinetics, potency, and selectivity of the hepatitis C virus NS3 protease
      inhibitors GS-9256 and vedroprevir.
AB  - BACKGROUND: GS-9256 and vedroprevir are inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus NS3
      protease enzyme, an important drug target. The potency, selectivity, and binding
      kinetics of the two compounds were determined using in vitro biochemical assays.
      METHODS: Potency of the compounds against NS3 protease and selectivity against a
      panel of mammalian proteases were determined through steady-state enzyme
      kinetics. Binding kinetics were determined using stopped-flow techniques.
      Dissociation rates were measured using dilution methods. RESULTS: GS-9256 and
      vedroprevir had measured Ki values of 89 pM and 410 pM, respectively, against
      genotype 1b NS3 protease; Ki values were higher against genotype 2a (2.8 nM and
      39 nM) and genotype 3 proteases (104 nM and 319 nM) for GS-9256 and vedroprevir,
      respectively. Selectivity of GS-9256 and vedroprevir was >10,000-fold against all
      tested off-target proteases. Association rate constants of 4*10(5)M(-1)s(-1) and
      1*10(6)M(-1)s(-1), respectively, were measured, and dissociation rate constants
      of 4.8*10(-5)s(-1) and 2.6*10(-4)s(-1) were determined. CONCLUSIONS: GS-9256 and
      vedroprevir are potent inhibitors of NS3 protease with high selectivity against
      off-target proteases. They have rapid association kinetics and slow dissociation
      kinetics. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The NS3 protease is a key drug target for the
      treatment of hepatitis C. The potency, selectivity, and binding kinetics of GS
      9256 and vedroprevir constitute a biochemical profile that supports the
      evaluation of these compounds in combination with other direct-acting antivirals
      in clinical trials for hepatitis C.

PMID- 25139684
TI  - Clostridium difficile infection: an undeniably common problem among hematopoietic
      transplant recipients.

PMID- 25139688
TI  - Risk of premature menopause after treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PMID- 25139687
TI  - Risk of premature menopause after treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modern treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) has transformed its
      prognosis but causes late effects, including premature menopause. Cohort studies
      of premature menopause risks after treatment have been relatively small, and
      knowledge about these risks is limited. METHODS: Nonsurgical menopause risk was
      analyzed in 2127 women treated for HL in England and Wales at ages younger than
      36 years from 1960 through 2004 and followed to 2003 through 2012. Risks were
      estimated using Cox regression, modified Poisson regression, and competing risks.
      All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: During follow-up, 605 patients
      underwent nonsurgical menopause before age 40 years. Risk of premature menopause
      increased more than 20-fold after ovarian radiotherapy, alkylating chemotherapy
      other than dacarbazine, or BEAM (bis-chloroethylnitrosourea [BCNU], etoposide,
      cytarabine, melphalan) chemotherapy for stem cell transplantation, but was not
      statistically significantly raised after adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine,
      dacarbazine (ABVD). Menopause generally occurred sooner after ovarian
      radiotherapy (62.5% within five years of >=5 Gy treatment) and BEAM (50.9% within
      five years) than after alkylating chemotherapy (24.2% within five years of >=6
      cycles), and after treatment at older than at younger ages. Cumulative risk of
      menopause by age 40 years was 81.3% after greater than or equal to 5Gy ovarian
      radiotherapy, 75.3% after BEAM, 49.1% after greater than or equal to 6 cycles
      alkylating chemotherapy, 1.4% after ABVD, and 3.0% after solely
      supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy. Tables of individualized risk information for
      patients by future period, treatment type, dose and age are provided.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with HL need to plan intended pregnancies using
      personalized information on their risk of menopause by different future time
      points.

PMID- 25139689
TI  - Pre-transplant achievement of negativity in minimal residual disease and French
      American-British L1 morphology predict superior outcome after allogeneic
      transplant for Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia: an
      analysis of Southeast Asian patients.
AB  - To better understand predictive factors and improve the clinical outcome of
      allogeneic transplant for patients with Philadelphia positive acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia, we analyzed 67 Southeast Asian patients transplanted in our
      institutions. Multivariate analysis showed that disease status before transplant,
      year of transplant and, interestingly, French-American-British (FAB) subtype had
      a significant impact on overall survival (OS) and non-relapse mortality. Patients
      who were minimal residual disease (MRD) negative at transplant had a 3-year OS of
      73% compared to those who were MRD positive (45%) and refractory (0%). The 3-year
      cumulative incidence of relapse was 18% and 36% for the MRD negative and positive
      groups, respectively. FAB L1 subtype had a significantly superior 3-year OS of
      63% vs. 29% for L2 subtype. Pre-transplant use of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor
      significantly improved outcomes in univariate but not multivariate analysis, as
      it served to induce more patients into MRD negativity, which was the factor that
      directly improved transplant outcome. 

PMID- 25139690
TI  - Absolute lymphocyte count is unrelated to overall survival in newly diagnosed
      elderly patients with multiple myeloma treated with immunomodulatory drugs.

PMID- 25139691
TI  - Outcome of pediatric patients with lymphoma following stem cell transplant: a
      single institution report.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is recommended for pediatric patients
      with relapsed/refractory lymphoma even though the evidence for this is limited.
      We retrospectively reviewed records of 57 patients (29 Hodgkin lymphoma [HL], 28
      non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL]) who underwent HSCT between 1995 and 2012. All
      demonstrated chemoresponsiveness prior to HSCT and 44 patients had a complete
      response. All underwent myeloablative conditioning, 38 chemotherapy-based and 19
      total body irradiation-based. Forty-one patients received autologous and 16
      allogeneic HSCT. Twelve (21%) died within 100 days post-HSCT, and 25 patients
      relapsed at a median of 1.6 months post-HSCT. Three patients developed second
      malignant neoplasms. Five-year overall survival (OS) was 50.5% and event-free
      survival (EFS) was 43.4%. Outcomes for HL were significantly better than those
      for NHL (OS 61.9% vs. 38.7% [p = 0.005] and EFS 60.4% vs. 26% [p = 0.008]). In
      summary, approximately half of all pediatric patients with lymphoma who failed
      first-line therapy and demonstrated chemosensitivity to second-line therapy can
      be salvaged with HSCT. 

PMID- 25139692
TI  - Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 C> T polymorphism is associated with
      acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 25139693
TI  - Voriconazole toxicity masquerading as septic shock.

PMID- 25139694
TI  - Real-world cost-effectiveness in chronic myeloid leukemia: the price of success
      during four decades of development from non-targeted treatment to imatinib.
AB  - Imatinib has revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). We
      evaluated clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness, using Swedish registry data
      based on patients with CML diagnosed 1973-2008. Outcome from three time periods
      (I: 1973-1979; II: 1991-1997; III: 2002-2008) associated with symptomatic
      treatment, interferon-alpha/stem cell transplant and implementation of imatinib,
      respectively, were compared and a lifetime cost-effectiveness model developed.
      Survival data from population registries, estimated resource use from clinical
      practice and quality of life estimates were employed. Substantial health gains
      were noted over time, paralleled by increased treatment costs. Median survival
      was 1.9, 4.0 and 13 years during the respective time periods. The incremental
      cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between periods III and II was ?52,700 per
      quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. An estimated 80% price reduction of
      imatinib, related to patent expiry, would reduce this ICER to ?22,700. Our data
      from four decades reveal dramatically improved survival in CML, paralleled by
      ICER levels generally accepted by health authorities.

PMID- 25139695
TI  - Understanding the polar mechanism of the ene reaction. A DFT study.
AB  - The molecular mechanism of ene reactions has been characterised by DFT methods at
      the MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. Most reactions take place along a two
      stage one-step mechanism in which the C-C bond formation takes place before the
      hydrogen transfer process. A very good correlation between the polar character of
      the reaction measured by the global electron density transfer at the transition
      state and the activation energy has been found. This behaviour allows
      establishing a useful classification of ene reactions in N-ene having a very high
      activation energy, P-ene reactions having activation energies between 35 and 20
      kcal mol(-1), and H-ene reactions having activation energies below 20 kcal mol(
      1). ELF topological analysis allows the characterisation of the two-stage one
      step mechanism associated with a two-centre nucleophilic/electrophilic
      interaction. Formation of the C-C single bond is achieved by the C-to-C coupling
      of two pseudoradical centres formed at the two interacting carbon atoms in the
      first stage of the reaction. This topological analysis establishes that bonding
      changes are non-concerted. Finally, a DFT reactivity analysis makes it possible
      to characterise the electrophilic/nucleophilic behaviour of the reagents involved
      in ene reactions, and consequently, to predict the feasibility of ene reactions. 

PMID- 25139698
TI  - Effect of trunk-to-head bathing on physiological responses in newborns.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of trunk-to-head bathing versus the
      traditional head-to-trunk bathing on newborns' body temperature, heart rate, and
      oxygen saturation. DESIGN: A prospective, two-group, quasi-experimental repeated
      measures design. SETTING: A newborn nursery in an urban university hospital.
      PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-two healthy full-term newborns. METHODS: Newborns were
      randomly assigned to two groups. The newborns in the experimental group were
      bathed from trunk to head; those in the control group were bathed from head to
      trunk. Measurements of body temperature, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were
      obtained at four time points: before the bath, immediately after the bath, 30
      minutes after the bath, and 60 minutes after the bath. RESULTS: No significant
      differences in body temperature, heart rate, or oxygen saturation were observed
      between groups. However, body temperature was significantly different across
      measurement times, and there was a significant interaction between group and
      measurement time. The mean body temperature dropped 0.2 degrees C after bathing
      in both groups, but the experimental group returned to their initial body
      temperature more rapidly than the control group. CONCLUSION: These findings
      suggest that newborns who were bathed from trunk to head and whose heads were wet
      for shorter periods of time benefited with a more rapid recovery of body
      temperature and decreased heat loss due to evaporation.

PMID- 25139696
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis of thiazide-induced hyponatraemia: time to
      reconsider electrolyte monitoring regimens after thiazide initiation?
AB  - AIMS: Hyponatraemia is one of the major adverse effects of thiazide and thiazide
      like diuretics and the leading cause of drug-induced hyponatraemia requiring
      hospital admission. We sought to review and analyze all published cases of this
      important condition. METHODS: Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science and PubMed
      electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant articles published
      before October 2013. A proportions meta-analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: One
      hundred and two articles were identified of which 49 were single patient case
      reports. Meta-analysis showed that mean age was 75 (95% CI 73, 77) years, 79%
      were women (95% CI 74, 82) and mean body mass index was 25 (95% CI 20, 30) kg m(
      2) . Presentation with thiazide-induced hyponatraemia occurred a mean of 19 (95%
      CI 8, 30) days after starting treatment, with mean trough serum sodium
      concentration of 116 (95% CI 113, 120) mm and serum potassium of 3.3 (95% CI 3.0,
      3.5) mm. Mean urinary sodium concentration was 64 mm (95% CI 47, 81). The most
      frequently reported drugs were hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide and
      bendroflumethiazide. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with thiazide-induced hyponatraemia
      were characterized by advanced age, female gender, inappropriate saliuresis and
      mild hypokalaemia. Low BMI was not found to be a significant risk factor, despite
      previous suggestions. The time from thiazide initiation to presentation with
      hyponatraemia suggests that the recommended practice of performing a single
      investigation of serum biochemistry 7-14 days after thiazide initiation may be
      insufficient or suboptimal. Further larger and more systematic studies of
      thiazide-induced hyponatraemia are required.

PMID- 25139699
TI  - Circulating SFRP5 levels are elevated in drug-naive recently diagnosed type 2
      diabetic patients as compared with prediabetic subjects and controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) has been linked to
      obesity. Results are conflicting regarding its association with type 2 diabetes
      (T2D) in humans. We aimed to investigate circulating SFRP5 in prediabetes and T2D
      and its potential association with parameters of insulin resistance and beta-cell
      function. METHODS: We studied 70 drug-naive T2D patients, 70 prediabetic subjects
      and 70 controls. All subjects were body mass index matched to the T2D patients
      and overweight or obese. SFRP5, hormones and cytokines levels were measured by
      ELISA. RESULTS: Serum SFRP5 levels were elevated in T2D patients as compared with
      prediabetic subjects (median 15.6, interquartile range [9-24.5] ng/mL vs 9.8 [5
      14.2] ng/mL, p < 0.001, respectively) and controls (15.6 [9-24.5] ng/mL vs 10.4
      [6.7-16.6] ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively). No differences were found in serum
      SFRP5 levels between prediabetic subjects and controls (9.8 [5-14.2] ng/mL vs
      10.4 [6.7-16.6] ng/mL, p = 0.472, respectively). After adjusting for potential
      confounders (age, gender, body mass index, triglycerides, high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure), T2D was still associated with higher
      values of SFRP5 as compared with prediabetes in multinomial logistic regression
      analysis (fully adjusted odds ratio 3.50, 95% confidence interval 1.40-8.79, p =
      0.008). The association was more subtle when comparing T2D with normal glucose
      tolerance state (fully adjusted odds ratio 2.18, 95% confidence interval 0.91
      5.21, p = 0.078). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating SFRP5 levels were independently
      associated with T2D as compared with prediabetes and normal glucose tolerance
      state.

PMID- 25139700
TI  - "You're in that realm of unpredictability": mateship, loyalty, and men
      challenging men who use domestic violence against women.
AB  - This study reports on discourse analysis of transcripts from focus group
      discussions held with 28 "ordinary" men about domestic violence. Two broad
      "mateship" themes emerged: (a) a strong "mateship" discourse that produced
      public/private boundaries around discussions about intimate heterosexual
      relationships. Policed by the threat of violence, these boundaries prevented some
      men from challenging men about their violence. (b) "Loyalty to mates" discourses
      constituted attention to men's violence against women as threatening the moral
      integrity of all men. Finally, some men positioned themselves against men's
      domestic violence, distinguishing their masculinity from men who abuse women.
      Implications for prevention campaigns are discussed. 

PMID- 25139701
TI  - Preparedness of final-year Turkish nursing students for work as a professional
      nurse.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the preparedness levels of final-year Turkish
      nursing students starting their careers as professional nurses. BACKGROUND: The
      transition from nursing student to professional nurse is challenging. One of the
      ways to help facilitate this transition is to determine how well students are
      prepared to start work. There are limited, but conflicting, results on this
      topic. DESIGN: Mixed-methods study. METHODS: Undergraduate nursing students (n =
      4490) in their final year of study from 74 Turkish universities were eligible to
      participate in this study. Of these, 1804 total students participated from 38
      randomly selected universities. Data were collected through an investigator
      developed questionnaire (n = 1804) and focus group interviews (n = 57). RESULTS:
      Students felt highly prepared to start work (57.6%). Those who were older, male,
      graduates of a vocational high school or already working as a nurse felt most
      prepared. Students who felt that their education preparation and resources were
      adequate felt more prepared. Focus group interviews revealed that students felt
      confident in their knowledge of educational theory, but not in clinical skills.
      CONCLUSIONS: Students may have felt prepared to start work, but insufficient
      clinical experience probably contributed to a lack of confidence in their skills.
      The resources of the school, the quality of the education, and the clinical
      practice environments were considered most important for the students' perceived
      preparedness levels. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: An undergraduate education
      provides the foundation for successful nurse preparation. A good clinical
      environment along with a high-quality education programme can help give students
      more confidence in their skills when they join the nursing workforce. Internship
      or residency programmes may also facilitate this learning. This is extremely
      important for safe, high-quality patient care.

PMID- 25139702
TI  - Deviation of sonographic estimated fetal weight from actual birth weight in two
      consecutive pregnancies of the same parturients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether maternal features affect the accuracy of
      sonographic estimated fetal weight (SEFW) by evaluating the consistency of the
      systematic error of SEFW with regards to the birth weight (BW) in two consecutive
      pregnancies of the same gravida. METHODS: The cohort included women with SEFW
      within 1 week of delivery (32-42 weeks' gestation) in two consecutive singleton
      pregnancies from 2007 to 2012. The systematic error was calculated as (SEFW -
      BW)/BW * 100 and expressed as a percentage of the BW. RESULTS: A total of 636
      pregnancies (318 gravidas) were eligible for analysis. The BW and SEFW were
      correlated in both first examined (r = 0.873, p < 0.001) and consecutive (r =
      0.843, p < 0.001) pregnancies. There was a significant difference in mean
      systematic error between first examined and consecutive pregnancies (3.13 +/-
      8.95 vs. 0.34 +/- 8.75%, p < 0.001), with a very weak correlation between the two
      (r = 0.135, p = 0.16). Nulliparity or multiparity at the first examined pregnancy
      was not found to be a significant factor, and in both groups the error was higher
      in the first examined pregnancy. There were no significant differences between
      parturients with a minor (10% and below) or major (>10%) difference in the
      systematic error between the two pregnancies. CONCLUSION: The systematic error
      between the SEFW and BW in two consecutive pregnancies is inconsistent,
      suggesting that it is unaffected by maternal biometric features.

PMID- 25139703
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus bio-products: new biological roles for a pleurodesis agent.

PMID- 25139704
TI  - [Acute jaw-thoracic pain and syncope in a 41-year-old man].
AB  - A 41-year-old physically active man with no significant past medical history
      presented with sudden thoracic pain. The patient was referred to the next
      tertiary care hospital. A CT scan showed an ectasia of the ascending aorta with
      irregularities of the aortic wall without dissection. Despite initial refusal,
      the patient was referred to a university hospital with experience in aortic
      surgery. A triphase ECG-synchronized cardiothoracic flash protocol performed on a
      256 line CT scanner confirmed an aortic intramural hematoma and a covered aortic
      perforation. Shortly afterwards the patient collapsed and had to be resuscitated.

PMID- 25139705
TI  - [Pharmacotherapy of solid tumors. New hopes and frustrations].
AB  - Recent years have seen dramatic changes in the biological understanding and
      treatment of solid tumors. Based on the tumor biology, targeting agents have been
      developed which directly affect the underlying genetic or immunological changes
      found in specific tumor entities. Significant increases in survival have
      delivered the functional proof of the concept of targeted and immunological tumor
      therapy. The management and adherence of the patient as well as optimized
      cooperation with clinicians are decisive for the results of therapy and disease
      control.Several solid tumors are currently under investigation in clinical
      studies evaluating the (sequential) therapy with targeting and immunologically
      active agents, e.g. tyrosine kinase and mTOR inhibitors, targeting antibodies,
      such as bevacizumab, specific antagonists, such as enzalutamide and immunological
      checkpoint inhibitors via PD(L)1 and/or CTLA 4 antibodies.Currently approved
      agents have dramatically changed the landscape of treatment options especially
      for prostate cancer. Such agents include hormone therapy with enzalutamide and
      abiraterone, radiotherapy with cabazitaxel and xofigo (radium 223), metastatic
      breast cancer (eribulin and everolimus), renal cell carcinoma (sunitinib,
      sorafenib, axitinib, everolimus and temsirolimus), non-small cell lung cancer
      (crizotinib and afatinib), colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumor
      (regorafenib) and melanoma (ipilimumab and vemurafenib). The treatment of rarer
      tumors, such as pancreatic and hepatocellular cancer and soft tissue sarcoma has
      entered the stage of targeted therapy with the approval of nanoparticle albumin
      bound (nab)-paclitaxel, sorafenib, and eribulin/pazopanib. Current clinical
      trials are focusing on the best time point and sequence of therapy and also
      improvement in the management of these promising agents. 

PMID- 25139706
TI  - [Acute pancreatitis: guideline-based diagnosis and treatment].
AB  - Acute pancreatitis is most frequently of biliary or alcoholic origin and less
      frequently due to iatrogenic (ERCP, medication) or metabolic causes. Diagnosis is
      usually based on abdominal pain and elevation of serum lipase to more than three
      times the normal limit. Acute pancreatitis can either resolve quickly following
      an oedematous swelling or present as a severe necrotizing form. A major risk is
      the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), which can cause multi-organ
      failure. Prediction of disease course is initially difficult, thus necessitating
      immediate therapy and regular re-evaluation. In order to prove or exclude biliary
      genesis, abdominal ultrasonography should first be performed and endoscopic
      ultrasound may also be required. Primary therapy includes rapid and correctly
      dosed fluid substitution. Biliary pancreatitis requires causal treatment. In the
      case of cholangitis, stone extraction must be performed immediately; in the
      absence of cholangitis, it might be advisable to wait for spontaneous stone
      clearance. Timely cholecystectomy is necessary in all cases of biliary
      pancreatitis. 

PMID- 25139707
TI  - A review of methotrexate-associated hepatotoxicity.
AB  - Methotrexate is effective not only in treating psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis
      but also various other disorders. The use of methotrexate has been somewhat
      limited by concerns regarding its adverse effects, including its potential for
      hepatotoxicity. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of
      methotrexate-associated hepatotoxicity, including risk factors, pathogenesis and
      recommendations for monitoring it by US, UK and European guidelines, as well as
      providing a brief overview of its mechanism of action and of high-dose
      methotrexate. 

PMID- 25139708
TI  - Considering economic analyses in the revision of the preventive vaccination law:
      a new direction for health policy-making in Japan?
AB  - Evidence of a significant vaccine policy shift can be witnessed not only in the
      number of new vaccines available in Japan but also in the way that vaccine policy
      is being formulated. In 2010, policy makers decided for the first time ever to
      commission economic analyses as a reference in their consideration of subsidy
      allocation. This research offers a first hand account of the recent changes in
      vaccine policies by examining the decision-making process from the perspective of
      the researchers commissioned to perform the economic evaluations. In order to
      understand the vaccine policy-making process, a review was made of all the
      documents that were distributed and discussed during the government committee
      meetings from February 2010 when the revision of the Preventive Vaccination Law
      was initially proposed to May 2012 when the final recommendations were made.
      Economic evaluations were conducted for seven vaccines under consideration in the
      routine immunization program (Haemophilus influenzae type b or Hib, pneumococcal
      disease for children and adults, human papillomavirus, varicella, mumps, and
      hepatitis B). All were cost-effective options, except the Hib and hepatitis B
      vaccines. Nonetheless, all the vaccines were recommended equally for inclusion in
      the routine immunization program. While it is significant that policy-makers
      decided to commission economic assessments at all, various issues remain
      regarding the influence of external pressure, the choice of evaluation methods
      and the implications of using cost-effectiveness analyses on the future of
      Japanese health policy-making.

PMID- 25139709
TI  - The 3 A's of the access process to long-term care for elderly: providers
      experiences in a multiple case study in the Netherlands.
AB  - The access process is an important step in the care provision to independently
      living elderly. Still, little attention has been given to the process of access
      to long-term care for older clients. Access can be described by three dimensions:
      availability, affordability and acceptability (three A's). In this paper we
      address the following question: How do care providers take the three dimensions
      of access into account for the access process to their care and related service
      provision to independently living elderly? To answer this question we performed a
      qualitative study. We used data gathered in a multiple case study in the
      Netherlands. This study provides insight in the way long-term care organizations
      organize their access process. Not all dimensions were equally present or
      acknowledged by the case organizations. The dimension acceptability seems an
      important dimension in the access process, as shown by the efforts done in
      building a relationship with their clients, mainly through a strong personal
      relationship between client and care advisor. In that respect it is remarkable
      that the case organizations do not structurally evaluate their access process.
      Availability is compromised by practical issues and organizational choices.
      Affordability hardly seems an issue. Further research can reveal the underlying
      factors that influence the three A dimensions. 

PMID- 25139710
TI  - An immune dysregulation in MPN.
AB  - Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are stem cell-derived clonal myeloid
      malignancies characterized by a unique somatic mutational profile since three
      mutually exclusive mutations (JAK2V617F, MPL, and CALR) sustain the great
      majority of the cases. However, clinical observation that autoimmune diseases may
      predispose to MPNs, autoimmune disorders or autoimmune phenomena may be
      associated with MPNs, and genetic constitutional variants that predispose to
      autoimmune disorders or inflammatory phenomena also predispose to MPNs raises a
      hypothesis that there might be an autoimmune/inflammatory basis underlying the
      pathogenesis of MPNs. Recent studies have documented that MPNs are characterized
      by an abnormal activity of key cells of the immune system, for example, increase
      in monocyte/macrophage compartment, altered regulatory T cell frequency,
      expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and CD4/natural killer cell
      dysfunction. This review is focused on summarizing recent advances in our
      understanding of immunological defects in MPNs with accompanying translational
      implications.

PMID- 25139711
TI  - ArsC3 from Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20, a cation and sulfate-independent highly
      efficient arsenate reductase.
AB  - Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20, a sulfate-reducing bacterium, contains an arsRBC2C3
      operon that encodes two putative arsenate reductases, DaG20_ArsC2 and
      DaG20_ArsC3. In this study, resistance assays in E. coli transformed with
      plasmids containing either of the two recombinant arsenate reductases, showed
      that only DaG20_ArsC3 is functional and able to confer arsenate resistance.
      Kinetic studies revealed that this enzyme uses thioredoxin as electron donor and
      therefore belongs to Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pI258 and Bacillus subtilis
      thioredoxin-coupled arsenate reductases family. Both enzymes from this family
      contain a potassium-binding site, but only in Sa_ArsC does potassium actually
      binds resulting in a lower K m. Important differences between the S. aureus and
      B. subtilis enzymes and DaG20_ArsC3 are observed. DaG20_ArsC3 contains only two
      (Asn10, Ser33) of the four (Asn10, Ser33, Thr63, Asp65) conserved amino acid
      residues that form the potassium-binding site and the kinetics is not
      significantly affected by the presence of either potassium or sulfate ions.
      Isothermal titration calorimetry measurements confirmed nonspecific binding of
      K(+) and Na(+), corroborating the non-relevance of these cations for catalysis.
      Furthermore, the low K m and high k cat values determined for DaG20_ArsC3
      revealed that this enzyme is the most catalytically efficient potassium
      independent arsenate reductase described so far and, for the first time indicates
      that potassium binding is not essential to have low K m, for Trx-arsenate
      reductases. 

PMID- 25139712
TI  - Trends in U.S. emergency department visits for opioid overdose, 1993-2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Emergency department (ED) visits for opioid overdose provide an
      important marker of acute morbidity. We sought to evaluate national trends of ED
      visits for opioid overdose. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The National
      Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 1993-2010, was used to identify ED
      visits for opioid overdose. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were national ED
      visit rates for opioid overdose per 100,000 U.S. population and per 100,000 ED
      visits. RESULTS: From 1993 to 2010, there were approximately 731,000 ED visits
      (95% CI, 586,000-877,000 visits) for opioid overdose, representing an overall
      rate of 14 ED visits (95% CI, 12-17 visits) per 100,000 population and 37 ED
      visits (95% CI, 31-45 visits) per 100,000 ED visits. Of these, 41% (95% CI, 33
      50%) were for prescription opioid overdose. Between 1993 and 2010, the national
      visit rate increased from 7 to 27 per 100,000 population (+307%; Ptrend  = 0.03),
      and from 19 to 63 per 100,000 ED visits (+235%; Ptrend  < 0.001). Stratified
      analyses of the visit rate per population showed upward, but nonsignificant,
      trends across multiple demographic groups and U.S. regions. In stratified
      analyses of the visit rate per 100,000 ED visits, the rate increased
      significantly in several groups: age <20 years (+1188%; Ptrend  = 0.002), age 20
      29 years (+155%; Ptrend  = 0.04), age >=50 years (+231%; Ptrend  = 0.04), female
      (+234%; Ptrend  = 0.001), male (+80%; Ptrend  = 0.04), whites (+187%; Ptrend  <
      0.001), and patients in the South (+371%; Ptrend  < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In a
      nationally representative database of U.S. ED visits, we found that the ED visit
      rate for opioid overdose quadrupled from 1993 to 2010. Our findings suggest that
      previous prevention measures may not be adequate.

PMID- 25139714
TI  - B7-H3 expression in colorectal cancer: associations with clinicopathological
      parameters and patient outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have previously reported overexpression of the immunoregulatory
      protein B7-H3 in colorectal cancer and that nuclear expression predicted poor
      outcome in colon cancer patients. The present study was performed to examine the
      prognostic role of B7-H3 in an independent colorectal cancer cohort. METHODS:
      Using tissue microarrays from 731 colorectal cancer patients, tumour B7-H3
      expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Associations with
      clinicopathological parameters and patient outcome were investigated. RESULTS:
      Nuclear expression of B7-H3 in cancer cells was present in 27% of the samples in
      the total study cohort, while cytoplasmic/membrane and stromal expression was
      seen in 86% and 77% of the samples, respectively. Nuclear B7-H3 had no prognostic
      relevance in the complete outcome cohort, neither in colon cancer patients.
      However, nuclear B7-H3 was significantly associated with reduced recurrence-free
      survival in TNM stage I colorectal cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression
      of B7-H3 in colorectal cancer was confirmed, but in contrast to previous results,
      nuclear B7-H3 was not a strong prognostic biomarker in this cohort. The
      discrepancy might be related to the use of single-core tissue microarrays for
      detection of the heterogeneously expressed B7-H3, and the role of B7-H3 in
      colorectal cancer still needs further examination.

PMID- 25139715
TI  - Influence of wound drainage in primary total knee arthroplasty without
      tourniquet.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although it remains the golden standard, several authors have questioned
      the role of pneumatic tourniquets in primary knee arthroplasty in recent studies.
      An intra-articular wound drainage is widely used in the field of total knee
      arthroplasty although the benefit of postoperative wound drainage is
      controversial in the literature. This study questioned whether the use of an
      intra-articular drain is an advance over the lack of a drain in total knee
      arthroplasty which is performed without a tourniquet. METHODS: We documented the
      ROM, the knee circumference at the upper patellar pole pre-operatively and on
      days two, four and six postoperatively. The blood volume and loss was calculated.
      As surrogate parameter for wound healing we counted the number of days until no
      residual secretion was observed via the wound/drainage site. RESULTS: The results
      of our investigation showed a significantly better wound healing without the use
      of a drain. All other parameters revealed no significant differences. CONCLUSION:
      The data of this study demonstrate a faster wound healing without the use of a
      postoperative wound drain in primary total knee arthroplasty which is performed
      without a tourniquet. Other parameters could not show any significant differences
      thus indicating that a postoperative wound drain has no significant advantage and
      the risk of a retrograde bacterial colonisation is well documented. Based on
      these data we recommend performing a primary total knee arthroplasty without a
      postoperative drain if the procedure is done without a tourniquet.

PMID- 25139716
TI  - Prospective randomized trial comparing open reduction and internal fixation with
      minimally invasive reduction and percutaneous fixation in managing displaced
      intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: Managing displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures remains
      controversial. A prospective randomised trial was undertaken to compare open
      reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with minimally invasive reduction and
      percutaneous fixation (MIRPF). METHODS: Forty-five displaced intra-articular
      calcaneal fractures were randomised to undergo either ORIF (n = 23) or MIRPF (n =
      22). Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for a minimum of one
      year postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was wound-healing complication.
      Functional outcome was assessed using Creighton Nebraska Health Foundation (CNF)
      scale, and radiological outcome was assessed using plain radiographs and computed
      tomography (CT) scans. RESULTS: Of the 23 heels in the ORIF group, seven (30%)
      had wound-healing problems, compared with none in the MIRPF group (p = 0.005).
      There was no statistically significant difference in radiological outcomes
      between groups, as measured by Bohler's angle, Gissane's angle and Score Analysis
      of Verona (SAVE). Median time to return to work was two weeks earlier (p =
      0.004), and the functional outcome score (CNF scale) at one year of follow-up was
      better (p = 0.013) following MIRPF compared with ORIF. CONCLUSION: MIRPF is
      associated with fewer wound-healing problems, better functional outcome and
      earlier return to work compared with ORIF.

PMID- 25139717
TI  - Cryoablation, limited fluoroscopy, and more.

PMID- 25139718
TI  - The significance of oxygen during contact lens wear.
AB  - In order to establish the relevance of oxygen to contemporary contact lens
      practice, a review of the literature was conducted. The results indicate that
      there are a number of processes occurring in the normal healthy eye where oxygen
      is required and which are potentially affected by the presence of a contact lens.
      These activities appear to take place at all corneal levels, as well as at the
      limbus. Evidence from laboratory, clinical and modelling studies indicates that
      what constitutes normal oxygenation (normoxia) depends on, among other things,
      the physiological system under consideration, corneal location and the state of
      eye closure. This diversity is reflected in the wide range of minimum lens oxygen
      transmissibility (Dk/t) requirements that are present in a literature.

PMID- 25139719
TI  - Power profiles of single vision and multifocal soft contact lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the optical zone power
      profile of the most commonly prescribed soft contact lenses to assess their
      potential impact on peripheral refractive error and hence myopia progression.
      METHODS: The optical power profiles of six single vision and ten multifocal
      contact lenses of five manufacturers in the powers -1.00 D, -3.00 D, and -6.00 D
      were measured using the SHSOphthalmic (Optocraft GmbH, Erlangen, Germany).
      Instrument repeatability was also investigated. RESULTS: Instrument repeatability
      was dependent on the distance from the optical centre, manifesting unreliable
      data for the central 1mm of the optic zone. Single vision contact lens
      measurements of -6.00 D lenses revealed omafilcon A having the most negative
      spherical aberration, lotrafilcon A having the least. Somofilcon A had the
      highest minus power and lotrafilcon A the biggest deviation in positive
      direction, relative to their respective labelled powers. Negative spherical
      aberration occurred for almost all of the multifocal contact lenses, including
      the centre-distance designs etafilcon A bifocal and omafilcon A multifocal.
      Lotrafilcon B and balafilcon A seem to rely predominantly on the spherical
      aberration component to provide multifocality. CONCLUSIONS: Power profiles of
      single vision soft contact lenses varied greatly, many having a negative
      spherical aberration profile that would exacerbate myopia. Some lens types and
      powers are affected by large intra-batch variability or power offsets of more
      than 0.25 dioptres. Evaluation of power profiles of multifocal lenses was derived
      that provides helpful information for prescribing lenses for presbyopes and
      progressing myopes.

PMID- 25139720
TI  - Scoring hip osteoarthritis with MRI (SHOMRI): A whole joint osteoarthritis
      evaluation system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To develop a semi-quantitative MR-based hip osteoarthritis (OA)
      evaluation system (Scoring hip osteoarthritis with MRI, SHOMRI), and to test its
      reproducibility and face validity. METHODS: The study involved 98 subjects with
      informed consent. Three-Tesla MR imaging of hip was performed in three planes
      with intermediate-weighted fat saturated FSE sequences. Two radiologists assessed
      cartilage loss, bone marrow edema pattern, subchondral cyst in 10 subregions, and
      assessed labrum in 4 subregions. In addition, presence or absence of ligamentum
      teres integrity, paralabral cysts, intra-articular body, and effusion in the hip
      joint were analyzed using the SHOMRI system. The reproducibility was assessed
      with intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), Cohen's Kappa values and percent
      agreement. SHOMRI scores were correlated with radiographic Kellgren-Lawrence (KL)
      and OARSI atlas gradings, and clinical parameters, the hip osteoarthritis outcome
      score (HOOS) and hip range of motion (ROM), using Spearman's rank correlation and
      ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: ICC values were in the excellent range,
      0.91 to 0.97. Cohen's Kappa values and percent agreement ranged from 0.55 to 0.79
      and 66 to 99%, respectively. SHOMRI demonstrated significant correlations with KL
      and OARSI gradings as well as with clinical parameters, HOOS and ROM (P < 0.05).
      Among the SHOMRI features, subchondral cyst and bone marrow edema pattern showed
      the highest correlation with HOOS and ROM. CONCLUSION: SHOMRI demonstrated
      moderate to excellent reproducibility and significant correlation with
      radiographic gradings and clinical parameters.

PMID- 25139721
TI  - Authors' reply to de Vries.

PMID- 25139722
TI  - Male-specific use of the purr in the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta).
AB  - In mammals, purring has been described in mostly affiliative contexts. In the
      ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), both males and females purr, but only males were
      observed purring in agonistic contexts. In order to determine whether male ring
      tailed lemurs purr as aggressive displays during intrasexual agonistic
      encounters, 480 h of focal data were collected on 25 adult males from Beza
      Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar, from March to July 2010. The male purring
      rate increased during periods of male-male agonism when compared to times without
      intrasexual agonism, and the purring rate was positively correlated with male
      dominance rank. However, the purring rate was not significantly higher during
      winning agonistic interactions when compared with losing encounters. My results
      indicate that the male ring-tailed lemur purr is used most frequently as an
      agonistic vocalization in male-male encounters, in addition to being used less
      frequently in other social contexts, including during tail-waving at females,
      resting, scent-marking, feeding and copulation. Dominant males have higher
      purring rates across social situations, suggesting that the purring rate may be
      driven by intrinsic male qualities rather than functioning as a meaningful signal
      in each disparate social context. Male purring in intrasexual agonistic
      encounters can be added to previously described social contexts for ring-tailed
      lemur purring.

PMID- 25139723
TI  - Patient and provider perspectives on Bedsider.org, an online contraceptive
      information tool, in a low income, racially diverse clinic population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore patient and provider perspectives regarding a new Web-based
      contraceptive support tool. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a qualitative study at an
      urban Medicaid-based clinic among sexually active women interested in starting a
      new contraceptive method, clinic providers and staff. All participants were given
      the opportunity to explore Bedsider, an online contraceptive support tool
      developed for sexually active women ages 18-29 by the National Campaign to
      Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and endorsed by the American Congress of
      Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Focus groups were conducted separately among
      patient participants and clinic providers/staff using open-ended structured
      interview guides to identify specific themes and key concepts related to use of
      this tool in an urban clinic setting. RESULTS: Patient participants were very
      receptive to this online contraceptive support tool, describing it as
      trustworthy, accessible and empowering. In contrast, clinic providers and staff
      had concerns regarding the Website's legitimacy, accessibility, ability to
      empower patients and applicability, which limited their willingness to recommend
      its use to patients. CONCLUSION: Contrasting opinions regarding Bedsider may
      point to a potential disconnect between how providers and patients view
      contraception information tools. Further qualitative and quantitative studies are
      needed to explore women's perspectives on contraceptive education and counseling
      and providers' understanding of these perspectives. IMPLICATIONS STATEMENT: This
      study identifies a contrast between how patients and providers in an urban clinic
      setting perceive a Web-based contraceptive tool. Given a potential patient
      provider discrepancy in preferred methods and approaches to contraceptive
      counseling, additional research is needed to enhance this important arena of
      women's health care.

PMID- 25139724
TI  - Intrauterine lidocaine for pain control during laminaria insertion: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if intrauterine administration of 5 cc of 2% lidocaine in
      addition to paracervical block reduces pain during laminaria insertion, when
      compared with paracervical block and saline placebo. STUDY DESIGN: This was a
      randomized, double blind placebo-controlled trial. Women presenting for abortion
      by dilation and evacuation (D&E) at 14-24 weeks gestational age were randomized
      to receive an intrauterine instillation of either 5 mL of 2% lidocaine or 5 mL of
      normal saline, in addition to standard paracervical block with 20 cc of 0.25%
      bupivacaine. Our primary outcome was self-reported pain scores on a 100mm Visual
      Analogue Scale (VAS) immediately following laminaria insertion. Secondary outcome
      was self-reported VAS pain score indicating the maximum level of pain experienced
      during the 24-48-h interval between laminaria insertion and D&E procedure.
      RESULTS: Seventy-two women were enrolled, and data for 67 women were analyzed,
      only two of whom were more than 21 weeks on gestation. The range of pain scores
      at both time points was large (1-90 mm at laminaria insertion; 0-100mm in
      laminaria-D&E interval). Mean pain scores were not different between treatment
      groups at laminaria insertion, (33 vs. 32, p=.8) or in the laminaria - D&E
      interval (43 vs. 44, p=.9). CONCLUSION: Intrauterine administration of 5 cc of 2%
      lidocaine in addition to paracervical block did not reduce pain with laminaria
      insertion when compared to paracervical block with saline placebo. IMPLICATIONS:
      Intrauterine lidocaine combined with paracervical block does not improve pain
      control at laminaria insertion when compared with paracervical block and saline
      placebo. Wide variation in pain scores and persistent pain after laminaria
      insertion suggests patient would benefit from more effective methods of pain
      control at laminaria insertion and during the post-laminaria interval.

PMID- 25139725
TI  - Recent advances in the structure-based and ligand-based design of IKKbeta
      inhibitors as anti-inflammation and anti-cancer agents.
AB  - NF-kappaB is a significant transcription factor that regulates the expression of
      various pro-survival genes. IKK is a crucial protein kinase that activates NF
      kappaB translocating from cytoplasm to nucleus for DNA binding. It is composed of
      three subunits, IKKalpha, IKKbeta, IKKgamma (NEMO), where IKKalpha and IKKbeta
      are catalytic subunits, and IKKgamma is the regulatory subunit. Many diseases,
      such as Hodgkin's disease, Hepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma,
      colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel
      disease, are related to IKK and NF-kappaB. So far, various IKK inhibitors
      targeting the ATP binding site have been identified through high throughput
      screening, rational design or in silico methods, however, only three of them (CHS
      828, EB-1627 and IMD-1041) have been under clinical studies, indicating the
      strategy for the design of IKK inhibitors need to be reinspected. Besides ATP
      competitive inhibitors, several other inhibitors have also been disclosed
      recently, which provide novel concepts to the discovery of IKK inhibitors. In
      this review, we focus on two parts: 1) the chemotypes and binding patterns of the
      traditional ATP-competitive IKK inhibitors; 2) novel strategies for the
      identification of non-ATP-competitive IKK inhibitors as NF-kappaB modulators.
      Through these discussions we hope to present inspirations for the development of
      new IKK inhibitors. 

PMID- 25139727
TI  - Mindfulness-based intervention to treat insomnia in elderly people.

PMID- 25139726
TI  - Rationale and design of REWARD (revving-up exercise for sustained weight loss by
      altering neurological reward and drive): a randomized trial in obese endometrial
      cancer survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is a leading risk factor for endometrial cancer (EC),
      particularly Type I forms, which are increasing in the U.S. Although death rates
      from most cancers have been decreasing, overall mortality in EC is increasing in
      the U.S. EC survivors' poor fitness combined with their surgical treatments may
      make weight loss particularly challenging. High intensity exercise increases
      neurotrophins and neurological reward via altered striatal dopamine in animals,
      and, in humans, chronic high intensity exercise enhances meal-induced satiety and
      may reduce hedonic eating. "Assisted" exercise, a mode of exercise whereby a
      patient's voluntary exercise rate is augmented mechanically, may modulate brain
      dopamine levels in Parkinson's Disease patients but has not been previously
      evaluated as a treatment for obesity. METHODS: We describe the rationale and
      design of the REWARD trial, which has the overarching goal of randomizing 120
      obese EC survivors to "assisted" or voluntary rate cycling to evaluate the
      efficacy of "assisted" exercise in enhancing and sustaining weight loss. Patients
      in both arms will receive 3 days/week of supervised exercise and 1 day/week of a
      group dietary behavioral intervention for 16 weeks and, then, will be followed
      for 6 months. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome is weight loss. Secondary outcomes
      include measures for body composition, fitness, eating behavior, exercise
      motivation and, quality of life as well as cognition and food reward and
      motivation as assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) tasks.
      CONCLUSIONS: If successful, the REWARD program could be extended to help sustain
      weight loss in obese cancer and non-cancer patients.

PMID- 25139728
TI  - Enhancing physical and social environments to reduce obesity among public housing
      residents: rationale, trial design, and baseline data for the Healthy Families
      study.
AB  - Intervention programs that change environments have the potential for greater
      population impact on obesity compared to individual-level programs. We began a
      cluster randomized, multi-component multi-level intervention to improve weight,
      diet, and physical activity among low-socioeconomic status public housing
      residents. Here we describe the rationale, intervention design, and baseline
      survey data. After approaching 12 developments, ten were randomized to
      intervention (n=5) or assessment-only control (n=5). All residents in
      intervention developments are welcome to attend any intervention component:
      health screenings, mobile food bus, walking groups, cooking demonstrations, and a
      social media campaign; all of which are facilitated by community health workers
      who are residents trained in health outreach. To evaluate weight and behavioral
      outcomes, a subgroup of female residents and their daughters age 8-15 were
      recruited into an evaluation cohort. In total, 211 households completed the
      survey (RR=46.44%). Respondents were Latino (63%), Black (24%), and had <= high
      school education (64%). Respondents reported <=2 servings of fruits &
      vegetables/day (62%), visiting fast food restaurants 1+ times/week (32%), and
      drinking soft drinks daily or more (27%). The only difference between randomized
      groups was race/ethnicity, with more Black residents in the intervention vs.
      control group (28% vs. 19%, p=0.0146). Among low-socioeconomic status urban
      public housing residents, we successfully recruited and randomized families into
      a multi-level intervention targeting obesity. If successful, this intervention
      model could be adopted in other public housing developments or entities that also
      employ community health workers, such as food assistance programs or hospitals. 

PMID- 25139729
TI  - Survival benefit of primary deceased donor transplantation with high-KDPI
      kidneys.
AB  - The Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) has been introduced as an aid to evaluating
      deceased donor kidney offers, but the relative benefit of high-KDPI kidney
      transplantation (KT) versus the clinical alternative (remaining on the waitlist
      until receipt of a lower KDPI kidney) remains unknown. Using time-dependent Cox
      regression, we evaluated the mortality risk associated with high-KDPI KT (KDPI 71
      80, 81-90 or 91-100) versus a conservative, lower KDPI approach (remain on
      waitlist until receipt of KT with KDPI 0-70, 0-80 or 0-90) in first-time adult
      registrants, adjusting for candidate characteristics. High-KDPI KT was associated
      with increased short-term but decreased long-term mortality risk. Recipients of
      KDPI 71-80 KT, KDPI 81-90 KT and KDPI 91-100 KT reached a "break-even point" of
      cumulative survival at 7.7, 18.0 and 19.8 months post-KT, respectively, and had a
      survival benefit thereafter. Cumulative survival at 5 years was better in all
      three high-KDPI groups than the conservative approach (p < 0.01 for each
      comparison). Benefit of high-KDPI KT was greatest in patients age >50 years and
      patients at centers with median wait time >=33 months. Recipients of high-KDPI KT
      can enjoy better long-term survival; a high-KDPI score does not automatically
      constitute a reason to reject a deceased donor kidney.

PMID- 25139730
TI  - Effects of ranibizumab on the extracellular matrix production by human Tenon's
      fibroblast.
AB  - Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (Anti-VEGF) agents have received recent
      interest as potential anti-fibrotic agents for their concurrent use with
      trabeculectomy. Preliminary cohort studies have revealed improved bleb morphology
      following trabeculectomy augmented with ranibizumab. The effects of this
      humanized monoclonal antibody on human Tenon's fibroblast (HTF), the key player
      of post trabeculectomy scar formation, are not fully understood. This study was
      conducted to understand the effects of ranibizumab on extracellular matrix
      production by HTF. The effect of ranibizumab on HTF proliferation and cell
      viability was determined using MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazone-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyl tetrazolium). Ranibizumab at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.5
      mg/mL were administered for 24, 48 and 72 h in serum and serum free conditions.
      Supernatants and cell lysates from samples were assessed for collagen type 1
      alpha 1 and fibronectin mRNA and protein level using quantitative real time
      polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA). After 48-h, ranibizumab at 0.5 mg/mL, significantly induced cell death
      under serum-free culture conditions (p < 0.05). Ranibizumab caused significant
      reduction of collagen type 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) mRNA, but not for fibronectin (FN).
      Meanwhile, COL1A1 and FN protein levels were found upregulated in treated
      monolayers compared to control monolayers. Ranibizumab at 0.5 mg/mL significantly
      reduced cell viability in cultured HTF. From this study, we found that single
      application of ranibizumab is inadequate to induce the anti-fibrotic effects on
      HTF, suggesting the importance of adjunctive therapy. Further studies are
      underway to understand mechanism of actions of ranibizumab on HTF. 

PMID- 25139731
TI  - Observation of interstitial molecular hydrogen in clathrate hydrates.
AB  - The current knowledge and description of guest molecules within clathrate
      hydrates only accounts for occupancy within regular polyhedral water cages.
      Experimental measurements and simulations, examining the tert-butylamine + H2 +
      H2O hydrate system, now suggest that H2 can also be incorporated within hydrate
      crystal structures by occupying interstitial sites, that is, locations other than
      the interior of regular polyhedral water cages. Specifically, H2 is found within
      the shared heptagonal faces of the large (4(3)5(9)6(2)7(3)) cage and in cavities
      formed from the disruption of smaller (4(4)5(4)) water cages. The ability of H2
      to occupy these interstitial sites and fluctuate position in the crystal lattice
      demonstrates the dynamic behavior of H2 in solids and reveals new insight into
      guest-guest and guest-host interactions in clathrate hydrates, with potential
      implications in increasing overall energy storage properties.

PMID- 25139732
TI  - Hyperosmolar tears enhance cooling sensitivity of the corneal nerves in rats:
      possible neural basis for cold-induced dry eye pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tear hyperosmolarity is a ubiquitous feature of dry-eye disease.
      Although dry-eye patients' sensitivity to cooling is well known, the effects of
      tear hyperosmolarity on a small amount of cooling in the corneal nerves have not
      been quantitatively examined. Recently reported corneal afferents, high-threshold
      cold sensitive plus dry-sensitive (HT-CS + DS) neurons, in rats is normally
      excited by strong (>4 degrees C) cooling of the cornea, which, when applied to
      healthy humans, evokes the sensation of discomfort. However, corneal cooling
      measured between blinks does not exceed 2 degrees C normally. Thus, we sought to
      determine if these nociceptors could be sensitized by hyperosmolar tears such
      that they are now activated by small cooling of the ocular surface. METHODS:
      Trigeminal ganglion neurons innervating the cornea were extracellularly recorded
      in isoflurane-anesthetized rats. The responses of single corneal neurons to
      cooling stimuli presented in the presence of hyperosmolar (350-800 mOsm NaCl)
      tears were examined. RESULTS: The HT-CS + DS neurons with thresholds averaging 4
      degrees C cooling responded to cooling stimuli presented after 15 minutes of
      hyperosmolar tears with thresholds of less than 1 degrees C. The response
      magnitudes also were enhanced so that the responses to small (2 degrees C)
      cooling emerged, where none was observed before. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      demonstrate that after exposure to hyperosmolar tears, these nociceptive corneal
      neurons now begin to respond to the slight cooling normally encountered between
      blinks, enabling the painful information to be carried to the brain, which could
      explain the cooling-evoked discomfort in dry eye patients.

PMID- 25139733
TI  - NF-kappaB-mediated nitric oxide production and activation of caspase-3 cause
      retinal ganglion cell death in the hypoxic neonatal retina.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hypoxic insult to the developing retina results in apoptosis of retinal
      ganglion cells (RGCs) through production of inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide
      (NO), and free radicals. The present study was aimed at elucidating the pathway
      through which hypoxia results in overproduction of NO in the immature retina, and
      its role in causing apoptosis of RGCs. METHODS: Wistar rats (1 day old) were
      exposed to hypoxia and their retinas were studied at 3 hours to 14 days after
      exposure. The protein expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and
      neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the retina and primary cultures of RGCs
      was analyzed using Western blotting and double-immunofluorescence, whereas the
      concentration of NO was determined calorimetrically. In cultured RGCs, hypoxia
      induced apoptosis was evaluated by caspase-3 immunolabeling. RESULTS: Following
      hypoxic exposure, NF-kappaB-mediated expression of nNOS, which was localized to
      the RGCs, and subsequent NO production was significantly increased in the
      developing retina. In primary cultures of RGCs subjected to hypoxia, the
      upregulation of nNOS and NO was significantly suppressed when treated with 7
      nitroindazole (7-NINA), an nNOS inhibitor or BAY, an NF-kappaB inhibitor. Hypoxia
      induced apoptosis of RGCs, which was evident with caspase-3 labeling, also was
      suppressed when these cells were treated with 7-NINA or BAY. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that in RGCs, hypoxic induction of nNOS is mediated by NF-kappaB
      and the resulting increased release of NO by RGCs causes their apoptosis through
      caspase-3 activation. It is speculated that targeting nNOS could be a potential
      neuroprotective strategy against hypoxia-induced RGCs death in the developing
      retina.

PMID- 25139734
TI  - Mesothelial cells: a cellular surrogate for tissue engineering of corneal
      endothelium.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate whether mouse adipose tissue mesothelial cells (ATMCs) share
      morphologic and biochemical characteristics with mouse corneal endothelial cells
      (CECs) and to evaluate their capacity to adhere to the decellularized basal
      membrane of human anterior lens capsules (HALCs) as a potential tissue-engineered
      surrogate for corneal endothelium replacement. METHODS: Adipose tissue
      mesothelial cells were isolated from the visceral adipose tissue of adult mice,
      and their expression of several corneal endothelium markers was determined with
      quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Adipose tissue
      mesothelial cells were cultured in a mesothelial retaining phenotype medium
      (MRPM) and further seeded and cultured on top of the decellularized basal
      membrane of HALCs. ATMC-HALC composites were evaluated by optical microscopy,
      immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Mesothelial
      retaining phenotype medium-cultured ATMCs express the corneal endothelium markers
      COL4A2, COL8A2, SLC4A4, CAR2, sodium- and potassium-dependent adenosine
      triphosphatase (Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase), beta-catenin, zona occludens-1, and N
      cadherin in a pattern similar to that in mouse CECs. Furthermore, ATMCs displayed
      strong adhesion capacity onto the basal membrane of HALCs and formed a confluent
      monolayer within 72 hours of culture in MRPM. Ultrastructural morphologic and
      marker characteristics displayed by ATMC monolayer on HALCs clearly indicated
      that ATMCs retained their original phenotype of squamous epithelial-like cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: Corneal endothelial cells and ATMCs share morphologic (structural)
      and marker (functional) similarities [corrected]. The ATMCs adhered and formed
      structures mimicking focal adhesion complexes with the HALC basal membrane.
      Monolayer structure and achieved density of ATMCs support the proposal to use
      adult human mesothelial cells (MCs) as a possible surrogate for damaged corneal
      endothelium.

PMID- 25139735
TI  - The external limiting membrane in early-onset Stargardt disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe pathologic changes of the external limiting membrane (ELM)
      in young patients with early-onset Stargardt (STGD1) disease. METHODS: Twenty-six
      STGD1 patients aged younger than 20 years with confirmed disease-causing
      adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette, subfamily A, member 4 (ABCA4) alleles
      and 30 age-matched unaffected individuals were studied. Spectral-domain optical
      coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus autofluorescence (AF), and color fundus
      photography (CFP) images, as well as full-field electroretinograms were obtained
      and analyzed for one to four visits in each patient. RESULTS: The ELM in all
      patients exhibited a distinct thickening that was not observed in unaffected
      individuals. In addition, accumulations of reflective deposits were noted in the
      outer nuclear layer in every patient. Four patients exhibited a concave
      protuberance or bulging of a thickened and hyperreflective ELM band within the
      fovea containing preserved photoreceptors. Longitudinal SD-OCT data in several
      patients revealed the persistence of this ELM abnormality over a period of time
      (1-4 years). Furthermore, the edges of the inner segment ellipsoid band appeared
      to recede earlier than the ELM band in active lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Structural
      changes seen in the ELM of this cohort may reflect a gliotic response to cellular
      stress at the photoreceptor level in early-onset STGD1.

PMID- 25139736
TI  - Anatomic changes in Schlemm's canal and collector channels in normal and primary
      open-angle glaucoma eyes using low and high perfusion pressures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the anatomy of Schlemm's canal (SC) and collector channels
      (CCs) in normal human and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes under low and
      high perfusion pressure. METHODS: In normal (n = 3) and POAG (n = 3) eye pairs,
      one eye was perfused at 10 mm Hg while the fellow eye was perfused at 20 mm Hg
      for 2 hours. Eyes were perfusion fixed at like pressures, dissected into
      quadrants, embedded in Epon Araldite, and scanned by three-dimensional micro
      computed tomography (3D micro-CT). Schlemm's canal volume, CC orifice area,
      diameter, and number were measured using ANALYZE software. RESULTS: Normal eyes
      showed a larger SC volume (3.3-fold) and CC orifice area (9962.8 vs. 8825.2
      MUm(2)) and a similar CC diameter (34.3 +/- 17.8 vs. 32.7 +/- 13.0 MUm) at 10 mm
      Hg compared to 20 mm Hg. In POAG eyes, SC volume (2.0-fold), CC orifice area
      (8049.2 MUm(2)-6468.4 MUm(2)), and CC diameter (36.2 +/- 19.1 vs. 29.0 +/- 13.8
      MUm) were increased in 10 mm Hg compared to 20 mm Hg perfusion pressures. Partial
      and total CC occlusions were present in normal and POAG eyes, with a 3.7-fold
      increase in total occlusions in POAG eyes compared to normal eyes at 20 mm Hg.
      Visualization of CCs increased by 24% in normal and by 21% in POAG eyes at 20 mm
      Hg compared to 10 mm Hg. Schlemm's canal volume, CC area, and CC diameter were
      decreased in POAG eyes compared to normal eyes at like pressures. CONCLUSIONS:
      Compensatory mechanisms for transient and short periods of increased pressure
      appear to be diminished in POAG eyes. Variable response to pressure change in SC
      and CCs may be a contributing factor to outflow facility change in POAG eyes.

PMID- 25139737
TI  - CCR7 is critical for the induction and maintenance of Th17 immunity in dry eye
      disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: We characterized antigen-presenting cell (APC)-relevant chemokine
      receptor expression in dry eye disease (DED), and investigated the effect of
      topical CC chemokine receptor (CCR)-7 blockade specifically on Th17 cell immunity
      and dry eye disease severity. METHODS: We induced DED in female C57BL/6 mice.
      Chemokine receptor expression by corneal APCs was characterized using
      immunohistochemistry. To determine the functional role of CCR7 in DED, mice were
      treated topically with either anti-CCR7, a control isotype antibody, or left
      untreated, and clinical disease severity, Th17 responses, and molecular markers
      of DED were quantified. RESULTS: Frequencies of CD11b(+) cells and their
      chemokine expression were increased in the cornea of DED mice. Mice treated
      topically with anti-CCR7 antibody displayed a significant reduction in clinical
      disease severity and Th17 response compared to the isotype and untreated groups.
      Topical CCR7 blockade was effective in ameliorating DED in its acute and chronic
      stages. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that CCR7-mediated trafficking of APCs
      drives the induction and maintenance of Th17 immunity in DED and that CCR7
      blockade is effective in suppressing the immunopathogenic mechanisms in DED.

PMID- 25139738
TI  - HE3286 reduces axonal loss and preserves retinal ganglion cell function in
      experimental optic neuritis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Optic nerve inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss are all
      prominent features of optic neuritis. While corticosteroids hasten visual
      recovery in optic neuritis, no treatment improves final visual outcomes. HE3286
      (17alpha-ethynyl-5-androstene-3beta,7beta,17beta-triol), a synthetic derivative
      of a natural steroid, beta-AET (5-androstene-3beta,7beta,17beta-triol), exerts
      anti-inflammatory effects in several disease models and has purported
      neuroprotective effects as well. HE3286's ability to suppress optic neuritis was
      examined in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple
      sclerosis. METHODS: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was induced in
      C57/BL6 mice. Mice were treated daily with intraperitoneal vehicle or 40 mg/kg
      HE3286. Visual function was assessed by optokinetic responses (OKR) at baseline
      and every 10 days until euthanasia at 40 days post immunization. Retinas and
      optic nerves were isolated. Inflammation (hematoxylin and eosin and Iba1
      staining), demyelination (Luxol fast blue staining), and axonal loss
      (neurofilament staining) were assessed in optic nerve sections. Retinal ganglion
      cells (RGCs) were immunolabeled with Brn3a antibodies to quantify RGC survival.
      RESULTS: Progressive decreases in OKR occurred in vehicle-treated EAE mice, and
      HE3286 treatment reduced the level of this vision loss. HE3286 also attenuated
      the degree of inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss in EAE optic nerves as
      compared to nerves from vehicle-treated EAE mice. Retinal ganglion cell loss that
      occurred in both vehicle- and HE3286-treated EAE mice was reduced in the temporal
      retinal quadrant of HE3286-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: HE3286 suppresses
      inflammation, reduces demyelination and axonal loss, and promotes RGC survival
      during experimental optic neuritis. Importantly, HE3286 treatment also preserves
      some RGC function. Results suggest that HE3286 is a potential novel treatment for
      optic neuritis.

PMID- 25139740
TI  - A Phase IB multicentre dose-determination study of BHQ880 in combination with
      anti-myeloma therapy and zoledronic acid in patients with relapsed or refractory
      multiple myeloma and prior skeletal-related events.
AB  - Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), expressed by myeloma cells, suppresses osteoblast function and
      plays a key role in bone disease in multiple myeloma. BHQ880, a human
      neutralizing IgG1 anti-DKK1 monoclonal antibody, is being investigated for its
      impact on multiple myeloma-related bone disease and as an agent with potential
      anti-myeloma activity. The primary objectives of this Phase IB study were to
      determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of BHQ880 and to characterize the dose
      limiting toxicity (DLT) of escalating doses in combination with anti-myeloma
      therapy and zoledronic acid. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled and received
      BHQ880 at doses of 3-40 mg/kg. No DLTs were reported, therefore, the MTD was not
      determined. The recommended Phase II dose was declared as 10 mg/kg, based mainly
      on saturation data. There was a general trend towards increased bone mineral
      density (BMD) observed over time; specific increases in spine BMD from Cycle 12
      onwards irrespective of new skeletal-related events on study were observed, and
      increases in bone strength at the spine and hip were also demonstrated in some
      patients. BHQ880 in combination with zoledronic acid and anti-myeloma therapy was
      well tolerated and demonstrated potential clinical activity in patients with
      relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. 

PMID- 25139739
TI  - Effects of negative stressors on DNA methylation in the brain: implications for
      mood and anxiety disorders.
AB  - Stress is a major contributor to anxiety and mood disorders. The recent discovery
      of epigenetic changes in the brain resulting from stress has enhanced our
      understanding of the mechanism by which stress is able to promote these
      disorders. Although epigenetics encompasses chemical modifications that occur at
      both DNA and histones, much attention has been focused on stress-induced DNA
      methylation changes on behavior. Here, we review the effect of stress-induced DNA
      methylation changes on physiological mechanisms that govern behavior and
      cognition, dysregulation of which can be harmful to mental health. A literature
      review was performed in the areas of DNA methylation, stress, and their impact on
      the brain and psychiatric illness. Key findings center on genes involved in the
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotransmission and neuroplasticity. Using
      animal models of different stress paradigms and clinical studies, we detail how
      DNA methylation changes to these genes can alter physiological mechanisms that
      influence behavior. Appropriate levels of gene expression in the brain play an
      important role in mental health. This dynamic control can be disrupted by stress
      induced changes to DNA methylation patterns. Advancement in other areas of
      epigenetics, such as histone modifications and the discovery of the novel DNA
      epigenetic mark, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, could provide additional avenues to
      consider when determining the epigenetic effects of stress on the brain.

PMID- 25139741
TI  - Long-QT mutation p.K557E-Kv7.1: dominant-negative suppression of IKs, but
      preserved cAMP-dependent up-regulation.
AB  - AIMS: Mutations in KCNQ1, encoding for Kv7.1, the alpha-subunit of the IKs
      channel, cause long-QT syndrome type 1, potentially predisposing patients to
      ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, in particular, during
      elevated sympathetic tone. Here, we aim at characterizing the p.Lys557Glu (K557E)
      Kv7.1 mutation, identified in a Dutch kindred, at baseline and during (mimicked)
      increased adrenergic tone. METHODS AND RESULTS: K557E carriers had moderate QTc
      prolongation that augmented significantly during exercise. IKs characteristics
      were determined after co-expressing Kv7.1-wild-type (WT) and/or K557E with minK
      and Yotiao in Chinese hamster ovary cells. K557E caused IKs loss of function with
      slowing of the activation kinetics, acceleration of deactivation kinetics, and a
      rightward shift of voltage-dependent activation. Together, these contributed to a
      dominant-negative reduction in IKs density. Confocal microscopy and western blot
      indicated that trafficking of K557E channels was not impaired. Stimulation of WT
      IKs by 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) generated strong current up
      regulation that was preserved for K557E in both hetero- and homozygosis.
      Accumulation of IKs at fast rates occurred both in WT and in K557E, but was
      blunted in the latter. In a computational model, K557E showed a loss of action
      potential shortening during beta-adrenergic stimulation, in accordance with the
      lack of QT shortening during exercise in patients. CONCLUSION: K557E causes IKs
      loss of function with reduced fast rate-dependent current accumulation. cAMP
      dependent stimulation of mutant IKs is preserved, but incapable of fully
      compensating for the baseline current reduction, explaining the long QT intervals
      at baseline and the abnormal QT accommodation during exercise in affected
      patients.

PMID- 25139742
TI  - Super-resolution imaging reveals that loss of the C-terminus of connexin43 limits
      microtubule plus-end capture and NaV1.5 localization at the intercalated disc.
AB  - AIMS: It is well known that connexin43 (Cx43) forms gap junctions. We recently
      showed that Cx43 is also part of a protein-interacting network that regulates
      excitability. Cardiac-specific truncation of Cx43 C-terminus (mutant
      'Cx43D378stop') led to lethal arrhythmias. Cx43D378stop localized to the
      intercalated disc (ID); cell-cell coupling was normal, but there was significant
      sodium current (INa) loss. We proposed that the microtubule plus-end is at the
      crux of the Cx43-INa relation. Yet, specific localization of relevant molecular
      players was prevented due to the resolution limit of fluorescence microscopy.
      Here, we use nanoscale imaging to establish: (i) the morphology of clusters
      formed by the microtubule plus-end tracking protein 'end-binding 1' (EB1), (ii)
      their position, and that of sodium channel alpha-subunit NaV1.5, relative to N
      cadherin-rich sites, and (iii) the role of Cx43 C-terminus on the above-mentioned
      parameters and on the location-specific function of INa. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Super-resolution fluorescence localization microscopy in murine adult
      cardiomyocytes revealed EB1 and NaV1.5 as distinct clusters preferentially
      localized to N-cadherin-rich sites. Extent of co-localization decreased in
      Cx43D378stop cells. Macropatch and scanning patch clamp showed reduced INa
      exclusively at cell end, without changes in unitary conductance. Experiments in
      Cx43-modified HL1 cells confirmed the relation between Cx43, INa, and
      microtubules. CONCLUSIONS: NaV1.5 and EB1 localization at the cell end is Cx43
      dependent. Cx43 is part of a molecular complex that determines capture of the
      microtubule plus-end at the ID, facilitating cargo delivery. These observations
      link excitability and electrical coupling through a common molecular mechanism.

PMID- 25139743
TI  - Glyoxalase 1 overexpression does not affect atherosclerotic lesion size and
      severity in ApoE-/- mice with or without diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and their precursors have been
      associated with the development of atherosclerosis. We recently discovered that
      glyoxalase 1 (GLO1), the major detoxifying enzyme for AGE precursors, is
      decreased in ruptured human plaques, and that levels of AGEs are higher in
      rupture-prone plaques. We here investigated whether overexpression of human GLO1
      in ApoE(-/-) mice could reduce the development of atherosclerosis. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We crossed C57BL/6 ApoE(-/-) mice with C57BL/6 GLO1 overexpressing mice
      (huGLO1(+/-)) to generate ApoE(-/-) (n = 16) and ApoE(-/-) huGLO1(+/-) (n = 20)
      mice. To induce diabetes, we injected a subset with streptozotocin (STZ) to
      generate diabetic ApoE(-/-) (n = 8) and ApoE(-/-) huGLO1(+/-) (n = 13) mice. All
      mice were fed chow and sacrificed at 25 weeks of age. The GLO1 activity was three
      fold increased in huGLO1(+/-) aorta, but aortic root lesion size and phenotype
      did not differ between mice with and without huGLO1(+/-) overexpression. We
      detected no differences in gene expression in aortic arches, in AGE levels and
      cytokines, in circulating cells, and endothelial function between ApoE(-/-) mice
      with and without huGLO1(+/-) overexpression. Although diabetic mice showed
      decreased GLO1 expression (P < 0.05) and increased lesion size (P < 0.05) in
      comparison with non-diabetic mice, GLO1 overexpression also did not affect the
      aortic root lesion size or inflammation in diabetic mice. CONCLUSION: In ApoE(-/
      ) mice with or without diabetes, GLO1 overexpression did not lead to decreased
      atherosclerotic lesion size or systemic inflammation. Increasing GLO1 levels does
      not seem to be an effective strategy to reduce glycation in atherosclerotic
      lesions, likely due to increased AGE formation through GLO1-independent
      mechanisms.

PMID- 25139744
TI  - The cellular prion protein counteracts cardiac oxidative stress.
AB  - AIMS: The cellular prion protein, PrP(C), whose aberrant isoforms are related to
      prion diseases of humans and animals, has a still obscure physiological function.
      Having observed an increased expression of PrP(C) in two in vivo paradigms of
      heart remodelling, we focused on isolated mouse hearts to ascertain the capacity
      of PrP(C) to antagonize oxidative damage induced by ischaemic and non-ischaemic
      protocols. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hearts isolated from mice expressing PrP(C) in
      variable amounts were subjected to different and complementary oxidative
      perfusion protocols. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species, oxidation of
      myofibrillar proteins, and cell death were evaluated. We found that overexpressed
      PrP(C) reduced oxidative stress and cell death caused by post-ischaemic
      reperfusion. Conversely, deletion of PrP(C) increased oxidative stress during
      both ischaemic preconditioning and perfusion (15 min) with H2O2. Supporting its
      relation with intracellular systems involved in oxidative stress, PrP(C) was
      found to influence the activity of catalase and, for the first time, the
      expression of p66(Shc), a protein implicated in oxidative stress-mediated cell
      death. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that PrP(C) contributes to the cardiac
      mechanisms antagonizing oxidative insults.

PMID- 25139745
TI  - Scrib:Rac1 interactions are required for the morphogenesis of the ventricular
      myocardium.
AB  - AIMS: The organization and maturation of ventricular cardiomyocytes from the
      embryonic to the adult form is crucial for normal cardiac function. We have shown
      that a polarity protein, Scrib, may be involved in regulating the early stages of
      this process. Our goal was to establish whether Scrib plays a cell autonomous
      role in the ventricular myocardium, and whether this involves well-known polarity
      pathways. METHODS AND RESULTS: Deletion of Scrib in cardiac precursors utilizing
      Scrib(flox) mice together with the Nkx2.5-Cre driver resulted in disruption of
      the cytoarchitecture of the forming trabeculae and ventricular septal defects.
      Although the majority of mice lacking Scrib in the myocardium survived to
      adulthood, they developed marked cardiac fibrosis. Scrib did not physically
      interact with the planar cell polarity (PCP) protein, Vangl2, in early
      cardiomyocytes as it does in other tissues, suggesting that the anomalies did not
      result from disruption of PCP signalling. However, Scrib interacted with Rac1
      physically in embryonic cardiomyocytes and genetically to result in ventricular
      abnormalities, suggesting that this interaction is crucial for the development of
      the early myocardium. CONCLUSIONS: The Scrib-Rac1 interaction plays a crucial
      role in the organization of developing cardiomyocytes and formation of the
      ventricular myocardium. Thus, we have identified a novel signalling pathway in
      the early, functioning, heart muscle. These data also show that the foetus can
      recover from relatively severe abnormalities in prenatal ventricular development,
      although cardiac fibrosis can be a long-term consequence.

PMID- 25139746
TI  - Nitric oxide and protein kinase G act on TRPC1 to inhibit 11,12-EET-induced
      vascular relaxation.
AB  - AIMS: Vascular endothelial cells synthesize and release vasodilators such as
      nitric oxide (NO) and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). NO is known to inhibit
      EET-induced smooth muscle hyperpolarization and relaxation. This study
      investigates the underlying mechanism of this inhibition. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Through measurements of membrane potential and arterial tension, we show that
      11,12-EET induced membrane hyperpolarization and vascular relaxation in
      endothelium-denuded porcine coronary arteries. These responses were suppressed by
      S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and 8-Br-cGMP, an NO donor and a membrane
      permeant analogue of cGMP, respectively. The inhibitory actions of SNAP and 8-Br
      cGMP on 11,12-EET-induced membrane hyperpolarization and vascular relaxation were
      reversed by hydroxocobalamin, an NO scavenger; ODQ, a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor;
      and KT5823, a protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor. The inhibitory actions of SNAP
      and 8-bromo cyclic GMP (8-Br-cGMP) on the EET responses were also abrogated by
      shielding TRPC1-PKG phosphorylation sites with an excessive supply of exogenous
      PKG substrates, TAT-TRPC1(S172) and TAT-TRPC1(T313). Furthermore, a
      phosphorylation assay demonstrated that PKG could directly phosphorylate TRPC1 at
      Ser(172) and Thr(313). In addition, 11,12-EET failed to induce membrane
      hyperpolarization and vascular relaxation when TRPV4, TRPC1, or KCa1.1 was
      selectively inhibited. Co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that TRPV4,
      TRPC1, and KCa1.1 physically associated with each other in smooth muscle cells.
      CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate a novel role of the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway in
      the inhibition of 11,12-EET-induced smooth muscle hyperpolarization and
      relaxation via PKG-mediated phosphorylation of TRPC1.

PMID- 25139747
TI  - Ranolazine prevents INaL enhancement and blunts myocardial remodelling in a model
      of pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - AIMS: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) reflects abnormal pulmonary vascular
      resistance and causes right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy. Enhancement of the late
      sodium current (INaL) may result from hypertrophic remodelling. The study tests
      whether: (i) constitutive INaL enhancement may occur as part of PAH-induced
      myocardial remodelling; (ii) ranolazine (RAN), a clinically available INaL
      blocker, may prevent constitutive INaL enhancement and PAH-induced myocardial
      remodelling. METHODS AND RESULTS: PAH was induced in rats by a single
      monocrotaline (MCT) injection [60 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)]; studies were
      performed 3 weeks later. RAN (30 mg/kg bid i.p.) was administered 48 h after MCT
      and washed-out 15 h before studies. MCT increased RV systolic pressure and caused
      RV hypertrophy and loss of left ventricular (LV) mass. In the RV, collagen was
      increased; myocytes were enlarged with T-tubule disarray and displayed myosin
      heavy chain isoform switch. INaL was markedly enhanced; diastolic Ca(2+) was
      increased and Ca(2+) release was facilitated. K(+) currents were down-regulated
      and APD was prolonged. In the LV, INaL was enhanced to a lesser extent and cell
      Ca(2+) content was strongly depressed. Electrical remodelling was less prominent
      than in the RV. RAN completely prevented INaL enhancement and limited most
      aspects of PAH-induced remodelling, but failed to affect in vivo contractile
      performance. RAN blunted the MCT-induced increase in RV pressure and medial
      thickening in pulmonary arterioles. CONCLUSION: PAH induced remodelling with
      chamber-specific aspects. RAN prevented constitutive INaL enhancement and blunted
      myocardial remodelling. Partial mechanical unloading, resulting from an
      unexpected effect of RAN on pulmonary vasculature, might contribute to this
      effect.

PMID- 25139748
TI  - Angiogenesis and remodelling in human thoracic aortic aneurysms.
AB  - AIMS: Human thoracic aneurysm of the ascending aorta (TAA) is a chronic disease
      characterized by dilatation of the aortic wall, which can progress to vessel
      dissection and rupture. TAA has several aetiologies, but all forms present common
      features, including tissue remodelling. Here, we determined and characterized the
      angiogenic process associated with TAA and its relation with wall remodelling.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunostaining for blood vessels showed an increased density
      of microvessels originating from the adventitia in the external medial layer of
      TAA compared with healthy aortas. Proteomic array analysis of 55 angiogenic
      factors in medial and adventitial layers showed different expression profiles in
      both tissue compartments between aneurysmal and healthy aortas. Quantification by
      ELISA confirmed that all forms of TAA contained higher levels of several pro- and
      anti-angiogenic factors, including angiopoietin-1 and -2, fibroblast growth
      factor-acidic, and thrombospondin-1, than that of healthy aortas. However, all
      groups showed comparable levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A.
      Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that angiopoietins were overexpressed in TAA
      media. Immunostaining and electron microscopy revealed that neovessels had
      defective endothelial junctions and poor mural cell coverage. This incomplete
      structure was associated with the accumulation of plasminogen and albumin in the
      media of TAA. CONCLUSION: We describe, for the first time, leaky neovessel
      formation in TAA media in association with an imbalance of angiogenic factor
      levels. Although the initiating mechanisms of neo-angiogenesis in TAA and the
      potential aetiology-related differences remain to be determined, our results
      suggest that neo-angiogenesis could participate in TAA wall remodelling and
      weakening through deposition of blood-borne zymogens.

PMID- 25139749
TI  - Evaluation of the oxidative status in Oreochromis niloticus fed with tuna by
      product meal: possible human health impact.
AB  - The influence of tuna by-product meal (TBM) diets on the activities of
      antioxidant enzymes in the muscles, gill and kidney of tilapia was evaluated. The
      control diet (A0) used fish meal (FM) as the sole source of animal protein and
      the other three diets (A10-A30), 33%-100% of FM was substituted by TBM at 10%
      increments. The cytotoxicity of liver and muscles cytosol extracts in human liver
      cell HepG2 was undertaken. The activities of glutathione S-transferase,
      superoxide dismutase, catalase and TBARS values in the kidney of fish fed with
      diet A30 were significantly different (p<0.05) and no alterations were observed
      in muscle and gill anti-oxidant activities. Our study has confirmed that the
      cytosol extract does not exhibit cytotoxic effects on the HepG2 cells. These
      results indicate that the use of TBM as a total replacement for FM into tilapia
      diets seems to have oxidative stress, thus generating effect on fish metabolism.

PMID- 25139750
TI  - Hierarchical sampling for metastable conformers determines biomolecular
      recognition: the case of malectin and diglucosylated N-glycan interactions.
AB  - Structural information over the entire course of binding interactions based on
      the analyses of energy landscapes is described, which provides a framework to
      understand the events involved during biomolecular recognition. Conformational
      dynamics of malectin's exquisite selectivity for diglucosylated N-glycan (Dig-N
      glycan), a highly flexible oligosaccharide comprising of numerous dihedral
      torsion angles, are described as an example. For this purpose, a novel approach
      based on hierarchical sampling for acquiring metastable molecular conformations
      constituting low-energy minima for understanding the structural features involved
      in a biologic recognition is proposed. For this purpose, four variants of
      principal component analysis were employed recursively in both Cartesian space
      and dihedral angles space that are characterized by free energy landscapes to
      select the most stable conformational substates. Subsequently, k-means clustering
      algorithm was implemented for geometric separation of the major native state to
      acquire a final ensemble of metastable conformers. A comparison of malectin
      complexes was then performed to characterize their conformational properties.
      Analyses of stereochemical metrics and other concerted binding events revealed
      surface complementarity, cooperative and bidentate hydrogen bonds, water-mediated
      hydrogen bonds, carbohydrate-aromatic interactions including CH-pi and stacking
      interactions involved in this recognition. Additionally, a striking structural
      transition from loop to beta-strands in malectin CRD upon specific binding to Dig
      N-glycan is observed. The interplay of the above-mentioned binding events in
      malectin and Dig-N-glycan supports an extended conformational selection model as
      the underlying binding mechanism. 

PMID- 25139751
TI  - Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of novel, potent, orally active
      hypoxia-inducible factor-1 inhibitors.
AB  - Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is the chief transcription factor regulating
      hypoxia-driven gene expression. HIF-1 overexpression is associated with poor
      prognosis in several cancers and therefore represents an attractive target for
      novel antitumor agents. We explored small molecule inhibitors of the HIF-1
      pathway. Using high-throughput-screening, we identified benzanilide compound 1
      (IC50=560 nM) as a seed. Subsequent extensive derivatization led to the discovery
      of compounds 43a and 51d, with anti-HIF-1 activities in vitro (IC50=21 and 0.47
      nM, respectively), and in vivo. Additionally, 43a (12.5-100mg/kg) also displayed
      in vivo anti-tumor efficacy, without influencing body weight.

PMID- 25139752
TI  - Coevolution of caudal skeleton and tail feathers in birds.
AB  - Birds are capable of a wide range of aerial locomotor behaviors in part because
      of the derived structure and function of the avian tail. The tail apparatus
      consists of a several mobile (free) caudal vertebrae, a terminal skeletal element
      (the pygostyle), and an articulated fan of tail feathers that may be spread or
      folded, as well as muscular and fibroadipose structures that facilitate tail
      movements. Morphological variation in both the tail fan and the caudal skeleton
      that supports it are well documented. The structure of the tail feathers and the
      pygostyle each evolve in response to functional demands of differing locomotor
      behaviors. Here, I test whether the integument and skeleton coevolve in this
      important locomotor module. I quantified feather and skeletal morphology in a
      diverse sample of waterbirds and shorebirds using a combination of linear and
      geometric morphometrics. Covariation between tail fan shape and skeletal
      morphology was then tested using phylogenetic comparative methods. Pygostyle
      shape is found to be a good predictor of tail fan shape (e.g., forked,
      graduated), supporting the hypothesis that the tail fan and the tail skeleton
      have coevolved. This statistical relationship is used to reconstruct feather
      morphology in an exemplar fossil waterbird, Limnofregata azygosternon. Based on
      pygostyle morphology, this taxon is likely to have exhibited a forked tail fan
      similar to that of its extant sister clade Fregata, despite differing in inferred
      ecology and other aspects of skeletal anatomy. These methods may be useful in
      reconstructing rectricial morphology in other extinct birds and thus assist in
      characterizing the evolution of flight control surfaces in birds.

PMID- 25139753
TI  - Plasma estrone sulfate, clinical biochemistry, and milk yield of dairy cows
      carrying a fetus from a bull or its clone.
AB  - The aim of this article was to compare plasma estrone sulfate (E1SO4), clinical
      biochemistry, and milk yield of dairy cows carrying a female fetus from a bull
      (BULL) or from its clone (CLONE), evaluating also the relationship between the
      former variables and the birth weight of the newborn. Sixteen recipient dairy
      Friesian heifers (10 BULL and 7 CLONE) received a female embryo, obtained by in
      vitro embryo production and sexing by polymerase chain reaction with the semen of
      the BULL or the CLONE. Blood samples on all cows were obtained before feed
      distribution in the morning from jugular vein from 4 weeks before to 4 weeks
      after calving, to be analyzed for metabolic profile. The samples from late
      gestation were also analyzed for E1SO4 concentration. To separately assess the
      effect of calf birth weight (CBW), data were categorized as follows: low (<39 kg;
      BWT-A), mid (39-46 kg; BWT-B), and high (>46 kg; BWT-C). The plasma
      concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB, P=0.019), Na (P=0.002), Cl
      (P=0.026), strong cation-anion balance (P=0.020), total bilirubin (P=0.054), and
      alpha1-globulin (P=0.044) were higher in prepartum BULL recipients than those in
      CLONE, whereas BHB (P=0.021) and Mg (P=0.090) were higher in postpartum BULL
      recipients, while no differences were recorded in the remaining postpartum
      parameters. The CBW class had significant interaction with week of gestation on
      antepartum plasma estrone sulfate (P=0.021), whereas CBW per se affected
      antepartum plasma BHB (P=0.021), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA; P=0.011)
      being higher in BWT-C which also had the lower NEFA concentration during
      postpartum. Milk yield was unaffected by the sire used, both for quantitative and
      qualitative aspects. Cows carrying heavier fetus (BWT-C) had a different
      lactation affected by month compared with the other 2 CBW groups. From these
      results, there were no differences between BULL and CLONE recipients. Estrone
      sulfate, BHB, and NEFA may be used to predict CBW and provide different
      nutritional management during gestation.

PMID- 25139754
TI  - Relationship between macrophages in mouse uteri and angiogenesis in endometrium
      during the peri-implantation period.
AB  - The objective of this study is to examine the change in macrophage numbers,
      inducible form of NO synthase (iNOS), and vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) expression both before and after embryo implantation in the uterine tissue
      of mice. In order to explore the mechanism of macrophages in endometrial
      angiogenesis, 8-week-old female mice were divided into three groups: pregnant
      group, pseudopregnant group (mated to male mice that had been vasectomized), and
      estrous group (unmated). Individuals from these three groups were sacrificed at
      time intervals D1.5 to D6.5. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue was used for
      immunocytochemical localization of Mphi, iNOS, and VEGF utilizing standard
      methodology. The proportion of macrophages in the peripheral blood was determined
      by flow cytometry, and the relationship between macrophage, iNOS, and VEGF
      expression was analyzed. The proportion of peripheral blood macrophages in the
      pregnancy group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. The
      results of immunohistochemistry determined that the macrophages exhibited changes
      in both numbers and distribution. The number of macrophages in the endometrium of
      the pregnancy and pseudopregnancy groups was significantly higher than that in
      the control (estrous) group. In the pregnancy group, macrophage numbers
      dramatically decreased and gradually transferred to the perimetrium on D4.5.
      Immunostaining revealed strong staining in the pregnancy group and weaker
      staining in the pseudopregnant and control groups for both iNOS and VEGF. There
      was strong, dense immunostaining at the implantation site for both iNOS and VEGF,
      whereas light immunostaining was seen in interimplantation tissues on D5.5 to
      D6.5. In the pregnant group, peripheral blood and uterine macrophage proportions
      were negatively correlated, whereas the amount of macrophages, iNOS, and VEGF
      expression in the endometrium were positively correlated. The expression of iNOS
      and VEGF in the endometrium also displayed a strong positive correlation. In
      conclusion, during embryo implantation, macrophages levels decreased in the
      uterus, whereas the number of peripheral macrophages increased, suggesting that
      macrophages may migrate into the peripheral blood and uterus to adapt for
      pregnancy. Additionally, an increase in the expression of iNOS and VEGF was
      observed during the implantation window, implying that iNOS and VEGF may play an
      important role in promoting embryo implantation. The positive correlation between
      macrophages, iNOS, and VEGF in the implanting uterus implied that macrophages
      might regulate iNOS and VEGF during the implantation process. 

PMID- 25139755
TI  - Influence of stimulation by electroejaculation on myocardial function, acid-base
      and electrolyte status, and hematobiochemical profiles in male dromedary camels.
AB  - This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of electroejaculation (EEJ) on
      myocardial function, acid-base balance, and hematobiochemical profiles in male
      dromedary camels. Twenty sexually mature, apparently healthy male camels were
      assigned to EEJ. Parallel, eight naturally mated male camels were enrolled as a
      control group. Three blood samples were collected from each camel: just before
      (T0), directly after (T1), and 24 hours after (T2) EEJ or natural mating. The
      serum concentrations of the cardiac biomarker troponin I (cTnI), blood gas
      parameters, and hematobiochemical profiles were determined. Nineteen camels were
      ejaculated by the end of the second circuit and one by the end of the first
      circuit. In both groups, the mean heart and respiratory rates had increased
      significantly immediately after the procedure, but returned to normal values 24
      hours after the procedure. The mean serum concentration of cTnI had increased
      significantly in all camels after EEJ, but not in controls. However, at 24 hours
      post-EEJ, the serum concentration of cTnI did not differ significantly compared
      with baseline values. The blood pH and base excess had decreased, and the PCO2
      and lactic acid had increased after EEJ. The EEJ provoked decreases in hematocrit
      and mean corpuscular volume. In the control group, the base excess, HCO3(-),
      TCO2, anion gap, and lactic acid increased slightly after mating but did not
      reach a significant level compared with premating values. It is concluded that
      EEJ in camels results in a reversible myocardial injury, changes in the acid-base
      status, and increase the lactic acid concentration. 

PMID- 25139756
TI  - Importance of intense male sexual behavior for inducing the preovulatory LH surge
      and ovulation in seasonally anovulatory female goats.
AB  - The present study was carried out to determine whether the presence of
      photostimulated sedated male goats could stimulate the LH preovulatory surge and
      ovulation in seasonal anestrous goats. Sexually experienced male goats were
      treated with artificial long days (16 hours light per day) from 1 November to 15
      January to stimulate their sexual activity in March and April, corresponding to
      the natural sexual rest. A female group of goats (n=20) was exposed to non
      sedated males who displayed an intense sexual behavior and provided strong odor
      (non-sedated group). Another female group of goats (n=20) was exposed to the
      photo-stimulated male goats, but these males were sedated with Xylazine 2% to
      prevent the expression of sexual behavior (sedated group). The sedated males also
      provided a strong odor. Females of both groups had full physical and visual
      contact with non-sedated or sedated males. In both groups, the males remained
      with females during 4 days. The LH preovulatory surge of 10 female goats per
      group was measured by determination of LH plasma concentrations in samples taken
      every 3 hours. In addition, in all goats, (n=20 by group), ovulation was
      determined by measuring plasma concentrations of progesterone. The proportion of
      female goats showing a preovulatory LH surge was higher in goats exposed to non
      sedated (10/10) than in those exposed to sedated bucks (0/10; P<0.0001).
      Similarly, most of does in contact with non-sedated males ovulated (19/20), but
      none of those in contact with sedated males did so (0/20; P<0.0001). We conclude
      that the expression of an intense sexual behavior by male goats is necessary to
      induce LH preovulatory surge and ovulation in seasonally anovulatory goats.

PMID- 25139757
TI  - Novel hinge-binding motifs for Janus kinase 3 inhibitors: a comprehensive
      structure-activity relationship study on tofacitinib bioisosteres.
AB  - The Janus kinases (JAKs) are a family of cytosolic tyrosine kinases crucially
      involved in cytokine signaling. JAKs have been demonstrated to be valid targets
      in the treatment of inflammatory and myeloproliferative disorders, and two
      inhibitors, tofacitinib and ruxolitinib, recently received their marketing
      authorization. Despite this success, selectivity within the JAK family remains a
      major issue. Both approved compounds share a common 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine
      hinge binding motif, and little is known about modifications tolerated at this
      heterocyclic core. In the current study, a library of tofacitinib bioisosteres
      was prepared and tested against JAK3. The compounds possessed the tofacitinib
      piperidinyl side chain, whereas the hinge binding motif was replaced by a variety
      of heterocycles mimicking its pharmacophore. In view of the promising
      expectations obtained from molecular modeling, most of the compounds proved to be
      poorly active. However, strategies for restoring activity within this series of
      novel chemotypes were discovered and crucial structure-activity relationships
      were deduced. The compounds presented may serve as starting point for developing
      novel JAK inhibitors and as a valuable training set for in silico models.

PMID- 25139758
TI  - Effects of the biosynthesis and signaling pathway of ecdysterone on silkworm
      (Bombyx mori) following exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
AB  - Silkworm (Bombyx mori), a model Lepidoptera insect, is economically important.
      Its growth and development are regulated by endogenous hormones. During the
      process of transition from larvae to pupae, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays an
      important role. The recent surge in consumer products and applications using
      metallic nanoparticles has increased the possibility of human or ecosystem
      exposure due to their unintentional release into the environment. We investigated
      the effects of exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on the
      action of 20E in B. mori. Titanium dioxide nanoparticle treatment shortened the
      molting duration by 8 hr and prolonged the molting peak period by 10 %. Solexa
      sequencing profiled the changes in gene expression in the brain of fifth-instar
      B. mori in response to TiO2NPS exposure for 72 hr, to address the effects on
      hormone metabolism and regulation. Thirty one genes were differentially
      expressed. The transcriptional levels of pi3k and P70S6K, which are involved in
      the target of the rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway, were up-regulated.
      Transcriptional levels of four cytochrome P450 genes, which are involved in 20E
      biosynthesis, at different developmental stages (48, 96, 144, and 192 hr) at 5th
      instars of all displayed trends of increasing expression. Simultaneously, the
      ecdysterone receptors, also displayed increasing trends. The 20E titers at four
      developmental stages during the 5th instar were 1.26, 1.23, 1.72, and 2.16 fold
      higher, respectively, than the control group. These results indicate that feeding
      B. mori with TiO2 NPs stimulates 20E biosynthesis, shortens the developmental
      progression, and reduces the duration of molting. Thus, application of TiO2 NPs
      is of high significance for saving the labor force in sericulture, and our
      research provides a reference for the ecological problems in the field of
      Lepidoptera exposured to titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

PMID- 25139759
TI  - Associations between liver enzymes, psychopathological and clinical features in
      eating disorders.
AB  - Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
      levels are frequently reported in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and in
      subjects who are overweight or with hyperlipidemia, which can be found to be
      associated with binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Liver
      functioning and psychopathological features have been evaluated in 43 patients
      with AN, 33 with BN, and 32 with BED. Body mass index was found to be inversely
      associated with AST and ALT in AN, and directly associated with AST and ALT in
      BED. A positive association between ALT and AST and body shape concern in AN was
      observed. Liver enzymes could be considered as an index of severity in AN and BED
      patients.

PMID- 25139760
TI  - Colloidal crystal grain boundary formation and motion.
AB  - The ability to assemble nano- and micro- sized colloidal components into highly
      ordered configurations is often cited as the basis for developing advanced
      materials. However, the dynamics of stochastic grain boundary formation and
      motion have not been quantified, which limits the ability to control and anneal
      polycrystallinity in colloidal based materials. Here we use optical microscopy,
      Brownian Dynamic simulations, and a new dynamic analysis to study grain boundary
      motion in quasi-2D colloidal bicrystals formed within inhomogeneous AC electric
      fields. We introduce "low-dimensional" models using reaction coordinates for
      condensation and global order that capture first passage times between critical
      configurations at each applied voltage. The resulting models reveal that equal
      sized domains at a maximum misorientation angle show relaxation dominated by
      friction limited grain boundary diffusion; and in contrast, asymmetrically sized
      domains with less misorientation display much faster grain boundary migration due
      to significant thermodynamic driving forces. By quantifying such dynamics vs.
      compression (voltage), kinetic bottlenecks associated with slow grain boundary
      relaxation are understood, which can be used to guide the temporal assembly of
      defect-free single domain colloidal crystals. 

PMID- 25139761
TI  - Revisiting the adaptive and maladaptive effects of crossmodal plasticity.
AB  - One of the most striking demonstrations of experience-dependent plasticity comes
      from studies of sensory-deprived individuals (e.g., blind or deaf), showing that
      brain regions deprived of their natural inputs change their sensory tuning to
      support the processing of inputs coming from the spared senses. These mechanisms
      of crossmodal plasticity have been traditionally conceptualized as having a
      double-edged sword effect on behavior. On one side, crossmodal plasticity is
      conceived as adaptive for the development of enhanced behavioral skills in the
      remaining senses of early-deaf or blind individuals. On the other side,
      crossmodal plasticity raises crucial challenges for sensory restoration and is
      typically conceived as maladaptive since its presence may prevent optimal
      recovery in sensory-re-afferented individuals. In the present review we stress
      that this dichotomic vision is oversimplified and we emphasize that the notions
      of the unavoidable adaptive/maladaptive effects of crossmodal reorganization for
      sensory compensation/restoration may actually be misleading. For this purpose we
      critically review the findings from the blind and deaf literatures, highlighting
      the complementary nature of these two fields of research. The integrated
      framework we propose here has the potential to impact on the way rehabilitation
      programs for sensory recovery are carried out, with the promising prospect of
      eventually improving their final outcomes. 

PMID- 25139762
TI  - Contributions of different kainate receptor subunits to the properties of
      recombinant homomeric and heteromeric receptors.
AB  - The tetrameric kainate receptors can be assembled from a combination of five
      different subunit subtypes. While GluK1-3 subunits can form homomeric receptors,
      GluK4 and GluK5 require a heteromeric partner to assemble, traffic to the
      membrane surface, and produce a functional channel. Previous studies have shown
      that incorporation of a GluK4 or GluK5 subunit changes both receptor pharmacology
      and channel kinetics. We directly compared the functional characteristics of
      recombinant receptors containing either GluK4 or GluK5 in combination with the
      GluK1 or GluK2 subunit. In addition, we took advantage of mutations within the
      agonist binding sites of GluK1, GluK2, or GluK5 to isolate the response of the
      wild-type partner within the heteromeric receptor. Our results suggest that GluK1
      and GluK2 differ primarily in their pharmacological properties, but that GluK4
      and GluK5 have distinct functional characteristics. In particular, while binding
      of agonist to only the GluK5 subunit appears to activate the channel to a non
      desensitizing state, binding to GluK4 does produce some desensitization. This
      suggests that GluK4 and GluK5 differ fundamentally in their contribution to
      receptor desensitization. In addition, mutation of the agonist binding site of
      GluK5 results in a heteromeric receptor with a glutamate sensitivity similar to
      homomeric GluK1 or GluK2 receptors, but which requires higher agonist
      concentrations to produce desensitization. This suggests that onset of
      desensitization in heteromeric receptors is determined more by the number of
      subunits bound to agonist than by the identity of those subunits. The distinct,
      concentration-dependent properties observed with heteromeric receptors in
      response to glutamate or kainate are consistent with a model in which either
      subunit can activate the channel, but in which occupancy of both subunits within
      a dimer is needed to allow desensitization of GluK2/K5 receptors. 

PMID- 25139763
TI  - High-performing dry powder inhalers of paclitaxel DPPC/DPPG lung surfactant-mimic
      multifunctional particles in lung cancer: physicochemical characterization, in
      vitro aerosol dispersion, and cellular studies.
AB  - Inhalable lung surfactant-based carriers composed of synthetic phospholipids,
      dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG),
      along with paclitaxel (PTX), were designed and optimized as respirable dry
      powders using organic solution co-spray-drying particle engineering design. These
      materials can be used to deliver and treat a wide variety of pulmonary diseases
      with this current work focusing on lung cancer. In particular, this is the first
      time dry powder lung surfactant-based particles have been developed and
      characterized for this purpose. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization
      was carried out to analyze the particle morphology, surface structure, solid
      state transitions, amorphous character, residual water content, and phospholipid
      bilayer structure. The particle chemical composition was confirmed using
      attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy.
      PTX loading was high, as quantified using UV-VIS spectroscopy, and sustained PTX
      release was measured over weeks. In vitro cellular characterization on lung
      cancer cells demonstrated the enhanced chemotherapeutic cytotoxic activity of
      paclitaxel from co-spray-dried DPPC/DPPG (co-SD DPPC/DPPG) lung surfactant-based
      carrier particles and the cytotoxicity of the particles via pulmonary cell
      viability analysis, fluorescent microscopy imaging, and transepithelial
      electrical resistance (TEER) testing at air-interface conditions. In vitro
      aerosol performance using a Next Generation ImpactorTM (NGITM) showed measurable
      powder deposition on all stages of the NGI and was relatively high on the lower
      stages (nanometer aerodynamic size). Aerosol dispersion analysis of these high
      performing DPIs showed mass median diameters (MMADs) that ranged from 1.9 to 2.3
      MUm with excellent aerosol dispersion performance as exemplified by high values
      of emitted dose, fine particle fractions, and respirable fractions.

PMID- 25139764
TI  - Photodegradation of moxifloxacin in aqueous and organic solvents: a kinetic
      study.
AB  - The kinetics of photodegradation of moxifloxacin (MF) in aqueous solution (pH 2.0
      12.0), and organic solvents has been studied. MF photodegradation is a specific
      acid-base catalyzed reaction and follows first-order kinetics. The apparent first
      order rate constants (kobs) for the photodegradation of MF range from 0.69 * 10(
      4) (pH 7.5) to 19.50 * 10(-4) min(-1) (pH 12.0), and in organic solvents from
      1.24 * 10(-4) (1-butanol) to 2.04 * 10(-4) min(-1) (acetonitrile). The second
      order rate constant (k2) for the [H(+)]-catalyzed and [OH(-)]-catalyzed reactions
      are 6.61 * 10(-2) and 19.20 * 10(-2) M(-1) min(-1), respectively. This indicates
      that the specific base-catalyzed reaction is about three-fold faster than that of
      the specific acid-catalyzed reaction probably as a result of the rapid cleavage
      of diazabicyclononane side chain in the molecule. The kobs-pH profile for the
      degradation reactions is a V-shaped curve indicating specific acid-base
      catalysis. The minimum rate of photodegradation at pH 7-8 is due to the presence
      of zwitterionic species. There is a linear relation between kobs and the
      dielectric constant and an inverse relation between kobs and the viscosity of the
      solvent. Some photodegraded products of MF have been identified and pathways
      proposed for their formation in acid and alkaline solutions.

PMID- 25139765
TI  - Abdominal cocoon as a presenting feature of systemic lupus erythematous. A rare
      presentation.

PMID- 25139766
TI  - Extracavitary primary effusion lymphoma: clinical, morphological, phenotypic and
      cytogenetic characterization using nuclei enrichment technique.
AB  - AIMS: Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare form of aggressive B-cell
      lymphoma, which typically manifests as malignant effusion in the body cavities.
      However, extracavitary solid variants are also described. The aim of this study
      was to investigate copy number aberrations in two cases of solid PEL at their
      first occurrences and relapse by applying a newly developed methodology of tumour
      nuclei enrichment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using histological and genetic
      techniques, a novel protocol for tumour nuclei enrichment by flow sorting and
      array-comparative genomic hybridization, we characterized two cases of
      extracavitary PEL, one of which later relapsed as effusion. Both primary tumours
      were positive for HHV8 and EBV, confined to lymph nodes, and aberrantly expressed
      CD3, yet displaying clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements indicating B-cell
      origin. Cytogenetic characterization of primary tumours revealed modest number of
      aberrations, partially overlapping with previously reported affected loci. The
      effusional relapse in case 1 was cytogenetically related to the primary tumour
      but showed dramatic increase of chromosomal instability. CONCLUSIONS: We for the
      first time demonstrate a cytogenetic relationship between solid and effusional
      presentations of PEL. Moreover, we provide an indirect evidence of multiple
      malignant clones, which gave rise to clonally-related, yet karyotypically
      different relapsing lymphoma manifestations.

PMID- 25139767
TI  - The clinical interpretation of peritoneal equilibration test.

PMID- 25139768
TI  - Responses of five Mediterranean halophytes to seasonal changes in environmental
      conditions.
AB  - In their natural habitats, different mechanisms may contribute to the tolerance
      of halophytes to high soil salinity and other abiotic stresses, but their
      relative contribution and ecological relevance, for a given species, remain
      largely unknown. We studied the responses to changing environmental conditions of
      five halophytes (Sarcocornia fruticosa, Inula crithmoides, Plantago crassifolia,
      Juncus maritimus and J. acutus) in a Mediterranean salt marsh, from summer 2009
      to autumn 2010. A principal component analysis was used to correlate soil and
      climatic data with changes in the plants' contents of chemical markers associated
      with stress responses: ions, osmolytes, malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of
      oxidative stress) and antioxidant systems. Stress tolerance in S. fruticosa, I.
      crithmoides and P. crassifolia (all succulent dicots) seemed to depend mostly on
      the transport of ions to aerial parts and the biosynthesis of specific osmolytes,
      whereas both Juncus species (monocots) were able to avoid accumulation of toxic
      ions, maintaining relatively high K(+)/Na(+) ratios. For the most salt-tolerant
      taxa (S. fruticosa and I. crithmoides), seasonal variations of Na(+), Cl(-), K(+)
      and glycine betaine, their major osmolyte, did not correlate with environmental
      parameters associated with salt or water stress, suggesting that their tolerance
      mechanisms are constitutive and relatively independent of external conditions,
      although they could be mediated by changes in the subcellular
      compartmentalization of ions and compatible osmolytes. Proline levels were too
      low in all the species to possibly have any effect on osmotic adjustment. However
      except for P. crassifolia-proline may play a role in stress tolerance based on
      its 'osmoprotectant' functions. No correlation was observed between the degree of
      environmental stress and the levels of MDA or enzymatic and non-enzymatic
      antioxidants, indicating that the investigated halophytes are not subjected to
      oxidative stress under natural conditions and do not, therefore, need to activate
      antioxidant defence mechanisms. 

PMID- 25139769
TI  - Effect of saline water on seed germination and early seedling growth of the
      halophyte quinoa.
AB  - Salinization is increasing on a global scale, decreasing average yields for most
      major crop plants. Investigations into salt resistance have, unfortunately,
      mainly been focused on conventional crops, with few studies screening the
      potential of available halophytes as new crops. This study has been carried out
      to investigate the mechanisms used by quinoa, a facultative halophytic species,
      in order to cope with high salt levels at various stages of its development.
      Quinoa is regarded as one of the crops that might sustain food security in this
      century, grown primarily for its edible seeds with their high protein content and
      unique amino acid composition. Although the species has been described as a
      facultative halophyte, and its tolerance to salt stress has been investigated,
      its physiological and molecular responses to seawater (SW) and other salts have
      not been studied. We evaluated the effects of SW and different salts on seed
      germination, seedling emergence and the antioxidative pathway of quinoa. Seeds
      were germinated in Petri dishes and seedlings grown in pots with SW solutions
      (25, 50, 75 and 100 %) and NaCl, CaCl2, KCl and MgCl2 individually, at the
      concentrations in which they are present in SW. Our results demonstrated that all
      salts, at lower concentrations, increased the germination rate but not the
      germination percentages, compared with control (pure water). Conversely,
      seedlings were differently affected by treatments in respect to salt type and
      concentration. Growth parameters affected were root and shoot length, root
      morphology, fresh and dry weight, and water content. An efficient antioxidant
      mechanism was present in quinoa, activated by salts during germination and early
      seedling growth, as shown by the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Total
      antioxidant capacity was always higher under salt stress than in water. Moreover,
      osmotic and ionic stress factors had different degrees of influence on
      germination and development. 

PMID- 25139770
TI  - Control of main risk factors after ischaemic stroke across Europe: data from the
      stroke-specific module of the EUROASPIRE III survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous cross-sectional surveys in different European countries
      within the EUROASPIRE programme demonstrated a high prevalence of modifiable risk
      factors, unhealthy lifestyles and inadequate drug treatment in coronary heart
      disease patients. Comparable data for ischaemic stroke patients is lacking.
      METHODS: A stroke-specific study module was added to the EUROASPIRE III core
      survey. This cross-sectional multicentre survey included consecutive patients
      with first-ever ischaemic stroke from four European countries. Data were obtained
      from medical records, patient interviews and patient examinations within 6-36
      months after the stroke event. Control of modifiable risk factors after stroke
      was evaluated against contemporary European guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 881
      patients was recruited. Median age was 66 years, 37.5% were female; average time
      from the stroke event to interview was 550 days. At the time of the interview,
      17.6% of stroke patients smoked cigarettes, 35.5% had a body mass index >=30
      kg/m(2), 62.4% showed elevated blood pressure and 75.7% exhibited elevated LDL
      cholesterol levels. Antiplatelet drugs or oral anticoagulants were used by 87.2%,
      antihypertensive medication by 84.4% and statins by 56.8% of stroke patients.
      Among patients using antihypertensive drugs and lipid-lowering medication at the
      time of the interview, 34.3% and 34.4%, respectively, achieved target blood
      pressure and total cholesterol values according to current European guidelines.
      CONCLUSION: The EUROASPIRE III stroke-specific module shows that secondary
      prevention and risk factor control in patients after ischaemic stroke need to be
      improved in four European centres at the time of the study since about half of
      patients are not achieving risk factor targets defined in European guidelines.

PMID- 25139771
TI  - New myocardial infarction definition affects incidence, mortality,
      hospitalization rates and prognosis.
AB  - AIMS: To analyse differences in myocardial infarction incidence, mortality and
      hospitalization rates, 28-day case-fatality and two-year prognosis using two
      myocardial infarction case definitions: the classical World Health Organization
      definition (1994) and the European Society of Cardiology/American College of
      Cardiology definition (2000), which added cardiac troponin as a diagnostic
      biomarker. DESIGN: Population-based cohort of 4170 consecutive myocardial
      infarction patients aged 35-74 years from Girona (Spain) recruited between 2002
      and 2009. METHODS: Incidence, mortality rates standardized to the European
      population and 28-day case-fatality were calculated. To estimate the association
      between case definition and prognosis, Cox models were fitted. RESULTS: Use of
      the 2000 European Society of Cardiology/American College of Cardiology definition
      significantly increased myocardial infarction incidence per 100,000 population
      (238.3 vs. 274.5 in men and 54.1 vs. 69.7 in women). Applying this definition
      decreased the 28-day case-fatality rate from 26.9% to 23.4% in men, and from
      31.0% to 24.1% in women. In the acute phase, patients diagnosed only by increased
      troponins were significantly less treated with thrombolysis (34.4% vs. 2.0%),
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (71.7% vs. 65.0%) and percutaneous
      coronary intervention (41.1% vs. 31.7%). Case-fatality at 28 days was
      significantly better in cases diagnosed only by troponin increase (0.2 % vs.
      9.7%), but two-year cardiovascular mortality was higher (7.5% vs. 3.7%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of cardiac troponins in myocardial infarction diagnosis
      increased annual incidence and decreased case-fatality. Diagnosis based only on
      increased troponins was associated with worse outcome. This group of patients at
      high risk of death should receive aggressive secondary prevention therapy.

PMID- 25139772
TI  - Predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
      (SLE): a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease represents an important cause of morbidity and
      mortality in patients with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), due
      to a complex interplay between traditional risk factors and disregulation of
      autoimmunity but uncertainty is still present about the most important predictors
      of cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our work was to perform a
      collaborative systematic review on the main predictors of cardiovascular events
      in SLE patients. METHODS: PubMed and Cochrane were systematically searched for
      eligible studies on SLE and cardiovascular events between January 2008 and
      December 2012. Study features, patient characteristics and incidence of stent
      thrombosis were abstracted and pooled, when appropriate, with random-effect
      methods (point estimate - 95% confidence intervals) and consistency of predictors
      was formally appraised. RESULTS: A total of 17,187 patients was included; of
      those, 93.1% were female and the median age was 39 years. After a median follow
      up period of 8 years, cardiovascular events presented in 25.4%, including acute
      myocardial infarction (4.1%) and stroke (7.3%). The most important predictors may
      be divided into traditional risk factors, such as male gender (OR 6.2, CI 95%
      1.49-25), hyperlipidaemia (OR 3.9, CI 95% 1.57-9.71), familiar history of cardiac
      disease (OR 3.6, CI 95% 1.15-11.32) and hypertension (OR 3.5, CI 95% 1.65-7.54),
      and SLE-related features, such as the presence of auto-antibodies (OR 5.8 and
      5.0, CI 95% 3.28-7.78) and neurological disorders (OR 5.2, CI 95% 2.0-13.9). A
      low correlation was shown for the importance of organ damage and SLE activity
      (respectively OR 1.4, CI 95% 1.09-4.44 and OR 1.2, CI 95% 1.2-1.2), as well as
      for age at diagnosis (OR 1.1, CI 95% 1.07-1.17). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular
      events in SLE patients are caused by a multifactorial mechanism, including both
      traditional and disease-specific risk factors. A global valuation with an
      individual risk stratification based on both these features is important to
      correctly manage these patients in order to reduce negative outcomes.

PMID- 25139773
TI  - Molecular pathways regulating the formation of brown-like adipocytes in white
      adipose tissue.
AB  - Adipose tissue is functionally composed of brown adipose tissue and white adipose
      tissue. The unique thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue results from
      expression of uncoupling protein 1 in the mitochondrial inner membrane. On the
      basis of recent findings that adult humans have functionally active brown adipose
      tissue, it is now recognized as playing a much more important role in human
      metabolism than was previously thought. More importantly, brown-like adipocytes
      can be recruited in white adipose tissue upon environmental stimulation and
      pharmacologic treatment, and this change is associated with increased energy
      expenditure, contributing to a lean and healthy phenotype. Thus, the promotion of
      brown-like adipocyte development in white adipose tissue offers novel
      possibilities for the development of therapeutic strategies to combat obesity and
      related metabolic diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances in
      understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the recruitment of brown-like
      adipocyte in white adipose tissue.

PMID- 25139774
TI  - [Scrotal space-occupying lesions].
AB  - Palpable scrotal masses are common scenarios in any clinical practice. These
      tumors can be painful or painless, can be intratesticular or extratesticular and
      be cystic or solid. The distinction between benign and malignant tumors is of
      utmost importance to enable an adequate and differentiated therapy of patients.
      In clinical diagnostics besides the medical history, examination of the
      inguinoscrotal region, laboratory diagnostics and ultrasound examination of the
      inguinoscrotal area play a decisive role. During the last few years the increased
      use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound has helped clinicians in differentiating
      scrotal tumors. Malignant tumors are of particular importance because this entity
      is the most frequent malignant disease among younger men and according to the
      Robert Koch Institute there are approximately 3900 new patients in Germany each
      year (Robert Koch Institute, Krebs in Deutschland 2007/2008 and 2012). 

PMID- 25139775
TI  - Prediction of coronary plaque location on arteries having myocardial bridge,
      using finite element models.
AB  - This study was performed to evaluate the influences of the myocardial bridges on
      the plaque initializations and progression in the coronary arteries. The wall
      structure is changed due to the plaque presence, which could be the reason for
      multiple heart malfunctions. Using simplified parametric finite element model (FE
      model) of the coronary artery having myocardial bridge and analyzing different
      mechanical parameters from blood circulation through the artery (wall shear
      stress, oscillatory shear index, residence time), we investigated the prediction
      of "the best" position for plaque progression. We chose six patients from the
      angiography records and used data from DICOM images to generate FE models with
      our software tools for FE preprocessing, solving and post-processing. We found a
      good correlation between real positions of the plaque and the ones that we
      predicted to develop at the proximal part of the myocardial bridges with wall
      shear stress, oscillatory shear index and residence time. This computer model
      could be additional predictive tool for everyday clinical examination of the
      patient with myocardial bridge. 

PMID- 25139776
TI  - Molecular diagnosis of infectious diarrhea: focus on enteric protozoa.
AB  - Robust detection of enteric protozoa is a critical step toward determining the
      etiology of diarrhea. Widespread use of conventional microscopy, culturing and
      antigen detection in both industrial and developing countries is limited by
      relatively low sensitivity and specificity. Refinements of these conventional
      approaches that reduce turnaround time and instrumentation have yielded strong
      alternatives for clinical and research use. However, advances in molecular
      diagnostics for protozoal, bacterial, viral and helminth infections offer
      significant advantages in studies seeking to understand pathogenesis,
      transmission and long-term consequences of infectious diarrhea. Quantitation of
      enteropathogen burden and highly multiplexed platforms for molecular detection
      dramatically improve predictive power in emerging models of diarrheal etiology,
      while eliminating the expense of multiple tests. 

PMID- 25139777
TI  - Out-of-office blood pressure improves risk stratification in normotension and
      prehypertension people.
AB  - This review addresses to what extent out-of-office blood pressure, the ambulatory
      blood pressure monitoring and the self-measured home blood pressure, refines
      conventional blood pressure-based risk stratification across increasing blood
      pressure categories, in particular individuals assumed to be associated with no
      or only mildly increased risk. Compared with sustained normotension, individuals
      with prehypertension as well as masked hypertension tend to be developed to true
      hypertension. Ambulatory blood pressure measurement refines risk stratification
      among prehypertensive people. Home blood pressure is more useful for the
      prediction of cerebrovascular diseases than conventional blood pressure, by
      replacing information from conventional to home blood pressure in risk
      stratification system. Furthermore, the two participant-level meta-analyses
      demonstrated that the out-of-office blood pressure substantially refines risk
      stratification in normotension and prehypertension, particularly among
      participants with masked hypertension. Properly organized randomized clinical
      trials are required to demonstrate that identification and treatment of masked
      hypertension, compared with the current standard care based on conventional
      pressure, lead to the reduction of cardiovascular diseases in population and are
      cost-effective. 

PMID- 25139778
TI  - Treatment of hypertension and metabolic syndrome: lowering blood pressure is not
      enough for organ protection, new approach-arterial destiffening.
AB  - Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) have been shown to induce end organ damage.
      Until now, the main approach to reduce CVRF-induced end organ damage was by
      normalization of CVRFs; this approach was found effective to reduce damage and
      cardiovascular (CV) events. However, a residual risk always remained even when
      CVRFs were optimally balanced. An additional risk factor which has an immense
      effect on the progression of end organ damage is aging. Aging is accompanied by
      gradual stiffening of the arteries which finally leads to CV events. Until
      recently, the process of arterial aging was considered as unmodifiable, but this
      has changed. Arterial stiffening caused by the aging process is similar to the
      changes seen as a result of CVRF-induced arterial damage. Actually, the presence
      of CVRFs causes faster arterial stiffening, and the extent of damage is
      proportional to the severity of the CVRF, the length of its existence, the
      patient's genetic factors, etc. Conventional treatments of osteoporosis and of
      hormonal decline at menopause are potential additional approaches to positively
      affect progression of arterial stiffening. The new approach to further decrease
      progression of arteriosclerosis, thus preventing events, is the prevention of age
      associated arterial structural changes. This approach should further decrease age
      associated arterial stiffening. A totally new promising approach is to study the
      possibility of affecting collagen, elastin, and other components of connective
      tissue that participate in the process of arterial stiffening. Reduction of pulse
      pressure by intervention in arterial stiffening process by novel methods as
      breaking collagen cross-links or preventing their formation is an example of
      future directions in treatment. This field is of enormous potential that might be
      revolutionary in inducing further significant reduction of cardiovascular events.

PMID- 25139779
TI  - Ambulatory blood pressure phenotypes and the risk for hypertension.
AB  - Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring provides valuable information on a
      person's BP phenotype. Abnormal ambulatory BP phenotypes include white-coat
      hypertension, masked hypertension, nocturnal nondipping, nocturnal hypertension,
      and high BP variability. Compared to people with sustained normotension (normal
      BP in the clinic and on ambulatory BP monitoring), the limited research available
      suggests that the risk of developing sustained hypertension (abnormal BP in the
      clinic and on ambulatory BP monitoring) over 5 to 10 years is approximately two
      to three times greater for people with white-coat or masked hypertension. More
      limited data suggest that nondipping might predate hypertension, and no studies,
      to our knowledge, have examined whether nocturnal hypertension or high ambulatory
      BP variability predict hypertension. Ambulatory BP monitoring may be useful in
      identifying people at increased risk of developing sustained hypertension, but
      the clinical utility for such use would need to be further examined.

PMID- 25139780
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension: a critical review.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder which is
      characterized by recurrent upper closure with oxygen desaturation and sleep
      disruption. OSA increases the risk of vascular disorders in the form of stroke,
      myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. The mechanisms
      underlying the vascular disorders are several and include intermittent hypoxia
      with release of cytokines, angiogenic inhibitors, free radicals, and adhesion
      molecules. During apneas, arterial blood pressure gradually rises and surges
      abruptly after the termination of apnea. Two thirds of patients with OSA will
      ultimately have diurnal hypertension. This review discusses the literature
      supporting the significant role of OSA in hypertension and the effect of OSA
      treatment on blood pressure. 

PMID- 25139781
TI  - Psychosocial risk factors for hypertension: an update of the literature.
AB  - A growing body of research demonstrates that psychosocial factors play an
      important role in the development of hypertension. Previous reviews have
      identified several key factors (i.e., occupational stress) that contribute to the
      onset of hypertension; however, they are now outdated. In this review, we provide
      an updated synthesis of the literature from 2010 to April 2014. We identified 21
      articles for inclusion in the review, of which there were six categories of
      psychosocial stressors: occupational stress, personality, mental health, housing
      instability, social support/isolation, and sleep quality. Sixteen of the studies
      reported an association between the psychosocial stressor and blood pressure.
      While several findings were consistent with previous literature, new findings
      regarding mediating and moderating factors underlying the psychosocial
      hypertension association help to untangle inconsistencies reported in the
      literature. Moreover, sleep quality is a novel additional factor that should
      undergo further exploration. Areas for future research based on these findings
      are discussed. 

PMID- 25139782
TI  - Resistant or refractory hypertension: are they different?
AB  - Resistant hypertension (RHTN) consists in a condition where blood pressure (BP)
      levels remain uncontrolled despite the use of at least three drugs or if the
      control happens with four or more drugs. Throughout the last 50 years, it has
      been increasingly studied, and its phenotypes have been identified. The term
      refractory hypertension has been used concurrently with RHTN all those years, but
      in the last decade, it has been applied to the most afflicted part of RHTN-
      defined as the uncontrolled RHTN or as the uncontrolled RHTN who needs five or
      more drugs. Differences between those two phenotypes are being recently
      identified, especially classifying refractory subjects as having more: (1)
      cardiovascular risk, (2) target organ damage, (3) African-descending race, (4)
      coronary heart disease and myocardial ischemia, (5) aldosterone excess, (6)
      deregulation of adipokines, and (7) possible sympathetic hyperactivation. We
      review the most important studies in both resistant and refractory hypertension
      to gather the up-to-date data regarding the characteristics of these two high
      risk groups of patients.

PMID- 25139783
TI  - Occupational health nursing in hungary.
AB  - This article is the first about occupational health nursing in Hungary. The
      authors describe the Hungarian health care and occupational health care systems,
      including nursing education and professional organizations for occupational
      health nurses. The Fundamental Law of Hungary guarantees the right of every
      employee to healthy and safe working conditions, daily and weekly rest times and
      annual paid leave, and physical and mental health. Hungary promotes the exercise
      of these rights by managing industrial safety and health care, providing access
      to healthy food, supporting sports and regular physical exercise, and ensuring
      environmental protection. According to the law, the responsibility for regulation
      of the occupational health service lies with the Ministry of Human Resources.
      Safety regulations are under the aegis of the Ministry of National Economy.

PMID- 25139784
TI  - Policy perspectives on occupational stress.
AB  - Occupational stress is a major physical and mental hazard for many workers and
      has been found to contribute to cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal
      disorders, mood disturbances, workplace injuries, and mental health problems.
      Health care utilization related to these physical and mental health problems
      costs employers billions of dollars annually. To combat this problem, employers
      should adopt a preventive approach and institute organizational and
      administrative changes that require the participation of both management and
      workers. This article reviews policies that could impact the quality of work life
      and influence organizational changes needed to achieve occupational health and
      safety. Occupational health nurses play a vital role in designing and
      implementing policies to improve work environments and reduce occupational
      stress.

PMID- 25139785
TI  - Health-related quality of life and functional outcomes from a randomized
      withdrawal study of long-term lisdexamfetamine dimesylate treatment in children
      and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The stimulant prodrug lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) is an
      effective and generally well tolerated treatment for the symptoms of attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Positive impacts of LDX on health-related
      quality of life and functional impairment have previously been demonstrated in a
      7-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study in children
      and adolescents in Europe. Maintenance of these broad benefits, as well as
      symptomatic control, is a key goal of long-term management of ADHD. OBJECTIVE:
      Secondary objectives of this multinational study in children and adolescents with
      ADHD were to assess the long-term maintenance of effectiveness of LDX in
      improving health-related quality of life and reducing functional impairment, as
      gauged using the Child Health and Illness Profile-Child Edition: Parent Report
      Form (CHIP-CE: PRF) and the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale-Parent
      Report (WFIRS-P), respectively. METHODS: Patients aged 6-17 years with diagnosed
      ADHD and a baseline ADHD Rating Scale IV total score of at least 28 were enrolled
      from the previous European study and from US sites. Patients who completed an
      open-label LDX treatment period of at least 26 weeks were randomized (1:1) to
      continue on their optimized dose of LDX or to switch to placebo for a 6-week,
      double-blind, withdrawal period. Parents completed CHIP-CE: PRF and WFIRS-P
      questionnaires at weeks 0, 8 and 26 of the open-label period and at weeks 0 and 6
      of the randomized-withdrawal period, or at early termination. The endpoint of
      each period was defined as the last visit with valid data. Effect sizes were the
      difference (LDX minus placebo) in least-squares (LS)-mean change from baseline to
      endpoint divided by root-mean-square error. P values were nominal and not
      adjusted for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The open-label and randomized full
      analysis sets comprised 262 and 153 (LDX n = 76; placebo n = 77) patients,
      respectively. Mean pretreatment CHIP-CE: PRF T-scores were more than one standard
      deviation below the normative mean in four of the five domains, and there was
      significant improvement across all domains from baseline to endpoint of the open
      label period. In the randomized-withdrawal period, LS-mean CHIP-CE: PRF T-scores
      deteriorated in all domains in the placebo group, but not in the LDX group.
      Compared with placebo, the effect of LDX was significant in the Risk Avoidance
      (effect size 0.829; p < 0.001), Achievement (0.696; p < 0.001) and Satisfaction
      (0.636; p < 0.001) domains. Mean pretreatment WFIRS-P scores were lowest in the
      Family domain and the Learning and School domain. WFIRS-P total score and scores
      in all domains improved significantly from baseline to endpoint of the open-label
      period. In the randomized-withdrawal period, LS-mean scores deteriorated in the
      placebo group but not in the LDX group. Compared with placebo, the effect of LDX
      was significant in the Family, Learning and School, and Risky Activities domains
      and in total (effect size 0.908; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Using parent-rated
      instruments, long-term maintenance of the beneficial effect of LDX in multiple
      domains of health-related quality of life and functional impairment was
      demonstrated by comparison of treatment continuation and withdrawal under
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions.

PMID- 25139786
TI  - Effect of music in endoscopy procedures: systematic review and meta-analysis of
      randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endoscopies are common clinical examinations that are somewhat painful
      and even cause fear and anxiety for patients. We performed this systematic review
      and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to determine the effect of
      music on patients undergoing various endoscopic procedures. METHODS: We searched
      the Cochrane Library, Issue 6, 2013, PubMed, and EMBASE databases up to July
      2013. Randomized controlled trials comparing endoscopies, with and without the
      use of music, were included. Two authors independently abstracted data and
      assessed risk of bias. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine the impact of
      music on different types of endoscopic procedures. RESULTS: Twenty-one randomized
      controlled trials involving 2,134 patients were included. The overall effect of
      music on patients undergoing a variety of endoscopic procedures significantly
      improved pain score (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -1.53, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] [-2.53, -0.53]), anxiety (WMD = -6.04, 95% CI [-9.61, -2.48]),
      heart rate (P = 0.01), arterial pressure (P < 0.05), and satisfaction score (SMD
      = 1.83, 95% CI [0.76, 2.91]). Duration of the procedure (P = 0.29), except for
      gastrointestinal endoscopy (P = 0.03), and sedative or analgesic medication dose
      (P = 0.23, P = 0.12, respectively) were not significantly decreased in the music
      group, compared with the control group. Furthermore, music had little effect for
      patients undergoing colposcopy and bronchoscopy in the subanalysis. CONCLUSION:
      Our meta-analysis suggested that music may offer benefits for patients undergoing
      endoscopy, except in colposcopy and bronchoscopy.

PMID- 25139788
TI  - PARP inhibition and the radiosensitizing effects of the PARP inhibitor ABT-888 in
      in vitro hepatocellular carcinoma models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third cause of cancer related death
      for which new treatment strategies are needed. Targeting DNA repair pathways to
      sensitize tumor cells to chemo- or radiotherapy is under investigation for the
      treatment of several cancers with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors
      showing great potential. The aim of this preclinical study was to evaluate the
      expression of PARP and PARG genes in a panel of liver cancer cell lines and
      primary human hepatocytes, their DNA repair capacity and assess the impact on
      cell survival of PARP inhibitors alone and in combination with radiotherapy.
      METHODS: Quantitative PCR was used to measure PARP-1, -2, -3 and PARG mRNA levels
      and western blotting for PARP-1 protein expression and ADP-ribose polymer
      formation after exposure of cells to doxorubicin, a topoisomerase II poison. DNA
      repair capacity was assessed using an in vitro DNA lesion excision/synthesis
      assay and the effects on cell killing of the PARP inhibitor ABT-888 alone and in
      combination with ionizing radiation using clonogenic survival. RESULTS: Although
      a wide range in expression of the PARPs and PARG was found correlations between
      PARP-1 and PARP-2 mRNA levels and PARP-1 mRNA and protein levels were noted.
      However these expression profiles were not predictive of PARP activity in the
      different cell lines that also showed variability in excision/synthesis repair
      capacity. 4 of the 7 lines were sensitive to ABT-888 alone and the two lines
      tested showed enhanced radiosensitivity in the presence of ABT-888. CONCLUSIONS:
      PARP inhibitors combined with radiotherapy show potential as a therapeutic option
      for hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 25139789
TI  - Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in patients with head-up tilt test-induced
      vasovagal syncope.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the result of an autonomic reflex that has
      a final effect of reducing sympathetic drive and increasing vagal activity.
      However, whether syncopal symptoms are associated with pathological cardiac
      autonomic modulation is not fully known. We tested the hypothesis that cardiac
      autonomic function is impaired in patients with VVS. METHODS: Eighty-four
      consecutive patients (59 males; 48.8 +/- 20.9 years) with recurrent unexplained
      syncope were enrolled. The head-up tilt test (HUTT) was positive in 38 patients
      and negative in 46 patients. Cardiac autonomic function was assessed by
      baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), heart rate variability, plasma concentrations of
      norepinephrine, and (123) I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy. RESULTS:
      BRS indices were significantly lower in the HUTT-positive group than in the HUTT
      negative group (6.1 +/- 5.5 mm Hg/s vs 9.8 +/- 7.6 mm Hg/s, P = 0.02). With
      regard to cardiac (123) I-MIBG scintigraphy, the mean heart-to-mediastinum ratio
      at the delayed phase tended to be lower in HUTT-positive than in HUTT-negative
      individuals, but this difference was not significant (2.75 +/- 0.55 vs 3.02 +/-
      0.49, P = 0.08).The percent washout rate of (123) I-MIBG was significantly higher
      in the positive group compared with the negative group (40.7 +/- 13.1% vs 31.5 +/
      13.3%, P = 0.02). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the appearance of
      HUTT-induced VVS was predicted independently by a high percent washout rate of
      (123) I-MIBG (odds ratio, 0.954; 95% confidence interval, 0.903-0.998; P =
      0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that pathological autonomic cardiac
      modulation may play a role in the appearance of syncope in VVS patients.

PMID- 25139790
TI  - Editorial overview: In vivo chemistry: Pushing the envelope.

PMID- 25139791
TI  - Age patterns of Kaposi's sarcoma incidence in a cohort of HIV-infected men.
AB  - The life expectancy for HIV-positive individuals has improved over time due to
      increasing access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Yet, as the
      HIV-positive population ages, their risk of developing cancers also increases.
      Studies of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) among elderly HIV-infected persons are quite
      limited. We examined the age patterns of KS incidence and an association between
      age and KS risk in a US cohort of 3458 HIV-infected men, the Multicenter AIDS
      Cohort Study (MACS). Poisson distribution was used to calculate incidence rates
      and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Cox proportional hazards
      regression was performed to examine the association between age and KS risk.
      There were 534 incident KS cases with a total follow-up time of 25,134 person
      years. The overall KS incidence rate was 2.13 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 1.95
      2.32) (Non-HAART users-ever: 5.57 per 100 person-years [95% CI: 5.09-6.10]; HAART
      users-ever: 0.39 per 100 person-years [95% CI: 0.31-0.51]). Overall, KS frequency
      and incidence declined with age, even in the oldest age group (p(trend) <
      0.0001). However, among non-HAART users-ever, the oldest age group had the
      highest incidence rate ratio compared to younger individuals [15.01, 95% CI: 6.12
      44.22]). While the incidence of KS decreased with age, older HIV-infected persons
      who do not receive HAART are still at increased risk of KS. As KS remains an
      important malignancy among HIV-infected persons, earlier HIV diagnoses and HAART
      initiation, particularly in older HIV-infected persons is warranted.

PMID- 25139792
TI  - Assessment of a fluorescent antibody test for the detection of antibodies against
      epizootic bovine abortion.
AB  - The current study was directed at developing and validating an indirect
      fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) capable of detecting antibodies specific for the
      agent of epizootic bovine abortion (aoEBA). Sensitivity and specificity was
      determined by comparing antibody titers from 114 fetuses infected with aoEBA with
      68 fetuses diagnosed with alternate infectious etiologies. Data established
      specificity at 100% and sensitivity at 94.7% when cutoff criteria for a positive
      test were assigned at a titer of >=1,000. Potential cross-reactivity was noted in
      samples from 3 fetuses with antibody titers of 10 or100; all were infected with
      Gram-positive organisms. The remaining 65 fetuses infected with microbes other
      than aoEBA, and an additional 12 negative reference sera, did not have detectable
      titers. The IFAT-based serology assay is rapid, reproducible, and unaffected by
      fluid color or opacity. Total fetal immunoglobulin (Ig)G was also evaluated as an
      aid for diagnosing EBA. Significantly higher concentrations of IgG were
      identified in fetuses infected with aoEBA as compared to those with alternate
      infectious etiologies. The presence of IgG is a sensitive indicator of EBA and
      increases the specificity of FAT-based serologic diagnosis when titers are 10 or
      100. Taken together, serology and IgG analyses suggest that the incidence of EBA
      may be underestimated. 

PMID- 25139793
TI  - Variable-number tandem repeats genotyping used to aid and inform management
      strategies for a bovine Johne's disease incursion in tropical and subtropical
      Australia.
AB  - The application of variable-number tandem repeats (VNTR) genotyping of
      Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates to assist in investigating
      incidents of bovine Johne's disease in a low-prevalence region of Australia is
      described in the current study. Isolates from a response to detection of bovine
      Johne's disease in Queensland were compared with strains from national and
      international sources. The tandem application of mycobacterial interspersed
      repetitive unit (MIRU) and multilocus short sequence repeats (MLSSR) genotyping
      identified 2 strains, 1 that infected cattle on multiple properties with trace
      forward histories from a common infected property, and 1 genotypically different
      strain recovered from a single property. The former strain showed an identical
      genotype to an isolate from India. Neither strain showed a genotypic link to
      regions of Australia with a higher prevalence of the disease. Genotyping has
      indicated incursions from 2 independent sources. This intelligence has informed
      investigations into potential routes of entry and the soundness of ongoing
      control measures, and supported strategy and policy decisions regarding
      management of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis incursions for
      Queensland. 

PMID- 25139795
TI  - The welfare impact of parallel imports: a structural approach applied to the
      German market for oral anti-diabetics.
AB  - We investigate the welfare impact of parallel imports using a large panel dataset
      containing monthly information on sales, ex-factory prices, and further product
      characteristics for all 649 anti-diabetic drugs sold in Germany between 2004 and
      2010. We estimate a two-stage nested logit model of demand, and on the basis of
      an oligopolistic model of multi-product firms, we then recover the marginal costs
      and markups. We finally evaluate the effect of the parallel imports' policy by
      calculating a counterfactual scenario without parallel trade. According to our
      estimates, parallel imports reduce the prices for patented drugs by 11% and do
      not have a significant effect on prices for generic drugs. This amounts to an
      increase in the demand-side surplus by ?19 million per year (or ?130 million in
      total), which is relatively small compared with the average annual market size of
      around ?227 million based on ex-factory prices. The variable profits for the
      manufacturers of original drugs from the German market are reduced by ?18 million
      (or 37%) per year when parallel trade is allowed, yet only one third of this
      difference is appropriated by the importers.

PMID- 25139796
TI  - Use of lyophilised and powdered Gentiana lutea root in fresh beef patties stored
      under different atmospheres.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gentiana lutea root is a medicinal herb that contains many active
      compounds which contribute to physiological effects, and it has recently
      attracted much attention as a natural source of antioxidants. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the effects on the colour, pH, microbial activities,
      sensory quality and resistance to lipid oxidation (through the thiobarbituric
      acid method) during storage of beef patties containing different concentrations
      of G. lutea. Fresh beef patties were formulated with 0-5 g kg(-1) of G. lutea and
      0 or 0.5 g kg(-1) of ascorbic acid and packed in two different atmospheres,
      Modified Atmosphere 1 (MAP1) and Modified Atmosphere 2 (MAP2), and stored at 4 +/
      1  degrees C for 10 days. MAP1 contained 20:80 (v/v) O2:CO2 and MAP2 contained
      80:20 (v/v) O2:CO2. RESULTS: G. lutea extracts possessed antioxidant activity
      measured by the ferric reducing antioxidant power and the oxygen radical
      absorbance capacity assays. Beef patties containing 2 g kg(-1) of lyophilised G.
      lutea were stable towards lipid oxidation in both atmospheres (P < 0.05). Beef
      patties containing a combination of 2 g kg(-1) G. lutea and 0.5 g kg(-1) ascorbic
      acid showed significantly reduced changes in colour and in lipid oxidation (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: The results from this study demonstrate the potential of G.
      lutea as a food ingredient in the design of healthier meat commodities.

PMID- 25139797
TI  - Metabolomic analysis of extreme freezing tolerance in Siberian spruce (Picea
      obovata).
AB  - Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) is one of several boreal conifer species that can
      survive at extremely low temperatures (ELTs). When fully acclimated, its tissues
      can survive immersion in liquid nitrogen. Relatively little is known about the
      biochemical and biophysical strategies of ELT survival. We profiled needle
      metabolites using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to
      explore the metabolic changes that occur during cold acclimation caused by
      natural temperature fluctuations. In total, 223 metabolites accumulated and 52
      were depleted in fully acclimated needles compared with pre-acclimation needles.
      The metabolite profiles were found to develop in four distinct phases, which are
      referred to as pre-acclimation, early acclimation, late acclimation and fully
      acclimated. Metabolite changes associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism
      were observed, including changes associated with increased raffinose family
      oligosaccharide synthesis and accumulation, accumulation of sugar acids and sugar
      alcohols, desaturation of fatty acids, and accumulation of digalactosylglycerol.
      We also observed the accumulation of protein and nonprotein amino acids and
      polyamines that may act as compatible solutes or cryoprotectants. These results
      provide new insight into the mechanisms of freezing tolerance development at the
      metabolite level and highlight their importance in rapid acclimation to ELT in P.
      obovata.

PMID- 25139798
TI  - Reduced gene expression levels of Munc13-1 and additional components of the
      presynaptic exocytosis machinery upon conditional targeting of Vglut2 in the
      adolescent mouse.
AB  - Presynaptic proteins orchestrate an intricate interplay of dynamic interactions
      in order to regulate quantal exocytosis of transmitter-filled vesicles, and their
      dysregulation might cause neurological and neuropsychiatric dysfunction. Mice
      carrying a spatiotemporal restriction in the expression of the Vesicular
      glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2; aka Slc17a6) in the cortex, amygdala and
      hippocampal subiculum from the third postnatal week show a strong anxiolytic
      phenotype and certain behavioral correlates of schizophrenia. To further
      understand the molecular consequences of this targeted deletion of Vglut2, we
      performed an unbiased microarray analysis comparing gene expression levels in the
      subiculum of these conditional Vglut2 knockout mice (Vglut2f/f;CamKII cKO) to
      those in control littermates. Expression of Unc13C (Munc13-3), a member of the
      Unc/Munc family, previously shown to be important for glutamatergic transmission,
      was identified to be significantly down-regulated. Subsequent analysis by
      quantitative RT-PCR revealed a 50% down-regulation of Munc 13-1, the gene
      encoding the Unc/Munc subtype described as an essential component in the majority
      of glutamtergic synapses in the hippocampus. Genes encoding additional components
      of the presynaptic machinery were also found regulated, including Rab3A,
      RIM1alpha, as well as Syntaxin1 and Synaptobrevin. Altered expression levels of
      these genes were further found in the amygdala and in the retrosplenial group of
      the cortex, additional regions in which Vglut2 was conditionally targeted. These
      findings suggest that expression levels of Vglut2 might be important for the
      maintenance of gene expression in the presynaptic machinery in the adult mouse
      brain. Synapse 68:624-633, 2014. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 25139800
TI  - Using Big Data to Track Trends in Medical Practice.

PMID- 25139799
TI  - Use of clarithromycin and roxithromycin and risk of cardiac death: cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of cardiac death associated with the use of
      clarithromycin and roxithromycin. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Denmark, 1997
      2011. PARTICIPANTS: Danish adults, 40-74 years of age, who received seven day
      treatment courses with clarithromycin (n = 160,297), roxithromycin (n = 588,988),
      and penicillin V (n = 4,355,309). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome was
      risk of cardiac death associated with clarithromycin and roxithromycin, compared
      with penicillin V. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to sex, age, risk
      score, and concomitant use of drugs that inhibit the cytochrome P450 3A enzyme,
      which metabolises macrolides. RESULTS: A total of 285 cardiac deaths were
      observed. Compared with use of penicillin V (incidence rate 2.5 per 1000 person
      years), use of clarithromycin was associated with a significantly increased risk
      of cardiac death (5.3 per 1000 person years; adjusted rate ratio 1.76, 95%
      confidence interval 1.08 to 2.85) but use of roxithromycin was not (2.5 per 1000
      person years; adjusted rate ratio 1.04, 0.72 to 1.51). The association with
      clarithromycin was most pronounced among women (adjusted rate ratios 2.83 (1.50
      to 5.36) in women and 1.09 (0.51 to 2.35) in men). Compared with penicillin V,
      the adjusted absolute risk difference was 37 (95% confidence interval 4 to 90)
      cardiac deaths per 1 million courses with clarithromycin and 2 (-14 to 25)
      cardiac deaths per 1 million courses with roxithromycin. CONCLUSIONS: This large
      cohort study found a significantly increased risk of cardiac death associated
      with clarithromycin. No increased risk was seen with roxithromycin. Given the
      widespread use of clarithromycin, these findings call for confirmation in
      independent populations.

PMID- 25139801
TI  - Reasons for Delay in Time to Initiation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon
      Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) improves survival among patients with colon
      cancer (CC). Two meta-analyses have demonstrated a decrease in survival with
      increasing time to AC (TTAC). Here, we examine the predominant factors leading to
      delay in TTAC. METHODS: Individual medical records of 580 patients with CC who
      initiated AC August 2005-November 2010 at two large academic cancer centers in
      Eastern Ontario were reviewed. Information regarding patient, disease, and
      treatment characteristics, including time intervals between each step in the
      cancer care pathway from surgery to AC, was captured. Patients were then
      categorized into three groups for comparison: (I) postoperative complication,
      (II) oncologist- or patient-initiated delay, (III) no delay. These groups were
      compared using chi(2) tests and one-way analysis of variance. A multivariable
      logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with TTAC > 8
      weeks in all patients and in group 1 alone. RESULTS: TTAC among the three groups
      was (I) 10.1 +/- 2.7 weeks, (II) 10.5 +/- 3.6 weeks, (III) 8.5 +/- 2.1 weeks (P <
      .001). The only significant predictor of TTAC > 8 weeks on multivariable analysis
      in group I was route of AC via central venous catheter (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4;
      95% CI, 1.2 to 4.9). When multivariable analysis was performed on all patients,
      the presence of postoperative complications (OR = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.6 to 3.8) and
      oncologist- or patient-initiated delay were the strongest predictors of delay (OR
      = 3.5; 95% CI, 2.1 to 6.0). The percentages of patients with TTAC > 8 weeks were
      (I) 76.4% (n = 110), (II) 81.4% (n = 92), (III) 57.9% (n = 187). CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with no reason for delay, most experienced TTAC > 8 weeks. This likely
      reflects delays in referral, consultation, and chemotherapy booking. These health
      system factors are modifiable, and future quality improvement initiatives should
      focus on how to reduce them.

PMID- 25139802
TI  - Reply to A. Kolacevski et al.

PMID- 25139803
TI  - RR interval-respiratory signal waveform modeling in human slow paced and
      spontaneous breathing.
AB  - Our aim was to model the dependence of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) on the
      respiratory waveform and to elucidate underlying mechanisms of cardiorespiratory
      coupling. In 30 subjects, RR interval and respiratory signal were recorded during
      spontaneous and paced (0.1Hz/0.15Hz) breathing and their relationship was modeled
      by a first order linear differential equation. This model has two parameters: a0
      (related to the instantaneous degree of abdominal expansion) and a1 (referring to
      the speed of abdominal expansion). Assuming that a0 represents slowly adapting
      pulmonary stretch receptors (SARs) and a1 SARs in coordination with other stretch
      receptors and central integrative coupling; then pulmonary stretch receptors
      relaying the instantaneous lung volume are the major factor determining
      cardiovagal output during inspiration. The model's results depended on breathing
      frequency with the least error occurring during slow paced breathing. The role of
      vagal afferent neurons in cardiorespiratory coupling may relate to
      neurocardiovascular diseases in which weakened coupling among venous return,
      arterial pressure, heart rate and respiration produces cardiovagal instability. 

PMID- 25139804
TI  - Role of striatal NMDA receptor subunits in a model of paroxysmal dystonia.
AB  - Dystonia is a movement disorder in which abnormal plasticity in the basal ganglia
      has been hypothesized to play a critical role. In a model of paroxysmal dystonia,
      the dt(sz) mutant hamster, previous studies indicated striatal dysfunctions,
      including an increased long-term potentiation (LTP). Beneficial effects were
      exerted by subunit-unspecific antagonists at NMDA receptors, which blocked LTP.
      NR2B subtype selective antagonists aggravated dystonia after systemic treatment
      in dt(sz) hamsters, suggesting that beneficial effects involved the NR2A receptor
      subtype. In the present study, NVP-AAM077, an antagonist with preferential
      activity on NR2A-containing NMDA receptors, exerted significant antidystonic
      effects in mutant hamsters after systemic administration (20 and 30mg/kg i.p.)
      and delayed the onset of a dystonic episode after intrastriatal injections (0.12
      and 0.24MUg). As shown by present electrophysiological examinations in
      corticostriatal slices of dt(sz) hamsters and non-dystonic control hamsters, NVP
      AAM077 (50nM) completely blocked LTP in dt(sz) slices, but did not exert
      significant effects on LTP in non-dystonic controls. In contrast, the NR2B
      antagonist Ro 25-6981 (1-10MUmol) reduced LTP to a lower extent in dt(sz) mutant
      hamsters than in control animals. By using quantitative RT-PCR, the NR2A/NR2B
      ratio was found to be increased in the striatum, but not in the cortex of mutant
      hamsters in comparison to non-dystonic controls. These data indicate that NR2A
      mediated activation may be involved in the pathophysiology of paroxysmal
      dystonia. Since significant antidystonic effects were observed after systemic
      administration of NVP-AAM077 already at well tolerated doses, antagonists with
      preferential activity on NR2A-containing NMDA receptors could be interesting
      candidates for the treatment of dystonia. 

PMID- 25139805
TI  - Novel and improved cell recognition for diagnosis.

PMID- 25139806
TI  - Separating the signal from the noise: expanding flow cytometry into the sub
      micron range.

PMID- 25139810
TI  - New directions in management of SAPHO syndrome.
AB  - To talk about SAPHO syndrome means to discuss its entity. It is a great honour to
      me as guest editor to greet you and to present to you the following scientific
      articles dealing with different aspects of the SAPHO syndrome. We are pleased to
      welcome experts in the fields of epidemiology, etiology, clinical aspects,
      imaging procedures and treatment modalities. Furthermore, I have been grateful to
      be able to invite a review board to read the articles and to support the authors
      with scientific remarks and interesting corrections. First, we will start with
      the introduction by Prof. Dr. Koehler, University of Saarland, Germany, entitled
      "From sternoclavicluar hyperostosis (SCCH) to SAPHO syndrome - a European
      story?". Afterwards, Dr. Colina, PhD, Imola, Italy, with co-authors will discuss
      "the latest state of the art" concerning essential clinical and radiological
      characteristics of the SAPHO syndrome. The following chapter by Dr. Pfoehler,
      PhD, University of Saarland, Germany, describes in detail the important
      dermatological aspects of psoriatic disease and its subentity of palmoplantar
      pustolosis against a etiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic background to
      better understand the arthro-osteo-cutaneous character of the SAPHO syndrome. In
      this context, Dr. Gilles, PhD, University Hospital of Paris, France, with co
      authors then discuss the different hypotheses of immunology and the possible
      autoimmune etiology of SAPHO syndrome. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Wollheim,
      University of Lund, Sweden, concludes and elucidates the genetic aspects of the
      disease. With the regard to different SAPHO manifestations in the childhood, I am
      thankful that Prof. Dr. Girschick, Pediatric Rheumatology Vivantes Center,
      Berlin, Germany, has contributed a scientific article dealing with "non-bacterial
      osteomyelitis in childhood". Last but not least, the article "Trends of SAPHO
      therapy: should we content?" from Dr. Rozin, PhD, Technion Haifa, Israel, focuses
      on the antirheumatic treatment modalities, including antibiotic treatment
      modalities which have been investigated in case series over the last 20 years. It
      was my intention that all authors touch on the genetic, diagnostic, and
      therapeutic aspects of SAPHO syndrome not to cause redundancies in the
      presentation but to discuss the central role of these aspects from a respectively
      different viewpoint - with the aim of gaining a deep insight into the
      etiopathogenesis and clinical aspects of SAPHO syndrome. 

PMID- 25139811
TI  - Psoriasis vulgaris and psoriasis pustulosa - epidemiology, quality of life,
      comorbidities and treatment.
AB  - The prevalence of psoriasis is 2-3% in European Countries, therefore psoriasis is
      one of the most frequently occurring inflammatory skin diseases. Psoriasis
      results from an interaction of genetic factors and environmental conditions such
      as infections, smoking or intake of certain drugs. Psoriatic arthritis is
      diagnosed in about 20% of patients with psoriasis. Pustular forms are much more
      rarely seen and have a genetic background distinct from plaque psoriasis.
      Psoriasis is associated with a multitude of comorbidities such as rheumatoid
      arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension
      and dysfunctions in lipid metabolism. Quality of life is markedly reduced in
      psoriasis patients and many of them suffer from depression and anxiety. An
      interdisciplinary treatment of psoriasis and its comorbidities is therefore
      essential. Today, adequate therapy according to medical guidelines is able to
      heal skin lesions and to improve quality of life. 

PMID- 25139812
TI  - Rapid prototyped patient specific implants for reconstruction of orbital wall
      defects.
AB  - Defects of orbital walls can be reconstructed using implants. The authors report
      a safe and accurate method to reconstruct bone defects in the orbital area using
      patient specific implants. A detailed process description of computer aided
      design (CAD) reconstructive surgery (CRS) is introduced in this prospective
      study. The 3D volumetric virtual implant was design using MSCT data and
      PTCProEngineerTM 3D software. The intact orbital cavity of twelve patients was
      mirrored to the injured side. Specific ledges steered the implant into correct
      place. Postoperatively the position was assessed using image fusion. One implant
      (8%) was rejected due to chemical impurities, two (16%) had a false shape due to
      incorrect CAD. Data of thin bone did not transfer correctly to CAD and resulted
      in error. One implant (8%) was placed incorrectly. Duration of the CRS was in
      average 1.17 h, correspondingly 1.57 h using intraoperative bending technique.
      The CRS process has several critical stages, which are related to converting data
      and to incompatibility between software. The CRS process has several steps that
      need further studies. The data of thin bone may be lost and disturb an otherwise
      very precise technique. The risk of incorporating impurities into the implant
      must be carefully controlled.

PMID- 25139813
TI  - Synthesis, physicochemical, and anticonvulsant properties of new N-Mannich bases
      derived from pyrrolidine-2,5-dione and its 3-methyl analog.
AB  - A series of 22 new N-[(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-methyl]-3-methyl-pyrrolidine-2,5
      dione and pyrrolidine-2,5-dione derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for
      their anticonvulsant activities in the maximum electroshock (MES) and
      subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) seizure tests after intraperitoneal
      injection into mice. The neurotoxicity was determined applying the rotarod test.
      The in vivo results in mice showed that seven compounds were effective in the MES
      or/and scPTZ seizure tests. The quantitative evaluation in both tests after i.p.
      administration into mice revealed that the most active compounds were N-[{4-(3,4
      dichlorophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl}-methyl]-3-methylpyrrolidine-2,5-dione (12) with
      ED50  = 16.13 mg/kg (MES), ED50  = 133.99 mg/kg (scPTZ) and N-[{4-(3,4
      dichlorophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl}-methyl]-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (23) with ED50  =
      37.79 mg/kg (MES), ED50  = 128.82 mg/kg (scPTZ), whereas N-[{4-(3
      trifluoromethylphenyl)-piperazin-1-yl}-methyl]-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (24) was
      effective only in the MES test with ED50  = 16.37 mg/kg. These molecules showed
      higher potency and also lower neurotoxicity than the reference antiepileptic
      drugs such as ethosuximide and valproic acid. 

PMID- 25139814
TI  - Hierarchical self-assembly of supramolecular hydrophobic metallacycles into
      ordered nanostructures.
AB  - We describe herein the hierarchical self-assembly of discrete supramolecular
      metallacycles into ordered fibers or spherical particles through multiple
      noncovalent interactions. A new series of well-defined metallacycles decorated
      with long alkyl chains were obtained through metal-ligand interactions, which
      were capable of aggregating into ordered fibroid or spherical nanostructures on
      the surface, mostly driven by hydrophobic interactions. In-depth studies
      indicated that the morphology diversity was originated from the structural
      information encoded in the metallacycles, including the number of alkyl chains
      and their spatial orientation. Interestingly, the morphology of the metallacycle
      aggregates could be tuned by changing the solvent polarity. These findings are of
      special significance since they provide a simple yet highly controllable approach
      to prepare ordered and tunable nanostructures from small building blocks by means
      of hierarchical self-assembly. 

PMID- 25139815
TI  - Effects of solvent evaporation time on immediate adhesive properties of universal
      adhesives to dentin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the microtensile bond strengths (MUTBS) and nanoleakage
      (NL) of three universal or multi-mode adhesives, applied with increasing solvent
      evaporation times. METHODS: One-hundred and forty caries-free extracted third
      molars were divided into 20 groups for bond strength testing, according to three
      factors: (1) Adhesive - All-Bond Universal (ABU, Bisco, Inc.), Prime&Bond Elect
      (PBE, Dentsply), and Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SBU, 3M ESPE); (2) Bonding
      strategy - self-etch (SE) or etch-and-rinse (ER); and (3) Adhesive solvent
      evaporation time - 5s, 15s, and 25s. Two extra groups were prepared with ABU
      because the respective manufacturer recommends a solvent evaporation time of 10s.
      After restorations were constructed, specimens were stored in water (37 degrees
      C/24h). Resin-dentin beams (0.8mm(2)) were tested at 0.5mm/min (MUTBS). For NL,
      forty extracted molars were randomly assigned to each of the 20 groups. Dentin
      disks were restored, immersed in ammoniacal silver nitrate, sectioned and
      processed for evaluation under a FESEM in backscattered mode. Data from MUTBS
      were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (adhesive vs. drying time) for each strategy,
      and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). NL data were computed with non-parametric tests
      (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Increasing solvent
      evaporation time from 5s to 25s resulted in statistically higher mean MUTBS for
      all adhesives when used in ER mode. Regarding NL, ER resulted in greater NL than
      SE for each of the evaporation times regardless of the adhesive used. A solvent
      evaporation time of 25s resulted in the lowest NL for SBU-ER. SIGNIFICANCE:
      Residual water and/or solvent may compromise the performance of universal
      adhesives, which may be improved with extended evaporation times.

PMID- 25139816
TI  - What can fibromyalgia teach us about chronic pain? An emblematic condition to
      discuss mind and body concepts, predictive medicine and assessment of chronic
      condition management.

PMID- 25139817
TI  - More ubiquitous effects from non-pharmacologic than from pharmacologic treatments
      for fibromyalgia syndrome: a meta-analysis examining six core symptoms.
AB  - This study aimed to characterize and compare the efficacy profile on six
      fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) core symptoms associated with pharmacologic and non
      pharmacologic treatments. We screened PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for
      FM articles from 1990 to September 2012 to analyse randomized controlled trials
      comparing pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic treatments to placebo or sham.
      Papers including assessments of at least 2 of the 6 main FM symptom domains -
      pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, affective symptoms (depression/anxiety),
      functional deficit and cognitive impairment - were selected for analysis. Studies
      exploring pharmacologic approaches (n = 21) were mainly dedicated to treating a
      small number of dimensions, mostly pain. They were of good quality but were not
      prospectively designed to simultaneously document efficacy for the management of
      multiple core FM symptom domains. Only amitriptyline demonstrated a significant
      effect on as many as three core FM symptoms, but it exhibited many adverse
      effects and was subject to early tachyphylaxis. Studies involving non
      pharmacologic approaches (n = 64) were typically of poorer quality but were more
      often dedicated to multidimensional targets. Pool therapy demonstrated
      significant effects on five symptom domains, repetitive transcranial magnetic
      stimulation on four domains, balneotherapy on three domains and exercise,
      cognitive behaviour therapy and massage on two domains each. Differences between
      pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches may be related to different modes
      of action, tolerability profiles and study designs. Very few drugs in well
      designed clinical trials have demonstrated significant relief for multiple FM
      symptom domains, whereas non-pharmacologic treatments with weaker study designs
      have demonstrated multidimensional effects. Future therapeutic trials for FM
      should prospectively examine each of the core domains and should attempt to
      combine pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies in well-designed clinical
      trials. 

PMID- 25139818
TI  - Motor training-induced cortical plastic changes and its disruption by chronic
      pain: a puzzle with more pieces than expected.

PMID- 25139819
TI  - Introduction of a national herpes zoster (shingles) immunization programme and
      impact on neuropathic pain.

PMID- 25139820
TI  - Mitochondrial dysfunction as a central event for mechanisms underlying insulin
      resistance: the roles of long chain fatty acids.
AB  - Insulin resistance is characterized by hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and
      oxidative stress prior to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. To date, a
      number of mechanisms have been proposed to link these syndromes together, but it
      remains unclear what the unifying condition that triggered these events in the
      progression of this metabolic disease. There have been a steady accumulation of
      data in numerous experimental studies showing the strong correlations between
      mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. In addition,
      a growing number of studies suggest that the raised plasma free fatty acid level
      induced insulin resistance with the significant alteration of oxidative
      metabolism in various target tissues such as skeletal muscle, liver and adipose
      tissue. In this review, we herein propose the idea of long chain fatty acid
      induced mitochondrial dysfunctions as one of the key events in the
      pathophysiological development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The
      accumulation of reactive oxygen species, lipotoxicity, inflammation-induced
      endoplasmic reticulum stress and alterations of mitochondrial gene subset
      expressions are the most detrimental that lead to the developments of aberrant
      intracellular insulin signalling activity in a number of peripheral tissues,
      thereby leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 25139821
TI  - A rare disorder mimics otitis media: Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the
      temporal bone in a child with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease ranging from a benign to a
      rapidly fatal condition affecting young children predominantly, and is
      characterized by an abnormal clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells. We report
      a case of a 3-year-old child presenting with a 1-year history of otorrhea and
      otorrhagia followed by a 6-month history of postauricular swelling in the right
      ear. Imaging demonstrated a large mass of organized tissue. A biopsy was
      conducted, and the diagnosis of LCH was confirmed by histopathological and
      immunohistochemical examination. The child was treated with a 12-month course of
      vinblastine chemotherapy with prednisolone. No clinical evidence of recurrence
      was noticed after 3 years of follow-up. This rare case highlights the importance
      for otolaryngologists to keep LCH in mind for differential diagnosis in very
      young patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of acute mastoiditis or chronic
      otitis media.

PMID- 25139822
TI  - Mechanisms underlying chronic whiplash: contributions from an incomplete spinal
      cord injury?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between findings on advanced, but
      available, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences of the cervical spinal cord
      and muscular system, in tandem with biomechanical measures of maximum volitional
      plantar flexion torques as a proxy for a mild incomplete spinal cord injury.
      DESIGN: Observational case series. SETTING: University research laboratory.
      SUBJECTS: Three patients with chronic whiplash and one patient with history of
      whiplash injury but no current symptoms. METHODS: We measured lower extremity
      muscle fat, morphological changes in descending spinal cord pathways with
      advanced MRI applications and maximal activation of the plantar flexors. RESULTS:
      Larger magnitudes of lower extremity muscle fat corresponded to altered spinal
      cord anatomy and reductions in the ability to maximally activate plantar flexor
      torques in the three subjects with chronic whiplash. Such findings were not
      present in the recovered participant. CONCLUSIONS: The potential value of MRI to
      quantify neuromuscular degeneration in chronic whiplash is recognized. Larger
      scaled prospective studies are warranted before stronger conclusions can be
      drawn.

PMID- 25139823
TI  - High nuclear expression levels of histone-modifying enzymes LSD1, HDAC2 and SIRT1
      in tumor cells correlate with decreased survival and increased relapse in breast
      cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with a highly variable
      clinical outcome in which both genetic and epigenetic changes have critical
      roles. We investigated tumor expression levels of histone-modifying enzymes LSD1,
      HDAC2 and SIRT1 in relation with patient survival and tumor relapse in a
      retrospective cohort of 460 breast cancer patients. Additionally, we correlated
      expression levels with tumor differentiation and tumor cell proliferation.
      METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for LSD1, HDAC2 and SIRT1 was performed on
      tissue microarrays of tumor and corresponding normal formalin-fixed paraffin
      embedded tissues from breast cancer patients. Median nuclear expression levels in
      tumor tissues were used to divide the patients into low and high expression
      categories. In combined expression analyses, patients were divided into four
      subgroups: 1, all enzymes below-median; 2, one enzyme above-median; 3, two
      enzymes above-median; 4, all three enzymes above-median. The Cox proportional
      hazard model was used for univariate and multivariate survival analyses. The
      Pearson Chi-square method was used to assess correlation of combined expression
      levels with tumor cell proliferation and tumor differentiation. RESULTS:
      Expression of LSD1 and SIRT1, but not of HDAC2, was significantly increased in
      tumor tissues compared to their normal counterparts (both p < 0.001).
      Multivariate survival analyses identified SIRT1 as independent prognostic factor
      for relapse-free survival (RFS) with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.34 (95% CI = 1.04
      1.74, p = 0.02). For overall survival (OS), no significant differences were found
      when the individual enzymes were analyzed. Analyses of combined expression levels
      of the three histone-modifying enzymes correlated with OS (p = 0.03) and RFS (p =
      0.006) with a HR of respectively 1.49 (95% CI = 1.07-2.08) and 1.68 (95% CI =
      1.16-2.44) in multivariate analyses and were also related to tumor
      differentiation (p < 0.001) and tumor cell proliferation (p = 0.002).
      CONCLUSIONS: When the combined expression levels were analyzed, high expression
      of LSD1, HDAC2 and SIRT1 showed shorter patient survival time and shorter time to
      tumor relapse and correlated with poor tumor differentiation and a high level of
      tumor cell proliferation. Expression of these histone-modifying enzymes might
      therefore be involved in breast cancer pathogenesis.

PMID- 25139825
TI  - Glucagon in the artificial pancreas: supply and marketing challenges.
AB  - The use of glucagon, in conjunction with insulin, in a dual chamber pump
      (artificial pancreas, AP) is a working goal for multiple companies and
      researchers. However, capital investment to create, operate, and maintain
      facilities with sufficient scale to produce enough glucagon to treat millions of
      patients, at a level of profit that makes it feasible, will be substantial. It
      can be assumed that the marketplace will expect the daily cost of glucagon (to
      the consumer) to be similar to the daily cost of insulin. After one subtracts
      wholesaler and pharmacy markup, there may be very few dollars remaining for the
      drug company to cover profit, capital expenditures, marketing, burden, and other
      costs. Without the potential for adequate margins, manufacturers may not be
      willing to take the risk. Assuming that the projections discussed in this article
      are in the right ballpark, advance planning for the supply for glucagon needs to
      start today and not wait for the AP to come to market. 

PMID- 25139826
TI  - Efficient quantification and characterization of bacterial outer membrane derived
      nano-particles with flow cytometric analysis.
AB  - There currently exists no efficient and easy method for size profiling and
      counting of membranous nano-scale particles, such as bacterial outer membrane
      vesicles (OMVs). We present here a cost-effective and fast method capable of
      profiling and counting small sample volumes of nano-scale membranous vesicles
      with standard laboratory equipment without the need for any washing steps. OMV
      populations of different bacterial species are compared and even subpopulations
      of OMVs can be identified after a simple labelling procedure. Counting is
      possible over three orders of magnitude without any changes to the protocol.
      Protein contaminations do not alter the described measurements. 

PMID- 25139827
TI  - Reply to a comment by Ludbrook, Holmes, and Stockwell: gender differences in
      alcohol demand.

PMID- 25139828
TI  - Effect of different drying methods on chlorophyll, ascorbic acid and antioxidant
      compounds retention of leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Use of the indigenous, easily accessible leafy vegetable roselle
      (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) for value addition is gaining impetus as its nutritive
      and nutraceutical compounds are exposed by investigations. Being a perishable,
      storage is challenging, hence different methods of drying have been an attractive
      alternative for its postharvest usage in foods without much compromising its
      quality and antioxidant potential. RESULTS: Room- and freeze-dried samples were
      found to have best quality in terms of colour, total flavonoid content (18.53 +/-
      2.39 and 18.66 +/- 1.06 g kg(-1) respectively), total phenolic content (17.76 +/-
      1.93 and 18.91 +/- 0.48 g kg(-1)), chlorophyll content (1.59 +/- 0.001 and 1.55
      +/- 0.001 g kg(-1)) and ascorbic acid content (11.11 +/- 1.04 and 8.92 +/- 0.94 g
      kg(-1)) compared with those subjected to infrared, crossflow, microwave, oven or
      sun drying. Samples treated by room and freeze drying retained maximum
      antioxidant potential as shown by the phosphomolybdate method and the 2,2
      diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging activity and ferric-reducing
      antioxidant power assays. Cold water and hot water extracts showed significantly
      higher total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity owing to the greater
      solubility of phenolics and destruction of cellular components in polar solvents
      than in organic solvents. CONCLUSION: The data obtained show the potential for
      retaining quality parameters of roselle leaf under suitable drying methods.

PMID- 25139829
TI  - MicroRNA-145 as one negative regulator of astrogliosis.
AB  - Astrogliosis occurs at the lesion site within days to weeks after spinal cord
      injury (SCI) and involves the proliferation and hypertrophy of astrocytes,
      leading to glia scar formation. Changes in gene expression by deregulated
      microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the process of central nervous system
      neurodegeneration. Here, we report that mir-145, a miRNA enriched in rat spinal
      neurons and astrocytes, was downregulated at 1 week and 1 month after SCI. Our in
      vitro studies using astrocytes prepared from neonatal spinal cord tissues
      indicated that potent inflammagen lipopolysaccharide downregulated mir-145
      expression in astrocytes, suggesting that SCI-triggered inflammatory signaling
      pathways could play the inhibitory role in astrocytic mir-145 expression. To
      induce overexpression of mir-145 in astrocytes at the spinal cord lesion site, we
      developed a lentivirus-mediated pre-miRNA delivery system using the promoter of
      glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an astrocyte-specific intermediate
      filament. The results indicated that astrocyte-specific overexpression of mir-145
      reduced astrocytic cell density at the lesion border of the injured spinal cord.
      In parallel, overexpression of mir-145 reduced the size of astrocytes and the
      number of related cell processes, as well as cell proliferation and migration.
      Through a luciferase reporter system, we found that GFAP and c-myc were the two
      potential targets of mir-145 in astrocytes. Together, the findings demonstrate
      the novel role of mir-145 in the regulation of astrocytic dynamics, and reveal
      that the downregulation of mir-145 in astrocytes is a critical factor inducing
      astrogliosis after SCI. GLIA 2015;63:194-205.

PMID- 25139830
TI  - The brassinosteroid signaling network-a paradigm of signal integration.
AB  - Many hormonal and environmental signals regulate common cellular and
      developmental processes in plants. While the molecular pathways that transduce
      these signals have each been studied in detail, how these pathways are wired into
      regulatory networks to provide the coordinated responses has remained an
      outstanding question. Recent studies of the brassinosteroid signaling network
      have revealed extensive signal integration through direct interactions between
      components of different signaling pathways. In particular, a circuit of
      interacting transcription regulators integrates many signaling pathways to enable
      coordinated and coherent regulation of seedling morphogenesis by hormonal and
      environmental signals. The recent studies support an emerging theme that complex
      networks of highly integrated signaling pathways underlie the high levels of
      developmental plasticity and environmental adaptability of plants. 

PMID- 25139831
TI  - Transport of ginkgolides with different lipophilicities based on an hCMEC/D3 cell
      monolayer as a blood-brain barrier cell model.
AB  - AIMS: In this report, the transport of ginkgolides with different lipophilicities
      was investigated using an hCMEC/D3 cell monolayer as a blood-brain barrier (BBB)
      cell model in vitro in an attempt to explain ginkgolide transport path mediated
      by lipophilicity. MAIN METHODS: The log P values of ginkgolides were determined
      by measuring the distribution of the molecule between oil and water.
      Additionally, the cytotoxicity of ginkgolides on hCMEC/D3 cells was assayed with
      the MTT method. Ginkgolide contents were determined with an ultra performance
      liquid chromatograph equipped with an evaporative light scattering detector (ULPC
      ELSD) method. Apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) and efflux ratios (PappBL
      >AP/PappAP->BL) were then calculated to describe the transport characteristics of
      ginkgolide. KEY FINDINGS: The transport of ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B, ginkgolide
      C, and ginkgolide J across the hCMEC/D3 cell monolayer was non-directional.
      Additionally, ginkgolide C transport on the cell monolayer was time- and
      concentration-dependent in the paracellular pathway controlled by cytochalasin D
      (a tight junction modulator). The transport of ginkgolide N, ginkgolide L, and
      ginkgolide K across the cell monolayer displayed clear directionality at low
      ginkgolide concentrations. This behavior indicated that the transport of
      ginkgolide N, ginkgolide L, and ginkgolide K was influenced by the transcellular
      pathway containing an efflux protein accompanied by the paracellular pathway for
      passive diffusion. Additionally, the transport of ginkgolide K was increased
      significantly by co-culturing with a P-gp inhibitor. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings
      provide important information for elucidating ginkgolide transport pathways and
      may be beneficial for the design of ginkgolide molecules with high
      neuroprotective effects.

PMID- 25139832
TI  - Induction of TRPV5 expression by small activating RNA targeting gene promoter as
      a novel approach to regulate cellular calcium transportation.
AB  - AIM: Promoter-targeted small activating RNAs (saRNAs) have been shown to be able
      to induce target gene expression, a mechanism known as RNA activation (RNAa). The
      present study tested whether saRNA can induce the overexpression of TRPV5 in
      human cells derived from the kidney and subsequently manipulate cell calcium
      uptake. MAIN METHODS: Three saRNAs complementary to the TRPV5 promoter were
      synthesized and transfected into cells. TRPV5 expression at the RNA and protein
      levels was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting
      respectively. For functional study, transcellular Ca(2+) transportation was
      tested by fura-2 analysis. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a suppressor of cellular
      calcium transportation, was administered to challenge the activating effect of
      selected saRNA. KEY FINDINGS: One of these synthesized saRNAs, ds-2939,
      significantly induced the expression of TRPV5 at both mRNA and protein levels.
      Fura-2 analysis revealed that the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration was elevated
      by ds-2939. DHT treatment reduced transmembrane Ca(2+) transport, which was
      partially antagonized by ds-2939. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest that a saRNA
      targeting TRPV5 promoter can be utilized to manipulate the transmembrane Ca(2+)
      transport by upregulating the expression of TRPV5 and may serve as an alternative
      for the treatment of Ca(2+) balance-related diseases.

PMID- 25139833
TI  - Prostaglandin E2 produced by inducible COX-2 and mPGES-1 promoting cancer cell
      proliferation in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - AIM: Many cancers originate and flourish in a prolonged inflammatory environment.
      Our aim is to understand the mechanisms of how the pathway of prostaglandin E2
      (PGE2) biosynthesis and signaling can promote cancer growth in inflammatory
      environment at cellular and animal model levels. MAIN METHODS: In this study, a
      chronic inflammation pathway was mimicked with a stable cell line that over
      expressed a novel human enzyme consisting of cyclooxygenase isoform-2 (COX-2)
      linked to microsomal (PGE2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1)) for the overproduction of
      pathogenic PGE2. This PGE2-producing cell line was co-cultured and co-implanted
      with three human cancer cell lines including prostate, lung, and colon cancers in
      vitro and in vivo, respectively. KEY FINDINGS: Increases in cell doubling rates
      for the three cancer cell types in the presence of the PGE2-producing cell line
      were clearly observed. In addition, one of the four human PGE2 subtype receptors,
      EP1, was used as a model to identify PGE2-signaling involved in promoting the
      cancer cell growth. This finding was further proven in vivo by co-implanting the
      PGE2-producing cells line and the EP1-positive cancer cells into the immune
      deficient mice, after that, it was observed that the PGE2-producing cells
      promoted all three types of cancer formation in the mice. SIGNIFICANCE: This
      study clearly demonstrated that the human COX-2 linked to mPGES-1 is a pathway
      that, when mediated by the EP, is linked to promoting cancer growth in a chronic
      inflammatory environment. The identified pathway could be used as a novel target
      for developing and advancing anti-inflammation and anti-cancer interventions.

PMID- 25139834
TI  - Effects of intravenous cariporide on release of norepinephrine and myoglobin
      during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rabbits.
AB  - AIMS: To examine the effects of cariporide, a Na(+)/H(+) exchanger-1 inhibitor,
      on cardiac norepinephrine (NE) and myoglobin release during myocardial
      ischemia/reperfusion by applying a microdialysis technique to the rabbit heart.
      MAIN METHODS: In anesthetized rabbits, two dialysis probes were implanted into
      the left ventricular myocardium and were perfused with Ringer's solution.
      Cariporide (0.3mg/kg) was injected intravenously, followed by occlusion of the
      left circumflex coronary artery. During 30-min coronary occlusion followed by 30
      min reperfusion, four consecutive 15-min dialysate samples (two during ischemia
      and two during reperfusion) were collected in vehicle and cariporide-treated
      groups. Dialysate myoglobin and NE concentrations were measured by
      immunochemistry and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. KEY
      FINDINGS: Dialysate myoglobin and NE concentrations increased significantly
      during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in both vehicle and cariporide-treated
      groups (P<0.01 vs. baseline). In cariporide-treated group, dialysate myoglobin
      concentrations were significantly lower than those in vehicle group throughout
      ischemia/reperfusion (P<0.01 at 0-15 min of ischemia, P<0.05 at 15-30 min of
      ischemia, P<0.01 at 0-15 min of reperfusion, and P<0.01 at 15-30 min of
      reperfusion). However, dialysate NE concentrations in cariporide-treated group
      were lower than those in vehicle group only during ischemia (P<0.01 at 0-15 min
      of ischemia, and P<0.05 at 15-30 min of ischemia). SIGNIFICANCE: When
      administered before ischemia, cariporide reduces myoglobin release during
      ischemia/reperfusion and decreases NE release during ischemia.

PMID- 25139835
TI  - Discounting of delayed rewards: (A)theoretical interpretation of the Kirby
      questionnaire.
AB  - 111 Participants, recruited from Amazon's MTurk worker pool, completed Kirby's
      (2009) monetary choice questionnaire, which involves choosing between immediate,
      but smaller rewards and delayed, but larger rewards. Individual participants'
      responses were scored in three ways: first, by calculating the proportion of
      choices of the delayed rewards; second; using the scoring procedure described by
      Kirby et al. (1999) to estimate discounting rate (i.e., the value of the k
      parameter in a hyperbolic discounting function); and third, using logistic
      regression to estimate discounting rate (Wileyto et al., 2004). Individuals'
      scores calculated using the proportion measure and the logarithms of their
      estimated k values were very strongly correlated (rs>.97). In addition, the
      proportions of choices of small, medium, and large amounts of the delayed rewards
      were strongly correlated (rs>.80). Taken together, these results suggest that the
      relative ease of calculating the proportion measure does not require sacrificing
      reliability. Moreover, the proportion measure is atheoretical and very easy to
      calculate whereas estimating an individual's discounting rate requires assuming a
      theoretical model that may not be appropriate. Significant differences in the
      proportion of delayed reward choices were observed between the small, medium, and
      large delayed reward amounts, with smaller rewards being discounted more steeply
      than larger ones, replicating previous findings of magnitude effects. These
      results provide further validation of the proportion of delayed reward choices on
      the Kirby questionnaire as a measure of individual and group differences in
      discounting. 

PMID- 25139836
TI  - Genome size estimates for crustaceans using Feulgen image analysis densitometry
      of ethanol-preserved tissues.
AB  - Crustaceans are enormously diverse both phylogenetically and ecologically, but
      they remain substantially underrepresented in the existing genome size database.
      An expansion of this dataset could be facilitated if it were possible to obtain
      genome size estimates from ethanol-preserved specimens. In this study, two tests
      were performed in order to assess the reliability of genome size data generated
      using preserved material. First, the results of estimates based on flash-frozen
      versus ethanol-preserved material were compared across 37 species of crustaceans
      that differ widely in genome size. Second, a comparison was made of specimens
      from a single species that had been stored in ethanol for 1-14 years. In both
      cases, the use of gill tissue in Feulgen image analysis densitometry proved to be
      a very viable approach. This finding is of direct relevance to both new studies
      of field-collected crustaceans as well as potential studies based on existing
      collections.

PMID- 25139837
TI  - Interplay between plasmid-mediated and chromosomal-mediated fluoroquinolone
      resistance and bacterial fitness in Escherichia coli.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse the interplay among plasmid
      mediated qnr genes, alone or in combination with multiple chromosomal-mediated
      fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance determinants, susceptibility to FQs and bacterial
      fitness in an isogenic Escherichia coli collection. METHODS: E. coli ATCC 25922
      was used to modify or delete chromosomal genes. qnr genes were cloned into the
      pBK-CMV vector. The MICs of FQs were determined by microdilution. Mutant
      prevention concentration and frequency of mutants were evaluated. Bacterial
      fitness was analysed using DeltalacZ system competition assays using in vitro and
      in vivo models. RESULTS: The relationships between the number of resistance
      mutations and bacterial fitness were complex. With specific combinations of
      resistance mechanisms the addition of a new resistance mutation was shown to
      improve bacterial fitness. qnrA1 caused a decrease in fitness (7%-21%) while
      qnrS1 caused an increase in fitness (9%-21%) when combined with chromosomal
      mutations. We identified susceptible triple mutants in which the acquisition of a
      fourth resistance mutation significantly increased fitness and at the same time
      reached the clinical resistance level (the acquisition of qnrS1 in a S83L + D87N
      + DeltamarR genetic background). A strong correlation with the production of
      reactive oxygen species, as well as changes in susceptibility, was observed
      following treatment with ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that there
      may be critical stages (depending on the genotype) in resistance development,
      including chromosomal- and plasmid-mediated mechanisms, at which some low-fitness
      mutants below the resistance breakpoint are able to evolve clinical resistance
      with just one or two mutations, and show increased fitness.

PMID- 25139838
TI  - MacABCsm, an ABC-type tripartite efflux pump of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
      involved in drug resistance, oxidative and envelope stress tolerances and biofilm
      formation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To characterize a five gene cluster, macRS-macABCsm, in
      Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. METHODS: The presence of macABCsm operon was
      verified by RT-PCR. The substrate spectrum of the MacABCsm efflux pump was
      investigated by mutant construction and susceptibility testing. The physiological
      role of MacABCsm was assessed by comparing the growth of wild-type and macABCsm
      mutant under different stresses. To examine the regulatory role of the two
      component regulatory system (TCS) macRS in the expression of macABCsm operon,
      mutant construction, quantitative RT-PCR and susceptibility testing were
      employed. RESULTS: macAsm, macBsm and macCsm genes formed a three-membered
      operon. The MacABCsm efflux pump extruded macrolides, aminoglycosides and
      polymyxins and contributed to oxidative and envelope stress tolerances and
      biofilm formation. Inactivation of macRS TCS hardly influenced the expression of
      macABCsm operon and the antimicrobial susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS: The MacABCsm
      pump has physiological roles in protecting S. maltophilia from the attack of
      oxidative and envelope stresses and in biofilm formation, which may be the reason
      why it can be constitutively expressed in the absence of antibiotics and is
      highly conserved in S. maltophilia isolates isolated from different environmental
      niches. However, the constitutive expression of macABCsm contributes to the
      intrinsic resistance of S. maltophilia to macrolides, aminoglycosides and
      polymyxins.

PMID- 25139839
TI  - Prophylactic treatment with a novel bioadhesive gel formulation containing
      aciclovir and tenofovir protects from HSV-2 infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Over-the-counter access to an inexpensive, effective topical
      microbicide could reduce the transmission of HIV and would increase women's
      control over their health and eliminate the need to obtain their partners'
      consent for prophylaxis. Chronic infection with herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2),
      also known as human herpes virus 2, has been shown to facilitate HIV infection
      and speed the progression to immunodeficiency disease. Our objective is to
      develop a drug formulation that protects against both HSV-2 and HIV infection and
      adheres to the vaginal surface with extended residence time. METHODS: We
      developed a formulation using two approved antiviral active pharmaceutical
      ingredients, aciclovir and tenofovir, in a novel bioadhesive vaginal delivery
      platform (designated SR-2P) composed of two polymers, poloxamer 407 NF
      (Pluronic((r)) F-127) and polycarbophil USP (Noveon((r)) AA-1). The efficacy of
      the formulation to protect from HSV-2 infection was tested in vitro and in vivo.
      In addition to its efficacy, it is essential for a successful microbicide to be
      non-irritating to the vaginal mucosa. We therefore tested our SR-2P platform gel
      in the FDA gold-standard microbicide safety model in rabbits and also in a rat
      vaginal irritation model. RESULTS: Our studies indicated that SR-2P containing 1%
      aciclovir and 5% tenofovir protects (i) Vero cells from HSV-2 infection in vitro
      and (ii) mice from HSV-2 infection in vivo. Our results further demonstrated that
      SR-2P was not irritating in either vaginal irritation model. CONCLUSIONS: We
      conclude that SR-2P containing aciclovir and tenofovir may be a suitable
      candidate microbicide to protect humans from vaginal HSV-2 infection.

PMID- 25139840
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of caspofungin in ICU patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Caspofungin is used for treatment of invasive fungal infections. As
      the pharmacokinetics (PK) of antimicrobial agents in critically ill patients can
      be highly variable, we set out to explore caspofungin PK in ICU patients.
      METHODS: ICU patients receiving caspofungin were eligible. Patients received a
      loading dose of 70 mg followed by 50 mg daily (70 mg if body weight >80 kg); they
      were evaluable upon completion of the first PK curve at day 3. Additionally,
      daily trough samples were taken and a second PK curve was recorded at day 7. PK
      analysis was performed using a standard two-stage approach. RESULTS: Twenty-one
      patients were evaluable. Median (range) age and body weight were 71 (45-80) years
      and 75 (50-99) kg. PK sampling on day 3 (n = 21) resulted in the following median
      (IQR) parameters: AUC0-24 88.7 (72.2-97.5) mg.h/L; Cmin 2.15 (1.40-2.48) mg/L;
      Cmax 7.51 (6.05-8.17) mg/L; V 7.72 (6.12-9.01) L; and CL 0.57 (0.54-0.77) L/h. PK
      sampling on day 7 (n = 13) resulted in AUC0-24 107.2 (90.4-125.3) mg.h/L, Cmin
      2.55 (1.82-3.08) mg/L, Cmax 8.65 (7.16-9.34) mg/L, V 7.03 (5.51-7.73) L and CL
      0.54 (0.44-0.60) L/h. We did not identify any covariates significantly affecting
      caspofungin PK in ICU patients (e.g. body weight, albumin, liver function).
      Caspofungin was well tolerated and no unexpected side effects were observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Caspofungin PK in ICU patients showed limited intraindividual and
      moderate interindividual variability, and caspofungin was well tolerated. A
      standard two-stage approach did not reveal significant covariates. Our study
      showed similar caspofungin PK parameters in ICU patients compared with non
      critically ill patients.

PMID- 25139841
TI  - Correlation of cetuximab-induced skin rash and outcomes of solid tumor patients
      treated with cetuximab: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the correlation
      between cetuximab-induced skin rash and outcomes of solid tumor patients treated
      with cetuximab. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible studies included phase I, II and
      III trials of patients with solid tumors on cetuximab; describing events of skin
      rash and correlating skin rash with overall survival (OS), progression free
      survival (PFS) and/or overall response rate (ORR). RESULTS: Our search strategy
      yielded 409 potentially relevant citations on CETUXIMAB from Pubmed/Medline,
      CENTRAL Cochrane registry and ASCO meeting library. After exclusion of ineligible
      studies, a total of 13 clinical trials were considered eligible for the meta
      analysis, including 4 phase III trials, 8 phase II trials and one phase I trial.
      The occurrence of cetuximab-induced rash in patients was highly associated with
      improvements in PFS (HR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.63-0.86, P<0.0002), OS (HR=0.60; 95% CI:
      0.47-0.76, P<0.0001), and ORR (RR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.26-1.81, P<0.00001), as
      compared to patients without rash. Exploratory subgroup analysis showed no effect
      of tumor types on the RR of ORR. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis has demonstrated
      that cetuximab-induced rash is associated with a significantly improved OS, PFS
      and ORR. Cetuximab-induced skin rash may represent a prognostic factor in
      patients with advanced solid tumors.

PMID- 25139842
TI  - 1-Acetyl-3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydro(1H)pyrazoles: exhibiting anticancer activity
      through intracellular ROS scavenging and the mitochondria-dependent death
      pathway.
AB  - A series of 17 analogs of 1-acetyl-4,5-dihydro(1H)pyrazoles (JP-1 to JP-17)
      bearing two aromatic rings at positions 3 and 5, either of which ought to be
      heterocyclic, were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-proliferative
      potential against breast cancer (MCF-7 and T-47D) and lung cancer (H-460 and A
      549) cell lines for the first time. JP-1-7, -10, -11, -14, and -15 were observed
      to exhibit significant anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 cells. Some
      notions about structure-activity relationships are reported. The investigated
      compounds were found to lower the intracellular reactive oxygen species in the H2
      DCFDA assay and also caused mitochondria-dependent cell death in the MCF-7 cell
      line, indicating a plausible mechanism of their anticancer effect. 

PMID- 25139843
TI  - Carbapenems and piperacillin/tazobactam for the treatment of bacteremia caused by
      extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Proteus mirabilis.
AB  - This study was intended to delineate the role of carbapenems and
      piperacillin/tazobactam in treating bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum beta
      lactamase (ESBL)-producing Proteus mirabilis. We performed a multicenter and
      retrospective study of the patients with ESBL-producing P. mirabilis bacteremia.
      The outcomes of the patients treated by piperacillin/tazobactam or a carbapenem
      for at least 48 hours and the MICs of the prescribed drugs for these isolates
      were analyzed. Forty-seven patients with available clinical data were included.
      The overall 30-day mortality rate was 29.8%. All available isolates (n = 44) were
      susceptible to ertapenem, meropenem, and doripenem, and 95.6% were susceptible to
      piperacillin/tazobactam; however, only 11.4% of the isolates were susceptible to
      imipenem. Among the 3 patients infected with isolates exhibiting non
      susceptibility to imipenem (MIC >=2 mg/L) who were treated with imipenem, none
      died within 28 days. The 30-day (14.3% versus 23.1%, P = 0.65) or in-hospital
      (19.1% versus 30.8%, P = 0.68) mortality rate of 21 patients treated by a
      carbapenem was lower than that of 13 treated by piperacillin/tazobactam. However,
      among those treated by piperacillin/tazobactam, the mortality rate of those
      infected by the isolates with lower piperacillin/tazobactam MICs (<=0.5/4 mg/L)
      was lower than that of the isolates with MICs of >=1/4 mg/L (0%, 0/7 versus 60%,
      3/5; P = 0.045). ESBL-producing P. mirabilis bacteremia is associated with
      significant mortality, and carbapenem therapy could be regarded as the drugs of
      choice. The role of piperacillin/tazobactam, especially for the infections due to
      the isolates with an MIC <=0.5/4 mg/L, warrants more clinical studies. 

PMID- 25139844
TI  - Direct identification of bacteria from positive BacT/ALERT blood culture bottles
      using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry is a
      fast and robust method for the identification of bacteria. In this study, we
      evaluate the performance of a laboratory-developed lysis method (LDT) for the
      rapid identification of bacteria from positive BacT/ALERT blood culture bottles.
      Of the 168 positive bottles tested, 159 were monomicrobial, the majority of which
      were Gram-positive organisms (61.0% versus 39.0%). Using a cut-off score of
      >=1.7, 80.4% of the organisms were correctly identified to the species level, and
      the identification rate of Gram-negative organisms (90.3%) was found to be
      significantly greater than that of Gram-positive organisms (78.4%). The
      simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the LDT enable it to be fully integrated
      into the routine workflow of the clinical microbiology laboratory, allowing for
      rapid identification of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria within an hour
      of blood culture positivity. 

PMID- 25139845
TI  - Structure and transfer of the vanA cluster in vanA-positive, vancomycin
      susceptible Enterococcus faecium, and its revertant mutant.
AB  - Of 18 vanA-positive vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecium isolates, vanRS
      in the vanA cluster was detected in all isolates, while vanHAX was detected in
      only 2 isolates. Following exposure to glycopeptides, 22.2% of vancomycin
      susceptible E. faecium (VSE) converted into vancomycin-resistant E. faecium. The
      vanA cluster of the revertant mutant was transferred to the VSE isolates. 

PMID- 25139846
TI  - Familial systemic mastocytosis with germline KIT K509I mutation is sensitive to
      treatment with imatinib, dasatinib and PKC412.
AB  - Mastocytosis are myeloproliferative neoplasms commonly related to gain-of
      function mutations involving the tyrosine kinase domain of KIT. We herein report
      a case of familial systemic mastocytosis with the rare KIT K509I germ line
      mutation affecting two family members: mother and daughter. In vitro treatment
      with imatinib, dasatinib and PKC412 reduced cell viability of primary mast cells
      harboring KIT K509I mutation. However, imatinib was more effective in inducing
      apoptosis of neoplastic mast cells. Both patients with familial systemic
      mastocytosis had remarkable hematological and skin improvement after three months
      of imatinib treatment, suggesting that it may be an effective front line therapy
      for patients harboring KIT K509I mutation. 

PMID- 25139847
TI  - Results of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in the Spanish MDS registry:
      prognostic factors for low risk patients.
AB  - Although new agents have been approved for the treatment of MDS, the only
      curative approach is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
      and thus, in particular circumstances this procedure has been proposed as a
      treatment option for low risk patients. We have retrospectively analyzed the
      results of HSCT in 291 patients from the Spanish MDS registry with special
      attention to low risk MDS (LR-MDS) in order to define the variables that could
      impact their clinical evolution after transplantation. At 2 years OS was 51% and
      EFS was 50% (95% CI 0.7-4.5 years for OS and 95% CI 0.1-3.9 years for EFS). Among
      43 LR-MDS, transplant-related mortality was 28%. At 3 years, OS was 67% (95% CI
      264.7-8927.2 days for OS) and EFS was 64% (95% CI 0-9697.2 days for EFS). In the
      multivariate analysis only cytogenetics retained statistical significant effect
      on both OS (p=.047) and EFS (p=.046). Conditioning regimen could improve outcome
      among this subset of patients (OS 86% and RFS 100% for patients receiving RIC
      regimen). The present study confirms that specific disease characteristic as well
      as transplant characteristics have a significant impact on transplant outcome.
      Regarding low risk patients a non-myeloablative conditioning would be preferable
      especially in cases without high-risk cytogenetics. 

PMID- 25139848
TI  - A paradigm for cybernetics, regulatory circuits and ultra-stability in cancer
      biology and treatment.

PMID- 25139849
TI  - Leveraging Administrative Data for Program Evaluations: A Method for Linking Data
      Sets Without Unique Identifiers.
AB  - In community-based wellness programs, Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are rarely
      collected to encourage participation and protect participant privacy. One measure
      of program effectiveness includes changes in health care utilization. For the 65
      and over population, health care utilization is captured in Medicare
      administrative claims data. Therefore, methods as described in this article for
      linking participant information to administrative data are useful for program
      evaluations where unique identifiers such as SSN are not available. Following
      fuzzy matching methodologies, participant information from the National Study of
      the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program was linked to Medicare administrative
      data. Linking variables included participant name, date of birth, gender,
      address, and ZIP code. Seventy-eight percent of participants were linked to their
      Medicare claims data. Linking program participant information to Medicare
      administrative data where unique identifiers are not available provides
      researchers with the ability to leverage claims data to better understand program
      effects.

PMID- 25139850
TI  - Okadaic acid blocks the effects of 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine on consolidation,
      acquisition and retrieval of morphine-induced place preference in rats.
AB  - Recent studies indicated that epigenetic modification, especially DNA
      methylation, play an important role in the persistence of addiction-related
      memory. 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-aza), an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferases,
      was approved for clinical treatment. However, it is not clear whether 5-aza is
      involved in opiate addiction. In this study, using the morphine-induced
      conditioned place preference (mCPP) model in rats, we injected 5-aza into
      hippocampus (CA1) and prelimbic cortex (PL), and tested the behavioral
      consequences at various stages of consolidation, acquisition and retrieval.
      Moreover, to test whether protein phosphatase regulates the effects of 5-aza,
      protein phosphatase (PP) 1/2A inhibitor okadaic acid (OA) was infused before 5
      aza injection. We found that 5-aza injection into CA1 but not into PL
      significantly attenuated the consolidation and acquisition of mCPP, however, the
      inhibition of DNA methylation in PL but not in CA1 enhanced the retrieval of
      mCPP. All these behavioral effects were absent when OA was infused before 5-aza
      injection. These findings suggest that 5-aza interfere opiate-related memory, and
      protein phosphatase plays an important role in this process. 

PMID- 25139851
TI  - Semaphorin signalling during development.
AB  - Semaphorins are secreted and membrane-associated proteins that regulate many
      different developmental processes, including neural circuit assembly, bone
      formation and angiogenesis. Trans and cis interactions between semaphorins and
      their multimeric receptors trigger intracellular signal transduction networks
      that regulate cytoskeletal dynamics and influence cell shape, differentiation,
      motility and survival. Here and in the accompanying poster we provide an overview
      of the molecular biology of semaphorin signalling within the context of specific
      cell and developmental processes, highlighting the mechanisms that act to fine
      tune, diversify and spatiotemporally control the effects of semaphorins. 

PMID- 25139852
TI  - Coordinating cell polarity: heading in the right direction?
AB  - A diverse group of researchers working on both plant and animal systems met at a
      Company of Biologists workshop to discuss 'Coordinating Cell Polarity'. The
      meeting included considerable free discussion as well as presentations exploring
      the ways that groups of cells in these various systems achieve coordinated cell
      polarity. Here, we discuss commonalities, differences and themes that emerged
      from these sessions that will serve to inform ongoing studies. 

PMID- 25139853
TI  - The cellular basis of tissue separation.
AB  - The subdivision of the embryo into physically distinct regions is one of the most
      fundamental processes in development. General hypotheses for tissue separation
      based on differential adhesion or tension have been proposed in the past, but
      with little experimental support. During the last decade, the field has
      experienced a strong revival, largely driven by renewed interest in biophysical
      modeling of development. Here, I will discuss the various models of boundary
      formation and summarize recent studies that have shifted our understanding of the
      process from the simple juxtaposition of global tissue properties to the
      characterization of local cellular reactions. Current evidence favors a model
      whereby separation is controlled by cell surface cues, which, upon cell-cell
      contact, generate acute changes in cytoskeletal and adhesive properties to
      inhibit cell mixing, and whereby the integration of multiple local cues may
      dictate both the global morphogenetic properties of a tissue and its separation
      from adjacent cell populations. 

PMID- 25139854
TI  - Runx1 is required for progression of CD41+ embryonic precursors into HSCs but not
      prior to this.
AB  - Haematopoiesis in adult animals is maintained by haematopoietic stem cells
      (HSCs), which self-renew and can give rise to all blood cell lineages. The AGM
      region is an important intra-embryonic site of HSC development and a wealth of
      evidence indicates that HSCs emerge from the endothelium of the embryonic dorsal
      aorta and extra-embryonic large arteries. This, however, is a stepwise process
      that occurs through sequential upregulation of CD41 and CD45 followed by
      emergence of fully functional definitive HSCs. Although largely dispensable at
      later stages, the Runx1 transcription factor is crucially important during
      developmental maturation of HSCs; however, exact points of crucial involvement of
      Runx1 in this multi-step developmental maturation process remain unclear. Here,
      we have investigated requirements for Runx1 using a conditional reversible
      knockout strategy. We report that Runx1 deficiency does not preclude formation of
      VE-cad+CD45-CD41+ cells, which are phenotypically equivalent to precursors of
      definitive HSCs (pre-HSC Type I) but blocks transition to the subsequent CD45+
      stage (pre-HSC Type II). These data emphasise that developmental progression of
      HSCs during a very short period of time is regulated by precise stage-specific
      molecular mechanisms. 

PMID- 25139855
TI  - Nuclear removal during terminal lens fiber cell differentiation requires CDK1
      activity: appropriating mitosis-related nuclear disassembly.
AB  - Lens epithelial cells and early lens fiber cells contain the typical complement
      of intracellular organelles. However, as lens fiber cells mature they must
      destroy their organelles, including nuclei, in a process that has remained
      enigmatic for over a century, but which is crucial for the formation of the
      organelle-free zone in the center of the lens that assures clarity and function
      to transmit light. Nuclear degradation in lens fiber cells requires the nuclease
      DNase IIbeta (DLAD) but the mechanism by which DLAD gains access to nuclear DNA
      remains unknown. In eukaryotic cells, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), in
      combination with either activator cyclins A or B, stimulates mitotic entry, in
      part, by phosphorylating the nuclear lamin proteins leading to the disassembly of
      the nuclear lamina and subsequent nuclear envelope breakdown. Although most post
      mitotic cells lack CDK1 and cyclins, lens fiber cells maintain these proteins.
      Here, we show that loss of CDK1 from the lens inhibited the phosphorylation of
      nuclear lamins A and C, prevented the entry of DLAD into the nucleus, and
      resulted in abnormal retention of nuclei. In the presence of CDK1, a single focus
      of the phosphonuclear mitotic apparatus is observed, but it is not focused in
      CDK1-deficient lenses. CDK1 deficiency inhibited mitosis, but did not prevent DNA
      replication, resulting in an overall reduction of lens epithelial cells, with the
      remaining cells possessing an abnormally large nucleus. These observations
      suggest that CDK1-dependent phosphorylations required for the initiation of
      nuclear membrane disassembly during mitosis are adapted for removal of nuclei
      during fiber cell differentiation.

PMID- 25139856
TI  - Heterotrimeric Go protein links Wnt-Frizzled signaling with ankyrins to regulate
      the neuronal microtubule cytoskeleton.
AB  - Drosophila neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) represent a powerful model system with
      which to study glutamatergic synapse formation and remodeling. Several proteins
      have been implicated in these processes, including components of canonical
      Wingless (Drosophila Wnt1) signaling and the giant isoforms of the membrane
      cytoskeleton linker Ankyrin 2, but possible interconnections and cooperation
      between these proteins were unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the heterotrimeric
      G protein Go functions as a transducer of Wingless-Frizzled 2 signaling in the
      synapse. We identify Ankyrin 2 as a target of Go signaling required for NMJ
      formation. Moreover, the Go-ankyrin interaction is conserved in the mammalian
      neurite outgrowth pathway. Without ankyrins, a major switch in the Go-induced
      neuronal cytoskeleton program is observed, from microtubule-dependent neurite
      outgrowth to actin-dependent lamellopodial induction. These findings describe a
      novel mechanism regulating the microtubule cytoskeleton in the nervous system.
      Our work in Drosophila and mammalian cells suggests that this mechanism might be
      generally applicable in nervous system development and function. 

PMID- 25139857
TI  - Systematic discovery of novel ciliary genes through functional genomics in the
      zebrafish.
AB  - Cilia are microtubule-based hair-like organelles that play many important roles
      in development and physiology, and are implicated in a rapidly expanding spectrum
      of human diseases, collectively termed ciliopathies. Primary ciliary dyskinesia
      (PCD), one of the most prevalent of ciliopathies, arises from abnormalities in
      the differentiation or motility of the motile cilia. Despite their biomedical
      importance, a methodical functional screen for ciliary genes has not been carried
      out in any vertebrate at the organismal level. We sought to systematically
      discover novel motile cilia genes by identifying the genes induced by Foxj1, a
      winged-helix transcription factor that has an evolutionarily conserved role as
      the master regulator of motile cilia biogenesis. Unexpectedly, we find that the
      majority of the Foxj1-induced genes have not been associated with cilia before.
      To characterize these novel putative ciliary genes, we subjected 50 randomly
      selected candidates to a systematic functional phenotypic screen in zebrafish
      embryos. Remarkably, we find that over 60% are required for ciliary
      differentiation or function, whereas 30% of the proteins encoded by these genes
      localize to motile cilia. We also show that these genes regulate the proper
      differentiation and beating of motile cilia. This collection of Foxj1-induced
      genes will be invaluable for furthering our understanding of ciliary biology, and
      in the identification of new mutations underlying ciliary disorders in humans. 

PMID- 25139858
TI  - Nephric duct insertion requires EphA4/EphA7 signaling from the pericloacal
      mesenchyme.
AB  - The vesico-ureteric junction (VUJ) forms through a complex developmental program
      that connects the primordium of the upper urinary tract [the nephric duct (ND)]
      with that of the lower urinary tract (the cloaca). The signals that orchestrate
      the various tissue interactions in this program are poorly understood. Here, we
      show that two members of the EphA subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, EphA4
      and EphA7, are specifically expressed in the mesenchyme surrounding the caudal ND
      and the cloaca, and that Epha4(-/-);Epha7(+/-) and Epha4(-/-);Epha7(-/-) (DKO)
      mice display distal ureter malformations including ureterocele, blind and
      ectopically ending ureters with associated hydroureter, megaureter and
      hydronephrosis. We trace these defects to a late or absent fusion of the ND with
      the cloaca. In DKO embryos, the ND extends normally and approaches the cloaca but
      the tip subsequently looses its integrity. Expression of Gata3 and Lhx1 and their
      downstream target Ret is severely reduced in the caudal ND. Conditional deletion
      of ephrin B2 from the ND largely phenocopies these changes, suggesting that
      EphA4/EphA7 from the pericloacal mesenchyme signal via ephrin B2 to mediate ND
      insertion. Disturbed activity of this signaling module may entail defects of the
      VUJ, which are frequent in the spectrum of congenital anomalies of the kidney and
      the urinary tract (CAKUT) in human newborns. 

PMID- 25139861
TI  - Associations between active commuting, body fat, and body mass index: population
      based, cross sectional study in the United Kingdom.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if promotion of active modes of travel is an effective
      strategy for obesity prevention by assessing whether active commuting (walking or
      cycling for all or part of the journey to work) is independently associated with
      objectively assessed biological markers of obesity. DESIGN: Cross sectional study
      of data from the wave 2 Health Assessment subsample of Understanding Society, the
      UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS). The exposure of interest, commuting
      mode, was self reported and categorised as three categories: private transport,
      public transport, and active transport. PARTICIPANTS: The analytic samples (7534
      for body mass index (BMI) analysis, 7424 for percentage body fat analysis) were
      drawn from the representative subsample of wave 2 respondents of UKHLS who
      provided health assessment data (n = 15,777). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass
      index (weight (kg)/height (m)(2)); percentage body fat (measured by electrical
      impedance). RESULTS: Results from multivariate linear regression analyses suggest
      that, compared with using private transport, commuting by public or active
      transport modes was significantly and independently predictive of lower BMI for
      both men and women. In fully adjusted models, men who commuted via public or
      active modes had BMI scores 1.10 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.67) and 0.97 (0.40 to 1.55)
      points lower, respectively, than those who used private transport. Women who
      commuted via public or active modes had BMI scores 0.72 (0.06 to 1.37) and 0.87
      (0.36 to 0.87) points lower, respectively, than those using private transport.
      Results for percentage body fat were similar in terms of magnitude, significance,
      and direction of effects. CONCLUSIONS: Men and women who commuted to work by
      active and public modes of transport had significantly lower BMI and percentage
      body fat than their counterparts who used private transport. These associations
      were not attenuated by adjustment for a range of hypothesised confounding
      factors.

PMID- 25139862
TI  - Isolated talonavicular fusion with tension band for Muller-Weiss syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are still controversies with regard to the operative treatment
      in advanced Muller-Weiss syndrome (MWS), where the navicular undergoes avascular
      necrosis and the talonavicular (TN) joint becomes arthritic. Most authors
      advocate extended fusion, sacrificing hindfoot mobility. To restore TN alignment
      and to achieve stable fixation, we developed a new isolated TN fusion technique
      applying the principles of a static tension band. The aim of the present study
      was to report the midterm results of a preliminary series of patients and their
      clinical and radiographic outcomes. METHODS: Ten feet (10 patients; 8 females, 2
      males; age 63 +/- 16.7 [range, 34-83] years) with advanced deformity of MWS (3
      Maceira's stage III and 7 stage IV) were treated with isolated TN arthrodesis
      using the tension band technique. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
      (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was used to evaluate the functional outcome.
      Standard angles were measured to determine the amount of correction achieved
      through the operative treatment. The minimum follow-up was 24 (range, 24-43)
      months. RESULTS: Trabeculation was seen to cross the fusion site on radiographs
      in 8 patients after 2 and in 1 patient after 3 months. One case needed revision
      after 13 months due to implant failure; after additional screw fixation, bony
      healing was achieved 2 months later. At last follow-up, all cases described a
      high level of satisfaction. Postoperatively, the AOFAS score improved from 33
      (range, 18-48) to 88.3 (range, 79-100) (P < .0001) points, the AP talocalcaneal
      angle increased from 14.2 (range, 1-22) to 22.7 (range, 12-30) degrees (P =
      .0007), and the calcaneal pitch increased from 10.3 (range, 3-22) to 14.7 (range,
      8-22) degrees (P = .0006). CONCLUSION: The static tension band technique is a
      new, promising technique to treat MWS patients, providing stability against the
      counteracting deforming forces. Therefore, we consider this technique as our
      treatment of choice in patients with stage III and stage IV MWS. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level IV, prospective case series.

PMID- 25139863
TI  - Gestalt grouping via closure degrades suprathreshold depth percepts.
AB  - It is well known that the perception of depth is susceptible to changes in
      configuration. For example, stereoscopic precision for a pair of vertical lines
      can be dramatically reduced when these lines are connected to form a closed
      object. Here, we extend this paradigm to suprathreshold estimates of perceived
      depth. Using a touch-sensor, observers made quantitative estimates of depth
      between a vertical line pair presented in isolation or as edges of a closed
      rectangular object with different figural interpretations. First, we show that
      the amount of depth estimated within a closed rectangular object is consistently
      reduced relative to the vertical edges presented in isolation or when they form
      the edges of two segmented objects. We then demonstrate that the reduction in
      perceived depth for closed objects is modulated by manipulations that influence
      perceived closure of the central figure. Depth percepts were most disrupted when
      the horizontal connectors and vertical lines matched in color. Perceived depth
      increased slightly when the connectors had opposite contrast polarity, but
      increased dramatically when flankers were added. Thus, as grouping cues were
      added to counter the interpretation of a closed object, the depth degradation
      effect was systematically eliminated. The configurations tested here rule out
      explanations based on early, local interactions such as inhibition or cue
      conflict; instead, our results provide strong evidence of the impact of Gestalt
      grouping, via closure, on depth magnitude percepts from stereopsis. 

PMID- 25139864
TI  - Human vision is attuned to the diffuseness of natural light.
AB  - All images are highly ambiguous, and to perceive 3-D scenes, the human visual
      system relies on assumptions about what lighting conditions are most probable.
      Here we show that human observers' assumptions about lighting diffuseness are
      well matched to the diffuseness of lighting in real-world scenes. We use a novel
      multidirectional photometer to measure lighting in hundreds of environments, and
      we find that the diffuseness of natural lighting falls in the same range as
      previous psychophysical estimates of the visual system's assumptions about
      diffuseness. We also find that natural lighting is typically directional enough
      to override human observers' assumption that light comes from above. Furthermore,
      we find that, although human performance on some tasks is worse in diffuse light,
      this can be largely accounted for by intrinsic task difficulty. These findings
      suggest that human vision is attuned to the diffuseness levels of natural
      lighting conditions. 

PMID- 25139868
TI  - Healthier commuting.

PMID- 25139869
TI  - Universal cures for idiosyncratic illnesses: A genealogy of therapeutic reasoning
      in the mental health field.
AB  - Over the past decades, there has been a significant increase in prescriptions of
      psychotropic drugs for mental disorders. So far, most of the explanations of the
      phenomenon have focused on the process of medicalization, but little attention
      has been cast towards physicians' day-to-day clinical reasoning, and the way it
      affects therapeutic decision-making. This article addresses the complex
      relationship between aetiology, diagnosis and drug treatment by examining the
      style of reasoning underlying prescribing practices through an historical lens. A
      genealogy of contemporary prescribing practices is proposed, that draws
      significant comparisons between 19th-century medicine and modern psychiatry.
      Tensions between specific, standardized cures and specific, idiosyncratic
      patients have been historically at play in clinical reasoning - and still are
      today. This inquiry into the epistemological foundations of contemporary drug
      prescription reveals an underlying search for scientific legitimacy. 

PMID- 25139870
TI  - Education as networking: Rethinking the success of the harm reduction policy of
      Taiwan.
AB  - The harm reduction policy of Taiwan has been considered a success. However, the
      HIV incidence among injection drug users declined before the nationwide needle
      and syringe program and drug substitution treatments were implemented. Thus,
      other factors in the policy might have contributed to its success. Some authors
      have suggested that education may have played a pivotal part. In this research,
      the purported significance of education in the success of the policy is
      conceptualized by reviewing the studies on harm reduction in Taiwan and
      reflecting upon my own fieldwork. Moreover, relevant literature is used as
      reference to reformulate this notion of education. This article shows that harm
      reduction education may be conducted in numerous forms, most of which are non
      formal, improvisational, and contingent. Non-governmental organizations may play
      a role, but more actors, strategies, infrastructures, and interactions should be
      considered. This article draws from actor-network theory and refines the current
      thesis that attributes the policy success to education by utilizing three
      reflections, namely, appreciating materiality and spatiality, recognizing covert
      actors in the networking, and treating education as an outcome rather than a
      means. In conclusion, looking at education as a form of networking offers
      theoretical insight that increases understanding of its participants, mechanisms,
      processes, and permutations. 

PMID- 25139871
TI  - Facile fabrication of a well-ordered porous Cu-doped SnO2 thin film for H2S
      sensing.
AB  - Well-ordered Cu-doped and undoped SnO2 porous thin films with large specific
      surface areas have been fabricated on a desired substrate using a self-assembled
      soft template combined with simple physical cosputtering deposition. The Cu-doped
      SnO2 porous film gas sensor shows a significant enhancement in its sensing
      performance, including a high sensitivity, selectivity, and a fast response and
      recovery time. The sensitivity of the Cu-doped SnO2 porous sensor is 1 order of
      magnitude higher than that of the undoped SnO2 sensor, with average response and
      recovery times to 100 ppm of H2S of ~ 10.1 and ~ 42.4 s, respectively, at the
      optimal operating temperature of 180  degrees C. The well-defined porous sensors
      fabricated by the method also exhibit high reproducibility because of the
      accurately controlled fabrication process. The facile process can be easily
      extended to the fabrication of other semiconductor oxide gas sensors with easy
      doping and multilayer porous nanostructure for practical sensing applications.

PMID- 25139872
TI  - Integrating community health workers into a patient-centered medical home to
      support disease self-management among Vietnamese Americans: lessons learned.
AB  - There is evidence that patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) and community
      health workers (CHWs) improve chronic disease management. There are few models
      for integrating CHWs into PCMHs in order to enhance disease self-management
      support among diverse populations. In this article, we describe how a community
      based nonprofit agency, a PCMH, and academic partners collaborated to develop and
      implement the Patient Resource and Education Program (PREP). We employed CHWs as
      PCMH care team members to provide health education and support to Vietnamese
      American patients with uncontrolled diabetes and/or hypertension. We began by
      conducting focus groups to assess patient knowledge, desire for support, and
      availability of community resources. Based on findings, we developed PREP with
      CHW guidance on cultural tailoring of educational materials and methods. CHWs
      received training in core competencies related to self-management support
      principles and conducted the 4-month intervention for PCMH patients. Throughout
      the program, we conducted process evaluation through structured team meetings and
      patient satisfaction surveys. We describe successes and challenges associated
      with PREP delivery including patient recruitment, structuring/documenting visits,
      and establishing effective care team integration, work flow, and communication.
      Strategies for mitigating these issues are presented, and we make recommendations
      for other PCMHs seeking to integrate CHWs into care teams. 

PMID- 25139873
TI  - Early deterioration after thrombolysis plus aspirin in acute stroke: a post hoc
      analysis of the Antiplatelet Therapy in Combination with Recombinant t-PA
      Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aspirin early after intravenous thrombolysis in acute
      ischemic stroke increases the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH),
      without influencing functional outcome at 3 months. The effect of aspirin on
      early neurological deterioration (END) was explored as a post hoc analysis of the
      randomized Antiplatelet Therapy in Combination With Recombinant t-PA Thrombolysis
      in Ischemic Stroke (ARTIS) trial. METHODS: END, defined as a >=4 points National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale worsening <=24 hours after intravenous
      thrombolysis, was categorized into SICH (ENDSICH) and cerebral ischemia (ENDCI).
      Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the effect of aspirin on END.
      RESULTS: Of the 640 patients, 31 patients (4.8%) experienced END (14 ENDSICH, 17
      ENDCI). Aspirin increased the risk of ENDSICH (odds ratio, 3.73; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.03-13.49) but not of ENDCI (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.44-3.00). After adjustment for other explanatory variables, the
      association between aspirin and ENDSICH remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: In
      this trial, there is no evidence of an early antithrombotic effect from the
      addition of aspirin to intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 25139874
TI  - Association of interleukin-6 with the progression of carotid atherosclerosis: a 9
      year follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Limited information is available on the long-term effects
      of interleukin-6 (IL-6) on systemic atherosclerosis. The purpose of the present
      study was to clarify the relationship between chronic elevation of IL-6 and the
      long-term progression of carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: We prospectively
      evaluated 210 patients with >=1 vascular risk factors for 9.0+/-1.0 years.
      Carotid mean-maximal intima-media thickness (mmIMT), the serum high-sensitivity C
      reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, and the serum IL-6 level were measured at
      baseline and every 3 years. The associations between the progression of mmIMT and
      the long-term average levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 were analyzed. RESULTS: Carotid
      mmIMT increased throughout the study period (0.031+/-0.026 mm/y). Baseline mmIMT
      was significantly associated with baseline hs-CRP (P=0.002) and baseline IL-6
      (P<0.001) levels. Progression of mmIMT was positively correlated with average hs
      CRP (P=0.001) and average IL-6 (P<0.001) levels. When adjusted for age, sex,
      traditional risk factors, and baseline mmIMT, mmIMT progression remained
      significantly associated only with the average IL-6 level (standardized
      beta=0.17; P=0.02), but not with the average hs-CRP level (standardized
      beta=0.10; P=0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic elevation of serum IL-6 was associated
      with the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with vascular risk factors.
      IL-6 could be used as a quantitative marker and a potential therapeutic target
      for accelerated atherosclerosis.

PMID- 25139875
TI  - Intervention of death-associated protein kinase 1-p53 interaction exerts the
      therapeutic effects against stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) interacts with
      the tumor suppressor gene p53 via a direct binding of a death domain of DAPK1 to
      a DNA-binding motif (DM) of p53 (p53DM) and converges multiple cell death
      pathways in stroke. The goals of this study are to determine whether disruption
      of DAPK1-p53 interaction is therapeutically effective against stroke. METHODS: We
      synthesized a membrane-permeable p53DM peptide (Tat-p53DM) and tested the
      therapeutic effects of Tat-p53DM in a mouse model with stroke. RESULTS: We showed
      that Tat-p53DM blocked DAPK1-p53 interaction in brain cells in vivo. When
      administered 6 hours after stroke onset in adult male mice, Tat-p53DM was still
      therapeutically effective against brain damages and improved neurological
      functions. CONCLUSIONS: DAPK1-p53 interaction is a preferred target for
      therapeutic intervention of stroke.

PMID- 25139876
TI  - Follistatin-like 1 attenuates apoptosis via disco-interacting protein 2 homolog
      A/Akt pathway after middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1), an extracellular
      glycoprotein, has been reported to decrease apoptosis in ischemic cardiac
      diseases, but its effect in ischemic stroke has not been examined. We
      hypothesized that recombinant FSTL1 attenuates neuronal apoptosis through its
      receptor disco-interacting protein 2 homolog A (DIP2A) and the Akt pathway after
      middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. METHODS: One hundred forty male
      Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 2 hours of MCAO followed by reperfusion. In
      a subset of animals, the time course and location of FSTL1 and DIP2A were
      detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence double staining. Another set of
      animals were intracerebroventricularly given either recombinant FSTL1 1 hour
      after reperfusion or FSTL1-small interfering RNA (siRNA) 48 hours before
      reperfusion. Additionally, DIP2A was knockdown by siRNA in some animals.
      Infarction volume and neurological deficits were measured, and the expression of
      FSTL1, DIP2A, phosphorylated Akt, cleaved caspase-3, and terminal
      deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling were quantified using Western
      blot. RESULTS: The expression of FSTL1 and DIP2A was increased in neurons and
      peaked 24 hours after MCAO. Recombinant FSTL1 reduced brain infarction and
      improved neurological deficits 24 and 72 hours after MCAO via activation of its
      receptor DIP2A and downstream phosphorylation of Akt. These effects were reversed
      by DIP2A-siRNA and FSTL1-siRNA. CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant FSTL1 decreases neuronal
      apoptosis and improves neurological deficits through phosphorylation of Akt by
      activation of its receptor DIP2A after MCAO in rats. Thus, FSTL1 may have
      potentials as a treatment for patients with ischemic stroke.

PMID- 25139877
TI  - Impact of living alone on the care and outcomes of patients with acute stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Outcomes among patients living alone at stroke onset
      could be directly affected by reduced access to acute therapies or indirectly
      through the effects of social isolation. We examined the associations between
      living alone at home and acute stroke care and outcomes in the Registry of the
      Canadian Stroke Network. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2008, 10 048 patients with
      acute stroke (87% ischemic, 13% hemorrhagic) who were living at home were
      admitted to 11 Ontario hospitals. Outcomes included arrival<=2.5 hours of onset,
      thrombolytic treatment, discharge home, 30-day and 1-year mortality, and 1-year
      readmission. The effects of living alone versus living with others were
      determined using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall, 22.8%
      (n=2288) of patients were living alone at home before stroke. Subjects living
      alone were significantly older (mean, 74.6 versus 71.5 years), more likely to be
      women (61.5% versus 41.4%), widowed (53.7% versus 12.3%), or single (21.5% versus
      3.8%). Patients living alone were less likely to arrive within 2.5 hours (28.3%
      versus 40.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.60), to
      receive thrombolysis (8.0% versus 14.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.52; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.43-0.63), or to be discharged home (46.0% versus 54.7%;
      adjusted odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.73). There were no
      significant associations between living alone and mortality or readmission.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients living alone had delayed hospital arrival, less
      thrombolytic therapy, and were less likely to return home. Greater understanding
      of the inter-relationships among living alone, social isolation, access to stroke
      care, and outcomes is needed.

PMID- 25139878
TI  - Social network, social support, and risk of incident stroke: Atherosclerosis Risk
      in Communities study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Having a small social network and lack of social support
      have been associated with incident coronary heart disease; however,
      epidemiological evidence for incident stroke is limited. We assessed the
      longitudinal association of a small social network and lack of social support
      with risk of incident stroke and evaluated whether the association was partly
      mediated by vital exhaustion and inflammation. METHODS: The Atherosclerosis Risk
      in Communities study measured social network and social support in 13 686 men and
      women (mean, 57 years; 56% women; 24% black; 76% white) without a history of
      stroke. Social network was assessed by the 10-item Lubben Social Network Scale
      and social support by a 16-item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-Short Form.
      RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 18.6 years, 905 incident strokes occurred.
      Relative to participants with a large social network, those with a small social
      network had a higher risk of stroke (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.44
      [1.02-2.04]) after adjustment for demographics, socioeconomic variables, marital
      status, behavioral risk factors, and major stroke risk factors. Vital exhaustion,
      but not inflammation, partly mediated the association between a small social
      network and incident stroke. Social support was unrelated to incident stroke.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of US community-dwelling men and women, having a
      small social network was associated with excess risk of incident stroke. As with
      other cardiovascular conditions, having a small social network may be associated
      with a modestly increased risk of incident stroke.

PMID- 25139880
TI  - A randomized trial of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations trial: an
      editorial review.

PMID- 25139879
TI  - Sickle cell trait and incident ischemic stroke in the Atherosclerosis Risk in
      Communities study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Numerous case reports describe stroke in individuals with
      sickle cell trait (SCT) in the absence of traditional risk factors for
      cerebrovascular disease. To date, no prospective epidemiological studies have
      investigated this association. METHODS: A population-based sample of blacks
      (n=3497; mean age=54 years; female=62%) was followed from 1987 to 2011 in the
      Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, contributing a total of 65 371
      person-years. Hazard ratios and incidence rate differences for ischemic stroke
      were estimated, contrasting SCT to homozygous hemoglobin A. Models were adjusted
      for age, sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, total cholesterol, atrial
      fibrillation, and coronary heart disease. RESULTS: SCT was identified in 223
      (6.4%) participants. During a median follow-up of 22 years, 401 subjects
      experienced incident stroke (89% ischemic). Incident ischemic stroke was more
      frequent among those with SCT (13%) than those with homozygous hemoglobin A
      (10%). SCT was associated with an ischemic stroke hazard ratio of 1.4 (1.0-2.0)
      and an incidence rate difference amounting to 1.9 (0.4-3.8) extra strokes per
      1000 person-years. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an increased risk of ischemic stroke
      in blacks with SCT. Further investigation of the incidence and pathophysiology of
      stroke in patients with SCT is warranted.

PMID- 25139881
TI  - Social network and stroke risk: size matters.

PMID- 25139882
TI  - Quantification of the glycemic response to microdoses of subcutaneous glucagon at
      varying insulin levels.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Glucagon delivery in closed-loop control of type 1 diabetes is
      effective in minimizing hypoglycemia. However, high insulin concentration lowers
      the hyperglycemic effect of glucagon, and small doses of glucagon in this setting
      are ineffective. There are no studies clearly defining the relationship between
      insulin levels, subcutaneous glucagon, and blood glucose. RESEARCH DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Using a euglycemic clamp technique in 11 subjects with type 1 diabetes,
      we examined endogenous glucose production (EGP) of glucagon (25, 75, 125, and 175
      MUg) at three insulin infusion rates (0.016, 0.032, and 0.05 units/kg/h) in a
      randomized, crossover study. Infused 6,6-dideuterated glucose was measured every
      10 min, and EGP was determined using a validated glucoregulatory model. Area
      under the curve (AUC) for glucose production was the primary outcome, estimated
      over 60 min. RESULTS: At low insulin levels, EGP rose proportionately with
      glucagon dose, from 5 +/- 68 to 112 +/- 152 mg/kg (P = 0.038 linear trend),
      whereas at high levels, there was no increase in glucose output (19 +/- 53 to 26
      +/- 38 mg/kg, P = NS). Peak glucagon serum levels and AUC correlated well with
      dose (r2 = 0.63, P < 0.001), as did insulin levels with insulin infusion rates
      (r2 = 0.59, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: EGP increases steeply with glucagon doses
      between 25 and 175 MUg at lower insulin infusion rates. However, high insulin
      infusion rates prevent these doses of glucagon from significantly increasing
      glucose output and may reduce glucagon effectiveness in preventing hypoglycemia
      when used in the artificial pancreas.

PMID- 25139883
TI  - Leptin is associated with exaggerated brain reward and emotion responses to food
      images in adolescent obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In the U.S., an astonishing 12.5 million children and adolescents are
      now obese, predisposing 17% of our nation's youth to metabolic complications of
      obesity, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Adolescent obesity has tripled over the
      last three decades in the setting of food advertising directed at children. Obese
      adults exhibit increased brain responses to food images in motivation-reward
      pathways. These neural alterations may be attributed to obesity-related metabolic
      changes, which promote food craving and high-calorie food (HCF) consumption. It
      is not known whether these metabolic changes affect neural responses in the
      adolescent brain during a crucial period for establishing healthy eating
      behaviors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-five obese (BMI 34.4 kg/m2, age
      15.7 years) and fifteen lean (BMI 20.96 kg/m2, age 15.5 years) adolescents
      underwent functional MRI during exposure to HCF, low-calorie food (LCF), and
      nonfood (NF) visual stimuli 2 h after isocaloric meal consumption. RESULTS: Brain
      responses to HCF relative to NF cues increased in obese versus lean adolescents
      in striatal-limbic regions (i.e., putamen/caudate, insula, amygdala) (P < 0.05,
      family-wise error [FWE]), involved in motivation-reward and emotion processing.
      Higher endogenous leptin levels correlated with increased neural activation to
      HCF images in all subjects (P < 0.05, FWE). CONCLUSIONS: This significant
      association between higher circulating leptin and hyperresponsiveness of brain
      motivation-reward regions to HCF images suggests that dysfunctional leptin
      signaling may contribute to the risk of overconsumption of these foods, thus
      further predisposing adolescents to the development of obesity and T2D.

PMID- 25139884
TI  - Increased serum calcium levels and risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals at high
      cardiovascular risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance and secretion depend on calcium homeostasis. Cross
      sectional studies have associated elevated serum calcium levels with markers of
      impaired glucose metabolism. However, only one prospective cohort study has
      demonstrated an increased risk of diabetes in individuals with increased serum
      calcium concentrations. The aim of the current study was to prospectively
      investigate the association between albumin-adjusted serum calcium concentrations
      and type 2 diabetes in subjects at high cardiovascular risk. RESEARCH DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Prospective assessment of participants from two Spanish PREDIMED study
      centers where serum calcium levels were measured at baseline and yearly during
      follow-up. Multivariate-adjusted Cox regression models were fitted to assess
      associations between baseline and changes during follow-up in serum calcium
      levels and relative risk of diabetes incidence. RESULTS: After a median follow-up
      of 4.78 years, 77 new cases of type 2 diabetes occurred. An increase in serum
      calcium levels during follow-up was related to an increased risk of diabetes. In
      comparison with individuals in the lowest tertile (-0.78 +/- 0.29 mg/dL), the
      hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI for diabetes incidence in individuals in the higher
      tertile of change (0.52 +/- 0.13 mg/dL) during follow-up was 3.48 (95% CI 1.48
      8.17; P for trend = 0.01). When albumin-adjusted serum calcium was analyzed as a
      continuous variable, per 1 mg/dL increase, the HR of diabetes incidence was 2.87
      (95% CI 1.18-6.96; P value = 0.02). These associations remained significant after
      individuals taking calcium supplements or having calcium levels out of normal
      range had been excluded. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in serum calcium concentrations
      is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals at high
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 25139885
TI  - Adjusting glucose-stimulated insulin secretion for adipose insulin resistance: an
      index of beta-cell function in obese adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The hyperbolic relationship between insulin secretion and sensitivity
      has been used to assess in vivo beta-cell function (i.e., the disposition index).
      The disposition index emphasizes the importance of taking into account both
      skeletal muscle and hepatic insulin resistance to depict insulin secretion.
      However, we propose that adipose tissue insulin resistance also needs to be
      accounted for when characterizing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS)
      because elevated plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) impair beta-cell function.
      RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: To characterize the adipose disposition index, we
      used [1-(14)C] palmitate infusion to determine basal FFA turnover rate/adipose
      insulin resistance and an oral glucose tolerance test to characterize the first
      (i.e., 0-30 min) and second phase (i.e., 60-120 min) of GSIS. We validated a
      simplified version of the tracer infusion calculation as the product of (1/plasma
      FFA concentration * plasma insulin concentration) * GSIS in 44 obese insulin
      resistant subjects. RESULTS: The plasma FFA and palmitate tracer infusion
      calculations of the first- and second-phase disposition index were strongly
      correlated (r = 0.86, P < 0.000001 and r = 0.89, P < 0.000001, respectively). The
      first- and second-phase adipose disposition index derived from plasma FFA also
      was tightly associated with fasting hyperglycemia (r = -0.87, P < 0.00001 and r =
      -0.89, P < 0.00001, respectively) and 2-h glucose concentrations (r = -0.86, P <
      0.00001 and r = -0.90, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting GSIS for adipose
      insulin resistance provides an index of beta-cell function in obese subjects
      across the glucose spectrum. Plasma FFA-derived calculations of beta-cell
      function may provide additional insight into the role of adipose tissue in
      glucose regulation.

PMID- 25139886
TI  - Diabetes risk among overweight and obese metabolically healthy young adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine diabetes incidence over time among obese young adults
      without metabolic risk factors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Incident diabetes
      during a median follow-up of 6.1 years was assessed among 33,939 young men (mean
      age 30.9 +/- 5.2 years) of the Metabolic, Lifestyle and Nutrition Assessment in
      Young Adults cohort who were stratified for BMI and the number of metabolic
      abnormalities (based on the Adult Treatment Panel-III). Metabolically healthy
      (MH) obesity was defined as BMI >=30 kg/m2 in the presence of normoglycemia,
      normal blood pressure, and normal levels of fasting triglyceride and HDL
      cholesterol levels (n = 631). RESULTS: A total of 734 new cases of diabetes were
      diagnosed during 210,282 person-years of follow-up. The incidence rate of
      diabetes among participants with no metabolic risk factors was 1.15, 2.10, and
      4.34 cases per 1,000 person-years among lean, overweight, and obese participants,
      respectively. In a multivariable model adjusted for age, region of origin, family
      history of diabetes, physical activity, fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride
      level, HDL-cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and white blood cell count, a
      higher diabetes risk was observed among MH-overweight (hazard ratio [HR] 1.89
      [95% CI 1.25-2.86]; P < 0.001) and MH-obese (HR 3.88 [95% CI 1.94-7.77]; P <
      0.001) compared with MH-normal weight subjects. There was no interaction between
      BMI and the number of metabolic abnormalities at enrollment in predicting
      diabetes risk. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy metabolic profile and the absence of diabetes
      risk factors do not protect young adults from incident diabetes associated with
      overweight and obesity.

PMID- 25139887
TI  - Serco plans to pull out of clinical service provision in the UK.

PMID- 25139888
TI  - Reconciling hierarchical taxonomy with molecular phylogenies.

PMID- 25139889
TI  - Predictive values of GPs' suspicion of serious disease are high enough to warrant
      subsequent investigation.

PMID- 25139890
TI  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is not an equitable virus.

PMID- 25139891
TI  - Genitourinary medicine clinics may not see young men who have sex with men before
      they become infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).

PMID- 25139892
TI  - Effects of lifetime stress exposure on mental and physical health in young
      adulthood: How stress degrades and forgiveness protects health.
AB  - To examine risk and resilience factors that affect health, lifetime stress
      exposure histories, dispositional forgiveness levels, and mental and physical
      health were assessed in 148 young adults. Greater lifetime stress severity and
      lower levels of forgiveness each uniquely predicted worse mental and physical
      health. Analyses also revealed a graded Stress * Forgiveness interaction effect,
      wherein associations between stress and mental health were weaker for persons
      exhibiting more forgiveness. These data are the first to elucidate the
      interactive effects of cumulative stress severity and forgiveness on health, and
      suggest that developing a more forgiving coping style may help minimize stress
      related disorders.

PMID- 25139893
TI  - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptomatology and pediatric obesity:
      Psychopathology or sleep deprivation?
AB  - The relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and
      obesity in children has received considerable attention in recent years. However,
      the literature currently overlooks the potential causal and maintaining role that
      sleep problems may play in this relationship. Using a biopsychosocial framework,
      this article highlights how sleep problems impact the biological, psychological,
      and social aspects of both ADHD symptomatology and obesity. An in-depth
      examination of this model illustrates the imperative need for future research and
      clinical practice to recognize and explore the role sleep has in the link between
      obesity and ADHD symptomatology.

PMID- 25139894
TI  - Relationship between infertility-related stress and emotional distress and
      marital satisfaction.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive effects of infertility
      related stress on psychological distress and marital satisfaction. Structural
      equation modeling was used to estimate a nonrecursive model hypothesizing the
      impact of infertility-related stress on both emotional distress and marital
      dissatisfaction, which were supposed to have a reciprocal influence on each
      other. The model was estimated using data from a sample of 150 infertile patients
      (78 males and 72 females). Findings confirmed the predictive effects of
      infertility-related stress on both emotional and marital distress. However,
      infertility-related stress was found to have more impact on emotional distress
      than on marital satisfaction.

PMID- 25139895
TI  - Psychological resilience moderates the impact of social support on loneliness of
      "left-behind" children.
AB  - This study examined the moderator effect of psychological resilience on the
      relationship between social support and loneliness of the "left-behind" children.
      A total of 200 left-behind girls and 214 left-behind boys completed the measures
      of psychological resilience, social support, and loneliness. Hierarchical
      regression analysis showed that psychological resilience moderated the
      association between social support and loneliness. When left-behind children
      reported a low level of psychological resilience, those with high social support
      reported lower scores in loneliness than those with low social support. However,
      the impact of social support on loneliness was much smaller in the high
      psychological resilience group, compared with that in low psychological
      resilience group.

PMID- 25139896
TI  - Cardiovascular disease in Europe 2014: epidemiological update.
AB  - This paper provides an update for 2014 on the burden of cardiovascular disease
      (CVD), and in particular coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, across the
      countries of Europe. Cardiovascular disease causes more deaths among Europeans
      than any other condition, and in many countries still causes more than twice as
      many deaths as cancer. There is clear evidence in most countries with available
      data that mortality and case-fatality rates from CHD and stroke have decreased
      substantially over the last 5-10 years but at differing rates. The differing
      recent trends have therefore led to increasing inequalities in the burden of CVD
      between countries. For some Eastern European countries, including Russia and
      Ukraine, the mortality rate for CHD for 55-60 year olds is greater than the
      equivalent rate in France for people 20 years older. 

PMID- 25139897
TI  - Reanalysis or redefinition of the hypothesis?

PMID- 25139898
TI  - A rare coronary anomaly: origin of the right coronary artery from the left
      ventricular outflow tract.

PMID- 25139899
TI  - Biofilms formed by gram-negative bacteria undergo increased lipid a
      palmitoylation, enhancing in vivo survival.
AB  - Bacterial biofilm communities are associated with profound physiological changes
      that lead to novel properties compared to the properties of individual
      (planktonic) bacteria. The study of biofilm-associated phenotypes is an essential
      step toward control of deleterious effects of pathogenic biofilms. Here we
      investigated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structural modifications in Escherichia
      coli biofilm bacteria, and we showed that all tested commensal and pathogenic E.
      coli biofilm bacteria display LPS modifications corresponding to an increased
      level of incorporation of palmitate acyl chain (palmitoylation) into lipid A
      compared to planktonic bacteria. Genetic analysis showed that lipid A
      palmitoylation in biofilms is mediated by the PagP enzyme, which is regulated by
      the histone-like protein repressor H-NS and the SlyA regulator. While lipid A
      palmitoylation does not influence bacterial adhesion, it weakens inflammatory
      response and enhances resistance to some antimicrobial peptides. Moreover, we
      showed that lipid A palmitoylation increases in vivo survival of biofilm bacteria
      in a clinically relevant model of catheter infection, potentially contributing to
      biofilm tolerance to host immune defenses. The widespread occurrence of increased
      lipid A palmitoylation in biofilms formed by all tested bacteria suggests that it
      constitutes a new biofilm-associated phenotype in Gram-negative bacteria.
      IMPORTANCE: Bacterial communities called biofilms display characteristic
      properties compared to isolated (planktonic) bacteria, suggesting that some
      molecules could be more particularly produced under biofilm conditions. We
      investigated biofilm-associated modifications occurring in the lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS), a major component of all Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane. We showed
      that all tested commensal and pathogenic biofilm bacteria display high
      incorporation of a palmitate acyl chain into the lipid A part of LPS. This lipid
      A palmitoylation is mediated by the PagP enzyme, whose expression in biofilm is
      controlled by the regulatory proteins H-NS and SlyA. We also showed that lipid A
      palmitoylation in biofilm bacteria reduces host inflammatory response and
      enhances their survival in an animal model of biofilm infections. While these
      results provide new insights into the biofilm lifestyle, they also suggest that
      the level of lipid A palmitoylation could be used as an indicator to monitor the
      development of biofilm infections on medical surfaces.

PMID- 25139900
TI  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis alters the metalloprotease activity of the COP9
      signalosome.
AB  - Inhibition of apoptotic death of macrophages by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      represents an important mechanism of virulence that results in pathogen survival
      both in vitro and in vivo. To identify M. tuberculosis virulence determinants
      involved in the modulation of apoptosis, we previously screened a transposon bank
      of mutants in human macrophages, and an M. tuberculosis clone with a
      nonfunctional Rv3354 gene was identified as incompetent to suppress apoptosis.
      Here, we show that the Rv3354 gene encodes a protein kinase that is secreted
      within mononuclear phagocytic cells and is required for M. tuberculosis
      virulence. The Rv3354 effector targets the metalloprotease (JAMM) domain within
      subunit 5 of the COP9 signalosome (CSN5), resulting in suppression of apoptosis
      and in the destabilization of CSN function and regulatory cullin-RING ubiquitin
      E3 enzymatic activity. Our observation suggests that alteration of the
      metalloprotease activity of CSN by Rv3354 possibly prevents the ubiquitin
      dependent proteolysis of M. tuberculosis-secreted proteins. IMPORTANCE :
      Macrophage protein degradation is regulated by a protein complex called a
      signalosome. One of the signalosomes associated with activation of ubiquitin and
      protein labeling for degradation was found to interact with a secreted protein
      from M. tuberculosis, which binds to the complex and inactivates it. The
      interference with the ability to inactivate bacterial proteins secreted in the
      phagocyte cytosol may have crucial importance for bacterial survival within the
      phagocyte. 

PMID- 25139901
TI  - Acquisition and evolution of SXT-R391 integrative conjugative elements in the
      seventh-pandemic Vibrio cholerae lineage.
AB  - SXT-R391 Integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) are self-transmissible mobile
      genetic elements able to confer multidrug resistance and other adaptive features
      to bacterial hosts, including Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera.
      ICEs are arranged in a mosaic genetic structure composed of a conserved backbone
      interspersed with variable DNA clusters located in conserved hot spots. In this
      study, we investigated ICE acquisition and subsequent microevolution in pandemic
      V. cholerae. Ninety-six ICEs were retrieved from publicly available sequence
      databases from V. cholerae clinical strains and were compared to a set of
      reference ICEs. Comparative genomics highlighted the existence of five main ICE
      groups with a distinct genetic makeup, exemplified by ICEVchInd5, ICEVchMoz10,
      SXT, ICEVchInd6, and ICEVchBan11. ICEVchInd5 (the most frequent element,
      represented by 70 of 96 elements analyzed) displayed no sequence rearrangements
      and was characterized by 46 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). SNP analysis
      revealed that recent inter-ICE homologous recombination between ICEVchInd5 and
      other ICEs circulating in gammaproteobacteria generated ICEVchMoz10, ICEVchInd6,
      and ICEVchBan11. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses indicated that ICEVchInd5 and SXT
      were independently acquired by the current pandemic V. cholerae O1 and O139
      lineages, respectively, within a period of only a few years. IMPORTANCE: SXT-R391
      ICEs have been recognized as key vectors of antibiotic resistance in the seventh
      pandemic lineage of V. cholerae, which remains a major cause of mortality and
      morbidity on a global scale. ICEs were acquired only recently in this clade and
      are acknowledged to be major contributors to horizontal gene transfer and the
      acquisition of new traits in bacterial species. We have reconstructed the
      temporal dynamics of SXT-R391 ICE acquisition and spread and have identified
      subsequent recombination events generating significant diversity in ICEs
      currently circulating among V. cholerae clinical strains. Our results showed that
      acquisition of SXT-R391 ICEs provided the V. cholerae seventh-pandemic lineage
      not only with a multidrug resistance phenotype but also with a powerful molecular
      tool for rapidly accessing the pan-genome of a large number of
      gammaproteobacteria.

PMID- 25139902
TI  - Genome-wide mutant fitness profiling identifies nutritional requirements for
      optimal growth of Yersinia pestis in deep tissue.
AB  - Rapid growth in deep tissue is essential to the high virulence of Yersinia
      pestis, causative agent of plague. To better understand the mechanisms underlying
      this unusual ability, we used transposon mutagenesis and high-throughput
      sequencing (Tn-seq) to systematically probe the Y. pestis genome for elements
      contributing to fitness during infection. More than a million independent
      insertion mutants representing nearly 200,000 unique genotypes were generated in
      fully virulent Y. pestis. Each mutant in the library was assayed for its ability
      to proliferate in vitro on rich medium and in mice following intravenous
      injection. Virtually all genes previously established to contribute to virulence
      following intravenous infection showed significant fitness defects, with the
      exception of genes for yersiniabactin biosynthesis, which were masked by strong
      intercellular complementation effects. We also identified more than 30 genes with
      roles in nutrient acquisition and metabolism as experiencing strong selection
      during infection. Many of these genes had not previously been implicated in Y.
      pestis virulence. We further examined the fitness defects of strains carrying
      mutations in two such genes-encoding a branched-chain amino acid importer (brnQ)
      and a glucose importer (ptsG)-both in vivo and in a novel defined synthetic
      growth medium with nutrient concentrations matching those in serum. Our findings
      suggest that diverse nutrient limitations in deep tissue play a more important
      role in controlling bacterial infection than has heretofore been appreciated.
      Because much is known about Y. pestis pathogenesis, this study also serves as a
      test case that assesses the ability of Tn-seq to detect virulence genes.
      IMPORTANCE: Our understanding of the functions required by bacteria to grow in
      deep tissues is limited, in part because most growth studies of pathogenic
      bacteria are conducted on laboratory media that do not reflect conditions
      prevailing in infected animal tissues. Improving our knowledge of this aspect of
      bacterial biology is important as a potential pathway to the development of novel
      therapeutics. Yersinia pestis, the plague bacterium, is highly virulent due to
      its rapid dissemination and growth in deep tissues, making it a good model for
      discovering bacterial adaptations that promote rapid growth during infection.
      Using Tn-seq, a genome-wide fitness profiling technique, we identified several
      functions required for fitness of Y. pestis in vivo that were not previously
      known to be important. Most of these functions are needed to acquire or
      synthesize nutrients. Interference with these critical nutrient acquisition
      pathways may be an effective strategy for designing novel antibiotics and
      vaccines.

PMID- 25139903
TI  - DNA transport across the outer and inner membranes of naturally transformable
      Vibrio cholerae is spatially but not temporally coupled.
AB  - The physiological state of natural competence for transformation allows certain
      bacteria to take up free DNA from the environment and to recombine such newly
      acquired DNA into their chromosomes. However, even though conserved components
      that are required to undergo natural transformation have been identified in
      several naturally competent bacteria, our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms
      of the DNA uptake process remains very limited. To better understand these
      mechanisms, we investigated the competence-mediated DNA transport in the
      naturally transformable pathogen Vibrio cholerae. Previously, we used a cell
      biology-based approach to experimentally address an existing hypothesis, which
      suggested the competence protein ComEA plays a role in the DNA uptake process
      across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we extended this
      knowledge by investigating the dynamics of DNA translocation across both
      membranes. More precisely, we indirectly visualized the transfer of the external
      DNA from outside the cell into the periplasm followed by the shuttling of the DNA
      into the cytoplasm. Based on these data, we conclude that for V. cholerae, the
      DNA translocation across the outer and inner membranes is spatially but not
      temporally coupled. IMPORTANCE: As a mode of horizontal gene transfer, natural
      competence for transformation has contributed substantially to the plasticity of
      genomes and to bacterial evolution. Natural competence is often a tightly
      regulated process and is induced by diverse environmental cues. This is in
      contrast to the mechanistic aspects of the DNA translocation event, which are
      most likely conserved among naturally transformable bacteria. However, the DNA
      uptake process is still not well understood. We therefore investigated how
      external DNA reaches the cytosol of the naturally transformable bacterium V.
      cholerae. More specifically, we provide evidence that the DNA translocation
      across the membranes is spatially but not temporally coupled. We hypothesize that
      this model also applies to other competent Gram-negative bacteria and that our
      study contributes to the general understanding of this important biological
      process.

PMID- 25139904
TI  - Annexin A2 mediates Mycoplasma pneumoniae community-acquired respiratory distress
      syndrome toxin binding to eukaryotic cells.
AB  - Mycoplasma pneumoniae synthesizes a novel human surfactant protein A (SP-A)
      binding cytotoxin, designated community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome
      (CARDS) toxin, that exhibits ADP-ribosylating and vacuolating activities in
      mammalian cells and is directly linked to a range of acute and chronic airway
      diseases, including asthma. In our attempt to detect additional CARDS toxin
      binding proteins, we subjected the membrane fraction of human A549 airway cells
      to affinity chromatography using recombinant CARDS toxin as bait. A 36-kDa A549
      cell membrane protein bound to CARDS toxin and was identified by time of flight
      (TOF) mass spectroscopy as annexin A2 (AnxA2) and verified by immunoblotting with
      anti-AnxA2 monoclonal antibody. Dose-dependent binding of CARDS toxin to
      recombinant AnxA2 reinforced the specificity of the interaction, and further
      studies revealed that the carboxy terminus of CARDS toxin mediated binding to
      AnxA2. In addition, pretreatment of viable A549 cells with anti-AnxA2 monoclonal
      antibody or AnxA2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced toxin binding and
      internalization. Immunofluorescence analysis of CARDS toxin-treated A549 cells
      demonstrated the colocalization of CARDS toxin with cell surface-associated AnxA2
      upon initial binding and with intracellular AnxA2 following toxin
      internalization. HepG2 cells, which express low levels of AnxA2, were transfected
      with a plasmid expressing AnxA2 protein, resulting in enhanced binding of CARDS
      toxin and increased vacuolization. In addition, NCI-H441 cells, which express
      both AnxA2 and SP-A, upon AnxA2 siRNA transfection, showed decreased binding and
      subsequent vacuolization. These results indicate that CARDS toxin recognizes
      AnxA2 as a functional receptor, leading to CARDS toxin-induced changes in
      mammalian cells. IMPORTANCE: Host cell susceptibility to bacterial toxins is
      usually determined by the presence and abundance of appropriate receptors, which
      provides a molecular basis for toxin target cell specificities. To perform its
      ADP-ribosylating and vacuolating activities, community-acquired respiratory
      distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin must bind to host cell surfaces via receptor
      mediated events in order to be internalized and trafficked effectively. Earlier,
      we reported the binding of CARDS toxin to surfactant protein A (SP-A), and here
      we show how CARDS toxin uses an alternative receptor to execute its pathogenic
      properties. CARDS toxin binds selectively to annexin A2 (AnxA2), which exists
      both on the cell surface and intracellularly. Since AnxA2 regulates membrane
      dynamics at early stages of endocytosis and trafficking, it serves as a distinct
      receptor for CARDS toxin binding and internalization and enhances CARDS toxin
      induced vacuolization in mammalian cells.

PMID- 25139905
TI  - Remodeling of the intestinal brush border underlies adhesion and virulence of an
      enteric pathogen.
AB  - Intestinal colonization by Vibrio parahaemolyticus-the most common cause of
      seafood-borne bacterial enteritis worldwide-induces extensive disruption of
      intestinal microvilli. In orogastrically infected infant rabbits, reorganization
      of the apical brush border membrane includes effacement of some microvilli and
      marked elongation of others. All diarrhea, inflammation, and intestinal pathology
      associated with V. parahaemolyticus infection are dependent upon one of its type
      3 secretion systems (T3SS2); however, translocated effectors that directly
      mediate brush border restructuring and bacterial adhesion are not known. Here, we
      demonstrate that the effector VopV is essential for V. parahaemolyticus
      intestinal colonization and therefore its pathogenicity, that it induces
      effacement of brush border microvilli, and that this effacement is required for
      adhesion of V. parahaemolyticus to enterocytes. VopV contains multiple
      functionally independent and mechanistically distinct domains through which it
      disrupts microvilli. We show that interaction between VopV and filamin, as well
      as VopV's previously noted interaction with actin, mediates enterocyte
      cytoskeletal reorganization. VopV's multipronged approach to epithelial
      restructuring, coupled with its impact on colonization, suggests that remodeling
      of the epithelial brush border is a critical step in pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE:
      Colonization of the small bowel by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the most common
      bacterial agent of seafood-borne enteric disease, induces extensive structural
      changes in the intestinal epithelium. Here, we show that this diarrheal
      pathogen's colonization and virulence depend upon VopV, a bacterial protein that
      is transferred into host epithelial cells. VopV induces marked rearrangement of
      the apical epithelial cell membrane, including elimination of microvilli, by two
      means: through interaction with actin and through a previously unrecognized
      interaction with the actin-cross-linking protein filamin. VopV-mediated
      "effacement" of microvilli enables V. parahaemolyticus to adhere to host cells,
      although VopV may not directly mediate adhesion. VopV's effects on microvillus
      structure and bacterial adhesion likely account for its essential role in V.
      parahaemolyticus intestinal pathogenesis. Our findings suggest a new role for
      filamin in brush border maintenance and raise the possibility that microvillus
      effacement is a common strategy among enteric pathogens for enhancing adhesion to
      host cells.

PMID- 25139907
TI  - Young patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but not subjects at risk, show
      decreased myocardial perfusion reserve quantified with CMR.
AB  - AIMS: To determine if myocardial perfusion (MP) during hyperaemia is decreased in
      young patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Also, to determine if an
      MP decrease is associated with diastolic dysfunction, and to investigate if young
      subjects at risk of HCM show differences in MP compared with controls. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: This study included 10 HCM patients (age 22.3 +/- 6.4 years), 14
      subjects at risk for HCM 'HCM risk' (age 18.9 +/- 3.8 years), and 12 controls
      (age 22.8 +/- 4.5 years). HCM patients were examined at rest and during
      hyperaemia (adenosine 140 ug/kg/min) with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)
      and echocardiography. MP was calculated as the ratio of coronary sinus flow and
      left ventricular mass (LVM) from CMR. Myocardial fibrosis was assessed using late
      gadolinium enhancement. Diastolic function was quantified with both
      echocardiography and CMR. At rest, MP (mL/min/g) was similar in the control, HCM
      risk, and HCM patients (0.8 +/- 0.1, 1.0 +/- 0.1, and 0.9 +/- 0.1, respectively,
      P = ns). During adenosine, MP was lower in HCM patients (2.5 +/- 0.4, P < 0.05)
      compared with both HCM risk (5.0 +/- 0.5) and controls (3.9 +/- 0.3). Subjects at
      HCM risk showed no significant difference in MP during adenosine compared with
      controls. One HCM patient showed mild diastolic dysfunction. Neither controls nor
      HCM risk individuals showed any sign of myocardial fibrosis, whereas 7/10 HCM
      patients had fibrosis (5 +/- 1% of the total LVM). CONCLUSION: Young individuals
      with HCM, but not those at risk, show decreased MP during hyperaemia compared
      with controls even in the absence of diastolic dysfunction or LV outflow
      obstruction. These results may suggest that microvascular disease contributes to
      the decreased MP in the investigated population.

PMID- 25139906
TI  - Echocardiographic findings in simple and complex patent foramen ovale before and
      after transcatheter closure.
AB  - AIMS: Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in cryptogenic
      cerebrovascular events is an alternative to medical therapy. The interpretation
      of residual shunts after implantation of different devices for PFO with different
      morphologies is controversial. METHODS AND RESULTS: Transcatheter PFO closure was
      performed in 123 patients with a history of >=1 paradoxical embolism using three
      different devices: Amplatzer (n = 46), Figulla Occlutech (n = 41), and Atriasept
      Cardia (n = 36). Fifty-six patients presented with simple PFO and 67 patients had
      complex morphologies. All patients were studied with contrast enhanced
      transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before interventional procedure and
      thereafter at 1 and 6 months and every 6-12 months in case of incomplete closure.
      Definite closure was confirmed in at least two consecutive TEE studies. Various
      PFO morphologies were identified by TEE before device implantation. The device
      size to PFO diameter ratio was significantly increased in patients with complex
      PFO compared with those patients with a simple PFO morphology (P < 0.05). The
      difference between the closure rate of S-PFO and C-PFO concerning each device
      type was significant (Amplatzer P = 0.0027, Figulla P = 0.0043, and Atriasept P <
      0.01). The mean follow-up period was 3.4 years (median 2.7 years) with a
      cerebrovascular re-event rate of 2.4% per year. In three patients, thrombi were
      detected in the 6-month TEE controls and resolved after medical therapy. In three
      other patients, the implantation of an adjunctive device was necessary for
      residual shunt. CONCLUSION: In our series of patients, the closure rate was
      dependent on PFO morphology more than occluder size and type. An adjunctive
      device was implanted in selected cases.

PMID- 25139908
TI  - Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiographic visualization of malignant
      anomalous left main coronary origin and course causing sudden cardiac death.

PMID- 25139909
TI  - Selection of chromosomal DNA libraries using a multiplex CRISPR system.
AB  - The directed evolution of biomolecules to improve or change their activity is
      central to many engineering and synthetic biology efforts. However, selecting
      improved variants from gene libraries in living cells requires plasmid expression
      systems that suffer from variable copy number effects, or the use of complex
      marker-dependent chromosomal integration strategies. We developed quantitative
      gene assembly and DNA library insertion into the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome
      by optimizing an efficient single-step and marker-free genome editing system
      using CRISPR-Cas9. With this Multiplex CRISPR (CRISPRm) system, we selected an
      improved cellobiose utilization pathway in diploid yeast in a single round of
      mutagenesis and selection, which increased cellobiose fermentation rates by over
      10-fold. Mutations recovered in the best cellodextrin transporters reveal synergy
      between substrate binding and transporter dynamics, and demonstrate the power of
      CRISPRm to accelerate selection experiments and discoveries of the molecular
      determinants that enhance biomolecule function. 

PMID- 25139910
TI  - Determining protein complex structures based on a Bayesian model of in vivo
      Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) data.
AB  - The use of in vivo Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) data to determine the
      molecular architecture of a protein complex in living cells is challenging due to
      data sparseness, sample heterogeneity, signal contributions from multiple donors
      and acceptors, unequal fluorophore brightness, photobleaching, flexibility of the
      linker connecting the fluorophore to the tagged protein, and spectral cross-talk.
      We addressed these challenges by using a Bayesian approach that produces the
      posterior probability of a model, given the input data. The posterior probability
      is defined as a function of the dependence of our FRET metric FRETR on a
      structure (forward model), a model of noise in the data, as well as prior
      information about the structure, relative populations of distinct states in the
      sample, forward model parameters, and data noise. The forward model was validated
      against kinetic Monte Carlo simulations and in vivo experimental data collected
      on nine systems of known structure. In addition, our Bayesian approach was
      validated by a benchmark of 16 protein complexes of known structure. Given the
      structures of each subunit of the complexes, models were computed from synthetic
      FRETR data with a distance root-mean-squared deviation error of 14 to 17 A. The
      approach is implemented in the open-source Integrative Modeling Platform,
      allowing us to determine macromolecular structures through a combination of in
      vivo FRETR data and data from other sources, such as electron microscopy and
      chemical cross-linking. 

PMID- 25139912
TI  - External manifestations of Gardner's syndrome as the presenting clinical entity.
AB  - Gardner's syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease characterised by the presence
      of colonic polyposis, osteomas and a multitude of soft tissue tumours.
      Pathological features such as osteomas of the mandible, skull and facial skeleton
      are unaesthetic as well as incapacitating. We present the case of a 22-year-old
      man with pain and discharge from the left eye and a firm swelling in the left
      infraorbital region leading to proptosis of the left eye. A detailed examination
      of the patient led to the presence of a large osteoma in the left orbital region,
      multiple cystic lesion, corneal opacity and parapapillary atrophy in the left
      eye. Radiography revealed the presence of multiple unerupted supernumerary teeth
      and osteomas. Colonoscopic findings showed the presence of multiple polyps. Thus,
      external manifestations of the patient's facial region led to the establishment
      of the diagnosis of Gardner's syndrome. The importance of our case highlights the
      necessity of maintaining a high vigilance with regard to the occurrence of such
      an entity. 

PMID- 25139913
TI  - Periorbital purpura (raccoon's eyes).

PMID- 25139914
TI  - Gingival squamous cell carcinoma presenting as periodontal lesion in the
      mandibular posterior region.
AB  - Gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) is a relatively rare malignant neoplasm
      of the oral cavity. It represents less than 10% of diagnosed intraoral carcinoma.
      Because of its close proximity to the teeth and periodontium, the tumour can
      mimic tooth-related benign inflammatory conditions. This case report describes a
      patient diagnosed with GSCC presenting as localised periodontitis. 

PMID- 25139911
TI  - Integrative structure-function mapping of the nucleoporin Nup133 suggests a
      conserved mechanism for membrane anchoring of the nuclear pore complex.
AB  - The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the sole passageway for the transport of
      macromolecules across the nuclear envelope. Nup133, a major component in the
      essential Y-shaped Nup84 complex, is a large scaffold protein of the NPC's outer
      ring structure. Here, we describe an integrative modeling approach that produces
      atomic models for multiple states of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) Nup133, based
      on the crystal structures of the sequence segments and their homologs, including
      the related Vanderwaltozyma polyspora (Vp) Nup133 residues 55 to 502 (VpNup133(55
      502)) determined in this study, small angle X-ray scattering profiles for 18
      constructs of ScNup133 and one construct of VpNup133, and 23 negative-stain
      electron microscopy class averages of ScNup133(2-1157). Using our integrative
      approach, we then computed a multi-state structural model of the full-length
      ScNup133 and validated it with mutational studies and 45 chemical cross-links
      determined via mass spectrometry. Finally, the model of ScNup133 allowed us to
      annotate a potential ArfGAP1 lipid packing sensor (ALPS) motif in Sc and VpNup133
      and discuss its potential significance in the context of the whole NPC; we
      suggest that ALPS motifs are scattered throughout the NPC's scaffold in all
      eukaryotes and play a major role in the assembly and membrane anchoring of the
      NPC in the nuclear envelope. Our results are consistent with a common
      evolutionary origin of Nup133 with membrane coating complexes (the protocoatomer
      hypothesis); the presence of the ALPS motifs in coatomer-like nucleoporins
      suggests an ancestral mechanism for membrane recognition present in early
      membrane coating complexes. 

PMID- 25139915
TI  - Psychosis with Huntington's disease: role of antipsychotic medications.
AB  - This is a case of a 60-year-old man who presented with a 6-month history of
      increasing agitation and emotional volatility. His family brought him to the
      emergency room as they were concerned about his threatening and aggressive
      behaviour. The patient was initially incoherent and uncooperative. During the
      interview, the patient's family revealed that he had a previous diagnosis of
      Huntington's disease; there was also a family history of personality changes
      preceding Huntington's chorea. The patient was admitted to the psychiatric
      inpatient unit and started on low-dose risperidone. Consequently, there was
      marked improvement in his symptoms. Subsequent cognitive tests revealed deficits
      in multiple domains. After a month, the patient was discharged to a community
      home in stable state. 

PMID- 25139916
TI  - Disseminated histoplasmosis in an HIV patient with CD4 count of 1 cell/uL.
AB  - We report a case of a young woman with advanced HIV/AIDS who presented with a
      short duration of fever and shortness of breath, with no recent travel history or
      previous hospitalisation, accompanied by non-specific abdominal symptoms and
      suspicious upper gastrointestinal bleed. Her CD4 count was 1 cell/MUL raising the
      suspicious for various opportunistic aetiologies. The initial suspicion was for
      pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) and the patient was treated empirically with
      antimicrobials. Peripheral smear findings, urinary antigen tests and
      bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were suggestive of disseminated histoplasmosis. PCP
      was ruled out in BAL. Transabdominal imaging was concerning for periaortic
      lymphadenopathy raising the suspicion of occult malignancy. Endoscopic evaluation
      of her digestive tract was unrevealing. Endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle
      aspiration (EUS-FNA) confirmed histoplasmosis. She received a liposomal
      amphotericin B for 10 days followed by itraconazole with significant improvement.
      Her CD4 count was found to be the lowest reported count with a single
      opportunistic pathogen.

PMID- 25139917
TI  - The disappearing clip: an unusual complication in MRI biopsy.
AB  - MRI-guided biopsies are being increasingly used for otherwise occult breast
      lesions. Clip migration has been reported however, to the best of our knowledge,
      there have been no documented cases of entire disappearance of a marker clip.
      Absence of the postbiopsy marker clip was noted when our patient returned for
      preoperative hook-wire localisation even though accurate clip placement had been
      confirmed on the post-MRI biopsy mammogram. 

PMID- 25139919
TI  - Fatal measles presenting as acute respiratory distress syndrome in an
      immunocompetent adult.
AB  - Fatal measles is known to occur among immunocompromised adults. We report a rare
      case of an immunocompetent non-pregnant young lady who suffered from fatal acute
      respiratory distress syndrome due to measles. Physicians must be vigilant to this
      deadly presentation of measles even in immunocompetent individuals. We emphasise
      the inadequacies of vaccination programmes in India reflected not only by the
      existing high measles-related childhood mortalities, but also an emerging rise in
      deaths among adults. 

PMID- 25139918
TI  - Parathyroid carcinoma, a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - A 45 year-old woman who presented with non-specific neck and shoulder pain, was
      found to have mild hypercalcaemia, markedly elevated parathyroid hormone levels,
      and an irregular parathyroid gland on imaging. The patient underwent a
      parathyroidectomy and the pathology report came back positive for parathyroid
      carcinoma with muscular invasion. Parathyroid carcinoma is an exceptionally rare
      cause of primary hyperparathyroidism and can have a poor prognosis due to
      metastases and a high propensity to recur after resection. Reports of non
      functioning parathyroid carcinomas tend to behave even more aggressively. Repeat
      imaging on this patient showed residual cancer present, so the patient underwent
      a second surgery with radical neck dissection and has since been doing very well
      postoperatively. Diagnosis and treatment is challenging and it is critical to
      continuously follow-up for recurrent disease. 

PMID- 25139920
TI  - An unusual cause of haemoptysis: isolated tracheobronchial amyloidosis.

PMID- 25139921
TI  - Eyelid reanimation, neurotisation, and transplantation of the cornea in a patient
      with facial palsy.
AB  - Patients affected by facial palsy suffer from failure to fully close the eyelids;
      the resulting eye exposure can lead to dry eye syndrome, loss of epithelial
      integrity, corneal ulceration and infections. Corneal anaesthesia exacerbates
      risk of corneal damage in these patients. Eyelid paralysis-associated corneal
      lesions may induce severe visual impairment, for which the ideal treatment is
      corneal transplantation, a procedure contraindicated in patients with corneal
      sensitivity and inadequate eyelid closure. We present the case of a patient
      affected by unilateral facial palsy associated with corneal anaesthesia, due to
      seventh and fifth cranial nerve damage following homolateral eighth cranial nerve
      surgery. The patient underwent surgery to re-establish eyelid and corneal
      competence, and then received a corneal graft with consequent amelioration of
      visual acuity. This is the first case of associated corneal anaesthesia and
      facial palsy that was comprehensively treated with a set of surgical procedures,
      including a corneal transplant. 

PMID- 25139922
TI  - Transient cefuroxime/metronidazole treatment induced factor V antibodies.
AB  - A 29-year-old patient presented with an appendicular infiltrate, initially
      treated with intravenous antibiotics, but later requiring percutaneous drainage.
      Both prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were
      prolonged on 3 days of antibiotic treatment and unresponsive to vitamin K or
      prothrombin complex concentrate. Laboratory investigation ultimately showed
      reduced factor V activity and factor V antibodies. In contrast to previously
      described cases of factor V antibodies, PT and aPTT were only mildly prolonged
      and residual factor V activity was still >20%. Draining of the abscess did not
      induce significant bleeding. Afterwards, no haemostatic medication was required.
      The patient was discharged from the hospital without complications. One week
      after cessation of the antibiotic treatment, PT and aPTT were within normal range
      again, with a factor V activity level of 36%. In conclusion, we present a patient
      with transient factor V antibodies, induced by antibiotics, without clinical
      bleeding tendency.

PMID- 25139923
TI  - Post-traumatic iridodialysis, crystalline dislocation and vitreous haemorrhage:
      how to manage.
AB  - A 66-year-old man, while taking care of his horse, sustained a blunt, non
      penetrating injury to the right side of his face, which damaged his eye. On slit
      lamp examination, iris dialysis and crystalline dislocation in the vitreous
      chamber were observed. On presentation, his best correct visual acuity was hand
      motion. A 23 G vitrectomy and subsequently an iris reconstruction and a glued
      intraocular lens implant were performed. Visual acuity reached +0.1 logMAR 1
      month after surgery and remained stable after 12 months' follow-up.

PMID- 25139924
TI  - Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with coccidiomycosis.
AB  - Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rapidly fatal disease caused by
      dysregulated histiocytes leading to an excessive inflammatory reaction. While
      genetic forms of HLH exist, the most common form is acquired, frequently
      associated with infection. Here we report the first case of HLH associated with a
      coccidiomycosis infection. This patient is a 13-year-old previously healthy boy
      who presented with a flu-like illness, which rapidly progressed to refractory
      shock, severe ARDS, multiorgan failure and death despite maximal medical therapy,
      including broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat well-established causes of acquired
      HLH. Autopsy findings revealed the diagnosis of HLH in the setting of pulmonary
      coccidiomycosis. Antifungal therapy should be considered in cases of acquired HLH
      when the underlying aetiology is not clear. 

PMID- 25139925
TI  - Giant suprasellar arachnoid cyst presenting with precocious puberty.

PMID- 25139926
TI  - Obstructed ileostomy in the third trimester of pregnancy due to compression from
      the gravid uterus: diagnosis and management.
AB  - Ileostomy obstruction in pregnancy, although rare, is a significant complication
      with associated morbidity and mortality. Early studies recommended immediate
      surgical intervention for cases of ileostomy obstruction in pregnancy. We present
      a case of ileostomy obstruction at 29-week gestation in which a laparotomy was
      performed for presumed adhesions. When adhesiolysis failed to resolve the
      obstruction, it became clear that the obstruction was caused by external
      compression from the enlarging gravid uterus. The remainder of the pregnancy was
      successfully managed by daily aspiration of bowel contents using a large bore
      drainage tube, and total parental nutrition. Recent studies have utilised MRI to
      distinguish between adhesions and uterine compression as the cause of ileostomy
      obstruction in pregnancy. In the few cases of obstruction caused by uterine
      compression, patients have been safely managed with conservative therapy, thereby
      avoiding the risks of surgery. 

PMID- 25139927
TI  - Urinoma formation following laparoscopic oophorectomy.

PMID- 25139928
TI  - A giant myxoma arising from the free wall of the right atria.

PMID- 25139929
TI  - Mislaid dentures: a cause for unusual presentation of bilateral vocal cord palsy.
AB  - An 81-year-old man was referred urgently to the head and neck clinic with
      symptoms of worsening dysphagia, dysphonia and weight loss. He had a history of
      chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. On full ear, nose and throat examination, he was
      found to have fixed vocal cords with pooling of saliva in the bilateral pyriform
      fossa. Hypopharyngeal malignancy was suspected and further imaging was performed.
      Imaging also raised the suspicion of malignancy in the hypopharynx. Rigid
      endoscopic examination under general anaesthesia was carried out which revealed
      an impacted denture in the cricopharynx and upper oesophagus. The patient was
      aware of his loss of dentures 3 months ago (corresponds to the onset of his
      symptoms) but felt that he had mislaid them and had never mentioned this to
      anyone. We present a case highlighting a delay in diagnosis, a missed diagnosis
      on CT scan and an unusual presentation leading to bilateral vocal cord paresis. 

PMID- 25139930
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 25139931
TI  - A reflection of outcomes research and its impact on the practice of hand surgery.

PMID- 25139932
TI  - One mum too few: maternal status in host surrogate motherhood arrangements.
AB  - In a host surrogate motherhood arrangement, the surrogate agrees to be implanted
      with, and carry to term, an embryo created from the commissioning couple's
      gametes. When the surrogate child is born, it is the surrogate mother who,
      according to UK law, holds the legal status of mother. By contrast, the
      commissioning mother possesses no maternal status and she can only attain it once
      the surrogate agrees to the completion of the arrangement. One consequence of
      this is that, in the event that a host arrangement fails, the commissioning
      mother is left without maternal status. In this paper, I argue that this denial
      of maternal status misrepresents the commissioning mother's role in the host
      arrangement and her relationship with the surrogate child. Consequently, I
      suggest that commissioning mothers participating in host surrogacy arrangements
      ought to be granted the status of mother in the event that the arrangement fails.

PMID- 25139933
TI  - A case of consent.

PMID- 25139934
TI  - Forced-Attention Dichotic Listening With University Students With Dyslexia:
      Search for a Core Deficit.
AB  - Rapidly changing environments in day-to-day activities, enriched with stimuli
      competing for attention, require a cognitive control mechanism to select relevant
      stimuli, ignore irrelevant stimuli, and shift attention between alternative
      features of the environment. Such attentional orchestration is essential to the
      acquisition of reading skills. In the present forced attention dichotic listening
      study, adults with moderate and severe dyslexia and nondisabled adults were
      tested on their ability to switch attention between ears for immediate recall.
      Blocks of pairs of consonant-vowel syllables were counterbalanced into left-ear
      first or right-ear first ordered conditions. Significant order effects showed
      that only those with severe dyslexia were poorer in switching attention to the
      left ear, whereas both groups with dyslexia were poorer switching attention to
      the right ear. Shifting left appears to be a normative function of reading level,
      whereas inferior ability to disengage attending to the left ear to report from
      the right ear qualifies as a dysfunctional facet of dyslexia with etiological
      significance. No support was found for the traditional proposition that dyslexia
      may be associated with atypical left hemisphere lateralization. Combining these
      results with previous dichotic and neuroimaging research implicates a
      dysfunctional frontostriatal cognitive control network in dyslexia. With due
      caution, the results suggest that a neurobiological feature of dyslexia may be a
      lack of control in downwardly modulating excessive left inferior frontal cortex
      activations. The results are consistent with impoverished connectedness between
      left anterior and posterior language areas and, pending future confirmation of
      these findings, suggest the need for a reconceptualization of remedial
      programming. 

PMID- 25139935
TI  - Comparison of mammographic density assessed as volumes and areas among women
      undergoing diagnostic image-guided breast biopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mammographic density (MD), the area of non-fatty-appearing tissue
      divided by total breast area, is a strong breast cancer risk factor. Most MD
      analyses have used visual categorizations or computer-assisted quantification,
      which ignore breast thickness. We explored MD volume and area, using a volumetric
      approach previously validated as predictive of breast cancer risk, in relation to
      risk factors among women undergoing breast biopsy. METHODS: Among 413 primarily
      white women, ages 40 to 65 years, undergoing diagnostic breast biopsies between
      2007 and 2010 at an academic facility in Vermont, MD volume (cm(3)) was
      quantified in craniocaudal views of the breast contralateral to the biopsy target
      using a density phantom, whereas MD area (cm(2)) was measured on the same digital
      mammograms using thresholding software. Risk factor associations with continuous
      MD measurements were evaluated using linear regression. RESULTS: Percent MD
      volume and area were correlated (r = 0.81) and strongly and inversely associated
      with age, body mass index (BMI), and menopause. Both measures were inversely
      associated with smoking and positively associated with breast biopsy history.
      Absolute MD measures were correlated (r = 0.46) and inversely related to age and
      menopause. Whereas absolute dense area was inversely associated with BMI,
      absolute dense volume was positively associated. CONCLUSIONS: Volume and area MD
      measures exhibit some overlap in risk factor associations, but divergence as
      well, particularly for BMI. IMPACT: Findings suggest that volume and area density
      measures differ in subsets of women; notably, among obese women, absolute density
      was higher with volumetric methods, suggesting that breast cancer risk
      assessments may vary for these techniques.

PMID- 25139937
TI  - Association of leukocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number with colorectal cancer
      risk: Results from the Shanghai Women's Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitochondria play an important role in cellular energy metabolism,
      free radical production, and apoptosis, and thus may be involved in cancer
      development. METHODS: We evaluated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in
      peripheral leukocytes in relation to colorectal cancer risk in a case-control
      study of 444 colorectal cancer cases and 1,423 controls nested in the Shanghai
      Women's Health Study, a population-based, prospective cohort study. Relative
      mtDNA copy number was determined by a quantitative real-time PCR assay using
      peripheral leukocyte DNA samples collected at the time of study enrollment,
      before cancer diagnosis. RESULTS: We found that baseline mtDNA copy number was
      lower among women who subsequently developed colorectal cancer [geometric mean,
      0.277; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.269-0.285] than among women who remained
      cancer-free (geometric mean, 0.288; 95% CI, 0.284-0.293; P = 0.0153).
      Multivariate adjusted ORs were 1.26 (95% CI, 0.93-1.70) and 1.44 (95% CI, 1.06
      1.94) for the middle and lower tertiles of mtDNA copy number, respectively,
      compared with the upper tertile (highest mtDNA copy number; Ptrend = 0.0204). The
      association varied little by the interval between blood collection and cancer
      diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that mtDNA copy number measured in
      peripheral leukocytes may be a potential biomarker useful for colorectal cancer
      risk assessment. IMPACT: If confirmed, mtDNA copy number measured in peripheral
      leukocytes may be a biomarker useful for colorectal cancer risk assessment.

PMID- 25139938
TI  - What is the risk of having a total hip or knee replacement for patients with
      lupus?
AB  - Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently have arthralgia
      but joint damage leading to surgery is thought to be less common. In addition to
      inflammatory damage, other reasons like avascular necrosis (AVN), which is often
      associated with steroid use, excessive alcohol intake and antiphospholipid
      syndrome (APS), may increase the likelihood of large joint failure. In this study
      we aimed to determine the likelihood of having a total hip replacement (THR) or
      total knee replacement (TKR) for individuals with SLE compared to those without
      lupus, by performing a retrospective matched case control study of all THRs and
      TKRs that were performed between 1991 and 2011 and recorded in the General
      Practice Research Database (GPRD). Individuals with inflammatory arthritis due to
      any other causes were excluded and the results were adjusted for steroid use,
      alcohol consumption (drinking status) and APS. The results show that patients
      with lupus who had a THR or TKR were younger than their peers without lupus. In
      addition, they appeared to have a significantly increased risk of TKR but the
      increased risk of THR did not remain after adjustment for steroid use, alcohol
      consumption and APS. 

PMID- 25139936
TI  - Association of cancer susceptibility variants with risk of multiple primary
      cancers: The population architecture using genomics and epidemiology study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple primary cancers account for approximately 16% of all
      incident cancers in the United States. Although genome-wide association studies
      (GWAS) have identified many common genetic variants associated with various
      cancer sites, no study has examined the association of these genetic variants
      with risk of multiple primary cancers (MPC). METHODS: As part of the National
      Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Population Architecture using Genomics
      and Epidemiology (PAGE) study, we used data from the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) and
      Women's Health Initiative (WHI). Incident MPC (IMPC) cases (n = 1,385) were
      defined as participants diagnosed with more than one incident cancer after cohort
      entry. Participants diagnosed with only one incident cancer after cohort entry
      with follow-up equal to or longer than IMPC cases served as controls (single
      index cancer controls; n = 9,626). Fixed-effects meta-analyses of unconditional
      logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between 188
      cancer risk variants and IMPC risk. To account for multiple comparisons, we used
      the false-positive report probability (FPRP) to determine statistical
      significance. RESULTS: A nicotine dependence-associated and lung cancer variant,
      CHRNA3 rs578776 [OR, 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-1.26; P = 0.004],
      and two breast cancer variants, EMBP1 rs11249433 and TOX3 rs3803662 (OR, 1.16;
      95% CI, 1.04-1.28; P = 0.005 and OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.23; P = 0.006), were
      significantly associated with risk of IMPC. The associations for rs578776 and
      rs11249433 remained (P < 0.05) after removing subjects who had lung or breast
      cancers, respectively (P <= 0.046). These associations did not show significant
      heterogeneity by smoking status (Pheterogeneity >= 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      has identified rs578776 and rs11249433 as risk variants for IMPC. IMPACT: These
      findings may help to identify genetic regions associated with IMPC risk.

PMID- 25139939
TI  - A new trick for an ancient drug: quinine dissociates antiphospholipid immune
      complexes.
AB  - Quinine, a quinoline derivative, is an ancient antipyretic drug with antimalarial
      properties that has been phased out by more effective synthetic candidates. In
      previous studies we discovered that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a synthetic
      antimalarial with structural similarities to quinine, reduced the binding of
      antiphospholipid (aPL) immune complexes to phospholipid bilayers. We performed
      ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies to measure the effect of
      quinine on dissociation of anti-beta2-glycoprotein I (anti-beta2GPI) immune
      complexes. We found that quinine desorbed pre-formed beta2GPI-aPL immunoglobulin
      (Ig)G complexes from phospholipid bilayers at significantly lower molar
      concentrations than HCQ. Quinine also inhibited the formation of immune complexes
      with a higher efficacy than HCQ at equivalent drug concentrations of 0.2 mg/ml
      (0.192 +/- 0.025 ug/cm(2) for quinine vs. 0.352 +/- 0.014 ug/cm(2) for HCQ, p <
      0.001). Furthermore, AFM imaging experiments revealed that addition of quinine
      disintegrated immune complexes bound to planar phospholipid layers. The
      desorptive and inhibitory effects of the old drug, quinine, toward beta2GPI-aPL
      IgG complexes and beta2GPI were significantly more pronounced compared to the
      synthetic antimalarial, HCQ. The results suggest that the quinoline core of the
      molecule is a critical domain for this activity and that side chains may further
      modulate this effect. The results also indicate that there may yet be room for
      considering new activities of very old drugs in devising clinical trials on
      potential non-anticoagulant treatments for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). 

PMID- 25139940
TI  - Fatal tusk injuries from a wild boar attack.
AB  - Injuries caused by wild boar attacks are rare. The pattern of the tusk injuries
      by wild boar is rarely been mentioned in literature. Such injuries can be termed
      "tusk injuries". Herein, we discuss the pattern of a wild boar tusk wound
      following an attack on a 65-year-old man who sustained fatal injuries as a
      result. 

PMID- 25139943
TI  - Atrophy and structural variability of the upper cervical cord in early multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite agreement about spinal cord atrophy in progressive forms of
      multiple sclerosis (MS), data on clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and relapsing
      remitting MS (RRMS) are conflicting. OBJECTIVE: To determine the onset of spinal
      cord atrophy in the disease course of MS. METHODS: Structural brain magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired from 267 patients with CIS (85) or RRMS
      (182) and 64 healthy controls (HCs). The upper cervical cord cross-sectional area
      (UCCA) was determined at the level of C2/C3 by a segmentation tool and adjusted
      for focal MS lesions. The coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated from all
      measurements between C2/C3 and 13 mm above as a measure of structural
      variability. RESULTS: Compared to HCs (76.1+/-6.9 mm(2)), UCCA was significantly
      reduced in CIS patients (73.5+/-5.8 mm(2), p=0.018) and RRMS patients (72.4+/-7.0
      mm(2), p<0.001). Structural variability was higher in patients than in HCs,
      particularly but not exclusively in case of focal lesions (mean CV HCs/patients
      without/with lesions: 2.13%/2.55%/3.32%, all p-values<0.007). UCCA and CV
      correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores (r =-0.131/0.192,
      p=0.044/<0.001) and disease duration (r=-0.134/0.300, p=0.039/< 0.001). CV
      additionally correlated with hand and arm function (r=0.180, p=0.014).
      CONCLUSION: In MS, cervical cord atrophy already occurs in CIS. In early stages,
      structural variability may be a more meaningful marker of spinal cord pathology
      than atrophy.

PMID- 25139941
TI  - Cortical Brain Activity Reflecting Attentional Biasing Toward Reward-Predicting
      Cues Covaries with Economic Decision-Making Performance.
AB  - Adaptive choice behavior depends critically on identifying and learning from
      outcome-predicting cues. We hypothesized that attention may be preferentially
      directed toward certain outcome-predicting cues. We studied this possibility by
      analyzing event-related potential (ERP) responses in humans during a
      probabilistic decision-making task. Participants viewed pairs of outcome
      predicting visual cues and then chose to wager either a small (i.e., loss
      minimizing) or large (i.e., gain-maximizing) amount of money. The cues were
      bilaterally presented, which allowed us to extract the relative neural responses
      to each cue by using a contralateral-versus-ipsilateral ERP contrast. We found an
      early lateralized ERP response, whose features matched the attention-shift
      related N2pc component and whose amplitude scaled with the learned reward
      predicting value of the cues as predicted by an attention-for-reward model.
      Consistently, we found a double dissociation involving the N2pc. Across
      participants, gain-maximization positively correlated with the N2pc amplitude to
      the most reliable gain-predicting cue, suggesting an attentional bias toward such
      cues. Conversely, loss-minimization was negatively correlated with the N2pc
      amplitude to the most reliable loss-predicting cue, suggesting an attentional
      avoidance toward such stimuli. These results indicate that learned stimulus
      reward associations can influence rapid attention allocation, and that
      differences in this process are associated with individual differences in
      economic decision-making performance. 

PMID- 25139944
TI  - A rare case of hyponatremia from a hypothalamic lesion in a patient with multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) can occur
      from a variety of neurologic and systemic processes; however, it has rarely been
      seen in multiple sclerosis (MS). We report a case of SIADH in a patient with MS
      and compare it with previously reported English-only cases. A 32-year-old woman
      experienced generalized fatigue followed by confusion and was found to have
      profound hyponatremia. Her work-up demonstrated SIADH secondary to a discrete
      enhancing hypothalamic lesion. Despite the seldom occurrence of SIADH in MS,
      hypothalamic lesions are more common than appreciated and should be considered in
      patients presenting with hyponatremia or endocrinopathy symptoms. 

PMID- 25139945
TI  - Paroxysmal dysarthria ataxia syndrome responds to lacosamide.

PMID- 25139946
TI  - Cortical thickness and surface area relate to specific symptoms in early
      relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cortical atrophy is common in early relapsing-remitting multiple
      sclerosis (RRMS). Whether this atrophy is caused by changes in cortical thickness
      or cortical surface area is not known, nor is their separate contributions to
      clinical symptoms. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the difference in cortical surface
      area, thickness and volume between early RRMS patients and healthy controls; and
      the relationship between these measures and neurological disability, cognitive
      decline, fatigue and depression. METHODS: RRMS patients (n = 61) underwent
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neurological and neuropsychological
      examinations. We estimated cortical surface area, thickness and volume and
      compared them with matched healthy controls (n = 61). We estimated the
      correlations between clinical symptoms and cortical measures within the patient
      group. RESULTS: We found no differences in cortical surface area, but widespread
      differences in cortical thickness and volume between the groups. Neurological
      disability was related to regionally smaller cortical thickness and volume.
      Better verbal memory was related to regionally larger surface area; and better
      visuo-spatial memory, to regionally larger cortical volume. Higher depression
      scores and fatigue were associated with regionally smaller cortical surface area
      and volume. CONCLUSIONS: We found that cortical thickness, but not cortical
      surface area, is affected in early RRMS. We identified specific structural
      correlates to the main clinical symptoms in early RRMS.

PMID- 25139948
TI  - Deletion of the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 kaiAB1C1 gene cluster causes impaired
      cell growth under light-dark conditions.
AB  - In contrast to Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, few data exist on the timing
      mechanism of the widely used cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The
      standard kaiAB1C1 operon present in this organism was shown to encode a
      functional KaiC protein that interacted with KaiA, similar to the S. elongatus
      PCC 7942 clock. Inactivation of this operon in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
      resulted in a mutant with a strong growth defect when grown under light-dark
      cycles, which was even more pronounced when glucose was added to the growth
      medium. In addition, mutants showed a bleaching phenotype. No effects were
      detected in mutant cells grown under constant light. Microarray experiments
      performed with cells grown for 1 day under a light-dark cycle revealed many
      differentially regulated genes with known functions in the DeltakaiABC mutant in
      comparison with the WT. We identified the genes encoding the cyanobacterial
      phytochrome Cph1 and the light-repressed protein LrtA as well as several
      hypothetical ORFs with a complete inverse behaviour in the light cycle. These
      transcripts showed a stronger accumulation in the light but a weaker accumulation
      in the dark in DeltakaiABC cells in comparison with the WT. In general, we found
      a considerable overlap with microarray data obtained for hik31 and sigE mutants.
      These genes are known to be important regulators of cell metabolism in the dark.
      Strikingly, deletion of the DeltakaiABC operon led to a much stronger phenotype
      under light-dark cycles in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 than in Synechococcus sp.
      PCC 7942.

PMID- 25139950
TI  - Epidemiological survey of head and neck injuries and trauma in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Head and neck trauma results in a range of injuries, spanning minor
      lacerations to life-threatening airway compromise. Few studies provide in-depth
      analysis of injuries to the head and neck (HN). We aim to (1) describe HN injury
      prevalence in the US and (2) investigate patient disposition and the outcome of
      mortality. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Nationwide
      emergency department (ED) sample. METHODS: The 2011 database was queried for
      encounters with a primary diagnosis of HN injury, as categorized by the Barell
      Injury Matrix. Weighted estimates for demographics, injury category, and
      mechanism were extracted. Predictors of mortality and admission were determined
      by multivariable regression. RESULTS: We identified 131 million ED encounters. A
      weighted total of 5,418,539 visits were related to primary HN injuries. Average
      age was 30 (SE = 0.4), and 56.8% were male. Sixty-four percent of injuries were
      attributed to fall or blunt trauma. Open wounds comprised 41.8% of injuries. The
      most common procedure was laceration repair (70%). The majority of patients (97%)
      were discharged home. Mortality rate was less than 1%. Predictors of admission
      and mortality (P < .05) included multiple trauma, vessel trauma, and burns. Other
      risk factors included foreign-body, older age, and male gender. CONCLUSIONS:
      Primary HN injuries commonly present to emergency rooms in the US. The majority
      of HN injuries are non-life threatening and do not require admission to the
      hospital or result in death. These data have implications for HN injury
      surveillance and may be used to risk-stratify patients who present with injuries
      in the acute care setting.

PMID- 25139949
TI  - Dissection of the region of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ParA that is important for
      dimerization and interactions with its partner ParB.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa ParA belongs to a large subfamily of Walker-type ATPases
      acting as partitioning proteins in bacteria. ParA has the ability to both self
      associate and interact with its partner ParB. Analysis of the deletion mutants
      defined the part of the protein involved in dimerization and interactions with
      ParB. Here, a set of ParA alanine substitution mutants in the region between E67
      and L85 was created and analysed in vivo and in vitro. All mutants impaired in
      dimerization (substitutions at positions M74, H79, Y82 and L84) were also
      defective in interactions with ParB, suggesting that ParA-ParB interactions
      depend on the ability of ParA to dimerize. Mutants with alanine substitutions at
      positions E67, C68, L70, E72, F76, Q83 and L85 were not impaired in dimerization,
      but were defective in interactions with ParB. The dimerization interface partly
      overlapped the pseudo-hairpin, involved in interactions with ParB. ParA mutant
      derivatives tested in vitro showed no defects in ATPase activity. Two parA
      alleles (parA84, whose product can neither self-interact nor interact with ParB,
      and parA67, whose product is impaired in interactions with ParB, but not in
      dimerization) were introduced into the P. aeruginosa chromosome by homologous
      gene exchange. Both mutants showed defective separation of ParB foci, but to
      different extents. Only PAO1161 parA84 was visibly impaired in terms of
      chromosome segregation, growth rate and motility, similar to a parA-null mutant.

PMID- 25139951
TI  - Tension pneumocephalus after endoscopic sinus surgery: a technical report of
      multiportal endoscopic skull base repair.

PMID- 25139953
TI  - Shared mushroom body circuits underlie visual and olfactory memories in
      Drosophila.
AB  - In nature, animals form memories associating reward or punishment with stimuli
      from different sensory modalities, such as smells and colors. It is unclear,
      however, how distinct sensory memories are processed in the brain. We established
      appetitive and aversive visual learning assays for Drosophila that are comparable
      to the widely used olfactory learning assays. These assays share critical
      features, such as reinforcing stimuli (sugar reward and electric shock
      punishment), and allow direct comparison of the cellular requirements for visual
      and olfactory memories. We found that the same subsets of dopamine neurons drive
      formation of both sensory memories. Furthermore, distinct yet partially
      overlapping subsets of mushroom body intrinsic neurons are required for visual
      and olfactory memories. Thus, our results suggest that distinct sensory memories
      are processed in a common brain center. Such centralization of related brain
      functions is an economical design that avoids the repetition of similar circuit
      motifs.

PMID- 25139954
TI  - Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among individuals with a
      family history of alcohol use disorders.
AB  - Recent studies suggest de novo mutations may involve the pathogenesis of autism
      and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Based on the evidence that
      excessive alcohol consumption may be associated with an increased rate of de novo
      mutations in germ cells (sperms or eggs), we examine here whether the risks of
      autism and ADHD are increased among individuals with a family history of alcohol
      use disorders (AUDs). The standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of autism and ADHD
      among individuals with a biological parental history of AUDs were 1.39 (95% CI
      1.34-1.44) and 2.19 (95% CI 2.15-2.23), respectively, compared to individuals
      without an affected parent. Among offspring whose parents were diagnosed with
      AUDs before their birth, the corresponding risks were 1.46 (95% CI 1.36-1.58) and
      2.70 (95% CI 2.59-2.81), respectively. Our study calls for extra surveillance for
      children with a family history of AUDs, and further studies examining the
      underlying mechanisms are needed.

PMID- 25139955
TI  - A suppression hierarchy among competing motor programs drives sequential grooming
      in Drosophila.
AB  - Motor sequences are formed through the serial execution of different movements,
      but how nervous systems implement this process remains largely unknown. We
      determined the organizational principles governing how dirty fruit flies groom
      their bodies with sequential movements. Using genetically targeted activation of
      neural subsets, we drove distinct motor programs that clean individual body
      parts. This enabled competition experiments revealing that the motor programs are
      organized into a suppression hierarchy; motor programs that occur first suppress
      those that occur later. Cleaning one body part reduces the sensory drive to its
      motor program, which relieves suppression of the next movement, allowing the
      grooming sequence to progress down the hierarchy. A model featuring independently
      evoked cleaning movements activated in parallel, but selected serially through
      hierarchical suppression, was successful in reproducing the grooming sequence.
      This provides the first example of an innate motor sequence implemented by the
      prevailing model for generating human action sequences.

PMID- 25139956
TI  - The master cell cycle regulator APC-Cdc20 regulates ciliary length and
      disassembly of the primary cilium.
AB  - The primary cilium has an important role in signaling; defects in structure are
      associated with a variety of human diseases. Much of the most basic biology of
      this organelle is poorly understood, even basic mechanisms, such as control of
      growth and resorption. We show that the activity of the anaphase-promoting
      complex (APC), an E3 that regulates the onset of anaphase, destabilizes axonemal
      microtubules in the primary cilium. Furthermore, the metaphase APC co-activator,
      Cdc20, is specifically recruited to the basal body of primary cilia. Inhibition
      of APC-Cdc20 activity increases the ciliary length, while overexpression of Cdc20
      suppresses cilium formation. APC-Cdc20 activity is required for the timely
      resorption of the cilium after serum stimulation. In addition, APC regulates the
      stability of axonemal microtubules through targeting Nek1, the ciliary kinase,
      for proteolysis. These data demonstrate a novel function of APC beyond cell cycle
      control and implicate critical role of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in ciliary
      disassembly.

PMID- 25139957
TI  - Taking a new look at how flies learn.
AB  - Learning based on what a fruit fly sees or what it smells might not involve
      distinct parts of the brain, as was previously thought. 

PMID- 25139958
TI  - What can fruit flies teach us about karate?
AB  - Understanding the logic behind how a fruit fly's brain tells it to groom its body
      parts in a stereotyped order might help us understand other behaviours that also
      involve a series of actions. 

PMID- 25139959
TI  - A pilot study of quantitative capillary refill time to identify high blood
      lactate levels in critically ill patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We developed a new device to quantify capillary refill time (CRT)
      by applying the pulse oximeter principle, and evaluated the correlation between
      quantitative CRT (Q-CRT) and hypoperfusion status, as represented by blood
      lactate levels, in critically ill patients. METHODS: A pilot study was undertaken
      in the intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary emergency medical centre. While
      the pulse oxygen saturation sensor was placed on the finger of the patients,
      transmitted light intensity (TLI) was measured with a pulse oximeter (OLV-3100;
      Nihon Kohden, Tokyo, Japan) before and during compression of the finger. Q-CRT
      was defined as the interval from the release of compression to the time when TLI
      reached 90% of baseline. RESULTS: Q-CRT was analysed in a total of 57 waveforms
      among 23 patients and statistically correlated with lactate levels (Spearman's
      rank correlation coefficient, 0.681; p<0.001). The cut-off value of Q-CRT for
      predicting a lactate level of >=2.0 mmol/L was 6.81 s (area under the curve (AUC)
      (95% CI 1.000 (1.000 to 1.000), p<0.001), and the value for predicting a lactate
      level of >=4.0 mmol/L was 7.27 s (AUC=0.989 (95% CI 0.954 to 1.000), p<0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Q-CRT correlated with blood lactate levels in this pilot study. The
      most useful threshold for Q-CRT was ~6-8 s. Further study is needed to
      investigate the potential role of this modality as a non-invasive predictor of
      hypoperfusion in the emergency department, ICU and operating room settings.

PMID- 25139960
TI  - Diabetes and ischemic heart disease: double jeopardy with regard to depressive
      mood and reduced quality of life.
AB  - The aim of this study was to test i) whether patients having diabetes and
      ischemic heart disease (IHD), i.e., patients suffering from two chronic diseases,
      demonstrate a higher degree of chronic stress when compared with patients
      suffering from IHD alone, and ii) whether suffering from the two chronic diseases
      results in an elevation in specific elements of the chronic stress concept. A
      total of 361 participants with IHD were included, of whom 47 suffered from
      concomitant diabetes. Stress was measured by pressure pain sensitivity (PPS) and
      by the following questionnaires: the Major Depression Inventory (MDI), the SF-36
      Quality of Life questionnaire (SF-36 QOL), the WHO-5 Well-being Index, and the
      clinical stress signs (CSSs) scale. Participants with diabetes and IHD had a
      higher MDI score, a lower SF-36 physical component summary score, and a lower
      score of several sub-measurements of the SF-36 mental component score when
      compared with patients with IHD without diabetes. No significant differences were
      observed regarding stress measured by the PPS measure, the WHO-5 Well-being
      Index, or the number of CSSs. In conclusion, the combination of diabetes and IHD
      seems to be associated with increased depressive symptoms, lower overall physical
      QOL, and reduced mental QOL on several sub-elements of the questionnaire. This
      should be recognized in the management of patients with double diagnoses. 

PMID- 25139961
TI  - High usage of topical fusidic acid and rapid clonal expansion of fusidic acid
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a cautionary tale.
AB  - Our aim was to assess national prescribing trends and determine longitudinal
      resistance patterns for topical antimicrobials in New Zealand. We observed a
      dramatic increase in fusidic acid (FA) resistance, and clonal expansion of FA
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This increase was concurrent with a significant
      national increase in topical FA dispensing.

PMID- 25139962
TI  - Prevalence and predictors for homo- and heterosubtypic antibodies against
      influenza a virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of trivalent influenza vaccination has been
      confirmed in several studies. To date, it is not known whether repeated exposure
      and vaccination to influenza promote production of cross-reactive antibodies.
      Furthermore, how strains encountered earlier in life imprint the immune response
      is currently poorly understood. METHODS: To determine the prevalence for human
      homo- and heterosubtypic antibody responses, we scrutinized serum samples from
      305 healthy volunteers for hemagglutinin-binding and -neutralizing antibodies
      against several strains and subtypes of influenza A. Statistical analyses were
      then performed to establish the association of measured values with potential
      predictors. RESULTS: It was found that vaccination not only promoted higher
      binding and neutralizing antibody titers to homosubtypic influenza isolates but
      also increased heterosubtypic human immune responses. Both binding and
      neutralizing antibody titers in relation with age of the donors mirrored the
      course of the different influenza strain circulation during the last century.
      Advanced age appeared to be of advantage for both binding and neutralizing titers
      to most subtypes. In contrast, the first virus subtype encountered was found to
      imprint to some degree subsequent antibody responses. Antibodies to recent
      strains, however, primarily seemed to be promoted by vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: We
      provide evidence that vaccinations stimulate both homo- and heterosubtypic immune
      responses in young and middle-aged as well as more senior individuals. Our
      analyses suggest that influenza vaccinations not only prevent infection against
      currently circulating strains but can also stimulate broader humoral immune
      responses that potentially attenuate infections with zoonotic or antigenically
      shifted strains.

PMID- 25139964
TI  - Does HIV remain a risk factor for achieving sustained virologic response under
      direct acting antiviral-based modern hepatitis C virus therapy?

PMID- 25139963
TI  - Telaprevir for HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients failing treatment with
      pegylated interferon/ribavirin (ANRS HC26 TelapreVIH): an open-label, single-arm,
      phase 2 trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retreatment with pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV)
      results in poor sustained virological response (SVR) rates in human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients. There
      are limited data regarding the use of telaprevir plus peg-IFN/RBV in this
      population. METHODS: HIV type 1-infected patients who previously failed >=12
      weeks of peg-IFN/RBV for HCV genotype 1 coinfection were enrolled in a single
      arm, phase 2 trial. Patients with cirrhosis and previous null response were
      excluded. Authorized antiretrovirals were tenofovir, emtricitabine, efavirenz,
      atazanavir, and raltegravir. All patients received peg-IFN alfa-2a (180 ug/week)
      plus RBV (1000-1200 mg/day) for 4 weeks, followed by telaprevir (750 mg or 1125
      mg every 8 hours with efavirenz) plus peg-IFN/RBV for 12 weeks and peg-IFN/RBV
      for 32-56 weeks according to virological response at week 8. The primary endpoint
      was the SVR rate at 24 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR24). RESULTS: Sixty
      nine patients started treatment; SVR24 was achieved in 55 (80% [95% confidence
      interval, 68%-88%). SVR24 was not influenced by baseline fibrosis stage, IL28B
      genotype, antiretroviral regimen, HCV subtype, CD4 cell count, previous response
      to HCV treatment, HCV RNA level, or HCV RNA decline at week 4. HCV treatment was
      discontinued for adverse events (AEs) in 20% of patients, including cutaneous
      (4%), psychiatric (4%), hematological (6%), and other AEs (6%). Peg-IFN or RBV
      dose reduction was required in 23% and 43% of patients, respectively. Seventy
      percent of patients required erythropoietin, blood transfusions, or RBV dose
      reduction for anemia. Two patients died during the study. No HIV breakthrough was
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high discontinuation rate related to toxicity, a
      substantial proportion of treatment-experienced HIV-coinfected patients achieved
      SVR24 with a telaprevir-based regimen. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT01332955.

PMID- 25139965
TI  - Reply to Antinori et al.

PMID- 25139966
TI  - Diagnosis of central nervous system mycoses in solid organ transplant recipients.

PMID- 25139967
TI  - Editorial commentary: Changing epidemiology of influenza B virus.

PMID- 25139968
TI  - Uniform research case definition criteria differentiate tuberculous and bacterial
      meningitis in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) research is hampered by low numbers of
      microbiologically confirmed TBM cases and the fact that they may represent a
      select part of the disease spectrum. A uniform TBM research case definition was
      developed to address these limitations, but its ability to differentiate TBM from
      bacterial meningitis has not been evaluated. METHODS: We assessed all children
      treated for TBM from 1985 to 2005 at Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Cape Town,
      South Africa. For comparative purposes, a group of children with culture
      confirmed bacterial meningitis, diagnosed between 2003 and 2009, was identified
      from the National Health Laboratory Service database. The performance of the
      proposed case definition was evaluated in culture-confirmed TBM and bacterial
      meningitis cases. RESULTS: Of 554 children treated for TBM, 66 (11.9%) were
      classified as "definite TBM," 408 (73.6%) as "probable TBM," and 72 (13.0%) as
      "possible TBM." "Probable TBM" criteria identified culture-confirmed TBM with a
      sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 100%; sensitivity was increased but
      specificity reduced when using "possible TBM" criteria (sensitivity 100%,
      specificity 56%). CONCLUSIONS: "Probable TBM" criteria accurately differentiated
      TBM from bacterial meningitis and could be considered for use in clinical trials;
      reduced sensitivity in children with early TBM (stage 1 disease) remains a
      concern.

PMID- 25139970
TI  - News feature: How to light a cosmic candle.

PMID- 25139969
TI  - Impact of influenza B lineage-level mismatch between trivalent seasonal influenza
      vaccines and circulating viruses, 1999-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza B virus strains in trivalent influenza vaccines are
      frequently mismatched to the circulating B strains, but the population-level
      impact of such mismatches is unknown. We assessed the impact of vaccine mismatch
      on the epidemiology of influenza B during 12 recent seasonal outbreaks of
      influenza in Finland. METHODS: We analyzed all available nationwide data on
      virologically confirmed influenza infections in all age groups in Finland between
      1 July 1999 and 30 June 2012, with the exclusion of the pandemic season of 2009
      2010. We derived data on influenza infections and the circulation of different
      lineages of B viruses during each season from the Infectious Diseases Register
      and the National Influenza Center, National Institute for Health and Welfare,
      Finland. RESULTS: A total of 34 788 cases of influenza were recorded. Influenza A
      accounted for 74.0% and influenza B for 26.0% of all typed viruses. Throughout
      the 12 seasons, we estimated that 41.7% (3750 of 8993) of all influenza B
      infections were caused by viruses representing the other genetic lineage than the
      one in the vaccine. Altogether, opposite-lineage influenza B viruses accounted
      for 10.8% of all influenza infections in the population, the proportion being
      highest (16.8%) in children aged 10-14 years and lowest (2.6%) in persons aged
      >=70 years. CONCLUSIONS: The population-level impact of lineage-level mismatch
      between the vaccine and circulating strains of influenza B viruses is
      substantial, especially among children and adolescents. The results provide
      strong support for the inclusion of both influenza B lineages in seasonal
      influenza vaccines.

PMID- 25139972
TI  - Cleaning up the record on the maximal information coefficient and equitability.

PMID- 25139973
TI  - A pending issue: an analysis of health promotion research in Latin America.

PMID- 25139980
TI  - For bats and dolphins, hearing gene prestin adapted for echolocation.

PMID- 25139979
TI  - Effect of High-Dose Cysteine Supplementation on Erythrocyte Glutathione: A Double
      Blinded, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study in Critically Ill Neonates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study's objective was to determine if parenteral cysteine when
      compared with isonitrogenous noncysteine supplementation increases erythrocyte
      reduced glutathione (GSH) in neonates at high risk for inflammatory injury.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Neonates with a score for neonatal acute physiology >10
      requiring mechanical ventilation and parenteral nutrition (PN) were randomized in
      a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study to receive parenteral cysteine-HCl
      (CYS group) or additional PN amino acids (ISO group) at 121 mg/kg/d for >=7 days.
      A 6-hour [(13)C2] glycine IV infusion was administered at study week 1 to
      determine the fractional synthetic rate of GSH (FSR-GSH). RESULTS: Baseline
      characteristics were similar between the CYS (n = 17) and ISO groups (n = 21).
      Erythrocyte GSH and total glutathione concentrations, GSH:oxidized GSH (GSSG),
      and FSR-GSH after treatment were not different between groups. However, the CYS
      group had a larger individual positive change in GSH and total glutathione
      (infusion day - baseline) compared with the ISO group (P = .02 for each). After
      adjusting for treatment, a lower enrollment weight and rate of red blood cell
      transfusion were associated with a decreased change in total glutathione and GSH
      (P < .05 for each). CONCLUSION: When compared with isonitrogenous noncysteine
      supplementation, high-dose cysteine supplementation for at least 1 week in
      critically ill neonates resulted in a larger and more positive individual change
      in GSH. Smaller infants and those who received transfused blood demonstrated less
      effective change in GSH with cysteine supplementation. The benefit of cysteine
      remains promising and deserves further investigation.

PMID- 25139985
TI  - Experimental basis for a new allosteric model for multisubunit proteins.
AB  - Monod, Wyman, and Changeux (MWC) explained allostery in multisubunit proteins
      with a widely applied theoretical model in which binding of small molecules, so
      called allosteric effectors, affects reactivity by altering the equilibrium
      between more reactive (R) and less reactive (T) quaternary structures. In their
      model, each quaternary structure has a single reactivity. Here, we use silica
      gels to trap protein conformations and a new kind of laser photolysis experiment
      to show that hemoglobin, the paradigm of allostery, exhibits two ligand binding
      phases with the same fast and slow rates in both R and T quaternary structures.
      Allosteric effectors change the fraction of each phase but not the rates. These
      surprising results are readily explained by the simplest possible extension of
      the MWC model to include a preequilibrium between two tertiary conformations that
      have the same functional properties within each quaternary structure. They also
      have important implications for the long-standing question of a structural
      explanation for the difference in hemoglobin oxygen affinity of the two
      quaternary structures. 

PMID- 25139986
TI  - Phospholipase A2 regulates eicosanoid class switching during inflammasome
      activation.
AB  - Initiation and resolution of inflammation are considered to be tightly connected
      processes. Lipoxins (LX) are proresolution lipid mediators that inhibit
      phlogistic neutrophil recruitment and promote wound-healing macrophage
      recruitment in humans via potent and specific signaling through the LXA4 receptor
      (ALX). One model of lipoxin biosynthesis involves sequential metabolism of
      arachidonic acid by two cell types expressing a combined transcellular metabolon.
      It is currently unclear how lipoxins are efficiently formed from precursors or if
      they are directly generated after receptor-mediated inflammatory commitment.
      Here, we provide evidence for a pathway by which lipoxins are generated in
      macrophages as a consequence of sequential activation of toll-like receptor 4
      (TLR4), a receptor for endotoxin, and P2X7, a purinergic receptor for
      extracellular ATP. Initial activation of TLR4 results in accumulation of the
      cyclooxygenase-2-derived lipoxin precursor 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15
      HETE) in esterified form within membrane phospholipids, which can be enhanced by
      aspirin (ASA) treatment. Subsequent activation of P2X7 results in efficient
      hydrolysis of 15-HETE from membrane phospholipids by group IVA cytosolic
      phospholipase A2, and its conversion to bioactive lipoxins by 5-lipoxygenase. Our
      results demonstrate how a single immune cell can store a proresolving lipid
      precursor and then release it for bioactive maturation and secretion,
      conceptually similar to the production and inflammasome-dependent maturation of
      the proinflammatory IL-1 family cytokines. These findings provide evidence for
      receptor-specific and combinatorial control of pro- and anti-inflammatory
      eicosanoid biosynthesis, and potential avenues to modulate inflammatory indices
      without inhibiting downstream eicosanoid pathways. 

PMID- 25139987
TI  - Efficient utilization of complex N-linked glycans is a selective advantage for
      Bacteroides fragilis in extraintestinal infections.
AB  - Bacteroides fragilis is the most common anaerobe isolated from clinical
      infections, and in this report we demonstrate a characteristic of the species
      that is critical to their success as an opportunistic pathogen. Among the
      Bacteroides spp. in the gut, B. fragilis has the unique ability of efficiently
      harvesting complex N-linked glycans from the glycoproteins common to serum and
      serous fluid. This activity is mediated by an outer membrane protein complex
      designated as Don. Using the abundant serum glycoprotein transferrin as a model,
      it has been shown that B. fragilis alone can rapidly and efficiently
      deglycosylate this protein in vitro and that transferrin glycans can provide the
      sole source of carbon and energy for growth in defined media. We then showed that
      transferrin deglycosylation occurs in vivo when B. fragilis is propagated in the
      rat tissue cage model of extraintestinal growth, and that this ability provides a
      competitive advantage in vivo over strains lacking the don locus. 

PMID- 25139988
TI  - Assembly and dynamics of the autophagy-initiating Atg1 complex.
AB  - The autophagy-related 1 (Atg1) complex of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a central
      role in the initiation of autophagy following starvation and TORC1 inactivation.
      The complex consists of the protein kinase Atg1, the TORC1 substrate Atg13, and
      the trimeric Atg17-Atg31-Atg29 scaffolding subcomplex. Autophagy is triggered
      when Atg1 and Atg13 assemble with the trimeric scaffold. Here we show by hydrogen
      deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry that the mutually interacting
      Atg1 early autophagy targeting/tethering domain and the Atg13 central domain are
      highly dynamic in isolation but together form a stable complex with ~ 100-nM
      affinity. The Atg1-Atg13 complex in turn binds as a unit to the Atg17-Atg31-Atg29
      scaffold with ~ 10-MUM affinity via Atg13. The resulting complex consists
      primarily of a dimer of pentamers in solution. These results lead to a model for
      autophagy initiation in which Atg1 and Atg13 are tightly associated with one
      another and assemble transiently into the pentameric Atg1 complex during
      starvation.

PMID- 25139989
TI  - Bioinformatic analysis reveals a pattern of STAT3-associated gene expression
      specific to basal-like breast cancers in human tumors.
AB  - Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a latent
      transcription factor associated with inflammatory signaling and innate and
      adaptive immune responses, is known to be aberrantly activated in a wide variety
      of cancers. In vitro analysis of STAT3 in human cancer cell lines has elucidated
      a number of specific targets associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer.
      However, to date, no comparison of cancer subtype and gene expression associated
      with STAT3 signaling in human patients has been reported. In silico analysis of
      human breast cancer microarray and reverse-phase protein array data was performed
      to identify expression patterns associated with STAT3 in basal-like and luminal
      breast cancers. Results indicate clearly identifiable STAT3-regulated signatures
      common to basal-like breast cancers but not to luminal A or luminal B cancers.
      Furthermore, these differentially expressed genes are associated with immune
      signaling and inflammation, a known phenotype of basal-like cancers. These
      findings demonstrate a distinct role for STAT3 signaling in basal breast cancers,
      and underscore the importance of considering subtype-specific molecular pathways
      that contribute to tissue-specific cancers. 

PMID- 25139990
TI  - Immunolocalization of skeletal matrix proteins in tissue and mineral of the coral
      Stylophora pistillata.
AB  - The precipitation and assembly of calcium carbonate skeletons by stony corals is
      a precisely controlled process regulated by the secretion of an ECM. Recently, it
      has been reported that the proteome of the skeletal organic matrix (SOM) contains
      a group of coral acid-rich proteins as well as an assemblage of adhesion and
      structural proteins, which together, create a framework for the precipitation of
      aragonite. To date, we are aware of no report that has investigated the
      localization of individual SOM proteins in the skeleton. In particular, no data
      are available on the ultrastructural mapping of these proteins in the
      calcification site or the skeleton. This information is crucial to assessing the
      role of these proteins in biomineralization. Immunological techniques represent a
      valuable approach to localize a single component within a calcified skeleton. By
      using immunogold labeling and immunohistochemical assays, here we show the
      spatial arrangement of key matrix proteins in tissue and skeleton of the common
      zooxanthellate coral, Stylophora pistillata. To our knowledge, our results reveal
      for the first time that, at the nanoscale, skeletal proteins are embedded within
      the aragonite crystals in a highly ordered arrangement consistent with a diel
      calcification pattern. In the tissue, these proteins are not restricted to the
      calcifying epithelium, suggesting that they also play other roles in the coral's
      metabolic pathways. 

PMID- 25139991
TI  - Endothelial cell FGF signaling is required for injury response but not for
      vascular homeostasis.
AB  - Endothelial cells (ECs) express fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and
      are exquisitely sensitive to FGF signals. However, whether the EC or another
      vascular cell type requires FGF signaling during development, homeostasis, and
      response to injury is not known. Here, we show that Flk1-Cre or Tie2-Cre mediated
      deletion of FGFR1 and FGFR2 (Fgfr1/2(Flk1-Cre) or Fgfr1/2(Tie2-Cre) mice), which
      results in deletion in endothelial and hematopoietic cells, is compatible with
      normal embryonic development. As adults, Fgfr1/2(Flk1-Cre) mice maintain normal
      blood pressure and vascular reactivity and integrity under homeostatic
      conditions. However, neovascularization after skin or eye injury was
      significantly impaired in both Fgfr1/2(Flk1-Cre) and Fgfr1/2(Tie2-Cre) mice,
      independent of either hematopoietic cell loss of FGFR1/2 or vascular endothelial
      growth factor receptor 2 (Vegfr2) haploinsufficiency. Also, impaired
      neovascularization was associated with delayed cutaneous wound healing. These
      findings reveal a key requirement for cell-autonomous EC FGFR signaling in injury
      induced angiogenesis, but not for vascular homeostasis, identifying the EC FGFR
      signaling pathway as a target for diseases associated with aberrant vascular
      proliferation, such as age-related macular degeneration, and for modulating wound
      healing without the potential toxicity associated with direct manipulation of
      systemic FGF or VEGF activity. 

PMID- 25139992
TI  - Interlamellar CA1 network in the hippocampus.
AB  - To understand the cellular basis of learning and memory, the neurophysiology of
      the hippocampus has been largely examined in thin transverse slice preparations.
      However, the synaptic architecture along the longitudinal septo-temporal axis
      perpendicular to the transverse projections in CA1 is largely unknown, despite
      its potential significance for understanding the information processing carried
      out by the hippocampus. Here, using a battery of powerful techniques, including
      3D digital holography and focal glutamate uncaging, voltage-sensitive dye, two
      photon imaging, electrophysiology, and immunohistochemistry, we show that CA1
      pyramidal neurons are connected to one another in an associational and well
      organized fashion along the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus. Such CA1
      longitudinal connections mediate reliable signal transfer among the pyramidal
      cells and express significant synaptic plasticity. These results illustrate a
      need to reconceptualize hippocampal CA1 network function to include not only
      processing in the transverse plane, but also operations made possible by the
      longitudinal network. Our data will thus provide an essential basis for future
      computational modeling studies on information processing operations carried out
      in the full 3D hippocampal network that underlies its complex cognitive
      functions. 

PMID- 25139993
TI  - Targeted gene knockout in chickens mediated by TALENs.
AB  - Genetically modified animals are used for industrial applications as well as
      scientific research, and studies on these animals contribute to a better
      understanding of biological mechanisms. Gene targeting techniques have been
      developed to edit specific gene loci in the genome, but the conventional strategy
      of homologous recombination with a gene-targeted vector has low efficiency and
      many technical complications. Here, we generated specific gene knockout chickens
      through the use of transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)
      mediated gene targeting. In this study, we accomplished targeted knockout of the
      ovalbumin (OV) gene in the chicken primordial germ cells, and OV gene mutant
      offspring were generated through test-cross analysis. TALENs successfully induced
      nucleotide deletion mutations of ORF shifts, resulting in loss of chicken OV gene
      function. Our results demonstrate that the TALEN technique used in the chicken
      primordial germ cell line is a powerful strategy to create specific genome-edited
      chickens safely for practical applications. 

PMID- 25139994
TI  - Roles of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI) and PDE5 in the regulation of Ang
      II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.
AB  - Conflicting results have been reported for the roles of cGMP and cGMP-dependent
      protein kinase I (cGKI) in various pathological conditions leading to cardiac
      hypertrophy and fibrosis. A cardioprotective effect of cGMP/cGKI has been
      reported in whole animals and isolated cardiomyocytes, but recent evidence from a
      mouse model expressing cGKIbeta only in smooth muscle (betaRM) but not in
      cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, or fibroblasts has forced a reevaluation of
      the requirement for cGKI activity in the cardiomyocyte antihypertrophic effects
      of cGMP. In particular, betaRM mice developed the same hypertrophy as WT controls
      when subjected to thoracic aortic constriction or isoproterenol infusion. Here,
      we challenged betaRM and WT (Ctr) littermate control mice with angiotensin II
      (AII) infusion (7 d; 2 mg ? kg(-1) ? d(-1)) to induce hypertrophy. Both genotypes
      developed cardiac hypertrophy, which was more pronounced in Ctr animals.
      Cardiomyocyte size and interstitial fibrosis were increased equally in both
      genotypes. Addition of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, in the
      drinking water had a small effect in reducing myocyte hypertrophy in WT mice and
      no effect in betaRM mice. However, sildenafil substantially blocked the increase
      in collagen I, fibronectin 1, TGFbeta, and CTGF mRNA in Ctr but not in betaRM
      hearts. These data indicate that, for the initial phase of AII-induced cardiac
      hypertrophy, lack of cardiomyocyte cGKI activity does not worsen hypertrophic
      growth. However, expression of cGKI in one or more cell types other than smooth
      muscle is necessary to allow the antifibrotic effect of sildenafil.

PMID- 25139995
TI  - Reconstruction and minimal gene requirements for the alternative iron-only
      nitrogenase in Escherichia coli.
AB  - All diazotrophic organisms sequenced to date encode a molybdenum-dependent
      nitrogenase, but some also have alternative nitrogenases that are dependent on
      either vanadium (VFe) or iron only (FeFe) for activity. In Azotobacter
      vinelandii, expression of the three different types of nitrogenase is regulated
      in response to metal availability. The majority of genes required for nitrogen
      fixation in this organism are encoded in the nitrogen fixation (nif) gene
      clusters, whereas genes specific for vanadium- or iron-dependent diazotophy are
      encoded by the vanadium nitrogen fixation (vnf) and alternative nitrogen fixation
      (anf) genes, respectively. Due to the complexities of metal-dependent regulation
      and gene redundancy in A. vinelandii, it has been difficult to determine the
      precise genetic requirements for alternative nitrogen fixation. In this study, we
      have used Escherichia coli as a chassis to build an artificial iron-only (Anf)
      nitrogenase system composed of defined anf and nif genes. Using this system, we
      demonstrate that the pathway for biosynthesis of the iron-only cofactor (FeFe-co)
      is likely to be simpler than the pathway for biosynthesis of the molybdenum
      dependent cofactor (FeMo-co) equivalent. A number of genes considered to be
      essential for nitrogen fixation by FeFe nitrogenase, including nifM, vnfEN, and
      anfOR, are not required for the artificial Anf system in E. coli. This finding
      has enabled us to engineer a minimal FeFe nitrogenase system comprising the
      structural anfHDGK genes and the nifBUSV genes required for metallocluster
      biosynthesis, with nifF and nifJ providing electron transport to the alternative
      nitrogenase. This minimal Anf system has potential implications for engineering
      diazotrophy in eukaryotes, particularly in compartments (e.g., organelles) where
      molybdenum may be limiting. 

PMID- 25139996
TI  - Nedd9 restrains renal cystogenesis in Pkd1-/- mice.
AB  - Mutations inactivating the cilia-localized Pkd1 protein result in autosomal
      dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a serious inherited syndrome
      affecting ~ 1 in 500 people, in which accumulation of renal cysts eventually
      destroys kidney function. Severity of ADPKD varies throughout the population, for
      reasons thought to involve differences both in intragenic Pkd1 mutations and in
      modifier alleles. The scaffolding protein NEDD9, commonly dysregulated during
      cancer progression, interacts with Aurora-A (AURKA) kinase to control ciliary
      resorption, and with Src and other partners to influence proliferative signaling
      pathways often activated in ADPKD. We here demonstrate Nedd9 expression is
      deregulated in human ADPKD and a mouse ADPKD model. Although genetic ablation of
      Nedd9 does not independently influence cystogenesis, constitutive absence of
      Nedd9 strongly promotes cyst formation in the tamoxifen-inducible
      Pkd1fl/fl;Cre/Esr1(+) mouse model of ADPKD. This cystogenic effect is associated
      with striking morphological defects in the cilia of Pkd1(-/-);Nedd9(-/-) mice,
      associated with specific loss of ciliary localization of adenylase cyclase III in
      the doubly mutant genotype. Ciliary phenotypes imply a failure of Aurora-A
      activation: Compatible with this idea, Pkd1(-/-);Nedd9(-/-) mice had ciliary
      resorption defects, and treatment of Pkd1(-/-) mice with a clinical Aurora-A
      kinase inhibitor exacerbated cystogenesis. In addition, activation of the ADPKD
      associated signaling effectors Src, Erk, and the mTOR effector S6 was enhanced,
      and Ca(2+) response to external stimuli was reduced, in Pkd1(-/-);Nedd9(-/-)
      versus Pkd1(-/-) mice. Together, these results indicated an important modifier
      action of Nedd9 on ADPKD pathogenesis involving failure to activate Aurora-A.

PMID- 25139997
TI  - Refilling drug delivery depots through the blood.
AB  - Local drug delivery depots have significant clinical utility, but there is
      currently no noninvasive technique to refill these systems once their payload is
      exhausted. Inspired by the ability of nanotherapeutics to target specific
      tissues, we hypothesized that blood-borne drug payloads could be modified to home
      to and refill hydrogel drug delivery systems. To address this possibility,
      hydrogels were modified with oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) that provide a target
      for drug payloads in the form of free alginate strands carrying complementary
      ODNs. Coupling ODNs to alginate strands led to specific binding to complementary
      ODN-carrying alginate gels in vitro and to injected gels in vivo. When coupled to
      a drug payload, sequence-targeted refilling of a delivery depot consisting of
      intratumor hydrogels completely abrogated tumor growth. These results suggest a
      new paradigm for nanotherapeutic drug delivery, and this concept is expected to
      have applications in refilling drug depots in cancer therapy, wound healing, and
      drug-eluting vascular grafts and stents. 

PMID- 25139999
TI  - Axl kinase as a key target for oncology: focus on small molecule inhibitors.
AB  - Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are transmembrane receptors that regulate signal
      transduction in cells. As a member of the TAM (Tyro-3, Axl, Mer) RTK subfamily,
      Axl regulates key processes such as cell growth, migration, aggregation, and
      apoptosis through several pathways. Its overexpression/overactivation has been
      underlined in several conditions, especially cancers, and in both chemotherapy
      and targeted therapy sensitivity loss. In this review, we propose to highlight
      the therapeutic implication of Axl, starting with the pathways it regulates,
      validating its interest as a therapeutic target, and defining the tools available
      to develop strategies for its inhibition. We especially focus on small molecule
      inhibitors, their structure, inhibition profile, and development stages.

PMID- 25139998
TI  - Annexin 2-CXCL12 interactions regulate metastatic cell targeting and growth in
      the bone marrow.
AB  - Annexin 2 (ANXA2) plays a critical role in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)
      localization to the marrow niche. In part, ANXA2 supports HSCs by serving as an
      anchor for stromal-derived factor-1 (CXCL12/SDF-1). Recently, it was demonstrated
      that prostate cancer cells, like HSCs, use ANXA2 to establish metastases in
      marrow. The present study determined the capacity of ANXA2 expression by bone
      marrow stromal cells (BMSC) to facilitate tumor recruitment and growth through
      ANXA2-CXCL12 interactions. Significantly more CXCL12 was expressed by BMSC(Anxa2)
      (+/+) than by BMSC(Anxa2) (-/-) resulting in more prostate cancer cells migrating
      and binding to BMSC(Anxa2) (+/+) than BMSC(Anxa2) (-/-), and these activities
      were reduced when CXCL12 interactions were blocked. To further confirm that BMSC
      signaling through ANXA2-CXCL12 plays a critical role in tumor growth,
      immunocompromised SCID mice were subcutaneously implanted with human prostate
      cancer cells mixed with BMSC(Anxa2) (+/+) or BMSC(Anxa2) (-/-). Significantly
      larger tumors grew in the mice when the tumors were established with BMSC(Anxa2)
      (+/+) compared with the tumors established with BMSC(Anxa2) (-/-). In addition,
      fewer prostate cancer cells underwent apoptosis when cocultured with BMSC(Anxa2)
      (+/+) compared with BMSC(Anxa2) (-/-), and similar results were obtained in
      tumors grown in vivo. Finally, significantly more vascular structures were
      observed in the tumors established with the BMSC(Anxa2) (+/+) compared with the
      tumors established with BMSC(Anxa2) (-/-). Thus, ANXA2-CXCL12 interactions play a
      crucial role in the recruitment, growth, and survival of prostate cancer cells in
      the marrow. IMPLICATIONS: The tumor microenvironment interaction between ANXA2
      CXCL12 is critical for metastatic phenotypes and may impact chemotherapeutic
      potential.

PMID- 25140000
TI  - Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 predicts response to first-line
      chemotherapy and bevacizumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - The number of approved antiangiogenic drugs is constantly growing and emphasizes
      the need for predictive biomarkers. The aim of this study was to analyze the
      predictive value of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (EGFL7) and microRNA
      126 (miR126) to first-line chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab, in patients
      with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). A total of 158 patients from two
      different, but comparable, cohorts were included. Analyses were performed on
      tumor tissue from the primary tumor either based on a whole-tumor resection or an
      endoscopic biopsy. EGFL7 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and miR126 by
      in situ hybridization (ISH). Both biomarkers were quantified by image-guided
      analyses. Endpoints were response rate (RR) and progression-free survival (PFS).
      The EGFL7 vessel area (VA) in tumor resections was closely related to treatment
      response with a median EGFL7 VA in responding patients of 4 [95% confidence
      interval (CI), 4-6] compared with 8.5 (95% CI, 7-11) in nonresponders, P =
      0.0008. This difference translated into a borderline significant difference in
      PFS (P = 0.06). Furthermore, a significant relationship between high EGFL7 VA and
      KRAS mutation was detected (P = 0.049). The results showed no significant
      relationship between the miR126 VA and the clinical endpoints. Our study suggests
      a predictive value of EGFL7 in regard to first-line chemotherapy and bevacizumab
      in patients with mCRC and supports the mechanism of a dual blocking of the
      vascular endothelial growth factor-A and EGFL7 axis in this setting.

PMID- 25140001
TI  - The effect of conditioned medium derived from human placental multipotent
      mesenchymal stromal cells on neutrophils: possible implications for placental
      infection.
AB  - The role of human placental multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (hPMSCs) in
      placental inflammation is unknown. We hypothesize that hPMSCs are involved in the
      early phases of placental infection. hPMSCs were isolated from term placentas and
      neutrophils from peripheral blood. The expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs)
      and cytokines by hPMSCs was determined by RT-PCR, flow cytometry and enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of conditioned medium of hPMSCs with or
      without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pretreatment on neutrophil functions: migration,
      apoptosis and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed by flow
      cytometry and western blot. hPMSCs expressed TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR6, TLR7 and
      TLR9. LPS stimulation increased the expression of TLR4 and the production of IL-6
      and IL-8 by hPMSCs. Neutrophils exhibited chemotaxis to hPMSC-conditioned medium,
      which was inhibited by IL-8 depletion. Neutrophil CD11b activation was promoted
      by hPMSC-conditioned medium, which was further enhanced in media from hPMSCs
      pretreated with LPS. hPMSC-conditioned medium reduced neutrophil ROS production.
      Neutrophil phagocytosis was increased by LPS alone but not by hPMSC-conditioned
      medium with or without LPS stimulation. hPMSC-conditioned medium induced STAT3
      activation in neutrophils, which was inhibited by neutralizing antibody to IL-6.
      hPMSC-conditioned medium rescued neutrophils from apoptosis, but this effect was
      significantly reduced in conditioned medium of hPMSCs with LPS pretreatment.
      Depletion of IL-6 from the conditioned medium further inhibited the anti
      apoptotic effect on neutrophils. Our results demonstrate that hPMSCs can interact
      with peripheral blood neutrophils in response to inflammatory signals of the
      placenta. Cytokines produced by hPMSCs can induce neutrophil chemotaxis and
      reduce neutrophil apoptosis. 

PMID- 25140002
TI  - Clemizole hydrochloride is a novel and potent inhibitor of transient receptor
      potential channel TRPC5.
AB  - Canonical transient receptor potential channel 5 (TRPC5) is a nonselective,
      Ca(2+)-permeable cation channel that belongs to the large family of transient
      receptor potential channels. It is predominantly found in the central nervous
      system with a high expression density in the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the
      frontal cortex. Several studies confirm that TRPC5 channels are implicated in the
      regulation of neurite length and growth cone morphology. We identified clemizole
      as a novel inhibitor of TRPC5 channels. Clemizole efficiently blocks TRPC5
      currents and Ca(2+) entry in the low micromolar range (IC50 = 1.0-1.3 uM), as
      determined by fluorometric intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i)
      measurements and patch-clamp recordings. Clemizole blocks TRPC5 currents
      irrespectively of the mode of activation, for example, stimulation of G protein
      coupled receptors, hypo-osmotic buffer conditions, or by the direct activator
      riluzole. Electrophysiological whole-cell recordings revealed that the block was
      mostly reversible. Moreover, clemizole was still effective in blocking TRPC5
      single channels in excised inside-out membrane patches, hinting to a direct block
      of TRPC5 by clemizole. Based on fluorometric [Ca(2+)]i measurements, clemizole
      exhibits a sixfold selectivity for TRPC5 over TRPC4beta (IC50 = 6.4 uM), the
      closest structural relative of TRPC5, and an almost 10-fold selectivity over
      TRPC3 (IC50 = 9.1 uM) and TRPC6 (IC50 = 11.3 uM). TRPM3 and M8 as well as TRPV1,
      V2, V3, and V4 channels were only weakly affected by markedly higher clemizole
      concentrations. Clemizole was not only effective in blocking heterologously
      expressed TRPC5 homomers but also TRPC1:TRPC5 heteromers as well as native TRPC5
      like currents in the U-87 glioblastoma cell line. 

PMID- 25140004
TI  - Novel oral anticoagulants: too good to be true?

PMID- 25140003
TI  - Robust hydrolysis of prostaglandin glycerol esters by human monoacylglycerol
      lipase (MAGL).
AB  - The primary route of inactivation of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol
      in the central nervous system is through enzymatic hydrolysis, mainly carried out
      by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), along with a small contribution by the
      alpha/beta-hydrolase domain (ABHD) proteins ABHD6 and ABHD12. Recent
      methodological progress allowing kinetic monitoring of glycerol liberation has
      facilitated substrate profiling of the human endocannabinoid hydrolases, and
      these studies have revealed that the three enzymes have distinct monoacylglycerol
      substrate and isomer preferences. Here, we have extended this substrate profiling
      to cover four prostaglandin glycerol esters, namely, 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)
      prostaglandin J2-2-glycerol (15d-PGJ2-G), PGD2-G, PGE2-G, and PGF2 alpha-G. We
      found that the three enzymes hydrolyzed the tested substrates, albeit with
      distinct rates and preferences. Although human ABHD12 (hABHD12) showed only
      marginal activity toward PGE2-G, hABHD6 preferentially hydrolyzed PGD2-G, and
      human MAGL (hMAGL) robustly hydrolyzed all four. This was particularly intriguing
      for MAGL activity toward 15d-PGJ2-G whose hydrolysis rate rivaled that of the
      best monoacylglycerol substrates. Molecular modeling studies combined with
      kinetic analysis supported favorable interaction with the hMAGL active site. Long
      and short MAGL isoforms shared a similar substrate profile, and hMAGL hydrolyzed
      15d-PGJ2-G also in living cells. The ability of 15d-PGJ2-G to activate the
      canonical nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling pathway used
      by 15d-PGJ2 was assessed, and these studies revealed for the first time that 15d
      PGJ2 and 15d-PGJ2-G similarly activated Nrf2 signaling as well as transcription
      of target genes of this pathway. Our study challenges previous claims regarding
      the ability of MAGL to catalyze PG-G hydrolysis and extend the MAGL substrate
      profile beyond the classic monoacylglycerols. 

PMID- 25140005
TI  - Patient-centered medical home: the future of healthcare delivery?

PMID- 25140006
TI  - Republished: creating a safe, reliable hospital at night handover: a case study
      in implementation science.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We developed protocols to handover patients from day to hospital at
      night (H@N) teams. SETTING: NHS paediatric specialist hospital. METHOD: We
      observed four handover protocols (baseline, Phases 1, 2 and 3) over 2 years. A
      mixed-method study (observation, interviews, task analysis, prospective risk
      assessment, document and case note review) explored the impact of different
      protocols on performance. INTERVENTION: In Phase 1, a handover protocol was
      introduced to resolve problems with the baseline H@N handover. Following this
      intervention, two further revisions to the handover occurred, driven by staff
      feedback (Phases 2 and 3). RESULTS: Variations in performance between handover
      protocols on three process measures, start time efficiency, total length of
      handover, and number of distractions and interruptions, were identified.
      Univariate regression analysis showed statistically significant differences
      between handover protocols on two surrogate outcome measures: number of flagging
      omissions and the number of out of hours deteriorations (p=0.04 for Phase 3 vs
      Phase 1 for both measures (CI 1.04 to 4.08; CI 1.03 to 4.33), and for Phase 3 vs
      Phase 2 (p=0.006 and p=0.001 (CI 1.22 to 5.15; CI 1.62 to 9.0)), respectively).
      The Phase 1 and 2 handover protocols were effective at identifying patients whose
      clinical condition warranted review overnight. Performance on both surrogate
      outcome measures, length of handover and distractions, deteriorated in Phase 3.
      CONCLUSIONS: A carefully designed prioritisation process within the H@N handover
      can be effective at flagging acutely unwell patients. However, the protocol we
      introduced was unsustainable. In a complex healthcare system, sustainable
      implementation of new processes may be threatened by conflicting goals.

PMID- 25140007
TI  - Republished: clinical implications of the third universal definition of
      myocardial infarction.

PMID- 25140008
TI  - Of human bondage.

PMID- 25140009
TI  - A competitive formation of DNA:RNA hybrid G-quadruplex is responsible to the
      mitochondrial transcription termination at the DNA replication priming site.
AB  - Human mitochondrial DNA contains a distinctive guanine-rich motif denoted
      conserved sequence block II (CSB II) that stops RNA transcription, producing
      prematurely terminated transcripts to prime mitochondrial DNA replication.
      Recently, we reported a general phenomenon that DNA:RNA hybrid G-quadruplexes
      (HQs) readily form during transcription when the non-template DNA strand is
      guanine-rich and such HQs in turn regulate transcription. In this work, we show
      that transcription of mitochondrial DNA leads to the formation of a stable HQ or
      alternatively an unstable intramolecular DNA G-quadruplex (DQ) at the CSB II. The
      HQ is the dominant species and contributes to the majority of the premature
      transcription termination. Manipulating the stability of the DQ has little effect
      on the termination even in the absence of HQ; however, abolishing the formation
      of HQs by preventing the participation of either DNA or RNA abolishes the vast
      majority of the termination. These results demonstrate that the type of G
      quadruplexes (HQ or DQ) is a crucial determinant in directing the transcription
      termination at the CSB II and suggest a potential functionality of the co
      transcriptionally formed HQ in DNA replication initiation. They also suggest that
      the competition/conversion between an HQ and a DQ may regulate the function of a
      G-quadruplex-forming sequence. 

PMID- 25140010
TI  - Invincible DNA tethers: covalent DNA anchoring for enhanced temporal and force
      stability in magnetic tweezers experiments.
AB  - Magnetic tweezers are a powerful single-molecule technique that allows real-time
      quantitative investigation of biomolecular processes under applied force. High
      pulling forces exceeding tens of picoNewtons may be required, e.g. to probe the
      force range of proteins that actively transcribe or package the genome.
      Frequently, however, the application of such forces decreases the sample
      lifetime, hindering data acquisition. To provide experimentally viable sample
      lifetimes in the face of high pulling forces, we have designed a novel anchoring
      strategy for DNA in magnetic tweezers. Our approach, which exploits covalent
      functionalization based on heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) crosslinkers,
      allows us to strongly tether DNA while simultaneously suppressing undesirable non
      specific adhesion. A complete force and lifetime characterization of these
      covalently anchored DNA-tethers demonstrates that, compared to more commonly
      employed anchoring strategies, they withstand 3-fold higher pulling forces (up to
      150 pN) and exhibit up to 200-fold higher lifetimes (exceeding 24 h at a constant
      force of 150 pN). This advance makes it possible to apply the full range of
      biologically relevant force scales to biomolecular processes, and its
      straightforward implementation should extend its reach to a multitude of
      applications in the field of single-molecule force spectroscopy. 

PMID- 25140011
TI  - Structure analysis of free and bound states of an RNA aptamer against ribosomal
      protein S8 from Bacillus anthracis.
AB  - Several protein-targeted RNA aptamers have been identified for a variety of
      applications and although the affinities of numerous protein-aptamer complexes
      have been determined, the structural details of these complexes have not been
      widely explored. We examined the structural accommodation of an RNA aptamer that
      binds bacterial r-protein S8. The core of the primary binding site for S8 on
      helix 21 of 16S rRNA contains a pair of conserved base triples that mold the
      sugar-phosphate backbone to S8. The aptamer, which does not contain the conserved
      sequence motif, is specific for the rRNA binding site of S8. The protein-free RNA
      aptamer adopts a helical structure with multiple non-canonical base pairs.
      Surprisingly, binding of S8 leads to a dramatic change in the RNA conformation
      that restores the signature S8 recognition fold through a novel combination of
      nucleobase interactions. Nucleotides within the non-canonical core rearrange to
      create a G-(G-C) triple and a U-(A-U)-U quartet. Although native-like S8-RNA
      interactions are present in the aptamer-S8 complex, the topology of the aptamer
      RNA differs from that of the helix 21-S8 complex. This is the first example of an
      RNA aptamer that adopts substantially different secondary structures in the free
      and protein-bound states and highlights the remarkable plasticity of RNA
      secondary structure. 

PMID- 25140012
TI  - The evolution of blood pressure and the rise of mankind.
AB  - Why is it that only human beings continuously perform acts of heroism? Looking
      back at our evolutionary history can offer us some potentially useful insight.
      This review highlights some of the major steps in our evolution-more
      specifically, the evolution of high blood pressure. When we were fish, the first
      kidney was developed to create a standardized internal 'milieu' preserving the
      primordial sea within us. When we conquered land as amphibians, the evolution of
      the lung required a low systemic blood pressure, which explains why early land
      vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles) are such low performers. Gaining independence
      from water required the evolution of an impermeable skin and a water-retaining
      kidney. The latter was accomplished twice with two different solutions in the two
      major branches of vertebrate evolution: mammals excrete nitrogenous waste
      products as urea, which can be utilized by the kidney as an osmotic agent to
      produce more concentrated urine. Dinosaurs and birds have a distinct nitrogen
      metabolism and excrete nitrogen as water-insoluble uric acid-therefore, their
      kidneys cannot use urea to concentrate as well. Instead, some birds have
      developed the capability to reabsorb water from their cloacae. The convergent
      development of a separate small circulation of the lung in mammals and birds
      allowed for the evolution of 'high blood-pressure animals' with better
      capillarization of the peripheral tissues allowing high endurance performance.
      Finally, we investigate why mankind outperforms any other mammal on earth and
      why, to this day, we continue to perform acts of heroism on our eternal quest for
      personal bliss. 

PMID- 25140013
TI  - Phosphate, urea and creatinine clearances: haemodialysis adequacy assessed by
      weekly monitoring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The specific distribution of phosphate and the control mechanisms for
      its plasma level makes phosphate kinetics during haemodialysis (HD) considerably
      different from those of urea and creatinine and makes the quantitative evaluation
      of adequacy of phosphate removal difficult. We propose the application of
      equivalent continuous clearance (ECC) as a phosphate adequacy parameter and
      compare it with ECC for creatinine and urea. METHODS: Three consecutive dialysis
      sessions were evaluated for 25 patients on maintenance HD. Concentrations of
      phosphate, urea and creatinine in plasma were measured every 1h during the
      treatment and 45 min after, and every 30 min in dialysate. ECC was calculated
      using the removed solute mass assessed in dialysate and weekly solute profile in
      plasma. Similar calculations were performed also for the midweek dialysis session
      only. Different versions of the reference concentration for ECC were applied.
      RESULTS: ECC with peak average reference concentration was 5.4 +/- 1.0 for
      phosphate, 7.0 +/- 1.0 for urea and 4.7 +/- 1.0 mL/min for creatinine. ECC for
      urea and creatinine were well correlated in contrast to the correlations of ECC
      for phosphate versus urea and creatinine. Midweek ECC were higher than weekly
      ECC, but they were well correlated for urea and creatinine, but only weakly for
      phosphate. CONCLUSIONS: HD adequacy monitoring for phosphate may be performed
      using ECC, but it is less predictable than similar indices for urea and
      creatinine. The values of ECC for phosphate are within the range expected for its
      molecular size compared with those for urea and creatinine.

PMID- 25140015
TI  - High-dose isoproterenol testing for diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular
      dysplasia/cardiomyopathy: is there a role?

PMID- 25140014
TI  - Neprilysin inhibition in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Despite current practice, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at
      increased risk of progression to end-stage renal disease and cardiovascular
      events. Neprilysin inhibition (NEPi) is a new therapeutic strategy with potential
      to improve outcomes for patients with CKD. NEPi enhances the activity of
      natriuretic peptide systems leading to natriuresis, diuresis and inhibition of
      the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which could act as a potentially beneficial
      counter-regulatory system in states of RAS activation such as chronic heart
      failure (HF) and CKD. Early NEPi drugs were combined with angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitors but were associated with unacceptable rates of angioedema and,
      therefore, withdrawn. However, one such agent (omapatrilat) showed promise of
      NEP/RAS inhibition in treating CKD in animal models, producing greater reductions
      in proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis compared with
      isolated RAS inhibition. A new class of drug called angiotensin receptor
      neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) has been developed. One such drug, LCZ696, has shown
      substantial benefits in trials in hypertension and HF. In CKD, HF is common due
      to a range of mechanisms including hypertension and structural heart disease
      (including left ventricular hypertrophy), suggesting that ARNi could benefit
      patients with CKD by both retarding the progression of CKD (hence delaying the
      need for renal replacement therapy) and reducing the risk of cardiovascular
      disease. LCZ696 is now being studied in a CKD population. 

PMID- 25140016
TI  - The ideal end point for ablation in postinfarction ventricular tachycardia: one
      may not fit all.

PMID- 25140017
TI  - Unravelling the paradoxical effects of ganglia ablation.

PMID- 25140019
TI  - Ablation versus drugs: what is the best first-line therapy for paroxysmal atrial
      fibrillation? Antiarrhythmic drugs are outmoded and catheter ablation should be
      the first-line option for all patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: pro.

PMID- 25140018
TI  - Electroporation: past and future of catheter ablation.

PMID- 25140020
TI  - Ablation versus drugs: what is the best first-line therapy for paroxysmal atrial
      fibrillation? Antiarrhythmic drugs are outmoded and catheter ablation should be
      the first-line option for all patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: con.

PMID- 25140021
TI  - Postablation scar-related atrial tachycardia: turning the spotlight on P-wave
      analysis and window settings.

PMID- 25140022
TI  - Electrocardiogram mapping-reentry: final frontier?

PMID- 25140023
TI  - Bradycardia-dependent conduction block into pulmonary vein after isolation.

PMID- 25140024
TI  - Anatomic analysis of the left atrial appendage after closure with the LARIAT
      device.

PMID- 25140025
TI  - Inappropriate shocks due to subcutaneous air in a patient with a subcutaneous
      cardiac defibrillator.

PMID- 25140026
TI  - Is medical research in danger of suffering the same fate as the NHS?

PMID- 25140027
TI  - Scleral granuloma revealing intraocular foreign body.

PMID- 25140028
TI  - An unusual cause of gastrointestinal bleeding-migration of a hip prosthesis.

PMID- 25140029
TI  - Bodybuilding, exogenous testosterone use and myocardial infarction.

PMID- 25140030
TI  - End-stage renal disease and survival in people with diabetes: a national database
      linkage study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide is projected to lead to
      an increase in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring renal
      replacement therapy (RRT). AIM: To provide contemporary estimates of the
      prevalence of ESRD and requirement for RRT among people with diabetes in a
      nationwide study and to report associated survival. METHODS: Data were extracted
      and linked from three national databases: Scottish Renal Registry, Scottish Care
      Initiative-Diabetes Collaboration and National Records of Scotland death data.
      Survival analyses were modelled with Cox regression. RESULTS: Point prevalence of
      chronic kidney disease (CKD)5 in 2008 was 1.63% of 19 414 people with type 1
      diabetes (T1DM) compared with 0.58% of 167 871 people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM)
      (odds ratio for DM type 0.97, P = 0.77, on adjustment for duration. Although 83%
      of those with T1DM and CKD5 and 61% of those with T2DM and CKD5 were receiving
      RRT, there was no difference when adjusted for age, sex and DM duration (odds
      ratio for DM type 0.83, P = 0.432). Diabetic nephropathy was the primary renal
      diagnosis in 91% of people with T1DM and 58% of people with T2DM on RRT. Median
      survival time from initiation of RRT was 3.84 years (95% CI 2.77, 4.62) in T1DM
      and 2.16 years (95% CI: 1.92, 2.38) in T2DM. CONCLUSION: Considerable numbers of
      patients with diabetes continue to progress to CKD5 and RRT. Almost half of all
      RRT cases in T2DM are considered to be due to conditions other than diabetic
      nephropathy. Median survival time for people with diabetes from initiation of RRT
      remains poor. These prevalence data are important for future resource planning.

PMID- 25140031
TI  - Improved outcomes of high-risk emergency medical admissions cared for by
      experienced physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physician experience has been shown to improve clinical outcomes.
      Limited numbers of experienced clinicians make it unfeasible that they would care
      for all patients. We hypothesized that physician experience would impact outcomes
      for patients with high, but not low, risk of mortality. METHODS: All emergency
      admissions from 2002 to 2013 were studied. Two groups at low and high risk for
      mortality (1.3% (95% CI: 1.13, 1.62) vs. 19.4% (95% CI: 18.5, 20.3)) were defined
      by a risk prediction method comprising acute Illness Severity Score, Charlson
      Comorbidity Index and sepsis status. Length of stay (LOS) and 30-day in-hospital
      mortality were the primary end points. Consultant experience was studied
      univariately and also entered into a multiple logistic regression model to
      predict 30-day in-hospital survival. A zero-truncated Poisson regression model
      assessed LOS and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated. RESULTS: Over the
      12-year study period 66 933 admissions were recorded in 36 271 patients. High
      risk patients cared for by more experienced (>=20 years qualified) physicians had
      a lower 30-day in-hospital mortality (19.4 vs. 17.1% P < 0.001), relative risk
      reduction 11.9%. The multivariable odds ratio of a 30-day in-hospital death for
      an experienced physician was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.82, 0.97; P = 0.009). LOS was
      shorter for high-risk patients allocated to experienced physicians with a
      multivariable IRR of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.94, 0.99; P = 0.02). No difference in
      outcomes was found for low-risk patients. CONCLUSION: High-risk but not low-risk
      patients have improved outcomes when cared for by physicians with greater
      experience.

PMID- 25140032
TI  - Effects of an educational intervention of physical activity for children and
      adolescents with cystic fibrosis: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regular aerobic exercise in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF)
      improves aerobic conditioning and delays disease progression, resulting in better
      quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an
      aerobic exercise program based on verbal and written guidelines on maximum
      exercise capacity using a cardiopulmonary exercise test, quality of life, and the
      self-reported aerobic exercise practice of children and adolescents with CF.
      METHODS: This randomized controlled trial followed guidelines for physical
      exercise in a CF center. Subjects were assigned to 2 groups: intervention (group
      1), with 17 subjects; and control (group 2), also with 17 subjects. Data were
      collected from October 2010 to October 2011, and the study population comprised 7
      20-y-old children and adolescents with CF. The intervention consisted of handing
      out a manual with guidelines for aerobic physical exercises and reinforcing
      recommendations in telephone calls every 2 weeks. RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects
      were included in the study, 20 of whom were boys (58.5%). The groups were similar
      at baseline. In group 1, 6 subjects (35.2%) reported practicing physical
      exercises regularly. The mean age was 13.4 +/- 2.8 y, the mean percent-of
      predicted FEV1 was 95.5 +/- 17.9%, and the mean peak oxygen uptake (VO2 )
      relative to body mass was 34.9 +/- 9.0 mL/kg/min. In group 2, 4 subjects (23.5%)
      reported practicing physical exercises regularly. The mean age was 12.7 +/- 3.3
      y, the mean percent-of-predicted FEV1 was 100.1 +/- 21.2%, and the mean peak VO2
      was 33.2 +/- 8.2 mL/kg/min. In group 1, there was a significant increase in
      physical exercise practice as reported by subjects after 3 months of intervention
      compared with group 2 (P = .01). No statistically significant differences were
      found for the other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Verbal and written guidelines for
      aerobic exercise, together with supervision over the telephone, had a positive
      impact on the self-reported regular physical exercise practice of children and
      adolescents. However, no improvement was found in lung function and maximum
      exercise capacity or domains of the quality of life questionnaire.

PMID- 25140033
TI  - Open-mouthpiece ventilation versus nasal mask ventilation in subjects with COPD
      exacerbation and mild to moderate acidosis: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Open mouthpiece ventilation is efficacious in patients with
      neuromuscular disease. We used this ventilation technique in patients with
      exacerbations of COPD with mild to moderate acidosis. METHODS: The study was
      performed in 2 respiratory monitoring care units. Fifty subjects with
      exacerbations of COPD, breathing frequency > 25, PaCO2 > 45, and pH between 7.25
      and 7.30, as well as Kelly scale <= 2 were enrolled. Subjects were randomly
      assigned to receive noninvasive ventilation (NIV) via nasal mask or mouthpiece
      ventilation. The primary outcome was improvement in arterial blood gases.
      Arterial blood gases and breathing frequency were recorded 2 h after the start of
      the enrollment and then after 12, 24, and 48 h. The duration of NIV, hospital
      stay, and acceptability of the interface (mouthpiece or nasal mask) using a
      Likert scale were assessed. RESULTS: No subjects had deterioration of gas
      exchange. The 2 groups had similar trends in arterial blood gases and breathing
      frequency. No differences in duration of NIV or hospital stay were noted.
      However, a significant difference in acceptability was found: subjects preferred
      mouthpiece ventilation (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Open mouthpiece ventilation is a
      useful technique and may prevent further deterioration of gas exchange in COPD
      patients with mild to moderate acidosis (similar to traditional NIV delivered by
      a nasal mask). www.chictr.org registration ChiCTR-TRC-12002672.

PMID- 25140034
TI  - Voluntary is better than involuntary cough peak flow for predicting re-intubation
      after scheduled extubation in cooperative subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we compared the predictive accuracy of voluntary cough
      peak flow (V-CPF) and involuntary cough peak flow (IV-CPF) for re-intubation in
      mechanically ventilated subjects. METHODS: Endotracheally intubated patients who
      passed a spontaneous breathing trial and assessment of readiness for extubation
      were enrolled. Before extubation, V-CPF and IV-CPF were measured. Re-intubation
      was recorded at 72 h after extubation. RESULTS: A total of 115 extubations in 106
      cooperative subjects (including 9 subjects with second extubation) and 5
      extubations in 5 uncooperative subjects were recorded. At 72 h, 20 (17.4%) and 1
      (25%) instances of re-intubation occurred in cooperative and uncooperative
      subjects, respectively. In cooperative subjects, those who had been successfully
      extubated had higher V-CPF than re-intubated subjects (81.3 +/- 41.4 vs 51.3 +/-
      31.7, P = .003). However, rates were not significantly different with IV-CPF
      (70.9 +/- 39.8 vs 55.7 +/- 37.9, P = .121). Areas under the curve of the receiver
      operating characteristic in V-CPF and IV-CPF were 0.743 +/- 0.057 and 0.632 +/-
      0.069 (P < .001 and P = .058, respectively, compared with area under the curve =
      0.5). V-CPF had higher predictive accuracy for re-intubation than IV-CPF (P =
      .034). In subjects with a lower quartile and third quartile V-CPF (<= 43.2 L/min
      and 43.2-68.4 L/min, respectively), V-CPF was similar to IV-CPF. However, in
      second quartile and upper quartile V-CPF (68.4-99.0 L/min and > 99.0 L/min,
      respectively), V-CPF was higher than IV-CPF (82.1 +/- 9.6 vs 66.6 +/- 19.5 L/min,
      P < .001; 135.5 +/- 29.8 vs 116.2 +/- 38.2 L/min, P = .006, respectively).
      Overall, V-CPF was higher than IV-CPF (76.0 +/- 41.4 vs 68.2 +/- 39.7, P = .003).
      In uncooperative subjects, the IV-CPF was higher than V-CPF (40.2 +/- 10.2 vs
      79.2 +/- 29.0, P = .042). CONCLUSIONS: V-CPF is noninvasive. It is much more
      accurate than IV-CPF as a predictor of re-intubation in cooperative patients
      because the IV-CPF may underestimate cough strength in patients with high V-CPF.
      However, it is unclear which is optimal for use in uncooperative patients.

PMID- 25140035
TI  - Identification of 9 serum microRNAs as potential noninvasive biomarkers of human
      astrocytoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as promising biomarkers
      for human cancer. In the current study, we investigated the potential use of
      serum miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in a cohort of Chinese
      astrocytoma patients. METHODS: An initial screening of the circulating miRNA
      expression profile was performed on pooled serum samples from 10 preoperative
      patients and 10 healthy controls using a TaqMan low-density array. The selected
      serum miRNAs were then validated in 90 preoperative patients and 110 healthy
      controls who were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set. An
      additional double-blind test was performed in 50 astrocytomas and 50 controls to
      assess the serum miRNA-based biomarker accuracy in predicting astrocytoma. The
      differentially expressed miRNAs were evaluated in paired preoperative and
      postoperative serum samples from 73 astrocytoma patients. The correlation of the
      miRNA levels with survival in astrocytoma samples was estimated. RESULTS: Nine
      serum miRNAs were significantly increased in the astrocytoma patients. The
      biomarker composed of these 9 miRNAs had high sensitivity, specificity, and
      accuracy. These 9 miRNAs were markedly decreased in the serum after operation.
      The upregulation of miR-20a-5p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-181b-5p was associated with
      advanced clinical stages of astrocytoma. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed
      that the high expression of miR-19a-3p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-181b-5p was
      significantly associated with poor patient survival. Finally, the combined 3
      miRNAs panel was an important prognostic predictor, independent of other
      clinicopathological factors. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated the potential of
      serum miRNAs as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for human astrocytoma.

PMID- 25140036
TI  - TERT promoter mutations: a novel independent prognostic factor in primary
      glioblastomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Activating somatic mutations in the promoter region of the telomerase
      reverse transcriptase gene (TERT) have been detected in several cancers. In this
      study we investigated the TERT promoter mutations and their impact on patient
      survival in World Health Organization grade IV glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
      METHODS: The TERT core promoter region containing the previously described
      mutations and a common functional polymorphism (rs2853669) was sequenced in
      tumors and blood samples from 192 GBM patients. O(6)-methylguanine-DNA
      methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status was assessed by
      pyrosequencing in 177 (92.2%) cases. Relevant clinical data were obtained from a
      prospectively maintained electronic database. RESULTS: We detected specific (-124
      C>T and -146 C>T) TERT promoter mutations in 143/178 (80.3%) primary GBM and 4/14
      (28.6%) secondary GBM (P < .001). The presence of TERT mutations was associated
      with poor overall survival, and the effect was confined to the patients who did
      not carry the variant G-allele for the rs2853669 polymorphism. An exploratory
      analysis suggested that TERT mutations might be prognostic only in patients who
      had incomplete resections and no temozolomide chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      study, specific TERT promoter mutations were markers of primary GBM and predicted
      patient survival in conjunction with a common functional polymorphism. The
      prognostic impact of TERT mutations was absent in patients with complete
      resections and temozolomide chemotherapy. If confirmed in additional studies,
      these findings may have clinical implications, that is, TERT mutations appear to
      characterize tumors that require aggressive treatment.

PMID- 25140037
TI  - Efficacy of cabazitaxel in mouse models of pediatric brain tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an unmet need in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors for
      chemotherapy that is efficacious, avoids damage to the developing brain, and
      crosses the blood-brain barrier. These experiments evaluated the efficacy of
      cabazitaxel in mouse models of pediatric brain tumors. METHODS: The antitumor
      activity of cabazitaxel and docetaxel were compared in flank and orthotopic
      xenograft models of patient-derived atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT),
      medulloblastoma, and central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumor (CNS
      PNET). Efficacy of cabazitaxel and docetaxel were also assessed in the Smo/Smo
      spontaneous mouse medulloblastoma tumor model. RESULTS: This study observed
      significant tumor growth inhibition in pediatric patient-derived flank xenograft
      tumor models of ATRT, medulloblastoma, and CNS-PNET after treatment with either
      cabazitaxel or docetaxel. Cabazitaxel, but not docetaxel, treatment resulted in
      sustained tumor growth inhibition in the ATRT and medulloblastoma flank xenograft
      models. Patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models of ATRT, medulloblastoma, and
      CNS-PNET showed significantly improved survival with treatment of cabazitaxel.
      CONCLUSION: These data support further testing of cabazitaxel as a therapy for
      treating human pediatric brain tumors.

PMID- 25140040
TI  - Time to diagnosis of axial spondylarthritis in clinical practice: signs of
      improving awareness?

PMID- 25140038
TI  - Periostin is a novel therapeutic target that predicts and regulates glioma
      malignancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periostin is a secreted matricellular protein critical for epithelial
      mesenchymal transition and carcinoma metastasis. In glioblastoma, it is highly
      upregulated compared with normal brain, and existing reports indicate potential
      prognostic and functional importance in glioma. However, the clinical
      implications of periostin expression and function related to its therapeutic
      potential have not been fully explored. METHODS: Periostin expression levels and
      patterns were examined in human glioma cells and tissues by quantitative real
      time PCR and immunohistochemistry and correlated with glioma grade, type,
      recurrence, and survival. Functional assays determined the impact of altering
      periostin expression and function on cell invasion, migration, adhesion, and
      glioma stem cell activity and tumorigenicity. The prognostic and functional
      relevance of periostin and its associated genes were analyzed using the TCGA and
      REMBRANDT databases and paired recurrent glioma samples. RESULTS: Periostin
      expression levels correlated directly with tumor grade and recurrence, and
      inversely with survival, in all grades of adult human glioma. Stromal deposition
      of periostin was detected only in grade IV gliomas. Secreted periostin promoted
      glioma cell invasion and adhesion, and periostin knockdown markedly impaired
      survival of xenografted glioma stem cells. Interactions with alphavbeta3 and
      alphavbeta5 integrins promoted adhesion and migration, and periostin abrogated
      cytotoxicity of the alphavbeta3/beta5 specific inhibitor cilengitide. Periostin
      associated gene signatures, predominated by matrix and secreted proteins,
      corresponded to patient prognosis and functional motifs related to increased
      malignancy. CONCLUSION: Periostin is a robust marker of glioma malignancy and
      potential tumor recurrence. Abrogation of glioma stem cell tumorigenicity after
      periostin inhibition provides support for exploring the therapeutic impact of
      targeting periostin.

PMID- 25140041
TI  - Prevention of new osteitis on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with early
      axial spondyloarthritis during 3 years of continuous treatment with etanercept:
      data of the ESTHER trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the degree of fluctuation of
      osteitis on MRI during long-term treatment with etanercept (ETN) in patients with
      early axial SpA (axSpA) with active inflammation (osteitis) on whole-body MRI in
      the spine and/or the SI joints at baseline. METHODS: We analysed MRI data from
      328 SI joint quadrants and 943 spine vertebral units (VUs) in terms of osteitis
      in the pooled data set of 41 patients who were treated with ETN for 3 consecutive
      years. Scoring was performed by two blinded radiologists at baseline, year 2 and
      year 3. RESULTS: Through years 2 and 3, osteitis on MRI resolved completely in 56
      of 144 (38.9%) SI joint quadrants and in 20 of 40 (50%) VUs affected at baseline,
      while persistent osteitis was found in 24 of 144 (16.7%) SI joint quadrants and
      in 8 of 40 (20.0%) spine VUs. The development of new osteitis in sites that were
      free of osteitis at baseline only occurred in 2 of 131 (1.5%) SI joint quadrants
      and in 3 of 862 (0.4%) spine VUs in both year 2 and year 3. CONCLUSION: There was
      a consistently small amount of osteitis on MRI in patients with early axSpA
      compared with baseline values, and only a very low rate of new-onset osteitis was
      found during 3 years of continuous treatment with ETN. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00844142.

PMID- 25140039
TI  - Phase I/randomized phase II study of afatinib, an irreversible ErbB family
      blocker, with or without protracted temozolomide in adults with recurrent
      glioblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This phase I/II trial evaluated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and
      pharmacokinetics of afatinib plus temozolomide as well as the efficacy and safety
      of afatinib as monotherapy (A) or with temozolomide (AT) vs temozolomide
      monotherapy (T) in patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). METHODS: Phase I
      followed a traditional 3 + 3 dose-escalation design to determine MTD. Treatment
      cohorts were: afatinib 20, 40, and 50 mg/day (plus temozolomide 75 mg/m(2)/day
      for 21 days per 28-day cycle). In phase II, participants were randomized
      (stratified by age and KPS) to receive A, T or AT; A was dosed at 40 mg/day and T
      at 75 mg/m(2) for 21 of 28 days. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival
      rate at 6 months (PFS-6). Participants were treated until intolerable adverse
      events (AEs) or disease progression. RESULTS: Recommended phase II dose was 40
      mg/day (A) + T based on safety data from phase I (n = 32). Most frequent AEs in
      phase II (n = 119) were diarrhea (71% [A], 82% [AT]) and rash (71% [A] and 69%
      [AT]). Afatinib and temozolomide pharmacokinetics were unaffected by
      coadministration. Independently assessed PFS-6 rate was 3% (A), 10% (AT), and 23%
      (T). Median PFS was longer in afatinib-treated participants with epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EFGR) vIII-positive tumors versus EGFRvIII-negative tumors. Best
      overall response included partial response in 1 (A), 2 (AT), and 4 (T)
      participants and stable disease in 14 (A), 14 (AT), and 21 (T) participants.
      CONCLUSIONS: Afatinib has a manageable safety profile but limited single-agent
      activity in unselected recurrent GBM patients.

PMID- 25140043
TI  - Use of a water pipe is not an alternative to other tobacco or substance use among
      adolescents: results from a national survey in Sweden.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Studies of social characteristics and substance use patterns among
      young users of water pipe are rare in Western countries, and no such study has
      been conducted in Sweden. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on a national
      survey conducted in 2011, including 4,710 primary school students (15 years of
      age) and 3,624 high school students (17 years of age). Prevalence of lifetime and
      current water pipe use was compared among subgroups defined by other substance
      use, that is, cigarettes, snus, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Logistic regression
      was employed to calculate odds ratios (OR) of water pipe use and corresponding
      95% confidence intervals (CI), conditionally on sociodemographic characteristics.
      RESULTS: Use of water pipe was associated with the use of other substances in
      both age groups. In particular, current use of water pipe at the age of 15 years
      was strongly associated with current cigarette smoking (OR = 6.46; CI = 5.13
      8.14); use of snus (OR = 5.62; CI = 3.94-7.96); binge drinking (OR = 7.39; CI =
      5.88-9.31); drunkenness (OR = 7.05; CI = 5.60-8.88); and recent use of illicit
      drugs (OR = 14.20; CI = 9.18-22.19). Annual alcohol consumption predicted water
      pipe use in a dose-response fashion. Cigarette smokers willing to quit used water
      pipe to a lower extent than smokers who did not intend to quit. Being an
      exclusive smoker of water pipe was associated with substance use when compared
      with a nonsmoker of tobacco, but not when compared with an exclusive smoker of
      cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: Water pipe use among adolescents in Sweden is not a
      recreational tobacco use alternative to cigarettes and should be regarded as a
      marker of multiple substance use.

PMID- 25140042
TI  - Elevated SRPK1 lessens apoptosis in breast cancer cells through RBM4-regulated
      splicing events.
AB  - Imbalanced splicing of premessenger RNA is typical of tumorous malignancies, and
      the regulatory mechanisms involved in several tumorigenesis-associated splicing
      events are identified. Elevated expression of serine-arginine protein kinase 1
      (SRPK1) may participate in the pathway responsible for the dysregulation of
      splicing events in malignant tumor cells. In this study, we observed a
      correlation between the cytoplasmic accumulation of RNA-binding motif protein 4
      (RBM4) and up-regulated SRPK1 in breast cancer cells. The production of the IR-B
      and MCL-1S transcripts was induced separately by the overexpression of RBM4 and
      SRPK1 gene silencing. Overexpressed RBM4 simultaneously bound to the CU-rich
      elements within the MCL-1 exon2 and the downstream intron, which subsequently
      facilitated the exclusion of the regulated exon. Breast cancer cells are deprived
      of apoptotic resistance through the RBM4-mediated up-regulation of the IR-B and
      MCL-1S transcripts. These findings suggest that the splicing events regulated by
      the SRPK1-RMB4 network may contribute to tumorigenesis through altered
      sensitivity to apoptotic signals in breast cancer cells. 

PMID- 25140044
TI  - Assessing the performance of two lung age equations on the Australian population:
      using data from the cross-sectional BOLD-Australia study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lung age, a simple concept for patients to grasp, is frequently
      used as an aid in smoking cessation programs. Lung age equations should be
      continuously updated and should be made relevant for target populations. We
      observed how new lung age equations developed for Australian populations
      performed when utilizing the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD)-Australia
      dataset compared to more commonly used equations. METHODS: Data from a cross
      sectional population study of noninstitutionalized Australians aged >=40 years
      with analysis restricted to Caucasians <75 years. Lung age calculated using
      equations developed by Newbury et al. and Morris and Temple was compared with
      chronological age by smoking status and within smoking status. RESULTS: There
      were 2,793 participants with a mean age of 57 (+/-10 SD) years. More than half
      (52%) ever smoked, and 10.4% were current smokers. Prevalence of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease stage I or higher was 13.4% (95% confidence
      interval = 12.2, 14.7). For both genders, newer Newbury equations estimated lung
      ages significantly higher than actual age across all smoking groups (p < .05).
      Morris and Temple equations resulted in lung age estimates significantly lower
      than chronological age for nonsmokers (p < .05) but no difference among current
      smokers. Both equations showed exposure to smoking had lung ages higher than
      never-smokers (p < .001). Lung age also increased with increased pack-years.
      CONCLUSIONS: This supports the use of updated equations suited to the population
      of interest. The Australian Newbury equations performed well in the BOLD
      Australia dataset, providing more meaningful lung age profile compared to
      chronological age among smokers. Using equations not developed or ideally suited
      for our population is likely to produce misleading results.

PMID- 25140045
TI  - Smoking restrictions in homes after implementation of a smoking ban in public
      places.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This Canadian study examines the prevalence of smoking restrictions
      in homes before and after the implementation of a public smoking ban, and their
      relation to tobacco use and cessation among a cohort of smokers. METHODS: Data
      were from a longitudinal cohort study of 1,058 smokers in the province of Quebec,
      Canada. Baseline data were collected through a population-based survey conducted
      1 month before the implementation of the smoking ban with a representative sample
      of smokers. Follow-up data were collected 18 months after the ban with a response
      rate of 68%. Logistic regressions, paired t tests and chi-square statistics were
      used to examine the factors associated with smoking restrictions in homes,
      cigarette consumption, and quit attempts. RESULTS: Many smokers imposed partial
      or full smoking restrictions in their homes but proportions of smoke-free homes
      did not change significantly between baseline and follow-up. The presence of
      young children and nonsmokers significantly predicted full smoking restriction in
      the home. Knowledge about risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke
      (SHS) and skepticism about the efficacy of methods to reduce exposure in the home
      also predicted maintenance of voluntary smoking restrictions in homes. The uptake
      of smoke-free homes was not associated with the quantity of cigarettes smoked or
      quit attempts. CONCLUSIONS: No significant change in home smoking bans was found
      18 months after implementation of a public smoking ban. There remains a need for
      efforts to better inform smokers about health risks from exposure to SHS in homes
      and the reality that strategies other than a total smoking ban inside the home
      are ineffective.

PMID- 25140046
TI  - Neural coding of assessing another person's knowledge based on nonverbal cues.
AB  - For successful communication, conversational partners need to estimate each
      other's current knowledge state. Nonverbal facial and bodily cues can reveal
      relevant information about how confident a speaker is about what they are saying.
      Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we aimed to identify brain regions
      that encode how confident a speaker is perceived to be. Participants viewed
      videos of people answering general knowledge questions and judged each
      respondent's confidence in their answer. Our results suggest a distinct role of
      two neural networks known to support social inferences, the so-called mentalizing
      and the mirroring network. While activation in both networks underlies the
      processing of nonverbal cues, only activity in the mentalizing network, most
      notably the medial prefrontal cortex and the bilateral temporoparietal junction,
      is modulated by how confident the respondent is judged to be. Our results support
      an integrative account of the mirroring and mentalizing network, in which the two
      systems support each other in aiding pragmatic processing. 

PMID- 25140047
TI  - Oxytocin tempers calculated greed but not impulsive defense in predator-prey
      contests.
AB  - Human cooperation and competition is modulated by oxytocin, a hypothalamic
      neuropeptide that functions as both hormone and neurotransmitter. Oxytocin's
      functions can be captured in two explanatory yet largely contradictory
      frameworks: the fear-dampening (FD) hypothesis that oxytocin has anxiolytic
      effects and reduces fear-motivated action; and the social approach/avoidance
      (SAA) hypothesis that oxytocin increases cooperative approach and facilitates
      protection against aversive stimuli and threat. We tested derivations from both
      frameworks in a novel predator-prey contest game. Healthy males given oxytocin or
      placebo invested as predator to win their prey's endowment, or as prey to protect
      their endowment against predation. Neural activity was registered using 3T-MRI.
      In prey, (fear-motivated) investments were fast and conditioned on the amygdala.
      Inconsistent with FD, oxytocin did not modulate neural and behavioral responding
      in prey. In predators, (greed-motivated) investments were slower, and conditioned
      on the superior frontal gyrus (SFG). Consistent with SAA, oxytocin reduced
      predator investment, time to decide and activation in SFG. Thus, whereas oxytocin
      does not incapacitate the impulsive ability to protect and defend oneself, it
      lowers the greedy and more calculated appetite for coming out ahead. 

PMID- 25140048
TI  - A meta-analysis of the anterior cingulate contribution to social pain.
AB  - Many functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have explored the neural
      correlates of social pain that results from social threat, exclusion, rejection,
      loss or negative evaluation. Although activations have consistently been reported
      within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), it remains unclear which ACC
      subdivision is particularly involved. To provide a quantitative estimation of the
      specific involvement of ACC subdivisions in social pain, we conducted a voxel
      based meta-analysis. The literature search identified 46 articles that included
      940 subjects, the majority of which used the cyberball task. Significant
      likelihoods of activation were found in both the ventral and dorsal ACC for both
      social pain elicitation and self-reported distress during social pain. Self
      reported distress involved more specifically the subgenual and pregenual ACC than
      social pain-related contrasts. The cyberball task involved the anterior
      midcingulate cortex to a lesser extent than other experimental tasks. During
      social pain, children exhibited subgenual activations to a greater extent than
      adults. Finally, the ventro-dorsal gradient of ACC activations in cyberball
      studies was related to the length of exclusion phases. The present meta-analysis
      contributes to a better understanding of the role of ACC subdivisions in social
      pain, and it could be of particular importance for guiding future studies of
      social pain and its neural underpinnings. 

PMID- 25140049
TI  - Social identity modifies face perception: an ERP study of social categorization.
AB  - Two studies examined whether social identity processes, i.e. group identification
      and social identity threat, amplify the degree to which people attend to social
      category information in early perception [assessed with event-related brain
      potentials (ERPs)]. Participants were presented with faces of Muslims and non
      Muslims in an evaluative priming task while ERPs were measured and implicit
      evaluative bias was assessed. Study 1 revealed that non-Muslims showed stronger
      differentiation between ingroup and outgroup faces in both early (N200) and later
      processing stages (implicit evaluations) when they identified more strongly with
      their ethnic group. Moreover, identification effects on implicit bias were
      mediated by intergroup differentiation in the N200. In Study 2, social identity
      threat (vs control) was manipulated among Muslims. Results revealed that high
      social identity threat resulted in stronger differentiation of Muslims from non
      Muslims in early (N200) and late (implicit evaluations) processing stages, with
      N200 effects again predicting implicit bias. Combined, these studies reveal how
      seemingly bottom-up early social categorization processes are affected by
      individual and contextual variables that affect the meaning of social identity.
      Implications of these results for the social identity perspective as well as
      social cognitive theories of person perception are discussed. 

PMID- 25140050
TI  - The association between the 5-HTTLPR and neural correlates of fear conditioning
      and connectivity.
AB  - Strong evidence links the 5-HTTLPR genotype to the modulation of amygdala
      reactivity during fear conditioning, which is considered to convey the increased
      vulnerability for anxiety disorders in s-allele carriers. In addition to amygdala
      reactivity, the 5-HTTLPR has been shown to be related to alterations in
      structural and effective connectivity. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the effects of 5-HTTLPR genotype on amygdala reactivity and effective
      connectivity during fear conditioning, as well as structural connectivity [as
      measured by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)]. To integrate different
      classification strategies, we used the bi-allelic (s-allele vs l/l-allele group)
      as well as the tri-allelic (low-functioning vs high-functioning) classification
      approach. S-allele carriers showed exaggerated amygdala reactivity and elevated
      amygdala-insula coupling during fear conditioning (CS + > CS-) compared with the
      l/l-allele group. In addition, DTI analysis showed increased fractional
      anisotropy values in s-allele carriers within the uncinate fasciculus. Using the
      tri-allelic classification approach, increased amygdala reactivity and amygdala
      insula coupling were observed in the low-functioning compared with the high
      functioning group. No significant differences between the two groups were found
      in structural connectivity. The present results add to the current debate on the
      influence of the 5-HTTLPR on brain functioning. These differences between s
      allele and l/l-allele carriers may contribute to altered vulnerability for
      psychiatric disorders. 

PMID- 25140052
TI  - Outflanking RANK with a designer antagonist cytokine.
AB  - Members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily of cytokines are
      noncovalently linked trimers that play important roles in regulating the immune
      system and have emerged as successful therapeutic targets in various rheumatic
      and autoimmune conditions. Traditionally, antibodies to cytokines or receptor-Fc
      fusion proteins have been used to block signaling by TNF family cytokines. In
      this issue of Science Signaling, Warren et al. have taken a new approach to
      blocking the action of the TNF superfamily member RANKL [receptor activator of
      nuclear factor kappaB (RANK) ligand], which plays an important role in regulating
      bone turnover through stimulation of its receptor RANK on osteoclasts. Beginning
      with a single-chain fusion protein of three RANKL subunits, the authors used
      directed mutagenesis to generate a trimer consisting of a nonreceptor binding
      subunit fused to two "super-agonist" subunits that have increased affinity for
      RANK. This molecule antagonized the osteoclastogenic activity of wild-type RANKL
      in vitro and in vivo, thus providing insights into RANK signaling and a paradigm
      for the development of other antagonists of TNF family cytokines. 

PMID- 25140051
TI  - Automatic emotion processing as a function of trait emotional awareness: an fMRI
      study.
AB  - It is unclear whether reflective awareness of emotions is related to extent and
      intensity of implicit affective reactions. This study is the first to investigate
      automatic brain reactivity to emotional stimuli as a function of trait emotional
      awareness. To assess emotional awareness the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale
      (LEAS) was administered. During scanning, masked happy, angry, fearful and
      neutral facial expressions were presented to 46 healthy subjects, who had to rate
      the fit between artificial and emotional words. The rating procedure allowed
      assessment of shifts in implicit affectivity due to emotion faces. Trait
      emotional awareness was associated with increased activation in the primary
      somatosensory cortex, inferior parietal lobule, anterior cingulate gyrus, middle
      frontal and cerebellar areas, thalamus, putamen and amygdala in response to
      masked happy faces. LEAS correlated positively with shifts in implicit affect
      caused by masked happy faces. According to our findings, people with high
      emotional awareness show stronger affective reactivity and more activation in
      brain areas involved in emotion processing and simulation during the perception
      of masked happy facial expression than people with low emotional awareness. High
      emotional awareness appears to be characterized by an enhanced positive affective
      resonance to others at an automatic processing level. 

PMID- 25140053
TI  - The ErbB4 CYT2 variant protects EGFR from ligand-induced degradation to enhance
      cancer cell motility.
AB  - The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the ErbB family that
      can promote the migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells. Therapies
      that target EGFR can promote the dimerization of EGFR with other ErbB receptors,
      which is associated with the development of drug resistance. Understanding how
      interactions among ErbB receptors alter EGFR biology could provide avenues for
      improving cancer therapy. We found that EGFR interacted directly with the CYT1
      and CYT2 variants of ErbB4 and the membrane-anchored intracellular domain (mICD).
      The CYT2 variant, but not the CYT1 variant, protected EGFR from ligand-induced
      degradation by competing with EGFR for binding to a complex containing the E3
      ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl and the adaptor Grb2. Cultured breast cancer cells
      overexpressing both EGFR and ErbB4 CYT2 mICD exhibited increased migration. With
      molecular modeling, we identified residues involved in stabilizing the EGFR
      dimer. Mutation of these residues in the dimer interface destabilized the complex
      in cells and abrogated growth factor-stimulated cell migration. An exon array
      analysis of 155 breast tumors revealed that the relative mRNA abundance of the
      ErbB4 CYT2 variant was increased in ER+ HER2- breast cancer patients, suggesting
      that our findings could be clinically relevant. We propose a mechanism whereby
      competition for binding to c-Cbl in an ErbB signaling heterodimer promotes
      migration in response to a growth factor gradient.

PMID- 25140054
TI  - Macromolecular assembly of the adaptor SLP-65 at intracellular vesicles in
      resting B cells.
AB  - The traditional view of how intracellular effector proteins are recruited to the
      B cell antigen receptor (BCR) complex at the plasma membrane is based on the
      occurrence of direct protein-protein interactions, as exemplified by the
      recruitment of the tyrosine kinase Syk (spleen tyrosine kinase) to phosphorylated
      motifs in BCR signaling subunits. By contrast, the subcellular targeting of the
      cytosolic adaptor protein SLP-65 (Src homology 2 domain-containing leukocyte
      adaptor protein of 65 kD), which serves as a proximal Syk substrate, is unclear.
      We showed that SLP-65 activation required its association at vesicular
      compartments in resting B cells. A module of ~50 amino acid residues located at
      the amino terminus of SLP-65 anchored SLP-65 to the vesicles. Nuclear magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy showed that the SLP-65 amino terminus was structurally
      disordered in solution but could bind in a structured manner to noncharged lipid
      components of cellular membranes. Our finding that preformed vesicular signaling
      scaffolds are required for B cell activation indicates that vesicles may deliver
      preassembled signaling cargo to sites of BCR activation. 

PMID- 25140055
TI  - Manipulation of receptor oligomerization as a strategy to inhibit signaling by
      TNF superfamily members.
AB  - Signaling by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB (RANK) in response to
      its ligand RANKL, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)
      superfamily of cytokines, stimulates osteoclast formation and bone resorption.
      Thus, this ligand-receptor pair is a therapeutic target for various disorders,
      such as osteoporosis and metastasis of cancer to bone. RANKL exists as a
      physiological homotrimer, with each monomer recognizing a single molecule of RANK
      or the decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG), which inhibits osteoclastogenesis.
      We engineered a RANKL protein in which all three monomers of RANKL were encoded
      as a single polypeptide chain, which enabled us to independently control receptor
      binding at each binding interface. To generate an effective RANK inhibitor, we
      used an unbiased forward genetic approach to identify mutations in RANKL that had
      a 500-fold increased affinity for RANK but had decreased affinity for the decoy
      receptor OPG. Incorporating mutations that blocked receptor binding into this
      high-affinity RANKL variant generated a mutant RANKL that completely inhibited
      wild-type RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro and bone resorption in mice.
      Our approach may be generalized to enable the inhibition of other TNF receptor
      signaling systems, which are implicated in a wide range of pathological
      conditions. 

PMID- 25140056
TI  - The incidence of secondary vertebral fracture of vertebral augmentation
      techniques versus conservative treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral
      fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) are
      minimally invasive and effective vertebral augmentation techniques for managing
      osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Recent meta-analyses have
      compared the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between patients treated
      with vertebral augmentation techniques or conservative treatment; however, the
      inclusions were not thorough and rigorous enough, and the effects of each
      technique on the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures remain unclear.
      PURPOSE: To perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies
      with more rigorous inclusion criteria on the effects of vertebral augmentation
      techniques and conservative treatment for OVCF on the incidence of secondary
      vertebral fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SpringerLink,
      Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database were searched for relevant
      original articles comparing the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures
      between vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for patients
      with OVCFs. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective non-randomized
      controlled trials (NRCTs) were identified. The methodological qualities of the
      studies were evaluated, relevant data were extracted and recorded, and an
      appropriate meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 13 articles were
      included. The pooled results from included studies showed no statistically
      significant differences in the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between
      patients treated with vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative
      treatment. Subgroup analysis comparing different study designs, durations of
      symptoms, follow-up times, races of patients, and techniques were conducted, and
      no significant differences in the incidence of secondary fractures were
      identified (P > 0.05). No obvious publication bias was detected by either Begg's
      test (P = 0.360 > 0.05) or Egger's test (P = 0.373 > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite
      current thinking in the field that vertebral augmentation procedures may increase
      the incidence of secondary fractures, we found no differences in the incidence of
      secondary fractures between vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative
      treatment for patients with OVCFs.

PMID- 25140057
TI  - CT chest and gantry rotation time: does the rotation time influence image
      quality?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) gantry rotation time is one factor
      influencing image quality. Until now, there has been no report investigating the
      influence of gantry rotation time on chest CT image quality. PURPOSE: To
      investigate the influence of faster gantry rotation time on image quality and
      subjective and objective image parameters in chest CT imaging. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Chest CT scans from 160 patients were examined in this study. All scans
      were performed using a single-source mode (collimation, 128 * 0.6 mm; pitch, 1.2)
      on a dual-source CT scanner. Only gantry rotation time was modified, while other
      CT parameters were kept stable for each scan (120 kV/110 reference mAs). Patients
      were divided into four groups based on rotation time: group 1, 1 s/ rotation
      (rot); group 2, 0.5 s/rot; group 3, 0.33 s/rot; group 4, 0.28 s/rot. Two blinded
      radiologists subjectively compared CT image quality, noise, and artifacts, as
      well as radiation exposure, from all groups. For objective comparison, all image
      datasets were analyzed by a radiologist with 5 years of experience concerning
      objective measurements as well as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). RESULTS: We found
      that faster gantry rotation times (0.28 s/rot and 0.33 s/rot) resulted in more
      streak artifacts, image noise, and decreased image quality. However, there was no
      significant difference in radiation exposure between faster and slower rotation
      times (P > 0.7). CONCLUSION: Faster CT gantry rotation reduces scan time and
      motion artifacts. However, accelerating rotation time increases image noise and
      streak artifacts. Therefore, a slower CT gantry rotation speed is still
      recommended for higher image quality in some cases.

PMID- 25140058
TI  - Dilatation of the Virchow-Robin spaces as an indicator of unilateral carotid
      artery stenosis: correlation with white matter lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Virchow-Robin space (VRS) dilatation is related to many pathologic
      conditions, mostly associated with vascular abnormalities. White matter lesions
      (WMLs) are commonly seen on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with advancing
      age and generally considered as potential markers for vascular disease. PURPOSE:
      To investigate if asymmetric dilatation of VRSs and WMLs are associated with
      unilateral internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) and to test the relationship
      between dilated VRSs and common vascular risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Twenty-nine patients (18 men, 11 women; mean age, 68.62 years) with unilateral
      ICAS (>=70% carotid stenosis) undergoing carotid endarterectomy were identified
      for this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant
      prospective study and assessed with brain MRI. Two experienced radiologists
      scored VRSs and WMLs and evaluated old infarcts, chronic lacunar infarcts, and
      cerebral atrophy. Asymmetry of WML and VRS scores between two cerebral
      hemispheres was assessed and associations between VRS scores, WML scores, and
      explanatory variables (e.g. age, sex, vascular risk factors, and atrophy) were
      tested. RESULTS: In this study, WMLs and basal ganglia VRSs were significantly
      greater in the unilateral hemisphere with ICA stenosis than contralateral
      hemisphere. Basal ganglia VRSs were associated with WMLs and internal cerebral
      atrophy. No association between the severity of VRSs and vascular risk factors
      was found. CONCLUSION: ICA stenosis may contribute as a factor in the development
      of WMLs and dilatation of VRSs by causing chronic hypoperfusion. VRS dilatation
      may be an additional MRI marker of ICAS.

PMID- 25140059
TI  - The 25-year genetic era in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: revisited.

PMID- 25140060
TI  - Is the phenotype-genotype relationship necessary to understand cardiomyopathies?

PMID- 25140061
TI  - Network biology in medicine and beyond.

PMID- 25140062
TI  - TraceRNA: a web application for competing endogenous RNA exploration.

PMID- 25140064
TI  - Cardiac cell therapy in nonhuman primates: a significant step toward clinical
      translation.

PMID- 25140063
TI  - A clinical approach to inherited premature coronary artery disease.

PMID- 25140065
TI  - MicroRNA passenger strand: orchestral symphony of paracrine signaling.

PMID- 25140066
TI  - Prognostic implications of the systolic to diastolic duration ratio in children
      with idiopathic or familial dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) carries high morbidity and
      mortality. The echocardiographic systolic to diastolic (S:D) duration ratio, an
      indicator of global cardiac performance, is elevated in DCM; however, its
      prognostic implications have not been investigated in this population. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We investigated systolic and diastolic durations and the resultant
      S:D ratio using pulsed tissue Doppler imaging in children with idiopathic or
      familial DCM. We studied serial echocardiograms from presentation until the last
      follow-up echo. Results were compared with heart rate-matched controls and
      between DCM subgroups based on an acute or insidious presentation. The
      association between S:D ratio and death or need for transplant was analyzed. All
      analyses were adjusted for repeated measures per patient. We studied 200 serial
      echocardiograms of 48 children with DCM (7.0+/-6.0 years) and 25 controls.
      Adjusted for repeated measures through a compound symmetry covariance structure,
      the S:D ratio was higher in DCM patients (-0.425 [0.072]; P<0.001) because of
      shortened diastole. A S:D ratio >1.2 at presentation and on serial evaluation was
      associated with a hazard ratio of 10.5 (95% confidence interval, 3.9-27.8;
      P<0.001) for death or transplant. In combined multivariable analysis, a S:D ratio
      >1.2 remained significantly associated with hazard of death/transplant (hazard
      ratio, 9.1; P=0.04) after adjustment for ejection fraction (hazard ratio: 2.2 per
      -10%; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A high S:D ratio is associated with increased risk
      for death or need for transplant in children with DCM across the spectrum of
      heart rates and may be a useful prognostic index for serial evaluation of
      children with DCM.

PMID- 25140067
TI  - Quantification of left ventricular interstitial fibrosis in asymptomatic chronic
      primary degenerative mitral regurgitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimum timing of surgery in asymptomatic patients with chronic
      severe primary degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) remains controversial, and
      further markers are needed to improve decision-making. There are limited data
      that wall stress is increased in MR and may result in ventricular fibrosis. We
      investigated the hypothesis that chronic volume overload in MR is a stimulus for
      myocardial fibrosis using T1-mapping cardiac MRI. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cross
      sectional study of 35 patients (age 60 +/- 14 years) with asymptomatic moderate
      and severe primary degenerative MR (mean effective regurgitant orifice area, 0.45
      +/- 0.25 cm)(2) with no class I indication for surgery were compared with age and
      sex controls. Subjects were studied with cardiopulmonary exercise testing,
      echocardiography, and cardiac MRI. Longitudinal and circumferential myocardial
      deformation was reduced with MR when left ventricular ejection fraction (67% +/-
      10%) and N-terminal pro B Natriuretic peptide (126 [76-428] ng/L) were within the
      normal range. Myocardial extracellular volume was increased (0.32 +/- 0.07 versus
      0.25 +/- 0.02, P<0.01) and was associated with increased left ventricular end
      systolic volume index (r=0.62, P<0.01), left atrial volume index (r=0.41, P<0.05)
      but lower left ventricular ejection fraction (r=-0.60, P<0.01), longitudinal
      function (mitral annular plane systolic excursion, r=-0.46, P<0.01), and peak VO2
      max (r=-0.51, P<0.05). In a multivariable regression model, left ventricular end
      systolic volume index and left atrial volume index were independent predictors of
      extracellular volume (r(2)=0.42, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with asymptomatic
      MR demonstrate a spectrum of myocardial fibrosis associated with reduced
      myocardial deformation and reduced exercise capacity. Future work is warranted to
      investigate whether left ventricle fibrosis affects clinical outcomes.

PMID- 25140068
TI  - Interpolating U.S. Decennial Census Tract Data from as Early as 1970 to 2010: A
      Longtitudinal Tract Database.
AB  - Differences in the reporting units of data from diverse sources and changes in
      units over time are common obstacles to analysis of areal data. We compare common
      approaches to this problem in the context of changes over time in the boundaries
      of U.S. census tracts. In every decennial census many tracts are split,
      consolidated, or changed in other ways from the previous boundaries to reflect
      population growth or decline. We examine two interpolation methods to create a
      bridge between years, one that relies only on areal weighting and another that
      also introduces population weights. Results demonstrate that these approaches
      produce substantially different estimates for variables that involve population
      counts, but they have a high degree of convergence for variables defined as rates
      or averages. Finally the paper describes the Longitudinal Tract Data Base (LTDB),
      through which we are making available public-use tools to implement these methods
      to create estimates within 2010 tract boundaries for any tract-level data (from
      the census or other sources) that are available for prior years as early as 1970.

PMID- 25140069
TI  - Relative ion yields in mammalian cell components using C60 SIMS.
AB  - Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry has been used to better understand
      the influence of molecular environment on the relative ion yields of membrane
      lipid molecules found in high abundance in a model mammalian cell line, RAW264.7.
      Control lipid mixtures were prepared to simulate lipid-lipid interactions in the
      inner and outer leaflet of cell membranes. Compared with its pure film, the
      molecular ion yields of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1-palmitoyl
      2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine are suppressed when mixed with 2-dipalmitoyl
      sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. In the mixture, proton competition between 1,2
      dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphocholine, and 2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine led to lower
      ionization efficiency. The possible mechanism for ion suppression was also
      investigated with 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The
      formation of a hydroxyl bond in lipid mixtures confirms the mechanism involving
      proton exchange with the surrounding environment. Similar effects were observed
      for lipid mixtures mimicking the composition of the inner leaflet of cell
      membranes. The secondary molecular ion yield of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phospho-L-serine was observed to be enhanced in the presence of 1-palmitoyl-2
      oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine.

PMID- 25140071
TI  - Multi-directional local search.
AB  - This paper introduces multi-directional local search, a metaheuristic for multi
      objective optimization. We first motivate the method and present an algorithmic
      framework for it. We then apply it to several known multi-objective problems such
      as the multi-objective multi-dimensional knapsack problem, the bi-objective set
      packing problem and the bi-objective orienteering problem. Experimental results
      show that our method systematically provides solution sets of comparable quality
      with state-of-the-art methods applied to benchmark instances of these problems,
      within reasonable CPU effort. We conclude that the proposed algorithmic framework
      is a viable option when solving multi-objective optimization problems.

PMID- 25140070
TI  - Serum interleukin 17 levels in patients with Crohn's disease: real life data.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate serum IL17 levels in patients with
      Crohn's disease (CD) and to investigate the relationship between serum IL17
      levels with disease activity. METHODS: Fifty patients with CD and sex- and age
      matched 40 healthy controls were included in the study. The serum IL17 levels,
      complete blood count, blood chemistry, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and
      C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured, and Crohn's disease activity was
      calculated using Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI). RESULTS: The mean serum
      IL17 level of CD patients did not differ from those of healthy controls (P >
      0.05). There was no difference between the mean serum IL levels of active CD
      patients and of quiescent CD patients (P > 0.05). However, the mean IL17 level of
      active patients was lower than of control subjects (P = 0.02). Serum IL17 was not
      correlated with inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP, white blood count, platelet
      count, and albumin) and CDAI. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral blood serum IL17 levels of
      CD patients were not higher than of healthy controls, and also, serum IL17 level
      was not correlated with clinical disease activity. Peripheral IL17 measurement is
      not a useful tool for detecting and monitoring Crohn's disease which is
      understood to have complex etiopathogenesis.

PMID- 25140072
TI  - Informed Consent and Ethical Review in Chinese Human Experimentation: Reflections
      on the "Golden Rice Event"

PMID- 25140073
TI  - Evaluation of the method of hemostasis after femoral arterial puncture.
AB  - [Purpose] This study assessed the advantages and shortcomings of methods for
      hemostasis in patients who had received angiography after femoral arterial
      puncture using manual, compression device, or a combination of manual compression
      and a compression device. In addition, the success rates, complications, etc,
      were analyzed. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred and eighty patients who had
      undergone angiography after femoral arterial puncture were divided into three
      groups according to the method of hemostasis. For group A, immediately after
      angiography, an Angio-Seal device was placed in the puncture area and compressed
      using a compression device. For group B, after angiography, the puncture area was
      compressed with the hands directly. For group C, the puncture area was compressed
      using a compression device for approximately 10 min, and the puncture area was
      then compressed with the hands. In each group, the following correlations were
      analyzed: the time to hemostasis after angiography and gender, the time to
      hemostasis of each generation and the hemoglobin value, and platelet value and
      the time to hemostasis. [Results] The results showed a similar time to hemostasis
      regardless of gender or generation. The correlation between the hemoglobin value,
      platelet value, and the time to hemostasis were not significant. Group A showed
      the shortest mean time to hemostasis of the three groups (20.37 +/- 8.23 min). No
      complications caused by the hemostasis method were detected in group B. Group A
      showed the highest incidence of complications caused by hemostasis. [Conclusion]
      Overall, hemostasis performed mutually is safe and effective for patients
      according to their condition. 

PMID- 25140074
TI  - Correlation between Intrinsic Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Young Adults and
      Lower Extremity Biomechanics.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between
      intrinsic patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) in young adults and lower extremity
      biomechanics. [Subjects] This experiment was carried out with sixty (24 men and
      32 women), who are normal university students as subjects. [Methods] All subjects
      underwent 3 clinical evaluations. For distinguishing the intrinsic PFPS from
      controls, we used the Modified Functional Index Questionnaire (MFIQ), Clarke's
      test and the Eccentric step test. Based on the results of the tests, subjects who
      were classified as positive for 2 more tests were allocated to the bilateral or
      unilateral intrinsic PFPS group (n=14), and the others were allocated to the
      control group (n=42). These two groups were tested for hamstring tightness, foot
      overpronation, and static Q-angle and dynamic Q-angle. These are the four lower
      extremity biomechanic, cited as risk factors of patellofemoral pain syndrome.
      [Results] The over pronation, static Q-angle and the dynamic Q-angle were not
      significantly different between the two groups. However, the hamstring tightness
      of the PFPS group was significantly greater than that of the controls.
      [Conclusion] We examined individuals for intrinsic patellofemoral pain syndrome
      in young adults and lower extremity biomechanics. We found a strong correlation
      between intrinsic PFPS and hamstring tightness. 

PMID- 25140075
TI  - The effect of ground tilt on the lower extremity muscle activity of stroke
      patients performing squat exercises.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ground tilt on
      the lower extremity muscle activity of stroke patients performing squat
      exercises. [Subjects] Fifteen hemiparetic patients volunteered to participate in
      this study. [Methods] The subjects performed squat exercises at three different
      ground tilt angles: 15 degrees  plantar flexion, a neutral position, and 15
      degrees  dorsiflexion. A surface electromyogram (sEMG) was used to record the
      electromyographic activities of the leg extensor muscle in the vastus lateralis
      (VL), vastus medialis (VM), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), and gastrocnemius
      medialis (GM). The sEMG activity was analyzed using a one-way repeated measures
      ANOVA and a post hoc Bonferroni correction. [Results] The results of this study
      are summarized as follows. Significant differences were noted for the VL and the
      GL when the angle of the ankle joint was between the 15 degrees  plantar flexion
      and neutral positions during squat exercises involving the VL and when the angle
      of the ankle joint was between the neutral position and 15 degrees  dorsiflexion
      during squat exercises involving the VM. [Conclusion] In this study, sEMG showed
      that the VL and GL changed significantly during squat exercises according to the
      ground tilt angle of hemiparetic patients. Therefore, squat exercises with
      different ground tilt angles can be used to improve VL and GL strength. 

PMID- 25140076
TI  - Effect of the Frequency and Duration of Land-based Therapeutic Exercise on Pain
      Relief for People with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
      of Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - [Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the influence of land-based exercise
      frequency and duration on pain relief for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
      [Subjects and Methods] The systematic review included randomized controlled
      trials that investigated this influence, which were identified by searches of
      PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Physiotherapy
      Evidence Database, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health
      Literature. The exercise groups in the identified trials were categorized
      according to their type, frequency, and duration of exercise, and subgroup
      analyses were performed. [Results] Data integration of 17 studies (23 exercise
      groups) revealed a significant effect and a medium effect size. In subgroups
      involving strengthening exercise programs of >=9 weeks duration, heterogeneity
      was found between subjects who performed up to 3 sessions/week and those who
      performed >=4 sessions/week. In subgroups involving strengthening exercise
      programs of up to 3 sessions/week, there was heterogeneity between subjects who
      exercised for up to 8 weeks and those who exercised for >=9 weeks. Heterogeneity
      was not confirmed in aerobic exercise subgroups. [Conclusion] Differences in
      exercise frequency and duration influence pain relief in effects of strengthening
      exercises but do not influence the effect size of aerobic exercise for people
      with knee OA. 

PMID- 25140077
TI  - Effect of gross motor group exercise on functional status in chronic stroke: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to understand the effects of task-oriented
      gross motor group exercise based on motor development on chronic stroke patients'
      joint, bone, muscle, and motor functions and activities of daily living.
      [Subjects] Twenty-eight stroke patients hospitalized at P municipal nursing
      facility for the severely handicapped were randomly assigned to the gross motor
      group exercise group (experimental group, n=14) or the control group (n=14).
      [Methods] The two groups performed morning exercise led by a trainer for 30
      minutes a day, 5 times a week for 6 weeks in total. The experimental group
      performed a gross motor group exercise in addition to this exercise for 50
      minutes a day, 3 times a week for 6 weeks in total. Before the experiment, all
      subjects were measured with the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and for their
      neuromuscular skeletal and motor-related functions according to the International
      Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. [Results] Significant
      improvements were found in the experimental group's neuromusculoskeletal and
      motor-related functions and MBI test, except for the stability of joint
      functions. The control group showed no significant difference from the initial
      evaluation. [Conclusion] The gross motor group exercise based on motor
      development is recommended for chronic stroke patients with severe handicaps. 

PMID- 25140078
TI  - Effects of the nerve mobilization technique on lower limb function in patients
      with poststroke hemiparesis.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of a sciatic
      nerve mobilization technique on improvement of lower limb function in patient
      with poststroke hemiparesis. [Subjects] Twenty- two stroke patients participated
      in this study. [Methods] They were randomly selected based on selection criteria
      and divided into two groups. In the subject group (n=10), sciatic nerve
      mobilization with conventional physical therapy was applied to patients. In the
      control group (n=10), only conventional physical therapy was applied to stroke
      patients. [Results] There were significant differences between the two groups in
      pressure, sway, total pressure, angle of the knee joint, and functional reaching
      test results in the intervention at two weeks and at four weeks. [Conclusion] The
      present study showed that sciatic nerve mobilization with conventional physical
      therapy was more effective for lower limb function than conventional physical
      therapy alone in patient with poststroke hemiparesis. 

PMID- 25140079
TI  - A Pilot Study on Pain and the Upregulation of Myoglobin through Low-frequency and
      High-amplitude Electrical Stimulation-induced Muscle Contraction.
AB  - [Purpose] It is well known that, in both in vivo and in vitro tests, muscle
      fatigue is produced by severe exercise, electrical stimulation, and so on.
      However, it is not clear whether or not low-frequency and high-amplitude
      modulation specifically affects serum myoglobin or urine myoglobin. The purpose
      of the present study was to determine the effect of low-frequency and high
      amplitude modulation on serum myoglobin and urine myoglobin. [Methods] The study
      used whole blood samples and urine produced over 24 hours from the thirteen
      healthy subjects. [Results] There was a significant increase in serum myoglobin
      following electrical stimulation at a frequency of 10 Hz compared with the
      control group. Furthermore, within 24 hours, urine myoglobin also showed a
      significant increase for the test volunteers subjected to electrical stimulation
      at the 10 Hz frequency compared with the control group. However, there were no
      significant differences in the concentrations of hematologic results in subjects
      treated with electrical stimulation. [Conclusion] These results suggest that
      increased myoglobin related to muscle fatigue from electrical stimulation,
      particularly with a current of 10 Hz combined with a high-amplitude, may be
      partially related to increased muscle damage. 

PMID- 25140080
TI  - Effect of Weight-bearing Therapeutic Exercise on the Q-angle and Muscle Activity
      Onset Times of Elite Athletes with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a weight
      bearing therapeutic exercise program for elite athletes diagnosed as having
      patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). [Subjects] The subjects were 34 elite
      athletes from the Seoul T Center. They were randomly allocated to three groups:
      an elastic band exercise group (EBG), a sling exercise group (SEG), or a control
      group (CG). [Methods] Therapeutic exercises were performed 3 times a week for 8
      weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) hamstring length, and static and dynamic Q
      angles were used to test the exercise effect of the exercises, as well as the
      onset time of electromyographic activity of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and
      vastus lateralis (VL). [Results] Decrease of the dynamic Q-angle in EBG was
      significant and significantly greater than that in CG. The decrease in VAS in SEG
      was significant and significantly greater than that in CG. There were significant
      differences in the VL and VMO activity onset times in SEG between pre- and post
      test, and their differences between pre- and post-test were also significantly
      different. [Conclusion] Weight-bearing therapeutic exercise is hoped that
      clinicians will use this information for better implementation of effective
      exercise methods for elite athletes with PFPS. 

PMID- 25140081
TI  - Reliability of pinch strength testing in elderly subjects with unilateral thumb
      carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of
      pinch strength testing in elderly subjects with thumb CMC OA. [Subjects and
      Methods] A total of 27 patients with unilateral right-thumb CMC OA (mean +/- SD
      age: 81.3 +/- 4.7 years) were recruited. Each patient performed three pain-free
      maximal isometric contractions on each hand on two occasions, one week apart.
      Three different measurements were taken: tip, tripod, and key pinch strength.
      Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM),
      and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) calculations were performed. [Results] Test
      retest reliability of measurements of tip, tripod, and key pinch strength was
      excellent for the affected side (ICC=0.93, 0.96, and 0.99) and the contralateral
      thumb (ICC=0.91, 0.92, and 0.94). [Conclusions] The present results indicate that
      maximum pinch strength can be measured reliably using the Pinch Gauge
      Dynamometer, in patients with thumb CMC OA, which enables its use in research and
      in the clinic to determine the effect of interventions on improving pinch
      strength. 

PMID- 25140082
TI  - Accelerometer and gyroscope based gait analysis using spectral analysis of
      patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
AB  - [Purpose] A wide variety of accelerometer tools are used to estimate human
      movement, but there are no adequate data relating to gait symmetry parameters in
      the context of knee osteoarthritis. This study's purpose was to evaluate a 3D
      kinematic system using body-mounted sensors (gyroscopes and accelerometers) on
      the trunk and limbs. This is the first study to use spectral analysis for data
      post processing. [Subjects] Twelve patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis
      (OA) (10 male) and seven age-matched controls (6 male) were studied. [Methods]
      Measurements with 3-D accelerometers and gyroscopes were compared to video
      analysis with marker positions tracked by a six-camera optoelectronic system
      (VICON 460, Oxford Metrics). Data were recorded using the 3D-kinematic system.
      [Results] The results of both gait analysis systems were significantly
      correlated. Five parameters were significantly different between the knee OA and
      control groups. To overcome time spent in expensive post-processing routines,
      spectral analysis was performed for fast differentiation between normal gait and
      pathological gait signals using the 3D-kinematic system. [Conclusions] The 3D
      kinematic system is objective, inexpensive, accurate and portable, and allows
      long-term recordings in clinical, sport as well as ergonomic or functional
      capacity evaluation (FCE) settings. For fast post-processing, spectral analysis
      of the recorded data is recommended. 

PMID- 25140083
TI  - Immediate Effect of Postural Insoles on Gait Performance of Children with
      Cerebral Palsy: Preliminary Randomized Controlled Double-blind Clinical Trial.
AB  - [Purpose] Improved gait efficiency is one of the goals of therapy for children
      with cerebral palsy (CP). Postural insoles can allow more efficient gait by
      improving biomechanical alignment. The aim of the present study was to assess the
      effect of postural insoles on gait performance of children with CP classified as
      levels I or II of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).
      [Subjects and Methods] the study was a randomized controlled double-blind
      clinical trial. After meeting the legal aspects and the eligibility criteria, 10
      children between four and 12 years old were randomly divided into a two groups: a
      control group (n=5), and an experimental group (n=5). Children in the control
      group used a placebo insoles, and children in the experimental group used
      postural insoles. Evaluation consisted of three-dimensional gait analysis under
      three conditions: barefoot, shoes without insoles and shoes with postural insoles
      or shoes with placebo insoles. [Results] Regarding the immediate effects of
      insole use, significant improvements in gait velocity and cadence were observed
      in the experimental group in comparison to the control group. [Conclusion] The
      use of postural insoles led to improvements in gait velocity and cadence of the
      children with cerebral palsy classified as levels I or II of the GMFCS. 

PMID- 25140085
TI  - Effect of smart phone use on dynamic postural balance.
AB  - [Purpose] The present study investigated what kind of effect smart phone use has
      on dynamic postural balance. [Subjects] The study subjects were 30 healthy
      students in their 20's who were recruited from a University in Busan, Korea.
      [Methods] The present experiment was quasi-experimental research which measured
      the postural balance (Biodex) of subjects while they sent text messages via smart
      phones in the standing position with the eyes open, and while they used two-way
      SNS. [Results] There were significant differences between standing and the dual
      task situations. Among dual tasks using smart phones, SNS using situations showed
      the highest instability. [Conclusion] The use of smart phones in less stable
      conditions such as while walking or in moving vehicles should be discouraged. 

PMID- 25140084
TI  - Comparison of upper extremity motor recovery of stroke patients with actual
      physical activity in their daily lives measured with accelerometers.
AB  - [Purpose] This study compared the upper extremity recovery of stroke patients
      with the amount of their upper extremity use in real life as measured by
      accelerometers. [Subjects] Forty inpatients who had had a stroke were recruited.
      [Methods] The subjects were divided into two groups by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment
      of Motor Function (FMA) score, a moderately recovered group and a well recovered
      group. The amount of upper extremity physical activity and its ratio in daily
      time periods were analyzed for the affected and unaffected sides. [Results] The
      well recovered group showed significantly higher affected arm use and use ratio
      than the moderately recovered group in all time periods. [Conclusion] The upper
      extremity recovery level of the affected side is similar to the physical activity
      level according to the amount of upper extremity physical activity in actual life
      measured with an accelerometer. Overuse of the normal side regardless of the
      recovery level of upper extremity proves the International Classification of
      Functioning (ICF) concept of differentiating between capacity and performance,
      and rehabilitation treatments should focus on improving performance. 

PMID- 25140086
TI  - Effects of neuromobilization maneuver on clinical and electrophysiological
      measures of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of
      neuromobilization combined with routine physiotherapy in patients with carpal
      tunnel syndrome through subjective, physical, and electrophysiological studies.
      [Subjects and Methods] Twenty patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (totally 32
      hands) were assigned two groups: treatment and control groups. In both groups,
      patients received the routine physiotherapy. In addition to the routine
      physiotherapy, patients in the treatment group received neuromobilization. The
      symptoms severity scale, visual analogue scale, functional status scale, Phalen's
      sign, median nerve tension test, and median nerve distal sensory and motor
      latency were assessed. [Results] There were significant improvements in the
      symptoms severity scale, visual analogue scale, median nerve tension test, and
      Phalen's sign in both groups. However, the functional status scale and median
      nerve distal motor latency were significantly improved only in the treatment
      group. [Conclusion] Neuromobilization in combination with routine physiotherapy
      improves some clinical findings more effectively than routine physiotherapy.
      Therefore, this combination can be used as an alternative effective non-invasive
      treatment for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. 

PMID- 25140087
TI  - Effects of Pelvic Belt on Hip Extensor Muscle EMG Activity during Prone Hip
      Extension in Females with Chronic Low Back Pain.
AB  - [Purpose] This study assessed the effects of a pelvic belt (PB) on the
      electromyography (EMG) activity of the elector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (GM),
      and biceps femoris (BF) in females with chronic low back pain (CLBP) during prone
      hip extension (PHE). [Subjects] Twenty female with CLBP were recruited. Surface
      EMG data were collected from the ES, GM, and BF muscles during a PHE task.
      [Results] The EMG activity in the ES bilaterally, and the right GM decreased
      significantly when a PB was applied compared with when a PB was not applied.
      [Conclusion] This suggests that a PB is effective for altering the activation
      pattern of the hip extensor muscles in females with CLBP during PHE. 

PMID- 25140088
TI  - Tai Chi Exercise can Improve the Obstacle Negotiating Ability of People with
      Parkinson's Disease: A Preliminary Study.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Tai Chi (TC)
      based exercise on dynamic postural control during obstacle negotiation by
      subjects with mild or moderate Parkinson's disease (PD). [Subjects] Twelve
      subjects (mean age, 65.3+/-6.1 years) diagnosed with idiopathic PD were enrolled
      for this study. [Methods] All the subjects were tested a week before and 12 weeks
      after the initiation of the TC exercise. In the test, they were instructed to
      negotiate an obstacle from the position of quiet stance at a normal speed. They
      were trained with TC exercise that emphasized multidirectional shift in weight
      bearing from bilateral to unilateral support, challenging the postural stability,
      three times per week for 12 weeks. Center of pressure (COP) trajectory variables
      before and after TC exercise were measured using two force plates. [Results] A
      comparison of the results between pre- and post-intervention showed a
      statistically significant improvement in anteroposterior and mediolateral
      displacement of COP. [Conclusion] Twelve weeks of TC exercise may be an effective
      and safe form of stand-alone behavioral intervention for improving the dynamic
      postural stability of patients with PD. 

PMID- 25140089
TI  - Effects of visual display terminal works on cervical movement pattern in patients
      with neck pain.
AB  - [Purpose] This study examined changes in the onset of neck movement in young
      adults with and without mild neck pain (MNP) during visual display terminal (VDT)
      work. [Subjects] Ten control subjects and 10 subjects with MNP who were VDT
      workers were recruited. The upper (UC) and lower cervical (LC) spine angles in
      the sagittal plane were collected using an ultrasound-based motion analysis
      system during VDT work for 5 min. [Results] The MNP group had faster movement
      initiation in the UC and LC compared with the control group during VDT work.
      [Conclusion] These findings suggest that young adults with MNP should be cautious
      when performing VDT work while sitting. 

PMID- 25140090
TI  - Effects of Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound and Cryotherapy on Recovery of Joint
      Function and C-reactive Protein Levels in Patients after Total Knee Replacement
      Surgery.
AB  - [Purpose] We investigated the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and
      cryotherapy on joint function recovery and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of
      patients with total knee replacement. [Subjects] Forty-six patients with total
      knee replacement were recruited and allocated to either low-intensity pulsed
      ultrasound therapy (n=15), cryotherapy (n=15), or a combination of both (n=16).
      Therapy was administered once a day, 5 times a week for 3 weeks. To determine
      functional joint recovery and reduction of inflammation, changes in the Korean
      Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (K-WOMAC), range of
      motion (ROM), and CRP were assessed postsurgically and four times over a 3-week
      period. Using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), homogeneity tests were
      performed based on participants' general characteristics. To recognize changes in
      time-variant K-WOMAC, ROM, and CRP values between groups, repeated measures ANOVA
      was performed, and Tukey's test was used for post-test analysis. Values at
      alpha=0.05 were considered significant. [Results] We found a difference between
      groups and times, and the group that received the combined therapies showed
      greater changes in outcomes than the group that received low-intensity pulsed
      ultrasound therapy alone. [Conclusion] Applying both low-intensity pulsed
      ultrasound and cryotherapy can relieve inflammation and enhance joint function in
      patients who undergo total knee replacement. 

PMID- 25140091
TI  - Changes in pain, dysfunction, and grip strength of patients with acute lateral
      epicondylitis caused by frequency of physical therapy: a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in pain,
      dysfunction, and grip strength of patients with acute lateral epicondylitis and
      to suggest the appropriate treatment frequency and period. [Subjects] The
      subjects were divided into three: 2 days per week group (n=12), 3 days per week
      group (n=15), and 6 days per week group (n=13). [Methods] All groups received
      conventional physical therapy for 40 minutes and therapeutic exercises for 20
      minutes per session during 6 weeks. The outcome measurements were the visual
      analogue scale (VAS), Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), and grip
      strength. [Results] The results of this study were as follows: at 3 weeks, there
      were no significant differences in VAS and PRTEE in the 3 groups, but at 6 weeks,
      6 days per week group significantly decreased these two outcomes. Grip strength
      was significantly increased in 3 and 6 days per week groups at 6 weeks.
      [Conclusion] In conclusion, physical therapy is needed 3 days per week for 3
      weeks in patients with acute lateral epicondylitis. After 3 weeks, 6 days per
      week is the most effective treatment frequency. 

PMID- 25140092
TI  - Difference in the Effect of Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Due to Variation
      in the Intervention Frequency: Intervention Centering on Home-based Exercise.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in effects
      caused by variation in the intervention frequency of outpatient pulmonary
      rehabilitation, in terms of the pulmonary function, lower-limb muscle strength,
      exercise tolerance, and quality of life (QOL). [Subjects and Methods] A total of
      36 patients with mild to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were
      studied. These patients were all men over the age of 40 who did not require
      assistance for activities of daily living (ADL). Groups undergoing intervention
      once a month (M1 group) and once a week (W1 group) were compared in terms of the
      effects of outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation for a period of 12 weeks.
      Intervention during this time included supervised and home-based exercise.
      [Results] Comparison of before and after intervention revealed that the rate of
      change in the W1 group was significantly higher than that in the M1 group in
      terms of the QOL, lower-extremity muscle strength, and 6-minute walking distance.
      [Conclusion] Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programs yielded greater
      improvements in the W1 group than in the M1 group in terms of the QOL and
      exercise tolerance. 

PMID- 25140093
TI  - Comparison of the Tibialis Anterior and Soleus Muscles Activities during the Sit
      to-stand Movement with Hip Adduction and Hip Abduction in Elderly Females.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the activation of the tibialis
      anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) muscles during the sit-to-stand (STS) task with
      hip adduction and hip abduction in elderly females. [Subjects] We recruited 16
      healthy elderly females with no pain in the knee joint and no other orthopedic
      problems of the lower limbs. [Methods] The activities of the dominant lower
      extremity muscles were measured using a wireless electromyography (EMG) system.
      Subjects then performed a total of nine STS trials, including three trials each
      for hip adduction, hip abduction, and natural STS tasks. [Results] In the pre-
      thigh-off (TO) phase, the normalized EMG data of the TA muscle increased
      significantly when the STS task was performed with hip adduction compared with
      hip abduction. In the post-TO phase, the normalized EMG data of the TA muscle
      showed a significant increase during the STS task with hip adduction compared
      with hip abduction. Additionally, the normalized EMG data of the SOL muscle
      increased significantly when the STS task was performed with hip adduction
      compared with hip abduction. [Conclusion] Therefore, the STS movement with hip
      adduction poses a greater challenge for balance control, indicating that certain
      elderly individuals would have difficulty in executing an abrupt adjustment in
      their dynamic postural stability during the STS movement. 

PMID- 25140094
TI  - The Effects of Stretching with Lumbar Traction on VAS and Oswestry Scales of
      Patients with Lumbar 4-5 Herniated Intervertebral Disc.
AB  - [Purpose] This study investigated the effect of stretching with lumbar traction
      on VAS and Oswestry scale scores of lumbar 4-5 herniated intervertebral disc
      (HIVD) patients. [Subjects] We recruited 20 lumbar 4-5 HIVD patients. [Methods]
      We performed stretching with lumbar traction for lumbar 4-5 HIVD patients during
      4 weeks. The VAS and Oswestry scales were measured before and 4 weeks after the
      intervention. [Results] The results showed a significant decrease in VAS scale
      scores for stretching with lumbar traction in lumbar 4-5 HIVD patients, from 18+/
      1.29 to 2.1+/-1.35. The Oswestry scale scores also decreased significantly, from
      20.35+/-2.01 to 3.5+/-2.84, after stretching with lumbar traction. [Conclusion]
      Thus, we suggest stretching with lumbar traction for lumbar 4-5 HIVD patients. 

PMID- 25140095
TI  - Peak torque and average power at flexion/extension of the shoulder and knee when
      using a mouth guard in adults with mild midline discrepancy.
AB  - [Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate the changes in torque and power
      during flexion and extension of the shoulder and the knee joints caused by
      midline correction using mouth guards made from different materials in adults
      with mild midline discrepancy. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were males
      (n=12) in their 20s who showed a 3-5 mm difference between the midlines of the
      upper and lower teeth but had normal masticatory function. [Methods] The torque
      and average power of the lower limb and upper limb were measured during flexion
      and extension according to various types of mouth guard. [Results] There were
      significant differences in relative torque and average power between three
      conditions (no mouth guard, soft-type mouth guard, and hard-type mouth guard) at
      shoulder flexion and extension. There were no significant differences in relative
      torque and average power between the three conditions at knee flexion and
      extension. [Conclusions] These results suggest that use of a mouth guard is a
      method by which people with a mild midline discrepancy can improve the stability
      of the entire body. 

PMID- 25140096
TI  - The Effects of Lower Extremity Angle According to Heel-height Changes in Young
      Ladies in Their 20s during Gait.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of heel-height
      changes on the low joint angles of the lower extremities of women in their 20s
      during gait. [Subjects and Methods] Qualisys Track Manager Software ver. 2.8
      (Qualisys, Sweden) was used to perform measurements on 14 female university
      students in their 20s. To measure movements, the subjects were asked to walk
      while wearing high-heeled shoes and reflective stickers on their hip joints, knee
      joints, and ankle joints, the changes in joint angles were measured at heel
      strike, foot flat, and toe off. [Results] Analysis of the amount of change
      according to heel height changes during gait showed that the angle of the hip
      joints was reduced with an increase in heel-height. Although the changes were not
      significant, the angle of the knee joints was reduced during heel strike, foot
      flat, and midstance, and it was increased during toe off. In contrast, the angle
      of the ankle joints was increased by a significant amount during heel strike,
      foot flat, midstance, and toe off. [Conclusions] During gait with high heels, the
      movements of the lower extremities of women in their 20s were reduced
      significantly with an increase in heel height. Therefore, it is concluded that
      the restrictions on gait can only be reduced by wearing low-heeled shoes. 

PMID- 25140097
TI  - Anaerobic Threshold and Salivary alpha-amylase during Incremental Exercise.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the validity of salivary alpha
      amylase as a method of quickly estimating anaerobic threshold and to establish
      the relationship between salivary alpha-amylase and double-product breakpoint in
      order to create a way to adjust exercise intensity to a safe and effective range.
      [Subjects and Methods] Eleven healthy young adults performed an incremental
      exercise test using a cycle ergometer. During the incremental exercise test,
      oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and ventilatory equivalent were
      measured using a breath-by-breath gas analyzer. Systolic blood pressure and heart
      rate were measured to calculate the double product, from which double-product
      breakpoint was determined. Salivary alpha-amylase was measured to calculate the
      salivary threshold. [Results] One-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences
      among workloads at the anaerobic threshold, double-product breakpoint, and
      salivary threshold. Significant correlations were found between anaerobic
      threshold and salivary threshold and between anaerobic threshold and double
      product breakpoint. [Conclusion] As a method for estimating anaerobic threshold,
      salivary threshold was as good as or better than determination of double-product
      breakpoint because the correlation between anaerobic threshold and salivary
      threshold was higher than the correlation between anaerobic threshold and double
      product breakpoint. Therefore, salivary threshold is a useful index of anaerobic
      threshold during an incremental workload. 

PMID- 25140098
TI  - The Effect of a PNF Technique Program after Mastectomy on Lymphedema Patients'
      Depression and Anxiety.
AB  - [Purpose] This study was conducted to examine the effects of exercises applied
      with PNF techniques performed for 30 minutes per session, three times per week,
      after receipt of radiation therapy following mastectomy on depression and anxiety
      in patients diagnosed with lymphedema and to prepare basic data for creation of
      self-directed exercise programs for lymphedema patients that will enable them to
      perform exercises within the range of no pain. [Methods] The subjects of this
      study were 45 patients selected from among those diagnosed with breast cancer who
      showed lymphedema after anti-cancer therapy following mastectomy. [Results] The
      Beck depression score changed significantly during the five assessment periods
      however, there was no significant difference between the treatment groups. Post
      hoc analyses revealed that there was significant improvement in the Beck
      depression score from 4 weeks in all three groups. The interaction between group
      and time was also statistically significant. [Conclusion] In conclusion, PNF
      techniques helped to improve the depression and anxiety rates. Four weeks after
      the start of therapy, PNF techniques Depression and anxiety to create a greater
      degree of decline was on display. 

PMID- 25140100
TI  - The Change in Knee Angle during the Gait by Applying Elastic Tape to the Skin.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to verify how the application of elastic tape
      to the anterior surface of the thigh changes the knee angle pattern during gait.
      [Subjects] The subjects were 10 people who showed an abnormal knee angle change
      pattern during usual walking. They did not show the so-called double knee action.
      [Methods] Subjects were asked to walk as usual, and then to walk with elastic
      tape attached to the anterior surface of the thigh. The knee angle was measured
      during gait with an electronic goniometer. We graphed the temporal changes of the
      knee angle and compared them with the normal gait pattern. [Results] The knee
      angle gait pattern of six of the 10 subjects improved after application of the
      tape and became like a normal gait pattern. The changes in the knee angle
      resulted from a stimulus via the skin, rather than voluntary muscular adjustment,
      suggesting that the changes may have originated due to differences in reflexive
      tensile strength. [Conclusion] In normal speed gait, it is suggested that the
      knee angle was altered such that it exhibited a normal pattern by applying
      elastic tape to the anterior surface of the thigh. We suspect that application of
      the elastic tape may change the muscle tonus. 

PMID- 25140099
TI  - Influence of motor imagery of isometric opponens pollicis activity on the
      excitability of spinal motor neurons: a comparison using different muscle
      contraction strengths.
AB  - [Purpose] This study aimed to determine the differences in the excitability of
      spinal motor neurons during motor imagery of a muscle contraction at different
      contraction strengths. [Methods] We recorded the F-wave in 15 healthy subjects.
      First, in a trial at rest, the muscle was relaxed during F-wave recording. Next,
      during motor imagery, subjects were instructed to imagine maximum voluntary
      contractions of 10%, 30%, and 50% while holding the sensor of a pinch meter, and
      F-waves were recorded for each contraction. F-waves were recorded immediately and
      at 5, 10, and 15 min after motor imagery. [Results] Both persistence and F/M
      amplitude ratios during motor imagery under maximum voluntary contractions of
      10%, 30%, and 50% were significantly higher than that at rest. In addition,
      persistence, F/M amplitude ratio, and latency were similar during motor imagery
      under the three muscle contraction strengths. [Conclusion] Motor imagery under
      maximum voluntary contractions of 10%, 30%, and 50% can increase the excitability
      of spinal motor neurons. The results indicated that differences in muscle
      contraction strengths during motor imagery are not involved in changes in the
      excitability of spinal motor neurons. 

PMID- 25140101
TI  - The effects of elbow joint angle changes on elbow flexor and extensor muscle
      strength and activation.
AB  - [Purpose] This research investigated the relationship between elbow joint angle
      and elbow flexor and extensor strength and activation, taking into consideration
      the length-tension tension curve of the muscle. [Subjects] There were 30 research
      subjects in total, 15 male and 15 female college students from Busan S University
      who had no functional disabilities that might affect measurement of muscle
      strength and muscle activation, and none had they experienced any damage in their
      upper extremities or hands. [Methods] The elbow joint angles were positioned at
      angles of 56 degrees , 70 degrees  and 84 degrees , and then muscle strength and
      activation were compared. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical
      analysis, and the paired t-test was used to identify the difference between each
      angle. We used the SPSS for windows (ver. 21.0) statistical software and a
      significance level of alpha=0.05. [Results] The results showed that muscle
      strength and activation of the biceps was highest when the joint was placed at 56
      degrees . On the other hand, for the triceps, the result was highest when the
      joint angle was placed at 84 degrees . [Conclusion] The tests confirmed that
      muscle strength and activation were highest at the joint angle at which the
      muscle was stretched to 20% more than the resting position in concentric
      contraction. 

PMID- 25140102
TI  - Effect of whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction on balance
      and fear of falling in elderly people: a pilot study.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of
      whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction on balance and fear of
      falling in the elderly. [Methods] This study was a case series of 17 elderly
      individuals. Participants performed whole body vibration exercise in the
      horizontal direction using a whole body vibration device for 15 minutes a day, 3
      times a week, for 6 weeks. At baseline and after the 6-week intervention, balance
      was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test, and fear of
      falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale. [Results] After the
      intervention, significant improvements from baseline values in the Berg Balance
      Scale, Timed Up and Go test, and Falls Efficacy Scale were observed in the study
      participants. [Conclusion] Elderly individuals who performed whole body vibration
      exercise in the horizontal direction showed significant improvements in balance
      and fear of falling. However, the observed benefits of whole body vibration
      exercise in the horizontal direction need to be confirmed by additional studies. 

PMID- 25140103
TI  - Relationship between Sympathetic Skin Responses and Auditory Hypersensitivity to
      Different Auditory Stimuli.
AB  - [Purpose] Auditory hypersensitivity has been widely reported in patients with
      autism spectrum disorders. However, the neurological background of auditory
      hypersensitivity is currently not clear. The present study examined the
      relationship between sympathetic nervous system responses and auditory
      hypersensitivity induced by different types of auditory stimuli. [Methods] We
      exposed 20 healthy young adults to six different types of auditory stimuli. The
      amounts of palmar sweating resulting from the auditory stimuli were compared
      between groups with (hypersensitive) and without (non-hypersensitive) auditory
      hypersensitivity. [Results] Although no group * type of stimulus * first stimulus
      interaction was observed for the extent of reaction, significant type of stimulus
      * first stimulus interaction was noted for the extent of reaction. For an 80 dB
      6,000 Hz stimulus, the trends for palmar sweating differed between the groups.
      For the first stimulus, the variance became larger in the hypersensitive group
      than in the non-hypersensitive group. [Conclusion] Subjects who regularly felt
      excessive reactions to auditory stimuli tended to have excessive sympathetic
      responses to repeated loud noises compared with subjects who did not feel
      excessive reactions. People with auditory hypersensitivity may be classified into
      several subtypes depending on their reaction patterns to auditory stimuli. 

PMID- 25140104
TI  - Is There Any Relationship between Joint Destruction and Carotid Intima-media
      Thickness in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible relationship
      between joint destruction and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-four RA patients and 31
      healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The disease activity for 28 joints
      was recorded for each patient using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate
      (DAS28ESR), a visual analog scale (VAS0-10 cm), and a disability index, the
      health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). X-ray imagesof the patients were scored
      according to the modified Sharp/van der Heijde method, and the common carotid
      intimal medial thickness (CIMT) was automatically measured with software using
      high-resolution Doppler ultrasound. [Results] Contrary to our hypothesis, the
      modified total Sharp score (mTSS) and CIMT were not significantly associated. The
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of the
      RA patients and the right CIMT, left CIMT, and mean CIMT scores were
      significantly elevated. Positive correlation was detected between the mean CIMT
      score and age, CRP levels, LDL concentration and triglycerides (TG) level. In the
      regression model, where the mean CIMT was the independent variable and age, CRP,
      LDL, and TG were dependent variables, age was found to be an independent
      predictor of CIMT. [Conclusions] Patients suffering from RA require close
      monitoring for cardiovascular risks, and the comorbidity of age-related
      cardiovascular disease should not be overlooked. 

PMID- 25140106
TI  - The effects of aerobic exercise and strengthening exercise on pain pressure
      thresholds.
AB  - [Purpose] We assessed the effects of aerobic exercise and strengthening exercise
      on pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) over time. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen
      healthy participants were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups: aerobic
      exercise, strengthening exercise, and control. The subjects in the aerobic group
      walked on a treadmill for 40 min at 6.5 km/h. The subjects in the strength group
      performed circuit training that included bench press, lat pull down, biceps curl,
      triceps extension, and shoulder press based on the perceived exertion for 40 min.
      The subjects in the control group rested without any exercise in a quiet room for
      40 min. The PPTs of 5 potential muscle trigger points before exercise, and
      immediately after 10 and 40 min of exercise or rest were measured using an
      electronic algometer (JTECH Medical, USA). The Friedman's, Kruskal-Wallis, and
      Mann-Whitney tests were performed using SPSS 18.0 (IBM, Korea). [Results] The
      PPTs of all subjects decreased after 10 min of exercise, but the difference was
      not statistically significant. The PPTs of the control group decreased after 40
      min. Furthermore, the PPTs of 3 muscles increased after 40 min of aerobic
      exercise and of 6 muscles after 40 min of strengthening exercise. No significant
      difference in PPTs was noted among the groups. [Conclusion] The results show that
      40 min is a more appropriate exercise time, although the efficacy of controlling
      pain did not differ between strengthening exercise and aerobic exercise. 

PMID- 25140105
TI  - Functional Capacity of Oldest Old Living in a Long-stay Institution in Rio De
      Janeiro, Brazil.
AB  - [Purpose] A significant increase in the number of oldest old has occurred
      worldwide. The aim of this study was to characterize the functional capacity of
      the oldest old residents in a long-stay institution in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
      [Subjects and Methods] All participants were evaluated according to the following
      metrics: anthropometry, body composition (bioelectrical impedance), handgrip
      strength, balance (Berg scale and stabilometry), ankle mobility
      (electrogoniometry), physical capacity (six-minute walk test), quality of life
      (WHOQOL-OLD), and dietary habits (questionnaire). [Results] Twenty elderly
      subjects with a mean age of 85.75 +/- 5.22 years and a mean fat percentage of
      39.02 +/- 5.49% participated in the study. The group at risk of falls (n = 8) had
      a lower handgrip strength and walked a shorter distance over the course of six
      minutes compared with the group not at risk of falls. The obese group (n = 15)
      had higher values for stabilometric variables than the nonobese group. There was
      a positive and significant correlation between ankle joint mobility and physical
      capacity (r = 0.47). [Conclusion] High values for obesity and low values for
      handgrip strength and physical capacity were associated with worse body balance.
      Low values for ankle mobility were also associated with worse physical capacity
      in this population. 

PMID- 25140107
TI  - Clinical Study of Respiratory Function and Difference in Pneumonia History
      between Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia Groups.
AB  - [Purpose] This study compared respiratory function and differences in pneumonia
      history between Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia groups. [Subjects]
      Fifty-eight inpatients in the dementia treatment ward in a psychiatric facility
      were enrolled. [Methods] Patients underwent respiratory function testing twice
      using an 80-cm party horn. The Mini-Mental State Examination was also performed
      and motor functions were evaluated. Patient characteristics were obtained from
      medical records. [Results] Significant differences were noted between Alzheimer's
      disease and vascular dementia groups in the ability to blow the party horn to
      full length, pneumonia history, and presence of impaired mobility. [Conclusion]
      Party horn evaluation may be useful for determining the risk of pneumonia in
      patients with dementia. 

PMID- 25140109
TI  - The psychometric properties of the clock drawing test in South Korea.
AB  - [Purpose] The aims of the present study were to analyze the validity and
      reliability of the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) as a screening tool for cognitive
      impairments in both stroke patients and older adults in South Korea. [Subjects
      and Methods] Forty-three stroke patients and 42 elderly residents living in urban
      communities were recruited. They were divided into three groups according to K
      MMSE scores. Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA was used for construct validity,
      Friedman two-way ANOVA for discriminative validity, and Spearman's rank order
      correlation coefficient for inter-rater reliability. [Results] Regardless of
      groups, construct and discriminative validity tests showed statistically
      significant results, and Spearman's rho was over 0.56. [Discussion] CDT
      demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability. CDT using the productive
      methods and Freedman's scoring systems may be suitable for cognitive decrease in
      stroke patients and the elderly. 

PMID- 25140108
TI  - Brain Activity Associated with the Illusion of Motion Evoked by Different
      Vibration Stimulation Devices: An fNIRS Study.
AB  - [Purpose] A number of different stimulation devices are used in basic and
      clinical research studies, and their frequencies of use vary. However, whether or
      not they are equally effective has not been investigated. The purpose of the
      present study was to investigate neural activity in the brain during the illusion
      of motion evoked by stimulating the tendons of the wrist extensor muscles using
      various vibration devices. [Subjects] Twelve right-handed university students
      with no history of nervous system disorder or orthopedic disease participated in
      the study. [Methods] The wrist extensor tendon was stimulated using 3 different
      devices: 1) a vibration stimulation device (SL-0105 LP; Asahi Seisakusho Co.,
      Ltd., Saitama, Japan), frequency 80 Hz; 2) a handy massager (YCM-20; Yamazen
      Corporation, Osaka, Japan), frequency 70 Hz; and 3) a handy massager (Thrive MD
      01; Thrive Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan), frequency 91.7 Hz. Brain activity was
      recorded during stimulation by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.
      [Results] Increased neural activity was observed in both the premotor cortices
      and the parietal region in both hemispheres in all 3 cases. The level and
      localization of neural activity was comparable for all 3 stimulation devices
      used. [Conclusion] This suggests that subjects experience the illusion of motion
      while the tendon is being stimulated using any vibration device. 

PMID- 25140110
TI  - Evaluation of Cranio-cervical Posture in Children with Bruxism Before and After
      Bite Plate Therapy: A Pilot Project.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a biteplate
      on the cranio-cervical posture of children with bruxism. [Subjects and Methods]
      Twelve male and female children aged six to 10 years with a diagnosis of bruxism
      participated in this study. The children used a biteplate during sleep for 30
      days and were submitted to three postural evaluations: initial, immediately
      following placement of the biteplate, and at the end of treatment. Posture
      analysis was performed with the aid of the Alcimagem((r)) 2.1 program. Data
      analysis (IBM SPSS Statistics 2.0) involved descriptive statistics and the
      Student's t-test. [Results] A statistically significant difference was found
      between the initial cranio-cervical angle and the angle immediately following
      placement of the biteplate. However, no statistically significant difference was
      found between the initial angle and the angle after one month of biteplate usage.
      [Conclusion] No significant change in the cranio-cervical posture of the children
      was found one month of biteplate usage. However, a reduction occurred in the
      cranio-cervical angle when the biteplate was in position. 

PMID- 25140111
TI  - Body responses to sound stimulation: a crossover study.
AB  - [Purpose] Auditory stimulation is used for the functional assessment of the
      saccule and saccule-derived vestibule-cervical reflex in clinical environments.
      The present study aimed to clarify the influences of sound stimulation as a type
      of auditory stimulation on the body. [Subjects] The subjects were nine healthy
      youths (2 males and 7 females). [Methods] FFD, FRT, the muscle hardness of
      hamstrings, and RT were measured after the sound stimulation of 1,000 Hz and
      70dB. [Results] RT was markedly shortened, and the FFD significantly increased
      with sound stimulation. [Conclusion] Sound stimulation improved the RT and
      flexibility, possibly resulting in an effective approach in physical therapy. 

PMID- 25140112
TI  - Effects of tai chi for patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of the present study was to seek evidence for the effectiveness
      of Tai Chi for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). [Subjects and Methods]
      Systematic searches were conducted of the China Journals Full-text Database,
      Pubmed, Medline, Science Direct-Online Journals and CINAHL for studies published
      between 2000 and 2012. Studies were evaluated based on following inclusion
      criteria: 1) design: randomized control, clinical trial; 2) subjects: patients
      with a knee osteoarthritis diagnosis; 3) intervention: exercise involving Tai
      Chi; 4) studies published in English or Chinese. [Results] Six randomized control
      studies involving Tai Chi and knee osteoarthritis were found. [Conclusion] Tai
      Chi was an effective way of relieving pain and improving physical function.
      Further randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes and long training
      period are needed to compare groups who perform Tai Chi training with other
      groups who undergo other forms of physical exercise in order to confirm the
      efficacy of Tai Chi. 

PMID- 25140113
TI  - Cross-generational vowel change in American English.
AB  - This study examines cross-generational changes in the vowel systems in central
      Ohio, southeastern Wisconsin and western North Carolina. Speech samples from 239
      speakers, males and females, were divided into three age groups: grandparents (66
      91 years old), parents (35-51) and children (8-12). Acoustic analysis of vowel
      dynamics (i.e., formant movement) was undertaken to explore variation in the
      amount of spectral change for each vowel. A robust set of cross-generational
      changes in /i, epsilon, ae, alpha/ was found within each dialect-specific vowel
      system, involving both their positions and dynamics. With each successive
      generation, /i, epsilon, ae/ become increasingly monophthongized and /alpha/ is
      diphthongized in children. These changes correspond to a general anticlockwise
      parallel rotation of vowels (with some exceptions in /i/ and /epsilon/). Given
      the widespread occurrence of these parallel chain-like changes, we term this
      development the "North American Shift" which conforms to the general principles
      of chain shifting formulated by Labov (1994) and others.

PMID- 25140114
TI  - Rotenone remarkably attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in
      chronic obstructive uropathy.
AB  - Mitochondrial abnormality has been shown in many kidney disease models. However,
      its role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) is still
      uncertain. In present study, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone was
      applied to the mice subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Following
      7-days rotenone treatment, a remarkable attenuation of tubular injury was
      detected by PAS staining. In line with the improvement of kidney morphology,
      rotenone remarkably blunted fibrotic response as shown by downregulation of
      fibronectin (FN), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), collagen I, collagen
      III, and alpha-SMA, paralleled with a substantial decrease of TGF-beta 1.
      Meanwhile, the oxidative stress markers thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances
      (TBARS) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and inflammatory markers TNF-alpha, IL-1beta,
      and ICAM-1 were markedly decreased. More importantly, the reduction of
      mitochondrial DNA copy number and mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1
      (mtND1) expression in obstructed kidneys was moderately but significantly
      restored by rotenone, suggesting an amelioration of mitochondrial injury.
      Collectively, mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone protected kidneys
      against obstructive injury possibly via inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative
      stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, suggesting an important role of mitochondrial
      dysfunction in the pathogenesis of obstructive kidney disease. 

PMID- 25140115
TI  - Tumor necrosis factor is a therapeutic target for immunological unbalance and
      cardiac abnormalities in chronic experimental Chagas' heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD) is characterized by parasite persistence and
      immunological unbalance favoring systemic inflammatory profile. Chronic chagasic
      cardiomyopathy, the main manifestation of CD, occurs in a TNF-enriched milieu and
      frequently progresses to heart failure. AIM OF THE STUDY: To challenge the
      hypothesis that TNF plays a key role in Trypanosoma cruzi-induced immune
      deregulation and cardiac abnormalities, we tested the effect of the anti-TNF
      antibody Infliximab in chronically T. cruzi-infected C57BL/6 mice, a model with
      immunological, electrical, and histopathological abnormalities resembling Chagas'
      heart disease. RESULTS: Infliximab therapy did not reactivate parasite but
      reshaped the immune response as reduced TNF mRNA expression in the cardiac tissue
      and plasma TNF and IFNgamma levels; diminished the frequency of IL-17A(+) but
      increased IL-10(+) CD4(+) T-cells; reduced TNF(+) but augmented IL-10(+) Ly6C(+)
      and F4/80(+) cells. Further, anti-TNF therapy decreased cytotoxic activity but
      preserved IFNgamma-producing VNHRFTLV-specific CD8(+) T-cells in spleen and
      reduced the number of perforin(+) cells infiltrating the myocardium. Importantly,
      Infliximab reduced the frequency of mice afflicted by arrhythmias and second
      degree atrioventricular blocks and decreased fibronectin deposition in the
      cardiac tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support that TNF is a crucial player in the
      pathogenesis of Chagas' heart disease fueling immunological unbalance which
      contributes to cardiac abnormalities.

PMID- 25140116
TI  - Cell death-associated molecular-pattern molecules: inflammatory signaling and
      control.
AB  - Apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis are different cellular death programs
      characterized in organs and tissues as consequence of microbes infection, cell
      stress, injury, and chemotherapeutics exposure. Dying and death cells release a
      variety of self-proteins and bioactive chemicals originated from cytosol,
      nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. These endogenous factors are
      named cell death-associated molecular-pattern (CDAMP), damage-associated
      molecular-pattern (DAMP) molecules, and alarmins. Some of them cooperate or act
      as important initial or delayed inflammatory mediators upon binding to diverse
      membrane and cytosolic receptors coupled to signaling pathways for the activation
      of the inflammasome platforms and NF-kappaB multiprotein complexes. Current
      studies show that the nonprotein thiols and thiol-regulating enzymes as well as
      highly diffusible prooxidant reactive oxygen and nitrogen species released
      together in extracellular inflammatory milieu play essential role in controlling
      pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of CDAMP/DAMP and alarmins. Here, we
      provide an overview of these emerging concepts and mechanisms of triggering and
      maintenance of tissue inflammation under massive death of cells. 

PMID- 25140117
TI  - Peritoneal air exposure elicits an intestinal inflammation resulting in
      postoperative ileus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of postoperative ileus (POI) is complex. The present
      study was designed to investigate the effects of peritoneal air exposure on the
      POI intestinal inflammation and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley
      rats were randomized into five groups (6/group): the control group, the sham
      group, and three exposure groups with peritoneal air exposure for 1, 2, or 3 h.
      At 24 h after surgery, we analyzed the gastrointestinal transit, the serum levels
      of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10,
      the myeloperoxidase activity, and the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL
      10 in the ileum and colon. The oxidant and antioxidant levels in the ileum and
      colon were analyzed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase
      (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC).
      RESULTS: Peritoneal air exposure caused an air-exposure-time-dependent decrease
      in the gastrointestinal transit. The length of peritoneal air exposure is
      correlated with the severity of both systemic and intestinal inflammations and
      the increases in the levels of MDA, SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC. CONCLUSIONS: The
      length of peritoneal air exposure is proportional to the degree of intestinal
      paralysis and the severity of intestinal inflammation, which is linked to the
      oxidative stress response.

PMID- 25140118
TI  - Combined first-trimester screening in northern Finland: experiences of the first
      ten years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of first trimester combined screening for
      Down's syndrome in Northern Finland during the first 10 years of practice.
      METHODS: During 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2011, 47,896 women participated
      voluntarily in combined screening during first trimester. The risk cutoff was
      1:250. The study period was divided into two time periods; 2002-2006 and 2007
      2011. RESULTS: During the first half of the study period, the detection rate (DR)
      was 77.3% with a 4.9% false-positive rate (FPR). During the latter half, the DR
      was 77.1% with a 2.8% FPR. CONCLUSIONS: An important issue is the number of
      invasive procedures needed to detect one case of Down's syndrome. The screening
      performance improved markedly in the latter five years period since the FPR
      lowered from 4.9% to 2.8% and the number of invasive procedures needed to detect
      one case of Down's syndrome lowered from 15 to 11.

PMID- 25140120
TI  - Consecutively preparing d-xylose, organosolv lignin, and amorphous ultrafine
      silica from rice husk.
AB  - Rice husk is an abundant agricultural by-product reaching the output of 80
      million tons annually in the world. The most common treatment method of rice husk
      is burning or burying, which caused serious air pollution and resource waste. In
      order to solve this problem, a new method is proposed to comprehensively utilize
      the rice husk in this paper. Firstly, the D-xylose was prepared from the
      semicellulose via dilute acid hydrolysis. Secondly, the lignin was separated via
      organic solvent pulping from the residue. Finally, the amorphous ultrafine silica
      was prepared via pyrolysis of the residue produced in the second process. In this
      way, the three main contents of rice husk (semicellulose, lignin, and silica) are
      consecutively converted to three fine chemicals, without solid waste produced.
      The yields of D-xylose and organosolv lignin reach 58.2% and 58.5%, respectively.
      The purity and specific surface of amorphous ultrafine silica reach 99.92% and
      225.20 m(2)/g. 

PMID- 25140119
TI  - A qualitative investigation of the roles and perspectives of older patients with
      advanced cancer and their family caregivers in managing pain in the home.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pain in advanced cancer is complex and multifaceted. In older
      patients comorbidities and age-related functional decline add to the difficulties
      in managing cancer pain. The current emphasis on care in the community, and
      preference by patients with life-limiting disease to receive care in the home,
      has meant that patients and their family caregivers have become increasingly
      responsible for the day-to-day management of cancer pain. An appreciation of
      patients' and caregivers' roles and perspectives managing pain is, therefore,
      fundamental to addressing cancer pain in this setting. Consequently, we sought to
      explore and describe their perspectives and roles. METHODS: A qualitative
      descriptive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a
      purposeful sample of patient- family caregiver dyads. Participants included 18
      patients aged 65 years and over, with advanced cancer, receiving palliative care
      at home, and 15 family caregivers. The interview data were analysed using
      thematic analyses. Strategies were used to establish rigour. RESULTS: Two main
      themes were identified. The first theme, "Communicating the pain", represented
      pain assessment and incorporated four subthemes in which participants described:
      their roles in pain assessment, the identification and expression of pain, and
      the communication of pain between patients and caregivers. The second theme,
      "Finding a solution", comprised of four subthemes that reflected participants'
      roles and approaches in controlling pain; as well as their beliefs about cancer
      pain control, experience with side effects, and perspectives on the goals of
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support other studies in identifying
      knowledge and attitudinal barriers to pain control; while adding to the
      literature by highlighting practical and relational barriers faced by older
      patients and their family caregivers. Health care professionals can do much to
      address the barriers identified by: correcting misconceptions regarding cancer
      pain, facilitating the communication of pain within dyads, and ensuring that
      patients and family caregivers have the knowledge, skills, and ability to assess
      and implement pain treatment strategies. This support needs to be individually
      tailored to meet the ongoing needs of both members of the dyad so that the shared
      goals of pain management are accomplished.

PMID- 25140121
TI  - Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Some New Axially Ligated
      Indium(III) Macrocyclic Complexes and Their Biological Activities.
AB  - The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of new axially ligated
      indium(III) porphyrin complexes were reported. Chloroindium(III) porphyrin (TPPIn
      Cl) was obtained in good yield by treating the corresponding free base with
      indium trichloride. The action of the different phenols on chloroderivatives
      (TPPIn-Cl) led to the corresponding phenolato complexes (TPPIn-X). These
      derivatives were characterized on the basis of mass spectrometry, (1)H-NMR, IR,
      and UV-visible data. The separation and isolation of these derivatives have been
      achieved through chromatography. The spectral properties of free base porphyrin
      and its corresponding metallated and axially ligated indium(III) porphyrin
      compounds were compared with each other. A detailed analysis of UV-Vis, (1)H-NMR,
      and IR suggested the transformation from free base porphyrin to indium(III)
      porphyrin. Besides, (13)C-NMR and fluorescence spectra were also reported and
      interpreted. The stability of these derivatives has also been studied through
      thermogravimetry. The complexes were also screened for anticancerous activities.
      Among all the complexes, 4-MePhO-InTPP shows highest anticancerous activity. The
      title complexe, TPPIn-X (where X = different phenolates), represents a five
      coordinate indium(III) porphyrin complex in a square-pyramidal geometry with the
      phenolate anion as the axial ligand. 

PMID- 25140122
TI  - Determination of the total mass of antioxidant substances and antioxidant
      capacity per unit mass in serum using redox titration.
AB  - Objective. Total antioxidant capacity in serum is determined by the total mass of
      antioxidant substances and the antioxidant capacity per unit mass (average
      activity). The purpose of this study was to develop a method to determine the
      mass of antioxidant substances and average activity in human serum. Methods.
      Specimens of serum were collected from 100 subjects each from two different age
      groups: over 75 years old and 20-40 years old. The test serum was diluted into a
      series of concentrations, following which standard oxidation agents (KMnO4 for
      potassium permanganate method and I2 for iodimetry) were added to each
      concentration of serum, and the absorbance of the mixture (optical density, OD)
      was measured. The OD value and logarithm of dilution factor (lgT) at the end of
      the titration were obtained, from which the lgT could be considered as mass of
      antioxidant substances (M). Total antioxidant capacity (Ta) was calculated with
      the equation Ta = 100/(OD1 + 2 * OD2 + 2 * OD3 + 2 * OD4 + OD5), and average
      activity (A) was calculated as A = Ta/M. Results. The potassium permanganate
      method generated similar results to the iodimetric method. Compared with the
      younger group, total antioxidant capacity in the over-75-year age group was found
      to be significantly reduced, along with a decrease in the mass of antioxidant
      substances and average activity levels in human serum. Conclusions. The approach
      described in this paper is suitable for determining the average activity and mass
      of antioxidant substances in human serum. 

PMID- 25140123
TI  - Socioeconomic differences in selected dietary habits among Norwegian 13-14 year
      olds: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social inequalities in health are a major and even growing problem in
      all European countries. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to describe
      1) differences in dietary habits among Norwegian adolescents by gender and
      socioeconomic status; 2) differences in self-reported knowledge of dietary
      guidelines among their parents according to socioeconomic status. DESIGN: In
      2012, a cross-sectional study where students filled in a web-based food frequency
      questionnaire at school was conducted in nine lower secondary schools in Vest
      Agder County, Norway. Socioeconomic status (SES) and knowledge of dietary
      guidelines were obtained from the parents using a web-based questionnaire. In
      total, 517 ninth-grade students (mean age 13.9) out of 742 invited students
      participated in the study, giving a participation rate of 69.7%. The total number
      of dyads with information on both parents and students was 308 (41.5%). RESULTS:
      The findings indicate that there is a tendency for girls to have a healthier diet
      than boys, with greater intake of fruits and vegetables (girls intake in median
      3.5 units per day and boys 2.9 units per day), and lower intake of soft drinks
      (girls 0.25 l in median versus boys 0.5 l per week). Students from families with
      higher SES reported a significant higher intake of vegetables and fish, and lower
      intake of soft drinks and fast food than those from lower SES. Parents with
      higher SES reported a significantly better knowledge of dietary guidelines
      compared to those with lower SES. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in dietary habits were
      found between groups of students by gender and SES. Differences were also found
      in parents' self-reported knowledge of dietary guidelines. This social patterning
      should be recognized in public health interventions.

PMID- 25140124
TI  - A comparative study of drift diffusion and linear ballistic accumulator models in
      a reward maximization perceptual choice task.
AB  - We present new findings that distinguish drift diffusion models (DDMs) from the
      linear ballistic accumulator (LBA) model as descriptions of human behavior in a
      two-alternative forced-choice reward maximization (Rmax) task. Previous
      comparisons have not considered Rmax tasks, and differences identified between
      the models' predictions have centered on practice effects. Unlike the parameter
      free optimal performance curves of the pure DDM, the extended DDM and LBA predict
      families of curves depending on their additional parameters, and those of the LBA
      show significant differences from the DDMs, especially for poorly discriminable
      stimuli that incur high error rates. Moreover, fits to behavior reveal that the
      LBA and DDM provide different interpretations of behavior as stimulus
      discriminability increases. Trends for threshold setting (caution) in the DDMs
      are consistent between fits, while in the corresponding LBA fits, thresholds
      interact with distributions of starting points in a complex manner that depends
      upon parameter constraints. Our results suggest that reinterpretation of LBA
      parameters may be necessary in modeling the Rmax paradigm. 

PMID- 25140126
TI  - Sex differences in self-regulation: an evolutionary perspective.
AB  - Bjorklund and Kipp (1996) provide an evolutionary framework predicting that there
      is a female advantage in inhibition and self-regulation due to differing
      selection pressures placed on males and females. The majority of the present
      review will summarize sex differences in self-regulation at the behavioral level.
      The neural and hormonal underpinnings of this potential sexual dimorphism will
      also be investigated and the results of the experiments summarized will be
      related to the hypothesis advanced by Bjorklund and Kipp (1996). Paradoxically,
      sex differences in self-regulation are more consistently reported in children
      prior to the onset of puberty. In adult cohorts, the results of studies examining
      sex differences in self-regulation are mixed. A few recent experiments suggesting
      that females are less impulsive than males only during fertile stages of the
      menstrual cycle will be reviewed. A brief discussion of an evolutionary framework
      proposing that it is adaptive for females to employ a self-regulatory behavioral
      strategy when fertile will follow. 

PMID- 25140125
TI  - Sexual attractiveness of male chemicals and vocalizations in mice.
AB  - Male-female interaction is important for finding a suitable mating partner and
      for ensuring reproductive success. Male sexual signals such as pheromones
      transmit information and social and sexual status to females, and exert powerful
      effects on the mate preference and reproductive biology of females. Likewise,
      male vocalizations are attractive to females and enhance reproductive function in
      many animals. Interestingly, females' preference for male pheromones and
      vocalizations is associated with their genetic background, to avoid inbreeding.
      Moreover, based on acoustic cues, olfactory signals have significant effects on
      mate choice in mice, suggesting mate choice involves multisensory integration. In
      this review, we synopsize the effects of both olfactory and auditory cues on
      female behavior and neuroendocrine functions. We also discuss how these male
      signals are integrated and processed in the brain to regulate behavior and
      reproductive function. 

PMID- 25140128
TI  - Haptoglobin increases with age in rat hippocampus and modulates Apolipoprotein E
      mediated cholesterol trafficking in neuroblastoma cell lines.
AB  - Alteration in cholesterol metabolism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of
      several neurodegenerative disorders. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the major
      component of brain lipoproteins supporting cholesterol transport. We previously
      reported that the acute-phase protein Haptoglobin (Hpt) binds ApoE, and
      influences its function in blood cholesterol homeostasis. Major aim of this study
      was to investigate whether Hpt influences the mechanisms by which cholesterol is
      shuttled from astrocytes to neurons. In detail it was studied Hpt effect on ApoE
      dependent cholesterol efflux from astrocytes and ApoE-mediated cholesterol
      incorporation in neurons. We report here that Hpt impairs ApoE-mediated
      cholesterol uptake in human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, and limits the
      toxicity of a massive concentration of cholesterol for these cells, while it does
      not affect cholesterol efflux from the human glioblastoma-astrocytoma cell line U
      87 MG. As aging is the most important non-genetic risk factor for various
      neurodegenerative disorders, and our results suggest that Hpt modulates ApoE
      functions, we evaluated the Hpt and ApoE expression profiles in cerebral cortex
      and hippocampus of adolescent (2 months), adult (5 and 8 months), and middle-aged
      (16 months) rats. Hpt mRNA level was higher in hippocampus of 8 and 16 month-old
      than in 2-month old rats (p < 0.05), and Hpt concentration increased with the age
      from adolescence to middle-age (p < 0.001). ApoE concentration, in hippocampus,
      was higher (p < 0.001) in 5 month-old rats compared to 2 month but did not
      further change with aging. No age-related changes of Hpt (protein and mRNA) were
      found in the cortex. Our results suggest that aging is associated with changes,
      particularly in the hippocampus, in the Hpt/ApoE ratio. Age-related changes in
      the concentration of Hpt were also found in human cerebrospinal fluids. The age
      related changes might affect neuronal function and survival in brain, and have
      important implications in brain pathophysiology. 

PMID- 25140129
TI  - Changes in complex spike activity during classical conditioning.
AB  - The cerebellar cortex is necessary for adaptively timed conditioned responses
      (CRs) in eyeblink conditioning. During conditioning, Purkinje cells acquire pause
      responses or "Purkinje cell CRs" to the conditioned stimuli (CS), resulting in
      disinhibition of the cerebellar nuclei (CN), allowing them to activate motor
      nuclei that control eyeblinks. This disinhibition also causes inhibition of the
      inferior olive (IO), via the nucleo-olivary pathway (N-O). Activation of the IO,
      which relays the unconditional stimulus (US) to the cortex, elicits
      characteristic complex spikes in Purkinje cells. Although Purkinje cell activity,
      as well as stimulation of the CN, is known to influence IO activity, much remains
      to be learned about the way that learned changes in simple spike firing affects
      the IO. In the present study, we analyzed changes in simple and complex spike
      firing, in extracellular Purkinje cell records, from the C3 zone, in decerebrate
      ferrets undergoing training in a conditioning paradigm. In agreement with the N-O
      feedback hypothesis, acquisition resulted in a gradual decrease in complex spike
      activity during the conditioned stimulus, with a delay that is consistent with
      the long N-O latency. Also supporting the feedback hypothesis, training with a
      short interstimulus interval (ISI), which does not lead to acquisition of a
      Purkinje cell CR, did not cause a suppression of complex spike activity. In
      contrast, observations that extinction did not lead to a recovery in complex
      spike activity and the irregular patterns of simple and complex spike activity
      after the conditioned stimulus are less conclusive. 

PMID- 25140131
TI  - Measuring F-actin properties in dendritic spines.
AB  - During the last decade, numerous studies have demonstrated that the actin
      cytoskeleton plays a pivotal role in the control of dendritic spine shape.
      Synaptic stimulation rapidly changes the actin dynamics and many actin regulators
      have been shown to play roles in neuron functionality. Accordingly, defects in
      the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in neurons have been implicated in
      memory disorders. Due to the small size of spines, it is difficult to detect
      changes in the actin structures in dendritic spines by conventional light
      microscopy imaging. Instead, to know how tightly actin filaments are bundled
      together, and how fast the filaments turnover, we need to use advanced microscopy
      techniques, such as fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP),
      photoactivatable green fluorescent protein (PAGFP) fluorescence decay and
      fluorescence anisotropy. Fluorescence anisotropy, which measures the Forster
      resonance energy transfer (FRET) between two GFP fluorophores, has been proposed
      as a method to measure the level of actin polymerization. Here, we propose a
      novel idea that fluorescence anisotropy could be more suitable to study the level
      of actin filament bundling instead of actin polymerization. We validate the
      method in U2OS cell line where the actin structures can be clearly distinguished
      and apply to analyze how actin filament organization in dendritic spines changes
      during neuronal maturation. In addition to fluorescence anisotropy validation, we
      take a critical look at the properties and limitations of FRAP and PAGFP
      fluorescence decay methods and offer our proposals for the analysis methods for
      these approaches. These three methods complement each other, each providing
      additional information about actin dynamics and organization in dendritic spines.

PMID- 25140132
TI  - Retino-hypothalamic regulation of light-induced murine sleep.
AB  - The temporal organization of sleep is regulated by an interaction between the
      circadian clock and homeostatic processes. Light indirectly modulates sleep
      through its ability to phase shift and entrain the circadian clock. Light can
      also exert a direct, circadian-independent effect on sleep. For example, acute
      exposure to light promotes sleep in nocturnal animals and wake in diurnal
      animals. The mechanisms whereby light directly influences sleep and arousal are
      not well understood. In this review, we discuss the direct effect of light on
      sleep at the level of the retina and hypothalamus in rodents. We review murine
      data from recent publications showing the roles of rod-, cone- and melanopsin
      based photoreception on the initiation and maintenance of light-induced sleep. We
      also present hypotheses about hypothalamic mechanisms that have been advanced to
      explain the acute control of sleep by light. Specifically, we review recent
      studies assessing the roles of the ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO) and the
      suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). We also discuss how light might differentially
      promote sleep and arousal in nocturnal and diurnal animals respectively. Lastly,
      we suggest new avenues for research on this topic which is still in its early
      stages. 

PMID- 25140133
TI  - Speech sound discrimination training improves auditory cortex responses in a rat
      model of autism.
AB  - Children with autism often have language impairments and degraded cortical
      responses to speech. Extensive behavioral interventions can improve language
      outcomes and cortical responses. Prenatal exposure to the antiepileptic drug
      valproic acid (VPA) increases the risk for autism and language impairment.
      Prenatal exposure to VPA also causes weaker and delayed auditory cortex responses
      in rats. In this study, we document speech sound discrimination ability in VPA
      exposed rats and document the effect of extensive speech training on auditory
      cortex responses. VPA exposed rats were significantly impaired at consonant, but
      not vowel, discrimination. Extensive speech training resulted in both stronger
      and faster anterior auditory field (AAF) responses compared to untrained VPA
      exposed rats, and restored responses to control levels. This neural response
      improvement generalized to non-trained sounds. The rodent VPA model of autism may
      be used to improve the understanding of speech processing in autism and
      contribute to improving language outcomes. 

PMID- 25140130
TI  - Dopamine modulation of learning and memory in the prefrontal cortex: insights
      from studies in primates, rodents, and birds.
AB  - In this review, we provide a brief overview over the current knowledge about the
      role of dopamine transmission in the prefrontal cortex during learning and
      memory. We discuss work in humans, monkeys, rats, and birds in order to provide a
      basis for comparison across species that might help identify crucial features and
      constraints of the dopaminergic system in executive function. Computational
      models of dopamine function are introduced to provide a framework for such a
      comparison. We also provide a brief evolutionary perspective showing that the
      dopaminergic system is highly preserved across mammals. Even birds, following a
      largely independent evolution of higher cognitive abilities, have evolved a
      comparable dopaminergic system. Finally, we discuss the unique advantages and
      challenges of using different animal models for advancing our understanding of
      dopamine function in the healthy and diseased brain. 

PMID- 25140134
TI  - Brain-machine interfacing control of whole-body humanoid motion.
AB  - We propose to tackle in this paper the problem of controlling whole-body humanoid
      robot behavior through non-invasive brain-machine interfacing (BMI), motivated by
      the perspective of mapping human motor control strategies to human-like
      mechanical avatar. Our solution is based on the adequate reduction of the
      controllable dimensionality of a high-DOF humanoid motion in line with the state
      of-the-art possibilities of non-invasive BMI technologies, leaving the complement
      subspace part of the motion to be planned and executed by an autonomous humanoid
      whole-body motion planning and control framework. The results are shown in full
      physics-based simulation of a 36-degree-of-freedom humanoid motion controlled by
      a user through EEG-extracted brain signals generated with motor imagery task. 

PMID- 25140135
TI  - Oxytocin increases liking for a country's people and national flag but not for
      other cultural symbols or consumer products.
AB  - The neuropeptide oxytocin enhances in-group favoritism and ethnocentrism in
      males. However, whether such effects also occur in women and extend to national
      symbols and companies/consumer products is unclear. In a between-subject, double
      blind placebo controlled experiment we have investigated the effect of intranasal
      oxytocin on likeability and arousal ratings given by 51 adult Chinese males and
      females for pictures depicting people or national symbols/consumer products from
      both strong and weak in-groups (China and Taiwan) and corresponding out-groups
      (Japan and South Korea). To assess duration of treatment effects subjects were
      also re-tested after 1 week. Results showed that although oxytocin selectively
      increased the bias for overall liking for Chinese social stimuli and the national
      flag, it had no effect on the similar bias toward other Chinese cultural symbols,
      companies, and consumer products. This enhanced bias was maintained 1 week after
      treatment. No overall oxytocin effects were found for Taiwanese, Japanese, or
      South Korean pictures. Our findings show for the first time that oxytocin
      increases liking for a nation's society and flag in both men and women, but not
      that for other cultural symbols or companies/consumer products. 

PMID- 25140136
TI  - Tuning and disrupting the brain-modulating the McGurk illusion with electrical
      stimulation.
AB  - In the so-called McGurk illusion, when the synchronized presentation of the
      visual stimulus /ga/ is paired with the auditory stimulus /ba/, people in general
      hear it as /da/. Multisensory integration processing underlying this illusion
      seems to occur within the Superior Temporal Sulcus (STS). Herein, we present
      evidence demonstrating that bilateral cathodal transcranial direct current
      stimulation (tDCS) of this area can decrease the McGurk illusion-type responses.
      Additionally, we show that the manipulation of this audio-visual integrated
      output occurs irrespective of the number of eye-fixations on the mouth of the
      speaker. Bilateral anodal tDCS of the Parietal Cortex also modulates the
      illusion, but in the opposite manner, inducing more illusion-type responses. This
      is the first demonstration of using non-invasive brain stimulation to modulate
      multisensory speech perception in an illusory context (i.e., both increasing and
      decreasing illusion-type responses to a verbal audio-visual integration task).
      These findings provide clear evidence that both the superior temporal and
      parietal areas contribute to multisensory integration processing related to
      speech perception. Specifically, STS seems fundamental for the temporal
      synchronization and integration of auditory and visual inputs. For its part,
      posterior parietal cortex (PPC) may adjust the arrival of incoming audio and
      visual information to STS thereby enhancing their interaction in this latter
      area. 

PMID- 25140137
TI  - Face processing improvements in prosopagnosia: successes and failures over the
      last 50 years.
AB  - Clinicians and researchers have widely believed that face processing cannot be
      improved in prosopagnosia. Though more than a dozen reported studies have
      attempted to enhance face processing in prosopagnosics over the last 50 years,
      evidence for effective treatment approaches has only begun to emerge. Here, we
      review the current literature on spontaneous recovery in acquired prosopagnosia
      (AP), as well as treatment attempts in acquired and developmental prosopagnosia
      (DP), differentiating between compensatory and remedial approaches. We find that
      for AP, rather than remedial methods, strategic compensatory training such as
      verbalizing distinctive facial features has shown to be the most effective
      approach (despite limited evidence of generalization). In children with DP,
      compensatory training has also shown some effectiveness. In adults with DP, two
      recent larger-scale studies, one using remedial training and another
      administering oxytocin, have demonstrated group-level improvements and evidence
      of generalization. These results suggest that DPs, perhaps because of their more
      intact face processing infrastructure, may benefit more from treatments targeting
      face processing than APs. 

PMID- 25140138
TI  - Eluding the illusion? Schizophrenia, dopamine and the McGurk effect.
AB  - Perceptions are inherently probabilistic; and can be potentially manipulated to
      induce illusory experience by the presentation of ambiguous or improbable
      evidence under selective (spatio-temporal) constraints. Accordingly, perception
      of the McGurk effect, by which individuals misperceive specific incongruent
      visual and auditory vocal cues, rests upon effective probabilistic inference.
      Here, we report findings from a behavioral investigation of illusory perception
      and related metacognitive evaluation during audiovisual integration, conducted in
      individuals with schizophrenia (n = 30) and control subjects (n = 24) matched in
      terms of age, sex, handedness and parental occupation. Controls additionally
      performed the task after an oral dose of amisulpride (400 mg). Individuals with
      schizophrenia were observed to exhibit illusory perception less frequently than
      controls, despite non-significant differences in perceptual performance during
      control conditions. Furthermore, older individuals with schizophrenia exhibited
      reduced rates of illusory perception. Subsequent analysis revealed a robust
      inverse relationship between illness chronicity and the illusory perception rate
      in this group. Controls demonstrated non-significant modulation of perception by
      amisulpride; amisulpride was, however, found to elicit increases in subjective
      confidence in perceptual performance. Overall, these findings are consistent with
      the idea that impairments in probabilistic inference are exhibited in
      schizophrenia and exacerbated by illness chronicity. The latter suggests that
      associated processes are a potentially worthwhile target for therapeutic
      intervention. 

PMID- 25140139
TI  - Challenges for identifying the neural mechanisms that support spatial navigation:
      the impact of spatial scale.
AB  - Spatial navigation is a fascinating behavior that is essential for our everyday
      lives. It involves nearly all sensory systems, it requires numerous parallel
      computations, and it engages multiple memory systems. One of the key problems in
      this field pertains to the question of reference frames: spatial information such
      as direction or distance can be coded egocentrically-relative to an observer-or
      allocentrically-in a reference frame independent of the observer. While many
      studies have associated striatal and parietal circuits with egocentric coding and
      entorhinal/hippocampal circuits with allocentric coding, this strict dissociation
      is not in line with a growing body of experimental data. In this review, we
      discuss some of the problems that can arise when studying the neural mechanisms
      that are presumed to support different spatial reference frames. We argue that
      the scale of space in which a navigation task takes place plays a crucial role in
      determining the processes that are being recruited. This has important
      implications, particularly for the inferences that can be made from animal
      studies in small scale space about the neural mechanisms supporting human spatial
      navigation in large (environmental) spaces. Furthermore, we argue that many of
      the commonly used tasks to study spatial navigation and the underlying neuronal
      mechanisms involve different types of reference frames, which can complicate the
      interpretation of neurophysiological data. 

PMID- 25140140
TI  - Listening effort and accented speech.

PMID- 25140142
TI  - Left occipitotemporal cortex contributes to the discrimination of tool-associated
      hand actions: fMRI and TMS evidence.
AB  - Functional neuroimaging studies have implicated the left lateral occipitotemporal
      cortex (LOTC) in both tool and hand perception but the functional role of this
      region is not fully known. Here, by using a task manipulation, we tested whether
      tool-/hand-selective LOTC contributes to the discrimination of tool-associated
      hand actions. Participants viewed briefly presented pictures of kitchen and
      garage tools while they performed one of two tasks: in the action task, they
      judged whether the tool is associated with a hand rotation action (e.g.,
      screwdriver) or a hand squeeze action (e.g., garlic press), while in the location
      task they judged whether the tool is typically found in the kitchen (e.g., garlic
      press) or in the garage (e.g., screwdriver). Both tasks were performed on the
      same stimulus set and were matched for difficulty. Contrasting fMRI responses
      between these tasks showed stronger activity during the action task than the
      location task in both tool- and hand-selective LOTC regions, which closely
      overlapped. No differences were found in nearby object- and motion-selective
      control regions. Importantly, these findings were confirmed by a TMS study, which
      showed that effective TMS over the tool-/hand-selective LOTC region significantly
      slowed responses for tool action discriminations relative to tool location
      discriminations, with no such difference during sham TMS. We conclude that left
      LOTC contributes to the discrimination of tool-associated hand actions. 

PMID- 25140141
TI  - Cues, context, and long-term memory: the role of the retrosplenial cortex in
      spatial cognition.
AB  - Spatial navigation requires memory representations of landmarks and other
      navigation cues. The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is anatomically positioned
      between limbic areas important for memory formation, such as the hippocampus
      (HPC) and the anterior thalamus, and cortical regions along the dorsal stream
      known to contribute importantly to long-term spatial representation, such as the
      posterior parietal cortex. Damage to the RSC severely impairs allocentric
      representations of the environment, including the ability to derive navigational
      information from landmarks. The specific deficits seen in tests of human and
      rodent navigation suggest that the RSC supports allocentric representation by
      processing the stable features of the environment and the spatial relationships
      among them. In addition to spatial cognition, the RSC plays a key role in
      contextual and episodic memory. The RSC also contributes importantly to the
      acquisition and consolidation of long-term spatial and contextual memory through
      its interactions with the HPC. Within this framework, the RSC plays a dual role
      as part of the feedforward network providing sensory and mnemonic input to the
      HPC and as a target of the hippocampal-dependent systems consolidation of long
      term memory. 

PMID- 25140144
TI  - The joint Simon effect depends on perceived agency, but not intentionality, of
      the alternative action.
AB  - A co-actor's intentionality has been suggested to be a key modulating factor for
      joint action effects like the joint Simon effect (JSE). However, in previous
      studies intentionality has often been confounded with agency defined as
      perceiving the initiator of an action as being the causal source of the action.
      The aim of the present study was to disentangle the role of agency and
      intentionality as modulating factors of the JSE. In Experiment 1, participants
      performed a joint go/nogo Simon task next to a co-actor who either intentionally
      controlled a response button with own finger movements (agency+/intentionality+)
      or who passively placed the hand on a response button that moved up and down on
      its own as triggered by computer signals (agency-/intentionality-). In Experiment
      2, we included a condition in which participants believed that the co-actor
      intentionally controlled the response button with a Brain-Computer Interface
      (BCI) while placing the response finger clearly besides the response button, so
      that the causal relationship between agent and action effect was perceptually
      disrupted (agency-/intentionality+). As a control condition, the response button
      was computer controlled while the co-actor placed the response finger besides the
      response button (agency-/intentionality-). Experiment 1 showed that the JSE is
      present with an intentional co-actor and causality between co-actor and action
      effect, but absent with an unintentional co-actor and a lack of causality between
      co-actor and action effect. Experiment 2 showed that the JSE is absent with an
      intentional co-actor, but no causality between co-actor and action effect. Our
      findings indicate an important role of the co-actor's agency for the JSE. They
      also suggest that the attribution of agency has a strong perceptual basis. 

PMID- 25140143
TI  - Effective connectivity among the working memory regions during preparation for
      and during performance of the n-back task.
AB  - Recent neuroimaging studies have shown that working memory (WM) task difficulty
      can be decoded from patterns of brain activation in the WM network during
      preparation to perform those tasks. The inter-regional connectivity among the WM
      regions during task preparation has not yet been investigated. We examined this
      question using the graph modeling methods IMaGES and LOFS, applied to the
      previously published fMRI data of Manelis and Reder (2013). In that study,
      subjects performed 1-, 2-, and 3-back tasks. Each block of n-back was preceded by
      a preparation period and followed by a rest period. The analyses of task-related
      brain activity identified a network of 18 regions that increased in activation
      from 1- to 3-back (Increase network) and a network of 17 regions that decreased
      in activation from 1- to 3-back (Decrease network). The graph analyses revealed
      two types of connectivity sub-networks within the Increase and Decrease networks:
      "default" and "preparation-related." The "default" connectivity was present not
      only during task performance, but also during task preparation and during rest.
      We propose that this sub-network may serve as a core system that allows one to
      quickly activate cognitive, perceptual and motor systems in response to the
      relevant stimuli. The "preparation-related" connectivity was present during task
      preparation and task performance, but not at rest, and depended on the n-back
      condition. The role of this sub-network may be to pre-activate a connectivity
      "road map" in order to establish a top-down and bottom-up regulation of attention
      prior to performance on WM tasks. 

PMID- 25140145
TI  - The hippocampus is not a geometric module: processing environment geometry during
      reorientation.
AB  - The hippocampus has long been known to play a role in allocentric spatial coding,
      but its specific involvement in reorientation, or the recalibration of a
      disrupted egocentric spatial representation using allocentric spatial
      information, has received less attention. Initially, the cognitive literature on
      reorientation focused on a "geometric module" sensitive to the shape formed by
      extended surfaces in the environment, and the neuroscience literature followed
      with proposals that particular MTL regions might be the seat of such a module.
      However, with behavioral evidence mounting that a modular cognitive architecture
      is unlikely, recent work has begun to directly address the issue of the neural
      underpinnings of reorientation. In this review, we describe the reorientation
      paradigm, initial proposals for the role of the MTL when people reorient, our
      recent work on the neural bases of reorientation, and finally, how this new
      information regarding neural mechanism helps to re-interpret and clarify the
      original behavioral reorientation data. 

PMID- 25140146
TI  - Transcranial stimulation of the developing brain: a plea for extreme caution.

PMID- 25140148
TI  - Changes in scalp potentials and spatial smoothing effects of inclusion of dura
      layer in human head models for EEG simulations.
AB  - The dura layer which covers the brain is less conductive than the CSF
      (cerebrospinal fluid) and also more conductive than the skull bone. This could
      significantly influence the flow of volume currents from cortex to the scalp
      surface which will also change the magnitude and spatial profiles of scalp
      potentials. This was examined with a 3-D finite element method (FEM) model of an
      adult subject constructed from 192 segmented axial magnetic resonance (MR) slices
      with 256*256 pixel resolution. The voxel resolution was 1*1*1 mm. The model
      included the dura layer. In addition, other major tissues were also identified.
      The electrical conductivities of various tissues were obtained from the
      literature. The conductivities of dura and CSF were 0.001 S/m and 0.06 S/m,
      respectively. The electrical activity of the cortex was represented by 144,000
      distributed dipolar sources with orientations normal to the local cortical
      surface. The dipolar intensity was in the range of 0.0-0.4 mA meter with a
      uniform random distribution. Scalp potentials were simulated for two head models
      with an adaptive finite element solver. One model had the dura layer and in the
      other model, dura layer was replaced with the CSF. Spatial contour plots of
      potentials on the cortical surface, dural surface and the scalp surface were
      made. With the inclusion of the dura layer, scalp potentials decrease by about
      20%. The contours of gyri and sulci structures were visible in the spatial
      profiles of the cortical potentials which were smoothed out on the dural surface
      and were not visible on the scalp surface. These results suggest that dura layer
      should be included for an accurate modeling of scalp and cortical potentials. 

PMID- 25140149
TI  - Genetic variation modifies risk for neurodegeneration based on biomarker status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While a great deal of work has gone into understanding the
      relationship between Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, brain atrophy, and
      disease progression, less work has attempted to investigate how genetic variation
      modifies these relationships. The goal of this study was two-fold. First, we
      sought to identify high-risk vs. low-risk individuals based on their CSF tau and
      Abeta load and characterize these individuals with regard to brain atrophy in an
      AD-relevant region of interest. Next, we sought to identify genetic variants that
      modified the relationship between biomarker classification and neurodegeneration.
      METHODS: Participants were categorized based on established cut-points for
      biomarker positivity. Mixed model regression was used to quantify longitudinal
      change in the left inferior lateral ventricle. Interaction analyses between
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and biomarker group status were performed
      using a genome wide association study (GWAS) approach. Correction for multiple
      comparisons was performed using the Bonferroni procedure. RESULTS: One intergenic
      SNP (rs4866650) and one SNP within the SPTLC1 gene (rs7849530) modified the
      association between amyloid positivity and neurodegeneration. A transcript
      variant of WDR11-AS1 gene (rs12261764) modified the association between tau
      positivity and neurodegeneration. These effects were consistent across the two
      sub-datasets and explained approximately 3% of variance in ventricular dilation.
      One additional SNP (rs6887649) modified the association between amyloid
      positivity and baseline ventricular volume, but was not observed consistently
      across the sub-datasets. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variation modifies the association
      between AD biomarkers and neurodegeneration. Genes that regulate the molecular
      response in the brain to oxidative stress may be particularly relevant to neural
      vulnerability to the damaging effects of amyloid-beta.

PMID- 25140147
TI  - Feature integration and object representations along the dorsal stream visual
      hierarchy.
AB  - THE VISUAL SYSTEM IS SPLIT INTO TWO PROCESSING STREAMS: a ventral stream that
      receives color and form information and a dorsal stream that receives motion
      information. Each stream processes that information hierarchically, with each
      stage building upon the previous. In the ventral stream this leads to the
      formation of object representations that ultimately allow for object recognition
      regardless of changes in the surrounding environment. In the dorsal stream, this
      hierarchical processing has classically been thought to lead to the computation
      of complex motion in three dimensions. However, there is evidence to suggest that
      there is integration of both dorsal and ventral stream information into motion
      computation processes, giving rise to intermediate object representations, which
      facilitate object selection and decision making mechanisms in the dorsal stream.
      First we review the hierarchical processing of motion along the dorsal stream and
      the building up of object representations along the ventral stream. Then we
      discuss recent work on the integration of ventral and dorsal stream features that
      lead to intermediate object representations in the dorsal stream. Finally we
      propose a framework describing how and at what stage different features are
      integrated into dorsal visual stream object representations. Determining the
      integration of features along the dorsal stream is necessary to understand not
      only how the dorsal stream builds up an object representation but also which
      computations are performed on object representations instead of local features.

PMID- 25140152
TI  - Glutathione levels modulation as a strategy in host-parasite interactions
      insights for biology of cancer.

PMID- 25140150
TI  - Structure activity relationship of phenolic acid inhibitors of alpha-synuclein
      fibril formation and toxicity.
AB  - The aggregation of alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) is considered the key pathogenic
      event in many neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia
      with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy, giving rise to a whole category of
      neurodegenerative diseases known as synucleinopathies. Although the molecular
      basis of alpha-syn toxicity has not been precisely elucidated, a great deal of
      effort has been put into identifying compounds that could inhibit or even reverse
      the aggregation process. Previous reports indicated that many phenolic compounds
      are potent inhibitors of alpha-syn aggregation. The aim of the present study was
      to assess the anti-aggregating effect of gallic acid (GA) (3,4,5
      trihydroxybenzoic acid), a benzoic acid derivative that belongs to a group of
      phenolic compounds known as phenolic acids. By employing an array of biophysical
      and biochemical techniques and a cell-viability assay, GA was shown not only to
      inhibit alpha-syn fibrillation and toxicity but also to disaggregate preformed
      alpha-syn amyloid fibrils. Interestingly, GA was found to bind to soluble, non
      toxic oligomers with no beta-sheet content, and to stabilize their structure. The
      binding of GA to the oligomers may represent a potential mechanism of action.
      Additionally, by using structure activity relationship data obtained from
      fourteen structurally similar benzoic acid derivatives, it was determined that
      the inhibition of alpha-syn fibrillation by GA is related to the number of
      hydroxyl moieties and their position on the phenyl ring. GA may represent the
      starting point for designing new molecules that could be used for the treatment
      of PD and related disorders. 

PMID- 25140151
TI  - Age-Dependent Modifications of AMPA Receptor Subunit Expression Levels and
      Related Cognitive Effects in 3xTg-AD Mice.
AB  - GluA1, GluA2, GluA3, and GluA4 are the constitutive subunits of amino-3-hydroxy-5
      methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs), the major mediators of fast
      excitatory transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. Most AMPARs are
      Ca(2+)-impermeable because of the presence of the GluA2 subunit. GluA2 mRNA
      undergoes an editing process that results in a Q-R substitution, a key factor in
      the regulation of AMPAR Ca(2+)-permeability. AMPARs lacking GluA2 or containing
      the unedited subunit are permeable to Ca(2+) and Zn(2+). The phenomenon
      physiologically modulates synaptic plasticity while, in pathologic conditions,
      leads to increased vulnerability to excitotoxic neuronal death. Given the
      importance of these subunits, we have therefore evaluated possible associations
      between changes in expression levels of AMPAR subunits and development of
      cognitive deficits in 3xTg-AD mice, a widely investigated transgenic mouse model
      of Alzheimer's disease (AD). With quantitative real-time PCR analysis, we assayed
      hippocampal mRNA expression levels of GluA1-4 subunits occurring in young [3
      months of age (m.o.a.)] and old (12 m.o.a) Tg-AD mice and made comparisons with
      levels found in age-matched wild type (WT) mice. Efficiency of GluA2 RNA editing
      was also analyzed. All animals were cognitively tested for learning short- and
      long-term spatial memory with the Morris Water Maze (MWM) navigation task. 3xTg
      AD mice showed age-dependent decreases of mRNA levels for all the AMPAR subunits,
      with the exception of GluA2. Editing remained fully efficient with aging in 3xTg
      AD and WT mice. A one-to-one correlation analysis between MWM performances and
      GluA1-4 mRNA expression profiles showed negative correlations between GluA2
      levels and MWM performances in young 3xTg-AD mice. On the contrary, positive
      correlations between GluA2 mRNA and MWM performances were found in young WT mice.
      Our data suggest that increases of AMPARs that contain GluA1, GluA3, and GluA4
      subunits may help in maintaining cognition in pre-symptomatic 3xTg-AD mice. 

PMID- 25140153
TI  - Expression pattern of glycoside hydrolase genes in Lutzomyia longipalpis reveals
      key enzymes involved in larval digestion.
AB  - The sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis is the most important vector of American
      Visceral Leishmaniasis. Adults are phytophagous (males and females) or blood
      feeders (females only), and larvae feed on solid detritus. Digestion in sand fly
      larvae has scarcely been studied, but some glycosidase activities putatively
      involved in microorganism digestion were already described. Nevertheless, the
      molecular nature of these enzymes, as the corresponding genes and transcripts,
      were not explored yet. Catabolism of microbial carbohydrates in insects generally
      involves beta-1,3-glucanases, chitinases, and digestive lysozymes. In this work,
      the transcripts of digestive beta-1,3-glucanase and chitinases were identified in
      the L. longipalpis larvae throughout analysis of sequences and expression
      patterns of glycoside hydrolases families 16, 18, and 22. The activity of one i
      type lysozyme was also registered. Interestingly, this lysozyme seems to play a
      role in immunity, rather than digestion. This is the first attempt to identify
      the molecular nature of sand fly larval digestive enzymes. 

PMID- 25140154
TI  - S-acylation dependent post-translational cross-talk regulates large conductance
      calcium- and voltage- activated potassium (BK) channels.
AB  - Mechanisms that control surface expression and/or activity of large conductance
      calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels are important determinants of their
      (patho)physiological function. Indeed, BK channel dysfunction is associated with
      major human disorders ranging from epilepsy to hypertension and obesity. S
      acylation (S-palmitoylation) represents a major reversible, post-translational
      modification controlling the properties and function of many proteins including
      ion channels. Recent evidence reveals that both pore-forming and regulatory
      subunits of BK channels are S-acylated and control channel trafficking and
      regulation by AGC-family protein kinases. The pore-forming alpha-subunit is S
      acylated at two distinct sites within the N- and C-terminus, each site being
      regulated by different palmitoyl acyl transferases (zDHHCs) and acyl
      thioesterases (APTs). S-acylation of the N-terminus controls channel trafficking
      and surface expression whereas S-acylation of the C-terminal domain determines
      regulation of channel activity by AGC-family protein kinases. S-acylation of the
      regulatory beta4-subunit controls ER exit and surface expression of BK channels
      but does not affect ion channel kinetics at the plasma membrane. Furthermore, a
      significant number of previously identified BK-channel interacting proteins have
      been shown, or are predicted to be, S-acylated. Thus, the BK channel multi
      molecular signaling complex may be dynamically regulated by this fundamental post
      translational modification and thus S-acylation likely represents an important
      determinant of BK channel physiology in health and disease. 

PMID- 25140156
TI  - Differences in Aerobic Fitness between Inpatients and Outpatients with Severe
      Mental Disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with severe mental disorders have increased mortality, and
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for a large part. Physical inactivity and
      low aerobic fitness have been recognized as significant risk factors for CVD. In
      this study, we investigated the differences in aerobic fitness and physical
      activity between in- and outpatients with severe mental disorders. METHOD AND
      SUBJECTS: Fifty in- and outpatients from a regional psychiatric department were
      included. The patients filled in a questionnaire on physical activity and
      completed a clinical examination. An estimation of aerobic fitness was calculated
      for each patient, using gender, age, waist circumference, resting heart rate, and
      physical activity level as variables. RESULTS: Inpatients had lower estimated
      aerobic fitness than outpatients (VO2peak 42 vs. 50 mL kg(-1) min(-1), p <
      0.001). Compared to population data matched for age and gender, inpatients had
      lower aerobic fitness, while outpatients were not different from the population
      average. CONCLUSION: Inpatients at a psychiatric department had lower estimated
      aerobic fitness than outpatients, and a lower aerobic fitness compared to the
      general population. Our findings suggest that inpatients with severe mental
      disorders should be considered a high risk group for CVD.

PMID- 25140157
TI  - NR2B Antagonist CP-101,606 Abolishes Pitch-Mediated Deviance Detection in Awake
      Rats.
AB  - Schizophrenia patients exhibit a decreased ability to detect change in their
      auditory environment as measured by auditory event-related potentials (ERP) such
      as mismatch negativity. This deficit has been linked to abnormal NMDA
      neurotransmission since, among other observations, non-selective channel blockers
      of NMDA reliably diminish automatic deviance detection in human subjects as well
      as in animal models. Recent molecular and functional evidence links NR2B receptor
      subtype to aberrant NMDA transmission in schizophrenia. However, it is unknown if
      NR2B receptors participate in pre-attentive deviance detection. We recorded ERP
      from the vertex of freely behaving rats in response to frequency mismatch
      protocols. We saw a robust increase in N1 response to deviants compared to
      standard as well as control stimuli indicating true deviance detection. Moreover,
      the increased negativity was highly sensitive to deviant probability. Next, we
      tested the effect of a non-selective NMDA channel blocker (ketamine, 30 mg/kg)
      and a highly selective NR2B antagonist, CP-101,606 (10 or 30 mg/kg) on deviance
      detection. Ketamine attenuated deviance mainly by increasing the amplitude of the
      standard ERP. Amplitude and/or latency of several ERP components were also
      markedly affected. In contrast, CP-101,606 robustly and dose-dependently
      inhibited the deviant's N1 amplitude, and as a consequence, completely abolished
      deviance detection. No other ERPs or components were affected. Thus, we report
      first evidence that NR2B receptors robustly participate in processes of automatic
      deviance detection in a rodent model. Lastly, our model demonstrates a path
      forward to test specific pharmacological hypotheses using translational endpoints
      relevant to aberrant sensory processing in schizophrenia. 

PMID- 25140155
TI  - Systemic and renal oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of hypertension:
      modulation of long-term control of arterial blood pressure by resveratrol.
AB  - Hypertension affects over 25% of the global population and is associated with
      grave and often fatal complications that affect many organ systems. Although
      great advancements have been made in the clinical assessment and treatment of
      hypertension, the cause of hypertension in over 90% of these patients is unknown,
      which hampers the development of targeted and more effective treatment. The
      etiology of hypertension involves multiple pathological processes and organ
      systems, however one unifying feature of all of these contributing factors is
      oxidative stress. Once the body's natural anti-oxidant defense mechanisms are
      overwhelmed, reactive oxygen species (ROS) begin to accumulate in the tissues.
      ROS play important roles in normal regulation of many physiological processes,
      however in excess they are detrimental and cause widespread cell and tissue
      damage as well as derangements in many physiological processes. Thus, control of
      oxidative stress has become an attractive target for pharmacotherapy to prevent
      and manage hypertension. Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-Trihydroxystilbene) is a
      naturally occurring polyphenol which has anti-oxidant effects in vivo. Many
      studies have shown anti-hypertensive effects of resveratrol in different pre
      clinical models of hypertension, via a multitude of mechanisms that include its
      function as an anti-oxidant. However, results have been mixed and in some cases
      resveratrol has no effect on blood pressure. This may be due to the heavy
      emphasis on peripheral vasodilator effects of resveratrol and virtually no
      investigation of its potential renal effects. This is particularly troubling in
      the arena of hypertension, where it is well known and accepted that the kidney
      plays an essential role in the long term regulation of arterial pressure and a
      vital role in the initiation, development and maintenance of chronic
      hypertension. It is thus the focus of this review to discuss the potential of
      resveratrol as an anti-hypertensive treatment via amelioration of oxidative
      stress within the framework of the fundamental physiological principles of long
      term regulation of arterial blood pressure. 

PMID- 25140158
TI  - Network based statistical analysis detects changes induced by continuous theta
      burst stimulation on brain activity at rest.
AB  - We combined continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) and resting state (RS)-fMRI
      approaches to investigate changes in functional connectivity (FC) induced by
      right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)-cTBS at rest in a group of healthy
      subjects. Seed-based fMRI analysis revealed a specific pattern of correlation
      between the right prefrontal cortex and several brain regions: based on these
      results, we defined a 29-node network to assess changes in each network
      connection before and after, respectively, DLPFC-cTBS and sham sessions. A
      decrease of correlation between the right prefrontal cortex and right parietal
      cortex (Brodmann areas 46 and 40, respectively) was detected after cTBS, while no
      significant result was found when analyzing sham-session data. To our knowledge,
      this is the first study that demonstrates within-subject changes in FC induced by
      cTBS applied on prefrontal area. The possibility to induce selective changes in a
      specific region without interfering with functionally correlated area could have
      several implications for the study of functional properties of the brain, and for
      the emerging therapeutic strategies based on transcranial stimulation. 

PMID- 25140160
TI  - Visual relations children find easy and difficult to process in figural
      analogies.
AB  - Analogical reasoning, the ability to learn about novel phenomena by relating it
      to structurally similar knowledge, develops with great variability in children.
      Furthermore, the development of analogical reasoning coincides with greater
      working memory efficiency and increasing knowledge of the entities and relations
      present in analogy problems. In figural matrices, a classical form of analogical
      reasoning assessment, some features, such as color, appear easier for children to
      encode and infer than others, such as orientation. Yet, few studies have
      structurally examined differences in the difficulty of visual relations across
      different age-groups. This cross-sectional study of figural analogical reasoning
      examined which underlying rules in figural analogies were easier or more
      difficult for children to correctly process. School children (N = 1422, M = 7.0
      years, SD = 21 months, range 4.5-12.5 years) were assessed in analogical
      reasoning using classical figural matrices and memory measures. The visual
      relations the children had to induce and apply concerned the features: animal,
      color, orientation, position, quantity and size. The role of age and memory span
      on the children's ability to correctly process each type of relation was examined
      using explanatory item response theory models. The results showed that with
      increasing age and/or greater memory span all visual relations were processed
      more accurately. The "what" visual relations animal, color, quantity and size
      were easiest, whereas the "where" relations orientation and position were most
      difficult. However, the "where" visual relations became relatively easier with
      age and increased memory efficiency. The implications are discussed in terms of
      the development of visual processing in object recognition vs. position and
      motion encoding in the ventral ("what") and dorsal ("where") pathways
      respectively. 

PMID- 25140159
TI  - The biological function of consciousness.
AB  - This research is an investigation of whether consciousness-one's ongoing
      experience-influences one's behavior and, if so, how. Analysis of the components,
      structure, properties, and temporal sequences of consciousness has established
      that, (1) contrary to one's intuitive understanding, consciousness does not have
      an active, executive role in determining behavior; (2) consciousness does have a
      biological function; and (3) consciousness is solely information in various
      forms. Consciousness is associated with a flexible response mechanism (FRM) for
      decision-making, planning, and generally responding in nonautomatic ways. The FRM
      generates responses by manipulating information and, to function effectively, its
      data input must be restricted to task-relevant information. The properties of
      consciousness correspond to the various input requirements of the FRM; and when
      important information is missing from consciousness, functions of the FRM are
      adversely affected; both of which indicate that consciousness is the input data
      to the FRM. Qualitative and quantitative information (shape, size, location,
      etc.) are incorporated into the input data by a qualia array of colors, sounds,
      and so on, which makes the input conscious. This view of the biological function
      of consciousness provides an explanation why we have experiences; why we have
      emotional and other feelings, and why their loss is associated with poor decision
      making; why blindsight patients do not spontaneously initiate responses to events
      in their blind field; why counter-habitual actions are only possible when the
      intended action is in mind; and the reason for inattentional blindness. 

PMID- 25140161
TI  - Phonological and lexical influences on phonological awareness in children with
      specific language impairment and dyslexia.
AB  - Children with dyslexia and/or specific language impairment have marked deficits
      in phonological processing, putting them at an increased risk for reading
      deficits. The current study sought to examine the influence of word-level
      phonological and lexical characteristics on phonological awareness. Children with
      dyslexia and/or specific language impairment were tested using a phoneme deletion
      task in which stimuli differed orthogonally by sound similarity and neighborhood
      density. Phonological and lexical factors influenced performance differently
      across groups. Children with dyslexia appeared to have a more immature and
      aberrant pattern of phonological and lexical influence (e.g., favoring sparse and
      similar features). Children with SLI performed less well than children who were
      typically developing, but followed a similar pattern of performance (e.g.,
      favoring dense and dissimilar features). Collectively, our results point to both
      quantitative and qualitative differences in lexical organization and phonological
      representations in children with SLI and in children with dyslexia. 

PMID- 25140162
TI  - Distortion of auditory space during visually induced self-motion in depth.
AB  - Perception of self-motion is based on the integration of multiple sensory inputs,
      in particular from the vestibular and visual systems. Our previous study
      demonstrated that vestibular linear acceleration information distorted auditory
      space perception (Teramoto et al., 2012). However, it is unclear whether this
      phenomenon is contingent on vestibular signals or whether it can be caused by
      inputs from other sensory modalities involved in self-motion perception. Here, we
      investigated whether visual linear self-motion information can also alter
      auditory space perception. Large-field visual motion was presented to induce self
      motion perception with constant accelerations (Experiment 1) and a constant
      velocity (Experiment 2) either in a forward or backward direction. During
      participants' experience of self-motion, a short noise burst was delivered from
      one of the loudspeakers aligned parallel to the motion direction along a wall to
      the left of the listener. Participants indicated from which direction the sound
      was presented, forward or backward, relative to their coronal (i.e., frontal)
      plane. Results showed that the sound position aligned with the subjective coronal
      plane (SCP) was significantly displaced in the direction of self-motion,
      especially in the backward self-motion condition as compared with a no motion
      condition. These results suggest that self-motion information, irrespective of
      its origin, is crucial for auditory space perception. 

PMID- 25140163
TI  - The role of ANS acuity and numeracy for the calibration and the coherence of
      subjective probability judgments.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to investigate how numeracy and acuity of the
      approximate number system (ANS) relate to the calibration and coherence of
      probability judgments. Based on the literature on number cognition, a first
      hypothesis was that those with lower numeracy would maintain a less linear use of
      the probability scale, contributing to overconfidence and nonlinear calibration
      curves. A second hypothesis was that also poorer acuity of the ANS would be
      associated with overconfidence and non-linearity. A third hypothesis, in line
      with dual-systems theory (e.g., Kahneman and Frederick, 2002) was that people
      higher in numeracy should have better access to the normative probability rules,
      allowing them to decrease the rate of conjunction fallacies. Data from 213
      participants sampled from the Swedish population showed that: (i) in line with
      the first hypothesis, overconfidence and the linearity of the calibration curves
      were related to numeracy, where people higher in numeracy were well calibrated
      with zero overconfidence. (ii) ANS was not associated with overconfidence and non
      linearity, disconfirming the second hypothesis. (iii) The rate of conjunction
      fallacies was slightly, but to a statistically significant degree decreased by
      numeracy, but still high at all numeracy levels. An unexpected finding was that
      participants with better ANS acuity gave more realistic estimates of their
      performance relative to others. 

PMID- 25140164
TI  - Use of the adult attachment projective picture system in psychodynamic
      psychotherapy with a severely traumatized patient.
AB  - The following case study is presented to facilitate an understanding of how the
      attachment information evident from Adult Attachment Projective Picture System
      (AAP) assessment can be integrated into a psychodynamic perspective in making
      therapeutic recommendations that integrate an attachment perspective. The Adult
      Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) is a valid representational measure of
      internal representations of attachment based on the analysis of a set of free
      response picture stimuli designed to systematically activate the attachment
      system (George and West, 2012). The AAP provides a fruitful diagnostic tool for
      psychodynamic-oriented clinicians to identify attachment-based deficits and
      resources for an individual patient in therapy. This paper considers the use of
      the AAP with a traumatized patient in an inpatient setting and uses a case study
      to illustrate the components of the AAP that are particularly relevant to a
      psychodynamic conceptualization. The paper discusses also attachment-based
      recommendations for intervention. 

PMID- 25140165
TI  - Pharmacological Treatments Inhibiting Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesias in MPTP
      Lesioned Monkeys: Brain Glutamate Biochemical Correlates.
AB  - Anti-glutamatergic drugs can relieve Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms and
      decrease l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA)-induced dyskinesias (LID). This
      review reports relevant studies investigating glutamate receptor subtypes in
      relation to motor complications in PD patients and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6
      tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned monkeys. Antagonists of the ionotropic
      glutamate receptors, such as N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and alpha-amino-3
      hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, display
      antidyskinetic activity in PD patients and animal models such as the MPTP monkey.
      Metabotropic glutamate 5 (mGlu5) receptor antagonists were shown to reduce the
      severity of LID in PD patients as well as in already dyskinetic non-human
      primates and to prevent the development of LID in de novo treatments in non-human
      primates. An increase in striatal post-synaptic NMDA, AMPA, and mGlu5 receptors
      is documented in PD patients and MPTP monkeys with LID. This increase can be
      prevented in MPTP monkeys with the addition of a specific glutamate receptor
      antagonist to the l-DOPA treatment and also with drugs of various pharmacological
      specificities suggesting multiple receptor interactions. This is yet to be well
      documented for presynaptic mGlu4 and mGlu2/3 and offers additional new promising
      avenues. 

PMID- 25140167
TI  - Grappling archaea: ultrastructural analyses of an uncultivated, cold-loving
      archaeon, and its biofilm.
AB  - Similarly to Bacteria, Archaea are microorganisms that interact with their
      surrounding environment in a versatile manner. To date, interactions based on
      cellular structure and surface appendages have mainly been documented using model
      systems of cultivable archaea under laboratory conditions. Here, we report on the
      microbial interactions and ultrastructural features of the uncultivated SM1
      Euryarchaeon, which is highly dominant in its biotope. Therefore, biofilm samples
      taken from the Sippenauer Moor, Germany, were investigated via transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM; negative staining, thin-sectioning) and scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM) in order to elucidate the fine structures of the
      microbial cells and the biofilm itself. The biofilm consisted of small archaeal
      cocci (0.6 MUm diameter), arranged in a regular pattern (1.0-2.0 MUm distance
      from cell to cell), whereas each archaeon was connected to 6 other archaea on
      average. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were limited to the close
      vicinity of the archaeal cells, and specific cell surface appendages (hami,
      Moissl et al., 2005) protruded beyond the EPS matrix enabling microbial
      interaction by cell-cell contacts among the archaea and between archaea and
      bacteria. All analyzed hami revealed their previously described architecture of
      nano-grappling hooks and barb-wire basal structures. Considering the archaeal
      cell walls, the SM1 Euryarchaea exhibited a double-membrane, which has rarely
      been reported for members of this phylogenetic domain. Based on these findings,
      the current generalized picture on archaeal cell walls needs to be revisited, as
      archaeal cell structures are more complex and sophisticated than previously
      assumed, particularly when looking into the uncultivated majority. 

PMID- 25140168
TI  - Halophilic Aspergillus penicillioides from athalassohaline, thalassohaline, and
      polyhaline environments.
AB  - Aspergillus penicillioides is a true halophile, present in diverse econiches -
      from the hypersaline athalassohaline, and thalassohaline environments, to
      polyhaline systems, and in different geographical locations. Twenty seven
      isolates from these environments, were seen to be moderate halophiles, euryhaline
      in nature. They had an obligate need of a low aw and were unable to grow on a
      regular defined medium such as Czapek Dox Agar, as well as on varied nutrient
      rich agar media such as Malt Extract, Potato Dextrose and Sabouraud Agar;
      however, growth was obtained on all these media when amended with 10% solar salt.
      In absence of added salt, the conidia either did not germinate, or when
      germinated, distortions and lysis were seen in the short mycelial forms; on media
      with salt, the mycelia and vesicles appeared normal. 

PMID- 25140166
TI  - ER stress, autophagy, and RNA viruses.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a general term for representing the pathway
      by which various stimuli affect ER functions. ER stress induces the
      evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways, called the unfolded protein response
      (UPR), which compromises the stimulus and then determines whether the cell
      survives or dies. In recent years, ongoing research has suggested that these
      pathways may be linked to the autophagic response, which plays a key role in the
      cell's response to various stressors. Autophagy performs a self-digestion
      function, and its activation protects cells against certain pathogens. However,
      the link between the UPR and autophagy may be more complicated. These two systems
      may act dependently, or the induction of one system may interfere with the other.
      Experimental studies have found that different viruses modulate these mechanisms
      to allow them to escape the host immune response or, worse, to exploit the host's
      defense to their advantage; thus, this topic is a critical area in antiviral
      research. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about how RNA
      viruses, including influenza virus, poliovirus, coxsackievirus, enterovirus 71,
      Japanese encephalitis virus, hepatitis C virus, and dengue virus, regulate these
      processes. We also discuss recent discoveries and how these will produce novel
      strategies for antiviral treatment. 

PMID- 25140169
TI  - A Question of Nature: Some Antigens are Bound to be Allergens.

PMID- 25140171
TI  - Structural divergence and loss of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C
      signaling components during the evolution of the green plant lineage:
      implications from structural characteristics of algal components.

PMID- 25140172
TI  - Appearance traits in fish farming: progress from classical genetics to genomics,
      providing insight into current and potential genetic improvement.
AB  - Appearance traits in fish, those external body characteristics that influence
      consumer acceptance at point of sale, have come to the forefront of commercial
      fish farming, as culture profitability is closely linked to management of these
      traits. Appearance traits comprise mainly body shape and skin pigmentation.
      Analysis of the genetic basis of these traits in different fish reveals
      significant genetic variation within populations, indicating potential for their
      genetic improvement. Work into ascertaining the minor or major genes underlying
      appearance traits for commercial fish is emerging, with substantial progress in
      model fish in terms of identifying genes that control body shape and skin colors.
      In this review, we describe research progress to date, especially with regard to
      commercial fish, and discuss genomic findings in model fish in order to better
      address the genetic basis of the traits. Given that appearance traits are
      important in commercial fish, the genomic information related to this issue
      promises to accelerate the selection process in coming years. 

PMID- 25140170
TI  - Maize transformation technology development for commercial event generation.
AB  - Maize is an important food and feed crop in many countries. It is also one of the
      most important target crops for the application of biotechnology. Currently,
      there are more biotech traits available on the market in maize than in any other
      crop. Generation of transgenic events is a crucial step in the development of
      biotech traits. For commercial applications, a high throughput transformation
      system producing a large number of high quality events in an elite genetic
      background is highly desirable. There has been tremendous progress in
      Agrobacterium-mediated maize transformation since the publication of the Ishida
      et al. (1996) paper and the technology has been widely adopted for transgenic
      event production by many labs around the world. We will review general efforts in
      establishing efficient maize transformation technologies useful for transgenic
      event production in trait research and development. The review will also discuss
      transformation systems used for generating commercial maize trait events
      currently on the market. As the number of traits is increasing steadily and two
      or more modes of action are used to control key pests, new tools are needed to
      efficiently transform vectors containing multiple trait genes. We will review
      general guidelines for assembling binary vectors for commercial transformation.
      Approaches to increase transformation efficiency and gene expression of large
      gene stack vectors will be discussed. Finally, recent studies of targeted genome
      modification and transgene insertion using different site-directed nuclease
      technologies will be reviewed. 

PMID- 25140173
TI  - Hypothesis: genetic and epigenetic risk factors interact to modulate
      vulnerability and resilience to FASD.
AB  - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) presents a collection of symptoms
      representing physiological and behavioral phenotypes caused by maternal alcohol
      consumption. Symptom severity is modified by genetic differences in fetal
      susceptibility and resistance as well as maternal genetic factors such as
      maternal alcohol sensitivity. Animal models demonstrate that both maternal and
      paternal genetics contribute to the variation in the fetus' vulnerability to
      alcohol exposure. Maternal and paternal genetics define the variations in these
      phenotypes even without the effect of alcohol in utero, as most of these traits
      are polygenic, non-Mendelian, in their inheritance. In addition, the epigenetic
      alterations that instigate the alcohol induced neurodevelopmental deficits can
      interact with the polygenic inheritance of respective traits. Here, based on
      specific examples, we present the hypothesis that the principles of non-Mendelian
      inheritance, or "exceptions" to Mendelian genetics, can be the driving force
      behind the severity of the prenatal alcohol-exposed individual's symptomology.
      One such exception is when maternal alleles lead to an altered intrauterine
      hormonal environment and, therefore, produce variations in the long-term
      consequences on the development of the alcohol-exposed fetus. Another exception
      is when epigenetic regulation of allele-specific gene expression generates
      disequilibrium between the maternal vs. paternal genetic contributions, and
      thereby, modifies the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on the fetus. We
      propose that these situations in which one parent has an exaggerated influence
      over the offspring's vulnerability to prenatal alcohol are major contributing
      mechanisms responsible for the variations in the symptomology of FASD in the
      exposed generation and beyond. 

PMID- 25140174
TI  - Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom: from the envenoming to the understanding of
      the immune system.
AB  - Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim) is a venomous fish found off North and
      Northeast coast of Brazil, where it is known by the severity of the accidents
      involving humans. This review article is divided into four topics. The first one
      provides a brief description of the animal biology and its distribution off
      Brazilian coastal waters, the venom apparatus, signs and symptoms observed in
      envenomated humans and also describes envenomation in mice. The second topic
      describes the use of modern genetic approach and mass spectrometry for
      identification of highly expressed genes in its venom glands and the sequence of
      major toxins. The third chapter offers a detailed study of tissue injury induced
      by the venom and reveals the role of toxins that impair inflammation reduction.
      Finally, the fourth section expands the understanding of many extrinsic and
      intrinsic essential factors in maintaining survival of memory B cell compartment.
      Our results demonstrate the wide possibilities for research in the area of
      toxinology, also the necessity of interconnection among biochemistry,
      pharmacology and immunology areas for the expansion of knowledge and for
      generation of innovation. 

PMID- 25140175
TI  - Multidrug resistance: an emerging crisis.
AB  - The resistance among various microbial species (infectious agents) to different
      antimicrobial drugs has emerged as a cause of public health threat all over the
      world at a terrifying rate. Due to the pacing advent of new resistance mechanisms
      and decrease in efficiency of treating common infectious diseases, it results in
      failure of microbial response to standard treatment, leading to prolonged
      illness, higher expenditures for health care, and an immense risk of death.
      Almost all the capable infecting agents (e.g., bacteria, fungi, virus, and
      parasite) have employed high levels of multidrug resistance (MDR) with enhanced
      morbidity and mortality; thus, they are referred to as "super bugs." Although the
      development of MDR is a natural phenomenon, the inappropriate use of
      antimicrobial drugs, inadequate sanitary conditions, inappropriate food-handling,
      and poor infection prevention and control practices contribute to emergence of
      and encourage the further spread of MDR. Considering the significance of MDR,
      this paper, emphasizes the problems associated with MDR and the need to
      understand its significance and mechanisms to combat microbial infections. 

PMID- 25140177
TI  - Increased incidence of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity in patients with
      vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
AB  - Hormones may play a role in the pathophysiology of vernal keratoconjunctivitis
      (VKC). An increased incidence of thyroid autoantibodies was recently observed in
      VKC, although there were no data on thyroid function. Two hundred and eighty
      eight patients (202 males, 86 females; range 5.5 to 16.9 years) with VKC were
      evaluated and compared with 188 normal age- and sex-matched subjects. In all
      subjects, serum concentrations of free T4, TSH, thyroperoxidase, thyroglobulin,
      and TSHr autoantibodies were evaluated. In VKC, the family history of thyroid
      diseases showed no significant differences compared to the controls (9.4 versus
      8.6%), whereas the family history of autoimmune diseases was significantly higher
      (13.2% versus 6.3%; P<0.05). Subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 6.6%
      (versus 1.6% of the controls; P<0.05) and overt hypothyroidism in 0.7% (versus
      0.0% of the controls; P = NS). Finally, 5.2% of patients were positive for
      thyroid autoantibodies, which were significantly higher with respect to the
      controls (0.5%, P<0.05). In the patients positive for thyroid autoantibodies, 80%
      showed a sonography pattern that suggested autoimmune thyroiditis. Thyroid
      function and autoimmunity abnormalities are frequently present in children with
      VKC. Children with VKC should be screened for thyroid function and evaluated for
      thyroid autoimmunity. 

PMID- 25140178
TI  - Concomitant factors leading to an atypical osteonecrosis of the jaw in a patient
      with multiple myeloma.
AB  - Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a site specific osseous pathology,
      characterized by chronic exposed bone in the mouth, which needs to be reinforced
      periodically within the medical literature. ONJ is a clinical entity with many
      possible aetiologies and its pathogenesis is not well understood. The risk
      factors for ONJ include bisphosphonates treatments, head and neck radiotherapy,
      dental procedures involving bone surgery, and trauma. Management of ONJ has
      centred on efforts to eliminate or reduce severity of symptoms, to slow or
      prevent the progression of disease, and to eradicate diseased bone. This case
      describes a rare case of ONJ in a 64-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with
      multiple myeloma stage III. The lesion was related to a traumatic injury during
      mastication. Eighteen months ago in the same area the molar 37 was extracted,
      achieving a complete satisfactory healing, when only 2 doses of zoledronic acid
      had been administered. Actinomyces bacterial aggregates were also identified in
      the microscopic analysis. The management of this osteonecrotic lesion included
      antibiotic treatment and chlorhexidine topical gel administration. The evolution
      was monitored every two weeks until patient's death. The authors provide a
      discussion of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. This case
      report may shed light on the controversies about concomitant factors and
      mechanisms inducing ONJ. 

PMID- 25140179
TI  - Laryngeal lymphoma: the high and low grades of rare lymphoma involvement sites.
AB  - The larynx is an extremely rare site of involvement by lymphomatous disease. We
      present two cases of isolated laryngeal high-grade and another low-grade
      lymphoma, together with a literature review of laryngeal lymphoma management. 

PMID- 25140180
TI  - Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy with atypical findings.
AB  - Background. To report a case of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) with
      atypical electrophysiology findings. Case Presentation. A 23-year-old-female
      presented with visual acuity deterioration in her right eye accompanied by
      photopsia bilaterally. Corrected distance visual acuity at presentation was 20/50
      in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Fundus examination was unremarkable.
      Visual field (VF) testing revealed a large scotoma. Pattern and full-field
      electroretinograms (PERG and ERG) revealed macular involvement associated with
      generalized retinal dysfunction. Electrooculogram (EOG) light rise and the Arden
      ratio were within normal limits bilaterally. The patient was diagnosed with AZOOR
      due to clinical findings, visual field defect, and ERG findings. Conclusion. This
      is a case of AZOOR with characteristic VF defects and clinical symptoms
      presenting with atypical EOG findings. 

PMID- 25140181
TI  - Acute rhabdomyolysis associated with coadministration of levofloxacin and
      simvastatin in a patient with normal renal function.
AB  - We report a rare case of severe acute rhabdomyolysis in association with
      coadministration of levofloxacin and simvastatin in a patient with normal renal
      function. A 70-year-old Caucasian male was treated due to community acquired
      pneumonia with levofloxacin in a dosage of 500 mg once and then twice a day. On
      the 8th day of hospitalization the patient presented with acute severe
      rhabdomyolysis requiring an intensive care support. After discontinuation of
      levofloxacin and concomitant medication with simvastatin 80 mg/day, clinical and
      laboratory effects were totally reversible. Up to now, levofloxacin has been
      reported to induce rhabdomyolysis mainly in patients with impaired renal
      function, as the medication has a predominant renal elimination. In our case
      renal function remained normal during the severe clinical course. According to a
      recent case report rhabdomyolysis was observed due to interaction of simvastatin
      and ciprofloxacin. To our best knowledge this is the first case of interaction
      between simvastatin and levofloxacin to be reported. This case emphasizes the
      need of close monitoring of creatine kinase in patients under more than one
      potentially myotoxic medication especially when patients develop muscle weakness.

PMID- 25140182
TI  - Bilateral Upper Extremity DVT in a 43-Year-Old Man: Is It Thoracic Outlet
      Syndrome?!
AB  - Recurrent deep venous thrombosis, involving bilateral upper extremities, is an
      extremely rare phenomenon. We are presenting a 43-year-old man who was diagnosed
      with left upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) and was treated with
      anticoagulation and surgical decompression in 2004. 9 years later, he presented
      with right arm swelling and was diagnosed with right UEDVT using US venous
      Doppler. Venogram showed compression of the subclavian vein by the first rib,
      diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). He was treated with anticoagulation
      and local venolysis and later by surgical decompression of the subclavian vein.
      Bilateral UEDVT, as mentioned above, is an extremely rare condition that is
      uncommonly caused by TOS. To our knowledge, we are reporting the first case of
      bilateral UEDVT due to TOS. Diagnosis usually starts with US venous Doppler to
      detect the thrombosis, followed by the gold standard venogram to locate the area
      of obstruction and lyse the thrombus if needed. The ultimate treatment for TOS
      remains surgical decompression of the vascular bundle at the thoracic outlet. 

PMID- 25140183
TI  - Challenges and frugal remedies for lowering facility based neonatal mortality and
      morbidity: a comparative study.
AB  - Millennium development goal target on infant mortality (MDG4) by 2015 would not
      be realised in some low-resource countries. This was in part due to unsustainable
      high-tech ideas that have been poorly executed. Prudent but high impact
      techniques could have been synthesised in these countries. A collaborative
      outreach was initiated to devise frugal measures that could reduce neonatal
      deaths in Nigeria. Prevailing issues of concern that could militate against
      neonatal survival within care centres were identified and remedies were
      proffered. These included application of (i) recycled incubator technology (RIT)
      as a measure of providing affordable incubator sufficiency, (ii) facility-based
      research groups, (iii) elective training courses for clinicians/nurses, (iv)
      independent local artisans on spare parts production, (v) power-banking and
      apnoea-monitoring schemes, and (v) 1/2 yearly failure-preventive maintenance and
      auditing system. Through a retrospective data analyses 4 outreach centres and one
      "control" were assessed. Average neonatal mortality of centres reduced from
      254/1000 to 114/1000 whilst control remained at 250/1000. There was higher
      relative influx of incubator-dependent-neonates at outreach centres. It was found
      that 43% of mortality occurred within 48 hours of presentation (d48) and up to
      92% of d48 were of very-low birth parameters. The RIT and associated concerns
      remedies have demonstrated the vital signs of efficiency that would have
      guaranteed MDG4 neonatal component in Nigeria. 

PMID- 25140184
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of cuscutae semen in a mouse model of Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder that is
      characterized by the progressive degeneration of the dopaminergic (DA) pathway. 1
      Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) causes damage to the DA
      neurons, and 1-4-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) causes cell death in
      differentiated PC12 cells that is similar to the degeneration that occurs in PD.
      Moreover, MPTP treatment increases the activity of the brain's immune cells,
      reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) generating processes, and glutathione peroxidase.
      We recently reported that Cuscutae Semen (CS), a widely used traditional herbal
      medicine, increases cell viability in a yeast model of PD. In the present study,
      we examined the inhibitory effect of CS on the neurotoxicity of MPTP in mice and
      on the MPP+-induced cell death in differentiated PC12 cells. The MPTP-induced
      loss of nigral DA neurons was partly inhibited by CS-mediated decreases in ROS
      generation. The activation of microglia was slightly inhibited by CS, although
      this effect did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, CS may reduce
      the MPP+ toxicity in PC12 cells by suppressing glutathione peroxidase activation.
      These results suggest that CS may be beneficial for the treatment of
      neurodegenerative diseases such as PD. 

PMID- 25140176
TI  - The alliance of mesenchymal stem cells, bone, and diabetes.
AB  - Bone fragility has emerged as a new complication of diabetes. Several mechanisms
      in diabetes may influence bone homeostasis by impairing the action between
      osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes and/or changing the structural
      properties of the bone tissue. Some of these mechanisms can potentially alter the
      fate of mesenchymal stem cells, the initial precursor of the osteoblast. In this
      review, we describe the main factors that impair bone health in diabetic patients
      and their clinical impact. 

PMID- 25140186
TI  - Moxibustion Activates Macrophage Autophagy and Protects Experimental Mice against
      Bacterial Infection.
AB  - Moxibustion is one of main therapies in traditional Chinese medicine and uses
      heat stimulation on the body surface from the burning of moxa to release pain or
      treat diseases. Emerging studies have shown that moxibustion can generate
      therapeutic effects by activating a series of signaling pathways and
      neuroendocrine-immune activities. Here we show moxibustion promoted profound
      macrophage autophagy in experimental Kunming mice, with reduced Akt
      phosphorylation and activated eIF2alpha phosphorylation. Consequently,
      moxibustion promoted bacterial clearance by macrophages and protected mice from
      mortality due to bacterial infection. These results indicate that moxibustion
      generates a protective response by activating autophagy against bacterial
      infections. 

PMID- 25140185
TI  - A Metabonomics Profiling Study on Phlegm Syndrome and Blood-Stasis Syndrome in
      Coronary Heart Disease Patients Using Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole Time-of
      Flight Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - A metabonomics approach based on liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight
      mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF/MS) was utilized to obtain potential biomarkers of
      coronary heart disease (CHD) patients and investigate the ZHENG types
      differentiation in CHD patients. The plasma samples of 20 CHD patients with
      phlegm syndrome, 20 CHD patients with blood-stasis syndrome, and 16 healthy
      volunteers were collected in the study. 26 potential biomarkers were identified
      in the plasma of CHD patients and 19 differential metabolites contributed to the
      discrimination of phlegm syndrome and blood-stasis syndrome in CHD patients (VIP
      > 1.5; P < 0.05) which mainly involved purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism,
      amino acid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and arachidonic acid metabolism.
      This study demonstrated that metabonomics approach based on LC-MS was useful for
      studying pathologic changes of CHD patients and interpreting the differentiation
      of ZHENG types (phlegm and blood-stasis syndrome) in traditional Chinese medicine
      (TCM). 

PMID- 25140187
TI  - Chemical Profiling of an Antimigraine Herbal Preparation, Tianshu Capsule, Based
      on the Combination of HPLC, LC-DAD-MS (n) , and LC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF/MS Analyses.
AB  - Chemical profiling is always the first task in the standardization and
      modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine. HPLC and LC-MS were employed to
      find out the common chromatographic peaks in various batches of Tianshu Capsule
      (TSC) and the contribution of the characteristic peaks from individual herbs to
      the whole chromatographic profile of TSC sample. A total of 38 constituents were
      identified in TSC sample based on the comparison of retention time and UV spectra
      with authentic compounds as well as by summarized MS fragmentation rules and
      matching of empirical molecular formula with those of published components. This
      is the first systematic report on the chemical profiling of the commercial TSC
      product, which provides the sufficiently chemical evidence for the global quality
      evaluation of TSC products. 

PMID- 25140188
TI  - Investigation of hepatic blood perfusion by laser speckle imaging and changes of
      hepatic vasoactive substances in mice after electroacupuncture.
AB  - The study was conducted to observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on
      hepatic blood perfusion (HBP) and vascular regulation. We investigated 60 male
      anesthetized mice under the following 3 conditions: without EA stimulation
      (control group); EA stimulation at Zusanli (ST36 group); EA stimulation at
      nonacupoint (NA group) during 30 min. The HBP was measured using the laser
      speckle perfusion imaging (LSPI). The level of nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1
      (ET-1), and noradrenaline (NE) in liver tissue was detected by biochemical
      methods. Results were as follows. At each time point, HBP increase in ST36 group
      was higher than that in the NA group in anesthetized mice. HBP gradually
      decreased during 30 min in control group. The level of NO in ST36 group was
      higher than that in NA group. The level of both ET-1 and NE was the highest in
      control group, followed by NA group and ST36 group. It is concluded that EA at
      ST36 could increase HBP possibly by increasing the blood flow velocity (BFV),
      changing vascular activity, increasing the level of NO, and inhibiting the level
      of ET-1 in liver tissue. 

PMID- 25140189
TI  - Caffeamide 36-13 Regulates the Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Signs of High-Fat
      Fed Mice on Glucose Transporter 4, AMPK Phosphorylation, and Regulated Hepatic
      Glucose Production.
AB  - This study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of
      (E)-3-[3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl-1-(piperidin-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one] (36-13) (TS), one
      of caffeic acid amide derivatives, on high-fat (HF-) fed mice. The C57BL/6J mice
      were randomly divided into the control (CON) group and the experimental group,
      which was firstly fed a HF diet for 8 weeks. Then, the HF group was subdivided
      into four groups and was given TS orally (including two doses) or rosiglitazone
      (Rosi) or vehicle for 4 weeks. Blood, skeletal muscle, and tissues were examined
      by measuring glycaemia and dyslipidemia-associated events. TS effectively
      prevented HF diet-induced increases in the levels of blood glucose, triglyceride,
      insulin, leptin, and free fatty acid (FFA) and weights of visceral fa; moreover,
      adipocytes in the visceral depots showed a reduction in size. TS treatment
      significantly increased the protein contents of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in
      skeletal muscle; TS also significantly enhanced Akt phosphorylation in liver,
      whereas it reduced the expressions of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)
      and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). Moreover, TS enhanced phosphorylation of AMP
      activated protein kinase (phospho-AMPK) both in skeletal muscle and liver tissue.
      Therefore, it is possible that the activation of AMPK by TS resulted in enhanced
      glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, contrasting with diminished gluconeogenesis in
      liver. TS exhibits hypolipidemic effect by decreasing the expressions of fatty
      acid synthase (FAS). Thus, antidiabetic properties of TS occurred as a result of
      decreased hepatic glucose production by PEPCK and G6Pase downregulation and
      improved insulin sensitization. Thus, amelioration of diabetic and dyslipidemic
      state by TS in HF-fed mice occurred by regulation of GLUT4, G6Pase, and FAS and
      phosphorylation of AMPK. 

PMID- 25140190
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study of chlorogenic Acid from lonicerae
      japonicae flos following oral administrations in rats.
AB  - Chlorogenic acid (ChA) is proposed as the major bioactive compounds of Lonicerae
      Japonicae Flos (LJF). Forty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven
      groups to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of ChA, via
      oral administration of LJF extract, using ibuprofen as internal standard,
      employing a high performance liquid chromatography in conjunction with tandem
      mass spectrometry. Analytes were extracted from plasma samples and tissue
      homogenate by liquid-liquid extraction with acetonitrile, separated on a C 18
      column by linear gradient elution, and detected by electrospray ionization mass
      spectrometry in negative selected multiple reaction monitoring mode. Our results
      successfully demonstrate that the method has satisfactory selectivity, linearity,
      extraction recovery, matrix effect, precision, accuracy, and stability. Using
      noncompartment model to study pharmacokinetics, profile revealed that ChA was
      rapidly absorbed and eliminated. Tissue study indicated that the highest level
      was observed in liver, followed by kidney, lung, heart, and spleen. In
      conclusion, this method was suitable for the study on pharmacokinetics and tissue
      distribution of ChA after oral administration. 

PMID- 25140191
TI  - Effects and mechanisms of resveratrol on the amelioration of oxidative stress and
      hepatic steatosis in KKAy mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The exact mechanism of the protective role of Resveratrol (Res) in
      lipid metabolism and oxidative stress is not well elucidated. The present study
      aimed to investigate the potential benefits and possible mechanisms of Res on the
      amelioration of oxidative stress and hepatic steatosis in a KKAy mouse model.
      METHODS: A total of 30 KKAy male mice were randomly divided into three groups: a
      normal chow group, a low resveratrol group and a high resveratrol group. After a
      12-wk study period, serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C and HDL-C, the liver content of
      TG and TC, ROS, GSH, GPx, SOD and MDA levels were measured. Ectopic lipid
      deposition was observed in sectioned frozen liver tissues. The mRNA levels of
      ATGL and HSL in the liver tissues were determined via real-time PCR. Furthermore,
      the protein expression of p47phox, gp91phox, ATGL, HSL, Sirt1, AMPK and FOXO1
      were analyzed using western blotting. RESULTS: Following Res supplementation,
      serum levels of TG and MDA were decreased, while the HDL-C and SOD levels were
      increased in KKAy mice. Furthermore, Res treatment increased GSH and GPx in liver
      tissues, while it decreased ROS. In addition, Res significantly reduced hepatic
      steatosis. After Res treatment, concentrations of p47phox (membrane) and gp91phox
      proteins were reduced, while p-HSL, HSL and ATGL protein expression levels were
      increased. Mechanistically, the levels of Sirt1, p-AMPK and p-FOXO1 expression in
      the liver tissues were up-regulated following supplementation with Res, and FOXO1
      protein was released from the nucleus into the cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: Res is
      able to attenuate hepatic steatosis and lipid metabolic disorder and enhance the
      antioxidant ability in KKAy mice, possibly by up-regulating Sirt1 expression and
      the phosphorylation of AMPK.

PMID- 25140192
TI  - Navigating diabetes-related immune epitope data: resources and tools provided by
      the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), originally focused on infectious
      diseases, was recently expanded to allergy, transplantation and autoimmunity
      diseases. Here we focus on diabetes, chosen as a prototype autoimmune disease. We
      utilize a combined tutorial and meta-analysis format, which demonstrates how
      common questions, related to diabetes epitopes can be answered. RESULTS: A total
      of 409 references are captured in the IEDB describing >2,500 epitopes from
      diabetes associated antigens. The vast majority of data were derived from GAD,
      insulin, IA-2/PTPRN, IGRP, ZnT8, HSP, and ICA-1, and the experiments related to T
      cell epitopes and MHC binding far outnumbers B cell assays. We illustrate how to
      search by specific antigens, epitopes or host. Other examples include searching
      for tetramers or epitopes restricted by specific alleles or assays of interest,
      or searching based on the clinical status of the host. CONCLUSIONS: The inventory
      of all published diabetes epitope data facilitates its access for the scientific
      community. While the global collection of primary data from the literature
      reflects potential investigational biases present in the literature, the flexible
      search approach allows users to perform queries tailored to their preferences,
      including or excluding data as appropriate. Moreover, the analysis highlights
      knowledge gaps and identifies areas for future investigation.

PMID- 25140193
TI  - Optimal treatment strategy for a tumor model under immune suppression.
AB  - We propose a mathematical model describing tumor-immune interactions under immune
      suppression. These days evidences indicate that the immune suppression related to
      cancer contributes to its progression. The mathematical model for tumor-immune
      interactions would provide a new methodology for more sophisticated treatment
      options of cancer. To do this we have developed a system of 11 ordinary
      differential equations including the movement, interaction, and activation of NK
      cells, CD8(+)T-cells, CD4(+)T cells, regulatory T cells, and dendritic cells
      under the presence of tumor and cytokines and the immune interactions. In
      addition, we apply two control therapies, immunotherapy and chemotherapy to the
      model in order to control growth of tumor. Using optimal control theory and
      numerical simulations, we obtain appropriate treatment strategies according to
      the ratio of the cost for two therapies, which suggest an optimal timing of each
      administration for the two types of models, without and with immunosuppressive
      effects. These results mean that the immune suppression can have an influence on
      treatment strategies for cancer. 

PMID- 25140194
TI  - A biological hierarchical model based underwater moving object detection.
AB  - Underwater moving object detection is the key for many underwater computer vision
      tasks, such as object recognizing, locating, and tracking. Considering the super
      ability in visual sensing of the underwater habitats, the visual mechanism of
      aquatic animals is generally regarded as the cue for establishing bionic models
      which are more adaptive to the underwater environments. However, the low accuracy
      rate and the absence of the prior knowledge learning limit their adaptation in
      underwater applications. Aiming to solve the problems originated from the
      inhomogeneous lumination and the unstable background, the mechanism of the visual
      information sensing and processing pattern from the eye of frogs are imitated to
      produce a hierarchical background model for detecting underwater objects.
      Firstly, the image is segmented into several subblocks. The intensity information
      is extracted for establishing background model which could roughly identify the
      object and the background regions. The texture feature of each pixel in the rough
      object region is further analyzed to generate the object contour precisely.
      Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method gives a better
      performance. Compared to the traditional Gaussian background model, the
      completeness of the object detection is 97.92% with only 0.94% of the background
      region that is included in the detection results. 

PMID- 25140195
TI  - Effects of first-time overnight CPAP therapy for increasing the complexity of the
      patient's physiological system.
AB  - Studies regarding the effects of short-term continuous positive airway pressure
      (CPAP) therapy are not sufficient. A total of 35 patients with moderate to severe
      untreated OSA were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 comprised 22 patients who
      underwent polysomnography (PSG) for one night, and Group 2 comprised 13 patients
      who received PSG combined with CPAP therapy. To evaluate the influence of
      receiving CPAP therapy for one night, we measured 5 min wrist pulse signals
      before and after the experiment to assess heart rate variability, as well as
      novel short time multiscale entropy (sMSE) indicator that examines complexity in
      physiological signals. The results show that the participants in Group 1
      exhibited significant changes in normalized low-frequency power/normalized high
      frequency power (nLF/nHF) (0.72 +/- 0.09 versus 1.11 +/- 0.11, P = 0.006) values
      before and after the PSG study. By contrast, the participants in Group 2 showed
      no significant changes in the 3 indicators. Regarding the sMSE indicator, Group 2
      patients exhibited significant increases in the sMSE. CPAP therapy administered
      for one night can reduce the sympathovagal imbalance in patients with moderate to
      severe untreated OSA and increase the complexity of the patient's physiological
      system, thereby reflecting their overall improved health. 

PMID- 25140196
TI  - Isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery treated using open
      emergency surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (IDSMA) remains
      a rare diagnosis. However, new diagnostic means such as computed tomography makes
      it possible to detect even asymptomatic patients. If patients present symptomatic
      on admission, the risk of bowel infarction makes immediate therapy necessary.
      Today, endovascular techniques are often successfully used; however, open surgery
      remains important for special indications. In this paper, we present two cases
      with IDSMA and show why open surgical repair is still important in current
      treatment concepts. METHODS: Two cases with ISDMA that presented in our
      department from January 1, 2014 to June 1, 2014 are described. Data collection
      was performed retrospectively. Additionally, a review of articles which reported
      small cases series on patients with IDSMA within the past five years is provided.
      RESULTS: Both patients underwent open surgical repair following interdisciplinary
      consultation. Both patients were transferred to the intensive care unit after
      surgical repair and needed bowel rest, nasogastric suction and intravenous fluid
      therapy. CT scans were performed within the first week after operation. Platelet
      aggregation inhibitors were used in both cases as postoperative medication. Both
      patients survived and are able to participate in everyday activities. CONCLUSION:
      Open surgical repair remains important in cases of anatomic variants of visceral
      arteries and suspected bowel infarction. Therefore, it is important that
      knowledge about open surgical techniques still be taught and trained.

PMID- 25140197
TI  - Decitabine and SAHA-induced apoptosis is accompanied by survivin downregulation
      and potentiated by ATRA in p53-deficient cells.
AB  - While p53-dependent apoptosis is triggered by combination of methyltransferase
      inhibitor decitabine (DAC) and histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide
      hydroxamic acid (SAHA) in leukemic cell line CML-T1, reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) generation as well as survivin and Bcl-2 deregulation participated in DAC +
      SAHA-induced apoptosis in p53-deficient HL-60 cell line. Moreover, decrease of
      survivin expression level is accompanied by its delocalization from centromere
      related position in mitotic cells suggesting that both antiapoptotic and cell
      cycle regulation roles of survivin are affected by DAC + SAHA action. Addition of
      subtoxic concentration of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) increases the efficiency
      of DAC + SAHA combination on viability, apoptosis induction, and ROS generation
      in HL-60 cells but has no effect in CML-T1 cell line. Peripheral blood
      lymphocytes from healthy donors showed no damage induced by DAC + SAHA + ATRA
      combination. Therefore, combination of ATRA with DAC and SAHA represents
      promising tool for therapy of leukemic disease with nonfunctional p53
      signalization. 

PMID- 25140199
TI  - Production and characterization of polyclonal antibody against a synthetic
      peptide from beta-actin protein.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Antibodies against actin, as one of the most widely studied
      structural and multifunctional housekeeping proteins in eukaryotic cells, are
      used as internal loading controls in western blot analyses. The aim of this study
      was to produce polyclonal antibody against a synthetic peptide derived from N
      terminal region of beta-actin protein to be used as a protein loading control in
      western blot and other assay systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A synthetic peptide
      derived from beta-actin protein was designed and conjugated to Keyhole limpet
      hemocyanin (KLH) and used to immunize a white New Zealand rabbit. The antibody
      was purified from serum by affinity chromatography column. The purity of the
      antibody was determined by SDS-PAGE and its ability to recognize the immunizing
      peptide was measured by ELISA. The reactivity of the antibody with beta-actin
      protein in a panel of different cell lysates was then evaluated by western blot.
      In addition, the reactivity of the antibody with the corresponding protein was
      also evaluated by Immunocytochemistry and Immunohistochemistry in different
      samples. RESULTS: The antibody could recognize the immunizing peptide in ELISA.
      It could also recognize beta-actin protein in western blot as well as in
      immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that
      this antibody may be used as an internal control in western blot analyses as well
      as in other immunological applications such as ELISA, immunocytochemistry and
      immunohistochemistry.

PMID- 25140200
TI  - Comparison of the genetic convergence between mycobacterium strains by three RFLP
      based methods in central province of Iran.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The utilization of molecular techniques in the epidemiology of
      tuberculosis have provided an opportunity for using effective markers to trace
      the transmission of the disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the
      genetic patterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by three methods of RFLP
      technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional and prospective study, 95
      strains of M. tuberculosis isolates were selected for DNA fingerprinting.
      Extraction of DNA from Mycobacterium strains and DNA fingerprinting with IS-6110,
      PGRS and DR probe were performed by standard protocols. RESULTS: Overall, the
      diversity of RFLP among 95 tuberculosis patients were 48, 50 and 45 on the basis
      of IS6110, PGRS and DR patterns, respectively. Twenty of these patterns (21.1%)
      with IS6110-RFLP, twenty-two (23.2%) with PGRS-RFLP and seventeen (17.9%) with DR
      RFLP occurred with unique RFLP patterns, whereas the remaining 28 patterns were
      communal. The risk factors of clustering among tuberculosis patients were age <
      45 years, new cases, degree of sputum smear >= 2+, and close contact. CONCLUSION:
      Our study demonstrated that IS6110-RFLP, PGRS-RFLP and DR-RFLP genotyping could
      roughly identify similar proportions of clustered (secondary) cases as well as
      the same risk factors for clustering.

PMID- 25140201
TI  - The effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on the gastric emptying and small
      intestine transit in the male rats following traumatic brain injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of COX-2
      selective inhibitor (Celecoxib) or non-selective COX inhibitor (Ibuprofen) on
      gastrointestinal motility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: THE RATS WERE RANDOMLY DIVIDED
      INTO FIVE GROUPS INCLUDING: intact, sham, traumatic brain injury (TBI) group
      (intact rats under TBI), Celecoxib group (10 mg/kg), Ibuprofen group (10 mg/kg).
      Rats of the treatment groups received gavages at 1 hr before the TBI induction.
      The TBI was moderate and diffused using the Marmarou method. The gastric emptying
      and small intestine transit were measured by phenol red method. RESULTS: The
      gastric emptying didn't change following TBI induction compared to intact group.
      The consumption of ibuprofen or celecoxib didn't have any effect on gastric
      emptying compared to sham group. TBI induction didn't have any effect on the
      intestinal transit. Also, there was no significant difference between ibuprofen
      or celecoxib consumption vs. sham group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The COX-2 selective
      inhibitor (celecoxib) or non-selective COX inhibitor (ibuprofen) have no effects
      on gastric or small bowel transit. Further work is necessary to investigate the
      effects of non-selective COX inhibitors and their impact on gastrointestinal
      motility disorders.

PMID- 25140202
TI  - The effects of nano-silver and garlic administration during pregnancy on neuron
      apoptosis in rat offspring hippocampus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nano-silver
      and garlic administration during pregnancy on neuron apoptosis in rat offspring
      hippocampus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FIFTY PREGNANT WISTAR RATS WERE RANDOMLY
      DIVIDED INTO FIVE GROUPS: 1- nano-silver (N.S) group; 30 mg/kg of N.S treated via
      gavage. 2- Control (C) group, administrated with distilled water via gavage. 3-
      N.S and garlic (N.S+G) group; N.S (30 mg/kg) and garlic juice (1 ml/100 g)
      treated via gavage simultaneously. 4- Garlic group (G); garlic juice (1 ml/100 g)
      administrated via gavage, 5- normal (N) without any intervention. All the
      interventions were done during pregnancy (21 days). Finally, the brains of rat
      offspring were removed to use for nano-silver level measurement and TUNEL
      staining. The mean of TUNEL positive cell numbers per unit area (NA) in different
      regions of hippocampus were compared in all animal groups. RESULTS: The results
      revealed a significant increase of hippocampus nano-silver level in N.S and N.S+G
      groups comparing to N group (P<0.05) and a significant decrease in nano-silver
      level in N.S+G group comparing to N.S group (P<0.01). The number of TUNEL
      positive cells in the CA1, CA3, and DG fields of rat offspring hippocampus
      increased in N.S and N.S+G groups comparing to other ones, and also reduced
      significantly in N.S+G group comparing to N.S group ((Y) P< 0.01). CONCLUSION:
      Our results showed that co-administration of nano-silver and garlic during
      pregnancy may lead to reduce nano-silver induced apoptotic cells in their
      offspring hippocampus.

PMID- 25140198
TI  - The protective role of antioxidants in the defence against ROS/RNS-mediated
      environmental pollution.
AB  - Overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species can result from exposure
      to environmental pollutants, such as ionising and nonionising radiation,
      ultraviolet radiation, elevated concentrations of ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulphur
      dioxide, cigarette smoke, asbestos, particulate matter, pesticides, dioxins and
      furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and many other compounds present in the
      environment. It appears that increased oxidative/nitrosative stress is often
      neglected mechanism by which environmental pollutants affect human health.
      Oxidation of and oxidative damage to cellular components and biomolecules have
      been suggested to be involved in the aetiology of several chronic diseases,
      including cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, age-related macular
      degeneration, and aging. Several studies have demonstrated that the human body
      can alleviate oxidative stress using exogenous antioxidants. However, not all
      dietary antioxidant supplements display protective effects, for example, beta
      carotene for lung cancer prevention in smokers or tocopherols for photooxidative
      stress. In this review, we explore the increases in oxidative stress caused by
      exposure to environmental pollutants and the protective effects of antioxidants. 

PMID- 25140203
TI  - The effects of tramadol on norepinephrine and MHPG releasing in locus coeruleus
      in formalin test in rats: a brain stereotaxic study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The relationship between tramadol, as an antinociceptive drug, and
      locus coeruleus (LC), the main noradrenergic nucleus of the brain that affects
      regulation and modulation of pain through descending noradrenergic pathways was
      investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into
      four groups of 10 rats. The rats were fixed in stereotaxic instrument and then a
      probe was inserted into LC. Pain was induced by subcutaneous injection of 50 MUl
      of 2.5% formalin 40 minutes after initiation of microdialysis in right hind paw,
      and nociceptive pain scores were calculated every 5 minutes. Subsequently
      noradrenaline (NA) and its metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG),
      were collected and measured by microdialysis of locus coeruleus in freely moving
      rats every 15 minutes during formalin injection. RESULTS: Nociceptive pain scores
      observed in formalin test had the highest nociceptive sensation 5 minutes after
      injection. Significant rises in concentrations of NA and MHPG, in samples taken
      between 30 and 45 min after initiation of the locus coeruleus microdialysis,
      coincided with the peak of the pain after injection of formalin. CONCLUSION:
      According to concurrency of the highest nociceptive sensation and peak of NE and
      MHPG concentrations, tramadol can indirectly affect the LC by blocking the pain
      signals from different parts of the brain such as periaqueductal gray mater,
      central nucleus of amygdale or the spinal cord.

PMID- 25140204
TI  - Enzyme inhibitory and radical scavenging effects of some antidiabetic plants of
      Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ethnopharmacological field surveys demonstrated that many plants,
      such as Gentiana olivieri, Helichrysum graveolens, Helichrysum plicatum ssp.
      plicatum, Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus, Juniperus communis var. saxatilis,
      Viscum album (ssp. album, ssp. austriacum), are used as traditional medicine for
      diabetes in different regions of Anatolia. The present study was designed to
      evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic effects of some selected plants, tested in
      animal models recently. MATERIALS AND METHODS: alpha-glucosidase and alpha
      amylase enzyme inhibitory effects of the plant extracts were investigated and
      Acarbose was used as a reference drug. Additionally, radical scavenging
      capacities were determined using 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6
      sulphonic acid) ABTS radical cation scavenging assay and total phenolic content
      of the extracts were evaluated using Folin Ciocalteu method. RESULTS: H.
      graveolens ethanol extract exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (55.7 % +/-
      2.2) on alpha-amylase enzyme. Additionally, J. oxycedrus hydro-alcoholic leaf
      extract had potent alpha-amylase inhibitory effect, while the hydro-alcoholic
      extract of J. communis fruit showed the highest alpha-glucosidase inhibitory
      activity (IC50: 4.4 MUg/ml). CONCLUSION: Results indicated that, antidiabetic
      effect of hydro-alcoholic extracts of H. graveolens capitulums, J. communis fruit
      and J. oxycedrus leaf might arise from inhibition of digestive enzymes.

PMID- 25140205
TI  - Gender difference in motor impairments induced by chronic administration of
      vinblastine.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Neurotoxicity of anticancer drugs complicates treatment of cancer
      patients. Vinblastine (VBL) is reported to induce motor and cognitive impairments
      in patients receiving chronic low-dose regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      effects of VBL treatment on motor, learning and memory functions of male and
      female Wistar rats were studied by behavioral related tests. Animals were given
      chronic intraperitoneal injections of VBL (0.2 mg/kg/week for 5 weeks) from
      postnatal day 23 to 52. Motor function was evaluated using grasping test and
      balancing was evaluated by the rotarod. Spatial learning and memory and anxiety
      like behavior were determined using Morris water maze (MWM) task and open field
      test, respectively. RESULTS: Administration of VBL caused severe damage to motor
      and balance function of male rats in comparison to female rats treated with VBL
      and rats treated with saline. Memory and locomotion were affected in both male
      and female rats compared with saline treated rats, while a sex difference was
      also observed in these parameters; male rats showed more impairment compared with
      female ones. Both male and female rats showed cognitive impairments in MWM task
      and no sex differences were observed in these functions. CONCLUSION: Results
      revealed that VBL is a potent neurotoxic agent and despite the profound effect of
      VBL on motor and cognitive functions, it seems that male rats are more
      susceptible to motor deficits induced by VBL.

PMID- 25140206
TI  - Frequencies of two functionally significant SNPs and their haplotypes of organic
      anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 SLCO1B1 gene in six ethnic groups of Pakistani
      population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Organic anion transporter polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) encoded by solute
      carrier organic transporter 1B1 (SLCO1B1) gene; a transporter involved in the
      uptake of drugs and endogenous compounds is present in hepatocyte sinusoidal
      membrane. Aim of this study was to investigate the frequencies of functionally
      significant SNPs (388A>G and 521T>C) and their haplotypes in 6 ethnic groups of
      Pakistani population through the development of rapid and efficient Tetra
      amplification refractory mutation system (T. ARMS) genotyping assay. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Frequencies of alleles, genotype, and haplotypes of two functionally
      significant Single nucleotide polymorphism in 180 healthy Pakistani subjects and
      distributions in six ethnic groups by using a single step T. ARMS genotyping
      assay. RESULTS: The allelic frequency for 388A>G SNP was 50% in total Pakistani
      population with Single nucleotide polymorphism distributions of 9.7%, 15.1%,
      19.4%, 16.1%, 18.3%, and 21.5% in Punjabi, Sindhi, Balouchi, Pathan, Kashmiri and
      Hazara/Baltistan groups respectively; and for 521T>C SNP it was 23.9% in total
      Pakistani population with distributions of 11.1%, 8.9%, 15.6%, 11.1%, 31.1% and
      22.2% in Punjabi, Sindhi, Balouchi, Pathan, Kashmiri, and Hazara/Baltistan
      groups. Both functionally significant SNPs occurred in four major haplotypes with
      a frequency of 35.5% for 388A/521T (*1A), 40.5% for 388G/521T (*1B), 14.4% for
      388A/521C (*5), and 9.4% for 388G/521C (*15) with varying distributions among six
      ethnic groups. CONCLUSION: The 388A>G and 521T>C genotypes and corresponding
      haplotypes are present at varying frequencies in various ethnic groups of
      Pakistani population. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiling is needed to
      assess and characterize the effects of these haplotypes in our population.

PMID- 25140207
TI  - Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, increases orthodontic tooth movement in
      rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pantoprazole, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribed for the
      treatment of upper gastrointestinal disorders, which in high doses has been
      suggested to decrease calcium absorption leading to hypocalcaemia and therefore
      osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether pantoprazol, could
      alter the rate of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in rats. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A time course study was established using 72 rats which were divided
      into six groups of 12 samples each (four: vehicle; eight: pantoprazole +
      vehicle). Pantoprazole at a dose of 200 mg/kg suspended in carboxymethyl
      cellulose (0.25 percent) was administered by a gastric tube. The upper incisors
      and first molars were ligated by a 5 mm nickel-titanium closed-coil spring to
      deliver an initial force of 60 g. Animals were euthanized two weeks after
      orthodontic treatment followed by assessment of tooth movement and
      histomorphometric evaluation of the detached maxillae. Lateral skull radiographs
      were obtained once a week, starting from the first day to the 6(th) week of the
      study. OTM and bone density data were analyzed using independent sample t-test
      and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: No significant changes in OTM measurements
      and optical density were observed in vehicle-receiving animals during the study
      (P=0.994). OTM was significantly increased after six weeks pantoprazole therapy
      which continued until the 7(th) week of the experiment (P=0.007). Optical density
      significantly increased in the pantoprazole-treated rats after six weeks.
      CONCLUSION: Long term PPI therapy at high doses could lead to osteoporosis and
      enhanced OTM.

PMID- 25140208
TI  - Mild hypothermia reduces expression of Fas/FasL and MMP-3 after cerebral ischemia
      reperfusion in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of local mild hypothermia on the
      expression of Fas, FasL and MMP-3 after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into sham-operated group
      (Sham), normothermia group (NT), and hypothermia group (HT). MCAO/R model was
      established by Longa's method, and reperfusion was allowed after 2 hr occlusion.
      Mild hypothermia (33+/-0.5 degrees C) for 6 hr was initiated at the start of
      reperfusion. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine expression Fas,
      FasL, and MMP-3. RESULTS: Infarct volume was reduced in the hypothermia group
      (18.43+/-4.23%) compared with the normothermia group (24.76+/-5.76%) (P<0.05). In
      mild hypothermia group, numbers of Fas-positive and MMP-3 positive cells were
      significantly less than those of normothermia group (P<0.05). Neurological
      functional scores of mild hypothermia were significantly improved (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Mild hypothermia decreases infarct volume after cerebral ischemia
      reperfusion, reduces Fas and MMP-3 expression, but increases FasL in cerebral
      ischemia-reperfusion rats.

PMID- 25140209
TI  - Antioxidant effects of proanthocyanidin from grape seed on hepatic tissue injury
      in diabetic rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Diabetes plays an important role in the induction of the liver
      injury. Grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSP) have a wide range of medicinal
      properties against oxidative stress. In this study we evaluated antioxidant
      effects of GSP on liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control,
      untreated diabetic and diabetic rats treated with GSP. Diabetes was induced in
      rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). GSP were
      administered via oral gavage (200 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. RESULTS: GSP produced
      significant hepatoprotective effects by decreasing activities of serum
      aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase, and decreasing liver malondialdehyde
      and bilirubin (P<0.05) levels. It increased liver superoxide dismutase, catalase
      and glutathione peroxidase activities and albumin level (P<0.05). Administration
      of GSP significantly ameliorated structural changes induced in liver of diabetic
      rats. CONCLUSION: GSP have protective effects against hepatic tissue injury due
      to antioxidant properties.

PMID- 25140210
TI  - Evaluation of alpha- amylase inhibition by Urtica dioica and Juglans regia
      extracts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: One strategy for the treatment of diabetes is inhibition of
      pancreatic alpha- amylase. Plants contains different chemical constituents with
      potential for inhibition of alpha-amylase and hence maybe used as therapeutic.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urtica dioica and Juglans regia Linn were tested for alpha
      amylase inhibition. Different concentrations of leaf aqueous extracts were
      incubated with enzyme substrate solution and the activity of enzyme was measured.
      For determination of the type of inhibition, Dixon plot was depicted. Acarbose
      was used as the standard inhibitor. RESULTS: Both plant extracts showed time and
      concentration dependent inhibition of alpha-amylase. 60% inhibition was seen with
      2 mg/ml of U. dioica and 0.4 mg/ml of J. regia aqueous extract. Dixon plots
      revealed the type of alpha-amylase inhibition by these two extracts as
      competitive inhibition. CONCLUSION: Determination of the type of alpha-amylase
      inhibition by these plant extracts could provide by successful use of plant
      chemicals as drug targets.

PMID- 25140211
TI  - Potential effect of opium consumption on controlling diabetes and some
      cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to this belief that opium may have beneficial effects on diabetes
      or cardiovascular risk factors, the present study aimed to assess the potential
      and possible effects of opium consumption on diabetes control and some
      cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients. METHODS: This study enrolled
      374 diabetic subjects from diabetes care centers in Kerman, Iran, including opium
      user group (n = 179) and a non-opium user group (n = 195). The data were
      collected through a questionnaire completed by interviewing, physical examination
      and laboratory assessment. FINDINGS: Opium did not show any statistically
      significant effect on blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), fasting blood
      sugar (FBS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and diastolic blood pressure. However,
      systolic blood pressure (SBP) and prevalence of high SBP were significantly
      higher in opium user group (P < 0.050). In addition, lower serum high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL) and frequency of lower HDL was significantly higher in opium
      user group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: According to this study, opium does not seem
      to have beneficial effects on diabetes control or cardiovascular risk factors.
      Therefore, it would not be advisable to consume opium as an anti-diabetes or
      cardioprotective agent.

PMID- 25140212
TI  - Effect of opium addiction on aspirin resistance in stable angina pectoris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rate of cardiovascular diseases in developing countries is
      approximately 60% and it is still has an increasing trend. The clinical
      effectiveness of aspirin in preventing cardiovascular events has been well
      proven. Although aspirin is an effective and inexpensive drug, its consumption is
      not equally beneficial for all patients. Many factors can be affective on the
      efficacy of antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin. METHODS: This study was carried
      out on 260 patients who had stable angina pectoris and coronary artery disease
      was approved by coronary angiography. Based on opium addiction, the patients were
      divided into two groups. Opium addiction was diagnosed base on Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria. The mid
      stream morning urinary sample were collected for measuring the urinary 11
      dehydroxy thromboxane B2 level (UTXB2). Urinary level of UTXB2 was considered as
      an aspirin resistance index. FINDINGS: The mean age of patients was 57.3 +/- 8.9;
      and 44.6% of them were females. The aspirin resistance rate was 41.5%.
      Significant difference in aspirin resistance was observed between the opium
      addicts and non-addicts. (51.5% vs. 31.5%) (P = 0.001). The effects of
      confounding variables such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were
      eliminated by regression logistic multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: The
      prevalence of aspirin resistance in patients with stable angina pectoris was
      41.5%. The prevalence of aspirin resistance in patients with stable angina
      pectoris who had opium addiction was significantly higher them non-addicts.

PMID- 25140213
TI  - Challenges in the Area of Training and Prevention at the HIV Triangulation
      Clinic, Kerman, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 2000, Iran has been delivering training and treatment services,
      including methadone therapy, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive
      patients through triangular clinics. This study aims to evaluate the
      effectiveness of these activities at the HIV Triangulation Centre in the city of
      Kerman, Iran, through clients' views. METHODS: Participants were recruited using
      a convenience sample and assessed through in-depth interviews, and observations.
      Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis, matrix based method. FINDINGS: The
      results found problems in training and counseling which was described by the
      staff to be due to the effects of the economic difficulties of the clients, not
      being of the same sex as the consultant, and lack of utilization of a variety of
      training methods by the clients. Furthermore, the absorption of clients was
      perceived as being affected by the appearance of the center, gossip around the
      center, limited working hours, and interpersonal relations between clients and
      staff. The clients also criticized the building of the center as it failed to
      maintain anonymity of the patients. The need for supplementary services, such as
      dentistry, was perceived by many clients. CONCLUSION: The application of
      appropriate strategies such as providing adequate training and removing the
      obstacles of absorption should be taken into account to increase the utility and
      coverage of the triangular clinic. These interventions could be a range of
      activities, such as relocating the center to a more decent place and encouraging
      the staff to appear in a professional white coat to help gain the trust of
      clients.

PMID- 25140214
TI  - Drug Use among Residents of Juvenile Correctional Center in Kerman, Iran, and its
      Relationship with Personality Dimensions and Self-concept.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identifying the status of substance misuse and its psychosocial
      correlates among residents of juvenile correctional centers, as a high risk
      group, could potentially illuminate the roadmap to prevention of drug use in this
      group. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 93 individuals aged 13 to 18 were
      enrolled. A self-administered questionnaire was completed and dropped in a sealed
      box. It consisted of 4 parts of Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale, NEO
      Personality Inventory, drug use questions, and demographic variables. All
      questionnaires were well adapted in the Persian language. MANOVA was used to
      compare the subscale scores between the drug users and nonusers. FINDINGS: All
      respondents were male and 40% were illiterate. More than 40% had drug dependent
      fathers. Use of cigarette, opium, and alcohol in the previous 30 days was
      reported by 31.9, 52.2, and 15.9% of respondents, respectively. In this
      population, the score of 3 of the 5 personality factors (i.e., neuroticism,
      extraversion, and openness) were higher than in the general population (P <
      0.001). More than 88% of subjects had negative self-concept. Both the scores of
      personality and self-concept showed no significant difference based on the status
      of drug use. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of lifetime and last-month drug use was found
      to be high. Regarding the profiles of personality and self-concept, more
      comprehensive evidence-based interventions are needed for improvement of their
      mental health.

PMID- 25140215
TI  - The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Forward Head Posture among Heroin
      Users during their Withdrawal with Methadone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heroin is an extremely addictive narcotic drug derived from morphine.
      Its continued use requires increased amounts of the drug to achieve the same
      effect, resulting in tolerance and addiction. This study was done in order to
      determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and forward head posture among
      heroin users during their withdrawal. METHODS: This research was a cross
      sectional study that was done on 90 heroin users (83 males, 7 females) aged
      between 20 to 40 years (32.5 +/- 3.81) during their withdrawal in Shiraz, Iran.
      They were selected by simple randomized sampling. Data were collected by a form
      regarding age, sex, the duration of heroin use, and musculoskeletal pain. Pain
      was measured by VAS (visual analog scale) and forward head posture was evaluated
      by plumb line. Pearson correlation technique and chi-square were used for
      analyzing the data. FINDINGS: The results revealed that the majority of heroin
      users suffered from musculoskeletal pain during their withdrawal. At the end of
      withdrawal 53.4% had severe pain, 38.8% had moderate pain, and 7.8% of them had
      mild pain. Pain in the lower extremities and low back was more common than the
      upper extremities. The intensity of pain before withdrawal was mild, during
      withdrawal was moderate, and at the end was sever, but there was no significant
      correlation between them. The results also showed 43.3% of subjects had normal
      posture and 56.7% had forward posture. CONCLUSION: According to the results, the
      intensity of pain increased during the withdrawal period; therefore, more
      attention must be paid to this complication in heroin users for better evaluation
      and a successful withdrawal.

PMID- 25140216
TI  - Selection of Variables that Influence Drug Injection in Prison: Comparison of
      Methods with Multiple Imputed Data Sets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prisoners, compared to the general population, are at greater risk of
      infection. Drug injection is the main route of human immunodeficiency virus
      y(HIV) transmission, in particular in Iran. What would be of interest is to
      determine variables that govern drug injection among prisoners. However, one of
      the issues that challenge model building is incomplete national data sets. In
      this paper, we addressed the process of model development when missing data
      exist. METHODS: Complete data on 2720 prisoners was available. A logistic
      regression model was fitted and served as gold standard. We then randomly omitted
      20%, and 50% of data. Missing date were imputed 10 times, applying multiple
      imputation by chained equations (MICE). Rubin's rule (RR) was applied to select
      candidate variables and to combine the results across imputed data sets. In S1,
      S2, and S3 methods, variables retained significant in one, five, and ten imputed
      data sets and were candidate for the multifactorial model. Two weighting
      approaches were also applied. FINDINGS: Age of onset of drug use, recent use of
      drug before imprisonment, being single, and length of imprisonment were
      significantly associated with drug injection among prisoners. All variable
      selection schemes were able to detect significance of these variables.
      CONCLUSION: We have seen that the performances of easier variable selection
      methods were comparable with RR. This indicates that the screening step can be
      used to select candidate variables for the multifactorial model.

PMID- 25140217
TI  - The Relationship between Perfectionism and Coping Strategies in Drug-dependent
      Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between
      perfectionism and coping strategies in drug-dependent men. This study is a
      descriptive correlational study. METHODS: The statistical population of this
      study consisted of all drug-dependent men (n = 6237) in years 2010-2011, who were
      admitted to all self-referral rehabs in Kerman, Iran. From this statistical
      population, 361 individuals were selected using randomized cluster sampling. The
      measurement tools applied in this study were positive and negative perfectionism
      questionnaires (Terry-Short et al) and coping responses (Blinger and Moose).
      FINDINGS: The data was analyzed using statistical methods, Pearson Coefficient
      Correlation and multivariable regression inferential statistics. The results
      showed that there is a significant correlation between positive and negative
      perfectionism and problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies (P <=
      0.010). CONCLUSION: The results of the current study show that positive and
      negative perfectionism predicts problem-focused and emotion-focused coping
      strategies for drug-dependent men.

PMID- 25140218
TI  - Single and repeated ultra-rapid detoxification prevents cognitive impairment in
      morphine addicted rats: a privilege for single detoxification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Opioids have been shown to affect learning and memory processes.
      Different protocols of morphine withdrawal can substantially vary in their
      success to prevent opioid induced impairments of cognitive performance. In the
      present study, we report the effects of single and repetitive ultra-rapid
      detoxification (URD) on spatial learning and memory in morphine addicted rats.
      METHODS: Morphine (10 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally (IP) injected in male rats
      once a day over one week and after which they were detoxified with naloxone
      administration under anesthesia. For the repetitive procedure, a second one week
      morphine treatment with a second subsequent detoxification was performed. Control
      groups received an equivalent volume of saline injections. Spatial learning and
      memory was evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) task. FINDINGS: Both
      protocols of morphine administration resulted in a severe spatial memory
      impairment that could be significantly prevented by both single and repetitive
      URD. However, memory abilities in animals treated with repetitive URD were still
      significantly lower than in animals of the corresponding control group.
      Alterations in motor activity or sensory-motor coordination between morphine
      treated and control animals could be ruled out by comparing swimming speed and
      visible platform performances that were not different between groups. Thus, URD
      and, specifically single URD, can prevent the spatial memory impairments in
      addicted rats. CONCLUSION: As opioid addiction is an extending and serious
      concern in many societies, these findings may have clinical values and
      therapeutic implications for patients who experience multiple opioid relapses.

PMID- 25140219
TI  - Ginger (zingiber officinale roscoe) prevents morphine-induced addictive behaviors
      in conditioned place preference test in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Consumption of chronic morphine induces neuro-inflammation and
      addictive seeking behavior. Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe), a well-known
      spice plant, has been used traditionally in the treatment of a wide variety of
      ailments. It has been shown that ginger has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and
      antinociceptive properties. However, its influences on morphine-induced addictive
      behaviors have not yet been clarified. The aim of the present study was the
      inhibition of exploratory behavior of morphine addiction in the conditioned place
      preference test in male desert rats through ginger. METHODS: For conditioning to
      the morphine, the male Wistar rats received morphine (12 mg/kg intraperitoneally
      or i.p.) for 6 consecutive days and treatment groups were given different doses
      of ginger (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg intragastrically or i.g.) 30 min before morphine
      injection. For investigating addictive seeking behavior, conditioned place
      preference test (CPP) was used. FINDINGS: Our result demonstrated that injection
      of morphine for 6 days induces dependency to morphine and creates addictive
      seeking behavior and ginger (100 mg/kg) could decrease time spend in conditioning
      box (addictive seeking behavior). CONCLUSION: The data indicated that ginger
      extract has a potential anti-addictive property against chronic usage of
      morphine.

PMID- 25140220
TI  - Attitudes, Practices and Perceived Barriers in Smoking Cessation among Dentists
      of Udaipur City, Rajasthan, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tobacco is one of the most important causes of morbidity and
      mortality. Tobacco toll in India has one-fifth of all worldwide death attributed
      to tobacco. There are 700000 deaths per year due to smoking and 800000-900000 per
      year to all forms of tobacco use of exposure in India. The role of dentist in
      supporting their patients to quit smoking has been recognized. The present study
      was conducted to know the attitudes, practices and barriers in tobacco cessation
      among dentists of Udaipur city (Rajasthan, India). METHODS: A pretested, close
      ended, self-administered, coded questionnaire was distributed among all the 262
      dental health practitioners and the teaching staff. Out of 262 questionnaires
      distributed among the dentist, 151 dentists filled out and returned the
      questionnaire. FINDINGS: The majority of the dentists (98.7%) agreed that it was
      their responsibility to provide smoking cessation counseling. 54.3% of dentists
      agreed that such discussions were too time consuming. 37.1% thought they lacked
      knowledge regarding this subject. 35.8% feared to an extent about patient leaving
      their clinic if counseled much. CONCLUSION: In general, the dentists had a
      favorable attitude in tobacco cessation counseling for the patients; however, the
      lack of time and knowledge and to an extent, a fear that the patients would leave
      their clinic, was the main identified barriers.

PMID- 25140221
TI  - Enucleation of eye using finger following cannabis consumption: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enucleation is a topic discussed in psychiatry which is a self-injury
      matter. Enucleation is observed as psychotic disorder due to substance abuse. In
      people with mental disorders who also have substance use leading to
      hallucinations and delusions, unusual eye evacuation were reported. In most
      cases, enucleation was done using sharp tools. CASE REPORT: This report describes
      a man suffering from psychosis after consuming hashish and has attempted to
      evacuate his eyes with his finger. DISCUSSION: Given the increasing prevalence of
      hashish use by young people, and false beliefs about the use of hashish in order
      to withdraw other substances, preventive methods and education for young and
      vulnerable people are suggested.

PMID- 25140222
TI  - Nose to tail, roots to shoots: spatial descriptors for phenotypic diversity in
      the Biological Spatial Ontology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spatial terminology is used in anatomy to indicate precise, relative
      positions of structures in an organism. While these terms are often standardized
      within specific fields of biology, they can differ dramatically across taxa. Such
      differences in usage can impair our ability to unambiguously refer to anatomical
      position when comparing anatomy or phenotypes across species. We developed the
      Biological Spatial Ontology (BSPO) to standardize the description of spatial and
      topological relationships across taxa to enable the discovery of comparable
      phenotypes. RESULTS: BSPO currently contains 146 classes and 58 relations
      representing anatomical axes, gradients, regions, planes, sides, and surfaces.
      These concepts can be used at multiple biological scales and in a diversity of
      taxa, including plants, animals and fungi. The BSPO is used to provide a source
      of anatomical location descriptors for logically defining anatomical entity
      classes in anatomy ontologies. Spatial reasoning is further enhanced in anatomy
      ontologies by integrating spatial relations such as dorsal_to into class
      descriptions (e.g., 'dorsolateral placode' dorsal_to some 'epibranchial
      placode'). CONCLUSIONS: The BSPO is currently used by projects that require
      standardized anatomical descriptors for phenotype annotation and ontology
      integration across a diversity of taxa. Anatomical location classes are also
      useful for describing phenotypic differences, such as morphological variation in
      position of structures resulting from evolution within and across species.

PMID- 25140223
TI  - High level of treatment failure with commonly used anthelmintics on Irish sheep
      farms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2013 a Technology Adoption Program for sheep farmers was
      established to encourage the implementation of best management practices on sheep
      farms in Ireland. There were 4,500 participants in this programme in 2013. As
      part of this programme, farmers had the option to carry out a drench test to
      establish the efficacy of their anthelmintic treatment. RESULTS: Flock faecal
      samples were collected before and after treatment administration and
      gastrointestinal nematode eggs enumerated. In total there were 1,893 participants
      in the task, however only 1,585 included both a pre- and post-treatment faecal
      sample. Of those, 1,308 provided information on the anthelmintic product that
      they used with 46%, 23% and 28% using a benzimidazole (BZ), levamisole (LEV) and
      macrocyclic lactone (ML) product respectively. The remaining farmers used a
      product inapplicable for inclusion in the task such as a flukicide or BZ/LEV
      combination product. Samples were included for analysis of drench efficacy if the
      pre-treatment flock egg count was >=200 eggs per gram and the interval post
      sampling was 10-14 days for BZ products, 4-7 days for LEV products and 14-18 days
      for ML products. These criteria reduced the number of valid tests to 369, 19.5%
      of all tests conducted. If the reduction post-treatment was >=95% the treatment
      was considered effective. Only 51% of treatments were considered effective using
      this criterion. There was a significant difference in efficacy between the
      anthelmintic drug classes with BZ effective in only 30% of treatments, LEV
      effective in 52% of cases and ML effective in 76% of cases. CONCLUSIONS:
      Gastrointestinal nematode anthelmintic treatments, as practiced on Irish farms,
      have a high failure rate. There was a significant difference between the
      efficacies of the anthelmintic classes with BZ the least effective and ML the
      most effective.

PMID- 25140224
TI  - Metastatic penile carcinoma - an update on the current diagnosis and treatment
      options.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Penile carcinoma has an incidence of 4,000 cases in Europe. The
      therapy and prognosis depend decisively on the lymph node status. Lymph node
      metastases are detected in 23-65% cases depending on the histopathological
      pattern. Due to improved diagnostic methods an early detection of tumor stage is
      possible. Multimodal therapeutic concepts can offer curability for a subset of
      patients, even those suffering from advanced disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Current data on penile cancer based on a selective review of the literature by
      PubMed and the EAU guidelines 2009. RESULTS: Invasive diagnostic tools, such as
      fine-needle biopsy (FNB) and dynamic sentinel node biopsy (DSNB), improved the
      diagnosis of lymph node status considerably and reduced the morbidity in
      specialized centers. The application of 18F-FDG-PET/CT for metastases detection
      needs further evaluation due to inconsistent results. Inguinal lymphadenectomy is
      the therapeutic standard in case of metastases proof. It was possible to reduce
      the complications due to the new modified operation techniques. Patients with
      extended lymph node and distant metastases have a poor prognosis. Different
      systemic polychemotherapy regimes are applied currently and are associated with
      poor outcome (response rates <50%) and high morbidity. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      is recommended in patients with unresectable and relapsing lymph node metastases.
      CONCLUSIONS: Currently, inconsistent therapy regimens are applied for metastatic
      penile cancer. Standardization is urgently needed through the development of high
      quality studies and long-term registers in order to lower the morbidity and
      increase the efficiency of diagnosis and therapy.

PMID- 25140225
TI  - Modern diagnostic and treatment regimens are needed to achieve the best cancer
      and quality of life control.

PMID- 25140226
TI  - Significance of atypical small acinar proliferation and extensive high-grade
      prostatic intraepithelial neoplasm in clinical practice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed
      neoplasms in elderly men. The precancerous lesion of PCa is considered a high
      grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasm (HG-PIN), while atypical small acinar
      proliferation (ASAP) is commonly considered as an under-diagnosed cancer. The aim
      of the study was to establish the impact of ASAP and extensive HG-PIN on pre
      biopsy prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and the risk of cancer development
      in subsequent biopseis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 1,010 men suspected for PCa
      were included in the study based on elevated PSA, and/or positive rectal
      examination. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided 10 core biopsy was performed.
      In those with extensive HG-PIN or ASAP on the first biopsy, and/or elevated PSA
      value, a second biopsy was performed. RESULTS: In the second biopsy, PCa was
      diagnosed in 6 of 19 patients (31.57%) with extensive HG-PIN, in four of 40 (10%)
      with BPH, and in 4 of 18 (22.22%) with ASAP. There was a statistically
      significant difference between the values of PSA in the group of patients with
      ASAP in comparison to those with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) (p = 0.005) as
      well as in patients with HG-PIN in comparison to BPH (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A
      precancerous lesion diagnosed upon biopsy causes a statistically significant
      increase in the values of PSA in relation to BPH, as well as in the case of ASAP
      and extensive HG-PIN. The estimate of risk of PCa diagnosis in patients with ASAP
      and those with extensive HG-PIN in the first biopsy is comparable, which is why
      there are no reasons for different treatment of patients with the above-mentioned
      diagnoses. Both should be subjected to urgent second biopsy in around the 4-6
      weeks following the initial biopsy.

PMID- 25140227
TI  - Usage of invisible near infrared light (NIR) fluorescence with indocyanine green
      (ICG) and methylene blue (MB) in urological oncology. Part 1.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Near infrared (NIR) technology has recently garnered much interest
      as a tool for intraoperative image-guided surgery in various surgical sub
      disciplines. In urology, although nascent, NIR technology is also fostering much
      enthusiasm. This review discusses the two major fluorophores, indocyanine green
      (ICG) and methlyene blue (MB), with NIR guidance in experimental and clinical
      urology. The authors aim to illustrate and analyze the currently available
      initial studies to better understand the potential and practicability of NIR
      guided imaging in the diagnosis and surgical outcome improvement. In the first
      part of the study we analyzed problems associated with sentinel lymph node
      biopsy, NIR-guided detection and imaging of tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed
      and Medline databases were searched for ICG and MB use in urological settings,
      along with data published in abstracts of urological conferences. RESULTS:
      Although NIR-guided ICG and MB are still in their initial phases, there have been
      significant developments in major domains of urology, including uro-oncological
      surgery: 1) sentinel lymph node biopsy, 2) detection and imaging of tumors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Much like in other fields of surgical medicine, the application of
      NIR technology in urology is at its early stages. Therefore, more studies are
      needed to assess the true potential and limitations of the technology. However,
      initial developments hint towards a pioneering tool that may influence various
      aspects of urology.

PMID- 25140228
TI  - Pfannenstiel incision for radical retropubic prostatectomy as a surgical and
      cosmetic alternative to the midline or laparoscopic approach: A single center
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Pfannenstiel incision is not a very common approach for radical
      retropubic prostatectomy (RPE). This study is primarily dealing with the approach
      to the prostate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 10-12 cm Pfannenstiel incision was made
      2 fingers above the pubic bone. The rectus sheath was opened transversally and
      dissected from the rectus muscle. The muscle was further on divided in the
      midline; otherwise, the operation was performed the same way as the retropubic
      radical prostatectomy described by Walsh [1]. The wound closure was performed in
      several layers, and the skin was stapled. RESULTS: In a series of 163 RPEs, we
      achieved excellent cosmetic results. Four patients developed subcutaneous
      hematomas, two of them required surgical intervention, and 3 patients developed
      infections that were effectively treated with antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      experience with the Pfannenstiel incision approach for radical retropubic
      prostatectomy was very positive. The approach provides good exposure, heals well
      with a cosmetic scar, and facilitates hernia repair through the same approach if
      needed.

PMID- 25140229
TI  - Adrenergic crisis due to pheochromocytoma - practical aspects. A short review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The definitive therapy in case of pheochromocytoma is complete
      surgical resection. Improper preoperative assessment and medical management
      generally places the patient at risk for complications, resulting from an
      adrenergic crisis. Therefore, it is crucial to adequately optimize these patients
      before surgery. Optimal preoperative medical management significantly decreases
      morbidity and mortality during the tumor resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This
      review addresses current knowledge in pre- and intraoperative assessment of a
      patient with pheochromocytoma. RESULTS: Before surgery the patient is
      conventionally prepared with alpha-adrenergic blockade (over 10-14 days) and
      subsequently, additional beta-adrenergic blockade is required to treat any
      associated tachyarrhythmias. In preoperative assessment, it is obligatory to
      monitor arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and arrhythmias and to restore the
      blood volume to normal. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, due to the pathophysiological
      complexity of a pheochromocytoma, the strict cooperation between the
      cardiologist, endocrinologist, surgeon and the anaesthesiologist for an
      uneventful outcome should be achieved in patients qualified for the surgical
      removal of such a tumor.

PMID- 25140230
TI  - Management and follow up of extra-adrenal phaeochromocytoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of phaeochromocytoma (PCC) in patients with
      hypertension is 0.1-0.6% and about 10% of PCCs are detected in extra-adrenal
      tissue. The diagnosis and therapy of this rare disease detected as a
      retroperitoneal tumor mass can be difficult for clinicians. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      A PubMed database was searched for the peer-reviewed articles, the listed
      articles until Dec 2012 were included. Following key words were used: "extra
      adrenal phaeochromocytoma", "paraganglioma", "diagnosis", "therapy", "surgery",
      "genetic analysis", and "SDH mutation". RESULTS: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
      and Computed Tomography (CT) are first choice imaging tools for PCC (sensitivity
      90-100%). For the validation of the diagnosis or follow up, the functional
      imaging 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) or Fluorine-18-L
      dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA) positron emission tomography (excellent
      specificity and sensitivity of 90-100% in detection of small tumors >1-2 cm) are
      used. Laparoscopic surgery with complete resection is a safe and a first choice
      approach. The conversion (about 5%) to direct open operation was needed for large
      lesions (>8 cm) with the suspicion of malignancy. Currently, there are no
      histological criteria for distinguishing benign and malignant tumors. The genetic
      testing (Sanger DNA sequencing) for hereditary syndromes (von Hippel-Lindau,
      neurofibromatosis, etc.) is used for prediction of malignancy and recurrence. All
      patients should get individual and risk-adapted genetic analysis and
      consultation, including family members. The rate of malignancy in ePCC is about
      30% (PCC about 5-10%). In patients with proven SDHB germline mutations, higher
      malignancy rate, multiple PCCs and recurrences are likely. A stringent lifelong
      clinical follow-up is recommended in these cases. Patients with syndromic
      hereditary forms should be screened for other often associated neoplasms.
      CONCLUSIONS: New imaging tools and genetic analysis are crucial to improve the
      diagnosis and prognosis of phaeochromocytoma.

PMID- 25140231
TI  - Diagnosis of extra-adrenal phaeochromocytoma after nephrectomy.
AB  - This case describes a 50-yr-old man who was admitted to the Urology Ward upon the
      suspicion of a left kidney tumor. As part of the pre-operative check-up, an
      ultrasound and computed tomography of the kidneys were conducted. The results
      confirmed the initial diagnosis. The postoperative diagnosis was extra-adrenal
      pararenal phaeochromocytoma (ePCC) with succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit
      B (SDHB) gene mutation. During the follow-up, a second tumor was detected by 3,4
      dihydroxy-6-F-18-fluoro-L-phenylalanine positron emission tomography/computed
      tomography F-DOPA-PET CT that resulted in another surgery with complete resection
      of the tumor. The patient and his family were counseled by a genetic laboratory
      and remain under surveillance. 

PMID- 25140233
TI  - Lower urinary tract symptoms and their severity in men subjected to prostate
      biopsy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are one of most frequent
      complaints among men over 50 years of age. They usually result from benign
      prostate hyperplasia, which often coexists with cancer. The aim of the present
      study is to evaluate prospectively the incidence of LUTS and their character in
      men subjected to prostate biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of men who were
      subjected to transrectal ultrasound guided prostate core biopsy from 1st July
      2007 to 30th July 2008 in selected urological departments in Poland were
      analyzed. LUTS were measured with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).
      RESULTS: Prostate biopsy was performed in 747 men aged between 34 and 93 years
      (mean - 67.4; median - 68). LUTS of mild degree or no LUTS (<=7 IPSS points) were
      reported by 29.5% of patients. PCa was found in 60.0% of them. Among men with
      moderate or severe LUTS (IPSS >7 points), PCa was found in 51.4% and 55.0% of
      them respectively. Median PSA was 9.5 ng/ml, 9.4 ng/ml and 12.0 ng/ml in men with
      mild, moderate and severe LUTS respectively (NS). However, among men with severe
      LUTS, PCa was more likely to be less differentiated and locally advanced.
      CONCLUSIONS: LUTS are weak predictors of a positive result of transrectal
      ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. However, there is a trend to diagnose more
      locally advanced and less highly differentiated cancers among men with severe
      lower urinary tract symptoms.

PMID- 25140234
TI  - The presence of LUTS is not a decisive tool for deciding who should be qualified
      for prostate biopsy.

PMID- 25140232
TI  - Tadalafil in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms: a review of the
      literature and current practices in Russia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Strong epidemiologic evidence supports correlation between lower
      urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) and
      erectile dysfunction (ED). The link has biologic plausibility given
      phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) expression in pelvic structures. PDE5 inhibitors
      target pathophysiologic processes implicated in LUTS/BPH. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      This review highlights the efficacy and safety of the daily use of a PDE5
      inhibitor tadalafil in LUTS/BPH, with a focus on LUTS/BPH medical management in
      Russia. RESULTS: Alpha-blockers and phytotherapy are major components of the
      current LUTS/BPH therapy in Russia. Russian regulatory authorities granted
      approval for once-daily tadalafil for treatment of LUTS/BPH in January 2012. In a
      pivotal study, tadalafil 5 mg once-daily significantly improved International
      Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) over 12 weeks vs. placebo (P = .004) regardless of
      baseline ED severity. IPSS improvement was maintained at 12 weeks. Integrated
      analysis of randomized studies showed that tadalafil 5 mg once-daily resulted in
      significant symptom improvements across a range of men with LUTS/BPH. Relief of
      LUTS due to tadalafil was independent of improvement in ED; improvements in IPSS
      and erectile function were only weakly correlated (r = -0.229). Another pooled
      analysis found similar improvement in LUTS/BPH between men with or without ED,
      with non-significant P values for treatment-by-ED-status interactions for total
      IPSS ( P = .73). Non-registration studies of tadalafil and alpha-blocker co
      therapy in LUTS/BPH suggest an additive effect, but co-therapy is not recommended
      in current tadalafil prescribing instructions. CONCLUSIONS: Tadalafil results in
      symptom improvements across a range of men with LUTS/BPH and represents a new
      treatment option for patients in Russia with LUTS/BPH.

PMID- 25140235
TI  - Secondary infertility and the aging male, overview.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Old men preparing themselves for marriage late in their lives might
      face infertility. Infertility in this group of men should be considered from a
      wider perspective, as they face any age-related health troubles that include, but
      are not limited to, androgen deficiency and psychological disorders that impede
      early conception. This review aims to shed light on the proper approach to this
      minority of secondarily infertile men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive
      electronic English literature search was conducted, using various medical
      websites and books, for the factors that cause infertility in senior fathers. The
      physiology of geriatric males, together with their common comorbidities, were
      discussed. RESULTS: Old men presenting with secondary infertility should be
      approached differently. Aging, itself, has a significant impact on male sexual
      function, sperm parameters, and fertility; all of which contribute to poor
      fecundability, decreased fertilizing capacity, increased time to pregnancy,
      increased rate of DNA damage, high abortion rates and increased prevalence of
      fetal developmental failures. The complexity and the unknowns of the aging male
      physiology, together with the interaction of obstinate diseases the patient might
      have, make the issue very difficult to tackle. CONCLUSIONS: Management should
      include the conventional way of treating young sufferers and further target the
      underlying causes, if known, along with the provision of geriatric, psychologic,
      and andrologic support.

PMID- 25140236
TI  - Sexology of elderly man with secondary infertility.

PMID- 25140237
TI  - Conservative management of accidental gall bladder puncture during percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy.
AB  - Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been an excellent option for the
      management of kidney stones. There have been many complications in regards to
      solid organ injury during PCNL. Here we discuss an interesting case of 45-year
      old woman, who underwent PCNL for right renal staghorn calculus, and had an
      accidental puncture of the gall bladder. Post operatively, the patient was
      conservatively managed and recovered well. A small number of cases has been
      reported until now in literature. 

PMID- 25140238
TI  - Getting access in PNL - eyes wide shut.

PMID- 25140239
TI  - Make the technology count.

PMID- 25140240
TI  - Infected urachal cyst in a young adult.
AB  - The urachus is the remnant of the cloaca, which in adults attaches the bladder
      dome to the umbilicus. After birth it obliterates and presents as the midline
      umbilical ligament. Patent urachal anomalies are usually detected in childhood.
      In adults they occur very rarely and the presentation and diagnosis may be
      occasionally challenging. We present and discuss the case of an infected urachal
      cyst found in a 30-year-old adult. 

PMID- 25140241
TI  - Use of Martius flap in the complex female urethral surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Objectives were to evaluate safety and patient reported perception
      of the Martius fibroadipose flap for complex female urethra reconstruction.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients operated with a Martius flap were contacted again
      via telephone to rate their self-perception on cosmetic appearance, pain or
      numbness of the flap harvest site. RESULTS: 37 women (mean age of 46.8 yrs.) were
      operated with Martius flaps. Complications were limited to bleeding from the flap
      bed in 19% (7/37); hematomas - 5.4% (2/37); and lymphorrhea from the labial
      incision in 13.5% (5/37) and labial wound infection in 5.4% of cases (2/37). For
      self-perception 65% of patients (24/37) were phone interviewed (mean follow up -
      54.2 months). Only 17% of women (4/24) complained to cosmetic problems. Two
      patients (8%) complained to a periodical mild pain. And 12.5% (3/24) of the women
      had decreased sensation or numbness at the labia. CONCLUSIONS: Martius flap is
      safe and it is not causing significant complications during female urethral
      reconstruction. However, an informed consent for decreased sensation and numbness
      at the flap harvesting area should be obtained.

PMID- 25140242
TI  - Use of Martius flaps in complex female urethral surgery and the tethered vagina
      syndrome.

PMID- 25140243
TI  - Renal function recovery after laparosocopic pyeloplasty.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To observe the renal function recovery measured by diuretic
      renography in short and medium follow-up of patients with transperitoneal
      Anderson-Hynes laparoscopic pyeloplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: WE PERFORMED A
      RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW FROM OUR SERIES OF LAPAROSCOPIC PYELOPLASTIES, AND WE
      APPLIED THE FOLLOWING SELECTION CRITERIA: 1) to have at least two MAG3 diuretic
      renography during the follow-up, performed with a gap of 4-6 months between them;
      2) to have at least one year follow-up. Fulfilling these criteria, we have
      selected 35 patents of 62. RESULTS: During follow-up, statistically significant
      improvement comparing with the pre-surgical value has been observed in diuretic
      renography in the operated kidney in all selected patients during the time of
      follow up in terms of: functional uptake ratio (FUR), furosemide excretion and
      total excretion. No statistically significant differences were found in excretion
      time and spontaneous excretion parameters. By dividing patients in two age groups
      <40 years and >40 years we found no statistically significant differences between
      them in relation to the improvement of the FUR. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic
      pyeloplasty not only corrects the UPJO, it also may recover renal function
      demonstrated after one year follow up with diuretic renography. Laparoscopic
      pyeloplasty should be procedure of choice even in those patients with poor renal
      function at diagnosis, whenever there are chances of recovering renal function,
      regardless patients age.

PMID- 25140244
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 25140245
TI  - Sex and psychotropic drugs and relationship blues.

PMID- 25140246
TI  - Sustained-release corticosteroid options.
AB  - Sustained-release corticosteroid treatment has shown to be a promising strategy
      for macular edema due to retinovascular disease (i.e., diabetes and retinal vein
      occlusion) and for the treatment of noninfectious posterior uveitis. Clinicians
      now have the option of three sustained-release corticosteroid implants: Ozurdex
      (Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) which releases dexamethasone and two devices that
      release fluocinolone acetonide, Retisert (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY), and
      Iluvien (Alimera Science, Alpharetta, GA). Each has different physical
      characteristics and duration effect and has been approved for different
      indications. Herein we provide a summary of the current clinical knowledge
      regarding these implants. 

PMID- 25140247
TI  - Eye movement control.

PMID- 25140248
TI  - Prevalence of psychiatric morbidities in acute coronary heart disease.
AB  - Introduction. Psychiatric problems and stresses may deteriorate the prognosis of
      patients with IHD. So evaluating their frequency possibly will promote our
      perspective regarding their vital importance in the field of consultation-liaison
      psychiatry. Method and Materials. One hundred and one (101) patients with IHD
      were interviewed in CCU of a general hospital by a psychiatrist to find whether
      there was any relationship between cardiac events and psychiatric problems or
      stresses. Results. Cardiac events were significantly more prevalent among
      patients with both psychiatric problems and biological risk factors (P < 0.05).
      Also, the number of patients suffering from psychiatric problems was
      significantly more than cases without that (P < 0.05). There was a significant
      difference between male and female patients regarding the type of stress (P <
      0.01). 79% of total stresses were experienced by patients who had as well
      psychiatric problems (P < 0.0001). In addition, there was significantly more
      dysthymic disorder in the acute group of patients in comparison with major or
      minor depressive disorder in the chronic group (P < 0.001). Conclusion. The high
      prevalence of psychiatric problems and psychosocial stresses among patients with
      IHD deserves sufficient attention by clinicians for detection, monitoring, and
      management of them. 

PMID- 25140249
TI  - Light to moderate alcohol consumption is protective for type 2 diabetes mellitus
      in normal weight and overweight individuals but not the obese.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between alcohol consumption and risk of
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) overall and by body mass index. METHODS: Cross
      sectional study of employed individuals. Daily alcohol intakes were calculated
      from a self-administered food frequency questionnaire by 5,512 Maori, Pacific
      Island, and European workers (3,992 men, 1520 women) aged 40 years and above.
      RESULTS: There were 170 new cases of T2DM. Compared to the group with no alcohol
      consumption and adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity, the group consuming
      alcohol had relative risks of T2DM of 0.23 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.65) in normal weight
      individuals, 0.38 (0.18, 0.81) in overweight individuals, and 0.99 (0.59, 1.67)
      in obese individuals. After further adjusting for total cholesterol, HDL
      cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking habit, physical activity, socioeconomic
      status, body mass index, and hypertension, the relative risks of T2DM were 0.16
      (0.05, 0.50) in normal weight individuals, 0.43 (0.19, 0.97) in overweight
      individuals, and 0.92 (0.52, 1.60) in overweight individuals. Across the
      categories of alcohol consumption, there was an approximate U-shaped relationship
      for new cases of T2DM. There was no significant association between alcohol
      consumption and IGT. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption was protective against
      diagnosis of T2DM in normal and overweight individuals but not in the obese.

PMID- 25140250
TI  - Extent of Anaemia among Preschool Children in EAG States, India: A Challenge to
      Policy Makers.
AB  - Background. India is the highest contributor to child anemia. About 89 million
      children in India are anemic. The study determines the factors that contributed
      to child anemia and examines the role of the existing programs in reducing the
      prevalence of child anemia particularly in the EAG states. Methods. The data from
      the latest round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) is used. Simple
      bivariate and multinomial logistics regression analyses are used. Results. About
      70% children are anemic in all the EAG states. The prevalence of severe anemia is
      the highest (6.7%) in Rajasthan followed by Uttar Pradesh (3.6%) and Madhya
      Pradesh (3.4%). Children aged 12 to 17 months are significantly seven times (RR =
      7.99, P < 0.001) more likely to be severely anemic compared to children of 36 to
      59 months. Children of severely anemic mothers are also found to be more severely
      anemic (RR = 15.97, P < 0.001) than the children of not anemic mothers.
      Conclusions. The study reveals that the existing government program fails to
      control anemia among preschool children in the backward states of India.
      Therefore, there is an urgent need for monitoring of program in regular interval,
      particularly for EAG states to reduce the prevalence of anemia among preschool
      children. 

PMID- 25140251
TI  - Novel axillary approach for brachial plexus in robotic surgery: a cadaveric
      experiment.
AB  - Brachial plexus surgery using the da Vinci surgical robot is a new procedure.
      Although the supraclavicular approach is a well known described and used
      procedure for robotic surgery, axillary approach was unknown for brachial plexus
      surgery. A cadaveric study was planned to evaluate the robotic axillary approach
      for brachial plexus surgery. Our results showed that robotic surgery is a very
      useful method and should be used routinely for brachial plexus surgery and
      particularly for thoracic outlet syndrome. However, we emphasize that new
      instruments should be designed and further studies are needed to evaluate in vivo
      results. 

PMID- 25140252
TI  - Knowledge and perception on long acting and permanent contraceptive methods in
      adigrat town, tigray, northern ethiopia: a qualitative study.
AB  - Background. Long acting and permanent contraceptive methods have the potential to
      reduce unintended pregnancies but the contraceptive choice and utilization in
      Ethiopia are highly dominated by short term contraceptives. Objective. To assess
      the knowledge and perception on long acting and permanent contraceptives of
      married women and men in Northern Ethiopia. Method. A qualitative method was
      conducted in Adigrat on January, 2012. Four focus group discussions with married
      women and men and six in-depth interviews with family planning providers were
      conducted. Content analysis was used to synthesize the data. Result.
      Participants' knowledge on long acting and permanent contraceptives is limited to
      recognizing the name of the methods. Most of the participants are not able to
      identify permanent methods as a method of contraception. They lack basic
      information on how these methods work and how they can use it. Women had fears
      and rumors about each of these methods. They prefer methods which do not require
      any procedure. Family planning providers stated as they have weakness on
      counseling of all contraceptive choices. Conclusion. There are personal barriers
      and knowledge gaps on these contraceptive methods. Improving the counseling
      service program can help women to increase knowledge and avoid misconceptions of
      each contraceptive choice. 

PMID- 25140253
TI  - High Steroid Sensitivity among Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Southwestern
      Nigeria.
AB  - Recent reports from both Caucasian and black populations suggest changes in
      steroid responsiveness of childhood nephrotic syndrome. This study was therefore
      undertaken to determine the features and steroid sensitivity pattern of a cohort
      of black children with nephrotic syndrome. Records of children managed for
      nephrotic syndrome from January 2008 to April 2013 were reviewed. Details
      including age, response to treatment, and renal histology were analysed. There
      were 108 children (median age: 5.9 years, peak: 1-2 years), 90.2% of whom had
      idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Steroid sensitivity was 82.8% among children with
      idiopathic nephrotic syndrome but 75.9% overall. Median time to remission was 7
      days. Median age was significantly lower in steroid sensitive compared with
      resistant patients. The predominant histologic finding in resistant cases was
      focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (53.3%). No cases of quartan malaria
      nephropathy or hepatitis B virus nephropathy were diagnosed. Overall mortality
      was 6.5%. In conclusion, unusually high steroid sensitivity is reported among a
      cohort of black children. This is likely attributable to the lower age structure
      of our cohort as well as possible changing epidemiology of some other childhood
      diseases. Surveillance of the epidemiology of childhood nephrotic syndrome and
      corresponding modifications in practice are therefore recommended. 

PMID- 25140254
TI  - Occipital Artery Function during the Development of 2-Kidney, 1-Clip Hypertension
      in Rats.
AB  - This study compared the contractile responses elicited by angiotensin II (AII),
      arginine vasopressin (AVP), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in isolated occipital
      arteries (OAs) from sham-operated (SHAM) and 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K-1C)
      hypertensive rats. OAs were isolated and bisected into proximal segments (closer
      to the common carotid artery) and distal segments (closer to the nodose ganglion)
      and mounted separately on myographs. On day 9, 2K-1C rats had higher mean
      arterial blood pressures, heart rates, and plasma renin concentrations than SHAM
      rats. The contractile responses to AII were markedly diminished in both proximal
      and distal segments of OAs from 2K-1C rats as compared to those from SHAM rats.
      The responses elicited by AVP were substantially greater in distal than in
      proximal segments of OAs from SHAM rats and that AVP elicited similar responses
      in OA segments from 2K-1C rats. The responses elicited by 5-HT were similar in
      proximal and distal segments from SHAM and 2K-1C rats. These results demonstrate
      that continued exposure to circulating AII and AVP in 2K-1C rats reduces the
      contractile efficacy of AII but not AVP or 5-HT. The diminished responsiveness to
      AII may alter the physiological status of OAs in vivo. 

PMID- 25140255
TI  - Acute stroke care and thrombolytic therapy use in a tertiary care center in
      Lebanon.
AB  - Background. Thrombolytic therapy (rt-PA) is approved for ischemic stroke
      presenting within 4.5 hours of symptoms onset. The rate of utilization of rt-PA
      is not well described in developing countries. Objectives. Our study examined
      patient characteristics and outcomes in addition to barriers to rt-PA utilization
      in a tertiary care center in Beirut, Lebanon. Methods. A retrospective chart
      review of all adult patients admitted to the emergency department during a one
      year period (June 1st, 2009, to June 1st, 2010) with a final discharge diagnosis
      of ischemic stroke was completed. Descriptive analysis was done followed by a
      comparison of two groups (IV rt-PA and no IV rt-PA). Results. During the study
      period, 87 patients met the inclusion criteria and thus were included in the
      study. The mean age was found to be 71.9 years (SD = 11.8). Most patients arrived
      by private transport (85.1%). Weakness and loss of speech were the most common
      presenting signs (56.3%). Thirty-three patients (37.9%) presented within 4.5
      hours of symptom onset. Nine patients (10.3%, 95% CI (5.5-18.5)) received rt-PA.
      The two groups (rt-PA versus non rt-PA) had similar outcomes (mortality,
      symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, modified Rankin scale scores, and residual
      deficit at hospital discharge). Conclusion. In our setting, rt-PA utilization was
      higher than expected. Delayed presentation was the main barrier to rt-PA
      administration. Public education regarding stroke is needed to decrease time from
      symptoms onset to ED presentation and potentially improve outcomes further. 

PMID- 25140256
TI  - Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages infecting nocardioforms in
      wastewater treatment plant.
AB  - Activated sludge plants (ASP) are associated with the stable foaming problem
      worldwide. Apart from the physical and chemical treatment methods, biological
      treatment method has been least explored and may prove to be a novel and
      ecofriendly approach to tackle the problem of stable foam formation. In ASP
      Nocardia species are commonly found and are one of the major causes for forming
      sticky and stable foam. This study describes the isolation and characterization
      of three Nocardia bacteriophages NOC1, NOC2, and NOC3 for the control of Nocardia
      species. The bacteriophages isolated in this study have shown promising results
      in controlling foam producing bacterial growth under laboratory conditions,
      suggesting that it may prove useful in the field as an alternative biocontrol
      agent to reduce the foaming problem. To the best of our knowledge to date no work
      has been published from India related to biological approach for the control of
      foaming. 

PMID- 25140257
TI  - Iranian patients require more pertinent care to prevent type 2 diabetes
      complications.
AB  - Background. Accurate care of patients with type 2 diabetes may reduce risk of
      complications. This study was conducted to envisage current status of cares that
      are provided for a sample of Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes and highlight
      the domains that need to be focused on in the country's national type 2 diabetes
      care program. Methods. Behavioral risk factors and diabetes related complications
      were investigated among 234 randomly selected type 2 diabetic patients residing
      in the city of Khoy, Northwest of Iran. Data were collected by a semistructured
      questionnaire in face to face or telephone interview. Proportions and confidence
      intervals of the observed difference were calculated by the Confidence Interval
      Analysis (CIA) software version 2.2.0. Results. Diabetes complications were
      evident amongst 67.2% of the patients. Inappropriate dietary pattern,
      insufficient physical activity, and anxiety were reported by 26.5%, 74.8%, and
      69.7% of the respondents. Quality of life was reported to be affected in 94.6% of
      the respondents but its burden was significantly greater in females (P < 0.001,
      95% CI of the difference: -0.75 to -0.53). Conclusions. The findings reflect
      discrepancies in providing the required care for the studied Iranian patients
      with type 2 diabetes to prevent their disease's complications. 

PMID- 25140259
TI  - Left ventricle pseudoaneurysm: contribution of multimodality imaging to the
      diagnosis.
AB  - The left ventricle pseudoaneurysm is an anomaly of the left ventricle and is
      severed and joined with a pocket look. There may be secondary to a myocardial
      infarction, trauma, or surgical procedure. Sometimes the cause is not found.
      Complications are heart failure, arrhythmias, vascular embolism, and sudden
      death. The treatment is surgical only. The authors report the case of a black
      patient of 64 years old, without medical history, had seen to a deformation of
      the cardiac shadow in radiography. The left ventricle pseudoaneurysm and in situ
      thrombus are visualized in echocardiography and CT scan. The patient is waiting
      for heart surgery. 

PMID- 25140260
TI  - Novel Use of the GuideLiner Catheter to Deliver Rotational Atherectomy Burrs in
      Tortuous Vessels.
AB  - Rotational atherectomy (RA) for heavily calcified lesions is essential for
      improved stent delivery and stent expansion. In tortuous vessels it is often
      difficult to advance the burr without rotation and possible injury to the
      endothelium of healthy vessel. The GuideLiner catheter, a child in mother
      catheter, has recently been used to allow for increased support for delivery of
      stents through tortuous vessels. We report a novel use of the GuideLiner for the
      delivery of an RA burr in tortuous vessels requiring increased guide support. 

PMID- 25140258
TI  - The interplay between reproductive social stimuli and adult olfactory bulb
      neurogenesis.
AB  - Adult neurogenesis is a striking form of structural plasticity that adapts the
      brain to the changing world. Accordingly, new neuron production is involved in
      cognitive functions, such as memory, learning, and pattern separation. Recent
      data in rodents indicate a close link between adult neurogenesis and reproductive
      social behavior. This provides a key to unravel the functional meaning of adult
      neurogenesis in biological relevant contexts and, in parallel, opens new
      perspectives to explore the way the brain is processing social stimuli. In this
      paper we will summarize some of the major achievements on cues and mechanisms
      modulating adult neurogenesis during social behaviors related to reproduction and
      possible role/s played by olfactory newborn neurons in this context. We will
      point out that newborn interneurons in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB)
      represent a privileged cellular target for social stimuli that elicit
      reproductive behaviors and that such cues modulate adult neurogenesis at two
      different levels increasing both proliferation of neuronal progenitors in the
      germinative regions and integration of newborn neurons into functional circuits.
      This dual mechanism provides fresh neurons that can be involved in critical
      activities for the individual fitness, that is, the processing of social stimuli
      driving the parental behavior and partner recognition. 

PMID- 25140261
TI  - Correction of multiple canine impactions by mixed straightwire and cantilever
      mechanics: a case report.
AB  - Background. This case report describes the orthodontic treatment of a woman, aged
      17 years, with a permanent dentition, brachyfacial typology, Angle Class I, with
      full impaction of two canines (13,33), and a severe ectopy of the maxillary left
      canine. Her main compliant was the position of the ectopic teeth. Methods.
      Straightwire fixed appliances, together with cantilever mechanics, were used to
      correct the impaired occlusion and to obtain an ideal torque control. Results and
      Conclusion. The treatment objectives were achieved in 26 months of treatment. The
      impactions were fully corrected with an optimal torque. The cantilever mechanics
      succeeded in obtaining tooth repositioning in a short lapse of time. After
      treatment, the dental alignment was stable. 

PMID- 25140262
TI  - A paradoxical triad: scapulothoracic dissociation with clavicle and humeral shaft
      fractures.
AB  - Scapulothoracic dissociation involves varying degree of discontinuity of the
      upper extremity from its truncal attachment. An eighteen-year-old male presented
      to the accident and emergency department following a motor vehicle accident where
      he was hit by a four wheeler while riding a two wheeler. He had tenderness and
      deformity over the left clavicle and the left humerus. He was unable to perform
      active wrist and finger dorsiflexion. A CT subsequently revealed a grade 2
      splenic laceration. The splenic laceration was treated conservatively. As his
      general condition improved, he was gradually weaned off the ventilator and his
      left upper limb neurology was reassessed. He had isolated radial nerve palsy with
      an otherwise intact brachial plexus. He underwent internal fixation of the
      clavicle and the humerus. At 4 months after injury the EMG/NCV report showed
      signs of renervation of the radial nerve, and the fracture progressed to an
      uneventful union. This prior unreported triad of scapulothoracic dissociation
      with ipsilateral clavicular and humeral fractures may represent a parody. An
      apparent increase in the severity of skeletal injury was associated with a
      paradoxical decrease in the severity of neurovascular injury. We report this case
      to create awareness among orthopedic surgeons and emergency physicians about the
      clinical presentation of such injuries. 

PMID- 25140263
TI  - Bicondylar hoffa fracture successfully treated with headless compression screws.
AB  - Bicondylar coronal plane fracture, eponymically named Hoffa fractures, is an
      extremely rare injury. We present a case of isolated unilateral bicondylar Hoffa
      fracture that was successfully treated with open reduction and internal fixation
      using headless compression screws with satisfactory results. We inserted
      posteroanteriorly oriented Acutrak screws perpendicular to the fracture plane via
      lateral parapatellar arthrotomy, which provided excellent compression across the
      fracture. 

PMID- 25140264
TI  - Bilateral atypical femoral fractures in a patient with multiple myeloma treated
      with intravenous bisphosphonate therapy.
AB  - Bisphosphonates are currently the standard approach to managing bone disease in
      multiple myeloma. Bisphosphonates have high bone affinity that inhibits
      osteoclastic activity and additionally reduces the growth factors released from
      malignant or osteoblastic cells, thereby impairing abnormal bone remodeling which
      leads to osteolysis. However, patients of multiple myeloma may be at a higher
      risk of atypical femoral fractures because the treatment for malignant myeloma
      requires notably higher cumulative doses of bisphosphonates. Here we present a
      patient with bilateral atypical femoral fractures and multiple myeloma treated
      with intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. 

PMID- 25140265
TI  - Pleomorphic adenomas of the parapharyngeal space.
AB  - Background. Parapharyngeal space is one of potential facial planes for neoplasms
      and infections and represents less than 1% of all head and neck tumours.
      Occurrence of the pleomorphic adenoma in the parapharyngeal space is a rarity.
      Case Presentation. Here, three giant pleomorphic adenomas of different sizes
      occupying the parapharyngeal space in three patients are reported. Extensive
      preoperative diagnostic workup was done in order to verify the nature and size of
      the tumour and the proximity to the large vessels. Review of the literature,
      clinical features, pathology, radiological findings, and treatment of these
      tumours are discussed. Conclusion. The excision of the tumor through
      submandibular transcervical approach, without cutting the mandible, turned out to
      be a safe and radical approach in all three cases. 

PMID- 25140266
TI  - Tegmen tympani defect and brain herniation secondary to mastoid surgery: case
      presentation.
AB  - Brain herniation into the middle ear is very rarely seen. In addition to reasons
      like congenital factors, trauma, and infection, tegmen defect may develop as a
      result of iatrogenic events secondary to chronic otitis media surgery with or
      without cholesteatoma. Since it may cause life-threatening complications,
      patients must be evaluated and monitored for tegmen defect. In this paper,
      diagnosis and treatment of a brain herniation case due to iatrogenic tegmen
      defect were described along with relevant literature. 

PMID- 25140267
TI  - Gitelman Syndrome in a School Boy Who Presented with Generalized Convulsion and
      Had a R642H/R642W Mutation in the SLC12A3 Gene.
AB  - An 8-year-old Japanese boy presented with a generalized convulsion. He had
      hypokalemia (serum K 2.4 mEq/L), hypomagnesemia, and metabolic alkalosis (BE 5.7
      mmol/L). In addition, his plasma renin activity was elevated. He was tentatively
      diagnosed with epilepsy on the basis of the electroencephalogram findings and was
      treated by potassium L-aspartate and carbamazepine to control the hypokalemia and
      seizure, respectively. However, a year later, the patient continued to have
      similar abnormal laboratory data. A presumptive diagnosis of Gitelman syndrome
      (GS) was then made and the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells were
      subjected to sequence analysis of the SLC12A3 gene, which encodes a thiazide
      sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter. The patient was found to have compound
      heterozygous mutations, namely, R642H inherited from his father and R642W
      inherited from his mother. Thus, if a patient shows persistent hypokalemia and
      metabolic alkalosis, GS must be considered, even if the patient exhibits atypical
      clinical symptoms. 

PMID- 25140268
TI  - High-dose subcutaneous immunoglobulins for the treatment of severe treatment
      resistant polymyositis.
AB  - Polymyositis is a rare debilitating condition characterized by chronic
      inflammation and muscle weakness. Standard treatments include corticosteroids and
      immunosuppressants; however, resistance to these regimens may develop.
      Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) are thus recommended for patients with drug
      resistant polymyositis. The patient presented a resistant polymyositis with
      severe muscle weakness, increasing dysphagia, and significant loss in weight.
      Subcutaneous immunoglobulins (SCIg) were initiated after failure of steroids and
      immunosuppressive drugs. SCIg was given twice per week (2 then 1.3 g/kg/month).
      Clinical recovery was observed within 2 months after the SCIg initiation. After
      several injections, the patient showed a progressive improvement in muscle
      strength. Serum creatine kinase activity decreased to normal levels, and
      dysphagia was resolved. The SC injections were generally well tolerated and good
      patient satisfaction was reported. This promising observation suggests that SCIg
      may be useful in active and refractory polymyositis. 

PMID- 25140269
TI  - Giant bilateral adrenal myelolipoma with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
AB  - Myelolipomas are rare and benign neoplasms, predominant of the adrenal glands,
      consisting of adipose and mature hematopoietic tissue, commonly discovered
      incidentally with increased use of radiologic imaging. Few cases of giant
      bilateral adrenal masses are reported, especially in the setting of congenital
      adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). We report the case of a 39-year-old male with a
      history of CAH secondary to 21-alpha hydroxylase deficiency on steroids since
      childhood, self-discontinued during adolescence, presenting with abdominal
      distension, fatigue, decreased libido, and easy bruising. Imaging revealed giant
      bilateral adrenal masses. He subsequently underwent bilateral adrenalectomy found
      to be myelolipomas measuring 30 * 25 * 20 cm on the left and weighing 4.1 kg and
      25 * 20 * 13 cm on the right and weighing 2.7 kg. Adrenal myelolipomas are found
      to coexist with many other conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, Addison's
      disease, and CAH. We discuss the association with high adrenocorticotropic
      hormone (ACTH) states and review the studies involving ACTH as proponent leading
      to myelolipomas. Massive growth of these tumors, as in our case, can produce
      compression and hemorrhagic symptoms. We believe it is possible that self
      discontinuation of steroids, in the setting of CAH, may have resulted in the
      growth of his adrenal masses. 

PMID- 25140270
TI  - Huge Trombus including Left Renal Vein, Ovarian Vein, and Inferior Vena Cava
      Mimicking Renal Colic.
AB  - A 31-year-old female presented with acute left flank pain; she had a C/S at the
      postpartum day 24. Ureteral stone was suspected but ultrasound examination was
      normal. Then Doppler ultrasound revealed a trombus in left renal vein and
      inferior vena cava. Contrast enhanced MDCT scan showed swelled and nonfunctional
      left kidney, a trombus including distal part of left ovarian vein, left renal
      vein, and inferior vena cava. We started anticoagulation treatment. Further
      examination revealed diagnosis of chronic myeloproliferative disease. The trombus
      was completely recanalized at 3-month followup. 

PMID- 25140271
TI  - SIMPLE Technique of Laparoscopic Nephrectomy for Ectopic Nonfunctioning Pelvic
      Kidney Secondary to Pelviureteric Junction Obstruction: A Feasible and Safe
      Technique.
AB  - Ectopic kidneys are rare developmental anomalies. Anomalous blood supply of the
      pelvic ectopic kidneys poses a problem for a minimally invasive surgery. Although
      laparoscopic nephrectomies have been described for symptomatic nonfunctioning
      pelvic ectopic kidney, this is the first case report that highlights the safety
      and feasibility of SIMPLE technique of laparoscopic nephrectomy in a pelvic
      kidney. 

PMID- 25140272
TI  - A case of the nutcracker syndrome developed after delivery.
AB  - We report a case of nutcracker syndrome that developed after delivery. A 32-year
      old woman visited our clinic complaining of gross hematuria 4 months after
      delivery. Urethrocystoscopic examination failed to show hematuria coming from the
      ureteral orifice; however, enhanced computed tomography revealed the compression
      of the left renal vein between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery.
      Therefore, we diagnosed her with nutcracker syndrome and conservatively observed
      her. The macrohematuria disappeared by itself after 1 month. This is the first
      report to describe a case of nutcracker syndrome that developed after delivery. 

PMID- 25140273
TI  - Spontaneous postmenopausal urethral prolapse treated surgically and successfully.
AB  - Urethral prolapse (UP) is a circular complete eversion of the distal urethral
      mucosa through the external meatus. It is a rare condition seen mostly in African
      American premenarcheal girls. Both a medical and a surgical approach to this
      condition have been described. We present a case of a spontaneous urethral
      prolapse in a 60-year-old postmenopausal Caucasian woman, who failed medical
      management and underwent successful surgical management. The patient is
      asymptomatic 18 months following the procedure. 

PMID- 25140274
TI  - Fahr syndrome unknown complication: overactive bladder.
AB  - A 38-year-old male patient was admitted to our outpatient department because of
      frequency and urgency incontinence. During evaluation it was detected that the
      patient was suffering from frequency which was progressive for one year, feeling
      of incontinence, and urgency incontinence. There was no urologic pathology
      detected in patient's medical and family history. Neurologic consultation was
      requested due to his history of boredom, reluctance to do business, balance
      disorders, and recession for about 3 years. Brain computerized tomography (CT)
      scan revealed that amorphous calcifications were detected in the bilaterally
      centrum semiovale, basal ganglia, capsula interna, thalami, mesencephalon, pons
      and bulbus, and the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres. We have detected
      spontaneous neurogenic detrusor overactivity without sphincter dyssynergia after
      evaluating the voiding diary, cystometry, and pressure flow study. We consider
      the detrusor overactivity which occurred one year after the start of the
      neurological symptoms as the suprapontine inhibition and damage in the axonal
      pathways in the Fahr syndrome. 

PMID- 25140275
TI  - How aortic stiffness in postmenopausal women is related to common cardiovascular
      risk factors.
AB  - Objective. Our study investigates major common cardiovascular risk factors
      relation with aortic stiffness on 269 postmenopausal women by global pulse wave
      velocity (PWVg), useful to relate PWVg to risk of major cardiovascular events.
      Patients and Methods. Women were categorized as hypertensive (H),
      hypercholesterolemic (C), or diabetic (D). Aortic stiffness was assessed by PWVg
      measured with pulsed Doppler, at the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and at
      the right common femoral artery. Results. All population mean PWVg was 8.2 m/s.
      85 (26.5%) women were H; mean PWVg was 7.9 m/s. HC women were 118 (36.7%), with
      mean PWVg 8.3 m/s. HD women were 30 (9.5%), with mean PWVg 7.8 m/s. HDC women
      were 36 (11.2%), with mean PWVg 9.3 m/s. 52 (16.1%) menstruate women without risk
      factor were control group (CG), with mean PWVg 6.5 m/s. Highly significant was
      the statistical difference in PWVg between HDC women and each other group: P <
      0.0005 versus CG; P < 0.01 versus H; P < 0.03 versus HC, and P < 0.05 versus HD.
      No difference in PWG was observed comparing the other groups. There was
      difference for age among all groups, except for CG, made by younger women.
      Conclusion. PWVg was highly increased in postmenopausal women affected by
      hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia all at once. Hypertension is the
      major determinant for PWVg. The only addition of diabetes or hypercholesterolemia
      did not increase significantly PWVg. Our study supports the usefulness of the
      assessment of aortic stiffness as a marker of cardiovascular disease. 

PMID- 25140276
TI  - Automated system for kinetic analysis of particle size distributions for
      pharmaceutically relevant systems.
AB  - Detailing the kinetics of particle formation for pharmaceutically relevant
      solutions is challenging, especially when considering the combination of
      formulations, containers, and timescales of clinical importance. This paper
      describes a method for using commercial software Automate with a stream-selector
      valve capable of sampling container solutions from within an environmental
      chamber. The tool was built to monitor changes in particle size distributions via
      instrumental particle counters but can be adapted to other solution-based
      sensors. The tool and methodology were demonstrated to be highly effective for
      measuring dynamic changes in emulsion globule distributions as a function of
      storage and mixing conditions important for parenteral nutrition. Higher levels
      of agitation induced the fastest growth of large globules (>=5 MUm) while the
      gentler conditions actually showed a decrease in the number of these large
      globules. The same methodology recorded calcium phosphate precipitation kinetics
      as a function of [Ca(2+)] and pH. This automated system is readily adaptable to a
      wide range of pharmaceutically relevant systems where the particle size is
      expected to vary with time. This instrumentation can dramatically reduce the time
      and resources needed to probe complex formulation issues while providing new
      insights for monitoring the kinetics as a function of key variables. 

PMID- 25140277
TI  - Relationship between Nutrition Knowledge and Physical Fitness in Semiprofessional
      Soccer Players.
AB  - Whereas nutrition has a crucial role on sport performance, it is not clear to
      what extent nutrition knowledge is associated with physical fitness. The aim of
      this study was to examine the current level of nutrition knowledge of soccer
      players and whether this level is associated with physical fitness. Soccer
      players (n = 185, aged 21.3 +/- 4.9 yr, weight 72.3 +/- 8.4 kg, and height 177.5
      +/- 6.4 cm) performed a battery of physical fitness tests (sit-and-reach test,
      SAR; physical working capacity in heart rate 170, PWC170; and Wingate anaerobic
      test, WAnT) and completed an 11-item nutrition knowledge questionnaire (NKQ). Low
      to moderate Pearson correlations (0.15 < r < 0.34, p < 0.05) of NKQ with age,
      weight, height, fat free mass (FFM), SAR, peak power, and mean power of WAnT were
      observed. Soccer players with high score in NKQ were older (4.4 yr (2.2; 6.6),
      mean difference (95% confidence intervals)) and heavier (4.5 kg (0.6; 8.3)) with
      higher FFM (4.0 kg (1.1; 6.8)) and peak power (59 W (2; 116)) than their
      counterparts with low score. The moderate score in the NKQ suggests that soccer
      players should be targeted for nutrition education. Although the association
      between NKQ and physical fitness was low to moderate, there were indications that
      better nutrition knowledge might result in higher physical fitness and,
      consequently, soccer performance. 

PMID- 25140278
TI  - Understanding thoracic outlet syndrome.
AB  - The diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome was once debated in the world of
      vascular surgery. Today, it is more understood and surprisingly less infrequent
      than once thought. Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is composed of three types:
      neurogenic, venous, and arterial. Each type is in distinction to the others when
      considering patient presentation and diagnosis. Remarkable advances have been
      made in surgical approach, physical therapy, and rehabilitation of these
      patients. Dedicated centers of excellence with multidisciplinary teams have been
      developed and continue to lead the way in future research. 

PMID- 25140279
TI  - The value of neuromonitoring in cervical spine surgery.

PMID- 25140281
TI  - "From writing illegibly to composing fiction: The story of a blind man with 20/20
      vision".

PMID- 25140280
TI  - Case comparison and literature review of glioblastoma: A tale of two tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) includes a heterogeneous
      group of tumors. We describe two cases with histopathologically and molecularly
      similar tumors, but very different outcomes. We attempt to illustrate the need
      for improved prognostic markers for GBM. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two patients with
      similar molecular profiles were retrospectively identified. The following markers
      were assessed: O (6)-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation,
      isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and 2 status, epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) amplification, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) status, Ki-67, p53,
      and 1p/19q status. Each patient was assigned a Karnofsky performance score at
      presentation. Case 1 (62-year-old male) was a right temporal lobe glioblastoma
      with a molecular profile of amplified EGFR, normal PTEN, no IDH1/2 mutation,
      28.7% MGMT promoter methylation, 5-20% Ki-67, 1p deletion, and 19q intact. The
      patient underwent resection followed by radiation therapy and 2 years of
      chemotherapy, and was asymptomatic and tumor free 5 years post diagnosis. Tumor
      eventually recurred and the patient expired 72 months after initial diagnosis.
      Case 2 (63-year-old male) was a right frontal white matter mass consistent with
      glioblastoma with a molecular profile of amplified EGFR, absent PTEN, no IDH1/2
      mutation, 9.9% MGMT promoter methylation, 5-10% Ki-67, and 1p/19q status
      inconclusive. A radical subtotal resection was performed; however, 2 weeks later
      symptoms had returned. Subsequent imaging revealed a tumor larger than at
      diagnosis. The patient expired 3 months after initial diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The
      need for formulating more robust means to classify GBM tumor subtypes is
      paramount. Standard histopathologic and molecular analyses are costly and did not
      provide either of these patients with a realistic appraisal of their prognosis.
      Individualized whole genome testing similar to that being reported for
      medulloblastoma and other tumors may be preferable to the array of tests as
      currently utilized.

PMID- 25140282
TI  - Johannes Vermeer of Delft [1632-1675] and vision in neuroendoscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Johannes Vermeer of Delft [1632-1675] was one of the greatest Masters
      of the Dutch Golden Age who was intensely preoccupied with the behavior of light
      and other optical effects and was entitled "The Master of Light". He fastidiously
      attended to the subtleties of visual expression through geometry, composition,
      and precise mastery of the rules of perspective. It has been our impression that
      some visual similarity does exist between neuroendoscopic images and some of
      Vermeer's paintings. Such a relation could be explained by the fact that optical
      devices are utilized in producing both types of display. METHODS: We reviewed the
      pertinent medical and art literature, observed some video clips of our endoscopy
      cases, and inspected digital high resolution images of Vermeer's paintings in
      order to elaborate on shared optical phenomena between neuroendoscopic views and
      Vermeer's paintings. RESULTS: Specific optical phenomena are indeed shared by
      Johannes Vermeer's works and neuroendoscopic vision, namely light and color
      effects as well as the rules of perspective. CONCLUSION: From the physical point
      of view, the possibility that a camera obscura inspired Vermeer's artistic
      creation makes the existence of a visual link between his paintings and the
      endoscopic views of the intracranial cavity comprehensible.

PMID- 25140283
TI  - Colloid cysts posterior and anterior to the foramen of Monro: Anatomical features
      and implications for endoscopic excision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colloid cysts are usually located at the rostral part of the third
      ventricle in proximity to the foramina of Monro. Some third ventricular colloid
      cysts, however, attain large sizes, reach a very high distance above the roof of
      the third ventricle, and pose some challenges during endoscopic excision. These
      features led to the speculation that for such a pattern of growth to take place,
      the points of origin of these cysts should be at areas away from the foramina of
      Monro at which some anatomical "windows" exist that are devoid of compact,
      closely apposed forniceal structures. METHODS: A review of the literature on
      anatomical variations of the structures in the vicinity of the roof of the third
      ventricle and on reported cases with similar features was conducted. RESULTS:
      Colloid cysts may grow vertically up past the roof of the third ventricle through
      anatomical windows devoid of the mechanical restraint of the forniceal
      structures. CONCLUSION: Some anatomical variations of the forniceal structures
      may allow unusually large sizes and superior vector of growth of a retro- or post
      foraminal colloid cyst. Careful preoperative planning and knowledge of the
      pertinent pathoanatomy of these cysts before endoscopic excision is very
      important to avoid complications.

PMID- 25140284
TI  - Angio negative spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage: Is repeat angiogram required
      in all cases?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In some cases of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), the cause
      of bleed remains obscure on initial evaluation. These patients may harbor
      structural lesions. We aim to determine the utility of repeat angiogram in these
      subsets of patients. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients with SAH with a
      negative computed tomographic angiogram (CTA) and digital subtraction angiogram
      (DSA) were included. A repeat angiogram was done after 6 weeks of initial
      angiogram. Patients were divided into perimesencephalic SAH (PM-SAH) and diffuse
      classic SAH (Classic-SAH) groups. Outcome was determined by modified Rankin score
      (mRS). RESULTS: A total of 22% (39/178) of all SAH were angio-negative. A total
      of 90% (n = 35) of these were in Hunt and Hess grade 1-3. A total of 22 patients
      had PM-SAH and 17 had a Classic-SAH. Repeat angiogram did not reveal any
      pathology in the PM-SAH group, whereas two patients with Classic-SAH were found
      to have aneurysms. At 6 months follow-up, 95% patients of PM-SAH and 83.3% of
      Classic-SAH had mRS of 0. CONCLUSION: Repeat angiogram is probably not necessary
      in patients of PM-SAH and they tend to have better outcome. Classic-SAH pattern
      of bleed is associated with fair chances of an underlying pathology and a repeat
      angiogram is recommended and these cases and they have poorer outcome.

PMID- 25140285
TI  - Giant asymptomatic mastoid pneumocele producing a scalp swelling: A rare case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraosseous collections of air are rare in comparison to the extra
      osseous collection. Pneumoceles are rare entities defined as enlarged pneumatized
      air sinuses or air cells, with focal or diffuse thinning of the surrounding bony
      walls. They may affect mastoid air cells and any of the paranasal sinuses. CASE
      DESCRIPTION: We report a rare case of extensive mastoid pneumatisation in a young
      male patient. Patient was completely asymptomatic with swelling as the main
      complaint. Short history of development raised suspicion for a malignant lesion.
      Cholesteatoma was also taken as a differential diagnosis. However, computed
      tomography (CT) scan showed gross expansion of mastoid air cells with no lesion
      inside it. The walls of mastoid were markedly thinned out, making the diagnosis
      as pneumocele. In spite of a large swelling, conservative treatment was adopted
      in view of no symptoms and was advised follow-up regularly to detect any possible
      complications. CONCLUSION: Our case was interesting in that rare mastoid
      pneumoceles can be totally asymptomatic and can be large enough to raise concern
      for a malignant lesion. Literature shows that such mastoid pneumocele are
      symptomatic and require active intervention. Our asymptomatic mastoid pneumocele
      is a rare instance requiring no surgical procedure and was followed-up. Overall,
      such lesions should be treated as normal variants of physiological mastoid.

PMID- 25140286
TI  - Complete resolution of steroid-resistant organizing pneumonia associated with
      myelodysplastic syndrome following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.
AB  - Pulmonary complications in patients with hematological malignancies are often
      caused by infection but are sometimes associated with an underlying disease such
      as organizing pneumonia (OP). Here, we report a case of life-threatening steroid
      resistant OP associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and successfully
      performed allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HSCT). A 33-year-old
      female with refractory anemia with excess blasts-1 that had progressed from
      refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts and concomitant Sweet's syndrome was
      admitted. Multiple pulmonary infiltrates were revealed on a chest computed
      tomography scan, which progressively worsened even after chemotherapy and
      corticosteroid therapy. No evidence of infection was observed in bronchoalveolar
      lavage fluid. A histological examination of a transbronchial lung biopsy specimen
      showed lymphocyte invasion with fibrosis, indicating that the pulmonary
      infiltrates were OP associated with MDS. Before transplantation, she suffered
      from respiratory failure and required oxygen supplementation. She developed
      idiopathic pneumonitis syndrome on day 61 that responded well to corticosteroid
      therapy, and the OP pulmonary infiltrates improved gradually after HSCT, She was
      discharged on day 104 and is well without recurrence of OP or MDS 2 years after
      HSCT. 

PMID- 25140288
TI  - Design of static synchronous series compensator based damping controller
      employing invasive weed optimization algorithm.
AB  - This paper proposes designing of Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC)
      based damping controller to enhance the stability of a Single Machine Infinite
      Bus (SMIB) system by means of Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO) technique.
      Conventional PI controller is used as the SSSC damping controller which takes
      rotor speed deviation as the input. The damping controller parameters are tuned
      based on time integral of absolute error based cost function using IWO.
      Performance of IWO based controller is compared to that of Particle Swarm
      Optimization (PSO) based controller. Time domain based simulation results are
      presented and performance of the controllers under different loading conditions
      and fault scenarios is studied in order to illustrate the effectiveness of the
      IWO based design approach. 

PMID- 25140287
TI  - Development of a novel cellular model of Alzheimer's disease utilizing
      neurosphere cultures derived from B6C3-Tg(APPswe,PSEN1dE9)85Dbo/J embryonic mouse
      brain.
AB  - Increased production, oligomerization and aggregation of amyloid-beta (Abeta)
      peptides are hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Expressing
      familial AD mutations (amyloid precursor protein and/or presenilins mutations),
      the Abeta-pathologies of AD has been recapitulated in animal models of AD. Very
      few primary cell culture-based models of AD are available and they exhibit very
      weak Abeta-pathologies compared to what is seen in AD patients and animal models
      of AD. CNS stem/progenitor cells are present in both embryonic and adult brains.
      They can be isolated, grown as neurospheres and differentiated into neurons,
      astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. It is not yet known whether CNS stem/progenitor
      cells can support the production of Abeta peptides in culture. In this report, we
      have established Abeta-pathologies such as production, secretion, oligomerization
      and aggregation of Abeta peptides utilizing neurosphere cultures to create a new
      cellular model of AD. These cultures were developed from E15 embryonic brains of
      transgenic mice carrying the Swedish mutations in humanized mouse APP cDNA and
      the exon-9 deleted human presenilin 1 cDNA both regulated by mouse prion protein
      gene (Prnp) promoter. Results demonstrated the expression of transgene
      transcripts, APPswe protein and its processed products only in transgene positive
      neurosphere cultures. These cultures generate and secrete both Abeta40 and
      Abeta42 peptides into culture medium at levels comparable to the Abeta load in
      the brain of AD patients and animal models of AD, and produce pathogenic
      oligomers of Abeta peptides. The Abeta42/Abeta40 ratio in the medium of transgene
      positive neurosphere cultures is higher than any known cellular models of AD.
      Conformation dependent immunocytochemistry demonstrated the possible presence of
      intracellular and extracellular aggregation of Abeta peptides in neurosphere
      cultures, which are also seen in AD brain and animal models of AD. Collectively,
      our neurosphere cultures provide robust Abeta-pathologies of AD better than
      existing cellular model of Alzheimer's disease. 

PMID- 25140289
TI  - Third degree formic acid chemical burn in the treatment of a hand wart: a case
      report and review of the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous warts are very common and a large variety of topical
      treatments and drugs can be employed to cure these skin injuries that can arise
      on any part of the body. But are these products really safe? METHOD: We performed
      a case description and PubMed literature review using key words "wart," "chemical
      burn," and "formic acid." All articles in English and French were selected.
      RESULTS: This is the first report of a chemical burn by formic acid in the
      treatment of warts. Numerous topical treatments for cutaneous warts are available
      with many new drugs appearing every year. However, only a few treatments have
      proven their effectiveness, such as salicylic acid or cryotherapy with liquid
      nitrogen that are commonly used. Moreover, most cutaneous warts will resolve
      spontaneously without any treatment and several products, including topical acids
      and cryotherapy devices, presented adverse effects such as chemical burns or
      frostbites so demonstrating that even frequently used treatments can be harmful.
      CONCLUSION: Topical treatments used for wart removal are not without risk even if
      some products are sold without prescription. For self-treatment products, we
      recommend enhanced warning by the pharmacist about the risks involved.

PMID- 25140290
TI  - Medication in nursing homes in Alsace: a preferential list of drugs obtained by
      consensus.
AB  - ABSTRACT: In order to improve patient care, OMEDIT (Observatory of drugs, medical
      devices and therapeutic innovation) Alsace, conducted a study to develop a
      Preferential list of Drugs adapted to the Elderly (PDE list) in nursing homes.
      The study conducted from December 2011 to June 2012 was organized in 4 phases: 1)
      creation of a preliminary list of drugs from those currently used in nursing
      homes in Alsace, 2) application of a two-round Delphi process to evaluate the
      preliminary list involving mobilization of experts from different backgrounds
      (geriatricians, general practitioners, pharmacists ...), 3) identification of
      molecules considered in literature as potentially inappropriate, 4) generation of
      a final PDE list, including information concerning proper use of drugs for
      prescription and administration. 53 experts participated in the study. In the
      first round, 338 drugs were on the preliminary list, 246 were considered as
      appropriate by experts and 28 as inappropriate. 64 drugs without consensus were
      submitted to a second round. 32 of them were considered as inappropriate and 32
      others remained on the list with no consensus. These last 32 were evaluated by
      OMEDIT and 3 were considered as appropriate drugs for the elderly. Totally, 252
      drugs constitute the final PDE list from our study. The PDE list constitutes a
      new guide for optimization of both prescription and administration of drugs in
      nursing homes and could help reduce misuses and poly-medication, which are
      constant preoccupations to avoid adverse drug reactions in elderly. KEY POINTS: ?
      The study was carried out with the aim to create a Preferential list of Drugs
      adapted to the Elderly (PDE list) in nursing homes using a modified Delphi
      method. ? The PDE list constitutes a new guideline to harmonize practices in
      nursing homes and to help physicians and nurses to achieve best possible care
      management.

PMID- 25140291
TI  - Pneumococcal-meningitis associated acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) -
      case report of effective early immunotherapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Unvaccinated patients with history of splenectomy are prone to
      fulminant courses of Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated bacterial meningitis.
      Besides direct brain damage those patients may additionally suffer from
      parainfectious syndromes, notably vasculitis and acute disseminated
      encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Differentiation and treatment of these immunological
      reactions is challenging. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 61 year-old woman with
      history of splenectomy without vaccination for S. pneumoniae presented with
      progressive headache and meningism. CSF-analysis revealed pleocytosis with
      microbiological evidence for pneumococcal meningitis. After unsuspicious initial
      cranial CT imaging and initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy, MRI two days
      later showed widespread FLAIR- and T2-hyperintense white matter lesions that
      further progressed upon follow-up MRI and that fulfilled imaging criteria of
      ADEM. Meanwhile the patient deteriorated and required mechanical ventilation.
      Cranial angiography showed no signs of vasculitis or vasospasms. Screening for
      autoimmune diseases remained negative, however oligoclonal bands turned positive.
      Brain biopsy mainly revealed perivascular CD4+ T-cells and demyelinated areas.
      Despite ongoing acute meningitis, a 10-day corticosteroid-pulse was initiated
      followed by steroid-tapering. Within 4 weeks, clinical and MRI findings
      ameliorated. In an one-year follow-up visit, the patient significantly recovered,
      MRI lesions were markedly reduced and no further relapses occurred. CONCLUSION:
      Acute pneumococcal meningitis in unvaccinated splenectomized patients may be
      complicated by a monophasic course of parainfectious ADEM that can be controlled
      with high-dose corticosteroids. Parainfectious vasculitis or cerebritis are
      important differential diagnoses and exact differentiation of these entities is
      important to initiate early appropriate immunotherapy.

PMID- 25140292
TI  - The influence of race/ethnicity and place of service on breast reconstruction for
      Medicare beneficiaries with mastectomy.
AB  - Racial disparities in breast reconstruction for breast cancer are documented.
      Place of service has contributed to disparities in cancer care; but the
      interaction of race/ethnicity and place of service has not been explicitly
      examined. We examined whether place of service modified the effect of
      race/ethnicity on receipt of reconstruction. We included women with a mastectomy
      for incident breast cancer in SEER-Medicare from 2005-2009. Using Medicare
      claims, we determined breast reconstruction within 6 months. Facility
      characteristics included: rural/urban location, teaching status, NCI Cancer
      Center designation, cooperative oncology group membership, Disproportionate Share
      Hospital (DSH) status, and breast surgery volume. Using multivariable logistic
      regression, we analyzed reconstruction in relation to minority status and
      facility characteristics. Of the 17,958 women, 14.2% were racial/ethnic women of
      color and a total of 9.3% had reconstruction. Caucasians disproportionately
      received care at non-teaching hospitals (53% v. 42%) and did not at
      Disproportionate Share Hospitals (77% v. 86%). Women of color had 55% lower odds
      of reconstruction than Caucasians (OR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.37-0.55). Those in lower
      median income areas had lower odds of receiving reconstruction, regardless of
      race/ethnicity. Odds of reconstruction reduced at rural, non-teaching and
      cooperative oncology group hospitals, and lower surgery volume facilities.
      Facility effects on odds of reconstruction were similar in analyses stratified by
      race/ethnicity status. Race/ethnicity and facility characteristics have
      independent effects on utilization of breast reconstruction, with no significant
      interaction. This suggests that, regardless of a woman's race/ethnicity, the
      place of service influences the likelihood of reconstruction. 

PMID- 25140293
TI  - Synergistic antitumor effects of S-1 with eribulin in vitro and in vivo for
      triple-negative breast cancer cell lines.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a higher incidence of
      recurrence and distant metastasis and a poor prognosis, whereas effective
      treatment strategies remain to be established. Finding an effective treatment for
      TNBC has become imperative. We examined the effect of the combination of S-1 (or
      5-FU in an in vitro study) and eribulin in TNBC cell lines. The in vitro effect
      of the combination was examined in four TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468,
      BT-549 and MX-1) using a combination index and isobolograms. In addition, we
      assessed the effect of the combination in an MDA-MB-231 tumor xenograft model. A
      synergistic effect was observed in three TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468,
      and MX-1), and in an in vivo study, the combination of S-1 and eribulin resulted
      in significantly higher antitumor effects compared with S-1 or eribulin alone. 5
      FU induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) change in the TNCB cell line,
      as supported by the decreased expression of epithelial marker and the increased
      expression of mesenchymal markers. Meanwhile, TGF-beta induced EMT changes in a
      TNBC cell line and decreased the sensitivity to 5-FU. This result suggests that 5
      FU-induced EMT changes reduce the sensitivity to 5-FU. In contrast, eribulin
      induced a mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in a TNBC cell line. The EMT
      phenotype induced by 5-FU was also canceled by eribulin. We demonstrate that the
      combination of S-1 (5-FU) and eribulin exerts a synergistic effect for TNBC cell
      lines through MET-induction by eribulin. Therefore, this combination therapy may
      be a potential treatment option for TNBC. 

PMID- 25140294
TI  - Comparison of generalist predators in winter-flooded and conventionally managed
      rice paddies and identification of their limiting factors.
AB  - Winter-flooding of rice paddies without the application of agricultural chemicals
      is attracting attention as a new agricultural method for enhancing the habitat
      conditions of wintering waterfowl in rice paddy ecosystems throughout Japan and
      east Asia. Conditions in these paddies are expected to result in restoration of
      not only the winter habitats of waterfowl but also those of other taxonomic
      groups during the rice growing season. In this study, we tested whether the
      diversity of summer spiders--ubiquitous predators in rice paddies--was higher in
      the winter-flooded paddies than in the conventional ones by conducting field
      measurements in 31 winter-flooded and 7 conventional paddies. Limiting factors of
      spiders in the winter-flooded paddies were then examined. Results revealed that
      both the density and species richness of spiders were significantly higher in the
      winter-flooded paddies than in the conventional ones both before and after the
      insecticide application against pecky rice bug Stenotus rubrovittatus
      (Matsumura)(Hemiptera: Miridae) to conventional paddies. In addition, spider
      density and species richness in the winter-flooded paddies correlated with the
      availability of two prey groups--chironomids and other nematocera. These findings
      suggest that in the winter-flooded paddies the diversity of generalist predators
      is higher than in the conventional ones during the rice-growing season and that
      the combination of management at both the landscape and field level is likely
      more effective for increasing spider abundance in winter-flooded paddies. 

PMID- 25140295
TI  - Trimodality therapy for bladder preservation in the elderly population with
      invasive bladder cancer.
AB  - Bladder cancer is considered as primarily a disease of the elderly, typically
      aged in their 70s or 80s and often with associated medical comorbidities.
      Unfortunately, fewer elderly patients receive radical treatment for muscle
      invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) that their younger counterparts. Over the last
      decades, several studies have shown that the use of trimodality therapy
      consisting of transurethral bladder resection followed by concomitant
      chemotherapy and radiation therapy results in comparable outcomes to radical
      cystectomy, considered the gold standard for this disease. In this review, we
      revised the literature on bladder-preservation treatments using the trimodality
      approach in the elderly population with MIBC. 

PMID- 25140296
TI  - Use of an interactive, faith-based kiosk by congregants of four predominantly,
      african-american churches in a metropolitan area.
AB  - Chronic diseases are prevalent in ethnic communities. Churches represent a potent
      resource for targeted health promotion. A faith-based kiosk was developed as an
      informational tool and placed in four predominantly (>80%) African-American
      churches. Congregants were surveyed to describe kiosk-use, kiosk-user
      characteristics, health status, and self-reported behavior changes attributed to
      the kiosk. We analyzed 1,573 questionnaires. Mean age of respondents was 46.4
      years and >70% were women. "Older" congregations (mean age >=46.1 years) had more
      reports of diabetes (p = 0.002) and heart diseases (p = 0.01) than younger
      churches (mean age <=44.1), whereas asthma was more prevalent in the latter (p <
      0.001). Prevalence of obesity (40%) was similar across churches (p = 0.570).
      Kiosk-use was reported by 420 (26.7%) respondents. Compared to non-users, kiosk
      users were >40 years (p < 0.001), and reported >two health conditions, adjusted
      Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) = 1.43 (1.0-2.0), p = 0.05. Male kiosk-users
      preferred to select disease-specific content, aOR = 1.87 (1.10-3.17), p = 0.02,
      while females tended to select information about supportive community resources,
      aOR = 0.49 (0.23-1.04), p = 0.062. Knowledge of kiosk-user characteristics and
      the "health status" of a congregation, provide an opportunity for targeted,
      church-based health promotion. 

PMID- 25140297
TI  - Self-Medication Practices among a Sample of Latino Migrant Workers in South
      Florida.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although the literature on self-medication among Latino migrant
      workers (LMWs) is sparse, a few existing studies indicate that this practice is
      common in this community. The purpose of this paper is to estimate health status,
      access to health care, and patterns of self-medication practices of a cohort of
      LMWs in South Florida. METHODS: A stratified network-based sample was utilized to
      recruit 278 LMWs in the Homestead area. After screening for eligibility,
      participants were administered a structured questionnaire that collected data on
      their health status, access to health care services, and self-medication
      practices. A convenience sample of 24 LMWs, who participated in the parent study
      were invited back to participate in 3 focus groups to look more in depth into
      self-medication practices in the LMW community. RESULTS: Study findings indicate
      that LMWs are affected by a vast array of health problems yet lack access to
      health care services. Participants already engaged in self-medication practices
      in the countries of origin and, upon their arrival in the US, these practices
      continue and, in many cases, increase. CONCLUSION: Long-held traditions and lack
      of access to the formal health care system in the US contribute to the high
      prevalence of self-medication among LMWs. Self-medication practices such as the
      use of prescription medications without a prescription and lay injection are high
      risk practices that can have harmful consequences. Prevention interventions that
      address self-medication in the LMW community are likely to be most effective if
      they are culturally adapted to the community and facilitate access to health care
      services.

PMID- 25140298
TI  - Principals, Agents, and the Intersection between Scientists and Policy-Makers:
      Reflections on the H5N1 Controversy.

PMID- 25140299
TI  - Dual-use research as a wicked problem.

PMID- 25140300
TI  - Absolute quantitation of post-translational modifications.

PMID- 25140301
TI  - Compositional Constraint Is the Key Force in Shaping Codon Usage Bias in
      Hemagglutinin Gene in H1N1 Subtype of Influenza A Virus.
AB  - It is vital to unravel the codon usage bias in order to gain insights into the
      evolutionary forces dictating the viral evolution process. Influenza A virus has
      attracted attention of many investigators over the years due to high mutation
      rate and being cross-specific shift operational in the viral genome. Several
      authors have reported that the codon usage bias is low in influenza A viruses,
      citing mutational pressure as the decisive force shaping up the codon usage in
      these viruses. In this study, complete coding sequences of hemagglutinin genes
      for H1N1 subtype of influenza A virus have been explored for the possible codon
      usage bias acting upon these genes. The results indicate overall low bias with
      peaking ENC values. The GC content is found to be substantially low as against AT
      content in the silent codon sites. Significant correlations were observed in
      between the compositional parameters versus AT3, implying the possible role of
      the latter in shaping codon usage profile in the viral hemagglutinin. The data
      showed conspicuously that the sequences were A redundant with most codons
      preferring nucleotide A over others in the third synonymous codon site. The
      results indicated the pivotal role of compositional pressure affecting codon
      usage in this virus. 

PMID- 25140303
TI  - delta-Tocotrienol oxazine derivative antagonizes mammary tumor cell compensatory
      response to CoCl2-induced hypoxia.
AB  - In response to low oxygen supply, cancer cells elevate production of HIF-1alpha,
      a hypoxia-inducible transcription factor that subsequently acts to stimulate
      blood vessel formation and promote survival. Studies were conducted to determine
      the role of delta-tocotrienol and a semisynthetic delta-tocotrienol oxazine
      derivative, compound 44, on +SA mammary tumor cell hypoxic response. Treatment
      with 150 uM CoCl2 induced a hypoxic response in +SA mammary tumor cells as
      evidenced by a large increase in HIF-1alpha levels, and combined treatment with
      compound 44 attenuated this response. CoCl2-induced hypoxia was also associated
      with a large increase in Akt/mTOR signaling, activation of downstream targets
      p70S6K and eIF-4E1, and a significant increase in VEGF production, and combined
      treatment with compound 44 blocked this response. Additional in vivo studies
      showed that intralesional treatment with compound 44 in BALB/c mice bearing +SA
      mammary tumors significantly decreased the levels of HIF-1alpha, and this effect
      was associated with a corresponding decrease in Akt/mTOR signaling and activation
      of downstream targets p70S6 kinase and eIF-4E1. These findings demonstrate that
      treatment with the delta-tocotrienol oxazine derivative, compound 44,
      significantly attenuates +SA mammary tumor cell compensatory responses to hypoxia
      and suggests that this compound may provide benefit in the treatment of rapidly
      growing solid breast tumors.

PMID- 25140304
TI  - Apocynin, a low molecular oral treatment for neurodegenerative disease.
AB  - Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammatory mediators secreted by activated
      resident or infiltrated innate immune cells have a significant impact on the
      pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. This may imply that patients affected
      by a neurodegenerative disease may benefit from treatment with selective
      inhibitors of innate immune activity. Here we review the therapeutic potential of
      apocynin, an essentially nontoxic phenolic compound isolated from the medicinal
      plant Jatropha multifida. Apocynin is a selective inhibitor of the phagocyte
      NADPH oxidase Nox2 that can be applied orally and is remarkably effective at low
      dose. 

PMID- 25140302
TI  - The motile breast cancer phenotype roles of proteoglycans/glycosaminoglycans.
AB  - The consecutive stages of cancer growth and dissemination are obligatorily
      perpetrated through specific interactions of the tumor cells with their
      microenvironment. Importantly, cell-associated and tumor microenvironment
      glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)/proteoglycan (PG) content and distribution are markedly
      altered during tumor pathogenesis and progression. GAGs and PGs perform multiple
      functions in specific stages of the metastatic cascade due to their defined
      structure and ability to interact with both ligands and receptors regulating
      cancer pathogenesis. Thus, GAGs/PGs may modulate downstream signaling of key
      cellular mediators including insulin growth factor receptor (IGFR), epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR), estrogen receptors (ERs), or Wnt members. In the
      present review we will focus on breast cancer motility in correlation with their
      GAG/PG content and critically discuss mechanisms involved. Furthermore, new
      approaches involving GAGs/PGs as potential prognostic/diagnostic markers or as
      therapeutic agents for cancer-related pathologies are being proposed. 

PMID- 25140305
TI  - The antileukemia activity of natural product HQ17(3) is possibly associated with
      downregulation of miR-17-92 cluster.
AB  - The compound 10'(Z),13'(E),15'(E)-heptadecatrienylhydroquinone [HQ17(3)] was
      purified from the sap of the lacquer tree Rhus succedanea. HQ17(3) has cytotoxic
      effect on cancer cells and can inhibit topoisomerase (topo) IIalpha activity. We
      treated various cancer cells with different doses of HQ17(3) and found that
      leukemia cells were most sensitive to HQ17(3). After analysis of microRNA (miRNA)
      profiling, we found that treatment with HQ17(3) caused downregulation of miR-17
      92 cluster in some leukemia cells. These changes partially restored the normal
      levels from leukemia-specific miRNA expression signature. Messenger RNAs of tumor
      suppressor proteins, such as pRB, PTEN, and Dicer, are targets of miR-17-92
      cluster. Their protein levels were increased after the treatment. c-Myc is a
      regulatory protein for miR-17-92 gene. Similar to topo IIalpha, we found that c
      Myc decreased its activity after the HQ17(3) treatment, which may explain the
      downregulation of miR-17-92 cluster. Combined with 5-fluorouracil, NaAsO2, or ABT
      737, HQ17(3) elicited additive inhibitory effects on leukemia cells. In
      conclusion, the high sensitivity of leukemia cells to HQ17(3) may be associated
      with the reduction of topo IIalpha and c-Myc activities, as well as with the
      downregulation of the miR-17-92 cluster expression. 

PMID- 25140307
TI  - Angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor derived from cross-linked oyster
      protein.
AB  - Following cross-linking by microbial transglutaminase, modified oyster proteins
      were hydrolyzed to improve inhibitory activity against angiotensin-converting
      enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity with the use of a single protease, or a
      combination of six proteases. The oyster hydrolysate with the lowest 50% ACE
      inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.40 mg/mL was obtained by two-step hydrolysis
      of the cross-linked oyster protein using Protamex and Neutrase. Five ACE
      inhibitory peptides were purified from the oyster hydrolysate using a multistep
      chromatographic procedure comprised of ion-exchange, size exclusion, and reversed
      phase liquid chromatography. Their sequences were identified as TAY, VK, KY, FYN,
      and YA, using automated Edman degradation and mass spectrometry. These peptides
      were synthesized, and their IC50 values were measured to be 16.7, 29.0, 51.5,
      68.2, and 93.9 MUM, respectively. Toxicity of the peptides on the HepG2 cell line
      was not detected. The oyster hydrolysate also significantly decreased the
      systolic blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The
      antihypertensive effect of the oyster hydrolysate on SHR was rapid and long
      lasting, compared to commercially obtained sardine hydrolysate. These results
      suggest that the oyster hydrolysate could be a source of effective nutraceuticals
      against hypertension.

PMID- 25140306
TI  - The nonglycemic actions of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors.
AB  - A cell surface serine protease, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), cleaves dipeptide
      from peptides containing proline or alanine in the N-terminal penultimate
      position. Two important incretin hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and
      glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), enhance meal-stimulated insulin
      secretion from pancreatic beta-cells, but are inactivated by DPP-4. Diabetes and
      hyperglycemia increase the DPP-4 protein level and enzymatic activity in blood
      and tissues. In addition, multiple other functions of DPP-4 suggest that DPP-4
      inhibitor, a new class of antidiabetic agents, may have pleiotropic effects.
      Studies have shown that DPP-4 itself is involved in the inflammatory signaling
      pathway, the stimulation of vascular smooth cell proliferation, and the
      stimulation of oxidative stress in various cells. DPP-4 inhibitor ameliorates
      these pathophysiologic processes and has been shown to have cardiovascular
      protective effects in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. However, in recent
      randomized clinical trials, DPP-4 inhibitor therapy in high risk patients with
      type 2 diabetes did not show cardiovascular protective effects. Some concerns on
      the actions of DPP-4 inhibitor include sympathetic activation and neuropeptide Y
      mediated vascular responses. Further studies are required to fully characterize
      the cardiovascular effects of DPP-4 inhibitor. 

PMID- 25140309
TI  - Implementation of incident learning in the safety and quality management of
      radiotherapy: the primary experience in a new established program with advanced
      technology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the implementation of incident learning for quality
      management of radiotherapy in a new established radiotherapy program. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: With reference to the consensus recommendations by American
      Association of Physicist in Medicine, an incident learning system was
      specifically established for reporting, investigating, and learning of individual
      incidents. The incidents that occurred in external beam radiotherapy from
      February, 2012, to February, 2014, were reported. RESULTS: A total of 28 near
      misses and 5 incidents were reported. Among them, 5 originated in imaging for
      planning, 25 in planning, and 1 in plan transfer, commissioning, and delivery,
      respectively. One near miss/incident was classified as wrong patient, 7 wrong
      sites, 6 wrong laterality, and 5 wrong dose. Five reported incidents were all
      classified as grade 1/2 of dosimetric severity, 1 as grade 0, and the other 4 as
      grade 1 of medical severity. For the causes/contributory factors, negligence,
      policy not followed, and inadequate training contributed to 19, 15, and 12 near
      misses/incidents, respectively. The average incident rate per 100 patients
      treated was 0.4. CONCLUSION: Effective implementation of incident learning can
      reduce the occurrence of near misses/incidents and enhance the culture of safety.

PMID- 25140308
TI  - Progress and prospects in human genetic research into age-related hearing
      impairment.
AB  - Age-related hearing impairment (ARHI) is a complex, multifactorial disorder that
      is attributable to confounding intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The degree of
      impairment shows substantial variation between individuals, as is also observed
      in the senescence of other functions. This individual variation would seem to
      refute the stereotypical view that hearing deterioration with age is inevitable
      and may indicate that there is ample scope for preventive intervention. Genetic
      predisposition could account for a sizable proportion of interindividual
      variation. Over the past decade or so, tremendous progress has been made through
      research into the genetics of various forms of hearing impairment, including ARHI
      and our knowledge of the complex mechanisms of auditory function has increased
      substantially. Here, we give an overview of recent investigations aimed at
      identifying the genetic risk factors involved in ARHI and of what we currently
      know about its pathophysiology. This review is divided into the following
      sections: (i) genes causing monogenic hearing impairment with phenotypic
      similarities to ARHI; (ii) genes involved in oxidative stress, biologic stress
      responses, and mitochondrial dysfunction; and (iii) candidate genes for
      senescence, other geriatric diseases, and neurodegeneration. Progress and
      prospects in genetic research are discussed. 

PMID- 25140310
TI  - Testing for the endogenous nature between women's empowerment and antenatal
      health care utilization: evidence from a cross-sectional study in Egypt.
AB  - Women's relative lack of decision-making power and their unequal access to
      employment, finances, education, basic health care, and other resources are
      considered to be the root causes of their ill-health and that of their children.
      The main purpose of this paper is to examine the interactive relation between
      women's empowerment and the use of maternal health care. Two model specifications
      are tested. One assumes no correlation between empowerment and antenatal care
      while the second specification allows for correlation. Both the univariate and
      the recursive bivariate probit models are tested. The data used in this study is
      EDHS 2008. Factor Analysis Technique is also used to construct some of the
      explanatory variables such as the availability and quality of health services
      indicators. The findings show that women's empowerment and receiving regular
      antenatal care are simultaneously determined and the recursive bivariate probit
      is a better approximation to the relationship between them. Women's empowerment
      has significant and positive impact on receiving regular antenatal care. The
      availability and quality of health services do significantly increase the
      likelihood of receiving regular antenatal care. 

PMID- 25140311
TI  - Treatment of bilateral varicocele and other scrotal comorbidities using a single
      scrotal access: our experience on 34 patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Varicocele is the main cause of infertility in male and the most
      correctable cause of it too. In this study, we present our experience on 34
      patients affected by bilateral varicocele and other scrotal comorbidities treated
      underwent surgery with a scrotal access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 34 patients were
      enrolled with clinical palpable and infraclinical (ultrasonic doppler scanning)
      bilateral varicocele and other comorbidities like right hydrocele, left
      hydrocele, bilateral hydrocele, and epididymal cyst. They all underwent scrotal
      bilateral varicocelectomy under local anesthesia. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: At 6
      months, no other complications were reported. No case of testicular atrophy was
      observed. None had recurrence of varicocele. All scrotal comorbidities were
      treated as well. CONCLUSION: Scrotal access with local anesthesia is a safe and
      useful technique to treat patients with bilateral varicocele and other scrotal
      comorbidities.

PMID- 25140312
TI  - Effect of prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure on birth outcomes:
      the Polish mother and child cohort study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the impact of PAH exposure on various
      anthropometric measures of birth outcomes. The study population consisted of 210
      nonsmoking pregnant women. Urine samples collected between 20th and 24th week of
      pregnancy were used for analysis of the following PAH metabolites: 1-, 2-, 3-, 4
      , and 9-hydroxyphenanthrene (1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 9-OH-PHE), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH
      PYR), 1,6 + 1,8-dihydroxypyrene (DI-OH-PYR), phenanthrene trans-1,2-dihydrodiol
      (PHE-1,2-diol), and phenanthrene trans-9,10-dihydrodiol (PHE-9,10-diol) by gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) was
      assessed by cotinine level in saliva using a stable isotope dilution LC-ESI-MS/MS
      method. The mean PAH metabolite concentrations were in the range of 0.15 ug/g
      creatinine for 9-OH-PHE to 5.9 ug/g creatinine for PHE-9,10-diol. It was shown
      that none of the individual PAH exposure markers demonstrate a statistically
      significant influence on birth outcomes. Interestingly a statistically
      significant association was found between the sum of OH-PHE along with cotinine
      level and the cephalization index after adjusting for potential confounders (P =
      0.04). This study provides evidence that combined exposure of pregnant women to
      common environmental pollutants such as PAH and ETS might adversely affect fetal
      development. Thus, reduction of human exposure to these mixtures of hazardous
      compounds would in particular result in substantial health benefits for newborns.

PMID- 25140313
TI  - On the coupling of two models of the human immune response to an antigen.
AB  - The development of mathematical models of the immune response allows a better
      understanding of the multifaceted mechanisms of the defense system. The main
      purpose of this work is to present a scheme for coupling distinct models of
      different scales and aspects of the immune system. As an example, we propose a
      new model where the local tissue inflammation processes are simulated with
      partial differential equations (PDEs) whereas a system of ordinary differential
      equations (ODEs) is used as a model for the systemic response. The simulation of
      distinct scenarios allows the analysis of the dynamics of various immune cells in
      the presence of an antigen. Preliminary results of this approach with a
      sensitivity analysis of the coupled model are shown but further validation is
      still required. 

PMID- 25140314
TI  - Speech understanding with a new implant technology: a comparative study with a
      new nonskin penetrating Baha system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare hearing and speech understanding between a new, nonskin
      penetrating Baha system (Baha Attract) to the current Baha system using a skin
      penetrating abutment. METHODS: Hearing and speech understanding were measured in
      16 experienced Baha users. The transmission path via the abutment was compared to
      a simulated Baha Attract transmission path by attaching the implantable magnet to
      the abutment and then by adding a sample of artificial skin and the external
      parts of the Baha Attract system. Four different measurements were performed:
      bone conduction thresholds directly through the sound processor (BC Direct),
      aided sound field thresholds, aided speech understanding in quiet, and aided
      speech understanding in noise. RESULTS: The simulated Baha Attract transmission
      path introduced an attenuation starting from approximately 5 dB at 1000 Hz,
      increasing to 20-25 dB above 6000 Hz. However, aided sound field threshold shows
      smaller differences and aided speech understanding in quiet and in noise does not
      differ significantly between the two transmission paths. CONCLUSION: The Baha
      Attract system transmission path introduces predominately high frequency
      attenuation. This attenuation can be partially compensated by adequate fitting of
      the speech processor. No significant decrease in speech understanding in either
      quiet or in noise was found.

PMID- 25140316
TI  - Intracochlear fluid pressure changes related to the insertional speed of a CI
      electrode.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To preserve residual hearing the atraumaticity of the cochlea
      electrode insertion has become a focus of cochlear implant research. In addition
      to other factors, the speed of insertion is thought to be a contributing factor
      in the concept of atraumatic implantation. The aim of our study was to observe
      intracochlear fluid pressure changes due to different insertional speeds of an
      implant electrode in a cochlear model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiments
      were performed using an artificial cochlear model. A linear actuator was mounted
      on an Advanced Bionics IJ insertional tool. The intracochlear fluid pressure was
      recorded through a pressure sensor which was placed in the helicotrema area.
      Defined insertions were randomly performed with speeds of 0.1 mm/sec, 0.25
      mm/sec, 0.5 mm/sec, 1 mm/sec, and 2 mm/sec. RESULTS: A direct correlation between
      speed and pressure was observed. Mean maximum values of intracochlear fluid
      pressure varied between 0.41 mm Hg and 1.27 mm Hg. Conclusion. We provide the
      first results of fluid pressure changes due to insertional speeds of CI
      electrodes in a cochlear model. A relationship between the insertional speed and
      intracochlear fluid pressure was observed. Further experiments are needed to
      apply these results to the in vivo situation.

PMID- 25140317
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cell-induced doxorubicin resistance in triple negative breast
      cancer.
AB  - Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive histological subtype with
      limited treatment options and a worse clinical outcome compared with other breast
      cancer subtypes. Doxorubicin is considered to be one of the most effective agents
      in the treatment of TNBC. Unfortunately, resistance to this agent is common. In
      some drug-resistant cells, drug efflux is mediated by adenosine triphosphate
      dependent membrane transporter termed adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette
      (ABC) transporter, which can drive the substrates across membranes against
      concentration gradient. In the tumor microenvironment, upon interaction with
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), tumor cells exhibit altered biological functions
      of certain gene clusters, hence increasing stemness of tumor cells, migration
      ability, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. In our present study, we investigated
      the mechanism of TNBC drug resistance induced by adipose-derived MSCs. Upon
      exposure of TNBC to MSC-secreted conditioned medium (CM), noticeable drug
      resistance against doxorubicin with markedly increased BCRP protein expression
      was observed. Intracellular doxorubicin accumulation of TNBC was also decreased
      by MSC-secreted CM. Furthermore, we found that doxorubicin resistance of TNBC was
      mediated by IL-8 presented in the MSC-secreted CM. These findings may enrich the
      list of potential targets for overcoming drug resistance induced by MSCs in TNBC
      patients. 

PMID- 25140318
TI  - An efficient parallel algorithm for multiple sequence similarities calculation
      using a low complexity method.
AB  - With the advance of genomic researches, the number of sequences involved in
      comparative methods has grown immensely. Among them, there are methods for
      similarities calculation, which are used by many bioinformatics applications. Due
      the huge amount of data, the union of low complexity methods with the use of
      parallel computing is becoming desirable. The k-mers counting is a very efficient
      method with good biological results. In this work, the development of a parallel
      algorithm for multiple sequence similarities calculation using the k-mers
      counting method is proposed. Tests show that the algorithm presents a very good
      scalability and a nearly linear speedup. For 14 nodes was obtained 12x speedup.
      This algorithm can be used in the parallelization of some multiple sequence
      alignment tools, such as MAFFT and MUSCLE. 

PMID- 25140319
TI  - Informative gene selection and direct classification of tumor based on Chi-square
      test of pairwise gene interactions.
AB  - In efforts to discover disease mechanisms and improve clinical diagnosis of
      tumors, it is useful to mine profiles for informative genes with definite
      biological meanings and to build robust classifiers with high precision. In this
      study, we developed a new method for tumor-gene selection, the Chi-square test
      based integrated rank gene and direct classifier (chi(2)-IRG-DC). First, we
      obtained the weighted integrated rank of gene importance from chi-square tests of
      single and pairwise gene interactions. Then, we sequentially introduced the
      ranked genes and removed redundant genes by using leave-one-out cross-validation
      of the chi-square test-based Direct Classifier (chi(2)-DC) within the training
      set to obtain informative genes. Finally, we determined the accuracy of
      independent test data by utilizing the genes obtained above with chi(2)-DC.
      Furthermore, we analyzed the robustness of chi(2)-IRG-DC by comparing the
      generalization performance of different models, the efficiency of different
      feature-selection methods, and the accuracy of different classifiers. An
      independent test of ten multiclass tumor gene-expression datasets showed that
      chi(2)-IRG-DC could efficiently control overfitting and had higher generalization
      performance. The informative genes selected by chi(2)-IRG-DC could dramatically
      improve the independent test precision of other classifiers; meanwhile, the
      informative genes selected by other feature selection methods also had good
      performance in chi(2)-DC.

PMID- 25140315
TI  - Autophagy in alcohol-induced multiorgan injury: mechanisms and potential
      therapeutic targets.
AB  - Autophagy is a genetically programmed, evolutionarily conserved intracellular
      degradation pathway involved in the trafficking of long-lived proteins and
      cellular organelles to the lysosome for degradation to maintain cellular
      homeostasis. Alcohol consumption leads to injury in various tissues and organs
      including liver, pancreas, heart, brain, and muscle. Emerging evidence suggests
      that autophagy is involved in alcohol-induced tissue injury. Autophagy serves as
      a cellular protective mechanism against alcohol-induced tissue injury in most
      tissues but could be detrimental in heart and muscle. This review summarizes
      current knowledge about the role of autophagy in alcohol-induced injury in
      different tissues/organs and its potential molecular mechanisms as well as
      possible therapeutic targets based on modulation of autophagy. 

PMID- 25140320
TI  - Ablative therapy for esophageal dysplasia and early malignancy: focus on RFA.
AB  - Ablative therapies have been utilized with increasing frequency for the treatment
      of Barrett's esophagus with and without dysplasia. Multiple modalities are
      available for topical ablation of the esophagus, but radiofrequency ablation
      (RFA) remains the most commonly used. There have been significant advances in
      technique since the introduction of RFA. The aim of this paper is to review the
      indications, techniques, outcomes, and most common complications following
      esophageal ablation with RFA. 

PMID- 25140321
TI  - Screening of cognitive function and hearing impairment in older adults: a
      preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research has found that hearing loss is associated with
      poorer cognitive function. The question is that when a hearing impairment is
      being compensated for by appropriately fitted monaural hearing aids, special
      precautions are still needed when screening cognitive function in older adults.
      OBJECTIVE: This research examined cognitive function in elderly hearing aid users
      who used monaural hearing aids and whether the presence of a hearing impairment
      should be accounted for when screening cognitive function in these individuals.
      METHODS: Auditory thresholds, sentence reception thresholds, and self-reported
      outcomes with hearing aids were measured in 34 older hearing aid users to ensure
      hearing aids were appropriately fitted. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
      results obtained in these participants were then compared to normative data
      obtained in a general older population exhibiting similar demographic
      characteristics. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to examine the
      effects of demographic and auditory variables on MMSE scores. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results showed that, even with appropriately fitted hearing aids, cognitive
      decline was significant. Besides the factors commonly measured in the literature,
      we believed that auditory deprivation was not being fully compensated for by
      hearing aids. Most importantly, screening of cognitive function should take into
      account the effects of hearing impairment, even when hearing devices have been
      appropriately fitted.

PMID- 25140323
TI  - Cytoskeleton modifications and autophagy induction in TCam-2 seminoma cells
      exposed to simulated microgravity.
AB  - The study of how mechanical forces may influence cell behavior via cytoskeleton
      remodeling is a relevant challenge of nowadays that may allow us to define the
      relationship between mechanics and biochemistry and to address the larger problem
      of biological complexity. An increasing amount of literature data reported that
      microgravity condition alters cell architecture as a consequence of cytoskeleton
      structure modifications. Herein, we are reporting the morphological,
      cytoskeletal, and behavioral modifications due to the exposition of a seminoma
      cell line (TCam-2) to simulated microgravity. Even if no differences in cell
      proliferation and apoptosis were observed after 24 hours of exposure to simulated
      microgravity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the
      change of gravity vector significantly affects TCam-2 cell surface morphological
      appearance. Consistent with this observation, we found that microtubule
      orientation is altered by microgravity. Moreover, the confocal analysis of actin
      microfilaments revealed an increase in the cell width induced by the low
      gravitational force. Microtubules and microfilaments have been related to
      autophagy modulation and, interestingly, we found a significant autophagic
      induction in TCam-2 cells exposed to simulated microgravity. This observation is
      of relevant interest because it shows, for the first time, TCam-2 cell autophagy
      as a biological response induced by a mechanical stimulus instead of a
      biochemical one. 

PMID- 25140324
TI  - Role of CT perfusion in monitoring and prediction of response to therapy of head
      and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - This review aims to summarize the technique and clinical applications of CT
      perfusion (CTp) of head and neck cancer. The most common pathologic type (90%) of
      head and neck cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC): its diagnostic workup
      relies on CT and MRI, as they provide an accurate staging for the disease by
      determining tumour volume, assessing its extension, and detecting of lymph node
      metastases. Compared with conventional CT and MRI, CTp allows for obtaining
      measures of tumour vascular physiology and functional behaviour, and it has been
      demonstrated to be a feasible and useful tool in predicting local outcomes in
      patients undergoing radiation therapy and chemotherapy and may help monitor both
      treatments. 

PMID- 25140322
TI  - Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone: an emerging anti-inflammatory antimicrobial
      peptide.
AB  - The alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a neuropeptide belonging
      to the melanocortin family. It is well known for its anti-inflammatory and
      antipyretic effects and shares several characteristics with antimicrobial
      peptides (AMPs). There have been some recent reports about the direct
      antimicrobial activity of alpha-MSH against various microbes belonging to both
      fungal and bacterial pathogens. Similar to alpha-MSH's anti-inflammatory
      properties, its C-terminal residues also exhibit antimicrobial activity parallel
      to that of the entire peptide. This review is focused on the current findings
      regarding the direct antimicrobial potential and immunomodulatory mechanism of
      alpha-MSH and its C-terminal fragments, with particular emphasis on the prospects
      of alpha-MSH based peptides as a strong anti-infective agent. 

PMID- 25140326
TI  - Innovations in pancreatic surgery.

PMID- 25140325
TI  - Prevention and restoration of hearing loss associated with the use of cisplatin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is a well known platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent used
      for the treatment of various malignant tumours. A frequent side effect of
      cisplatin therapy is ototoxicity. Unfortunately, currently there are no available
      treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental, clinical studies and reviews
      published between 2004 and 2014 in the English medical literature concerning
      ototoxicity were selected using Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases.
      Inclusion criteria were cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and therapy aimed at
      preventing or curing this disorder. Molecular mechanisms and clinical,
      audiological, and histological markers of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity are
      described. Moreover, experimental and clinical strategies for prevention or
      treatment of hearing loss were also reviewed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
      Experimental studies demonstrate a wide range of otoprotective molecules and
      strategies efficient against cisplatin-induced hearing loss. However, only
      dexamethasone proved a slight otoprotective effect in a clinical study.
      CONCLUSION: Further research must be completed to bring future therapeutic
      options into clinical setting.

PMID- 25140328
TI  - Modeling and optimization of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles system
      architecture alternatives.
AB  - Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems have already been used in civilian
      activities, although very limitedly. Confronted different types of tasks, multi
      UAVs usually need to be coordinated. This can be extracted as a multi UAVs system
      architecture problem. Based on the general system architecture problem, a
      specific description of the multi UAVs system architecture problem is presented.
      Then the corresponding optimization problem and an efficient genetic algorithm
      with a refined crossover operator (GA-RX) is proposed to accomplish the
      architecting process iteratively in the rest of this paper. The availability and
      effectiveness of overall method is validated using 2 simulations based on 2
      different scenarios. 

PMID- 25140327
TI  - Airborne biogenic particles in the snow of the cities of the Russian Far East as
      potential allergic compounds.
AB  - This paper presents an analysis of airborne biogenic particles (1 mkm-1 mm) found
      in the snow in several cities of the Russian Far East during 2010-2013. The most
      common was vegetational terraneous detritus (fragments of tree and grass leaves)
      followed by animal hair, small insects and their fragments, microorganisms of
      aeroplankton, and equivocal biological garbage. Specific components were found in
      samples from locations close to bodies of water such as fragments of algae and
      mollusc shells and, marine invertebrates (needles of sea urchins and shell debris
      of arthropods). In most locations across the Far East (Vladivostok, Khabarovsk,
      Blagoveshchensk, and Ussuriysk), the content of biogenic particles collected in
      the winter did not exceed 10% of the total particulate matter, with the exception
      of Birobidzhan and the nature reserve Bastak, where it made up to 20%. Most of
      all biogenic compounds should be allergic: hair, fragments of tree and grass
      leaves, insects, and microorganisms.

PMID- 25140329
TI  - The effects of rape residue mulching on net global warming potential and
      greenhouse gas intensity from no-tillage paddy fields.
AB  - A field experiment was conducted to provide a complete greenhouse gas (GHG)
      accounting for global warming potential (GWP), net GWP, and greenhouse gas
      intensity (GHGI) from no-tillage (NT) paddy fields with different amounts of
      oilseed rape residue mulch (0, 3000, 4000, and 6000 kg dry matter (DM) ha(-1))
      during a rice-growing season after 3 years of oilseed rape-rice cultivation.
      Residue mulching treatments showed significantly more organic carbon (C) density
      for the 0-20 cm soil layer at harvesting than no residue treatment. During a rice
      growing season, residue mulching treatments sequestered significantly more
      organic C from 687 kg C ha(-1) season(-1) to 1654 kg C ha(-1) season(-1) than no
      residue treatment. Residue mulching significantly increased emissions of CO2 and
      N2O but decreased CH4 emissions. Residue mulching treatments significantly
      increased GWP by 9-30% but significantly decreased net GWP by 33-71% and GHGI by
      35-72% relative to no residue treatment. These results suggest that agricultural
      economic viability and GHG mitigation can be achieved simultaneously by residue
      mulching on NT paddy fields in central China.

PMID- 25140330
TI  - A new graph-based molecular descriptor using the canonical representation of the
      molecule.
AB  - Molecular similarity is a pervasive concept in drug design. The basic idea
      underlying molecular similarity is the similar property principle, which states
      that structurally similar molecules will exhibit similar physicochemical and
      biological properties. In this paper, a new graph-based molecular descriptor
      (GBMD) is introduced. The GBMD is a new method of obtaining a rough description
      of 2D molecular structure in textual form based on the canonical representations
      of the molecule outline shape and it allows rigorous structure specification
      using small and natural grammars. Simulated virtual screening experiments with
      the MDDR database show clearly the superiority of the graph-based descriptor
      compared to many standard descriptors (ALOGP, MACCS, EPFP4, CDKFP, PCFP, and
      SMILE) using the Tanimoto coefficient (TAN) and the basic local alignment search
      tool (BLAST) when searches were carried.

PMID- 25140331
TI  - A novel deployment method for communication-intensive applications in service
      clouds.
AB  - The service platforms are migrating to clouds for reasonably solving long
      construction periods, low resource utilizations, and isolated constructions of
      service platforms. However, when the migration is conducted in service clouds,
      there is a little focus of deploying communication-intensive applications in
      previous deployment methods. To address this problem, this paper proposed the
      combination of the online deployment and the offline deployment for deploying
      communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Firstly, the system
      architecture was designed for implementing the communication-aware deployment
      method for communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Secondly, in
      the online-deployment algorithm and the offline-deployment algorithm, service
      instances were deployed in an optimal cloud node based on the communication
      overhead which is determined by the communication traffic between services, as
      well as the communication performance between cloud nodes. Finally, the
      experimental results demonstrated that the proposed methods deployed
      communication-intensive applications effectively with lower latency and lower
      load compared with existing algorithms. 

PMID- 25140332
TI  - A review of subsequence time series clustering.
AB  - Clustering of subsequence time series remains an open issue in time series
      clustering. Subsequence time series clustering is used in different fields, such
      as e-commerce, outlier detection, speech recognition, biological systems, DNA
      recognition, and text mining. One of the useful fields in the domain of
      subsequence time series clustering is pattern recognition. To improve this field,
      a sequence of time series data is used. This paper reviews some definitions and
      backgrounds related to subsequence time series clustering. The categorization of
      the literature reviews is divided into three groups: preproof, interproof, and
      postproof period. Moreover, various state-of-the-art approaches in performing
      subsequence time series clustering are discussed under each of the following
      categories. The strengths and weaknesses of the employed methods are evaluated as
      potential issues for future studies. 

PMID- 25140333
TI  - An improved multidimensional MPA procedure for bidirectional earthquake
      excitations.
AB  - Presently, the modal pushover analysis procedure is extended to multidimensional
      analysis of structures subjected to multidimensional earthquake excitations. an
      improved multidimensional modal pushover analysis (IMMPA) method is presented in
      the paper in order to estimate the response demands of structures subjected to
      bidirectional earthquake excitations, in which the unidirectional earthquake
      excitation applied on equivalent SDOF system is replaced by the direct
      superposition of two components earthquake excitations, and independent analysis
      in each direction is not required and the application of simplified superposition
      formulas is avoided. The strength reduction factor spectra based on superposition
      of earthquake excitations are discussed and compared with the traditional
      strength reduction factor spectra. The step-by-step procedure is proposed to
      estimate seismic demands of structures. Two examples are implemented to verify
      the accuracy of the method, and the results of the examples show that (1) the
      IMMPA method can be used to estimate the responses of structure subjected to
      bidirectional earthquake excitations. (2) Along with increase of peak of
      earthquake acceleration, structural response deviation estimated with the IMMPA
      method may also increase. (3) Along with increase of the number of total floors
      of structures, structural response deviation estimated with the IMMPA method may
      also increase. 

PMID- 25140334
TI  - Nonlinear secret image sharing scheme.
AB  - Over the past decade, most of secret image sharing schemes have been proposed by
      using Shamir's technique. It is based on a linear combination polynomial
      arithmetic. Although Shamir's technique based secret image sharing schemes are
      efficient and scalable for various environments, there exists a security threat
      such as Tompa-Woll attack. Renvall and Ding proposed a new secret sharing
      technique based on nonlinear combination polynomial arithmetic in order to solve
      this threat. It is hard to apply to the secret image sharing. In this paper, we
      propose a (t, n)-threshold nonlinear secret image sharing scheme with
      steganography concept. In order to achieve a suitable and secure secret image
      sharing scheme, we adapt a modified LSB embedding technique with XOR Boolean
      algebra operation, define a new variable m, and change a range of prime p in
      sharing procedure. In order to evaluate efficiency and security of proposed
      scheme, we use the embedding capacity and PSNR. As a result of it, average value
      of PSNR and embedding capacity are 44.78 (dB) and 1.74t?log2 m? bit-per-pixel
      (bpp), respectively.

PMID- 25140336
TI  - Compressive strength, chloride permeability, and freeze-thaw resistance of MWNT
      concretes under different chemical treatments.
AB  - This study investigated compressive strength, chloride penetration, and freeze
      thaw resistance of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) concrete. More than 100
      cylindrical specimens were used to assess test variables during sensitivity
      observations, including water-cement ratios (0.75, 0.5, and 0.4) and exposure to
      chemical agents (including gum arabic, propanol, ethanol, sodium polyacrylate,
      methylcellulose, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and silane). To determine the adequate
      sonication time for MWNT dispersal in water, the compressive strengths of MWNT
      concrete cylinders were measured after sonication times ranging from 2 to 24
      minutes. The results demonstrated that the addition of MWNT can increase the
      compressive strength of concrete by up to 108%. However, without chemical
      treatment, MWNT concretes tend to have poor freeze-thaw resistance. Among the
      different chemical treatments, MWNT concrete treated with sodium polyacrylate has
      the best compressive strength, chloride resistance, and freeze-thaw durability. 

PMID- 25140335
TI  - HPLC-fingerprints and antioxidant constituents of Phyla nodiflora.
AB  - Phyla nodiflora is a creeping perennial herb, widely distributed in the most
      tropical and subtropical regions. It has been used as a folk medicine, herbal
      beverage, or folk cosmetic. For these usages, the development of a chemical
      quality control method of this plant is necessary. In the present study, ten
      compounds, namely, 3,7,4',5'-tetrahydroxy-3'-methoxyflavone (1), nodifloretin
      (2), 4'-hydroxywogonin (3), onopordin (4), cirsiliol (5), 5,7,8,4'-tetrahydroxy
      3'-methoxyflavone (6), eupafolin (7), hispidulin (8), larycitrin (9), and beta
      sitosterol were isolated from the methanolic extract of the aerial part of P.
      nodiflora (PNM) and their structures were identified by 1D-NMR comparing their
      spectra with the literature. The antioxidant activities of these compounds were
      evaluated by free radical scavenging activity and tyrosinase inhibitory effect in
      cell-free systems. Compounds 4, 5, and 7 showed strong antioxidant activity. To
      control the quality of P. nodiflora, a simple and reliable method of high
      performance liquid chromatography combined with ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV)
      was established for both the fingerprint analysis and the quantitative
      determination of two selected active compounds, onopordin (4) and eupafolin (7).
      Statistical analysis of the obtained data demonstrated that our method achieved
      the desired linearity, precision, and accuracy. The results indicated that the
      developed method can be used as a quality evaluation method for PNM. 

PMID- 25140338
TI  - Hesitant triangular fuzzy information aggregation operators based on Bonferroni
      means and their application to multiple attribute decision making.
AB  - We investigate the multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problems with
      hesitant triangular fuzzy information. Firstly, definition and some operational
      laws of hesitant triangular fuzzy elements are introduced. Then, we develop some
      hesitant triangular fuzzy aggregation operators based on Bonferroni means and
      discuss their basic properties. Some existing operators can be viewed as their
      special cases. Next, we apply the proposed operators to deal with multiple
      attribute decision-making problems under hesitant triangular fuzzy environment.
      Finally, an illustrative example is given to show the developed method and
      demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness. 

PMID- 25140337
TI  - Tunneling and suture of thoracic epidural catheters decrease the incidence of
      catheter dislodgement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dislocation of epidural catheters (EC) is associated with early
      termination of regional analgesia and rare complications like epidural bleeding.
      We tested the hypothesis that maximum effort in fixation by tunneling and suture
      decreases the incidence of catheter dislocation. METHODS: Patients scheduled for
      major surgery (n = 121) were prospectively randomized in 2 groups. Thoracic EC
      were subcutaneously tunneled and sutured (tunneled) or fixed with adhesive tape
      (taped). The difference of EC length at skin surface level immediately after
      insertion and before removal was determined and the absolute values were
      averaged. Postoperative pain was evaluated by numeric rating scale twice daily
      and EC tips were screened microbiologically after removal. RESULTS: Both groups
      did not differ with respect to treatment duration (tunneled: 109 hours +/- 46,
      taped: 97 +/- 37) and postoperative pain scores. Tunneling significantly reduced
      average extent (tunneled: 3 mm +/- 7, taped: 10 +/- 18) and incidence of
      clinically relevant EC dislocation (>20 mm, tunneled: 1/60, taped: 9/61).
      Bacterial contamination showed a tendency to be lower in patients with tunneled
      catheters (8/59, taped: 14/54, P = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Thorough fixation of EC by
      tunneling and suturing decreases the incidence and extent of dislocation and
      potentially even that of bacterial contamination.

PMID- 25140339
TI  - MAC protocol for ad hoc networks using a genetic algorithm.
AB  - The problem of obtaining the transmission rate in an ad hoc network consists in
      adjusting the power of each node to ensure the signal to interference ratio (SIR)
      and the energy required to transmit from one node to another is obtained at the
      same time. Therefore, an optimal transmission rate for each node in a medium
      access control (MAC) protocol based on CSMA-CDMA (carrier sense multiple access
      code division multiple access) for ad hoc networks can be obtained using
      evolutionary optimization. This work proposes a genetic algorithm for the
      transmission rate election considering a perfect power control, and our
      proposition achieves improvement of 10% compared with the scheme that handles the
      handshaking phase to adjust the transmission rate. Furthermore, this paper
      proposes a genetic algorithm that solves the problem of power combining,
      interference, data rate, and energy ensuring the signal to interference ratio in
      an ad hoc network. The result of the proposed genetic algorithm has a better
      performance (15%) compared to the CSMA-CDMA protocol without optimizing.
      Therefore, we show by simulation the effectiveness of the proposed protocol in
      terms of the throughput. 

PMID- 25140340
TI  - Performance analysis of single-frequency MPPSK integrated system for ranging
      applications.
AB  - The dual-frequency MPPSK-MODEM is a flexible platform. When ranging accuracy
      request is low or platform is particularly limited by power, the platform would
      perform both data transmission and range measurement with single-frequency modes.
      In this paper, the ranging resolution of MPPSK pulse waveforms with the match
      filter and impacting filter processing are discussed, respectively. Also, the
      parameter selection of MPPSK modulator for ranging is considered. In particular,
      requirements that allow for employing such special parameter values for range
      measurements with high accuracy and high range are investigated. Moreover, high
      repetition frequency (HRF) biphase code MPPSK pulse train base on m sequence is
      presented, and the ranging accuracy of the proposed signal with the match filter
      processing is deduced. In addition to theoretical considerations, the paper
      presents system simulations and measurement results of single-frequency MPPSK
      integrated systems, demonstrating the high-performance of ranging applications. 

PMID- 25140342
TI  - Integrated system of structural health monitoring and intelligent management for
      a cable-stayed bridge.
AB  - It is essential to construct structural health monitoring systems for large
      important bridges. Zhijiang Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that was built
      recently over the Hangzhou Qiantang River (the largest river in Zhejiang
      Province). The length of Zhijiang Bridge is 478 m, which comprises an arched twin
      tower space and a twin-cable plane structure. As an example, the present study
      describes the integrated system of structural health monitoring and intelligent
      management for Zhijiang Bridge, which comprises an information acquisition
      system, data management system, evaluation and decision-making system, and
      application service system. The monitoring components include the working
      environment of the bridge and various factors that affect bridge safety, such as
      the stress and strain of the main bridge structure, vibration, cable force,
      temperature, and wind speed. In addition, the integrated system includes a
      forecasting and decision-making module for real-time online evaluation, which
      provides warnings and makes decisions based on the monitoring information. From
      this, the monitoring information, evaluation results, maintenance decisions, and
      warning information can be input simultaneously into the bridge monitoring center
      and traffic emergency center to share the monitoring data, thereby facilitating
      evaluations and decision making using the system.

PMID- 25140341
TI  - Extract of Antrodia camphorata exerts neuroprotection against embolic stroke in
      rats without causing the risk of hemorrhagic incidence.
AB  - In this study, the neuroprotective effect of an extract of Antrodia camphorata
      (A. camphorata), a fungus commonly used in Chinese folk medicine for treatment of
      viral hepatitis and cancer, alone or in combination with aspirin was investigated
      in a rat embolic stroke model. An ischemic stroke was induced in rats by a
      selective occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with whole blood clots
      and then orally treated with A. camphorata (0.25 and 0.75 g/kg/day) alone and
      combined with aspirin (5 mg/kg/day). Sixty days later, the brains were removed,
      sectioned, and stained with triphenyltetrazolium chloride and analysed by a
      commercial image processing software program. Brain infarct volume,
      neurobehavioral score, cerebral blood perfusion, and subarachnoid and
      intracerebral hemorrhage incidence were perceived. In addition, potential
      bleeding side effect of the combinative therapy was assessed by measuring
      hemoglobin (Hb) content during intracerebral hemorrhage and gastric bleeding,
      prothrombin time (PT), and occlusion time (OT) after oral administration.
      Posttreatment with high dose A. camphorata significantly reduced infarct volume
      and improved neurobehavioral score (P < 0.05). Since A. camphorata alone or with
      aspirin did not alter the Hb level, this treatment is safe and does not cause
      hemorrhagic incident. Remarkably, the combination of A. camphorata and aspirin
      did not show a significant effect on the bleeding time, PT and OT increase
      suggesting that A. camphorata may have the neuroprotective effect without the
      prolongation of bleeding time or coagulation time. From these observations, we
      suggest that combinative therapy of A. camphorata and aspirin might offer
      enhanced neuroprotective efficacies without increasing side effects.

PMID- 25140343
TI  - Application of empirical mode decomposition with local linear quantile regression
      in financial time series forecasting.
AB  - This paper mainly forecasts the daily closing price of stock markets. We propose
      a two-stage technique that combines the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) with
      nonparametric methods of local linear quantile (LLQ). We use the proposed
      technique, EMD-LLQ, to forecast two stock index time series. Detailed experiments
      are implemented for the proposed method, in which EMD-LPQ, EMD, and Holt-Winter
      methods are compared. The proposed EMD-LPQ model is determined to be superior to
      the EMD and Holt-Winter methods in predicting the stock closing prices. 

PMID- 25140345
TI  - Displacement back analysis for a high slope of the Dagangshan Hydroelectric Power
      Station based on BP neural network and particle swarm optimization.
AB  - The right bank high slope of the Dagangshan Hydroelectric Power Station is
      located in complicated geological conditions with deep fractures and unloading
      cracks. How to obtain the mechanical parameters and then evaluate the safety of
      the slope are the key problems. This paper presented a displacement back analysis
      for the slope using an artificial neural network model (ANN) and particle swarm
      optimization model (PSO). A numerical model was established to simulate the
      displacement increment results, acquiring training data for the artificial neural
      network model. The backpropagation ANN model was used to establish a mapping
      function between the mechanical parameters and the monitoring displacements. The
      PSO model was applied to initialize the weights and thresholds of the
      backpropagation (BP) network model and determine suitable values of the
      mechanical parameters. Then the elastic moduli of the rock masses were obtained
      according to the monitoring displacement data at different excavation stages, and
      the BP neural network model was proved to be valid by comparing the measured
      displacements, the displacements predicted by the BP neural network model, and
      the numerical simulation using the back-analyzed parameters. The proposed model
      is useful for rock mechanical parameters determination and instability
      investigation of rock slopes. 

PMID- 25140344
TI  - Management of mango hopper, Idioscopus clypealis, using chemical insecticides and
      Neem oil.
AB  - An experiment was conducted in Field Laboratory, Department of Entomology at
      Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during 2013 to manage the mango
      hopper, Idioscopus clypealis L, using three chemical insecticides, Imidacloprid
      (0.3%), Endosulfan (0.5%), and Cypermethrin (0.4%), and natural Neem oil (3%)
      with three replications of each. All the treatments were significantly effective
      in managing mango hopper in comparison to the control. Imidacloprid showed the
      highest efficacy in percentage of reduction of hopper population (92.50 +/- 9.02)
      at 72 hours after treatment in case of 2nd spray. It also showed the highest
      overall percentage of reduction (88.59 +/- 8.64) of hopper population and less
      toxicity to natural enemies including green ant, spider, and lacewing of mango
      hopper. In case of biopesticide, azadirachtin based Neem oil was found effective
      against mango hopper as 48.35, 60.15, and 56.54% reduction after 24, 72, and 168
      hours of spraying, respectively, which was comparable with Cypermethrin as there
      was no statistically significant difference after 168 hours of spray. Natural
      enemies were also higher after 1st and 2nd spray in case of Neem oil. 

PMID- 25140346
TI  - CUDT: a CUDA based decision tree algorithm.
AB  - Decision tree is one of the famous classification methods in data mining. Many
      researches have been proposed, which were focusing on improving the performance
      of decision tree. However, those algorithms are developed and run on traditional
      distributed systems. Obviously the latency could not be improved while processing
      huge data generated by ubiquitous sensing node in the era without new technology
      help. In order to improve data processing latency in huge data mining, in this
      paper, we design and implement a new parallelized decision tree algorithm on a
      CUDA (compute unified device architecture), which is a GPGPU solution provided by
      NVIDIA. In the proposed system, CPU is responsible for flow control while the GPU
      is responsible for computation. We have conducted many experiments to evaluate
      system performance of CUDT and made a comparison with traditional CPU version.
      The results show that CUDT is 5 ~ 55 times faster than Weka-j48 and is 18 times
      speedup than SPRINT for large data set.

PMID- 25140347
TI  - Characterization of the complete nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences of
      Paramphistomum cervi.
AB  - Sequences of the complete nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene from five individual
      Paramphistomum cervi were determined for the first time. The five complete rDNA
      sequences, which included the 18S rDNA, the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1),
      the 5.8S rDNA, the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), the 28S rDNA, and the
      intergenic spacer (IGS) regions, had a length range of 8,493-10,221 bp. The
      lengths of the investigated 18S, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, and 28S rDNA sequences, which
      were 1,994 bp, 1,293 bp, 157 bp, 286 bp, and 4,186 bp, respectively, did not
      vary. However, the IGS rDNA sequences had a length range of 577-2,305 bp. The
      5.8S and ITS-2 rDNA sequences had 100% identity among the five investigated
      samples, while the identities among the IGS had a range of 53.7-99.8%. A
      comparative analysis revealed that different types and numbers of repeats were
      found within each ITS1 and IGS region, which may be related to the length
      polymorphism of IGS. The phylogenetic position of P. cervi in Paramphistomatidae
      was analyzed based on the 18S rDNA sequences. These results will aid in studying
      the intra- and interspecific variation of the Paramphistomatidae and the
      systematics and phylogenetics of Digenea.

PMID- 25140348
TI  - Effects of salt-drought stress on growth and physiobiochemical characteristics of
      Tamarix chinensis seedlings.
AB  - The present study was designed to clarify the effects of salinity and water
      intercross stresses on the growth and physiobiochemical characteristics of
      Tamarix chinensis seedlings by pots culture under the artificial simulated
      conditions. The growth, activities of SOD, POD, and contents of MDA and osmotic
      adjusting substances of three years old seedlings of T. chinensis were studied
      under different salt-drought intercross stress. Results showed that the influence
      of salt stress on growth was greater than drought stress, the oxidation
      resistance of SOD and POD weakened gradually with salt and drought stresses
      intensified, and the content of MDA was higher under severe drought and mild and
      moderate salt stresses. The proline contents increased with the stress
      intensified but only significantly higher than control under the intercross
      stresses of severe salt-severe drought. It implied that T. chinensis could
      improve its stress resistance by adjusted self-growth and physiobiochemical
      characteristics, and the intercross compatibility of T. chinensis to salt and
      drought stresses can enhance the salt resistance under appropriate drought
      stress, but the dominant factors influencing the physiological biochemical
      characteristics of T. chinensis were various with the changing of salt-drought
      intercross stresses gradients. 

PMID- 25140349
TI  - Distribution, microfabric, and geochemical characteristics of siliceous rocks in
      central orogenic belt, China: implications for a hydrothermal sedimentation
      model.
AB  - Marine siliceous rocks are widely distributed in the central orogenic belt (COB)
      of China and have a close connection to the geological evolution and
      metallogenesis. They display periodic distributions from Mesoproterozoic to
      Jurassic with positive peaks in the Mesoproterozoic, Cambrian--Ordovician, and
      Carboniferous--Permian and their deposition is enhanced by the tensional
      geological settings. The compressional regimes during the Jinning, Caledonian,
      Hercynian, Indosinian, and Yanshanian orogenies resulted in sudden descent in
      their distribution. The siliceous rocks of the Bafangshan-Erlihe ore deposit
      include authigenic quartz, syn-depositional metal sulphides, and scattered
      carbonate minerals. Their SiO2 content (71.08-95.30%), Ba (42.45-503.0 ppm), and
      SigmaREE (3.28-19.75 ppm) suggest a hydrothermal sedimentation origin. As
      evidenced by the Al/(Al + Fe + Mn), Sc/Th, (La/Yb) N, and (La/Ce) N ratios and
      deltaCe values, the studied siliceous rocks were deposited in a marginal sea
      basin of a limited ocean. We suggest that the Bafangshan-Erlihe area experienced
      high- and low-temperature stages of hydrothermal activities. The hydrothermal
      sediments of the former stage include metal sulphides and silica, while the
      latter was mainly composed of silica. Despite the hydrothermal sedimentation of
      the siliceous rocks, minor terrigenous input, magmatism, and biological activity
      partly contributed to geochemical features deviating from the typical
      hydrothermal characteristics.

PMID- 25140350
TI  - Reinforcement learning for routing in cognitive radio ad hoc networks.
AB  - Cognitive radio (CR) enables unlicensed users (or secondary users, SUs) to sense
      for and exploit underutilized licensed spectrum owned by the licensed users (or
      primary users, PUs). Reinforcement learning (RL) is an artificial intelligence
      approach that enables a node to observe, learn, and make appropriate decisions on
      action selection in order to maximize network performance. Routing enables a
      source node to search for a least-cost route to its destination node. While there
      have been increasing efforts to enhance the traditional RL approach for routing
      in wireless networks, this research area remains largely unexplored in the domain
      of routing in CR networks. This paper applies RL in routing and investigates the
      effects of various features of RL (i.e., reward function, exploitation, and
      exploration, as well as learning rate) through simulation. New approaches and
      recommendations are proposed to enhance the features in order to improve the
      network performance brought about by RL to routing. Simulation results show that
      the RL parameters of the reward function, exploitation, and exploration, as well
      as learning rate, must be well regulated, and the new approaches proposed in this
      paper improves SUs' network performance without significantly jeopardizing PUs'
      network performance, specifically SUs' interference to PUs. 

PMID- 25140351
TI  - Counteracting the inhibitory effect of proteins towards lung surfactant
      substitutes: a fluorocarbon gas helps displace albumin at the air/water
      interface.
AB  - Perfluorohexane gas lowers the kinetic barrier that opposes the displacement of
      albumin by dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine at the air/water interface submitted to
      sinusoidal oscillations at frequencies in the range of those encountered in
      respiration. 

PMID- 25140352
TI  - Colorimetric and fluorescent determination of sulfide and sulfite with kinetic
      discrimination.
AB  - Two fluorescent probes, m-PSP and p-PSP , for sulfite and/or sulfide were
      constructed by connecting a pyridinium ion to a coumarin fluorophore through an
      alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone. The presence of the pyridinium salt promoted the
      nucleophilic addition of sulfite and sulfide to the alpha,beta-unsaturated
      ketone, which could be visualized by dramatic changes in the solution's color and
      fluorescence intensity. Both probes exhibit good selectivity (the selectivity
      coefficients toward major interferences are less than 0.07) and high sensitivity
      for sulfite and sulfide over biothiols and other potential analytes. The
      detection limits of m-PSP for the analysis of sulfite and sulfide are calculated
      to 8.5 * 10(-7) M and 2.7 * 10(-7) M, respectively. Living cell imaging results
      indicate that both probes can be applied in biological systems.

PMID- 25140353
TI  - High-yield photolytic generation of brominated single-walled carbon nanotubes and
      their application for gas sensing.
AB  - We present a facile and efficient photobromination technique for the covalent
      sidewall functionalization of SWNT using N-bromosuccinamide as the bromine
      source. The modified bromine functionalized SWNTs are used as active agents in a
      resistance measuring electrode system for sensing and discrimination of analyte
      vapors. 

PMID- 25140354
TI  - GdF3 as a promising phosphopeptide affinity probe and dephospho-labelling medium:
      experiments and theoretical explanation.
AB  - Bone-like GdF3 was synthesized and applied for phosphopeptide enrichment for the
      first time. As a new kind of efficient phosphopeptide affinity probe, GdF3
      exhibits high efficiency in the mediation of the dephosphorylation reaction. In
      addition, DFT calculations were introduced to theoretically explain the unique
      property of GdF3 compared to GdPO4, which is promising and can be potentially
      significant in protein phosphorylation research. 

PMID- 25140355
TI  - Lanthanoid beta-triketonates: a new class of highly efficient NIR emitters for
      bright NIR-OLEDs.
AB  - The reaction of hydrated YbCl3 with potassium tribenzoylmethanide yields a new
      bimetallic tetranuclear Yb(3+)/K(+) assembly. This species not only possesses the
      longest excited state lifetime and quantum yield reported for the Yb(3+)
      diketonate family but is also suitable to be incorporated in NIR-OLEDs, whose
      performance outclasses any other reported lanthanoid-based device with NIR
      emission. 

PMID- 25140356
TI  - Reformation of organic dicarboxylate electrode materials for rechargeable
      batteries by molecular self-assembly.
AB  - We have found that the specific capacity of a Li-intercalated metal-organic
      framework (iMOF) electrode material, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate dilithium, can
      be increased by narrowing the distance between naphthalene layers via ordering.
      The increase in specific capacity can be attributed to formation of more
      efficient electron and ion pathways in the framework. 

PMID- 25140357
TI  - Morphological effect of gold nanoparticles on the adsorption of bovine serum
      albumin.
AB  - Various properties of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are found to play crucial roles
      in their biological activity. Among them, the morphology and surface chemistry
      are extremely important. This is because of differences in surface energies of
      various crystal facets arising from a large fraction of edges, corners and
      vertices. In the present work, we provide a comparative study on the adsorption
      and binding affinities of bovine serum albumin (BSA) onto triangular gold
      nanoplates (TGNP) and gold nanorods (GNR). The results were compared with similar
      size of both CTAB and citrate stabilized spherical GNPs. Our data suggested
      stronger binding of BSA on citrate stabilized spherical GNPs whereas TGNP shows
      the weakest binding among all the GNPs. A blue shift of approximately 20 nm in
      tryptophan fluorescence was observed for all CTAB stabilized GNPs, indicating the
      local dielectric changes surrounding the tryptophan residue. Loss of the
      secondary structure was also observed for all CTAB stabilized GNPs. No spectral
      shift was observed for citrate stabilized spherical GNPs though maximum quenching
      of fluorescence and minimum structural loss was observed. With the help of
      molecular simulation recently developed by our group, a binding model is proposed
      to explain all the above experimental results. 

PMID- 25140358
TI  - Anomalous high adsorption energy of H2O on fluorinated graphenes: a first
      principles study.
AB  - Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been well-known for the surface
      superhydrophobicity, while its two-dimensional stable analogues, CF and C4F,
      possess distinct surface wettability. The CF inherits the hydrophobicity from
      PTFE since the van der Waals interaction is mitigated by the high
      electronegativity of fluorine. Surprisingly, a high adsorption energy (~550 meV
      per molecule) of water has been unveiled on C4F via density functional theory
      studies, implying anomalous superhydrophilicity of C4F. The abrupt transition
      from hydrophobicity of CF to superhydrophilicity of C4F can be reconciled with
      the difference in their molecular orbitals. The high adsorption energy of C4F is
      mainly attributed to the Coulomb attraction among the non-bonding interactions,
      as proposed by our theoretical model. Since the surface chemical inertness of CF
      inhibits it from being widely adopted in device fabrication, the present finding
      suggests that C4F can be a promising candidate in graphene-based electronic
      devices. 

PMID- 25140359
TI  - Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopic measurement of stress change in the local domain
      of epitaxial graphene on the carbon face of 4H-SiC(000-1).
AB  - We develop a bulk silver tip for tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) and obtain
      TERS spectra of epitaxial graphene on the carbon face of 4H-SiC(000-1) with a
      high signal-to-noise ratio. Thanks to the high quality of TERS spectra we firstly
      find that the G band in the TERS spectra exhibits position-by-position variations
      in both lower wavenumber shifts and spectral broadening. The analysis of the
      variations reveals that the shifts and broadenings have a linear correlation
      between each other, indicating that the variations are induced by the position
      dependent local stress on graphene based on a uniaxial strain model. 

PMID- 25140360
TI  - Electronic stability and electron transport properties of atomic wires anchored
      on the MoS2 monolayer.
AB  - The stability, electronic structure, and electron transport properties of
      metallic monoatomic wires anchored on the MoS2 monolayer are investigated within
      the density functional theory. The anchoring of the atomic wires on the
      semiconducting monolayer significantly modifies its electronic properties; the
      metallic characteristics of the assembled monolayers appear in the density of
      states and band structure of the system. We find that Cu, Ag and Au wires induce
      the so-called n-type doping effect, whereas Pt wires induce a p-type doping
      effect in the monolayer. The distinctly different behavior of Pt-MoS2 compared to
      the rest of the metallic wires is reflected in the calculated current-voltage
      characteristics of the assembled monolayers with a highly asymmetric behavior of
      the out-of-the-plane tunneling current with respect to the polarity of the
      external bias. The results of the present study are likely to extend the
      functionality of the MoS2 monolayer as a candidate material for the novel
      applications in the areas of catalysis and optoelectronic devices. 

PMID- 25140361
TI  - Agarose gel investigation of quantum dots conjugated with short ssDNA.
AB  - Herein, we investigate the migration distance of quantum-dot-functionalized
      complexes in electrophoresis. The quantitative study of these moving particles in
      an electrophoretic environment is modeled using an extended Smoluchowski
      equation. An extended Smoluchowski equation is proposed to addressed the D(m) to
      Ln(N) plot slope variation issue present in previous work and agreement between
      experiment and theory is found. The procedures underlying this work then
      discusses the potential of using agarose electrophoresis as a mean of monitoring
      the composition of nano-complexes consisting of quantum dots functionalized with
      differing numbers of DNA molecules.

PMID- 25140362
TI  - Cluster algebras.

PMID- 25140363
TI  - Reducing complications from obstructive sleep apnoea.

PMID- 25140366
TI  - Japan: in the wake of the 2011 tsunami.

PMID- 25140365
TI  - Third-generation EGFR-TKIs-a new hope for NSCLC.

PMID- 25140364
TI  - 2014 American Thoracic Society International Conference.

PMID- 25140367
TI  - AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals launches in Zambia.

PMID- 25140369
TI  - Sports cardiology: preventing sudden   cardiac death.

PMID- 25140370
TI  - Visual working memory. Models of response times.

PMID- 25140371
TI  - Spatiotemporal context. How past perception influences current perception.

PMID- 25140372
TI  - Attention and reward. The power of reward to rewire attention.

PMID- 25140373
TI  - Color vision. The "geopolitics" of basic color terms.

PMID- 25140374
TI  - Timing. Autocracy versus democracy in a string quartet.

PMID- 25140375
TI  - Artistic skill and object perception. Drawing skill: neither the eye nor the
      hand, but something in between.

PMID- 25140376
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 25140377
TI  - Reply to the 'Comment on comparison of powder dustiness methods' by Douglas
      Evans, Leonid Turkevich, Cynthia Roettgers, and Gregory Deye (Ann. Occup. Hyg.,
      2014, Vol. 58, No. 4, 524-8).

PMID- 25140378
TI  - Reply to the letters to the editor submitted by T. L. Ogden and K.T. Du Clos, and
      by R. Foster regarding the paper 'SWeRF-a method for estimating the relevant fine
      particle fraction in bulk materials for classification and labelling purposes'.
AB  - The authors respond to the points raised in the Letters to the Editor raised by
      Ogden and Du Clos and by Foster. Ad 1: The debate of the classification of
      respirable cyrstalline silica is outside the scope of the technical paper. Ad 2:
      A standard for the determination of SWeRF is under development, in which indeed
      the provision is made that for a correct determination all quartz within the fine
      fraction needs to be liberated. Ad 3: Dustiness tests provide useful information
      for occupational hygienists, but are not suitable for fulfilling classification
      and labelling requirements. Ad 4: Pipette effects are not discussed in the paper
      because the difference between calculating the SWeRF from the particle size
      distribution and the SWeRF from sedimentation is very small.

PMID- 25140380
TI  - Supermarket smarts. Diner-style breakfast foods.

PMID- 25140379
TI  - Aging and DNA damage in humans: a meta-analysis study.
AB  - Age-related DNA damage is regarded as one of the possible explanations of aging.
      Although a generalized idea about the accumulation of DNA damage with age exists,
      results found in the literature are inconsistent. To better understand the
      question of age-related DNA damage in humans and to identify possible moderator
      variables, a metaanalysis was conducted. Electronic databases and bibliographies
      for studies published since 2004 were searched. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) for age-related DNA damage were calculated in a random
      effects model. A total of 76 correlations from 36 studies with 4676 participants
      were included. Based on our analysis, a correlation between age and DNA damage
      was found (r=0.230, p=0.000; 95% confidence interval=0.111-0.342). The test for
      heterogeneity of variance indicates that the study's results are significantly
      high (Q (75)=1754.831, p=0.000). Moderator variables such as smoking habits,
      technique used, and the tissue/sample analyzed, are shown to influence age
      related DNA damage (p=0.026; p=0.000; p=0.000, respectively). Nevertheless, sex
      did not show any influence on this relation (p=0.114). In conclusion, this meta
      analysis showed an association between age and DNA damage in humans. It was also
      found that smoking habits, the technique used, and tissue/sample analyzed, are
      important moderator variables in age-related DNA damage.

PMID- 25140381
TI  - Most profitable U.S. health insurance companies. Ranked by 2013 profit margin.

PMID- 25140382
TI  - Largest not-for-profit hospital systems. Ranked by total revenue for 2013.

PMID- 25140383
TI  - Conductance control in VO2 nanowires by surface doping with gold nanoparticles.
AB  - The material properties of semiconductor nanowires are greatly affected by
      electrical, optical, and chemical processes occurring at their surfaces because
      of the very large surface-to-volume ratio. Precise control over doping as well as
      the surface charge properties has been demonstrated in thin films and nanowires
      for fundamental physics and application-oriented research. However, surface
      doping behavior is expected to differ markedly from bulk doping in conventional
      semiconductor materials. Here, we show that placing gold nanoparticles, in
      controlled manner, on the surface of an insulating vanadium dioxide nanowire
      introduces local charge carriers in the nanowire, and one could, in principle,
      completely and continuously alter the material properties of the nanowire and
      obtain any intermediate level of conductivity. The current in the nanowire
      increased by nearly 3 times when gold nanoparticles of 10(11) cm(-2) order of
      density were controllably placed on the nanowire surface. A strong quadratic
      space-charge limited (SCL) transport behavior was also observed from the
      conductance curve suggesting the formation of two-dimensional (2D) electron-gas
      like confined layer in the nanowire with adsorbed Au NPs. In addition to
      stimulating scientific interest, such unusual surface doping phenomena may lead
      to new applications of vanadium dioxide-based electronic, optical, and chemical
      sensing nanodevices. 

PMID- 25140384
TI  - Weakly anti-inflammatory limonoids from the seeds of Xylocarpus rumphii.
AB  - Seven new limonoids, namely, xylorumphiins E-J (1-2 and 4-7) and 2
      hydroxyxylorumphiin F (3), along with three known derivatives (8-10), were
      isolated from the seeds of Xylocarpus rumphii. 2-Hydroxyxylorumphiin F (3) and
      xylorumphiin I (6) displayed moderate inhibitory activity against nitric oxide
      production from lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages with IC50 values of 24.5
      and 31.3 MUM, respectively. 

PMID- 25140385
TI  - 13C NMR metabolomics: applications at natural abundance.
AB  - (13)C NMR has many advantages for a metabolomics study, including a large
      spectral dispersion, narrow singlets at natural abundance, and a direct measure
      of the backbone structures of metabolites. However, it has not had widespread use
      because of its relatively low sensitivity compounded by low natural abundance.
      Here we demonstrate the utility of high-quality (13)C NMR spectra obtained using
      a custom (13)C-optimized probe on metabolomic mixtures. A workflow was developed
      to use statistical correlations between replicate 1D (13)C and (1)H spectra,
      leading to composite spin systems that can be used to search publicly available
      databases for compound identification. This was developed using synthetic
      mixtures and then applied to two biological samples, Drosophila melanogaster
      extracts and mouse serum. Using the synthetic mixtures we were able to obtain
      useful (13)C-(13)C statistical correlations from metabolites with as little as 60
      nmol of material. The lower limit of (13)C NMR detection under our experimental
      conditions is approximately 40 nmol, slightly lower than the requirement for
      statistical analysis. The (13)C and (1)H data together led to 15 matches in the
      database compared to just 7 using (1)H alone, and the (13)C correlated peak lists
      had far fewer false positives than the (1)H generated lists. In addition, the
      (13)C 1D data provided improved metabolite identification and separation of
      biologically distinct groups using multivariate statistical analysis in the D.
      melanogaster extracts and mouse serum. 

PMID- 25140387
TI  - Mixtures as a fungicide resistance management tactic.
AB  - We have reviewed the experimental and modeling evidence on the use of mixtures of
      fungicides of differing modes of action as a resistance management tactic. The
      evidence supports the following conclusions. 1. Adding a mixing partner to a
      fungicide that is at-risk of resistance (without lowering the dose of the at-risk
      fungicide) reduces the rate of selection for fungicide resistance. This holds for
      the use of mixing partner fungicides that have either multi-site or single-site
      modes of action. The resulting predicted increase in the effective life of the at
      risk fungicide can be large enough to be of practical relevance. The more
      effective the mixing partner (due to inherent activity and/or dose), the larger
      the reduction in selection and the larger the increase in effective life of the
      at-risk fungicide. 2. Adding a mixing partner while lowering the dose of the at
      risk fungicide reduces the selection for fungicide resistance, without
      compromising effective disease control. The very few studies existing suggest
      that the reduction in selection is more sensitive to lowering the dose of the at
      risk fungicide than to increasing the dose of the mixing partner. 3. Although
      there are very few studies, the existing evidence suggests that mixing two at
      risk fungicides is also a useful resistance management tactic. The aspects that
      have received too little attention to draw generic conclusions about the
      effectiveness of fungicide mixtures as resistance management strategies are as
      follows: (i) the relative effect of the dose of the two mixing partners on
      selection for fungicide resistance, (ii) the effect of mixing on the effective
      life of a fungicide (the time from introduction of the fungicide mode of action
      to the time point where the fungicide can no longer maintain effective disease
      control), (iii) polygenically determined resistance, (iv) mixtures of two at-risk
      fungicides, (v) the emergence phase of resistance evolution and the effects of
      mixtures during this phase, and (vi) monocyclic diseases and nonfoliar diseases.
      The lack of studies on these aspects of mixture use of fungicides should be a
      warning against overinterpreting the findings in this review.

PMID- 25140386
TI  - Targeting of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 improves fibrinolytic therapy for
      tetracycline-induced pleural injury in rabbits.
AB  - Endogenous active plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) was targeted in vivo
      with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that redirect its reaction with proteinases to
      the substrate branch. mAbs were used as an adjunct to prourokinase (single-chain
      [sc] urokinase [uPA]) intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IPFT) of tetracycline
      induced pleural injury in rabbits. Outcomes of scuPA IPFT (0.25 or 0.0625 mg/kg)
      with 0.5 mg/kg of mouse IgG or mAbs (MA-33H1F7 and MA-8H9D4) were assessed at 24
      hours. Pleural fluid (PF) was collected at 0, 10, 20, and 40 minutes and 24 hours
      after IPFT and analyzed for plasminogen activating (PA), uPA, fibrinolytic
      activities, levels of total plasmin/plasminogen, alpha-macroglobulin (alphaM),
      mAbs/IgG antigens, free active uPA, and alphaM/uPA complexes. Anti-PAI-1 mAbs,
      but not mouse IgG, delivered with an eightfold reduction in the minimal effective
      dose of scuPA (from 0.5 to 0.0625 mg/kg), improved the outcome of IPFT (P <
      0.05). mAbs and IgG were detectable in PFs at 24 hours. Compared with identical
      doses of scuPA alone or with IgG, treatment with scuPA and anti-PAI-1 mAbs
      generated higher PF uPA amidolytic and PA activities, faster formation of
      alphaM/uPA complexes, and slower uPA inactivation. However, PAI-1 targeting did
      not significantly affect intrapleural fibrinolytic activity or levels of total
      plasmin/plasminogen and alphaM antigens. Targeting PAI-1 did not induce bleeding,
      and rendered otherwise ineffective doses of scuPA able to improve outcomes in
      tetracycline-induced pleural injury. PAI-1-neutralizing mAbs improved IPFT by
      increasing the durability of intrapleural PA activity. These results suggest a
      novel, well-tolerated IPFT strategy that is tractable for clinical development.

PMID- 25140388
TI  - Potential effects of diurnal temperature oscillations on potato late blight with
      special reference to climate change.
AB  - Global climate change will have effects on diurnal temperature oscillations as
      well as on average temperatures. Studies on potato late blight (Phytophthora
      infestans) development have not considered daily temperature oscillations. We
      hypothesize that growth and development rates of P. infestans would be less
      influenced by change in average temperature as the magnitude of fluctuations in
      daily temperatures increases. We investigated the effects of seven constant (10,
      12, 15, 17, 20, 23, and 27 degrees C) and diurnally oscillating (+/-5 and +/-10
      degrees C) temperatures around the same means on number of lesions, incubation
      period, latent period, radial lesion growth rate, and sporulation intensity on
      detached potato leaves inoculated with two P. infestans isolates from clonal
      lineages US-8 and US-23. A four-parameter thermodynamic model was used to
      describe relationships between temperature and disease development measurements.
      Incubation and latency progression accelerated with increasing oscillations at
      low mean temperatures but slowed down with increasing oscillations at high mean
      temperatures (P < 0.005), as hypothesized. Infection efficiency, lesion growth
      rate, and sporulation increased under small temperature oscillations compared
      with constant temperatures but decreased when temperature oscillations were
      large. Thus, diurnal amplitude in temperature should be considered in models of
      potato late blight, particularly when predicting effects of global climate change
      on disease development. 

PMID- 25140389
TI  - Nanoscopic poly-DNA-cleaver for breast cancer regression with induced oxidative
      damage.
AB  - A novel strategy for efficient "nanodelivery" of DNA-cleaving molecules for
      breast cancer regression is presented here. The synthetic methodology can be
      tweaked for controlled delivery and better bioavailability of effective doses of
      these DNA-cleaving agents through a defined self-assembled polymeric
      nanoarchitecture. In vitro studies in ER+ and ER- breast cancer human cell lines
      confirmed an efficient "nano"-delivery of DNA-cleaving molecules and indicated
      their capability to mediate oxidative damage to nucleobases and/or to the 2
      deoxyribose moiety. Prepared E-poly-DNA-cleaver and C-poly-DNA-cleaver were found
      to be interacting with plasmid DNA pBR322 (pDNA) and active to cause oxidative
      cleavage of pDNA in the presence of ascorbic acid and H2O2. They were found to be
      significantly active as DNA cleaving agents in vitro and showed highly improved
      cancer regression in MCF-7 and MD-MB231 cancer cells compared to small molecule
      DNA cleaver. Surface conjugated nanoparticles were found to be more effective
      than noncovalent encapsulation and the small molecule agent, whereas in all the
      cases RCM was significantly inactive toward DNA cleavage. Blood contact
      complement activation properties were evaluated to gauge their likelihood to
      promote acute toxicity following systemic administration. The complement
      activation analyses together with the blood smear study confirm the feasibility
      of using these poly-DNA-cleavers without risk of induced immune response. 

PMID- 25140390
TI  - Irradiation with X-rays phase-advances the molecular clockwork in liver, adrenal
      gland and pancreas.
AB  - The circadian clock of man and mammals shows a hierarchic organization. The
      master clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), controls peripheral
      oscillators distributed throughout the body. Rhythm generation depends on
      molecular clockworks based on transcriptional/translational interaction of clock
      genes. Numerous studies have shown that the clockwork in peripheral oscillators
      is capable to maintain circadian rhythms for several cycles in vitro, i.e. in the
      absence of signals from the SCN. The aim of the present study is to analyze the
      effects of irradiation with X-rays on the clockwork of liver, adrenal and
      pancreas. To this end organotypic slice cultures of liver (OLSC) and organotypic
      explant cultures of adrenal glands (OAEC) and pancreas (OPEC) were prepared from
      transgenic mPer2(luc) mice which express luciferase under the control of the
      promoter of an important clock gene, Per2, and allow to study the dynamics of the
      molecular clockwork by bioluminometry. The preparations were cultured in a
      membrane-based liquid-air interface culturing system and irradiated with X-rays
      at doses of 10 Gy and 50 Gy or left untreated. Bioluminometric real-time
      recordings show a stable oscillation of all OLSC, OAEC and OPEC for up to 12 days
      in vitro. Oscillations persist after irradiation with X-rays. However, a dose of
      50 Gy caused a phase advance in the rhythm of the OLSC by 5 h, in the OPEC by 7 h
      and in the OAEC by 6 h. Our study shows that X-rays affect the molecular
      clockwork in liver, pancreas and adrenal leading to phase advances. Our results
      confirm and extend previous studies showing a phase-advancing effect of X-rays at
      the level of the whole animal and single cells. 

PMID- 25140391
TI  - The mouse liver displays daily rhythms in the metabolism of phospholipids and in
      the activity of lipid synthesizing enzymes.
AB  - The circadian system involves central and peripheral oscillators regulating
      temporally biochemical processes including lipid metabolism; their disruption
      leads to severe metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes, etc). Here, we
      investigated the temporal regulation of glycerophospholipid (GPL) synthesis in
      mouse liver, a well-known peripheral oscillator. Mice were synchronized to a
      12:12 h light-dark (LD) cycle and then released to constant darkness with food ad
      libitum. Livers collected at different times exhibited a daily rhythmicity in
      some individual GPL content with highest levels during the subjective day. The
      activity of GPL-synthesizing/remodeling enzymes: phosphatidate phosphohydrolase 1
      (PAP-1/lipin) and lysophospholipid acyltransferases (LPLATs) also displayed
      significant variations, with higher levels during the subjective day and at dusk.
      We evaluated the temporal regulation of expression and activity of
      phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesizing enzymes. PC is mainly synthesized through
      the Kennedy pathway with Choline Kinase (ChoK) as a key regulatory enzyme or
      through the phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) N-methyltransferase (PEMT) pathway. The
      PC/PE content ratio exhibited a daily variation with lowest levels at night,
      while ChoKalpha and PEMT mRNA expression displayed maximal levels at nocturnal
      phases. Our results demonstrate that mouse liver GPL metabolism oscillates
      rhythmically with a precise temporal control in the expression and/or activity of
      specific enzymes. 

PMID- 25140392
TI  - Levels of neopterin and C-reactive protein in pregnant women with fetal growth
      restriction.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pregnant women with fetal growth
      restriction (FGR) have higher plasma neopterin and C-reactive protein (CRP)
      concentrations compared with those with uncomplicated pregnancy. A total of 34
      pregnant women with FGR and 62 patients with uncomplicated pregnancy were
      included. Neopterin and CRP levels were measured at the time of diagnosis. The
      primary outcome of this study was to compare the neopterin and CRP levels in
      pregnant women with FGR and those with uncomplicated pregnancies. The secondary
      outcome of our study was to evaluate the correlation between fetal birth weight
      and maternal neopterin levels. The serum neopterin levels were significantly
      elevated in pregnant women with FGR (22.71 +/- 7.70 vs 19.15 +/- 8.32). However,
      CRP was not elevated in pregnant women with FGR (7.47 +/- 7.59 vs 5.29 +/- 3.58).
      These findings support the hypothesis that pregnancy with FGR is associated with
      a marked increase in macrophage activation and the natural immune system. 

PMID- 25140394
TI  - SOX3 deletion in mouse and human is associated with persistence of the
      craniopharyngeal canal.
AB  - CONTEXT: SOX3 is an early developmental transcription factor involved in
      pituitary development. In humans, over- and underdosage of SOX3 is associated
      with X-linked hypopituitarism with variable phenotypes ranging from isolated GH
      deficiency (GHD) to panhypopituitarism, with or without mental retardation and,
      in most cases, with reported pituitary imaging, an ectopic/undescended posterior
      pituitary. PATIENT: We present a young patient with hemophilia B and
      developmental delay who had a 2.31-Mb deletion on Xq27 including SOX3, F9, and
      eight other contiguous genes. He developed GH and gonadotropin deficiency, whilst
      his thyroid function was in the low normal range. Magnetic resonance imaging
      revealed a eutopic posterior pituitary and the unusual finding of a persistent
      craniopharyngeal canal that has not previously been described in patients with
      congenital hypopituitarism. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: To establish whether loss of
      SOX3 can account for the human phenotype, we examined in detail the hypothalamo
      pituitary region of neonatal Sox3 null mice. RESULTS: Consistent with the
      patient's phenotype, Sox3 null mice exhibit a ventral extension of the anterior
      pituitary that penetrates, and generates a mass beneath, the sphenoid bone. This
      suggests that the defect results from abnormal induction of Rathke's pouch,
      leading to a persistent connection between Rathke's pouch and the oral ectoderm.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our observations expand the spectrum of phenotypes observed in
      association with altered SOX3 dosage and may affect the approach to genetic
      screening. Screening for SOX3 should be advised not only for hypopituitary
      patients with an ectopic posterior pituitary, but also for those with a
      structurally normal pituitary and additional findings, including clefts and a
      persistent craniopharyngeal canal, with or without mental retardation.

PMID- 25140395
TI  - Factors associated with bone mineral density and risk of fall in Korean adults
      with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 50 years and older.
AB  - CONTEXT: Osteoporotic fractures in subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM) carry
      higher mortality and morbidity. Because bone strength and minor trauma, such as a
      falls, are considered to be significant factors contributing to osteoporotic
      fractures, it is important to elucidate the associated factors with these.
      OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the factors associated with
      bone mineral density (BMD) and falls in noninstitutionalized subjects with DM
      aged 50 years or older. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: We used the database from
      the 2010 Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Subjects
      with DM aged 50 years or older were selected and included in the data analyses.
      Associated factors with BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar spine and those with
      falls were analyzed using multiple linear regression and binary logistic
      regression analyses, respectively. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-two subjects [209
      males; 153 females; average age, 66.0 y (SD 8.2 y)] were included. Among the male
      subjects, the total body muscle mass (P < .001), daily calcium intake (P = .001),
      ALP levels (P = .007), and body mass index (P = .027) were significantly
      associated with femoral neck BMD, whereas body mass index (P = .001) and ALP
      levels (P = .040) were associated with lumbar spine BMD. Among the female
      subjects, age (P < .001), daily calcium intake (P = .011) and total body muscle
      mass (P = .023) were found to be significantly associated factors with femoral
      neck BMD, whereas age (P < .001) and body mass index (P = .012) and daily calcium
      intake (P = .040) were those with lumbar spine BMD. Osteoarthritis (P = .024) and
      total body muscle mass (P = .028) were found to be significantly associated with
      the risk of falls. CONCLUSIONS: Total body muscle mass was the most prominent
      factor predicting femoral neck BMD and risk of falls in community-dwelling
      elderly subjects with DM. Further investigation is required to determine their
      role in preventing osteoporotic fractures in diabetic subjects.

PMID- 25140396
TI  - Dose-dependent effects of rosuvastatin on the plasma sphingolipidome and
      phospholipidome in the metabolic syndrome.
AB  - CONTEXT: Statins are effective cholesterol-lowering agents that reduce
      cardiovascular disease risk but also have pleiotropic effects that may extend to
      other lipid classes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article was to investigate,
      in a post hoc analysis, the dose-dependent effects of rosuvastatin on plasma
      sphingolipids and phospholipids in men with the metabolic syndrome. METHODS:
      Subjects (n = 12) were studied in a randomized, double-blind, triple-crossover
      trial of a 5-week treatment period with placebo or rosuvastatin (10 or 40 mg/day)
      with 2-week washouts between treatments. Plasma sphingolipid profiling was
      determined by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization-tandem mass
      spectrometry. RESULTS: Rosuvastatin at 10 mg/d (R10) and 40 mg/d (R40)
      significantly (all P < .001 unless stated otherwise) lowered plasma cholesterol (
      34% and -42% [% change with R10 and with R40, respectively]), low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (-49% and -57%) and triglyceride (-24%, P =.03 and -42%)
      concentrations. Compared with placebo, R10 and R40 significantly decreased the
      plasma levels of total sphingolipids including those of ceramide (-33% and -37%),
      sphingomyelin (-27% and -31%), monohexosylceramide (-40% and -47%),
      dihexosylceramide (-31% and -34%), and trihexosylceramide (-29% and -31%), and
      GM3 gangliosides (-29% and -26%), lysophosphatidylcholine (-32% and -37%),
      alkylphosphatidylcholine (-19% and -19%), phosphatidylcholine (-17% and -19%),
      alkenylphosphatidylcholine (plasmalogen) (-20% and -22%),
      alkylphosphatidylethanolamine (-20%, P =.008 and -24%, P =.02),
      alkenylphosphatidylethanolamine (plasmalogen) (-24%, P =.003 and -23%, P =.007),
      phosphatidylglycerol (-24%, P =.07, -31%, P =.046), and phosphatidylinositol (
      34% and -40%). No significant changes were found with phosphatidylethanolamine
      and phosphatidylserine. Significant dose effects were found with the majority of
      the plasma sphingolipids, whereas only phosphatidylcholine,
      lysophosphatidylcholine, alkylphosphatidylcholine, alkenylphosphatidylcholine
      (plasmalogen), and phosphatidylinositol had significant dose effects. Similar
      changes were found with plasma sphingolipids when results were normalized to the
      total phosphatidylcholine concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Rosuvastatin dose
      dependently lowers plasma sphingolipids and phospholipids, independent of low
      density lipoprotein lowering, in men with the metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 25140393
TI  - mRNA-binding protein TIA-1 reduces cytokine expression in human endometrial
      stromal cells and is down-regulated in ectopic endometrium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytokines and growth factors play important roles in endometrial
      function and the pathogenesis of endometriosis. mRNAs encoding cytokines and
      growth factors undergo rapid turnover; primarily mediated by adenosine- and
      uridine-rich elements (AREs) located in their 3'-untranslated regions. T-cell
      intracellular antigen (TIA-1), an mRNA-binding protein, binds to AREs in target
      transcripts, leading to decreased gene expression. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      article was to determine whether TIA-1 plays a role in the regulation of
      endometrial cytokine and growth factor expression during the normal menstrual
      cycle and whether TIA-1 expression is altered in women with endometriosis.
      METHODS: Eutopic endometrial tissue obtained from women without endometriosis (n
      = 30) and eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues from women with endometriosis
      (n = 17) were immunostained for TIA-1. Staining intensities were evaluated by
      histological scores (HSCOREs). The regulation of endometrial TIA-1 expression by
      immune factors and steroid hormones was studied by treating primary cultured
      human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) with vehicle, lipopolysaccharide, TNF
      alpha, IL-6, estradiol, or progesterone, followed by protein blot analyses. HESCs
      were engineered to over- or underexpress TIA-1 to test whether TIA-1 regulates IL
      6 or TNF-alpha expression in these cells. RESULTS: We found that TIA-1 is
      expressed in endometrial stromal and glandular cells throughout the menstrual
      cycle and that this expression is significantly higher in the perimenstrual
      phase. In women with endometriosis, TIA-1 expression in eutopic and ectopic
      endometrium was reduced compared with TIA-1 expression in eutopic endometrium of
      unaffected control women. Lipopolysaccharide and TNF-alpha increased TIA-1
      expression in HESCs in vitro, whereas IL-6 or steroid hormones had no effect. In
      HESCs, down-regulation of TIA-1 resulted in elevated IL-6 and TNF-alpha
      expression, whereas TIA-1 overexpression resulted in decreased IL-6 and TNF-alpha
      expression. CONCLUSIONS: Endometrial TIA-1 is regulated throughout the menstrual
      cycle, TIA-1 modulates the expression of immune factors in endometrial cells, and
      downregulation of TIA-1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

PMID- 25140397
TI  - Plasma parathyroid hormone is associated with vascular dementia and cerebral
      hyperintensities in two community-based cohorts.
AB  - CONTEXT: In diseases with increased PTH such as hyperparathyroidism and chronic
      renal failure, dementia is common. Little is known of PTH and dementia in the
      community. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate relations between PTH, clinical
      dementia and cerebral micro-vascular disease. SETTING AND DESIGN: The Uppsala
      Longitudinal Study Of Adult Men (ULSAM) was prospective, baseline, 1991-1995;
      followup, 15.8 years. The Prospective Investigation Of The Vasculature In Uppsala
      Seniors (PIVUS) was cross-sectional, baseline, 2001. Both settings were community
      based. PARTICIPANTS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: In the ULSAM study of 998 men (age
      71) the association between PTH and dementia was investigated. In the PIVUS study
      of 406 men and women (age 70) the relation between PTH and magnetic resonance
      imaging signs of cerebral small vascular disease was investigated. RESULTS:
      During followup, 56 individuals were diagnosed with vascular, 91 with
      Alzheimer's, and 59 with other dementias. In Cox-regression analyses, higher PTH
      was associated with vascular dementia (hazard ratio per 1 SD increase of PTH,
      1.41; P < .01), but not with other dementias. The top tertile of PTH accounted
      for 18.5% of the population-attributable risk for vascular dementia, exceeding
      all other risk factors. In linear regression analysis in PIVUS, PTH was
      associated with increasing white matter hyperintensities (WMHI), reflecting
      increasing burden of cerebral small vessel disease (1 SD PTH increase, 0.31
      higher category of WMHI; P = .016). All models were adjusted for vascular risk
      factors and mineral metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: In two community-based samples, PTH
      predicted clinically diagnosed vascular dementia as well as neuroimaging indices
      of cerebral small vessel disease. Our data suggest a role for PTH in the
      development of vascular dementia.

PMID- 25140398
TI  - Approach to the patient: transgender youth: endocrine considerations.
AB  - Compelling studies have demonstrated that "gender identity"--a person's inner
      sense of self as male, female, or occasionally a category other than male or
      female--is not simply a psychosocial construct, but likely reflects a complex
      interplay of biological, environmental, and cultural factors. An increasing
      number of preadolescents and adolescents, identifying as "transgender" (a
      transient or persistent identification with a gender different from their "natal
      gender"--ie, the gender that is assumed based on the physical sex characteristics
      present at birth), are seeking medical services to enable the development of
      physical characteristics consistent with their affirmed gender. Such services,
      including the use of agents to block endogenous puberty at Tanner stage 2 and
      subsequent use of cross-sex hormones, are based on longitudinal studies
      demonstrating that those individuals who were first identified as gender
      dysphoric in early or middle childhood and who still meet the mental health
      criteria for being transgender at early puberty are likely to be transgender as
      adults. Furthermore, onset of puberty in transgender youth is often accompanied
      by increased "gender dysphoria"--clinically significant distress related to the
      incongruence between one's affirmed gender and one's "assigned (or natal)
      gender." Studies have shown that such distress may be ameliorated by a "gender
      affirming" model of care. Although endocrinologists are familiar with concerns
      surrounding gender identity in patients with disorders of sex development, many
      providers are unfamiliar with the approach to the evaluation and management of
      transgender youth without a disorder of sex development. The goals of this
      article are to review studies that shed light on the biological underpinnings of
      gender identity, the epidemiology and natural history of transgenderism, current
      clinical practice guidelines for transgender youth, and limitations and
      challenges to optimal care. Prospective cohort studies focused on long-term
      safety and efficacy are needed to optimize medical and mental health care for
      transgender youth.

PMID- 25140399
TI  - TGF-beta1 downregulates StAR expression and decreases progesterone production
      through Smad3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in human granulosa cells.
AB  - CONTEXT: Regulation of progesterone production in granulosa cells is important
      for normal reproductive functions. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR)
      is recognized as the key regulatory protein involved in the rate-limiting step of
      steroidogenesis. TGF-beta1 protein is detected in human follicular fluid, and TGF
      beta1 and its receptors are expressed in human granulosa cells. However, the
      functional role of TGF-beta1 in the regulation of StAR expression and
      progesterone production in human granulosa cells remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: Our
      objective was to investigate the effects of TGF-beta1 on StAR expression and
      progesterone production in human granulosa cells. DESIGN AND SETTING: SVOG cells
      are human granulosa cells that were obtained from women undergoing in vitro
      fertilization and immortalized with SV40 large T antigen. SVOG cells were used to
      investigate the effects of TGF-beta1 on StAR expression and progesterone
      production at an academic research center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Levels of mRNA
      and protein were examined by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. The
      accumulation levels of progesterone were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA). RESULTS: TGF-beta1 treatment downregulated StAR expression and
      decreased progesterone production. The suppressive effects of TGF-beta1 on StAR
      expression and progesterone production were abolished by the inhibition of TGF
      beta type I receptor. In addition, treatment with TGF-beta1 activated the Smad2/3
      and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. The inhibition of the Smad3 and ERK1/2 signaling
      pathways attenuated the TGF-beta1-induced downregulation of StAR expression and
      progesterone production. CONCLUSION: TGF-beta1 downregulated StAR expression and
      decreased progesterone production by activating the Smad3 and ERK1/2 signaling
      pathways in human granulosa cells.

PMID- 25140400
TI  - Elimination of pain and improvement of exercise capacity in Camurati-Engelmann
      disease with losartan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Camurati-Engelmann disease (CED) is a rare disorder, with
      approximately 250 described cases in the literature. Treatment options are
      limited and have been suboptimal so far. PATIENT AND METHODS: A prepubertal girl
      aged 9 years was diagnosed with CED. Treatment with losartan was initiated at a
      daily dose of 0.75 mg/kg. Over a period of 12 weeks, the dose was gradually
      increased to 1.0 mg/kg/d. The patient was reviewed in clinic regularly and
      underwent thorough clinical assessments 9, 17, and 38 months after treatment
      initiation. RESULTS: The patient experienced marked clinical improvements with
      losartan. In particular, losartan treatment led to the complete elimination of
      the previously severe and incapacitating pain, with an increased ability to walk
      and perform physical activities. There was also a considerable improvement in
      body composition with increased lean and adipose tissue. Notably, the improvement
      in fat deposition had not been previously observed with other treatments in CED.
      Hematology, liver, and renal function tests were within normal ranges at
      presentation and remained so over the course of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In light
      of our findings, losartan may be a useful option in CED management.

PMID- 25140402
TI  - Less myostatin and more lean mass in large-born infants from nondiabetic mothers.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Sexagenarians born large are at lower risk for type 2
      diabetes than those born small, a key feature of their body composition being a
      higher muscle mass, which explains their higher body mass index and also their
      lower fat-to-lean-mass ratio. Myogenesis is completed in early infancy under the
      inhibitory control of myostatin. We tested whether large-born infants from
      nondiabetic mothers develop an early surplus of lean mass while having a lower
      myostatinemia. Design, Methods, Study Participants, and Main Outcomes: In a
      longitudinal study (0-4 mo), we compared the body composition and endocrine
      markers (fasting glucose, insulin, IGF-1, high molecular weight adiponectin) of
      breast-fed appropriate- vs large-for-gestational-age infants (n = 125) from
      nondiabetic mothers. Circulating myostatin concentrations were assayed after
      collection of the above-mentioned data. SETTING: The study was conducted at the
      University Hospital for Women and Children. INTERVENTION: There were no
      interventions. RESULTS: Between 0-4 months, large-for-gestational-age infants
      switched from an adipose to a lean body composition (due to a nearly 20% excess
      of lean mass) and to an insulin-sensitive and hyperadiponectinemic state while
      having low IGF-1 concentrations and the lowest myostatinemia hitherto reported in
      the human (all between P <= .01 and P <= .0001). CONCLUSION: Large-born infants
      from nondiabetic mothers were found to combine a low myostatinemia with an excess
      of lean mass. The fetal-neonatal control of myostatinemia deserves further
      attention because it could become a target of interventions that aim at reducing
      the risk for diabetes in later life by augmenting myogenesis in early life.

PMID- 25140401
TI  - Functional analysis of novel genetic variation in the thyroid hormone activating
      type 2 deiodinase.
AB  - CONTEXT: Thyroid hormones (TH) are important for normal brain development and
      abnormal TH regulation in the brain results in neurocognitive impairments. The
      type 2 deiodinase (D2) is important for local TH control in the brain by
      generating the active hormone T3 from its precursor T4. Dysfunction of D2 likely
      results in a neurocognitive phenotype. No mutations in D2 have been reported yet.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to identify D2 mutations in patients
      with intellectual disability and to test their functional consequences. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PATIENTS: The patients were selected from the multicenter Thyroid
      Origin of Psychomotor Retardation study, which is a cohort of 946 subjects with
      unexplained intellectual disability. Based on characteristic serum TH values, the
      coding region of the DIO2 gene was sequenced in 387 patients. Functional
      consequences were assessed by in vitro D2 assays or intact cell metabolism
      studies using cells transfected with wild-type or mutant D2. RESULTS: Sequence
      analysis revealed two heterozygous mutations: c.11T>A (p.L4H) in three subjects
      and c.305C>T (p.T102I) in one subject. Sequence analysis of family members
      revealed several carriers, but no segregation was observed with thyroid
      parameters or neurocognitive phenotype. Extensive tests with different in vitro
      D2 assays did not show differences between wild-type and mutant D2. CONCLUSION:
      This study describes the identification and functional consequences of novel
      genetic variation in TH activating enzyme D2. Family studies and functional tests
      suggest that these variants do not underlie the neurocognitive impairment.
      Altogether our data provide evidence of the existence of rare but apparently
      harmless genetic variants of D2.

PMID- 25140403
TI  - Loss of sex difference in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in diabetic women
      during acute stress.
AB  - CONTEXT: The gender gap in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is well
      documented in health and also maintained in diverse chronic conditions, including
      menopause and diabetes. The mechanism for this difference in HDL-C and its
      regulation is not well understood. We evaluated whether this gender gap is
      maintained during acute stress. SETTING AND DESIGN: Diabetic patients with
      metabolic decompensation (n=179) were studied in the fasting state within 24
      hours of admission to hospital, and again at outpatient follow-up. Fasting lipids
      and measures of glycemic control were evaluated on both occasions. The population
      was predominately minority, 78% Hispanic or African American. RESULTS: During
      admission, fasting lipid concentrations were not different in women (W) (n = 88)
      and men (M) (n = 91); serum total cholesterol (total-C), triglycerides (TG), low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL-C were similar. Glycemic control
      was also similar; hemoglobin A1c (A1C) and serum glucose at presentation to
      hospital were not different in men and women. Compared with a subset of patients
      with pre-admission data (W, 35; M, 24), a decline of HDL-C was observed, greater
      in women (P = .005). At outpatient follow-up after admission, median duration
      approximately 4 months in each group (P = .39), changes in TG, LDL-C, and total-C
      from baseline admission were not different in men and women. In contrast, whereas
      HDL-C increased in both groups, the increase (median [interquartile range]) was
      significantly greater in women, 11 (4, 23) vs 6 (-1, 15) mg/dL (P < .003). This
      larger increase restored the gender gap in fasting HDL-C, 48 (39, 61) and 41 (36,
      49) mg/dL in women and men at follow-up (P < .002). A1C improved similarly in
      each group. CONCLUSIONS: The sex difference in HDL-C levels is lost at time of
      admission to hospital in patients with diabetes, and returns when acute stress
      has resolved. These results raise the possibility that recurrent episodes of
      acute stress may lead to cumulative loss of the HDL-C advantage in women.

PMID- 25140404
TI  - Central hypoadrenalism.
AB  - CONTEXT: Central hypoadrenalism is a frequent complication of pituitary and
      hypothalamic pathology and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
      Optimal exogenous glucocorticoid use is dependent on the use of appropriate
      diagnostic tests and careful assessment of the clinical response to
      glucocorticoid replacement therapy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A PubMed search for the
      terms central hypoadrenalism, ACTH deficiency, glucocorticoid suppression, and
      glucocorticoid replacement was conducted; the papers identified and the
      references listed were used to build a reference list. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The
      published literature was assessed to present a summary of the available evidence
      with regard to etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of central hypoadrenalism.
      CONCLUSIONS: A functional hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis is essential for
      normal health and life expectancy; its complexity presents challenges to the
      clinician in the identification of patients and in the maintenance of such
      patients in a glucocorticoid-sufficient state. The most common cause of central
      hypoadrenalism remains exogenous glucocorticoid use. Further research in this
      field should be directed toward disease prevention by minimizing glucocorticoid
      exposure and toward the identification of a biomarker for glucocorticoid
      sufficiency that will aid clinicians in optimizing treatment.

PMID- 25140405
TI  - Choroidal tuberculoma showing paradoxical worsening in a patient with miliary TB.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important public health problem worldwide. Ocular
      involvement in patients with systemic TB has traditionally been considered
      uncommon. Diagnosing ocular TB is challenging and often delayed, especially in
      the absence of pulmonary signs or symptoms typical of TB. Here we describe a case
      of paradoxical reaction after antituberculosis therapy in an immunocompetent
      patient with ocular TB.

PMID- 25140406
TI  - Differentiated availability of geochemical mercury pools controls methylmercury
      levels in estuarine sediment and biota.
AB  - Neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) formed from inorganic divalent mercury (Hg(II))
      accumulates in aquatic biota and remains at high levels worldwide. It is poorly
      understood to what extent different geochemical Hg pools contribute to these
      levels. Here we report quantitative data on MeHg formation and bioaccumulation,
      in mesocosm water-sediment model ecosystems, using five Hg(II) and MeHg isotope
      tracers simulating recent Hg inputs to the water phase and Hg stored in sediment
      as bound to natural organic matter or as metacinnabar. Calculations for an
      estuarine ecosystem suggest that the chemical speciation of Hg(II) solid/adsorbed
      phases control the sediment Hg pool's contribution to MeHg, but that input of
      MeHg from terrestrial and atmospheric sources bioaccumulates to a substantially
      greater extent than MeHg formed in situ in sediment. Our findings emphasize the
      importance of MeHg loadings from catchment runoff to MeHg content in estuarine
      biota and we suggest that this contribution has been underestimated. 

PMID- 25140408
TI  - Chronic alcohol administration causes expression of calprotectin and RAGE
      altering the distribution of zinc ions in mouse testis.
AB  - Several studies reported that chronic alcohol consumption alters the intestinal
      mucosa barrier, and subsequent entrance of endotoxins into the bloodstream. In
      many tissues endotoxin exposure causes the expression of calprotectin (CP) and
      the receptor for advanced glycation -end products (RAGE). In this study we
      investigated whether chronic alcohol administration causes expression of CP and
      RAGE in mouse testis. The distribution of free and loosely bound Zn(2+) (FLB
      Zn(2+)) in the testicular tissues was also evaluated. Alcohol-induced testicular
      damage was documented by measuring testosterone blood levels and by light and
      electron microscope studies. Twenty mice were treated daily for three weeks with
      3.0 g/kg of a 25% solution of alcohol. Ten mice were treated in the same period
      of time with a solution of maltose dextrins, isocaloric to alcohol. Twenty
      untreated mice were used as controls. Alcohol treated mice showed diffuse
      expression of CP and RAGE in the interstitial cells. RAGE was found also in the
      basal compartment of the seminiferous tubules. Depletion of FLB-Zn(2+) was
      observed in the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous tubules. Expression of
      CP and RAGE was not found in control mice and maltose dextrin treated mice. Our
      results indicated novel mechanisms by which alcohol acts in testis. Indeed, CP
      and RAGE may cause the generation of oxidants and inflammatory mediators, with
      negative impact on testicular functions. Depletion of FLB-Zn(2+) may contribute
      to the dysregulation of spermatogenesis.

PMID- 25140407
TI  - Patient Navigation in a Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.
AB  - CONTEXT: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death
      among cancers affecting both men and women in the United States. The Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention's Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP)
      supports both direct clinical screening services (screening provision) and
      activities to promote screening at the population level (screening promotion).
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to characterize patient navigation (PN)
      programs for screening provision and promotion for the first 1 to 2 years of
      program funding. PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of the 29
      CRCCP grantees (25 states and 4 tribal organizations) and 14 in-depth interviews
      to assess program implementation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The survey and interview
      guide collected information on CRC screening provision and promotion activities
      and PN, including the structure of the PN program, characteristics of the
      navigators, funding mechanism, and navigators' activities. RESULTS: Twenty-four
      of 28 CRCCP grantees of the survey used PN for screening provision whereas 18
      grantees used navigation for screening promotion. Navigators were often trained
      in nursing or public health. Navigation activities were similar for both
      screening provision and promotion, and common tasks included assessing and
      responding to patient barriers to screening, providing patient education, and
      scheduling appointments. For screening provision, activities centered on making
      reminder calls, educating patients on bowel preparation for colonoscopies, and
      tracking patients for completion of the tests. Navigation may influence screening
      quality by improving patients' bowel preparation for colonoscopies. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our study provides insights into PN across a federally funded CRC program.
      Results suggest that PN activities may be instrumental in recruiting people into
      cancer screening and ensuring completed screening and follow-up.

PMID- 25140409
TI  - The effect of melatonin on procarbazine induced testicular toxicity on rats.
AB  - Procarbazine (P) is an effective chemotherapeutic drug especially used in
      lymphoma treatment; however testicular toxicity is a limiting factor. Various
      ways of treatment were tried to preserve testicular function including hormonal
      treatment, antioxidant treatment, and sperm cryopreservation but resulted with
      low rates of satisfaction. Procarbazine is a well known agent causing sterility
      even in the first doses of chemotherapy. Antioxidants such as N acetylcysteine
      and ascorbate have been used for protective purposes and were very successful.
      Melatonin (M) is another powerful antioxidant and we aimed to use M for the
      protection of P induced testicular toxicity in this study. Procarbazine was given
      peroral by gavage once a week at a dose of 62.5 mg/kg/week for 4 weeks (total
      dose: 250 mg/kg) (P group) and in procarbazine + melatonin (PM) group, 10 mg/kg
      melatonin was intraperitoneally administered daily for five days a week for 4
      weeks (total 20 days). The experiment ended at day 90. In the P and PM groups the
      testicle width, length, and weight, sperm A and sperm AB properties (Sperm A:
      sperms straight line progressive, Sperm B: sperms straight slow progressive,
      Sperm AB: Sperm A + Sperm B), spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, seminiferous tubule,
      and germinative layer thickness were lowered as compared with the control group.
      However, there were no significant differences between the P and PM groups in
      regard to these parameters. Melatonin preserved Sertoli cell and spermatogonia
      function. The testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were
      also preserved. Melatonin significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels
      and preserved the antioxidant enzyme levels such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
      and nitrite nitrate (NO2-/NO3-). Melatonin may protect testicular functions in P
      treated patients and is open to consideration during chemotherapy since it
      appears to be without any side effects.

PMID- 25140410
TI  - Reversible modulation of orbital occupations via an interface-induced polar state
      in metallic manganites.
AB  - The breaking of orbital degeneracy on a transition metal cation and the resulting
      unequal electronic occupations of these orbitals provide a powerful lever over
      electron density and spin ordering in metal oxides. Here, we use ab initio
      calculations to show that reversibly modulating the orbital populations on Mn
      atoms can be achieved at ferroelectric/manganite interfaces by the presence of
      ferroelectric polarization on the nanoscale. The change in orbital occupation can
      be as large as 10%, greatly exceeding that of bulk manganites. This reversible
      orbital splitting is in large part controlled by the propagation of ferroelectric
      polar displacements into the interfacial region, a structural motif absent in the
      bulk and unique to the interface. We use epitaxial thin film growth and scanning
      transmission electron microscopy to verify this key interfacial polar distortion
      and discuss the potential of reversible control of orbital polarization via
      nanoscale ferroelectrics. 

PMID- 25140411
TI  - Two-center noninteger-n overlap, Coulomb, and kinetic energy integrals by
      numerical contour integration.
AB  - Numerical contour integration accurately evaluates two-center overlap, Coulomb,
      and kinetic energy integrals involving noninteger-n Slater-type orbitals. 

PMID- 25140412
TI  - Frozen in beta.

PMID- 25140413
TI  - Work and tension: new evidence that adherent cells of the same area do the same
      work independent of stiffness and focal adhesions.

PMID- 25140414
TI  - All that jazz coming out of my ears.

PMID- 25140415
TI  - Evaluation of fluorophores to label SNAP-tag fused proteins for multicolor single
      molecule tracking microscopy in live cells.
AB  - Single-molecule tracking has become a widely used technique for studying protein
      dynamics and their organization in the complex environment of the cell. In
      particular, the spatiotemporal distribution of membrane receptors is an active
      field of study due to its putative role in the regulation of signal transduction.
      The SNAP-tag is an intrinsically monovalent and highly specific genetic tag for
      attaching a fluorescent label to a protein of interest. Little information is
      currently available on the choice of optimal fluorescent dyes for single-molecule
      microscopy utilizing the SNAP-tag labeling system. We surveyed 6 green and 16 red
      excitable dyes for their suitability in single-molecule microscopy of SNAP-tag
      fusion proteins in live cells. We determined the nonspecific binding levels and
      photostability of these dye conjugates when bound to a SNAP-tag fused membrane
      protein in live cells. We found that only a limited subset of the dyes tested is
      suitable for single-molecule tracking microscopy. The results show that a careful
      choice of the dye to conjugate to the SNAP-substrate to label SNAP-tag fusion
      proteins is very important, as many dyes suffer from either rapid photobleaching
      or high nonspecific staining. These characteristics appear to be unpredictable,
      which motivated the need to perform the systematic survey presented here. We have
      developed a protocol for evaluating the best dyes, and for the conditions that we
      evaluated, we find that Dy 549 and CF 640 are the best choices tested for single
      molecule tracking. Using an optimal dye pair, we also demonstrate the possibility
      of dual-color single-molecule imaging of SNAP-tag fusion proteins. This survey
      provides an overview of the photophysical and imaging properties of a range of
      SNAP-tag fluorescent substrates, enabling the selection of optimal dyes and
      conditions for single-molecule imaging of SNAP-tagged fusion proteins in
      eukaryotic cell lines. 

PMID- 25140416
TI  - An active oscillator model describes the statistics of spontaneous otoacoustic
      emissions.
AB  - Even in the absence of external stimulation, the cochleas of most humans emit
      very faint sounds below the threshold of hearing, sounds that are known as
      spontaneous otoacoustic emissions. They are a signature of the active
      amplification mechanism in the cochlea. Emissions occur at frequencies that are
      unique for an individual and change little over time. The statistics of a
      population of ears exhibit characteristic features such as a preferred relative
      frequency distance between emissions (interemission intervals). We propose a
      simplified cochlea model comprising an array of active nonlinear oscillators
      coupled both hydrodynamically and viscoelastically. The oscillators are subject
      to a weak spatial disorder that lends individuality to the simulated cochlea. Our
      model captures basic statistical features of the emissions: distributions of 1),
      emission frequencies; 2), number of emissions per ear; and 3), interemission
      intervals. In addition, the model reproduces systematic changes of the
      interemission intervals with frequency. We show that the mechanism for the
      preferred interemission interval in our model is the occurrence of synchronized
      clusters of oscillators. 

PMID- 25140417
TI  - Geometry regulates traction stresses in adherent cells.
AB  - Cells generate mechanical stresses via the action of myosin motors on the actin
      cytoskeleton. Although the molecular origin of force generation is well
      understood, we currently lack an understanding of the regulation of force
      transmission at cellular length scales. Here, using 3T3 fibroblasts, we
      experimentally decouple the effects of substrate stiffness, focal adhesion
      density, and cell morphology to show that the total amount of work a cell does
      against the substrate to which it is adhered is regulated by the cell spread area
      alone. Surprisingly, the number of focal adhesions and the substrate stiffness
      have little effect on regulating the work done on the substrate by the cell. For
      a given spread area, the local curvature along the cell edge regulates the
      distribution and magnitude of traction stresses to maintain a constant strain
      energy. A physical model of the adherent cell as a contractile gel under a
      uniform boundary tension and mechanically coupled to an elastic substrate
      quantitatively captures the spatial distribution and magnitude of traction
      stresses. With a single choice of parameters, this model accurately predicts the
      cell's mechanical output over a wide range of cell geometries. 

PMID- 25140418
TI  - Single-molecule tracking of inositol trisphosphate receptors reveals different
      motilities and distributions.
AB  - Puffs are local Ca(2+) signals that arise by Ca(2+) liberation from the
      endoplasmic reticulum through the concerted opening of tightly clustered inositol
      trisphosphate receptors/channels (IP3Rs). The locations of puff sites observed by
      Ca(2+) imaging remain static over several minutes, whereas fluorescence recovery
      after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments employing overexpression of fluorescently
      tagged IP3Rs have shown that the majority of IP3Rs are freely motile. To address
      this discrepancy, we applied single-molecule imaging to locate and track type 1
      IP3Rs tagged with a photoswitchable fluorescent protein and expressed in COS-7
      cells. We found that ~ 70% of the IP3R1 molecules were freely motile, undergoing
      random walk motility with an apparent diffusion coefficient of ~ 0.095 MUm s(-1),
      whereas the remaining molecules were essentially immotile. A fraction of the
      immotile IP3Rs were organized in clusters, with dimensions (a few hundred
      nanometers across) comparable to those previously estimated for the IP3R clusters
      underlying functional puff sites. No short-term (seconds) changes in overall
      motility or in clustering of immotile IP3Rs were apparent following activation of
      IP3/Ca(2+) signaling. We conclude that stable clusters of small numbers of
      immotile IP3Rs may underlie local Ca(2+) release sites, whereas the more numerous
      motile IP3Rs appear to be functionally silent.

PMID- 25140419
TI  - Quantitation of malaria parasite-erythrocyte cell-cell interactions using optical
      tweezers.
AB  - Erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium falciparum merozoites is an essential step for
      parasite survival and hence the pathogenesis of malaria. Invasion has been
      studied intensively, but our cellular understanding has been limited by the fact
      that it occurs very rapidly: invasion is generally complete within 1 min, and
      shortly thereafter the merozoites, at least in in vitro culture, lose their
      invasive capacity. The rapid nature of the process, and hence the narrow time
      window in which measurements can be taken, have limited the tools available to
      quantitate invasion. Here we employ optical tweezers to study individual invasion
      events for what we believe is the first time, showing that newly released P.
      falciparum merozoites, delivered via optical tweezers to a target erythrocyte,
      retain their ability to invade. Even spent merozoites, which had lost the ability
      to invade, retain the ability to adhere to erythrocytes, and furthermore can
      still induce transient local membrane deformations in the erythrocyte membrane.
      We use this technology to measure the strength of the adhesive force between
      merozoites and erythrocytes, and to probe the cellular mode of action of known
      invasion inhibitory treatments. These data add to our understanding of the
      erythrocyte-merozoite interactions that occur during invasion, and demonstrate
      the power of optical tweezers technologies in unraveling the blood-stage biology
      of malaria.

PMID- 25140420
TI  - Mechanical detection of a long-range actin network emanating from a biomimetic
      cortex.
AB  - Actin is ubiquitous globular protein that polymerizes into filaments and forms
      networks that participate in the force generation of eukaryotic cells. Such
      forces are used for cell motility, cytokinesis, and tissue remodeling. Among
      those actin networks, we focus on the actin cortex, a dense branched network
      beneath the plasma membrane that is of particular importance for the mechanical
      properties of the cell. Here we reproduce the cellular cortex by activating actin
      filament growth on a solid surface. We unveil the existence of a sparse actin
      network that emanates from the surface and extends over a distance that is at
      least 10 times larger than the cortex itself. We call this sparse actin network
      the "actin cloud" and characterize its mechanical properties with optical
      tweezers. We show, both experimentally and theoretically, that the actin cloud is
      mechanically relevant and that it should be taken into account because it can
      sustain forces as high as several picoNewtons (pN). In particular, it is known
      that in plant cells, actin networks similar to the actin cloud have a role in
      positioning the nucleus; in large oocytes, they play a role in driving chromosome
      movement. Recent evidence shows that such networks even prevent granule
      condensation in large cells.

PMID- 25140421
TI  - Actin-myosin spatial patterns from a simplified isotropic viscoelastic model.
AB  - F-actin networks are involved in cell mechanical processes ranging from motility
      to endocytosis. The mesoscale architecture of assemblies of individual F-actin
      polymers that gives rise to micrometer-scale rheological properties is poorly
      understood, despite numerous in vivo and vitro studies. In vitro networks have
      been shown to organize into spatial patterns when spatially confined, including
      dense spherical shells inside spherical emulsion droplets. Here we develop a
      simplified model of an isotropic, compressible, viscoelastic material continually
      assembling and disassembling. We demonstrate that spherical shells emerge
      naturally when the strain relaxation rate (corresponding to internal network
      reorganization) is slower than the disassembly rate (corresponding to F-actin
      depolymerization). These patterns are consistent with recent experiments,
      including a collapse of shells to a central high-density focus of F-actin when
      either assembly or disassembly is reduced with drugs. Our results demonstrate how
      complex spatio-temporal patterns can emerge without spatially distributed force
      generation, polar alignment of F-actin polymers, or spatially nonuniform
      regulation of F-actin by upstream biochemical networks.

PMID- 25140422
TI  - Osmotic pressure in a bacterial swarm.
AB  - Using Escherichia coli as a model organism, we studied how water is recruited by
      a bacterial swarm. A previous analysis of trajectories of small air bubbles
      revealed a stream of fluid flowing in a clockwise direction ahead of the swarm. A
      companion study suggested that water moves out of the agar into the swarm in a
      narrow region centered ~ 30 MUm from the leading edge of the swarm and then back
      into the agar (at a smaller rate) in a region centered ~ 120 MUm back from the
      leading edge. Presumably, these flows are driven by changes in osmolarity. Here,
      we utilized green/red fluorescent liposomes as reporters of osmolarity to verify
      this hypothesis. The stream of fluid that flows in front of the swarm contains
      osmolytes. Two distinct regions are observed inside the swarm near its leading
      edge: an outer high-osmolarity band (~ 30 mOsm higher than the agar baseline) and
      an inner low-osmolarity band (isotonic or slightly hypotonic to the agar
      baseline). This profile supports the fluid-flow model derived from the drift of
      air bubbles and provides new (to our knowledge) insights into water maintenance
      in bacterial swarms. High osmotic pressure at the leading edge of the swarm
      extracts water from the underlying agar and promotes motility. The osmolyte is of
      high molecular weight and probably is lipopolysaccharide.

PMID- 25140424
TI  - Orientational ordering of carotenoids in myelin membranes resolved by polarized
      Raman microspectroscopy.
AB  - We study orientational ordering of membrane compounds in the myelinated nerve
      fiber by means of polarized Raman microspectroscopy. The theory of orientational
      distribution functions was adapted to live-cell measurements. The obtained
      orientational distribution functions of carotenoids and lipid acyl chain clearly
      indicated a predominantly radial-like orientation in membranes of the myelin. Two
      dimensional Raman images, made under optimal polarization of incident laser beam,
      corroborated the proposed carotenoid orientation within the bilayer. Experimental
      data suggested the tilted orientation of both carotenoid polyenic and lipid acyl
      chains. The values of maximum tilt angles were similar, with possible implication
      of carotenoid-induced ordering effect on lipid acyl chains, and hence change of
      myelin membrane properties. This study stages carotenoids of the nerve as
      possible mediators of excitation and leverages underlying activity-dependent
      membrane reordering. 

PMID- 25140423
TI  - Interplay of packing and flip-flop in local bilayer deformation. How
      phosphatidylglycerol could rescue mitochondrial function in a cardiolipin
      deficient yeast mutant.
AB  - In a previous work, we have shown that a spatially localized transmembrane pH
      gradient, produced by acid micro-injection near the external side of cardiolipin
      containing giant unilamellar vesicles, leads to the formation of tubules that
      retract after the dissipation of this gradient. These tubules have morphologies
      similar to mitochondrial cristae. The tubulation effect is attributable to direct
      phospholipid packing modification in the outer leaflet, that is promoted by
      protonation of cardiolipin headgroups. In this study, we compare the case of
      cardiolipin-containing giant unilamellar vesicles with that of giant unilamellar
      vesicles that contain phosphatidylglycerol (PG). Local acidification also
      promotes formation of tubules in the latter. However, compared with cardiolipin
      containing giant unilamellar vesicles the tubules are longer, exhibit a visible
      pearling, and have a much longer lifetime after acid micro-injection is stopped.
      We attribute these differences to an additional mechanism that increases
      monolayer surface imbalance, namely inward PG flip-flop promoted by the local
      transmembrane pH gradient. Simulations using a fully nonlinear membrane model as
      well as geometrical calculations are in agreement with this hypothesis.
      Interestingly, among yeast mutants deficient in cardiolipin biosynthesis, only
      the crd1-null mutant, which accumulates phosphatidylglycerol, displays
      significant mitochondrial activity. Our work provides a possible explanation of
      such a property and further emphasizes the salient role of specific lipids in
      mitochondrial function. 

PMID- 25140425
TI  - Membrane interactions of phylloseptin-1, -2, and -3 peptides by oriented solid
      state NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - Phylloseptin-1, -2, and -3 are three members of the family of linear cationic
      antimicrobial peptides found in tree frogs. The highly homologous peptides
      encompass 19 amino acids, and only differ in the amino acid composition and
      charge at the six most carboxy-terminal residues. Here, we investigated how such
      subtle changes are reflected in their membrane interactions and how these can be
      correlated to their biological activities. To this end, the three peptides were
      labeled with stable isotopes, reconstituted into oriented phospholipid bilayers,
      and their detailed topology determined by a combined approach using (2)H and
      (15)N solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Although phylloseptin-2 and -3 adopt perfect
      in-plane alignments, the tilt angle of phylloseptin-1 deviates by 8 degrees 
      probably to assure a more water exposed localization of the lysine-17 side chain.
      Furthermore, different azimuthal angles are observed, positioning the amphipathic
      helices of all three peptides with the charged residues well exposed to the water
      phase. Interestingly, our studies also reveal that two orientation-dependent (2)H
      quadrupolar splittings from methyl-deuterated alanines and one (15)N amide
      chemical shift are sufficient to unambiguously determine the topology of
      phylloseptin-1, where quadrupolar splittings close to the maximum impose the most
      stringent angular restraints. As a result of these studies, a strategy is
      proposed where the topology of a peptide structure can be determined accurately
      from the labeling with (15)N and (2)H isotopes of only a few amino acid residues.

PMID- 25140426
TI  - Influenza A matrix protein M1 multimerizes upon binding to lipid membranes.
AB  - The matrix protein M1 plays a pivotal role in the budding of influenza virus from
      the plasma membrane (PM) of infected cells. This protein interacts with viral
      genetic material and envelope proteins while binding to the inner leaflet of the
      PM. Its oligomerization is therefore closely connected to the assembly of viral
      components and the formation of new virions. Of interest, the molecular details
      of M1 interaction with lipids and other viral proteins are far from being
      understood, and it remains to be determined whether the multimerization of M1 is
      affected by its binding to the PM and interaction with its components. To clarify
      the connection between M1 oligomerization and binding to lipid membranes, we
      applied a combination of several quantitative microscopy approaches. First, we
      used number and brightness (N&B) microscopy to characterize protein
      multimerization upon interaction with the PM of living cells. Second, we used
      controlled biophysical models of the PM (i.e., supported bilayers) to delve into
      the details of M1-lipid and M1-M1 interactions by employing a combination of
      raster image correlation spectroscopy (RICS), fluorescence correlation
      spectroscopy (FCS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our results show that M1
      oligomer formation is strongly enhanced by membrane binding and does not
      necessarily require the presence of other viral proteins. Furthermore, we propose
      a specific model to explain M1 binding to the lipid bilayer and the formation of
      multimers. 

PMID- 25140427
TI  - Temperature and electrolyte optimization of the alpha-hemolysin latch sensing
      zone for detection of base modification in double-stranded DNA.
AB  - The latch region of the wild-type protein pore alpha-hemolysin (alpha-HL)
      constitutes a sensing zone for individual abasic sites (and furan analogs) in
      double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). The presence of an abasic site or furan within a DNA
      duplex, electrophoretically captured in the alpha-HL vestibule and positioned at
      the latch region, can be detected based on the current blockage prior to duplex
      unzipping. We investigated variations in blockage current as a function of
      temperature (12-35 degrees C) and KCl concentration (0.15-1.0 M) to understand
      the origin of the current signature and to optimize conditions for identifying
      the base modification. In 1 M KCl solution, substitution of a furan for a
      cytosine base in the latch region results in an ~ 8 kJ mol(-1) decrease in the
      activation energy for ion transport through the protein pore. This corresponds to
      a readily measured ~ 2 pA increase in current at room temperature. Optimal
      resolution for detecting the presence of a furan in the latch region is achieved
      at lower KCl concentrations, where the noise in the measured blockage current is
      significantly lower. The noise associated with the blockage current also depends
      on the stability of the duplex (as measured from the melting temperature), where
      a greater noise in the measured blockage current is observed for less stable
      duplexes.

PMID- 25140428
TI  - Azobenzene photoisomerization-induced destabilization of B-DNA.
AB  - Molecular photoswitches provide a promising way for selective regulation of
      nanoscaled biological systems. It has been shown that conformational changes of
      azobenzene, one of the widely used photoswitches, can be used to reversibly
      control DNA duplex formation. Here, we investigate the conformational response of
      DNA upon azobenzene binding and isomerization, using a threoninol linker that has
      been experimentally investigated recently. To this end, nonequilibrium molecular
      dynamics simulations are carried out using a switching potential describing the
      photoinduced isomerization. Attachment of azobenzene leads to a distortion of the
      DNA helical conformation that is similar for the trans and cis forms. However,
      the trans form is stabilized by favorable stacking interactions whereas the cis
      form is found to remain flipped out of the basepair-stacked position. Multiple
      azobenzene attachment augments the distortion in DNA helical conformation. The
      distorted DNA retains nativelike pairing of bases at ambient temperatures, but
      shows weaker basepairing compared to native DNA at an elevated temperature. 

PMID- 25140429
TI  - Insights into the structure and dynamics of measles virus nucleocapsids by 1H
      detected solid-state NMR.
AB  - (1)H-detected solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments are
      recorded on both intact and trypsin-cleaved sedimented measles virus (MeV)
      nucleocapsids under ultra-fast magic-angle spinning. High-resolution (1)H,(15)N
      fingerprints allow probing the degree of molecular order and flexibility of
      individual capsid proteins, providing an exciting atomic-scale complement to
      electro microscopy (EM) studies of the same systems. 

PMID- 25140430
TI  - Complex pathways in folding of protein G explored by simulation and experiment.
AB  - The B1 domain of protein G has been a classic model system of folding for
      decades, the subject of numerous experimental and computational studies. Most of
      the experimental work has focused on whether the protein folds via an
      intermediate, but the evidence is mostly limited to relatively slow kinetic
      observations with a few structural probes. In this work we observe folding on the
      submillisecond timescale with microfluidic mixers using a variety of probes
      including tryptophan fluorescence, circular dichroism, and photochemical
      oxidation. We find that each probe yields different kinetics and compare these
      observations with a Markov State Model constructed from large-scale molecular
      dynamics simulations and find a complex network of states that yield different
      kinetics for different observables. We conclude that there are many folding
      pathways before the final folding step and that these paths do not have large
      free energy barriers. 

PMID- 25140431
TI  - Characterization of protein flexibility using small-angle x-ray scattering and
      amplified collective motion simulations.
AB  - Large-scale flexibility within a multidomain protein often plays an important
      role in its biological function. Despite its inherent low resolution, small-angle
      x-ray scattering (SAXS) is well suited to investigate protein flexibility and
      determine, with the help of computational modeling, what kinds of protein
      conformations would coexist in solution. In this article, we develop a tool that
      combines SAXS data with a previously developed sampling technique called
      amplified collective motions (ACM) to elucidate structures of highly dynamic
      multidomain proteins in solution. We demonstrate the use of this tool in two
      proteins, bacteriophage T4 lysozyme and tandem WW domains of the formin-binding
      protein 21. The ACM simulations can sample the conformational space of proteins
      much more extensively than standard molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
      Therefore, conformations generated by ACM are significantly better at reproducing
      the SAXS data than are those from MD simulations.

PMID- 25140432
TI  - Molecular basis of the mechanical hierarchy in myomesin dimers for sarcomere
      integrity.
AB  - Myomesin is one of the most important structural molecules constructing the M
      band in the force-generating unit of striated muscle, and a critical structural
      maintainer of the sarcomere. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we here
      dissect the mechanical properties of the structurally known building blocks of
      myomesin, namely alpha-helices, immunoglobulin (Ig) domains, and the dimer
      interface at myomesin's 13th Ig domain, covering the mechanically important C
      terminal part of the molecule. We find the interdomain alpha-helices to be
      stabilized by the hydrophobic interface formed between the N-terminal half of
      these helices and adjacent Ig domains, and, interestingly, to show a rapid
      unfolding and refolding equilibrium especially under low axial forces up to ~ 15
      pN. These results support and yield atomic details for the notion of recent
      atomic-force microscopy experiments, namely, that the unique helices inserted
      between Ig domains in myomesin function as elastomers and force buffers. Our
      results also explain how the C-terminal dimer of two myomesin molecules is
      mechanically outperforming the helices and Ig domains in myomesin and elsewhere,
      explaining former experimental findings. This study provides a fresh view onto
      how myomesin integrates elastic helices, rigid immunoglobulin domains, and an
      extraordinarily resistant dimer into a molecular structure, to feature a
      mechanical hierarchy that represents a firm and yet extensible molecular anchor
      to guard the stability of the sarcomere.

PMID- 25140433
TI  - Dynamical phase transitions reveal amyloid-like states on protein folding
      landscapes.
AB  - Developing an understanding of protein misfolding processes presents a crucial
      challenge for unlocking the mysteries of human disease. In this article, we
      present our observations of beta-sheet-rich misfolded states on a number of
      protein dynamical landscapes investigated through molecular dynamics simulation
      and Markov state models. We employ a nonequilibrium statistical mechanical theory
      to identify the glassy states in a protein's dynamics, and we discuss the
      nonnative, beta-sheet-rich states that play a distinct role in the slowest
      dynamics within seven protein folding systems. We highlight the fundamental
      similarity between these states and the amyloid structures responsible for many
      neurodegenerative diseases, and we discuss potential consequences for mechanisms
      of protein aggregation and intermolecular amyloid formation. 

PMID- 25140434
TI  - Functional dynamics of hexameric helicase probed by hydrogen exchange and
      simulation.
AB  - The biological function of large macromolecular assemblies depends on their
      structure and their dynamics over a broad range of timescales; for this reason,
      it is a significant challenge to investigate these assemblies using conventional
      experimental techniques. One of the most promising experimental techniques is
      hydrogen-deuterium exchange detected by mass spectrometry. Here, we describe to
      our knowledge a new computational method for quantitative interpretation of
      deuterium exchange kinetics and apply it to a hexameric viral helicase P4 that
      unwinds and translocates RNA into a virus capsid at the expense of ATP
      hydrolysis. Room-temperature dynamics probed by a hundred nanoseconds of all-atom
      molecular dynamics simulations is sufficient to predict the exchange kinetics of
      most sequence fragments and provide a residue-level interpretation of the low
      resolution experimental results. The strategy presented here is also a valuable
      tool to validate experimental data, e.g., assignments, and to probe mechanisms
      that cannot be observed by x-ray crystallography, or that occur over timescales
      longer than those that can be realistically simulated, such as the opening of the
      hexameric ring. 

PMID- 25140436
TI  - Passive mechanical forces control cell-shape change during Drosophila ventral
      furrow formation.
AB  - During Drosophila gastrulation, the ventral mesodermal cells constrict their
      apices, undergo a series of coordinated cell-shape changes to form a ventral
      furrow (VF) and are subsequently internalized. Although it has been well
      documented that apical constriction is necessary for VF formation, the mechanism
      by which apical constriction transmits forces throughout the bulk tissue of the
      cell remains poorly understood. In this work, we develop a computational vertex
      model to investigate the role of the passive mechanical properties of the
      cellular blastoderm during gastrulation. We introduce to our knowledge novel data
      that confirm that the volume of apically constricting cells is conserved
      throughout the entire course of invagination. We show that maintenance of this
      constant volume is sufficient to generate invagination as a passive response to
      apical constriction when it is combined with region-specific elasticities in the
      membranes surrounding individual cells. We find that the specific sequence of
      cell-shape changes during VF formation is critically controlled by the stiffness
      of the lateral and basal membrane surfaces. In particular, our model demonstrates
      that a transition in basal rigidity is sufficient to drive VF formation along the
      same sequence of cell-shape change that we observed in the actual embryo, with no
      active force generation required other than apical constriction. 

PMID- 25140435
TI  - Induction of peptide bond dipoles drives cooperative helix formation in the
      (AAQAA)3 peptide.
AB  - Cooperativity is a central feature in the formation of secondary structures in
      proteins. However, the driving forces behind this cooperativity are poorly
      understood. The present work shows that the cooperativity of helix formation in
      the acetyl-(AAQAA)3-NH2 peptide is significantly enhanced using an empirical
      force field that explicitly includes the treatment of electronic polarizability.
      Polarizable simulations yield helical content consistent with experimental
      measurements and indicate that the dependence of helical content on temperature
      is improved over additive models, though further sampling is required to fully
      validate this conclusion. Cooperativity is indicated by the peptide sampling
      either the coiled state or long helices with relatively low populations of short
      helices. The cooperativity is shown to be associated with enhanced dipole moments
      of the peptide backbone upon helix formation. These results indicate the
      polarizable force field to more accurately model peptide-folding cooperativity
      based on its physically realistic treatment of electronic polarizability. 

PMID- 25140437
TI  - RNA-based regulation: dynamics and response to perturbations of competing RNAs.
AB  - The observation that, through a titration mechanism, microRNAs (miRNAs) can act
      as mediators of effective interactions among their common targets (competing
      endogenous RNAs or ceRNAs) has brought forward the idea (i.e., the ceRNA
      hypothesis) that RNAs can regulate each other in extended cross-talk networks.
      Such an ability might play a major role in posttranscriptional regulation to
      shape a cell's protein repertoire. Recent work focusing on the emergent
      properties of the cross-talk networks has emphasized the high flexibility and
      selectivity that may be achieved at stationarity. On the other hand, dynamical
      aspects, possibly crucial on the relevant timescales, are far less clear. We have
      carried out a dynamical study of the ceRNA hypothesis on a model of
      posttranscriptional regulation. Sensitivity analysis shows that ceRNA cross-talk
      is dynamically extended, i.e., it may take place on timescales shorter than those
      required to achieve stationarity even in cases where no cross-talk occurs in the
      steady state, and is possibly amplified. In addition, in the case of large,
      transfection-like perturbations, the system may develop a strongly nonlinear,
      threshold response. Finally, we show that the ceRNA effect provides a very
      efficient way for a cell to achieve fast positive shifts in the level of a ceRNA
      when necessary. These results indicate that competition for miRNAs may indeed
      provide an elementary mechanism to achieve system-level regulatory effects on the
      transcriptome over physiologically relevant timescales. 

PMID- 25140438
TI  - The interrelations among stochastic pacing, stability, and memory in the heart.
AB  - Low pacing variability in the heart has been clinically reported as a risk factor
      for lethal cardiac arrhythmias and arrhythmic death. In ia previous simulation
      study, we demonstrated that stochastic pacing sustains an antiarrhythmic effect
      by moderating the slope of the action potential duration (APD) restitution curve,
      by reducing the propensity of APD alternans, converting discordant to concordant
      alternans, and ultimately preventing wavebreaks. However, the dynamic mechanisms
      relating pacing stochasticity to tissue stability are not yet known. In this
      work, we develop a mathematical framework to describe the APD signal using an
      autoregressive stochastic model, and we establish the interrelations between
      stochastic pacing, cardiac memory, and cardiac stability, as manifested by the
      degree of APD alternans. Employing stability analysis tools, we show that
      increased stochasticity in the ventricular tissue activation sequence works to
      lower the maximal absolute eigenvalues of the stochastic model, thereby
      contributing to increased stability. We also show that the memory coefficients of
      the autoregressive model are modulated by pacing stochasticity in a nonlinear,
      biphasic way, so that for exceedingly high levels of pacing stochasticity, the
      antiarrhythmic effect is hampered by increasing APD variance. This work may
      contribute to establishment of an optimal antiarrhythmic pacing protocol in a
      future study.

PMID- 25140439
TI  - Evaluating complex interventions: perspectives and issues for health behaviour
      change interventions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Health behaviour change interventions (HBCIs), used in health
      education, health promotion, patient education and psychotherapy areas, are
      considered complex interventions. The objective of this article is to discuss the
      value and limitations of using randomised clinical trials (RCTs) to asses HBCIs.
      METHODS: A scoping review of the literature was conducted to identify the main
      challenges of using RCTs for evaluating HBCIs. The issues were illustrated by
      case studies selected from research conducted by our multidisciplinary team.
      RESULTS: In complex interventions, effects are produced not only by the
      intervention, but are strongly linked to context. Issues relating to
      transferability of results are therefore critical, and require adjustments to the
      RCT model. Sampling bias, biases related to the experimental conditions and
      biases due to the absence of double-blindness were examined and illustrated by
      case studies. CONCLUSION: The results underline the importance of a
      multidisciplinary approach. They call for adapted or alternative evaluation
      models that overcome the limitations of RCTs.

PMID- 25140440
TI  - Lattice model for silica polymerization: Monte Carlo simulations of the
      transition between gel and nanoparticle phases.
AB  - We present Monte Carlo simulations of a lattice model describing silica
      polymerization with an emphasis on the transition between gel states and
      nanoparticle states as the pH and silica concentration are varied. The pH in the
      system is controlled by the addition of a structure-directing agent (SDA) of the
      type SDA(+)(OH(-)). The silica units are represented by corner-sharing tetrahedra
      on a body-centered cubic lattice and the SDA(+) species by single sites with near
      neighbor repulsions. We focus on two systems: one with a low silica concentration
      with composition comparable to that of the clear solution silicalite-1 zeolite
      synthesis and a high silica concentration system that leads to gel states. In the
      dilute system, clusters have a core-shell structure, with the core predominantly
      comprised of silica with some SDA(+) cations, surrounded by a shell of only
      SDA(+) cations. Moreover, the average cluster size gradually decreases from 2 to
      1.6 nm with increasing pH. The concentrated system forms a gel that remains
      stable to increasing pH up to about 9.2. At pH values in the range of 9.2-10, the
      gel transforms to nanoparticles of size around 1.0 nm, surprisingly smaller than
      those in the dilute system. We also study the evolution of the Q(n) distribution
      (a measure of the silica network structure) for both systems and obtain good
      agreement with (29)Si NMR data available for the concentrated system.

PMID- 25140441
TI  - Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with Japanese encephalitis virus infection in
      China.
AB  - Abstract Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is preceded by an infection in about two
      thirds of patients. However, the infectious organism is often not identified. GBS
      secondary to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection has been reported only
      in India. Herein, we report a case of GBS preceded by JEV infection in China. A
      23-year-old male had generalized weakness, numbness in the extremities, and
      bilateral facial nerve paralysis. One week prior, he had a high fever with
      headache, and several days later, he developed facial diplegia and sensory
      disturbances. Physical examination revealed facial diplegia and a weak gag
      reflex, quadriparesis more pronounced distally, generalized hyporeflexia, and no
      Babinski sign. JEV IgM and hepatitis B surface antibody (HbsAb) tests were
      positive. Other tests for hepatitis B infection were negative. Nerve
      electrophysiology suggested an acute demyelinating sensorimotor
      polyradiculoneuropathy. His cerebrospinal fluid was clear, the leukocyte count
      was 5 * 10(6)/L (normal range: 0-5 * 10(6)/L), protein 0.62 g/L (normal range:
      0.15-0.45 g/L), and JEV IgM was weakly positive. He was diagnosed with GBS
      associated with a recent JEV infection. Intravenous (IV) immunoglobulins combined
      with IV methylprednisone was administered for 5 days, and at the 3-month follow
      up, a complete neurological recovery was noted. GBS may be associated with JEV
      infection. GBS exhibits a good response to intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma
      exchange and has a good prognosis making prompt diagnosis important.

PMID- 25140442
TI  - Structural study of the apatite Nd8Sr2Si6O26 by Laue neutron diffraction and
      single-crystal Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - A single-crystal structure determination of Nd8Sr2Si6O26 apatite, a prototype
      intermediate-temperature electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cells grown by the
      floating-zone method, was completed using the combination of Laue neutron
      diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. While neutron diffraction was in good
      agreement with P63/m symmetry, the possibility of P63 could not be convincingly
      excluded. This ambiguity was removed by the collection of orientation-dependent
      Raman spectra that could only be consistent with P63/m. The composition of
      Nd8Sr2Si6O26 was independently verified by powder X-ray diffraction in
      combination with electron probe microanalysis, with the latter confirming a
      homogeneous distribution of Sr and the absence of chemical zonation commonly
      observed in apatites. This comprehensive crystallochemical description of
      Nd8Sr2Si6O26 provides a baseline to quantify the efficacy of cation vacancies,
      oxygen superstoichiometry, and symmetry modification for promoting oxygen-ion
      mobility.

PMID- 25140443
TI  - DddD is a CoA-transferase/lyase producing dimethyl sulfide in the marine
      environment.
AB  - Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is produced in oceans in vast amounts (>10(7) tons/year)
      and mediates a wide range of processes from regulating marine life forms to cloud
      formation. Nonetheless, none of the enzymes that produce DMS from
      dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) has been adequately characterized. We describe
      the expression and purification of DddD from the marine bacterium Marinomonas sp.
      MWYL1 and its biochemical characterization. We identified DMSP and acetyl
      coenzyme A to be DddD's native substrates and Asp602 as the active site residue
      mediating the CoA-transferase prior to lyase activity. These findings shed light
      on the biochemical utilization of DMSP in the marine environment. 

PMID- 25140444
TI  - The use of a mobile assistant learning system for health education based on
      project-based learning.
AB  - With the development of mobile devices and wireless technology, mobile technology
      has gradually infiltrated nursing practice courses to facilitate instruction.
      Mobile devices save manpower and reduce errors while enhancing nursing students'
      professional knowledge and skills. To achieve teaching objectives and address the
      drawbacks of traditional education, this study presents a mobile assistant
      learning system to help nursing students prepare health education materials. The
      proposed system is based on a project-based learning strategy to assist nursing
      students with internalizing professional knowledge and developing critical
      thinking skills. Experimental results show that the proposed mobile system and
      project-based learning strategy can promote learning effectiveness and
      efficiency. Most nursing students and nursing educators showed positive attitudes
      toward this mobile learning system and looked forward to using it again in
      related courses in the future. 

PMID- 25140445
TI  - Creation of a virtual triage exercise: an interprofessional communication
      strategy.
AB  - Virtual reality simulation as a teaching method is gaining increased acceptance
      and presence in institutions of higher learning. This study presents an
      innovative strategy using the interdisciplinary development of a nonimmersive
      virtual reality simulation to facilitate interprofessional communication. The
      purpose of this pilot project was to describe nursing students' attitudes related
      to interprofessional communication following the collaborative development of a
      disaster triage virtual reality simulation. Collaboration between and among
      professionals is integral in enhancing patient outcomes. In addition, ineffective
      communication is linked to detrimental patient outcomes, especially during times
      of high stress. Poor communication has been identified as the root cause of the
      majority of negative sentinel events occurring in hospitals. The simulation
      development teaching model proved useful in fostering interprofessional
      communication and mastering course content. Mean scores on the KidSIM Attitudes
      Towards Teamwork in Training Undergoing Designed Educational Simulation survey
      demonstrated that nursing students, after simulation experience,had agreement to
      strong agreement inall areas surveyed including interprofessional education,
      communication, roles and responsibilities of team members, and situational
      awareness. The findings indicate that students value interprofessional teamwork
      and the opportunity to work with other disciplines. 

PMID- 25140446
TI  - Cucurbitane glycosides derived from mogroside IIE: structure-taste relationships,
      antioxidant activity, and acute toxicity.
AB  - Mogroside IIE is a bitter triterpenoid saponin which is the main component of
      unripe Luo Han Guo fruit and a precursor of the commercially available sweetener
      mogroside V. In this study, we developed an enzymatic glycosyl transfer method,
      by which bitter mogroside IIE could be converted into a sweet triterpenoid
      saponin mixture. The reactant concentration, temperature, pH and buffer system
      were studied. New saponins with the alpha-glucose group were isolated from the
      resulting mixtures, and the structures of three components of the extract were
      determined. The structure-taste relationships of these derivatives were also
      studied together with those of the natural mogrosides. The number and
      stereoconfiguration of glucose groups present in the mogroside molecules were
      found to be the main factor to determine the sweet or bitter taste of a compound.
      The antioxidant and food safety properties were initially evaluated by their
      radical scavenging ability and via 7 day mice survival tests, respectively. The
      results showed that the sweet triterpenoid saponin mixture has the same favorable
      physiological and safety characteristics as the natural mogrosides. 

PMID- 25140447
TI  - Oligo-carrageenan kappa-induced reducing redox status and activation of TRR/TRX
      system increase the level of indole-3-acetic acid, gibberellin A3 and trans
      zeatin in Eucalyptus globulus trees.
AB  - Eucalyptus globulus trees treated with oligo-carrageenan (OC) kappa showed an
      increase in NADPH, ascorbate and glutathione levels and activation of the
      thioredoxin reductase (TRR)/thioredoxin (TRX) system which enhance
      photosynthesis, basal metabolism and growth. In order to analyze whether the
      reducing redox status and the activation of thioredoxin reductase
      (TRR)/thioredoxin (TRX) increased the level of growth-promoting hormones, trees
      were treated with water (control), with OC kappa, or with inhibitors of ascorbate
      synthesis, lycorine, glutathione synthesis, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), NADPH
      synthesis, CHS-828, and thioredoxin reductase activity, auranofine, and with OC
      kappa, and cultivated for four additional months. Eucalyptus trees treated with
      OC kappa showed an increase in the levels of the auxin indole 3-acetic acid
      (IAA), gibberellin A3 (GA3) and the cytokinin trans-zeatin (t-Z) as well as a
      decrease in the level of the brassinosteroid epi-brassinolide (EB). In addition,
      treatment with lycorine, BSO, CHS-828 and auranofine inhibited the increase in
      IAA, GA3 and t-Z as well as the decrease in EB levels. Thus, the reducing redox
      status and the activation of TRR/TRX system induced by OC kappa increased the
      levels of IAA, GA3 and t-Z levels determining, at least in part, the stimulation
      of growth in Eucalyptus trees. 

PMID- 25140448
TI  - Identification of two novel alpha1-AR agonists using a high-throughput screening
      model.
AB  - alpha1-Adrenoceptors (ARs; 1A, 1B, and 1D) have been determined to perform
      different prominent functions in the physiological responses of the sympathetic
      nervous system. A high-throughput screening assay (HTS) was set up to detect
      alpha1-AR subtype-selective agonists by a dual-luciferase reporter assay in
      HEK293 cells. Using the HTS assay, two novel compounds, CHE3 and CHK3, were
      discovered as alpha1-ARs agonists in alpha1-ARs expressed in HEK293 cells. These
      compounds also showed moderate/weak anti-proliferative activities against tested
      cancer cell lines. The HTS assay proposed in this study represents a potential
      method for discovering more alpha1-AR subtype-selective ligands. 

PMID- 25140449
TI  - Magnetite nanostructures as novel strategies for anti-infectious therapy.
AB  - This review highlights the current situation of antimicrobial resistance and the
      use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in developing novel routes for fighting
      infectious diseases. The most important two directions developed recently are:
      (i) improved delivery of antimicrobial compounds based on a drastic decrease of
      the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of the drug used independently; and
      (ii) inhibition of microbial attachment and biofilm development on coated medical
      surfaces. These new directions represent promising alternatives in the
      development of new strategies to eradicate and prevent microbial infections that
      involve resistant and biofilm-embedded bacteria. Recent promising applications of
      MNPs, as the development of delivery nanocarriers and improved nanovehicles for
      the therapy of different diseases are discussed, together with the mechanisms of
      microbial inhibition. 

PMID- 25140450
TI  - Effect of redox modulating NRF2 activators on chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is featured by a progressive decline of kidney
      function and is mainly caused by chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and
      hypertension. CKD is a complex disease due to cardiovascular complications and
      high morbidity; however, there is no single treatment to improve kidney function
      in CKD patients. Since biological markers representing oxidative stress are
      significantly elevated in CKD patients, oxidative stress is receiving attention
      as a contributing factor to CKD pathology. Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related
      factor 2 (NRF2) is a predominant transcription factor that regulates the
      expression of a wide array of genes encoding antioxidant proteins, thiol
      molecules and their generating enzymes, detoxifying enzymes, and stress response
      proteins, all of which can counteract inflammatory and oxidative damages. There
      is considerable experimental evidence suggesting that NRF2 signaling plays a
      protective role in renal injuries that are caused by various pathologic
      conditions. In addition, impaired NRF2 activity and consequent target gene
      repression have been observed in CKD animals. Therefore, a pharmacological
      intervention activating NRF2 signaling can be beneficial in protecting against
      kidney dysfunction in CKD. This review article provides an overview of the role
      of NRF2 in experimental CKD models and describes current findings on the
      renoprotective effects of naturally occurring NRF2 activators, including
      sulforaphane, resveratrol, curcumin, and cinnamic aldehyde. These experimental
      results, coupled with recent clinical experiences with a synthetic triterpenoid,
      bardoxolone methyl, have brought a light of hope for ameliorating CKD progression
      by preventing oxidative stress and maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. 

PMID- 25140451
TI  - Effects of drying methods on physicochemical and immunomodulatory properties of
      polysaccharide-protein complexes from litchi pulp.
AB  - Dried litchi pulp has been used in traditional remedies in China for many years
      to treat various diseases, and the therapeutic activity has been, at least
      partly, attributed to the presence of bioactive polysaccharides. Polysaccharide
      protein complexes from vacuum freeze-(VF), vacuum microwave-(VM) and heat pump
      (HP) dried litchi pulp, which were coded as LP-VF, LP-VM and LP-HP, were
      comparatively studied on the physicochemical and immunomodulatory properties. LP
      HP had a predominance of galactose, while glucose was the major sugar component
      in LP-VF and LP-VM. Compared with LP-VF and LP-VM, LP-HP contained more aspartate
      and glutamic in binding protein. LP-HP also exhibited a stronger stimulatory
      effect on splenocyte proliferation at 200 MUg/mL and triggered higher NO, TNF
      alpha and IL-6 secretion from RAW264.7 macrophages. Different drying methods
      caused the difference in physicochemical properties of polysaccharide-protein
      complexes from dried litchi pulp, which resulted in significantly different
      immunomodulatory activity. HP drying appears to be the best method for preparing
      litchi pulp to improve its immunomodulatory properties. 

PMID- 25140455
TI  - Development and characterization of a resistance spot welding aerosol generator
      and inhalation exposure system.
AB  - Limited information exists regarding the health risks associated with inhaling
      aerosols that are generated during resistance spot welding of metals treated with
      adhesives. Toxicology studies evaluating spot welding aerosols are non-existent.
      A resistance spot welding aerosol generator and inhalation exposure system was
      developed. The system was designed by directing strips of sheet metal that were
      treated with an adhesive to two electrodes of a spot welder. Spot welds were made
      at a specified distance from each other by a computer-controlled welding gun in a
      fume collection chamber. Different target aerosol concentrations were maintained
      within the exposure chamber during a 4-h exposure period. In addition, the
      exposure system was run in two modes, spark and no spark, which resulted in
      different chemical profiles and particle size distributions. Complex aerosols
      were produced that contained both metal particulates and volatile organic
      compounds (VOCs). Size distribution of the particles was multi-modal. The
      majority of particles were chain-like agglomerates of ultrafine primary
      particles. The submicron mode of agglomerated particles accounted for the largest
      portion of particles in terms of particle number. Metal expulsion during spot
      welding caused the formation of larger, more spherical particles (spatter). These
      spatter particles appeared in the micron size mode and accounted for the greatest
      amount of particles in terms of mass. With this system, it is possible to examine
      potential mechanisms by which spot welding aerosols can affect health, as well as
      assess which component of the aerosol may be responsible for adverse health
      outcomes.

PMID- 25140454
TI  - Effects of acute inhalation of aerosols generated during resistance spot welding
      with mild-steel on pulmonary, vascular and immune responses in rats.
AB  - Spot welding is used in the automotive and aircraft industries, where high-speed,
      repetitive welding is needed to join thin sections of metal. Epoxy adhesives are
      applied as sealers to the metal seams. Pulmonary function abnormalities and
      airway irritation have been reported in spot welders, but no animal toxicology
      studies exist. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate vascular,
      immune and lung toxicity measures after exposure to these metal fumes in an
      animal model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed by inhalation to 25 mg/m3 to
      either mild-steel spot welding aerosols with sparking (high metal, HM) or without
      sparking (low metal, LM) for 4 h/d for 3, 8 and 13 d. Shams were exposed to
      filtered air. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), lung gene expression and ex vivo BAL
      cell challenge were performed to assess lung toxicity. Lung resistance (R(L)) was
      evaluated before and after challenge with inhaled methacholine (MCh). Functional
      assessment of the vascular endothelium in isolated rat tail arteries and
      leukocyte differentiation in the spleen and lymph nodes via flow cytometry was
      also done. Immediately after exposure, baseline R(L) was significantly elevated
      in the LM spot welding aerosols, but returned to control level by 24 h
      postexposure. Airway reactivity to MCh was unaffected. Lung inflammation and
      cytotoxicity were mild and transient. Lung epithelial permeability was
      significantly increased after 3 and 8 d, but not after 13 d of exposure to the HM
      aerosol. HM aerosols also caused vascular endothelial dysfunction and increased
      CD4+, CD8+ and B cells in the spleen. Only LM aerosols caused increased IL-6 and
      MCP-1 levels compared with sham after ex vivo LPS stimulation in BAL macrophages.
      Acute inhalation of mild-steel spot welding fumes at occupationally relevant
      concentrations may act as an irritant as evidenced by the increased R(L) and
      result in endothelial dysfunction, but otherwise had minor effects on the lung.

PMID- 25140456
TI  - Sodium/Lithium storage behavior of antimony hollow nanospheres for rechargeable
      batteries.
AB  - Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have come up as an alternative to lithium-ion
      batteries (LIBs) for large-scale applications because of abundant Na storage in
      the earth's crust. Antimony (Sb) hollow nanospheres (HNSs) obtained by galvanic
      replacement were first applied as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries and
      exhibited superior electrochemical performances with high reversible capacity of
      622.2 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 50 mA g(-1) after 50 cycles, close to the
      theoretical capacity (660 mAh g(-1)); even at high current density of 1600 mA g(
      1), the reversible capacities can also reach 315 mAh g(-1). The benefits of this
      unique structure can also be extended to LIBs, resulting in reversible capacity
      of 627.3 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 100 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles, and at
      high current density of 1600 mA g(-1), the reversible capacity is 435.6 mAhg(-1).
      Thus, these benefits from the Sb HNSs are able to provide a robust architecture
      for SIBs and LIBs anodes. 

PMID- 25140457
TI  - Antiparasitic efficacy of Gracillin and Zingibernsis newsaponin from Costus
      speciosus (Koen ex. Retz) Sm. against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis.
AB  - The present study aims to evaluate the antiparasitic activity of active
      components from Costus speciosus against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Bioassay
      guided fractionation was employed to identify active compounds from C. speciosus
      yielding 2 bioactive compounds: Gracillin and Zingibernsis newsaponin. In-vitro
      assays revealed that Gracillin and Zingibernsis newsaponin could be 100%
      effective against I. multifiliis at concentrations of 0.8 and 4.5 mg L(-1), with
      median effective concentration (EC50) values of 0.53 and 3.2 mg L(-1),
      respectively. All protomonts and encysted tomonts were killed when the
      concentrations of Gracillin and Zingibernsis newsaponin were 1.0 and 5.0 mg L(
      1). In-vivo experiments demonstrated that fish treated with Gracillin and
      Zingibernsis newsaponin at concentrations of 1.0 and 5.0 mg L(-1) carried
      significantly fewer parasites than the control (P<0.05). Mortality of fish did
      not occur in the treatment group (Zingibernsis newsaponin at 5.0 mg L(-1)) during
      the trial, although 100% of untreated fish died. Acute toxicities (LD50) of
      Gracillin and Zingibernsis newsaponin for grass carp were 1.64 and 20.7 mg L(-1),
      respectively. These results provided evidence that the 2 compounds can be
      selected as lead compounds for the development of new drugs against I.
      multifiliis.

PMID- 25140459
TI  - Synthesis and structures of mononuclear 3,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrrolyl
      complexes of Rh(I) and Ni(II).
AB  - New mononuclear complexes of the 3,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrrolyl ligand (3,4
      (CF3)2-Pyr(-)) with Rh(I) and Ni(II) are reported. Reaction of 3,4-(CF3)2-PyrNa
      with [Rh(COD)Cl]2 produces [Rh(PMe3)3(3,4-(CF3)2-Pyr)] (1) while reaction of 3,4
      (CF3)2-PyrH with [Ni(PMe3)2Me2] (2) or [Ni(PMe3)2Ph2] (4) gives [trans
      Ni(PMe3)2(3,4-(CF3)2-Pyr)(CH3)] (3) or [trans-Ni(PMe3)2(C6H5)(3,4-(CF3)2-Pyr)]
      (5) respectively. Complexes 1, 3 and 5 have been characterized spectroscopically
      and all five compounds have been structurally characterized by single crystal X
      ray diffraction studies.

PMID- 25140460
TI  - Horizontal right axillary minithoracotomy: aesthetic and effective option for
      atrial and ventricular septal defect repair in infants and toddlers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart defects treatment shows progressive reduction in
      morbidity and mortality, however, the scar, resulting from ventricular (VSD) and
      atrial septal defect (ASD) repair, may cause discomfort. Right axillary
      minithoracotomy approach, by avoiding the breast growth region, is an option for
      correction of these defects that may provide better aesthetic results at low
      cost. Since October 2011, we have been using this technique for repairing VSD and
      ASD defects as well as associated defects. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy
      of this method in children undergoing correction of VSD and ASD, to compare
      perioperative clinical outcomes with those repaired by median sternotomy, and to
      evaluate the aesthetic result. METHODS: Perioperative clinical data of 25
      patients submitted to axillary thoracotomy were compared with data from a paired
      group of 25 patients with similar heart defects repaired by median sternotomy,
      from October 2011 to August 2012. RESULTS: Axillary approach was possible even in
      infants. There was no mortality and the main perioperative variables were similar
      in both groups, except for lower use of blood products in the axillary group
      (6/25) vs. control (13/25), with statistical difference (P =0.04). The VSD size
      varied from 7 to 15 mm in axillary group. Cannulation of the aorta and vena cavae
      was performed through the main incision, whose size ranged from 3 to 5 cm in the
      axillary group, with excellent aesthetic results. CONCLUSION: The axillary
      thoracotomy was effective, allowing for a heart defect repair similar to the
      median sternotomy, with more satisfactory aesthetic results and reduced blood
      transfusion, and it can be safely used in infants.

PMID- 25140461
TI  - Impact of type of procedure and surgeon on EuroSCORE operative risk validation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: EuroSCORE has been used in cardiac surgery operative risk assessment,
      despite important variables were not included. The objective of this study was to
      validate EuroSCORE on mortality prediction in a Brazilian cardiovascular surgery
      center, defining the influence of type of procedure and surgical team. METHODS:
      Between January 2006 and June 2011, 2320 consecutive adult patients were studied.
      According to additive EuroSCORE, patients were divided into low risk (score<2),
      medium risk (3 - 5), high risk (6 - 11) and very high risk (>12). The relation
      between observed mortality (O) and expected mortality (E) according to logistic
      EuroSCORE was calculated for each of the groups, types of procedures and surgeons
      with > 150 operations, and analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: EuroSCORE
      correlated to the observed mortality (O/E=0.94; P<0.0001; area under the curve
      0.78). However, it overestimated the mortality in very high risk patients
      (O/E=0.74; P=0.001). EuroSCORE tended to overestimate isolated myocardial
      revascularization mortality (O/E=0.81; P=0.0001) and valve surgery mortality
      (O/E=0.89; P=0.007) and it tended to underestimate combined procedures mortality
      (O/E=1.09; P<0.0001). EuroSCORE overestimated surgeon A mortality (O/E=0.46;
      P<0.0001) and underestimated surgeon B mortality (O/E=1.3; P<0.0001), in every
      risk category. CONCLUSION: In the present population, EuroSCORE overestimates
      mortality in very high risk patients, being influenced by type of procedure and
      surgical team. The most appropriate surgical team may minimize risks imposed by
      preoperative profiles.

PMID- 25140462
TI  - Predictors of stroke in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors related to the development of stroke in
      patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: A historical cohort study. We
      included 4626 patients aged > 18 years who underwent coronary artery bypass
      surgery, heart valve replacement surgery alone or heart valve surgery combined
      with coronary artery bypass grafting between January 1996 and December 2011. The
      relationship between risk predictors and stroke was assessed by logistic
      regression model with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The incidence of
      stroke was 3% in the overall sample. After logistic regression, the following
      risk predictors for stroke were found: age 50-65 years (OR=2.11 - 95% CI 1.05
      4.23 - P=0.036) and age >66 years (OR=3.22 - 95% CI 1.6-6.47 - P=0.001), urgent
      and emergency surgery (OR=2.03 - 95% CI 1.20-3.45 - P=0.008), aortic valve
      disease (OR=2.32 - 95% CI 1.18-4.56 - P=0.014), history of atrial fibrillation
      (OR=1.88 - 95% CI 1.05-3.34 - P=0.032), peripheral artery disease (OR=1.81 - 95%
      CI 1.13-2.92 - P=0.014), history of cerebrovascular disease (OR=3.42 - 95% CI
      2.19-5.35 - P<0.001) and cardiopulmonary bypass time > 110 minutes (OR=1.71 - 95%
      CI 1.16-2.53 - P=0.007). Mortality was 31.9% in the stroke group and 8.5% in the
      control group (OR=5.06 - 95% CI 3.5-7.33 - P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The study
      identified the following risk predictors for stroke after cardiac surgery: age,
      urgent and emergency surgery, aortic valve disease, history of atrial
      fibrillation, peripheral artery disease, history of cerebrovascular disease and
      cardiopulmonary bypass time > 110 minutes.

PMID- 25140464
TI  - Comparison of fractal dimension and Shannon entropy in myocytes from rats treated
      with histidine-tryptophan-glutamate and histidine-tryptophan cetoglutarate.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Solutions that cause elective cardiac arrest are constantly
      evolving, but the ideal compound has not yet been found. The authors compare a
      new cardioplegic solution with histidine-tryptophan-glutamate (Group 2) and other
      one with histidine-tryptophan-cetoglutarate (Group 1) in a model of isolated rat
      heart. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the fractal dimension and Shannon entropy in rat
      myocytes subjected to cardioplegia solution using histidine-tryptophan with
      glutamate in an experimental model, considering the caspase markers, IL-8 and KI
      67. METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats were anesthetized and heparinized. The chest
      was opened, the heart was withdrawn and 40 ml/kg of cardioplegia (with histidine
      tryptophan-cetoglutarate or histidine-tryptophan-glutamate solution) was infused.
      The hearts were kept for 2 hours at 4oC in the same solution, and thereafter
      placed in the Langendorff apparatus for 30 min with Ringer-Locke solution.
      Analyzes were performed for immunohistochemical caspase, IL-8 and KI-67. RESULTS:
      The fractal dimension and Shannon entropy were not different between groups
      histidine-tryptophan-glutamate and histidine-tryptophan-acetoglutarate.
      CONCLUSION: The amount of information measured by Shannon entropy and the
      distribution thereof (given by fractal dimension) of the slices treated with
      histidine-tryptophan-cetoglutarate and histidine-tryptophan-glutamate were not
      different, showing that the histidine-tryptophan-glutamate solution is as good as
      histidine-tryptophan-acetoglutarate to preserve myocytes in isolated rat heart.

PMID- 25140465
TI  - Pain and cardiorespiratory responses of children during physiotherapy after heart
      surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of pain
      and changes in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and arterial oxygen
      saturation associated with physiotherapy in children undergoing cardiac surgery.
      METHODS: Eighteen extubated children were assessed for the presence of pain using
      the face, legs, activity, cry, consolability scale, and blood pressure, heart
      rate, respiratory rate and arterial oxygen saturation were simultaneously
      recorded. The physiological parameters were measured at the following time
      periods: immediately before physiotherapy, five and 10 minutes after the
      beginning of physiotherapy, and five minutes after its end. Pain was assessed
      immediately before physiotherapy, ten minutes after the beginning of
      physiotherapy and five minutes after its end. Pain and physiological changes were
      assessed by the Friedman test and the correlation between the physiological
      parameters and the pain scores was assessed by the Spearman test. RESULTS: Pain
      increased during physiotherapy and decreased significantly after it compared to
      pre-physiotherapy scores. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate increased
      significantly after 10 minutes of the beginning of physiotherapy. Arterial oxygen
      saturation tended to decrease during physiotherapy and to increase after it,
      although without significance. The correlation between pain scores and the
      physiological variables was significant only for systolic blood pressure and
      heart rate ten minutes after the beginning of physiotherapy. CONCLUSION:
      Manipulation after the beginning of physiotherapy seems to be accompanied by
      significant pain and by important associated cardiovascular changes. Apparent
      analgesia and improved respiratory function were observed after respiratory
      physiotherapy.

PMID- 25140463
TI  - Analysis of transit time flow of the right internal thoracic artery anastomosed
      to the left anterior descending artery compared to the left internal thoracic
      artery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We evaluated with transit time flow the performance of the right
      and left thoracic arteries when used as a graft for the left anterior descending
      artery. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing surgery for myocardial
      revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass were divided into two groups. In
      group A patients received graft of right internal mammary artery to the anterior
      interventricular branch. In group B patients received graft of left internal
      mammary artery to the same branch. At the end of the operation the flow was
      assessed by measuring transit time. RESULTS: In group A, mean age was 60.6 +/-
      9.49 years. The average height and weight of the group was 80.4 +/- 10.32 kg and
      169.2 +/- 6.86 cm. The average number of grafts per patient in this group was
      3.28 +/- 1.49. The mean flow and distal resistance obtained in right internal
      thoracic artery was 42.1 +/- 23.4 ml/min and 2.8 +/- 0.9 respectively. In group
      B, the mean age was 59.8 +/- 9.7 years. The average height and weight of this
      group was 77.7 +/- 14.22 kg and 166.0 +/- 8.2 cm. The average number of grafts
      per patient in this group was 3.08 +/- 0.82. The mean flow and distal resistance
      observed in this group was 34.2 +/- 19.1 ml/min and 2.0 +/- 0.7. There were no
      deaths in this series. CONCLUSION: Right internal mammary artery presented a
      similar behavior to left internal mammary artery when anastomosed to the anterior
      interventricular branch of the left coronary artery. There was no statistical
      difference between the measured flow obtained between both arteries.

PMID- 25140466
TI  - Impact of hospital infections on patients outcomes undergoing cardiac surgery at
      Santa Casa de Misericordia de Marilia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the incidence of nosocomial infections,
      the risk factors and the impact of these infections on mortality among patients
      undergoing to cardiac surgery. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 2060
      consecutive patients from 2006 to 2012 at the Santa Casa de Misericordia de
      Marilia. RESULTS: 351 nosocomial infections were diagnosed (17%), 227 non
      surgical infections and 124 surgical wound infections. Major infections were
      mediastinitis (2.0%), urinary tract infection (2.8%), pneumonia (2.3%), and
      bloodstream infection (1.7%). The in-hospital mortality was 6.4%. Independent
      variables associated with non-surgical infections were age > 60 years (OR 1.59,
      95% CI 1.09 to 2.31), ICU stay > 2 days (OR 5, 49, 95% CI 2.98 to 10, 09),
      mechanical ventilation > 2 days (OR11, 93, 95% CI 6.1 to 23.08), use of urinary
      catheter > 3 days (OR 4.85 95% CI 2.95 -7.99). Non-surgical nosocomial infections
      were more frequent in patients with surgical wound infection (32.3% versus 7.2%,
      OR 6.1, 95% CI 4.03 to 9.24). Independent variables associated with mortality
      were age greater than 60 years (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.4 t o3.0), use of vasoactive
      drugs (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.9 to 6, 0), insulin use (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.8),
      surgical reintervention (OR 4.4; 95% CI 2.1 to 9.0) pneumonia (OR 4.3; 95% CI 2.1
      to 8.9) and bloodstream infection (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 2.0 to 11.2). CONCLUSION: Non
      surgical hospital infections are common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery;
      they increase the chance of surgical wound infection and mortality.

PMID- 25140468
TI  - High postoperative serum levels of surfactant type B as novel prognostic markers
      for congenital heart surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Congenital heart diseases are observed in 5 to 8 of every 1000 live
      births. The presence of a valuable biomarker during the surgical periods may aid
      the clinician in a more accurate prognosis during treatment. METHODS: For this
      reason, surfactant protein B plasma levels may help to evaluate patients with
      cardiac problems diminishing the alveolocapillary membrane stability. In this
      study, plasma levels of this biomarker were measured in the preoperative and
      postoperative periods. This study was conducted to detect the differences between
      pulmonary hypertensive and normotensive patients. The differences before and
      after cardiopulmonary bypass were examined. RESULTS: The differences in
      cardiopulmonary bypass time, cross-clamp time , inotropic support dose, and
      duration of intensive care of patients with and without pulmonary hypertensive
      were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). The results revealed that
      this pathophysiological state was related to other variables that were studied.
      We believe that the differences in preoperative and postoperative SPB levels
      could be attributed to alveolocapillary membrane damage and alveolar surfactant
      dysfunction. We found that this pathophysiological condition was significantly
      associated with postoperative parameters. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current
      study showed that surfactant protein B was present in the blood of patients with
      a congenital heart disease during the preoperative period. Long by-pass times may
      exert damage to the alveolocapillary membrane in patients with pulmonary
      hypertension and preoperative heart failure, and it is recommended to keep the
      option of surfactant therapy in mind during the postoperative course at the
      intensive care unit before preparing the patients for extubation.

PMID- 25140467
TI  - Management of multivessel coronary disease after primary angioplasty: staged
      reintervention versus optimized clinical treatment and two-year follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In the clinical scenario of ST-segment elevation acute myocardial
      infarction, several patients with multivessel coronary atherosclerotic disease
      are discharged without a defined strategy to monitor the residual atherosclerotic
      lesions. The clinical endpoints evaluated were cardiovascular death, symptoms of
      angina pectoris, rehospitalization for a new acute coronary syndrome, and the
      necessity of reintervention during the two-year follow-up. METHODS: This
      observational, prospective, and historical study included multivessel coronary
      atherosclerotic disease patients who were admitted to a tertiary care university
      hospital with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction and underwent
      primary percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation only at the
      culprit lesion site; these patients were monitored in the outpatient clinic
      according to two treatments: the Clinical Group - CG (optimized pharmacological
      therapy associated with counseling for a healthy diet and cardiac rehabilitation)
      or the Intervention Group - IG (new staged percutaneous coronary intervention or
      surgical coronary artery bypass graft surgery combined with the previously
      prescribed treatment). RESULTS: Of 143 patients consecutively admitted with ST
      segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, 57 were eligible for the study
      (CG=44 and IG=13). Regarding the clinical endpoints, the cardiovascular death
      rate did not differ between the CG and IG. The symptom of angina pectoris and the
      rehospitalization rate for a new episode of acute coronary syndrome were
      accentuated in the CG (P=0.020 and P=0.049, respectively) mainly in individuals
      with evidence of ischemia evidenced by myocardial scintigraphy (P<0.001 and
      P=0.001, respectively) which culminated in an even greater need for
      reintervention (P=0.001) in this subgroup of patients. CONCLUSION: The staged
      intervention was demonstrated to be safe and able to reduce angina pectoris and
      rehospitalization for a new episode of acute coronary syndrome. In addition, it
      decreases the likelihood of unplanned reinterventions of patients without
      ischemia evidenced by myocardial scintigraphy.

PMID- 25140469
TI  - Comparative analysis of the patency of the internal thoracic artery in the CABG
      of left anterior descending artery: 6-month postoperative coronary CT angiography
      evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the patency of the pedicled right internal thoracic artery
      with an anteroaortic course and compare it to the patency of the left internal
      thoracic artery , in anastomosis to the left anterior descending artery in
      coronary artery bypass grafting by using coronary CT angiography at 6 months
      postoperatively. METHODS: Between December 2008 and December 2011, 100 patients
      were selected to undergo a prospective coronary artery bypass grafting procedure
      without cardiopulmonary bypass. The patients were randomly divided by a computer
      generated list into Group-1 (G-1) and Group-2 (G-2), comprising 50 patients each,
      the technique used was known at the beginning of the surgery. In G-1, coronary
      artery bypass grafting was performed using the left internal thoracic artery for
      the left anterior descending and the free right internal thoracic artery for the
      circumflex, and in G-2, coronary artery bypass grafting was performed using the
      right internal thoracic artery pedicled to the left anterior descending and the
      left internal thoracic artery pedicled to the circumflex territory. RESULTS: The
      groups were similar with regard to the preoperative clinical data. A male
      predominance of 75.6% and 88% was observed in G-1 and G-2, respectively. Five
      patients migrated from G-1 to G-2 because of atheromatous disease in the
      ascending aorta. The average number of distal anastomoses was 3.48 (SD=0.72) in G
      1 and 3.20 (SD=0.76) in G-2. Coronary CT angiography in 96 re-evaluated patients
      showed that all ITAs, right or left, used in situ for the left anterior
      descending were patent. There were no deaths in either group. CONCLUSION:
      Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery involving anastomosis of the anteroaortic
      right internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery has an
      outcome similar to that obtained using the left internal thoracic artery for the
      same coronary site.

PMID- 25140471
TI  - Morphologic expression of the left coronary artery in pigs. An approach in
      relation to human heart.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In spite of its importance as an experimental model, the
      information on the left coronary artery in pigs is sparse. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the morphologic features of the left coronary artery in pigs. METHODS:
      We evaluated 158 pig hearts. The left coronary artery was perfused with synthetic
      resin after their ostia had been catheterized. Diameters and courses of the
      vascular beds were measured with an electronic caliper (Mitutoyo(r)). RESULTS:
      The diameter of left coronary artery was 6.98 +/- 1.56 mm and its length was 3.51
      +/- 0.99 mm. It was found to end up by bifurcating itself into the anterior
      interventricular artery and the circumflex artery in 79% of the cases, and by
      trifurcating in 21% of the cases, with the presence of the diagonal artery. The
      anterior interventricular artery ended up at the apex in 79.7% of the cases, and
      the circumflex artery at the posterior aspect of the left ventricle in 64% of the
      case, this artery never reached the posterior interventricular sulcus. An
      anastomosis between the terminal branches of the anterior interventricular artery
      and the posterior interventricular artery was found in 7.6% of the specimens. The
      antero-superior branch of the anterior interventricular artery occurred in 89.9%
      of the hearts. A left marginal branch was observed in 87.9% of the cases with a
      diameter of 2.25 +/- 0.55 mm. CONCLUSION: Compared with humans, pigs have shorter
      left coronary artery trunks and branches; even the circumflex artery never
      reaches the posterior interventricular sulcus. Our findings are useful for the
      design of experimental hemodynamic and procedural models.

PMID- 25140470
TI  - Myocardial regeneration after implantation of porcine small intestinal submucosa
      in the left ventricle.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Most cardiomyocytes do not regenerate after myocardial infarction.
      Porcine small intestinal submucosa has been shown to be effective in tissue
      repair. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate myocardial tissue regeneration and functional
      effects of SIS implantation in pigs after left ventriculotomy. METHODS: Fifteen
      pigs were assigned to two groups: porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) (N=10)
      and control (N=5). The SIS group underwent a mini sternotomy, left ventriculotomy
      and placement of a SIS patch. The control group underwent a sham procedure.
      Echocardiography was performed before and 60 days after the surgical procedure.
      Histological analysis was performed with hematoxylin-eosin stain and markers for
      actin 1A4, anti sarcomeric actin, connexin43 and factor VIII. RESULTS: Weight
      gain was similar in both groups. Echocardiography analysis revealed no difference
      between groups regarding end diastolic and systolic diameters and left
      ventricular ejection fraction, both pre (P=0.118, P=0.313, P=0.944) and post
      procedure (P=0.333, P=0.522, P=0.628). Both groups showed an increase in end
      diastolic (P<0,001 for both) and systolic diameter 60 days after surgery
      (P=0.005, SIS group and P=0.004, control group). New cardiomyocytes, blood
      vessels and inflammatory reactions were histologically identified in the SIS
      group. CONCLUSION: SIS implantation in pigs after left ventriculotomy was
      associated with angiomuscular regeneration and no damage in cardiac function.

PMID- 25140472
TI  - Preoperative therapy restores ventilatory parameters and reduces length of stay
      in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The frequency of surgical procedures has increased steadily in
      recent decades, including the myocardial revascularization. OBJECTIVES: To
      demonstrate the importance of physiotherapy in the preoperative period of cardiac
      surgery in relation to the reduction of hospital stay, changes in lung volumes
      and respiratory muscle strength. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study with
      patients undergoing myocardial revascularization, the Hospital das Clinicas da
      Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)/Botucatu - SP. We evaluated 70 patients of
      both genders, aged between 40 and 75 years, subdivided into two groups: group I -
      35 patients of both genders, who received a written protocol guidance, breathing
      exercises and respiratory muscle training in the preoperative period and group II
      - 35 patients of both genders, who received only orientation of the ward on the
      day of surgery. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of UNESP /
      Botucatu - SP. RESULTS: Maximal inspiratory pressure in third postoperative day
      and fifth postoperative day and significant difference between groups, being
      better for the intervention group. Expiratory pressure was significant in fifth
      postoperative day in the intervention group compared to controls. The difference
      of length of hospital stay in the postoperative was found between the groups with
      shorter hospital stay in the group receiving preoperative therapy. CONCLUSION:
      Physical therapy plays an important role in the preoperative period, so that
      individuals in the intervention group more readily restored the parameters
      evaluated before surgery, in addition, there was a decrease in the time of the
      postoperative hospital stay. Thus, it is thought the cost-effectiveness of a
      program of preoperative physiotherapy.

PMID- 25140474
TI  - Left subclavian artery stenting: an option for the treatment of the coronary
      subclavian steal syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The subclavian steal syndrome is characterized by the vertebral
      artery flow inversion, due to a stenotic lesion in the origin of the subclavian
      artery. The Coronary-subclavian Steal Syndrome is a variation of the Subclavian
      Steal Syndrome and is characterized by inversion of flow in the Internal Thracic
      artery that has been used as conduct in a myocardial revascularization. Its
      diagnosis must be suspected in patients with difference in pulse and arterial
      pressure in the upper limbs, that present with angina pectoris and that have done
      a myocardial revascularization. Its treatment must be a surgical bypass or a
      transluminal angioplasty. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to show the left subclavian
      artery stenting as a safe and effective method to treat the coronary-subclavian
      steal syndrome. METHODS: Historical prospective, non-randomized trial, through
      revision of the hospital records of the patients treated with the stenting of the
      left subclavian artery, from January 2006 to September 2012. RESULTS: In the
      mentioned period, 4.291 miocardial revascularizations were performed with the use
      of the left mammary artery, and 16 patients were identified to have the Coronary
      subclavian steal syndrome. All of them were submitted to endovascular treatment.
      The success rate was 100%; two patients experienced minor complications; none of
      them presented with major complications. Eleven of the 16 patients had
      ultrassonographic documentation of patent stent for at least one year; two
      patients lost follow up and other two died. CONCLUSION: The stenting of the left
      subclavian artery is a good option for the treatment of the Coronary-subclavian
      Steal Syndrome, with high level of technical and clinical success.

PMID- 25140473
TI  - Improvement in cardioplegic perfusion technique in single aortic clamping -
      initial results.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The most common method used for myocardial protection is
      administering cardioplegic solution in the coronary circulation. Nevertheless,
      protection may be achieved by intermittent perfusion of the coronary system with
      patient's own blood. The intermittent perfusion may be performed by multiple
      sequences of clamping and opening of the aortic clamp or due single clamping and
      accessory cannulation of the aortic root as in the improved technique proposed in
      this study, reperfusion without the need for multiple clamping of the aorta.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome and the occurrence of neurological
      events in in-hospital patients submitted to myocardial revascularization surgery
      with the "improved technique" of intermittent perfusion of the aortic root with
      single clamping. METHODS: This is a prospective, cross-sectional, observational
      study that describes a myocardial management technique that consists of
      intermittent perfusion of the aortic root with single clamping in which 50
      patients (mean age 58.5 +/- 7.19 years old) have been submitted to the myocardial
      revasculrization surgery under the proposed technique. Clinical and laboratory
      variables, pre- and post-surgery, have been assessed. RESULTS: The mean peak
      level of post-surgery CKMB was 51.64 +/- 27.10 U/L in the second post-surgery and
      of troponin I was 3.35 +/- 4.39 ng/ml in the fourth post-surgery, within normal
      limits. No deaths have occurred and one patient presented mild neurological
      disorder. Hemodynamic monitoring has not indicated any changes. CONCLUSION: The
      myocardial revascularization surgery by perfusion with the improved technique
      with intermittent aortic root with single clamping proved to be safe, enabling
      satisfactory clinical results.

PMID- 25140475
TI  - Evolution of weight and height of children with congenital heart disease
      undergoing surgical treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the height and weight development of children with
      congenital heart disease undergoing surgery with the goal of determining when
      they reach the threshold of normal development and whether there are differences
      between patients with developmental pattern below the level of normality
      preoperatively (z-score<-2 for the analyzed parameter) in comparison to the total
      group of cardiac patients. METHODS: We prospectively followed up 27 children
      undergoing operation into five time periods: preoperatively and at four
      subsequent outpatient appointments: 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month and 12th
      month after hospital discharge. The anthropometric parameters used were median z
      score (MZ), weight (WAZ), height (HAZ), subscapular skinfold (SSFAZ), upper arm
      circumference (UAC) and triceps skinfold (TSFAZ). The evolution assessment of the
      parameters was performed by analysis of variance and comparison with the general
      normal population from unpaired t test, both in the total group of cardiac
      patients, and in subgroups with preoperative parameters below the normal level
      (Zm<-2). RESULTS: In the total group there was no significant evolution of MZ of
      all parameters. WAZ was statistically lower than the normal population until the
      1st month of follow-up (P=0.028); HAZ only preoperatively (P=0.044), SSFAZ in the
      first month (P=0.015) and at 12th month (P=0.038), UAC and TSFAZ were always
      statistically equal to the general population. In patients whose development was
      below the level of normality, there were important variation of WAZ (P=0.002),
      HAZ (P=0.001) and UAC (P=0.031) after the operation, and the WAZ was lower than
      the normal population until the 3rd month (P=0.015); HAZ and UAC, until the first
      month (P=0.024 and P=0.039 respectively), SSFAZ, up to the 12th month (P=0.005),
      the TSFAZ only preoperatively (P=0.011). CONCLUSION: The operation promoted the
      return to normalcy for those with heart disease in general within up to three
      months, but for the group of patients below normal developmental pattern of the
      return occurred within 12 months.

PMID- 25140476
TI  - The calcium paradox - what should we have to fear?
AB  - The calcium paradox was first mentioned in 1966 by Zimmerman et al. Thereafter
      gained great interest from the scientific community due to the fact of the
      absence of calcium ions in heart muscle cells produce damage similar to ischemia
      reperfusion. Although not all known mechanisms involved in cellular injury in the
      calcium paradox intercellular connection maintained only by nexus seems to have a
      key role in cellular fragmentation. The addition of small concentrations of
      calcium, calcium channel blockers, and hyponatraemia hypothermia are important to
      prevent any cellular damage during reperfusion solutions with physiological
      concentration of calcium. 

PMID- 25140477
TI  - Cardiac risk stratification in cardiac rehabilitation programs: a review of
      protocols.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gather and describe general characteristics of different protocols of
      risk stratification for cardiac patients undergoing exercise. METHODS: We
      conducted searches in LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and SciELO
      electronic databases, using the following descriptors: Cardiovascular Disease,
      Rehabilitation Centers, Practice Guideline, Exercise and Risk Stratification in
      the past 20 years. RESULTS: Were selected eight studies addressing methods of
      risk stratification in patients undergoing exercise. CONCLUSION: None of the
      methods described could cover every situation the patient can be subjected to;
      however, they are essential to exercise prescription.

PMID- 25140478
TI  - Vacuum-assisted drainage in cardiopulmonary bypass: advantages and disadvantages.
AB  - Systematic review of vacuum assisted drainage in cardiopulmonary bypass,
      demonstrating its advantages and disadvantages, by case reports and evidence
      about its effects on microcirculation. We conducted a systematic search on the
      period 1997-2012, in the databases PubMed, Medline, Lilacs and SciELO. Of the 70
      selected articles, 26 were included in the review. Although the vacuum assisted
      drainage has significant potential for complications and requires appropriate
      technology and professionalism, prevailed in literature reviewed the concept that
      vacuum assisted drainage contributed in reducing the rate of transfusions,
      hemodilutions, better operative field, no significant increase in hemolysis,
      reduced complications surgical, use of lower prime and of smaller diameter
      cannulas. 

PMID- 25140479
TI  - Biocompatibility of Ricinus communis polymer with addition of calcium carbonate
      compared to titanium. Experimental study in guinea pigs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether the
      difference in inflammatory tissue reaction between the Riccinus communis (castor)
      polymer with calcium carbonate and the titanium implant is statistically
      significant. METHODS: Thirty-two Cavia porcellus were allocated into four groups
      of eight animals each. We implanted the two types of materials in the
      retroperitoneal space of all the animals. They were euthanized at 7, 20, 30 and
      40 days after surgery, and an histological study of the samples was conducted.
      RESULTS: All implants showed characteristics of chronic inflammation regardless
      of the material and timepoint of evaluation. There was no statistically
      significant difference between Pm+CaCO3 and Ti with regard to the presence of
      granulation tissue, tissue congestion, histiocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils,
      giant cells, and fibrosis (P> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The castor oil polymer plus
      calcium carbonate implant was not statistically different from the titanium
      implant regarding inflammatory tissue reaction.

PMID- 25140480
TI  - The use of virtual resources in preoperative preparation of infrarenal aneurysms:
      exploring the OsiriX's potential.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the past few years, the increase of endovascular surgeons'
      interest on tomography image edition through softwares is marked specially when
      it concerns to its use on preoperatory study for endovascular aneurysm repair. It
      is presumed that the bigger the number of informations extracted from the
      tomography exam and its three-dimensional reconstruction, the smaller is the need
      of patient's exposure to contrast, as well as the its exposure and the surgical
      team to radiation. Concepts of image manipulation on the OsiriX software with
      volume reconstruction of tridimensional tomographic scans of virtual fluoroscopy
      were used. METHODS: Through manipulation of multi-slice tomography images under
      three-dimensional reconstruction on software, it was able to modify values of the
      exam's dose-irradiated distribution. These volume reconstruction presets were
      saved as Virtual Fluoroscopy, reproducible upon any OsiriX platform. It was able
      to construct a biplanar image appearing to the patient's operatory fluoroscopy.
      When compared to the intraoperatory angiography, the images were alike.
      DISCUSSION: Dose-irradiated distribution data manipulation allowed to visualize
      as opaque bone surfaces and transparent low-dose radiation's areas (viscerae).
      Thus, under previously marked renal arteries, it was possible to predict it's
      anatomical positioning related to visualization under real fluoroscopy.
      Foretelling the better positioning of the C-arm through this technique enables to
      obtain images with the minimum influence of parallax effect. It is believed that
      it supports to assess the renal arteries topographic positioning on a bi
      dimensional intraoperatory image. The need of frequent angiographies to localize
      the renal arteries is reduced, decreasing the exposure to contrast on vulnerable
      patients.

PMID- 25140481
TI  - Intracardiac embolization of inferior vena cava filter associated with right
      atrium perforation and cardiac tamponade.
AB  - Insertion of inferior vena cava filters has been well established in literature,
      reducing occurrence of pulmonary embolism after an episode of deep venous
      thrombosis in patients with contraindication to anticoagulation. There are a
      small number of complications related to procedure and embolization is rare. In
      this context, we described a case of intracardiac embolization associated with
      cardiac tamponade. 

PMID- 25140482
TI  - Comment on "depression after CABG: a prospective study.".

PMID- 25140484
TI  - Condemnation to plagiarism.

PMID- 25140485
TI  - Brazilian Registry of Cardiovascular Surgery in Adults. From design to reality.

PMID- 25140486
TI  - Increasing isolated right heart chambers in second trimester ultrasound: always a
      warning sign?

PMID- 25140487
TI  - Associations between birth weight, preeclampsia and cognitive functions in middle
      aged adults.
AB  - Both reductions in birth weight and preeclampsia (PE) have been associated with
      decrements in scores on tests of intelligence in children and adolescents. We
      examined whether these decrements persist into middle adulthood and expand into
      other domains of cognitive functioning. Using data from the Early Determinants of
      Adult Health project and from the ancillary project, Fetal Antecedents of Major
      Depression and Cardiovascular Disease, we selected term same-sex sibling sets or
      singletons from these sets, from the New England Family Study (NEFS) and the
      Child Health and Development Studies (CHDS), discordant on either fetal growth or
      PE, to test the hypotheses that prenatal exposure to inflammation was associated
      with decrements in attention, learning and executive function 40 years later.
      Exposure was defined as a continuous measure of percentile birth weight for
      gestational age, reduced fetal growth (<20th percentile of birth weight for
      gestational age) or maternal PE. Given that the sample was comprised, in part, of
      sibling sets, the analyses were performed using mixed models to account for the
      inter-sibling correlations. Analyses were performed separately by study site
      (i.e. NEFS and CHDS). We found few statistically significant associations
      (suggesting a possible type II error) consistent with previous literature,
      suggesting that the associations with low birth weight do not persist into
      midlife. We discuss the possible reasons for the lack of associations, which
      include the possible mediating effects of the postnatal environment. 

PMID- 25140489
TI  - The energy release rate of a pressurized crack in soft elastic materials: effects
      of surface tension and large deformation.
AB  - In this paper we present a theoretical study on how surface tension affects
      fracture of soft solids. In classical fracture theory, the resistance to fracture
      is partly attributed to the energy required to create new surfaces. Thus, the
      energy released to the crack tip must overcome the surface energy in order to
      propagate a crack. In soft materials, however, surface tension can cause
      significant deformation and can reduce the energy release rate for crack
      propagation by resisting the stretch of crack surfaces. We quantify this effect
      by studying the inflation of a penny-shaped crack in an infinite elastic body
      with applied pressure. To avoid numerical difficulty caused by singular fields
      near the crack tip, we derived an expression for the energy release rate which
      depends on the applied pressure, the surface tension, the inflated crack volume
      and the deformed crack area. This expression is evaluated using a newly developed
      finite element method with surface tension elements. Our calculation shows that,
      when the elasto-capillary number omega = sigma/Ea is sufficiently large, where
      sigma is the isotropic surface tension, E is the small strain Young's modulus and
      a is the initial crack radius, both the energy release rate and the crack opening
      displacement of an incompressible neo-Hookean solid are significantly reduced by
      surface tension. For a sufficiently high elasto-capillary number, the energy
      release rate can be negative for applied pressure less than a critical amount,
      suggesting that surface tension can cause crack healing in soft elastic
      materials.

PMID- 25140488
TI  - Effect of maternal coffee, smoking and drinking behavior on adult son's semen
      quality: prospective evidence from the Child Health and Development Studies.
AB  - Fetal exposure to caffeine is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Animal
      and human studies suggest that caffeine may have effects on the developing
      reproductive system. Here we report on mothers' smoking, coffee and alcohol use,
      recorded during pregnancy, and semen quality in sons in the age group of 38-47
      years. Subjects were a subset of the Child Health and Development Studies, a
      pregnancy cohort enrolled between 1959 and 1967 in the Kaiser Foundation Health
      Plan near Oakland, California. In 2005, adult sons participated in a follow-up
      study (n = 338) and semen samples were donated by 196 participants. Samples were
      analyzed for sperm concentration, motility and morphology according to the
      National Cooperative Reproductive Medicine Network (Fertile Male Study) Protocol.
      Mean sperm concentration was reduced by approximately 16 million sperms for sons
      with high prenatal exposure (5 cups of maternal coffee use per day) compared with
      unexposed sons (P-value for decreasing trend = 0.09), which translates to a
      proportionate reduction of 25%. Mean percent motile sperm decreased by
      approximately 7 points (P-value = 0.04), a proportionate decline of 13%, and mean
      percent sperm with normal morphology decreased by approximately 2 points (P-value
      = 0.01), a proportionate decline of 25%. Maternal cigarette and alcohol use were
      not associated with son's semen quality. Adjusting for son's contemporary coffee,
      alcohol and cigarette use did not explain the maternal associations. Findings for
      son's coffee intake and father's prenatal coffee, cigarette and alcohol use were
      non-significant and inconclusive. These results contribute to the evidence that
      maternal coffee use during pregnancy may impair the reproductive development of
      the male fetus. 

PMID- 25140490
TI  - To assemble or fold?
AB  - This communication reports an elegant structure formation by an amide
      functionalized donor (D)-acceptor (A) dyad by stepwise folding and assembly. It
      adopts a folded conformation by intra-chain CT-interaction that subsequently
      dimerizes by inter-molecular H-bonding to produce a folded dimer (FD) with a DAAD
      stacking sequence. Incompatibility of the aromatic stacked face with MCH triggers
      macroscopic assembly by solvophobically driven edge-to-edge stacking of the FD
      with concomitant growth in the orthogonal direction by D-D pi-stacking leading to
      the formation of a reverse-vesicle. 

PMID- 25140493
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis of Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

PMID- 25140492
TI  - Gas-phase synthesis and reactivity of Cu(+)-benzyne complexes.
AB  - Cu(+)-benzyne complexes bearing bidentate nitrogen ligands were synthesized in
      the gas phase for the first time using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
      The addition reactivity of copper-stabilized benzyne with amines was studied in
      the ion trap analyzer. The structures of products were identified by comparing
      their MS(n) data with authentic compounds obtained from another generation route.

PMID- 25140494
TI  - First experience with three-dimensional speckle tracking (3D wall motion
      tracking) in fetal echocardiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Fetal cardiac function can be quantified by different methods. This
      is the first approach of real three-dimensional(3 D)-based speckle tracking
      echocardiography in the fetus to assess different cardiac strain parameters.
      METHODS: We present preliminary results of fetal global myocardial strain
      analyses. For fetal echocardiography a Toshiba Artida system was used. Based on
      an apical or basal four-chamber view of the fetal heart, raw data volumes with a
      high temporal resolution were acquired and digitally stored. RESULTS: 8
      individual healthy fetuses with an echocardiogram performed between 21 and 37
      weeks of gestation were included. The mean temporal resolution was 31.2 +/- 4.3
      volumes per second (vps). Basic parameters such as longitudinal and
      circumferential strain as well as advanced 3 D myocardial motion patterns such as
      area strain, rotation, twist and torsion were assessed. CONCLUSION: Currently the
      assessment of fetal myocardial deformation parameters by 3 D speckle tracking
      seems to be technically feasible only in individual cases. In the future further
      development of this technique is necessary to improve its application in fetal
      echocardiography.

PMID- 25140495
TI  - A Comparison of the Diagnostic Accuracy and Reliability of Subjective Grading and
      Computer-Aided Assessment of Intranodal Vascularity in Differentiating Metastatic
      and Reactive Cervical Lymphadenopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ultrasound is a well-established imaging modality in the assessment of
      malignant cervical lymphadenopathy. With the use of Doppler ultrasound,
      intranodal vascularity can be evaluated. However, the major limitation of
      ultrasound is operator dependency. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and
      compare the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of the subjective grading and
      computer-aided approach in assessing intranodal vascularity for the
      differentiation of benign and malignant lymph nodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      present study retrospectively assessed 99 power Doppler ultrasound images of
      cervical lymph nodes and evaluated the degree of intranodal vascularity using
      qualitative subjective grading (QSG) and quantitative computer-aided (QCA)
      methods. The diagnostic accuracy of the two methods in distinguishing metastatic
      and reactive nodes and their inter- and intra-rater reliability in assessing
      intranodal vascularity were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The results showed
      that the QCA method was more accurate than the QSG method with a significantly
      higher sensitivity (67.8 % and 61.9 %, respectively, p < 0.05) and specificity
      (73.3 % and 57.3 %, respectively, p < 0.05). Using the intranodal vascularity
      index as determined by the QCA approach, the optimum cut-off to differentiate
      metastatic and reactive cervical lymph nodes was 32 %. The QCA method showed
      higher inter- and intra-rater reliability than the QSG method. CONCLUSION: In the
      assessment of the degree of intranodal vascularity, the QCA method was more
      accurate and reliable than the QSG method in distinguishing metastatic and
      reactive lymph nodes.

PMID- 25140496
TI  - Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and real-time elastography for the diagnosis of
      benign Leydig cell tumors of the testis - a single center report on 13 cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe sonomorphological features in testicular Leydig cell tumors
      (LCTs) with a special focus on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and real
      time elastography (RTE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a series of 186 patients with
      testicular surgery for neoplastic disease, 13 benign LCTs (in 12 patients) were
      histopathologically diagnosed. Preoperatively, all patients had been examined
      with a standardized protocol (high-resolution grayscale and color-coded
      ultrasonography, CEUS). 5 patients underwent RTE. In CEUS, the filling time of
      the lesion was compared to that of 14 size-matched germ cell tumors (GCT).
      RESULTS: 10/13 LCTs had a size of < 10 mm, and a sharply demarcated hypoechoic
      appearance was typical (10/13). Color-coded ultrasonography detected signals in 8
      lesions, while CEUS showed clear hypervascularization in all. LCTs had a
      significantly shorter filling time than GCTs (p < 0.0005), with 9/13 LCTs being
      completely filled within 4 s. In RTE, all 5 examined lesions were clearly
      "harder" than the surrounding testicular tissue. CONCLUSION: Contrary to some
      earlier reports, we could demonstrate marked hypervascularization in LCTs. This
      feature clearly allows for the differentiation of a small LCT from focal scars.
      However, it may only be visible on CEUS. In CEUS, LCT is suggested by the
      findings of a short filling time or by a circumferential vessel with a rapid
      centripetal filling, combined with a "harder" appearance in RTE. These features
      along with the findings of a small and peripherally situated hypoechoic tumor
      would justify an operative strategy with frozen section examination and possibly
      organ sparing surgery instead of orchiectomy.

PMID- 25140497
TI  - Normal values for transbulbar sonography and magnetic resonance imaging of the
      optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in children and adolescents.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish normal values of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in
      children and adolescents for transbulbar sonography and magnetic resonance
      imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 99 children and adolescents (age: 5.6 - 18.6
      years, mean: 12 years) without neurologic or ophthalmologic disease, measurements
      of the ONSD with transbulbar sonography were performed. For comparison 59
      children and adolescents (age: 5.1 - 17.4 years, mean 12.3 years) with a normal
      MR examination of the brain had measurements of the ONSD on a T2-weighted thin
      section sequence of the orbit. Besides establishing modality-related normal
      values, age dependency, accuracy and reproducibility of measurements were
      assessed. RESULTS: Overall the mean ONSD was 5.75 +/- 0.52 mm for transbulbar
      sonography and 5.69 +/- 0.31 mm for MRI. There was no statistical significance
      between the 95 % percentiles and age for both transbulbar sonography (p = 0.332)
      and MRI (p = 0.336). As a parameter for the reproducibility of measurements, the
      repeatability coefficient (RC) was between 0.34 mm and 0.46 mm. The concordance
      correlation coefficient (CCC) values revealed a high agreement between readers
      both for transbulbar sonography (0.868) and MRI (0.796). CONCLUSION: Normal
      values for ONSD in children and adolescents found in this study are significantly
      higher than assumed. The values found for transbulbar sonography are confirmed by
      comparable results for MR measurements. A precise sonographic measurement
      technique and the consideration of normal values found hereby are essential for
      correct interpretation of ONSD measurements in children and adolescents.

PMID- 25140498
TI  - Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis of Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia by Tooth Germ
      Sonography.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, a potentially life-threatening
      heritable disorder, may be recognized already in utero by characteristic features
      such as oligodontia and mandibular hypoplasia. As therapeutic options and
      prognosis depend on the time point of diagnosis, early recognition was attempted
      during routine prenatal ultrasound examinations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fetuses of
      nine pregnant women (one triplet and eight singleton pregnancies) with family
      histories of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia were investigated by sonography
      between the 20th and 24th week of gestation. RESULTS: In 4 male and 2 female
      fetuses reduced amounts of tooth germs were detected, whereas 5 fetal subjects
      showed the normal amount. Three-dimensional ultrasound evaluation revealed
      mandibular hypoplasia in 5 of the 6 fetuses with oligodontia. Molecular genetic
      analysis and/or clinical findings after birth confirmed the prenatal sonographic
      diagnosis in each subject. CONCLUSION: In subjects with a family history of
      hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, the diagnosis of this rare condition can be
      established noninvasively by sonography in the second trimester of pregnancy.
      Early recognition of the disorder may help to prevent dangerous hyperthermic
      episodes in infancy and may allow timely therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 25140499
TI  - The scientific literature on Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker 1857) from 1982 to 2012.
AB  - Limnoperna fortunei (golden mussel) is a freshwater bivalve native to Southeast
      Asia, but is becoming an invasive species in several aquatic ecosystems in the
      world. In this study, a scientometric analysis was performed to identify the
      patterns, trends and gaps of knowledge for this invasive species. A survey of the
      published literature was conducted using the database of the Thomson Institute
      for Scientific Information (ISI). A total of 107 papers were surveyed that were
      published between 1982 and 2012 in 60 journals. The number of papers on L.
      fortunei over the years has increased, especially within the last eight years of
      the study period. Argentina, Brazil, and Japan are the countries that contributed
      the most papers to the literature on invasive bivalve. The majority of papers
      were field-observational studies. Among some important gaps that need to be
      addressed are the relatively small number and/or lack of studies conducted in the
      native countries and in countries invaded by L. fortunei, the lack of
      internationally collaborative publications in these countries, as well as a low
      number of internationally collaborative studies. 

PMID- 25140500
TI  - Growth and intestinal morphology of juvenile pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus
      (Holmberg 1887) fed dietary prebiotics (mannanoligosaccharides - MOS).
AB  - Intensification of aquaculture production systems exposes fish to numerous
      stressors, which may negatively affect their growth and limit profitability of
      aquaculture systems. This study determined effects of increasing levels of
      dietary mannanoligosaccharides on growth and intestine morphology of pacu. Fish
      (44.04 g) were randomly distributed into 32 tanks (500 L; 10 fishes per tank) and
      fed during 63 days with a commercial diet supplemented with 0.0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6;
      0.8; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0% dietary mannanoligosaccharides. Growth parameters did not
      differ (P>0.05) between fish fed control diet and mannanoligosaccharide
      supplemented diets. Intestinal villi perimeter was performed in fish fed control
      diet, 0.4 and 1.5% dietary mannanoligosaccharides and also showed no differences
      (P>0.05) between treatments. Dietary supplementation of mannanoligosaccharides
      unclear did not have effects on pacu. Studies on the characterization of
      intestinal microbiota together with experiment that reproduce commercial fish
      production systems rearing conditions are necessary to determine the effective
      use of this dietary supplement for the species. 

PMID- 25140501
TI  - Magnetic Parkia pendula seed gum as matrix for Concanavalin A lectin
      immobilization and its application in affinity purification.
AB  - The present work aimed to magnetize Parkia pendula seeds gum and use it as a
      matrix for Concanavalin A covalent immobilization. This composite was applied in
      affinity purification of glycoconjugates. Parkia pendula seeds were hydrated and
      the gum provenient from the supernatant was precipitated and washed with ethanol
      and dried. The gum was magnetized in co-precipitation using solutions of Fe+2 and
      Fe+3. Matrix activation was accomplished with NaIO4. Magnetized Parkia pendula
      seeds gum with covalently immobilized Concanavalin A was used as an affinity
      matrix for the recognition of bovine serum fetuin glycoprotein. Fetuin elution
      was carried out with a solution of glucose (300mM) and evaluated through SDS
      PAGE. The efficiency of lectin immobilization and fetuin purification were 63%
      and 14%, respectively. These results indicate that the composite produced is a
      promising magnetic polysaccharide matrix for lectins immobilization. Thus, such
      system can be applied for affinity purification allowing an easy recovery by
      magnetic field. 

PMID- 25140502
TI  - First ediacaran fauna occurrence in northeastern Brazil (jaibaras basin,
      ?ediacaran-cambrian): preliminary results and regional correlation.
AB  - This study reports the first known occurrence of the Ediacaran fauna in
      northeastern Brazil (at Pacuja Municipality, northwestern state of Ceara) and
      presents preliminary interpretations of its significance. Regional correlation
      indicates that the fossils originated in the Jaibaras Basin and that they may
      represent a new geological system. The depositional environment can be attributed
      to a fluviomarine system. Nine Ediacaran species can be identified, including
      members of pandemic groups (e.g., Charniodiscus arboreus Glaessner, 1959;
      ?Charniodiscus concentricus Ford, 1958; Cyclomedusa davidi Sprigg, 1947;
      Ediacaria flindersi Sprigg, 1947; and Medusinites asteroides Sprigg, 1949) and
      endemic groups (e.g., Kimberella quadrata Glaessner & Wade, 1966;
      Palaeophragmodictya reticulata Gehling & Rigby, 1996; Parvancorina minchami
      Glaessner, 1958; and Pectinifrons abyssalis Bamforth, Narbonne, Anderson, 2008).
      Three ichnogenera are also present: Arenicolites Salter, 1857; Palaeophycus Hall,
      1987; and Planolites Nicholson, 1873. The relative age of the deposits is between
      ?Ediacaran and Cambrian, and the fauna resembles the White Sea Assemblage. The
      bioturbation presents typical unbranched Ediacaran ichnogenera with little depth
      in the substrate. This previously unknown occurrence of the Ediacaran fauna
      reinforces the importance of the state of Ceara to Brazilian and global
      palaeontology. 

PMID- 25140503
TI  - Thyroid gland development in Rachycentron canadum during early life stages.
AB  - The aim of this study was to describe the ontogeny of thyroid follicles in cobia
      Rachycentron canadum. Larvae were sampled daily (n=15 - 20) from hatching until
      15 dah (days after hatching). Following, larvae were sampled every two days by 28
      dah; a new sample was taken at 53 dah. The samples were dehydrated, embedded in
      Paraplast, and sections of 3 um were dewaxed, rehydrated and stained with HE and
      PAS. A single follicle was already present 1 dah and three follicles were found 8
      dah. The number of follicles increased up to 19 on 53 dah. The diameter of
      follicles and follicular cell height were lower 1 dah (6.83 +/- 1.00 and 4.6 +/-
      0.01 um), but increased from 8 dah (24.03 +/- 0.46 um e 6.43 +/- 0.46 um). From 8
      dah, the presence of reabsorption vesicles was observed in the colloid and from
      the 19 dah some follicles did not present colloid. The early thyroid follicle
      appearance in cobia larvae as well as the high quantity of follicles without
      colloid and/or with vesicles even after the metamorphosis, might be the
      explanation of the fast growth of the cobia. 

PMID- 25140504
TI  - Probiotics protect the intestinal wall of morphological changes caused by
      malnutrition.
AB  - This study sought to morphometrically analyze the jejunal wall of protein
      malnourished rats administered a probiotic supplement. The sample consisted of
      recently weaned Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) distributed among four groups:
      animals given a commercial diet (G1, n = 4); animals given the same ration as G1
      plus a probiotic supplement (G2, n = 4); animals given a 4% protein diet (G3, n =
      4); and animals given the same ration as G3 plus a probiotic supplement (G4, n =
      4). After 12 weeks, part of the jejunum was harvested and subjected to routine
      histological processing. Transverse sections with a thickness of 3 um were
      stained with HE, and histochemical techniques were used to assay for
      glycoconjugates, including staining with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) + diastase,
      Alcian Blue (AB) solution at pH 2.5, and Alcian Blue solution at pH 1.0.
      Morphometric analysis of the bowel wall showed that the probiotic culture used in
      this study induced hypertrophy of several layers of the jejunal wall in well
      nourished animals and reduced the bowel wall atrophy usually observed in protein
      malnourished animals. Neither malnutrition nor the use of probiotics altered the
      relationship between the number of goblet cells and the number of enterocytes. 

PMID- 25140505
TI  - Re-induction of desiccation tolerance after germination of Cedrela fissilis Vell.
      seeds.
AB  - This work aimed to characterize the re-induction of desiccation tolerance (DT) in
      germinated seeds, using polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000). Cell changes were
      investigated through cytological assays (cell viability and transmission
      electronic microscopy) as well as DNA integrity during loss and re-establishment
      of DT. The loss of DT was characterized by drying germinated seeds with different
      radicle lengths (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm) in silica gel, decreasing the moisture
      content to ten percentage points intervals, followed by pre-humidification (100%
      RH / 24 h) and rehydration. To re-induce DT, germinated seeds were treated for 72
      h with PEG (-2.04 MPa) and PEG (-2.04 MPa) + ABA (100 uM) before dehydration.
      Germinated seeds did not tolerate desiccation to 10% moisture content,
      irrespectively of the radicle length. However, when incubated in PEG, those with
      1 and 2 mm long radicle attained 71% and 29% survival, respectively. The PEG+ABA
      treatment was efficient to re-establish DT in seeds with 1 mm long radicles (100%
      survival). The ultrastructural assays of the cells of germinated seeds with 2 and
      5 mm length confirmed the obtained physiological results. Germinated seeds of C.
      fissilis constitute a useful tool for desiccation tolerance investigations. 

PMID- 25140506
TI  - CD56 antibody: old-fashioned or still trendy in endocrine lung tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2010, the World Health Organization published a new classification
      of the endocrine tumors based on the mitotic rate and index. Concerning lung
      endocrine tumors, the classification of 2004 remains acceptable and widely
      approved. We noticed in many publications that the most used antibodies in these
      tumors are chromogranin and synaptophysin. This finding let us wonder about the
      diagnostic utility of the CD56 antibody which is widely used in our department.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-nine endocrine lung cancers were diagnosed over a 12
      month period in our Department of Pathology. Immunohistochemical technique using
      the three antibodies: chromogranin, synaptophysin, and CD56 was performed. The
      sensitivity of the three antibodies was performed using the ratio: true negative
      cases/true negative cases + false positive cases. The specificity wasn't
      performed because the antibodies were used only in endocrine tumors. The
      comparison of the different percentages of expression of the three antibodies was
      made by the SPSS software 22.0. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the chromogranin,
      synpatophysin, and CD56 accounted for 69%, 77%, and 98%, respectively. The mean
      percentage of immunoreactive cells with CD56 was 70% towards 15% and 20% with
      chromogranin and synaptophysin antibodies, respectively. The comparison of the
      percentages of expression showed a significant statistical difference between the
      expression of CD56 versus synaptophysin and CD56 versus chromogranin with
      P<0.001. CONCLUSION: CD56 antibody seems to be of diagnostic value in endocrine
      lung tumors with the highest sensitivity. This fact highlights the necessity of
      using it as a first-line neuroendocrine marker in association to chromogranin
      which is considered as the most specific endocrine antibody.

PMID- 25140507
TI  - Perioperative regional anesthesia fellowships: a blueprint for success.

PMID- 25140508
TI  - Cervical paravertebral block for elbow and wrist surgery: the jury verdict may be
      neither easy nor popular.

PMID- 25140509
TI  - Evaluation of a task-specific checklist and global rating scale for ultrasound
      guided regional anesthesia.
AB  - Checklists and global rating scales (GRSs) are used for assessment of anesthesia
      procedural skills. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and
      validity of a recently proposed assessment tool comprising a checklist and GRS
      specific for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. METHODS: In this prospective,
      fully crossed study, we videotaped 30 single-target nerve block procedures
      performed by anesthesia trainees. Following pilot assessment and observer
      training, videos were assessed in random order by 6 blinded, expert observers.
      Interrater reliability was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients
      (ICCs) based on a 2-way random-effects model that took into account both
      agreement and correlation between observer results. Construct validity and
      feasibility were also evaluated. RESULTS: The ICC between assessors' total scores
      was 0.44 (95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.62). All 6 observers scored
      "experienced trainees" higher than "inexperienced trainees" (median total score
      76.7 vs 54.2, P = 0.01), supporting the test's construct validity. The median
      time to assess the videos was 4 minutes 29 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first study to evaluate the reliability and validity of a combined checklist and
      GRS for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia using multiple observers and taking
      into account both absolute agreement and correlation in determining the ICC of
      0.44 for interrater reliability. There was evidence to support construct
      validity.

PMID- 25140510
TI  - Accuracy and consistency of modern elastomeric pumps.
AB  - Continuous peripheral nerve blockade has become a popular method of achieving
      postoperative analgesia for many surgical procedures. The safety and reliability
      of infusion pumps are dependent on their flow rate accuracy and consistency.
      Knowledge of pump rate profiles can help physicians determine which infusion pump
      is best suited for their clinical applications and specific patient population.
      Several studies have investigated the accuracy of portable infusion pumps. Using
      methodology similar to that used by Ilfeld et al, we investigated the accuracy
      and consistency of several current elastomeric pumps. 

PMID- 25140511
TI  - Pourfour du petit syndrome after supraclavicular catheter discontinuation.

PMID- 25140512
TI  - Improving transversus abdominis plane block safety.

PMID- 25140513
TI  - "Wrong side" sticker/dressing to help reduce wrong-sided nerve blocks.

PMID- 25140514
TI  - Redefining the adductor canal block.

PMID- 25140515
TI  - Generation and characterization of the first immortalized alpaca cell line
      suitable for diagnostic and immunization studies.
AB  - Raising of alpacas as exotic livestock for wool and meat production and as
      companion animals is growing in importance in the United States, Europe and
      Australia. Furthermore the alpaca, as well as the rest of the camelids, possesses
      the peculiarity of producing single-chain antibodies from which nanobodies can be
      generated. Nanobodies, due to their structural simplicity and reduced size, are
      very versatile in terms of manipulation and bio-therapeutic exploitation. In fact
      the biotech companies involved in nanobody production and application continue to
      grow in number and size. Hence, the development of reagents and tools to assist
      in the further growth of this new scientific and entrepreneurial reality is
      becoming a necessity. These are needed mainly to address alpaca disease diagnosis
      and prophylaxis, and to develop alpaca immunization strategies for nanobody
      generation. For instance an immortalized alpaca cell line would be extremely
      valuable. In the present work the first stabilized alpaca cell line from alpaca
      skin stromal cells (ASSCs) was generated and characterized. This cell line was
      shown to be suitable for replication of viruses bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine
      viral diarrhea virus and caprine herpesvirus-1 and the endocellular parasite
      Neospora caninum. Moreover ASSCs were easy to transfect and transduce by several
      methods. These two latter characteristics are extremely useful when recombinant
      antigens need to be produced in a host homologous system. This work could be
      considered as a starting point for the expansion of the biotechnologies linked to
      alpaca farming and industry. 

PMID- 25140517
TI  - The gait disorder in downbeat nystagmus syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Downbeat nystagmus (DBN) is a common form of acquired fixation
      nystagmus with key symptoms of oscillopsia and gait disturbance. Gait disturbance
      could be a result of impaired visual feedback due to the involuntary ocular
      oscillations. Alternatively, a malfunction of cerebellar locomotor control might
      be involved, since DBN is considered a vestibulocerebellar disorder. METHODS:
      Investigation of walking in 50 DBN patients (age 72 +/- 11 years, 23 females) and
      50 healthy controls (HS) (age 70 +/- 11 years, 23 females) using a pressure
      sensitive carpet (GAITRite). The patient cohort comprised subjects with only
      ocular motor signs (DBN) and subjects with an additional limb ataxia (DBNCA).
      Gait investigation comprised different walking speeds and walking with eyes
      closed. RESULTS: In DBN, gait velocity was reduced (p<0.001) with a reduced
      stride length (p<0.001), increased base of support (p<0.050), and increased
      double support (p<0.001). Walking with eyes closed led to significant gait
      changes in both HS and DBN. These changes were more pronounced in DBN patients
      (p<0.001). Speed-dependency of gait variability revealed significant differences
      between the subgroups of DBN and DBNCA (p<0.050). CONCLUSIONS: (I) Impaired
      visual control caused by involuntary ocular oscillations cannot sufficiently
      explain the gait disorder. (II) The gait of patients with DBN is impaired in a
      speed dependent manner. (III) Analysis of gait variability allows distinguishing
      DBN from DBNCA: Patients with pure DBN show a speed dependency of gait
      variability similar to that of patients with afferent vestibular deficits. In
      DBNCA, gait variability resembles the pattern found in cerebellar ataxia.

PMID- 25140518
TI  - Microglial AGE-albumin is critical in promoting alcohol-induced neurodegeneration
      in rats and humans.
AB  - Alcohol is a neurotoxic agent, since long-term heavy ingestion of alcohol can
      cause various neural diseases including fetal alcohol syndrome, cerebellar
      degeneracy and alcoholic dementia. However, the molecular mechanisms of alcohol
      induced neurotoxicity are still poorly understood despite numerous studies. Thus,
      we hypothesized that activated microglial cells with elevated AGE-albumin levels
      play an important role in promoting alcohol-induced neurodegeneration. Our
      results revealed that microglial activation and neuronal damage were found in the
      hippocampus and entorhinal cortex following alcohol treatment in a rat model.
      Increased AGE-albumin synthesis and secretion were also observed in activated
      microglial cells after alcohol exposure. The expressed levels of receptor for AGE
      (RAGE)-positive neurons and RAGE-dependent neuronal death were markedly elevated
      by AGE-albumin through the mitogen activated protein kinase pathway. Treatment
      with soluble RAGE or AGE inhibitors significantly diminished neuronal damage in
      the animal model. Furthermore, the levels of activated microglial cells, AGE
      albumin and neuronal loss were significantly elevated in human brains from
      alcoholic indivisuals compared to normal controls. Taken together, our data
      suggest that increased AGE-albumin from activated microglial cells induces
      neuronal death, and that efficient regulation of its synthesis and secretion is a
      therapeutic target for preventing alcohol-induced neurodegeneration. 

PMID- 25140519
TI  - Asante Calcium Green and Asante Calcium Red--novel calcium indicators for two
      photon fluorescence lifetime imaging.
AB  - For a comprehensive understanding of cellular processes and potential
      dysfunctions therein, an analysis of the ubiquitous intracellular second
      messenger calcium is of particular interest. This study examined the suitability
      of the novel Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dyes Asante Calcium Red (ACR) and Asante
      Calcium Green (ACG) for two-photon (2P)-excited time-resolved fluorescence
      measurements. Both dyes displayed sufficient 2P fluorescence excitation in a
      range of 720-900 nm. In vitro, ACR and ACG exhibited a biexponential fluorescence
      decay behavior and the two decay time components in the ns-range could be
      attributed to the Ca(2+)-free and Ca(2+)-bound dye species. The amplitude
      weighted average fluorescence decay time changed in a Ca(2+)-dependent way,
      unraveling in vitro dissociation constants K(D) of 114 nM and 15 nM for ACR and
      ACG, respectively. In the presence of bovine serum albumin, the absorption and
      steady-state fluorescence behavior of ACR was altered and its biexponential
      fluorescence decay showed about 5-times longer decay time components indicating
      dye-protein interactions. Since no ester derivative of ACG was commercially
      available, only ACR was evaluated for 2P-excited fluorescence lifetime imaging
      microscopy (2P-FLIM) in living cells of American cockroach salivary glands. In
      living cells, ACR also exhibited a biexponential fluorescence decay with clearly
      resolvable short (0.56 ns) and long (2.44 ns) decay time components attributable
      to the Ca(2+)-free and Ca(2+)-bound ACR species. From the amplitude-weighted
      average fluorescence decay times, an in situ K(D) of 180 nM was determined. Thus,
      quantitative [Ca(2+)]i recordings were realized, unraveling a reversible dopamine
      induced [Ca(2+)]i elevation from 21 nM to 590 nM in salivary duct cells. It was
      concluded that ACR is a promising new Ca(2+) indicator dye for 2P-FLIM recordings
      applicable in diverse biological systems.

PMID- 25140520
TI  - Metagenomic survey for viruses in Western Arctic caribou, Alaska, through
      iterative assembly of taxonomic units.
AB  - Pathogen surveillance in animals does not provide a sufficient level of vigilance
      because it is generally confined to surveillance of pathogens with known economic
      impact in domestic animals and practically nonexistent in wildlife species. As
      most (re-)emerging viral infections originate from animal sources, it is
      important to obtain insight into viral pathogens present in the wildlife
      reservoir from a public health perspective. When monitoring living, free-ranging
      wildlife for viruses, sample collection can be challenging and availability of
      nucleic acids isolated from samples is often limited. The development of viral
      metagenomics platforms allows a more comprehensive inventory of viruses present
      in wildlife. We report a metagenomic viral survey of the Western Arctic herd of
      barren ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) in Alaska, USA. The presence of
      mammalian viruses in eye and nose swabs of 39 free-ranging caribou was
      investigated by random amplification combined with a metagenomic analysis
      approach that applied exhaustive iterative assembly of sequencing results to
      define taxonomic units of each metagenome. Through homology search methods we
      identified the presence of several mammalian viruses, including different
      papillomaviruses, a novel parvovirus, polyomavirus, and a virus that potentially
      represents a member of a novel genus in the family Coronaviridae. 

PMID- 25140521
TI  - Associations between longer habitual day napping and non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease in an elderly Chinese population.
AB  - CONTEXT: Both longer habitual day napping and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
      (NAFLD) are associated with diabetes and inflammation, but the association
      between day napping and NAFLD remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the
      association between the duration of habitual day napping and NAFLD in an elderly
      Chinese population and to gain insight into the role of inflammatory cytokines in
      this association. DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a series of cross-sectional
      studies of the community population in Chongqing, China, from 2011 to 2012.
      PARTICIPANTS: Among 6998 participants aged 40 to 75 years, 6438 eligible
      participants were included in the first study and analyzed to observe the
      association between day napping duration and NAFLD. In a separate study, 80 non
      nappers and 90 nappers were selected to identify the role of inflammatory
      cytokines in this association. Logistic regression models were used to examine
      the odds ratios (ORs) of day nap duration with NAFLD. RESULTS: Day nappers had a
      significantly higher prevalence of NAFLD (P<0.001). Longer day napping duration
      was associated in a dose-dependent manner with NAFLD (P trend <0.001). After
      adjustment for potential confounders, the ORs were 1.67 (95% CI 1.13-2.46) for
      those reporting 0.5-1 h and 1.49 (95% CI 1.01-2.19) for those reporting >1 h of
      day napping compared with individuals who did not take day naps (all P<0.05).
      Longer-duration day nappers had higher levels of IL-6 and progranulin (PGRN) but
      lower levels of Secreted frizzled-related protein-5 (SFRP5, all P trend <0.001).
      After adjusting for IL-6, PGRN, and SFRP5, the association between day napping
      duration and NAFLD disappeared (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Longer day napping
      duration is associated with a higher prevalence of NAFLD, and inflammatory
      cytokines may be an essential link between day napping and NAFLD.

PMID- 25140522
TI  - Development of on-chip multi-imaging flow cytometry for identification of imaging
      biomarkers of clustered circulating tumor cells.
AB  - An on-chip multi-imaging flow cytometry system has been developed to obtain
      morphometric parameters of cell clusters such as cell number, perimeter, total
      cross-sectional area, number of nuclei and size of clusters as "imaging
      biomarkers", with simultaneous acquisition and analysis of both bright-field (BF)
      and fluorescent (FL) images at 200 frames per second (fps); by using this system,
      we examined the effectiveness of using imaging biomarkers for the identification
      of clustered circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Sample blood of rats in which a
      prostate cancer cell line (MAT-LyLu) had been pre-implanted was applied to a
      microchannel on a disposable microchip after staining the nuclei using
      fluorescent dye for their visualization, and the acquired images were measured
      and compared with those of healthy rats. In terms of the results, clustered cells
      having (1) cell area larger than 200 um2 and (2) nucleus area larger than 90 um2
      were specifically observed in cancer cell-implanted blood, but were not observed
      in healthy rats. In addition, (3) clusters having more than 3 nuclei were
      specific for cancer-implanted blood and (4) a ratio between the actual perimeter
      and the perimeter calculated from the obtained area, which reflects a shape
      distorted from ideal roundness, of less than 0.90 was specific for all clusters
      having more than 3 nuclei and was also specific for cancer-implanted blood. The
      collected clusters larger than 300 um2 were examined by quantitative gene copy
      number assay, and were identified as being CTCs. These results indicate the
      usefulness of the imaging biomarkers for characterizing clusters, and all of the
      four examined imaging biomarkers-cluster area, nuclei area, nuclei number, and
      ratio of perimeter-can identify clustered CTCs in blood with the same level of
      preciseness using multi-imaging cytometry. 

PMID- 25140524
TI  - Is rumination after bereavement linked with loss avoidance? Evidence from eye
      tracking.
AB  - Rumination is a risk factor in adjustment to bereavement. It is associated with
      and predicts psychopathology after loss. Yet, the function of rumination in
      bereavement remains unclear. In the past, researchers often assumed rumination to
      be a maladaptive confrontation process. However, based on cognitive avoidance
      theories of worry in generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and rumination after post
      traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), others have suggested that rumination may serve
      to avoid painful aspects of the loss, thereby contributing to complicated grief.
      To examine if rumination is linked with loss avoidance, an eye-tracking study was
      conducted with 54 bereaved individuals (27 high and 27 low ruminators). On 24
      trials, participants looked for 10 seconds at a picture of the deceased and a
      picture of a stranger, randomly combined with negative, neutral or loss-related
      words. High ruminators were expected to show initial vigilance followed by
      subsequent disengagement for loss stimuli (i.e., picture deceased with a loss
      word) in the first 1500 ms. Additionally, we expected high ruminators to avoid
      these loss stimuli and to show attentional preference for non-loss-related
      negative stimuli (i.e., picture stranger with a negative word) on longer exposure
      durations (1500-10000 ms). Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence for an
      effect of rumination on vigilance and disengagement of loss stimuli in the first
      1500 ms. However, in the 1500-10000 ms interval, high ruminators showed shorter
      gaze times for loss stimuli and longer gaze times for negative (and neutral) non
      loss-related stimuli, even when controlling for depression and complicated grief
      symptom levels. Effects of rumination on average fixation times mirrored these
      findings. This suggests that rumination and loss avoidance are closely
      associated. A potential clinical implication is that rumination and grief
      complications after bereavement may be reduced through the use of exposure and
      acceptance-based therapeutic techniques. 

PMID- 25140523
TI  - Does mortality vary between Asian subgroups in New Zealand: an application of
      hierarchical Bayesian modelling.
AB  - The aim of this paper was to see whether all-cause and cause-specific mortality
      rates vary between Asian ethnic subgroups, and whether overseas born Asian
      subgroup mortality rate ratios varied by nativity and duration of residence. We
      used hierarchical Bayesian methods to allow for sparse data in the analysis of
      linked census-mortality data for 25-75 year old New Zealanders. We found directly
      standardised posterior all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates were highest
      for the Indian ethnic group, significantly so when compared with those of Chinese
      ethnicity. In contrast, cancer mortality rates were lowest for ethnic Indians.
      Asian overseas born subgroups have about 70% of the mortality rate of their New
      Zealand born Asian counterparts, a result that showed little variation by Asian
      subgroup or cause of death. Within the overseas born population, all-cause
      mortality rates for migrants living 0-9 years in New Zealand were about 60% of
      the mortality rate of those living more than 25 years in New Zealand regardless
      of ethnicity. The corresponding figure for cardiovascular mortality rates was
      50%. However, while Chinese cancer mortality rates increased with duration of
      residence, Indian and Other Asian cancer mortality rates did not. Future research
      on the mechanisms of worsening of health with increased time spent in the host
      country is required to improve the understanding of the process, and would assist
      the policy-makers and health planners. 

PMID- 25140525
TI  - Thermal, chemical and pH induced unfolding of turmeric root lectin: modes of
      denaturation.
AB  - Curcuma longa rhizome lectin, of non-seed origin having antifungal, antibacterial
      and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities, forms a homodimer with high thermal
      stability as well as acid tolerance. Size exclusion chromatography and dynamic
      light scattering show it to be a dimer at pH 7, but it converts to a monomer near
      pH 2. Circular dichroism spectra and fluorescence emission maxima are virtually
      indistinguishable from pH 7 to 2, indicating secondary and tertiary structures
      remain the same in dimer and monomer within experimental error. The tryptophan
      environment as probed by acrylamide quenching data yielded very similar data at
      pH 2 and pH 7, implying very similar folding for monomer and dimer. Differential
      scanning calorimetry shows a transition at 350.3 K for dimer and at 327.0 K for
      monomer. Thermal unfolding and chemical unfolding induced by guanidinium chloride
      for dimer are both reversible and can be described by two-state models. The
      temperatures and the denaturant concentrations at which one-half of the protein
      molecules are unfolded, are protein concentration-dependent for dimer but protein
      concentration-independent for monomer. The free energy of unfolding at 298 K was
      found to be 5.23 Kcal mol-1 and 14.90 Kcal mol-1 for the monomer and dimer
      respectively. The value of change in excess heat capacity upon protein
      denaturation (DeltaCp) is 3.42 Kcal mol-1 K-1 for dimer. The small DeltaCp for
      unfolding of CLA reflects a buried hydrophobic core in the folded dimeric
      protein. These unfolding experiments, temperature dependent circular dichroism
      and dynamic light scattering for the dimer at pH 7 indicate its higher stability
      than for the monomer at pH 2. This difference in stability of dimeric and
      monomeric forms highlights the contribution of inter-subunit interactions in the
      former. 

PMID- 25140528
TI  - Integrating basic science without integrating basic scientists: reconsidering the
      place of individual teachers in curriculum reform.
AB  - The call for integration of the basic and clinical sciences plays prominently in
      recent conversations about curricular change in medical education; however,
      history shows that, like other concepts related to curricular reform, integration
      has been continually revisited, leading to incremental change but no meaningful
      transformation. To redress this cycle of "change without difference," the medical
      education community must reexamine the approach that dominates medical education
      reform efforts and explore alternative perspectives that may help to resolve the
      cyclical "problem" of recommending but not effecting integration. To provide a
      different perspective on implementing integration, the authors of this
      Perspective look to the domain of educational change as an approach to examining
      the transitions that occur within complex and evolving environments. This area of
      literature both acknowledges the multiple levels involved in change and
      emphasizes the need not only to address systemic structure but also to prioritize
      individuals during times of transition. The struggle to implement curricular
      integration in medical education may stem from the fact that reform efforts
      appear to focus largely on transformation at the level of curricular structure as
      opposed to considering what learning needs to occur at each level of change and
      highlighting the individual as the educational change literature suggests. To
      bring appropriate attention to the place of individual educators, especially
      basic scientists, the medical education community should explore how the mandate
      to integrate clinically relevant material may impact these faculty and the
      teaching of their domains. 

PMID- 25140527
TI  - Transforming growth factor-beta1 signaling represses testicular steroidogenesis
      through cross-talk with orphan nuclear receptor Nur77.
AB  - Transforming growth factor- beta1 (TGF-beta1) has been reported to inhibit
      luteinizing hormone (LH) mediated-steroidogenesis in testicular Leydig cells.
      However, the mechanism by which TGF-beta1 controls the steroidogenesis in Leydig
      cells is not well understood. Here, we investigated the possibility that TGF
      beta1 represses steroidogenesis through cross-talk with the orphan nuclear
      receptor Nur77. Nur77, which is induced by LH/cAMP signaling, is one of major
      transcription factors that regulate the expression of steroidogenic genes in
      Leydig cells. TGF-beta1 signaling inhibited cAMP-induced testosterone production
      and the expression of steroidogenic genes such as P450c17, StAR and 3beta-HSD in
      mouse Leydig cells. Further, TGF-beta1/ALK5 signaling repressed cAMP-induced and
      Nur77-activated promoter activity of steroidogenic genes. In addition, TGF
      beta1/ALK5-activated Smad3 repressed Nur77 transactivation of steroidogenic gene
      promoters by interfering with Nur77 binding to DNA. In primary Leydig cells
      isolated from Tgfbr2flox/flox Cyp17iCre mice, TGF-beta1-mediated repression of
      cAMP-induced steroidogenic gene expression was significantly less than that in
      primary Leydig cells from Tgfbr2flox/flox mice. Taken together, these results
      suggest that TGF-beta1/ALK5/Smad3 signaling represses the expression of
      steroidogenic genes via the suppression of Nur77 transactivation in testicular
      Leydig cells. These findings may provide a molecular mechanism involved in the
      TGF-beta1-mediated repression of testicular steroidogenesis. 

PMID- 25140529
TI  - A quantitative linguistic analysis of National Institutes of Health R01
      application critiques from investigators at one institution.
AB  - PURPOSE: Career advancement in academic medicine often hinges on the ability to
      garner research funds. The National Institutes of Health's (NIH's) R01 award is
      the "gold standard" of an independent research program. Studies show
      inconsistencies in R01 reviewers' scoring and in award outcomes for certain
      applicant groups. Consistent with the NIH recommendation to examine potential
      bias in R01 peer review, the authors performed a text analysis of R01 reviewers'
      critiques. METHOD: The authors collected 454 critiques (262 from 91 unfunded and
      192 from 67 funded applications) from 67 of 76 (88%) R01 investigators at the
      University of Wisconsin-Madison with initially unfunded applications subsequently
      funded between December 2007 and May 2009. To analyze critiques, the authors
      developed positive and negative grant application evaluation word categories and
      selected five existing categories relevant to grant review. They analyzed results
      with linear mixed-effects models for differences due to applicant and application
      characteristics. RESULTS: Critiques of funded applications contained more
      positive descriptors and superlatives and fewer negative evaluation words than
      critiques of unfunded applications. Experienced investigators' critiques
      contained more references to competence. Critiques showed differences due to
      applicant sex despite similar application scores or funding outcomes: more praise
      for applications from female investigators, greater reference to
      competence/ability for funded applications from female experienced investigators,
      and more negative evaluation words for applications from male investigators (all
      P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that text analysis is a promising tool for
      assessing consistency in R01 reviewers' judgments, and gender stereotypes may
      operate in R01 review.

PMID- 25140530
TI  - Refocusing medical education reform: beyond the how.
AB  - Integration of the basic and clinical sciences has been at the heart of medical
      education reform efforts for nearly a century. Neither the rate nor magnitude of
      actual progress suggests that reform is anywhere near completion, which presents
      a challenge to educators to seek ways to overcome significant obstacles to
      change. Robin Hopkins and colleagues, authors of the Perspective in this issue of
      Academic Medicine that has prompted this invited Commentary, are among those
      proposing interesting and useful answers to why integration has not been better
      achieved. This Commentary affirms the importance of finding better ways to
      accomplish curricular reform, while contending that real curricular reform must
      move well beyond the integration of basic and clinical sciences. Drawing from the
      2014 report of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Commission to Build a
      Healthier America, the authors cite evidence of significant disparities and
      growing health challenges facing Americans today. They discuss three key
      recommendations from the report: attending to early childhood experiences,
      providing healthy choices within communities, and, particularly, rethinking the
      education of health professionals. Next, the authors detail the implications of
      these recommendations for medical education, stressing both the urgency and
      importance of moving to adopt these as directions for real reform that will
      address today's health care challenges. 

PMID- 25140531
TI  - Educating the educators: a key to curricular integration.
AB  - According to Hopkins and colleagues, integration of basic science and clinical
      practice in the medical curriculum has been "incremental" at best, rather than
      transformative, in part because of a lack of focus on the individuals central to
      the integration--basic science educators. These authors maintain that those who
      lead change in education should not only address the systemic structure but also
      understand the meaning of integration for individual basic scientists at
      different levels of change. Their view has merit, and this Commentary author
      suggests three concrete steps that institutions should undertake to engage basic
      scientists who are interested in becoming "educationally literate" and assuming
      leadership roles in curriculum integration: (1) Offer opportunities to help
      interested basic science teaching faculty gain the necessary expertise to become
      skilled educators; (2) establish institutional programs and structures that
      foster a community of medical educators across departments and schools; and (3)
      align institutional priorities and incentives to promote, rather than hinder,
      integration in medical education. In essence, curricular integration cannot
      succeed if the participants do not understand the "language of education."
      Furthermore, faculty who opt for an education-focused career path should be
      brought together from across departments, centers, and schools to create a
      community of educators within the academic health center. Finally, institutional
      leaders should place high value and proper incentives in terms of recognition and
      opportunities for faculty advancement to ensure that those opting to gain
      additional training as skilled educators will drive innovation and help move
      curricular reform from incremental change to transformation.

PMID- 25140532
TI  - An efficient approach for differentiating Alzheimer's disease from normal elderly
      based on multicenter MRI using gray-level invariant features.
AB  - Machine learning techniques, along with imaging markers extracted from structural
      magnetic resonance images, have been shown to increase the accuracy to
      differentiate patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) from normal elderly
      controls. Several forms of anatomical features, such as cortical volume, shape,
      and thickness, have demonstrated discriminative capability. These approaches rely
      on accurate non-linear image transformation, which could invite several nuisance
      factors, such as dependency on transformation parameters and the degree of
      anatomical abnormality, and an unpredictable influence of residual registration
      errors. In this study, we tested a simple method to extract disease-related
      anatomical features, which is suitable for initial stratification of the
      heterogeneous patient populations often encountered in clinical data. The method
      employed gray-level invariant features, which were extracted from linearly
      transformed images, to characterize AD-specific anatomical features. The
      intensity information from a disease-specific spatial masking, which was linearly
      registered to each patient, was used to capture the anatomical features. We
      implemented a two-step feature selection for anatomic recognition. First, a
      statistic-based feature selection was implemented to extract AD-related
      anatomical features while excluding non-significant features. Then, seven
      knowledge-based ROIs were used to capture the local discriminative powers of
      selected voxels within areas that were sensitive to AD or mild cognitive
      impairment (MCI). The discriminative capability of the proposed feature was
      measured by its performance in differentiating AD or MCI from normal elderly
      controls (NC) using a support vector machine. The statistic-based feature
      selection, together with the knowledge-based masks, provided a promising solution
      for capturing anatomical features of the brain efficiently. For the analysis of
      clinical populations, which are inherently heterogeneous, this approach could
      stratify the large amount of data rapidly and could be combined with more
      detailed subsequent analyses based on non-linear transformation. 

PMID- 25140534
TI  - Cationic poly(amidoamine) dendrimers induced cyto-protective autophagy in
      hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
AB  - Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers are proposed as one of the most promising
      nanomaterials for biomedical applications because of their unique tree-like
      structure, monodispersity and tunable properties. In this study, we found that
      PAMAM dendrimers could induce the formation of autophagosomes and the conversion
      of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) in hepatocellular
      carcinoma HepG2 cells, while the inhibition of the Akt/mTOR and activation of the
      Erk 1/2 signaling pathways were involved in autophagy-induced by PAMAM
      dendrimers. We also investigated the suppression of autophagy with the obviously
      enhanced cytotoxicity of PAMAM dendrimers. Moreover, the blockage of a reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) could enhance the growth inhibition and apoptosis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma cells, induced by PAMAM dendrimers through reducing
      autophagic effects. Taken together, these findings explored the role and
      mechanism of autophagy induced by PAMAM dendrimers in HepG2 cells, provided new
      insight into the effect of autophagy on drug delivery nanomaterials and tumor
      cells and contributed to the use of a drug delivery vehicle for hepatocellular
      carcinoma treatment.

PMID- 25140535
TI  - Oral delivery mediated RNA interference of a carboxylesterase gene results in
      reduced resistance to organophosphorus insecticides in the cotton Aphid, Aphis
      gossypii Glover.
AB  - BACKGROUND: RNA interference (RNAi) is an effective tool to examine the function
      of individual genes. Carboxylesterases (CarE, EC 3.1.1.1) are known to play
      significant roles in the metabolism of xenobiotic compounds in many insect
      species. Previous studies in our laboratory found that CarE expression was up
      regulated in Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) adults of both
      omethoate and malathion resistant strains, indicating the potential involvement
      of CarE in organophosphorus (OP) insecticide resistance. Functional analysis
      (RNAi) is therefore warranted to investigate the role of CarE in A. gossypii to
      OPs resistance. RESULT: CarE expression in omethoate resistant individuals of
      Aphis gossypii was dramatically suppressed following ingestion of dsRNA-CarE. The
      highest knockdown efficiency (33%) was observed at 72 h after feeding when dsRNA
      CarE concentration was 100 ng/uL. The CarE activities from the CarE knockdown
      aphids were consistent with the correspondingly significant reduction in CarE
      expression. The CarE activity in the individuals of control aphids was
      concentrated in the range of 650-900 mOD/per/min, while in the individuals of
      dsRNA-CarE-fed aphids, the CarE activity was concentrated in the range of 500-800
      mOD/per/min. In vitro inhibition experiments also demonstrated that total CarE
      activity in the CarE knockdown aphids decreased significantly as compared to
      control aphids. Bioassay results of aphids fed dsRNA-CarE indicated that
      suppression of CarE expression increased susceptibility to omethoate in
      individuals of the resistant aphid strains. CONCLUSION: The results of this study
      not only suggest that ingestion of dsRNA through artificial diet could be
      exploited for functional genomic studies in cotton aphids, but also indicate that
      CarE can be considered as a major target of organophosphorus insecticide (OPs)
      resistance in A. gossypii. Further, our results suggest that the CarE would be a
      propitious target for OPs resistant aphid control, and insect-resistant
      transgenic plants may be obtained through plant RNAi-mediated silencing of insect
      CarE expression.

PMID- 25140536
TI  - The influence of pressure on the intrinsic dissolution rate of amorphous
      indomethacin.
AB  - New drug candidates increasingly tend to be poorly water soluble. One approach to
      increase their solubility is to convert the crystalline form of a drug into the
      amorphous form. Intrinsic dissolution testing is an efficient standard method to
      determine the intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR) of a drug and to test the
      potential dissolution advantage of the amorphous form. However, neither the
      United States Pharmacopeia (USP) nor the European Pharmacopeia (Ph.Eur) state
      specific limitations for the compression pressure in order to obtain compacts for
      the IDR determination. In this study, the influence of different compression
      pressures on the IDR was determined from powder compacts of amorphous (ball
      milling) indomethacin (IND), a glass solution of IND and poly(vinylpyrrolidone)
      (PVP) and crystalline IND. Solid state properties were analyzed with X-ray powder
      diffraction (XRPD) and the final compacts were visually observed to study the
      effects of compaction pressure on their surface properties. It was found that
      there is no significant correlation between IDR and compression pressure for
      crystalline IND and IND-PVP. This was in line with the observation of similar
      surface properties of the compacts. However, compression pressure had an impact
      on the IDR of pure amorphous IND compacts. Above a critical compression pressure,
      amorphous particles sintered to form a single compact with dissolution properties
      similar to quench-cooled disc and crystalline IND compacts. In such a case, the
      apparent dissolution advantage of the amorphous form might be underestimated. It
      is thus suggested that for a reasonable interpretation of the IDR, surface
      properties of the different analyzed samples should be investigated and for
      amorphous samples the IDR should be measured also as a function of the
      compression pressure used to prepare the solid sample for IDR testing. 

PMID- 25140533
TI  - Quantifying the role of adverse events in the mortality difference between first
      and second-generation antipsychotics in older adults: systematic review and meta
      synthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Observational studies have reported higher mortality among older
      adults treated with first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) versus second
      generation antipsychotics (SGAs). A few studies examined risk for medical events,
      including stroke, ventricular arrhythmia, venous thromboembolism, myocardial
      infarction, pneumonia, and hip fracture. OBJECTIVES: 1) Review robust
      epidemiologic evidence comparing mortality and medical event risk between FGAs
      and SGAs in older adults; 2) Quantify how much these medical events explain the
      observed mortality difference between FGAs and SGAs. DATA SOURCES: Pubmed and
      Science Citation Index. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, PARTICIPANTS, AND
      INTERVENTIONS: Studies of antipsychotic users that: 1) evaluated mortality or
      medical events specified above; 2) restricted to populations with a mean age of
      65 years or older 3) compared FGAs to SGAs, or both to a non-user group; (4)
      employed a "new user" design; (5) adjusted for confounders assessed prior to
      antipsychotic initiation; (6) and did not require survival after antipsychotic
      initiation. A separate search was performed for mortality estimates associated
      with the specified medical events. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: For
      each medical event, we used a non-parametric model to estimate lower and upper
      bounds for the proportion of the mortality difference-comparing FGAs to SGAs
      mediated by their difference in risk for the medical event. RESULTS: We provide a
      brief, updated summary of the included studies and the biological plausibility of
      these mechanisms. Of the 1122 unique citations retrieved, we reviewed 20
      observational cohort studies that reported 28 associations. We identified hip
      fracture, stroke, myocardial infarction, and ventricular arrhythmias as potential
      intermediaries on the causal pathway from antipsychotic type to death. However,
      these events did not appear to explain the entire mortality difference.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current literature suggests that hip fracture, stroke,
      myocardial infarction, and ventricular arrhythmias partially explain the
      mortality difference between SGAs and FGAs.

PMID- 25140537
TI  - "Push-Through" Rod Passage Technique for the Improvement of Lumbar Lordosis and
      Sagittal Balance in Minimally Invasive Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Surgery.
AB  - OF BACKGROUND DATA: Traditional open surgical techniques for correction of adult
      degenerative scoliosis (ADS) are often associated with increased blood loss,
      postoperative pain, and complications. Minimally invasive (MIS) techniques have
      been utilized to address these issues; however, concerns regarding improving
      certain alignment parameters have been raised. OBJECTIVE: A new "push-through"
      technique for MIS correction of ADS has been developed wherein a rod is bent
      before its placement into the screw heads and then contoured further to yield
      improved correction of radiographic parameters. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN:
      Preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements of 3 patients who
      underwent MIS correction of scoliosis using the "push-through" technique were
      compared with 22 prior patients who had received traditional MIS correction. All
      patients received staged correction of scoliosis. The first stage involved
      insertion of lateral lumbar interbodies. Standing x-rays were then evaluated for
      overall global balance. The second stage involved appropriate MIS facetectomies,
      facet fusions, posterior transforaminal interbodies at lower lumbar segments, and
      finally the placement of rods.TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW:: (1) A long rod composed of
      titanium is bent with a mild lordosis and passed through the extensions of the
      screw heads cephalad to caudad. (2) The rod is passed fully through the incision
      so it extrudes from the caudal end of the construct. At this point, further
      lordosis is bent into the rods. (3) The rod is then pulled back into the
      appropriate position. (4) The unnecessary cephalad rod is then cut to appropriate
      length with a circular saw. (5) Rod reducers are then sequentially lowered and
      tightened to achieve the desired correction. RESULTS: Mean age for all patients
      was 66.02 years. Preoperative coronal Cobb, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and
      pelvic incidence (PI) were similar in all patients, whereas lumbar lordosis (LL)
      was smaller (15.27 vs. 29.85 degrees, P=0.00389) and pelvic tilt (PT) was larger
      (37.00 vs. 27.00 degrees, P=0.00011) in "push-through" patients. Postoperatively,
      "pushthrough" patients experienced greater correction of LL (21.93 vs. 3.70
      degrees, P=0.00001), PI-LL (-18.57 vs. -0.26 degrees, P=0.00471), PT (-7.67 vs. 
      0.40 degrees, P=0.00341), SVA (-40.67 mm vs. 0.95 mm, P=0.05846), and coronal
      Cobb (-20.23 vs. -18.76 degrees, P=0.75). CONCLUSIONS: This new method of
      contouring a rod enables improved LL. This technique is easy to perform and can
      be a valuable tool in treating ADS using MIS techniques.

PMID- 25140538
TI  - Bioreactor droplets from liposome-stabilized all-aqueous emulsions.
AB  - Artificial bioreactors are desirable for in vitro biochemical studies and as
      protocells. A key challenge is maintaining a favourable internal environment
      while allowing substrate entry and product departure. We show that semipermeable,
      size-controlled bioreactors with aqueous, macromolecularly crowded interiors can
      be assembled by liposome stabilization of an all-aqueous emulsion. Dextran-rich
      aqueous droplets are dispersed in a continuous polyethylene glycol (PEG)-rich
      aqueous phase, with coalescence inhibited by adsorbed ~130-nm diameter liposomes.
      Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and dynamic light scattering data
      indicate that the liposomes, which are PEGylated and negatively charged, remain
      intact at the interface for extended time. Inter-droplet repulsion provides
      electrostatic stabilization of the emulsion, with droplet coalescence prevented
      even for submonolayer interfacial coatings. RNA and DNA can enter and exit
      aqueous droplets by diffusion, with final concentrations dictated by
      partitioning. The capacity to serve as microscale bioreactors is established by
      demonstrating a ribozyme cleavage reaction within the liposome-coated droplets. 

PMID- 25140539
TI  - Detection of a right carotid focus of 18F-FDG predicted an ischemic stroke.
AB  - A 60-year-old woman was referred into our department for staging of an
      endometrial carcinoma. In addition to peritoneal and nodes metastases, F-FDG
      PET/CT showed a calcified plaque of the right carotid with focal uptake. One
      month later, the patient presented left hemiparesis, suggesting a right
      hemisphere stroke. MRI confirmed frontal infarction in the anterior cerebral
      artery territory. F-FDG is suggested to be a valuable tool to detect vessel wall
      inflammation; detection of focal arterial uptake on PET/CT suggests unstable
      plaque and requires urgent patient's management to prevent vascular events in a
      population already weakened by both disease and therapy. 

PMID- 25140540
TI  - CyberKnife radiosurgery planning of a secreting pituitary adenoma performed with
      68Ga DOTATATE PET and MRI.
AB  - The images of a patient with acromegaly, who previously underwent operation for
      pituitary adenoma, were obtained. The MRI scan showed a mass in the right
      cavernous sinus, with biochemical test results positive for the presence of a
      hormonally active adenoma. The patient was scheduled for CyberKnife radiotherapy.
      Radiotherapy planning was carried out using MRI and PET/CT scan with somatostatin
      analog 68Ga DOTATATE. The latter showed radiopharmaceutical uptake on the
      adenomatous residual mass. Contours were drawn on MRI and PET images and were
      summed up to devise the radiotherapy plan. The patient was treated with a total
      dose of 24 Gy.

PMID- 25140541
TI  - 18F-FDG PET/CT in anti-LGI1 encephalitis: initial and follow-up findings.
AB  - Anti-LGI1 encephalitis is a subgroup of autoimmune encephalitis, characterized by
      memory impairments, seizures, and behavioral problems. The diagnosis can be made
      by clinical manifestation with a help of serum autoantibody test. There was lack
      of imaging studies to evaluate and monitor the disease activity by anatomical and
      functional information. Here, we report serial F-FDG PET/CT findings in a patient
      with anti-LGI1 encephalitis. Intense F-FDG uptake was initially noted in
      bilateral limbic system at active disease status, and then decreased and
      eventually normalized according to the clinical improvement after treatment. F
      FDG PET/CT can be used to evaluate treatment response of encephalitis. 

PMID- 25140543
TI  - 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrating primary bone lymphoma of the extremities mimicking
      an inflammatory peripheral arthropathy.
AB  - A 66-year-old woman presents with progressive bilateral swelling of her fingers,
      elbows, and toes. Initially thought to represent an inflammatory peripheral
      arthropathy, the patient underwent rheumatology review, but subsequent tissue
      biopsy confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Results of bone marrow biopsy and
      staging CT were negative. F-FDG PET/CT demonstrates FDG-avid bony and adjacent
      soft tissue disease limited to the extremities with an excellent metabolic
      response to primary chemotherapy. This is a rare case of primary bone lymphoma
      limited to the extremities mimicking an inflammatory peripheral arthropathy. 

PMID- 25140542
TI  - CT, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT in a patient with nested stromal epithelial tumor of
      the liver.
AB  - An 11-year-old girl presented with abnormal weight gain and was found to have
      hepatomegaly. MRI of the abdomen revealed a 20-cm hepatic mass. F-FDG PET/CT
      showed a large hypermetabolic calcified hepatic mass and couple of mildly
      hypermetabolic pulmonary nodules with associated intrathoracic lymphadenopathy.
      Liver biopsy was consistent with nested stromal epithelial tumor of the liver, a
      rare nonhepatocytic, nonbiliary primary neoplasm of the liver associated with
      variable calcification and ossification. 

PMID- 25140544
TI  - Accidental cannulation of a femoral central venous catheter into the iliolumbar
      vein: incidental detection by bone scintigraphy.
AB  - Central venous catheterization at the femoral site is associated with higher
      complication rates of infections and thrombosis than at the jugular or subclavian
      sites. However, the procedure of insertion at the femoral site is considered
      safer. We present a unique but dangerous positioning of a left femoral central
      venous catheter into the iliolumbar vein. We were aware of this accidental
      cannulation by chance when our patient underwent bone scintigraphy. Although a
      few cases were reported about accidental cannulation into the ascending lumbar
      vein, this is the first case where a femoral central venous catheter was
      misplaced into the iliolumbar vein. 

PMID- 25140545
TI  - Metastatic undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma of the thyroid gland evaluated
      by 18F-FDG PET/CT.
AB  - We describe a rare case of metastatic undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma
      (USCS) of the thyroid gland evaluated by 18F-FDG PET/CT. A 63-year-old male
      patient with histological diagnosis of USCS of the thyroid gland underwent 18F
      FDG PET/CT for staging. PET/CT revealed increased radiopharmaceutical uptake
      corresponding to a thyroid mass and mild 18F-FDG uptake in a 7-mm lung nodule,
      which was diagnosed as USCS metastasis. Based on these findings, the patient was
      referred to surgery and chemotherapy, but he died 6 months later for disease
      progression.

PMID- 25140546
TI  - FDG PET/CT in evaluation of unusual cutaneous manifestations of breast cancer.
AB  - Cutaneous metastases of primary internal malignancies are rare, with an incidence
      of 0.7% to 10.4%. Cutaneous manifestations due to breast cancer are the most
      common metastases dermatologists observe, with a prevalence of 2.4% and an
      incidence of 23.9%. Presence of cutaneous metastases is usually a late event in
      disease progression, indicating grave prognosis. Recognition of cutaneous breast
      cancer metastases significantly alters therapeutic plans, especially when the
      disease was thought to be successfully cured. F-FDG PET CT imaging can detect
      cutaneous metastasis and sites of distant metastases and monitor response to
      therapy. We report 3 patients with cutaneous-predominant breast carcinoma seen by
      FDG PET/CT. 

PMID- 25140547
TI  - 18F-FDG PET/CT in a case of parasite infection mimicking lung and breast
      malignancy.
AB  - A 51-year-old woman with dyspnea on exertion, fever, pleural effusion, and
      pericardial thickening underwent F-FDG PET/CT, which revealed focal
      hypermetabolic lesions in the right lung and left breast. The histopathology of
      the lesions was compatible with infiltration of inflammatory cells. Blood
      eosinophil counts were elevated, and enzyme-linked immunoassays were positive for
      antibodies to several parasites. After antiparasite medication, blood eosinophil
      counts were normalized, and PET/CT demonstrated complete disappearance of
      abnormal FDG accumulation in the lung and breast. 

PMID- 25140548
TI  - Focal increased 18F FP-CIT uptake in a recent ischemic lesion in the frontal
      lobe.
AB  - A 65-year-old male patient was referred for rapid functional decline over 1 month
      with dysphagia and dysarthria. Past history disclosed left side weakness for 5
      years. F FP-CIT PET/CT was performed to evaluate the possibility of pseudobulbar
      palsy. Images showed a defect in the right posterior putamen that was consistent
      with an old cerebral infarction lesion. Unexpectedly, an oval area of intense F
      FP-CIT uptake was found in the left frontal lobe. MRI and F-FDG PET/CT indicated
      the lesion to be caused by recent cerebral ischemia. 

PMID- 25140549
TI  - Detecting interval metastases and response assessment using 18F-FDG PET/CT after
      neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of FDG PET/CT for the
      detection of interval distant metastases after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
      (CRT) and the prediction of the pathologic response to CRT in esophageal cancer
      patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, all esophageal
      cancer patients for whom CRT followed by surgery was planned between January 2008
      and April 2013 and in whom an FDG PET/CT was performed before and after CRT were
      included. For the response analyses, both FDG PET/CT scans had to be made on a
      similar scanner. Metabolic response of the primary tumor was assessed using the
      SUVmax, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). These
      parameters were correlated with the pathologic response using the tumor
      regression grade (TRG) scale according to Mandard et al (Cancer. 1994;73:2680
      2686). RESULTS: In 6 (8%) of 76 consecutively treated patients, new distant
      metastases were detected on FDG PET/CT after neoadjuvant CRT; these patients
      therefore did not undergo operation. Forty-eight (63%) of 76 patients were
      eligible for response analysis. The relative change in SUVmax, MTV, and TLG was
      significantly different between patients with a major (TRG, 1-2) and a minor
      response (TRG, 3-5) but not between patients with and without a pathologic
      complete response. The area under the curve of the receiver operating
      characteristic for predicting a major response was 0.70 (95% confidence interval,
      0.65-0.92) for a relative decrease in SUVmax, compared with 0.73 (95% confidence
      interval, 0.58-0.88) both for MTV and TLG. A relative decrease in SUVmax of 60%
      or more had the highest positive predictive value (75%). CONCLUSIONS: Futile
      surgery was prevented in 8% of our esophageal cancer patients because interval
      metastases were detected on an FDG PET/CT after neoadjuvant CRT. The accuracy for
      predicting a complete or major pathologic response was limited and does not
      support the use of FDG PET/CT for refraining from surgical treatment.

PMID- 25140550
TI  - 18F-FDG PET/CT finding of bilateral primary breast mucosa-associated lymphoid
      tissue lymphoma.
AB  - Primary breast lymphoma is an extremely rare disease. Primary breast mucosa
      associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is even rarer, and bilateral
      involvement is exceptional. We report on the F-FDG PET/CT findings in a patient
      with primary bilateral breast MALT lymphoma. F-FDG PET/CT showed hypermetabolic
      masses in both breasts. The patient was confirmed with bilateral primary breast
      MALT lymphoma after total mastectomy. Despite its rarity, primary breast MALT
      lymphoma should be considered in patients with hypermetabolic masses in the
      breast. If primary breast MALT lymphoma is suspected, F-FDG PET/CT is a useful
      tool for initial staging in patients. 

PMID- 25140551
TI  - Radioiodine uptake in an ovarian mature teratoma detected with SPECT/CT.
AB  - A 28-year-old woman underwent a near-total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma.
      Before radioiodine therapy, the serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level was 50
      MUIU/mL, the thyroglobulin level was 1 MUg/L, and the antithyroglobulin was
      negative. She received 100 mCi of I for ablation of residual thyroid tissue.
      After therapy, I whole-body scan demonstrated focal uptake in the right pelvic
      area, which localized to the right ovary on SPECT/CT fusion images. The ovarian
      cyst was resected, and histopathological examination revealed a mature teratoma
      without thyroid tissue component. At 6-month follow-up, the whole-body
      radioiodine scan was normal, and serum thyroglobulin was undetectable. 

PMID- 25140552
TI  - Whole-body 18F-fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT and MRI of the spine for monitoring
      patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer metastatic to bone: a pilot
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Several treatments are proposed for castration-resistant prostate
      cancer (CRPC) at the metastatic stage. Monitoring of response using serum
      prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (sPSA) can be insufficient at this stage.
      Imaging has been proposed, in particular, nuclear medicine functional imaging and
      MRI, since response of predominant bone metastases is hardly evaluable on CT. Our
      aim was to evaluate in patients with CRPC with bone metastases, before and after
      various treatment lines, the evolution of sPSA, whole-body 18F-fluorocholine
      (FCH) PET/CT and spine MRI (sMRI) that has been proposed for detection of
      imminent malignant spinal cord compression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively gathered a pilot series of 10 patients with CRPC metastatic to
      bone who had 47 PSA assays, FCH PET/CT, and spine-MRI (sMRI) performed
      concomitantly as routine examinations, before the beginning and at the end of 37
      therapeutic intervals (TIs). Blinded reading of FCH PET/CT and sMRI was performed
      to evaluate visually whether or not the disease has been progressing (new
      lesions, greater size, or greater uptake intensity of known lesions) between the
      initial and the final examination of each TI. RESULTS: Visual interpretations
      limited to spine FCH (sFCH) PET/CT and sMRI were in accordance for 34 TIs (92%):
      14 progressions and 20 nonprogressions. In 2 cases, sFCH did not detect lesions
      visible on sMRI: one epiduritis and one 6-mm lesion. In 1 case, MRI missed a
      lesion in the sacrum that was detected on sFCH. When whole-body FCH (wbFCH)
      PET/CT was taken into account, the agreement with sMRI was limited to 29 TIs
      (78%). The 8 discrepant cases were all wbFCH positive and sMRI negative, that is,
      a significantly higher frequency of positivity for wbFCH (P < 0.008). Serum PSA
      levels increased by more than 25% during 21 TIs, whereas no progression was
      visible in 8 TIs on sMRI and in 2 TIs on wbFCH. In 5 TIs, sPSA decreased by more
      than 50%, and progression was never detected on imaging. CONCLUSION: In detecting
      progression in patients with CRPC metastatic to bone, results of spine imaging
      with sMRI and sFCH PET/CT were highly correlated, whereas wbFCH PET/CT showed
      significantly more progression statues comparing to sMRI alone related to the
      exploration of other parts of the skeleton and of soft tissue.

PMID- 25140553
TI  - Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra: 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging.
AB  - Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra is a rare and aggressive tumor of female
      gender preponderance. This neoplasm, the origin of which is still widely debated,
      has been reported with CT and MRI in case reports and small series. To the
      previously published conventional cross-sectional imaging description, the
      authors add the PET/CT features of this uncommon urologic neoplasm at its
      advanced stage in a 60-year-old patient complaining of urinary retention.

PMID- 25140554
TI  - A gluten-free vegan meal for gastric emptying scintigraphy: establishment of
      reference values and its utilization in the evaluation of diabetic gastroparesis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the preparation of radiolabeled
      idli (savory cake) meal for use as an alternate to the egg white sandwich (EWS)
      meal in gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES). Furthermore, the aim of this study
      was to establish normal emptying rates for this meal and present our experience
      in using it in the evaluation of diabetic gastroparesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      The meal was prepared using a universally available packaged mix labeled with 1
      mCi 99mTc sulfur colloid, and the stability of labeling was tested up to 4 hours
      in simulated gastric fluid. One hundred thirteen healthy volunteers (aged 20-78
      years; 54 women, 59 men) underwent GES study using the idli meal. Gastric
      retention at one-half, 1, 2, and 4 hours after ingestion of the meal was
      estimated, and the normal limits were set using the fifth and 95th percentile
      values at each period. Having established its normal emptying rates, the idli
      meal was further used to evaluate 70 patients suspected with diabetic
      gastroparesis. RESULTS: The idli meal, with a calorific value ~282 kcal, has a
      relatively higher fat content (8% of total mass) than EWS. More than 96% of 99mTc
      sulfur colloid remained bound to the meal after 4 hours suspension in simulated
      gastric fluid. Gastric retention greater than 30% and greater than 6% at 2 hours
      and 4 hours, respectively, indicated delayed gastric emptying, whereas retention
      less than 30% at 1 hour suggested rapid emptying. Among patients suspected with
      diabetic gastroparesis, delayed gastric emptying was identified in 76%, and rapid
      emptying was seen in 4.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Radiolabeled idli meal is a good
      alternative to EWS meal for routine GES, especially among patients with specific
      dietary restrictions.

PMID- 25140555
TI  - Assessing tumor hypoxia in head and neck cancer by PET with 62Cu-diacetyl-bis(N4
      methylthiosemicarbazone).
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of PET imaging
      with a hypoxia-selective tracer 62Cu-diacetyl-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone)
      (62Cu-ATSM) for evaluating the prognosis of patients with head and neck cancer
      (HNC). METHODS: Twenty-five patients with HNC including stage II to IV underwent
      both 62Cu-ATSM and 18F-FDG PET before the initiation of treatment. Volumes of
      interest were placed on the tumor and sternocleidomastoid muscles to obtain
      SUVmax and to calculate the tumor-to-muscle activity ratio (TMR). The PET results
      were correlated with clinical follow-up, and the receiver operating
      characteristic analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff values.
      Progression-free survival (PFS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) were
      statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for periods ranging
      from 4 to 32 months. Twelve patients died from local recurrence or metastasis of
      a primary cancer, and 2 had recurrence of the 13 remaining patients. Mean (SD)
      periods of PFS and CSS were 15.5 (12.5) and 18.6 (11.0) months, respectively.
      Optimal cutoff values for each PET index were as follows: SUVs of 62Cu-ATSM
      (SUVATSM) and FDG were 3.6 and 7.9; TMRs of ATSM (TMRATSM) and FDG were 3.2 and
      5.6. When the cutoff for TMRATSM was set at 3.2, patients with a greater TMRATSM
      had significantly worse PFS (P = 0.014) and CSS (P = 0.031). Two-year PFS and CSS
      rates were 73% and 80% for patients with a lower TMRATSM (<=3.2); however, they
      were 20% and 33% for those with hypoxic tumors (TMRATSM, >3.2), respectively. F
      FDG-related indices did not show any significant difference in either PFS or CSS.
      CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment 62Cu-ATSM PET is useful for predicting the prognosis of
      patients with HNC.

PMID- 25140556
TI  - Nodular fasciitis mimicking soft tissue metastasis on 18F-FDG PET/CT during
      surveillance.
AB  - Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a common benign soft tissue tumor. However, F-FDG
      PET/CT findings of NF are limited. Two cases of NF are described that mimic soft
      tissue metastasis on F-FDG PET/CT during surveillance. F-FDG PET/CT is well
      documented in the surveillance of malignancy and increasing worldwide. There are
      growing chances of encountering FDG-avid nonmalignant soft tissue lesion. Nodular
      fasciitis could be considered as possible diagnosis on F-FDG PET/CT if a solitary
      well- circumscribed ovoid hypermetabolic soft tissue lesion is located in a
      muscle, intermuscular space, or adjacent tendon, especially in patients with a
      clinically low probability of tumor recurrence or metastasis. 

PMID- 25140557
TI  - Detection of osseous metastasis by 18F-NaF/18F-FDG PET/CT versus CT alone.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sodium fluoride PET (18F-NaF) has recently reemerged as a valuable
      method for detection of osseous metastasis, with recent work highlighting the
      potential of coadministered 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG PET/CT in a single combined
      imaging examination. We further examined the potential of such combined
      examinations by comparing dual tracer 18F-NaF18/F-FDG PET/CT with CT alone for
      detection of osseous metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-five participants
      with biopsy-proven malignancy were consecutively enrolled from a single center
      and underwent combined 18F-NaF/18F-FDG PET/CT and diagnostic CT scans. PET/CT as
      well as CT only images were reviewed in blinded fashion and compared with the
      results of clinical, imaging, or histological follow-up as a truth standard.
      RESULTS: Sensitivity of the combined 18F-NaF/18F-FDG PET/CT was higher than that
      of CT alone (97.4% vs 66.7%). CT and 18F-NaF/18F-FDG PET/CT were concordant in
      73% of studies. Of 20 discordant cases, 18F-NaF/18F-FDG PET/CT was correct in 19
      (95%). Three cases were interpreted concordantly but incorrectly, and all 3 were
      false positives. A single case of osseous metastasis was detected by CT alone,
      but not by 18F-NaF/18F-FDG PET/CT. CONCLUSIONS: Combined 18F-NaF/18F-FDG PET/CT
      outperforms CT alone and is highly sensitive and specific for detection of
      osseous metastases. The concordantly interpreted false-positive cases demonstrate
      the difficulty of distinguishing degenerative from malignant disease, whereas the
      single case of metastasis seen on CT but not PET highlights the need for careful
      review of CT images in multimodality studies.

PMID- 25140558
TI  - 131I abnormal uptake by the thyroid bed from Zuckerkandl tubercle diagnosis by
      131I SPECT/CT.
AB  - After thyroid remnant ablation following total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer,
      131I SPECT/CT revealed 131I uptake, regarded as thyroid bed uptake on planar
      images, in the anterior cervical region. On SPECT/CT, the 131I uptake focus
      appeared at the esophagus, suggesting esophageal invasion. No esophageal invasion
      had been recognized intraoperatively, and no residual uptake was detected by 131I
      scintigraphy evaluating therapeutic effects 3 months after ablation. Preoperative
      CT revealed a retrotracheal space portion extending from the normal thyroid with
      the same density, suggesting Zuckerkandl tubercle. Abnormal uptake on SPECT/CT
      was deemed Zuckerkandl tubercle-derived thyroid bed uptake.

PMID- 25140559
TI  - Sister Mary Joseph Nodules on 99mTc HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy in patients with
      neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - A Sister Mary Joseph nodule represents an umbilical metastasis, which is more
      commonly caused by a primary malignancy in gastrointestinal tract or from
      reproductive system. We report Sister Mary Joseph nodules caused by
      neuroendocrine tumor and revealed on Tc HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy. 

PMID- 25140560
TI  - Role of semiquantitative assessment of regional binding potential in 123I-FP-CIT
      SPECT for the differentiation of frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy
      bodies, and Alzheimer's dementia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: I-FP-CIT SPECT is increasingly used to differentiate between
      Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The role of I-FP
      CIT SPECT in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is rather unclear, albeit
      nigrostriatal involvement may occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate its
      role in the differentiation of FTD, DLB, and AD. METHODS: We analyzed 34 patients
      with clinical diagnosis of FTD (n = 13), DLB (n = 12), and AD (n = 9) undergoing
      combined F-FDG PET and I-FP-CIT SPECT. We performed a semiquantitative region of
      interest-based analysis to determine the binding potential values in caudate
      nucleus, putamen, and whole striatum including the caudate/putamen binding
      potential ratio and asymmetry indices. The receiver operating characteristic
      analyses and multinomial logistic regression were conducted to assess
      discrimination accuracy. RESULTS: The putaminal binding potential separated DLB
      from AD with high accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic
      curve [AUC], 0.94). It also discriminated FTD from DLB with high accuracy (AUC,
      0.92), whereas differentiation between FTD and AD was less accurate (AUC, 0.74).
      The binding potential ratio also provided high accuracy for differentiation of
      FTD and DLB (AUC, 0.91). Combination of these 2 parameters yielded slightly
      higher results for differentiation of FTD and DLB (AUC, 0.97). In a group
      including all patients, accuracy remained very high for DLB (AUC, 0.95), whereas
      values for FTD (AUC, 0.81) and AD (AUC, 0.80) were lower. CONCLUSIONS:
      Semiquantitative assessment of striatal dopamine transporter availability can
      differentiate between FTD and DLB as well as DLB and AD with high accuracy,
      whereas discrimination between AD and FTD is limited.

PMID- 25140561
TI  - Quantitative measurement of blood flow volume in the major intracranial arteries
      by using 123i-iodoamphetamine SPECT.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish the novel automatic method to
      quantify blood flow volumes of the major intracranial arteries by using SPECT.
      METHODS: We created the vascular templates to cover the territory supplied by the
      major intracranial arteries. Each blood flow volume was calculated as the
      regional cerebral blood flow on SPECT using this template * volume size of the
      template. In this study, we evaluated the volume flows in 22 cerebral hemispheres
      with normal perfusion and 28 hemispheres with severe stenosis in the internal
      cerebral artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) and that at acetazolamide
      test in 16 normal hemispheres and 20 hemispheres with stenosis. RESULTS: The mean
      blood flow volumes of the ICA and MCA in the normal hemispheres increased to more
      than 40% after acetazolamide test (161-228 mL/min for ICA and 111-157 mL/min for
      MCA), although those in the hemispheres with stenosis increased to less than 35%
      (158-192 mL/min for ICA and 107-127 mL/min for MCA). The receiver operating
      characteristic analyses revealed that the simple difference between the blood
      flow volume at acetazolamide test and that at rest using the new MCA template was
      superior to detecting reduction of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), compared
      with the conventional percent CVR using the original template. CONCLUSIONS: Blood
      flow volumes of the intracranial arteries had been able to be quantified
      automatically on SPECT, and difference of CVR was available for predicting the
      blood demand-supply balance.

PMID- 25140562
TI  - Clinical benefit of 11C methionine PET imaging as a planning modality for
      radiosurgery of previously irradiated recurrent brain metastases.
AB  - OBJECT: Stereotactic radiosurgery with gamma knife (GK-SRS) generally improves
      the focal control of brain metastases. Yet in cases of focal recurrence at a
      previous radiation site, MRI is often imperfect in differentiating between active
      tumor and radiation injury. We have examined whether the use of C methionine
      (MET) with PET will facilitate this differentiation and improve the outcome of GK
      SRS for focally recurrent brain metastases after prior treatment. METHODS: Eighty
      eight patients underwent GK-SRS for postirradiation recurrent brain metastases.
      Thirty-four patients received radiation in areas manifesting high MET uptake (PET
      group) in a dose-planning procedure using MET-PET/MRI fusion images. Fifty-four
      patients referred from other institutes received radiation based on dose planning
      information obtained from MRI (MRI group). RESULTS: Sex, age, and the ratio of
      breast cancer differed significantly between the MRI and PET groups. The total
      irradiation volume was significantly smaller in the PET group, and the minimal
      irradiation dose was significantly higher. In a multivariable statistical
      analysis, the use of MET-PET (P = 0.02) was independently associated with
      prolonged overall survival after treatment, Karnofsky performance status (P =
      0.002), the number of lesions (P = 0.03), and patient's sex (P = 0.02). The
      median survival time was significantly longer in the PET group (18.1 months) than
      in the MRI group (8.6 months) (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: 11C methionine-PET/MRI
      fusion images for dose planning lengthened survival in patients undergoing GK-SRS
      for focally recurrent brain metastases.

PMID- 25140563
TI  - PET response criteria for solid tumors predict survival at three months after
      intra-arterial resin-based 90Yttrium radioembolization therapy for unresectable
      intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: PET Response Criteria for Solid Tumors (PERCIST) were assessed and
      correlated with survival analysis after resin-based 90Yttrium (90Y)
      radioembolization therapy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Target and overall PERCIST and Response Criteria for Solid Tumors
      (RECIST) treatment responses were assessed in consecutive patients treated with Y
      radioembolization for ICC refractory to standard chemotherapy. Significant
      measurable tumor was defined as 1 cm or greater in diameter and SUVpeak of 2.5 or
      greater in targeted and nontargeted lesions. The PERCIST defines complete
      response as resolution of 18F-FDG uptake within measurable lesions, and partial
      response as 30% reduction in 18F-FDG peak standardized uptake value in measurable
      lesions. Objective response included partial response and complete response.
      Survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank proportional models was performed
      using SPSS software version 20.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY), and significance was set at P
      < 0.05. RESULTS: Median overall survival (OS) of 9 consecutive patients (56%
      women; mean age, 58 years) from 90Y therapy was 21.7 months. At 3 months, PERCIST
      objective response rate of target lesions was 77.7%, and target objective
      response on PERCIST correlated significantly to prolonged OS (P = 0.022). Overall
      objective PERCIST response at 3 months had significant correlation with OS (P =
      0.011). Probability of death was significantly higher in overall nonresponders by
      PERCIST (hazard ratio, 12.3). No objective response was seen with RECIST.
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients with unresectable ICC refractory to standard
      chemotherapy, PERCIST at 3 months for assessment of imaging response after 90Y
      radioembolization therapy predict OS.

PMID- 25140564
TI  - Stratified radiotracer activity in a floppy neobladder on both 18F-FDG PET/CT and
      99mTc-MDP bone scan.
AB  - 18F-FDG and 99mTc-MDP are excreted through the renal system. For the most part,
      radiotracers are uniformly distributed in the bladder; however, their
      distribution can exhibit unique patterns in certain situations. We present a case
      of stratified urine activity in a floppy neobladder on nuclear medicine imaging
      performed just after CT and MRI contrast studies, respectively.

PMID- 25140565
TI  - 11C-PiB PET/CT in nasopharyngeal amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma.
AB  - We present an unusual case of nasopharyngeal amyloidosis associated with multiple
      myeloma. A 63-year-old woman presented with 2 months' history of epistaxis and
      dentalgia 3 years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. CT and C
      Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) PET images demonstrated that the intense C-PiB uptake
      corresponded to the nasal, paranasal, and palatal area matching the CT mass
      lesion. Histopathologic examination confirmed amyloidosis. 

PMID- 25140566
TI  - Vesicocolic fistula detected by (99m)Tc-MAG3 renogram.
AB  - A 55-year-old man presented with 60-lb weight loss in 6 months. An abdominal CT
      demonstrated a large mass in the pelvis arising from the sigmoid colon and
      invading the urinary bladder. His elevated serum creatinine (1.25 mg/dL)
      triggered a request for a Tc-MAG3. Tc-MAG3 renogram demonstrated communication of
      the urinary bladder with the descending colon but no evidence of obstruction to
      drainage from the kidneys to the bladder. A retrograde cystogram confirmed a
      vesicocolic fistula. After multiple rounds of chemotherapy, the patient died 7
      months later. 

PMID- 25140567
TI  - [Until when will Brazil be known as the country of cesarean section?].

PMID- 25140568
TI  - [Premature rupture of the membranes before the 35th week: perinatal outcomes].
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the perinatal outcomes after preterm premature rupture of
      membranes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out at Instituto de
      Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira - IMIP from January 2008 to December
      2012. A total of 124 preterm premature rupture of membranes singleton
      pregnancies, with gestational age <35, were included in the study. Pregnant women
      carrying fetuses with malformations, hypertensive syndromes, diabetes, or
      diagnosis of infections at admission were excluded. The pregnant women were
      hospitalized for conservative treatment with corticosteroids, antibiotics and
      tocolysis with nifedipine if necessary. The results are reported as frequency
      distributions and measures of central tendency and dispersion. RESULTS: Seventeen
      patients (13.7%) had a gestational age of less than 24 weeks. Mean maternal age
      was 25.7 years, mean gestational age at the diagnosis of preterm premature
      rupture of membranes was 29 weeks, mean amniotic fluid index was 3.5 cm, and mean
      latency period was 10.5 days. Most patients went into spontaneous labor by the
      30th week of pregnancy, and the rate of vaginal delivery was 88.2%.
      Chorioamnionitis was the most frequent maternal complication (34.7%). Neonatal
      sepsis was observed in 12% of patients, and the perinatal mortality rate was
      21.5% for the group at or beyond the 24th week of gestation and 76.5% for the
      group with less than 24 weeks of gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: A low maternal
      mortality rate was observed in preterm premature rupture of membranes; however,
      high rates of complications and perinatal death were observed, suggesting that
      other conduct protocols should be studied.

PMID- 25140569
TI  - [Neonatal mortality and avoidable causes in the micro regions of Sao Paulo
      state].
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify spatial patterns of neonatal mortality distribution in the
      micro regions of Sao Paulo State and verify the role of avoidable causes in the
      composition of this health indicator. METHODS: This ecological exploratory study
      used neonatal mortality information obtained from Information System and
      Information Technology Department of the Brazilian National Healthcare System
      (DATASUS) in the period between the years 2007 and 2011. The digital set of micro
      regions of Sao Paulo State was obtained from Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e
      Estatistica (IBGE). Moran Indexes were calculated for the neonatal mortality
      total rate and rate from avoidable causes; thematic maps were constructed with
      these rates, as well as the difference between them; and the Box Map was built.
      RESULTS: The overall neonatal mortality rate was 8.42/1,000 live births and
      neonatal mortality rate from avoidable causes of 6.19/1,000 live births. Moran
      coefficients (I) for these rates were significant (p-value<0.05) - for the total
      rate of neonatal mortality I=0.11 and for mortality from preventable causes
      I=0.19 -, and neonatal deaths were concentrated in southwest region and the Vale
      do Paraiba. If preventable causes were abolished, there would be a significant
      reduction in the average rate of overall neonatal mortality, from 8.42 to 2.23
      deaths/1,000 live births, representing a decline of 73%. CONCLUSION: This study
      demonstrated that neonatal mortality rate would be close to the rates of
      developed countries if avoidable causes were abolished.

PMID- 25140570
TI  - Relationship between anxiety and overactive bladder syndrome in older women.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between
      overactive bladder syndrome and anxiety in older women. METHODS: Of the 198 older
      women who were invited, 29 were excluded and 166 were then divided into two
      groups according to the Advanced Questionnaire of Overactive Bladder (OAB-V8):
      one group with overactive bladder symptoms (OAB-V8>=8) and the other without the
      symptoms of an overactive bladder (OAB-V8<8). The purpose was to conduct a
      frequency analysis and to investigate the relation of the social demographic data
      and anxiety in the two groups. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used to
      evaluate the level of anxiety. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to determine
      the distribution of the data. The differences between the two groups for the
      continuous variables were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test, the differences
      for the categorical variables were analyzed by the Chi-Square test and the
      association between the continuous variables was analyzed by the Spearman
      Correlation test. The tests were two-tailed with a confidence level of 5%.
      RESULTS: Overall, the frequency of an overactive bladder was present in 117
      (70.5%) of the participants. The body mass index (BMI) of the group with
      overactive bladder symptoms was significantly higher than the BMI of those
      without these symptoms (p=0.001). A higher prevalence of mild, moderate and
      severe anxiety was observed among older women with overactive bladder symptoms.
      In addition, the overactive bladder symptoms group presented a positive low
      correlation with anxiety symptoms (r=0.345) and with BMI (r=0.281). There was a
      small correlation between BMI and anxiety symptoms (r=0.164). CONCLUSIONS:
      Overactive bladder syndrome was prevalent among older women and the existence of
      these symptoms was linked to the presence of mild, moderate and/or severe anxiety
      symptoms.

PMID- 25140571
TI  - [Cross-cultural adaptation of the Pregnancy and Weight Gain Attitude Scale].
AB  - PURPOSE: To present the cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese
      language of the Pregnancy and Weight Gain Attitude Scale. METHODS: This scale was
      developed in order to verify whether attitude toward thinness affects weight gain
      during pregnancy and contains statements that express different attitudes of
      pregnant women regarding their own weight gain. The procedures were: translation,
      back translation, comprehension evaluation, preparation of a final version,
      application of the scale to 180 pregnant women (mean age=29.6, gestational
      age=25.7 weeks) and psychometric analysis. RESULTS: Satisfactory equivalence
      between the versions and satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.7)
      were detected. The exploratory factor analysis suggested four subscales with
      51.4% total variance explained. CONCLUSION: The scale proved to be valid and can
      be used in studies with pregnant women in Brazil to assess attitudes toward
      weight gain and to detect and prevent dysfunctional behaviors during pregnancy.

PMID- 25140572
TI  - [Changes in the extracellular matrix due to diabetes and their impact on urinary
      continence].
AB  - The prevalence of urinary incontinence in diabetic pregnant women is
      significantly high two years after cesarean section. Incontinence can be the most
      common consequence of hyperglycemia compared to other complications. Thus,
      identifying the risk factors for the development of urinary incontinence in
      diabetes is the major aim in the prevention of this very common condition. Recent
      surveys have shown that not only muscle but also the urethral extracellular
      matrix play an important role in the mechanism of urinary continence.
      Translational work on rats by our research group showed that diabetes during
      pregnancy damages the extracellular matrix and urethral striated muscle, a fact
      that may explain the high prevalence of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor
      dysfunction in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetes affects the
      expression, organization and change in extracellular matrix components in
      different organs, and tissue remodeling and fibrosis appear to be a direct
      consequence of it. Therefore, understanding the impact of modifiable risk
      factors, such as diabetes, which involves using preventive strategies, can reduce
      the rates of urinary incontinence and the health care costs, and improve the
      quality of life of women, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. 

PMID- 25140573
TI  - Allelic variants at codon 146 in the PRNP gene show significant differences in
      the risk for natural scrapie in Cypriot goats.
AB  - Previous studies have shown the association between the polymorphisms serine (S)
      or aspartic acid (D) at codon 146 of the PRNP gene and resistance to scrapie. All
      goats aged >12 months (a total of 1075 animals) from four herds with the highest
      prevalence of scrapie in the country were culled and tested, of which 234 (21.7%)
      were positive by either the rapid test or immunohistochemistry (IHC) for any of
      the tissues tested. The odds of scrapie infection occurring in NN146 goats was
      101 [95% credible interval (CrI) 19-2938] times higher than for non-NN146 or
      unknown genotypes. IHC applied to lymphoreticular tissue produced the highest
      sensitivity (94%, 95% CrI 90-97). The presence of putatively resistant non-NN146
      alleles in the Cypriot goat population, severely affected by scrapie, provides a
      potential tool to reduce/eradicate scrapie provided that coordinated nationwide
      breeding programmes are implemented and maintained over time. 

PMID- 25140576
TI  - Influence of interfacial rheology on drainage from curved surfaces.
AB  - Thin lubrication flows accompanying drainage from curved surfaces surround us
      (e.g., the drainage of the tear film on our eyes). These draining aqueous layers
      are normally covered with surface-active molecules that render the free surface
      viscoelastic. The non-Newtonian character of these surfaces fundamentally alters
      the dynamics of drainage. We show that increased film stability during drainage
      can occur as a consequence of enhanced surface rheology. Increasing the
      surfactant layer viscosity decreases the rate of drainage; however, this
      retarding influence is most pronounced when the insoluble surfactant layer has
      significant elasticity. We also present a simple theoretical model that offers
      qualitative support to our experimental findings. 

PMID- 25140577
TI  - Clinical significance of 2 h plasma concentrations of first-line anti
      tuberculosis drugs: a prospective observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study 2 h plasma concentrations of the first-line tuberculosis
      drugs isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide in a cohort of patients
      with tuberculosis in Denmark and to determine the relationship between the
      concentrations and the clinical outcome. METHODS: After 6-207 days of treatment
      (median 34 days) 2 h blood samples were collected from 32 patients with active
      tuberculosis and from three patients receiving prophylactic treatment. Plasma
      concentrations were determined using LC-MS/MS. Normal ranges were obtained from
      the literature. Clinical charts were reviewed for baseline characteristics and
      clinical status at 2, 4 and 6 months after the initiation of treatment. At a 1
      year follow-up, therapy failure was defined as death or a relapse of
      tuberculosis. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations below the normal ranges were
      frequently observed: isoniazid in 71%, rifampicin in 58%, ethambutol in 46%,
      pyrazinamide in 10% and both isoniazid and rifampicin in 45% of the patients. The
      plasma concentrations of isoniazid correlated inversely with the C-reactive
      protein level at the time of sampling (P = 0.001). During 1 year of follow-up,
      therapy failure occurred in five patients. Therapy failure occurred more
      frequently when the concentrations of isoniazid and rifampicin were both below
      the normal ranges (P = 0.013) and even more frequently when they were below the
      median 2 h drug concentrations obtained in the study (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: At
      2 h, plasma concentrations of isoniazid and rifampicin below the normal ranges
      were frequently observed. The inverse correlation between the plasma
      concentrations of isoniazid and C-reactive protein indicate a suboptimal
      treatment effect at standard dosing regimens. Dichotomization based on median 2 h
      drug concentrations was more predictive of outcome than dichotomization based on
      normal ranges.

PMID- 25140578
TI  - Molecular surveillance and prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae
      in Northern Taiwan.

PMID- 25140579
TI  - Molecular basis of non-mutational derepression of ramA in Klebsiella pneumoniae.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The ram locus, consisting of the romA-ramA genes, is repressed by the
      tetracycline-type regulator RamR, where regulation is abolished due to loss-of
      function mutations within the protein or ligand interactions. The aim of this
      study was to determine whether the phenothiazines (chlorpromazine and
      thioridazine) directly interact with RamR to derepress ramA expression. METHODS:
      Quantitative real-time PCR analyses were performed to determine expression levels
      of the romA-ramA genes after exposure to the phenothiazines. Electrophoretic
      mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and in vitro transcription experiments were
      performed to show direct binding to and repression by RamR. Direct binding of the
      RamR protein to the phenothiazines was measured by fluorescence spectroscopy
      experiments and molecular docking models were generated using the RamR crystal
      structure. RESULTS: Exposure to either chlorpromazine or thioridazine resulted in
      the up-regulation of the romA-ramA genes. EMSAs and in vitro transcription
      experiments demonstrated that both agents reduce/abolish binding and enhance
      transcription of the target PI promoter upstream of the ramR-romA genes in
      Klebsiella pneumoniae compared with RamR alone. Fluorescence spectroscopy
      measurements demonstrated that RamR directly binds both chlorpromazine and
      thioridazine with micromolar affinity. Molecular docking analyses using the RamR
      crystal structure demonstrated that the phenothiazines interact with RamR protein
      through contacts described for other ligands, in addition to forming unique
      strong polar interactions at positions D152 and K63. CONCLUSIONS: These data
      demonstrate that phenothiazines can modulate loci linked to the microbe-drug
      response where RamR is an intracellular target for the phenothiazines, thus
      resulting in a transient non-mutational derepression of ramA concentrations.

PMID- 25140580
TI  - Premenstrual syndrome in Turkish medical students and their quality of life.
AB  - This study aimed to analyse the frequency and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
      (PMS) and its effect on quality of life in medical students. Sociodemographic
      data, a symptom calendar for the following consecutive two menstrual periods and
      SF-36 quality of life questionnaire were collected. A total of 228 students
      joined the survey. The average age of the students was 20.77 +/- 1.90. The
      frequency of PMS was 91.8%. The most frequent symptoms were abdominal bloating
      (89.5%), irritability (88.3%) and breast tenderness (82.6%). Quality of life
      scores ranged from 17.00 to 97.00 and were lowest in the severe PMS group.
      Alcohol consumption, stress events and fat rich diets increased the severity of
      PMS. Family history significantly affected the severity of PMS and quality of
      life scores. Premenstrual syndrome was found to be a frequent entity among
      medical students and seemed to affect quality of life in a moderate way. 

PMID- 25140581
TI  - The interprofessional clinical experience: interprofessional education in the
      nursing home.
AB  - The interprofessional clinical experience (ICE) was designed to introduce
      trainees to the roles of different healthcare professionals, provide an
      opportunity to participate in an interprofessional team, and familiarize trainees
      with caring for older adults in the nursing home setting. Healthcare trainees
      from seven professions (dentistry, medicine, nursing, nutrition, occupational
      therapy, optometry and social work) participated in ICE. This program consisted
      of individual patient interviews followed by a team meeting to develop a
      comprehensive care plan. To evaluate the impact of ICE on attitudinal change, the
      UCLA Geriatric Attitudes Scale and a post-experience assessment were used. The
      post-experience assessment evaluated the trainees' perception of potential team
      members' roles and attitudes about interprofessional team care of the older
      adult. Attitudes toward interprofessional teamwork and the older adult were
      generally positive. ICE is a novel program that allows trainees across healthcare
      professions to experience interprofessional teamwork in the nursing home setting.

PMID- 25140583
TI  - Herpes Simplex Keratitis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a series of 5 patients with herpes simplex virus keratitis
      (HSK) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) under immunosuppressive treatment. METHODS:
      Retrospective study. Detailed data were obtained regarding symptoms and signs at
      the initial evaluation, treatment, microbiological diagnostic tests, evolution,
      and outcomes. RESULTS: Five patients with HSK and RA were identified. Bilateral
      involvement occurred in 2 patients (40%). Epithelial keratitis was diagnosed in 5
      eyes. Three eyes showed severe melting with eye perforation. Gram-positive
      bacterial co-infections were common in the group with stromal keratitis. We did
      not find differences in the evolution of the disease based on anti-rheumatoid
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of HSK in patients with RA differed
      from HSK in immunocompetent patients. The stromal keratitis cases were very
      aggressive and difficult to manage, with perforation and gram-positive bacterial
      co-infection as frequently associated conditions. Prophylactic therapy at
      standard doses was unsuccessful to avoid recurrences.

PMID- 25140582
TI  - Reemergence of hedgehog mediates epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk in pulmonary
      fibrosis.
AB  - Hedgehog signaling plays important roles in cell development and differentiation.
      In this study, the ability of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) to induce myofibroblast
      differentiation was analyzed in isolated human lung fibroblasts, and its in vivo
      significance was evaluated in rodent bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The
      results showed that SHH could induce myofibroblast differentiation in human lung
      fibroblasts in a Smo- and Gli1-dependent manner. Gel shift analysis, chromatin
      immunoprecipitation assay, and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that a Gli1
      binding consensus in the alpha-SMA gene promoter was important for mediating SHH
      induced myofibroblast differentiation. Analysis of Hedgehog reemergence in vivo
      revealed that of all three Hedgehog isoforms, only SHH was significantly induced
      in bleomycin-injured lung along with Gli1. The induction of SHH was only noted in
      epithelial cells, and its expression was undetectable in lung fibroblasts or
      macrophages. transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta induced SHH significantly in
      cultured alveolar epithelial cells, whereas SHH induced TGF-beta in lung
      fibroblasts. Pulmonary fibrosis and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA)
      expression were significantly reduced in mice that were Smo deficient only in
      type I collagen-expressing cells. Thus, the reemergence of SHH in epithelial
      cells could result in induction of myofibroblast differentiation in a Smo
      dependent manner and subsequent Gli1 activation of the alpha-SMA promoter.

PMID- 25140584
TI  - The effect of prasugrel on ADP-stimulated markers of platelet activation in
      patients with sickle cell disease.
AB  - Platelets of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) show evidence of mild
      activation in the non-crisis steady state and greater activation during vaso
      occlusive crises (VOC). Prasugrel, a potent inhibitor of ADP-mediated platelet
      activation and aggregation, may be useful in attenuating VOC. We compared
      platelet responses to ADP stimulation in patients with SCD and healthy subjects
      before and after treatment with prasugrel. In a phase 1 study, platelet biomarker
      levels were assessed in 12 adult patients with SCD and 13 healthy subjects before
      and after 12 +/- 2 days of 5.0 or 7.5 mg/day prasugrel. The following were
      determined in whole blood samples stimulated with 20 uM ADP: (i) percentages of
      monocytes and neutrophils with adherent platelets (cell-platelet aggregates);
      (ii) the relative number (mass) of platelets associated with each monocyte and
      neutrophil as reported by CD61 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of the monocyte
      platelet and neutrophil-platelet aggregates; (iii) the percentages of platelets
      positive for surface expression of CD40 ligand (CD40L), P-selectin (CD62p) and
      activated glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa); and (iv) the percentages of
      platelets and monocyte-platelet aggregates positive for surface tissue factor
      (TF) expression. At baseline, there were no significant differences between
      cohorts in the percentages of platelets expressing activation biomarkers.
      Following 12 days of prasugrel administration, the percentages of platelets
      expressing activation biomarkers following ADP stimulation were reduced in both
      cohorts, and there were no significant differences between groups. Both patients
      with SCD and healthy subjects had significant reductions in the monocyte-platelet
      and neutrophil-platelet aggregate MFI and the percentage of platelets expressing
      P-selectin and activated GPIIb-IIIa (all p < 0.05). Healthy subjects also had
      significant reductions in monocyte-platelet aggregate percentages (p = 0.004),
      neutrophil-platelet aggregate percentages (p = 0.011) and the percentage of CD40L
      positive platelets (p = 0.044) that were not observed in patients with SCD.
      Prasugrel administration to SCD patients attenuates ex vivo ADP-stimulated
      platelet activation as measured by the percentage of platelets positive for P
      selectin and GPIIb-IIIa, thus reducing the proportion of platelets that may
      participate in aggregates. Furthermore, prasugrel decreases ex vivo ADP
      stimulated platelet aggregation with monocytes and neutrophils as measured by the
      monocyte-platelet and neutrophil-platelet aggregate MFI. This implies that in the
      presence of prasugrel, fewer platelets adhere to monocytes and neutrophils, which
      may result in reducing cell-platelet aggregate size. Therefore, reduced platelet
      reactivity and decreased size of leukocyte-platelet aggregates suggest additional
      mechanisms by which prasugrel may provide benefit to patients with SCD and
      support further investigation of possible therapeutic benefits of prasugrel in
      this population.

PMID- 25140585
TI  - Add-on deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) in patients with dysthymic
      disorder comorbid with alcohol use disorder: a comparison with standard
      treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is dysfunctional in mood and
      substance use disorders. We predicted higher efficacy for add-on bilateral
      prefrontal high-frequency deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS), compared
      with standard drug treatment (SDT) in patients with dysthymic disorder
      (DD)/alcohol use disorder (AUD) comorbidity. METHODS: We carried-out a 6-month
      open-label study involving 20 abstinent patients with DSM-IV-TR AUD comorbid with
      previously developed DD. Ten patients received SDT for AUD with add-on bilateral
      dTMS (dTMS-AO) over the DLPFC, while another 10 received SDT alone. We rated
      alcohol craving with the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS), depression
      with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), clinical status with the
      Clinical Global Impressions scale (CGI), and global functioning with the Global
      Assessment of Functioning (GAF). RESULTS: At the end of the 20-session dTMS
      period (or an equivalent period in the SDT group), craving scores and depressive
      symptoms in the dTMS-AO group dropped significantly more than in the SDT group (P
      < 0.001 and P < 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: High frequency bilateral DLPFC
      dTMS with left preference was well tolerated and found to be effective as add-on
      in AUD. The potential of dTMS for reducing craving in substance use disorder
      patients deserves to be further investigated.

PMID- 25140586
TI  - Impact of lifetime psychiatric diagnosis on long-term retention and survival of
      former opiate addicts in methadone maintenance treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To characterize lifetime psychiatric diagnosis groups among methadone
      maintenance treatment (MMT) patients and associations of diagnosis to long-term
      (up to 20 years) retention and survival either during treatment or post
      discontinuation. METHODS: A total of 758 patients with available psychiatric
      diagnosis (98% of those ever admitted between June 1993 and June 2012) were
      followed-up until June 2013. Lifetime psychiatric diagnosis was assessed
      according to DSM-IV-TR (Axis I, II, I & II, or none). Observed urine samples at 1
      and 13 months were positive for drugs if at least one was positive. Survival data
      were based on the Israel National Population Registry. Survival and retention in
      MMT were compared (Kaplan Meier) between groups. RESULTS: The Axis II
      (personality disorders) group had the worst mean long-term retention (5.8 years,
      95% Confidence Interval (CI) 5.0-6.5) compared with the Axis I, Axis I & II or no
      psychiatric diagnosis groups (9.6 years, 95% CI 8.8-10.4) (P < 0.0005). Mean
      survival since admission (16.4 years, 95% CI 15.9-16.9) was similar for all
      groups. Axis II patients included more males, more drug injectors, were younger
      at initial opiate use and more likely left treatment before 1 year. CONCLUSIONS:
      Personality and coping mechanisms (Axis II) could be significant obstacles to the
      success of MMT, warranting special interventions to overcome them.

PMID- 25140588
TI  - Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal progenitors derived from the bone
      marrow of goats native from northeastern Brazil.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize bone marrow progenitors cells grown in vitro, using
      native goats from northeastern Brazil as animal model. METHODS: Ten northeastern
      Brazil native goats of both genders were used from the Piaui Federal University
      Agricultural Science Center's (UFPI) - Goat Farming Sector. Bone marrow aspirates
      where taken from the tibial ridge and seeded on culture plates for isolation,
      expansion and Flow Cytometry (expression markers - Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan,
      Vimentina, Nanog). RESULTS: Progenitor cells showed colonies characterized by the
      presence of cell pellets with fibroblastoid morphology. Cell confluence was taken
      after 14 days culture and the non-adherent mononuclear cell progressive
      reduction. After the first passage, 94.36% cell viability was observed, starting
      from 4.6 x 106 cell/mL initially seeded. Cells that went through flow cytometry
      showed positive expression for Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, and Nanog.
      CONCLUSIONS: Bone marrow progenitor isolated of native goats from northeastern
      Brazil showed expression markers also seen in embryonic stem cells (Oct-3/4,
      Nanog), markers of cell proliferation (PCNA) and markers for mesenchymal cells
      (Vimentina and Ck-pan), which associated to morphological and culture growth
      features, suggest the existence of a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population in
      the goat bone marrow stromal cells studied.

PMID- 25140587
TI  - Effect of a brief seated massage on nursing student attitudes toward touch for
      comfort care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While massage has been removed from nursing curricula, studies have
      reported massage as safe and effective for stress reduction, relaxation, pain
      relief, fatigue, and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of two
      intensities of touch administered during two seated massages on the attitudes of
      nursing students toward touch for their self-care and patient care. PARTICIPANTS:
      Nursing students who volunteered gave institutional review board-approved written
      informed consent to undergo massage by a licensed massage therapist.
      SETTINGS/LOCATION: A private room adjacent to the nursing lab in a school of
      nursing. INTERVENTION: Brief seated massages of differing intensities. Each
      participant received low-intensity and high-intensity touch in a two-block,
      randomized order, within-subjects design. Linear mixed models nested within
      subject and random intercept analyses were used to test hypotheses in this two
      treatment, two-sequence, two-period crossover design. OUTCOME MEASURES: Health
      questionnaires/visual analogue scales pertaining to physical/affective/and
      attitudinal status were completed before and after each massage. RESULTS: Twenty
      nine participants (93% female, 83% single) completed the study. Before massage,
      the optimal intensity of touch anticipated for self-comfort was 6.6 (0=no
      pressure;10=most intense pressure imaginable). The mean touch intensities were
      6.7 for high-intensity massage and 0.5 for low-intensity (p<0.001). The overall
      percentage differences (feeling better or worse) following massage were as
      follows: low intensity, 37.5% better; high intensity, 62.7% better (p<0.001).
      Significantly more improvement was reported for energy, pain, stress, and feeling
      physically uptight after high-intensity compared with low-intensity (p<0.03).
      Participants were more likely to both receive touch for self-care and provide
      touch for patient care after experiencing high- versus low-intensity massage
      (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: High-intensity seated massage was more efficacious than
      low-intensity massage and positively influenced nursing student attitudes toward
      the inclusion of massage in self-care/patient care. The role of touch for self
      care/patient care in the nursing curricula merits reconsideration.

PMID- 25140589
TI  - Light-emitting diode effects on combined decellularization of tracheae. A novel
      approach to obtain biological scaffolds.
AB  - PURPOSE: To obtain a decellularized tracheal scaffold associating traditional
      approaches with the novel light-emitting diode (LED) proposal. METHODS: This
      study was performed with New Zealand adult rabbits weighing 3.0 - 4.0 kg.
      Different protocols (22) were used combining physical (agitation and LED
      irradiation), chemical (SDS and Triton X-100 detergents), and enzymatic methods
      (DNase and RNase). RESULTS: Generally, the cells surrounding soft tissues were
      successfully removed, but none protocol removed cells from the tracheal
      cartilage. However, longer protocols were more effective. The cost-benefits
      relation of the enzymatic processes was not favorable. It was possible to find
      out that the cartilaginous tissue submitted to the irradiation with LED 630nm and
      475 nm showed an increased number of gaps without cells, but several cells were
      observed to be still present. CONCLUSION: The light-emitting diode is a promising
      tool for decellularization of soft tissues.

PMID- 25140590
TI  - The establishment and evaluation of rabbit model for peripherally inserted
      central catheter.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish a model to simulate the clinical specific process of
      peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) on rabbits, and detect how long the
      catheter can be indwelled. METHODS: Seventeen healthy New Zealand white rabbits
      were inserted the PICC according to the clinical specific procedure. With the
      principle of random, the rabbits were divided into four groups (14d, 21d, 28d,
      35d). Each group contains four rabbits, and Group 1 was served as blank control
      group. When finishing the experiment, we took the blood vessels which was
      inserted the catheter and observed the changes of vascular endothelium using the
      Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining. RESULTS: 90% animals were succeeded in inserting
      PICC. Early signs of endovascular inflammation were predominantly neutrophils,
      then mainly monocytes, visible fibrous tissue hyperplasia of the vessel wall,
      vascular endothelial proliferation and granuloma formation. And after that the
      irreversible changes in the blood vessels could be observed, especially five
      weeks after catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: We have succeeded in establishing the
      rabbit model for peripherally inserted central catheter, and provided a new way
      for nursing teaching and training. Since the irreversible changes of the vascular
      endothelium, it is recommended that the time of indwelling is not more than five
      weeks on animal.

PMID- 25140591
TI  - Effects of traction on the spermatic cord of rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether tension in the spermatic cord of rats causes
      lesions in the testis, epididymis or vas deferens. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats
      were randomly allocated into four groups. A traction force of 1.6 Newton (N) in
      group I and 1 N in group II was applied to the right spermatic cord. Group III
      was the sham, and group IV served as the control. RESULTS: Testicular lesions
      occurred on the right side in 66.7% of the rats and on the left side in 46.1% of
      the rats. The testes showed a decreased number of Sertoli cells, necrosis and a
      decreased number of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules. Anatomopathological
      changes in the vas deferens were not identified. There was no decrease in the
      thickness of the muscle wall of the vas deferens. In the right epididymis, 71.8%
      of the animals showed a reduction and 5% showed an absence of intraluminal sperm.
      In the left epididymis, 37.5% of the rats showed a reduction. The volume and the
      final testicular weight of the right side in group IV was different from those in
      the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomopathological lesions were found in the
      testis and epididymis.

PMID- 25140592
TI  - Analysis of the histology of the scar bladder and biochemical parameters of rats
      with a solitary kidney undergoing immunosuppression with tacrolimus.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate bladder histology in healing and biochemical analysis of
      rats with single kidney in ischemia/reperfusion, treated with tacrolimus.
      METHODS: Fifty rats randomized into five groups. Three rats died in surgery, 47
      rats divided in groups: Control (non-operated, n=10), Sham (operated without
      drugs, n=8), T1 (operated + tacrolimus 1mg/kg, n=10), T2 (operated + tacrolimus
      0.1 mg/kg, n=10), T3 (operated + tacrolimus 10mg/kg, n=9). The surgery was:
      laparotomy, right nephrectomy, left kidney ischemia/reperfusion, cystotomy
      followed by bladder suture. After that, rats were submited to gavage daily
      (Control and Sham with saline solution. T1, T2, T3 with tacrolimus in doses
      already mentioned). On the 14th day, after death induction, cystectomy was
      performed and bladder was histologicaly analysed. The serum urea, creatinine and
      tacrolimus were analysed too. RESULTS: There was difference in serum tacrolimus
      in T3 compared to the other groups (p<0.05). There was higher doses of creatinine
      in T3 group and higher urea in groups with tacrolimus. There were significant
      differences among all histologic variables comparing groups with and without
      tacrolimus (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tacrolimus associated with ischemia/reperfusion
      is nephrotoxic, suppresses inflammation and seems to delay the healing bladder.

PMID- 25140593
TI  - Effect of allopurinol on the kidney function, histology and injury biomarker
      (NGAL, IL 18) levels in uninephrectomised rats subjected to ischaemia-reperfusion
      injury.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether allopurinol exerts a protective effect on kidneys
      by measuring new kidney injury biomarkers (NGALp, NGALu, KIM 1 and IL 18) and
      analysing the renal function and histology in uninephrectomised rats subjected to
      ischaemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Thirty two Wistar rats were randomly
      allocated to four groups: Sham (S): laparotomy; Control (C): laparotomy and
      ischaemia-reperfusion in the left kidney; Control Allopurinol (CA): laparotomy
      and allopurinol at a dose of 100mg.kg 1.d 1; and Allopurinol (A): laparotomy
      ischaemia-reperfusion in the left kidney and allopurinol at a dose of 100mg.kg
      1.d 1. The NGALp, NGALu, KIM 1, IL 18 and creatinine levels and the kidney
      histology were analysed. The significance level was established as p<0.05.
      RESULTS: Creatinine level increased in all the groups, with A ~ C > S ~ CA. The
      NGALp, NGALu and IL 18 levels exhibited similar behaviour in all the groups. KIM
      1 was higher in group A than C and showed intermediate values in groups S and CA.
      Severity of injury in the left kidney was greater in groups C and A compared to S
      and CA. CONCLUSION: Allopurinol did not exert protective or damaging effects on
      the kidneys of rats subjected to ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

PMID- 25140594
TI  - Effect of vitamin K1 supplementation on left colon healing in rats with
      extrahepatic biliary obstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of vitamin K1 on wound healing in the left colon
      of rats with experimental biliary obstruction. METHODS: Sixteen male rats,
      divided into four groups of four animals each (L, M, LK, and MK), underwent
      colostomy followed by bowel suture in the left colon. Seven days before, animals
      in the L and LK groups had undergone common bile duct ligation. The animals in
      groups MK and LK received vitamin K1 supplementation. On day 7 after bowel
      suture, repeat laparotomy was performed for evaluation of colonic healing by
      burst pressure measurement and collection of samples for histopathological
      analysis. Changes in body weight were evaluated in the four groups. RESULTS:
      Weight loss was lower in animals supplemented with vitamin K. No significant
      differences were observed in burst pressure among the four groups (p>0.05).
      Histological analysis showed more hemorrhage and congestion in the biliary
      obstruction groups. Supplemented animals exhibited increased collagen formation
      and less edema and abscess formation. CONCLUSION: Vitamin K supplementation
      attenuated weight loss and improved colonic wound healing in rats.

PMID- 25140595
TI  - Copaiba oil effect under different pathways in mice subjected to sepsis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of copaiba oil administered by different routes
      on survival of mices subjected to cecal ligation and puncture. METHODS: Thirty
      two mice were distributed into four study groups (N=8): Sham group: normal
      standard animals; CONTROL GROUP: submitted a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP);
      Gavage group: submitted a CLP, and treat with copaiba oil by gavage; and
      Subcutaneous group: submitted a CLP, and treat with copaiba oil by subcutaneous
      injection. After the death of the histological analysis were performed. The
      Kaplan-Meier curves of surviving time were realized. RESULTS: All animals that
      received copaiba, regardless of the route used, survived longer when compared to
      the control group (p<0.0001), whereas the survival time ranged from 20 hours for
      the control group up to 32 hours for the animals of gavage group and 52 for
      subcutaneous group. The animals that received gavage copaiba lived about and
      about 20 hours unless the subcutaneous group (p=0.0042). There was no statistical
      difference when compared the intensity of inflammatory response (p>0.05)
      CONCLUSION: Prophylactic subcutaneous administration of copaiba in mice subjected
      to severe sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture, resulted in a survival time
      higher than non-use or use of this oil by gavage.

PMID- 25140596
TI  - Face transplantation in rats. Reproducibility of the experimental model in
      Brazil.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the reproducibility of the experimental model of face
      allotransplantation in rats in Brazil. METHODS: Eighteen rats were operated, nine
      nine donors recipients. Animals underwent transplantation of the left hemiface,
      with periorbital and scalp. Transplants were made from donor Wistar rats to
      recipients Lewis rats. Flaps were based on the common carotid artery and the
      external jugular vein of the donor animal and the anastomosis in the recipient
      area was performed in common carotid artery (end-to-side) and in external jugular
      vein (end-to-end). RESULTS: Of the nine recipient animals operated, six survived
      and three progressed to death in the first days after surgery (survival rate =
      67%). The mean time of the procedure was 252 minutes and the mean time of flap
      ischemia was 95 minutes. The five surviving animals were sacrificed at 14 days,
      in good general condition and without signs of tissue rejection. CONCLUSIONS: The
      experimental model of face allotransplantation in rats is reproducible in our
      midst. Duration of surgery, time of flap ischemia, animal survival rate and
      complications observed were similar to those described in the literature.

PMID- 25140597
TI  - Nutraceutical preconditioning with arginine and oil mixes. Effects on
      inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and lipid profile in patients undergoing
      radical prostatectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether there is any effect resulting from
      preconditioning with nutraceutical supplementation containing arginine and oil
      mixes with high omega9:omega6 ratio and low omega6:omega3 ratio containing EPA
      and DHA, ALA fatty acids on inflammatory mediators, antioxidant and lipid profile
      modulation in surgical trauma. METHODS: Twenty-six men scheduled for radical
      prostatectomy were randomized into three groups and treated as follows: Group 1
      (skim milk, 0% fat), Group 2 (supplement with omega6:omega3 ratio of 8:1 and
      arginine) and Group 3 (supplement with high omega9:omega6 ratio of 3.2:1 and low
      omega6:omega3 ratio of 1.4:1 and arginine). Patients received skin milk or
      supplements twice a day (200 ml) during five days prior to surgery. Peripheral
      venous blood samples were collected at three different timepoints: five days
      before surgery (PRE), before anesthesia induction (IND) and on the 2nd
      postoperative day (POS). Parameters analyzed included inflammatory cytokines (IL
      1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha), antioxidants (catalase), lipid profile and heat
      shock protein (HSP-27). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between
      groups on inflammatory mediators and antioxidant parameters. However, lipid
      profile values (Cholesterol, LDL, Triglycerides, VLDL), were significantly
      different. CONCLUSION: Preconditioning with arginine and oil mixes containing
      high omega9:omega6 ratio and low omega6:omega3 ratio, has no effects on
      inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in patients undergoing radical
      prostatectomy. Reduction of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL profiles may
      be related to the trauma effect.

PMID- 25140598
TI  - Zero prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci among Swedish preschool
      children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Enterococci are a natural part of the bacterial flora of humans,
      animals, and insects and are frequently found in the community. Vancomycin
      resistant enterococci (VRE) have emerged as a growing problem, associated with
      high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      prevalence of VRE among healthy Swedish preschool children and ascertain whether
      they constitute a reservoir for the bacteria. METHODS: In total, 313 individual
      diapers were collected from preschools in Uppsala, Sweden. Fecal samples were
      screened by analyzing the color change in a broth followed by polymerase chain
      reaction for vanA and vanB genes, which are associated with vancomycin
      resistance. RESULTS: Neither vanA nor vanB genes could be detected from the
      samples. CONCLUSIONS: Preschool children in Uppsala do not constitute a reservoir
      for VRE. The zero prevalence is consistent with the overall decline in VRE
      prevalence in Sweden during the last years.

PMID- 25140600
TI  - Modelling and control of cholera on networks with a common water source.
AB  - A mathematical model is formulated for the transmission and spread of cholera in
      a heterogeneous host population that consists of several patches of homogeneous
      host populations sharing a common water source. The basic reproduction number R0
      is derived and shown to determine whether or not cholera dies out. Explicit
      formulas are derived for target/type reproduction numbers that measure the
      control strategies required to eradicate cholera from all patches. 

PMID- 25140599
TI  - Deferoxamine but not dexrazoxane alleviates liver injury induced by endotoxemia
      in rats.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to compare the activity of two different
      clinically available iron chelators on the development of acute liver injury
      after administration of the bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) in
      rats. Lipopolysaccharide was administered either alone or after pretreatment with
      dexrazoxane (DEX) or deferoxamine (DFO). Control groups received only saline or
      its combination with either chelator. After 8 h, untreated LPS rats developed
      liver injury, with signs of inflammation and oxidative stress. Lipopolysaccharide
      reduced plasma iron concentrations in association with increased production of
      hepcidin and the reduced liver expression of ferroportin. Administration of
      chelating agents to LPS animals showed distinct effects. Although both drugs were
      able to reduce liver iron content, together with corresponding changes in
      hepcidin and ferroportin expressions, only DFO showed a protective effect against
      liver injury despite relatively small liver concentrations. In sharp contrast,
      DEX failed to improve any hallmark of liver injury and even worsened the GSH/GSSG
      ratio, the indicator of oxidative stress in the tissue. High-performance liquid
      chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed marked liver accumulation of
      iron-chelating metabolite of DEX (ADR-925), whereas the parent compound was
      undetectable. Further downregulation of transporters involved in bile formation
      was observed after DFO in the LPS group as well as in healthy animals. Neither
      chelator imposed significant liver injury in healthy animals. In conclusion, we
      demonstrated marked differences in the modulation of endotoxemic liver impairment
      between two iron chelators, implicating that particular qualities of chelating
      agents may be of crucial importance. 

PMID- 25140601
TI  - Validation of a French (Quebec) version of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychometric properties of the Quebec French translation
      of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI-FQ). DESIGN: The original version of the
      THI was translated into French by two different people, and then revised before
      being administered to 221 study participants. A subgroup of 75 participants also
      completed the French versions of the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) and
      the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ). STUDY SAMPLE: The study participants
      used French as their home language, had completed an otolaryngology (ENT)
      assessment, and had sought help with disabling tinnitus. RESULTS: No differences
      were found according to gender, age, or degree of hearing loss. The THI-FQ was
      very stable over a period of approximately 32 days. Internal consistency was 0.93
      for the total score. Convergent validity with the TRQ was 0.81 (p < 0.001) while
      construct validity, as obtained with the BDI-II, was 0.74 (p < 0.001). As in
      other studies, the factor analysis did not confirm the structure proposed by
      Newman et al in the original study (1996). CONCLUSIONS: The THI-FQ presents very
      good reliability and validity, comparable to translations in other languages and
      the original version.

PMID- 25140602
TI  - Investigation of a matrix sentence test in noise: reproducibility and
      discrimination function in cochlear implant patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe common properties
      (reproducibility, discrimination function, and its steepness) of matrix tests
      used for cochlear implant (CI) users and to obtain data for the German-language
      version matrix test, the Oldenburg sentence test (OLSA), presented in noise.
      DESIGN: The speech reception thresholds (SRT) in noise were measured by means of
      an adaptive test procedure, and by measurement at various signal-to-noise ratios
      to determine the course of the entire discrimination function per subject. STUDY
      SAMPLE: The measurements were performed on 38 CI users fitted with a Cochlear(TM)
      Freedom((r)) or a Cochlear(TM) Nucleus((r)) 5 CI system. RESULTS: The test-retest
      reproducibility showed a significant dependence on the SRT in noise. For the
      better performers, the test-retest difference was found to be smaller, while for
      the poorer performers the difference increased. For the better performers, the
      slope of the discrimination function at SRT (s50) was comparable to that for
      individuals with normal hearing, while for the poorer performers the s50 tended
      to be significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: As the CI users differed significantly
      in their SRT and their s50, a unified discrimination function for CI users must
      not be used. Further tailoring of the procedure may be required, especially for
      poorer CI performers.

PMID- 25140603
TI  - Reply from Theelen-van den Hoek, et al.

PMID- 25140604
TI  - Effectiveness of questionnaires for screening hearing of school-age children: a
      comprehensive literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review the literature on the
      effectiveness of parent or teacher-completed questionnaires as a tool to screen
      school-aged children for permanent hearing loss. DESIGN: A rapid evidence
      assessment was completed to provide a summary of information published between
      1980 and 2013 in English or Spanish. To identify relevant publications, a
      database search was conducted using nine databases. STUDY SAMPLE: Seven studies
      were identified for inclusion in the review. RESULTS: Authors of three of the
      studies recommended use of the questionnaire as a method for screening hearing in
      school-aged children, and authors of four of the studies did not recommend use of
      the questionnaire. However, only one of the seven studies provided good evidence
      that questionnaires are an effective way of identifying hearing loss among
      children. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence that parent or teacher
      completed questionnaire screening can be reliably used to identify children in
      need of further hearing assessment. It is clear that more research is needed
      before concluding that questionnaires are an effective and low-cost tool for use
      to screen children for permanent hearing loss.

PMID- 25140605
TI  - Rationally designed, nontoxic, nonamyloidogenic analogues of human islet amyloid
      polypeptide with improved solubility.
AB  - Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP or amylin) is a polypeptide hormone
      produced in the pancreatic beta-cells that plays a role in glycemic control.
      hIAPP is deficient in type 1 and type 2 diabetes and is a promising adjunct to
      insulin therapy. However, hIAPP rapidly forms amyloid, and its strong tendency to
      aggregate limits its usefulness. The process of hIAPP amyloid formation is toxic
      to cultured beta-cells and islets, and islet amyloid formation in vivo has been
      linked to beta-cell death and islet graft failure. An analogue of hIAPP with a
      weakened tendency to aggregate, denoted pramlintide (PM), has been approved for
      clinical applications, but suffers from poor solubility, particularly at
      physiological pH, and its unfavorable solubility profile prevents coformulation
      with insulin. We describe a strategy for rationally designing analogues of hIAPP
      with improved properties; key proline mutations are combined with substitutions
      that increase the net charge of the molecule. An H18R/G24P/I26P triple mutant and
      an H18R/A25P/S28P/S29P quadruple mutant are significantly more soluble at neutral
      pH than hIAPP or PM. They are nonamyloidogenic and are not toxic to rat INS beta
      cells. The approach is not limited to these examples; additional analogues can be
      designed using this strategy. To illustrate this point, we show that an
      S20R/G24P/I26P triple mutant and an H18R/I26P double mutant are nonamyloidogenic
      and significantly more soluble than human IAPP or PM. These analogues and second
      generation derivatives are potential candidates for the coformulation of IAPP
      with insulin and other polypeptides. 

PMID- 25140606
TI  - Total syntheses of multicaulins via oxidative photocyclization of stilbenes.
AB  - The Wittig reaction of 3-isopropyl-4-methoxybenzaldehyde and 2,3
      dimethylbenzylphosphonium bromide afforded the corresponding stilbene mixture 16.
      Oxidative photocyclization of stilbene 16 with iodine facilitated the first total
      synthesis of 7-isopropyl-6-methoxy-1,2-dimethylphenanthrene, multicaulin (1). The
      O-demethylation of 1 with BBr3 afforded the 7-isopropyl-1,2-dimethylphenanthren-6
      ol, O-demethylmulticaulin (2). 

PMID- 25140609
TI  - Quantum yields and reaction times of photochromic diarylethenes: nonadiabatic ab
      initio molecular dynamics for normal- and inverse-type.
AB  - Photochromism is a light-induced molecular process that is likely to find its way
      into future optoelectronic devices. In further optimization of photochromic
      materials, light-induced conversion efficiencies as well as reaction times can
      usually only be determined once a new molecule was synthesized. Here we use
      nonadiabatic ab initio molecular dynamics to study the electrocyclic reaction of
      diarylethenes, comparing normal- and inverse-type systems. Our study highlights
      that reaction quantum yields can be successfully predicted in accord with
      experimental findings. In particular, we find that inverse-type diarylethenes
      show a significantly higher reaction quantum yield and cycloreversion on times
      typically as short as 100 fs. 

PMID- 25140607
TI  - Stochastic kinetics on networks: when slow is fast.
AB  - Most chemical and biological processes can be viewed as reaction networks in
      which different pathways often compete kinetically for transformation of
      substrates into products. An enzymatic process is an example of such phenomena
      when biological catalysts create new routes for chemical reactions to proceed. It
      is typically assumed that the general process of product formation is governed by
      the pathway with the fastest kinetics at all time scales. In contrast to the
      expectation, here we show theoretically that at time scales sufficiently short,
      reactions are predominantly determined by the shortest pathway (in the number of
      intermediate states), regardless of the average turnover time associated with
      each pathway. This universal phenomenon is demonstrated by an explicit
      calculation for a system with two competing reversible (or irreversible)
      pathways. The time scales that characterize this regime and its relevance for
      single-molecule experimental studies are also discussed. 

PMID- 25140610
TI  - A Cu(II) complex of an imidazolium-based ionic liquid: synthesis, X-ray structure
      and application in the selective electrochemical sensing of guanine.
AB  - An imidazolium-based ionic liquid containing a carboxylic acid group was
      synthesized and complexed with Cu(II). The resulting complex R1 was fully
      characterized using various techniques, including IR spectroscopy and X-ray
      crystallography. Binding studies of the complex R1 were performed with anions and
      biomolecules using cyclic voltammetry, which showed no change in its voltammogram
      upon the addition of various anions and most biomolecules. However, a shift in
      the reduction peak from +0.20 to -0.15 was observed upon the addition of guanine.
      This selective determination of guanine by R1 was extended by using R1 as an
      electrochemical sensor for guanine in various voltammetric techniques, including
      cyclic voltammetry, LSV and DPV. The proposed sensor showed excellent
      reproducibility and high selectivity and sensitivity towards guanine, with a
      linear range of 0-20 MUM and a detection limit of 45 nM.

PMID- 25140611
TI  - Transparent metallic fractal electrodes for semiconductor devices.
AB  - Nanostructured metallic films have the potential to replace metal oxide films as
      transparent electrodes in optoelectronic devices. An ideal transparent electrode
      should possess a high, broadband, and polarization-independent transmittance.
      Conventional metallic gratings and grids with wavelength-scale periodicities,
      however, do not have all of these qualities. Furthermore, the transmission
      properties of a nanostructured electrode need to be assessed in the actual
      dielectric environment provided by a device, where a high-index semiconductor
      layer can reflect a substantial fraction of the incident light. Here we propose
      nanostructured aluminum electrodes with space-filling fractal geometries as
      alternatives to gratings and grids and experimentally demonstrate their superior
      optoelectronic performance through integration with Si photodetectors. As shown
      by polarization and spectrally resolved photocurrent measurements, devices with
      fractal electrodes exhibit both a broadband transmission and a flat polarization
      response that outperforms both square grids and linear gratings. Finally, we show
      the benefits of adding a thin silicon nitride film to the nanostructured
      electrodes to further reduce reflection. 

PMID- 25140613
TI  - Molybdenum phosphide: a new highly efficient catalyst for the electrochemical
      hydrogen evolution reaction.
AB  - Molybdenum phosphide was adopted as a new electrocatalyst for the hydrogen
      evolution reaction for the first time, exhibiting an excellent electrocatalytic
      activity with a small Tafel slope of 60 mV dec(-1), which is amongst the most
      active, acid-stable, earth abundant HER electrocatalysts reported to date. 

PMID- 25140614
TI  - Facile surface functionalization of hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles.
AB  - Nonpolar phase synthesized hydrophobic nanocrystals show attractive properties
      and have demonstrated prominent potential in biomedical applications. However,
      the preparation of biocompatible nanocrystals is made difficult by the presence
      of hydrophobic surfactant stabilizer on their surfaces. To address this
      limitation, we have developed a facile, high efficiency, single-phase and low
      cost method to convert hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to an aqueous
      phase using tetrahydrofuran, NaOH and 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid without any
      complicated organic synthesis. The as-transferred hydrophilic MNPs are water
      soluble over a wide pH range (pH = 3-12), and the solubility is pH-controllable.
      Furthermore, the as-transferred MNPs with carboxylate can be readily adapted with
      further surface functionalization, varying from small molecule dyes to
      oligonucleotides and enzymes. Finally, the strategy developed here can easily be
      extended to other types of hydrophobic nanoparticles to facilitate biomedical
      applications of nanomaterials. 

PMID- 25140615
TI  - High-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry with
      increased throughput for biomolecular analysis.
AB  - A multielectrode ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) cell, herein referred to as the
      "4X cell", for signal detection at the quadruple frequency multiple was
      implemented and characterized on a commercial 10 T Fourier transform ICR mass
      spectrometer (FT-ICR MS). Notably, with the 4X cell operating at a 10 T magnetic
      field we achieved a 4-fold increase in MS acquisition rate per unit of resolving
      power for signal detection periods typically employed in FTMS, viz., shorter than
      6 s. Effectively, the obtained resolution performance represents the limit of the
      standard measurement principle with dipolar signal detection and FT signal
      processing at an equivalent magnetic field of 40 T. In other words, the achieved
      resolving powers are 4 times higher than those provided by 10 T FT-ICR MS with a
      standard ICR cell. For example, resolving powers of 170,000 and 70,000 were
      obtained in magnitude-mode Fourier spectra of 768 and 192 ms apodized transient
      signals acquired for a singly charged fluorinated phosphazine (m/z 1422) and a 19
      fold charged myoglobin (MW 16.9 kDa), respectively. In peptide analysis, the
      baseline-resolved isotopic fine structures were obtained with as short as 768 ms
      transients. In intact protein analysis, the average resolving power of 340,000
      across the baseline-resolved (13)C isotopic pattern of multiply charged ions of
      bovine serum albumin was obtained with 1.5 s transients. The dynamic range and
      the mass measurement accuracy of the 4X cell were found to be comparable to the
      ones obtained for the standard ICR cell on the same mass spectrometer. Overall,
      the reported results validate the advantages of signal detection at frequency
      multiples for increased throughput in FT-ICR MS, essential for numerous
      applications with time constraints, including proteomics.

PMID- 25140617
TI  - New approach for the step by step control of magnetic nanostructure
      functionalization.
AB  - This paper describes the synthesis, functionalization, and multitechnique
      analysis of magnetic nanoparticles. The synthetic method involves the covering of
      a magnetite nucleus by a silica layer and the further functionalization with
      different fluorophores via a cross-linker molecule. All synthetic intermediates
      were analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopy and AC magnetic susceptibility. For
      one of the considered molecules, a further investigation with STEM, EDXS, and DLS
      has been conducted in order to validate the proposed magnetic results. The
      comparison between the two techniques is used to ensure a complete
      characterization of the product confirming the success of the synthesis. By
      comparing the magnetic and the fluorescence measurements, we also demonstrate the
      effectiveness of AC susceptibility as a robust and versatile technique to follow
      the synthesis of complex magnetic nanostructures regardless of the nature of the
      functionalization. 

PMID- 25140618
TI  - Tremendous effect of the morphology of birnessite-type manganese oxide
      nanostructures on catalytic activity.
AB  - The octahedral layered birnessite-type manganese oxide (OL-1) with the
      morphologies of nanoflowers, nanowires, and nanosheets were prepared and
      characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric/differential scanning
      calorimetry (TG/DSC), Brunnauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), inductively coupled plasma
      (ICP), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The OL-1 nanoflowers possess
      the highest concentration of oxygen vacancies or Mn(3+), followed by the OL-1
      nanowires and nanosheets. The result of catalytic tests shows that the OL-1
      nanoflowers exhibit a tremendous enhancement in the catalytic activity for
      benzene oxidation as compared to the OL-1 nanowires and nanosheets. Compared to
      the OL-1 nanosheets, the OL-1 nanoflowers demonstrate an enormous decrease
      (DeltaT(50) = 274  degrees C; DeltaT(90) > 248  degrees C) in reaction
      temperatures T50 and T90 (corresponding to 50 and 90% benzene conversion,
      respectively) for benzene oxidation. The origin of the tremendous effect of
      morphology on the catalytic activity for the nanostructured OL-1 catalysts is
      experimentally and theoretically studied via CO temperature-programmed reduction
      (CO-TPR) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The tremendous
      catalytic enhancement of the OL-1 nanoflowers compared to the OL-1 nanowires and
      nanosheets is attributed to their highest surface area as well as their highest
      lattice oxygen reactivity due to their higher concentration of oxygen vacancies
      or Mn(3+), thus tremendously improving the catalytic activity for the benzene
      oxidation.

PMID- 25140619
TI  - High photosensitivity few-layered MoSe2 back-gated field-effect phototransistors.
AB  - In this paper, we report on the fabrication and optoelectronic properties of high
      sensitive phototransistors based on few-layered MoSe2 back-gated field-effect
      transistors, with a mobility of 19.7 cm2 V-1 s-1 at room temperature. We obtained
      an ultrahigh photoresponsivity of 97.1 AW-1 and an external quantum efficiency
      (EQE) of 22 666% using 532 nm laser excitation at room temperature. The
      photoresponsivity was improved near the threshold gate voltage; however, the
      selection of the silicon dioxide as a gate oxide represents a limiting factor in
      the ultimate performance. Thanks to their high photoresponsivity and external
      quantum efficiency, the few-layered MoSe2-based devices are promising for
      photoelectronic applications.

PMID- 25140621
TI  - Guiding post-treatment decisions in rectal cancer: mrTRG is a practical place to
      start.

PMID- 25140620
TI  - Genomewide association studies for 50 agronomic traits in peanut using the
      'reference set' comprising 300 genotypes from 48 countries of the semi-arid
      tropics of the world.
AB  - Peanut is an important and nutritious agricultural commodity and a livelihood of
      many small-holder farmers in the semi-arid tropics (SAT) of world which are
      facing serious production threats. Integration of genomics tools with on-going
      genetic improvement approaches is expected to facilitate accelerated development
      of improved cultivars. Therefore, high-resolution genotyping and multiple season
      phenotyping data for 50 important agronomic, disease and quality traits were
      generated on the 'reference set' of peanut. This study reports comprehensive
      analyses of allelic diversity, population structure, linkage disequilibrium (LD)
      decay and marker-trait association (MTA) in peanut. Distinctness of all the
      genotypes can be established by using either an unique allele detected by a
      single SSR or a combination of unique alleles by two or more than two SSR
      markers. As expected, DArT features (2.0 alleles/locus, 0.125 PIC) showed lower
      allele frequency and polymorphic information content (PIC) than SSRs (22.21
      alleles /locus, 0.715 PIC). Both marker types clearly differentiated the
      genotypes of diploids from tetraploids. Multi-allelic SSRs identified three sub
      groups (K = 3) while the LD simulation trend line based on squared-allele
      frequency correlations (r2) predicted LD decay of 15-20 cM in peanut genome.
      Detailed analysis identified a total of 524 highly significant MTAs (p value >
      2.1 * 10-6) with wide phenotypic variance (PV) range (5.81-90.09%) for 36 traits.
      These MTAs after validation may be deployed in improving biotic resistance, oil/
      seed/ nutritional quality, drought tolerance related traits, and yield/ yield
      components.

PMID- 25140622
TI  - Small steps that lead to a giant leap for prostate cancer patients.

PMID- 25140623
TI  - Pelvic MRI for guiding treatment decisions in rectal cancer.
AB  - Fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiation (CRT) is used routinely for locally
      advanced rectal cancer to shrink the tumor preoperatively, improve lateral
      surgical clearance at total mesorectal excision, prevent local recurrence, and
      preserve organ function. In Northern Europe, short-course preoperative
      radiotherapy (SCPRT) is preferred to achieve locoregional control. However, with
      recent improvements in the quality of surgery, in magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI), and in pathologic reporting, we question whether "routine" CRT or SCPRT
      should be offered indiscriminately for all patients.MRI is considered the optimal
      modality for locoregional staging and evaluation of the potential for an involved
      circumferential resection margin. MRI also provides detailed anatomic information
      for surgical planning, and may identify poor prognostic features, which influence
      the way in which the pathologist processes specimens. MRI can predict the
      likelihood of good/poor tumor response to neoadjuvant CRT and can categorize
      responders/nonresponders following treatment.Using MRI to define the risk of both
      local recurrence and metastatic spread allows clinicians to determine which
      patients might benefit from or safely avoid neoadjuvant treatment. We have
      arrived at these views after comparing data from published observational studies,
      results from randomized trials, and outcome analyses of the Norwegian National
      Cancer Registry. 

PMID- 25140624
TI  - MRI-based treatment decision making for rectal cancer.

PMID- 25140625
TI  - Squamous cell carcinoma recurring to the great auricular nerve.

PMID- 25140626
TI  - Expanding androgen- and androgen receptor signaling-directed therapies for
      castration-resistant prostate cancer.
AB  - The treatment landscape of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has been
      dramatically changed over the past years with the approval of several new drugs
      for clinical use. These include androgen axis-targeted therapy and novel drugs
      with different mechanisms of action, including immunotherapy (sipuleucel-T),
      radiopharmaceuticals (radium-223), and chemotherapy (cabazitaxel). Based on the
      growing knowledge that the main driver for patients progressing on standard
      androgen deprivation therapy is persistent activation of the androgen receptor
      (AR) signaling axis, new drugs were developed and demonstrated significant
      efficacy in recent clinical trials, leading to the approval of abiraterone and
      enzalutamide in several countries. In this article, we review the most recent
      advances in AR-directed therapies for CRPC, promising new agents under
      development, cross-resistance, and mechanisms of resistance for the new
      generation AR-targeted agents. 

PMID- 25140627
TI  - Targeting the androgen receptor signaling axis to reduce testosterone levels in
      prostate cancer: how low should we go?

PMID- 25140628
TI  - The urology perspective on expanding androgen-targeted treatments for men with
      castration-resistant prostate cancer.

PMID- 25140629
TI  - ACR Appropriateness Criteria(r) nonsurgical treatment for locally advanced non
      small-cell lung cancer: good performance status/definitive intent.
AB  - Concurrent chemotherapy/radiotherapy has been considered the standard treatment
      for patients with a good performance status and inoperable stage III non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Three-dimensional chemoradiation therapy and intensity
      modulated radiation therapy have been reported to reduce toxicity and allow a
      dose escalation to 70 Gy and beyond. However, the Radiation Therapy Oncology
      Group 0617 trial recently showed that dose escalation from 60 Gy to 74 Gy with
      concurrent chemotherapy in stage III NSCLC was associated with higher toxicity
      and worse survival. A "one size fits all" treatment approach may need to be
      changed and adapted to each patient's particular disease and unique
      biologic/anatomic features, as well as the most appropriate radiotherapy
      modalities for that patient. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness
      Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are
      reviewed every 3 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline
      development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical
      literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application, by the panel, of a
      well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi technique) to rate the
      appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures. In instances in which
      evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used as the basis
      for recommending imaging or treatment. 

PMID- 25140632
TI  - An ultrasonic contactless sensor for breathing monitoring.
AB  - The monitoring of human breathing activity during a long period has multiple
      fundamental applications in medicine. In breathing sleep disorders such as apnea,
      the diagnosis is based on events during which the person stops breathing for
      several periods during sleep. In polysomnography, the standard for sleep
      disordered breathing analysis, chest movement and airflow are used to monitor the
      respiratory activity. However, this method has serious drawbacks. Indeed, as the
      subject should sleep overnight in a laboratory and because of sensors being in
      direct contact with him, artifacts modifying sleep quality are often observed.
      This work investigates an analysis of the viability of an ultrasonic device to
      quantify the breathing activity, without contact and without any perception by
      the subject. Based on a low power ultrasonic active source and transducer, the
      device measures the frequency shift produced by the velocity difference between
      the exhaled air flow and the ambient environment, i.e., the Doppler effect. After
      acquisition and digitization, a specific signal processing is applied to separate
      the effects of breath from those due to subject movements from the Doppler
      signal. The distance between the source and the sensor, about 50 cm, and the use
      of ultrasound frequency well above audible frequencies, 40 kHz, allow monitoring
      the breathing activity without any perception by the subject, and therefore
      without any modification of the sleep quality which is very important for sleep
      disorders diagnostic applications. This work is patented (patent pending 2013-7
      31 number FR.13/57569). 

PMID- 25140631
TI  - Intra-and-inter species biomass prediction in a plantation forest: testing the
      utility of high spatial resolution spaceborne multispectral RapidEye sensor and
      advanced machine learning algorithms.
AB  - The quantification of aboveground biomass using remote sensing is critical for
      better understanding the role of forests in carbon sequestration and for informed
      sustainable management. Although remote sensing techniques have been proven
      useful in assessing forest biomass in general, more is required to investigate
      their capabilities in predicting intra-and-inter species biomass which are mainly
      characterised by non-linear relationships. In this study, we tested two machine
      learning algorithms, Stochastic Gradient Boosting (SGB) and Random Forest (RF)
      regression trees to predict intra-and-inter species biomass using high resolution
      RapidEye reflectance bands as well as the derived vegetation indices in a
      commercial plantation. The results showed that the SGB algorithm yielded the best
      performance for intra-and-inter species biomass prediction; using all the
      predictor variables as well as based on the most important selected variables.
      For example using the most important variables the algorithm produced an R2 of
      0.80 and RMSE of 16.93 t.ha-1 for E. grandis; R2 of 0.79, RMSE of 17.27 t.ha-1
      for P. taeda and R2 of 0.61, RMSE of 43.39 t.ha-1 for the combined species data
      sets. Comparatively, RF yielded plausible results only for E. dunii (R2 of 0.79;
      RMSE of 7.18 t.ha-1). We demonstrated that although the two statistical methods
      were able to predict biomass accurately, RF produced weaker results as compared
      to SGB when applied to combined species dataset. The result underscores the
      relevance of stochastic models in predicting biomass drawn from different species
      and genera using the new generation high resolution RapidEye sensor with
      strategically positioned bands.

PMID- 25140630
TI  - Expression of autophagy-related proteins according to androgen receptor and HER-2
      status in estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of autophagy
      related proteins in relation to androgen receptor (AR) status in estrogen
      receptor (ER)-negative breast cancers. METHODS: We extracted 334 ER-negative
      breast cancer samples to construct tissue microarrays (TMAs), which were
      immunohistochemically stained for autophagy-related proteins (beclin-1, LC3A,
      LC3B, p62) and for AR and HER-2. RESULTS: There were 127 AR-positive cases and
      207 AR-negative cases, and 140 HER-2-positive cases and 194 HER-2 negative cases.
      The AR-negative group was associated with tumoral LC3A expression (P<0.001),
      while the AR-positive group was associated with tumoral BNIP3 expression
      (P<0.001). Tumoral LC3A was most highly expressed in the AR-negative and HER-2
      negative group, while stromal LC3A showed the highest expression in the AR
      negative and HER-2-positive group. Tumoral BNIP3 and stromal BNIP3 were highest
      in the AR-positive and HER-2-negative group. In the AR-positive and HER-2
      negative group, stromal p62 positivity was an independent factor that was
      statistically significant in its association with shorter disease-free survival
      (DFS) (Hazard ratio: 10.21, 95% CI: 1.130-92.31, P = 0.039). Shorter DFS was
      associated with tumoral LC3A positivity (Hazard ratio: 10.28, 95% CI: 2.068
      51.19, P = 0.004) in the AR-negative and HER-2-positive group. CONCLUSION: In ER
      negative breast cancers, AR status was associated with expression of different
      types of autophagy-related proteins. Tumoral LC3A was most highly expressed in AR
      negative breast cancers, while tumor BNIP3 was highest in AR-positive breast
      cancers.

PMID- 25140633
TI  - Directional navigation improves opportunistic communication for emergencies.
AB  - We present a novel direction based shortest path search algorithm to guide
      evacuees during an emergency. It uses opportunistic communications (oppcomms)
      with low-cost wearable mobile nodes that can exchange packets at close range of a
      few to some tens of meters without help of an infrastructure. The algorithm seeks
      the shortest path to exits which are safest with regard to a hazard, and is
      integrated into an autonomous Emergency Support System (ESS) to guide evacuees in
      a built environment. The algorithm proposed that ESSs are evaluated with the DBES
      (Distributed Building Evacuation Simulator) by simulating a shopping centre where
      fire is spreading. The results show that the directional path finding algorithm
      can offer significant improvements for the evacuees. 

PMID- 25140634
TI  - Rapid, single-molecule assays in nano/micro-fluidic chips with arrays of closely
      spaced parallel channels fabricated by femtosecond laser machining.
AB  - Cost-effective pharmaceutical drug discovery depends on increasing assay
      throughput while reducing reagent needs. To this end, we are developing an
      ultrasensitive, fluorescence-based platform that incorporates a nano/micro
      fluidic chip with an array of closely spaced channels for parallelized optical
      readout of single-molecule assays. Here we describe the use of direct femtosecond
      laser machining to fabricate several hundred closely spaced channels on the
      surfaces of fused silica substrates. The channels are sealed by bonding to a
      microscope cover slip spin-coated with a thin film of poly(dimethylsiloxane).
      Single-molecule detection experiments are conducted using a custom-built, wide
      field microscope. The array of channels is epi-illuminated by a line-generating
      red diode laser, resulting in a line focus just a few microns thick across a 500
      micron field of view. A dilute aqueous solution of fluorescently labeled
      biomolecules is loaded into the device and fluorescence is detected with an
      electron-multiplying CCD camera, allowing acquisition rates up to 7 kHz for each
      microchannel. Matched digital filtering based on experimental parameters is used
      to perform an initial, rapid assessment of detected fluorescence. More detailed
      analysis is obtained through fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Simulated
      fluorescence data is shown to agree well with experimental values. 

PMID- 25140635
TI  - A Kalman filter-based short baseline RTK algorithm for single-frequency
      combination of GPS and BDS.
AB  - The emerging Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) including the BeiDou
      Navigation Satellite System (BDS) offer more visible satellites for positioning
      users. To employ those new satellites in a real-time kinematic (RTK) algorithm to
      enhance positioning precision and availability, a data processing model for the
      dual constellation of GPS and BDS is proposed and analyzed. A Kalman filter-based
      algorithm is developed to estimate the float ambiguities for short baseline
      scenarios. The entire work process of the high-precision algorithm based on the
      proposed model is deeply investigated in detail. The model is validated with real
      GPS and BDS data recorded from one zero and two short baseline experiments.
      Results show that the proposed algorithm can generate fixed baseline output with
      the same precision level as that of either a single GPS or BDS RTK algorithm. The
      significantly improved fixed rate and time to first fix of the proposed method
      demonstrates a better availability and effectiveness on processing multi-GNSSs. 

PMID- 25140636
TI  - Estimation of spatial-temporal gait parameters using a low-cost ultrasonic motion
      analysis system.
AB  - In this paper, a low-cost motion analysis system using a wireless ultrasonic
      sensor network is proposed and investigated. A methodology has been developed to
      extract spatial-temporal gait parameters including stride length, stride
      duration, stride velocity, stride cadence, and stride symmetry from 3D foot
      displacements estimated by the combination of spherical positioning technique and
      unscented Kalman filter. The performance of this system is validated against a
      camera-based system in the laboratory with 10 healthy volunteers. Numerical
      results show the feasibility of the proposed system with average error of 2.7%
      for all the estimated gait parameters. The influence of walking speed on the
      measurement accuracy of proposed system is also evaluated. Statistical analysis
      demonstrates its capability of being used as a gait assessment tool for some
      medical applications. 

PMID- 25140637
TI  - Pyridylenevinylene based Cu(2+)-specific, injectable metallo(hydro)gel:
      thixotropy and nanoscale metal-organic particles.
AB  - A Cu(2+)-selective metallo(hydro)gelation of a p-pyridyl ended oligo
      phenylenevinylene system is reported over its respective meta- and ortho
      regioisomers. The metallogel formed via the self-assembly of the nanoscale-metal
      organic particles is injectable and also shows multi-stimuli responsiveness,
      including thixotropy. 

PMID- 25140638
TI  - Experience of nurses caring for child with hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation in general pediatric ward: a descriptive phenomenological
      approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most studies on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have
      focused on patients, survivors, or their family members, such as siblings and
      parents. Little attention has been paid to nurses caring for HSCT pediatric
      patients and in particular in a Taiwanese context. OBJECTIVE: The objective of
      this study was to explore nurses' lived experience caring for HSCT children in
      isolation within a general pediatric ward. METHOD: A Husserlian phenomenological
      approach informed the exploration of the meaning and essence of the nurses'
      caring experience. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. RESULTS:
      Twelve nurses were interviewed. Analysis of interviews yielded 3 main themes:
      being worried about ruining transplantation success, feeling loss of control in
      handling suffering, and reflecting upon the value of HSCT. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses
      felt the stress of caring for HSCT children because of the heavy workload and the
      pressure of responsibility. Witnessing the suffering of patients/families was
      particularly stressful. However, nurses were helped to overcome this stress by
      looking at the value and meaning of HSCT. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses need
      practical support from nursing leaders in terms of carefully organizing patient
      care, controlling the nurse-to-patient ratio, and offering a safe work
      environment by providing systematic formal training on HSCT and receiving proper
      supervision. Understanding and learning are gained from nurses who are able to
      seek meaning from HSCT through appreciating every caregiving effort and through
      valuing how their nursing role contributes to the quality of patients' care.

PMID- 25140640
TI  - Psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the Colorectal Cancer Perceptions
      Scale in a sample of older Chinese people.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Older adults are more susceptible to colorectal cancer (CRC).
      Psychosocial constructs in the Health Belief Model are targets for interventional
      studies. No tool to measure these beliefs of older Chinese people has been
      validated. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to examine the preliminary
      psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Colorectal Cancer
      Perceptions Scale (CRCPS). METHODS: The CRCPS was translated to Chinese language,
      validated by an expert panel, and tested. Interviewer-administered surveys were
      carried out with a convenience sample of 219 community-dwelling Chinese adults 60
      years or older and were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Six factors were
      retained, with items on susceptibility and benefits remaining as designed,
      whereas those on severity formed 2 factors, labeled severity-fear and severity
      life impact, and those on barriers again formed 2 factors, labeled psychological
      barriers and knowledge barriers. Cronbach's alpha values ranged from .74 to .88,
      and test-retest reliability correlations ranged from .38 for psychological
      barriers to .69 for knowledge barriers. Respondents who had undergone CRC
      screening had significantly lower mean scores on severity-fear, severity-life
      impact, psychological barriers, and knowledge barriers compared with those who
      had not. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide preliminary support for the reliability
      and validity of the Chinese version of the CRCPS. Further psychometric testing is
      recommended. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The survey provides a useful tool to
      assess CRC health beliefs, which interventions should address to improve
      screening rates among older Chinese adults.

PMID- 25140639
TI  - Physician and nurse beliefs of phase 1 trials in pediatric oncology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to improve the survival of children with cancer, novel
      therapies must be identified. Promising agents are tested in phase 1 trials in
      order to identify appropriate dosing and describe toxicity in children. The
      identification and referral of candidate patients for phase 1 trials rely heavily
      on medical providers who must balance their own perceptions of phase 1 trials
      with the desires and willingness of the patient and his/her family. OBJECTIVE:
      The goal of the present study was to evaluate and compare physician and nurse
      perceptions regarding the beliefs, expectations, and perceived benefits of phase
      1 clinical trials. METHODS: A survey consisting of 21 questions was sent to 419
      physicians and nurses practicing pediatric oncology at 30 different institutions.
      With the exception of 10 demographic questions, items were either rank ordered or
      rated on 5-point Likert scales. RESULTS: Ninety-four physicians and 122 nurses
      completed the online survey. Physicians and nurses differed in their knowledge of
      the goals and medical effects of phase 1 clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians
      and nurses hold positive beliefs regarding phase 1 clinical trials and support
      their role in the treatment of children with cancer. Education is necessary to
      increase nurses' knowledge of the goals and outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:
      These findings suggest that continued education of nurses as well as physicians
      about the goals, execution, and monitoring of phase 1 therapy would be
      worthwhile.

PMID- 25140642
TI  - [The hazing and the ethical responsibility of the future doctors].

PMID- 25140643
TI  - [Value of tissue biomarkers and pet-ct in the prognosis of head and neck cancer:
      review of diagnostic and therapeutic paradigm].

PMID- 25140641
TI  - Enhancement of biological reactions on cell surfaces via macromolecular crowding.
AB  - The reaction of macromolecules such as enzymes and antibodies with cell surfaces
      is often an inefficient process, requiring large amounts of expensive reagent.
      Here we report a general method based on macromolecular crowding with a range of
      neutral polymers to enhance such reactions, using red blood cells (RBCs) as a
      model system. Rates of conversion of type A and B red blood cells to universal O
      type by removal of antigenic carbohydrates with selective glycosidases are
      increased up to 400-fold in the presence of crowders. Similar enhancements are
      seen for antibody binding. We further explore the factors underlying these
      enhancements using confocal microscopy and fluorescent recovery after bleaching
      (FRAP) techniques with various fluorescent protein fusion partners. Increased
      cell-surface concentration due to volume exclusion, along with two-dimensionally
      confined diffusion of enzymes close to the cell surface, appear to be the major
      contributing factors. 

PMID- 25140645
TI  - Impact of bariatric surgery on depression and anxiety symptons, bulimic behaviors
      and quality of life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess psychiatric symptoms, substance use, quality of life and
      eating behavior of patients undergoing bariatric surgery before and after the
      procedure. METHODS: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of 32 women
      undergoing bariatric surgery. To obtain data, the patients answered specific,
      self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: We observed a reduction in depressive
      and anxious symptoms and also in bulimic behavior, as well as an improved quality
      of life in the physical, psychological and environmental domains. There was also
      a decrease in use of antidepressants and appetite suppressants, but the surgery
      was not a cessation factor in smoking and / or alcoholism. CONCLUSION: a decrease
      in psychiatric symptoms was observed after bariatric surgery, as well as the
      reduction in the use of psychoactive substances. In addition, there was an
      improvement in quality of life after surgical treatment of obesity.

PMID- 25140644
TI  - The cost of excessive postoperative use of antimicrobials: the context of a
      public hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the improper use of antimicrobials during the
      postoperative period and its economic impact. METHODS: We conducted a prospective
      cohort study by collecting data from medical records of 237 patients operated on
      between 01/11/08 and 31/12/08. RESULTS: from the 237 patients with the
      information collected, 217 (91.56%) received antimicrobials. During the
      postoperative period, 125 (57.7%) patients received more than two antimicrobials.
      On average, 1.7 +/- 0.6 antimicrobials were prescribed to patients, the most
      commonly prescribed antibiotic being cephalothin, in 41.5% (154) of cases. The
      direct cost of antimicrobial therapy accounted for 63.78% of all drug therapy,
      this large percentage being attributed in part to the extended antimicrobial
      prophylaxis. In the case of clean operations, where there was a mean duration of
      5.2 days of antibiotics, antimicrobials represented 44.3% of the total therapy
      cost. CONCLUSION: The data illustrate the impact of overuse of antimicrobials,
      with questionable indications, creating situations that compromise patient safety
      and increasing costs in the assessed hospital.

PMID- 25140646
TI  - Implementation of a perioperative management protocol for patients undergoing
      orthopedic surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the initial results after the implementation of
      perioperative protocol in patients over 60 years of age undergoing surgical
      treatment for femur fractures. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of
      patients older than 60 years who were hospitalized with femur fracture. They were
      operated under spinal anesthesia and analgesia by lumbar plexus blockade. Data
      evaluation was performed before arrival in the operating room during surgery, in
      the post-anesthesia recovery room and in the ward the next morning of the
      operation. RESULTS: 105 patients underwent various types of surgical corrections
      of the femur. The hospital stay ranged from three to 86 days. Fasting ranged from
      9h15min to 19h30mn. Hypotension occurred in 5.7%. The duration of motor blockade
      ranged from 1h45min to 5h30imn. Maltodextrin feeding ranged from 50min to 3h45min
      and the time spent in the post-anesthetic care unit ranged from 50 minutes to 4
      hours. Onset of oral intake in the ward ranged from 4hto 8h15min. The duration of
      anesthesia ranged from 14 to 33 hours. No patient required a urinary catheter,
      nor was transferred to the ICU. All patients were able to be discharged on the
      first postoperative day. CONCLUSION: The use of a protocol to accelerate the
      postoperative period may reduce the fasting time, length of hospital stay and
      provide faster i discharge n elderly patients with femur fractures.

PMID- 25140647
TI  - Association between peripheral arterial disease and C-reactive protein in the
      Japanese-Brazilian population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between peripheral arterial disease and
      elevated levels of C-reactive protein in the Japanese-Brazilian population of
      high cardiovascular risk. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study derived
      from a population-based study on the prevalence of diabetes and associated
      diseases in the Japanese-Brazilian population. One thousand, three hundred and
      thirty individuals aged e" 30 underwent clinical and laboratory examination,
      including measurement of ultrasensitive C-reactive protein. The diagnosis of
      peripheral arterial disease was performed by calculating the ankle-brachial
      index. We considered with peripheral arterial disease patients who had ankle
      brachial index d" 0.9. After applying the exclusion criteria, 1,038 subjects
      completed the study. RESULTS: The mean age of the population was 56.8 years; 46%
      were male. The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease was 21%, with no
      difference between genders. Data analysis showed no association between
      peripheral arterial disease and ultrasensitive C-reactive protein. Patients with
      ankle-brachial index d" 0.70 showed higher values of ultrasensitive C-reactive
      protein and worse cardiometabolic profile. We found a positive independent
      association of peripheral arterial disease with hypertension and smoking.
      CONCLUSION: The association between low levels of ankle-brachial index and
      elevated levels of ultrasensitive C-reactive protein may suggest a relationship
      of gravity, aiding in the mapping of high-risk patients.

PMID- 25140648
TI  - Haematological and biochemical characteristics of the splenic effluent blood in
      schistosomal patients undergoing splenectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess hematological and biochemical features of splenic effluent
      blood and their influence on the rise of hematological values after splenectomy.
      METHODS: we studied 20 patients undergoing surgical treatment for schistosomatic
      portal hypertension. We collected blood samples for CBC, coagulation, bilirubin
      and albumin in the splenic vein (perioperative) and peripheral blood (immediately
      pre and postoperative periods). RESULTS: the splenic blood showed higher values
      of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, total leukocytes,
      neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, as well as
      reduction of laboratory coagulation parameters in relation to peripheral blood
      collected preoperatively. In the postoperative peripheral blood there was an
      increase in the overall leukocytes and in their neutrophil component, and
      decreased levels of basophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes. The other
      postoperative variables of complete blood count and coagulation tests were not
      different compared with the splenic blood. The albumin values were lower
      postoperatively when compared to preoperative and splenic blood. There were
      higher values of direct bilirubin in the postoperative period when compared with
      the preoperative and splenic blood. Postoperative indirect bilirubin was lower
      compared to its value in the splenic blood. CONCLUSION: hematological and
      biochemical values of splenic effluent blood are higher than those found in
      peripheral blood in the presence of schistosomal splenomegaly. However, the
      splenic blood effluent is not sufficient to raise the blood levels found after
      splenectomy.

PMID- 25140649
TI  - Standardization of pulmonary ventilation technique using volume-controlled
      ventilators in rats with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To standardize a technique for ventilating rat fetuses with Congenital
      Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) using a volume-controlled ventilator. METHODS:
      Pregnant rats were divided into the following groups: a) control (C); b) exposed
      to nitrofen with CDH (CDH); and c) exposed to nitrofen without CDH (N-). Fetuses
      of the three groups were randomly divided into the subgroups ventilated (V) and
      non-ventilated (N-V). Fetuses were collected on day 21.5 of gestation, weighed
      and ventilated for 30 minutes using a volume-controlled ventilator. Then the
      lungs were collected for histological study. We evaluated: body weight (BW),
      total lung weight (TLW), left lung weight (LLW), ratios TLW / BW and LLW / BW,
      morphological histology of the airways and causes of failures of ventilation.
      RESULTS: BW, TLW, LLW, TLW / BW and LLW / BW were higher in C compared with N- (p
      <0.05) and CDH (p <0.05), but no differences were found between the subgroups V
      and N-V (p> 0.05). The morphology of the pulmonary airways showed hypoplasia in
      groups N- and CDH, with no difference between V and N-V (p <0.05). The C and N-
      groups could be successfully ventilated using a tidal volume of 75 il, but the
      failure of ventilation in the CDH group decreased only when ventilated with 50
      il. CONCLUSION: Volume ventilation is possible in rats with CDH for a short
      period and does not alter fetal or lung morphology.

PMID- 25140650
TI  - Modified method for bronchial suture by Ramirez Gama compared to separate
      stitches suture: experimental study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To experimentally compare two classic techniques described for manual
      suture of the bronchial stump. METHODS: We used organs of pigs, with isolated
      trachea and lungs, preserved by refrigeration. We dissected 30 bronchi, which
      were divided into three groups of ten bronchi each, of 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm,
      respectively. In each, we performed the suture with simple, separated,
      extramucosal stitches in five other bronchi, and the technique proposed by
      Ramirez and modified by Santos et al in the other five. Once the sutures were
      finished, the anastomoses were tested using compressed air ventilation, applying
      an endotracheal pressure of 20mmHg. RESULTS: the Ramirez Gama suture was more
      effective in the bronchi of 3, 5 and 7 mm, and there was no air leak even after
      subjecting them to a tracheal pressure of 20mmHg. The simple interrupted sutures
      were less effective, with extravasation in six of the 15 tested bronchi,
      especially in the angles of the sutures. These figures were not significant (p =
      0.08). CONCLUSION: manual sutures of the bronchial stumps were more effective
      when the modified Ramirez Gama suture was used in the caliber bronchi arms when
      tested with increased endotracheal pressure.

PMID- 25140652
TI  - Comparison between electrocautery and fibrin selant after hepatectomy in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare between electrocautery and fibrin sealant hemostasis in
      rats after partial hepatectomy. METHODS: we used 24 Wistar rats, which were
      submitted to 30% hepatic resection, divided into two groups of 12 animals each:
      Group Electrocautery and Group Tachosil(r). These animals were evaluated after
      three and 14 days. We assessed the presence of complications, laboratory tests
      and histological exam of the recovered liver. RESULTS: the presence of abscess
      was more prevalent in the electrocautery group. The observed adhesions were more
      pronounced in the electrocautery group, both in frequency and in intensity, after
      three and 14 days. There were no deaths in either group. As for laboratory
      analysis, after three days the hematocrit was lower in the TachoSil(r) Group. The
      elevation of AST and ALT were more pronounced in the electrocautery group (p =
      0.002 and p = 0.004) in three days. Histological analysis of specimens collected
      on the third day after surgery showed similar results in both groups for the
      presence of polymorphonuclear cells, whereas mononuclear was more evident in the
      TachoSil(r) group. We also observed that angiogenesis, although present in both
      groups, was more pronounced in the TachoSil(r) group (p = 0.030). However, on the
      14th day angiogenesis was more pronounced in the electrocautery group, but
      without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: hemostasis achieved by the groups
      was similar; however, the use of electrocautery was associated with infections,
      adhesions at higher grades and elevated liver enzymes.

PMID- 25140651
TI  - Effect of the celexoxib in microscopic changes of the esophageal mucosal of rats
      induced by esofagojejunostomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effect of celecoxib in the esophageal
      mucosa in rats undergoing esofagojejunostomy. METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats
      from the vivarium of the University of Health Sciences of Alagoas were used for
      the experiment. The animals were divided into four groups: Group I, 15 rats
      undergoing esofagojejunostomy with the use of celecoxib postoperatively; Group
      II, 15 rats undergoing esofagojejunostomy without the use of celecoxib; Group
      III, 15 rats undergoing celiotomy with bowel manipulation; and Group IV, 15 rats
      without surgery and using celecoxib. The observation period was 90 days. After
      the death of the animals, the distal segment of the esophagus was resected and
      sent for microscopic analysis. RESULTS: esofagojejunostomy caused macroscopic and
      microscopic esophagitis. Esophagitis was equal in both groups I and II. In groups
      III and IV esophageal lesions were not developed. CONCLUSIONS: celecoxib had
      neither protective nor inducing effect on esophagitis, but had a protective
      effect on dysplasia of the animals of group I.

PMID- 25140654
TI  - Surgical treatment of cleft lip.
AB  - We performed a systematic review of the literature on the surgical treatment of
      cleft lip, emphasizing the prevalence, complications associated with the
      treatment and the points of disagreement between authors. We conducted a
      literature cross-sectional search that analyzed publications in books, articles
      and on the databases SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online, PubMed, of
      the National Center for Biotechnology Information. We conclude that: 1) the
      severity of the cleft will indicate the technique presenting more advantages; 2)
      the different approaches indicate that there is no consensus on the optimal
      technique; and 3) the surgeon experience contributes to choosing the best option.

PMID- 25140653
TI  - Sirolimus influence on hepatectomy-induced liver regeneration in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of sirolimus on liver regeneration triggered
      by resection of 70% of the liver of adult rats. METHODS: we used 40 Wistar rats
      randomly divided into two groups (study and control), each group was divided into
      two equal subgroups according to the day of death (24 hours and seven days).
      Sirolimus was administered at a dose of 1mg/kg in the study group and the control
      group was given 1 ml of saline. The solutions were administered daily since three
      days before hepatectomy till the rats death to removal of the regenerated liver,
      conducted in 24 hours or 7 days after hepatectomy. Liver regeneration was
      measured by the KWON formula, by the number of mitotic figures (hematoxylin-eosin
      staining) and by the immunohistochemical markers PCNA and Ki-67. RESULTS: there
      was a statistically significant difference between the 24h and the 7d groups.
      When comparing the study and control groups in the same period, there was a
      statistically significant variation only for Ki-67, in which there were increased
      numbers of hepatocytes in cell multiplication in the 7d study group compared with
      the 7d control group (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: there was no negative influence of
      sirolimus in liver regeneration and there was a positive partial effect at
      immunohistochemistry with Ki-67.

PMID- 25140655
TI  - Four-arm single docking full robotic surgery for low rectal cancer: technique
      standardization.
AB  - The authors present the four-arm single docking full robotic surgery to treat low
      rectal cancer. The eight main operative steps are: 1- patient positioning; 2-
      trocars set-up and robot docking; 3- sigmoid colon, left colon and splenic
      flexure mobilization (lateral-to-medial approach); 4-Inferior mesenteric artery
      and vein ligation (medial-to-lateral approach); 5- total mesorectum excision and
      preservation of hypogastric and pelvic autonomic nerves (sacral dissection,
      lateral dissection, pelvic dissection); 6- division of the rectum using an endo
      roticulator stapler for the laparoscopic performance of a double-stapled coloanal
      anastomosis (type I tumor); 7- intersphincteric resection, extraction of the
      specimen through the anus and lateral-to-end hand sewn coloanal anastomosis (type
      II tumor); 8- cylindric abdominoperineal resection, with transabdominal section
      of the levator muscles (type IV tumor). The techniques employed were safe and
      have presented low rates of complication and no mortality. 

PMID- 25140656
TI  - [Is professional recognition in plastic surgery related to activity in research].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relation of medical research, with the participation
      of prominent plastic surgeon in Congress. METHODS: We reviewed the scientific
      programs of the last 3 Brazilian Congress of Surgery, were selected 21 Brazilian
      plastic surgeons invited to serve as panelists or speakers in roundtable sessions
      in the last 3 congresses (Group 1). We randomly selected and paired by other
      members (associates) of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, with no
      participation in congress as speaker (Group 2). We conducted a search for
      articles published in journals indexed in Medline, Lilacs and SciELO for all
      doctors selected during the entire academic career and the last 5 years from
      March 2007 until March 2012. We assessed the research activity through the simple
      counting of the number of publications in indexed journals for each professional.
      The number of publications groups was compared. RESULTS: articles produced
      throughout career: Group 1- 639 articles (average of 30.42 items each). Group 2-
      79 articles (mean 3.95 articles each). Difference between medias: p <0.001.
      CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery
      seeking professionals with a greater number of publications and journals of
      higher impact. This approach encourages new members to pursue a higher
      qualification, and give security to congressmen, they can rely on the existence
      of a technical criterion in the choice of speakers.

PMID- 25140657
TI  - Is there a role for pyloric exclusion after severe duodenal trauma?
AB  - Duodenal trauma is an infrequent injury, but linked to high morbidity and
      mortality. Surgical management of duodenal injuries is dictated by: patient's
      hemodynamic status, injury severity, time of diagnosis, and presence of
      concomitant injuries. Even though most cases can be treated with primary repair,
      some experts advocate adjuvant procedures. Pyloric exclusion (PE) has emerged as
      an ancillary method to protect suture repair in more complex injuries. However,
      the effectiveness of this procedure is debatable. The "Evidence Based
      Telemedicine - Trauma & Acute Care Surgery" (EBT-TACS) Journal Club performed a
      critical appraisal of the literature and selected three relevant publications on
      the indications for PE in duodenal trauma. The first study retrospectively
      compared 14 cases of duodenal injuries greater than grade II treated by PE, with
      15 cases repaired primarily, all of which penetrating. Results showed that PE did
      not improve outcome. The second study, also retrospective, compared primary
      repair (34 cases) with PE (16 cases) in blunt and penetrating grade > II duodenal
      injuries. The authors concluded that PE was not necessary in all cases. The third
      was a literature review on the management of challenging duodenal traumas. The
      author of that study concluded that PE is indicated for anastomotic leak
      management after gastrojejunostomies. In conclusion, the choice of the surgical
      procedure to treat duodenal injuries should be individualized. Moreover, there is
      insufficient high quality scientific evidence to support the abandonment of PE in
      severe duodenal injuries with extensive tissue loss. 

PMID- 25140659
TI  - Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma: clinicopathological correlation of 142
      cases with insights into etiology and pathogenesis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma (MCAH) is a peculiar
      dermatopathological entity described as asymptomatic grouped red-to-violaceous
      papules, developing over weeks to months without spontaneous regression. The
      histopathological findings comprise bizarre basophilic multinucleated cells (MC),
      small vessel inflammation, mild dermal fibrosis, and a sparse lymphohistiocytic
      infiltrate. AIMS AND METHODS: This study aimed to collate and analyze the
      clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical characteristics of all reported
      cases of MCAH from the international literature, and the presence or absence of
      concurrent chronic inflammatory or neoplastic phenomena to investigate any
      potential clinicopathological correlations, which may hint at the underlying
      pathophysiology of this condition. A systematic review of the literature was
      undertaken with information collected by a predeveloped pro forma. New case
      reports were also sourced from patient records at the Skin and Cancer Foundation
      Australia Database. RESULTS: A total of 142 cases of MCAH were collated,
      including 8 new case reports. The average age of onset was 50.1 years, with 79%
      of all individuals being female. The most commonly affected areas were the hands
      (30%) and face (29%). Univariate analysis revealed a positive association between
      lesion size and MC staining for CD68 (R = 0.488; P = 0.004), and an inverse
      relationship between size and endothelial staining for CD34 (R = -0.530; P =
      0.012). Multiple lesions were significantly associated with an inverse
      relationship to MC staining of CD68 (R = -0.519; P = 0.002). Moderate
      correlations were seen between specific sites of vascularity and sites in which
      MCs were identified (R = 0.734-0.741; P < 0.001), and dermal fibrosis was
      associated with an increased number of MCs (R = 0.522; P = 0.002) and decreased
      multinucleate cell immunohistochemical staining (R = -0.655; P = 0.003). An
      association was found between patients with chronic inflammatory conditions and
      endothelial staining for CD68 (R = 0.671; P = 0.012), and an inverse relationship
      with MC staining for factor XIIIa (-0.481; P < 0.001). No statistically
      significant relationships between neoplasia and MCAH were found. DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSIONS: From the data examined, we hypothesize that although this condition
      may be inflammatory and vascular in initial origin, fibrosis and atrophy play a
      vital role in the pathogenesis, particularly regarding the progression to
      multiple lesions. A detailed hypothesis is described that may be amenable to more
      detailed investigations. Limitations in this study include the heterogeneity of
      results analyzed across case reports; however, our conclusions match those
      developed through the analysis of our case series. These hypotheses and proposals
      provide an experimental basis for further research into the pathogenesis and
      mechanisms underlying MCAH.

PMID- 25140660
TI  - A unique case of a cutaneous lesion resembling mammary analog secretory
      carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Mammary analog secretory carcinoma (MASC) is a rare type of salivary gland tumor
      named for its morphological and genetic similarity to secretory carcinoma of the
      breast. These tumors are most often found in the parotid gland but have been
      described in several other mucosal locations of the head and neck. In this case
      report, a cutaneous lesion most closely resembling MASC was found in a neck mass
      of a 64-year-old male patient without evidence of a primary salivary gland or
      oral tumor. The lesion was excised, and the patient remains disease free to date.
      This case depicts a rare tumor in the skin most closely mimicking MASC and brings
      additional awareness to dermatopathologists of this tumor.

PMID- 25140658
TI  - Retrieval intention modulates the effects of directed forgetting instructions on
      recollection.
AB  - The neurocognitive basis of memory retrieval is often examined by investigating
      brain potential old/new effects, which are differences in brain activity between
      successfully remembered repeated stimuli and correctly rejected new stimuli in a
      recognition test. In this study, we combined analyses of old/new effects for
      words with an item-method directed-forgetting manipulation in order to isolate
      differences between the retrieval processes elicited by words that participants
      were initially instructed to commit to memory and those that participants were
      initially instructed to forget. We compared old/new effects elicited by to-be
      forgotten (TBF) words with those elicited by to-be-remembered (TBR) words in both
      an explicit-memory test (a recognition test) and an implicit-memory test (a
      lexical-decision test). Behavioral results showed clear directed forgetting
      effects in the recognition test, but not in the lexical decision test. Mirroring
      the behavioral findings, analyses of brain potentials showed evidence of directed
      forgetting only in the recognition test. In this test, potentials from 450-650 ms
      (P600 old/new effects) were more positive for TBR relative to TBF words. By
      contrast, P600 effects evident during the lexical-decision test did not differ in
      magnitude between TBR and TBF items. When taken in the context of prior studies
      that have linked similar parietal old/new effects to the recollection of episodic
      information, these data suggest that directed-forgetting effects manifest
      primarily in greater episodic retrieval by TBR than TBF items, and that retrieval
      intention may be important for these directed-forgetting effects to occur. 

PMID- 25140661
TI  - Multiple distinct T-cell clones in folliculotropic mycosis fungoides.
AB  - Multiple distinct T-cell clones have been demonstrated in a subset of mycosis
      fungoides (MF), but have so far not been documented in folliculotropic MF, a
      clinical and histological variant of MF. We analyzed T-cell receptor (TCR) gene
      rearrangements in 8 patients with folliculotropic MF with multiple biopsies
      (range, 2-5) taken during the course of disease. Two patients had disease stage
      IA-IIA, 5 stage IIB-IVA, whereas data were not available for 1 patient. TCR beta
      and gamma gene rearrangements were analyzed according to the BIOMED-2 PCR
      protocol. Multiple clonal TCR gene rearrangements indicating more than 1 T-cell
      clone were found in 5 patients. Although the number of patients is small, the
      finding of multiple distinct T-cell clones in 5 out of 8 patients suggests that
      chronic T-cell stimulation contributes to the development of folliculotropic MF.

PMID- 25140662
TI  - Granuloma Annulare Mimicking Sarcoidosis: Report of Patient With Localized
      Granuloma Annulare Whose Skin Lesions Show 3 Clinical Morphologies and 2
      Histology Patterns.
AB  - Granuloma annulare, a benign dermatosis of undetermined etiology, typically
      presents in a localized or generalized form. It has 3 distinctive histologic
      patterns: an infiltrative (interstitial) pattern, a palisading granuloma pattern,
      and an epithelioid nodule (sarcoidal granuloma) pattern. A man whose granuloma
      annulare skin lesions mimicked sarcoidosis is described. His localized granuloma
      annulare presented with a total of 3 lesions that each had a distinctive clinical
      morphology: an annular lesion of individual papules, a dermal nodule, and a
      linear arrangement of 3 papules. Two of his lesions showed a palisading granuloma
      histology pattern of granuloma annulare; however, the linear papules on his
      posterior neck lesion demonstrated noncaseating granulomas consistent with either
      the epithelioid nodule histology pattern of granuloma annulare or sarcoidal
      granuloma compatible with sarcoidosis. A comprehensive evaluation excluded the
      diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis. Using the PubMed database, an extensive
      literature search was performed on granuloma annulare, epithelioid nodule,
      sarcoidal granuloma, and sarcoidosis. The histology patterns of granuloma
      annulare-emphasizing the history and differentiating features of the epithelioid
      nodule pattern from cutaneous sarcoidosis-were reviewed. The epithelioid nodule
      (sarcoidal granuloma) histology pattern of granuloma annulare is uncommon and may
      mimic the histology changes observed in sarcoidosis skin lesions; the absence of
      asteroid or other giant cell inclusions and an increase in mucin deposition
      between the collagen bundles favor the diagnosis of granuloma annulare. In
      addition, the epithelioid nodule pattern of granuloma annulare can rarely also
      show other histologic patterns of granuloma annulare in the same biopsy specimen
      or concurrently present with other clinical lesions of granuloma annulare that
      demonstrate a palisading granuloma, or possibly an infiltrative, histology
      pattern. However, the presence of an isolated skin lesion demonstrating sarcoidal
      granulomas--even when concurrently appearing with other lesions of granuloma
      annulare showing either an infiltrative or a palisading granuloma histologic
      pattern--may prompt the clinician to evaluate and exclude the possibility of
      systemic sarcoidosis.

PMID- 25140663
TI  - Solitary Fibrous Tumor With Myxoid Stromal Change.
AB  - We report the case of a 46-year-old Korean woman who presented with a 5-month
      history of a hyperkeratotic plaque on the left palm. On examination, the plaque
      showed an annular pattern with an umbilicated central nodule and a peripheral
      palisading induration, which had a verrucous surface. After surgical resection,
      histopathologic analysis revealed that the tumor was composed of haphazardly
      arranged spindle cells and displayed a predominantly myxoid appearance in the
      stroma. The tumor cells were positive for CD34 and bcl-2, but negative for smooth
      muscle actin and S-100. The clinical manifestation and histopathologic findings
      were most consistent with a diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor with myxoid
      stromal change. There was no evidence of recurrence or metastasis during the 8
      month follow-up period. This case highlights the importance of an accurate
      diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumors, which may have extensive myxoid stromal
      change, hence mimicking other myxoid-type spindle cell tumors. 

PMID- 25140664
TI  - Congenital melanocytic nevus: two clinicopathological forms.
AB  - Congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is a hamartomatous disease for which many
      attempts at classification have been proposed. This disease is relevant not only
      because of its functional and esthetic implications but also because it is a well
      documented precursor to malignant melanoma. We performed a clinical and
      pathological prospective study of 200 cases of CMN and were able to identify 2
      different forms of CMN, each one with biological, clinical, and histopathological
      features and criteria that are consistent and repeatable. We propose to name them
      types I and II. Type I CMN is the most common, usually, if not always, a single
      lesion, it consists of a plaque that involves only 1 anatomic region and does not
      go beyond it; type I CNM grows in proportion to the growth of the child, melanoma
      rarely develops from it, and when it does it usually arises at the dermoepidermal
      junction. Its histopathology shows cords, strands, nests, and single units of
      melanocytes spreading between collagen bundles only in the dermis and frequently
      the epidermis too, but without trespassing to the hypodermis, that is, it is
      superficial. Type II CMN is always made up of many lesions, one of them being
      very large and surrounded by many lesions; histopathologically, it involves not
      only the skin but also deeper structures, sometimes bone and central nervous
      system; therefore, it is deep; when melanoma develops, it does in the dermal
      component and usually from the largest plaque. This type of CMN is the one that
      develops neurocutaneous melanocytosis. This system is not only easy and logical
      but it also has biologic advantages and the clinical-pathological correlation and
      criteria are repeatable by clinicians and pathologists.

PMID- 25140666
TI  - Cutaneous Pleomorphic Rhabdomyosarcoma Occurring on Sun-Damaged Skin: A Case
      Report.
AB  - Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant soft tissue tumor with skeletal muscle
      differentiation that can rarely present as a primary cutaneous tumor. There are 3
      main subtypes of RMS: embryonal, alveolar, and pleomorphic. Primary cutaneous
      pleomorphic RMS is extremely rare, there being only 9 reported cases in the
      literature, 2 of which are radiation induced. We present a case of primary
      pleomorphic RMS occurring on the sun-damaged skin of the face of an 89-year-old
      woman. The tumor was diagnosed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and electron
      microscopy. The patient was treated by surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. The
      tumor recurred rapidly after surgical excision. She died 2 months after the
      diagnosis from complications of treatment, local symptoms of tumor, and
      concurrent illnesses. Primary cutaneous pleomorphic RMS is a rare tumor of adults
      and pursues an aggressive clinical course. 

PMID- 25140665
TI  - Diffuse Reactive Angioendotheliomatosis Secondary to the Administration of
      Trabectedin and Pegfilgrastim.
AB  - Diffuse dermal angiomatosis is a rare benign condition considered a variant of
      reactive angioendotheliomatosis, usually related to vascular disease such as
      arteriovenous fistula or severe peripheral vascular disease. The most frequent
      clinical manifestations range from a solitary erythematous patch to an indurated
      plaque that may ulcerate. A clinical case of a 60-year-old woman who developed
      generalized livedoid lesions 2 days after the administration of intravenous
      trabectedin and subcutaneous pegfilgrastim for a recidivant myxoid liposarcoma
      has been reported. A biopsy of the skin lesions showed a pronounced proliferation
      of vessels in the upper dermis that was diagnosed as diffuse dermal angiomatosis.

PMID- 25140667
TI  - Langerhans Cell Hyperplasia From Molluscum Contagiosum.
AB  - Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) carries a prognosis, which ranges from benign
      to potentially fatal. There is currently little framework to decipher metrics,
      which predict the benign versus aggressive nature of LCH. We wanted to determine
      whether molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) DNA could be isolated from a cutaneous
      lesion, demonstrating Langerhans cell hyperplasia resembling LCH in a patient
      with both. Polymerase chain reaction on biopsy-proven MCV and the hyperplastic
      lesion has been performed. Two specific regions within the MCV genome were
      detected from both biopsies. The authors report our findings and suggest that
      some MCV can produce histological lesions resembling LCH, similar to the
      literature on scabies mimicking LCH. Efforts to find a reactive "driver" in LCH
      may significantly inform the clinical scenario. 

PMID- 25140668
TI  - Rapid assessment of the coenzyme Q10 redox state using ultrahigh performance
      liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - An improved method for accurate and rapid assessment of the coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
      redox state using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry was described, with particular attention given to the instability of
      the reduced form of CoQ10 during sample preparation, chromatographic separation
      and mass spectrometric detection. As highly lipophilic compounds in complex
      biological matrices, both reduced and oxidized forms of CoQ10 were extracted
      simultaneously from the tissue samples by methanol which is superior to ethanol
      and isopropanol. After centrifugation, the supernatants were immediately
      separated on a C18 column with isocratic elution using methanol containing 2 mM
      ammonium acetate as a non-aqueous mobile phase, and detected by positive
      electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring
      (MRM) mode. Ammonium acetate as an additive in methanol provided enhanced mass
      spectrometric responses for both forms of CoQ10, primarily due to stable
      formation of adduct ions [M + NH4](+), which served as precursor ions in positive
      ionization MRM transitions. The assay showed a linear range of 8.6-8585 ng mL(-1)
      for CoQ10H2 and 8.6-4292 ng mL(-1) for CoQ10. The limits of detection (LODs) were
      7.0 and 1.0 ng mL(-1) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were 15.0 and 5.0 ng
      mL(-1) for CoQ10H2 and CoQ10, respectively. This rapid extractive and analytical
      method could avoid artificial auto-oxidation of the reduced form of CoQ10,
      enabling the native redox state assessment. This reliable method was also
      successfully applied for the measurement of the CoQ10 redox state in liver
      tissues of mice exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, revealing the
      down-regulated mitochondrial electron transport chain. 

PMID- 25140669
TI  - Anterior tooth alignment: A comparison of orthodontic retention regimens 5 years
      posttreatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess orthodontic treatment outcome at debonding and at 3 and 5
      years after orthodontic treatment and to investigate the influence of different
      retention protocols on anterior tooth alignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the
      Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index, 169 patients (74 boys, 95 girls) were
      analyzed at four stages: pretreatment (T0), posttreatment (T1), 3 years
      posttreatment (T3), and 5 years posttreatment (T5). The PAR anterior component
      scores (ACSs) were compared between groups with different retention protocols. In
      the maxilla, protocols were removable retainer until T3 (MAX1), removable and
      fixed retainer until T3 (MAX2), and removable retainer until T3 and fixed
      retainer until T5 (MAX3). In the mandible, protocols were no retainer (MAND1),
      fixed 3-3 retainer until T3 (MAND2), and fixed 3-3 retainer until T5 (MAND3).
      RESULTS: Mean weighted improvement in PAR score was 88.3% at T1, 86.4% at T3, and
      82.1% at T5. The ACS for the maxilla showed no significant differences between
      the retention protocols at any time point. In the mandible, the group without
      retention showed a gradual but not significant deterioration in ACS throughout
      the posttreatment period. At T5 there was a significant difference in ACS between
      the group that had the retainer removed at T3 and the group that kept the
      retainer. CONCLUSION: The 5-year treatment outcome, as measured by the PAR Index,
      was good. Stability of the maxillary anterior alignment 5 years posttreatment did
      not appear to be influenced by choice of retention protocol. Mandibular anterior
      alignment was significantly better for the group using a fixed retainer compared
      with the group where the retainer was removed 3 years posttreatment.

PMID- 25140670
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of CD44 standard and E-cadherin in atypical
      leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma of the uterus.
AB  - A family of cell adhesion molecules have been associated with tumorigenesis and
      tumour cell invasion. Cadherins and CD44 isoforms are transmembrane
      glycoproteins. Uterine smooth muscle tumours range from leiomyomas to
      leiomyosarcomas. However, separating malignant from benign can be difficult in a
      subset of smooth muscle tumours. Cell adhesion molecules expression may have
      diagnostic utility in the distinction of leiomyosarcoma from atypical leiomyoma.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic tool role of CD44 standard
      and E-cadherin in atypical leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma. Paraffin blocks of 35
      atypical leiomyoma and 22 leiomyosarcoma were analysed immunohistochemically for
      the expression CD44 standard and E-cadherin protein. Expression of CD44 standard
      was positive in all cases, while E-cadherin was negative. In this study, CD44 and
      E-cadherin were not useful for diagnostic tool to differentiate atypical
      leiomyoma from leiomyosarcoma. 

PMID- 25140671
TI  - Base-promoted dehydrogenative coupling of benzene derivatives with amides or
      ethers.
AB  - Benzene derivatives are introduced into the dehydrogenative coupling via
      homolytic aromatic substitution (HAS) as arenes that couple with amides/ethers.
      NaOt-Bu is used as a critical promoter of HAS in combination with t-BuOOt-Bu as
      an oxidant. 

PMID- 25140672
TI  - Risk factors of repeated infectious disease incidence among substance-dependent
      girls and boys court-referred to treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A small portion of Americans account for a disproportionate amount of
      the incidences of sexually transmitted infection observed over a short period of
      time. Studies with adults have begun to characterize this population, yet there
      is very little data on adolescent sexually transmitted infection repeaters
      (STIR). This study explores characteristics associated with STIR among 102 girls
      and 93 boys (aged 14-18) court-referred for residential treatment. METHODS:
      Background characteristics, substance use disorders, risky and interpersonal
      behaviors, and history of sexually transmitted infections were collected at
      intake using valid and reliable instruments. A negative binomial logistic
      regression was performed to determine the background, risky behaviors, and social
      patterns associated with adolescent STIR. RESULTS: Approximately two out of three
      adolescents (62%) did not use contraception the last time they had sex, and 15%
      had at least one sexually transmitted infection recorded in their medical chart.
      Sexually transmitted infection repeaters entered treatment with higher rates of
      cocaine abuse (13%) than youth without multiple infections (3%, p < 0.05).
      History of sexual abuse, having sex with a person who said no, higher
      exhibitionism, and social estrangement increased the odds of adolescent STIR.
      Main effects of exhibitionism and social estrangement on increased odds of STIR
      were more pronounced for sexually abused adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      suggest a need for incorporating HIV education during residential treatment to
      improve health outcomes and intervention strategies that further connectedness
      for youth and victims of sexual abuse.

PMID- 25140673
TI  - Associations between eating occasion characteristics and age, gender, presence of
      children and BMI among U.S. adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe how frequency and characteristics of traditional meal and
      non-meal occasions vary by age, gender, presence of children, and body mass index
      (BMI). DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was administered to a national
      demographically balanced sample of adults via an online market research panel.
      SETTING: Online survey. SUBJECTS: Survey respondents were in the 18- to 80-year
      old age range and had consumed any food or beverage at home or away from home the
      previous day. The sample included 2702 adults reporting on 6689 eating/drinking
      occasions. Most (80.3%) had no children at home; 43.5% were male and about two
      thirds were overweight/obese. MEASURES OF OUTCOME: Eating occasion
      characteristics and goals by age, gender, presence of children, and BMI. RESULTS:
      Older respondents were more likely to report planning traditional meal occasions
      and report on a breakfast occasion than younger respondents. Two prominent
      reasons that triggered consumption occasions were habit and hunger/thirst with
      one dominant benefit of satisfying hunger or thirst. Habit and nutrition played a
      larger role as a goal for eating occasions for older compared to younger
      respondents. When children were present in the household, respondents had a goal
      of connecting with "family, friends, or colleagues" at dinner compared to those
      without children. Few gender differences were noted; however, women more often
      reported goals of satisfying hunger/thirst and taste at lunch than men. BMI
      levels were related to a range of triggers, goals, and behaviors but not as
      prominently as the relationships observed with age. Those with BMI >= 30 were
      less health conscious regarding dinner and breakfast consumption compared to
      those with a lower BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Among demographic variables, age differences
      were noted in relation to eating occasion characteristics more often than other
      demographic characteristics or BMI. Understanding these differences can be
      beneficial in tailoring promotion of healthful intake at specific eating
      occasions for particular subgroups.

PMID- 25140677
TI  - Presenting the case for the medical humanities.

PMID- 25140676
TI  - Curing and caring competences in the skills training of physiotherapy students.
AB  - This article explores the significance of curing and caring competences in
      physiotherapy education, as well as how curing and caring competences intersect
      within the professional training of physiotherapy students. The empirical data
      include participant observations and interviews with students attending skills
      training in the first year of a bachelor's degree program in Norway. Curing and
      caring are conceptualized as gender-coded competences. That is, curing and caring
      are viewed as historical and cultural constructions of masculinities and
      femininities within the physiotherapy profession, as well as performative
      actions. The findings illuminate the complexity of curing and caring competences
      in the skills training of physiotherapy students. Curing and caring are both
      binary and intertwined competences; however, whereas binary competences are
      mostly concerned with contextual frames, intertwined competences are mostly
      concerned with performative aspects. The findings also point to how female and
      male students attend to curing and caring competences in similar ways; thus, the
      possibilities of transcending traditional gender norms turn out to be significant
      in this context. The findings suggest that, although curing somehow remains
      hegemonic to caring, the future generation of physiotherapists seemingly will be
      able to use their skills for both caring and curing.

PMID- 25140679
TI  - A night at the museum--helping residents "see" their patients.

PMID- 25140678
TI  - Fostering student engagement in medical humanities courses.

PMID- 25140675
TI  - Transcriptomic analysis of tail regeneration in the lizard Anolis carolinensis
      reveals activation of conserved vertebrate developmental and repair mechanisms.
AB  - Lizards, which are amniote vertebrates like humans, are able to lose and
      regenerate a functional tail. Understanding the molecular basis of this process
      would advance regenerative approaches in amniotes, including humans. We have
      carried out the first transcriptomic analysis of tail regeneration in a lizard,
      the green anole Anolis carolinensis, which revealed 326 differentially expressed
      genes activating multiple developmental and repair mechanisms. Specifically,
      genes involved in wound response, hormonal regulation, musculoskeletal
      development, and the Wnt and MAPK/FGF pathways were differentially expressed
      along the regenerating tail axis. Furthermore, we identified 2 microRNA precursor
      families, 22 unclassified non-coding RNAs, and 3 novel protein-coding genes
      significantly enriched in the regenerating tail. However, high levels of
      progenitor/stem cell markers were not observed in any region of the regenerating
      tail. Furthermore, we observed multiple tissue-type specific clusters of
      proliferating cells along the regenerating tail, not localized to the tail tip.
      These findings predict a different mechanism of regeneration in the lizard than
      the blastema model described in the salamander and the zebrafish, which are
      anamniote vertebrates. Thus, lizard tail regrowth involves the activation of
      conserved developmental and wound response pathways, which are potential targets
      for regenerative medical therapies. 

PMID- 25140680
TI  - Do future bench researchers need humanities courses in medical school?

PMID- 25140681
TI  - Applied medical humanities: addressing vexing deficits, promoting enduring
      skills.

PMID- 25140682
TI  - FlexMed: a nontraditional admissions program at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount
      Sinai.

PMID- 25140683
TI  - Creating a space for the arts and humanities at the University of Colorado
      Anschutz Medical Campus.

PMID- 25140684
TI  - The ethical force of stories: narrative ethics and beyond.

PMID- 25140685
TI  - Use of art making in treating older patients with dementia.

PMID- 25140686
TI  - Expanding humanities training beyond medical school.

PMID- 25140687
TI  - A complete medical education includes the arts and humanities.

PMID- 25140688
TI  - Medical ethics and the media: the value of a story.

PMID- 25140689
TI  - Music and medicine: harnessing discipline and creativity.

PMID- 25140690
TI  - Tangles: an illness narrative in graphic form.

PMID- 25140691
TI  - "The best of doctors go to hell": how an ancient talmudic aphorism can inform the
      study and practice of medicine.

PMID- 25140692
TI  - Intranasal delivery of influenza rNP adjuvanted with c-di-AMP induces strong
      humoral and cellular immune responses and provides protection against virus
      challenge.
AB  - There is a critical need for new influenza vaccines able to protect against
      constantly emerging divergent virus strains. This will be sustained by the
      induction of vigorous cellular responses and humoral immunity capable of acting
      at the portal of entry of this pathogen. In this study we evaluate the protective
      efficacy of intranasal vaccination with recombinant influenza nucleoprotein (rNP)
      co-administrated with bis-(3',5')-cyclic dimeric adenosine monophosphate (c-di
      AMP) as adjuvant. Immunization of BALB/c mice with two doses of the formulation
      stimulates high titers of NP-specific IgG in serum and secretory IgA at mucosal
      sites. This formulation also promotes a strong Th1 response characterized by high
      secretion of INF-gamma and IL-2. The immune response elicited promotes efficient
      protection against virus challenge. These results suggest that c-di-AMP is a
      potent mucosal adjuvant which may significantly contribute towards the
      development of innovative mucosal vaccines against influenza. 

PMID- 25140694
TI  - Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus blood culture isolates: results of the Quebec
      Provincial Surveillance Programme.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to characterize methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) blood culture isolates and to determine their
      relative importance in both nosocomial and community-acquired infections. A total
      of 535 MRSA blood culture isolates were analysed. In vitro susceptibility to 14
      agents was determined. The genes nuc, mecA and coding for PVL toxin were
      identified by PCR. All isolates were characterized by PFGE or spa typing to
      assess their genomic relationships. Most MRSA isolates were retrieved from
      nosocomial bloodstream infections (474, 89%) and were of the CMRSA2 genotype.
      Healthcare-associated (HA)-MRSA bloodstream infections were associated with older
      age (70-89 years, P = 0.002) and most often secondary to central line infections
      (P = 0.005). Among MRSA strains associated with community-acquired (CA)-MRSA,
      28.8% were isolated in intravenous drug users. CA-MRSA genotypes were more
      frequently found in young adults (20-39 years, P < 0.0001) with skin/soft tissue
      as the primary sources of infection (P = 0.006). CMRSA10 genotype was the
      predominant CA-MRSA strain. All MRSA isolates were susceptible to doxycycline,
      tigecycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and vancomycin. Both the presence of
      the genes coding for PVL toxin (89.8%) and susceptibility to clindamycin (86.5%)
      were predictive of CA-MRSA genotypes. Whereas in the USA, HA-MRSA have been
      replaced by USA300 (CMRSA10) clone as the predominant MRSA strain type in
      positive blood cultures from hospitalized patients, this phenomenon has not been
      observed in the province of Quebec.

PMID- 25140695
TI  - Synergistic effect of viral load and alcohol consumption on the risk of
      persistent high-risk human papillomavirus infection.
AB  - PURPOSE: This prospective study aimed to examine the combined effect of viral
      load and alcohol consumption on the risk of persistent high-risk (HR) human
      papillomavirus (HPV) infection. METHODS: Among women undergoing health screening
      between 2002 and 2011 at the National Cancer Center, 284 and 122 women with HR
      HPV infection and cytological findings of low-grade squamous intraepithelial or
      lower-grade lesions were followed up for 1 and 2 years, respectively.
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, and the relative excess
      risk due to interaction (RERI) and synergy index (S) were calculated. RESULTS:
      Among drinkers, the risks of 1-year (odds ratio [OR] 4.09, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 2.05-8.18) and 2-year persistence (OR 8.08, CI 2.36-27.6) were
      significantly higher for high HPV loads than for low HPV loads; this association
      was not seen for non-drinkers. The risks for 1-year (OR 4.14, CI 1.89-9.05) and 2
      year persistence (OR 6.61, CI 2.09-20.9) were significantly higher in subjects
      with a high HPV load who were also drinkers than in those who were non-drinkers.
      A high HPV load together with a longer drinking duration or higher alcohol
      consumption was associated with increased risks of 1-year (OR 3.07, CI 1.40-6.75
      or OR 2.05, CI 0.87-4.83) and 2-year persistence (OR 6.40, CI 1.72-23.8 or OR
      4.14, CI 1.18-14.6). The synergistic effect of alcohol consumption and HR-HPV
      load was stronger on the risk of 2-year persistence (RERI = 3.26, S = 2.38) than
      on the risk of 1-year persistence (RERI = 1.21, S = 1.63). CONCLUSIONS: The
      synergistic effect of HR-HPV load and alcohol consumption was associated with the
      risk of HR-HPV persistence and was stronger for longer-term HR-HPV infection.
      Limiting alcohol consumption might be an important measure to prevent the
      development of cervical cancer in women with a high HR-HPV load.

PMID- 25140698
TI  - Why the product labeling for low-dose vaginal estrogen should be changed.

PMID- 25140697
TI  - Extent of mangrove nursery habitats determines the geographic distribution of a
      coral reef fish in a South-Pacific archipelago.
AB  - Understanding the drivers of species' geographic distribution has fundamental
      implications for the management of biodiversity. For coral reef fishes, mangroves
      have long been recognized as important nursery habitats sustaining biodiversity
      in the Western Atlantic but there is still debate about their role in the Indo
      Pacific. Here, we combined LA-ICP-MS otolith microchemistry, underwater visual
      censuses (UVC) and mangrove cartography to estimate the importance of mangroves
      for the Indo-Pacific coral reef fish Lutjanus fulviflamma in the archipelago of
      New Caledonia. Otolith elemental compositions allowed high discrimination of
      mangroves and reefs with 83.8% and 98.7% correct classification, respectively.
      Reefs were characterized by higher concentrations of Rb and Sr and mangroves by
      higher concentrations of Ba, Cr, Mn and Sn. All adult L. fulviflamma collected on
      reefs presented a mangrove signature during their juvenile stage with 85%
      inhabiting mangrove for their entire juvenile life (about 1 year). The analysis
      of 2942 UVC revealed that the species was absent from isolated islands of the New
      Caledonian archipelago where mangroves were absent. Furthermore, strong positive
      correlations existed between the abundance of L. fulviflamma and the area of
      mangrove (r = 0.84 for occurrence, 0.93 for density and 0.89 for biomass). These
      results indicate that mangrove forest is an obligatory juvenile habitat for L.
      fulviflamma in New Caledonia and emphasize the potential importance of mangroves
      for Indo-Pacific coral reef fishes. 

PMID- 25140696
TI  - Similar prevalence of low-abundance drug-resistant variants in treatment-naive
      patients with genotype 1a and 1b hepatitis C virus infections as determined by
      ultradeep pyrosequencing.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) variants that confer
      resistance to direct-acting-antiviral agents (DAA) have been detected by standard
      sequencing technology in genotype (G) 1 viruses from DAA-naive patients. It has
      recently been shown that virological response rates are higher and breakthrough
      rates are lower in G1b infected patients than in G1a infected patients treated
      with certain classes of HCV DAAs. It is not known whether this corresponds to a
      difference in the composition of G1a and G1b HCV quasispecies in regards to the
      proportion of naturally occurring DAA-resistant variants before treatment.
      METHODS: We used ultradeep pyrosequencing to determine the prevalence of low
      abundance (<25% of the sequence reads) DAA-resistant variants in 191 NS3 and 116
      NS5B isolates from 208 DAA-naive G1-infected patients. RESULTS: A total of 3.5
      million high-quality reads of >= 200 nucleotides were generated. The median
      coverage depth was 4150x and 4470x per NS3 and NS5B amplicon, respectively. Both
      G1a and G1b populations showed Shannon entropy distributions, with no difference
      between G1a and G1b in NS3 or NS5B region at the nucleotide level. A higher
      number of substitutions that confer resistance to protease inhibitors were
      observed in G1a isolates (mainly at amino acid 80 of the NS3 region). The
      prevalence of amino acid substitutions that confer resistance to NS5B non
      nucleoside inhibitors was similar in G1a and G1b isolates. The NS5B S282T
      variant, which confers resistance to the polymerase inhibitors mericitabine and
      sofosbuvir, was not detected in any sample. CONCLUSION: The quasispecies genetic
      diversity and prevalence of DAA-resistant variants was similar in G1a and G1b
      isolates and in both NS3 and NS5B regions, suggesting that this is not a
      determinant for the higher level of DAA resistance observed across G1a HCV
      infected patients upon treatment.

PMID- 25140701
TI  - Identification and characterization of phenol hydroxylase from phenol-degrading
      Candida tropicalis strain JH8.
AB  - The gene phhY encoding phenol hydroxylase from Candida tropicalis JH8 was cloned,
      sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The gene phhY contained an open
      reading frame of 2130 bp encoding a polypeptide of 709 amino acid residues. From
      its sequence analysis, it is a member of a family of flavin-containing aromatic
      hydroxylases and shares 41% amino acid identity with phenol hydroxylase from
      Trichosporon cutaneum. The recombinant phenol hydroxylase exists as a
      homotetramer structure with a native molecular mass of 320 kDa. Recombinant
      phenol hydroxylase was insensitive to pH treatment; its optimum pH was at 7.6.
      The optimum temperature for the enzyme was 30  degrees C, and its activity was
      rapidly lost at temperatures above 60  degrees C. Under the optimal conditions
      with phenol as substrate, the K(m) and V(max) of recombinant phenol hydroxylase
      were 0.21 mmol.L(-1) and 0.077 MUmol.L(-1).min(-1), respectively. This is the
      first paper presenting the cloning and expression in E. coli of the phenol
      hydroxylase gene from C. tropicalis and the characterization of the recombinant
      phenol hydroxylase.

PMID- 25140702
TI  - Trends in Patterns of Posterior Uveitis and Panuveitis in a Tertiary Institution
      in Singapore.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study aims to analyze the trends of posterior uveitis and panuveitis
      patients seen by a tertiary eye center in Singapore between 2004 and 2012.
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 363 consecutive new cases of
      posterior uveitis and panuveitis. The cases were segregated into idiopathic,
      infectious, or noninfectious. RESULTS: We found statistically significant
      differences between etiologies and ethnicity (p = 0.014). We noticed a
      statistically significant downward trend (Spearman's rho (rho) = -0.812, p =
      0.008) for dengue uveitis, and an upward trend for the idiopathic category
      (Spearman's rho (rho) = 0.753, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: We observed differences
      between etiologies and ethnicity, pointing toward potential susceptibility
      variations. There was an upward trend of idiopathic causes, possibly due to
      better control of systemic and infectious etiologies. The dengue uveitis
      incidence correlates well with our national statistics. The downward trend of
      dengue uveitis could be due to the introduction of Singapore's dengue
      surveillance in 2005, emphasizing the importance of controlling the disease.

PMID- 25140699
TI  - Morning surge of ventricular arrhythmias in a new arrhythmogenic canine model of
      chronic heart failure is associated with attenuation of time-of-day dependence of
      heart rate and autonomic adaptation, and reduced cardiac chaos.
AB  - Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) exhibit a morning surge in ventricular
      arrhythmias, but the underlying cause remains unknown. The aim of this study was
      to determine if heart rate dynamics, autonomic input (assessed by heart rate
      variability (HRV)) and nonlinear dynamics as well as their abnormal time-of-day
      dependent oscillations in a newly developed arrhythmogenic canine heart failure
      model are associated with a morning surge in ventricular arrhythmias. CHF was
      induced in dogs by aortic insufficiency & aortic constriction, and assessed by
      echocardiography. Holter monitoring was performed to study time-of-day-dependent
      variation in ventricular arrhythmias (PVCs, VT), traditional HRV measures, and
      nonlinear dynamics (including detrended fluctuations analysis alpha1 and alpha2
      (DFAalpha1 & DFAalpha2), correlation dimension (CD), and Shannon entropy (SE)) at
      baseline, as well as 240 days (240 d) and 720 days (720 d) following CHF
      induction. LV fractional shortening was decreased at both 240 d and 720 d. Both
      PVCs and VT increased with CHF duration and showed a morning rise (2.5-fold & 1.8
      fold increase at 6 AM-noon vs midnight-6 AM) during CHF. The morning rise in HR
      at baseline was significantly attenuated by 52% with development of CHF (at both
      240 d & 720 d). Morning rise in the ratio of low frequency to high frequency
      (LF/HF) HRV at baseline was markedly attenuated with CHF. DFAalpha1, DFAalpha2,
      CD and SE all decreased with CHF by 31, 17, 34 and 7%, respectively. Time-of-day
      dependent variations in LF/HF, CD, DFA alpha1 and SE, observed at baseline, were
      lost during CHF. Thus in this new arrhythmogenic canine CHF model, attenuated
      morning HR rise, blunted autonomic oscillation, decreased cardiac chaos and
      complexity of heart rate, as well as aberrant time-of-day-dependent variations in
      many of these parameters were associated with a morning surge of ventricular
      arrhythmias.

PMID- 25140703
TI  - Triaxial transarterial embolization for lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a
      retrospective case series.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Superselective transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is important
      for lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. A new 1.9-Fr. no-taper microcatheter
      has recently become available and can be inserted into a 2.7-Fr. microcatheter.
      We assessed the applicability of this new triple co-axial (triaxial) system to
      TAE for lower GI bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five patients with lower GI
      bleeding underwent TAE with the triaxial system. The approach was via the femoral
      artery with a 4-Fr. sheath in all cases. The 4-Fr. catheter and triaxial system
      were inserted into the artery in which extravasation had occurred. Coil
      embolization was performed with 0.010-inch coils. We evaluated technical success
      rate, clinical success rate and complications. RESULTS: All five cases of
      bleeding occurred at the ascending colon, and were caused by diverticulosis in
      four cases, and an injury to the artery during polypectomy in one case. The 1.9
      Fr. no-taper microcatheter could be inserted into the site of extravasation, the
      vasa recta, in all procedures and TAE was performed successfully. The
      disappearance of extravasation was confirmed in all cases following TAE. No
      patients exhibited any signs of recurrent bleeding or complication. CONCLUSION:
      The triaxial system appears to be effective and useful in superselective TAE for
      lower GI bleeding.

PMID- 25140704
TI  - CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knock-down in post-mitotic neurons.
AB  - The prokaryotic adaptive immune system CRISPR/Cas9 has recently been adapted for
      genome editing in eukaryotic cells. This technique allows for sequence-specific
      induction of double-strand breaks in genomic DNA of individual cells, effectively
      resulting in knock-out of targeted genes. It thus promises to be an ideal
      candidate for application in neuroscience where constitutive genetic
      modifications are frequently either lethal or ineffective due to adaptive changes
      of the brain. Here we use CRISPR/Cas9 to knock-out Grin1, the gene encoding the
      obligatory NMDA receptor subunit protein GluN1, in a sparse population of mouse
      pyramidal neurons. Within this genetically mosaic tissue, manipulated cells lack
      synaptic current mediated by NMDA-type glutamate receptors consistent with
      complete knock-out of the targeted gene. Our results show the first proof-of
      principle demonstration of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-down in neurons in vivo,
      where it can be a useful tool to study the function of specific proteins in
      neuronal circuits. 

PMID- 25140706
TI  - Belatacept-based immunosuppression in a chagasic adult recipient of en bloc
      pediatric kidneys.

PMID- 25140705
TI  - The neural bases of directed and spontaneous mental state attributions to group
      agents.
AB  - In daily life, perceivers often need to predict and interpret the behavior of
      group agents, such as corporations and governments. Although research has
      investigated how perceivers reason about individual members of particular groups,
      less is known about how perceivers reason about group agents themselves. The
      present studies investigate how perceivers understand group agents by
      investigating the extent to which understanding the 'mind' of the group as a
      whole shares important properties and processes with understanding the minds of
      individuals. Experiment 1 demonstrates that perceivers are sometimes willing to
      attribute a mental state to a group as a whole even when they are not willing to
      attribute that mental state to any of the individual members of the group,
      suggesting that perceivers can reason about the beliefs and desires of group
      agents over and above those of their individual members. Experiment 2
      demonstrates that the degree of activation in brain regions associated with
      attributing mental states to individuals--i.e., brain regions associated with
      mentalizing or theory-of-mind, including the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC),
      temporo-parietal junction (TPJ), and precuneus--does not distinguish individual
      from group targets, either when reading statements about those targets' mental
      states (directed) or when attributing mental states implicitly in order to
      predict their behavior (spontaneous). Together, these results help to illuminate
      the processes that support understanding group agents themselves.

PMID- 25140707
TI  - Benevolent characteristics promote cooperative behaviour among humans.
AB  - Cooperation is fundamental to the evolution of human society. We regularly
      observe cooperative behaviour in everyday life and in controlled experiments with
      anonymous people, even though standard economic models predict that they should
      deviate from the collective interest and act so as to maximise their own
      individual payoff. However, there is typically heterogeneity across subjects:
      some may cooperate, while others may not. Since individual factors promoting
      cooperation could be used by institutions to indirectly prime cooperation, this
      heterogeneity raises the important question of who these cooperators are. We have
      conducted a series of experiments to study whether benevolence, defined as a
      unilateral act of paying a cost to increase the welfare of someone else beyond
      one's own, is related to cooperation in a subsequent one-shot anonymous
      Prisoner's dilemma. Contrary to the predictions of the widely used inequity
      aversion models, we find that benevolence does exist and a large majority of
      people behave this way. We also find benevolence to be correlated with
      cooperative behaviour. Finally, we show a causal link between benevolence and
      cooperation: priming people to think positively about benevolent behaviour makes
      them significantly more cooperative than priming them to think malevolently. Thus
      benevolent people exist and cooperate more. 

PMID- 25140710
TI  - Relationship between periodontal disease and obesity: the role of life-course
      events.
AB  - Periodontal disease is ranked among the 10 most prevalent chronic diseases
      worldwide, and is considered a major public health problem. Its etiology has been
      associated with local and general conditions that could interfere in the host
      immune response. Obesity, like periodontal disease, has emerged as a prevalent
      chronic disease in high-, low- and medium-income countries, recognized as risk
      factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer. A relationship between periodontal
      health and obesity may exist, but the mechanism that would explain this
      association remains unclear. Life-course epidemiology could be a useful
      instrument to investigate a casual association between early exposures and later
      outcomes, being appropriate for understanding the establishment of chronic
      conditions. This approach comprehends different theories, considering the time,
      the duration and the intensity of early exposition, and its impact on the
      development of chronic diseases in later life. Thus, the aim of this study is to
      hypothesize the different life-course epidemiology theories to explain the
      possible association between periodontal health and nutritional status in
      adulthood. 

PMID- 25140709
TI  - Prevalence and trends in obesity among China's children and adolescents, 1985
      2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined the prevalence of and trends in obesity among children
      and adolescents in China (1985-2010). METHODS: We used data from the 1985, 1991,
      1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010 Chinese National Surveys on Students' Constitution and
      Health (CNSSCH). The CNSSCH is a national survey of physical fitness and health
      status in Chinese students that uses multistage stratified sampling of 31
      provinces and municipalities. A subject was considered obese or overweight if
      weight-for-height exceeded the 20% or 10% of standard weight-for-height. The
      standard weight-for-height was the 80th percentile for sex- and age-specific
      growth charts. RESULTS: The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity and of overweight
      and obesity combined was 8.1% (95% CI, 8.0-8.3%) and 19.2% (95% CI, 19.1-19.4%)
      among children and adolescents 7-18 years in age. Obesity was more likely to be
      present among children or adolescents who were male (RR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.90
      1.97), urban (RR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.95-2.02), or 10-12 years (RR, 1.43; 95% CI,
      1.40-1.46). Trend analyses of the 25-year period revealed a significant
      increasing trend in males (RR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.58-1.60) and in females (RR, 1.49;
      95% CI, 1.48-1.50). The rate of increase in obese or overweight prevalence was
      highest in boys from rural areas (9% annual increase). CONCLUSIONS: During 1985
      2010, there was a significant and continuous increase in the prevalence of
      obesity in children and adolescents. Obesity is epidemic in China, but may be
      reduced with evidence-based interventions (e.g., school intervention programs).

PMID- 25140711
TI  - Effects of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on the alveolar bone density.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nonsurgical periodontal
      treatment on alveolar bone density (ABD) and bone height (BH) using direct
      digital radiography. Nineteen patients (mean age: 36 +/- 7.3 years) with
      generalized chronic periodontitis were examined at baseline, 90 (90 AT) and 180
      (180 AT) days after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Radiographs were taken from
      two sites with specific characteristics: 39 sites with probing pocket depth (PPD)
      <= 3 mm and clinical attachment level (CAL) <= 1 mm (shallow sites); and 62 sites
      with PPD >= 5 mm and CAL >= 3 mm (deep sites). The ABD was assessed considering
      the bone regions of interest at the alveolar bone crest (ROI I) and at the
      medullar bone (ROI II). The BH was assessed considering the distance from the
      alveolar bone crest to the cementoenamel junction. Mann-Whitney test was used for
      the overall demographic data, Wilcoxon test was used to compare the baseline, 90
      AT and 180 AT data as well as to compare the groups and subgroups within the same
      evaluation period. The significance level was set at 5%. The deep sites showed a
      significant increase of ABD in ROI I at 90 AT (p<0.007) and at 180 AT (p<0.005).
      ABD decrease was seen in ROI II at 180 AT (p<0.04) while BH reduced only in
      shallow sites at 90 AT. In conclusion, an increase in ABD was observed in deep
      sites of patients with generalized chronic periodontitis. However, no significant
      change in alveolar BH was observed in these sites.

PMID- 25140712
TI  - Effects of titanium surfaces on the developmental profile of
      monocytes/macrophages.
AB  - Due to the critical role of monocytes/macrophages (Mphi) in bone healing, this
      study evaluated the effects of bio-anodized, acid-etched, and machined titanium
      surfaces (Ti) on Mphi behavior. Cells were separated from whole human blood from
      10 patients, plated on Ti or polystyrene (control) surfaces, and cultured for 72
      h. At 24, 48 and 72 h, cell viability, levels of IL1beta, IL10, TNFalpha,
      TGFbeta1 inflammatory mediators, and nitric oxide (NO) release were analyzed by
      mitochondrial colorimetric assay (MTT assay) and immunoenzymatic assays,
      respectively. Real-time PCR was used to verify the expression of TNFalpha and
      IL10 at 72 h. The data were subjected to a Kruskal-Wallis analysis. IL1beta,
      TNFalpha and TGFbeta1 release were not significantly different between the Ti
      surfaces (p>0.05). The presence of NO and IL10 was not detected in the samples.
      Cell viability did not differ between the samples cultivated on Ti and those
      cultivated on control surfaces, except at 24 h (p=0.0033). With respect to the
      mediators evaluated, the surface characteristics did not induce a typical Th1 or
      Th2 cytokine profile, although the cell morphology and topography were influenced
      by the Ti surface during the initial period. 

PMID- 25140713
TI  - Biocompatibility of a calcium hydroxide-propolis experimental paste in rat
      subcutaneous tissue.
AB  - Intracanal medications are fundamental for disinfection of the root canal system
      and participate in periapical repair, so their biocompatibility is of utmost
      importance to avoid tissue damage. This study evaluated the biocompatibility of a
      experimental paste of calcium hydroxide and propolis in the subcutaneous tissue
      of rats. The study was conducted on 15 male Wistar rats. Two incisions were made
      on the dorsal region of each animal for introduction of 4 tubes: one tube was
      empty; one contained zinc oxide-eugenol cement, and the two other tubes were
      filled with experimental paste. After 7, 14 and 30 days, the animals were
      euthanized and the specimens were subjected to histotechnical preparation. The
      hematoxylin and eosin-stained histological sections were analyzed by light
      microscopy. Scores were established according to the inflammatory process and
      statistically compared by the Tukey test (alpha = 5%). The analysis of
      histological sections showed non-significant or mild inflammatory reaction in the
      connective tissue in contact with the empty tubes in all study periods while the
      contact of subcutaneous tissue with zinc oxide-eugenol elicited moderate or
      severe inflammation similarly without significant difference among the study
      periods. The connective tissue was moderately inflamed at 7 days when contacting
      the experimental paste, but the inflammatory process was non-significant or mild
      at 14 and 30 days. The experimental paste was biocompatible with the tissues
      after 14 days of subcutaneous implantation.

PMID- 25140714
TI  - Detection of organochlorine compounds formed during the contact of sodium
      hypochlorite with dentin and dental pulp.
AB  - This study used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect the
      products formed during the contact of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with bovine
      pulp and dentin. For analysis of the products formed in the volatile phase, 11 mg
      of bovine pulp tissue were placed in contact with 0.5%, 2.5% and 5.25% NaOCl
      until complete tissue dissolution occurred. The solid phase microextraction
      (SPME) fiber was exposed inside the container through the cover membrane and
      immediately injected into the GC-MS system. 30 mg of the of dentin were kept in
      contact with NaOCl, and then the SPME fiber was exposed inside the container
      through the cover membrane for adsorption of the products and injected into the
      GC-MS system. The same protocol was used for the aqueous phase. For analysis of
      the volatile compounds, the final solution was extracted using pure ethyl ether.
      The suspended particulate phase of the mixture was aspirated, and ether was
      separated from the aqueous phase of the solution. The ether containing the
      products that resulted from the chemical interaction of dentin and pulp with the
      NaOCl was filtered and then injected into the GC-MS system for analysis of the
      aqueous phase. The aqueous and volatile phases of both dentin and pulp showed the
      formation of chloroform, hexachloroethane, dichloromethylbenzene and
      benzaldehyde. In conclusion, organochlorine compounds are generated during the
      contact of dentin and pulp with NaOCl at concentrations of 0.5%, 2.5% and 5.25%. 

PMID- 25140715
TI  - Influence of sealer placement technique on the quality of root canal filling by
      lateral compaction or single cone.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the sealer placement
      technique on the quality of root canal filling using Lateral Compaction (LC) or
      Single Cone (SC). In order to do that, 60 mesial roots of mandibular first molars
      were prepared and divided into 2 groups (n=30), according to the filling
      technique: LC and SC. Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups (n=10),
      according to the different sealer placement methods: A: Master gutta-percha (GP)
      cone; B: Lentulo spiral; C: File. The roots were sectioned at 2, 4 and 6 mm from
      the apex and photographed with the aid of a digital microscope. Then, areas of
      GP, endodontic sealer and voids were measured, and these data were subjected to
      statistical analysis. LC technique showed no statistically difference (p>0.05) in
      the percentage of GP area, sealer and voids between the subgroups at any of the
      three levels. After use of SC, higher percentages of sealer area were found at
      all levels (p<0.01) when the sealer was placed with a file. At 2 mm, higher
      percentage of void areas (p<0.05) was observed when the cone was used, lower
      percentage with K-file and the lowest percentage with Lentulo. At 4 mm, cone
      showed higher percentage of void areas (p<0.05). At 6 mm, there were no
      significant differences (p>0.05) between the three methods. Considering these
      results, using an instrument for sealer placement was important in the SC
      technique to reduce voids. Regarding LC, the sealer placement techniques provided
      similar results. 

PMID- 25140716
TI  - Periapical status and prevalence of endodontic treatment in institutionalized
      elderly.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and frequency of apical
      periodontitis and root fillings in 450 institutionalized Brazilian elderly. The
      teeth with apical periodontitis were assessed using the Periapical Index (PAI)
      score. A total of 942 teeth were evaluated in 98 subjects (57 females and 41
      males) with mean age of 74 years. The observed frequency of total edentulous
      subjects was high (76%) in this population. A total of 126 teeth showed root
      fillings, of these only 46 (36.5%) were scored as having adequate quality. Apical
      periodontitis was found in 114 teeth (12.1%) in 42 (42.9%) subjects. 80 (70.2%)
      inadequate root-filled teeth showed apical periodontitis. There was a significant
      correlation between the presence of periapical pathology and inadequate root
      filled teeth. Inadequate root-filled teeth were associated with an increased
      prevalence of apical periodontitis in these subjects. This fact may result in
      increased endodontic retreatment needs for this population. 

PMID- 25140717
TI  - Canal preparation and filling techniques do not influence the fracture resistance
      of extensively damaged teeth.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess the fracture resistance of extensively
      damaged teeth after two root canal preparation techniques (hand and rotary files)
      and after two filling techniques (active and passive compaction). Sixty-eight
      maxillary canines roots with an apical diameter equal to that of a #25 K-file
      were embedded in acrylic resin and the periodontal ligament was simulated by
      using a polyether impression material. The roots were randomly distributed into
      four groups (n=17): hand preparation and active compaction (HA), hand preparation
      and passive compaction (HP), rotary preparation and active compaction (RA), and
      rotary preparation and passive compaction (RP). All roots were restored with
      glass fiber post and metallic crown. The specimens were mechanically cycled
      (500,000 cycles, 45  degrees , 37  degrees C, 133 N, 2 Hz) and then subjected to
      a fracture resistanhe fracture resistance values ranged between 621.15 N (HP) and
      785.71 N (HA). However, the Kruskal-Wallis test did not reveal differences in the
      fracture ce test. A single blinded examiner analyzed the external root surface
      and classified the failure pattern as favorable or unfavorable. Tresistance
      values among the four groups (p =0.247). Under the tested conditions, root canal
      preparation and filling techniques had no influence on the fracture resistance of
      extensively damaged teeth restored with fiber post and metallic crown.

PMID- 25140718
TI  - In vitro tensile strength of luting cements on metallic substrate.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the tensile strength of crowns cemented on
      metallic substrate with four different types of luting agents. Twenty human
      maxillary molars with similar diameters were selected and prepared to receive
      metallic core castings (Cu-Al). After cementation and preparation the cores were
      measured and the area of crown's portion was calculated. The teeth were divided
      into four groups based on the luting agent used to cement the crowns: zinc
      phosphate cement; glass ionomer cement; resin cement Rely X; and resin cement
      Panavia F. The teeth with the crowns cemented were subjected to thermocycling and
      later to the tensile strength test using universal testing machine with a load
      cell of 200 kgf and a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The load required to
      dislodge the crowns was recorded and converted to MPa/mm(2). Data were subjected
      to Kruskal-Wallis analysis with a significance level of 1%. Panavia F showed
      significantly higher retention in core casts (3.067 MPa/mm(2)), when compared
      with the other cements. Rely X showed a mean retention value of 1.877 MPa/mm(2)
      and the zinc phosphate cement with 1.155 MPa/mm(2). Glass ionomer cement (0.884
      MPa/mm(2)) exhibited the lowest tensile strength value. Crowns cemented with
      Panavia F on cast metallic posts and cores presented higher tensile strength. The
      glass ionomer cement showed the lowest tensile strength among all the cements
      studied.

PMID- 25140719
TI  - Addition of silver nanoparticles to composite resin: effect on physical and
      bactericidal properties in vitro.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to evaluate physical properties and
      antibacterial activity of a light-activated composite modified with silver
      nanoparticles. Discs were produced with unmodified resin (control group - CG) and
      modified resin with silver nanoparticles at two concentrations, 0.3% wt (MR03)
      and 0.6% wt (MR06). Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus biofilms
      were induced in vitro by incubation of discs in a 20% sucrose medium, followed by
      sonication and counting of viable cells after 1, 4 and 7 days (n=9). The
      arithmetic roughness of all three groups was evaluated by atomic force microscopy
      (n=9). Compression assay was conducted in all groups to measure the compressive
      strength at failure and elasticity modulus (n=5). Data were subjected to ANOVA
      and Tukey's tests (alpha=0.05%). At all three time points the number of viable
      cells was statistically lower for MR03 and MR06 compared with CG, for both
      specimens. MR03 and MR06 showed no significant differences. Microscopic analysis
      demonstrated no significant differences for roughness among the three groups
      (p>0.05). The MR03 was stronger to compression than CG, and MR06 was
      statistically lower than CG and MR03. It was concluded that the MR03 were less
      conducive to biofilm growth, without compromising the strength in compression and
      surface roughness. 

PMID- 25140720
TI  - Assessment of tooth structure using an alternative electrical bioimpedance
      spectroscopy method.
AB  - In the past few years bioimpedance has been used in many applications in
      dentistry, such as estimating the length of root canals and the physical
      properties of enamel. Despite the significant number of studies using
      bioimpedance to investigate the dental structure, many of them use only the real
      component of bioimpedance, i.e., the resistance, disregarding the information
      provided by the imaginary one, i.e., the reactance. Moreover, in different
      studies that investigate both parts of bioimpedance, the data are obtained by
      using single frequency or multifrequency methods based on sinusoidal sweep. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the use of an alternative bioimpedance
      spectroscopy (BIS) method based on step response in the assessment of tooth
      structure. To test the feasibility of the studied method we performed in vitro
      experiments that considered the successive removal of enamel layers of 22 healthy
      teeth, the accomplishment of the BIS method, and the estimate of bioimpedance
      parameter that were associated with the changes in the tooth structure. To deal
      with the variability of bioimpedance parameters a dental health index (DHI) is
      proposed. The findings include the behavior of bioimpedance parameters of intact
      teeth, as well as those associated with the successive removal of the enamel
      layer, and indicate that DHI is sensitive enough to detect changes of the enamel
      layer. The results point to the feasibility of the studied BIS method in
      evaluating tooth structure and that it might be used to assess dental health. 

PMID- 25140721
TI  - Characterization of dentifrices containing desensitizing agents, triclosan or
      whitening agents: EDX and SEM analysis.
AB  - Dentifrices with different compositions are available on the market, but there is
      limited information about their properties. The aim of this in vitro study was to
      evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of 12 dentifrices divided into three
      categories, as containing desensitizing agents, Triclosan or whitening agents.
      Desiccation loss/residue analysis: 5 g of dentifrice was weighed five times for
      each group. pH analysis: 5 g of dentifrice were diluted in three parts of
      distilled water and analyzed using a digital potentiometer. Scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM): analysis of ashes, shape and size of the particles. Energy
      dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX): identification of the abrasive elements.
      Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test (alpha=0.05).
      Desiccation loss: 38.21% to 65.83%. Dentifrices containing Triclosan and
      desensitizing agents showed statistically significant differences among them
      (p<0.05). Whitening dentifrices showed statistically significant differences
      between Close-Up Whitening and Sensodyne Branqueador (44.72%, 65.83%,
      respectively). Most dentifrices presented neutral or basic pH. Different shape
      and size particles were observed in the SEM analysis. Abrasive elements were
      identified in the EDX. These results demonstrate that the evaluated dentifrices
      had different properties and their composition influences directly their
      characteristics, thus resulting in a more or less abrasive action on tooth
      surface. Knowing the characteristics of the dentifrices is important to indicate
      the ideal product for each case. 

PMID- 25140722
TI  - Insoluble NaF in Duraphat(r) may prolong fluoride reactivity of varnish retained
      on dental surfaces.
AB  - There is no consensus about the clinical recommendation of the time that
      Duraphat(r) varnish should be maintained on enamel surfaces without suffering
      mechanical disturbance by the patient. Considering the importance of calcium
      fluoride (CaF2)-like reservoirs on the anticaries effect of professional fluoride
      application, an in vitro study was designed to test the reactivity of Duraphat(r)
      varnish with enamel forming these reservoirs as a function of time. Since most
      fluoride in Duraphat(r) varnish is insoluble to react and form products on
      enamel, the relative contribution of the varnish soluble and insoluble fluoride
      fractions to the reactivity was also evaluated. For this, whole-varnish,
      containing soluble and insoluble fluoride (total fluoride concentration of 23699
      +/- 384 ug F/g), or centrifuged varnish, containing only soluble fluoride
      (fluoride concentration of 258 +/- 97 ug F/g), were applied in a standardized
      manner on enamel slabs (n=8/varnish group/time), which were immersed in
      continuously renewed artificial saliva for up to 36 h. CaF2-like reservoirs
      formed on enamel by varnish application were extracted using 1 M KOH and fluoride
      concentration was measured with ion specific electrode. The results were
      expressed as ug F/cm(2) of enamel area. Whole varnish formed significantly higher
      fluoride concentration on enamel than centrifuged varnish, reaching maximum
      concentration at 24 h (22.0 +/- 4.5 ug F/cm(2)). Centrifuged varnish reached
      maximum concentration at 6 h (3.20 +/- 0.81 ug F/cm(2)). In conclusion, a longer
      varnish retention time than the usually recommended could improve the anticaries
      effect of Duraphat(r) varnish, allowing that NaF particles, initially insoluble
      in the varnish matrix, prolong the reactivity with enamel.

PMID- 25140723
TI  - Antimicrobial activity and synergism of lactoferrin and lysozyme against
      cariogenic microorganisms.
AB  - The present study evaluated the antimicrobial in vitro effects of the salivary
      proteins lactoferrin and lysozyme on microorganisms involved in the carious
      process, obtaining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum
      bactericidal concentration (MBC). Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) and
      Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 7469) were submitted to broth macrodilution of lysozyme
      at 80 mg/mL and lactoferrin at 200 mg/mL. The tubes were read in a
      spectrophotometer after they had been incubated at 37  degrees C for 18 h, in a
      carbon dioxide chamber, in order to read the MIC. A new subculture was carried on
      agar plates to obtain the MBC. The agar diffusion method was also tested, using
      BHI agar with 100 uL of the standardized microbial inocula. Filter-paper disks
      soaked in 10 uL of the solutions lactoferrin (200 ug/mL) and lysozyme (80 ug/mL)
      were placed on the agar surface. Inhibition halos were not observed on the
      plates, showing the absence of the antimicrobial effects of these proteins in
      this method. The bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects of lysozyme on L. casei
      were 50.3 mg/mL and 43.1 mg/mL respectively. The bactericidal and bacteriostatic
      effects on S. mutans were 68.5 mg/mL and 58.7 mg/mL. Lactoferrin did not induce
      any inhibitory effects on any microorganism, even in the concentration of 200
      mg/mL. There was not a synergic antimicrobial effect of proteins, when they were
      tested together, even in the concentration of 42.8 mg/mL of lysozyme and 114
      mg/mL of lactoferrin (the highest values evaluated). S. mutans and L. casei were
      only inhibited by lysozyme, not affected by lactoferrin and by the synergic use
      of both proteins. 

PMID- 25140724
TI  - Anteroposterior and vertical changes in skeletal class II patients treated with
      modified Thurow appliance.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-treatment anteroposterior and
      vertical alterations in skeletal Class II malocclusion with different maxillary
      patterns in patients treated with modified Thurow appliance. Forty-five patients
      (22 girls and 23 boys) with skeletal Class II and angle SN.GoGn <= 35 and
      different maxillary patterns (n = 15), as follows: retrusive (SNA<80 degrees ),
      normal (SNA = 80 degrees - 84 degrees ) or protrusive (SNA>84 degrees ) maxilla;
      mean age 9 years at pre-treatment (T1) and 9 years and 10 months at post
      treatment (T2), were treated with modified Thurow cervical traction appliance,
      with expander screw and extraoral face bow with 10 degrees  to 20 degrees  fold
      in relation to the intraoral arch. Force of 500 gf was applied and use for 12 to
      14 h/day, with fortnightly adjustments. Analysis of variance ANOVA followed by
      post-hoc Tukey and Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Mann-Whitney were used (alpha
      = 5%). In changes obtained from stage T1 to T2, no statistically significant
      differences were found among the groups Protrusive, normal and retrusive maxilla
      for the variables SNB, SN.GoGn, 1.NA, overjet, overbite and Class II discrepancy
      (right and left) (p>0.05). Angular measurements SNA and ANB in the protrusive
      maxilla group were significantly greater than in the normal and retrusive maxilla
      groups (p<0.01). However, in the normal maxilla group these values did not differ
      significantly from those of the retrusive maxilla group (p>0.05). Within the
      limits of this study, it may be concluded that the modified Thurow cervical
      traction appliance was efficient for the correction of skeletal Class II
      irrespective of the maxillary pattern. The mandible had no significant rotation
      during treatment.

PMID- 25140726
TI  - F, Ca co-doped TiO2 nanocrystals with enhanced photocatalytic activity.
AB  - F, Ca co-doped TiO2 was synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method.
      After doping with F, electrons can be simultaneously excited from valence band to
      the F doping energy level. The smaller crystal size caused by doping with Ca can
      exhibit more powerful redox ability and the efficient separation of
      photogenerated hole-electron pairs. Therefore, F, Ca co-doped TiO2 exhibited
      enhanced photocatalytic activity. 

PMID- 25140725
TI  - Germ cell nuclear factor regulates gametogenesis in developing gonads.
AB  - Expression of germ cell nuclear factor (GCNF; Nr6a1), an orphan member of the
      nuclear receptor gene family of transcription factors, during gastrulation and
      neurulation is critical for normal embryogenesis in mice. Gcnf represses the
      expression of the POU-domain transcription factor Oct4 (Pou5f1) during mouse post
      implantation development. Although Gcnf expression is not critical for the
      embryonic segregation of the germ cell lineage, we found that sexually dimorphic
      expression of Gcnf in germ cells correlates with the expression of pluripotency
      associated genes, such as Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog, as well as the early meiotic
      marker gene Stra8. To elucidate the role of Gcnf during mouse germ cell
      differentiation, we generated an ex vivo Gcnf-knockdown model in combination with
      a regulated CreLox mutation of Gcnf. Lack of Gcnf impairs normal spermatogenesis
      and oogenesis in vivo, as well as the derivation of germ cells from embryonic
      stem cells (ESCs) in vitro. Inactivation of the Gcnf gene in vivo leads to loss
      of repression of Oct4 expression in both male and female gonads. 

PMID- 25140728
TI  - Asymmetric domino reaction of cyclic N-sulfonylimines and simple aldehydes with
      trans-perhydroindolic acid as an organocatalyst.
AB  - An asymmetric domino reaction was developed utilizing readily available cyclic N
      sulfonylimines and simple aldehydes to construct biologically important and
      synthetically challenging piperidine derivatives consisting of three contiguous
      stereocenters. trans-Perhydroindolic acid proved to be an efficient
      organocatalyst in this reaction (up to 89% yield, 80:20 dr, and 99% ee). The
      absolute configuration of the catalytic product was determined by X-ray
      crystallography studies. The product could be conveniently converted to
      synthetically useful intermediates, such as (3R,4S)-4-ethyl-3-methyl-6
      phenylpiperidinyridin-2-one (8), via a simple transformation. 

PMID- 25140729
TI  - Assessing the combinatorial potential of the RiPP cyanobactin tru pathway.
AB  - Ribosomally produced natural products, the RiPPs, exhibit features that are
      potentially useful in the creation of large chemical libraries using simple
      mutagenesis. RiPPs are encoded on ribosomal precursor peptides, but they are
      extensively posttranslationally modified, endowing them with properties that are
      useful in drug discovery and biotechnology. In order to determine which mutations
      are acceptable, strategies are required to determine sequence selectivity
      independently of the context of flanking amino acids. Here, we examined the
      absolute sequence selectivity of the trunkamide cyanobactin pathway, tru. A
      series of random double and quadruple simultaneous mutants were synthesized and
      produced in Escherichia coli. Out of a total of 763 mutated amino acids examined
      in 325 unique sequences, 323 amino acids were successfully incorporated in 159
      sequences, leading to >300 new compounds. Rules for tru sequence selectivity were
      determined, which will be useful for the design and synthesis of combinatorial
      biosynthetic libraries. The results are also interpreted in comparison to the
      known natural products of tru and pat cyanobactin pathways.

PMID- 25140731
TI  - Properties of lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses isolated from olive cake and
      olive stones: binding of water, oil, bile acids, and glucose.
AB  - A process based on a steam explosion pretreatment and alkali solution post
      treatment was applied to fractionate olive stones (whole and fragmented, without
      seeds) and olive cake into their main constitutive polymers of cellulose (C),
      hemicelluloses (H), and lignin (L) under optimal conditions for each fraction
      according to earlier works. The chemical characterization (chromatographic method
      and UV and IR spectroscopy) and the functional properties (water- and oil-holding
      capacities, bile acid binding, and glucose retardation index) of each fraction
      were analyzed. The in vitro studies showed a substantial bile acid binding
      activity in the fraction containing lignin from olive stones (L) and the alkaline
      extractable fraction from olive cake (Lp). Lignin bound significantly more bile
      acid than any other fraction and an amount similar to that bound by
      cholestyramine (a cholesterol-lowering, bile acid-binding drug), especially when
      cholic acid (CA) was tested. These results highlight the health-promoting
      potential of lignin from olive stones and olive cake extracted from olive
      byproducts. 

PMID- 25140732
TI  - Plasmonic imaging of electrochemical oxidation of single nanoparticles.
AB  - Measuring electrochemical activities of nanomaterials is critical for creating
      novel catalysts, for developing ultrasensitive sensors, and for understanding
      fundamental nanoelectrochemistry. However, traditional electrochemical methods
      measure a large number of nanoparticles, which wash out the properties of
      individual nanoparticles. We report here a study of transient electrochemical
      oxidation of single Ag nanoparticles during collision with an electrode and
      voltammetry of single nanoparticles immobilized on the electrode using a
      plasmonic-based electrochemical current microscopy. This technique images both
      electrochemical reaction and size of the same individual nanoparticle, enabling
      quantitative examination of size-dependent electrochemical activities at single
      nanoparticle level. The imaging capability further allows detection of the
      reaction kinetics of each individual nanoparticle and analysis of the average
      behaviors of multiple nanoparticles. The average kinetics and size dependence can
      be accurately described by the Tafel equation, but there is a large variability
      between different nanoparticles, which underscores the importance of single
      nanoparticle analysis. 

PMID- 25140733
TI  - Carba-closo-dodecaborate anions with two functional groups: [1-R-12-HC=C-closo-1
      CB11H10]- (R = CN, NC, CO2H, C(O)NH2, NHC(O)H).
AB  - Disubstituted carba-closo-dodecaborate anions with one functional group bonded to
      the cluster carbon atom and one ethynyl group bonded to the antipodal boron atom
      were synthesized from easily accessible {closo-1-CB11} clusters. [Et4N][1-NC-12
      HC=C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]4b) was prepared starting from Cs[12-Et3SiC=C-closo
      1-CB11H11] (Cs1c) via salts of the anions [1-HO(O)C-12-HC=C-closo-1-CB11H10](-)
      (2b) and [1-H2N(O)C-12-HC=C-closo-1-CB11H10](-) (3b). In a similar reaction
      sequence [Et4N][1-CN-12-HC=C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]7b) was obtained from Cs[1
      H2N-12-HC=C-closo-1-CB11H10] (Cs5b) by formamidation to yield [Et4N][1-H(O)CHN-12
      HC=C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]6b) and successive dehydration. In addition, the
      synthesis of the isonitrile [Et4N][1-CN-closo-1-CB11H11] ([Et4N]7a) is presented.
      The {closo-1-CB11} derivatives were characterized by multinuclear NMR as well as
      vibrational spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The crystal
      structures of [Et4N][1-HO(O)C-12-HC=C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]2b), [Et4N][1
      H2N(O)C-12-HC=C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]3b), [Et4N][1-NC-12-HC=C-closo-1-CB11H10]
      ([Et4N]4b), [Et4N][1-H(O)CHN-12-HC=C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]6b), [Et4N][1-CN-12
      HC=C-closo-1-CB11H10] ([Et4N]7b), and K[1-H(O)CHN-closo-1-CB11H11] ([Et4N]6a)
      were determined. The transmission of electronic effects through the carba-closo
      dodecaboron cage was studied based on (13)C NMR spectroscopic data, by results
      derived from density functional theory calculations, and by a comparison to the
      data of related benzene and bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives. 

PMID- 25140734
TI  - Enhancement of open-circuit voltage and the fill factor in CdTe nanocrystal solar
      cells by using interface materials.
AB  - Interface states influence the operation of nanocrystal (NC) solar cell carrier
      transport, recombination and energetic mechanisms. In a typical CdTe NC solar
      cell with a normal structure of a ITO/p-CdTe NCs/n-acceptor (or without)/Al
      configuration, the contact between the ITO and CdTe is a non-ohm contact due to a
      different work function (for an ITO, the value is ~4.7 eV, while for CdTe NCs,
      the value is ~5.3 eV), which results in an energetic barrier at the ITO/CdTe
      interface and decreases the performance of the NC solar cells. This work
      investigates how interface materials (including Au, MoO(x) and C60) affect the
      performance of NC solar cells. It is found that devices with interface materials
      have shown higher V(oc) than those without interface materials. For the case in
      which we used Au as an interface, we obtained a high open-circuit voltage of 0.65
      V, coupled with a high fill factor (62%); this resulted in a higher energy
      conversion efficiency (ECE) of 5.3%, which showed a 30% increase in the ECE
      compared with those without the interlayer. The capacitance measurements indicate
      that the increased V(oc) in the case in which Au was used as the interface is
      likely due to good ohm contact between the Au's and the CdTe NCs' thin film,
      which decreases the energetic barrier at the ITO/CdTe interface.

PMID- 25140735
TI  - Multifunctional cyclotriphosphazene/hexagonal boron nitride hybrids and their
      flame retarding bismaleimide resins with high thermal conductivity and thermal
      stability.
AB  - A novel hybridized multifunctional filler (CPBN), cyclotriphosphazene/hexagonal
      boron nitride (hBN) hybrid, was synthesized by chemically coating hBN with
      hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and p-phenylenediamine, its structure was
      systemically characterized. Besides, CPBN was used to develop new flame retarding
      bismaleimide/o,o'-diallylbisphenol A (BD) resins with simultaneously high thermal
      conductivity and thermal stability. The nature of CPBN has a strong influence on
      the flame behavior of the composites. With the addition of only 5 wt % CPBN to BD
      resin, the thermal conductivity increases 2 times; meanwhile the flame retardancy
      of BD resin is remarkably increased, reflected by the increased limited oxygen
      index, much longer time to ignition, significantly reduced heat release rate. The
      thermogravimetric kinetics, structures of chars and pyrolysis gases, and cone
      calorimeter tests were investigated to reveal the unique flame retarding
      mechanism of CPBN/BD composites. CPBN provides multieffects on improving the
      flame retardancy, especially in forming a protective char layer, which means a
      more thermally stable and condensed barrier for heat and mass transfer, and thus
      protecting the resin from further combustion. 

PMID- 25140736
TI  - Identification of genetic variants associated with alternative splicing using
      sQTLseekeR.
AB  - Identification of genetic variants affecting splicing in RNA sequencing
      population studies is still in its infancy. Splicing phenotype is more complex
      than gene expression and ought to be treated as a multivariate phenotype to be
      recapitulated completely. Here we represent the splicing pattern of a gene as the
      distribution of the relative abundances of a gene's alternative transcript
      isoforms. We develop a statistical framework that uses a distance-based approach
      to compute the variability of splicing ratios across observations, and a non
      parametric analogue to multivariate analysis of variance. We implement this
      approach in the R package sQTLseekeR and use it to analyze RNA-Seq data from the
      Geuvadis project in 465 individuals. We identify hundreds of single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) as splicing QTLs (sQTLs), including some falling in genome
      wide association study SNPs. By developing the appropriate metrics, we show that
      sQTLseekeR compares favorably with existing methods that rely on univariate
      approaches, predicting variants that behave as expected from mutations affecting
      splicing. 

PMID- 25140739
TI  - Classical and non-classical redox reactions of Pd(II) complexes containing redox
      active ligands.
AB  - Reactivity studies of a Pd(II)-verdazyl complex reveal novel ligand-centred
      reduction processes which trigger pseudo-reductive elimination at Pd. Reaction of
      the complex with water induces a ligand-centred redox disproportionation. The
      reduced verdazyl ligands can also be reversibly protonated.

PMID- 25140738
TI  - Large sample area and size are needed for forest soil seed bank studies to ensure
      low discrepancy with standing vegetation.
AB  - A large number of small-sized samples invariably shows that woody species are
      absent from forest soil seed banks, leading to a large discrepancy with the
      seedling bank on the forest floor. We ask: 1) Does this conventional sampling
      strategy limit the detection of seeds of woody species? 2) Are large sample areas
      and sample sizes needed for higher recovery of seeds of woody species? We
      collected 100 samples that were 10 cm (length) * 10 cm (width) * 10 cm (depth),
      referred to as larger number of small-sized samples (LNSS) in a 1 ha forest plot,
      and placed them to germinate in a greenhouse, and collected 30 samples that were
      1 m * 1 m * 10 cm, referred to as small number of large-sized samples (SNLS) and
      placed them (10 each) in a nearby secondary forest, shrub land and grass land.
      Only 15.7% of woody plant species of the forest stand were detected by the 100
      LNSS, contrasting with 22.9%, 37.3% and 20.5% woody plant species being detected
      by SNLS in the secondary forest, shrub land and grassland, respectively. The
      increased number of species vs. sampled areas confirmed power-law relationships
      for forest stand, the LNSS and SNLS at all three recipient sites. Our results,
      although based on one forest, indicate that conventional LNSS did not yield a
      high percentage of detection for woody species, but SNLS strategy yielded a
      higher percentage of detection for woody species in the seed bank if samples were
      exposed to a better field germination environment. A 4 m2 minimum sample area
      derived from power equations is larger than the sampled area in most studies in
      the literature. Increased sample size also is needed to obtain an increased
      sample area if the number of samples is to remain relatively low.

PMID- 25140737
TI  - The cellular bromodomain protein Brd4 has multiple functions in E2-mediated
      papillomavirus transcription activation.
AB  - The cellular bromodomain protein Brd4 functions in multiple processes of the
      papillomavirus life cycle, including viral replication, genome maintenance, and
      gene transcription through its interaction with the viral protein, E2. However,
      the mechanisms by which E2 and Brd4 activate viral transcription are still not
      completely understood. In this study, we show that recruitment of positive
      transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), a functional interaction partner of
      Brd4 in transcription activation, is important for E2's transcription activation
      activity. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyses demonstrate
      that P-TEFb is recruited to the actual papillomavirus episomes. We also show that
      E2's interaction with cellular chromatin through Brd4 correlates with its
      papillomavirus transcription activation function since JQ1(+), a bromodomain
      inhibitor that efficiently dissociates E2-Brd4 complexes from chromatin, potently
      reduces papillomavirus transcription. Our study identifies a specific function of
      Brd4 in papillomavirus gene transcription and highlights the potential use of
      bromodomain inhibitors as a method to disrupt the human papillomavirus (HPV) life
      cycle. 

PMID- 25140740
TI  - Hydrocarbons emitted by waggle-dancing honey bees increase forager recruitment by
      stimulating dancing.
AB  - Hydrocarbons emitted by waggle-dancing honey bees are known to reactivate
      experienced foragers to visit known food sources. This study investigates whether
      these hydrocarbons also increase waggle-dance recruitment by observing
      recruitment and dancing behavior when the dance compounds are introduced into the
      hive. If the hydrocarbons emitted by waggle-dancing bees affect the recruitment
      of foragers to a food source, then the number of recruits arriving at a food
      source should be greater after introduction of dance compounds versus a pure
      solvent control. This prediction was supported by the results of experiments in
      which recruits were captured at a feeder following introduction of dance
      compounds into a hive. This study also tested two nonexclusive behavioral
      mechanism(s) by which the compounds might stimulate recruitment; 1) increased
      recruitment could occur by means of increasing the recruitment effectiveness of
      each dance and/or 2) increased recruitment could occur by increasing the
      intensity of waggle-dancing. These hypotheses were tested by examining video
      records of the dancing and recruitment behavior of individually marked bees
      following dance-compound introduction. Comparisons of numbers of dance followers
      and numbers of recruits per dance and waggle run showed no significant
      differences between dance-compound and solvent-control introduction, thus
      providing no support for the first hypothesis. Comparison of the number of waggle
      dance bouts and the number of waggle runs revealed significantly more dancing
      during morning dance-compound introduction than morning solvent-control
      introduction, supporting the second hypothesis. These results suggest that the
      waggle-dance hydrocarbons play an important role in honey bee foraging
      recruitment by stimulating foragers to perform waggle dances following periods of
      inactivity. 

PMID- 25140742
TI  - Critical-care pain observation tool in critically ill patients.

PMID- 25140741
TI  - A culture of respect: champions and models.

PMID- 25140743
TI  - Move to improve: progressive mobility in the intensive care unit.
AB  - Bed rest has detrimental consequences, and therefore in the ICU, progressive
      early mobility should be the goal for every patient expected to survive. This
      article examines the consequences of immobility, barriers experienced when
      attempting to increase patients' mobility, and ways in which dedicated mobility
      teams can overcome these barriers. 

PMID- 25140744
TI  - Where do you want to give report?
AB  - Traditionally, nurses have met in a conference room to give each other end-of
      shift report. Many hospitals are now moving to bedside report. Which does the
      research support as best practice? What are the ethical and practical issues of
      each? This article answers those questions. 

PMID- 25140745
TI  - Model for heart failure education.
AB  - Heart failure (HF) is the heart's inability to meet the body's need for blood and
      oxygen. According to the American Heart Association 2013 update, approximately
      5.1 million people are diagnosed with HF in the United States in 2006. Heart
      failure is the most common diagnosis for hospitalization. In the United States,
      the HF direct and indirect costs are estimated to be US $39.2 billion in 2010. To
      address this issue, nursing educators designed innovative teaching frameworks on
      HF management both in academia and in clinical settings. The model was based on 2
      resources: the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (2012) national
      nursing certification and the award-winning Pierce County Responsive Care
      Coordination Program. The HF educational program is divided into 4 modules. The
      initial modules offer foundational levels of Bloom's Taxonomy then progress to
      incorporate higher-levels of learning when modules 3 and 4 are reached. The
      applicability of the key components within each module allows formatting to
      enhance learning in all areas of nursing, from the emergency department to
      intensive care units to the medical-surgical step-down units. Also applicable
      would be to provide specific aspects of the modules to nurses who care for HF
      patients in skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation centers, and in the home
      health care setting. 

PMID- 25140746
TI  - Cardiac comorbidities and sexual activity predict sexual self-perception and
      adjustment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes in sexual satisfaction and sexual activity are often reported
      by cardiac patients, although factors influencing sexual adjustment are not well
      established. Knowledge of risk and protective factors can guide nurses in
      addressing physical and psychological needs of patients. OBJECTIVES: We examined
      predictors of sexual self-perception and adjustment in a cross section of cardiac
      patients. METHODS: A nonexperimental, descriptive survey design was used to
      examine overall sexual self-perception and adjustment, sexual anxiety, sexual
      depression, sexual satisfaction, sexual self-efficacy, sexual activity, selected
      demographic factors, and 20 cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities using a mailed
      survey with a broad sampling of cardiac patients (n = 128). Data were analyzed
      with descriptive statistics, t tests, and regression analysis. RESULTS: Fewer
      cardiac conditions and being sexually active were significant predictors of
      sexual self-perception and adjustment. Participants with hypertension reported
      more sexual depression; those with myocardial infarction had higher scores for
      both sexual anxiety and depression, and greater sexual anxiety occurred for those
      with peripheral artery leg bypass. DISCUSSION: Positive sexual self-perception
      and adjustment are linked to sexual activity and fewer cardiac problems. This
      finding can be used to inform decisions about initiating sexual counseling.

PMID- 25140748
TI  - Incivility among intensive care nurses: the effects of an educational
      intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Incivility is a significant problem in nurse satisfaction and nurse
      retention and can be detrimental to a patient's outcome; therefore, it would be
      beneficial to educate nurses on ways to improve incivility in clinical practice.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine if a nursing education program, utilizing case studies
      and discussion of the nurses' experiences would increase awareness of incivility
      and impact the number of perceived incidences by (1) assessing nurses' experience
      of incivility along with discerning the perceived source of the incivility and
      (2) educating the nurses, thus determining if the in-service education decreases
      the incidence of incivility in the adult intensive care unit. METHODS: This is a
      quantitative pilot study that utilized a 1-group preintervention and
      postintervention test design. The intervention was a 60-minute educational
      program. Twenty-one nurses completed the survey that assesses prevalence of
      incivility by specific sources, such as nurses, physicians, supervisors, general
      (other hospital employees), and patients before and after participation in the
      education intervention. Descriptive statistics of the 5 dimensions of civility
      and a total dimension score of civility were used. RESULTS: A total of 21 nurses
      completed all parts of this study. The postintervention score had a higher mean
      than the preintervention score in each of the dimensions. Higher scores indicate
      incivility; thus, lower scores indicate civility. Therefore, more instances of
      incivility were identified after intervention to increase awareness of
      incivility. In addition, nurses perceived greater amounts of incivility from
      patients and families, whereas the direct supervisor (team leaders) showed the
      greatest amount of civility. A hierarchical regression revealed that race had the
      largest negative impact, followed by nurses practicing for more than 5 years,
      part-time status, and younger age, respectively. DISCUSSION: The outcomes in this
      pilot study contradict much of the research on incivility in nursing, which
      previously found that supervisors are more uncivil toward their staff nurses than
      the rest of the staff. The results of the current study found that incivility
      perceptions were higher in the postintervention survey; these findings suggest
      that the education was effective, thus creating more awareness of incivility.
      This could be a positive cultural turning point in nursing as it decreases
      incivility, which in turn will help to decrease medical errors, attrition rates,
      and the financial burden on hospitals.

PMID- 25140751
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological characterization of thiazolidin-4-one
      derivatives as promising inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - We designed and synthesized a large number of novel thiazolidin-4-one derivatives
      for the evaluation of their anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity. This scaffold was
      functionalized at the N1-hydrazine portion with aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and
      (hetero)aromatic moieties. Then, a benzyl pendant was introduced at the lactamic
      NH of the core nucleus to evaluate the influence of this chemical modification on
      biological activity. The compounds were subjected to several in vitro assays to
      assess their anti-parasitic efficacy, cytotoxicity on fibroblasts, inhibition of
      tachyzoite invasion/attachment and replication after treatment. Results showed
      that fourteen of these thiazole-based compounds compare favorably to control
      compound trimethoprim in terms of parasite growth inhibition. 

PMID- 25140752
TI  - Discovery of Troger's base analogues as selective inhibitors against human breast
      cancer cell line: design, synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation.
AB  - A library of structurally diverse Troger's base analogues has been constructed
      via unusual amination of methylene bridge employing Vilsmeier-Haack conditions as
      well as by the incorporation of five and six membered heterocycles on the
      aromatic core of Troger's base framework. The constructed structurally diverse
      frameworks were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against a panel of three
      human cancer lines A549 (lung adenocarcinoma), MDAMB-231 (breast) and SK-N-SH
      (neuroblastoma). From the activity profile obtained, a redesign of Troger's base
      analogues led to the construction of more potent molecular entities. The study
      led to development of a series of compounds with MDAMB-231 cell line specific
      cytotoxicity. Of the 30 compounds synthesized and evaluated, 7 compounds were
      found to possess cytotoxicity that is equivalent or better than standard drug
      doxorubicin against MDAMB-231 cell line while only one compound was found to be
      active against SK-N-SH cell line. 

PMID- 25140753
TI  - Hierarchical self-assembly of 'hard-soft' Janus particles into colloidal
      molecules and larger supracolloidal structures.
AB  - Here we report the self-assembly of 'hard-soft' micron-sized Janus particles into
      clusters in aqueous media. The assembly process is induced by the desorption of a
      polymeric stabiliser from the particles, that is polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Upon
      contact through collision and coalescence of the soft polymeric lobes, the newly
      formed clusters adopt a minimized surface area to volume ratio, thereby forming
      distinct microscopic supracolloidal analogues of simple molecular valance shell
      electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) space-fill structures. To explain this behaviour,
      the colloidal stability of our particle suspensions were studied with and without
      an adsorbed steric surfactant. Simulations of expected cluster morphology,
      compared with those from cryo-SEM analysis support the mechanism of assembly
      driven by surface area minimization in the case of soft-soft interactions.
      Altering the soft lobe size with respect to the hard lobe indicates a moderate
      effect on number of primary particles per cluster. Additionally, higher order
      structures of clusters containing a number of primary particles exceeding what is
      possible for a 'solid' core cluster are observed. As such, we also investigated
      the formation of suprastructures using a high number of 'hard-soft' Janus
      particles and verified their effective Pickering stabilization of air bubbles. 

PMID- 25140755
TI  - Patient safety still lagging: advocates call for national patient safety
      monitoring board.

PMID- 25140754
TI  - The role of arginase and rho kinase in cardioprotection from remote ischemic
      perconditioning in non-diabetic and diabetic rat in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacological inhibition of arginase and remote ischemic
      perconditioning (RIPerc) are known to protect the heart against
      ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to
      investigate whether (1) peroxynitrite-mediated RhoA/Rho associated kinase (ROCK)
      signaling pathway contributes to arginase upregulation following myocardial IR;
      (2) the inhibition of this pathway is involved as a cardioprotective mechanism of
      remote ischemic perconditioning and (3) the influence of diabetes on these
      mechanisms. METHODS: Anesthetized rats were subjected to 30 min left coronary
      artery ligation followed by 2 h reperfusion and included in two protocols. In
      protocol 1 rats were randomized to 1) control IR, 2) RIPerc induced by bilateral
      femoral artery occlusion for 15 min during myocardial ischemia, 3) RIPerc and
      administration of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L
      NMMA), 4) administration of the ROCK inhibitor hydroxyfasudil or 5) the
      peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst FeTPPS. In protocol 2 non-diabetic and type
      1 diabetic rats were randomosed to IR or RIPerc as described above. RESULTS:
      Infarct size was significantly reduced in rats treated with FeTPPS,
      hydroxyfasudil and RIPerc compared to controls (P<0.001). FeTPPS attenuated both
      ROCK and arginase activity (P<0.001 vs. control). Similarly, RIPerc reduced
      arginase and ROCK activity, peroxynitrite formation and enhanced phospho-eNOS
      expression (P<0.05 vs. control). The cardioprotective effect of RIPerc was
      abolished by L-NMMA. The protective effect of RIPerc and its associated changes
      in arginase and ROCK activity were abolished in diabetes. CONCLUSION: Arginase is
      activated by peroxynitrite/ROCK signaling cascade in myocardial IR. RIPerc
      protects against IR injury via a mechanism involving inhibition of this pathway
      and enhanced eNOS activation. The beneficial effect and associated molecular
      changes of RIPerc is abolished in type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 25140756
TI  - Near-infrared Raman spectroscopy for assessing biochemical changes of cervical
      tissue associated with precarcinogenic transformation.
AB  - Raman spectroscopy measures the inelastically scattered light from tissue that is
      capable of identifying native tissue biochemical constituents and their changes
      associated with disease transformation. This study aims to characterize the Raman
      spectroscopic properties of cervical tissue associated with the multi-stage
      progression of cervical precarcinogenic sequence. A rapid-acquisition fiber-optic
      near-infrared (NIR) Raman diagnostic system was employed for tissue Raman
      spectral measurements at 785 nm excitation. A total of 68 Raman spectra (23
      benign, 29 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and 16 high grade
      squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)) were measured from 25 cervical tissue
      biopsy specimens, as confirmed by colposcopy-histopathology. The semi
      quantitative biochemical modeling based on the major biochemicals (i.e., DNA,
      proteins (histone, collagen), lipid (triolein) and carbohydrates (glycogen)) in
      cervical tissue uncovers the stepwise accumulation of biomolecular changes
      associated with progressive cervical precarcinogenesis. Multi-class partial least
      squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) together with leave-one tissue site-out,
      cross-validation yielded the diagnostic sensitivities of 95.7%, 82.8% and 81.3%;
      specificities of 100.0%, 92.3% and 88.5%,for discrimination among benign, LSIL
      and HSIL cervical tissues, respectively. This work suggests that the Raman
      spectral biomarkers have identified the potential to be used for monitoring the
      multi-stage cervical precarcinogenesis, forming the foundation of applying NIR
      Raman spectroscopy for the early diagnosis of cervical precancer in vivo at the
      molecular level. 

PMID- 25140757
TI  - Endometriosis associated with relapsing ascites and pleural effusions.

PMID- 25140758
TI  - Effect of Ganoderma applanatum mycelium extract on the inhibition of adipogenesis
      in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
AB  - Ganoderma applanatum (GA) and related fungal species have been used for over 2000
      years in China to prevent and treat various human diseases. However, there is no
      critical research evaluating the functionality of GA grown using submerged
      culture technology. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of submerged culture
      GA mycelium (GAM) and its active components (protocatechualdehyde [PCA]) on
      preadipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. Mouse-derived preadipocyte 3T3-L1
      cells were treated with differentiation inducers in the presence or absence of
      GAM extracts. We determined triglyceride accumulations, glycerol-3-phosphate
      dehydrogenase (GPDH) activities, and differentiation makers. PCA, the active
      component of GAM extract, was also used to treat 3T3-L1 cells. The MTT assay
      showed that the GAM extract (0.01-1 mg/mL) was not toxic to 3T3-L1 preadipocyte.
      Treatment of cells with GAM extracts and its active components significantly
      decreased the GPDH activity and lipid accumulation, a marker of adipogenesis, in
      a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis results showed that the protein
      expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      (PPARgamma), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha), and sterol
      regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) were inhibited by the GAM extract.
      In addition, adipogenic-specific genes such as perilipin, fatty acid synthase
      (FAS), fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1), and fatty acid-binding protein 4
      (FABP4) decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Quantitative high-performance
      liquid chromatography analysis showed that the GAM extract contained 1.14 mg/g
      PCA. GAM extracts suppressed differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, in part,
      through altered regulation of PPARgamma, C/EBPalpha, and SREBP1. These results
      suggest that GAM extracts and PCA may suppress adipogenesis by inhibiting
      differentiation of preadipocytes.

PMID- 25140761
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic extract from Sargassum horneri (Turner) C.
      Agardh on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage activation via NF-kappaB
      pathway regulation.
AB  - Inflammation is major symptom of the innate immune response by infection of
      microbes. Macrophages, one of immune response related cells, play a role in
      inflammatory response. Recent studies reported that various natural products can
      regulate the activation of immune cells such as macrophage. Sargassum horneri
      (Turner) C. Agardh is one of brown algae. Recently, various seaweeds including
      brown algae have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, anti
      inflammatory effects of Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh are still unknown.
      In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic extract of
      Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh (ESH) on RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell
      line. The ESH was extracted from dried Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh with
      70% ethanol and then lyophilized at -40  degrees C. ESH was not cytotoxic to RAW
      264.7, and nitric oxide (NO) production induced by LPS-stimulated macrophage
      activation was significantly decreased by the addition of 200 MUg/mL of ESH.
      Moreover, ESH treatment reduced mRNA level of cytokines, including IL-1beta, and
      pro-inflammatory genes such as iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated macrophage
      activation in a dose-dependent manner. ESH was found to elicit anti-inflammatory
      effects by inhibiting ERK, p-p38 and NF-kappaB phosphorylation. In addition, ESH
      inhibited the release of IL-1beta in LPS-stimulated macrophages. These results
      suggest that ESH elicits anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated macrophage
      activation via the inhibition of ERK, p-p38, NF-kappaB, and pro-inflammatory gene
      expression. 

PMID- 25140759
TI  - Psychometric assessment of the craving to tan questionnaire.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Researchers and clinicians suggest that excessive tanning may be a
      behavioral addiction. Given the significance of craving in substance use, craving
      may be a useful construct to assess in those who tan. OBJECTIVE: We designed this
      study to assess the psychometric properties of an alcohol craving measure adapted
      to measure past-week craving to tan. METHODS: Undergraduate students (n = 421)
      who reported past-month tanning completed a battery of questionnaires that
      assessed demographics, tanning-related characteristics, and psychopathology, in
      addition to the Craving to Tan Questionnaire (CTQ). RESULTS: Analyses provided
      support for a single factor CTQ with good internal consistency, construct
      validity and convergent validity. CTQ scores were significantly higher among
      problematic versus non-problematic and dependent versus non-dependent tanners.
      CTQ scores were also associated with several tanning-related characteristics,
      such money spent on tanning in a typical month, frequency of tanning, and
      frequency of tanning-related problems. Additional analyses found that past-week
      craving to tan was significantly associated with greater obsessive compulsive and
      body dysmorphic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: It may be useful in clinical settings to
      identify those experiencing problems with tanning and in research to further
      clarify the conceptualization of addiction-like tanning. However, the CTQ needs
      further evaluation.

PMID- 25140762
TI  - Impact of 5-h phase advance on sleep architecture and physical performance in
      athletes.
AB  - Travel across time zones causes jet lag and is accompanied by deleterious effects
      on sleep and performance in athletes. These poor performances have been evaluated
      in field studies but not in laboratory conditions. The purpose of this study was
      to evaluate, in athletes, the impact of 5-h phase advance on the architecture of
      sleep and physical performances (Wingate test). In a sleep laboratory, 16 male
      athletes (age: 22.2 +/- 1.7 years, height: 178.3 +/- 5.6 cm, body mass: 73.6 +/-
      7.9 kg) spent 1 night in baseline condition and 2 nights, 1 week apart, in phase
      shift condition recorded by electroencephalography to calculate sleep
      architecture variables. For these last 2 nights, the clock was advanced by 5 h.
      Core body temperature rhythm was assessed continuously. The first night with
      phase advance decreased total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency,
      stage 2 of nonrapid eye movement (N2), and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
      compared with baseline condition, whereas the second night decreased N2 and
      increased slow-wave sleep and REM, thus improving the quality of sleep. After
      phase advance, mean power improved, which resulted in higher lactatemia.
      Acrophase and bathyphase of temperature occurred earlier and amplitude decreased
      in phase advance but the period was not modified. These results suggest that a
      simulated phase shift contributed to the changes in sleep architecture, but did
      not significantly impair physical performances in relation with early phase
      adjustment of temperature to the new local time. 

PMID- 25140764
TI  - Structural insights of JAK2 inhibitors: pharmacophore modeling and ligand-based
      3D-QSAR studies of pyrido-indole derivatives.
AB  - In this study we have performed pharmacophore modeling and built a 3D QSAR model
      for pyrido-indole derivatives as Janus Kinase 2 inhibitors. An efficient
      pharmacophore has been identified from a data set of 51 molecules and the
      identified pharmacophore hypothesis consisted of one hydrogen bond acceptor, two
      hydrogen bond donors and three aromatic rings, i.e. ADDRRR. A powerful 3D-QSAR
      model has also been constructed by employing Partial Least Square regression
      analysis with a regression coefficient of 0.97 (R(2)) and Q(2) of 0.95, and
      Pearson-R of 0.98. 

PMID- 25140765
TI  - A Noncausal Relation Between Casual Sex in Adolescence and Early Adult Depression
      and Suicidal Ideation: A Longitudinal Discordant Twin Study.
AB  - Research on relations between casual sex and mental health is inconclusive; while
      some studies indicate casual sex may lead to more negative mental health (e.g.,
      depression), other studies report no such relationship. Using a genetically
      informed approach, this study examined whether earlier casual sex (i.e., ever
      engaging in casual sex and number of casual sex partners) in adolescence has a
      causal influence on later mental health in young adulthood (i.e., depressive
      symptoms and suicidal ideation), as well as the reverse relationship (adolescent
      negative mental health on young adult casual sex) by exploiting the quasi
      experimental nature of discordant-twin models. Multilevel models that measured
      within-twin and between-twin pair effects of adolescent casual sex were
      estimated, using 714 twins (357 twin pairs) from the sibling subsample of the
      National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Results indicated
      that there was no causal relationship between casual sex in adolescence and
      higher levels of depressive symptoms or suicidal ideation in young adulthood, and
      these effects did not differ by gender. There were also no causal relations
      between adolescent depressive symptoms or suicidal ideation and casual sexual
      experience in young adulthood. Implications for ways to increase scientific rigor
      by using different methods (e.g., genetically informed analyses) are discussed. 

PMID- 25140763
TI  - Influence of HMB supplementation and resistance training on cytokine responses to
      resistance exercise.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a
      multinutritional supplement including amino acids, beta-hydroxy-beta
      methylbutyrate (HMB), and carbohydrates on cytokine responses to resistance
      exercise and training. METHODS: Seventeen healthy, college-aged men were randomly
      assigned to a Muscle ArmorTM (MA; Abbott Nutrition, Columbus, OH) or placebo
      supplement group and 12 weeks of resistance training. An acute resistance
      exercise protocol was administered at 0, 6, and 12 weeks of training. Venous
      blood samples at pre-, immediately post-, and 30-minutes postexercise were
      analyzed via bead multiplex immunoassay for 17 cytokines. RESULTS: After 12 weeks
      of training, the MA group exhibited decreased interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and
      interleukin (IL)-10. IL-1beta differed by group at various times. Granulocyte
      colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating
      factor (GM-CSF), IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17, monocyte
      chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta
      (MIP-1beta) changed over the 12-week training period but did not differ by group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of resistance training alters the cytokine response to
      acute resistance exercise, and supplementation with HMB and amino acids appears
      to further augment this result.

PMID- 25140766
TI  - [Risk factors for invasive pulmonary fungal infection in children].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors for invasive pulmonary fungal infection
      (IPFI) and to provide a theoretical basis for the early prevention and treatment
      of IPFI. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted on the
      clinical data of children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit
      between January 2012 and March 2013. These children consisted of 48 patients with
      a clinical diagnosis of IPFI (IPFI group) and 106 pneumonia patients without a
      clinical diagnosis of IPFI (non-IPFI group). The clinical date of the two groups
      were compared and analyzed. The main risk factors for the development of IPIF
      were identified by unconditional multivariate logistic regression analysis.
      RESULTS: Compared with the non-IPIF group, the IPIF group had significantly lower
      mean age and serum albumin level (P<0.01), significantly longer mean length of
      hospital stay, duration of antibiotic use, and duration of corticosteroid use
      (P<0.01), and significantly higher rates of malnutrition, invasive mechanical
      ventilation, indwelling catheter use, oropharyngeal fungal infection, and
      diarrhea (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that invasive
      mechanical ventilation, diarrhea, long duration of corticosteroid use, long
      duration of antibiotic use, young age, and low serum albumin level were
      independent risk factors for the development of IPFI. CONCLUSIONS: For the
      infants with suspected IPFI for whom pathogenic examination is difficult to
      perform, IPFI should be considered in cases of invasive mechanical ventilation,
      diarrhea, long-time uses of broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids and
      hypoalbuminemia, and empirical antifungal therapy should be performed as soon as
      possible.

PMID- 25140767
TI  - [Risk factors for pleural lung disease in children with juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for pleural lung disease (PLD) in
      children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to provide a basis for the
      early diagnosis and timely treatment of this disease. METHODS: A total of 360
      children with a confirmed diagnosis of JIA were enrolled, and their clinical data
      were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent a chest X-ray. The patients
      with PLD were assigned to PLD group, while those without PLD were assigned to non
      PLD group. The clinical, imaging, and laboratory results of JIA patients with PLD
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 360 JIA patients, 43 (11.9%) had PLD, and 9
      (21%) of them had respiratory symptoms. Chest X-ray findings mainly included
      interstitial pneumonitis (53.5%) and pleurisy and/or pleural effusion (38.1%). In
      the 43 cases of JIA-PLD, 4 (9.3%) had normal chest X-ray findings but abnormal
      chest CT findings. The incidence of PLD was relatively high in patients aged
      under 3 years and those aged 12 years or above. Children with systemic JIA had a
      relatively high incidence of PLD. Compared with the non-PLD group, the PLD group
      had a significantly higher incidence of anemia, elevated white blood cell (WBC)
      count and IgG levels in peripheral blood, and positive rheumatoid factors or
      antinuclear antibodies (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among children with JIA, PLD is
      mostly seen in patients with systemic JIA or aged <3 years or >= 12 years,
      especially those with anemia, elevated WBC count and IgG levels, and positive
      rheumatoid factors or antinuclear antibodies. For JIA patients with PLD,
      interstitial pneumonitis is usually seen on chest X-ray or CT, but respiratory
      symptoms are rarely observed. Routine use of high-resolution chest CT is
      recommended for early diagnosis and timely treatment of PLD in children with JIA.

PMID- 25140768
TI  - [Pathogenic analysis of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the pediatric
      intensive care unit in high-altitude areas].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathogens of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
      and their drug resistance in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in high
      altitude areas and to provide a clinical basis for the prevention and treatment
      of VAP. METHODS: A total of 94 children with VAP hospitalized in the PICU in high
      altitude areas between June 2011 and June 2013 were recruited. Their lower
      respiratory tract secretions were collected for bacterial culture and drug
      sensitivity test. RESULTS: Of the 94 children with VAP, 22 (23%) had a single
      bacterial infection, and 72 (77%) had mixed infections, mostly with Klebsiella
      pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii (17 cases, 27%). Of the 178 isolated
      strains of pathogens, 139 (78%) were Gram-negative bacteria (G- bacteria), mainly
      including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter
      baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 26 (15%) were Gram-positive bacteria (G+
      bacteria), mainly including Staphylococcus aureus, and 13 (7%) were fungi, mainly
      including Candida albicans. Most G- bacteria had a high drug resistance.
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa was extensively drug-resistant. Acinetobacter baumannii
      was only highly sensitive to cefoperazone/sulbactam and imipenem. Multidrug
      resistance (methicillin resistance) was found in G+ bacteria, for which
      vancomycin was effective. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogens of VAP in high-altitude
      areas are mostly G- bacteria, which may cause mixed infections and develop drug
      resistance. This provides guidance for the rational use of antimicrobial drugs
      and the development of key prevention and control measures for VAP.

PMID- 25140769
TI  - [Values of a combination of multiple less invasive or non-invasive examinations
      in the diagnosis of pediatric sputum-negative pulmonary tuberculosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the values of a combination of multiple less invasive or non
      invasive examinations including chest computed tomography (CT) scan, purified
      protein derivative (PPD) test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, and C
      reactive protein (CRP) test in the diagnosis of pediatric sputum-negative
      pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on
      the clinical data of 269 children with confirmed pulmonary TB. Clinical symptoms
      and test results were analyzed and compared between the sputum-negative group
      (161 patients) and the sputum-positive group (108 patients). RESULTS: The sputum
      negative group had atypical clinical symptoms, with fewer typical or relatively
      specific imaging features compared with the sputum-positive group. The positive
      rates of PPD, ESR, and CRP tests for the sputum-negative group were 39.1%, 44.1%,
      and 56.5%, respectively, versus 55.6%, 79.6%, and 59.3% for the sputum-positive
      group. There were significant differences in the positive rates of PPD and ESR
      tests between the two groups (P<0.05). More than 80% of the patients in each
      group were diagnosed with pulmonary TB according to three or four less invasive
      or non-invasive tests, without significant difference in the positive rate
      between the two groups (P>0.05). Forty-six patients in the sputum-negative group
      underwent bronchoscopy, and morphological changes with a diagnostic value and/or
      etiological and pathological evidence were observed in 40 (87.0%) of them.
      CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis rate of pediatric sputum-negative pulmonary TB can be
      increased by combining tests including chest CT scan, PPD test, ESR test, and CRP
      test. Bronchoscopy is a reliable method for the auxiliary diagnosis of pediatric
      sputum-negative pulmonary TB if the combining tests cannot provide compelling
      evidence.

PMID- 25140770
TI  - [Application of asthma predictive index-based group therapy in wheezing children
      under 5 years of age].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the application value of asthma predictive index (API)-based
      group therapy in wheezing children under 5 years of age. METHODS: A total of 239
      wheezing children under 5 years of age were divided into API-positive (n=126) and
      API-negative groups (n=113). Each group was randomly assigned to inhaled
      corticosteroids (ICS) subgroup and montelukast sodium (leukotriene receptor
      antagonist, LTRA) subgroup. The ICS and LTRA subgroups received the same drug
      therapy at the same dosage within the first four weeks of treatment. In the
      stable period of disease, the ICS subgroup only received aerosol inhalation of
      budesonide suspension, while the LTRA group was orally given montelukast sodium
      only. Asthma symptom scores were assessed and recorded at different time points.
      RESULTS: In the first four weeks of treatment, ICS and LTRA were effective both
      in the API-positive and API-negative groups; the two groups showed significant
      improvements in asthma symptom scores, and the asthma symptom score showed no
      significant difference between the ICS and LTRA subgroups of each group. After 24
      weeks of treatment, the two therapies were still effective; in the API-positive
      group, the LTRA subgroup had a better treatment outcome than the ICS subgroup,
      but there was no significant difference in treatment outcome between the LTRA and
      ICS subgroups of the API-negative group. CONCLUSIONS: For wheezing children under
      5 years of age, therapeutic strategies can be chosen based on API in the stable
      period of disease, so as to better control wheezing.

PMID- 25140771
TI  - [Clinical application of tidal breathing lung function test in 1-4 years old
      children with wheezing diseases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical significance of tidal breathing lung function
      test in 1-4 years old children with wheezing diseases. METHODS: A total of 141 1
      4 years old children with wheezing diseases were enrolled as the observed groups
      (41 cases of asthma, 54 cases of asthmatic bronchitis, and 46 cases of
      bronchopneumonia). Thirty children without respiratory diseases were enrolled as
      the control group. All the recruits underwent tidal breathing lung function test.
      The observed groups underwent bronchial dilation test, and tidal breathing flow
      volume (TBFV) parameters were evaluated before and after bronchial dilation test.
      RESULTS: The observed groups showed obstructive ventilatory disorder (65%)
      according to the TBFV loop, and their ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow
      (TPTEF) to total expiratory time (TE) and ratio of volume to peak expiratory flow
      (VPEF) to total expiratory volume (VE) were significantly lower than in the
      control group (P<0.05). The asthma subgroup had significantly improved TPTEF/TE
      and VPEF/VE after bronchial dilation test (P<0.05). Taking an improvement rate of
      >= 15% either for TPTEF/TE or for VPEF/VE as an indicator of positive bronchial
      dilation test, the bronchial dilation test had a sensitivity of 47% and a
      specificity of 84% in diagnosing asthma in 1-4 years old children. The positive
      rate was 28% among the children in the asthma subgroup with an TPTEF/TE ratio of
      >= 23% before bronchial dilation test, versus 65% in those with an TPTEF/TE ratio
      of <23%. CONCLUSIONS: Obstructive ventilatory disorder is the main impairment of
      tidal breathing lung function in 1-4 years old children with wheezing diseases.
      Tidal breathing bronchial dilation test can reflect a reversal of airway
      obstruction to a certain extent. The sensitivity of bronchial dilation test for
      the diagnosis of asthma is not satisfactory in 1-4 years old children with
      wheezing diseases, but this test has a relatively high diagnostic value in
      children with severe airway obstruction.

PMID- 25140773
TI  - [Expression of TGF-beta1 and PAI-1 in premature infants with bronchopulmonary
      dysplasia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF
      beta1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and its significance in
      premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). METHODS: A retrospective
      analysis was performed on the clinical data of 96 very low birth weight infants
      (gestational age of <= 32 weeks) who survived for more than 28 days and were
      admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between January 2010 and December
      2012. These subjects were divided into BPD group (n=21) and non-BPD group (n=75).
      The expression of TGF-beta1 and PAI-1 in blood was measured by ELISA. RESULTS:
      The levels of TGF-beta1 and PAI-1 in the BPD group increased gradually from the
      7th day to the 14th day and then to the 21st day after birth, and were
      significantly higher than in the non-BPD group at all time points (P<0.01). The
      TGF-beta1 and PAI-1 levels in the non-BPD group on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days
      after birth were not significantly different from each other (P>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The expression of TGF-beta1 and PAI-1 in blood is elevated in
      premature infants with BPD, which may be associated with the development of BPD.

PMID- 25140772
TI  - [Efficacy of inhaled nitric oxide in premature infants with hypoxic respiratory
      failure].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of low-concentration inhaled
      nitric oxide (NO) in the treatment of hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF) among
      premature infants. METHODS: Sixty premature infants (gestational age <= 34 weeks)
      with HRF were randomized into NO and control groups between 2012 and 2013, with
      30 cases in each group. Both groups received nasal continuous positive airway
      pressure (nCPAP) or mechanical ventilation. NO inhalation was continued for at
      least 7 days or until weaning in the NO group. The general conditions, blood gas
      results, complications, and clinical outcomes of the two groups were analyzed.
      RESULTS: The NO group showed significantly more improvement in blood gas results
      than the control group after 12 hours of treatment (P<0.05). After that, the
      change in oxygenation status over time showed no significant difference between
      the two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in total time of
      assisted ventilation and duration of oxygen therapy between the two groups
      (P>0.05). The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), patent ductus
      arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and
      pneumothorax in infants showed no significant differences between the NO and
      control groups (P>0.05), but the incidence of IVH and mortality were
      significantly lower in the NO group than in the control group (7% vs 17%, P<0.05;
      3% vs 13%, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NO inhalation may improve oxygenation status and
      reduce the mortality in premature infants with HRF, but it cannot reduce the
      incidence of BPD and the total time of mechanical ventilation or nCPAP and
      duration of oxygen therapy. NO therapy may have a brain-protective effect for
      premature infants with HRF and does not increase clinical complications.

PMID- 25140774
TI  - [Effects of enteral nutrition starting time on digestive function and growth rate
      in very low birth weight infants].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the appropriate time of starting enteral nutrition and
      observe the effects of different enteral nutrition starting times on the
      digestive function, growth rate, and nosocomial infection rate in very low birth
      weight infants (VLBWI). METHODS: All the VLBWI admitted to the neonatal intensive
      care unit between February and December, 2012 were selected. Depending on
      different times of starting enteral nutrition, these infants were divided into
      three groups: <= 3 days (n=116), 4-6 days (n=36), and >= 7 days (n=26). The
      effects of different enteral nutrition starting times on digestive function,
      growth rate and nosocomial infection rate were analyzed. RESULTS: The <= 3 days
      group had significantly higher milk intake than the other two groups at one week
      after birth; the <= 3 days and 4-6 days group had significantly higher milk
      intake than the >= 7 days group at two and three weeks after birth. The growth
      rate showed no significant differences between the three groups. The <= 3 days
      group had a significantly shorter time of central venous catheterization than the
      other two groups, and the >= 7 days group had a significantly longer time to full
      enteral feeding than the other two groups. The nosocomial infection rate of the
      <= 3 days group (13.8%) was significantly lower than that of the >= 7 days group
      (46.2%). CONCLUSIONS: For VLBWI, the time of starting enteral nutrition has no
      impact on growth rate, but starting enteral nutrition early can promote the
      development of gastrointestinal function, increase milk intake, shorten the time
      to full enteral feeding, reduce the time of central venous catheterization, and
      significantly reduce nosocomial infection rate.

PMID- 25140775
TI  - [A co-word analysis of current research on neonatal jaundice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the research on neonatal jaundice in recent years by co
      word analysis and to summarize the hot spots and trend of research in this field
      in China. METHODS: The CNKI was searched with "neonate" and "jaundice" as the key
      words to identify the papers published from January 2009 to July 2013 that were
      in accordance with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. To reveal the
      relationship between different high-frequency key words, Microsoft Office Excel
      2013 was used for statistical analysis of key words, and Ucinet 6.0 and Netdraw
      were used for co-occurrence analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2 054 papers were
      included, and 44 high-frequency key words were extracted. The current hotspots of
      research on neonatal jaundice in China were displayed, and the relationship
      between different high-frequency key words was presented. CONCLUSIONS: There has
      been in-depth research on clinical manifestations and diagnosis of neonatal
      jaundice in China, but further research is needed to investigate the etiology,
      mechanism, and treatment of neonatal jaundice.

PMID- 25140777
TI  - [Efficacy of levetiracetam combined with short-term clonazepam in treatment of
      electrical status epilepticus during sleep in children with benign childhood
      epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of levetiracetam (LEV) combined with short-term
      clonazepam (CZP) in the treatment of electrical status epilepticus during sleep
      (ESES) in children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes
      (BECCT). METHODS: Fifteen children (9 boys and 6 girls) diagnosed with BECCT with
      ESES, who had continuous spike-and-wave accounting for over 85% of the non-rapid
      eye movement sleep as monitored by 24-hours ambulatory EEG or 3-hours video EEG,
      were enrolled. The clinical manifestations and EEG characteristics of patients
      were retrospectively analyzed. These children received two months of CZP
      treatment in addition to oral LEV [20-40 mg/(kg.d)]. All patients were followed
      up for 6-18 months. RESULTS: The 15 children were orally given LEV in the early
      stage, but showed no improvement when reexamined by EEG or had seizures during
      treatment. Then, they received LEV in combination with short-term CZP. Re
      examinations at 1 and 6 months after treatment showed that 14 cases had
      significantly reduced discharge (only little discharge in the Rolandic area) or
      no discharge, as well as completely controlled seizure; one case had recurrent
      ESES and two epileptic seizures during follow-up. The recurrent case received the
      combination therapy again, and re-examinations 1 and 6 months later revealed
      normal EEG; no seizure occurred in the 8 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: LEV
      combined with short-term CZP is effective and has few side effects in treating
      ESES syndrome among children with BECCT.

PMID- 25140776
TI  - [Clinical analysis of 10 cases of pediatric Crohn's disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features and treatment of pediatric Crohn's
      disease (CD). METHODS: Clinical data of 10 children with active CD diagnosed
      between 2005 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Abdominal pain,
      diarrhea, and bloody stools were the most common symptoms in these patients,
      usually accompanied by different degrees of growth retardation and nutritional
      disorders. Fever was the main extraintestinal manifestation. Enteroscopy showed
      discontinuous and segmental mucosal hyperaemia and erosion, cobblestone
      appearance and mucosal ulceration. Abdominal ultrasound revealed uneven and
      segmental thickening of the intestinal wall. The pathological esamination showed
      many lymphocytes, eosinophils and plasma cells infiltrating into the lamina
      propria and partial atrophy of mucosal gland. C-reactive protein (CRP) level was
      significantly lower in the remission stage than in the acute stage and the
      recurrence stage (P<0.05). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was
      significantly lower in the remission stage than in the recurrence stage (P<0.05).
      Among mild cases identified by the pediatric Crohn's disease activity index
      (PCDAI) in the early stage of disease, the induced remission rate and maintained
      remission rate were 100% and 67%, respectively, with oral 5-aminosalicylic acid
      (5-ASA) and adrenocortical hormone. Among moderate and severe cases identified by
      the PCDAI, the partial remission rate was 100% with 5-ASA and adrenocortical
      hormone, but the maintained remission rate was not so good and the recurrence
      rate of disease was high. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric CD has no specific clinical
      manifestations and laboratory test results. ESR and CRP can be used as the
      markers for evaluating the disease progression. 5-ASA has certain efficacy in
      inducing and maintaining remission of pediatric CD. There is a certain
      correlation between treatment outcome and the PCDAI score in the early stage of
      disease.

PMID- 25140778
TI  - [Clinical value of cranial MRI in the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous
      system candidiasis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical value of cranial magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) in the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system candidiasis
      (CNSC), which has no specific clinical manifestations and has no rapid and
      specific diagnostic tools. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the
      clinical data of 10 children who were diagnosed with CNSC in Beijing Children's
      Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University between 2009 and 2013. RESULTS:
      Nine of the 10 children underwent cranial MRI within 8 days after admission, and
      5 of the 9 children underwent contrast-enhanced MRI at the same time. Eight of
      the 9 children showed the features of meningoencephalitis, and 6 cases were
      accompanied by varying degrees of brain atrophy; one case showed hydrocephalus
      and cerebral abscess, and another case showed leukoencephalopathy. Six cases were
      found to have the features of cerebral vasculitis after infection in the first
      MRI after admission, including cerebral infarction (2 cases), venous sinus
      thrombosis (3 cases), and Moyamoya disease (1 case). Infectious granulomatous
      lesions were confirmed by contrast-enhanced MRI in 3 cases. Given the clinical
      manifestations, 8 of the 9 cases were diagnosed as suspected CNSC after MRI, and
      7 of these cases received antifungal therapy before the pathogen test results
      were returned. The lesions on MRI were improved in 6 cases after 3-4 weeks of
      antifungal treatment. All the 10 children were diagnosed with CNSC by positive
      cerebrospinal fluid culture results. CONCLUSIONS: Cranial MRI, especially
      contrast-enhanced MRI, is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment
      of CNSC. To confirm the guidance of MRI in the diagnosis and treatment of CNSC,
      further case-control studies are needed.

PMID- 25140779
TI  - [Association of folate metabolism genes MTRR and MTHFR with complex congenital
      abnormalities among Chinese population in Shanxi Province, China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of polymorphisms in folate metabolism
      genes, methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) gene and 5,10
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, with complex congenital
      abnormalities and to further investigate its association with complex congenital
      abnormalities derived from three germ layers. METHODS: A total of 250 cases of
      birth defects (with complex congenital abnormalities including congenital heart
      disease, neural tube defects, and craniofacial anomalies) in Shanxi Province,
      China were included in the study. MTRR single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
      (rs1801394) and MTHFR SNP (rs1801133) were genotyped by the SNaPshot method, and
      the genotyping results were compared with those of controls (n=420). RESULTS:
      SNPs rs1801394 and rs1801133 were associated with multiple birth defects. For the
      recessive model, individuals with GG genotype at rs1801394 and CC genotype at
      rs1801133 had a relatively low risk of developing birth defects, so the two
      genotypes were protective factors against birth defects. The homozygous recessive
      genotype at rs1801133, which served as a protective factor, was associated with
      ectoderm- or endoderm-derived complex congenital abnormalities, while the
      homozygous recessive genotype at rs1801394, which served as a protective factor,
      was associated with ectoderm-, mesoderm- or endoderm-derived complex congenital
      abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Among the Chinese population in Shanxi Province, the
      SNPs in folate metabolism genes (MTRR and MTHFR) are associated with complex
      congenital abnormalities and related to ectoderm, mesoderm or endoderm
      development.

PMID- 25140780
TI  - [Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms at IL-6-174 and TNF-beta NcoI in
      Chinese Han children in Guangzhou, China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at
      interleukin 6 (IL-6)-174 and TNF-beta NcoI in Chinese Han children in Guangzhou,
      China and to provide basic information for study on the association between IL-6
      174 and TNF-beta NcoI polymorphisms and systemic inflammatory response syndrome
      (SIRS). METHODS: Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and polymerase chain
      reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism were used to determine the SNPs
      at IL-6-174 and TNF-beta NcoI in 481 children selected from the Han population in
      Guangzhou in 2012. Genotype analysis and comparison with other populations were
      made with reference to relevant literature. RESULTS: Chinese Han children in
      Guangzhou had only GG genotype at IL-6-174, and the SNP at this locus was rare or
      not seen in the Han population in Guangzhou. At TNF-beta NcoI, the frequencies of
      TNF-beta 1*1, TNF-beta 1*2, and TNF-beta 2*2 genotypes were 24.7%, 49.7%, and
      25.6%, respectively. The sample distribution was in accordance with Hardy
      Weinberg equilibrium. The TNF-beta 1 allele frequency was significantly higher in
      Guangzhou Han population than in European and American white population (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: TNF-beta NcoI SNP is prevalent in the Han population in Guangzhou,
      and the distribution of alleles is significantly different from that in the white
      population. The sample from an Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium population can be
      further used for study on the association between TNF-beta NcoI SNP and SIRS in
      Chinese Han children in Guangzhou. IL-6-174 SNP is rare or not seen in the Han
      population in Guangzhou, so SNP at this locus cannot be selected for disease
      association analysis.

PMID- 25140782
TI  - [Clinical analysis of pediatric infectious atelectasis].

PMID- 25140781
TI  - [Effect of UCP2-siRNA on inflammatory response of cardiomyocytes induced by
      septic serum].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2)-siRNA on the
      inflammatory response of rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2) induced by septic serum and to
      investigate the possible role of UCP2 in the development of septic
      cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Serum samples were separately collected from normal rats
      and septic rats. Cultured rat cardiac cells (H9C2) were randomly divided into
      blank control, normal serum, 10% septic serum, UCP2-siRNA+10% septic serum and
      negative siRNA+10% septic serum groups. Stimulation with 10% septic serum was
      performed for 12 hours in relevant groups. The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) was measured by RT
      PCR. The expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38
      MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) was measured by Western blot.
      RESULTS: The expression levels of p-p38 and NF-kappaB in the UCP2-siRNA+10%
      septic serum group were significantly higher than in the 10% septic serum group
      (P<0.05). The UCP2-siRNA+10% septic serum group had a significantly higher TNF
      alpha mRNA expression than the 10% septic serum group (P<0.01), but IL-1beta mRNA
      expression showed no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      UCP2 plays a regulatory role in the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB and the
      expression of downstream inflammatory mediators in H9C2 cells stimulated with
      septic serum.

PMID- 25140783
TI  - [Effectiveness of external propranolol gel for treatment of superficial infantile
      hemangioma].

PMID- 25140784
TI  - [A case report of Phelan-McDermid syndrome].

PMID- 25140785
TI  - [Corpus callosum damage detected by MRI in a boy with herpes simplex
      encephalitis].

PMID- 25140786
TI  - [Cutaneous myiasis in a young child].

PMID- 25140787
TI  - [MonoMAC syndrome].
AB  - MonoMAC syndrome is a newly discovered immune deficiency syndrome caused by GATA
      2 mutation, which is an autosomal dominant genetic disease. MonoMAC syndrome has
      typical immune cell abnormalities, with severe infection and is prone to develop
      into a hematological disease. Therapeutics for this disease mainly relies on
      symptomatic treatment and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In this paper,
      the research advances in clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, pathogenesis,
      diagnosis and treatment of MonoMAC syndrome are reviewed. 

PMID- 25140788
TI  - Removal of the iodinated X-ray contrast medium diatrizoate by anaerobic
      transformation.
AB  - The iodinated X-ray contrast medium diatrizoate is known to be very persistent in
      current wastewater treatment as well as in environmental compartments. In this
      study, the potential of anaerobic processes in soils, sediments, and during
      wastewater treatment to remove and transform diatrizoate was investigated. In
      anaerobic batch experiments with soil and sediment seven biologically formed
      transformation products (TPs) as well as the corresponding transformation pathway
      were identified. The TPs resulted from successive deiodinations and
      deacetylations. The final TP 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid (DABA) was stable under
      anaerobic conditions. However, DABA was further transformed under air atmosphere,
      indicating the potential for the mineralization of diatrizoate by combining
      anaerobic and aerobic conditions. With the development of a methodology using
      complementary liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass
      spectrometry and liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass
      spectrometry techniques, all identified TPs were quantified and the mass balance
      could be closed without having authentic standards for four of the TPs available.
      The detection and quantification of diatrizoate TPs in groundwater, in technical
      wetlands with anaerobic zones, and in a pilot wastewater treatment plant
      established for anaerobic treatment highlights the transferability and up-scaling
      of the results attained by laboratory experiments to environmental conditions. 

PMID- 25140789
TI  - Attitudes to aging in midlife are related to health conditions and mood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health is an important aspect of individuals' lives as they age. The
      aim of this study was to examine the relationship of sociodemographic factors,
      diagnosed chronic health conditions, and current depression with attitudes to
      aging in midlife. METHODS: A cross-sectional baseline analysis was conducted on
      the first 300 participants from the Canterbury Health, Ageing and Life Course
      study in New Zealand, a stratified randomized community longitudinal study of
      adults recruited between 49 and 51 years. Attitudes were measured using the
      Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ) and analyzed with a range of prevalent
      diagnosed chronic conditions, current depression, and sociodemographic variables.
      RESULTS: Individuals perceived their physical aging more negatively after a
      diagnosis of hypertension, arthritis or asthma. Diagnosed lifetime depression and
      anxiety, and current depression, showed strong relationships with attitudes to
      aging across domains. After controlling for sociodemographic factors and current
      depression, individuals with diagnosed hypertension, arthritis, asthma, lifetime
      depression or anxiety continued to report significantly more negative attitudes
      to aging. Current depression showed the strongest associations with attitudes to
      aging and mediated relationships of health on attitudes to aging. CONCLUSIONS:
      Physical and mental health are related to attitudes to aging. Most chronic
      conditions examined are significantly associated with attitudes toward aging in
      the physical change domain. Diagnosed lifetime depression and anxiety, and
      current depression, are negatively related across attitudinal domains.
      Individuals can feel positive about aging while experiencing poorer health, but
      this is more difficult in the presence of low mood.

PMID- 25140791
TI  - Fungal siderophore metabolism with a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus.
AB  - Siderophores are chelators synthesized by microbes to sequester iron. This
      article summarizes the knowledge on the fungal siderophore metabolism with a
      focus on Aspergillus fumigatus. In recent years, A. fumigatus became a role model
      for fungal biosynthesis, uptake and degradation of siderophores as well as
      regulation of siderophore-mediated iron handling and the elucidation of
      siderophore functions. Siderophore functions comprise uptake, intracellular
      transport and storage of iron. This proved to be crucial not only for adaptation
      to iron starvation conditions but also for germination, asexual and sexual
      propagation, antioxidative defense, mutual interaction, microbial competition as
      well as virulence in plant and animal hosts. Recent studies also indicate the
      high potential of siderophores and its biosynthetic pathway to improve diagnosis
      and therapy of fungal infections.

PMID- 25140792
TI  - Are pharmaceuticals with evolutionary conserved molecular drug targets more
      potent to cause toxic effects in non-target organisms?
AB  - The ubiquitous use of pharmaceuticals has resulted in a continuous discharge into
      wastewater and pharmaceuticals and their metabolites are found in the
      environment. Due to their design towards specific drug targets, pharmaceuticals
      may be therapeutically active already at low environmental concentrations.
      Several human drug targets are evolutionary conserved in aquatic organisms,
      raising concerns about effects of these pharmaceuticals in non-target organisms.
      In this study, we hypothesized that the toxicity of a pharmaceutical towards a
      non-target invertebrate depends on the presence of the human drug target
      orthologs in this species. This was tested by assessing toxicity of
      pharmaceuticals with (miconazole and promethazine) and without (levonorgestrel)
      identified drug target orthologs in the cladoceran Daphnia magna. The toxicity
      was evaluated using general toxicity endpoints at individual (immobility,
      reproduction and development), biochemical (RNA and DNA content) and molecular
      (gene expression) levels. The results provide evidence for higher toxicity of
      miconazole and promethazine, i.e. the drugs with identified drug target
      orthologs. At the individual level, miconazole had the lowest effect
      concentrations for immobility and reproduction (0.3 and 0.022 mg L-1,
      respectively) followed by promethazine (1.6 and 0.18 mg L-1, respectively). At
      the biochemical level, individual RNA content was affected by miconazole and
      promethazine already at 0.0023 and 0.059 mg L-1, respectively. At the molecular
      level, gene expression for cuticle protein was significantly suppressed by
      exposure to both miconazole and promethazine; moreover, daphnids exposed to
      miconazole had significantly lower vitellogenin expression. Levonorgestrel did
      not have any effects on any endpoints in the concentrations tested. These results
      highlight the importance of considering drug target conservation in environmental
      risk assessments of pharmaceuticals. 

PMID- 25140794
TI  - Souroubea sympetala (Marcgraviaceae): a medicinal plant that exerts anxiolysis
      through interaction with the GABAA benzodiazepine receptor.
AB  - The mode of action of the anxiolytic medicinal plant Souroubea sympetala was
      investigated to test the hypothesis that extracts and the active principle act at
      the pharmacologically important GABAA-benzodiazepine (GABAA-BZD) receptor. Leaf
      extracts prepared by ethyl acetate extraction or supercritical extraction,
      previously determined to have 5.54 mg/g and 6.78 mg/g of the active principle,
      betulinic acid, respectively, reduced behavioural parameters associated with
      anxiety in a rat model. When animals were pretreated with the GABAA-BZD receptor
      antagonist flumazenil, followed by the plant extracts, or a more soluble
      derivative of the active principle, the methyl ester of betulinic acid (MeBA),
      flumazenil eliminated the anxiety-reducing effect of plant extracts and MeBA,
      demonstrating that S. sympetala acts via an agonist action on the GABAA-BZD
      receptor. An in vitro GABAA-BZD competitive receptor binding assay also
      demonstrated that S. sympetala extracts have an affinity for the GABAA-BZD
      receptor, with an EC50 value of 123 MUg/mL (EtOAc leaf extract) and 154 MUg/mL
      (supercritical CO2 extract). These experiments indicate that S. sympetala acts at
      the GABAA-BZD receptor to elicit anxiolysis. 

PMID- 25140793
TI  - Proteomics analysis of amyloid and nonamyloid prion disease phenotypes reveals
      both common and divergent mechanisms of neuropathogenesis.
AB  - Prion diseases are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders affecting
      various mammals including humans. Prion diseases are characterized by a
      misfolding of the host-encoded prion protein (PrP(C)) into a pathological isoform
      termed PrP(Sc). In wild-type mice, PrP(C) is attached to the plasma membrane by a
      glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor and PrP(Sc) typically accumulates in
      diffuse nonamyloid deposits with gray matter spongiosis. By contrast, when mice
      lacking the GPI anchor are infected with the same prion inoculum, PrP(Sc)
      accumulates in dense perivascular amyloid plaques with little or no gray matter
      spongiosis. In order to evaluate whether different host biochemical pathways were
      implicated in these two phenotypically distinct prion disease models, we utilized
      a proteomics approach. In both models, infected mice displayed evidence of a
      neuroinflammatory response and complement activation. Proteins involved in cell
      death and calcium homeostasis were also identified in both phenotypes. However,
      mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis were implicated only in the nonamyloid form,
      whereas metal binding and synaptic vesicle transport were more disrupted in the
      amyloid phenotype. Thus, following infection with a single prion strain, PrP(C)
      anchoring to the plasma membrane correlated not only with the type of PrP(Sc)
      deposition but also with unique biochemical pathways associated with
      pathogenesis. 

PMID- 25140795
TI  - Macular Changes Correlate with the Degree of Acute Anterior Uveitis in Patients
      with Spondyloarthropathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between anterior chamber inflammation and
      the central foveal thickness of the retina in a homogenous uveitic group
      (seronegative spondyloarthropathy (subgroup: ankylosing spondylitis)) of patients
      with the first acute anterior unilateral uveitic attack. METHODS: Central foveal
      thickness (FT) and perifoveal retinal thickness were recorded by optical
      coherence tomography (Optovue RTVue-100), and the difference between the two eyes
      was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed by Mathworks Matlab software.
      Anterior chamber inflammation was measured by laser flare photometry (Kowa FM
      600). RESULTS: A statistically significant (p < .05) increase was found in
      retinal thickness in all OCT subfields in acute anterior uveitic eyes compared to
      healthy fellow eyes. There was a linear correlation between the degree of
      inflammation (laser flare photometry values) and central foveal thickness (r =
      .900, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: We could demonstrate close correlation between
      macular thickness and inflammation in anterior uveitic patients with
      spondyloarthropathy.

PMID- 25140796
TI  - Functional roles of the dimer-interface residues in human ornithine
      decarboxylase.
AB  - Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) catalyzes the decarboxylation of ornithine to
      putrescine and is the rate-limiting enzyme in the polyamine biosynthesis pathway.
      ODC is a dimeric enzyme, and the active sites of this enzyme reside at the dimer
      interface. Once the enzyme dissociates, the enzyme activity is lost. In this
      paper, we investigated the roles of amino acid residues at the dimer interface
      regarding the dimerization, protein stability and/or enzyme activity of ODC. A
      multiple sequence alignment of ODC and its homologous protein antizyme inhibitor
      revealed that 5 of 9 residues (residues 165, 277, 331, 332 and 389) are
      divergent, whereas 4 (134, 169, 294 and 322) are conserved. Analytical
      ultracentrifugation analysis suggested that some dimer-interface amino acid
      residues contribute to formation of the dimer of ODC and that this dimerization
      results from the cooperativity of these interface residues. The quaternary
      structure of the sextuple mutant Y331S/Y389D/R277S/D332E/V322D/D134A was changed
      to a monomer rather than a dimer, and the Kd value of the mutant was 52.8 uM,
      which is over 500-fold greater than that of the wild-type ODC (ODC_WT). In
      addition, most interface mutants showed low but detectable or negligible enzyme
      activity. Therefore, the protein stability of these interface mutants was
      measured by differential scanning calorimetry. These results indicate that these
      dimer-interface residues are important for dimer formation and, as a consequence,
      are critical for enzyme catalysis. 

PMID- 25140798
TI  - A comparative study on in vitro osteogenic priming potential of electron spun
      scaffold PLLA/HA/Col, PLLA/HA, and PLLA/Col for tissue engineering application.
AB  - A comparative study on the in vitro osteogenic potential of electrospun poly-L
      lactide/hydroxyapatite/collagen (PLLA/HA/Col, PLLA/HA, and PLLA/Col) scaffolds
      was conducted. The morphology, chemical composition, and surface roughness of the
      fibrous scaffolds were examined. Furthermore, cell attachment, distribution,
      morphology, mineralization, extracellular matrix protein localization, and gene
      expression of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) differentiated on the
      fibrous scaffolds PLLA/Col/HA, PLLA/Col, and PLLA/HA were also analyzed. The
      electrospun scaffolds with a diameter of 200-950 nm demonstrated well-formed
      interconnected fibrous network structure, which supported the growth of hMSCs.
      When compared with PLLA/H%A and PLLA/Col scaffolds, PLLA/Col/HA scaffolds
      presented a higher density of viable cells and significant upregulation of genes
      associated with osteogenic lineage, which were achieved without the use of
      specific medium or growth factors. These results were supported by the elevated
      levels of calcium, osteocalcin, and mineralization (P<0.05) observed at different
      time points (0, 7, 14, and 21 days). Furthermore, electron microscopic
      observations and fibronectin localization revealed that PLLA/Col/HA scaffolds
      exhibited superior osteoinductivity, when compared with PLLA/Col or PLLA/HA
      scaffolds. These findings indicated that the fibrous structure and synergistic
      action of Col and nano-HA with high-molecular-weight PLLA played a vital role in
      inducing osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. The data obtained in this study
      demonstrated that the developed fibrous PLLA/Col/HA biocomposite scaffold may be
      supportive for stem cell based therapies for bone repair, when compared with the
      other two scaffolds. 

PMID- 25140799
TI  - miR-203 suppresses the proliferation and migration and promotes the apoptosis of
      lung cancer cells by targeting SRC.
AB  - SRC, also known as proto-oncogene c-Src, is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that
      plays an important role in cancer progression by promoting survival,
      angiogenesis, proliferation, and invasion pathways. In this study, we found that
      SRC protein levels were consistently upregulated in lung cancer tissues, but that
      SRC mRNA levels varied randomly, suggesting that a post-transcriptional mechanism
      was involved in SRC regulation. Because microRNAs (miRNAs) are powerful post
      transcriptional regulators of gene expression, we used bioinformatic analyses to
      search for miRNAs that potentially target SRC. We identified specific targeting
      sites for miR-203 in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of SRC. We then
      experimentally validated miR-203 as a direct regulator of SRC using cell
      transfection and luciferase assays and showed that miR-203 inhibited SRC
      expression and consequently triggered suppression of the SRC/Ras/ERK pathway.
      Finally, we demonstrated that the repression of SRC by miR-203 suppressed the
      proliferation and migration and promoted the apoptosis of lung cancer cells. In
      summary, this study provides the first clues regarding the role of miR-203 as a
      tumor suppressor in lung cancer cells through the inhibition of SRC translation. 

PMID- 25140800
TI  - Photodynamic therapy using systemic administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid and a
      410-nm wavelength light-emitting diode for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus-infected ulcers in mice.
AB  - Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become a worldwide problem. One potential
      alternative for bacterial control is photodynamic therapy. 5-aminolevulinic acid
      is a natural precursor of the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX. Relatively
      little is known about the antibacterial efficacy of photodynamic therapy using
      the systemic administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid; a few reports have shown
      that 5-aminolevulinic acid exerts photodynamic effects on methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro. In this study, we evaluated the
      effectiveness of photodynamic therapy using 5-aminolevulinic acid and a 410-nm
      wavelength light-emitting diode in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of MRSA.
      We found that 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy with the light-emitting
      diode had an in-vitro bactericidal effect on MRSA. In vivo, protoporphyrin IX
      successfully accumulated in MRSA on ulcer surfaces after intraperitoneal
      administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid to mice. Furthermore, 5-aminolevulinic
      acid photodynamic therapy accelerated wound healing and decreased bacterial
      counts on ulcer surfaces; in contrast, vancomycin treatment did not accelerate
      wound healing. Our findings indicate that 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic
      therapy may be a new treatment option for MRSA-infected wounds. 

PMID- 25140801
TI  - Retention of habitat complexity minimizes disassembly of reef fish communities
      following disturbance: a large-scale natural experiment.
AB  - High biodiversity ecosystems are commonly associated with complex habitats. Coral
      reefs are highly diverse ecosystems, but are under increasing pressure from
      numerous stressors, many of which reduce live coral cover and habitat complexity
      with concomitant effects on other organisms such as reef fishes. While previous
      studies have highlighted the importance of habitat complexity in structuring reef
      fish communities, they employed gradient or meta-analyses which lacked a
      controlled experimental design over broad spatial scales to explicitly separate
      the influence of live coral cover from overall habitat complexity. Here a natural
      experiment using a long term (20 year), spatially extensive (~ 115,000 kms(2))
      dataset from the Great Barrier Reef revealed the fundamental importance of
      overall habitat complexity for reef fishes. Reductions of both live coral cover
      and habitat complexity had substantial impacts on fish communities compared to
      relatively minor impacts after major reductions in coral cover but not habitat
      complexity. Where habitat complexity was substantially reduced, species
      abundances broadly declined and a far greater number of fish species were locally
      extirpated, including economically important fishes. This resulted in decreased
      species richness and a loss of diversity within functional groups. Our results
      suggest that the retention of habitat complexity following disturbances can
      ameliorate the impacts of coral declines on reef fishes, so preserving their
      capacity to perform important functional roles essential to reef resilience.
      These results add to a growing body of evidence about the importance of habitat
      complexity for reef fishes, and represent the first large-scale examination of
      this question on the Great Barrier Reef.

PMID- 25140802
TI  - Reducing Igf-1r levels leads to paradoxical and sexually dimorphic effects in HD
      mice.
AB  - Many of the neurodegenerative diseases that afflict people in later life are
      associated with the formation of protein aggregates. These so-called
      "proteinopathies" include Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Huntington's disease (HD).
      The insulin/insulin-like growth factor signalling (IIS) pathway has been proposed
      to modulate such diseases in model organisms, as well as the general ageing
      process. In this pathway, insulin-like growth factor binds to insulin-like growth
      factor receptors, such as the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R).
      Heterozygous deletion of Igf-1r has been shown to lead to increased lifespan in
      mice. Reducing the activity of this pathway had benefits in a HD C. elegans
      model, and some of these may be attributed to the expected inhibition of mTOR
      activity resulting in an increase in autophagy, which would enhance mutant
      huntingtin clearance. Thus, we tested if heterozygous deletion of Igf-1r would
      lead to benefits in HD related phenotypes in the mouse. Surprisingly, reducing
      Igf-1r levels led to some beneficial effects in HD females, but also led to some
      detrimental effects in HD males. Interestingly, Igf-1r deficiency had no
      discernible effects on downstream mTOR signalling in HD mice. These results do
      not support a broad beneficial effect of diminishing the IIS pathway in HD
      pathology in a mammalian system. 

PMID- 25140805
TI  - High-throughput screening system to identify small molecules that induce
      internalization and degradation of HER2.
AB  - Overexpression of growth factor receptors in cancers, e.g., human epidermal
      growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in ovarian and breast cancers, is associated with
      aggressiveness. A possible strategy to treat cancers that overexpress those
      receptors is blockade of receptor signaling by inducing receptor internalization
      and degradation. In this study, we developed a cell-based high-throughput
      screening (HTS) system to identify small molecules that induce HER2
      internalization by employing our recently developed acidic-pH-activatable probe
      in combination with protein labeling technology. Our HTS system enabled facile
      and reliable quantification of HER2 internalization with a Z' factor of 0.66 and
      a signal-to-noise ratio of 44.6. As proof of concept, we used the system to
      screen a ~155,000 small-molecule library and identified three hits that induced
      HER2 internalization and degradation via at least two distinct mechanisms. This
      HTS platform should be adaptable to other disease-related receptors in addition
      to HER2. 

PMID- 25140804
TI  - In vivo efficacy of a synthetic coumarin derivative in a murine model of
      aspergillosis.
AB  - Despite advances in therapeutic modalities, aspergillosis remains a leading cause
      of mortality. This has necessitated the identification of effective and safe
      antifungal molecules. In the present study, in vivo safety and antifungal
      efficacy of a coumarin derivative, N, N, N-Triethyl-11-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H
      benzopyran-7-yloxy)-11-oxoundecan-1-aminium bromide (SCD-1), was investigated.
      The maximum tolerable dose of compound was determined according to OECD 423
      guidelines. The compound could be assigned to category IV of the Globally
      Harmonized System and its LD50 cut-off was found to be 2000 mg/kg body weight.
      The survival increased in Aspergillus fumigatus-infected mice treated with a dose
      of 200 mg/kg, orally or 100 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally, of SCD-1 in
      comparison to infected-untreated animals. The SCD-1 treatment resulted in
      significant reduction in colony counts in vital organs of the animals. Its
      protective effect was also observed on day 14 as there was marked reduction in
      fungal colonies. The treatment with SCD-1 also reduced the levels of serum
      biochemical parameters with respect to infected-untreated animals. It could be
      concluded that SCD-1 is a quite safe antifungal compound, which conferred dose
      dependent protection against experimental aspergillosis. Therefore, SCD-1 holds
      potential for developing new formulations for aspergillosis. 

PMID- 25140803
TI  - Cellular membrane accommodation to thermal oscillations in the coral Seriatopora
      caliendrum.
AB  - In the present study, the membrane lipid composition of corals from a region with
      tidally induced upwelling was investigated. The coral community is subject to
      strong temperature oscillations yet flourishes as a result of adaptation.
      Glycerophosphocholine profiling of the dominant pocilloporid coral, Seriatopora
      caliendrum, was performed using a validated method. The coral inhabiting the
      upwelling region shows a definite shift in the ratio of lipid molecular species,
      covering several subclasses. Mainly, the coral possesses a higher percentage of
      saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated plasmanylcholines and a lower
      percentage of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholines. Higher levels of lyso
      plasmanylcholines containing saturated or monounsaturated fatty acid chains were
      also revealed in coral tissue at the distal portion of the branch. Based on the
      physicochemical properties of these lipids, we proposed mechanisms for handling
      cellular membrane perturbations, such as tension, induced by thermal oscillation
      to determine how coral cells are able to spontaneously maintain their
      physiological functions, in both molecular and physical terms. Interestingly, the
      biochemical and biophysical properties of these lipids also have beneficial
      effects on the resistance, maintenance, and growth of the corals. The results of
      this study suggest that lipid metabolic adjustment is a major factor in the
      adaption of S. caliendrum in upwelling regions. 

PMID- 25140806
TI  - The perioperative management of patients undergoing combined heart-liver
      transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combined heart-liver transplantation (CHLT) is an uncommonly
      performed procedure for patients with coexisting cardiac and liver disease.
      METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing CHLT at our
      institution from 1999 to 2013. Information related to preoperative organ
      function, intraoperative management, surgical approach, transfusions,
      postoperative findings, and 30-day mortality was reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven
      CHLT were performed, with 4 of the 27 including simultaneous kidney
      transplantation. Familial amyloidosis was the indication for 21 CHLTs (78%), and
      12 of these explanted livers were used for domino transplantations. Nineteen
      patients (70%) were receiving inotropic infusions at the time of organ
      availability. Median preoperative model for end-stage liver disease score was 12.
      Liver transplantation immediately preceded cardiac transplantation in 2 of the 27
      cases because of the presence of high titer donor-specific antibodies and the
      potential of the liver to lead to a reduction in the antibody titer. Venovenous
      bypass was used in 14 operations (52%) which were performed with the caval
      interposition approach to liver transplantation, cardiopulmonary bypass during
      liver transplantation in two cases (7%), and no bypass in 11 operations (41%)
      performed with caval sparing (piggyback) surgical technique. Postoperatively,
      median duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital
      stay until discharge were 1 day, 5.5 days, and 15 days, respectively.
      Transfusions in the first 48 hr after CHLT were not substantial in most patients.
      One patient died within 30 days of CHLT. CONCLUSION: Combined heart-liver
      transplantation is a life-saving operation that is performed with relatively low
      mortality and can be successfully performed in select patients with congenital or
      acquired cardiac disease.

PMID- 25140807
TI  - Diet and human mobility from the lapita to the early historic period on Uripiv
      island, Northeast Malakula, Vanuatu.
AB  - Vanuatu was first settled ca. 3000 years ago by populations associated with the
      Lapita culture. Models of diet, subsistence practices, and human interaction for
      the Lapita and subsequent occupation periods have been developed mainly using the
      available archaeological and paleoenvironmental data. We test these models using
      stable (carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur) and radiogenic (strontium) isotopes to
      assess the diet and childhood residency of past communities that lived on the
      small (<1 km2) island of Uripiv, located off the northeast coast of Malakula,
      Vanuatu. The burials are from the initial Lapita occupation of the island (ca.
      2800-2600 BP), the subsequent later Lapita (LL, ca. 2600-2500 BP) and post-Lapita
      (PL, ca. 2500-2000 BP) occupations, in addition to a late prehistoric/historic
      (LPH, ca. 300-150 BP) occupation period. The human stable isotope results
      indicate a progressively more terrestrial diet over time, which supports the
      archaeological model of an intensification of horticultural and arboricultural
      systems as local resources were depleted, populations grew, and cultural
      situations changed. Pig diets were similar and included marine foods during the
      Lapita and PL periods but were highly terrestrial during the LPH period. This
      dietary pattern indicates that there was little variation in animal husbandry
      methods during the first 800 years of prehistory; however, there was a subsequent
      change as animal diets became more controlled in the LPH period. After comparison
      with the local bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr baseline, all of the Lapita and LPH
      individuals appeared to be 'local', but three of the PL individuals were
      identified as "non-local." We suggest that these "non-locals" moved to the island
      after infancy or childhood from one of the larger islands, supporting the model
      of a high level of regional interaction during the post-Lapita period. 

PMID- 25140809
TI  - Urbanisation at multiple scales is associated with larger size and higher
      fecundity of an orb-weaving spider.
AB  - Urbanisation modifies landscapes at multiple scales, impacting the local climate
      and changing the extent and quality of natural habitats. These habitat
      modifications significantly alter species distributions and can result in
      increased abundance of select species which are able to exploit novel ecosystems.
      We examined the effect of urbanisation at local and landscape scales on the body
      size, lipid reserves and ovary weight of Nephila plumipes, an orb weaving spider
      commonly found in both urban and natural landscapes. Habitat variables at
      landscape, local and microhabitat scales were integrated to create a series of
      indexes that quantified the degree of urbanisation at each site. Spider size was
      negatively associated with vegetation cover at a landscape scale, and positively
      associated with hard surfaces and anthropogenic disturbance on a local and
      microhabitat scale. Ovary weight increased in higher socioeconomic areas and was
      positively associated with hard surfaces and leaf litter at a local scale. The
      larger size and increased reproductive capacity of N.plumipes in urban areas show
      that some species benefit from the habitat changes associated with urbanisation.
      Our results also highlight the importance of incorporating environmental
      variables from multiple scales when quantifying species responses to landscape
      modification. 

PMID- 25140810
TI  - Synthesis of the erythrina alkaloid erysotramidine.
AB  - A concise synthesis of erysotramidine (an alkaloid belonging to the erythrina
      family) was achieved starting with an inexpensive phenol and amine derivative.
      The synthesis is based on oxidative phenol dearomatizations mediated by a
      hypervalent iodine reagent and includes a novel route to a key indolinone moiety.

PMID- 25140811
TI  - Vascular O-GlcNAcylation augments reactivity to constrictor stimuli by prolonging
      phosphorylated levels of the myosin light chain.
AB  - O-GlcNAcylation is a modification that alters the function of numerous proteins.
      We hypothesized that augmented O-GlcNAcylation levels enhance myosin light chain
      kinase (MLCK) and reduce myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) activity, leading
      to increased vascular contractile responsiveness. The vascular responses were
      measured by isometric force displacement. Thoracic aorta and vascular smooth
      muscle cells (VSMCs) from rats were incubated with vehicle or with PugNAc, which
      increases O-GlcNAcylation. In addition, we determined whether proteins that play
      an important role in the regulation of MLCK and MLCP activity are directly
      affected by O-GlcNAcylation. PugNAc enhanced phenylephrine (PE) responses in rat
      aortas (maximal effect, 14.2 +/- 2 vs 7.9 +/- 1 mN for vehicle, n=7). Treatment
      with an MLCP inhibitor (calyculin A) augmented vascular responses to PE (13.4 +/-
      2 mN) and abolished the differences in PE-response between the groups. The effect
      of PugNAc was not observed when vessels were preincubated with ML-9, an MLCK
      inhibitor (7.3 +/- 2 vs 7.5 +/- 2 mN for vehicle, n=5). Furthermore, our data
      showed that differences in the PE-induced contractile response between the groups
      were abolished by the activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AICAR; 6.1 +/- 2
      vs 7.4 +/- 2 mN for vehicle, n=5). PugNAc increased phosphorylation of myosin
      phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT-1) and protein kinase C-potentiated inhibitor
      protein of 17 kDa (CPI-17), which are involved in RhoA/Rho-kinase-mediated
      inhibition of myosin phosphatase activity. PugNAc incubation produced a time
      dependent increase in vascular phosphorylation of myosin light chain and
      decreased phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase, which decreased
      the affinity of MLCK for Ca(2+)/calmodulin. Our data suggest that proteins that
      play an important role in the regulation of MLCK and MLCP activity are directly
      affected by O-GlcNAcylation, favoring vascular contraction.

PMID- 25140813
TI  - Effects of bromopride on expression of metalloproteinases and interleukins in
      left colonic anastomoses: an experimental study.
AB  - Anastomotic dehiscence is the most severe complication of colorectal surgery.
      Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and interleukins (ILs) can be used to analyze the
      healing process of anastomosis. To evaluate the effects of bromopride on MMP and
      cytokine gene expression in left colonic anastomoses in rats with or without
      induced abdominal sepsis, 80 rats were divided into two groups for euthanasia on
      the third or seventh postoperative day (POD). They were then divided into
      subgroups of 20 rats for sepsis induction or not, and then into subgroups of 10
      rats for administration of bromopride or saline. Left colonic anastomosis was
      performed and abdominal sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. A
      colonic segment containing the anastomosis was removed for analysis of gene
      expression of MMP-1alpha, MMP-8, MMP-13, IL-beta, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). On the third POD,
      bromopride was associated with increased MMP-1alpha, MMP-13, IL-6, IFN-gamma, and
      IL-10 gene expression. On the seventh POD, all MMP transcripts became negatively
      modulated and all IL transcripts became positively modulated. In the presence of
      sepsis, bromopride administration increased MMP-8 and IFN-gamma gene expression
      and decreased MMP-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 gene expression on the third POD.
      On the seventh POD, we observed increased expression of MMP-13 and all cytokines,
      except for TNF-alpha. In conclusion, bromopride interferes with MMP and IL gene
      expression during anastomotic healing. Further studies are needed to correlate
      these changes with the healing process. 

PMID- 25140812
TI  - Pharmacological characterization of the relaxant effect induced by adrenomedullin
      in rat cavernosal smooth muscle.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the mechanisms underlying the
      relaxant effect of adrenomedullin (AM) in rat cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM) and
      the expression of AM system components in this tissue. Functional assays using
      standard muscle bath procedures were performed in CSM isolated from male Wistar
      rats. Protein and mRNA levels of pre-pro-AM, calcitonin receptor-like receptor
      (CRLR), and Subtypes 1, 2 and 3 of the receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP)
      family were assessed by Western immunoblotting and quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Nitrate and 6-keto-prostaglandin
      F(1alpha) (6-keto-PGF(1alpha); a stable product of prostacyclin) levels were
      determined using commercially available kits. Protein and mRNA of AM, CRLR, and
      RAMP 1, -2, and -3 were detected in rat CSM. Immunohistochemical assays
      demonstrated that AM and CRLR were expressed in rat CSM. AM relaxed CSM strips in
      a concentration-dependent manner. AM(22-52), a selective antagonist for AM
      receptors, reduced the relaxation induced by AM. Conversely, CGRP(8-37), a
      selective antagonist for calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors, did not
      affect AM-induced relaxation. Preincubation of CSM strips with N(G)-nitro-L
      arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), 1H
      (1,2,4)oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, quanylyl cyclase inhibitor), Rp-8
      Br-PET-cGMPS (cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor), SC560 [5-(4-chlorophenyl)
      1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-trifluoromethyl pyrazole, selective cyclooxygenase-1
      inhibitor], and 4-aminopyridine (voltage-dependent K(+) channel blocker) reduced
      AM-induced relaxation. On the other hand, 7-nitroindazole (selective neuronal
      nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), wortmannin (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase
      inhibitor), H89 (protein kinase A inhibitor), SQ22536 [9-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)
      9H-purin-6-amine, adenylate cyclase inhibitor], glibenclamide (selective blocker
      of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels), and apamin (Ca(2+)-activated channel blocker)
      did not affect AM-induced relaxation. AM increased nitrate levels and 6-keto
      PGF1alpha in rat CSM. The major new contribution of this research is that it
      demonstrated expression of AM and its receptor in rat CSM. Moreover, we provided
      evidence that AM-induced relaxation in this tissue is mediated by AM receptors by
      a mechanism that involves the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway, a vasodilator
      prostanoid, and the opening of voltage-dependent K(+) channels.

PMID- 25140814
TI  - Association of NOS3 gene variants and clinical contributors of hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathy.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the association of different clinical
      contributors of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy with NOS3 gene polymorphisms. A
      total of 110 children with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and 128 control
      children were selected for this study. Association of gender, gestational age,
      birth weight, Apgar score, cranial ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance
      imaging findings with genotypic data of six haplotype-tagging single nucleotide
      polymorphisms and the most commonly investigated rs1800779 and rs2070744
      polymorphisms was analyzed. The TGT haplotype of rs1800783, rs1800779, and
      rs2070744 polymorphisms was associated with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
      Children with the TGT haplotype were infants below 32 weeks of gestation and they
      had the most severe brain damage. Increased incidence of the TT genotype of the
      NOS3 rs1808593 SNP was found in the group of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
      patients with medium and severe brain damage. The probability of brain damage was
      twice as high in children with the TT genotype than in children with the TG
      genotype of the same polymorphism. Furthermore, the T allele of the same
      polymorphism was twice as frequent in children with lower Apgar scores. This
      study strongly suggests associations of NOS3 gene polymorphism with intensity of
      brain damage and severity of the clinical picture in affected children. 

PMID- 25140815
TI  - Effects of immobilization and remobilization on the ankle joint in Wistar rats.
AB  - A sprained ankle is a common musculoskeletal sports injury and it is often
      treated by immobilization of the joint. Despite the beneficial effects of this
      therapeutic measure, the high prevalence of residual symptoms affects the quality
      of life, and remobilization of the joint can reverse this situation. The aim of
      this study was to analyze the effects of immobilization and remobilization on the
      ankle joint of Wistar rats. Eighteen male rats had their right hindlimb
      immobilized for 15 days, and were divided into the following groups: G1,
      immobilized; G2, remobilized freely for 14 days; and G3, remobilized by swimming
      and jumping in water for 14 days, performed on alternate days, with progression
      of time and a series of exercises. The contralateral limb was the control. After
      the experimental period, the ankle joints were processed for microscopic
      analysis. Histomorphometry did not show any significant differences between the
      control and immobilized/remobilized groups and members, in terms of number of
      chondrocytes and thickness of the articular cartilage of the tibia and talus.
      Morphological analysis of animals from G1 showed significant degenerative lesions
      in the talus, such as exposure of the subchondral bone, flocculation, and cracks
      between the anterior and mid-regions of the articular cartilage and the synovial
      membrane. Remobilization by therapeutic exercise in water led to recovery in the
      articular cartilage and synovial membrane of the ankle joint when compared with
      free remobilization, and it was shown to be an effective therapeutic measure in
      the recovery of the ankle joint. 

PMID- 25140816
TI  - A forced running wheel system with a microcontroller that provides high-intensity
      exercise training in an animal ischemic stroke model.
AB  - We developed a forced non-electric-shock running wheel (FNESRW) system that
      provides rats with high-intensity exercise training using automatic exercise
      training patterns that are controlled by a microcontroller. The proposed system
      successfully makes a breakthrough in the traditional motorized running wheel to
      allow rats to perform high-intensity training and to enable comparisons with the
      treadmill at the same exercise intensity without any electric shock. A polyvinyl
      chloride runway with a rough rubber surface was coated on the periphery of the
      wheel so as to permit automatic acceleration training, and which allowed the rats
      to run consistently at high speeds (30 m/min for 1 h). An animal ischemic stroke
      model was used to validate the proposed system. FNESRW, treadmill, control, and
      sham groups were studied. The FNESRW and treadmill groups underwent 3 weeks of
      endurance running training. After 3 weeks, the experiments of middle cerebral
      artery occlusion, the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), an inclined
      plane test, and triphenyltetrazolium chloride were performed to evaluate the
      effectiveness of the proposed platform. The proposed platform showed that
      enhancement of motor function, mNSS, and infarct volumes was significantly
      stronger in the FNESRW group than the control group (P<0.05) and similar to the
      treadmill group. The experimental data demonstrated that the proposed platform
      can be applied to test the benefit of exercise-preconditioning-induced
      neuroprotection using the animal stroke model. Additional advantages of the
      FNESRW system include stand-alone capability, independence of subjective human
      adjustment, and ease of use. 

PMID- 25140817
TI  - Dynamic expression of desmin, alpha-SMA and TGF-beta1 during hepatic fibrogenesis
      induced by selective bile duct ligation in young rats.
AB  - We previously described a selective bile duct ligation model to elucidate the
      process of hepatic fibrogenesis in children with biliary atresia or intrahepatic
      biliary stenosis. Using this model, we identified changes in the expression of
      alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) both in the obstructed parenchyma and in
      the hepatic parenchyma adjacent to the obstruction. However, the expression
      profiles of desmin and TGF-beta1, molecules known to be involved in hepatic
      fibrogenesis, were unchanged when analyzed by semiquantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR). Thus, the molecular mechanisms involved in the modulation of
      liver fibrosis in this experimental model are not fully understood. This study
      aimed to evaluate the molecular changes in an experimental model of selective
      bile duct ligation and to compare the gene expression changes observed in RT-PCR
      and in real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Twenty-eight Wistar rats of both
      sexes and weaning age (21-23 days old) were used. The rats were separated into
      groups that were assessed 7 or 60 days after selective biliary duct ligation. The
      expression of desmin, alpha-SMA and TGF-beta1 was examined in tissue from hepatic
      parenchyma with biliary obstruction (BO) and in hepatic parenchyma without
      biliary obstruction (WBO), using RT-PCR and qRT-PCR. The results obtained in this
      study using these two methods were significantly different. The BO parenchyma had
      a more severe fibrogenic reaction, with increased alpha-SMA and TGF-beta1
      expression after 7 days. The WBO parenchyma presented a later, fibrotic response,
      with increased desmin expression 7 days after surgery and increased alpha-SMA 60
      days after surgery. The qRT-PCR technique was more sensitive to expression
      changes than the semiquantitative method. 

PMID- 25140820
TI  - Phosphine complexes of aluminium(III) halides - preparation and structural and
      spectroscopic systematics.
AB  - Six-coordinate pseudo-octahedral complexes trans-[AlX2(L-L)2][AlX4] (X = Cl, Br
      or I; L-L = o-C6H4(PMe2)2, Me2P(CH2)2PMe2) are produced from reaction of AlX3
      with the diphosphine in CH2Cl2 (X = Cl) or toluene (X = Br or I) solution. Four
      coordinate dimers [Cl3Al(MU-L'-L')AlCl3] (L'-L' = Me2P(CH2)2PMe2,
      Cy2P(CH2)2PCy2), and the tetrahedral cation [AlCl2{o-C6H4(PPh2)2}][AlCl4] were
      also obtained. Both four- and five-coordinate complexes [AlX3(PMe3)] and
      [AlX3(PMe3)2] could be isolated with PMe3 depending upon the ratio of reagents
      used. These extremely moisture sensitive complexes have been characterised by
      microanalysis, IR and multinuclear NMR ((1)H, (31)P{(1)H} and (27)Al)
      spectroscopy. X-ray crystal structures are reported for [AlCl2{o
      C6H4(PMe2)2}2][AlCl4], [AlCl2{Me2P(CH2)2PMe2}2][AlCl4], [Cl3Al{MU
      Me2P(CH2)2PMe2}AlCl3], [Cl3Al{MU-Cy2P(CH2)2PCy2}AlCl3], [AlCl3(PMe3)],
      [AlCl3(PMe3)2], and for the six-coordinate cation complex [AlCl2{o
      C6H4(PPh2)2}2][AlCl4], although a bulk sample of the last could not be isolated.
      Tertiary arsines (AsPh3 or AsEt3) form only 1 : 1 complexes even with excess
      arsine present. The unstable [AlCl2{o-C6H4(AsMe2)2}][AlCl4] is also described,
      and shown to decompose rapidly in CH2Cl2 solution to form the diquaternised
      diarsine cation [o-C6H4(AsMe2)2(CH2)][AlCl4]2, which was fully characterised.
      Comparisons are drawn with the corresponding gallium(iii) systems (Cheng et al.,
      Inorg. Chem., 2007, 46, 7215-7223) and with AlX3 complexes of Group 16 ligands
      (George et al., Dalton Trans., 2014, 43, 3637-3648), and it is concluded that the
      differences between the Al and Ga systems reflect the higher Lewis acidity of
      aluminium(iii) towards soft donor ligands. 

PMID- 25140819
TI  - A continuous-flow C. elegans sorting system with integrated optical fiber
      detection and laminar flow switching.
AB  - We present a high-throughput continuous-flow C. elegans sorting device that works
      based on integrated optical fiber detection and laminar flow switching. Two types
      of genetically engineered nematodes are allowed to flow into the device and their
      genotypes are detected based on their fluorescence, without the need for
      immobilization, by integrated optical fibers. A novel dynamic fluidic switch
      sorts the nematodes to desired outlets. By changing input pressures of the
      control inlets, the laminar flow path is altered to steer the nematodes to
      appropriate outlets. Compared to previously reported microfluidic C. elegans
      sorting devices, sorting in this system is conducted in a continuous flow
      environment without any immobilization technique or need for multilayer
      mechanical valves to open and close the outlets. The continuous flow sorter not
      only increases the throughput but also avoids any kind of invasive or possibly
      damaging mechanical or chemical stimulus. We have characterized both the
      detection and the switching accuracy of the sorting device at different flow
      rates, and efficiencies approaching 100% can be achieved with a high throughput
      of about one nematode per second. To confirm that there was no significant damage
      to C. elegans following sorting, we recovered the sorted worms, finding no deaths
      and no differences in behavior and propagation compared to control. 

PMID- 25140818
TI  - Synthesis of isocoumarins with different substituted patterns via Passerini-aldol
      sequence.
AB  - An efficient combination between the Passerini three-component reaction and aldol
      condensation has been developed for the synthesis of bicyclic isocoumarins with
      different substituted patterns via solvent-dependent domino pathways. These two
      operationally friendly methods simultaneously install C-O and C-C bonds in a one
      pot manner, allowing the utilization of low-cost and readily accessible 2
      formylbenzoic acid, isocyanides, and arylglyoxals. Mechanisms of formation of
      different substituted isocoumarin derivatives are also proposed. 

PMID- 25140821
TI  - Function and evolution of two forms of SecDF homologs in Streptomyces coelicolor.
AB  - The general secretion (Sec) pathway plays a prominent role in bacterial protein
      export, and the accessory component SecDF has been shown to improve
      transportation efficiency. Inspection of Streptomyces coelicolor genome reveals
      the unexpected presence of two different forms of secDF homologous genes: one in
      fused form (secDF) and the other in separated form (secD and secF). However, the
      functional role of two SecDF homologs in S. coelicolor has not yet been
      determined. Transcriptional analysis of secDF homologs reveals that these genes
      are constitutively expressed. However, the transcript levels of secD and secF are
      much higher than that of secDF in S. coelicolor. Deletion of secDF or/and
      secD/secF in S. coelicolor did result in reduced secretion efficiency of Xylanase
      A and Amylase C, suggesting that they may have redundant functions for Sec
      dependent translocation pathway. Moreover, our results also indicate that
      SecD/SecF plays a more prominent role than SecDF in protein translocation.
      Evolutionary analysis suggests that the fused and separated SecDF homologs in
      Streptomyces may have disparate evolutionary ancestries. SecD/SecF may be
      originated from vertical transmission of existing components from ancestor of
      Streptomyces species. However, SecDF may be derived from bacterial ancestors
      through horizontal gene transfer. Alternately, it is also plausible that SecDF
      may have arisen through additional gene duplication and fusion events. The
      acquisition of a second copy may confer a selective benefit to Streptomyces by
      enhancing protein transport capacity. Taken together, our results provide new
      insights into the potential biological function and evolutionary aspects of the
      prokaryotic SecDF complex. 

PMID- 25140822
TI  - Nonlinear pedagogy: an effective approach to cater for individual differences in
      learning a sports skill.
AB  - Learning a sports skill is a complex process in which practitioners are
      challenged to cater for individual differences. The main purpose of this study
      was to explore the effectiveness of a Nonlinear Pedagogy approach for learning a
      sports skill. Twenty-four 10-year-old females participated in a 4-week
      intervention involving either a Nonlinear Pedagogy (i.e.,manipulation of task
      constraints including equipment and rules) or a Linear Pedagogy (i.e.,
      prescriptive, repetitive drills) approach to learn a tennis forehand stroke.
      Performance accuracy scores, movement criterion scores and kinematic data were
      measured during pre-intervention, post-intervention and retention tests. While
      both groups showed improvements in performance accuracy scores over time, the
      Nonlinear Pedagogy group displayed a greater number of movement clusters at post
      test indicating the presence of degeneracy (i.e., many ways to achieve the same
      outcome). The results suggest that degeneracy is effective for learning a sports
      skill facilitated by a Nonlinear Pedagogy approach. These findings challenge the
      common misconception that there must be only one ideal movement solution for a
      task and thus have implications for coaches and educators when designing
      instructions for skill acquisition. 

PMID- 25140824
TI  - Seeking small molecules for singlet fission: a heteroatom substitution strategy.
AB  - We design theoretically small molecule candidates for singlet fission
      chromophores, aiming to achieve a balance between sufficient diradical character
      and kinetic persistence. We develop a perturbation strategy based on the
      captodative effect to introduce diradical character into small pi-systems.
      Specifically, this can be accomplished by replacing pairs of not necessarily
      adjacent C atoms with isoelectronic and isosteric pairs of B and N atoms. Three
      rules of thumb emerge from our studies to aid further design: (i) Lewis
      structures provide insight into likely diradical character; (ii) formal radical
      centers of the diradical must be well-separated; (iii) stabilization of radical
      centers by a donor (N) and an acceptor (B) is essential. Following the rules, we
      propose candidate molecules. Employing reliable multireference calculations for
      excited states, we identify three likely candidate molecules for SF chromophores.
      These include a benzene, a napthalene, and an azulene, where four C atoms are
      replaced by a pair of B and a pair of N atoms. 

PMID- 25140823
TI  - HLA-B27 and human beta2-microglobulin affect the gut microbiota of transgenic
      rats.
AB  - The HLA-B27 gene is a major risk factor for clinical diseases including
      ankylosing spondylitis, acute anterior uveitis, reactive arthritis, and psoriatic
      arthritis, but its mechanism of risk enhancement is not completely understood.
      The gut microbiome has recently been shown to influence several HLA-linked
      diseases. However, the role of HLA-B27 in shaping the gut microbiome has not been
      previously investigated. In this study, we characterize the differences in the
      gut microbiota mediated by the presence of the HLA-B27 gene. We identified
      differences in the cecal microbiota of Lewis rats transgenic for HLA-B27 and
      human beta2-microglobulin (hbeta2m), compared with wild-type Lewis rats, using
      biome representational in situ karyotyping (BRISK) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
      16S sequencing revealed significant differences between transgenic animals and
      wild type animals by principal coordinates analysis. Further analysis of the data
      set revealed an increase in Prevotella spp. and a decrease in Rikenellaceae
      relative abundance in the transgenic animals compared to the wild type animals.
      By BRISK analysis, species-specific differences included an increase in
      Bacteroides vulgatus abundance in HLA-B27/hbeta2m and hbeta2m compared to wild
      type rats. The finding that HLA-B27 is associated with altered cecal microbiota
      has not been shown before and can potentially provide a better understanding of
      the clinical diseases associated with this gene. 

PMID- 25140827
TI  - The influence of a Te-depleted surface on the thermoelectric transport properties
      of Bi2Te3 nanowires.
AB  - We report on thermoelectric transport measurements along the basal plane of
      several individual, single-crystalline Bi2Te3 nanowires (NWs) with different
      cross-sectional areas, grown by a vapor-liquid-solid method. Lithographically
      defined microdevices allowed us to determine the Seebeck coefficient S,
      electrical conductivity sigma, and thermal conductivity kappa of individual NWs.
      The NWs studied show near intrinsic transport properties with low electrical
      conductivities of around sigma = (3.2 +/- 0.9) * 104 Omega-1 m-1 at room
      temperature. We observe a transition of the Seebeck coefficient from positive to
      negative values (S = +133 MUVK-1 to S = -87 MUVK-1) with increasing surface-to
      volume ratio at room temperature, which can be explained by the presence of an
      approximately 5 nm thick Te-depleted layer at the surface of the NWs. The thermal
      conductivities of our NWs are in the range of kappa = (1.4 +/- 0.4) Wm-1 K-1 at
      room temperature, which is lower than literature values for bulk Bi2Te3. We
      attribute this suppression in thermal conductivity to enhanced scattering of
      phonons at the surface of the NWs. Despite their reduced thermal conductivities,
      the NWs investigated only show a moderate figure of merit between 0.02 and 0.18
      due to their near intrinsic transport properties.

PMID- 25140825
TI  - Targeted capture and heterologous expression of the Pseudoalteromonas
      alterochromide gene cluster in Escherichia coli represents a promising natural
      product exploratory platform.
AB  - Marine pseudoalteromonads represent a very promising source of biologically
      important natural product molecules. To access and exploit the full chemical
      capacity of these cosmopolitan Gram-(-) bacteria, we sought to apply universal
      synthetic biology tools to capture, refactor, and express biosynthetic gene
      clusters for the production of complex organic compounds in reliable host
      organisms. Here, we report a platform for the capture of proteobacterial gene
      clusters using a transformation-associated recombination (TAR) strategy coupled
      with direct pathway manipulation and expression in Escherichia coli. The ~34 kb
      pathway for production of alterochromide lipopeptides by Pseudoalteromonas
      piscicida JCM 20779 was captured and heterologously expressed in E. coli
      utilizing native and E. coli-based T7 promoter sequences. Our approach enabled
      both facile production of the alterochromides and in vivo interrogation of gene
      function associated with alterochromide's unusual brominated lipid side chain.
      This platform represents a simple but effective strategy for the discovery and
      biosynthetic characterization of natural products from marine proteobacteria.

PMID- 25140828
TI  - Structure, phase transition, and controllable thermal expansion behaviors of Sc(2
      x)Fe(x)Mo3O12.
AB  - The crystal structures, phase transition, and thermal expansion behaviors of
      solid solutions of Sc(2-x)Fe(x)Mo3O12 (0 <= x <= 2) have been examined using X
      ray diffraction (XRD), neutron powder diffraction (NPD), and differential
      scanning calorimetry (DSC). At room temperature, samples crystallize in a single
      orthorhombic structure for the compositions of x < 0.6 and monoclinic for x >=
      0.6, respectively. DSC results indicate that the phase transition temperature
      from monoclinic to orthorhombic structure is enhanced by increasing the Fe(3+)
      content. High-temperature XRD and NPD results show that Sc(1.3)Fe(0.7)Mo3O12
      exhibits near zero thermal expansion, and the volumetric coefficients of thermal
      expansion derived from XRD and NPD are 0.28 * 10(-6)  degrees C(-1) (250-800 
      degrees C) and 0.65 * 10(-6)  degrees C(-1) (227-427  degrees C), respectively.
      NPD results of Sc2Mo3O12 (x = 0) and Sc(1.3)Fe(0.7)Mo3O12 (x = 0.7) indicate that
      Fe substitution for Sc induces reduction of the mean Sc(Fe)-Mo nonbond distance
      and the different thermal variations of Sc(Fe)-O5-Mo2 and Sc(Fe)-O3-Mo2 bond
      angles. The correlation between the displacements of oxygen atoms and the
      variation of unit cell parameters was investigated in detail for Sc2Mo3O12.

PMID- 25140830
TI  - Symptomatic spinal leptomeningeal metastasis from intracranial glioblastoma
      multiforme.

PMID- 25140831
TI  - Destabilization effect of transition metal fluorides on sodium borohydride.
AB  - The effect of transition metal fluorides on the decomposition of NaBH4 has been
      investigated for NaBH4 ball milled with TiF3, MnF3 or FeF3. The compounds were
      examined by thermal programmed desorption with residual gas analysis, thermo
      gravimetric analysis and volumetric measurements using a Sieverts-type apparatus.
      The phase formation process during thermal decomposition was studied by in situ
      synchrotron radiation powder X-ray diffraction on the as-milled powders. NaBF4
      was among the products in all mechano-chemical reactions. (11)B-NMR spectra
      analysis gave NaBF4 : NaBH4 ratios of 1 : 150 for Na-Ti, 1 : 40 for Na-Mn, and 1
      : 10 for Na-Fe. Pure NaBH4 possessed a hydrogen release onset temperature of 430 
      degrees C. The hydrogen release in the NaBH4-MnF3 system began as low as 130 
      degrees C. FeF3 decreased the onset temperature to 161  degrees C and TiF3 to 200
      degrees C. TiF3 reacted completely with NaBH4 below 320  degrees C. All the
      examined systems have negligible emissions of diborane species. H-sorption
      studies performed at selected temperatures above 300  degrees C exhibited
      relatively fast desorption kinetics. Partial hydrogen re-absorption was observed
      for the Na-Mn and Na-Fe samples. 

PMID- 25140832
TI  - Silver-catalysed direct amination of unactivated C-H bonds of functionalized
      molecules.
AB  - Carbon-nitrogen bond formation from inert C-H bonds is an ideal organic
      transformation and a highly desirable method for the synthesis of N-containing
      molecules due to its high efficiency and atom economy. In this report, we develop
      a general reaction to achieve an unprecedented selective intramolecular amination
      of unactivated C-H bond in the absence of complex directing groups.
      Functionalized heterocyclic products are built up from readily available linear
      amines through simple and reliable silver catalysis, representing a new silver
      based C-H functionalization. This method displays preference for primary sp(3) C
      H bonds and exhibits distinct chemo- and regioselectivity compared to existing
      methods of direct amination (Hofmann-Loffler-Freytag reaction and nitrene
      insertion). The study highlights the manipulation of unfunctionalized groups in
      organic molecules to furnish complex structural units in the natural and
      bioactive molecules. 

PMID- 25140833
TI  - c-CBL E3 ubiquitin ligase is overexpressed in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: its
      inhibition promotes activation-induced cell death.
AB  - Mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome are two major forms of cutaneous T-cell
      lymphoma (CTCL) characterized by resistance to apoptosis. A central pathway for T
      cell apoptosis is activation-induced cell death, which is triggered through the T
      cell receptor (TCR). This results in upregulation of FAS ligand (FASL) and
      subsequent apoptosis through the FAS death receptor pathway. It has been known
      for more than a decade that TCR signaling is defective in CTCL; however, the
      underlying mechanism has not been apparent. In this report, we show that the E3
      ubiquitin ligase, c-CBL, is overexpressed in CTCL and that its knockdown
      overcomes defective TCR signaling, resulting in phosphorylation of PLC-g1,
      calcium influx, ROS generation, upregulation of FASL, and extrinsic pathway
      apoptosis in CTCL cells expressing adequate FAS. In CTCL cells with suboptimal
      FAS expression, FAS can be upregulated epigenetically by derepression of the FAS
      promoter using methotrexate, which we showed previously has activity as a DNA
      methylation inhibitor. Using these combined strategies, FAS-low as well as FAS
      high CTCL cells can be killed effectively.

PMID- 25140834
TI  - Prussian blue-Au nanocomposites actuated hemin/G-quadruplexes catalysis for
      amplified detection of DNA, Hg2+ and adenosine triphosphate.
AB  - In this paper, horseradish peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme (HRP-DNAzyme) and
      Prussian blue (PB)-gold (Au) nanocomposites were designed as versatile
      electrochemical sensing platforms for the amplified detection of DNA, Hg(2+) and
      adenosine triphosphate (ATP). By the conjugation of the target probe with the
      capture probe, a conformational change resulted in the formation of HRP-DNAzyme
      on the PB-Au modified electrode. The redox of HRP-DNAzyme (red) was efficiently
      carried out in the presence of H2O2, in which PB acted as a mediator stimulating
      the biocatalytic functions of HRP-DNAzyme and actuated a catalytic cycle bringing
      an amplified signal. Specific recognition of the target DNA, Hg(2+) and ATP
      allowed selective amperometric detection of the target molecule. The detection
      limits of DNA, Hg(2+) and ATP were 50 nM, 30 pM and 3 nM, respectively. The
      highlight of this work is that the catalytic cycle between PB-Au nanocomposites
      and HRP-DNAzyme was adequately utilized in the amplification platform for
      versatile sensing. The novel electrocatalytic biosensor involving only one-step
      incubation exhibited a wide linear range, low detection limit, and satisfactory
      selectivity and operational stability. The proposed approach provided an ease-of
      use and universal reporting system with a simple design and easy operations. 

PMID- 25140835
TI  - A Nile Red/BODIPY-based bimodal probe sensitive to changes in the micropolarity
      and microviscosity of the endoplasmic reticulum.
AB  - We herein report a fluorescent bimodal probe (1) capable of determining ER
      viscosity and polarity changes using FLIM and fluorescence ratiometry,
      respectively; during ER stress caused by tunicamycin, the viscosity was increased
      from ca. 129.5 to 182.0 cP and the polarity of the ER (dielectric constant,
      epsilon) enhanced from 18.5 to 21.1.

PMID- 25140836
TI  - Effect of drainage on postoperative pain after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy.
AB  - The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the effect of drainage on
      postoperative shoulder and abdominal pain after uncomplicated laparoscopic
      ovarian cystectomy (LOC). Allocation to drain or not to drain was non-randomised.
      There were 55 patients with drainage and 56 patients without drainage.
      Postoperative shoulder and abdominal pain was assessed using a 10-point visual
      analogue scale. Postoperative hospital stay in the drainage group was longer than
      the non-drainage group (p = 0.040). Postoperative shoulder pain scores at 6 h and
      24 h were similar between the drainage and non-drainage groups (p = 0.376 and p =
      0.847, respectively). Postoperative abdominal pain was higher in the drainage
      group at 6 h (p = 0.009), but was similar at 24 h (p = 0.097) between the groups.
      These data suggest that for LOC, drainage may not be useful to prevent
      postoperative shoulder pain and also increases postoperative abdominal pain and
      length of hospital stay. 

PMID- 25140838
TI  - Synthesis of Au-decorated V2O5@ZnO heteronanostructures and enhanced plasmonic
      photocatalytic activity.
AB  - A ternary plasmonic photocatalyst consisting of Au-decorated V2O5@ZnO
      heteronanorods was successfully fabricated by an innovative four-step process:
      thermal evaporation of ZnO powders, CVD of intermediate on ZnO, solution
      deposition of Au NPs, and final thermal oxidization. SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS, and XRD
      analyses revealed that the interior cores and exterior shells of the as-prepared
      heteronanorods were single-crystal wurtzite-type ZnO and polycrystalline
      orthorhombic V2O5, respectively, with a large quantity of Au NPs inlaid in the
      V2O5 shell. The optical properties of the ternary photocatalyst were investigated
      in detail and compared with those of bare ZnO and V2O5@ZnO. UV-vis absorption
      spectra of ZnO, V2O5@ZnO, and Au-decorated V2O5@ZnO showed gradually enhanced
      absorption in the visible region. In addition, gradually decreased emission
      intensity was also observed in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra, revealing
      enhanced charge separation efficiency. Because of these excellent qualities, the
      photocatalytic behavior of the ternary photocatalyst was studied in the
      photodegradation of methylene blue under UV-vis irradiation, which showed an
      enhanced photodegradation rate nearly 7 times higher than that of bare ZnO and
      nearly 3 times higher than that of V2O5@ZnO, mainly owing to the enlarged light
      absorption region, the effective electron-hole separation at the V2O5-ZnO and
      V2O5-Au interfaces, and strong localization of plasmonic near-field effects. 

PMID- 25140837
TI  - The parametric g-formula for time-to-event data: intuition and a worked example.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The parametric g-formula can be used to estimate the effect of a
      policy, intervention, or treatment. Unlike standard regression approaches, the
      parametric g-formula can be used to adjust for time-varying confounders that are
      affected by prior exposures. To date, there are few published examples in which
      the method has been applied. METHODS: We provide a simple introduction to the
      parametric g-formula and illustrate its application in an analysis of a small
      cohort study of bone marrow transplant patients in which the effect of treatment
      on mortality is subject to time-varying confounding. RESULTS: Standard regression
      adjustment yields a biased estimate of the effect of treatment on mortality
      relative to the estimate obtained by the g-formula. CONCLUSIONS: The g-formula
      allows estimation of a relevant parameter for public health officials: the change
      in the hazard of mortality under a hypothetical intervention, such as reduction
      of exposure to a harmful agent or introduction of a beneficial new treatment. We
      present a simple approach to implement the parametric g-formula that is
      sufficiently general to allow easy adaptation to many settings of public health
      relevance.

PMID- 25140839
TI  - Genipin cross-linked nanocomposite films for the immobilization of antimicrobial
      agent.
AB  - Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) reinforced chitosan based antimicrobial films were
      prepared by immobilizing nisin on the surface of the films. Nanocomposite films
      containing 18.65 MUg/cm(2) of nisin reduced the count of L. monocytogenes by 6.73
      log CFU/g, compared to the control meat samples (8.54 log CFU/g) during storage
      at 4  degrees C in a Ready-To-Eat (RTE) meat system. Film formulations containing
      9.33 MUg/cm(2) of nisin increased the lag phase of L. monocytogenes on meat by
      more than 21 days, whereas formulations with 18.65 MUg/cm(2) completely inhibited
      the growth of L. monocytogenes during storage. Genipin was used to cross-link and
      protect the activity of nisin during storage. Nanocomposite films cross-linked
      with 0.05% w/v genipin exhibited the highest bioactivity (10.89 MUg/cm(2)) during
      the storage experiment, as compared to that of the un-cross-linked films (7.23
      MUg/cm(2)). Genipin cross-linked films were able to reduce the growth rate of L.
      monocytogenes on ham samples by 21% as compared to the un-cross-linked films.
      Spectroscopic analysis confirmed the formation of genipin-nisin-chitosan
      heterocyclic cross-linked network. Genipin cross-linked films also improved the
      swelling, water solubility, and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films.

PMID- 25140840
TI  - Stress and resilience in military mortuary workers: care of the dead from
      battlefield to home.
AB  - The death of a military service member in war provokes feelings of distress and
      pride in mortuary workers who process the remains. To further understand their
      reactions, the authors interviewed 34 military and civilian personnel to learn
      more about their work stresses and rewards. They review stresses of anticipation,
      exposure, and experience in handling the dead and explore the personal,
      supervisory, and leadership strategies to reduce negative effects and promote
      personal growth. These results can be applied to many other situations requiring
      planning, implementing, and supervising mortuary operations involving mass death.

PMID- 25140842
TI  - Reconstructing fungal natural product biosynthetic pathways.
AB  - Large scale fungal genome sequencing has revealed a multitude of potential
      natural product biosynthetic pathways that remain uncharted. Here we describe
      some of the methods that have been used to explore them via heterologous gene
      expression. We focus on filamentous fungal hosts and discuss the technological
      challenges and successes behind the reconstruction of fungal natural product
      pathways. Optimised, efficient heterologous expression of reconstructed
      biosynthetic pathways promises progress in the discovery of novel compounds that
      could be utilised by the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.

PMID- 25140844
TI  - Managing corneal abrasions in primary care.
AB  - Corneal abrasion is a common eye injury that occurs in all age-groups. A focused
      history and physical exam can identify patients with corneal abrasions and
      improve intervention time. Minor corneal abrasions usually heal within 48 hours
      without complications or eye damage.

PMID- 25140843
TI  - Does prenatal exposure to vitamin D-fortified margarine and milk alter birth
      weight? A societal experiment.
AB  - The present study examined whether exposure to vitamin D from fortified margarine
      and milk during prenatal life influenced mean birth weight and the risk of high
      or low birth weight. The study was based on the Danish vitamin D fortification
      programme, which was a societal intervention with mandatory fortification of
      margarine during 1961-1985 and voluntary fortification of low-fat milk between
      1972 and 1976. The influence of prenatal vitamin D exposure on birth weight was
      investigated among 51 883 Danish children, by comparing birth weight among
      individuals born during 2 years before or after the initiation and termination of
      vitamin D fortification programmes. In total, four sets of analyses were
      performed. Information on birth weight was available in the Copenhagen School
      Health Record Register for all school children in Copenhagen. The mean birth
      weight was lower among the exposed than non-exposed children during all study
      periods (milk initiation - 20.3 (95 % CI - 39.2, - 1.4) g; milk termination -
      25.9 (95 % CI - 46.0, - 5.7) g; margarine termination - 45.7 (95 % CI - 66.6, -
      24.8) g), except during the period around the initiation of margarine
      fortification, where exposed children were heavier than non-exposed children
      (margarine initiation 27.4 (95 % CI 10.8, 44.0) g). No differences in the odds of
      high (>4000 g) or low ( < 2500 g) birth weight were observed between the children
      exposed and non-exposed to vitamin D fortification prenatally. Prenatal exposure
      to vitamin D from fortified margarine and milk altered birth weight, but the
      effect was small and inconsistent, reaching the conclusion that vitamin D
      fortification seems to be clinically irrelevant in relation to fetal growth.

PMID- 25140845
TI  - Simeprevir for hepatitis C virus.

PMID- 25140846
TI  - Essential tremor versus Parkinson disease: Make the right diagnosis.

PMID- 25140847
TI  - Infective endocarditis: Beyond TEE.

PMID- 25140848
TI  - Advocacy can overcome acts of derision.

PMID- 25140851
TI  - Connecting with chronically ill patients to improve treatment adherence.
AB  - This study presents an integrative review of the literature assessing the
      relationships among a patient's style in coping with a long-term health
      condition, the patient-practitioner therapeutic alliance, and treatment adherence
      among chronically ill adults. Evidence-based recommendations to improve nurse
      practitioner-patient therapeutic alliance and treatment adherence are suggested.

PMID- 25140852
TI  - Preexposure prophylaxis: An emerging clinical approach to preventing HIV in high
      risk adults.
AB  - The HIV antiretroviral drug emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada)
      was recently approved as preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) therapy for adults at
      high risk for sexually acquired HIV infection. This article reviews the data
      supporting the efficacy of PrEP, and provides other relevant data regarding the
      implementation of PrEP.

PMID- 25140854
TI  - Phytomonitoring of chlorinated ethenes in trees: a four-year study of seasonal
      chemodynamics in planta.
AB  - Long-term monitoring (LTM) of groundwater remedial projects is costly and time
      consuming, particularly when using phytoremediation, a long-term remedial
      approach. The use of trees as sensors of groundwater contamination (i.e.,
      phytoscreening) has been widely described, although the use of trees to provide
      long-term monitoring of such plumes (phytomonitoring) has been more limited due
      to unexplained variability of contaminant concentrations in trees. To assess this
      variability, we developed an in planta sampling method to obtain high-frequency
      measurements of chlorinated ethenes in oak (Quercus rubra) and baldcypress
      (Taxodium distichum) trees growing above a contaminated plume during a 4-year
      trial. The data set revealed that contaminant concentrations increased rapidly
      with transpiration in the spring and decreased in the fall, resulting in
      perchloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) sapwood concentrations an order
      of magnitude higher in late summer as compared to winter. Heartwood PCE and TCE
      concentrations were more buffered against seasonal effects. Rainfall events
      caused negligible dilution of contaminant concentrations in trees after
      precipitation events. Modeling evapotranspiration potential from meteorological
      data and comparing the modeled uptake and transport with the 4 years of high
      frequency data provides a foundation to advance the implementation of
      phytomonitoring and improved understanding of plant contaminant interactions. 

PMID- 25140856
TI  - Ebola virus disease in West Africa--no early end to the outbreak.

PMID- 25140855
TI  - The international Ebola emergency.

PMID- 25140857
TI  - Studying "secret serums"--toward safe, effective Ebola treatments.

PMID- 25140858
TI  - Ebola 2014--new challenges, new global response and responsibility.

PMID- 25140859
TI  - Women more vulnerable than men when facing risk for treatment-induced
      infertility: a qualitative study of young adults newly diagnosed with cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Being diagnosed with cancer constitutes not only an immediate threat
      to health, but cancer treatments may also have a negative impact on fertility.
      Retrospective studies show that many survivors regret not having received
      fertility-related information and being offered fertility preservation at time of
      diagnosis. This qualitative study investigates newly diagnosed cancer patients'
      experiences of fertility-related communication and how they reason about the risk
      of future infertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Informants were recruited at three
      cancer wards at a university hospital. Eleven women and 10 men newly diagnosed
      with cancer participated in individual semi-structured interviews focusing on
      three domains: experiences of fertility-related communication, decision-making
      concerning fertility preservation, and thoughts and feelings about the risk of
      possible infertility. Data was analyzed through qualitative content analysis.
      RESULTS: The analysis resulted in three sub-themes, 'Getting to know', 'Reacting
      to the risk' and 'Handling uncertainty', and one main theme 'Women more
      vulnerable when facing risk for infertility', indicating that women reported more
      negative experiences related to patient-provider communication regarding
      fertility-related aspects of cancer treatment, as well as negative emotional
      reactions to the risk of infertility and challenges related to handling
      uncertainty regarding future fertility. The informants described distress when
      receiving treatment with possible impact on fertility and used different
      strategies to handle the risk for infertility, such as relying on fertility
      preservation or thinking of alternative ways to achieve parenthood. The negative
      experiences reported by the female informants may be related to the fact that
      none of the women, but almost all men, had received information about and used
      fertility preservation. CONCLUSIONS: Women newly diagnosed with cancer seem to be
      especially vulnerable when facing risk for treatment-induced infertility. Lack of
      shared decision-making concerning future fertility may cause distress and it is
      therefore necessary to improve the fertility-related communication targeted to
      female cancer patients.

PMID- 25140860
TI  - Outcomes of stereotactic radiotherapy for cranial and extracranial metastatic
      renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiotherapy is a non-invasive, ablative technique which
      may be particularly effective in treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
      The study objective was to analyse outcomes and toxicity of stereotactic
      radiotherapy in metastatic RCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Following the Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a
      systematic review of Medline was performed in March 2013. Exclusion criteria
      included mixed histology studies and case series. Local control, overall survival
      and toxicities were analysed. RESULTS: From 148 publications identified, 16 and
      10 publications for cranial and extracranial metastatic RCC met inclusion
      criteria, respectively. There were 810 intracranial patients and 2433 targets.
      The weighted local control was 92%. Overall survival ranged from 6.7 to 25.6
      months. Significant Grade 3-4 toxicity ranged from 0% to 6%. The weighted rate of
      treatment-related mortality was 0.6%, all secondary to intratumoral haemorrhage.
      There were 389 extracranial patients and 730 targets. The weighted local control
      was 89%. Median overall survival ranged from 11.7 to 22 months. Grade 3-4
      toxicity ranged from 0% to 4%. Treatment-related mortality was 0.5%. CONCLUSION:
      Stereotactic radiotherapy is associated with excellent local control and low
      rates of toxicity for intracranial and extracranial metastatic RCC. Future
      randomised studies are required to confirm the additional benefit of Stereotactic
      Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) above standard conservative or palliative
      approaches.

PMID- 25140861
TI  - Nordic guidelines 2014 for diagnosis and treatment of gastroenteropancreatic
      neuroendocrine neoplasms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnostic work-up and treatment of patients with neuroendocrine
      neoplasms (NENs) has undergone major recent advances and new methods are
      currently introduced into the clinic. An update of the WHO classification has
      resulted in a new nomenclature dividing NENs into neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
      including G1 (Ki67 index <= 2%) and G2 (Ki67 index 3-20%) tumours and
      neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) with Ki67 index > 20%, G3. Aim. These Nordic
      guidelines summarise the Nordic Neuroendocrine Tumour Group's current view on how
      to diagnose and treat NEN-patients and are meant to be useful in the daily
      practice for clinicians handling these patients.

PMID- 25140862
TI  - Fatigue in male lymphoma survivors differs between diagnostic groups and is
      associated with latent hypothyroidism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have explored fatigue in different groups of lymphoma
      survivors and the association with hormonal dysfunctions. The aims were to
      analyze associations between fatigue and thyroid and gonadal function in male
      lymphoma survivors. In addition, the impact of chronic fatigue on work situation
      and daily functioning were explored. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional
      study included male lymphoma survivors diagnosed in 1980-2002, aged <= 50 years
      at diagnosis and > 18 years at survey in 2007. The participants (n = 233, median
      age at survey: 48 years, median observation time: 15 years) completed
      questionnaires assessing levels of fatigue, chronic fatigue (duration >= 6
      months), mental distress, daily functioning and work situation. Levels of thyroid
      and gonadal hormones were assessed. The participants were grouped according to
      diagnosis: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL, n = 131), aggressive/very aggressive non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma (NHL) (n = 67) and indolent NHL (n = 35). Thyroid hormones were
      categorized as normal (n = 174) or latent hypothyroidism (elevated thyroid
      stimulating hormone, n = 59). Gonadal hormones were categorized as normal (n =
      111), elevated follicle stimulating hormone only (n = 45), primary (n = 35) or
      secondary hypogonadism (n = 42). Uni- and multivariate regression analyses were
      performed. A p value < 0.05 indicated the level of significance. RESULTS: The
      survivors of HL and aggressive/very aggressive NHL had similar fatigue levels and
      similar prevalence of chronic fatigue (HL: 31%, aggressive/very aggressive; NHL:
      27%). Survivors of indolent NHL had lower fatigue levels and prevalence of
      chronic fatigue (11%). Latent hypothyroidism was associated with increased
      fatigue levels (p = 0.042). Gonadal function was not associated with levels of
      fatigue or chronic fatigue. Mental distress was associated with increasing
      fatigue levels and chronic fatigue (p < 0.001). We found negative associations
      between chronic fatigue, daily functioning and work status. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigued
      lymphoma survivors should be investigated for thyroid function. The negative
      impact of chronic fatigue on daily functioning and work status emphasizes the
      importance of maintaining the effort in understanding the mechanisms behind
      fatigue.

PMID- 25140863
TI  - Comparison of bilateral and unilateral contractions between swimmers and
      nonathletes during leg press and hand grip exercises.
AB  - The bilateral limb deficit (BLD) is defined as the reduction in force production
      during bilateral compared with summed unilateral contractions of homologous
      muscles. The underlying mechanism for the BLD has been elusive to determine. The
      purpose of this study was to examine the presence of the BLD during maximal
      isometric leg press and handgrip exercises in female swimmers (n = 9, mean age =
      20.1 +/- 1.3 years) and nonathletes (n = 9, mean age = 21.7 +/- 1.3 years) to
      gain further insight into this phenomenon. Force and electromyography (EMG)
      measures were collected from participants under bilateral and unilateral
      conditions for handgrip and leg press exercises. Bilateral limb ratios (BLR) were
      calculated for swimmers (BLRS) and nonathletes (BLRNA). A deficit was found for
      swimmers and nonathletes in leg force (BLRS = 79.84% +/- 13.09% and BLRNA =
      81.44% +/- 19.23%) and leg EMG (BLRS = 88.45% +/- 15.41% and BLRNA = 94.66% +/-
      13.62%); however, no BLD was seen in hand force (BLRS = 98.30% +/- 11.21% and
      BLRNA = 95.91% +/- 11.04%) and hand EMG (BLRS = 102.42% +/- 11.20% and BLRNA =
      103.30% +/- 16.50%). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between
      groups for leg force, leg EMG, hand force, and hand EMG. In conclusion, a BLD was
      detected for both groups during bilateral isometric leg press. This suggests that
      while the BLD may be affected by neural influences, there may other factors
      involved such as postural stability requirements to perform the exercise. 

PMID- 25140864
TI  - TGFbeta: A player on multiple fronts in the tumor microenvironment.
AB  - The physiological functions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in cell
      signaling include regulation of developmental processes and cell growth. Tumor
      cells very often display altered regulation of the TGFbeta signaling pathway,
      either by defects in TGFbeta itself or in downstream components of the pathway.
      TGFbeta can play a dual role in tumorigenesis, i.e. it can be either tumor
      suppressive or tumor-promoting. TGFbeta suppresses the growth of tumor cells;
      however, in advanced tumors, it is associated with induction of progression,
      resulting in poor prognosis for patients. The TGFbeta negative regulation of
      cytotoxic cell function, together with the promotion of T-regulatory cell
      maturation, impairs anti-tumor responses. Recent studies have elucidated new
      roles for TGFbeta signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Abrogation of proper
      signaling induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition with pro-metastatic
      functions, resulting in cancer progression. Thus, TGFbeta signaling in the tumor
      microenvironment plays an important role in tumor initiation, progression, and
      metastasis by its capacity to regulate cross-talk between tumor cells and other
      components of the local environment. 

PMID- 25140865
TI  - Ligand structures of synthetic deoxa-pyranosylamines with raucaffricine and
      strictosidine glucosidases provide structural insights into their binding and
      inhibitory behaviours.
AB  - Insight into the structure and inhibition mechanism of O-beta-d-glucosidases by
      deoxa-pyranosylamine type inhibitors is provided by X-ray analysis of complexes
      between raucaffricine and strictosidine glucosidases and N-(cyclohexylmethyl)-, N
      (cyclohexyl)- and N-(bromobenzyl)-beta-d-gluco-1,5-deoxa-pyranosylamine. All
      inhibitors anchored exclusively in the catalytic active site by competition with
      appropriate enzyme substrates. Thus facilitated prospective elucidation of the
      binding networks with residues located at <3.9 A distance will enable the
      development of potent inhibitors suitable for the production of valuable alkaloid
      glucosides, raucaffricine and strictosidine, by means of synthesis in Rauvolfia
      serpentina cell suspension cultures. 

PMID- 25140866
TI  - Impact of acute guanfacine administration on stress and cue reactivity in cocaine
      dependent individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress and drug-paired cues increase drug craving and noradrenergic
      activity in cocaine-dependent individuals. Thus, medications that attenuate
      noradrenergic activity may be effective therapeutic treatment options for cocaine
      dependent individuals. OBJECTIVES: To examine the impact of acute administration
      of the alpha2 adrenergic receptor agonist guanfacine on responses to multiple
      risk factors for relapse in cocaine-dependent individuals. METHODS: In a double
      blind, placebo-controlled study, cocaine-dependent individuals (n = 84), were
      randomized to receive either 2 mg guanfacine (n = 50) or placebo (n = 34). Within
      each treatment arm, subjects were randomized to either a stress (guanfacine n =
      26; placebo n = 15) or a no-stress (guanfacine n = 24; placebo n = 19) group.
      Participants in the stress group performed the Trier Social Stress Test. Subjects
      in each group were exposed to a neutral cue and then to cocaine-related cues.
      Plasma cortisol and subjective responses were compared between the four groups.
      RESULTS: The no-stress guanfacine group reported greater craving in response to
      cocaine cues as compared to the neutral cue (p < 0.001). The guanfacine stress
      group reported greater subjective stress at the neutral cue than at baseline (p =
      0.032). The cocaine cue increased subjective stress in the guanfacine (p < 0.001)
      no-stress group. There were no effects of guanfacine on cortisol levels in either
      the stress or no stress groups (all p > 0.70). CONCLUSION: This study found no
      effects of a single 2 mg dose of guanfacine on reactivity to stress and cues
      alone or on the interaction of stress and drug cues. In cocaine-dependent
      individuals an acute 2 mg dose of guanfacine may not be an effective therapeutic
      treatment strategy.

PMID- 25140867
TI  - The potential role of anticoagulant therapy for the secondary prevention of
      ischemic events post-acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - Abstract The use of dual antiplatelet therapy has led to a substantial reduction
      in ischemic events post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Despite this, recurrent
      event rates remain high. Recent research has combined antiplatelet with
      anticoagulant therapy to reduce recurrent event rates further. Compared with
      standard medical therapy, rivaroxaban demonstrated improved efficacy outcomes and
      significantly reduced mortality after an ACS. Although clear benefits of novel
      oral anticoagulants post-ACS have been proven, concerns regarding bleeding are
      still a barrier to widespread use. This review explores key trials of dual
      antiplatelet therapy and examines the latest research in anticoagulation aiming
      to optimize clinical outcomes post-ACS. 

PMID- 25140868
TI  - Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV: 10-year retrospective
      analysis in Seattle, Washington.
AB  - Despite treatment guidelines in place since 2005, non-occupational post-exposure
      HIV prophylaxis (nPEP) remains an underutilized prevention strategy. We conducted
      a retrospective chart review of patients presenting to a publicly-funded HIV
      clinic in Seattle, Washington for nPEP between 2000 and 2010 (N = 360). nPEP
      prescriptions were provided for 324 (90%) patients; 83% of prescription decisions
      were appropriate according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      guidelines, but only 31% (N = 111/360) of patients were considered "high risk."
      In order to use limited resources most efficiently, public health agencies should
      target messaging for this high-cost intervention to individuals with high-risk
      HIV exposures. 

PMID- 25140869
TI  - Dental auxiliaries for dental care traditionally provided by dentists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor or inequitable access to oral health care is commonly reported
      in high-, middle- and low-income countries. Although the severity of these
      problems varies, a lack of supply of dentists and their uneven distribution are
      important factors. Delegating care to dental auxiliaries could ease this problem,
      extend services to where they are unavailable and liberate time for dentists to
      do more complex work. Before such an approach can be advocated, it is important
      to know the relative effectiveness of dental auxiliaries and dentists.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness, costs and cost effectiveness of dental
      auxiliaries in providing care traditionally provided by dentists. SEARCH METHODS:
      We searched the following electronic databases from their inception dates up to
      November 2013: the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC)
      Group's Specialised Register; Cochrane Oral Health Group's Specialised Register;
      the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 11, 2013); MEDLINE;
      EMBASE; CINAHL; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Database of Abstracts of
      Reviews of Effectiveness; five other databases and two trial registries. We also
      undertook a grey literature search and searched the reference list of included
      studies and contacted authors of relevant papers. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included
      randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised controlled clinical trials
      (NRCTs), interrupted time series (ITSs) and controlled before and after studies
      (CBAs) evaluating the effectiveness of dental auxiliaries compared with dentists
      in undertaking clinical tasks traditionally performed by a dentist. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors independently applied eligibility
      criteria, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of each included study and
      two review authors assessed the quality of the evidence from the included
      studies, according to The Cochrane Collaboration's procedures. Since meta
      analysis was not possible, we gave a narrative description of the results. MAIN
      RESULTS: We identified five studies (one cluster RCT, three RCTs and one NRCT),
      evaluating the effectiveness of dental auxiliaries compared with dentists in
      providing dental care traditionally provided by dentists, eligible for inclusion
      in this review. The included studies, which involved 13 dental auxiliaries, six
      dentists, and more than 1156 participants, evaluated two clinical
      tasks/techniques: placement of preventive resin fissure sealants and the
      atraumatic restorative technique (ART). Two studies were conducted in the US, and
      one each in Canada, Gambia and Singapore.Of the four studies evaluating
      effectiveness in placing preventive resin fissure sealants, three found no
      evidence of a difference in retention rates of those placed by dental auxiliaries
      and dentists over a range of follow-up periods (six to 24 months). One study
      found that fissure sealants placed by a dental auxiliary had lower retention
      rates than one placed by a dentist after 48 months (9.0% with auxiliary versus
      29.1% with dentist). The same study reported that the net reduction after 48
      months in the number teeth exhibiting caries (dental decay) was lower for teeth
      treated by the dental auxiliary than the dentist (3 with auxiliary versus 60 with
      dentist, P value < 0.001).One study showed no evidence of a difference in dental
      decay after treatment with fissure sealants between groups. The one study
      comparing the effectiveness of dental auxiliaries and dentists in performing ART
      reported no difference in survival rates of the restorations (fillings) after 12
      months.All studies were at high risk of bias and the overall quality of the
      evidence was very low, as assessed using the GRADE approach. In addition, four of
      the included studies were more than 20 years old; the materials used and the
      techniques assessed were out of date. We found no eligible studies comparing the
      effectiveness of dental auxiliaries and dentists in the diagnosis of oral
      diseases and conditions, in delivering oral health education and other aspects of
      health promotion, or studies assessing participants' perspectives including the
      acceptability of care received. None of the included studies reported adverse
      effects. In addition, we found no studies comparing the costs and cost
      effectiveness of dental auxiliaries and dentists, their impact on access and
      equity of access to care that met the pre-specified inclusion criteria. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: We only identified five studies for inclusion in this review, all of
      which were at high risk of bias and four were published more than 20 years ago,
      highlighting the paucity of high-quality evaluations of the relative
      effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and safety of dental auxiliaries compared with
      dentists in performing clinical tasks. No firm conclusions could be drawn from
      the present review about the relative effectiveness of dental auxiliaries and
      dentists.

PMID- 25140870
TI  - Emotions under discussion: gender, status and communication in online
      collaboration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the undisputed role of emotions in teamwork, not much is
      known about the make-up of emotions in online collaboration. Publicly available
      repositories of collaboration data, such as Wikipedia editor discussions, now
      enable the large-scale study of affect and dialogue in peer production. METHODS:
      We investigate the established Wikipedia community and focus on how emotion and
      dialogue differ depending on the status, gender, and the communication network of
      the [Formula: see text] editors who have written at least 100 comments on the
      English Wikipedia's article talk pages. Emotions are quantified using a word
      based approach comparing the results of two predefined lexicon-based methods:
      LIWC and SentiStrength. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We find that administrators maintain
      a rather neutral, impersonal tone, while regular editors are more emotional and
      relationship-oriented, that is, they use language to form and maintain
      connections to other editors. A persistent gender difference is that female
      contributors communicate in a manner that promotes social affiliation and
      emotional connection more than male editors, irrespective of their status in the
      community. Female regular editors are the most relationship-oriented, whereas
      male administrators are the least relationship-focused. Finally, emotional and
      linguistic homophily is prevalent: editors tend to interact with other editors
      having similar emotional styles (e.g., editors expressing more anger connect more
      with one another). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Emotional expression and linguistic
      style in online collaboration differ substantially depending on the contributors'
      gender and status, and on the communication network. This should be taken into
      account when analyzing collaborative success, and may prove insightful to
      communities facing gender gap and stagnation in contributor acquisition and
      participation levels.

PMID- 25140871
TI  - Synthetic antibodies with a human framework that protect mice from lethal Sudan
      ebolavirus challenge.
AB  - The ebolaviruses cause severe and rapidly progressing hemorrhagic fever. There
      are five ebolavirus species; although much is known about Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV)
      and its neutralization by antibodies, little is known about Sudan ebolavirus
      (SUDV), which is emerging with increasing frequency. Here we describe monoclonal
      antibodies containing a human framework that potently inhibit infection by SUDV
      and protect mice from lethal challenge. The murine antibody 16F6, which binds the
      SUDV envelope glycoprotein (GP), served as the starting point for design.
      Sequence and structural alignment revealed similarities between 16F6 and YADS1, a
      synthetic antibody with a humanized scaffold. A focused phage library was
      constructed and screened to impart 16F6-like recognition properties onto the
      YADS1 scaffold. A panel of 17 antibodies were characterized and found to have a
      range of neutralization potentials against a pseudotype virus infection model.
      Neutralization correlated with GP binding as determined by ELISA. Two of these
      clones, E10 and F4, potently inhibited authentic SUDV and conferred protection
      and memory immunity in mice from lethal SUDV challenge. E10 and F4 were further
      shown to bind to the same epitope on GP as 16F6 with comparable affinities. These
      antibodies represent strong immunotherapeutic candidates for treatment of SUDV
      infection. 

PMID- 25140873
TI  - The first ant-termite syninclusion in amber with CT-scan analysis of taphonomy.
AB  - We describe here a co-occurrence (i.e. a syninclusion) of ants and termites in a
      piece of Mexican amber (Totolapa deposit, Chiapas), whose importance is two-fold.
      First, this finding suggests at least a middle Miocene antiquity for the modern,
      though poorly documented, relationship between Azteca ants and Nasutitermes
      termites. Second, the presence of a Neivamyrmex army ant documents an in situ
      raiding behaviour of the same age and within the same community, confirmed by the
      fact that the army ant is holding one of the termite worker between its mandibles
      and by the presence of a termite with bitten abdomen. In addition, we present how
      CT-scan imaging can be an efficient tool to describe the topology of resin flows
      within amber pieces, and to point out the different states of preservation of the
      embedded insects. This can help achieving a better understanding of taphonomical
      processes, and tests ethological and ecological hypotheses in such complex
      syninclusions. 

PMID- 25140872
TI  - Identity and specificity of Rhizoctonia-like fungi from different populations of
      Liparis japonica (Orchidaceae) in Northeast China.
AB  - Mycorrhizal association is known to be important to orchid species, and a
      complete understanding of the fungi that form mycorrhizas is required for orchid
      ecology and conservation. Liparis japonica (Orchidaceae) is a widespread
      terrestrial photosynthetic orchid in Northeast China. Previously, we found the
      genetic diversity of this species has been reduced recent years due to habitat
      destruction and fragmentation, but little was known about the relationship
      between this orchid species and the mycorrhizal fungi. The Rhizoctonia-like fungi
      are the commonly accepted mycorrhizal fungi associated with orchids. In this
      study, the distribution, diversity and specificity of culturable Rhizoctonia-like
      fungi associated with L. japonica species were investigated from seven
      populations in Northeast China. Among the 201 endophytic fungal isolates
      obtained, 86 Rhizoctonia-like fungi were identified based on morphological
      characters and molecular methods, and the ITS sequences and phylogenetic analysis
      revealed that all these Rhizoctonia-like fungi fell in the same main clade and
      were closely related to those of Tulasnella calospora species group. These
      findings indicated the high mycorrhizal specificity existed in L. japonica
      species regardless of habitats at least in Northeast China. Our results also
      supported the wide distribution of this fungal partner, and implied that the
      decline of L. japonica in Northeast China did not result from high mycorrhizal
      specificity. Using culture-dependent technology, these mycorrhizal fungal
      isolates might be important sources for the further utilizing in orchids
      conservation. 

PMID- 25140874
TI  - Functional connectivity in the first year of life in infants at risk for autism
      spectrum disorder: an EEG study.
AB  - In the field of autism research, recent work has been devoted to studying both
      behavioral and neural markers that may aide in early identification of autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD). These studies have often tested infants who have a
      significant family history of autism spectrum disorder, given the increased
      prevalence observed among such infants. In the present study we tested infants at
      high- and low-risk for ASD (based on having an older sibling diagnosed with the
      disorder or not) at 6- and 12-months-of-age. We computed intrahemispheric linear
      coherence between anterior and posterior sites as a measure of neural functional
      connectivity derived from electroencephalography while the infants were listening
      to speech sounds. We found that by 12-months-of-age infants at risk for ASD
      showed reduced functional connectivity compared to low risk infants. Moreover, by
      12-months-of-age infants later diagnosed with ASD showed reduced functional
      connectivity, compared to both infants at low risk for the disorder and infants
      at high risk who were not later diagnosed with ASD. Significant differences in
      functional connectivity were also found between low-risk infants and high-risk
      infants who did not go onto develop ASD. These results demonstrate that reduced
      functional connectivity appears to be related to genetic vulnerability for ASD.
      Moreover, they provide further evidence that ASD is broadly characterized by
      differences in neural integration that emerge during the first year of life. 

PMID- 25140875
TI  - A biological micro actuator: graded and closed-loop control of insect leg motion
      by electrical stimulation of muscles.
AB  - In this study, a biological microactuator was demonstrated by closed-loop motion
      control of the front leg of an insect (Mecynorrhina torquata, beetle) via
      electrical stimulation of the leg muscles. The three antagonistic pairs of muscle
      groups in the front leg enabled the actuator to have three degrees of freedom:
      protraction/retraction, levation/depression, and extension/flexion. We observed
      that the threshold amplitude (voltage) required to elicit leg motions was
      approximately 1.0 V; thus, we fixed the stimulation amplitude at 1.5 V to ensure
      a muscle response. The leg motions were finely graded by alternation of the
      stimulation frequencies: higher stimulation frequencies elicited larger leg
      angular displacement. A closed-loop control system was then developed, where the
      stimulation frequency was the manipulated variable for leg-muscle stimulation
      (output from the final control element to the leg muscle) and the angular
      displacement of the leg motion was the system response. This closed-loop control
      system, with an optimized proportional gain and update time, regulated the leg to
      set at predetermined angular positions. The average electrical stimulation power
      consumption per muscle group was 148 uW. These findings related to and
      demonstrations of the leg motion control offer promise for the future development
      of a reliable, low-power, biological legged machine (i.e., an insect-machine
      hybrid legged robot). 

PMID- 25140876
TI  - The effects of fluctuations in the nutrient supply on the expression of five
      members of the AGL17 clade of MADS-box genes in rice.
AB  - The ANR1 MADS-box gene in Arabidopsis is a key gene involved in regulating
      lateral root development in response to the external nitrate supply. There are
      five ANR1-like genes in Oryza sativa, OsMADS23, OsMADS25, OsMADS27, OsMADS57 and
      OsMADS61, all of which belong to the AGL17 clade. Here we have investigated the
      responsiveness of these genes to fluctuations in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and
      sulfur (S) mineral nutrient supply. The MADS-box genes have been shown to have a
      range of responses to the nutrient supply. The expression of OsMADS61 was
      transiently induced by N deprivation but was not affected by re-supply with
      various N sources. The expression of OsMADS25 and OsMADS27 was induced by re
      supplying with NO3(-) and NH4NO3, but downregulated by NH4(+). The expression of
      OsMADS57 was significantly downregulated by N starvation and upregulated by 3 h
      NO3(-) re-supply. OsMADS23 was the only gene that showed no response to either N
      starvation nor NO3(-) re-supply. OsMADS57 was the only gene not regulated by P
      fluctuation whereas the expression of OsMADS23, OsMADS25 and OsMADS27 was
      downregulated by P starvation and P re-supply. In contrast, all five ANR1-related
      genes were significantly upregulated by S starvation. Our results also indicated
      that there were interactions among nitrate, sulphate and phosphate transporters
      in rice.

PMID- 25140877
TI  - Enhancing TB case detection: experience in offering upfront Xpert MTB/RIF testing
      to pediatric presumptive TB and DR TB cases for early rapid diagnosis of drug
      sensitive and drug resistant TB.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in children is challenging
      due to difficulties in obtaining good quality sputum specimens as well as the
      paucibacillary nature of disease. Globally a large proportion of pediatric
      tuberculosis (TB) cases are diagnosed based only on clinical findings. Xpert
      MTB/RIF, a highly sensitive and specific rapid tool, offers a promising solution
      in addressing these challenges. This study presents the results from pediatric
      groups taking part in a large demonstration study wherein Xpert MTB/RIF testing
      replaced smear microscopy for all presumptive PTB cases in public health
      facilities across India. METHODS: The study covered a population of 8.8 million
      across 18 programmatic sub-district level tuberculosis units (TU), with one Xpert
      MTB/RIF platform established at each study TU. Pediatric presumptive PTB cases
      (both TB and Drug Resistant TB (DR-TB)) accessing any public health facilities in
      study area were prospectively enrolled and tested on Xpert MTB/RIF following a
      standardized diagnostic algorithm. RESULTS: 4,600 pediatric presumptive pulmonary
      TB cases were enrolled. 590 (12.8%, CI 11.8-13.8) pediatric PTB were diagnosed.
      Overall 10.4% (CI 9.5-11.2) of presumptive PTB cases had positive results by
      Xpert MTB/RIF, compared with 4.8% (CI 4.2-5.4) who had smear-positive results.
      Upfront Xpert MTB/RIF testing of presumptive PTB and presumptive DR-TB cases
      resulted in diagnosis of 79 and 12 rifampicin resistance cases, respectively.
      Positive predictive value (PPV) for rifampicin resistance detection was high
      (98%, CI 90.1-99.9), with no statistically significant variation with respect to
      past history of treatment. CONCLUSION: Upfront access to Xpert MTB/RIF testing in
      pediatric presumptive PTB cases was associated with a two-fold increase in
      bacteriologically-confirmed PTB, and increased detection of rifampicin-resistant
      TB cases under routine operational conditions across India. These results suggest
      that routine Xpert MTB/RIF testing is a promising solution to present-day
      challenges in the diagnosis of PTB in pediatric patients.

PMID- 25140878
TI  - Elevated heart rate triggers action potential alternans and sudden death.
      translational study of a homozygous KCNH2 mutation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long QT syndrome (LQTS) leads to arrhythmic events and increased risk
      for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Homozygous KCNH2 mutations underlying LQTS-2 have
      previously been termed "human HERG knockout" and typically express severe
      phenotypes. We studied genotype-phenotype correlations of an LQTS type 2 mutation
      identified in the homozygous index patient from a consanguineous Turkish family
      after his brother died suddenly during febrile illness. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Clinical work-up, DNA sequencing, mutagenesis, cell culture, patch-clamp, in
      silico mathematical modelling, protein biochemistry, confocal microscopy were
      performed. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous C-terminal KCNH2 mutation
      (p.R835Q) in the index patient (QTc ~506 ms with notched T waves). Parents were I
      degrees  cousins - both heterozygous for the mutation and clinically unremarkable
      (QTc ~447 ms, father and ~396 ms, mother). Heterologous expression of KCNH2-R835Q
      showed mildly reduced current amplitudes. Biophysical properties of ionic
      currents were also only nominally changed with slight acceleration of
      deactivation and more negative V50 in R835Q-currents. Protein biochemistry and
      confocal microscopy revealed similar expression patterns and trafficking of WT
      and R835Q, even at elevated temperature. In silico analysis demonstrated mildly
      prolonged ventricular action potential duration (APD) compared to WT at a cycle
      length of 1000 ms. At a cycle length of 350 ms M-cell APD remained stable in WT,
      but displayed APD alternans in R835Q. CONCLUSION: Kv11.1 channels affected by the
      C-terminal R835Q mutation display mildly modified biophysical properties, but
      leads to M-cell APD alternans with elevated heart rate and could precipitate SCD
      under specific clinical circumstances associated with high heart rates.

PMID- 25140880
TI  - A microfluidic linear node array for the study of protein-ligand interactions.
AB  - We have developed a microfluidic device for the continuous separation of small
      molecules from a protein mixture and demonstrated its practical use in the study
      of protein-ligand binding, a crucial aspect in drug discovery. Our results
      demonstrated dose-dependent binding between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and its
      small-molecule site marker, Eosin Y (EY), and found that the binding reached a
      plateau when the BSA : EY ratio was above 1, which agreed with the eosin binding
      capacity of BSA reported in literature. By streamline control using a combination
      of two fundamental building blocks (R and L nodes) with a microdevice operated at
      a high flow rate (up to 1300 MUL h(-1)), a solution barrier was created to
      "filter" off protein/protein-ligand complexes such that the small unbound
      molecules were isolated and quantified easily. The percentage decrease of small
      molecules with increasing protein concentration indicated the presence of binding
      events. Several fluorophores with different molecular weights were used to test
      the performance of the microfluidic "filter", which was tunable by 1) the total
      flow rate, and/or 2) the flow distribution ratio between the two device inlets;
      both were easily controllable by changing the syringe pump settings. Since the
      microdevice was operated at a relatively high flow rate, aliquots were easily
      recovered from the device outlets to facilitate off-chip detection. This
      microfluidic design is a novel and promising tool for preliminary drug screening.

PMID- 25140881
TI  - Unprecedented catalytic activity of Fe(NO3)3.9H2O: regioselective synthesis of 2
      nitroimidazopyridines via oxidative amination.
AB  - A unique iron-catalyzed oxidative diamination of nitroalkene with 2-aminopyridine
      for the synthesis of 2-nitro-3-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with complete
      regioselectivity has been achieved under mild and aerobic reaction conditions.
      This is the first method for the synthesis of 2-nitroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines.
      These scaffolds were also synthesized directly from styrenes. 

PMID- 25140882
TI  - Biogeographic distribution patterns and their correlates in the diverse frog
      fauna of the Atlantic Forest hotspot.
AB  - Anurans are a highly diverse group in the Atlantic Forest hotspot (AF), yet
      distribution patterns and species richness gradients are not randomly distributed
      throughout the biome. Thus, we explore how anuran species are distributed in this
      complex and biodiverse hotspot, and hypothesize that this group can be
      distinguished by different cohesive regions. We used range maps of 497 species to
      obtain a presence/absence data grid, resolved to 50*50 km grain size, which was
      submitted to k-means clustering with v-fold cross-validation to determine the
      biogeographic regions. We also explored the extent to which current environmental
      variables, topography, and floristic structure of the AF are expected to identify
      the cluster patterns recognized by the k-means clustering. The biogeographic
      patterns found for amphibians are broadly congruent with ecoregions identified in
      the AF, but their edges, and sometimes the whole extent of some clusters, present
      much less resolved pattern compared to previous classification. We also
      identified that climate, topography, and vegetation structure of the AF explained
      a high percentage of variance of the cluster patterns identified, but the
      magnitude of the regression coefficients shifted regarding their importance in
      explaining the variance for each cluster. Specifically, we propose that the
      anuran fauna of the AF can be split into four biogeographic regions: a) less
      diverse and widely-ranged species that predominantly occur in the inland
      semideciduous forests; b) northern small-ranged species that presumably evolved
      within the Pleistocene forest refugia; c) highly diverse and small-ranged species
      from the southeastern Brazilian mountain chain and its adjacent semideciduous
      forest; and d) southern species from the Araucaria forest. Finally, the high
      congruence among the cluster patterns and previous eco-regions identified for the
      AF suggests that preserving the underlying habitat structure helps to preserve
      the historical and ecological signals that underlie the geographic distribution
      of AF anurans. 

PMID- 25140883
TI  - Histogram flow mapping with optical coherence tomography for in vivo skin
      angiography of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
AB  - Speckle statistics of flowing scatterers have been well documented in the
      literature. Speckle variance optical coherence tomography exploits the large
      variance values of intensity changes in time caused mainly by the random
      backscattering of light resulting from translational activity of red blood cells
      to map out the microvascular networks. A method to map out the microvasculature
      malformation of skin based on the time-domain histograms of individual pixels is
      presented with results obtained from both normal skin and skin containing
      vascular malformation. Results demonstrated that this method can potentially map
      out deeper blood vessels and enhance the visualization of microvasculature in low
      signal regions, while being resistant against motion (e.g., patient tremor or
      internal reflex movements). The overall results are manifested as more uniform en
      face projection maps of microvessels. Potential applications include clinical
      imaging of skin vascular abnormalities and wide-field skin angiography for the
      study of complex vascular networks.

PMID- 25140884
TI  - Multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy reveals free-to-bound NADH
      ratio changes associated with metabolic inhibition.
AB  - Measurement of endogenous free and bound NAD(P)H relative concentrations in
      living cells isa useful method for monitoring aspects of cellular metabolism,
      because the NADH/NAD+ reduction-oxidation pair is crucial for electron transfer
      through the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Variations of free and bound
      NAD(P)H ratio are also implicated in cellular bioenergetic and biosynthetic
      metabolic changes accompanying cancer. This study uses two-photon fluorescence
      lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to investigate metabolic changes in MCF10A
      premalignant breast cancer cells treated with a range of glycolysis inhibitors:
      namely, 2 deoxy-D-glucose, oxythiamine, lonidamine, and 4-(chloromethyl) benzoyl
      chloride, as well as the mitochondrial membrane uncoupling agent carbonyl cyanide
      m-chlorophenylhydrazone. Through systematic analysis of FLIM data from control
      and treated cancer cells, we observed that all glycolytic inhibitors apart from
      lonidamine had a slightly decreased metabolic rate and that the presence of serum
      in the culture medium generally marginally protected cells from the effect of
      inhibitors. Direct production of glycolytic L-lactate was also measured in both
      treated and control cells. The combination of these two techniques gave valuable
      insights into cell metabolism and indicated that FLIM was more sensitive than
      traditional biochemical methods, as it directly measured metabolic changes within
      cells as compared to quantification of lactate secreted by metabolically active
      cells.

PMID- 25140885
TI  - Identification of kidney tumor tissue by infrared spectroscopy of extracellular
      matrix.
AB  - Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was applied to characterize the
      extracellular matrix (ECM) of kidney tumor tissue and normal kidney tissue.
      Freshly resected tissue samples from 31 patients were pressed on a CaF2
      substrate. FT-IR spectra obtained from ECM of tumor tissue exhibit stronger
      absorption bands in the spectral region from 1000 to 1200 cm-1 and around 1750 cm
      1 than those obtained from normal tissue. It is likely that the spectra of ECM of
      kidney tumor tissue with large increases in the intensities of these bands
      represent a higher concentration of fatty acids and glycerol. Amide I and amide
      II bands are stronger in the spectra of ECM from normal tissue, indicating a
      higher level of proteins. Our results suggest that FT-IR spectroscopy of the ECM
      is an innovative emerging technology for real-time intraoperative tumor
      diagnosis, which may improve margin clearance in renal cancer surgery.

PMID- 25140886
TI  - Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of unprotected haloimidazoles.
AB  - An efficient protocol for the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling
      reaction of unprotected haloimidazoles is reported. The relatively mild reaction
      conditions allow for ready access to a wide array of functionalized imidazole
      derivatives in good to excellent yields. The synthetic utility of this method is
      demonstrated by the total synthesis of nortopsentin D. 

PMID- 25140887
TI  - Unexpected metal ion-assisted transformations leading to unexplored bridging
      ligands in Ni(II) coordination chemistry: the case of PO3F(2-) group.
AB  - The initial 'accidental', metal ion-assisted hydrolysis of PF6(-) to PO3F(2-) has
      been evolved in a systematic investigation of the bridging affinity of the latter
      group in Ni(II)/oximate chemistry; mono-, di- and trinuclear complexes have been
      prepared and confirmed both the rich reactivity of PO3F(2-) and its potential for
      further use as bridging ligand in high-nuclearity 3d-metal cluster chemistry. 

PMID- 25140888
TI  - MicroRNAs as Mediators of the Ageing Process.
AB  - Human ageing is a complex and integrated gradual deterioration of cellular
      processes. There are nine major hallmarks of ageing, that include changes in DNA
      repair and DNA damage response, telomere shortening, changes in control over the
      expression and regulation of genes brought about by epigenetic and mRNA
      processing changes, loss of protein homeostasis, altered nutrient signaling,
      mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, premature cellular senescence
      and altered intracellular communication. Like practically all other cellular
      processes, genes associated in features of ageing are regulated by miRNAs. In
      this review, I will outline each of the features of ageing, together with
      examples of specific miRNAs that have been demonstrated to be involved in each
      one. This will demonstrate the interconnected nature of the regulation of
      transcripts involved in human ageing, and the role of miRNAs in this process.
      Definition of the factors involved in degeneration of organismal, tissue and
      cellular homeostasis may provide biomarkers for healthy ageing and increase
      understanding of the processes that underpin the ageing process itself. 

PMID- 25140890
TI  - Dynamic behavior of DNA cages anchored on spherically supported lipid bilayers.
AB  - We report the anchoring of 3D-DNA-cholesterol labeled cages on spherically
      supported lipid bilayer membranes (SSLBM) formed on silica beads, and their
      addressability through strand displacement reactions, controlled membrane
      orientation and templated dimerization. The bilayer-anchored cages can load three
      different DNA-fluorophores by hybridization to their "top" face (furthest from
      bilayer) and unload each of them selectively upon addition of a specific input
      displacement strand. We introduce a method to control strand displacement from
      their less accessible "bottom" face (closest to the bilayer), by adding
      cholesterol-substituted displacing strands that insert into the bilayer
      themselves in order to access the toehold region. The orientation of DNA cages
      within the bilayer is tunable by positioning multiple cholesterol anchoring units
      on the opposing two faces of the cage, thereby controlling their accessibility to
      proteins and enzymes. A population of two distinct DNA cages anchored to the
      SSLBMs exhibited significant membrane fluidity and have been directed into dimer
      assemblies on bilayer via input of a complementary linking strand. Displacement
      experiments performed on these anchored dimers indicate that removal of only one
      prism's anchoring cholesterol strand was not sufficient to release the dimers
      from the bilayer; however, removal of both cholesterol anchors from the dimerized
      prisms via two displacement strands cleanly released the dimers from the bilayer.
      This methodology allows for the anchoring of DNA cages on supported lipid
      bilayers, the control of their orientation and accessibility within the bilayer,
      and the programmable dimerization and selective removal of any of their
      components. The facile coupling of DNA to other functional materials makes this
      an attractive method for developing stimuli-responsive protein or nanoparticle
      arrays, drug releasing biomedical device surfaces and self-healing materials for
      light harvesting applications, using a highly modular, DNA-economic scaffold. 

PMID- 25140891
TI  - Partial hydrogenation of a tetranuclear titanium nitrido complex with ammonia
      borane.
AB  - The treatment of [{Ti(eta(5)-C5Me5)}4(MU3-N)4] with NH3BH3 leads to the
      paramagnetic imidonitrido complex [{Ti(eta(5)-C5Me5)}4(MU3-N)3(MU3-NH)], which
      can also be obtained by stepwise proton and electron transfer with HOTf and
      [K(C5Me5)]. 

PMID- 25140889
TI  - 4-1BBL enhances CD8+ T cell responses induced by vectored vaccines in mice but
      fails to improve immunogenicity in rhesus macaques.
AB  - T cells play a central role in the immune response to many of the world's major
      infectious diseases. In this study we investigated the tumour necrosis factor
      receptor superfamily costimulatory molecule, 4-1BBL (CD137L, TNFSF9), for its
      ability to increase T cell immunogenicity induced by a variety of recombinant
      vectored vaccines. To efficiently test this hypothesis, we assessed a number of
      promoters and developed a stable bi-cistronic vector expressing both the antigen
      and adjuvant. Co-expression of 4-1BBL, together with our model antigen TIP, was
      shown to increase the frequency of murine antigen-specific IFN-gamma secreting
      CD8(+) T cells in three vector platforms examined. Enhancement of the response
      was not limited by co-expression with the antigen, as an increase in CD8(+)
      immunogenicity was also observed by co-administration of two vectors each
      expressing only the antigen or adjuvant. However, when this regimen was tested in
      non-human primates using a clinical malaria vaccine candidate, no adjuvant effect
      of 4-1BBL was observed limiting its potential use as a single adjuvant for
      translation into a clinical vaccine.

PMID- 25140892
TI  - Exonuclease III-assisted cascade signal amplification strategy for label-free and
      ultrasensitive chemiluminescence detection of DNA.
AB  - Detection of ultralow concentrations of specific nucleic acid sequences is a
      central challenge in the early diagnosis of genetic diseases and biodefense
      applications. Herein, we report a simple and homogeneous chemiluminescence (CL)
      method for ultrasensitive DNA detection. It is based on the exonuclease III (Exo
      III)-assisted cascade signal amplification and the catalytic effect of G
      quadruplex-hemin DNAzyme on the luminol-H2O2 CL system. A quadruplex-forming DNA
      probe hybridizes a hairpin DNA probe to construct a duplex DNA probe as
      recognition element. Upon sensing of target DNA, the recognition of target DNA
      and the duplex DNA probe triggers the Exo III cleavage process, accompanied by
      releasing target DNA and generating a new secondary target DNA fragment. The
      released target DNA and the secondary target DNA are recycled. Simultaneously,
      numerous quadruplex-forming sequences are liberated and bind hemin to yield G
      quadruplex-hemin DNAzyme, which subsequently catalyze the luminol-H2O2 reaction
      to produce strong CL emission. This method exhibited a high sensitivity toward
      target DNA with a detection limit of 8 fM, which was about 100 times lower than
      that of the reported DNAzyme-based colorimetric system for DNA detection with Exo
      III-assisted cascade signal amplification. This method provides a simple,
      isothermal, and low-cost approach for sensitive detection of DNA and holds a
      great potential for early diagnosis in gene-related diseases. 

PMID- 25140893
TI  - Uterine leiomyomas with bizarre nuclei: a clinicopathologic study of 59 cases.
AB  - Leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei (LM-BN) is an uncommon tumor with histologic
      features (mononucleated or multinucleated bizarre cells that may have a diffuse
      distribution, prominent nucleoli, and karyorrhectic nuclei that may mimic
      atypical mitoses) that often causes confusion with leiomyosarcoma. Fifty-nine LM
      BNs were collected from our consultation files over the years 2000 to 2011.
      Features recorded included patient age, therapy, tumor size, border, gross
      appearance, density and distribution of BN, mitotic count, karyorrhectic nuclei,
      prominent nucleoli, cells with conspicuous dense eosinophilic cytoplasm (rhabdoid
      like), vascular changes and type of vasculature, and presence of necrosis and its
      nature. Follow-up information was obtained for all patients. Patients ranged in
      age from 25 to 75 (average 45) years (11 patients between 25 and 35 y, 20 between
      36 and 45 y, 22 between 46 and 55 y, and 6 between 56 and 75 y). Forty-two
      underwent hysterectomy and 17 myomectomy. For 51 tumors gross findings were
      known. Forty (78%) had a solid white and whorled cut surface and 11 (22%) a
      yellow appearance. Five (10%) neoplasms showed prominent cystic degeneration, and
      hemorrhage and/or necrosis was seen in 9 (18%). Forty-five LM-BNs had a pushing
      margin with the surrounding myometrium, whereas 1 showed irregular borders.
      Margins could not be ascertained in the slides available in 13 cases. Twenty
      eight (48%), 19 (32%), and 12 (20%) LM-BN showed low, intermediate, and high BN
      density. Eighteen (30%) tumors showed diffuse, 26 (44%) showed multifocal, and 15
      (26%) had focal BN distribution. Mitotic counts ranged from 0 to 7/10 high-power
      fields (HPF) (average 1 to 2/10 HPF). Thirty-seven (63%) had <2/10 HPF, 19 (32%)
      had 2 to 5 mitoses/10 HPF, and in 3 tumors (5%) mitotic counts were 6, 7, and
      7/10 HPF (2 with focal and 1 with diffuse BN). All but 4 LM-BNs showed
      karyorrhectic nuclei, striking in 12 neoplasms, mimicking atypical mitoses.
      Nineteen (32%) LMs had prominent eosinophilic nucleoli surrounded by a clear
      halo. Ischemic necrosis was detected in 21 (36%) LM-BN. Rhabdoid-like cells were
      noted in 24 (41%) tumors. All patients had no evidence of recurrence, ranging
      from 1 to 13 years (overall average 6 y; in patients with myomectomy 6.3 y with a
      range of 2.6 to 11 y). Our results corroborate that LM-BN is associated with a
      favorable outcome even in those patients only treated by myomectomy and
      highlights that a conservative approach can be undertaken in these patients, as
      many of them are of reproductive age. Because of the favorable outcome, the term
      LM-BN is preferable to alternative terminology including "atypical leiomyoma." 

PMID- 25140894
TI  - Assessment of tumor regression of esophageal adenocarcinomas after neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy: comparison of 2 commonly used scoring approaches.
AB  - Histopathologic determination of tumor regression provides important prognostic
      information for locally advanced gastroesophageal carcinomas after neoadjuvant
      treatment. Regression grading systems mostly refer to the amount of therapy
      induced fibrosis in relation to residual tumor or the estimated percentage of
      residual tumor in relation to the former tumor site. Although these methods are
      generally accepted, currently there is no common standard for reporting tumor
      regression in gastroesophageal cancers. We compared the application of these 2
      major principles for assessment of tumor regression: hematoxylin and eosin
      stained slides from 89 resection specimens of esophageal adenocarcinomas
      following neoadjuvant chemotherapy were independently reviewed by 3 pathologists
      from different institutions. Tumor regression was determined by the 5-tiered
      Mandard system (fibrosis/tumor relation) and the 4-tiered Becker system (residual
      tumor in %). Interobserver agreement for the Becker system showed better weighted
      kappa values compared with the Mandard system (0.78 vs. 0.62). Evaluation of the
      whole embedded tumor site showed improved results (Becker: 0.83; Mandard: 0.73)
      as compared with only 1 representative slide (Becker: 0.68; Mandard: 0.71).
      Modification into simplified 3-tiered systems showed comparable interobserver
      agreement but better prognostic stratification for both systems (log rank Becker:
      P=0.015; Mandard P=0.03), with independent prognostic impact for overall survival
      (modified Becker: P=0.011, hazard ratio=3.07; modified Mandard: P=0.023, hazard
      ratio=2.72). In conclusion, both systems provide substantial to excellent
      interobserver agreement for estimation of tumor regression after neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy in esophageal adenocarcinomas. A simple 3-tiered system with the
      estimation of residual tumor in % (complete regression/1% to 50% residual
      tumor/>50% residual tumor) maintains the highest reproducibility and prognostic
      value. 

PMID- 25140895
TI  - Metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the urinary bladder: a report of 11 cases.
AB  - Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the urinary bladder is rarely seen.
      Herein, we report the histologic subtypes, immunohistochemical characteristics,
      and prognosis of 11 patients with metastatic RCC to the urinary bladder. The mean
      age at the time of diagnosis of metastatic RCC to the bladder was 66 years
      (range, 58 to 79 y). There were 9 male and 2 female patients. Four patients
      presented with hematuria, 2 with urinary retention/obstruction, and 1 with
      bladder calculi. Four patients were asymptomatic and presented for surveillance
      cystoscopy, wherein they were found to have bladder masses. Nine patients had
      prior histories of RCC. The remaining 2 patients presented with metastatic clear
      cell RCC to the bladder and were subsequently found to have renal masses. The
      average time between nephrectomy and metastasis to the bladder was 20.7 months
      (range, 0 to 87 mo). Of the 10 patients with radical/partial nephrectomy, 7 cases
      were clear cell (2 with sarcomatoid features), 2 papillary, and 1 chromophobe
      with histologic fidelity between the primary and metastasis. Of cases with
      available data, the primaries' ISUP nucleolar grades were 2 (n=2), 3 (n=4), and 4
      for the 2 cases with sarcomatoid features. In 8 cases, the bladder RCC undermined
      overlying urothelium with extensive urothelial denudation, and in 3 cases the RCC
      was free floating without attachment to the urothelium. The 1 chromophobe RCC
      metastasized with pagetoid spread to a preexisting urothelial papilloma. PAX8
      immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the diagnosis in 2 cases. Three patients
      have no evidence of disease (7, 9, and 13 mo). Two are alive with disease after
      chemotherapy (30, 37 mo). Six patients are dead of disease with multiorgan
      metastases; 4 are dead after therapy (5, 8, 25, 28 mo), and two died without
      radiation or chemotherapy at 10 and 71 months. Metastatic RCC to the urinary
      bladder is uncommon, with most cases clear cell RCC. In some cases, evidence
      supports "drop metastases" as the mechanism of spread and patients have
      relatively long survival. However, in other cases spread to the bladder is in the
      setting of metastases to other sites, and these patients tended to die relatively
      shortly after their bladder metastases. 

PMID- 25140896
TI  - Chemical vapor deposition of twisted bilayer and few-layer MoSe2 over SiO(x)
      substrates.
AB  - The chemical vapor deposition of monolayer and few-layer transition metal
      dichalcogenides is a rapidly developing area of materials science due to the
      exciting electrical, optical, thermal and mechanical properties of transition
      metal dichalcogenides in their layered form. These properties make these
      innovative materials potentially relevant to wide-ranging commercial
      applications. One of these promising materials is MoSe2; however, just recently,
      a few research groups have been able to demonstrate its synthesis via chemical
      vapor deposition. Moreover, only oriented few-layer MoSe2 has been exhibited by
      synthetically formed material using chemical vapor deposition thus far. Here, we
      confirm twisted-layer MoSe2 can also form during chemical vapor deposition.
      Twisted-layer transition metal dichalcogenides alter their properties as compared
      to their oriented counterparts. Therefore, twisted-layer structures are of
      interest because they can tune their properties.

PMID- 25140897
TI  - Magnetically stabilized Fe8(MU4-S)6S8 clusters in Ba6Fe25S27.
AB  - We have prepared Ba6Fe25S27, and studied its magnetic properties and electronic
      structure. Single crystal diffraction revealed a cubic phase (Pm3[combining
      macron]m) with a = 10.2057(9) A and Z = 1. Within the large cubic cell,
      tetrahedrally coordinated Fe atoms arrange into octonuclear Fe8(MU4-S)6(S8)
      clusters, which can be described as a cube of Fe atoms with six face-capping and
      eight terminal S atoms. SQUID magnetometry measurements reveal an
      antiferromagnetic transition at 25 K and anomalous high-temperature dependence of
      magnetic susceptibility that is non-Curie like-two magnetic signatures which
      mimic behavior seen in the parent phases of Fe-based superconductors. Using a
      combined DFT and molecular orbital based approach, we provide an interpretation
      of the bonding and stability within Ba6M25S27 (M = Fe, Co, Ni) and related M9S8
      phases. Through a sigma-bonding molecular orbital model of the transition metal
      coordination environments, we illustrate how the local stability can be enhanced
      through addition of Ba. In addition, we perform spin-polarized DFT calculations
      on Ba6Fe25S27 to determine the effect of adopting an antiferromagnetic spin state
      on its electronic structure. By studying the magnetic properties from an
      empirical and computational perspective, we hope to elucidate what aspects of the
      magnetic structure are significant to bonding. 

PMID- 25140898
TI  - Diversity of biological effects induced by longwave UVA rays (UVA1) in
      reconstructed skin.
AB  - Despite their preponderance amongst the ultraviolet (UV) range received on Earth,
      the biological impacts of longwave UVA1 rays (340-400 nm) upon human skin have
      not been investigated so thoroughly. Nevertheless, recent studies have proven
      their harmful effects and involvement in carcinogenesis and immunosuppression. In
      this work, an in vitro reconstructed human skin model was used for exploring the
      effects of UVA1 at molecular, cellular and tissue levels. A biological impact of
      UVA1 throughout the whole reconstructed skin structure could be evidenced, from
      morphology to gene expression analysis. UVA1 induced immediate injuries such as
      generation of reactive oxygen species and thymine dimers DNA damage, accumulating
      preferentially in dermal fibroblasts and basal keratinocytes, followed by
      significant cellular alterations, such as fibroblast apoptosis and lipid
      peroxidation. The full genome transcriptomic study showed a clear UVA1 molecular
      signature with the modulation of expression of 461 and 480 genes in epidermal
      keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, respectively (fold change> = 1.5 and
      adjusted p value<0.001). Functional enrichment analysis using GO, KEGG pathways
      and bibliographic analysis revealed a real stress with up-regulation of genes
      encoding heat shock proteins or involved in oxidative stress response. UVA1 also
      affected a wide panel of pathways and functions including cancer, proliferation,
      apoptosis and development, extracellular matrix and metabolism of lipids and
      glucose. Strikingly, one quarter of modulated genes was related to innate
      immunity: genes involved in inflammation were strongly up-regulated while genes
      involved in antiviral defense were severely down-regulated. These transcriptomic
      data were confirmed in dose-response and time course experiments using
      quantitative PCR and protein quantification. Links between the evidenced UVA1
      induced impacts and clinical consequences of UVA1 exposure such as photo-aging,
      photo-immunosuppression and cancer are discussed. These early molecular events
      support the contribution of UVA1 to long term harmful consequences of UV exposure
      and underline the need of an adequate UVA1 photoprotection. 

PMID- 25140899
TI  - Deciphering the glycolipid code of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's amyloid proteins
      allowed the creation of a universal ganglioside-binding peptide.
AB  - A broad range of microbial and amyloid proteins interact with cell surface
      glycolipids which behave as infectivity and/or toxicity cofactors in human
      pathologies. Here we have deciphered the biochemical code that determines the
      glycolipid-binding specificity of two major amyloid proteins, Alzheimer's beta
      amyloid peptide (Abeta) and Parkinson's disease associated protein alpha
      synuclein. We showed that both proteins interact with selected glycolipids
      through a common loop-shaped motif exhibiting little sequence homology. This 12
      residue domain corresponded to fragments 34-45 of alpha-synuclein and 5-16 of
      Abeta. By modulating the amino acid sequence of alpha-synuclein at only two
      positions in which we introduced a pair of histidine residues found in Abeta, we
      created a chimeric alpha-synuclein/Abeta peptide with extended ganglioside
      binding properties. This chimeric peptide retained the property of alpha
      synuclein to recognize GM3, and acquired the capacity to recognize GM1 (an Abeta
      inherited characteristic). Free histidine (but not tryptophan or asparagine) and
      Zn2+ (but not Na+) prevented this interaction, confirming the key role of His-13
      and His-14 in ganglioside binding. Molecular dynamics studies suggested that the
      chimeric peptide recognized cholesterol-constrained conformers of GM1, including
      typical chalice-shaped dimers, that are representative of the condensed
      cholesterol-ganglioside complexes found in lipid raft domains of the plasma
      membrane of neural cells. Correspondingly, the peptide had a particular affinity
      for raft-like membranes containing both GM1 and cholesterol. The chimeric peptide
      also interacted with several other gangliosides, including major brain
      gangliosides (GM4, GD1a, GD1b, and GT1b) but not with neutral glycolipids such as
      GlcCer, LacCer or asialo-GM1. It could inhibit the binding of Abeta1-42 onto
      neural SH-SY5Y cells and did not induce toxicity in these cells. In conclusion,
      deciphering the glycolipid code of amyloid proteins allowed us to create a
      universal ganglioside-binding peptide of only 12-residues with potential
      therapeutic applications in infectious and neurodegenerative diseases that
      involve cell surface gangliosides as receptors. 

PMID- 25140900
TI  - Rose Bengal acetate photodynamic therapy (RBAc-PDT) induces exposure and release
      of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) in human HeLa cells.
AB  - The new concept of Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD), associated with Damage
      Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) exposure and/or release, is recently
      becoming very appealing in cancer treatment. In this context, PhotoDynamic
      Therapy (PDT) can give rise to ICD and to immune response upon dead cells
      removal. The list of PhotoSensitizers (PSs) able to induce ICD is still short and
      includes Photofrin, Hypericin, Foscan and 5-ALA. The goal of the present work was
      to investigate if Rose Bengal Acetate (RBAc), a powerful PS able to trigger
      apoptosis and autophagy, enables photosensitized HeLa cells to expose and/or
      release pivotal DAMPs, i.e. ATP, HSP70, HSP90, HMGB1, and calreticulin (CRT),
      that characterize ICD. We found that apoptotic HeLa cells after RBAc-PDT exposed
      and released, early after the treatment, high amount of ATP, HSP70, HSP90 and
      CRT; the latter was distributed on the cell surface as uneven patches and co
      exposed with ERp57. Conversely, autophagic HeLa cells after RBAc-PDT exposed and
      released HSP70, HSP90 but not CRT and ATP. Exposure and release of HSP70 and
      HSP90 were always higher on apoptotic than on autophagic cells. HMGB1 was
      released concomitantly to secondary necrosis (24 h after RBAc-PDT). Phagocytosis
      assay suggests that CRT is involved in removal of RBAc-PDT generated apoptotic
      HeLa cells. Altogether, our data suggest that RBAc has all the prerequisites
      (i.e. exposure and/or release of ATP, CRT, HSP70 and HSP90), that must be
      verified in future vaccination experiments, to be considered a good PS candidate
      to ignite ICD. We also showed tha CRT is involved in the clearance of RBAc
      photokilled HeLa cells. Interestingly, RBAc-PDT is the first cancer PDT protocol
      able to induce the translocation of HSP90 and plasma membrane co-exposure of CRT
      with ERp57. 

PMID- 25140901
TI  - Determination and pharmacokinetic studies of arecoline in dog plasma by liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination
      of arecoline concentration in dog plasma. Plasma sample was prepared by protein
      precipitation using n-hexane (containing 1% isoamyl alcohol) with beta-pinene as
      an internal standard. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Agilent C18
      column (4.6*75mm, 3.5MUm) using methanol: 5mM ammonium acetate as the mobile
      phase with isocratic elution. Mass detection was carried out using positive
      electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The calibration
      curve for arecoline was linear over a concentration range of 2-500ng/mL. The
      intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision were within the acceptable limits
      of +/-10% at all concentrations. In summary, the LC-MS/MS method described herein
      was fully validated and successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of
      arecoline hydrobromide tablets in dogs after oral administration. 

PMID- 25140902
TI  - Influenza A virus protein PB1-F2 translocates into mitochondria via Tom40
      channels and impairs innate immunity.
AB  - Mitochondria contribute to cellular innate immunity against RNA viruses.
      Mitochondrial-mediated innate immunity is regulated by signalling molecules that
      are recruited to the mitochondrial membrane, and depends on the mitochondrial
      inner membrane potential (Deltapsim). Here we examine the physiological relevance
      of Deltapsim and the mitochondrial-associating influenza A viral protein PB1-F2
      in innate immunity. When expressed in host cells, PB1-F2 completely translocates
      into the mitochondrial inner membrane space via Tom40 channels, and its
      accumulation accelerates mitochondrial fragmentation due to reduced Deltapsim. By
      contrast, PB1-F2 variants lacking a C-terminal polypeptide, which is frequently
      found in low pathogenic subtypes, do not affect mitochondrial function. PB1-F2
      mediated attenuation of Deltapsim suppresses the RIG-I signalling pathway and
      activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. PB1-F2 translocation into mitochondria
      strongly correlates with impaired cellular innate immunity, making this
      translocation event a potential therapeutic target. 

PMID- 25140903
TI  - Stromal luteoma of the ovary: A rare ovarian pathology.

PMID- 25140904
TI  - Use of multiple data sources and individual case investigation to refine
      surveillance-based estimates of the HIV care continuum.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the HIV care continuum among HIV-infected persons residing
      in Seattle and King County, WA, at the end of 2011 and compare estimates of viral
      suppression derived from different population-based data sources. METHODS: We
      derived estimates for the HIV care continuum using a combination of HIV case and
      laboratory surveillance data supplemented with individual investigation of cases
      that seemed to be unlinked to or not retained in HIV care, a jurisdiction-wide
      population-based retrospective chart review, and local data from the CDC's
      Medical Monitoring Project and National HIV Behavioral Surveillance. RESULTS:
      Adjusting for in- and out-migration of persons diagnosed with HIV, laboratory
      surveillance data supplemented with individual case investigation suggest that
      67% of persons diagnosed with HIV and 57% of all HIV-infected persons living in
      King County at the end of 2011 were virally suppressed (plasma HIV RNA <200
      copies/mL). The viral suppression estimates we derived from a population-based
      chart review and adjusted local Medical Monitoring Project data were similar to
      the surveillance-derived estimate and identical to each other (59% viral
      suppression among all HIV-infected persons). CONCLUSIONS: The level of viral
      suppression in King County is more than twice the national estimate and exceeds
      estimates of control for other major chronic diseases in the United States. Our
      findings suggest that national care continuum estimates may be substantially too
      pessimistic and highlight the need to improve HIV surveillance data.

PMID- 25140905
TI  - Low-level Viremia early in HIV infection.
AB  - HIV RNA levels are usually high early in HIV infection. In the HPTN 061 study,
      men were tested for HIV infection every 6 months; 6 (21.4%) of 28 men who
      acquired HIV infection during the study had low or undetectable HIV RNA at the
      time of HIV diagnosis. Antiretroviral drugs were not detected at the time of HIV
      diagnosis. False-negative HIV test results were obtained for 2 men using multiple
      assays. Antiretroviral drug resistance mutations were detected in HIV from 1 man.
      Additional studies are needed to identify factors associated with low HIV RNA
      levels during early HIV infection.

PMID- 25140906
TI  - Impact of adherence and anthropometric characteristics on nevirapine
      pharmacokinetics and exposure among HIV-infected Kenyan children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are insufficient data on pediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART)
      pharmacokinetics (PK), particularly for children in low- and middle-income
      countries. METHODS: We conducted a prospective nevirapine (NVP) PK study among
      HIV-infected Kenyan children aged 3-13 years initiating an NVP-based ART regimen.
      NVP dose timing was measured through medication event monitors. Participants
      underwent 2 inpatient assessments: 1 at 4-8 weeks after ART initiation and 1 at 3
      4 months after ART initiation. Allometric scaling of oral clearance
      (CL)/bioavailability (F) and volume of distribution (Vd)/F values were computed.
      Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling using the first-order conditional estimation
      with interaction method was performed with covariates. The impact of adherence on
      time below minimum effective concentration was assessed in the final PK model
      using medication event monitors data and model-estimated individual parameters.
      RESULTS: Among 21 children enrolled, mean age was 5.4 years and 57% were female.
      CL/F was 1.67 L/h and Vd/F was 3.8 L for a median child weighing 15 kg.
      Participants' age had a significant impact on CL/F (P < 0.05), with an estimated
      decrease in CL of 6.2% for each 1-year increase in age. Total body water
      percentage was significantly associated with Vd/F (P < 0.001). No children had
      >10% of time below minimum effective concentration when the PK model assumed
      perfect adherence compared with 10 children when adherence data were used.
      CONCLUSIONS: Age and body composition were significantly associated with
      children's NVP PK parameters. ART adherence significantly impacted drug exposure
      over time, revealing subtherapeutic windows that may lead to viral resistance.

PMID- 25140907
TI  - Oligonucleotide ligation assay detects HIV drug resistance associated with
      virologic failure among antiretroviral-naive adults in Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) is increasing in some areas of
      Africa. Detection of TDR may predict virologic failure of first-line
      nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based antiretroviral
      therapy (ART). We evaluated the utility of a relatively inexpensive
      oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA) to detect clinically relevant TDR at the
      time of ART initiation. METHODS: Pre-ART plasmas from ART-naive Kenyans
      initiating an NNRTI-based fixed-dose combination ART in a randomized adherence
      trial conducted in 2006 were retrospectively analyzed by OLA for mutations
      conferring resistance to NNRTI (K103N, Y181C, and G190A) and lamivudine (M184V).
      Post-ART plasmas were analyzed for virologic failure (>=1000 copies/mL) at 6
      month intervals over 18-month follow-up. Pre-ART plasmas of those with virologic
      failure were evaluated for drug resistance by consensus and 454-pyrosequencing.
      RESULTS: Among 386 participants, TDR was detected by OLA in 3.89% (95% confidence
      interval: 2.19 to 6.33) and was associated with a 10-fold higher rate of
      virologic failure (hazard ratio: 10.39; 95% confidence interval: 3.23 to 32.41; P
      < 0.001) compared with those without TDR. OLA detected 24 TDR mutations (K103N: n
      = 13; Y181C: n = 5; G190A: n = 3; M184V: n = 3) in 15 subjects (NNRTI: n = 15;
      3TC: n = 3). Among 51 participants who developed virologic failure, consensus
      sequencing did not detect additional TDR mutations conferring high-level
      resistance, and pyrosequencing only detected additional mutations at frequencies
      <2%. Mutant frequencies <2% at ART initiation were significantly less likely to
      be found at the time of virologic failure compared with frequencies >=2% (22% vs.
      63%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Detection of TDR by a point mutation assay may
      prevent the use of suboptimal ART.

PMID- 25140908
TI  - Effects of an education and home-based pedometer walking program on ischemic
      heart disease risk factors in people infected with HIV: a randomized trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: People infected with the human immunodeficiency virus are at an
      increased risk of developing ischemic heart disease (IHD); however, the effects
      of an education and home-based pedometer walking program on risk factors of IHD
      are not known. METHODS: We conducted a 12-month randomized study of an education
      and home-based pedometer walking program in 84 human immunodeficiency virus
      infected individuals with risk factors of IHD. RESULTS: Pedometer step count of
      the control and intervention groups improved significantly (P = 0.03 for both
      groups) at 6 months but was not significant at 12 months (P = 0.33 and 0.21,
      respectively). Significant between-group effects were observed in 6-minute walk
      test distance (P = 0.01), waist to hip ratio (P = 0.00), glucose (P = 0.00), and
      high-density lipoprotein (P = 0.01) over the 12-month period. The program did not
      result in change in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as it was associated with
      perceived stress (r = 0.23; P = 0.03), weight (r = 0.28; P = 0.01), body mass
      index (r = 0.35; P < 0.00), waist (r = 0.28; P = 0.01) and hip circumference (r =
      0.28; P = 0.01). Multivariate generalized estimation equation analysis
      demonstrated an inverse association between interaction and perceived stress
      (logB = -0.01; 95% confidence interval: -0.02 to -0.01; P <0.00) and body mass
      index (logB = -0.02; 95% confidence interval: -0.03 to -0.002; P = 0.02) at group
      level. CONCLUSION: An education and home-based pedometer walking program improves
      physical activity levels, and beneficial changes in other IHD risk factors were
      noted.

PMID- 25140909
TI  - GSK1265744 pharmacokinetics in plasma and tissue after single-dose long-acting
      injectable administration in healthy subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: GSK1265744 (744) is an HIV-1 integrase inhibitor in clinical
      development as a long-acting (LA) injectable formulation. This study evaluated
      plasma and tissue pharmacokinetics after single-dose administration of 744 LA
      administered by intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous injections. METHODS: This was
      a phase I, open-label, 9-cohort, parallel study of 744 in healthy subjects. 744
      was administered as a 200 mg/mL nanosuspension at doses of 100-800 mg IM and 100
      400 mg subcutaneous. RESULTS: Eight (6 active and 2 placebo) male and female
      subjects participated in each of the first 7 cohorts. All 8 subjects, 4 males and
      4 females, received active 744 LA in cohorts 8 and 9 and underwent rectal and
      cervicovaginal tissue sampling, respectively. Plasma pharmacokinetic sampling was
      performed for a minimum of 12 weeks or until 744 concentrations were <=0.1
      MUg/mL. Rectal and cervicovaginal tissue biopsies were performed at weeks 2 and 8
      (cohort 8) and weeks 4 and 12 (cohort 9). 744 LA was generally safe and well
      tolerated after single injections. A majority of subjects reported injection site
      reactions, all graded as mild in intensity. Plasma concentration-time profiles
      were prolonged with measureable concentrations up to 52 weeks after dosing. 744
      LA 800 mg IM achieved mean concentrations above protein adjusted-IC90 for
      approximately 16 weeks. Rectal and cervicovaginal tissue concentrations ranged
      from <8% to 28% of corresponding plasma concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: These data
      suggest 744 LA injection has potential application as a monthly or less frequent
      HIV treatment or prevention agent.

PMID- 25140911
TI  - TNF receptors: signaling pathways and contribution to renal dysfunction.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), initially reported to induce tumor cell apoptosis
      and cachexia, is now considered a central mediator of a broad range of biological
      activities from cell proliferation, cell death and differentiation to induction
      of inflammation and immune modulation. TNF exerts its biological responses via
      interaction with two cell surface receptors: TNFR1 and TNFR2. (TNFRs). These
      receptors trigger shared and distinct signaling pathways upon TNF binding, which
      in turn result in cellular outputs that may promote tissue injury on one hand but
      may also induce protective, beneficial responses. Yet the role of TNF and its
      receptors specifically in renal disease is still not well understood. This review
      describes the expression of the TNFRs, the signaling pathways induced by them and
      the biological responses of TNF and its receptors in various animal models of
      renal diseases, and discusses the current outcomes from use of TNF biologics and
      TNF biomarkers in renal disorders. 

PMID- 25140913
TI  - Endothelin-1, but not angiotensin II, induces afferent arteriolar myosin
      diphosphorylation as a potential contributor to prolonged vasoconstriction.
AB  - Bolus administration of endothelin-1 elicits long-lasting renal afferent
      arteriolar vasoconstriction, in contrast to transient constriction induced by
      angiotensin II. Vasoconstriction is generally evoked by myosin regulatory light
      chain (LC20) phosphorylation at Ser19 by myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), which
      is enhanced by Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-mediated inhibition of myosin light
      chain phosphatase (MLCP). LC20 can be diphosphorylated at Ser19 and Thr18,
      resulting in reduced rates of dephosphorylation and relaxation. Here we tested
      whether LC20 diphosphorylation contributes to sustained endothelin-1 but not
      transient angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction. Endothelin-1 treatment of
      isolated arterioles elicited a concentration- and time-dependent increase in LC20
      diphosphorylation at Thr18 and Ser19. Inhibition of MLCK or ROCK reduced
      endothelin-1-evoked LC20 mono- and diphosphorylation. Pretreatment with an ETB
      but not an ETA receptor antagonist abolished LC20 diphosphorylation, and an ETB
      receptor agonist induced LC20 diphosphorylation. In contrast, angiotensin II
      caused phosphorylation exclusively at Ser19. Thus, endothelin-1 and angiotensin
      II induce afferent arteriolar constriction via LC20 phosphorylation at Ser19 due
      to calcium activation of MLCK and ROCK-mediated inhibition of MLCP. Endothelin-1,
      but not angiotensin II, induces phosphorylation of LC20 at Thr18. This could
      contribute to the prolonged vasoconstrictor response to endothelin-1. 

PMID- 25140912
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis indicates underreporting of renal
      dysfunction following endovascular aneurysm repair.
AB  - Deterioration in renal function has been described after endovascular repair of
      abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVRs). The etiology is multifactorial and represents
      an important therapeutic target. A need exists to quantitatively summarize
      incidence and severity of renal dysfunction after EVR to allow better-informed
      attempts to preserve renal function and improve life expectancy. Here a
      systematic search was performed using Medline and Embase for renal function after
      EVR applying PRISMA statements. Univariate and multivariate random-effects meta
      analyses were performed to estimate pooled postoperative changes in serum
      creatinine and creatinine clearance at four time points after EVR. Clinically
      relevant deterioration in renal function was also estimated at 1 year or more
      after EVR. Pooled probability of clinically relevant deterioration in renal
      function at 1 year or more was 18% (95% confidence interval of 14-23%, I2 of
      82.5%). Serum creatinine increased after EVR by 0.05 mg/dl at 30 days/1 month,
      0.09 mg/dl at 1 month to 1 year, and 0.11 mg/dl at 1 year or more (all
      significant). Creatinine clearance decreased after EVR by 5.65 ml/min at 1 month
      1 year and by 6.58 ml/min at 1 year or more (both significant). Thus, renal
      dysfunction after EVR is common and merits attention.

PMID- 25140914
TI  - Single functionalized graphene oxide reconstitutes kinesin mediated intracellular
      cargo transport and delivers multiple cytoskeleton proteins and therapeutic
      molecules into the cell.
AB  - Here, we report a covalently functionalized graphene oxide with Tris-(nitrilo
      Tris-acetic acid) (TGO), which can reconstitute kinesin mediated intracellular
      cargo transport, and deliver multiple proteins and therapeutic antimitotic
      dodecapeptide peptides into the cancer cell. 

PMID- 25140915
TI  - Storable N-phenylcarbamate palladacycles for rapid functionalization of an alkyne
      encoded protein.
AB  - Here we report the synthesis of storable N-phenylcarbamate palladacycles that
      showed robust reactivity in the cross-coupling reaction with an alkyne-encoded
      protein with a second-order rate constant approaching 19 770 +/- 930 M(-1) s(-1).

PMID- 25140916
TI  - Synthesis of magnetically separable Ag3PO4/TiO2/Fe3O4 heterostructure with
      enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light for photoinactivation of
      bacteria.
AB  - Silver orthophosphate (Ag3PO4) is a low-band-gap photocatalyst that has received
      considerable research interest in recent years. In this work, the magnetic
      Ag3PO4/TiO2/Fe3O4 heterostructured nanocomposite was synthesized. The
      nanocomposite was found to exhibit markedly enhanced photocatalytic activity,
      cycling stability, and long-term durability in the photodegradation of acid
      orange 7 (AO7) under visible light. Moreover, the antibacterial film prepared
      from Ag3PO4/TiO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposite presented excellent bactericidal activity
      and recyclability toward Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells under visible-light
      irradiation. In addition to the intrinsic cytotoxicity of silver ions, the
      elevated bactericidal efficiency of Ag3PO4/TiO2/Fe3O4 can be largely attributed
      to its highly enhanced photocatalytic activity. The photogenerated hydroxyl
      radicals and superoxide ions on the formed Ag/Ag3PO4/TiO2 interfaces cause
      considerable morphological changes in the microorganism's cells and lead to the
      death of the bacteria. 

PMID- 25140917
TI  - Large-scale synthesis of TiO2 microspheres with hierarchical nanostructure for
      highly efficient photodriven reduction of CO2 to CH4.
AB  - In this study, a simple and reproducible synthesis strategy was employed to
      fabricate TiO2 microspheres with hierarchical nanostructure. The microspheres are
      macroscopic in the bulk particle size (several hundreds to more than 1000 MUm),
      but they are actually composed of P25 nanoparticles as the building units.
      Although it is simple in the assembly of P25 nanoparticles, the structure of the
      as-prepared TiO2 microspheres becomes unique because a hierarchical porosity
      composed of macropores, larger mesopores (ca. 12.4 nm), and smaller mesopores
      (ca. 2.3 nm) has been developed. The interconnected macropores and larger
      mesopores can be utilized as fast paths for mass transport. In addition, this
      hierarchical nanostructure may also contribute to some extent to the enhanced
      photocatalytic activity due to increased multilight reflection/scattering.
      Compared with the state-of-the-art photocatalyst, commercial Degussa P25 TiO2,
      the as-prepared TiO2 microsphere catalyst has demonstrated significant
      enhancement in photodriven conversion of CO2 into the end product CH4. Further
      enhancement in photodriven conversion of CO2 into CH4 can be easily achieved by
      the incorporation of metals such as Pt. The preliminary experiments with Pt
      loading reveal that there is still much potential for considerable improvement in
      TiO2 microsphere based photocatalysts. Most interestingly and significantly, the
      synthesis strategy is simple and large quantity of TiO2 microspheres (i.e.,
      several hundred grams) can be easily prepared at one time in the lab, which makes
      large-scale industrial synthesis of TiO2 microspheres feasible and less
      expensive. 

PMID- 25140919
TI  - The Grief and Meaning Reconstruction Inventory (GMRI): Initial Validation of a
      New Measure.
AB  - Although increasing numbers of grief theorists, researchers, and therapists have
      begun to focus on the quest for meaning in lives disrupted by loss, no convenient
      and psychometrically validated measure of meanings made specifically in
      bereavement has been available to guide their efforts. To construct such a
      measure, the authors began with a systematic content analysis of sense-making,
      benefit finding, and identity reconstruction themes gleaned from the narrative
      responses of a sample of 162 adults who were diverse in their age, ethnicity,
      relationship to the decedent, cause of death, and severity of their grief
      response. These were then formulated into a set of 65 candidate items in a Likert
      scale format representing the level of the respondent's endorsement of the item
      in the past week. Subsequent administration to a second sample of 300 bereaved
      respondents permitted factor analysis of this pilot version of the Grief and
      Meaning Reconstruction Inventory (GMRI), and reduced the items to 29, which
      loaded on 5 distinct factors, labeled Continuing Bonds, Personal Growth, Sense of
      Peace, Emptiness and Meaninglessness, and Valuing Life. Both the overall GMRI and
      its constituent factors showed good internal consistency and strong convergent
      validity in the form of negative correlations with established measures of
      bereavement-related negative emotions, symptoms of complicated grief, and more
      general psychological distress and mental health symptomatology, and positive
      correlations with grief related personal growth. The authors close by noting
      several specific research and clinical applications of the measure, which could
      play a useful role in testing and refining contemporary models of meaning made in
      the wake of loss. 

PMID- 25140920
TI  - Driving forces for the self-assembly of graphene oxide on organic monolayers.
AB  - Graphene oxide (GO) flakes were self-assembled from solution on surfaces of self
      assembled monolayers (SAMs), varying in the chemical structure of their head
      groups. The coverage density of GO relates to strength of attractive interaction,
      which is largest for Coulomb interaction provided by positively charged SAM head
      groups and negatively charged GO. A rough surface enhances the coverage density
      but with the same trend in driving force dependency. The self-assembly approach
      was used to fabricate field-effect transistors with reduced GO (rGO) as active
      layer. The SAMs as attractive layer for self-assembly remain almost unaffected by
      the reduction from GO to rGO and serve as ultra-thin gate dielectrics in devices,
      which operate at low voltages of maximum 3 V and exhibit a shift of the Dirac
      voltage related to the dipole moment of the SAMs. 

PMID- 25140921
TI  - Maternal distress in early life predicts the waist-to-hip ratio in
      schoolchildren.
AB  - We report on life course stress determinants of overweight in children, using
      data from the longitudinal follow-up of the nested case-control arm of the SAGE
      (study of asthma genes and the environment) birth cohort in Manitoba, Canada.
      Waist and hip measurements were obtained during a clinic visit at age 9-11 years.
      Multiple linear regression was conducted to determine the relationship between
      the waist-to-hip ratio and maternal smoking during pregnancy, postpartum maternal
      distress and stress reactivity in children (cortisol, cortisol-DHEA
      [dihydroepiandrostrenone] ratio quartiles) following a clinic stressor at age 8
      10 years. We found waist-to-hip risk at age 9-11 years to be elevated among boys
      and girls whose mothers had experienced distress in the postnatal period. This
      association varied by gender and asthma status. In healthy girls, postpartum
      distress increased waist-to-hip ratio by a factor of 0.034 (P < 0.01),
      independent of the child's stage of puberty and adrenarche, cortisol-DHEA ratio
      and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Among girls with asthma, maternal
      smoking during pregnancy was associated with an increased waist-to-hip ratio, if
      the mother also experienced distress in the postpartum period (0.072, P = 0.038).
      Among asthmatic boys, an association between maternal distress and waist-to-hip
      ratio was evident at the highest cortisol-DHEA ratios. Stress-induced changes to
      leptin and infant over-eating pathways were proposed to explain the postnatal
      maternal distress effects. Drawing on the theories of evolutionary biology, our
      findings underscore the significance of postnatal stress in disrupting
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in infants and increasing risk for
      child overweight. 

PMID- 25140922
TI  - Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes following hyperemesis gravidarum.
AB  - Undernutrition during pregnancy is associated with detrimental pregnancy and
      neonatal outcomes, which can have long-term implications for the infant.
      Hyperemesis gravidarum may severely limit nutritional intake. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the effect of hyperemesis on pregnancy and neonatal
      outcome, particularly gestation length and infant size at birth. Seventy-five
      prospectively recruited women admitted to a tertiary level hospital in Auckland,
      with hyperemesis gravidarum between March 2003 and October 2005, were compared to
      142 controls matched for age, parity, ethnicity and expected date of delivery.
      Data were obtained from electronic records and analysed by Student's t-test,
      chi2, Wilcoxon, Fisher's exact tests and linear regression. Length of gestation,
      birth weight and crown-heel length were not different between participants and
      controls. Infants born to women with hyperemesis gravidarum had smaller head
      circumferences (Z-score mean (s.d.) 0.02 (0.16) v. 0.43 (0.11), P = 0.04 in all
      infants and -0.02 (1.24) v. 0.48 (1.29), P = 0.01 in-term infants). This study
      found hyperemesis gravidarum to be associated with smaller head circumferences in
      offspring. Given the reported associations between smaller head circumference at
      birth and lower cognitive ability and higher risk of cardiovascular disease in
      later life, further study is necessary to confirm these results and to determine
      whether there are any long-term implications for the offspring. 

PMID- 25140923
TI  - Cord blood immune biomarkers in small for gestational age births.
AB  - Fetal growth restriction is a risk factor for development of adulthood diseases,
      but the biological mechanism of this association remains unknown. Limited
      biomarkers have been studied in settings of preterm birth and maternal
      inflammation, but the relationship between a wide range of immune biomarkers and
      fetal growth has not been studied. The hypothesis of this study was that fetal
      growth restriction is associated with altered immune biomarker levels. We
      examined the relationship between small for gestational age (SGA) status and 27
      umbilical cord blood immune biomarkers. This study was part of a large-scale
      cohort study of preterm birth and low birth weight conducted at Boston Medical
      Center, an inner city, predominantly minority patient population. Growth status
      was determined based on birth weight standardized to an internal reference. There
      were 74 SGA births and 319 appropriate for age (AGA) births with complete
      clinical and biomarker data. Adjusting for covariates and using AGA as reference,
      SGA births had lower levels of log IL-1beta (ng/l; beta -0.38, 95% CI -0.57, 
      0.19, P < 0.01), log BDNF (beta -0.29, 95% CI -0.55, -0.03, P < 0.05) and log NT
      3 (beta -0.46, 95% CI -0.77, -0.15, P < 0.01). No associations were found between
      other biomarkers and SGA. In conclusion, three biomarkers were selectively
      associated with SGA status. Our results provide information that could be used to
      guide additional studied aimed at determining mechanisms that contribute to fetal
      growth. 

PMID- 25140924
TI  - Pre- and postnatal determinants of childhood body size: cohort and sibling
      analyses.
AB  - Growing evidence suggests obesity may have its roots in early life but it is
      still uncertain whether prenatal factors operate primarily though altering early
      infant growth. It is also still unclear if rapid growth during selected time
      periods is more important than other time periods in predicting future body size.
      Using prospectively collected data on 20,523 participants born from 1959 to 1966
      (10,327 boys; 10,196 girls) of the Collaborative Perinatal Project, we
      investigated the associations between pre- and postnatal factors and childhood
      body size at age 7 years and compared these associations across linear, logistic
      and quantile regression models. Maternal body mass index (BMI), maternal
      pregnancy weight gain, birth weight and postnatal weight change for three time
      periods (birth to 4 months; 4-12 months; 1-4 years) were all positively and
      independently associated with BMI at age 7 years. Rapid growth during each time
      period had a similar association BMI at age 7 years. For example, a 10-percentile
      increase in weight increased the probability of being overweight at age 7 years
      by approximately two-fold regardless of time period (OR = 1.8-2.2 for boys and
      girls). Using same-sex siblings (n = 571 boy sets; n = 651 girl sets) from the
      same cohort, we observed that siblings with higher BMI at age 7 years than their
      same-sex siblings were more likely to have higher maternal pregnancy weight gain,
      higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, higher birth weight and increased rate of
      weight gain during the three time periods. These consistent findings both from
      the overall cohort and the sibling analyses suggest that there are multiple,
      rather than specific critical periods of influence shaping childhood body size. 

PMID- 25140925
TI  - Perinatal programming of murine immune responses by polyunsaturated fatty acids.
AB  - Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid are essential fatty acids (eFAs) and have
      to be acquired from the diet. eFAs are the precursors for long-chain
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (lcPUFAs), which are important immune-modulating
      compounds. lcPUFAs can be converted into eicosanoids and other mediators. They
      affect membrane structure and fluidity and can alter gene expression. There has
      been a marked change in dietary fatty acid intake over the last several decades.
      Since eFAs are acquired from the diet and immune development occurs mainly
      perinatally, the maternal diet may influence fetal and neonatal eFA levels, and
      thereby lcPUFA status, and thus immune development and function. To study whether
      early exposure to eFAs can program immune function, mice were fed diets varying
      in the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6-eFAs during pregnancy and/or lactation. After
      weaning, pups received a Western-style diet. At 11 weeks of age, the effects of
      maternal diet on the offspring's allergic and vaccination responses were examined
      using the T-helper 2 driven ovalbumin-induced allergy model and the T-helper 1
      driven influenza-vaccination model, respectively. Offspring of dams fed a high
      alpha-linolenic acid diet during lactation showed an enhanced vaccination
      response. As diets with either low or high omega-3/omega-6-eFA ratio attenuated
      the T-helper 2 allergic response, the high alpha-linolenic acid diet fed during
      lactation had the most pronounced effect. These results indicate that there is a
      programming effect of maternal diet on the offspring's immune response and that
      in mice the window of greatest susceptibility to maternal dietary intervention is
      the lactation/suckling period. 

PMID- 25140926
TI  - Maternal malnutrition and placental insufficiency induce global downregulation of
      gene expression in fetal kidneys.
AB  - Malnutrition during pregnancy causes intrauterine growth restriction and long
      term changes in the offspring's physiology and metabolism. To explore molecular
      mechanisms by which the intrauterine environment conveys programming in fetal
      kidneys, an organ known to undergo substantial changes in many animal models of
      late gestational undernutrition, we used a microswine model of maternal protein
      restriction (MPR) in which sows were exposed to isocaloric low protein (LP) diet
      during late gestation/early lactation to encompass the bulk of nephrogenesis. To
      define general v. model-specific effects, we also used a sheep model of placental
      insufficiency. In kidneys from near-term fetal and neonatal microswine LP
      offspring, per cell levels of total RNA, poly(A)+ mRNA and transcripts of several
      randomly chosen housekeeping genes were significantly reduced compared to
      controls. Microarray analysis revealed only a few MPR-resistant genes that escape
      such downregulation. The ratio of histone modifications H3K4m3/H3K9m3
      (active/silenced) was reduced at promoters of downregulated but not MPR-resistant
      genes suggesting that transcriptional suppression is the point of control. In
      juvenile offspring, on a normal diet from weaning, cellular RNA levels and
      histone mark patterns were recovered to near control levels, indicating that
      global repression of transcription is dependent on ongoing MPR. Importantly,
      cellular RNA content was also reduced in ovine fetal kidneys during placental
      insufficiency. These studies show that global repression of transcription may be
      a universal consequence of a poor intrauterine environment that contributes to
      fetal restriction. 

PMID- 25140927
TI  - Attitudes towards microbicide use for bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy.
AB  - Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common reproductive tract
      infection (RTI) and is a significant risk factor for preterm birth. Microbicides
      could be an option for the prevention and treatment of BV in pregnancy, and
      understanding use of the product will be crucial. The present study explored
      attitudes of women in the third trimester of pregnancy regarding topical
      microbicide use for the prevention and treatment of BV. METHODS: Twenty-six women
      in their third trimester were interviewed regarding their knowledge and beliefs
      about RTIs during pregnancy and attitudes concerning the use of topical
      microbicides for prevention and treatment of BV. RESULTS: Participants had a mean
      age of 24.9 years, were largely under-represented minorities and the majority had
      had past pregnancies. Participants had knowledge and experience with RTIs but not
      BV. They were open to the use of microbicides for prevention or treatment of BV,
      but believed that women requiring treatment would be more motivated. Rationales
      for acceptability were most commonly related to the baby's health. Practical
      issues that may interfere with use were often, but not always, related to
      pregnancy. There was a range of attitudes about partner involvement in decision
      making and the practicalities of product use. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women are
      knowledgeable about RTIs but not necessarily BV. The women in this study found
      microbicide use acceptable, particularly for treatment. To improve acceptability
      and use, education would be needed about BV and possible complications, how to
      overcome practical problems and the value of involving partners in the decision.

PMID- 25140928
TI  - Discussion of the influence of CO and CH4 in CO2 transport, injection, and
      storage for CCS technology.
AB  - This paper discusses the influence of the noncondensable impurities CO and CH4 on
      Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. We calculated and drew conclusions
      about the impact of both impurities in the CO2 on selected transport, injection,
      and storage parameters (pipeline pressure drop, storage capacity, etc.), whose
      analysis is necessary for the safe construction and operation of CO2 pipelines
      and for the secure long-term geological storage of anthropogenic CO2. To
      calculate these parameters, it is necessary to acquire data on the volumetric
      properties and the vapor-liquid equilibrium of the fluid being subjected to CCS.
      In addition to literature data, we used new experimental data, which are
      presented here and were obtained for five mixtures of CO2+CO with compositions
      characteristic of the typical emissions of the E.U. and the U.S.A. Temperatures
      and pressures are based on relevant CO2 pipeline and geological storage site
      values. From our experimental results, Peng-Robinson, PC-SAFT, and GERG Equations
      of State for were validated CO2+CO under the conditions of CCS. We conclude that
      the concentration of both impurities strongly affects the studied parameters,
      with CO being the most influential and problematic. The overall result of these
      negative effects is an increase in the difficulties, risks, and overall costs of
      CCS.

PMID- 25140929
TI  - Novel G3/DT adjuvant promotes the induction of protective T cells responses after
      vaccination with a seasonal trivalent inactivated split-virion influenza vaccine.
AB  - Vaccines used against seasonal influenza are poorly effective against influenza A
      viruses of novel subtypes that may have pandemic potential. Furthermore,
      pre(pandemic) influenza vaccines are poorly immunogenic, which can be overcome by
      the use of adjuvants. A limited number of adjuvants has been approved for use in
      humans, however there is a need for alternative safe and effective adjuvants that
      can enhance the immunogenicity of influenza vaccines and that promote the
      induction of broad-protective T cell responses. Here we evaluated a novel
      nanoparticle, G3, as an adjuvant for a seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza
      vaccine in a mouse model. The G3 adjuvant was formulated with or without steviol
      glycosides (DT, for diterpenoid). The use of both formulations enhanced the virus
      specific antibody response to all three vaccine strains considerably. The
      adjuvants were well tolerated without any signs of discomfort. To assess the
      protective potential of the vaccine-induced immune responses, an antigenically
      distinct influenza virus strain, A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (A/PR/8/34), was used for
      challenge infection. The vaccine-induced antibodies did not cross-react with
      strain A/PR/8/34 in HI and VN assays. However, mice immunized with the G3/DT
      adjuvanted vaccine were partially protected against A/PR/8/34 infection, which
      correlated with the induction of anamnestic virus-specific CD8(+) T cell
      responses that were not observed with the use of G3 without DT. Both formulations
      induced maturation of human dendritic cells and promoted antigen presentation to
      a similar extent. In conclusion, G3/DT is a promising adjuvant formulation that
      not only potentiates the antibody response induced by influenza vaccines, but
      also induces T cell immunity which could afford broader protection against
      antigenically distinct influenza viruses. 

PMID- 25140930
TI  - Humoral responses to independent vaccinations are correlated in healthy boosted
      adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Roughly half of U.S. adults do not receive recommended booster
      vaccinations, but protective antibody levels are rarely measured in adults.
      Demographic factors, vaccination history, and responses to other vaccinations
      could help identify at-risk individuals. We sought to characterize rates of
      seroconversion and determine associations of humoral responses to multiple
      vaccinations in healthy adults. METHODS: Humoral responses toward measles, mumps,
      tetanus toxoid, pertussis, hepatitis B surface antigen, and anthrax protective
      antigen were measured by ELISA in post-immunization samples from 1465 healthy
      U.S. military members. We examined the effects of demographic and clinical
      factors on immunization responses, as well as assessed correlations between
      vaccination responses. RESULTS: Subsets of boosted adults did not have
      seroprotective levels of antibodies toward measles (10.4%), mumps (9.4%),
      pertussis (4.7%), hepatitis B (8.6%) or protective antigen (14.4%) detected. Half
      lives of antibody responses were generally long (>30 years). Measles and mumps
      antibody levels were correlated (r=0.31, p<0.001), but not associated with select
      demographic features or vaccination history. Measles and mumps antibody levels
      also correlated with tetanus antibody response (r=0.11, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Vaccination responses are predominantly robust and vaccine specific. However, a
      small but significant portion of the vaccinated adult population may not have
      quantitative seroprotective antibody to common vaccine-preventable infections.

PMID- 25140931
TI  - Bilateral high- and low-frequency rTMS in acute stroke patients with hemiparesis:
      a comparative study with unilateral high-frequency rTMS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High- and low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
      (HF-rTMS and LF-rTMS) has been shown to be beneficial for upper limb hemiparesis
      in patients with acute stroke. However, no study has examined the usefulness of
      bilateral application of HF- and LF-rTMS (BL-rTMS). METHODS: Fifty-eight
      hemiparetic patients with acute stroke were randomly assigned into two groups: HF
      rTMS group and BL-rTMS group. All patients were scheduled to receive five
      sessions of either HF-rTMS over the lesional hemisphere or BL-rTMS over both
      hemispheres for 5 days. Motor function of the affected upper limb was evaluated
      using the Brunnstrom Recovery Stage (BRS) for upper-limb and hand-fingers, grip
      strength and tapping frequency, before the first session and after the last
      session of rTMS. RESULTS: Improvement of BRS for the upper limb and hand/finger
      was significantly greater in the BL-rTMS group than the HF-rTMS group (p < 0.01).
      Improvement in grip strength and tapping frequency was also greater in the BL
      rTMS group, although the differences were not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: The proposed BL-rTMS is safe and feasible and showed a greater
      improvement of BRS of the affected upper limb compared to HF-rTMS. This novel
      rTMS approach may be a useful intervention for hemiparetic patients with acute
      stroke.

PMID- 25140932
TI  - Physician-assisted suicide: a matter of choice.

PMID- 25140934
TI  - Finding the courage to seek care.

PMID- 25140935
TI  - ID badges: what's really in a name?

PMID- 25140936
TI  - A tale of two hospital systems: preparing new graduates for clinical practice.

PMID- 25140937
TI  - Introducing nursing informatics.

PMID- 25140938
TI  - Spotlight on nurse researcher Kimberly Stephens.

PMID- 25140942
TI  - Patient education. Angina.

PMID- 25140943
TI  - Learning self-advocacy.

PMID- 25140944
TI  - How clinical nurse leaders can improve rural healthcare.

PMID- 25140945
TI  - Intracolonic administration of vancomycin for Clostridium difficile infection.

PMID- 25140946
TI  - Professional perspectives on planned home births.

PMID- 25140947
TI  - Make carbohydrate counting add up.

PMID- 25140949
TI  - Fighting bed alarm fatigue in orthopedic units.

PMID- 25140950
TI  - Ebola virus disease: an emerging threat.

PMID- 25140952
TI  - FDA approval of bedaquiline--the benefit-risk balance for drug-resistant
      tuberculosis.

PMID- 25140953
TI  - Did hospital engagement networks actually improve care?

PMID- 25140954
TI  - The impact and evolution of Medicare Part D.

PMID- 25140955
TI  - The challenges of challenge experiments.

PMID- 25140956
TI  - Controlled trial of transfusions for silent cerebral infarcts in sickle cell
      anemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Silent cerebral infarcts are the most common neurologic injury in
      children with sickle cell anemia and are associated with the recurrence of an
      infarct (stroke or silent cerebral infarct). We tested the hypothesis that the
      incidence of the recurrence of an infarct would be lower among children who
      underwent regular blood-transfusion therapy than among those who received
      standard care. METHODS: In this randomized, single-blind clinical trial, we
      randomly assigned children with sickle cell anemia to receive regular blood
      transfusions (transfusion group) or standard care (observation group).
      Participants were between 5 and 15 years of age, with no history of stroke and
      with one or more silent cerebral infarcts on magnetic resonance imaging and a
      neurologic examination showing no abnormalities corresponding to these lesions.
      The primary end point was the recurrence of an infarct, defined as a stroke or a
      new or enlarged silent cerebral infarct. RESULTS: A total of 196 children (mean
      age, 10 years) were randomly assigned to the observation or transfusion group and
      were followed for a median of 3 years. In the transfusion group, 6 of 99 children
      (6%) had an end-point event (1 had a stroke, and 5 had new or enlarged silent
      cerebral infarcts). In the observation group, 14 of 97 children (14%) had an end
      point event (7 had strokes, and 7 had new or enlarged silent cerebral infarcts).
      The incidence of the primary end point in the transfusion and observation groups
      was 2.0 and 4.8 events, respectively, per 100 years at risk, corresponding to an
      incidence rate ratio of 0.41 (95% confidence interval, 0.12 to 0.99; P=0.04).
      CONCLUSIONS: Regular blood-transfusion therapy significantly reduced the
      incidence of the recurrence of cerebral infarct in children with sickle cell
      anemia. (Funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
      and others; Silent Cerebral Infarct Multi-Center Clinical Trial
      ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00072761, and Current Controlled Trials number,
      ISRCTN52713285.).

PMID- 25140957
TI  - Oral GS-5806 activity in a respiratory syncytial virus challenge study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of infant
      hospitalizations and is increasingly recognized as a cause of considerable
      morbidity and mortality. No accepted antiviral treatment exists. METHODS: We
      conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of GS-5806, an oral RSV-entry
      inhibitor, in healthy adults who received a clinical challenge strain of RSV
      intranasally. Participants were monitored for 12 days. At the time of a positive
      test for RSV infection or 5 days after inoculation, whichever occurred first,
      participants were randomly assigned to receive GS-5806 or placebo in one of seven
      sequential cohorts. Cohorts 1 to 4 received a first dose of 50 mg of GS-5806 and
      then 25 mg daily for the next 4 days, cohort 5 received a first dose of 50 mg and
      then 25 mg daily for the next 2 days, cohort 6 received one 100-mg dose, and
      cohort 7 received a first dose of 10 mg and then 5 mg daily for the next 4 days.
      Dose selection for cohorts 5, 6, and 7 occurred after an interim analysis of data
      for cohorts 1 to 4. The primary end point was the area under the curve (AUC) for
      the viral load, which was assessed after administration of the first dose through
      the 12th day after inoculation. Secondary end points were mucus weight and
      symptom scores. RESULTS: Among the 54 participants in cohorts 1 to 4 who were
      infected with RSV, active treatment was associated with a lower viral load
      (adjusted mean, 250.7 vs. 757.7 log10 plaque-forming-unit equivalents [PFUe] *
      hours per milliliter; P<0.001), lower total mucus weight (mean, 6.9 g vs. 15.1 g;
      P=0.03), and a lower AUC for the change from baseline in symptom scores (adjusted
      mean, -20.2 vs. 204.9 * hours; P=0.005). The results were similar in cohorts 5,
      6, and 7. Adverse events, including low neutrophil counts and increased levels of
      alanine aminotransferase, were more common among participants receiving GS-5806.
      CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with GS-5806 reduced the viral load and the severity of
      clinical disease in a challenge study of healthy adults. (Funded by Gilead
      Sciences; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01756482.).

PMID- 25140958
TI  - Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and culture conversion with bedaquiline.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bedaquiline (Sirturo, TMC207), a diarylquinoline that inhibits
      mycobacterial ATP synthase, has been associated with accelerated sputum-culture
      conversion in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, when added to a
      preferred background regimen for 8 weeks. METHODS: In this phase 2b trial, we
      randomly assigned 160 patients with newly diagnosed, smear-positive, multidrug
      resistant tuberculosis to receive either 400 mg of bedaquiline once daily for 2
      weeks, followed by 200 mg three times a week for 22 weeks, or placebo, both in
      combination with a preferred background regimen. The primary efficacy end point
      was the time to sputum-culture conversion in liquid broth. Patients were followed
      for 120 weeks from baseline. RESULTS: Bedaquiline reduced the median time to
      culture conversion, as compared with placebo, from 125 days to 83 days (hazard
      ratio in the bedaquiline group, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.57 to 3.80;
      P<0.001 by Cox regression analysis) and increased the rate of culture conversion
      at 24 weeks (79% vs. 58%, P=0.008) and at 120 weeks (62% vs. 44%, P=0.04). On the
      basis of World Health Organization outcome definitions for multidrug-resistant
      tuberculosis, cure rates at 120 weeks were 58% in the bedaquiline group and 32%
      in the placebo group (P=0.003). The overall incidence of adverse events was
      similar in the two groups. There were 10 deaths in the bedaquiline group and 2 in
      the placebo group, with no causal pattern evident. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of
      bedaquiline to a preferred background regimen for 24 weeks resulted in faster
      culture conversion and significantly more culture conversions at 120 weeks, as
      compared with placebo. There were more deaths in the bedaquiline group than in
      the placebo group. (Funded by Janssen Pharmaceuticals; TMC207-C208
      ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00449644.).

PMID- 25140959
TI  - Somatic mutations in cerebral cortical malformations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there is increasing recognition of the role of somatic
      mutations in genetic disorders, the prevalence of somatic mutations in
      neurodevelopmental disease and the optimal techniques to detect somatic mosaicism
      have not been systematically evaluated. METHODS: Using a customized panel of
      known and candidate genes associated with brain malformations, we applied
      targeted high-coverage sequencing (depth, >=200*) to leukocyte-derived DNA
      samples from 158 persons with brain malformations, including the double-cortex
      syndrome (subcortical band heterotopia, 30 persons), polymicrogyria with
      megalencephaly (20), periventricular nodular heterotopia (61), and pachygyria
      (47). We validated candidate mutations with the use of Sanger sequencing and, for
      variants present at unequal read depths, subcloning followed by colony
      sequencing. RESULTS: Validated, causal mutations were found in 27 persons (17%;
      range, 10 to 30% for each phenotype). Mutations were somatic in 8 of the 27
      (30%), predominantly in persons with the double-cortex syndrome (in whom we found
      mutations in DCX and LIS1), persons with periventricular nodular heterotopia
      (FLNA), and persons with pachygyria (TUBB2B). Of the somatic mutations we
      detected, 5 (63%) were undetectable with the use of traditional Sanger sequencing
      but were validated through subcloning and subsequent sequencing of the subcloned
      DNA. We found potentially causal mutations in the candidate genes DYNC1H1, KIF5C,
      and other kinesin genes in persons with pachygyria. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted
      sequencing was found to be useful for detecting somatic mutations in patients
      with brain malformations. High-coverage sequencing panels provide an important
      complement to whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing in the evaluation of
      somatic mutations in neuropsychiatric disease. (Funded by the National Institute
      of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and others.).

PMID- 25140960
TI  - Aortic-valve stenosis--from patients at risk to severe valve obstruction.

PMID- 25140961
TI  - Cancer of unknown primary site.

PMID- 25140962
TI  - Images in clinical medicine. Intraoral presentation of antrochoanal polyp.

PMID- 25140963
TI  - Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 26-2014. A 21-month-old
      boy with lethargy, respiratory distress, and abdominal distention.

PMID- 25140964
TI  - More blood for sickle cell anemia?

PMID- 25140965
TI  - Progress in the prevention and treatment of RSV infection.

PMID- 25140966
TI  - Molecular basis of giant cells in tuberous sclerosis complex.

PMID- 25140967
TI  - Treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 25140968
TI  - Treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 25140969
TI  - Treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 25140970
TI  - Treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 25140971
TI  - Treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 25140972
TI  - The metabolic syndrome and DYRK1B.

PMID- 25140973
TI  - The metabolic syndrome and DYRK1B.

PMID- 25140974
TI  - The metabolic syndrome and DYRK1B.

PMID- 25140975
TI  - The metabolic syndrome and DYRK1B.

PMID- 25140976
TI  - Images in clinical medicine. Posterior mediastinal mass.

PMID- 25140977
TI  - Interactive medical case. A man with fever, cough, and rash.

PMID- 25140978
TI  - Prevalence and characterization of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli
      isolated from conventional and organic vegetables.
AB  - To compare the characteristics and to identify the epidemiological relationships
      of Escherichia coli isolated from organic and conventional vegetables, the
      antimicrobial resistance and genetic properties of E. coli were investigated from
      2010 to 2011. E. coli was isolated from 1 of 111 (0.9%) organic vegetables and
      from 20 of 225 (8.9%) conventional vegetables. The majority of strains were
      isolated from the surrounding farming environment (n=27/150 vs. 49/97 in organic
      vs. conventional samples). The majority of the vegetable strains were isolated
      from the surrounding farming environments. E. coli isolated from organic
      vegetables showed very low antimicrobial resistance rates except for cephalothin,
      ranging from 0% to 17.9%, while the resistance rates to cephalothin (71%) were
      extremely high in both groups. E. coli isolates expressed various resistance
      genes, which most commonly included blaTEM, tet(A), strA, strB, and qnrS.
      However, none of the isolates harbored tet(D), tet(E), tet(K), tet(L), tet(M), or
      qnrA. The transferability of tet gene, tet(A), and tet(B) was identified in
      tetracycline-resistant E. coli, and the genetic relationship was confirmed in a
      few cases from different sources. With regard to the lower antimicrobial
      resistance found in organic produce, this production mode seems able to
      considerably reduce the selection of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria on
      vegetables.

PMID- 25140979
TI  - Spontaneous abortion and functional polymorphism (Val16Ala) in the manganese SOD
      gene.
AB  - Spontaneous abortion is the most common complication of early pregnancy. Genetic
      factors have been hypothesised to play a role in spontaneous abortion. Since it
      is possible that the balance of oxidants and antioxidants can be affected by
      different genetic variants, gene polymorphisms have been proposed as a
      susceptibility factor that increases the chance of miscarriage. Manganese
      superoxide dismutase is an important antioxidant enzyme encoded by manganese
      superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene. The aim of this experiment was to assess
      whether Val16Ala polymorphism of MnSOD gene is associated with miscarriage in
      northern Iran. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism
      (PCR-RFLP) was used for genotyping. Statistical analyses were conducted using the
      chi(2)-test. The genetic distributions did not differ significantly between cases
      and controls, however slightly more Val/Val genotypes were found among the
      patients compared with control subjects (p = 0.059). No correlation was observed
      between susceptibility to abortion and MnSOD Val16Ala polymorphism. Larger
      population-based studies are needed for clarifying the relationship between
      abortion and MnSOD genotypes.

PMID- 25140980
TI  - Motivational interviewing for alcohol misuse in young adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Globally, harmful use of alcohol results in approximately 2.5 million
      deaths each year. About 9% of these deaths are young people between the ages of
      15 and 29 years (WHO 2011), mainly resulting from motor vehicle accidents,
      homicides, suicides and drownings. Hazardous drinking levels for men (consuming
      over 40 g/day alcohol on average, that is 5 units) double the risk of liver
      disease, raised blood pressure, some cancers and violent death (because some
      people who have this average alcohol consumption drink heavily on some days). For
      women, over 24 g/day average alcohol consumption (3 units) increases the risk for
      developing liver disease and breast cancer. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a
      popular technique for addressing excessive drinking in young adults but its
      effectiveness has not previously been examined in a Cochrane review. OBJECTIVES:
      The specific objectives were:(1) to summarise current evidence about the effects
      of MI intended to address alcohol and alcohol-related problems in young adults,
      compared with no intervention or a different intervention, on alcohol consumption
      and other substantive outcome measures;(2) to investigate whether the effects of
      MI are modified by the length of the intervention. SEARCH METHODS: Relevant
      evidence was identified from (1) Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (CENTRAL) (October 2013), (2) MEDLINE (January 1966 to October 2013), (3) EMBASE
      (January 1988 to October 2013), and (4) PsycINFO (1985 to October 2013).
      References of topic-related systematic reviews and the included studies were
      handsearched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials and cluster
      randomised controlled trials of young people up to the age of 25 years in college
      and non-college settings comparing MIs with no intervention or a different
      intervention for prevention of alcohol misuse and alcohol-related problems were
      included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard methodological
      procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 66
      randomised trials (17,901 participants) were included four of which were cluster
      randomised. Studies with longer-term follow-up (four plus months) were of more
      interest when considering the sustainability of intervention effects.At four or
      more months follow-up, effects were found for the quantity of alcohol consumed
      (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.20 to 
      0.08 or a reduction from 13.7 drinks/week to 12.2 drinks/week), moderate quality
      of evidence; frequency of alcohol consumption (SMD -0.11; 95% CI -0.19 to -0.03
      or a reduction in the number of days/week alcohol was consumed from 2.74 days to
      2.57 days), moderate quality of evidence; and peak blood alcohol concentration
      (BAC) (SMD -0.14; 95% CI -0.23 to -0.05 or a decrease in peak BAC from 0.144% to
      0.129%), moderate quality of evidence. A marginal effect was found for alcohol
      problems (SMD -0.08; 95% CI -0.15 to 0.00 or a reduction in an alcohol problems
      scale score from 8.91 to 8.18), low quality of evidence. No effects were found
      for binge drinking (SMD -0.05; 95% CI -0.12 to 0.01), moderate quality of
      evidence; or average BAC (SMD -0.08; 95% CI -0.22 to 0.06), moderate quality of
      evidence. We also considered other outcomes and at four or more months follow-up
      we found no effects on drink-driving (SMD -0.11; 95% CI -0.31 to 0.09), moderate
      quality of evidence; or other alcohol-related risky behaviour (SMD -0.14; 95% CI 
      0.30 to 0.02), moderate quality of evidence.Further analyses showed that the type
      of control comparison (assessment only versus alternative intervention) did not
      predict the outcome in a clear or straightforward way; and there was no
      consistent relationship between the duration of the MI intervention (in minutes)
      and effect size. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review indicate that
      there are no substantive, meaningful benefits of MI interventions for the
      prevention of alcohol misuse. Although some significant effects were found, we
      interpret the effect sizes as being too small, given the measurement scales used
      in the studies included in the review, to be of relevance to policy or practice.
      Moreover, the statistically significant effects are not consistent for all misuse
      measures, heterogeneity was a problem in some analyses and bias cannot be
      discounted as a potential cause of these findings.

PMID- 25140981
TI  - An empirical study of alcohol consumption by patients considering HCV treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol accelerates the course of hepatitis C (HCV) infection and
      liver damage. Little is known about recency of alcohol use among patients with
      HCV. OBJECTIVES: Alcohol consumption recency was compared among HCV patients with
      and without alcohol use disorders and current and lifetime alcohol use histories.
      METHODS: Patients considering antiviral treatment for HCV (n = 309) recruited
      from university-affiliated and VA liver and infectious disease clinics were
      assessed for lifetime and current-year psychiatric disorders and alcohol-use
      patterns. Full diagnostic interviews, self-report surveys, medical record review,
      and urine screening for recent alcohol and drug use were conducted. RESULTS: 60%
      used alcohol in the last year. Besides alcohol history, those who stopped using
      alcohol in the past year differed from those with no lifetime use only in gender
      (60% vs. 22%); however, patients no longer using alcohol in the last year were
      less likely than those still using to have a current drug use disorder (16% vs.
      3%) or last-month drug use (52% vs. 30%), and had fewer current risky behaviors
      (1.3 vs. 0.6). Among patients with last-year alcohol use, those with past alcohol
      use disorders differed from those without only by higher prevalence of drug use
      disorder (84% vs. 47%) and drug use after HCV diagnosis (67% vs. 43%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had stopped using alcohol for at least a year were much
      like those who never used alcohol in regard to other drug use, psychiatric
      history, smoking, and risky behaviors. These findings indicate that HCV patients
      with at least a year of abstinence from alcohol, including those with a history
      of alcohol use disorder, should be considered HCV treatment candidates.

PMID- 25140982
TI  - Orthopedic surgery in ancient Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ancient Egypt might be considered the cradle of medicine. The modern
      literature is, however, sometimes rather too enthusiastic regarding the
      procedures that are attributed an Egyptian origin. I briefly present and analyze
      the claims regarding orthopedic surgery in Egypt, what was actually done by the
      Egyptians, and what may have been incorrectly ascribed to them. METHODS: I
      reviewed the original sources and also the modern literature regarding surgery in
      ancient Egypt, concentrating especially on orthopedic surgery. RESULTS: As is
      well known, both literary sources and the archaeological/osteological material
      bear witness to treatment of various fractures. The Egyptian painting, often
      claimed to depict the reduction of a dislocated shoulder according to Kocher's
      method, is, however, open to interpretation. Therapeutic amputations are never
      depicted or mentioned in the literary sources, while the specimens suggested to
      demonstrate such amputations are not convincing. INTERPRETATION: The ancient
      Egyptians certainly treated fractures of various kinds, and with varying degrees
      of success. Concerning the reductions of dislocated joints and therapeutic
      amputations, there is no clear evidence for the existence of such procedures. It
      would, however, be surprising if dislocations were not treated, even though they
      have not left traces in the surviving sources. Concerning amputations, the
      general level of Egyptian surgery makes it unlikely that limb amputations were
      done, even if they may possibly have been performed under extraordinary
      circumstances.

PMID- 25140983
TI  - Osteoarthritis treatment using autologous conditioned serum after placebo.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) is a disease-modifying
      drug for treatment of knee osteoarthritis, and modest superiority over placebo
      was reported in an earlier randomized controlled trial (RCT). We hypothesized
      that when given the opportunity, placebo-treated patients from that RCT would now
      opt for ACS treatment, which would result in a greater clinical improvement than
      placebo. METHODS: Of 74 patients treated with placebo in the previous trial, 20
      opted for ACS treatment. Patients who did not choose further treatment were
      interviewed about their reasons. Clinical improvement of the 20 ACS-treated
      patients was measured using knee-specific clinical scores, as was "response
      shift" at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: In the 20 patients who did opt for ACS, the
      visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain improved; but after 12 months, clinical
      results were similar to those after placebo treatment. Response shift measurement
      demonstrated that the 20 patients had adapted to their disabilities during
      treatment. INTERPRETATION: Placebo-treated patients from an earlier trial were
      reluctant to undergo ACS treatment, in part due to the laborious nature of the
      therapy. In a subset of patients who opted for treatment, ACS treatment after
      placebo did not result in greater clinical improvement than placebo treatment
      only. However, due to the limited power of the current study and possible
      selection bias, definite advice on using or refraining from ACS cannot be given.

PMID- 25140984
TI  - Computer-assisted surgery in orthopedic oncology.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In orthopedic oncology, computer-assisted surgery (CAS)
      can be considered an alternative to fluoroscopy and direct measurement for
      orientation, planning, and margin control. However, only small case series
      reporting specific applications have been published. We therefore describe
      possible applications of CAS and report preliminary results in 130 procedures.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all
      oncological CAS procedures in a single institution from November 2006 to March
      2013. Mean follow-up time was 32 months. We categorized and analyzed 130
      procedures for clinical parameters. The categories were image-based intralesional
      treatment, image-based resection, image-based resection and reconstruction, and
      imageless resection and reconstruction. RESULTS: Application to intralesional
      treatment showed 1 inadequate curettage and 1 (other) recurrence in 63 cases.
      Image-based resections in 42 cases showed 40 R0 margins; 16 in 17 pelvic
      resections. Image-based reconstruction facilitated graft creation with a mean
      reconstruction accuracy of 0.9 mm in one case. Imageless CAS was helpful in
      resection planning and length- and joint line reconstruction for tumor
      prostheses. INTERPRETATION: CAS is a promising new development. Preliminary
      results show a high number of R0 resections and low short-term recurrence rates
      for curettage.

PMID- 25140985
TI  - Metallosis and elevated serum levels of tantalum following failed revision hip
      arthroplasty--a case report.

PMID- 25140986
TI  - Wear of a sequentially annealed polyethylene acetabular liner.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We previously reported on a randomized controlled trial
      (RCT) that examined the effect of adding tobramycin to bone cement after femoral
      stem migration. The present study examined femoral head penetration into both
      conventional and highly crosslinked polyethylene acetabular liners in the same
      group of RCT patients, with a minimum of 5 years of postoperative follow-up.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Linear penetration of the femoral head into an X3 (Stryker)
      crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) liner was measured in 18 patients (19 hips) using
      radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Femoral head penetration was also measured in 6
      patients (6 hips) with a conventional polyethylene liner (CPE), which served as a
      control group. RESULTS: The median proximal femoral head penetration in the XLPE
      group after 5.5 years was 0.025 mm with a steady-state penetration rate of 0.001
      mm/year between year 1 and year 5. The CPE liner showed a median proximal head
      penetration of 0.274 mm after 7.2 years, at a rate of 0.037 mm/year.
      INTERPRETATION: The Trident X3 sequentially annealed XLPE liner shows excellent
      in vivo wear resistance compared to non-crosslinked CPE liners at medium-term
      implantation. The rate of linear head penetration in the XLPE liners after > 5
      years of follow-up was 0.001 mm/year, which is in close agreement with the
      results of previous studies.

PMID- 25140987
TI  - Sequence of the Essex-Lopresti lesion--a high-speed video documentation and
      kinematic analysis.

PMID- 25140988
TI  - A biochemical study of the distribution of collagen and its crosslinks in knee
      ligaments and the patellar tendon.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate biochemical differences in
      collagen crosslinks from different locations within the ligaments and a tendon of
      the human knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL),
      posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral
      collateral ligament (LCL), and patellar tendon (PT) were obtained from 24
      cadavers (13 men and 11 women) whose average age at the time of death was 84.8
      years. Ligaments and PT samples were obtained from the femoral and tibial
      insertions and the midsubstance. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) and collagen crosslinks,
      including pyridinoline (Pyr) and pentosidine (Pen), were compared among the
      different sites. RESULTS: The midsubstance Hyp concentration was greater than at
      the femoral and tibial insertions in the ACL (p = 0.00124 and 0.000255,
      respectively) and PCL (p = 0.00036 and 0.042, respectively). The Pyr:collagen
      ratio did not differ among sites in any of the ligaments or PT. The Pen:collagen
      ratio at the midsubstance was greater than at the femoral and tibial insertions
      in the ACL (p = 0.00022 and 0.00025, respectively) and LCL (p = 0.000081 and
      0.000021, respectively) and was greater at the femoral insertion in the MCL (p =
      0.00010). CONCLUSIONS: The mature collagen crosslink Pyr was not different in
      distribution in knee ligaments and the PT. Pen increased at the midsubstance
      ligaments and the PT. As increased Pen may represent ligament degeneration, this
      may indicate that degeneration may progress more rapidly at the midsubstance than
      at the insertion sites of a ligament.

PMID- 25140989
TI  - Biomaterial-mesenchymal stem cell constructs for immunomodulation in composite
      tissue engineering.
AB  - Cell-based treatments are being developed as a novel approach for the treatment
      of many diseases in an effort to repair injured tissues and regenerate lost
      tissues. Interest in the potential use of multipotent progenitor or stem cells
      has grown significantly in recent years, specifically the use of mesenchymal stem
      cells (MSCs), for tissue engineering in combination with extracellular matrix
      based scaffolds. An area that warrants further attention is the local or systemic
      host responses toward the implanted cell-biomaterial constructs. Such
      immunological responses could play a major role in determining the clinical
      efficacy of the therapeutic device or biomaterials used. MSCs, due to their
      unique immunomodulatory properties, hold great promise in tissue engineering as
      they not only directly participate in tissue repair and regeneration but also
      modulate the host foreign body response toward the engineered constructs. The
      purpose of this review was to summarize the current state of knowledge and
      applications of MSC-biomaterial constructs as a potential immunoregulatory tool
      in tissue engineering. Better understanding of the interactions between
      biomaterials and cells could translate to the development of clinically relevant
      and novel cell-based therapeutics for tissue reconstruction and regenerative
      medicine. 

PMID- 25140990
TI  - Boron dipyrromethene as a fluorescent caging group for single-photon uncaging
      with long-wavelength visible light.
AB  - Caged compounds are useful tools for precise spatiotemporal modulation of cell
      functions, but in most cases uncaging requires ultraviolet (UV) light, which is
      cytotoxic and has limited tissue penetration. Therefore, caged compounds that can
      be activated by longer-wavelength light are required. Here we describe a novel
      photoelimination reaction of 4-aryloxy boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives
      and show that BODIPY can function as a caging group for phenol groups. We
      developed a novel BODIPY-caged histamine compound, which is photoactivatable with
      blue-green visible light to stimulate cultured HeLa cells in a spatiotemporally
      well-controlled manner. This caging strategy is expected to be widely applicable
      to develop tools for probing various cellular functions. 

PMID- 25140991
TI  - Tandem ring-closing metathesis/transfer hydrogenation: practical chemoselective
      hydrogenation of alkenes.
AB  - An operationally simple chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of alkenes using
      ruthenium metathesis catalysts is presented. Of great practicality, the transfer
      hydrogenation reagents can be added directly to a metathesis reaction and effect
      hydrogenation of the product alkene in a single pot at ambient temperature
      without the need to seal the vessel to prevent hydrogen gas escape. The reduction
      is applicable to a range of alkenes and can be performed in the presence of aryl
      halides and benzyl groups, a notable weakness of Pd-catalyzed hydrogenations.
      Scope and mechanistic considerations are presented. 

PMID- 25140992
TI  - Profile hidden Markov models for the detection of viruses within metagenomic
      sequence data.
AB  - Rapid, sensitive, and specific virus detection is an important component of
      clinical diagnostics. Massively parallel sequencing enables new diagnostic
      opportunities that complement traditional serological and PCR based techniques.
      While massively parallel sequencing promises the benefits of being more
      comprehensive and less biased than traditional approaches, it presents new
      analytical challenges, especially with respect to detection of pathogen sequences
      in metagenomic contexts. To a first approximation, the initial detection of
      viruses can be achieved simply through alignment of sequence reads or assembled
      contigs to a reference database of pathogen genomes with tools such as BLAST.
      However, recognition of highly divergent viral sequences is problematic, and may
      be further complicated by the inherently high mutation rates of some viral types,
      especially RNA viruses. In these cases, increased sensitivity may be achieved by
      leveraging position-specific information during the alignment process. Here, we
      constructed HMMER3-compatible profile hidden Markov models (profile HMMs) from
      all the virally annotated proteins in RefSeq in an automated fashion using a
      custom-built bioinformatic pipeline. We then tested the ability of these viral
      profile HMMs ("vFams") to accurately classify sequences as viral or non-viral.
      Cross-validation experiments with full-length gene sequences showed that the
      vFams were able to recall 91% of left-out viral test sequences without
      erroneously classifying any non-viral sequences into viral protein clusters.
      Thorough reanalysis of previously published metagenomic datasets with a set of
      the best-performing vFams showed that they were more sensitive than BLAST for
      detecting sequences originating from more distant relatives of known viruses. To
      facilitate the use of the vFams for rapid detection of remote viral homologs in
      metagenomic data, we provide two sets of vFams, comprising more than 4,000 vFams
      each, in the HMMER3 format. We also provide the software necessary to build
      custom profile HMMs or update the vFams as more viruses are discovered
      (http://derisilab.ucsf.edu/software/vFam). 

PMID- 25140993
TI  - Iodoaromatization reactions of enyne-dioxinones: syntheses of 4H-1,3-benzodioxin
      4-ones, masked pentasubstituted arenes.
AB  - Sequential reaction of a keto-dioxinone with dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal
      and a range of magnesium acetylides gave the corresponding enyne-dioxinones as
      mixtures of E and Z isomers (E > Z). Subsequent reaction with iodine monochloride
      resulted in cycloaromatization, presumably via an iodovinyl cation, giving a
      range of 4H-1,3-benzodioxin-4-ones. 

PMID- 25140994
TI  - Thyroid function and metabolic risk factors in obese youth. Changes during follow
      up: a preventive mechanism?
AB  - OBJECTIVES:  High TSH levels often observed in overweight subjects are associated
      with metabolic risk. Thyroid hormones which are involved in fat and carbohydrates
      metabolism are more rarely studied; their blood levels were measured to more
      precisely explain the relationships between thyroid function and obesity, in
      healthy overweight youth. This correlation was studied at baseline and during
      follow-up of some patients. MATERIALS/METHODS:  Data collected were BMI and BMI z
      score, thyroid hormones (TSH, fT4, fT3), fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR, lipids
      (triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol), transaminase activity, fibrinogen,
      leptin, IGF-I; body composition (biphotonic absorptiometry). Data collected in a
      sample of the group after 6-18 months of medical intervention could also be
      studied. RESULTS:  At baseline, 13% of the 528 obese subjects (55% girls; 11.3+/
      2.4 years, range 4.1-17.9; BMI z score: 5.4+/-2.4) had TSH>4mUI/l; fT3 levels
      were associated with age and transaminase activity; using multivariate regression
      analysis, with z-score and age as covariates, fT4 showed correlations with TSH,
      insulin, HOMA IR, blood lipids, and fibrinogen. No correlations were found with
      leptin, iodine excretion, IGF-I.In 79 patients followed for 52+/-15 wk (45%
      girls; age range 8-18.3 years), univariate regression showed a positive
      correlation between changes in TSH and HOMA-IR, and between changes in fT4 and
      HDL. Multivariate regression analysis with z score as covariate showed that
      baseline TSH was associated with negative changes in HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: 
      Increased TSH may be predictive of a decrease in insulin resistance, it should be
      measured with thyroid hormones; fT4 was associated with a low metabolic risk.
      Changes in thyroid function could protect against the occurrence of obesity
      associated metabolic diseases.

PMID- 25140995
TI  - A 6-year follow-up of a randomized prospective trial comparing methimazole
      treatment with or without exogenous L-thyroxine in Chinese patients with Graves'
      disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Antithyroid drug therapy is one of the main medical treatments for
      Graves' disease. There have been conflicting reports as to whether the addition
      of exogenous L-thyroxine improves remission rates more than antithyroid drugs
      alone. This randomized, controlled and prospective clinical trial was undertaken
      to investigate the long-term outcome of methimazole treatment with or without
      exogenous L-thyroxine in Chinese patients. METHODS: 145 patients with Graves'
      disease were randomly divided into 3 groups and all patients initially received
      30 mg of methimazole daily for at least 1 month and then followed the titration 
      regimen with or without L-thyroxine: group 1 (30 mg->20 mg->15 mg->10 mg->5 mg);
      group 2 (30 mg->20 mg->15 mg->10 mg+L-thyroxine->5 mg+L-thyroxine); group 3 (30
      mg->20 mg->15 mg->10 mg+L-thyroxine->5 mg+L-thyroxine->2.5 mg+L-thyroxine). The
      drug therapy was discontinued after 5 months of the final dose. RESULTS: 16 out
      of 46 patients in group 1 (34.8%), 12 out of 47 in group 2 (25.5%) and 16 out of
      52 in group 3 (30.8%) had a recurrence of Graves' disease within 6-year follow-up
      after drug withdrawal. Survival Analysis showed no significant differences in the
      remission rates between any 2 groups, despite the remission rates in group 2 and
      3 were slightly higher than that in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of L
      thyroxine to methimazole treatment in patients with Graves' disease neither
      improves nor prevents the remission or recurrence of Graves' disease in China.

PMID- 25140996
TI  - Serum concentration of VEGF and PDGF-AA in patients with active thyroid
      orbitopathy before and after immunosuppressive therapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Thyroid orbitopathy (TO) is the most frequent extrathyroid
      manifestation of Graves' disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum
      concentration of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Plated-Derived Growth
      Factor-AA (PDGF-AA) in the blood of patients with active OT before and after
      immunosuppressive therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was performed in group
      of 39 patients with clinically active TO (Group A) in euthyroid (n=18, Group A I)
      and hyperthyroid (n=21, Group A II) stage of Graves' disease in moderate or
      severe stage of TO. Control group consist of 20 healthy age-matched control
      subjects. Concentration of studied proangiogenic factors in serum samples were
      measured by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before (group A) and
      after (group A1) intensive pulse methylprednisolone treatment and one month after
      the end of additional oral methylprednisolone treatment (Group A2). RESULTS: We
      have found significant increased serum levels of VEGF in patients with TO (reg
      ardless to treatment) when compared with control group (542.4+/-328.1 pg/ml vs.
      94.6+/-55.3 pg/ml, p=0.0002) and increased serum levels of -PDGF-AA in patients
      before treatment (3 173.6+/-1 480.3 pg/ml) in comparison with controls (1 768.9+/
      520.0 pg/ml) and patients after intensive pulse methyloprednisolone treatment (2
      325.9+/-1 456.8 pg/ml). One month after the end of additional oral
      methylprednisolone treatment (Group A2) concentration of PDGF-AA still decreased
      and were was not significant difference with value in control group (1 853.1+/
      795.4 vs. 1 769.9+/-520.0 pg/ml, p=0.99). Serum concentration of VEGF was still
      significantly higher compared with control. We have not observed difference in
      serum concentration of studied proangiogenic factors between patients in
      euthyroid or hyperthyroid stage of Graves' disease. CONCLUSIONS: RESULTS of the
      present study confirm the fact that angiogenesis could play a role in
      pathogenesis of thyroid orbitopathy.

PMID- 25140997
TI  - The GLP-1 analogue liraglutide protects cardiomyocytes from high glucose-induced
      apoptosis by activating the Epac-1/Akt pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is closely related to cardiac dysfunction in
      diabetic patients. Although GLP-1 analogs are used as anti-diabetic drugs, their
      effects on cardiomyocytes remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the
      effects of the GLP-1 analog liraglutide on high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte
      apoptosis. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into normal (N), diabetes mellitus
      (DM), and liraglutide (LIR) groups. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were divided into normal
      (NG) and high glucose (HG) groups, 4 liraglutide groups (Lir1-4), 3 Epac-1
      agonist intervention groups (CPT1-3), and 2 Epac-1 shRNA transfection groups
      (sh21 and sh22). Apoptosis was measured using TUNEL assays, and the apoptotic
      indices were calculated. Intracellular ROS levels were measured using a DCFH-DA
      probe. Epac-1, Akt, and P-Akt (Ser473) expression were measured by
      immunoblotting. RESULTS: The apoptotic index and intracellular ROS levels were
      higher in the HG than NG group (P<0.01). Liraglutide decreased both parameters in
      a dose- and time-dependent manner. Liraglutide increased the expression of Epac-1
      in the myocardium of diabetic rats and H9c2 cells (P<0.05), and increased Akt
      phosphorylation in the myocardium of diabetic rats (P<0.05). Liraglutide
      treatment also increased the P-Akt (Ser473)/Akt ratio (P<0.05). An Epac-1 agonist
      increased Epac-1 expression (P<0.05) and the P-Akt (Ser473)/Akt ratio (P<0.05) in
      a dose-dependent manner, and subsequently decreased apoptosis and intracellular
      ROS. Conversely, Epac-1shRNA knocked-down Epac-1 expression (P<0.01) and
      decreased the P-Akt (Ser473)/Akt ratio (P<0.05), but had no effect on apoptosis
      and intracellular ROS levels. CONCLUSIONS: Liraglutide protects cardiomyocytes
      from high glucose-induced apoptosis by activating the Epac-1/Akt pathway.

PMID- 25140998
TI  - Chimpanzees and humans mimic pupil-size of conspecifics.
AB  - Group-living typically provides benefits to individual group members but also
      confers costs. To avoid incredulity and betrayal and allow trust and cooperation,
      individuals must understand the intentions and emotions of their group members.
      Humans attend to other's eyes and from gaze and pupil-size cues, infer
      information about the state of mind of the observed. In humans, pupil-size tends
      to mimic that of the observed. Here we tested whether pupil-mimicry exists in our
      closest relative, the chimpanzee (P. troglodytes). We conjectured that if pupil
      mimicry has adaptive value, e.g. to promote swift communication of inner states
      and facilitate shared understanding and coordination, pupil-mimicry should emerge
      within but not across species. Pupillometry data was collected from human and
      chimpanzee subjects while they observed images of the eyes of both species with
      dilating/constricting pupils. Both species showed enhanced pupil-mimicry with
      members of their own species, with effects being strongest in humans and
      chimpanzee mothers. Pupil-mimicry may be deeply-rooted, but probably gained
      importance from the point in human evolution where the morphology of our eyes
      became more prominent. Humans' white sclera surrounding the iris, and the fine
      muscles around their eyes facilitate non-verbal communication via eye signals. 

PMID- 25140999
TI  - An early warning system based on syndromic surveillance to detect potential
      health emergencies among migrants: results of a two-year experience in Italy.
AB  - Profound geopolitical changes have impacted the southern and eastern
      Mediterranean since 2010 and defined a context of instability that is still
      affecting several countries today. Insecurity combined with the reduction of
      border controls has led to major population movements in the region and to
      migration surges from affected countries to southern Europe, especially to Italy.
      To respond to the humanitarian emergency triggered by this migration surge, Italy
      implemented a syndromic surveillance system in order to rapidly detect potential
      public health emergencies in immigrant reception centres. This system was
      discontinued after two years. This paper presents the results of this experience
      detailing its strengths and weaknesses in order to document the applicability and
      usefulness of syndromic surveillance in this specific context. 

PMID- 25141000
TI  - Human leptospirosis trends: northeast Thailand, 2001-2012.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the changing trend of leptospirosis
      over time in Thailand using two prospective hospital-based studies conducted
      amongst adult patients with acute undifferentiated fever (AUFI) admitted to
      Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand between
      July 2001 to December 2002 and between July 2011 to December 2012. During the
      first period, leptospirosis (98 patients, 40%) and scrub typhus (59 patients,
      24.1%) were the two major causes of AUFI. In the second period, scrub typhus (137
      patients, 28.3%) was found to be more common than leptospirosis (61 patients,
      12.7%). Amongst patients with leptospirosis, the proportion of male patients and
      the median age were similar. Leptospira interrogans serogroup Autumnalis was the
      major infecting serogroup in both study periods. The case fatality rate of
      leptospirosis was significantly higher in 2011-2012 as compared with the case
      fatality rate in 2001-2002 (19.7% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.001). In summary, we found that
      number of leptospirosis cases had decreased over time. This trend is similar to
      reportable data for leptospirosis complied from passive surveillance by the
      Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. However, the case fatality rate of severe
      leptospirosis has increased. Severe lung hemorrhage associated with leptospirosis
      remained the major cause of death. 

PMID- 25141001
TI  - HIV risky sexual behaviors and HIV infection among immigrants: a cross-sectional
      study in Lisbon, Portugal.
AB  - This study aimed to examine risky sexual behavior, its associated factors and HIV
      infection among immigrants. A participatory cross-sectional survey was conducted
      with 1187 immigrants at the National Immigrant Support Centre, in Lisbon (52.2%
      female; 34.0% Africans, 33.8% Brazilians, 32.2% Eastern Europeans). About 38% of
      participants reported >= 2 sexual partners in the previous year, 16.2% both
      regular and occasional sexual partners (last 12 months), 33.1% inconsistent
      condom use with occasional partners, and 64% no condom use in the last sexual
      intercourse. Unprotected sex in the last sexual intercourse was more likely among
      women, Africans, those older, with elementary education, those married and those
      who didn't receive free condoms in the previous year. No condom use was less
      likely among those having only occasional sexual partners and both regular and
      occasional sexual partners. One third of participants had never been tested for
      HIV. Those never tested reported more frequently inconsistent condom use than
      those ever tested. Overall, 2.0% reported being HIV positive (2.5% of men; 4.4%
      of Africans); 4.3% admitted having a STI in previous year. HIV-positive
      immigrants reported high-risk sexual behaviors. Tailored interventions to promote
      awareness of HIV serostatus among immigrants as well as culturally adapted risk
      reduction strategies should be strengthened.

PMID- 25141002
TI  - Histological lesions, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and T cell subsets changes of
      spleen in chicken fed aflatoxin-contaminated corn.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of corn naturally
      contaminated with aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin B2 on pathological lesions,
      apoptosis, cell cycle phases and T lymphocyte subsets of spleen, and to provide
      an experimental basis for understanding the mechanism of aflatoxin-induced
      immunosuppression. A total of 900 COBB500 male broilers were randomly allocated
      into five groups with six replicates per group and 30 birds per replicate. The
      experiment lasted for 6 weeks and the five dietary treatments consisted of
      control, 25% contaminated corn, 50% contaminated corn, 75% contaminated corn and
      100% contaminated corn groups. The histopathological spleen lesions from the
      contaminated corn groups was characterized as congestion of red pulp, increased
      necrotic cells and vacuoles in the splenic corpuscle and periarterial lymphatic
      sheath. The contaminated corn intake significantly increased relative weight of
      spleen, percentages of apoptotic splenocytes, induced cell cycle arrest of
      splenocytes, increased the percentages of CD3+CD8+ T cells and decreased the
      ratios of CD3+CD4+ to CD3+CD8+. The results suggest that AFB-induced
      immunosuppression maybe closely related to the lesions of spleen. 

PMID- 25141003
TI  - Influence of surfactant and lipid type on the physicochemical properties and
      biocompatibility of solid lipid nanoparticles.
AB  - Nine types of solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulations were produced using
      tripalmitin (TPM), glyceryl monostearate (GM) or stearic acid (SA), stabilized
      with lecithin S75 and polysorbate 80. Formulations were prepared presenting PI
      values within 0.25 to 0.30, and the physicochemical properties, stability upon
      storage and biocompatibility were evaluated. The average particle size ranged
      from 116 to 306 nm, with a negative surface charge around -11 mV. SLN presented
      good stability up to 60 days. The SLN manufactured using SA could not be measured
      by DLS due to the reflective feature of this formulation. However, TEM images
      revealed that SA nanoparticles presented square/rod shapes with an approximate
      size of 100 nm. Regarding biocompatibility aspects, SA nanoparticles showed
      toxicity in fibroblasts, causing cell death, and produced high hemolytic rates,
      indicating toxicity to red blood cells. This finding might be related to lipid
      type, as well as, the shape of the nanoparticles. No morphological alterations
      and hemolytic effects were observed in cells incubated with SLN containing TPM
      and GM. The SLN containing TPM and GM showed long-term stability, suggesting good
      shelf-life. The results indicate high toxicity of SLN prepared with SA, and
      strongly suggest that the components of the formulation should be analyzed in
      combination rather than separately to avoid misinterpretation of the results. 

PMID- 25141005
TI  - Insertions or deletions (Indels) in the rrn 16S-23S rRNA gene internal
      transcribed spacer region (ITS) compromise the typing and identification of
      strains within the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (Acb) complex and
      closely related members.
AB  - To determine whether ITS sequences in the rrn operon are suitable for identifying
      individual Acinetobacter Acb complex members, we analysed length and sequence
      differences between multiple ITS copies within the genomes of individual strains.
      Length differences in ITS reported previously between A. nosocomialis BCRC15417T
      (615 bp) and other strains (607 bp) can be explained by presence of an insertion
      (indel 13i/1) in the longer ITS variant. The same Indel 13i/1 was also found in
      ITS sequences of ten strains of A. calcoaceticus, all 639 bp long, and the 628 bp
      ITS of Acinetobacter strain BENAB127. Four additional indels (13i/2-13i/5) were
      detected in Acinetobacter strain c/t13TU 10090 ITS length variants (608, 609,
      620, 621 and 630 bp). These ITS variants appear to have resulted from horizontal
      gene transfer involving other Acinetobacter species or in some cases unrelated
      bacteria. Although some ITS copies in strain c/t13TU 10090 are of the same length
      (620 bp) as those in Acinetobacter strains b/n1&3, A. pittii (10 strains), A.
      calcoaceticus and A. oleivorans (not currently acknowledged as an Acb member),
      their individual ITS sequences differ. Thus ITS length by itself can not by
      itself be used to identify Acb complex strains. A shared indel in ITS copies in
      two separate Acinetobacter species compromises the specificity of ITS targeted
      probes, as shown with the Aun-3 probe designed to target the ITS in A. pitti. The
      presence of indel 13i/5 in the ITS of Acinetobacter strain c/t13TU means it too
      responded positively to this probe. Thus, neither ITS sequencing nor the
      currently available ITS targeted probes can distinguish reliably between Acb
      member species. 

PMID- 25141004
TI  - A novel zebrafish model to provide mechanistic insights into the inflammatory
      events in carrageenan-induced abdominal edema.
AB  - A suitable small animal model may help in the screening and evaluation of new
      drugs, especially those from natural products, which can be administered at lower
      dosages, fulfilling an urgent worldwide need. In this study, we explore whether
      zebrafish could be a model organism for carrageenan-induced abdominal edema. The
      research results showed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 1.5% lambda
      carrageenan in a volume of 20 uL significantly increased abdominal edema in adult
      zebrafish. Levels of the proinflammatory proteins tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were increased in
      carrageenan-injected adult zebrafish during the development of abdominal edema.
      An associated enhancement was also observed in the leukocyte marker,
      myeloperoxidase (MPO). To support these results, we further observed that i.p.
      methylprednisolone (MP; 1 ug), a positive control, significantly inhibited
      carrageenan-induced inflammation 24 h after carrageenan administration.
      Furthermore, i.p. pretreatment with either an anti-TNF-alpha antibody (1?5
      dilution in a volume of 20 uL) or the iNOS-selective inhibitor aminoguanidine
      (AG; 1 ug) inhibited carrageenan-induced abdominal edema in adult zebrafish. This
      new animal model is uncomplicated, easy to develop, and involves a
      straightforward inducement of inflammatory edema for the evaluation of small
      volumes of drugs or test compounds. 

PMID- 25141006
TI  - A robust and adaptable high throughput screening method to study host-microbiota
      interactions in the human intestine.
AB  - The intestinal microbiota has many beneficial roles for its host. However, the
      precise mechanisms developed by the microbiota to influence the host intestinal
      cell responses are only partially known. The complexity of the ecosystem and our
      inability to culture most of these micro-organisms have led to the development of
      molecular approaches such as functional metagenomics, i.e. the heterologous
      expression of a metagenome in order to identify functions. This elegant strategy
      coupled to high throughput screening allowed to identify novel enzymes from
      different ecosystems where culture methods have not yet been adapted to isolate
      the candidate microorganisms. We have proposed to use this functional metagenomic
      approach in order to model the microbiota's interaction with the host by
      combining this heterologous expression with intestinal reporter cell lines. The
      addition of the cellular component to this functional metagenomic approach
      introduced a second important source of variability resulting in a novel
      challenge for high throughput screening. First attempts of high throughput
      screening with various reporter cell-lines showed a high distribution of the
      response and consequent difficulties to reproduce the response, impairing an easy
      and clear identification of confirmed hits. In this study, we developed a robust
      and reproducible methodology to combine these two biological systems for high
      throughput application. We optimized experimental setups and completed them by
      appropriate statistical analysis tools allowing the use this innovative approach
      in a high throughput manner and on a broad range of reporter assays. We herewith
      present a methodology allowing a high throughput screening combining two
      biological systems. Therefore ideal conditions for homogeneity, sensitivity and
      reproducibility of both metagenomic clones as well as reporter cell lines have
      been identified and validated. We believe that this innovative method will allow
      the identification of new bioactive microbial molecules and, subsequently, will
      promote understanding of host-microbiota interactions. 

PMID- 25141007
TI  - Ant-plant interaction in a tropical savanna: may the network structure vary over
      time and influence on the outcomes of associations?
AB  - Plant-animal interactions occur in a community context of dynamic and complex
      ecological interactive networks. The understanding of who interacts with whom is
      a basic information, but the outcomes of interactions among associates are
      fundamental to draw valid conclusions about the functional structure of the
      network. Ecological networks studies in general gave little importance to know
      the true outcomes of interactions and how they may change over time. We evaluate
      the dynamic of an interaction network between ants and plants with extrafloral
      nectaries, by verifying the temporal variation in structure and outcomes of
      mutualism for the plant community (leaf herbivory). To reach this goal, we used
      two tools: bipartite network analysis and experimental manipulation. The networks
      exhibited the same general pattern as other mutualistic networks: nestedness,
      asymmetry and low specialization and this pattern was maintained over time, but
      with internal changes (species degree, connectance and ant abundance). These
      changes influenced the protection effectiveness of plants by ants, which varied
      over time. Our study shows that interaction networks between ants and plants are
      dynamic over time, and that these alterations affect the outcomes of mutualisms.
      In addition, our study proposes that the set of single systems that shape
      ecological networks can be manipulated for a greater understanding of the entire
      system. 

PMID- 25141008
TI  - A pilot study of serum microRNAs panel as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The invasive nature of liver biopsy makes the histopathological
      diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) difficult and its
      diagnostic performance unsatisfactory. The present study aimed to identify a
      serum microRNA (miRNA) expression profile that could serve as a novel diagnostic
      biomarker for NAFLD. METHODS: Serum miRNA expression was investigated using three
      cohorts comprising 465 participants (healthy controls and NAFLD patients)
      recruited between August 2010 and June 2013. miRNA expression was initially
      screened by Illumina sequencing using serum samples pooled from 20 patients and
      20 controls. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay
      was then used to evaluate the expression of selected miRNAs. A logistic
      regression model was constructed using a training cohort (n = 242) and validated
      using another cohort (n = 183). The area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: We
      identified an miRNA panel (hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-1290, hsa-miR-27b-3p, and hsa
      miR-192-5p) with a high diagnostic accuracy for NAFLD. The satisfactory
      diagnostic performance of the miRNA panel remained regardless of the NAFLD
      activity score (NAS) status. There was significant difference between the AUC
      values of the miRNA panel and those of ALT (AUC = 0.786, 95% CI = 0.717-0.855; P
      = 0.142) and FIB-4 (AUC = 0.795, 95% CI = 0.730-0.860; sensitivity = 69.9%,
      specificity = 83.7%. CONCLUSION: We identified a serum microRNA panel with
      considerable clinical value in NAFLD diagnosis. The results indicate that the
      miRNA panel is a more sensitive and specific biomarker for NAFLD than ALT and FIB
      4.

PMID- 25141009
TI  - IL-17A induces Pendrin expression and chloride-bicarbonate exchange in human
      bronchial epithelial cells.
AB  - The epithelium plays an active role in the response to inhaled pathogens in part
      by responding to signals from the immune system. Epithelial responses may include
      changes in chemokine expression, increased mucin production and antimicrobial
      peptide secretion, and changes in ion transport. We previously demonstrated that
      interleukin-17A (IL-17A), which is critical for lung host defense against
      extracellular bacteria, significantly raised airway surface pH in vitro, a
      finding that is common to a number of inflammatory diseases. Using microarray
      analysis of normal human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells treated with IL-17A, we
      identified the electroneutral chloride-bicarbonate exchanger Pendrin (SLC26A4) as
      a potential mediator of this effect. These data were verified by real-time,
      quantitative PCR that demonstrated a time-dependent increase in Pendrin mRNA
      expression in HBE cells treated with IL-17A up to 48 h. Using immunoblotting and
      immunofluorescence, we confirmed that Pendrin protein expression is increased in
      IL-17 treated HBE cells and that it is primarily localized to the mucosal surface
      of the cells. Functional studies using live-cell fluorescence to measure
      intracellular pH demonstrated that IL-17A induced chloride-bicarbonate exchange
      in HBE cells that was not present in the absence of IL-17A. Furthermore, HBE
      cells treated with short interfering RNA against Pendrin showed substantially
      reduced chloride-bicarbonate exchange. These data suggest that Pendrin is part of
      IL-17A-dependent epithelial changes and that Pendrin may therefore be a
      therapeutic target in IL-17A-dependent lung disease. 

PMID- 25141011
TI  - A systematic review on the development of asthma and allergic diseases in
      relation to international immigration: the leading role of the environment
      confirmed.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases is rising worldwide.
      Evidence on potential causal pathways of asthma and allergies is growing, but
      findings have been contradictory, particularly on the interplay between allergic
      diseases and understudied social determinants of health like migration status.
      This review aimed at providing evidence for the association between migration
      status and asthma and allergies, and to explore the mechanisms between migration
      status and the development of asthma and allergies. METHODS AND FINDINGS:
      Systematic review on asthma and allergies and immigration status in accordance
      with the guidelines set by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
      and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of the
      prevalence of asthma in immigrants compared to the host population was 0.60 (95%
      CI 0.45-0.84), and the pooled OR for allergies was 1.01 (95% CI 0.62-1.69). The
      pooled OR for the prevalence of asthma in first generation versus second
      generation immigrants was 0.37 (95% CI 0.25-0.58). Comparisons between
      populations in their countries of origin and those that emigrated vary depending
      on their level of development; more developed countries show higher rates of
      asthma and allergies. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a strong influence of the
      environment on the development of asthma and allergic diseases throughout the
      life course. The prevalence of asthma is generally higher in second generation
      than first generation immigrants. With length of residence in the host country
      the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases increases steadily. These findings
      are consistent across study populations, host countries, and children as well as
      adults. Differences have been found to be significant when tested in a linear
      model, as well as when comparing between early and later age of migration, and
      between shorter and longer time of residence.

PMID- 25141012
TI  - Hawthorne effect with transient behavioral and biochemical changes in a
      randomized controlled sleep extension trial of chronically short-sleeping obese
      adults: implications for the design and interpretation of clinical studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of study participation per se at the beginning
      of a sleep extension trial between screening, randomization, and the run-in
      visit. DESIGN: Subjects were screened, returned for randomization (Comparison vs.
      Intervention) after 81 days (median), and attended run-in visit 121 days later.
      SETTING: Outpatient. PATIENTS: Obese (N = 125; M/F, 30/95; Blacks/Whites/Other, N
      = 73/44/8), mean weight 107.6+/-19.7 kg, <6.5 h sleep/night. INTERVENTION: Non
      pharmacological sleep extension. MEASUREMENTS: Sleep duration (diaries and
      actigraphy watch), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), daily
      sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), fasting glucose, insulin and lipids.
      RESULTS: Prior to any intervention, marked improvements occurred between
      screening and randomization. Sleep duration increased (diaries: 357.4 +/-51.2 vs.
      388.1+/-48.6 min/night; mean+/-SD; P<0.001 screening vs. randomization;
      actigraphy: 344.3 +/-41.9 vs. 358.6+/-48.2 min/night; P<0.001) sleep quality
      improved (9.1+/-3.2 vs. 8.2+/-3.0 PSQI score; P<0.001), sleepiness tended to
      improve (8.9+/-4.6 vs. 8.3+/-4.5 ESS score; P = 0.06), insulin resistance
      decreased (0.327+/-0.038 vs. 0.351+/-0.045; Quicki index; P<0.001), and lipids
      improved, except for HDL-C. Abnormal fasting glucose (25% vs. 11%; P = 0.007),
      and metabolic syndrome (42% vs. 29%; P = 0.007) both decreased. In absence of
      intervention, the earlier metabolic improvements disappeared at the run-in visit.
      LIMITATIONS: Relatively small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in
      biochemical and behavioral parameters between screening and randomization changed
      the "true" study baseline, thereby potentially affecting outcome. While
      regression to the mean and placebo effect were considered, these findings are
      most consistent with the "Hawthorne effect", according to which behavior measured
      in the setting of an experimental study changes in response to the attention
      received from study investigators. This is the first time that biochemical
      changes were documented with respect to the Hawthorne effect. The findings have
      implications for the design and conduct of clinical research. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00261898.

PMID- 25141013
TI  - Evaluating Darwin's naturalization hypothesis in experimental plant assemblages:
      phylogenetic relationships do not determine colonization success.
AB  - Darwin's naturalization hypothesis (DNH) proposes that colonization is less
      likely when the colonizing species is related to members of the invaded
      community, because evolutionary closeness intensifies competition among species
      that share similar resources. Studies that have evaluated DNH from correlational
      evidence have yielded controversial results with respect to its occurrence and
      generality. In the present study we carried out a set of manipulative experiments
      in which we controlled the phylogenetic relatedness of one colonizing species
      (Lactuca sativa) with five assemblages of plants (the recipient communities), and
      evaluated the colonizing success using five indicators (germination, growth,
      flowering, survival, and recruitment). The evolutionary relatedness was
      calculated as the mean phylogenetic distance between Lactuca and the members of
      each assemblage (MPD) and by the mean phylogenetic distance to the nearest
      neighbor (MNND). The results showed that the colonization success of Lactuca was
      not affected by MPD or MNND values, findings that do not support DNH. These
      results disagree with experimental studies made with communities of
      microorganisms, which show an inverse relation between colonization success and
      phylogenetic distances. We suggest that these discrepancies may be due to the
      high phylogenetic distance used, since in our experiments the colonizing species
      (Lactuca) was a distant relative of the assemblage members, while in the other
      studies the colonizing taxa have been related at the congeneric and conspecific
      levels. We suggest that under field conditions the phylogenetic distance is a
      weak predictor of competition, and it has a limited role in determining
      colonization success, contrary to prediction of the DNH. More experimental
      studies are needed to establish the importance of phylogenetic distance between
      colonizing species and invaded community on colonization success. 

PMID- 25141014
TI  - Evaluation of the dentists' knowledge on medical urgency and emergency.
AB  - This study aimed at evaluating how well dentists understand medical
      emergency/urgency procedures and issues during dental treatment at a hospital
      specialized in cleft lip and palate. It comprised a hundred dentists from the
      Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of Sao Paulo
      (HRAC/USP), Brazil, from different dental specialties. A questionnaire was
      applied to evaluate their knowledge of medical emergencies/urgencies from June
      through September 2011. The questionnaire was anonymous, confidential and
      constructed with closed questions and either yes-no or multiple-choice responses.
      Results showed that most professionals (87%) were trained in basic life support
      (BLS), but only 43% considered themselves capable of providing first aid and
      performing the necessary maneuvers. Most participants (94%) claimed that they
      knew the difference between medical urgencies and emergencies, and 69% had BLS
      training in their undergraduate courses, as opposed to 37%, during their
      specialization. Some participants (23%) mentioned that they had received
      knowledge of the subject during extracurricular courses and/or graduate courses
      (12%). Only 9% had not been educated on the subject; however, all participants
      showed interest in attending a course in BLS. In regard to assessing training
      that dentists who attended BLS courses received, 49% were satisfied and 42% were
      dissatisfied. Results of the present study emphasize that dentists from HRAC/USP
      have little knowledge about BLS procedures to perform them. Dentists must gain
      adequate education and training to minimize possible technical, ethical and legal
      problems associated with dental practice. It is necessary to improve both
      knowledge and practice in order to become well-qualified practitioners. 

PMID- 25141015
TI  - Immediate loading implants with mandibular overdenture: a 48-month prospective
      follow-up study.
AB  - The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate patient rehabilitation
      with two immediately loaded implants and bar-retained mandibular overdentures
      after 48 months of follow-up. Twenty patients were treated with two implants
      each; of these, 17 patients were re-evaluated for comparison. Gender, age, plaque
      index, gingival inflammation, keratinized mucosa, probing depth, bleeding, and
      implant loss data were recorded, and periapical radiographs were obtained for
      measurement of marginal bone loss. The results were statistically analyzed with
      one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Student's t-test and Pearson's
      correlation test. To compare the data at baseline and after 48 months, a Wilcoxon
      Signed Rank Test was performed (alpha = 0.05). One implant failed (2.9%) during
      the first year and was replaced. A total of 35 implants were evaluated. Bone loss
      values were 0.52-2.89 mm (mean, 1.46 mm). Probing depth was 1.75-3.75 mm (mean,
      2.22 mm). Correlations were found between bone loss and plaque index and between
      bone loss and gender, but bone loss did not correlate with gingival inflammation,
      keratinized mucosa, probing depth, or age. The overall survival rate of the
      implants was 97.1%. Based on these results, the use of two immediately loaded
      splinted interforaminal implants to retain an overdenture with a bar attachment
      is a clinically viable option with a high survival rate. 

PMID- 25141016
TI  - Efficacy of chemomechanical caries removal in reducing cariogenic microbiota: a
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of chemochemical methods
      (CarisolvTM and Papacarie(r)) versus the manual method (excavators) in reducing
      the cariogenic microbiota in dentine caries of primary teeth. Forty-six healthy
      children (5 to 9 years old) having at least one primary tooth with a cavitated
      dentine carious lesion were included in the study. The teeth presented no
      clinical or radiographic signs of pulpal involvement. The sample of 74 teeth was
      randomly divided into three different groups: Papacarie(r) (n = 25), CarisolvTM
      (n = 27) and Manual (n = 22). Samples of carious and sound dentine were collected
      with sterile excavators before and after caries removal in the three groups. The
      dentine samples were transferred to glass tubes containing a 1mL thioglycollate
      medium used as a carrier and enriched for microbiological detection of mutans
      streptococci and Lactobacillus spp, after incubation for 6h at room temperature.
      The minimum detection value for colony forming units (CFU) was 3.3 x 102 CFU/ml,
      and the results were converted into scores from 0 to 4. A significant difference
      was observed in relation to the microbiological scores before and after caries
      removal for all methods (Wilcoxon test; p < 0.001). The use of chemomechanical
      methods for caries removal did not improve the reduction of cariogenic
      microorganisms in dentine caries lesions, in comparison with manual excavation. 

PMID- 25141017
TI  - Association between tooth loss and overweight/obesity among Brazilian adults: the
      Pro-Saude Study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between tooth loss and
      overweight/obesity in an adult Brazilian population. It is a cross-sectional
      study comprising 3,930 adults [1,744 men and 2,186 women; median age of 40 y
      (ranging 20-59); 16.9% obese; 7.3% almost all or all teeth missing]. Data were
      collected using a self-administered questionnaire for tooth loss (4 categories),
      diet, access and use of health services, socioeconomic factors, health habits and
      behaviors, demographics and anthropometric measurements. Multiple ordinal
      logistic regressions were performed. In comparison with adults with BMI < 25
      kg/m2, the overweight (BMI >= 25 and < 30kg/m2) and obese individuals (BMI >= 30
      kg/m2) showed a greater odds of tooth loss (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.4-1.9 and OR =
      2.1, 95% CI 1.8-2.5, respectively). After adjusting for potential confounders,
      overweight and obesity showed no statistically significant associations with
      tooth loss, with OR = 0.8 and OR = 0.9, respectively. The results of this study
      are consistent with the hypothesis that the association between
      overweight/obesity and tooth loss can be explained by known, common risk factors.

PMID- 25141018
TI  - Validation of a measuring instrument for the perception of oral health in women.
AB  - The aim of this study was to estimate the reliability, validity and factorial
      invariance of the Portuguese version of the Geriatric/General Oral Health
      Assessment Index (GOHAI) as applied to Brazilian women. A total 701 women over 18
      years of age participated in this study. Telephone interviews were conducted. We
      evaluated the construct-related validity through factorial, convergent and
      discriminant validity. We carried out a confirmatory factor analysis using the
      chi2/df, CFI, GFI and RMSEA indexes. The invariance of the model in a second
      independent sample was estimated by multi-group analysis and internal consistency
      using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Items 5 and 9 presented factor weights below
      the adequate value and were removed. The three-dimensional and unifactorial model
      presented an adequate fit. We observed strong factorial invariance of the models
      in two independent samples (three-factor: rholambda = 0.62; pCov = 0.89, one
      factor: rholambda = 0.81; pCov = 0.68) and weak factorial invariance between
      users and nonusers of dental prosthetics (three-factor: rholambda = 0.55; pCov =
      0.01, one-factor: rholambda = 0.51; pCov = 0.02). The convergent validity was
      suboptimal. Internal consistency was adequate. The GOHAI applied to the study
      sample showed adequate reliability, factorial validity and stability in
      independent samples and between users and nonusers of dental prosthetics in both
      the three-dimensional and the unifactorial structures. 

PMID- 25141019
TI  - Modeling the pre-industrial roots of modern super-exponential population growth.
AB  - To Malthus, rapid human population growth-so evident in 18th Century Europe-was
      obviously unsustainable. In his Essay on the Principle of Population, Malthus
      cogently argued that environmental and socioeconomic constraints on population
      rise were inevitable. Yet, he penned his essay on the eve of the global census
      size reaching one billion, as nearly two centuries of super-exponential increase
      were taking off. Introducing a novel extension of J. E. Cohen's hallmark coupled
      difference equation model of human population dynamics and carrying capacity,
      this article examines just how elastic population growth limits may be in
      response to demographic change. The revised model involves a simple formalization
      of how consumption costs influence carrying capacity elasticity over time.
      Recognizing that complex social resource-extraction networks support ongoing
      consumption-based investment in family formation and intergenerational resource
      transfers, it is important to consider how consumption has impacted the human
      environment and demography--especially as global population has become very
      large. Sensitivity analysis of the consumption-cost model's fit to historical
      population estimates, modern census data, and 21st Century demographic
      projections supports a critical conclusion. The recent population explosion was
      systemically determined by long-term, distinctly pre-industrial cultural
      evolution. It is suggested that modern globalizing transitions in technology,
      susceptibility to infectious disease, information flows and accumulation, and
      economic complexity were endogenous products of much earlier biocultural
      evolution of family formation's embeddedness in larger, hierarchically self
      organizing cultural systems, which could potentially support high population
      elasticity of carrying capacity. Modern super-exponential population growth
      cannot be considered separately from long-term change in the multi-scalar
      political economy that connects family formation and intergenerational resource
      transfers to wider institutions and social networks.

PMID- 25141020
TI  - Left preference for sport tasks does not necessarily indicate left-handedness:
      sport-specific lateral preferences, relationship with handedness and implications
      for laterality research in behavioural sciences.
AB  - In the elite domain of interactive sports, athletes who demonstrate a left
      preference (e.g., holding a weapon with the left hand in fencing or boxing in a
      'southpaw' stance) seem overrepresented. Such excess indicates a performance
      advantage and was also interpreted as evidence in favour of frequency-dependent
      selection mechanisms to explain the maintenance of left-handedness in humans. To
      test for an overrepresentation, the incidence of athletes' lateral preferences is
      typically compared with an expected ratio of left- to right-handedness in the
      normal population. However, the normal population reference values did not always
      relate to the sport-specific tasks of interest, which may limit the validity of
      reports of an excess of 'left-oriented' athletes. Here we sought to determine
      lateral preferences for various sport-specific tasks (e.g., baseball batting,
      boxing) in the normal population and to examine the relationship between these
      preferences and handedness. To this end, we asked 903 participants to indicate
      their lateral preferences for sport-specific and common tasks using a paper-based
      questionnaire. Lateral preferences varied considerably across the different sport
      tasks and we found high variation in the relationship between those preferences
      and handedness. In contrast to unimanual tasks (e.g., fencing or throwing), for
      bimanually controlled actions such as baseball batting, shooting in ice hockey or
      boxing the incidence of left preferences was considerably higher than expected
      from the proportion of left-handedness in the normal population and the
      relationship with handedness was relatively low. We conclude that (i) task
      specific reference values are mandatory for reliably testing for an excess of
      athletes with a left preference, (ii) the term 'handedness' should be more
      cautiously used within the context of sport-related laterality research and (iii)
      observation of lateral preferences in sports may be of limited suitability for
      the verification of evolutionary theories of handedness. 

PMID- 25141021
TI  - Asthma during pregnancy in a population-based study--pregnancy complications and
      adverse perinatal outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases, and prevalence,
      severity and medication may have an effect on pregnancy. We examined maternal
      asthma, asthma severity and control in relation to pregnancy complications,
      labour characteristics and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: We retrieved data on all
      singleton births from July 1, 2006 to December 31, 2009, and prescribed drugs and
      physician-diagnosed asthma on the same women from multiple Swedish registers. The
      associations were estimated with logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 266 045
      women gave birth to 284 214 singletons during the study period. Maternal asthma
      was noted in 26 586 (9.4%) pregnancies. There was an association between maternal
      asthma and increased risks of pregnancy complications including preeclampsia or
      eclampsia (adjusted OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.06-1.24) and premature contractions (adj OR
      1.52; 95% CI 1.29-1.80). There was also a significant association between
      maternal asthma and emergency caesarean section (adj OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.23-1.34),
      low birth weight, and small for gestational age (adj OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.13-1.33).
      The risk of adverse outcomes such as low birth weight increased with increasing
      asthma severity. For women with uncontrolled compared to those with controlled
      asthma the results for adverse outcomes were inconsistent displaying both
      increased and decreased OR for some outcomes. CONCLUSION: Maternal asthma is
      associated with a number of serious pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal
      outcomes. Some complications are even more likely with increased asthma severity.
      With greater awareness and proper management, outcomes would most likely improve.

PMID- 25141022
TI  - Enzymatic size control of RNA particles using complementary rolling circle
      transcription (cRCT) method for efficient siRNA production.
AB  - A novel fabrication method for RNA particles (RPs) was developed based on
      enzymatic polymerization, and the size of the RPs was controlled intentionally by
      adjusting the RNA polymerase concentration for a variety of potential
      applications. 

PMID- 25141023
TI  - Investigation of the role of protonation of benzophenone and its derivatives in
      acidic aqueous solutions using time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy: how
      are ketyl radicals formed in aqueous solutions?
AB  - The formation mechanism of ketyl radicals and several other selective
      photoreactions of benzophenone and its derivatives are initiated by the
      protonation of their triplet state and have been investigated using nanosecond
      time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy (ns-TR(3)) in solutions of varying
      conditions. Evidence is found that the ketyl radical is generated by the combined
      action of a ketone protonation and a subsequent electron transfer based on the
      results from previous studies on the photochemistry and photophysics of
      benzophenone and the ns-TR(3) results reported here for benzophenone, 1,4
      dibenzoylbenzene, 3-(hydroxymethyl)benzophenone, and ketoprofen in neutral and
      acidic solution. In order to better understand the role of the protonated ketone,
      results are summarized for some selective photochemical reactions of benzophenone
      and its derivatives induced by protonation in acidic solutions. For the parent
      benzophenone, the protonation of the ketone leads to the photohydration reactions
      at the ortho- and meta-positions of the benzene ring in acidic aqueous solutions.
      For 3-(hydroxymethyl)benzophenone, the protonation promotes an interesting
      photoredox reaction to become very efficient and the predominant reaction in a pH
      = 2 aqueous solution. While for ketoprofen, the protonation can initiate a
      solvent-mediated excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) from the
      carboxyl group to the carbonyl group that then leads to a decarboxylation
      reaction in a pH = 0 acidic aqueous solution. We briefly discuss the key role of
      the protonation of the ketone in the photochemistry of these aromatic ketones. 

PMID- 25141024
TI  - Aryl hydrocarbon receptor negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activity by
      inhibiting NLRP3 transcription.
AB  - NLRP3 inflammasome is a multi-protein complex, which plays crucial roles in host
      defense against pathogens. The NLRP3 protein level is considered rate limiting
      for the activation of the inflammasome, thus its expression must be tightly
      controlled to maintain immune homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms that
      modulate NLRP3 expression, especially at the transcriptional level, remain
      largely unknown. In the present study, we show that aryl hydrocarbon receptor
      (AhR) activation inhibits NLRP3 expression, caspase-1 activation and subsequent
      IL-1beta secretion in peritoneal macrophages, whereas siRNA knockdown of AhR has
      opposite effects. AhR could bind to the xenobiotic response element (XRE) in the
      NLRP3 promoter and inhibit NLRP3 transcription. Furthermore, AhR activation
      suppresses Alum-induced peritonitis in vivo. Therefore, we identified AhR as a
      negative regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome activity by inhibiting the transcription
      of NLRP3 and suggested AhR as a potential target for the intervention of diseases
      with uncontrolled inflammasome activation. 

PMID- 25141025
TI  - Isolation and propagation of neural crest stem cells from mouse embryonic stem
      cells via cranial neurospheres.
AB  - The developmental fate of the multipotent neural crest (NC) is determined along
      with the neural axis in which NC cells are generated. Only the cranial NC can
      differentiate into mesectodermal derivatives such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes,
      and adipocytes in vivo. Here, we attempted to selectively differentiate mouse
      embryonic stem (ES) cells into cranial NC stem cells and propagate them to
      explore their developmental potential to differentiate into mesectodermal
      derivatives. Using aggregation cultures in feeder- and serum-free neural
      induction medium (NIM) without serum replacement and l-glutamine, we obtained NIM
      neurospheres composed of neuroepithelium. The NIM neurospheres expressed the
      rostral markers Otx1 and Otx2, but not nonrostral markers Hoxb4, Hoxb9, Lbx1, and
      TH, which characterize cranial neurospheres. Subsequently, AP2alpha, Sox9, p75,
      Snail, Slug, and Twist-positive NC cells were differentiated in 4-day adhesion
      cultures of cranial neurospheres. In addition, sphere clusters in adhesion
      cultures were differentiated into osteoblasts, while migrating cells were not. By
      taking advantage of the sphere-formation capability, we isolated and propagated
      NC stem cells from the sphere clusters and confirmed their multipotency. NC stem
      cells expressed NC and stem cell markers, and they maintained differentiation
      potency in the NC derivatives. These results show that cranial NC stem cells were
      obtained reproducibly and efficiently without special inducing factors, gene
      transfection, or fluorescence-activated cell sorting selection. 

PMID- 25141026
TI  - Modulation of stress versus time product during mechanical ventilation influences
      inflammation as well as alveolar epithelial and endothelial response in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation can lead to lung biotrauma when mechanical
      stress exceeds safety thresholds. The authors investigated whether the duration
      of mechanical stress, that is, the impact of a stress versus time product (STP),
      influences biotrauma. The authors hypothesized that higher STP levels are
      associated with increased inflammation and with alveolar epithelial and
      endothelial cell injury. METHODS: In 46 rats, Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide
      (acute lung inflammation) or saline (control) was administered intratracheally.
      Both groups were protectively ventilated with inspiratory-to-expiratory ratios
      1:2, 1:1, or 2:1 (n = 12 each), corresponding to low, middle, and high STP levels
      (STPlow, STPmid, and STPhigh, respectively). The remaining 10 animals were not
      mechanically ventilated. RESULTS: In animals with mild acute lung inflammation,
      but not in controls: (1) messenger RNA expression of interleukin-6 was higher in
      STPhigh (28.1 +/- 13.6; mean +/- SD) and STPlow (28.9 +/- 16.0) versus STPmid
      (7.4 +/- 7.5) (P < 0.05); (2) expression of the receptor for advanced glycation
      end-products was increased in STPhigh (3.6 +/- 1.6) versus STPlow (2.3 +/- 1.1)
      (P < 0.05); (3) alveolar edema was decreased in STPmid (0 [0 to 0]; median, Q1 to
      Q3) compared with STPhigh (0.8 [0.6 to 1]) (P < 0.05); and (4) expressions of
      vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were
      higher in STPlow (3.0 +/- 1.8) versus STPhigh (1.2 +/- 0.5) and STPmid (1.4 +/-
      0.7) (P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the mild acute lung inflammation
      model used herein, mechanical ventilation with inspiratory-to-expiratory of 1:1
      (STPmid) minimized lung damage, whereas STPhigh increased the gene expression of
      biological markers associated with inflammation and alveolar epithelial cell
      injury and STPlow increased markers of endothelial cell damage.

PMID- 25141027
TI  - Modeling, molecular dynamics simulation, and mutation validation for structure of
      cannabinoid receptor 2 based on known crystal structures of GPCRs.
AB  - The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) plays an important role in the immune system.
      Although a few of GPCRs crystallographic structures have been reported, it is
      still challenging to obtain functional transmembrane proteins and high resolution
      X-ray crystal structures, such as for the CB2 receptor. In the present work, we
      used 10 reported crystal structures of GPCRs which had high sequence identities
      with CB2 to construct homology-based comparative CB2 models. We applied these 10
      models to perform a prescreen by using a training set consisting of 20 CB2 active
      compounds and 980 compounds randomly selected from the National Cancer Institute
      (NCI) database. We then utilized the known 170 cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) or
      CB2 selective compounds for further validation. Based on the docking results, we
      selected one CB2 model (constructed by beta1AR) that was most consistent with the
      known experimental data, revealing that the defined binding pocket in our CB2
      model was well-correlated with the training and testing data studies.
      Importantly, we identified a potential allosteric binding pocket adjacent to the
      orthosteric ligand-binding site, which is similar to the reported allosteric
      pocket for sodium ion Na(+) in the A2AAR and the delta-opioid receptor. Our
      studies in correlation of our data with others suggested that sodium may reduce
      the binding affinities of endogenous agonists or its analogs to CB2. We performed
      a series of docking studies to compare the important residues in the binding
      pockets of CB2 with CB1, including antagonist, agonist, and our CB2 neutral
      compound (neutral antagonist) XIE35-1001. Then, we carried out 50 ns molecular
      dynamics (MD) simulations for the CB2 docked with SR144528 and CP55940,
      respectively. We found that the conformational changes of CB2 upon
      antagonist/agonist binding were congruent with recent reports of those for other
      GPCRs. Based on these results, we further examined one known residue,
      Val113(3.32), and predicted two new residues, Phe183 in ECL2 and Phe281(7.35),
      that were important for SR144528 and CP55940 binding to CB2. We then performed
      site-directed mutation experimental study for these residues and validated the
      predictions by radiometric binding affinity assay. 

PMID- 25141028
TI  - Survival after acute hemodialysis in Pennsylvania, 2005-2007: a retrospective
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about acute hemodialysis in the US. Here we describe
      predictors of receipt of acute hemodialysis in one state and estimate the
      marginal impact of acute hemodialysis on survival after accounting for
      confounding due to illness severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a
      retrospective cohort study of acute-care hospitalizations in Pennsylvania from
      October 2005 to December 2007 using data from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost
      Containment Council. Exposure variable is acute hemodialysis; dependent variable
      is survival following acute hemodialysis. We used multivariable logistic
      regression to determine propensity to receive acute hemodialysis and then, for a
      Cox proportional hazards model, matched acute hemodialysis and non-acute
      hemodialysis patients 1?5 on this propensity. RESULTS: In 2,131,248 admissions of
      adults without end-stage renal disease, there were 6,657 instances of acute
      hemodialysis. In analyses adjusted for predicted probability of death upon
      admission plus other covariates and stratified on age, being male, black, and
      insured were independent predictors of receipt of acute hemodialysis. One-year
      post-admission mortality was 43% for those receiving acute hemodialysis, compared
      to 13% among those not receiving acute hemodialysis. After matching on propensity
      to receive acute hemodialysis and adjusting for predicted probability of death
      upon admission, patients who received acute hemodialysis had a higher risk of
      death than patients who did not over at least 1 year of follow-up (hazard ratio
      1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.68-1.97). CONCLUSIONS: In a populous US state,
      receipt of acute hemodialysis varied by age, sex, race, and insurance status even
      after adjustment for illness severity. In a comparison of patients with similar
      propensity to receive acute hemodialysis, those who did receive it were less
      likely to survive than those who did not. These findings raise questions about
      reasons for lack of benefit.

PMID- 25141029
TI  - The B35 cluster with a double-hexagonal vacancy: a new and more flexible
      structural motif for borophene.
AB  - Elemental boron is electron-deficient and cannot form graphene-like structures.
      Instead, triangular boron lattices with hexagonal vacancies have been predicted
      to be stable. A recent experimental and computational study showed that the B36
      cluster has a planar C6v structure with a central hexagonal hole, providing the
      first experimental evidence for the viability of atom-thin boron sheets with
      hexagonal vacancies, dubbed borophene. Here we report a boron cluster with a
      double-hexagonal vacancy as a new and more flexible structural motif for
      borophene. Photoelectron spectrum of B35(-) displays a simple pattern with
      certain similarity to that of B36(-). Global minimum searches find that both B35(
      ) and B35 possess planar hexagonal structures, similar to that of B36, except a
      missing interior B atom that creates a double-hexagonal vacancy. The closed-shell
      B35(-) is found to exhibit triple pi aromaticity with 11 delocalized pi bonds,
      analogous to benzo(g,h,i)perylene (C22H12). The B35 cluster can be used to build
      atom-thin boron sheets with various hexagonal hole densities, providing further
      experimental evidence for the viability of borophene. 

PMID- 25141030
TI  - Synthesis and electrochemical study of a hybrid structure based on PDMS-TEOS and
      titania nanotubes for biomedical applications.
AB  - Metallic implants and devices are widely used in the orthopedic and orthodontic
      clinical areas. However, several problems regarding their adhesion with the
      living tissues and inflammatory responses due to the release of metallic ions to
      the medium have been reported. The modification of the metallic surfaces and the
      use of biocompatible protective coatings are two approaches to solve such issues.
      In this study, in order to improve the adhesion properties and to increase the
      corrosion resistance of metallic Ti substrates we have obtained a hybrid
      structure based on TiO2 nanotubular arrays and PDMS-TEOS films. TiO2 nanotubes
      have been prepared with two different diameters by means of electrochemical
      anodization. PDMS-TEOS films have been prepared by the sol-gel method. The
      morphological and the elemental analysis of the structures have been investigated
      by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).
      Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization curves have been
      performed during immersion of the samples in Kokubo's simulated body fluid (SBF)
      at 37  degrees C to study the effect of structure layers and tube diameter on the
      protective properties. The obtained results show that the modification of the
      surface structure of TiO2 and the application of PDMS-TEOS film is a promising
      strategy for the development of implant materials.

PMID- 25141031
TI  - Ferroelectric Sm-doped BiMnO3 thin films with ferromagnetic transition
      temperature enhanced to 140 K.
AB  - A combined chemical pressure and substrate biaxial pressure crystal engineering
      approach was demonstrated for producing highly epitaxial Sm-doped BiMnO(3) (BSMO)
      films on SrTiO(3) single crystal substrates, with enhanced magnetic transition
      temperatures, TC up to as high as 140 K, 40 K higher than that for standard
      BiMnO(3) (BMO) films. Strong room temperature ferroelectricity with piezoresponse
      amplitude, d(33) = 10 pm/V, and long-term retention of polarization were also
      observed. Furthermore, the BSMO films were much easier to grow than pure BMO
      films, with excellent phase purity over a wide growth window. The work represents
      a very effective way to independently control strain in-plane and out-of-plane,
      which is important not just for BMO but for controlling the properties of many
      other strongly correlated oxides.

PMID- 25141032
TI  - Monitoring thrombin generation and screening anticoagulants through pulse laser
      induced fragmentation of biofunctional nanogold on cellulose membranes.
AB  - Thrombin generation (TG) has an important part in the blood coagulation system,
      and monitoring TG is useful for diagnosing various health issues related to hypo
      coagulability and hyper-coagulability. In this study, we constructed probes by
      using mixed cellulose ester membranes (MCEMs) modified with gold nanoparticles
      (Au NPs) for monitoring thrombin activity using laser desorption/ionization mass
      spectrometry (LDI-MS). The LDI process produced Au cationic clusters ([Au(n)](+);
      n = 1-3) that we detected through MS. When thrombin reacted with fibrinogen on
      the Au NPs-MCEMs, insoluble fibrin was formed, hindering the formation of Au
      cationic clusters and, thereby, decreasing the intensity of their signals in the
      mass spectrum. Accordingly, we incorporated fibrinogen onto the Au NPs-MCEMs to
      form Fib-Au NPs-MCEM probes to monitor TG with good selectivity (>1000-fold
      toward thrombin with respect to other proteins or enzymes) and sensitivity (limit
      of detection for thrombin of ca. 2.5 pM in human plasma samples). Our probe
      exhibited remarkable performance in monitoring the inhibition of thrombin
      activity by direct thrombin inhibitors. Analyses of real samples using our new
      membrane-based probe suggested that it will be highly useful in practical
      applications for the effective management of hemostatic complications.

PMID- 25141033
TI  - Adult-Adult and Adult-Child/Adolescent Online Sexual Interactions: An Exploratory
      Self-Report Study on the Role of Situational Factors.
AB  - Alcohol intoxication, sexual arousal, and negative emotional states have been
      found to precede certain sexual behaviors. Using data from an online self-report
      survey distributed to adults (N = 717; 423 men and 304 women), we compared adults
      with adult online sexual interactions (n = 640; 89.3%) to adults with
      interactions with a child or an adolescent (n = 77; 10.7%) on how much they
      reported being affected by the following factors surrounding the time of the
      interactions: alcohol intoxication, sexual arousal, sadness, boredom, stress, and
      shame. We found that those with a child or adolescent contact reported higher
      sexual arousal and more shame before the interaction, compared with those with an
      adult contact. In addition, the levels of negative emotional states varied when
      levels before the interactions were compared with levels after the interactions,
      suggesting that engaging in online sexual interactions alleviated negative
      emotional states, at least temporarily. The alleviatory effects, however, were
      accompanied by higher levels of shame after the interactions. Overall, adults
      that engage in online sexual interactions have remarkably similar perceptions of
      the situation surrounding these activities, independent of the age of their
      online contacts. Limitations of the study are discussed.

PMID- 25141035
TI  - Mipu1 overexpression protects macrophages from oxLDL-induced foam cell formation
      and cell apoptosis.
AB  - Mipu1 (myocardial ischemic preconditioning upregulated protein 1) is a novel N
      terminal Kruppel-associated box (KRAB)/C2H2 zinc finger superfamily protein, that
      displays a powerful effect in protecting H9c2 cells from oxidative stress-induced
      cell apoptosis. The present study aims to investigate the effect of Mipu1
      overexpression on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced foam cell
      formation, cell apoptosis, and its possible mechanisms. New Zealand healthy
      rabbits were used to establish atherosclerosis model, and serum levels of
      triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol were detected by an automatic biochemical
      analyzer. Sudan IV staining was used to detect atherosclerotic lesions. The
      RAW264.7 macrophage cell line was selected as the experimental material. Oil red
      O staining, high-performance liquid chromatography, and Dil-labeled lipoprotein
      were used to detect cholesterol accumulation qualitatively and quantitatively,
      respectively. Flow cytometry was used to determine cell apoptosis. Real-time
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the mRNA
      expression of the main proteins that are associated with the transport of
      cholesterol, such as ABCA1, ABCG1, SR-BI, and CD36. Western blot analysis was
      used to detect the protein expression of Mipu1. There were atherosclerotic
      lesions in the high-fat diet group with Sudan IV staining. High-fat diet
      decreased Mipu1 expression and increased CD36 expression significantly at the
      10th week compared with standard-diet rabbits. Mipu1 overexpression decreased
      oxLDL-induced cholesterol accumulation, oxLDL uptake, cell apoptosis, and cleaved
      caspase-3. Mipu1 overexpression inhibited the oxLDL-induced CD36 mRNA and protein
      expression, but it did not significantly inhibit the mRNA expression of ABCA1,
      ABCG1, and SR-BI. Mipu1 overexpression inhibits oxLDL-induced foam cell formation
      and cell apoptosis. Mipu1 overexpression reduces the lipid intake of macrophages
      and might be associated with the downregulation of CD36 expression in the
      presence of oxLDL. 

PMID- 25141037
TI  - Dinuclear Ru/Ni, Ir/Ni, and Ir/Pt complexes with bridging phenanthroline-5,6
      dithiolate: synthesis, structure, and electrochemical and photophysical behavior.
AB  - We report the synthesis and full characterization of dinuclear complexes with the
      bridging ligand phenanthroline-5,6-dithiolate (phendt(2-)) featuring the
      [Ru(bpy)2](2+) or Ir(ppy)2](+) fragment at the diimine donor center and the
      [Ni(dppe)](2+) or [Pt(phen)](2+) complex moiety at the dithiolate group. The
      molecular structures of the mononuclear complexes [(C5H5)2Ti(S,S'-phendt)] and
      [(ppy)2Ir{N,N'-phendt-(C2H4CN)2}](PF6) as well as the dinuclear complex
      [(C5H5)(PPh3)Ru(phendt)Ni(dppe)](PF6) determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD)
      studies are compared. Photophysical studies with mononuclear [(bpy)2Ru{phendt
      (C2H4CN)2}](2+) and [(ppy)2Ir{phendt-(C2H4CN)2}](+) as well as dinuclear
      [(bpy)2Ru(phendt)Ni(dppe)](2+) and [(ppy)2Ir(phendt)Ni(dppe)](+) uncovered an
      effective luminescence quenching in the dinuclear complexes. Lifetime
      measurements at room temperature, steady-state measurements at low temperature,
      electrochemical investigations, and DFT calculations provide evidence for a very
      efficient energy transfer from the Ru/Ir to the Ni complex moiety with a rate
      constant k > 5 * 10(9) s(-1). In comparison, the [Ru]phendt[Ni] complex displays
      a higher quenching efficiency with reduced excited state lifetime, whereas the
      [Ir]phendt[Ni] complex is characterized by an unaltered lifetime of the thermally
      equilibrated excited state. 

PMID- 25141038
TI  - Self-reported depression and anxiety after prenatal famine exposure: mediation by
      cardio-metabolic pathology?
AB  - Evidence from previous studies suggests an association between prenatal exposure
      to famine and increased risk for depression. The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether prenatal exposure to the Dutch famine is associated with self
      reported depression/anxiety and whether a potential association is mediated by
      the presence of cardio-metabolic disease. A total of 819 persons, born as term
      singletons around the 1944-1945 Dutch famine, filled out the Hospital Anxiety and
      Depression Scale (HADS) and were asked about their medical history. As indicators
      of cardio-metabolic disease we included type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension and
      coronary heart disease (CHD). In the total study population, exposure to famine
      during early gestation was associated with the presence of self-reported mild-to
      severe anxiety. Evidence was found for several interactions between exposure in
      early gestation and sex. Subsequent analyses according to sex showed that men
      exposed to famine during early gestation scored higher on the HADS depression
      scale. Self-reported mild-to-severe anxiety symptoms were more prevalent among
      early exposed men. No such differences were found in women. T2D and hypertension
      were not correlated with any of the depression and anxiety measures. Adjusting
      for the presence of CHD did minimally attenuate the size of the reported
      associations. In conclusion, the present results do not match those previously
      reported in prenatally famine-exposed individuals. We found only weak evidence
      for an association between prenatal famine exposure and symptoms of depression
      and anxiety, which was shown exclusively in men exposed during early gestation. 

PMID- 25141039
TI  - Anthropometry from birth to 24 months among offspring of women with gestational
      diabetes: 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare physical growth from birth to 2 years of age
      of babies born to women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM),
      among the subjects of the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Mothers who gave birth in
      2004 in any of the five maternity wards in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil,
      were interviewed shortly after delivery by trained interviewers, using tested,
      pre-coded questionnaires. GDM diagnosis was self-reported. Child weight, length
      and abdominal circumference were measured, and adjusted weight-for-age, height
      for-age and weight-for-height Z-scores were calculated at birth, 3, 12 and 24
      months. We studied 4239 children. Offspring of GDM mothers (OGDM; n = 125) had
      lower gestational age (GA; P = 0.004), greater weight (P = 0.002) and greater
      abdominal circumference (P < 0.001) at birth. Prevalence of large for GA (LGA)
      was threefold higher among OGDM (18.4% v. 6.8%). Mean weight-for-age (0.48 v. 
      0.07; P < 0.001) and weight-for-height (0.94 v. 0.51; P < 0.001) Z-scores were
      also higher among OGDM. During the first 3 months, there was an abrupt catch-down
      among OGDM babies, who remained lighter than non-GDM offspring until the 24th
      month. LGA OGDM were heavier than LGA offspring of non-GDM mothers at birth, but
      had caught down with babies born with adequate weight for GA to non-GDM by 3
      months, and showed similar growth patterns from thereon. OGDM show different
      growth patterns when compared to offspring of non-GDM mothers, which may be part
      of a causal pathway or constitute a risk marker for future obesity, impaired
      glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus. 

PMID- 25141040
TI  - Psychosocial determinants of cigarette smoking among university students in
      Jordan.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of cigarette use and
      water pipe smoking in Jordanian university students and to analyze differences in
      determinants between cigarette smokers and non-smokers. A cross-sectional
      questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 400 students (18-24 years,
      51% males). Smokers were compared with non-smokers on several smoking-related
      determinants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, chi 2 test
      and binary logistic regression analysis. The prevalence rates of cigarette use
      and water pipe smoking were 25.9% and 23.3%, respectively. Cigarette smokers
      differed significantly from non-smokers on almost all of the assessed
      determinants. The I-Change model explained 85% of the total variance of cigarette
      smoking behavior. Cigarette smoking was determined by being male and older,
      having more depressive symptoms, having less Muslim identity, being more
      emancipated, perceiving more pros of smoking, having more modeling from peers and
      having lower self-efficacy. The popularity of cigarette use and water pipe
      smoking among Jordanian students necessitates health promotion interventions that
      motivate students not to engage in smoking behaviors by clearly outlining the
      outcomes of smoking and the healthier alternatives, how to cope with social
      influences and difficult situations in order to increase self-efficacy. 

PMID- 25141041
TI  - Exposure to maternal smoking during fetal life affects food preferences in
      adulthood independent of the effects of intrauterine growth restriction.
AB  - Experimental animal studies have shown that nicotine exposure during gestation
      alters the expression of fetal hypothalamic neuropeptides involved in the control
      of appetite. We aimed to determine whether the exposure to maternal smoking
      during gestation in humans is associated with an altered feeding behavior of the
      adult offspring. A longitudinal prospective cohort study was conducted including
      all births from Ribeirao Preto (Sao Paulo, Brazil) between 1978 and 1979. At 24
      years of age, a representative random sample was re-evaluated and divided into
      groups exposed (n = 424) or not (n = 1586) to maternal smoking during gestation.
      Feeding behavior was analyzed using a food frequency questionnaire. Covariance
      analysis was used for continuous data and the chi 2 test for categorical data.
      Results were adjusted for birth weight ratio, body mass index, gender, physical
      activity and smoking, as well as maternal and subjects' schooling. Individuals
      exposed to maternal smoking during gestation ate more carbohydrates than proteins
      (as per the carbohydrate-to-protein ratio) than non-exposed individuals. There
      were no differences in the consumption of the macronutrients themselves. We
      propose that this adverse fetal life event programs the individual's physiology
      and metabolism persistently, leading to an altered feeding behavior that could
      contribute to the development of chronic diseases in the long term. 

PMID- 25141042
TI  - Maternal low-protein diet suppresses vascular and renal endothelial nitric oxide
      synthase phosphorylation in rat offspring independent of a postnatal fructose
      diet.
AB  - We investigated the effects of a postnatal fructose diet on the programmed
      hypertension and vascular and renal dysfunction in offspring from dams exposed to
      protein restriction. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed control and low-protein diets
      during the gestation and suckling periods. From the end of lactation, male
      offspring received standard chow or a 60% fructose diet: a control diet in the
      gestation and suckling periods and a control diet from the end of lactation,
      control-on-control (CC), 60% fructose diet-on-control (CF), control-on-low
      protein diet (LPC) and 60% fructose diet-on-low-protein diet (LPF). The systolic
      blood pressure (SBP) was measured during treatment. At postnatal days 94-101,
      urinary 24 h nitrate/nitrite (NO x ) content, protein levels of endothelial
      nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and mRNA levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), and NAD(P)H
      oxidase subunits in the aorta and kidney were examined. The SBP at postnatal days
      97-101 increased in CF (137 +/- 2 mmHg, P < 0.05), LPC (135 +/- 1 mmHg, P < 0.05)
      and LPF (141 +/- 2 mmHg, P < 0.05), compared with CC (124 +/- 1 mmHg). The
      urinary NO x contents and eNOS phosphorylation in the aorta and kidney of CF, LPC
      and LPF decreased when compared with CC. In the aorta, the mRNA levels of NAD(P)H
      oxidase subunits p47phox in LPC and ET-1 in LPC and LPF increased. These results
      indicate that maternal protein restriction elevated the blood pressure, the
      downregulated nitric oxide production and eNOS phosphorylation, whereas the
      postnatal fructose diet made no significant difference to these alterations. 

PMID- 25141043
TI  - Branched-chain amino acid supplemented diet during maternal food restriction
      prevents developmental hypertension in adult rat offspring.
AB  - Maternal food restriction is known to cause developmental hypertension in
      offspring. We have previously shown that maternal high-protein diet can reverse
      fetal programming of hypertension and that branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)
      concentrations in maternal and fetal plasma were increased by maternal high
      protein intake. Then, we hypothesized that isocaloric supplementation with BCAA
      to a maternal food restriction can reverse the adverse outcome. Pregnant rats
      were divided into four groups at 7.5 days postcoitum: normally nourished (NN) and
      70% undernourished (UN) groups with and without BCAA supplementation (NN-standard
      diet (SD), NN-BCAA, UN-SD and UN-BCAA groups). Compared with pups in the NN
      groups, those in the UN-SD group had significantly increased systolic blood
      pressure (SBP) at 8 and 16 weeks of age (P < 0.05). However, the elevation of SBP
      was not observed in offspring in the UN-BCAA group. Offspring glomeruli number of
      the UN groups was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of the NN groups,
      independent of BCAA supplementation. Angiotensin II receptor type 2 (ATR2) mRNA
      and protein expression in the kidney was significantly augmented in the UN-BCAA
      group at 30 weeks of age. In conclusion, BCAA supplementation during maternal
      food restriction prevents developmental hypertension together with increased ATR2
      expression in adult offspring kidney. 

PMID- 25141044
TI  - Neonatal oxygen exposure leads to increased aortic wall stiffness in adult rats:
      a Doppler ultrasound study.
AB  - We have previously shown that neonatal high oxygen (O2) exposure in rats leads to
      hypertension and vascular dysfunction in adulthood. Pulse-wave velocity (PWV), an
      indirect measure of vascular biophysical properties (arterial stiffness or
      distensibility), is a sensitive marker of cardiovascular health. Its measurement
      in rats is mostly based on invasive hemodynamics measurements, prohibiting
      longitudinal studies particularly relevant in models of developmental programming
      of cardiovascular dysfunctions. With this study, we sought (1) to verify the
      feasibility and validity of measuring of aortic PWV in Sprague-Dawley rats by
      ultrasound; (2) to use the technique to compare aortic PWV in adult rats exposed
      to O2 as newborns (80% day 3-10 of life) v. controls; and (3) to develop an
      algorithm to calculate PWV in a non-invasive manner. We calculated aortic PWV
      using standard echocardiography and electrocardiogram, and validated the measures
      with PWV obtained by intraaortic catheters. Aortic full length was measured at
      sacrifice. PWV was significantly increased in O2 exposed (505 +/- 18 cm/s) v.
      control animals (421 +/- 17 cm/s, P < 0.01). With regard to weight, femur length
      and distance from the manubrium to the anal margin (MA length), the latter showed
      the best correlation (R = 0.84, P < 0.0001) with full aorta length derived from
      (L) = 0.339 * (MA length) + 4.281. The current data using echo-Doppler method
      demonstrated increased aortic stiffness in adult rats exposed to hyperoxia as
      newborns and suggests that non-invasive longitudinal studies of aortic PWV can be
      performed using the proposed algorithm for estimation of the full aorta length. 

PMID- 25141045
TI  - Cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes display differences in glucose uptake and
      sensitivity to dexamethasone related to maternal diet.
AB  - Feeding a low protein (LP) diet in rat pregnancy is associated with impaired
      cardiovascular health and function, possibly as a result of tissue remodelling.
      To assess whether cardiomyocytes retain differences induced by protein
      restriction, cells from neonatal rats exposed to control or LP diets in utero
      were cultured for a period of 10 days. At the end of this period, no differences
      in cell size, proliferation differentiation or metabolic function were noted.
      When treated with dexamethasone (0.1-10 MUM) for 2 days, it was noted that
      insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was enhanced, but only in cells from LP rats.
      Increased glucocorticoid sensitivity of cardiomyocytes from LP rats could not be
      explained by differential expression of the glucocorticoid receptor or the
      glucose transporters, GLUT1 and GLUT4. The findings of the study suggest that
      sensitivity to endocrine signals may be permanently programmed by undernutrition
      through mechanisms that are preserved in vitro. 

PMID- 25141046
TI  - Mechanistic investigation of the cleavage of phosphodiester catalyzed by a
      symmetrical oxyimine-based macrocyclic dinuclear zinc complex: a DFT study.
AB  - Density functional theory (DFT) was utilized to investigate the hydrolysis
      reaction mechanisms of phosphodiester BNPP (BNPP = bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate)
      catalyzed by a symmetrical oxyimine-based macrocyclic dinuclear zinc(ii) complex.
      We examined the nature of the nucleophilic reagent and the active form of the
      catalyst. The coordination and binding models of the catalyst-substrate complex
      were explored and we investigated two catalyst configurations (a ridge
      configuration and a plane configuration), four basic catalyst-substrate binding
      models (a mono-point-binding model, a dual-point-binding model, an OH-bridging
      model and a mono-center-dual-binding model) and two alternate roles for the metal
      coordinated hydroxide ion (whether it acts as a nucleophile or as a general base
      to facilitate the deprotonation of a solvent molecule). The one-point-binding
      mode was found to be preferred to construct a starting reactant. Nine plausible
      reaction mechanisms were proposed and investigated. Mechanism 1, a stepwise SN2
      type addition-substitution reaction involving a para-position nucleophilic attack
      and the configuration inversion of the phosphate, was found to be the most
      favorable pathway. All of the proposed pathways are derived from alternate
      mechanisms such as a ping-pong mechanism and an AP mechanism. The ping-pong
      mechanism in combination with the role of the metal-coordinated hydroxide ion
      acting as a nucleophile was found to be more competitive than the other
      mechanisms examined. Results reported in this paper are consistent with, and can
      be utilized to systematically interpret, the experimental observations in the
      literature. 

PMID- 25141047
TI  - Land snails as a diet diversification proxy during the early upper palaeolithic
      in Europe.
AB  - Despite the ubiquity of terrestrial gastropods in the Late Pleistocene and
      Holocene archaeological record, it is still unknown when and how this type of
      invertebrate resource was incorporated into human diets. In this paper, we report
      the oldest evidence of land snail exploitation as a food resource in Europe dated
      to 31.3-26.9 ka yr cal BP from the recently discovered site of Cova de la
      Barriada (eastern Iberian Peninsula). Mono-specific accumulations of large Iberus
      alonensis land snails (Ferussac 1821) were found in three different
      archaeological levels in association with combustion structures, along with
      lithic and faunal assemblages. Using a new analytical protocol based on
      taphonomic, microX-Ray Diffractometer (DXR) and biometric analyses, we
      investigated the patterns of selection, consumption and accumulation of land
      snails at the site. The results display a strong mono-specific gathering of adult
      individuals, most of them older than 55 weeks, which were roasted in ambers of
      pine and juniper under 375 degrees C. This case study uncovers new patterns of
      invertebrate exploitation during the Gravettian in southwestern Europe without
      known precedents in the Middle Palaeolithic nor the Aurignacian. In the
      Mediterranean context, such an early occurrence contrasts with the neighbouring
      areas of Morocco, France, Italy and the Balkans, where the systematic nutritional
      use of land snails appears approximately 10,000 years later during the
      Iberomaurisian and the Late Epigravettian. The appearance of this new subsistence
      activity in the eastern and southern regions of Spain was coeval to other
      demographically driven transformations in the archaeological record, suggesting
      different chronological patterns of resource intensification and diet broadening
      along the Upper Palaeolithic in the Mediterranean basin. 

PMID- 25141048
TI  - [Cu]-catalyzed domino Sonogashira coupling followed by intramolecular 5-exo-dig
      cyclization: synthesis of 1,3-dihydro-2-benzofurans.
AB  - An efficient [Cu]-catalyzed domino Sonogashira coupling of o-bromobenzyl tertiary
      alcohols with terminal aryl acetylenes followed by an intramolecular anti-5-exo
      dig cyclization is presented. The terminal aryl acetylenes were identified as
      ideal coupling partners that permit in situ intramolecular oxacyclization by the
      hydroxyl group as a pre-existing nucleophile of the alcohol. Notably, the
      intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the hydroxyl group took place on the alkyne
      moiety in a highly regio- and stereoselective manner. Interestingly, this method
      was amenable to a wide variety of o-bromobenzyl tertiary alcohols and furnished
      the corresponding cyclic ethers. On the other hand, when terminal alkyl
      acetylenes were used as the coupling partners, the reaction was impeded after the
      Sonogashira coupling. 

PMID- 25141050
TI  - Investigating the genetics of seizure-prone flies.

PMID- 25141051
TI  - Negative pressure limits traumatic brain damage.

PMID- 25141053
TI  - Tiny fly ears inspire a new hearing device.

PMID- 25141054
TI  - Dopamine pathway induces emergence from anesthesia.

PMID- 25141056
TI  - The autonomous arms of the octopus.

PMID- 25141057
TI  - Response to Protocol Review Scenario: Compliance and communication.

PMID- 25141058
TI  - Response to Protocol Review Scenario: IACUC is responsible.

PMID- 25141059
TI  - Setting timelines to correct deficiencies.

PMID- 25141060
TI  - Response to Protocol Review Scenario: Cooperation and IACUC approval.

PMID- 25141062
TI  - Evaluation of ultrasonic vocalizations in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
      as a potential indicator of welfare.
AB  - The vocal repertoire in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) has been assumed to
      consist not only of vocalizations audible to humans but also of ultrasonic
      vocalizations (USVs). The use of USVs to socially indicate distress has not been
      evaluated in this species, however. The authors analyzed the ultrasonic vocal
      repertoire of the common marmoset under normal housing conditions, under various
      experimental manipulations intended to elicit positive or negative emotional
      responses and during stressful experiences including blood draw and exposure to a
      perceived predator. Analysis of the recordings showed that marmosets produced
      vocalizations with ultrasonic components as part of their normal vocal
      repertoire, but these vocalizations all have audible components as well. Only 4
      of the 13 types of vocalizations had ultrasonic components. These ultrasonic
      components were not reliably associated with responses to different experimental
      manipulations, suggesting that they are not used to indicate pain, discomfort or
      distress.

PMID- 25141063
TI  - An animal tracking system for behavior analysis using radio frequency
      identification.
AB  - Evaluating the behavior of mice and rats has substantially contributed to the
      progress of research in many scientific fields. Researchers commonly observe
      recorded video of animal behavior and manually record their observations for
      later analysis, but this approach has several limitations. The authors developed
      an automated system for tracking and analyzing the behavior of rodents that is
      based on radio frequency identification (RFID) in an ultra-high-frequency
      bandwidth. They provide an overview of the system's hardware and software
      components as well as describe their technique for surgically implanting passive
      RFID tags in mice. Finally, the authors present the findings of two validation
      studies to compare the accuracy of the RFID system versus commonly used
      approaches for evaluating the locomotor activity and object exploration of mice. 

PMID- 25141064
TI  - My training as an IACUC community member.

PMID- 25141065
TI  - Don't get no respect.

PMID- 25141066
TI  - Making great animal friends.

PMID- 25141067
TI  - Nitrogen-doped graphdiyne as a metal-free catalyst for high-performance oxygen
      reduction reactions.
AB  - Fuel cells and metal-air batteries will only become widely available in everyday
      life when the expensive platinum-based electrocatalysts used for the oxygen
      reduction reactions are replaced by other efficient, low-cost and stable
      catalysts. We report here the use of nitrogen-doped graphdiyne as a metal-free
      electrode with a comparable electrocatalytic activity to commercial Pt/C
      catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline fuel cells. Nitrogen
      doped graphdiyne has a better stability and increased tolerance to the cross-over
      effect than conventional Pt/C catalysts. 

PMID- 25141068
TI  - Percutaneous treatment of biliary complications in pediatric patients after liver
      transplantation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evaluation of the efficiency and safety of the percutaneous treatment of
      biliary complications in pediatric liver transplant recipients. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective analysis of children who underwent biliary percutaneous
      interventions after pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) over a 4-year period.
      Kind of biliary complication, interval between liver transplantation and
      intervention, status of the vessels, procedural interventional management,
      technical and clinical success, course of cholestasis, PTBD-related complications
      and patient survival were analyzed. RESULTS: 23 percutaneous transhepatic biliary
      drainages (PTBD) were placed in 16 children due to 18 biliary complications. The
      drains were customized individually by shortening and cutting additional holes.
      PTBD placement was performed with technical and clinical success in all children.
      4 children received PTBD to bridge the time to retransplantation and surgical
      revision. One child received PTBD for successful treatment of anastomotic
      leakage. Long-term dilation of biliary stenoses was performed in 13 children
      using PTBD. One of these 13 patients showed recurrent stenosis during a median
      follow-up of 295 days. Bilirubin values decreased significantly after PTBD
      placement for biliary stenosis. One patient suffered from bacteremia after PTBD
      replacement. CONCLUSION: PTBD treatment for biliary complications after PLT is
      effective and safe.

PMID- 25141069
TI  - Sugar-based amphiphilic polymers for biomedical applications: from nanocarriers
      to therapeutics.
AB  - Various therapeutics exhibit unfavorable physicochemical properties or stability
      issues that reduce their in vivo efficacy. Therefore, carriers able to overcome
      such challenges and deliver therapeutics to specific in vivo target sites are
      critically needed. For instance, anticancer drugs are hydrophobic and require
      carriers to solubilize them in aqueous environments, and gene-based therapies
      (e.g., siRNA or pDNA) require carriers to protect the anionic genes from
      enzymatic degradation during systemic circulation. Polymeric micelles, which are
      self-assemblies of amphiphilic polymers (APs), constitute one delivery vehicle
      class that has been investigated for many biomedical applications. Having a
      hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic shell, polymeric micelles have been used as
      drug carriers. While traditional APs are typically comprised of nondegradable
      block copolymers, sugar-based amphiphilic polymers (SBAPs) synthesized by us are
      comprised of branched, sugar-based hydrophobic segments and a hydrophilic
      poly(ethylene glycol) chain. Similar to many amphiphilic polymers, SBAPs self
      assemble into polymeric micelles. These nanoscale micelles have extremely low
      critical micelle concentrations offering stability against dilution, which occurs
      with systemic administration. In this Account, we illustrate applications of
      SBAPs for anticancer drug delivery via physical encapsulation within SBAP
      micelles and chemical conjugation to form SBAP prodrugs capable of micellization.
      Additionally, we show that SBAPs are excellent at stabilizing liposomal delivery
      systems. These SBAP-lipid complexes were developed to deliver hydrophobic
      anticancer therapeutics, achieving preferential uptake in cancer cells over
      normal cells. Furthermore, these complexes can be designed to electrostatically
      complex with gene therapies capable of transfection. Aside from serving as a
      nanocarrier, SBAPs have also demonstrated unique bioactivity in managing
      atherosclerosis, a major cause of cardiovascular disease. The atherosclerotic
      cascade is usually triggered by the unregulated uptake of oxidized low-density
      lipoprotein, a cholesterol carrier, in macrophages of the blood vessel wall;
      SBAPs can significantly inhibit oxidized low-density lipoprotein uptake in
      macrophages and abrogate the atherosclerotic cascade. By modification of various
      functionalities (e.g., branching, stereochemistry, hydrophobicity, and charge) in
      the SBAP chemical structure, SBAP bioactivity was optimized, and influential
      structural components were identified. Despite the potential of SBAPs as
      atherosclerotic therapies, blood stability of the SBAP micelles was not ideal for
      in vivo applications, and means to stabilize them were pursued. Using kinetic
      entrapment via flash nanoprecipitation, SBAPs were formulated into nanoparticles
      with a hydrophobic solute core and SBAP shell. SBAP nanoparticles exhibited
      excellent physiological stability and enhanced bioactivity compared with SBAP
      micelles. Further, this method enables encapsulation of additional hydrophobic
      drugs (e.g., vitamin E) to yield a stable formulation that releases two
      bioactives. Both as nanoscale carriers and as polymer therapeutics, SBAPs are
      promising biomaterials for medical applications.

PMID- 25141070
TI  - Neurological recovery and antioxidant effects of curcumin for spinal cord injury
      in the rat: a network meta-analysis and systematic review.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition affecting young, healthy
      individuals worldwide. Existing agents have inadequate therapeutic efficacy, and
      some are associated with side effects. Our objective is to summarize and
      critically assess the neurological recovery and antioxidant effects of curcumin
      for treatment of SCI in rat models. PubMed, Embase, and Chinese databases were
      searched from their inception date to February 2014. Two reviewers independently
      selected animal studies that evaluated neurological recovery and antioxidant
      effects of curcumin, compared to placebo, in rats with SCI, extracted data, and
      assessed the methodological quality. A pair-wise analysis and a network meta
      analysis were performed. Eight studies with adequate randomization were selected
      and included in the systematic review. Two studies had a higher methodological
      quality. Overall, curcumin appears to significantly improve neurological
      function, as assessed using the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating
      scale (four studies, n=132; pooled mean difference [MD]=3.09; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 3.40-4.45; p=0.04), in a random-effects model and decrease
      malondialdehyde (MDA) using a fixed-effects model (four studies, n=56; pooled MD=
      1.00; 95% CI=-1.59 to -0.42; p=0.00008). Effect size, assessed using the BBB
      scale, increased gradually with increasing curcumin dosage. The difference
      between low- and high-dose curcumin using the BBB scale was statistically
      significant. Neurological recovery and antioxidant effects of curcumin were
      observed in rats with SCI despite poor study methodological quality. 

PMID- 25141071
TI  - Budesonide for maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids are effective for induction, but not maintenance of
      remission in Crohn's disease. Significant concerns exist regarding the risk for
      adverse events, particularly when corticosteroids are used for long treatment
      courses. Budesonide is a glucocorticoid with limited systemic bioavailability due
      to extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism and is effective for induction of
      remission in Crohn's disease. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of
      oral budesonide for maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease. SEARCH METHODS:
      The following databases were searched from inception to 12 June 2014: PubMed,
      MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, the Cochrane IBD/FBD Group Specialised Trial Register,
      and ClinicalTrials.gov. Reference lists of articles, as well as conference
      proceedings were manually searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled
      trials comparing budesonide to a control treatment, or comparing two doses of
      budesonide, were included. The study population included patients of any age with
      quiescent Crohn's disease. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two independent
      investigators reviewed studies for eligibility, extracted data and assessed study
      quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome was maintenance
      of remission at various reported follow-up times during the study. Secondary
      outcomes included: time to relapse, mean change in CDAI, clinical, histological,
      improvement in quality of life, adverse events and study withdrawal. We
      calculated the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI)
      for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference (MD) and 95% CI for continuous
      outcomes. Data were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The Chi(2) and I(2)
      statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. Random-effects models were used to
      allow for expected clinical and statistical heterogeneity. The overall quality of
      the evidence supporting the primary outcome was assessed using the GRADE
      criteria. MAIN RESULTS: Twelve studies (n = 1273 patients) were included in the
      review: eight studies compared budesonide to placebo, one compared budesonide to
      5-aminosalicylates, one compared budesonide to traditional systemic
      corticosteroids, one compared budesonide to azathioprine, and one compared two
      doses of budesonide. Nine studies used a controlled ileal release form of
      budesonide, while three used a pH-modified release formulation. Nine studies were
      judged to be at low risk of bias. Three studies were judged to be at high risk of
      bias due to blinding and one of these studies also had inadequate allocation
      concealment. Budesonide 6 mg daily was no more effective than placebo for
      maintenance of remission at 3 months, 6 months or 12 months. At three months 64%
      of budesonide 6 mg patients remained in remission compared to 52% of placebo
      patients (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.58; 6 studies, 540 patients). A GRADE
      analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence for this outcome was
      low due to moderate heterogeneity (I(2) = 56%) and sparse data (315 events). At
      six months 61% of budesonide 6 mg patients remained in remission compared to 52%
      of placebo patients (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.39; 5 studies, 420 patients). A
      GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence for this
      outcome was moderate due to sparse data (238 events). At 12 months 55% of
      budesonide 6 mg patients remained in remission compared to 48% of placebo
      patients (RR 1.13; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.35; 5 studies, 420 patients). A GRADE
      analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence for this outcome was
      moderate due to sparse data (215 events). Similarly, there was no significant
      benefit for budesonide 3 mg compared to placebo at 6 and 12 months. There was no
      statistically significant difference in continued remission at 12 months between
      budesonide and weaning doses of prednisolone (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.13; 1
      study, 90 patients). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the
      evidence supporting this outcome was low due to sparse data (51 events) and high
      risk of bias (no blinding). Budesonide 6 mg was better than mesalamine 3 g/day at
      12 months (RR 2.51, 95% CI 1.03 to 6.12; 1 study, 57 patients). A GRADE analysis
      indicated that the overall quality of the evidence supporting this outcome was
      very low due to very sparse data (18 events) and high risk of bias (no blinding).
      There was no statistically significant difference in continued remission at 12
      months between budesonide and azathioprine (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.08; 1 study
      77 patients). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence
      supporting this outcome was very low due to sparse data (55 events) and high risk
      of bias (single-blind and no allocation concealment). The use of budesonide 6 mg
      resulted in slight improvements in CDAI scores when assessed at 6 months (MD 
      24.30, 95% CI -46.31 to -2.29) and 12 months (MD -23.49, 95% CI -46.65 to -0.32)
      and mean time to relapse of disease (MD 59.93 days, 95% CI 19.02 to 100.84). Mean
      time to relapse was significantly shorter for patients receiving budesonide than
      for those receiving azathioprine (MD -58.00, 95% CI -96.68 to -19.32). Adverse
      events were not more common in patients treated with budesonide compared to
      placebo (6 mg: RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.90 to 2.52; 3 mg: RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.63 to 2.24).
      These events were relatively minor and did not result in increased rates of study
      withdrawal. Commonly reported treatment-related adverse effects included acne,
      moon facies, hirsutism, mood swings, insomnia, weight gain, striae, and hair
      loss. Abnormal adrenocorticoid stimulation tests were seen more frequently in
      patients receiving both 6 mg (RR 2.88, 95% CI 1.72 to 4.82) and 3 mg daily (RR
      2.73, 95% CI 1.34 to 5.57) compared to placebo. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: These data
      suggest budesonide is not effective for maintenance of remission in CD,
      particularly when used beyond three months following induction of remission.
      Budesonide does have minor benefits in terms of lower CDAI scores and longer time
      to relapse of disease. However, these benefits are offset by higher treatment
      related adverse event rates and more frequent adrenocorticoid suppression in
      patients receiving budesonide.

PMID- 25141072
TI  - Management of haemangiopericytoma located in the spinal cord diagnosed during
      pregnancy.

PMID- 25141073
TI  - Could point-of-care testing be effective for reducing the prevalence of
      trichomoniasis in remote Aboriginal communities?
AB  - High prevalence of trichomoniasis is reported for many remote Indigenous
      communities despite intensive screening and treatment programs. Mathematical
      modelling has previously been used to show that point-of-care (POC) testing for
      gonorrhoea and chlamydia has the potential to increase the impact of screening in
      reducing the prevalence of these sexually transmissible infections. The study was
      extended to estimate the impact of a rapid POC test for trichomoniasis. The
      results suggest that POC testing in place of conventional testing will also
      provide additional reductions in trichomoniasis prevalence. However, more
      emphasis should be placed on testing for trichomoniasis in older women due to the
      high prevalence observed in this group. 

PMID- 25141074
TI  - Using Nonechoplanar Diffusion-weighted MRI to Assess Treatment Response in Active
      Graves Orbitopathy: A Novel Approach with 2 Case Reports.
AB  - Two patients (68 and 71 years, both female) with sight threatening, active Graves
      orbitopathy but low clinical activity score underwent MRI scans before and after
      intravenous corticosteroid treatment. Two MRI techniques, short-term inversion
      recovery and nonechoplanar diffusion-weighted imaging, were used. Apparent
      diffusion coefficient values reduced in patient 1 who had successful medical
      treatment and remained elevated in patient 2 who had an inadequate treatment
      response. Nonechoplanar diffusion-weighted imaging provided a quantitative
      measure of treatment response by calculation of the apparent diffusion
      coefficient. The novel use of nonechoplanar diffusion-weighted imaging for
      monitoring treatment response in Graves orbitopathy is illustrated but requires
      further validation. 

PMID- 25141075
TI  - On the directionality and non-linearity of halogen and hydrogen bonds.
AB  - Benchmark quality structures and interaction energies have been produced using
      explicitly correlated coupled cluster methods for a systematic series of hydrogen
      and halogen bonded complexes: B...HCCH, B...HCl and B...ClF, with six different
      Lewis bases B. Excellent agreement with experimental structures is observed,
      verifying the method used to deduce the equilibrium deviation from collinearity
      of the intermolecular bond via rotational spectroscopy. This level of agreement
      also suggests that the chosen theoretical method can be employed when
      experimental equilibrium data are not available. The application of symmetry
      adapted perturbation theory reveals differences in the underlying mechanisms of
      interaction for hydrogen and halogen bonding, providing insights into the
      differences in non-linearity. In the halogen bonding case it is shown that the
      dispersion term is approximately equal to the overall interaction energy,
      highlighting the importance of choosing the correct theoretical method for this
      type of interaction.

PMID- 25141076
TI  - RandomForest4Life: a Random Forest for predicting ALS disease progression.
AB  - We describe a method for predicting disease progression in amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) patients. The method was developed as a submission to the DREAM
      Phil Bowen ALS Prediction Prize4Life Challenge of summer 2012. Based on repeated
      patient examinations over a three- month period, we used a random forest
      algorithm to predict future disease progression. The procedure was set up and
      internally evaluated using data from 1197 ALS patients. External validation by an
      expert jury was based on undisclosed information of an additional 625 patients;
      all patient data were obtained from the PRO-ACT database. In terms of prediction
      accuracy, the approach described here ranked third best. Our interpretation of
      the prediction model confirmed previous reports suggesting that past disease
      progression is a strong predictor of future disease progression measured on the
      ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS). We also found that larger variability in
      initial ALSFRS scores is linked to faster future disease progression. The results
      reported here furthermore suggested that approaches taking the
      multidimensionality of the ALSFRS into account promise some potential for
      improved ALS disease prediction.

PMID- 25141077
TI  - A hybrid polyoxometalate-organic molecular catalyst for visible light driven
      water oxidation.
AB  - A novel organic-inorganic hybrid monocapped/bicapped Keggin structure
      [Co(II)(bpy)3]6(H2bpy)[(Co(II)bpy)2(PMo8(VI)Mo4(V)O40)]3
      [(Co(II)bpy)(PMo8(VI)Mo4(V)O40)].16H2O (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) was synthesized
      and shown to be an efficient visible light-driven catalyst for water oxidation. 

PMID- 25141078
TI  - Assessing impact of physical activity-based youth development programs:
      validation of the Life Skills Transfer Survey (LSTS).
AB  - PURPOSE: A signature characteristic of positive youth development (PYD) programs
      is the opportunity to develop life skills, such as social, behavioral, and moral
      competencies, that can be generalized to domains beyond the immediate activity.
      Although context-specific instruments are available to assess developmental
      outcomes, a measure of life skills transfer would enable evaluation of PYD
      programs in successfully teaching skills that youth report using in other
      domains. The purpose of our studies was to develop and validate a measure of
      perceived life skills transfer, based on data collected with The First Tee, a
      physical activity-based PYD program. METHOD: In 3 studies, we conducted a series
      of steps to provide content and construct validity and internal consistency
      reliability for the Life Skills Transfer Survey (LSTS), a measure of perceived
      life skills transfer. RESULTS: Study 1 provided content validity for the LSTS
      that included 8 life skills and 50 items. Study 2 revealed construct validity
      (structural validity) through a confirmatory factor analysis and convergent
      validity by correlating scores on the LSTS with scores on an assessment tool that
      measures a related construct. Study 3 offered additional construct validity by
      reassessing youth 1 year later and showing that scores during both time periods
      were invariant in factor pattern, loadings, and variances and covariances.
      Studies 2 and 3 demonstrated internal consistency reliability of the LSTS.
      CONCLUSION: RESULTS from 3 studies provide evidence of content and construct
      validity and internal consistency reliability for the LSTS, which can be used in
      evaluation research with youth development programs.

PMID- 25141079
TI  - Music is not our enemy, but noise should be regulated: thoughts on
      shooting/conflicts related to Dama square dance in China.
AB  - While Dama square dance is gaining popularity in China, especially with middle
      aged and older-adult women-hence the "Dama" (Chinese for "big mamas") moniker
      there have been conflicts due to the loud music played for the activity. After a
      brief explanation of Dama square dance and a description of the context of the
      conflicts, this commentary shares some thoughts on the issues raised, reviews the
      negative impact and regulation of noise, and calls for creating more public green
      space in Chinese cities and for developing a new music delivery system that could
      eliminate public music noise for group physical activities. 

PMID- 25141080
TI  - Teacher effectiveness in physical education-consensus?
AB  - This article synthesizes the series of manuscripts on teacher effectiveness in
      physical education recently published by the Research Quarterly for Exercise and
      Sport and highlights both the consensus and points of disagreement. Although
      there is much agreement as to the mission to develop a physically active
      lifestyle, there is a great deal of disagreement on how to get there, which makes
      the task of measuring effectiveness difficult. The current reform effort in
      education to measure teacher effectiveness makes it essential that professionals
      in physical education at all levels be participants in this process. 

PMID- 25141081
TI  - The pill not taken: revisiting Physical Education Teacher Effectiveness in a
      Public Health Context.
AB  - In "Physical Education Teacher Effectiveness in a Public Health Context," we took
      a broad view of physical education (PE) teacher effectiveness that included
      public health need and support for PE. Public health officials have been
      consistent and fervent in their support of PE, and for more than two decades,
      they have called on schools to promote and provide physical activity. They have
      strongly recommended PE because: (a) It is part of the formalized school
      curriculum and an essential access point to provide and promote physical activity
      for nearly all children, and (b) it is the only venue where the least active
      children experience physical activity at higher intensities. Within the current
      marginalized status of PE, public health is an ally. Hence, we took a broad
      public health position, indicated that teacher effectiveness is tied closely to
      PE program effectiveness, identified physical activity and its assessment as
      important parts of PE, offered a vision of teacher effectiveness that goes beyond
      the PE lesson to include components of the comprehensive school physical activity
      model, and emphasized the need for the collection of data to support PE and
      physical activity programs. We have read the written reviews and listened to
      dialogue about our article. In this follow-up article, we address the major
      comments using 4 themes: prioritizing public health over other PE emphases, PE
      having a muddled mission, concerns about physical activity, and extending the
      roles and skills of physical educators. 

PMID- 25141082
TI  - A response to the conversations on effective teaching in physical education.
AB  - In this response to articles on effective teaching in physical education that
      have been published in Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, I thank the
      authors of these articles for the thoughtfulness of their comments and the
      respondents for their comments on my own article. I elaborate on my position and
      discuss a number of issues raised by these authors. My central thesis is that
      meeting the state standards for physical education is not only the best way to
      advocate for our field, but it is a moral imperative-moral because children and
      youth deserve a quality physical education and this should not be left to chance,
      and imperative because, as the authors of the articles on this topic have argued,
      this is a critical time to be counted as a subject matter. I conclude by thanking
      the editor in chief for providing the forum to discuss these important issues. 

PMID- 25141083
TI  - Top 10 research questions related to exercise deficit disorder (EDD) in youth.
AB  - Exercise deficit disorder (EDD) is a pediatric medical condition characterized by
      reduced levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) that are below
      current recommendations and inconsistent with positive health outcomes. At
      present, a majority of children and adolescents meet the diagnostic criteria for
      EDD because they are not accumulating minimum thresholds of daily MVPA. The
      purpose of this article is to highlight 10 important research questions related
      to EDD in youth. The critical research needs to better define the clinical
      spectrum of EDD to include an assessment of physical activity behaviors to
      determine the age or stage of maturation at which EDD first emerges; an
      examination of the kinesiogenesis of movement skills and physical abilities; and
      an evaluation of lifestyle factors that can influence the MVPA trajectory in
      youth. Research questions about interventions and policies to treat EDD include
      evaluating the education and training of health care providers on the importance
      of exercise medicine; determining the effectiveness of strategies to identify and
      treat youth with EDD in clinical practice; developing sensitive, specific, and
      cost-effective methods to diagnose youth with EDD; and assessing methods to
      promote health care reimbursement for the treatment of this condition. Without
      future research to optimize identification, treatment, and management strategies
      for youth with EDD, new health care concerns with significant biomedical,
      psychosocial, economic, and political ramifications will continue to emerge. 

PMID- 25141084
TI  - Effects of mental and physical practice on a finger opposition task among
      children.
AB  - PURPOSE: We sought to compare the effects of physical practice (PP) and mental
      practice (MP) on the immediate and long-term learning of the finger-to-thumb
      opposition sequence task (FOS) in children; in addition, we investigated the
      transfer of this learning to an untrained sequence of movements and to the
      contralateral untrained hand. METHOD: This study included thirty-six 9- and 10
      year-old children who were randomly allocated into 3 groups: MP, PP, and no
      practice (NP). The MP and PP groups were subjected to a single session of
      training with the dominant trained hand. MP participants were trained by mentally
      rehearsing the movements, PP participants were trained by executing the
      movements, and the NP group had no training. The performance of the trained
      sequence (TS) and untrained reverse sequence (URS) by each of the 3 groups was
      evaluated under identical conditions before training, after 5 min, and at 4 days,
      7 days, and 28 days after training. RESULTS: Whereas both trained groups (MP and
      PP) showed statistically significant improvement in TS using the trained hand at
      all assessment points after the training, only MP participants were able to
      transfer the performance gains from the TS to the URS and from the trained hand
      to the untrained opposite hand. CONCLUSION: Children were able to learn the FOS
      through MP or PP with a similar level of performance. Unlike PP, MP allowed for
      the transfer of performance gain to the URS and to the opposite hand, suggesting
      that the internal representations developed by MP were effector-independent.

PMID- 25141085
TI  - Modified Delphi investigation of motor development and learning in physical
      education teacher education.
AB  - PURPOSE: As the scope of motor development and learning knowledge has
      successfully broadened over the years, there is an increased need to identify the
      content and learning experiences that are essential in preparing preservice
      physical educators. The purpose of this study was to generate expert consensus
      regarding the most critical motor development and learning competencies that
      prospective physical educators need to learn within the physical education
      teacher education (PETE) curriculum and to identify learning environments and
      instructional methods for delivering core knowledge. METHOD: The study employed a
      2-round, modified Delphi procedure involving the repeated circulation of a
      questionnaire to a panel of motor development specialists, motor learning
      specialists, teacher educators, and K-12 physical education teachers. Panel
      members rated an initial list of theoretical and applied motor development and
      learning competencies derived from various curricular guidelines and textbook
      sources. An open-response question was incorporated into the 2nd round asking
      panel members to recommend specific instructional methods and settings for
      delivering core motor development and learning content to prospective physical
      educators within the PETE curriculum. RESULTS: Expert consensus determined that
      64 out of the initial 159 motor development and learning competencies were
      critical in preparing preservice physical educators. Early field experiences and
      peer practice in a variety of settings were recommended by panelists for
      delivering the identified competencies. CONCLUSIONS: The Discussion section
      represents an important link between the motor development and learning body of
      knowledge and physical education teachers' role in promoting skillful movement,
      physical activity, and fitness among youth in the school setting.

PMID- 25141086
TI  - Differences of ballet turns (pirouette) performance between experienced and
      novice ballet dancers.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigated the different postural control strategies
      exhibited by experienced and novice dancers in ballet turns (pirouettes). METHOD:
      Thirteen novice and 13 experienced dancers performed ballet turns with dominant
      leg support. The peak push force was measured in the double-leg support phase.
      The inclination angles of rotation axis with respect to vertical axis were
      calculated in the early single-leg support phase as well as the initiation
      sequence of ankle, knee, and hip joints on the supporting leg. Moreover, the
      anchoring index of the head was computed in the transverse plane during turning.
      RESULTS: The novice dancers applied a greater push force, an increased
      inclination angle of rotation axis, and an insufficient proximal-to-distal
      extension sequence pattern. The novice dancers also had a smaller head-anchoring
      index compared with experienced dancers, which meant novice dancers were not
      using a space target as a stability reference. CONCLUSIONS: A poorer performance
      in novice dancers could result from higher push force in propulsion, lack of a
      "proximal-to-distal extension sequence" pattern, and lack of visual spotting for
      postural stability. Training on sequential initiation of lower-extremity joints
      and rehearsal of visual spotting are essential for novice dancers to obtain
      better performance on ballet turns.

PMID- 25141087
TI  - The hot hand belief and framing effects.
AB  - PURPOSE: Recent evidence of the hot hand in sport-where success breeds success in
      a positive recency of successful shots, for instance-indicates that this pattern
      does not actually exist. Yet the belief persists. We used 2 studies to explore
      the effects of framing on the hot hand belief in sport. We looked at the effect
      of sport experience and task on the perception of baseball pitch behavior as well
      as the hot hand belief and free-throw behavior in basketball. METHOD: Study 1
      asked participants to designate outcomes with different alternation rates as the
      result of baseball pitches or coin tosses. Study 2 examined basketball free-throw
      behavior and measured predicted success before each shot as well as general
      belief in the hot hand pattern. RESULTS: The results of Study 1 illustrate that
      experience and stimulus alternation rates influence the perception of chance in
      human performance tasks. Study 2 shows that physically performing an act and
      making judgments are related. Specifically, beliefs were related to overall
      performance, with more successful shooters showing greater belief in the hot hand
      and greater predicted success for upcoming shots. CONCLUSIONS: Both of these
      studies highlight that the hot hand belief is influenced by framing, which leads
      to instability and situational contingencies. We show the specific effects of
      framing using accumulated experience of the individual with the sport and
      knowledge of its structure and specific experience with sport actions (basketball
      shots) prior to judgments.

PMID- 25141088
TI  - Describing strategies used by elite, intermediate, and novice ice hockey
      referees.
AB  - Much is known about sport officials' decisions (e.g., anticipation, visual
      search, and prior experience). Comprehension of the entire decision process,
      however, requires an ecologically valid examination. To address this, we
      implemented a 2-part study using an expertise paradigm with ice hockey referees.
      PURPOSE: Study 1 explored the strategies referees indicated they used to make
      decisions. For Study 2, we sought to confirm the emergent codes of Study 1 and
      further examine referee expertise and evaluations of decision making. METHOD: In
      Study 1, 2 elite, 2 intermediate, and 2 novice referees wore helmet cameras for 1
      game and participated in stimulated recall interviews, which were coded using
      theoretical and focused codes. Study 2 involved focus groups that each watched
      and commented on 2 helmet camera videotapes from Study 1; 1 videotape consisted
      of an elite referee's game and the other included an intermediate referee's game.
      The focus-group data were analyzed using the same coding structure from Study 1.
      RESULTS: Combined, 3 distinct theoretical codes were identified: (a) primary
      referee strategies, (b) secondary referee strategies, and (c) cognitive and
      situational influences on refereeing. Study 1 showed that elite referees
      demonstrated more sophisticated knowledge of the 3 theoretical codes. In Study 2,
      elite referees demonstrated enhanced declarative knowledge compared with
      intermediate and novice participants. CONCLUSIONS: Elite referees have more
      elaborate knowledge bases than do nonelite referees. In the discussion, we
      explain our results and link them with the action plan profiles framework.

PMID- 25141089
TI  - Impact of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism on exercise tolerance: a
      systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: This systematic review describes the state of the art of the impact of
      hypothyroidism on exercise tolerance and physical performance capacity in
      untreated and treated patients with hypothyroidism. METHOD: A systematic computer
      aided search was conducted using biomedical databases. Relevant studies in
      English, German, and Dutch, published from the earliest date of each database up
      to December 2012, were identified. RESULTS: Out of 116 studies, a total of 38
      studies with 1,379 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These studies
      emphasize the multifactorial causes of exercise intolerance in untreated patients
      by the impact of limitations in different functional systems, with
      cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cellular
      metabolic systems acting in concert. Moreover, the studies affirm that exercise
      intolerance in patients is not always reversible during adequate hormone
      replacement therapy. As a consequence, despite a defined euthyroid status, there
      remains a significant group of treated patients with persistent complaints
      related to exercise intolerance who are suffering from limitations in daily and
      sport activities, as well as an impaired quality of life. An explanation for this
      phenomenon is lacking. Only 2 studies investigated the effects of a physical
      training program, and they showed inconsistent effects on the performance
      capacity in untreated patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: A
      limited body of knowledge exists concerning exercise tolerance in treated
      patients with hypothyroidism, and there is an insufficient amount of quantitative
      studies on the effects of a physical training program. To enhance exercise and
      sports participation for this specific group, more research in this forgotten
      area is warranted.

PMID- 25141090
TI  - Association between accelerometer-assessed physical activity and objectively
      measured hearing sensitivity among U.S. adults with diabetes.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between
      objectively measured physical activity and hearing sensitivity among a nationally
      representative sample of U.S. adults with diabetes. METHOD: Data from the 2003
      2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. One hundred
      eighty-four U.S. adults with diabetes wore an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer and
      had their hearing function objectively assessed. A negative binomial logistic
      regression was used to examine the association between moderate-to-vigorous
      physical activity (MVPA) and hearing sensitivity. RESULTS were adjusted for age,
      gender, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, comorbidity index, marital
      status, cotinine, homocysteine, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,
      glycohemoglobin (HbA1c), C-reactive protein, microalbuminuria, noise exposure,
      and vision impairment. RESULTS: Compared to those with hearing within normal
      limits, results showed that participants with mild hearing loss and moderate or
      greater hearing loss, respectively, engaged in 93% fewer minutes of MVPA
      (incident rate ratio = 0.07; 95% CI [0.01, 0.60]) and 94% fewer minutes of MVPA
      (incident rate ratio = 0.06; 95% CI [0.01, 0.54]). CONCLUSION: Adults with
      diabetes who have greater hearing impairment are less physically active. Future
      research is needed to determine the direction of causality.

PMID- 25141091
TI  - Sixth-grade physical education: an acculturation of bullying and fear.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although bullying is recognized as a serious problem among adolescents,
      more information is needed regarding bullying within the context of physical
      education. Grounded in a social-ecological framework, the purpose of this
      investigation was to discover the perceptions students and teachers have about
      bullying in physical education and about peer and adult support. METHOD: Data
      collection included formal and informal interviews with 24 students and 4
      teachers and 20 observations of 6th-grade physical education classes in 1
      Midwestern school. Data were analyzed using a constant-comparative process.
      RESULTS: The results indicate that adults acculturate students to support a
      bullying climate by providing mixed information regarding social interactions,
      ignoring nonphysical instances of bullying, and promoting inappropriate
      curricular selections. Participants also report that perceived differences such
      as appearance, body size, physical ability, and personal attire ignite most
      episodes of harassment in physical education. Further, students perceive that
      fear prevents many from (a) reporting instances of bullying to those in
      authority, (b) assisting bullied friends, and (c) feeling safe in certain
      physical education locations. Finally, students and teachers report that bullying
      impacts students' desire to participate in physical education. CONCLUSIONS:
      Overall, evidence from this investigation suggests that an efficacious support
      system does not exist for addressing the magnitude of the bullying problem.
      Although this study provided an initial step toward understanding the social
      ecological factors affecting peer harassment in physical education, additional
      research is warranted.

PMID- 25141092
TI  - White blood cell counts mediate the effects of physical activity on prostate
      specific antigen levels.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether white blood cell (WBC)
      level mediated the relationship between physical activity and prostate-specific
      antigen (PSA) levels. METHOD: Data from the 2003-2006 National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey were used; 1,726 U.S. adult men (aged 40 years or
      older) provided complete data on the study variables. Participants wore an
      ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer for a 7-day period to measure their physical
      activity behavior, and PSA and WBC levels were obtained from a blood sample.
      RESULTS: After adjustments, results showed that moderate-to-vigorous physical
      activity (MVPA) was inversely associated with WBC count (b = - .03; 95% CI [ -
      0.04, - 0.006; p = .01), and WBC count (b = .10; 95% CI [0.009, 0.18; p = .04)
      was positively associated with PSA. Both the Sobel (coef. = - .004, SE = .002; z
      = - 2.0; p = .03) and the Aroian (coef. = - .004, SE = .002; z = - 1.9; p = .03)
      tests demonstrated that WBC mediated the relationship between physical activity
      and PSA. Additionally, among 107 participants with prostate cancer, survivors
      engaging in more MVPA had lower levels of WBC (b = - .04; 95% CI [ - 0.09, -
      0.0009; p = .04). Conclusion Physical activity may influence PSA levels through
      WBC modulation; however, future research is needed to determine the direction of
      causality. Additionally, prostate cancer survivors engaging in higher levels of
      MVPA had lower levels of WBC, underscoring the importance of promoting physical
      activity among prostate cancer survivors.

PMID- 25141093
TI  - JROTC as a substitute for PE: really?
AB  - PURPOSE: Even though physical education (PE) is an evidence-based strategy for
      providing and promoting physical activity, alternative programs such as the
      Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) are commonly substituted for PE in
      many states. The purpose of this study was to compare student physical activity
      and lesson contexts during high school PE and JROTC sessions. METHOD: The System
      for Observing Fitness Instruction Time was used to assess PE and JROTC sessions
      (N = 38 each) in 4 high schools that provided both programs. Data were analyzed
      using t tests, negative binomial regression, and logistic regression. RESULTS:
      Students engaged in significantly more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
      during PE than during JROTC sessions and they were significantly less sedentary.
      Significant differences between the 2 program types were also found among lesson
      contexts. CONCLUSIONS: PE and JROTC provide substantially different content and
      contexts, and students in these programs engage in substantially different
      amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Students in JROTC, and perhaps
      other alternative programs, are less likely to accrue health-supporting physical
      activity and engage in fewer opportunities to be physically fit and motorically
      skilled. Policies and practices for providing substitutions for PE should be
      carefully examined.

PMID- 25141094
TI  - Publicizing female athletes' weights: implications for female psychology
      undergraduates acting as spectators.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of including female
      athletes' weights in athletic event programs on female spectators' body image,
      eating disorder symptoms, self-esteem, and affective state and to investigate
      whether the magnitude of the athletes' reported weights had differential effects
      on female spectators (i.e., do female spectators who view heavier athletes
      respond differently than those who view less heavy athletes?). METHOD: We used an
      experimental design to examine hypotheses derived from competing theories to
      determine whether exposure to female athletes of varying weight would adversely
      or beneficially impact female undergraduates (N = 152) who served as athletic
      event spectators. RESULTS: Analyses indicated that in this simulated study,
      female spectators' body image, eating disorder symptoms, self-esteem, and
      affective states were not impacted by the presence or by the magnitude of female
      athletes' weights in athletic event programs. CONCLUSION: The results imply that
      including athletes' weights in game-day programs at women's athletic events does
      not affect female spectators on an individual level.

PMID- 25141095
TI  - Evaluation of pain during hysterosalpingography with the use of balloon catheter
      vs metal cannula.
AB  - Our aim was to investigate the use of a balloon catheter device in comparison
      with metal cannula for hysterosalpingography (HSG) in terms of patient comfort. A
      total of 168 patients were randomised for HSG either with a balloon catheter (n =
      83) or metal cannula (n = 85). Scores of pelvic pain during insertion of the
      devices, injection of the contrast medium and 1 h after the procedure were
      evaluated using the Wong Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale; complications and
      reinsertion rates were also noted. The pain scores were significantly lower in
      the balloon catheter group (p < 0.001). The reinsertion rate of metal cannula was
      higher (8.2% vs 2.4%) as well as the incidence of nausea being the most common
      short-term adverse effect (14.1% vs 1.2%) in the metal cannula group (p = 0.002).
      Performing HSG with a balloon catheter is advantageous for decreasing the pain
      and side-effects related to the procedure, when compared with the use of a metal
      cannula.

PMID- 25141096
TI  - Modulation of DNA-polyamide interaction by beta-alanine substitutions: a study of
      positional effects on binding affinity, kinetics and thermodynamics.
AB  - Hairpin polyamides (PAs) are an important class of sequence-specific DNA minor
      groove binders, and frequently employ a flexible motif, beta-alanine (beta), to
      reduce the molecular rigidity to maintain the DNA recognition register. To better
      understand the diverse effects that beta can have on DNA-PA binding affinity,
      selectivity, and especially kinetics, which have rarely been reported, we have
      initiated a detailed study for an eight-heterocyclic hairpin PA and its beta
      derivatives with their cognate and mutant sequences. With these derivatives, all
      internal pyrroles of the parent PA are systematically substituted with single or
      double betas. A set of complementary experiments have been conducted to evaluate
      the molecular interactions in detail: UV-melting, biosensor-surface plasmon
      resonance, circular dichroism and isothermal titration calorimetry. The beta
      substitutions generally weaken the binding affinities of these PAs with cognate
      DNA, and have large and diverse influences on PA binding kinetics in a position-
      and number-dependent manner. The DNA base mutations have also shown positional
      effects on the binding of a single PA. Besides the beta substitutions, the
      monocationic Dp group [3-(dimethylamino)propylamine] in parent PA has been
      modified into a dicationic Ta group (3,3'-diamino-N-methyldipropylamine) to
      minimize the frequently observed PA aggregation with ITC experiments. The results
      clearly show that the Ta modification not only maintains the DNA binding mode and
      affinity of PA, but also significantly reduces PA aggregation and allows the
      complete thermodynamic signature of eight-ring hairpin PA to be determined for
      the first time. This combined set of results significantly extends our
      understanding of the energetic basis of specific DNA recognition by PAs. 

PMID- 25141097
TI  - Thiol-activated gem-dithiols: a new class of controllable hydrogen sulfide
      donors.
AB  - A class of novel thiol-activated H2S donors has been developed on the basis of
      the gem-dithiol template. These donors release H2S in the presence of cysteine or
      GSH in aqueous solutions as well as in cellular environments. 

PMID- 25141098
TI  - Are there gender, racial or relationship differences in caregiver task
      difficulty, depressive symptoms and life changes among stroke family caregivers?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in caregiver perceptions of task difficulty,
      depressive symptoms and life changes based on caregiver characteristics of
      gender, race and type of relationship to the person with stroke. METHODS: A
      sample of 243 stroke caregivers (females n = 191; males n = 52; non-African
      Americans n = 184; African Americans n = 59; non-spouses n = 127; spouses n =
      116) were interviewed by telephone within 8 weeks of the survivor's discharge to
      home. Measures included the Oberst Caregiving Burden Scale (OCBS) for task
      difficulty, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms and
      Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS) for life changes. Three general linear
      models computed differences in OCBS, PHQ9 and OCBS scores. RESULTS: Significant
      differences were found on the OCBS for females (p < 0.001) and African American
      spouses (p < 0.048); on the PHQ9 for females (p < 0.001), non-African Americans
      (p = 0.047), spouses (p = 0.003) and African-American spouses (p = 0.010); and on
      the BCOS for females (p = 0.008) and non-African Americans (p = 0.033).
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that female and non-African American stroke
      caregivers are relatively more likely to experience task difficulty, depressive
      symptoms and negative life changes as a result of providing care. African
      American spouses were also at risk. Tailoring interventions based on caregivers'
      characteristics may improve outcomes.

PMID- 25141099
TI  - Zinc modulates aluminium-induced oxidative stress and cellular injury in rat
      brain.
AB  - Dysregulation of metal homeostasis has been perceived as one of the key factors
      in the progression of neurodegeneration. Aluminium (Al) has been considered as a
      major risk factor, which is linked to several neurodegenerative diseases,
      especially Alzheimer's disease, whereas zinc (Zn) has been reported as a vital
      dietary element, which regulates a number of physiological processes in central
      nervous system. The present study was conducted to explore the protective
      potential of zinc, if any, in ameliorating neurotoxicity induced by aluminium.
      Male Sprague Dawley rats received either aluminium chloride (AlCl3) orally (100
      mg kg(-1) b.wt. per day), zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) at a dose level of 227 mg L(-1)
      in drinking water or combined treatment of aluminium and zinc for 8 weeks.
      Aluminium treatment significantly elevated the levels of lipid peroxidation and
      reactive oxygen species as well as the activities of catalase, superoxide
      dismutase and glutathione reductase, which however were decreased following Zn co
      treatment of Al-treated rats. In contrast, Al treatment decreased the activities
      of glutathione-S-transferase as well as the levels of reduced glutathione,
      oxidised glutathione and total glutathione, but co-administration of Zn to Al
      treated animals increased these levels. Furthermore, Al treatment caused a
      significant increase in the levels of Fe and Mn as well as of Al but decreased
      the Zn and metallothionein levels. In the Zn-supplemented animals, the levels of
      Al, Fe, Mn were found to be significantly decreased, whereas the levels of
      metallothionein as well as Zn were increased. Moreover, histopathological
      alterations such as vacuolization and loss of Purkinje cells were also evident
      following Al treatment, which showed improvement upon Zn supplementation.
      Therefore, zinc has the potential to alleviate aluminium-induced
      neurodegeneration. 

PMID- 25141100
TI  - Serum amyloid A-related inflammation is lowered by increased fruit and vegetable
      intake, while high-sensitive C-reactive protein, IL-6 and E-selectin remain
      unresponsive.
AB  - The present study assessed whether increased fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake
      reduced the concentrations of the inflammatory marker serum amyloid A (SAA) in
      serum, HDL2 and HDL3 and whether the latter reduction influenced any of the
      functional properties of these HDL subfractions. The present study utilised
      samples from two previous studies: (1) the FAVRIT (Fruit and Vegetable Randomised
      Intervention Trial) study - hypertensive subjects (systolic blood pressure (BP)
      range 140-190 mmHg; diastolic BP range 90-110 mmHg) were randomised to receive a
      1-, 3- or 6-portion F&V/d intervention for 8 weeks, and (2) the ADIT (Ageing and
      Dietary Intervention Trial) study - older subjects (65-85 years) were randomised
      to receive a 2- or 5-portion F&V/d intervention for 16 weeks. HDL2 and HDL3 were
      isolated by rapid ultracentrifugation. Measurements included the following: serum
      high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) by an immunoturbidimetric assay; serum
      IL-6 and E-selectin and serum-, HDL2- and HDL3-SAA by ELISA procedures; serum-,
      HDL2- and HDL3-cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) activity by a
      fluorometric assay. Although the concentrations of hsCRP, IL-6 and E-selectin
      were unaffected by increasing F&V intake in both studies (P>0.05 for all
      comparisons), those of SAA in HDL3 decreased in the FAVRIT cohort (P= 0.049) and
      those in HDL2 and HDL3 decreased in the ADIT cohort (P= 0.035 and 0.032), which
      was accompanied by a decrease in the activity of CETP in HDL3 in the FAVRIT
      cohort (P= 0.010) and in HDL2 in the ADIT cohort (P= 0.030). These results
      indicate that SAA responds to increased F&V intake, while other inflammatory
      markers remain unresponsive, and this leads to changes in HDL2 and HDL3, which
      may influence their antiatherogenic potential. Overall, the present study
      provides tangible evidence of the effectiveness of increased F&V intake, which
      may be of use to health policy makers and the general public. 

PMID- 25141101
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis of the acute meconium peritonitis secondary to ileum volvulus
      perforation: a case report.
AB  - This is an unusual case in comparison to other sonographically described prenatal
      cases due to very early diagnosis and surgical intervention following prompt
      delivery. A 40-year-old pregnant, ultrasonography showed presence of cystic
      structure in the fetal abdomen that was consistent with intestinal dilatation. At
      32 weeks' of gestation, repeat ultrasound showed collapse of the bowel dilatation
      along with the presence of hyperechogenic fluid in the fetal abdominal cavity.
      Cesarean section was performed. The clinical utility of this report is the
      recognition that meconium peritonitis (MP) may be diagnosed in the acute phase
      with typical ultrasound features, and should be considered in the differential
      diagnoses of cases presented with reduced fetal movements. Although it appears
      that morbidity and mortality in MP cases depend upon gestational age, this case
      report may help to manage similar cases for defining the appropriate delivery
      time and treatment modality after prenatal identification of the problem. 

PMID- 25141102
TI  - Recent advances of stem cell therapy for retinitis pigmentosa.
AB  - Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal disorders characterized
      by progressive loss of photoreceptors and eventually leads to retina degeneration
      and atrophy. Until now, the exact pathogenesis and etiology of this disease has
      not been clear, and many approaches for RP therapies have been carried out in
      animals and in clinical trials. In recent years, stem cell transplantation-based
      attempts made some progress, especially the transplantation of bone marrow
      derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). This review will provide an overview of
      stem cell-based treatment of RP and its main problems, to provide evidence for
      the safety and feasibility for further clinical treatment. 

PMID- 25141103
TI  - MicroRNAs, genomic instability and cancer.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA transcripts approximately 20
      nucleotides in length that regulate expression of protein-coding genes via
      complementary binding mechanisms. The last decade has seen an exponential
      increase of publications on miRNAs, ranging from every aspect of basic cancer
      biology to diagnostic and therapeutic explorations. In this review, we summarize
      findings of miRNA involvement in genomic instability, an interesting but largely
      neglected topic to date. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which miRNAs
      induce genomic instability, considered to be one of the most important driving
      forces of cancer initiation and progression, though its precise mechanisms remain
      elusive. We classify genomic instability mechanisms into defects in cell cycle
      regulation, DNA damage response, and mitotic separation, and review the findings
      demonstrating the participation of specific miRNAs in such mechanisms. 

PMID- 25141104
TI  - High-resolution imaging reveals new features of nuclear export of mRNA through
      the nuclear pore complexes.
AB  - The nuclear envelope (NE) of eukaryotic cells provides a physical barrier for
      messenger RNA (mRNA) and the associated proteins (mRNPs) traveling from sites of
      transcription in the nucleus to locations of translation processing in the
      cytoplasm. Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) embedded in the NE serve as a dominant
      gateway for nuclear export of mRNA. However, the fundamental characterization of
      export dynamics of mRNPs through the NPC has been hindered by several technical
      limits. First, the size of NPC that is barely below the diffraction limit of
      conventional light microscopy requires a super-resolution microscopy imaging
      approach. Next, the fast transit of mRNPs through the NPC further demands a high
      temporal resolution by the imaging approach. Finally, the inherent three
      dimensional (3D) movements of mRNPs through the NPC demand the method to provide
      a 3D mapping of both transport kinetics and transport pathways of mRNPs. This
      review will highlight the recently developed super-resolution imaging techniques
      advanced from 1D to 3D for nuclear export of mRNPs and summarize the new features
      in the dynamic nuclear export process of mRNPs revealed from these technical
      advances. 

PMID- 25141105
TI  - Immunoproteome of Aspergillus fumigatus using sera of patients with invasive
      aspergillosis.
AB  - Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening lung or systemic infection caused by
      the opportunistic mold Aspergillus fumigatus. The disease affects mainly
      immunocompromised hosts, and patients with hematological malignances or who have
      been submitted to stem cell transplantation are at high risk. Despite the current
      use of PlateliaTM Aspergillus as a diagnostic test, the early diagnosis of
      invasive aspergillosis remains a major challenge in improving the prognosis of
      the disease. In this study, we used an immunoproteomic approach to identify
      proteins that could be putative candidates for the early diagnosis of invasive
      aspergillosis. Antigenic proteins expressed in the first steps of A. fumigatus
      germination occurring in a human host were revealed using 2-D Western immunoblots
      with the serum of patients who had previously been classified as probable and
      proven for invasive aspergillosis. Forty antigenic proteins were identified using
      mass spectrometry (MS/MS). A BLAST analysis revealed that two of these proteins
      showed low homology with proteins of either the human host or etiological agents
      of other invasive fungal infections. To our knowledge, this is the first report
      describing specific antigenic proteins of A. fumigatus germlings that are
      recognized by sera of patients with confirmed invasive aspergillosis who were
      from two separate hospital units. 

PMID- 25141106
TI  - New milk protein-derived peptides with potential antimicrobial activity: an
      approach based on bioinformatic studies.
AB  - New peptides with potential antimicrobial activity, encrypted in milk protein
      sequences, were searched for with the use of bioinformatic tools. The major milk
      proteins were hydrolyzed in silico by 28 enzymes. The obtained peptides were
      characterized by the following parameters: molecular weight, isoelectric point,
      composition and number of amino acid residues, net charge at pH 7.0, aliphatic
      index, instability index, Boman index, and GRAVY index, and compared with those
      calculated for known 416 antimicrobial peptides including 59 antimicrobial
      peptides (AMPs) from milk proteins listed in the BIOPEP database. A simple
      analysis of physico-chemical properties and the values of biological activity
      indicators were insufficient to select potentially antimicrobial peptides
      released in silico from milk proteins by proteolytic enzymes. The final selection
      was made based on the results of multidimensional statistical analysis such as
      support vector machines (SVM), random forest (RF), artificial neural networks
      (ANN) and discriminant analysis (DA) available in the Collection of Anti
      Microbial Peptides (CAMP database). Eleven new peptides with potential
      antimicrobial activity were selected from all peptides released during in silico
      proteolysis of milk proteins. 

PMID- 25141107
TI  - Cross-sectional study comparing different therapeutic modalities for cystic
      lymphangiomas in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Here, we describe our experience with different therapeutic modalities
      used to treat cystic lymphangiomas in children in our hospital, including single
      therapy with OK-432, bleomycin and surgery, and a combination of the three
      modalities. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional study
      including patients treated from 1998 to 2011. The effects on macrocystic
      lymphangiomas and adverse reactions were evaluated. Twenty-nine children with
      cystic lymphangiomas without any previous treatment were included. Under general
      anesthesia, patients given sclerosing agents underwent puncture of the lesion
      (guided by ultrasound when necessary) and complete aspiration of the
      intralesional liquid. The patients were evaluated with ultrasound and clinical
      examinations for a maximum follow-up time of 4 years. RESULTS: The proportions of
      patients considered cured after the first therapeutic approach were 44% in the
      surgery group, 29% in the bleomycin group and 31% in the OK-432 group. These
      proportions were not significantly different. Sequential treatment increased the
      rates of curative results to 71%, 74% and 44%, respectively, after the final
      treatment, which in our case was approximately 1.5 applications per patient.
      CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that most patients with cystic
      lymphangiomas do not show complete resolution after the initial therapy,
      regardless of whether the therapy is surgical or involves the use of sclerosing
      agents. To achieve complete resolution of the lesions, either multiple operations
      or a combination of surgery and sclerotherapy must be used and should be tailored
      to the characteristics of each patient.

PMID- 25141108
TI  - Treatment priorities in oncology: do we want to live longer or better?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Despite the progress achieved in the fight against cancer over the
      past several years, assessing the needs, goals and preferences of patients with
      cancer is of the utmost importance for the delivery of health care. We sought to
      assess priorities regarding quantity versus quality of life among Brazilian
      patients, comparing them with individuals without cancer. METHODS: Using a
      questionnaire presenting four hypothetical cancer cases, we interviewed cancer
      patients, oncology health-care professionals and laypersons, most of whom had
      administrative functions in our hospital. RESULTS: A total of 214 individuals
      participated: 101 patients, 44 health-care professionals and 69 laypersons. The
      mean ages in the three groups were 56, 34 and 31 years old, respectively
      (p<0.001). The patients had gastrointestinal (25%), breast (22%), hematologic
      (10%), lung (8%) or other tumors (36%) and the tumor-node- metastasis (TNM) stage
      was I, II, III or IV in 22%, 13%, 34% and 31% of cases, respectively. Treatment
      priorities differed significantly among the three groups (p = 0.005), with
      survival time being a higher priority for patients than for the other two groups
      and with opposite trends regarding quality of life. In multivariate analysis, the
      age and sex distributions were not associated with the choice to maximize quality
      of life. In this limited sample of cancer patients, there were no associations
      between treatment priorities and disease stages. CONCLUSIONS: Both survival time
      and quality of life appeared to be important to cancer patients, oncology health
      care professionals and laypersons, but survival time seemed to have higher
      priority for people diagnosed with cancer than for healthy people. Additionally,
      survival seemed to be more important than quality of life for all three groups
      assessed.

PMID- 25141110
TI  - Effects of placebo-controlled continuous and pulsed ultrasound treatments on
      carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effects
      of pulsed and continuous ultrasound treatments combined with splint therapy on
      patients with mild and moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: The
      study included 46 carpal tunnel syndrome patients who were randomly divided into
      3 groups. The first group (n = 15) received a 0 W/cm2 ultrasound treatment
      (placebo); the second group (n = 16) received a 1.0 W/cm2 continuous ultrasound
      treatment and the third group (n = 15) received a 1.0 W/cm2 1:4 pulsed ultrasound
      treatment 5 days a week for a total of 15 sessions. All patients also wore night
      splints during treatment period. Pre-treatment and post-treatment Visual Analogue
      Scale, Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Status Scale scores, median nerve
      motor conduction velocity and distal latency and sensory conduction velocities of
      the median nerve in the 2nd finger and palm were compared. Clinicaltrials.gov:
      NCT02054247. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in all groups in terms
      of the post-treatment Functional Status Scale score (p<0.05 for all groups),
      Symptom Severity Scale score (first group: p<0.05, second group: p<0.01, third
      group: p<0.001) and Visual Analogue Scale score (first and third groups: p<0.01,
      second group: p<0.001). Sensory conduction velocities improved in the second and
      third groups (p<0.01). Distal latency in the 2nd finger showed improvement only
      in the third group (p<0.01) and action potential latency in the palm improved
      only in the second group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest
      that splinting therapy combined with placebo and pulsed or continuous ultrasound
      have similar effects on clinical improvement. Patients treated with continuous
      and pulsed ultrasound showed electrophysiological improvement; however, the
      results were not superior to those of the placebo.

PMID- 25141109
TI  - Breast hamartoma: a clinicopathologic analysis of 27 cases and a literature
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Breast hamartoma is an uncommon breast tumor that accounts for
      approximately 4.8% of all benign breast masses. The pathogenesis is still poorly
      understood and breast hamartoma is not a well-known disorder, so its diagnosis is
      underestimated by clinicians and pathologists. This study was designed to present
      our experience with breast hamartoma, along with a literature review. METHOD: We
      reviewed the demographic data, pathologic analyses and imaging and results of
      patients diagnosed with breast hamartoma between December 2003 and September
      2013. RESULTS: In total, 27 cases of breast hamartoma operated in the Ankara
      University Medicine Faculty's Department of General Surgery were included in the
      study. All patients were female and the mean age was 41.8+/-10.8 years. The mean
      tumor size was 3.9+/-2.7 cm. Breast ultrasound was performed on all patients
      before surgery. The most common additional lesion was epithelial hyperplasia
      (22.2%). Furthermore, lobular carcinoma in situ was identified in one case and
      invasive ductal carcinoma was observed in another case. Immunohistochemical
      staining revealed myoid hamartoma in one case (3.7%). CONCLUSION: Breast
      hamartomas are rare benign lesions that may be underdiagnosed because of the
      categorization of hamartomas as fibroadenomas by pathologists. Pathologic
      examinations can show variability from one case to another. Thus, the true
      incidence may be higher than the literature indicates.

PMID- 25141111
TI  - Controlled medial branch anesthetic block in the diagnosis of chronic lumbar
      facet joint pain: the value of a three-month follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To verify the incidence of facetary and low back pain after a
      controlled medial branch anesthetic block in a three-month follow-up and to
      verify the correlation between the positive results and the demographic
      variables. METHODS: Patients with chronic lumbar pain underwent a sham blockade
      (with a saline injection) and then a controlled medial branch block. Their
      symptoms were evaluated before and after the sham injection and after the real
      controlled medial branch block; the symptoms were reevaluated after one day and
      one week, as well as after one, two and three months using the visual analog
      scale. We searched for an association between the positive results and the
      demographic characteristics of the patients. RESULTS: A total of 104 controlled
      medial branch blocks were performed and 54 patients (52%) demonstrated >50%
      improvements in pain after the blockade. After three months, lumbar pain returned
      in only 18 individuals, with visual analogue scale scores >4. Therefore, these
      patients were diagnosed with chronic facet low back pain. The three-months of
      follow-up after the controlled medial branch block excluded 36 patients (67%)
      with false positive results. The results of the controlled medial branch block
      were not correlated to sex, age, pain duration or work disability but were
      correlated with patient age (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patient diagnosis with a
      controlled medial branch block proved to be effective but was not associated with
      any demographic variables. A three-month follow-up is required to avoid a high
      number of false positives.

PMID- 25141112
TI  - Fluid distribution kinetics during cardiopulmonary bypass.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the isovolumetric
      distribution kinetics of crystalloid fluid during cardiopulmonary bypass.
      METHODS: Ten patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting participated in
      this prospective observational study. The blood hemoglobin and the serum albumin
      and sodium concentrations were measured repeatedly during the distribution of
      priming solution (Ringer's acetate 1470 ml and mannitol 15% 200 ml) and initial
      cardioplegia. The rate of crystalloid fluid distribution was calculated based on
      3-min Hb changes. The preoperative blood volume was extrapolated from the marked
      hemodilution occurring during the onset of cardiopulmonary bypass.
      Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01115166. RESULTS: The distribution half-time of Ringer's
      acetate averaged 8 minutes, corresponding to a transcapillary escape rate of 0.38
      ml/kg/min. The intravascular albumin mass increased by 5.4% according to mass
      balance calculations. The preoperative blood volume, as extrapolated from the
      drop in hemoglobin concentration by 32% (mean) at the beginning of
      cardiopulmonary bypass, was 0.6-1.2 L less than that estimated by anthropometric
      methods (p<0.02). The mass balance of sodium indicated a translocation from the
      intracellular to the extracellular fluid space in 8 of the 10 patients, with a
      median volume of 236 ml. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution half-time of Ringer's
      solution during isovolumetric cardiopulmonary bypass was 8 minutes, which is the
      same as for crystalloid fluid infusions in healthy subjects. The intravascular
      albumin mass increased. Most patients were hypovolemic prior to the start of
      anesthesia. Intracellular edema did not occur.

PMID- 25141113
TI  - The association of vitamin D deficiency with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency has been related to diabetes, hypertension,
      hyperlipidemia and peripheral vascular disease. In this study, we aimed to
      investigate the role of vitamin D status in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
      METHODS: We included 211 consecutive subjects to examine the presence of non
      alcoholic fatty liver disease. Of these subjects, 57 did not have non-alcoholic
      fatty liver disease and 154 had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. RESULTS: The
      non-alcoholic fatty liver disease group had significantly higher fasting blood
      glucose (p = 0.005), uric acid (p = 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (p<0.001),
      alanine aminotransferase (p<0.001), gamma-glutamyltransferase (p<0.0001),
      alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.028), HbA1c (p<0.001), ferritin (p<0.001), insulin (p
      = 0.016), C-peptide (p = 0.001), HOMA-IR (p = 0.003), total cholesterol (p =
      0.001), triglyceride (p = 0.001) and white blood cell (p = 0.04) levels. In
      contrast, the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease group had significantly lower
      25(OH)D levels (12.3+/-8.9 ng/dl, p<0.001) compared with those of the control
      group (20+/-13.6 ng/dl). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found lower serum 25(OH)D
      levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease than in subjects
      without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. To establish causality between vitamin
      D and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, further interventional studies with a
      long-term follow-up are needed.

PMID- 25141114
TI  - Randomized double-blind clinical trial of a new human epoetin versus a
      commercially available formula for anemia control in patients on hemodialysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Anemia is a common complication among chronic kidney disease patients
      on hemodialysis, occurring mostly due to erythropoietin deficiency. This
      randomized noninferiority trial sought to compare the efficacy and safety of a
      new epoetin formulation developed by Bio-Manguinhos, a biologics manufacturer
      affiliated with the Brazilian government, with those of a commercially available
      product currently used in Brazil (a biosimilar epoetin formulation). METHODS: The
      sample size needed to enable demonstration of noninferiority with a statistical
      power of 85% for a between-group difference in hemoglobin levels of no more than
      1.5 g/dL was calculated. In total, 74 patients were randomly assigned to receive
      the epoetin formulation from Bio-Manguinhos (n = 36) or the biosimilar epoetin
      formulation (n = 38) in a double-blind fashion. The inclusion criteria were
      current epoetin therapy and stable hemoglobin levels for at least 3 months prior
      to the study. The primary and secondary outcomes were mean monthly hemoglobin
      levels and safety, respectively. The dose was calculated according to
      international criteria and adjusted monthly in both groups according to
      hemoglobin levels and at the assistant physicians' discretion. Iron storage was
      estimated at baseline and once monthly. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01184495. RESULTS:
      The study was conducted for 6 months after randomization. The mean baseline
      hemoglobin levels were 10.9+/-1.2 and 10.96+/-1.2 g/dL (p = 0.89) in the Bio
      Manguinhos epoetin and biosimilar epoetin groups, respectively. During the study
      period, there was no significant change in hemoglobin levels in either group (p =
      0.055, ANOVA). The epoetin from Bio-Manguinhos was slightly superior in the last
      3 months of follow-up. The adverse event profiles of the two formulations were
      also similar. CONCLUSIONS: The epoetin formulations tested in this study are
      equivalent in efficacy and safety.

PMID- 25141115
TI  - Effects of ovariectomy on the secretory apparatus in the right atrial
      cardiomyocytes of middle-aged mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of
      ovariectomy on the secretory apparatus of natriuretic peptides in right atrial
      cardiomyocytes. METHODS: Nine-month-old mice underwent bilateral ovariectomy or
      sham surgery. The blood exam of the ovariectomized mice showed results consistent
      with castrated females. Systolic blood pressure was measured after ovariectomy (9
      mo of age) and at the moment of sacrifice (12 mo of age). Fragments of the right
      atrium were collected and prepared for electron microscopy examination. The
      following variables were quantified: the quantitative density and area of the
      natriuretic peptide granules, the relative volume of euchromatin in the nucleus,
      the number of pores per 10 MUm of the nuclear membrane and the relative volumes
      of the mitochondria and Golgi complex. RESULTS: The cardiomyocytes obtained from
      ovariectomized mice indicated that the quantitative density and the area of
      secretory granules of natriuretic peptides were significantly lower compared with
      the sham-operated mice. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the relative volume
      of euchromatin, a lower density of nuclear pores, and lower relative volumes of
      the mitochondria and Golgi complex in the ovariectomized mice compared with the
      sham-operated mice. These findings suggest a pool with a low turnover rate, i.e.,
      low synthesis and elimination of natriuretic peptides. CONCLUSION: A lack of
      estrogen caused hypotrophy of the secretory apparatus in right atrial
      cardiomyocytes that could explain the weak synthesis of natriuretic peptides in
      mice. Furthermore, one of the mechanisms of blood pressure control was lost,
      which may explain, in part, the elevated blood pressure in ovariectomized mice.

PMID- 25141116
TI  - Neuroprotective effect of epidural hypothermia after spinal cord lesion in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of epidural hypothermia in
      rats subjected to experimental spinal cord lesion. METHODS: Wistar rats (n = 30)
      weighing 320-360 g were randomized to two groups (hypothermia and control) of 15
      rats per group. A spinal cord lesion was induced by the standardized drop of a 10
      g weight from a height of 2.5 cm, using the New York University Impactor, after
      laminectomy at the T9-10 level. Rats in the hypothermia group underwent epidural
      hypothermia for 20 minutes immediately after spinal cord injury. Motor function
      was assessed for six weeks using the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan motor scores
      and the inclined plane test. At the end of the final week, the rats' neurological
      status was monitored by the motor evoked potential test and the results for the
      two groups were compared. RESULTS: Analysis of the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan
      scores obtained during the six-week period indicated that there were no
      significant differences between the two groups. There was no significant
      difference between the groups in the inclined plane test scores during the six
      week period. Furthermore, at the end of the study, the latency and amplitude
      values of the motor evoked potential test were not significantly different
      between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Hypothermia did not produce a neuroprotective
      effect when applied at the injury level and in the epidural space immediately
      after induction of a spinal cord contusion in Wistar rats.

PMID- 25141117
TI  - Update on hypertrophic scar treatment.
AB  - Scar formation is a consequence of the wound healing process that occurs when
      body tissues are damaged by a physical injury. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are
      pathological scars resulting from abnormal responses to trauma and can be itchy
      and painful, causing serious functional and cosmetic disability. The current
      review will focus on the definition of hypertrophic scars, distinguishing them
      from keloids and on the various methods for treating hypertrophic scarring that
      have been described in the literature, including treatments with clearly proven
      efficiency and therapies with doubtful benefits. Numerous methods have been
      described for the treatment of abnormal scars, but to date, the optimal treatment
      method has not been established. This review will explore the differences between
      different types of nonsurgical management of hypertrophic scars, focusing on the
      indications, uses, mechanisms of action, associations and efficacies of the
      following therapies: silicone, pressure garments, onion extract, intralesional
      corticoid injections and bleomycin. 

PMID- 25141118
TI  - Adolescents with HIV and facial lipoatrophy: response to facial stimulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effects of facial stimulation over the
      superficial muscles of the face in individuals with facial lipoatrophy associated
      with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and with no indication for treatment with
      polymethyl methacrylate. METHOD: The study sample comprised four adolescents of
      both genders ranging from 13 to 17 years in age. To participate in the study, the
      participants had to score six or less points on the Facial Lipoatrophy Index. The
      facial stimulation program used in our study consisted of 12 weekly 30-minute
      sessions during which individuals received therapy. The therapy consisted of
      intra- and extra-oral muscle contraction and stretching maneuvers of the
      zygomaticus major and minor and the masseter muscles. Pre- and post-treatment
      results were obtained using anthropometric static measurements of the face and
      the Facial Lipoatrophy Index. RESULTS: The results suggest that the therapeutic
      program effectively improved the volume of the buccinators. No significant
      differences were observed for the measurements of the medial portion of the face,
      the lateral portion of the face, the volume of the masseter muscle, or Facial
      Lipoatrophy Index scores. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that
      facial maneuvers applied to the superficial muscles of the face of adolescents
      with facial lipoatrophy associated with HIV improved the facial area volume
      related to the buccinators muscles. We believe that our results will encourage
      future research with HIV patients, especially for patients who do not have the
      possibility of receiving an alternative aesthetic treatment.

PMID- 25141119
TI  - Investigation on the evolution of N-containing organic compounds during pyrolysis
      of sewage sludge.
AB  - Pyrolysis is an emerging technology for the disposal of huge amounts of sewage
      sludge. However, the thermochemical decomposition mechanism of organic compounds
      in sludge is still unclear. We adopt a novel online TG-FTIR-MS technology to
      investigate the pyrolysis of sludge. The sludge samples were pyrolyzed from 150
      to 800  degrees C with heating rates of 10, 50, and 200 K min(-1). We found for
      the first time that the heating rate of pyrolysis can significantly change the
      species of liquid organic compounds produced, but cannot change the gaseous
      species produced under the same conditions. The contents of produced gas and
      liquid compounds, most of which were produced at 293-383  degrees C, are
      influenced by both the heating rate and temperature of pyrolysis. The results
      also showed that heterocyclic-N, amine-N, and nitrile-N compounds are obtained
      from the decomposition of N-compounds in sludge, such as pyrrolic-N, protein-N,
      amine-N, and pyridinic-N. Heterocyclic-N compounds are the dominant N-containing
      products, which can be due to the thermochemical decomposition of pyridine-N and
      pyrrole-N, whereas fewer amine-N compounds are produced during the pyrolysis. A
      mechanism for the decomposition of N-containing compounds in sludge is proposed
      based on the obtained data. 

PMID- 25141120
TI  - A new approach to standardize multicenter studies: mobile lab technology for the
      German Environmental Specimen Bank.
AB  - Technical progress has simplified tasks in lab diagnosis and improved quality of
      test results. Errors occurring during the pre-analytical phase have more negative
      impact on the quality of test results than errors encountered during the total
      analytical process. Different infrastructures of sampling sites can highly
      influence the quality of samples and therewith of analytical results. Annually
      the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB) collects, characterizes, and stores
      blood, plasma, and urine samples of 120-150 volunteers each on four different
      sampling sites in Germany. Overarching goal is to investigate the exposure to
      environmental pollutants of non-occupational exposed young adults combining human
      biomonitoring with questionnaire data. We investigated the requirements of the
      study and the possibility to realize a highly standardized sampling procedure on
      a mobile platform in order to increase the required quality of the pre-analytical
      phase. The results lead to the development of a mobile epidemiologic laboratory
      (epiLab) in the project "Labor der Zukunft" (future's lab technology). This
      laboratory includes a 14.7 m(2) reception area to record medical history and
      exposure-relevant behavior, a 21.1 m(2) examination room to record dental
      fillings and for blood withdrawal, a 15.5 m(2) biological safety level 2
      laboratory to process and analyze samples on site including a 2.8 m(2) personnel
      lock and a 3.6 m2 cryofacility to immediately freeze samples. Frozen samples can
      be transferred to their final destination within the vehicle without breaking the
      cold chain. To our knowledge, we herewith describe for the first time the
      implementation of a biological safety laboratory (BSL) 2 lab and an epidemiologic
      unit on a single mobile platform. Since 2013 we have been collecting up to 15.000
      individual human samples annually under highly standardized conditions using the
      mobile laboratory. Characterized and free of alterations they are kept ready for
      retrospective analyses in their final archive, the German ESB.

PMID- 25141121
TI  - Impact of aspirin and clopidogrel interruption on platelet function in patients
      undergoing major vascular surgery.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate functional platelet recovery after preoperative withdrawal
      of aspirin and clopidogrel and platelet function 5 days after treatment
      resumption. METHODS/RESULTS: We conducted an observational study, which
      prospectively included consecutive patients taking aspirin, taking clopidogrel,
      and untreated controls (15 patients in each group). The antiplatelet drugs were
      withdrawn five days before surgery (baseline) and were reintroduced two days
      after surgery. Platelet function was evaluated by optical aggregation in the
      presence of collagen, arachidonic acid (aspirin) and ADP (clopidogrel) and by
      VASP assay (clopidogrel). Platelet-leukocyte complex (PLC) level was quantified
      at each time-point. At baseline, platelet function was efficiently inhibited by
      aspirin and had recovered fully in most patients 5 days after drug withdrawal.
      PLC levels five days after aspirin reintroduction were similar to baseline (+4+/
      10%; p = 0.16), in line with an effective platelet inhibition. Chronic
      clopidogrel treatment was associated with variable platelet inhibition and its
      withdrawal led to variable functional recovery. PLC levels were significantly
      increased five days after clopidogrel reintroduction (+10+/-15%; p = 0.02),
      compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin withdrawal 5 days before high-bleeding
      risk procedures was associated with functional platelet recovery, and its
      reintroduction two days after surgery restored antiplaletet efficacy five days
      later. This was not the case of clopidogrel, and further work is therefore needed
      to define its optimal perioperative management.

PMID- 25141122
TI  - Simulating the impact of improved cardiovascular risk interventions on clinical
      and economic outcomes in Russia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Russia faces a high burden of cardiovascular disease. Prevalence of
      all cardiovascular risk factors, especially hypertension, is high. Elevated blood
      pressure is generally poorly controlled and medication usage is suboptimal. With
      a disease-model simulation, we forecast how various treatment programs aimed at
      increasing blood pressure control would affect cardiovascular outcomes. In
      addition, we investigated what additional benefit adding lipid control and
      smoking cessation to blood pressure control would generate in terms of reduced
      cardiovascular events. Finally, we estimated the direct health care costs saved
      by treating fewer cardiovascular events. METHODS: The Archimedes Model, a
      detailed computer model of human physiology, disease progression, and health care
      delivery was adapted to the Russian setting. Intervention scenarios of achieving
      systolic blood pressure control rates (defined as systolic blood pressure <140
      mmHg) of 40% and 60% were simulated by modifying adherence rates of an
      antihypertensive medication combination and compared with current care (23.9%
      blood pressure control rate). Outcomes of major adverse cardiovascular events;
      cerebrovascular event (stroke), myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death
      over a 10-year time horizon were reported. Direct health care costs of strokes
      and myocardial infarctions were derived from official Russian statistics and
      tariff lists. RESULTS: To achieve systolic blood pressure control rates of 40%
      and 60%, adherence rates to the antihypertensive treatment program were 29.4% and
      65.9%. Cardiovascular death relative risk reductions were 13.2%, and 29.6%,
      respectively. For the current estimated 43,855,000-person Russian hypertensive
      population, each control-rate scenario resulted in an absolute reduction of 1.0
      million and 2.4 million cardiovascular deaths, and a reduction of 1.2 million and
      2.7 million stroke/myocardial infarction diagnoses, respectively. Averted direct
      costs from current care levels ($7.6 billion [in United States dollars]) were
      $1.1 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively.

PMID- 25141124
TI  - Impact of hypokalemia on electromechanical window, excitation wavelength and
      repolarization gradients in guinea-pig and rabbit hearts.
AB  - Normal hearts exhibit a positive time difference between the end of ventricular
      contraction and the end of QT interval, which is referred to as the
      electromechanical (EM) window. Drug-induced prolongation of repolarization may
      lead to the negative EM window, which was proposed to be a novel proarrhythmic
      marker. This study examined whether abnormal changes in the EM window may account
      for arrhythmogenic effects produced by hypokalemia. Left ventricular pressure,
      electrocardiogram, and epicardial monophasic action potentials were recorded in
      perfused hearts from guinea-pig and rabbit. Hypokalemia (2.5 mM K(+)) was found
      to prolong repolarization, reduce the EM window, and promote tachyarrhythmia.
      Nevertheless, during both regular pacing and extrasystolic excitation, the
      increased QT interval invariably remained shorter than the duration of mechanical
      systole, thus yielding positive EM window values. Hypokalemia-induced
      arrhythmogenicity was associated with slowed ventricular conduction, and
      shortened effective refractory periods, which translated to a reduced excitation
      wavelength index. Hypokalemia also evoked non-uniform prolongation of action
      potential duration in distinct epicardial regions, which resulted in increased
      spatial variability in the repolarization time. These findings suggest that
      arrhythmogenic effects of hypokalemia are not accounted for by the negative EM
      window, and are rather attributed to abnormal changes in ventricular conduction
      times, refractoriness, excitation wavelength, and spatial repolarization
      gradients.

PMID- 25141125
TI  - Study of the interaction of water with the aqua-soluble dimeric complex
      [RuCp(PTA)2-MU-CN-1kappaC:2kappa(2)N-RuCp(PTA)2](CF3SO3) (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7
      phosphaadamantane) by neutron and X-ray diffraction in solution.
AB  - The study of an aqueous solution of [RuCp(PTA)2-MU-CN-1kappaC:2kappa(2)N
      RuCp(PTA)2](CF3SO3) by neutron and X-ray diffraction revealed surprising details
      as to how the water molecules interact with the complex and affect its
      properties. The present communication demonstrates the applicability of
      sophisticated scattering techniques in combination with theoretical calculations
      to the study of coordination compounds in aqueous solution. 

PMID- 25141123
TI  - Comparative persistence of the TNF antagonists in rheumatoid arthritis--a
      population-based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare persistence with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)
      antagonists among rheumatoid arthritis patients in British Columbia. Treatment
      persistence has been suggested as a proxy for real-world therapeutic benefit and
      harm of treatments for chronic non-curable diseases, including rheumatoid
      arthritis. We hypothesized that the different pharmacological characteristics of
      infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept cause statistically and clinically
      significant differences in persistence. METHODS: We conducted a population-based
      cohort study using administrative health data from the Canadian province of
      British Columbia. The study cohort included rheumatoid arthritis patients who
      initiated the first course of a TNF antagonist between 2001 and 2008. Persistence
      was measured as the time between first dispensing to discontinuation. Drug
      discontinuation was defined as a drug-free interval of 180 days or switching to
      another TNF antagonist, anakinra, rituximab or abatacept. Persistence was
      estimated and compared using survival analysis. RESULTS: The study cohort
      included 2,923 patients, 63% treated with etanercept. Median persistence in years
      (95% confidence interval) with infliximab was 3.7 (2.9-4.9), with adalimumab 3.3
      (2.6-4.1) and with etanercept 3.8 (3.3-4.3). Similar risk of discontinuation was
      observed for the three drugs: the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 0.98
      (0.85-1.13) comparing infliximab with etanercept, 0.95 (0.78-1.15) comparing
      infliximab with adalimumab and 1.04 (0.88-1.22) comparing adalimumab with
      etanercept. CONCLUSIONS: Similar persistence was observed with infliximab,
      adalimumab and etanercept in rheumatoid arthritis patients during the first 9
      years of use. If treatment persistence is a good proxy for the therapeutic
      benefit and harm of these drugs, then this finding suggests that the three drugs
      share an overall similar benefit-harm profile in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

PMID- 25141126
TI  - Association of the G473A polymorphism and expression of lysyl oxidase with breast
      cancer risk and survival in European women: a hospital-based case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an extracellular enzyme essential for the
      covalent crosslinking of extracellular matrix proteins and may also have
      additional functions. LOX expression can be both up- and downregulated in cancer
      and is associated both with tumour suppression and metastasis progression. The
      G473A polymorphism (rs1800449) results in the Arg158Gln amino acid substitution
      in the LOX propeptide, compromises its tumour suppressive activity, and was
      associated with an increased breast cancer risk in a Chinese Han population. In
      the first hospital-based case-control study in European women, we aimed at
      investigating the association of LOX expression and the G473A polymorphism with
      breast cancer risk and survival in unselected and estrogen receptor (ER) negative
      patients. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The G473A polymorphism was genotyped in
      386 breast cancer patients and 243 female controls. Moreover, LOX mRNA expression
      was quantified in the tumors of 105 patients by qRT-PCR. We found that the minor
      A-allele of this polymorphism is associated with a later age at breast cancer
      onset, a trend towards a decreased disease-free and metastasis-free survival, but
      not with an increased breast cancer risk. LOX mRNA expression was significantly
      elevated in tumours of patients older than 55 years, postmenopausal patients,
      estrogen receptor positive tumours, and p53 negative tumours, but was unaffected
      by G473A genotype in tumours and breast cancer cell lines. High LOX expression
      was associated with a poor disease-free and metastasis-free survival in ER
      negative but not ER positive patients. LOX expression was an independent
      prognostic parameter in multivariate analysis, whereas G473A genotype was not. A
      small, distinct subgroup of the ER negative patients was identified which
      exhibited a considerably elevated LOX expression and a very poor disease-free (p
      = 0.001) and metastasis-free survival (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
      This newly identified ER negative/LOX high subgroup may be a suitable collective
      for future individualized breast cancer diagnosis and therapy.

PMID- 25141127
TI  - Modeling the solvation of nonpolar amino acids in guanidinium chloride solutions.
AB  - It is common to denature proteins by using high temperatures or by adding
      guanidinium chloride (GdmCl). However, the physical mechanism of denaturation is
      not well understood. Based on extensive experimental data, we developed a
      thermodynamic binding-polynomial model for the process of transferring nonpolar
      amino acids from water into GdmCl solutions, as a function of temperature and
      GdmCl concentration. To mimic nonpolar amino acids, we utilized the model
      compound, N-acetyl-tryptophanamide (NATA). We find that all nonpolar amino acids
      behave like NATA, with a scale factor linearly dependent on the surface area. Our
      model with three thermodynamic parameters fully captures the nonlinear
      dependencies on both the temperature and GdmCl concentration: binding the first
      guanidinium ion (Gdm(+)) to NATA has favorable entropy and unfavorable enthalpy
      of desolvation (DeltaS = +11.7 cal/mol, DeltaH = +3.9 kcal/mol), while
      cooperativity of binding a second Gdm(+) has a small contribution (K = 0.032 +/-
      0.003). This model may be useful for a better understanding of protein
      denaturation by temperature and GdmCl. 

PMID- 25141128
TI  - Prostate cancer antigen-3 (PCA3) and PCA3-based nomograms in the diagnosis of
      prostate cancer: an external validation of Hansen's nomogram on a Norwegian
      cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the ability of prostate cancer
      antigen-3 (PCA3) and Hansen's PCA3-based nomogram to predict prostate cancer
      (PCa) probability in a Norwegian cohort, with the goal of reducing unnecessary
      biopsies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Altogether, 127 consecutive patients were
      recruited to this study at Haukeland University Hospital, Norway. Prostate
      specific antigen (PSA), PCA3 score, digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate
      volume (Pvol) and age were determined. All patients had an extended 10-core
      biopsy. The performance of PCA3 score and Hansen's nomogram was tested. RESULTS:
      There were 124 evaluable patients. Among these, 59 patients had PCa on the
      initial biopsies. Mean PSA, PCA3 score and age were significantly higher and Pvol
      was significantly lower in patients with PCa. PCA3 scores of 35 and 21 led to a
      sensitivity of 71% and 81% and specificity of 72% and 55%, respectively. Hansen's
      nomogram gave an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.806. The intraclass correlation
      was 0.959 (Cronbach's alpha). Applied to this material, PCa would be missed in
      15.2% of patients when applying the suggested threshold probability of 30%, among
      whom 66.7% had high-grade PCa. With a threshold probability of 20% only one
      patient had PCa and this was low grade. CONCLUSIONS: Hansen's PCA3-based nomogram
      is valid for this cohort. A threshold probability of 20% seems more adequate than
      30% for this less screened cohort. PCA3 score only affects the biopsy indication
      in some patients and is recommended only for this subset. The results need to be
      confirmed in a larger study.

PMID- 25141132
TI  - Colorimetric humidity sensor based on liquid composite materials for the
      monitoring of food and pharmaceuticals.
AB  - Using supported ionic-liquid membrane (SILM)-inspired methodologies, we have
      synthesized, characterized, and developed a humidity sensor by coating a liquid
      composite material onto a hygroscopic, porous substrate. Similar to pH paper, the
      sensor responds to the environment's relative humidity and changes color
      accordingly. The humidity indicator is prepared by casting a few microliters of
      low-toxicity reagents on a nontoxic substrate. The sensing material is a newly
      synthesized liquid composite that comprises a hygroscopic medium for
      environmental humidity capture and a color indicator that translates the humidity
      level into a distinct color change. Sodium borohydride was used to form a liquid
      composite medium, and DenimBlu30 dye was used as a redox indicator. The liquid
      composite medium provides a hygroscopic response to the relative humidity, and
      DenimBlu30 translates the chemical changes into a visual change from yellow to
      blue. The borate-redox dye-based humidity sensor was prepared, and then Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and image
      analysis methods were used to characterize the chemical composition, optimize
      synthesis, and gain insight into the sensor reactivity. Test results indicated
      that this new sensing material can detect relative humidity in the range of 5
      100% in an irreversible manner with good reproducibility and high accuracy. The
      sensor is a low-cost, highly sensitive, easy-to-use humidity indicator. More
      importantly, it can be easily packaged with products to monitor humidity levels
      in pharmaceutical and food packaging. 

PMID- 25141131
TI  - Acceleration and deceleration capacity of fetal heart rate in an in-vivo sheep
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fetal heart rate (FHR) variability is an indirect index of fetal
      autonomic nervous system (ANS) integrity. FHR variability analysis in labor fails
      to detect early hypoxia and acidemia. Phase-rectified signal averaging (PRSA) is
      a new method of complex biological signals analysis that is more resistant to non
      stationarities, signal loss and artifacts. It quantifies the average cardiac
      acceleration and deceleration (AC/DC) capacity. OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study
      were: (1) to investigate AC/DC in ovine fetuses exposed to acute hypoxic-acidemic
      insult; (2) to explore the relation between AC/DC and acid-base balance; and (3)
      to evaluate the influence of FHR decelerations and specific PRSA parameters on
      AC/DC computation. METHODS: Repetitive umbilical cord occlusions (UCOs) were
      applied in 9 pregnant near-term sheep to obtain three phases of MILD, MODERATE,
      and SEVERE hypoxic-acidemic insult. Acid-base balance was sampled and fetal ECGs
      continuously recorded. AC/DC were calculated: (1) for a spectrum of T values (T =
      1/50 beats; the parameter limits the range of oscillations detected by PRSA); (2)
      on entire series of fetal RR intervals or on "stable" series that excluded FHR
      decelerations caused by UCOs. RESULTS: AC and DC progressively increased with
      UCOs phases (MILD vs. MODERATE and MODERATE vs. SEVERE, p<0.05 for DC [Formula:
      see text] = 2-5, and AC [Formula: see text] = 1-3). The time evolution of AC/DC
      correlated to acid-base balance (0.4<[Formula: see text]<0.9, p<0.05) with the
      highest [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. PRSA was not independent
      from FHR decelerations caused by UCOs. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first in-vivo
      evaluation of PRSA on FHR analysis. In the presence of acute hypoxic-acidemia we
      found increasing values of AC/DC suggesting an activation of ANS. This
      correlation was strongest on time scale dominated by parasympathetic modulations.
      We identified the best performing [Formula: see text] parameters ([Formula: see
      text]), and found that AC/DC computation is not independent from FHR
      decelerations. These findings establish the basis for future clinical studies.

PMID- 25141130
TI  - A long-term cultivation of an anaerobic methane-oxidizing microbial community
      from deep-sea methane-seep sediment using a continuous-flow bioreactor.
AB  - Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) in marine sediments is an important global
      methane sink, but the physiological characteristics of AOM-associated
      microorganisms remain poorly understood. Here we report the cultivation of an AOM
      microbial community from deep-sea methane-seep sediment using a continuous-flow
      bioreactor with polyurethane sponges, called the down-flow hanging sponge (DHS)
      bioreactor. We anaerobically incubated deep-sea methane-seep sediment collected
      from the Nankai Trough, Japan, for 2,013 days in the bioreactor at 10 degrees C.
      Following incubation, an active AOM activity was confirmed by a tracer experiment
      using 13C-labeled methane. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that
      phylogenetically diverse Archaea and Bacteria grew in the bioreactor. After 2,013
      days of incubation, the predominant archaeal components were anaerobic
      methanotroph (ANME)-2a, Deep-Sea Archaeal Group, and Marine Benthic Group-D, and
      Gammaproteobacteria was the dominant bacterial lineage. Fluorescence in situ
      hybridization analysis showed that ANME-1 and -2a, and most ANME-2c cells
      occurred without close physical interaction with potential bacterial partners.
      Our data demonstrate that the DHS bioreactor system is a useful system for
      cultivating fastidious methane-seep-associated sedimentary microorganisms. 

PMID- 25141133
TI  - Distribution and determinants of non communicable diseases among elderly Uyghur
      ethnic group in Xinjiang, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are showing an increasing trend
      globally as well as in China. Elderly population are more prone to these NCDs.
      Situation in China is worse owing to the higher proportion of geriatric
      population. Burden of NCDs and the role of their socio-demographic and behavioral
      predictors among these elderly and more so among the ethnic minority groups among
      them, need to be investigated specifically, owing to their distinct genetic
      background, lifestyles and behavior. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was
      conducted among 1329 randomly selected persons of Uyghur ethnicity, aged 60 years
      or more in Xinjiang, the largest administrative division in China to measure the
      burden of NCDs, understand the distribution of socio-demographic, behavioral and
      life event-related potential correlates of them and to estimate the association
      of the NCDs with these correlates. RESULTS: Among these participants 54.2% were
      female, 86.8% were married and more than half had only attended elementary school
      or less. 41.46% was suffering from at least one NCD. 20.22% had one NCD, 12.11%
      had two and 8.58% had three or more. 27.3% had hypertension, 4.06% had diabetes,
      6.02% had hyperlipidemia, 7.37% had angina, 14.52% had cardiovascular diseases,
      11.59% had any kind of cancers and 9.78% had chronic obstructive pulmonary
      diseases. Rural residents (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.17-1.80, AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.53
      2.61) and current smokers had higher odds of having more NCDs (AOR = 1.53, 95%
      CI: 1.00-2.34). Additionally not being satisfied with current life, not being
      able to take care of self in daily life, currently not being involved in farm
      work, less intake of fresh vegetables, fruits and garlic, too less or too much
      salt intake, not having hobbies were found to be positively associated with
      having more NCDs. CONCLUSION: Implementation of effective intervention strategies
      to promote healthy life styles among the Uyghur elderly population of China seems
      urgent.

PMID- 25141134
TI  - Restrained and external-emotional eating patterns in young overweight children
      results of the Ulm Birth Cohort Study.
AB  - Childhood obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges in Western
      countries. Abnormal eating behavior is thought to be a developmental trajectory
      to obesity. The Eating Pattern Inventory for Children (EPI-C) has not been used
      for children as young as eight years, and possible associations with body weight
      have not yet been established. Five hundred and twenty-one children of the Ulm
      Birth Cohort Study (UBCS; age eight) filled out the EPI-C and BMI was assessed.
      Adequacy of the scales was tested with confirmatory factor analysis and a MANOVA
      and cluster analysis established associations between eating patterns and BMI.
      The factor structure of the EPI-C was confirmed (GFI = .968) and abnormal eating
      behavior was associated with overweight (chi(2)(8) =79.29, p<.001). The EPI-C is
      a valid assessment tool in this young age group. Overweight children consciously
      restrain their eating.

PMID- 25141135
TI  - GBA2-encoded beta-glucosidase activity is involved in the inflammatory response
      to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Current anti-inflammatory strategies for the treatment of pulmonary disease in
      cystic fibrosis (CF) are limited; thus, there is continued interest in
      identifying additional molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. Given the
      emerging role of sphingolipids (SLs) in various respiratory disorders, including
      CF, drugs that selectively target the enzymes associated with SL metabolism are
      under development. Miglustat, a well-characterized iminosugar-based inhibitor of
      beta-glucosidase 2 (GBA2), has shown promise in CF treatment because it reduces
      the inflammatory response to infection by P. aeruginosa and restores F508del-CFTR
      chloride channel activity. This study aimed to probe the molecular basis for the
      anti-inflammatory activity of miglustat by examining specifically the role of
      GBA2 following the infection of CF bronchial epithelial cells by P. aeruginosa.
      We also report the anti-inflammatory activity of another potent inhibitor of GBA2
      activity, namely N-(5-adamantane-1-yl-methoxy)pentyl)-deoxynojirimycin (Genz
      529648). In CF bronchial cells, inhibition of GBA2 by miglustat or Genz-529648
      significantly reduced the induction of IL-8 mRNA levels and protein release
      following infection by P. aeruginosa. Hence, the present data demonstrate that
      the anti-inflammatory effects of miglustat and Genz-529648 are likely exerted
      through inhibition of GBA2. 

PMID- 25141136
TI  - Silyl phosphorus and nitrogen donor chelates for homogeneous ortho borylation
      catalysis.
AB  - Ir catalysts supported by bidentate silyl ligands that contain P- or N-donors are
      shown to effect ortho borylations for a range of substituted aromatics. The
      substrate scope is broad, and the modular ligand synthesis allows for flexible
      catalyst design. 

PMID- 25141137
TI  - The clinical and bacteriological factors for optimal levofloxacin-containing
      triple therapy in second-line Helicobacter pylori eradication.
AB  - Quinolone has the disadvantage of easily acquired drug resistance. It is
      important to prescribe it wisely for a high eradication rate. The current study
      aimed to determine the clinical and bacteriological factors for optimal
      levofloxacin-containing triple therapies in second-line H. pylori eradication. We
      enrolled a total of 158 H. pylori-infected patients who failed H. pylori
      eradication using the 7-day standard triple therapy (proton-pump inhibitor [PPI]
      twice daily, 500 mg clarithromycin twice daily, and 1 g amoxicillin twice daily).
      They were prescribed with either a 10-day (group A) or 14-day (group B)
      levofloxacin-containing triple therapy group (levofloxacin 500 mg once daily,
      amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, and esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily for 10 days) by
      their clinicians. Follow-up studies to assess treatment responses were carried
      out 8 weeks later. The eradication rates attained by groups A and B were 73.6%
      (95% confidence interval [CI]  = 63.9-85.3%) and 90.5% (95% CI = 84.5-98.1%),
      respectively in the per protocol analysis (P = 0.008 in the per protocol
      analysis) and 67.1% (95% CI = 56.6-78.5%) and 84.8% (95% CI = 76.8-93.4%),
      respectively, in the intention-to-treat analysis (P = 0.009). The subgroup
      analysis revealed that H. pylori eradication rates for group A patients with
      levofloxacin-susceptible strains were 92.9% (13/14) but it dropped to 12.5% (1/8)
      when levofloxacin-resistant strains existed. H. pylori was eradicated among all
      the group B patients with levofloxacin-susceptible strains, but only half of
      patients with levofloxacin-resistant strains were successfully eradicated. In
      conclusion, this study confirms the effectiveness of 14-day treatment.
      Importantly, the results imply that 10-day treatment duration should be optimal
      if a culture can be performed to confirm the existence of susceptible strains.
      The duration of H. pylori eradication and levofloxacin resistance were the
      influencing factors for successful treatment. This study suggests that tailored
      levofloxacin-containing therapy should be administered only for patients with
      susceptible strains because it can achieve >90% success rates.

PMID- 25141138
TI  - Quantitative estimation of renal function with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI
      using a modified two-compartment model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a simple two-compartment model for glomerular filtration
      rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) estimations by dynamic contrast-enhanced
      magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of eight New
      Zealand white rabbits were included in DCE-MRI. The two-compartment model was
      modified with the impulse residue function in this study. First, the reliability
      of GFR measurement of the proposed model was compared with other published models
      in Monte Carlo simulation at different noise levels. Then, functional parameters
      were estimated in six healthy rabbits to test the feasibility of the new model.
      Moreover, in order to investigate its validity of GFR estimation, two rabbits
      underwent acute ischemia surgical procedure in unilateral kidney before DCE-MRI,
      and pixel-wise measurements were implemented to detect the cortical GFR
      alterations between normal and abnormal kidneys. RESULTS: The lowest variability
      of GFR and RPF measurements were found in the proposed model in the comparison.
      Mean GFR was 3.03+/-1.1 ml/min and mean RPF was 2.64+/-0.5 ml/g/min in normal
      animals, which were in good agreement with the published values. Moreover, large
      GFR decline was found in dysfunction kidneys comparing to the contralateral
      control group. CONCLUSION: Results in our study demonstrate that measurement of
      renal kinetic parameters based on the proposed model is feasible and it has the
      ability to discriminate GFR changes in healthy and diseased kidneys.

PMID- 25141139
TI  - Programmed life span in the context of evolvability.
AB  - Population turnover is necessary for progressive evolution. In the context of a
      niche with fixed carrying capacity, aging contributes to the rate of population
      turnover. Theoretically, a population in which death is programmed on a fixed
      schedule can evolve more rapidly than one in which population turnover is left to
      a random death rate. Could aging evolve on this basis? Quantitative realization
      of this idea is problematic, since the short-term individual fitness cost is
      likely to eliminate any hypothetical gene for programmed death before the long
      term benefit can be realized. In 2011, one of us proposed the first quantitative
      model based on this mechanism that robustly evolves a finite, programmed life
      span. That model was based on a viscous population in a rapidly changing
      environment. Here, we strip this model to its essence and eliminate the
      assumption of environmental change. We conclude that there is no obvious way in
      which this model is unrealistic, and that it may indeed capture an important
      principle of nature's workings. We suggest aging may be understood within the
      context of the emerging science of evolvability.

PMID- 25141140
TI  - Haplodiploidy and the evolution of eusociality: worker revolution.
AB  - Hamilton suggested that inflated relatedness between sisters promotes the
      evolution of eusociality in haplodiploid populations. Trivers and Hare observed
      that for this to occur, workers have to direct helping preferentially toward the
      production of sisters. Building on this, they proposed two biological scenarios
      whereby haplodiploidy could act to promote the evolution of eusociality: (a)
      workers biasing the sex allocation of the queen's brood toward females and (b)
      workers replacing the queen's sons with their own sons. This "worker revolution,"
      whereby the worker class seizes control of sex allocation and reproduction, is
      expected to lead to helping being promoted in worker-controlled colonies. Here,
      we use a kin-selection approach to model the two scenarios suggested by Trivers
      and Hare. We show that (1) worker control of sex allocation may promote helping,
      but this effect is likely to be weak and short lived; and (2) worker reproduction
      tends to inhibit rather than promote helping. Furthermore, the promotion of
      helping is reduced by a number of biologically likely factors, including the
      presence of workers increasing colony productivity, workers being unmated, and
      worker control of sex allocation being underpinned by many loci each having a
      small effect. Overall, our results suggest that haplodiploidy has had a
      negligible influence on the evolution of eusociality.

PMID- 25141141
TI  - Unmatedness promotes the evolution of helping more in diplodiploids than in
      haplodiploids.
AB  - The predominance of haplodiploidy (where males develop from unfertilized haploid
      eggs and females from fertilized diploid eggs) among eusocial species has
      inspired a body of research that focuses on the possible role of relatedness
      asymmetries in the evolution of helping and eusociality. Previous theory has
      shown that in order for relatedness asymmetries to favor the evolution of
      helping, there needs to be variation in sex ratios among nests in the population
      (i.e., split sex ratios). In haplodiploid species, unmated females can produce a
      brood of all males, and this is considered the most likely mechanism for split
      sex ratios at the origin of helping. In contrast, in diploidiploids unmatedness
      means total reproductive failure. We compare the effect of unmatedness on
      selection for male and female helping in haplodiploids and diplodiploids. We show
      that in haplodiploids, unmatedness promotes helping in females but not in males
      within the empirical range. In diplodiploids, unmatedness promotes helping by
      both sexes, and the effect is stronger than in haplodiploids, all else being
      equal. Our study highlights the need to consider interactions between ecological
      and genetic factors in the evolution of helping and eusociality.

PMID- 25141142
TI  - Male bias in distributions of additive genetic, residual, and phenotypic
      variances of shared traits.
AB  - Despite a shared genetic architecture between males and females, sexual
      differences are widespread. The extent of this shared genetic architecture,
      reflected in the intersexual genetic correlation, has previously been correlated
      with the extent of phenotypic sexual dimorphism in shared traits. However, the
      magnitude of the difference in sex-specific additive genetic variances may also
      fuel sexual dimorphism. To explore the correlation between additive genetic
      variance dimorphism and phenotypic dimorphism, we conducted a literature search.
      We targeted traits expressed in both sexes and excluded sex-limited traits. The
      mean difference between the sexes in additive genetic variance was not
      significantly different from 0. However, the distribution of the sexual
      difference in additive genetic variance had a significant male-biased skew. This
      pattern persists even after removing traits explicitly related to reproduction.
      Furthermore, male traits had more residual and phenotypic variance than
      homologous female traits (as measured by both the mean and the skew), and this
      difference was not necessarily due to the difference between sexual traits and
      nonsexual traits. We found no evidence that sex chromosome system could explain
      sex differences in additive genetic, nonadditive genetic, or phenotypic
      variances. Finally, we found a significant correlation between the extent of
      sexual dimorphism in additive genetic variances and the extent of phenotypic
      sexual dimorphism. Understanding why traits have sex-specific patterns of
      variation awaits further investigation.

PMID- 25141143
TI  - Plant size, sexual selection, and the evolution of protandry in dioecious plants.
AB  - It is frequently observed that males of dioecious plant species flower earlier in
      the season than females, although the generality of this pattern has not been
      quantified. One hypothesis for earlier male flowering is that females require
      more time for resource acquisition before reproduction; another is that selection
      for access to unfertilized ovules favors early-flowering males. Here I show that
      protandry is indeed the usual pattern in dioecious plants--males typically
      initiate flowering before females--and I propose a new hypothesis to explain this
      pattern. In many natural plant populations, individuals that begin flowering
      early are larger and--in the case of females or hermaphrodites--therefore more
      fecund. When this population-level seasonal decline in size is included in
      simulations of flowering time evolution in a dioecious plant, males evolve
      earlier flowering onset than females. Correlations between size (or condition)
      and reproductive phenology are widespread and likely contribute to the prevalence
      of protandry in both plants and animals, but their importance seems to have been
      overlooked by botanists. I suggest that sexual selection (specifically, male-male
      competition for access to high-quality ovules) may play a more important role in
      the evolution of flowering phenology than has previously been recognized.

PMID- 25141144
TI  - Asynchrony of seasons: genetic differentiation associated with geographic
      variation in climatic seasonality and reproductive phenology.
AB  - Many organisms exhibit distinct breeding seasons tracking food availability. If
      conspecific populations inhabit areas that experience different temporal cycles
      in food availability spurred by variation in precipitation regimes, then they
      should display asynchronous breeding seasons. Thus, such populations might
      exhibit a temporal barrier to gene flow, which may potentially promote genetic
      differentiation. We test a central prediction of this hypothesis, namely, that
      individuals living in areas with more asynchronous precipitation regimes should
      be more genetically differentiated than individuals living in areas with more
      similar precipitation regimes. Using mitochondrial DNA sequences, climatic data,
      and geographical/ecological distances between individuals of 57 New World bird
      species mostly from the tropics, we examined the effect of asynchronous
      precipitation (a proxy for asynchronous resource availability) on genetic
      differentiation. We found evidence for a positive and significant cross-species
      effect of precipitation asynchrony on genetic distance after accounting for
      geographical/ecological distances, suggesting that current climatic conditions
      may play a role in population differentiation. Spatial asynchrony in climate may
      thus drive evolutionary divergence in the absence of overt geographic barriers to
      gene flow; this mechanism contrasts with those invoked by most models of biotic
      diversification emphasizing physical or ecological changes to the landscape as
      drivers of divergence.

PMID- 25141145
TI  - Metabolism and the rise of fungus cultivation by ants.
AB  - Most ant colonies are comprised of workers that cooperate to harvest resources
      and feed developing larvae. Around 50 million years ago (MYA), ants of the attine
      lineage adopted an alternative strategy, harvesting resources used as compost to
      produce fungal gardens. While fungus cultivation is considered a major
      breakthrough in ant evolution, the associated ecological consequences remain
      poorly understood. Here, we compare the energetics of attine colony-farms and
      ancestral hunter-gatherer colonies using metabolic scaling principles within a
      phylogenetic context. We find two major energetic transitions. First, the
      earliest lower-attine farmers transitioned to lower mass-specific metabolic rates
      while shifting significant fractions of biomass from ant tissue to fungus
      gardens. Second, a transition 20 MYA to specialized cultivars in the higher
      attine clade was associated with increased colony metabolism (without changes in
      garden fungal content) and with metabolic scaling nearly identical to hypometry
      observed in hunter-gatherer ants, although only the hunter-gatherer slope was
      distinguishable from isometry. Based on these evolutionary transitions, we
      propose that shifting living-tissue storage from ants to fungal mutualists
      provided energetic storage advantages contributing to attine diversification and
      outline critical assumptions that, when tested, will help link metabolism,
      farming efficiency, and colony fitness.

PMID- 25141146
TI  - Nonautosomal genetic variation in carotenoid coloration.
AB  - Carotenoid-based coloration plays an important role in signaling, is often
      sexually dimorphic, and is potentially subject to directional and/or sex-specific
      selection. To understand the evolutionary dynamics of such color traits, it is
      essential to quantify patterns of inheritance, yet nonautosomal sources of
      genetic variation are easily overlooked by classical heritability analyses.
      Carotenoid metabolism has recently been linked to mitochondria, highlighting the
      potential for color variation to be explained by cytoplasmically inherited
      factors. In this study, we used quantitative genetic animal models to estimate
      the importance of mitochondrial and sex chromosome-linked sources of genetic
      variation in coloration in two songbird populations in which dietary carotenoids
      are either unmodified (great tit plumage) or metabolized into alternative color
      forms (zebra finch beak). We found no significant Z-linked genetic variance in
      great tit plumage coloration, while zebra finch beak coloration exhibited
      significant W linkage and cytoplasmic inheritance. Our results support
      cytoplasmic inheritance of color in the zebra finch, a trait based on
      endogenously metabolized carotenoids, and demonstrate the potential for
      nonautosomal sources to account for a considerable share of genetic variation in
      coloration. Although often overlooked, such nonautosomal genetic variation
      exhibits sex-dependent patterns of inheritance and potentially influences the
      evolution of sexual dichromatism.

PMID- 25141147
TI  - Nutrient limitation and physiology mediate the fine-scale (de)coupling of
      biogeochemical cycles.
AB  - Nutrients in the environment are coupled over broad timescales (days to seasons)
      when organisms add or withdraw multiple nutrients simultaneously and in ratios
      that are roughly constant. But at finer timescales (seconds to days), nutrients
      become decoupled if physiological traits such as nutrient storage limits,
      circadian rhythms, or enzyme kinetics cause one nutrient to be processed faster
      than another. To explore the interactions among these coupling and decoupling
      mechanisms, we introduce a model in which organisms process resources via uptake,
      excretion, growth, respiration, and mortality according to adjustable trait
      parameters. The model predicts that uptake can couple the input of one nutrient
      to the export of another in a ratio reflecting biological demand stoichiometry,
      but coupling occurs only when the input nutrient is limiting. Temporal nutrient
      coupling may, therefore, be a useful indicator of ecosystem limitation status.
      Fine-scale patterns of nutrient coupling are further modulated by, and
      potentially diagnostic of, physiological traits governing growth, uptake, and
      internal nutrient storage. Together, limitation status and physiological traits
      create a complex and informative relationship between nutrient inputs and
      exports. Understanding the mechanisms behind that relationship could enrich
      interpretations of fine-scale time-series data such as those now emerging from in
      situ solute sensors.

PMID- 25141148
TI  - Pathogen growth in insect hosts: inferring the importance of different mechanisms
      using stochastic models and response-time data.
AB  - Pathogen population dynamics within individual hosts can alter disease epidemics
      and pathogen evolution, but our understanding of the mechanisms driving within
      host dynamics is weak. Mathematical models have provided useful insights, but
      existing models have only rarely been subjected to rigorous tests, and their
      reliability is therefore open to question. Most models assume that initial
      pathogen population sizes are so large that stochastic effects due to small
      population sizes, so-called demographic stochasticity, are negligible, but
      whether this assumption is reasonable is unknown. Most models also assume that
      the dynamic effects of a host's immune system strongly affect pathogen incubation
      times or "response times," but whether such effects are important in real host
      pathogen interactions is likewise unknown. Here we use data for a baculovirus of
      the gypsy moth to test models of within-host pathogen growth. By using Bayesian
      statistical techniques and formal model-selection procedures, we are able to show
      that the response time of the gypsy moth virus is strongly affected by both
      demographic stochasticity and a dynamic response of the host immune system. Our
      results imply that not all response-time variability can be explained by host and
      pathogen variability, and that immune system responses to infection may have
      important effects on population-level disease dynamics.

PMID- 25141149
TI  - Effects of temperature on intraspecific competition in ectotherms.
AB  - Understanding how temperature influences population regulation through its
      effects on intraspecific competition is an important question for which there is
      currently little theory or data. Here we develop a theoretical framework for
      elucidating temperature effects on competition that integrates mechanistic
      descriptions of life-history trait responses to temperature with population
      models that realistically capture the variable developmental delays that
      characterize ectotherm life cycles. This framework yields testable comparative
      predictions about how intraspecific competition affects reproduction,
      development, and mortality under alternative hypotheses about the temperature
      dependence of competition. The key finding is that ectotherm population
      regulation in seasonal environments depends crucially on the mechanisms by which
      temperature affects competition. When competition is strongest at temperatures
      optimal for reproduction, effects of temperature and competition act
      antagonistically, leading to more complex dynamics than when competition is
      temperature independent. When the strength of competition increases with
      temperature past the optimal temperature for reproduction, effects of temperature
      and competition act synergistically, leading to dynamics qualitatively similar to
      those when competition is temperature independent. Paradoxically, antagonistic
      effects yield a higher population floor despite greater fluctuations. These
      findings have important implications for predicting effects of climate warming on
      population regulation. Synergistic effects of temperature and competition can
      predispose populations to stochastic extinction by lowering minimum population
      sizes, while antagonistic effects can increase the potential for population
      outbreaks through greater fluctuations in abundance.

PMID- 25141150
TI  - Sex-specific patterns of aging in sexual ornaments and gametes.
AB  - Sex differences in age-dependent mortality and reproductive success are predicted
      to drive the evolution of sexually dimorphic patterns of reproductive investment
      over life. However, this prediction has not been fully explored because it is
      difficult to measure primary and secondary sexual traits over the life spans of
      males and females. Here we studied a population of fowl, Gallus gallus, to gain
      longitudinal data on a sexual ornament (the comb), quantity of gametes produced,
      and gamete quality (sperm velocity and egg mass) of males and females. Our
      results reveal pronounced differences between the sexes in age-specific patterns
      of reproductive investment. In males, comb size decreased linearly with age, high
      sperm quality early in life was associated with reduced sperm quality late in
      life, and high sperm production was related to early death. In contrast, female
      comb size and egg mass were maximized at intermediate ages, and fecundity was
      independent of life span. Finally, the way traits were related in males did not
      change over life, whereas in females the association between fecundity and comb
      size changed from positive to negative over the lifetime of a female, indicating
      that aging may lead to trade-offs in investment between traits in females. These
      results show that males and females differ in reproductive investment with age,
      in terms of both the expression of individual traits and their phenotypic
      covariance.

PMID- 25141151
TI  - Ecdysteroid hormones link the juvenile environment to alternative adult life
      histories in a seasonal insect.
AB  - The conditional expression of alternative life strategies is a widespread feature
      of animal life and a pivotal adaptation to life in seasonal environments. To
      optimally match suites of traits to seasonally changing ecological opportunities,
      animals living in seasonal environments need mechanisms linking information on
      environmental quality to resource allocation decisions. The butterfly Bicyclus
      anynana expresses alternative adult life histories in the alternating wet and dry
      seasons of its habitat as endpoints of divergent developmental pathways triggered
      by seasonal variation in preadult temperature. Pupal ecdysteroid hormone titers
      are correlated with the seasonal environment, but whether they play a functional
      role in coordinating the coupling of adult traits in the alternative life
      histories is unknown. Here, we show that manipulating pupal ecdysteroid levels is
      sufficient to mimic in direction and magnitude the shifts in adult reproductive
      resource allocation normally induced by seasonal temperature. Crucially, this
      allocation shift is accompanied by changes in ecologically relevant traits,
      including timing of reproduction, life span, and starvation resistance. Together,
      our results support a functional role for ecdysteroids during development in
      mediating strategic reproductive investment decisions in response to predictive
      indicators of environmental quality. This study provides a physiological
      mechanism for adaptive developmental plasticity, allowing organisms to cope with
      variable environments.

PMID- 25141152
TI  - Cyclic decidualization of the human endometrium in reproductive health and
      failure.
AB  - Decidualization denotes the transformation of endometrial stromal fibroblasts
      into specialized secretory decidual cells that provide a nutritive and
      immunoprivileged matrix essential for embryo implantation and placental
      development. In contrast to most mammals, decidualization of the human
      endometrium does not require embryo implantation. Instead, this process is driven
      by the postovulatory rise in progesterone levels and increasing local cAMP
      production. In response to falling progesterone levels, spontaneous
      decidualization causes menstrual shedding and cyclic regeneration of the
      endometrium. A growing body of evidence indicates that the shift from embryonic
      to maternal control of the decidual process represents a pivotal evolutionary
      adaptation to the challenge posed by invasive and chromosomally diverse human
      embryos. This concept is predicated on the ability of decidualizing stromal cells
      to respond to individual embryos in a manner that either promotes implantation
      and further development or facilitates early rejection. Furthermore, menstruation
      and cyclic regeneration involves stem cell recruitment and renders the
      endometrium intrinsically capable of adapting its decidual response to maximize
      reproductive success. Here we review the endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine cues
      that tightly govern this differentiation process. In response to activation of
      various signaling pathways and genome-wide chromatin remodeling, evolutionarily
      conserved transcriptional factors gain access to the decidua-specific regulatory
      circuitry. Once initiated, the decidual process is poised to transit through
      distinct phenotypic phases that underpin endometrial receptivity, embryo
      selection, and, ultimately, resolution of pregnancy. We discuss how disorders
      that subvert the programming, initiation, or progression of decidualization
      compromise reproductive health and predispose for pregnancy failure.

PMID- 25141154
TI  - Surfactant-assisted synthesis of Fe2O3 nanoparticles and F-doped carbon
      modification toward an improved Fe3O4@CFx/LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 battery.
AB  - A simple surfactant-assisted reflux method was used in this study for the
      synthesis of cocklebur-shaped Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs). With this strategy, a
      series of nanostructured Fe2O3 NPs with a size distribution ranging from 20 to
      120 nm and a tunable surface area were readily controlled by varying reflux
      temperature and the type of surfactant. Surfactants such as
      cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), poly(ethylene
      glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (F127) and
      sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS) were used to achieve large-scale synthesis
      of uniform Fe2O3 NPs with a relatively low cost. A new composite of Fe3O4@CFx was
      prepared by coating the primary Fe2O3 NPs with a layer of F-doped carbon (CFx)
      with a one-step carbonization process. The Fe3O4@CFx composite was utilized as
      the anode in a lithium ion battery and exhibited a high reversible capacity of
      900 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) over 100 cycles with 95%
      capacity retention. In addition, a new Fe3O4@CFx/LiNi(0.5)Mn(1.5)O4 battery with
      a high energy density of 371 Wh kg(-1) (vs cathode) was successfully assembled,
      and more than 300 cycles were easily completed with 66.8% capacity retention at
      100 mA g(-1). Even cycled at the high temperature of 45  degrees C, this full
      cell also exhibited a relatively high capacity of 91.6 mAh g(-1) (vs cathode) at
      100 mA g(-1) and retained 54.6% of its reversible capacity over 50 cycles.
      Introducing CFx chemicals to modify metal oxide anodes and/or any other cathode
      is of great interest for advanced energy storage and conversion devices.

PMID- 25141156
TI  - Unexpected primary reactions for thermolysis of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene
      (FOX-7) revealed by ab initio calculations.
AB  - The primary thermolysis reactions of a promising insensitive explosive 1,1
      diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (DADNE, FOX-7) have been studied in the gas phase at
      a high level of theory (CCSD(T)-F12/aVTZ). Our calculations revealed that none of
      the conventional reactions (C-NO2 bond fission, nitro-nitrite and nitro-aci-nitro
      rearrangements) dominate thermolysis of FOX-7. On the contrary, two new
      decomposition pathways specific for this particular species that commenced with
      enamino-imino isomerization and intramolecular cyclization were found instead to
      be more feasible energetically. The activation barriers of these primary
      isomerization reactions were calculated to be 48.4 and 28.8 kcal/mol, while the
      activation energies of the overall decomposition pathways are predicted to be ~49
      and ~56 kcal/mol, respectively. The new pathways can also be relevant for a wide
      series of unsaturated hydrocarbons substituted with both nitro- and amino-groups
      (e.g., triaminotrinitrobenzene, TATB). 

PMID- 25141153
TI  - Sox17 regulates liver lipid metabolism and adaptation to fasting.
AB  - Liver is a major regulator of lipid metabolism and adaptation to fasting, a
      process involving PPARalpha activation. We recently showed that the Vnn1 gene is
      a PPARalpha target gene in liver and that release of the Vanin-1 pantetheinase in
      serum is a biomarker of PPARalpha activation. Here we set up a screen to identify
      new regulators of adaptation to fasting using the serum Vanin-1 as a marker of
      PPARalpha activation. Mutagenized mice were screened for low serum Vanin-1
      expression. Functional interactions with PPARalpha were investigated by combining
      transcriptomic, biochemical and metabolic approaches. We characterized a new
      mutant mouse in which hepatic and serum expression of Vanin-1 is depressed. This
      mouse carries a mutation in the HMG domain of the Sox17 transcription factor.
      Mutant mice display a metabolic phenotype featuring lipid abnormalities and
      inefficient adaptation to fasting. Upon fasting, a fraction of the PPARalpha
      driven transcriptional program is no longer induced and associated with impaired
      fatty acid oxidation. The transcriptional phenotype is partially observed in
      heterozygous Sox17+/- mice. In mutant mice, the fasting phenotype but not all
      transcriptomic signature is rescued by the administration of the PPARalpha
      agonist fenofibrate. These results identify a novel role for Sox17 in adult liver
      as a modulator of the metabolic adaptation to fasting. 

PMID- 25141157
TI  - Single particle nanomechanics in operando batteries via lensless strain mapping.
AB  - We reveal three-dimensional strain evolution in situ of a single LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4
      nanoparticle in a coin cell battery under operando conditions during
      charge/discharge cycles with coherent X-ray diffractive imaging. We report direct
      observation of both stripe morphologies and coherency strain at the nanoscale.
      Our results suggest the critical size for stripe formation is 50 nm.
      Surprisingly, the single nanoparticle elastic energy landscape, which we map with
      femtojoule precision, depends on charge versus discharge, indicating hysteresis
      at the single particle level. This approach opens a powerful new avenue for
      studying battery nanomechanics, phase transformations, and capacity fade under
      operando conditions at the single particle level that will enable profound
      insight into the nanoscale mechanisms that govern electrochemical energy storage
      systems. 

PMID- 25141158
TI  - Full antibody primary structure and microvariant characterization in a single
      injection using transient isotachophoresis and sheathless capillary
      electrophoresis-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - Here we report the complete characterization of the primary structure of a
      multimeric glycoprotein in a single analysis by capillary electrophoresis (CE)
      coupled to mass spectrometry (MS). CE was coupled to electrospray ionization
      tandem MS by means of a sheathless interface. Transient isotachophoresis (t-ITP)
      was introduced in this work as an electrokinetically based preconcentration
      technique, allowing injection of up to 25% of the total capillary volume.
      Characterization was based on an adapted bottom-up proteomic strategy. Using
      trypsin as the sole proteolytic enzyme and data from a single injection per
      considered protein, 100% of the amino acid sequences of four different monoclonal
      antibodies could be achieved. Furthermore, illustrating the effectiveness and
      overall capabilities of the technique, the results were possible through
      identification of peptides without tryptic miscleavages or posttranslational
      modifications, demonstrating the potency of the technique. In addition to full
      sequence coverages, posttranslational modifications (PTMs) were simultaneously
      identified, further demonstrating the capacity of this strategy to structurally
      characterize glycosylations as well as faint modifications such as asparagine
      deamidation or aspartic acid isomerization. Together with the exquisite detection
      sensitivity observed, the contributions of both the CE separation mechanism and
      selectivity were essential to the result of the characterization with regard to
      that achieved with conventional MS strategies. The quality of the results
      indicates that recent improvements in interfacing CE-MS coupling, leading to a
      considerably improved sensitivity, allows characterization of the primary
      structure of proteins in a robust and faster manner. Taken together, these
      results open new research avenues for characterization of proteins through MS. 

PMID- 25141159
TI  - HATCN-based charge recombination layers as effective interconnectors for tandem
      organic solar cells.
AB  - A comprehensive understanding of the energy-level alignment at the organic
      heterojunction interfaces is of paramount importance to optimize the performance
      of organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, the detailed electronic structures of
      organic interconnectors, consisting of cesium fluoride-doped 4,7-diphenyl-1,10
      phenanthroline and hexaazatriphenylene-hexacarbonitrile (HATCN), have been
      investigated via in situ photoemission spectroscopy, and their impact on the
      charge recombination process in tandem OSCs has been identified. The experimental
      determination shows that the HATCN interlayer plays a significant role in the
      interface energetics with a dramatic decrease in the reverse built-in potential
      for electrons and holes from stacked subcells, which is beneficial to the charge
      recombination between HATCN and the adjacent layer. In accordance with the energy
      level alignments, the open-circuit voltage of tandem OSC incorporating a HATCN
      based interconnector is almost 2 times that of a single-cell OSC, revealing the
      effectiveness of the HATCN-based interconnectors in tandem organic devices. 

PMID- 25141160
TI  - Management of scars: updated practical guidelines and use of silicones.
AB  - Hypertrophic scars and keloids resulting from surgery, burns, trauma and
      infection can be associated with substantial physical and psychological distress.
      Various non-invasive and invasive options are currently available for the
      prevention and treatment of these scars. Recently, an international
      multidisciplinary group of 24 experts on scar management (dermatologists; plastic
      and reconstructive surgeons; general surgeons; physical medicine, rehabilitation
      and burns specialists; psychosocial and behavioural researchers; epidemiologists;
      beauticians) convened to update a set of practical guidelines for the prevention
      and treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars on the basis of the latest
      published clinical evidence on existing scar management options. Silicone-based
      products such as sheets and gels are recommended as the gold standard, first
      line, non-invasive option for both the prevention and treatment of scars. Other
      general scar preventative measures include avoiding sun exposure, compression
      therapy, taping and the use of moisturisers. Invasive treatment options include
      intralesional injections of corticosteroids and/or 5-fluorouracil, cryotherapy,
      radiotherapy, laser therapy and surgical excision. All of these options may be
      used alone or as part of combination therapy. Of utmost importance is the regular
      re-evaluation of patients every four to eight weeks to evaluate whether
      additional treatment is warranted. The amount of scar management measures that
      are applied to each wound depends on the patient's risk of developing a scar and
      their level of concern about the scar's appearance. The practical advice
      presented in the current guidelines should be combined with clinical judgement
      when deciding on the most appropriate scar management measures for an individual
      patient. 

PMID- 25141161
TI  - Tweets on the road.
AB  - The pervasiveness of mobile devices, which is increasing daily, is generating a
      vast amount of geo-located data allowing us to gain further insights into human
      behaviors. In particular, this new technology enables users to communicate
      through mobile social media applications, such as Twitter, anytime and anywhere.
      Thus, geo-located tweets offer the possibility to carry out in-depth studies on
      human mobility. In this paper, we study the use of Twitter in transportation by
      identifying tweets posted from roads and rails in Europe between September 2012
      and November 2013. We compute the percentage of highway and railway segments
      covered by tweets in 39 countries. The coverages are very different from country
      to country and their variability can be partially explained by differences in
      Twitter penetration rates. Still, some of these differences might be related to
      cultural factors regarding mobility habits and interacting socially online.
      Analyzing particular road sectors, our results show a positive correlation
      between the number of tweets on the road and the Average Annual Daily Traffic on
      highways in France and in the UK. Transport modality can be studied with these
      data as well, for which we discover very heterogeneous usage patterns across the
      continent. 

PMID- 25141162
TI  - Weaning from mechanical ventilation.
AB  - For many critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit, the
      insertion of an endotracheal tube and the initiation of mechanical ventilation
      (MV) can be lifesaving procedures. Subsequent patient care often requires
      intensivists to manage the complex interaction of multiple failing organ systems.
      The shift in the intensivists' focus toward the discontinuation of MV can thus
      occur late in the course of critical illness. The dangers of MV, however, make it
      imperative to wean patients at the earliest possible time. Premature weaning
      trials, however, trigger significant respiratory distress, which can cause
      setbacks in the patient's clinical course. Premature extubation is also risky. To
      reduce delayed weaning and premature extubation, a three-step diagnostic strategy
      is suggested: measurement of weaning predictors, a trial of unassisted breathing
      (T-tube trial), and a trial of extubation. Since each step constitutes a
      diagnostic test, clinicians must not only command a thorough understanding of
      each test but must also be aware of the principles of clinical decision making
      when interpreting the information generated by each step. Many difficult aspects
      of pulmonary pathophysiology encroach on weaning management. Accordingly, weaning
      commands sophisticated, individualized care. Few other responsibilities of an
      intensivist require a more analytical effort and carry more promise for improving
      patient outcome than the application of physiologic principles in the weaning of
      patients. 

PMID- 25141163
TI  - Prenatal exposure to hyperemesis gravidarum linked to increased risk of
      psychological and behavioral disorders in adulthood.
AB  - Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, is
      characterized by long-term maternal stress, undernutrition and dehydration. While
      maternal stress and malnutrition of pregnancy are linked to poor neonatal outcome
      and associated with poor adult health, long-term outcome of fetal exposure to HG
      has never been explored. The purpose of this study is to determine whether long
      term emotional and behavioral diagnoses may be associated with fetal exposure to
      HG. Emotional and behavioral diagnoses of adults born of a pregnancy complicated
      by HG were compared to diagnoses from non-exposed controls. Offspring exposed to
      HG in utero were significantly more likely to have a psychological and behavioral
      disorder (OR = 3.6, P < 0.0001) with diagnoses primarily of depression, bipolar
      disorder and anxiety. In utero exposure to HG may lead to increased risks of
      psychological and behavioral disorders in the offspring. 

PMID- 25141164
TI  - Variable placental thickness affects placental functional efficiency independent
      of other placental shape abnormalities.
AB  - Our previous work suggests that stressors that impact placental vascular growth
      result in a deformed chorionic surface shape, which reflects an abnormal
      placental three-dimensional shape. We propose to use variability of placental
      disk thickness as a reflector of deviations in placental vascular growth at the
      finer level of the fetal stems. We hypothesize that increased variability of
      thickness is associated with abnormal chorionic surface shape, but will be a
      predictor of reduced placental functional efficiency (smaller baby for a given
      placental weight) independent of shape. These measures may shed light on the
      mechanisms linking placental growth to risk of adult disease. The sample was
      drawn from the Pregnancy, Infection and Nutrition Study. In all, 94.6% of the
      cohort consented to placental examination. Of the 1023 delivered at term, those
      previously sectioned by the Pathology Department were excluded, leaving 587 (57%)
      cases with intact placentas that were sliced and photographed. The chorionic
      surface shape and the shape of a central randomly oriented placental slice were
      analyzed and measures were compared using correlation. Lower mean placental disk
      thickness and more variable disk thickness were each strongly and significantly
      correlated with deformed chorionic plate shapes. More variable disk thickness was
      strongly correlated with reduced placental efficiency independent of abnormal
      chorionic surface shape. Variability of placental disk thickness, simple to
      measure in a single randomly oriented central slice, may be an easily acquired
      measure that is an independent indicator of lowered placental efficiency, which
      may in turn program the infant and result in increased risk for development of
      adult diseases. 

PMID- 25141165
TI  - Patterns of fetal heart rate response at ~30 weeks gestation predict size at
      birth.
AB  - There is evidence that fetal exposure to maternal stress is associated with
      adverse birth outcomes. Less is known about the association between fetal
      responses to a stressor and indicators of fetal maturity and developmental
      outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether fetal heart
      rate (FHR) patterns in response to a startling stimulus at ~30 weeks of gestation
      were associated with gestational age at birth and birth weight. FHR was measured
      in 156 maternal-fetal dyads following a vibroacoustic stimulus. All pregnancies
      were singleton intrauterine pregnancies in English-speaking women who were
      primarily married, middle class, White and at least 18 years of age. Group-based
      trajectory modeling identified five groups of fetuses displaying distinctive
      longitudinal trajectories of FHR response to the startling stimulus. The FHR
      group trajectories were significantly associated with birth weight percentile (P
      < 0.01) even after controlling for estimated fetal weight at the time of
      assessment and parity, which are the known factors influencing birth weight (P <
      0.01). Post hoc analyses indicated that two groups accounted for the association
      between FHR patterns and birth weight. The group (n = 23) with the lowest birth
      weight exhibited an immediate FHR deceleration followed by an immediate
      acceleration that does not recover. An FHR pattern characterized by immediate and
      fast acceleration to the peak and a slow discovery to baseline was associated
      with the highest birth weight. This is the first direct evidence showing that low
      birth weight and the resulting neurological consequences may have their origins
      in early fetal development. 

PMID- 25141166
TI  - Aortic growth arrest after preterm birth: a lasting structural change of the
      vascular tree.
AB  - Young people who are born very preterm exhibit a narrower arterial tree as
      compared with people born at term. We hypothesized that such arterial narrowing
      occurs as a direct result of premature birth. The aim of this study was to
      compare aortic and carotid artery growth in infants born preterm and at term.
      Observational and longitudinal cohort study of 50 infants (21 born very preterm,
      all appropriate for gestational age, 29 controls born at term) was conducted.
      Diameters of the upper abdominal aorta and common carotid artery were measured
      with ultrasonography at three months before term, at term and three months after
      term-equivalent age. At the first assessment, the aortic end-diastolic diameter
      (aEDD) was slightly larger in very preterm infants as compared with fetal
      dimensions. Fetal aortic EDD increased by 2.6 mm during the third trimester,
      whereas very preterm infants exhibited 0.9 mm increase in aEDD during the same
      developmental period (P < 0.001 for group difference). During the following 3
      month period, aortic growth continued unchanged (+0.9 mm) in very preterm
      infants, whereas postnatal growth in term controls slowed down to +1.3 mm (P <
      0.001 v. fetal aortic growth). At the final examination, aEDD was 22% and carotid
      artery EDD was 14% narrower in infants born preterm compared with controls, also
      after adjusting for current weight (P < 0.01). Aortic and carotid artery growth
      is impaired after very preterm birth, resulting in arterial narrowing. Arterial
      growth failure may be a generalized vascular phenomenon after preterm birth, with
      implications for cardiovascular morbidity in later life. 

PMID- 25141167
TI  - Maternal undernutrition upregulates apoptosis in offspring nephrogenesis.
AB  - Maternal undernutrition (MUN) results in growth-restricted newborns with reduced
      nephron numbers that is associated with increased risk of hypertension and renal
      disease. The total adult complement of nephrons is set during nephrogenesis
      suggesting that MUN affects the staged development of nephrons in as yet unknown
      manner. A possible cause may be the increased renal apoptosis; therefore, we
      investigated whether apoptotic signaling and cell death were increased in MUN rat
      kidneys. Pregnant rat dams were fed an ad libitum diet [control] or were 50% food
      restricted (MUN) starting at embryonic day (E) 10. Male offspring kidneys (n = 5
      each, MUN and control) were analyzed for mRNA using quantitative PCR (E20) and
      for protein expression using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (E20 and
      postnatal day 1, P1). Apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl
      transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Upregulation of pro-apoptotic
      protein expression was detected at E20 (Fas receptor, caspase 9) and at P1
      (caspase 3, Bax). The anti-apoptotic factor Bcl2 was significantly decreased in
      P1 kidneys. Kidney TUNEL showed apoptotic nuclei significantly increased in the
      P1 nephrogenic zone (MUN 3.3 + 0.3 v. C 1.6 + 0.5, P = 0.002). The majority of
      apoptotic nuclei co-localized to mesenchyme and pretubular aggregates in the
      nephrogenic zone. Differential regulation of apoptosis in mesenchyme and
      pretubular aggregates following parturition suggests a mechanism for nephropenia
      in gestational programming of the kidney. 

PMID- 25141168
TI  - The lack of impact of peri-implantation or late gestation nutrient restriction on
      ovine fetal renal development and function.
AB  - Unbalanced nutrition during critical windows of development is implicated in
      determining the susceptibility to hypertension and cardiovascular disease in
      adult life, but the underlying mechanisms during fetal life have not been fully
      elucidated. We investigated the effects of moderate nutritional restriction
      during critical windows in gestation on late gestation fetal sheep growth,
      cardiovascular and renal renin-angiotensin system function. Ewes were fed 100%
      nutrient requirements (control), or 40-50% nutrient requirements during the peri
      implantation period (1-31 days gestation (dGA), PI40 and PI50), or 50% nutrient
      requirements in late gestation (104-127 dGA). At 125 +/- 2 dGA, fetal
      cardiovascular and renal function were measured at baseline, and during
      frusemide, angiotensin II (Ang II), phenylephrine and hypoxia challenges.
      Maternal undernutrition had no effect on fetal biometry, kidney weight, nephron
      number, basal cardiovascular function or cardiovascular and renal responses to
      frusemide. Fetal blood pressure response to Ang II was blunted in PI50 (P <
      0.05), but not in PI40 groups. There was no difference between groups in the
      cardiovascular or endocrine response to hypoxia. The lack of effect of moderate
      undernutrition within key developmental windows of fetal kidney development on
      fetal renal structure and function suggests that renal mechanisms do not underlie
      our previous observations of cardiovascular dysfunction in adulthood following
      early-life undernutrition. 

PMID- 25141169
TI  - Terpenols as substituents for the diastereoselective formation of
      enantiomerically pure triple lithium-bridged helicate type-coordination
      compounds.
AB  - The terpenols l(-)-borneol, (1S2S3S5R)-3-pinanol, (-)-menthol, and (-)-myrtenol
      are easily available chiral alcohols for the preparation of enantiomerically pure
      catechol esters -H2. Those ligands are used for the hierarchical assembly of
      triple lithium-bridged dinuclear titanium(iv) triscatecholate helicates
      Li[Li3()6Ti2]. In solution, the dimeric species are in a solvent dependent
      equilibrium with the monomer Li2[()3Ti]. The equilibrium is studied by (1)H NMR.
      CD spectroscopy indicates that the configuration at the complex units of the
      enantiomerically pure dimeric alpha-chiral derivatives Li[Li3()6Ti2] is opposite
      to the configuration of the monomers Li2[()3Ti]. For the gamma-chiral complex
      Li2[()3Ti] only a de of 25% is observed and in this case no interpretation of the
      mechanism of stereocontrol is possible. 

PMID- 25141171
TI  - Whither the Rangeland?: Protection and conversion in California's Rangeland
      ecosystems.
AB  - Land use change in rangeland ecosystems is pervasive throughout the western
      United States with widespread ecological, social and economic implications. In
      California, rangeland habitats have high biodiversity value, provide significant
      habitat connectivity and form the foundation for a number of ecosystem services.
      To comprehensively assess the conservation status of these habitats, we analyzed
      the extent and drivers of habitat loss and the degree of protection against
      future loss across a 13.5 M ha study area in California. We analyzed rangeland
      conversion between 1984 and 2008 using time series GIS data and classified
      resulting land uses with aerial imagery. In total, over 195,000 hectares of
      rangeland habitats were converted during this period. The majority of conversions
      were to residential and associated commercial development (49% of the area
      converted), but agricultural intensification was surprisingly extensive and
      diverse (40% across six categories). Voluntary enrollment in an agricultural tax
      incentive program provided widespread protection from residential and commercial
      conversions across 37% of the remaining rangeland habitat extent (7.5 M ha),
      though this program did not protect rangeland from conversion to more intensive
      agricultural uses. Additionally, 24% of the remaining rangeland was protected by
      private conservation organizations or public agencies through land or easement
      ownership while 38% had no protection status at all. By developing a spatial
      method to analyze the drivers of loss and patterns of protection, this study
      demonstrates a novel approach to prioritize conservation strategies and
      implementation locations to avert habitat conversion. We propose that this
      approach can be used in other ecosystem types, and can serve as a regional
      conservation baseline assessment to focus strategies to effect widespread, cost
      effective conservation solutions. 

PMID- 25141170
TI  - Synthesis, biophysical, and pharmacological evaluation of the melanocortin
      agonist AST3-88: modifications of peptide backbone at Trp 7 position lead to a
      potent, selective, and stable ligand of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R).
AB  - The melanocortin-3 (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 (MC4R) receptors are expressed in
      the brain and are implicated in the regulation of food intake and energy
      homeostasis. The endogenous agonist ligands for these receptors (alpha-, beta-,
      gamma-MSH and ACTH) are linear peptides with limited receptor subtype selectivity
      and metabolic stability, thus minimizing their use as probes to characterize the
      overlapping pharmacological and physiological functions of the melanocortin
      receptor subtypes. In the present study, an engineered template, in which the
      peptide backbone was modified by a heterocyclic reverse turn mimetic at the
      Trp(7) residue, was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis and
      characterized by a beta-galactosidase cAMP based reporter gene assay. The
      functional assay identified a ~5 nM mouse MC4R agonist (AST3-88) with more than
      50-fold selectivity over the mMC3R. Biophysical studies (2D (1)H NMR spectroscopy
      and molecular dynamics) of AST3-88 identified a type VIII beta-turn secondary
      structure spanning the pharmacophore domain stabilized by the intramolecular
      interactions between the side chains of the His and Trp residues. Enzymatic
      studies of AST3-88 revealed enhanced stability of AST3-88 over the alpha-MSH
      endogenous peptide in rat serum. Upon central administration of AST3-88 into
      rats, a decreased food intake response was observed. This is the first study to
      probe the in vivo physiological activity of this engineered peptide-heterocycle
      template. These findings advance the present knowledge of pharmacophore design
      for potent, selective, and metabolically stable melanocortin ligands. 

PMID- 25141172
TI  - A direct projection from mouse primary visual cortex to dorsomedial striatum.
AB  - The mammalian striatum receives inputs from many cortical areas, but the
      existence of a direct axonal projection from the primary visual cortex (V1) is
      controversial. In this study we use anterograde and retrograde tracing techniques
      to demonstrate that V1 directly innervates a topographically defined longitudinal
      strip of dorsomedial striatum in mice. We find that this projection forms
      functional excitatory synapses with direct and indirect pathway striatal
      projection neurons (SPNs) and engages feed-forward inhibition onto these cells.
      Importantly, stimulation of V1 afferents is sufficient to evoke phasic firing in
      SPNs. These findings therefore identify a striatal region that is functionally
      innervated by V1 and suggest that early visual processing may play an important
      role in striatal-based behaviors. 

PMID- 25141173
TI  - Omeprazole and lansoprazole enantiomers induce CYP3A4 in human hepatocytes and
      cell lines via glucocorticoid receptor and pregnane X receptor axis.
AB  - Benzimidazole drugs lansoprazole and omeprazole are used for treatment of various
      gastrointestinal pathologies. Both compounds cause drug-drug interactions because
      they activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor and induce CYP1A genes. In the current
      paper, we examined the effects of lansoprazole and omeprazole enantiomers on the
      expression of key drug-metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4 in human hepatocytes and human
      cancer cell lines. Lansoprazole enantiomers, but not omeprazole, were equipotent
      inducers of CYP3A4 mRNA in HepG2 cells. All forms (S-, R-, rac-) of lansoprazole
      and omeprazole induced CYP3A4 mRNA and protein in human hepatocytes. The
      quantitative profiles of CYP3A4 induction by individual forms of lansoprazole and
      omeprazole exerted enantiospecific patterns. Lansoprazole dose-dependently
      activated pregnane X receptor PXR in gene reporter assays, and slightly modulated
      rifampicin-inducible PXR activity, with similar potency for each enantiomer.
      Omeprazole dose-dependently activated PXR and inhibited rifampicin-inducible PXR
      activity. The effects of S-omeprazole were much stronger as compared to those of
      R-omeprazole. All forms of lansoprazole, but not omeprazole, slightly activated
      glucocorticoid receptor and augmented dexamethasone-induced GR transcriptional
      activity. Omeprazole and lansoprazole influenced basal and ligand inducible
      expression of tyrosine aminotransferase, a GR-target gene, in HepG2 cells and
      human hepatocytes. Overall, we demonstrate here that omeprazole and lansoprazole
      enantiomers induce CYP3A4 in HepG2 cells and human hepatocytes. The induction
      comprises differential interactions of omeprazole and lansoprazole with
      transcriptional regulators PXR and GR, and some of the effects were
      enantiospecific. The data presented here might be of toxicological and clinical
      importance, since the effects occurred in therapeutically relevant
      concentrations. 

PMID- 25141175
TI  - A DGT technique for plutonium bioavailability measurements.
AB  - The toxicity of heavy metals in natural waters is strongly dependent on the local
      chemical environment. Assessing the bioavailability of radionuclides predicts the
      toxic effects to aquatic biota. The technique of diffusive gradients in thin
      films (DGT) is largely exploited for bioavailability measurements of trace metals
      in waters. However, it has not been applied for plutonium speciation measurements
      yet. This study investigates the use of DGT technique for plutonium
      bioavailability measurements in chemically different environments. We used a
      diffusion cell to determine the diffusion coefficients (D) of plutonium in
      polyacrylamide (PAM) gel and found D in the range of 2.06-2.29 * 10(-6) cm(2) s(
      1). It ranged between 1.10 and 2.03 * 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1) in the presence of
      fulvic acid and in natural waters with low DOM. In the presence of 20 ppm of
      humic acid of an organic-rich soil, plutonium diffusion was hindered by a factor
      of 5, with a diffusion coefficient of 0.50 * 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1). We also tested
      commercially available DGT devices with Chelex resin for plutonium
      bioavailability measurements in laboratory conditions and the diffusion
      coefficients agreed with those from the diffusion cell experiments. These
      findings show that the DGT methodology can be used to investigate the
      bioaccumulation of the labile plutonium fraction in aquatic biota. 

PMID- 25141174
TI  - Molecular investigations of protriptyline as a multi-target directed ligand in
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder involving
      multiple cellular and molecular processes. The discovery of drug molecules
      capable of targeting multiple factors involved in AD pathogenesis would greatly
      facilitate in improving therapeutic strategies. The repositioning of existing non
      toxic drugs could dramatically reduce the time and costs involved in
      developmental and clinical trial stages. In this study, preliminary screening of
      140 FDA approved nervous system drugs by docking suggested the viability of the
      tricyclic group of antidepressants against three major AD targets, viz.
      Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), beta-secretase (BACE-1), and amyloid beta (Abeta)
      aggregation, with one member, protriptyline, showing highest inhibitory activity.
      Detailed biophysical assays, together with isothermal calorimetry, fluorescence
      quenching experiments, kinetic studies and atomic force microscopy established
      the strong inhibitory activity of protriptyline against all three major targets.
      The molecular basis of inhibition was supported with comprehensive molecular
      dynamics simulations. Further, the drug inhibited glycation induced amyloid
      aggregation, another important causal factor in AD progression. This study has
      led to the discovery of protriptyline as a potent multi target directed ligand
      and established its viability as a promising candidate for AD treatment. 

PMID- 25141176
TI  - Probing the spatial organization of bacteriochlorophyll C by solid-state nuclear
      magnetic resonance.
AB  - Green sulfur bacteria, which live in extremely low-light environments, use
      chlorosomes to harvest light. A chlorosome is the most efficient, and arguably
      the simplest, light-harvesting antenna complex, which contains hundreds of
      thousands of densely packed bacteriochlorophylls (BChls). To harvest light
      efficiently, BChls in a chlorosome form supramolecular aggregates; thus, it is of
      great interest to determine the organization of the BChls in a chlorosome. In
      this study, we conducted a (13)C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and Mg K
      edge X-ray absorption analysis of chlorosomes from wild-type Chlorobaculum
      tepidum. The X-ray absorption results indicated that the coordination number of
      the Mg in the chlorosome must be >4, providing evidence that electrostatic
      interactions formed between the Mg of a BChl and the carbonyl group or the
      hydroxyl group of the neighboring BChl molecule. According to the intermolecular
      distance constraints obtained on the basis of (13)C homonuclear dipolar
      correlation spectroscopy, we determined that the molecular assembly of BChls is
      dimer-based and that the hydrogen bonds among the BChls are less extensive than
      commonly presumed because of the twist in the orientation of the BChl dimers.
      This paper also reports the first (13)C homonuclear correlation spectrum acquired
      for carotenoids and lipids-which are minor, but crucial, components of
      chlorosomes-extracted from wild-type Cba. tepidum. 

PMID- 25141177
TI  - Comparative population genomics in animals uncovers the determinants of genetic
      diversity.
AB  - Genetic diversity is the amount of variation observed between DNA sequences from
      distinct individuals of a given species. This pivotal concept of population
      genetics has implications for species health, domestication, management and
      conservation. Levels of genetic diversity seem to vary greatly in natural
      populations and species, but the determinants of this variation, and particularly
      the relative influences of species biology and ecology versus population history,
      are still largely mysterious. Here we show that the diversity of a species is
      predictable, and is determined in the first place by its ecological strategy. We
      investigated the genome-wide diversity of 76 non-model animal species by
      sequencing the transcriptome of two to ten individuals in each species. The
      distribution of genetic diversity between species revealed no detectable
      influence of geographic range or invasive status but was accurately predicted by
      key species traits related to parental investment: long-lived or low-fecundity
      species with brooding ability were genetically less diverse than short-lived or
      highly fecund ones. Our analysis demonstrates the influence of long-term life
      history strategies on species response to short-term environmental perturbations,
      a result with immediate implications for conservation policies. 

PMID- 25141178
TI  - Diabetes recovery by age-dependent conversion of pancreatic delta-cells into
      insulin producers.
AB  - Total or near-total loss of insulin-producing beta-cells occurs in type 1
      diabetes. Restoration of insulin production in type 1 diabetes is thus a major
      medical challenge. We previously observed in mice in which beta-cells are
      completely ablated that the pancreas reconstitutes new insulin-producing cells in
      the absence of autoimmunity. The process involves the contribution of islet non
      beta-cells; specifically, glucagon-producing alpha-cells begin producing insulin
      by a process of reprogramming (transdifferentiation) without proliferation. Here
      we show the influence of age on beta-cell reconstitution from heterologous islet
      cells after near-total beta-cell loss in mice. We found that senescence does not
      alter alpha-cell plasticity: alpha-cells can reprogram to produce insulin from
      puberty through to adulthood, and also in aged individuals, even a long time
      after beta-cell loss. In contrast, before puberty there is no detectable alpha
      cell conversion, although beta-cell reconstitution after injury is more
      efficient, always leading to diabetes recovery. This process occurs through a
      newly discovered mechanism: the spontaneous en masse reprogramming of
      somatostatin-producing delta-cells. The juveniles display 'somatostatin-to
      insulin' delta-cell conversion, involving dedifferentiation, proliferation and re
      expression of islet developmental regulators. This juvenile adaptability relies,
      at least in part, upon the combined action of FoxO1 and downstream effectors.
      Restoration of insulin producing-cells from non-beta-cell origins is thus enabled
      throughout life via delta- or alpha-cell spontaneous reprogramming. A landscape
      with multiple intra-islet cell interconversion events is emerging, offering new
      perspectives for therapy. 

PMID- 25141179
TI  - Saturation editing of genomic regions by multiplex homology-directed repair.
AB  - Saturation mutagenesis--coupled to an appropriate biological assay--represents a
      fundamental means of achieving a high-resolution understanding of regulatory and
      protein-coding nucleic acid sequences of interest. However, mutagenized sequences
      introduced in trans on episomes or via random or "safe-harbour" integration fail
      to capture the native context of the endogenous chromosomal locus. This
      shortcoming markedly limits the interpretability of the resulting measurements of
      mutational impact. Here, we couple CRISPR/Cas9 RNA-guided cleavage with multiplex
      homology-directed repair using a complex library of donor templates to
      demonstrate saturation editing of genomic regions. In exon 18 of BRCA1, we
      replace a six-base-pair (bp) genomic region with all possible hexamers, or the
      full exon with all possible single nucleotide variants (SNVs), and measure strong
      effects on transcript abundance attributable to nonsense-mediated decay and
      exonic splicing elements. We similarly perform saturation genome editing of a
      well-conserved coding region of an essential gene, DBR1, and measure relative
      effects on growth that correlate with functional impact. Measurement of the
      functional consequences of large numbers of mutations with saturation genome
      editing will potentially facilitate high-resolution functional dissection of both
      cis-regulatory elements and trans-acting factors, as well as the interpretation
      of variants of uncertain significance observed in clinical sequencing.

PMID- 25141180
TI  - Biological techniques: Edit the genome to understand it.

PMID- 25141182
TI  - Fabrication of bright and small size semiconducting polymer nanoparticles for
      cellular labelling and single particle tracking.
AB  - In this work, we demonstrate a convenient and robust strategy for efficient
      fabrication of high fluorescence quantum yield (QY, 49.8 +/- 3%) semiconducting
      polymer nanoparticles (SPNs), with size comparable with semiconductor quantum
      dots (Qdots). The SPNs were synthesized by co-precipitation of hydrophobic
      semiconducting polymer together with amphiphilic multidentate polymer.
      Comprehensive spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations showed that the
      SPNs possess superior photophysical performance, with excellent fluorescence
      brightness and reduced photoblinking in contrast with Qdots, as well as good
      photostability compared to a fluorescent protein of a similar size,
      phycoerythrin. More importantly, by conjugating membrane biomarkers onto the
      surface of SPNs, it was found that they were not only suitable for specific
      cellular labelling but also for single particle tracking because of the improved
      optical performance. 

PMID- 25141183
TI  - European Journal of Sport Science gears up its social media.

PMID- 25141181
TI  - Pre-Columbian mycobacterial genomes reveal seals as a source of New World human
      tuberculosis.
AB  - Modern strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from the Americas are closely
      related to those from Europe, supporting the assumption that human tuberculosis
      was introduced post-contact. This notion, however, is incompatible with
      archaeological evidence of pre-contact tuberculosis in the New World. Comparative
      genomics of modern isolates suggests that M. tuberculosis attained its worldwide
      distribution following human dispersals out of Africa during the Pleistocene
      epoch, although this has yet to be confirmed with ancient calibration points.
      Here we present three 1,000-year-old mycobacterial genomes from Peruvian human
      skeletons, revealing that a member of the M. tuberculosis complex caused human
      disease before contact. The ancient strains are distinct from known human-adapted
      forms and are most closely related to those adapted to seals and sea lions. Two
      independent dating approaches suggest a most recent common ancestor for the M.
      tuberculosis complex less than 6,000 years ago, which supports a Holocene
      dispersal of the disease. Our results implicate sea mammals as having played a
      role in transmitting the disease to humans across the ocean. 

PMID- 25141185
TI  - Novel repair of stapedial footplate defect associated with recurrent meningitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recurrent meningitis resulting from a partial defect of the stapedial
      footplate is most frequently treated by complete obliteration of the inner ear.
      Herein, we report the use of a partial obliteration technique in which the
      fistula is plugged with a shaped incus. PATIENTS: A 5-year-old girl and a 7-year
      old boy who had congenital inner ear malformations both developed recurrent
      meningitis. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) revealed soft tissue
      opacities between the mastoid air cells and the mesotympanum. Exploratory
      tympanotomies were performed, revealing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakages from
      fistulae at the stapes footplate in both patients. INTERVENTIONS: In each case,
      the vestibule was partially obliterated with temporalis fascia and modified incus
      remnant. Bone dust and fibrin were also applied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Recurrence of CSF leakage and patient symptoms. RESULTS: None of the patients
      exhibited vertigo or dizziness after surgery, and meningitis did not recur during
      the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Compete obliteration of the inner ear space
      can be avoided by using this technique, thereby leaving room for future cochlear
      implantation in addition to reducing direct injury to the vestibular system.

PMID- 25141184
TI  - Melanoma incidence and patient compliance in a targeted melanoma screening
      intervention. One-year follow-up in a large French cohort of high-risk patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of melanoma can save lives. However, mass screening
      is not recommended, and few studies have addressed targeted screening. OBJECTIVE:
      To evaluate a targeted melanoma screening intervention by measuring the
      cumulative melanoma incidence and patient compliance with the screening. METHODS:
      This was a prospective one-year follow-up of a cohort of 3923 French patients at
      elevated risk of melanoma who were recruited from April to October 2011 by 78 GPs
      using the Self-assessment of melanoma risk score. Following standard practice,
      based on the GPs' opinions, a subset of these patients was referred to
      dermatologists. The dermatologists scheduled excisions when required. Melanomas
      were confirmed using pathology reports. Patient compliance with the clinical
      pathway was assessed retrospectively. The cohort was followed prospectively using
      three data sources (GPs, dermatologists and patients). Analyses of factors
      associated with compliance were performed using multiple logistic regression.
      RESULTS: GPs examined the skin of 3923 high-risk patients, 1506 of whom were
      referred to dermatologists. Nine cases of melanoma were diagnosed, corresponding
      to a cumulative incidence of 229.4/100,000. Of the referred patients, 57.9%
      attended the dermatologist consultation. Patient attendance was better when the
      GPs provided a dermatologist's name (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.51-3.09). A delay
      before consulting a dermatologist was inversely associated with the estimated
      lesion malignancy. CONCLUSION: Performing this targeted screening in a high-risk
      population resulted in a high melanoma detection rate, despite moderate
      compliance. Observations suggest that naming a dermatologist is a simple,
      inexpensive means of increasing patient compliance with the screening.

PMID- 25141186
TI  - Acute facial paralysis and otomastoiditis as presenting symptoms of myeloid
      sarcoma.

PMID- 25141187
TI  - Report of endoscopic cochlear implantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To report patient outcomes after transcanal endoscopic cochlear
      implantation for sensorineural hearing loss. PATIENTS: Males and female subjects
      more than 7 years old with sensorineural hearing loss (confirmed with audiologic
      studies) were selected. CT imaging was used to rule out any anatomic anomalies of
      the temporal bone. Smaller pediatric patients whose canal might still be growing
      and who might have a higher incidence of otitis media and otitis externa were
      excluded. Obese adults whose canal skin was too thick to allow good access down
      the ear canal were also excluded. INTERVENTION(S): Surgical (therapeutic).
      Endoscopic cochlear implantation using a transcanal approach. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Implant position and function. Postoperative complications
      specifically related to transcanal approach and use of the endoscope. RESULTS:
      Twenty-five endoscopic cochlear implantations were performed in 24 ears on 11
      female and 10 male subjects aged 7-65 years. Eight patients were implanted in
      Brazil, and 13 patients (17 yr) were implanted in the United States. All implants
      were fully inserted into the scala tympani, and 24 functioned normally with
      appropriate thresholds. Mean time of follow-up was 16 months (SD, +/-7.2). The
      chorda tympani was sacrificed in 2 of 25 procedures, 12 EAC/TM tears occurred
      which healed by the second follow-up visit. No injury to the facial nerve was
      observed. One postoperative wound infection and 1 otitis externa each resolved
      with 1 week of antibiotics. Implant array was visible through the EACs skin but
      not exposed in 6 of 24 ears. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic cochlear implantation may
      become a viable, safe, and feasible alternative to the standard open transmastoid
      approach.

PMID- 25141188
TI  - Association of smoking and snuffing with dental caries occurrence in a young male
      population in Finland: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of smoking and
      snuffing habits in association with dental caries occurrence in a male cohort
      born in the early 1990s in Finland. The impact of health behaviours and factors
      related to the place of residence were included in analyses. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Oral health of 8537 conscripts was screened in a cross-sectional study.
      In the same occasion they also answered a questionnaire covering their smoking
      and snuffing habits and other background factors. The residence-related factors
      were obtained from the Defence Forces' database. Cross-tabulation together with
      chi-squared test and generalized linear mixed models were used for analyses.
      RESULTS: Almost forty per cent (39.4%) of the men reported smoking daily and 9.0%
      reported daily snuffing. Restorative treatment need of those who reported
      frequent smoking was more than 2-fold (mean DT = 2.22) compared to the non
      smokers (mean DT = 1.07). Smoking was statistically significantly associated with
      other harmful health behaviours. The snuffers reported more snacking than the non
      smokers, but were most frequent brushers. The result from the statistical
      modelling showed that smoking, low tooth brushing frequency, eating sweets and
      consuming energy drinks frequently were significantly associated with restorative
      treatment need. CONCLUSION: In this cross-sectional study, association between
      smoking and dental caries was distinct. The high rate of restorative treatment
      need among smokers may be explained by their poor health behaviours. Dietary
      habits of the snuffers seem harmful too, but are compensated by good tooth
      brushing frequency.

PMID- 25141189
TI  - EGFR and EGFRvIII analysis in glioblastoma as therapeutic biomarkers.
AB  - Introduction. EGFR and EGFRvIII analysis is of current interest because of new
      EGFRvIII vaccine trials opened in the UK. EGFR activation promotes cellular
      proliferation via activation of MAPK and PI3K-Akt pathways. EGFRvIII is the most
      common variant resulting from an in-frame deletion of 801bp, leading to
      constitutively active EGFR. Method. 51 glioblastoma samples from a cohort of 50
      patients were tested for EGFR amplification by FISH and immunohistochemistry and
      EGFRvIII expression by reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), and
      immunohistochemistry. EGFR and EGFRvIII expression was compared with Overall
      Survival in the cohort. Results. Overall 22/51 samples (43%) were positive for
      EGFR, 16/51 (31%) were positive for EGFRvIII and 13/51 (25%) were positive for
      both. 9/51 cases (18%) were positive for EGFR alone, and 3/51 (6%) were positive
      for EGFRvIII alone. Of the EGFR positive cases, 22/51 (43%) were positive by
      FISH, 24/51 (47%) were positive by IHC and 2/51 (4%) were discrepant between
      methods (positive by IHC but non-amplified by FISH). Of the EGFRvIII positive
      cases, 16/51 (31%) were positive by RT-PCR, 17/51 (33%) were positive by IHC and
      1/51 (2%) sample was discrepant (positive by IHC but not by RT-PCR). Neither
      EGFRvIII or EGFR are predictive of overall survival in this cohort. Conclusion.
      In our cohort, 25/51 (49%) of GBM showed EGFR alterations, including 16/51 (31%)
      with EGFRvIII. There was high concordance between IHC and FISH (96%) and IHC and
      RT-PCR (98%) as diagnostic methods. Neither EGFR or EGFRvIII is predictive of
      overall survival in this cohort. These results are key for selecting patients for
      novel individualised anti-EGFR therapies.

PMID- 25141190
TI  - Nutrient-specific compensatory feeding in a mammalian carnivore, the mink,
      Neovison vison.
AB  - Balancing of macronutrient intake has only recently been demonstrated in
      predators. In particular, the ability to regulate carbohydrate intake is little
      studied in obligate carnivores, as carbohydrate is present at very low
      concentrations in prey animal tissue. In the present study, we determined whether
      American mink (Neovison vison) would compensate for dietary nutritional
      imbalances by foraging for complementary macronutrients (protein, lipid and
      carbohydrate) when subsequently given a dietary choice. We used three food
      pairings, within which two macronutrients differed relative to each other (high
      v. low concentration), while the third was kept at a constant level. The mink
      were first restricted to a single nutritionally imbalanced food for 7 d and then
      given a free choice to feed from the same food or a nutritionally complementary
      food for three consecutive days. When restricted to nutritionally imbalanced
      foods, the mink were willing to overingest protein only to a certain level
      ('ceiling'). When subsequently given a choice, the mink compensated for the
      period of nutritional imbalance by selecting the nutritionally complementary food
      in the food choice pairing. Notably, this rebalancing occurred for all the three
      macronutrients, including carbohydrate, which is particularly interesting as
      carbohydrate is not a major macronutrient for obligate carnivores in nature.
      However, there was also a ceiling to carbohydrate intake, as has been
      demonstrated previously in domestic cats. The results of the present study show
      that mink regulate their intake of all the three macronutrients within limits
      imposed by ceilings on protein and carbohydrate intake and that they will
      compensate for a period of nutritional imbalance by subsequently selecting
      nutritionally complementary foods. 

PMID- 25141191
TI  - Alignment between chronic disease policy and practice: case study at a primary
      care facility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic disease is by far the leading cause of death worldwide and of
      increasing concern in low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa,
      where chronic diseases disproportionately affect the poor living in urban
      settings. The Provincial Government of the Western Cape (PGWC) has prioritized
      the management of chronic diseases and has developed a policy and framework
      (Adult Chronic Disease Management Policy 2009) to guide and improve the
      prevention and management of chronic diseases at a primary care level. The aim of
      this study is to assess the alignment of current primary care practices with the
      PGWC Adult Chronic Disease Management policy. METHODS: One comprehensive primary
      care facility in a Cape Town health district was used as a case study. Data was
      collected via semi-structured interviews (n = 10), focus groups (n = 8) and
      document review. Participants in this study included clinical staff involved in
      chronic disease management at the facility and at a provincial level. Data
      previously collected using the Integrated Audit Tool for Chronic Disease
      Management (part of the PGWC Adult Chronic Disease Management policy) formed the
      basis of the guide questions used in focus groups and interviews. RESULTS: The
      results of this research indicate a significant gap between policy and its
      implementation to improve and support chronic disease management at this primary
      care facility. A major factor seems to be poor policy knowledge by clinicians,
      which contributes to an individual rather than a team approach in the management
      of chronic disease patients. Poor interaction between facility- and community
      based services also emerged. A number of factors were identified that seemed to
      contribute to poor policy implementation, the majority of which were staff
      related and ultimately resulted in a decrease in the quality of patient care.
      CONCLUSIONS: Chronic disease policy implementation needs to be improved in order
      to support chronic disease management at this facility. It is possible that
      similar findings and factors are present at other primary care facilities in Cape
      Town. At a philosophical level, this research highlights the tension between
      primary health care principles and a diseased-based approach in a primary care
      setting.

PMID- 25141192
TI  - Species-specific detection and identification of fusarium species complex, the
      causal agent of sugarcane pokkah boeng in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pokkah boeng disease caused by the Fusarium species complex results
      in significant yield losses in sugarcane. Thus, the rapid and accurate detection
      and identification of the pathogen is urgently required to manage and prevent the
      spreading of sugarcane pokkah boeng. METHODS: A total of 101 isolates were
      recovered from the pokkah boeng samples collected from five major sugarcane
      production areas in China throughout 2012 and 2013. The causal pathogen was
      identified by morphological observation, pathogenicity test, and phylogenetic
      analysis based on the fungus-conserved rDNA-ITS. Species-specific TaqMan real
      time PCR and conventional PCR methods were developed for rapid and accurate
      detection of the causal agent of sugarcane pokkah boeng. The specificity and
      sensitivity of PCR assay were also evaluated on a total of 84 isolates of
      Fusarium from China and several isolates from other fungal pathogens of
      Sporisorium scitamineum and Phoma sp. and sugarcane endophyte of Acremonium sp.
      RESULT: Two Fusarium species (F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum) that caused
      sugarcane pokahh boeng were identified by morphological observation,
      pathogenicity test, and phylogenetic analysis. Species-specific TaqMan PCR and
      conventional PCR were designed and optimized to target their rDNA-ITS regions.
      The sensitivity of the TaqMan PCR was approximately 10 pg of fungal DNA input,
      which was 1,000-fold over conventional PCR, and successfully detected pokkah
      boeng in the field-grown sugarcane. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study was the
      first to identify two species, F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum, that were
      causal pathogens of sugarcane pokkah boeng in China. It also described the
      development of a species-specific PCR assay to detect and confirm these pathogens
      in sugarcane plants from mainland China. This method will be very useful for a
      broad range of research endeavors as well as the regulatory response and
      management of sugarcane pokkah boeng.

PMID- 25141193
TI  - Tracking from the tropics reveals behaviour of juvenile songbirds on their first
      spring migration.
AB  - Juvenile songbirds on spring migration travel from tropical wintering sites to
      temperate breeding destinations thousands of kilometres away with no prior
      experience to guide them. We provide a first glimpse at the migration timing,
      routes, and stopover behaviour of juvenile wood thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina)
      on their inaugural spring migration by using miniaturized archival geolocators to
      track them from Central America to the U.S. and Canada. We found significant
      differences between the timing of juvenile migration and that of more experienced
      adults: juveniles not only departed later from tropical wintering sites relative
      to adults, they also became progressively later as they moved northward. The
      increasing delay was driven by more frequent short stops by juveniles along their
      migration route, particularly in the U.S. as they got closer to breeding sites.
      Surprisingly, juveniles were just as likely as adults to cross the Gulf of
      Mexico, an open-water crossing of 800-1000 km, and migration route at the Gulf
      was not significantly different for juveniles relative to adults. To determine if
      the later departure of juveniles was related to poor body condition in winter
      relative to adults, we examined percent lean body mass, fat scores, and pectoral
      muscle scores of juvenile versus adult birds at a wintering site in Belize. We
      found no age-related differences in body condition. Later migration timing of
      juveniles relative to adults could be an adaptive strategy (as opposed to
      condition-dependent) to avoid the high costs of fast migration and competition
      for breeding territories with experienced and larger adults. We did find
      significant differences in wing size between adults and juveniles, which could
      contribute to lower flight efficiency of juveniles and thus slower overall
      migration speed. We provide the first step toward understanding the "black box"
      of juvenile songbird migration by documenting their migration timing and en route
      performance. 

PMID- 25141194
TI  - Microbes and cancer geography: can we exploit recent lessons from the gut system
      to oral cancer context?

PMID- 25141196
TI  - Oral cavity infection: an adverse effect after the treatment of oral cancer in
      aged individuals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The immune compromised patients after treatment of oral cancer may
      have a chance of infection by drug-resistant opportunistic microbes. We
      investigated the occurrence of opportunistic microorganisms in aged individuals
      receiving follow-up examinations after treatment of oral cancer in China.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: These patients were used as test group and the respective
      age grouped healthy individuals as control group. In this study, the oral cavity
      microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast were taken for the analysis. After the
      screening of representative microorganisms, their aptitude of pervasiveness
      against drugs was studied. Here, we used antimicrobial agents which are common in
      clinical practice. We also performed studies to investigate the presence of toxin
      genes in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). RESULTS: The results indicate
      that the prevalence of drug-resistant microbes was more pronounced in oral cancer
      patients after initial treatment above 70 years old. The oxacillin resistance of
      S. aureus isolate confirms that the prevalence of MRSA is increasing in
      accordance to age-factor and immune compromise in elderly patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study reveals the occurrence of drug-resistant opportunistic microorganisms
      in oral cavity after treatment for oral cancer in aged individuals. Special
      attention should be directed to MRSA during the treatment of oral cancer, and to
      realize the fact of immune compromise in elderly patients.

PMID- 25141195
TI  - A framework for understanding shared substrates of airway protection.
AB  - Deficits of airway protection can have deleterious effects to health and quality
      of life. Effective airway protection requires a continuum of behaviors including
      swallowing and cough. Swallowing prevents material from entering the airway and
      coughing ejects endogenous material from the airway. There is significant overlap
      between the control mechanisms for swallowing and cough. In this review we will
      present the existing literature to support a novel framework for understanding
      shared substrates of airway protection. This framework was originally adapted
      from Eccles' model of cough (2009) by Hegland, et al. (2012). It will serve to
      provide a basis from which to develop future studies and test specific hypotheses
      that advance our field and ultimately improve outcomes for people with airway
      protective deficits.

PMID- 25141197
TI  - Influence of bismuth oxide concentration on the pH level and biocompatibility of
      white Portland cement.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate if there is a relation between the increase of bismuth
      oxide and the decrease of pH levels and an intensification of toxicity in the
      Portland cement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: White Portland cement (WPC) was mixed with
      0, 15, 20, 30 and 50% bismuth oxide, in weight. For the pH level test,
      polyethylene tubes were filled with the cements and immersed in Milli-Q water for
      15, 30 and 60 days. After each period, the increase of the pH level was assessed.
      For the biocompatibility, two polyethylene tubes filled with the cements were
      implanted in ninety albino rats (n=6). The analysis of the intensity of the
      inflammatory infiltrate was performed after 15, 30 and 60 days. The statistical
      analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn and Friedman tests for the
      pH level and the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests for the biological analysis
      (p<0.05). RESULTS: The results showed an increase of the pH level after 15 days,
      followed by a slight increase after 30 days and a decrease after 60 days. There
      were no significant statistical differences among the groups (p>0.05). For the
      inflammatory infiltrates, no significant statistical differences were found among
      the groups in each period (p>0.05). The 15% WPC showed a significant decrease of
      the inflammatory infiltrate from 15 to 30 and 60 days (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      addition of bismuth oxide into Portland cement did not affect the pH level and
      the biological response. The concentration of 15% of bismuth oxide resulted in
      significant reduction in inflammatory response in comparison with the other
      concentrations evaluated.

PMID- 25141198
TI  - An in vitro assessment of type, position and incidence of isthmus in human
      permanent molars.
AB  - Root canal anatomical complexities, such as isthmus, may limit the action of the
      endodontic instruments, irrigant solutions and intracanal medications, leading to
      endodontic treatment failure. OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study assessed the type,
      position and incidence of isthmus in human permanent molars. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: One hundred and twenty eight upper and lower first and second permanent
      molars were analyzed. The roots were embedded in transparent resin, and then
      split at different distances from the apex (1.0-2.5-4.0-5.5-7.0 mm). Following
      the sample examination in stereomicroscope, the data were submitted to chi-square
      statistical test at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The highest isthmus
      incidence was at 7.0 mm from the root apex in all samples, except the distal root
      of lower molars (at 5.5 mm). In upper and lower molars, type V (complete isthmus
      with a continuous opening between the two main root canals) was the most common
      classification of isthmus (28.8%). In the mesial root of first and second
      mandibular molars, type IV had the highest incidence (36% and 23.9%,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that isthmus was widely found in flat
      roots, with a low percentage in areas close to the apex. In upper and lower
      molars, these structures were most frequently found at 7 mm from the apex.

PMID- 25141199
TI  - Apoptosis of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell (CAL-27) induced by
      Lactobacillus sp. A-2 metabolites.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Lactobacillus sp. A-2 metabolites on viability
      of CAL-27 cells and apoptosis in CAL-27 cells. METHODS: Lactobacillus sp. A-2
      metabolites 1 and 2 (LM1 and LM2) were obtained by culturing Lactobacillus sp. A
      2 in reconstituted whey medium and whey-inulin medium; the cultured CAL-27 cells
      were treated with different concentrations of LM1 and LM2 (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48
      mg/mL) and assayed by methyl thiazolyltetrazolium (MTT) method; morphological
      changes of apoptotic cell were observed under fluorescence microscopy by acridine
      orange (Ao) fluorescent staining; flow cytometry method (FCM) and agarose gel
      electrophoresis were used to detect the apoptosis of CAL-27 cells treated LM1 and
      LM2. RESULTS: The different concentrations of LM1 and LM2 could restrain the
      growth of CAL-27 cells, and in a dose-dependent manner; the apoptosis of CAL-27
      cells was obviously induced and was time-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Viability of CAL
      27 cells was inhibited by Lactobacillus sp. A-2 metabolites; Lactobacillus sp. A
      2 metabolites could induce CAL-27 cells apoptosis; study on the bioactive
      compounds in the Lactobacillus sp. A-2 metabolites and their molecular mechanism
      is in progress.

PMID- 25141200
TI  - Effects of coronal substrates and water storage on the microhardness of a resin
      cement used for luting ceramic crowns.
AB  - Composite resin and metallic posts are the materials most employed for
      reconstruction of teeth presenting partial or total destruction of crowns. Resin
      based cements have been widely used for cementation of ceramic crowns. The
      success of cementation depends on the achievement of adequate cement curing.
      OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the microhardness of Variolink(r) II (Ivoclar Vivadent,
      Schaan, Liechtenstein), used for cementing ceramic crowns onto three different
      coronal substrate preparations (dentin, metal, and composite resin), after 7 days
      and 3 months of water storage. The evaluation was performed along the cement line
      in the cervical, medium and occlusal thirds on the buccal and lingual aspects,
      and on the occlusal surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty molars were distributed
      in three groups (N=10) according to the type of coronal substrate: Group D- the
      prepared surfaces were kept in dentin; Groups M (metal) and R (resin)- the crowns
      were sectioned at the level of the cementoenamel junction and restored with
      metallic cast posts or resin build-up cores, respectively. The crowns were
      fabricated in ceramic IPS e.max(r) Press (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan,
      Liechtenstein) and luted with Variolink II. After 7 days of water storage, 5
      specimens of each group were sectioned in buccolingual direction for
      microhardness measurements. The other specimens (N=5) were kept stored in
      deionized water at 37oC for three months, followed by sectioning and
      microhardness measurements. RESULTS: Data were first analyzed by three-way ANOVA
      that did not reveal significant differences between thirds and occlusal surface
      (p=0.231). Two-way ANOVA showed significant effect of substrates (p<0.001) and
      the Tukey test revealed that microhardness was significantly lower when crowns
      were cemented on resin cores and tested after 7 days of water storage (p=0.007).
      CONCLUSION: The type of material employed for coronal reconstruction of
      preparations for prosthetic purposes may influence the cement properties.

PMID- 25141201
TI  - Effects of solvent evaporation on water sorption/solubility and nanoleakage of
      adhesive systems.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of solvent evaporation in the kinetics of
      water diffusion (water sorption-WS, solubility-SL, and net water uptake) and
      nanoleakage of adhesive systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Disk-shaped specimens (5.0
      mm in diameter x 0.8 mm in thickness) were produced (N=48) using the adhesives:
      Clearfil S3 Bond (CS3)/Kuraray, Clearfil SE Bond - control group (CSE)/Kuraray,
      Optibond Solo Plus (OS)/Kerr and Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SBU)/3M ESPE. The
      solvents were either evaporated for 30 s or not evaporated (N=24/per group), and
      then photoactivated for 80 s (550 mW/cm2). After desiccation, the specimens were
      weighed and stored in distilled water (N=12) or mineral oil (N=12) to evaluate
      the water diffusion over a 7-day period. Net water uptake (%) was also calculated
      as the sum of WS and SL. Data were submitted to 3-way ANOVA/Tukey's test
      (alpha=5%). The nanoleakage expression in three additional specimens per group
      was also evaluated after ammoniacal silver impregnation after 7 days of water
      storage under SEM. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that only the factor
      "adhesive" was significant (p<0.05). Solvent evaporation had no influence in the
      WS and SL of the adhesives. CSE (control) presented significantly lower net
      uptake (5.4%). The nanoleakage was enhanced by the presence of solvent in the
      adhesives. CONCLUSIONS: Although the evaporation has no effect in the kinetics of
      water diffusion, the nanoleakage expression of the adhesives tested increases
      when the solvents are not evaporated.

PMID- 25141202
TI  - Evaluation of shear bond strength of two resin-based composites and glass ionomer
      cement to pure tricalcium silicate-based cement (Biodentine(r)).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Tricalcium silicate is the major constituent phase in mineral
      trioxide aggregate (MTA). It is thus postulated that pure tricalcium silicate can
      replace the Portland cement component of MTA. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate bond strength of methacrylate-based (MB) composites, silorane-based (SB)
      composites, and glass ionomer cement (GIC) to Biodentine(r) and mineral trioxide
      aggregate (MTA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Acrylic blocks (n=90, 2 mm high, 5 mm
      diameter central hole) were prepared. In 45 of the samples, the holes were fully
      filled with Biodentine(r) and in the other 45 samples, the holes were fully
      filled with MTA. The Biodentine(r) and the MTA samples were randomly divided into
      3 subgroups of 15 specimens each: Group-1: MB composite; Group-2: SB composite;
      and Group-3: GIC. For the shear bond strength (SBS) test, each block was secured
      in a universal testing machine. RESULTS: The highest (17.7 +/- 6.2 MPa) and the
      lowest (5.8 +/- 3.2 MPa) bond strength values were recorded for the MB composite
      Biodentine(r) and the GIC-MTA, respectively. Although the MB composite showed
      significantly higher bond strength to Biodentine (17.7 +/- 6.2) than it did to
      MTA (8.9 +/- 5.7) (p < 0.001), the SB composite (SB and MTA = 7.4 +/- 3.3; SB and
      Biodentine(r) = 8.0 +/- 3,6) and GIC (GIC and MTA = 5.8 +/- 3.2; GIC and
      Biodentine = 6.7 +/- 2.6) showed similar bond strength performance with MTA
      compared with Biodentine (p = 0.73 and p = 0.38, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The
      new pure tricalcium-based pulp capping, repair, and endodontic material showed
      higher shear bond scores compared to MTA when used with the MB composite.

PMID- 25141203
TI  - Randomized controlled clinical trial of long-term chemo-mechanical caries removal
      using PapacarieTM gel.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Compare the effectiveness of PapacarieTM gel for the chemo-mechanical
      removal of carious lesions on primary teeth to conventional caries removal with a
      low-speed bur with regard to execution time, clinical aspects and radiographic
      findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial with a
      split-mouth design was carried out. The sample was composed of 20 children aged
      four to seven years, in whom 40 deciduous teeth were randomly divided into two
      groups: chemo-mechanical caries removal with PapacarieTM and removal of carious
      dentin with a low-speed bur. Each child underwent both procedures and served as
      his/her own control. Restorations were performed with glass ionomer cement. The
      time required to perform the procedure was also analyzed. The patients underwent
      longitudinal clinical and radiographic follow-up of the restorations. RESULTS: No
      statistically significant difference between groups was found regarding the time
      required to perform the procedures and the radiographic follow up. Statistically
      significant differences between groups were found in the clinical evaluation at 6
      and 18 months after treatment. CONCLUSION: PapacarieTM is as effective as the
      traditional method for the removal of carious dentin on deciduous teeth, but
      offers the advantages of the preservation of sound dental tissue as well as the
      avoidance of sharp rotary instruments and local anesthesia.

PMID- 25141204
TI  - Temporomandibular disorders among Brazilian adolescents: reliability and validity
      of a screening questionnaire.
AB  - Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) screeners assume significant item overlap with
      the screening questionnaire proposed by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain
      (AAOP). OBJECTIVE: To test the reliability and validity of the Portuguese version
      of AAOP questions for TMD screening among adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Diagnoses from Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders
      (RDC/TMD) Axis I were used as reference standard. Reliability was evaluated by
      internal consistency (KR-20) and inter-item correlation. Validity was tested by
      sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, accuracy and receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curves, the relationship between the true-positive rate
      (sensitivity) and the false-positive rate (specificity). Test-retest reliability
      of AAOP questions and intra-examiner reproducibility of RDC/TMD Axis I were
      tested with kappa statistics. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1307 Brazilian
      adolescents (56.8% girls; n=742), with mean age of 12.72 years (12.69 F/12.75 M).
      According to RDC/TMD, 397 [30.4% (32.7% F/27.3% M)] of adolescents presented TMD,
      of which 330 [25.2% (27.6% F/22.2% M)] were painful TMD. Because of low
      consistency, items #8 and #10 of the AAOP questionnaire were excluded. Remaining
      items (of the long questionnaire version) showed good consistency and validity
      for three positive responses or more. After logistic regression, items #4, #6, #7
      and #9 also showed satisfactory consistency and validity for two or more positive
      responses (short questionnaire version). Both versions demonstrated excellent
      specificity (about 90%), but higher sensitivity for detecting painful TMD
      (78.2%). Better reproducibility was obtained for the short version (k=0.840).
      CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of AAOP questions showed both good
      reliability and validity for the screening of TMD among adolescents, especially
      painful TMD, according to RDC/TMD.

PMID- 25141205
TI  - Velar activity in individuals with velopharyngeal insufficiency assessed by
      acoustic rhinometry.
AB  - Acoustic rhinometry is routinely used for the evaluation of nasal patency.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the technique is able to identify the
      impairment of velopharyngeal (VP) activity in individuals with clinical diagnosis
      of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). METHODS: Twenty subjects with repaired
      cleft palate and inadequate velopharyngeal function (IVF) and 18 non-cleft
      controls with adequate velopharyngeal function (AVF), adults, of both genders,
      were evaluated. Area-distance curves were obtained during VP rest and speech
      activity, using an Eccovision Acoustic Rhinometry system. Volume was determined
      by integrating the area under the curve at the segment corresponding to the
      nasopharynx. VP activity (DeltaV) was estimated by the absolute and relative
      differences between nasopharyngeal volume at rest (Vr) and during an
      unreleased/k/ production (Vk). The efficiency of the technique to discriminate
      IVF and AVF was assessed by a ROC curve. RESULTS: Mean Vk and Vr values (+/- SD)
      obtained were: 23.2 +/- 3.6 cm3 and 15.9 +/- 3.8 cm3 (AVF group), and 22.7 +/-
      7.9 cm3 and 20.7 +/- 7.4 cm3 (IVF group), corresponding to a mean DeltaV decay of
      7.3 cm3 (31%) for the AVF group and a significantly smaller DeltaV decay of 2.0
      cm3 (9%) for the IVF group (p < 0.05). Seventy percent of the IVF individuals
      showed a DeltaV suggesting impaired VP function (below the cutoff score of 3.0
      cm3 which maximized both sensitivity and specificity of the test), confirming
      clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Acoustic rhinometry was able to identify, with a
      good discriminatory power, the impairment of VP activity which characterizes VPI.

PMID- 25141206
TI  - The use of a DNA stabilizer in human dental tissues stored under different
      temperature conditions and time intervals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the use of a reagent to stabilize the DNA
      extracted from human dental tissues stored under different temperature conditions
      and time intervals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 161 teeth were divided into
      two distinct groups: intact teeth and isolated dental pulp tissue. The samples
      were stored with or without the product at different time intervals and
      temperature. After storage, DNA extraction and genomic DNA quantification were
      performed using real-time PCR; the fragments of the 32 samples that represented
      each possible condition were analyzed to find the four pre-selected markers in
      STR analysis. RESULTS: The results of the quantification showed values ranging
      from 0.01 to 10,246.88 ng/MUL of DNA. The statistical difference in the quantity
      of DNA was observed when the factors related to the time and temperature of
      storage were analyzed. In relation to the use of the specific reagent, its use
      was relevant in the group of intact teeth when they were at room temperature for
      30 and 180 days. The analysis of the fragments in the 32 selected samples was
      possible irrespective of the amount of DNA, confirming that the STR analysis
      using an automated method yields good results. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a specific
      reagent showed a significant difference in stabilizing DNA in samples of intact
      human teeth stored at room temperature for 30 and 180 days, while the results
      showed no justification for using the product under the other conditions tested.

PMID- 25141208
TI  - Microabrasion in tooth enamel discoloration defects: three cases with long-term
      follow-ups.
AB  - Superficial irregularities and certain intrinsic stains on the dental enamel
      surfaces can be resolved by enamel microabrasion, however, treatment for such
      defects need to be confined to the outermost regions of the enamel surface.
      Dental bleaching and resin-based composite repair are also often useful for
      certain situations for tooth color corrections. This article presented and
      discussed the indications and limitations of enamel microabrasion treatment.
      Three case reports treated by enamel microabrasion were also presented after 11,
      20 and 23 years of follow-ups. 

PMID- 25141207
TI  - Simultaneous analysis of T helper subsets (Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, Tfh, Tr1
      and Tregs) markers expression in periapical lesions reveals multiple cytokine
      clusters accountable for lesions activity and inactivity status.
AB  - Previous studies demonstrate that the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory
      mediators determines the stable or progressive nature of periapical granulomas by
      modulating the balance of the osteoclastogenic factor RANKL and its antagonist
      OPG. However, the cytokine networks operating in the development of periapical
      lesions are quite more complex than what the simple pro- versus anti-inflammatory
      mediators' paradigm suggests. Here we simultaneously investigated the patterns of
      Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, Thf, Tr1 and Tregs cytokines/markers expression in
      human periapical granulomas. METHODS: The expression of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL
      17A, IL23, IL21, IL-33, IL-10, IL-4, IL-9, IL-22, FOXp3 markers (via RealTimePCR
      array) was accessed in active/progressive (N=40) versus inactive/stable (N=70)
      periapical granulomas (as determined by RANKL/OPG expression ratio), and also to
      compare these samples with a panel of control specimens (N=26). A cluster
      analysis of 13 cytokine levels was performed to examine possible clustering
      between the cytokines in a total of 110 granulomas. RESULTS: The expression of
      all target cytokines was higher in the granulomas than in control samples. TNF
      alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-17A and IL-21 mRNA levels were significantly higher in
      active granulomas, while in inactive lesions the expression levels of IL-4, IL-9,
      IL-10, IL-22 and FOXp3 were higher than in active granulomas. Five clusters were
      identified in inactive lesion groups, being the variance in the expression levels
      of IL-17, IL-10, FOXp3, IFN-gamma, IL-9, IL-33 and IL-4 statistically significant
      (KW p<0.05). Three clusters were identified in active lesions, being the variance
      in the expression levels of IL-22, IL-10, IFN-gamma, IL-17, IL-33, FOXp3, IL-21
      and RANKL statistically significant (KW p<0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a clear
      dichotomy in the profile of cytokine expression in inactive and active periapical
      lesions. While the widespread cytokine expression seems to be a feature of
      chronic lesions, hierarchical cluster analysis demonstrates the association of
      TNF-alpha, IL-21, IL-17 and IFN-gamma with lesions activity, and the association
      of FOXP3, IL-10, IL-9, IL-4 and IL-22 with lesions inactivity.

PMID- 25141209
TI  - Work-related exacerbation of asthma among adults treated by pulmonary
      specialists.
AB  - The most common chronic occupational lung disease is occupational asthma. This
      study aimed to assess the prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms (WRS)
      in asthmatic adults at pulmonary clinics. A cross-sectional study was performed.
      Current employed subjects were subdivided into 2 groups by WRS status according
      to questionnaire mainly based on one developed by the National Institute for
      Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Subjects' occupation and workplace
      exposures were evaluated by asthma-specific job exposure matrix (JEM). Thirty
      nine of 179 current employed asthmatics had WRS. Subjects with WRS were more
      likely to have self-reported allergy and exposure to low-molecular-weight
      antigens (prevalence ratio [PR]: 2.7). The 2 most frequent occupational classes
      for asthmatics with WRS were trades, transport and equipment operators, and
      processing and manufacturing. Self-reported allergy, high-risk exposures, and
      occupations unique to processing, manufacturing, and utilities were estimated to
      be risk factors of WRS. 

PMID- 25141210
TI  - Levels of central oxytocin and glucocorticoid receptor and serum
      adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone in mandarin voles with different
      levels of sociability.
AB  - Sociability is the prerequisite to social living. Oxytocin and the hypothalamo
      pituitary-adrenocortical axis mediate various social behaviors across different
      social contexts in different rodents. We hypothesized that they also mediate
      levels of non-reproductive social behavior. Here we explored naturally occurring
      variation in sociability through a social preference test and compared central
      oxytocin, glucocorticoid receptors, serum adrenocorticotropic hormone and
      corticosterone in mandarin voles with different levels of sociability. We found
      that low-social voles showed higher levels of anxiety-like behavior in open field
      tests, and had more serum adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone than
      high-social voles. High-social individuals had more glucocorticoid receptor
      positive neurons in the hippocampus and more oxytocin positive neurons in the
      paraventricular nuclei and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus than low-social
      individuals. Within the same level of sociability, females had more oxytocin
      positive neurons in the paraventricular nuclei and supraoptic nuclei of the
      hypothalamus than males. These results indicate that naturally occurring social
      preferences are associated with higher levels of central oxytocin and hippocampus
      glucocorticoid receptor and lower levels of anxiety and serum adrenocorticotropic
      hormone and corticosterone. 

PMID- 25141212
TI  - Strong discrepancies between local temperature mapping and interpolated climatic
      grids in tropical mountainous agricultural landscapes.
AB  - Bridging the gap between the predictions of coarse-scale climate models and the
      fine-scale climatic reality of species is a key issue of climate change biology
      research. While it is now well known that most organisms do not experience the
      climatic conditions recorded at weather stations, there is little information on
      the discrepancies between microclimates and global interpolated temperatures used
      in species distribution models, and their consequences for organisms'
      performance. To address this issue, we examined the fine-scale spatiotemporal
      heterogeneity in air, crop canopy and soil temperatures of agricultural
      landscapes in the Ecuadorian Andes and compared them to predictions of global
      interpolated climatic grids. Temperature time-series were measured in air, canopy
      and soil for 108 localities at three altitudes and analysed using Fourier
      transform. Discrepancies between local temperatures vs. global interpolated grids
      and their implications for pest performance were then mapped and analysed using
      GIS statistical toolbox. Our results showed that global interpolated predictions
      over-estimate by 77.5 +/- 10% and under-estimate by 82.1 +/- 12% local minimum
      and maximum air temperatures recorded in the studied grid. Additional
      modifications of local air temperatures were due to the thermal buffering of
      plant canopies (from -2.7  degrees K during daytime to 1.3  degrees K during
      night-time) and soils (from -4.9  degrees K during daytime to 6.7  degrees K
      during night-time) with a significant effect of crop phenology on the buffer
      effect. This discrepancies between interpolated and local temperatures strongly
      affected predictions of the performance of an ectothermic crop pest as
      interpolated temperatures predicted pest growth rates 2.3-4.3 times lower than
      those predicted by local temperatures. This study provides quantitative
      information on the limitation of coarse-scale climate data to capture the reality
      of the climatic environment experienced by living organisms. In highly
      heterogeneous region such as tropical mountains, caution should therefore be
      taken when using global models to infer local-scale biological processes.

PMID- 25141211
TI  - Trafficking of kainate receptors.
AB  - Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) mediate the vast majority of excitatory
      neurotransmission in the central nervous system of vertebrates. In the protein
      family of iGluRs, kainate receptors (KARs) comprise the probably least well
      understood receptor class. Although KARs act as key players in the regulation of
      synaptic network activity, many properties and functions of these proteins remain
      elusive until now. Especially the precise pre-, extra-, and postsynaptic
      localization of KARs plays a critical role for neuronal function, as an
      unbalanced localization of KARs would ultimately lead to dysregulated neuronal
      excitability. Recently, important advances in the understanding of the regulation
      of surface expression, function, and agonist-dependent endocytosis of KARs have
      been achieved. Post-translational modifications like PKC-mediated phosphorylation
      and SUMOylation have been reported to critically influence surface expression and
      endocytosis, while newly discovered auxiliary proteins were shown to shape the
      functional properties of KARs. 

PMID- 25141213
TI  - Lead-induced impairments in the neural processes related to working memory
      function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is well known that lead exposure induces neurotoxic effects, which
      can result in a variety of neurocognitive dysfunction. Especially, occupational
      lead exposures in adults are associated with decreases in cognitive performance
      including working memory. Despite recent advances in human neuroimaging
      techniques, the neural correlates of lead-exposed cognitive impairment remain
      unclear. Therefore, this study was aimed to compare the neural activations in
      relation to working memory function between the lead-exposed subjects and healthy
      controls. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Thirty-one lead-exposed subjects and 34
      healthy subjects performed an n-back memory task during MRI scan. We performed
      fMRI using the 1-back and 2-back memory tasks differing in cognitive demand.
      Functional MRI data were analyzed using within- and between-group analysis. We
      found that the lead-exposed subjects showed poorer working memory performance
      during high memory loading task than the healthy subjects. In addition, between
      group analyses revealed that the lead-exposed subjects showed reduced activation
      in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, pre
      supplementary motor areas, and inferior parietal cortex.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest that functional abnormalities in
      the frontoparietal working memory network might contribute to impairments in
      maintenance and manipulation of working memory in the lead-exposed subjects.

PMID- 25141215
TI  - Promising two-photon probes for in vivo detection of beta amyloid deposits.
AB  - Based on electronic structure calculations we propose that particular small-sized
      organic molecules - donor-acceptor substituted phenyl polymethines - can be used
      as two-photon diagnostic probes for non-invasive imaging of amyloid oligomers and
      fibrils, which are often referred to as the "early signatures" of Alzheimer's
      disease. 

PMID- 25141216
TI  - Rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-C bond formation of quinoline N-oxides at the C-8
      position under mild conditions.
AB  - The Rh(III)-catalyzed C-8 selective direct alkylation and alkynylation of
      quinoline N-oxides has been developed. The reactions proceeded highly efficiently
      at room temperature over a broad range of substrates with excellent
      regioselectivity and functional group tolerance. This development demonstrates
      the synthetic utility of the N-oxide directing group as a stepping stone for
      remote C-H functionalization of quinolines. 

PMID- 25141217
TI  - On calculation of the electrostatic potential of a phosphatidylinositol phosphate
      containing phosphatidylcholine lipid membrane accounting for membrane dynamics.
AB  - Many signaling events require the binding of cytoplasmic proteins to cell
      membranes by recognition of specific charged lipids, such as phosphoinositol
      phosphates. As a model for a protein-membrane binding site, we consider one
      charged phosphoinositol phosphate (PtdIns(3)P) embedded in a phosphatidylcholine
      bilayer. As the protein-membrane binding is driven by electrostatic interactions,
      continuum solvent models require an accurate representation of the electrostatic
      potential of the phosphoinositol phosphate-containing membrane. We computed and
      analyzed the electrostatic potentials of snapshots taken at regular intervals
      from molecular dynamics simulations of the bilayer. We observe considerable
      variation in the electrostatic potential of the bilayer both along a single
      simulation and between simulations performed with the GAFF or CHARMM c36 force
      fields. However, we find that the choice of GAFF or CHARMM c36 parameters has
      little effect on the electrostatic potential of a given configuration of the
      bilayer with a PtdIns(3)P embedded in it. From our results, we propose a remedian
      averaging method for calculating the electrostatic potential of a membrane system
      that is suitable for simulations of protein-membrane binding with a continuum
      solvent model. 

PMID- 25141218
TI  - Effect of diode laser in the treatment of patients with nonspecific chronic low
      back pain: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND DATA: Low back pain is a common, highly debilitating condition, whose
      severity is variable. This study evaluated the efficacy of treatment with Ga-Al
      As diode laser (980 nm) with a large diameter spot (32 cm(2)), in association
      with exercise therapy, in reducing pain. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to
      evaluate the pain reduction efficacy of treatment with the Ga-Al-As diode laser
      (980 nm) in combination with exercise therapy, in patients with chronic low back
      pain (CLBP). METHODS: This study evaluated 100 patients with CLBP (mean age 60
      years) who were randomly assigned to two groups. The laser plus exercises group
      (Laser+EX: 50 patients) received low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with a diode
      laser, 980 nm, with a specific handpiece [32 cm(2) irradiation spot size, power
      20 W in continuous wave (CW), fluence 37.5J/cm(2), total energy per point 1200 J]
      thrice weekly, and followed a daily exercise schedule for 3 weeks (5 days/week).
      The exercises group (EX: 50 patients) received placebo laser therapy plus daily
      exercises. The outcome was evaluated on the visual analogue pain scale (VAS),
      before and after treatment. RESULTS: At the end of the 3 week period, the
      Laser+EX group showed a significantly greater decrease in pain than did the EX
      group. There was a significant difference between the two groups, with average
      Delta VAS scores of 3.96 (Laser+EX group) and 2.23 (EX group). The Student's t
      test demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the two groups,
      at p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the use of diode laser (980
      nm) with large diameter spot size, in association with exercise therapy, appears
      to be effective. Such treatment might be considered a valid therapeutic option
      within rehabilitation programs for nonspecific CLBP.

PMID- 25141219
TI  - Importance of excitation and trapping conditions in photosynthetic environment
      assisted energy transport.
AB  - It has been argued that excitonic energy transport in photosynthetic complexes is
      efficient because of a balance between coherent evolution and decoherence, a
      phenomenon called environment-assisted quantum transport (ENAQT). Studies of
      ENAQT have usually assumed that the excitation is initially localized on a
      particular chromophore, and that it is transferred to a reaction center through a
      similarly localized trap. However, these assumptions are not physically accurate.
      We show that more realistic models of excitation and trapping can lead to very
      different predictions about the importance of ENAQT. In particular, although
      ENAQT is a robust effect if one assumes a localized trap, its effect can be
      negligible if the trapping is more accurately modeled as Forster transfer to a
      reaction center. Our results call into question the suggested role of ENAQT in
      the photosynthetic process of green sulfur bacteria and highlight the subtleties
      associated with drawing lessons for designing biomimetic light-harvesting
      complexes. 

PMID- 25141220
TI  - Finland: increases in alcohol availability and consumption.
AB  - This article briefly describes the changes that Finland has undergone during the
      1960-2012 period with regards to societal changes, alcohol control policies,
      alcohol-related harms, and alcohol consumption, after which the findings of the
      analyses made by Allamani and his colleagues in the AMPHORA project are
      discussed. It seems that despite the changes in the alcohol field, the strong and
      comprehensive control policy measures still have a solid footing in the Finnish
      society. It is also evident that the policy changes implemented over the course
      of the last decades have affected the development of the total alcohol
      consumption to a large degree in both positive and negative directions, depending
      on the kind of measure implemented. 

PMID- 25141222
TI  - Predicting QTc Prolongation in Man From Only In Vitro Data.
AB  - Mishra et al.(1) in their article "Interaction between domperidone and
      ketoconazole: toward prediction of consequent QTc prolongation using purely in
      vitro information" describe the use of physiologically based pharmacokinetic
      (PBPK) modeling and pharmacodynamic models of cardiac repolarization to predict
      clinical data from preclinical data. Eliminating the risk of cardiac arrhythmias
      through delayed repolarization often relies on preclinical data during compound
      selection. Although there are some limitations, there appears to be significant
      promise in using this modeling approach. 

PMID- 25141223
TI  - A case of renal cell carcinoma with solitary metastasis to the ovary.

PMID- 25141225
TI  - Nanoscale wetting and fouling resistance of functionalized surfaces: a
      computational approach.
AB  - A computational modeling methodology has been developed and employed to
      characterize the nanoscale wettability and antifouling properties of
      functionalized hard and deformable surfaces, with a specific focus on
      poly(ethylene glycol) grafted substrates and their resistance to graphitic
      carbons. Empirical evidence suggests that the antifouling behavior of
      polyethylene PEG is associated with two main mechanisms: steric repulsions and
      hydration via formation of a structured water layer. However, there is also
      little attention paid to the contribution of steric repulsion vs surface
      hydration. We examine these two mechanisms through a combination of in silico
      contact angle and force measurements at the nanoscale level. We investigate the
      properties of the grafted functional chains and the underlying substrate,
      responsible for resisting surface deposition of graphitic contaminants in aqueous
      solution. Our results reveal that the fouling-release efficiency is enhanced when
      PEG chains are grafted onto hard hydrophilic substrates such as silica in
      contrast to deformable polymer substrates where surface modifications are
      effectively mitigated during interfacial contact with a hard contaminant. We
      conclude that the contribution of steric repulsion vs surface hydration to the
      antifouling ability of surfaces is strongly dependent on the nanoscale structure
      and deformability of the substrate. This generic method can be applied to examine
      individual contribution of steric repulsions and surface hydration to antifouling
      performance of grafted chains. 

PMID- 25141224
TI  - Nucleotide-oligomerization-domain-2 affects commensal gut microbiota composition
      and intracerebral immunopathology in acute Toxoplasma gondii induced murine
      ileitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Within one week following peroral high dose infection with Toxoplasma
      (T.) gondii, susceptible mice develop non-selflimiting acute ileitis due to an
      underlying Th1-type immunopathology. The role of the innate immune receptor
      nucleotide-oligomerization-domain-2 (NOD2) in mediating potential extra
      intestinal inflammatory sequelae including the brain, however, has not been
      investigated so far. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Following peroral infection
      with 100 cysts of T. gondii strain ME49, NOD2-/- mice displayed more severe
      ileitis and higher small intestinal parasitic loads as compared to wildtype (WT)
      mice. However, systemic (i.e. splenic) levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such
      as TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma were lower in NOD2-/- mice versus WT controls at day 7
      p.i. Given that the immunopathological outcome might be influenced by the
      intestinal microbiota composition, which is shaped by NOD2, we performed a
      quantitative survey of main intestinal bacterial groups by 16S rRNA analysis.
      Interestingly, Bifidobacteria were virtually absent in NOD2-/- but not WT mice,
      whereas differences in remaining bacterial species were rather subtle.
      Interestingly, more distinct intestinal inflammation was accompanied by higher
      bacterial translocation rates to extra-intestinal tissue sites such as liver,
      spleen, and kidneys in T. gondii infected NOD2-/- mice. Strikingly, intracerebral
      inflammatory foci could be observed as early as seven days following T. gondii
      infection irrespective of the genotype of animals, whereas NOD2-/- mice exhibited
      higher intracerebral parasitic loads, higher F4/80 positive macrophage and
      microglia numbers as well as higher IFN-gamma mRNA expression levels as compared
      to WT control animals. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: NOD2 signaling is involved in
      protection of mice from T. gondii induced acute ileitis. The parasite-induced Th1
      type immunopathology at intestinal as well as extra-intestinal sites including
      the brain is modulated in a NOD2-dependent manner.

PMID- 25141226
TI  - Gastrointestinal and respiratory illness in children that do and do not attend
      child day care centers: a cost-of-illness study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases are major causes of
      morbidity for young children, particularly for those children attending child day
      care centers (DCCs). Although both diseases are presumed to cause considerable
      societal costs for care and treatment of illness, the extent of these costs, and
      the difference of these costs between children that do and do not attend such
      centers, is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: Estimate the societal costs for care and
      treatment of episodes of gastroenteritis (GE) and influenza-like illness (ILI)
      experienced by Dutch children that attend a DCC, compared to children that do not
      attend a DCC. METHODS: A web-based monthly survey was conducted among households
      with children aged 0-48 months from October 2012 to October 2013. Households
      filled-in a questionnaire on the incidence of GE and ILI episodes experienced by
      their child during the past 4 weeks, on the costs related to care and treatment
      of these episodes, and on DCC arrangements. Costs and incidence were adjusted for
      socioeconomic characteristics including education level, nationality and monthly
      income of parents, number of children in the household, gender and age of the
      child and month of survey conduct. RESULTS: Children attending a DCC experienced
      higher rates of GE (aIRR 1.4 [95%CI: 1.2-1.9]) and ILI (aIRR: 1.4 [95%CI: 1.2
      1.6]) compared to children not attending a DCC. The societal costs for care and
      treatment of an episode of GE and ILI experienced by a DCC-attending child were
      estimated at ?215.45 [?115.69-?315.02] and ?196.32 [?161.58-?232.74]
      respectively, twice as high as for a non-DCC-attending child. The DCC
      attributable economic burden of GE and ILI for the Netherlands was estimated at
      ?25 million and ?72 million per year. CONCLUSIONS: Although children attending a
      DCC experience only slightly higher rates of GE and ILI compared to children not
      attending a DCC, the costs involved per episode are substantially higher.

PMID- 25141227
TI  - Preparation of highly substituted (beta-acylamino)acrylates via iron-catalyzed
      alkoxycarbonylation of N-vinylacetamides with carbazates.
AB  - An efficient iron(II)-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation reaction between N
      vinylacetamides and carbazates is reported. The corresponding useful highly
      substituted (beta-acylamino)acrylates could be obtained in reasonable to good
      yields and stereoselectivity under mild reaction conditions.

PMID- 25141228
TI  - Clues for minimal hepatic encephalopathy in children with noncirrhotic portal
      hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In children with noncirrhotic extrahepatic portal vein obstruction
      (EHPVO), minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) was reported in a few series, but
      neither is it routinely investigated nor does consensus about its diagnosis
      exist. In this prospective observational study we aimed at detecting the
      prevalence of MHE in children with EHPVO and providing a practical diagnostic
      protocol. METHODS: A consecutive sample of 13 noncirrhotic children (age range 4
      18 years) with EHPVO underwent a screening for MHE based on level of fasting
      ammonia, quantified electroencephalogram (EEG) evaluation, and a wide battery of
      26 psychometric tests exploring learning ability, abstract reasoning, phonemic
      and semantic fluency, selective attention, executive functions, short-term verbal
      and visual memory, long-term verbal memory, and visuopractic ability. RESULTS:
      Five children had at least 2 altered psychometric tests. Selective attention,
      executive function, and short-term visual memory were the domains more frequently
      altered, and 4 tests were enough to detect 80% of these children. Fasting ammonia
      plasma level was increased in 6 children. EEG mean dominant frequency adjusted
      for age was associated with serum ammonia concentration (beta = -0.44 +/- 0.19, P
      < 0.05). As a whole, children with EHPVO showed trends for lower alpha (median
      41% vs 49%) and higher theta power than controls (median 41% vs 49% and 29% vs
      20%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: MHE affects approximately 50% of children with
      EHPVO and, therefore, is worthwhile to be investigated. Three simple tools, serum
      ammonia, quantified EEG, and neuropsychological examination, focused on selective
      attention, executive function, and short-term visual memory can be used
      effectively in the evaluation of MHE in this setting.

PMID- 25141229
TI  - Impact of hiatal hernia on pediatric dyspeptic symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hiatal hernia (HH) affects from 10% to 50% of adult population. The
      correlation between HH, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspeptic symptoms, and
      esophagitis has long been known in adults. The primary objective of our
      prospective observational study was to estimate the prevalence of HH in children
      undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), irrespective of their symptoms.
      METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 111 consecutive children (48 boys and 63
      girls; mean age 94.9 +/- 52.3 months) referred for EGD. In all of the patients a
      symptomatic score assessment based on the Rome III criteria was used to measure
      frequency, severity, and duration of gastrointestinal symptoms. HH presence was
      endoscopically defined; esophagitis presence was evaluated either endoscopically
      and histologically. Children were divided in 2 age-range groups: <48 months
      (group 1) and >48 months (group 2). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients of 111 (20.7%)
      had evidence of a sliding HH at EGD. In children from group 2, we found a
      statistically significant association of HH with heartburn (P = 0.03, 95%
      confidence interval 1-9.3, r = 0.1) and regurgitation (P = 0.003, 95% confidence
      interval 1.7-20.4, r = 0.3). Regarding esophagitis presence, no association was
      found at any age either with defined esophagitis or with dilated intercellular
      spaces. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of HH in our study population was 20.7%.
      According to our data, HH correlates with the presence of heartburn and
      regurgitation in children, but not in toddlers. No association was found with
      esophagitis at any age.

PMID- 25141230
TI  - gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase level as a screening marker among diverse
      etiologies of infantile intrahepatic cholestasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Low gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) level is an important marker
      for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, yet the cutoff level and
      clinical application is not well defined. This study aimed to evaluate the role
      of GGT as a screening marker among diverse etiologies of infantile cholestasis.
      METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 256 cholestatic infants admitted to a
      tertiary referral center between 2000 and 2012. After excluding 121 infants of
      extrahepatic cholestasis, advanced investigations for 135 infants with
      intrahepatic cholestasis were performed. The etiologies, outcomes, and
      correlations with GGT levels were analyzed. Good prognosis was defined as
      clinical recovery before 1 year of age; poor prognosis as persistent disease,
      liver transplantation, or death before 1 year. RESULTS: Among 135 patients of
      intrahepatic cholestasis, >12 different etiologies were found. Neonatal hepatitis
      (49.6%), progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (21.5%), and neonatal
      cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (10.4%) were the leading causes. Patients
      with initial GGT between 75 and 300 U/L had a higher chance of good prognosis
      (61/74, 82.4%) than those with GGT <75 U/L or >300 U/L (25/61, 41%, P < 0.0001).
      In the low-GGT group (<= 100 U/L), 52.6% (30/57) of the patients have good
      prognosis; and GGT level <= 75 U/L has a sensitivity, specificity, and positive
      predictive value of 100%, 43.3%, and 61.4% in predicting poor prognosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with GGT levels <= 75 or >= 300 U/L should receive advanced
      investigations such as genetic/metabolic assays early; otherwise, the amount of
      diagnostic workup may be limited if no signs of progressive disease.

PMID- 25141232
TI  - Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in paediatric patients: normal liver
      values.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to obtain a normal value for liver
      shear wave velocities (SWVs) in healthy paediatric patients and to investigate
      variations concerning age, sex, and different approaches, depths, and lobes of
      measurements. METHODS: A total of 150 healthy children (2 months-17 years) were
      examined with acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology by an
      experienced paediatric radiologist, after receiving an informed consent.
      Measurements obtained were divided according to group age (n = 50, 0-5 years; n =
      50, 6-11 years; n = 50, 12-17 years); sex (male-female); lobe (right-left lobe);
      approach (intercostal-subcostal), and depth of measurements (1-5 and 5-6 cm for
      the youngest group; 2-6 to 6-8 cm for the 2 other groups). Comparative analyses
      were performed with measurements obtained at right and left lobes, with different
      depths and approaches. Differences between age and sex were also analysed.
      RESULTS: Mean SWV in the right liver lobe was 1.07 +/- 0.10 m/s. No significant
      differences were found according to sex or among different probe locations. SWVs
      were, however, significantly higher within left lobe in comparison with right
      liver lobe (1.07 +/- 0.10 m/s, right; 1.21 +/- 0.16 m/s, left). Depth of
      measurements also influenced SWV values obtained, being slightly lower at deeper
      locations. Regarding the age significant differences were found for children <6
      years old compared with other age groups. CONCLUSIONS: ARFI analysis seems to be
      influenced by age, depth, and lobe of measurements. A mean SWV value of 1.07 +/-
      0.10 m/s for healthy paediatric population with the possibility of reaching 1.12
      m/s in the case of younger children was found. ARFI values were more consistently
      obtained analysing right liver lobe and depths lower than 5 to 6 cm.

PMID- 25141233
TI  - Enhanced cycling stability of lithium sulfur batteries using sulfur-polyaniline
      graphene nanoribbon composite cathodes.
AB  - A hierarchical nanocomposite material of graphene nanoribbons combined with
      polyaniline and sulfur using an inexpensive, simple method has been developed.
      The resulting composite, characterized by scanning electron microscopy,
      transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron microscopy, and X-ray
      diffraction analysis, has a good rate performance and excellent cycling
      stability. The synergistic combination of electrically conductive graphene
      nanoribbons, polyaniline, and sulfur produces a composite with high performance.
      The method developed here is practical for the large-scale development of cathode
      materials for lithium sulfur batteries. 

PMID- 25141234
TI  - In situ wetting state transition on micro- and nanostructured surfaces at high
      temperature.
AB  - We studied the in situ transition of the droplets' wetting state on the heated
      solid surfaces. The wetting behaviors of four micro- and nanostructured surfaces
      with different chemical components were studied. These parameters included the
      maximum contact areas (MCA), the maximum evaporation areas (MEA) and the wetting
      transition temperature (T(trans)). The reduction in MEAs has a specific
      transition process from wetting (Wenzel state) or partial wetting (Wenzel-Cassie
      intermediate state) to nonwetting (Cassie State) as the surface temperature
      rises. When the MEAs drop to zero at a critical temperature (T(trans)), the
      droplets rebound from the heated surfaces to complete the wetting transition
      process. The chemical compounds and the surfaces' rough structure play an
      important role in the droplets' wetting transition behavior. Before FAS
      modification, microstructures can increase the MCAs, MEAs, and T(trans). However,
      the microstructures are less effective at increasing the MEAs and T(trans) than
      changes to nanostructures. After FAS-modification, both the nano- and
      microstructures reduce the T(trans). On the FAS-MNSi surfaces, the MEAs are
      always zero--the droplets rebounded at room temperature, and the wetting
      transition did occur. We propose two high-temperature mechanisms to explain these
      transition phenomena.

PMID- 25141236
TI  - Antiaromatic character of 16 pi electron octaethylporphyrins: magnetically
      induced ring currents from DFT-GIMIC calculations.
AB  - The magnetically induced current density susceptibility, also called current
      density, has been calculated for a recently synthesized octaethylporphyrin (OEP)
      zinc(II) dication with formally 16 pi electrons. Numerical integration of the
      current density passing selected chemical bonds yields the current pathway around
      the porphyrinoid ring and the strength of the ring current. The current strengths
      show that the OEP-Zn(II) dication is strongly antiaromatic, as also concluded
      experimentally. The calculation of the ring current pathway shows that all 24 pi
      electrons participate in the transport of the ring current because the current
      splits into inner and outer branches of practically equal strengths at the four
      pyrrolic rings. The corresponding neutral octaethylporphyrinoid without Zn and
      inner hydrogens is found to be antiaromatic, sustaining a paratropic ring current
      along the inner pathway with 16 pi electrons. The neutral OEP-Zn(II) molecule
      with formally 18 pi electrons is found to be almost as aromatic as free-base
      porphyrin. However, also in this case, all 26 pi electrons contribute to the ring
      current, as for free-base porphyrin. A comparison of calculated and measured (1)H
      NMR chemical shifts is presented. The current strength susceptibility under
      experimental conditions has been estimated by assuming a linear relation between
      experimental shielding constants and calculated current strengths. 

PMID- 25141235
TI  - Linear population allocation by bistable switches in response to transient
      stimulation.
AB  - Many cellular decision processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and
      phenotypic switching, are controlled by bistable signaling networks. In response
      to transient or intermediate input signals, these networks allocate a population
      fraction to each of two distinct states (e.g. OFF and ON). While extensive
      studies have been carried out to analyze various bistable networks, they are
      primarily focused on responses of bistable networks to sustained input signals.
      In this work, we investigate the response characteristics of bistable networks to
      transient signals, using both theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. We
      find that bistable systems exhibit a common property: for input signals with
      short durations, the fraction of switching cells increases linearly with the
      signal duration, allowing the population to integrate transient signals to tune
      its response. We propose that this allocation algorithm can be an optimal
      response strategy for certain cellular decisions in which excessive switching
      results in lower population fitness. 

PMID- 25141237
TI  - Postprandial oxidative stress and gastrointestinal hormones: is there a link?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormal postprandial elevation of plasma glucose and lipids plays an
      important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and strongly predicts
      cardiovascular mortality. In patients suffering from type 2 diabetes (T2D)
      postprandial state is associated with oxidative stress, cardiovascular risk and,
      probably, with impairment of both secretion and the effect of gastrointestinal
      peptides. Evaluating postprandial changes of gastrointestinal hormones together
      with changes in oxidative stress markers may help to understand the mechanisms
      behind the postprandial state in diabetes as well as suggest new preventive and
      therapeutical strategies. METHODS: A standard meal test has been used for
      monitoring the postprandial concentrations of gastrointestinal hormones and
      oxidative stress markers in patients with T2D (n = 50) compared to healthy
      controls (n = 50). Blood samples were drawn 0, 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after
      the standard meal. RESULTS: Both basal and postprandial plasma concentrations of
      glucose and insulin proved to be significantly higher in patients with T2D,
      whereas plasma concentrations of ghrelin showed significantly lower values during
      the whole meal test. In comparison with healthy controls, both basal and
      postprandial concentrations of almost all other gastrointestinal hormones and
      lipoperoxidation were significantly increased while ascorbic acid, reduced
      glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity were decreased in patients with
      T2D. A positive relationship was found between changes in GIP and those of
      glucose and immunoreactive insulin in diabetic patients (p<0.001 and p<0.001,
      respectively) and between changes in PYY and those of glucose (p<0.01). There was
      a positive correlation between changes in GIP and PYY and changes in ascorbic
      acid in patients with T2D (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively).
      CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Apart from a positive relationship of postprandial
      changes in GIP and PYY with changes in ascorbic acid, there was no direct link
      observed between gastrointestinal hormones and oxidative stress markers in
      diabetic patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01572402.

PMID- 25141239
TI  - Gut microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease: the role of antibiotics in disease
      management.
AB  - Imbalances in the composition and number of bacteria in the gut microbiota have
      been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and modulation of the gut
      microbiota by probiotics and antibiotics in IBD has been an active area of
      research, with mixed results. This narrative review summarizes the findings of
      relevant publications identified using the PubMed database. Although antibiotics
      have been associated with an increased risk of IBD development and flares,
      several meta-analyses demonstrate that antibiotics are efficacious for the
      induction of remission and treatment of flares in patients with IBD. Data
      supporting their use include a large number of antibiotic studies in Crohn's
      disease and evidence suggests antibiotics are efficacious in both Crohn's disease
      and ulcerative colitis, although there are fewer studies of the latter. For
      Crohn's disease, antibiotics have been shown to be useful for the induction of
      remission and in the postoperative management of patients undergoing surgery.
      Additionally, patients with fistulizing disease, particularly perianal, can
      benefit from antibiotics administered short term. Both antimicrobials and
      probiotics have been shown to be useful for the treatment of pouchitis.
      Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to further elucidate the role
      of bacteria in IBD and to better inform clinicians about appropriate antibiotic
      therapies. 

PMID- 25141238
TI  - Proteomic characterization of Helicobacter pylori CagA antigen recognized by
      child serum antibodies and its epitope mapping by peptide array.
AB  - Serum antibodies against pathogenic bacteria play immunologically protective
      roles, and can be utilized as diagnostic markers of infection. This study focused
      on Japanese child serum antibodies against Helicobacter pylori, a chronically
      infected gastric bacterium which causes gastric cancer in adults. Serological
      diagnosis for H. pylori infection is well established for adults, but it needs to
      be improved for children. Serum samples from 24 children, 22 H. pylori (Hp)
      positive and 2 Hp-negative children, were used to catalogue antigenic proteins of
      a Japanese strain CPY2052 by two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by
      immunoblot and LC-MS/MS analysis. In total, 24 proteins were identified as
      candidate antigen proteins. Among these, the major virulence factor, cytotoxin
      associated gene A protein (CagA) was the most reactive antigen recognized by all
      the Hp-positive sera even from children under the age of 3 years. The major
      antigenic part of CagA was identified in the middle region, and two peptides
      containing CagA epitopes were identified using a newly developed peptide/protein
      combined array chip method, modified from our previous protein chip method. Each
      of the epitopes was found to contain amino acid residue(s) unique to East Asian
      CagA. Epitope analysis of CagA indicated importance of the regional CagA antigens
      for serodiagnosis of H. pylori infection in children. 

PMID- 25141240
TI  - Comparison of subjective effects of extended-release versus immediate-release
      oxycodone/acetaminophen tablets in healthy nondependent recreational users of
      prescription opioids: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prescription opioids have substantial abuse potential. This study
      compared the positive subjective drug effects of a newly developed extended
      release (ER) oxycodone (OC)/acetaminophen (acetyl-para-aminophenol [APAP])
      formulation with those of immediate-release (IR) OC/APAP. METHODS: This
      randomized, double-blind, active- and placebo-controlled, 7-way crossover study
      enrolled healthy volunteers who were recreational prescription opioid users. The
      protocol was approved by an institutional review board and all participants
      provided written informed consent. Participants received single doses of intact
      ER and IR OC/APAP 15/650 mg, intact ER and IR OC/APAP 30/1300 mg, crushed ER and
      IR OC/APAP 30/1300 mg, and placebo. Peak subjective effects (Emax), time to Emax,
      and area under the drug-effect curves for drug liking, drug high, and good drug
      effects were measured using visual analogue scales. Least squares means with 95%
      confidence interval were compared using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Among
      completers (N = 55), intact ER OC/APAP produced delayed and lower peak effects
      versus IR OC/APAP. Comparing intact tablets, the drug liking Emax (least squares
      means [95% confidence interval]) was significantly lower for OC/APAP 30/1300 mg
      (76.4 [72.8 to 80.0]) than for IR OC/APAP 30/1300 mg (85.6 [81.9 to 89.2];
      difference, -9.2 [-13.1 to -5.2]; P < 0.001). Similar results were observed for
      intact ER and IR OC/APAP (15 mg/650 mg). Crushing ER OC/APAP 30/1300 mg further
      delayed these effects compared with the same dose of crushed IR OC/APAP and
      intact ER OC/APAP. CONCLUSIONS: Extended-release OC/APAP produced lower
      subjective drug effects than IR OC/APAP. Crushing ER OC/APAP further delayed
      onset of subjective effects compared with intact ER OC/APAP. The ER OC/APAP may
      be less attractive for abuse than IR OC/APAP. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This
      phase 1 study conducted in the United States was not registered.

PMID- 25141241
TI  - Esomeprazole treatment of frequent heartburn: two randomized, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled trials.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of a 14-day regimen of esomeprazole 20 mg for
      the treatment of frequent heartburn in subjects who are likely to self-treat with
      over-the-counter medications without consulting a health care provider. METHODS:
      Adults with frequent heartburn >= 2 days per week in the past 4 weeks were
      randomly assigned to 14-day double-blind treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg once
      daily or placebo in 2 identical multicenter studies (ClinicalTrials.gov
      identifiers: NCT01370525, NCT01370538). The primary efficacy outcome was
      percentage of heartburn-free 24-hour days across 14 days. Secondary efficacy
      outcomes included heartburn resolution, defined as heartburn <= 2 days over 14
      days, and percentages of subjects reporting <= 1 day with heartburn in the first
      and final weeks of treatment. Subjects recorded data in daily self-assessment
      diaries. RESULTS: The percentage of heartburn-free 24-hour days over 14 days was
      significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in subjects receiving esomeprazole 20 mg
      compared with placebo in study 1 (N = 331; 46.13% vs. 33.07%, respectively) and
      study 2 (N = 320; 48.00% vs 32.75%, respectively). Significantly more subjects
      treated with esomeprazole 20 mg had heartburn resolution over 14 days and in the
      first and final weeks compared with placebo. Within the first 4 days, the
      proportion of subjects with heartburn-free days was significantly greater with
      esomeprazole 20 mg versus placebo. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with a
      safety pattern consistent with the known profile for esomeprazole. CONCLUSION: A
      14-day regimen of esomeprazole 20 mg once daily was effective for treating
      frequent heartburn in subjects who are likely to self-treat with over-the-counter
      medications.

PMID- 25141242
TI  - A review of the literature on multiple factors involved in postoperative pain
      course and duration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on the progression from acute to chronic
      postoperative pain, to evaluate the evidence for the risk of progressing to
      persistent postoperative and chronic pain, and to identify characteristics of
      pharmacologic treatments to best tailor therapy to an individual patient's pain
      profile. BACKGROUND: Pain is most commonly classified by duration (acute,
      chronic) and pathophysiology (nociceptive, neuropathic); however, these
      descriptors alone incompletely describe pain. Additionally, the transition
      between acute and chronic postoperative pain is not well understood. METHODS: We
      conducted a qualitative review and evaluation of the literature on postoperative
      pain with respect to the above objectives. RESULTS: Individualized pharmacologic
      treatments require a complete characterization of a patient's pain profile, in
      terms of frequency of pain over the course of a 24-hour day and over time
      thereafter, frequency and duration of pain flares, and presence of neuropathic
      pain. These considerations can help guide the choice of pharmacologic treatment
      to meet patient needs over a 24-hour day and over time after surgery. With
      respect to opioid analgesics, acute pain requires rapid onset of analgesia and
      the ability to titrate analgesia to the changing characteristics of pain over a
      short period. For these reasons, short-acting opioid analgesics have been
      preferred; however, there are opioid formulations with rapid onset and extended
      release for reduced dosing frequency. Although nociceptive pain can typically be
      controlled by titration of the dose of an opioid analgesic, neuropathic pain may
      respond better to the addition of an antineuropathic medication rather than to
      opioid dose escalation. CONCLUSION: Advances in individualized pharmacologic
      treatment for postoperative pain have resulted in better pain control. Moreover,
      the recognition of sub-acute pain as a new entity is important because many
      surgical patients will need therapy beyond the first 8 days after surgery. In
      this group of patients the diagnosis of a neuropathic pain component will be
      important so that appropriate multimodal therapy may be implemented.

PMID- 25141243
TI  - The economic burden of diagnosed opioid abuse among commercially insured
      individuals.
AB  - The abuse of prescription opioids imposes a substantial public health and
      economic burden. Recent research using administrative claims data has
      substantiated the prevalence and cost of opioid abuse among commercially insured
      individuals. Although administrative claims data are readily available and have
      been used to effectively answer research questions about the burden of illness
      for many different conditions, an important issue is the reliability,
      replicability, and generalizability of estimates derived from different
      databases. Therefore, this study sought to assess whether the findings of a
      recently published study of opioid abuse in a commercial claims database
      (original analysis) could be replicated in a different commercial claims
      database. The original analysis, which analyzed the prevalence and excess health
      care costs of diagnosed opioid abuse in the OptumHealth Reporting and Insights
      Database, was replicated by applying the same approach to the Truven MarketScan
      Commercial Claims and Encounters Database (replication analysis). In the
      replication analysis, the prevalence of diagnosed opioid abuse increased steadily
      from 15.8 diagnosed opioid abusers per 10,000 in 2009, to 26.6 diagnosed opioid
      abusers per 10,000 in 2012. Although the prevalence of diagnosed opioid abuse was
      higher than reported in the original analysis, the trend of increasing prevalence
      over time was consistent across analyses. Additionally, diagnosed abusers had
      excess annual per patient health care costs of $11,376 in the replication
      analysis, which was consistent with the excess annual per patient health care
      costs of diagnosed abuse of $10,627 reported in the original analysis. The
      replication analysis also found an upward trend in the prevalence of diagnosed
      opioid abuse over time and substantial excess annual per patient health care
      costs of diagnosed opioid abuse among commercially insured individuals,
      suggesting that these findings are generalizable to other commercially insured
      populations.

PMID- 25141244
TI  - Acute pain: effective management requires comprehensive assessment.
AB  - Pain is among the most common reasons that patients seek medical care, and
      inadequate assessment may result in suboptimal management. Acute pain in response
      to trauma or surgery can be complex, variable, and dynamic, but its assessment is
      often simplistic and brief. One-dimensional rating scale measures of pain
      severity facilitate rapid evaluation and often form the basis of treatment
      algorithms. However, additional features of pain should inform the selection of a
      treatment regimen, and can include pain qualities, duration, impact on functional
      capabilities, and underlying cause. Patient age, sex, psychosocial features, and
      comorbid conditions are also important features to consider. Use of a
      multidimensional tool is recommended for assessing many of these features if time
      permits. Additionally, clinicians often fail to recognize or consider the
      potentially detrimental long-term effects of acute pain. As the United States
      continues to experience a prescription drug crisis, a "universal precautions"
      approach including abuse risk assessment and abuse deterrence strategies should
      be implemented for patients receiving opioids. Increased efforts and research are
      necessary to enhance the utility of available acute pain assessment tools.
      Developing more comprehensive tools for patient assessment is the first step in
      achieving the ultimate goal of effective acute pain management. The objectives of
      this review are to summarize issues regarding the complexity of acute pain and to
      provide suggestions for its evaluation. 

PMID- 25141245
TI  - Optimal treatment of anaphylaxis: antihistamines versus epinephrine.
AB  - Anaphylaxis is a rapid, systemic, often unanticipated, and potentially life
      threatening immune reaction occurring after exposure to certain foreign
      substances. The main immunologic triggers include food, insect venom, and
      medications. Multiple immunologic pathways underlie anaphylaxis, but most involve
      immune activation and release of immunomodulators. Anaphylaxis can be difficult
      to recognize clinically, making differential diagnosis key. The incidence of
      anaphylaxis has at least doubled during the past few decades, and in the United
      States alone, an estimated 1500 fatalities are attributed to anaphylaxis
      annually. The increasing incidence and potentially life-threatening nature of
      anaphylaxis coupled with diagnostic challenges make appropriate and timely
      treatment critical. Epinephrine is universally recommended as the first-line
      therapy for anaphylaxis, and early treatment is critical to prevent a potentially
      fatal outcome. Despite the evidence and guideline recommendations supporting its
      use for anaphylaxis, epinephrine remains underused. Data indicate that
      antihistamines are more commonly used to treat patients with anaphylaxis.
      Although histamine is involved in anaphylaxis, treatment with antihistamines does
      not relieve or prevent all of the pathophysiological symptoms of anaphylaxis,
      including the more serious complications such as airway obstruction, hypotension,
      and shock. Additionally, antihistamines do not act as rapidly as epinephrine;
      maximal plasma concentrations are reached between 1 and 3 hours for
      antihistamines compared with < 10 minutes for intramuscular epinephrine
      injection. This demonstrates the need for improved approaches to educate
      physicians and patients regarding the appropriate treatment of anaphylaxis. 

PMID- 25141246
TI  - Risk of upper gastrointestinal ulcers in patients with osteoarthritis receiving
      single-tablet ibuprofen/famotidine versus ibuprofen alone: pooled efficacy and
      safety analyses of two randomized, double-blind, comparison trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although anti-inflammatory doses of ibuprofen are very effective in
      treating the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), they come with an
      increased risk for gastrointestinal damage which can limit their use and decrease
      patient adherence to therapy. OBJECTIVE: Assess the efficacy and safety of an
      ibuprofen/famotidine fixed-dose tablet for reducing the risk of upper
      gastrointestinal (UGI) ulcers compared with ibuprofen alone in OA patients.
      METHODS: Osteoarthritis patients from previously completed randomized, double
      blind, comparison registration trials (REDUCE-1 and 2) which included a broad
      pain patient population, were pooled and analyzed for (1) the risk of
      endoscopically identified UGI ulcers over 24 weeks and (2) comparative pre
      specified treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs). The primary outcomes were
      the comparative incidence of UGI, gastric, and duodenal ulcers and TEAEs in (1)
      the total OA population, (2) those aged >= 60 years, and (3) those on low dose
      aspirin. A total of 776 patients were randomized (safety population), and 713
      were evaluable as the study population. RESULTS: Upper gastrointestinal ulcer
      risk was statistically significantly reduced with the fixed dose tablet compared
      with ibuprofen alone by 44% in the overall population, 55% in those aged >= 60
      years and 65% in those on low dose aspirin. Individually, gastric and duodenal
      ulcers were also significantly reduced in all groups analyzed. Adverse events of
      special interest were generally similar between the 2 groups, with the exception
      of dyspepsia. Relative risk reduction for dyspepsia in the overall population was
      40% and 55% in those aged >= 60 years. Patients not receiving low dose aspirin
      had a 49% relative risk reduction in dyspepsia. CONCLUSION: The fixed combination
      of ibuprofen/famotidine significantly reduced the risk for endoscopically
      documented gastrointestinal ulcers in OA patients and produced clinically
      meaningful reductions in patient reported dyspepsia compared with the ibuprofen
      alone.

PMID- 25141247
TI  - Role of indomethacin in acute pain and inflammation management: a review of the
      literature.
AB  - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a class of analgesics that includes
      traditional nonselective and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors that block the
      biosynthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane. Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal
      anti-inflammatory drug with potent antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory
      activity that has been effectively used in the management of mild-to-moderate
      pain since the mid-1960s. It is commonly prescribed for the relief of acute gouty
      arthritis pain, but has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of various other
      painful conditions. Numerous comparative studies have affirmed the clinical
      utility of indomethacin relative to other widely used analgesics. This review
      provides an historic overview of indomethacin and its efficacy compared with
      other commonly used analgesics, and discusses new indomethacin drug products. 

PMID- 25141249
TI  - Chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a clinical enigma.
AB  - Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is an ill-defined, painful clinical condition
      that is characterized by various nonspecific symptoms, some of which are related
      to urination or the male reproductive organs. Urologists diagnose this particular
      condition when the symptoms are not associated with urinary bacterial growth
      before and after transrectal prostate massage. In this review, we describe the
      recommended and optional tests that can be performed in these cases. There is
      significant overlap between chronic nonbacterial prostatitis and other
      unexplained pain conditions, raising the question as to whether the prostate is
      the culprit. The sources and mediators of pain and the psychological aspects of
      this complex condition are discussed. Treatments consist of traditional
      antibiotics and alpha-blockers. Because the pain relief is often temporary,
      patients seek other solutions. Various therapeutics have been introduced to
      satisfy the expectations of patients and physicians. We discuss other pain
      medications, as well as intraprostatic drug injections and shockwave therapy.
      Importantly, however, not all of these suggestions have been widely accepted by
      urologists or pain clinics. 

PMID- 25141248
TI  - Combining opioid and adrenergic mechanisms for chronic pain.
AB  - Chronic pain is a highly prevalent medical problem in the United States. Although
      opioids and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have
      demonstrated efficacy for relief of chronic pain, each has risks of adverse
      events in patients. Because of the risk of opioid abuse and addiction,
      combinations reducing opioid requirements are particularly valuable. Opioid and
      SNRI agents relieve pain by different pathways; concurrent use of each agent
      separately offers many potential benefits: complementary and possibly synergistic
      analgesic efficacy, separate titrations of opioid and SNRI effects, and the
      reduction of opioid requirements. However, few clinical studies have investigated
      the ideal ratios for combinations of opioids and SNRIs. A number of factors
      affect whether specific combinations have additive, synergistic, less than
      additive efficacy, or increase adverse events in patients, including general
      pharmacokinetic considerations, the potential for pharmacodynamic drug
      interactions, dose, and timing. Because there is little clinical evidence guiding
      combination therapy with separate opioid and SNRI agents, using single-molecule
      agents provides safe and effective therapy and should be the first option
      presented to patients. The use of empiric combinations of separate opioid and
      SNRI combinations needs to be considered in light of clinical cautions, including
      the lack of published evidence to guide dose conversion from any opioid to
      tramadol or to tapentadol, and vice versa; the need to avoid combinations with
      known drug interactions; and the need to titrate the dose when adding an SNRI to
      an opioid, and vice versa. 

PMID- 25141250
TI  - The management of acute hypertension in patients with renal dysfunction:
      labetalol or nicardipine?
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and efficacy of U.S. Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA)-recommended doses of labetalol and nicardipine for
      hypertension (HTN) management in a subset of patients with renal dysfunction
      (RD). DESIGN: Randomized, open label, multicenter prospective clinical trial.
      SETTING: Thirteen United States tertiary care emergency departments. PATIENTS OR
      PARTICIPANTS: Subgroup analysis of the Evaluation of IV Cardene (Nicardipine) and
      Labetalol Use in the Emergency Department (CLUE) clinical trial. The subjects
      were 104 patients with RD (i.e., creatinine clearance < 75 mL/min) who presented
      to the emergency department with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) >= 180 mmHg on 2
      consecutive readings and for whom the emergency physician felt intravenous
      antihypertensive therapy was desirable. INTERVENTIONS: The FDA recommended doses
      of either labetalol or nicardipine for HTN management. MEASUREMENTS: The number
      of patients achieving the physician's predefined target SBP range within 30
      minutes of treatment. RESULTS: Patients treated with nicardipine were within
      target range more often than those receiving labetalol (92% vs. 78%, P = 0.046).
      On 6 SBP measures, patients treated with nicardipine were more likely to achieve
      the target range on either 5 or all 6 readings than were patients treated with
      labetalol (46% vs. 25%, P = 0.024). Labetalol patients were more likely to
      require rescue medication (27% vs. 17%, P = 0.020). Adverse events thought to be
      related to either treatment group were not reported in the 30-minute active study
      period, and patients had slower heart rates at all time points after 5 minutes (P
      < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In severe HTN with RD, nicardipine-treated patients are
      more likely to reach a target blood pressure range within 30 minutes than are
      patients receiving labetalol. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Within 30 minutes of
      administration, nicardipine is more efficacious than labetalol for acute blood
      pressure control in patients with RD.

PMID- 25141251
TI  - Quality of life after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND): APEX
      interim 3-year analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is often associated with diminished health-related quality of
      life (HRQOL), but significant gains in HRQOL have been observed after bariatric
      surgery. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has been established as a safe,
      effective treatment to reduce weight in patients with obesity. This report
      summarizes interim 3-year changes in HRQOL and body weight, as well as safety
      postimplantation of the LAP-BAND AP (LBAP) system. METHODS: The LAP-BAND AP
      EXperience (APEX) trial, an ongoing, prospective, 5-year, open-label study,
      assessed changes in HRQOL (Obesity and Weight-Loss Quality of Life [OWLQOL]
      questionnaire) and body weight, and safety after placement of LBAP. This interim
      analysis represents patients with evaluable OWLQOL data at baseline and at 3
      years (n = 183). RESULTS: The OWLQOL total score and individual scores
      significantly improved within 6 months post-LBAP and continued to improve during
      a 3 year period (P < 0.0001, both). Total score improved from 71.0 to 34.0 (mean
      improvement from baseline, 52%; range, 18%-65%); mean change in individual scores
      was -2.2 (range, -0.7 to -3.0). Percent weight loss was maintained through 3
      years (19.4%; n = 174). Improvement in OWLQOL was associated with percent weight
      loss at 3 years (r = -0.5407; P < 0.0001). Revisions and explants were performed
      in 7 (3.8%) and 20 (10.9%) out of 183 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Meaningful improvement in quality of life occurred through clinically significant
      weight loss after LBAP placement, extending throughout the 3 years of this
      analysis.

PMID- 25141252
TI  - Improving early-stage diagnosis and management of COPD in primary care.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable
      disease, but it often remains undetected in its mild and moderate forms. Patients
      frequently remain undiagnosed and untreated until the disease has become severe
      and debilitating, greatly impacting their quality of life. Primary care
      physicians (PCPs) are most often the first point of contact, and therefore they
      are in the best position to identify patients at risk of COPD in the early
      stages. Consequently, they play a critical role in the management of the disease,
      particularly smoking cessation. One of the earliest symptoms is activity-related
      dyspnea and subsequent exercise intolerance, often compensated for by reduction
      in physical activity. This review addresses the approaches used to identify COPD
      in the primary care setting, including simple tools such as handheld spirometers
      and questionnaires. A recent study demonstrated that, compared with usual care,
      use of the COPD Population Screener questionnaire alone and in combination with
      the copd-6 handheld spirometer significantly improved the odds of referral of
      patients with suspected COPD for pulmonary function testing or to a
      pulmonologist. Identification of patients suspected of having the disease and
      differentiation of COPD from asthma are important in order that treatment can be
      initiated in the mild stages to slow or prevent disease progression and reduce
      the risk of exacerbations. The review also discusses the evidence to date on
      pharmacologic treatment using short-acting and long-acting anticholinergics and
      beta2-agonists, and nonpharmacologic interventions, such as smoking cessation,
      pulmonary rehabilitation, and influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in patients
      with mild and moderate COPD. 

PMID- 25141253
TI  - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, iron deficiency, and obesity: is there
      a link?
AB  - The exact etiopathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
      remains elusive, likely because of its phenotypic heterogeneity. Given the
      involvement of iron in neurocognitive and behavioral functions, iron deficiency
      (ID) has been suggested as a possible etiopathophysiological factor in a
      subsample of individuals with ADHD. Most studies assessing ID in ADHD have
      focused on serum ferritin, a marker of peripheral iron status. Results from these
      studies are mixed, and the largest studies failed to find a significant
      association between ADHD and low serum ferritin levels. However, serum ferritin
      may be influenced by several conditions, including inflammatory status.
      Increasing evidence, especially from epidemiological studies, points to a
      significant association between ADHD and obesity. Interestingly, obesity is
      associated with a chronic inflammatory status, characterized by ID with normal-to
      high serum ferritin levels. This article reviews the literature on iron status in
      ADHD and on the relationship between ADHD and obesity; discusses a possible link
      among ADHD, ID, and obesity; and proposes that comorbid obesity contributes to
      ID, via chronic inflammation, in a subsample of individuals with ADHD. Thus, the
      comorbidity between ADHD and obesity suggests moving beyond serum ferritin levels
      and assessing the molecular pathways of chronic inflammation that lead to ID in
      individuals with ADHD and obesity. In turns, this may pave the way for novel
      treatment strategies for cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions related to ID in
      ADHD. 

PMID- 25141254
TI  - Management of diabetic nephropathy in older patients: a need for flexible
      guidelines.
AB  - As the population ages and diabetes mellitus increases in prevalence, the
      incidence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is becoming a disease of older people
      (aged >= 75 years). As the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus and DN shifts toward
      this patient population, the pathogenesis of DN in old age is changing: the
      pathologic findings suggest ischemia and hypertension, and the classic
      Kimmelstiel-Wilson lesions may be absent. The demographic shift in the
      epidemiology and the associated changes in pathology because of aging and
      atherosclerosis will have a significant impact on various aspects related to the
      disease in old age. This article reviews the authors' current understanding of DN
      and its implications on clinical management relevant to current guidelines. 

PMID- 25141255
TI  - Metabolic syndrome prevalence among Northern Mexican adult population.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dietary habits in the Mexican population have changed
      dramatically over the last few years, which are reflected in increased overweight
      and obesity prevalence. The aim was to examine the prevalence of metabolic
      syndrome (MetS) and associated risk factors in Northern Mexican adults aged >= 16
      years. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was a population-based cross-sectional
      nutritional survey carried out in the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The study
      included a sub-sample of 1,200 subjects aged 16 and over who took part in the
      State Survey of Nutrition and Health-Nuevo Leon 2011/2012. Anthropometric
      measurements, physical activity, blood pressure and fasting blood tests for
      biochemical analysis were obtained from all subjects. The prevalence of MetS in
      Mexican adults aged >= 16 years was 54.8%, reaching 73.8% in obese subjects. This
      prevalence was higher in women (60.4%) than in men (48.9%) and increased with age
      in both genders. Multivariate analyses showed no evident relation between MetS
      components and the level of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Obese adults, mainly
      women, are particularly at risk of developing MetS, with the associated
      implications for their health. The increasing prevalence of MetS highlights the
      need for developing strategies for its early detection and prevention.

PMID- 25141256
TI  - [Sociocultural and medical management of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa].
AB  - Hypertension has now become very prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, in part due to
      the region's epidemiologic transition. Its long asymptomatic onset explains its
      late recognition and thus the high frequency of complications. Sociocultural
      conditions play an important role in the genesis of the disease in this region
      and in the difficulties encountered in its management. The breakdown of
      traditional ways of life, growing urbanization, and the switch to a western
      lifestyle and diet all have well-known deleterious effects on the cardiovascular
      system. High salt consumption, sedentarity, overweight and alcohol intake all
      promote these developments. The insufficient availability of medical care,
      poverty, and poor understanding of chronic diseases complicate the medical
      management of hypertension. In these regions, it is now a public health challenge
      that requires the training of healthcare workers and the involvement of the
      society as a whole, including political decisions, health education for school
      children, and actions by social organizations and local officials and leaders.
      This communication must always respect traditional customs. Both curative
      measures and preventive actions are essential. Priority must be given to
      combatting excessive salt consumption, for the results of its reduction are known
      to be rapid and positive. Preventing or reducing overweight and obesity,
      sedentarity, and alcohol and tobacco consumption are effective steps against
      hypertension, but also atheromatous cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Drug
      therapy must meet the three essential criteria: it must be effective, available,
      and inexpensive. Hypertension is not inevitable, but reflects changes in society.
      It appears to be transmitted in part by modern lifestyles, which can be modified.

PMID- 25141259
TI  - Flexible graphene electrode-based organic photovoltaics with record-high
      efficiency.
AB  - Advancements in the field of flexible high-efficiency solar cells and other
      optoelectronic devices will strongly depend on the development of electrode
      materials with good conductivity and flexibility. To address chemical and
      mechanical instability of currently used indium tin oxide (ITO), graphene has
      been suggested as a promising flexible transparent electrode but challenges
      remain in achieving high efficiency of graphene-based polymer solar cells (PSCs)
      compared to their ITO-based counterparts. Here we demonstrate graphene anode- and
      cathode-based flexible PSCs with record-high power conversion efficiencies of 6.1
      and 7.1%, respectively. The high efficiencies were achieved via thermal treatment
      of MoO3 electron blocking layer and direct deposition of ZnO electron
      transporting layer on graphene. We also demonstrate graphene-based flexible PSCs
      on polyethylene naphthalate substrates and show the device stability under
      different bending conditions. Our work paves a way to fully graphene electrode
      based flexible solar cells using a simple and reproducible process. 

PMID- 25141257
TI  - Pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics analysis of bicyclic 4-nitroimidazole analogs
      in a murine model of tuberculosis.
AB  - PA-824 is a bicyclic 4-nitroimidazole, currently in phase II clinical trials for
      the treatment of tuberculosis. Dose fractionation pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic
      studies in mice indicated that the driver of PA-824 in vivo efficacy is the time
      during which the free drug concentrations in plasma are above the MIC (fT>MIC).
      In this study, a panel of closely related potent bicyclic 4-nitroimidazoles was
      profiled in both in vivo PK and efficacy studies. In an established murine TB
      model, the efficacy of diverse nitroimidazole analogs ranged between 0.5 and 2.3
      log CFU reduction compared to untreated controls. Further, a retrospective
      analysis was performed for a set of seven nitroimidazole analogs to identify the
      PK parameters that correlate with in vivo efficacy. Our findings show that the in
      vivo efficacy of bicyclic 4-nitroimidazoles correlated better with lung PK than
      with plasma PK. Further, nitroimidazole analogs with moderate-to-high volume of
      distribution and Lung to plasma ratios of >2 showed good efficacy. Among all the
      PK-PD indices, total lung T>MIC correlated the best with in vivo efficacy (rs =
      0.88) followed by lung Cmax/MIC and AUC/MIC. Thus, lung drug distribution studies
      could potentially be exploited to guide the selection of compounds for efficacy
      studies, thereby accelerating the drug discovery efforts in finding new
      nitroimidazole analogs. 

PMID- 25141261
TI  - Adenovirus-mediated FKHRL1/TM sensitizes melanoma cells to apoptosis induced by
      temozolomide.
AB  - Melanoma exhibits variable resistance to the alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ).
      We evaluated the potential of adenovirus expressing forkhead human transcription
      factor like 1 triple mutant (Ad-FKHRL1/TM) to sensitize melanoma cells to TMZ.
      Four melanoma cell lines were treated with Ad-FKHRL1/TM and TMZ, alone or in
      combination. Apoptosis was assessed by activation and inhibition of caspase
      pathway, nuclei fragmentation, and annexin V staining. The potential therapeutic
      efficacy of Ad-FKHRL1/TM with TMZ was also assessed in a mouse melanoma xenograft
      model. Combination therapy of Ad-FKHRL1/TM and TMZ resulted in greater cell
      killing (<20% cell viability) compared to single therapy and controls (p<0.05).
      Combination indices of Ad-FKHRL1/TM and TMZ therapy indicated significant
      (p<0.05) synergistic killing effect. Greater apoptosis induction was found in
      cells treated with Ad-FKHRL1/TM and TMZ than Ad-FKHRL1/TM or TMZ-treated cells
      alone. Treatment with temozolomide enhanced adenovirus transgene expression in a
      cell type-dependent manner. In an in vivo model, combination therapy of Ad
      FKHRL1/TM with TMZ results in greater tumor growth reduction in comparison with
      single treatments. We suggest that Ad-FKHRL1/TM is a promising vector to
      sensitize melanoma cells to TMZ, and that a combination of both approaches would
      be effective in the clinical setting.

PMID- 25141260
TI  - Cross-linking electrochemical mass spectrometry for probing protein three
      dimensional structures.
AB  - Chemical cross-linking combined with mass spectrometry (MS) is powerful to
      provide protein three-dimensional structure information but difficulties in
      identifying cross-linked peptides and elucidating their structures limit its
      usefulness. To tackle these challenges, this study presents a novel cross-linking
      MS in conjunction with electrochemistry using disulfide-bond-containing
      dithiobis[succinimidyl propionate] (DSP) as the cross-linker. In our approach,
      electrolysis of DSP-bridged protein/peptide products, as online monitored by
      desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is highly informative.
      First, as disulfide bonds are electrochemically reducible, the cross-links are
      subject to pronounced intensity decrease upon electrolytic reduction, suggesting
      a new way to identify cross-links. Also, mass shift before and after electrolysis
      suggests the linkage pattern of cross-links. Electrochemical reduction removes
      disulfide bond constraints, possibly increasing sequence coverage for tandem MS
      analysis and yielding linear peptides whose structures are more easily determined
      than their cross-linked precursor peptides. Furthermore, this cross-linking
      electrochemical MS method is rapid, due to the fast nature of electrochemical
      conversion (much faster than traditional chemical reduction) and no need for
      chromatographic separation, which would be of high value for structural
      proteomics research. 

PMID- 25141262
TI  - Epigenetic alterations and autoimmune disease.
AB  - Recent advances in epigenetics have enhanced our knowledge of how environmental
      factors (UV radiation, drugs, infections, etc.) contribute to the development of
      autoimmune diseases (AID) in genetically predisposed individuals. Studies
      conducted in monozygotic twins discordant for AID and spontaneous autoimmune
      animal models have highlighted the importance of DNA methylation changes and
      histone modifications. Alterations in the epigenetic pattern seem to be cell
      specific, as CD4+ T cells and B cells are dysregulated in systemic lupus
      erythematosus, synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis and cerebral cells in
      multiple sclerosis. With regard to lymphocytes, the control of tolerance is
      affected, leading to the development of autoreactive cells. Other epigenetic
      processes, such as the newly described miRNAs, and post-translational protein
      modifications may also be suspected. Altogether, a conceptual revolution is in
      progress, in AID, with potential new therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic
      patterns. 

PMID- 25141263
TI  - Decreased urine albumin:creatinine ratios in infants of diabetic mothers: does
      exposure to diabetic pregnancies alter fetal renal development?
AB  - Offspring of diabetic mothers experience an increased risk for type 2 diabetes
      but it is not known whether diabetic pregnancies also confer a higher inter
      generational risk for diabetic complications. Because microalbuminuria is a
      sensitive indicator of glomerular damage, we compared the urine
      albumin:creatinine ratios (ACRs) between 65 infants of diabetic mothers (InfDM+)
      and 59 infants of non-diabetic mothers (InfDM-), and repeated the comparisons in
      21 InfDM+ and 19 InfDM- when children were 5-19 months old. ACRs were higher
      among neonates compared with normal reference values for adults, but declined
      with increasing age. The only independent predictor of higher ACRs in a logistic
      regression model (?13 mg/mmol v. <13 mg/mmol) was the presence of delivery
      complications (odds ratio 2.95; P = 0.015). Neither high nor low birth weight was
      associated with higher neonatal ACRs. The most unique finding of the study was
      that InfDM+ had significantly lower ACRs than InfDM- [mean = 12.9 (median = 6.0)
      v. mean = 16.6 (median = 11.5), respectively at P = 0.05] even after adjusting
      for other variables using logistic regression (odds ratio 0.25; P = 0.001). In
      contrast, by 5-19 months, there was a trend toward higher ACRs among InfDM+
      compared with InfDM- [mean = 6.3 mg/mmol (median = 1.9) v. mean = 3.0 mg/mmol
      (median = 2.5), respectively at P = 0.25]. Lower ACRs in InfDM+ may be due to
      developmental changes in fetal kidneys induced by hyperinsulinemia. Although the
      implications of this observation are unclear, it is possible that exposure to a
      diabetic intrauterine environment might influence the later risk for renal
      disease. 

PMID- 25141264
TI  - Osteoprotegerin in pregnant adolescents differs by race and is related to infant
      birth weight z-score.
AB  - Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is involved in the regulation of bone turnover, but little
      is known about this protein during pregnancy or among neonates. We undertook a
      prospective longitudinal study to identify relationships between OPG, markers of
      bone turnover and birth outcomes in 155 pregnant adolescents (13-18 years) and
      their newborns. Maternal blood samples were collected at mid-gestation and at
      delivery. Cord blood was obtained at delivery. Serum OPG, estradiol and markers
      of bone formation (osteocalcin) and resorption (N-telopeptide) were assessed in
      all samples. Placental OPG expression was assessed in placental tissue obtained
      at delivery. Bone markers and OPG increased significantly from mid-gestation
      (26.0 +/- 3.4 weeks) to delivery (39.3 +/- 2.6 weeks). Neonatal OPG was
      significantly lower, but bone turnover markers were significantly higher than
      maternal values at mid-gestation and at parturition (P < 0.001). African-American
      adolescents had higher concentrations of OPG than Caucasian adolescents at mid
      gestation (P = 0.01) and delivery (P = 0.04). Gestational age and estradiol were
      also predictors of maternal OPG at mid-gestation and delivery. OPG concentrations
      in cord blood were correlated with maternal OPG concentrations and were
      negatively associated with infant birth weight z-score (P = 0.02) and ponderal
      index (P = 0.02). In conclusion, maternal OPG concentrations increased across
      gestation and were significantly higher than neonatal OPG concentrations.
      Maternal and neonatal OPG concentrations were not associated with markers of bone
      turnover or placental OPG expression, but neonatal OPG was inversely associated
      with neonatal anthropometric measures. Additional research is needed to identify
      roles of OPG during pregnancy. 

PMID- 25141265
TI  - Novel thromboxane A2 analog-induced IUGR mouse model.
AB  - Rodents, particularly rats, are used in the majority of intrauterine growth
      restriction (IUGR) research. An important tool that is lacking in this field is
      the ability to impose IUGR on transgenic mice. We therefore developed a novel
      mouse model of chronic IUGR using U-46619, a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) analog,
      infusion. TXA2 overproduction is prevalent in human pregnancies complicated by
      cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. In this model, U-46619
      micro-osmotic pump infusion in the last week of C57BL/6J mouse gestation caused
      maternal hypertension. IUGR pups weighed 15% less, had lighter brain, lung, liver
      and kidney weights, but had similar nose-to-anus lengths compared with sham pups
      at birth. Metabolically, IUGR pups showed increased essential branched-chain
      amino acids. They were normoglycemic yet hypoinsulinemic. They showed decreased
      hepatic mRNA levels of total insulin-like growth factor-1 and its variants, but
      increased level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1
      alpha. IUGR offspring were growth restricted from birth (P1) through postnatal
      day 21 (P21). IUGR males caught up with sham males in weight by P28, whereas IUGR
      females caught up with sham females by P77. IUGR males surpassed sham males in
      weight by P238. In summary, we have a non-brain sparing IUGR mouse model that has
      a relative ease of surgical IUGR induction and exhibits features similar to the
      chronic IUGR offspring of humans and other animal models. As transgenic
      technology predominates in mice, this model now permits the imposition of IUGR on
      transgenic mice to interrogate mechanisms of fetal origins of adult disease. 

PMID- 25141266
TI  - The effect of high multivitamin diet during pregnancy on food intake and glucose
      metabolism in Wistar rat offspring fed low-vitamin diets post weaning.
AB  - Rat offspring born to dams fed a high multivitamin diet (HV) are shown to have
      increased risks of obesity and metabolic syndrome. We hypothesized that a low
      vitamin postweaning diet would enhance these characteristics in offspring born to
      HV dams. During pregnancy, Wistar rats were fed the AIN-93G diet with or without
      a 10-fold increase in vitamin content. In Experiment 1, at weaning, males were
      fed the recommended diet (RV) or a diet with 1/3 the vitamin content (1/3 RV) for
      12 weeks. In Experiment 2, males and females were fed the RV diet or 1/6 RV diet
      for 35 weeks. Body weight was measured on a weekly basis, food intake on a daily
      basis, and for 1 h after an overnight fast following glucose gavage at 6, 12 and
      24 weeks. Blood glucose and insulin responses to an oral glucose load were
      measured at 30 weeks. Males from HV dams, compared with those from RV dams,
      gained more weight in Experiment 1 (+7%, P < 0.05) and Experiment 2 (+11%, P <
      0.0001), along with higher glucose response (+33%, P < 0.05). The 1/6 RV pup diet
      led to lower weight gain in males (-16%, P < 0.0001) and females (-13%, P <
      0.0005), and lower food intake in males (-9%, P < 0.01) independent of the
      gestational diet. Females on the 1/6 RV diet and from HV dams had higher 1 h food
      intake (+36%, P < 0.05) and lower insulin response (-25%, P < 0.05) compared with
      those from RV dams. Exposure of the offspring to low-vitamin diets did not
      amplify the expression of the metabolic syndrome observed in those born to dams
      fed an HV diet. 

PMID- 25141267
TI  - Thermoelectric Seebeck effect in oxide-based resistive switching memory.
AB  - Reversible resistive switching induced by an electric field in oxide-based
      resistive switching memory shows a promising application in future information
      storage and processing. It is believed that there are some local conductive
      filaments formed and ruptured in the resistive switching process. However, as a
      fundamental question, how electron transports in the formed conductive filament
      is still under debate due to the difficulty to directly characterize its physical
      and electrical properties. Here we investigate the intrinsic electronic transport
      mechanism in such conductive filament by measuring thermoelectric Seebeck
      effects. We show that the small-polaron hopping model can well describe the
      electronic transport process for all resistance states, although the
      corresponding temperature-dependent resistance behaviours are contrary. Moreover,
      at low resistance states, we observe a clear semiconductor-metal transition
      around 150 K. These results provide insight in understanding resistive switching
      process and establish a basic framework for modelling resistive switching
      behaviour. 

PMID- 25141268
TI  - Contrasting reactivity behaviour of the [RuHCl(CO)(PNP)] complex with
      electrophilic reagents XOTf (X = H, CH3, Me3Si).
AB  - A new ruthenium pincer complex [RuHCl(CO)(PNP)] (PNP = PhCH2N(CH2CH2PPh2)2) ()
      was synthesized and characterized. The reactivity of complex with electrophilic
      reagents XOTf (X = H, CH3, and Me3Si; OTf = CF3SO3) was studied by variable
      temperature NMR spectroscopy with an aim to observe and characterize sigma
      complexes of type [Ru(eta(2)-HX)Cl(CO)(PNP)][OTf] (X = H (), CH3 (), Me3Si ()).
      Reaction of complex with HOTf resulted in the formation of the dihydrogen
      complex, [Ru(eta(2)-H2)Cl(CO)(PNP)[OTf] (). On the other hand, the reaction
      between complex and MeOTf and Me3SiOTf resulted in the direct elimination of MeCl
      and Me3SiCl via a SN2 type of reaction without the intermediacy of the respective
      sigma complexes and . This contrasting reactivity behaviour has been rationalized
      taking into consideration the approach of the relatively bulky electrophiles
      CH3(+) and Me3Si(+) onto the hydride moiety of the ruthenium fragment, which is
      sterically hindered. 

PMID- 25141269
TI  - A highly responsive and selective fluorescent probe for imaging physiological
      hydrogen sulfide.
AB  - The discovery of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a novel gasotransmitter for cell
      signaling and other pathophysiological processes has spurred tremendous interest
      in developing analytical methods for its detection in biological systems. Herein,
      we report the development of a highly responsive and selective genetically
      encoded H2S probe, hsGFP, for the detection of H2S both in vitro and in living
      mammalian cells. hsGFP bestows a combination of favorable properties, including
      large fluorescence responses, high efficiency in folding and chromophore
      formation, and excellent sensitivity and selectivity toward H2S. As a genetically
      encoded probe, hsGFP can be readily and precisely localized to subcellular
      domains such as mitochondria, cell nuclei, and ion channels. hsGFP was further
      utilized to image H2S enzymatically produced from l-cysteine in human embryonic
      kidney (HEK) 293T cells. 

PMID- 25141270
TI  - A semipermeable enzymatic nanoreactor as an efficient modulator for reversible pH
      regulation.
AB  - Here we propose a new concept for the fabrication of a semipermeable enzymatic
      nanoreactor as an efficient modulator to reversibly switch the pH of an aqueous
      environment. We used amino-functionalized, expanded mesoporous silica
      nanoparticles (EMSN) as a model nanocarrier to load enzymes. In order to protect
      enzymes from the interference of a complicated environment, polyelectrolyte
      multilayers (PEMs) were coated on the surface of the EMSN through layer by layer
      (LbL) assembly. These PEMs can serve as semipermeable membranes, allowing small
      molecules to diffuse in and out freely while trapping the enzymes in the
      nanoreactors. Compared with traditional electrochemical stimulation or optical
      control methods, our enzymatic regulation platform is easy to operate without
      complicated instruments. In addition, this system can cover a wide range of pH
      values and conveniently regulate pH values by simply controlling the
      concentrations of catalysts or reactants. Meanwhile, this strategy could be
      generalized to other enzymes or nanocarriers to achieve reversible pH regulation
      for different purposes. The switched pH values can be implemented for the
      modulation of the conformational changes of nucleic acids and activation of the
      charge conversion in drug delivery applications. 

PMID- 25141271
TI  - Activation of avian aryl hydrocarbon receptor and inter-species sensitivity
      variations by polychlorinated diphenylsulfides.
AB  - It was hypothesized that polychlorinated diphenyl sulfides (PCDPSs) can
      potentially interact with an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and thereby cause
      adverse effects in wildlife like birds. A recently developed avian AHR1
      luciferase report gene (LRG) assay was used to assess the interaction between
      avian AHR1 and 18 PCDPSs and to compare the interspecies sensitivity among
      chicken, ring-necked pheasant, and Japanese quail by PCDPSs. Most of the tested
      PCDPSs could activate the AHR1-mediated pathways in avian species, and the
      relative potency (ReP) of the PCDPSs increased with the increasing number of
      substituted Cl atoms. The rank orders of PCDPSs potency were generally similar
      among birds, although the ReP varied. In addition, not all the sensitivity rank
      orders of avian AHR1 constructs for PCDPSs were consistent with that of TCDD. ReP
      values of PCDPSs suggested that some PCDPSs like 2,3,3',4,5,6-hexa-CDPS and
      2,2',3,3',4,5,6-hepta-CDPS are higher than the avian WHO-TEFs of OctaCDD,
      OctaCDF, and most of the coplanar PCBs. Our results report for the first time the
      activation of an AHR1-mediated molecular toxicological mechanism by PCDPSs, and
      provide the ranking of ReP and relative sensitivity values of different
      congeners, which could guide the further toxicity test of this group of potential
      high priority environmental pollutants.

PMID- 25141272
TI  - Allostatic load and the assessment of cumulative biological risk in biobehavioral
      medicine: challenges and opportunities.
AB  - Allostatic load provides a useful framework for conceptualizing the multisystem
      physiological impact of sustained stress and its effects on health and well
      being. Research across two decades shows that allostatic load indices predict
      health outcomes including all-cause mortality and vary with stress and related
      psychosocial constructs. The study by Slopen and colleagues in this issue
      provides an example both of the utility of the allostatic load framework and of
      limitations in related literature, such as inconsistencies in conceptualization
      and measurement across studies, and the frequent application of cross-sectional
      designs. The current article describes these limitations and provides suggestions
      for further research to enhance the value and utility of the allostatic load
      framework in biobehavioral medicine research. 

PMID- 25141273
TI  - Risk of bias in trial-based economic evaluations: identification of sources and
      bias-reducing strategies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this article are first to give an overview of the
      risks of bias in trial-based economic evaluations and, second, to identify how
      key sources for bias can be revealed and overcome (i.e. what bias-reducing
      strategies might be employed) in future trial-based economic evaluations in the
      field of health psychology. DESIGN: Narrative review discussing sources of bias
      in trial-based economic evaluations and bias-reducing strategies. RESULTS: We
      identified 11 biases and assigned them to a particular trial phase. A distinction
      is made between pre-trial biases, biases during the trial and biases that are
      relevant after the actual trial. All potential forms of bias are discussed in
      detail and strategies are shown to detect and overcome these biases. CONCLUSION:
      In order to avoid bias in trial-based economic evaluations, one has to be aware
      of all the possible forms of bias. All stakeholders have to examine trial-based
      economic evaluations in a rigorous and stringent manner. This article can be
      helpful in this examination as it gives an overview of the possible biases which
      researchers should take into account.

PMID- 25141274
TI  - High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation: an effective and safe treatment for
      secondary hypersplenism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hypersplenism is a common disease. The conventional treatment is
      splenectomy and partial splenic embolization; however, both of them have high
      complication rates and technical defects. Therefore, safer and more effective
      techniques should be considered for the treatment of hypersplenism. High
      intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) may provide an effective and safe way for
      treatment of hypersplenism. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the
      safety and efficacy of HIFU in treatment of secondary hypersplenism. METHODS: A
      total of 28 patients who suffered from secondary hypersplenism were treated with
      HIFU ablation. All patients who underwent HIFU were closely followed-up over a
      year. MRI scan was performed, and the spleens were observed. Blood counts and
      liver function tests were also carried out. RESULTS: In the follow-up process,
      the levels of white blood cells and platelets in the blood after HIFU were
      significantly higher than those before HIFU, liver function also improved after
      HIFU treatment. In addition, the symptoms were ameliorated significantly or even
      disappeared. The MRI showed that the ablation area had turned into a non-perfused
      volume, and after 12 months of HIFU ablation, the ablated area shrank evidently;
      the sunken spleen formed a lobulated shape and the splenic volume decreased.
      CONCLUSION: HIFU ablation is a safe, effective and non-invasive approach for
      secondary hypersplenism. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: For the first time we used HIFU
      ablation to treat secondary hypersplenism. It not only expands indications of
      HIFU but also provides better choice for the treatment of secondary
      hypersplenism.

PMID- 25141275
TI  - Polymerase chain reaction for the amplification of the 121-bp repetitive sequence
      of Schistosoma mansoni: a highly sensitive potential diagnostic tool for areas of
      low endemicity.
AB  - Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus
      Schistosoma, whose diagnosis has limitations, such as the low sensitivity and
      specificity of parasitological and immunological methods, respectively. In the
      present study an alternative molecular technique requiring previous
      standardization was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the
      amplification of a 121-bp highly repetitive sequence for Schistosoma mansoni. DNA
      was extracted from eggs of S. mansoni by salting out. Different conditions were
      standardized for the PCR technique, including the concentration of reagents and
      the DNA template, annealing temperature and number of cycles, followed by the
      determination of the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the technique.
      Furthermore, the standardized PCR technique was employed in DNA extracted, using
      Chelex(r)100, from samples of sera of patients with an immunodiagnosis of
      schistosomiasis. The optimal conditions for the PCR were 2.5 mm MgCl2, 150 mm
      deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs), 0.4 MUm primers, 0.75 U DNA polymerase,
      using 35 cycles and an annealing temperature of 63 degrees C. The analytical
      sensitivity of the PCR was 10 attograms of DNA and the specificity was 100%. The
      DNA sequence was successfully detected in the sera of two patients, demonstrating
      schistosomiasis transmission, although low, in the community studied. The
      standardized PCR technique, using smaller amounts of reagents than in the
      original protocol, is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of DNA from
      S. mansoni and could be an important tool for diagnosis in areas of low
      endemicity. 

PMID- 25141276
TI  - Relationship of preexisting influenza hemagglutination inhibition, complement
      dependent lytic, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity antibodies to the
      development of clinical illness in a prospective study of A(H1N1)pdm09 Influenza
      in children.
AB  - The hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody titer is considered the primary
      immune correlate of protection for influenza. However, recent studies have
      highlighted the limitations on the use of the HAI titer as a correlate in at-risk
      populations such as children and older adults. In addition to the neutralization
      of cell-free virus by antibodies to hemagglutinin and interference of virus
      release from infected cells by antibodies to neuraminidase, influenza virus
      specific antibodies specifically can bind to infected cells and lyse virus
      infected cells through the activation of complement or natural killer (NK) cells,
      via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement-dependent lysis
      (CDL). We evaluated preexisting HAI, CDL, and ADCC antibodies in young children
      enrolled in a prospective cohort study of dengue during the epidemic with
      influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus to determine associations between preexisting
      antibodies and the occurrence of clinical or subclinical influenza virus
      infection. Though both preexisting HAI and CDL antibodies were associated with
      protection against clinical influenza, our data suggested that CDL was not a
      better correlate than HAI. We found that ADCC antibodies behaved differently from
      HAI and CDL antibodies. Unlike HAI and CDL antibodies, preexisting ADCC
      antibodies did not correlate with protection against clinical influenza. In fact,
      ADCC antibodies were detected more frequently in the clinical influenza group
      than the subclinical group. In addition, in contrast to HAI and CDL antibodies,
      HAI and the ADCC antibodies titers did not correlate. We also found that ADCC,
      but not CDL or HAI antibodies, positively correlated with the ages of the
      children.

PMID- 25141277
TI  - Target repression induced by endogenous microRNAs: large differences, small
      effects.
AB  - MicroRNAs are small RNAs that regulate protein levels. It is commonly assumed
      that the expression level of a microRNA is directly correlated with its
      repressive activity - that is, highly expressed microRNAs will repress their
      target mRNAs more. Here we investigate the quantitative relationship between
      endogenous microRNA expression and repression for 32 mature microRNAs in
      Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells. In general, we find that more abundant
      microRNAs repress their targets to a greater degree. However, the relationship
      between expression and repression is nonlinear, such that a 10-fold greater
      microRNA concentration produces only a 10% increase in target repression. The
      expression/repression relationship is the same for both dominant guide microRNAs
      and minor mature products (so-called passenger strands/microRNA* sequences).
      However, we find examples of microRNAs whose cellular concentrations differ by
      several orders of magnitude, yet induce similar repression of target mRNAs.
      Likewise, microRNAs with similar expression can have very different repressive
      abilities. We show that the association of microRNAs with Argonaute proteins does
      not explain this variation in repression. The observed relationship is consistent
      with the limiting step in target repression being the association of the
      microRNA/RISC complex with the target site. These findings argue that modest
      changes in cellular microRNA concentration will have minor effects on repression
      of targets. 

PMID- 25141278
TI  - Virus-mediated chemical changes in rice plants impact the relationship between
      non-vector planthopper Nilaparvata lugens Stal and its egg parasitoid Anagrus
      nilaparvatae Pang et Wang.
AB  - In order to clarify the impacts of southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus
      (SRBSDV) infection on rice plants, rice planthoppers and natural enemies,
      differences in nutrients and volatile secondary metabolites between infected and
      healthy rice plants were examined. Furthermore, the impacts of virus-mediated
      changes in plants on the population growth of non-vector brown planthopper (BPH),
      Nilaparvata lugens, and the selectivity and parasitic capability of planthopper
      egg parasitoid Anagrus nilaparvatae were studied. The results showed that rice
      plants had no significant changes in amino acid and soluble sugar contents after
      SRBSDV infection, and SRBSDV-infected plants had no significant effect on
      population growth of non-vector BPH. A. nilaparvatae preferred BPH eggs both in
      infected and healthy rice plants, and tended to parasitize eggs on infected
      plants, but it had no significant preference for infected plants or healthy
      plants. GC-MS analysis showed that tridecylic aldehyde occurred only in rice
      plants infected with SRBSDV, whereas octanal, undecane, methyl salicylate and
      hexadecane occurred only in healthy rice plants. However, in tests of behavioral
      responses to these five volatile substances using a Y-tube olfactometer, A.
      nilaparvatae did not show obvious selectivity between single volatile substances
      at different concentrations and liquid paraffin in the control group. The
      parasitic capability of A. nilaparvatae did not differ between SRBSDV-infected
      plants and healthy plant seedlings. The results suggested that SRBSDV-infected
      plants have no significant impacts on the non-vector planthopper and its egg
      parasitoid, A. nilaparvatae. 

PMID- 25141279
TI  - Molecular and morphological evidence reveals a new species in the Phyllomedusa
      hypochondrialis group (Hylidae, Phyllomedusinae) from the Atlantic Forest of the
      highlands of southern Brazil.
AB  - The taxonomic status of a disjunctive population of Phyllomedusa from southern
      Brazil was diagnosed using molecular, chromosomal, and morphological approaches,
      which resulted in the recognition of a new species of the P. hypochondrialis
      group. Here, we describe P. rustica sp. n. from the Atlantic Forest biome, found
      in natural highland grassland formations on a plateau in the south of Brazil.
      Phylogenetic inferences placed P. rustica sp. n. in a subclade that includes P.
      rhodei + all the highland species of the clade. Chromosomal morphology is
      conservative, supporting the inference of homologies among the karyotypes of the
      species of this genus. Phyllomedusa rustica is apparently restricted to its type
      locality, and we discuss the potential impact on the strategies applied to the
      conservation of the natural grassland formations found within the Brazilian
      Atlantic Forest biome in southern Brazil. We suggest that conservation strategies
      should be modified to guarantee the preservation of this species. 

PMID- 25141280
TI  - Antimicrobial and mechanical properties of beta-cyclodextrin inclusion with
      essential oils in chitosan films.
AB  - Chitosan films incorporated with various concentrations of the complex of beta
      cyclodextrin and essential oils (beta-CD/EO) were prepared and investigated for
      antimicrobial, mechanical, and physical properties. Four bacterial strains that
      commonly contaminate food products were chosen as target bacteria to evaluate the
      antimicrobial activity of the prepared films. The incorporation of beta-CD/EO
      significantly increased the antimicrobial activities of the chitosan films
      against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and
      Listeria monocytogenes. It was also found that tensile strength (TS) of chitosan
      film was significantly increased with the incorporation of the beta-cyclodextrin
      and 0.75% essential oils complex. The elongation at break (EB) decreased with the
      increasing concentrations of essential oils. Inclusion of the complex of beta
      cyclodextrin and 0.25% essential oils also significantly decreased water vapor
      permeability (WVP) of chitosan films. Our results suggest that chitosan films
      containing beta-CD/EO could be used as active food-packaging material. 

PMID- 25141281
TI  - Is imidacloprid an effective alternative for controlling pyrethroid-resistant
      populations of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in the Gran Chaco
      ecoregion?
AB  - The prevention of Chagas disease is based primarily on the chemical control of
      Triatoma infestans (Klug) using pyrethroid insecticides. However, high resistance
      levels, correlated with control failures, have been detected in Argentina and
      Bolivia. A previous study at our laboratory found that imidacloprid could serve
      as an alternative to pyrethroid insecticides. We studied the delayed toxicity of
      imidacloprid and the influence of the blood feeding condition of the insect on
      the toxicity of this insecticide; we also studied the effectiveness of various
      commercial imidacloprid formulations against a pyrethroid-resistant T. infestans
      population from the Gran Chaco ecoregion. Variations in the toxic effects of
      imidacloprid were not observed up to 72 h after exposure and were not found to
      depend on the blood feeding condition of susceptible and resistant individuals.
      Of the three different studied formulations of imidacloprid on glass and filter
      paper, only the spot-on formulation was effective. This formulation was applied
      to pigeons at doses of 1, 5, 20 and 40 mg/bird. The nymphs that fed on pigeons
      treated with 20 mg or 40 mg of the formulation showed a higher mortality rate
      than the control group one day and seven days post-treatment (p < 0.01). A spot
      on formulation of imidacloprid was effective against pyrethroid-resistant T.
      infestans populations at the laboratory level. 

PMID- 25141282
TI  - G6PD deficiency in Latin America: systematic review on prevalence and variants.
AB  - Plasmodium vivax radical cure requires the use of primaquine (PQ), a drug that
      induces haemolysis in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient (G6PDd)
      individuals, which further hampers malaria control efforts. The aim of this work
      was to study the G6PDd prevalence and variants in Latin America (LA) and the
      Caribbean region. A systematic search of the published literature was undertaken
      in August 2013. Bibliographies of manuscripts were also searched and additional
      references were identified. Low prevalence rates of G6PDd were documented in
      Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay, but studies from Curacao, Ecuador,
      Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad, as well as some surveys carried out
      in areas of Brazil, Colombia and Cuba, have shown a high prevalence (> 10%) of
      G6PDd. The G6PD A-202A mutation was the variant most broadly distributed across
      LA and was identified in 81.1% of the deficient individuals surveyed. G6PDd is a
      frequent phenomenon in LA, although certain Amerindian populations may not be
      affected, suggesting that PQ could be safely used in these specific populations.
      Population-wide use of PQ as part of malaria elimination strategies in LA cannot
      be supported unless a rapid, accurate and field-deployable G6PDd diagnostic test
      is made available. 

PMID- 25141284
TI  - Molecular detection of Mayaro virus during a dengue outbreak in the state of Mato
      Grosso, Central-West Brazil.
AB  - Mayaro virus (MAYV) is frequently reported in Pan-Amazonia. The aim of this study
      was to investigate the circulation of alphaviruses during a dengue outbreak in
      the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Serum samples from dengue-suspected patients
      were subjected to multiplex semi-nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction for 11 flaviviruses and five alphaviruses, to nucleotide sequencing and
      to viral isolation. MAYV was detected in 15 (2.5%) of 604 patients. Twelve were
      co-infected with dengue virus 4, which was isolated from 10 patients. The
      molecular detection of MAYV in dengue-suspected patients suggests that other
      arboviruses may be silently circulating during dengue outbreaks in Brazil. 

PMID- 25141283
TI  - Influence of age on the haemoglobin concentration of malaria-infected patients in
      a reference centre in the Brazilian Amazon.
AB  - Anaemia is amongst the major complications of malaria, a major public health
      problem in the Amazon Region in Latin America. We examined the haemoglobin (Hb)
      concentrations of malaria-infected patients and compared it to that of malaria
      negative febrile patients and afebrile controls. The haematological parameters of
      febrile patients who had a thick-blood-smear performed at an infectious diseases
      reference centre of the Brazilian Amazon between December 2009-January 2012 were
      retrieved together with clinical data. An afebrile community control group was
      composed from a survey performed in a malaria-endemic area. Hb concentrations and
      anaemia prevalence were analysed according to clinical-epidemiological status and
      demographic characteristics. In total, 7,831 observations were included. Patients
      with Plasmodium falciparum infection had lower mean Hb concentrations (10.5 g/dL)
      followed by P. vivax-infected individuals (12.4 g/dL), community controls (12.8
      g/dL) and malaria-negative febrile patients (13.1 g/dL) (p < 0.001). Age, gender
      and clinical-epidemiological status were strong independent predictors for both
      outcomes. Amongst malaria-infected individuals, women in the reproductive age had
      considerably lower Hb concentrations. In this moderate transmission intensity
      setting, both vivax and falciparum malaria are associated with reduced Hb
      concentrations and risk of anaemia throughout a wide age range. 

PMID- 25141285
TI  - Anopheles gambiae eicosanoids modulate Plasmodium berghei survival from oocyst to
      salivary gland invasion.
AB  - Eicosanoids affect the immunity of several pathogen/insect models, but their role
      on the Anopheles gambiae response to Plasmodium is still unknown. Plasmodium
      berghei-infected mosquitoes were injected with an eicosanoid biosynthesis
      inhibitor, indomethacin (IN), or a substrate, arachidonic acid (AA), at day 7 or
      day 12 post-infection (p.i.). Salivary gland invasion was evaluated by sporozoite
      counts at day 21 p.i. IN promoted infection upon sporozoite release from oocysts,
      but inhibited infection when sporozoites were still maturing within the oocysts,
      as observed by a reduction in the number of sporozoites reaching the salivary
      glands. AA treatment had the opposite effect. We show for the first time that An.
      gambiae can modulate parasite survival through eicosanoids by exerting an
      antagonistic or agonistic effect on the parasite, depending on its stage of
      development. 

PMID- 25141286
TI  - The copper(I)-catalyzed tandem reaction of o-alkynylphenyl isothiocyanates with
      isocyanides: a rapid synthesis of 5H-benzo[d]imidazo[5,1-b][1,3]thiazines.
AB  - An efficient route to 5H-benzo[d]imidazo[5,1-b][1,3]thiazines has been developed
      using the copper(i)-catalyzed tandem reaction of o-alkynylphenyl isothiocyanates
      with isocyanides in THF with Cs2CO3 as base. The present tandem process allows
      the assembly of a variety of 5H-benzo[d]imidazo[5,1-b][1,3]thiazines in good to
      excellent yields. 

PMID- 25141288
TI  - Generation and Evaluation of a Genome-Scale Metabolic Network Model of
      Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942.
AB  - The reconstruction of genome-scale metabolic models and their applications
      represent a great advantage of systems biology. Through their use as metabolic
      flux simulation models, production of industrially-interesting metabolites can be
      predicted. Due to the growing number of studies of metabolic models driven by the
      increasing genomic sequencing projects, it is important to conceptualize steps of
      reconstruction and analysis. We have focused our work in the cyanobacterium
      Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942, for which several analyses and insights are
      unveiled. A comprehensive approach has been used, which can be of interest to
      lead the process of manual curation and genome-scale metabolic analysis. The
      final model, iSyf715 includes 851 reactions and 838 metabolites. A biomass
      equation, which encompasses elementary building blocks to allow cell growth, is
      also included. The applicability of the model is finally demonstrated by
      simulating autotrophic growth conditions of Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942. 

PMID- 25141290
TI  - Protocol of surgical indications for scar contracture release before childbirth:
      women with severe abdominal scars after burn injuries.
AB  - It is difficult to determine if women with severe abdominal burn scar
      contractures can have uneventful pregnancies and births. There are few reports
      involving the relationship between severe abdominal scar contractures and
      pregnancy/childbirth. Furthermore, all of these reports are based on
      retrospective studies. The present study focused on women with severe abdominal
      burn scar contractures with desired fertility. This study investigated whether or
      not normal childbirth is possible, the necessity of scar contracture release, and
      the delivery method. In addition, a protocol developed by this hospital was
      prospectively evaluated. Surgery was indicated in women with scars covering >=75%
      of the total abdominal area. The scarred area in the upper abdomen, superior to
      the navel, was considered particularly important. The protocol of this study
      serves merely as a reference, and future studies are needed with an increased
      number of cases.

PMID- 25141289
TI  - Do patients' symptoms and interpersonal problems improve in psychotherapeutic
      hospital treatment in Germany? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Germany, inpatient psychotherapy plays a unique role in the
      treatment of patients with common mental disorders of higher severity. In
      addition to psychiatric inpatient services, psychotherapeutic hospital treatment
      and psychosomatic rehabilitation are offered as independent inpatient treatment
      options. This meta-analysis aims to provide systematic evidence for
      psychotherapeutic hospital treatment in Germany regarding its effects on
      symptomatic and interpersonal impairment. METHODOLOGY: Relevant papers were
      identified by electronic database search and hand search. Randomized controlled
      trials as well as naturalistic prospective studies (including post-therapy and
      follow-up assessments) evaluating psychotherapeutic hospital treatment of
      mentally ill adults in Germany were included. Outcomes were required to be
      quantified by either the Symptom-Checklist (SCL-90-R or short versions) or the
      Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-64 or short versions). Effect sizes
      (Hedges' g) were combined using random effect models. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Sixty
      seven papers representing 59 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis
      yielded a medium within-group effect size for symptom change at discharge (g =
      0.72; 95% CI 0.68-0.76), with a small reduction to follow-up (g = 0.61; 95% CI
      0.55-0.68). Regarding interpersonal problems, a small effect size was found at
      discharge (g = 0.35; 95% CI 0.29-0.41), which increased to follow-up (g = 0.48;
      95% CI 0.36-0.60). While higher impairment at intake was associated with a larger
      effect size in both measures, longer treatment duration was related to lower
      effect sizes in SCL GSI and to larger effect sizes in IIP Total. CONCLUSIONS:
      Psychotherapeutic hospital treatment may be considered an effective treatment. In
      accordance with Howard's phase model of psychotherapy outcome, the present study
      demonstrated that symptom distress changes more quickly and strongly than
      interpersonal problems. Preliminary analyses show impairment at intake and
      treatment duration to be the strongest outcome predictors. Further analyses
      regarding this relationship are required.

PMID- 25141291
TI  - Shining new light on the multifaceted dissociative photoionisation dynamics of
      CCl4.
AB  - Internal energy selected carbon tetrachloride cations have been prepared by
      imaging photoelectron photoion coincidence (iPEPICO) spectroscopy using
      synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet radiation. The threshold photoelectron spectrum
      shows a newly observed vibrational progression corresponding to the nu2(e)
      scissors mode of CCl4(+) in the third, B(2)E band. Ab initio results on the first
      four doublet and lowest-lying quartet electronic states along the Cl3C(+)-Cl
      dissociation coordinate show the B state to be strongly bound, and support its
      relative longevity. The X(2)T1 and A(2)T2 cationic states, on the other hand, are
      barely bound and dissociate promptly. The C(2)T2 state may intersystem cross to
      the quartet a state, which dissociates to a triplet state of the CCl3(+) fragment
      ion. This path is unique among analogous MX4(+) (M = C, Si, Ge; X = F, Cl, Br)
      systems, among which several have been shown to have long-lived C states, which
      decay by fluorescence. The breakdown diagram, recorded here for the first time
      for the complete valence photoionisation energy range of CCl4, is interpreted in
      the context of literature based and CBS-QB3, G4, and W1U computed dissociative
      photoionisation energies. No Cl2-loss channel is observed in association with the
      CCl2(+) or CCl(+) fragments below the 2 or 3 Cl-loss reaction energies, and Cl2
      loss is unlikely to be a major channel above them. The breakdown diagram is
      modelled based on the calculated dissociative photoionisation onsets and assuming
      a statistical redistribution of the excess energy. The model indicates that
      dissociation is not impulsive at higher energies, and confirms that the C(2)T2
      state of CCl4(+) forms triplet-state CCl3(+) fragments with some of the excess
      energy trapped as electronic excitation energy in CCl3(+).

PMID- 25141292
TI  - Chemoselective Wittig and Michael ligations of unprotected peptidyl phosphoranes
      in water furnish potent inhibitors of caspase-3.
AB  - Unprotected peptidyl phosphoranes 1 with sequence Ac-L-aspartyl-L-glutamyl-L
      valinyl-L-aspartyl are released from polymer support and react with aliphatic and
      aromatic aldehydes in aqueous medium in a Wittig ligation. Obtained vinyl ketones
      6-12 are potent inhibitors of caspase-3. Vinyl ketone 6, derived from
      formaldehyde, undergoes Michael ligations with thiol nucleophiles furnishing
      products 14-16, also in aqueous medium. The demonstrated ligation reactions
      enable the modification of complex functionalized peptides in water providing
      bioactive protein ligands without side-chain protection.

PMID- 25141293
TI  - Seasonal variation and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in eastern Sudan.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal variation and hypertensive
      disorders of pregnancy in eastern Sudan, in the period between January 2008 and
      December 2010. The medical files of women attending at Kassala hospital, eastern
      Sudan with hypertension, with or without proteinuria were retrospectively
      retrieved. The data of patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were
      compared with a similar number of controls that were normotensive and non
      proteinuric. During the study period, there were 9,578 deliveries; 153 patients
      had hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, yielding an incidence rate of 1.6%. Of
      all cases and controls (306), there were 183 (59.8%) deliveries in winter, 84
      (27.5%) in summer and 39 (12.7%) in autumn. The highest rate of pre-eclampsia was
      in winter (1.1%) (CI = 1.1-2.7, OR = 1.7, p = 0.004) and the lowest rate was in
      autumn (0.2%) (CI = 0.4-1.8, OR = 0.8, p = 0.758.). Our study revealed
      significant association between the incidence of hypertensive disorders of
      pregnancy and the winter season (103 (67.3%) vs 80 (52.3%), p = 0.001). Thus,
      more attention in the winter season might reduce the morbidity and mortality of
      hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

PMID- 25141294
TI  - Cryogenic electron microscopy study of nanoemulsion formation from
      microemulsions.
AB  - We examine a process of preparing oil-in-water nanoemulsions by quenching
      (diluting and cooling) precursor microemulsions made with nonionic surfactants
      and a cosurfactant. The precursor microemulsion structure is varied by changing
      the concentration of the cosurfactant. Water-continuous microemulsions produce
      initial nanoemulsion structures that are small and simple, mostly unilamellar
      vesicles, but microemulsions that are not water-continuous produce initial
      nanoemulsion structures that are larger and multilamellar. Examination of these
      structures by cryo-electron microscopy supports the hypothesis that they are
      initially vesicular structures formed via lamellar intermediate structures, and
      that if the lamellar structures are too well ordered they fail to produce small
      simple structures. 

PMID- 25141295
TI  - Comment on "Hydration and mobility of trehalose in aqueous solution".

PMID- 25141296
TI  - Rapid, selective, and sensitive fluorometric detection of cyanide anions in
      aqueous media by cyanine dyes with indolium-coumarin linkages.
AB  - Cyanine dyes with indolium-coumarin linkages exhibit selective fluorescence
      enhancement for cyanide anions (CN(-)) via the nucleophilic interaction of CN(-)
      with their indolium carbon atoms. This facilitates rapid (detection time: 1 min)
      and sensitive (detection limit: 0.4 MUM) sensing of CN(-) in aqueous media. 

PMID- 25141299
TI  - Pulsed laser-deposited MoS2 thin films on W and Si: field emission and
      photoresponse studies.
AB  - We report field electron emission investigations on pulsed laser-deposited
      molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin films on W-tip and Si substrates. In both cases,
      under the chosen growth conditions, the dry process of pulsed laser deposition
      (PLD) is seen to render a dense nanostructured morphology of MoS2, which is
      important for local electric field enhancement in field emission application. In
      the case of the MoS2 film on silicon (Si), the turn-on field required to draw an
      emission current density of 10 MUA/cm(2) is found to be 2.8 V/MUm. Interestingly,
      the MoS2 film on a tungsten (W) tip emitter delivers a large emission current
      density of ~30 mA/cm(2) at a relatively lower applied voltage of ~3.8 kV. Thus,
      the PLD-MoS2 can be utilized for various field emission-based applications. We
      also report our results of photodiode-like behavior in (n- and p- type) Si/PLD
      MoS2 heterostructures. Finally we show that MoS2 films deposited on flexible
      kapton substrate show a good photoresponse and recovery. Our investigations thus
      hold great promise for the development of PLD MoS2 films in application domains
      such as field emitters and heterostructures for novel nanoelectronic devices. 

PMID- 25141298
TI  - Predicting progression of Alzheimer's disease using ordinal regression.
AB  - We propose a novel approach to predicting disease progression in Alzheimer's
      disease (AD)--multivariate ordinal regression--which inherently models the
      ordered nature of brain atrophy spanning normal aging (CTL) to mild cognitive
      impairment (MCI) to AD. Ordinal regression provides probabilistic class
      predictions as well as a continuous index of disease progression--the ORCHID
      (Ordinal Regression Characteristic Index of Dementia) score. We applied ordinal
      regression to 1023 baseline structural MRI scans from two studies: the US-based
      Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and the European based
      AddNeuroMed program. Here, the acquired AddNeuroMed dataset was used as a
      completely independent test set for the ordinal regression model trained on the
      ADNI cohort providing an optimal assessment of model generalizability.
      Distinguishing CTL-like (CTL and stable MCI) from AD-like (MCI converters and AD)
      resulted in balanced accuracies of 82% (cross-validation) for ADNI and 79%
      (independent test set) for AddNeuroMed. For prediction of conversion from MCI to
      AD, balanced accuracies of 70% (AUC of 0.75) and 75% (AUC of 0.81) were achieved.
      The ORCHID score was computed for all subjects. We showed that this measure
      significantly correlated with MMSE at 12 months (rho =  -0.64, ADNI and rho =  
      0.59, AddNeuroMed). Additionally, the ORCHID score can help fractionate subjects
      with unstable diagnoses (e.g. reverters and healthy controls who later progressed
      to MCI), moderately late converters (12-24 months) and late converters (24-36
      months). A comparison with results in the literature and direct comparison with a
      binary classifier suggests that the performance of this framework is highly
      competitive.

PMID- 25141300
TI  - Role of hydrogen plasma pretreatment in improving passivation of the silicon
      surface for solar cells applications.
AB  - We have investigated the role of hydrogen plasma pretreatment in promoting
      silicon surface passivation, in particular examining its effects on modifying the
      microstructure of the subsequently deposited thin hydrogenated amorphous silicon
      (a-Si:H) passivation film. We demonstrate that pretreating the silicon surface
      with hydrogen plasma for 40 s improves the homogeneity and compactness of the a
      Si:H film by enhancing precursor diffusion and thus increasing the minority
      carrier lifetime (tau(eff)). However, excessive pretreatment also increases the
      density of dangling bond defects on the surface due to etching effects of the
      hydrogen plasma. By varying the duration of hydrogen plasma pretreatment in
      fabricating silicon heterojunction solar cells based on textured substrates, we
      also demonstrate that, although the performance of the solar cells shows a
      similar tendency to that of the tau(eff) on polished wafers, the optimal duration
      is prolonged owing to the differences in the surface morphology of the
      substrates. These results suggest that the hydrogen plasma condition must be
      carefully regulated to achieve the optimal level of surface atomic hydrogen
      coverage and avoid the generation of defects on the silicon wafer.

PMID- 25141301
TI  - Lamniform shark teeth from the late cretaceous of southernmost South America
      (Santa Cruz province, Argentina).
AB  - Here we report multiple lamniform shark teeth recovered from fluvial sediments in
      the (Campanian-Maastrichtian) Cerro Fortaleza Formation, Santa Cruz Province,
      Argentina. This small tooth assemblage is compared to various lamniform sharks
      possessing similar dental morphologies, including Archaeolamna, Cretalamna,
      Dwardius, Dallasiella, and Cretodus. Although the teeth share numerous
      morphological features with the genus Archaeolamna, including a developed neck
      that maintains a relatively consistent width along the base of the crown, the
      small sample size and incomplete nature of these specimens precludes definitive
      taxonomic assignment. Regardless, the discovery of selachian teeth unique from
      those previously described for the region broadens the known diversity of Late
      Cretaceous South American sharks. Additionally, the discovery of the teeth in
      fluvial sandstone may indicate a euryhaline paleobiology in the lamniform taxon
      or taxa represented by this tooth assemblage. 

PMID- 25141303
TI  - Insurance status is associated with treatment allocation and outcomes after
      subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a particularly devastating type of
      stroke which is responsible for one third of all stroke-related years of
      potential life lost before age 65. Surgical treatment has been shown to decrease
      both morbidity and mortality after subarachnoid hemorrhage. We hypothesized that
      payer status other than private insurance is associated with lower allocation to
      surgical treatment for patients with SAH and worse outcomes. DESIGN: We examined
      the association between insurance type and surgical treatment allocation and
      outcomes for patients with SAH while adjusting for a wide range of patient and
      hospital factors. We analyzed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample hospital discharge
      database using survey procedures to produce weighted estimates representative of
      the United States population. PATIENTS: We studied 21047 discharges, representing
      a weighted estimate of 102595 patients age 18 and above with a discharge
      diagnosis of SAH between 2003 and 2008. MEASUREMENTS: Multivariable logistic and
      generalized linear regression analyses were used to assess for any associations
      between insurance status and surgery allocation and outcomes. MAIN RESULTS:
      Despite the benefits of surgery 66% of SAH patients did not undergo surgical
      treatment to prevent rebleeding. Mortality was more than twice as likely for
      patients with no surgical treatment compared to those who received surgery.
      Medicare patients were significantly less likely to receive surgical treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Nearly two thirds of patients with SAH don't receive operative care,
      and Medicare patients were significantly less likely to receive surgical
      treatment than other patients. Bias against the elderly and those with chronic
      illness and disability may play a part in these findings. A system of
      regionalized care for patients presenting with SAH may reduce disparities and
      improve appropriate allocation to surgical care and deserves prospective study.

PMID- 25141304
TI  - Exploring microRNA-like small RNAs in the filamentous fungus Fusarium oxysporum.
AB  - RNA silencing such as quelling and meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA (MSUD) and
      several other classes of special small RNAs have been discovered in filamentous
      fungi recently. More than four different mechanisms of microRNA-like RNAs
      (milRNAs) production have been illustrated in the model fungus Neurospora crassa
      including a dicer-independent pathway. To date, very little work focusing on
      small RNAs in fungi has been reported and no universal or particular
      characteristic of milRNAs were defined clearly. In this study, small RNA and
      degradome libraries were constructed and subsequently deep sequenced for
      investigating milRNAs and their potential cleavage targets on the genome level in
      the filamentous fungus F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. As a result, there is no
      intersection of conserved miRNAs found by BLASTing against the miRBase. Further
      analysis showed that the small RNA population of F. oxysporum shared many common
      features with the small RNAs from N. crassa and other fungi. According to the
      known standards of miRNA prediction in plants and animals, milRNA candidates from
      8 families (comprising 19 members) were screened out and identified. However,
      none of them could trigger target cleavage based on the degradome data. Moreover,
      most major signals of cleavage in transcripts could not match appropriate
      complementary small RNAs, suggesting that other predominant modes for milRNA
      mediated gene regulation could exist in F. oxysporum. In addition, the PAREsnip
      program was utilized for comprehensive analysis and 3 families of small RNAs
      leading to transcript cleavage were experimentally validated. Altogether, our
      findings provided valuable information and important hints for better
      understanding the functions of the small RNAs and milRNAs in the fungal kingdom. 

PMID- 25141305
TI  - Positive effects of plant genotypic and species diversity on anti-herbivore
      defenses in a tropical tree species.
AB  - Despite increasing evidence that plant intra- and inter-specific diversity
      increases primary productivity, and that such effect may in turn cascade up to
      influence herbivores, there is little information about plant diversity effects
      on plant anti-herbivore defenses, the relative importance of different sources of
      plant diversity, and the mechanisms for such effects. For example, increased
      plant growth at high diversity may lead to reduced investment in defenses via
      growth-defense trade-offs. Alternatively, positive effects of plant diversity on
      plant growth may lead to increased herbivore abundance which in turn leads to a
      greater investment in plant defenses. The magnitude of trait variation underlying
      diversity effects is usually greater among species than among genotypes within a
      given species, so plant species diversity effects on resource use by producers as
      well as on higher trophic levels should be stronger than genotypic diversity
      effects. Here we compared the relative importance of plant genotypic and species
      diversity on anti-herbivore defenses and whether such effects are mediated
      indirectly via diversity effects on plant growth and/or herbivore damage. To this
      end, we performed a large-scale field experiment where we manipulated genotypic
      diversity of big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and tree species
      diversity, and measured effects on mahogany growth, damage by the stem-boring
      specialist caterpillar Hypsipyla grandella, and defensive traits (polyphenolics
      and condensed tannins in stem and leaves). We found that both forms of plant
      diversity had positive effects on stem (but not leaf) defenses. However, neither
      source of diversity influenced mahogany growth, and diversity effects on defenses
      were not mediated by either growth-defense trade-offs or changes in stem-borer
      damage. Although the mechanism(s) of diversity effects on plant defenses are yet
      to be determined, our study is one of the few to test for and show producer
      diversity effects on plant chemical defenses. 

PMID- 25141306
TI  - Dancing bees improve colony foraging success as long-term benefits outweigh short
      term costs.
AB  - Waggle dancing bees provide nestmates with spatial information about high quality
      resources. Surprisingly, attempts to quantify the benefits of this encoded
      spatial information have failed to find positive effects on colony foraging
      success under many ecological circumstances. Experimental designs have often
      involved measuring the foraging success of colonies that were repeatedly switched
      between oriented dances versus disoriented dances (i.e. communicating vectors
      versus not communicating vectors). However, if recruited bees continue to visit
      profitable food sources for more than one day, this procedure would lead to
      confounded results because of the long-term effects of successful recruitment
      events. Using agent-based simulations, we found that spatial information was
      beneficial in almost all ecological situations. Contrary to common belief, the
      benefits of recruitment increased with environmental stability because benefits
      can accumulate over time to outweigh the short-term costs of recruitment.
      Furthermore, we found that in simulations mimicking previous experiments, the
      benefits of communication were considerably underestimated (at low food density)
      or not detected at all (at medium and high densities). Our results suggest that
      the benefits of waggle dance communication are currently underestimated and that
      different experimental designs, which account for potential long-term benefits,
      are needed to measure empirically how spatial information affects colony foraging
      success. 

PMID- 25141310
TI  - What is gastritis? What is gastropathy? How is it classified?
AB  - Stomach endoscopic biopsies are made to determine the diagnosis of the illness,
      its stage, and follow-up after the treatment. It is very significant to
      collaborate with the clinician while evaluating endoscopic biopsies. Besides the
      clinical and laboratory information of the patient, the endoscopic appearance of
      the lesion should be known. The clinician and pathologist should use the same
      language and the same terminology. Although new classifications have been made to
      prevent the confusion of terminologies in neoplastic processes recently, most
      centers around the world have reported non-invasive neoplasias without giving any
      certain diagnosis by just commenting on it. The clinician should understand what
      the pathologist wants to say; pathologists should know the approach of the
      clinician (repetition of the biopsy, endoscopic resection, surgery). There is
      Helicobacter pylori (HP) in most of the stomach pathologies as the etiologic
      agent. No matter if the factor is HP or other etiologic agents, the tissue gives
      similar responses. That is why clinical-endoscopic indications should be taken
      into consideration, as well as histological indications, and the reports of the
      endoscopy should be seen. A good clinicopathologic correlation increases the
      accuracy of the diagnosis.

PMID- 25141311
TI  - Clinical characteristics and natural history of asymptomatic erosive esophagitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was designed to investigate risk factors related to
      asymptomatic erosive esophagitis and the natural history of both endoscopic
      findings and reflux-related symptoms in subjects with asymptomatic erosive
      esophagitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On a retrospective basis, data were gathered
      from patients with erosive esophagitis (Los Angeles classification 3A) who had
      undergone endoscopic follow-up at St. Vincent Hospital. Data from 313 subjects
      with erosive esophagitis were investigated. RESULTS: Most patients had mild
      esophagitis (grade A or B, Los Angeles classification); 198 (63.3%) had reflux
      symptoms, and 115 (36.7%) lacked typical or atypical symptoms. Asymptomatic
      erosive esophagitis was associated with non-smoking (odds ratio (OR), 2.4; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 1.4-3.9) and lower body mass index (body mass index
      (BMI); OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-2.4), while 26% of subjects had recurring reflux
      related symptoms. Younger subjects were more likely to have reflux-related
      symptoms (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Non-smoking and lower BMI are associated with
      asymptomatic reflux esophagitis. Most asymptomatic subjects with erosive
      esophagitis remained stable and exhibited unchanged endoscopic findings.

PMID- 25141312
TI  - Usefulness of insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) as a
      new marker for the diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma in challenging cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) is
      an oncofetal protein with vital function during human embryogenesis in terms of
      cellular growth and migration. Although it has minimum and undetectable
      expression in human adult tissues, it is highly expressed in various types of
      cancer. Few studies have recommend application of IMP3 expression to diagnose
      challenging cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma. This survey was aimed to evaluate
      the benefit of IMP3 expression detection in the diagnosis of esophageal
      adenocarcinoma and high-grade dysplasia by using immunohistochemistry (IHC).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: An immunohistochemistry study of IMP3 oncofetal protein
      was performed on paraffin-embedded blocks of 76 cases, including Barrett's
      esophagus, esophageal squamous epithelium, Barrett's esophagus with low-grade
      dysplasia, Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia, moderately
      differentiated esophageal adenocarcinoma, and poorly differentiated esophageal
      adenocarcinoma. Two pathologists reevaluated the diagnosis and evaluated the
      positivity and intensity of the IHC staining as well. RESULTS: Insulin-like
      growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 expression was intensely positive in all
      cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma and Barrett's esophagus with HGD. Only mild
      positivity in 30% of Barrett's esophagus with LGD was seen. However, Barrett's
      esophagus and esophageal squamous epithelium had, in fact, no IMP3 expression.
      CONCLUSION: The percentage and intensity of IP3 IHC staining showed a significant
      difference between high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma versus Barrett's
      esophagus with low-grade dysplasia, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal squamous
      epithelium. Therefore, IMP3 oncofetal protein could be a very useful marker for
      the diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma. However, to test the
      validation, a larger number samples is required.

PMID- 25141313
TI  - Is there a difference between capsule endoscopy and computed tomography as a
      first-line study in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding?
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is currently recommended as the first
      line study in the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), while
      computed tomography (CT) is often thought of as complementary to CE. This study
      evaluated CT as a first-line study in OGIB and compared it with CE. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Ninety-nine patients with OGIB who received both CE and CT were
      included. CT included conventional CT and CT enterography (CTE). Patients were
      divided into two groups: the CT before CE group (CT first group n=75) and the CE
      before CT group (CE first group n=24). The two groups were compared
      retrospectively. RESULTS: Overt OGIB was present in 92% of patients. Mucosal
      lesions (46%) were the most common diagnoses, while tumors accounted for 7%. The
      diagnostic yield of CE was significantly higher than that of CT for both groups
      (CT first group, p<0.001; CE first group, p=0.013). In the CT first group, the
      diagnostic yield using both CT and CE (48/75; 64%) was significantly higher than
      that for CT alone (12/75; 16%, p=0.005). In the CE first group, the diagnostic
      yield with both CT and CE versus CE alone was 70.9% versus 62.5%, respectively,
      with a significant difference (p=0.045). CONCLUSION: There was no significant
      clinical difference associated with the order in which the tests were performed.
      However, CE and CT, when used together, had a significantly greater diagnostic
      yield than did CE or CT when used alone.

PMID- 25141314
TI  - Assessment of presence and grade of activity in ileal Crohn's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess the sensitivity of magnetic resonance enterography
      (MRE) in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) activity and correlation between
      endoscopic and MRE scores in predicting the activity grade. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Twenty-five ileal CD patients with clinical and biochemical evidence of
      activation underwent ileocolonoscopy and MRE within 7 days of their application.
      Simplified endoscopic scoring of CD (SES-CD) and MRE scores was done and compared
      with each other and other parameters of activation (CRP, leukocyte count,
      platelet count). RESULTS: The sensitivity of MRE scoring was found to be 92%;
      however, the statistical correlation with SES-CD was not significant (p=0.83) for
      the grading of the activity. CONCLUSION: MRE scoring is sensitive enough to use
      in CD activity evaluation; however, it can not be used alone, and it is rather a
      complementary technique to endoscopy and is especially valuable for patients with
      extraluminal disease.

PMID- 25141315
TI  - The sensitivity of MR colonography using dark lumen technique for detection of
      colonic lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess the detectability of the lesions with magnetic
      resonance (MR) colonography using dark lumen technique that had been detected on
      conventional colonoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 patients who were
      suspected to have a colorectal mass between April 2008 and June 2010 were
      included in this prospective study. Warm tap water was administered via a rectal
      tube to the patients in prone position. Then, axial T2 true- fast imaging with
      steady-state precession (FISP), axial T2 half-Fourier acquisition single-shot
      turbo spin-echo (HASTE), diffusion-weighted images, and T1 vibe fat suppression
      coronal sequences were obtained. T1 vibe fat suppression sequences on axial
      coronal planes were repeated after gadolinium contrast medium intravenous
      injection. MR images were analyzed by two radiologists concurrently. Assessments
      were done by comparing with conventional colonoscopy and histopathologic
      findings. RESULTS: Thirteen out of 20 lesions that had been detected on
      conventional colonoscopy were correctly obtained by MR colonography. None of the
      three lesions 5 mm or below was seen on MR colonography. Two out of 4 lesions
      measuring 6-9 mm were seen on MR colonography (50%). Eleven out of 13 lesions 10
      mm and above were correctly detected on MR colonography (84.6%). Sensitivity was
      estimated as 65% when all lesions were evaluated together. CONCLUSION: MR
      colonography has a high sensitivity in the diagnosis of colonic pathologies
      without ionizing radiation. Future investigation will likely lead to wider
      acceptance of this method to detect colonic pathologies, including perhaps their
      use in colon cancer screening programs.

PMID- 25141316
TI  - Cold snare polypectomy versus hot snare polypectomy in endoscopic treatment of
      small polyps.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The removal of small colon polyps by hot snare polypectomy (HP)
      is a commonly used method. Polypectomy with a cold snare (CP) has been
      increasingly utilized in recent years. Each method has its own advantages and
      disadvantages. Herein, we explored the efficacy and safety of each method.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012, 97 consecutive
      patients with small colorectal polyps ranging from 5-9 mm in size were separated
      into either the CP or HP group. Demographic data, the duration of polypectomy,
      and pathology reports were recorded. RESULTS: Seventy-seven polyps were removed
      from 49 patients in the CP group, and 71 polyps were removed from 48 patients in
      the HP group. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect
      to gender, age distribution, number of polyps, or indications for colonoscopy.
      The mean polyp size was 7.21+/-1.4 mm in the CP group and 7.56+/-1.45 mm in the
      HP group (p=0.111). There was a significant difference in the mean procedure time
      between the two groups (CP, 25.71+/-4.3 sec; HP, 70.28+/-11.3 sec, p<0.001). One
      patient (1.3/1.4%) from each group developed post-polypectomy bleeding that
      required treatment. Histological evaluation revealed that 10 of the polyps
      (6.75%) were advanced adenomas. Pathological examination showed that the polyps
      were not completely removed in 4 patients (5.13%) in the CP group and 4 patients
      (5.63%) in the HP group (p=0.89). CONCLUSION: CP is an effective and safe method
      that shortens the polypectomy duration in small polyps (<=9 mm) compared to HP.

PMID- 25141318
TI  - Role of serum myeloperoxidase, CPK, CK-MB, and cTnI tests in early diagnosis of
      myocardial ischemia during ERCP.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Some patients may experience retrosternal pain during ERCP,
      which may be a pioneer of a serious myocardial problem, and early diagnosis is
      very important for the prognosis and management. In the study, we aimed to
      investigate the role of serum cardiac biomarkers, such as myeloperoxidase (MPO),
      creatine phospokinase (CPK), creatine kinase- myocardial band (CK-MB), and cTnI,
      on early diagnosis of myocardial ischemia during endoscopic retrograde cholangio
      pancreaticograpy (ERCP) procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective
      observational study, ERCP patients were separated into ischemic cardiac (n:48)
      and non-ischemic (n:76) groups. Serious cardiac, kidney, and liver disease
      patients were excluded from the study. Changes in electrocardigrapy (ECG), blood
      pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and serum MPO, CPK, CK-MB, and cTnI
      levels were investigated before and after the ERCP. Results were evaluated
      statistically (p<0.05). RESULTS: Mean age was 59.76+/-16.62 (55?, 69?). Only one
      patient had clinically unimportant retrosternal pain (0.8%). ST-elevation was
      detected in 10.4% (n:5), ST-depression in 12.5% (n:6), and negative-T in 31.3%
      (n:15) of ischemic patients during ERCP. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
      and pulse rates in both groups and oxygen saturations in the ischemic group were
      reduced after ERCP. Significance was not detected with MPO and CPK tests. CK-MB
      levels showed an increase after the ERCP in the non-ischemic group (p<0.001).
      cTnI means were higher among the ischemics when pre- and post-ERCP periods
      (p:0.001) were compared. CONCLUSION: Clinically unimportant retrosternal pain, T
      negativity, and ST segment changes as well as reduced systolic, diastolic blood
      pressure, and heart rates can be seen during ERCP. MPO and CPK levels remain
      insignificant if myocardial injury does not develop. Increased CK-MB levels in
      non-ischemic patients and increased cTnI levels in ischemics may be seen.

PMID- 25141317
TI  - The change in microorganisms reproducing in bile and blood culture and antibiotic
      susceptibility over the years.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Infection in the bile tract is a major cause of bacteremia and
      is related to high morbidity and mortality. We examined the changes in bacteria
      types and antibiotic susceptibility in bile cultures and simultaneous blood
      cultures taken from patients who applied for endoscopic retrograde cholangio
      pancreatography (ERCP)/percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) for
      different bile duct diseases in recent years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bacteria
      types that reproduce in bile and blood cultures from patients who applied for
      ERCP/PTC between the years of 2007 and 2012 in our clinic were examined. All
      patients were evaluated together, and in addition, the periods between 2007 and
      2009 (Group 1) and between 2010 and 2012 (Group 2) were compared. RESULTS: In
      total, 550 patients applied to this study. There were 266 patients in Group 1 and
      284 in Group 2. Reproduction occurred in 77.6% of bile cultures. In the order of
      frequency, these cultures consisted of Escherichia coli (32.8%), Enterococcus
      spp. (26.2%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11%). Enterococcus spp. were determined
      to be higher in Group 2 than Group 1 (p<0.016). Resistance to quinolones was
      found in 74.1% of patients, to ampicillin in 73.2%, and to cephalosporins in an
      average of 61%. Vancomycin was the most susceptible antibiotic (93.4%) to gram
      positives. Resistance to piperacillin-tazobactam and amikacin was higher in Group
      2 than Group 1 (p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: The most
      frequently reproducing bacteria in the bile cultures evaluated in our hospital
      were Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. Although it was thought that the
      antibiotics given empirically were effective against these bacteria, there was
      resistancerate of 75% in our study. We determined that the first- and second-step
      treatment protocols must be updated.

PMID- 25141319
TI  - Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: where are we?
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      technical/hemodynamic success, complications, and biochemical/ hematologic
      consequences of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) created with
      10-mm bare stents in our patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 27 cirrhotic
      patients (18 men and 9 women; mean age, 39.7+/-18.7 years) with a median MELD
      score 14 (range 7-31) treated with TIPS between January 2000 and August 2010 were
      evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The indications were refractory bleeding
      varices in 48.2%, refractory ascites in 22.2%, and Budd-Chiari syndrome in 29.6%
      of the patients. Technical and hemodynamic success rates were 96.3% and 92.3%,
      respectively. Mean portosystemic pressure gradient decreased from 21.5+/-5.3 mm
      Hg to 9+/-2.7 mm Hg (p<0.05). The rate of primary stent patency was 76.9% 1 year
      after the procedure. No statistically significant difference in shunt dysfunction
      was found between the groups of patients treated for Budd-Chiari syndrome and
      other indications (p>0.05). One patient (3.7%) had shunt dysfunction due to
      thrombosis within 24 hours. New and/or worsening hepatic encephalopathy occurred
      in 34.6% of patients. Increased age (>=40 years) was significantly related to
      hepatic encephalopathy in both univariate and multivariate analyses (p<0.05).
      Thirty-day mortality rate and 1-year transplant-free survival rate were 0% and
      80.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
      procedure is a safe treatment for many patients with cirrhosis, but post
      procedure hepatic encephalopathy and shunt dysfunction are still problems.
      Especially, patient age should be taken into consideration in predicting hepatic
      encephalopathy risk.

PMID- 25141320
TI  - Public awareness of hepatitis B infection in Turkey as a model of universal
      effectiveness in health care policy.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to analyze the knowledge and awareness of
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in an HBV-infected Turkish population as a
      model for global health care practice and to evaluate potential factors
      associated with the disease spread and its prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ankara University School of Medicine,
      Liver Disease Outpatient Clinic between August 2012 and March 2013. The survey
      queried sociodemographics, knowledge, and awareness of HBV infection,
      transmission, and consequences and common practices and behaviors. RESULTS: A
      total of 181 patients were surveyed (median age=49 years); 91 (51%) had
      "advanced" education levels (high school, bachelor's, graduate degree), 108 (60%)
      had knowledge about HBV infection and transmittance, and 130 (72%) were aware of
      the ill consequences of HBV infection. Also, 120 (66%) had vaccinated their
      family members against HBV infection. Participants with knowledge of HBV
      infection transmittance were more likely to vaccinate their family members
      compared to unknowledgeable participants (p=0.015). Participants with "advanced"
      education levels were also more likely to vaccinate family members (p=0.047).
      CONCLUSION: Promoting better awareness of HBV and endorsing mass educational
      interventions may be useful strategies to prevent the spread of HBV infection.
      Such strategies may be recommended as cost-effective global health care practices
      in HBV endemic areas.

PMID- 25141321
TI  - Significance of appetite hormone ghrelin and obestatin levels in the assessment
      of the severity of acute pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Due to risk of morbidity and mortality, various tests and
      scoring systems used in the assessment of the diagnosis and severity of acute
      pancreatitis disease are gaining more importance every day. Most of the current
      scoring systems, validated by various parameters, have a sophisticated and
      complex structure. Research is ongoing to establish a method to diagnose the
      disease and determine the severity by using different and simple parameters. In
      this trial, we aimed to investigate the role of the orexigenic "ghrelin" and
      anorexigenic "obestatin" hormones, if any, on the diagnosis and assessment of the
      severity of acute pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients
      hospitalized between September 2009 and September 2010 with a diagnosis of acute
      pancreatitis (AP) and 25 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the trial with a
      prospective and randomized design. The patients were classified in two groups,
      mild (Ranson <=3 and / or Apache II <=8) and severe (Ranson >3 and/or Apache II
      >8) cases, as per the Ranson and Apache-II criteria; the ghrelin and obestatin
      levels in blood samples obtained from the patients were measured using the ELISA
      method. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the 30 patients (73%) were regarded as mild
      pancreatitis cases, while 8 cases (27%) were diagnosed as severe pancreatitis.
      Comparison of the mild and severe pancreatitis groups did not reveal a
      statistical difference between the two groups in terms of acylated and de
      acylated ghrelin values on presentation and following the initiation of oral
      feeding. Similarly, no significant difference was found in the comparison of the
      patient and the control groups in terms of acylated and de-acylated ghrelin
      values on presentation (p=0.863). On the other hand, acylated and de-acylated
      ghrelin values after initiation of oral feeding were observed to be higher in the
      patient group (p=0.001, p=0.000). Comparison of these two groups revealed a
      significant difference in obestatin values, both on presentation and after
      initiation of oral feeding (p=0.002 and p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Consistently high
      serum ghrelin values during pancreatic inflammation suggest that ghrelin may be
      used as an adjunctive parameter in the monitoring of the course of the disease.
      On the other hand, high obestatin values in patients on presentation indicate
      that this hormone is a more significant parameter in terms of diagnosis. However,
      no correlation was established between these two peptide hormones and the
      severity of AP.

PMID- 25141322
TI  - Primary mesenchymal tumors of the colon: a report of three cases.
AB  - Primary mesenchymal tumors of the colon are extremely rare tumors among soft
      tissue sarcomas. These tumors are more aggressive and have poorer prognosis than
      adenocarcinoma of the colon. Here, we presented 3 cases of primary mesenchymal
      tumors of the colon. Their histopathological diagnoses are leiomyosarcoma,
      pleomorphic liposarcoma, and desmoplastic small round cell tumor, respectively.
      The rarity of primary mesenchymal tumors of the colon makes it difficult to
      approach the treatment and predict the prognosis of these rare tumors. 

PMID- 25141323
TI  - Mutatis mutandis: are we diagnosing too many people with non-celiac gluten
      sensitivity? Multiple case report.
AB  - We report three patients presenting with gluten-related signs and symptoms. Since
      villous height/crypt depth ratio, intraepithelial lymphocyte count, and serum
      antibody tests were not diagnostic for celiac disease (CD), a diagnosis of non
      celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) was suggested. On the other hand, antibodies
      suggestive for CD surprisingly showed positive results in the duodenal biopsy
      organ culture of all three cases. The reported cases suggest the precious
      potential role that organ culture systems may play in differentiating CD from
      NCGS. This method should be recommended when gluten-related disorders are
      suspected in order to reduce the inappropriate diagnosis of NCGS. 

PMID- 25141324
TI  - Unusual presentations of eosinophilic gastroenteritis: two case reports.
AB  - Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease that is characterized by
      eosinophil infiltration in one or multiple segments of the gastrointestinal
      tract. The etiology of this condition remains unknown. Eosinophilic
      gastroenteritis has heterogeneous clinical manifestations that depend upon the
      location and depth of infiltration in the gastrointestinal tract, and
      eosinophilia may or may not be present. This article reports two cases of
      eosinophilic gastroenteritis. The first is that of a 49-year-old woman with
      abdominal pain, ascites, eosinophilia, and a history of asthma. The second case
      is that of a 69-year-old male with a history of loss of appetite, belching,
      postprandial fullness, heartburn, and a 5-kilogram weight loss over a period of 9
      months; ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with a gastric outlet obstruction
      due to pyloric stenosis. The rare character of eosinophilic gastroenteritis and
      its varied clinical presentations often lead to delayed diagnoses and
      complications. Case reports may help to disseminate knowledge about the disease,
      thereby increasing the likelihood of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent
      complications.

PMID- 25141325
TI  - Hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as a huge intra-abdominal mass: a case
      report.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the
      liver and is generally associated with hepatitis B or C virus-related cirrhosis.
      A giant intra-abdominal HCC mass that fills nearly the whole abdomen is not often
      reported in the literature. In this report, we present a case in which a patient
      with hepatitis B developed a giant intra-abdominal mass that originated from
      segment three of the liver and infiltrated the stomach and transverse colon. We
      were able to resect the tumor without leaving any tumor tissue behind. Although
      HCC presenting as a huge mass with invasion of the gastrointestinal tract is
      uncommon, this pathology should be considered in the differential diagnosis of
      giant intra-abdominal masses. The case presented here also indicates that
      surgical resection is possible in selected patients.

PMID- 25141326
TI  - Evaluation of patients with positive anti-mitochondrial antibody in laboratory
      conditions.

PMID- 25141327
TI  - Cannabinoid-induced acute pancreatitis.

PMID- 25141328
TI  - Diagnosis of helicobacter pylori infection.

PMID- 25141329
TI  - Acute liver failure; what is different in Turkey and some remarks.

PMID- 25141330
TI  - Paraneoplastic presentation of cholestatic jaundice in renal cell carcinoma.

PMID- 25141331
TI  - Correct determination of abdominal fat accumulation.

PMID- 25141332
TI  - Do we have to worry for thrombocytopenia during treatment of hepatitis C.

PMID- 25141333
TI  - Fecal microbiota transplant in immunocompromised patients: Encouraging results in
      a vulnarable population.

PMID- 25141334
TI  - How will I know whether "an apple is ripe or rotten"? A new proposed composite
      algorithm to predict acute liver failure in patients with drug-induced liver
      injury.

PMID- 25141335
TI  - "Old classic cars" are hidden treasures: colorectal cancer screening should be
      considered in unscreened persons over age 75.

PMID- 25141337
TI  - Thermopower of benzenedithiol and C60 molecular junctions with Ni and Au
      electrodes.
AB  - We have performed thermoelectric measurements of benzenedithiol (BDT) and C60
      molecules with Ni and Au electrodes using a home-built scanning tunneling
      microscope. The thermopower of C60 was negative for both Ni and Au electrodes,
      indicating the transport of carriers through the lowest unoccupied molecular
      orbital in both cases, as was expected from the work functions. On the other
      hand, the Ni-BDT-Ni junctions exhibited a negative thermopower, whereas the Au
      BDT-Au junctions exhibited a positive thermopower. First-principle calculations
      revealed that the negative thermopower of Ni-BDT-Ni junctions is due to the spin
      split hybridized states generated by the highest occupied molecular orbital of
      BDT coupled with s- and d-states of the Ni electrode. 

PMID- 25141338
TI  - NMR nanoparticle diffusometry in hydrogels: enhancing sensitivity and
      selectivity.
AB  - From the diffusional behavior of nanoparticles in heterogeneous hydrogels,
      quantitative information about submicron structural features of the polymer
      matrix can be derived. Pulsed-gradient spin-echo NMR is often the method of
      choice because it measures diffusion of the whole ensemble of nanoparticles.
      However, in (1)H diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY), low-intensity
      nanoparticle signals have to be separated from a highly protonated background. To
      circumvent this, we prepared (19)F labeled, PEGylated, water-soluble dendritic
      nanoparticles with a (19)F loading of ~7 wt % to enable background free (19)F
      DOSY experiments. (19)F nanoparticle diffusometry was benchmarked against (1)H
      diffusion-T2 correlation spectroscopy (DRCOSY), which has a stronger signal
      separation potential than the commonly used (1)H DOSY experiment. We used
      bootstrap data resampling to estimate confidence intervals and stabilize 2D
      Laplace inversion of DRCOSY data with high noise levels and artifacts, allowing
      quantitative diffusometry even at low magnetic field strengths (30 MHz). The
      employed methods offer significant advantages in terms of sensitivity and
      selectivity.

PMID- 25141339
TI  - Effects of caste on the expression of genes associated with septic injury and
      xenobiotic exposure in the Formosan subterranean termite.
AB  - As social insects, termites live in densely populated colonies with specialized
      castes under conditions conducive to microbial growth and transmission.
      Furthermore, termites are exposed to xenobiotics in soil and their lignocellulose
      diet. Therefore, termites are valuable models for studying gene expression
      involved in response to septic injury, immunity and detoxification in relation to
      caste membership. In this study, workers and soldiers of the Formosan
      subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, were challenged by bacterial
      injection or by no-choice feeding with a sublethal concentration (0.5%) of
      phenobarbital. Constitutive and induced expression of six putative immune
      response genes (two encoding for lectin-like proteins, one for a ficolin
      precursor, one for the Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule, one for a chitin
      binding protein, and one for the gram-negative binding protein 2) and four
      putative detoxification genes (two encoding for cytochrome P450s, one for
      glutathione S-transferase, and one for the multi antimicrobial extrusion
      protein), were measured via quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and
      compared within and among 1) colonies, 2) treatment types and 3) castes via
      ANOVA. Eight genes were inducible by septic injury, feeding with phenobarbital or
      both. Colony origin had no effect on inducibility or differential gene
      expression. However, treatment type showed significant effects on the expression
      of the eight inducible genes. Caste effects on expression levels were significant
      in five of the eight inducible genes with constitutive and induced expression of
      most target genes being higher in workers than in soldiers. 

PMID- 25141342
TI  - The crystal structure of Li2B3PO8 with the 2D-linkage of BO3, BO4 and PO4 groups.
AB  - The crystal structure of Li2B3PO8 was determined by X-ray diffraction of a single
      crystal prepared by slow cooling from 943 K to 873 K. Li2B3PO8 crystallizes in a
      triclinic cell (space group P1[combining macron], Z = 8). The sheets of [B3PO8](2
      ) formed by the linkage of triangular BO3 and tetrahedral BO4 and PO4 groups
      stack along the b-axis direction. 

PMID- 25141340
TI  - Integrative advances for OCT-guided ophthalmic surgery and intraoperative OCT:
      microscope integration, surgical instrumentation, and heads-up display surgeon
      feedback.
AB  - PURPOSE: To demonstrate key integrative advances in microscope-integrated
      intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) technology that will
      facilitate adoption and utilization during ophthalmic surgery. METHODS: We
      developed a second-generation prototype microscope-integrated iOCT system that
      interfaces directly with a standard ophthalmic surgical microscope. Novel
      features for improved design and functionality included improved profile and
      ergonomics, as well as a tunable lens system for optimized image quality and
      heads-up display (HUD) system for surgeon feedback. Novel material testing was
      performed for potential suitability for OCT-compatible instrumentation based on
      light scattering and transmission characteristics. Prototype surgical instruments
      were developed based on material testing and tested using the microscope
      integrated iOCT system. Several surgical maneuvers were performed and imaged, and
      surgical motion visualization was evaluated with a unique scanning and image
      processing protocol. RESULTS: High-resolution images were successfully obtained
      with the microscope-integrated iOCT system with HUD feedback. Six semi
      transparent materials were characterized to determine their attenuation
      coefficients and scatter density with an 830 nm OCT light source. Based on these
      optical properties, polycarbonate was selected as a material substrate for
      prototype instrument construction. A surgical pick, retinal forceps, and corneal
      needle were constructed with semi-transparent materials. Excellent visualization
      of both the underlying tissues and surgical instrument were achieved on OCT cross
      section. Using model eyes, various surgical maneuvers were visualized, including
      membrane peeling, vessel manipulation, cannulation of the subretinal space,
      subretinal intraocular foreign body removal, and corneal penetration.
      CONCLUSIONS: Significant iterative improvements in integrative technology related
      to iOCT and ophthalmic surgery are demonstrated.

PMID- 25141343
TI  - Rainbow trout provide the first experimental evidence for adherence to a distinct
      Strouhal number during animal oscillatory propulsion.
AB  - The relationship between tail (or wing) beat frequency (f(tail)), amplitude (A)
      and forward velocity (U) in animals using oscillatory propulsion, when moving at
      a constant cruising speed, converges upon an optimum range of the Strouhal number
      (St = f(tail) . A/U). Previous work, based on observational data and supported by
      theory, shows St falling within the broad optimum range (0.2<St<0.4) and
      considers this adequate to indicate its importance in governing wing or tail
      kinematics. This study presents the first evidence using an experimental
      manipulation that supports the importance of maintaining kinematics at a single
      optimum (or preferred) St. The tail beat kinematics of rainbow trout,
      Oncorhynchus mykiss, were disturbed by increasing water temperature (T(water))
      from 11 +/- 1 to 20 +/- 1  degrees C. Elevated T(water) increased f(tail) and
      decreased A, whilst St at any given U was conserved. St increased with U, driven
      by concomitant increases in A, whilst f(tail) was unaffected by U. An increase in
      T(water) also increased basal metabolic costs, but did not affect the incremental
      increase in metabolic cost with increasing U. Predicted future changes to
      T(water) of lakes and rivers (5-10  degrees C over the next 100 years) may not
      present major locomotory problems to salmonids.

PMID- 25141341
TI  - Progress in the discovery and development of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90)
      inhibitors.
AB  - The discovery and clinical development of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90)
      inhibitors continue to progress. A number of Hsp90 inhibitors are in clinical
      trials, and preclinical discoveries of new chemotypes that bind to distinct
      regions in the protein as well as isoform selective compounds are active areas of
      research. This review will highlight progress in the field since 2010. 

PMID- 25141344
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging analysis of water flow in the mantle cavity of live
      Mytilus galloprovincialis.
AB  - Water flow inside the shell of Mytilus galloprovincialis was measured by phase
      contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In seawater without algal cells at 23 
      degrees C, water approached the mussel from the posterior-ventral side, and
      entered through the inhalant aperture at a velocity of 40-20 mm s(-1). The flow
      rate in the lower mantle cavity decreased to 10-20 mm s(-1), the water flowed in
      the anterior-dorsal direction and approached the demibranches at a velocity of 5
      10 mm s(-1). After passing through the lamellae to the upper mantle cavity, the
      water stretched the interlamellar cavity, turned to the posterior-dorsal
      direction and accumulated in the epibranchial cavity. The water flows came
      together at the ventral side of the posterior adductor muscle. The velocity
      increased more to than 50 mm s(-1) in the exhalant siphon, and exhaled out in the
      posterior-dorsal direction. The anterior-posterior direction of the flow was
      imaged every 1.92 s by the inflow effect of T1-weighted MRI. The flow seemed to
      be constant, and no cyclic motion of the mantles or the gills was detected.
      Spontaneous closure of the shells caused a quick drop of the flow in the mantle
      cavity. In the opening process of the shells, water flow in the interlamellar
      cavities increased before the opening, followed by an increase of flows in the
      exhalant siphon and inhalant aperture with minimum delay, reaching a plateau
      within 1 min of the shells opening. This provides direct evidence that the
      lateral cilia drive water in the mussel M. galloprovincialis.

PMID- 25141345
TI  - Behavioral and metabolic contributions to thermoregulation in freely swimming
      leatherback turtles at high latitudes.
AB  - Leatherback turtles in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean have a broad geographic range
      that extends from nesting beaches near the equator to seasonal foraging grounds
      as far north as Canada. The ability of leatherbacks to maintain core body
      temperature (Tb) higher than that of the surrounding water is thought to be a key
      element of their biology that permits them to exploit productive waters at high
      latitudes. We provide the first recordings of Tb from freely swimming
      leatherbacks at a northern foraging ground, and use these data to assess the
      importance of behavioral adjustments and metabolic sources of heat for
      maintenance of the thermal gradient (Tg). The mean Tb for individual leatherbacks
      ranged from 25.4 +/- 1.7 to 27.3 +/- 0.3  degrees C, and Tg ranged from 10.7 +/-
      2.4 to 12.1 +/- 1.7  degrees C. Variation in mean Tb was best explained by the
      amount of time that turtles spent in the relatively warm surface waters. A diel
      trend in Tb was apparent, with daytime cooling suggestive of prey ingestion and
      night-time warming attributable to endogenous heat production. We estimate that
      metabolic rates necessary to support the observed Tg are ~3 times higher than
      resting metabolic rate, and that specific dynamic action is an important source
      of heat for foraging leatherbacks.

PMID- 25141346
TI  - Could thermal sensitivity of mitochondria determine species distribution in a
      changing climate?
AB  - For many aquatic species, the upper thermal limit (Tmax) and the heart failure
      temperature (THF) are only a few degrees away from the species' current
      environmental temperatures. While the mechanisms mediating temperature-induced
      heart failure (HF) remain unresolved, energy flow and/or oxygen supply
      disruptions to cardiac mitochondria may be impacted by heat stress. Recent work
      using a New Zealand wrasse (Notolabrus celidotus) found that ATP synthesis
      capacity of cardiac mitochondria collapses prior to T(HF). However, whether this
      effect is limited to one species from one thermal habitat remains unknown. The
      present study confirmed that cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to
      heat stress-induced HF in two additional wrasses that occupy cold temperate
      (Notolabrus fucicola) and tropical (Thalassoma lunare) habitats. With exposure to
      heat stress, T. lunare had the least scope to maintain heart function with
      increasing temperature. Heat-exposed fish of all species showed elevated plasma
      succinate, and the heart mitochondria from the cold temperate N. fucicola showed
      decreased phosphorylation efficiencies (depressed respiratory control ratio,
      RCR), cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) flux and electron transport system (ETS) flux.
      In situ assays conducted across a range of temperatures using naive tissues
      showed depressed complex II (CII) and CCO capacity, limited ETS reserve
      capacities and lowered efficiencies of pyruvate uptake in T. lunare and N.
      celidotus. Notably, alterations of mitochondrial function were detectable at
      saturating oxygen levels, indicating that cardiac mitochondrial insufficiency can
      occur prior to HF without oxygen limitation. Our data support the view that
      species distribution may be related to the thermal limits of mitochondrial
      stability and function, which will be important as oceans continue to warm.

PMID- 25141347
TI  - In situ characterization of intrahepatic non-parenchymal cells in PSC reveals
      phenotypic patterns associated with disease severity.
AB  - Liver-infiltrating T cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of primary
      sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), however little information is available about
      changes in other cellular compartments in the liver during PSC. This study aimed
      to characterize non-parenchymal intrahepatic cells in PSC livers and to find
      associations between phenotypes and disease severity. Using immunohistochemistry,
      followed by automated image analysis and quantification and a principal component
      analysis, we have studied non-parenchymal intrahepatic cells in PSC-patient
      livers (n = 17) and controls (n = 17). We observed a significant increase of T
      cells in the PSC patients, localized to the fibrotic areas. MAIT cells, normally
      present at high numbers in the liver, were not increased to the same extent. PSC
      patients had lower expression of MHC class I than controls. However, the levels
      of NKp46+ NK cells were similar between patients and controls, nevertheless,
      NKp46 was identified as a phenotypic marker that distinguished PSC patients with
      mild from those with severe fibrosis. Beyond that, a group of PSC patients had
      lost expression of Caldesmon and this was associated with more extensive bile
      duct proliferation and higher numbers of T cells. Our data reveals phenotypic
      patterns in PSC patients associated with disease severity.

PMID- 25141348
TI  - Prevalence and characteristics of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and plasmid
      mediated fluoroquinolone resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolated from
      chickens in Anhui province, China.
AB  - The aim of this study was to characterize the prevalence of extended-spectrum
      beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes and plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance
      (PMQR) determinants in 202 Escherichia coli isolates from chickens in Anhui
      Province, China, and to determine whether ESBL and PMQR genes co-localized in the
      isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility for 12 antimicrobials was determined by
      broth microdilution. Polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), DNA sequencing, and
      pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were employed to characterize the
      molecular basis for beta-lactam and fluoroquinolone resistance. High rates of
      antimicrobial resistance were observed, 147 out of the 202 (72.8%) isolates were
      resistant to at least 6 antimicrobial agents and 28 (13.9%) of the isolates were
      resistant to at least 10 antimicrobials. The prevalence of blaCTX-M, blaTEM-1 and
      blaTEM-206 genes was 19.8%, 24.3% and 11.9%, respectively. Seventy-five out of
      the 202 (37.1%) isolates possessed a plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance
      determinant in the form of qnrS (n = 21); this determinant occurred occasionally
      in combination with aac(6')-1b-cr (n = 65). Coexistence of ESBL and/or PMQR genes
      was identified in 31 of the isolates. Two E. coli isolates carried blaTEM-1,
      blaCTX-M and qnrS, while two others carried blaCTX-M, qnrS and aac(6')-1b-cr. In
      addition, blaTEM-1, qnrS and aac(6')-1b-cr were co-located in two other E. coli
      isolates. PFGE analysis showed that these isolates were not clonally related and
      were genetically diverse. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first
      to describe detection of TEM-206-producing E. coli in farmed chickens, and the
      presence of blaTEM-206, qnrS and aac(6')-1b-cr in one of the isolates. 

PMID- 25141349
TI  - The effects of CO2 pressure and pH on the Suzuki coupling of basic nitrogen
      containing substrates.
AB  - The Suzuki coupling reaction of basic nitrogen containing substrates (2-bromo-
      and 2-chloro-4-aminopyridine, and 2-bromo and 2-chloropyridine) with
      phenylboronic acid using Pd(TPP)2Cl2/K3PO4 in acetonitrile-water biphasic solvent
      systems under a CO2 or a N2 atmosphere is discussed. It was observed that 2-halo
      4-aminopyridine produced quantitative yields of coupled products under a CO2
      atmosphere while the yields for the 2-halopyridines were poor. In contrast, the
      yields of coupled products for the 2-halopyridines substrates were quantitative
      under a N2 atmosphere while only poor yields were realized for the 2-halo-4
      aminopyridines under the same conditions. Evidence is presented which suggests
      that the presence of CO2 alters the pH of the aqueous phase of the reaction
      system and the accompanying efficiency of the coupling process. Using a series of
      buffers to adjust the pH of the aqueous phase, the pH dependence associated with
      the efficiency of the coupling process is illustrated. 

PMID- 25141350
TI  - Gene expression profiling in human lung development: an abundant resource for
      lung adenocarcinoma prognosis.
AB  - A tumor can be viewed as a special "organ" that undergoes aberrant and poorly
      regulated organogenesis. Progress in cancer prognosis and therapy might be
      facilitated by re-examining distinctive processes that operate during normal
      development, to elucidate the intrinsic features of cancer that are significantly
      obscured by its heterogeneity. The global gene expression signatures of 44 human
      lung tissues at four development stages from Asian descent and 69 lung
      adenocarcinoma (ADC) tissue samples from ethnic Chinese patients were profiled
      using microarrays. All of the genes were classified into 27 distinct groups based
      on their expression patterns (named as PTN1 to PTN27) during the developmental
      process. In lung ADC, genes whose expression levels decreased steadily during
      lung development (genes in PTN1) generally had their expression reactivated,
      while those with uniformly increasing expression levels (genes in PTN27) had
      their expression suppressed. The genes in PTN1 contain many n-gene signatures
      that are of prognostic value for lung ADC. The prognostic relevance of a 12-gene
      demonstrator for patient survival was characterized in five cohorts of healthy
      and ADC patients [ADC_CICAMS (n = 69, p = 0.007), ADC_PNAS (n = 125, p = 0.0063),
      ADC_GSE13213 (n = 117, p = 0.0027), ADC_GSE8894 (n =  2, p = 0.01), and ADC_NCI
      (n = 282, p = 0.045)] and in four groups of stage I patients [ADC_CICAMS (n = 22,
      p = 0.017), ADC_PNAS (n = 76, p = 0.018), ADC_GSE13213 (n = 79, p = 0.02), and
      ADC_qPCR (n = 62, p = 0.006)]. In conclusion, by comparison of gene expression
      profiles during human lung developmental process and lung ADC progression, we
      revealed that the genes with a uniformly decreasing expression pattern during
      lung development are of enormous prognostic value for lung ADC.

PMID- 25141352
TI  - The brain: what can affect it and what can improve it.

PMID- 25141351
TI  - Comparison of glucose and lipid metabolic gene expressions between fat and lean
      lines of rainbow trout after a glucose load.
AB  - Two experimental rainbow trout lines developed through divergent selection for
      low (Lean 'L' line) or high (Fat 'F' line) muscle fat content were used as models
      to study the genetic determinism of fat depots. Previous nutritional studies
      suggested that the F line had a better capability to use glucose than the L line
      during feeding trials. Based on that, we put forward the hypothesis that F line
      has a greater metabolic ability to clear a glucose load effectively, compared to
      L line. In order to test this hypothesis, 250 mg/kg glucose was intraperitoneally
      injected to the two rainbow trout lines fasted for 48 h. Hyperglycemia was
      observed after glucose treatment in both lines without affecting the
      phosphorylation of AMPK (cellular energy sensor) and Akt-TOR (insulin signaling)
      components. Liver glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase expression
      levels were increased by glucose, whereas mRNA levels of beta-oxidation enzymes
      (CPT1a, CPT1b, HOAD and ACO) were down-regulated in the white skeletal muscle of
      both lines. Regarding the genotype effect, concordant with normoglycemia at 12 h
      after glucose treatment, higher muscle glycogen was found in F line compared to L
      line which exhibited hyperglycemia. Moreover, mRNA levels of hepatic glycolytic
      enzymes (GK, 6PFK and PK), gluconeogenic enzyme PEPCK and muscle fatty acid
      oxidation enzymes (CPT1a, CPT1b and HOAD) were concurrently higher in the F line.
      Overall, these findings suggest that F line may have a better ability to maintain
      glucose homeostasis than L line. 

PMID- 25141353
TI  - The effectiveness of a community-based, mind-body group for symptoms of
      depression and anxiety.
AB  - CONTEXT: The prevalence of depression and other mental health conditions is on
      the rise, with an estimated 350 million people affected. Populations with lower
      socioeconomic status are at higher risk for mental health problems, including
      depression and anxiety. Community health centers (CHCs) often have wait lists for
      individual counseling. Group mind-body interventions (MBIs) that are based on the
      relaxation response (RR) are plausible options for treating mental health
      conditions at CHCs. OBJECTIVE: The study examined the feasibility and
      effectiveness of an 8-wk MBI developed at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind
      Body Medicine (BHI) for treatment of symptoms of depression and anxiety in a
      community-based population. DESIGN: The research team designed a retrospective,
      open-label study of 124 patients with symptoms of depression or anxiety enrolled
      in an MBI as a group. SETTING: The setting for the study was 2 CHCs at
      Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, MA, USA. PARTICIPANTS:
      Participants were adult patients at MGH with symptoms of depression and/or
      anxiety. The program was billed as treatment related to behavioral health and
      accessible to people with all levels of education. INTERVENTION: The MBI for
      depression and/or anxiety in the current study teaches techniques that elicit a
      relaxation response (RR), in combination with additional resiliencyenhancing
      components. OUTCOME MEASURES: To examine effects of the program, self-report
      clinical measures were administered pre- and postintervention: (1) for
      depression, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D10); (2)
      for anxiety, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State Subscale (STAI-State); and
      (3) for perceived stress, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). RESULTS: The
      intervention was associated with a significant decrease in depressive symptoms:
      95% CI, -6.0 to -2.6 (P < .001); anxiety--95% CI -12.6 to -2.2 (P = .007); and
      perceived stress--95% CI -7.6 to -2.0 (P = .001). Approximately 52.4% of the
      participants completed at least 75% of the 8 sessions, with 5 sessions attended
      on average. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in this MBI was associated with an
      improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as decreases in
      perceived stress among CHC patients.

PMID- 25141354
TI  - Cancer: brain-regulated biphasic stress response induces cell growth or cell
      death to adapt to psychological stressors.
AB  - According to Indian Vedic philosophy, a human being contains 3 major bodies: (1)
      the matter body--brain, organs, and senses; (2) the mental body--mind, individual
      consciousness, intellect, and ego; and (3) the soul or causal body--universal
      consciousness. The third, which is located in the heart according to all
      spiritual traditions and recent scientific literature, can be seen as the
      information body that contains all memories. The mental body, which can interface
      with the matter and information bodies, can be seen as a field of immaterial
      energy that can carry, regulate, and strengthen all information (eg, thoughts or
      emotions) both positively and negatively. This body of information may store
      ancestral and/or autobiographical memories: unconscious memories from inner
      traumas--inner information (Ii) or samskaras in Vedic philosophy--and conscious
      memories from outer traumas--outer information (Io). These conscious and
      unconscious memories can be seen as potential psychological stressors. Resonance
      between Ii and Io may induce active conflicts if resistance occurs in the mental
      body; this conflict may cause specific metabolic activity in the brain and a
      stress response in the physical body, which permits adjustment to psychological
      stressors. The brainregulated stress response may be biphasic: cell death or
      growth induced by adrenergic molecular pathways during the conflict's unresolved
      phase and reversion to cell growth or death induced by cholinergic molecular
      pathways during the conflict's resolved phase. Case studies and data mining from
      PubMed suggest that this concept complies with the principles of holistic
      medicine and the scientific literature supporting its benefits. We suggest that
      the evolution of cancer can be seen as a biphasic stress response regulated by
      the brain to adapt to psychological stressors, which produce imbalance among the
      physical, mental, and information bodies.

PMID- 25141355
TI  - Role of yoga and meditation in the context of dysfunctional self: a hypothetico
      integrative approach.
AB  - Aaron T. Beck describes habitual patterns of schemas (ie, organized patterns of
      thought or behavior) as vital elements of emotional and behavioral experience,
      whereas biased processing of information accompanies psychopathological states.
      In this article, the authors propose a hypothetico-integrative approach to
      understanding the role of yoga and meditation. This approach is based on the
      background of Beck's model of the psychopathology of the dysfunctional self. The
      authors have found that the practices common to most forms of yoga and meditation
      are (1) focusing of attention; (2) creating a state of relaxation; and (3)
      developing mindfulness through efferent attenuation, sensory attenuation, and
      nonanalytic attention. Biological studies of meditation and yoga have found a
      tendency toward use of the relaxation response, the involvement of the
      attentional networks, and, likely, the cingulatecortex, particularly in the
      process of bare attention (ie, awareness without thought). This highest level of
      nonjudgmental awareness may help in obtaining a better-adjusted resilient self. 

PMID- 25141356
TI  - Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD: The pillars of Alzheimer's prevention.

PMID- 25141357
TI  - Kinetic models and pathways of ronidazole degradation by chlorination, UV
      irradiation and UV/chlorine processes.
AB  - Degradation kinetics and pathways of ronidazole (RNZ) by chlorination (Cl2), UV
      irradiation and combined UV/chlorine processes were investigated in this paper.
      The degradation kinetics of RNZ chlorination followed a second-order behavior
      with the rate constants calculated as (2.13 +/- 0.15) * 10(2) M(-2) s(-1), (0.82
      +/- 0.52) * 10(-2) M(-1) s(-1) and (2.06 +/- 0.09) * 10(-1) M(-1) s(-1) for the
      acid-catalyzed reaction, as well as the reactions of RNZ with HOCl and OCl(-),
      respectively. Although UV irradiation degraded RNZ more effectively than
      chlorination did, very low quantum yield of RNZ at 254 nm was obtained as 1.02 *
      10(-3) mol E(-1). RNZ could be efficiently degraded and mineralized in the
      UV/chlorine process due to the generation of hydroxyl radicals. The second-order
      rate constant between RNZ and hydroxyl radical was determined as (2.92 +/- 0.05)
      * 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). The degradation intermediates of RNZ during the three
      processes were identified with Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography -
      Electrospray Ionization - mass spectrometry and the degradation pathways were
      then proposed. Moreover, the variation of chloropicrin (TCNM) and chloroform (CF)
      formation after the three processes were further evaluated. Enhanced formation of
      CF and TCNM precursors during UV/chlorine process deserves extensive attention in
      drinking water treatment.

PMID- 25141358
TI  - Psychiatry today and tomorrow: Primum Non Nocere (first do no harm).

PMID- 25141359
TI  - The physiological responses to Bikram yoga in novice and experienced
      practitioners.
AB  - CONTEXT: Bikram yoga has gained a large following, possibly because of widespread
      claims boasting energy expenditure of up to 1000 calories per session. However,
      these claims are unfounded because no scientific study has investigated the
      metabolic response to a complete, standardized Bikram yoga class. OBJECTIVES:
      This study intends to determine energy expenditure, heart rate, and sweat rate in
      novice and experienced practitioners from a standardized Bikram yoga class.
      SETTING: Data were collected in the environmental chamber of the Exercise
      Physiology Laboratory at San Diego State University in California, USA.
      PARTICIPANTS: Male (n = 5) and female (n = 19) participants between the ages of
      18 and 57 y were recruited through flyers in yoga studios throughout San Diego.
      Participants were classified as experienced or novice practitioners, having
      completed >=20 or <20 sessions, respectively. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were
      guided through a standardized 90-min yoga class performed in a hot environment
      using Bikram's Standard Beginning Dialogue, while expired gas was collected and
      heart rate was recorded. OUTCOME MEASURES: Energy expenditure, calculated via
      oxygen uptake, and heart rate were determined for each posture and transition
      period. In addition, sweat rate and core temperature were recorded for each
      participant. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) relative VO2 for the entire 90-min session was
      9.5 +/- 1.9 mL * kg-1 * min-1, ranging from 6.0 to 12.9 mL * kg-1 * min-1. Mean
      absolute energy expenditure was 286 +/- 72 kcals, ranging from 179 to 478 kcals.
      Independent sample t tests revealed significant differences (P < .05) in relative
      energy expenditure, heart rate, ending core temperature, and sweat rate between
      experience levels. Mean relative energy expenditure was 3.7 +/- 0.5 kcal/kg in
      novice practitioners and 4.7 +/- 0.8 kcal/kg in experienced practitioners.
      Percentage of predicted maximum heart rate and sweat rate were 72.3% +/- 10.6%
      and 0.6 +/- 0.2 kg/h in novice practitioners and 86.4% +/- 5.2% and 1.1 +/- 0.5
      kg/h in experienced participants. All postures were classified as light-to
      moderate intensity according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
      standards. CONCLUSIONS: Bikram yoga meets requirements for exercise of light-to
      moderate intensity and, theoretically, could be used for weight maintenance or
      weight loss if practiced several times per week.

PMID- 25141360
TI  - Randomized, controlled trial of qigong for treatment of prehypertension and mild
      essential hypertension.
AB  - CONTEXT: Hypertension treatments include sodium restriction, pharmacological
      management, and lifestyle modifications. Although many cases of hypertension can
      be controlled by medication, individuals may experience side effects or incur out
      of-pocket expenses, and some may not comply with the treatment regimen. Although
      some previous studies have shown a favorable effect for qigong on hypertension,
      well-designed, rigorous trials evaluating the effect of qigong on hypertension
      are scarce. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of qigong on
      prehypertension and mild hypertension and to calculate a sample size for a
      subsequent randomized, clinical trial (RCT). DESIGN: Participants were randomized
      to a qigong group or an untreated control group. SETTING: This study was
      conducted at the Oriental Medical Center of Dongeui University, in the Republic
      of Korea. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were individuals between the ages of 19 and
      65 y with systolic blood pressure (SBP) between 120 and 159 mm Hg and/or
      diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 80 and 99 mm Hg. INTERVENTION: The qigong
      group attended qigong classes 3 */wk and performed qigong at home at least 2
      */wk. Participants in the control group did not receive any intervention for
      hypertension. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures for this study were (1) changes
      in blood pressure (BP); (2) quality of life (QOL) using 2 surveys: the Medical
      Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-item short form (SF-36) (Korean version) and the Measure
      Yourself Medical Outcome Profile 2 (MYMOP2); and (3) hormone levels. RESULTS: Of
      40 participants, 19 were randomly assigned to the qigong group, and 21 were
      assigned to the control group. After 8 wk, significant differences were observed
      between the qigong and the control groups regarding changes in SBP (P = .0064)
      and DBP (P = .0003). Among the categories of the MYMOP2 questionnaire, only
      wellbeing was significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .0322). The
      qigong group showed a significantly greater improvement in the physical component
      score of the SF-36 compared with the control group (P = .0373). Regarding changes
      in hormone levels, there was no significant difference between the qigong and the
      control groups. This pilot study demonstrates that regarding sample size, a RCT
      evaluating the effect of qigong on hypertension should include 22 participants
      based on DBP and 285 participants based on SBP in each group, thus allowing for a
      loss to follow-up rate of 20%. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that qigong may
      be an effective intervention in reducing BP in prehypertension and mild
      hypertension. Further studies should include an appropriate sample size and
      methodology to determine the mechanism of qigong on BP.

PMID- 25141361
TI  - Effects of moxibustion or acupoint therapy for the treatment of primary
      dysmenorrhea: a meta-analysis.
AB  - CONTEX: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological syndrome that is
      characterized by cramping in the lower abdomen during menstruation, particularly
      during puberty. Treatment for PD includes a variety of pharmacological,
      nonpharmacological, and surgical options. Although studies supporting use of
      traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have helped in the proliferation of its
      comprehensive therapy, their results do not determine with certainty whether
      moxibustion and acupoint therapy are better for the treatment of PD than
      nonacupuncture-related therapy. OBJECTIVE: The study intended to compare the
      effectiveness of moxibustion and acupoint therapy- such as sandwiched
      moxibustion, moxibustion, acupuncture, eye of floating needle, and acupoint
      application-with other therapeutic methods for the treatment of PD. DESIGN: Six
      electronic databases-PubMed, Web of Science, the Chinese Biomedical Literature
      Database (CBM), the Chinese Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), the Chinese
      Science and Technology Journal Full-text Database (VIP), and Chinese Wanfang Data
      were searched electronically, from inception to December, 2012, to find
      randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). Relevant references in articles used in the
      current study were searched manually. Literature was screened, data were
      extracted, and the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed.
      Then, meta-analyses were performed. SETTING: All of processes of this study were
      conducted at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and School of
      Nursing at Tianjin Medical University. PARTICIPANTS: The research team divided
      the selected RCTs into 2 groups based on the type of PD that the participants
      had: (1) the undifferentiated type group (UTG) and (2) the cold-damp stagnation
      type group (CDSTG). OUTCOME MEASURES: The research team measured total effective
      rate, symptom score, and variation of peripheral blood prostaglandin F2alpha
      (PGF2alpha). RESULTS: A total of 20 RCTs, involving 2134 participants, were
      included in the current study. Results of the metaanalysis showed that (1) the
      total efficacy for the 2 studied interventions was better, with a statistically
      significant difference from that of the control methods: degrees of freedom (df)
      = 14, relative risk (RR) = 1.19, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = (1.14 -
      1.24), P < .000 for the UTG, and df = 4, RR = 1.15, 95% CI (1.02 - 1.29), P = .03
      for the CDSTG; (2) the studied interventions were better than the control
      methods, with statistically significant differences, in relieving the severity of
      symptoms of PD: df = 3, mean difference (MD) = 3.20, 95% CI (2.36 - 4.04), P <
      .000 for the UTG and df = 1, MD = 2.09, 95% CI (0.16 - 4.02), P = .03 for the
      CDSTG; and (3) no statistical difference existed between the intervention and
      control methods groups in the reduction of the level of peripheral blood
      PGF2alpha: df = 2, standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.13, 95% CI (-0.13 -
      0.39), P = .32. CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion and acupoint therapy can relieve pain
      effectively for individuals with PD, and these treatments have advantages in
      overall efficiency. Because of limitations on the quantity and quality of the
      included studies and the lack of a large, multicenter study, the research team's
      conclusion has yet to be substantiated.

PMID- 25141362
TI  - Use of movement therapies and relaxation techniques and management of health
      conditions among children.
AB  - CONTEXT: Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by children under 18
      y of age in the United States is becoming more prevalent. According to an
      analysis of procedures in chiropractic practices in 2010, more than 96% of
      chiropractors in the United States recommended use of movement therapies (MT) and
      relaxation techniques (RT) to their patients. The extent of use of these methods
      as treatment options for specific health conditions in children, however, has
      been underexplored in the United States. OBJECTIVES: The current study assessed
      use of MT and RT in children for treatment of various health conditions, as
      reported in the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), and also examined
      variations in use across various sociodemographic categories. DESIGN: Secondary
      data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Child Alternative
      Medicine file were analyzed, and the research team generated weighted frequencies
      and inferential statistics. OUTCOME MEASURES: Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CI) were computed through binary logistic regression to assess use of
      MT and RT as functions of various sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: Within the
      12 mo prior to the survey, MT and RT use was reported by 2.5% and 2.9% of
      respondents, respectively. MT, primarily yoga, was used for the control and
      reduction of anxiety and stress (31.4%), asthma (16.2%), and back/neck pain
      (15.3%). Alternatively, RT, such as controlled breathing exercises (2.1%) and
      meditation (2.3%), was used for anxiety and stress (41.4%) and attention-deficit
      disorders (ADDs) (16.0%). Although data screening did not produce obvious
      predictors for RT use, age, gender, race/ethnicity, and parents' education levels
      were potential predictors of MT use. For example, respondents aged <10 y reported
      lower MT use than those >10 y (OR = 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3-0.6), and males reported
      lower MT use than females (OR = 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.7). CONCLUSION: MT and RT are
      used by several million children in the United States each year. The current
      research suggests that early training on MT and RT can be seen as a useful tool
      that can help prevent or manage certain health problems. In addition to an
      examination of their role in primary prevention, the use of MT and RT should be
      explored further to determine how these therapies work with respect to specific
      health conditions.

PMID- 25141363
TI  - Jeffrey Dach, MD: the transition to a natural medicine practice.

PMID- 25141364
TI  - Cardiovascular disease and statin drugs.

PMID- 25141365
TI  - Matthew Budoff, MD: the cardiovascular effects of garlic supplementation.

PMID- 25141366
TI  - The cholesterol and statin controversy: the new 2013 statin-cholesterol
      guidelines.

PMID- 25141367
TI  - A novel, multi-ingredient supplement to manage elevated blood lipids in patients
      with no evidence of cardiovascular disease: a pilot study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Recent changes in usage guidelines have created the potential for
      millions more Americans to be prescribed statin medications. Caution should be
      advised because the risk of adverse effects of statins may outweigh their
      benefits and preclude their preventive use for patients without confirmed
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) who present with elevated blood lipids. However,
      statins have shown some benefit in primary CVD prevention. Red yeast rice (RYR)
      is a dietary supplement that has been demonstrated to reduce low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in blood and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
      acids have been shown to reduce blood levels of triglycerides (TGs). Although
      effective, quality control issues aggravate risk of adverse effects for both of
      these supplements. Furthermore, low dosages per capsule, which require patients
      to manage and consume many capsules per day, also may reduce patient compliance
      to supplementation regimens. OBJECTIVES: The authors' objective was to determine
      the effects of a multi-ingredient supplement (MIS) featuring RYR for primary
      support of cardiovascular (CV) health in patients who present no CVD history or
      symptoms other than elevated blood lipids. The MIS was formulated intentionally
      with a lower dosage of RYR than that used in prior studies in order to reduce the
      occurrence of adverse effects. Secondary to the objective of managing blood
      lipids, the authors were interested in determining the effects of the MIS in
      combination with a high-potency omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement and
      its effect on TG levels and observing whether adverse effects would inhibit
      patient compliance. DESIGN: The research team designed an open-label pilot study
      following a pre-post pragmatic design. Setting * The study took place at 2
      primary care settings. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen patients with hypercholesterolemia
      were participants in the study. All participants were required to confirm that
      they had not taken any other pharmaceutical or supplement therapy to treat
      cholesterol for at least 30 d prior to baseline, establishing a washout period.
      At completion of the intervention, 3 participants were excluded for noncompliance
      with the protocol, although they had taken the supplements as directed.
      INTERVENTION(S): The recommended serving of the MIS supplement consisted of 1
      softgel that contained 9 ingredients: a proprietary blend of RYR, bioflavonoids,
      polycosanol, 525 mg omega-3 fatty acids in the natural TG form (294 mg
      eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], 147 mg docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) as well as other
      supporting ingredients, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), folic acid vitamin B3
      (niacin), B6, B12, and black pepper. Each serving of the omega-3 supplement
      contained 834 mg of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the natural TG form
      (484 mg EPA, 234 mg DHA) and 33 IU vitamin E, (D-alpha-tocopherol). The studys
      participants were assigned to a group based on their initial TG levels.
      Participants with TG levels <140 mg/dL took the MIS only, and participants whose
      initial TG levels exceeded 140 mg/dL were assigned to take both the MIS and the
      omega-3 supplement, receiving 1384 mg of omega-3 daily (778 mg EPA, 381 mg DHA).
      All participants confirmed by poststudy survey that they took the recommended
      serving of 1 softgel/d of the assigned supplement(s) for a minimum of 30 d.
      OUTCOME MEASURE(S): At baseline and follow-up, standard venous blood labs were
      drawn and processed at nationally accredited labs. Although not standardized, all
      reports contained: total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), LDL, and TG
      levels. The research team acknowledges that this lack of standardization and
      additional lipid data, such as very low-density lipoprotein, is a limitation of
      the study. RESULTS: Total cholesterol and LDL decreased significantly, by 12.0%
      (P = .0004) and 17.3% (P = .0001), respectively, for the 16 participants taking
      the MIS supplement. Participants with an LDL at baseline greater than 145 mg/dL
      (n = 7) benefited even more, with total cholesterol and LDL decreasing
      significantly by 17.1% (P = .01) and 24.5% (P = .0014), respectively. Although
      the results were not significant, adding the omega-3 supplement to the protocol
      resulted in a decrease in the TGs of the subgroup taking both supplements (n =
      8), with that measure decreasing by 13.1% (P = .27) from baseline compared with a
      decrease of 2% (P = .95) for all participants. The subgroup taking both the MIS
      and omega-3 supplements experienced similar decreases in total cholesterol and
      LDL as participants taking only the MIS. No side effects were reported by
      participants, and all participants completed the assigned protocol. CONCLUSIONS:
      The MIS supplement decreased total cholesterol and LDL significantly and offers a
      promising therapy for the management of cholesterol that may enable better
      patient compliance. The addition of an omega-3 supplement also decreased TGs in
      the subgroup that received both therapies, although this decrease was not
      significant, potentially because of the underpowered size of the subgroup. The
      research team plans future studies with more robust lipid testing and larger
      numbers of participants to support the findings of the current study.

PMID- 25141368
TI  - Protective effects of melatonin therapy in model for neonatal hyperoxic lung
      injury.
AB  - CONTEXT: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common outcome of premature birth.
      Currently, no effective preventive therapy is available for BPD, but the major
      role of O2 toxicity in the development of BPD has gained attention, particularly
      for developing new antioxidants for prevention. The major protective mechanism of
      melatonin (MT) includes free-radical scavenging activity and activation of the
      cyclooxygenase-prostoglandin enzyme system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was
      to evaluate the effects of MT on cytoprotection and healing in a model of
      hyperoxic lung injury in newborn rats. METHODS: This is a case-control study
      design. SETTING: The study occurred at the Gulhane Military Medical Academy in
      Ankara, Turkey. INTERVENTION: A total of 60 newborn pups from dated, Sprague
      Dawley, pregnant rats were divided equally into 3 groups as follows: (1) control
      group, (2) hyperoxia-exposed group, and (3) hyperoxia-exposed plus MT-treated
      group (MT group). Hyperoxia was performed by placing these pups in an oxygen
      chamber for 14 d during which oxygen was continuously delivered. OUTCOME
      MEASURES: At the end of the 14 d, lung specimens were collected and evaluation of
      the lamellar-body count and determination of histopathological scores were
      performed. Also, the activities of superoxide dysmutase (SOD), glutathione
      peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. RESULTS: The
      histopathological scores of the MT group were significantly lower than those of
      the hyperoxia-exposed group. The mean lamellar-protein and radial-alveolar counts
      in the MT group were found to be significantly higher than those of the hyperoxia
      exposed group. Also, SOD and GSH-Px levels were significantly higher and MDA
      levels were significantly lower in the MT group compared with the hyperoxia
      exposed group. CONCLUSION: MT therapy was found to have a protective effect in a
      model for hyperoxic lung injury in neonatal rats. Therefore, the research team
      suggests that MT therapy may be used for prevention of BPD in preterm infants
      after confirmation of this data by future clinical studies.

PMID- 25141369
TI  - Personalized medicine: a confluence of traditional and contemporary medicine.
AB  - CONTEXT: Traditional systems of medicine have attained great popularity among
      patients in recent years. Success of this system in the treatment of disease
      warrants consideration, particularly in cases for which conventional medicine has
      been insufficient. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the similarities in
      principles and approaches of 3 traditional systems and explores whether
      conventional medicine is able to exploit the advantages of traditional systems.
      DESIGN: This study first identifies and explores the advantages of 3 well-known
      systems-traditional Iranian medicine (TIM), ayurveda, and traditional Chinese
      medicine (TCM)-that are similar in their basic principles and methods. Second, it
      clarifies whether and how conventional medicine could exploit the advantages of
      traditional systems as it modernizes, to become more personalized. Finally, this
      study investigates the possibility that conventional medicine could benefit from
      traditional typology to improve its personalization. RESULTS: The acknowledgment
      of the unity of humans and nature, applying rational methods, and personalized
      approaches is fundamentally similar in the 3 systems. Additionally, they all
      promote the holistic view that health is harmony and disease is disharmony of the
      body. Other similarities include their recognition of the unique nature of every
      person and their categorization of people into different body types. Although
      conventional medicine has mostly failed to incorporate the advantages of
      traditional medicine, its integration with traditional medicine is achievable.
      For instance, exploiting traditional typologies in genomic and other studies may
      facilitate personalization of conventional medicine. CONCLUSION: From its review,
      the research team concludes that prospects are bright for the integration of
      traditional and conventional medicines and, consequently, for a dramatic
      improvement in health systems.

PMID- 25141370
TI  - Genomics and the convergence of personalized medicine in modern and traditional
      medicine.

PMID- 25141371
TI  - Evaluating the efficacy of Tui Na in treatment of childhood anorexia: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Medical practitioners are now seeing more children younger than 15 y who
      are developing childhood anorexia. Hua Tuo chiropractic treatments are an ancient
      and practical massage therapy and are a type of Tui Na therapy, which has been
      used for curing childhood anorexia for thousands of years in China. Research
      literature suggests that chiropractic care produces outcomes at least comparable
      with alternative treatments. OBJECTIVE: The research team intended to perform a
      systematic review to identify and synthesize evidence on the efficacy of Tui Na
      for treatment of childhood anorexia. DESIGN: Systematic searches were conducted
      for studies evaluating Tui Na therapy in electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      PsychINFO, the Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied
      Health Literature, the Midwives Information and Resource Service, the Health
      Management Information Consortium, the Health Management and Information Service,
      PubMed, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Chinese
      Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), the Chinese Scientific Journal Database
      VIP, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and
      the Chinese Clinical Trial Register-from inception to November 2011. The research
      team hand-searched reference lists and journals, extracted data from the papers,
      and assessed the quality of the research. PARTICIPANTS: Participants of the
      reviewed studies were infants and children younger than 15 y. RESULTS: Of the 109
      papers identified, 3 papers reported on randomized, controlled trials (RCTs)
      involving 332 patients; 45 covered cohort or quasi-experimental studies; and 61
      discussed nonintervention studies. Meta-analysis results from the 3 RCTs showed
      that Tui Na can improve the curative effect compared with oral medicine that is
      used for infants and young children with anorexia and can also increase a child's
      weight. CONCLUSIONS: The level of evidence reported was mixed, but given the
      available evidence, the research team concluded that Tui Na therapy was a viable
      intervention that could benefit infants and young children with anorexia. No
      serious adverse events were reported. Larger randomized, controlled trials are
      required to explore the effects of Tui Na therapy for treatment of childhood
      anorexia further.

PMID- 25141372
TI  - Kelly Heim, PhD: cardioprotective effects of polyphenol consumption.

PMID- 25141376
TI  - The making of the master clock.
AB  - A genetic basis for the anatomic master circadian clock in mammals has been
      found. 

PMID- 25141375
TI  - Reconceiving the hippocampal map as a topological template.
AB  - The role of the hippocampus in spatial cognition is incontrovertible yet
      controversial. Place cells, initially thought to be location-specifiers, turn out
      to respond promiscuously to a wide range of stimuli. Here we test the idea, which
      we have recently demonstrated in a computational model, that the hippocampal
      place cells may ultimately be interested in a space's topological qualities (its
      connectivity) more than its geometry (distances and angles); such higher-order
      functioning would be more consistent with other known hippocampal functions. We
      recorded place cell activity in rats exploring morphing linear tracks that
      allowed us to dissociate the geometry of the track from its topology. The
      resulting place fields preserved the relative sequence of places visited along
      the track but did not vary with the metrical features of the track or the
      direction of the rat's movement. These results suggest a reinterpretation of
      previous studies and new directions for future experiments.

PMID- 25141377
TI  - [In process citation].

PMID- 25141378
TI  - Access to primary and preventive health care across states prior to the coverage
      expansions of the Affordable Care Act.
AB  - One goal of health insurance is ensuring people have timely access to primary and
      preventive care. This issue brief finds wide differences in primary and
      preventive care access among adults under age 65--across states and within states
      by income--before the Affordable Care Act's major insurance expansions took
      effect. When comparing experiences of adults with insurance, the analysis finds
      that state and income differences narrow markedly. When insured, middle- and
      lower-income adults across states are far more likely to have a regular source of
      care, receive preventive care, and be able to afford care when needed. The
      findings highlight the potential of expanding health insurance to reduce the
      steep geographic and income divide in primary and preventive care that existed
      across the country before 2014. Success will depend on the participation of all
      states. This brief offers baseline data for states and the nation to track and
      assess change.

PMID- 25141379
TI  - The author's reply.

PMID- 25141380
TI  - Impact.

PMID- 25141381
TI  - Author reply: To PMID 24552234.

PMID- 25141382
TI  - CDC issues new HIV testing recommendations.

PMID- 25141383
TI  - Transmission.  Online chat rooms, video games help increase HIV testing in MSM.

PMID- 25141384
TI  - Research.  Program increases black, Hispanic participation in studies.

PMID- 25141385
TI  - Prisons.  Inmate failed to show lapse in medication was indifference.

PMID- 25141386
TI  - Courts are not considered 'covered entities' under HIPPA.

PMID- 25141387
TI  - SSI.  Doctor's opinion based on subjective evidence, not record.

PMID- 25141388
TI  - Testing.  Court erred in requiring convicted woman to submit to test.

PMID- 25141389
TI  - The effects of stimulant medications for ADHD.

PMID- 25141390
TI  - Regional variation in health care: physician beliefs or patient preferences?

PMID- 25141391
TI  - The recent slowdown in health care spending: explanations and predictions.

PMID- 25141395
TI  - Keeping workers safe and healthy.

PMID- 25141396
TI  - Nurses' micro behaviours undermine public image.

PMID- 25141397
TI  - Fundamentally flawed arguments.

PMID- 25141399
TI  - Election publication praised.

PMID- 25141401
TI  - The president comments.

PMID- 25141400
TI  - Debating voluntary euthanasia.

PMID- 25141402
TI  - New format for NZNO conference and annual general meeting.

PMID- 25141403
TI  - Nursing workforce strategy vital for health.

PMID- 25141404
TI  - Survey shows nurses' hand hygiene improving.

PMID- 25141405
TI  - Hundreds more looking for new graduate positions.

PMID- 25141406
TI  - Complaints about nurses nearly double.

PMID- 25141407
TI  - Research reveals violence in health.

PMID- 25141408
TI  - Health budget falls short of growing costs.

PMID- 25141409
TI  - Patient portals create new health partnerships.

PMID- 25141410
TI  - Health and safety bill needs to be strengthened - NZNO.

PMID- 25141411
TI  - Maori and Pacific situation unchanged.

PMID- 25141412
TI  - TPPA 'threatens future of health in New Zealand'.

PMID- 25141413
TI  - Celebrating nursing achievements.

PMID- 25141414
TI  - Honouring 10 years' International Red Cross service.

PMID- 25141415
TI  - Assaults leave nurses fearful.

PMID- 25141416
TI  - Nurses 'encouraged to report'.

PMID- 25141417
TI  - Winning, when dealing with bullies.

PMID- 25141418
TI  - I found myself in nursing.

PMID- 25141419
TI  - Wanted: a primary health care approach.

PMID- 25141420
TI  - NPNZ conference focuses on prescribing.

PMID- 25141421
TI  - Nursing in the thick of battle.

PMID- 25141422
TI  - Learning from the experiences of disabled nurses.

PMID- 25141423
TI  - Dealing with discrimination.

PMID- 25141424
TI  - What's the care point campaign all about?

PMID- 25141425
TI  - Make time for nothing.

PMID- 25141426
TI  - Justice conundrum.

PMID- 25141427
TI  - Nurses must speak up for democracy.

PMID- 25141428
TI  - Gerentology: recognising the team.

PMID- 25141429
TI  - Enrolled nursing: workforce issues.

PMID- 25141430
TI  - Perioperative conference: online programme released.

PMID- 25141431
TI  - International research: sustaining the profession.

PMID- 25141432
TI  - Heart failure: exploring the differences on the registry.

PMID- 25141433
TI  - Aged care: slow progress.

PMID- 25141434
TI  - Primary health care: bargaining starts.

PMID- 25141435
TI  - Private hospitals: three new collective agreements.

PMID- 25141436
TI  - Defining accountable care in the age of ACOs.

PMID- 25141437
TI  - Getting a visual on health analytics.

PMID- 25141438
TI  - Pharmacy chains continue to blur the line.

PMID- 25141439
TI  - Fraud detector.

PMID- 25141440
TI  - A sustainable mission: Gundersen nears total energy independence.

PMID- 25141442
TI  - Health care robotics.

PMID- 25141441
TI  - Planning for disaster.

PMID- 25141443
TI  - Improving project efficiency.

PMID- 25141444
TI  - Performance-based finishes.

PMID- 25141446
TI  - Leading your hospital to sustainability.

PMID- 25141445
TI  - Treating medical waste.

PMID- 25141447
TI  - More than 40 years of change in ES.

PMID- 25141448
TI  - Patient-centered construction.

PMID- 25141449
TI  - NASN and school nurses--a plan to grow.

PMID- 25141450
TI  - Diabetes and youth resources for school nurses: an update from the National
      Diabetes Education Program.
AB  - In response to the challenge of diabetes in youth, the National Diabetes
      Education Program (NDEP) has developed free, evidence-based education materials
      and online resources for school nurses, parents, and children living with or at
      risk for diabetes. This article highlights some of NDEP's resources and
      identifies ways for school nurses to use them with students and their families.

PMID- 25141451
TI  - The healthy school nurse: American Nurses Association's five constructs.

PMID- 25141452
TI  - A school nurse's guide to PowerPoint presentations.
AB  - In today's educational environment, school nurses are often called upon to
      provide presentations utilizing electronic slides. A tool frequently utilized for
      presentations is PowerPoint. However, as with any instructional method, it is
      only as effective as the presenter who has designed the slides. A study conducted
      to evaluate professional PowerPoint slides is the focus of this article. After
      reviewing 1,732 slides and comparing them to best practices criteria, the
      researchers call attention to common errors in slide presentations. Additionally,
      the article provides guidance to school nurses in reinventing the art of
      providing powerful, interactive, and interesting presentations.

PMID- 25141453
TI  - NASN connecting with nurses every day.
AB  - NASN, with a newly adopted strategic plan, is energized, committed, and
      positioned to be the connecting point for all things concerning school health.
      The July issue of the NASN School Nurse is utilized to provide an update to our
      membership on the health of our organization and the past year's major
      initiatives. The 2014-201 7 strategic plan has five areas of emphasis:
      membership, advocacy, financial stability, research, and governance. The purpose
      of this article is to discuss NASN's member resources and connections and how
      they can be utilized to strengthen and mold school nursing practice.

PMID- 25141454
TI  - Standardized data set for school health services: Part 1--getting to big data.
AB  - School nurses collect voluminous amounts of data in a variety of ways and use the
      data to describe trends in students' health and patterns of illness in the
      student population or to identify ways to improve care. NASN identified years ago
      that a national school nurse data set was needed to enable data-driven decision
      making for the millions of children who attend school each day across the United
      States. Informal work has been done in the past 5 years in preparation for the
      current joint NASN/ National Association of State School Nurse Consultants
      workgroup. This article is the first of a two-part series related to the
      importance of data and national efforts to develop a uniform data set that all
      school nurses can collect. Collecting data, and collecting it in the same way as
      other providers, will demonstrate what school nurses do as well as provide the
      data necessary for robust research on the impact of school nurses on students'
      health.

PMID- 25141455
TI  - Standardized dataset health services: Part 2--top to bottom.
AB  - It is critical for school nurses to promote and educate others on what they do.
      Data can help shape the message into understandable language across education and
      health. While Part 1 of this article discusses NASN's progress on identifying a
      standardized dataset for school health services, Part 2 focuses on the analysis
      and sharing of data at the local level. Examples of how to use the data to
      improve practice and create change are included. Guidance is provided in creating
      and sharing data as part of an annual report as a final step in advocating for
      school health services commensurate with student health needs. As the work on an
      evidence-based uniform dataset continues at the national level, what should be
      the response at the local level? Do we wait, or do we continue to collect certain
      data? The purpose of Part 2 of this article is to describe how data being
      collected locally illustrate health trends, benchmarking, and school nursing
      outcomes and can be compiled and shared in an annual report.

PMID- 25141456
TI  - Sports-related head injuries in students: parents' knowledge, attitudes, and
      perceptions.
AB  - The short- and long-term neurologic impairment of children sustaining sports
      related head injuries has recently entered the forefront of medical literature,
      resulting in new guidelines on concussion management being provided to
      clinicians, coaches, and trainers. Yet, most parents have not been formally
      educated on head injuries. The purpose of this article is to share the findings
      of a study conducted with 235 parents that identified their knowledge, attitudes,
      and perceptions of sports-related head injuries in school-age students. The study
      found that 51% of respondents were unaware that head trauma was more serious in
      children, 80% were uninformed as to whether the school district had a policy on
      sports-related head injuries, 44% did not know if there were medical guidelines
      for return to play, and 35% did not know that repeated head trauma could cause
      dementia. Results of this research implore school nurses to improve patient and
      parental education when they care for and monitor students with head injuries.

PMID- 25141457
TI  - School nursing services data: standardized documentation, collection, and
      utilization joint resolution.

PMID- 25141458
TI  - School nurse role in electronic school health records: position statement.

PMID- 25141460
TI  - Self-reported information sources and perceived knowledge in individuals with
      lymphedema.
AB  - Currently, a limited number of studies have been conducted that examine sources
      of information and knowledge level in individuals with lymphedema. This study
      aimed (1) to examine self-reported information sources and perceived lymphedema
      knowledge among individuals with lymphedema; and (2) to examine differences in
      self-reported information sources and perceived lymphedema knowledge among
      individuals with primary or secondary lymphedema; and with upper or lower
      extremity lymphedema. The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) conducted a survey to
      collect self-report data from March 2006 to January 2010. Overall, participants
      preferred a variety of sources of information. Participants reported low levels
      of knowledge about the types of lymphedema, treatment approaches and methods, and
      self-administrated therapies. In comparison to participants with secondary or
      upper extremity lymphedema, participants with primary or lower extremity
      lymphedema reported lower knowledge level regarding causes of lymphedema, risks
      for and complications of lymphedema, treatment approaches and methods for
      lymphedema, and self-administered therapies. Opportunities exist to expand
      lymphedema information sources. Healthcare professionals should focus on
      delivering high quality information about treatment and self-care management to
      individuals with lymphedema.

PMID- 25141459
TI  - Hyaluronidase treatment of acute lymphedema in a mouse tail model.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of hyaluronidase (HAase)
      on lymphedema using an acute mouse tail lymphedema model. Six-week-old mice
      served to produce acute lymphedema and were then either treated with HAase
      injection or used as operative controls. An additional group of unmanipulated
      normal mice was used for comparison. Tail volumes were measured for 23 days and
      histological changes examined. Western blot analysis was conducted to quantify
      lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor (LYVE)-1, tumor necrosis factor
      (TNF)-alpha, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, podoplanin, CD 44, and
      vascular endothelial growth factor receptor3 (VEGFR3) expression levels. The
      operative control group showed an increase in thickness of the dermis and
      subdermis, microlymphatic dilatation, and an increase in neutrophils. In
      contrast, the HAase treated group exhibited alleviation of inflammation evidenced
      by a decline in microlymphatic dilatation and neutrophils and an overall increase
      in microlymphatic vessels. Western blot analysis demonstrated that TNF-alpha and
      TGF-beta1 expression declined but CD44 expression increased in the HAase treated
      group. Levels of LYVE1, podoplanin, and VEGFR3 also increased significantly in
      the HAase group. Our results indicate that HAase treatment in the acute mouse
      tail model reduced lymphedema volume possibly through degradation of HA
      trafficking, which reduced inflammation and fibrosis in tissues and stimulated
      lymphangiogenesis.

PMID- 25141461
TI  - The use of bioimpedance spectroscopy to monitor therapeutic intervention in
      patients treated for breast cancer related lymphedema.
AB  - We performed a multi-institutional analysis to evaluate the ability of
      bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) to capture the impact of lymphedema treatment
      compared with observation alone in the management of breast cancer related
      lymphedema (BCRL). We utilized a retrospective review of 50 patients with breast
      cancer who were evaluated with BIS at baseline and following loco-regional
      treatment. An analysis was performed comparing changes in L-Dex scores for those
      patients undergoing treatment for BCRL (n=13) versus those not undergoing
      intervention (n=37). A second (subset) analysis was also performed on all
      patients with elevated L-Dex scores compared to baseline prior to undergoing loco
      regional treatment (n=32). When comparing the cohort treated for BCRL to those
      not treated, L-Dex scores were significantly reduced (-4.3 v. 0.1, p=0.005) in
      the period following intervention (for treated patients). For the subset of
      patients with elevated L-Dex scores postoperation, the change in L-Dex score
      following BCRL treatment was significantly reduced (-5.8 v. 0.1, p=0.001)
      compared with the group observed that had elevated postsurgical L-Dex scores. In
      this analysis, BIS was able to detect early onset lymphedema and subsequently
      significant changes (reductions) in L-Dex scores directly related to intervention
      for BCRL compared with observation alone.

PMID- 25141462
TI  - Structural relationship between microlymphatic and microvascullar blood vessels
      in the rabbit ventricular myocardium.
AB  - We investigated the distribution and relationship between draining lymphatic
      vessels, lymphatic capillaries, and microvascular blood vessels in rabbit
      ventricular tissue. The left and right ventricular tissue from 15 healthy adult
      rabbits was obtained, processed, and sectioned for analysis. 5'-nucleotidase
      alkaline phosphatase (5'-Nase-Alpase) double staining was first used to identify
      lymphatic and blood vessels. Dual fluorescent immunohistochemical technique was
      then utilized with lymphatic endothelial cell marker podoplanin and blood
      vascular marker PAL-E. In addition, five ventricular samples were examined for
      ultrastructure using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Draining lymphatic
      vessels and both lymphatic and blood capillaries were observed in the ventricular
      tissue. The lumens of draining lymphatic vessels were larger and irregular while
      the lymphatic capillaries were small in diameter and abundant. All lymphatic
      vessels were located among blood capillaries in the myocardium and aligned with
      the longitudinal axis of myocardial cells. The immunofluorescence double staining
      demonstrated that draining lymphatic vessels, lymphatic capillaries, and
      microvascular blood vessels were adjacent to each other and the cardiac myocyte
      with a ratio of lymphatic to microvascular blood vessels of approximately 1:1.
      This study suggests that lymphatic and blood capillaries exist in abundance and
      in nearly identical numbers in the ventricular myocardium and that they
      interweave with each other to comprise a complicated vessel network.

PMID- 25141463
TI  - Magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL): point and counter-point.
AB  - Two preeminent lymphologists debate the findings, implications, interpretations,
      and value of magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL) in the evaluation of
      peripheral lymphedema. Their contrasting views are discussed in the context of
      different lymphatic imaging modalities including MRL, lymphoscintigraphy, and
      microscopic anatomy.

PMID- 25141464
TI  - International Society of Lymphology General Assembly meeting minutes.

PMID- 25141465
TI  - The complex world of achieving quality.

PMID- 25141467
TI  - Slowing down the spiral toward kidney failure.

PMID- 25141466
TI  - Part 1: the status and health of state kidney programs.

PMID- 25141468
TI  - Expanding your nutritional knowledge.

PMID- 25141469
TI  - Fistula first offers new tools to improve outcomes.

PMID- 25141470
TI  - Part 2: community-based hospital systems: managing the costs of a dialysis
      program under the paradigm of affordable health care.

PMID- 25141471
TI  - 20th annual ranking: a look back, and getting positioned for the future.

PMID- 25141472
TI  - The name game: twenty years of dialysis provider history.

PMID- 25141473
TI  - What makes a happy, healthy physician?

PMID- 25141474
TI  - High school wrestling tournament decision making.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study is designed to aid in safe coverage of a large scale
      wrestling tournament and to provide information transferable to other sporting
      tournaments. BACKGROUND: Catastrophic injuries dominate the concerns of the
      medical teams covering sporting events. Insights gained from years of experience
      by the same medical team for one of the premier high school wrestling tournaments
      offers practical knowledge for successful preparation of a large scale event.
      Necessary personnel, equipment, and supplies are critical. DIFFERENTIAL
      DIAGNOSIS: Skin conditions and injuries sustained while wrestling MEASUREMENTS:
      Event preparation was performed by the same medical staff for three years, 2006,
      2008 and 2009. Skin checks were performed on over 750 wrestlers each year.
      Disqualifications for untreated or under treated conditions were made as
      necessary. Approximately 1,700 bouts a year were supervised by the medical
      personnel. All injuries sustained were recorded by the medical staff and
      necessary disqualifications were made. FINDINGS: Each year wrestlers presented
      with the appropriate skin forms. Only in 2009, did a wrestler not have adequate
      treatment for MRSA impetigo and was disqualified. There were no catastrophic
      injuries in the recorded years. Medical disqualifications were also infrequent.
      In 2006, 2008 and 2009, 6, 17, and 8 disqualifications occurred respectively. The
      most common type of injury each year was a sprain/strain. CONCLUSION: Many
      clinicians are fearful of leading the medical staff for tournaments of such size.
      The presented recommendations provide an understanding and categorical check list
      of necessary staffing, logistics, equipment, and supplies. Preparation for known
      sports specific anticipated injuries and return to play decision making should
      help, but only successful completion of the event will provide the necessary
      confidence.

PMID- 25141475
TI  - Intracranial venous drainage through spinal veins.
AB  - There is extensive collateral networking at the craniocervical junction with a
      substantial anatomical and functional continuity between the veins, venous
      sinuses, and venous plexuses of the brain and spine. The predominant pathway for
      intracranial blood outflow may depend on the level and degree of obstruction. We
      are presenting an unusual case of predominant egress of intracranial blood
      through enlarged spinal canal venous collaterals due to thrombosis of the
      intracranial venous sinuses. Awareness of this unique pattern of venous drainage
      of the cranium is important and should be considered in the differential
      diagnosis of spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or arteriovenous fistula
      (AVF). Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV) of the brain should be considered to
      exclude intracranial thrombosis in these cases.

PMID- 25141476
TI  - Patient hand-offs.

PMID- 25141477
TI  - He's watching you.

PMID- 25141478
TI  - National Dental Practice-Based Research Network: A practitioner's update from the
      northeast region.

PMID- 25141479
TI  - Oral health & HIV disease: A New Jersey perspective.

PMID- 25141480
TI  - Correction to oral pathology quiz #82 from the Winter 2014 issue of Journal of
      NJDA.

PMID- 25141481
TI  - Oral pathology quiz #83 Case number 1. Retrocuspid papilla of the mandible or B.
      Hirschfeld's papilla.

PMID- 25141482
TI  - Oral pathology quiz #83 Case Number 2. Pyogenic granuloma.

PMID- 25141483
TI  - Oral Pathology Quiz #83. Case number 3. Odontogenic keratocyst.

PMID- 25141484
TI  - Oral Pathology Quiz #83. Case number 4. Ameloblastoma.

PMID- 25141485
TI  - Cocaine-induced palatal perforation: A case report.

PMID- 25141486
TI  - TobaccoNo dental initiative.

PMID- 25141487
TI  - Referred pain.
AB  - Comprehending orofacial referred pain requires an understanding of the
      neuroanatomy of the trigeminal nerve and associated cranial nerves. It also
      requires knowledge of the concept of neuronal convergence as well as the
      recognition that the caudalis is laminated and is therefore responsible for
      sensory receptive fields-that one interneuron may receive multiple sensory inputs
      and that structures within a lamina have sensory neurons which project into the
      caudalis and may share the same interneuron.

PMID- 25141488
TI  - Value of urinary survivin as a diagnostic marker in bladder cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the value of urinary survivin as a diagnostic marker for
      diagnosis of bladder cancer as compared to urine cytology. STUDY DESIGN: This
      study was carried out on 40 patients presenting with bladder cancer and 20
      patients presenting with benign urological disorders. RESULTS: For bladder cancer
      diagnosis, urine cytology has lower sensitivity, accuracy, and negative
      predictive values as compared to survivin, while it has higher specificity and
      positive predictive value than survivin. On the other hand, the sensitivity,
      specificity, and the accuracy of combined survivin and urine cytology were 100%,
      95% and 97%, respectively. Positive urine cytology and survivin were
      significantly higher in cases showing advanced stage and high grade as compared
      to cases presented with superficial stage and low grade. CONCLUSION: Urinary
      survivin appears to be a reliable, noninvasive diagnostic test to identify
      patients with bladder cancer. The sensitivity of survivin test was superior to
      that of urine cytology in the diagnosis of bladder cancer, especially in cases
      presenting with superficial stage or low grade. Combined evaluation of both
      survivin and urine cytology gave better sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy
      for bladder cancer diagnosis.

PMID- 25141489
TI  - Immunohistochemical detection of RET proto-oncogene product in tumoral and
      nontumoral mucosae of gastric cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To detect RET (REarranged during Transfection) protein by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) in gastric cancer. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 210
      samples were employed, of which 197 specimens were from 91 surgical pieces of
      gastric adenocarcinoma, comprising 91 tumoral, 91 nontumoral, and 15 intramucosal
      dysplastic samples. Another 13 gastric mucosae were from cancer-free patients.
      Two RET antibodies (clones Ret01 and 3F8) were used separately for IHC. RESULTS:
      Of the nontumoral samples from gastric cancers, 28 were positive (31%) with
      either antibody Ret01 or 3F8. The positive stains were often located in deep
      pyloric glands and associated with chronic inflammation patterns (p = 0.045). RET
      positivity correlated with phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor, which
      had been previously tested (p = 0.021). In tumoral samples RET was positive in 7
      cases with antibody Ret01 (8%) and 9 cases with 3F8 (10%). In 15 intramucosal
      dysplastic samples RET was detected in 6 cases with antibody Ret01 and 8 cases
      with 3F8. There was an accordance between the IHC using antibodies Ret01 and 3F8
      in tumoral, nontumoral, and intramucosal dysplastic samples (p = 0.500, 1.000,
      and 0.500). The 13 samples from cancer-free patients were always negative.
      CONCLUSION: Activation of RET proto-oncogene may be one of the molecular
      pathogeneses in gastric inflammatory and tumoral diseases.

PMID- 25141490
TI  - Predictive value of computerized morphometric analysis of steatosis in donor
      livers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe, by computerized morphometry, the degree and the type of
      steatosis in liver transplants that developed primary nonfunction and to compare
      the results with the quantification by pathologist. STUDY DESIGN: Twelve patients
      who developed primary nonfunction after liver transplantation were matched with
      23 transplanted patients with a regular postoperative clinical course. Morphology
      of the liver biopsy included many stereological parameters; all cases were
      evaluated by an operator blinded to the diagnosis and to the clinical history.
      The assessment of steatosis by morphometry was compared with the pathologist's
      evaluation. Moreover, to assess the reproducibility of the morphometric model,
      another operator applied the morphometric model in a blinded fashion to a
      randomly selected sample of cases. RESULTS: The percentage of hepatocytes with
      microsteatosis and the ratio of macro/microsteatosis were higher in primary
      nonfunction. The pathologist's evaluation of steatosis showed a marked
      overestimation when compared to morphometry. Lastly, the comparison between the
      results of 2 blinded operators of morphometric analysis showed a high
      reproducibility with a low interobserver variability. CONCLUSION: Our
      quantitative estimation of the degree and the quality of steatosis avoids
      interobserver interpretations. Moreover, our analysis shows that the
      quantification of steatosis in liver transplantation by the current assessment
      must be reviewed in order to reevaluate the real impact of steatosis.

PMID- 25141491
TI  - Computer approach to recognition of Fuhrman grade of cells in clear-cell renal
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present a computerized system for recognition of Fuhrman grade of
      cells in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma on the basis of microscopic images of
      the neoplasm cells in application of hematoxylin and eosin staining. STUDY
      DESIGN: The applied methods use combined gradient and mathematical morphology to
      obtain nuclei and classifiers in the form of support vector machine to estimate
      their Fuhrman grade. The starting point is a microscopic kidney image, which is
      subject to the advanced methods of preprocessing, leading finally to estimation
      of Fuhrman grade of cells and the whole analyzed image. RESULTS: The results of
      the numerical experiments have shown that the proposed nuclei descriptors based
      on different principles of generation are well connected with the Fuhrman grade.
      These descriptors have been used as the diagnostic features forming the inputs to
      the classifier, which performs the final recognition of the cells. The average
      discrepancy rate between the score of our system and the human expert results,
      estimated on the basis of over 3,000 nuclei, is below 10%. CONCLUSION: The
      obtained results have shown that the system is able to recognize 4 Fuhrman grades
      of the cells with high statistical accuracy and agreement with different expert
      scores. This result gives a good perspective to apply the system for supporting
      and accelerating the research of kidney cancer.

PMID- 25141492
TI  - Autonomic innervation of the periglomerular arteries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore spatial and volume relations of the calcitonine gene
      related peptide (CGRP)-positive and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive nerve
      fibers in the wall of cortical blood vessels. STUDY DESIGN: Kidney specimens from
      10 rats were processed for confocal microscopy. Nerve fibers were stained with
      anti-CGRP and anti-TH antibodies and image stacks were collected. Three
      dimensional reconstruction and quantification of labeled fibers were performed to
      reveal their distribution and spatial relations. RESULTS: CGRP- and TH
      immunoreactive nerve fibers were distributed throughout the kidney cortex. TH
      positive fibers were dominant in the small periglomerular arteries (up to 4.6
      fold). Examined nerves were finely intertwined in the wall of small blood vessels
      of the kidney and ran in the same nerve bundle but without co-localization.
      Extensive, web-like branching and varicosities of the TH nerves were observed.
      Sensory fibers prevailed in the wall of the larger arteries "embedded" into
      tubules near the medullary rays, and their endings can be verified in the
      muscularis layer of the interlobular arteries. CONCLUSION: Characteristics of the
      investigated fibers emphasize their role in the regulation of kidney blood vessel
      diameter and their influence on hypertension onset.

PMID- 25141493
TI  - Fungal prostatitis: an update.
AB  - Prostate pathology is a daily occurrence in urological and general medical
      consultations. Besides hyperplasia and neoplastic pathology, other processes,
      such as infectious ones, are also documented. Their etiology is diverse and
      varied. Within the infectious prostatic processes, fungi can also be a specific
      cause of prostatitis. Fungal prostatitis often appears in patients with impaired
      immunity and can also be rarely found in healthy patients. It can result from a
      disseminated infection, but it can also be localized. Fungal prostatitis is a
      nonspecific and harmless process. Diagnosis is commonly made by fine needle
      aspiration cytology or by biopsy. A number of fungi can be involved. Although
      there are not many reported cases, they are becoming more frequent, in particular
      in patients with some degree of immunodeficiency or those who live in areas where
      specific fungi are endemic or in visitors of those areas. We present a
      comprehensive review of the various forms of fungal prostatitis, and we describe
      the morphological characteristics of the fungi more frequently reported as causes
      of fungal prostatitis. We also report our own experience, aiming to alert
      physicians, urologists and pathologists of these particular infections.

PMID- 25141494
TI  - Therapy-resistant metastasizing anaplastic spermatocytic seminoma: a cytogenetic
      hybrid: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anaplastic spermatocytic seminoma is a rare variant of the
      conventional spermatocytic seminoma, with only 6 cases reported up to now. The
      anaplastic variant contains only the medium-sized cell type, hallmarked by large
      sized nucleoli, whereas the small lymphocyte-like and giant cells typical of the
      conventional spermatocytic seminoma are lacking. CASE: We report herein an
      unusual case of a 40-year-old man with an anaplastic spermatocytic seminoma which
      metastasized first to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes and, something never before
      reported, subsequently to the lung and other organs. The immunophenotype with c
      kit and SALL4 positive and PLAP, as well OCT 3/4 negative tumor cells were
      identical to those of conventional spermatocytic seminoma. Cytogenetically the
      tumor cells showed a gain of chromosome 9, typical for spermatocytic seminoma,
      but simultaneously also the short arm 12p were overexpressed--an overexpression
      crucial to the aggressive behavior of seminomas and other nonseminomatous tumors
      but never before encountered in spermatocytic seminoma. CONCLUSION: The current
      opinion is that seminoma and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors develop from a
      common primitive progenitor cell, whereas spermatocytic seminomas develop from
      differentiated spermatogonia. The herein presented cytogenetic hybrid tumor shows
      that a crossover between the two different histogenetic "tracks" is possible.

PMID- 25141495
TI  - Experts advise hospitals to heed warning signs, leverage security to prepare
      against shootings.
AB  - While hospital shootings are not commonplace, studies suggest they are happening
      with increasing frequency, and that EDs are particularly vulnerable to this type
      of violence. Researchers report that roughly a third of all hospital shootings
      occur in the emergency setting. Experts say such incidents are typically targeted
      events, not random acts. Consequently, effective security programs should
      emphasize preventive steps to defuse potentially volatile situations and prevent
      weapons from entering the facility. Hospital security departments should be
      equipped to provide training to employees throughout the facility so that
      employees know how to respond if an active shooter is identified. Researchers
      report that between 2000 and 2012 there were 154 shootings in American hospitals,
      and that the frequency of these events increased markedly in the later years of
      the study. Experts say hospital shootings may involve disgruntled patients,
      dementia patients, or psychiatric patients, but the most common perpetrators are
      prisoners who are brought into the hospital for treatment under guard. Security
      experts say effective safety plans should focus on identifying threatening
      language or other signs of agitation early on so that interventions can be
      employed. They also advise hospitals to install gun lockers at every entrance
      point so that lawful weapons can be stored before owners enter the facility.
      Liberalized gun laws in some regions are making security more difficult at public
      hospitals. Also, hospitals need to be careful with surveillance activities that
      could raise privacy concerns.

PMID- 25141496
TI  - Use education to get staff on board with a team-approach to care.
AB  - Immediate bedding and the practice of swarming--delivering patient care as a team
      -can significantly slash wait times and overall length-of-stay in the ED.
      However, getting physicians and nurses to transition to such approaches is
      challenging because they must work at a higher pace than they are used to.
      Veterans of these approaches from Henrico Doctor's Hospital in Richmond, VA
      advise ED administrators to think through how these approaches would work in
      their own settings and obtain staff buy-in prior to implementation. Swarming
      typically requires repeated practice before it gels. Assigning personalities that
      work well together to the same team on a consistent basis may enhance
      effectiveness. Explain to staff that the transition to a swarming approach will
      be hard, but it will deliver dividends over the long term. Make contingency plans
      for days when the ED is short-staffed or volume is unusually high. Swarming does
      not work well in departments that are under-staffed. Consider the creation of an
      "expeditor" position. This is a veteran nurse who has the skills and experience
      to float wherever she is needed in the ED.

PMID- 25141497
TI  - A mid-year check-up on compliance and revenue.

PMID- 25141498
TI  - Practice recommendations cite use of disinfection caps, implementation strategies
      to reduce CLABSIs.
AB  - The use of disinfection caps is one strategy highlighted in updated guidelines
      that focus on reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI).
      The recommendations, which are sponsored by the Arlington, VA-based Society for
      Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and other infection control
      organizations, focus not just on specific strategies, but also how to implement
      the strategies. Infection control advocates are hopeful that the dramatic gains
      made in reducing the incidence of CLABSls in ICUs can be extended to other units
      of the hospital setting including the ED. Disinfection caps are recommended under
      the"special approaches" section of the guidelines, which offers recommendations
      for locations or populations that have unacceptably high CLABSI rates. However,
      some hospitals are adopting the approach throughout their facilities with
      impressive results. Infection preventionists at Loyola University Medical Center
      in Maywood, IL report that disinfection caps helped them reduce CLABSls by 68% in
      one year, saving the organization more than $1 million. The approach replaces a
      scrub-the-hub approach that was used previously, but left room for error,
      according to administrators. Guideline authors gave disinfection caps a level 1
      ranking, indicating that there is high-quality evidence to support their
      effectiveness. However, the authors stopped short of calling for their use on a
      routine basis

PMID- 25141499
TI  - EHR improvement needed to support medication reconciliation.

PMID- 25141500
TI  - [The Aldi principle].

PMID- 25141501
TI  - [Globalization, cost effective - good?].

PMID- 25141502
TI  - [Accompanying patients with the heart].

PMID- 25141503
TI  - [Competent for an emergency].

PMID- 25141504
TI  - [Recognizing malnutrition in the clinical routine].

PMID- 25141505
TI  - [Students bring a fresh perspective to the professional association].

PMID- 25141506
TI  - [Counterfeit drugs are everyone's business].

PMID- 25141507
TI  - [Congress attendance as a learning experience].

PMID- 25141508
TI  - [Giving a sense of trust back to the people].

PMID- 25141509
TI  - [Recognizing and managing changes early].

PMID- 25141510
TI  - [Blind trusting, blind writing].

PMID- 25141511
TI  - [Health care far away].

PMID- 25141512
TI  - [Childbirth in the Philippines].

PMID- 25141513
TI  - ["Co-patient", "partner-co-producer" or "expert"?].

PMID- 25141514
TI  - [Dying in a "place of life"].

PMID- 25141515
TI  - [With the elan of vital forces].

PMID- 25141516
TI  - [Diagnosis: ecological delirium].

PMID- 25141517
TI  - [From Thomas Mann to doctor Shetty].

PMID- 25141518
TI  - Inter- and intra-rater reliability of postural assessment for scoliosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to assess the inter- and intra
      rater reliability of a postural assessment for detecting scoliosis between 4th
      year physical therapy (PT) students and PT specialists by using 30 postural
      indices. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Six examiners, three 4th year PT students and 3
      certified PTspecialists, performed the postural indices on 10 asymptomatic
      subjects. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability between 4th year students and PT
      specialists and intra-rater reliability ranged from poor to almost perfect. Two
      items that needed rectification were PSIS level and iliac crest. CONCLUSION:
      There was a variable range of values in agreement either within or between
      examiners for the assessment of scoliosis screening. This shows that the
      assessment in scoliosis screening should be used with caution by 4th year
      students.

PMID- 25141519
TI  - Metabolic equivalent of exercise stress test explained by six-minute walk test in
      post coronary artery bypass graft and post percutaneous coronary intervention
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship among metabolic equivalents of an
      exercise stress test (METs of EST), demographic parameters (age, body weight,
      height, BMI), peak oxygen consumption (VO(2) peak), and six-minute walk distances
      (6MWD) determined from a six-minute walk test (6MWT). MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      Exercise capacity was estimated by a 6MWT and EST at the sixth week post
      operation in post coronary artery bypass graft (post CABG n = 17) and post
      percutaneous coronary intervention (post PCI, n = 13)patients. RESULTS: METs of
      EST showed: high correlation (p<O.01) with VO(2) peak of 6MWT (r = 0.94), 6MWD (r
      = 0.92); muscle strength (r = 0.78), moderate correlation (p<0.01) with height (r
      = 0.53); negative correlation with age (r = -0.50). Low correlation was found
      (p<O. 05) with step length (r = 0.43), and weight (r = 0.38). No correlation was
      found among METs of EST and rating perceived exertion (RPE) of EST and 6MWT. The
      multiple linear regression equation for explaining METs of EST is as follows:
      METs of EST = -2.94+0.02 (6MWD), (r = 0.923, R2 = 0.85, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The
      6MWT may possibly be used as an alternative choice for estimating energy
      expenditure to design exercise programs for these post operation groups.

PMID- 25141520
TI  - Walking and stair climbing abilities in individuals after chronic stroke with and
      without mental health problem.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare muscle strength, balance, walking and stair climbing
      abilities among individuals after chronic stroke with or without mental health
      problems; to describe their physiological response after stress stimulation.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: Subjects who had their first stroke more than one year ago
      were classified for mental health problems according to the Depression Anxiety
      Stress Scale-21. Lower extremity muscle strength of the quadriceps and plantar
      flexors, was measured by dynamometer Balance and walking performance was measured
      by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-m walk test and timing of stair climbing.
      Community participation and spiritual well-being were measured. The physiological
      response of stress stimulation was assessed by the long stress test protocol of
      the biofeedback device. RESULTS: Forty-five subjects with chronic stroke aged 40
      80 years were grouped by with (n = 25) and without mental health problems (n =
      20). Significant differences were found in quadriceps muscle strength, BBS,
      walking and stair climbing speed, community participation and spiritual well
      being between two groups. In the stress stimulus phase, the electromyography and
      heart rate variability demonstrated significant difference between those with and
      without stress. CONCLUSION: Individuals with chronic stroke with mental health
      problems demonstrated decreased quadriceps muscle strength, balance and locomotor
      performances.

PMID- 25141521
TI  - Respiratory muscle strength explained by age and weight in female and male.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and
      age, sex, height and weight. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Maximal inspiratory mouth
      pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory mouth pressure (MEP) were assessed in 249
      subjects aged 30-70 years using a mouth pressure meter MIP was performed 10 times
      at residual volume, whereas MEP was performed 12 times at total lung capacity.
      Pearson's correlation was used to assess the association between respiratory
      muscle strength and characteristics data. Multiple linear regressions were used
      to establish the prediction equation of respiratory muscle strength. RESULTS: MIP
      decreased at ages beyond 60 years (p<0. 05) but age had no effect on MEP in both
      sexes. MIP was correlated with age, weight and height in males, and with age and
      weight only in females; whereas, MEP was not correlated with age, height and
      weight in either sex. Predicted MIP regression equations are MIP(female), = 77.57
      0.59 age+0.62 weight (r2 = 0.164, p = 0.004), MIP(male) = 124.39-0.91 age+0.63
      weight (r(2) = 0.175, p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Sex, age and weight factors should
      be considered for MIP measurement.

PMID- 25141522
TI  - Fall prediction in thai elderly with timed up and go and tandem walk test: a
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the timed up and go (TUG) and tandem walk test (TWT) as
      fall prediction assessments in Thai elderly. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Elderly
      subjects aged between 60 and 86 years and living in Nakhonpathom and Samutsakhon
      provinces were classified as fallers and non-fallers by self-report in the past
      six months. The TUG and TWT were used to predict falls. The optimal cutoff score
      and validity indexes were determined by plotting the receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve and crosstabs analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty
      one elderly subjects were classified as fallers (7 males and 43 females) and non
      fallers (24 males and 87 females). The area under the curve (AUC) of ROC were
      0.62 (95% CI = 0.59, 0.76; p = 0.0001) for TUG and 0.605 (95% CI = 0.514, 0.696;
      p = 0.033) for TWT error score. The cutoff scores were 10.5 seconds for TUG (74%
      sensitivity and 57.7% specificity) and five scores for TWT error (62% sensitivity
      and 55% specificity). CONCLUSION: TUG and TWT error were useful tools to explain
      faller status in Thai community-dwelling for theelderly. TWT time was not
      sensitive enough to detect the elders who were at risk of falls.

PMID- 25141523
TI  - Weight and body mass index in men and age and height in women relate to
      difficulty and ability in performing activities in community-living Thai elders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare difficulty between male and female community-living elderly
      in performing activities (DDA), ability in performing living activities (ADA) and
      balance, and to explore associations among them related to age, weight, height
      and body mass index (BMI). MATERIAL AND METHOD: In all, 1,964 participants (646
      men, 1,318 women) aged 60 or over reported their age, weight, height, DDA, ADA,
      and performed the Berg balance scale (BBS). Male and female elderly were divided
      into low and high BBS groups (BBS cutoff point score: male = 26,female = 28.5).
      The Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to compare age, weight, height, BMI, DDA,
      ADA and the BBS. Associations among them were tested using Spearman's rank
      correlation. RESULTS: A low BBS score represented high risk of falling and vice
      versa for a high BBS score. No difference in DDA, ADA, and BBS was found
      associated with sex. Weight and BMI correlated to DDA, ADA, and BBS in elderly
      men with high fall risk, while age and height was related to DDA and ADA,
      respectively in elderly women with low fall risk. CONCLUSION: Male and female
      community-dwelling Thai elders were similar in ability in performing activities
      and balance. Weight and BMI was important among elderly men, whereas age and
      height was significant among women.

PMID- 25141524
TI  - Influences of age and light touch on the preparation for protective stepping
      reactions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the effect of light touch on the
      preparation for fall-induced protective stepping in elderly and young
      individuals. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The subjects were perturbed with forward pull
      with no-touch and light touch conditions. Anticipatory periods, lift-off onset,
      center of pressure displacement and velocity were measured and analyzed. RESULTS:
      The authors observed a stabilizing effect during with light touch in pre
      perturbation periods. During the perturbation, the elderly took steps earlier
      than did the young individuals by reducing anticipatory periods; however, their
      anterior stability limit was similar to that of the youth, indicating that the
      step was pre-selected. In the youth, a delay in anticipatory onset and shorter
      periods were observed with light touch, resulting from a limitation in lateral
      limb loading. Additionally, the stabilizing effect in the pre-perturbation period
      did not influence stabilization of preparatory period before stepping. In the
      elderly, shorter anticipatory periods and lower stability limits were also shown
      in light touch conditions. The authors concluded that the elderly were more
      concerned with a postural task than with light touch. CONCLUSION: Protective
      stepping is reflected in the state of balance stability and involves a pre
      selection process. Light touch enhances postural stability in stance and impacts
      the stepping.

PMID- 25141525
TI  - Learning of the bimanual cup-stacking task in individuals with chronic stroke
      improved with dyad training protocol.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of dyad and individual training on the learning
      of bimanual cup-stacking in individuals with chronic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      Twenty participants were divided into dyad and individual groups. The dyad group
      performed the task in pairs alternating between performing and observing, while
      the individual group performed individually. On the first day (acquisition phase:
      AP), allparticipants performed 20 trials. On the following day (retention phase:
      RP), they performed 10 trials; each participant individually performed five
      trials without verbal feedback followed by five trials with verbal feedback. The
      dependent measures were movement time (MT), which was a measure of motor
      execution, and reaction time (RT), a measure of motor planning. RESULTS: During
      the initial trials, the dyad group performed the task with longer MT. By the end
      of the AP their time was significantly shorter At the R, only the dyad group
      maintained the improved MT of cup stacking. Although the RT was not different
      between the two groups at the RE, only the RTof the dyad group reduced
      significantly at the RP compared with block l of the AP CONCLUSION: In
      individuals with chronic stroke, the dyad training protocol greatly enhanced the
      execution speed of the bimanual cup-stacking task when compared with the
      individual training protocol. Planning the task also improves dyad training.

PMID- 25141526
TI  - Reach-to-grasp training in individuals with chronic stroke augmented by low
      frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the immediate effects of low frequency
      repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) combined with reach-to
      grasp (RTG) training of the paretic hand in individuals with chronic stroke.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fourteen participants were randomly assigned to receive LF
      rTMS or sham stimulation conditions. All participants underwent RTG training
      after the stimulation. Corticospinal excitability (CE) of the non-lesioned
      hemisphere, the total time of the wolf motor function test (WMFT) for dexterity
      tasks, maximum aperture, and movement time of RTG actions were evaluated at
      baseline, after the stimulation, and after RTG training. RESULTS: Significant
      differences between interaction (group x time) were found in the total time of
      WMFT The CE of non-lesioned hemisphere diminished after LF-rTMS and showed
      moderate correlation with the reduction in time of RTG actions after the
      stimulation. The total time of WMFT and RTG actions reduced after motor training
      only in the LF-rTMS group. No change was observed in maximum aperture in either
      group. CONCLUSION: The application of LF-rTMS combined with RTG training enhanced
      the training effect as evidenced by faster movement for the dexterity tasks of
      the paretic hand than RTG training alone. The findings suggested the benefit of
      LF-rTMS for enhancing the training effects in stroke rehabilitation.

PMID- 25141527
TI  - Substrate utilization during and after high intensity exercise in healthy lean
      and obese men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare lipid and carbohydrate use during and after a high
      intensity endurance exercise bout between lean and obese subjects. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: Lean and obese healthy male subjects with energetic physical activity and
      stable body weight were recruited to participate in the present study. The
      respiratory exchange ratio (RER), lipid and carbohydrate oxidation, and lipid and
      carbohydrate energy expenditure during resting condition, high-intensity exercise
      and 180 min after exercise were determined by indirect calorimetry RESULTS: Ten
      lean and ten obese healthy male subjects, aged 26+/-4 years, completed a 300-kcal
      high-intensity exercise session. Resting energy expenditure and lipid energy
      expenditure in the obese group were significantly higher than those of the lean
      group. The RER, lipid oxidation, and carbohydrate oxidation were not
      significantly different between groups throughout the exercise period. The total
      energy expenditure and total lipid and carbohydrate energy expenditure were also
      not significantly different between lean and obese groups. During the 180-minute
      post exercise period, both lean and obese subjects showed a declination in RER
      and carbohydrate oxidation and an increase in lipid oxidation. CONCLUSION:
      Substrate use during and after high-intensity exercise between healthy lean and
      obese subjects was not significantly different. Both groups used carbohydrates
      and lipids as the main substrate sources during and after high-intensity
      exercise, respectively.

PMID- 25141528
TI  - Immediate effects of breathing re-education on respiratory function and range of
      motion in chronic neck pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neck pain is associated with certain breathingpatterns and may lead to
      altered respiratory function. Moreover the altered breathing patterns may cause
      neck pain symptoms. This study has determined the effects of respiratory muscle
      reeducation on neck pain symptoms and respiratory function. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      Subjects with chronic neck pain (n = 36) were re-educated with three breathing
      patterns for 30 min. The pain intensity at rest and at the end-of-range of each
      neck movement, the cervical range of motion (CROM) measured from photographic
      images and the chest expansion during full inhalation and exhalation recorded
      using videography were evaluated before and after breathing re-education. Upper
      trapezius, anterior scalene, and sternocleidomastoid activity were evaluated
      during normal and deep breathing using surface electromyography, and the
      respiratory function measured by a spirometer was also evaluated during the same
      period. RESULTS: The pain intensity and the muscle activity were significantly
      decreased after re-education. The CROM and chest expansion at lower rib cage were
      significantly increased after re-education. CONCLUSION: Breathing re-education
      can change breathing patterns and increase chest expansion. This change leads to
      an improvement in CROM Positive consequences may result from the improvement in
      diaphragm contraction or reduced activity of accessory muscles.

PMID- 25141529
TI  - Factors determining functional ability of individuals with stroke in community.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to assess the factors explaining
      functional ability in community-dwelling individuals with stroke. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: In all, 758 persons with acute stroke who lived in the community and
      joined the home physical therapy program were recruited. The personal
      characteristics and clinical measures were recorded at the first home visit.
      Measures included Glasgow coma score, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of
      Movement (STREAM), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) including
      PASS-maintaining position and PASS-changing position and Barthel index. RESULTS:
      Five variables: the PASS-maintain, PASS-change, STREAM, Glasgow coma score, and
      age were selected by stepwise multiple regression analysis to explain 85.6% of
      the variance of the Barthel Index score. The strongest predictor was the PASS
      maintain, which explained 81.5% of functional score. CONCLUSION: The ability to
      maintain sitting and standing were the main contributors of activity daily living
      (ADL) ability. Physical therapists should emphasize treatment to improve these
      abilities in persons with acute stroke to promote independent ADL.

PMID- 25141530
TI  - Comparison of psychomotor function between music students and students
      participating in music training.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare psychomotor function between a music student group who had
      music education and a non-music student group who participated in music training.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: Consecutive sampling was used for completing questionnaires,
      testing reaction times (visual, auditory, and tactile system), measuring
      electromyography of upper trapezius muscles both sides and taking photos of the
      Craniovertebral (CV) angle in the sitting position. Data collection was made
      twice for each student group: the music students at one-hour intervals for
      resting and conducting nonmusic activities, the non-music students at two-day
      intervals, 20 minutes/session, and performed music training (by a manual of
      keyboard notation). RESULTS: The non-music students (n = 65) improved reaction
      times, but responded slower than the music students except for the tactile
      system. The music students (n = 28) showed faster reaction times and higher
      activities of the trapezius muscle than the non-music students at post-test. In
      addition, the CV angle of the non-music students was significantly improved.
      CONCLUSION: The level of musical ability may influence the psychomotor function.
      Significant improvement was observed in visual, auditory and tactile reaction
      time, and CV angle in the non-music students. However upper trapezius muscle
      activities between both student groups were unchanged.

PMID- 25141531
TI  - Postural balance, visual verticality perception, and its association in
      individuals with and without neck pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare postural balance and visual verticality perception between
      neck pain and asymptomatic subjects; to determine its association within groups.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fourteen neck pain and 14 asymptomatic subjects participated
      in the study. Subjects stood on a force platform to measure the displacement of
      the center of pressure in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions,
      total path length, and sway velocity. Subjects performed 10 patterns of the rod
      and frame test in the sitting position to measure absolute errors of visual
      verticality perception. Postural balance variables between neck pain and
      asymptomatic participants were determined by Independent t-test. Two-way analysis
      of variance determined the effect of absolute errors of visual verticality
      perception, groups and its interaction. The association between postural balance
      variables and absolute errors of visual verticality perception was determined by
      Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Neck pain patients showed greater total path
      length and sway velocity than asymptomatic subjects. Similar absolute errors of
      visual verticality perception between groups were shown. No correlation between
      postural balance variables and absolute errors of visual verticality perception
      within groups was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Postural balance, not visual
      verticality perception was disturbed in individuals with neck pain. Postural
      balance was not associated with visual verticality perception in individuals with
      and without neck pain.

PMID- 25141532
TI  - Trunk stabilizer muscle activity during manual lifting with and without back belt
      use in experienced workers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the changes in trunk-stabilizer
      electromyography (EMG) activities during manual lifting with and without a back
      belt in experienced back belt users. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eighteen participants
      from a warehouse and distribution center in Thailand, aged 22 to 44 years, were
      assessed for trunk stabilizer muscle EMG activity including the rectus abdominis
      (RA), external abdominal oblique (EO), transversus abdominis (TrA), internal
      abdominal oblique (IO), erector spinae (ES), and multifidus (MF). The EMG data
      were recorded during (1) rest and (2) the initial phase of manual lifting in a
      dynamic semi-squat posture. For both conditions, the data were compared with and
      without wearing a back belt. RESULTS: The results showed that wearing a back belt
      significantly decreased TrA/IO activity during rest (p<0.01) and significantly
      increased RA activity during the lifting period (p<0.05) as compared with the
      condition of no back belt. CONCLUSION: The present study does not recommend
      healthy workers wear a back belt as a protective device for lower back injury,
      particularly without any lifting activity. However the back belt can be applied
      during lifting as it can enhance RA activity, which may help improve abdominal
      pressure and is less likely cause weakness of the TrA.

PMID- 25141533
TI  - Online self-report questionnaire on computer work-related exposure (OSCWE):
      validity and internal consistency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop an online, self-report questionnaire on computer work
      related exposure (OSCWE) and to determine the internal consistency, face and
      content validity of the questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The online, self
      report questionnaire was developed to determine the risk factors related to
      musculoskeletal disorders in computer users. It comprised five domains: personal,
      work-related, work environment, physical health and psychosocial factors. The
      questionnaire's content was validated by an occupational medical doctor and three
      physical therapy lecturers involved in ergonomic teaching. Twenty-five lay people
      examined the feasibility of computer-administered and the user-friendly language.
      The item correlation in each domain was analyzed by the internal consistency
      (Cronbach's alpha; alpha). RESULTS: The content of the questionnaire was
      considered congruent with the testing purposes. Eight hundred and thirty-five
      computer users at the PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited
      registered to the online self-report questionnaire. The internal consistency of
      the five domains was: personal (alpha = 0.58), work-related (alpha = 0.348), work
      environment (alpha = 0.72), physical health (alpha = 0.68) and psychosocial
      factor (alpha = 0.93). CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that the OSCWE had
      acceptable internal consistency for work environment and psychosocial factors.
      The OSCWE is available to use in population-based survey research among computer
      office workers.

PMID- 25141534
TI  - Reach-to-grasp co-ordination in the paretic limbs of individuals with stroke:
      insight from a barrier paradigm.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Reach and grasp components must be co-ordinated to preserve the
      optimal reach-to-grasp performance. However conflicting results regarding the
      deficit in reach-to-grasp co-ordination has been reported in the paretic hand of
      individuals after stroke. Additionally, investigations have not been undertaken
      to study more challenging task constraints to induce the impairment of reach-to
      grasp co-ordination. This study aimed to compare reach-to-grasp co-ordination
      while avoiding an obstacle in the paretic hand of individuals after stroke with
      matched non-disabled adults. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty-four participants having
      mild severity of upper extremity impairment were recruited with an equal number
      of non-disabled adults. Kinematic reach-to-grasp movements with obstacle
      avoidance were analyzed. Reach-to-grasp co-ordination was quantified using cross
      correlation analysis: maximum correlation coefficient represented the spatial
      aspect and the time lag represented the temporal aspects. RESULTS: Individuals
      after stroke showed a significant disturbance in the temporal aspect of reach-to
      grasp co-ordination, but not the spatial aspect as compared with non-disabled
      adults. CONCLUSION: Among participants, after stroke reach-to-grasp co-ordination
      was delayed in the temporal aspect of reach-to-grasp with obstacle avoidance but
      preserved in the spatial aspect. Specific methods to assess reach-to-grasp co
      ordination and to treat the time delay to improve co-ordination should be
      considered in individuals after stroke.

PMID- 25141535
TI  - Immediate effects of trunk stabilizer muscles training on muscle response time in
      individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate immediate effects of biofeedback training on motor
      control performance in participants with nonspecific chronic low back pain.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: RCT was conducted. The training group received isolated and
      co-contraction training of trunk stabilizers in lying on the left side, sitting
      on stool and sitting on a gymnastic ball, while the control group was asked to
      rest comfortably on a chair. Trunk muscles response time during rapid arm
      movement test was recorded using surface electromyography. Two-way ANOVA and
      Bonferroni post hoc test were used to detect changes within and between groups.
      RESULTS: In the training group, the trunk muscles response times were
      significantly decreased after training when compared with those in the control
      group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Trunk stabilizer training has a beneficial effect on
      motor response time of the trunk muscles. The long-term effects of exercise
      should be further considered with a larger sample size.

PMID- 25141536
TI  - A comparison of home-based exercise programs with and without self-manual therapy
      in individuals with knee osteoarthritis in community.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the treatment
      programs of home-based exercise with and without self-manual therapy in
      individuals with knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) in community. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      Forty-three participants with knee OA were randomly assigned in groups. All
      participants received the same home-based exercise program with or without self
      manual therapy over 12 weeks. Outcome measures were pain intensity, range of
      motions, six-minute walk test distance, the knee injury and osteoarthritis
      outcome score (KOOS), short-form 36 (SF-36) and satisfaction. RESULTS: The
      results showed that the self-manual therapy program significantly decreased pain
      at 4 weeks, increased flexion and extension at 4 and 12 weeks, and improved the
      KOOS in pain item and SF-36 in physical function and mental health items. The
      home-based exercise group showed significant increase of the six-minute walk
      distance at 4 and 12 weeks, improvements in the KOOS in pain and symptom items
      and SF-36 in the physical function and role-emotional items. CONCLUSION: Overall,
      the results favored a combination of self-manual therapy and home-based exercise
      for patients with knee OA, which apparently showed superior benefits in
      decreasing pain and improving active knee range of motions.

PMID- 25141537
TI  - Physical therapy workforce shortage for aging and aged societies in Thailand.
AB  - According to demographic changes, the size of the aging population has rapidly
      increased. Thailand has been facing the "aging society" since 2005 and the "aged
      society" has been projected to appear by the year 2025. Increased life expectancy
      is associated with health problems and risks, specifically chronic diseases and
      disability. Aging and aged societies and related specific conditions as stroke
      require the provision of services from health professionals. The shortage of the
      physical therapy workforce in Thailand has been reported. This study investigated
      the size of physical therapy workforce required for the approaching aging society
      of Thailand and estimated the number of needed physical therapists, specifically
      regarding stroke condition. Evidently, the issue of the physical therapy
      workforce to serve aging and aged societies in Thailand requires advocating and
      careful arranging.

PMID- 25141538
TI  - Nano gold conjugation, anti-arthritic potential and toxicity studies of snake
      Naja kaouthia (Lesson, 1831) venom protein toxin NKCT1 in male albino rats and
      mice.
AB  - Nanoscience and Nanotechnology have found their way in the fields of pharmacology
      and medicine. The conjugation of drug to nanoparticles combines the properties of
      both. In this study, gold nanoparticle (GNP) was conjugated with NKCT1, a
      cytotoxic protein toxin from Indian cobra venom for evaluation of anti-arthritic
      activity and toxicity in experimental animal models. GNP conjugated NKCT1 (GNP
      NKCT1) synthesized by NaBH4 reduction method was stable at room temperature (25
      +/- 2 degrees C), pH 7.2. Hydrodynamic size of GNP-NKCT1 was 68-122 nm. Arthritis
      was developed by Freund's complete adjuvant induction in male albino rats and
      treatment was done with NKCT1/GNP-NKCT1/standard drug. The paw/ankle swelling,
      urinary markers, serum markers and cytokines were changed significantly in
      arthritic control rats which were restored after GNP-NKCT1 treatment. Acute
      toxicity study revealed that GNP conjugation increased the minimum lethal dose
      value of NKCT1 and partially reduced the NKCT1 induced increase of the serum
      biochemical tissue injury markers. Histopathological study showed partial
      restoration of toxic effect in kidney tissue after GNP conjugation. Normal
      lymphocyte count in culture was in the order of GNP-NKCT1 > NKCT1 > Indomethacine
      treatment. The present study confirmed that GNP conjugation increased the
      antiarthritic activity and decreased toxicity profile of NKCT1.

PMID- 25141539
TI  - Suppression of Eis and expression of Wag31 and GroES in Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis cytosol under anaerobic culture conditions.
AB  - A major impediment in chemotherapy of Tuberculosis (TB) is the persistence of M.
      tuberculosis in a latent or dormant state, possibly perpetuated by paucity of
      oxygen within the lung granuloma. Proteome analysis of the anaerobically
      persisting microbe could therefore provide novel targets for drugs against latent
      TB infection (LTBI). An Indian clinical isolate of M. tuberculosis was cultured
      under aerobic and anaerobic conditions following Wayne's hypoxia model and its
      cytosolic proteins were resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE).
      Peptide mass fingerprinting of 32 differentially expressed spots using MALDI TOF
      TOF MS-MS resulted in identification of 23 proteins. Under the anaerobic culture
      conditions, expression of 12 of these proteins was highly suppressed (>2 fold
      reduction in spot volumes), with 4 of them (GrpE, CanB, MoxR1 and Eis) appearing
      as completely suppressed since corresponding spots were not detectable in the
      anaerobic sample. On the other hand, 4 proteins were highly expressed, with two
      of them (Wag31 and GroES) being uniquely expressed under anaerobic conditions.
      Suppression of Eis could make the anaerobically persisting bacilli susceptible to
      the aminoglycoside antibiotics which are known to be acetylated and inactivated
      by Eis. Although all 4 overexpressed proteins can be considered as putative drug
      targets for LTBI, Wag31 appears particularly interesting in view of its role in
      the cell wall biogenesis.

PMID- 25141540
TI  - 43 kDa and 66 kDa, two blood stage antigens induce immune response in Plasmodium
      berghei malaria.
AB  - The hunt for an effective vaccine against malaria still continues. Several new
      target antigens as candidates for vaccine design are being explored and tested
      for their efficacy. In the present study the sera from mice immunized with 24,000
      x g fraction of Plasmodium berghei has been used to identify highly immunogenic
      blood stage antigens. The protective antibodies present in immune sera were
      covalently immobilized on CNBr activated sepharose 4B and used for affinity
      chromatography purification of antigens present in blood stages of P. berghei.
      Two polypeptides of 66 and 43 kDa molecular weights proved to be highly
      immunogenic. They exhibited a strong humoral immune response in mice as evident
      by high titres in ELISA and IFA. Protective immunity by these two antigens was
      apparent by in vivo and in vitro studies. These two proteins could further be
      analysed and used as antigens in malaria vaccine design.

PMID- 25141541
TI  - Effects of magnesium on cytomorphology and enzyme activities in thyroid of rats.
AB  - Till date knowledge regarding the effects of high dietary magnesium on thyroid
      gland is incomprehensive though certain epidemiological studies reported
      development of thyroid gland dysfunctions in people with chronic exposure to hard
      water (especially with high magnesium) despite sufficient iodine consumption. The
      present study is to explore the effects of chronic high dietary magnesium
      exposure on thyroid morphology and functional status. Male adult albino Wistar
      strain rats were treated with graded doses of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4; 0.5, 1.0
      and 1.5 g %) for 60 days and changes in different thyroid parameters were
      investigated. Significantly stimulated thyroid peroxidase and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase
      and altered idothyronine 5'-deiodinase type I activities, enhanced serum
      thyroxine (T4) (both total and free), total triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid
      stimulating hormone with decreased free T3 levels and T3/T4 ratio (T3:T4) along
      with enlargement of thyroid with associated histopathological changes were
      observed in the treated groups. The results clearly confirm that chronic high
      dietary magnesium exposure causes potential thyroid disruption as reported in
      earlier epidemiological studies.

PMID- 25141542
TI  - Evaluation of a novel decorporation approach to prevent radioactivity uptake by
      using acidosis in experimental animals.
AB  - With an aim to devise a prophylactic and/or therapeutic approach for preventing
      internalization of radiothallium (201Tl), and more importantly by implication,
      its chemical analogue radiocesium (137Cs) during any nuclear emergency, different
      ex vivo and in vivo animal models were created to determine the role ofpH in
      absorption of 201Tl across jejunum/muscle tissue and whole body retention of
      201Tl respectively. Movement of Tl+ under simulated pH conditions proved that pH
      had direct influence on its absorption. Oral intake of acidified water or
      parenteral administration of lactic acid was able to reduce the body burden of
      201Tl by up to 12 and 50% respectively. The results indicate that acidification
      of gut, within physiological range may be used as an option for
      decorporation/inhibition of incorporation of radiothallium and radiocesium,
      particularly in cases of mass casualty.

PMID- 25141544
TI  - Comparative immunomodulation potential of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex
      Hook. F., Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merrill and Tinospora cordifolia growing on
      Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
AB  - Guduchi has been widely used in the traditional medicine as an immunomodulator.
      Description of guduchi in Ayurvedic literature resemble with T. sinensis rather
      than with commonly available T. cordifolia and hence this may be used as
      substitutes for T. sinensis. T. cordifolia growing on Azadirachta indica commonly
      called Neem-guduchi has more immunomodulatory potential. Thus, immunomodulatory
      activity of three Tinospora spp. was assessed by checking humoral and cell
      mediated immune responses to the antigenic challenges with sheep RBCs and by
      neutrophil adhesion tests on albino Wistar rats using Guduchi-Satwa, a well known
      dosage form. Results revealed that Neem-guduchi possesses higher immunomodulatory
      potential at the dose of 300 mg/kg, po and validated the traditional claim.
      Hence, Neem-Guduchi can be employed in immunomodulatory formulation prepared
      using guduchi.

PMID- 25141543
TI  - Punarnavine, an alkaloid isolated from ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa
      Linn. reverses depression-like behaviour in mice subjected to chronic
      unpredictable mild stress.
AB  - Punarnavine (20 and 40 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) per se administered
      orally for 14 successive days significantly decreased immobility periods of both
      unstressed and stressed mice in forced swim test. These drugs also significantly
      decreased sucrose preference in both stressed and unstressed mice as compared to
      their respective controls, indicating significant antidepressant-like activity.
      The drugs did not show any significant effect on locomotor activity of mice. The
      alkaloid also significantly decreased monoamine oxidase (MAO-A) activity,
      malondialdehyde levels in both unstressed and stressed mice; and significantly
      reversed the stress-induced decrease in reduced glutathione and catalase
      activity. It also significantly attenuated the stress-induced increase in plasma
      nitrite and corticosterone levels. Thus, punarnavine showed antidepressant-like
      activity in unstressed and stressed mice probably through inhibition of brain MAO
      A activity, decrease in plasma nitrite levels and due to its antioxidant
      activity. In addition, punarnavine also showed antidepressant-like activity in
      stressed mice possibly through decrease in plasma corticosterone levels.

PMID- 25141545
TI  - Effect of acute exposure of triazophos on oxidative stress and histopathological
      alterations in liver, kidney and brain of Wistar rats.
AB  - Acute dose of organophosphorus pesticide Triazophos (O,O-diethyl O-1-phenyl-1H
      1,2,4-triazol-3-yl phosphorothioate; Tz) administered orally affects oxidative
      stress parameters and the histo-architecture of liver, kidney and brain tissues.
      The results indicate a dose dependent induction of oxidative stress as evident by
      increased malondialdehyde level and decreased antioxidant defense including
      glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity in rat liver, kidney and brain.
      AChE activity was found significantly decreased in the Tz treated groups as
      compared to the vehicle control (DMSO) group. Histopathological examination of
      liver, kidney and brain in Tz treated rats revealed medullary congestion and
      hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes in liver and medullary congestion in kidney.
      However, no significant histopathological changes were observed in brain tissues.

PMID- 25141546
TI  - A simple technique for tracking individual spore and gametophyte development in
      Adiantum lunulatum Burm. f. using modified extra thin alginate film technique.
AB  - A new technique was developed for accurate calculation of percent germination and
      tracking of individual spores from germination to gametophyte development in
      Adiantum lunulatum. High percentage of ETAF immobilized spore germination (72.4%)
      was followed by development of gametophytic clumps. The ETAF immobilized clumps
      were cut into pieces and multiplied en masse. Apomictic sporophytes developed
      from the gametophytes. This indicated the potential of ETAF for mass propagation
      of A. lunulatum without the need to start from spores. Since individual spores
      can be tracked from germination to gametophyte development, the ETAF technique
      has the potential to be used for (i) harvesting uniformly developed plants of
      similar age for extensive experimentations and commercial utilization and (ii)
      detailed study on developmental and reproductive biology of different ferns and
      fern allies.

PMID- 25141547
TI  - In vitro flowering--a system for tracking floral organ development in
      Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees et Arn. ex Munro.
AB  - Dendrocalamus hamiltonii plants are slender and tall (15-25 m) thereby, rendering
      tagging, sampling and tracking the development of flowers difficult. Therefore, a
      reproducible system of in vitro flowering was established for tracking the stages
      of flower development. MS medium supplemented with 2.22 microM 6
      benzylaminopurine, 1.23 microM indole-3-butyric acid and 2% sucrose was optimized
      as the flower induction medium (FIM) wherein 28 and 42 days were required for the
      development of gynoecium and androecium, respectively. Six distinct stages of in
      vitro flower development were identified, and the flowers were comparable with
      that of in planta sporadic flowers. Pollen viability of the in vitro flowers was
      higher than those of in planta ones. The in vitro system developed in the present
      study facilitates easy tracking of different stages of flower development under
      controlled environmental conditions. It can also be used for medium- or long-term
      storage of pollens and manipulation of in vitro fertilization.

PMID- 25141548
TI  - Antiangiogenic and antiproliferative assessment of cyanobacteria.
AB  - Biologically active compounds with different modes of action, such as
      antiproliferative, antioxidant, antimicrotubule, have been isolated from algae
      and cyanobacteria. The present study was designed to evaluate antiangiogenic and
      antiproliferative potential of dichloromethane and methanol (2:1) extracts of
      different cyanobacteria. Further fingerprinting of the activity possessing
      extracts were carried out using ESI-LC-MS/MS. Extracts (25, 50 and 100 microg)
      were screened in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced
      angiogenesis in inovo chick chorioallontoic membrane assay (CAM) at various
      concentrations using thalidomide and normal saline as positive and untreated
      control groups respectively. The extracts were also evaluated for their
      antiproliferative activity by MTT assay using HeLa cancer cell line. The results
      obtained from the various algal extracts did not show any significant
      antiangiogenic activity as compared to VEGF control. Oscillatoria sp. and Lyngbya
      officinalis exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity at IC50 values of
      220 and 260 microg/mL respectively. ESI-LC-MS/MS of L. officinalis showed the
      presence of lyngbyatoxin-A and that of Oscillatoria sp. reveals the presence of
      malyngamide-J suggesting the possibility of antiproliferative activity.

PMID- 25141549
TI  - Bionomics and vectorial capacity of Anopheles annularis with special reference to
      India: a review.
AB  - Anopheles annularis is widely distributed mosquito species all over the country.
      An. annularis has been incriminated as a malaria vector in India, Sri Lanka,
      Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. In India, it has been
      reported to play an important role in malaria transmission as a secondary vector
      in certain parts of Assam, West Bengal and U.P. In Odisha and some neighbouring
      countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar it has been recognised as a
      primary vector of malaria. This is a species complex of two sibling species A and
      B but the role of these sibling species in malaria transmission is not clearly
      known. An. annularis is resistant to DDT and dieldrin/HCH and susceptible to
      malathion and synthetic pyrethorides in most of the parts of India. In view of
      rapid change in ecological conditions, further studies are required on the
      bionomics of An. annularis and its role in malaria transmission in other parts of
      the country. Considering the importance of An. annularis as a malaria vector, the
      bionomics and its role in malaria transmission has been reviewed in this paper.
      In this communication, an attempt has been made to review its bionomics and its
      role as malaria vector. An. annularis is a competent vector of malaria, thus, due
      attention should be paid for its control under the vector control programmes
      specially in border states where it is playing a primary role in malaria
      transmission.

PMID- 25141550
TI  - Effect of domiciliary limb hygiene alone on lymphoedema volume and locomotor
      function in filarial lymphoedema patients in Puducherry, India.
AB  - Lymphoedema of extremities is a major clinical manifestation of lymphatic
      filariasis. Recurrent episodes of acute dermato-lymphangioadenitis (ADLA) in
      these patients lead to progression of the clinical condition. Studies have
      documented the effectiveness of regular limb hygiene in reduction in frequency
      and duration of ADLA. However, no data is available on the effectiveness of limb
      hygiene alone on reduction of lymphoedema volume and locomotor function of the
      affected extremities. A total of 93 consecutive patients visiting VCRC Filaria
      Clinic formed a cohort for the study. The limb hygiene kit was supplied monthly
      free of cost to the patients. Assessments of oedema volume, frequency and
      duration of ADLA and quantitative assessment of locomotor function were carried
      out at baseline and after 12 months of intervention. All the 93 patients
      completed the follow-up. A total of 82 (88%) patients practiced limb hygiene
      regularly. The practice was higher among patients with higher grades of
      lymphoedema. The mean frequency of ADLA reduced from pre-intervention level of
      2.4 to 0.8 during 12-month period of intervention in grade I cases, from 3.4 to
      1.2 in grade II and from 4.8 to 1.8 in grade III cases. The mean duration (in
      days) for each ADLA episode was reduced from 4 at the rpe-intervention level and
      2.5 during the 12-months intervention period. Though 'limb hygiene' practiced in
      domiciliary settings is feasible. Regular practices resulted in reduction of
      frequency and duration of ADLA attacks. However, reduction in oedema volume or
      improvement the locomotor function was not observed during 12 month period.

PMID- 25141551
TI  - HIV and TB co-infection in Indian context.
AB  - This study was carried out in a Anti-Retroviral Therapy Clinic and TB center of a
      tertiary level hospital to find out socio-demographic correlates of HIV/TB
      individuals and risk factors of HIV/TB co-infection in Indian context. It is a
      case-control study comprising 420 subjects, 3 groups of 140 each. For a case
      group of HIV-TB co-infected subjects, two control groups, one comprising HIV
      patients (not having TB), and the other TB patients (not having HIV). Majority
      267 (63.6%) males, 100 (71.4%) in case group (HIV/ TB), 74 (52.9%) in control
      group 1 (TB) and 93 (66.4%) in control group 2 (HIV). Mean (+/-SD) age of case
      group was 34.91 (+/- 8.57) years. New TB cases were 213 (76.1%), more among
      control-group 1, compared to case-group. Multivariate analysis showed that risk
      of co-infection was 1.94 times higher among individuals aged >35 years.
      Difference statistically significant amongst those who were not on ART than who
      were on ART (p < 0.001). Those with CD4 counts <200 had 1.85 times risk of TB.
      Smokers had 1.92 times risk of TB. Co-infection higher in males, in age group 35
      44 years, urban area, lower educational status and lower socioeconomic class.
      Current history of smoking significantly associated with co-infection. HIV status
      during TB infection was detected in 1/4th of study subjects. History of TB
      symptoms in family significantly associated with co-infection.

PMID- 25141552
TI  - A study to compare the effect of adding 12 days DEC regimen to 6 years annual
      mass drug administration to eliminate microfilaraemia infection in the community
      in rural Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
AB  - Lymphatic filariasis is a major public health problem of tropical countries.
      Although its elimination is planned as global effort using mass drug
      administration in affected communities but its impact has been influenced by MDA
      coverage across countries. The drug coverage is affected by fever as side effect
      and its continuation for over 6 years which affect the population participation.
      Therefore alternative approaches are needed which can show impact faster than
      standard MDA. Present research using additional 12 days dose of DEC to mf
      carriers, show that if drug coverage could be regular, sustainable impact could
      be created in 4 years.

PMID- 25141553
TI  - Antimicrobial resistance in bacterial isolates from a delhi hospital: one year
      outcomes.
AB  - Antimicrobial resistance and hospital acquired infections have become an
      important public health issue. Data on pathogen and antibiotic resistance is
      important for physicians, microbiologists and infection control officials but
      limited information on antibiotic resistance prevents pathogen specific therapy
      and propels antibiotic misuse. A retrospective review of bacterial isolation and
      antimicrobial susceptibility profiles in the in- and outpatients of a Delhi
      hospital between January 2009-December 2009 was performed. A total of 1772
      pathogens causing bacterial infections were recorded during the study period
      January 2009-December 2009. The most frequently encountered bacterial pathogens
      were Escherichia coli (40.51%), Klebsiella spp. (14.84%) and Staphylococcus
      aureus (13.99%). We encountered high resistance to ciprofloxacin in
      Enterobactereaceae family, i.e., 32.5%. Aminoglycosides, once considered optimum
      for broad spectrum coverage of pathogens for almost all systemic infections, are
      now showing high rate of resistance as was noted in Acinetobacter sp. (57.14%)
      and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (69.2%). Antibiotic susceptibility results show a
      higher level of resistance to cotrimoxazole, cephalosporins and ciprofloxacin
      which are easily available, orally administered and cheaper and thus are
      considered a better option for the patients. This study provides insight into the
      problem of resistance in bacterial pathogens in Delhi. Our results demonstrated
      that, in general, isolates have high rates of resistance to antibiotics commonly
      used in developing countries. Guidelines for surveillance and prevention of
      nosocomial infections must be implemented in order to reduce the rate of hospital
      acquired infections.

PMID- 25141554
TI  - Awareness and practices regarding malaria in clinical suspects and the alarming
      slide positivity rate amongst them: a hospital based study from Delhi.
AB  - It has been repeatedly reported that lack of effective community participation in
      malaria control strategies has been partly responsible for high incidence of
      malaria in India. Active involvement of community in malaria control is a
      function of the awareness of that community. The present study was conceived with
      the objective to study the awareness and practices regarding malaria among fever
      cases clinically suspected of malaria and to assess the slide positivity rate
      among the same. Awareness and practices of 101 consecutive clinically suspected
      malaria cases (presenting with fever) attending medical OPD in Satyawadi Raja
      Harishchandra Hospital, Narela in North West district of Delhi regarding malaria
      were assessed using a 37 item pre-tested, semi-structured, semi-open ended, and
      Investigator administered questionnaire. Thin blood films were made for these
      patients and stained by Romanowski's method using Leishman's stain and reported
      by haematologist in the Department of Pathology, UCMS & GTB Hospital, Delhi.
      37.5% patients had fever ranging from 1-3 days & 60% patients knew of chills and
      rigors as a symptom of malaria. While 80.2% patients correctly reported that
      malaria is caused by mosquito, only 52% patients stated that water should not be
      allowed to stagnate in order to prevent mosquito breeding. 61% patients did not
      get their houses sprayed with insecticides in last one year. 85.4% patients used
      one or more methods for personal protection against malaria. On laboratory
      examination 21% peripheral smears were found to be positive for Plasmodium vivax.
      Respondents were found to have modest knowledge regarding malaria. Relatively
      high malaria positivity was seen in malaria suspects. These aspects need to be
      addressed by the programme managers.

PMID- 25141555
TI  - Knowledge and practices about hospital waste disposal and universal safety
      precautions in class IV employee.
AB  - Norms and guidelines are formed for safe disposal of hospital waste but question
      is whether these guidelines are being followed and if so, to what extent. Hence,
      this study was conducted with objective to study the knowledge and practices
      about hospital waste disposal and universal safety precautions in class IV
      employee and to study its relationship with education, occupation and training. A
      cross-sectional study was carried out in a teaching hospital in Mumbai using semi
      structured questionnaire in which Class IV employee were included. Questionnaire
      was filled by face to face interview. Data were analyzed using SPSS. 48.7% Class
      IV employee were not trained. More than 40% were following correct practices
      about disinfection of infectious waste. None of the respondents were using
      protective footwear while handling hospital waste. Only 25.5% were vaccinated for
      hepatitis B. 16% had done HIV testing due to contact with blood, body fluid,
      needle stick injury. Knowledge and practices about hospital waste disposal and
      universal precaution were statistically significant in trained respondents.
      Training of employees should be given top priority; those already in service
      should be given on the job training at the earliest.

PMID- 25141556
TI  - Critical appraisal of mass DEC compliance in a district of west Bengal.
AB  - A cross sectional study was carried out to assess drug compliance after Mass Drug
      Administration of DEC and the factors responsible for poor compliance among the
      population of Murshidabad district of West Bengal during Jan 2009. Total study
      unit were 120 families covering 3 villages and one municipality ward area (30
      families from each area). As a part of Revised Filaria control strategy, MDA
      programme was implemented in Murshidabad district from 29th-31st December 2008.
      Result revealed that total covered population were 601, out of which 571 were
      eligible population for Mass drug administration (6 Pregnant women and <2 years
      age groups (24) were excluded). Drug distribution rate was 91.8%. Overall drug
      compliance was 42.3%. Total number of defaulters was 330 (57.7%). Non compliance
      was highest (75.5%) in urban area. Defaulters was more among male than female.
      Factors responsible for defaulters were no motivation (24.7%), drugs not supplied
      (22.5%), absence at home (13.5%), no faith (10.1%), fear of side effects (10.1%)
      and others (Forgotten, lack of prior IEC etc), illness, wrong information were
      7.8%, 7.3%, 3.9% respectively. Majority has no side effects, only dizziness
      (3.3%), headache (1.7%), vomiting and others (4.1%) were experienced by the
      people after consumption of drugs. On an average 40% families were aware about
      ELF & transmission of disease. Only 43.7% of community members were informed
      about MDA by Health Workers prior to the implementation of MDA programme.

PMID- 25141557
TI  - Study of mortality pattern in Coonoor urban area--a preliminary study.

PMID- 25141558
TI  - Challenges of communicable diseases during disasters.

PMID- 25141559
TI  - Human fascioliasis with biliary complications.
AB  - We report a case of human fascioliasis adding to the few of the previously
      reported cases in India. A young boy from rural background in Bihar presented
      with diarrhea, vomiting, hepatic tenderness, jaundice and fever along with
      peripheral eosinophilia. Examination of stool revealed yellow-brown eggs of
      Fasciola hepatica. Human fascioliasis should be kept in mind in patients with
      cholangitis and eosinophilia especially in areas of sporadic occurrence.

PMID- 25141560
TI  - Bacteraemic Haemophilus influenzae type B pneumonia complicated with empyema-
      report of a case and review of literature.
AB  - A case of bacteraemic pneumonia complicated with pleural empyema due to
      Haemophilus influenzae type b is reported in a one-year old previously healthy
      child who had apparently no other associated medical condition. The organism was
      isolated from both the pleural fluid aspirate and blood of the patient with
      pneumonia. She was successfully treated with parenteral ampicillin and
      chloramphenicol alongwith intercostal chest tube drainage. The case is notable
      because it adds to the existing disease spectrum of invasive Hib diseases and
      brings awareness to the existing burden of the disease in Asia. In addition, it
      reflects the urgent need to include Hib vaccine in the current immunization
      program in India.

PMID- 25141562
TI  - [Physical activity for children: a sensible balance].

PMID- 25141561
TI  - Postnatally acquired dengue in a neonate--a case report.
AB  - Dengue was earlier a disease of children. But with increasing incidence in
      adults, dengue is increasingly encountered in infants and sometimes in neonates.
      The usual mode of transmission in neonates is vertical. We report a neonate with
      horizontal transmission of dengue. Dengue should be considered in the
      differential diagnosis of neonatal septicemia especially during dengue season
      even in the absence of maternal symptoms, to ensure proper case management.

PMID- 25141563
TI  - [Sport: practiced from birth?].
AB  - Physical activity in children is on the decline, leaving room for sedentary
      behaviour. Children are mentally over stimulated through the use of screens, but
      their physical condition is diminishing. The benefits of physical activity in
      adults are well known. Although paediatric literature is less abundant, the
      benefits of regular physical activity in young children are real and extend into
      adulthood. The promotion of physical activity can be made by any responsible
      adult in a child's entourage. It means clarifying the confusion between physical
      activity and sport, evaluating the balance between the physical and sedentary
      behaviour of the children and their families and establishing with them the
      possible necessary changes. PAPRICA--young childhood is 4 hour interdisciplinary
      training session approaching these various themes.

PMID- 25141564
TI  - [Athletic pubalgia and hip impingement].
AB  - Athletic pubalgia is a painful and complex syndrom encountered by athletes
      involved in pivoting and cutting sports such as hockey and soccer. To date, there
      is no real consensus on the criteria for a reliable diagnostic, the different
      investigations, and the appropriate therapy. Current literature underlines
      intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to athletic pubalgia. This review
      article reports upon two novelties related to the issue: the importance and
      efficience of prevention program and the association of femoro-acetabular
      impingement with the pubalgia.

PMID- 25141565
TI  - [Patellofemoral pain syndrome: understand better in order to treat better].
AB  - Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most frequent cause of anterior
      knee pain in adolescents and adults. Due to its complex etiology, which is
      multifactorial and still poorly understood, its management is a major challenge
      for the practitioner. The diagnosis is made primarily on the history and clinical
      examination of the knee, but also of the entire lower limb, which may sometimes
      require the completion of imaging. The treatment is mostly conservative,
      focussing on rehabilitation with targeted and personalized therapy. Surgical
      treatment is reserved for cases with a causal structural lesion.

PMID- 25141566
TI  - [Concussion and sport: too often underdiagnosed].
AB  - Concussions are frequent in contact sports. Clinical symptoms, cognitive
      impairment, neurobehavioral features can be present. Loss of consciousness is
      rare. If suspicion, the player must be removed from the game. Return to play is
      gradual; it may be possible only if the sportsman is asymptomatic. Strict
      application of the rules of the game, fair play can decrease the incidence of
      concussion. SCAT (pocket, SCAT 3, SCAT Child) should be used as a help to
      diagnosis and follow up.

PMID- 25141567
TI  - [Concussion in children and adolescents during sports].
AB  - Concussion, a frequent injury in sports, is rarely evoked and often trivialized
      in children and teenagers. Knowledge of the diverse symptoms and signs to seek
      for is essential to an appropriate and secure management. The initial treatment
      relies on cognitive and physical rest followed by a progressive return to school
      and subsequently sport activities. The aim of this article is to review an injury
      whose prognosis is generally favourable, but whose rare complications can prove
      dramatic.

PMID- 25141569
TI  - [How to promote a humanistic attitude and caring in patient care].

PMID- 25141568
TI  - [Deleterious effects of smoking on the musculoskeletal system].
AB  - Tobacco smoking has important negative effects on the musculoskeletal system:
      decrease of bone mineral density, increase of the risk of injury, illness, and
      perioperative complications such as fracture-healing complications and wound
      complications. Orthopaedic surgeons should inform all patients of the increased
      risks associated with active smoking in the perioperative period and should
      encourage them to quit smoking four to eight weeks in advance of the proposed
      procedure.

PMID- 25141570
TI  - [What about the contribution of genetics in prostate cancer screening?].

PMID- 25141571
TI  - [Miscellaneous, July 2014].

PMID- 25141572
TI  - [Physician intuition is the most important element for discovering a serious
      disease].

PMID- 25141573
TI  - [Due to the internet, patients are more knowledgeable: this is a (bad) children's
      story].

PMID- 25141574
TI  - [Emotional dependence].

PMID- 25141575
TI  - Study of the influence of lipids on the balance parameters in patients with well
      and poorly controlled arterial hypertension.
AB  - STUDY AIM: To assess the correlation of the level of cholesterol fractions and
      balance in two groups of patients with well and poorly controlled hypertension.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 106 patients: 41 males and 65 females
      with diagnosed arterial hypertension without concomitant diseases which could
      affect the balance system. The average age of the patients was 52.1 +/- 7.7
      years. The values of the level of individual lipid fractions from the previous
      three months were obtained from the medical records of the patients. The
      influence of the cholesterol fractions in the patient group with well and poorly
      controlled hypertension on balance parameters was assessed. The balance
      examination was conducted on a stabilometric platform. RESULTS: The study results
      indicate a correlation between balance disorders and the increase of cholesterol
      levels in people with hypertension regardless of its level of control. Patients
      with uncontrolled hypertension more frequently presented a deterioration of the
      balance parameters examined on the stabilometric platform. The increase in the
      level of the LDL cholesterol fraction was associated with a deterioration of the
      balance parameters only in the group with uncontrolled hypertension, both in the
      eyes open and eyes closed test. The increase in the level of cholesterol and its
      individual fractions in combination with arterial pressure above 140/90 mmHg in
      our study deteriorated the balance parameters for the distance traveled, velocity
      of movement and the size of the area marked by the projection of the center of
      gravity in the examined persons. CONCLUSIONS: Disorders of lipid balance may be
      associated with changes in the balance system and accelerate their development in
      people under 60 years of age, which translates to worse balance parameters
      achieved in the stabilometric platform test, especially

PMID- 25141576
TI  - Homocysteine in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia seems to be a common phenomenon in both patients
      with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Many factors including deficiencies
      of cobalamin, folate and pyridoxine, smoking habits, alcohol and coffee intake,
      some medications and age may predispose subjects to hyperhomocysteinemia. The
      study aimed to evaluate homocysteine levels in an inflammatory bowel disease
      cohort as dependent of life style and disease activity. METHODS: 85 consecutive
      patients with inflammatory bowel disease (38 with Crohn's disease and 47 with
      ulcerative colitis) and 65 control subjects were included in the prospective
      study. The following parameters were analyzed: disease activity, duration of the
      disease, location of pathological changes, presence of complications, current
      medications, past surgical procedures, smoking history, concomitant diseases,
      biochemical parameters and plasma homocysteine levels. RESULTS: Mild
      hyperhomocysteinemia was found in 16 patients with Crohn's disease (42%), 19
      patients with ulcerative colitis (40%) and 19 patients in the control group (29%)
      (p = 0.59). There was not any significant correlation between homocysteine level
      and disease activity. Only folic acid supplementation and gender affected
      homocysteine level. Folic acid intake led to reduction of homocysteine levels in
      all groups of patients (11.8 micromol/l vs. 8.33 miccromol/l, p = 0.0065 in
      Crohn's disease patients and 10.94 micromol/l vs. 7.78 micromol/l, p = 0.0069 in
      ulcerative colitis patients). CONCLUSION: Homocysteine level in patients with
      inflammatory bowel disease is mostly normal or slightly elevated. Disease
      activity does not have an impact on homocysteine level. Folic acid is the most
      important factor having an influence on homocysteine level in patients with
      inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 25141577
TI  - [Seizures--symptom or cause of stroke].
AB  - The most frequent reason of seizures in elderly are vascular diseases of the
      brain. The early-onset seizures occur in first 7 days after stroke, and the late
      onset seizures occur after 7 days after stroke. The aim of the study was to
      estimate the frequency of seizures in patients who have taken a stand in acute
      period of stroke, the incidence of seizures in different types of stroke, the
      frequency of the types of seizures and the risk of death depending on the type of
      seizure. One hundred and sixty seven patients with ischemic stroke and seizures
      were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients have been divided into 2
      groups: group I-with early-onset seizures and group II- with late-onset seizures.
      In our study seizure was the first symptom of acute stroke in 2.4% of ischemic
      stroke and 3.2% among patients with cerebral hemorrhage. Seizures occurred in
      3.9% of patients with PACI stroke. The primary tonic-clonic generalised seizures
      occurred in 46.7% patients with early-onset seizures. In the group with early
      onset seizures the mortality was 13.3%. In the group of poststroke epilepsy the
      mean time from stroke to seizure was 21 month. The early-onset seizures occurred
      in 2.5% patients with acute stroke. The early-onset seizures are most related to
      PACI stroke and cerebral hemorrhages. The primary tonic-clonic generalised
      seizures are most common in both groups. The highest mortality among early-onset
      seizures is related to primary tonic-clonic generalized and focal complex
      seizures.

PMID- 25141578
TI  - [Adherence to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis].
AB  - A close collaboration between doctor and patient is essential for optimization of
      treatment outcomes in patients with chronic disease. Nonadherence to disease
      modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may
      contribute to treatment failure and result in loss of joint function. The aim of
      the study was to evaluate adherence to prescribed drug therapy by patients with
      RA 6 months after hospital discharge. The influence of age, sex, level of
      education and DAS28 score on compliance with treatment regimen was also
      evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A telephone survey was conducted using a
      questionnaire. The survey involved 146 randomly selected patients who were
      previously treated at the Department of Rheumatology for worsening of rheumatoid
      arthritis. RESULTS: Most of the patients gave their consent for participation in
      the survey. 113 (82.5%) of the respondents reported good compliance /adherence
      with the DMARD treatment regimen. 24 (17.5%) of the patients did not take
      prescribed medications, primarily due to adverse side effects and, less commonly,
      due to ineffective treatment or lack of clinical symptoms, and also for financial
      reasons. Age, sex, level of education and DAS28 score did not significantly
      influence medication adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients treated for RA
      are followed up at rheumatology outpatient clinics and they continue treatment
      with DMARDs after discharge from hospital. Adverse side effects are the main
      cause of a change or discontinuation of the treatment.

PMID- 25141579
TI  - [Endoscopic and histopathological findings of the upper gastrointestinal tract in
      patients with functional and organic dyspepsia].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract (upper
      GI) with macroscopic and histopathological evaluation provides essential tool to
      differentiate the organic and functional causes of dyspepsia. The distinction,
      however, is often smooth and not fully defined. The aim of this study was to
      assess the frequency and type of the macroscopic and histopathological changes in
      the upper GI endoscopy in patients with symptoms of dyspepsia. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 212 patients with dyspepsia, at
      the age of 18-84 years, including 60 patients to 45 years of age (group I) and
      152 patients older than 45 (group II) who underwent gastroscopy. The severity of
      esophagitis was classified according to the Los Angeles Classification and
      gastritis according the updated Sydney system. Biopsy specimens were taken from
      the gastric and duodenum for histopathological examination. The presence of H.
      pylori infection has been established on the basis of histopathological
      examination and positive rapid urease test. RESULTS: Reflux esophagitis was found
      in 18 patients (8.5%), slightly more common in people over 45 years of age (group
      I--5%, group II--9.2%). The mild forms of esophagitis occurred most frequently. A
      more advanced form of inflammation and Barrett's esophagus was found only in
      patients over 45 years of age. Normal gastric and duodenal mucosa was revealed in
      30% of patients in group I and 9.2% in group II. The most common endoscopic
      lesion was gastritis, mostly erythematous-exudative and less often atrophic. The
      presence of H. pylori infection was varied in the different types of
      inflammation. H. pylori infection occurred most frequently in the case of erosive
      and follicular gastropathy. The most common location of H. pylori infec- frequent
      in older patients. Peptic ulcer was found in 4.7% of patients (group I--5%, group
      II--4.6%). In one patient (61 years old) stomach cancer was diagnosed and in one
      patient (<45 years old) Crohn's disease of the upper GI was diagnosed. The
      majority of patients had normal duodenal mucosa. In 3.3% of patients (group I-
      8.3%, group II--1.3%), who had not previously diagnosed celiac disease,
      histopathological changes typical of celiac disease has been shown. In all
      patients, in whom biopsy specimens were taken from normal duodenal mucosa (14% of
      patients), histopathological examination revealed the presence of non-specific
      inflammation, regardless of the coexistence of H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION:
      Regardless of the severity of lesions of the upper GI endoscopy in patients with
      dyspepsia, it is advisable to take biopsy from the gastric and duodenal mucosa,
      which allows for an individualized management of these patients. Celiac disease
      should be considered in the diagnosis of the causes of dyspepsia. Further studies
      of microscopic duodenitis in patients with dyspepsia are needed.

PMID- 25141580
TI  - Oncological emergencies: tumor lysis syndrome.
AB  - Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) occurs as a result of massive lysis of malignant cells
      and release of intracellular contents into the systemic circulation. It can lead
      to hyperuricaemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia and hypocalcaemia. TLS is
      most commonly present after initiation of anticancer therapy but it can also
      develop spontaneously (STLS--spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome). In the article,
      pathophysiology, classification, risk factors and recommendations of management
      in TLS, with a special focus on solid tumors, are discussed. The keys to the
      identification of high-risk patients, prevention and management of TLS are
      included in presented guidelines.

PMID- 25141581
TI  - [Pharmacological treatment of behavioral symptoms in dementia patients].
AB  - Cognitive manifestations usually are the primary abnormalities in dementia. In
      most cases cognitive deterioration arise in association with behavioral
      disturbances, and may accelerate institutionalization of patients. Noncognitive
      symptoms are distressing for both patients and their caregivers. These symptoms
      are described as "behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia--BPSD" or
      neuropsychiatric symptoms. BPSD occurs in all types of dementia, and often are
      among the most prominent symptoms in the clinical course of the disease. Some
      disturbances like agitation and aggression may be disruptive and life-treating
      for patients and surrounding people. Non-pharmacological interventions should be
      recommended as a first line treatment unless BPSD symptoms are severe, persistent
      or recurrent. Drug treatment should have a specific target symptom. Atypical
      antipsychotics are widely used as the first line pharmacological approach to
      treat BPSD. Antidepressants, anxiolytics and antiepileptic's are also used.
      Treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine may delay the onset of
      BPSD and reduce the severity of some symptoms. Effective and safe treatment of
      BPSD should significantly improves the quality of life of patients and their
      caregivers.

PMID- 25141582
TI  - [The importance of imaging techniques in the modern treatment of multiple
      myeloma].
AB  - The main symptom of multiple myeloma (MM) are pathological changes in bone.
      Imaging techniques are useful in determining the proper stage of the disease,
      follow-up after treatment and, as highlighted in recent times, in predicting
      prognosis and prediction. In the near future, radiographic examination of the
      whole body can be replaced by more sensitive techniques, such as low-dose
      computed tomography (CT) of the whole body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a
      standard in the evaluation of bone marrow infiltration of the spine, allowing the
      prediction of the risk of vertebral fractures. Positron emission tomography (PET)
      coupled with CT (PET/CT) provides relevant information on the extent of lesions
      throughout the body, including soft tissues and is the best tool to distinguish
      active from inactive disease after treatment. Diagnostic imaging technique of
      PETIMR has the potential for precisely diagnosing in this condition. Prospective
      use of new imaging techniques in clinical practice in the near future will help
      to optimize the therapeutic management in individual cases of MM.

PMID- 25141583
TI  - [Intraneural ganglion of the peroneal nerve--two case reports].
AB  - This paper describes two cases of gelatinous cyst of rare location within the
      peroneal nerve. Clinical picture was different in described patients. The
      gelatinous cyst was completely resected in both cases. The final diagnosis was
      established based on the histo-patological examination.

PMID- 25141584
TI  - [Cavernous haemangioma of the chest wall--case report].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cavernous hemangiomas are among the least common benign chest wall
      masses. The aim of this study is to present a case of a 40-year-old women, with a
      giant cavernous haemangioma arising in the left axillary area. CASE REPORT: A 40
      year-old female, was referred to a pulmonologist, after her chest radiograph
      showed, in the upper field of the left lung, a peripherally located shading (13
      cm long and 3.5 cm deep) connecting with the pleura. The skin above the change
      was not discoloured. Contrast-enhanced CT showed a cavernous haemangioma (17 cm
      long and 13 cm wide) located mostly in the left axillary area. The main vascular
      supply of the haemangioma came from a direct branch of the left axillary artery,
      the left intervertebral arteries (levels Ill-VII) and a branch of the left
      internal thoracic artery. CONCLUSIONS: This report illustrates a rare case of a
      giant cavernous haemangioma and the treatment challenges it poses.

PMID- 25141585
TI  - [Publishing activity of the Cracow Physicians Society].

PMID- 25141586
TI  - [The Cracow Physicians Society and the medical faculty of Jagiellonian University
      -the past and the present].
AB  - The Cracow Physicians Society (CPS) since inception in 1866, maintain close
      liaison with the Faculty of Medicine of the Jagiellonian University by the person
      of president, board members and ordinary members of the Society who are also
      employees of the University. They share a number of common initiatives. Many
      distinguished professors are honorary members of the Society. CPS annually
      rewards outstanding doctoral and postdoctoral works award named professor Sych,
      and also awards diplomas and medals to deserving individuals for professional,
      scientific and organizational work. CPS cooperates with the Association of
      Graduates of the Medical Faculties of the Jagiellonian University, Polish Academy
      of Learning and the Division of Krakow Polish Academy of Sciences and numerous
      specialized medical societies in the medical integration and to focus physicians
      around deontological and ethical problems, basic sciences, medical diagnostics,
      therapeutics, medical history and culture.

PMID- 25141587
TI  - [History of Jagiellonian University Clinic for Nervous and Mental Diseases in 100
      anniversary].
AB  - In the paper there have been presented the creation and activities of the Clinic
      of Neuropsychiatry in the period of 1914-1950 and the scientific and
      organizational work of professor J. Piltz (1870-1930).

PMID- 25141588
TI  - [Zbigniew Lewicki. Member of the founding committee of the Polish Urological
      Society. Biographical note].

PMID- 25141589
TI  - Looking back, looking forward: 55 years of human factors.

PMID- 25141590
TI  - Using noninvasive brain stimulation to accelerate learning and enhance human
      performance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluate the effectiveness of noninvasive brain
      stimulation, in particular, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), for
      accelerating learning and enhancing human performance on complex tasks.
      BACKGROUND: Developing expertise in complex tasks typically requires extended
      training and practice. Neuroergonomics research has suggested new methods that
      can accelerate learning and boost human performance. TDCS is one such method. It
      involves the application of a weak DC current to the scalp and has the potential
      to modulate brain networks underlying the performance of a perceptual, cognitive,
      or motor task. METHOD: Examples of tDCS studies of declarative and procedural
      learning are discussed. This mini-review focuses on studies employing complex
      simulations representative of surveillance and security operations, intelligence
      analysis, and procedural learning in complex monitoring. RESULTS: The evidence
      supports the view that tDCS can accelerate learning and enhance performance in a
      range of complex cognitive tasks. Initial findings also suggest that such
      benefits can be retained over time, but additional research is needed on training
      schedules and transfer of training. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive brain stimulation can
      accelerate skill acquisition in complex tasks and may provide an alternative or
      addition to other training methods.

PMID- 25141591
TI  - Effects of cold environments on human reliability assessment in offshore oil and
      gas facilities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper proposes a new methodology that focuses on the effects of
      cold and harsh environments on the reliability of human performance. BACKGROUND:
      As maritime operations move into Arctic and Antarctic environments, decision
      makers must be able to recognize how cold weather affects human performance and
      subsequently adjusts management and operational tools and strategies. METHOD: In
      the present work, a revised version of the Human Error Assessment and Reduction
      Technique (HEART) methodology has been developed to assess the effects of cold on
      the likelihood of human error in offshore oil and gas facilities. This
      methodology has been applied to post-maintenance tasks of offshore oil and gas
      facility pumps to investigate how management, operational, and equipment issues
      must be considered in risk analysis and prediction of human error in cold
      environments. RESULTS: This paper provides a proof of concept indicating that the
      risk associated with operations in cold environments is greater than the risk
      associated with the same operations performed in temperate climates. It also
      develops guidelines regarding how this risk can be assessed. The results
      illustrate that in post-maintenance procedures of a pump, the risk value related
      to the effect of cold and harsh environments on operator cognitive performance is
      twice as high as the risk value when performed in normal conditions. CONCLUSION:
      The present work demonstrates significant differences between human error
      probabilities (HEPs) and associated risks in normal conditions as opposed to cold
      and harsh environments. This study also highlights that the cognitive performance
      of the human operator is the most important factor affected by the cold and harsh
      conditions. APPLICATION: The methodology developed in this paper can be used for
      reevaluating the HEPs for particular scenarios that occur in harsh environments
      since these HEPs may not be comparable to similar scenarios in normal conditions.

PMID- 25141592
TI  - Measures of reliance and compliance in aided visual scanning.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We study the dependence or independence of reliance and compliance as
      two responses to alarms to understand the mechanisms behind these responses.
      BACKGROUND: Alarms, alerts, and other binary cues affect user behavior in complex
      ways. The suggestion has been made that there are two different responses to
      alerts--compliance (the tendency to perform an action cued by the alert) and
      reliance (the tendency to refrain from actions as long as no alert is issued).
      The study tests the degree to which these two responses are indeed independent.
      METHOD: An experiment tested the effects of the positive and negative predictive
      values of the alerts (PPV and NPV) on measures of compliance and reliance based
      on cutoff settings, response times, and subjective confidence. RESULTS: For
      cutoff settings and response times, compliance was unaffected by the irrelevant
      NPV, whereas reliance depended on the irrelevant PPV. For subjective estimates,
      there were no significant effects of the irrelevant variables. CONCLUSION:
      Results suggest that compliance is relatively stable and unaffected by irrelevant
      information (the NPV), whereas reliance is also affected by the PPV. The results
      support the notion that reliance and compliance are separate, but related, forms
      of trust. APPLICATION: False alarm rates, which affect PPV, determine both the
      response to alerts (compliance) and the tendency to limit precautions when no
      alert is issued (reliance).

PMID- 25141593
TI  - Predictive discomfort in single- and combined-axis whole-body vibration
      considering different seated postures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a predictive discomfort model in
      single-axis, 3-D, and 6-D combined-axis whole-body vibrations of seated occupants
      considering different postures. BACKGROUND: Non-neutral postures in seated whole
      body vibration play a significant role in the resulting level of perceived
      discomfort and potential long-term injury. The current international standards
      address contact points but not postures. METHOD: The proposed model computes
      discomfort on the basis of static deviation of human joints from their neutral
      positions and how fast humans rotate their joints under vibration. Four seated
      postures were investigated. For practical implications, the coefficients of the
      predictive discomfort model were changed into the Borg scale with psychophysical
      data from 12 volunteers in different vibration conditions (single-axis random
      fore-aft, lateral, and vertical and two magnitudes of 3-D). The model was tested
      under two magnitudes of 6-D vibration. RESULTS: Significant correlations (R =
      .93) were found between the predictive discomfort model and the reported
      discomfort with different postures and vibrations. The ISO 2631-1 correlated very
      well with discomfort (R2 = .89) but was not able to predict the effect of
      posture. CONCLUSION: Human discomfort in seated whole-body vibration with
      different non-neutral postures can be closely predicted by a combination of
      static posture and the angular velocities of the joint. APPLICATION: The
      predictive discomfort model can assist ergonomists and human factors researchers
      design safer environments for seated operators under vibration. The model can be
      integrated with advanced computer biomechanical models to investigate the complex
      interaction between posture and vibration.

PMID- 25141594
TI  - Serum and MRI biomarkers in mobile device texting: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine if serum biochemical and MRI biomarkers differed
      between high volume (> or =230 texts sent/day; n = 5) and low volume (< or =25
      texts sent/day; n = 5) texters. A secondary aim was to ascertain what
      correlations between the biochemical and imaging biomarkers could tell us about
      the pathophysiology of early onset tendinopathies. BACKGROUND: Text messaging has
      become widespread, particularly among college-aged young adults. There is concern
      that high rates of texting may result in musculoskeletal disorders, including
      tendinopathies. Pathophysiology of tendinopathies is largely unknown. METHOD: Ten
      females with a mean age of 20 were recruited. We examined serum for 20 biomarkers
      of inflammation, tissue degeneration, and repair. We used conventional MRI and
      MRI mean intratendinous signal intensity (MISI) to assess thumb tendons.
      Correlations between MISI and serum biomarkers were also examined. RESULTS: Three
      high volume texters had MRI tendinopathy findings as did one low volume texter.
      Increased serum TNF-RI was found in high volume texters compared to low volume
      texters, as were nonsignificant increases in MISI in two thumb tendons. Serum TNF
      RI and TNF-alpha correlated with MISI in these tendons, as did ILI-RI.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest that early onset tendinopathy with concurrent
      inflammation may be occurring in prolific texters. Further studies with larger
      sample sizes are needed for confirmation. Application: High volume texting may be
      a risk factor for thumb tendinopathy in later years. Multidisciplinary research
      using biochemical and imaging biomarkers may be used to gain insight into
      pathophysiological processes in musculoskeletal disorders.

PMID- 25141595
TI  - Sizing firefighters: method and implications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article reports new anthropometric information of U.S.
      firefighters for fire apparatus design applications (Study 1) and presents a data
      method to assist in firefighter anthropometric data usage for research-to
      practice propositions (Study 2). BACKGROUND: Up-to-date anthropometric
      information of the U.S. firefighter population is needed for updating ergonomic
      and safety specifications for fire apparatus. METHOD: A stratified sampling plan
      of three-age by three-race/ethnicity combinations was used to collect
      anthropometric data of 863 male and 88 female firefighters across the U.S.
      regions; 71 anthropometric dimensions were measured (Study I). Differences among
      original, weighted, and normality transformed data from Study 1 were compared to
      allowable observer errors (Study 2). RESULTS: On average, male firefighters were
      9.8 kg heavier and female firefighters were 29 mm taller than their counterparts
      in the general U.S. population. They also have larger upper-body builds than
      those of the general U.S. population. The data in weighted, unweighted, and
      normality transformed modes were compatible among each other with a few
      exceptions. CONCLUSION: The data obtained in this study provide the first
      available U.S. national firefighter anthropometric information for fire apparatus
      designs. The data represent the demographic characteristics of the current
      firefighter population and, except for a few dimensions, can be directly employed
      into fire apparatus design applications without major weighting or nonnormality
      concerns. APPLICATION: The up-to-date firefighter anthropometric data and data
      method will benefit the design of future fire apparatus and protective equipment,
      such as seats, body restraints, cabs, gloves, and bunker gear.

PMID- 25141596
TI  - Measuring cognition in teams: a cross-domain review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is twofold: to provide a critical cross
      domain evaluation of team cognition measurement options and to provide novice
      researchers with practical guidance when selecting a measurement method.
      BACKGROUND: A vast selection of measurement approaches exist for measuring team
      cognition constructs including team mental models, transactive memory systems,
      team situation awareness, strategic consensus, and cognitive processes. METHODS:
      Empirical studies and theoretical articles were reviewed to identify all of the
      existing approaches for measuring team cognition. These approaches were evaluated
      based on theoretical perspective assumed, constructs studied, resources required,
      level of obtrusiveness, internal consistency reliability, and predictive
      validity. RESULTS: The evaluations suggest that all existing methods are viable
      options from the point of view of reliability and validity, and that there are
      potential opportunities for cross-domain use. For example, methods traditionally
      used only to measure mental models may be useful for examining transactive memory
      and situation awareness. The selection of team cognition measures requires
      researchers to answer several key questions regarding the theoretical nature of
      team cognition and the practical feasibility of each method. CONCLUSIONS: We
      provide novice researchers with guidance regarding how to begin the search for a
      team cognition measure and suggest several new ideas regarding future measurement
      research. APPLICATIONS: We provide (1) a broad overview and evaluation of
      existing team cognition measurement methods, (2) suggestions for new uses of
      those methods across research domains, and (3) critical guidance for novice
      researchers looking to measure team cognition.

PMID- 25141597
TI  - Positive display polarity is particularly advantageous for small character sizes:
      implications for display design.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the display luminance hypothesis of the positive polarity
      advantage and gain insights for display design, the joint effects of display
      polarity and character size were assessed with a proofreading task BACKGROUND:
      Studies have shown that dark characters on light background (positive polarity)
      lead to better legibility than do light characters on dark background (negative
      polarity), presumably due to the typically higher display luminance of positive
      polarity presentations. METHOD: Participants performed a proofreading task with
      black text on white background or white text on black background. Texts were
      presented in four character sizes (8, 10, 12, and 14 pt; corresponding to 0.22
      degrees, 0.25 degrees, 0.31 degrees, and 0.34 degrees of vertical visual angle).
      RESULTS: A positive polarity advantage was observed in proofreading performance.
      Importantly, the positive polarity advantage linearly increased with decreasing
      character size. CONCLUSION: The findings are in line with the assumption that the
      typically higher luminance of positive polarity displays leads to an improved
      perception of detail. Application: The implications seem important for the design
      of text on such displays as those of computers, automotive control and
      entertainment systems, and smartphones that are increasingly used for the
      consumption of text-based media and communication. The sizes of these displays
      are limited, and it is tempting to use small font sizes to convey as much
      information as possible. Especially with small font sizes, negative polarity
      displays should be avoided.

PMID- 25141598
TI  - The role of number of tasks in determining the relevance of information.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to explore the value of considering the number of
      tasks that use a piece of information when calculating the relevance information
      has to an operator. BACKGROUND: Whereas frequency and criticality of information
      are often identified as information attributes, the number of tasks that use the
      information is rarely considered. METHOD: We calculated the relevance of pieces
      of information in air traffic control using criticality and frequency, and
      compared it to a formula that also considered the number of tasks. RESULTS:
      Including number of tasks resulted in information ranking that better accounted
      for aircraft relevant information, and better supported the information needs of
      air traffic controllers as determined by judgments of controllers. CONCLUSION:
      The attribute of number of tasks is valuable in calculating the relevance of
      information. Application: Interface designers should consider the number of tasks
      that use a particular piece of information when determining the placement of
      information within a display.

PMID- 25141599
TI  - Emergency medical equipment storage: benefits of visual cues tested in field and
      simulated settings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We tested the effectiveness of an illustrated divider ("the divider")
      for bedside emergency equipment drawers in an intensive care unit (ICU). In Study
      I, we assessed whether the divider increases completeness and standardizes the
      locations of emergency equipment within the drawer. In Study 2, we investigated
      whether the divider decreases nurses' restocking and retrieval times and
      decreases their workload. BACKGROUND: Easy access to fully stocked emergency
      equipment is important during emergencies. However, inefficient equipment storage
      and cognitively demanding work settings might mean that drawers are incompletely
      stocked and access to items is slow. METHOD: A pre-post-post study investigated
      drawer completeness and item locations before and after the introduction of the
      divider to 30 ICU drawers. A subsequent experiment measured item restocking time,
      item retrieval time, and subjective workload for nurses. RESULTS: At 2 weeks and
      10 weeks after the divider was introduced, the completeness of the drawer
      increased significantly compared with before the divider was introduced. The
      divider decreased the variability of the locations of the 17 items in the drawer
      to 16% of its original value. Study 2 showed that restocking times but not
      retrieval times were significantly faster with the divider present For both
      tasks, nurses rated their workload lower with the divider. CONCLUSIONS: The
      divider improved the standardization and completeness of emergency equipment. In
      addition, restocking times and workload were decreased with the divider.
      APPLICATION: Redesigning storage for certain equipment using human factors design
      principles can help to speed and standardize restocking and ease access to
      equipment.

PMID- 25141600
TI  - Toward more usable electronic voting: testing the usability of a smartphone
      voting system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this research was to assess the usability of a voting
      system designed for smart-phones. BACKGROUND: Smartphones offer remote
      participation in elections through the use of pervasive technology. Voting on
      these devices could, among other benefits, increase voter participation while
      allowing voters to use familiar technology. However, the usability of these
      systems has not been assessed. METHOD: A mobile voting system optimized for use
      on a smartphone was designed and tested against traditional voting platforms for
      usability. RESULTS: There were no reliable differences between the smartphone
      based system and other voting methods in efficiency and perceived usability. More
      important, though, smartphone owners committed fewer errors on the mobile voting
      system than on the traditional voting systems. CONCLUSION: Even with the known
      limitations of small mobile platforms in both displays and controls, a carefully
      designed system can provide a usable voting method. Much of the concern about
      mobile voting is in the area of security; therefore, although these results are
      promising, security concerns and usability issues arising from mitigating them
      must be strongly considered. APPLICATION: The results of this experiment may help
      to inform current and future election and public policy officials about the
      benefits of allowing voters to vote with familiar hardware.

PMID- 25141601
TI  - Steering in a random forest: ensemble learning for detecting drowsiness-related
      lane departures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to design and evaluate an algorithm for
      detecting drowsiness-related lane departures by applying a random forest
      classifier to steering wheel angle data. BACKGROUND: Although algorithms exist to
      detect and mitigate driver drowsiness, the high rate of false alarms and missed
      detection of drowsiness represent persistent challenges. Current algorithms use a
      variety of data sources, definitions of drowsiness, and machine learning
      approaches to detect drowsiness. METHOD: We develop a new approach for detecting
      drowsiness-related lane departures using steering wheel angle data that employ an
      ensemble definition of drowsiness and a random forest algorithm. Data collected
      from 72 participants driving the National Advanced Driving Simulator are used to
      train and evaluate the model. The model's performance was assessed relative to a
      commonly used algorithm, percentage eye closure (PERCLOS). RESULTS: The random
      forest steering algorithm had a higher classification accuracy and area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve than PERCLOS and had comparable positive
      predictive value. The algorithm succeeds at identifying two key scenarios
      associated with the drowsiness detection task. These two scenarios consist of
      instances when drivers depart their lane because they fail to modulate their
      steering behavior according to the demands of the simulated road and instances
      when drivers correctly modulate their steering behavior according to the demands
      of the road. CONCLUSION: The random forest steering algorithm is a promising
      approach to detect driver drowsiness. The algorithm's ties to consequences of
      drowsy driving suggest that it can be easily paired with mitigation systems.

PMID- 25141602
TI  - Costs and benefits of more learner freedom: meta-analyses of exploratory and
      learner control training methods.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Individual meta-analyses were conducted for six training methods as
      part of a U.S. Army basic research project. The objective was to identify
      evidence-based guidelines for the effectiveness of each training method, under
      different moderating conditions, for cognitive skill transfer in adult learning.
      Results and implications for two of these training methods, learner control (LC)
      and exploratory learning (EL), are discussed. LC provides learners with active
      control over training variables. EL requires learners to discover relationships
      and interactions between variables. BACKGROUND: There is mixed evidence on the
      effectiveness of both LC and EL learning methods on transfer relative to more
      guided training methods. Cognitive load theory (CLT) provides a basis for
      predicting that training strategies that manage intrinsic load of a task during
      training and minimize extraneous load will avail more resources that can be
      devoted to learning. METHOD: Meta-analyses were conducted using a Hedges's g
      analysis of effect sizes. Control conditions with little to no learner freedom
      were contrasted with treatment conditions manipulating more learner freedom.
      RESULTS: Overall more LC was no different from training with limited or no
      learner control, and more EL was less effective than limited or no exploration;
      however, each can be effective under certain conditions. Both strategies have
      been more effective for cognitive skill learning than for knowledge recall tasks.
      LC exhibited more benefit to very near transfer, whereas EL's benefit was to far
      transfer. CONCLUSION: Task type, transfer test, and transfer distance moderate
      the overall transfer cost of more learner freedom. APPLICATION: The findings are
      applicable to the development of instructional design guidelines for the use of
      LC and EL in adult skill training.

PMID- 25141603
TI  - Gametogenic development and spawning of the freshwater clam, Galatea paradoxa
      (Born 1778) from the Volta River Estuary, Ghana.
AB  - The study focused on the reproductive cycle of Galatea paradoxa (Born 1778), a
      major species for artisanal fishery in the Volta River estuary, Ghana. Condition
      indices and histological observation of the gonads revealed that G. paradoxa has
      a single spawning event between July and October. Gametogenesis started in
      December progressing steadily to a peak in June-July when spawning began until
      November when individuals were spent. Condition and gonadal indices showed a
      clear relationship with the gametogenic stages.

PMID- 25141605
TI  - Architecture for automation and telepresence in a marine hatchery laboratory.

PMID- 25141604
TI  - Effect of dietary bovine lactoferrin on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
      fecundity and larval quality.

PMID- 25141606
TI  - Developmental staging and deformities characterization of the Eurasian perch,
      Perca fluviatilis.

PMID- 25141607
TI  - Providing harpacticoid copepods via floating sieve improves fish larval feeding
      success.

PMID- 25141608
TI  - Control of the selective pressure on microbes of the incoming water increases
      survival of marine fish larvae.

PMID- 25141609
TI  - Effect of red crab meal (Pleuroncodes planipes) on growth and digestive enzyme
      expression in the intestine of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamel).

PMID- 25141610
TI  - Bacterial community assembly in developing cod larvae (Gadus morhua).

PMID- 25141611
TI  - Inducer of heat shock protein 70: a new disease preventive option in aquaculture
      production systems.

PMID- 25141612
TI  - Could the eastern rock lobster, Sagmariasus verreauxi, be the best spiny lobster
      for aquaculture?

PMID- 25141613
TI  - Effects of combined phospholipids and selenium dietary contents on patterns of
      bone formation in the axial skeleton of Sparus aurata.

PMID- 25141614
TI  - Effect of phytochemicals on stress tolerance of Penaeus vannamei postlarvae.

PMID- 25141615
TI  - Experimental challenge: the quest for virulence -and protection.

PMID- 25141616
TI  - The key neuroendocrine regulators of the onset of puberty in the Atlantic bluefin
      tuna (Thunnus thynnus).

PMID- 25141617
TI  - Oxidative stress in sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax larvae: interaction of high
      dietary DHA contents and several antioxidant nutrients.

PMID- 25141618
TI  - High dietary levels of arachidonic acid not only affects the normal pigmentation
      patterns in post-metamorphic Senegalese sole larvae, but also disrupts the
      process of eye migration in pseudo-albino fish.

PMID- 25141619
TI  - Effect of broodstock diet on hepatic status and reproductive performance in
      Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.) females.

PMID- 25141620
TI  - Fluorescent microspheres--a new approach to quantifying live feed intake in
      larval fish.

PMID- 25141621
TI  - Exploring the feeding mystery of leptocephalus larvae: a mouth full of teeth.

PMID- 25141622
TI  - Development of techniques and technology for embryonic and larval rearing of the
      European eel.

PMID- 25141623
TI  - Factors affecting sperm quality and emerging tools for sperm analysis.

PMID- 25141624
TI  - Epigenetic regulation of muscle development and growth in senegalese sole larvae.

PMID- 25141625
TI  - Does dietary amino acid profile modulate senegalese sole larvae protein
      metabolism?

PMID- 25141626
TI  - Gene expression profile of Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles fed different protein
      sources and detection of digestive-related genes by functional genomics.

PMID- 25141627
TI  - Influence of feeding regimes on the digestive enzyme profile and ultrastructure
      of digestive tract of Catla catla.

PMID- 25141628
TI  - Vibrio static activity in the culture of the Picochlorum sp. S1b can be
      attributed to the bacteria associated with the microalga.

PMID- 25141629
TI  - Towards the development of new quality indices in juvenile fish - relationship of
      caudal-fin morphology with the thermal history of juveniles.

PMID- 25141630
TI  - Investigating causes of skeletal malformation in yellowtail kingfish Seriola
      lalandi.

PMID- 25141631
TI  - Intensification of Litopenaeus vannamei larviculture.

PMID- 25141632
TI  - Effect of Sanolife MIC-F as larval fish probiotic on host stress resistance,
      histology, and microbiota in seabream.

PMID- 25141633
TI  - Genome-wide gene expression analysis during Solea sp. embryo-larval development.

PMID- 25141634
TI  - Studies of digestive physiology during early ontogeny of the Mayan cichlid
      Cichlasoma urophthalmus.

PMID- 25141635
TI  - Fish larval performance fed with copepods (Acartia grani) and the dinoflagellate
      (Oxyrrhis marina) as supplement: the case of dusky grouper (Epinephelus
      marginatus).

PMID- 25141636
TI  - Control of bacterial disease in cultures of marine larvae and live feed organisms
      by a probiotic bacterium.

PMID- 25141637
TI  - The function of wax esters in larval fish transition from endogenous to exogenous
      nutrition - are freshwater fish the exception or the rule?

PMID- 25141638
TI  - Digital image analysis to aid broodstock management and egg quality assessment.

PMID- 25141639
TI  - The application of ecological theory for microbial control in aquaculture.

PMID- 25141640
TI  - The development of new enrichment products and strategies for live feed in fish
      hatcheries.

PMID- 25141641
TI  - Effects of dietary Dunaliella salina extract and highly unsaturated fatty acids
      on the fecundity and lipid content of pond-reared Penaeus japonicus brood-stock.
AB  - Five basic diets containing fresh squid meat and trash fish were supplemented
      with different amount of Dunaleilla salina extract (DSE) and highly unsaturated
      fatty acids (HUFA). Supplemented diets were fed to pond-reared Penaeus japonicus
      broodstock. Diet A was solely squid and trash fish. Diets B 1 and B2 were
      supplemented with 400 and 600mg DSE.kg-1 diet, respectively. Diets C1 and C2 were
      supplemented with HUFA 5 and 10g.kg-1 and 400mg.kg-1DSE, respectively. The
      results showed that the group fed diet C2 had the best reproductive performance
      in all experimental groups. It had the highest proportion of spawns (73.5%) and
      egg production per female (589.0) than all the other experimental groups. The
      fatty acid composition strongly affected fecundity and stress tolerance of
      broodstock. The results showed that both HUFA and beta-carotene DSE may play role
      in stress tolerance and reproductive performance

PMID- 25141642
TI  - Linking weaning success to larval digestive capacity using radiolabelled peptide
      fractions.

PMID- 25141643
TI  - Fatty acid profile in eggs and newly hatched paralarvae of Octopus vulgaris
      collected from the wild, and after 1-5 days starvation.

PMID- 25141644
TI  - Vitamin A and K, two fat-soluble vitamins required for harmonic fish larval
      development.

PMID- 25141645
TI  - Influence of the forms and levels of dietary selenium on oxidative stress in
      rainbow trout fry.

PMID- 25141646
TI  - Lessons learned from gnotobiotic systems on the effect of bacteria on growth,
      survival, and gene expression in marine larvae.

PMID- 25141647
TI  - Correlation of saddleback syndrome with deformities of the pelvic fins and
      lateral line in European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax.

PMID- 25141648
TI  - Expression and activity of three digestive proteases in larvae of the totoaba
      (Totoaba macdonaldi).

PMID- 25141649
TI  - First feeding regimes for long-snout seahorse Hippocampus reidi larvae.
AB  - Seahorses are endangered species included in Appendix II of CITES from 2002 due
      to the progressive regression of wild populations. This study focused in
      Hippocampus reidi, one of the species with highest interest in trade, showing an
      increasing demand in the last decades. This study was conducted during 28 days to
      compare the effects of different time enrichment (0, 24, and 48h) for Artemia
      using a commercial product (Easy-Selco DHA INVE Aquaculture, Dendermonde,
      Belgium). Results showed no significant differences in growth between treatments
      until 21DAB, after which animals fed for 48h one enriched Artemia showed
      significantly better growth. Cumulative average survival during the first 14DAB
      was significantly higher in Oh treatment, while from 15DAB to the end of the
      experiment, no significantly differences were observed.

PMID- 25141650
TI  - Thermally-induced phenotypic plasticity in gilthead sea bream.

PMID- 25141651
TI  - Larval diet determines juvenile and adult phenotype in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

PMID- 25141652
TI  - Expression of skeletal myosin light chain 2 in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata,
      L): regulation and correlation to growth markers.

PMID- 25141653
TI  - Genomics in bivalve aquaculture.

PMID- 25141654
TI  - Early-feeding exposure to a plant-based diet improves its future acceptance and
      utilization in rainbow trout.

PMID- 25141655
TI  - Surface area estimation of the gut segments of Artemia franciscana nauplii fed
      with mnn9 yeast vs. wild type yeast.

PMID- 25141656
TI  - Domestication of Mahseer (Tor soro) in Indonesia.
AB  - Mahseer is an economically important fish in the world with a distribution from
      the Himalayan Mountains up to Southeast Asia. One species of Masheer is Tor soro
      in the Indonesian Archipelago. For a long time, T. soro has been collected from
      the wild and now is becoming rare. In addition, the degradation of its habitat is
      another problem. Hence, it is urgent that this species is saved from extinction.
      Domestication of T. soro from North Sumatra has been conducted since 1996. This
      paper reports the results of domestication of T. soro starting from collecting
      live specimens, genetic and morphometric characterizations, evaluation to
      breeding, and growing out. In 2010, domestication was successful to produce a
      second generation of young broodstocks and now the breeding technology is being
      shared with several provinces where T. soro exist.

PMID- 25141657
TI  - Content of essential fatty acids in cultivated Acartia tonsa nauplii fed a DHA
      deficient Tetraselmis sp. concentrate.

PMID- 25141658
TI  - Euryhaline rotifer Proales similis as initial live food for rearing fish larvae
      with small mouths.

PMID- 25141659
TI  - Ontogeny of the redox balance in relation to organogenesis in atlantic cod (Gadus
      morhua) larvae.

PMID- 25141660
TI  - Combating some of the crucial bottlenecks for calanoid copepod cultivation for
      live feed.

PMID- 25141661
TI  - Effects of probiotics on pompano (Trachinotus carolinus), common snook
      (Centropomus undecimalis), and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) larvae.

PMID- 25141662
TI  - Microparticulate enrichment of rotifer live diets with taurine and nutritional
      effects on northern rock sole (Lepidopsetta polyxystra) larvae.

PMID- 25141663
TI  - Is sinking mortality in southern bluefin tuna larvae caused by high light
      intensity?

PMID- 25141664
TI  - Effect of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) homologue DnaK on gene expression of
      prophenoloxidase and transglutaminase in haemocytes of Litopenaeus vannamei.

PMID- 25141665
TI  - Maturation and spawning induction in Hawaiian opihi Cellana spp. by hormone GnRH.
AB  - Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is a neuropeptide hormone whic plays an
      important role in control of the reproduction among vertebrates and some work is
      showing that it is active in invertebrate species. We matured and spawned the
      Hawaiian opihi Cellana spp. by using salmon GnRH analogue. In the first
      experiment on maturation, twelve adult opihi (3.18+/-0.23cm, shell length) were
      injected weekly with salmon GnRHa at dose of 250ng.g-1 body weight (BW) for a 6
      week period. Gonad development was assessed using gonadosomatic index (GSI) and
      histological techniques. GSI incorporated with histological analysis showed that
      the gonads reached full maturation after 4 weeks. GSI increased significantly
      (31%) in comparison to the control group of saline solution injection did not
      produce any maturity in opihi. For the spawning trial, eight ripe opihi were
      administered a single injection at dose of 1000ng.g-1 BW. The results showed that
      an average of 33% of the animal spawned in 4-6h after hormone injection.
      Fertilized eggs developed through embryo and to the com plete larval stage of
      veligers. Our preliminary findings in this study provide a new aspect of hormone
      controlling reproduction of opihi, which could be applied in opihi aquaculture.

PMID- 25141666
TI  - Promoting of bacteria growth by manipulating carbon/nitrogen ratio and use as
      microalgae substitution for filter feeders: a demonstration on Artemia culture.

PMID- 25141667
TI  - Nanoparticles as a novel delivery system for vitamin C administration in
      aquaculture.

PMID- 25141668
TI  - Bacteriophage application as a management strategy in shrimp hatcheries.

PMID- 25141669
TI  - Reproductive capacity of Hemiculter leucisculus (Basilewsky, 1855) in Uzbekistan.

PMID- 25141670
TI  - Development of maturation diet for penaeid shrimp using herbal extracts.

PMID- 25141671
TI  - Associated effects of bacteria on Octopus tetricus larvae rearing.

PMID- 25141672
TI  - The effect of ph on the fertilizability of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
      eggs stored in a chilled state.
AB  - To verify the observation that fertilizability of stored rainbow trout eggs is
      affected by deviations in pH (Komrakova and Holtz, 2011) freshly collected eggs
      were immersed in coelomic fluid adjusted to pH 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 (3 replicates
      each) and stored at 2 degreesC. At 0, 1, 24, 48, and 96h, pH was measured and
      eggs were inseminated with cryopreserved semen. Egg development until the eyed
      stage proceeded normally in all cases. However hatching rates, amounting to 70%
      in controls (pH 8, SEM 0.02), were reduced to 50% in samples exposed to pH 7 or
      pH 9 and to 40% and 30% in samples exposed to pH 6 and pH 10, respectively. In
      conclusion, when eggs are subjected to coelomic fluid with deviating pH, the
      damage afflicted upon the eggs will not become evident until they are due to
      hatch.

PMID- 25141673
TI  - The effect of different phytoplankton species and commercial enrichment products
      on the fatty acid profile, enzyme activity, and overall condition of the rotifer
      Brachionus Plicatilis.

PMID- 25141674
TI  - Culture systems in the coastal complexes which are used in the process of red
      king crab artificial reproduction in Russia.

PMID- 25141675
TI  - Dynamic of efficiency of MS-222 as an anaesthetic for tench Tinca tinca (L.)
      larvae.

PMID- 25141676
TI  - Emergence of cannibalism in European percid fish-size heterogeneity or natural
      born killers consequence?

PMID- 25141677
TI  - Allometric growth in the Nannacara anomala regan, 1905 (Cichlidae, pisces).

PMID- 25141678
TI  - Microencapsulated diets for altricial freshwater fish larvae: production and
      evaluation.

PMID- 25141680
TI  - Host-induced increase of sea bass mortality in a gnotobiotic challenge test with
      Vibrio anguillarum.

PMID- 25141679
TI  - Gene regulation of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) larvae with focus on lipid
      digestion and phospholipid metabolism.

PMID- 25141681
TI  - Ontogeny of the digestive system of Octopus bimaculatus paralarvae.

PMID- 25141682
TI  - Low-cost production of the marine thraustochytrid isolate, Schizochytrium sp.
      LEY7 as larval live feed enrichement for the mangrove snapper, Lutjanus sp.

PMID- 25141683
TI  - Importance of DHA for first feeding pikeperch larvae--influence on behavioural
      responses.

PMID- 25141684
TI  - Use of Phaeobacter sp. probiotic bacteria for the rearing of sea bass larvae
      (Dicentrarchus labrax).

PMID- 25141685
TI  - Digestive and immune responses to probiotics or prebiotics in percid larvae.

PMID- 25141686
TI  - Do immunostimulants affect sperm quality in Senegalese sole?

PMID- 25141687
TI  - Evaluation of daily rhythms in feeding activity and digestive functions in
      gilthead sea bream (Sparus (Sparus aurata) larvae.

PMID- 25141688
TI  - Advances in larval rearing protocols of sole, Solea senegalensis.

PMID- 25141689
TI  - Effect of increasing DHA content in new weaning diets for longfin yellowtail
      (Seriola rivoliana).

PMID- 25141690
TI  - Evaluation of colour development of rosy barb, Puntius conchonius (Hamilton)
      during ontogeny.

PMID- 25141691
TI  - DHA requirement of larval Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in the rotifer
      feeding period.

PMID- 25141692
TI  - Investigating the essential fatty acid requirements of the cephalopod Sepia
      officinalis: a molecular approach.

PMID- 25141693
TI  - Effect of Senegalese sole broodstock nutrition on early larval performance and
      metabolism of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA and EPA).

PMID- 25141694
TI  - Gene expression is strongly regulated by nutrients in first feeding Atlantic cod
      larvae (Gadus morhua).

PMID- 25141695
TI  - Identification and migration of primordial germ cells in Atlantic salmon (Salmo
      Salar) and Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua).

PMID- 25141696
TI  - Interaction between dietary levels of LC-PUFA and vegetable oil sources in
      Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) post-larvae: puzzling results suggesting
      complete biosynthesis pathway from C18 PUFA to DHA.

PMID- 25141697
TI  - Effects of glucose and probiotic supplementation in nursing juvenile clam,
      Meretrix lyrata.
AB  - This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different glucose
      concentration on the survival and growth rate of juvenile hard clam, Meretrix
      lyrata. Juvenile clams M lyrata were cultured with algae from a tilapia
      greenwater system and different concentrations of glucose (0, 35, and 70microg.l
      1). After 70 days of culture, highest survival rate was obtained with 35microg.l
      1 glucose supplementation (99.5-100%). However, in highest concentration of
      glucose, weight gain and shell length of clams reached highest values (p<0.05).
      Our findings showed that supplementation of probiotics and suitable glucose
      concentration in the nursery period could increase survival and growth rate of
      clams.

PMID- 25141698
TI  - Effect of environmental factors on heritability and its biometrics of Artemia
      franciscana Vinh Chau by mass selection of small sized cysts.

PMID- 25141699
TI  - Potential uses of gut weed Enteromorpha spp. as a feed for herbivorous fish.
AB  - Three separate experiments were performed to assess the potential use of gut
      weeds Enteromorpha spp. as a food source for herbivorous fish. The fresh or dried
      gut weeds were used as a direct feed to replace commercial feed in an alternative
      approach for feeding spotted seat (Scatophagus argus), red tilapia (Oreochromis
      sp.), and giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy) juveniles for 60 days, 45 days, and
      56 days, respectively. Four feeding regimes were applied to triplicate tanks and
      fish was fed daily either commercial feed or gut weed: (1) single commercial feed
      everyday as a control treatment, (2) single gut weed daily and 2 alternative
      feeding regimes where (3) 1 day commercial feed and 1 consecutive day gut weed or
      and (4) 2 consecutive days gut weed. The results indicated that survival of
      experimental fish was not affected by the feeding treatments. Growth performance
      of the S. argus fed single gut weed was not significantly different from the
      control group (P>0.05). Growth rates of Oreochromis sp. and O. goramy in the
      alternative feeding treatments were comparable to the control treatment.
      Application of the combined feeding regimes, feed conversion ratio could be
      reduced from 26.1 to 57.8%. These results indicated that fresh and dried gut weed
      can be used as a feed to substitute commercial feed for herbivorous fish.
      Moreover, using gut weeds as a feed could improve water quality in the rearing
      tanks.

PMID- 25141700
TI  - Influence of virulent and avirulent bacterial strains on HSP70 content of Artemia
      instar II larvae.

PMID- 25141701
TI  - New approaches for Artemia pond culture.
AB  - A project for intensive culture of Artemia in Vinhchau solar saltwork was funded
      by Soctrang Authority. The aim of this project is to increase the average cyst
      yield of 50kg.ha-1.crop, and to build up a stable culture technique with a better
      yield for local farmers. Multiple laboratory experiments were set up with inert
      food including fermented rice bran, tiger shrimp feed (PL15), as well as their
      combination with live algae (Chaetoceros). Results showed that, under laboratory
      conditions, fermented rice bran and tiger shrimp feed can be used as supplemental
      food sources. The shrimp feed alone or in combination with algae always gave
      better cyst production compared to the others, but should not account for more
      than 50% of the diet. In the field trials, aeration of Artemia ponds also
      increased cyst yields (from 195.8+/-44.2 to 207+/-46.1kg.ha-1.crop with 6 and 12
      aeration a day, respectively) compared to ponds with no aeration (88.2+/
      27.5kg.ha-1.crop), however the returns on investment (ROI=2.73-2.71 with aera
      tion vs. 2.24 without) are not significantly different. Utilization of fermented
      rice bran (20kg.ha-1.day) and shrimp feed (6kg.ha-1.day) as a supplementary feed
      during pond production in combination with greenwater supplies (10% of pond
      volume daily) resulted in higher yields (96.0+/-15.9 and 157.2+/-15.0kg.ha
      1.crop, respectively) than traditional culture; Shrimp feed as a supplemental
      feed supported the cyst yield but their negative effect was at a high cost vs.
      traditional culture and use of fermented rice bran. Based on the cyst yield and
      ROI, fermented rice bran should be a promising item for poor farmers.

PMID- 25141702
TI  - Use of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate in bivalve larviculture.

PMID- 25141703
TI  - Improving visual environment in cod larval rearing by factorial designs.

PMID- 25141704
TI  - The protective and intestinal microbiota steering effect of a novel heat shock
      inducer on brine shrimp larvae.

PMID- 25141705
TI  - Ontogeny of kiss2 and kiss1r gene expression in gilthead sea bream (Sparus
      aurata) larvae.

PMID- 25141706
TI  - Tank wall color affects swimbladder inflation in Eurasian perch, Perca
      fluviatilis l., under controlled conditions.

PMID- 25141707
TI  - Burbot, Lota lota, L., larvae requirements for Artemia sp. nauplii during
      experimental rearing in laboratory conditions.

PMID- 25141708
TI  - The impact of quorum sensing-disrupting compounds on survival and growth of giant
      freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) larvae.

PMID- 25141709
TI  - Effect of DHA on the expression of the delta6-desaturase during larval
      development of yellow snapper, Lutjanus argentiventris.

PMID- 25141710
TI  - Selection and identification of probiotic bacteria for use in the marine shrimp
      culture.

PMID- 25141711
TI  - Amino acid profile and consumption during the embryonic development and yolk-sac
      larvae of Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru.

PMID- 25141712
TI  - Selection study of potential probiotic bacteria for shrimp hatcheries in New
      Caledonia.

PMID- 25141713
TI  - Identification of nitrifying bacteria in intensive shrimp ponds in Soc Trang
      province, Vietnam by biochemical test and molecular technique.

PMID- 25141714
TI  - Can dietary phospholipid and trace mineral supplementation influence zebrafish
      reproductive performance?

PMID- 25141715
TI  - The development of an axenic blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) larvae test system.

PMID- 25141716
TI  - Review on the ontogeny of larvae from neotropical freshwater fishes: the pacu
      model.

PMID- 25141717
TI  - Larval rearing protocols for meagre Argyrosomus regius.

PMID- 25141718
TI  - Effects on the skeleton development in reared gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata).

PMID- 25141719
TI  - Bacterial community compositions of ejected intestine of juvenile sea cucumber
      and the effect of sea sediment Bacillus on in vivo antagonism against pathogenic
      Vibrio splendidus.

PMID- 25141720
TI  - Pavlova - a "new" microalgae candidate species for live feed cultivation and fish
      larvae nutrition.

PMID- 25141721
TI  - Endogenous metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids in Artemia nauplii as determined
      through incubation with 14C-labelled fatty acid substrates.

PMID- 25141722
TI  - Assessment of protein digestive capacity and utilisation during ontogeny of
      Senegalese sole larvae: a tracer study using in vivo produced radiolabelled
      peptide fractions.

PMID- 25141723
TI  - Recent advances in Seriola dumerilli culture.

PMID- 25141724
TI  - Genetic variability of wild horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus gigas) from west coast of
      Peninsular Malaysia.

PMID- 25141725
TI  - Virulence genes and quorum sensing of Vibrio harveyi.

PMID- 25141726
TI  - Lipid digestion in first feeding larvae - visualization in vivo.

PMID- 25141727
TI  - The self-fertilizing mangrove killifish Kryptolebias marmoratus as a model fish
      for aquacultural study.

PMID- 25141728
TI  - Optimum phospholipids and antioxidant levels to develop novel microdiets for
      gilthead sea bream larvae.

PMID- 25141729
TI  - European sea bass larval early weaning development using greenwater and synbiotic
      in Alexandria, Egypt.

PMID- 25141730
TI  - An assessment of biosecurity and hazard management practices in the larviculture
      of shrimp (Penaeus monodon), Bangladesh.

PMID- 25141731
TI  - The effects of dietary poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate on growth, feed utilization, and
      survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry.

PMID- 25141732
TI  - Quantitative characteristics of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L)
      egg production throughout the reproductive season and their relationship to
      embryo and larval quality.

PMID- 25141733
TI  - Microbial characterization of enriched Artemia sp. at two different temperatures
      and enrichments.

PMID- 25141734
TI  - Evaluation of probiotic bacteria against aeromonads syndrome in common carp
      (Cyprinus carpio L.) in simple axenic larviculture.
AB  - Evaluation of probiotics, Bacillus firmus and B. coagulans against Aeromonas
      hydrophila in axenic common carp larviculture was conducted. The highest egg
      hatching rate was obtained from the axenic system + probiotic bacteria (AP)
      (98.33%), followed by axenic system (A) (96.67%); axenic system + probiotic + A.
      hydrophila (AC) (93.33%); non-axenic system (NA) (93.33%); and axenic system + A.
      hydrophila (AH) (83.33%). 100% survival rate (SR) was obtained from all
      treatments, except AH (90%). The highest weight (0.013g) was obtained from the A
      treatment, followed by AC (0.0127g), AP (0.0123g), AH (0.012g), and NA (0.005g).
      In conclusion, the axenic system can be used to improve common carp larviculture,
      and further use of B. coagulans and B. firmus was able to control Aeromonads
      syndrome during the larviculture stage.

PMID- 25141735
TI  - Effect of poly-hydroxybutyrate on growth and enzymatic activity of Chinese mitten
      crab, Eriocheir sinensis, juvenile.

PMID- 25141736
TI  - Egg production, egg hatching success, and population growth of the calanoid
      copepod Acartia grani (Calanoida, acartiidae) fed with eight different diets.

PMID- 25141737
TI  - Current status of crab larviculture in Thailand and development of a diet for
      domesticated broodstock.

PMID- 25141738
TI  - Ontogenetic development of the digestive system in reared fat snook (Centropomus
      parallelus) larvae.

PMID- 25141739
TI  - Cholecystokinin and tryptic enzyme activity in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
      larvae: a regulatory loop and the impact of feeding regimes.

PMID- 25141740
TI  - Reproduction of European eel and larval culture--state of the art.

PMID- 25141741
TI  - Applying of freshwater rotifer (Brachionus angularis) in rearing newly hatching
      fries of marble goby (Oxyeleotris marmoratus).

PMID- 25141742
TI  - Copepods enhance growth and development in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) larvae.

PMID- 25141743
TI  - A gnotobiotic model system: the case of Artemia franciscana.

PMID- 25141744
TI  - Muscle growth of triploid Atlantic cod larvae (Gadus morhua).

PMID- 25141745
TI  - Studies on the characterisation of biomarkers of nutritionally-derived stress in
      paralarval cultures of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris).

PMID- 25141746
TI  - Effects of feeding time, rates, and frequencies on survival rate of stripped
      catfish fry (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fed by freshwater rotifers (Brachionus
      angularis).

PMID- 25141747
TI  - Thyroid regulation in teleost embryonic and larval development - can it be a
      promise for aquaculture?
AB  - The role of thyroid hormones (THs) in fish development is often overlooked and
      particularly neglected for the embryonic and larval stages of fish. We used a set
      of experiments to elucidate the importance of TH in embryonic to early larval
      development in zebrafish. In the first set of experiments we used morpholino
      antisense oligonucleotides to knock down TH downstream genes and showed that the
      depletion of TH in early development resulted in severe deformities,
      developmental delay, and pigmentation, which could be quantitatively recovered by
      subsequent TH treatments. In the second set of experiments, blocking TH
      deposition into zebrafish eggs by treating parental fish with goitrogens resulted
      not only initial low TH content in eggs, but also subsequent loss of egg laying
      ability. Overall, these data strongly suggest a key role of TH in early
      development in fish, providing its worth to be investigated for effective use in
      reproduction and larviculture.

PMID- 25141748
TI  - Water management and biocontrol - selection of probiotic strains.

PMID- 25141749
TI  - Low Artemia consumption strategies in larval shrimp rearing.

PMID- 25141750
TI  - Orthogonal analysis of elements affecting the formation of cystocarps on female
      gametophyte of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis.

PMID- 25141751
TI  - Microparticles delivery system in gnotobiotic European sea bass larvae
      (Dicentrarchus labrax, L. 1758).

PMID- 25141752
TI  - Development of an NNV-free larvae rearing system and production of SPR grouper
      fingerlings.

PMID- 25141753
TI  - The impact of quorum sensing on motility in Vibrio harveyi.

PMID- 25141754
TI  - Multiple vitellogenin yolk precursors in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus
      labrax).

PMID- 25141755
TI  - Effect of light conditions on the population growth of rotifers.

PMID- 25141756
TI  - Ontogeny of the digestive tract of the omnivorous fish Chelon labrosus.

PMID- 25141757
TI  - Application of a multi-strain probiotic improves utilization of microalgae in
      Litopenaeus vannamei post-larvae.

PMID- 25141758
TI  - Diverse thermoresponsive behaviors of uncharged UCST block copolymer micelles in
      physiological medium.
AB  - Three amphiphilic diblock copolymers, representative of three types of block
      copolymer (BCP) design, were synthesized using reversible addition-fragmentation
      chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. All of them have a same uncharged block of
      a random copolymer of commercially available acrylamide and acrylonitrile, P(AAm
      co-AN), and exhibit a composition-tunable upper critical solution temperature
      (UCST). We show that by coupling a common P(AAm-co-AN) block with either
      hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) or hydrophilic poly(dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) or
      the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) polymer of poly(N,N
      dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA), the BCP micelles formed in water or
      in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) can display diverse and UCST-dictated changes
      in response to temperature variations, such as the reversible dispersion
      aggregation of micelles, dissolution-formation of micelles, and reversal of
      micelle core and corona. The results point out that P(AAm-co-AN) is a robust UCST
      polymer that can be introduced into controlled polymer architectures producible
      by RAFT, the same way as using the extensively studied LCST counterparts like
      poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). This ability should make the door wide open
      to exploring new thermosensitive polymers based on the thermosensitivity opposite
      to the LCST. 

PMID- 25141759
TI  - Addition of intrarectal local analgesia to periprostatic nerve block improves
      pain control for transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined intrarectal local
      analgesia and periprostatic nerve block versus periprostatic nerve block alone
      for pain control during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. METHODS:
      We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library trials.
      Studies comparing the two techniques were identified and pooled for cumulative
      analysis. The outcome measurements included visual pain scales of three
      consecutive procedures of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, as well
      as short-term postoperative complication rates. RESULTS: There were 18 studies
      that were finally eligible for the quantitative analysis involving 2076
      participants. Combined modalities significantly reduced the pain associated with
      probe manipulation (weighted mean difference -2.06, 95% confidence interval -2.77
      to -1.35, P < 0.001), anesthesia infiltration (weighted mean difference -1.45,
      95% confidence interval -2.20 to -0.70, P < 0.001) and needle biopsy (weighted
      mean difference -0.55, 95% confidence interval -0.76 to -0.34, P < 0.001).
      Subgroup analyses assessing different local analgesics showed that local
      anesthetics are generally more effective than myorelaxant and non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs. Lidocaine-prilocaine cream proved the most effective in pain
      control regardless of the origin of pain. No significant difference of short-term
      postoperative complications (fever, dysuria, acute urinary retention, hematuria,
      hematospermia and rectal bleeding) was found between the two techniques. The only
      side-effect associated with local analgesics was headache reported in studies
      using glyceryl trinitrate ointment. CONCLUSIONS: Combined modalities show better
      analgesic efficacy than periprostatic nerve block alone for transrectal
      ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy without increased morbidities. Among the
      various local analgesics, lidocaine-prilocaine cream seems to offer the best
      overall efficacy.

PMID- 25141760
TI  - Health related quality of life in patients with chronic gastritis and peptic
      ulcer and factors with impact: a longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The assessment of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) has been
      applied as a significant outcome indicator for patients with chronic diseases. No
      HRQOL study, however, has looked at HRQOL in patients with chronic gastritis and
      peptic ulcers. This paper focuses on comparing HRQOL in patients with chronic
      gastritis and peptic ulcers and examining the factors that influence the HRQOL of
      such patients. Results can be used for making decisions in clinical trials as
      well as aiding individual management and preventive care of these diseases.
      METHODS: The Chinese version of the SF-36 (CSF-36) was administered twice to 244
      patients with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers. Mean scores across the two
      disease groups were compared using t-tests, change over time was analyzed with
      paired samples t-tests, and factors predicting HRQOL were investigated using the
      univariate general linear model. RESULTS: The mean domain scores of patients with
      chronic gastritis were lower than those for patients with peptic ulcers, with the
      exception of physical functioning. Both groups had lower HRQOL compared with
      population norms. Mean domain scores increased after treatment in both groups.
      HRQOL in patients with these two chronic diseases differed by age, education
      level, marriage, income, and gender, but their explanatory power was relatively
      low. CONCLUSION: Quality of life of patients with chronic gastritis was lower
      than that of patients with peptic ulcers, which was lower than population norms.
      Quality of life in both patients groups was associated with socio-demographic
      risk factors.

PMID- 25141761
TI  - Persistently high estimates of late night, indoor exposure to malaria vectors
      despite high coverage of insecticide treated nets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been speculated that widespread and sustained use of
      insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs) for over 10 years in Asembo, western Kenya,
      may have selected for changes in the location (indoor versus outdoor) and time
      (from late night to earlier in the evening) of biting of the predominant species
      of human malaria vectors (Anopheles funestus, Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto,
      and Anopheles arabiensis). METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected by human landing
      catches over a six week period in June and July, 2011, indoors and outdoors from
      17 h to 07 h, in 75 villages in Asembo, western Kenya. Collections were separated
      by hour of the night, and mosquitoes were identified to species and tested for
      sporozoite infection with Plasmodium falciparum. A subset was dissected to
      determine parity. Human behavior (time going to bed and rising, time spent
      indoors and outdoors) was quantified by cross-sectional survey. Data from past
      studies of a similar design and in nearby settings, but conducted before the ITN
      scale up commenced in the early 2000s, were compared with those from the present
      study. RESULTS: Of 1,960 Anopheles mosquitoes collected in 2011, 1,267 (64.6%)
      were morphologically identified as An. funestus, 663 (33.8%) as An. gambiae sensu
      lato (An. gambiae s.s. and An. arabiensis combined), and 30 (1.5%) as other
      anophelines. Of the 663 An. gambiae s.l. collected, 385 were successfully tested
      by PCR among which 235 (61.0%) were identified as An. gambiae s.s. while 150
      (39.0%) were identified as An. arabiensis. Compared with data collected before
      the scale-up of ITNs, daily entomological inoculation rates (EIRs) were
      consistently lower for An. gambiae s.l. (indoor EIR = 0.432 in 1985-1988, 0.458
      in 1989-1990, 0.023 in 2011), and An. arabiensis specifically (indoor EIR = 0.532
      in 1989-1990, 0.039 in 2009, 0.006 in 2011) but not An. funestus (indoor EIR =
      0.029 in 1985-1988, 0.147 in 1989-1990, 0.010 in 2009 and 0.103 in 2011).
      Sporozoite rates were lowest in 2009 but rose again in 2011. Compared with data
      collected before the scale-up of ITNs, An. arabiensis and An. funestus were more
      likely to bite outdoors and/or early in the evening (p < 0.001 for all
      comparisons). However, when estimates of human exposure that would occur indoors
      (pii) or while asleep (pis) in the absence of an ITN were generated based on
      human behavioral patterns, the changes were modest with >90% of exposure of non
      ITN users to mosquito bites occurring while people were indoors in all years. The
      proportion of bites occurring among non-ITN users while they were asleep was
      >=90% for all species except for An. arabiensis. For this species, 97% of bites
      occurred while people were asleep in 1989-1990 while in 2009 and 2011, 80% and
      84% of bites occurred while people were asleep for those not using ITNs. Assuming
      ITNs prevent a theoretical maximum of 93.7% of bites, it was estimated that 64
      77% of bites would have occurred among persons using nets while they were asleep
      in 1989-1990, while 20-52% of bites would have occurred among persons using nets
      while they were asleep in 2009 and 2011. CONCLUSIONS: This study found no
      evidence to support the contention that populations of Anopheles vectors of
      malaria in Asembo, western Kenya, are exhibiting departures from the well-known
      pattern of late night, indoor biting characteristic of these typically highly
      anthropophilic species. While outdoor, early evening transmission likely does
      occur in western Kenya, the majority of transmission still occurs indoors, late
      at night. Therefore, malaria control interventions such as ITNs that aim to
      reduce indoor biting by mosquitoes should continue to be prioritized.

PMID- 25141762
TI  - Mortality from acute appendicitis is associated with complex disease and co
      morbidity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating mortality in patients with acute appendicitis
      focus on the outcomes of appendicectomy alone. We hypothesize this may not be
      representative of what happens in clinical practice as a small proportion of
      patients with acute appendicitis undergo procedures other than appendicectomy,
      for example, caecectomy or right hemicolectomy. To clarify the issue, the authors
      evaluated Australian adult patients who died with a primary diagnosis of acute
      appendicitis regardless of whether they underwent an operation or the type of
      operation performed. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of systematically
      collected mortality data from the Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical
      Mortality was conducted on adults who died in hospital with a primary diagnosis
      of acute appendicitis between January 2009 and December 2012. RESULTS: Twenty-six
      patients died with a primary diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The median age was
      83 years and the median number of co-morbidities was three. Four patients died
      without surgery due to their family's wishes. Twenty-two patients were treated
      surgically: five for right hemicolectomy, four for laparoscopic/McBurney
      appendicectomy, 10 for laparotomy with appendicectomy, two for unknown method of
      appendicectomy and one for open abscess drainage. CONCLUSION: Most adult patients
      who died following surgery for acute appendicitis did not undergo simple
      appendicectomy but underwent more complicated procedures for complex
      appendicitis.

PMID- 25141763
TI  - New functions for old genes: Pax6 and Mitf in eye pigment biogenesis.

PMID- 25141765
TI  - Recent advances in characterization of nonviral vectors for delivery of nucleic
      acids: impact on their biological performance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nucleic acid delivery is a complex process that requires transport
      across numerous extracellular and intracellular barriers, whose impact is often
      neglected during optimization studies. As such, the development of nonviral
      vectors for efficient delivery would benefit from an understanding of how these
      barriers relate to the physicochemical properties of lipoplexes and polyplexes.
      AREAS COVERED: This review focuses on the evaluation of parameters associated
      with barriers to delivery such as blood and immune cells compatibility which, as
      a collective, may serve as a useful prescreening tool for the advancement of
      nonviral vectors in vivo. An outline of the most relevant rationally developed
      polyplexes and lipoplexes for clinical application is also given. EXPERT OPINION:
      The evaluation of scientifically recognized parameters enabled the identification
      of systemic delivered nonviral vectors' behavior while in blood as one of the key
      determinants of vectors function and activity both in vitro and in vivo. This
      multiparametric approach complements the use of in vitro efficacy results alone
      for prescreening and improves in vitro-in vivo translation by minimizing false
      negatives. Further, it can aid in the identification of meaningful structure
      function-activity relationships, improve the in vitro screening process of
      nonviral vectors before in vivo use and facilitate the future development of
      potent and safe nonviral vectors.

PMID- 25141766
TI  - Urban African American women's explanations of recurrent chlamydia infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore reasons for the high chlamydia recurrence rate among
      African American (AA) urban women. DESIGN: In this phenomenological qualitative
      study, young AA urban women with recurrent chlamydia were interviewed using open
      ended questions guided by the conceptual framework of the health belief model
      (HBM). SETTING: The study was set in three urban health clinics in Michigan.
      PARTICIPANTS: Ten African American adolescents, age 15 to 19, participated.
      METHODS: In face-to-face recorded interviews, participants shared their personal
      experiences and viewpoints on what led to their recurrent chlamydia infections.
      The data were transcribed and analyzed through hand coding and NVivo 8 a
      qualitative software package. RESULTS: Overall, participants demonstrated
      significant knowledge deficits about the seriousness of chlamydia compared to
      other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). After reinfection, their perceived
      susceptibility changed: condom use was seen as beneficial and perceived barriers
      to condom use diminished as participants gained a new sense of empowerment.
      CONCLUSION: Chlamydia infection among African American urban adolescents is
      nearly 3 times that of the general population. Lack of education is still a
      barrier to STI prevention. Participants reported a desire to receive counseling
      and support from the health care staff. A STI care model that includes education,
      counseling, and regular screening of high-risk adolescents should be considered.
      Further research, using the HBM or similar theoretical models, are needed to
      gauge the success of any planned or implemented intervention.

PMID- 25141767
TI  - Crowdsourcing yields a new standard for kinks in protein helices.
AB  - Kinks are functionally important structural features found in the alpha-helices
      of proteins. Structurally, they are points at which a helix abruptly changes
      direction. Current kink definition and identification methods often disagree with
      one another. Here we describe a crowdsourcing approach to obtain a reliable gold
      standard set of kinks. Using an online interface, we collected more than 10,000
      classifications of 300 helices into straight, curved, or kinked categories. We
      found that participants were better at discriminating between straight and not
      straight helices than between kinked and curved helices. Surprisingly, more
      obvious kinks were not necessarily identified as more localized within the helix.
      We present a set of 252 helices where more than 50% of the participants agree on
      a classification. This set can be used as a reliable gold standard to develop,
      train, and compare computational methods. An interactive visualization of the
      results is available online at
      http://opig.stats.ox.ac.uk/webapps/ahah/php/experiment_results.php .

PMID- 25141764
TI  - Changing faces in virology: the dutch shift from oncogenic to oncolytic viruses.
AB  - Viruses have two opposing faces. On the one hand, they can cause harm and
      disease. A virus may manifest directly as a contagious disease with a clinical
      pathology of varying significance. A viral infection can also have delayed
      consequences, and in rare cases may cause cellular transformation and cancer. On
      the other hand, viruses may provide hope: hope for an efficacious treatment of
      serious disease. Examples of the latter are the use of viruses as a vaccine, as
      transfer vector for therapeutic genes in a gene therapy setting, or, more
      directly, as therapeutic anticancer agent in an oncolytic-virus therapy setting.
      Already there is evidence for antitumor activity of oncolytic viruses. The
      antitumor efficacy seems linked to their capacity to induce a tumor-directed
      immune response. Here, we will provide an overview on the development of
      oncolytic viruses and their clinical evaluation from the Dutch perspective.

PMID- 25141768
TI  - XacR - a novel transcriptional regulator of D-xylose and L-arabinose catabolism
      in the haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii.
AB  - The haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii degrades D-xylose and L-arabinose via
      oxidative pathways to alpha-ketoglutarate. The genes involved in these pathways
      are clustered and were transcriptionally upregulated by both D-xylose and L
      arabinose suggesting a common regulator. Adjacent to the gene cluster, a putative
      IclR-like transcriptional regulator, HVO_B0040, was identified. It is shown that
      HVO_B0040, designated xacR, encodes an activator of both D-xylose and L-arabinose
      catabolism: in DeltaxacR cells, transcripts of genes involved in pentose
      catabolism could not be detected; transcript formation could be recovered by
      complementation, indicating XacR dependent transcriptional activation. Upstream
      activation promoter regions and nucleotide sequences that were essential for XacR
      mediated activation of pentose-specific genes were identified by in vivo deletion
      and scanning mutagenesis. Besides its activator function XacR acted as repressor
      of its own synthesis: xacR deletion resulted in an increase of xacR promoter
      activity. A palindromic sequence was identified at the operator site of xacR
      promoter, and mutation of this sequence also resulted in an increase and thus
      derepression of xacR promoter activity. It is concluded that the palindromic
      sequence represents the binding site of XacR as repressor. This is the first
      report of a transcriptional regulator of pentose catabolism in the domain of
      archaea.

PMID- 25141769
TI  - Comparison of total energy expenditure assessed by two devices in controlled and
      free-living conditions.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of total energy
      expenditure (TEE) provided by Actiheart and Armband. Normal-weight adult
      volunteers wore both devices either for 17 hours in a calorimetric chamber (CC, n
      = 49) or for 10 days in free-living conditions (FLC) outside the laboratory (n =
      41). The two devices and indirect calorimetry or doubly labelled water,
      respectively, were used to estimate TEE in the CC group and FLC group. In the CC,
      the relative value of TEE error was not significant (p > 0.05) for Actiheart but
      significantly different from zero for Armband, showing TEE underestimation (
      4.9%, p < 0.0001). However, the mean absolute values of errors were significantly
      different between Actiheart and Armband: 8.6% and 6.7%, respectively (p = 0.05).
      Armband was more accurate for estimating TEE during sleeping, rest, recovery
      periods and sitting-standing. Actiheart provided better estimation during step
      and walking. In FLC, no significant error in relative value was detected.
      Nevertheless, Armband produced smaller errors in absolute value than Actiheart
      (8.6% vs. 12.8%). The distributions of differences were more scattered around the
      means, suggesting a higher inter-individual variability in TEE estimated by
      Actiheart than by Armband. Our results show that both monitors are appropriate
      for estimating TEE. Armband is more effective than Actiheart at the individual
      level for daily light-intensity activities.

PMID- 25141770
TI  - Regression-based estimation of ERP waveforms: I. The rERP framework.
AB  - ERP averaging is an extraordinarily successful method, but can only be applied to
      a limited range of experimental designs. We introduce the regression-based rERP
      framework, which extends ERP averaging to handle arbitrary combinations of
      categorical and continuous covariates, partial confounding, nonlinear effects,
      and overlapping responses to distinct events, all within a single unified system.
      rERPs enable a richer variety of paradigms (including high-N naturalistic
      designs) while preserving the advantages of traditional ERPs. This article
      provides an accessible introduction to what rERPs are, why they are useful, how
      they are computed, and when we should expect them to be effective, particularly
      in cases of partial confounding. A companion article discusses how nonlinear
      effects and overlap correction can be handled within this framework, as well as
      practical considerations around baselining, filtering, statistical testing, and
      artifact rejection. Free software implementing these techniques is available.

PMID- 25141771
TI  - Lower heart rate variability predicts increased level of C-reactive protein 4
      years later in healthy, nonsmoking adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammation and vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) have
      been implicated in a number of conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular
      disease. Consistent with the inflammatory reflex termed the 'cholinergic anti
      inflammatory pathway', numerous cross-sectional studies have demonstrated
      negative associations between vmHRV and inflammatory markers such as C-reactive
      protein (CRP). The only prospective study, however, showed the opposite: higher
      CRP at baseline predicted higher high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV)
      at follow-up. Thus, additional studies are needed to examine the prospective
      association between vmHRV and CRP. METHODS: Healthy employees participated in a
      voluntary on-site health assessment. Blood samples and ambulatory heart rate
      recordings were obtained, and night-time HF-HRV was calculated. Useable heart
      rate data were available in 2007 for 106 nonsmoking employees (9% women; age 44.4
      +/- 8 years), all of whom returned for an identical follow-up health assessment
      in 2011. Bootstrapped (500 replications) bivariate (r) and partial Pearson's
      correlations (ppc) adjusting for sex, age and body mass index at baseline (2007)
      were calculated. RESULTS: Zero-order correlations indicated that higher HF-HRV
      was associated with lower levels of CRP at both time-points (2007: r = -0.19, P <
      0.05; 2011: r = -0.34, P < 0.001). After adjustment, HF-HRV remained a
      significant predictor of CRP (ppc = -0.20, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study,
      we have provided in vivo support for the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in
      humans. Cardiac vagal modulation at baseline predicts level of CRP 4 years later.
      Our findings have important implications for the role of vmHRV as a risk factor
      for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Interventions targeted at
      vmHRV might be useful in the prevention of diseases associated with elevated
      systemic inflammation.

PMID- 25141772
TI  - Prevalence and validity of self-reported smoking in Indigenous and non-Indigenous
      young adults in the Australian Northern Territory.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we used data from Australia's Northern Territory to
      assess differences in self-reported smoking prevalence between the Indigenous and
      non-Indigenous populations. We also used urinary cotinine data to assess the
      validity of using self-reported smoking data in these populations. METHODS: The
      Aboriginal Birth Cohort (ABC) is a prospective study of 686 Aboriginal babies
      born in Darwin 1987-90. The Top End Cohort (TEC) is a study of non-Indigenous
      adolescents, all born in Darwin 1987-91. In both studies, participants aged
      between 16 and 21 years, were asked whether they smoked. Urinary cotinine
      measurements were made from samples taken at the same visits. RESULTS: Self
      reported smoking prevalence was 68% in the ABC and 14% in the TEC. Among the self
      reported non-smokers, the median cotinine levels were higher in the ABC (33
      ng/ml) than in the TEC (5 ng/ml), with greater percentages of reported non
      smokers in the under 50 ng/ml group in the TEC than in the ABC CONCLUSIONS:
      Prevalence of smoking was much higher in the ABC than in the TEC. The higher
      cotinine levels in ABC non-smokers may reflect an underestimated prevalence, but
      is also likely to reflect higher levels of passive smoking. A broader approach
      encompassing social, cultural and language factors with increased attention to
      smoking socialisation factors is required.

PMID- 25141773
TI  - A patient with a painless neck tumour revealed as a carotid paraganglioma: a case
      report.
AB  - Carotid paragangliomas are usually slowly enlarging and painless lateral neck
      masses. These mostly benign lesions are recognized due to their typical location,
      vessel displacement and specific blood supply, features that are usually seen on
      different imaging modalities. Surgery for carotid paraganglioma can be associated
      with immediate cerebrovascular complications or delayed neurological
      impairment.We are reporting the case of a 36-year-old man who presented with a
      painless mass on the right side of his neck 11 months after being treated for
      testicular cancer. After a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, he was diagnosed with a
      testicular cancer lymph node metastasis. Neck US and fluorine [F-18]-fluorodeoxy
      D-glucose (FDG) PET-CT showed no signs of hypervascularity or vessel
      displacement. The patient underwent a level II to V functional neck dissection.
      During the procedure, suspicion of a carotid paraganglioma was raised and the
      tumour was carefully dissected from the walls of the carotid arteries with
      minimal blood loss and no cranial nerve dysfunction.The histology report revealed
      carotid paraganglioma with no metastasis in the rest of the lymph nodes. The
      patient's history of testicular germ cell tumour led to a functional neck
      dissection during which a previously unrecognized carotid paraganglioma was
      removed.Surgery for carotid PG can be associated with complications that have
      major impact on quality of life. A thorough assessment of the patient and neck
      mass must therefore be performed preoperatively in order to perform the surgical
      procedure under optimal conditions. 

PMID- 25141774
TI  - Acute systemic sarcoidosis complicating ustekinumab therapy for chronic plaque
      psoriasis.

PMID- 25141775
TI  - Is the solar system's galactic motion imprinted in the Phanerozoic climate?
AB  - A new delta(18)O Phanerozoic database, based on 24,000 low-Mg calcitic fossil
      shells, yields a prominent 32 Ma oscillation with a secondary 175 Ma frequency
      modulation. The periodicities and phases of these oscillations are consistent
      with parameters postulated for the vertical motion of the solar system across the
      galactic plane, modulated by the radial epicyclic motion. We propose therefore
      that the galactic motion left an imprint on the terrestrial climate record. Based
      on its vertical motion, the effective average galactic density encountered by the
      solar system is 0.172+/-0.006stat+/-0.006sysM?pc-3. This suggests the presence of
      a disk dark matter component.

PMID- 25141776
TI  - Systematic evaluation of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation versus percutaneous
      ethanol injection for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and percutaneous ethanol injection
      (PEI) have been used for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However,
      which therapy is superior remains to be further elucidated. We aimed to conduct a
      systematic review to assess survival and local tumor recurrence rate with RFA
      compared with PEI therapy for HCC. METHODS: We conducted systematic review and
      meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to 2014 in
      PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, Springer, Ovid and the Cochrane library. Only
      RCTs that evaluated survival rate and occurrence of HCC between RFA and PEI
      therapy were included. The OR (odds ratio) with a 95% confidence interval (CI)
      was calculated by the Revman 5.0 software. RESULTS: A total of six studies
      including 983 HCC patients were eligible for this analysis. The survival rate
      showed a significant benefit under RFA therapy over PEI at 1-year (P = 0.02, OR =
      1.88, 95% CI: 1.09 to 3.22), 2-years (P = 0.0003, OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.39 to
      3.05) and 3-years (P = 0.0007, OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.25 to 2.27). Likewise, RFA
      achieved significantly lower rates of local tumor recurrence over PEI at 1-year
      (P = 0.002, OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.73), 2-year (P = 0.03, OR = 0.33, 95%
      CI: 0.12 to 0.88) and 3-year (P = 0.003, OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.84).
      CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence suggests that RFA is superior to PEI in better
      survival and local disease control for small HCCs <5 cm in diameter and that RFA
      is worthy of promotion in clinical applications.

PMID- 25141777
TI  - A new approach to asymmetric synthesis of infectocaryone.
AB  - A useful and flexible strategy for synthesis of (-)- and (+)-infectocaryone from
      commercial sugars is developed. The key step of the synthesis is a new-type Diels
      Alder reaction with good chemoselectivity and stereoselectivity, in which a
      mixture of alkene regioisomers in a dynamic equilibrium is employed as chiral
      dienophiles for the first time. 

PMID- 25141778
TI  - Microbes are not bound by sociobiology: response to Kummerli and Ross-Gillespie
      (2013).
AB  - In recent years, sociobiology has been extended to microorganisms. Viewed through
      this lens, the microbial world is replete with cooperative behaviors. However,
      little attention has been paid to alternate hypotheses, making many studies self
      confirming. Somewhat apart is a recent analysis of pyoverdin production-a
      paradigmatic public good and social trait-by Pseudomonas, which has revealed
      discord between predictions arising from sociobiology and the biology of
      microbes. This led the authors, Zhang and Rainey (Z&R), to question the
      generality of the conclusion that pyoverdin is a social trait, and to question
      the fit between the sociobiology framework and microbiology. This has unsettled
      Kummerli and Ross-Gillespie (K&R), who in a recent "Technical Comment" assert
      that arguments presented by Z&R are flawed, their experiments technically
      mistaken, and their understanding of social evolution theory naive. We
      demonstrate these claims to be without substance and show the conclusions of K&R
      to be based on a lack of understanding of redox chemistry and on
      misinterpretation of data. We also point to evidence of cherry-picking and raise
      the possibility of confirmation bias. Finally, we emphasize that the sociobiology
      framework applied to microbes is a hypothesis that requires rigorous and careful
      appraisal. 

PMID- 25141780
TI  - The relationship between moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity and
      insulin resistance, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)-system 1, leptin and
      weight change in healthy women during pregnancy and after delivery.
AB  - CONTEXT: Childbearing is considered to be a significant risk factor for
      developing overweight and obesity. Physical activity might influence weight
      change via hormonal changes. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that higher levels
      of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) are positively
      associated with maternal insulin sensitivity and reduce IGF-1, IGFBP-3, leptin
      levels, bodyweight gain/retention and birth weight. METHODS: In healthy
      nulliparous women, weight measurements were carried out and blood was collected
      during pregnancy in the 15th, 25th and 35th week, and after delivery at 6, 26 and
      52 weeks. At 15 and 35 weeks of pregnancy and 26 weeks postpartum, MVPA was
      measured using accelerometers. In linear regression models, the relationship
      between MVPA below or above the median with metabolic and weight outcomes was
      assessed, adjusted for maternal BMI, age and smoking. RESULTS: Moderate-to
      vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) decreased significantly during
      pregnancy, but was very low already in early pregnancy. Insulin resistance and
      leptin levels increased during pregnancy and decreased significantly after
      delivery (all P < 0.05). After adjustment, insulin, IGFBP-3 and BMI were
      significantly lower at 15 weeks of pregnancy in women with MVPA above the median
      compared to those with MVPA below the median. After 15 weeks of pregnancy, no
      significant associations were observed between hormonal levels and MVPA. MVPA was
      neither related to weight retention, nor to birth weight. CONCLUSION: Except in
      early pregnancy, MPVA was not related to metabolic outcomes. In addition, MVPA
      during pregnancy was not related to weight retention or birth weight.

PMID- 25141779
TI  - Evaluation of a new person-centered integrated care model in psychiatry.
AB  - The present study evaluated a new integrated treatment concept offering inpatient
      care, acute psychiatric day hospital and outpatient treatment by the same
      therapeutic team. 178 patients participated in this randomized controlled trial.
      Data on psychopathology, global and social functioning, patient satisfaction,
      continuity of care and administrative data was gathered on admission, throughout
      the course of treatment, upon discharge and at 1-year follow-up. In addition, the
      physicians in charge rated the therapeutic relationship. The data analysis
      consists of group-wise comparisons and regression analyses (cross-tabulations and
      chi(2) test statistics for categorical data and Mann-Whitney U tests for
      continuous data). Differences between groups over time were analyzed with a
      series of generalized linear mixed model. The integrated care group showed a
      significant reduction in psychopathological impairment (20.7%) and an improvement
      of psychosocial functioning (36.8%). The mean number of days before re-admission
      was higher in the control group when compared to the integrated care group (156.8
      vs. 91.5). There was no difference in the number of re-admissions and days spent
      in psychiatric institutions. This new approach offers a treatment model, which
      facilitates continuity of care. Beside it improves psychopathological outcome
      measures and psychosocial functioning in patients with mental illness.

PMID- 25141781
TI  - Retraction: Topography of Retinal Ganglion Cells in the Dromedary Camel (Camelus
      dromedarius).
AB  - This article released online on July 30, 2014 as advance publication has been
      retracted by the Editorial Board of Journal of Veterinary Medical Science due to
      a violation of the journal's "Information for Authors".

PMID- 25141782
TI  - Early development and osteoporosis and bone health.
AB  - Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and micro
      architectural deterioration of bone tissue with a consequent increase in bone
      fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Evidence is now accumulating from human
      studies that programming of bone growth might be an important contributor to the
      later risk of osteoporotic fracture. Body weight in infancy is a determinant of
      adult bone mineral content, as well as of the basal levels of activity of the
      growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH/IGF-1) and hypothalamo-pituitary
      adrenal (HPA) axes, and recent work has suggested a central role for vitamin D.
      Epidemiological studies have shown that maternal smoking and nutrition during
      pregnancy influence intrauterine skeletal mineralization. Childhood growth rates
      have been directly linked to the risk of hip fracture many decades later, and now
      evidence is emerging from experimental animal studies that support these
      observational data. Recent studies have also highlighted epigenetic phenomena as
      potential mechanisms underlying the findings from epidemiological studies. 

PMID- 25141783
TI  - The developmental origins of sarcopenia: from epidemiological evidence to
      underlying mechanisms.
AB  - Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with age.
      There is increasing recognition of the serious health consequences in terms of
      disability, morbidity and mortality as well as major healthcare costs. Adult
      determinants of sarcopenia including age, gender, size, levels of physical
      activity and heritability have been well described. Nevertheless, there remains
      considerable unexplained variation in muscle mass and strength between older
      adults that may reflect not only the current rate of loss but the peak attained
      earlier in life. To date most epidemiological studies of sarcopenia have focused
      on factors modifying decline in later life; however, a life course approach to
      understanding sarcopenia, additionally, focuses on factors operating earlier in
      life including developmental influences. The epidemiological evidence linking low
      birth weight with lower muscle mass and strength is strong and consistent with
      replication in a number of different groups including children, young and older
      adults. However, most of the evidence for the cellular, hormonal, metabolic and
      molecular mechanisms underlying these associations comes from animal models. The
      next stage is to translate the understanding of mechanisms from animal muscle to
      human muscle enabling progress to be made not only in earlier identification of
      individuals at risk of sarcopenia but also in the development of beneficial
      interventions across the life course. 

PMID- 25141784
TI  - Searching for very early precursors of autism spectrum disorders: the Hamamatsu
      Birth Cohort for Mothers and Children (HBC).
AB  - Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are life-long neurodevelopmental conditions. The
      pathophysiology is poorly understood, and the clinical diagnosis can only be made
      through behavioural assessments. The prevalence of ASD has increased eight-fold
      over the last three decades. Paralleling this rise, research interest in the
      disorder has been accumulating, centering on two aspects: risk factors that would
      explain the increase in prevalence, and precursors that could predict an
      emergence of ASD prior to 2 years of age. As regard factors responsible for the
      increased prevalence, an increasing trend of low birthweight (4.2% in 1980 v.
      9.6% in 2006 at Japan) and advanced paternal age at birth are potentially
      implicated. To explore these issues, and to yield an early diagnostic algorithm
      for ASD, the authors initiated the ongoing Hamamatsu Birth Cohort for Mothers and
      Children (HBC) in 2007. The strengths of the HBC include frequent, direct face-to
      face assessments of all the participating mothers and children during the first 4
      years of life (12 assessments); this depth of assessments will disclose subtle
      changes in the developmental domains of individuals with ASD, which might
      otherwise be overlooked. A total of 1200 pregnant women are to be recruited by
      the end of 2010. Assembled information comprises a range of variables related to
      the mother's characteristics and child development. The comprehensiveness of the
      HBC will provide an informative data source that will elucidate early
      trajectories of children with ASD in addition to revealing detailed,
      developmental properties of typically developing children. 

PMID- 25141785
TI  - Birth cohort patterns suggest that infant survival predicts adult mortality
      rates.
AB  - Dramatic improvements in life expectancy during the 20th century are commonly
      attributed to improvements in either health care services or the social and
      economic environment. We evaluated the hypothesis that improving infant survival
      produces improvements in adult (?40 years) mortality rates. We used
      generalizations of age-period-cohort models of mortality that explicitly account
      for the exponential increase of adult mortality rates with age (Gompertz model)
      to determine whether year of birth or year of death better correlate with
      observed patterns of adult mortality. We used data from Canada and nine other
      countries obtained from the Human Mortality Database. Five-year birth cohorts
      between 1900 and 1944 showed consistent improvements in age-specific mortality
      rates. According to the akaike information criteria, Gompertz-Cohort models
      significantly better predicted the observed patterns of adult mortality than
      Gompertz-Period models, demonstrating that year of birth correlates better with
      adult mortality than year of death. Infant mortality strongly correlated with the
      initial set point of adult mortality in a Gompertz-period-cohort. Selected
      countries exhibited elevated adult mortality rates for the 1920 and 1944 birth
      cohorts, suggesting that the period before the first year of life may be uniquely
      vulnerable to environmental influences. These findings suggest that public health
      investments in the health of mothers and children can be a broad primary
      prevention strategy to prevent the chronic diseases of the adult years. 

PMID- 25141786
TI  - Altered hepatic insulin signalling in male offspring of obese mice.
AB  - Individuals exposed in utero to maternal obesity have increased risk of
      developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity in adulthood. The molecular
      mechanisms underlying this association are unknown. We have therefore used a
      murine model of maternal obesity, in which the offspring of obese dams develop
      hyperinsulinaemia by 3 months of age indicative of insulin resistance. Here, we
      investigate the effects of maternal diet-induced obesity on the
      expression/phosphorylation of key hepatic insulin signalling proteins and the
      expression of anti-oxidant enzymes in male offspring. At 3 months of age,
      offspring of obese dams had decreased levels of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)
      1 (P < 0.01), whereas the ratio of phosphorylated IRS1 Ser307 to total IRS1 was
      significantly increased (P < 0.001), suggesting that it was less active. Protein
      expression of the PI3K p85alpha subunit was decreased (P < 0.01) and there was a
      tendency for phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 to be reduced (P = 0.08) in the
      offspring of obese dams. protein kinase Czeta (P < 0.001) and glycogen synthase
      kinase 3beta (P < 0.05) levels were increased in these animals in comparison with
      controls. Maternal obesity also resulted in increased phosphorylation of p38
      mitogen-activated protein kinase at Thr180/Tyr182 (P < 0.01) and raised c-Jun N
      terminal kinase 1 expression (P < 0.5) in the offspring. The expression of
      antioxidant enzymes was also affected by maternal obesity with CuZnSOD (P <
      0.001) and glutathione reductase (P < 0.05) being increased, whereas glutathione
      peroxidase 1 was reduced (P < 0.05) in the offspring. We conclude that maternal
      obesity leads to alterations in hepatic insulin signalling protein expression and
      phosphorylation. These molecular changes may contribute to the development of
      insulin resistance. 

PMID- 25141787
TI  - Abdominal wall fat index in neonates: correlation with birth size.
AB  - Low birth weight is associated with obesity in later life and a more central fat
      distribution has a positive correlation with cardiovascular disease. However, the
      correlation between visceral adiposity in newborns and birth size is unknown. We
      measured the visceral adiposity in 118 newborns using the abdominal wall fat
      index (AFI), ratio between the maximum thickness of preperitoneal and the minimum
      thickness of subcutaneous fat evaluated by ultrasound. There was a weak negative
      correlation between AFI and birth weight (r = -0.197; P = 0.033) but not with
      birth length (r = -0.118; P = 0.201), body mass index (r = -0.138; P = 0.176) and
      abdominal circumference (r = 0.063; P = 0.497). In conclusion, we suggest that
      AFI is a useful parameter for evaluating the fat distribution in newborns and
      that visceral adiposity has a weak negative correlation with birth weight. 

PMID- 25141789
TI  - Bandgap opening/closing of graphene antidot lattices with zigzag-edged hexagonal
      holes.
AB  - How to predict the bandgap size of graphene antidot lattices (GALs) is a key
      problem in the field of graphene-based nanoelectronics. Here, we have obtained
      the universal rules on bandgap opening/closing of GALs with zigzag-edged
      hexagonal holes (ZH-GALs), as well as the means to control the bandgap size. In
      the simple case that the electronic property depends on the choice of the
      supercell, the quantitative relationship between Eg and the density/diameter of
      antidots is fitted. Turning to complex structures, we reveal that the bandgap
      opening in ZH-GALs results mainly from the intervalley scattering. In this
      interpretation, according to their relative position, the antidots can be divided
      into three categories. A relatively large bandgap appears in ZH-GALs, only when
      the numbers of the three categories are unequal. This could be explained based on
      a mechanism similar to diffraction. A formula according to the explanation is
      provided to estimate the bandgap, which can be used to predict the electronic
      properties of GALs and guide the design of semiconductor and photoelectronic
      devices based on GALs. 

PMID- 25141788
TI  - Identification of novel epitopes from human papillomavirus type 18 E7 that can
      sensitize PBMCs of multiple HLA class I against human cervical cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To identify the novel epitopes from the human papillomavirus type 18
      E7 which can sensitize PBMCs of four different major HLA class I A allele.
      METHODS: Twenty-four synthetic overlapping 15-amino acid peptides were screened
      by measuring the frequency of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs)-producing
      interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by using flow cytometry and ELISpot assays and
      selected peptides were validated for cytolytic activity by using the 51Cr release
      assay. Truncated peptides in the selected epitopes were tested to determine the
      important residues using ELISpot and 51Cr release assay. RESULTS: Among 24
      peptides, E781-95DDLRAFQQLFLNTLS (#21) and E789-103LFLNTLSFVCPWCAS (#23) induced
      significantly higher Th 1 response including IFN-gamma production and in vitro
      cytotoxicity of PBMCs of four different HLA-A alleles against cervical cancer
      cells than that of other peptides and the negative control (no peptide
      sensitization). In E781-95 (#21), amino acid position 81, 82 (N-terminus) and 92,
      94, 95 (C-terminus) for HLA-A*02:02 and 24:02, and 81, 82 (N-terminus) and 92, 95
      (C-terminus) for HLA-A*11:01 and 33:03 were important to elicit Th1 response of
      PBMCS. In E789-103 (#23), residue 100 and103 (C-terminus) were important to
      elicit the CD8+ CTL response in HLA-A*02:01, 11:01 and 33:03 and 100, 101, and
      103 (C-terminus) were important to elicit the CD8+ CTL response in HLA-A*24:02.
      CONCLUSIONS: E781-95 (#21) and E789-103 (#23) were identified as novel epitopes
      from HPV18 E7 which could sensitized PBMCs of four different HLA class I (HLA
      A*02:01, 24:02, 11:01 and 33:03). These epitopes could be useful for immune
      monitoring and immunotherapy for HPV 18+ cervical cancer.

PMID- 25141790
TI  - Temporal and spatial mapping of red grouper Epinephelus morio sound production.
AB  - The goals of this project were to determine the daily, seasonal and spatial
      patterns of red grouper Epinephelus morio sound production on the West Florida
      Shelf (WFS) using passive acoustics. An 11 month time series of acoustic data
      from fixed recorders deployed at a known E. morio aggregation site showed that E.
      morio produce sounds throughout the day and during all months of the year.
      Increased calling (number of files containing E. morio sound) was correlated to
      sunrise and sunset, and peaked in late summer (July and August) and early winter
      (November and December). Due to the ubiquitous production of sound, large-scale
      spatial mapping across the WFS of E. morio sound production was feasible using
      recordings from shorter duration-fixed location recorders and autonomous
      underwater vehicles (AUVs). Epinephelus morio were primarily recorded in waters
      15-93 m deep, with increased sound production detected in hard bottom areas and
      within the Steamboat Lumps Marine Protected Area (Steamboat Lumps). AUV tracks
      through Steamboat Lumps, an offshore marine reserve where E. morio hole
      excavations have been previously mapped, showed that hydrophone-integrated AUVs
      could accurately map the location of soniferous fish over spatial scales of <1
      km. The results show that passive acoustics is an effective, non-invasive tool to
      map the distribution of this species over large spatial scales.

PMID- 25141791
TI  - Simulation: a new approach to teaching ethics.
AB  - The importance of ethical conduct in health care was acknowledged as early as the
      fifth century in the Hippocratic Oath and continues to be an essential element of
      clinical practice. Providers face ethical dilemmas that are complex and unfold
      over time, testing both practitioners' knowledge and communication skills.
      Students learning to be health care providers need to develop the knowledge and
      skills necessary to negotiate complex situations involving ethical conflict.
      Simulation has been shown to be an effective learning environment for students to
      learn and practice complex and overlapping skills sets. However, there is little
      guidance in the literature on constructing effective simulation environments to
      assist students in applying ethical concepts. This article describes realistic
      simulations with trained, standardized patients that present ethical problems to
      graduate-level nurse-midwifery students. Student interactions with the
      standardized patients were monitored by faculty and peers, and group debriefing
      was used to help explore students' emotions and reactions. Student feedback
      postsimulation was exceedingly positive. This simulation could be easily adapted
      for use by health care education programs to assist students in developing
      competency with ethics. 

PMID- 25141794
TI  - Structure and hypolipidaemic activity of fucoidan extracted from brown seaweed
      Sargassum henslowianum.
AB  - The aim of this study is to elucidate the structure and investigate the
      hypolipidaemic activity of a fucoidan extracted from brown seaweed Sargassum
      henslowianum collected at Hai Van-Son Cha peninsula, Hue province, Vietnam by
      using tandem electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated
      that the fucoidan has alpha(1 -> 3)-linked L-fucopyranose backbone and sulphate
      groups occupied mostly at C-2, C-4 and sometimes at C-3 position of fucose
      residues. The results of in vivo bioactivity examination revealed that the
      fucoidan in the dose of 100 mg/kgP/day by oral administration helped decrease
      cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels on obese mice.

PMID- 25141792
TI  - Sexual problems during the first 2 years of adjuvant treatment with aromatase
      inhibitors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction has only recently been recognized as a highly
      prevalent side effect of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for breast
      cancer. AIMS: A cross-sectional survey using standardized measures of female
      sexual function was designed to provide a detailed view of sexual problems during
      the first 2 years of adjuvant AI therapy and secondarily to examine whether
      sexual dysfunction leads to nonadherence to this therapy. METHODS: Questionnaires
      were mailed to all 296 women in a breast oncology registry who had been
      prescribed a first-time AI for localized breast cancer 18-24 months previously.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Items assessed medication adherence, demographic, and
      medical information. Scales included the Female Sexual Function Index, the
      Menopausal Sexual Interest Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Distress Scale
      Revised, the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Eight Symptom Scale to assess
      menopausal symptoms, and the Merck Adherence Estimator((r)) . RESULTS:
      Questionnaires were returned by 129 of 296 eligible women (43.6%). Respondents
      were 81% non-Hispanic white with a mean age of 63 and 48% had at least a college
      degree. Only 15.5% were nonadherent. Ninety-three percent of women scored as
      dysfunctional on the Female Sexual Function Index, and 75% of dysfunctional women
      were distressed about sexual problems. Although only 52% of women were sexually
      active when starting their AI, 79% of this group developed a new sexual problem.
      Fifty-two percent took action to resolve it, including 24% who stopped partner
      sex, 13% who changed hormone therapies, and 6% who began a vaginal estrogen.
      Scores on the Adherence Estimator (beliefs about efficacy, value, and cost of
      medication) were significantly associated with adherence (P = 0.0301) but sexual
      function was not. CONCLUSIONS: The great majority of women taking AIs have sexual
      dysfunction that is distressing and difficult to resolve. Most continue their AI
      therapy, but a large minority cease sexual activity.

PMID- 25141793
TI  - MCMV avoidance of recognition and control by NK cells.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in virus control during
      infection. Many viruses have developed mechanisms for subversion of NK cell
      responses. Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) is exceptionally successful in avoiding
      NK cell control. Here, we summarize the major MCMV evasion mechanisms targeting
      NK cell functions and their role in viral pathogenesis. The mechanisms by which
      NK cells regulate CD8(+) T cell response, particularly with respect to the role
      of NK cell receptors recognizing viral antigens, are discussed. In addition, we
      discuss the role of NK cell receptors in generation and maintenance of memory NK
      cells. Final part of this review illustrates how the NK cell response and its
      viral regulation can be exploited in designing recombinant viral vectors able to
      induce robust and protective CD8(+) T cell response. 

PMID- 25141795
TI  - Improved outcomes associated with a revised quality measure for continuing
      perioperative beta-blockade.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The Surgical Care Improvement Project perioperative beta-blocker (BB)
      (SCIP-BB) continuation measure was revised in 2012 to incorporate inpatient BB
      continuation after discharge from the postanesthesia care unit. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine whether adherence to the original or revised SCIP-BB measure is
      associated with decreased adverse events. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
      Retrospective cohort study using national Veterans Affairs patient-level data on
      adherence to the original SCIP-BB measure and inpatient BB continuation for
      operations between July 2006 and August 2009. METHODS: Data for SCIP-BB measure
      adherence, inpatient BB continuation, and patient and procedure risk variables
      were used to estimate the associations between adherence to the original and
      revised SCIP-BB measures and outcomes of major adverse cardiovascular or
      cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and their components of cardiovascular events,
      cerebrovascular events, and 30-day mortality. In addition to unadjusted
      estimates, propensity score matching and bootstrapping were used to estimate the
      associations and generate 95% CIs. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Major adverse
      cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events. RESULTS: Of 14,420 nonemergent
      operations with at least 2 postoperative inpatient days, 13,170 (91.3%) adhered
      to the original SCIP-BB measure, and 480 (3.3%) experienced a MACCE. Propensity
      score-matched analyses showed that adherence to the original SCIP-BB measure was
      not associated with MACCEs (odds ratio [OR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.66-1.54) but was
      associated with increased cerebrovascular events (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.00-10.07).
      Adherence to the revised SCIP-BB measure occurred in 11,597 (80.4%), and in
      matched analysis adherence was associated with decreased MACCEs (OR, 0.75; 95%
      CI, 0.57-0.95), cardiovascular events (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46-0.93), and 30-day
      mortality (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53-0.98). Adherence to the revised SCIP-BB measure
      was not associated with increased cerebrovascular events (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.62
      2.38). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Adherence to the original SCIP-BB measure was
      associated with increased cerebrovascular events but not improved cardiovascular
      event outcomes. beta-Blocker continuation consistent with the revised SCIP-BB
      measure is associated with reduced MACCEs, cardiovascular events, and 30-day
      mortality. These data provide a cautionary tale of implementing performance
      measures before they have been rigorously tested. Although the observed
      associations between adherence to the revised SCIP-BB measure and outcomes are
      promising, they should be evaluated in the postimplementation period.

PMID- 25141796
TI  - Characterization of a Corynebacterium glutamicum dnaB mutant that shows
      temperature-sensitive growth and mini-cell formation.
AB  - Corynebacterium glutamicum is known to perform a unique form of cell division
      called post-fission snapping division. In order to investigate the mechanism of
      cell division of this bacterium, we isolated temperature-sensitive mutants from
      C. glutamicum wild-type strain ATCC 31831, and found that one of them, M45,
      produced high frequencies of mini-cells with no nucleoids. Cell pairs composed of
      an elongated cell, with one nucleoid, connected to a mini-cell, with no
      nucleoids, were occasionally observed. The temperature sensitivity and mini-cell
      formation of M45 was complemented by a 2-kb DraI-EcoRI fragment derived from the
      ATCC 31831 chromosomal DNA, which carried a dnaB homolog encoding a replicative
      DNA helicase. DNA sequence analysis revealed that M45 carried a missense mutation
      in the dnaB gene, which caused a substitution of Thr364 to Ile. Microscopic
      observation after 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining revealed that the DNA
      content of single cells was decreased by culturing at the restrictive
      temperature, suggesting that the mutation affects chromosomal replication. These
      results suggest that the C. glutamicum dnaB mutant performs an asymmetric cell
      division even after DNA replication is inhibited, which results in the production
      of mini-cells. 

PMID- 25141797
TI  - Proteomic profiling of Botrytis cinerea conidial germination.
AB  - Botrytis cinerea is one of the most relevant plant pathogenic fungi. The first
      step during its infection process is the germination of the conidia. Here, we
      report on the first proteome analysis during the germination of B. cinerea
      conidia, where 204 spots showed significant differences in their accumulation
      between ungerminated and germinated conidia by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis and qPCR. The identified proteins were grouped by gene ontology
      revealing that the infective tools are mainly preformed inside the ungerminated
      conidia allowing a quick fungal development at the early stages of conidial
      germination. From 118 identified spots, several virulence factors have been
      identified while proteins, such as mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6,7
      dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine synthase or uracil phosphoribosyltransferase, have
      been disclosed as a new potential virulence factors in botrytis whose role in
      pathogenicity needs to be studied to gain new insights about the role of these
      proteins as therapeutic targets and virulence factors. 

PMID- 25141798
TI  - Structural modifications of dicationic acetylcholinesterase reactivators studied
      under ion-pairing mechanism in reversed-phase liquid chromatography.
AB  - A study focused on the chromatographic behavior of several acetylcholinesterase
      reactivators under ion-pairing mechanism is reported. Among these reactivators,
      dicationic oximes and carbamoyl-based pyridinium congeners were studied, which
      form ion pairs with alkylsulfonate anions. This mechanism was studied for some
      major experimental parameters, such as the chain length of the ion-pairing agent
      added to the aqueous phase, its concentration, temperature, and nature of the
      organic modifier from mobile phase. Retention data showed one or two
      possibilities of forming ion pairs and the tautomerism of the studied
      reactivators, for different pH values of the aqueous component. Double sigmoid
      shapes were obtained for the studied compounds for the dependence between
      retention factor and pH, indicating the possibility of one or two tautomeric
      equilibria: at pH close to 7 these compounds are not stable as dicationic species
      and they participate in the retention process as nitroso forms, which are not
      able to form ion pairs with alkylsulfonates. The dependences of the retention
      factor on the organic modifier content from mobile phase were linear. Two
      complementary theoretical models were used to explain the functional dependences
      for the retention data on the experimental parameters. 

PMID- 25141799
TI  - Perovskite fever.

PMID- 25141800
TI  - The light and shade of perovskite solar cells.

PMID- 25141806
TI  - Oxide heterostructures: Atoms on the move.

PMID- 25141807
TI  - Perovskite solar cells: Continuing to soar.

PMID- 25141808
TI  - Chiral plasmonic nanostructures: Twisted by DNA.

PMID- 25141809
TI  - Acoustic metamaterials: Nearly perfect sound absorbers.

PMID- 25141810
TI  - Self-healing polymers: Sticky when wet.

PMID- 25141811
TI  - Material witness: Yoghurt under stress.

PMID- 25141812
TI  - Superhydrophobic bull's-eye for surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
AB  - We present a micro-patterned silicon structure that enables the preparation of a
      substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and pre-concentration of
      the analyte molecules. The structure is designed to produce a hydrophobicity
      gradient. As a result, a water droplet placed on it will remain centred on the
      structure as it dries, enabling delivery of materials to its centre. The
      structure is therefore referred to as a superhydrophobic bull's-eye. A water
      droplet containing gold colloids placed on it dries to produce a cluster at the
      bull's-eye centre. A second water droplet placed on it, this time containing
      analyte molecules, dries such that the molecules are delivered to the gold
      colloid cluster. We demonstrate the detection of molecules at low concentrations
      (Rhodamine 6G at 10(-15) M) from small droplets. 

PMID- 25141813
TI  - Ebola vaccination: if not now, when?

PMID- 25141815
TI  - Antidiabetic activity of Piper auritum leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic
      rat, beneficial effect on advanced glycation endproduct.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, oxidative
      stress, insulin resistance and advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) formation of
      hexane extract from Piper auritum. METHODS: The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced
      diabetic Wistar rats were treated with the hexane extract from Piper auritum
      leaves for 28 days and a set of biochemical parameters were studied including
      glucose level, total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation, liver and
      muscle glycogen, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and
      glutathione reductase. The liver function was observed by determining glucose-6
      phosphatase, glucokinase and hexokinase activities, and the effect of the hexane
      extract on insulin level and protein glycation. RESULTS: There was a significant
      increase in blood glucose level (P<0.05) in diabetic rats after 24 h of STZ
      injection. There was a significantly decreased in blood glucose in diabetic rats
      with hexane extract treatment (P<0.05). The serum biochemical parameters, hepatic
      enzymes, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, glycosylated hemoglobin, AGEs,
      and insulin level (P<0.01 or P<0.05) were restored to normal levels in STZ
      diabetic rats treated with hexane extract. CONCLUSION: The hexane extract from
      Piper auritum leaves can efficiently inhibit insulin resistance, AGEs formation,
      improvement of renal function, lipid abnormalities and oxidative stress,
      indicating that its therapeutic properties may be due to the interaction of
      hexane extract components with multiple targets involved in diabetes
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 25141814
TI  - Neosomes of tungid fleas on wild and domestic animals.
AB  - Tunga is the most specialized genus among the Siphonaptera because adult females
      penetrate into the skin of their hosts and, after mating and fertilization,
      undergo hypertrophy, forming an enlarged structure known as the neosome. In
      humans and other warm-blooded animals, neosomes cause tungiasis, which arises due
      to the action of opportunistic agents. Although its effects on humans and
      domestic animals are well described in the literature, little is known about the
      impact of tungiasis on wild animals. This review focuses on the morphology,
      taxonomy, geographical distribution, hosts, prevalence, sites of attachment, and
      impact of tungid neosomes on wild and domestic animals. Because neosomes are the
      most characteristic form of the genus Tunga and also the form most frequently
      found in hosts, they are here differentiated and illustrated to aid in the
      identification of the 13 currently known species. Perspectives for future studies
      regarding the possibility of discovering other sand flea species, adaptation to
      new hosts, and the transfer of tungids between hosts in natural and modified
      habitats are also presented. 

PMID- 25141816
TI  - Evaluation of in vitro enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant properites of leaf
      extract from Alpinia Purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants of leaf
      extract from Alpinia purpurata. METHODS: One gram of fresh leaf of Alpinia
      purpurata was grinded in 2 mL of 50% ethanol and centrifuged at 10,000*g at 4
      degrees C for 10 min. The supernatant obtained was used within 4 h for various
      enzymatic antioxidants assays like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT),
      glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), ascorbate oxidase,
      peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as
      vitamin C, total reduced glutathione (TRG) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). RESULTS:
      The leaf extract of Alpinia purpurata possess antioxidants like vitamin C
      472.92+/-6.80 MUg/mg protein, GST 372.11+/-5.70 MUmol of 1-chloro 2,4
      dinitrobenzene (CDNB)-reduced glutathione (GSH) conjugate formed/min/mg protein,
      GPx 281.69+/-6.43 MUg of glutathione oxidized/min/mg protein, peroxidases
      173.12+/-9.40 MUmol/g tissue, TRG 75.27+/-3.55 MUg/mg protein, SOD 58.03+/-2.11
      U/mg protein, CAT 46.70+/-2.35 MUmol of H2O2 consumed/min/mg protein in high
      amount whereas ascorbate oxidase 17.41+/-2.46 U/g tissue, LPO 2.71+/-0.14 nmol/L
      of malondialdehyde formed/min/mg protein and PPO 1.14+/-0.11 MUmol/g tissue in
      moderate amount. CONCLUSION: Alpinia purpurata has the potential to scavenge the
      free radicals and protect against oxidative stress causing diseases. In future,
      Alpinia purpurata may serve as a good pharmacotherapeutic agent.

PMID- 25141817
TI  - Effect of Schisandra chinensis on interleukins, glucose metabolism, and pituitary
      adrenal and gonadal axis in rats under strenuous swimming exercise.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Chinese medicine (CM) Schisandra
      chinensis on interleukin (IL), glucose metabolism, and pituitary-adrenal and
      gonadal axis of rats after strenuous navigation and exercise. METHODS: A total of
      45 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into the quiet control group, the stress
      group, and the CM group (15 in each group). The CM group received 2.5 g/kg of
      Schisandra chinensis twice per day for one week before modeling. Except the quiet
      controls, rats were trained using the Bedford mode for 10 days. On the 11th day,
      they performed 3 h of stressful experimental navigation and 3 h of strenuous
      treadmill exercise. The levels of serum testosterone (T), cortisol (CORT),
      luteinizing hormone (LH), IL-1, IL-2, and IL-6 were tested by radioimmunoassay
      and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The adrenal cortex
      ultrastructure was observed using electron microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with the
      quiet control group, after navigation and strenuous exercise, blood glucose was
      increased, and T level was decreased in the stress group (both P<0.01). The blood
      glucose, CORT, IL-1 and IL-2 levels were significantly reduced in the CM group
      (P<0.05 or P<0.01) as compared with the stress group. Electron microscopy
      revealed that the rats in the CM group had a smaller decrease in adrenal
      intracellular lipid droplets and higher levels of apoptosis than those in the
      stress group. CONCLUSIONS: Schisandra chinensis can reduce serum CORT and blood
      glucose levels in stressed rats. It appears to protect the cell structure of the
      adrenal cortex, and offset the negative effects of psychological stress and
      strenuous exercise related to immune dysfunction. Schisandra chinensis plays a
      regulatory role in immune function, and can decrease the influence of stress in
      rats.

PMID- 25141818
TI  - Effect of p27 gene combined with Pientzehuang ([characters: see text]) on tumor
      growth in osteosarcoma-bearing nude mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of p27 gene recombinant adenovirus combined with
      Chinese medicine Pientzehuang ([characters: see text]) on the growth of
      xenografted human osteosarcoma in nude mice. METHODS: Tissue transplantation was
      used to construct the orthotopic model of human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cell in nude
      mice. Thirty tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into 5 groups with 6
      mice in each group: blank control group (model of osteosarcoma), empty vector
      group (recombinant adeno-associated virus-multiple cloning site), Pientzehuang
      group, p27 gene group and combined treatment group (p27 gene combined with
      Pientzehuang). The effect of combined treatment on human osteosarcoma was
      analyzed through the tumor formation, tumor volume and inhibition rate of tumor
      growth. The expression of p27 was measured by immunohistochemical staining and
      Western blot. RESULTS: The orthotopic model of osteosarcoma in nude mice was
      successfully constructed. The general appearance of tumor-bearing nude mice in
      Pientzehuang and p27 gene groups was markedly improved compared with the blank
      control group; and in the combined treatment group it was significantly improved
      compared with the Pientzehuang and p27 gene groups. The tumor growth in the
      Pientzehuang and p27 gene groups was significantly inhibited compared with the
      blank control group P<0.05); while in the combined treatment group it was
      markedly inhibited compared with the Pientzehuang and p27 gene groups (P<0.05).
      The rates of tumor growth inhibition were 34.1%, 56.5% and 63.8% in the
      Pientzehuang, p27 gene and combined treatment groups, respectively. Meanwhile,
      the protein expression of p27 gene in the p27 gene group was significantly
      increased compared with the blank control group (P<0.05); and it was
      significantly increased in the combined treatment group compared with the p27
      gene and Pientzehuang groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: p27 gene introduced by
      adenovirus combined with Pientzehuang can inhibit the growth of human
      osteosarcoma cell Saos-2 in nude mice.

PMID- 25141819
TI  - NACP 2014 and the Turku PET symposium: the interaction between therapy and
      imaging.

PMID- 25141820
TI  - Study protocol: the JEU cohort study--transversal multiaxial evaluation and 5
      year follow-up of a cohort of French gamblers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is abundant literature on how to distinguish problem gambling
      (PG) from social gambling, but there are very few studies of the long-term
      evolution of gambling practice. As a consequence, the correlates of key state
      changes in the gambling trajectory are still unknown. The objective of the JEU
      cohort study is to identify the determinants of key state changes in the gambling
      practice, such as the emergence of a gambling problem, natural recovery from a
      gambling problem, resolution of a gambling problem with intermediate care
      intervention, relapses or care recourse. METHODS/DESIGN: The present study was
      designed to overcome the limitations of previous cohort study on PG. Indeed, this
      longitudinal case-control cohort is the first which plans to recruit enough
      participants from different initial gambling severity levels to observe these
      rare changes. In particular, we plan to recruit three groups of gamblers: non
      problem gamblers, problem gamblers without treatment and problem gamblers seeking
      treatment.Recruitment takes place in various gambling places, through the press
      and in care centers. Cohort participants are gamblers of both sexes who reported
      gambling on at least one occasion in the previous year and who were aged between
      18 and 65. They were assessed through a structured clinical interview and self
      assessment questionnaires at baseline and then once a year for five years. Data
      collection comprises sociodemographic characteristics, gambling habits (including
      gambling trajectory), the PG section of the DSM-IV, the South Oaks Gambling
      Screen, the Gambling Attitudes and Beliefs Survey - 23, the Mini International
      Neuropsychiatric Interview, the Wender-Utah Rating Scale-Child, the Adult ADHD
      Self-report Scale, somatic comorbidities (especially current treatment and
      Parkinson disease) and the Temperament and Character Inventory - 125. DISCUSSION:
      The JEU cohort study is the first study which proposes to identify the predictive
      factors of key state changes in gambling practice. This is the first case-control
      cohort on gambling which mixes non-problem gamblers, problem gamblers without
      treatment and problem gamblers seeking treatment in almost equal proportions.
      This work may help providing a fresh perspective on the etiology of pathological
      gambling, which may provide support for future research, care and preventive
      actions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (ClinicalTrials.gov): NCT01207674.

PMID- 25141821
TI  - Recurrent mutations of NOTCH genes in follicular lymphoma identify a distinctive
      subset of tumours.
AB  - Follicular lymphoma (FL) is one of the most common malignant lymphomas. The
      t(14;18)(q32;q21) translocation is found in about 80% of cases and plays an
      important role in lymphomagenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in
      the development and transformation of this lymphoma are not fully understood.
      Gain-of-function mutations of NOTCH1 or NOTCH2 have recently been reported in
      several B cell lymphoid neoplasms but the role of these mutations in FL is not
      known. In this study we investigated the mutational status of these genes in 112
      FLs. NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 mutations were identified in five and two cases,
      respectively (total 7/112, 6.3%). All mutations predicted for truncated protein
      in the PEST domain and were identical to those identified in other B cell
      lymphoid neoplasms. NOTCH-mutated FL cases were characterized by lower frequency
      of t(14;18) (14% versus 69%, p = 0.01), higher incidence of splenic involvement
      (71% versus 25%, p = 0.02) and female predominance (100% versus 55%, p = 0.04). A
      diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) component was more frequently identified in
      NOTCH-mutated FL than in wild-type cases (57% versus 18%, p = 0.03). These
      results indicate that NOTCH mutations are uncommon in FL but may occur in a
      subset of cases with distinctive, characteristic, clinicopathological features.

PMID- 25141823
TI  - Strong topographic sheltering effects lead to spatially complex treeline advance
      and increased forest density in a subtropical mountain region.
AB  - Altitudinal treelines are typically temperature limited such that increasing
      temperatures linked to global climate change are causing upslope shifts of
      treelines worldwide. While such elevational increases are readily predicted based
      on shifting isotherms, at the regional level the realized response is often much
      more complex, with topography and local environmental conditions playing an
      important modifying role. Here, we used repeated aerial photographs in
      combination with forest inventory data to investigate changes in treeline
      position in the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan over the last 60 years. A highly
      spatially variable upslope advance of treeline was identified in which topography
      is a major driver of both treeline form and advance. The changes in treeline
      position that we observed occurred alongside substantial increases in forest
      density, and lead to a large increase in overall forest area. These changes will
      have a significant impact on carbon stocking in the high altitude zone, while the
      concomitant decrease in alpine grassland area is likely to have negative
      implications for alpine species. The complex and spatially variable changes that
      we report highlight the necessity for considering local factors such as
      topography when attempting to predict species distributional responses to warming
      climate. 

PMID- 25141822
TI  - Osteoporosis in the jawbones: a correlative factor of primary trigeminal
      neuralgia?
AB  - Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a neuropathic disorder of one or both of the
      trigeminal nerves, occurs most often in people over age 50. Extreme, sporadic,
      sudden burning or shock-like face pain in common activities greatly lowers
      quality of life. The precise cause of primary TN remains unknown, but it may be
      caused by vascular pressing on the trigeminal nerve in its root entry zone (REZ),
      demyelinization of trigeminal sensory fibers, or jawbone cavity. Accordingly,
      many treatments carry risks of adverse effects, recurrence, and complications. TN
      and osteoporosis have similar high-risk populations and a common influential
      factor - emotional stress - is also closed related to primary TN for calcitonin
      gene-related peptide and calcitonin. Jawbone cavity, which is a possible
      pathogenesis of TN, may be another form of jawbone osteoporosis. Therefore, we
      hypothesized that osteoporosis in jaws could be a correlative factor of primary
      TN. If this hypothesis is verified, it may suggest specific new ideas for the
      early preventive treatment of primary TN.

PMID- 25141824
TI  - Functional repetitive sequences and fragile sites in chromosomes of Lolium
      perenne L.
AB  - Lolium perenne is considered a high-quality forage widely used in temperate
      regions to meet the shortage of forage during the winter. In this species, some
      peculiarities related to cytogenetic aspects have already been described, as the
      variability in number and position of 45S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sites and the
      expression of fragile sites, which require further studies to support the
      understanding of their causes and consequences. In this way, this study aimed to
      evaluate the relationship between the expression of fragile sites and functional
      repetitive sequences (rDNA and telomeric) in chromosomes of diploid and polyploid
      cultivars of L. perenne. The techniques of FISH, Ag-NOR and fluorescence banding
      were used to assess the distribution of sites of 45S rDNA, 5S, telomeric
      sequences, and the transcriptional activity of the 45S ribosomal genes and the
      distribution of AT- and/or GC-rich sequences in L. perenne, respectively. There
      was variability in the number and location of 45S rDNA sites, which was not
      observed for 5S rDNA sites. One of the genotypes showed two 45S rDNA sites on the
      same chromosome, located in different chromosome arms. Breaks and gaps were found
      in 45S rDNA sites in most metaphases evaluated for both cultivars. Telomeric
      sequences were not detected at the end of the chromosomal fragments corresponding
      to the location of breaks at 45S sites. Apparently, the transcriptional activity
      was modified in fragile sites. Variation in the number and size of nucleoli,
      nucleolar fusions and dissociations were observed. All CMA(+) bands were
      colocalized with the 45S sites. 

PMID- 25141827
TI  - Direct measurement of interaction forces between charged multilamellar vesicles?.
AB  - Depletion-attraction induced adhesion of two giant (~ 40 MUm), charged
      multilamellar vesicles is studied using a new Cantilevered-Capillary Force
      Apparatus, developed in this laboratory. The specific goal of this work is to
      investigate the role of dynamics in the adhesion and de-adhesion processes when
      the vesicles come together or are pulled apart at a constant velocity.
      Hydrodynamic effects are found to play an important role in the adhesion and
      separation of vesicles at the velocities that are studied. Specifically, a period
      of hydrodynamically controlled drainage of the thin film between vesicles is
      observed prior to adhesion, and it is shown that the force required to separate a
      pair of tensed, adhering vesicles increases with increasing separation velocity
      and membrane tension. It is also shown that the work done to separate the
      vesicles increases with separation velocity, but exhibits a maximum as the
      membrane tension is varied.

PMID- 25141825
TI  - Human genetic disorders of sphingolipid biosynthesis.
AB  - Monogenic defects of sphingolipid biosynthesis have been recently identified in
      human patients. These enzyme deficiencies affect the synthesis of sphingolipid
      precursors, ceramides or complex glycosphingolipids. They are transmitted as
      autosomal recessive or dominant traits, and their resulting phenotypes often
      replicate the abnormalities seen in murine models deficient for the corresponding
      enzymes. In quite good agreement with the known critical roles of sphingolipids
      in cells from the nervous system and the epidermis, these genetic defects
      clinically manifest as neurological disorders, including paraplegia, epilepsy or
      peripheral neuropathies, or present with ichthyosis. The present review
      summarizes the genetic alterations, biochemical changes and clinical symptoms of
      this new group of inherited metabolic disorders. Hypotheses regarding the
      molecular pathophysiology and potential treatments of these diseases are also
      discussed. 

PMID- 25141828
TI  - CDC Kerala 9: Effectiveness of low intensity home based early intervention for
      autism spectrum disorder in India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate effectiveness of low intensity, home based early
      intervention (EI) models in autism for countries with low disability resources.
      METHODS: Fifty-two toddlers and young children were assessed before and after
      intervention with Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Vineland Social Maturity Scale,
      and Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Scale. Developmental and speech
      therapists helped mothers assemble low-cost training kits based on the
      developmental age of the child, gave initial training in the basic behavioral
      technique to address the three autism symptom clusters at home. Follow-up support
      was given either on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Most of the children
      were also placed in play-schools. Data was analyzed using appropriate bivariate
      and multivariate techniques. RESULTS: There was statistical and clinical
      amelioration in the severity of autism, with acquisition of social skills and
      language skills (all P = 0.001) after intervention in children with mild to
      severe autism. Gender showed a trend in becoming a significant predictor for
      intervention response. CONCLUSIONS: Low-intensity, home-based EI can be
      effectively used in situations where there is paucity of disability resources in
      countries like India, especially in primary-care and community settings.

PMID- 25141826
TI  - Increased and early lipolysis in children with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA
      dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency during fast.
AB  - Children with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHAD) have
      a defect in the degradation of long-chain fatty acids and are at risk of
      hypoketotic hypoglycemia and insufficient energy production as well as
      accumulation of toxic fatty acid intermediates. Knowledge on substrate metabolism
      in children with LCHAD deficiency during fasting is limited. Treatment guidelines
      differ between centers, both as far as length of fasting periods and need for
      night feeds are concerned. To increase the understanding of fasting intolerance
      and improve treatment recommendations, children with LCHAD deficiency were
      investigated with stable isotope technique, microdialysis, and indirect
      calometry, in order to assess lipolysis and glucose production during 6 h of
      fasting. We found an early and increased lipolysis and accumulation of long chain
      acylcarnitines after 4 h of fasting, albeit no patients developed hypoglycemia.
      The rate of glycerol production, reflecting lipolysis, averaged 7.7 +/- 1.6
      umol/kg/min, which is higher compared to that of peers. The rate of glucose
      production was normal for age; 19.6 +/- 3.4 umol/kg/min (3.5 +/- 0.6 mg/kg/min).
      Resting energy expenditure was also normal, even though the respiratory quotient
      was increased indicating mainly glucose oxidation. The results show that
      lipolysis and accumulation of long chain acylcarnitines occurs before
      hypoglycemia in fasting children with LCHAD, which may indicate more limited
      fasting tolerance than previously suggested.

PMID- 25141830
TI  - The importance of proximity to death in modelling community medication
      expenditures for older people: evidence from New Zealand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concerns about the long-term sustainability of health care
      expenditures (HCEs), particularly prescribing expenditures, has become an
      important policy issue in most developed countries. Previous studies suggest that
      proximity to death (PTD) has a significant effect on total HCEs, with its
      exclusion leading to an overestimation of likely growth. There are limited
      studies of pharmaceutical expenditures in which PTD is taken into account.
      OBJECTIVE: This study presents an empirical analysis of public medication
      expenditure on older individuals in New Zealand (NZ). The aim of the study was to
      examine the individual effects of age and PTD using individual-level data.
      METHODS: This study uses individual-level dispensing data from 2008/2009 covering
      the whole population of medication users aged 70 years or older and resident in
      NZ. A case-control methodology was used to examine individual cost and medication
      use for a 12-month period for decedents (cases) and survivors (controls). A
      random effects two-part model, with a Probit and generalized linear model (GLM)
      was used to explore the effect of age and PTD on expenditures. RESULTS: The
      impact of PTD on prescription expenditure is not as dramatic as studies reporting
      on acute and/or long-term care. The 12-month decedent-to-survivor mean
      expenditure ratio was 1.95; 2.09 for males and 1.82 for females. The additional
      cost of dying in terms of prescription drugs decreases with age, with those who
      die at 90 years of age or older consuming fewer drugs on average and having a
      lower mean expenditure than those who died in their 70s and 80s. The following
      variables were found to have a decreasing effect on the mean monthly prescription
      expenditures: a reduction of 2.2 % for each additional year of age, 4.2 % being
      in the Maori ethnic group, and 7.8 % for Pacific Islanders. Increases in monthly
      expenditure were associated with being a decedent 32.1-62.6 % (depending on
      month), being of Asian origin 16.2 %, or being a male 12.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: Given
      the variance reported between survivors and decedents, future projections should
      include PTD in their models to improve accuracy. Policies targeted at reducing
      expenditures should not focus on age but on ensuring appropriate and cost
      effective prescribing, particularly towards the end of life.

PMID- 25141829
TI  - Th17-related cytokines contribute to recall-like expansion/effector function of
      HMBPP-specific Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells after Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
      or vaccination.
AB  - Whether cytokines can influence the adaptive immune response by antigen-specific
      gammadelta T cells during infections or vaccinations remains unknown. We
      previously demonstrated that, during BCG/Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)
      infections, Th17-related cytokines markedly upregulated when phosphoantigen
      specific Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells expanded. In this study, we examined the
      involvement of Th17-related cytokines in the recall-like responses of
      Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells following Mtb infection or vaccination against TB.
      Treatment with IL-17A/IL-17F or IL-22 expanded phosphoantigen 4-hydroxy-3-methyl
      but-enyl pyrophosphate (HMBPP)-stimulated Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells from BCG
      vaccinated macaques but not from naive animals, and IL-23 induced greater
      expansion than the other Th17-related cytokines. Consistently, Mtb infection of
      macaques also enhanced the ability of IL-17/IL-22 or IL-23 to expand HMBPP
      stimulated Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells. When evaluating IL-23 signaling as a
      prototype, we found that HMBPP/IL-23-expanded Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells from
      macaques infected with Mtb or vaccinated with BCG or Listeria DeltaactA prfA*
      ESAT6/Ag85B produced IL-17, IL-22, IL-2, and IFN-gamma. Interestingly, HMBPP/IL
      23-induced production of IFN-gamma in turn facilitated IL-23-induced expansion of
      HMBPP-activated Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells. Furthermore, HMBPP/IL-23-induced
      proliferation of Vgamma2Vdelta2 T cells appeared to require APC contact and
      involve the conventional and novel protein kinase C signaling pathways. These
      findings suggest that Th17-related cytokines can contribute to recall-like
      expansion and effector function of Ag-specific gammadelta T cells after infection
      or vaccination. 

PMID- 25141831
TI  - Randomized prospective trial comparing two supraglottic airway devices: i-gelTM
      and LMA-SupremeTM in paralyzed patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Many features can influence the choice of a supraglottic airway device
      (SAD), including ease of insertion, adequate ventilation pressures and lack of
      adverse effects. The goal of this randomized prospective trial was to compare the
      performance of the i-gelTM with that of the LMA-SupremeTM. METHODS: One hundred
      adult patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists I-III) scheduled to undergo
      elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomized to either an i-gel (n =
      50) or an LMA-Supreme (n = 50). The primary objective was to compare ventilation
      pressures. Secondary objectives included time and number of attempts needed to
      introduce the device, adverse effects, and repositioning. The endoscopic view of
      the glottic aperture and the position of the drain tubes in relation to the
      esophagus were also evaluated. RESULTS: The devices were inserted successfully in
      46 (92%) patients in both groups. There was no significant difference in the
      [mean (SD)] leak pressure [i-gel: 23 (7) cm H2O vs LMA-Supreme: 21 (8) cm H2O; P
      = 0.14] or peak inspiratory pressure between both devices. Insertion time was
      shorter with the i-gel than with the LMA-Supreme [19 (7) sec vs 27 (17) sec,
      respectively; P = 0.003]. The vocal cords were completely visualized more often
      through the i-gel (70%) than through the LMA-Supreme (50%) (P = 0.007).
      Esophageal mucosa was easily visualized through the drain port in all but four
      patients, two patients in each group. There was no difference between groups
      regarding preoperative or postoperative complications. Postoperative patient
      discomfort was generally mild and comparable between both devices. CONCLUSION:
      Both the LMA-Supreme and the i-gel offer similar performance for positive
      pressure ventilation in paralyzed patients during general anesthesia. The i-gel
      was associated with a slightly faster insertion time and better fibrescopic
      visualization of the glottis. This trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov:
      NCT01001078.

PMID- 25141832
TI  - Association of anesthesia technique for radical prostatectomy with biochemical
      recurrence: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anesthesia technique has been associated with cancer outcomes after
      radical prostatectomy (RP). These studies are limited by variability in surgeon
      experience, bias in patient selection, and in some cases, sample size. We
      evaluated the impact of anesthesia technique for RP on biochemical recurrence
      (BCR) using a large cohort of patients operated on by a single experienced
      surgeon. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from a prospective
      institutional oncologic database on 929 patients treated with RP by a single
      surgeon from 1999-2008. Spinal anesthesia was used for patients from 2002-2006.
      We compared outcomes of these patients (n = 264) with outcomes of patients who
      underwent general anesthesia (n = 665) at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
      from 1999-2001 and 2006-2008. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to
      assess differences in BCR rates between the anesthesia groups adjusting for
      differences in postoperative factors related to anesthetic technique and tumour
      pathologic characteristics associated with BCR after RP. RESULTS: Median follow
      up among patients free from BCR was 4.6 yr. On multivariable analysis, spinal
      anesthesia did not independently predict the rate of BCR (hazard ratio = 1.10;
      95% confidence interval 0.7 to 1.74; P = 0.7). Independent predictors of BCR were
      preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA), pathologic Gleason grade,
      extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion. CONCLUSIONS: We did not
      find an association between anesthesia technique and disease recurrence in men
      with prostate cancer treated with RP. Anesthesia technique is unlikely to alter
      disease recurrence following RP independent of surgical and pathological factors.

PMID- 25141833
TI  - Lung re-inflation after one-lung ventilation for thoracic surgery: importance of
      clamping the dependent lung.

PMID- 25141835
TI  - Obesogenic television food advertising to children in Malaysia: sociocultural
      variations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food advertising on television (TV) is well known to influence
      children's purchasing requests and models negative food habits in Western
      countries. Advertising of unhealthy foods is a contributor to the obesogenic
      environment that is a key driver of rising rates of childhood obesity. Children
      in developing countries are more at risk of being targeted by such advertising,
      as there is a huge potential for market growth of unhealthy foods concomitant
      with poor regulatory infrastructure. Further, in developing countries with multi
      ethnic societies, information is scarce on the nature of TV advertising targeting
      children. OBJECTIVES: To measure exposure and power of TV food marketing to
      children on popular multi-ethnic TV stations in Malaysia. DESIGN: Ethnic-specific
      popular TV channels were identified using industry data. TV transmissions were
      recorded for each channel from November 2012 to August 2013 (16 hr/day) for
      randomly selected weekdays and weekend days during normal days and repeated
      during school holidays (n=88 days). Coded food/beverage advertisements were
      grouped into core (healthy), non-core (non-healthy), or miscellaneous
      (unclassified) food categories. Peak viewing time (PVT) and persuasive marketing
      techniques were identified. RESULTS: Non-core foods were predominant in TV food
      advertising, and rates were greater during school holidays compared to normal
      days (3.51 vs 1.93 food ads/hr/channel, p<0.001). During normal days' PVT, the
      ratio of non-core to core food advertising was higher (3.25 food ads/hr/channel),
      and this more than trebled during school holidays to 10.25 food ads/hr/channel.
      Popular channels for Indian children had the lowest rate of food advertising
      relative to other ethnic groups. However, sugary drinks remained a popular non
      core product advertised across all broadcast periods and channels. Notably,
      promotional characters doubled for non-core foods during school holidays compared
      to normal days (1.91 vs 0.93 food ads/hr/channel, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study highlights non-core food advertising, and predominantly sugary drinks are
      commonly screened on Malaysian TV channels. The majority of these sugary drinks
      were advertised by multinational companies, and this observation warrants
      regulatory attention.

PMID- 25141837
TI  - Long-term inhibition of miR-21 leads to reduction of obesity in db/db mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of long-term pharmacological inhibition of miR-21
      in a model of metabolic syndrome and obesity. METHODS: Aged db/db mice were
      treated with locked nucleic acid-modified anti-miRs directed against miR-21 (LNA
      21), control LNAs or PBS for 18 weeks. Cardiac function was assessed by
      echocardiography and the effect on body weight and white adipose tissue (WAT) was
      evaluated. RESULTS: MiR-21 expression was efficiently inhibited in the heart and
      WAT with no apparent liver toxicity or deterioration of kidney function. MiR-21
      inhibition had no effect on cardiac hypertrophy as well as systolic and diastolic
      cardiac functions. However, levels of cardiac collagen 1 were modestly reduced in
      LNA-21 treated mice. MiR-21 inhibition reduced body weight, as well as adipocyte
      size and serum triglycerides were significantly decreased. The miR-21 targets
      TGFbeta-receptor 2 (TGFBR2) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were
      derepressed in WAT of LNA-21 treated mice and Sprouty1 and 2 were increased after
      miR-21 inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term treatment with LNA-21 is safe and
      efficiently suppresses miR-21 expression. Cardiac function was not affected. LNA
      21 treatment led to a significant weight loss and reduces adipocyte size as well
      as derepression of the targets TGFRB2, PTEN, and Sprouty1 and 2.

PMID- 25141838
TI  - Analysis of aromatic acids by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis with ionic
      liquid electrolytes.
AB  - The separation of six kinds of aromatic acids by CZE with 1-ethyl-3
      methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen
      sulfate (EMIMHSO4 ), two kinds of ionic liquids (ILs) as background electrolytes,
      and acetonitrile as solvent were investigated. The six kinds of aromatic acids
      can be separated under positive voltage with low IL concentration with either of
      the two ILs and separation with EMIMHSO4 is better in consideration of peak
      shapes and separation efficiency. But the migration order is different when the
      IL is different. Under negative voltage with high IL concentration, the six
      analytes can be separated with EMIMCl as background electrolytes and the
      migration order of the analytes is opposite to those with low concentration of
      EMIMCl as background electrolyte. The separations are based on the combination
      effects of heteroconjugation between the anions and cations in the ILs and the
      analytes, of which the heteroconjugation between the anions in the ILs and the
      analytes plays a dominant role. The heteroconjugation between the anions of the
      ILs and analytes is proton sensitive and only a very small amount of
      proticsolvents added into the electrolyte solution can harm the separation. When
      EMIMCl concentration is high, the heteroconjugation between the IL anions and the
      proton in the analytes make the effective mobility of the analytes much higher
      than the EOF and their migration direction reversed. Finally, the six aromatic
      acids in water samples were analyzed by nonaqueous CE with low concentration of
      EMIMHSO4 as background electrolytes with satisfactory results. 

PMID- 25141839
TI  - TBHP-induced oxidative stress alters microRNAs expression in mouse testis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress is one of the main
      reasons of male infertility. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate multiple intracellular
      processes. Alterations in miRNAs expression may occur in different conditions and
      diseases. In this study, the effect of oxidative stress induced by tertiary-butyl
      hydroperoxide (TBHP) on the expression of candidate miRNAs in mouse testis was
      investigated. METHODS: After determining median lethal dose (LD50), TBHP was
      intraperitoneally (ip) injected at the dilution of 1:10 LD50 into the adult male
      mice for 2 weeks, and then testis tissues were removed in order to assay the ROS
      level. Total RNA was extracted and the expression of five miRNAs was quantified
      by reverse transcription-real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS:
      The flow cytometry analysis showed a significant increase in ROS level in testis.
      The expression of three out of five selected miRNAs, including miR-34a, miR-181b
      and miR-122a, showed some degrees of changes following exposure to oxidative
      stress. These miRNAs are involved in antioxidant responses, inflammation pathway
      and spermatogenesis arrest. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, TBHP alters the miRNA
      expression profile of testis which might play a potential role in oxidative and
      antioxidative responses and spermatogenesis.

PMID- 25141840
TI  - Efficacy of cryopreservation of embryos generated by intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection with spermatozoa from frozen testicular tissue.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the viability of frozen embryos generated by
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with frozen testicular spermatozoa.
      METHODS: A total of 68 fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles and 85 subsequent frozen
      thawed ET (FET) cycles were grouped according to the source of spermatozoa: fresh
      testicular spermatozoa (TESE) or frozen-thawed testicular spermatozoa (t-TESE).
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the age of female patients,
      number of oocytes, or fertilization rates in fresh ET cycles with TESE (TESE
      fresh ET) versus t-TESE (t-TESE-fresh ET). The rate of embryo survival after
      thawing (95.7 % vs. 94.0 %) was similar in frozen ET cycles (FET) with TESE (TESE
      FET) and with t-TESE (t-TESE-FET). While there were significant differences in
      the proportion of good quality embryos, no statistical differences were found in
      the pregnancy or clinical abortion rates between the two groups. Moreover,
      delivery rates were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Although the
      proportion of good quality embryos was affected by cryopreservation of testicular
      tissue, embryo survival rate was not. As well, subsequent pregnancy could be
      achieved successfully via t-TESE-FET cycles. Therefore, FET is not affected by
      the cryopreservation of testicular tissue, and avoids further oocyte retrieval
      and TESE procedures.

PMID- 25141841
TI  - Expression profile of developmentally important genes between hand-made cloned
      buffalo embryos produced from reprogramming of donor cell with oocytes extract
      and selection of recipient cytoplast through brilliant cresyl blue staining and
      in vitro fertilized embryos.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the expression profile of developmentally important genes
      between hand-made cloned buffalo embryos produced from reprogramming of donor
      cell with oocyte extracts and selection of recipient cytoplast through brilliant
      cresyl blue staining and in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos. METHODS: Hand-made
      cloned embryos were produced using oocyte extracts treated donor cells and
      brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) stained recipient cytoplasts. IVF embryos were
      produced by culturing 15-20 COCs in BO capacitated sperms from frozen thawed
      buffalo semen and the mRNA expression patterns of genes implicated in metabolism
      (GLUT1), pluripotency (OCT4), DNA methylation (DNMT1), pro- apoptosis (BAX) and
      anti-apoptosis (BCL2) were evaluated at 8- to16- cell stage embryos. RESULTS: A
      significantly (P < 0.05) higher number of 8- to16- cell and blastocyst stages
      (73.9 %, 32.8 %, respectively) were reported in hand-made cloning (HMC) as
      compared to in vitro fertilization (49.2 %, 24.2 %, respectively). The amount of
      RNA recovered from 8- to 16- cell embryos of HMC and in vitro fertilization did
      not appear to be influenced by the method of embryo generation (3.76 +/- 0.61 and
      3.82 +/- 0.62 ng/MUl for HMC and in vitro fertilization embryos, respectively).
      There were no differences in the expression of the mRNA transcripts of genes
      (GLUT1, OCT4, DNMT1, BAX and BCL2) were analysed by real-time PCR between hand
      made cloned and IVF embryos. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-treatment of donor cells with
      oocyte extracts and selection of developmentally competent oocytes through BCB
      staining for recipient cytoplast preparations may enhance expression of
      developmentally important genes GLUT1, OCT4, DNMT1, BAX, and BCL2 in hand-made
      cloned embryos at levels similar to IVF counterparts. These results also support
      the notion that if developmental differences observed in HMC and in vitro
      fertilization produced foetuses and neonates are the results of aberrant gene
      expression during the pre-implantation stage, those differences in expression are
      subtle or appear after the maternal to zygotic transition stage of development.

PMID- 25141842
TI  - What is the frequency of nerve injuries associated with acetabular fractures?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acetabular fractures and surgical interventions used to treat them
      can result in nerve injuries. To date, only small case studies have tried to
      explore the frequency of nerve injuries and their association with patient and
      treatment characteristics. High-quality data on the risk of traumatic and
      iatrogenic nerve lesions and their epidemiology in relation to different fracture
      types and surgical approaches are lacking. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of
      this study was to determine (1) the proportion of patients who develop nerve
      injuries after acetabular fracture; (2) which fracture type(s) are associated
      with increased nerve injury risk; and (3) which surgical approach was associated
      with the highest proportion of patients developing nerve injuries using data from
      the German Pelvic Trauma Registry. Two secondary aims were (4) to assess hospital
      volume-nerve-injury relationship; and (5) internal data validity. METHODS:
      Between March 2001 and June 2012, 2236 patients with acetabular fractures were
      entered into a prospectively maintained registry from 29 hospitals; of those,
      2073 (92.7%) had complete records on the endpoints of interest in this
      retrospective study and were analyzed. The neurological status in these patients
      was captured at their admission and at the discharge. A total of 1395 of 2073
      (67%) patients underwent surgery, and the proportions of intervention-related and
      other hospital-acquired nerve injuries were obtained. Overall proportions of
      patients developing nerve injuries, risk based on fracture type, and risk of
      surgical approach type were analyzed. RESULTS: The proportion of patients being
      diagnosed with nerve injuries at hospital admission was 4% (76 of 2073) and at
      discharge 7% (134 or 2073). Patients with fractures of the "posterior wall"
      (relative risk [RR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-2.8; p=0.001),
      "posterior column and posterior wall" (RR, 2.9; CI, 1.6-5.0; p=0.002), and
      "transverse+posterior wall" fracture (RR, 2.1; CI, 1.3-3.5; p=0.010) were more
      likely to have nerve injuries at hospital discharge. The proportion of patients
      with intervention-related nerve injuries and that of patients with other hospital
      acquired nerve injuries was 2% (24 of 1395 and 46 of 2073, respectively). They
      both were associated with the Kocher-Langenbeck approach (RR, 3.0; CI, 1.4-6.2;
      p=0.006; and RR, 2.4; CI, 1.4-4.3; p=0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Acetabular fractures with the involvement of posterior wall were most commonly
      accompanied with nerve injuries. The data suggest also that Kocher-Langenbeck
      approach to the pelvic ring is associated with a higher risk of perioperative
      nerve injuries. Trauma surgeons should be aware of common nerve injuries,
      particularly in posterior wall fractures. The results of the study should help
      provide patients with more exact information on the risk of perioperative nerve
      injuries in acetabular fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic
      study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of
      evidence.

PMID- 25141843
TI  - Metal artifact reduction sequence MRI abnormalities occur in metal-on
      polyethylene hips.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the importance of MRI abnormalities in metal-on-metal
      (MoM) bearings, it is important to understand the baseline features of this
      diagnostic tool in conventional metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) bearings.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: What are the frequency, size, and types of MRI-documented
      adverse local tissue reactions in asymptomatic patients with MoP bearings?
      METHODS: We recruited 50 patients 5 years after a MoP total hip arthroplasty from
      a pool of patients in our joint registry who had a Harris hip score of >90. To be
      included, patients had to be without pain and have adequate radiographs. Our data
      set included 50 asymptomatic patients with MoP bearings who underwent a metal
      artifact reduction sequence MRI. RESULTS: MRI abnormalities were seen in 14 of 50
      (28%) asymptomatic patients who were studied. Thirteen of the 14 abnormalities
      were cystic thin-walled lesions with a mean of 18 cm3 (range, 1-79 cm3).
      CONCLUSIONS: MRI abnormalities were noted in nearly one-third of asymptomatic
      patients with MoP bearings. Decisions concerning revision of MoM bearings should
      not be based on isolated MRI findings because MRI abnormalities are commonly seen
      regardless of bearing type. A number of factors should determine the need for
      intervention including pain, mechanical symptoms, abductor weakness, component
      type, component position, and ion levels as well as MRI findings. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete
      description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 25141844
TI  - Can wear explain the histological variation around metal-on-metal total hips?
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a general perception that adverse local tissue reactions in
      metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties are caused by wear, but the degree to which
      this is the case remains controversial. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: To what extent is the
      magnitude of wear associated with (1) the histological changes; (2) presence of
      metallosis; and (3) likelihood of pseudotumor formation in the periprosthetic
      tissues? METHODS: One hundred nineteen metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties
      and hip resurfacings were selected from a retrieval collection of over 500
      implants (collected between 2004 and 2012) based on the availability of
      periprosthetic tissues collected during revision, clinical data including
      presence or absence of pseudotumor or metallosis observed intraoperatively, and
      wear depth measured using a coordinate measurement machine. Histological features
      of tissues were scored for aseptic lymphocytic vasculitis-associated lesions
      (ALVAL). Correlation analysis was performed on the three endpoints of interest.
      RESULTS: With the sample size available, no association was found between wear
      magnitude and ALVAL score (rho=-0.092, p=0.423). Median wear depth (ball and cup)
      was greater in hips with metallosis (137 MUm; range, 8-873 MUm) than in those
      without (18 MUm; range, 8-174 MUm; p<0.0001). With the numbers available, no
      statistically significant association between wear depth and pseudotumor
      formation could be identified; median wear depth was 74 MUm in hips with
      pseudotumors and 26 MUm in those without (p=0.741). CONCLUSIONS: Wear alone did
      not explain the histopathological changes in the periprosthetic tissues. A larger
      sample size and more sensitive outcome variable assessments may have revealed a
      correlation. However, wear depth has been inconsistently associated with
      pseudotumor formation, perhaps because some patients with hypersensitivity may
      develop pseudotumors despite low wear. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Metal wear alone may
      not explain the histological reactions and pseudotumors around metal-on-metal hip
      implants.

PMID- 25141845
TI  - Experimental Disc Herniation in the Rat Causes Downregulation of Serotonin
      Receptor 2c in a TNF-dependent Manner.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During recent decades, the knowledge of the pathophysiology of disc
      herniation and sciatica has drastically improved. What previously was considered
      a strict biomechanical process is now considered a more complex interaction
      between leaked nucleus pulposus and the tissue in the spinal canal. An
      inflammatory reaction, with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) playing an essential
      role, has been demonstrated. However, the exact mechanisms of the pathophysiology
      of disc herniation remain unknown. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In this study we use an
      animal model to investigate (1) if and/or how experimental disc herniation
      affects gene expression in the early phase (24 hours postsurgery) in the dorsal
      root ganglion; and (2) if TNF inhibition can reduce any observed changes.
      METHODS: A rat model of disc herniation was used. Twenty rats were evenly divided
      into four groups: naive, sham, disc herniation, and disc herniation with TNF
      inhibition. The dorsal root ganglion of the affected nerve root was harvested 24
      hours after surgery and analyzed with a TaqMan Low Density Array((r))
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. Gene expression levels in sham were
      compared with disc herniation to assess question 1 and disc herniation to disc
      herniation with TNF inhibition to assess question 2. RESULTS: Experimental disc
      herniation caused a decrease in the expression of the serotonin receptor 2c gene
      (p = 0.022). TNF inhibition was found to reduce the observed decrease in
      expression of serotonin receptor 2c (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest
      that a decrease in the expression of the serotonin receptor 2c gene may
      contribute to the pathophysiology of disc herniation. Further research on its
      involvement is warranted. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This pilot study gives a brief
      insight into cellular changes that may contribute to the pathophysiology of disc
      herniation. This knowledge may contribute to the development of more and better
      treatment options for patients with disc herniation and sciatica.

PMID- 25141846
TI  - The big to do about "big data".

PMID- 25141847
TI  - CORR Insights(r): fractures in geriatric mice show decreased callus expansion and
      bone volume.

PMID- 25141848
TI  - Vastus lateralis vascularized nerve graft in facial nerve reconstruction: an
      anatomical cadaveric study and clinical implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study investigates the vascular anatomy of the vastus
      lateralis motor nerve (VLMN) to be used as a vascularized nerve graft in facial
      nerve reconstruction. We evaluated the maximum length of the nerve that can be
      included in the flap and its vascular pedicle. In addition, we discuss its
      adequacy for use in early reconstruction of the facial nerve both as ipsilateral
      facial nerve reconstruction and as cross-facial nerve graft. METHODS: Five fresh
      cadavers were used in this study. In all specimens, the VLMN and its vascular
      pedicle were dissected, photodocumented and measured using calipers. In addition,
      two vascularized VLMN were injected with a radiopaque contrast and underwent CT
      angiography and three dimensional reconstructions were scanned to illustrate the
      vascular supply of the nerve using OsiriX Software. RESULTS: The VLMN was divided
      into two divisions, an oblique proximal and a descending distal, in 70% of the
      dissections with a mean maximal length of 8.4 +/- 4.5 cm for the oblique division
      and 15.03 +/- 3.87 cm for the descending division. The length of the oblique
      division, when present, was shorter than the length of the descending branch in
      all specimens. The mean length of the pedicle was 2.93 +/- 1.69 cm, and 3.27 +/-
      1.49 cm until crossing the oblique and the descending division of the nerve
      respectively. The mean caliber of the nerve was 2.4 +/- 0.62 mm. Three
      dimensional computed tomography angiography demonstrated perfusion throughout the
      entire VLMN by branches from the descending branch of the lateral femoral
      circumflex artery which ran parallel to the descending division of the VLMN.
      Additionally, we observed that technically it was possible to preserve the
      oblique branch of the VLMN. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that VLMN presents
      adequate anatomic features to be used as a vascularized nerve graft for facial
      nerve reconstruction in terms of length, pedicle, and caliber.

PMID- 25141849
TI  - Glycoproteins identified from heart failure and treatment models.
AB  - Conduction abnormalities can lead to dyssynchronous contraction, which
      significantly worsens morbidity and mortality of heart failure. Cardiac
      resynchronization therapy (CRT) can reverse ventricular remodeling and improve
      cardiac function. Although the underlying molecular changes are unknown, the use
      of a canine model of dyssynchronous heart failure (DHF) and CRT has shown that
      there are global changes across the cardiac proteome. This study determines
      changes in serum glycoprotein concentration from DHF and CRT compared to normal.
      We hypothesize that CRT invokes protective or advantageous pathways that can be
      reflected in the circulating proteome. Two prong discovery approaches were
      carried out on pooled normal, DHF, and CRT samples composed of individual canine
      serum to determine the overall protein concentration and the N-linked glycosites
      of circulating glycoproteins. The level of the glycoproteins was altered in DHF
      and CRT compared to control sera, with 63 glycopeptides substantially increased
      in DHF and/or CRT. Among the 32 elevated glycosite-containing peptides in DHF, 13
      glycopeptides were reverted to normal level after CRT therapy. We further verify
      the changes of glycopeptides using label-free LC-MS from individual canine serum.
      Circulating glycoproteins such as alpha-fetoprotein, alpha-2-macroglobulin,
      galectin-3-binding protein, and collectin-10 show association to failing heart
      and CRT treatment model. 

PMID- 25141851
TI  - Is it ethical to hire sherpas when climbing Mount Everest?

PMID- 25141850
TI  - ICT-based system to predict and prevent falls (iStoppFalls): study protocol for
      an international multicenter randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Falls are very common, especially in adults aged 65 years and older.
      Within the current international European Commission's Seventh Framework Program
      (FP7) project 'iStoppFalls' an Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
      based system has been developed to regularly assess a person's risk of falling in
      their own home and to deliver an individual and tailored home-based exercise and
      education program for fall prevention. The primary aims of iStoppFalls are to
      assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention program, and its
      effectiveness to improve balance, muscle strength and quality of life in older
      people. METHODS/DESIGN: This international, multicenter study is designed as a
      single-blinded, two-group randomized controlled trial. A total of 160 community
      dwelling older people aged 65 years and older will be recruited in Germany (n =
      60), Spain (n = 40), and Australia (n = 60) between November 2013 and May 2014.
      Participants in the intervention group will conduct a 16-week exercise program
      using the iStoppFalls system through their television set at home. Participants
      are encouraged to exercise for a total duration of 180 minutes per week. The
      training program consists of a variety of balance and strength exercises in the
      form of video games using exergame technology. Educational material about a
      healthy lifestyle will be provided to each participant. Final reassessments will
      be conducted after 16 weeks. The assessments include physical and cognitive tests
      as well as questionnaires assessing health, fear of falling, quality of life and
      psychosocial determinants. Falls will be followed up for six months by monthly
      falls calendars. DISCUSSION: We hypothesize that the regular use of this newly
      developed ICT-based system for fall prevention at home is feasible for older
      people. By using the iStoppFalls sensor-based exercise program, older people are
      expected to improve in balance and strength outcomes. In addition, the exercise
      training may have a positive impact on quality of life by reducing the risk of
      falls. Taken together with expected cognitive improvements, the individual
      approach of the iStoppFalls program may provide an effective model for fall
      prevention in older people who prefer to exercise at home. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Trial ID:
      ACTRN12614000096651.International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number:
      ISRCTN15932647.

PMID- 25141852
TI  - Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in a Colombian Caribbean region suggests that
      secondary vectors play an important epidemiological role.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colombia, as part of The Andean Countries Initiative has given
      priority to triatomine control programs to eliminate primary (domiciliated)
      vector species such as Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma dimidiata. However, recent
      events of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in localities where R. prolixus and T.
      dimidiata are not present suggest that other species are involved in the T. cruzi
      transmission cycle. METHODS: We studied T. cruzi transmission on Margarita
      Island, located on the Magdalena River in the Colombian Caribbean region, where a
      high number of non-domiciliated triatomines infected with T. cruzi inside human
      dwellings have been observed. A cross-sectional survey including serological
      studies in humans and parasitological and molecular methods in vectors and
      reservoirs was conducted. We investigated risk factors for human infection and
      house infestation, and evaluated the association between abundance of wild
      triatomines in palm trees (Attalea butyracea) across municipalities, seasons and
      anthropogenic land use. RESULTS: The T. cruzi seroprevalence rate in humans was
      1.7% (13/743) and autochthonous active T. cruzi transmission was detected. The
      infection risk was associated with the capture of triatomines in human dwellings.
      Five wild mammal species were infected with T. cruzi, where Didelphis marsupialis
      was the main reservoir host with an 86.3% (19/22) infection rate. TcIb was the
      only genotype present among vectors. Triatomine abundance was significantly
      higher in Ecosystem 2, as well as in the dry season. Despite the absence of
      triatomine domiciliation in this area, T. cruzi active transmission was
      registered with a human seroprevalence rate similar to that reported in areas
      with domesticated R. prolixus. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates the importance
      of secondary and household invading triatomines in Chagas disease epidemiology in
      the Caribbean lowlands of Colombia.

PMID- 25141853
TI  - Association between estimated glomerular filtration rate and clinical outcomes in
      patients with acute ischaemic stroke: results from China National Stroke
      Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: the impact of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on stroke
      clinical outcomes remains controversial. We examined the association between eGFR
      and all-cause mortality, recurrent stroke, and stroke disability in patients with
      acute ischaemic stroke. METHODS: we analysed 8865 patients with acute ischaemic
      stroke in the China National Stroke Registry (CNSR) between September 2007 and
      August 2008. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the
      association between eGFR and 1-year all-cause mortality, recurrent stroke, and
      stroke disability. Low eGFR was defined as <45 ml/min/1.73 m(2). RESULTS: of 8865
      acute ischaemic stroke patients included in the analysis, eGFR of <45 ml/min/1.73
      m(2) occurred in 394 (4.4%), eGFR of 45-59 ml/min/1.73 m(2) in 675 (7.6%), eGFR
      of 60-89 ml/min/1.73 m(2) in 3533 (39.9%), and eGFR of >=90 ml/min/1.73 m(2) in
      4263 (48.1%) at baseline. Patients with reduced renal function were more likely
      to die, experience recurrent stroke or have stroke disability than patients with
      preserved renal function. After adjusting for both demographic and clinical risk
      factors, an eGFR of <45 ml/min/1.73 m(2) was independently associated with 1-year
      all-cause mortality (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.95-3.59) and recurrent stroke (OR: 1.97;
      95% CI: 1.51-2.56) but not for stroke disability defined as modified Rankin Score
      of 2-6 (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.95-1.67). These results were consistent in stratified
      analyses by age, diabetes or hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: a low eGFR was associated
      with increased risks of all-cause mortality and recurrent stroke independent of
      the traditional vascular risk factors in Chinese stroke patients.

PMID- 25141854
TI  - Partner notification among men who have sex with men and heterosexuals with
      STI/HIV: different outcomes and challenges.
AB  - Partner notification effectiveness among index clients diagnosed with HIV,
      syphilis and/or gonorrhoea at sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics was
      evaluated between 2010 and 2012. We explored percentages of identifiable,
      notified and tested partners by sexual preference and gender. Partner
      notification trends were studied using the national STI database. Men who have
      sex with men (n = 304), heterosexual men (n = 33) and women (n = 35) reported,
      respectively, 6.7, 3.8 and 2.3 partners per index. Percentages of identifiable
      partners differed between groups (men who have sex with men: 46%, heterosexual
      men: 63%, women: 87%, p < 0.001). The percentage of notified partners (of those
      identifiable) was lowest for heterosexual men (76%; men who have sex with men:
      92%; women: 83%; p < 0.001). STI positivity rates among notified partners were
      high: 33%-50% depending on sexual preference. Among men who have sex with men,
      having HIV was associated with not notifying all identifiable partners.
      Percentages of notified clients at STI clinics increased between 2010 and 2012:
      from 13% to 19% among men who have sex with men, from 13% to 18% among
      heterosexual men and from 8% to 11% among women (p < 0.001 for all groups). The
      percentage of STI/HIV detected through partner notification increased among men
      who have sex with men (from 22% to 30%) and women (from 25% to 29%; p < 0.001).
      Unidentifiable partners among men who have sex with men, lower partner
      notification effectiveness for HIV and the relative large proportion of
      heterosexual men not notifying their partners appear to be important partner
      notification challenges. 

PMID- 25141855
TI  - Is tretinoin still a key agent for photoaging management?
AB  - BACKGROUND & SCOPE OF THE REVIEW: This review focuses on the UV radiation effects
      on skin, emphasizing the photoaging process, and the photoprotection conferred by
      tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid or ATRA). Tretinoin is still the best tested
      retinoid to reverse photoaged skin. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Tretinoin can be used for
      photoaging treatment or combined treatment by different mechanisms. It binds to
      and activates retinoic acid receptors, inducing changes in gene expression that
      leads to cell differentiation, decreased cell proliferation, and inhibition of
      tumourigenesis. It has been demonstrated that photoaging resulting from UV-B
      radiation can be treated by retinoid formulations. Pretreatment of human skin
      with tretinoin blocks dermal matrix degradation followed by sun exposure,
      inhibiting the induction of the activated protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor
      and AP-1 regulated matrix-degrading metalloproteinases. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE AND
      INTEREST: Tretinoin should be considered as a key factor as it is the most potent
      and best-studied retinoid. In addition, the development of advanced drug delivery
      systems, especially novel nanoformulations, has contributed to overpass some
      technical drawbacks besides the skin irritation potential. The triple combination
      of tretinoin, hydroquinone and corticosteroids is still considered the gold
      standard for melasma. Although there are other novel therapeutic approaches, more
      high-quality clinical trials are still needed.

PMID- 25141856
TI  - Ethanol sclerotherapy of rectal venous abnormalities in Klippel-Trenaunay
      syndrome.
AB  - Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by
      the triad of capillary malformations, atypical venous malformations and
      varicosities and bony and/or soft tissue hypertrophy. We present the case of an
      18-year-old man with KTS affected by haematochezia secondary to rectal venous
      malformations that was managed with endoscopic sclerotherapy. In this case, we
      compared the use of ethanol to phenol as a sclerosant. 

PMID- 25141857
TI  - Potential importance of transition metals in the induction of DNA damage by sperm
      preparation media.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: What are the mechanisms by which the preparation of spermatozoa
      on discontinuous density gradients leads to an increase in oxidative DNA damage?
      SUMMARY ANSWER: The colloidal silicon solutions that are commonly used to prepare
      human spermatozoa for assisted reproduction technology (ART) purposes contain
      metals in concentrations that promote free radical-mediated DNA damage. WHAT IS
      KNOWN ALREADY: Sporadic reports have already appeared indicating that the use of
      colloidal silicon-based discontinuous density gradients for sperm preparation is
      occasionally associated with the induction of oxidative DNA damage. The cause of
      this damage is however unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study
      comprised a series of experiments designed to: (i) confirm the induction of
      oxidative DNA damage in spermatozoa prepared on commercially available colloidal
      silicon gradients, (ii) compare the levels of damage observed with alterative
      sperm preparation techniques including an electrophoretic approach and (iii)
      determine the cause of the oxidative DNA damage and develop strategies for its
      prevention. The semen samples employed for this analysis involved a cohort of >50
      unselected donors and at least three independent samples were used for each
      component of the analysis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The setting
      was a University biomedical science laboratory. The major techniques employed
      were: (i) flow cytometry to study reactive oxygen species generation, lipid
      peroxidation and DNA damage, (ii) computer-aided sperm analysis to measure sperm
      movement and (iii) inductively coupled mass spectrometry to determine the
      elemental composition of sperm preparation media. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF
      CHANCE: Oxidative DNA damage is induced in spermatozoa prepared on PureSperm((r))
      discontinuous colloidal silicon gradients (P < 0.001 versus repeated
      centrifugation) because this medium contains metals, particularly Fe, Al and Cu,
      which are known to promote free radical generation in the immediate vicinity of
      DNA. This damage can be significantly accentuated by reducing agents, such as
      ascorbate (P < 0.001) and inhibited by selective chelation (P < 0.001). This
      problem is not confined to PureSperm((r)); analysis of additional commercial
      sperm preparation media revealed that metal contamination is a relatively
      constant feature of such products. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: While the
      presence of metals, particularly transition metals, may exacerbate the levels of
      oxidative DNA damage seen in human spermatozoa, the significance of such damage
      has not yet been tested in suitably powered clinical trials. WIDER IMPLICATIONS
      OF THE FINDINGS: The results explain why the preparation of spermatozoa on
      discontinuous colloidal silicon gradients can result in oxidative DNA damage. The
      results are of immediate relevance to the development of safe, effective
      protocols for the preparation of spermatozoa for ART purposes. STUDY
      FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The study was funded by the Australian Health and
      Medical Research Council. One of the authors (R.J.A.) has had a consultantship
      with a biotechnology company, NuSep, interested in the development of
      electrophoretic methods of sperm preparation. He has no current financial
      interest in this area. None of the other authors have a conflict of interest to
      declare.

PMID- 25141858
TI  - Establishment of a reborn MMV-microarray technology: realization of microbiome
      analysis and other hitherto inaccessible technologies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the accelerating development of bioscience, the problem of
      research cost has become important. We previously devised and developed a novel
      concept microarray with manageable volumes (MMV) using a soft gel. It
      demonstrated the great potential of the MMV technology with the examples of 1024
      parallel-cell culture and PCR experiments. However, its full potential failed to
      be expressed, owing to the nature of the material used for the MMV chip. RESULTS:
      In the present study, by developing plastic-based MMVs and associated
      technologies, we introduced novel technologies such as C2D2P (in which the cells
      in each well are converted from DNA to protein in 1024-parallel), NGS-non
      dependent microbiome analysis, and other powerful applications. CONCLUSIONS: The
      reborn MMV-microarray technology has proven to be highly efficient and cost
      effective (with approximately 100-fold cost reduction) and enables us to realize
      hitherto unattainable technologies.

PMID- 25141859
TI  - The effects of sonic hedgehog signaling pathway components on non-small-cell lung
      cancer progression and clinical outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Researchers in recent studies have reported that the sonic hedgehog
      (Shh) signaling pathway plays a crucial role during tumorigenesis, angiogenesis
      and cellular differentiation. We investigated the clinical and pathological
      significances of the Shh pathway and of its lymphangiogenic components in non
      small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), namely, Shh, glioma-associated oncogene homolog
      zinc finger protein 1 (Gli1), lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1
      (LYVE-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D). METHODS: The
      expression of Shh, Gli1, LYVE-1 and VEGF-D in primary NSCLC tissue from 40
      patients was examined using immunohistochemical assays, and relationships between
      expression and clinicopathological data, such as age, gender, histology, tumor
      size, nodal stage, visceral pleural invasion, lymphatic thromboembolism,
      recurrence and overall survival were investigated. RESULTS: Of the 40 specimens
      examined, 25 (62.5%), 20 (50.0%), 11 (27.5%) and 20 (50.0%) were positive for
      Shh, Gli1, LYVE-1 or VEGF-D expression, respectively. The expression of Gli1 and
      LYVE-1 were significantly associated (P = 0.011), and Shh and LYVE-1 expression
      was related to visceral pleural invasion and lymphatic thromboembolism,
      respectively (P < 0.05). Shh expression levels compared on survival curves were
      statistically significant in univariate logrank analysis (P = 0.020). However,
      other clinicopathological factors did not reveal any statistical significance in
      univariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this the
      first report of the relationship between components of the Shh signaling pathway
      and prognosis in NSCLC. The expression of Shh, Gli1 and LYVE-1 was found to be
      associated with clinicopathological factors and survival. Thus, the
      overexpression of the Shh signaling pathway could serve as a predictor of
      malignant behavior, including lymphangiogenesis, in NSCLC.

PMID- 25141860
TI  - Diffuse ventricular fibrosis measured by T1 mapping on cardiac MRI predicts
      success of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a complex interplay between the atria and ventricles in
      atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging provides
      detailed tissue characterization, identifying focal ventricular fibrosis with
      late gadolinium enhancement (ventricular late gadolinium enhancement) and diffuse
      fibrosis with postcontrast-enhanced T1 mapping. The aim of the present study was
      to investigate the relationship between postcontrast ventricular T1 relaxation
      time on CMR and freedom from AF after pulmonary vein isolation. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: One hundred three patients undergoing catheter ablation for symptomatic
      AF (66% paroxysmal AF; age, 58+/-10 years; left atrial area, 27+/-7 cm(2))
      underwent preprocedure CMR to determine postcontrast ventricular T1 time. Follow
      up included clinical review and 7-day Holter monitors at 6 monthly intervals. All
      patients underwent successful pulmonary vein isolation. At a mean follow-up of
      15+/-7 months, the single procedure success was 74%. Postcontrast ventricular T1
      time was significantly shorter in patients with recurrent AF (366+/-73 ms) versus
      patients without AF recurrence (428+/-90 ms; P=0.002). Univariate predictors of
      AF recurrence included postcontrast ventricular T1 time, AF type (paroxysmal
      versus persistent), AF duration, and body mass index. After multivariate
      analysis, ventricular T1 time (P=0.03) and AF duration (P=0.03) were the only
      independent predictors. Freedom from AF was present in 84% of patients with a
      postcontrast ventricular T1 time >380 ms versus 56% in patients with a
      postcontrast ventricular T1 time <380 ms (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: A shorter
      postcontrast ventricular T1 relaxation time on CMR is associated with reduced
      freedom from AF after catheter ablation. Diffuse ventricular fibrosis as
      demonstrated by CMR may, in part, explain recurrent AF after AF ablation.

PMID- 25141861
TI  - Visualization of epicardial cryoablation lesions using endogenous tissue
      fluorescence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous cryoballoon ablation is a commonly used procedure to
      treat atrial fibrillation. One of the major limitations of the procedure is the
      inability to directly visualize tissue damage and functional gaps between the
      lesions. We seek to develop an approach that will enable real-time visualization
      of tissue necrosis during cryo- or radiofrequency ablation procedures. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Cryoablation of either blood-perfused or saline-perfused hearts was
      associated with a marked decrease in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)
      fluorescence, leading to a 60% to 70% loss of signal intensity at the lesion
      site. The total lesion area observed on the NADH channel exhibited a strong
      correlation with the area identified by triphenyl tetrazolium staining (r=0.89,
      P<0.001). At physiological temperatures, loss of NADH became visually apparent
      within 26+/-8 s after detachment of the cryoprobe from the epicardial surface and
      plateaued within minutes after which the boundaries of the lesions remained
      stable for several hours. The loss of electrical activity within the cryoablation
      site exhibited a close spatial correlation with the loss of NADH (r=0.84+/-0.06,
      P<0.001). Cryoablation led to a decrease in diffuse reflectance across the entire
      visible spectrum, which was in stark contrast to radiofrequency ablation that
      markedly increased the intensity of reflected light at the lesion sites.
      CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the feasibility of using endogenous NADH fluorescence
      for the real-time visualization of cryoablation lesions in blood-perfused cardiac
      muscle preparations and revealed similarities and differences between imaging
      cryo- and radiofrequency ablation lesions when using ultraviolet and visible
      light illumination.

PMID- 25141862
TI  - Flexibility in crosstalk between H2B ubiquitination and H3 methylation in vivo.
AB  - Histone H2B ubiquitination is a dynamic modification that promotes methylation of
      histone H3K79 and H3K4. This crosstalk is important for the DNA damage response
      and has been implicated in cancer. Here, we show that in engineered yeast
      strains, ubiquitins tethered to every nucleosome promote H3K79 and H3K4
      methylation from a proximal as well as a more distal site, but only if in a
      correct orientation. This plasticity indicates that the exact location of the
      attachment site, the native ubiquitin-lysine linkage and ubiquitination cycles
      are not critical for trans-histone crosstalk in vivo. The flexibility in
      crosstalk also indicates that other ubiquitination events may promote H3
      methylation. 

PMID- 25141863
TI  - Cooperative actions of p21WAF1 and p53 induce Slug protein degradation and
      suppress cell invasion.
AB  - How the p53 transcription factor/tumor suppressor inhibits cell invasion is
      poorly understood. We demonstrate that this function of p53 requires its direct
      interaction with p21(WAF1), a transcriptional target of p53, and that both p21
      and p53 bind to Slug, which promotes cell invasion. Functional studies reveal
      that p21 and p53 cooperate to facilitate Mdm2-dependent Slug degradation and that
      this p53 function is mimicked by p53(R273H), a mutant lacking trans-activating
      activity. These actions of p21 and p53 are induced by gamma-irradiation of cells
      and also operate in vivo. This is the first study to elucidate a mechanism
      involving p53 and p21 cooperation. 

PMID- 25141864
TI  - Chitosan microparticles loaded with yeast-derived PCV2 virus-like particles
      elicit antigen-specific cellular immune response in mice after oral
      administration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)-associated diseases are a major
      problem for the swine industry worldwide. In addition to improved management and
      husbandry practices, the availability of several anti-PCV2 vaccines provides an
      efficient immunological option for reducing the impact of these diseases. Most
      anti-PCV2 vaccines are marketed as injectable formulations. Although these are
      effective, there are problems associated with the use of injectable products,
      including laborious and time-consuming procedures, the induction of inflammatory
      responses at the injection site, and treatment-associated stress to the animals.
      Oral vaccines represent an improvement in antigen delivery technology; they
      overcome the problems associated with injection management and facilitate antigen
      boosting when an animals' immunity falls outside the protective window. METHODS:
      Chitosan microparticles were used as both a vehicle and mucosal adjuvant to
      deliver yeast-derived PCV2 virus-like particles (VLPs) in an attempt to develop
      an oral vaccine. The physical characteristics of the microparticles, including
      size, Zeta potential, and polydispersity, were examined along with the potential
      to induce PCV2-specific cellular immune responses in mice after oral delivery.
      RESULTS: Feeding mice with PCV2 VLP-loaded, positively-charged chitosan
      microparticles with an average size of 2.5 MUm induced the proliferation of PCV2
      specific splenic CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes and the subsequent production of IFN-gamma
      to levels comparable with those induced by an injectable commercial formulation.
      CONCLUSION: Chitosan microparticles appear to be a safe, simple system on which
      to base PCV2 oral vaccines. Oral chitosan-mediated antigen delivery is a novel
      strategy that efficiently induces anti-PCV2 cellular responses in a mouse model.
      Further studies in swine are warranted.

PMID- 25141865
TI  - Brightfield proximity ligation assay reveals both canonical and mixed
      transforming growth factor-beta/bone morphogenetic protein Smad signaling
      complexes in tissue sections.
AB  - Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is an important regulator of cellular
      homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. Canonical TGF-beta signaling occurs through
      Smad2/3-Smad4 complexes; however, recent in vitro studies suggest that elevated
      levels of TGF-beta may activate a novel mixed Smad complex (Smad2/3-Smad1/5/9),
      which is required for some of the pro-oncogenic activities of TGF-beta. To
      determine if mixed Smad complexes are evident in vivo, we developed antibodies
      that can be used with a proximity ligation assay to detect either canonical or
      mixed Smad complexes in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections. We demonstrate
      high expression of mixed Smad complexes in the tissues from mice genetically
      engineered to express high levels of TGF-beta1. Mixed Smad complexes were also
      prominent in 15-16 day gestation mouse embryos and in breast cancer xenografts,
      suggesting important roles in embryonic development and tumorigenesis. In
      contrast, mixed Smad complexes were expressed at extremely low levels in normal
      adult mouse tissue, where canonical complexes were correspondingly higher. We
      show that this methodology can be used in archival patient samples and tissue
      microarrays, and we have developed an algorithm to quantitate the brightfield
      read-out. These methods will allow quantitative analysis of cell type-specific
      Smad signaling pathways in physiological and pathological processes. 

PMID- 25141866
TI  - New aspects of progesterone interactions with the actin cytoskeleton and
      neurosteroidogenesis in the cerebellum and the neuronal growth cone.
AB  - The impact of progesterone on neuronal tissues in the central (CNS) and
      peripheral (PNS) nervous system is of significant scientific and therapeutic
      interest. Glial and neuronal cells of vertebrates express steroidogenic enzymes,
      and are able to synthesize progesterone de novo from cholesterol. Progesterone is
      described to have neuroprotective, neuroreparative, anti-degenerative, and anti
      apoptotic effects in the CNS and the PNS. Thus, the first clinical studies
      promise new therapeutic options using progesterone in the treatment of patients
      with traumatic brain injury. Additionally, experimental data from different
      animal models suggest further positive effects of progesterone on neurological
      diseases such as cerebral ischemia, peripheral nerve injury and amyothropic
      lateral sclerosis. In regard to this future clinical use of progesterone, we
      discuss in this review the underlying physiological principles of progesterone
      effects in neuronal tissues. Mechanisms leading to morphological reorganizations
      of neurons in the CNS and PNS affected by progesterone are addressed, with
      special focus on the actin cytoskeleton. Furthermore, new aspects of a
      progesterone-dependent regulation of neurosteroidogenesis mediated by the
      recently described progesterone binding protein PGRMC1 in the nervous system are
      discussed. 

PMID- 25141869
TI  - The impact of gestational diabetes and maternal obesity on the mother and her
      offspring.
AB  - The in utero maternal metabolic environment is important relative to both short
      and long term development of the offspring. Although poor fetal growth remains a
      significant factor relative to long-term outcome, fetal overgrowth is assuming
      greater importance because of the increase in obesity in the world's populations.
      Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes are the most common metabolic
      complications of pregnancy related to fetal overgrowth and more specifically
      adiposity. Women with gestational diabetes have increased insulin resistance and
      inadequate insulin response compared with weight-matched controls. Gestational
      diabetes increases the risk of maternal hypertensive disease (preeclampsia) as
      well as cesarean delivery. At birth the neonate has increased adiposity and is at
      risk for birth injury. Multiple studies have reported that children of women with
      gestational diabetes have a greater prevalence childhood obesity and glucose
      intolerance; even at glucose concentrations less than currently used to define
      gestational diabetes, compared with normoglycemic women. Obese women also have
      increased insulin resistance, insulin response and inflammatory cytokines
      compared with average weight women both before and during pregnancy. They too are
      at increased risk for the metabolic syndrome-like disorders during pregnancy that
      is hypertension, hyperlipidemia, glucose intolerance and coagulation disorders.
      Analogous to women with gestational diabetes, neonates of obese women are heavier
      at delivery because of increased fat and not lean body mass. Similarly, these
      children have an increased risk of childhood adiposity and metabolic
      dysregulation. Hence, the preconceptional and perinatal period offers a unique
      opportunity to modify both short and long term risks for both the woman and her
      offspring. 

PMID- 25141867
TI  - Viral expression and molecular profiling in liver tissue versus microdissected
      hepatocytes in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The molecular mechanisms whereby hepatitis B virus (HBV) induces
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive. We used genomic and molecular
      techniques to investigate host-virus interactions by studying multiple areas of
      the same liver from patients with HCC. METHODS: We compared the gene signature of
      whole liver tissue (WLT) versus laser capture-microdissected (LCM) hepatocytes
      along with the intrahepatic expression of HBV. Gene expression profiling was
      performed on up to 17 WLT specimens obtained at various distances from the tumor
      center from individual livers of 11 patients with HCC and on selected LCM
      samples. HBV markers in liver and serum were determined by real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) and confocal immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Analysis of 5
      areas of the liver showed a sharp change in gene expression between the immediate
      perilesional area and tumor periphery that correlated with a significant decrease
      in the intrahepatic expression of HB surface antigen (HBsAg). The tumor was
      characterized by a large preponderance of down-regulated genes, mostly involved
      in the metabolism of lipids and fatty acids, glucose, amino acids and drugs, with
      down-regulation of pathways involved in the activation of PXR/RXR and
      PPARalpha/RXRalpha nuclear receptors, comprising PGC-1alpha and FOXO1, two key
      regulators critically involved not only in the metabolic functions of the liver
      but also in the life cycle of HBV, acting as essential transcription factors for
      viral gene expression. These findings were confirmed by gene expression of
      microdissected hepatocytes. Moreover, LCM of malignant hepatocytes also revealed
      up-regulation of unique genes associated with cancer and signaling pathways,
      including two novel HCC-associated cancer testis antigen genes, NUF2 and TTK.
      CONCLUSIONS: Integrated gene expression profiling of whole liver tissue with that
      of microdissected hepatocytes demonstrated that HBV-associated HCC is
      characterized by a metabolism switch-off and by a significant reduction in HBsAg.
      LCM proved to be a critical tool to validate gene signatures associated with HCC
      and to identify genes that may play a role in hepatocarcinogenesis, opening new
      perspectives for the discovery of novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic
      targets.

PMID- 25141868
TI  - Bacterial and archaeal communities in Lake Nyos (Cameroon, Central Africa).
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the microbial diversity associated with Lake
      Nyos, a lake with an unusual chemistry in Cameroon. Water samples were collected
      during the dry season on March 2013. Bacterial and archaeal communities were
      profiled using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis
      (PCR-DGGE) approach of the 16S rRNA gene. The results indicate a stratification
      of both communities along the water column. Altogether, the physico-chemical data
      and microbial sequences suggest a close correspondence of the potential microbial
      functions to the physico-chemical pattern of the lake. We also obtained evidence
      of a rich microbial diversity likely to include several novel microorganisms of
      environmental importance in the large unexplored microbial reservoir of Lake
      Nyos. 

PMID- 25141870
TI  - The early development of the kidney and implications for future health.

PMID- 25141871
TI  - Cross-fostering and improved lactation ameliorates deficits in endocrine
      pancreatic morphology in growth-restricted adult male rat offspring.
AB  - Uteroplacental insufficiency and poor postnatal nutrition impair adult glucose
      tolerance and insulin secretion in male rat offspring, which can be partially
      ameliorated by improving postnatal nutrition. Uteroplacental insufficiency was
      induced in the WKY rat on day 18 of pregnancy (Restricted) compared to sham
      operated Controls. Pups were then cross-fostered onto Control or Restricted
      mothers one day after birth resulting in: (Pup-on-Mother) Control-on-Control,
      Control-on-Restricted, Restricted-on-Control and Restricted-on-Restricted.
      Endocrine pancreatic morphology and markers of intrinsic beta-cell function and
      glucose homeostasis were assessed in male offspring at 6 months. Pancreatic and
      hepatic gene expression was quantified at postnatal day 7 and 6 months.
      Restricted pups were born 10-15% lighter than Controls and remained lighter at 6
      months. Relative islet and beta-cell mass were 51-65% lower in Restricted-on
      Restricted compared to Controls at 6 months. Non-fasting plasma C-reactive
      protein levels were also increased, suggestive of an inflammatory response.
      Overall, the average number of islets, small islets and proportion of beta-cells
      per islet correlated positively with birth weight. Intrinsic beta-cell function,
      estimated by insulin secretion relative to beta-cell mass, was unaffected by
      Restriction, suggesting that the in vivo functional deficit was attributable to
      reduced mass, not function. Importantly, these deficits were ameliorated when
      lactational nutrition was normalized in Restricted-on-Control offspring, who also
      showed increased pancreatic Igf1r, Pdx1 and Vegf mRNA expression at 7 days
      compared to Control-on-Control and Restricted-on-Restricted. This highlights
      lactation as a critical period for intervention following prenatal restraint,
      whereby deficits in endocrine pancreatic mass and associated impaired in vivo
      insulin secretion can be ameliorated. 

PMID- 25141872
TI  - Maternal high fat diet during critical windows of development alters adrenal
      cortical and medullary enzyme expression in adult male rat offspring.
AB  - We previously reported that a maternal high fat (HF) diet resulted in adult
      offspring with increased adiposity and hyperleptinemia. As leptin has an
      inhibitory effect on adrenal steroidogenesis and a stimulatory effect on
      epinephrine synthesis, we hypothesized that key adrenal steroidogenic and
      catecholaminergic enzymes would be altered in these offspring. Wistar rats were
      randomized into three groups at weaning: (1) control dams fed a standard control
      chow diet from weaning and throughout pregnancy and lactation (CON), (2) dams fed
      a HF diet from weaning and throughout pregnancy and lactation (MHF) and (3) dams
      fed standard control chow diet throughout life until conception, then fed a HF
      diet in pregnancy and lactation (PLHF). Dams were mated at day 100 (P100). After
      birth at P22 (weaning), male offspring were fed a standard control chow (con) or
      high fat (hf) diet. At P160, plasma samples and adrenal tissues were collected.
      Postweaning hf diet significantly elevated plasma corticosterone concentrations
      in PLHF-hf offspring compared to PLHF-con. MHF nutrition increased adrenal
      adrenocorticotrophic hormone receptor (ACTH-R) mRNA levels compared to CON-con.
      3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD) mRNA levels were decreased in MHF
      compared to PLHF offspring. Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) mRNA
      levels were increased in MHF-hf offspring compared to MHF-con. Plasma
      homocysteine (HCY) concentrations were significantly elevated in CON-hf and MHF
      hf offspring compared to chow-fed offspring, associated with elevated intakes of
      methionine and reduced intakes of pyridoxine. Immunoreactive leptin receptor
      (ObRb) and PNMT were colocalized in medullary chromaffin cells. This study
      suggests that a postweaning HF diet in offspring induced changes in adrenal gene
      expression levels that are dependent upon the level of maternal nutrition. 

PMID- 25141873
TI  - Risk factors for sedentary behavior in young adults: similarities in the
      inequalities.
AB  - Physical activity is a known protective factor, with benefits for both metabolic
      and psychological aspects of health. Our objective was to verify early and late
      determinants of physical activity in young adults. A total of 2063 individuals
      from a birth cohort in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, were studied at the age of 23-25
      years. Poisson regression was performed using three models: (1) early model
      considering birth weight, gestational age, maternal income, schooling and
      smoking; (2) late model considering individual's gender, schooling, smoking and
      body mass index; and (3) combined (early + late) model. Physical activity was
      evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, stratifying
      the individuals into active or sedentary. The general rate of sedentary behavior
      in the sample was 49.6%. In the early model, low birth weight (relative risk (RR)
      = 1.186, confidence interval (95%CI) 1.005-1.399) was a risk factor for sedentary
      activity. Female gender (RR = 1.379, 95%CI = 1.259-1.511) and poor schooling (RR
      = 1.126, 95%CI = 1.007-1.259) were associated with sedentary behavior in the late
      model. In the combined model, only female gender and participant's schooling
      remained significant. An interaction between birth weight and individual's
      schooling was found, in which sedentary behavior was more prevalent in
      individuals born with low birth weight only if they had higher educational
      levels. Variables of early development and social insertion in later life
      interact to determine an individual's disposition to practice physical
      activities. This study may support the theoretical model 'Similarities in the
      inequalities', in which opposed perinatal backgrounds have the same impact over a
      health outcome in adulthood when facing unequal social achievement during the
      life-course. 

PMID- 25141874
TI  - Maternal supplementation with vitamin A or beta-carotene and cardiovascular risk
      factors among pre-adolescent children in rural Nepal.
AB  - Vitamin A plays an important role in fetal renal and cardiovascular development,
      yet there has been little research on its effects on cardiovascular risk factors
      later in childhood. To examine this question, we followed the children of women
      who had been participants in a cluster-randomized, double blind, placebo
      controlled trial of weekly supplementation with 7000 MUg retinol equivalents of
      preformed vitamin A or 42 mg of beta-carotene from 1994 to 1997 in rural Nepal.
      Women received their assigned supplements before, during and after pregnancy.
      Over a study period of 3 years, 17,531 infants were born to women enrolled in the
      trial. In 2006-2008, we revisited and assessed 13,118 children aged 9-13 years to
      examine the impact of maternal supplementation on early biomarkers of chronic
      disease. Blood pressure was measured in the entire sample of children. In a
      subsample of 1390 children, venous blood was collected for plasma glucose, Hb1Ac
      and lipids and a morning urine specimen was collected to measure the ratio of
      microalbumin/creatinine. Detailed anthropometry was also conducted in the
      subsample. The mean +/- s.d. systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 97.2 +/-
      8.2 and 64.6 +/- 8.5 mm Hg, respectively, and about 5.0% had high-blood pressure
      (?120/80 mm Hg). The prevalence of microalbuminuria (?30 mg/g creatinine) was
      also low at 4.8%. There were no differences in blood pressure or the risk of
      microalbuminuria between supplement groups. There were also no group differences
      in fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides or cholesterol. Maternal
      supplementation with vitamin A or beta-carotene had no overall impact on
      cardiovascular risk factors in this population at pre-adolescent age in rural
      Nepal. 

PMID- 25141875
TI  - Romantic attachment in young adults with very low birth weight - The Helsinki
      Study of Very Low Birth Weight Adults.
AB  - Early attachment relationships from infancy onward contribute to attachment
      patterns later in life, to the ability to build up close relationships and to
      well-being in general. Severely preterm birth may challenge the development of
      these attachment relationships. We studied whether there are differences in
      attachment patterns related to romantic relationships between young adults (mean
      age 22.4 years, s.d. 2.2 years) with very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g; n =
      162) and their peers born at term (n = 172), who completed the Experiences in
      Close Relationships Questionnaire - Revised. Young adults born at VLBW showed
      lower attachment-related anxiety than their peers born at term (mean difference 
      9.5%, 95% CI -16.0 to -2.6) when adjusted for sex, age, parental education and
      being in a romantic relationship currently. The groups did not differ in
      attachment-related avoidance. In subgroup analyses, the VLBW women born small for
      gestational age (SGA, birth weight <-2 s.d.) scored on average 14.8% (95% CI 3.1
      26.6) higher than the control women on attachment avoidance. The effects remained
      after the exclusion of 18 participants with neurosensory deficits. We found no
      evidence for a compromised attachment pattern in young adults born at VLBW, with
      a possible exception of women born SGA at VLBW. VLBW adults were rather
      characterized by a lower level of attachment-related anxiety. 

PMID- 25141876
TI  - The utility of focus group interviews to capture dietary consumption data in the
      distant past: dairy consumption in Kazakhstan villages 50 years ago - ERRATUM.

PMID- 25141877
TI  - Reducing hospital admissions and improving the diagnosis of COPD in Southampton
      City: methods and results of a 12-month service improvement project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The British Lung Foundation highlighted Southampton City as a hotspot
      for patients at future risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      exacerbations due to severe deprivation levels and a high undiagnosed level of
      disease based on health economic modelling. We developed a strategy spanning
      primary and secondary care to reduce emergency admissions of patients with acute
      exacerbations of COPD and increase the diagnosed prevalence of COPD on general
      practitioner (GP) registers closer to that predicted from local modelling.
      METHODS: A comprehensive 3-year audit of admissions was performed. Patients who
      had been admitted with an exacerbation to University Hospital Southampton three
      or more times in the previous 12 months were cohorted and cared for in a
      consultant-led, but community based, COPD service. Within primary care, a
      programme of education and case-based finding was delivered to most practices
      within the city. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were found to be responsible for
      176 admissions (22% of total COPD admissions) to the hospital. These 34 patients
      required 185 active interventions during the 12-month period but only 39 hospital
      admissions. The 30-day readmission rate dropped from 13.4 to 1.9% (P<0.01),
      confirming the contribution the cohort made to readmissions. Prior to the
      project, the registered Quality Outcomes Framework prevalence of COPD within the
      city was 1.5; after just 1 year of the project, the prevalence increased from 1.5
      to 2.27%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of medical intelligence to investigate the
      underlying processes of COPD hospital admissions led to an effective intervention
      delivered in a consultant-led model.

PMID- 25141883
TI  - Ebola fever: reconciling planning with risk in U.S. hospitals.

PMID- 25141879
TI  - Evaluation of neutrophil function during hemodialysis treatment in healthy dogs
      under anesthesia with sevoflurane.
AB  - This study evaluated the number and function of neutrophils during 3 hr of
      hemodialysis in healthy dogs under anesthesia. Isolated neutrophils were used to
      assess neutrophil adhesion, phagocytosis and the oxidative burst. At 0.5 and 3 hr
      after the start of hemodialysis treatment, there was a decrease in neutrophil
      number. The phagocytic ability of neutrophils was decreased 3 hr after the start
      of hemodialysis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that hemodialysis reduces
      the number and phagocytic ability of neutrophils during treatment. However, these
      changes recover within 24 hr of hemodialysis. 

PMID- 25141878
TI  - Association between physical activity and psychological status among Saudi female
      students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is common among Saudi females. Many variables are
      associated with different levels of mental health, including physical activity.
      This study was designed to determine the correlation between 3 weeks of improved
      physical activity and psychological factors such as insomnia, depression and
      attention span. METHODS: Seventy-six female students, of mean age 20.9 +/- 1.4
      years, were analyzed. Insomnia, depression and attention were subjectively
      assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Beck Depression Inventory
      (BDI), and the Attention Span Test (AST), respectively. Each subject was given a
      pedometers and advised to walk at least 6000 steps per day for 3 weeks.
      Psychological status was assessed before and after the 3 weeks and compared using
      paired sample t-tests. Pearson correlation was used to determine the association
      between physical health and psychological factors. RESULTS: Improvements in
      scores on the ISI (from 7.22 +/- 3.06 to 4.09 +/- 2.80), BDI (from 8.88 +/- 3.13
      to 3.98 +/- 2.74) and AST (from 63.86 +/- 3.06 to 77.27 +/- 11.33) were observed
      after 3 weeks. Physical activity was negatively correlated with ISI (r = -0.74)
      and BDI (r = -0. 78) and positively correlated with AST (r = 0.69). CONCLUSION:
      Improved physical activity can be useful in managing insomnia, depression and
      attention. In female Saudi students, higher levels of physical activity were
      associated with improved mental health.

PMID- 25141884
TI  - Role of imaging in the diagnosis of occult hernias.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Occult hernias are symptomatic but not palpable on physical
      examination. This is more commonly seen with inguinal hernias. Early diagnosis
      and treatment of occult hernias are essential in relieving symptoms and improving
      patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of imaging
      ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI)--in the diagnosis of occult inguinal hernia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective medical records review of surgical patients with
      groin and pelvic pain, 2008-2013, was conducted in a single-surgeon hernia
      specialty practice. Thirty-six patients met the following inclusion criteria: (1)
      examination findings suggestive of but not necessarily diagnostic for inguinal
      hernia; (2) imaging of the groin and/or pelvis with US, CT, and MRI; and (3) an
      operation to address the groin or pelvic pain. Fifty-nine groins were included.
      MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of
      US, CT, and MRI for detection of occult inguinal hernia. RESULTS: The number,
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive
      value of each modality were, respectively: US (9, 0.33, 0, 1.00, and 0), CT (39,
      0.54, 0.25, 0.86, and 0.06), and MRI (34, 0.91, 0.92, 0.95, and 0.85). Among
      multiply imaged groins in which CT examination missed a diagnosis of hernia, MRI
      correctly detected an occult hernia in 10 of 11 cases (91%). CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Ultrasonography and CT cannot reliably exclude occult groin
      abnormalities. Patients with clinical suspicion of inguinal hernia should undergo
      MRI as the definitive radiologic examination.

PMID- 25141885
TI  - The impacts of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome severity and surgery
      intervention on psychological and behavioral abnormalities and postoperative
      recovery in pediatric patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of impact of
      obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) severity on pediatric
      psychological and behavioral abnormalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-one
      children aged 5-12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of OSAHS were divided into 3
      groups according to the severity of OSAHS. They underwent bilateral tonsillectomy
      plus adenoidectomy or adenoidectomy alone. Repeated polysomnography and
      integrated visual and auditory continuous performance testing (-IVA-CPT) was
      performed to assess full-scale response control quotient (FRCQ), full-scale
      attention quotient (FAQ), and hyperactivity (HYP) before surgery and 3 and 6
      months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean FRCQ, FAQ, and HYP significantly improved
      over time in the 3 groups (FRCQ, F=292.05; FAQ, F=258.27; HYP, F=295.10, all
      P<0.001). FRCQ and HYP were not significantly different among the groups at the 3
      time points. FAQ was significantly different among the groups (F=3.89, P<0.05).
      For FRCQ, FAQ, and HYP, there was no interaction between time and disease
      severity. Within groups, the effect of time on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and
      lowest oxygen saturation (LaSO2) were significant for each group and they were
      significantly different among the 3 groups at each time point (all P<0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that OSAHS may have a significant impact on
      self-control, attention, and hyperactivity in children, which is gradually
      alleviated after surgery. Disease severity was not closely related to
      preoperative mental and psychological function or postoperative recovery. Thus,
      we find it difficult to determine the impact degree of OSAHS severity on mental
      and psychological function or predict postoperative recovery by using OSAHS
      severity alone in children.

PMID- 25141886
TI  - Suicidal behavior in schizophrenia may be related to low lipid levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lifetime suicide mortality in people with schizophrenia is
      approximately 4-5%, which is higher than in the general population. In mood
      disorders, many studies and meta-analyses have shown a link between suicidal
      behavior and low lipid levels, especially that of cholesterol, and some studies
      have also suggested such a relationship in schizophrenia. Therefore, the aim of
      the present study was to investigate a possible correlation between suicidal
      behavior and lipid levels in schizophrenia patients recently admitted to a
      psychiatric hospital. MATERIAL/METHODS: Our study included 148 (69 males, 79
      females) schizophrenia patients with a mean age of 32+/-10 years, all recently
      admitted due to acute exacerbation of their mental illness. Psychometric and
      laboratory assessments were made within 24-72 hours after hospital admission. The
      main purpose of the interview was to assess occurrence of any suicidal thoughts,
      suicidal tendencies, and/or suicide attempts during the 3 months prior to
      admission. Serum total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides and
      total lipids were measured. RESULTS: A significant association was found between
      suicidal thoughts and attempts and low total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol,
      triglycerides, and total lipids, in both male and female patients. In male
      patients with suicidal tendencies, correlation with low LDL cholesterol and
      triglycerides did not reach statistical significance. No association with
      suicidality was found with HDL cholesterol in subjects studied. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results obtained suggest that, similar to depressed patients, low total and LDL
      cholesterol, triglycerides, and total lipids can be state-dependent risk factors
      for suicidal behavior in Polish patients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 25141887
TI  - An epidemiological analysis of acute flaccid paralysis and its surveillance
      system in Iraq, 1997-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute flaccid paralysis surveillance (AFP) is an essential strategy
      of the WHO's Polio Eradication Initiative. This is the first study conducted to
      estimate the incidence, etiology, distribution, and surveillance performance of
      AFP in Iraq. METHODS: Surveillance data about the AFP cases under the age of 15
      years reported from Iraq during January 1997 to December 2011 were depended in
      the current study. RESULTS: A total of 4974 cases of AFP were reported from Iraq
      during the study period, with an annual incidence of 2.5/100,000 population.
      Guillain-Barre syndrome represented more than half of the reported cases (N =
      2611, 52.5%), followed by traumatic neuritis (N = 715, 14.4%), and other CNS
      infections (N = 292, 5.9%). Poliomyelitis accounted for 166 (3.3%) of cases, the
      last reported case being in January 2000. Surveillance performance showed that
      all, but two, indicators were below the required WHO recommended levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: AFP surveillance remains the gold standard method for poliomyelitis
      detection. It witnessed dramatic changes over the last two decades. This has
      raised people's and clinicians' awareness to the importance of promptness in
      notifying suspected cases and timely transportation of stool specimens to the
      National Poliovirus Laboratory in Baghdad, or alternatively having more than one
      laboratory for poliovirus detection in the country, all of which are very useful
      measures to increase the surveillance performance in the country.

PMID- 25141888
TI  - Mosquito cell lines: history, isolation, availability and application to assess
      the threat of arboviral transmission in the United Kingdom.
AB  - Mosquitoes are highly effective vectors for transmission of human and animal
      pathogens. Understanding the relationship between pathogen and vector is vital in
      developing strategies to predict and prevent transmission. Cell lines derived
      from appropriate mosquito hosts provide a relatively simple tool for
      investigating the interaction between the host and viruses transmitted by
      mosquitoes. This review provides a brief overview of the development of mosquito
      cell lines, methods of isolation, their availability and application for
      investigating insect-virus interactions. 

PMID- 25141890
TI  - Cytogenetic biomonitoring in mucopolyssacharosis I, II and IV patients treated
      with enzyme replacement therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate genotoxicity and
      mutagenicity in peripheral blood and buccal mucosal cells in
      mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) I, II or VI patients. METHODS: A total of 12 patients
      with MPS type I, II and VI attended at the Institute of Genetics and Inborn
      Errors of Metabolism treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and 10 healthy
      control volunteers were included in this study. Mechanically exfoliated cells
      from cheek mucosa (left and right side) were used to micronucleus test and single
      cell gel (comet) assay in peripheral blood cells. RESULTS: The results of this
      study detected the presence of genetic damage in peripheral blood for all
      individuals with MPS treated with ERT, regardless of type of MPS as depicted by
      tail moment results. In addition, an increased number of micronucleated cells
      were found in buccal cells of MPS type II patients. It was also observed an
      increase of other nuclear alterations closely related to cytotoxicity as depicted
      by the frequency of pyknosis, karyolysis and karyorrhexis in buccal mucosa cells
      of MPS VI patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Taken together, such results
      demonstrate that metabolic alterations induced by the enzymatic deficiency
      characteristic of MPS associated with ERT therapy can induce genotoxicity and
      mutagenicity in peripheral blood and buccal mucosa cells, respectively. This
      effect appears to be more pronounced to MPS II.

PMID- 25141889
TI  - Cell replacement therapies: is it time to reprogram?
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplantations have become a very successful
      therapeutic approach to treat otherwise life-threatening blood disorders. It is
      thought that stem cell transplantation may also become a feasible treatment
      option for many non-blood-related diseases. So far, however, the limited
      availability of human leukocyte antigen-matched donors has hindered development
      of some cell replacement therapies. The Nobel-prize rewarded finding that
      pluripotency can be induced in somatic cells via expression of a few
      transcription factors has led to a revolution in stem cell biology. The
      possibility to change the fate of somatic cells by expressing key transcription
      factors has been used not only to generate pluripotent stem cells, but also for
      directly converting somatic cells into fully differentiated cells of another
      lineage or more committed progenitor cells. These approaches offer the prospect
      of generating cell types with a specific genotype de novo, which would circumvent
      the problems associated with allogeneic cell transplantations. This technology
      has generated a plethora of new disease-specific research efforts, from studying
      disease pathogenesis to therapeutic interventions. Here we will discuss the
      opportunities in this booming field of cell biology and summarize how the
      scientists in the Netherlands have joined efforts in one area to exploit the new
      technology.

PMID- 25141891
TI  - Antimicrobial activity and agricultural properties of bitter melon (Momordica
      charantia L.) grown in northern parts of Turkey: a case study for adaptation.
AB  - This study was designed to determine the adaptation capability of bitter melon
      (Momordica charantia L.), which is widely grown in tropical and subtropical
      climates, in northern parts of Turkey. In this study, plant height, number of
      fruits, fruit length, fruit width, number of seeds and fruit weight of bitter
      melon grown in field conditions were determined. The antimicrobial effect of the
      ethanol extract of fruit and seeds against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia
      coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Aspergillus niger and Candida
      albicans microorganisms was tested in vitro by the disc diffusion method. In
      conclusion, plant height (260 cm), number of fruits (16 per  plant), number of
      seeds (30.2  per fruit), fruit width (3.8 cm), fruit length (10.6 cm) and fruit
      weight (117.28 g fruit(- 1)) were determined; fruits were found to have
      antimicrobial activity against A. niger; oil and seeds were found to have
      antimicrobial activity against A. niger and E. coli. 

PMID- 25141892
TI  - UGT1A1*28 polymorphisms: a potential pharmacological biomarker of irinotecan
      based chemotherapies in colorectal cancer.

PMID- 25141893
TI  - Resolution of a clinical AmpliChip CYP450 TestTM no call: discovery and
      characterization of novel CYP2D6*1 haplotypes.
AB  - A Han Chinese patient failed CYP2D6 genotype analysis with the AmpliChip CYP450
      TestTM. The CYP2D6 gene locus of the patient and her son were extensively
      genotyped including copy number variation and gene resequencing. Two SNPs were
      discovered on the patient's CYP2D6*1 allele, -498C>A and 1661G>C, while the son's
      CYP2D6*1 allele had -498C>A only. AmpliChip failure was attributed to the
      presence of a CYP2D6*1 allele carrying the 1661G>C SNP. Functional analyses of 
      498C>A did not reveal altered activity in vitro or in vivo suggesting that both
      novel CYP2D6*1 subvariants are functional. The implementation of pharmacogenetics
      guided drug therapy relies on accurate clinical-grade genotype analysis. Although
      the AmpliChip is a reliable platform, numerous allelic (sub)variants and gene
      arrangements are not detected or may trigger no calls. While such cases may be
      rare, the clinical/genetic testing community must be aware of the challenges of
      CYP2D6 testing on the AmpliChip platform and implications regarding accuracy of
      test results. 

PMID- 25141894
TI  - Development of a broad-based ADME panel for use in pharmacogenomic studies.
AB  - AIM: To optimally address the interindividual variability observed in
      pharmacokinetic drug response, we have created a custom genotyping panel that
      interrogates most of the key genetic variations present in a set of 181
      prioritized genes responsible for the absorption, distribution, metabolism and
      excretion (ADME) of many therapeutic agents. This consensus list of genes and
      variants was based on the ADME core and extended gene lists compiled by a group
      of pharmaceutical companies as having relevance. Although these pharmacokinetic
      genes and pathways are well known, tools that can interrogate a large number of
      these genes simultaneously within a single experiment are not currently
      available. METHODS: Using novel design strategies, we have developed an optimized
      and validated ADME genotyping panel, encompassing approximately 3000 variants,
      that has broad applicability to any study or clinical trial that would benefit
      from the evaluation of an extensive list of ADME genes. RESULTS & CONCLUSION:
      Over the course of three design iterations, overall assay conversion rates were
      improved from 83 to 97% resulting in a panel that fills in many of the gaps in
      coverage present on currently available commercial genotyping assays. The utility
      of the assay has been demonstrated by the screening of more than 1000 samples
      resulting in the discovery of novel pharmacogenomic associations. The assay, and
      the underlying methods, will continue to be a valuable tool for use in future
      pharmacogenomic studies.

PMID- 25141895
TI  - Analysis of compound heterozygous CYP2C19 genotypes to determine cis and trans
      configurations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Through allele specific PCR we studied 220 CYP2C19 compound
      heterozygous samples, of unknown ethnicity, to determine the haplotype for each
      of the variations within a sample. MATERIALS & METHODS: The genotypes assessed
      were: 180 *2 and *17 samples (100% in trans); 20 *2 and *11 samples (100% in
      cis); ten *4 and *17 samples (50% of the samples were *1/*4B and 50% *4A/*17);
      six *2, *11 and *17 samples (100% showed *2 and *11 in cis, and *17 in trans);
      two *2, *4 and *17 samples (100% *4B with *2 in trans); one sample with *17 and
      *34 (these were in trans); and one sample that contained *2, *17, c.463G>T
      (p.E155X; *17 and c.463G>T were in cis, with *2 in trans). RESULTS & CONCLUSION:
      In our study, we observed a different frequency for the *4B allele (when a sample
      contains both *4 and *17); and identified *17 occurring in cis with a novel
      nonsense allele. Accurately assessing a patient's genotype, including assignment
      of a haplotype, can be important when making a phenotype prediction.

PMID- 25141897
TI  - Personalized pharmacogenomics profiling using whole-genome sequencing.
AB  - AIM: Pharmacogenomics holds promise to rationalize drug use by minimizing drug
      toxicity and at the same time increase drug efficacy. There are currently several
      assays to screen for known pharmacogenomic biomarkers for the most commonly
      prescribed drugs. However, these genetic screening assays cannot account for
      other known or novel pharmacogenomic markers. MATERIALS & METHODS: We analyzed
      whole-genome sequences of 482 unrelated individuals of various ethnic backgrounds
      to obtain their personalized pharmacogenomics profiles. RESULTS: Bioinformatics
      analysis revealed 408,964 variants in 231 pharmacogenes, from which 26,807 were
      residing on exons and proximal regulatory sequences, whereas 16,487 were novel.
      In silico analyses indicated that 1012 novel pharmacogene-related variants
      possibly abolish protein function. We have also performed whole-genome sequencing
      analysis in a seven-member family of Greek origin in an effort to explain the
      variable response rate to acenocoumarol treatment in two family members.
      CONCLUSION: Overall, our data demonstrate that whole-genome sequencing, unlike
      conventional genetic screening methods, is necessary to determine an individual's
      pharmacogenomics profile in a more comprehensive manner, which, combined with the
      gradually decreasing whole-genome sequencing costs, would expedite bringing
      personalized medicine closer to reality.

PMID- 25141896
TI  - Influence of donor-recipient CYP3A4/5 genotypes, age and fluconazole on
      tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in pediatric liver transplantation: a population
      approach.
AB  - AIM: To characterize the effect of donor and recipient CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and ABCB1
      genotypes as well as relevant patient characteristics on tacrolimus
      pharmacokinetics in pediatric liver transplantation. PATIENTS & METHODS: Data
      from 114 pediatric liver transplant recipients were retrospectively collected
      during the first 3 months following transplantation. Population pharmacokinetic
      analysis was performed using nonlinear mixed effects modeling, including
      characterization of influential covariates. RESULTS: A two-compartment model with
      first order elimination best fitted the data. Estimates of apparent volume of the
      central compartment, intestinal clearance, hepatic clearance and
      intercompartmental clearance were 79 l, 0.01 l/h, 10.9 l/h and 105 l/h,
      respectively. Time post-transplantation, recipient age, donor CYP3A5 and CYP3A4
      genotypes and fluconazole administration significantly influenced tacrolimus
      apparent clearance while bodyweight influenced volume of distribution.
      CONCLUSION: The proposed model displayed acceptable fitting performances and
      enabled identification of statistically significant and clinically relevant
      covariates on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in the early pediatric post liver
      transplantation period.

PMID- 25141898
TI  - Pharmacogenetic research in partnership with American Indian and Alaska Native
      communities.
AB  - Pharmacogenetics is a subset of personalized medicine that applies knowledge
      about genetic variation in gene-drug pairs to help guide optimal dosing. There is
      a lack of data, however, about pharmacogenetic variation in underserved
      populations. One strategy for increasing participation of underserved populations
      in pharmacogenetic research is to include communities in the research process. We
      have established academic-community partnerships with American Indian and Alaska
      Native people living in Alaska and Montana to study pharmacogenetics. Key
      features of the partnership include community oversight of the project, research
      objectives that address community health priorities, and bidirectional learning
      that builds capacity in both the community and the research team. Engaging the
      community as coresearchers can help build trust to advance pharmacogenetic
      research objectives. 

PMID- 25141899
TI  - Calcineurin inhibitors and hypertension: a role for pharmacogenetics?
AB  - Hypertension is a common side effect of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), which are
      drugs used to prevent rejection after transplantation. Hypertension after kidney
      transplantation has been associated with earlier graft failure and higher
      cardiovascular mortality in the recipient. Recent data indicate that enzymes and
      transporters involved in CNI pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, including
      CYP3A5, ABCB1, WNK4 and SPAK, are also associated with salt-sensitive
      hypertension. These insights raise the question whether polymorphisms in the
      genes encoding these proteins increase the risk of CNI-induced hypertension.
      Predicting who is at risk for CNI-induced hypertension may be useful for when
      selecting specific interventions, including dietary salt restriction, thiazide
      diuretics or a CNI-free immunosuppressive regimen. This review aims to explore
      the pharmacogenetics of CNI-induced hypertension, highlighting the knowns and
      unknowns. 

PMID- 25141900
TI  - Parkinson's disease pharmacogenomics: new findings and perspectives.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is unique among neurodegenerative disorders because a
      highly effective pharmacological symptomatic treatment is available. The marked
      variability in drug response and in adverse profiles associated with this
      treatment led to the search of genetic markers associated with these features. We
      present a review of the literature on PD pharmacogenetics to provide a critical
      discussion of the current findings, new approaches, limitations and
      recommendations for future research. Pharmacogenetics studies in this field have
      assessed several outcomes and genes, with special focus on dopaminergic genes,
      mainly DRD2, which is the most important receptor in nigrostriatal pathway. The
      heterogeneity in methodological strategies employed by different studies is
      impressive. The question of whether PD pharmacogenetics studies will improve
      clinical management by causing a shift from a trial-and-error approach to a
      pharmacological regimen that takes into account the individual variability
      remains an open question. Collaborative longitudinal studies with larger sample
      sizes, better outcome definitions and replication studies are required. 

PMID- 25141901
TI  - An iridoid glucoside and the related aglycones from Cornus florida.
AB  - A new iridoid glucoside, cornusoside A (1), and four new natural product iridoid
      aglycones, cornolactones A-D (2-5), together with 10 known compounds were
      isolated from the leaves of Cornus florida. The structures of compounds 1-5 were
      established by interpretation of their spectroscopic data. Cornolactone B (3) is
      the first natural cis-fused tricyclic dilactone iridoid containing both a five-
      and a six-membered lactone ring. A biosynthesis pathway is proposed for
      cornolactones C (4) and D (5), the C-6 epimers of compounds 1-3. 

PMID- 25141902
TI  - Quality of life measured by OHIP-14 and GOHAI in elderly people from Bialystok,
      north-east Poland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and the Geriatric/General
      Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) have never been compared for a group of the
      same subjects in the Polish population. The aim of the study was to compare the
      OHIP-14 and GOHAI measures. METHODS: 178 independently living people over the age
      of 55 were included in the study. The GOHAI and OHIP-14 measures were used. Other
      variables included age, gender, self-ratings of oral general health, education,
      number of missing teeth, chewing problems and dry mouth. RESULTS: The mean age of
      respondents was 70.8 years. The internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha) showed a
      high internal consistency for both measures. Spearman's rank correlation
      coefficient between the GOHAI and OHIP-14 scores was 0.81. Using the additive
      method of creating scores, 1.1% of respondents had the GOHAI score of zero,
      indicating no impact from oral conditions, while 13.5% of them had an OHIP-14
      score of zero. Dental status, partial dentures, chewing problems, dry mouth and
      self-rated oral health were significantly associated with the results of the
      GOHAI and the OHIP-14 (Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test). The numbers of
      preserved and missing teeth significantly correlated with the GOHAI and the OHIP
      14, while DMF was significantly associated with the GOHAI only. 6 individuals
      with discrepant results were revealed. After the exclusion of the abovementioned
      patients, the internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha) still showed a high
      internal consistency, and the correlation between the GOHAI and OHIP-14 scores
      using Spearman's rank-correlation coefficient increased to 0.87. This phenomenon
      was identified as a "fatigue effect". CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong correlation
      between the GOHAI and the OHIP-14. Both instruments demonstrated good
      discriminant properties and helped capture the respondents' oral health problems.
      The questionnaires should be randomly distributed to avoid the influence of
      "fatigue effect" on the results of a comparison of different measures.

PMID- 25141904
TI  - Emerging drugs for diabetic macular edema.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most common cause of visual
      impairment due to diabetic retinopathy. The treatment of DME has recently
      undergone a paradigm shift. Traditionally, photocoagulation was standard
      treatment, but pharmacologic therapies are becoming increasingly used for this
      purpose. All currently available drug therapies for DME are either anti-VEGF
      agents or corticosteroids. AREAS COVERED: The pathogenesis of DME involves
      angiogenesis, inflammation and oxidative stress. The scientific rationale to
      treat DME through the pharmacologic blockade of VEGF and other pro-angiogenic
      factors is discussed. The fluocinolone insert is approved for the treatment of
      DME in several European countries, but not in the US at this time. Some
      medications that are already approved for other retinal diseases, most
      prominently aflibercept and the dexamethasone delivery system, have recently
      obtained approval for DME in the US. Other compounds are being studied in earlier
      phase clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION: Pharmacologic treatment of DME will likely
      become increasingly used, especially for patients with edema involving the fovea.
      At this time, the two main classes of medication for treatment of DME are anti
      VEGF agents and corticosteroids. As we continue to collect clinical trials data,
      the precise role of individual agents, and the continuing role for
      photocoagulation, will become more clear.

PMID- 25141903
TI  - Age trend of the male to female sex ratio in surgical gastric cancer patients at
      a single institution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In previous reports concerning the association between sex disparity
      and age, gastric cancer (GC) patients were simply divided into younger and older
      groups by age. We analyzed the age trend of the male to female sex ratio (MFSR)
      in GC based on patient sequential age in order to observe the changing process of
      MFSR with age. METHODS: One thousand seven hundred fifty-one surgical gastric
      adenocarcinoma patients aged 26 to 85 years were investigated between January
      1996 and December 2010. The patients were grouped by age intervals of 5 years.
      The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to determine how the MFSR changed with
      age. RESULTS: The median age of the 1,751 patients with GC was 60 years (26 to 85
      years). There were 1,334 male and 417 female patients (MFSR was 3.20). Cochran
      Armitage trend test analysis showed that total MFSR increased significantly with
      age (Z = 5.964, P < 0.0001). Further studies on age groups of 26 to 60 years and
      61 to 85 years were conducted. The trend test showed that MFSR increased
      significantly with age from 26 to 60 years (Z = 7.433, P < 0.0001). However, MFSR
      did not increase in ages 61 to 85 years (Z = -0.607, P = 0.544). CONCLUSIONS:
      MFSR in GC presented an increasing trend until 60 years of age. The male GC
      patients showed an increasing tendency, and female GC patients showed a
      decreasing tendency with age. This trend reached a plateau phase after 60 years
      of age.

PMID- 25141906
TI  - Linear synthesis of the branched pentasaccharide repeats of O-antigens from
      Shigella flexneri 1a and 1b demonstrating the major steric hindrance associated
      with type-specific glucosylation.
AB  - Shigella flexneri serotypes 1b and 1a are Gram-negative enteroinvasive bacteria
      causing shigellosis in humans. The O-antigen from S. flexneri 1b is a { -> 2)
      [3Ac/4Ac]-alpha-L-RHAP-(1 -> 2)-alpha-L-Rhap-(1 -> 3)-[2Ac]-alpha-L-Rhap-(1 -> 3)
      [alpha-D-Glcp-(1 -> 4)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1 -> }n branched polysaccharide
      ({(Ac)AB(Ac)C(E)D}n). It is identical to that from S. flexneri 1a, except for the
      2C-acetate. A concise synthesis of the disaccharide ED, trisaccharides (Ac)C(E)D
      and C(E)D, tetrasaccharides B(Ac)C(E)D and BC(E)D, and pentasaccharides
      AB(Ac)C(E)D and ABC(E)D is described starting from a 2-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminide
      acceptor and using the imidate glycosylation chemistry. The E residue was
      efficiently introduced via a potent stereoselective [E + D] coupling. In
      contrast, harsh conditions and appropriate tuning of the donor were required for
      a high yielding [C + ED] glycosylation. Irrespective of the level of steric bulk
      at residue C, glycosylation at O-3D of the ED acceptor generated a major change
      of conformation of the D residue within the obtained C(E)D trisaccharide, as
      attested by NMR data. Proper manipulation of the constrained C(E)D trisaccharide
      was necessary to proceed with the stepwise chain elongation at O-3C of an
      acceptor having the 2C-O-acetyl already in place. The protected intermediates
      went through a one- to three-step deprotection sequence to give the propyl
      glycoside targets, as portions of the O-antigens from both S. flexneri 1a and 1b.
      Protecting group removal was clearly associated with conformational relief,
      yielding oligosaccharides, for which NMR data were consistent with a (4)C1
      conformation for the 3,4-di-O-glycosylated residue D, as in the native bacterial
      polymers.

PMID- 25141907
TI  - alpha1-Blockers for the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections in women
      with dysfunctional voiding: a prospective randomized study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of tamsulosin on recurrent
      urinary tract infections in women with dysfunctional voiding. METHODS: A total of
      155 women with recurrent urinary tract infections and dysfunctional voiding were
      included and randomly assigned to the following groups: uroflowmetry biofeedback
      (group 1), alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists (group 2), uroflowmetry biofeedback
      combined with alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists (group 3) and no treatment (group
      4). Patients were evaluated by the American Urological Association Symptom Index
      at 3, 6 and 12 months. Urodynamics was carried out in patients of groups 1, 2,
      and 3 at 3, 6 and 12 months, whereas urodynamics was only carried out at 12
      months in group 4. All patients were followed up for 1 year with monthly urine
      cultures. RESULTS: The incidence of storage and emptying symptoms decreased
      significantly at 3, 6 and 12 months. Mean flow rate, flow time and voiding volume
      increased significantly (with a better outcome in patients of group 3), whereas
      post-void residual urine decreased. Mean opening detrusor pressure and detrusor
      pressure at maximum flow decreased significantly (with a better outcome in
      patients of group 3). Mean urethral closure pressure and maximum urethral closure
      pressure decreased significantly with a more significant decrease for patients in
      group 3. The prevalence of urinary tract infection decreased significantly in all
      groups after treatment, and this decrease remained stable during the follow up.
      CONCLUSIONS: In women with dysfunctional voiding and recurrent urinary tract
      infection, tamsulosin associated with uroflowmetry biofeedback might be an
      effective and safe treatment option for improving urinary symptoms and quality of
      life.

PMID- 25141908
TI  - A case report of pink breast milk.
AB  - A woman presented for her postpartum examination alarmed about pink stains on her
      breast pads and on her infant's burp pads and diapers. The stains were also found
      in her breast pump and the infant's bottles. Out of concern, she stopped
      breastfeeding. The diagnosis was colonization of mother and infant with Serratia
      marcescens. They were managed conservatively without antibiotics. The mother was
      guided to restart breastfeeding. The infant resumed nursing and continued to
      thrive. 

PMID- 25141905
TI  - HIV multi-drug resistance at first-line antiretroviral failure and subsequent
      virological response in Asia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: First-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure often results from
      the development of resistance-associated mutations (RAMs). Three patterns,
      including thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs), 69 Insertion (69Ins) and the Q151M
      complex, are associated with resistance to multiple-nucleoside reverse
      transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and may compromise treatment options for second
      line ART. METHODS: We investigated patterns and factors associated with multi
      NRTI RAMs at first-line failure in patients from The TREAT Asia Studies to
      Evaluate Resistance - Monitoring study (TASER-M), and evaluated their impact on
      virological responses at 12 months after switching to second-line ART. RAMs were
      compared with the IAS-USA 2013 mutations list. We defined multi-NRTI RAMs as the
      presence of either Q151M; 69Ins; >= 2 TAMs; or M184V+>= 1 TAM. Virological
      suppression was defined as viral load (VL) <400 copies/ml at 12 months from
      switch to second-line. Logistic regression was used to analyze (1) factors
      associated with multi-NRTI RAMs at first-line failure and (2) factors associated
      with virological suppression after 12 months on second-line. RESULTS: A total of
      105 patients from 10 sites in Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and
      Philippines were included. There were 97/105 (92%) patients harbouring >= 1 RAMs
      at first-line failure, 39/105 with multi-NRTI RAMs: six with Q151M; 24 with >= 2
      TAMs; and 32 with M184V+>= 1 TAM. Factors associated with multi-NRTI RAMs were
      CD4 <= 200 cells/uL at genotyping (OR=4.43, 95% CI [1.59-12.37], p=0.004) and ART
      duration >2 years (OR=6.25, 95% CI [2.39-16.36], p<0.001). Among 87/105 patients
      with available VL at 12 months after switch to second-line ART, virological
      suppression was achieved in 85%. The median genotypic susceptibility score (GSS)
      for the second-line regimen was 2.00. Patients with ART adherence >= 95% were
      more likely to be virologically suppressed (OR=9.33, 95% CI (2.43-35.81),
      p=0.001). Measures of patient resistance to second-line ART, including the GSS,
      were not significantly associated with virological outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Multi
      NRTI RAMs at first-line failure were associated with low CD4 level and longer
      duration of ART. With many patients switching to highly susceptible regimens,
      good adherence was still crucial in achieving virological response. This
      emphasizes the importance of continued adherence counselling well into second
      line therapy.

PMID- 25141909
TI  - IroT/mavN, a new iron-regulated gene involved in Legionella pneumophila virulence
      against amoebae and macrophages.
AB  - Legionella pneumophila is a pathogenic bacterium commonly found in water.
      Eventually, it could be transmitted to humans via inhalation of contaminated
      aerosols. Iron is known as a key requirement for the growth of L. pneumophila in
      the environment and within its hosts. Many studies were performed to understand
      iron utilization by L. pneumophila but no global approaches were conducted. In
      this study, transcriptomic analyses were performed, comparing gene expression in
      L. pneumophila in standard versus iron restricted conditions. Among the regulated
      genes, a newly described one, lpp_2867, was highly induced in iron-restricted
      conditions. Mutants lacking this gene in L. pneumophila were not affected in
      siderophore synthesis or utilization. On the contrary, they were defective for
      growth on iron-depleted solid media and for ferrous iron uptake. A sequence
      analysis predicts that Lpp_2867 is a membrane protein, suggesting that it is
      involved in ferrous iron transport. We thus named it IroT, for iron transporter.
      Infection assays showed that the mutants are highly impaired in intracellular
      growth within their environmental host Acanthamoeba castellanii and human
      macrophages. Taken together, our results show that IroT is involved, directly or
      indirectly, in ferrous iron transport and is a key virulence factor for L.
      pneumophila. 

PMID- 25141910
TI  - Anticancer activity and DNA-binding investigations of the Cu(II) and Ni(II)
      complexes with coumarin derivative.
AB  - Two new copper(II) (2) and nickel(II) (3) complexes with a new coumarin
      derivative have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The DNA-binding
      activities of the two complexes have been investigated by spectrometric
      titrations, ethidium bromide displacement experiments, CD (circular dichroism)
      spectral analysis, and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that the two
      complexes, especially the complex 2, can strongly bind to calf-thymus DNA (CT-
      DNA). The intrinsic binding constants Kb of the complexes with CT-DNA are 2.99 *
      10(5) and 0.61 * 10(5) for 2 and 3, respectively. Comparative cytotoxic
      activities of the two complexes are also determined by MTT assay. The results
      show that the drugs designed here have significant cytotoxic activity against the
      human hepatic (HepG2), human promyelocytic leukemia (HL60), and human prostate
      (PC3) cell lines. Cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry, and
      the results show that the two copper complexes can induce apoptosis of the three
      human tumor cells. In conclusions, the two complexes show considerable cytotoxic
      activity against the three human cancer and induce apoptosis of the threes.

PMID- 25141912
TI  - Designing of peptides with desired half-life in intestine-like environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In past, a number of peptides have been reported to possess highly
      diverse properties ranging from cell penetrating, tumor homing, anticancer, anti
      hypertensive, antiviral to antimicrobials. Owing to their excellent specificity,
      low-toxicity, rich chemical diversity and availability from natural sources, FDA
      has successfully approved a number of peptide-based drugs and several are in
      various stages of drug development. Though peptides are proven good drug
      candidates, their usage is still hindered mainly because of their high
      susceptibility towards proteases degradation. We have developed an in silico
      method to predict the half-life of peptides in intestine-like environment and to
      design better peptides having optimized physicochemical properties and half-life.
      RESULTS: In this study, we have used 10mer (HL10) and 16mer (HL16) peptides
      dataset to develop prediction models for peptide half-life in intestine-like
      environment. First, SVM based models were developed on HL10 dataset which
      achieved maximum correlation R/R2 of 0.57/0.32, 0.68/0.46, and 0.69/0.47 using
      amino acid, dipeptide and tripeptide composition, respectively. Secondly, models
      developed on HL16 dataset showed maximum R/R2 of 0.91/0.82, 0.90/0.39, and
      0.90/0.31 using amino acid, dipeptide and tripeptide composition, respectively.
      Furthermore, models that were developed on selected features, achieved a
      correlation (R) of 0.70 and 0.98 on HL10 and HL16 dataset, respectively.
      Preliminary analysis suggests the role of charged residue and amino acid size in
      peptide half-life/stability. Based on above models, we have developed a web
      server named HLP (Half Life Prediction), for predicting and designing peptides
      with desired half-life. The web server provides three facilities; i) half-life
      prediction, ii) physicochemical properties calculation and iii) designing mutant
      peptides. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study describes a web server 'HLP' that
      has been developed for assisting scientific community for predicting intestinal
      half-life of peptides and to design mutant peptides with better half-life and
      physicochemical properties. HLP models were trained using a dataset of peptides
      whose half-lives have been determined experimentally in crude intestinal
      proteases preparation. Thus, HLP server will help in designing peptides
      possessing the potential to be administered via oral route
      (http://www.imtech.res.in/raghava/hlp/).

PMID- 25141911
TI  - The impact of microRNA-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling on epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition and cancer stemness in endometrial cancer.
AB  - Activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, a common mechanism in all subtypes of
      endometrial cancers (endometrioid and non-endometrioid tumors), has important
      roles in contributing to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem
      cell (CSC) features. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that
      concurrently affect multiple target genes, and regulate a wide range of genes
      involved in modulating EMT and CSC properties. Here we overview the recent
      advances revealing the impact of miRNAs on EMT and CSC phenotypes in tumors
      including endometrial cancer via regulating PI3K/AKT pathway. MiRNAs are crucial
      mediators of EMT and CSC through targeting PTEN-PI3K-AKT-mTOR axis. In
      endometrial cancer cells, miRNAs can activate or attenuate EMT and CSC by
      targeting PTEN and other EMT-associated genes, such as Twist1, ZEB1 and BMI-1.
      More detailed studies of miRNAs will deepen our understanding of the molecular
      basis underlying PI3K/AKT-induced endometrial cancer initiation and progression.
      Targeting key signaling components of PI3K/AKT pathway by restoring or inhibiting
      miRNA function holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach to suppress EMT
      and CSC in endometrial cancer. 

PMID- 25141913
TI  - Occupations at risk of developing contact allergy to isothiazolinones in Danish
      contact dermatitis patients: results from a Danish multicentre study (2009-2012).
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, the prevalence of contact allergy to
      isothiazolinones has reached epidemic levels. Few studies have presented data on
      occupations at risk of developing contact allergy to isothiazolinones.
      OBJECTIVES: To present demographics and examine risk factors for sensitization to
      methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) in combination with
      MI and benzisothiazolinone (BIT) in Danish dermatitis patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A retrospective epidemiological analysis of data from three Danish
      hospitals departments was conducted. All patients consecutively patch tested with
      MI, MCI/MI and BIT between 2009 and 2013 were included. RESULTS: MI contact
      allergy showed a significantly increased trend in prevalence from 1.8% in 2009 to
      4.2% in 2012 (p < 0.001). Females with facial dermatitis mainly drove the
      increase in 2012. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that MI
      sensitization was significantly associated with occupational exposures, hand and
      facial dermatitis, age > 40 years, and the occupational groups of tile
      setters/terrazzo workers, machine operators, and painters. MCI/MI contact allergy
      was significantly associated with the following high-risk occupations: painting,
      welding (blacksmiths), machine operating, and cosmetology. The occupational group
      of painting was frequent in the group of patients with BIT contact allergy.
      CONCLUSION: Several high-risk occupations for sensitization to isothiazolinones
      exist. Regulation on the allowed concentration of isothiazolinones, and
      especially MI, in both consumer products and industrial products is needed.

PMID- 25141914
TI  - Interaction of the 5-fluorouracil analog 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine with 'N' and
      'B' isoforms of human serum albumin: a spectroscopic and calorimetric study.
AB  - Drugs and metabolites are transported in the blood by plasma proteins, such as
      human serum albumin (HSA). The uridine analog 2'dFUrd, which is a cytotoxic
      prodrug metabolite of capecitabine, has remarkable activity against solid tumors
      when administered orally. We report the results of an in vitro experimental study
      on the interactions of 2'-dFUrd with the N-isoform (at pH 7.4) and B-isoform (at
      pH 9.0) of HSA, investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism
      (CD), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), differential scanning calorimetry
      (DSC), and molecular docking. The binding constant (Kb) was higher for the N
      isoform than for the B-isoform. Thermodynamic parameters, such as enthalpy change
      (DeltaH degrees ), entropy change (DeltaS degrees ), and Gibbs free energy change
      (DeltaG degrees ), were also calculated for both isoform interactions using
      calorimetric techniques. The thermostabilities of HSA and the HSA-2'dFUrd complex
      were found to be higher for the N-isoform. The interaction of 2'dFUrd with HSA
      was also explored in molecular docking studies, which revealed that 2'dFUrd was
      bound to the Sudlow site I in subdomain IIA through multiple modes of
      interaction, such as hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. These results
      suggest that 2'dFUrd has higher binding affinity for the N-isoform of HSA. 

PMID- 25141915
TI  - Inferior mesenteric vein serves as an alternative guide for transection of the
      pancreatic body during pancreaticoduodenectomy with concomitant vascular
      resection: a comparative study evaluating perioperative outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumors of the pancreatic head often involve the superior mesenteric
      and portal veins. The purpose of this study was to assess perioperative outcomes
      after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with concomitant vascular resection using the
      inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) as a guide for transection of the pancreatic body
      (Whipple at IMV, WATIMV). METHODS: One hundred thirty-seven patients had
      segmental vein resection during PD between January 2006 and June 2013. Depending
      on whether the standard approach of creating a tunnel anterior to the mesenterico
      portal vein (MPV) axis was achieved for pancreatic transection, patients were
      subjected to a standard PD with vein resection procedure (s-PD + VR, n = 75) or a
      modified procedure (m-PD + VR, n = 62). Within the m-PD + VR group, 28 patients
      underwent the WATIMV procedure, while 34 patients underwent the usual procedure
      of transection, or 'central pancreatectomy' (c-PD + VR). RESULTS: The volume of
      intraoperative blood loss and the blood transfusion requirements were
      significantly greater, and the venous wall invasion and neural invasion frequency
      were significantly higher in the m-PD + VR group compared with the s-PD + VR
      group. There were no significant differences in the length of hospitalization,
      postoperative morbidity, and grades of complications between the two groups.
      Multivariate logistic regression identified intraoperative blood transfusion (P =
      0.004) and vascular invasion (P = 0.008) as the predictors of postoperative
      morbidity. Further stratification of the entire cohort of 62 (45%) patients who
      underwent m-PD + VR showed a higher rate of negative resection margins (96.4%) in
      the WATIMV group compared with the c-PD + VR group (76.5%) (P = 0.06). The volume
      of intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.013), and intraoperative blood transfusion
      requirements (P = 0.07) were significantly greater in the c-PD + VR group
      compared with the WATIMV group. Furthermore, high intraoperative blood loss and
      tumor stage were predictive of a positive resection margin. CONCLUSIONS: 'Whipple
      at the IMV (WATIMV)' has comparable postoperative morbidity with standard PD +
      VR. If IMV runs into the splenic vein, it could serve as an alternative guide for
      transection of the pancreatic body during PD + VR.

PMID- 25141916
TI  - Confocal microscopy as a useful approach to describe gill rakers of Asian species
      of carp and native filter-feeding fishes of the upper Mississippi River system.
AB  - To better understand potential diet overlap among exotic Asian species of carp
      and native species of filter-feeding fishes of the upper Mississippi River
      system, microscopy was used to document morphological differences in the gill
      rakers. Analysing samples first with light microscopy and subsequently with
      confocal microscopy, the three-dimensional structure of gill rakers in
      Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Dorosoma cepedianum
      was more thoroughly described and illustrated than previous work with traditional
      microscopy techniques. The three-dimensional structure of gill rakers in Ictiobus
      cyprinellus was described and illustrated for the first time. 

PMID- 25141918
TI  - Electrical mobilities of multiply charged ionic-liquid nanodrops in air and
      carbon dioxide over a wide temperature range: influence of ion-induced dipole
      interactions.
AB  - The electrical mobilities of hundreds of mass-selected, multiply charged
      nanodrops (2-6 nm in diameter) of the ionic liquid EMI-BF4 have been measured in
      air and CO2 at temperatures, T, ranging from 20 to 100  degrees C, extending
      previous studies, based on EMI-N(CN)2 nanodrops in air at 20  degrees C, to other
      temperatures and drift gases. The known compressibility of EMI-BF4 removes prior
      slight ambiguities in the mass-based determination of nanodrop diameters. We
      confirm the previous finding that the collision cross-sections Omega of these
      nanodrops, inferred from their electrical mobilities, are related to their
      diameters d via a relation of the form Omega ~ xipi/4(d + d(g))(2) (1 +
      betaepsilon*) (1 + f(Kn))(-1), where epsilon* is the ratio between the
      polarization and thermal energies of the ion-gas molecule system at contact,
      f(Kn) is a continuum-correction that vanishes in the free-molecule limit, and the
      coefficients dg, beta, and xi are inferred experimentally as functions of
      temperature and drift gas. This expression for Omega(d,z) enables determining
      true (geometric) cross-sections of globular ions from their measured electrical
      mobilities in molecular gases. We also corroborate prior reports that the drag
      enhancement factor xi, which remains nearly constant with temperature and drift
      gas, exceeds slightly the value xim~ 1.36 established by Millikan's oil drop
      measurements. Unexpectedly, the coefficient beta shows a significant temperature
      dependence, suggesting that the ion-gas molecule scattering process is affected
      by T. The effective gas-molecule collision diameter dg is seen to decrease with
      T, and takes a value in excess of 0.45 nm in CO2 at 20  degrees C, considerably
      larger than in room-temperature air.

PMID- 25141917
TI  - Establishing a panel of chemo-resistant mesothelioma models for investigating
      chemo-resistance and identifying new treatments for mesothelioma.
AB  - Mesothelioma is inherently chemo-resistant with only 50% of patients responding
      to the standard of care treatments, and consequently it has a very grim
      prognosis. The aim of this study was to establish a panel of chemo-resistant
      mesothelioma models with clinically relevant levels of resistance as tools for
      investigating chemo-resistance and identifying new treatments for mesothelioma.
      Chemo-resistant cell lines were established in vitro and characterized in vivo
      using syngeneic Fischer rats. Tumors derived from all chemo-resistant cell lines
      were immunohistochemically classified as mesothelioma. Homozygous deletion of
      p16(INK4A)/p14(ARF) and increased expression of several ATP-binding cassette
      transporters were demonstrated, consistent with findings in human mesothelioma.
      Further, the acquisition of chemo-resistance in vitro resulted in changes to
      tumor morphology and overall survival. In conclusion, these models display many
      features corresponding with the human disease, and provide the first series of
      matched parental and chemo-resistant models for in vitro and in vivo mesothelioma
      studies. 

PMID- 25141919
TI  - A new ArcGIS-based software of uncertainty analysis for nitrate load estimation.

PMID- 25141920
TI  - Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, September/October 2014.

PMID- 25141921
TI  - Pleiotrophin inhibits melanogenesis via Erk1/2-MITF signaling in normal human
      melanocytes.
AB  - Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a secreted heparin-binding protein that is involved in
      various biological functions of cell growth and differentiation. Little is known
      about the effects of PTN on the melanocyte function and skin pigmentation. In
      this study, we investigated whether PTN would affect melanogenesis. PTN was
      expressed in melanocytes and fibroblasts of human skin. Transfection studies
      revealed that PTN decreased melanogenesis, probably through MITF degradation via
      Erk1/2 activation in melanocytes. The inhibitory action of PTN in pigmentation
      was further confirmed in ex vivo cultured skin and in the melanocytes cocultured
      with fibroblasts. These findings suggest that PTN is a crucial factor for the
      regulation of melanogenesis in the skin. 

PMID- 25141923
TI  - HJC, a new arylnaphthalene lignan isolated from Justicia procumbens, causes
      apoptosis and caspase activation in K562 leukemia cells.
AB  - The aim of this study is to investigate whether HJC, isolated from Justicia
      procumbens for the first time, can suppress the proliferation and induce
      apoptosis of human leukemia K562 cells and finally clarify its related mechanism.
      The chemical structure of HJC was validated by LC-ESI-MS/MS, cytotoxicity was
      assayed using MTT, and apoptosis was investigated by flow cytometry. These assays
      indicated that HJC remarkably inhibited the growth in K562 cells by decreasing
      cell proliferation, reducing the SOD activity, enhancing ROS levels and inducing
      apoptosis. Activation of caspase-3 indicated that HJC may be inducing intrinsic
      and extrinsic apoptosis pathways and that HJC-induced apoptosis was caspase
      dependent. This study suggests that HJC is a high-potency anti-tumor agent, and
      it induces apoptosis through a caspase-dependent pathway in human leukemia K562
      cells. It also presents a potential alternative to leukemia therapy. 

PMID- 25141922
TI  - Selective augmentation of striatal functional connectivity following NMDA
      receptor antagonism: implications for psychosis.
AB  - The psychotomimetic effect of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)
      antagonist ketamine is thought to arise from a functional modulation of the
      brain's fronto-striato-thalamic (FST) circuits. Animal models suggest a
      pronounced effect on ventral 'limbic' FST systems, although recent work in
      patients with psychosis and high-risk individuals suggests specific alterations
      of dorsal 'associative' FST circuits. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance
      imaging to investigate the effects of a subanesthetic dose of ketamine on
      measures of functional connectivity as indexed by the temporal coherence of
      spontaneous neural activity in both dorsal and ventral FST circuits, as well as
      their symptom correlates. We adopted a placebo-controlled, double-blind,
      randomized, repeated-measures design in which 19 healthy participants received
      either an intravenous saline infusion or a racemic mixture of ketamine (100
      ng/ml) separated by at least 1 week. Compared with placebo, ketamine increased
      functional connectivity between the dorsal caudate and both the thalamus and
      midbrain bilaterally. Ketamine additionally increased functional connectivity of
      the ventral striatum/nucleus accumbens and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Both
      connectivity increases significantly correlated with the psychosis-like and
      dissociative symptoms under ketamine. Importantly, dorsal caudate connectivity
      with the ventrolateral thalamus and subthalamic nucleus showed inverse
      correlation with ketamine-induced symptomatology, pointing to a possible
      resilience role to disturbances in FST circuits. Although consistent with the
      role of FST in mediating psychosis, these findings contrast with previous
      research in clinical samples by suggesting that acute NMDAR antagonism may lead
      to psychosis-like experiences via a mechanism that is distinct from that
      implicated in frank psychotic illness. 

PMID- 25141924
TI  - In vitro and in vivo effects of xanthorrhizol on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells
      treated with tamoxifen.
AB  - This study investigated the herb-drug interaction of xanthorrhizol and tamoxifen
      in human breast cancer cells. Using MCF-7 cell line as an in vitro model, the
      herb-drug interaction between xanthorrhizol and tamoxifen was measured by MTT
      assay, luciferase reporter assay, and cell cycle analysis. The effects of
      xanthorrhizol on growth/autophagy related signaling were determined by
      immunostaining, western blotting, and real time RT-PCR. Additionally, the in vivo
      effect of xanthorrhizol and tamoxifen on athymic nude mice implanted with MCF-7
      cells was evaluated. When MCF-7 cells were co-treated with tamoxifen and
      xanthorrhizol, there were no significant changes in terms of cell number,
      luciferase activity, percentage S-phase cells and LC3-II expression. However,
      using the MCF-7 implanted nude mice model, it was possible to detect
      significantly increased tumor volumes, a larger tumor size, and increased protein
      expression of P38 and P27(Kip1) in the xanthorrhizol + tamoxifen group compared
      to the tamoxifen-alone group. It can be concluded that while there is no
      significant herb-drug interaction between xanthorrhizol and tamoxifen in vitro,
      there is such an interaction in tumor-bearing mice, which provides important
      information that affects breast cancer treatment translational research. 

PMID- 25141925
TI  - Glycyrrhetinic acid reverses the lipopolysaccharide-induced hypocontractility to
      noradrenaline in rat aorta: implications to septic shock.
AB  - Septic shock and associated vascular hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictor agonists
      remain a major problem of critical care medicine. Here we report that
      glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), the active component of licorice, effectively restores
      vascular contractility in the model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated rat
      aorta. GA was as effective as the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitroarginine
      methylester. GA did not affect the vascular NO levels (measured by EPR spin
      trapping) and relaxations to L-arginine in LPS-treated rings as well as
      relaxation to S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine in control rings. Thus, GA may
      represent an interesting alternative to NO synthase inhibitors in sepsis
      associated vascular dysfunction.

PMID- 25141928
TI  - Patient self-testing and self-management of oral anticoagulation with vitamin K
      antagonists: guidance from the British Committee for Standards in Haematology.

PMID- 25141929
TI  - The 18th Germinal Centre Meeting.

PMID- 25141931
TI  - Lessons from evolution: developmental plasticity in vertebrates with complex life
      cycles.
AB  - Developmental plasticity is the property of a given genotype to produce different
      phenotypes in response to the environmental conditions experienced during
      development. Chordates have two basic modes of development, direct and indirect.
      Direct development (mode of humans) was derived evolutionarily from indirect
      development (mode of many amphibians), the major difference being the presence of
      a larval stage with indirect development; larvae undergo metamorphosis to the
      juvenile adult. In amphibians, environmental conditions experienced during the
      larval stage can lead to extreme plasticity in behaviour, morphology and the
      timing of metamorphosis and can cause variation in adult phenotypic expression
      (carry-over effects, or developmental programming). Hormones of the
      neuroendocrine stress axis play pivotal roles in mediating environmental effects
      on animal development. Stress hormones, produced in response to a deteriorating
      larval habitat, accelerate amphibian metamorphosis; in mammals, stress hormones
      hasten the onset of parturition and play an important role in pre-term birth
      caused by intra-uterine stress. While stress hormones can promote survival in a
      deteriorating larval or intra-uterine habitat, costs may be incurred, such as
      reduced growth and size at metamorphosis or birth. Furthermore, exposure to
      elevated stress hormones during the tadpole or foetal stage can cause permanent
      neurological changes, leading to altered physiology and behaviour later in life.
      The actions of stress hormones in animal development are evolutionarily
      conserved, and therefore amphibians can serve as important model organisms for
      research on the mechanisms of developmental plasticity. 

PMID- 25141932
TI  - Early infancy - a critical period for development of obesity.
AB  - Abundant epidemiologic evidence from the developed world now shows that more
      rapid weight gain during the first half of infancy predicts later obesity and
      cardio-metabolic risk. In countries in transition, in which stunting is still
      prevalent, distinguishing the effects of gain in weight from linear growth
      remains a challenge. Moreover, very few studies to date have incorporated body
      composition measures during infancy, which is key to understanding determinants
      of infant weight gain that also predict later obesity. In addition to infant
      feeding type, potential determinants include the perinatal endocrine milieu.
      Animal and emerging human data raise the possibility that ensuring adequate
      leptin exposure to the growing fetus may regulate energy balance as the infant
      grows. Understanding these pathways, as well as examining the balance between
      cardiovascular and cognitive effects in both term and preterm infants, will point
      the way toward effective interventions to alter infant growth to prevent later
      obesity. 

PMID- 25141933
TI  - Prenatal environmental exposures that may influence beta-cell function or insulin
      sensitivity in middle age.
AB  - The associations between fetal environment and diabetes risk are likely mediated
      by the offspring's diminished pancreatic beta-cell function or reduced insulin
      sensitivity. Our ability to distinguish between these mechanisms is impeded by
      the lack of markers describing an individual's gestational environment.
      Fingerprints, however, are permanently fixed in the first half of gestation, and
      increased values of a dermatoglyphic marker that contrasts fingerprint ridge
      counts between the thumbs and fifth fingers (Md15) have been linked to type 2
      diabetes. Among 763 adults without known diabetes from the Dutch Hunger Winter
      Families Study, we tested the associations of Md15 with homeostatic assessment
      indices of beta-cell function (HOMA-b) and insulin sensitivity (QUICKI). For
      either outcome index, linear regression models included terms for Md15 tertiles
      and for maternal history of diabetes as reported by each participant. All models
      were corrected for sibling pairs and adjusted for age, sex and famine exposures.
      Increased Md15 was associated with decreased HOMA-b (P = 0.03 for Md15 tertile 3
      v. 1) but not with QUICKI. In contrast, maternal history of diabetes was
      associated with decreased QUICKI (P < 0.001) but not with HOMA-b. Birth weight
      (available for 520 participants) was positively associated with increased QUICKI
      (P = 0.04 for birth weight tertile 3 v. 1) but not with HOMA-b. Fingerprint Md15,
      maternal history of diabetes and birth weight may help to identify specific
      defects in the control of adult glucose metabolism. Research into the environment
      associated with Md15 variation may suggest prenatal strategies for optimizing
      beta-cell function in adult life. 

PMID- 25141934
TI  - The interleukins IL-6 and IL-1Ra: a mediating role in the associations between
      BMI and birth weight?
AB  - The biological mechanisms in the association between maternal body mass index
      (BMI) and birth weight are not well understood, but are likely to involve
      maternal plasma glucose levels and nutrient transport across the placenta, both
      important modulators of fetal growth. Adipose tissue contributes to circulating
      levels of interleukins that may affect glucose metabolism and possibly also
      placental transport of nutrients. We investigated possible mediating roles of
      Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Interleukin 1 Receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in 208
      pregnant women. Known and hypothesized dependencies between BMI in early
      pregnancy and fasting glucose, IL-1Ra and IL-6 at gestational weeks 30-32, and
      birth weight were specified in a path diagram. Standardized regression
      coefficients, expressing direct, indirect and total effects, were estimated by
      Bayesian path analysis. Mean (s.d.) BMI was 24.9 kg/m2 (4.2) and mean (s.d.)
      birth weight 3748 g (454). The total effect of BMI on birth weight was 0.24 (95%
      credibility interval (CrI) [0.12, 0.36]). The direct effect of IL-1Ra on birth
      weight was not statistically significant, but significant effects of BMI on IL
      1Ra (0.61, 95% CrI [0.51, 0.72]), of IL-1Ra on fasting glucose (0.17, 95% CrI
      [0.01, 0.34]) and of fasting glucose on birth weight (0.14, 95% CrI [0.01, 0.27])
      implied an indirect pathway from BMI via IL-1Ra on birth weight. Approximately
      20% of the effect of BMI on birth weight was mediated through IL-1Ra. For IL-6,
      no such effects were found. Our results indicate that IL-1Ra may be a mediator in
      the association between BMI and birth weight. 

PMID- 25141935
TI  - Impact of size at birth and prematurity on adult anthropometry in 4744 middle
      aged Danes - The Inter99 study.
AB  - Low birth weight is related to increased risk of developing cardiovascular
      disease and type 2 diabetes in adult life. Since obesity is closely associated
      with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the relationship between size at
      birth and adult anthropometry is of interest as a mediator of the relationship
      between birth weight and metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was,
      therefore, to examine the effect of size at birth and prematurity on measures of
      adult anthropometry taking adult socio-economic status and lifestyle variables
      into account. Midwife records with information on mother's age and parity as well
      as weight, length and maturity at birth were traced in 4744 Danes born between
      1939 and 1970. Measures of adult anthropometry (weight, height, body mass index
      (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference and waist/hip ratio) had previously
      been recorded together with information on socio-economic factors, lifestyle and
      parental diabetes status. Mother's age, parity and diabetes status were
      associated with offspring birth weight. Size at birth was positively associated
      with adult height and weight, but only weakly associated with BMI and not
      associated with waist/hip ratio when adjusted for socio-economic and lifestyle
      factors. Infants born preterm were less growth restricted at birth and grew to be
      taller and heavier compared with term infants born small for gestational age.
      Altogether, this study does not find evidence that obesity or a central fat
      distribution is mediating the relationship between low birth weight and risk of
      cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes in later life. 

PMID- 25141936
TI  - Relation of maternal hypertension with infant growth in a prospective birth
      cohort: the ABCD study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the assumed positive association of pre
      existent and pregnancy-induced hypertension with the offspring's weight and
      length gain in the first 14 months of life. We studied 3994 pregnant women and
      their offspring in a prospective community-based cohort study, starting between
      2003 and 2004 (Amsterdam Born Children and their Development, ABCD study).
      Questionnaires obtaining information about hypertension during pregnancy were
      completed, and this was complemented with additional information from the
      obstetric caregiver. Anthropometry of the offspring was followed during the first
      14 months of life. Main outcome measures were presence or absence of growth
      acceleration in weight or length (normal: DeltaSDS ? 0.67 v. growth acceleration:
      DeltaSDS > 0.67). The relation between hypertension during pregnancy and weight
      and length gain was addressed by logistic regression analyses. We found that pre
      existent hypertension was related to growth acceleration in weight and length.
      After correction for birth weight and pregnancy duration, the effect remained
      significant for growth acceleration in weight (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.21-2.97; P <
      0.01). Pregnancy-induced hypertension showed similar results, although correction
      for birth weight and pregnancy duration rendered the associations non
      significant. In conclusion, infants of women with pre-existent hypertension
      during pregnancy more frequently have growth acceleration in weight and length,
      and yet the mechanisms acting on postnatal growth appear to be different. 

PMID- 25141937
TI  - Inflammation-mediating proteases: structure, function in (patho) physiology and
      inhibition.
AB  - Proteases regulating inflammation are versatile enzymes, usually extracellular
      matrix degrading enzymes that are involved in wound healing, angiogenesis,
      coagulation, development, apoptosis and other physiological processes. Their
      dysregulation and increased expression during inflammation can have devastating
      consequences, promoting etiology of vascular diseases, inflammatory arthritis,
      cancer, and allograft rejection. In this review several proteases (ADAMTS,
      granzymes, plasmin, and kallikreins) with different mechanisms and substrates are
      described in addition to their physiological roles and contribution to
      inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Inhibition of proteases may therefore
      represent an attractive strategy for treatment and herein we describe
      physiological and engineered inhibitors. 

PMID- 25141938
TI  - Roles of secreted phospholipases A2 in the mammalian immune system.
AB  - Secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) molecules constitute a family of proteins that
      are involved functionally in many biological processes. In particular, they
      participate in diverse pathophysiological settings as enzymes that release free
      fatty acids and lysophospholipids from phospholipids in biological membranes, or
      as ligands for various cellular receptors. In this review the confirmed or
      expected functions of sPLA2s in the mammalian immune system are surveyed. Some of
      the twelve mammalian sPLA2 molecules constitute part of the so-called innate
      immune system by virtue of their antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal
      activities. They are also involved in acute inflammation, a protective reaction
      of the body to infection or injury. The acute inflammation sometimes escapes
      regulation, becomes chronic and can evolve into a severe pathology. One or more
      types of sPLA2 are involved in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis,
      atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and
      cancer. sPLA2s are thus important therapeutic targets as well as biotherapeutic
      molecules. Improving the selectivity of inhibitors of sPLA2s to be able to target
      a particular sPLA2 could therefore be one of the most important tasks for future
      research.

PMID- 25141940
TI  - Reliability of categorical loudness scaling in the electrical domain: common
      mistakes.

PMID- 25141939
TI  - Access to breast reconstruction after mastectomy and patient perspectives on
      reconstruction decision making.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Most women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer do not undergo
      breast reconstruction. OBJECTIVE: To examine correlates of breast reconstruction
      after mastectomy and to determine if a significant unmet need for reconstruction
      exists. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We used Surveillance, Epidemiology,
      and End Results registries from Los Angeles, California, and Detroit, Michigan,
      for rapid case ascertainment to identify a sample of women aged 20 to 79 years
      diagnosed as having ductal carcinoma in situ or stages I to III invasive breast
      cancer. Black and Latina women were oversampled to ensure adequate representation
      of racial/ethnic minorities. Eligible participants were able to complete a survey
      in English or Spanish. Of 3252 women sent the initial survey a median of 9 months
      after diagnosis, 2290 completed it. Those who remained disease free were surveyed
      4 years later to determine the frequency of immediate and delayed reconstruction
      and patient attitudes toward the procedure; 1536 completed the follow-up survey.
      The 485 who remained disease free at follow-up underwent analysis. EXPOSURES:
      Disease-free survival of breast cancer. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Breast
      reconstruction at any time after mastectomy and patient satisfaction with
      different aspects of the reconstruction decision-making process. RESULTS:
      Response rates in the initial and follow-up surveys were 73.1% and 67.7%,
      respectively (overall, 49.4%). Of 485 patients reporting mastectomy at the
      initial survey and remaining disease free, 24.8% underwent immediate and 16.8%
      underwent delayed reconstruction (total, 41.6%). Factors significantly associated
      with not undergoing reconstruction were black race (adjusted odds ratio [AOR],
      2.16 [95% CI, 1.11-4.20]; P = .004), lower educational level (AOR, 4.49 [95% CI,
      2.31-8.72]; P < .001), increased age (AOR in 10-year increments, 2.53 [95% CI,
      1.77-3.61]; P < .001), major comorbidity (AOR, 2.27 [95% CI, 1.01-5.11]; P =
      .048), and chemotherapy (AOR, 1.82 [95% CI, 0.99-3.31]; P = .05). Only 13.3% of
      women were dissatisfied with the reconstruction decision-making process, but
      dissatisfaction was higher among nonwhite patients in the sample (AOR, 2.87 [95%
      CI, 1.27-6.51]; P = .03). The most common patient-reported reasons for not having
      reconstruction were the desire to avoid additional surgery (48.5%) and the belief
      that it was not important (33.8%), but 36.3% expressed fear of implants. Reasons
      for avoiding reconstruction and systems barriers to care varied by race; barriers
      were more common among nonwhite participants. Residual demand for reconstruction
      at 4 years was low, with only 30 of 263 who did not undergo reconstruction still
      considering the procedure. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Reconstruction rates
      largely reflect patient demand; most patients are satisfied with the decision
      making process about reconstruction. Specific approaches are needed to address
      lingering patient-level and system factors with a negative effect on
      reconstruction among minority women.

PMID- 25141941
TI  - Family member involvement in audiology appointments with older people with
      hearing impairment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate family members' involvement in
      audiology rehabilitation appointments. DESIGN: Audiology appointments were video
      recorded and analysed using quantitative coding and conversation analysis (CA).
      STUDY SAMPLE: The study sample included 13 audiologists, 17 older adults with
      hearing impairment, and 17 family members. RESULTS: Initial coding showed that
      family members participated in 12% of the total talk time during audiology
      appointments. The CA results demonstrated that family members were not typically
      invited to join the conversation. However, family members would self-select to
      speak by: (1) responding to questions from the audiologist which were directed at
      the client; (2) self-initiating expansions on clients' turns; and (3) self
      initiating questions. When family members did participate in the interaction,
      audiologists typically responded by shifting the conversation back to the client.
      CONCLUSION: While family members currently have minimal participation in
      audiology appointments, they display a strong interest in being involved and
      sharing their experiences of the client's hearing impairment. The findings
      suggest support for implementing family-centred care principles in audiology
      practice.

PMID- 25141942
TI  - Spatio-temporal epidemiology of the cholera outbreak in Papua New Guinea, 2009
      2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cholera continues to be a devastating disease in many developing
      countries where inadequate safe water supply and poor sanitation facilitate
      spread. From July 2009 until late 2011 Papua New Guinea experienced the first
      outbreak of cholera recorded in the country, resulting in >15,500 cases and >500
      deaths. METHODS: Using the national cholera database, we analysed the spatio
      temporal distribution and clustering of the Papua New Guinea cholera outbreak.
      The Kulldorff space-time permutation scan statistic, contained in the software
      package SatScan v9.2 was used to describe the first 8 weeks of the outbreak in
      Morobe Province before cholera cases spread throughout other regions of the
      country. Data were aggregated at the provincial level to describe the spread of
      the disease to other affected provinces. RESULTS: Spatio-temporal and cluster
      analyses revealed that the outbreak was characterized by three distinct phases
      punctuated by explosive propagation of cases when the outbreak spread to a new
      region. The lack of road networks across most of Papua New Guinea is likely to
      have had a major influence on the slow spread of the disease during this
      outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of high risk areas and the likely mode of
      spread can guide government health authorities to formulate public health
      strategies to mitigate the spread of the disease through education campaigns,
      vaccination, increased surveillance in targeted areas and interventions to
      improve water, sanitation and hygiene.

PMID- 25141943
TI  - The effect of obesity and tobacco smoke exposure on inflammatory mediators and
      matrix metalloproteinases in rat model.
AB  - Obesity is characterized by hypertrophy of adipose tissue and chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) by lung damage; both diseases are associated with
      systemic low-grade inflammation. There are no animal models combining obesity and
      COPD; therefore, these diseases were induced simultaneously in rats to analyze
      their effects on the expression of inflammatory mediators and enzymes involved in
      lung tissue remodeling. Obesity was induced with sucrose (30%) for 4 months
      concomitant with tobacco smoke exposure (20 cigarettes/day, 5 days/wk) for the
      last 2 months. Were evaluated: body weight, abdominal fat, dyslipidemia, glucose
      tolerance test (GTT), histology, inflammatory mediators with qPCR and enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2), MMP-9, MMP-12,
      TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 through qRT-PCR, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 by gelatin zymography. The
      rats on a sucrose diet exhibited increased body weight, abdominal fat,
      triglycerides, GTT, and plasma levels of insulin, adiponectin, leptin, resistin,
      IL-6, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and IFN-gamma,
      upregulated lung IL-6, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, showing hyperplastic
      bronchial and alveolar epithelium. The animals exposed to sucrose and tobacco
      smoke exhibited decreased body weight, abdominal fat and plasma levels of leptin,
      resistin, IL-1beta and IFN-gamma, reducing inflammation but showing emphysematous
      lesions. Expression of gelatinases and MMP-12 augmented in the rats exposed to
      tobacco smoke alone or combined with sucrose. Zymography showed prominent
      gelatinases activity in all the experimental groups. These results suggest that
      simultaneous exposure to sucrose and tobacco smoke decreases inflammation but
      results in emphysematous lesions similar to those observed with tobacco smoke
      exposure, suggesting that obesity does not confer any protective effect against
      lung damage.

PMID- 25141944
TI  - Functional vaginal rejuvenation with elastic silicone threads: a 4-year
      experience with 180 patients.
AB  - Recently, there has been growing interest in female genital plastic surgery. To
      the authors' knowledge, no studies have adopted elastic silicone thread for
      vaginal rejuvenation. This study introduces clinical experience over 4 years with
      vaginal rejuvenation using elastic silicone thread to specifically assess the
      overall patient satisfaction (sexual function and correction of the vaginal
      width). It is hypothesised that this novel surgical method can improve sexual
      function. Between 2007-2011, 180 patients underwent vaginal rejuvenation using
      elastic silicone thread performed by the authors at a single institution.
      Patients with persistent feeling of a wide vagina and/or a decreased ability to
      reach orgasm were included. Patients were excluded from the study if they were
      unavailable for follow-up, or if they had been diagnosed with any gynecologic
      diseases. To measure the 15 degree of improvement with regard to sexual function,
      this study adopted the validated system; Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
      92.8% (167/180) of the patients were satisfied with outcome with regard to
      feelings of correction of vaginal width. Vaginal rejuvenation using elastic
      silicone thread significantly improved postoperative outcomes, resulting in
      improved sexual function, with a focus on improving the FSFI score. This is
      especially prominent in FSFI orgasm subscore. However, a prospective multicentre
      study would be beneficial to provide patients with the best possible management.

PMID- 25141945
TI  - Copper-catalyzed decarboxylative C-P cross-coupling of alkynyl acids with H
      phosphine oxides: a facile and selective synthesis of (E)-1-alkenylphosphine
      oxides.
AB  - A novel and efficient copper-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling of alkynyl
      acids for the stereoselective synthesis of E-alkenylphosphine oxides has been
      developed. In the presence of 10 mol % of CuCl without added ligand, base, and
      additive, various alkynyl acids reacted with H-phosphine oxides to afford E
      alkenylphosphine oxides with operational simplicity, broad substrate scope, and
      the stereoselectivity for E-isomers. 

PMID- 25141946
TI  - Egyptian herbal tea infusions' antioxidants and their antiproliferative and
      cytotoxic activities against cancer cells.
AB  - The antioxidant, antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities against different
      human cancer cells were investigated in local and recently introduced plants of
      Mentha sp., Rosmarinus officinalis L. (ROL) and Origanum majorana L. (OML). ROL
      exhibited the highest antioxidant activities (IC50 8.4 +/- 0.2 MUg/mL) followed
      by OML and mint species such as Mentha suaveolens 'apple mint' and Mentha
      longifolia L. exhibiting moderate antioxidant activities. HPLC analysis of leaf
      extract revealed that rosmarinic acid is the main component followed by caffeic
      acid. Herbal leaf extracts varied in their proliferation inhibition and
      cytotoxicity against HeLa, MCF-7 and Jurkat cancer cells in a dose-dependent
      matter. The highest antiproliferative inhibition and cytotoxic activity were
      detected in ROL and OML followed by mint. Local herbs might have a potential role
      as anticancer natural medicines in addition to their high antioxidant activities
      due to the presence of different phenolics in their aqueous tea extracts.

PMID- 25141949
TI  - Biotransformation.
AB  - The field of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics spans a wide spectrum of
      research areas involving human subjects at both individual and population levels.
      One of the key concepts relevant to all of these research areas is
      biotransformation of drug molecules, which can be defined as the chemical
      modification of drugs within an organism. This issue of the Journal highlights
      some of the biotransformation pathways and their sources of individual
      variations.

PMID- 25141947
TI  - Preventive effect of permethrin-impregnated long-lasting insecticidal nets on the
      blood feeding of three major pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors in western
      Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the use of long
      lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) as a principal strategy for effective malaria
      prevention and control, pyrethroids have been the only class of insecticides used
      for LLINs. The dramatic success of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and LLINs in
      African countries, however, has been threatened by the rapid development of
      pyrethroid resistance in vector mosquitoes. ITNs and LLINs are still used as
      effective self-protection measures, but there have been few studies on the
      effectiveness of ITNs and LLINs in areas where vector mosquitoes are pyrethroid
      resistant. METHODS: To investigate the behavioral pattern of mosquitoes in the
      houses where LLINs were used, indoor mosquito trappings of Anopheles gambiae
      s.s., An. arabiensis, and An. funestus s.s. were performed with Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) miniature light trap equipped with a
      collection bottle rotator at 2-hour intervals between 4:00 pm and 8:00 am. The
      trapped female mosquitoes were identified and classified as unfed, blood fed, and
      gravid. The abdominal contents of fed female mosquitoes were used for DNA
      extractions to identify the blood source. RESULTS: A large proportion of human
      blood feeding of An. arabiensis and An. funestus s.s. (but not An. gambiae s.s.)
      took place during the time people were active outside LLINs. However, during the
      hours when people were beneath LLINs, these provided protective efficacy as
      indicated by reduced human blood feeding rates. CONCLUSION: LLINs provided
      effective protection against pyrethroid-resistant malaria vector populations
      during bedtime hours. However, protection of LLINs was insufficient during the
      hours when people were active outside of the bed nets. Such limitation of LLINs
      will need to be intensively addressed in African countries in the near future.

PMID- 25141952
TI  - A question-based approach to adopting pharmacogenetics to understand risk for
      clinical variability in pharmacokinetics in early drug development.
AB  - Understanding genetic variations that influence pharmacokinetics (PK) in humans
      is important for optimal clinical use of drugs. Guidances for making decisions on
      when to conduct pharmacogenetic research during drug development have been
      proposed by regulatory agencies, but their uniform adoption presents problems due
      to an inherent lack of flexibility. A questions-based approach (QBA) was
      developed to enable drug development teams at Merck to iteratively and flexibly
      evaluate the potential impact of pharmacogenetics (PGx) on clinical
      pharmacokinetic variability. 

PMID- 25141953
TI  - Genetic markers of cisplatin-induced hearing loss in children.
AB  - This journal recently published a Commentary by Ratain and colleagues at the
      University of Chicago that criticizes our work on cisplatin-induced hearing loss
      in children. It is unfortunate that neither the authors nor the editors of
      Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics corresponded with us to provide an earlier
      opportunity to address these questions. Here we correct the authors' inaccuracies
      and provide additional analyses that further strengthen our published findings. 

PMID- 25141954
TI  - ITC commentary on the prediction of digoxin clinical drug-drug interactions from
      in vitro transporter assays.
AB  - The "P-glycoprotein" IC50 working group reported an 18- to 796-fold
      interlaboratory range in digoxin transport IC50 (inhibitor concentration
      achieving 50% of maximal inhibition), raising concerns about the predictability
      of clinical transporter-based drug-drug interactions (DDIs) from in vitro data.
      This Commentary describes complexities of digoxin transport, which involve both
      uptake and efflux processes. We caution against attributing digoxin transport
      IC50 specifically to P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or extending this composite
      uptake/efflux IC50 variability to individual transporters. Clinical digoxin
      interaction studies should be interpreted as evaluation of digoxin safety, not P
      gp DDIs. 

PMID- 25141960
TI  - The RNS System: responsive cortical stimulation for the treatment of refractory
      partial epilepsy.
AB  - The RNS((r)) System is the first commercially available device to provide closed
      loop responsive brain stimulation. The system includes a cranially implanted
      neurostimulator that continually monitors the electrocorticogram through one or
      two depth and/or subdural cortical strip leads that are placed at the seizure
      focus. When abnormal electrographic activity is detected, the neurostimulator
      delivers brief pulses of electrical stimulation to the seizure focus through the
      implanted leads. In November 2013, the US FDA approved the RNS System as an
      adjunctive therapy for patients with drug resistant, partial onset seizures who
      have undergone diagnostic testing that localized no more than 2 epileptogenic
      foci. Safety and effectiveness of the RNS System for the indicated patient
      population was demonstrated in a multicenter, randomized, sham-stimulation
      controlled 2-year pivotal study. An ongoing, prospective, long-term treatment
      study is currently gathering an additional 7 years of prospective safety and
      effectiveness data of the RNS System. 

PMID- 25141959
TI  - Genomes in turmoil: quantification of genome dynamics in prokaryote supergenomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genomes of bacteria and archaea (collectively, prokaryotes) appear to
      exist in incessant flux, expanding via horizontal gene transfer and gene
      duplication, and contracting via gene loss. However, the actual rates of genome
      dynamics and relative contributions of different types of event across the
      diversity of prokaryotes are largely unknown, as are the sizes of microbial
      supergenomes, i.e. pools of genes that are accessible to the given microbial
      species. RESULTS: We performed a comprehensive analysis of the genome dynamics in
      35 groups (34 bacterial and one archaeal) of closely related microbial genomes
      using a phylogenetic birth-and-death maximum likelihood model to quantify the
      rates of gene family gain and loss, as well as expansion and reduction. The
      results show that loss of gene families dominates the evolution of prokaryotes,
      occurring at approximately three times the rate of gain. The rates of gene family
      expansion and reduction are typically seven and twenty times less than the gain
      and loss rates, respectively. Thus, the prevailing mode of evolution in bacteria
      and archaea is genome contraction, which is partially compensated by the gain of
      new gene families via horizontal gene transfer. However, the rates of gene family
      gain, loss, expansion and reduction vary within wide ranges, with the most stable
      genomes showing rates about 25 times lower than the most dynamic genomes. For
      many groups, the supergenome estimated from the fraction of repetitive gene
      family gains includes about tenfold more gene families than the typical genome in
      the group although some groups appear to have vast, 'open' supergenomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of evolution for groups of closely related bacteria
      and archaea reveals an extremely rapid and highly variable flux of genes in
      evolving microbial genomes, demonstrates that extensive gene loss and horizontal
      gene transfer leading to innovation are the two dominant evolutionary processes,
      and yields robust estimates of the supergenome size.

PMID- 25141961
TI  - Follicular fluid placental growth factor is increased in polycystic ovarian
      syndrome: correlation with ovarian stimulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by increased
      ovarian angiogenesis and vascularity. Accumulating evidence indicates that
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is increased in PCOS and may play an
      important role in these vascular changes and the pathogenesis of this disease.
      Placental growth factor (PlGF), a VEGF family member, has not been previously
      characterized in PCOS women. We investigated levels and temporal expression
      patterns of PlGF and its soluble receptor sFlt-1 (soluble Fms-like tyrosine
      kinase) in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of women with PCOS during controlled
      ovarian stimulation. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 14 PCOS
      women (Rotterdam criteria) and 14 matched controls undergoing controlled ovarian
      stimulation. Serum was collected on day 3, day of hCG and day of oocyte
      retrieval. FF was collected on retrieval day. PlGF, sFlt-1 and anti-mullerian
      hormone (AMH) protein concentrations were measured using ELISA. Since sFlt-1
      binds free PlGF, preventing its signal transduction, we calculated PlGF
      bioavailability as PlGF/sFlt-1 ratio. RESULTS: Serum PlGF and sFlt-1 levels were
      constant throughout controlled ovarian stimulation, and no significant
      differences were observed in either factor in PCOS women compared with non-PCOS
      controls at all three measured time points. However, FF PlGF levels were
      increased 1.5-fold in PCOS women compared with controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, FF
      PlGF correlated positively with number of oocytes retrieved and the ovarian
      reserve marker anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and negatively with age. In addition,
      FF sFlt-1 levels were decreased 1.4-fold in PCOS women compared to controls (p =
      0.04). PlGF bioavailability in FF was significantly greater (2-fold) in PCOS
      women compared with non-PCOS controls (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data provide
      evidence that FF PlGF correlates with ovarian stimulation and that its
      bioavailability is increased in women with PCOS undergoing controlled ovarian
      stimulation. This suggests that PlGF may play a role in PCOS pathogenesis and its
      angiogenic dysregulation.

PMID- 25141962
TI  - Phototherapy 660 nm for the prevention of radiodermatitis in breast cancer
      patients receiving radiation therapy: study protocol for a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast neoplasms are the second most common type of cancer worldwide,
      and radiation therapy is a key component of their treatment. Acute skin reactions
      are one of the most common side effects of radiation therapy, and prevention of
      this adverse event has been investigated in several studies. However, a
      clinically applicable, preventative treatment remains unavailable. It has been
      demonstrated that application of a low-power laser can promote tissue repair.
      Therefore, the aim of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of an indium
      gallium aluminum phosphorus (InGaAIP) laser operated at 660 nm in preventing
      radiodermatitis in women undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer.
      METHODS/DESIGN: This is a two-arm, randomized controlled trial. A total of 52
      patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer (stages I to III) will be
      enrolled. Patients will be randomly assigned to an intervention group to receive
      laser therapy (n = 26) or a control group to receive a placebo (n = 26). The
      laser or placebo will be applied five days a week, immediately before each
      radiotherapy session. Skin reactions will then be graded weekly by a nurse, a
      radiotherapist, and an oncologist (all of whom will be blinded) using the Common
      Toxicity Criteria (CTC) developed by the National Cancer Institute and the Acute
      Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria developed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology
      Group. Patients will also answer a modified visual analogue scale for pain (a
      self-evaluation questionnaire). Primary and secondary outcomes will be the
      prevention of radiodermatitis and pain secondary to radiodermatitis,
      respectively. DISCUSSION: The ideal tool for preventing radiodermatitis is an
      agent that mediates DNA repair or promotes cell proliferation. Application of a
      low-power laser has been shown to promote tissue repair by reducing inflammation
      and inducing collagen synthesis. Moreover, this treatment approach has not been
      associated with adverse events and is cost-effective. Thus, the results of this
      ongoing trial may establish whether use of a low-power laser represents an ideal
      treatment option for the prevention of radiodermatitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02003599. Registered on 2 December 2013.

PMID- 25141963
TI  - Current functional metagenomic approaches only expand the existing protease
      sequence space, but does not presently add any novelty to it.
AB  - Proteases are a fundamental function in many organisms and thus many ecosystems
      and yet they are rarely obtained in functional metagenomic screens. Here, we have
      isolated an active protease gene (M1-2; 613 amino acids) which resided in a 38.4
      kb fosmid clone that showed a classical protease-positive phenotype. It was
      classified as a zinc-dependent metalloprotease, with the closest annotated
      sequence as a neutral protease from Collimonas fungivorans (62 % similarity and
      72 % homology). Further characterisation showed that its optimum temperature and
      pH were 42  degrees C and 8.0, respectively. Activity was inhibited by EDTA, but
      inhibition started to be reversed by excess Zn(2+). A putative signal peptide was
      identified bioinformatically and this may be why this protease was successfully
      isolated using a functional metagenomic screen. Bioinformatic analysis shows that
      this does not represent a novel protease, but simply expands the current sequence
      space of known proteases.

PMID- 25141964
TI  - PSI showed higher tolerance to Sb(V) than PSII due to stimulation of cyclic
      electron flow around PSI.
AB  - The knowledge of the effects of Sb(V) on the physiological characteristics of
      cyanobacteria was still limited. In the present study, responses of photosystem I
      and II (PSI and PSII), cyclic electron flow (CEF), and interphotosystem electron
      transport of Microcystis aeruginosa to 5-100 mg/l Sb(V) were synchronously
      measured using the Dual-PAM-100. 5 mg/l Sb (V) significantly inhibited PSII
      activity, but had no significant effects on PSI activity. At higher
      concentrations of Sb(V), the quantum yield and electron transport of PSI were
      less affected compared to PSII. The ratio of Y(II)/Y(I) significantly decreased
      with increasing Sb(V) concentration. It decreased from 0.7 for control to 0.4 for
      100 mg/l Sb(V)-treated cells, indicating that the change of the distribution of
      quantum yields between two photosystems and more serious inhibition of PSII under
      stress of Sb(V) compared to PSI. CEF was activated associated with the inhibition
      of linear electron flow after exposure to Sb(V). The contribution of Y(CEF) to
      the quantum yield and activity of PSI increased with increasing Sb(V)
      concentrations. The cyclic electron transport rate made a significant
      contribution to electron transport rate of PSI, especially at high Sb(V)
      concentration (100 mg/l) and high illumination (above 555 MUmol photons/m(2)/s).
      The stimulation of CEF was essential for the higher tolerance of PSI than PSII to
      Sb(V).

PMID- 25141965
TI  - Early radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy improves cancer-specific survival
      only in patients with highly aggressive prostate cancer: validation of recently
      released criteria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test the effect of radiotherapy administered within 6 months after
      radical prostatectomy on cancer-specific mortality in prostate cancer patients
      after stratification according to a risk score. METHODS: Overall, 7616 patients
      with pT3/4 N0/1 prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy between 1995
      and 2009 within the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Medicare-linked
      database were included in the study. Competing-risks regression models were
      carried out to test the effect of early radiotherapy on cancer-specific mortality
      in the entire cohort, and after stratifying patients according to the risk score
      based on the number and nature of adverse pathological characteristics (Gleason
      score 8-10; pT3b/4, lymph node invasion). RESULTS: The risk score was associated
      with increasing 5- and 10-year cancer-specific mortality rates (P < 0.001). When
      considering only patients with a risk score >= 2, 5- and 10-year cancer-specific
      mortality rates were significantly lower for individuals undergoing early
      radiotherapy compared with their counterparts not receiving early radiotherapy
      (2.9 and 6.9 vs 5.7 and 16.2%, respectively; P = 0.002). The corresponding number
      required to treat to prevent one death from prostate cancer at 10-year follow up
      was 10. Early radiotherapy was not associated with lower cancer-specific
      mortality rates overall and in patients with a risk score <2. This was confirmed
      in multivariable analyses, where early radiotherapy decreased the risk of cancer
      specific mortality only in patients with a risk score >= 2 (P <= 0.02).
      CONCLUSIONS: The presence of two or more of the following pathological features
      might be used to identify patients who benefit from early radiotherapy: Gleason
      score 8-10, pT3b/4 and lymph node invasion.

PMID- 25141967
TI  - A concise synthesis of (alkynyl)(trifluoromethyl)sulfanes via a bismuth(III)
      promoted reaction of trimethyl(alkynyl)silane with trifluoromethanesulfanylamide.
AB  - A bismuth(III)-promoted reaction of trimethyl(alkynyl)silanes with
      trifluoromethanesulfanylamide is developed, giving rise to
      (alkynyl)(trifluoromethyl)sulfanes in good yields.

PMID- 25141966
TI  - Impaired erythrocyte deformability in transgenic HO-1G143H mutant mice.
AB  - To investigate the potential effects of variation of HO-1 activity on
      hemorheology, this study compared the hemorheological properties between
      transgenic HO-1G143H mutant mice and wild-type (WT) control mice. Fresh blood
      samples were obtained from mice via the ocular venous sinus. The whole blood
      viscosity was measured using a cone-plate viscometer. Erythrocyte deformability
      and aggregation was measured using ektacytometry. The elongation index was
      significantly reduced in the HO-1G143H mutant mice compared to the WT mice at the
      shear rates of 600, 800, and 1,000 s(-1). The integrated elongation index was
      decreased in the HO-1G143H mutant mice compared to the WT mice. There was no
      statistically significant difference between the HO-1G143H mutant mice and the WT
      mice in terms of whole blood viscosity, aggregation index, amplitude of
      aggregation, and aggregation half time. The present study demonstrated that a
      reduction in HO-1 activity results in an impaired erythrocyte deformability.
      Although the mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear, our study brings
      to light the participation of HO-1 in the variations of hemorheology. 

PMID- 25141968
TI  - The association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of GSK 3beta gene and
      sporadic Alzheimer's disease in a cohort of southern Chinese Han population.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that genetic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of
      sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD). Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK 3beta)
      is an important molecule which regulates tau phosphorylation and neurofibrillary
      tangles formation. GSK 3beta gene may be a potential candidate gene for the risk
      of sAD. To investigate the association of the polymorphisms in GSK 3beta gene
      with sAD, we conducted a case-control study in a southern Chinese Han cohort
      including 302 sAD patients and 315 control participants. Four single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs3732361, rs56728675, rs60393216, and rs334558) within the
      promoter region of GSK 3beta gene were selected and genotyped with a polymerase
      chain reaction-ligase detection (PCR-LDR) method. Logistic regression was used to
      analyze the association between target SNPs and the risk of sAD. After adjusting
      for age, sex, and APOE epsilon4 status, no association was revealed between these
      SNPs and sAD (P > 0.05). The SNPs in the selected regions of GSK 3beta gene are
      unlikely to confer the susceptibility of sAD in southern Chinese Han population.
      Further studies with a larger sample size and different ethnic populations are
      needed to reveal the role of SNPs of GSK 3beta gene in the pathogenesis of sAD. 

PMID- 25141969
TI  - Progenitor genealogy in the developing cerebral cortex.
AB  - The mammalian cerebral cortex is characterized by a complex histological
      organization that reflects the spatio-temporal stratifications of related stem
      and neural progenitor cells, which are responsible for the generation of distinct
      glial and neuronal subtypes during development. Some work has been done to shed
      light on the existing filiations between these progenitors as well as their
      respective contribution to cortical neurogenesis. The aim of the present review
      is to summarize the current views of progenitor hierarchy and relationship in the
      developing cortex and to further discuss future research directions that would
      help us to understand the molecular and cellular regulating mechanisms involved
      in cerebral corticogenesis. 

PMID- 25141971
TI  - Basal cell adenocarcinoma and Basal cell adenoma of the salivary glands: a
      clinicopathological review of seventy tumors with comparison of morphologic
      features and growth control indices.
AB  - Basal cell adenoma and basal cell adenocarcinoma represent uncommon basaloid
      salivary gland neoplasms that show marked morphologic similarity. We wished to
      compare clinical outcome and morphologic features as well as growth and
      proliferation associated markers for both neoplasms. We reviewed the pathologic
      features of 70 neoplasms diagnosed as basal cell adenoma or basal cell
      adenocarcinoma. Observations included maximum mitotic activity and presence or
      absence of invasion into surrounding normal tissues as well as
      immunohistochemical studies for Ki-67, caspase 3, p53, and bcl-2. Establishing
      malignancy on the basis of invasion into surrounding benign tissues, 41 basal
      cell adenomas and 29 basal cell adenocarcinomas were identified. For tumors with
      follow-up, recurrence rates were 6.7 % for basal cell adenoma and 16.7 % for
      basal cell adenocarcinoma. One patient with basal cell adenocarcinoma had distant
      metastases and died of disease. Overall basal cell adenocarcinomas showed
      significantly higher values for growth and proliferation markers compared to
      basal cell adenomas. Salivary gland basal cell adenoma and basal cell
      adenocarcinoma show morphologic similarity. Basal cell adenocarcinoma can exhibit
      a locally aggressive behavior and has potential metastatic behavior. The overall
      mitotic rate and Ki-67 expression were higher in basal cell adenocarcinoma
      compared to basal cell adenoma, but overlap between the results of these
      observations in each tumor did not allow for accurate diagnosis or prediction of
      outcome in individual cases. We conclude that morphologic observation of local
      tissue invasion is the best marker for separating basal cell adenoma from basal
      cell adenocarcinoma. 

PMID- 25141972
TI  - Liver cell proliferation and tumor promotion by phenobarbital: relevance for
      humans?

PMID- 25141970
TI  - Canalicular adenoma: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis of 67
      cases with a review of the literature.
AB  - There is a lack of a comprehensive immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of
      canalicular adenoma (CanAd), especially when combined with a description of the
      unique histologic features. Given the usual small biopsies, IHC may be useful in
      distinguishing CanAd from other tumors in the differential diagnosis.
      Retrospective. The patients included 54 females and 13 males (4.2:1), aged 43-90
      years, with a mean age at presentation of 69.9 years. Clinical presentation was
      generally a mass (n = 61) slowly increasing in size (mean 38.5 months), affecting
      the upper lip (n = 46), buccal mucosa (n = 17) or palate (n = 4), involving the
      right (n = 29), left (n = 24) or midline (n = 9), without any major salivary
      gland tumors. The tumors ranged in size from 0.2 to 3 cm (mean 1.2 cm). Most
      tumors were multilobular or bosselated (76 %), often surrounded by a capsule.
      Histologically, the tumors were characterized by cystic spaces, tumor cords with
      beading, tubule formation, and by the presence of luminal squamous balls (n =
      41). The cells were cuboidal to columnar with stippled chromatin. Mitoses were
      inconspicuous. A myxoid stroma (n = 64), sclerosis (n = 42), luminal hemorrhage
      (n = 51), and luminal microliths (calcifications) (n = 33) were characteristic.
      Nine (13.4 %) were multifocal. CanAd showed the following characteristic
      immunohistochemistry findings: CK-pan and S100 protein (strong, diffuse
      reaction); peripheral or luminal GFAP reaction; CK5/6 and p16 luminal squamous
      ball reaction; SOX10 nuclear reaction; cytoplasmic p63 reaction. CanAd are unique
      minor salivary gland tumors showing a distinct architecture and phenotype. They
      predilect to older women, with the majority multilobulated and affecting the
      upper lip, multifocal in 13 %; no major salivary gland tumors were identified.
      S100 protein, CK-pan, GFAP and SOX10 are positive, with luminal squamous balls
      highlighted by CK5/6 or p16. 

PMID- 25141973
TI  - Effect of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on the pharmacokinetics of oral morphine
      using a population approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Obesity and opioid use for chronic pain in obese
      individuals are both important public health concerns. The pharmacokinetics of
      oral morphine after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are unknown. Therefore, we
      aimed to study the pharmacokinetics of oral morphine in morbidly obese patients
      before and after RYGB surgery, to identify the effects of RYGB and the subsequent
      reversal of morbid obesity on the pharmacokinetic parameters of morphine.
      METHODS: The pharmacokinetics of oral morphine (30 mg) were studied in 30 obese
      patients before (Visit 1) and then 7-15 days (Visit 2) and 6 months (Visit 3)
      after RYGB. A population pharmacokinetic model was used to describe the time
      course of the plasma morphine concentration, to study the effect of RYGB on
      morphine pharmacokinetics and to estimate inter-patient variability. RESULTS: The
      oral morphine time to maximum plasma concentration (t max) was twofold lower and
      maximum plasma concentration (C max) was 1.7 times higher at Visit 2, and t max
      was 7.5 times lower and C max 3.3 times higher at Visit 3 than at Visit 1. The
      mean oral morphine area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) increased
      significantly (1.55-fold) between Visits 1 and 3. Changes in body mass index
      (BMI) after RYGB were clearly associated with decreased apparent oral morphine
      clearance and apparent central and peripheral morphine volumes of distribution.
      None of the other anthropometric parameters explained the inter-subject
      variability in morphine exposure better than BMI. CONCLUSION: RYGB and the BMI
      reduction that followed it dramatically increased the rate of morphine absorption
      and slightly increased morphine exposure. The dose of immediate-release forms of
      morphine may be divided in obese patients after RYGB to prevent adverse events
      due to early and high morphine plasma peaks.

PMID- 25141974
TI  - Midazolam pharmacokinetics in morbidly obese patients following semi-simultaneous
      oral and intravenous administration: a comparison with healthy volunteers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While in vitro and animal studies have shown reduced cytochrome P450
      (CYP) 3A activity due to obesity, clinical studies in (morbidly) obese patients
      are scarce. As CYP3A activity may influence both clearance and oral
      bioavailability in a distinct manner, in this study the pharmacokinetics of the
      CYP3A substrate midazolam were evaluated after semi-simultaneous oral and
      intravenous administration in morbidly obese patients, and compared with healthy
      volunteers. METHODS: Twenty morbidly obese patients [mean body weight 144 kg
      (range 112-186 kg) and mean body mass index 47 kg/m(2) (range 40-68 kg/m(2))]
      participated in the study. All patients received a midazolam 7.5 mg oral and 5 mg
      intravenous dose (separated by 159 +/- 67 min) and per patient 22 samples over 11
      h were collected. Data from 12 healthy volunteers were available for a population
      pharmacokinetic analysis using NONMEM((r)). RESULTS: In the three-compartment
      model in which oral absorption was characterized by a transit absorption model,
      population mean clearance (relative standard error %) was similar [0.36 (4 %)
      L/min], while oral bioavailability was 60 % (13 %) in morbidly obese patients
      versus 28 % (7 %) in healthy volunteers (P < 0.001). Central and peripheral
      volumes of distribution increased substantially with body weight (both P < 0.001)
      and absorption rate (transit rate constant) was lower in morbidly obese patients
      [0.057 (5 %) vs. 0.130 (14 %) min(-1), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: In morbidly obese
      patients, systemic clearance of midazolam is unchanged, while oral
      bioavailability is increased. Given the large increase in volumes of
      distribution, dose adaptations for intravenous midazolam should be considered.
      Further research should elucidate the exact physiological changes at intestinal
      and hepatic level contributing to these findings.

PMID- 25141976
TI  - Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides: potential therapeutics against antibiotic
      resistant bacteria.
AB  - The increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics causes a huge clinical
      burden that places great demands on academic researchers and the pharmaceutical
      industry for resolution. Antimicrobial peptides, part of native host defense,
      have emerged as novel potential antibiotic alternatives. Among the different
      classes of antimicrobial peptides, proline-rich antimicrobial peptides,
      predominantly sourced from insects, have been extensively investigated to study
      their specific modes of action. In this review, we focus on recent developments
      in these peptides. They show a variety of modes of actions, including mechanism
      shift at high concentration, non-lytic mechanisms, as well as possessing
      different intracellular targets and lipopolysaccharide binding activity.
      Furthermore, proline-rich antimicrobial peptides display the ability to not only
      modulate the immune system via cytokine activity or angiogenesis but also possess
      properties of penetrating cell membranes and crossing the blood brain barrier
      suggesting a role as potential novel carriers. Ongoing studies of these peptides
      will likely lead to the development of more potent antimicrobial peptides that
      may serve as important additions to the armoury of agents against bacterial
      infection and drug delivery.

PMID- 25141977
TI  - Temporal transcriptome analysis of the chicken embryo yolk sac.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The yolk sac (YS) is an extra-embryonic tissue that surrounds the
      yolk and absorbs, digests and transports nutrients during incubation of the avian
      embryo as well as during early term mammalian embryonic development.
      Understanding YS functions and development may enhance the efficient transfer of
      nutrients and optimize embryo development. To identify temporal large-scale
      patterns of gene expression and gain insights into processes and mechanisms in
      the YS, we performed a transcriptome study of the YS of chick embryos on
      embryonic days (E) E13, E15, E17, E19, and E21 (hatch). RESULTS: 3547 genes
      exhibited a significantly changed expression across days. Clustering and
      functional annotation of these genes as well as histological sectioning of the YS
      revealed that we monitored two cell types: the epithelial cells and the
      erythropoietic cells of the YS. We observed a significant up-regulation of
      epithelial genes involved in lipid transport and metabolism between E13 and E19.
      YS epithelial cells expressed a vast array of lipoprotein receptors and fatty
      acid transporters. Several lysosomal genes (CTSA, PSAP, NPC2) and apolipoproteins
      genes (apoA1, A2, B, C3) were among the highest expressed, reflecting the
      intensive digestion and re-synthesis of lipoproteins in YS epithelial cells.
      Genes associated with cytoskeletal structure were down-regulated between E17 and
      E21 supporting histological evidence of a degradation of YS epithelial cells
      towards hatch. Expression patterns of hemoglobin synthesis genes indicated a high
      erythropoietic capacity of the YS between E13 and E15, which decreased towards
      hatch. YS histological sections confirmed these results. We also observed that YS
      epithelial cells expressed high levels of genes coding for plasma carrier
      proteins (ALB, AFP, LTF, TTR), normally produced by the liver. CONCLUSIONS: Here
      we expand current knowledge on developmental, nutritional and molecular processes
      in the YS. We demonstrate that in the final week of chick embryonic development,
      the YS plays different roles to support or replace the functions of several
      organs that have not yet reached their full functional capacity. The YS has a
      similar functional role as the intestine in digestion and transport of nutrients,
      the liver in producing plasma carrier proteins and coagulation factors, and the
      bone marrow in synthesis of blood cells.

PMID- 25141978
TI  - The potential role of O-GlcNAc modification in cancer epigenetics.
AB  - There is no doubt that cancer is not only a genetic disease but that it can also
      occur due to epigenetic abnormalities. Diet and environmental factors can alter
      the scope of epigenetic regulation. The results of recent studies suggest that O
      GlcNAcylation, which involves the addition of N-acetylglucosamine on the serine
      or threonine residues of proteins, may play a key role in the regulation of the
      epigenome in response to the metabolic status of the cell. Two enzymes are
      responsible for cyclic O-GlcNAcylation: O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which
      catalyzes the addition of the GlcNAc moiety to target proteins; and O-GlcNAcase
      (OGA), which removes the sugar moiety from proteins. Aberrant expression of O
      GlcNAc cycling enzymes, especially OGT, has been found in all studied human
      cancers. OGT can link the cellular metabolic state and the epigenetic status of
      cancer cells by interacting with and modifying many epigenetic factors, such as
      HCF-1, TET, mSin3A, HDAC, and BAP1. A growing body of evidence from animal model
      systems also suggests an important role for OGT in polycomb-dependent repression
      of genes activity. Moreover, O-GlcNAcylation may be a part of the histone code: O
      GlcNAc residues are found on all core histones. 

PMID- 25141979
TI  - The role of advanced glycation end products in various types of neurodegenerative
      disease: a therapeutic approach.
AB  - Protein glycation is initiated by a nucleophilic addition reaction between the
      free amino group from a protein, lipid or nucleic acid and the carbonyl group of
      a reducing sugar. This reaction forms a reversible Schiff base, which rearranges
      over a period of days to produce ketoamine or Amadori products. The Amadori
      products undergo dehydration and rearrangements and develop a cross-link between
      adjacent proteins, giving rise to protein aggregation or advanced glycation end
      products (AGEs). A number of studies have shown that glycation induces the
      formation of the beta-sheet structure in beta-amyloid protein, alpha-synuclein,
      transthyretin (TTR), copper-zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (Cu, Zn-SOD-1), and prion
      protein. Aggregation of the beta-sheet structure in each case creates fibrillar
      structures, respectively causing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, familial amyloid polyneuropathy, and prion
      disease. It has been suggested that oligomeric species of glycated alpha
      synuclein and prion are more toxic than fibrils. This review focuses on the
      pathway of AGE formation, the synthesis of different types of AGE, and the
      molecular mechanisms by which glycation causes various types of neurodegenerative
      disease. It discusses several new therapeutic approaches that have been applied
      to treat these devastating disorders, including the use of various synthetic and
      naturally occurring inhibitors. Modulation of the AGE-RAGE axis is now considered
      promising in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the
      review covers several defense enzymes and proteins in the human body that are
      important anti-glycating systems acting to prevent the development of
      neurodegenerative diseases. 

PMID- 25141980
TI  - Burden of stroke in Puerto Rico.
AB  - Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the first cause of long-term
      disability in Puerto Rico. Trained staff reviewed and independently validated the
      medical records of patients who had been hospitalized with possible stroke at any
      of the 20 largest hospitals located in Puerto Rico during 2007, 2009, and 2011.
      The mean age of the 5005 newly diagnosed stroke patients (51.2% female) was 70
      years. At the time of hospitalization, women were 41/2 years older, were less
      likely to be married (60.2% vs. 39.9%, P < 0.001), smoked less (5.8% vs. 13.4%, P
      < 0.001), and had significantly higher proportion of diabetes (56.0% vs. 54.8%),
      hypertension (89.1% vs. 85.0%), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL
      Chol) > 100 mg/dL (65.7% vs. 57.5%) P < 0.05. Ischemic stroke represented 75% of
      all types of strokes. Atrial fibrillation was mentioned in 7.9% of the medical
      records. The risk for dying before discharge was similar for both genders, but
      was 40% higher for women than for men at one-year follow-up: age-adjusted odds
      ratio = 1.4 (95% confidence interval = 1.2-1.5). 

PMID- 25141981
TI  - Phosphorylation of activating transcription factor-2 (ATF-2) within the
      activation domain is a key determinant of sensitivity to tamoxifen in breast
      cancer.
AB  - Activating transcription factor-2 (ATF-2) has been implicated as a tumour
      suppressor in breast cancer (BC). c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK
      phosphorylate ATF-2 within the activation domain (AD), which is required for its
      transcriptional activity. To date, the role of ATF-2 in determining response to
      endocrine therapy has not been explored. Effects of ATF-2 loss in the oestrogen
      receptor (ER)-positive luminal BC cell line MCF7 were explored, as well as its
      role in response to tamoxifen treatment. Genome-wide chromatin binding patterns
      of ATF-2 when phosphorylated within the AD in MCF-7 cells were determined using
      ChIP-seq. The expression of ATF-2 and phosphorylated ATF-2 (pATF-2-Thr71) was
      determined in a series of 1,650 BC patients and correlated with clinico
      pathological features and clinical outcome. Loss of ATF-2 diminished the growth
      inhibitory effects of tamoxifen, while tamoxifen treatment induced ATF-2
      phosphorylation within the AD, to regulate the expression of a set of 227 genes
      for proximal phospho-ATF-2 binding, involved in cell development, assembly and
      survival. Low expression of both ATF-2 and pATF-2-Thr71 was significantly
      associated with aggressive pathological features. Furthermore, pATF-2 was
      associated with both p-p38 and pJNK1/2 (< 0.0001). While expression of ATF-2 is
      not associated with outcome, pATF-2 is associated with longer disease-free (p =
      0.002) and BC-specific survival in patients exposed to tamoxifen (p = 0.01).
      Furthermore, multivariate analysis confirmed pATF-2-Thr71 as an independent
      prognostic factor. ATF-2 is important for modulating the effect of tamoxifen and
      phosphorylation of ATF-2 within the AD at Thr71 predicts for improved outcome for
      ER-positive BC receiving tamoxifen. 

PMID- 25141982
TI  - In vitro culture and characterization of human lung cancer circulating tumor
      cells isolated by size exclusion from an orthotopic nude-mouse model expressing
      fluorescent protein.
AB  - In the present study, we demonstrate an animal model and recently introduced size
      based exclusion method for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) isolation. The
      methodology enables subsequent in vitro CTC-culture and characterization. Human
      lung cancer cell line H460, expressing red fluorescent protein (H460-RFP), was
      orthotopically implanted in nude mice. CTCs were isolated by a size-based
      filtration method and successfully cultured in vitro on the separating membrane
      (MetaCell(r)), analyzed by means of time-lapse imaging. The cultured CTCs were
      heterogeneous in size and morphology even though they originated from a single
      tumor. The outer CTC-membranes were blebbing in general. Abnormal mitosis
      resulting in three daughter cells was frequently observed. The expression of RFP
      ensured that the CTCs originated from lung tumor. These readily isolatable,
      identifiable and cultivable CTCs can be used to characterize individual patient
      cancers and for screening of more effective treatment. 

PMID- 25141983
TI  - Interactions of a low molecular weight inhibitor from Streptomyces sp. MBR04 with
      human cathepsin D: implications in mechanism of inactivation.
AB  - Cathepsin D, a lysosomal aspartic protease, is of potential interest as a target
      for drug design due to its implication in breast and ovarian cancer. The article
      reports a low molecular weight cathepsin D inhibitor from Streptomyces sp. MBR04.
      The Mr of the inhibitor was 1,078 Da as determined by MALDI-TOF, and the amino
      acid analysis showed the presence of Asp, Asp, Gly, Ala, Lys, Leu, Tyr, Trp
      residues. The steady-state kinetic interactions revealed reversible, competitive,
      slow-tight-binding nature of the inhibitor with an IC50 and K i values of 3.2 and
      2.5 nM, respectively. The binding of the inhibitor with the enzyme and the
      subsequent conformational changes were monitored by exploiting the intrinsic
      fluorescence of the surface exposed Trp-54 residue. Based on the fluorescence and
      circular dichroism studies, we demonstrate that the inhibitor binds to the active
      site of cathepsin D and causes inactivation. All these kinetic, thermodynamic,
      and quenching studies suggest that the newly isolated peptidic inhibitor could be
      a potential scaffold to study and can be used to develop new potent therapeutic
      lead molecule for the development of drugs. The inhibitor will be significant as
      a potential lead molecule to target cathepsin D.

PMID- 25141984
TI  - Construction of an uricase nanoparticles modified au electrode for amperometric
      determination of uric acid.
AB  - A method is described for preparation of uricase nanoparticles (100 nm in size)
      and their direct immobilization onto the Au electrode. The enzyme electrode along
      with Ag/AgCl as reference and Pt as auxiliary electrode were connected through
      potentiostat/galvanostat to construct an amperometric uric acid biosensor. The
      enzyme electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier
      transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance
      spectroscopy (EIS). The enzyme electrode detected uric acid level as low as 5.0
      MUM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, within 7 s at pH 8.5 and 40  degrees C. The
      biosensor showed a linear working range, 0.005 to 0.8 mM for uric acid with a
      sensitivity of 0.03 mA MUM(-1) cm(-2). The biosensor was evaluated. The biosensor
      lost only 15 % of its initial activity over a period of 7 months, when stored at
      4  degrees C. The fabricated biosensor was successfully employed for
      determination of uric acid in human serum and urine. 

PMID- 25141985
TI  - The impact of mesenteric tension on pouch outcome and quality of life in patients
      undergoing restorative proctocolectomy.
AB  - AIM: The study aimed to establish a method for the measurement of mesenteric
      tension after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and to evaluate the impact of
      tension on clinical outcome and quality of life. METHODS: All consecutive
      patients undergoing an open IPAA from July 2008 to October 2009 were
      prospectively enrolled. After the creation of the anastomosis, mesenteric tension
      was estimated by the surgeon in the operating room on a 10-point scale (1, least
      tension; 10, most tension). The association was analysed between mesenteric
      tension defined as low (1-2), medium (3-7) and high (8-10) and postoperative
      complications and quality of life (Cleveland Clinic Global Scale). RESULTS: A
      mesenteric tension score was obtained in 134 patients (71 men, 53.0%). Median age
      was 38.5 (29.3-47.0) years. Fifty-six patients (41.8%) had a low, 59 (44.0%) a
      medium and 19 (14.2%) a high degree of mesenteric tension. Patients with a high
      mesenteric tension had a shorter anal transitional zone, a longer distance from
      the upper border of the symphysis pubis to the apex of the small bowel loop
      designated for the ileoanal anastomosis, a thinner abdominal wall at the stoma
      site and a longer distance from the pouch to the ileostomy. The proportion of
      patients with high mesenteric tension was less after stapled anastomosis. On long
      term follow-up, patients with high mesenteric tension were more likely to suffer
      from anastomotic stricture and pouch failure. Pouch function was not influenced
      by mesenteric tension. CONCLUSION: High mesenteric tension after IPAA is
      adversely associated with postoperative complications and pouch survival.

PMID- 25141986
TI  - Occupational contact dermatitis caused by D-limonene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limonene is widely used as a fragrance substance and solvent in
      cleansing products. Oxidized limonene is a frequent contact allergen among
      consumers of cosmetics, personal care products, and scented household cleaning
      products. Less is known about the sources of occupational exposure and
      occupational contact dermatitis caused by limonene. OBJECTIVE: To report 14
      patients with occupational contact allergy to limonene. METHODS: The patients
      were examined in 2008-2013. An in-house preparation of oxidized limonene was
      patch tested as 3% and 5% in petrolatum from 2008 to August 2010, and after this
      as 3%, 1% and 0.3% pet. From 2012 onwards, a commercial test substance of
      limonene hydroperoxides was also used. We assessed the patients' occupational and
      domestic exposure to limonene. RESULTS: Occupational limonene allergy was
      observed in workers who used limonene-containing machine-cleaning detergents and
      hand cleansers, and in workers who used limonene-containing surface cleaners and
      dishwashing liquids similar to those used by consumers. In 3 cases, the
      occupational limonene allergy resulted from work-related use of limonene
      containing, leave-on cosmetic products. CONCLUSIONS: Limonene is a frequent
      occupational sensitizer in hand cleansers and cleaning products. Occupational
      limonene contact allergy may also be caused by exposure to cosmetic products
      scented with limonene.

PMID- 25141987
TI  - A metabolic trade-off between phosphate and glucose utilization in Escherichia
      coli.
AB  - Getting the most out of available nutrients is a key challenge that all organisms
      face. Little is known about how they optimize and balance the simultaneous
      utilization of multiple elemental resources. We investigated the effects of long
      term phosphate limitation on carbon metabolism of the model organism Escherichia
      coli using chemostat cultures. We profiled metabolic changes in the growth medium
      over time and found evidence for an increase in fermentative metabolism despite
      the aerobic conditions. Using full-genome sequencing and competition experiments,
      we found that fitness under phosphate-limiting conditions was reproducibly
      increased by a mutation preventing flux through succinate in the tricarboxylic
      acid cycle. In contrast, these mutations reduced competitive ability under carbon
      limitation, and thus reveal a conflicting metabolic benefit in the role of the
      TCA cycle in environments limited by inorganic phosphate and glucose. 

PMID- 25141988
TI  - Mindful mood balance: a case report of Web-based treatment of residual depressive
      symptoms.
AB  - Residual depressive symptoms are associated with increased risk for relapse and
      impaired functioning. Although there is no definitive treatment for residual
      depressive symptoms, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy has been shown to be
      effective, but access is limited. Mindful Mood Balance (MMB), a Web-based
      adaptation of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, was designed to address this
      care gap. In this case study, we describe a composite case that is representative
      of the course of intervention with MMB and its implementation in a large
      integrated delivery system. Specifically, we describe the content of each of
      eight weekly sessions, and the self-management skills developed by participating
      in this program. MMB may be a cost-effective and scalable option in primary care
      for increasing access to treatments for patients with residual depressive
      symptoms.

PMID- 25141989
TI  - Impact of implementing glycated hemoglobin testing for identification of
      dysglycemia in youth.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of the introduction of the glycated
      hemoglobin (HbA1C) assay for diabetes mellitus diagnosis among children and
      adolescents aged 6-17 years and to describe the composition of the population of
      patients with, and at risk for, diabetes using fasting plasma glucose test and
      HbA1C assay. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The Kaiser Permanente Hawaii (KPHI) and
      Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) sites identified a 2009 and a 2012 cohort of
      youth who were aged 6-17 years and continuously enrolled in their cohort year and
      for 1 year prior. We excluded youth with a type 1 or type 2 diabetes diagnosis
      before their cohort year. RESULTS: In both sites, fasting plasma glucose testing
      was significantly more common in 2009 and HbA1C testing was more common in 2012.
      The proportion with either test increased from 2.56% to 4.02% in KPNW and from
      3.18% to 10.48% in KPHI, but the characteristics of the population did not change
      between 2009 and 2012. In both sites, the characteristics of youth at risk of
      diabetes changed substantially with a much greater proportion being female (KPNW:
      39% vs 55%; KPHI: 35% vs 46%; p < 0.001 for both) and children younger than 10
      (KPNW: 7% vs 32%; KPHI: 11% vs 39%; p < 0.001 for both) between 2009 and 2012.
      The size and composition of the population of youth identified with diabetes was
      not affected. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of the HbA1C assay for diabetes diagnosis has
      increased glycemia testing among youth aged 6-17 years and has altered the
      composition of the population identified as at risk for diabetes. These findings
      have important ramifications for targeted screening and diabetes prevention
      efforts.

PMID- 25141991
TI  - The influence of visual impairment on pregnancy outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether visually impaired women are at higher risk for
      adverse maternal and perinatal complications, with an emphasis on visual
      impairment due to autoimmune etiology. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study
      compared obstetric, delivery complications and perinatal outcomes of patients
      with and without a diagnosis of visual impairment in one or both eyes.
      Multivariable models were conducted to control for confounders. RESULTS: During
      the study period (1988-2012), 265,741 deliveries were included; of these 80
      (0.03%) occurred in visually impaired patients. These patients were significantly
      older than the comparison group, and had higher rates of gestational diabetes
      mellitus (GDM) and severe preeclampsia. Visually impaired women had higher rates
      of delivery prior to 37 weeks gestation and significantly higher rate of delivery
      by cesarean section (CS). A multivariable analysis model demonstrated that the
      risk factor for CS and packed cell transfusion in visually impaired women
      remained significantly high even after controlling for confounders such as
      maternal age, ethnicity, etc. (weighted OR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.23-3.37; p = 0.006).
      However, visual impairment was not an independent risk factor for congenital
      malformations, using another multivariable model (weighted OR = 1.96; 95% CI 0.99
      3.85; p = 0.051). Perinatal outcome was comparable between the groups. The sub
      group of visually impaired women due to possible autoimmune etiology was 19.4%
      and they had higher rates of recurrent miscarriages and CS compared to the other
      sub-groups. CONCLUSION: Visually impaired pregnant women are at high risk for CS
      and packed cell transfusion. Nevertheless, perinatal outcome is comparable to the
      general population.

PMID- 25141990
TI  - Carotenoids are effective inhibitors of in vitro hemolysis of human erythrocytes,
      as determined by a practical and optimized cellular antioxidant assay.
AB  - beta-Carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene are
      liposoluble pigments widely distributed in vegetables and fruits and, after
      ingestion, these compounds are usually detected in human blood plasma. In this
      study, we evaluated their potential to inhibit hemolysis of human erythrocytes,
      as mediated by the toxicity of peroxyl radicals (ROO*). Thus, 2,2'-azobis (2
      methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was used as ROO* generator and the
      hemolysis assay was carried out in experimental conditions optimized by response
      surface methodology, and successfully adapted to microplate assay. The optimized
      conditions were verified at 30 * 10(6) cells/mL, 17 mM of AAPH for 3 h, at which
      48 +/- 5% of hemolysis was achieved in freshly isolated erythrocytes. Among the
      tested carotenoids, lycopene (IC(50) = 0.24 +/- 0.05 MUM) was the most efficient
      to prevent the hemolysis, followed by beta-carotene (0.32 +/- 0.02 MUM), lutein
      (0.38 +/- 0.02 MUM), and zeaxanthin (0.43 +/- 0.02 MUM). These carotenoids were
      at least 5 times more effective than quercetin, trolox, and ascorbic acid
      (positive controls). beta-Cryptoxanthin did not present any erythroprotective
      effect, but rather induced a hemolytic effect at the highest tested concentration
      (3 MUM). These results suggest that selected carotenoids may have potential to
      act as important erythroprotective agents by preventing ROO*-induced toxicity in
      human erythrocytes.

PMID- 25141992
TI  - Effect of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on the proliferation of human ovarian cancer cell
      line SKOV-3 and the expression of NM23-H1 and MMP-2.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the impacts of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on
      the growth of ovarian cancer in nude mice and the expression of tumor metastasis
      suppressor gene (NM23-H1) and matrix metalloproteinase -2 (MMP-2) in SKOV-3
      ovarian cancer cell line cancer tissue. METHOD: Forty five nude mice were used to
      establish ovarian cancer xenograft models by intraperitoneal injection of human
      ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3. Murine xenograft models were divided into four
      groups: control group (only anesthetized for 0.5 h), laparotomy group (laparotomy
      for 0.5 h), CO2 pneumoperitoneum of 0.5 h, and CO2 pneumoperitoneum of 1 h group.
      Mice were killed after 12 weeks to observe intraperitoneal tumor growth and
      detected mRNA expression of NM23-H1 and MMP-2 in tumor tissues by RT-PCR. RESULT:
      Our data show that xenograft tumors grew faster in the CO2 pneumoperitoneum
      groups than that in control and laparotomy groups and even faster in the CO2
      pneumoperitoneum of 1 h group. The mRNA expression of NM23-H1 in CO2
      pneumoperitoneum groups was significantly lower than that in control group and
      laparotomy group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the longer duration of CO2
      pneumoperitoneum negatively correlated with lower expression of NM23-H1 (P <
      0.01). In contrast to NM23-H1, MMP-2 expression was significantly higher in CO2
      pneumoperitoneum groups than that in the control group and laparotomy group (P <
      0.01) and positively correlated with the duration of CO2 pneumoperitoneum (P <
      0.01). In addition, there was a negative correlation between the expression of
      NM23-H1 and MMP-2 (r = -0.984, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The CO2 pneumoperitoneum
      could promote the proliferation and metastasis of human ovarian cancer in nude
      mice. This effect was positively correlated with the duration of CO2
      pneumoperitoneum.

PMID- 25141993
TI  - Flower-like dynamics of coupled Skyrmions with dual resonant modes by a single
      frequency microwave magnetic field.
AB  - Resonant excitations of confined systems have aroused much attention because of
      their potential application in future microwave devices and spintronics. Under
      resonant excitations, the motion of topo-logical objects exhibits circular,
      elliptical or even stadium-like dynamics. However, more complex non-linear
      resonant excitations of topological objects in confined systems have seldom been
      reported and the associated physical mechanism remains unclear. Here, we present
      an observation of flower-like resonant excitations for coupled skyrmions in
      Co/Ru/Co nanodisks activated by a single-frequency microwave magnetic field by
      means of numerical simulation. We find that flower-like dynamics of coupled
      skyrmions is always accompanied by an excitation of an eigenfrequency near 1.15
      GHz, which is strongly associated with the large non-local deformation of the
      topological density distribution of coupled skyrmions. These results distinguish
      a skyrmion from other topological objects in dynamics and will be instrumental to
      the manipulation of skyrmions for applications.

PMID- 25141994
TI  - Between an uncomfortable decision and an absurd one.

PMID- 25141995
TI  - A uniform approach to the description of multicenter bonding.
AB  - A novel method for investigating the multicenter bonding patterns in molecular
      systems by means of the so-called Electron Density of Delocalized Bonds (EDDB) is
      introduced and discussed. The EDDB method combines the concept of Jug's bond
      order orbitals and the indirect ("through-bridge") interaction formalism and
      opens up new opportunities for studying the interplay between different atomic
      interactions as well as their impact on both local and global resonance
      stabilization in systems of conjugated bonds. Using several illustrative examples
      we demonstrate that the EDDB approach allows for a reliable quantitative
      description of diverse multicenter delocalization phenomena (with special regard
      to evaluation of the aromatic stabilization in molecular systems) within the
      framework of a consistent theoretical paradigm. 

PMID- 25141996
TI  - The Hattie Hemschemeyer Award 2014: Judith S. Mercer, CNM, PhD, FACNM.

PMID- 25141997
TI  - Melanoma goes on a diet to get moving: toning down phagocytic Rab7 expression
      helps melanoma to metastasise.

PMID- 25141998
TI  - Establishment of opioid-induced rewarding effects under oxaliplatin- and
      Paclitaxel-induced neuropathy in rats.
AB  - The rewarding effects of MU-receptor agonists can be suppressed under several
      pain conditions. We recently showed that clinically used MU-receptor agonists
      possess efficacies for relieving the neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapeutic
      drug in rats; however, it is possible that the use of MU-receptor agonists may
      trigger the rewarding effects even under chemotherapeutic drug-induced
      neuropathic pain. Nevertheless, no information is available regarding whether MU
      receptor agonists produce psychological dependence under chemotherapeutic drug
      induced neuropathic pain. Therefore, we examined the effects of neuropathy
      induced by chemotherapeutic drugs on the rewarding effects of morphine,
      oxycodone, and fentanyl in rats. Repeated treatment with oxaliplatin or
      paclitaxel produced neuropathy as measured by the von Frey test. Rewarding
      effects produced by antinociceptive doses of MU-receptor agonists were not
      suppressed under oxaliplatin- or paclitaxel-induced neuropathy. Furthermore, the
      morphine-induced increase in the release of dopamine from the nucleus accumbens,
      which is a critical step in the rewarding effects of MU-receptor agonists, was
      not altered in paclitaxel-treated rats. These results suggest that the rewarding
      effects of MU-receptor agonists can still be established under oxaliplatin- or
      paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Therefore, patients should be carefully
      monitored for psychological dependence on MU-receptor agonists when they are used
      to control chemotherapeutic drug-induced neuropathic pain. 

PMID- 25142000
TI  - US dermatologists call for more oversight of nurse practitioners and physician
      assistants.

PMID- 25141999
TI  - Two Arabidopsis proteins synthesize acetylated xylan in vitro.
AB  - Xylan is the third most abundant glycopolymer on earth after cellulose and
      chitin. As a major component of wood, grain and forage, this natural biopolymer
      has far-reaching impacts on human life. This highly acetylated cell wall
      polysaccharide is a vital component of the plant cell wall, which functions as a
      molecular scaffold, providing plants with mechanical strength and flexibility.
      Mutations that impair synthesis of the xylan backbone give rise to plants that
      fail to grow normally because of collapsed xylem cells in the vascular system.
      Phenotypic analysis of these mutants has implicated many proteins in xylan
      biosynthesis; however, the enzymes directly responsible for elongation and
      acetylation of the xylan backbone have not been unambiguously identified. Here we
      provide direct biochemical evidence that two Arabidopsis thaliana proteins,
      IRREGULAR XYLEM 10-L (IRX10-L) and ESKIMO1/TRICOME BIREFRINGENCE 29 (ESK1/TBL29),
      catalyze these respective processes in vitro. By identifying the elusive xylan
      synthase and establishing ESK1/TBL29 as the archetypal plant polysaccharide O
      acetyltransferase, we have resolved two long-standing questions in plant cell
      wall biochemistry. These findings shed light on integral steps in the molecular
      pathways used by plants to synthesize a major component of the world's biomass
      and expand our toolkit for producing glycopolymers with valuable properties. 

PMID- 25142001
TI  - Expression of the inhibitory Fc gamma receptor IIB (FCGR2B, CD32B) on follicular
      lymphoma cells lowers the response rate to rituximab monotherapy (SAKK 35/98).

PMID- 25142002
TI  - Safety and efficacy of ixmyelocel-T: an expanded, autologous multi-cellular
      therapy, in dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - RATIONALE: Ixmyelocel-T is associated with a wide range of biological activities
      relevant to tissue repair and regeneration. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and
      efficacy of ixmyelocel-T in 2 prospective randomized phase 2A Trials administered
      via minithoracotomy or intramyocardial catheter injections in patients with
      dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) stratified by ischemic or nonischemic status.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: In IMPACT-DCM, patients were randomized to either ixmyelocel
      T or standard-of-care control in a 3:1 ratio (n=39); ixmyelocel-T was
      administered intramyocardially via minithoracotomy. In Catheter-DCM, patients
      were randomized to either ixmyelocel-T or standard of care control in a 2:1 ratio
      (n=22); ixmyelocel-T was administered intramyocardially using the NOGA Myostar
      catheter. Only patients randomized to ixmyelocel-T underwent bone marrow
      aspiration and injections. In the 2 studies, a total of 61 patients were
      randomized, and 59 were treated or received standard of care. Fewer ischemic
      patients treated with ixmyelocel-T experienced a major adverse cardiovascular
      event during follow-up when compared with control patients. A similar benefit was
      not seen in the nonischemic patients. Heart failure exacerbation was the most
      common major adverse cardiovascular event. Ixmyelocel-T treatment was associated
      with improved New York Heart Association class, 6-minute walk distance, and
      Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores in the ischemic
      population relative to control; a similar trend was not observed in the
      nonischemic population. CONCLUSIONS: Intramyocardial injection with ixmyelocel-T
      reduces major adverse cardiovascular event and improves symptoms in patients with
      ischemic DCM but not in patients with nonischemic DCM.

PMID- 25142003
TI  - Tendon graft ossification: an unusual complication of suspensionplasty for
      trapeziometacarpal arthritis of the thumb.

PMID- 25142004
TI  - Radiographic diagnosis of dental restoration misfit: a systematic review.
AB  - The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review on the use of
      radiographic methods for the diagnosis of misfit in dental prostheses and
      restorations. The MEDLINE bibliographic database was searched from 1950 to
      February 2014 for reports on the radiographic diagnosis of misfits. The search
      strategy was limited to English-language publications using the following
      combined MeSH terms in the search strategy: (Dental Restoration OR Dental
      Prosthesis OR Crown OR Inlays OR Dental Abutments) and (Dental Leakage OR
      Prosthesis Fitting OR Dental Marginal Adaptation OR Surface Properties) and
      (Radiography, Dental OR Radiography, Dental, Digital OR Cone-Beam Computed
      Tomography). Twenty-eight publications were identified and read in full text, and
      14 studies fulfilled criteria for inclusion. Information regarding the use of
      radiographic methods for the diagnosis of misfits in dental prosthesis and
      restorations, and in which the methodology/results comprised information
      regarding how the sample was collected/prepared, the method, imaging protocol,
      presence of a reference test and the outcomes were evaluated. QUADAS criteria was
      used to rate the studies in high, moderate or low quality. The evidence
      supporting the use of radiographic methods for the diagnosis of misfits in dental
      prosthesis and restorations is limited to low-/moderate-quality studies. The well
      established intra-oral orthogonal projection is still under investigation and
      considered the most appropriate method, both when evaluating the relation between
      dental restoration to tooth and abutment to implant. Studies using digital
      radiographs have not evaluated the effect of image post-processing, and
      tomography has not been evaluated. 

PMID- 25142007
TI  - Beyond birthweight: the maternal and placental origins of chronic disease.
AB  - New findings on the maternal and placental programming of chronic disease lead to
      four conclusions: (1) Growth of the placental surface is polarized from the time
      of implantation, so that growth along the major axis, the length, is
      qualitatively different from growth along the minor axis, the breadth. (2) The
      human fetus may attempt to compensate for undernutrition by expansion of the
      placental surface along its minor axis. This only occurs if the mother was well
      nourished before conception, and may have long-term costs that include
      hypertension. (3) The effects of placental size on long-term health are
      conditioned by the mother's nutritional state, as indicated by her socio-economic
      status, height and body mass index. (4) The maternal-placental programming of
      chronic disease differs in boys and girls. Boys invest less than girls in
      placental growth but more readily expand the placental surface if they become
      undernourished in mid-late gestation. Boys are more responsive to their mothers'
      current diets while girls respond more to their mothers' lifetime nutrition and
      metabolism. 

PMID- 25142006
TI  - US trends in receipt of appropriate diabetes clinical and self-care from 2001 to
      2010 and racial/ethnic disparities in care.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the receipt of 8
      recommended diabetes clinical and self-care indicators from 2001 to 2010 and
      assess racial/ethnic disparities in care. METHODS: This observational study
      examined receipt of A1C tests, annual eye and foot exams, flu vaccination,
      diabetes self-management education (DSME), exercise, self-monitoring of blood
      glucose (SMBG), and self feet examinations among US adults with diabetes using
      national survey data from 2001 to 2010. Analyses included estimating proportions
      for each indicator by year, testing differences in magnitude of change from 2001
      to 2010 by race/ethnicity, and regression models to assess changes in care over
      time and factors associated with care. RESULTS: There were significant increases
      from 2001 to 2010 in A1C tests, annual foot exams, flu shots, DSME, and SMBG but
      declines in eye and self feet exams. DSME was positively associated with receipt
      of several care indicators. However, only half of respondents received DSME.
      White and black non-Hispanics, respectively, experienced improvements in at least
      3 indicators. Hispanics experienced a significant increase in exercise but were
      consistently less likely than whites to receive or engage in most care.
      CONCLUSIONS: While improvements in several indicators were observed, patterns
      varied by race/ethnicity, with Hispanics falling short on most measures. DSME was
      strongly associated with most care and demonstrates the potential to improve
      receipt of recommended care by increasing DSME participation. With the Affordable
      Care Act (ACA), health professionals have a prime opportunity to leverage ACA
      provisions to increase access to recommended services, including DSME.

PMID- 25142008
TI  - Effect of a low-protein diet during pregnancy on expression of genes involved in
      cardiac hypertrophy in fetal and adult mouse offspring.
AB  - Gene markers for cardiomyocyte growth, proliferation and remodeling were examined
      in mouse fetuses and adult male offspring exposed to maternal low-protein (LP)
      diet during pregnancy. Whole heart volume, measured by magnetic resonance
      imaging, was smaller in day 15 LP fetuses v. those from chow-fed dams (C),
      whereas heart volume was greater in adult LP v. C offspring. These LP offspring
      were hypertensive and had larger cardiomyocytes v. C animals. The mRNA levels of
      cyclin G1, a marker for cell growth, were lower in LP fetal hearts v. C hearts,
      but similar in the left ventricle of adult LP and C offspring. Opposite trends
      were found in brain natriuretic peptide levels (a marker of cardiac hypertrophy).
      Thus, maternal LP during pregnancy results in smaller fetal hearts and is
      accompanied by changes in expression of genes involved in cardiomyocyte growth,
      which are associated with cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension in adulthood. 

PMID- 25142005
TI  - Specific aromatic foldamers potently inhibit spontaneous and seeded Abeta42 and
      Abeta43 fibril assembly.
AB  - Amyloid fibrils are self-propagating entities that spread pathology in several
      devastating disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In AD, amyloid-beta
      (Abeta) peptides form extracellular plaques that contribute to cognitive decline.
      One potential therapeutic strategy is to develop inhibitors that prevent Abeta
      misfolding into proteotoxic conformers. Here, we design specific aromatic
      foldamers, synthetic polymers with an aromatic salicylamide (Sal) or 3-amino
      benzoic acid (Benz) backbone, short length (four repetitive units), basic
      arginine (Arg), lysine (Lys) or citrulline (Cit) side chains, and various N- and
      C-terminal groups that prevent spontaneous and seeded Abeta fibrillization. Ac
      Sal-(Lys-Sal)3-CONH2 and Sal-(Lys-Sal)3-CONH2 selectively inhibited Abeta42
      fibrillization, but were ineffective against Abeta43, an overlooked species that
      is highly neurotoxic and frequently deposited in AD brains. By contrast, (Arg
      Benz)4-CONH2 and (Arg-Sal)3-(Cit-Sal)-CONH2 prevented spontaneous and seeded
      Abeta42 and Abeta43 fibrillization. Importantly, (Arg-Sal)3-(Cit-Sal)-CONH2
      inhibited formation of toxic Abeta42 and Abeta43 oligomers and proteotoxicity.
      None of these foldamers inhibited Sup35 prionogenesis, but Sal-(Lys-Sal)3-CONH2
      delayed aggregation of fused in sarcoma (FUS), an RNA-binding protein with a
      prion-like domain connected with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal
      dementia. We establish that inhibitors of Abeta42 fibrillization do not
      necessarily inhibit Abeta43 fibrillization. Moreover, (Arg-Sal)3-(Cit-Sal)-CONH2
      inhibits formation of toxic Abeta conformers and seeding activity, properties
      that could have therapeutic utility.

PMID- 25142009
TI  - Growth restriction before and after birth increases kinase signaling pathways in
      the adult rat heart.
AB  - To investigate the mechanisms for the previously reported development of adult
      cardiac hypertrophy in male rats following growth restriction, the levels of
      oxidative stress and activation of signaling kinases were measured in the left
      ventricle (LV) of adult rat offspring. In experiment one, bilateral uterine
      vessel ligation to induce uteroplacental insufficiency and growth restriction in
      the offspring (Restricted) or sham surgery was performed during pregnancy.
      Litters from sham mothers had litter size either reduced (Reduced Litter), which
      also restricted postnatal growth, or were left unaltered (Control). In males,
      Reduced Litter offspring had increased LV phosphorylation of AMPKalpha, p38 MAPK
      and Akt compared with Restricted and Controls (P < 0.05). In females, both
      Restricted and Reduced Litter adult offspring had increased LV phosphorylation of
      p38 MAPK and Akt, however, only Restricted offspring had increased
      phosphorylation of AMPKalpha (P < 0.05). In addition, only Restricted male
      offspring displayed LV oxidative stress (P < 0.05). Experiment two investigated
      in mothers exposed to uteroplacental insufficiency or sham surgery the effects of
      cross-fostering offspring at birth, and therefore the effects of the postnatal
      lactational environment. Surprisingly, the cross-fostering itself resulted in
      increased LV phosphorylation of AMPKalpha and Akt in females and increased
      phosphorylation of Akt in males compared with Control non-cross-fostered
      offspring (P < 0.05). In conclusion, kinase signaling in the adult LV can be
      programmed by uteroplacental insufficiency induced growth restriction in a gender
      specific manner. In addition, the heart of adult rats is also sensitive to
      programming following the postnatal intervention of cross-fostering alone as well
      as by postnatal growth restriction. 

PMID- 25142010
TI  - Multivitamin supplementation during pregnancy alters body weight and
      macronutrient selection in Wistar rat offspring.
AB  - The hypothesis that vitamin content of the diet during gestation alters
      macronutrient choice, food intake and the expression of serotonin receptors and
      proopiomelanocortin (POMC) in the hypothalamus of the offspring was investigated.
      Pregnant Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were fed the AIN-93G diet containing a
      multivitamin mix at the recommended (RV) content or10-fold higher (high vitamin,
      HV) content. Male offspring were weaned to a choice of 10% and 60% casein diets.
      Intake regulation by the serotonergic system was determined by measuring food
      choice daily for 7 weeks, and following tryptophan (TRP) or mCPP (a serotonin
      receptor agonist) injections at 4 and 6 weeks post-weaning. mRNA expressions of
      hypothalamic serotonin receptor and POMC were measured at birth, weaning and
      sacrifice (7 weeks post-weaning). No differences were found in body weight at
      birth or weaning. HV offspring had lower food intake for the duration of the
      study (P < 0.001), and 11% lower body weight (P < 0.05) and 23% lower fat pad
      mass (P < 0.05) at 7 weeks post-weaning. They selected less protein following 12
      h of food deprivation (P < 0.05) and were less responsive to TRP (P = 0.05) and
      mCPP (P < 0.05) injections at 6 weeks post-weaning. Expressions of mRNA for
      serotonin receptors 5-HT1A/2A/2C at weaning (P < 0.01) and of POMC at weaning and
      7 weeks post-weaning (P < 0.05) were lower. In conclusion, intake of
      multivitamins above the requirements during pregnancy affected macronutrient
      choice, food intake and the expression of serotonin receptors and POMC in the
      hypothalamus. 

PMID- 25142011
TI  - Analysis of compliance, morbidities and outcome in neurodevelopmental follow-up
      visits in urban African-American infants at environmental risk.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to determine compliance rate in a uniform,
      urban African-American patient population at environmental risk for adverse
      neurodevelopmental outcome and to define risk factors for non-compliance with
      neurodevelopmental follow-up. A retrospective chart review was performed which
      included 481 infants with birth weight (BW) of 495-4195 g and gestational ages
      (GAs) between 23 and 42 weeks born at our hospital. Statistical analysis was
      performed using the Jonckheere-Terpstra test for ordinal variables. For 2 * 2
      tables, chi 2 test and Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05) were used. To determine
      significant predictive variables, data were analyzed by multiple logistic
      regression with one independent variable at a time. Infants compliant with follow
      up had significantly more morbidities in the very low BW category (?1500 g) than
      infants with larger BW. The highest compliance rate (70%) was found among the
      smallest and most immature (GA ?28 weeks) infants. Based on this finding, we
      postulate that the number of infants with severe disability is not likely to be
      underestimated. The significantly more frequent developmental anomalies found in
      the largest BW (?2500 g) category raises significant concern, though findings in
      this subset of infants may not be representative of the whole population. There
      was no significant difference between the compliant and non-compliant groups
      regarding socio-economic status. Severe or multiple morbidities and prolonged
      hospital stay may provide parents with greater opportunity to learn and
      understand about the infant's condition which may lead to greater compliance. 

PMID- 25142012
TI  - Bigger babies born to women survivors of the 1959-1961 Chinese famine: a puzzle
      due to survival selection?
AB  - The Chinese Famine of 1959-1961 caused up to 30 million deaths. It varied in
      intensity across China and affected rural areas disproportionately. Data from the
      China-U.S. Collaborative Project for Neural Tube Defect Prevention on 31, 449
      women (born 1957-1963) and their offspring birth size were recorded in 1993-1996.
      We used a measure of famine intensity at county level based on the size of famine
      born cohorts relative to cohorts preceding and following the famine in a
      difference-in-difference model that compared offspring birth size of pre-famine
      (1957-1958; exposed between 0.5 and 4.5 years), famine (1959-1961; prenatal and
      up to 2.5 years) and post-famine (1962; some exposed in early pregnancy) cohort
      groups to that of the unexposed 1963 cohort. The model corrected for age and
      cohort trends and estimated associations between maternal famine exposure and
      offspring birth size for the average level of famine intensity across counties,
      and included adjustment for clustering. In rural areas and in pre-famine and
      famine cohorts, exposure to famine was associated with larger weight (69 g; 95%
      CI 30, 108), length (0.3 cm; 95% CI -0.0, 0.5) and birth body mass index (0.1
      kg/m2; 95% CI 0.0, 0.2). In urban areas, however, exposure to famine was not
      associated with offspring birth size. Our findings in rural areas suggest that
      severe and prolonged famine leads to larger newborn size in the offspring of
      mothers exposed to famine in utero and during the first few years of life; less
      severe famine in urban areas however, appeared to have no impact. The markedly
      increased mortality in rural areas may have resulted in the selection of hardier
      mothers with greater growth potential, which becomes expressed in their
      offspring. 

PMID- 25142013
TI  - Large-scale study suggests specific indicators for combined cognitive therapy and
      pharmacotherapy in major depressive disorder.

PMID- 25142014
TI  - Optimized determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers by ultrasound-assisted
      liquid-liquid extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography.
AB  - A method based on ultrasound-assisted liquid-liquid extraction and high
      performance liquid chromatography has been optimized for the determination of six
      polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners. The optimal condition relevant to the
      extraction was first investigated, more than 98.7 +/- 0.7% recovery was achieved
      with dichloromethane as extractant, 5 min extraction time, and three cycles of
      ultrasound-assisted liquid-liquid extraction. Then multiple function was employed
      to optimize polybrominated diphenyl ether detection conditions with overall
      resolution and chromatography signal area as the responses. The condition chosen
      in this experiment was methanol/water 93:7 v/v, flow rate 0.80 mL/min, column
      temperature 30.0 degrees C. The optimized technique revealed good linearity (R(2)
      > 0.9962 over a concentration range of 1-100 MUg/L) and repeatability (relative
      standard deviation < 6.3%). Furthermore, the detection limit (S/N = 3) of the
      method were ranged from 0.02 to 0.13 MUg/L and the quantification limit (S/N =
      10) ranged from 0.07 to 0.35 MUg/L. Finally, the proposed method was applied to
      spiked samples and satisfactory results were achieved. These results indicate
      that ultrasound-assisted liquid-liquid extraction coupled with high-performance
      liquid chromatography was effective to identify and quantify the complex
      polybrominated diphenyl ethers in effluent samples. 

PMID- 25142015
TI  - Fibroblast extracellular matrix and adhesion on microtextured
      polydimethylsiloxane scaffolds.
AB  - The immediate physical and chemical surroundings of cells provide important
      biochemical cues for their behavior. Designing and tailoring biomaterials for
      controlled cell signaling and extracellular matrix (ECM) can be difficult due to
      the complexity of the cell-surface relationship. To address this issue, our
      research has led to the development of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) scaffold
      with defined microtopography and chemistry for surface driven ECM assembly. When
      human fibroblasts were cultured on this microtextured PDMS with 2-6 um wide
      vertical features, significant changes in morphology, adhesion, actin
      cytoskeleton, and fibronectin generation were noted when compared with cells
      cultured on unmodified PDMS. Investigation of cellular response and behavior was
      performed with atomic force microscopy in conjunction with fluorescent labeling
      of focal adhesion cites and fibronectin in the ECM. Changes in the surface
      topography induced lower adhesion, an altered actin cytoskeleton, and compacted
      units of fibronectin similar to that observed in vivo. Overall, these findings
      provide critical information of cell-surface interactions with a microtextured,
      polymer substrate that can be used in the field of tissue engineering for
      controlling cellular ECM interactions.

PMID- 25142016
TI  - Altered microglial phagocytosis in GPR34-deficient mice.
AB  - GPR34 is a Gi/o protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) of the nucleotide receptor P2Y12 
      like group. This receptor is highly expressed in microglia, however, the
      functional relevance of GPR34 in these glial cells is unknown. Previous results
      suggested an impaired immune response in GPR34-deficient mice infected with
      Cryptococcus neoformans. Here we show that GPR34 deficiency results in
      morphological changes in retinal and cortical microglia. RNA sequencing analysis
      of microglia revealed a number of differentially expressed transcripts involved
      in cell motility and phagocytosis. We found no differences in microglial motility
      after entorhinal cortex lesion and in response to laser lesion. However, GPR34
      deficient microglia showed reduced phagocytosis activity in both retina and
      acutely isolated cortical slices. Our study identifies GPR34 as an important
      signaling component controlling microglial function, morphology and phagocytosis.

PMID- 25142017
TI  - Myeloid-derived suppressor cell functionality and interaction with Leishmania
      major parasites differ in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice.
AB  - Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent a heterogeneous population of
      CD11b+ cells. According to the surface molecules Ly6G and Ly6C (where Ly6G and
      Ly6C are lymphocyte antigen 6, locus G and C, respectively), MDSCs are further
      divided into monocytic (Mo-MDSCs, CD11b+ /Ly6C(high) /Ly6G-) and
      polymorphonucleated suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs, CD11b+ /Ly6C(int) /Ly6G+). Most
      published manuscripts focus on the suppressive role of MDSCs in cancer, whereas
      their impact on adaptive immunity against obligatory intracellular parasites is
      not well understood. Furthermore, it is not clear how the genetic background of
      mice influences MDSC functionality. Therefore, we implemented an experimental
      model of leishmaniasis, and analyzed MDSC maturation and the impact of MDSCs on
      the parasite-specific T-cell responses in resistant C57BL/6 and susceptible
      BALB/c mice. This experimental setup demonstrated the impaired ability of BALB/c
      mice to produce Mo-MDSCs when compared with C57BL/6 mice. This phenotype is
      detectable after subcutaneous infection with parasites and is specifically
      represented by a reduced accumulation of Mo-MDSCs at the site of infection in
      BALB/c mice. Moreover, infected C57BL/6-derived MDSCs were able to suppress
      Leishmania-specific CD4+ -cell proliferation, whereas BALB/c-derived MDSCs
      harboring parasites lost this suppressive function. In conclusion, we demonstrate
      that (i) genetic background defines MDSC differentiation; and (ii) Leishmania
      major parasites are able to modulate the suppressive effect of MDSCs in a strain
      dependent manner.

PMID- 25142018
TI  - Negative, neutral, and positive interactions among nonnative plants: patterns,
      processes, and management implications.
AB  - The movement of species is one of the most pervasive forms of global change, and
      few ecosystems remain uninvaded by nonnative species. Studying species
      interactions is crucial for understanding their distribution and abundance,
      particularly for nonnative species because interactions may influence the
      probability of invasion and consequent ecological impact. Interactions among
      nonnatives are relatively understudied, though the likelihood of nonnative
      species co-occurrence is high. We quantify and describe the types of interactions
      among nonnative plants and determine what factors affect interaction outcomes for
      ecosystems globally. We reviewed 65 studies comprising 201 observations and
      recorded the interaction type, traits of the interacting species, and study
      characteristics. We conducted a census of interaction types and a meta-analysis
      of experiments that tested nonnative competition intensity. Both methods showed
      that negative and neutral interactions prevailed, and a number of studies
      reported that the removal of a dominant nonnative led to competitive release of
      other nonnatives. Positive interactions were less frequently reported and
      positive mean effect sizes were rare, but the plant characteristics nitrogen
      fixation, life cycle (annual or perennial), and functional group significantly
      influenced positive interactions. Positive interactions were three times more
      frequent when a neighboring nonnative was a nitrogen fixer and 3.5 times lower
      when a neighboring nonnative was an annual. Woody plants were two or four times
      more likely to have positive interactions relative to grasses or herbs,
      respectively. The prevalence of negative interactions suggests that managers
      should prepare for reinvasion of sites when treating dominant nonnatives. Though
      positive interactions were infrequent, managers may be able to anticipate
      positive interactions among nonnatives based upon traits of the co-occurring
      invaders. Predicting positive nonnative interactions is an important tool for
      determining habitat susceptibility to a particular invasion and for prioritizing
      management of nonnatives with a higher likelihood of positive interactions. 

PMID- 25142019
TI  - Fluorescence resonance energy transfer between green fluorescent protein and
      doxorubicin enabled by DNA nanotechnology.
AB  - DNA nanotechnology is a rapidly growing research area, where DNA may be used for
      wide range of applications such as construction of nanodevices serving for large
      scale of diverse purposes. Likewise a panel of various purified fluorescent
      proteins is investigated for their ability to emit their typical fluorescence
      spectra under influence of particular excitation. Hence these proteins may form
      ideal donor molecules for assembly of fluorescence resonance emission transfer
      (FRET) constructions. To extend the application possibilities of fluorescent
      proteins, while using DNA nanotechnology, we developed nanoconstruction
      comprising green fluorescent protein (GFP) bound onto surface of surface active
      nanomaghemite and functionalized with gold nanoparticles. We took advantage of
      natural affinity between gold and thiol moieties, which were modified to bind DNA
      fragment. Finally we enclosed doxorubicin into fullerene cages. Doxorubicin
      intercalated in DNA fragment bound on the particles and thus we were able to
      connect these parts together. Because GFP behaved as a donor and doxorubicin as
      an acceptor using excitation wavelength for GFP (395 nm) in emission wavelength
      of doxorubicin (590 nm) FRET was observed. This nanoconstruction may serve as a
      double-labeled transporter of doxorubicin guided by force of external magnetic
      force owing to the presence of nanomaghemite. Further nanomaghemite offers the
      possibility of using this technology for thermotherapy. 

PMID- 25142020
TI  - ATF4 and N-Myc coordinate glutamine metabolism in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma
      cells through ASCT2 activation.
AB  - Amplification of the MYCN gene in human neuroblastoma predicts poor prognosis and
      resistance to therapy. We previously showed that MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma
      cells constantly require large amounts of glutamine to support their unabated
      growth. However, the identity and regulation of the transporter(s) that capture
      glutamine in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells and the clinical significance of
      the transporter(s) in neuroblastoma diagnosis remain largely unknown. Here, we
      performed a systemic glutamine influx analysis and identified that MYCN-amplified
      neuroblastoma cells predominantly rely on activation of ASCT2 (solute carrier
      family 1 member 5, SLC1A5) to maintain sufficient levels of glutamine essential
      for the TCA cycle anaplerosis. Consequently, ASCT2 depletion profoundly inhibited
      glutaminolysis, concomitant with a substantial decrease in cell proliferation and
      viability in vitro and inhibition of tumourigenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, we
      identified ATF4 as a novel regulator which coordinates with N-Myc to directly
      activate ASCT2 expression. Of note, ASCT2 expression, which correlates with that
      of N-Myc and ATF4, is markedly elevated in high-stage neuroblastoma tumour
      samples compared with low-stage ones. More importantly, high ASCT2 expression is
      significantly associated with poor prognosis and survival of neuroblastoma
      patients. In aggregate, these findings elucidate a novel mechanism depicting how
      cell autonomous insults (MYCN amplification) and microenvironmental stresses
      (ATF4 induction) in concert coordinate ASCT2 activation to promote aggressive
      neuroblastoma progression, and establish ASCT2 as a novel biomarker in patient
      prognosis and stratification.

PMID- 25142021
TI  - Leishmania amazonensis infection impairs dendritic cell migration from the
      inflammatory site to the draining lymph node.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In vitro studies show that Leishmania infection decreases the
      adhesion of inflammatory phagocytes to connective tissue by a mechanism dependent
      on the modulation of integrin function. However, we know little about the
      influence of this reduction in leukocyte adhesion on parasite dissemination from
      the infection site. METHODS: In this work, we used a model of chronic peritonitis
      induced by thioglycollate to study the effect of L. amazonensis infection on the
      ability of inflammatory phagocyte populations to migrate from an inflammatory
      site to the draining lymph node. Uninfected or Leishmania-infected thioglycollate
      elicited peritoneal exudate cells were transferred from C57BL/6 to BALB/c mice or
      from Ly5.1+ to Ly5.1- mice. The transferred cells were injected into the
      peritoneal cavity and tracked to the draining lymph node. RESULTS: Migrating
      cells corresponded to approximately 1% of the injected leukocytes. The proportion
      of migrating CD11b+CD11c+ (myeloid dendritic cell) was lower after incubation
      with Leishmania (1.3 to 2.6 times lower in the experiments using C57BL/6 to
      BALB/c animals and 2.7 to 3.4 times lower in the experiments using Ly5.1+ to
      Ly5.1- animals) than after leukocyte incubation with medium alone (P < 0.01).
      There was no consistent decrease in the migration of CD11b+F4/80+ (macrophage) or
      SSChi GR-1+ (neutrophil) populations. CONCLUSIONS: Coincubation with Leishmania
      changes the migratory pattern of dendritic cells in vivo. Such changes in
      dendritic cell migration may be associated with immunological events that
      maintain inflammation at the sites of infection.

PMID- 25142023
TI  - Detection of c-reactive protein based on a magnetic immunoassay by using
      functional magnetic and fluorescent nanoparticles in microplates.
AB  - We report the preparation and application of biofunctional nanoparticles to
      detect C-reactive protein (CRP) in magnetic microplates. A CRP model biomarker
      was used to test the proposed detection method. Biofunctional magnetic
      nanoparticles, CRP, and biofunctional fluorescent nanoparticles were used in a
      sandwich nanoparticle immunoassay. The CRP concentrations in the samples were
      deduced from the reference plot, using the fluorescence intensity of the sandwich
      nanoparticle immunoassay. When biofunctional nanoparticles were used to detect
      CRP, the detection limit was 1.0 ng ml(-1) and the linear range was between 1.18
      ng ml(-1) and 11.8 MUg ml(-1). The results revealed that the method involving
      biofunctional nanoparticles exhibited a lower detection limit and a wider linear
      range than those of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and most other
      methods. For CRP measurements of serum samples, the differences between this
      method and ELISA in CRP measurements of serum samples were less than 13%. The
      proposed method can reduce the analysis time to one-third that of ELISA. This
      method demonstrates the potential to replace ELISA for rapidly detecting
      biomarkers with a low detection limit and a wide dynamic range. 

PMID- 25142022
TI  - Targeting mitochondria with methylene blue protects mice against acetaminophen
      induced liver injury.
AB  - Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a frequent cause of drug-induced liver injury
      and the most frequent cause of acute liver failure in the Western world. Previous
      studies with mouse models have revealed that impairment of mitochondrial
      respiration is an early event in the pathogenesis, but the exact mechanisms have
      remained unclear, and therapeutic approaches to specifically target mitochondria
      have been insufficiently explored. Here, we found that the reactive oxidative
      metabolite of APAP, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI), caused the selective
      inhibition of mitochondrial complex II activity by >90% in both mouse hepatic
      mitochondria and yeast-derived complexes reconstituted into nanoscale model
      membranes, as well as the decrease of succinate-driven adenosine triphosphate
      (ATP) biosynthesis rates. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that methylene
      blue (MB), a mitochondria-permeant redox-active compound that can act as an
      alternative electron carrier, protects against APAP-induced hepatocyte injury. We
      found that MB (<3 uM) readily accepted electrons from NAPQI-altered, succinate
      energized complex II and transferred them to cytochrome c, restoring ATP
      biosynthesis rates. In cultured mouse hepatocytes, MB prevented the mitochondrial
      permeability transition and loss of intracellular ATP without interfering with
      APAP bioactivation. In male C57BL/6J mice treated with APAP (450 mg/kg,
      intraperitoneally [IP]), MB (10 mg/kg, IP, administered 90 minutes post-APAP)
      protected against hepatotoxicity, whereas mice treated with APAP alone developed
      massive centrilobular necrosis and increased serum alanine aminotransferase
      activity. APAP treatment inhibited complex II activity ex vivo, but did not alter
      the protein expression levels of subunits SdhA or SdhC after 4 hours. CONCLUSION:
      MB can effectively protect mice against APAP-induced liver injury by bypassing
      the NAPQI-altered mitochondrial complex II, thus alleviating the cellular energy
      crisis. Because MB is a clinically used drug, its potential application after
      APAP overdose in patients should be further explored.

PMID- 25142025
TI  - Know versus Familiar: Differentiating states of awareness in others' subjective
      reports of recognition.
AB  - In the Remember-Know paradigm whether a Know response is defined as a high
      confidence state of certainty or a low-confidence state based on familiarity
      varies across researchers and can influence participants' responses. The current
      experiment was designed to explore differences between the states of Know and
      Familiar. Participants studied others' justification statements to "Know"
      recognition decisions and separated them into two types. Crucially, participants
      were not provided definitions of Know and Familiar on which to sort the items-
      their judgements were based solely on the phenomenology described in the
      justifications. Participants' sorting decisions were shown to reliably map onto
      expert classification of Know and Familiar. Post-task questionnaire responses
      demonstrated that both the level of memory detail and confidence expressed in the
      justifications were central to how participants categorised the items. In sum,
      given no instructions to do so, participants classify Familiar and Know according
      to two dimensions: confidence and amount of information retrieved.

PMID- 25142024
TI  - High-fat diet reduces neuroprotection of isoflurane post-treatment: Role of
      carboxyl-terminal modulator protein-Akt signaling.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: High-fat diet (HFD) contributes to the increased prevalence of obesity
      and hyperlipidemia in young adults, a possible cause for their recent increase in
      stroke. Isoflurane post-treatment provides neuroprotection. Isoflurane post
      treatment induced neuroprotection in HFD-fed mice was determined. METHODS: Six
      week old CD-1 male mice were fed HFD or regular diet (RD) for 5 or 10 weeks.
      Their hippocampal slices (400 um) were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation
      (OGD). Some slices were exposed to isoflurane for 30 min immediately after OGD.
      Some mice had a 90-min middle cerebral arterial occlusion and were post-treated
      with 2% isoflurane for 30 min. RESULTS: OGD time-dependently induced cell injury.
      This injury was dose-dependently reduced by isoflurane. The effect was apparent
      at 1% or 2% isoflurane in RD-fed mice but required 3% isoflurane in HFD-fed mice.
      HFD influenced the isoflurane effects in DG. OGD increased carboxyl-terminal
      modulator protein (CTMP), an Akt inhibitor, and decreased Akt signaling.
      Isoflurane reduced these effects. LY294002, an Akt activation inhibitor,
      attenuated the isoflurane effects. HFD increased CTMP and reduced Akt signaling.
      Isoflurane improved neurological outcome in the RD-fed mice but not in the HFD
      fed mice. CONCLUSIONS: HFD attenuated isoflurane post-treatment-induced
      neuroprotection possibly because of decreased prosurvival Akt signaling.

PMID- 25142026
TI  - Random mutagenesis and media optimisation for hyperproduction of cellulase from
      Bacillus species using proximally analysed Saccharum spontaneum in submerged
      fermentation.
AB  - This study deals with the isolation of novel mutant of Bacillus and optimisation
      of media for the hyperproduction of cellulase. Cellulase-producing Bacillus PC
      BC6 was subjected to physical and chemical mutagenesis to enhance the
      cellulolytic potential. Later, mutagenesis isolates were screened both
      qualitatively and quantitatively. Among all the tested isolates, Bacillus N3
      yielded maximum (CMCase 1250 IU/mL/min and FPase 629 IU/mL/min) activity. The
      Bacillus N3 strain exhibited 1.7-fold more enzyme production as compared with the
      parental strain. Proximate analysis of untreated and pretreated Saccharum
      spontaneum was carried out to improve cellulase production. Three different media
      were tested for the production of cellulase, among which M2 medium containing
      MgSO4, pretreated S. spontaneum, K2HPO4, (NH4)2SO4 and peptone was found to be
      the best for maximum enzyme production by mutant Bacillus N3.

PMID- 25142027
TI  - Expansion of a 2 + 2 macrocycle into a 6 + 6 macrocycle: template effect of
      cadmium(II).
AB  - The reaction of trans-1,2-diaminocyclopentane with 2,6-diformylpyridine results
      in formation of 2 + 2, 3 + 3, and 4 + 4 Schiff base macrocycles as well as trace
      amounts of 6 + 6 and 8 + 8 macrocycles. In contrast, the 6 + 6 Schiff base
      macrocycle is a dominant product of the reaction of the isolated 2 + 2 macrocycle
      with excess of cadmium(II) chloride. The X-ray crystal structure of the
      protonated amine derivative of the 6 + 6 macrocycle reveals an unusual container
      like conformation with the S6 axis. 

PMID- 25142028
TI  - Monodisperse carboxyl-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)-coated magnetic
      poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres: application to the immunocapture of
      beta-amyloid peptides.
AB  - Identification and evaluation of small changes in beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta)
      levels in cerebrospinal fluid is of crucial importance for early detection of
      Alzheimer's disease. Microfluidic detection methods enable effective
      preconcentration of Abeta using magnetic microparticles coated with Abeta
      antibodies. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres are coated with alpha-amino
      omega-methoxy-PEG5000 /alpha-amino-omega-Boc-NH-PEG5000 Boc groups deprotected
      and NH2 succinylated to introduce carboxyl groups. Capillary electrophoresis with
      laser-induced fluorescence detection confirms the efficient capture of Abeta 1-40
      peptides on the microspheres with immobilized monoclonal anti-Abeta 6E10. The
      capture specificity is confirmed by comparing Abeta 1-40 levels on the anti-IgG
      immobilized particles used as a control. 

PMID- 25142029
TI  - Thermal limits of two biting midges, Culicoides imicola Kieffer and C. bolitinos
      Meiswinkel (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Culicoides imicola Kieffer and Culicoides bolitinos Meiswinkel
      (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are both of veterinary importance, being vectors of
      Schmallenberg, bluetongue and African horse sickness (AHS) viruses. Within South
      Africa, these Culicoides species show a marked difference in their abundances
      according to altitude, with C. imicola highly abundant in lower altitudes, but
      being replaced as the dominant species by C. bolitinos in cooler, high-altitude
      regions. METHODS: The thermal physiology of field collected adults of each
      species was determined to evaluate whether it could account for differences in
      their distribution and abundance. Critical thermal maxima (CTmax) and minima
      (CTmin), as well as upper and lower lethal temperatures (ULT and LLT) were
      assessed after acclimation temperatures of 19'C, 24'C and 29'C. Critical thermal
      limits were determined using an ecologically relevant rate of temperature change
      of 0.06'C x min(-1). RESULTS: Significant differences in CTmin and CTmax were
      found between acclimation temperatures for C. imicola and C. bolitinos. In C.
      bolitinos, the LLT of individuals acclimated at 24'C was significantly improved
      (LLT50 = -6.01'C) compared with those acclimated at the other temperatures (LLT50
      = -4'C). Acclimation had a weak (difference in LLT50 of only 1'C) but significant
      effect on the LLT of C. imicola. When CTmin, CTmax, LLT and ULT were superimposed
      on daily maximum and minimum temperature records from locations where each tested
      Culicoides species is dominant, it was found that temperatures frequently
      declined below the CTmin and LLT of C. imicola at the location where C. bolitinos
      was dominant. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution and abundance of C. imicola is likely
      directly constrained by their relatively poor tolerance of lower temperatures.
      Results for C. bolitinos suggest that the adult phase is hardy, and it is
      hypothesised that the thermal biology of other life stages could determine their
      range.

PMID- 25142030
TI  - A di-arginine ER retention signal regulates trafficking of HCN1 channels from the
      early secretory pathway to the plasma membrane.
AB  - Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated 1 (HCN1) channels carry Ih,
      which contributes to neuronal excitability and signal transmission in the nervous
      system. Controlling the trafficking of HCN1 is an important aspect of its
      regulation, yet the details of this process are poorly understood. Here, we
      investigated how the C-terminus of HCN1 regulates trafficking by testing for its
      ability to redirect the localization of a non-targeted reporter in transgenic
      Xenopus laevis photoreceptors. We found that HCN1 contains an ER localization
      signal and through a series of deletion constructs, identified the responsible di
      arginine ER retention signal. This signal is located in the intrinsically
      disordered region of the C-terminus of HCN1. To test the function of the ER
      retention signal in intact channels, we expressed wild type and mutant HCN1 in
      HEK293 cells and found this signal negatively regulates surface expression of
      HCN1. In summary, we report a new mode of regulating HCN1 trafficking: through
      the use of a di-arginine ER retention signal that monitors processing of the
      channel in the early secretory pathway. 

PMID- 25142031
TI  - Genetic associations and functional characterization of M1 aminopeptidases and
      immune-mediated diseases.
AB  - Endosplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1), endoplasmic reticulum
      aminopeptidase 2 (ERAP2) and puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (NPEPPS) are key
      zinc metallopeptidases that belong to the oxytocinase subfamily of M1
      aminopeptidase family. NPEPPS catalyzes the processing of proteosome-derived
      peptide repertoire followed by trimming of antigenic peptides by ERAP1 and ERAP2
      for presentation on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I molecules. A
      series of genome-wide association studies have demonstrated associations of these
      aminopeptidases with a range of immune-mediated diseases such as ankylosing
      spondylitis, psoriasis, Behcet's disease, inflammatory bowel disease and type I
      diabetes, and significantly, genetic interaction between some aminopeptidases and
      HLA Class I loci with which these diseases are strongly associated. In this
      review, we highlight the current state of understanding of the genetic
      associations of this class of genes, their functional role in disease, and
      potential as therapeutic targets. 

PMID- 25142033
TI  - Lung ultrasonography: an effective way to diagnose community-acquired pneumonia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyse the ultrasonographic findings of community-acquired pneumonia
      (CAP) and its efficacy for diagnosis of CAP compared with chest X-ray (CXR).
      METHODS: Patients who presented to the Emergency Department with suspected CAP
      were included in the study. Bedside ultrasonography was performed at each
      intercostal space in the midclavicular, anterior axillary, midaxillary and
      paravertebral lines. Any pulmonary consolidation, focal interstitial pattern,
      pleural-line abnormalities and subpleural lesions were recorded, and the numbers
      of subpleural lesions and intercostal spaces with pleural-line abnormalities were
      counted. All patients received bedside CXR and CT. Using CT scan as the gold
      standard, ultrasonography findings were compared between CAP group and non-CAP
      group, and between CAP patients with CT showing consolidation or diffuse ground
      glass opacification. The sensitivity of ultrasonography was compared with CXR for
      the diagnosis of CAP. RESULTS: Of 179 patients included in the study, 112 were
      diagnosed with CAP by CT. Patients in CAP group were more likely to have
      consolidation (p<0.001), focal interstitial pattern (p<0.001) and had higher
      number of subpleural lesions (p<0.001) and intercostal spaces with pleural-line
      abnormalities (p<0.001) on ultrasound than those without CAP. CAP patients whose
      CT showed consolidation were more likely to have consolidation (p<0.001) and had
      lower numbers of subpleural lesions (p<0.001) and intercostal spaces with pleural
      line abnormalities (p<0.001) compared to CAP patients whose CT showed diffuse
      ground-glass opacification. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy
      for ultrasonography and CXR were 94.6% versus 77.7% (p<0.001), 98.5% versus 94.0%
      (p=0.940) and 96.1% versus 83.8% (p<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lung
      ultrasonography has a better diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy for diagnosing
      CAP compared with CXR.

PMID- 25142032
TI  - Recombinant porcine epidermal growth factor-secreting Lactococcus lactis promotes
      the growth performance of early-weaned piglets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is an important growth factor in
      regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and apoptosis.
      Studies showed that food-grade Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) and NICE expression
      system have superior performance in exogenous protein expression. This study
      aimed to construct and express porcine EGF (pEGF), and use L. lactis as vehicle
      for producing and delivering pEGF. Furthermore, investigating biological activity
      of pEGF and exploring applications feasibility of combination effects of L.
      lactis and pEGF on early weaned piglets' production. RESULTS: A recombinant
      Lactococcus lactis which produced and secreted pEGF at 1000 ng/ml in culture
      supernatant was generated. Secreted pEGF was a fully biologically active protein,
      as demonstrated by its capacity to stimulate L929 mouse fibroblast cell line
      proliferation in vitro. For in vivo study, forty piglets were randomly allocated
      to control, antibiotic control, empty vector-expressing L. lactis (LL-EV) and
      pEGF-secreting L. lactis (LL-pEGF). After 14 d of rearing, final body weight and
      average daily gain in LL-pEGF were greater (P < 0.05, 8.95 vs. 8.37 kg, 206.1 vs.
      157.7 g/day, respectively) than those in control, but no significant differences
      between LL-pEGF, LL-EV and antibiotic control. Overall period average daily feed
      intake was higher in LL-pEGF, LL-EV and antibiotic control than in control (P <
      0.05, 252.9, 255.6, 250.0, 207.3 g/day, respectively). No significant difference
      was observed on ADFI/ADG. LL-pEGF increased villous height in the duodenum,
      jejunum and ileum than in control and LL-EV (P < 0.05). Sucrase in the 3
      intestinal segments, aminopeptidase A in the duodenum and Jejunum, aminopeptidase
      N and dipeptidase IV in the duodenum in LL-pEGF were higher than those in control
      (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus counts decreased in
      the ileum and Lactobacillus increased in the ileum and cecum digesta in LL-pEGF
      compare with the control (P < 0.05). Lactobacillus increased in the cecum in LL
      EV compared with control and antibiotic control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We have
      generated a recombinant Lactococcus lactis which produced and secreted fully
      biologically active porcine EGF. Oral administration of pEGF-secreting L. lactis
      had beneficial effects on intestinal health and performance of early-weaned
      piglets.

PMID- 25142034
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of lateral neck radiography in ruling out supraglottitis: a
      prospective observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of lateral neck radiographs (LNR)
      for acute supraglottitis in adults. DESIGN: A single centre prospective
      observational study. SETTING: Emergency department at Kurashiki Central Hospital,
      Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients who underwent LNR to detect supraglottitis.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence of supraglottitis, based on nasopharyngeal
      laryngoscopy or a follow-up telephone call, 7-30 days after the visit. RESULTS:
      140 patients had LNR during the study period. 35 patients were excluded from
      further analysis because of lack of consent. Of the 105 eligible patients, 21
      patients (20%) were given the diagnosis of supraglottitis: 17 of 29 with a
      radiographic abnormality, and 4 of 76 patients without a radiographic
      abnormality. Three of the four cases where LNR was negative was grade 1, and all
      cases of grade 3 or higher had abnormal LNR. Sensitivity and specificity (95% CI)
      of LNR for supraglottitis were 81.0% (64.2 to 97.7) and 85.7% (78.2 to 93.2),
      respectively. The positive predictive value of LNR was 58.6% (40.7 to 76.5) and
      the negative predictive value was 94.7% (89.7 to 99.8). The positive likelihood
      ratio of LNR was 5.67 (3.27 to 9.82) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.22
      (0.10 to 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: LNR showed only moderate sensitivity and specificity
      for supraglottitis and would miss some cases of supraglottitis if the pre-test
      probability is high. LNR was very sensitive for grade 3 or higher supraglottitis,
      but would miss milder cases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000011928.

PMID- 25142035
TI  - Measuring decision quality: psychometric evaluation of a new instrument for
      breast cancer chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women diagnosed with early stage (I or II) breast cancer face a
      highly challenging decision - whether or not to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy. We
      developed a decision quality instrument for chemotherapy for early stage breast
      cancer and sought to evaluate its performance. METHODS: Cross-sectional, mailed
      survey of recent breast cancer survivors, providers, and healthy controls and a
      retest survey of survivors. The decision quality instrument includes questions on
      knowledge and personal goals. It results in a knowledge score and concordance
      score, which reflects the percentage of patients who received treatments that
      match their goals. Hypotheses related to acceptability, feasibility, validity,
      and reliability of the survey instrument were examined. RESULTS: Responses were
      received from 352 patients, 89 providers and 35 healthy controls. The decision
      quality instrument was feasible to implement with few missing data. The knowledge
      scores had good retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)
      =0.75). Knowledge scores discriminated between providers and patients (mean
      difference 31.1%, 95% CI 26.9, 35.3) and between patients and healthy controls
      (mean difference 11.2, 95% CI 5.4, 17.1). Most providers reported that the
      knowledge items covered essential content. Two of the five goal items had a
      ceiling effect, and one goal had low content validity. The goal items had
      moderate retest reliability (ICC's 0.57 to 0.78). In the multivariable model of
      treatment, none of the patient goals was associated with receipt of chemotherapy.
      Age and hormone receptor status were the only variables independently associated
      with chemotherapy. Most patients (77.6%) had treatment concordant with that
      predicted by the model. Patients who had concordant treatment had similar levels
      of confidence and regret as those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The Decision Quality
      Instrument is a reliable and valid measure of patient knowledge about
      chemotherapy, but its ability to measure concordance with patient goals is
      limited. In this sample, patient goals were not associated with treatment, and
      most patients reported they were not asked their preference, suggesting that
      goals were not adequately considered in decision making.

PMID- 25142036
TI  - Biomarkers of sepsis and their potential value in diagnosis, prognosis and
      treatment.
AB  - Biomarkers have great potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.
      The available literature supports the potential utility of sTREM-1, IL-27, suPAR,
      neutrophil CD64, presepsin, cfDNA and miRNAs as novel diagnostic, prognostic and
      treatment response biomarkers. The future of sepsis biomarkers lies in extensive
      validation studies of such novel biomarkers across heterogeneous populations and
      exploration of their power in combination. Furthermore, the use of a companion
      diagnostics model may augment the ability of investigators to identify novel
      sepsis biomarkers and develop specific therapeutic strategies based on biomarker
      information. 

PMID- 25142037
TI  - Informing the scale-up of Kenya's nursing workforce: a mixed methods study of
      factors affecting pre-service training capacity and production.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the global nursing shortage and investments to scale-up the
      workforce, this study evaluated trends in annual student nurse enrolment, pre
      service attrition between enrolment and registration, and factors that influence
      nurse production in Kenya. METHODS: This study used a mixed methods approach with
      data from the Regulatory Human Resources Information System (tracks initial
      student enrolment through registration) and the Kenya Health Workforce
      Information System (tracks deployment and demographic information on licensed
      nurses) for the quantitative analyses and qualitative data from key informant
      interviews with nurse training institution educators and/or administrators.
      Trends in annual student nurse enrolment from 1999 to 2010 were analyzed using
      regulatory and demographic data. To assess pre-service attrition between training
      enrolment and registration with the nursing council, data for a cohort that
      enrolled in training from 1999 to 2004 and completed training by 2010 was
      analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test for factors that
      significantly affected attrition. To assess the capacity of nurse training
      institutions for scale-up, qualitative data was obtained through key informant
      interviews. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2010, 23,350 students enrolled in nurse
      training in Kenya. While annual new student enrolment doubled between 1999
      (1,493) and 2010 (3,030), training institutions reported challenges in their
      capacity to accommodate the increased numbers. Key factors identified by the
      nursing faculty included congestion at clinical placement sites, limited clinical
      mentorship by qualified nurses, challenges with faculty recruitment and
      retention, and inadequate student housing, transportation and classroom space.
      Pre-service attrition among the cohort that enrolled between 1999 and 2004 and
      completed training by 2010 was found to be low (6%). CONCLUSION: To scale-up the
      nursing workforce in Kenya, concurrent investments in expanding the number of
      student nurse clinical placement sites, utilizing alternate forms of skills
      training, hiring more faculty and clinical instructors, and expanding the
      dormitory and classroom space to accommodate new students are needed to ensure
      that increases in student enrolment are not at the cost of quality nursing
      education. Student attrition does not appear to be a concern in Kenya compared to
      other African countries (10 to 40%).

PMID- 25142038
TI  - Susac-like syndrome in a chronic cocaine abuser: could levamisole play a role?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Toxic leukoencephalopathy is a possible but rare complication of
      chronic cocaine abuse. The role of adulterants, mainly levamisole, is still
      debated. CASE REPORT: We describe an atypical case of fatal leukoencephalopathy
      mimicking Susac syndrome in a 22-year-old man who was chronically abusing
      cannabis and cocaine. Exposure to levamisole as adulterant to cocaine was proven
      by hair analysis. Despite cessation of exposure to cocaine and aggressive
      immunosuppressive therapy, the patient remained in a minimally conscious state
      until death. DISCUSSION: Susac syndrome is a rare entity, and its etiology is not
      yet fully elucidated. The toxic etiologies have been poorly investigated to date.
      Further observations are required to determine if cocaine and/or adulterants
      might play a significant role.

PMID- 25142039
TI  - Prevention of post-mastectomy neuropathic pain with memantine: study protocol for
      a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists are potential therapies for
      neuropathic pain, and memantine has a good tolerance profile. A preclinical study
      recently reported that presurgery memantine may prevent neuropathic pain
      development and cognition dysfunction. Considering the high prevalence of breast
      cancer and of post-mastectomy neuropathic pain, a clinical trial is carried out
      to evaluate if memantine may prevent neuropathic pain development and maintain
      cognitive function and quality of life in cancer patients. METHODS/DESIGN: A
      randomized clinical trial (NCT01536314) includes 40 women with breast cancer
      undergoing mastectomy at the Oncology Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
      Memantine (5 to 20 mg/day; n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) is administered for 4
      weeks starting 2 weeks before surgery. Intensity of pain, cognitive function,
      quality of life and of sleep, anxiety and depression are evaluated with
      questionnaires. The primary endpoint is pain intensity on a 0 to 10) numerical
      scale at 3 months post-mastectomy. Data analysis is performed using mixed models
      and the tests are two-sided, with a type I error set at alpha = 0.05. DISCUSSION:
      The hypothesis of this translational approach is to confirm in patients the
      beneficial prophylactic effect of memantine observed in animals. Such a
      protective action of memantine against neuropathic pain and cognitive dysfunction
      would greatly improve the quality of life of cancer patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01536314 on 16 February 2012.

PMID- 25142040
TI  - The effect of different concentrations of linseed oil or fish oil in the maternal
      diet on the fatty acid composition and oxidative status of sows and piglets.
AB  - N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential for foetal development.
      Hence, including n-3 PUFA in the sow diet can be beneficial for reproduction.
      Both the amount and form (precursor fatty acids vs. long chain PUFA) of
      supplementation are important in this respect. Furthermore, including n-3 PUFA in
      the diet can have negative effects, such as decreased arachidonic acid (ARA)
      concentration and increased oxidative stress. This study aimed to compare the
      efficacy to increase eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
      concentrations in the piglet, when different concentrations of linseed oil (LO,
      source of precursor alpha-linolenic acid) or fish oil (FO, source of EPA and DHA)
      were included in the maternal diet. Sows were fed a palm oil diet or a diet
      including 0.5% or 2% LO or FO from day 45 of gestation until weaning. Linoleic
      acid (LA) was kept constant in the diets to prevent a decrease in ARA, and all
      diets were supplemented with alpha-tocopherol acetate (150 mg/kg) and organic
      selenium (0.4 mg/kg) to prevent oxidative stress. Feeding 0.5% LO or 0.5% FO to
      the sows resulted in comparable EPA concentrations in the 5-day old piglet liver,
      but both diets resulted in lower EPA concentrations than when 2% LO was fed. The
      highest EPA concentration was obtained when 2% FO was fed. The DHA level in the
      piglet liver could only be increased when FO, but not LO, was fed to the sows.
      The 2% FO diet had no advantage over the 0.5% FO diet to increase DHA in the
      piglet. Despite the constant LA concentration in the sow diet, a decrease in ARA
      could not be avoided when LO or FO were included in the diet. Feeding 2% FO to
      the sows increased the malondialdehyde concentration (marker for lipid
      peroxidation) in sow plasma, but not in piglets.

PMID- 25142042
TI  - See hear: psychological effects of music and music-video during treadmill
      running.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of work addressing the distractive, affect
      enhancing, and motivational influences of music and video in combination during
      exercise. PURPOSE: We examined the effects of music and music-and-video on a
      range of psychological and psychophysical variables during treadmill running at
      intensities above and below ventilatory threshold (VT). METHODS: Participants (N
      = 24) exercised at 10 % of maximal capacity below VT and 10 % above under music
      only, music-and-video, and control conditions. RESULTS: There was a condition *
      intensity * time interaction for perceived activation and state motivation, and
      an intensity * time interaction for state attention, perceived exertion (RPE),
      and affective valence. The music-and-video condition elicited the highest levels
      of dissociation, lowest RPE, and most positive affective responses regardless of
      exercise intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Attentional manipulations influence
      psychological and psychophysical variables at exercise intensities above and
      below VT, and this effect is enhanced by the combined presentation of auditory
      and visual stimuli.

PMID- 25142041
TI  - PortionControl@HOME: results of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the
      effect of a multi-component portion size intervention on portion control behavior
      and body mass index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food portion sizes influence energy intake. PURPOSE: The purpose of
      this paper is to determine effectiveness of the "PortionControl@HOME"
      intervention on body mass index and portion control behavior. METHODS: A
      randomized controlled trial among 278 overweight and obese participants was
      conducted. PortionControl@HOME aimed to increase: portion size awareness, portion
      control behavior, portion control cooking skills, and to create a home
      environment favoring portion control. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat multi-level
      regression analysis indicated statistically significant effects of the
      intervention on portion control behavior at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. The
      effect on body mass index was significant only at 3 months follow-up and when
      outliers (n = 3) were excluded (B = -0.45; 95%CI = -0.88 to -0.04). The
      intervention effect on body mass index was mediated by portion control behavior.
      CONCLUSIONS: The intervention improves portion control behavior, which in turn
      influence body mass index. Once the intervention ceased, sustained effects on
      body mass index were no longer evident. (Current-Controlled-Trials
      ISRCTN12363482).

PMID- 25142043
TI  - [Apocrine poroma. A relatively little known skin tumor with multilineage
      differentiation].
AB  - Poromas were originally classified as eccrine tumors which predominantly consist
      of poroid ductal cells and differentiate in the direction of sweat gland ducts.
      However, there have now been many reports on poromas with additional differential
      characteristics differentiating in the direction of sebaceous and/or apocrine
      glands and/or hair follicles. These tumors have been termed apocrine poromas.
      Multilineage differentiation within a poroma can be explained by the
      embryological association of the sweat duct with the so-called folliculo
      sebaceous-apocrine unit. The clinical and histopathological features of apocrine
      poromas are reviewed in comparison to classical eccrine poromas by taking into
      account seven own cases of apocrine poroma and a review of the literature. It is
      important for histopathologists not to confuse apocrine poroma with other tumors
      with multilineage differentiation. Apocrine poroma needs to be distinguished from
      sebaceoma and from basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation, in
      particular, because these tumors have therapeutic consequences for the patient.
      The main histopathological differences between apocrine poroma, sebaceoma and
      basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation are explained. 

PMID- 25142045
TI  - Traits and phylogenetic history contribute to network structure across Canadian
      plant-pollinator communities.
AB  - Interaction webs, or networks, define how the members of two or more trophic
      levels interact. However, the traits that mediate network structure have not been
      widely investigated. Generally, the mechanism that determines plant-pollinator
      partnerships is thought to involve the matching of a suite of species traits
      (such as abundance, phenology, morphology) between trophic levels. These traits
      are often unknown or hard to measure, but may reflect phylogenetic history. We
      asked whether morphological traits or phylogenetic history were more important in
      mediating network structure in mutualistic plant-pollinator interaction networks
      from Western Canada. At the plant species level, sexual system, growth form, and
      flower symmetry were the most important traits. For example species with radially
      symmetrical flowers had more connections within their modules (a subset of
      species that interact more among one another than outside of the module) than
      species with bilaterally symmetrical flowers. At the pollinator species level,
      social species had more connections within and among modules. In addition, larger
      pollinators tended to be more specialized. As traits mediate interactions and
      have a phylogenetic signal, we found that phylogenetically close species tend to
      interact with a similar set of species. At the network level, patterns were weak,
      but we found increasing functional trait and phylogenetic diversity of plants
      associated with increased weighted nestedness. These results provide evidence
      that both specific traits and phylogenetic history can contribute to the nature
      of mutualistic interactions within networks, but they explain less variation
      between networks. 

PMID- 25142046
TI  - Yolk carotenoids increase fledging success in great tit nestlings.
AB  - Avian mothers can influence offspring phenotype through the deposition of
      different compounds into eggs, such as antibodies, hormones and antioxidants. The
      concentration of carotenoids in yolk is larger than in maternal plasma,
      suggesting an important role of these compounds for offspring development. Since
      carotenoids have to be acquired from the diet, they may be available in limiting
      amounts to the mothers. Here, we investigated the role of egg carotenoids for
      offspring growth by experimentally increasing the concentration of yolk lutein,
      the main carotenoid in great tit (Parus major) yolk. We subsequently measured
      body condition, oxidative stress, immune response, plumage colouration and
      fledging success. Lutein increased body mass soon after hatching and fledging
      success, but did not affect tarsus length, oxidative stress, immune response and
      plumage colouration. The higher content of yolk lutein could have increased body
      mass by reducing oxidative stress caused by high metabolic rates of rapidly
      growing embryos or by promoting cell differentiation and proliferation. The
      positive effect of lutein on fledging success seems to be mediated by its
      influence on body mass 3 days post-hatch, since these two traits were correlated.
      The finding that our treatment did not affect traits measured later in the
      nestling period, except for fledging success, suggests that yolk lutein has short
      term effects that are essential to increase survival until fledging. Our study
      shows the positive effect of yolk lutein on offspring survival in the great tit,
      and therefore suggests an important role of carotenoid-mediated maternal effects.

PMID- 25142048
TI  - Anion exchange chromatography for the determination of 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine:
      application to cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell
      lines.
AB  - Epigenetic alterations are increasingly implicated in the initiation and
      progression of cancer. Genome-wide (global) hypomethylation seems to occur in
      early neoplasia and is a feature of genomic DNA derived from solid tumour tissues
      like ovarian cancer. Thus, analytical methods that provide sensitive and
      quantitative information about cytosine methylation in DNA are currently
      required. In this work, we compare two different anion-exchange columns for the
      separation of methylated cytosine from the other DNA nucleotides: a silica-based
      (Tracer Extrasil SAX) column and a polystyrene/divinyl benzene-based (Mono-QTM)
      column. Under the optimised conditions, linearity range, precision and detection
      limits of the developed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method were
      evaluated and compared using conventional ultraviolet (UV) absorbance detection
      at 270 nm. Good separation of the five target nucleotides, including 5-methyl-2'
      deoxycytidine monophosphate (5mdCMP) and 2'-deoxycytidine monophosphate (dCMP)
      was achieved on the Mono-QTM column with a gradient elution of ammonium acetate
      buffer (1 M, pH 6.9) at a flow rate of 1 mL min(-1). The coupling of this column
      to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) permitted also
      phosphorous ((31)P) specific detection of the nucleotides. Both detection systems
      offered adequate analytical performance characteristics, with detection limits of
      30 and 40 MUg L(-1) for 5mdCMP by HPLC-UV and HPLC-ICP-MS, respectively. However,
      the latter method allowed the determination of the global DNA methylation level
      (%) without the need for external calibration. Different genomic DNA samples were
      analysed including calf thymus DNA and DNA from two human cancer cell lines
      (adenocarcinoma epithelial A549 and ovarian carcinoma A2780) using the proposed
      strategy. In the line A2780, the cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant
      variants were analysed, finding no significant differences in the methylation
      percentage after treatment with cisplatin. 

PMID- 25142049
TI  - Determination of aromatic amines in human urine using comprehensive multi
      dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCxGC-qMS).
AB  - Aromatic amines are an important class of harmful components of cigarette smoke.
      Nevertheless, only few of them have been reported to occur in urine, which raises
      questions on the fate of these compounds in the human body. Here we report on the
      results of a new analytical method, in situ derivatization solid phase
      microextraction (SPME) multi-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry
      (GCxGC-qMS), that allows for a comprehensive fingerprint analysis of the
      substance class in complex matrices. Due to the high polarity of amino compounds,
      the complex urine matrix and prevalence of conjugated anilines, pretreatment
      steps such as acidic hydrolysis, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), and
      derivatization of amines to their corresponding aromatic iodine compounds are
      necessary. Prior to detection, the derivatives were enriched by headspace SPME
      with the extraction efficiency of the SPME fiber ranging between 65 % and 85 %.
      The measurements were carried out in full scan mode with conservatively estimated
      limits of detection (LOD) in the range of several ng/L and relative standard
      deviation (RSD) less than 20 %. More than 150 aromatic amines have been
      identified in the urine of a smoking person, including alkylated and halogenated
      amines as well as substituted naphthylamines. Also in the urine of a non-smoker,
      a number of aromatic amines have been identified, which suggests that the
      detection of biomarkers in urine samples using a more comprehensive analysis as
      detailed in this report may be essential to complement the approach of the use of
      classic biomarkers. 

PMID- 25142050
TI  - Anticholinergic medications: an additional contributor to cognitive impairment in
      the heart failure population?
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) have a high
      prevalence of cognitive impairment and the association is multifactorial. In
      general, the burden of anticholinergic drugs has consistently been shown to be a
      risk factor for cognitive impairment in the elderly. The aim of this study was to
      assess the cognitive burden of medications in patients with CHF. DESIGN: This was
      a cross-sectional, retrospective, single-center study. SETTING: The study was
      conducted in an outpatient setting. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who presented to a
      comprehensive heart failure clinic during a 1-month period were included.
      MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcomes of interest were mean anticholinergic
      cognitive burden (ACB) score of all medications and CHF medications (ACB-CHF),
      calculated based on the ACB Scoring Scale (ACB-SS). The ACB-CHF score was further
      dichotomized as 0 or 1 (low anticholinergic burden) versus 2 or 3 (high
      anticholinergic burden). RESULTS: A total of 182 patients were included. The mean
      ACB and ACB-CHF scores were 2.4 (range 0-13) and 1.0 (range 0-4), respectively,
      while 25.8 % of patients had an ACB-CHF score of 2 or 3. There was no association
      found between ejection fraction in patients with systolic heart failure and the
      ACB (p = 0.28) or ACB-CHF (p = 0.62) score. CONCLUSION: We conclude that patients
      with CHF have a substantial exposure to anticholinergic medications with adverse
      cognitive effects. This may be another important contributor to the increased
      prevalence of cognitive impairment in these patients.

PMID- 25142051
TI  - Role of CpG deserts in the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of
      differential DNA methylation regions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previously a variety of environmental toxicants were found to promote
      the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease through differential DNA
      methylation regions (DMRs), termed epimutations, present in sperm. The
      transgenerational epimutations in sperm and somatic cells identified in a number
      of previous studies were further investigated. RESULTS: The epimutations from six
      different environmental exposures were found to be predominantly exposure
      specific with negligible overlap. The current report describes a major genomic
      feature of all the unique epimutations identified (535) as a very low (<10
      CpG/100 bp) CpG density in sperm and somatic cells associated with
      transgenerational disease. The genomic locations of these epimutations were found
      to contain DMRs with small clusters of CpG within a general region of very low
      density CpG. The potential role of these epimutations on gene expression is
      suggested to be important. CONCLUSIONS: Observations suggest a potential
      regulatory role for lower density CpG regions termed "CpG deserts". The potential
      evolutionary origins of these regions is also discussed.

PMID- 25142052
TI  - Development and psychometric testing of the Chinese Postnatal Risk Factors
      Questionnaire (CPRFQ) for postpartum depression.
AB  - This article describes the development and psychometric assessment of the Chinese
      Postnatal Risk Factors Questionnaire (CPRFQ). There were four phases in this
      process: (1) the items were generated using a literature review and a focus
      group, (2) content validity was evaluated by an expert panel, (3) a pilot study
      was conducted with 45 postpartum women to refine the scale, and (4) a convenience
      sample of 256 postpartum women in China was recruited to complete the
      questionnaire. Construct validity was established by exploratory factor analysis;
      a four-factor structure of the scale was accepted (social and family, personality
      and relationship, mother and infant, maternal feelings and 'doing the month').
      These factors explained 47.46 % of the variance. Pearson's correlation
      coefficient was conducted to test convergent validity with the Edinburgh
      Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) (r = 0.54; p < 0.001). The Cronbach's alpha
      coefficient of the four subscales ranged from 0.58 to 0.71. The final 18-item
      version of the questionnaire is potentially a valuable tool for assessing
      postnatal risk factors in Chinese postpartum mothers. 

PMID- 25142053
TI  - Dynamics of a thin liquid film interacting with an oscillating nano-probe.
AB  - The dynamic interaction between a local probe and a viscous liquid film, which
      provokes the deformation of the latter, has been studied. The pressure difference
      across the air-liquid interface is calculated with a modified Young-Laplace
      equation, which takes into account the effects of gravity, surface tension, and
      liquid film-substrate and probe-liquid attractive interaction potentials. This
      pressure difference is injected into the lubrication approximation equation, in
      order to depict the evolution of a viscous thin-film. Additionally, a simple
      periodic function is added to an average separation distance, in order to define
      the probe motion. The aforementioned coupled equations, which describe the liquid
      film dynamics, were analysed and numerically solved. The liquid surface undergoes
      a periodic motion: the approaching probe provides an input energy to the film,
      which is stored by the latter by increasing its surface deformation; afterwards,
      when the probe moves away, an energy dissipation process occurs as the surface
      attempts to recover its original flat shape. Asymptotic regimes of the film
      surface oscillation are discerned, for extreme probe oscillation frequencies, and
      several length, wavenumber and time scales are yielded from our analysis, which
      is based on the Hankel transform. For a given probe-liquid-substrate system, with
      well-known physical and geometric parameters, a periodic stationary regime and
      instantaneous and delayed probe wetting events are discerned from the numerical
      results, depending on the combination of oscillation parameters. Our results
      provide an interpretation of the probe-liquid film coupling phenomenon, which
      occurs whenever an AFM test is performed over a liquid sample. 

PMID- 25142054
TI  - Environmental and genetic effects on weight and visual score traits at
      postweaning in Suffolk sheep.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the following environmental effects in Suffolk
      lambing: contemporary groups, type of birth, and age of animal and age of dam at
      lambing on conformation (C), precocity (P), musculature (M), and body weight at
      postweaning (W), and the heritability coefficients and genetic correlations among
      these traits. Contemporary groups, type of birth, and age of animal and age of
      dam at lambing were significant for W. For C, all the effects studied were
      significant, except linear and quadratic effects of age of the animal. For P, all
      effects studied were significant, except the quadratic effect of age of the
      animal. For M, the effects of contemporary group, type of birth, and the linear
      effect of the age of the animal were significant. Heritability estimates were
      0.07 +/- 0.03, 0.14 +/- 0.03, 0.09 +/- 0.03, and 0.11 +/- 0.03 for C, P, M, and
      W, respectively, indicating a positive low response for direct selection.
      Estimates of genetic correlations among the visual scores (C, P, and M) and W
      were moderate to highly favorable and positive, ranging from 0.48 to 0.90. These
      results indicate that selection for visual scores will increase body weight. 

PMID- 25142055
TI  - New insights on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and related comorbidities in
      morbidly obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery.

PMID- 25142056
TI  - Modeling of delays in PKPD: classical approaches and a tutorial for delay
      differential equations.
AB  - In pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PKPD) the measured response is often
      delayed relative to drug administration, individuals in a population have a
      certain lifespan until they maturate or the change of biomarkers does not
      immediately affects the primary endpoint. The classical approach in PKPD is to
      apply transit compartment models (TCM) based on ordinary differential equations
      to handle such delays. However, an alternative approach to deal with delays are
      delay differential equations (DDE). DDEs feature additional flexibility and
      properties, realize more complex dynamics and can complementary be used together
      with TCMs. We introduce several delay based PKPD models and investigate
      mathematical properties of general DDE based models, which serve as subunits in
      order to build larger PKPD models. Finally, we review current PKPD software with
      respect to the implementation of DDEs for PKPD analysis. 

PMID- 25142058
TI  - Activation of endothelial transient receptor potential C3 channel is required for
      small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel activation and sustained
      endothelial hyperpolarization and vasodilation of cerebral artery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transient receptor potential C3 (TRPC3) has been demonstrated to be
      involved in the regulation of vascular tone through endothelial cell (EC)
      hyperpolarization and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization-mediated
      vasodilation. However, the mechanism by which TRPC3 regulates these processes
      remains unresolved. We tested the hypothesis that endothelial receptor
      stimulation triggers rapid TRPC3 trafficking to the plasma membrane, where it
      provides the source of Ca(2+) influx for small conductance calcium-activated K(+)
      (SKCa) channel activation and sustained EC hyperpolarization. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Pressurized artery studies were performed with isolated mouse posterior
      cerebral artery. Treatment with a selective TRPC3 blocker (Pyr3) produced
      significant attenuation of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization-mediated
      vasodilation and endothelial Ca(2+) response (EC-specific Ca(2+) biosensor) to
      intraluminal ATP. Pyr3 treatment also resulted in a reduced ATP-stimulated global
      Ca(2+) and Ca(2+) influx in primary cultures of cerebral endothelial cells. Patch
      clamp studies with freshly isolated cerebral ECs demonstrated 2 components of EC
      hyperpolarization and K(+) current activation in response to ATP. The early phase
      was dependent on intermediate conductance calcium-activated K(+) channel
      activation, whereas the later sustained phase relied on SKC a channel activation.
      The SKC a channel-dependent phase was completely blocked with TRPC3 channel
      inhibition or in ECs of TRPC3 knockout mice and correlated with increased
      trafficking of TRPC3 (but not SKC a channel) to the plasma membrane. CONCLUSIONS:
      We propose that TRPC3 dynamically regulates SKC a channel activation through
      receptor-dependent trafficking to the plasma membrane, where it provides the
      source of Ca(2+) influx for sustained SKC a channel activation, EC
      hyperpolarization, and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization-mediated
      vasodilation.

PMID- 25142057
TI  - Obesity, physical activity, and their interaction in incident atrial fibrillation
      in postmenopausal women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is
      associated with increased risk of stroke and death. Obesity is an independent
      risk factor for AF, but modifiers of this risk are not well known. We studied the
      roles of obesity, physical activity, and their interaction in conferring risk of
      incident AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Women's Health Initiative (WHI)
      Observational Study was a prospective observational study of 93 676
      postmenopausal women followed for an average of 11.5 years. Incident AF was
      identified using WHI-ascertained hospitalization records and diagnostic codes
      from Medicare claims. A multivariate Cox's hazard regression model adjusted for
      demographic and clinical risk factors was used to evaluate the interaction
      between obesity and physical activity and its association with incident AF. After
      exclusion of women with prevalent AF, incomplete data, or underweight body mass
      index (BMI), 9792 of the remaining 81 317 women developed AF. Women were, on
      average, 63.4 years old, 7.8% were African American, and 3.6% were Hispanic.
      Increased BMI (hazard ratio [HR], 1.12 per 5-kg/m(2) increase; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.10 to 1.14) and reduced physical activity (>9 vs. 0 metabolic
      equivalent task hours per week; HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.96) were
      independently associated with higher rates of AF after multivariate adjustment.
      Higher levels of physical activity reduced the AF risk conferred by obesity
      (interaction P=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Greater physical activity is associated with
      lower rates of incident AF and modifies the association between obesity and
      incident AF.

PMID- 25142059
TI  - Socioeconomic status and the incidence of atrial fibrillation in whites and
      blacks: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No previous studies have examined the interplay among socioeconomic
      status, sex, and race with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We prospectively followed 14 352 persons (25% black, 75% white, 55%
      women, mean age 54 years) who were free of AF and participating in the
      Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Socioeconomic status was
      assessed at baseline (1987-1989) through educational level and total family
      income. Incident AF through 2009 was ascertained from electrocardiograms,
      hospitalizations, and death certificates. Cox regression was used to estimate
      hazard ratios and 95% CIs of AF for education and family income. Interactions
      were tested between socioeconomic status and age, race, or sex. Over a median
      follow-up of 20.6 years, 1794 AF cases occurred. Lower family income was
      associated with higher AF risk (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.67 in those
      with income less than $25 000 per year compared with those with $50 000 or more
      per year). The association between education and AF risk varied by sex (P=0.01),
      with the lowest education group associated with higher AF risk in women (hazard
      ratio 1.88, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.28) but not in men (hazard ratio 1.15, 95% CI 0.97
      to 1.36) compared with the highest education group. Adjustment for cardiovascular
      risk factors attenuated the associations. There were no interactions with race or
      age. Blacks had lower AF risk than whites in all income and education groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Lower family income was associated with a higher AF risk overall,
      whereas the impact of education on AF risk was present only in women. Differences
      in socioeconomic status do not explain the lower risk of AF in blacks compared
      with whites.

PMID- 25142060
TI  - Radial access during percutaneous interventions in patients with acute coronary
      syndromes: should we routinely monitor radial artery patency by ultrasonography
      promptly after the procedure and in long-term observation?
AB  - Access-site vascular complications in patients undergoing transradial coronary
      procedures are rare but may have relevant clinical consequences. The aim of the
      study was to evaluate: (1) radial artery's (RA) patency immediately after the
      procedure and in long-term observation, (2) factors influencing the frequency of
      radial artery's occlusion (RAO) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
      procedures performed via transradial access in the group of 220 patients with
      acute coronary syndromes (ACS). RA ultrasound was performed 48-72 h after the
      procedure and in those who were diagnosed with RAO-again after 6-12 months.
      According to the ultrasonographic findings, the patients were divided into two
      sub-groups: 187 pts (85 %) with patent RA after PCI and 33 pts (15 %) with RAO.
      Both sub-groups significantly statistically differed with regard to the frequency
      of local hematomas-15 versus 27.3 % (p = 0.02), the frequency of applying IIbIIIa
      inhibitors in PCI-6.4 versus 15.1 % (p = 0.015) and procedure duration-0.59 +/-
      0.37 versus 0.77 +/- 0.38 (p = 0.014), respectively. In a multifactorial analysis
      the only factor influencing RA patency promptly after the procedure was PCI
      duration (p < 0.05, r = -0.22). In the follow-up, right RA remained still
      obstructed in 28 patients (12.7 %) whereas in five patients (2.3 %) the regular
      flow in RA was resumed. The chronic RAO was clinically silent. Due to
      insignificant frequency of the occurrence of RAO after PCI procedure in patients
      with ACS as well as practically lack of clinical consequences of this artery's
      occlusion in long-term observation, we do not see any implications to routine
      ultrasound periprocedural RA evaluation. 

PMID- 25142061
TI  - Dynamics of anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies after renal transplantation
      and their impact on graft outcome.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to sequentially monitor anti-HLA antibodies and
      correlate the results with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), graft survival
      (GS), and graft function (GF). We collected sera from 111 kidney transplant
      recipients on transplant days 0, 7, 14, 30, 60, 90, 180, and 360 and analyzed PRA
      levels by ELISA. DSAs were analyzed by single-antigen beads in rejecting kidneys.
      At pre-transplant, 79.3% of the patients were non-sensitized (PRA = 0%) and 20.7%
      were sensitized (PRA > 1%). After transplant, patients were grouped by PRA
      profile: no anti-HLA antibodies pre- or post-transplant (group HLApre-/post-; n =
      80); de novo anti-HLA antibodies post-transplant (group HLApre-/post+; n = 8);
      sensitized pre-transplant/increased PRA post-transplant (group HLApre+/post?; n =
      9); and sensitized pre-transplant/decreased PRA post-transplant (group
      HLApre+/post?; n = 14). De novo anti-HLA antibodies were detected at 7-180 d. In
      sensitized patients, PRA levels changed within the first 30 d post-transplant.
      Incidence of AMR was higher in HLApre-/post+ and HLApre+/post? than in HLApre
      /post-, and HLApre+/post? (p < 0.001) groups. One-yr death-censored GS was 36% in
      group HLApre+/post?, compared with 98%, 88% and 100% in groups HLApre-/post-,
      HLApre-/post+, and HLApre+/post?, respectively (p < 0.001). Excluding first-year
      graft losses, GF and GS were similar among the groups. In conclusion, post
      transplant antibody monitoring can identify recipients at higher risk of AMR. 

PMID- 25142062
TI  - Effect of supranutritional organic selenium supplementation on postpartum blood
      micronutrients, antioxidants, metabolites, and inflammation biomarkers in
      selenium-replete dairy cows.
AB  - Dairy cows have increased nutritional requirements for antioxidants postpartum.
      Supranutritional organic Se supplementation may be beneficial because
      selenoproteins are involved in regulating oxidative stress and inflammation. Our
      objective was to determine whether feeding Se-yeast above requirements to Se
      replete dairy cows during late gestation affects blood micronutrients,
      antioxidants, metabolites, and inflammation biomarkers postpartum. During the
      last 8-weeks before calving, dairy cows at a commercial farm were fed either 0
      (control) or 105 mg Se-yeast once weekly (supranutritional Se-yeast), in addition
      to Na selenite at 0.3 mg Se/kg dry matter in their rations. Concentrations of
      whole-blood (WB) Se and serum Se, erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), and serum
      albumin, cholesterol, alpha-tocopherol, haptoglobin, serum amyloid A (SAA),
      calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, non-esterified fatty acids, and beta
      hydroxybutyrate were measured directly after calving, at 48 h, and 14 days of
      lactation in 10 cows of each group. Supranutritional Se-yeast supplementation
      affected indicators of antioxidant status and inflammation. Cows fed a
      supranutritional Se-yeast supplement during the last 8-weeks of gestation had
      higher Se concentrations in WB (overall 52 % higher) and serum (overall 36 %
      higher) at all-time points, had higher SAA concentrations at 48 h (98 % higher),
      had higher erythrocyte GSH (38 % higher) and serum albumin concentrations (6.6 %
      higher) at 14 days, and had lower serum cholesterol concentrations and higher
      alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol ratios at calving and at 48 h compared with control
      cows. In conclusion, feeding Se-replete cows during late gestation a
      supranutritional Se-yeast supplement improves antioxidant status and immune
      responses after calving without negatively impacting other micronutrients and
      energy status. 

PMID- 25142063
TI  - Lardy brains make Parkinson's disease mice worse.

PMID- 25142064
TI  - IRBIS: a systematic search for conserved complementarity.
AB  - IRBIS is a computational pipeline for detecting conserved complementary regions
      in unaligned orthologous sequences. Unlike other methods, it follows the "first
      fold-then-align" principle in which all possible combinations of complementary k
      mers are searched for simultaneous conservation. The novel trimming procedure
      reduces the size of the search space and improves the performance to the point
      where large-scale analyses of intra- and intermolecular RNA-RNA interactions
      become possible. In this article, I provide a rigorous description of the method,
      benchmarking on simulated and real data, and a set of stringent predictions of
      intramolecular RNA structure in placental mammals, drosophilids, and nematodes. I
      discuss two particular cases of long-range RNA structures that are likely to have
      a causal effect on single- and multiple-exon skipping, one in the mammalian gene
      Dystonin and the other in the insect gene Ca-alpha1D. In Dystonin, one of the two
      complementary boxes contains a binding site of Rbfox protein similar to one
      recently described in Enah gene. I also report that snoRNAs and long noncoding
      RNAs (lncRNAs) have a high capacity of base-pairing to introns of protein-coding
      genes, suggesting possible involvement of these transcripts in splicing
      regulation. I also find that conserved sequences that occur equally likely on
      both strands of DNA (e.g., transcription factor binding sites) contribute
      strongly to the false-discovery rate and, therefore, would confound every such
      analysis. IRBIS is an open-source software that is available at
      http://genome.crg.es/~dmitri/irbis/. 

PMID- 25142065
TI  - Chloroplast RNA editing going extreme: more than 3400 events of C-to-U editing in
      the chloroplast transcriptome of the lycophyte Selaginella uncinata.
AB  - RNA editing in chloroplasts and mitochondria of land plants differs significantly
      in abundance. For example, some 200-500 sites of cytidine-to-uridine RNA editing
      exist in flowering plant mitochondria as opposed to only 30-50 such C-to-U
      editing events in their chloroplasts. In contrast, we predicted significantly
      more chloroplast RNA editing for the protein-coding genes in the available
      complete plastome sequences of two species of the spike moss genus Selaginella
      (Lycopodiophyta). To evaluate these predictions we investigated the Selaginella
      uncinata chloroplast transcriptome. Our exhaustive cDNA studies identified the
      extraordinary number of 3415 RNA-editing events, exclusively of the C-to-U type,
      in the 74 mRNAs encoding intact reading frames in the S. uncinata chloroplast. We
      find the overwhelming majority (61%) of the 428 silent editing events leaving
      codon meanings unaltered directly neighboring other editing events, possibly
      suggesting a sterically more flexible RNA-editing deaminase activity in
      Selaginella. No evidence of RNA editing was found for tRNAs or rRNAs but we
      identified a total of 74 editing sites in cDNA sequences of four group II introns
      (petBi6g2, petDi8g2, ycf3i124g2, and ycf3i354g2) retained in partially matured
      transcripts, which strongly contribute to improved base-pairing in the intron
      secondary structures as a likely prerequisite for their splicing. 

PMID- 25142066
TI  - De novo translation initiation on membrane-bound ribosomes as a mechanism for
      localization of cytosolic protein mRNAs to the endoplasmic reticulum.
AB  - The specialized protein synthesis functions of the cytosol and endoplasmic
      reticulum compartments are conferred by the signal recognition particle (SRP)
      pathway, which directs the cotranslational trafficking of signal sequence
      encoding mRNAs from the cytosol to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Although
      subcellular mRNA distributions largely mirror the binary pattern predicted by the
      SRP pathway model, studies in mammalian cells, yeast, and Drosophila have also
      demonstrated that cytosolic protein-encoding mRNAs are broadly represented on ER
      bound ribosomes. A mechanism for such noncanonical mRNA localization remains,
      however, to be identified. Here, we examine the hypothesis that de novo
      translation initiation on ER-bound ribosomes serves as a mechanism for localizing
      cytosolic protein-encoding mRNAs to the ER. As a test of this hypothesis, we
      performed single molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization studies of
      subcellular mRNA distributions and report that a substantial fraction of mRNAs
      encoding the cytosolic protein GAPDH resides in close proximity to the ER.
      Consistent with these data, analyses of subcellular mRNA and ribosome
      distributions in multiple cell lines demonstrated that cytosolic protein mRNA
      ribosome distributions were strongly correlated, whereas signal sequence-encoding
      mRNA-ribosome distributions were divergent. Ribosome footprinting studies of ER
      bound polysomes revealed a substantial initiation codon read density enrichment
      for cytosolic protein-encoding mRNAs. We also demonstrate that eukaryotic
      initiation factor 2alpha is bound to the ER via a salt-sensitive, ribosome
      independent mechanism. Combined, these data support ER-localized translation
      initiation as a mechanism for mRNA recruitment to the ER. 

PMID- 25142067
TI  - Palliative treatment for symptomatic malignant pericardial effusion?.
AB  - Consensus has yet to emerge regarding the optimal choice of therapy in the
      management of malignant pericardial effusion. We review the literature to
      evaluate the existing evidence on the clinical effectiveness of surgical and
      interventional cardiological approaches. A formal literature search for all
      studies addressing the treatment of pericardial effusion in cancer patients was
      undertaken using predefined keywords. Abstracts were screened and reviewed, and
      data extracted. Data on intervention type, number of patients treated, number of
      patients surviving the procedure, effusion recurrences, need for further
      interventions and procedure-related complications were obtained from each study
      and collated in a quantitative synthesis. Of 1181 articles identified, 59
      contained sufficient quantitative information to be included in the synthesis. A
      total of 2322 patients with symptomatic pericardial effusion were identified, of
      which 1399 patients were reported to have underlying malignancy. Three surgical
      approaches were described in a total of 19 studies, with overall success rates
      ranging from 93.3 to 100% and associated complication rates ranging from 4.5 to
      10.3%. The remaining 40 studies reported four non-surgical treatment modalities,
      with success rates of 55.1-90.4% and complication rates of 5.9-32%. Data from the
      literature suggest that surgical drainage of the pericardium is superior to non
      surgical approaches for symptom relief, effusion recurrence and morbidity;
      however, the lack of randomized controlled trials means that selection bias
      remains an important limitation to the field and definitive adequately controlled
      trials should be a priority. 

PMID- 25142068
TI  - Prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial of bone marrow cell transplantation
      combined with coronary surgery - perioperative safety study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We present here a sub-study of our prospective, randomized, double
      blinded trial of bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation with
      coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
      NCT00418418), evaluating our secondary end-point concerning hospital stay as well
      as perioperative morbidity. Injecting a substantial amount of biologically active
      cells into a diseased myocardium inspires concerns for safety, a concern
      overlooked in previous trials. METHODS: We evaluated the immediate perioperative
      effects of intramyocardial injection of autologous BMMCs combined with CABG. In a
      randomized double-blinded manner, 39 patients received injections either of BMMCs
      (n = 20) or of vehicle medium (n = 19). The patients' haemodynamics, arterial
      blood gases, systemic vein oxygen level, blood glucose, acid-base balance,
      lactate, haemoglobin, body temperature and diuresis, as well as medications
      needed, were recorded in the operating theatre and in the intensive care unit
      (ICU) every 4 h throughout the first postoperative 24 h. RESULTS: No
      dissimilarities in these parameters were detectable. In the ICU, the median need
      for adrenaline was 0.0086 ug/kg/min (first quartile 0.0000, third quartile
      0.0204) for controls and 0.0090 ug/kg/min (0.0000, 0.0353) for BMMC patients (P =
      0.757); for noradrenaline, 0.0586 ug/kg/min (0.0180, 0.0888) for controls and
      0.0279 ug/kg/min (0.0145, 0.0780) for BMMC patients (P = 0.405). The median stay
      at the ICU was 2 days for both groups (1, 2 for controls; 1, 3 for BMMCs; P =
      0.967). Within the first postoperative day, one control patient had an elevated
      level of creatine kinase-myocardial band fraction mass (CK-MBm) up to >100 ug/l;
      no BMMC patient showed elevated CK-MBm levels (P = 0.474). CONCLUSIONS: Both
      intramyocardial BMMC and placebo injections appear safe during surgery and
      immediate ICU stay after treatment of heart failure.

PMID- 25142069
TI  - Controlled lung reperfusion to reduce pulmonary ischaemia/reperfusion injury
      after cardiopulmonary bypass in a porcine model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of the lungs contributes to
      pulmonary dysfunction after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB),
      leading to increased morbidity and mortality of patients. This study investigated
      the value of controlled lung reperfusion strategies on lung ischaemia-reperfusion
      injury in a porcine CPB model. METHODS: Pigs were subjected to routine CPB for
      120 min with 60 min of blood cardioplegic cardiac arrest (CCA). Following CCA,
      the uncontrolled reperfusion (UR, n = 6) group was conventionally weaned from
      CPB. Two groups underwent controlled lung reperfusion strategies (CR group:
      controlled reperfusion conditions, n = 6; MR group: controlled reperfusion
      conditions and modified reperfusate, n = 6) via the pulmonary artery before CPB
      weaning. Sham-operated pigs (n = 7) served as controls. Animals were followed up
      until 4 h after CPB. Pulmonary function, haemodynamics, markers of inflammation,
      endothelial injury and oxidative stress as well as morphological lung alterations
      were analysed. RESULTS: CPB (UR group) induced deterioration of pulmonary
      function (lung mechanics, oxygenation index and lung oedema). Also, controlled
      lung reperfusion groups (CR and MR) presented with pulmonary dysfunction after
      CPB. However, compared with UR, controlled lung reperfusion strategies (CR and
      MR) improved lung mechanics and reduced markers of oxidative stress, but without
      alteration of haemodynamics, oxygenation, inflammation, endothelial injury and
      lung morphology. Both controlled reperfusion groups were similar without relevant
      differences. CONCLUSION: Controlled lung reperfusion strategies attenuated a
      decrease in lung mechanics and an increase in oxidative stress, indicating an
      influence on CPB-related pulmonary injury. However, they failed to avoid
      completely CPB-related lung injury, implying the need for additional strategies
      given the multifactorial pathophysiology of postoperative pulmonary dysfunction.

PMID- 25142070
TI  - Characteristics of chromium-allergic dermatitis patients prior to regulatory
      intervention for chromium in leather: a questionnaire study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chromium-tanned leather articles currently constitute the most
      important cause of contact allergy to chromium in Denmark. A regulation on the
      content of hexavalent chromium in leather was adopted in November 2013 by the EU
      member states. OBJECTIVES: To characterize patients with chromium allergy and
      their disease, to serve as a baseline for future studies on the potential effect
      of the new regulation on chromium in leather. METHODS: A questionnaire case
      control study was performed on 155 dermatitis patients with positive patch test
      reactions to potassium dichromate and a matched control group of 621 dermatitis
      patients. Comparisons were made by use of a chi(2) -test and the Mann-Whitney U
      test. Logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations. RESULTS:
      Sixty-six per cent of chromium-allergic patients had a positive history of
      contact dermatitis caused by leather exposure. They had a significantly lower
      quality of life (p < 0.001), a higher prevalence of dermatitis during the last
      year (p = 0.008), a higher use of medication during the past 12 months (p =
      0.001) and a higher prevalence of sick leave (p = 0.007) than patients in the
      control group. CONCLUSIONS: Chromium-allergic patients have more severe and more
      chronic contact dermatitis. Their primary chromium exposure comes from leather
      articles.

PMID- 25142071
TI  - Arene ruthenium(ii) complex, a potent inhibitor against proliferation, migration
      and invasion of breast cancer cells, reduces stress fibers, focal adhesions and
      invadopodia.
AB  - Effective chemotherapy drugs for cancer that would inhibit tumor growth and
      suppress metastasis are currently lacking. In this study, a series of arene
      ruthenium complexes, [(eta6-arene)Ru(H2iip)Cl]Cl (arene = p-cymene, RAWQ03;
      CH3C6H5, RAWQ04; and C6H6, RAWQ11), were synthesized and their inhibitory
      activity against tumor cells were evaluated. The results showed that the complex
      RAWQ11 inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by inducing S-phase
      arrest, which is closely related to the inhibition of cell mitosis-mediated cell
      nucleus damage. Further studies showed that RAWQ11 can inhibit the invasion and
      metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells. The morphology of MDA-MB-231 cells changed, the
      number of focal adhesions decreased, and the stress fibers de-polymerized upon
      dealing with the complex RAWQ11. The FITC-gelatin assay confirmed that the
      formation of invadopodia in MDA-MB-231 cells was significantly blocked by RAWQ11.
      Furthermore, RAWQ11 can block the AKT signal pathway by upregulating the PTEN
      expression through binding and downregulating miR-21. These results demonstrated
      that this type of arene ruthenium(ii) complex can block the invadopodia formation
      by regulating the PTEN/AKT signal pathway mediated by miR-21 to inhibit the
      invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Therefore, this complex can be
      used as a potential dual functional agent to inhibit the growth and metastasis of
      tumor cells.

PMID- 25142072
TI  - Replication competent virus as an important source of bias in HIV latency models
      utilizing single round viral constructs.
AB  - The central memory T cell (TCM) model forms a unique HIV-1 latency model based on
      primary cells that closely resemble in vivo TCM. The virus employed in this model
      is based on an engineered vector incapable of replication after initial
      infection. We show that despite this strategy, replication competent viral
      particles are released into the culture medium due to recombination between
      overlapping sequences of the env deleted HIV genome that is co-transfected with
      intact env. This finding emphasizes the need for careful data analysis and
      interpretation if similar constructs are employed and urges for additional
      caution during laboratory work. 

PMID- 25142073
TI  - The prognostic significance of respiratory rate in patients with pneumonia: a
      retrospective analysis of data from 705,928 hospitalized patients in Germany from
      2010-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurement of the respiratory rate is an important instrument for
      assessing the severity of acute disease. The respiratory rate is often not
      measured in routine practice because its clinical utility is inadequately
      appreciated. In Germany, documentation of the respiratory rate is obligatory when
      a patient with pneumonia is hospitalized. This fact has enabled us to study the
      prognostic significance of the respiratory rate in reference to a large medical
      database. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed data from the external quality
      assurance program for community-acquired pneumonia for the years 2010-2012. All
      patients aged 18 years or older who were not mechanically ventilated on admission
      were included in the analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine the
      significance of the respiratory rate as a risk factor for in-hospital mortality.
      RESULTS: 705,928 patients were admitted to the hospital with community-acquired
      pneumonia (incidence: 3.5 cases per 1000 adults per year). The in-hospital
      mortality of these patients was 13.1% (92 227 persons). The plot of mortality as
      a function of respiratory rate on admission was U-shaped and slanted to the
      right, with the lowest mortality at a respiratory rate of 20/min on admission. If
      patients with a respiratory rate of 12-20/min are used as a baseline for
      comparison, patients with a respiratory rate of 27-33/min had an odds ratio (OR)
      of 1.72 for in-hospital death, and those with a respiratory rate above 33/min had
      an OR of 2.55. Further independent risk factors for in-hospital death were age,
      admission from a nursing home, hospital, or rehabilitation facility, chronic
      bedridden state, disorientation, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure.
      CONCLUSION: Respiratory rate is an independent risk marker for in-hospital
      mortality in community-acquired pneumonia. It should be measured when patients
      are admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and other acute conditions.

PMID- 25142074
TI  - Mistletoe treatment for cancer--promising or passe?

PMID- 25142075
TI  - Quality of life of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer during treatment with
      mistletoe: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment of cancer patients with mistletoe extract is said to
      prolong their survival and, above all, improve their quality of life. We studied
      whether the quality of life of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer could be
      improved by mistletoe extract. METHOD: An open, single-center, group-sequential,
      randomized phase III trial (ISRCTN70760582) was conducted. From January 2009 to
      December 2010, 220 patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer
      who were receiving no further treatment for pancreatic cancer other than best
      supportive care were included in this trial. They were stratified by prognosis
      and randomly allocated either to a group that received mistletoe treatment or to
      one that did not. Mistletoe extract was given in escalating doses by subcutaneous
      injection three times a week. The planned interim evaluation of data from 220
      patients indicated that mistletoe treatment was associated with longer overall
      survival, and the trial was terminated prematurely. After termination of the
      study, the results with respect to quality of life (assessed with the QLO-C30
      scales of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) and
      trends in body weight were evaluated. RESULTS: Data on quality of life and body
      weight were obtained from 96 patients treated with mistletoe and 72 control
      patients. Those treated with mistletoe did better on all 6 functional scales and
      on 7 of 9 symptom scales, including pain (95% confidence interval [CI] -29 to 
      17), fatigue (95% CI -36.1 to -25.0), appetite loss (95% CI -51 to -36.7), and
      insomnia (95% CI -45.8 to -28.6). This is reflected by the trend in body weight
      during the trial. CONCLUSION: In patients with locally advanced or metastatic
      pancreatic carcinoma, mistletoe treatment significantly improves the quality of
      life in comparison to best supportive care alone. Mistletoe is an effective
      second-line treatment for this disease.

PMID- 25142076
TI  - The diagnosis and graded therapy of atopic dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is the most common skin disease in children, with a
      prevalence of 10% to 15%, and is common in adults as well. Close coordination
      between primary care physicians and specialists is essential for the adequate
      treatment of chronically and severely affected patients. METHOD: This article is
      a review of pertinent publications that were retrieved by a selective search in
      Pubmed, with additional consideration of the guidelines of the Association of
      Medical Scientific Societies in Germany (AWMF) and the European Dermatology
      Forum. RESULTS: Trigger factors such as skin irritants, allergens, microbial
      pathogens, and psychological factors can affect the condition of the skin
      differently in individual patients and should be individually assessed. The use
      of skin moisturising creams or emollients along with avoidance of specific and
      unspecific irritants is of great importance, as these patients have an impaired
      cutaneous barrier. Topical anti-inflammatory treatment with glucocorticoids or
      calcineurin inhibitors is a central part of the management of atopic dermatitis;
      in exceptional cases, severely affected patients are treated with systemic anti
      inflammatory drugs. Interdisciplinary patient education has been found to be an
      effective tool in the complex management of this disease. Chronically and
      severely affected patients present special challenges for diagnosis and
      treatment. CONCLUSION: Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular
      basis of cutaneous barrier disorders and of congenital and acquired immune
      disorders have led to new approaches to the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

PMID- 25142077
TI  - Improving the sensory and oxidative stability of cooked and chill-stored lamb
      using dietary rosemary diterpenes.
AB  - Two dietary rosemary extracts (DREs) containing diterpenes (carnosic acid and
      carnosol at 1:1 and 2:1 w:w) were tested in fattening lambs to stabilize the
      sensory quality of cooked and chill-stored patties. A total of 63 lambs were fed
      freely for 80 +/- 5 d with a basal diet supplemented or not with DRE. Minced leg
      meat from each lamb was used to make patty batches. The patties were cooked at 72
      oC for 2 min, aerobically packed, kept at 2 oC for up to 4 d and then reheated.
      Sensory traits (color, odor, flavor, and texture), CIELab color, and lipid
      oxidation (assessed as TBARS) were determined. In a first experiment, the lamb
      diet was supplemented with 600 mg of 1:1-DRE or 2:1-DRE kg(-1) feed. The 1:1-DRE
      diet delayed discoloration, flavor deterioration, and rancidity, while the 2:1
      DRE diet was ineffective in this respect. In a second experiment, 4
      supplementation levels of 1:1-DRE (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg kg(-1) feed) were
      compared. Flavor deterioration was delayed when the lamb diet was supplemented
      with at least 400 mg 1:1-DRE kg(-1) feed. The effects of the diet on the odor,
      flavor, and color were corroborated by differences in TBARS and CIELab. The
      results obtained suggest that rosemary diterpenes and/or their active secondary
      compounds deposited in muscle can act as endogenous antioxidants in cooked lamb.
      The carnosol intake seems crucial in the antioxidant actions achieved through
      DRE. The use of rosemary antioxidants in animal feeding would allow meat-based
      dishes to be preserved longer without adding preservatives. 

PMID- 25142078
TI  - Upper airway collapse during drug induced sleep endoscopy: head rotation in
      supine position compared with lateral head and trunk position.
AB  - Drug induced sedated sleep endoscopy (DISE) is often employed to determine the
      site, severity and pattern of obstruction in patients with sleep apnea. DISE is
      usually performed in supine position. We recently showed that the obstruction
      pattern is different when DISE is performed in lateral position. In this study,
      we compared the outcomes of DISE performed in supine position with head rotated,
      with the outcomes of DISE performed with head and trunk in lateral position. The
      Prospective study design was used in the present study. Sixty patients with OSA
      (44 male; mean apnea hypopnea index (AHI) 20.8 +/- 17.5 events/h) underwent DISE
      under propofol sedation. Patients were placed in lateral position, and the upper
      airway collapse was evaluated. The patients were then placed in supine position
      with the head rotated to the right side. DISE outcomes were scored using the VOTE
      classification system. In lateral position, nine patients (15.0%) had a complete
      antero-posterior (A-P) collapse at the level of the velum, nine had a partial A-P
      collapse. During head rotation and trunk in supine position, at the level of the
      velum, four patients (6.7%) had a complete A-P collapse, while two patients
      (3.3%) had a partial A-P collapse. For all other sites, the patterns of collapse
      were not significantly different between head rotation and lateral position.
      During DISE, rotation of the head in supine position, and lateral head and trunk
      position present similar sites, severity and patterns of upper airway collapse,
      with the exception of collapse at the level of the velum. Here the severity of A
      P collapse is less severe during head rotation than in lateral head and trunk
      position.

PMID- 25142079
TI  - Attempt to improve functional outcomes in supracricoid laryngectomy in T2b and T3
      glottic cancers.
AB  - The goal of this study was to compare the survival rate and functional outcome of
      an open partial horizontal laryngectomies, Type IIa and modified Type IIa (OPHL
      Type IIa and OPHL mType IIa), in treatment of moderately advanced glottic
      carcinoma. Retrospective analysis. 80 Patients underwent OPHL Type IIa and 27,
      OPHL modified Type IIa (OPHL mType IIa) between the years 2001 and 2009. Clinical
      staging was performed according to the UICC criteria (2002). Primary endpoints of
      study were recurrence rate, and 3- and 5-year survival time. Secondary endpoints
      were laryngeal functions: respiration, swallowing and voice. There were no
      significant differences within local and regional recurrence rates, organ
      preservation rate, 3- and 5-year specific disease survival rates between OPHL
      Type II and OPHL modified Type IIa. Significantly lower need for temporary (OPHL
      mType IIa 4/27, OPHL Type IIa 30/80) and permanent tracheostomy (OPHL mType IIa
      2/27, OPHL Type IIa 16/80) was found. All but one patient (OPHL Type IIa)
      achieved unrestricted diet. Significantly differed social eating, this ability
      gained 25/27 OPHL mType IIa and 54/80 OPHL Type IIa (p < 0.05). Voice handicap
      index revealed a decrease in quality of life in all areas; OPHL Type IIa and OPHL
      mType IIa differed significantly (31 and 46 points respectively, p < 0.005). The
      MPT value (longest pitch) for OPHL Type IIa and OPHL mType IIa lasted 8 s and 10,
      respectively (p < 0.005). There was no significant difference in oncological
      outcomes between the two types of OPHL succeeded in the earlier extubation, thus
      significantly lowering the need for temporary and permanent tracheotomy and
      providing better long-term swallowing. Although the voice was altered in all
      observed OPHL patients, modified Type IIa technique proved to be superior to the
      Type IIa in terms of voice quality. Thus, OPHL modified Type IIa is worth
      promoting, as long as indications were strictly conformed.

PMID- 25142080
TI  - Single-incision transaxillary robotic total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease:
      improved feasibility and safety with novel robotic instrumentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Graves' disease represents a relative contraindication for robotic
      thyroidectomy due to increased vascularity with a higher risk of intraoperative
      bleeding. With a novel robotic instrumentation, however, it is possible to reduce
      this risk considerably. METHODS: A 30-year-old female patient with Graves'
      disease and keloid-prone olive skin underwent a single-incision transaxillary
      robotic total thyroidectomy through the left axilla using an 8-mm Fenestrated
      bipolar forceps instead of the standard 8-mm ProGrasp forceps. RESULTS: Total
      blood loss was 25 ml, and robotic console time was 132 min. There was no
      postoperative recurrent palsy. Postoperative parathormone level was 47 ng/l
      (preop.: 56 ng/l), and serum calcium level was normal at 2,17 mmol/l (preop.:
      2,23 mmol/l). CONCLUSION: Transaxillary robotic surgery (TARS) with unilateral
      single-incision access is feasible and safe for Graves' disease with minimal
      blood loss and reduced risk of conversion thanks to the bipolar capability of the
      8-mm Fenestrated bipolar forceps.

PMID- 25142081
TI  - How often parapharyngeal space is encountered in TORS oropharynx cancer
      resection.
AB  - Early stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) may occasionally invade
      parapharyngeal space (PPS). Tumor invasion of PPS structures such as the carotid
      artery, internal jugular vein and cranial nerves IX-XII may add significant
      morbidity. We analyzed 73 patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery (TORS)
      for OPSCC between 2008 and 2012. Patients were selected based on preoperative
      evaluation including detailed physical and endoscopic examination, neck CT and/or
      PET-CT scan. T1, T2 and selected T3 cases were included in this study. None of
      the patients had obvious PPS extension on preoperative evaluation. All patients
      had OPSCC in palatine tonsil (60; 82.2 %) and base of tongue (13; 17.8 %). Twenty
      seven patients had cT1 (37 %), 39 had cT2 (53.4 %), and 7 had cT3 (9.6 %) disease
      in clinical and radiologic evaluation. None of the oropharyngeal lesions had
      obvious radiologic PPS extension prior to operation. During TORS procedure, we
      encountered PPS in 18 (24.6 %) patients while resecting the deep margin. These
      parapharynx resections involved external carotid artery in 1, medial pterygoid
      muscle in 2, and parapharyngeal fat with or without styloid musculature in the
      remaining 15 patients. Except three cases, we were able to remove the lesions en
      bloc with negative surgical margins. TORS resection of oropharyngeal cancer
      extending to PPS appears to be a safe and feasible technique with minimal
      complications. Significant experience with TORS and further understanding of the
      endoscopic anatomy of PPS could obviate the morbidity associated with tumor
      resection in this dense neurovascular region.

PMID- 25142083
TI  - The ratios of urinary beta2-microglobulin and NAG to creatinine vary with age in
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although urinary biochemical markers can be assessed by their ratio
      to urinary creatinine (U-Cr) concentration, reference values in adults may not be
      applicable to children because the amount of Cr excreted varies by body size. We
      therefore measured the relationship between age and the ratios of urinary beta-2
      microglobulin (U-beta2MG), N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (U-NAG), calcium (U
      Ca) and protein (U-Pr) concentration to those of U-Cr in children. METHODS: Fifty
      seven patients aged >1 year with benign familial hematuria (median age, 6.3
      years) were divided into three age groups: 1-4, 5-9, and >=10 years. Urinary
      biomarkers were assayed using actual values; ratios to actual U-Cr values; and
      our standardized metric, namely 100-fold the ratio of serum Cr to U-Cr
      concentration; and the relationship of each of these to age was determined.
      RESULTS: The ratios of U-beta2MG, U-NAG and U-Ca to Cr varied significantly by
      age, being higher in younger than in older children, but the actual and
      standardized values of each did not vary by age, nor did any measurement of U-Pr.
      CONCLUSIONS: The ratios of urinary markers of tubular function, including U
      beta2MG, U-NAG and U-Ca, to Cr vary by age, being higher in younger children. In
      contrast, the ratios of urinary markers of glomerular filtration (such as U-Pr)to
      Cr do not vary by age, making them suitable for corrections relative to Cr.

PMID- 25142082
TI  - Microneedle-mediated immunization of an adenovirus-based malaria vaccine enhances
      antigen-specific antibody immunity and reduces anti-vector responses compared to
      the intradermal route.
AB  - Substantial effort has been placed in developing efficacious recombinant
      attenuated adenovirus-based vaccines. However induction of immunity to the vector
      is a significant obstacle to its repeated use. Here we demonstrate that skin
      based delivery of an adenovirus-based malaria vaccine, HAdV5-PyMSP142, to mice
      using silicon microneedles induces equivalent or enhanced antibody responses to
      the encoded antigen, however it results in decreased anti-vector responses,
      compared to intradermal delivery. Microneedle-mediated vaccine priming and
      resultant induction of low anti-vector antibody titres permitted repeated use of
      the same adenovirus vaccine vector. This resulted in significantly increased
      antigen-specific antibody responses in these mice compared to ID-treated mice.
      Boosting with a heterologous vaccine; MVA-PyMSP142 also resulted in significantly
      greater antibody responses in mice primed with HAdV5-PyMSP142 using MN compared
      to the ID route. The highest protection against blood-stage malaria challenge was
      observed when a heterologous route of immunization (MN/ID) was used. Therefore,
      microneedle-mediated immunization has potential to both overcome some of the
      logistic obstacles surrounding needle-and-syringe-based immunization as well as
      to facilitate the repeated use of the same adenovirus vaccine thereby potentially
      reducing manufacturing costs of multiple vaccines. This could have important
      benefits in the clinical ease of use of adenovirus-based immunization strategies.

PMID- 25142084
TI  - Advancing groundwater technology on the Prairie.

PMID- 25142085
TI  - Randomised trial of no hydration vs. sodium bicarbonate hydration in patients
      with chronic kidney disease undergoing acute computed tomography-pulmonary
      angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydration to prevent contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI)
      induces a diagnostic delay when performing computed tomography-pulmonary
      angiography (CTPA) in patients suspected of having acute pulmonary embolism. AIM:
      To analyze whether withholding hydration is non-inferior to sodium bicarbonate
      hydration before CTPA in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: We
      performed an open-label multicenter randomized trial between 2009 and 2013. One
      hundred thirty-nine CKD patients were randomized, of whom 138 were included in
      the intention-to-treat population: 67 were randomized to withholding hydration
      and 71 were randomized to 1-h 250 mL 1.4% sodium bicarbonate hydration before
      CTPA. Primary outcome was the increase in serum creatinine 48-96 h after CTPA.
      Secondary outcomes were the incidence of CI-AKI (creatinine increase > 25%/> 0.5
      mg dL(-1) ), recovery of renal function, and the need for dialysis within 2
      months after CTPA. Withholding hydration was considered non-inferior if the mean
      relative creatinine increase was <= 15% compared with sodium bicarbonate.
      RESULTS: Mean relative creatinine increase was -0.14% (interquartile range -15.1%
      to 12.0%) for withholding hydration and -0.32% (interquartile range -9.7% to
      10.1%) for sodium bicarbonate (mean difference 0.19%, 95% confidence interval 
      5.88% to 6.25%, P-value non-inferiority < 0.001). CI-AKI occurred in 11 patients
      (8.1%): 6 (9.2%) were randomized to withholding hydration and 5 (7.1%) to sodium
      bicarbonate (relative risk 1.29, 95% confidence interval 0.41-4.03). Renal
      function recovered in 80.0% of CI-AKI patients within each group (relative risk
      1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.54-1.86). None of the CI-AKI patients developed a
      need for dialysis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that preventive hydration
      could be safely withheld in CKD patients undergoing CTPA for suspected acute
      pulmonary embolism. This will facilitate management of these patients and
      prevents delay in diagnosis as well as unnecessary start of anticoagulant
      treatment while receiving volume expansion.

PMID- 25142086
TI  - Computational evaluation of tris(carbene)borate donor properties in {NiNO}(10)
      complexes.
AB  - Electronic structure calculations are performed to characterise the structures,
      energies, and spectroscopic data for a series of four-coordinate
      tris(carbene)borate {NiNO}(10) complexes. There is excellent agreement between
      the computational and experimental results for known complexes, allowing for
      structure-function relationships to be delineated. Calculations that provide
      insights into the synthetic accessibility of nickel(iv) nitrides by oxygen atom
      abstraction from these complexes are also reported. 

PMID- 25142087
TI  - Using miglitol at 30 min before meal is effective in hyperinsulinemic
      hypoglycemia after a total gastrectomy.
AB  - A 45-year-old woman who had undergone total gastrectomy for gastric cancer
      presented with a history of postprandial hypoglycemic episodes with loss of
      consciousness after meals. Laboratory findings revealed marked hyperinsulinemia
      and hypoglycemia after a meal. We first treated the patient with octreotide;
      however, she was unable to continue the treatment because of adverse effects of
      the drug, such as nausea and headache. Diazoxide was used next for preventing
      hyperinsulinemia; however, this was not effective for suppressing the
      postprandial insulin secretion. Since hypoglycemia following gastrectomy is
      thought to be caused by rapid delivery of nutrients into the duodenum, we
      performed a meal tolerance test while varying the timing of administration of
      miglitol in relation to the meal. Miglitol was administered 30 min before, just
      before, or both 30 min and just before a meal. In the case of administration just
      before a meal, insulin secretion was suppressed, although hypoglycemia was not
      prevented. Administration of the drug 30 min before a meal prevented postprandial
      hypoglycemia by slowing the increase of the blood glucose and serum insulin
      levels following the meal to a greater degree than administration just before a
      meal. Miglitol administration both 30 min and just before a meal caused an even
      smoother increase in blood glucose and serum insulin levels following the meal.
      In this report, we propose a new therapeutic approach for reactive hypoglycemia
      after gastrectomy, namely, administration of miglitol 30 min before meals.

PMID- 25142088
TI  - UBC13, an E2 enzyme for Lys63-linked ubiquitination, functions in root
      development by affecting auxin signaling and Aux/IAA protein stability.
AB  - Unlike conventional lysine (K) 48-linked polyubiquitination, K63-linked
      polyubiquitination plays signaling roles in yeast and animals. Thus far, UBC13 is
      the only known ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) specialized in K63-linked
      polyubiquitination. Previous identification of Arabidopsis genes encoding UBC13
      as well as its interacting partner UEV1 indicates that the UBC13-mediated
      ubiquitination pathway is conserved in plants; however, little is known about
      functions and signaling mediated through K63-linked polyubiquitination in plants.
      To address the functions of UBC13-mediated ubiquitination in plants, we created
      Arabidopsis ubc13 null mutant lines in which the two UBC13 genes were disrupted.
      The double mutant displayed altered root development, including shorter primary
      root, fewer lateral roots and only a few short root hairs in comparison with the
      wild type and single mutant plants, indicating that UBC13 activity is critical
      for all major aspects of root development. The double mutant plants were
      insensitive to auxin treatments, suggesting that the strong root phenotypes do
      not simply result from a reduced level of auxin. Instead, the ubc13 mutant had a
      reduced auxin response, as indicated by the expression of an auxin-responsive DR5
      promoter-GFP. Furthermore, both the enzymatic activity and protein level of an
      AXR3/IAA17-GUS reporter were greatly increased in the ubc13 mutant, whereas the
      induction of many auxin-responsive genes was suppressed. Collectively, these
      results suggest that Aux/IAA proteins accumulate in the ubc13 mutant, resulting
      in a reduced auxin response and defective root development. Hence, this study
      provides possible mechanistic links between UBC13-mediated protein
      ubiquitination, root development and auxin signaling. 

PMID- 25142089
TI  - Introducing the SLI debate.

PMID- 25142090
TI  - Ten questions about terminology for children with unexplained language problems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In domains other than language, there is fairly consistent diagnostic
      terminology to refer to children's developmental difficulties. For instance, the
      terms 'dyslexia', 'attention deficit hyperactivity disorder' and 'autistic
      spectrum disorder' are used for difficulties with reading, attention or social
      cognition, respectively. There is no agreed label, however, for children with
      unexplained language problems. AIMS: To consider whether we need labels for
      unexplained language problems in children, and if so, what terminology is
      appropriate. MAIN CONTRIBUTION: There are both advantages and disadvantages to
      labels, but they are important to ensure children receive services, and to
      increase our knowledge of the nature and causes of such problems. A survey of
      labels in current use found 132 different terms, 33 of which had 600 or more
      returns on Google Scholar between 1994 and 2013. Many of these labels were too
      general to be useful. Of the remainder, the term 'specific language impairment'
      was the most commonly used. CONCLUSIONS: The current mayhem in diagnostic labels
      is unsustainable; it causes confusion and impedes research progress and access to
      appropriate services. We need to achieve consensus on diagnostic criteria and
      terminology. The DSM-5 term 'language disorder' is problematic because it
      identifies too wide a range of conditions on an internet search. One solution is
      to retain specific language impairment, with the understanding that 'specific'
      means idiopathic (i.e., of unknown origin) rather than implying there are no
      other problems beyond language. Other options are the terms 'primary language
      impairment', 'developmental language disorder' or 'language learning impairment'.

PMID- 25142091
TI  - Specific language impairment: a convenient label for whom?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The term 'specific language impairment' (SLI), in use since the
      1980s, describes children with language impairment whose cognitive skills are
      within normal limits where there is no identifiable reason for the language
      impairment. SLI is determined by applying exclusionary criteria, so that it is
      defined by what it is not rather than by what it is. The recent decision to not
      include SLI in DSM-5 provoked much debate and concern from researchers and
      clinicians. AIMS: To explore how the term 'specific language impairment' emerged,
      to consider how disorders, including SLI, are generally defined and to explore
      how societal changes might impact on use the term. METHODS & PROCEDURES: We
      reviewed the literature to explore the origins of the term 'specific language
      impairment' and present published evidence, as well as new analyses of population
      data, to explore the validity of continuing to use the term. OUTCOMES & RESULTS
      AND CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: We support the decision to exclude the term
      'specific language impairment' from DSM-5 and conclude that the term has been a
      convenient label for researchers, but that the current classification is
      unacceptably arbitrary. Furthermore, we argue there is no empirical evidence to
      support the continued use of the term SLI and limited evidence that it has
      provided any real benefits for children and their families. In fact, the term may
      be disadvantageous to some due to the use of exclusionary criteria to determine
      eligibility for and access to speech pathology services. We propose the following
      recommendations. First, that the word 'specific' be removed and the label
      'language impairment' be used. Second, that the exclusionary criteria be relaxed
      and in their place inclusionary criteria be adopted that take into account the
      fluid nature of language development particularly in the preschool period.
      Building on the goodwill and collaborations between the clinical and research
      communities we propose the establishment of an international consensus panel to
      develop an agreed definition and set of criteria for language impairment. Given
      the rich data now available in population studies it is possible to test the
      validity of these definitions and criteria. Consultation with service users and
      policy-makers should be incorporated into the decision-making process.

PMID- 25142092
TI  - Terminological debate over language impairment in children: forward movement and
      sticking points.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no agreed terminology for describing childhood language
      problems. In this special issue Reilly et al. and Bishop review the history of
      the most widely used label, 'specific language impairment' (SLI), and discuss the
      pros and cons of various terms. Commentators from a range of backgrounds, in
      terms of both discipline and geographical background, were then invited to
      respond to each lead article. AIMS: To summarize the main points made by the
      commentators and identify (1) points of consensus and disagreement, (2) issues
      for debate including the drivers for change and diagnostic criteria, and (3) the
      way forward. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: There was some common ground, namely
      that the current situation is not tenable because it impedes clinical and
      research progress and impacts on access to services. There were also wide-ranging
      disagreements about which term should be adopted. However, before debating the
      broad diagnostic label it is essential to consider the diagnostic criteria and
      the systems used to classify childhood language problems. This is critical in
      order to facilitate communication between and among clinicians and researchers,
      across sectors (in particular health and education), with the media and policy
      makers and with families and individuals who have language problems. We suggest
      four criteria be taken into account when establishing diagnostic criteria,
      including: (1) the features of language, (2) the impact on functioning and
      participation, (3) the presence/absence of other impairments, and (4) the
      language trajectory or pathway and age of onset. In future, these criteria may
      expand to include the genetic and neural markers for language problems. Finally,
      there was overarching agreement about the need for an international and
      multidisciplinary forum to move this debate forward. The purpose would be to
      develop consensus regarding the diagnostic criteria and diagnostic label for
      children with language problems. This process should include canvassing the views
      of families and people with language problems as well as the views of policy
      makers.

PMID- 25142093
TI  - Influence of proton pump inhibitors and VKORC1 mutations on CYP2C9-mediated dose
      requirements of vitamin K antagonist therapy: a pilot study.
AB  - Interindividual variations in dose requirements of oral vitamin K antagonists
      (VKA) are attributed to several factors, including genetic variant alleles of
      vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) and cytochrome P450 2C9
      (CYP2C9), but also interaction with co-medications. In this context, proton pump
      inhibitor (PPI)-related alterations of VKA maintenance dose requirements have
      been published. The present investigation aimed to test for an interaction
      profile of oral VKA-therapy and PPIs in relation to the CYP2C9 genotype. Median
      weekly stable VKA dose requirements over 1 year were recorded in 69 patients.
      Patients were genotyped for CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, VKORC1c.-1639G>A and VKORC1c.174
      136C>T and assessed for an association with PPI use and total VKA maintenance
      dose requirements. PPI users with CYP2C9 genetic variations required
      significantly lower weekly VKA maintenance doses than those with the wild-type
      genotype (t-test: P = 0.02). In contrast, in subjects without PPI use, the CYP2C9
      genotype had no significant influence on oral VKA dose requirements. Further, the
      combined CYP2C9/VKORC1 genotype was a significant predictor for VKA dose
      requirements [linear regression: estimate: -1.47, standard error: 0.58 (P =
      0.01)]. In conclusion, in carriers of CYP2C9 gene variations, the interference
      with the VKA metabolism is modified by PPI co-medication and the VCKORC1
      genotype. Preceding knowledge of the genetic profile and the awareness for
      potentially occurring severe over-anticoagulation problems under PPI co
      medication could contribute to a safer and personalized VKA pharmacotherapy. 

PMID- 25142094
TI  - Ramping up the signal: promoting endurance training adaptation in skeletal muscle
      by nutritional manipulation.
AB  - Mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle results from the cumulative effect of
      transient increases in mRNA transcripts encoding mitochondrial proteins in
      response to repeated exercise sessions. This process requires the coordinated
      expression of both nuclear and mitochondrial (mt) DNA genomes and is regulated,
      for the most part, by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      coactivator 1alpha. Several other exercise-inducible proteins also play important
      roles in promoting an endurance phenotype, including AMP-activated protein
      kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and tumour suppressor protein p53.
      Commencing endurance-based exercise with low muscle glycogen availability results
      in greater activation of many of these signalling proteins compared with when the
      same exercise is undertaken with normal glycogen concentration, suggesting that
      nutrient availability is a potent signal that can modulate the acute cellular
      responses to a single bout of exercise. When exercise sessions are repeated in
      the face of low glycogen availability (i.e. chronic training), the phenotypic
      adaptations resulting from such interventions are also augmented. 

PMID- 25142095
TI  - Chronic high-fat diet increases acute neuroendocrine stress response
      independently of prenatal dexamethasone treatment in male rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has been associated with
      metabolic disorders later in life such as obesity and diabetes as well as
      psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. Therefore, we wanted
      to investigate whether behavioural, metabolic or neuroendocrine abnormalities
      could be provoked or exacerbated by a high-fat diet (HFD) in an experimental
      model of IUGR. METHODS: Pregnant dams were exposed to dexamethasone (DEX) in the
      third gestational week to induce IUGR. Late adolescent male offspring of DEX- and
      vehicle-treated dams were then fed a HFD or standard chow for 8 weeks and
      subjected to a variety of assessments. RESULTS: Only diet affected the
      hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stress response, as HFD doubled the
      observed corticosterone levels following acute restraint. HFD and prenatal DEX
      exposure concomitantly exacerbated depressive-like behaviour in the forced swim
      test, even though no interaction was seen. Prenatal DEX treatment tended to
      increase the basal acoustic startle response (ASR), while an interaction between
      HFD and DEX was present in the ASR pre-pulse inhibition suggestive of fundamental
      changes in neuronal gating mechanisms. Metabolic parameters were only affected by
      diet, as HFD increased fasting glucose and insulin levels. CONCLUSION: We
      conclude that chronic HFD may be more important in programming of the HPA axis
      stress responsiveness than an adverse foetal environment and therefore
      potentially implies an increased risk for developing psychiatric and metabolic
      disease.

PMID- 25142096
TI  - Mitigating aggressiveness through education? The monoamine oxidase A genotype and
      mental health in general population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene promoter region includes a variable
      number of tandem repeat (VNTR) associated with antisocial behaviour in adverse
      environment. We have examined the effect of the MAOA-uVNTR on mental health and
      academic success by using a population representative sample and a longitudinal
      design. METHODS: The data of the older cohort (n = 593, aged 15 years at the
      original sampling) of the longitudinal Estonian Children Personality, Behaviour
      and Health Study (ECPBHS) were used. Follow-ups were conducted at ages 18 and 25
      years. Aggressiveness, inattention and hyperactivity were reported by class
      teachers or, at older age, self-reported. Stressful life events, psychological
      environment in the family and interactions between family members were self
      reported. Data of general mental abilities and education were obtained at the age
      of 25, and lifetime psychiatric disorder assessment was carried out with the Mini
      International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) interview. RESULTS: MAOA-uVNTR
      genotype had no independent effect on aggressiveness, hyperactive and inattentive
      symptoms, and neither was there a genotype interaction with adverse life events.
      Interestingly, the proportion of male subjects with higher education by the age
      of 25 was significantly larger among those with MAOA low-activity alleles (chi2 =
      7.13; p = 0.008). Logistic regression revealed that MAOA low-activity alleles,
      higher mental abilities, occurrence of anxiety disorders and absence of substance
      use disorder were significant independent predictors for higher education in male
      subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In a population representative sample of young subjects,
      the MAOA-uVNTR 'risk genotype' predicted better life outcomes as expressed in
      higher level of education.

PMID- 25142097
TI  - Chronic oral carbamazepine treatment elicits mood-stabilising effects in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The underlying biology of bipolar disorder and the mechanisms by which
      effective medications induce their therapeutic effects are not clear. Appropriate
      use of animal models are essential to further understand biological mechanisms of
      disease and treatment, and further understanding the therapeutic mechanism of
      mood stabilisers requires that clinically relevant administration will be
      effective in animal models. The clinical regimens for mood-stabilising drugs
      include chronic oral administration; however, much of the work with animal models
      includes acute administration via injection. An effective chronic and oral
      administration of the prototypic mood stabiliser lithium was already established
      and the present study was designed to do the same for the mood stabiliser
      carbamazepine. METHODS: Mice were treated for 3 weeks with carbamazepine in food.
      ICR mice were treated with 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75%, and C57bl/6 mice with 0.5% and
      0.75%, carbamazepine in food (w/w, namely, 2.5, 5.0 or 7.5 g/kg food). Mice were
      then tested for spontaneous activity, forced swim test (FST), tail suspension
      test (TST) and amphetamine-induced hyperactivity. RESULTS: Oral carbamazepine
      administration resulted in dose-dependent blood levels reaching 3.65 MUg/ml at
      the highest dose. In ICR mice, carbamazepine at the 0.5% dose had no effect on
      spontaneous activity, but significantly reduced immobility in the TST by 27% and
      amphetamine-induced hyperactivity by 28%. In C57bl/6 mice, carbamazepine at the
      0.75% dose reduced immobility time in the FST by 26%. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      demonstrate a behaviourally effective oral and chronic regimen for carbamazepine
      with mood stabilising-like activity in a standard model for mania-like behaviour
      and two standard models for depression-like behaviour.

PMID- 25142098
TI  - Dopamine D(2/3) receptor availability and human cognitive impulsivity: a high
      resolution positron emission tomography imaging study with [11C]raclopride.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Human impulsivity is a complex multidimensional construct encompassing
      cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects. Previous animal studies have
      suggested that striatal dopamine receptors play a critical role in impulsivity.
      In this study, we investigated the relationship between self-reported
      impulsiveness and dopamine D(2/3) receptor availability in striatal subdivisions
      in healthy subjects using high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) with
      [11C]raclopride. METHODS: Twenty-one participants completed 3-T magnetic
      resonance imaging and high-resolution PET scans with [11C]raclopride. The trait
      of impulsiveness was measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11).
      Partial correlation analysis was performed between BIS-11 scores and D(2/3)
      receptor availability in striatal subregions, controlling for the confounding
      effects of temperament characteristics that are conceptually or empirically
      related to dopamine, which were measured by the Temperament and Character
      Inventory. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that the non-planning (p = 0.004) and
      attentional (p = 0.007) impulsiveness subscale scores on the BIS-11 had
      significant positive correlations with D(2/3) receptor availability in the pre
      commissural dorsal caudate. There was a tendency towards positive correlation
      between non-planning impulsiveness score and D(2/3) receptor availability in the
      post-commissural caudate. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that cognitive
      subtrait of impulsivity is associated with D(2/3) receptor availability in the
      associative striatum that plays a critical role in cognitive processes involving
      attention to detail, judgement of alternative outcomes, and inhibitory control.

PMID- 25142099
TI  - Evaluation of acetylcholinesterase activity and behavioural alterations induced
      by ketamine in an animal model of schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia play a crucial role in its
      clinical manifestation and seem to be related to changes in the cholinergic
      system, specifically the action of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Considering this
      context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the chronic effects of ketamine in
      the activity of AChE, as well as in behavioural parameters involving learning and
      memory. METHODS: The ketamine was administered for 7 days. A duration of 24 h
      after the last injection, the animals were submitted to behavioural tests. The
      activity of AChE in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum was measured at
      different times after the last injection (1, 3, 6 and 24 h). RESULTS: The results
      indicate that ketamine did not affect locomotor activity and stereotypical
      movements. However, a cognitive deficit was observed in these animals by
      examining their behaviour in inhibitory avoidance. In addition, an increase in
      AChE activity was observed in all structures analysed 1, 3 and 6 h after the last
      injection. Differently, serum activity of AChE was similar between groups.
      CONCLUSION: Chronic administration of ketamine in an animal model of
      schizophrenia generates increased AChE levels in different brain tissues of rats
      that lead to cognitive deficits. Therefore, further studies are needed to
      elucidate the complex mechanisms associated with schizophrenia.

PMID- 25142100
TI  - Serum lipid peroxidation markers are correlated with those in brain samples in
      different stress models.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Stress can stimulate increased production of oxygen radicals. We
      investigated the correlations between serum levels of lipid peroxidation markers
      and those in brain samples in different stress models. METHODS: Animals (n = 96)
      were divided equally into eight groups: a control group and groups treated with
      vitamin E (Vit E); exposed to immobilisation stress; exposed to immobilisation
      stress and treated with Vit E; exposed to cold stress; exposed to cold stress and
      treated with Vit E; exposed to both immobilisation and cold stress; and a final
      group exposed to both immobilisation and cold stress and treated with Vit E.
      Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) in brain samples and levels of
      TBARS, corticosterone, conjugated dienes (CD), lipids, and paraoxonase-1 (PON1)
      activity in serum were analysed. RESULTS: Serum corticosterone (p < 0.001), CD (p
      < 0.05), lipid (p < 0.05) levels, and brain TBARS (p < 0.05) levels were
      significantly higher in all stress groups than in controls, and the elevated
      levels were reversed in the Vit E-treated stress groups (p < 0.05). Serum PON1
      activity was not different among the groups (p > 0.05). Serum TBARS levels
      increased significantly in all stress groups (p < 0.05), but this elevation was
      only reversed in the group exposed to both immobilisation and cold stress and
      treated with Vit E (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that serum
      levels of lipid peroxidation markers can be determined readily and may be useful
      as indicators to evaluate the effects of oxidative stress in the brain.

PMID- 25142101
TI  - Loperamide overdose-induced catatonia: potential role of brain opioid system and
      P-glycoprotein.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Catatonic features are observed in several psychiatric illnesses but
      can also be found following substance misuse. Loperamide is an anti-diarrhoeal
      medication that acts on opioid receptors in the intestine, reducing peristalsis.
      It is normally unable to pass through the intestinal wall or the blood-brain
      barrier; however, high dosages can in fact induce the effects on the central
      nervous system. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 20-year-old man who
      presented with severe catatonia following excessive intake of loperamide, fully
      remitted with lorazepam. CONCLUSION: We speculate on a possible increase of
      loperamide's bioavailability after overdose owing to reduced expression and
      functioning of P-glycoprotein.

PMID- 25142102
TI  - Suppression of antipsychotic-induced tardive dyskinesia with aripiprazole in an
      elderly patient with bipolar I disorder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Aripiprazole has a low risk for causing extrapyramidal syndrome and
      can remit neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD). Here, we presented a case
      in which TD was suppressed, but not cured, by long-term aripiprazole treatment.
      CASE: This 74-year-old male patient had bipolar I disorder and had developed TD
      many times after several antipsychotic treatments. The lowest chlorpromazine dose
      equivalent among the previous antipsychotic treatments was 25 mg/day of
      quetiapine. His TD always improved immediately after the dosage was shifted to
      aripiprazole. However, his insomnia or other psychiatric symptoms worsened the
      first three times when the treatment was shifted to aripiprazole, making the
      transition a failure. Before the fourth attempt of aripiprazole transition, the
      patient was in a euthymic state but again developed TD under olanzapine 10 mg/day
      treatment. During the fourth attempt of aripiprazole transition, his TD had
      remained in complete remission for more than 1 year after the dosage shifted to
      10 mg/day of aripiprazole. He developed TD again when we tapered the aripiprazole
      dose to 5 mg/day, but his TD remitted when we restored his aripiprazole dose to
      10 mg/day. CONCLUSION: Aripiprazole could be an effective drug in elderly bipolar
      patients with antipsychotic-induced TD while the patients are in a euthymic
      state. However, aripiprazole may only suppress TD rather than cure it.

PMID- 25142103
TI  - Reward processing in healthy offspring of parents with bipolar disorder.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Bipolar disorder (BD) is highly familial and characterized by
      deficits in reward processing. It is not known, however, whether these deficits
      precede illness onset or are a consequence of the disorder. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine whether anomalous neural processing of reward characterizes children at
      familial risk for BD in the absence of a personal history of a psychopathologic
      disorder. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study compared neural activity
      and behaviors of children at high and low risk for mania while they anticipate
      and respond to reward and loss. The study was performed from September 15, 2009,
      through February 17, 2012, in a university functional magnetic resonance imaging
      facility and included 8- to 15-year-old children without disorders born to a
      parent with BD (n = 20 high-risk children) and demographically matched healthy
      comparison children (n = 25 low-risk children). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:
      Neural activity, as measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging, during
      anticipation and receipt of reward and loss during a monetary incentive delay
      task. RESULTS: While anticipating losses, high-risk children had less activation
      in the pregenual cingulate than did their low-risk counterparts (t19 = -2.44, P =
      .02). When receiving rewards, high-risk children had greater activation in the
      left lateral orbitofrontal cortex than did low-risk children (t43 = -3.04, P =
      .004). High-risk children also had weaker functional connectivity between the
      pregenual cingulate and the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex while
      anticipating rewards than did low-risk children (t19 = -4.38, P < .001) but had a
      stronger connectivity between these regions while anticipating losses (t24 =
      2.76, P = .01). Finally, in high- but not low-risk children, novelty seeking was
      associated with increased striatal and amygdalar activation in the anticipation
      of losses, and impulsivity was associated with increased striatal and insula
      activation in the receipt of rewards. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Aberrant
      prefrontal activations and connectivities during reward processing suggest
      mechanisms that underlie early vulnerabilities for developing dysfunctional
      regulation of goal pursuit and motivation in children at high risk for mania.
      Longitudinal studies are needed to examine whether these patterns of neural
      activation predict the onset of mania and other mood disorders in high-risk
      children.

PMID- 25142105
TI  - Comparing PMMA and calcium sulfate as carriers for the local delivery of
      antibiotics to infected surgical sites.
AB  - Antibiotic-loaded bone cement is a primary option for treatment of orthopedic
      infections. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a widely used cement that, when
      loaded with antibiotics in spacer or bead form, has been shown to reduce
      infection rates. However, PMMA is not resorbable and requires a second surgery
      for removal, while also acting as a potential foreign body for bacterial
      colonization. Alternatively, resorbable bone cements, such as calcium sulfate,
      have been proposed and present the advantage of being completely reabsorbed. It
      is unknown whether the antibiotic elution characteristics of absorbable bone
      cements are similar to PMMA. This study (1) characterized antibiotic elution from
      synthetic, highly purified calcium sulfate cement beads of varying sizes against
      pathogenic bacteria both in liquid culture and seeded on agar plates, (2) tested
      calcium sulfate beads against PMMA beads loaded with the same antibiotics, and
      (3) analyzed the structural differences between how PMMA and calcium sulfate bind
      to antibiotics. In every assay, the calcium sulfate beads performed as well as,
      or better than, the PMMA beads in inhibition of bacterial growth and elution of
      vancomycin in vitro with complete elution observed from calcium sulfate within
      three days. These data suggest that calcium sulfate, functions, as well as PMMA
      in the patient setting for infection control.

PMID- 25142106
TI  - Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional ultrasound for fetal nasal bone
      evaluation in the second trimester.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare two-dimensional with three-dimensional ultrasound
      evaluation of the fetal nasal bone in the second trimester. METHODS: A
      prospective, non-interventional study was conducted, in 55 singleton fetuses,
      between 18 and 24 weeks' gestation. Fetal nasal bone length was measured in the
      midsagittal plane by two-dimensional imaging and in the midsagittal and coronal
      plane with three-dimensional ultrasound. All three measurements were compared
      with one another using one-way repeated samples-measures ANOVA and paired samples
      t-test. RESULTS: The average fetal nasal bone length (mean +/- SD) as determined
      by the three methods was 7.01 +/- 0.94 mm for the two-dimensional midsagittal,
      6.96 +/- 1.34 mm for the three-dimensional midsagittal, and 6.98 +/- 1.32 mm for
      the three-dimensional coronal plane; comparisons between one another were not
      statistically significant. Unilateral hypoplasia and bifid shape of the fetal
      nasal bone were detected in 8.2% and 20.4% of cases, respectively, by three
      dimensional ultrasound, whereas all cases evaded detection with two-dimensional
      ultrasound (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Fetal nasal bone
      length measured with two-dimensional ultrasound does not differ significantly
      from three-dimensional measurements. However, three-dimensional ultrasound is
      superior in detecting unilateral nasal bone hypoplasia or absence and in
      assessing fetal nasal bone shape. Hence, fetal nasal bone examination in the
      second trimester should include three-dimensional ultrasound evaluation.

PMID- 25142107
TI  - Oxytocin discontinuation after the active phase of labor is established.
AB  - Despite the widespread usage of oxytocin, there is still no consensus on its mode
      of administration. The scope of the present meta-analysis was to assess the
      effect of oxytocin discontinuation after the active phase of labor is established
      on maternal fetal and neonatal outcomes. We searched Medline, Scopus, Popline,
      ClinicalTrials.gov and Google Scholar databases. Eight studies were finally
      retrieved, which involved 1232 parturient. We observed significantly decreased
      rates of cesarean sections among parturient that discontinued oxytocin (OR 0.51,
      95% CI 0.35, 0.74) as well as decreased rates of uterine hyperstimulation (OR
      0.33, 95% CI 0.19, 0.58). Similarly, cases of non-reassuring fetal heart rates
      were fewer among women that did not receive oxytocin after the establishment of
      the active phase of labor (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.41, 0.97). Keeping in mind the
      aforementioned maternal and neonatal adverse effects that seem to result from
      infusion of oxytocin until delivery, future practice should aim towards its
      discontinuation after the establishment of the active phase of labor, as it does
      not seem to influence the total duration of labor. Future studies should aim
      towards specific populations of parturient in order to clarify whether different
      approaches are needed. 

PMID- 25142104
TI  - Glycaemic regulation and insulin secretion are abnormal in cystic fibrosis pigs
      despite sparing of islet cell mass.
AB  - Diabetes is a common and significant co-morbidity in cystic fibrosis (CF). The
      pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is incompletely
      understood. Because exocrine pancreatic disease is similar between humans and
      pigs with CF, the CF pig model has the potential to contribute significantly to
      the understanding of CFRD pathogenesis. We determined the structure of the
      endocrine pancreas in fetal, newborn and older CF and non-CF pigs and assessed
      endocrine pancreas function by intravenous glucose tolerance test (IV-GTT). In
      fetal pigs, pancreatic insulin and glucagon density was similar between CF and
      non-CF. In newborn and older pigs, the insulin and glucagon density was unchanged
      between CF and non-CF per total pancreatic area, but increased per remnant
      lobular tissue in CF reflecting exocrine pancreatic loss. Although fasting
      glucose levels were not different between CF and non-CF newborns, CF newborns
      demonstrated impaired glucose tolerance and increased glucose area under the
      curve during IV-GTT. Second phase insulin secretion responsiveness was impaired
      in CF newborn pigs and significantly lower than that observed in non-CF newborns.
      Older CF pigs had elevated random blood glucose levels compared with non-CF. In
      summary, glycaemic abnormalities and insulin secretion defects were present in
      newborn CF pigs and spontaneous hyperglycaemia developed over time. Functional
      changes in CF pig pancreas were not associated with a decline in islet cell mass.
      Our results suggest that functional islet abnormalities, independent of
      structural islet loss, contribute to the early pathogenesis of CFRD. 

PMID- 25142108
TI  - Rare congenital pulmonary malformation with diagnostic challenging: congenital
      pulmonary lymphangiectasia, report of four autopsy cases and review of
      literature.
AB  - Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia (CPL) is a rare congenital disorder that
      typically presents with intractable respiratory failure in the first few days of
      life. There is an association non-immun hydrops and CPL. In this study we
      reviewed four CPL cases between January 2006 and January 2014 among 684 fetal
      pediatric autopsies. All cases were in the second trimester. In light microscopy
      there were marked dilatated channels in the subpleural -peribronchial-subseptal
      region of the lungs. The channels were lined with flattened cells which were
      expressing CD 31 and D2-40, negative for CD34. Although pulmonary interstitial
      emphysema (PIE) was considered an important differential diagnosis, a giant cell
      reaction surrounding the interstitial cystic lesions, a histological hallmark of
      PIE. CPL is characterized by dilatation of the pulmonary lymphatic vessels and
      occurs as a congenital anomaly. Noonan classified it into three groups. Primary
      developmental defect of pulmonary lymphatics is group 3. Group 3 is called also
      as CPL; normal regression of the connective tissue elements fails to occur after
      the 16th week of fetal life, associated with an aggressive clinical course, poor
      prognosis. In fetal autopsy examination CPL should be recognized if there is a
      fetus with pleural effusion, non-immune hydrops. There is no clinical evidence
      for CPL.

PMID- 25142109
TI  - Placenta accreta is an independent risk factor for late pre-term birth and
      perinatal mortality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed to identify the risk factors for the development
      of placenta accreta (PA) and characterize its effect on maternal and perinatal
      outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This population-based retrospective cohort study included
      all deliveries at our medical center during the study period. Those with placenta
      accreta (n = 551) comprised the study group, while the rest of the deliveries (n
      = 239 089) served as a comparison group. RESULTS: The prevalence of placenta
      accerta is 0.2%. Women with this complication had higher rates of >=2 previous CS
      (p < 0.001), recurrent abortions (p = 0.03), and previous placenta accreta [p <
      0.001]. The rates of placenta previa and peripartum hemorrhage necessitating
      blood transfusion were higher in women with placenta accreta than in the
      comparison group. PTB before 34 and 37 weeks of gestation was more common among
      women with placenta accreta (p < 0.01), as was the rate of perinatal mortality (p
      < 0.001). Placenta accreta was an independent risk factor for perinatal mortality
      (adj. OR 8.2; 95% CI 6.4-10.4, p < 0.001) and late PTB (adj. OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1
      1.7, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Placenta accreta is an independent risk factor for
      late PTB and perinatal mortality.

PMID- 25142110
TI  - Vortex-assisted surfactant-enhanced-emulsification liquid-liquid microextraction
      of biogenic amines in fermented foods before their simultaneous analysis by high
      performance liquid chromatography.
AB  - A simple, rapid, sensitive, and environmentally friendly method, based on
      modified dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with high-performance
      liquid chromatography was developed for the simultaneous determination of five
      biogenic amines in fermented food samples. Biogenic amines were derivatized with
      9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate, extracted by vortex-assisted surfactant-enhanced
      emulsification liquid-liquid microextraction, and then analyzed by high
      performance liquid chromatography. Five biogenic amine compounds were separated
      within 30 min using a C18 column and gradient elution with acetonitrile and 1%
      acetic acid. Factors influencing the derivatization and extraction efficiency
      such as type and volume of extraction solvent, type, and concentration of
      surfactant, pH, salt addition, and vortex time were optimized. Under the optimum
      conditions, the method provided the enrichment factors in the range of 161-553.
      Good linearity was obtained from 0.002-0.5 mg/L for cadaverine and tyramine,
      0.003-1 mg/L for tryptamine and histamine, and 0.005-1 mg/L for spermidine with
      coefficient of determination (R(2) ) > 0.992. The limits of detection ranged from
      0.0010 to 0.0026 mg/L. The proposed method was successfully applied to analysis
      of biogenic amines in fermented foods such as fermented fish (plaa-som), wine and
      beer where good recoveries were obtained in the range of 83.2-112.5% 

PMID- 25142111
TI  - microRNA management of NK-cell developmental and functional programs.
AB  - NK cells are innate lymphoid cells that are critical for host defense against
      infection, and mediate anti-tumor responses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large
      family of small noncoding RNAs that target the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of
      mRNAs, thereby attenuating protein translation. The expression of miRNAs within
      human peripheral blood and mouse splenic NK cells has been cataloged, with the
      majority of the miRNA sequence pool represented in the top 60 most abundantly
      expressed miRNAs. Global miRNA deficiency within NK cells has confirmed their
      critical role in NK-cell biology, including defects in NK-cell development and
      altered functionality. Studies using gain- and loss-of-function of individual
      miRNAs in NK cells have demonstrated the role of specific miRNAs in regulating NK
      cell development, maturation, and activation. miRNAs also regulate fundamental NK
      cell processes including cytokine production, cytotoxicity, and proliferation.
      This review provides an update on the intrinsic miRNA regulation of NK cells,
      including miRNA expression profiles, as well as their impact on NK-cell biology.
      Additional profiling is needed to better understand miRNA expression within NK
      cell developmental intermediates, subsets, tissues, and in the setting of
      disease. Furthermore, key open questions in the field as well as technical
      challenges in the study of miRNAs in NK cells are highlighted. 

PMID- 25142120
TI  - Synthesis, cytotoxicity, and phase-solubility study of cyclodextrin click
      clusters.
AB  - To explore the possibility of cyclodextrin click clusters (CCCs) as a new
      cyclodextrin-based excipient, we prepared three different CCCs; heptakis{6-(4
      hydroxymethyl-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-6-deoxy}-beta-cyclodextrin (HT-beta-CD),
      heptakis{6-(4-hydroxymethyl-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-6-deoxy}{2,3-di-O-methyl}
      beta-cyclodextrin (HT-beta-CD(OMe)2 ), and heptakis{6-(4-sulfonylmethyl-1H
      [1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-6-deoxy}-beta-cyclodextrin (ST-beta-CD). The CCCs were
      prepared using copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition from 6-azido-6
      deoxy-beta-CD and their water solubility, cytotoxicity, and drug-solubilizing
      effect were investigated. Water turbidity testing of the CCCs showed that the
      minimum water solubility of the CCCs is at least 20 times higher than that of
      beta-CD. An MTT cell viability assay performed on HeLa cells demonstrated a low
      cytotoxicity of the CCCs compared with 2,6-dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin. HT-beta
      CD(OMe)2 and ST-beta-CD did not demonstrate any cytotoxicity within the
      experimental concentration (~5 mM) like 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-CD. A phase
      solubility study of prednisolone with the CCCs suggested that CCCs showed
      increased solubility of prednisolone in the presence of increasing concentrations
      of the CCCs. The comparison between the conventional CD derivatives and CCCs on
      solubility, cytotoxicity, and binding property implies that CCCs are alternative
      cyclodextrin derivatives useful for overcoming the restrictions of conventional
      cyclodextrin chemistry.

PMID- 25142119
TI  - Optimization of STR locus enrichment for STR profiling of fragmented DNA.
AB  - DNA degradation is a major obstacle in gaining an accurate profile with standard
      DNA typing technology. Although alternative genotyping strategies such as mini
      STRs and SNPs have proven to be more successful in profiling degraded DNA, these
      approaches also have limitations. Here, we show that locus enrichment by
      hybridization of degraded genomic DNA with an STR locus-specific biotinylated
      oligonucleotide is a powerful approach to overcome problems in STR typing of
      highly degraded DNA. An experimental investigation of factors affecting the
      efficiency of this method indicates that the choice of primer and molar ratio of
      primers to genomic DNA are critical factors in improving enrichment of the STR
      locus before genotyping with multiplex kits. In addition, we find that indirect
      capture rather than direct capture with magnetic beads yields better enrichment
      efficiency for STR locus enrichments. Using these strategies, we demonstrate an
      improvement in STR typing of DNA from cultured cells damaged by exposure to
      sunlight or UV. We suggest that this approach could be applied to highly degraded
      forensic samples alone or in combination with mini-STRs. 

PMID- 25142121
TI  - Effects of structured heart failure disease management on mortality and morbidity
      depend on patients' mood: results from the Interdisciplinary Network for Heart
      Failure Study.
AB  - AIMS: Depression is common in heart failure (HF) and associated with adverse
      outcomes. Randomized comparisons of the effectiveness of HF care strategies by
      patients' mood are scarce. We therefore investigated in a randomized trial a
      structured collaborative disease management programme (HeartNetCare-HFTM; HNC)
      recording mortality, morbidity, and symptoms in patients enrolled after
      hospitalization for decompensated systolic HF according to their responses to the
      9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) during an observation period of 180
      days. METHODS AND RESULTS: Subjects scoring <12/>=12 were categorized as non
      depressed/depressed, and those ignoring the questionnaire as PHQ-deniers. Amongst
      715 participants (69 +/- 12 years, 29% female), 141 (20%) were depressed, 466
      (65%) non-depressed, and 108 (15%) PHQ-deniers. The composite endpoint of
      mortality and re-hospitalization was neutral overall and in all subgroups.
      However, HNC reduced mortality risk in both depressed and non-depressed patients
      [adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-0.56, P =
      0.006, and 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.93, P = 0.03, respectively], but not in PHQ
      deniers (HR 1.74, 95% CI 0.77-3.96, P = 0.19; P = 0.006 for homogeneity of HRs).
      Average frequencies of patient contacts in the HNC arm were 12.8 +/- 7.9 in non
      depressed patients, 12.4 +/- 7.1 in depressed patients, and 5.5 +/- 7.2 in PHQ
      deniers (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early after decompensation, HNC reduced
      mortality risk in non-depressed and even more in depressed subjects, but not in
      PHQ-deniers. This suggests that differential acceptability and chance of success
      of care strategies such as HNC might be predicted by appropriate assessment of
      patients' baseline characteristics including psychological disposition. These
      post-hoc results should be reassessed by prospective evaluation of HNC in larger
      HF populations.

PMID- 25142122
TI  - Spatiotemporal dynamics of affective picture processing revealed by intracranial
      high-gamma modulations.
AB  - Our comprehension of the neural mechanisms underlying emotional information
      processing has largely benefited from noninvasive electrophysiological and
      functional neuroimaging techniques in recent years. However, the spatiotemporal
      dynamics of the neural events occurring during emotional processing remain
      imprecise due to the limited combination of spatial and temporal resolution
      provided by these techniques. This study examines the modulations of high
      frequency activity of intracranial electroencephalography recordings associated
      with affective picture valence, in epileptic patients awaiting neurosurgery.
      Recordings were obtained from subdural grids and depth electrodes in eight
      patients while they viewed a series of unpleasant, pleasant and neutral pictures
      from the International Affective Picture System. Broadband high-gamma (70-150 Hz)
      power was computed for separate 100-ms time windows and compared according to
      ratings of emotional valence. Compared to emotionally neutral or pleasant
      pictures, unpleasant stimuli were associated with an early and long-lasting (~200
      1,000 ms) bilateral increase in high-gamma activity in visual areas of the
      occipital and temporal lobes, together with a late and transient (~500-800 ms)
      decrease found bilaterally in the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC). Pleasant
      pictures were associated with increased gamma activity in the occipital cortex,
      compared to the emotionally neutral stimuli. Consistent with previous studies,
      our results provide direct evidence of emotion-related modulations in the visual
      ventral pathway during picture processing. Results in the lateral PFC also shed
      light on the neural mechanisms underlying its role in negative emotions
      processing. This study demonstrates the utility of intracranial high-gamma
      modulations to study emotional process with a high spatiotemporal precision.

PMID- 25142124
TI  - Conformational problem of alkanes in liquid crystals by NMR spectroscopy: a mini
      review.
AB  - Recent discoveries of the role of alkane flexibility in determining liquid
      crystal behaviour are surveyed. With the impetus for understanding the alkane
      conformational problem established, recent model dependent (1)H NMR work on the
      topic will be reviewed where progress is made but the need to circumvent models
      eventually becomes evident. A closer look at the rigid basic units of alkanes
      will provide the way forward where it is shown that the orientational ordering
      and anisotropic potentials of these molecules dissolved in liquid crystals scale
      with each other. Once this relationship is established, a series of works using
      anisotropic and isotropic (1)H NMR spectroscopy to study alkane conformational
      statistics will be covered, wherein the influence of the gas, isotropic condensed
      and anisotropic condensed phases will be described.

PMID- 25142123
TI  - Urinary monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in leprosy patients: increased
      risk for kidney damage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate urinary MCP-1 and oxidative stress through
      urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) in leprosy and correlate them with traditional, but
      less sensitive markers of renal disease. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study
      of 44 patients with diagnosis of leprosy and no previous treatment. Skin smear
      was assessed through a bacteriological index - from 0 to 6+. Glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR), protein excretion rate, microalbuminuria, urinary
      oxidative stress, malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary MCP-1 were measured. Also,
      high- sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured in the blood. Fifteen
      healthy subjects composed a control group. RESULTS: Age and gender were similar
      between leprosy patients and control groups. No patient had a GFR < 60
      mL/min/1.73 m2 or albumin excretion rate greater than 30 mg/g-Cr. Leprosy
      patients had higher urinary protein excretion (97.6 +/- 69.2 vs. 6.5 +/- 4.3 mg/g
      Cr, p < 0.001), urinary MCP-1 (101.0 +/- 79.8 vs. 34.5 +/- 14.9 mg/g-Cr, p =
      0.006) and urinary MDA levels (1.77 +/- 1.31 vs. 1.27 +/- 0.66 mmol/g-Cr, p =
      0.0372) than healthy controls. There was a positive correlation between urinary
      MCP-1 and bacteriological index in skin smears (r = 0.322, p = 0.035), urinary
      protein excretion (r = 0.547, p < 0.001), albumin excretion rate (r = 0.414, p =
      0.006) and urinary MDA (r = 0.453, p = 0.002). After adjusting for hs-CRP,
      urinary MCP-1 remained correlated with albumin excretion rate (rpartial = 0.483,
      p = 0.007) and MDA levels (rpartial = 0.555, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Leprosy
      patients with no clinical kidney disease have increased urinary MCP-1 mainly in
      lepromatous polar form. Inflammatory (MCP-1) and oxidative stress markers suggest
      leprosy patients are at high risk of developing kidney disease.

PMID- 25142125
TI  - Population projections: why they are often wrong.

PMID- 25142126
TI  - Cytidine deamination and cccDNA degradation: A new approach for curing HBV?

PMID- 25142127
TI  - Characterisation of a micro-plasma for ambient mass spectrometry imaging.
AB  - Results are presented on the characterisation and optimisation of a non-thermal
      atmospheric pressure micro-plasma ion source used for ambient mass spectrometry
      imaging. The geometry of the experiment is optimised to produce the most intense
      and stable ion signals. Signal stabilities (relative standard deviation) of 2.3
      6.5% are achieved for total ion current measurements from chromatograms.
      Parameters are utilised to achieve MS imaging by raster scanning of PTFE/glass
      samples with a spatial resolution of 147 +/- 31 MUm. A systematic study of
      resolution as a function of acquisition parameters was also undertaken to
      underpin future technique development. Mass spectra are obtained from PTFE/glass
      sample edges in negative ion mode and used to construct images to calculate the
      spatial resolution. Images are constructed using the intensity variation of the
      dominant ion observed in the PTFE spectrum. Mass spectra originating from the
      polymer are dominated by three series of ions in a m/z spectral window from 200
      500 Da. These ions are each separated by 50 Da and have the chemical formula [C2F
      + [CF2]n](-), [CF + [CF2]n + O](-) and [CF + [CF2]n + O3](-). The mechanism for
      the generation of these ions appears to be a polymer chain scission followed by
      ionisation by atmospheric ion adduction. Positive and negative ion mode mass
      spectra of personal care products, amino acids and pharmaceuticals, dominated by
      the proton abstracted/protonated molecular ion, highlight the potential areas of
      application for such a device. Further to this end a mass spectral image of
      cardamom seeds, constructed using the variation in intensity of possible
      fragments of the 1,8-cineole molecule, is included to reveal the potential
      application to the imaging of foods and other biological materials. 

PMID- 25142128
TI  - Decreased susceptibility to false memories from misinformation in hormonal
      contraception users.
AB  - Sex hormones are increasingly implicated in memory formation. Recent literature
      has documented a relationship between hormones and emotional memory and sex
      differences, which are likely related to hormones, have long been demonstrated in
      a variety of mnemonic domains, including false memories. Hormonal contraception
      (HC), which alters sex hormones, has been associated with a bias towards gist
      memory and away from detailed memory in women who use it during an emotional
      memory task. Here, we investigated whether HC was associated with changes in
      susceptibility to false memories, which may be related to the formation of gist
      memories. We tested false memory susceptibility using two well-validated false
      memory paradigms: the Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) task, and a story-based
      misinformation task. We found that hormonal contraceptive users were less
      susceptible to false memories compared to non-users in the misinformation task,
      and no differences were seen between groups on the DRM task. We hypothesise that
      the differences in false memories from the misinformation task may be related to
      hormonal contraceptive users' memory bias away from details, towards gist memory.

PMID- 25142129
TI  - Oral administration of soluble guanylate cyclase agonists to rats results in
      osteoclastic bone resorption and remodeling with new bone formation in the
      appendicular and axial skeleton.
AB  - Orally administered small molecule agonists of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)
      induced increased numbers of osteoclasts, multifocal bone resorption, increased
      porosity, and new bone formation in the appendicular and axial skeleton of
      Sprague-Dawley rats. Similar histopathological bone changes were observed in both
      young (7- to 9-week-old) and aged (42- to 46-week-old) rats when dosed by oral
      gavage with 3 different heme-dependent sGC agonist (sGCa) compounds or 1
      structurally distinct heme-independent sGCa compound. In a 7-day time course
      study in 7- to 9-week-old rats, bone changes were observed as early as 2 to 3
      days following once daily compound administration. Bone changes were mostly
      reversed following a 14-day recovery period, with complete reversal after 35
      days. The mechanism responsible for the bone changes was investigated in the
      thyroparathyroidectomized rat model that creates a low state of bone modeling and
      remodeling due to deprivation of thyroid hormone, calcitonin (CT), and
      parathyroid hormone (PTH). The sGCa compounds tested increased both bone
      resorption and formation, thereby increasing bone remodeling independent of
      calciotropic hormones PTH and CT. Based on these studies, we conclude that the
      bone changes in rats were likely caused by increased sGC activity.

PMID- 25142130
TI  - Geometrical structure and interface dependence of bias stress induced threshold
      voltage shift in C60-based OFETs.
AB  - The influence of the nature of interface between organic semiconductor and gate
      dielectric on bias stress electrical stability of n-type C60-based organic field
      effect transistors (OFETs) was studied. The bias stress induced threshold voltage
      (Vth) shift was found to depend critically on the OFET device structure: the
      direction of V(th) shift in top-gate OFETs was opposite to that in bottom-gate
      OFETs, while the use of the dual-gate OFET structure resulted in just very small
      variations in V(th). The opposite direction of Vth shift is attributed to the
      different nature of interfaces between C60 semiconductor and Parylene dielectric
      in these devices. The V(th) shift to more positive voltages upon bias stress in
      bottom-gate C60-OFET was similar to that observed for other n-type semiconductors
      and rationalized by electron trapping in the dielectric or at the gate
      dielectric/C60 interface. The opposite direction of Vth shift in top-gate C60
      OFETs is attributed to free radical species created in the course of Parylene
      deposition on the surface of C60 during device fabrication, which produce plenty
      of hole traps. It was also realized that the dual-gate OFETs gives stable
      characteristics, which are immune to bias stress effects.

PMID- 25142132
TI  - Composition of fatty acids, triacylglycerols and polar compounds of different
      walnut varieties (Juglans regia L.) from Tunisia.
AB  - The chemical composition (total oil content, fatty acids, triacylglycerols (TAGs)
      and polar compounds) of six walnuts (Juglans regia L.) cultivars (Lauzeronne,
      Franquette, Hartley, Local pt, Local gd and Parisienne) collected from Mateur
      (north of Tunisia) was evaluated. The major fatty acids found in the walnut oils
      are linoleic acid (60.42-65.77%), oleic acid (13.21-19.94%) and linolenic acid
      (7.61-13%). The TAG species were mainly composed of trilinolein (LLL),
      dilinoleoyl-linolenoyl-glycerol, dilinoleoyl-oleoyl-glycerol and palmitoyl
      dilinoleoyl-glycerol classes. The results revealed that Local pt variety has the
      highest level of oil (62.56%), linoleic acid (65.77%) and LLL (33.48%).
      Significant differences among oil samples were observed, therefore showing a
      great variability in the oil composition among cultivars. 

PMID- 25142133
TI  - Patients' experience of outsourcing and care related to magnetic resonance
      examinations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outsourcing radiological examinations from public university
      hospitals affects the patient, who has to attend a different clinic or hospital
      for the radiological examination. We currently have a limited understanding of
      how patients view outsourcing and their care related to MR examinations. AIM: To
      examine the experiences of patients who are sent to private radiology units when
      their referrals for MR examinations are outsourced from a university hospital, as
      well as to explore factors which influence patient satisfaction regarding the
      quality of care related to the MR examination. METHODS: A group of patients (n =
      160) referred for MR examinations and either examined at a university hospital or
      at an external private unit were interviewed. The interview was designed as a
      verbal questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Student's t test, analysis of
      variance (ANOVA), and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent of the
      patients could neither choose nor influence the location at which they were
      examined. For those who could, aspects that influenced the patient's choice of
      radiology department were: short waiting time 79% (127/160), ease of traveling to
      the radiology department 68% (110/160), and short distance to their home or work
      58% (93/160). For 40% (60/160) of the patients, a short time in the waiting room
      was related to a positive experience of the MR examination. CONCLUSION: If
      patients were informed about outsourcing and could also choose where to have
      their examination, key factors contributing to patient satisfaction could be met
      even when MR examinations are outsourced.

PMID- 25142134
TI  - Boronic acid shell-crosslinked dextran-b-PLA micelles for acid-responsive drug
      delivery.
AB  - Herein, 3-carboxy-5-nitrophenylboronic acid (CNPBA) shell-crosslinked micelles
      based on amphiphilic dextran-block-polylactide (Dex-b-PLA) are prepared and used
      for efficient intracellular drug deliveries. Due to the reversible pH-dependent
      binding with diols to form boronate esters, CNPBA modified Dex-b-PLA shows
      excellent pH-sensitivity. In neutral aqueous conditions, CNPBA-Dex-b-PLA forms
      shell-crosslinked micelles to enable DOX loading, while in acid conditions, the
      boronate esters hydrolyze and the micelles de-crosslink to release loaded DOX. In
      vitro release studies indicate that the release of the DOX cargo is minimized at
      physiological conditions, while there is a burst release in response to low pHs.
      The cell viability of CNPBA-Dex-b-PLA investigated by MTT assay was more than
      90%, indicating that, as a drug delivery system, CNPBA-Dex-b-PLA has good
      cytocompatibility. These features suggest that the pH-responsive biodegradable
      CNPBA-Dex-b-PLA can efficiently load and deliver DOX into tumor cells and enhance
      the inhibition of cellular proliferation in vitro, providing a favorable platform
      as a drug delivery system for cancer therapy.

PMID- 25142131
TI  - Development of echolocation calls and neural selectivity for echolocation calls
      in the pallid bat.
AB  - Studies of birdsongs and neural selectivity for songs have provided important
      insights into principles of concurrent behavioral and auditory system
      development. Relatively little is known about mammalian auditory system
      development in terms of vocalizations or other behaviorally relevant sounds. This
      review suggests echolocating bats are suitable mammalian model systems to
      understand development of auditory behaviors. The simplicity of echolocation
      calls with known behavioral relevance and strong neural selectivity provides a
      platform to address how natural experience shapes cortical receptive field (RF)
      mechanisms. We summarize recent studies in the pallid bat that followed
      development of echolocation calls and cortical processing of such calls. We also
      discuss similar studies in the mustached bat for comparison. These studies
      suggest: (1) there are different developmental sensitive periods for different
      acoustic features of the same vocalization. The underlying basis is the capacity
      for some components of the RF to be modified independent of others. Some RF
      computations and maps involved in call processing are present even before the
      cochlea is mature and well before use of echolocation in flight. Others develop
      over a much longer time course. (2) Normal experience is required not just for
      refinement, but also for maintenance, of response properties that develop in an
      experience independent manner. (3) Experience utilizes millisecond range changes
      in timing of inhibitory and excitatory RF components as substrates to shape
      vocalization selectivity. We suggest that bat species and call diversity provide
      a unique opportunity to address developmental constraints in the evolution of
      neural mechanisms of vocalization processing.

PMID- 25142135
TI  - Mild copper-TBAF-catalyzed N-arylation of sulfoximines with aryl siloxanes.
AB  - An efficient copper-TBAF-catalyzed C-N bond formation of sulfoximines with
      arylsiloxanes in dichloromethane at room temperature, affording the desired N
      aryl sulfoximines in good to excellent yields under an oxygen atmosphere, is
      reported. This method complements the existing synthetic approaches due to some
      advantageous properties of arylsiloxanes such as availability, low toxicity, ease
      of handling, high stability, and environmental benignity under mild reaction
      conditions, thus opening a new approach to practical C-N bond formation. 

PMID- 25142136
TI  - Population genetics of forest type of Trypanosoma congolense circulating in
      Glossina palpalis palpalis of Fontem in the South-West region of Cameroon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic variation of microsatellite loci is a widely used method for
      the analysis of population genetic structure of several organisms. To improve our
      knowledge on the population genetics of trypanosomes, Trypanosoma congolense
      forest and savannah types were identified in the mid-guts of Glossina palpalis
      palpalis caught in five villages of Fontem in the South-West region of Cameroon.
      From the positive samples of Trypanosoma congolense forest, the genetic diversity
      and the population genetic structure of these parasites were evaluated. METHOD:
      For this study, pyramidal traps were set up during three entomological surveys
      and 3347 tsetse flies were collected, dissected and 1903 midguts collected. DNA
      was extracted from midguts and specific primers were used to identify Trypanosoma
      congolense forest and savannah. All Trypanosoma congolense forest positive
      samples were characterized with seven microsatellite markers. RESULTS:
      Microscopic examination revealed 25 (1.31%) mid-gut infections with trypanosomes
      while the PCR method identified 120 (6.3%) infections due to Trypanosoma
      congolense: 94 (78.33%) Trypanosoma congolense forest and 28 (21.77%) Trypanosoma
      congolense savannah. The trypanosome infection rates varied significantly between
      villages and years of capture. Menji recorded the highest infection rate
      (15.11%); and samples captured in 2009 were more infected (14.33%). The
      microsatellite markers revealed a genetic variability between Trypanosoma
      congolense forest populations of Fontem villages and 6.38% of mixed infections
      due to different genotypes of T. congolense "forest type". CONCLUSION: Our data
      on the population genetics play in favor of a clonal reproduction of this
      parasite. The microsatellite markers used here showed a low genetic
      differentiation and an absence of sub-structuration (FST <= 0.0003) between
      Trypanosoma congolense forest populations of Fontem villages. However, the high
      FST value (FST >= 0.3911) between samples of the Democratic Republic of Congo and
      those of Fontem villages indicates low migration rates between trypanosomes of
      these subpopulations.

PMID- 25142137
TI  - [The transfer of psychiatry-narratives, termini and cross-cultural psychiatry in
      Japan].
AB  - This article is based on German and Japanese sources and shows how around 1900
      European psychiatric concepts and practices embedded themselves into emerging
      scientific Japanese discourses. The article argues that now forgotten German
      Japanese exchanges in the field of psychiatric pathology, together with the
      historical development of psychiatric care, were central mechanisms for the
      establishment of a distinctly psychiatric discourse in Japan priot to its broad
      institutionalization. Three discursive strategies were key: Japanese and German
      experts from a range of medical fields reinvented a body of traditions loosely
      related to actual pre-modern cultural practices; they engaged in comparative
      evaluations of psychiatric conditions; and, through the simple but effective
      transformation of specific concepts and termini at the margins of European
      psychiatry, these experts contributed to the transfer not only of a psychiatric
      discourse but also affected the power relations on a national and international
      scale as European psychiatry permeated into new territory, namely the Japanese
      landscape of emerging modern scientific disciplines.

PMID- 25142139
TI  - Enhanced gene disruption by programmable nucleases delivered by a minicircle
      vector.
AB  - Targeted genetic modification using programmable nucleases such as zinc finger
      nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) is
      of great value in biomedical research, medicine and biotechnology. Minicircle
      vectors, which lack extraneous bacterial sequences, have several advantages over
      conventional plasmids for transgene delivery. Here, for the first time, we
      delivered programmable nucleases into human cells using transient transfection of
      a minicircle vector and compared the results with those obtained using a
      conventional plasmid. Surrogate reporter assays and T7 endonuclease analyses
      revealed that cells in the minicircle vector group displayed significantly higher
      mutation frequencies at the target sites than those in the conventional plasmid
      group. Quantitative PCR and reverse transcription-PCR showed higher vector copy
      number and programmable nuclease transcript levels, respectively, in 293T cells
      after minicircle versus conventional plasmid vector transfection. In addition,
      tryphan blue staining and flow cytometry after annexin V and propidium iodide
      staining showed that cell viability was also significantly higher in the
      minicircle group than in the conventional plasmid group. Taken together, our
      results show that gene disruption using minicircle vector-mediated delivery of
      ZFNs and TALENs is a more efficient, safer and less toxic method than using a
      conventional plasmid, and indicate that the minicircle vector could serve as an
      advanced delivery method for programmable nucleases. 

PMID- 25142138
TI  - Overexpression of X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptotic Protein (XIAP) reduces age
      related neuronal degeneration in the mouse cochlea.
AB  - Previously, we showed that age-related hearing loss (AHL) was delayed in C57BL6
      mice overexpressing X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptotic Protein (XIAP), and the
      delayed AHL was associated with attenuated hair cell (HC) loss in XIAP
      overexpressing mice. Similar to other reports, the HC loss in aged mice was
      restricted to the basal turn in this previous study, and occurred slightly at the
      apical end of the cochlea, showing considerably less spread than the frequency
      region of hearing loss. In the present study, we examined whether and how AHL is
      related to the degeneration of neuronal innervation of the cochlea and whether
      the overexpression of XIAP exerts a protective effect against age-related
      degeneration in both afferent and efferent cochlear neurites. In contrast to HC
      loss, degeneration of both afferent and efferent neurites spread to the middle
      turns of the cochlea. Moreover, XIAP-overexpressing mice lost fewer HC afferent
      dendrites and efferent axons, as well as fewer spiral ganglion neurons between 3
      and 14 months of age in comparison with wild-type littermates. The results
      suggest that age-related degeneration of cochlear neurites may be independent of
      HC loss. Further, the inhibition of apoptosis by XIAP appears to reduce
      degeneration of both afferent and efferent cochlear neurites.

PMID- 25142140
TI  - High and prolonged sulfamidase secretion by the liver of MPS-IIIA mice following
      hydrodynamic tail vein delivery of antibiotic-free pFAR4 plasmid vector.
AB  - Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS-IIIA) or Sanfilippo A syndrome is a
      lysosomal storage genetic disease that results from the deficiency of the N
      sulfoglucosamine sulfohydrolase (SGSH) protein, a sulfamidase required for the
      degradation of heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The accumulation of
      these macromolecules leads to somatic organ pathologies, severe neurodegeneration
      and death. To assess a novel gene therapy approach based on prolonged secretion
      of the missing enzyme by the liver, mediated by hydrodynamic gene delivery, we
      first compared a kanamycin and an antibiotic-free expression plasmid vector,
      called pFAR4. Thanks to the reduced vector size, pFAR4 derivatives containing
      either a ubiquitous or a liver-specific promoter mediated a higher reporter gene
      expression level than the control plasmid. Hydrodynamic delivery of SGSH-encoding
      pFAR4 into MPS-IIIA diseased mice led to high serum levels of sulfamidase protein
      that was efficiently taken up by neighboring organs, as shown by the correction
      of GAG accumulation. A similar reduction in GAG content was also observed in the
      brain, at early stages of the disease. Thus, this study contributes to the effort
      towards the development of novel biosafe non-viral gene vectors for therapeutic
      protein expression in the liver, and represents a first step towards an
      alternative gene therapy approach for the MPS-IIIA disease. 

PMID- 25142141
TI  - Special issue on headache and sleep.

PMID- 25142142
TI  - Migraine and restless legs syndrome: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is increasingly being reported as a
      comorbidity of migraine. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta
      analysis of studies investigating RLS in headache/migraine and vice versa. We
      calculated the prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of RLS in
      headache/migraine, of headache/migraine in RLS and controls, and odds ratios
      (ORs) of the association between the conditions. We then determined pooled effect
      estimates for the associations. RESULTS: We identified 24 studies. RLS prevalence
      in migraine ranged from 8.7% to 39.0% with no apparent differences based on
      gender and aura status. Prevalence among controls was compatible with the
      literature. Migraine prevalence in RLS ranged from 15.1% to 62.6%. We did not
      pool prevalence data because of high unexplained heterogeneity. High
      heterogeneity with respect to the association between any migraine and RLS could
      be explained by study design. Pooled analyses showed substantially higher effect
      estimates in case-control studies (pooled OR = 4.19, 95% CI 3.07-5.71; I (2) =
      0.0%) than in cohort studies (pooled OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.14-1.30; I (2) = 0.0%).
      CONCLUSION: Our results support the concept of RLS as an important comorbidity of
      migraine. However, the degree of association appears to be strongly determined by
      study design. Potential effects by gender and aura status and the role of RLS in
      other headache disorders remain unclear.

PMID- 25142143
TI  - Disposal of iNKT cell deficiency and an increase in expression of SLAM signaling
      factors characterizes sarcoidosis remission: a 4-year longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are regulatory lymphocytes that may be
      important in disorders with increased Th1 responses. We utilized a 4-year
      longitudinal observational study of iNKT cells and SLAM signaling pathway
      factors, which are important for iNKT development in patients with newly
      diagnosed sarcoidosis. METHODS: Detailed clinical, functional, and radiographic
      evaluation and determination of iNKT peripheral blood cell counts and expression
      of SLAM signaling factors was carried out at presentation and after 3 months, 1
      year, and 4 years of disease follow-up in 29 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.
      At presentation, we also evaluated the frequencies of pulmonary BALF iNKT cells.
      We also included 37 control subjects. RESULTS: We demonstrated a marked
      deficiency of blood and lung iNKT cells and decreased expression of SLAM
      signaling factors in patients with newly diagnosed sarcoidosis. During 4 years of
      disease follow-up, there was a significant increase in blood iNKT cell numbers
      and in expression of SLAM signaling factors, mainly SLAMF1, SLAMF6, and FYN. This
      increase clearly correlated with improvement in patients' clinical symptoms. At
      the 4-year endpoint, the disease had gone into remission in the great majority of
      patients and thus also iNKT cell deficiency. Moreover, at the 4-year endpoint
      iNKT level reached the iNKT level of the control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      longitudinal study showed that a disposal of iNKT deficiency in parallel with an
      increase in expression of SLAM signaling factors characterizes the clinical
      remission of sarcoidosis.

PMID- 25142144
TI  - A three-microRNA signature predicts responses to platinum-based doublet
      chemotherapy in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the clinical utility of intratumor microRNAs (miRNA) as a
      biomarker for predicting responses to platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in
      patients with recurring lung adenocarcinoma (LADC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The
      expression of miRNAs was examined in LADC tissues surgically resected from
      patients treated with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy at the time of LADC
      recurrence. Microarray-based screening of 904 miRNAs followed by quantitative
      reverse transcription-PCR-based verification in 40 test cohort samples, including
      16 (40.0%) responders, was performed to identify miRNAs that are differentially
      expressed in chemotherapy responders and nonresponders. Differential expression
      was confirmed in a validation cohort (n = 63 samples), including 18 (28.6%)
      responders. An miRNA signature that predicted responses to platinum-based doublet
      chemotherapy was identified and its accuracy was examined by principal component
      and support vector machine analyses. Genotype data for the TP53-Arg72Pro
      polymorphism, which is associated with responses to platinum-based doublet
      chemotherapy, were subsequently incorporated into the prediction analysis.
      RESULTS: A signature comprising three miRNAs (miR1290, miR196b, and miR135a*)
      enabled the prediction of a chemotherapeutic response (rather than progression
      free and overall survival) with high accuracy in both the test and validation
      cohorts (82.5% and 77.8%). Examination of the latter was performed using miRNAs
      extracted from archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Combining this
      miRNA signature with the TP53-Arg72Pro polymorphism genotype marginally improved
      the predictive power. CONCLUSION: The three-miRNA signature in surgically
      resected primary LADC tissues may by clinically useful for predicting
      responsiveness to platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in patients with LADC
      recurrence.

PMID- 25142147
TI  - IL-18: a new player in immunotherapy for age-related macular degeneration?
AB  - Recent evidence suggests that the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-18 may have
      utility as an anti-angiogenic agent in the eye. Numerous laboratories, including
      our own have demonstrated the ability of murine IL-18 to prevent
      neovascularization in the retina, choroid and cornea in pathological scenarios.
      Here, we summarize the potential use of IL-18 as an immunotherapy for wet age
      related macular degeneration treatment, describing past and recent findings
      pertaining to its biological function in the eye. 

PMID- 25142145
TI  - Curing mice with large tumors by locally delivering combinations of
      immunomodulatory antibodies.
AB  - PURPOSE: Immunomodulatory mAbs can treat cancer, but cures are rare except for
      small tumors. Our objective was to explore whether the therapeutic window
      increases by combining mAbs with different modes of action and injecting them
      into tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Combinations of mAbs to CD137/PD-1/CTLA-4 or
      CD137/PD-1/CTLA-4/CD19 were administrated intratumorally to mice with syngeneic
      tumors (B16 and SW1 melanoma, TC1 lung carcinoma), including tumors with a mean
      surface of approximately 80 mm(2). Survival and tumor growth were assessed.
      Immunologic responses were evaluated using flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. RESULTS:
      More than 50% of tumor-bearing mice had complete regression and long-term
      survival after tumor injection with mAbs recognizing CD137/PD-1/CTLA-4/CD19 with
      similar responses in three models. Intratumoral injection was more efficacious
      than intraperitoneal injection in causing rejection also of untreated tumors in
      the same mice. The three-mAb combination could also induce regression, but was
      less efficacious. There were few side effects, and therapy-resistant tumors were
      not observed. Transplanted tumor cells rapidly caused a Th2 response with
      increased CD19 cells. Successful therapy shifted this response to the Th1
      phenotype with decreased CD19 cells and increased numbers of long-term memory CD8
      effector cells and T cells making IFNgamma and TNFalpha. CONCLUSIONS:
      Intratumoral injection of mAbs recognizing CD137/PD-1/CTLA-4/CD19 can eradicate
      established tumors and reverse a Th2 response with tumor-associated CD19 cells to
      Th1 immunity, whereas a combination lacking anti-CD19 is less effective. There
      are several human cancers for which a similar approach may provide clinical
      benefit.

PMID- 25142146
TI  - Antitumor activity of the ERK inhibitor SCH772984 [corrected] against BRAF
      mutant, NRAS mutant and wild-type melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In melanoma, dysregulation of the MAPK pathway, usually via
      BRAF(V600) or NRAS(Q61) somatic mutations, leads to constitutive ERK signaling.
      While BRAF inhibitors are initially effective for BRAF-mutant melanoma, no FDA
      approved targeted therapies exist for BRAF-inhibitor-resistant BRAF(V600), NRAS
      mutant, or wild-type melanoma. METHODS: The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50)
      of SCH772984, a novel inhibitor of ERK1/2, was determined in a panel of 50
      melanoma cell lines. Effects on MAPK and AKT signaling by western blotting and
      cell cycle by flow cytometry were determined. RESULTS: Sensitivity fell into
      three groups: sensitive, 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) < 1 MUM;
      intermediately sensitive, IC50 1-2 MUM; and resistant, >2 MUM. Fifteen of 21
      (71%) BRAF mutants, including 4 with innate vemurafenib resistance, were
      sensitive to SCH772984. All three (100%) BRAF/NRAS double mutants, 11 of 14 (78%)
      NRAS mutants and 5 of 7 (71%) wild-type melanomas were sensitive. Among
      BRAF(V600) mutants with in vitro acquired resistance to vemurafenib, those with
      MAPK pathway reactivation as the mechanism of resistance were sensitive to
      SCH772984. SCH772984 caused G1 arrest and induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Combining vemurafenib and SCH722984 in BRAF mutant melanoma was synergistic in a
      majority of cell lines and significantly delayed the onset of acquired resistance
      in long term in vitro assays. Therefore, SCH772984 may be clinically applicable
      as a treatment for non-BRAF mutant melanoma or in BRAF-mutant melanoma with
      innate or acquired resistance, alone or in combination with BRAF inhibitors.

PMID- 25142148
TI  - The accountability for reasonableness approach to guide priority setting in
      health systems within limited resources--findings from action research at
      district level in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Priority-setting decisions are based on an important, but not
      sufficient set of values and thus lead to disagreement on priorities.
      Accountability for Reasonableness (AFR) is an ethics-based approach to a
      legitimate and fair priority-setting process that builds upon four conditions:
      relevance, publicity, appeals, and enforcement, which facilitate agreement on
      priority-setting decisions and gain support for their implementation. This paper
      focuses on the assessment of AFR within the project REsponse to ACcountable
      priority setting for Trust in health systems (REACT). METHODS: This intervention
      study applied an action research methodology to assess implementation of AFR in
      one district in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, respectively. The assessments
      focused on selected disease, program, and managerial areas. An implementing
      action research team of core health team members and supporting researchers was
      formed to implement, and continually assess and improve the application of the
      four conditions. Researchers evaluated the intervention using qualitative and
      quantitative data collection and analysis methods. RESULTS: The values underlying
      the AFR approach were in all three districts well-aligned with general values
      expressed by both service providers and community representatives. There was some
      variation in the interpretations and actual use of the AFR in the decision-making
      processes in the three districts, and its effect ranged from an increase in
      awareness of the importance of fairness to a broadened engagement of health team
      members and other stakeholders in priority setting and other decision-making
      processes. CONCLUSIONS: District stakeholders were able to take greater charge of
      closing the gap between nationally set planning and the local realities and
      demands of the served communities within the limited resources at hand. This
      study thus indicates that the operationalization of the four broadly defined and
      linked conditions is both possible and seems to be responding to an actual
      demand. This provides arguments for the continued application and further
      assessment of the potential of AFR in supporting priority-setting and other
      decision-making processes in health systems to achieve better agreed and more
      sustainable health improvements linked to a mutual democratic learning with
      potential wider implications.

PMID- 25142149
TI  - Immunological aspects of radiotherapy.

PMID- 25142150
TI  - Familiar trajectories facilitate the interpretation of physical forces when
      intercepting a moving target.
AB  - Familiarity with the visual environment affects our expectations about the
      objects in a scene, aiding in recognition and interaction. Here we tested whether
      the familiarity with the specific trajectory followed by a moving target
      facilitates the interpretation of the effects of underlying physical forces.
      Participants intercepted a target sliding down either an inclined plane or a
      tautochrone. Gravity accelerated the target by the same amount in both cases, but
      the inclined plane represented a familiar trajectory whereas the tautochrone was
      unfamiliar to the participants. In separate sessions, the gravity field was
      consistent with either natural gravity or artificial reversed gravity. Target
      motion was occluded from view over the last segment. We found that the responses
      in the session with unnatural forces were systematically delayed relative to
      those with natural forces, but only for the inclined plane. The time shift is
      consistent with a bias for natural gravity, in so far as it reflects an a priori
      expectation that a target not affected by natural forces will arrive later than
      one accelerated downwards by gravity. Instead, we did not find any significant
      time shift with unnatural forces in the case of the tautochrone. We argue that
      interception of a moving target relies on the integration of the high-level cue
      of trajectory familiarity with low-level cues related to target kinematics. 

PMID- 25142151
TI  - Internal models of upper limb prosthesis users when grasping and lifting a
      fragile object with their prosthetic limb.
AB  - Internal models allow unimpaired individuals to appropriately scale grip force
      when grasping and lifting familiar objects. In prosthesis users, the internal
      model must adapt to the characteristics of the prosthetic devices and reduced
      sensory feedback. We studied the internal models of 11 amputees and eight
      unimpaired controls when grasping and lifting a fragile object. When the object
      was modified from a rigid to fragile state, both subject groups adapted
      appropriately by significantly reducing grasp force on the first trial with the
      fragile object compared to the rigid object (p < 0.020). There was a wide range
      of performance skill illustrated by amputee subjects when lifting the fragile
      object in 10 repeated trials. One subject, using a voluntary close device, never
      broke the object, four subjects broke the fragile device on every attempt and
      seven others failed on their initial attempts, but improved over the repeated
      trials. Amputees decreased their grip forces 51 +/- 7 % from the first to the
      last trial (p < 0.001), indicating a practice effect. However, amputees used much
      higher levels of force than controls throughout the testing (p < 0.015). Amputees
      with better performance on the Box and Blocks test used lower grip force levels
      (p = 0.006) and had more successful lifts of the fragile object (p = 0.002). In
      summary, amputees do employ internal models when picking up objects; however, the
      accuracy of these models is poor and grip force modulation is significantly
      impaired. Further studies could examine the alternative sensory modalities and
      training parameters that best promote internal model formation.

PMID- 25142152
TI  - The early release of actions by loud sounds in muscles with distinct
      connectivity.
AB  - The presentation of an unexpected and loud auditory stimulus (LAS) during action
      preparation can trigger movement onset much sooner than normal. Recent research
      has attributed this effect to the activation of reticulospinal connections to the
      target muscles. To our knowledge, no studies have investigated the effects of LAS
      presentation in tasks requiring the simultaneous activation of muscles with
      different connectivity to motor areas of the brain. Here, we sought to establish
      the importance of muscle connectivity by asking participants to contract the
      orbicularis oris and abductor pollicis brevis muscles simultaneously. A LAS was
      randomly presented at 200 ms prior to the expected time of movement onset in an
      anticipatory timing task. We show that muscles controlled via bulbar connections
      to reticular formation can be triggered early by sound as much as muscles with
      spinal connections to the reticular formation.

PMID- 25142153
TI  - Online monitoring of concentration and dynamics of volatile fatty acids in
      anaerobic digestion processes with mid-infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - An ATR-MIR-FTIR spectrometer was integrated into a laboratory scale anaerobic
      digestion setup. Automatically, a sludge sample from the digester was transferred
      to a measurement cell; an IR spectrum was recorded and evaluated by chemometric
      models to estimate the concentration of the individual volatile fatty acids
      (VFA). The calibration set included semi-artificial samples spiked with known
      concentrations of the VFA as well as original samples from a continuous
      fermentation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used as a
      reference analysis of the samples. The models were optimized for a low root mean
      square error of prediction (RMSEP). R(2) for acetic acid, propionic acid,
      isobutyric acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid were 0.94, 0.88,
      0.83, 0.75, 0.59, and 0.90, respectively. The accuracy of the models was
      validated in a second experiment. Considering the complex and heterogeneous
      sludge composition and the chemical similarity of VFA, absolute concentration and
      dynamic (increasing and decreasing concentration of VFA) was predicted well for
      acetic, propionic, isobutyric, and isovaleric acid (in their respective
      concentration range); Butyric acid could not be detected. The installed setup was
      able to gather and measure native samples from the digester (every 2 h)
      automatically over a period of 6 months without problems of clogging or
      biofouling. The instant and continuous analysis of the concentration of the VFA
      made it possible to evaluate the current bioprocess status and adjust the organic
      loading rate accordingly.

PMID- 25142154
TI  - Optimizing promoters and secretory signal sequences for producing ethanol from
      inulin by recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae carrying Kluyveromyces marxianus
      inulinase.
AB  - Inulin is a polyfructan that is abundant in plants such as Jerusalem artichoke,
      chicory and dahlia. Inulinase can easily hydrolyze inulin to fructose, which is
      consumed by microorganisms. Generally, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an industrial
      workhorse strain for bioethanol production, is known for not having inulinase
      activity. The inulinase gene from Kluyveromyces marxianus (KmINU), with the
      ability of converting inulin to fructose, was introduced into S. cerevisiae D452
      2. The inulinase gene was fused to three different types of promoter (GPD, PGK1,
      truncated HXT7) and secretory signal sequence (KmINU, MFalpha1, SUC2) to generate
      nine expression cassettes. The inulin fermentation performance of the nine
      transformants containing different promoter and signal sequence combinations for
      inulinase production were compared to select an optimized expression system for
      efficient inulin fermentation. Among the nine inulinase-producing transformants,
      the S. cerevisiae carrying the PGK1 promoter and MFalpha1 signal sequence (S.
      cerevisiae D452-2/p426PM) showed not only the highest specific KmINU activity,
      but also the best inulin fermentation capability. Finally, a batch fermentation
      of the selected S. cerevisiae D452-2/p426PM in a bioreactor with 188.2 g/L inulin
      was performed to produce 80.2 g/L ethanol with 0.43 g ethanol/g inulin of ethanol
      yield and 1.22 g/L h of ethanol productivity.

PMID- 25142155
TI  - Involvement of patients with lung and gynecological cancer and their relatives in
      psychosocial cancer rehabilitation: a narrative review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Getting cancer is stressful for most patients and their relatives,
      and research has shown that psychosocial support is needed. Still, cancer care
      fails to appropriately address psychosocial problems associated with cancer.
      Research on this topic is often seen from the perspective of either the patient
      or the relative, even though it is suggested that psychosocial support is
      beneficial for the patient and the relative as a pair. Furthermore, research on
      the need for psychosocial support rarely involves patients with gynecological and
      lung cancer and their relatives, even though they often suffer from isolation and
      stigmatization. The aim of this review was therefore to summarize knowledge about
      psychosocial support with regard to individual needs, involvement of significant
      others, and providers of psychosocial support focusing on this specific
      population. METHOD: A narrative review procedure was chosen. This method is a
      specific kind of review, which summarizes, explains, and interprets evidence on a
      selected topic. The review process was structured according to typical scholarly
      articles with attention to the search and review process. RESULTS: A total of 16
      studies were included in the review. The studies were divided into two main
      categories: (1) studies focusing on needs for psychosocial support; and (2)
      studies focusing on interventions. The needs studies were analyzed, and three
      themes emerged: the needs of the patient and the significant other across the
      cancer trajectory; the needs of the significant other as a carer; and needs and
      ongoing and tailored support. The intervention studies were directed toward the
      patient and the relative, the patient, or the relative. Five interventions
      comprising various forms of support that were purely supportive and were carried
      out by healthcare professionals were identified. CONCLUSION: There were overlaps
      between the needs of the patient and the relative, but there were also
      distinctive characteristics of the needs in the two groups. The needs varied
      during the cancer trajectory, and we therefore recommend that support be offered
      continuously. It was also evident that the relatives should be involved in the
      patients' care and that the involvement was beneficial for both the patient and
      the relative.

PMID- 25142156
TI  - Investigating patient perspectives on medical returns and buying medicines online
      in two communities in Melbourne, Australia: results from a qualitative study.
AB  - AIMS: By going online or overseas, patients can purchase a range of prescription
      and over-the-counter drugs and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM),
      without prescription and without input from a qualified health professional. Such
      practices raise questions about medicine safety and how and why patients choose
      to procure medicines using such methods. The aim of this paper is to examine two
      unconventional types of medicine procurement-medical returns and purchasing
      medicines online-from the patient perspective. METHODS: Data are drawn from a
      large qualitative study examining health-seeking practices among Indian
      Australians (28) and Anglo-Australians (30) living with depression in Melbourne,
      Australia. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were undertaken. Thematic
      analysis was performed. FINDINGS: A total of 23 (39.6 %) participants reported
      having obtained medicines either through the internet or via medical returns.
      Indian-Australians sourced medicines from India while Anglo-Australians purchased
      CAM products from domestic and international e-pharmacies. Neither group
      encountered any difficulties in the medicines entering Australia. Cost and
      convenience were the main reasons for buying medicines online but dissatisfaction
      with Australian health services also influenced why Indian-Australians sought
      medicines from India. Nearly all participants reported benefits from consuming
      these medicines; only one person reported adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The
      increased availability of medicines transnationally and patients' preparedness to
      procure these medicines from a range of sources raise important issues for the
      safe use of medicines. Further research is needed to understand how patients
      forge their own transnational therapeutic regimes, understand and manage their
      levels of risk in relation to safe medicine use and what points of intervention
      might be most effective to promote safe medicine use.

PMID- 25142157
TI  - Relating gene expression evolution with CpG content changes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that CpG dinucleotides are enriched in a
      subset of promoters and the CpG content of promoters is positively correlated
      with gene expression levels. But the relationship between divergence of CpG
      content and gene expression evolution has not been investigated. Here we
      calculate the normalized CpG (nCpG) content in DNA regions around transcription
      start site (TSS) and transcription terminal site (TTS) of genes in nine
      organisms, and relate them with expression levels measured by RNA-seq. RESULTS:
      The nCpG content of TSS shows a bimodal distribution in all organisms except
      platypus, whereas the nCpG content of TTS only has a single peak. When the nCpG
      contents are compared between different organisms, we observe a different
      evolution pattern between TSS and TTS: compared with TTS, TSS exhibits a faster
      divergence rate between closely related species but are more conserved between
      distant species. More importantly, we demonstrate the link between gene
      expression evolution and nCpG content changes: up-/down- regulation of genes in
      an organism is accompanied by the nCpG content increase/decrease in their TSS and
      TTS proximal regions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that gene expression
      changes between different organisms are correlated with the alterations in
      normalized CpG contents of promoters. Our analyses provide evidences for the
      impact of nCpG content on gene expression evolution.

PMID- 25142158
TI  - The hydroxyectoine gene cluster of the non-halophilic acidophile Acidiphilium
      cryptum.
AB  - Acidiphilium cryptum is an acidophilic, heterotrophic alpha-Proteobacterium which
      thrives in acidic, metal-rich environments (e.g. acid mine drainage). Recently,
      an ectABCDask gene cluster for biosynthesis of the compatible solutes ectoine and
      hydroxyectoine was detected in the genome sequence of A. cryptum JF-5. We were
      able to demonstrate that the type strain A. cryptum DSM 2389(T) is capable of
      synthesizing the compatible solute hydroxyectoine in response to moderate osmotic
      stress caused by sodium chloride and aluminium sulphate, respectively.
      Furthermore, we used the A. cryptum JF-5 sequence to amplify the ectABCDask gene
      cluster from strain DSM 2389(T) and achieved heterologous expression of the gene
      cluster in Escherichia coli. Hence, we could for the first time prove metabolic
      functionality of the genes responsible for hydroxyectoine biosynthesis in the
      acidophile A. cryptum. In addition, we present information on specific enzyme
      activity of A. cryptum DSM 2389(T) ectoine synthase (EctC) in vitro. In contrast
      to EctCs from halophilic microorganisms, the A. cryptum enzyme exhibits a higher
      isoelectric point, thus a lower acidity, and has maximum specific activity in the
      absence of sodium chloride. 

PMID- 25142159
TI  - Characterization of the frhAGB-encoding hydrogenase from a non-methanogenic
      hyperthermophilic archaeon.
AB  - The F420-reducing hydrogenase has been known as a key enzyme in methanogenesis.
      Its homologs have been identified in non-methanogenic hyperthermophilic archaea,
      including Thermococcus onnurineus NA1, but neither physiological function nor
      biochemical properties have been reported to date. The enzyme of T. onnurineus
      NA1 was distinguished from those of other methanogens and the members of the
      family Desulfurobacteriaceae with respect to the phylogenetic distribution of the
      alpha and beta subunits, organization of frhAGB genes and conservation of F420
      coordinating residues. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed frhA gene is
      not silent but is expressed in T. onnurineus NA1 grown in the presence of sulfur,
      carbon monoxide, or formate. The trimeric enzyme complex was purified to
      homogeneity via affinity chromatography from T. onnurineus NA1 and exhibited
      catalytic activity toward the electron acceptors such as viologens and flavins
      but not the deazaflavin coenzyme F420. This is the first biochemical study on the
      function of the frhAGB-encoding enzyme from a non-methanogenic archaea. 

PMID- 25142160
TI  - A depletion layer in polymer solutions at an interface oscillating at the subnano
      to submicrometer scale.
AB  - The mobility of segments of the polymer mesh in a solution determines the dynamic
      response of the depletion layer (DL) to mechanical stimuli. This phenomenon can
      be used to vastly decrease the local viscosity experienced by any device
      performing periodic motion at the nano- and microscale in complex liquids. We
      refined the vibrating quartz tuning fork (QTF) method to probe the viscosity of
      model aqueous solutions of polyethylene glycol, covering a broad range of
      molecular weights (3 kDa to 1 MDa) and QTF oscillation amplitudes (50 pm to 100
      nm). For semidilute solutions of PEGs of high molecular weight, we found a drop
      of local viscosity, up to two orders of magnitude below the bulk value. We
      propose a simple explanation based on the motion of the depletion layer, strongly
      supported by rheometry and dynamic light scattering results. We show that it is
      possible to directly probe the viscosity of the DL and increase its thickness far
      above the equilibrium value. The key role is played by the rate of relaxation of
      the entangled system. The relevance of this paradigm ranges from the basic
      research on dynamics of entangled systems to design of energy-efficient
      nanomachines operating in a crowded environment. 

PMID- 25142161
TI  - Physiological role of taurine--from organism to organelle.
AB  - Taurine is often referred to as a semi-essential amino acid as newborn mammals
      have a limited ability to synthesize taurine and have to rely on dietary supply.
      Taurine is not thought to be incorporated into proteins as no aminoacyl tRNA
      synthetase has yet been identified and is not oxidized in mammalian cells.
      However, taurine contributes significantly to the cellular pool of organic
      osmolytes and has accordingly been acknowledged for its role in cell volume
      restoration following osmotic perturbation. This review describes taurine
      homeostasis in cells and organelles with emphasis on taurine biophysics/membrane
      dynamics, regulation of transport proteins involved in active taurine uptake and
      passive taurine release as well as physiological processes, for example,
      development, lung function, mitochondrial function, antioxidative defence and
      apoptosis which seem to be affected by a shift in the expression of the taurine
      transporters and/or the cellular taurine content. 

PMID- 25142162
TI  - Deep sequencing of KIT, MET, PIK3CA, and PTEN hotspots in papillary thyroid
      carcinomas with distant metastases.

PMID- 25142163
TI  - Identification of a potential novel type of influenza virus in Bovine in China.
AB  - Bovine influenza virus was first identified in the USA in 2013, and the virus
      represents a potential novel type of influenza viruses. However, the distribution
      and evolution of the virus remain unknown. We conducted a pilot survey of bovine
      influenza virus in China, and identified three bovine influenza viruses which are
      highly homogenous to the ones identified in the USA, suggesting that the bovine
      influenza virus likely circulates widely and evolves slowly in the world.

PMID- 25142164
TI  - Characterization of the biological properties and complete genome sequence
      analysis of a cattle-derived rabies virus isolate from the Guangxi province of
      southern China.
AB  - In this study, a street rabies virus isolate, GXHXN, was obtained from the brain
      of one rabid cattle in Guangxi province of southern China. To characterize the
      biological properties of GXHXN, we first evaluated its pathogenicity using 4-week
      old adult mice. GXHXN was highly pathogenic with a short incubation period and
      course of disease. Its LD50 of 10(-6.86)/mL is significantly higher than the LD50
      of 10(-5.19)/mL of GXN119, a dog-derived rabies virus isolate. It also displayed
      a higher neurotropism index than the rRC-HL strain. However, the relative
      neurotropism index of GXHXN was slightly lower than that of GXN119. Analyzing
      antigenicity using anti-N and anti-G monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), all tested
      anti-N MAbs reacted similarly to GXHXN, CVS, and rRC-HL, but the reaction of anti
      N MAbs to GXHXN was slightly different from GXN119. Moreover, 2/11 tested anti-G
      mAbs showed weaker reactivity to GXHXN than rRC-HL, whereas 4/11 showed stronger
      reactivity to GXHXN than CVS and GXN119, indicating that the structures of G
      might differ. In order to understand its genetic variation and evolution, the
      complete GXHXN genome sequence was determined and compared with the known 12
      isolates from other mammals. A total of 42 nucleotide substitutions were found in
      the full-length genome, including 15 non-synonymous mutations. The G gene
      accounts for the highest nucleotide substitution rate of 0.70 % in ORF and an
      amino acid substitution rate of 0.95 %. Phylogenetic trees based on the complete
      genome sequence as well as the N and G gene sequences from 37 known rabies
      isolates from various mammals demonstrated that the GXHXN is closely related to
      the BJ2011E isolate from a horse in Beijing, the WH11 isolate from a donkey in
      Hubei, and isolates from dogs in the Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. These
      findings will be helpful in exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying
      interspecies transmission and the genetic variation of the rabies virus in
      different mammal species.

PMID- 25142165
TI  - Circulating Lp(a):LDL complexes contain LDL molecules proportionate to Lp(a) size
      and bind to galectin-1: a possible route for LDL entry into cells.
AB  - The molecular mechanism of vascular pathology mediated by circulating
      lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] remains unknown. We examined the role of two
      distinguishing features of Lp(a) viz non-covalent complex formation with a low
      density lipoprotein (LDL) and heavy glycosylation as determinants of binding of
      this lipoprotein and its LDL complex to cell-surface receptors. LDL isolated from
      the Lp(a):LDL complex, free LDL and oxidized LDL were equally efficient in
      forming a reconstituted complex with pure Lp(a). Complexed LDL in healthy
      individuals was equal in oxidation status to free LDL. The number of LDL
      molecules associated with each Lp(a) molecule (LDL index) in plasma samples
      increased steadily with Lp(a) size (correlation coefficient r = 0.834). Complex
      reconstituted from purified plasma Lp(a) and LDL maintained the same LDL index as
      plasma in accordance with Lp(a) size. Consequently, the percentage of complex
      free Lp(a) in the plasma decreased sharply with Lp(a) size (r = -0.887). Although
      O-glycosylation measured in terms of lectin binding increased with Lp(a) size,
      the LDL index increased significantly faster than O-glycosylation among Lp(a)
      phenotypes of different plasma samples. Complexes with varying stoichiometry
      existed in the same plasma. Extra LDL complex molecules were not recognized by
      LDL receptors on human macrophages or rat cardiac fibroblasts indicating
      attachment to Lp(a) involved LDL receptor-binding sites. However, unlike free LDL
      complex LDL could attach through Lp(a) to immobilized form of galectin-1, a
      lectin ubiquitous on mammalian cells. Results suggest that phenotype-dependence
      of the physiological and pathological functions of Lp(a) may operate through
      differential LDL-carrier activity.

PMID- 25142166
TI  - Altered expression of genes associated with telomere maintenance and cell
      function of human vascular endothelial cell at elevated temperature.
AB  - The pathophysiological alterations of vascular endothelial cells induced by heat
      were studied. Human umbilical venous endothelial cells were cultured for 1 day at
      three different temperatures (37, 39, and 42  degrees C). The telomere lengths,
      the expressions of proteins associated with telomere length maintenance,
      apoptosis, heat shock, and vascular function were analyzed. The cell growth was
      not suppressed at 39  degrees C but suppressed at 42  degrees C. The mean
      telomere length did not change, whereas the telomere length distribution altered
      at 42  degrees C. Long telomere decreased and middle-sized telomere increased in
      the telomere length distribution at 42  degrees C. The telomerase activity did
      not show any heat-associated alterations. However, of the components of
      telomerase, telomerase reverse transcriptase was up-regulated along temperature
      elevation. In contrast, the expression level of RNA component TERC did not
      altered. Among the analyzed apoptosis-associated proteins, p21 was down-regulated
      and phosphorylated p53 was up-regulated. Heat shock proteins and NO synthase were
      up-regulated at 42  degrees C. These results suggested that induced growth
      suppression or cell senescence was induced by strong heat stress rather than mild
      one predominantly in cells bearing long telomeres with p53 activation, and
      simultaneously activated some telomere-associated factors, heat shock proteins,
      and NO synthesis probably for heat-resistant cell survival. 

PMID- 25142167
TI  - Clinicopathologic features and outcome of mycophenolate-induced colitis in renal
      transplant recipients.
AB  - Reports on the clinical course of mycophenolic acid (MPA)-related colitis in
      kidney transplant recipients are scarce. This study aimed at assessing MPA
      related colitis incidence, risk factors, and progression after kidney
      transplantation. All kidney transplant patients taking MPA who had colonic
      biopsies for persistent chronic diarrhea, between 2000 and 2012, at the Kidney
      Transplantation Unit of Botucatu Medical School Hospital, Brazil, were included.
      Cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunohistochemistry was performed in all biopsy specimens.
      Data on presenting symptoms, medications, immunosuppressive drugs, colonoscopic
      findings, and follow-up were obtained. Of 580 kidney transplant patients on MPA,
      34 underwent colonoscopy. Colonoscopic findings were associated with MPA usage in
      16 patients. The most frequent histologic patterns were non-specific colitis
      (31.3%), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like colitis (25%), normal/near normal
      (18.8%), graft-versus-host disease-like (18.8%), and ischemia-like colitis
      (12.5%). All patients had persistent acute diarrhea and weight loss. Six of the
      16 MPA-related diarrhea patients (37.5%) showed acute dehydration requiring
      hospitalization. Diarrhea resolved when MPA was switched to sirolimus (50%),
      discontinued (18.75%), switched to azathioprine (12.5%), or reduced by 50%
      (18.75%). No graft loss occurred. Four patients died during the study period.
      Late-onset MPA was more frequent, and no correlation with MPA dose or formulation
      was found. 

PMID- 25142168
TI  - GRG profiles: Professor Ignazio Marino.

PMID- 25142169
TI  - Correlation of Helicobacter pylori genotypes with gastric histopathology in the
      central region of a South-European country.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outcome of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection results from
      interaction of multiple variables including host, environmental and bacterial
      associated virulence factors. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the
      correlation of cagA, cagE, vacA, iceA and babA2 genotypes with gastric
      histopathology and disease phenotype in the central region of a South-European
      country. METHODS: This prospective study involved 148 infected patients (110
      female; mean age 43.5 +/- 13.4 years) submitted to endoscopy with corpus and
      antrum biopsies. H. pylori was cultured and DNA extracted from the isolates.
      Genotypes were determined by PCR. Histopathological features were graded
      according to the updated Sydney system and OLGA/OLGIM classification. Only
      patients with single H. pylori genotypes and complete histopathological results
      were included. RESULTS: Antrum samples presented higher degrees of atrophy,
      intestinal metaplasia, chronic inflammation and neutrophil activity. Genotype
      distribution was as follows: cagA-31.8 %; cagE-45.9 %; vacA s1a-24.3 %; vacA s1b
      19.6 %; vacA s1c-0.7 %; vacA s2-55.4 %; vacA m1-20.9 %; vacA m2-79.1 %; vacA s1m1
      18.9 %; vacA s1m2-25.7 %; vacA s2m1-2 %; vacA s2m2-53.4 %; iceA1-33.8 %; iceA2
      66.2 %; babA2-12.2 %. CagA genotype was significantly associated with higher
      degrees of intestinal metaplasia, neutrophil activity, chronic inflammation and
      OLGIM stages. BabA2 was linked with higher H. pylori density. Strains with vacA
      s1m1 or vacA s1m1 + cagA positive genotypes had a significant association with
      peptic ulcer and vacA s2m2 with iron-deficient anemia. CONCLUSIONS: cagA, vacA
      s1m1 and babA2 genotypes are relatively rare in the central region of Portugal.
      cagA-positive strains are correlated with more severe histopathological
      modifications. This gene is commonly associated with vacA s1m1, and such isolates
      are frequently found in patients with peptic ulcer.

PMID- 25142170
TI  - Dietary requirement for serum-derived bovine immunoglobulins in the clinical
      management of patients with enteropathy.
AB  - A variety of human disease conditions are associated with chronic intestinal
      disorders or enteropathies that are characterized by intestinal inflammation,
      increased gut permeability, and reduced capacity to absorb nutrients. Such
      disruptions in the homeostasis of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can lead to
      symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, abnormal bowel function, and
      malabsorption of nutrients. While significant advances have been made in
      understanding the factors that influence the complex and fragile balance between
      the gut microbiota, intestinal epithelial cell integrity, and the underlying
      immune system, effective therapies for restoring intestinal balance during
      enteropathy are still not available. Numerous studies have demonstrated the
      ability of oral immunoglobulins to improve weight gain, support gut barrier
      function, and reduce the severity of enteropathy in animals. More recently,
      studies in humans provide evidence that serum-derived bovine
      immunoglobulin/protein isolate is safe and improves nutritional status and GI
      symptoms in patients with enteropathy associated with irritable bowel syndrome or
      infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. This review summarizes studies
      showing the impact of enteropathy on nutritional status and how specially
      formulated bovine immunoglobulins may help restore intestinal homeostasis and
      nutritional status in patients with specific enteropathies. Such protein
      preparations may provide distinct nutritional support required for the dietary
      management of patients who, because of therapeutic or chronic medical needs, have
      limited or impaired capacity to digest, absorb, or metabolize ordinary foodstuffs
      or certain nutrients, or other special medically determined nutrient requirements
      that cannot be satisfied by changes to the normal diet alone. 

PMID- 25142171
TI  - Use of cffDNA to avoid administration of anti-D to pregnant women when the fetus
      is RhD-negative: implementation in the NHS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a policy of offering cffDNA testing to all RhD
      negative women at about 16 weeks' gestation to avoid anti-D administration when
      the fetus is RhD-negative could be implemented successfully in the NHS without
      additional funding. DESIGN: Prospectively planned observational service
      implementation pilot and notes audit. SETTING: Three maternity services in the
      South West of England. POPULATION: All RhD-negative women in a 6-month period.
      METHODS: Prospective, intervention, cross-sectional observational study, using
      pre-intervention data as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of suitable
      women who offered and accepted the test. Accuracy of the cffDNA result as
      assessed by cord blood group result. Fall in anti-D doses administered. RESULTS:
      529 samples were received; three were unsuitable. The results were reported as
      RhD-positive (n = 278), RhD-negative (n = 185) or inconclusive, treat as positive
      (n = 63). Cord blood results were available in 502 (95%) and the only incorrect
      result was one case of a false positive (cffDNA reported as positive, cord blood
      negative - and so given anti-D unnecessarily). The notes audit showed that women
      who declined this service were correctly managed and that anti-D was not given
      when the fetus was predicted to be RhD-negative. The total use of anti-D doses
      fell by about 29% which equated to about 35% of RhD-negative women not receiving
      anti-D in their pregnancy unnecessarily. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend this service
      is extended to all UK NHS services.

PMID- 25142172
TI  - Rice responses to rising temperatures--challenges, perspectives and future
      directions.
AB  - Phenotypic plasticity in overcoming heat stress-induced damage across hot
      tropical rice-growing regions is predominantly governed by relative humidity.
      Expression of transpiration cooling, an effective heat-avoiding mechanism, will
      diminish with the transition from fully flooded paddies to water-saving
      technologies, such as direct-seeded and aerobic rice cultivation, thus further
      aggravating stress damage. This change can potentially introduce greater
      sensitivity to previously unaffected developmental stages such as floral meristem
      (panicle) initiation and spikelet differentiation, and further intensify
      vulnerability at the known sensitive gametogenesis and flowering stages. More
      than the mean temperature rise, increased variability and a more rapid increase
      in nighttime temperature compared with the daytime maximum present a greater
      challenge. This review addresses (1) the importance of vapour pressure deficit
      under fully flooded paddies and increased vulnerability of rice production to
      heat stress or intermittent occurrence of combined heat and drought stress under
      emerging water-saving rice technologies; (2) the major disconnect with high night
      temperature response between field and controlled environments in terms of
      spikelet sterility; (3) highlights the most important mechanisms that affect key
      grain quality parameters, such as chalk formation under heat stress; and finally
      (4), we model and estimate heat stress-induced spikelet sterility taking South
      Asia as a case study. 

PMID- 25142173
TI  - Selenium modulates mercury uptake and distribution in rice (Oryza sativa L.), in
      correlation with mercury species and exposure level.
AB  - Rice cultured in Hg- and/or Se-contaminated fields is an important food source of
      human Hg/Se intake. There are elevated Hg and Se levels in the soil of the
      Wanshan District, Guizhou Province. Here we attempted to explore how a Hg
      antagonist, Se, modulates the absorption and accumulation of inorganic mercury
      (IHg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in rice. The effects of Se on the content and
      transportation of Hg in hydroponic and soil cultured rice plants were examined.
      The results show that IHg mainly accumulated in the rice roots, but some also
      accumulated in the rice grain. In comparison to IHg, MeHg can be concentrated in
      the rice grain, and the proportion of MeHg in the rice grain may account for
      above 40% of the total Hg. Se can protect against Hg phytotoxicity in rice and
      inhibit IHg accumulation in rice tissues, but was not remarkable for MeHg at a
      low dosage exposure level in this study. These discrepancies imply mechanistic
      differences between IHg and MeHg absorption and accumulation in rice. This study
      illustrates that Se plays an important role in modulating Hg uptake,
      transportation and accumulation in rice. Therefore, Se is considered to be a
      naturally existing element that effectively reduces Hg accumulation in rice,
      which may have significant implications for food safety. 

PMID- 25142175
TI  - Characterization of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck using methods
      of spatial statistics.
AB  - In the present study, 53 cases of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck
      were characterized by a quantitative histological texture analysis based on
      principles of spatial statistics. A planar tessellation of the epithelial tumour
      component was generated by a skeletonization algorithm. The size distribution of
      the virtual cells of this planar tessellation, and the size distribution of the
      profiles of the tumour cell nuclei were estimated in terms of area and boundary
      length. The intensity, the reduced second moment function (K-function) and the
      pair correlation function of the point process of the centroids of the profiles
      of the tumour cell nuclei were also estimated. For both purposes, it is necessary
      to correct for edge effects, which we consider in this paper in some detail.
      Specifically, the point patterns of the tumour cell nuclei were considered as
      realizations of a point process, where the points exist only in the epithelial
      tumour component (the permitted phase) and not in the stroma (the forbidden
      phase). The methods allow to characterize each individual tumour by a series of
      summary statistics. The total set of cases was then partitioned into two groups:
      19 cases without lymph node metastases (pN0), and 34 nodal positive cases (pN1 or
      pN2). Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the
      intensities, the mean K-functions and the mean pair correlation functions of the
      tumour cell nucleus profiles of the two groups. However, there were some
      significant differences between the sizes of the virtual cells and of the nucleus
      profiles of the nodal negative cases as compared to the nodal positive cases. In
      a logistic regression analysis, one of the quantitative nuclear size variables
      (mean nuclear area) was found to be a significant predictor of lymph node
      metastasis, in addition to tumour stage. The study shows the potential of methods
      of spatial statistics for objective quantitative grading of squamous cell
      carcinomas of the head and neck, and provides an example for modelling
      histological point patterns as realizations of planar point processes occupying a
      reference phase which is only a partial component of the total tissue. 

PMID- 25142174
TI  - Expansive open-door laminoplasty secured with titanium miniplates is a good
      surgical method for multiple-level cervical stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laminoplasty is an effective procedure for treating cervical
      spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Little information is available regarding the
      surgical outcomes of expansive open-door laminoplasty (EOLP) when securing with
      titanium miniplates without bone grafting. This study is aimed to elucidate the
      efficacy of and problems associated with EOLP secured with titanium miniplates
      without bone grafting, thereby enhancing future surgical outcomes. METHODS: This
      is a retrospective study. The study participants comprised 104 patients who
      underwent cervical EOLP secured with titanium miniplates without bone graft for
      CSM treatment between August 2005 and March 2011. The clinical results were
      evaluated based on the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and Nurick scores.
      The radiographic outcomes were determined based on plain film and magnetic
      resonance imaging findings, which were assessed and compared. RESULTS: Lateral
      cervical spine X-rays exhibited improvement in the Pavlov ratio of the spinal
      canal at 1 day postoperation, and this ratio did not change at 1 year
      postoperation. The mean cervical curvature from C2 to C7 decreased 0.21 degrees 
      +/- 10.09 degrees  and the mean cervical range of motion was deteriorated by 35%
      at 12 months (P < 0.05). The Nurick score improved from 3.19 +/- 1.06 to 0.92 +/-
      1.32 (P < 0.05). The mean JOA recovery rate was 75% +/- 21.1% at 1 year. The mean
      level of postoperative neck pain at 3 months was 3.09 +/- 2.31, as determined
      using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Increased age, concomitant thoracolumbar
      stenosis, depression disorder, and preexisting myelomalacia negatively affected
      the JOA recovery rate (P < 0.05). A decreased preoperative Nurick score and
      superior sensory function in the upper extremities were powerful predictors of an
      enhanced JOA recovery rate. The postoperative complications involved hematoma
      formation 0.9%, reversible C5 nerve palsy 2.8%, and moderate to severe neck pain
      (VAS >= 4) 42%. No cases of lamina closure or collapse were observed. CONCLUSION:
      EOLP secured with titanium miniplates without bone grafting is a safe and
      effective surgical method for treating most patients with CSM.

PMID- 25142176
TI  - Photosynthesis research for sustainability: keys to produce clean energy.

PMID- 25142177
TI  - The effects of life stress and neural learning signals on fluid intelligence.
AB  - Fluid intelligence (fluid IQ), defined as the capacity for rapid problem solving
      and behavioral adaptation, is known to be modulated by learning and experience.
      Both stressful life events (SLES) and neural correlates of learning
      [specifically, a key mediator of adaptive learning in the brain, namely the
      ventral striatal representation of prediction errors (PE)] have been shown to be
      associated with individual differences in fluid IQ. Here, we examine the
      interaction between adaptive learning signals (using a well-characterized
      probabilistic reversal learning task in combination with fMRI) and SLES on fluid
      IQ measures. We find that the correlation between ventral striatal BOLD PE and
      fluid IQ, which we have previously reported, is quantitatively modulated by the
      amount of reported SLES. Thus, after experiencing adversity, basic neuronal
      learning signatures appear to align more closely with a general measure of
      flexible learning (fluid IQ), a finding complementing studies on the effects of
      acute stress on learning. The results suggest that an understanding of the
      neurobiological correlates of trait variables like fluid IQ needs to take
      socioemotional influences such as chronic stress into account. 

PMID- 25142178
TI  - Feasibility of amylin imaging in pancreatic islets with beta-amyloid imaging
      probes.
AB  - Islet amyloid deposition composed of amylin aggregates is regarded as one of the
      hallmarks of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). For the diagnosis of T2DM, several
      nuclear medical imaging probes have been developed. However, there have been no
      reports regarding the development of imaging probes targeting amylin. In this
      report, we investigated the feasibility of amylin imaging using [(125)I]IPBF as
      one of the model compounds of beta-amyloid (Abeta) imaging probes. In in vitro
      experiments, [(125)I]IPBF exhibited high binding affinity for amylin aggregates
      (Kd = 8.31 nM). Moreover, autoradiographic images showed that [(125)I]IPBF
      specifically bound to islet amyloid composed of amylin. These results suggest the
      potential application of Abeta imaging probes to amylin imaging. In addition,
      [(125)I]IPBF is one of the promising lead compounds for amylin imaging, and
      further structural optimization based on [(125)I]IPBF may lead to useful tracers
      for the in vivo imaging of islet amyloids in the pancreas. 

PMID- 25142179
TI  - Modified high-density lipoproteins by artificial sweetener, aspartame, and
      saccharin, showed loss of anti-atherosclerotic activity and toxicity in
      zebrafish.
AB  - Safety concerns have been raised regarding the association of chronic consumption
      of artificial sweeteners (ASs) with metabolic disorders, especially in the heart
      and brain. There has been no information on the in vivo physiological effects of
      AS consumption in lipoprotein metabolism. High-dosage treatment (final 25, 50,
      and 100 mM) with AS (aspartame, acesulfame K, and saccharin) to human high
      density lipoprotein (HDL) induced loss of antioxidant ability along with elevated
      atherogenic effects. Aspartame-treated HDL3 (final 100 mM) almost all disappeared
      due to putative proteolytic degradation. Aspartame- and saccharin-treated HDL3
      showed more enhanced cholesteryl ester transfer activity, while their antioxidant
      ability was disappeared. Microinjection of the modified HDL3 exacerbated the
      inflammatory death in zebrafish embryos in the presence of oxLDL. These results
      show that AS treatment impaired the beneficial functions of HDL, resulting in
      loss of antioxidant and anti-atherogenic activities. These results suggest that
      aspartame and saccharin could be toxic to the human circulation system as well as
      embryonic development via impairment of lipoprotein function. 

PMID- 25142180
TI  - Correction of Discretization Errors Simulated at Supply Wells.
AB  - Many hydrogeology problems require predictions of hydraulic heads in a supply
      well. In most cases, the regional hydraulic response to groundwater withdrawal is
      best approximated using a numerical model; however, simulated hydraulic heads at
      supply wells are subject to errors associated with model discretization and well
      loss. An approach for correcting the simulated head at a pumping node is
      described here. The approach corrects for errors associated with model
      discretization and can incorporate the user's knowledge of well loss. The
      approach is model independent, can be applied to finite difference or finite
      element models, and allows the numerical model to remain somewhat coarsely
      discretized and therefore numerically efficient. Because the correction is
      implemented external to the numerical model, one important benefit of this
      approach is that a response matrix, reduced model approach can be supported even
      when nonlinear well loss is considered. 

PMID- 25142181
TI  - On the origin of the spontaneous formation of nanocavities in hexagonal bronzes
      (W,V)O3.
AB  - Hexagonal (W,V)O3-x oxides of high thermal stability have been synthesized
      hydrothermally through the intermediate products Nax(W,V)O3.zH2O and (NH4)0.33
      x(W,V)O3-y. The obtained crystals show nanostructured surface via the formation
      of a dense population of polyhedral nanocavities self-distributed along
      particular crystallographic directions. Nanocavities present a regular size that
      ranges from 5 to 10 nm in both length and width. The synthesis process involves a
      significant topotactic relationship between the as-synthesized product and the
      desired final product and this relationship is suggested as the origin of the
      observed surface nanostructure. The comparison of our results with observations
      in different solids has allowed us to suggest that the formation of nanocavities
      is an extensive spontaneous process when materials are obtained by the chemical
      reactions of solids leading to products with defined crystallographic orientation
      with respect to the original compound. The characterization provides evidence
      regarding the potential relevance of nanocavities in the functional properties of
      the resulting solids. 

PMID- 25142182
TI  - Distal-proximal skin temperature gradient prior to sleep onset in infants for
      clinical use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to explore the possibility of using
      distal-proximal skin temperature gradient (DPG) to predict sleep-onset latency of
      night-time sleep for infants at home. METHODS: Foot (for distal) and abdominal
      (for proximal) skin temperature during sleep onset in healthy infants, aged 4-9
      months, was continuously recorded using a temperature logger at home. Sleep-onset
      latency during each study night was defined as the interval from lights-off to
      sleep onset, determined on actigraphy. Association of DPG profile after lights
      off with sleep-onset latency on the study nights was evaluated. RESULTS: Data for
      43 nights from 28 infants were available for analysis. With regard to low DPG (<
      2.5 degrees C) at lights-off, >60% of infants fell asleep within 30 min if DPG
      was increased to >=-2.5 degrees C within 15 min after lights-off. If DPG remained
      at <-2.5 degrees C at 15 min after lights-off, however, only 20% of infants fell
      asleep within 30 min. In addition, if infants were still awake at 15 min after
      lights-off and the DPG at that time was <-2.5 degrees C, they were not likely to
      quickly fall asleep (predictive value was 0.875). CONCLUSIONS: Increase in DPG by
      15 min after lights-off is a key determinant for sleep-onset latency.

PMID- 25142183
TI  - Determination of dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban by ultra-performance liquid
      chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and coagulation assays for
      therapy monitoring of novel direct oral anticoagulants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three novel direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have recently been
      registered by the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency
      Commission: dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban. To quantify DOACs in plasma,
      various dedicated coagulation assays have been developed. OBJECTIVE: To develop
      and validate a reference ultra-performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass
      spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method and to evaluate the analytical performance of
      several coagulation assays for quantification of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and
      apixaban. METHODS: The developed UPLC-MS/MS method was validated by determination
      of precision, accuracy, specificity, matrix effects, lower limits of detection,
      carry-over, recovery, stability, and robustness. The following coagulation assays
      were evaluated for accuracy and precision: laboratory-developed (LD) diluted
      thrombin time (dTT), Hemoclot dTT, Pefakit PiCT, ECA, Liquid anti-Xa, Biophen
      Heparin (LRT), and Biophen DiXal anti-Xa. Agreement between the various
      coagulation assays and UPLC-MS/MS was determined with random samples from
      patients using dabigatran or rivaroxaban. RESULTS: The UPLC-MS/MS method was
      shown to be accurate, precise, sensitive, stable, and robust. The dabigatran
      coagulation assay showing the best precision, accuracy and agreement with the
      UPLC-MS/MS method was the LD dTT test. For rivaroxaban, the anti-factor Xa assays
      were superior to the PiCT-Xa assay with regard to precision, accuracy, and
      agreement with the reference method. For apixaban, the Liquid anti-Xa assay was
      superior to the PiCT-Xa assay. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences
      were observed between the various coagulation assays as compared with the UPLC
      MS/MS reference method. It is currently unknown whether these differences are
      clinically relevant. When DOACs are quantified with coagulation assays,
      comparison with a reference method as part of proficiency testing is therefore
      pivotal.

PMID- 25142184
TI  - CXCL16 haplotypes in patients with human carotid atherosclerosis: preliminary
      results.
AB  - AIM: Chemokine CXC ligand 16 (CXCL16) has chemoattractive, adhesive and
      scavenging properties and may play a role in the formation of atherosclerotic
      lesions. However, studies of CXCL16 polymorphisms in patients with
      atherosclerosis are scarce. The missense polymorphisms I123T and A181V are
      potentially important factors in the regulation of presentation and shedding of
      the CXCL16 chemokine domain. The aim of this study was to analyze the association
      between I123T and A181V polymorphism haplotypes and the accumulation of carotid
      plaque as well as the effect of the haplotype on the CXCL16 mRNA expression in
      carotid plaques in patients with advanced atherosclerosis. Additionally, we
      performed a bioinformatic prediction analysis of the impact of CXCL16 protein
      sequence variation on CXCL16-CXCR6 interactions and analyzed the soluble CXCL16
      plasma levels according to the CXCL16 haplotype. METHODS: This study evaluated a
      total of 733 participants, including 283 controls and 450 patients with carotid
      atherosclerosis (CA) undergoing endarterectomy. Analyses of the polymorphisms and
      the gene expression were performed using real-time PCR. The soluble CXCL16 levels
      were measured with ELISA. RESULTS: The missense allele haplotype, T123V181, was
      found to be significantly and independently associated with the occurrence of CA
      plaque (OR=1.27;1.02-1.57, p=0.03). This haplotype was predicted to significantly
      change the CXCL16-CXCR6 interaction, compared to I123A181. Neither the CXCL16
      mRNA expression in the human plaques nor the soluble CXCL16 plasma levels
      differed according to the haplotype. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the
      CXCL16 T123V181 haplotype is a moderate genetic risk factor for the development
      of carotid plaque. Further functional and replication studies are needed to
      clarify the mechanisms by which this combination of alleles promotes advanced CA
      and validate its impact on disease progression.

PMID- 25142185
TI  - Metabolite profiling and peptidoglycan analysis of transient cell wall-deficient
      bacteria in a new Escherichia coli model system.
AB  - Many bacteria are able to assume a transient cell wall-deficient (or L-form)
      state under favourable osmotic conditions. Cell wall stress such as exposure to
      beta-lactam antibiotics can enforce the transition to and maintenance of this
      state. L-forms actively proliferate and can return to the walled state upon
      removal of the inducing agent. We have adopted Escherichia coli as a model system
      for the controlled transition to and reversion from the L-form state, and have
      studied these dynamics with genetics, cell biology and 'omics' technologies. As
      such, a transposon mutagenesis screen underscored the requirement for the Rcs
      phosphorelay and colanic acid synthesis, while proteomics show only little
      differences between rods and L-forms. In contrast, metabolome comparison reveals
      the high abundance of lysophospholipids and phospholipids with unsaturated or
      cyclopropanized fatty acids in E. coli L-forms. This increase of membrane lipids
      associated with increased membrane fluidity may facilitate proliferation through
      bud formation. Visualization of the residual peptidoglycan with a fluorescently
      labelled peptidoglycan binding protein indicates de novo cell wall synthesis and
      a role for septal peptidoglycan synthesis during bud constriction. The DD
      carboxypeptidases PBP5 and PBP6 are threefold and fourfold upregulated in L
      forms, indicating a specific role for regulation of crosslinking during L-form
      proliferation.

PMID- 25142186
TI  - Uncovering the information core in recommender systems.
AB  - With the rapid growth of the Internet and overwhelming amount of information that
      people are confronted with, recommender systems have been developed to
      effectively support users' decision-making process in online systems. So far,
      much attention has been paid to designing new recommendation algorithms and
      improving existent ones. However, few works considered the different
      contributions from different users to the performance of a recommender system.
      Such studies can help us improve the recommendation efficiency by excluding
      irrelevant users. In this paper, we argue that in each online system there exists
      a group of core users who carry most of the information for recommendation. With
      them, the recommender systems can already generate satisfactory recommendation.
      Our core user extraction method enables the recommender systems to achieve 90% of
      the accuracy of the top-L recommendation by taking only 20% of the users into
      account. A detailed investigation reveals that these core users are not
      necessarily the large-degree users. Moreover, they tend to select high quality
      objects and their selections are well diversified. 

PMID- 25142187
TI  - Purification, molecular cloning and functional characterization of flavonoid C
      glucosyltransferases from Fagopyrum esculentum M. (buckwheat) cotyledon.
AB  - C-Glycosides are characterized by their C-C bonds in which the anomeric carbon of
      the sugar moieties is directly bound to the carbon atom of aglycon. C-Glycosides
      are remarkably stable, as their C-C bonds are resistant to glycosidase or acid
      hydrolysis. A variety of plant species are known to accumulate C
      glycosylflavonoids; however, the genes encoding for enzymes that catalyze C
      glycosylation of flavonoids have been identified only from Oryza sativa (rice)
      and Zea mays (maize), and have not been identified from dicot plants. In this
      study, we identified the C-glucosyltransferase gene from the dicot plant
      Fagopyrum esculentum M. (buckwheat). We purified two isozymes from buckwheat
      seedlings that catalyze C-glucosylation of 2-hydroxyflavanones, which are
      expressed specifically in the cotyledon during seed germination. Following
      purification we isolated the cDNA corresponding to each isozyme [FeCGTa
      (UGT708C1) and FeCGTb (UGT708C2)]. When expressed in Escherichia coli, both
      proteins demonstrated C-glucosylation activity towards 2-hydroxyflavanones,
      dihydrochalcone, trihydroxyacetophenones and other related compounds with
      chemical structures similar to 2',4',6'-trihydroxyacetophenone. Molecular
      phylogenetic analysis of plant glycosyltransferases shows that flavonoid C
      glycosyltransferases form a different clade with other functionally analyzed
      plant glycosyltransferases. 

PMID- 25142188
TI  - Regional media coverage influences the public's negative attitudes to policy
      implementation success in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One central aspect of health literacy is knowledge of patients'
      rights. Being an important source of information about health and health care,
      the media may influence health literacy and act as a policy implementer.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether regional news media coverage in Sweden is
      linked to (i) the public's awareness and knowledge of a patient's rights policy,
      the waiting-time guarantee and (ii) the public's attitudes to how the guarantee's
      time limits are met, that is, implementation success. DESIGN AND DATA: Three
      types of data are used. First, a national telephone survey of the public's
      awareness, knowledge and attitudes; second, media coverage information from
      digital media monitoring; and third, official waiting-time statistics. Bivariate
      and multivariate regression analyses are performed with the 21 Swedish county
      councils/regions as a base. RESULTS: In the county councils/regions, non
      awareness ranged from 1 to 15% and knowledge from 47 to 67%. There are relatively
      large differences between population groups. The amount of regional media
      coverage shows no significant correlation to the level of awareness and
      knowledge. There is, however, a significant correlation to both positive and
      negative attitudes; the latter remains after controlling for actual waiting
      times. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: At the national level, the media function as a
      policy implementer, being the primary source of information. At the regional
      level, the media are part of the political communication, reporting more
      extensively in county councils/regions where the population holds negative views
      towards the achievement in implementing the guarantee. We conclude that Swedish
      authorities should develop its communication strategies to bridge health literacy
      inequalities.

PMID- 25142189
TI  - A randomized trial of prophylactic palifermin on gastrointestinal toxicity after
      intensive induction therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia.
AB  - Gastrointestinal toxicity, including oral mucositis, is a frequent complication
      of intensive combination chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and
      contributes substantially to treatment-related mortality. We conducted a placebo
      controlled randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of palifermin (keratinocyte
      growth factor), given at 60 MUg/kg per daily IV for 3 d before and after
      chemotherapy, for mucosal protection in adult patients with previously untreated
      AML receiving induction therapy with idarubicin, high-dose cytarabine and
      etoposide. Among 155 randomized patients, there was no statistically significant
      difference in the rate of grade 3 and 4 oral mucositis (primary study endpoint)
      between the two treatment arms (three in palifermin arm (4%), 8 in placebo arm
      (10%; P = 0.21); however, when considering the severity of oral mucositis (World
      Health Organization grade 0-4), there was evidence of reduced rates of higher
      grades of oral mucositis in the palifermin arm (P = 0.0007, test for trend).
      There was a statistically significantly lower rate of grades 3 and 4
      gastrointestinal adverse events in the palifermin arm (21% vs. 44% in placebo
      arm; P = 0.003), mainly due to a reduction in severe diarrhoea (8% palifermin,
      26% placebo; P = 0.01). Palifermin has activity as a mucosal protectant in AML
      patients receiving intensive chemotherapy. This trial is registered at
      ACTRN012605000095662. 

PMID- 25142190
TI  - Effects of acute administration of mazindol on brain energy metabolism in adult
      mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Mazindol is a sympathomimetic amine, widely used as an anorectic
      agent in the treatment of obesity. This drug causes psychostimulant effects
      because of its pharmacological profile similar to amphetamine, acting like a
      monoamine reuptake inhibitor. However, the mechanisms underlying the action of
      mazindol are still not clearly understood. METHODS: Swiss mice received a single
      acute administration of mazindol (0.25, 1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg, ip) or saline. After
      2 h, the animals were killed by decapitation; the brain was removed and used for
      the evaluation of activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, Krebs
      cycle enzymes and creatine kinase. RESULTS: Acute administration of mazindol
      decreased complex I activity only in the hippocampus. Complex IV activity was
      increased in the cerebellum (2.5 mg/kg) and cerebral cortex (0.25 mg/kg). Citrate
      synthase activity was increased in the cerebellum (1.25 mg/kg) and cerebral
      cortex (1.25 mg/kg), and creatine kinase activity was increased in the cerebellum
      (1.25 mg/kg). CONCLUSION: We suggest that the inhibition of complex I in the
      hippocampus only and activation of complex IV, citrate synthase and creatine
      kinase occurs because of a stimulus effect of mazindol in the central nervous
      system, which causes a direct impairment on energy metabolism.

PMID- 25142191
TI  - Psychometric analysis of the Melancholia Scale in trials with non-pharmacological
      augmentation of patients with therapy-resistant depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Melancholia Scale (MES) consists of the psychic core items of the
      Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D6) (depressed mood, interests, psychic anxiety,
      general somatic, guilt feelings, and psychomotor retardation) and the
      neuropsychiatric items of the Cronholm-Ottossen Depression Scale. Patients
      resistant to anti-depressant medication (therapy-resistant depression) have
      participated in our trials with non-pharmacological augmentation. On the basis of
      these trials, we have evaluated to what extent the neuropsychiatric subscale of
      the MES (concentration difficulties, fatigability, emotional introversion, sleep
      problems, and decreased verbal communication) is a measure of severity of apathia
      when compared with the HAM-D6 subscale of the MES. METHODS: We have focused on
      rating sessions at baseline (week 0) and after 2 and 4 weeks of therapy in four
      clinical trials on therapy-resistant depression with the following augmentations:
      electroconvulsive therapy, bright light therapy, transcranial magnetic
      stimulation or pulsed electromagnetic fields, and wake therapy. The item response
      theory model constructed by Mokken has been used as the psychometric validation
      of unidimensionality. For the numerical evaluation of transferability, we have
      tested item ranks across the rating weeks. RESULTS: In the Mokken analysis, the
      coefficient of homogeneity was above 0.40 for both the HAM-D subscale and the
      apathia subscale at week 4. The numerical transferability across the weeks was
      statistically significant (p < 0.05) for both subscales. CONCLUSION: The apathia
      subscale is a unidimensional scale with acceptable transferability for the
      measurement of treatment-resistant symptoms, analogue to the psychic core
      subscale (HAM-D6).

PMID- 25142192
TI  - Long-term effects of ageing and ovariectomy on aversive and recognition memory
      and DNA damage in the hippocampus of female rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the influence of ageing - in particular the
      decrease of gonadal hormone levels during the ageing process - on the memory and
      the levels of DNA damage in the hippocampus of female rats. METHODS: Three groups
      of female Wistar rats were investigated: Group I consisted of non-ovariectomised,
      adult animals (6 months old); Group II consisted of non-ovariectomised, aged
      animals (18 months old); and Group III consisted of ovariectomised, aged animals
      (18 months old). The memory of the animals in these groups was examined via novel
      object recognition and inhibitory avoidance tests. The hippocampus tissue samples
      of all animals were obtained via biopsy and used to quantify the DNA damage using
      a Comet Assay. RESULTS: According to our findings, the process of ageing results
      in a change during the behavioural tests. To prevent genotoxic damage to the
      hippocampus caused by the ageing process, lowered hormone levels seem to be part
      of a protective biochemical mechanism in the body of rats. Animals that were
      previously submitted to an ovariectomy adapted better to these lower levels of
      hormones. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that ovariectomy can provide
      beneficial long-term effects on the memory. However, this could be specific to
      the kind of memory examined, as the aversive memory deficits caused by ageing
      were not affected by ovariectomy.

PMID- 25142193
TI  - Interleukin-6 inhibits voltage-gated sodium channel activity of cultured rat
      spinal cord neurons.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine that
      plays a key role in the injuries and diseases of the central nervous system
      (CNS). A voltage-gated Na+ channel (VGSC) is essential for the excitability and
      electrical properties of the neurons. However, there is still limited information
      on the role of IL-6 in voltage-gated sodium channels. Our study aimed to
      investigate the effects of IL-6 on Na+ currents in cultured spinal-cord neurons.
      METHODS: VGSC currents were activated and recorded using whole-cell patch-clamp
      technique in the cultured rat spinal cord neurons. The effects of IL-6
      concentration and exposure duration were examined. To determine whether any
      change in the number of channels in the plasma membrane can inhibit IL-6 on VGSC
      currents, we examined the expression of alpha1A (SCN1alpha) subunit mRNA level
      and protein level in the neurons before and after IL-6 induction using real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: We verified that IL-6, through a receptor
      mediated mechanism, suppressed Na+ currents in a time- and dose-dependent manner,
      but did not alter the voltage-dependent activation and inactivation. Gp130 was
      involved in this inhibition. Furthermore, the spike amplitude was also inhibited
      by IL-6 in the doses that decreased the Na+ currents. CONCLUSION: VGSC currents
      are significantly inhibited by IL-6. Our findings reveal that the potential
      neuroprotection of IL-6 may result from the inhibitory effects on VGSC currents.

PMID- 25142194
TI  - omega-3 and major depression: a review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization estimates that major depression affects
      about 350 million people all over the world and reports this disorder as the
      major contributor to the global burden of diseases. Despite the well-defined
      symptomatology, major depression is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder whose
      pathophysiology is not clearly established. Although several treatments are
      available, most depressed patients do not achieve the complete remission of
      symptoms. Factors linked to the persistence of the disorder have been
      investigated, particularly those related to the way of life. Moreover, it has
      been suggested that nutritional aspects may influence its development. Among
      them, a diet rich in omega-3 has been associated with a reduced risk of major
      depression, although its deficiency is associated with depressive disorders.
      METHODS: This review provides a general view about evidences of the use of omega
      3 in major depression cases. RESULTS: Several studies have demonstrated
      beneficial effects of omega-3 in the prevention and treatment of major
      depression. However, not all the results have shown significant statistical
      benefits. CONCLUSIONS: More studies are necessary to clarify detailed mechanisms
      of the antidepressant effects of omega-3 and may explain the source of
      contradictions in results published until the moment.

PMID- 25142195
TI  - Neurosyphilis in the mixed urban-rural community of the Netherlands.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neurosyphilis is caused by dissemination into the central nervous
      system of Treponema pallidum. Although the incidence of syphilis in the
      Netherlands has declined since the mid-1980s, syphilis has re-emerged, mainly in
      the urban centres. It is not known whether this also holds true for
      neurosyphilis. METHODS: The epidemiology of neurosyphilis in Dutch general
      hospitals in the period 1999-2010 was studied in a retrospective cohort study.
      Data from the Dutch sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics were used to
      analyse the number of patients diagnosed with syphilis in this period. RESULTS:
      An incidence of neurosyphilis of 0.47 per 100 000 adults was calculated,
      corresponding with about 60 new cases per year. This incidence was higher in the
      western (urbanised) part of the Netherlands, as compared with the more rural
      areas (0.6 and 0.4, respectively). The number of patients diagnosed with syphilis
      in STI clinics increased from 150 to 700 cases in 2004 and decreased to 500 new
      cases in 2010. The sex ratio was in favour of men, yielding a percentage of 90%
      of the syphilis cases and of 75% of the neurosyphilitic cases. The incidence of
      neurosyphilis was highest in men aged 35-65 years, and in women aged 75 years and
      above. The most frequently reported clinical manifestation of neurosyphilis was
      tabes dorsalis. In this study, 15% of the patients were HIV seropositive.
      CONCLUSION: The incidence of neurosyphilis in a mixed urban-rural community such
      as the Netherlands is comparable to that in other European countries. Most
      patients are young, urban and men, and given the frequent atypical manifestations
      of the disease reintroduction of screening for neurosyphilis has to be
      considered.

PMID- 25142198
TI  - Intrateam coverage is common, intrateam handoffs are not.

PMID- 25142197
TI  - Evaluating effective dose of dexmedetomidine: onset time of drug is critical.

PMID- 25142199
TI  - Ergonomic comparison of laparoscopic hand instruments in a single site surgery
      simulator with novices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single-site surgery improves cosmesis but increases procedural
      difficulty. Enhanced instruments could improve procedural efficiency leading to
      better patient outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One pair of non-articulating
      (straight) and two different pairs of articulating laparoscopic instruments were
      evaluated using a peg-transfer surgical task simulator by premedical college
      students. The instruments were comparatively tested using task performance
      measures, ergonomic measures, and participant questionnaires. RESULTS: The
      straight instrument produced significantly higher task performance scores and
      lower task times compared to both articulating instruments (p < 0.05). The
      straight instrument required less muscle activation and less wrist deviation than
      the articulating instruments to perform the same task. Participants rated the
      straight instrument significantly easier to use and less difficult to complete
      the task than with either articulating instrument (p < 0.05 for both).
      CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study suggests that novices have difficulty using
      articulating instruments and perform better using straight laparoscopic
      instruments when first attempting LESS surgical tasks. Although a study with post
      graduate medical trainees is needed to confirm these results, trainees should
      initially practice LESS with non-articulating instruments to gain proficiency at
      basic laparoscopic tasks. Additionally, redesigning articulating instruments to
      specifically address the spatial constraints and learning curve of LESS may also
      improve trainee performance and instrument usability.

PMID- 25142196
TI  - Effect of cognitive therapy with antidepressant medications vs antidepressants
      alone on the rate of recovery in major depressive disorder: a randomized clinical
      trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Antidepressant medication (ADM) is efficacious in the treatment of
      depression, but not all patients achieve remission and fewer still achieve
      recovery with ADM alone. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of combining
      cognitive therapy (CT) with ADM vs ADM alone on remission and recovery in major
      depressive disorder (MDD). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 452
      adult outpatients with chronic or recurrent MDD participated in a trial conducted
      in research clinics at 3 university medical centers in the United States. The
      patients were randomly assigned to ADM treatment alone or CT combined with ADM
      treatment. Treatment was continued for up to 42 months until recovery was
      achieved. INTERVENTIONS: Antidepressant medication with or without CT. MAIN
      OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Blind evaluations of recovery with a modified version of
      the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Longitudinal Interval
      Follow-up Evaluation. RESULTS: Combined treatment enhanced the rate of recovery
      vs treatment with ADM alone (72.6% vs 62.5%; t451 = 2.45; P = .01; hazard ratio
      [HR], 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06-1.68; number needed to treat [NNT], 10; 95% CI, 5-72).
      This effect was conditioned on interactions with severity (t451 = 1.97; P = .05;
      NNT, 5) and chronicity (chi2 = 7.46; P = .02; NNT, 6) such that the advantage for
      combined treatment was limited to patients with severe, nonchronic MDD (81.3% vs
      51.7%; n = 146; t145 = 3.96; P = .001; HR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.54-3.57; NNT, 3; 95%
      CI, 2-5). Fewer patients dropped out of combined treatment vs ADM treatment alone
      (18.9% vs 26.8%; t451 = -2.04; P = .04; HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.45-0.98). Remission
      rates did not differ significantly either as a main effect of treatment or as an
      interaction with severity or chronicity. Patients with comorbid Axis II disorders
      took longer to recover than did patients without comorbid Axis II disorders
      regardless of the condition (P = .01). Patients who received combined treatment
      reported fewer serious adverse events than did patients who received ADMs alone
      (49 vs 71; P = .02), largely because they experienced less time in an MDD
      episode. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cognitive therapy combined with ADM treatment
      enhances the rates of recovery from MDD relative to ADMs alone, with the effect
      limited to patients with severe, nonchronic depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00057577.

PMID- 25142200
TI  - Gripping during climbing of arboreal snakes may be safe but not economical.
AB  - On the steep surfaces that are common in arboreal environments, many types of
      animals without claws or adhesive structures must use muscular force to generate
      sufficient normal force to prevent slipping and climb successfully. Unlike many
      limbed arboreal animals that have discrete gripping regions on the feet, the
      elongate bodies of snakes allow for considerable modulation of both the size and
      orientation of the gripping region. We quantified the gripping forces of snakes
      climbing a vertical cylinder to determine the extent to which their force
      production favoured economy or safety. Our sample included four boid species and
      one colubrid. Nearly all of the gripping forces that we observed for each snake
      exceeded our estimate of the minimum required, and snakes commonly produced more
      than three times the normal force required to support their body weight. This
      suggests that a large safety factor to avoid slipping and falling is more
      important than locomotor economy. 

PMID- 25142201
TI  - How many and which ant species are being accidentally moved around the world?
AB  - Human transportation facilitates the dispersal of exotic ants, but few studies
      have quantified the magnitude and geography of these movements. We used several
      non-parametric indices to estimate the number of species successfully introduced
      to or established in new regions. We also compared their source biogeographic
      realms to assess the importance of geographical origin in determining the
      likelihood of establishment after introduction. Occurrence data on exotic ants
      derive from studies of three temperate regions. Our results suggest that the
      numbers of introduced or established ants may be much larger than the numbers so
      far documented. Ants introduced or established in new regions tend to arrive from
      the same or neighbouring realms, as would be expected if exotic species tend to
      match climates and if arrival/establishment is dependent upon higher trade rates
      from neighbouring countries. 

PMID- 25142203
TI  - 3.88% efficient tin sulfide solar cells using congruent thermal evaporation.
AB  - Tin sulfide (SnS), as a promising absorber material in thin-film photovoltaic
      devices, is described. Here, it is confirmed that SnS evaporates congruently,
      which provides facile composition control akin to cadmium telluride. A SnS
      heterojunction solar cell is demons trated, which has a power conversion
      efficiency of 3.88% (certified), and an empirical loss analysis is presented to
      guide further performance improvements. 

PMID- 25142202
TI  - Bone morphogenetic protein 4 inhibits liposaccharide-induced inflammation in the
      airway.
AB  - Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is a multifunctional growth factor that
      belongs to the TGF-beta superfamily. The role of BMP4 in lung diseases is not
      fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that BMP4 was upregulated in lungs
      undergoing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation, and in airway
      epithelial cells treated with LPS or TNF-alpha. BMP4 mutant (BMP4(+/-) ) mice
      presented with more severe lung inflammation in response to LPS or Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa, and lower bacterial load compared with that in BMP4(+/+) mice.
      Knockdown of BMP4 by siRNA increased LPS and TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 expression in
      16HBE human airway epithelial cells and in primary human bronchial epithelial
      cells. Similarly, peritoneal macrophages from BMP4(+/-) mice produced greater
      levels of TNF-alpha and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) upon LPS treatment
      compared with cells from BMP4(+/+) mice. Administration of exogenous BMP4
      attenuated the upregulation of TNF-alpha, IL-8, or KC induced by LPS and/or TNF
      alpha in airway epithelial cells, and peritoneal macrophages. Finally, partial
      deficiency of BMP4 in BMP4(+/-) mice protected the animals from restrictive lung
      function reduction upon chronic LPS exposure. These results indicate that BMP4
      plays an important anti-inflammatory role, controlling the strength and
      facilitating the resolution of acute lung inflammation; yet, BMP4 also
      contributes to lung function impairment during chronic lung inflammation. 

PMID- 25142204
TI  - Vestibular responses to direct stimulation of the human insular cortex.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study provides a functional mapping of vestibular
      responses in the human insular cortex. METHODS: A total of 642 electrical
      stimulations of the insula were performed in 219 patients, using stereotactically
      implanted depth electrodes, during the presurgical evaluation of drug-refractory
      partial epilepsy. We retrospectively identified 41 contacts where stimulation
      elicited vestibular sensations (VSs) and analyzed their location with respect to
      (1) their stereotactic coordinates (for all contacts), (2) the anatomy of insula
      gyri (for 20 vestibular sites), and (3) the probabilistic cytoarchitectonic maps
      of the insula (for 9 vestibular sites). RESULTS: VSs occurred in 7.6% of the 541
      evoked sensations after electrical stimulations of the insula. VSs were mostly
      obtained after stimulation of the posterior insula, that is, in the granular
      insular cortex and the postcentral insular gyrus. The data also suggest a spatial
      segregation of the responses in the insula, with the rotatory and translational
      VSs being evoked at more posterior stimulation sites than other less definable
      VSs. No left-right differences were observed. INTERPRETATION: These results
      demonstrate vestibular sensory processing in the insula that is centered on its
      posterior part. The present data add to the understanding of the multiple sensory
      functions of the insular cortex and of the cortical processing of vestibular
      signals. The data also indicate that lesion or dysfunction in the posterior
      insula should be considered during the evaluation of vestibular epileptic
      seizures.

PMID- 25142205
TI  - Assessment of high resolution melting analysis as a potential SNP genotyping
      technique in forensic casework.
AB  - High resolution melting (HRM) analysis is a simple, cost effective, closed tube
      SNP genotyping technique with high throughput potential. The effectiveness of HRM
      for forensic SNP genotyping was assessed with five commercially available HRM
      kits evaluated on the ViiATM 7 Real Time PCR instrument. Four kits performed
      satisfactorily against forensically relevant criteria. One was further assessed
      to determine the sensitivity, reproducibility, and accuracy of HRM SNP
      genotyping. The manufacturer's protocol using 0.5 ng input DNA and 45 PCR cycles
      produced accurate and reproducible results for 17 of the 19 SNPs examined.
      Problematic SNPs had GC rich flanking regions which introduced additional melting
      domains into the melting curve (rs1800407) or included homozygotes that were
      difficult to distinguish reliably (rs16891982; a G to C SNP). A proof of concept
      multiplexing experiment revealed that multiplexing a small number of SNPs may be
      possible after further investigation. HRM enables genotyping of a number of SNPs
      in a large number of samples without extensive optimization. However, it requires
      more genomic DNA as template in comparison to SNaPshot(r). Furthermore, suitably
      modifying pre-existing forensic intelligence SNP panels for HRM analysis may pose
      difficulties due to the properties of some SNPs. 

PMID- 25142206
TI  - Editorial: the ten most highly cited articles.

PMID- 25142208
TI  - Benazepril affects integrin-linked kinase and smooth muscle alpha-actin
      expression in diabetic rat glomerulus and cultured mesangial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of chronic kidney
      disease and is associated with excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
      The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) benazepril has been shown to
      slow the progression of chronic renal disease and have beneficial effects in
      patients with a combination of chronic renal disease and cardiovascular disease.
      Transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) plays a central role in the
      pathogenesis and progression of DN. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) can modulate TGF
      beta(1)-induced glomerular mesangial cell (GMC) injury, which is a prominent
      characteristic of renal pathology in kidney diseases. As an integrin cytoplasmic
      binding protein, ILK regulates fibronectin (FN) matrix deposition and the actin
      cytoskeleton. Smooth muscle alpha-actin (alpha-SMA) is involved in progressive
      renal dysfunction in both human and experimental renal disease. METHODS: To
      explore the mechanisms of benazepril's reno-protective effects, we examined the
      expression of TGF-beta(1), ILK, and alpha-SMA in GMC exposed to high glucose (HG)
      and in the kidneys of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats using real-time
      quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analysis. To elucidate the mechanism(s) of
      the effect of benazepril on GMC cellular processes, we assessed the effect of
      benazepril on Angiotensin II (Ang II) signalling pathways using western blot
      analysis. RESULTS: The expression of TGF-beta(1), ILK, and alpha-SMA increased
      significantly in the diabetic group compared with the control group. Benazepril
      treatment inhibited the expression of these genes in DN but failed to rescue the
      same levels in the control group. Similar results were found in GMC treated with
      HG or benazepril. Ang II increased ERK and Akt phosphorylation in the HG group,
      and benazepril could not completely block these responses, suggesting that other
      molecules might be involved in the progression of DN. Our findings suggest that
      benazepril decreases ILK and alpha-SMA expression, at least in part, by affecting
      the interactions between Ang II and TGF-beta(1). CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      described here support the hypothesis that the HG milieu of diabetes increases
      TGF-beta(1) secretion, which increases the synthesis of ILK and alpha-SMA that
      are involved in the progression of DN. This might be an important mechanism of
      the benazepril renal-protective function in the pathogenesis of DN.

PMID- 25142210
TI  - Aneurinibacillus soli sp. nov., isolated from mountain soil.
AB  - A novel bacterial strain designated CB4(T) was isolated from soil from the
      Hallasan, Jeju, Korea. Strain CB4(T) was found to be strictly aerobic, Gram-stain
      positive, rod-shaped, motile and formed creamy greyish colonies on nutrient agar.
      The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C(15:0) and iso-C(16:0), and the
      predominant isoprenoid quinone as MK-7. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained
      glycine and alanine as the diagnostic amino acids and phosphatidyl-N
      methylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and an
      unidentified aminophospholipid as the polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content
      of strain CB4(T) was 46.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene
      sequence similarities, showed that strain CB4(T) forms a deep branch within the
      genus Aneurinibacillus, sharing the highest level of sequence homology with
      Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus DSM 5562(T) (96.5%). On the basis of the
      phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain CB4(T) is
      considered to represent a novel species within the genus Aneurinibacillus, for
      which the name Aneurinibacillus soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is
      CB4(T) ( =KCTC 33505(T) =CECT 8566(T)). An emended description of the genus
      Aneurinibacillus is also proposed.

PMID- 25142207
TI  - Overlapping patterns of brain activation to food and cocaine cues in cocaine
      abusers: association to striatal D2/D3 receptors.
AB  - Cocaine, through its activation of dopamine (DA) signaling, usurps pathways that
      process natural rewards. However, the extent to which there is overlap between
      the networks that process natural and drug rewards and whether DA signaling
      associated with cocaine abuse influences these networks have not been
      investigated in humans. We measured brain activation responses to food and
      cocaine cues with fMRI, and D2/D3 receptors in the striatum with [11C]raclopride
      and Positron emission tomography in 20 active cocaine abusers. Compared to
      neutral cues, food and cocaine cues increasingly engaged cerebellum,
      orbitofrontal, inferior frontal, and premotor cortices and insula and disengaged
      cuneus and default mode network (DMN). These fMRI signals were proportional to
      striatal D2/D3 receptors. Surprisingly cocaine and food cues also deactivated
      ventral striatum and hypothalamus. Compared to food cues, cocaine cues produced
      lower activation in insula and postcentral gyrus, and less deactivation in
      hypothalamus and DMN regions. Activation in cortical regions and cerebellum
      increased in proportion to the valence of the cues, and activation to food cues
      in somatosensory and orbitofrontal cortices also increased in proportion to body
      mass. Longer exposure to cocaine was associated with lower activation to both
      cues in occipital cortex and cerebellum, which could reflect the decreases in
      D2/D3 receptors associated with chronicity. These findings show that cocaine cues
      activate similar, though not identical, pathways to those activated by food cues
      and that striatal D2/D3 receptors modulate these responses, suggesting that
      chronic cocaine exposure might influence brain sensitivity not just to drugs but
      also to food cues.

PMID- 25142211
TI  - Genome-based reclassification of Bacillus cibi as a later heterotypic synonym of
      Bacillus indicus and emended description of Bacillus indicus.
AB  - While characterizing a related strain, it was noted that there was little
      difference between the 16S rRNA gene sequences of Bacillus indicus LMG 22858(T)
      and Bacillus cibi DSM 16189(T). Phenotypic characterization revealed differences
      only in the utilization of mannose and galactose and slight variation in
      pigmentation. Whole genome shotgun sequencing and comparative genomics were used
      to calculate established phylogenomic metrics and explain phenotypic differences.
      The full, genome-derived 16S rRNA gene sequences were 99.74% similar. The average
      nucleotide identity (ANI) of the two strains was 98.0%, the average amino acid
      identity (AAI) was 98.3%, and the estimated DNA-DNA hybridization determined by
      the genome-genome distance calculator was 80.3%. These values are higher than the
      species thresholds for these metrics, which are 95%, 95% and 70%, respectively,
      suggesting that these two strains should be classified as members of the same
      species. We propose reclassification of Bacillus cibi as a later heterotypic
      synonym of Bacillus indicus and an emended description of Bacillus indicus.

PMID- 25142212
TI  - Terrimonas arctica sp. nov., isolated from Arctic tundra soil.
AB  - A novel, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium,
      designated R9-86(T), was isolated from tundra soil collected near Ny-Alesund,
      Svalbard Archipelago, Norway (78 degrees  N). Growth occurred at 4-28  degrees C
      (optimum, 22-25  degrees C) and at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0). Flexirubin-type
      pigments were absent. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences
      indicated that strain R9-86(T) belonged to the genus Terrimonas in the family
      Chitinophagaceae. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain R9-86(T) and
      the type strains of species of the genus Terrimonas with validly published names
      ranged from 93.7 to 95.0%. Strain R9-86(T) contained iso-C(15:1)-G (25.7%), iso
      C(15:0) (24.5%), iso-C(17:0)-3OH (18.3%) and summed feature 3 (C(16:1)omega7c
      and/or C(16:1)omega6c, 8.7%) as its major cellular fatty acids;
      phosphatidylethanolamine and an unknown polar lipid as its main polar lipids, and
      MK-7 as its predominant respiratory quinone. The DNA G+C content was 48.4 mol%.
      On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain R9-86(T)
      is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Terrimonas, for which the
      name Terrimonas arctica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R9-86(T) (
      =CCTCC AB 2011004(T) =NRRL B-59114(T)).

PMID- 25142213
TI  - In-line microfluidic integration of photonic crystal fibres as a highly sensitive
      refractometer.
AB  - Photonic crystal fibres appear to be an ideal platform for the realisation of
      novel optofluidic devices and sensors due to their waveguide nature and
      microstructured architecture. In this paper, we present the fabrication and
      characterisation of an in-line photonic crystal fibre microfluidic refractometer
      enabled by a C-shaped fibre. The C-shaped fibre spliced in-between the photonic
      crystal fibre and the single-mode fibre allows simultaneous in-line optical
      signal delivery and analyte fluid feeding. Through an arc discharge pre-treatment
      technique, we successfully achieve selective exploitation of only the central two
      channels of the photonic crystal fibre for microfluidic sensing. After
      constructing a Sagnac interferometer, a highly sensitive refractometer with a
      sensitivity of 8699 nm per RIU was achieved experimentally; this agrees very well
      with the theoretical value of 8675 nm per RIU. As a demonstration for label-free
      optical sensing application, the refractometer was used to measure the
      concentration of NaCl solution with a sensitivity of 15.08 nm/(1 wt%) and a
      detection limit of 2.3 * 10(-3) wt% (23 ppm). 

PMID- 25142215
TI  - Error-based training and emergent awareness in anosognosia for hemiplegia.
AB  - Residual forms of awareness have recently been demonstrated in subjects affected
      by anosognosia for hemiplegia, but their potential effects in recovery of
      awareness remain to date unexplored. Emergent awareness refers to a specific
      facet of motor unawareness in which anosognosic subjects recognise their motor
      deficits only when they have been requested to perform an action and they realise
      their errors. Four participants in the chronic phase after a stroke with
      anosognosia for hemiplegia were recruited. They took part in an "error-full" or
      "analysis of error-based" rehabilitative training programme. They were asked to
      attempt to execute specific actions, analyse their own strategies and errors and
      discuss the reasons for their failures. Pre- and post-training and follow-up
      assessments showed that motor unawareness improved in all four patients. These
      results indicate that unsuccessful action attempts with concomitant error
      analysis may facilitate the recovery of emergent awareness and, sometimes, of
      more general aspects of awareness. 

PMID- 25142214
TI  - Chronic passive venous congestion drives hepatic fibrogenesis via sinusoidal
      thrombosis and mechanical forces.
AB  - Chronic passive hepatic congestion (congestive hepatopathy) leads to hepatic
      fibrosis; however, the mechanisms involved in this process are not well
      understood. We developed a murine experimental model of congestive hepatopathy
      through partial ligation of the inferior vena cava (pIVCL). C57BL/6 and
      transgenic mice overexpressing tissue factor pathway inhibitor (SM22alpha-TFPI)
      were subjected to pIVCL or sham. Liver and blood samples were collected and
      analyzed in immunohistochemical, morphometric, real-time polymerase chain
      reaction, and western blot assays. Hepatic fibrosis and portal pressure were
      significantly increased after pIVCL concurrent with hepatic stellate cell (HSC)
      activation. Liver stiffness, as assessed by magnetic resonance elastography,
      correlated with portal pressure and preceded fibrosis in our model. Hepatic
      sinusoidal thrombosis as evidenced by fibrin deposition was demonstrated both in
      mice after pIVCL as well as in humans with congestive hepatopathy. Warfarin
      treatment and TFPI overexpression both had a protective effect on fibrosis
      development and HSC activation after pIVCL. In vitro studies show that congestion
      stimulates HSC fibronectin (FN) fibril assembly through direct effects of thrombi
      as well as by virtue of mechanical strain. Pretreatment with either Mab13 or
      Cytochalasin-D, to inhibit beta-integrin or actin polymerization, respectively,
      significantly reduced fibrin and stretch-induced FN fibril assembly. CONCLUSION:
      Chronic hepatic congestion leads to sinusoidal thrombosis and strain, which in
      turn promote hepatic fibrosis. These studies mechanistically link congestive
      hepatopathy to hepatic fibrosis.

PMID- 25142216
TI  - Immunolocalization of scaffoldin, a trichohyalin-like protein, in the epidermis
      of the chicken embryo.
AB  - Recent comparative genomic studies have identified a chicken gene that codes for
      a trichohyalin-like protein rich in arginine and glutamic acid termed scaffoldin.
      Immunocytochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy show that this protein is
      predominantly localized in periderm granules, subcellular structures present in
      the periderm of the embryonic epidermis of chick scales, beak, claw, and in the
      sheath of developing and regenerating feathers. This suggests that scaffoldin
      contributes to the formation of periderm granules and to the soft cornification
      of the embryonic epidermis before the definitive epidermis is formed. Scaffoldin
      is absent from the definitive and adult epidermis generated underneath the
      periderm in scales and in inter-follicular regions. Scaffoldin mixes with
      corneous beta-proteins (beta-keratins) synthesized in keratinocytes of the
      transitional layers formed beneath the periderm in the subunguis of the
      developing claws. Immunoreactivity for scaffoldin is absent in keratinocytes that
      accumulate corneous beta-proteins such as those of scales, claws, and barbule
      barb cells of feathers. Corneous beta-proteins represent the prevalent type of
      proteins present in adult epidermis of claws, scales, and feathers. These
      observations indicate that scaffoldin is a protein of transitional epidermal
      cells of the avian integument and might represent an important component of
      periderm granules.

PMID- 25142217
TI  - A new chromone from Hymenocallis littoralis Salisb. (Amaryllidaceae).
AB  - A new chromone, 5,7-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethoxy-2-methyl-4H-chromen-4-one (1),
      together with seven known compounds, 5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-2-methyl-4H-chromen
      4-one (pisonin B) (2), 5,7-dihydroxy-2-methyl-4H-chromen-4-one (noreugenin) (3),
      5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-methyl-4H-chromen-4-one (eugenin) (4), (2S)-7,4'
      dihydroxyflavan (5), 3',7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-8-methylflavan (6), 3',7-dihydroxy
      4'-methoxyflavan (7) and 6,8-dimethyl-5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavanone (( - )-farrerol)
      (8), were isolated from Hymenocallis littoralis Salisb. (Amaryllidaceae) growing
      in Vietnam. Their structures were determined based on spectroscopic and
      physicochemical analyses. 

PMID- 25142218
TI  - In vitro and in vivo metabolism of 14C-AZ11, a novel inhibitor of bacterial DNA
      gyrase/type II topoisomerase.
AB  - 1. (2R,4S,4aS)-11-Fluoro-2,4-dimethyl-8-((S)-4-methyl-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)
      2,4,4a,6-tetrahydro-1H,1'H-spiro [isoxazolo[4,5-g][1,4]oxazino[4,3-a]quinoline
      5,5'-pyrimidine]-2',4',6'(3'H)-trione (AZ11) is a novel mode-of-inhibition
      bacterial topoisomerase inhibitor that entered preclinical development for the
      treatment of Gram-positive bacteria infection. 2. The in vitro biotransformation
      studies of AZ11 using mouse, rat, dog and human hepatocytes showed low-intrinsic
      clearance in all species attributed to microsomal metabolism. 3. After a single
      intravenous administration of [14C]AZ11 in bile duct cannulated rats, the mean
      percentage of dose recovered in rat urine, bile and feces was approximately 18,
      36 and 42%, respectively. Unchanged AZ11 recovered in rat urine and bile was less
      than 9% of the dose, indicating that AZ11 underwent extensive metabolism in rats.
      4. The most abundant in vivo metabolite detected in urine and bile was M1 formed
      via ring opening on the piperidine and morpholine rings accounting for 20% of the
      administered dose. The major fecal metabolite was M5, which accounted for
      approximately 32% of administered dose. M5 was not formed when AZ11 incubated
      with rat intestinal microsomes and cytosol but was formed when incubated with
      fresh rat feces, suggesting that unchanged AZ11 was directly excreted into gut
      lumen where M5 formed as an intestinal microflora-mediated product. This process
      could have significant impact on bioavailability or exposure of AZ11 in rat.

PMID- 25142219
TI  - Functional brush-decorated poly(globalide) films by ARGET-ATRP for
      bioconjugation.
AB  - Formation of hydroxyl functionalized poly(macrolactone) films was achieved by a
      combination of enzymatic ring opening polymerization of globalide and thiol-ene
      coupling reactions. Reaction with alpha-bromoisobutyryl bromide yielded ATRP
      initiator functional films. Efficient activator regeneration by electron transfer
      (ARGET) ATRP was employed for the polymerization of tert-butyl acrylate (tBA) and
      NIPAM from the initiator decorated surfaces. Deprotection of the tert-butyl ester
      decorated polymer films yielded carboxylic acid groups for convenient attachment
      of biomolecule. The successful conjugation of green fluorescent protein (eGFP)
      and active enzyme chitobiase (Chb) on densely poly(acrylic acid)-functionalized
      polyester films is demonstrated. 

PMID- 25142221
TI  - The 2014 China meeting of the International Society for Vascular Surgery.
AB  - The 2014 meeting of the International Society for Vascular Surgery (ISVS) was
      held in Guangzhou, China, in conjunction with the fifth annual Wang Zhong-Gao's
      Vascular Forum, the eighth annual China Southern Endovascular Congress, and the
      third annual Straits Vascular Forum. Keynote addresses were given by Professors
      Christos Liapis, Wang Zhong-Gao, and Wang Shen-Ming. President Liapis presented
      the first ISVS Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Wang Zhong-Gao for his
      multi-decade accomplishments establishing Vascular Surgery as a specialty in
      China. Faculty presentations were made in plenary sessions that focused on
      diseases relevant to the patterns of vascular disease prevalent in China. Thirty
      one abstracts were presented by vascular surgeons from around the globe, and the
      top 10 presentations were recognized. Thirteen countries were represented in the
      meeting. The 2014 ISVS meeting was a success. Partnership of this meeting with
      host Chinese Vascular Surgery societies was of mutual benefit, bringing vascular
      surgeons of international reputation to the local area for academic and
      intellectual exchange and formation of collaborations; integration of the
      meetings allows easier logistics to facilitate meeting organization and
      optimization of time for both faculty and attendees. This integrated model may
      serve as an optimal model for future meetings.

PMID- 25142220
TI  - Prevalence and determinants of Leishmania major infection in emerging and old
      foci in Tunisia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) due to Leishmania major (L.
      major) is still a serious public health problem in Tunisia. This study aimed to
      compare the prevalence and risk factors associated with L. major infection in old
      and new foci using leishmanin skin test (LST) in central Tunisia. METHODS: A
      cross sectional household survey was carried out between January and May 2009 on
      a sample of 2686 healthy individuals aged between 5 and 65 years. We determined
      the prevalence of L. major infection using the LST. Risk factors of LST
      positivity were assessed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The overall
      prevalence of LST positivity was 57% (95% CI: 53-59). The prevalence of L. major
      infection was significantly higher in the old focus (99%; 95% CI: 98-100) than in
      the emerging foci (43%; 95% CI: 39-46) (p = <0.001). Multivariate analysis of LST
      positivity risk factors showed that age, the nature of the foci (old/emerging),
      personal and family history of ZCL are determinants of positive LST results.
      CONCLUSION: The results updated the current epidemiologic profile of ZLC in
      central Tunisia. Past history of transmission in a population should be
      considered as a potential confounder in future clinical trials for drugs and
      vaccines against L. major cutaneous leishmaniasis.

PMID- 25142222
TI  - [Intensive care treatment before and after liver transplantation].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LT) has become an established therapeutic
      option for patients with acute and chronic liver failure. Overall survival has
      dramatically increased over the last decades, mainly due to improved surgical
      techniques, the introduction of new immunosuppressive and anti-infective drugs
      but also due to continuous progress in the pre- and post-operative intensive care
      management of these patients. AIM: This article aims to give a short overview of
      the main aspects regarding pre- and post-LT critical care issues. RESULTS:
      Intensive care treatment plays a major role in the management of patients with
      acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure in order to enable a life-saving LT for
      these patients. Severe infections/sepsis mostly accompanied by multi-organ
      failure represent the major challenges for intensive care specialists. The
      immediate postoperative care takes place in the intensive care unit (ICU) in
      almost all patients. The expected ICU stay has been significantly shortened over
      the years to an average of about 1-2 days. Infections as well as acute kidney
      injury are the main complications in the first post-operative weeks being
      responsible for prolonged ICU stays. Immunologic and surgical complications are
      additional important issues in the post-LT intensive care setting. CONCLUSION:
      The intensive care management pre and post LT is an important, multidisciplinary
      challenge in the successful treatment of patients with acute and chronic liver
      failure.

PMID- 25142223
TI  - Wave reflections, arterial stiffness, heart rate variability and orthostatic
      hypotension.
AB  - Increased arterial stiffness and wave reflections are independently associated
      with orthostatic hypotension (OH). This study investigated whether heart rate
      variability (HRV) is also involved in the modulation of orthostatic blood
      pressure (BP) change. A total of 429 subjects (65.1 +/- 16.4 years, 77.4% men)
      were enrolled in this study. OH was defined as a ? 20 mm Hg decrease in brachial
      systolic blood pressure (SBP) or a ? 10 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure (DBP)
      decrease upon standing. Measurements of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf
      PWV) and the amplitude of the reflected pressure wave from a decomposed carotid
      pressure wave (Pb) were obtained by carotid tonometry in the supine position. The
      power spectrum from a 5-min recording of an electrocardiogram at rest was
      analyzed to provide components in the high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF)
      ranges. Subjects with OH (n = 59, 13.8%) had significantly higher cf-PWV and Pb
      and significantly lower LogHF and LogLF than those without OH (n = 370). The cf
      PWV, Pb, LogHF and LogLF were significantly associated with postural SBP and DBP
      changes. Furthermore, cf-PWV but not Pb was significantly associated with LogHF
      and LogLF. Multivariate analysis showed that Pb (odds ratio (OR) per 1 s.d. 1.65,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 1.282-2.137; P = 0.003) and LogHF (OR 0.628, 95% CI
      0.459-0.860, P = 0.004), but not cf-PWV (OR 1.279, 95% CI 0.932-1.755, P =
      0.128), were significant independent determinants of OH. Increased wave
      reflections may predispose OH independently of arterial stiffness and HRV. In
      contrast, increased arterial stiffness may cause OH through the modulation of
      HRV.

PMID- 25142224
TI  - Electrocardiographic changes in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

PMID- 25142225
TI  - Cardiac contractile function and mitochondrial respiration in diabetes-related
      mouse models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathophysiological processes underlying diabetic-related
      cardiomyopathies are complex. Mitochondria dysfunction is often described as a
      cause of cardiac impairment but its extent may depend on the type of experimental
      diabetes. Here we proposed to compare drug- or diet-induced models of diabetes in
      terms of metabolic features, cardiac and mitochondrial functions. METHODS: Mice
      were fed with regular chow or fat-enriched diet. After three weeks, they received
      either citrate or streptozotocin injections for five consecutive days. Metabolic
      parameters, myocardial contractile function and mitochondrial respiration were
      measured after three more weeks. Fat mass volumes were assessed by magnetic
      resonance imaging. Oral glucose tolerance test, insulin tolerance test,
      triglyceride and adipocytokine quantification were evaluated to establish
      metabolic profiles. Cardiac function was assessed ex vivo onto a Langendorff
      column. Isolated cardiac mitochondria respiration was obtained using high
      resolution oxygraphy. RESULTS: Mice fed with the fat-enriched regimen presented
      abdominal obesity, increased blood glucose, elevated leptin level, glucose
      intolerance, and insulin resistance. Mice treated with streptozotocin,
      independently of the regimen, lost their capacity to release insulin in response
      to glucose ingestion. Mice fed with regular chow diet and injected with
      streptozotocin developed cardiac dysfunction without mitochondrial respiration
      defect. However, both groups of high-fat diet fed mice developed cardiac
      alterations associated with reduction in mitochondrial oxygen consumption,
      despite an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis signalling. CONCLUSIONS: We
      explored three animal models mimicking type 1 and 2 diabetes. While cardiac
      dysfunction was present in the three groups of mice, mitochondrial respiration
      impairment was only obvious in models reproducing features of type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 25142227
TI  - Modeling companion diagnostics in economic evaluations of targeted oncology
      therapies: systematic review and methodological checklist.
AB  - The successful use of a targeted therapy is intrinsically linked to the ability
      of a companion diagnostic to correctly identify patients most likely to benefit
      from treatment. The aim of this study was to review the characteristics of
      companion diagnostics that are of importance for inclusion in an economic
      evaluation. Approaches for including these characteristics in model-based
      economic evaluations are compared with the intent to describe best practice
      methods. Five databases and government agency websites were searched to identify
      model-based economic evaluations comparing a companion diagnostic and subsequent
      treatment strategy to another alternative treatment strategy with model
      parameters for the sensitivity and specificity of the companion diagnostic
      (primary synthesis). Economic evaluations that limited model parameters for the
      companion diagnostic to only its cost were also identified (secondary synthesis).
      Quality was assessed using the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument. 30
      studies were included in the review (primary synthesis n = 12; secondary
      synthesis n = 18). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios may be lower when the
      only parameter for the companion diagnostic included in a model is the cost of
      testing. Incorporating the test's accuracy in addition to its cost may be a more
      appropriate methodological approach. Altering the prevalence of the genetic
      biomarker, specific population tested, type of test, test accuracy and
      timing/sequence of multiple tests can all impact overall model results. The
      impact of altering a test's threshold for positivity is unknown as it was not
      addressed in any of the included studies. Additional quality criteria as outlined
      in our methodological checklist should be considered due to the shortcomings of
      standard quality assessment tools in differentiating studies that incorporate
      important test-related characteristics and those that do not. There is a need to
      refine methods for incorporating the characteristics of companion diagnostics
      into model-based economic evaluations to ensure consistent and transparent
      reimbursement decisions are made. 

PMID- 25142226
TI  - Notable epigenetic role of hyperhomocysteinemia in atherogenesis.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is associated with multiple genetic and modifiable risk factors.
      There is an increasing body of evidences to indicate that epigenetic mechanisms
      also play an essential role in atherogenesis by influencing gene expression.
      Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid formed during methionine
      metabolism. Elevated plasma level of homocysteine is generally termed as
      hyperhomocysteinemia. As a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases,
      hyperhomocysteinemia may initiate or motivate atherogenesis by modification of
      DNA methylation. The underlying epigenetic mechanism is still unclear with
      controversial findings. This review focuses on epigenetic involvement and
      mechanisms of hyperhomocysteinemia in atherogenesis. Considering the potential
      beneficial effects of anti-homocysteinemia treatments in preventing
      atherosclerosis, further studies on the role of hyperhomocysteinemia in
      atherogenesis are warranted. 

PMID- 25142228
TI  - How might we increase physical activity through dog walking?: A comprehensive
      review of dog walking correlates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are major threats to
      population health. A considerable proportion of people own dogs, and there is
      good evidence that dog ownership is associated with higher levels of physical
      activity. However not all owners walk their dogs regularly. This paper
      comprehensively reviews the evidence for correlates of dog walking so that
      effective interventions may be designed to increase the physical activity of dog
      owners. METHODS: Published findings from 1990-2012 in both the human and
      veterinary literature were collated and reviewed for evidence of factors
      associated with objective and self-reported measures of dog walking behaviour, or
      reported perceptions about dog walking. Study designs included cross-sectional
      observational, trials and qualitative interviews. RESULTS: There is good evidence
      that the strength of the dog-owner relationship, through a sense of obligation to
      walk the dog, and the perceived support and motivation a dog provides for
      walking, is strongly associated with increased walking. The perceived exercise
      requirements of the dog may also be a modifiable point for intervention. In
      addition, access to suitable walking areas with dog supportive features that
      fulfil dog needs such as off-leash exercise, and that also encourage human social
      interaction, may be incentivising. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that dog
      walking may be most effectively encouraged through targeting the dog-owner
      relationship and by providing dog-supportive physical environments. More research
      is required to investigate the influence of individual owner and dog factors on
      'intention' to walk the dog as well as the influence of human social interaction
      whilst walking a dog. The effects of policy and cultural practices relating to
      dog ownership and walking should also be investigated. Future studies must be of
      a higher quality methodological design, including accounting for the effects of
      confounding between variables, and longitudinal designs and testing of
      interventions in a controlled design in order to infer causality.

PMID- 25142229
TI  - Nucleotidyl transferase TUT1 inhibits lipogenesis in osteosarcoma cells through
      regulation of microRNA-24 and microRNA-29a.
AB  - Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer. In the present study, by way
      of PCR-based microarrays, we found that TUT1, a nucleotidyl transferase, was
      significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma, compared with adjacent normal
      tissues. In the current study, we performed PCR-based microarrays using the cDNA
      prepared from osteosarcoma and adjacent normal tissues. The enforced expression
      of TUT1 was able to inhibit cell proliferation in U2OS and MG63 cells, while its
      knockdown using small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligos promoted cell proliferation.
      At the molecular level, we found that TUT1 could inhibit the expression levels of
      PPARgamma and SREBP-1c, two key regulators in lipogenesis, through upregulation
      of microRNA-24 and microRNA-29a. Therefore, our results suggest that TUT1 may act
      as a tumor suppressor for osteosarcoma, which might provide a novel mechanism for
      the tumor development. 

PMID- 25142230
TI  - Synuclein-gamma predicts poor clinical outcome in esophageal cancer patients.
AB  - The synuclein gamma (SNCG) protein, a member of neuronal protein family
      synuclein, has been considered as a promising potential biomarker as an indicator
      of cancer stage and survival in patients with cancer. The present study was
      conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of SNCG in patients with esophageal
      carcinoma (EC). SNCG levels were assessed immunohistochemically in cancer tissues
      from 73 EC patients. Median age was 57 (range, 29-78) years old. Forty-seven
      percent of the patients were male. Thirty-seven percent of the patients had upper
      or middle localized tumor whereas 59 % had epidermoid carcinoma. More than half
      of the patients (61 %) had undergone operation where 57 % received adjuvant
      treatment including chemotherapy or chemotherapy plus radiotherapy. Median
      overall survival was 11.3 +/- 1.8 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.7-14.9
      months). SNCG positivity was significantly associated with the histological type
      of EC and inoperability (for SNCG positive vs. negative group; epidermoid 80 vs.
      53 %; p = 0.05 and inoperable 59 vs.32 %; p = 0.04, respectively). Lymph node
      metastasis, inoperability and receiving no adjuvant treatment had significantly
      adverse effect on survival in the univariate analysis (p = 0.01, p < 0.001, and p
      = 0.001, respectively). SNCG positivity had significantly adverse effect on
      survival in both univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01,
      respectively). Our results are the first to suggest that SNCG is a new
      independent predictor for poor prognosis in EC patients in the literature. 

PMID- 25142231
TI  - Zoledronic acid induces apoptosis and autophagy in cervical cancer cells.
AB  - Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers in association
      with high mortality and morbidity. The present study was aimed to investigate the
      in vitro effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) on viability and induction of apoptosis
      and autophagy as well as inflammatory effects in three human cervical cancer cell
      lines (HeLa, SiHa, and CaSki). Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5
      Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. Induction of
      apoptosis was determined by quantitation of expression level of B cell lymphoma 2
      (Bcl-2) and Bax messenger RNA (mRNA) and identification of the proteolytic
      cleavage of poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3. Autophagic effects
      were examined by quantitation of mRNA expression of autophagy protein 5 (ATG5)
      and beclin1 and identifying accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1
      light chain 3 (LC3)-II. Inflammatory effect was determined by measuring
      expression and production of IL-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2). The results
      showed ZA significantly inhibited cell viability of cervical cancer cells. ZA
      induced cell death displayed features characteristic to both apoptosis and
      autophagy and was associated with different changes in the levels of Bcl-2 and
      Bax in the various cervical cancer lines. Expression of metastatic cytokines, IL
      6 and Cox-2, was upregulated in the presence of ZA at low concentration. Our data
      revealed that ZA inhibits cervical cancer cells through the synergistic effect of
      apoptosis induction and autophagy activation. 

PMID- 25142232
TI  - Overexpression of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox factor 1 promotes tumor
      invasiveness and confers unfavorable prognosis in esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox factor 1 (ZEB1), as a crucial mediator of
      "epithelial-mesenchymal transition," contributes to malignant progression of
      various epithelial tumors. However, its involvement in human esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. In order to investigate the expression
      pattern of ZEB1 in ESCC tissues and evaluate its associations with tumor
      progression and patients' prognosis, 100 pairs of formalin-fixed and paraffin
      embedded cancerous and adjacent noncancerous tissues from patients with ESCC were
      used to detect the expression pattern of ZEB1 by immunohistochemistry. Then, the
      association between ZEB1 expression, clinicopathological parameters, and
      prognosis of ESCC was examined. We also performed migration and invasion assays
      of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-targeted ZEB1-transfected cells in vitro. As a
      result, expression level of ZEB1 was significantly higher in ESCC tissues
      compared to that in adjacent noncancerous tissues (P < 0.001). High expression of
      ZEB1 was observed in 55.00 % (55/100) of ESCCs. In addition, high ZEB1 expression
      was found to be closely correlated with advanced tumor stage (P = 0.001),
      positive lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001), great tumor depth (P = 0.03), and
      high histologic grade (P = 0.008). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that
      the status of ZEB1 expression was an independent predictor for overall survival
      in ESCC. Furthermore, knockdown of ZEB1 by transfection of siRNA-ZEB1 abrogated
      the migration and invasion of ESCC cells in vitro. Taken together, our data offer
      the convincing evidence that ZEB1 may play a crucial role in promoting aggressive
      ESCC progression. ZEB1 may serve as an effective prognostic marker and a
      potential target for therapeutic intervention of ESCC. 

PMID- 25142233
TI  - Immunization with a novel chimeric peptide representing B and T cell epitopes
      from HER2 extracellular domain (HER2 ECD) for breast cancer.
AB  - Because of direct stimulating immune system against disease, vaccination or
      active immunotherapy is preferable compared to passive immunotherapy. For this
      purpose, a newly designed chimeric peptide containing epitopes for both B and T
      cells from HER2 ECD subdomain III was proposed. To evaluate the effects of the
      active immunization, a discontinuous B cell epitope peptide was selected based on
      average antigenicity by bioinformatics analysis. The selected peptide was
      collinearly synthesized as a chimera with a T helper epitope from the protein
      sequence of measles virus fusion (208-302) using the GPSL linker. Three mice were
      immunized with the chimeric peptide. Reactive antibodies with HER2 protein in
      ELISA and immunofluorescence assays with no cross-reactivity were generated. The
      3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay
      indicated that the anti-peptide sera had inhibitory effects on proliferation of
      SK-BR-3 cells. Hence, the newly designed, discontinuous chimeric peptide
      representing B and T cell epitopes from subdomain III of HER2-ECD can form the
      basis for future vaccines design, where these data can be applied for monoclonal
      antibody production targeting the distinct epitope of HER2 receptor compared to
      the two broadly used anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies, Herceptin and pertuzumab. 

PMID- 25142234
TI  - miR-141 suppresses the growth and metastasis of HCC cells by targeting E2F3.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as essential post-transcriptional modulators of gene
      expression involved in a wide range of physiologic and pathologic states,
      including cancer. Numerous miRNAs have been deregulated in hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC). Here, we investigated the role of miR-141 in HCC. Decreased
      expression of miR-141 was observed in both HCC tissues and cell lines. Ectopic
      overexpression of miR-141 reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC
      cells. E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) was confirmed to be a target of miR-141
      in HCC cells. Moreover, restoration of E2F3 significantly reversed the tumor
      suppressive effects of miR-141. Our results suggest a critical role of miR-141 in
      suppressing metastasis of HCC cells by targeting E2F3. 

PMID- 25142235
TI  - Improving the diagnosis, treatment, and biology patterns of feline mammary
      intraepithelial lesions: a potential model for human breast masses with evidence
      from epidemiologic and cytohistopathologic studies.
AB  - In this study, the frequency of different types of mammary masses and their
      relationship with cytohistopathologic changes was investigated and data on
      history, macroscopic description, clinical examination and treatment were
      collected. To determine the prevalence and types of cytohistopathologic changes,
      mammary glands from 12 female cats were evaluated. The mean age of cats at the
      time of diagnosis was 11.5 +/- 1.9 years (range 4-14 years), the mean gross size
      of the masses was 3.1 +/- 2.4 cm, 4/12 (33.3 %) masses were <=3.0 cm in diameter,
      and the maximum diameter of the largest mass had a median of 5 cm, with a range
      of diameter of 6 * 5 * 4 cm. Moreover, the preferential localization of mammary
      masses was the abdominal lobes (%50) and thoracic lobes (%33.3), and inguinal
      lobes (%16.7 of cases). Furthermore, two cases of the inguinal masses affected
      the caudo-inguinal lobe, six cases caudo-abdominal lobe, and thoracic masses were
      found in four cases. Eventually, six cases (%50) of masses were found in the
      right mammary lobes and six cases (%50) in the left mammary lobes. The majority
      of the masses revealed elastic (%50 of cases), hard (%25 of cases), or soft (%25
      of cases) consistency. In the present study, according to the criteria of the
      veterinary and the medical WHO classification system, of the 12 cats with the
      cytohistopathological features of six (50 %) cases qualified abscess, 3 (25 %)
      cases as cystic hyperplasia and 3 (25 %) cases were called situ carcinoma.
      Whereas, all hyperplastic lesions (case nos. 7-9 and ranging in size from, 1 to
      >4 cm(3)) and carcinomas in situ lesions (case nos. 10-12 and ranging in size
      from, 1 to >3 cm(3)) were found incidentally upon routine cytohistology. Other
      lesions were observed grossly and removed either at surgery (case nos. 1-6).
      Finally, the cats were treated with unilateral lumpectomy (3 cases) and also,
      nine (75 %) cases had subsequent drainage, 3 (25 %) of which showed cystic
      hyperplasia and 6 (50 %) showed abscess on subsequent histopathological
      evaluation. Therefore, a correct diagnosis must be established quickly, and
      treatment must be instituted rapidly when alteration is noted in the mammary
      glands. 

PMID- 25142237
TI  - Long-term intra-fractional motion of the prostate using hydrogel spacer during
      Cyberknife(r) treatment for prostate cancer--a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a trend towards hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy
      (RT) in prostate cancer to apply high single doses in a few fractions. Using the
      Cyberknife(r) robotic system multiple non-coplanar fields are usually given with
      a treatment time of one hour or more. We planned to evaluate organ motion in this
      setting injecting a hydrogel spacer to protect the anterior rectal wall during
      treatment. METHODS: A 66 years old man with low risk prostate cancer was planned
      for robotic hypofractionated stereotactic RT. After implantation of fiducial
      markers and a hydrogel spacer a total dose of 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions was given
      to the planning target volume (clinical target volume + 3 mm). After each beam
      the corresponding data reporting on the intra-fractional movement were pre
      processed, the generated log-files extracted and the data analysed according to
      different directions: left -right (LR); anterior - posterior (AP); inferior 
      superior (IS). Clinical assessments were prospectively done before RT start, one
      week after the end of treatment as well as 1, 6 and 12 months afterwards.
      Symptoms were documented using Common Toxicity and Adverse Events Criteria 4.0.
      RESULTS: Tolerability of marker and hydrogel implantation was excellent. A total
      of 284 non-coplanar fields were used per fraction. The total treatment time for
      all fields per fraction lasted more than 60 minutes. The detected and corrected
      movements over all 5 fractions were in a range of +/- 4 mm in all directions (LR:
      mean 0,238 - SD 0,798; AP: mean 0,450 - SD 1,690; and IS: mean 0,908 - SD 1,518).
      V36Gy for the rectum was 0.062 ccm. After RT, grade 1-2 intestinal toxicity and
      grade 1 genitourinarytoxicity occurred, but resolved completely after 10 days. On
      1-, 6- and 12-months follow-up the patient was free of any symptoms with only
      slight decrease of erectile function (grade 1). There was a continuous PSA
      decline. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate movement was relatively low (+/- 4 mm) even during
      fraction times of more than 60 minutes. The hydrogel spacer might serve as a kind
      of stabilisator for the prostate, but this should be analysed in a larger cohort
      of patients.

PMID- 25142236
TI  - Increased expression of Chitinase 3-like 1 and microvessel density predicts
      metastasis and poor prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Increasing evidence demonstrated that Chitinase 3-like 1 (hereafter termed CHI3L1
      or YKL-40) was highly expressed and tightly associated with human tumor
      development and progression. However, its precise role in clear cell renal cell
      carcinoma (hereafter termed RCC) remains to be delineated. In the present study,
      we investigated the relationship between CHI3L1 expression and microvessel
      density (MVD), a reflection of angiogenesis, with metastasis and prognosis in
      patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Formalin-fixed, paraffin
      embedded tissue sections of clear cell RCC from 73 patients who had undergone
      radical nephrectomy were stained immunohistochemically with specific antibodies
      against CHI3L1 and CD34. CHI3L1 immunostaining was semi-quantitatively estimated
      based on the proportion (percentage of positive cells) and intensity. MVD was
      determined with CD34-stained slides. The expression pattern of CHI3L1 and MVD was
      compared with the clinicopathological variables. Twenty patients had either
      synchronous or metachronous metastases and 12 died during the follow-up. CHI3L1
      intensity was significantly correlated with tumor size (P = 0.005), TNM stage (P
      = 0.027), M stage (P = 0.011), grade (P = 0.014), and metastasis (synchronous or
      metachronous; P < 0.001). The CHI3L1 proportion (P = 0.038) and MVD (P = 0.012)
      were significantly correlated with metastasis. MVD was correlated with CHI3L1
      intensity (r = 0.376, P = 0.001) and CHI3L1 proportion (r = 0.364, P = 0.002).
      There was no difference in the expression of CHI3L1 and MVD between primary and
      metastatic sites. The survival of patients with higher CHI3L1 intensity was
      significantly worse than that of patients with lower CHI3L1 intensity.
      Multivariate analyses indicated that only M stage was an independent prognostic
      factor for cancer-specific survival and CHI3L1 expression was not an independent
      factor. Taken altogether, increased expression of CHI3L1 and MVD is associated
      with metastasis and a worse prognosis in clear cell RCC. CHI3L1 expression is
      correlated with MVD. The results suggest that CHI3L1 may be important in the
      progression and angiogenesis of clear cell RCC and CHI3L1 might be a novel
      strategy for therapy of the patients with RCC. 

PMID- 25142238
TI  - Chloral hydrate in pediatric magnetic resonance imaging: evaluation of a 10-year
      sedation experience administered by radiologists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chloral hydrate is a sedative that has been used for magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use, effectiveness and safety
      of chloral hydrate administered by radiologists for the sedation of children who
      require MRI procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the
      clinical charts for all patients ages 0 - 10 years old who underwent sedation
      with chloral hydrate for MRI from January 2000 to December 2010. Demographic
      factors, dose information, indication for MRI, therapeutic failures and adverse
      reactions to the drug were reviewed. RESULTS: One thousand, seven hundred and
      three children (946 males, 757 females) with a median age of 2.5 years (range: 4
      days - 9.91 years) received chloral hydrate. Moderate to deep sedation was
      achieved in 1,618/1,703 (95%) of the patients, 35/1,703 (2.1%) of the patients
      failed to achieve moderate to deep sedation, and 47/1,703 (2.8%) of the patients
      woke up during MRI examination. Adverse reactions were present in 31/1,703 (1.8%)
      of the patients. Three severe adverse reactions occurred (0.18%). A single dose
      of chloral hydrate (40-60 mg/kg) was administered to 1,477/1,703 patients
      (86.7%). An additional dose of chloral hydrate (10-20 mg/kg), given 15 min after
      the first dose or when the patient woke up during the MRI examination, was
      required in 226/1,703 patients (13.3%). The likelihood of requiring an additional
      dose in children older than 2 years was 2.2 times the likelihood compared to
      children younger than 2 years (OR = 2.2 [95%CI: 1.6-3.0]). The use of a reduced
      dose (<50 mg/kg) was not associated with a higher therapeutic failure rate (OR =
      1.04 [95%CI 0.57-1.89]). CONCLUSION: Chloral hydrate is an appropriate sedation
      option for pediatric patients in MRI services when strict patient selection
      criteria are met. The use of a reduced dose does not affect the effectiveness of
      sedation. The lack of data regarding the presence of transient oxygen
      desaturation, the time to induce sedation and the exact duration of sedation are
      limitations of this study.

PMID- 25142239
TI  - Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: is MRI surveillance improved by region of
      interest volumetry?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is noteworthy for
      its fibrillary infiltration through neuroparenchyma and its resultant irregular
      shape. Conventional volumetry methods aim to approximate such irregular tumours
      to a regular ellipse, which could be less accurate when assessing treatment
      response on surveillance MRI. Region-of-interest (ROI) volumetry methods, using
      manually traced tumour profiles on contiguous imaging slices and subsequent
      computer-aided calculations, may prove more reliable. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      whether the reliability of MRI surveillance of DIPGs can be improved by the use
      of ROI-based volumetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the use of ROI-
      and ellipsoid-based methods of volumetry for paediatric DIPGs in a retrospective
      review of 22 MRI examinations. We assessed the inter- and intraobserver
      variability of the two methods when performed by four observers. RESULTS: ROI-
      and ellipsoid-based methods strongly correlated for all four observers. The ROI
      based volumes showed slightly better agreement both between and within observers
      than the ellipsoid-based volumes (inter-[intra-]observer agreement 89.8% [92.3%]
      and 83.1% [88.2%], respectively). Bland-Altman plots show tighter limits of
      agreement for the ROI-based method. CONCLUSION: Both methods are reproducible and
      transferrable among observers. ROI-based volumetry appears to perform better with
      greater intra- and interobserver agreement for complex-shaped DIPG.

PMID- 25142240
TI  - Earliest videofluoromanometric pharyngeal signs of dysphagia in ALS patients.
AB  - The aim of this study was to find whether there are manometric pharyngeal changes
      that may have diagnostic and prognostic relevance in the amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) patient who does not show changes in contrast-medium
      oropharyngeal transit in a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Ten ALS patients,
      with an ALS Severity Scale Score of at least 7, no need to change dietary habit,
      no aspiration and/or penetration, and no other changes in contrast-medium
      oropharyngeal transit, were collected from our institution's database of
      videofluoromanometric swallowing studies. They were included in the study
      together with a group of 11 healthy volunteers. For each subject, 12 manometric
      items-7 for the pharyngeal phase and 5 for UES functionality-were evaluated.
      Statistically significant differences between the ALS patients and the healthy
      volunteers were found for pharyngeal contraction time of the upper region (median
      = 1,120, range = 880-1,420 vs. median = 970, range = 800-1,140), pharyngeal
      contraction time of the intermediate region (median = 1140, range = 960-1,360 vs.
      median = 770, range = 280-1,180), pharyngeal contraction time of the lower region
      (median = 1,320, range = 920-1,760 vs. median = 800, range = 620-1,780), and
      residual pressure after the relaxation of the UES (median = 2.2, range = -20.2 to
      27.8 vs. median = -5.7, range = -2.9 to 8.4). A videofluoromanometric swallowing
      study may show an increase in the pharyngeal contraction time and in residual
      pressure after relaxation of the UES in ALS patients without videofluoroscopic
      changes in contrast-medium oropharyngeal transit. 

PMID- 25142241
TI  - Frequency of stage II oral transport cycles in healthy human.
AB  - Stage II transport (St2Tr) is propulsion of triturated food into the pharynx for
      storage before swallowing via tongue squeeze-back against the palate. To clarify
      the phenomenology of St2Tr, we examined the effects of food consistency and the
      number of chewing cycles on the number of St2Tr cycles in a chew-swallow
      sequence. We recorded chew-swallow sequences in lateral projection with
      videofluoroscopy of 13 healthy volunteers eating 6 g of hard (shortbread cookie),
      and soft foods (ripe banana and tofu) with barium. We counted the number of
      chewing and St2Tr cycles from food intake to terminal swallow. We used the
      Friedman test for bivariate analyses and negative binomial regression for
      multivariable analyses. On bivariate analysis, food consistency had a positive
      association with the number of chewing cycles (P = 0.013), but not with the
      number of St2Tr cycles (P = 0.27). Multivariable analysis, however, revealed a
      greater number of St2Tr cycles with hard than soft food (P <= 0.01) and a trend
      toward negative correlation between the numbers of St2Tr and chewing cycles (P =
      0.083). The number of chewing cycles needed to clear the mouth differs among food
      consistencies as demonstrated previously. Greater numbers of both St2Tr and
      chewing cycles were elicited with the hard than with the soft foods. Given the
      trend toward negative correlation, the association between the number of St2Tr
      cycles and that of chewing cycles deserves further study.

PMID- 25142242
TI  - Electromyography of swallowing with fine wire intramuscular electrodes in healthy
      human: activation sequence of selected hyoid muscles.
AB  - Few studies have reported the activation sequence of the swallowing muscles in
      healthy human participants. We examined temporal characteristics of selected
      hyoid muscles using fine wire intramuscular electromyography (EMG). Thirteen
      healthy adults were studied using EMG of the anterior belly of digastric (ABD),
      geniohyoid (GH), sternohyoid (SH), and masseter (MA, with surface electrodes)
      while ingesting thin liquid, banana, tofu, and cookie (3 trials each). Onset
      timing was measured from rectified and integrated EMG. Data were analyzed using
      repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. When drinking thin liquid,
      MA, GH, and ABD were activated almost simultaneously, but SH was activated later
      (using GH onset as 0 s, MA -0.07 (-0.20 to 0.17) second [median (interquartile
      range)]; ABD 0.00 (-0.10 to 0.07) second; SH 0.17 (0.02 to 0.37) second; P <
      0.01). With solid foods, MA contraction preceded GH and ABD; SH was last and
      delayed relative to liquid swallows (GH 0 s; MA -0.17 (-0.27 to 0.07) second; ABD
      0.00 (-0.03 to 0.03) second; SH 0.37 (0.23 to 0.50) second; P < 0.01). The role
      of the MA differs between solids and liquids so the variation in its timing is
      expected. The synchronous contraction of GH and ABD was consistent with their
      role in hyolaryngeal elevation. The SH contracted later with solids, perhaps
      because if the longer duration of the swallow. The consistent pattern among foods
      supports the concept of a central pattern generator for pharyngeal swallowing.

PMID- 25142243
TI  - Anatomical considerations of the longitudinal pharyngeal muscles in relation to
      their function on the internal surface of pharynx.
AB  - The aim of this study was to clarify the topography of the longitudinal
      pharyngeal muscles and to relate the findings to pharyngeal muscular function.
      Forty-four specimens (22 right and 22 left sides) from embalmed Korean adult
      cadavers (13 males, 9 females; age range, 46-89 years; mean age, 69.2 years) were
      used in this study. The palatopharyngeus muscle originated from the palatine
      aponeurosis and the median part of the soft palate on oral aspect; it ran
      downward and lateralward, respectively. The palatopharyngeus muscle, which held
      the levator veli palatini, was divided into two bundles, medial and lateral,
      according to the positional relationship with the levator veli palatini. The
      lateral bundle of the palatopharyngeus muscle was divided into two parts:
      longitudinal and transverse. The pharyngeal longitudinal muscles were classified
      into the following four types (I-IV) depending on the area of insertion: they
      were inserted into the palatine tonsil, epiglottis, arytenoid cartilage, piriform
      recess, thyroid cartilage, and pharyngeal wall. The transverse part of the
      palatopharyngeus muscle plays a role as a sphincter. Palatopharyngeus and levator
      veli palatini muscles help each other to function effectively in the soft palate.
      The present findings suggest that the pharyngeal muscles are involved not only in
      swallowing but also in respiration and phonation via their attachment to the
      laryngeal cartilage.

PMID- 25142244
TI  - Unfreezing the Flexnerian Model: introducing longitudinal integrated clerkships
      in rural communities.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Physician shortages in rural areas remain severe but may be
      ameliorated by recent expansions in medical school class sizes. Expanding student
      exposure to rural medicine by increasing the amount of prolonged clinical
      experiences in rural areas may increase the likelihood of students pursuing a
      career in rural medicine. This research sought to investigate the perspective of
      rural physicians on the introduction of a rurally based nine-month Longitudinal
      Integrated Clerkship (LIC). METHODS: In this mixed-methods study, nine physician
      leaders were interviewed from five Maine, USA, rural hospitals participating in
      an LIC. Semi-structured interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Qualitative
      analysis techniques were used to code the transcripts and develop themes. Forty
      seven participating rural LIC preceptors were also surveyed through an online
      survey. RESULTS: Four major themes related to implementing the LIC model emerged:
      (1) melting old ways, (2) overcoming fears, (3) synergy of energy, and (4)
      benefits all-around. The faculty were very positive about the LIC, with increased
      job satisfaction, practice morale, and ongoing learning, but concerned about the
      financial impact on productivity. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of these themes and
      perceptions are discussed within the three-stage model of change by Lewin. These
      results describe how the innovative LIC model can conceptually unfreeze the
      traditional Flexnerian construct for rural physicians. Highlighting the many
      stakeholder benefits and addressing the anxieties and fears of rural faculty may
      facilitate the implementation of a rural LIC. Given the net favorable perception
      of rural faculty of the LIC, this educational model has the potential to play a
      major role in increasing the rural workforce.

PMID- 25142245
TI  - Molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells: Holy Grail for
      personalized cancer treatment?

PMID- 25142246
TI  - Tacrolimus pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics along the calcineurin pathway in
      human lymphocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although therapeutic drug monitoring has improved the clinical use of
      immunosuppressive drugs, there is still interpatient variability in efficacy and
      toxicity that pharmacodynamic monitoring may help to reduce. To select the best
      biomarkers of tacrolimus pharmacodynamics, we explored the strength and
      variability of signal transduction and the influence of polymorphisms along the
      calcineurin pathway. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 35 healthy
      volunteers were incubated with tacrolimus (0.1-50 ng/mL) and stimulated ex vivo.
      Inhibition of NFAT1 (nuclear factor of activated T cells 1) translocation to the
      nucleus and intracellular expression of interleukin-2 in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T
      cells and the surface activation marker CD25 in CD3(+) cells were measured by
      flow cytometry. We sequenced the promoter regions of immunophilins and
      calcineurin subunits and characterized selected single nucleotide polymorphisms
      in the genes of the calcineurin pathway with allelic discrimination assays.
      RESULTS: All responses closely fitted an I/Imax sigmoid model. Large
      interindividual variability (n = 30) in I0 and IC50 was found for all biomarkers.
      Moreover, strong and statistically significant associations were found between
      tacrolimus pharmacodynamic parameters and polymorphisms in the genes coding
      cyclophilin A, the calcineurin catalytic subunit alpha isoenzyme, and CD25.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the consistency and large interindividual
      variability of signal transduction along the calcineurin pathway, as well as the
      strong influence of pharmacogenetic polymorphisms in the calcineurin cascade on
      both the physiological activity of this route and tacrolimus pharmacodynamics.

PMID- 25142247
TI  - A review of multidisciplinary clinical practice guidelines in suicide prevention:
      toward an emerging standard in suicide risk assessment and management, training
      and practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current paper aims to: (1) examine clinical practice guidelines in
      suicide prevention across fields, organizations, and clinical specialties and (2)
      inform emerging standards in clinical practice, research, and training. METHODS:
      The authors conducted a systematic literature review to identify clinical
      practice guidelines and resource documents in suicide prevention and risk
      management. The authors used PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google Search, and
      keywords included: clinical practice guideline, practice guideline, practice
      parameters, suicide, suicidality, suicidal behaviors, assessment, and management.
      To assess for commonalities, the authors reviewed guidelines and resource
      documents across 13 key content categories and assessed whether each document
      suggested validated assessment measures. RESULTS: The search generated 101 source
      documents, which included N = 10 clinical practice guidelines and N = 12
      additional resource documents (e.g., non-formalized guidelines, tool-kits). All
      guidelines (100 %) provided detailed recommendations for the use of evidence
      based risk factors and protective factors, 80 % provided brief (but not detailed)
      recommendations for the assessment of suicidal intent, and 70 % recommended risk
      management strategies. By comparison, only 30 % discussed standardization of risk
      level categorizations and other content areas considered central to best
      practices in suicide prevention (e.g., restricting access to means, ethical
      considerations, confidentiality/legal issues, training, and postvention
      practices). Resource documents were largely consistent with these findings.
      CONCLUSIONS: Current guidelines address similar aspects of suicide risk
      assessment and management, but significant discrepancies exist. A lack of
      consensus was evident in recommendations across core competencies, which may be
      improved by increased standardization in practice and training. Additional
      resources appear useful for supplemental use.

PMID- 25142249
TI  - Experiences of Using Prezi in Psychiatry Teaching.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prezi is a presentation software allowing lecturers to develop ideas
      and produce mind maps as they might do on an old-style blackboard. This study
      examines students' experience of lectures presented using Prezi to identify the
      strengths and weaknesses of this new teaching medium. METHODS: Prezi was used to
      present mental health lectures to final-year medical and physiotherapy students.
      These lectures were also available online. This cross-sectional study used a
      questionnaire to assess students' experience of the software. RESULTS: Of
      students approached, 75.5 % (74/98) took part in the study. A majority, 98.6 %
      (73/74), found Prezi to be a more engaging experience than other styles of
      lecture delivery. The overview or "mind map" provided by Prezi was found to be
      helpful by 89.2 % (66/74). Problems arose when students used Prezi in their
      personal study, with 31.1 % (23/74) reporting some difficulties, mostly of a
      technical nature. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential of Prezi for
      providing students with an engaging and stimulating educational experience. For
      Prezi to be effective, however, the lecturer has to understand and be familiar
      with the software and its appropriate use.

PMID- 25142251
TI  - Quantifying publication scholarly activity of psychiatry residency training
      directors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The authors quantify the number of PubMed-indexed publications by
      psychiatry program directors during a 5-year observation period. METHODS: The
      authors obtained the names of general adult, child and adolescent, and geriatric
      psychiatry program directors from the ACGME website and entered them into a
      PubMed.gov database search. Then, they counted the number of indexed publications
      from July 2008 to June 2013 and categorized them by academic year. RESULTS: The
      median number of publications was one for adult psychiatry program directors
      (n=184), one for child and adolescent directors (n=121), and three for geriatric
      psychiatry directors (n=58). CONCLUSIONS: The number of PubMed-indexed
      publications for program directors of general adult, child and adolescent, and
      geriatric psychiatry residencies is relatively low. Further research is needed to
      identify and examine the challenges facing program directors that may limit their
      ability to participate in this form of scholarly activity.

PMID- 25142252
TI  - The importance of code status discussions in the psychiatric hospital: results of
      a single site survey of psychiatrists.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Documentation of code status is a requirement with hospital
      admission, yet this discussion may present unique challenges with psychiatric
      inpatients. Currently, no standards exist on conducting these discussions with
      psychiatric inpatients. The authors surveyed psychiatry trainees and faculty
      regarding their perceptions and practice to gain further insight into the types
      of approaches used. METHODS: The authors conducted an IRB-approved, Web-based
      survey of psychiatry faculty and trainees using a 25-item questionnaire of
      demographics and opinions about code status among psychiatric inpatients.
      RESULTS: The response rate was 36.1 % (n = 30; 15 faculty and 15 trainees).
      Respondents felt that it was important to discuss code status with each
      admission. Faculty placed a higher emphasis on assessing patients with a recent
      suicide attempt (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Psychiatric faculty and trainees
      endorsed the importance of assessing code status with each admission. The authors
      suggest that educational programs are needed on strategies to conduct code status
      discussions properly and effectively in psychiatric populations.

PMID- 25142250
TI  - College Students: Mental Health Problems and Treatment Considerations.
AB  - Attending college can be a stressful time for many students. In addition to
      coping with academic pressure, some students have to deal with the stressful
      tasks of separation and individuation from their family of origin while some may
      have to attend to numerous work and family responsibilities. In this context,
      many college students experience the first onset of mental health and substance
      use problems or an exacerbation of their symptoms. Given the uniqueness of
      college students, there is a need to outline critical issues to consider when
      working with this population. In this commentary, first, the prevalence of
      psychiatric and substance use problems in college students and the significance
      of assessing age of onset of current psychopathology are described. Then, the
      concerning persistent nature of mental health problems among college students and
      its implications are summarized. Finally, important aspects of treatment to
      consider when treating college students with mental health problems are outlined,
      such as the importance of including parents in the treatment, communicating with
      other providers, and employing of technology to increase adherence. It is
      concluded that, by becoming familiar with the unique problems characteristic of
      the developmental stage and environment college students are in, practitioners
      will be able to better serve them. 

PMID- 25142254
TI  - Pathways of cylindrical orientations in PS-b-P4VP diblock copolymer thin films
      upon solvent vapor annealing.
AB  - The orientation changes of perpendicular cylindrical microdomains in polystyrene
      block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) thin films upon annealing in different
      solvent vapors were investigated by in situ grazing incidence small-angle X-ray
      scattering (GISAXS) and ex situ scanning force microscopy (SFM). The swelling of
      P4VP perpendicular cylinders (C?) in chloroform, a non-selective solvent vapor,
      leads to the reorientation to in-plane cylinders through a disordered state in a
      particular kinetic pathway in the phase diagram upon drying. On the other hand,
      the swelling of the P4VP perpendicular cylinders in a selective solvent vapor
      (i.e., 1,4-dioxane) induces a morphological transition from cylindrical to
      ellipsoidal as a transient structure to spherical microdomains; subsequent
      solvent evaporation resulted in shrinkage of the matrix in the vertical
      direction, merging the ellipsoidal domains into the perpendicularly aligned
      cylinders. In this paper, we have discussed the mechanism based on the
      selectivity of the solvent to the constituting blocks that is mainly responsible
      for the orientation changes. 

PMID- 25142253
TI  - Genome-wide comparison of microRNAs and their targeted transcripts among leaf,
      flower and fruit of sweet orange.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In plants, microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression mainly at the
      post-transcriptional level. Previous studies have demonstrated that miRNA
      mediated gene silencing pathways play vital roles in plant development. Here, we
      used a high-throughput sequencing approach to characterize the miRNAs and their
      targeted transcripts in the leaf, flower and fruit of sweet orange. RESULTS: A
      total of 183 known miRNAs and 38 novel miRNAs were identified. An in-house script
      was used to identify all potential secondary siRNAs derived from miRNA-targeted
      transcripts using sRNA and degradome sequencing data. Genome mapping revealed
      that these miRNAs were evenly distributed across the genome with several small
      clusters, and 69 pre-miRNAs were co-localized with simple sequence repeats
      (SSRs). Noticeably, the loop size of pre-miR396c was influenced by the repeat
      number of CUU unit. The expression pattern of miRNAs among different tissues and
      developmental stages were further investigated by both qRT-PCR and RNA gel
      blotting. Interestingly, Csi-miR164 was highly expressed in fruit ripening stage,
      and was validated to target a NAC transcription factor. This study depicts a
      global picture of miRNAs and their target genes in the genome of sweet orange,
      and focused on the comparison among leaf, flower and fruit tissues. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study provides a global view of miRNAs and their target genes in different
      tissue of sweet orange, and focused on the identification of miRNA involved in
      the regulation of fruit ripening. The results of this study lay a foundation for
      unraveling key regulators of orange fruit development and ripening on post
      transcriptional level.

PMID- 25142255
TI  - Calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibits human immunodeficiency type 1
      transmission by Langerhans cells via an autocrine/paracrine feedback mechanism.
AB  - AIM: Peripheral neurones innervating mucosal epithelia are in direct contact with
      resident immune cells, including Langerhans cells (LCs). Such neurones secrete
      the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) that modulates LCs
      function. We recently found that CGRP strongly inhibits human immunodeficiency
      virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission, by interfering with multiple steps of mucosal
      LC-mediated HIV-1 transfer, including increased expression of the LC-specific
      lectin langerin. Herein, we investigated the anti-HIV-1 mechanism of CGRP.
      METHODS: In the presence of CGRP, HIV-1 transfer from LCs to CD4+ T cells was
      tested with viral clones using either the HIV-1 co-receptor CCR5 (R5) or CXCR4
      (X4). Surface expression of CCR5, CXCR4 and langerin was evaluated by flow
      cytometry. CGRP secretion by LCs was measured with an enzyme immunoassay.
      Expression of the multimeric CGRP receptor was examined by quantitative real-time
      RT-PCR and immuno-fluorescent microscopy. RESULTS: Calcitonin gene-related
      peptide decreased transfer of HIV-1 R5, but increased that of X4. These opposing
      effects correlated with decreased CCR5 vs. increased CXCR4 surface expression in
      LCs. Inhibition of HIV-1 R5 transfer by CGRP involved signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) activation. Both alphaCGRP and betaCGRP were
      similarly efficient in decreasing HIV-1 R5 transfer and increasing langerin
      expression. LCs secreted low basal levels of endogenous CGRP, which increased
      markedly following CGRP treatment. CGRP also increased expression of its cognate
      receptor in LCs. CONCLUSION: CGRP engages a positive feedback mechanism that
      would further enhance its anti-HIV-1 activity. This information might be relevant
      for the therapeutic use of CGRP as a prophylactic agent against HIV-1.

PMID- 25142256
TI  - Analyzing Test-Taking Behavior: Decision Theory Meets Psychometric Theory.
AB  - We investigate the implications of penalizing incorrect answers to multiple
      choice tests, from the perspective of both test-takers and test-makers. To do so,
      we use a model that combines a well-known item response theory model with
      prospect theory (Kahneman and Tversky, Prospect theory: An analysis of decision
      under risk, Econometrica 47:263-91, 1979). Our results reveal that when test
      takers are fully informed of the scoring rule, the use of any penalty has
      detrimental effects for both test-takers (they are always penalized in excess,
      particularly those who are risk averse and loss averse) and test-makers (the bias
      of the estimated scores, as well as the variance and skewness of their
      distribution, increase as a function of the severity of the penalty). 

PMID- 25142257
TI  - Conversion from calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression to mammalian target
      of rapamycin inhibitors or belatacept in renal transplant recipients.
AB  - The calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) remain the standard of care for maintenance
      immunosuppression following renal transplantation. CNIs have demonstrated their
      effectiveness in reducing acute cellular rejection; however, some evidence
      suggests that these compounds negatively affect native renal function and are
      associated with allograft injury in renal transplant recipients. CNIs have also
      been linked with hypertension, new-onset diabetes after transplantation, tremor,
      and thrombotic microangiopathy, which have significant consequences for long-term
      allograft function and patient health overall. Thus, converting patients to a non
      CNI-based regimen may improve renal function and also provide extrarenal
      benefits. A number of studies have been conducted that explore CNI conversion
      strategies in renal transplant recipients in an effort to improve long-term
      allograft function and survival. These include converting to alternative, non
      nephrotoxic, maintenance immunosuppressants, such as the mammalian target of
      rapamycin inhibitors (sirolimus and everolimus) and the costimulation blocker
      belatacept. In this review of literature, evidence for the potential renal and
      extrarenal benefits of conversion to these non-CNI-based regimens is evaluated.
      Clinical challenges, including the adverse event profiles of non-CNI-based
      regimens and the selection of candidates for conversion, are also examined. 

PMID- 25142260
TI  - Photoperiod constraints on tree phenology, performance and migration in a warming
      world.
AB  - Increasing temperatures should facilitate the poleward movement of species
      distributions through a variety of processes, including increasing the growing
      season length. However, in temperate and boreal latitudes, temperature is not the
      only cue used by trees to determine seasonality, as changes in photoperiod
      provide a more consistent, reliable annual signal of seasonality than
      temperature. Here, we discuss how day length may limit the ability of tree
      species to respond to climate warming in situ, focusing on the implications of
      photoperiodic sensing for extending the growing season and affecting plant
      phenology and growth, as well as the potential role of photoperiod in controlling
      carbon uptake and water fluxes in forests. We also review whether there are
      patterns across plant functional types (based on successional strategy, xylem
      anatomy and leaf morphology) in their sensitivity to photoperiod that we can use
      to predict which species or groups might be more successful in migrating as the
      climate warms, or may be more successfully used for forestry and agriculture
      through assisted migration schemes. 

PMID- 25142259
TI  - Non-surgical periodontal therapy with systemic antibiotics in patients with
      untreated chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of
      different systemic antibiotics in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP)
      when compared to SRP alone in patients with untreated chronic periodontitis.
      BACKGROUND: Although chronic periodontitis is mostly treated without adjunctive
      systemic antibiotics, some recent meta-analyses have shown clinical benefit for
      some systemic antibiotics when used as an adjunct to SRP. However, there is a
      wide variety of systemic antibiotic regimens used today. It remains unclear if
      the selected type of systemic antibiotic influences the magnitude of clinical
      benefit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The MEDLINE-PubMed database was searched from
      their earliest records through May 16, 2013. Several journals were hand searched
      and some authors were contacted for additional information. Outcome measures
      analysed were mean bleeding on probing change, mean clinical attachment level
      gain and mean probing pocket depth reduction. Extracted data were pooled using a
      random effect model. Weighted mean differences were calculated and heterogeneity
      was assessed. RESULTS: The search yielded 281 abstracts. Ultimately, 95 studies
      were selected, describing 43 studies meeting the eligibility criteria. Systemic
      antibiotics showed a significant (p < 0.05) additional pocket depth reduction for
      moderate (at 3 mo 0.27 mm +/- 0.09, at 6 mo 0.23 mm +/- 0.10 and at 12 mo 0.25 mm
      +/- 0.27) and deep pockets (at 3 mo 0.62 mm +/- 0.17, at 6 mo 0.58 mm +/- 0.16
      and at 12 mo 0.74 mm +/- 0.30). Statistically, no specific type of antibiotic was
      superior over another. However, when analysing the clinical data for initially
      moderate pockets or deep pockets, some trends became apparent. CONCLUSION:
      Systemic antibiotics combined with SRP offer additional clinical improvements
      compared to SRP alone. Although there were no statistically significant
      differences, there was a trend that for initially moderate and deep pockets,
      metronidazole or metronidazole combined with amoxicillin, resulted in clinical
      improvements that were more pronounced over doxycycline or azithromycin.
      Additionally, there was a trend that the magnitude of the clinical benefit became
      smaller over time (1 year).

PMID- 25142258
TI  - Phase I dose-escalation study of SGN-75 in patients with CD70-positive
      relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma or metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: This first-in-human study evaluated the CD70-targeted antibody-drug
      conjugate SGN-75 in patients with relapsed or refractory CD70-positive non
      Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods SGN-75
      was administered intravenously to 58 patients (39 RCC, 19 NHL) every 3 weeks
      (Q3Wk; doses escalated from 0.3 to 4.5 mg/kg) or on Days 1, 8, and 15 of 28-day
      cycles (weekly; doses of 0.3 or 0.6 mg/kg). Dose-limiting toxicities were
      evaluated during Cycle 1; treatment response was monitored every 2 cycles.
      RESULTS: The maximum tolerated dose of SGN-75 in RCC patients was 3 mg/kg Q3Wk.
      Due to toxicity concerns (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in 2 NHL patients
      treated weekly), dose escalation in the weekly schedule was terminated; no
      regimen was recommended for NHL patients. The most common adverse events reported
      in patients treated Q3Wk (N = 47) were fatigue (40%), dry eye (32%), nausea
      (30%), and thrombocytopenia (26%). The nadir for thrombocytopenia typically
      occurred during Cycle 1. Ocular adverse events (e.g., corneal epitheliopathy, dry
      eye) were reported for 57% of patients treated Q3Wk and were generally
      reversible. Antitumor activity in patients treated Q3Wk included 1 complete
      response, 2 partial responses, and 20 stable disease. SGN-75 exposures were
      approximately dose proportional, with a mean terminal half-life of 10 days.
      Substantial depletions of CD70-positive peripheral blood lymphocytes were
      observed after SGN-75 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Modest single-agent activity and
      generally manageable adverse events were observed in heavily pretreated RCC and
      NHL patients. Administration Q3Wk was better tolerated than weekly dosing.
      Targeted ablation of CD70-positive lymphocytes was demonstrated.

PMID- 25142261
TI  - Prospective analysis of the accuracy of diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome using
      a web-based questionnaire.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To confirm the accuracy of a diagnostic questionnaire for carpal
      tunnel syndrome (CTS) when presented via a public website rather than on paper.
      DESIGN: Prospective comparison of the probability of CTS as assessed by the web
      based questionnaire at http://www.carpal-tunnel.net with the results of nerve
      conduction studies. SETTING: Subregional neurophysiology laboratory serving a
      population of 700,000 in East Kent, UK. PARTICIPANTS: 2821 individuals who were
      able to complete an online diagnostic questionnaire out of 4899 referred for
      initial diagnostic testing for new presentations with suspected CTS from April
      2011 to March 2013. No exclusions were made on grounds of age, gender or
      coincident pathology. Main outcome measure--nerve conduction results confirming
      CTS. The severity of median nerve impairment demonstrated was also assessed using
      a validated neurophysiological scale. RESULTS: The web-based questionnaire
      accurately estimates the probability of CTS being confirmed on nerve conduction
      studies. Using a website diagnostic score of >=40% as an example cut-off value
      the questionnaire achieves 78% sensitivity and 68% specificity in predicting the
      finding of evidence of CTS on nerve conduction studies. The web-based version of
      the diagnostic questionnaire was as accurate as the original paper version with
      an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.79. There was also
      a significant correlation between the diagnostic score given by the website and
      the severity of CTS with higher scores being associated with greater nerve
      dysfunction (r=0.3, p<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Completion of the symptom
      questionnaire on the website by patients at home provides a prediction of the
      likelihood of CTS which is sufficiently accurate to be used in initial planning
      of investigation and treatment.

PMID- 25142262
TI  - The effects of financial incentives for case finding for depression in patients
      with diabetes and coronary heart disease: interrupted time series analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF)
      incentivised case finding for depression on diagnosis and treatment in targeted
      and non-targeted long-term conditions. DESIGN: Interrupted time series analysis.
      SETTING: General practices in Leeds, UK. PARTICIPANTS: 65 (58%) of 112 general
      practices shared data on 37,229 patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease
      targeted by case finding incentives, and 101,008 patients with four other long
      term conditions not targeted (hypertension, epilepsy, chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease and asthma). INTERVENTION: Incentivised case finding for
      depression using two standard screening questions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Clinical codes indicating new depression-related diagnoses and new prescriptions
      of antidepressants. We extracted routinely recorded data from February 2002
      through April 2012. The number of new diagnoses and prescriptions for those on
      registers was modelled with a binomial regression, which provided the strength of
      associations between time periods and their rates. RESULTS: New diagnoses of
      depression increased from 21 to 94/100,000 per month in targeted patients between
      the periods 2002-2004 and 2007-2011 (OR 2.09; 1.92 to 2.27). The rate increased
      from 27 to 77/100,000 per month in non-targeted patients (OR 1.53; 1.46 to 1.62).
      The slopes in prescribing for both groups flattened to zero immediately after QOF
      was introduced but before incentivised case finding (p<0.01 for both).
      Antidepressant prescribing in targeted patients returned to the pre-QOF secular
      upward trend (Wald test for equivalence of slope, z=0.73, p=0.47); the slope was
      less steep for non-targeted patients (z=-4.14, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Incentivised
      case finding increased new depression-related diagnoses. The establishment of QOF
      disrupted rising trends in new prescriptions of antidepressants, which resumed
      following the introduction of incentivised case finding. Prescribing trends are
      of concern given that they may include people with mild-to-moderate depression
      unlikely to respond to such treatment.

PMID- 25142263
TI  - Peripheral labour market position and risk of disability pension: a prospective
      population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate what impact individuals' position in a labour market
      core-periphery structure may have on their risk of disability pension (DP) in
      general and specifically on their risk of DP based on mental or musculoskeletal
      diagnoses. METHODS: The study comprised 45,567 individuals who had been
      interviewed for the annual Swedish Surveys of Living Conditions (1992-2007). The
      medical DP diagnoses were obtained from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (1993
      2011). The assumed predictors were studied in relation to DP by Cox's
      proportional hazards regression. The analyses were stratified on sex and age,
      controlling for social background and self-reported long-standing illness at
      baseline. RESULTS: All three indicators underlying the categorisation of the core
      periphery structure: employment income, work hours and unemployment, increased
      the risk of DP in all strata. The risk of DP tended to increase gradually the
      more peripheral the labour market position was. The risk estimates for DP in
      general and for DP based on mental diagnoses were particularly high among men
      aged 20-39 years. CONCLUSIONS: The core-periphery position of individuals,
      representing their labour market attachment, was found to be a predictor of
      future DP. The association was most evident among individuals below 40 years of
      age with regard to DP based on mental diagnoses. This highlights the need for
      preventative measures that increase the participation of young people in working
      life.

PMID- 25142265
TI  - Acupuncture for patients with Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this protocol is to provide the methods used to assess
      the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of patients with
      Alzheimer's disease. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search the following
      electronic databases: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO,
      Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Medical Current Contents and
      China National Knowledge Infrastructure without restriction of language and
      publication status. Other sources such as Chinese acupuncture journals and the
      reference list of selected studies will also be searched. After screening the
      studies, a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials will be conducted, if
      possible. Results expressed as risk ratios for dichotomous data and standardised
      or weighted mean differences for continuous data, will be used for data
      synthesis. DISSEMINATION: The protocol of this systematic review will be
      disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a relevant conference.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42014009619.

PMID- 25142264
TI  - Risk factors for suicidal thoughts in adolescence--a prospective cohort study:
      the Young-HUNT study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Examining the associations between health and lifestyle factors
      recorded in the participants' early teens and development of suicidal thoughts
      recorded 4 years later. DESIGN: Population-based prospective cohort study.
      SETTINGS: All students in the two relevant year classes in Nord-Trondelag County
      were invited, 80% attended both waves of data collection. PARTICIPANTS: 2399
      secondary school students who participated in the Young-HUNT1 study in 1995-1997
      (13-15 years old) were included in a follow-up study 4 years later (17-19 years
      old). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Suicidal thoughts reported at age 17-19 years.
      RESULTS: 408 (17%, 95% CI 15.5% to 18.5%) of the adolescents reported suicidal
      thoughts at follow-up, 158 (14.2%, CI 13.6% to 16.4%) boys and 250 (19.5%, CI
      18.8% to 22.0%) girls. Baseline anxiety and depressive symptoms (adjusted OR
      (aOR) 1.9, CI 1.4 to 2.6), conduct problems (aOR 1.8, CI 1.3 to 2.6), overweight
      (aOR 1.9 CI 1.4 to 2.4), and muscular pain and tension (aOR 1.8, CI 1.4 to 2.4),
      were all associated with reporting suicidal thoughts at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      One in six young adults experienced suicidal thoughts, girls predominating.
      Suicidal thoughts were most strongly associated with symptoms of
      anxiety/depression, conduct problems, pain/tension and overweight reported when
      participants were 13-15 years old. Specific preventive efforts in these groups
      might be indicated. Future research should investigate whether similar
      associations are seen with suicide/suicidal attempts as endpoints.

PMID- 25142266
TI  - Mapping the protein profile involved in the biotransformation of organoarsenicals
      using an arsenic metabolizing bacterium.
AB  - Alkaliphilus oremlandii strain OhILAs, a gram-positive bacterium, has been shown
      to ferment lactate as well as use arsenate and roxarsone as a terminal electron
      acceptor. This study examines the proteome expressed under four growth conditions
      to further elucidate the bacterial metabolism of inorganic and organic arsenic.
      The four growth conditions include, sodium lactate (as fermentative control),
      sodium lactate with 3-nitro-4-hydroxybenzenearsonic acid (roxarsone), sodium
      lactate with 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzenearsonic acid (3A4HBAA), and sodium lactate
      with sodium arsenate. Shotgun proteomics using LC-MS/MS was performed on the
      soluble cytoplasm as well as solubilized membrane proteins using
      perfluorooctanoic acid, a surfactant with properties similar to sodium dodecyl
      sulfate. The MS/MS data were analyzed using the Spectrum Mills Proteomic
      Workbench. Positive protein matches were confirmed with protein scores of 20 or
      greater and the presence of two or more peptides among the three technical
      replicates. A total of 1357 proteins (out of 2836 predicted) were identified with
      791 in sodium lactate, 816 in sodium lactate and roxarsone, 715 in sodium lactate
      and 3A4HBAA, and 733 in sodium lactate and arsenate. The relative abundance of
      each protein was determined using a method called normalized spectral abundance
      factor (NSAF). Proteins that were identified in both the control and the
      experimental conditions were compared using the Power Law Global Error Model
      (PLGEM) to determine proteins that were significantly up or down regulated. All
      putative proteins were assigned functions and pathways using the COG databases.
      However, a large number of proteins were classified as hypothetical or had
      unknown function. Using the statistical information and known functionalities of
      the identified proteins, a pathway for the degradation of roxarsone and 3A4HBAA
      by A. oremlandii strain OhILAs is proposed. 

PMID- 25142267
TI  - Assessment of tibial rotation and meniscal movement using kinematic magnetic
      resonance imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to assess tibial rotations, meniscal movements, and
      morphological changes during knee flexion and extension using kinematic magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Thirty volunteers with healthy knees were
      examined using kinematic MRI. The knees were imaged in the transverse plane with
      flexion and extension angles from 0 degrees  to 40 degrees  and 40 degrees  to 0
      degrees , respectively. The tibial interior and exterior rotation angles were
      measured, and the meniscal movement range, height change, and side movements were
      detected. RESULTS: The tibia rotated internally (11.55 degrees  +/- 3.20 degrees
      ) during knee flexion and rotated externally (11.40 degrees  +/- 3.0 degrees )
      during knee extension. No significant differences were observed between the
      internal and external tibial rotation angles (P > 0.05), between males and
      females (P > 0.05), or between the left and right knee joints (P > 0.05). The
      tibial rotation angle with a flexion angle of 0 degrees  to 24 degrees  differed
      significantly from that with a flexion angle of 24 degrees  to 40 degrees  (P <
      0.01). With knee flexion, the medial and lateral menisci moved backward and the
      height of the meniscus increased. The movement range was greater in the anterior
      horn than in the posterior horn and greater in the lateral meniscus than in the
      medial meniscus (P < 0.01). During backward movements of the menisci, the
      distance between the anterior and posterior horns decreased, with the decrease
      more apparent in the lateral meniscus (P < 0.01). The side movements of the
      medial and lateral menisci were not obvious, and a smaller movement range was
      found than that of the forward and backward movements. CONCLUSION: Knee flexion
      and extension facilitated internal and external tibial rotations, which may be
      related to the ligament and joint capsule structure and femoral condyle geometry.

PMID- 25142269
TI  - High speed all optical Nyquist signal generation and full-band coherent
      detection.
AB  - Spectrum efficient data transmission is of key interest for high capacity optical
      communication systems considering the limited available bandwidth. Transmission
      of the high speed signal with higher-order modulation formats within the Nyquist
      bandwidth using coherent detection brings attractive performance advantages.
      However, high speed Nyquist signal generation with high order modulation formats
      is challenging. Electrical Nyquist pulse generation is restricted by the limited
      sampling rate and processor capacities of digital-to-analog convertor devices,
      while the optical Nyquist signals can provide a much higher symbol rate using
      time domain multiplexing method. However, most optical Nyquist signals are based
      on direct detection with simple modulation formats. Here we report the first
      experimental demonstration of high speed all optical Nyquist signal generation
      based on Sinc-shaped pulse generation and time-division multiplexing with high
      level modulation format and full-band coherent detection. Our experiments
      demonstrate a highly flexible and compatible all optical high speed Nyquist
      signal generation and detection scheme for future fiber communication systems. 

PMID- 25142268
TI  - New-onset psychiatric disorders after corticosteroid therapy in systemic lupus
      erythematosus: an observational case-series study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to clarify the incidence, clinical
      characteristics, and courses of new-onset psychiatric manifestations after
      corticosteroid therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),
      including possible ways of differentiating between corticosteroid-induced
      psychiatric disorders (CIPDs) and central nervous system manifestations of SLE
      (CNS-SLE). We prospectively followed for 8 weeks 139 consecutive episodes in 135
      in-patients who had a non-CNS-SLE flare treated with corticosteroids. Psychiatric
      events were evaluated once a week using DSM-IV criteria. We then conducted a post
      hoc etiological analysis of any newly developed psychiatric events during this
      follow-up period. In the 8 weeks of corticosteroid administration, new
      psychiatric events occurred in 20 (14.4 %) of the 139 episodes. The mean dosage
      of corticosteroids administered was prednisolone at 0.98 (range 0.24-1.39)
      mg/kg/day. Of the 20 psychiatric events, 14 (10.1 %) were suitable for the strict
      definition of CIPDs, accompanied by mood disorders in 13 (depressive in 2, manic
      in 9, and mixed in 2) and psychotic disorder in one. Two (1.4 %), both presenting
      delirium, were diagnosed as CNS-SLE on the basis of evidence of abnormal CNS
      findings even before psychiatric manifestations, all of which improved in
      parallel with these patients' recoveries through augmentation of
      immunosuppressive therapy. The other four events (2.9 %) could not be
      etiologically identified. This study suggests that corticosteroid therapy
      triggers CIPDs and CNS-SLE in patients with SLE. Delirium may be suggestive of
      CNS-SLE, while mood disorders may be more suggestive of CIPDs.
      Electroencephalographic abnormalities may possibly be predictive of CNS-SLE.

PMID- 25142270
TI  - Enteral ecoimmunonutrition reduced enteral permeability and serum ghrelin
      activity in severe cerebral stroke patients with lung infection.
AB  - The study analyzed how enteral ecoimmunonutrition, which comprises probiotics,
      glutamine, fish oil, and Enteral Nutritional Suspension (TPF), can impact on the
      enteral permeability and serum Ghrelin activity in severe cerebral stroke
      patients with lung infection. Among 190 severe cerebral stroke patients with
      tolerance to TPF, they were randomized into control and treatment groups after
      antibiotics treatment due to lung infections. There were 92 patients in the
      control group and 98 patients in treatment group. The control group was treated
      with TPF and the treatment group was treated with enteral ecoimmunonutrition,
      which comprises probiotics, glutamine, fish oil, and Enteral Nutritional
      Suspension. All patients received continuous treatments through nasoenteral or
      nasogastric tubes. 7, 14, and 21 days after the treatments, the enteral tolerance
      to nutrition was observed in both groups. The tests included abdominal pain,
      bloating, diarrhea, and lactulose/mannitol (L/M) ratio. Serum Ghrelin levels were
      determined by ELISA. The incidence of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea was
      lower in the treatment group and enteral tolerance to nutrition was also superior
      to the control group. No difference in serum Ghrelin level was observed between
      the control and treatment groups with enteral intolerance to nutrition. However,
      in patients with enteral tolerance to nutrition, the treatment group showed lower
      enteral nutrition and lower enteral permeability compared to the control group.
      In severe cerebral stroke patients with lung infection, enteral
      ecoimmunonutrition after antibiotics treatment improved enteral tolerance to
      nutrition and reduced enteral permeability; meanwhile, it lowered the serum
      Ghrelin activity, which implied the high serum Ghrelin reduces enteral
      permeability.

PMID- 25142271
TI  - Distal femoral osteotomy.
AB  - Osteotomies around the knee are well-recognized treatments for unloading the
      affected compartment in cases of lower limb malalignment. There are few papers in
      the literature describing the outcomes of distal femoral osteotomy (DFO), as
      compared with the studies reporting on high tibial osteotomy (HTO), probably
      because valgus malalignment is less common than the varus one. There is still
      debate as to what the correct indication is and which surgical techniques lead to
      the best outcomes in performing a DFO. Besides, it is still controversial whether
      patellofemoral arthritis should be considered as a contraindication to performing
      a DFO, as well as in HTO. In this article, we will summarize the indications for
      DFO, the surgical techniques reported in the literature, and their outcomes. 

PMID- 25142272
TI  - Efficient Calibration/Uncertainty Analysis Using Paired Complex/Surrogate Models.
AB  - The use of detailed groundwater models to simulate complex environmental
      processes can be hampered by (1) long run-times and (2) a penchant for solution
      convergence problems. Collectively, these can undermine the ability of a modeler
      to reduce and quantify predictive uncertainty, and therefore limit the use of
      such detailed models in the decision-making context. We explain and demonstrate a
      novel approach to calibration and the exploration of posterior predictive
      uncertainty, of a complex model, that can overcome these problems in many
      modelling contexts. The methodology relies on conjunctive use of a simplified
      surrogate version of the complex model in combination with the complex model
      itself. The methodology employs gradient-based subspace analysis and is thus
      readily adapted for use in highly parameterized contexts. In its most basic form,
      one or more surrogate models are used for calculation of the partial derivatives
      that collectively comprise the Jacobian matrix. Meanwhile, testing of parameter
      upgrades and the making of predictions is done by the original complex model. The
      methodology is demonstrated using a density-dependent seawater intrusion model in
      which the model domain is characterized by a heterogeneous distribution of
      hydraulic conductivity. 

PMID- 25142273
TI  - C-H bond activation and S-atom transfer from cobalt(III) thiolate and
      isothiocyanate complexes.
AB  - The cobalt phenylthiolate complex, cis,mer-(PMe3)3Co(CH3)2SPh, was found to
      undergo competitive two-electron ethane reductive elimination and C-H bond
      cyclometallation. The thiophenolato bound cobaltacycle was generated via C-H bond
      oxidative addition to a five-coordinate intermediate followed by rapid methane
      elimination. A related cobalt isothiocyanate complex, cis,mer-(PMe3)3Co(CH3)2NCS,
      was also prepared and found to perform ethane elimination and S-atom transfer to
      yield trimethylphosphine sulfide. This rare example of S-atom donation from a
      isothiocyanate was characterized by NMR and GC-MS analysis, with cis,mer
      (PMe3)3Co(CH3)2CN identified as one of the cobalt based products. 

PMID- 25142274
TI  - Effectiveness of tongue-tie division for speech disorder in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of tongue
      tie division (frenuloplasty/ frenulotomy) for speech articulation disorder in
      children with ankyloglossia (tongue-tie). METHODS: Articulation test was done in
      five children (3-8 years old) with speech problems who underwent tongue-tie
      division. The test consisted of 50 pictures of common Japanese words with 2-3
      syllables. The patients were interviewed by a speech therapist and asked to
      pronounce what the picture card showed. Misarticulations of substitution,
      omission, and distortion were assessed. The preoperative results were compared
      with postoperative examinations at 1 month, 3-4 months, and 1-2 years. RESULTS:
      Nineteen substitutions that were observed in four patients preoperatively
      decreased to 10 in three patients at 1 month, 7 in three patients at 3-4 months,
      and 1 in one patient at 1-2 years postoperatively. Five omissions that were
      observed in four patients preoperatively decreased to 3 in three patients at 1
      month, 2 in two patients at 3-4 months, and 1 in one patient at 1-2 years
      postoperatively. Thirteen distortions that were observed in five patients
      preoperatively decreased to 8 in four patients at 3-4 months but increased to 11
      in three patients at 1-2 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Substitution and
      omission improved relatively early after tongue-tie division and progressed to
      distortion, which is a less-impaired form of articulation disorder. Thus,
      distortion required more time for improvement and remained a defective speaking
      habit in some patients.

PMID- 25142275
TI  - Is plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 really a plasminogen activator
      inhibitor after all?

PMID- 25142276
TI  - A randomized comparison of energy consumption when using different canes,
      inpatients after stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the differences in oxygen consumption associated with
      gait in hemiplegic patients according to the type of cane they use. DESIGN: A
      randomized crossover design. SETTING: University hospital-based rehabilitation
      center, Korea. SUBJECTS: Thirty consecutive patients (mean +/- SD age, 56.3 +/-
      3.2 years) with chronic stroke, 17 (56.7%) males and 13 (43.3%) females.
      INTERVENTIONS: At approximately the same time of day for three consecutive days,
      each participant completed a walk with one of three randomly assigned types of
      canes: a single-point cane, a quad cane, and a hemi-walker. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
      Energy expenditure (O2 rate, mL/kg/min), energy cost (O2 cost, mL/kg/m), and
      heart rate (HR) via a portable gas analyzer, a 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and a
      6-minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS: Energy expenditure, gait endurance, and gait
      velocity for a single-point cane were higher (p<0.001 or p=0.005) than for any
      other type of cane. Energy cost (0.5 +/- 0.2 mL/kg/m vs. 0.6 +/- 0.2 mL/kg/m vs.
      0.6 +/- 0.2 ml/kg/m, respectively, p=0.001) was lower for the single-point cane,
      except for HR (p >= 0.05) after the Bonferroni correction (0.05/5=0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: A single-point cane requires less oxygen use at a given speed, or
      permits greater speed for the same oxygen consumption.

PMID- 25142277
TI  - Balance training with multi-task exercises improves fall-related self-efficacy,
      gait, balance performance and physical function in older adults with
      osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a balance training program including dual-
      and multi-task exercises on fall-related self-efficacy, fear of falling, gait and
      balance performance, and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis with
      an increased risk of falling and to evaluate whether additional physical activity
      would further improve the effects. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial, including
      three groups: two intervention groups (Training, or Training+Physical activity)
      and one Control group, with a 12-week follow-up. SETTING: Stockholm County,
      Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-six older adults, aged 66-87, with verified
      osteoporosis. INTERVENTIONS: A specific and progressive balance training program
      including dual- and multi-task three times/week for 12 weeks, and physical
      activity for 30 minutes, three times/week. MAIN MEASURES: Fall-related self
      efficacy (Falls Efficacy Scale-International), fear of falling (single-item
      question - 'In general, are you afraid of falling?'), gait speed with and without
      a cognitive dual-task at preferred pace and fast walking (GAITRite(r)), balance
      performance tests (one-leg stance, and modified figure of eight), and physical
      function (Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument). RESULTS: Both
      intervention groups significantly improved their fall-related self-efficacy as
      compared to the controls (p <= 0.034, 4 points) and improved their balance
      performance. Significant differences over time and between groups in favour of
      the intervention groups were found for walking speed with a dual-task (p=0.003),
      at fast walking speed (p=0.008), and for advanced lower extremity physical
      function (p=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: This balance training program, including dual-
      and multi-task, improves fall-related self-efficacy, gait speed, balance
      performance, and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis.

PMID- 25142278
TI  - Exercise testing and training in people with Huntington's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore exercise response in people with Huntington's disease (HD).
      DESIGN: Experimental observational study with a randomly allocated subgroup
      before/after interventional study. SETTING: Community. SUBJECTS: People with HD
      (n=30) and a healthy comparator group (n=20). Thirteen people from the HD group
      were randomly allocated to an exercise training program. MAIN MEASURES: Heart
      rate (HR) and perceived exertion on the Borg-CR10 scale (RPE) during a submaximal
      cycle ergometer exercise test (three minute unloaded and nine minute 65%
      75%HRmaximum phase). Expired air and lactate measures were available for 8 people
      with HD during the exercise. INTERVENTION: A 12 week gym and home walking
      exercise programme (n=13). RESULTS: People with HD achieved a lower work rate at
      nine minutes (82+/-42(0-195) v 107+/-35(50 -185) Watts (p<0.05)), but higher RPE
      at both three (3+/-2(0-7) v 1+/-1(0-4)) and nine minutes (7+/-3(1-10) v 5+/- 2(2
      9)) both p<0.01, compared to the healthy group and did not achieve a steady state
      HR during unloaded cycling. People with HD also demonstrated higher than expected
      lactate at three 2.5+/-2.5(1.1-8)mmo.L-1 and nine 3.8+/-1.9(1.2-6.6)mmo.L-1
      minutes and respiratory exchange ratio at three 0.78+/-0.03 (0.74-0.81) and nine
      minutes 0.94+/-0.11(0.81-1.15). After exercise training there were no changes
      observed in HR or RPE responses during the exercise test. CONCLUSIONS: There was
      a large variability in the observed metabolic and physiological responses to
      exercise in people with HD. The observed exercise responses suggest that altered
      exercise prescription parameters may be required for people with HD and that
      exercise response and factors' affecting this requires further investigation.

PMID- 25142279
TI  - Narrative therapy an evaluated intervention to improve stroke survivors' social
      and emotional adaptation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a theoretical and practical framework of using a train
      metaphor in narrative therapy for stroke rehabilitation in group practice.
      BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of literature on the application of narrative
      therapy in meeting the psycho-social-spiritual needs of stroke survivors in
      rehabilitation. In the current article, the use of narrative therapy being
      evaluated in a formal randomized study in stroke survivors is described in
      detail. The metaphor may be of practical interest to those working with
      populations confronted with unpredictable life challenges. METHOD: Narrative
      practice using the metaphor of 'Train of life' is an alternative practice to
      psychopathology, which provides a means for the participants to deconstruct from
      the illness experience, re-author their lives, and reconstruct their identity
      with hopes and dreams. This therapeutic conversations, primarily using questions,
      can be divided into six steps: (1) engaging participants to a Concord station;
      (2) unfolding the experience with Stroke: where each of the participants are
      coming from; (3) dialoging directly with Stroke; (4) co-constructing the train
      carriage; (5) planning for a future life journey with Stroke; and (6) celebrating
      the unlocking of a new journey. Along with the train of life metaphor,
      therapeutic documents and outsider witness conversations are used to strengthen
      the preferred identity, as opposed to the problem-saturated identity of the
      participants. DISCUSSION: This metaphor poses an alternative methodology in
      stroke rehabilitation by reconnecting the survivors' inner resources, skills, and
      competencies. Eventually, it could re-author the survivors' identity developed
      from previous life challenges and reconstruct their purpose in life.

PMID- 25142280
TI  - Does pelvic floor muscle training abolish symptoms of urinary incontinence? A
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether symptoms of urinary incontinence is reduced by
      pelvic floor muscle training, to determine whether urinary incontinence can be
      totally eliminated by strengthening the pelvic floor muscle to grade 5 on the
      Oxford scale. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING:
      Outpatient urogynecology department. SUBJECTS: One hundred thirty cases with
      stress and mixed urinary incontinence. INTERVENTION: All participants were
      randomly allocated to the pelvic floor muscle training group or control group. A
      12-week home based exercise program, prescribed individually, was performed by
      the pelvic floor muscle training group. MAIN MEASURES: Urinary incontinence
      symptoms (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6,
      bladder diary, stop test and pad test) were assessed, and the pelvic floor muscle
      strength was measured for (PERFECT testing, perineometric and ultrasound) all
      participants before and after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The pelvic floor
      muscle training group had significant improvement in their symptoms of urinary
      incontinence (P=0.001) and an increase in pelvic floor muscle strength (P=0.001,
      by the dependent t test) compared with the control group. All the symptoms of
      urinary incontinence were significantly decreased in the patients that had
      reached pelvic floor muscle strength of grade 5 and continued the pelvic floor
      muscle training (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that pelvic floor
      muscle training is effective in reducing the symptoms of stress and mixed urinary
      incontinence and in increasing pelvic floor muscle strength.

PMID- 25142281
TI  - Successful treatment of a patient with ventriculoperitoneal shunt-associated
      meningitis caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella
      pneumoniae.
AB  - Bacterial meningitis is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality
      worldwide, despite that modern antibiotics effectively penetrate cerebrospinal
      fluid to eradicate bacteria. A clinical suspicion of bacterial meningitis should
      be recognized early for the rapid diagnostic workup. Bacterial meningitis
      associated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is not uncommon and infrequently
      presents as abdominal symptoms and signs. Infections of the central nervous
      system caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
      (ESBL-KP) are extremely rare, and such multiple drug-resistant pathogens
      frequently cause inappropriate treatments and mortality. beta-Lactamases are
      bacterial enzymes that inactivate beta-lactam antimicrobial agents. The increased
      prevalence of ESBL-producing organism infections has become a worldwide problem.
      Timely and appropriate treatment is important to reduce mortality and morbidity
      of infections caused by ESBL-producing organisms. Here, we report a 61-year-old
      male patient who underwent VPS implantation for consequent hydrocephalus
      following spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage six months before this
      presentation. He was admitted for intermittent fever and right lower quadrant
      abdominal pain, and he was initially managed as acute appendicitis with its
      typical presentation. Finally, he was diagnosed VPS-associated meningitis caused
      by ESBL-KP. This patient was successfully treated with the combination of
      meropenem, a carbapenem antibiotic that is the drug of choice for treating ESBL
      producing organisms, and high-dose fosfomycin, a phosphonic acid derivative
      antibiotic that is effective in treating some drug-resistant pathogens. In the
      present report, we emphasize the clinical presentations of catheter-related
      meningitis and risk factors for infections caused by ESBL-producing pathogens.
      Antibiotic combination therapy can provide synergistic effect and maximize anti
      bacterial activity in ESBL-KP meningitis. 

PMID- 25142282
TI  - Distribution of ether lipids and composition of the archaeal community in
      terrestrial geothermal springs: impact of environmental variables.
AB  - Archaea can respond to changes in the environment by altering the composition of
      their membrane lipids, for example, by modification of the abundance and
      composition of glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs). Here, we
      investigated the abundance and proportions of polar GDGTs (P-GDGTs) and core
      GDGTs (C-GDGTs) sampled in different seasons from Tengchong hot springs (Yunnan,
      China), which encompassed a pH range of 2.5-10.1 and a temperature range of 43.7
      93.6 degrees C. The phylogenetic composition of the archaeal community
      (reanalysed from published work) divided the Archaea in spring sediment samples
      into three major groups that corresponded with spring pH: acidic, circumneutral
      and alkaline. Cluster analysis showed correlation between spring pH and the
      composition of P- and C-GDGTs and archaeal 16S rRNA genes, indicating an intimate
      link between resident Archaea and the distribution of P- and C-GDGTs in Tengchong
      hot springs. The distribution of GDGTs in Tengchong springs was also
      significantly affected by temperature; however, the relationship was weaker than
      with pH. Analysis of published datasets including samples from Tibet, Yellowstone
      and the US Great Basin hot springs revealed a similar relationship between pH and
      GDGT content. Specifically, low pH springs had higher concentrations of GDGTs
      with high numbers of cyclopentyl rings than neutral and alkaline springs, which
      is consistent with the predominance of high cyclopentyl ring-characterized
      Sulfolobales and Thermoplasmatales present in some of the low pH springs. Our
      study suggests that the resident Archaea in these hot springs are acclimated if
      not adapted to low pH by their genetic capacity to effect the packing density of
      their membranes by increasing cyclopentyl rings in GDGTs at the rank of
      community.

PMID- 25142283
TI  - Dissecting the mechanism of martensitic transformation via atomic-scale
      observations.
AB  - Martensitic transformation plays a pivotal role in the microstructural evolution
      and plasticity of many engineering materials. However, so far the underlying
      atomic processes that accomplish the displacive transformation have been obscured
      by the difficulty in directly observing key microstructural signatures on atomic
      scale. To resolve this long-standing problem, here we examine an AISI 304
      austenitic stainless steel that has a strain/microstructure-gradient induced by
      surface mechanical attrition, which allowed us to capture in one sample all the
      key interphase regions generated during the gamma(fcc) -> epsilon(hcp) ->
      alpha'(bcc) transition, a prototypical case of deformation induced martensitic
      transformation (DIMT). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM)
      observations confirm the crucial role of partial dislocations, and reveal tell
      tale features including the lattice rotation of the alpha' martensite inclusion,
      the transition lattices at the epsilon/alpha' interfaces that cater the shears,
      and the excess reverse shear-shuffling induced gamma necks in the epsilon
      martensite plates. These direct observations verify for the first time the 50
      year-old Bogers-Burgers-Olson-Cohen (BBOC) model, and enrich our understanding of
      DIMT mechanisms. Our findings have implications for improved microstructural
      control in metals and alloys. 

PMID- 25142284
TI  - Survivorship, palliative care and quality of life.

PMID- 25142285
TI  - Stimulation of invariant natural killer T cells by alpha-Galactosylceramide
      activates the JAK-STAT pathway in endothelial cells and reduces angiogenesis in
      the 5T33 multiple myeloma model.
AB  - Tumour pathogenesis in multiple myeloma (MM) correlates with a high vascular
      index. Therefore, targeting angiogenesis is an important therapeutic tool to
      reduce MM progression. This study aimed to investigate the role of invariant
      natural killer T (iNKT) cells in angiogenesis and the mechanisms behind the
      stimulation by alpha-Galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer). We have previously found
      that alpha-GalCer could increase the survival of 5T33MM mice and here we
      demonstrate that alpha-GalCer reduces the microvessel density. We performed both
      in vivo and in vitro angiogenic assays to confirm this observation. We found that
      conditioned medium of alpha-GalCer stimulated iNKT cells reduced
      neovascularization in the chick chorioallantoic membrane and in matrigel plug
      assays. Moreover, we observed a reduction in proliferation, migration and network
      formation and an induction of apoptosis upon exposure of murine endothelial cell
      lines to this conditioned medium. We furthermore observed that the JAK-STAT
      signaling pathway was highly activated in endothelial cells in response to
      stimulated iNKT cells, indicating the possible role of IFN-gamma in the anti
      angiogenic process. In conclusion, these results highlight the possibility of
      recruiting iNKT cells to target MM and angiogenesis. This gives a rationale for
      combining immunotherapy with conventional anti-tumour treatments in view of
      increasing their therapeutic potential. 

PMID- 25142286
TI  - Service-learning's impact on dental students' attitude towards community service.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated service-learning programme's impact on senior
      dental students' attitude towards community service at Virginia Commonwealth
      University (VCU) School of Dentistry. Experience gained through service-learning
      in dental school may positively impact dental students' attitude towards
      community service that will eventually lead into providing care to the
      underserved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two surveys (pre- and post-test) were
      administered to 105 senior dental students. For the first survey (post-test),
      seventy-six students of 105 responded and reported their attitude towards
      community service immediately after the service-learning programme completion.
      Three weeks later, 56 students of the 76 responded to the second survey
      (retrospective pre-test) and reported their recalled attitude prior to the
      programme retrospectively. RESULTS: A repeated-measure mixed-model analysis
      indicated that overall there was improvement between pre-test and post-test.
      Scales of connectedness, normative helping behaviour, benefits, career benefits
      and intention showed a significant pre-test and post-test difference. An
      association between attitude towards community service and student
      characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity and volunteer activity was also
      examined. Only ethnicity showed an overall significant difference. White dental
      students appear to have a differing perception of the costs of community service.
      CONCLUSIONS: The service-learning programme at VCU School of Dentistry has
      positively impacted senior dental students' attitude towards community service.

PMID- 25142287
TI  - Improvement of facial affect recognition in children and adolescents with
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder under methylphenidate.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Some authors draw a connection between the
      dopaminergic pathways and emotional perception. The present study is based on
      that association and addresses the question whether methylphenidate and the
      resulting amelioration of the disturbed dopamine metabolism lead to an
      improvement of the facial affect recognition abilities in children with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: A computer test was conducted on
      21 participants, aged 7-14 years and with a diagnosis of ADHD - some with
      comorbid oppositional defiant disorder - conducted the FEFA (Frankfurt Test and
      Training of Facial Affect), a computer test to examine their facial affect
      recognition abilities. It consists of two subtests, one with faces and one with
      eye pairs. All participants were tested in a double-blind cross-over study, once
      under placebo and once under methylphenidate. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The
      collected data showed that methylphenidate leads to amelioration of facial affect
      recognition abilities, but not on a significant level. Reasons for missing
      significance may be the small sample size or the fact that there exists some
      overlapping in cerebral connections and metabolic pathways of the site of action
      of methylphenidate and the affected dopaminergic areas in ADHD. However,
      consistent with the endophenotype concept, certain gene locations of the
      dopaminergic metabolism as both an aetiological factor for ADHD and the deficient
      facial affect recognition abilities with these individuals were considered.
      Consulting current literature they were found to be not concordant. Therefore, we
      conclude that the lacking significance of the methylphenidate affect on facial
      affect recognition is based on this fact.

PMID- 25142288
TI  - Orally administered whole egg demonstrates antidepressant-like effects in the
      forced swimming test on rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several studies have reported that vegetarian diets are associated
      with a higher prevalence of major depression. Therefore, we hypothesised that the
      consumption of animal products, especially eggs, may have positive effects on
      mental health, especially on major depression, because a previous study reported
      that egg consumption produces numerous beneficial effects in humans. The purpose
      of the present study was to evaluate the effects of chronic whole-egg treatment
      on depression-like behaviours in Wistar rats, a control strain, and Wistar Kyoto
      rats, an animal model of depression. METHODS: In both the rats, either whole-egg
      solution (5 ml/kg) or distilled water (5 ml/kg) was orally administrated for 35
      days. During these periods, the open-field test (OFT) was conducted on the 21st
      day, and a forced swimming test (FST) was enforced on the 27th and 28th days. On
      the 36th day, the plasma and brain were collected. RESULTS: Chronic whole-egg
      treatment did not affect line crossing in the OFT, whereas it reduced the total
      duration of immobility in the FST on both strains. Furthermore, interestingly,
      the results indicated the possibility that whole-egg treatment elevated the
      incorporation of tryptophan into the brain, and the tryptophan concentration in
      the prefrontal cortex was actually increased by the treatment. CONCLUSION: This
      study demonstrated that whole-egg treatment exerts an antidepressant-like effect
      in the FST. It is suggested that whole egg may be an excellent food for
      preventing and alleviating the conditions of major depression.

PMID- 25142289
TI  - Optimal interval for hot water immersion tail-flick test in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hot water tail-flick test is widely used to measure the degree of
      nociception experienced by laboratory animals. This study was carried out to
      optimise interval times for the hot water immersion tail-flick tests in rats.
      METHOD: Ten different intervals from 10 s to 1 h were tested in 60 Sprague-Dawley
      male rats. At least eight rats were tested for each interval in three consecutive
      hot water tail-flick tests. Dixon's up-and-down method was also used to find the
      optimal intervals. The same rats were then divided into two groups. In Group N,
      naloxone was injected to reverse the prolonged latency times, whereas saline was
      used in the control Group S. RESULTS: Intervals of 10 s, 20 s, 30 min and 1 h did
      not significantly impact latencies, yielding similar results in three consecutive
      tests (p > 0.05). However, interval times of between 30 s and 20 min,
      inclusively, caused significantly prolonged latencies in the second and third
      tests (p < 0.001). Dixon's up-and-down method showed that 95% of the rats had
      prolonged latencies in hot water tail-flick tests at intervals longer than 32 s.
      Naloxone reversed prolonged latencies in Group N, whereas the latencies in Group
      S were further prolonged in 5 min interval tests. CONCLUSION: The optimal
      intervals for hot water tail-flick tests are either shorter than 20 s or longer
      than 20 min. The prolonged latencies after repetitive tests were attributable to
      an endocrine opioid.

PMID- 25142290
TI  - BDNF and S100B in psychotic disorders: evidence for an association with treatment
      responsiveness.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100B are involved in
      brain plasticity processes and their serum levels have been demonstrated to be
      altered in patients with psychoses. This study aimed to identify subgroups of
      patients with psychotic disorders across diagnostic boundaries that show a
      specific symptom profile or response to treatment with antipsychotics, by
      measuring serum levels of BDNF and S100B. METHODS: The study sample consisted of
      58 patients with DSM-IV psychotic disorders. Comprehensive Assessment of Symptoms
      and History (CASH), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical
      Global Impression scale for severity and improvement (CGI-S/CGI-I) were applied
      at baseline and after 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment. At both time points,
      serum levels of BDNF and S100B were measured and compared with a matched control
      sample. RESULTS: Baseline BDNF and S100B levels were significantly lower in
      patients as compared with controls and did not change significantly during
      treatment. Dividing the patient sample according to baseline biochemical
      parameters (low and high 25% and middle 50%), no differences in symptom profiles
      or outcome were found with respect to BDNF. However, the subgroups with low and
      high S100B levels had higher PANSS scores than the middle subgroup. In addition,
      the high subgroup still showed significantly more negative symptoms after
      treatment, whereas the low subgroup showed more positive symptoms compared with
      the other subgroups. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of BDNF and S100B are lowered in
      patients with psychotic disorders across diagnostic boundaries. The differences
      between high and low S100B subgroups suggest a relationship between S100B,
      symptom dimensions and treatment response, irrespective of diagnostic categories.

PMID- 25142291
TI  - Psychiatric side effects of ketamine in hospitalized medical patients
      administered subanesthetic doses for pain control.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychiatric side effects of ketamine when administered
      in subanesthetic doses to hospitalized patients. It is hypothesized that such
      effects occur frequently. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the medical
      records of 50 patients hospitalized on medical and surgical units at our facility
      who had continuous intravenous infusions of ketamine for pain or mild sedation
      were reviewed. Patient progress in the days following the start of ketamine
      infusion was reviewed and response to ketamine was noted. RESULTS: Twenty-two
      percent of the patients were noted to have some type of psychiatric reaction to
      ketamine, including agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. These reactions
      were relatively short lived, namely, occurring during or shortly after the
      infusions. No association was found between patient response to ketamine and
      gender, age, or infusion rate. CONCLUSION: Awareness of the psychiatric side
      effects of ketamine is an important consideration for clinicians administering
      this medication either for pain control or for depressive illness.

PMID- 25142292
TI  - A nationwide study on delirium in psychiatric patients from 1995 to 2011.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Delirium shares symptoms with some mental illnesses. This may lead to
      misdiagnosis of delirium in psychiatric patients and a risk of inadequate
      management. Moreover, literature on delirium in psychiatric patients is sparse.
      The aim was to analyse possible changes in the diagnostic incidence of delirium
      in psychiatric patients from 1995 to 2011, and to investigate the patients with
      regard to sex, age, and type of patient. METHODS: All first time ever diagnoses
      of delirium among psychiatric patients were identified in the nationwide Danish
      Psychiatric Central Research Register (DPCRR) from 1995 to 2011. The delirium
      diagnoses include (1) delirium unspecified, (2) delirium with dementia, and (3)
      drug-related delirium, all in accordance with International Classification of
      Diseases-10. The incidence rates were age standardised. RESULTS: A total of 15
      680 persons diagnosed with delirium for the first time were identified in the
      DPCRR between 1995 and 2011. The total incidence rate of delirium has decreased,
      reaching 8.4/1000 person-years in 2011. In 2011, 2.6% of the demented patients
      were diagnosed with delirium with dementia. Diagnosis of delirium is
      significantly more common in men, and the three groups of delirium showed a
      characteristic age distribution. CONCLUSION: Our incidences were markedly lower
      when compared with previous studies. This suggests a possible underdiagnosis of
      delirium in psychiatric hospitals and should be investigated further, as delirium
      is a serious state and identifying the syndrome is important for sufficient
      treatment.

PMID- 25142293
TI  - Association between the NOTCH4 gene rs3131296 polymorphism with schizophrenia
      risk in the Chinese Zhuang population and Chinese Han population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia (SZ) is a common severe psychiatric disorder and a
      complex polygenic inherited disease that has not yet been fully interpreted.
      Heredity was proven to play an important role in the development of SZ. The
      association between the NOTCH4 gene rs3131296 polymorphism and SZ was reported to
      reach significance at the genome-wide level; therefore, it is necessary to
      replicate this association in other different populations. METHODS: To evaluate
      the association of the NOTCH4 gene rs3131296 polymorphism with the risk for SZ,
      and to explore whether a significant association could be replicated in different
      ethnic groups of China, we conducted this case-control study on 282 SZ cases (188
      Han and 94 Zhuang) and 282 controls (188 Han and 94 Zhuang) among the Chinese
      Zhuang and Han populations. RESULTS: The results showed no statistically
      significant difference in the genotype or allele frequencies of the NOTCH4 gene
      variant rs3131296 between SZ patients and healthy controls in either the Zhuang
      or Han samples (p > 0.05). In addition, no significant difference was found in
      genotype or allele frequencies of the NOTCH4 gene variant rs3131296 between cases
      and controls in the combined samples including Zhuang and Han samples.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study failed to replicate the significant association between
      the NOTCH4 gene rs3131296 polymorphism and the risk for SZ.

PMID- 25142294
TI  - Charting the decline in spontaneous writing in Alzheimer's disease: a
      longitudinal study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to document the nature and progression of the
      spontaneous writing impairment observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      over a 12-month period using both a cross-sectional and prospective longitudinal
      design. METHODS: Thirty-one minimal-moderate AD patients and 30 controls matched
      for age and socio-cultural background completed a simple and complex written
      description task at baseline. The AD patients then had follow-up assessments at 6
      and 12 months. RESULTS: Cross-sectional comparisons indicated that minimal
      moderate AD patients produced more semantic paraphasias, phonological
      paraphasias, and empty and indefinite phrases, whilst producing fewer pictorial
      themes, repairing fewer errors, and producing shorter and less complex sentences
      than controls. The two groups could not be distinguished on visual paraphasias.
      Longitudinal follow-up, however, suggested that visual processing deteriorates
      over time, where the prevalence of visual errors increased over 12 months.
      Discussion The findings suggest that the deterioration of writing skills observed
      in the spontaneous writings of AD patients shows a pattern of impairment
      dominated by semantic errors with a secondary impairment in phonological
      processing, which is later joined by a disruption of visuospatial and graphomotor
      processing.

PMID- 25142295
TI  - Impaired recognition of happy facial expressions in bipolar disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ability to accurately judge facial expressions is important in
      social interactions. Individuals with bipolar disorder have been found to be
      impaired in emotion recognition; however, the specifics of the impairment are
      unclear. This study investigated whether facial emotion recognition difficulties
      in bipolar disorder reflect general cognitive, or emotion-specific, impairments.
      Impairment in the recognition of particular emotions and the role of processing
      speed in facial emotion recognition were also investigated. METHODS: Clinically
      stable bipolar patients (n = 17) and healthy controls (n = 50) judged five facial
      expressions in two presentation types, time-limited and self-paced. An age
      recognition condition was used as an experimental control. RESULTS: Bipolar
      patients' overall facial recognition ability was unimpaired. However, patients'
      specific ability to judge happy expressions under time constraints was impaired.
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest a deficit in happy emotion recognition impacted by
      processing speed. Given the limited sample size, further investigation with a
      larger patient sample is warranted.

PMID- 25142296
TI  - Role of the medial prefrontal cortex in impaired decision making in juvenile
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated
      with deficient decision making and learning. Models of ADHD have suggested that
      these deficits could be caused by impaired reward prediction errors (RPEs).
      Reward prediction errors are signals that indicate violations of expectations and
      are known to be encoded by the dopaminergic system. However, the precise learning
      and decision-making deficits and their neurobiological correlates in ADHD are not
      well known. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impaired decision-making and learning
      mechanisms in juvenile ADHD using advanced computational models, as well as the
      related neural RPE processes using multimodal neuroimaging. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Twenty adolescents with ADHD and 20 healthy adolescents serving as
      controls (aged 12-16 years) were examined using a probabilistic reversal learning
      task while simultaneous functional magnetic resonance imaging and
      electroencephalogram were recorded. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Learning and
      decision making were investigated by contrasting a hierarchical Bayesian model
      with an advanced reinforcement learning model and by comparing the model
      parameters. The neural correlates of RPEs were studied in functional magnetic
      resonance imaging and electroencephalogram. RESULTS: Adolescents with ADHD showed
      more simplistic learning as reflected by the reinforcement learning model
      (exceedance probability, Px = .92) and had increased exploratory behavior
      compared with healthy controls (mean [SD] decision steepness parameter beta:
      ADHD, 4.83 [2.97]; controls, 6.04 [2.53]; P = .02). The functional magnetic
      resonance imaging analysis revealed impaired RPE processing in the medial
      prefrontal cortex during cue as well as during outcome presentation (P < .05,
      family-wise error correction). The outcome-related impairment in the medial
      prefrontal cortex could be attributed to deficient processing at 200 to 400
      milliseconds after feedback presentation as reflected by reduced feedback-related
      negativity (ADHD, 0.61 [3.90] MUV; controls, -1.68 [2.52] MUV; P = .04).
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The combination of computational modeling of behavior
      and multimodal neuroimaging revealed that impaired decision making and learning
      mechanisms in adolescents with ADHD are driven by impaired RPE processing in the
      medial prefrontal cortex. This novel, combined approach furthers the
      understanding of the pathomechanisms in ADHD and may advance treatment
      strategies.

PMID- 25142297
TI  - Facial Angiofibroma Severity Index (FASI): reliability assessment of a new tool
      developed to measure severity and responsiveness to therapy in tuberous sclerosis
      associated facial angiofibroma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant
      neurocutaneous disorder characterized by the development of multisystem
      hamartomatous tumours. Topical sirolimus has recently been suggested as a
      potential treatment for TSC-associated facial angiofibroma (FA). AIM: To validate
      a reproducible scale created for the assessment of clinical severity and
      treatment response in these patients. METHODS: We developed a new tool, the
      Facial Angiofibroma Severity Index (FASI) to evaluate the grade of erythema and
      the size and extent of FAs. In total, 30 different photographs of patients with
      TSC were shown to 56 dermatologists at each evaluation. Three evaluations using
      the same photographs but in a different random order were performed 1 week apart.
      Test and retest reliability and interobserver reproducibility were determined.
      RESULTS: There was good agreement between the investigators. Inter-rater
      reliability showed strong correlations (> 0.98; range 0.97-0.99) with inter-rater
      correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the FASI. The global estimated kappa
      coefficient for the degree of intra-rater agreement (test-retest) was 0.94 (range
      0.91-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: The FASI is a valid and reliable tool for measuring the
      clinical severity of TSC-associated FAs, which can be applied in clinical
      practice to evaluate the response to treatment in these patients.

PMID- 25142298
TI  - Endoscopic cystolithotomy by mini nephroscope: a preliminary study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To introduce a novel endoscopic surgical technique with mini
      nephroscope by suprapubic transvesical route for cystolithotripsy in children.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a non-randomized study with a series of 12 boys,
      between February 2012 and September 2013. Demographic, operative, and
      postoperative data were recorded. Our new endoscopic surgery technique could be
      performed in all patients. Complications were noted. RESULTS: Mean age was 35.1
      +/- 8.6 months (19-46 months), the average stone size was 16.5 +/- 5.2 mm (10-20
      mm). Mean operation time was 28.9 min (21-40), and mean hospital stay was 2.2 (2
      3) days. In all procedures, stones were successfully fragmented and extracted by
      the new surgical technique. There was no intraoperative and/or postoperative
      complication or urethral stricture during follow-up period. In stone analyses,
      the main components were ammonium acid urate, calcium oxalate, and struvite.
      CONCLUSIONS: The new endoscopic surgery technique is safe and effective for
      bladder stones in children. Thus, our technique can be a strong candidate for an
      alternative treatment of childhood bladder stones.

PMID- 25142299
TI  - Highly conductive, capacitive, flexible and soft electrodes based on a 3D
      graphene-nanotube-palladium hybrid and conducting polymer.
AB  - Highly conductive, capacitive and flexible electrodes are fabricated by employing
      3D graphene-nanotube-palladium nanostructures and a PEDOT:PSS conducting polymer.
      The fabricated flexible electrodes, without any additional metallic current
      collectors, exhibit increased charge mobility and good mechanical properties;
      they also allow greater access to the electrolyte ions and hence are suitable for
      flexible energy storage applications. 

PMID- 25142300
TI  - IL-15-dependent CD8+ CD122+ T cells ameliorate experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis by modulating IL-17 production by CD4+ T cells.
AB  - Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is an inflammatory cytokine whose role in autoimmune
      diseases has not been fully elucidated. Th17 cells have been shown to play
      critical roles in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models. In this
      study, we demonstrate that blockade of IL-15 signaling by TMbeta-1 mAb treatment
      aggravated EAE severity. The key mechanism was not NK-cell depletion but
      depletion of CD8+ CD122+ T cells. Adoptive transfer of exogenous CD8+ CD122+ T
      cells to TMbeta-1-treated mice rescued animals from severe disease. Moreover,
      transfer of preactivated CD8+ CD122+ T cells prevented EAE development and
      significantly reduced IL-17 secretion. Naive effector CD4+ CD25- T cells cultured
      with either CD8+ CD122+ T cells from wild-type mice or IL-15 transgenic mice
      displayed lower frequencies of IL-17A production with lower amounts of IL-17 in
      the supernatants when compared with production by effector CD4+ CD25- T cells
      cultured alone. Addition of a neutralizing antibody to IL-10 led to recovery of
      IL-17A production in Th17 cultures. Furthermore, coculture of CD8+ CD122+ T cells
      with effector CD4+ T cells inhibited their proliferation significantly,
      suggesting a regulatory function for IL-15 dependent CD8+ CD122+ T cells. Taken
      together, these observations suggest that IL-15, acting through CD8+ CD122+ T
      cells, has a negative regulatory role in reducing IL-17 production and Th17
      mediated EAE inflammation.

PMID- 25142301
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of glucosyl curcuminoids.
AB  - Medicinal plants proved to be a rich source in exploring a variety of lead
      structures in the development of new drugs. The natural curcuminoids have gained
      considerable attention in recent years for their multiple beneficial
      pharmacological and biological activities. Clinical application of these
      curcuminoids is often impaired due to their poor water solubility, resulting in
      low in vivo bioavailability of the active compound in humans. The objective of
      the present study is to synthesize glucosyl conjugates of curcumin 1 and
      tetrahydrocurcumin 4 and to evaluate their biological activities. The study
      highlights the synthesis of curcumin-beta-di-glucoside 3 (yield 71%) and
      tetrahydrocurcumin-beta-di-glucoside 6 (yield 64%) in good yields in a biphasic
      reaction medium using a phase transfer catalyst under simple and ecofriendly
      conditions. Both the glucosyl curcuminoids showed enhanced antioxidant,
      tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory, antimicrobial and potent cytotoxic activity. The
      improved biological activity may be due to the increased solubility of the
      glucosyl conjugated compounds compared to the native curcuminoids; this was
      further confirmed by partition coefficient studies. Thus, the synthesized
      glucosyl curcumin may serve as promising future therapeutic molecule in the
      management of cancer, whereas glucosyl tetrahydrocurcumin can be a useful
      ingredient in achromatic food and in cosmetic applications.

PMID- 25142304
TI  - Peritoneal milky spots serve as a hypoxic niche and favor gastric cancer
      stem/progenitor cell peritoneal dissemination through hypoxia-inducible factor
      1alpha.
AB  - Peritoneal dissemination is the most common cause of death in gastric cancer
      patients. The hypoxic microenvironment plays a major role in controlling the
      tumor stem cell phenotype and is associated with patients' prognosis through
      hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), a key transcriptional factor that
      responds to hypoxic stimuli. During the peritoneal dissemination process, gastric
      cancer stem/progenitor cells (GCSPCs) are thought to enter into and maintained in
      peritoneal milky spots (PMSs), which have hypoxic microenvironments. However, the
      mechanism through which the hypoxic environment of PMSs regulated GCSPC
      maintenance is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether hypoxic
      PMSs were an ideal cancer stem cell niche suitable for GCSPC engraftment. We also
      evaluated the mechanisms through which the HIF-1alpha-mediated hypoxic
      microenvironment regulated GCSPC fate. We observed a positive correlation between
      HIF-1alpha expression and gastric cancer peritoneal dissemination (GCPD) in
      gastric cancer patients. Furthermore, the GCSPC population expanded in primary
      gastric cancer cells under hypoxic condition in vitro, and hypoxic GCSPCs showed
      enhanced self-renewal ability, but reduced differentiation capacity, mediated by
      HIF-1alpha. In an animal model, GCSPCs preferentially resided in the hypoxic zone
      of PMSs; moreover, when the hypoxic microenvironment in PMSs was destroyed, GCPD
      was significantly alleviated. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that PMSs
      served as a hypoxic niche and favored GCSPCs peritoneal dissemination through HIF
      1alpha both in vitro and in vivo. These results provided new insights into the
      GCPD process and may lead to advancements in the clinical treatment of gastric
      cancer.

PMID- 25142306
TI  - Natural large-scale regeneration of rib cartilage in a mouse model.
AB  - The clinical need for methods to repair and regenerate large cartilage and bone
      lesions persists. One way to make new headway is to study skeletal regeneration
      when it occurs naturally. Cartilage repair is typically slow and incomplete.
      However, an exception to this observation can be found in the costal cartilages,
      where complete repair has been reported in humans but the cellular and molecular
      mechanisms have not yet been characterized. In this study, we establish a novel
      animal model for cartilage repair using the mouse rib costal cartilage. We then
      use this model to test the hypothesis that the perichondrium, the dense
      connective tissue that surrounds the cartilage, is a tissue essential for repair.
      Our results show that full replacement of the resected cartilage occurs quickly
      (within 1 to 2 months) and properly differentiates but that repair occurs only in
      the presence of the perichondrium. We then provide evidence that the rib
      perichondrium contains a special niche that houses chondrogenic progenitors that
      possess qualities particularly suited for mediating repair. Label-retaining cells
      can be found within the perichondrium that can give rise to new chondrocytes.
      Furthermore, the perichondrium proliferates and thickens during the healing
      period and when ectopically placed can generate new cartilage. In conclusion, we
      have successfully established a model for hyaline cartilage repair in the mouse
      rib, which should be useful for gaining a more detailed understanding of
      cartilage regeneration and ultimately for developing methods to improve cartilage
      and bone repair in other parts of the skeleton.

PMID- 25142307
TI  - The use of a well-defined surface organometallic complex as a probe molecule:
      [(=SiO)Ta(V)Cl2Me2] shows different isolated silanol sites on the silica surface.
AB  - Ta(V)Cl2Me3 reacts with silica(700) and produces two different
      [(=SiO)Ta(V)Cl2Me2] surface organometallic species, suggesting a heterogeneity of
      the highly dehydroxylated silica surface, which was studied with a combined
      experimental and theoretical approach.

PMID- 25142305
TI  - The effects of vitamin C supplementation on pre-eclampsia in Mulago Hospital,
      Kampala, Uganda: a randomized placebo controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.
      Supplementing women with antioxidants during pregnancy may reduce oxidative
      stress and thereby prevent or delay the onset pre-eclampsia. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing vitamin C in pregnancy on
      the incidence of pre-eclampsia, at Mulago hospital, Kampala, Uganda. METHODS:
      This was a (parallel, balanced randomization, 1:1) placebo randomized controlled
      trial conducted at Mulago hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
      Participants included in this study were pregnant women aged 15-42 years, who
      lived 15 km or less from the hospital with gestational ages between 12-22 weeks.
      The women were randomized to take 1000mg of vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) or a
      placebo daily until they delivered. The primary outcome was pre-eclamsia.
      Secondary outcomes were: severe pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm
      delivery, low birth weight and still birth delivery. Participants were 932
      pregnant women randomized into one of the two treatment arms in a ratio of 1:1.
      The participants, the care providers and those assessing the outcomes were
      blinded to the study allocation. RESULTS: Of the 932 women recruited; 466 were
      randomized to the vitamin and 466 to the placebo group. Recruitment of
      participants was from November 2011 to June 2012 and follow up was up to January
      2013. Outcome data was available 415 women in the vitamin group and 418 women in
      the placebo group.There were no differences in vitamin and placebo groups in the
      incidence of pre-eclampsia (3.1% versus 4.1%; RR 0.77; 95% CI: 0.37-1.56), severe
      pre-eclampsia (1.2% versus 1.0%; RR 1.25; 95% CI: 0.34-4.65), gestational
      hypertension(7.7% versus 11.5%; RR 0.67; 95% CI: 0.43-1.03), preterm delivery
      (11.3% versus 12.2%; RR 0.92; 95% CI: 0.63-1.34), low birth weight (11.1% versus
      10.3%; RR 1.07; 95% CI: 0.72-1.59) and still birth delivery (4.6% versus 4.5%; RR
      1.01; 95% CI: 0.54-1.87). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with vitamin C did not
      reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia nor did it reduce the adverse maternal or
      neonatal outcomes. We do not recommend the use of vitamin C in pregnancy to
      prevent pre-eclampsia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at the Pan
      African Clinical Trial Registry, PACTR201210000418271 on 25th October 2012.

PMID- 25142308
TI  - Healthcare utilization in general practice before and after psychological
      treatment: a follow-up data linkage study in primary care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Literature suggests that serious mental health problems increase the
      use of health services and psychological interventions can reduce this effect.
      This study investigates whether this effect is also found in primary care
      patients with less serious mental health problems. DESIGN/SETTING: Routine
      electronic health records (EHR) from a representative sample of 128 general
      practices were linked to patient files from 150 primary care psychologists
      participating in the NIVEL Primary Care Database, using a trusted third party.
      Data were linked using the date of birth, gender, and postcode. This yielded 503
      unique data pairs that were listed in one of the participating GP practices in
      2008-2010, for people who had psychological treatment from a psychologist that
      ended in 2009. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of contacts, health problems
      presented, and prescribed medication in general practice were analysed before and
      after the psychological treatment. RESULTS: Nearly all 503 patients consulted
      their GP during the six months preceding the psychological treatment (90.9%) and
      also in the six months after this treatment had ended (83.7%). The frequency of
      contacts was significantly higher before than after the psychological treatment
      (6.1 vs. 4.8). Fewer patients contacted their GPs specifically for psychological
      or social problems (46.3% vs. 38.8%) and fewer patients had anxiolytic drug
      prescriptions (15.5% vs. 7.6%) after psychological treatment. CONCLUSION: After
      psychological treatment, patients contact their GPs less often and present fewer
      psychological or social problems. Although contact rates seem to decrease,
      clients of psychologists are still frequent GP attenders.

PMID- 25142309
TI  - Emerging trends in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and mortality.
AB  - The rise in incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States has
      been well documented. The purpose of this analysis was to examine temporal trends
      in HCC incidence, mortality, and survival within the U.S. population. The
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data were used to examine incidence
      and incidence-based (IB) mortality in HCC from 1973 to 2011. Secular trends in
      age-adjusted incidence and IB mortality by sex and cancer stage were
      characterized using the Joinpoint Regression program. In 1973, HCC incidence was
      1.51 cases per 100,000, whereas in 2011, HCC incidence was 6.20 cases per
      100,000. Although HCC incidence continues to increase, a slowing of the rate of
      increase occurs around 2006. In a sensitivity analysis, there was no significant
      increase in incidence and IB mortality from 2009 to 2011. There was a significant
      increase in overall median survival from the 1970s to 2000s (2 vs. 8 months; P <
      0.001). On multivariable Cox's regression analysis, age, sex, race, tumor grade,
      stage at diagnosis, lymph/vascular invasion, number of primary tumors, tumor
      size, and liver transplant were independently associated with mortality.
      CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a deceleration in the incidence of HCC around
      2006. Since 2009 and for the first time in four decades, there is no increase in
      IB mortality and incidence rates for HCC in the U.S. population. The
      nonsignificant increase in incidence and IB mortality in recent years suggest
      that the peak of the HCC epidemic may be near. A significant survival improvement
      in HCC was also noted from 1973 to 2010, which seems to be driven by earlier
      detection of HCC at a curative stage and greater utilization of curative
      modalities (especially transplant).

PMID- 25142310
TI  - Label-free sensitive electrogenerated chemiluminescence aptasensing based on
      chitosan/Ru(bpy)32+/silica nanoparticles modified electrode.
AB  - In this work, a label-free and sensitive electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL)
      aptasensing scheme for K(+) was developed based on G-rich DNA aptamer and
      chitosan/Ru(bpy)3(2+)/silica (CRuS) nanoparticles (NPs)-modified glass carbon
      electrode. This ECL aptasensing approach has benefited from the observation that
      the G-rich DNA aptamer at the unfolded state showed more ECL enhancing signal at
      CRuS NPs-modified electrode than the binding state with K(+), which folds into G
      quadruplex structure. As such, the decreasing ECL signals could be used to detect
      K(+). Compared to other aptasensing K(+) approaches previously reported, the
      proposed ECL sensing scheme is a label-free aptasensing strategy, which
      eliminates the labeling, separation, and immobilization steps, and behaves in a
      simple, low-cost way. More importantly, because the proposed ECL sensing
      mechanism utilizes the nanosized ECL active CRuS NPs to sense the nanoscale
      conformation change from the aptamer binding to target, it is specific. In
      addition, due to the great conformation changes of the aptamer's G-bases on CRuS
      NPs and the excellent ECL enhancing effect of guanine bases to the Ru(bpy)3(2+)
      ECL reaction, a 0.3 nM detection limit for K(+) was achieved with the proposed
      ECL method. On the basis of these advantages, the proposed ECL aptasensing method
      was also successfully used to detect K(+) in colorectal cancer cells. 

PMID- 25142311
TI  - The utility of routine polyp histopathology after endoscopic sinus surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine histopathological assessment is standard practice for nasal
      polyp specimens obtained during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic
      rhinosinusitis (CRS). Retrospective studies suggest that routine histopathology
      of nasal polyps shows few unexpected diagnoses that alter patient management. Our
      objective was to study the use of routine pathological analysis, and its cost to
      the healthcare system, in a prospective manner. METHODS: A multicenter
      prospective assessment was performed from data collected between 2007 and 2013.
      Only cases of patients undergoing ESS for bilateral CRS were included. We
      excluded unilateral disease cases, and cases in which diagnoses other than polyps
      were suspected either preoperatively or intraoperatively. We then compared the
      preoperative diagnosis with the final histopathology and identified the rate of
      unexpected pathologies. A cost analysis was performed. RESULTS: Only 4 of 866
      pathological specimens were identified as having a clinically significant
      unexpected diagnosis. All unexpected pathologies in this series were benign.
      These 4 cases account for 0.46% of all specimens reviewed. This translates to a
      number needed to screen of 217 cases of bilateral CRS to discover 1 unexpected
      pathology. The associated cost for making an unexpected diagnosis was $19,192.73.
      CONCLUSION: Routine histopathology of nasal polyps in ESS for bilateral CRS with
      polyps yields few unexpected and management-altering diagnoses. It carries a
      significant cost to the healthcare system. In cases of bilateral CRS with no
      other concerning clinical features, clinicians should exercise judgment in
      submitting polyp specimens for pathology rather than routinely sending polyps for
      histopathologic analysis.

PMID- 25142312
TI  - Ethanolic extract of Ferula gummosa is cytotoxic against cancer cells by inducing
      apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
AB  - Ferula gummosa Boiss. has medicinal applications in treating a wide range of
      diseases including cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
      antiproliferative activities of the seed and gum extracts of F. gummosa as well
      as to study the effect of the potent extract on the induction of apoptosis and
      cell cycle arrest. Our results demonstrated that the ethanolic extract had the
      lowest IC50 value at 72 h (0.001 +/- 1.2 mg/mL) in BHY cells. Moreover,
      flowcytometry and annexin-V analysis revealed that the ethanolic extract induced
      apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in BHY cells at G1/S phase. In addition,
      colorimetric methods exhibited the highest amount of total phenolics and
      flavonoids in the aqueous and gum extracts (0.12 +/- 0.037, 0.01 +/- 2.51 mg/g of
      dry powder). Generally, the results obtained indicate that F. gummosa ethanol
      extract may contain effective compounds which can be used as a chemotherapeutic
      agent. 

PMID- 25142313
TI  - Therapeutic uses of anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody.
AB  - Cytokine-targeted therapy has generated a paradigm shift in the treatment of
      several immune-mediated diseases. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which was initially
      identified as B-cell stimulatory factor 2, is a prototypical cytokine with wide
      ranging biological effects on immune cells such as B and T cells, on hepatocytes,
      hematopoietic cells, vascular endothelial cells and on many others. IL-6 is thus
      crucially involved in the regulation of immune responses, hematopoiesis and
      inflammation. When infections and tissue injuries occur, IL-6 is promptly
      synthesized and performs a protective role in host defense against such stresses
      and traumas. However, excessive production of IL-6 during this emergent process
      induces potentially fatal complications, including systemic inflammatory response
      syndrome (SIRS), and dysregulated, persistently high expression of IL-6 causes
      the onset or development of various chronic immune-mediated disorders. For these
      reasons, IL-6 blockade was expected to become a novel therapeutic strategy for
      various diseases characterized by IL-6 overproduction. Indeed, worldwide clinical
      trials of tocilizumab, a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, have
      successfully proved its outstanding efficacy against rheumatoid arthritis,
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Castleman disease, leading to the approval of
      tocilizumab for the treatment of these diseases. Moreover, various reports
      regarding off-label use of tocilizumab strongly suggest that it will be widely
      applicable for acute, severe complications such as SIRS and cytokine-release
      syndrome and other refractory chronic immune-mediated diseases. 

PMID- 25142314
TI  - Micropatterning electrospun scaffolds to create intrinsic vascular networks.
AB  - Sufficient vascularization is critical to sustaining viable tissue-engineered
      (TE) constructs after implantation. Despite significant progress, current
      approaches lack suturability, porosity, and biodegradability, which hinders rapid
      perfusion and remodeling in vivo. Consequently, TE vascular networks capable of
      direct anastomosis to host vasculature and immediate perfusion upon implantation
      still remain elusive. Here, a hybrid fabrication method is presented for
      micropatterning fibrous scaffolds that are suturable, porous, and biodegradable.
      Fused deposition modeling offers an inexpensive and automated approach to
      creating sacrificial templates with vascular-like branching. By electrospinning
      around these poly(vinyl alcohol) templates and dissolving them in water,
      microvascular patterns were transferred to fibrous scaffolds. Results indicated
      that these scaffolds have sufficient suture retention strength to permit direct
      anastomosis in future studies. Vascularization of these scaffolds is demonstrated
      by in vitro endothelialization and perfusion.

PMID- 25142315
TI  - Overview of the organization of protease genes in the genome of Leishmania spp.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genus Leishmania includes protozoan parasites that are able to
      infect an array of phlebotomine and vertebrate species. Proteases are related to
      the capacity of these parasites to infect and survive in their hosts and are
      therefore classified as virulence factors. FINDINGS: By analyzing protease genes
      annotated in the genomes of four Leishmania spp [Leishmania (Leishmania)
      infantum, L. (L.) major, L. (L.) mexicana and L. (Viannia) braziliensis], these
      genes were found on every chromosome of these protozoa. Four protease classes
      were studied: metallo-, serine, cysteine and aspartic proteases. Metalloprotease
      genes predominate in the L. (V.) braziliensis genome, while in the other three
      species studied, cysteine protease genes prevail. Notably, cysteine and serine
      protease genes were found to be very abundant, as they were found on all
      chromosomes of the four studied species. In contrast, only three aspartic
      protease genes could be detected in these four species. Regarding gene
      conservation, a higher number of conserved alleles was observed for cysteine
      proteases (42 alleles), followed by metalloproteases (35 alleles) and serine
      proteases (15 alleles). CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights substantial
      differences in the organization of protease genes among L. (L.) infantum, L. (L.)
      major, L. (L.) mexicana and L. (V.) braziliensis. We observed significant
      distinctions in many protease features, such as occurrence, quantity and
      conservation. These data indicate a great diversity of protease genes among
      Leishmania species, an aspect that may be related to their adaptations to the
      peculiarities of each microenvironment they inhabit, such as the gut of
      phlebotomines and the immune cells of vertebrate hosts.

PMID- 25142316
TI  - [Correct performance of transfusion].
AB  - The administration of blood products is strictly regulated. Warming of blood
      components at body temperature is required only in rare cases. Addition of drugs
      to blood products is not allowed. During transfusion the monitoring of the
      patient is continued. In the case of an adverse event, exclusion of acute
      hemolysis is very important. As emergency transfusions have a higher risk than
      standard transfusions, their indications have to be restricted. When transfusion
      is completed the blood bag has to be preserved for 24 h. The effects of the blood
      transfusion have to be controlled. The administration of blood products must be
      documented to allow a possible cross-check from the recipient to the donor as
      well as from the donor to the recipient. The disposal of administered and of non
      administered blood components is subject to the guidelines for hospital waste. 

PMID- 25142317
TI  - [Comments on: erythropoietin administration and transfusion regimen after
      traumatic brain injury].

PMID- 25142318
TI  - p42.3: An abductor of cell cycle.
AB  - As a newly discovered tumor-associated gene, p42.3 was originally ascertained in
      gastric cancer cell line BGC823 and has been confirmed as a cell cycle-dependent
      gene that is overexpressed in many human tumor cell lines and embryonic tissues.
      p42.3 can regulate the level of relevant cycle-dependent proteins and promote
      malignant transformation of cells. A variety of cellular functions, including
      cell proliferation, cell invasion and cell migration, are under control of p42.3.
      Our review, namely the introduction of the structure of p42.3, underlying
      activity regulation mechanisms of p42.3 as well as the role p42.3 plays in
      malignant cellular transformation process, are accompanied by the presentation of
      potential directions of further researches of cancer prevention and therapy in
      which p42.3 is inevitable. 

PMID- 25142319
TI  - Potential anticancer agents. I. Synthesis of isoxazole moiety containing
      quinazoline derivatives and preliminarily in vitro anticancer activity.
AB  - 14 new structures of isoxazole-moiety-containing quinazoline derivatives(3a~3n)
      were synthesized for the first time and characterized by IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR,
      ESI-MS. Subsequently, their in vitro anticancer activity against A549, HCT116 and
      MCF-7 cell lines was preliminarily evaluated using the MTT method. Among them,
      most compounds showed good to excellent anticancer activity, especially 3d, 3i,
      3k and 3m exhibited the more potent anticancer activity against A549, HCT116 and
      MCF-7 cell lines, which can be regarded as the promising drug candidates for
      development of anticancer drugs. 

PMID- 25142322
TI  - Alprolix (recombinant Factor IX Fc fusion protein): extended half-life product
      for the prophylaxis and treatment of hemophilia B.
AB  - Hemophilia B is a genetic disease caused by mutation of the gene for coagulation
      protein Factor IX. When severe, the disease leads to spontaneous life-threatening
      bleeding episodes. Current therapy requires frequent intravenous infusions of
      therapeutic recombinant or plasma-derived protein concentrates containing Factor
      IX. AlprolixTM (recombinant Factor IX Fc fusion protein), is a therapeutic Factor
      IX preparation that has been engineered for a prolonged half-life in circulation,
      has completed pivotal clinical trials and has been approved recently in the USA,
      Canada, Australia and Japan for use in the clinic for patients with hemophilia B.
      This promising therapy should allow patients to use fewer infusions to maintain
      appropriate Factor IX activity levels in all clinical settings, and its use may
      be indicated in both on demand and prophylactic treatments. 

PMID- 25142320
TI  - Serum levels of retinol-binding protein-4 are associated with the presence and
      severity of coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The interplay between the novel adipokine retinol-binding protein-4
      (RBP4) and coronary artery disease (CAD) is still obscure. We investigated the
      relationship between RBP4 levels and the presence and severity of
      angiographically proven CAD and determined its possible role in acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI). METHODS: 305 individuals with angiographically proven CAD (CAD
      patients), were classified into 2 subgroups: 1) acute myocardial infarction (AMI,
      n = 141), and 2) stable angina (SA, n = 164). Ninety-one age- and sex-matched
      individuals without CAD, but with at least 2 classical cardiovascular risk
      factors, served as controls (non-CAD group). RBP4 serum levels were measured at
      hospital admission and were analyzed in relation to the coronary severity
      stenosis, assessed by the Gensini-score and the number of coronary narrowed
      vessels. Other clinical parameters, including insulin levels, HOMA-IR, hsCRP,
      glycaemic and lipid profile, and left-ventricular ejection fraction were also
      assessed. RESULTS: Serum RBP4 levels were significantly elevated in patients with
      CAD compared to non-CAD patients (39.29 +/- 11.72 mg/L vs. 24.83 +/- 11.27 mg/L,
      p < 0.001). We did not observe a significant difference in RBP4 levels between
      AMI and SA subgroups (p = 0.734). Logistic regression analysis revealed an
      independent association of CAD presence with serum RBP4 (beta = 0.163, p =
      0.006), and hsCRP (beta = 0.122, p = 0.022) levels, in the whole study group.
      Among variables, hsCRP (beta = 0.220), HDL (beta = -0.150), and RBP4 (beta =
      0.297), correlated in both univariate and multivariate analysis with CAD severity
      (R2 = 0.422, p < 0.001). Similarly, RBP4 concentrations increased with the number
      of coronary narrowed vessels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with CAD, both SA
      and AMI, showed elevated RBP4 serum levels. Notably, increased RBP4 concentration
      seemed to independently correlate with CAD severity, but no with AMI. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is: NCT00636766.

PMID- 25142321
TI  - The role of substance use and morality in violent crime - a qualitative study
      among imprisoned individuals in opioid maintenance treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) is regarded as a crime control
      measure. Yet, some individuals are charged with violent criminal offenses while
      enrolled in OMT. This article aims to generate nuanced knowledge about violent
      crime among a group of imprisoned, OMT-enrolled individuals by exploring their
      understandings of the role of substances in violent crime prior to and during
      OMT, moral values related to violent crime, and post-crime processing of their
      moral transgressions. METHODS: Twenty-eight semi-structured interviews were
      undertaken among 12 OMT-enrolled prisoners. The interviews were audio recorded
      and transcribed verbatim. An exploratory, thematic analysis was carried out with
      a reflexive and interactive approach. FINDINGS: Prior to OMT, substances and, in
      particular, high-dose benzodiazepines were deliberately used to induce
      'antisocial selves' capable of transgressing individual moral codes and
      performing non-violent and violent criminal acts, mainly to support costly heroin
      use. During OMT, impulsive and uncontrolled substance use just prior to the
      violent acts that the participants were imprisoned for was reported. Yet, to
      conduct a (violent) criminal act does not necessarily imply that one is without
      moral principles. The study participants maintain moral standards, engage in
      complex moral negotiations, and struggle to reconcile their moral transgressions.
      Benzodiazepines were also used to reduce memories of and alleviate the guilt
      associated with having committed violent crimes. CONCLUSIONS: Substances are used
      to transgress moral codes prior to committing and to neutralize the shame and
      guilt experienced after having committed violent crimes. Being simultaneously
      enrolled in OMT and imprisoned for a (violent) crime might evoke feelings of
      'double' shame and guilt for both the criminal behavior prior to treatment and
      the actual case(s) one is imprisoned for while in OMT. Treatment providers should
      identify individuals with histories of violent behavior and, together with them,
      explore concrete episodes of violence and their emotional reactions. Particular
      attention should be given to potential relationships between substance use and
      violence and treatment approaches tailored accordingly. What appears as severe
      antisocial personality disorder may be partly explained by substance use.

PMID- 25142323
TI  - Prediction of brain clozapine and norclozapine concentrations in humans from a
      scaled pharmacokinetic model for rat brain and plasma pharmacokinetics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clozapine is highly effective in treatment-resistant schizophrenia,
      although, there remains significant variability in the response to this drug. To
      better understand this variability, the objective of this study was to predict
      brain extracellular fluid (ECF) concentrations and receptor occupancy of
      clozapine and norclozapine in human central nervous system by translating plasma
      and brain ECF pharmacokinetic (PK) relationships in the rat and coupling these
      with known human disposition of clozapine in the plasma. METHODS: Unbound
      concentrations of clozapine and norclozapine were measured in rat brain ECF using
      quantitative microdialysis after subcutaneous administration of a 10 mg/kg single
      dose of clozapine or norclozapine. These data were linked with plasma
      concentrations obtained in the same rats to develop a plasma-brain ECF
      compartmental model. Parameters describing brain ECF disposition were then
      allometrically scaled and linked with published human plasma PK to predict human
      ECF concentrations. Subsequently, prediction of human receptor occupancy at
      several CNS receptors was based on an effect model that related the predicted ECF
      concentrations to published concentration-driven receptor occupancy parameters.
      RESULTS: A one compartment model with first order absorption and elimination best
      described clozapine and norclozapine plasma concentrations in rats. A delay in
      the transfer of clozapine and norclozapine from plasma to the brain ECF
      compartment was captured using a transit compartment model approach. Human
      clozapine and norclozapine concentrations in brain ECF were simulated, and from
      these the median percentage of receptor occupancy of dopamine-2, serotonin-2A,
      muscarinic-1, alpha-1 adrenergic, alpha-2 adrenergic and histamine-1 for
      clozapine, and dopamine-2 for norclozapine were consistent with values reported
      in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: A PK model that relates clozapine and
      norclozapine disposition in rat plasma and brain, including blood-brain barrier
      transport, was developed. Using allometry and published human plasma PK, the
      model was successfully translated to predict clozapine and norclozapine
      concentrations and accordant receptor occupancy of both agents in human brain.
      These predicted exposure and occupancy measures at several receptors that bind
      clozapine may be employed to extend our understanding of clozapine's complex
      behavioral effects in humans.

PMID- 25142324
TI  - Collision-induced dissociation of fatty acid [M - 2H + Na]- ions: charge-directed
      fragmentation and assignment of double bond position.
AB  - The collision-induced dissociation (CID) of cationic fatty acid-metal ion
      complexes has been extensively studied and, in general, provides rich structural
      information. In particular, charge-remote fragmentation processes are commonly
      observed allowing the assignment of double bond position. In a previous
      manuscript, we presented two methods to doubly deprotonate polyunsaturated fatty
      acids to form anionic fatty acid-sodium ion complexes, referred to as [M - 2H +
      Na] (-) ions. In the current manuscript, the CID behavior of these [M - 2H + Na]
      (-) ions is investigated for the first time. Significantly, we also present a
      deuterium-labeling experiment, which excludes the possibility that deprotonation
      occurs predominately at the alpha-carbon in the formation of fatty acid [M - H +
      NaF](-) ions. This supports our original proposal where deprotonation occurs at
      the bis-allylic positions of polyunsaturated fatty acids. CID spectra of
      polyunsaturated fatty acid [M - 2H + Na](-) ions display abundant product ions
      arising from acyl chain cleavages. Through the examination of fatty acid isomers,
      it is demonstrated that double bond position may be unequivocally determined for
      methylene-interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids with three or more carbon
      carbon double bonds. In addition, CID of [M - 2H + Na](-) ions was applied to
      18:3 isomers of Nannochloropsis oculata and three isomers were tentatively
      identified: ?(9,12,15)18:3, ?(6,9,12)18:3, and ?(5,8,11)18:3. We propose that
      structurally-informative product ions are formed via charge-driven fragmentation
      processes at the site of the resonance-stabilized carbanion as opposed to charge
      remote fragmentation processes, which could be inferred if deprotonation occurred
      predominately at the alpha-carbon.